Traders and transport leaders in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have announced that businesses and public transport will resume from June 29, signaling a step toward restoring normal economic activity across the region.
Speaking at a press conference in Muzaffarabad, trader and transport representatives said they had supported the Joint Awami Action Committee before it was declared a banned organization, but no longer stand with it. They stressed that they could not oppose the Pakistan Army, the people of Pakistan, or the government, adding that they would not forget the support they had received.
The leaders also questioned the ongoing protest movement in Rawalakot, asking who was leading it and making it clear that they did not support those involved. They said the issue of the 12 reserved seats was a constitutional matter and had never been a concern for the business community. They urged the protesters to reconsider their position and return to dialogue.
Trader leader Gohar Kashmiri appealed to all shopkeepers to reopen their businesses on June 29 and help revive commercial activities across the region.
Meanwhile, normal life has started returning to different parts of AJK. In Muzaffarabad, medical stores, fruit and vegetable shops, and bakeries are operating, while business centers in Mirpur, Bhimber, and Athmuqam in Neelum Valley have partially reopened.