Two men trapped by sudden surge in Jhelum River rescued

Two men were rescued after being trapped in the Jhelum River due to a sudden surge in water flow on Saturday, as authorities warned of increased risks of flash flooding amid rising temperatures and accelerated snowmelt.

Officials said the ongoing rise in temperature had intensified snowmelt, heightening the risk of abrupt fluctuations in the flow of rivers and streams.

In this context, a sudden increase in river discharge was recorded at Chakothi between 12pm and 1pm, reportedly due to the possible opening of spillways or reservoirs by India at Uri in India-held Kashmir.

The abrupt release of water triggered a sharp surge in the river between 1pm and 2pm, trapping two men who were fishing on a river island in Tandali, some 20 kilometres from here along the Jhelum Valley Road.

Upon receiving information, Rescue 1122 launched a timely operation and, after a difficult effort, safely retrieved both men from the river. They were later handed over to the police.

Director General of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and Rescue 1122, Saeedur Rehman Qureshi, urged citizens to exercise extreme caution, warning that the prevailing weather conditions — marked by rapid snowmelt and unusual temperature fluctuations — posed a serious risk of sudden flooding in rivers and streams.

He advised people to avoid going near rivers, fishing, or engaging in unnecessary activities in such areas.

“Without public cooperation, it is difficult for institutions to ensure the safety of life and property,” he said, urging citizens to strictly follow safety advisories issued by the authorities, particularly in view of possible rainfall and further weather changes in the coming days, to avert any untoward incidents.

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AJK election body vows to ensure accuracy in voter lists

 

Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s (AJK) Chief Election Commissioner retired Justice Ghulam Mustafa Mughal on Saturday directed authorities to ensure timely correction of errors in preliminary electoral rolls, stressing that accurate voter lists were essential for transparent elections.

He was chairing a meeting held to review issues and discrepancies that surfaced after the publication of the preliminary electoral rolls.

The meeting was attended by Election Commission member Syed Nazeerul Hassan Gillani, Senior Member Board of Revenue (SMBR) Sardar Muhammad Zafar, Secretary Election Commission Raja Muhammad Shakeel, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners and other officials.

The secretary election commission briefed participants on errors in the preliminary rolls, complaints about missing voters and other related matters.

Mr Mughal stressed the need to ensure accuracy, transparency and prompt rectification of flaws so that all eligible voters could be included in the final lists. He said the preliminary rolls were provisional and not final, and their shortcomings would be addressed within the stipulated timeframe with the administration’s support.

During the meeting, commissioners and deputy commissioners highlighted errors in their respective districts and proposed measures for correction.

It was decided that electoral rolls used in the 2022 local government elections would serve as the baseline for inclusion and exclusion of voters, and that no voter would be registered outside their respective ward.

The meeting decided that errors in the preliminary lists would be corrected on an emergency basis, with revision work to be carried out at all divisional headquarters in collaboration with the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra). The election commission will provide the necessary data, while its district-level officers will assist the administration in removing discrepancies.

Participants also stressed the need to raise public awareness about the revision process and the procedure for filing objections so that citizens could ensure correction of their information within the stipulated period.

Mr Mughal reiterated that conducting free and fair elections remained the commission’s top priority, and directed officials to ensure transparency, impartiality and facilitation of the public in the electoral process by utilising all available resources.

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PTI aspirants in Lachhrat oppose ticket for newcomer

 

As many as 12 aspirants, including six members of the District Council Muzaffarabad, on Saturday urged the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leadership to award the party ticket for the suburban Lachhrat constituency (LA-28 Muzaffarabad-II) to any one of them, assuring full support from all others. 

Speaking at a press conference, they warned that awarding the ticket to a newcomer would cause “irreparable damage” to the party in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). 

Among those present were PTI regional information secretary and district president Syed Azhar Gillani, District Council members Mir Iftikhar (Panjgran), Mir Naseer Gillani (Nura Seri), Syed Fayaz Gillani (Hotrerhi), Shaukat Kazmi (Nauseri Nosadda), Yasir Safeer Mughal (Chhatar Domel), Chaudhry Asif Yaqoob (Panjkote), local council members Umar Mughal and Mahtab Mughal, and Youth Wing senior vice president Mir Waleed. 

Also present were PTI ticket aspirants Ansar Pirzada, Khawaja Shafique and Imran Khurshid from Jhelum Valley, Neelum Valley and Muzaffarabad city, respectively. 

The speakers said the press conference pertained specifically to the Lachhrat constituency and alleged attempts to divide the party by securing a ticket for a new candidate through financial influence, vowing to resist such efforts. They reiterated that the eventual nominee among the 12 would enjoy unanimous support. 

Though no name was mentioned, their remarks appeared to be directed at Engr Mir Iftikhar Hussain, a recent entrant to PTI who is also seeking the party ticket from the constituency. 

Recalling past performance, they said the PTI candidate had secured around 23,000 votes in the 2021 general elections, but delays in ticket allocation had affected the outcome. In contrast, they said, the party performed strongly in local government elections, winning district council seats in six of 10 union councils and losing the remaining four by narrow margins, while securing chairmanships across all union councils.

They asserted that PTI would actively participate in the upcoming elections in AJK and warned that any attempt to obstruct the process or deny registration would be challenged legally. 

“Whatever the circumstances, we will take full part in the elections to advance Imran Khan’s vision,” they said. 

Responding to questions, they said they did not require any certificate of patriotism, adding that Imran Khan had always referred to the Pakistan Army as “his army”, and that groups involved in negative activities should be banned. They maintained that Imran Khan was fighting for the rights of 230 million Pakistanis and that PTI would approach voters on the basis of performance. 

They also said PTI had supported the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) for public rights, but alleged that it, like PTI, faced obstacles when it mobilised. 

On the occasion, Mr Shafique said flawed strategy was costing PTI in Neelum district, with many local representatives and workers switching parties. Mr Khurshid alleged that the party had suffered not only in Muzaffarabad city due to its own lawmaker but that workers in Lachhrat were also being sidelined, urging the leadership to take notice. 

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Rathore inaugurates water scheme, announces health, infrastructure projects in Mirpur

 

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Saturday said his government would return to power with greater strength, citing public support and its performance. 

He was speaking at a ceremony in Union Council Kharik on the outskirts of Mirpur, where he inaugurated the Greater Water Supply Scheme, constructed at a cost of Rs235.2 million. The project is expected to provide clean drinking water connections to around 19,000 households.

The prime minister said the government was committed to public welfare and development, adding that efforts were underway to address long-standing issues faced by communities. He also announced the establishment of a dispensary in Kharik.

Referring to development works in the area, he appreciated the role of local leadership in improving infrastructure, particularly road networks, and expressed the government’s resolve to continue development initiatives.

Mr Rathore said the sacrifices of Mirpur’s residents, particularly overseas Kashmiris, would not be forgotten, and assured that the longstanding issue of property rights would be resolved during the current government’s tenure.

He also paid tributes to former AJK president Barrister Sultan Mahmood, saying he had effectively highlighted the Kashmir issue at national and international levels, and his historic services would always be remembered. 

Minister for Physical Planning and Housing Chaudhry Yasir Sultan and government adviser Sardar Fahad Yaqoob also addressed the ceremony.

Later, the prime minister visited the Kashmir Institute of Cardiology (KIC) at the Divisional Headquarters Hospital in Mirpur, where he was briefed by Medical Superintendent Dr Ijaz Ahmed Raja. 

Expressing satisfaction over the hospital’s performance, he announced Rs20 million for strengthening emergency services and said a proposal to upgrade the KIC to a full-fledged hospital would be presented to the cabinet. 

He also approved an increase in the institute’s annual budget from Rs6 million to Rs60 million and directed the provision of modern facilities, including bypass and stent procedures, to make the cath lab fully functional. 

The prime minister ordered expansion of the emergency ward at the DHQ hospital from 12 to 24 beds in view of the increasing patient load and directed construction of a boundary wall to improve security.

He assured that the KIC would be upgraded into a modern cardiac care centre on the pattern of the Muzaffarabad cardiac hospital to provide quality treatment facilities within the region.

The prime minister also paid tribute to the late Haji Muhammad Saleem — a noted social and business figure of Mirpur — for funding the construction of the KIC building from his own resources as a gift to the people of the area.

Among his other engagements, PM Rathore attended a review meeting of development projects in Mirpur division. He also laid the foundation stone of the Divisional Commissioner’s Office building in Mirpur, to be constructed at a cost of Rs100.35 million, and separately, inaugurated the PWD Complex in Mirpur, built at a cost of Rs117.44 million under the Physical Planning and Housing Department.

AJK resolves GST dispute with wheat transport contractor

          The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Food Department on Thursday announced that a longstanding dispute over the deduction of General Sales Tax (GST) from payments to wheat transportation contractors had been resolved after approval by the cabinet. 

According to a press release, during a certification audit for the year 2021-22 by the Accountant General’s Sub-Office in Islamabad, an objection was raised for the first time regarding the non-deduction of GST from the contractors’ bills under the Finance Act 2019. 

Following the objection, the Accountant General’s Office halted payments to contractors, triggering a strike by transporters who maintained that they had not been informed about the imposition of 16pc GST while submitting bids. 

The contractors argued that their tender rates had been quoted after factoring in prevailing costs such as fuel prices, inflation and existing taxes, and that the sudden application of GST made their contracts financially unviable. 

Upon learning about the deduction of GST from their bills, the contractors refused to continue work at the quoted rates and resorted to a strike, following which the then secretary food assured them at a meeting that while the taxes applicable for the remaining period, including GST, would be paid accordingly, the issue of past deductions would be taken up at the government level for resolution, the press release said. 

It added that in March 2023, a high-level meeting headed by the then prime minister decided to defer GST deductions on past payments. It was further decided that an appropriate procedure would be adopted for the formal settlement of the issue. Contractors were informed that GST would be applicable to future contracts. 

According to the press release, subsequent tenders clearly specified GST provisions, after which contractors submitted fresh bids and deductions began in line with the law. 

Meanwhile, a summary seeking exemption from GST for the period between 2019 and 2022 was approved by the then prime minister, but the absence of a formal notification led contractors to approach the High Court for implementation of the decision. 

Following court directions, the government constituted a committee which reviewed the matter in detail and recommended settlement of the issue under Section 65 of the Finance Act. 

The cabinet endorsed the recommendations in 2025 and, after consultation with the Inland Revenue Department, a formal notification was issued, thereby settling the matter. 

The Food Department said the decision had cleared ambiguities regarding GST applicability and would help ensure smooth payments to contractors and uninterrupted wheat supply across the region.

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AJKLA forms bipartisan panels to tackle civic issues in Muzaffarabad, Kotli

         The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly on Wednesday constituted two bipartisan committees to address issues of clean drinking water, sewerage and waste recycling in Muzaffarabad and Kotli.

The session was presided over by Deputy Speaker Chaudhry Riaz Gujjar.

Responding to a calling attention notice by an opposition lawmaker from Muzaffarabad, Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore recalled that during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to the city, attention had been drawn to civic issues, including stalled reconstruction of earthquake-hit schools, and Rs5 billion had been sought under the federal PSDP. He said Rs1bn had been released, which would be used to complete school buildings that were already 80pc finished.

Emphasising that Muzaffarabad’s issues were a collective responsibility, the prime minister supported the formation of a House committee to identify problems and suggest remedies. The chair subsequently constituted a committee comprising the minister for housing and physical planning and two members each from the treasury and the opposition.

 PPP regional president Chaudhry Yasin pointed out that his constituency — Kotli city — faced similar issues and called for a similar committee. The prime minister, referring to complaints raised during his recent visit to Kotli about waste disposal, clean drinking water and sewerage, endorsed the proposal. The deputy speaker then constituted another committee comprising five treasury and one opposition member from Kotli district.

 Both committees will submit recommendations to the government.

During question hour, Senior Minister Mian Abdul Waheed informed the House that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced a Danish University in Muzaffarabad, for which a site was being identified. He added that Danish schools were being established in Sharda (Neelum) and Leepa (Jhelum Valley), while implementation had also begun in Bagh, Bhimber and Kotli.

Minister Chaudhry Rasheed said that, subject to federal approval, classes for the proposed university could initially be started at an agriculture academy and a degree college in Garhi Dupatta.

 Minister for Communications Sardar Ziaul Qamar said a 30km road project in Bagh’s eastern constituency was pending on technical grounds and would be taken up at the next meeting of the Cabinet Development Committee (CDC). He said delays in PC-1 approval, along with a funding cap of Rs850 million flagged by the Planning and Development Department, had held up the project.

Sardar Mir Akbar, MLA from eastern Bagh who recently joined the PML-N, alleged that development works in his constituency had been halted as victimisation, payments to contractors were stalled and protests had taken place. He warned against being pushed to take extreme steps. The prime minister assured the House that the CDC would clear the project within a week and tenders would be issued.

Responding to a notice by Abdul Majid Khan on the non-provision of development funds to refugee lawmakers, Mr Waheed said the issue had become contentious and was under review by a committee, with consultations ongoing. He said the government would adopt a position after talks concluded and release funds if a consensus emerged, adding that relevant court rulings would also be examined.

On issues relating to health department employees and regularisation of ad hoc staff, he said an agreement had been reached between the prime minister and the health secretary to resolve matters in phases, adding that recommendations would be placed before the cabinet for approval and legislation.

He also said the proposal to establish daycare centres for female employees would be pursued in line with available resources.

The House referred two bills — the Power Development Organisation (Amendment) Ordinance 2026 and the Services Tribunal (Amendment) Act 2026 — to the relevant select committees for further consideration.

Later, the chair prorogued the session sine die.

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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.

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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.

 

Tariq Naqash

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

Beyond Authority: AJK’s governance debate finds voice in new boo

At a time when questions of institutional credibility, administrative efficiency and public accountability increasingly shaped political discourse in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), a newly launched book sought to shift the conversation from routine governance to reflective statecraft. 

Titled “Governance and Government,” the book by Chaudhry Imtiaz Ahmad, currently serving as Secretary of the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD), was launched at the Kashmir Institute of Management (KIM) before an audience comprising senior civil servants, academics and students of public policy.

Yet the ceremony appeared less a formal unveiling and more a deliberative forum on how power is exercised — and how it ought to be restrained. 

Speaking as the chief guest, AJK Minister for Kashmir Cause, Arts and Languages Nabeela Ayoub Khan framed governance not merely as an administrative function but as a moral responsibility. She observed that durable development depended upon strong institutions, rule of law and evidence-based policymaking — principles that, she noted, required constant reinforcement in evolving democracies. 

Her remarks subtly echoed a broader concern: that traditional bureaucratic authority, if not tempered with transparency and participation, risked losing public trust. It was precisely this tension that the book attempted to unpack.

 

From “Government” to “Governance”

 

In his address, author Ahmad, who had earned a master’s degree in International Development Management from the UK, described governance as an expanding concept extending beyond the machinery of the state. He noted that while ‘government’ denoted formal structures of authority, ‘governance’ encompassed processes, networks and citizen engagement, determining how decisions were made and implemented.

Speakers at the event — including former Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Fayyaz Ali Abbasi, Secretary Law Dr Muhammad Idrees Abbasi, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Implementation and Inspection Commission Hassan Ashraf, and KIM Director General Dr Muqeem-ul-Islam — described the work as an attempt to bridge academic theory with lived administrative realities.

They argued that in regions such as AJK, where governance structures operated within a unique constitutional and political framework, reform had to be context-sensitive rather than derivative.

Mr Abbasi remarked that imported models of public administration often faltered when local institutional capacities and socio-political realities were ignored.

 

Reforms, rights and resources

 

Spread across, six chapters, the book moves through global development benchmarks, rights-based governance and fiscal accountability. It revisits the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Pakistan’s trajectory under them, situating AJK within broader development conversations.

Particular attention has been paid to the compatibility of human rights and policing — a theme resonating in societies negotiating the balance between security and civil liberties. The author also examines right to information (RTI) laws as instruments of transparency and anti-corruption, arguing that disclosure regimes can reshape administrative culture when backed by political will.

Another significant focus is decentralisation. Drawing upon examples from AJK’s local governance structures, the book analyses whether devolution has meaningfully improved service delivery or merely redistributed authority without enhancing accountability.

In perhaps its most region-specific intervention, the publication reviews the allocation and utilisation of AJK’s education budget, offering policy recommendations. 

Participants observed that fiscal discipline and targeted expenditure remained critical to improving public sector performance.

 

Filling a scholarly gap

 

Speakers at the event were of the view that while AJK’s political history had been widely debated, scholarly engagement with its governance architecture remained limited. In this context, they noted that hardly any publication had attempted a systematic study of administrative reforms in the territory over the past two decades. 

In that sense, the book represented more than a bureaucrat’s intellectual exercise; it could mark the beginning of a more structured policy discourse within AJK’s academic and administrative circles, they said. 

Since the gathering reflected a rare convergence of serving officials, retired administrators and students, it turned into an intergenerational dialogue underscoring governance as a continuum rather than a fixed model. 

They described the publication as a valuable reference for civil servants, policymakers, researchers, and students committed to strengthening institutional performance in the state.

 

Governance as conversation

 

The ceremony concluded formally, but the debate it sparked lingered in the hallways of KIM. Governance was no longer discussed solely as a technical matter of files and notifications, but as a dynamic interaction between state institutions and the citizens they served.

Whether the ideas articulated in the book would translate into tangible reforms remained to be seen. Yet its emergence signalled an acknowledgment that the legitimacy of authority in AJK — as elsewhere — increasingly depended not on control, but on credibility.

 

Tariq Naqash