MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has suspended its services completely in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) after the shutdown of internet services across the region amid the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) strike.
As per the details, the shutdown of internet services has severely affected the banking system, with branches of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) in Muzaffarabad, Leepa Valley, and other areas also closed.
The closure of the banking system has caused severe difficulties for the public in receiving and paying money.
In the current situation, investors, the business community, and the common citizens are facing severe hardship and distress, officials said. The lockdown, sit-ins, and shutdown of communication systems have badly affected business activities.
Committee formed to monitor social media activities
Earlier, Azad Kashmir Police had announced the establishment of a special monitoring cell to monitor social media activities related to the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
According to the notification, it has been decided to closely monitor the online activities of social media users, especially those overseas. It will monitor alleged hateful, inflammatory, and objectionable content against the state and state institutions.
The 8-member special committee has been formed for this purpose in the Police Regional Office Poonch, Rawalakot. Inspector Rafaqat Ilyas has been appointed as the in-charge of the monitoring cell, while Sub-Inspector Muhammad Idrees has been appointed as the deputy in-charge.
The notification states that the details of social media accounts uploading objectionable content will be compiled and sent to the relevant authorities.
Instructions have also been issued to make monitoring of social media platforms more effective after the full restoration of internet services.
During the ongoing violent protest, AJK Police said that four law enforcement personnel, including a Sub-Inspector, have been martyred while 89 others sustained injuries during violent incidents in AJK so far by members of the banned JAAC.
According to the press release, miscreants allegedly vandalized CMH Rawalakot, harassed patients, and opened direct fire on security personnel. The spokesperson said that approximately 30 bullet marks were found on an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), while two of its tyres were torn apart during the attacks.
