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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>Diplomacy must run parallel to military developments to avert prolonged conflict, says Masood</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2599926/diplomacy-must-run-parallel-to-military-developments-to-avert-prolonged-conflict-says-masood</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2599926/diplomacy-must-run-parallel-to-military-developments-to-avert-prolonged-conflict-says-masood#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 26 08:33:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Khizar Hayat Abbasi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Azad Jammu &amp; Kashmir]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2599926</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Former AJK president says talks necessary even as hostilities persist, terms sustained engagement essential]]>
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				<![CDATA[Masood Khan, former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, affirmed that diplomatic engagement between the US and Iran is already underway, with Pakistan playing a central mediatory role. He also noted that diplomacy must be patnered with military developments.

In a series of interviews given to different TV channels on evolving developments in the Gulf, Khan stated that Pakistan has moved beyond a traditional facilitative role to emerge as the lead mediator in the ongoing diplomatic process.

Read: Egypt, Turk FMs land in Islamabad with Saudi to follow for high-level talks as Pakistan steps up Iran war mediation

He noted that this role has received wide international endorsement, including support from regional actors and major powers such as China, underscoring Islamabad&rsquo;s growing diplomatic credibility.

&ldquo;Talks are necessary even as hostilities persist,&rdquo; the former president emphasised, adding that diplomacy must continue in parallel with military developments to prevent a prolonged and destabilising conflict.

He cautioned that while both sides maintain maximalist positions, sustained engagement remains essential to eventually secure a ceasefire and transition toward structured negotiations.

Addressing skepticism surrounding the authenticity of dialogue efforts, Khan clarified that despite the absence of formal public confirmations from all parties, credible backchannel communication is taking place.

Read More: FM Dar urges dialogue, diplomacy in call with Araghchi ahead of &#39;indepth&#39; Islamabad talks on Iran war

Khan observed that the current situation is marked by simultaneous escalation and diplomacy, with military deployments and strategic signaling shaping negotiating positions. However, he warned that intensification of hostilities &ndash; particularly around critical flashpoints such as the Strait of Hormuz &ndash; could undermine fragile diplomatic gains and complicate mediation efforts.

Highlighting the broader geopolitical context, Khan noted that domestic pressures within key countries, including economic strain, public discontent, and rising global energy prices, are pushing stakeholders toward seeking a diplomatic exit.

The former president stressed that disruption in oil and gas supply chains has made the conflict not only a regional crisis but a global economic concern.

Also Read: Dar hails Iran&#39;s move to allow 20 more Pakistani ships through Strait of Hormuz

He further explained that initial engagement is likely to take the form of proximity talks, given the deep trust deficit between Washington and Tehran. Direct negotiations, Khan noted, would require the gradual building of confidence through sustained intermediary efforts.

Concluding his remarks, the former president expressed cautious optimism, stating that while the path to peace remains complex and fraught with challenges, Pakistan&rsquo;s proactive diplomacy holds potential to steer the crisis toward de-escalation and eventual resolution.]]>
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			<title>AJK Tax Asaan Mobile App launched</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2594091/ajk-tax-asaan-mobile-app-launched</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2594091/ajk-tax-asaan-mobile-app-launched#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 26 01:32:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[MA Mir]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2594091</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Primary objective is to provide taxpayers with an integrated, secure, user-friendly system]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) of Azad Jammu &amp; Kashmir (AJK) has launched the &quot;AJK Tax Asaan Mobile App&quot; and the &quot;BI Revenue Collection/IT Dashboard&quot; to ensure direct, prompt and effective communication between taxpayers and the department.

AJK Minister for Inland Revenue and Finance Chaudhry Qasim Majeed formally inaugurated the modern digital systems aimed at enhancing revenue collection.

A demonstration of the AJK Tax Asaan Mobile App and the BI Revenue Collection/IT Dashboard was presented at the launch ceremony. Officials highlighted that following the successful implementation of the AJK Point of Sale (POS) Invoicing System, the integration of advanced digital modules will further enhance transparency and efficiency in revenue collection.

Speaking on the occasion Majeed said the primary objective of the new digital platforms is to provide taxpayers with an integrated, secure and user-friendly system.

He added that through the mobile application, taxpayers will be able to verify invoices issued under the POS Invoicing System, view their registration details, access return-related information, make online tax payments, track the status of cases or applications and manage various online modules and services of the AJ&amp;K IRIS system directly from their mobile devices.]]>
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			<title>PM Shehbaz reaffirms unwavering support for Kashmir cause, announces major development package</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2590937/pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-unwavering-support-for-kashmir-cause-announces-major-development-package</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2590937/pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-unwavering-support-for-kashmir-cause-announces-major-development-package#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 26 11:45:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP.]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2590937</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Unveils education and infrastructure projects]]>
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				<![CDATA[Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s unwavering political, diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmir cause and said the Kashmiri people&rsquo;s struggle for the right to self-determination would continue until its logical conclusion in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

He also&nbsp;announced a special development package for the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

Addressing a special session of the AJK Legislative Assembly held on Kashmir Solidarity Day, the prime minister paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people and underlined that history bore&nbsp;witness that Kashmiris could&nbsp;sacrifice their lives and children but would never compromise on their freedom.

The prime minister saluted martyrs of the Kashmir struggle, from Burhan Wani to veteran leader Syed Ali Geelani, and paid homage to leaders, activists, journalists, women and children, including Asiya Andrabi, Yasin Malik and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. He said the blood of innocent Kashmiris had exposed India&rsquo;s narrative before the world.



براہِ راست: وزیراعظم کی آزاد جموں و کشمیر یادگار شہداء پر آمد اور قانون ساز اسمبلی کے اجلاس سے خطاب https://t.co/MdaeIKlg71
&mdash; Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 5, 2026



PM Shehbaz said Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had declared Kashmir as Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;jugular vein&rdquo;, which continued&nbsp;to form the basis of Pakistan&rsquo;s foreign policy. He maintained that durable peace in South Asia was not possible unless India abandoned its hegemonic ambitions and respected the fundamental rights of Kashmiris.

Linking Kashmir with Palestine, the prime minister said granting oppressed peoples the right to live according to their will was a test of the international community&rsquo;s commitment to democracy, justice and international law. He added that Pakistan would continue to play an active role in the peaceful resolution of both issues.

The premier expressed grief over the demise of former AJK president&nbsp;Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry. He recalled the late leader&rsquo;s lifelong dedication to the Kashmir freedom movement and acknowledged the political services of his father, Chaudhry Noor Hussain, among the founding political figures of AJK. The house offered prayers&nbsp;for the deceased.

Earlier, PM Shehbaz and AJK PM Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore laid a wreath at AJK Yadgar-e-Shuhada on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day.



Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore laying floral wreath at Azad Jammu and Kashmir Yadgar-e-Shuhada on the occasion of Kashmir solidarity day. pic.twitter.com/TXajJyBqEm
&mdash; Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 5, 2026


Special development package for AJK

PM Shehbaz also announced a comprehensive development package for AJK aimed at expanding access to education, improving infrastructure and strengthening the region&rsquo;s economic base.

Central to the plan is the establishment of Danish Schools across AJK and the creation of a&nbsp;Danish University in Muzaffarabad, with a focus on modern technology, information technology, artificial intelligence and advanced scientific research.

The package also includes enhanced stipends for Kashmiri migrants, merit-based distribution of laptops, and expanded scholarships under the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund to support students from the region.

In addition, the federal government will undertake new water-supply schemes, invest in hydropower projects, construct key bridges and increase funding for public universities, with particular emphasis on women&rsquo;s higher education institutions.

The prime minister said these initiatives were intended to empower Kashmiri youth, strengthen human capital and ensure that development in AJK&nbsp;progressed alongside Pakistan&rsquo;s continued political and diplomatic support for the Kashmir cause.]]>
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			<title>Govt announces Feb 5 public holiday for Kashmir Solidarity Day</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2590395/govt-announces-feb-5-public-holiday-for-kashmir-solidarity-day</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2590395/govt-announces-feb-5-public-holiday-for-kashmir-solidarity-day#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 26 10:02:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Azad Jammu &amp; Kashmir]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2590395</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Also calls for one-minute silence at 10 am in remembrance of Kashmir's martyrs]]>
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				<![CDATA[The federal government on Monday&nbsp;announced that February 5 would&nbsp;be a public holiday on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day.

The announcement was made in a press release from the Cabinet Secretariat that said&nbsp;a minute&#39;s silence would be&nbsp;observed nationwide at 10am in remembrance of Kashmir&#39;s martyrs.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange&nbsp;also notified market participants that it would&nbsp;remain closed for the holiday.&nbsp;

The day&rsquo;s origins trace back to the early 1990s, when it was first proposed by Qazi Hussain Ahmad.

The annual observance is used by successive governments to restate support for Kashmiris in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and to amplify Pakistan&rsquo;s long-standing call for a settlement in line with United Nation resolutions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said the day is a reminder to the world and a show of solidarity with the Kashmiris for their right to self-determination. The government information department has similarly linked the day to UN Security Council resolutions calling for a plebiscite.

Read: Pakistan calls for UN-backed plebiscite on Kashmir

Kashmir Solidarity Day is typically marked with rallies, seminars, peace marches and candlelight vigils, including events in Islamabad and across the country, as well as in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. In past years, the day has included human chains at key connecting points such as Kohala.

Civic groups and members of the Kashmiri diaspora have also used the day to keep international attention on Kashmir, reiterating calls for a UN-backed vote on the region&rsquo;s future.]]>
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			<title>'Any aggression to be met with swift, befitting response,' CDF says in visit to Kashmir frontlines</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2590949/any-aggression-to-be-met-with-swift-befitting-response-cdf-says-in-visit-to-kashmir-frontlines</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2590949/any-aggression-to-be-met-with-swift-befitting-response-cdf-says-in-visit-to-kashmir-frontlines#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 26 13:45:36 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2590949</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Field Marshal Asim Munir says Kashmir will 'soon witness the dawn of freedom']]>
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				<![CDATA[Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir said on Thursday that the country&rsquo;s armed forces remained fully prepared to counter both conventional and hybrid threats in an evolving security environment, warning that any act of aggression would be met with a swift and befitting response during a visit to the frontlines in Kashmir.

The remarks and visit came as the country observes Kashmir Solidarity Day to express support for the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and their struggle for the right to self-determination. The day draws the attention of the international community to the Indian atrocities in IIOJK. To mark the occasion, solidarity walks, seminars and exhibitions are being organised across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

In a statement, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said CDF Munir visited a forward post in AJK, where he interacted with troops deployed on the frontlines.

&quot;He reiterated that any act of aggression would be instantaneously met with a swift and befitting response. He underscored that the armed forces remain fully prepared to counter both conventional and hybrid threats in an evolving security environment,&quot; the ISPR said.



Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, has reiterated Pakistan&#39;s unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir@OfficialDGISPR @PakistanFauj #RadioPakistan #news&hellip; pic.twitter.com/tT1nalNfjU
&mdash; Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) February 5, 2026



The field marshal also visited Muzaffarabad, where he paid homage to the martyrs of the Kashmir freedom struggle by laying a wreath at the Jammu and Kashmir Martyrs Monument and offering tributes to them, acknowledging their legacy of valour and sacrifice.

&ldquo;Interacting with the notables and veterans, the CDF reiterated Pakistan&rsquo;s unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support for the people of IIOJK,&rdquo; the ISPR statement said.

Read More: Violence can&#39;t be rationalised under any pretext: CDF

&ldquo;He noted that Indian atrocities, unabated violations of human rights, and Hindutva-driven excesses have failed to suppress the legitimate struggle and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people,&rdquo; it added.

Reaffirming Pakistan&rsquo;s stance on the dispute, CDF Munir said Kashmir would &ldquo;soon witness the dawn of freedom, in accordance with the will and destiny of the people of Kashmir&rdquo;.

He further stressed that Pakistan would continue to raise the Kashmir issue at all relevant international forums &ldquo;until a just resolution of the dispute is achieved in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions&rdquo;.

The ISPR said the CDF praised the &quot;professionalism, morale and combat readiness&quot; of officers and soldiers deployed in AJK despite challenging operational conditions.

Also Read: PM Shehbaz reaffirms unwavering support for Kashmir cause

&ldquo;CDF emphasised the imperative of maintaining peak operational preparedness, vigilance, and seamless synergy across all domains to effectively deter and decisively respond to any hostile provocation,&rdquo; the statement said.

Earlier, upon arrival in Muzaffarabad, Munir was received by the Commander Rawalpindi Corps.

A day earlier, during a visit to Quetta in the aftermath of recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, the CDF stated that no one can rationalise violence and terrorism under any pretext.

The remarks came after a series of coordinated attacks at multiple locations in Balochistan over the weekend. CDF Munir had received a comprehensive operational briefing on the prevailing security environment and ongoing internal security operations.

&quot;CDF remarked that no terrorist and its facilitator will be spared and all will be dealt strictly as per law and that no one can rationalise violence and terrorism on any pretext,&quot; the ISPR said.

It added that the briefing covered terrorist attacks orchestrated by &quot;India-backed internationally-designated terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan and the prompt aggressive response of security forces which failed their ulterior motive of compromising peace, stability, and development in Balochistan&quot;.]]>
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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]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<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]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<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]]>
			</description>
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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]]>
			</description>
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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>Pre-monsoon rains forecast from June 20</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2551668/pre-monsoon-rains-forecast-from-june-20</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2551668/pre-monsoon-rains-forecast-from-june-20#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jun 25 14:52:04 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Thunderstorms expected in upper Sindh, Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan is set to receive widespread pre-monsoon rainfall from June 20 to 23, offering relief from the severe heatwave gripping several regions, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said on Wednesday.

The wet spell is expected to bring dust storms, rain-wind and thundershowers to large parts of the country, with isolated areas also likely to experience heavy rainfall and hailstorms.

The PMD said unstable weather would develop due to moist currents from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, as well as a westerly wave expected to enter the upper parts of the country on June 20.



https://publish.twitter.com/?url=https://twitter.com/pmdgov/status/1935652865072353764#



&ldquo;Windstorms and lightning may cause damage to vulnerable structures such as electric poles, trees, solar panels, and parked vehicles,&rdquo; the Met Office warned. It added that the ongoing heatwave was likely to subside gradually during the forecast period.

From June 20 to 23, rain and thunderstorms are forecast in upper and central Punjab, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Faisalabad, Jhang, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, and Sargodha.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa&rsquo;s upper districts &mdash; including Peshawar, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Dir and Waziristan &mdash; will also experience rain and gusty winds. Similar conditions are expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Murree and Galliyat.

The Met Office predicted more scattered rain from June 21 to 23 in parts of south Punjab and northeastern Balochistan, particularly Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Zhob.



ملک بھر میں 20سے 23جون کے دوران گرج چمک کے ساتھ بارش کی پیشگوئی#raininislamabad #heavyrain #raininislamabad #heavyrain #weather #weatherupdate #lahore #winter #weatherforecast #RainUpdate #PakistanWeather #PreMonsoon2025 #WeatherNews #HeavyRain #RainForecast #PakistanRain&hellip; pic.twitter.com/zAy1L9XYqP
&mdash; APP (@appcsocialmedia) June 19, 2025


From June 22 to 24, pre-monsoon activity is likely to reach Sindh&rsquo;s upper districts such as Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu and Jacobabad.

The department warned of possible urban flooding in low-lying areas of Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Islamabad during heavy downpours.

Farmers have been advised to plan agricultural activities accordingly. The public and tourists were urged to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable or flood-prone areas.

&ldquo;All concerned authorities are advised to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to mitigate any untoward situation,&rdquo; the PMD said.]]>
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			<title>Rain, thunderstorms predicted in northern regions</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2549136/rain-thunderstorms-predicted-in-northern-regions</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2549136/rain-thunderstorms-predicted-in-northern-regions#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 25 17:36:05 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[NDMA urges all provincial and district disaster management authorities to remain on high alert]]>
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				<![CDATA[The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a weather advisory on Monday, warning of persistent hot and dry conditions across most parts of Pakistan from June 2 to June 7.

The advisory also included&nbsp;a forecast for isolated rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms in select northern and northeastern regions.

According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), high temperatures will dominate Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan, with little relief expected throughout the week.

However, intermittent weather disturbances are expected to impact parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), and Azad Jammu and&nbsp;Kashmir (AJK), potentially affecting local communities and agriculture.



نیشنل ایمرجنسیز آپریشن سینٹر:
2 -7 جون کے دوران بیشتر علاقوں میں موسم گرم اور خشک رہے گا، جبکہ پوٹھوہار، شمال مشرقی پنجاب، خیبر پختونخوا، گلگت بلتستان اور آزاد کشمیر میں گرج چمک کے ساتھ بارش کا امکان ہے۔تیز ہواؤں اور طوفان کے دوران کمزور تعمیرات، درختوں اور بل بورڈز سے دور رہیں pic.twitter.com/NUbh1kvCqc
&mdash; NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) June 2, 2025


In Punjab, scorching and dry weather conditions are expected to affect most areas. However, areas such as Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan could experience sporadic thunderstorms, windstorms, and duststorms, particularly between June 2 and 5.

Balochistan will continue to endure hot and dry conditions, with districts like Quetta, Turbat, Gwadar, Khuzdar, and Zhob expected to feel the heat. Similarly, Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, and Mirpurkhas, will experience intense heat.

K-P&nbsp;will see hot and dry conditions, although northern regions such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Malakand, Abbottabad, and Kurram may receive isolated showers and thunderstorms between June 2 and 6.

In G-B&nbsp;and AJK, partly cloudy skies with chances of isolated rain and thunderstorms are expected in areas like Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Muzaffarabad, and Mirpur, continuing through June 7.

The NDMA has urged all provincial and district disaster management authorities to remain on high alert, improve emergency preparedness, and coordinate closely with local response units.

The public is advised to limit unnecessary travel, especially in hilly or flood-prone areas, and secure vulnerable infrastructure like trees, power lines, and solar panels.

Farmers have been advised to take measures to protect standing crops from hailstorms and strong winds. Tourists and travellers have been urged to exercise caution during outdoor or mountainous activities.]]>
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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[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>
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				<![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>
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				<![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>
			<dc:creator>
				<![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>
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				<![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>
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				<![CDATA[APP]]>
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				<![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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				<![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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				<![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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				<![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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