Kashmir’s destiny linked to a strong Pakistan: PM Rathore

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Monday declared that the relationship between the people of Kashmir and Pakistan was anchored in a shared ideology, asserting that a “prosperous and stable Pakistan” remained the essential precursor to the liberation of the occupied territory. 

He was addressing a large “Pakistan Zindabad” rally at Rehra in Bagh district, attended by a sizeable crowd despite heavy rainfall, to mark the anniversary of Marka-i-Haq (the Battle of Truth). 

The premier used the occasion to reiterate the state’s alignment with Pakistan while also highlighting what he described as his government’s developmental “crusade.” 

Reflecting on the events of May last year, Mr Rathore paid glowing tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces. He said
India had attempted to destabilise the region through a “conspiracy built on a narrative of lies.” 

“Last May, the forces of falsehood were defeated by the forces of truth,” he told the cheering crowd. “In that critical hour, Pakistan created history by thwarting Indian designs, and today, Pakistan’s prestige stands higher than ever on the global diplomatic stage.” 

He added that the sacrifices of martyrs and their families would remain an indelible part of the state’s history. 

The visit was marked by an emotional milestone as the prime minister laid the foundation stone of the Chhatar Dhara Bridge, a project originally announced by his late father, former prime minister Mumtaz Hussain Rathore, in 1990. 

For 36 years, the project remained in limbo, becoming a symbol of administrative stagnation. By initiating its construction, Mr Rathore sought to signal a departure from what he called the “broken promises” of the past. He also promised the inclusion of the Seri and Swanaj bridges in the upcoming Annual Development Programme (ADP). 

Responding to critics, the AJK premier said that while the first seven months of any government were typically a “honeymoon period,” his administration had spent that time “restoring public faith in a broken system.” 

“When we took the reins, the public had lost all confidence in the state machinery,” he claimed. “We have spent our energy regularising ad-hoc employees, streamlining selection boards, and ensuring that development funds actually reach the ground.” 

He framed his political struggle not as a quest for power but as a “war against poverty and deprivation,” vowing that if given a full two-year window, his government would utilise state resources to ensure that the dividends of development reached the common man. 

“We are not going anywhere; we are coming back with a mission to serve,” he added. 

The event also turned into a display of political unity, as it was addressed by former prime minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, former minister Sardar Qamar-uz-Zaman, his son and minister for communications Sardar Zia-ul-Qamar, adviser Ahmed Saghir and several others.

Earlier, during a vehicular rally from Bagh to Rehra, slogans in favour of the armed forces and the state’s accession to Pakistan dominated the atmosphere. The prime minister noted that the warm reception he received — including being showered with petals in large quantities during a recent visit to Samahni — was a mandate for his “mission of service” stretching from Taobat to Bhimber.

 Tariq Naqash

Federal, AJK ministers urge JAAC to shun June 9 strike, pursue talks after “positive meeting”

JAAC rejects govt claims on accord implementation, reiterates June 9 strike call if demands not met by May 31

The federal and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) governments on Monday urged the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) to avoid its planned June 9 strike and continue resolving issues through dialogue, after what officials described as “cordial” and “positive” talks with the group’s representatives in Muzaffarabad.

However, JAAC leaders accused the government of repeatedly reneging on agreements with the forum and warned that the territory-wide protest, shutter-down and wheel-jam strike on June 9 would be observed as per schedule if its demands were not met by May 31. 

The three-hour-long meeting between the two sides, held at the Civil Secretariat here, was attended by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engr Amir Muqam, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, AJK Finance Minister Chaudhry Qasim Majeed, AJK Minister for Elementary and Secondary Education Deewan Ali Chughtai, and the JAAC core members, Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Umar Nazir Kashmiri and Imtiaz Aslam.

Addressing a joint press conference afterwards along with the two AJK ministers, Mr Muqam said six meetings had so far been held between representatives of the federal government, the AJK government and the JAAC to oversee implementation of a 37-point agreement reached last year after violent protests over inflation, electricity tariffs and wheat subsidy issues.

“Such swift implementation has no precedent in our political history,” he claimed, while praising the AJK government for their “day-and-night efforts” to fulfil the accord. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also issued special directives regarding resolution of AJK’s problems and provision of resources to the region.

Mr Muqam said most of the agreed points had either already been implemented or were in the process of execution, including withdrawal of 177 FIRs against protesters, compensation for those killed or injured during last year’s unrest, reduction in ministers and government departments, approval of the Accountability Act, and progress on wheat subsidy and tax-related issues. 

He said some matters required legal and procedural completion, but work on all points was progressing rapidly. 

Referring to the JAAC’s opposition to the 12 legislative assembly seats reserved for the Pakistan based refugees from Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Muqam said the issue had been referred to a special committee comprising representatives of the federal government, the AJK government and the JAAC. 

He said the committee was scheduled to meet on May 14 and urged the JAAC to attend the session and present its constitutional and political viewpoint. “We should move forward with mutual understanding and consultation,” he said. 

Mr Muqam also linked continuation of dialogue to the prevailing regional situation, saying Pakistan had recently gained international attention because of the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir. 

“At this time, the whole country is celebrating the ‘Battle for Truth’ and Pakistan is emerging as a centre for peace in the world,” he said, adding that protests or strikes under the current circumstances would not send a positive message nationally or internationally.

“The public, AJK and Pakistan will gain nothing from strikes,” he said. “Issues should instead be resolved through negotiations.” 

Responding to a question, the minister rejected the impression that the government had failed to receive positive signals from the JAAC regarding withdrawal of the strike call. “We also thanked them. We all belong to this region and hope matters will not reach that stage,” he said. 

Finance Minister Qasim Majeed said discussions on all 37 demands had taken place in a cordial atmosphere and claimed progress had been made on several issues, including reduction in property tax, legislation regarding the education board, appointment of a chief executive officer for the Universal Service Fund, and measures for Mangla dam affectees.

He also said the health card scheme had formally been launched and funds would soon be released to the State Life Insurance Corporation to operationalise it.

 “If the remaining issues are resolved by June 9, that day may even be observed as a day of thanksgiving,” he remarked. 

Mr Majeed said the constitutional committee on the refugees’ seats would submit its recommendations to the implementation committee after its May 14 meeting. He confirmed that the JAAC representatives had assured the government they would attend the session after boycotting the previous meeting.

Mr Chughtai echoed their views and urged JAAC to participate in the special committee meeting on refugees’ seats, saying the prevailing regional and international circumstances demanded “wisdom” and stability.

“At such a time, this region cannot afford unrest,” he said.

However, shortly after the government’s press conference, JAAC leaders, Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Umar Nazir Kashmiri and Amjad Ali Khan, rejected official claims of substantial progress and insisted their June 9 strike call remained intact.

At a separate press conference, they accused the government of repeatedly reneging on agreements and resorting to delaying tactics.

“The public demands are still pending while the government remains limited to announcements and promises,” they said, adding that inflation, unemployment and the electricity crisis had made life increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens.

“Not a single issue agreed upon in the January meeting with ministers has seen any progress,” alleged Mr Kashmiri, claiming officials continued using vague assurances without specifying implementation deadlines.

“We have clearly told them today that our June 9 call stands,” he said, adding that the JAAC would withdraw from talks after May 31 if electoral reforms and other demands in its charter were not implemented.

Mr Mir alleged that despite assurances, no payments had been made to the insurance company for the health card scheme since January.

“How can treatment continue under the health card scheme if the insurance company is not being paid?” he asked.

He also questioned government claims regarding scheduled status for the Bank of AJK and alleged that Rs10 billion allocated for improvement of the electricity network had not even reached the PC-1 stage since October last year.

Referring to the proposed Kahori and Noora Seri tunnels on the Neelum Valley road, he alleged that despite donor funding, authorities were now terming the area a seismic zone to avoid executing the projects.

Mr Khan reiterated the committee’s stance that abolition of the 12 refugee seats would not adversely affect the Kashmir freedom movement because, under the AJK Constitution, neither the AJK government nor the legislative assembly had any direct role in it.

Tariq Naqash

AJK PM lays foundation stone of Rs1bn grid station project in Samahni

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Sunday laid the foundation stone of a 132/11 KV grid station in Samahni at a cost of Rs1 billion, in response to a longstanding demand of the local population.

During the visit to the area, he also inaugurated a Rs680 million road project and welcomed two PML-N leaders into the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Samahni, an administrative unit of the southern Bhimber district along the Line of Control, had come into international focus in February 2019 when Pakistan Air Force shot down an Indian aircraft in the area and captured its pilot, Abhinandan Varthaman. 

Mr Rathore was accompanied during the visit by PPP AJK president Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin, former president Haji Mohammad Yaqoob Khan, former prime minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, local lawmaker and Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Ali Shan Soni and some other cabinet members. 

Mr Soni had been elected to the AJK Legislative Assembly in 2021 on a PTI ticket but joined the PPP last year along with Mr Ilyas. 

At the foundation stone-laying ceremony, Chief Engineer Electricity (South) Mohammad Nazir Mughal briefed the prime minister on the project and said the grid station would have six feeders in Samahni, Choki, Jandala, Sona Bazaar, Bandala and Puna, besides a 24-kilometre double-circuit transmission line from Islamgarh to Samahni. 

He said the project, spread over 32 kanals of land, would benefit around 145,000 people by ensuring electricity supply at standard voltage levels. He added that residents of Samahni tehsil had long been receiving electricity at less than 90 volts, resulting in inadequate power supply. 

The prime minister also inaugurated the 8.2-kilometre Jandala-Peer Gali road project completed at a cost of Rs680 million. Chief Engineer Mahmood Mumtaz Rathore, who is the premier’s elder brother, briefed him on the scheme. 

PM Rathore directed officials concerned to ensure quality, speedy execution and timely completion of development projects.

Later, addressing a public reception at Tander, the prime minister welcomed former PML-N leaders Major (retd) Khizarur Rehman and Raja Mohammad Ayub into the PPP after they announced joining the party along with their supporters. 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rathore said the PPP was “a party of martyrs” that provided opportunities to ordinary workers to rise to key political positions. 

Those who left the PPP faced political decline and eventual irrelevance, he said.

Listing what he described as the “achievements” of his short tenure, Mr Rathore claimed his government had restored public confidence by resolving issues through democratic institutions rather than street protests.

He maintained that while other parties had yet to properly launch their election campaigns, the PPP was already approaching the concluding phase of its campaign due to its performance. 

“Though I am not an astrologer, prevailing conditions in the state indicate that the PPP will once again form the government with a heavy mandate,” he said.

He also pledged that funds would be allocated before the announcement of the election schedule to address the problems and “deprivations” of the Samahni constituency. 

Mr Yasin and other party leaders also addressed the gathering.

Later, the prime minister also administered the oath to the office bearers of the Tehsil Bar Association in Samahni. He announced a donation of Rs 1.7 million for the bar library.

Tariq Naqash

Four killed, two injured as jeep plunges into Neelum Valley ravine

Prime Minister Faisal Rathore orders inquiry, urges travellers to pay attention to their safety

A tragic road accident in Neelum Valley claimed the lives of four people—including two women—and left two others injured on Sunday afternoon after a passenger jeep plunged hundreds of feet into a rocky streambed.

According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), the public transport vehicle was traveling from Goriyal to Batgran village. At approximately 4pm, just two kilometers into its journey, the vehicle veered off the treacherous Jagran road and tumbled over 300 feet before landing amidst large boulders in the raging Jagran stream.

The vehicle was completely wrecked after hitting the streambed strewn with large boulders, as shown in photographs from the scene.

Upon receiving the report, rescue teams from the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Neelum and Rescue 1122 rushed to the remote site. Following a difficult recovery operation in the rugged terrain, the injured were provided first aid and shifted via ambulance to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital.

Officials confirmed that two men and two women died instantly. The driver and a 14-year-old boy survived the fall but sustained significant injuries.

The deceased were identified as Munir, 20, son of Bashirullah, Parveen, 35, wife of Lal Hussain, Nazir Ahmed, 65, son of Ali Ahmed, and Shareena Bibi, 35, wife of Attique – all residents of Batgran village.

The injured were identified as Kamran, 40, son of Gulzaman, the driver of the ill-fated jeep, and Naqash, 14, son of Lal Hussain. 

Director General SDMA, Saeedur Rehman Qureshi, expressed deep grief over the tragedy. While an official investigation was underway, Mr Qureshi noted that reckless driving and the use of dilapidated vehicles were the primary catalysts for such accidents in the highlands.

“Unfortunately, speeding and the operation of unfit vehicles often result in devastating human losses, shattering entire families,” he said, urging the relevant departments to strictly enforce vehicle fitness standards. He also appealed to motorists to exercise extreme caution, particularly in hilly areas.

 AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore also expressed his condolences to the bereaved families. 

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister said he had directed hospital authorities to provide the highest quality medical care to the survivors.

“We cannot let this continue,” the Prime Minister stated. “I’ve ordered a full investigation and tasked authorities with developing a rigorous regime to prevent such tragedies—starting with the long-overlooked fitness of public transport vehicles that have outlived their road life.”

He also issued a call to action for the citizenry: “While the government must enforce safety, I urge the public to play your part. You are your own first line of defense. Before boarding, ensure the vehicle appears fit and the driver is responsible. Let’s prioritize safety together.”

Tariq Naqash

AJK marks ‘Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos’ victory with rallies, exhibitions

The territory held special significance in the commemorations, as it was among the first areas affected during the initial phase of “Operation Sundoor escalation by India

 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Sunday marked the first anniversary of Pakistan’s victory in “Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos” with rallies, seminars, exhibitions and cake-cutting ceremonies across the territory.

AJK held a special significance in the commemorations, as it was among the first areas affected during the initial phase of “Operation Sundoor,” when Indian military action targeted civilians in urban areas and later along the Line of Control (LoC), resulting in several civilian casualties. The escalation was followed by a swift and coordinated response from Pakistan’s armed forces, which not only reshaped the course of the confrontation but also demonstrated Pakistan’s decisive military posture.

The day’s first major event was a rally organised by the Working Committee of post-1989 migrants from India-held Jammu and Kashmir in Muzaffarabad. The procession, which began at Burhan Wani Chowk, drew men, women and children chanting slogans reflecting Kashmiris’ affinity with Pakistan and their aspiration for freedom from Indian rule.

Participants carried Pakistani and AJK flags and banners bearing slogans such as “We are Pakistanis and Pakistan is ours” and “What is our relation with Pakistan? La Ilaha Illallah.”

 “Kashmiris have pinned their hopes on a strong and stable Pakistan, and the current military leadership has made them happy by inflicting a humiliating defeat on their tormentor, India,” said rally leader Uzair Ghazali.

 Separately, acting AJK president Chaudhry Latif Akbar and General Officer Commanding Chinar Division Maj Gen Zarrar Mahmood inaugurated a Pakistan Army exhibition of defence equipment as part of the Victory Day celebrations commemorating the success in Marka-i-Haq.

 The exhibition showcased modern weaponry, communication systems, combat vehicles and other military hardware, attracting large crowds, particularly young visitors.

 Attendees praised the Pakistan Army’s “bravery, professionalism and discipline,” saying such events promoted patriotism and national awareness among the youth.

 Mr Akbar and the GOC also hoisted the national flag and laid a floral wreath at the martyrs’ memorial at Chhatar Chowk, where a Pakistan Army contingent presented a salute. A special message from Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir was also read out on the occasion.

 In Kotli district, a large rally and public gathering were held in Fatehpur Thakyala, attended by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam ass the chief guest.

“The battle of truth crushed India’s arrogance and, by the grace of Allah Almighty, elevated Pakistan to new heights of dignity, honour and prestige,” he said.

He described residents living along the Line of Control as “unpaid soldiers of Pakistan” who had always stood shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces during difficult times.

“I do not have enough words to repay your love and affection. I am indebted to your passion and devotion. Our brothers living on the LoC deserve the highest tribute,” he added.

Former AJK premier Raja Farooq Haider said the nation was proud of the courage and professionalism demonstrated by the Pakistan Army in responding to the enemy.

In Leepa Valley, a ceremony featuring flag hoisting and the playing of the national and AJK anthems was held in Naukat. Local military commander Brig Amir Fareed and AJK premier’s spokesperson Shaukat Javed Mir were among the speakers.

The state-run AJK Television hosted a marathon transmission hosted by prominent anchors Syed Arif Bahar and Naila Altaf Kayani, featuring panel discussions with personalities from different walks of life.

 Rallies were also held at district headquarters across AJK, while educational institutions and government offices organised special events, including cake-cutting ceremonies and prayers for Pakistan’s strength and the early freedom of Kashmiris from Indian occupation.

Tariq Naqash

Thousands attend JAAC rally as group inaugurates central secretariat in Rawalakot

The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) marked its third foundation day on Saturday by inaugurating its central secretariat in Rawalakot and holding a massive public rally that drew thousands of participants, according to witnesses.

The secretariat was inaugurated in Supply Bazaar by two young children — Ehsam Ansar and Aashir Anwar, sons of the late Muhammad Ansar of Chamyati — along with Sardar Tariq Mahmood of Hajira. The site holds symbolic significance for the movement, as it was from there that a sit-in against an alleged wheat flour shortage and inflated electricity bills had begun in May 2023, eventually evolving into a state-wide rights movement.

The three belonged to families of activists who lost their lives during protests linked to the movement. Muhammad Ansar was killed in Chamyati (Dhirkot) during the long march staged last year, while Mr Mahmood’s son, Haseeb Tariq, was killed during a similar protest in Mirpur in October last year while working at a private hotel.

Following the inauguration, participants took out a procession from Supply Bazaar that marched nearly two kilometres through the city’s main thoroughfare before reaching Bank Road, where arrangements for the main public meeting had been made near Maqbool Butt Shaheed Chowk.

The main road had remained closed to traffic overnight between Friday and Saturday, with barricades erected and tents and chairs set up along both sides of the route.

Thousands of participants carrying Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) flags chanted slogans demanding “right to governance” and “right to ownership”. The rally was led by JAAC’s core leadership, with representatives attending from across the state.

In a show of solidarity, traders in Rawalakot kept their shops closed, though vehicular traffic continued through alternate routes.

The public meeting began in the evening, with organisers repeatedly playing songs and anthems to energise participants. Although no police personnel were visibly deployed at the venue, the administration said stringent security arrangements had been put in place.

In their speeches, some early speakers suggested that the movement would not participate in elections under the existing political system.

As many as 17 core JAAC members from across AJK attended the gathering, including Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Anjum Zaman Awan, Mujtaba Banday, Khawaja Mehran, Saad Ansari, Chaudhry Aslam, Imtiaz Aslam, Chaudhry Shabbir, Raja Mujtaba, Umar Nazir Kashmiri, Iftikhar Zaman, Abid Shaheen, Mujtaba Farooqui, Murtaza Sharif, Sardar Shabbir and Khan Ilyas, besides dozens of local leaders.

The public meeting was continuing till late in the evening, and no prominent core leader had addressed the gathering by the time this report was filed at 9:30pm.

Tariq Naqash

AJK Election Commission claims 90pc errors in voter lists rectified

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission on Saturday claimed that around 90pc of discrepancies in electoral rolls had been rectified and announced that the election schedule would be issued in mid-May. 

The assurance came during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) retired Justice Ghulam Mustafa Mughal at Jammu and Kashmir House in Islamabad. It was attended by Election Commission member Syed Nazeerul Hassan Gillani, Senior Member Board of Revenue (SMBR) Sardar Mohammad Zafar Khan, commissioners, deputy commissioners and other officials. 

Deputy Commissioner Bagh Asim Khalid Awan, who heads a committee formed to rectify errors in voter lists, briefed the meeting on progress made in correcting discrepancies that had triggered widespread public concern and criticism from political circles. 

Officials informed the meeting that about 90pc of the correction work had been completed and the remaining issues would be resolved within the next few days. 

Addressing participants, Justice Mughal stressed that transparent electoral rolls were essential for ensuring free, fair and impartial elections. He appreciated the administration’s efforts and said the preparation and updating of voter lists should become a year-round exercise in future. 

The CEC said public concern over the discrepancies was understandable, but stressed that future safeguards were needed to prevent recurrence of such problems.

He also claimed that some individuals had established “labs” to prepare identity cards and pressure the administration into registering votes. He suggested that new voters should be included to avoid further complications, while the committee concerned could take decisions according to circumstances.

He also underlined the need for fixing responsibility through a proper report on the issue.

The CEC announced that the election schedule for the forthcoming polls would be issued in mid-May.

Election Commission member Gillani thanked the administration for assisting the electoral process and said flaws in the voter lists had largely been addressed through coordinated efforts led by the Deputy Commissioner Bagh.

The SMBR termed the Election Commission’s confidence in the administration “an honour” and expressed hope that the irregularities would not recur in future. 

During the briefing, Mr Awan said discrepancies had emerged during data entry and processing of electoral rolls for the 2026 elections, resulting in the omission of around 167,000 voters from the updated data. 

He said the 2022 electoral rolls had been used as the baseline, while deceased voters were removed and records of married women updated. However, technical and sequencing issues during data integration with Nadra led to errors across several districts.

He said officials discovered during scrutiny that fresh entries from some areas had failed to appear in the system, while data from certain constituencies had been shifted to other districts because of technical and filtering issues during processing. 

According to Mr Awan, reports from Poonch, Palandri, Bagh and Muzaffarabad had been completed, while work in Mirpur, Bhimber, Neelum and Haveli was nearing completion. 

The meeting was informed that the electoral rolls contained around 2.85 million voters. Officials said nearly 100,000 voters had died since the previous rolls were prepared, while around 500,000 new voters had been added. However, about 167,000 of the fresh entries failed to appear in the updated data due to technical problems, triggering the controversy over the lists.

Tariq Naqash