AJK Police Arrest Armed JAAC Extremist, Recover US-Made M4 Rifle; Suspect Reveals Foreign Funding Details

MUZAFFARABAD - In a significant breakthrough against Indian-backed militant networks in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), police have arrested an armed extremist belonging to the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and recovered a US-made M4 automatic rifle from his possession, official sources confirmed .

🇵🇰 AJK Police have arrested an armed Indian-backed JAAC extremist and recovered a US-made M4 automatic rifle.

During initial interrogation, the suspect made significant disclosures, revealing details about foreign funding and the external handlers directing group’s operations. pic.twitter.com/LUE6NEIjLA

- Zard si Gana (@ZardSi) July 28, 2026

During initial interrogation, the suspect made significant disclosures, revealing crucial details about foreign funding and the external handlers directing the group's operations in the region.

Foreign Funding and External Handlers Exposed

The arrested suspect's disclosures have provided investigators with valuable intelligence about the financial and operational support networks sustaining JAAC's activities. According to police sources, the suspect admitted to receiving foreign funding and confirmed that external handlers - allegedly based in India - were directing the group's operations .

The interrogation has reportedly shed light on:

• Funding channels: The suspect revealed details about financial flows from abroad, corroborating earlier information about Indian payment gateways and bot farms used to fund propaganda campaigns targeting Pakistan and its state institutions 

• Operational links: The suspect identified external handlers who have been directing JAAC's activities, including the coordination of protests, dissemination of anti-state content, and the use of weapons supplied from across the border

• Weapons supply chain: The recovery of a US-made M4 automatic rifle - a weapon originally supplied to Afghan forces - points to a cross-border supply chain that has been channeling American weapons to militant groups in the region

JAAC Crackdown Intensifies

The arrest comes amid an intensified crackdown on the JAAC, which was declared a proscribed organization by the AJK government on June 5 under the Anti-Terrorism Act . The government has accused the group of engaging in terrorism, promoting hatred, and creating anarchy in the state .

In the days following the ban, AJK police arrested over 72 individuals affiliated with the JAAC, recovering weapons, communication gadgets, suspicious documents, and material related to plans that could adversely affect public order . Investigations revealed "questionable contacts with patrons and foreigners" and "organized mechanisms for violent agitational activities" .

Indian-Backed Network Exposed

The arrest of the armed JAAC extremist and the recovery of a US-made M4 rifle add to growing evidence of an Indian-backed network operating in the region. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar recently announced that security agencies had exposed an Indian-backed digital network using bot farms and Indian payment gateways to run propaganda campaigns targeting Pakistan, its armed forces, and state institutions through JAAC content .

Investigators discovered that the entire disinformation network was operated through bot farms, with payments traced to Indian handlers via WhatsApp, and forensic evidence linking multiple network accounts to India .

Investigation Continues

Police officials have stated that the investigation is ongoing and further arrests are expected as the network is dismantled. The suspect is being questioned about other JAAC operatives and their connections to external handlers. Security forces have reaffirmed that operations against the proscribed organization will continue until the network is completely dismantled.