In an unexpected and heartbreaking development, Kamran Hameed Butt, Chairman of the Mission Kashmir Task Force, has passed away due to a heart attack in France, according to family sources. The sudden demise of the leader has left many in shock.

Kamran Hameed Butt had been residing in France for employment purposes while simultaneously managing the affairs of the Mission Kashmir Task Force. Despite being abroad, his dedication to the cause of Kashmir’s autonomy never faltered. He frequently visited Azad Kashmir and played a crucial role in strengthening the party, which is a registered political entity in the region. The Mission Kashmir Task Force, now officially recognized for over two years, saw significant growth under his leadership.

Kamran Hameed Butt, a native of the Bagh district in Azad Kashmir, was an ardent supporter of an independent Kashmir. His lifelong struggle for the self-determination of the Kashmiri people made him a respected figure in the political landscape. Last year, during a visit to Azad Kashmir, he took substantial steps to solidify the party’s structure and vision.

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Following his passing, social media has been flooded with condolence messages from supporters, party members, and well-wishers. Many have expressed their grief over the loss, while reiterating their commitment to carrying forward his mission. Supporters have vowed that Kamran Hameed Butt’s dream of an independent Kashmir will never be forgotten, and his mission will continue with full force.

As the community mourns this tremendous loss, they also draw strength from his unwavering belief in the cause of Kashmir’s freedom. His ideological companions and party members remain determined to keep his vision alive.

May Allah grant him eternal peace and give his family and loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss. His mission will continue, Insha’Allah.

BAGH — In a momentous development for student activism in the Azad Jammu Kashmir (Pakistan-administered Kashmir), Andaleeb Sartaj, a passionate and determined student from Jamia Bagh, has officially joined the Jammu Kashmir National Students Federation (JKNSF). This federation has long been at the forefront of advocating for the rights and welfare of students while fighting for the broader cause of freedom and autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir.

Andaleeb’s induction into the JKNSF marks a significant step in empowering young voices, particularly women, who play a critical role in the region’s socio-political landscape. As a symbol of resilience and determination, she embodies the aspirations of countless young individuals who are striving for justice and equality.

The JKNSF has welcomed Sartaj with enthusiasm, recognizing her potential to be a powerful spokesperson for the movement. Her activism is not limited to educational rights; it extends to advocating for the liberation of Jammu and Kashmir from oppressive forces, with a vision for a non-class society.

Sartaj expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to represent the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, stating, “Joining the JKNSF is an honor. I am committed to our struggle for freedom, autonomy, and dignity. Together, we will amplify our voices and push for the changes our society desperately needs.”

As Sartaj takes on this new role, her efforts reflect a growing wave of youth engagement in Jammu and Kashmir, signaling hope for a future where their rights are recognized and upheld. The collective action of young leaders like her is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the region’s youth, who continue to challenge the status quo and advocate for a brighter tomorrow.

The JKNSF remains steadfast in its mission to unite students and empower them in their quest for justice, with the belief that the future of Jammu and Kashmir lies in the hands of its youth.

In winter, everyone takes every possible precaution to protect themselves and their families from the cold. This includes actions such as closing the windows, avoiding leaving doors open unnecessarily and choosing warm, dark-colored carpets and curtains. Similarly, in our bedrooms, thick, warm, and dark-colored sheets and pillow covers are used. This is why we specifically keep such sheets for the winter season.

Just as sheets, clothing, and even food are adapted to the winter season, the colors of walls are also specific for winter. To keep a house warm, modern construction experts emphasize the importance of energy-saving measures from the very beginning of construction. This makes it easier to keep the house warm in winter and cool in summer.

Heating Systems in Ceilings and Floors

In extremely cold regions like Russia and Eastern Europe, hot water is circulated through pipes and motors in ceilings and floors to raise temperatures below freezing point. However, with new technology, this can also be achieved with electric heaters. With the widespread adoption of solar energy systems, using solar panels to heat water is no longer a new concept.

Carpet Recommendations

Cover the floors of rooms with carpets to avoid walking on cold floors, as marble floors become extremely cold in winter. Experts suggest that using an underlay with carpets not only makes them thicker but also helps keep the home warm.

Laying rubber under carpets extends their lifespan and reduces the costs associated with measures taken to keep the home warm. Another option is waffle underlay, which contains air bubbles that help keep carpets soft while also having the capacity to retain warmth in the house. If for some reason you cannot lay down a carpet, try to wear slippers or shoes on the cold floors.

Repairs and Maintenance

Before the arrival of each season, necessary modifications and additions must be made to the house. When preparing for winter, make sure to seal open areas and holes, as these can allow cold air to enter the home. Repair window and door seals, and if their hinges are broken, have them fixed. The winds coming through these holes can be harmful, especially for infants, resulting in allergies and colds.

Arrangement of Geysers

Previously, gas geysers were more commonly sold, but due to gas load-shedding, there is now a trend toward installing electric geysers. The price of a geyser depends on its size; larger geysers tend to be more expensive.

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Although electric geysers are generally cheaper than gas geysers, their use tends to increase electricity bills. However, one advantage is that there is usually no electricity load-shedding in winter, so you can have access to hot water at all times. If your geyser runs on gas, make sure to have it serviced regularly.

Winter Colors

If you want to paint your home in winter, you can choose warm colors suitable for the season, such as light beige, deep purple, gray, and blue. These colors on the walls create a feeling of warmth during winter.

Caution in Using Heaters

First, ensure that the heater is working properly. It is essential to use heaters with caution; you should turn off gas heaters completely before going to bed to avoid accidents caused by gas leaks. Many people use gas heaters while keeping the rooms closed, which increases the risk of significant accidents due to gas emissions and a lack of oxygen. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using gas heaters or warm air blowers to avoid various complications.

Natural Energy

During the day, utilize solar energy to keep yourself and your rooms warm. Sunbathing also positively affects health. Do essential tasks that you can easily do in the sun. It is better to step outside and do work rather than suffer from the cold indoors, as this also positively impacts health. Allow direct sunlight into the room and remove curtains from the windows.

In recent days, there has been a significant development in the political landscape of Jammu Kashmir. On October 17, the newly formed government in Srinagar took a major step forward as five ministers were sworn in and unanimously passed a resolution demanding the restoration of statehood. This is the first serious and substantial move since August 5, 2019. The government in Srinagar, acting on its own, is standing firm like Ibrahim in the face of Nimrod’s fire.

Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, will soon travel to Delhi to present this resolution to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This resolution is a critical first step toward the restoration of autonomy and the removal of restrictions on freedom of expression. By restoring these powers, the government could make significant strides toward implementing the Gupkar Declaration, which aims to restore the political status of Kashmir and protect the rights of its people.

The Test for Muzaffarabad’s Government

In this context, the government of Muzaffarabad faces a critical moment of trial and decision-making. The question arises: Will the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, who leads a cabinet of over two dozen ministers, present a similar resolution calling for Azad Kashmir to be granted the status of a Local Authority under the UN template? And will he be prepared to take this resolution to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Chairman of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council, in Islamabad? It remains to be seen how committed the leadership in Muzaffarabad is to their cause and whether they are willing to present their case and the challenges they face to non-governmental sectors in Pakistan.

These questions are crucial, especially since the Chief Minister in Srinagar was elected through the sovereign power of the people’s vote, and due to this popular mandate, he has the full respect of India’s leadership. The oath-taking ceremony of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was attended not only by major political figures in India but also by two significant Kashmiri leaders, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. Other prominent officials, including police officers and members of the “Department of Agriculture,” were also present, although they remained within their professional roles. The authority and power, however, rested with the people’s vote.

Muzaffarabad’s Leadership and Political Challenges

On the other hand, according to Tariq Farooq, General Secretary of the Muslim League (N) in Azad Kashmir, the Prime Minister of Muzaffarabad was imposed under the cover of darkness, a symbol of the political weakness that has damaged the political dignity of the region. As a result, Muzaffarabad’s politicians have become more akin to “washers” serving Mughal princes. Our politicians have consistently failed to make a strong case within the Assembly, the media, or outside the state, resorting to empty rhetoric. The same weakness can be observed in other sectors, including the “Department of Agriculture,” where similarly inept individuals have failed to advocate for meaningful change.

For instance, during a recent Assembly session, the Speaker demanded that the UN appoint a Plebiscite Advisor, though he seemed unaware of the difference between a Plebiscite Advisor and a Plebiscite Administrator. While the Speaker may be well-meaning, his lack of understanding reflects a broader failure.

Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider, too, made similar blunders during a TV program when he questioned the role of a Plebiscite Advisor, suggesting that such appointments would be meaningless. He failed to mention that this constitutional responsibility has remained unfulfilled since 1970 and that the duties of a Plebiscite Advisor were clearly outlined in an April 1999 decision by the Azad Kashmir High Court, based on a 1992 petition by the Jammu and Kashmir Council for Human Rights (JKCHR).

Moreover, five major politicians from Azad Kashmir also made ill-informed remarks during a national TV program hosted by Ambassador Abdul Basit, further illustrating the region’s political shortcomings.

The Need for Sovereign Leadership in Muzaffarabad

What is urgently needed is for Muzaffarabad to have a Prime Minister who is empowered by the people’s sovereign vote and equipped with a deep understanding of Kashmiri affairs. He must fulfill the responsibilities of the state in the same way that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has in Jammu, where three ministries were allocated to Jammu and the Deputy Chief Minister was appointed from that region. The principle of inclusiveness and its implementation is crucial on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC).

As we look ahead, we must ask ourselves: What support and guidance can we offer from Muzaffarabad and beyond to a government elected by the people’s vote across the border? It is important to clarify here that the political, moral, and diplomatic support of the Government of Pakistan and other sectors for the people of Kashmir has been misguided and misdirected for too long.

This support should not be exclusive to Azad Kashmir or any one faction but must be extended to the entire state and to every Kashmiri, whether they are working within the UN template or striving for the collective rights of all Kashmiris.

By Syed Nazir Gilani