AJK govt upgrades Garhi Dupatta to tehsil status

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Friday upgraded Garhi Dupatta to the status of a tehsil, fulfilling what he described as a longstanding demand of local residents. 

Addressing a public gathering in Garhi Dupatta at the invitation of his special assistant Mubashir Munir Awan, the prime minister said the Pakistan Peoples Party government had fulfilled within six months the promises it had made to the people. 

Garhi Dupatta is a sprawling town situated about 25 kilometres south of Muzaffarabad on both banks of the Jhelum River. 

“Today, I have not come merely to announce the upgradation of Garhi Dupatta to a tehsil, but to hand over the notification after its formal implementation. I congratulate you on this achievement,” Mr Rathore said. 

He said the PPP was the only public-oriented political party that spoke for the rights of ordinary people. 

Referring to Mr Awan, he said: “Mubashir Munir Awan is a future MLA. God willing, the PPP era is returning and the process of public welfare and development will continue in the same spirit.” 

Earlier, the prime minister received a rousing welcome upon his arrival in Garhi Dupatta bazaar, where flower petals were showered on him and the area echoed with slogans of “Jiye Bhutto”. 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Awan thanked the prime minister and said the longstanding dream of the people of Garhi Dupatta had finally been realised. 

“This decision of the government will directly benefit the people,” he said, adding that former prime minister Mumtaz Hussain Rathore had also played a major role in the development of Garhi Dupatta during his tenure. 

Later, the prime minister visited Mr Awan’s residence to offer condolences and Fateha on the death of his uncle, Mohammad Yousuf Awan. Health Minister Syed Bazil Ali Naqvi, government adviser Ahmed Sagheer, prime minister’s spokesperson Shaukat Javed Mir and others also accompanied him.

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Educator shot in Muzaffarabad succumbs to wounds

An educator originally from Indian-occupied Kashmir succumbed to his critical wounds in the early hours of Friday, nearly 20 hours after he was shot in broad daylight in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) capital, hospital and family sources confirmed. 

Arjumand Gulzar Dar, also known as Hamzah Burhan, was the principal and managing director of a private school operating from a rented building along Muzaffarabad’s Western Bypass, where he was attacked around noon on Thursday. 

The suspected attacker was arrested within half an hour from a nearby ravine by a police team. According to the FIR registered at Saddar Police Station, the suspect was booked under Sections 324, 337 and 109 of the Azad Penal Code, Section 6 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, and Section 15(2) of the Arms Act. 

The FIR described the incident as a targeted killing, though no motive was disclosed. Senior officials were tight-lipped on their initial findings. 

Police sources said that owing to the sensitive nature of the case, senior authorities had handed over the investigation to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD). 

Mr Dar had remained on a ventilator at a local hospital before succumbing to his injuries at around 3:30am on Friday. 

Meanwhile, his body was taken by his in-laws — who also belong to occupied Kashmir — to their residence in a Rawalpindi neighbourhood. Family sources said funeral prayers were offered there at 11am on Friday, following which he was laid to rest in a local graveyard. 

In Muzaffarabad, separate funeral prayers in absentia were held at several mosques affiliated with the Jamiat Ahle-Hadith AJK, as well as at Burhan Wani Chowk near the Press Club, shortly after Friday prayers. 

Funeral prayers in absentia at Burhan Wani Chowk

“Hamzah Burhan had escaped Indian repression and was spreading the light of education with missionary zeal. His murder has deeply shocked all of us. The authorities must bring the detained suspect and any possible facilitators to justice without delay,” said Uzair Ghazali, a senior refugee leader, at the Burhan Wani Chowk gathering. 

One participant, whose two children studied at Mr Dar’s school, described him as a remarkably gentle and compassionate educationist. 

“He was exceptionally caring towards children and knew every student by name. He remained fully aware of both their academic performance and domestic challenges,” he said. 

“He would personally ensure maximum fee concessions for financially struggling families. Any concern raised by parents was addressed by the very next meeting,” he added.

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AJK HC dismisses plea against graveyard land mutation

The High Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Thursday dismissed in limine a writ petition challenging the mutation of land reserved for a graveyard in Muzaffarabad’s Chehla Bandi area. 

In a detailed judgment, Acting Chief Justice Syed Shahid Bahar rejected the petition filed by Naseer Ahmed, observing that the matter had already been settled up to the apex court and could not be reopened through fresh litigation. 

The petitioner had sought to set aside Mutation No.1169 dated Jan 22, 2026, as well as an order issued by the commissioner of Muzaffarabad division on April 16, 2026. He had also requested the court to restrain authorities from dispossessing him from land bearing survey Nos 561 and 562 and allow him to deposit its market value under government notifications issued in 2024 and 2025. 

However, the court held that the dispute had already been adjudicated in an earlier writ petition filed by the same petitioner in 2016 against a July 10, 2014 notification reserving the land for a graveyard. 

That petition was dismissed by the high court in December 2020, while a subsequent civil petition for leave to appeal was also rejected by the AJK Supreme Court in March 2022. 

The judgment noted that despite those verdicts, the petitioner again approached the courts this year with “almost similar prayer based on similar facts and grounds”. 

“It is very astonishing that the instant writ petition has again been filed by the petitioner to get a similar relief from this court despite the clear-cut verdict of the Apex Court as well as this Court,” the acting chief justice observed. 

The court ruled that the principle of res judicata applied to the case, stressing that disputes once decided must attain finality. 

The judgment further observed that disputed questions of fact could not be resolved in constitutional jurisdiction without recording evidence, and noted that the inhabitants of Chehla Bandi — beneficiaries of the graveyard land — had not been made parties to the petition. 

Referring to earlier precedents, the court observed that graveyards, parks and other public-use properties could neither be allotted nor converted for private commercial or residential purposes. 

The acting chief justice termed the petitioner’s attempt to change the use of the graveyard land an unlawful act and directed civic authorities to proceed against those responsible for any illegal transfer of public property. 

The court also imposed a special cost of Rs25,000 on the petitioner, directing him to deposit the amount with the Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust within 10 days and submit the receipt to the registrar of the court, warning that “serious action” would follow in case of non-compliance.

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AJK Election Commission registers three parties, extends enlistment deadline

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission on Thursday officially registered three new political parties while extending the deadline for political outfits to meet statutory registration requirements by 10 days.

According to a press release issued by the commission, the Qaumi Ittehad Party (AJK), Pakistan Peoples Party (Shaheed Bhutto) AJK, and Jammu Kashmir Awami Dast-o-Bazoo were registered “after a thorough scrutiny of their baseline documentation.” 

The decision was taken in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions of the AJK Elections Act and Rules 2020, alongside the framework established by the AJK High Court’s October 5, 2023 judgment in the Waheed Ashraf vs. Election Commission case, the press release added.

While the commission's initial action plan had set May 30, 2026, as the final cut-off date for political parties to seek registration, the deadline had now been extended to June 10. The 10-day extension was aimed at providing a fair window for remaining political entities to fulfil standard legal requirements and submit their credentials for evaluation, the press release said. 

The election oversight body also strongly rebutted speculative reports circulating on various social media platforms claiming that the commission had summarily cancelled the registration of 33 political parties. 

Discarding the reports as completely baseless, fabricated, and contrary to actual facts, the press release clarified that the commission has not actively revoked any party's status. It explained that previous registrations had lapsed automatically as a direct consequence of the AJK High Court's earlier verdict, rather than through executive action by the commission, and added that the current enlistment drive was purely geared toward aligning the political landscape with the High Court's directives and the Elections Act 2020.

Reaffirming its mandate, the commission reiterated its commitment to fulfilling all constitutional and statutory obligations within the stipulated timelines to ensure the upcoming electoral process is free, fair, and transparent, while strengthening the region's overall democratic infrastructure.

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Suspected RAW-linked attacker held after daylight shooting in Muzaffarabad

 

Arjumand Dar alias Hamza Burhan

A young Kashmiri educationalist who had fled the Indian-occupied Kashmir valley some eight years ago in the wake of unparalleled repression and taken refuge in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) was critically wounded in a targeted daylight shooting in Muzaffarabad on Thursday, in what police sources described as an attack orchestrated through local agents handled by Indian intelligence operatives. 

The attacker was arrested within half an hour after fleeing through a residential locality along a ravine, while the weapon used in the attack was also recovered, police and witnesses said. 

The victim, 30 years old Arjumand Gulzar Dar alias Hamza Burhan, was the principal and managing director of Allama Iqbal Memorial School, an educational institution operating in a rented building along Muzaffarabad’s Western Bypass. 

Originally hailing from Indian-occupied Kashmir’s Pulwama district, he had arrived in Pakistan in January 2018 for higher studies. He had reportedly married into the family of a post-1989 migrant from his home district around three years ago and was father to a toddler son, family sources said. 

Hospital sources said Mr Dar sustained three bullet wounds and remained on a ventilator in critical condition. 

Police sources said Mr Dar, whose social media activity openly reflected support for the Kashmiri freedom movement, had been facing security threats and was recently provided with two guards. 

According to investigators, he had informed his guards earlier in the day that some guests would be visiting him around noon. When the visitors arrived in a double-cabin pickup outside the school, he went to meet them without asking his guards to accompany him. 

crime scene

As he was heading back to the school after concluding the meeting inside the vehicle, he was shot from behind by a gunman who had apparently been monitoring his movements. Investigators said the assailant fired three bullets, causing the victim to collapse on the roadside in a pool of blood. 

As bystanders rushed the injured man to the Combined Military Hospital in a Suzuki van, the attacker fled towards the western side of the busy road. However, a police team led by Saddar SHO Abdul Wajid Alvi quickly launched a chase and apprehended the suspect near a ravine. 

        Video clips circulating on social media showed police forcing the suspect—a bearded man in his early 20s wearing eyeglasses—into a vehicle shortly after his

arrest.

Within minutes of the attack, several Indian media outlets reported that “Hamza Burhan” — whom India had named among the alleged conspirators in the Pulwama attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in February 2019 — had been “shot dead” by unidentified assailants in Muzaffarabad. 

India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) had included Burhan in its chargesheet related to the Pulwama attack conspiracy. 

Uzair Ghazali, a senior leader of post-1989 migrants, rejected the Indian allegations, asking how a student could mastermind an attack in occupied Kashmir more than a year after leaving the territory.

“This is yet another clumsy allegation the Indian government is notorious for coining to bracket Kashmiris’ rightful freedom movement with terrorism and satisfy its fanatic vote bank,” he said.

He said over the past three decades, thousands of Kashmiris had fled arrests, torture, and persecution by Indian forces and sought refuge in AJK.

"Hamza Burhan was one among them, who built a peaceful life in Muzaffarabad as a migrant and educationist," Mr Ghazali said.

Senior police officials, including DIG Shehryar Sikander and SSP Riaz Mughal, supervised the preliminary investigation at Saddar police station, where the suspect was identified as Abdullah Kamal, son of Yasir Kamal, a resident of Nawababad in Taxila, Rawalpindi district. 

killer

While officials refrained from speaking on record about certain aspects of the investigation, sources privy to the inquiry said the suspect had confessed to being in contact through Instagram with a woman allegedly linked to India’s intelligence agency RAW, who assigned him the task of killing Mr Dar. 

According to the sources, the suspect was directed to collect a pistol and ammunition from a deserted location on the outskirts of Islamabad and spent several days practising his aim before travelling to Muzaffarabad. 

Investigators said the handler, allegedly operating through a virtual UK SIM, later shared the exact location of the school. The suspect subsequently checked into a guesthouse around 800 metres from the school on Sunday and spent the next three days surveilling the area. 

One of the school guards told police he had spotted the suspect loitering outside the institution at least twice before the attack. 

Police sealed the guesthouse and arrested its owner and manager for allegedly violating official guest-registration regulations. 

“We have established an application, Hotel Eye, through which hotel and guesthouse operators are required to share details of their guests with police so that suspicious individuals or persons involved in unlawful activities can be detected in time. But this guesthouse failed to provide any information about this suspicious person, which amounts to a serious violation of our guidelines,” SSP Mughal told this scribe. 

Police described Thursday’s attack as the second known targeted killing operation in AJK, carried out through local agents handled by RAW operatives. 

On Sept 8, 2023, Muhammad Riaz alias Abu Qasim Kashmiri — an anti-India activist formerly associated with the proscribed Jamaat-ud-Dawa — was gunned down inside a mosque in Rawalakot soon after Fajr prayers. 

The assailant, who was said to be a student belonging to southern Punjab, was later arrested by the AJK police.

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AJK premier praises Baku’s support to Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir

          Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has praised Azerbaijan for its consistent support to Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir dispute, describing the issue as the unfinished agenda of the partition of the subcontinent. 

In an interview with an Azerbaijani broadcaster on Wednesday, he also showered praise on the people and government of Pakistan for always staying by the Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control. 

According to an official handout, the prime minister highlighted persistent Indian repression of Kashmiris’ political and human rights and said the international community could no longer ignore the situation in the region. 

Referring to the policies of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, he said that New Delhi had intensified measures aimed at dismantling the distinct identity of Kashmiris. 

Mr Rathore also lauded Pakistan’s armed forces for safeguarding AJK from external aggression and warned that failure to resolve the longstanding Kashmir dispute could threaten regional peace and stability. 

He called upon the international community to hold India accountable for alleged human rights violations committed by its forces in occupied Kashmir. 

Referring to Islamabad-Baku relations, the AJK premier said Azerbaijan, alongside China and Turkey, remained one of Pakistan’s closest allies and a strong supporter of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. 

Paying tribute to Benazir Bhutto, he described her as a global symbol of democracy who sacrificed her life for democratic ideals. 

He said Ms Bhutto deeply valued Azerbaijan’s democratic progress following its independence from the Soviet Union and had enjoyed cordial relations with Heydar Aliyev based on democratic values and economic cooperation. 

The AJK premier also commended Azerbaijan’s development and resilience despite the challenges it faced during the post-independence period.

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Political rhetoric heats up in AJK as PML-N accuses PPP of seeking delay in polls

With elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) drawing closer and political rhetoric beginning to intensify, leader of the opposition and regional president of the Pakistan Muslim League-N AJK chapter Shah Ghulam Qadir on Wednesday accused the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party of attempting to evade the electoral process by backing calls for the postponement of polls through the Joint Awami Action Committee. 

Addressing a public gathering in Dhamni on the outskirts of Rawalakot, organised in connection with the joining of former divisional director of the education department Dr Rashida Khanam and her supporters into the PML-N, Mr Qadir said authority to make decisions could not be handed over to “mob groups” and vowed that his party would never become part of any conspiracy aimed at weakening the state. 

In an apparent reference to demands linked to refugee seats and election scheduling, he alleged that the PPP was trying to escape elections by “using the Action Committee as a shoulder for its agenda”, which, according to him, reflected the ruling party’s “defeated mindset”. 

“This is perhaps the first ruling party that is running away from elections, but the Muslim League will not allow it to escape,” he said. 

“Whoever is fond of politics should test their popularity through elections and learn the realities of governance.” 

In a strongly worded speech reflecting the sharpening political divide ahead of the expected announcement of the election schedule, Mr Qadir also accused the PPP of conspiring against the existing system. 

Referring to the party’s political history, he alleged that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had raised the slogan of “Idhar Hum, Udhar Tum”, which, according to him, had contributed to the division of Pakistan, and claimed that the PPP was once again pursuing a “formula for the division of Kashmir”. 

“This mischief is a conspiracy against the system, but we have full confidence in our intentions and leadership, and the PML-N will foil all such conspiracies,” he said. 

Rejecting what he described as baseless propaganda about weakening pro-Pakistan sentiment in Poonch, Mr Qadir said the region was “the land of martyrs and veterans” whose people had rendered sacrifices for the ideology of Pakistan. 

“The people of Poonch were Pakistani before and they remain Pakistani today,” he said, adding that those harbouring doubts should “remove such misconceptions from their minds”. 

The PML-N leader further alleged that the public was being misled into believing that those not voting for the PPP would be deprived of payments under the Benazir Income Support Programme. 

“The money belongs to the World Bank and is distributed by the Government of Pakistan,” he said, warning that his party knew how to protect its workers if complaints of political victimisation emerged. 

Claiming that the PML-N did not require any electoral alliance, he said the party had enough electable candidates in every constituency and would contest the elections on the basis of its manifesto and past performance. 

“We will form the government with a two-thirds majority,” he asserted. 

Former minister Sardar Tahir Anwar Khan, former MLA Sehrish Qamar, former AJK Council members Sardar Abdul Khaliq Wasi and Sardar Naseem Ahmed Sarfraz, along with Javed Sharif Advocate, Khawaja Imran Ashraf and Sardar Arshad Niazi, also addressed the gathering. 

They, too, alleged that attempts were being made “in collusion with certain elements” to postpone the elections in order to manipulate the process and urged the AJK Election Commission to announce the election schedule before May 25.

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JI emir launches ‘Bano Qabil’ in Muzaffarabad, urges Kashmiri youth to stay hopeful

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan emir Engr Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Tuesday urged the youth of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to remain steadfast in the face of unemployment, inflation and economic hardship, saying difficult circumstances should not push them towards despair or decisions detrimental to the Kashmiri cause.

Addressing thousands of male and female students gathered at a playground here for admissions and entry tests to free IT training courses under the “Bano Qabil” programme organised by Alkhidmat Foundation, he said the relationship between Pakistanis and Kashmiris was rooted not merely in geography but in shared faith and ideology. 

“The youth of Kashmir are facing immense challenges, including unemployment and inflation, but they must not lose hope,” he said. “No matter what political developments take place, Jamaat-e-Islami will continue to stand with the people of Kashmir.” 

The JI chief said the “Bano Qabil” initiative, which had begun in Karachi, had now reached Muzaffarabad and would gradually expand across AJK. He said the programme aimed to equip 100,000 youths with modern IT skills free of cost to help them build successful careers and contribute positively to society. 

"The Kashmiri youth are no longer alone because Jamaat-i-Islami, with which they have joined hands, stands with them," he said.

Referring to criticism faced by the programme in Karachi, Mr Rehman said some political parties, including the MQM and PPP, had accused JI of launching the initiative for political gains during local government elections. 

“They thought the programme would fade away after the elections, but instead it expanded across the country,” he said. “This educational mission will continue.” 

Urging the youth to remain organised and avoid disunity, he said the country had once suffered division due to internal discord. Referring to developments in Bangladesh, he claimed unity was once again taking root there while those creating unrest had fled. 

Describing AJK as the “base camp” of the Kashmir freedom movement, he said JI Pakistan had consistently supported the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. He also criticised the policies of India’s ruling BJP, lamenting that the Muslims in India continued to face discrimination and political marginalisation under Hindutva-driven politics. 

“The people of Pakistan stand firmly behind the people of Kashmir,” he added. 

Mr Rehman also urged young people to strengthen their connection with Islam and adopt Islamic values, saying lasting justice, equality and solutions to societal problems could only come through a system based on Islamic principles. He said JI wanted to empower Kashmiri youth through education, skills development and opportunities in emerging sectors such as information technology. 

The event was also addressed by the emir of JI AJK and GB Dr Muhammad Mushtaq, president of Alkhidmat Foundation, AJK, retired Col Zafar Rasheed Abbasi, secretary general Aftab Alam Advocate and others.  

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mushtaq said the massive participation of youths in Muzaffarabad showed they regarded the programme as a means to secure their future. He thanked Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan for launching what he termed an excellent initiative for the youth of Kashmir and said they would play their role both in shaping their future and in the struggle for Kashmir’s freedom. 

Bano Qabil organiser and special assistant to the JI chief, Umair Idris, who also attended the event, congratulated the Muzaffarabad chapter of Jamaat-e-Islami and the Alkhidmat team for successfully organising the examinations.

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Despite denial of registration, PTI interviews ticket aspirants

Despite facing denial of registration by the Election Commission, the parliamentary board of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for the forthcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections on Tuesday completed interviews of more than 50 aspirants for nine constituencies in Muzaffarabad division.

The meeting, held in Muzaffarabad, was chaired by the party’s regional president and former prime minister Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi and attended by a majority of board members. 

According to a party spokesperson, interviews for candidates from the Poonch division would be held in Rawalakot on Wednesday, while aspirants from Mirpur division and refugee constituencies would be interviewed in Mirpur on May 23 and 24, respectively. 

The spokesperson said the parliamentary board would forward its recommendations to the central leadership for final approval after completion of the interview process. Loyalty to Imran Khan, merit, capability and commitment to public service would remain key criteria for awarding party tickets, he added. 

The party also intended to bring forward a strong and capable new leadership in AJK while giving due importance to workers’ opinion, the spokesperson said. 

Addressing the meeting, Mr Niazi described Imran Khan as a “benefactor and ambassador” of Kashmiris and said the large turnout of ticket aspirants reflected the party’s popularity. 

“We will come up to the expectations of Imran Khan, the party leadership and workers. There will be no compromise on ideology, loyalty, merit and transparency,” he said, adding that the party intended to field energetic young leadership in the elections. 

Mr Niazi also alleged that attempts were being made to keep PTI-AJK out of the electoral process by denying its registration in the Election Commission. 

“This is an unconstitutional and undemocratic act. Such an exercise will not be accepted as an election but as a selection,” he said, urging the Election Commission to ensure a level playing field for all political parties to guarantee transparent and impartial elections.

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'AJK, Punjab to sign MoU for Safe City project within month'

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Punjab governments is most likely to be signed within the next month for launching the Safe City Project in the territory’s three divisional headquarters with the cooperation of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority.

This was announced by AJK’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) retired Captain Liaqat Ali Malik while talking to senior journalists at his office, here on Tuesday. 

The IGP said the state-of-the-art initiative would introduce advanced surveillance and law enforcement technologies aimed at improving public safety, traffic management and crime prevention across AJK. 

"The Punjab Safe Cities Authority will provide consultancy and technical assistance for the project, under which AI-based monitoring systems, facial recognition technology, e-challan facilities and other modern policing tools will be introduced," Mr Malik said. 

He said that following the signing of the MoU, a comprehensive ground survey would be conducted within a month to determine locations for central control rooms and identify installations required at entry and exit points of the cities. 

"The objective is not merely to install cameras but to establish an integrated, technology-driven policing system capable of enhancing situational awareness, improving emergency response and strengthening crime detection and prevention," he added. 

Mr Malik said the government-to-government arrangement would ensure maximum facilities at comparatively lower cost while maintaining international standards of monitoring and urban policing. 

According to him, the project will initially be launched in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot and Mirpur before being expanded gradually to other parts of AJK through revenue generated by the system itself. 

He expressed confidence that the Safe City Project would significantly improve traffic flow, support evidence-based policing and help law enforcement agencies respond more effectively to criminal activities and emergencies. 

Referring to counterterrorism measures, the IGP said he had succeeded in obtaining approval from the federal government for the long-pending Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) project after sustained efforts and coordination. 

He said the federal government would provide Rs1.90 billion for buildings, vehicles, arms and ammunition, communications infrastructure and other specialised equipment, while the AJK government had approved the creation of 472 posts for the department. 

"This is a critical national security domain which requires specialised manpower, modern infrastructure and swift operational capability. Our aim is to build a professional and proactive CTD capable of addressing emerging security challenges effectively," he said. 

The IGP also called for the creation of a separate post of deputy inspector general (DIG) for the CTD. 

"A dedicated department of such sensitivity and importance requires an officer of DIG rank exclusively focused on operational readiness, intelligence coordination and timely decision-making," he observed. 

Mr Malik asserted that efforts were underway to make police officers more accessible to ordinary citizens and improve public confidence in law enforcement institutions. 

He said AJK, despite being a relatively small territory, had 60 police stations, 30 police posts and 27 check posts with a total strength of around 9,800 personnel. 

"Once deployments for security duties and police stations are accounted for, only around 2,000 personnel remain available for operational responsibilities."

Regarding the forthcoming Legislative Assembly elections, Mr Malik said the police department had completed its preparatory work to ensure peaceful, transparent and orderly polls. 

 "During general elections, we may require an additional 4,000 to 5,000 personnel. As soon as the election schedule is announced, consultations will begin with all stakeholders regarding deployment requirements," he said.

"Decisions in such matters are never taken in isolation by the police chief; rather, they are made collectively in accordance with the ground realities and security assessments," he added. 

Responding to a question about the strike call announced by the Joint Awami Action Committee for June 9, the IGP said the police respected the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest. 

“As long as demonstrations remain peaceful and within the ambit of law, there will be no action against any citizen. However, attempts to block roads, disrupt public life or resort to coercion will compel the law to take its course,” he said. 

He expressed the hope that people had developed greater civic responsibility and realised that public infrastructure and property ultimately belonged to them. 

“Damaging roads, buildings, vehicles or public facilities amounts to harming one’s own society and collective interests,” he remarked. 

The IGP said work was also underway on establishing an Elite Force, a Cyber Crime Force and a Quick Response Force (QRF) to enhance the professional capabilities of the AJK police. 

Highlighting the comparatively low crime rate in the territory, he noted that a single police station in Lahore registered nearly 12,000 criminal cases annually, whereas the overall crime rate in AJK so far this year remained below 5,000, with hardcore crime constituting only a small proportion. 

Mr Malik said the AJK police currently comprised nine DIGs, 10 SPs and 35 DSPs, and stressed that improving accessibility to senior officers was among his priorities. 

“I have instructed officers at all levels to keep their doors open for the public because easy access to the competent authority helps resolve grievances quickly and strengthens trust between the police and the community,” he said. 

Observing that the tenure of an IGP was usually limited, Mr Malik said he wanted his time in office to leave a positive impact, particularly for vulnerable and underprivileged segments of society.

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Illegal warehouse sealed over counterfeit beverages, unsafe storage

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Food Authority on Monday sealed an illegal warehouse in a residential area of the state capital during a crackdown on food safety violations. 

The raid was carried out by a Food Authority team following a tip-off and surveillance, leading to the recovery of a large quantity of counterfeit soft drinks resembling well-known brands, along with other food items. 

Officials said the warehouse had been operating unlawfully in the Gojra locality without the mandatory no-objection certificate (NOC). 

During the inspection, authorities found that beverages and other food products were being stored in direct sunlight and under extremely high temperatures, in violation of the Pure Food Regulations 2019. 

Officials warned that such improper storage conditions could seriously compromise food quality and pose health risks to consumers. 

The inspection team also found that the operators failed to produce authorised distribution documents and mandatory quality compliance reports for the multi-brand products stocked at the facility. 

The Food Authority said legal action had been initiated against those responsible and vowed to intensify operations against counterfeit, unsafe and substandard food items across the district under its zero-tolerance policy on food safety violations.

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AJK Election Commission rejects reports linking poll schedule to refugee seats

CEC Ghulam Mustafa Mughal says no political authority can dictate AJK poll schedule

The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Monday dismissed as “baseless” reports circulating in sections of the vernacular press and on social media suggesting that the general election schedule could not be announced until a decision was taken on the fate of the refugee seats. 

In a statement, a spokesperson for the commission stressed that the electoral body was “an autonomous and independent constitutional institution” that discharged its constitutional and legal responsibilities with complete independence. 

“The announcement of the election schedule falls within the legal authority and jurisdiction of the Election Commission, which is exercised in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations in a timely manner,” he said. 

The spokesperson added that the commission was neither required to consult nor seek permission from “any institution, individual or forum” before issuing the election schedule. 

The clarification appeared to be prompted by remarks attributed to AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore during an informal interaction with journalists from Rawalakot at the residence of Sardar Tanveer Ilyas in Bangoin late on Saturday night.

According to journalists present at the gathering, Mr Rathore, while responding to a question, had said he believed the election schedule could not be announced until a decision was reached regarding the refugee seats. 

Mr Ilyas, who was also present, reportedly remarked that “nothing would happen” if elections were delayed by three or four months. In a video clip circulating on social media, he was heard reiterating a similar view at another event in his native area on Sunday. 

Rejecting the reports, the Election Commission spokesperson said the claims being circulated in newspapers and online were “contrary to facts and unfounded,” and urged the public and media outlets to rely only on official statements issued by the commission. 

“The Commission makes all its decisions independently, keeping in view the requirements of the law and the public interest,” he added. 

When contacted by this scribe, Chief Election Commissioner retired Justice Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said the power to announce the election schedule rested exclusively with the Election Commission. 

“Neither any political party nor any executive authority has the right to dictate when and how the election schedule should be announced,” he said, in an apparent reference to the AJK premier. 

He said the commission would appoint returning officers on Tuesday, while the election schedule would be announced after two days.

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AJK premier promises economic turnaround within two years

Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Sunday said he had entered politics to fulfil the unfinished dreams and obligations of his late father, insisting he had no personal craving for power or office. 

“I have no greed or desire for any office. Even if I become prime minister ten times, only the title of ‘former prime minister’ will eventually remain attached to my name,” he said while addressing a condolence reference in Kaiyan village of Union Council Bhedi in honour of retired headmaster Abdul Rashid Awan. 

Several others also paid tribute to the deceased for his religious, educational and social services. 

“I owe a debt to the entire state and I want to repay it,” Mr Rathore said, adding that despite six decades having passed, the state had yet to achieve the level of economic progress it deserved. 

“However, if Allah grants me the opportunity, I will transform it within the next two years into the economically strongest state in the region,” he said, in remarks hinting at his desire to continue in office beyond the current term. 

The prime minister said elections were won through public goodwill rather than coercion, adding that no one could secure votes through force. He said he had always sought to foster harmony and reduce political bitterness in the state. 

“By the grace of Allah, I succeeded in restoring peace and order in the state, and my efforts will continue to further improve the environment,” he said. 

Mr Rathore said he only made promises he could fulfil and had accomplished many tasks once considered nearly impossible. He added that, as prime minister, it was his responsibility to address issues across the state according to available resources. 

“The entire state from Bhimber to Taobat is my constituency,” he said, adding that while all areas of the state would be treated equally, remote and neglected ones would remain a priority for his government.

Referring to a common public perception, he said people often believed that if their work was not done immediately, it would never be done. “Remove this notion from your minds,” he said, adding that development work was a continuous process and would continue in the future as well. 

“By the grace of Allah, this continuity will remain intact and the journey of development will not stop. The only thing you need to ensure is the continuity of your success,” he added. 

Separately, in Haveli district, the prime minister granted niyabat status to Union Council Bhedi, describing it as the fulfilment of a longstanding public demand. He unveiled a plaque at a ceremony attended by local elders, political and social figures, and residents. 

In the revenue department’s administrative structure, a niyabat refers to the office or jurisdiction of a naib tehsildar. 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rathore said the government was taking practical measures to resolve public issues and promote development in backward areas. He said the establishment of the niyabat would improve administrative affairs and facilitate residents in accessing public services.

Tariq Naqash 

Rathore vows accelerated development as he launches road projects in Haveli

Claiming that his government was committed to providing basic facilities “at people’s doorsteps,” Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Saturday laid the foundation stones of two road projects in his native Haveli district.

At a ceremony held at Mahmood Gali, the premier launched the Mahmood Gali-Kahuta double carriageway project, saying it would play a key role in the area’s development and provide safe and quality travel facilities to the public. 

Under the first phase of the project, a 16-kilometre double carriageway will be constructed at a cost of over Rs615 million. 

Officials said the project was expected to reduce traffic congestion and facilitate tourism, business and other economic activities in the region. 

During his visit to Haveli, Mr Rathore also laid the foundation stone of a 10-kilometre road project from Lasdanna to Shero Dhara. 

A large number of political and social figures, as well as local residents, attended the ceremonies. 

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Rathore said the Pakistan Peoples Party government was taking concrete steps to provide basic facilities to people at their doorsteps and ensure balanced development across all regions of AJK. 

He said improved road infrastructure was essential for economic growth, better connectivity and easier access to education, healthcare and markets, particularly for residents of far-flung areas. 

He said the road projects would also help promote tourism and business activities in the remote district and create new economic opportunities for local residents. 

Mr Rathore said Haveli district had long suffered due to “ruthless Indian shelling,” adding that its rehabilitation and facelift were a responsibility of all those entrusted with decision-making authority.

“The people of Haveli have always showered me with love and affection, and in return I have tried to serve them to the best of my abilities,” he said. 

“As soon as I got the authority to make decisions, I did not waste any time in using my pen for the welfare of the people, not only in my constituency but across the state,” he said.

The premier expressed confidence that the PPP would return to power in the forthcoming elections and continue its “mission of public service with greater vigour and commitment.”

AJK election body rejects PTI registration application

Party terms decision unconstitutional, vows to challenge move in higher judiciary; EC cites violations of rules relating to financial accounts and failure to fulfil legal requirements under Rule 121

 

In a much-anticipated move, the Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Saturday rejected the registration application of the regional chapter of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), citing violations of election rules relating to the party’s financial accounts, prompting the opposition party to term the move “unconstitutional and undemocratic” and announce an immediate legal challenge before the higher judiciary. 

In a press release, the Election Commission said PTI had sought registration in light of the Oct 5, 2023 judgment of the AJK High Court in the case titled “Waheed Ashraf and others versus Election Commission and others” and under the relevant election laws. 

The commission said that, in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations, it had appointed an audit officer to scrutinise the accounts and financial documents submitted by the party. The audit officer, it said, identified violations of Rule 121 of the Election Rules relating to financial affairs and accounting details furnished by PTI. 

According to the commission, the matter was referred back to the audit officer for reconsideration at PTI’s request, but after fresh scrutiny the officer maintained his objections and reaffirmed that Rule 121 had been violated. 

The commission said PTI representatives and their counsel were subsequently given a full opportunity of personal hearing. However, after reviewing the arguments and available record, it concluded that the party had failed to fulfil the requirements of Rule 121. 

“On the basis of violations of the rules and failure to meet legal requirements relating to accounts, the Election Commission has decided to reject the registration application of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf,” the statement said. 

The commission reiterated that registration and oversight of all political parties were carried out in accordance with the Constitution and law, on the principles of transparency and equality. 

Reacting strongly to the decision, PTI AJK president and former prime minister Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi said the ruling was against “all basic principles of justice” and alleged that democracy had been undermined through an unconstitutional step. 

He claimed the Election Commission had “played this game” to keep PTI out of the electoral process, adding that the decision had rendered the upcoming elections controversial. 

“We assure PTI workers, supporters of Imran Khan and the public that we will contest the elections at all costs and will not be intimidated by such petty tactics. We will enter the field with Imran Khan’s ideology and image,” he said. 

Referring to the Feb 8, 2024 general elections in Pakistan, Mr Niazi said PTI supporters had delivered a “surprise” then and would produce a “surprise plus” in the forthcoming AJK elections as well. 

He said PTI would continue its election preparations vigorously and interviews of candidates would be held according to schedule.

“We will fight both a constitutional and legal battle and also go to the court of public opinion,” he added. 

Mr Niazi maintained that the Election Commission’s decision could not dampen the morale of “Imran Khan’s tigers.” 

“Even if we are forced to contest elections on symbols like potato, brinjal, carrot or radish, we will do so and surprise our opponents with unexpected results,” he said. 

The former premier alleged that the same “game” played in Pakistan had now been initiated in the “most sensitive region” as well. 

“Will such elections have any credibility? Will they have any constitutional justification? Is there any such example in the past?” he asked, adding that excluding any political party from the electoral process amounted to making the elections controversial. 

He expressed hope that the higher judiciary would provide justice and remove the hurdles created in the way of PTI’s registration.

Tariq Naqash