From the June 9 long march call to August 13, detentions have been reported both inside Azad Kashmir and in Islamabad, Lahore and Rawalpindi — with official and public figures differing
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MUZAFFARABAD — The protests that began in Azad Jammu and Kashmir around June 9, 2026 have led to the largest wave of arrests in the territory in recent years.
According to official statements and social media documentation reviewed by The Azadi Times, the total number of detained persons from June 9 to August 13 falls into two categories — arrests inside AJK and arrests of Kashmiri protesters in Pakistan.
Inside AJK — Official Figures:
The first official figure came from Azad Kashmir Police. According to Radio Pakistan, during the protests between 6th and 14th of this month, approximately 89 individuals including police personnel sustained injuries. A total of 81 cases were registered at various police stations across Azad Kashmir, and 425 individuals were arrested.
A separate crackdown was announced on June 9 itself, when the government banned the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) under anti-terrorism laws.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Police on Saturday launched a wide-ranging crackdown on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), arresting around 72 individuals allegedly linked to the organisation, as its leadership reaffirmed that the planned long march scheduled for June 9 would go ahead, a day after the government imposed a ban.
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Arab News PK reported the same operation, saying police said some of those detained were found with weapons, communication devices, suspicious documents and material related to organizing protests.
A June 20 advocacy carousel posted on Instagram summarized the first 12 days after June 9, saying there was a complete lockdown and wheel-jam strike called by JAAC since June 9, with over 500 activists detained, 24+ deaths and hundreds injured.
That 500+ figure is repeated on Facebook. A viral graphic from August 10 says “500+ reportedly detained without charge” in AJK.
Outside AJK — Islamabad and Lahore:
On August 4-5, a court order from Special Court-1 Anti-Terrorism Islamabad for FIR No. 648/2026 at P.S Shalimar listed around 80 suspects by name and specifically noted ‘Ms. Safiya Alam, Ms. Azra Alam and Ms. Naseem Alam produced with muffled faces in custody,’ according to a Facebook post that photographed the order.
Pakistan Today reported: An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has sent 88 people arrested over a pro-Kashmir demonstration to jail on judicial remand for an identification parade.
In Lahore, on July 31, activists of the Haqooq-i-Khalq Party were arrested while holding a peaceful demonstration outside the press club to show solidarity with the Joint Action Committee of AJK, according to Dawn. Later, 51 were released.
Total Estimate from June 9 to Now:
- Inside AJK: 425 (official 6-14 June) + 72 (June 9 JAAC ban) = Officially acknowledged at least 425, but this count does not include later July arrests in Rawalakot, Kotli, Pallandri and Mirpur
- Outside AJK: 88 (Islamabad ATC) + 51 (Lahore) + dozens picked up from hostels in Rawalpindi/Islamabad according to Facebook posts
- Public claim on Facebook/Instagram: 500+ to 570 detained in total since June 9, with one comment stating “Approximately 570 people from Azad Kashmir are currently under arrest”
What is clear from both official and public sources is that the June 9 long march call triggered the first major crackdown, and arrests have continued through June, July and into August, both in AJK and in Pakistani cities.
No consolidated official list combining AJK and Islamabad detainees has been published as of August 13.
From June 9, 2026 to August 13, at least 425 people have been officially reported arrested in Azad Kashmir, with 72 held after JAAC ban and 88 more sent to jail in Islamabad — while Kashmiri Facebook users claim 1000+ detentions.
