Chaos and Violence Char Bayar Festival as Political Exploitation Takes Center Stage

Date:

Rawalakot ( Azadi Times crosspondent) The Char Bayar Festival, typically a celebration of community and entertainment in Baloch, Poonch district of Pakistani-administrred Azad Kashmir, turned into a scene of chaos and violence as political agendas took precedence over public enjoyment.

Become a Contributor

Kashmir Needs Your Voice

With internet services suspended in Pakistan-administered Kashmir since 6 June 2026, timely reporting has become increasingly challenging. The Azadi Times is inviting Kashmir-based writers and journalists to join our network of authors and contributors.

The blame for the deteriorating situation lies squarely on the shoulders of the Minister of Finance, who shamelessly manipulated the festival for political gain. What was meant to be a joyous occasion quickly devolved into a political rally, with the minister and their allies using the stage to bolster their own positions and agendas.

This blatant exploitation sparked a wave of discontent among the youth, who responded with their own chants and slogans, further inflaming tensions. Tragically, this escalation resulted in outbreaks of violence, leaving several youths injured and the atmosphere of the festival marred by fear and unrest.

In response to these developments, there are calls from both the public and the youth to boycott such politicized events and reclaim the festival as a space for genuine community enjoyment. It is imperative that authorities take swift action to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety and security of all attendees.

As the dust settles on this unfortunate episode, questions linger about the role of politics in public events and the responsibility of those in power to prioritize the well-being of their constituents over their own agendas.

EDITOR'S NOTEAzadi Times – Compact Patron Block
Editor's Note

The Truth They Hide

Do you want to know the truth that state-controlled media won't show you? Across the ceasefire line, millions of Kashmiri voices are being silenced. The Azadi Times brings those voices to you — powered by 2,400+ patrons who refuse to look away.

No Paywalls
Reader Funded
Award Winning
Join our Community From $5/month • Cancel anytime
Secure Payment
256-bit Encrypted

Related Articles

Azad Kashmir Forms New Eight-Member Cabinet in Muzaffarabad

Acting President Chaudhry Tariq Farooq administers the oath to the newly appointed ministers at a ceremony in Muzaffarabad. MUZAFFARABAD — Azad Kashmir has completed a key phase of government formation with the swearing-in of a new eight-member cabinet in Muzaffarabad. The oath-taking ceremony took place at the President House on Friday, September 4, 2026, drawing […]

Azad Kashmir Government Allocates Portfolios to Newly Elected Ministers

The newly inducted ministers in Azad Kashmir have been assigned key government departments, including health, education, and physical planning, following the issuance of an official notification. The newly elected ministers in Azad Kashmir have been assigned their respective government portfolios, according to an official notification issued by the authorities. Under the new assignments, Sardar Mir […]

Azad Kashmir Government Unveils 100-Day Reform Agenda Focused on Public Service and Development

Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani chaired a high-level meeting in Muzaffarabad to review the newly launched 100-day reform program, aimed at improving healthcare, education, and infrastructure across Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Muzaffarabad — The government in Azad Kashmir has formally initiated its comprehensive 100-day reform program, aimed at accelerating development and improving public service delivery across the region. […]

Free Medical Camp Organised in Rawalakot to Honor Shaheed Shahzaib

Specialist doctors, 24-hour emergency services, and laboratory facilities are made available at the commemorative medical camp in Rawalakot. RAWALAKOT — A free medical camp has been established in Rawalakot to honor the memory of Shaheed Shahzaib, a prominent activist associated with the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Shahzaib, who was a close […]