Rawalakot: (The Azadi Times) In a tragic accident, Azhar Azad, a young electrical engineer from Jandala (Sahwanta), a village near Paniola, Rawalakot lost his life in a car crash in Tabuk, Neom, Saudi Arabia, on Friday, September 16, 2024.

Azhar, who had moved to Saudi Arabia nearly ten months ago on an Azad visa, was working for a local company as an electrical engineer. Known for his hard work and dedication, Azhar’s untimely demise has left his family and friends in deep shock and grief.

His body is expected to arrive in Azad Kashmir on the morning of September 17, 2024, at 8 a.m., where family, friends, and members of the community will gather to pay their final respects.

Azhar’s death is a tragic reminder of life’s unpredictability. While he was a bright and promising individual, his passing highlights the fragility of life and the reality that death does not wait for old age.

The Azadi Times extends its heartfelt condolences to Azhar Azad’s family and loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. May Allah grant the deceased eternal peace and strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreplaceable loss.

Rawalakot (Azadi Times): The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has passed a controversial amendment to Section 505 of the Penal Code of 1860, making public criticism of government officials a punishable offense.

The amended law targets critiques against the AJK President, Prime Minister, ministers, civil servants, and other government figures, with penalties including a minimum of 7 years in prison.

The amendment was introduced during a recent session of the Legislative Assembly, where the AJK Penal Code (First Amendment) Ordinance 2024 was presented. The Select Committee, comprising senior officials such as Law Minister Mian Waheed, Senior Minister Colonel Waqar Noor, and Minister of Communications Azhar Sadiq, agreed on the proposed changes and submitted the report for approval. The Assembly unanimously passed the ordinance.

According to the Law Minister, the amendment aimed to clarify the definition of “community” in Section 505. Upon reviewing the bill, it was revealed that “community” now encompasses the AJK President, Prime Minister, ministers, government officials, and other key personalities.

As a result, criticism against any government institution or individual is now a criminal offense under the Penal Code. While the offense is classified as bailable, those convicted could face up to 7 years of imprisonment.

Critics, including journalists, civil society members, and lawyers, have condemned the amendment, calling it an attempt to stifle freedom of expression. Many see the law as a response to rising criticism of the government from civil society and the media. Instead of addressing the pending defamation bill, the government has amended the criminal code, which opponents argue is a means of retaliation against dissent.

Journalists, civil society organizations, and legal experts have likened the law to draconian regulations such as the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) and the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) imposed in Indian-administered Kashmir. They have announced plans to challenge the law in the High Court, labeling it a “black law.”

The controversial amendment has sparked widespread debate, with many fearing that it represents a significant step backward for freedom of speech in Azad Kashmir.

Critics argue that the government’s actions are aimed at silencing dissent at a time when public scrutiny is increasing, while the government maintains that the amendment simply clarifies legal ambiguities. The debate is likely to intensify as civil society prepares to take the matter to court.

Muzaffarabad: (Azadi Times) – In a recent video that has sparked widespread discussion, a Kashmiri social media user has taken a stand against misleading claims made by certain Pakistani social media users.

These users often accuse Kashmiris of ignoring the atrocities committed against Kashmiri women in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The claims suggest that women are being mistreated in front of their families, a narrative that has frustrated many Kashmiris.

Addressing this issue, the Kashmiri social media user released a video message, firmly stating that even a 5-year-old in Kashmir understands the importance of fighting for their rights.

The speaker dismissed the narratives shown on Pakistani media as false and urged viewers not to believe the misinformation being spread. The video emphasizes the struggles of Kashmiri Muslim women and sheds light on the reality of life in the region.

This video is a powerful response to the ongoing challenges faced by Kashmiri social media users, who regularly encounter such accusations when they post videos about the fight for freedom from India & Pakistan.

By confronting the false narratives, this message brings attention to the real issues at hand.

Watch the full video below to hear the truth from a Kashmiri voice.