Web Desk: Police in Azad Kashmir have denied reports that Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a core member of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee, has been arrested, calling media reports claiming his detention “incorrect and contrary to the facts.”
Police sources said authorities attempted to arrest Mir, who is wanted in multiple criminal cases, but he managed to evade capture during the operation. They added that law enforcement agencies continue to conduct raids to locate and arrest him.
The clarification came after reports circulated on social media and in several media outlets, including a BBC report, stating that Mir had been taken into custody. Police sources rejected those claims, saying he remains at large.
According to police officials, Mir is wanted in connection with several cases. Authorities said search operations are ongoing and vowed to continue efforts until he is apprehended.
Officials did not immediately provide details of the charges in the individual cases but maintained that the arrest operation remains active.
Authorities said the banned Joint Awami Action Committee is accused of inciting the public against the state. They also alleged that the group has campaigned for the abolition of reserved legislative seats allocated to refugees in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
The committee has previously organised protests and political campaigns over governance and constitutional issues in the region.
The Azad Kashmir Home Department had earlier announced cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of four prominent members of the banned committee.
The wanted list includes Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Umar Nazir Kashmiri, Khawaja Mehran Arshad and Sardar Aman.
Police said operations to locate the four men remain underway and urged anyone with relevant information to assist law enforcement authorities.
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