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                        <title>The Express Tribune</title>
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                        <description>The Express Tribune keeps you up to date with all the latest happenings from Pakistan and across the world!</description>
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			<title>Kashmiris rally to commemorate 10th death anniversary of Burhan Wani</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2617159/kashmiris-rally-to-commemorate-10th-death-anniversary-of-burhan-wani</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2617159/kashmiris-rally-to-commemorate-10th-death-anniversary-of-burhan-wani#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 26 14:19:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2617159</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Participants carry Pakistani and AJK flags, chant slogans against India and in support of Pakistan and Wani]]>
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				<![CDATA[A rally was held in Azad Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Muzaffarabad on Wednesday to commemorate the 10th martyrdom anniversary of Burhan Muzaffar Wani, drawing attendance from the leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), government officials, refugees from Indian-occupied&nbsp;Kashmir, as well as a large number of young Kashmiris.

The death of 21-year-old Wani, a prominent Kashmiri activist, had sent shockwaves throughout the region and brought the long-standing conflict in the occupied territory to the forefront of international attention. His martyrdom on July 8, 2016, had sparked widespread protests,&nbsp;leading to another wave of violence by Indian occupation forces in the region.

AJK Prime Minister&#39;s spokesperson Shaukat Javed Mir, Muzaffarabad Development Authority Chairman Yasir Gilani, APHC leaders, government employees&nbsp;and members of civil society participated in the rally.

The rally began at Burhan Muzaffar Wani Chowk and culminated at the Alamdar Chowk.

Read: India cannot erase memory of July 19: APHC leader

Participants carried Pakistani and AJK flags and chanted slogans against India and in support of Pakistan and Wani.

Addressing the gathering, the speakers said July 8 was observed across the Line of Control (LoC) as a &quot;Day of Resistance&quot; in remembrance of Wani. They described him as &quot;a symbol of the Kashmir freedom movement&quot;, adding that his struggle continued&nbsp;to inspire Kashmiri youth across the divide.

Speaking on the occasion, Mir said the people of occupied Kashmir remained committed to their struggle for the right to self-determination and supported accession to Pakistan.

He stated that many young people in the territory&nbsp;still followed Wani&#39;s legacy.

Mir lambasted India for human rights violations in the region, highlighting that over 97,000 Kashmiris had been killed, 22,000 women widowed&nbsp;and more than 4,000 young people imprisoned during the past 36 years by the Indian-occupying forces.

Read more: Pakistan rebuts India&#39;s Kashmir claims at UN

The AJK PM&rsquo;s spokesperson further said that APHC leaders, including Shabbir Shah and Yasin Malik, remained in Indian custody and called on New Delhi to release all political detainees and withdraw its forces from the disputed territory.

The speakers also urged the United Nations&nbsp;to implement its resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir and ensure that the people&#39;s right to self-determination was granted.

They also paid tribute to the military, saying that the success of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos (Iron Wall) had enhanced Pakistan&#39;s stature at the international level.]]>
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			<title>PTI announces boycott of upcoming AJK elections amid recent unrest</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2616135/pti-announces-boycott-of-upcoming-ajk-elections-amid-recent-unrest</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2616135/pti-announces-boycott-of-upcoming-ajk-elections-amid-recent-unrest#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 26 15:24:07 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Party says decision reflects solidarity with Kashmiris and its principled stance amid continuing unrest in AJK]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday announced that it would not participate in the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, saying the decision was taken in solidarity with the people of the region and in line with what it described as its &quot;principled stance&quot; under the prevailing circumstances.

The announcement came as the situation in AJK remained tense after the government banned the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), with the group continuing its sit-in and vowing to sustain the protest until its &quot;legitimate demands&quot; are met.

&quot;Expressing unwavering solidarity with the aspirations of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, their right to self-determination, and their democratic rights, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has decided not to participate in the elections under the prevailing circumstances,&quot; the party&#39;s Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said in a statement posted on X.



He said the decision was not a political strategy but an expression of solidarity with the Kashmiri people and a principled stance.

PTI said AJK was passing through a &quot;severe crisis&quot;, claiming that thousands of people in Rawalakot and other areas were staging sit-ins in support of what it described as their legitimate demands.

The party alleged that several people had lost their lives as a result of the use of force by the authorities and claimed that the supply of essential goods from Punjab to AJK had been completely halted, causing hardship for residents.

&quot;Instead of pushing the Kashmiri people toward further political instability in such circumstances, their issues should be resolved immediately and justly,&quot; the statement said.

Read:&nbsp;AJK police arrests JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir amid sit-in

PTI further claimed that the prevailing situation was harming the constitutional, democratic and political identity of AJK and creating an environment that was eroding what it described as the distinction between AJK and Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The party also said the approach was detrimental to Pakistan&#39;s historical Kashmir policy.

According to the statement, the electoral process could not be considered credible while, it alleged, representative voices were being suppressed, political activists were facing action, leaders were being arrested, media restrictions were in place, and freedom of expression was being curtailed.

&quot;Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf will not engage in the politics of power by ignoring the voice of the Kashmiri people. Our primary priority is to support the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people, their democratic demands, and a politics based on justice. We will stand with the people, not participate in elections.&quot;

The party said it would not participate in the elections until the situation returned to normal, concerns raised by political and public stakeholders were addressed, the issues of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) were resolved through mutual understanding, the election schedule was reviewed, and all political parties were provided with what it described as a genuinely free and level playing field.

PTI said its political campaign would instead focus on advocating for the democratic rights of the Kashmiri people, supporting their demands and seeking what it called a just resolution of the JAAC&#39;s demands.

The party also announced the immediate suspension of all recommendations made by the AJK Parliamentary Board regarding the allocation of party tickets to candidates.

Also Read:&nbsp;TTAP says police stopped AJK-bound delegation

It said no further progress would be made on the issuance of tickets or any stage of the electoral process until the situation normalised, the political environment was restored, and the party took further decisions.

&quot;This decision of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has not been made based on any calculation of political gain or loss but in accordance with the expression of solidarity with the Kashmiri people, respect for democratic values, and the demands of principled politics. Until a free, fair, and peaceful political environment is ensured for the Kashmiri people, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf will not participate in this electoral process.&quot;

Background

The recent unrest and&nbsp;deadly clashes&nbsp;broke out in areas, including Rawalakot, where the JAAC had been holding a sit-in outside the Combined Military Hospital Rawalakot. AJK police allege that armed JAAC members opened fire on deployed law enforcement in a planned attack, leaving four personnel dead and around 20 injured. JAAC, however, disputes this account, claiming security forces used tear gas and fired shells toward the hospital.

According to the AJK police, three individuals linked to the JAAC and four law enforcement&nbsp;personnel&nbsp;were killed during the protests. JAAC, however, said in a statement&nbsp;that seven individuals were killed and dozens were injured when street firing was carried out in the dark after electricity was allegedly cut off.

The clash came as the AJK government and the JAAC witnessed a face-off, as the election date for AJK was announced for July 27.

Read More:&nbsp;Certain elements seeking to create instability in AJK despite repeated offers of dialogue: Rana Sanaullah

AJK&#39;s 53-member legislative assembly includes 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees &mdash; people who fled Indian-controlled Kashmir in 1947 and 1965 and are now scattered across Pakistan. Six seats represent refugees from the Jammu division (~434,000 people) and six from the Kashmir Valley (~30,000 people) &mdash; an already lopsided arrangement that many see as unfair.

The region witnessed one of its most turbulent periods in October last year when protests led by the JAAC erupted over demands for constitutional and governance reforms. At least&nbsp;nine people, including three policemen, were killed during the unrest.

The JAAC, which organised the protests and strike, had presented a wide-ranging charter of demands, including an end to the privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite, the abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees, and the scrapping of the quota system.

Two days after the violence, the government and the JAAC&nbsp;reached an agreement&nbsp;covering 12 core and 13 additional points. Under the accord, both sides agreed to constitute a high-level committee to examine the issue of refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly.]]>
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			<title>AJK police arrests JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir amid sit-in</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2615779/ajk-police-arrests-jaac-leader-shaukat-nawaz-mir-amid-sit-in</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2615779/ajk-police-arrests-jaac-leader-shaukat-nawaz-mir-amid-sit-in#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 26 17:10:44 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shafiq Abbasi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2615779</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Muzaffarabad deputy commissioner confirms Mir's arrest during a joint operation in Dhirkot]]>
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				<![CDATA[Shaukat Nawaz Mir, head of the recently proscribed Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), was arrested in Azad Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Dhirkot area on Tuesday, according to an official.

The situation in AJK remains tense after the government banned the JAAC, with the group continuing its sit-in and vowing to sustain the protest until its &quot;legitimate demands&quot; are met.

Muzaffarabad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Munir Qureshi confirmed Mir&#39;s detention while speaking to The Express Tribune.

Read: TTAP says police stopped AJK-bound delegation

DC Qureshi said Mir was arrested in Dhirkot during a joint operation carried out by the district administration and police based on intelligence information.

Following the arrest, the JAAC also confirmed Mir&#39;s detention in a statement, saying fellow member Saib Javed had also been arrested. It described the two as campaigners for &quot;the people&#39;s rights, justice and a better future&quot;.

https://x.com/JAAC__Official/status/2071977411562860673

The group alleged that Mir was arrested while attempting to reach an ongoing sit-in, claiming that a combing operation involving intelligence agencies, police, and other institutions led to his detention before he could join the protest.

In a separate statement, the JAAC said Mir&#39;s presence at the sit-in would have significantly boosted the morale of participants, but insisted that the arrest of a single leader would not weaken the movement.

&quot;One voice can be suppressed, but not resolve. One person can be arrested, but not the movement,&quot; it added.

https://x.com/JAAC__Official/status/2071977305035956460

The JAAC said Mir was not alone and claimed the entire nation stood with him, expressing confidence that &quot;victory will be for justice&quot;.

Urging supporters not to lose heart, the group said public movements did not depend on any single individual.

Also Read: AJK govt rules out blanket amnesty for JAAC

&quot;This is not just Shaukat Nawaz Mir&#39;s movement, nor solely that of the core members. This is the movement of the entire public,&quot; the statement said.

The JAAC added that arrests, raids, imprisonment, and sacrifices had historically been part of public movements, expressing confidence that Mir would soon return to the people.

Until then, it said, the public would remain &quot;his voice&quot; and carry forward his mission, adding that the movement would emerge stronger despite the arrest and that &quot;ultimately, victory will belong to the people and defeat to tyranny, arrogance and the exploitative system.&quot;

Background

The recent unrest and&nbsp;deadly clashes&nbsp;broke out in areas, including Rawalakot, where the JAAC had been holding a sit-in outside the Combined Military Hospital Rawalakot. AJK police allege that armed JAAC members opened fire on deployed law enforcement in a planned attack, leaving four personnel dead and around 20 injured. JAAC, however, disputes this account, claiming security forces used tear gas and fired shells toward the hospital.

According to the AJK police, three individuals linked to the JAAC and four law enforcement&nbsp;personnel&nbsp;were killed during the protests. JAAC, however, said in a statement on X that seven individuals were killed and dozens were injured when street firing was carried out in the dark after electricity was allegedly cut off.

The clash came as the AJK government and the JAAC witnessed a face-off, as the election date for AJK was announced for July 27.

Read More:&nbsp;Certain elements seeking to create instability in AJK despite repeated offers of dialogue: Rana Sanaullah

AJK&#39;s 53-member legislative assembly includes 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees &mdash; people who fled Indian-controlled Kashmir in 1947 and 1965 and are now scattered across Pakistan. Six seats represent refugees from the Jammu division (~434,000 people) and six from the Kashmir Valley (~30,000 people) &mdash; an already lopsided arrangement that many see as unfair.

The region witnessed one of its most turbulent periods in October last year when protests led by the JAAC erupted over demands for constitutional and governance reforms. At least&nbsp;nine people, including three policemen, were killed during the unrest.

The JAAC, which organised the protests and strike, had presented a wide-ranging charter of demands, including an end to the privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite, the abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees, and the scrapping of the quota system.

Two days after the violence, the government and the JAAC&nbsp;reached an agreement&nbsp;covering 12 core and 13 additional points. Under the accord, both sides agreed to constitute a high-level committee to examine the issue of refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly]]>
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			<title>Bilawal, Fazl urge govt, protesters to resolve AJK crisis through dialogue</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2615791/bilawal-fazl-urge-govt-protesters-to-resolve-ajk-crisis-through-dialogue</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2615791/bilawal-fazl-urge-govt-protesters-to-resolve-ajk-crisis-through-dialogue#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 26 18:54:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2615791</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[JUI-F chief says banned JAAC approached him for mediation]]>
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				<![CDATA[Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday called for dialogue to resolve the ongoing unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while announcing an electoral alliance for the upcoming elections in the region and urging both sides&nbsp;to pursue a peaceful&nbsp;solution.

Addressing a joint press conference after their meeting, Fazl revealed that the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had approached him to mediate the crisis, while Bilawal said that he was prepared to play a role in resolving the issue regardless of the personal consequences.

The JUI-F chief said the sit-in in AJK was continuing and disclosed that, following his offer to mediate, the JAAC had sent a delegation to him and formally sought his mediation.

https://x.com/MediaCellPPP/status/2071944721325535419

He said Bilawal had supported his mediation efforts in Parliament despite being part of the government.

&quot;We are jointly conveying a message to the prime minister as well, and we hope Shehbaz Sharif will take positive steps regarding the situation in Azad Kashmir,&quot; he said.

The JUI-F chief also said that if his party&#39;s AJK chapter entered into an electoral alliance with the PPP, he would fully support the arrangement.

Bilawal said that Fazl&nbsp;had always played an important role in politics and that he had met him to discuss the ongoing protests in Kashmir. &quot;We both have extensive experience of protest movements.&quot;

The PPP chairman urged the federal government to support efforts aimed at resolving the Kashmir issue through dialogue.

Also Read: PPP, JUI-F announce alliance for AJK polls

&quot;We request the government to also support us on the Kashmir issue. Elections in Kashmir have already been announced, and we want free and fair elections,&quot; he said.

Bilawal also announced that the PPP and JUI-F would jointly contest the upcoming AJK elections.

&quot;The PPP wishes to form the government in Kashmir together with JUI-F,&quot; he said.

He also appealed to JAAC to remain within the bounds of the law and the Constitution.

Expressing concern over content circulating on social media relating to Kashmir, Bilawal said such material was worrying and deserved condemnation.

&quot;Every issue is resolved through dialogue, and political disputes can only be settled through political means. We have to resolve this matter politically,&quot; he said.

Referring to the dispute over refugee-reserved seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly, Bilawal said the issue had reached a deadlock.

&quot;The refugee seats in Kashmir have reached a deadlock. These seats will not be abolished through protests or sit-ins. The only solution is a constitutional amendment through the legislative assembly,&quot; he said.

Bilawal further disclosed that he had invited the JAAC to participate in the recently held All Parties Conference, but the group chose not to attend.

&quot;I am ready to resolve this issue even if I am punished for it. Kashmir is our jugular vein, and it has already suffered immense damage,&quot; he said.]]>
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			<title>AJK unveils record Rs286b budget</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2615685/ajk-unveils-record-rs286b-budget</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2615685/ajk-unveils-record-rs286b-budget#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 26 20:50:55 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Rs36b earmarked for development as education, health receive major boost]]>
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				<![CDATA[Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Finance Minister Chaudhry Qasim Majeed on Monday presented a record Rs286 billion budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 in the Legislative Assembly, describing it as the largest budget in the state&#39;s history and a reflection of the government&#39;s commitment to public welfare, economic growth and social justice.

Presenting the budget during the assembly&#39;s budget session in the state capital, the finance minister said the total outlay for the new fiscal year has been fixed at Rs286 billion, compared with the revised estimate of Rs262.165 billion for 2025-26, reflecting an increase of Rs23.835 billion.

The budget allocates Rs36 billion for development expenditures and Rs250 billion for non-development expenditures. The government expects to generate Rs75.2 billion in tax revenue, while the federal variable grant has been estimated at Rs146 billion.

Announcing the Education Package 2026, Majeed said the government would create 3,308 new teaching posts, rationalize 1,629 existing positions, upgrade 709 educational institutions and strengthen more than 300 schools across AJK. The package also includes the establishment of 109 new educational institutions and the creation of 726 additional posts in higher education institutions.

The finance minister said significant allocations had been made to improve healthcare services. Several Basic Health Units will be upgraded to Rural Health Centres, while selected Rural Health Centres will be elevated to Tehsil Headquarters Hospitals.

He also announced the establishment of a modern cardiac hospital at Chakswari and increased stipends for house officers and postgraduate medical trainees.

To strengthen law enforcement, the government approved the establishment of a Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) within the AJK Police with 473 new posts.

A comprehensive martyrs&#39; package was also announced for police personnel, providing compensation ranging from Rs100 million to Rs200 million, depending on rank, along with continued salary and service benefits for the families of martyred officers until their retirement age.

The Annual Development Programme (ADP) for 2026-27 has been set at Rs36 billion, including Rs1 billion in foreign assistance.

According to the finance minister, 31 percent of development spending will be allocated to social sectors, 12 percent to productive sectors and 57 percent to infrastructure projects.

Key initiatives include the construction of 671 kilometres of roads, rehabilitation of 394 kilometres of existing roads, construction of RCC and Bailey bridges, expansion of electricity transmission networks, installation of new transformers and provision of 30,000 new electricity connections.

The budget also focuses on digital transformation and economic empowerment. The government plans to establish IT Excellence Centres in all districts, digitize land records, introduce E-Stamping services and expand telehealth facilities.

In the agriculture and livestock sectors, it will distribute 100,000 fruit plants, establish demonstration plots for ginger, turmeric and soybean cultivation, provide grants for the purchase of 600 high-breed cows and distribute 70,000 poultry birds among widows and underprivileged women.

Interest-free loans will be extended to 2,267 skilled youth under the Prime Minister&#39;s Youth Loan Programme and to 30,000 beneficiaries through Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance.]]>
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			<title>Fact check: Viral video does not show firing on protesters in AJK's Rawalakot; it's from protest outside US Consulate Karachi</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612244/fact-check-viral-video-does-not-show-firing-on-protesters-in-ajks-rawalakot</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2612244/fact-check-viral-video-does-not-show-firing-on-protesters-in-ajks-rawalakot#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 26 12:52:22 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Fact Check By iVerify]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2612244</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Video dates to March 26, showing clashes outside US Consulate after assassination of Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei]]>
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				<![CDATA[Multiple pro-Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)&nbsp;and anti-state accounts on social media platform X were sharing a video since Monday, claiming it shows Pakistani security forces firing directly on unarmed protesters in Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. However, the footage is from Karachi, where police clashed with protesters near the US Consulate in March.

On Sunday, four policemen were killed and at least two protesters died in violent clashes outside the Combined Military Hospital Rawalakot, after police moved against supporters of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The unrest was triggered by the death of a trader allegedly shot during a confrontation with law enforcement on Saturday, with protesters demanding the withdrawal of JAAC&rsquo;s proscription.

The unrest in the territory continues amid an internet and communications blackout, due to which there are numerous unsubstantiated reports of exchange of gunfire between protesters and security forces, leading to deaths and injuries.

How it started

On Monday, a user who appears to be pro-PTI, based on their past posts, posted a video online that shows a clash between policemen and protesters. The caption read: &ldquo;In Rawalakot, the police have been firing directly at the protesters. As you can clearly see in the video, police thugs are beating a Kashmiri with batons.&rdquo;

The post accumulated 69,000 views.

A second pro-PTI account, based on their past posts, shared the same video on Monday, with a caption claiming (translated from Urdu): &ldquo;The number of martyrs in Rawalakot has crossed 200, including children, the elderly and the young.&rdquo;

The post received 44,000 views.

An anti-state account posted the same video on Monday, with the caption: &ldquo;The Republic of Balochistan condemns the direct firing on and killing of unarmed Kashmiri protesters in Rawalakot and other areas of PoK by the invading forces of Pakistan in strongest possible terms.&rdquo;

It received more than 19,000 views.

Another pro-PTI user, based on their past posts, shared the same video on Monday with the following caption: &ldquo;Police have opened fire directly on unarmed civilians in Rawalakot.&rdquo;

The post received more than 7,000 views.

An X user, claiming to be a journalist from New Delhi, India, also shared the same video with the following caption: &ldquo;Pakistani forces are firing indiscriminately on civilians in Pak-occupied Kashmir for demanding basic rights and dignity.&rdquo;

The post gathered 4,294 views

An anti-state account posted the same video on Monday with the caption: &ldquo;Violent clashes between security forces and protesters from the JAAC resulting in significant casualties.&rdquo;

That post received 4,000 views.

The video was subsequently shared by several other accounts, as can be seen here, here, here, and here.

Methodology

A fact-check was initiated to determine the veracity of the claim due to its virality and keen public interest in the unrest in AJK.

It was observed that some comments noted that the video was not from AJK but an old one from Karachi.

A reverse-image search yielded a YouTube video, dated March 3, uploaded by Samar Abbas, identified in his profile as the Karachi bureau chief for Public News.

The video, titled &ldquo;After US Consulate Karachi attack, SSP Keamari Amjad Sheikh and officers were removed for negligence,&rdquo; contains the same footage in higher resolution. A road signboard clearly visible in the clip reads &ldquo;Karachi Port&rdquo;, &ldquo;Kemari&rdquo; and &ldquo;Shershah&rdquo;, confirming the location as Moulvi Tamizuddin Khan Road (MT Khan Road), Karachi.





A keyword search was subsequently conducted for news reports around the same date and yielded a March 1 story published by English media outlet Dawn.

The report documented violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement outside the US Consulate in Karachi following the assassination of former Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. As per the article, protesters attempted to storm the consulate, causing security forces to fire tear gas in an attempt to disperse them.

Fact-check status: False

The claim that a viral video shows security forces firing at protesters in AJK&rsquo;s Rawalakot is false.

The video is old and shows clashes between the police and protesters in Karachi in March after Khamenei&rsquo;s assassination.

This fact check was originally published by iVerify Pakistan &mdash; a project of CEJ-IBA and UNDP.]]>
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			<title>AJK SC rules refugee seats constitutionally protected, cannot be altered</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2611876/ajk-sc-rules-refugee-seats-constitutionally-protected-cannot-be-altered</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2611876/ajk-sc-rules-refugee-seats-constitutionally-protected-cannot-be-altered#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Jun 26 07:55:51 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Azad Jammu &amp; Kashmir]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2611876</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Court says constitutional amendments must follow Article 33 and rejects changes through protests or pressure]]>
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				<![CDATA[&nbsp;

The Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Sunday ruled that the 12 seats reserved for refugees in the Legislative Assembly are constitutionally protected and cannot be altered through administrative measures, political agreements, or public pressure, according to a detailed advisory opinion issued on a presidential reference.

The 53-member AJK Legislative Assembly includes 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees who migrated from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir during the conflicts of 1947 and 1965 and are now settled across Pakistan.

Six seats represent refugees from the Jammu division, estimated at around 434,000 people, while six represent refugees from the Kashmir Valley, whose population is estimated at about 30,000.

The issue of refugee representation has long been a key demand of the now-banned&nbsp;Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which led a series of protests last year that turned violent and resulted in several deaths.

In its opinion, the court reaffirmed that the refugee seats are guaranteed under Article 22 of the AJK Constitution and are rooted in a long legislative history dating back to electoral arrangements introduced in 1960 and subsequent constitutional reforms in 1964 and 1970.

The court described the seats as a &ldquo;constitutional expression of a profound historical and juridical truth&rdquo; arising from the displacement of Kashmiris following the 1947 partition and subsequent conflict. It noted that the arrangement was further strengthened through successive legal instruments before being explicitly incorporated into the Constitution through the 13th Amendment.

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&nbsp;

Emphasising constitutional supremacy, the court held that any change to the composition of the Assembly can only be made through the amendment procedure laid down in Article 33.

&ldquo;The provisions of the Constitution may be amended in accordance with Article 33,&rdquo; the opinion stated, adding that the amendment process is &ldquo;exhaustive and exclusive&rdquo; and that no authority other than the legislature can lawfully alter constitutional provisions.

The court said executive orders, political agreements, and public agitation have no legal effect in changing the Constitution, stressing that constitutional change must occur through &ldquo;public mandate, parliamentary debate and constitutional procedure&rdquo;.

A significant portion of the opinion addressed the use of protests and blockades to press political demands. While affirming that peaceful assembly is a fundamental right, the court said the right is &ldquo;neither absolute nor unrestricted&rdquo; and must be exercised in a manner consistent with public order and the rights of others.

The court warned that road blockades, forced business closures and disruptions to supply routes fall outside constitutional protection. &ldquo;The exercise of one Fundamental Right cannot be permitted in a manner that substantially impairs or destroys the Fundamental Rights guaranteed to others,&rdquo; it said.

It further observed that attempts to secure constitutional change through coercive means are &ldquo;legally unenforceable&rdquo; and incompatible with the rule of law. &ldquo;The Constitution protects peaceful dissent; it does not protect conduct that undermines public order,&rdquo; the opinion added.

The court also underscored the constitutional requirement to hold timely elections, referring to Article 22(4), which mandates that general elections be conducted within the prescribed period.

Describing the obligation as mandatory and non-negotiable, the court said constitutional timelines &ldquo;admit of no exception&rdquo; and cannot be delayed due to political uncertainty or public agitation.

It directed the Election Commission and relevant executive authorities to ensure that free, fair and transparent elections are conducted within the constitutionally mandated timeframe, while maintaining conditions necessary for polling.

Tracing the historical evolution of refugee representation, the court noted that refugee seats have existed in various forms since 1960 and have been consistently retained through successive constitutional and legal frameworks.

It described the arrangement as a &ldquo;continuously affirmed constitutional principle&rdquo; reflecting the political status of displaced Kashmiris and said its uninterrupted continuation demonstrates that refugee representation is a &ldquo;deep-rooted constitutional commitment&rdquo; rather than a temporary administrative measure.

The court reiterated that its opinion is advisory in nature and does not create enforceable orders between parties. It said the purpose of the reference was to assist constitutional authorities rather than adjudicate a dispute in the conventional sense.

The ruling comes two days after the AJK government declared&nbsp;JAAC a proscribed organisation, accusing it of involvement in terrorism, promoting hatred and creating anarchy ahead of the group&#39;s planned protest on June 9.

&nbsp;

The move also came hours after the AJK Election Commission announced that general elections for the Legislative Assembly will be held on July 27. The commission said preparations were under way to ensure transparent, orderly and impartial elections under judicial supervision.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) criticised the government&#39;s decision to ban JAAC.

&ldquo;If JAAC was truly a terrorist organisation, why did the government spend months negotiating with it, signing agreements with it, implementing its demands, holding meetings with its leadership and treating it as a legitimate stakeholder until yesterday?&rdquo; the party said in a statement.

The 12 seats

The issue of refugee representation has long been a key demand of the JAAC, which led a series of protests last year that turned violent and resulted in the deaths of several people.

The region witnessed one of its most turbulent periods in October of 2025 when protests led by the JAAC erupted over demands for constitutional and governance reforms. At least nine people, including three policemen, were killed during the unrest.

The JAAC, which organised the protests and strike, had presented a wide-ranging charter of demands, including an end to the privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite, the abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees, and the scrapping of the quota system.

Two days after the violence, the government and the JAAC reached an agreement covering 12 core and 13 additional points. Under the accord, both sides agreed to constitute a high-level committee to examine the issue of refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly.

The unrest also triggered political upheaval in the region. The Pakistan Peoples Party subsequently moved a no-confidence resolution against then prime minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz&nbsp;joining the effort. Haq, who had been elected in April 2023 with 48 votes, chose to face the vote rather than resign.

On Nov 17, Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore secured 36 votes in the election and became the 16th prime minister of AJK.

With elections now approaching and the refugee seat issue still unresolved, the AJK government convened an All Parties Conference (APC) in Muzaffarabad to build consensus. Almost every major party attended &mdash; except PTI and the JAAC, who boycotted it.

The JAAC&#39;s position is that the government had already rejected its written proposals submitted on May 30, so attending would be futile. It had proposed either keeping symbolic refugee representation until the Kashmir dispute is permanently resolved, or replacing the 12 assembly seats with 4 seats in the AJK Council &mdash; a body chaired by the prime minister, which it argued would better preserve the political dimension of the Kashmir cause.

The APC rejected any changes outside the constitutional and legislative framework, saying only the elected assembly could alter refugee seat arrangements. The JAAC called the resolution &quot;a page and a half of utterly trivial lines&quot; and accused participants of gathering to serve their own interests rather than the public&#39;s.]]>
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			<title>NDMA warns of nationwide rain, thunderstorms over next 24 hours</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2599229/ndma-warns-of-nationwide-rain-thunderstorms-over-next-24-hours</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2599229/ndma-warns-of-nationwide-rain-thunderstorms-over-next-24-hours#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 26 13:52:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2599229</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says various parts of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to see rain with thunderstorms]]>
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				<![CDATA[The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Wednesday warned of nationwide thunderstorms and rainfall over the next 12 to 24 hours.

According to an advisory issued by the authority, a system of western winds entering from the southwestern belt of Balochistan is likely to affect most regions, bringing rain accompanied by strong winds and gusty storms.

The NDMA cautioned that ongoing rainfall may lead to urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock and Chakwal. Residents in vulnerable localities have been advised to remain alert and take precautionary measures to minimise potential damage.

Rain with thunderstorms and strong winds is expected in Islamabad and several cities of Punjab, including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore, Mianwali and Mandi Bahauddin over the next 12 to 24 hours. Rainfall is also likely in Khushab, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Kasur, Okara, Narowal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan.

Read: Govt proposes optional multi-tariff system for industries

The advisory stated that various parts of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) are expected to experience rain accompanied by thunderstorms, dust storms and strong winds, with chances of hailstorms at isolated locations.

In view of the anticipated downpour, the NDMA has issued an alert for possible flooding in several districts of K-P and Balochistan. Flash floods are forecast in Balochistan, particularly in Turbat, Kech, Gwadar, Khuzdar, Zhob and Lasbela.

In K-P, flood-like conditions are expected in Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Parachinar, Peshawar, Mardan and Swabi. Authorities have advised precautionary measures in vulnerable areas.

Snowfall is also expected in the upper and mountainous regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and K-P during the next 12 to 24 hours.

Rain with thunderstorms and strong winds is likely in several districts of K-P, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Haripur. Dust storms, strong winds and rain are also expected in Swabi, Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera, Kohat, Karak, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan.

NDMA also forecast rainfall in parts of G-B and Azad Kashmir, including Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Astore, Diamer, Ghizer, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalakot, Haveli and Neelum Valley.

In Balochistan, rain is expected in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Kalat, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Barkhan, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, Awaran, Washuk, Panjgur, Turbat, Gwadar and Lasbela during the same period.

Also Read: Doha flights resume as Pakistan restores Middle East air links after 25-day disruption

Rain with thunderstorms is also expected in Sindh cities including Kashmore, Jacobabad, Sukkur, Shahdadkot, Khairpur and Larkana.

The NDMA warned that strong winds, lightning and hailstorms may damage weak structures, trees and power lines. Rainfall could make roads slippery and disrupt traffic flow, while snowfall in mountainous areas is likely to affect travel.

Continuous rainfall in hilly regions may heighten the risk of landslides. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, drive cautiously and follow official weather advisories. During strong winds and storms, the public has been urged to stay away from trees, fragile structures and installations.

The authority also advised tourists and travellers heading to northern areas to be cautious and check weather and road conditions in advance, while encouraging citizens to obtain timely updates through its official mobile application, &ldquo;Pak NDMA Disaster Alert.&rdquo;

Meanwhile, the NDMA has directed all provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert and take necessary measures to cope with the expected weather situation.]]>
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			<title>AJK President Sultan Mahmood laid to rest with state, military honours</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2590270/ajk-president-sultan-mahmood-laid-to-rest-with-state-military-honours</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2590270/ajk-president-sultan-mahmood-laid-to-rest-with-state-military-honours#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 01 Feb 26 18:15:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[M A Mir]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2590270</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Funeral prayer was offered at Quaid-e-Azam Cricket Stadium in Mirpur]]>
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				<![CDATA[Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry was laid to rest on Sunday at his ancestral graveyard in his native village of Chechian with full state and military honours. Prior to the burial, his funeral prayer was offered at the Quaid-e-Azam Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, where thousands of people gathered to pay their last respects.

The funeral prayer was attended by AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, Pakistan Peoples Party AJK President Chaudhry Yasin, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz AJK President Shah Ghulam Qadir, Supreme Court Chief Justice Raja Akram Saeed, senior officers of the Pakistan Army and bureaucracy, former presidents and prime ministers, lawmakers, as well as a large number of social, religious, and political figures representing various schools of thought.

Following the funeral prayers, he was laid to rest in the ancestral graveyard of Chechian.&nbsp;After the burial, the national flag was presented to his son and Physical Planning and Housing Minister Yasir Sultan Chaudhry.

Chaudhry became the first leader from AJK to be buried with a gun carriage &mdash; a distinguished honour that has been conferred on only five personalities in Pakistan&rsquo;s history. Previously, the distinction was accorded to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, General Muhammad Ziaul Haq, Abdul Sattar Edhi, and Dr&nbsp;Ruth Pfau.

A guard of honour was also presented to the late leader during the funeral ceremony. The atmosphere was sombre, and mourners were visibly in tears. Special prayers were offered for the departed soul, and tributes were paid to his decades-long political and diplomatic services for the Kashmiri cause.

Chaudhry passed away&nbsp;at the age of 71 after a prolonged illness on Saturday. He had also served as the prime minister of AJK from 1996 to 2001. In addition, he was the president of the Pakistan Peoples Party in AJK from 1991 to 2001.]]>
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			<title>India's disinformation campaign on CPEC and AJK</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2553477/indias-disinformation-campaign-on-cpec-and-ajk</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2553477/indias-disinformation-campaign-on-cpec-and-ajk#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 25 17:24:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Javed Iqbal]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2553477</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The writer is a freelance contributor with special focus on issues related to international and national security]]>
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				<![CDATA[George Wilhelm once remarked, &ldquo;The most important lesson of history is that nobody has ever learned a lesson from history.&quot; This observation seems particularly relevant today, as Indian leadership appears to be repeating past mistakes&mdash;this time by spreading misleading narratives about Pakistan and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

In the latest wave of disinformation, Indian media has alleged that Pakistan is diverting Azad Jammu and Kashmir&rsquo;s (AJK) development budget to finance Chinese-led CPEC projects. These claims are not only baseless but also reflect a familiar pattern of state-backed media campaigns that have previously resulted in international embarrassment for India.

During a recent escalation in India-Pakistan tensions, several reputable global outlets&mdash;including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Reuters, TRT, Al Jazeera, and the BBC&mdash;exposed fabricated stories promoted by Indian media.

According to The Washington Post, numerous Indian news channels, seemingly influenced by the ruling BJP government, broadcast unverified and false reports, including fictitious military victories and staged unrest. These actions blurred the line between journalism and propaganda, misleading audiences both domestically and internationally.

Channels such as Zee News, NDTV, Aaj Tak, and Times Now even misrepresented video footage from other conflict zones&mdash;such as Gaza and Sudan&mdash;as scenes from Pakistan. Such manipulated visuals not only undermined journalistic integrity but also severely damaged India&rsquo;s credibility.

A senior Indian security official later admitted, &ldquo;False information was a strategy, but it backfired on our own people.&rdquo; This rare confession underscored the risks associated with misinformation campaigns, particularly in a region as sensitive as South Asia.

India&rsquo;s recent claims regarding CPEC funding in AJK follow this same pattern of distortion. Contrary to these assertions, projects under the CPEC framework are financed through a combination of Chinese investments, concessional loans, and allocations from Pakistan&rsquo;s federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

These funds are entirely separate from AJK&rsquo;s regional development budget and are designated for specific infrastructure goals.

It is especially ironic for India to question development spending in AJK, given its own policies in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and&nbsp;Kashmir (IIOJK). Since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, local governance in IIOJK has been weakened, with development budgets centrally controlled and often diverted to security and militarization rather than public welfare.

Reports of land dispossession, high unemployment, digital blackouts, and human rights violations further expose the gap between India&rsquo;s narrative of &quot;normalcy&quot; and the actual conditions in the region.

In contrast, CPEC-related projects in AJK&mdash;such as the Kohala Hydropower Project and improvements in road infrastructure&mdash;are designed to bring long-term socioeconomic benefits. These initiatives, developed in consultation with local authorities, promote job creation, energy generation, and regional connectivity, aligning with Pakistan&rsquo;s broader goals for inclusive development.

India&rsquo;s disinformation efforts must also be seen within the wider context of its opposition to China&rsquo;s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and attempts to destabilize regional cooperation that could bolster Pakistan&rsquo;s economic strength. The aim appears to be clear: to sow discord among local communities and undermine confidence in Pakistan-China collaboration.

Nevertheless, Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to AJK&rsquo;s development remains unwavering. Budgetary adjustments occur due to shifting national priorities, emergencies, or unforeseen challenges&mdash;not as part of any scheme to divert funds for foreign-backed projects.

Over the years, AJK has witnessed real progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and energy&mdash;achievements made possible through consistent investment and federal support.

India&rsquo;s recent allegations are factually unfounded and appear to be an effort to deflect attention from its internal challenges in Kashmir, as well as its discomfort over CPEC&rsquo;s growing success. For the people of AJK, this initiative represents not a threat but a promising path toward prosperity.

Ultimately, India&rsquo;s attempts to spread economic misinformation are unlikely to withstand the reality of on-the-ground progress and local support for CPEC.]]>
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			<title>Kashmir resolution vital for stability</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2557503/kashmir-resolution-vital-for-stability</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2557503/kashmir-resolution-vital-for-stability#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 25 20:41:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[NEWS DESK.]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Islamabad]]></category><category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[.]]>
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				<![CDATA[All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK) chapter leader Altaf Ahmad Bhat has said that resolving the Kashmir dispute is vital for establishing lasting peace.

According to the Kashmir Media Service, Bhat made the remarks during a meeting in Islamabad with Babar Foundation Chairman Sardar Babar Abbasi and Sardar Lal Khan Abbasi. He urged the United Nations to implement its resolutions on Kashmir and grant the Kashmiri people their right to self-determination.]]>
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			<title>PMD issues flood, landslide warning as heavy rains expected in northern parts from Sept 26 to Oct 1</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2497969/pmd-issues-flood-landslide-warning-as-heavy-rains-expected-in-northern-parts-from-sept-26-to-oct-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2497969/pmd-issues-flood-landslide-warning-as-heavy-rains-expected-in-northern-parts-from-sept-26-to-oct-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 22 Sep 24 19:48:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Meanwhile, hot and dry weather is predicted for Balochistan and Sindh during this period]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Meteorological Department issued a warning on Sunday about the potential for heavy rains from September 26 to October 1, which could lead to flooding and landslides, particularly in the low-lying and northern regions of the country.&nbsp;

The Met Office indicated that moist currents from the Bay of Bengal are expected to enter the upper parts of the country starting September 25, alongside a westerly wave that will approach from September 26.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Heavy rains may increase flow in local nullas/streams in Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Kohistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Nowshera, Swabi, Islamabad/Rawalpindi and Northeast Punjab during the forecast period,&rdquo; the statement read.

Urban flooding is anticipated in low-lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Sialkot, while landslides could disrupt road access in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan throughout the forecast period.

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, rain and thunderstorms are expected in regions including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Peshawar, Swabi, Nowshera, Mardan, Charsadda, Kurram, Orakzai, and Kohat from September 26 to October 1.&nbsp;

Heavy rainfall is anticipated from September 27 to October 1 in Hangu, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, and Dera Ismail Khan, with occasional breaks in precipitation.

In Punjab, the Met Office forecasts rain with thundershowers in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Tala Gang, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad, Wazirabad from September 26 to October 1.&nbsp;

Heavy rains accompanied by thundershowers are expected in Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Okara, Pakpattan, Kasur, and Bhakkar from September 27 to October 1.

In Azad Kashmir, rain with thundershowers is projected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur from September 26 to October 2.

The northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan is also expected to experience rain and thunderstorms from September 26 to October 2, particularly in Diamir, Astore, Skardu, Gilgit, Hunza, Ghanche, and Shigar.

Meanwhile, hot and dry weather is predicted for Balochistan and Sindh during this period. However, isolated rain, wind, and thunderstorms are expected in Mirpurkhas, Tharparkar, Umerkot, and surrounding areas from September 26 to 28.

The Met Office cautioned that windstorms and lightning could damage fragile structures, including mud houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar panels.&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Outcry as India books Kashmiri father seeking son’s body under anti-terror laws</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2283247/outcry-as-india-books-kashmiri-father-seeking-sons-body-under-anti-terror-laws</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2283247/outcry-as-india-books-kashmiri-father-seeking-sons-body-under-anti-terror-laws#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 21 09:52:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2283247</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Mushtaq Ahmed and six others, including his two brothers, were charged under India's harsh laws last week]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Indian police have charged a Kashmiri man seeking the body of his teenage son, who was martyred by the occupation forces in a fake encounter during the last week of December 2020, under the anti-terror law.

&ldquo;Police said Mushtaq Ahmed and six others, including his two brothers, were charged last week under India&rsquo;s harsh anti-terror law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act,&rdquo; the Associated Press (AP) reported.

The victim, Athar Mushtaq Wani, along with two others was killed by Indian troops during a fake encounter in the Lawaypora&nbsp;area of Srinagar on December 30, 2020.

The Indian authorities had buried them in a remote graveyard about 115 kilometers (70 miles) from their ancestral villages.

&ldquo;Under a policy started in April 2020, Indian authorities have buried over 150 alleged Kashmiri rebels in unmarked graves, denying their families proper funerals. The policy has added to widespread anti-India anger in the region,&rdquo; the&nbsp;AP reported.

The young men&rsquo;s families have protested repeatedly seeking their bodies while insisting they were not militants and were killed in cold blood.

The killings and remote burial drew widespread public mourning. Videos on social media in which Ahmed sought his son&rsquo;s body triggered an outburst of emotions as thousands rallied behind a &ldquo;return the bodies&rdquo; campaign, it added.

&ldquo;Last month, Ahmed dug a grave for his son at his village, demanding that his body be exhumed and returned for burial at his ancestral graveyard. The grave remains empty,&rdquo; AP added.

Meanwhile, India is being vehemently criticised, both at home and abroad, for registering a case under draconian laws against a father of one of the three Srinagar fake encounter victims for demanding the body of his martyred son, Kashmir Media Servive (KMS) reported.

Following strong criticism by Hurriyat forum, led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and former IIOJK Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, India is being grilled globally for booking the father for demanding his son&rsquo;s body.

Saudi Arabia based English Daily, Arab News, while quoting a Kashmiri human rights lawyer, Habeel Iqbal, said it had been a cruel decision to book the family under anti-terror laws.

&ldquo;A father demanding the dead body of his son is being booked under the anti-terror legislation is an instance where the law is being used as an instrument of oppression to create a sense of fear among citizens, an attempt to create a reign of terror in the minds of ordinary citizens,&rdquo; he added.

He pointed out that the policy of not returning the dead bodies of the youth was a &ldquo;violation of international armed conflict law and humanitarian law&quot;.

Describing the move as &ldquo;absurd,&rdquo; Delhi-based Kashmiri activist, Nasir Khuehami, told Arab News that: &ldquo;Since they couldn&rsquo;t silence Mushtaq, they booked him. If the intimidation doesn&rsquo;t work, they&rsquo;ll jail him with more fake cases.

This is the new Kashmir, where demanding the return of a son&rsquo;s dead body is an unlawful activity. &ldquo;Things are going from bad to worse. If the government believes that it can Indianise Kashmir by such acts, then it is living in a fool&rsquo;s world,&rdquo; he added.

Anuradha Bhasin, Jammu-based senior journalist and editor of the English newspaper Kashmir Times, said: &ldquo;This creates more alienations. If you close all space to seeking legal recourse to justice, if you close down all democratic spaces, if you shoot down messengers and those seeking justice then you are creating more alienation and lack of faith in the government.&rdquo;

Mushtaq Wani told Arab News: &ldquo;I demanded from the authorities whether they have any proof, any footage, or any camera evidence about my son&rsquo;s nefarious activities. I asked them to show that my son was a militant.&rdquo;

The newspaper wrote that despite protests by family members pleading the teenager&rsquo;s innocence, the local administration buried the three bodies in a remote graveyard more than 100 kilometers away from their native Pulwama district in south Kashmir, KMS added.]]>
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			<title>First NGMS spectrum auction for AJK, G-B held in Islamabad</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2322484/first-ngms-spectrum-auction-for-ajk-g-b-held-in-islamabad</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2322484/first-ngms-spectrum-auction-for-ajk-g-b-held-in-islamabad#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Sep 21 06:36:23 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Total revenue generated from spectrum auction process stands at over $30 million]]>
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				<![CDATA[The first cellular spectrum auction for Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) in Azad Jammu &amp; Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) was successfully held on Wednesday at the&nbsp;Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)&#39;s headquarters in Islamabad.

According to a press release issued by the authority, the electronic auction was participated in by two operators, CMPak (Zong)&nbsp;and PMCL (Jazz) for the 1,800 MHz band.

The electronic auction went up to 18 rounds and was concluded by declaring Zong as the winner of 10 MHz (2 blocks of 5 MHz) in 1,800 MHz band against the price of $14.398 million.

The communique further added that the spectrum sold in the 1,800 MHz band was 85 per cent of the total offered spectrum in the said band for AJK and G-B.

Furthermore, Telenor, Ufone and Zong have also won 1.2 MHz in 1,800 MHz band.

Telenor Pakistan was declared a winner in the 2,100 MHz band for a spectrum of 15 MHz against the set base price, the press release added. The spectrum sold in 2100 MHz band is 50 pc of the total offered spectrum in the said band, it said.

Read&nbsp;High-speed internet to boost work from home

The total revenue generated from this spectrum auction process for AJK &amp; GB stood at over $30 million.

&ldquo;PTA completed the auction process with the assistance of internationally reputed consultant JV Telconet / Frontier Economics who was on-board since April 2021, and conducted thorough consultation with cellular industry and other stakeholders,&rdquo; the press release stated, adding that the federal government constituted an Auction Advisory Committee in October 2020 under the chairmanship of (then) finance minister.

The Policy Directive was issued on August&nbsp;11, 2021 under which the PTA initiated the process for fair and transparent spectrum auction process ensuring consumer interests, the communique stated.

It concluded that the addition of the spectrum would help Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) to provide better data and voice services in the two regions currently being focused on the promotion of tourism.]]>
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			<title>India’s illegal actions in IIOJK pave way for international intervention: PM’s aide</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2283024/indias-illegal-actions-in-iiojk-pave-way-for-international-intervention-pms-aide</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2283024/indias-illegal-actions-in-iiojk-pave-way-for-international-intervention-pms-aide#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Feb 21 13:34:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Anadolu Agency]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2283024</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[India is behaving like a rogue state and playing a role of spoiler in Afghan peace process, says Moeed Yusuf]]>
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				<![CDATA[New Delhi&rsquo;s unilateral actions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have paved the way for the international community to intervene and resolve the longstanding dispute, Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security Moeed yusuf has said.

In an exclusive interview with Anadolu Agency, Yusuf reiterated&nbsp;Pakistan&#39;s commitment to peace, including with India, but called on the world to compel India to implement international law vis-a-vis Kashmir, i e, UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions that call for a plebiscite in the Muslim-majority region.

Expressing willingness to take things forward, the PM&rsquo;s aide said: &quot;Pakistan will take two steps if India takes one.&quot;

The Kashmir issue, he said, is a tragedy of human suffering and Pakistan has always stood and will continue to stand by the Kashmiris till their right to self-determination is exercised.

&ldquo;Yes, it&#39;s a territorial issue. But first and foremost, it is the human suffering Pakistan wants to stop.&rdquo;

He said the solidarity day was observed to prove that every Pakistani stands for the Kashmir cause. &ldquo;We may have our differences; we may have political ramblings and debates. But when it comes to standing for the Kashmiris, all are one.&rdquo;

Yusuf&nbsp;also said that the situation is not entirely hopeless as India is being censured every day in the Western media.

&ldquo;People are writing about human rights violations. It&#39;s not only Pakistan; the UN secretary-general has given two major statements, the OIC foreign ministers recently made a clear resolution, the UNSC held three discussions since August 5, 2019.&rdquo;

On August 5 last year, the Modi-led government removed the legal fig leaf from IIOJK&nbsp;when it abrogated Article 370 of its constitution, which accorded ostensible &ldquo;autonomy&rdquo; to the state, and bifurcated it into two &ldquo;Union Territories&rdquo; of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

He said Indian is behaving a like a rogue actor in the region and it is engaged in a conflict with not just Pakistan but with China and Nepal as well.

&ldquo;Not just Pakistan, there has been a conflict with China. Nepal has gotten up and passed parliamentary resolutions with a new map and taken on India. Bangladesh has raised its voice. Its relations are not good with Sri Lanka.

&ldquo;We even pointed out that India is being a spoiler in Afghanistan, undermining Pakistani sovereignty and stability. That&#39;s the adversity you&#39;re dealing with.&rdquo;

The PM&#39;s aide said IIOJK is under occupation and occupation forces have turned it into an open jail. &ldquo;Humans are not being treated like humans; that reality has to change for things to move forward.&rdquo;

Civil-military relations

Yusuf&nbsp;said Prime Minister Imran Khan&nbsp; is fully empowered to make all decisions and it is his right to call upon military for anything and everything that is constitutional.

&ldquo;Today, civilians are empowered to decide on everything, and both civil and military leaderships are on the same page,&rdquo; he added.

&ldquo;If our detractors or adversaries want to keep talking about the old narrative to project a negative perception of Pakistan, good luck to them. I am just telling you that a person with my background would not be sitting in this office if what you say had been true.

Dealing with international and domestic challenges

Yusuf also said the real genius of policymaking is manoeuvrings to your advantage in a constrained environment.

&ldquo;And yes, we are in a constrained environment.&rdquo;

He said there are challenges, but also the opportunities are vast. &ldquo;We are dealing with a country with one of the largest youth bulges in the world. It is incumbent upon us to turn this youth bulge into a real dividend. That&#39;s what we are working towards.&rdquo;]]>
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			<title>OIC panel reaffirms unwavering support to Kashmiris’ just struggle</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2282930/oic-panel-reaffirms-unwavering-support-to-kashmiris-just-struggle</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2282930/oic-panel-reaffirms-unwavering-support-to-kashmiris-just-struggle#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Feb 21 17:25:17 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2282930</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir holds virtual meeting in NY]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation&rsquo;s Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir, which held a virtual meeting in New York on Friday, reaffirmed its &ldquo;unwavering&rdquo; support to their &ldquo;just&rdquo; struggle for the exercise of their right to self-determination under the United Nations resolutions.

The meeting, in which permanent representatives of Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Niger and Azerbaijan took part, was organised to commemorate Kashmir Solidarity Day.

The OIC Secretary-General was represented by the Permanent Representative of the OIC Observer Mission to the UN in New York, Ambassador Agshin Mehdiyev.

A statement issued by the Contact Group in New York expressed &quot;deep concern&quot; at the continued violations by India of the fundamental human rights in IIOJ&amp;K.

The Contact Group called on the UN Secretary-General, the UN Security Council and the UN Human Rights Council to urge India to halt the human rights violations in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, rescind the unilateral and illegal measures taken on and after August 5, 2019, and to implement the Security Council resolutions calling for a plebiscite to enable the people of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir to exercise their right to self-determination.

At the outset, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi addressed the ambassadorial-level from Islamabad, apprising the members about the grave situation in IIOJ&amp;K, saying that the over 550 days of the New Delhi&#39;s siege had exacerbated the already dire humanitarian conditions for the people.

Qureshi said a unified political message to India from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) would be critical to help rescind Indian unilateral actions, end human rights abuses and seek a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute.

The minister said the steadfast and resolute support of the organisation was a source of great strength to the Kashmiri people in their just and legitimate struggle for their inalienable right to self-determination.

&quot;We should forcefully demand India to rescind its illegal and unilateral actions in IIOJK; halt its egregious human rights violations; provide access to human rights organisations, including the UN fact-finding mission and the OIC IPHRC,&quot; he said.

The foreign minister also sought the OIC&rsquo;s role to seek a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the United Nations Security Council&rsquo;s resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people.

He hoped that the Contact Group meeting would help identify action-oriented and practical steps to this end.

He said during its 47th session in Niamey last November, the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) mandated the Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir to meet regularly and to continue highlighting the Kashmir issue, including at the United Nations.

&quot;It is gratifying that the New York Chapter of the Contact Group is playing a prominent role in this collective effort,&quot; he said and lauded Azerbaijan, Niger, Saudi Arabia and Turkey for showing solidarity with the oppressed people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The leadership of the OIC Secretary General has been equally instrumental, he added.]]>
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			<title>PDM will praise me if offered NRO: PM</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2282934/pdm-will-praise-me-if-offered-nro-pm</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2282934/pdm-will-praise-me-if-offered-nro-pm#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Feb 21 18:09:35 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Imran Khan says India tried to get Pakistan blacklisted by FATF but failed]]>
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				<![CDATA[Prime Minister Imran Khan has said the opposition parties that are part of an 11-party anti-government alliance &ndash; the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) &ndash; will declare him the best person on earth if he offers them an NRO &ndash; a reprieve from corruption cases.

&ldquo;They [opposition] will say that I am a gem of a person who has properly highlighted the issue of Kashmir, if they get an NRO,&rdquo; the premier said while talking to a private news channel in Kotli district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

The premier was apparently referring to the PDM&rsquo;s leader&rsquo;s Friday speeches at their Muzaffarabad rally to mark the Kashmir Solidarity Day. At the rally, the opposition leaders criticized the premier over his &ldquo;failure&rdquo; to stop India from illegally annexing Kashmir in August 2019.

The PM, while addressing a mammoth gathering in Kotli on Friday also lambasted the PDM and said: &quot;I&#39;m ready for any sort of agreement, but I will never offer an NRO to the looters. I will help the opposition out with organizing their long march anywhere they want, but will not give them the NRO&quot;.

Leaders of the opposition parties on Thursday geared up for a decisive battle against the PTI led government as they announced that the PDM would stage a long march to Islamabad on March 26.

Talking with reference to the long march, Imran on Saturday said the PDM may as well try a long march.

&ldquo;No matter what they do, I won&rsquo;t give them an NRO. They [PDM] must bear in mind that people don&rsquo;t support looters. People around the world have come out on the streets to protest against corruption. Has anyone ever come out on the streets to support corruption of political leaders,&rdquo; the premier said.

Criticizing the PML-N supreme leader, he said Nawaz Sharif is hiding abroad along with his children.

&ldquo;The families of his brother as well as their munshi [former finance minister Ishaq Dar] are also hiding abroad. They see people as fools but those who treat people as fools are the greatest fool themselves,&rdquo; the premier said.

India&rsquo;s failed attempts

Imran said India has failed in getting Pakistan placed in the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an inter-governmental body that makes policies to curb money laundering and terror financing.

&ldquo;India is delusional if it thinks it can suppress Pakistan. New Delhi could never isolate Islamabad from the rest of the world. We have asked India to resolve the Kashmir conflict through dialogue,&quot; he said, adding that the issue of Kashmir has once again come into the limelight internationally.

In his speech at Kotli on Friday, Prime Minister Imran said the entire Pakistan stands united for the cause of Kashmir as it wants to bring an end to the atrocities and barbarities being committed by India.

&ldquo;Plebiscite in light of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions is the only solution to the Kashmir dispute. India could never win over the resolute Kashmiri people by using force.

&quot;World history tells that no army could ever win over a population. When a nation stood united, it defeated even the powerful armies. The United States, a super power, could not win in Vietnam... No super power could win in Afghanistan... France could not win over population in Algeria,&rdquo; he said.

Reiterating his commitment to raise the Kashmiris&#39; voice across the world as &quot;Ambassador of Kashmir&quot;, the prime minister said instead of suppressing the Kashmiri people, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s &ldquo;Hindutva ideology&rdquo; would destroy the Indian society.

&quot;The issue of Kashmir has been lingering since 1948. It could be resolved the way other international disputes like that of East Timor were resolved. [However] Kashmiris should be given the right to decide their fate,&quot; he said.

According to the premier, he invited Indian PM Narendra Modi several times to come to the negotiating table to resolve the crisis as dialogue is the only viable solution.

&quot;I realized following [February 2019] Pulwama incident that they [Indians] don&#39;t want peace or friendly ties [with Pakistan], and intend to use the issue for political gains. [But] I&#39;m still asking Modi to resolve the Kashmir issue through talks,&rdquo; the premier said.

Imran clarified that this invitation for dialogue should not be seen as a sign of weakness or fear.&quot;

&quot;Pakistan is the country of people who don&#39;t fear anyone but Allah; never have and never will,&quot; he maintained. &quot;Those who bow before Allah don&#39;t bow before anyone else.&quot; PM observed that today, no one who has the support of the Indian government could win elections from occupied Kashmir.]]>
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			<title>India misleading world on human rights violations in IIOJK: AJK president</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2282790/india-misleading-world-on-human-rights-violations-in-iiojk-ajk-president</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2282790/india-misleading-world-on-human-rights-violations-in-iiojk-ajk-president#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 21 13:14:44 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sardar Masood says occupation forces is crushing defenceless, weak and unarmed Kashmiri people]]>
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				<![CDATA[Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Sardar Masood Khan has said that India is misguiding the European governments and the US administration as well as other international institutions that it&rsquo;s fighting against &ldquo;terrorists&rdquo; in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

&quot;The reality is somewhat different and India in fact is crushing defenceless, weak and unarmed Kashmiri people, and depriving them of their homeland, businesses and livelihood and engaged in the genocide of the inhabitants of the disputed territory,&quot; he added.

The AJK president made these remarks on Friday while addressing Kashmir Solidarity Conference organised by Tehreek-e-Kashmir United Kingdom (TeK UK) President Faheem Kayani through video link, which was also participated and addressed by more than 40 UK members of parliament and leaders of the Kashmiri community living in Britain.

The UK MPs, who spoke on occasion and expressed solidarity with the people of IIOJK, were included, Robbie Moore, Gill Furniss, Tony Lloyd, Steve Baker, Nadia Whittome, Yasmin Qureshi, Richard Burgon, Stephen Timms, Sarah Owen, Rachel Hopkins, Paul Bristow, James Daly, Kate Hollern, Andrew Gwynne, Sara Britcliffe, Afzal Khan, Alison Thewliss, Rebecca Longbailey, Imran Hussain, John Spellar, Shabana Mahmood, Tahir Ali, Sam Tarry, Lillian Greenwood, Liam Byrne, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Lord Wajid Khan, Debbie Abraham, Hilary Benn, Paul Blomfield, Cheryl Gillan, and former member of European parliament Phil Bennion.




There is one voice missing from the Kashmir conflict &amp; that is of the Kashmiri themselves

On this #KashmirSolidarityDay I reaffirm my commitment to providing a voice for the voiceless

I promise to keep the plight of Kashmiris alive in Parliament (3/4) pic.twitter.com/MqgYVo6EIE
&mdash; Afzal Khan MP 💙 (@Afzal4Gorton) February 5, 2021



&nbsp;

President Masood urged them to use their influence, and convey to the governments of the western countries that if they failed to block the Indian military adventurism, the rule of law and the world order would no longer be in place in the world.

India, he said, is committing the crimes against humanity, and at the same time, it wants that the world not to speak about its inhuman actions.

The AJK president expressed gratitude to the UK and the European parliaments, media and the civil society for supporting the Kashmir cause but he also complained that the powerful governments of these countries are silent over the Indian repression and the worst violations of human rights as well as the genocide of Kashmiri people at the hands of the Indian army, and are thus showing negligence towards their international obligations. &quot;Their silence is encouraging India to trample human rights in Kashmir.&quot;

He asserted that the UK MPs must not support the Kashmiri people mere to seek votes from the Kashmiri community in their constituencies but they should support the Kashmiri people because they are being deprived of their civil liberties and rights.

Sardar Masood suggested that economic sanctions should be imposed on India for committing crimes against humanity in the Himalayan disputed territory, and the western countries should avoid making an investment in India until and unless it is ready to grant the right of self-determination to the Kashmiri people.

He prevailed upon the UN Security Council, the UN secretary-general and the UN Human Rights Commission to immediately take notice of the situation prevailing in IIOJK it is posing a serious threat to peace and security of not only the region but the entire world.

He reminded that both Pakistan and India are nuclear states, and the Indian brutalities are bringing both the countries close to a nuclear clash.]]>
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			<title>PDM leaders blame Imran for 'losing' Kashmir to India</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2282784/pdm-leaders-blame-imran-for-losing-kashmir-to-india</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2282784/pdm-leaders-blame-imran-for-losing-kashmir-to-india#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 21 12:05:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[This government will ruin Kashmir, says Fazl]]>
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				<![CDATA[Leaders of opposition parties, under the umbrella of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), blamed the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan for the revocation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s (IIOJK) special status by the right-wing Indian government of Narendra Modi.

Speaking at a public rally in Muzzafarabad on Friday, Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz said: &quot;Imran Khan had lost the case for Kashmir&quot;.

&quot;I want to ask you [Imran] what message do you bring for the people of Kashmir? Do you bring the message of handing over Kashmir to Modi, or, do you bring the message that you have lost the case of the Kashmiris?&quot;

Maryam, continuing her criticism of the premier, said whenever Kashmir will be mentioned or discussed, &quot;Imran Khan would be seen as the criminal&quot;.

&quot;It is the responsibility of the incumbent government to safeguard national interests, even if that government has been selected and is a fraud,&quot; the PML-N leader said as she continued to heap criticism on the PTI-led government. She added that the black spot of losing Kasmir to India will be forever present on PTI&#39;s record.

&quot;Their foreign policy was two-minutes of silence after Modi took over Kashmir, that is what Imran did.&quot;

She also criticised statements made earlier by the prime minister after his maiden trip to Washington and the meeting with then-president Donald Trump.

Referring to the upcoming Senate elections, Maryam alleged that &#39;show of hands&#39; is being pushed by the prime minister as &quot;he sees his members slipping away&quot;.

&quot;Always remember, a government is not accountable to the people if it steals their mandate.&quot;

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, addressing the rally, urged the people of Kashmir to &ldquo;reject&rdquo; the PTI government in the upcoming AJK elections.

&ldquo;Today, I want to say something to you. Listen to it intently. We rejected the 2018 elections. This is a rigged government. We will not accept the rigging in the Gilgit-Baltistan elections&hellip; and now they [this government] are preparing to rig the upcoming AJK elections,&rdquo; he said.

The JUI-F further called upon the participants to be wary of candidates who switch loyalties from their parties to the PTI before the AJK elections. &ldquo;Those who join the PTI for the elections will be considered the traitors of Kashmir, and will not be given votes,&rdquo; Fazl asserted.

Speaking of India&rsquo;s annexation of occupied Kashmir in August 2019, the PDM president observed that not only will India&rsquo;s unilateral action be rejected but, &ldquo;we will, hopefully, also wage a war to have the action reversed&rdquo;.

&ldquo;What has this government given to Pakistan that it will give to Kashmir?&rdquo; Fazl asked, warning the rally&rsquo;s participants of election the PTI government in the upcoming elections.

&ldquo;This government will ruin Kashmir,&rdquo; he added.

Fazl concluded his speech expressing hope that Kashmir will win freedom and will become a part of Pakistan.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, taking the podium after the JUI-F chief, said &quot;we will fight a 1,000 years for the freedom of Kashmir&quot;.

&ldquo;It is unfortunate that a country that saw a prime minister like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the first woman prime minister of the Muslim world, Benazir Bhutto, is being run by a &lsquo;puppet prime minister&rsquo;,&rdquo; the party chairman stated.

Bilawal blamed Prime Minister Imran Khan of being helpless following the Indian annexation of Kashmir. &ldquo;Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly following the annexation, all this prime minister had to say was &lsquo;What can I do?&rsquo;&rdquo; Bilawal said.

&ldquo;Where past Pakistani prime ministers are remembered for their historic speeches given over the Kashmir issue, this reply is what the history will remember the incumbent prime minister for,&rdquo; he added.

The PPP chairman went on to say that if Pakistan is to respond to Modi&rsquo;s fascism, it will have to do through a powerful prime minister and not a &ldquo;puppet prime minister&rdquo;.

&ldquo;If we have to defeat Modi, we will need a democratic government, not a &lsquo;selected&rsquo; government&rdquo;, he went on to add.

Referring to the presidential ordinance regarding providing consular access and reviewing and reconsidering the case of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jahav, Bilawal accused PM Imran of trying to play representative to Indian spy instead of being the ambassador of Kashmir.

Bilawal said the PPP continues to stand with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto&rsquo;s slogan of referendum [in Kashmir], while blaming the incumbent government of following the governance example set by Gen Pervez Musharraf.

Furthermore, encouraging people to reach Islamabad next month, Bilawal said that, &ldquo;It has been decided in Islamabad that a long march will be held on March 26. And you will also reach Islamabad from Kashmir.&rdquo;

Further riling up the audience against PM Imran, the PPP chairman said that, &ldquo;This puppet government that keeps repeating the mantra of &lsquo;same page&rsquo;, is basically on the same page with Modi&rdquo;.

&ldquo;We also compete with each other as political parties in this country, but we also keep in mind the country&rsquo;s cultural ethos,&rdquo; he said while slamming the PTI government for arresting Maryam Nawaz and his aunt, Faryal Talpur &ndash; in separate incidents.

&ldquo;We will never stoop as low as this government, who is doing exactly what Modi does to his opponents,&rdquo; Bilawal added.
Concluding his speech, the PPP chairman stated that despite the circumstances, &ldquo;we will fight together to rid this country of this government. And we will win!&rdquo;]]>
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