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JKJAAC Flags “Serious Breaches” of October 2025 Agreement in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir

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Editorial Staff
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Muzaffarabad / Pakistan administrated Kashmir — The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as continued violations of a landmark agreement signed with the Government of Pakistan following the deadly events of late 2025 in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (Azad Jammu and Kashmir).

In a detailed two-page submission addressed to Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and dated 17 January 2026, the Committee warned that the failure to implement key clauses of the 13/14 October 2025 agreement has deepened public frustration and eroded trust among the people of the region.

From Public Movement to Agreement

Formed on 17 September 2023, the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee brought together representatives from diverse social and political backgrounds to press for long-standing public demands in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The movement intensified after violent incidents between 29 September and 13 October 2025, during which several civilians were killed and many others injured.

Following these events, a high-powered delegation from Islamabad, acting on the Prime Minister’s directives, visited Muzaffarabad and signed what was widely described as a historic agreement with the Committee. The accord was seen as a moment of reassurance for Kashmiris, signaling acknowledgment of their grievances and a commitment to justice and reform.

Travel Bans, FIRs and Airport Offloading

One of the most contentious issues highlighted by JKJAAC is the continued placement of activists and ordinary citizens on the Exit Control List (ECL) and Passport Control List (PCL), despite assurances that such measures would be withdrawn.

The Committee states that FIRs registered between 9 May 2023 and 4 October 2025 against JKJAAC members and members of the public were to be cancelled under the agreement. However, months later, individuals seeking overseas employment are still being offloaded from flights and detained at airports — a situation JKJAAC says has caused severe financial loss and psychological trauma.

Compensation and Health Card Promises Unfulfilled

Clause 11 of the English-language agreement committed authorities to provide:

  • Compensation equivalent to Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) for families of those killed on 1 and 2 October 2025
  • Rs 1 million for each person injured by gunfire
  • A government job within 20 days to a family member of each deceased

As of mid-January 2026, JAAC maintains that full implementation remains pending.

Similarly, while the agreement promised implementation of the Health Card scheme within 15 days, the Committee notes that several major hospitals in Azad Kashmir are not empanelled with State Life Insurance. As a result, poor patients are forced to travel to Islamabad or Rawalpindi for treatment, undermining the scheme’s stated purpose.

High-Powered Committee Clause Under Question

Another central grievance concerns the clause mandating a high-powered committee of legal and constitutional experts to examine the status of Assembly members elected from constituencies outside Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the agreement, all privileges, concessions, funds, and ministerial status of such members were to remain suspended until the committee submitted its final report. JKJAAC alleges that not only was the committee’s formation delayed without explanation, but privileges were restored and parliamentary roles assigned, which the Committee describes as a direct violation of the written accord.

Political Developments and Public Anger

The Committee’s submission also references growing unease ahead of upcoming elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Particular anger has been directed at the induction of Saqib Majeed into the Pakistan Muslim League (N), a figure accused by protestors of opening fire on peaceful demonstrators in Muzaffarabad on 29 September 2025, resulting in three deaths and multiple injuries.

JKJAAC states that no individual has yet been arrested or convicted in connection with those killings, intensifying public resentment and raising questions about accountability and political patronage.

Questions Over the Remaining 38 Demands

Beyond the points listed in the January submission, social media users and civil society voices continue to ask what happened to the remaining 38 demands originally presented by the Awami Action Committee. Observers note that while selective commitments were announced, there has been little official clarity on which demands have been accepted, rejected, or deferred.

These questions were also echoed online by Atif Maqbool, a political communicator and core activist of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, who wrote on X that those accused of involvement in the 29 September violence continue to move freely and enjoy political backing, while no arrests have been made to date.

Call for Immediate Intervention

In its appeal, the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take personal notice of what it calls systematic deviations from the agreement and to ensure that justice, accountability, and transparency are delivered to the people of Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

As public debate intensifies both on the ground and online the fate of the October 2025 agreement is increasingly being viewed as a critical test of governance, credibility, and the state’s relationship with Kashmiris.

2026 Public Holiday Calendar for Azad Jammu & Kashmir: Official List, Dates & Cultural Context

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Editorial Staff
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How Azad Jammu & Kashmir Marks Time, Memory, and Identity

MUZAFFARABAD, Azad Jammu & Kashmir — In the delicate architecture of a nation’s year, public holidays are more than days off. They are the pillars of collective memory, the rhythm of religious devotion, and the scheduled pauses for political reflection. For Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), a region where history is felt acutely and identity is woven from multiple threads, the official holiday calendar for 2026 serves as a profound civic script.

Released by the Government of Pakistan and applicable across AJK, the schedule is a map of the year’s emotional and ideological landscape. It moves from the solemn political solidarity of February to the joyous religious feasts of spring and summer, through days of national creation and constitutional birth, and into the sacred mourning of Muharram. To read this calendar is to understand the forces—faith, nationhood, struggle, and culture—that structure life here.

The Political Pillars: Days of Solidarity and Sovereignty

The year’s formal commemoration begins not with celebration, but with assertion. Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5 (Thursday) transcends the typical public holiday. Government offices close, but the streets often fill. It is a day of rallies, seminars, and human chains—a performative act of unity between Pakistani and AJK citizens meant to echo in international corridors. “It’s not a holiday in the sense of rest,” notes Muzaffarabad-based political analyst Dr. Saba Gul. “It’s a holiday in the original sense of a ‘holy day’—a day set aside for the sacred duty of remembering the unresolved struggle. The closure of institutions forces a societal focus on the issue.”

Three national holidays form the core of Pakistan’s, and by extension AJK’s, foundational narrative. Pakistan Day (March 23) commemorates the 1940 Lahore Resolution, the ideological birth certificate. Youm-e-Takbeer (May 28) marks the 1998 nuclear tests, a day of strategic sovereignty that often tangles with Eid celebrations. The crescendo is Independence Day on August 14, a full-bodied celebration where the green of the flag paints entire towns, and state-sponsored ceremonies blend with spontaneous street festivities.

These are more than days off; they are rituals of statecraft. Schools hold essay competitions on the “Ideology of Pakistan,” state media runs marathon patriotic programming, and the military holds showpiece parades. In AJK, these observances carry a distinct resonance, reinforcing the region’s constitutional integration with Pakistan while its ultimate status remains a global question.

The Sacred Rhythm: The Lunar Calendar’s Movable Feasts

Interlaced with the fixed Gregorian dates of national days is the fluid, celestial rhythm of the Islamic lunar calendar. These are the holidays that truly dictate the pulse of society, their provisional dates (marked with asterisks below) a reminder of tradition’s authority over the modern state apparatus.

· Eid-ul-Fitr (Estimated: March 21-23): This is the festival of breaking the fast, a collective exhale after the austerity of Ramadan. Its impact is socio-economic: a massive internal migration occurs as urban workers return to ancestral villages in AJK’s Neelum, Jhelum, and Leepa valleys. The bazaars of Muzaffarabad and Mirpur see a frenzy of spending on clothes, sweets, and gifts. For three days, public life halts for private joy.


· Eid-ul-Adha (Estimated: May 27-28): The Feast of Sacrifice is a starker, more profound observance. It is a spectacle of faith and economics, where livestock markets spring up overnight and the sound of the takbir mixes with the bleating of sheep. The ritual distribution of meat underscores obligations to family and community. When it coincides with Youm-e-Takbeer, as it does in 2026, the narrative intertwines religious sacrifice with national strength.


· Ashura (Estimated: June 25-26): The 9th and 10th of Muharram are days of profound communal mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA). In towns like Bhimber and Kotli, processions (juloos) transform main arteries into rivers of black-clad mourners. It is a holiday of a different tenor—one of somber reflection, where the state’s role shifts from celebration to providing security for emotionally charged gatherings.


· Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Estimated: August 25): The Prophet’s birthday is marked by devotional gatherings, illuminations, and emphasis on his teachings of peace. It is a holiday that leans more toward spiritual study and less toward private festivity.

The fact that these dates are tentative, subject to the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s moon-sighting announcements, is a critical cultural detail. It is a weekly lesson that some schedules cannot be dictated by spreadsheet, but must bow to the sky.

The Pluralist Notes: Labour, Iqbal, and Christmas

The calendar also incorporates universal and minority observances, revealing a layered identity. Labour Day (May 1) acknowledges workers’ rights within a global context. Allama Iqbal Day (November 9) honors the poet-philosopher whose vision inspired the state, a holiday of the intellect celebrated in academic circles.

Most notably, December 25 is a dual holiday: Quaid-e-Azam Day for the founding father Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Christmas Day, an official holiday for Pakistan’s Christian community and widely observed as a day off. The granting of December 26 as an additional holiday for Christian employees formalizes a space for religious pluralism within the national schedule.

The Impact: A Society Synchronized by Pause

The practical effects of this calendar are immense. It dictates the annual cycle of business, education, and travel.

· The Government & Economy: The back-to-back holidays around Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha bring formal commerce to a standstill for nearly a week. The stock exchange closes, banks halt transactions, and government services pause. This synchronized break creates a unique economic rhythm of pre-holiday boom and post-holiday lull.
· Education: The academic year for AJK’s schools and universities is sculpted around these holidays. Summer vacations often begin after Eid-ul-Fitr, and winter breaks align with the year-end holidays. Exam schedules are meticulously plotted to avoid sacred and national days.
· Tourism & Travel: The holidays trigger the largest domestic migration waves. Eid sees choked highways as families reunite. The pleasant weather of March and August makes long weekends like Pakistan Day and Independence Day prime times for tourism into AJK’s hill stations, flooding Neelum Valley with visitors and testing local infrastructure.

Conclusion: A Calendar as a Contract

The 2026 public holiday calendar for Azad Jammu & Kashmir is, in essence, a social contract. It is the state officially sanctioning time for remembrance, worship, celebration, and rest. It acknowledges the political reality of the Kashmir cause, the religious devotion of the majority, the legacy of the nation’s founders, and the rights of minority communities.

For the resident, it is a practical guide to the year. For the observer, it is a key to understanding the complex, sometimes competing, loyalties and rhythms that define life in this beautiful, contested region. The fixed dates promise structure; the movable feasts insist on tradition. Together, they chart a year in the life of Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

Official Public Holiday Calendar for AJK & Pakistan – 2026

Date Day Holiday Category
5 Feb Thursday Kashmir Solidarity Day National Observance
21–23 Mar* Sat–Mon Eid-ul-Fitr Religious (Islamic)
23 Mar Monday Pakistan Day National
1 May Friday Labour Day National
27–28 May* Wed–Thu Eid-ul-Adha Religious (Islamic)
28 May Thursday Youm-e-Takbeer National
25–26 Jun* Thu–Fri Ashura (9th & 10th Muharram) Religious (Islamic)
14 Aug Friday Independence Day National
25 Aug* Tuesday Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) Religious (Islamic)
9 Nov Monday Allama Iqbal Day National
25 Dec Friday Quaid-e-Azam Day & Christmas Day National & Christian Holiday
26 Dec Saturday Second Day of Christmas (for Christian employees) Christian Holiday

*Dates are provisional and subject to moon-sighting confirmation.

The Fort That Refuses to Fall: Muzaffarabad’s Red Fort and the Unyielding Memory of Kashmir

By
Editorial Staff
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MUZAFFARABAD, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (PaJK)—From the bend in the Neelum River, it looks less like a monument and more like a geological fact. The reddish-brown walls of Muzaffarabad’s Red Fort rise from the bedrock, merging with the cliff face as if carved by the river itself.

For nearly five centuries, this citadel has not merely stood; it has witnessed. It has watched empires march, borders harden, and the very river that once defended it slowly eat away at its foundations. Today, it stands as perhaps the most potent, if crumbling, physical archive of Kashmiri history in the region’s capital.

This is not a story of frozen architecture. It is a chronicle of adaptation, survival, and silent testimony. The Red Fort’s stones hold the ambitions of the Chak dynasty, the administrative chill of the Mughals, the martial stamp of the Durranis, and the heavy hand of the Dogras. Its current state—a mix of melancholic grandeur and visible decay—poses urgent questions about heritage, memory, and what a community chooses to preserve.

Strategic Birth on a Contested Frontier

Our story begins in 1549, in a world of shifting suzerainties. The independent Chak rulers of Kashmir, their kingdom a jewel coveted by the expanding Mughal Empire to the south, faced a perennial threat. Their response was one of strategic genius.

Photo: Red Fort Muzaffarabad

They chose a spit of land where the Neelum River (then called the Kishan Ganga) hooks sharply, creating a natural moat on three sides. Only a narrow land bridge connected it to the city. “They weren’t just building a fort; they were sculpting a dilemma for any invading force,” says Dr. Arif Malik, a historian focusing on Himalayan architecture. “Attack from land, and you face a bottleneck under the fort’s walls. Try the river, and you’re exposed and battling the current. It was a defender’s dream.”

Built by local artisans with massive, rounded river stones, the original fort was a purely military organism—a place for garrison, storage, and imposing control over the trade route along the river.

A Chameleon Under Empires

History, however, has a way of repurposing symbols of power. With the Mughal annexation of Kashmir in 1587, the fort’s stark military purpose faded. The empire’s frontiers lay far to the northwest. The fort was demilitarized into a royal serai—a luxurious lodge for Mughal elites on their famed pilgrimages to Kashmir’s gardens. “It became a destination, not a deterrent,” notes Malik. “The echoes in its courtyards changed from the clang of arms to the discussions of courtiers.”

This interlude was brief. The Afghan Durrani Empire, which seized control in the mid-18th century, saw the region’s value anew. Under Sultan Muzaffar Khan—the city’s namesake—the fort was expanded and re-fortified, its walls thickened for a new era of conflict.

The most transformative—and, for many Kashmiris, most painful—chapter came with the Dogras in the 19th century. For Maharajas Gulab Singh and Ranbir Singh, the fort was the key to holding Muzaffarabad, the western gateway to the Vale of Kashmir. They renovated it extensively, using it as an administrative nerve center and garrison to consolidate their often-brutal rule.

It is here that the fort’s darkest spaces speak loudest: a labyrinth of eight subterranean dungeons, cells of damp brick and perpetual shadow. “These kāl koṭhṛīs (black cells) are not Mughal or Afghan; their construction is Dogra,” explains a local archaeologist who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of historical interpretation. “They are the physical infrastructure of control. You can feel the weight of that history in the cold air.”

The Assaults of Earth and Water

The Dogras left in 1928. For decades, the fort slumbered, a haunted place slowly ceded to the elements, until it was handed over to AJK’s Department of Archaeology.

Then, nature delivered its own sieges.

The 1992 floods were a warning. The 2005 Kashmir earthquake was a cataclysm. The 7.6-magnitude tremor shattered walls, collapsed entire sections facing the river, and severely damaged a small on-site museum, scattering or burying its artifacts. The outer sarai (travelers’ inn) was reduced to rubble.

But the most insidious enemy is constant: the Neelum River itself. The very waters that defined its strength are now eroding its being. Annual floods, exacerbated by climate change and upstream environmental shifts, gnaw at the foundations. A 2010 flood was so severe it prompted the construction of a large protective embankment—a stark, modern wall now guarding the ancient one.

“It’s a race against time and hydrology,” the site’s longtime caretaker, Muhammad Farooq, tells me, gesturing towards the river’s edge where stonework has recently vanished. “The river is hungry. Every monsoon, we hold our breath.”

The Present: Picnickers, Plans, and a Precarious Future

Today, the fort is a park. On a sunny afternoon, families picnic in its weathered courtyards, children chase pigeons through arches that once framed marching soldiers. It is a space reclaimed for casual joy, its grim past softened by samosas and laughter. Yet, this very normalcy masks a precarious reality.

The conservation challenges are immense. “This isn’t a simple restoration,” says Farooq. “It requires geotechnical engineering to stabilize the riverbank, archaeological expertise to guide rebuilding, and significant, sustained funding.” He confirms that restoration blueprints exist with the Department of Archaeology, but the leap from plan to action, always slow, has been stalled by bureaucratic and financial hurdles.

The fort thus exists in a liminal state—between memory and oblivion, between being a protected heritage site and a slowly disintegrating landmark.

The Unyielding Stone

To walk through the Red Fort today is to take a palimpsest tour of Kashmir’s soul. It is all here: the indigenous shrewdness of its founding, the imprint of continental empires, the trauma of subjugation, the resilience in the face of natural disaster, and the quiet, daily reclamation by the people who live in its shadow.

Its value for an independent Kashmiri audience, and for the international community, is profound. It is evidence. In a region where history is often contested or erased, the fort’s stones are stubbornly factual. They tell a contiguous story of strategic importance, of adaptation, of suffering, and of endurance.

The planned restoration is not merely a technical task. It is a moral and political one. Will this archive in stone be preserved? Will the dungeons be contextualized, the Mughal lodgings explained, the Chak craftsmanship celebrated? Or will it continue to weather away, its stories lost to the river?

The Red Fort has withstood conquerors. It has withstood earthquakes. Its final test may be against the silent forces of indifference and the relentless flow of time. For now, it refuses to fall, a silent, scarred sentinel keeping watch over the Neelum, insisting, against all odds, on being remembered.

Lahore to Muzaffarabad Bus Service: A Comprehensive Travel Guide & Schedule | The Azadi Times

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Editorial Staff
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Planning a trip to Kashmir? Our verified guide covers all bus services from Lahore to Muzaffarabad, including operator contacts, fares, booking platforms, terminals, and practical travel tips for 2024.

Lahore to Muzaffarabad Bus Service: The Essential Overland Link to Kashmir

By The Azadi Times Travel & Tourism Desk
Filed under: Transport, Kashmir Travel, Practical Guides

For residents, tourists, and diaspora of Pakistan administrated Azad Jammu & Kashmir, the road from Lahore to Muzaffarabad is more than just a route it is a vital artery. This corridor connects Pakistan’s cultural heartland to the serene valleys of Kashmir, serving students returning home, journalists covering the region, families reuniting during festivals, and adventurous tourists drawn by the promise of pristine landscapes. In the absence of a direct, year-round air link, the Lahore to Muzaffarabad bus service remains the most accessible, economical, and widely used mode of transport.

This guide is the product of direct verification with operators, analysis of booking platforms, and cross-referencing of schedules and terminal information. We provide a clear, factual roadmap for your journey, avoiding promotional fluff in favor of the practical details that matter on the ground.

The Route at a Glance: What Every Traveller Should Know

The journey covers approximately 350–400 kilometers, depending on the specific routing. The road transitions dramatically from the flat expanses of Punjab to the rugged, terraced hills of Hazara, before descending through the iconic Kohala Bridge into the Neelum Valley vicinity and onward to Muzaffarabad.

· Typical Travel Time: 8 to 10 hours for direct services. Connecting services can take 9 to 12 hours, accounting for layovers.
· Direct Fare Range (Economy AC): PKR 2,500 – PKR 3,500. Prices fluctuate based on season, fuel costs, and coach class.
· Primary Routing: Lahore → Islamabad/Rawalpindi Bypass → Hazara Motorway/GT Road → Havelian/Abbottabad → Murree Hills/Kohala → Muzaffarabad.

Direct Bus Services from Lahore to Muzaffarabad

While several companies list this route, one operator maintains the most consistent, direct service.

Srinagar Express

The name most frequently associated with direct travel to Kashmir from major Pakistani cities. They run dedicated coaches on this long-haul route, sparing passengers the hassle of changing buses.

· Service Type: Air-conditioned, recliner/seater coaches. Some luxury options may be available during peak season.
· Departure Point in Lahore: Primarily from Badami Bagh General Bus Stand. Some pickups may be arranged from designated points along the route (confirm at booking).
· Arrival Point in Muzaffarabad: Central Bus Stand near Neelum Valley Road.
· Estimated Travel Time: 8–9 hours in optimal conditions.
· Fare Range: PKR 2,800 – PKR 3,500.
· Booking & Contact:
· UAN/Helpline: 0346-6684666
· Booking Method: Primarily via phone reservation and terminal ticket counters. They may also be listed on aggregate platforms like Bookme.pk.

The Connecting Route: Lahore to Islamabad, Then to Muzaffarabad

This is the most flexible and often necessary alternative, especially when direct seats are unavailable. It involves two distinct legs.

Leg 1: Lahore to Islamabad/Rawalpindi

This segment is served by numerous reputable, large-scale operators with frequent departures.

  1. Faisal Movers
    A major player with a strong safety record and extensive schedule.

· Types: AC Standard, Business Class (recliner), and Sleeper Coaches on some timings.
· Departure Terminals in Lahore: Main Terminal at Thokar Niaz Baig, with pickups from various city stops.
· Arrival in Islamabad: Peshawar Morr Terminal, Islamabad; Saddar, Rawalpindi.
· Travel Time: ~4 hours via Motorway.
· Fare Range: PKR 1,800 – PKR 2,800.
· Booking: Phone: 111-22-44-88 (Landline: 042-111-22-44-88). Online: Faisal Movers Website or via Bookme.pk.

  1. Daewoo Express
    Known for punctuality and terminal facilities.

· Types: AC Standard and Executive.
· Departure in Lahore: Lahore Daewoo Terminal, near Kalma Chowk.
· Arrival in Islamabad: Islamabad Daewoo Terminal, G-9.
· Travel Time: ~4 hours.
· Fare Range: PKR 1,900 – PKR 3,000.
· Booking: Daewoo Express Website or terminal.

Other reputable operators for this leg include Skyways, Billion Star, and Road Master.

Leg 2: Islamabad/Rawalpindi to Muzaffarabad

This sector is handled by regional operators. Services are frequent, with coaches and smaller vans departing as they fill up.

· Key Departure Points:
· Islamabad: Pir Wadhai Bus Stand (the main hub).
· Rawalpindi: Committee Chowk, Raja Bazaar area.
· Operators: Local companies like Kashmir Express, Niazi Express, and several private van services. There is no single dominant brand; services are often organized by unions.
· Travel Time: 2 to 3.5 hours. The variance is due to traffic, weather on the Murree hills, and road conditions. According to mapping resources like Rome2rio, the distance is roughly 138 km via the Kohala route.
· Fare Range: PKR 1,000 – PKR 1,800 for AC coach/shuttle.
· Booking: On-the-spot at the bus stands. Pre-booking is uncommon but can sometimes be arranged through local travel agents in Rawalpindi.

Terminal Guide & Key Contacts

Lahore:

· Badami Bagh General Bus Stand: The primary hub for north-bound and Kashmir-specific coaches. It is a large, bustling complex. Confirm your operator’s exact booth location.
· Thokar Niaz Baig Terminals: Used by Faisal Movers and others.
· Daewoo Terminal, near Kalma Chowk.

Islamabad/Rawalpindi (for connections):

· Pir Wadhai Bus Stand (Islamabad): The major interchange for onward travel to AJK and the North. Expect a crowded but well-serviced environment.
· Committee Chowk/Raja Bazaar (Rawalpindi): Another active point for Muzaffarabad-bound vehicles.

The Traveller’s Experience: Scenery & Cultural Context

The journey is a narrative in itself. After the monotony of the motorway, the turn towards Hazara Division signals a change. The air cools, the terrain rises, and the scenery becomes cinematic. The stretch from Abbottabad towards Khaira Gali and Murree offers pine-forested hills and panoramic views. The descent to Kohala is marked by sharp turns and the roar of the Jhelum River below. Crossing the Kohala Bridge—the symbolic gateway into AJK—is a moment many travellers note.

You’ll share the space with a cross-section of society: families with excited children, students with backpacks, traders, and occasionally, journalists or researchers. The onboard atmosphere is typically respectful; it’s advisable to dress modestly. Stops at roadside dhabas offer chai, parathas, and simple meals—a chance to stretch and absorb the local rhythm.

Realistic Challenges & Practical Advice

Booking is Crucial: For direct services or the Lahore-Islamabad leg, book ahead, especially before Eid holidays, summer vacations (May-August), and weekends. Use Bookme.pk or operator websites for e-tickets, which are essential for international travellers.

Weather is a Factor: From December to February, fog and rain can cause significant delays on the Murree-Kohala stretch. Landslides are possible during monsoon rains (July-August). Always check road conditions before departing.

  1. Safety & Comfort:
    · Choose reputable operators for better-maintained vehicles.
    · Keep valuables in a small bag with you.
    · Carry warm clothing even in summer for night travel and variable mountain weather.
    · Have Pakistani currency (PKR) for snacks, chai, and unforeseen expenses.
  2. For International Visitors:
    · Carry your passport and visa. While checkpoints on this route are not typically for tourists, random ID checks can occur.
    · Have the address and contact of your Muzaffarabad accommodation.
    · Purchase a local SIM for connectivity, as some stretches have patchy reception.
  3. Luggage: Label your bags clearly. Luggage is usually stored in the bus hold. Keep medicines, documents, and essentials in your hand carry.

Final Summary

The Lahore to Muzaffarabad bus service is a testament to the enduring demand for land connectivity to Kashmir. It is not merely a transport option but a journey that acquaints you with the changing face of the country.

For the budget-conscious, the curious, and those who find poetry in road travel, the bus is unequivocally the best choice. It offers affordability, flexibility, and an authentic ground-level perspective of the region.

If your priority is speed and comfort, consider flying to Islamabad and hiring a private car to Muzaffarabad—a more expensive but faster alternative.

Quick-Reference Directory

Service Contact Key Booking Platform
Srinagar Express (Direct) 0346-6684666 Phone/ Terminal
Faisal Movers (Lahore-ISB) 111-22-44-88 faisalmovers.com
Daewoo (Lahore-ISB) 111-007-008 daewoo.com.pk
Online Aggregator N/A Bookme.pk

Editorial Note: This guide was compiled through direct verification of operator schedules, analysis of public booking platforms, and reference to established transport directories. Information, especially fares and schedules, is subject to change. The Azadi Times recommends confirming all details directly with the service provider before finalizing travel plans. This report is intended as a factual public service for travellers.

Mirpur Court Delivers Death Sentence in High-Profile 2021 Murder Case

By
Editorial Staff
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Mirpur, Pakistan-Administered Kashmir — The Additional District Criminal Court has announced its verdict in a notorious 2021 murder case registered at the New City Police Station, sentencing the main accused to death and handing down life imprisonment and monetary penalties to other co-accused. The ruling has been welcomed by the local community as a significant step in ensuring justice and accountability.

The case centers on the murder of Khursheed Ahmed, who was fatally shot inside his home in 2021 by Mokhtar and his associates. The trial was conducted in the Additional District Criminal Court, Mirpur, and the prosecution was represented by eminent legal experts Raja Inamullah Khan, Advocate Supreme Court, and Abdul Wahid Amir, Advocate Supreme Court. The court, after reviewing detailed arguments and evidence, handed down stringent punishments.

Verdict and Sentences

Mokhtar Aziz, resident of Janyal, was convicted under Section 302-B and sentenced to death.

Rizwan, another accused, was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment under the same section.

Mokhtar Aziz was also ordered to pay USD 5,700 (~PKR 1,000,000) in compensation to the heirs of the deceased under Section 544-A.

Both accused were additionally sentenced under multiple sections:

3 years imprisonment + USD 115 (~PKR 20,000) fine under Section 15(2)

3 years imprisonment + USD 57 (~PKR 10,000) fine under Section 452

2 years imprisonment under Sections 147, 148, and 149



The defense for the accused was led by Baw Abdul Hamid, Advocate Supreme Court.

Public Reaction and Significance

Local residents and community leaders have applauded the verdict, viewing it as a firm message against violent crime in the region. Analysts noted that the ruling reflects a meticulous evaluation of evidence, adherence to judicial procedures, and a commitment to uphold the rule of law in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

This case, involving premeditated home invasion and murder, has been one of the most closely followed criminal cases in Mirpur, with the community closely monitoring proceedings. Legal experts believe the judgment will serve as a deterrent to violent crimes in the region and reinforce public confidence in the justice system.

Inter-Provincial Robbery Gang Busted in Mirpur: Loot and Illegal Weapons Recovered

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Editorial Staff
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Mirpur, Pakistan administrated Kashmir — The Mirpur Police have successfully apprehended an inter-provincial gang involved in multiple robberies, recovering looted cash, valuables, and illegal weapons, officials confirmed. In a separate case, the police also arrested a suspect accused of attempting to kill his wife by setting her on fire due to domestic disputes.

Speaking at a press conference, SSP Mirpur Khurram Iqbal detailed that on the night of 10–11 May 2025, at approximately 3:15 a.m., three armed men entered the residence of Muhammad Rasheed, son of Muhammad Sajawal, in Khehri Bala, Dadyal. The intruders forcibly took bangles and earrings from Rasheed’s wife and stole around PKR 40,000–50,000 in cash before fleeing. The incident was registered under FIR 134/25 at Dadyal Police Station under EHA-17(3), APC-458/337A/34.

During the investigation, police officer Zohaib Tahir employed modern forensic and investigative techniques to trace one of the suspects, Qasim Ali, son of Mehmood Ali, resident of Thathi, Gujar Khan, who works as a plumber in Dadyal. Following Qasim Ali’s interrogation, five additional accomplices were identified and arrested:

Usman, son of Mushtaq, resident of Jabr, Gujar Khan, Rawalpindi District

Muhammad Naseer, alias Saleem, son of Mahmood, resident of Kotla Musa Khan Ahmedpur Sharqia, Bahawalpur District

Zafar Ali, son of Mazhar Ali, resident of Dipalpur Hall, Khadimabad

Yasir, son of Nasir, resident of Devna Mandi, Gujrat

Ali Akbar, son of Ali Sher, resident of Wahari, Khadimabad


Authorities reported that the recovered stolen items total approximately PKR 2.1 million.

Officials also noted that on 5 February 2025, the same gang robbed Muhammad Bashir, son of Diwan Ali, in Sochani, Dadyal, stealing 6 gold bangles, 2 gold bracelets, 1 gold ring, and PKR 9,000 in cash at gunpoint. This case was registered as FIR 40/25 under the same legal provisions.

Further investigations revealed that the gang had also targeted overseas Pakistanis returning from the UK. In 2024, they committed a robbery at the home of Muhammad Sagheer, son of Abdul Latif, in Kondor, Dadyal, stealing 4 high-value mobile phones, PKR 100,000, and £500. This incident was recorded under FIR 187/24 at Dadyal Police Station under EHA-17(3), APC-324/458/337/342.

During the ongoing investigation, police also recovered illegal firearms from the suspects’ possession, including:

2 Kalashnikov rifles

2 pistols (30 bore)

2 shotguns (12 bore)

23 rounds of ammunition, 5 cartridges, and 3 magazines


A separate case under the Illegal Arms Act has been registered against the suspects. Authorities stated that further investigation is ongoing, with additional revelations expected.

The Mirpur Police have assured the public that the gang members will be prosecuted under relevant criminal and arms laws, and continued operations will target cross-border and inter-provincial crime networks.

Residents of Lamnian, Sain Bagh Demand Immediate Action as Mobile and Internet Services Remain Unavailable

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Editorial Staff
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Lamnian, Jhelum Valley — Residents of Sharyan Sain Bagh, Reshiyan, and surrounding areas in Jhelum Valley are facing persistent difficulties due to the absence of mobile phone and internet services, prompting local elders and community representatives to demand an immediate technical survey and installation of new communication towers.

Despite living in an era where digital connectivity is considered a basic necessity, large sections of the population in these areas remain completely disconnected from mobile networks and internet access. The lack of communication facilities has severely affected daily life, particularly for students, journalists, business owners, and families maintaining contact with relatives living abroad.

Local residents, including Khawaja Muhammad Ismail, Raja Yasir Khan, Qazi Aziz Ahmed, Khawaja Shabbir Ahmed Pirzada, Khawaja Imtiaz Ahmed, Qazi Mumtaz Ahmed, Chaudhry Muhammad Sadiq, Khawaja Manzoor Ahmed, Qazi Abdul Latif, and others, told reporters that the absence of mobile coverage in Sharyan Sain Bagh has significantly disrupted educational activities, making access to online education virtually impossible.

They stated that students are unable to attend online classes, download academic materials, or communicate with teachers, placing them at a serious disadvantage compared to learners in other parts of the region. Journalistic work and business operations have also been badly affected, limiting access to information, markets, and digital financial services.

“In today’s world, internet and mobile connectivity are no longer luxuries; they are basic necessities,” residents said. “Unfortunately, our area continues to be deprived of these essential services, leaving us isolated and disconnected.”

Community members have urged Deputy Commissioner Jhelum Valley, Ms Bansh Jarral, the Sector Commander of the Special Communications Organization (SCO) Muzaffarabad, senior Information Technology authorities, and the Chief Secretary of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to take urgent notice of the issue. They have called for Sharyan Sain Bagh to be immediately included in a survey for the installation of new mobile towers, emphasizing that the problem has persisted for many years without any tangible progress.

Residents warned that continued neglect of the issue would have serious consequences for the area’s economic growth, educational development, and social integration. They stressed that poor connectivity has already limited employment opportunities, hindered local entrepreneurship, and deepened the digital divide between rural and urban areas.

Public circles expressed hope that the district administration and relevant institutions would demonstrate seriousness and take prompt and practical measures to resolve the issue. Locals believe that restoring mobile and internet services would not only ease daily hardships but also help integrate Sharyan Sain Bagh into the broader development framework of the region.

For the residents, reliable communication services are not merely about convenience but about access to education, economic opportunity, and social inclusion — rights they say should be equally available to all citizens, regardless of geography.

Hazrat Syed Sain Sakhi Saheli Sarkar: A Revered Sufi Saint and Spiritual Legacy of Kashmir

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Editorial Staff
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Hazrat Syed Sain Sakhi Saheli Sarkar holds a distinguished place among the great Sufi saints of the subcontinent, remembered for his spiritual devotion, ascetic life, and enduring influence on the religious and cultural landscape of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Ancestry and Early Life

According to established historical traditions, the ancestors of Hazrat Syed Sain Sakhi Saheli Sarkar migrated from Multan to Gujarat, and later from Gujarat to Gujar Khan, eventually settling in a locality known as Syed Kasri. He was born in 1857 CE (1273 Hijri), as referenced by Allama Murid Ahmad Chishti. Authentic traditions confirm his original name as Syed Zulfiqar Shah, although some narrators have referred to him as Syed Ghulam Muhammad Shah. However, scholarly consensus supports Syed Zulfiqar Shah as his verified name.

He received his early religious education, including Qur’anic recitation (Nazira) and foundational Islamic teachings, directly from his revered father. From an early age, clear signs of spiritual distinction were evident. Accounts of his life indicate that he was a born saint (Madar-zad Wali), with manifestations of spiritual absorption appearing during childhood. Even while studying, he would enter states of deep spiritual ecstasy, seemingly detached from worldly desires. His temperament reflected profound humility and asceticism, embodying the true spirit of a wandering dervish.

Spiritual Journey and Ascetic Practices

Inspired by the divine command, “Travel through the earth” (Qur’an 29:20), Hazrat Sain Sakhi Saheli Sarkar embarked on a lifelong journey of spiritual exploration. Driven by a deep yearning to observe divine signs in nature, he withdrew into forests, deserts, and uninhabited lands. He spent extended periods in spiritual retreats (Chilla Kashi), rigorously engaging in Jihad al-Nafs—the inner struggle against the commanding self (Nafs-e-Ammarah)—seeking closeness to the Divine through self-discipline and renunciation.

His spiritual retreats took him across various regions, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Abbottabad, and Haripur, where he devoted himself to worship and meditation. In Haripur, his life took a decisive turn when he met Hazrat Pir Syed Fatah Haider Shah (RA). Through his companionship, he attained inner peace and spiritual clarity and formally pledged allegiance as his disciple.

Under his mentor’s guidance, Hazrat Saheli Sarkar traversed the stations of spiritual realization. Upon completion of his training, he once again responded to the divine call to wander. He visited Sehwan Sharif, where he spent time in solitude at the shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (RA). He later passed through Hassan Abdal and reached Court Najibullah, where a site known today as Bohar Wala Takiya remains associated with his presence.

Spiritual Lineage and Recognition

Renowned scholar Allama Syed Zahid Hussain Naeemi, in his authoritative work Tazkira Auliya-e-Kashmir (Volume II), citing Allama Murid Ahmad Chishti, records that Hazrat Sain Sakhi Saheli Sarkar was widely believed to be a Khalifa (spiritual successor) of Khwaja Shams-ul-Arifeen Sialvi (RA), also known as Pir Sial Sharif.

Allama Naeemi further documents his inquiry with Khwaja Ghulam Fakhr-ud-Din Sialvi, who confirmed through reliable sources that Hazrat Saheli Sarkar was indeed a Khalifa of Pir Sial Ghareeb Nawaz. Initially, he was a disciplined spiritual traveler (Salik), fully adhering to religious law and the path of mysticism, before entering a state of divine absorption (Majzoobiyat).

Multiple testimonies reinforce this lineage. Qazi Ghulam Nabi Mansehravi, a devoted disciple of Pir Sial in Mansehra, frequently affirmed Hazrat Saheli Sarkar’s status as a Khalifa. Syed Ghulam Hussain Shah Bukhari, a devoted attendant who lived in a cave near present-day Farooqia Factory, and Qazi Muhammad Shamsuddin Darvesh of Haripur also confirmed his spiritual affiliation with Pir Sial.

Mystical Insight and Symbolic Legacy

Long before urban settlements emerged in the region, Hazrat Saheli Sarkar was known to gesture and symbolically outline future marketplaces and crossroads in Abbottabad and Mansehra, reportedly using ropes to mark paths while instructing others in Urdu, “Draw a market here, and another here.” Remarkably, as time passed, these towns developed markets and intersections closely aligned with his symbolic gestures, which devotees interpret as manifestations of spiritual foresight.

Reflecting on such saints, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, quoting Qalandar Lahori, beautifully captured their hidden spiritual power:

“Do not question the devotion of these wearers of patched cloaks;
If you seek to see them, behold—
They sit with radiant hands concealed within their sleeves.”

The Name “Saheli” and Its Meaning

According to Syed Mahmood Azad, as cited by Allama Naeemi, Hazrat Saheli Sarkar often addressed men as “Uriya” and women as “Saheli” (friend or companion). Over time, people began referring to him by these affectionate terms. Gradually, his original name faded from common memory, and he became universally known as Sain Sakhi Saheli Sarkar. This naming, many believe, reflects a deeper spiritual philosophy rooted in brotherhood, compassion, tolerance, and harmony, values consistently emphasized by Sufi traditions.

Shrine and Annual Urs

The illuminated shrine of Hazrat Syed Sain Sakhi Saheli Sarkar is located in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and is administered by the Auqaf Department of the Government of Azad Kashmir. The shrine is an architectural landmark, featuring a majestic dome, expansive courtyards, a beautifully constructed mosque, and modern facilities including lighting, carpets, and seasonal amenities. Arrangements for Langar (free meals) and accommodation for pilgrims are also provided. A Madrasah for Qur’anic education operates within the complex for local children.

Every year, from 13 January to 21 January, the Urs Mubarak is observed with great devotion and reverence. Thousands of devotees from across the region and beyond gather to participate in Qur’anic recitations, Hamd and Naat gatherings, sermons, and spiritual discourses. Renowned scholars, religious thinkers, and celebrated Qawwals from across Pakistan perform during the Sama gatherings. The final day of the Urs is observed as a public holiday in Muzaffarabad, with the President of the State and the Prime Minister attending the concluding ceremonies.

The Urs culminates in collective prayers for peace, prosperity, and stability in Pakistan, the freedom of occupied Kashmir, and unity within the Muslim world. The atmosphere across the city resembles a festive occasion, reflecting the deep-rooted spiritual and cultural significance of Hazrat Sain Sakhi Saheli Sarkar’s legacy.

University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Staff Set February 2026 Deadline, Warn of Campus Shutdown and Assembly March Amid Deep Financial Crisis

By
Editorial Staff
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Muzaffarabad, Pakistan administrated Kashmir — Academic and administrative staff of the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) have issued a final deadline of 1 February 2026 to the university authorities and the Azad Kashmir government to resolve the institution’s long-standing financial crisis, warning that failure to meet their demands will result in the complete shutdown of all five university campuses and a march towards the Legislative Assembly on 2 February 2026.

The announcement was made during a joint press conference held at the Central Press Club in Muzaffarabad by representatives of the Academic Staff Association (ASA), Administrative Staff Association (AdSA), and major employee unions. The protest movement has also received formal backing from the All Government Employees Association (AGEGA) Azad Kashmir and the All Secretariat Employees Association, significantly broadening the scope of the agitation across the state.

Addressing the media, ASA President Dr Rehana Kausar, AdSA President Israr Saeed Qadri, along with senior faculty members Dr Fazal-ur-Rehman Pirzada, Dr Naveed Sarwar, and union leaders Shakil Bashir Awan, Raja Siraj, Imtiaz Ali Butt, Salik Abbasi (President AGEGA AJK) and Sharif Awan (President All Secretariat Employees Association) said the university is currently facing a financial deficit exceeding PKR 1 billion, pushing employees into severe economic and psychological distress.

Salary Increments Withheld, Retirees Without Pensions

Despite approved salary increases in the 2025–26 fiscal year, university employees and faculty members have not received the revised pay scales. More than 30 retired employees remain deprived of pension payments, leave encashment, and post-retirement benefits. Several families of deceased employees have not received assistance under the official family support package due to the unavailability of funds.

Union leaders further disclosed that numerous employees suffering from life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and kidney failure are unable to access medical treatment because their medical bills remain unpaid.

“The uncertainty has pushed employees into extreme anxiety,” speakers said, adding that salary arrears promised between 15 October and 25 October 2025 were never paid despite repeated assurances.

A Historic Institution Under Financial Strain

Founded in 1980, the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is the oldest and largest public university in the region, having educated hundreds of thousands of students who now serve in Pakistan, Azad Kashmir, and abroad. Currently, thousands of students are enrolled across its campuses, and the university continues to play a central role in higher education and academic research within the state.

However, the speakers traced the roots of the financial crisis back to 2009, when the Mirpur campus was granted the status of an independent university. Similar decisions followed for the Poonch campus in 2012 and the Kotli campus in 2014. According to union representatives, these transitions were carried out without proper financial planning, while valuable assets worth billions of rupees were transferred to the newly established universities, leaving UAJK burdened with ongoing financial liabilities.

The situation was further aggravated by a decline in student enrolment, significantly reducing the university’s internal revenue. Despite these challenges, the institution continued to operate within its limited means until 2017, when the implementation of Pakistan’s 18th Constitutional Amendment devolved higher education funding responsibilities to provincial governments. Following this shift, UAJK’s government grant was effectively frozen.

“A Mockery of Funding”

Union leaders strongly criticized the Azad Kashmir government for providing an annual grant of only PKR 3.5 million to the state’s largest university, calling it “a mockery” and “institutional neglect.” They stressed that globally, governments remain responsible for the financial sustainability of public universities, especially where assets have been redistributed through state policy decisions.

Due to this prolonged funding gap, UAJK has been unable to pay annual salary increments on time for the past four to five years. Salary increases approved in 2023 were paid in 2024, with arrears released as late as September 2025. The 2024 increment was paid after a four-month delay, while the 2025 salary increase remains unpaid even after seven months, despite timely payments across other government departments and universities in Azad Kashmir.

Escalation of Protest

Faculty members and staff have already been observing a partial boycott of teaching and administrative activities for over a week. However, they say neither university authorities nor government officials have responded meaningfully.

Letters requesting emergency financial intervention have previously been sent to the Azad Kashmir government by current and former Vice Chancellors, the President of the State, and the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, but no concrete action has followed.

In light of continued inaction, the Academic and Administrative Staff Associations have issued an ultimatum: if the financial crisis is not resolved and payments are not released by 1 February 2026, all five campuses of the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir will face a complete academic and administrative shutdown from 2 February 2026, accompanied by mass protests at the Chehla Campus and a march to the Legislative Assembly. The unions warned that the protest movement could expand beyond university premises if their demands remain unmet.

A Test for Governance and Higher Education Policy

Observers note that the unfolding crisis poses a serious challenge to governance, higher education policy, and social stability in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. With strong union backing and growing public sympathy, the dispute is rapidly emerging as a state-wide issue, raising concerns over the future of public higher education and the welfare of academic workers in the region.

For now, the coming weeks will determine whether dialogue and funding intervention can avert a full-scale shutdown of Azad Kashmir’s premier university.

Mirpur Commissioner Sets Deadline for Completion of Pearl Continental Hotel Amid Growing Economic Concerns

By
Editorial Staff
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0

Mirpur, Pakistan administrated Jammu and Kashmir — The Commissioner of Mirpur Division, Raja Tahir Mumtaz Khan, has issued a firm deadline to the management of the under-construction Pearl Continental (PC) Hotel in Mirpur, directing them to complete and make the project fully operational within a clear and final timeframe, warning that failure to do so may compel the government to consider alternative options.

The five-star hotel project, located on prime land along the Mangla Lake, was originally scheduled for completion in 2023. Its prolonged delay has raised serious concerns among government officials, local residents, and overseas Kashmiris, who view the project as critical for Mirpur’s international connectivity, tourism potential, and economic growth.

An important review meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Commissioner, attended by senior officials from the Mirpur Development Authority and representatives of Hashoo Group Hospitality, including Chief Executive Officer Basten Plank and Vice President Asif Raza. During the meeting, the hotel management cited disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, financial constraints, and technical and administrative challenges as the primary reasons for the delay. Officials stated that nearly 90 percent of construction work has been completed, with an estimated investment of approximately PKR 3 billion.

Commissioner Raja Tahir Mumtaz Khan emphasized that the Azad Kashmir government had allocated highly valuable lakeside land specifically to facilitate the development of an international-standard hotel capable of supporting global-level activities, including international cricket events, industrial and commercial engagements, tourism at Mangla Dam, and the proposed Mirpur International Airport.

“The absence of a functional international-standard hotel has stalled several strategic initiatives, including international cricket matches and tourism development,” the Commissioner noted, adding that overseas Kashmiris have expressed strong interest in investing in high-end hospitality projects if clear progress is demonstrated.

Mirpur already hosts an international cricket stadium, but the lack of suitable accommodation for international teams has limited its utilization. Similarly, Mangla Lake is viewed as a major untapped asset for international water sports and tourism, with potential for large-scale foreign and diaspora investment.

The Commissioner directed the hotel management to submit a detailed completion plan and definitive timeline without further delay, warning that continued inaction could lead the government to explore alternative arrangements. He acknowledged growing frustration among overseas Kashmiris, whose financial and emotional ties to Mirpur remain strong but are increasingly tested by stalled development projects.

Officials expressed hope that the construction of the Mirpur International Airport, alongside the completion of the PC Hotel, could jointly transform Mirpur into a regional hub for tourism, business, and international events, generating employment and boosting the local economy.

For now, the future of the long-delayed hotel project hinges on whether the management can meet the newly imposed deadline and restore confidence among stakeholders at home and abroad.

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