Amid the current situation in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, most markets in Muzaffarabad city remain open, with security personnel deployed at key intersections and squares. The district administration is also conducting flag marches across the city.
In addition to intra-city operations, inter-district and inter-provincial transport services remain functional; however, traffic volume on the roads is significantly lower than usual, as it is a working day.
Meanwhile, in Bagh district, most markets remained closed until 10:00 AM, after which shops and business centers gradually began to open. Transport services connecting Bagh to Muzaffarabad and Islamabad are also operational.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, several shopkeepers reported facing alleged pressure from the district administration to open their shops. They stated that they were warned their premises would be sealed if they failed to open for business.
According to local sources, there have also been reports of several shops being sealed in Bagh district.
In contrast, the situation is different in the Raira tehsil on the outskirts of Bagh district, where, according to local sources, a state of total lockdown persists. Meanwhile, protesters from the JACC—who set out yesterday from Sangola, an area adjacent to Rawalakot—have camped south of Bagh district. According to local sources, they will announce their next course of action following consultations at 2:00 PM.
It is worth noting that the Jammu & Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JACC)—which the government declared a proscribed organization yesterday—had announced an indefinite “wheel-jam” and shutter-down strike across the region.
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