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.

Tariq Naqash

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