Refugees equal citizens under Constitution, AJK PM tells Legislative Assembly

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Tuesday told the Legislative Assembly that refugees from occupied Jammu and Kashmir residing in Pakistan were equal citizens of the State under the Constitution and all their rights remained intact.

Responding to a point of order raised by former finance minister and Public Accounts Committee chairman Abdul Majid Khan over “non-release of development funds for refugee lawmakers,” the prime minister said refugee members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) retained their constitutional right to vote and the government had no intention of depriving them of funds.

He said matters relating to cabinet strength and funds had been deferred under a mutual understanding agreement signed by representatives of the governments of Pakistan and AJK as well as the Joint Awami Action Committee. 

“Refugees are an inseparable part of the political structure and it is due to their votes that I am holding the office of prime minister. It is not correct to say they are being deprived of ministries; this is only a matter of mutual understanding,” he added.

Earlier, Mr Khan questioned the constitutional and legal status of 12 refugee seats in the wake of a High Court judgment on local bodies, and sought clarification on the withholding of funds and the legal standing of the “understanding agreement” with the JAAC.

Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar ruled that no speech was allowed on a point of order and advised Mr Khan to table a resolution instead.

Mr Khan argued that following judicial clarification of Article 22 of the AJK Constitution there was no ambiguity regarding refugee seats or justification for withholding funds. He recalled historical constitutional arrangements and amendments and demanded assurance of protection of constitutional rights. 

In response, the prime minister said the High Court judgment on local bodies was confined to the distribution of funds and did not affect the constitutional status of refugee seats, which would remain intact until altered by the assembly. 

He said if PML-N leader Raja Farooq Haider secured any relaxation from Islamabad, the government was ready to include refugee members in the cabinet. 

The prime minister said the PPP believed in a people-friendly government, adding that honorary designations and coordinators appointed by it were actively confronting political opponents in the field. 

Law Minister Mian Abdul Waheed said the court ruling contained no contradiction and the matter remained sub judice. He added that several refugee MLAs were also serving as committee chairpersons.

He termed lengthy speeches “based on assumptions” inappropriate, after which the speaker disallowed further discussion. 

Mr Khan attempted to speak again but was not allowed, following which he and MLA Asim Sharif Butt staged a walkout. Minister Qasim Majeed later tried to persuade them to return, but they did not rejoin the proceedings.

Earlier, on the demand of Mr Haider, the law minister announced a special session of the assembly in May to highlight Indian atrocities in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and express solidarity with its people.

The law minister also introduced three bills related to education, tourism promotion and the Neelum Valley Development Board, which were referred to relevant committees. A special committee was also formed on the AJK Public Sector Universities Act 2024. 

At the outset, the speaker administered oath to PTI’s Chaudhry Maqbool Gujar as an MLA in line with a Supreme Court decision in his favour.

    Tariq Naqash

AJK PM highlights need for youth awareness, skills development

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Tuesday said that while the region had no shortage of talent, a lack of awareness among young people remained a major challenge that needed urgent attention.

Noting that around 64 percent of AJK’s population comprised youth, he said, if this large segment was provided with proper direction and effective guidance, the region could set new benchmarks of development and success. 

“It is a matter of pride that Kashmiri youth are serving in prominent positions across Pakistan on the basis of their abilities, which reflects their competence,” he said.

The prime minister expressed these views while addressing the participants of a two-day Youth Leadership Workshop organised by the Department of Sports, Youth and Culture at the Kashmir Institute of Management. Minister for Finance and Inland Revenue Chaudhry Qasim Majeed, Adviser on Sports and Youth Affairs Sardar Ahmed Sagheer, and Secretary Sports, Youth and Culture Ansar Yaqoob were also present. 

Urging young people to take advantage of modern technology, PM Rathore said that cellphones had turned into a ‘university in one’s hands.’

“With a single click, you can access information from around the world, which was not possible before.” 

Sharing his own experience, he said that success in life did not come overnight but required patience, sincerity and sustained struggle. “My success is also the result of a long and difficult journey marked by hard work, struggle and major decisions,” he said. 

He pointed out that one of the major weaknesses of society was the tendency to find fault with others and advised participants to stay away from negative tendencies, move beyond traditional thinking, and practise self-accountability rather than being judgmental. 

 “Success requires a story that inspires motivation. Young people should work to improve their own life stories and accept responsibility for both success and failure,” he said, adding that while governments were responsible for providing resources, training and education, it was up to the youth to work hard. 

He also underscored the importance of improving the education system, noting that its major flaw lay in evaluating students solely on the basis of marks — a practice no longer followed in most parts of the world. Emphasising that there was no substitute for skills, he called for greater focus on skill development in view of the shortage of skilled persons. He expressed hope that the workshop would help produce a new generation of youth leaders.

Job Festival

Earlier, the prime minister inaugurated a two-day “Job Festival” at the New Prime Minister House organised by the Department of Sports, Youth and Culture to guide young people on opportunities for education, employment and professional development abroad. 

The festival featured stalls set up by various government departments, overseas employment and education consultancy firms, armed forces recruitment centres, and organisations promoting self-employment and skills development. Food stalls were also arranged at the venue. 

A large number of students, fresh graduates and young participants attended the event, where experts, consultants and representatives from relevant sectors provided guidance on overseas education, employment and career planning. 

The prime minister inspected stalls and received briefings from officials. 

Speaking to the media on the occasion, he said the purpose of the festival was to highlight youth potential, guide them in the right direction, and connect them with better employment opportunities, particularly in sectors such as information technology, tourism, health, hospitality and skilled trades. 

 “You have seen that training, career counselling and awareness have been provided to youth in every field so that they can move forward and contribute to the development of the state,” he said. 

He warned that failure to engage youth — who make up the majority of the population — in productive and healthy activities could push them towards negative pursuits, which would be detrimental to the state. 

Mr Rathore said efforts were also underway to improve internet services to create a conducive environment for freelancing among young people.

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APHC reiterates non-participation in electoral politics

             The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Pakistan chapter of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) — a conglomerate of pro-freedom organisations seeking an end to India’s occupation of Jammu and Kashmir — has reaffirmed its longstanding policy of staying away from electoral politics, making it clear that it would neither transform itself into a political party nor support or oppose any political or religious group in elections.

The decision was taken at an extraordinary high-level meeting held at the organisation’s office on Monday under the chairmanship of its convener, Ghulam Muhammad Safi, and attended by representatives of all affiliated units.

According to a statement issued by spokesperson Mushtaq Ahmed Butt, participants held detailed deliberations on the prevailing political situation, the sensitive nature of the Kashmir issue and the future course of action before reaching unanimous and “principled” decisions. 

The forum reiterated in “clear and unequivocal terms” that the APHC would maintain its previous policy regarding the electoral process in AJK and Pakistan. It stressed that the Kashmir issue was a national, ideological and internationally recognised dispute pertaining to the right to self-determination, which should not be subjected to “temporary political interests or electoral considerations.”

Participants stressed the need to unite political and religious leadership, as well as the general public in Pakistan and AJK, around the Kashmir cause, describing the conglomerate’s neutral and balanced role as vital for maintaining its credibility and effectiveness as a collective voice.

The meeting also underlined that the APHC, as the custodian of the legacy of Kashmiri martyrs, bore the responsibility of pursuing their unfinished mission of securing the right to self-determination. It resolved to make its struggle more organised, effective and multidimensional, while continuing to adhere to peaceful means in accordance with international law and diplomatic norms. 

It was further agreed that APHC delegations would establish contacts with major political and religious parties in Pakistan and AJK to persuade them to incorporate key aspects of the Kashmir dispute into their election manifestos, so that the issue could be highlighted at political and public levels.

Reaffirming its commitment to a principled and non-partisan approach, the meeting resolved to utilise all available political, diplomatic and public avenues to further strengthen its efforts and project the voice of the Kashmiri people at the international level. 

Prominent among those who attended the meeting were senior Hurriyat leaders Muhammad Farooq Rehmani, Mahmood Ahmed Saghar, Advocate Pervez Ahmed Shah, Altaf Hussain Wani, Sheikh Abdul Mateen, Hassan al-Banna and Sheikh Abdul Majeed.

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AJK PM challenges opponents, says PPP unmatched in political field

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Saturday threw a gauntlet to his opponents, saying they could not compete with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in the field.

“There is a difference between politics on Facebook and politics in the field. They may compete on social media, but not in practical politics,” he said at a public gathering in Abbaspur, adding that his government was presenting its performance before the people and would face its rivals head-on in the next elections.

He said the PPP government had taken concrete steps to improve institutions across the state. “When I took over, the state was facing serious challenges, but we accepted them and worked with a clear vision and roadmap,” he said, adding that the government was not merely making announcements but ensuring their implementation.

Urging political forces to move beyond point-scoring, he said all stakeholders must work to safeguard people’s rights. “The PPP is a kingmaker and a symbol of the federation. We are the real stakeholders in Pakistan’s system,” he asserted.

The AJK premier claimed that his government had restored a conducive political environment in the state and revived the mission of public service. “We are coming back with greater strength and public support,” he said, adding that the PPP believed in practical welfare measures rather than rhetoric.

Mr Rathore maintained that major development projects in AJK’s history were largely initiated during PPP governments. “If you exclude the ten-and-a-half years of PPP rule, you will hardly find any mega project,” he claimed, citing universities, medical colleges and other major initiatives as the party’s achievements.

He said that within a short span, his government had revived development activities and restored public confidence at a time when politics in the region had nearly come to a standstill. “People welcomed us across the state even when it had become difficult for politicians to step out,” he said.

Claiming a strong electoral position, he said the PPP was currently well placed in all 33 constituencies and would return to power after winning the next elections.

Expressing pride in the armed forces, he said Pakistan had earned respect globally and was playing the role of a mediator on the world stage. “God has raised our stature with honour and, God willing, the Kashmir issue will also be resolved,” he added.

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AJK to frame agriculture policy after ‘successful’ Muzaffarabad moot

Director Amna Rafi briefs Prime Minister
Faisal Rathore at a department's stall during
the agriculture conference in Muzaffarabad.

Government officials in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Saturday described the recently held agriculture conference as a “successful and outcome-oriented exercise,” saying it had helped identify key challenges faced by farmers and laid the groundwork for a comprehensive policy to revitalise the sector in the region.

The moot — organised by the departments of agriculture, livestock, irrigation and allied institutions on the premises of Muzaffarabad’s non-functional airport on Wednesday — brought together experts, researchers, policymakers and farmers from across the country, generating a set of practical recommendations for sustainable agricultural development.

Speaking at a post-conference briefing, Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock, Dairy Development and Irrigation Mirza Wajahat Rasheed Baig said the event highlighted that despite possessing significant natural potential, AJK’s agriculture sector remained underperforming due to fragmented landholdings, limited market access, outdated farming practices and vulnerability to climate change.

He was flanked by Director General Livestock and Dairy Development Dr Muhammad Ijaz Khan, Agriculture Department directors Amna Rafi, Zaffar Jehangir Awan, Mubashir Saif, Deputy Director Raja Zaheer Iqbal, publicity officer Sundas Saleem and others.

“It was the first exercise of such scale in many years in Azad Kashmir, held under the vision of Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore. Officials at all levels worked with exceptional commitment to make it meaningful through expert input from diverse fields,” Mr Baig said.

Participants underscored the need to shift from subsistence farming to a more market-oriented and value-driven approach, supported by modern technologies, research and effective extension services, he added.

According to the secretary, one of the key takeaways was the urgent need for a unified and forward-looking agricultural policy, incorporating stakeholders’ input and aligning the sector with contemporary requirements.

He said experts stressed improved water management through efficient irrigation systems, including drip irrigation, to tackle increasing water scarcity caused by changing climatic patterns.

Highlighting discussions on horticulture, Mr Baig said nursery development and the availability of certified planting material were identified as critical for enhancing fruit production, particularly in mountainous areas, with public-private partnerships recommended to strengthen this segment and ensure better returns for farmers.

The conference also underscored the importance of diversifying into high-value crops such as tea, ginger, olive and soybean, as well as promoting value addition through processing of fruits, dairy products and other farm produce.

He said the conference also highlighted the considerable potential for tea cultivation in AJK, particularly in areas located at elevations of 1,200 to 1,500 metres, including Neelum and Jhelum valleys. Tea, being a high-value long-term crop, could help reduce Pakistan’s substantial import bill while creating sustainable income opportunities for local farmers, he noted, adding that initial assessments suggested thousands of acres were suitable for its cultivation.

Livestock, being the backbone of the rural economy, also received special attention, with experts calling for disease control measures, vaccination campaigns and breed improvement to enhance productivity and market competitiveness, he said.

Mr Baig said capacity building, agricultural education and youth engagement were also highlighted as essential components of long-term sectoral growth, with suggestions to integrate practical agricultural training into academic curricula.

Referring to the participation of national and international experts, he said their input had enriched the discussions, particularly in areas such as dairy value addition, climate resilience and supply chain development.

He maintained that the recommendations emerging from the conference would be consolidated and presented to the government for incorporation into a comprehensive policy framework aimed at ensuring food security, increasing farmers’ incomes and promoting exports.

“The conference was not merely a ceremonial gathering but a serious consultative process. Its outcomes will guide future planning and help transform agriculture into a viable and sustainable economic sector in our state,” he said.

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PTI stages show of strength in Muzaffarabad, vows protest movement for Imran’s release

In an impressive show of strength in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) capital, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders on Saturday lashed out at what they described as “political discrimination” in the country and vowed to continue a protest movement for the release of their incarcerated founder, Imran Khan.

The power show was held in Upper Adda, also known as Lal Chowk, where charged supporters from different parts of the territory gathered in large numbers, waving party, Kashmiri and Pakistani flags and chanting slogans in favour of Mr Khan. The turnout and enthusiasm were also acknowledged by several users on social media, including those affiliated with rival parties.

The rally, addressed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi as chief guest, was marked by fiery speeches and pledges to launch a protest movement for the former prime minister’s release. 

Mr Afridi, who waved the AJK flag from the stage to loud cheers, alleged that governments in both Pakistan and AJK had been “imposed” without a public mandate. 

Asking participants who they had voted for, he drew a thunderous response of “Imran Khan,” asserting that “Pakistan, too, voted for Imran Khan.”

With elections approaching, he warned of possible attempts to “steal the mandate” again and urged supporters not only to vote for Mr Khan but also to “protect that vote.” 

Recalling his announcement on the 19th that the next phase of PTI’s street movement would begin in Kashmir, he said he had come to Muzaffarabad in that connection. “Kashmiris have overwhelmingly responded to Imran Khan’s call, and I salute you all,” he added. 

He criticised the ruling setup in both Pakistan and AJK, alleging “undemocratic and unethical conduct,” and accused authorities of obstructing political activity, including blocking roads on the day of the rally. 

“…they did not treat their guest well, even though this is not in keeping with Kashmiri traditions,” he said. 

“The bond between the tribal people and Kashmiris is longstanding, not new. The rude behaviour of those in power cannot create rifts in this relationship.” 

Mr Afridi asserted that Imran Khan had presented the case of Kashmir, Pakistan and Palestine at international forums and was now “unjustly imprisoned” along with his wife Bushra Bibi. He claimed that despite losing hope in the courts following the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, Mr Khan believed that the people of Pakistan and Kashmir would continue his struggle. 

He said he had been pursuing all constitutional, legal and democratic avenues, but without result. “As many as three judges have granted me permission to meet my leader, but the superintendent of Adiala Jail tears up those orders and throws them into the dustbin,” he alleged. 

Referring to an appearance at the Islamabad High Court, he claimed that despite waiting for two hours during Ramazan, the chief justice did not even acknowledge his greeting. 

“For the sake of Pakistan, I am putting my political capital at stake — attending meetings and engaging with stakeholders to press for an end to political discrimination, an independent judiciary and genuine electoral outcomes,” he said, adding that the will of the voters must be reflected in the ballot. 

Warning against curbs on political rights, he said: “If our rights are usurped, we will come out and protest — the Constitution allows us to do so.” 

He announced that a “major protest call” would soon be given, expressing confidence that people across the country would respond and help secure Mr Khan’s release. 

Earlier, former AJK premier and PTI’s regional president Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi said Kashmiris had always stood with Imran Khan and would respond to every protest call. He also alleged that hurdles were being created in the party’s registration for upcoming elections and demanded that PTI be allowed to participate freely. 

He expressed support for the demands of the Joint Awami Action Committee and called for the implementation of agreements reached with it. 

The rally was also addressed by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and other party leaders. 

Later, Mr Afridi administered the oath to the newly elected office-bearers of Muzaffarabad’s Central Bar Association at the Judicial Complex, where he reiterated largely the same views in his address to bar members. 

He urged lawyers to be an active part of the movement to restore true democracy in the country.  

Earlier, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, Naeem Haider Panjutha, newly elected bar president Raja Zaigham Iftikhar, secretary general Murtaza Ahmad Mir and other speakers also addressed the ceremony.

 

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Son retracts suicide threat over father’s political switch, sparks debate on tolerance in AJK

A young political activist in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) triggered widespread concern and debate after publicly threatening to take his own life over his father’s reported defection to a rival party, before later retracting the threat following appeals from social media users.

The late-night Facebook post, uploaded around 8:30pm on Friday from Nallah Chakli village in Jhelum Valley district, quickly went viral, drawing an outpouring of concern, advice and criticism.

“I, Amanullah Khan, warn my father Khateeb Ullah Khan and family members that if my father joins Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz tomorrow, I will commit suicide by jumping into River Jhelum,” the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) activist wrote.

In an emotionally charged follow-up, he added: “If he goes to Hattian Bala to join PML-N, he will return with my coffin. There is Pashtun blood in me as well; if he does not listen to me, I will persist until I have my way.”

The post surfaced amid reports that his father, Khateeb Ullah Khan — PTI president for LA-32 (Muzaffarabad-VI) — was set to switch allegiance to PML-N on Saturday in the presence of senior leader and former prime minister Raja Farooq Haider.

The father, however, dismissed the post with disbelief, suggesting his son had been influenced or coerced.

“I am in Muzaffarabad and know who has been decoying Amanullah… someone has abducted him and is uploading such posts from his mobile,” he claimed on his private social media account, insisting that his educated son could not have acted independently in such a manner.

As the post gained traction, social media turned into a space of collective intervention, with more than a hundred users urging the young man to step back and respect political differences within the family.

“A truly brave person stands firm with courage in difficult times. Let your father make his own political choice; you should continue your own politics. Decisions should not be driven by emotions,” wrote Sardar Zaheer Abbasi in a comment that was shared by many other users.

Others framed the issue as a test of democratic maturity.

“In a democracy, it is normal for family members to belong to different parties,” said Raja Waqar Ahmed of the Muslim Conference. “You should respect each other’s choices and avoid such drastic steps.”

Despite the growing concern, the father remained firm in his decision to switch parties.

“Even if the funeral of my son is held, I will announce my joining the PML-N. I won’t allow the burial of such a disobedient [son] in our native graveyard. I will take action against those responsible,” he wrote at around 10:30pm.

However, shortly after midnight, the situation took a dramatic turn when Amanullah Khan deleted his earlier post and issued a new statement, backing away from his threat.

“I have received so many calls from brothers and friends [saying] that one should not take such a step in politics, due to which I have cancelled my plans [of suicide], but I will stay in the PTI,” he wrote.

The updated post also drew significant engagement, with users welcoming his decision and urging reconciliation within the family.

“Good. It’s the principle of democracy to support or vote for a person of your choice. You too should adopt a democratic approach. The way you have the right to join a party of your choice, others too have a similar right,” commented Nasir Mahmood Butt.

Many also advised him to seek forgiveness from his father and prioritise familial respect.

“Son, thanks for listening to us. Respect for parents is the foremost obligation. From today, I announce to join PTI with you. Hope you are happy now,” wrote Khan Masood, a Dubai-based doctor, according to his profile.

On Saturday, Khateebullah Khan formally quit PTI and joined PML-N at a well-attended function in Hattian Bala. Mr Haider, who was in attendance, welcomed his decision. 

The incident, though rooted in a single family’s discord, underscored a deeper question confronting society: how far should political allegiance be allowed to intrude into the most intimate of human relationships.

Retired educationist Prof Shaukat Rasool Pandit said the episode should serve as a wake-up call for society.

“Political differences are natural in a democracy, but turning them into matters of life and death reflects a dangerous erosion of tolerance,” he said, urging families and community leaders to foster patience, respect and restraint, particularly among the younger generation.

Psychiatrist Dr Hamid Rashid Khawaja echoed his views.

“When political identity begins to override family bonds, it signals a deeper crisis of emotional regulation and tolerance,” he said, adding that public threats of self-harm should always be taken seriously but not normalised as a form of expression.

He stressed the need to promote dialogue within families and to teach young people how to manage disagreement without resorting to extremes.

Tariq Naqash