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Azad Kashmir Forms New Eight-Member Cabinet in Muzaffarabad

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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.

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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 prominent political and social figures from the region. Acting President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Chaudhry Tariq Farooq, administered the oath to the newly appointed ministers.

The newly inducted cabinet members include Colonel (Retd) Waqar Noor, Azhar Sadiq, Abdul Rehman Arain, Raja Saqib Majeed, Dr. Mustafa Bashir Abbasi, Raja Riyasat, Sardar Mir Akbar, and Umair Naeem.

With the administration of the oath, the initial phase of government formation in the region has concluded. Authorities are expected to announce the distribution of portfolios among the ministers in the coming days as the administration moves to organize its governance agenda.

Azad Kashmir Government Allocates Portfolios to Newly Elected Ministers

The Azadi Times
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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.

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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 Akbar has been appointed as the Minister for Physical Planning and Housing, while Waqar Noor has been given the portfolio of Forests, Wildlife, and Fisheries.

Mustafa Bashir Abbasi has been appointed as the Minister for Public Health, and Azhar Sadiq has been assigned the Higher Education department.

Additionally, Saqib Majeed Raja has been appointed as the Minister for Energy and Water Resources. Riyasat Khan has been given the portfolio of Revenue and Rehabilitation, and Umair Naeem has been assigned the Elementary and Secondary Education department. Abdul Rehman Arain has been appointed as the Minister for Tourism, Industries, Labor, and Mineral Resources.

The allocation of portfolios completes the formation of the ministerial cabinet, enabling the newly inducted members to assume administrative responsibilities across their respective departments.

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

The Azadi Times
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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.

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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.

Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani chaired a high-level meeting in Muzaffarabad to review the implementation framework of the reform agenda. The session was attended by Acting President Chaudhry Tariq Farooq, former Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan, provincial ministers, assembly members, government secretaries, and other senior officials.

Briefing the leadership, Planning and Development Secretary Amir Latif outlined the key priorities of the 100-day plan. Officials said the initiative focuses heavily on upgrading healthcare services, improving educational institutions, expanding public transport, and creating opportunities for the youth.

Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Gilani stated that the reform agenda marks the beginning of a new phase of public service and regional development. He emphasized that delivering essential services directly to citizens remains the primary objective of the administration.

According to the government, the reform package includes the introduction of mobile hospitals, green transport services, and administrative improvements designed to enhance institutional efficiency. Officials added that development works in the region will be advanced in coordination with Islamabad and the government in Punjab to ensure rapid progress on key infrastructure projects.

The administration stated that the 100-day program is designed to deliver immediate, tangible benefits to the public rather than serving merely as a policy announcement. Authorities plan to prioritize projects that address pressing local issues and improve the overall standard of living across the region.

Free Medical Camp Organised in Rawalakot to Honor Shaheed Shahzaib

The Azadi Times
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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.

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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 associate of JAAC core member Sardar Omar Nazir Kashmiri, lost his life on June 5 while attempting to protect him during public demonstrations. Organizers stated that the medical camp is dedicated to keeping his spirit of public service alive by providing accessible healthcare to local residents.

The camp features consultations across multiple medical specialties, including child specialists, ENT specialists, general medicine, dermatology, cardiology, general surgery, and gynecology. In addition to specialist consultations, the initiative offers laboratory testing and round-the-clock emergency services for those in need.

Local community members and representatives noted that the initiative merges the commemoration of Shahzaib's sacrifice with essential welfare services for the public, ensuring that disadvantaged individuals receive vital medical attention.

Further updates regarding community welfare programs and related developments in the region will be reported as information becomes available.

Yasin Malik Refuses Defense in 1990 Kashmiri Pandit Murder Case, Seeks Death Penalty

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Yasin Malik Refuses Defense in 1990 Kashmiri Pandit Murder Case, Seeks Death Penalty

JKLF leader denies involvement in Sarla Bhat's killing in a 25-page affidavit, stating he has left his fate to God while citing family separation.

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SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader Yasin Malik has stated he will no longer defend himself in the 1990 murder case of Kashmiri Pandit nurse Sarla Bhat, asking the court for the death penalty instead.

In a 25-page affidavit submitted to the court, Malik denied any role in the killing, maintaining that he has been falsely implicated in the decades-old case. He emphasized that his decision to halt legal defense should not be interpreted as an admission of guilt, adding that he has chosen to leave the matter to God following prolonged imprisonment and separation from his family.

The case gained momentum earlier this year on June 29, when India’s State Investigation Agency (SIA) filed a chargesheet naming Malik and others in connection with the 1990 incident, which occurred approximately 36 years ago.

In the personal portion of his affidavit, Malik described Sarla Bhat as innocent, comparing her to his own daughter, Raziyah Sultana. He also rejected allegations that Bhat had worked as an informer for security forces.

Malik's affidavit further touched upon his personal life, including references to his wife, Mushaal Hussein Malik, and their daughter, amid ongoing discussions regarding his long detention. Separate remarks from his family members, including his sister in the presence of his mother, have highlighted the legal and personal strains surrounding the case.

Legal proceedings remain ongoing, and a final determination depends on the completion of the court's judicial review.

AJK High Court to Hear Plea Challenging Government Formation Process on September 15

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AJK High Court to Hear Plea Challenging Government Formation Process on September 15

A petition filed in Muzaffarabad argues that government formation should be halted until elections are completed across all constituencies in Poonch and Sudhnoti.

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The process of government formation in Pakistan-administered Kashmir has been challenged in the High Court, with a hearing scheduled for September 15.

Sardar Farooq Arshad, a candidate for the legislative assembly from the Baloch constituency, filed a writ petition in Muzaffarabad challenging the ongoing transition.

According to the petitioner, the electoral process remains incomplete across seven constituencies in the Poonch and Sudhnoti regions. The petition asks the court to suspend the government formation process until elections are fully concluded in all remaining constituencies.

The legal challenge also questions the constitutional and legal validity of proceeding with government formation while key electoral stages are still pending.

The petition comes as political developments unfold following elections that saw the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secure 25 seats as the largest party in the legislature. Despite the pending contests in the seven Poonch and Sudhnoti seats, political activities regarding government formation have continued.

The Muzaffarabad High Court has accepted the petition for hearing and set the date for September 15. The court is expected to examine the legal and constitutional arguments surrounding the formation of a government before polls conclude in all designated districts.

The case has drawn close attention from legal and political circles across the region as debates continue over electoral mandates, institutional procedures, and constitutional requirements.

Azad Kashmir Faces 92-Day Internet Shutdown as Full Restoration Remains Pending in Several Areas

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Azad Kashmir Faces 92-Day Internet Shutdown as Full Restoration Remains Pending in Several Areas

Prolonged disruption to mobile data and broadband continues to impact students, freelancers, journalists, and local businesses, drawing urgent calls for a permanent resolution.

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The suspension of internet services in parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has entered its 92nd day, with mobile data and broadband connectivity failing to return to normal across several affected areas.

The extended outage has created significant challenges for students, freelancers, digital business operators, journalists, and local residents. According to citizens, the ongoing lack of reliable internet access has disrupted daily life, education, commercial activities, and professional workflows.

Students report that the continued absence of connectivity has hindered access to online classes, academic resources, and essential digital platforms. For freelancers and online business owners, the blackout has directly affected their livelihoods and income streams. Journalists covering the region have similarly faced difficulties in transmitting news reports, communicating with sources, and accessing real-time updates.

While partial restoration has been reported in certain pockets, residents state that full and reliable service remains unavailable in many localities.

Local communities have urged the Azad Kashmir government and relevant authorities to address the prolonged crisis without delay and ensure the complete, uninterrupted restoration of broadband and mobile data services across all affected regions. Public representatives and civil society groups emphasize that partial measures are insufficient to restore normal economic, educational, and professional activity.

As the disruption crosses the three-month mark, residents continue to press authorities for a clear timeline and a permanent resolution to the recurring communication blackouts affecting the region.

Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee Calls General Strike Across Azad Kashmir on September 9

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Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee Calls General Strike Across Azad Kashmir on September 9

The action committee has announced a complete shutdown and transport strike to press for the implementation of an October 2025 government agreement.

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RAWALAKOT — The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) has announced a complete shutter-down and wheel-jam strike across Pakistan-administered Kashmir on September 9, stepping up pressure on authorities to fulfill a previously signed agreement.

In a formal statement issued from Rawalakot, the action committee called on residents, traders, transport operators, and civil society groups to participate in demonstrations and ongoing sit-ins. The core demand centers on the full implementation of a government agreement reached on October 4, 2025, which addresses public grievances related to basic utilities, communication services, education, healthcare, and essential supplies.

The committee urged international and human rights organizations to monitor the situation in the region, while also paying tribute to individuals affected during demonstrations that have taken place since June 2026.

According to official figures from the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, authorities report having fully implemented 24 out of 44 demands outlined in the agreement with the action committee, with work ongoing or partial implementation recorded on another 16 points. Disagreements remain over four specific demands.

The upcoming September 9 strike marks another chapter in ongoing public mobilization across the region regarding governance and civic demands.

AJK Rights Movement Enters 88th Day as Leader Calls for Meaningful Talks

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AJK Rights Movement Enters 88th Day as Leader Calls for Meaningful Talks

Joint Awami Action Committee leader Sardar Umar Nazir Kashmiri emphasizes dialogue over pressure as protests and supply concerns persist in Poonch division.

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The public rights movement in Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir has entered its 88th day, with leaders of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) reiterating their demands and calling for genuine negotiations to resolve the ongoing crisis.

Sardar Umar Nazir Kashmiri, a prominent JAAC leader, stated that the public remains peaceful and steadfast in pursuing their acknowledged fundamental rights. He emphasized that the current situation cannot be resolved through pressure or force, advocating instead for purposeful and result-oriented dialogue.

"The public cannot be subdued through the use of force, and the only solution to these issues is through purposeful and meaningful negotiations," Kashmiri said. He added that if authorities approach talks with sincerity, the movement's leadership is prepared to engage, while noting that demanding an end to sit-ins without addressing core issues cannot substitute for actual dialogue.

The prolonged movement, which has spanned nearly three months, has seen continuous reports of protests, communication restrictions, and disruptions to daily life across various regions. Residents in the Poonch division have also repeatedly raised concerns regarding the supply of food and essential commodities.

The core demands put forward by the action committee include basic public services, reductions in privileges for the ruling class, reforms in governance, and improvements in the health and education sectors. The question of effective implementation of reforms and trust-building measures between the parties remains a central political issue as authorities and representatives navigate the ongoing situation.

AJK Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani Urges End to Poonch Protests, Asks for Time for New Government

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AJK Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani Urges End to Poonch Protests, Asks for Time for New Government

Newly elected Prime Minister calls on the Joint Awami Action Committee to suspend demonstrations while declining to clarify the status of non-local assembly seats in his upcoming cabinet.

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MUZAFFARABAD — Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s newly elected Prime Minister, Iftikhar Gilani, has called on the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) to end its ongoing sit-in protests in Poonch and across the region, urging citizens to give the newly formed administration time to address public grievances.

Speaking on local political developments, Prime Minister Gilani emphasized that the incoming government requires a reasonable timeframe to initiate practical measures aimed at resolving longstanding civic and economic issues. The demonstrations, organized by the action committee over core public demands, have remained a central focus of regional politics amid ongoing negotiations between protest leaders and authorities.

However, during discussions regarding the composition of his upcoming cabinet, Gilani did not provide a definitive response when questioned about the inclusion of members elected from non-local seats—a contentious point among various political factions in the region.

The appeal comes as public agitation and negotiations over the action committee's charter of demands continue to shape the political landscape across Pakistan-administered Kashmir, particularly in the Poonch division. Observers note that the administration's approach to the protests and its ability to engage with public grievances will be critical in determining stability in the coming weeks.

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Azad Kashmir Forms New Eight-Member Cabinet in Muzaffarabad

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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. […]

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