Muzaffarabad, February 19, 2025: In a significant development in the precious metals market, Azad Kashmir’s bullion market has witnessed a sharp increase in gold prices today. The latest figures reveal that the price of 24-carat gold has surged to Rs 360,000 per tola, while the price for 10 grams of gold has climbed to Rs 262,345.

According to market data, compared to February 18, 2025, when the 24-carat gold price was recorded at Rs 340,000 per tola and the 10-gram price at Rs 260,800, today’s rates mark an increase of Rs 2,000 per tola and Rs 1,545 per 10 grams. In contrast, the price of silver has remained stable at Rs 3,200 per tola.

Similar fluctuations have been observed across other major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, and Faisalabad, where the 24-carat gold price is hovering around Rs 350,000 per tola. Experts indicate that the global uptick in gold prices is reflecting in local markets, driven by increased demand and market uncertainties worldwide.

Market analysts attribute the surge to several factors, including rising international gold prices and a shift among investors toward precious metals as a safe haven amid economic volatility. Consumers and investors are advised to keep a close watch on market trends as these price movements could continue in the near future.

For more updates on precious metals and financial market trends, stay tuned to The Azadi Times.

Muzaffarabad: The negligence of the Azad Kashmir Health Department is coming under intense criticism as systemic failures in the healthcare system have left patients suffering. A recent incident involving a pregnant woman in severe pain has spotlighted the shortcomings of the department, despite a multi-billion rupee budget allocated for health services.

In a distressing case at Garhi Dupatta Hospital, the patient arrived complaining of severe pain. An initial medical examination revealed that her blood levels were critically low—less than 7 points—indicating an urgent need for advanced medical intervention. Acting swiftly, the doctors immediately referred her to a major hospital in Muzaffarabad and instructed her family to expedite her transfer.

However, the situation took a tragic turn when the patient was taken to another prominent hospital in Azad Kashmir. The hospital management there, adopting a markedly different approach, conducted only a routine check-up and reassured the family that no significant issues were found, advising that the patient could safely return home. This decision proved to be grossly irresponsible.

As the patient was en route home, she suddenly experienced intense labor pains. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, forcing an emergency roadside delivery at a nearby petrol pump under unsafe and challenging conditions. Fortunately, a local rescue team was alerted immediately, arriving in time to provide initial medical aid and subsequently referring her back to a major hospital in Muzaffarabad.

The public response has been one of outrage, with citizens demanding immediate accountability from the hospital administration for their handling of the case. This incident is not an isolated event—similar occurrences have been reported in the past at the same hospital, yet no responsible authorities have been identified or held accountable.

Attempts by Kashmir Digital to secure a comment from the hospital management were met with refusal, further intensifying public frustration and concerns over the health department’s operational failures.

This case raises pressing questions about the management of a substantial health budget and the overall efficacy of the healthcare system in Azad Kashmir. Critics argue that the lack of proper protocols and the dismissive attitude of hospital administrators are endangering lives and undermining public trust in state-run health services.

Muzafarabad: The Azad Kashmir High Court has issued stern directions to the government by approving petitions filed by local municipal representatives. The court has mandated the full implementation of the 1990 Act and imposed a ban on the utilization of development funds through MLAs a move that marks a major victory for municipal governance and transparency in the region.

Local municipal representatives had filed several writ petitions in 2023, challenging the manner in which development funds were being managed. The case was heard by a divisional bench comprising Justices Sardar Ijaz and Khalid Rasheed, who delivered the ruling after considering the submissions of prominent legal advocates Raja Sajad, Barrister Humayun Nawaz, and Raja Nasir.

Key aspects of the decision include:

• Strict Implementation of the 1990 Act: The ruling compels the government to adhere fully to the provisions of the 1990 Act.
• Ban on Fund Utilization Through MLAs: The government is now barred from channeling development funds via MLAs, ensuring that the funds are managed transparently.
• Empowerment of Municipal Representatives: The court has directed the government to grant municipal representatives their full constitutional powers, enabling them to oversee the transparent allocation and use of public funds.

The decision has been hailed as a major success by municipal representatives, who view it as a critical step toward ensuring accountability in the management of public resources. However, the ruling has elicited varied responses within government circles, with some officials expressing concerns over the implications for current administrative practices.

Legal experts suggest that this landmark ruling could set a precedent for future governance in Azad Kashmir, potentially leading to more responsible fiscal management and enhanced local autonomy. The case continues to be closely monitored by both political analysts and the public, as its broader implications for the region’s administrative framework are unfolding.