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In a region where silence is enforced, independent voices are an act of resistance. The Azadi Times operates without state backing or corporate influence—powered entirely by readers like you.
Fund our Muzaffarabad and Gilgit newsrooms where local reporters document ground reality without fear.
🛡️
Reporter Safety
Provide legal protection, secure communication tools, and emergency support for field journalists.
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Equip Kashmiri youth with investigative journalism skills, creating the next generation of truth-tellers.
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Radical Transparency
We believe you deserve to know exactly how your money is spent. Every quarter, we publish detailed financial reports showing the breakdown between operational costs, reporter fees, and safety funds.
In a region where silence is enforced, independent voices are an act of resistance. The Azadi Times operates without state backing or corporate influence—powered entirely by readers like you.
Fund our Muzaffarabad and Gilgit newsrooms where local reporters document ground reality without fear.
🛡️
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Provide legal protection, secure communication tools, and emergency support for field journalists.
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Equip Kashmiri youth with investigative journalism skills, creating the next generation of truth-tellers.
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The Kohala border, a key land route between Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, has become the center of a new controversy, sparking unrest and raising questions about the rights of Kashmiri citizens. Reports suggest that Pakistani citizens living near the Kohala border have imposed conditions for passage through Kohala, requiring vehicles to display Pakistan’s flag and drivers to chant pro-Pakistan slogans like “Long Live the Pakistan Army.”
Transporters’ Protest
In response to these restrictions, transporters from Azad Kashmir have staged a protest by parking their vehicles at Kohala Chowk, creating a blockade and heightening tensions in the region. The transporters argue that these demands infringe upon their basic rights and freedom of movement.
Past Incidents of Dispute
This is not the first time Kohala has witnessed such a standoff. On December 5th and 6th, the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee held a sit-in at the Kohala entry point. The protest led to the Azad Kashmir government meeting their demands, temporarily reopening the routes.
Incident at Azad Pattan
A similar issue occurred last year at the Azad Pattan entry point, where some individuals forcibly inscribed the slogan “Kashmir Banega Pakistan” (Kashmir will become Pakistan) on vehicles traveling between Azad Kashmir and Pakistan. Despite the gravity of the incident, no official statements were issued by either government, and the matter remained largely ignored by mainstream media.
Potential Impact of the Standoff
The current closure of the Kohala border is not only causing inconvenience to the public but also straining relations between the two regions. Civil society voices fear that these recurring disputes could further deepen socio-political divides. They emphasize the urgent need for resolution to protect the rights of ordinary citizens.
Government Silence
So far, neither the government of Pakistan nor Azad Kashmir has issued an official statement addressing the ongoing tensions at Kohala. Citizens and advocacy groups are urging both administrations to find a sustainable solution and ensure uninterrupted access through these vital land routes.
This standoff has added to the challenges faced by the people of Azad Kashmir, highlighting the need for constructive dialogue and collaborative efforts to maintain harmony and uphold the region’s socio-political stability.
The province of Balochistan in Pakistan is known for its rugged landscapes, rich traditions, and mystical cultural practices. Among these is the ancient art of scapulomancy, the practice of predicting future events by studying the markings and patterns on the shoulder blades of animals.
Historically, scapulomancy was employed not only to forecast weather conditions but also to predict harvests, livestock well-being, community celebrations, and even the outcomes of wars. In Balochistan, it is considered a time-honored tradition with deep cultural roots.
Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, a revered leader and tribal chief of Balochistan, famously described scapulomancy as the “Balochi newspaper.” This metaphor captures its role as an essential source of guidance and predictions in tribal life. According to local accounts, Bugti himself once relied on scapulomancy to foresee his own death. After interpreting the shoulder blade of a goat, he reportedly told his companions he had only seven days left to live. In a striking testament to the practice’s significance, Bugti was indeed martyred exactly seven days later, as witnesses confirm.
The process of scapulomancy typically involves using the shoulder blade of a mature sheep or goat. Elders trained in this art interpret the bone’s cracks, patterns, and discolorations to predict forthcoming events. However, this practice is fading as modernity takes hold, and the number of elders who possess this knowledge is becoming fewer with each passing year.
Despite its decline, scapulomancy remains a fascinating example of humanity’s connection to nature and innovative ways of making sense of the world. This ancient art reflects the ingenuity of tribal societies and their reliance on cultural tools to navigate life’s uncertainties.
Balochistan, often overlooked on the global stage, is a province with rich traditions that deserve international recognition. The story of scapulomancy highlights not only the depth of its cultural heritage but also the enduring spirit of its people.
Two separate cases have been registered in Dhirkot and Pallandri police stations against unidentified individuals accused of removing the Pakistani flag and damaging the memorials of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan at Kohla the border between Azad Kashmir and Pakistan. These incidents, which occurred on December 5 during a protest organized by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), have sparked mixed reactions.
The protest aimed to block entry points to Azad Kashmir as a means to press their demands. During the demonstrations, some unidentified individuals reportedly removed the Pakistani flag and defaced the memorials of Jinnah and Abdul Qayyum Khan.
Public Reaction and Debate
While certain political groups, including the Muslim Conference, condemned the act and announced a strike across Azad Kashmir to express their outrage, others have raised critical questions. Some voices argue that leaders like Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan are not universally accepted as national heroes of Kashmir and claim their image as leaders was enforced rather than emerging from genuine public sentiment.
Political Divide
Critics of these leaders argue that the association of their legacy with Kashmir’s aspirations does not reflect the diverse perspectives within the region. They believe that presenting them as national figures of Kashmir sidelines the voices of those who hold different political and historical viewpoints.
Amid the controversy, the police have initiated investigations to identify those responsible for the acts of alleged desecration. However, the incident has brought to light a deeper divide regarding the representation of Kashmir’s leadership and the region’s complex historical identity.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
In Leepa Valley’s Union Council Nokot, a wave of celebration erupted as the controversial presidential ordinance was repealed, and the Charter of Demands presented by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) was approved.
This significant achievement came after three days of relentless lockdowns and protests led by the JKJAAC, where locals united to voice their discontent against the ordinance. The sustained demonstration highlighted the people’s determination to stand against policies they deemed unjust, ultimately leading to this triumph.
The people of Leepa Valley also expressed their gratitude in a public display of unity, led by renowned legal expert and social activist Ehsan-ul-Haq Shami.
Shami, addressing the gathering at Tunnl Chowk in Leepa Valley, emphasized his unwavering support for those advocating for an independent Kashmir. He assured the people that he stood firmly by their side amidst increasing social media debates in Leepa Valley, where discussions on the affiliation with Pakistan versus the push for independence have intensified in recent days.
The independence movement has gained significant traction, particularly among the youth of Union Council Nokot, where a large number of Kashmiri speakers are prominent. This contrasts with Union Councils Leepa and Banamulla, where the Kashmiri language is less prevalent.
Social media has become a battleground for ideological debates, with pro-Pakistan groups criticizing Shami’s stance. Despite this, his leadership has resonated deeply, especially among the younger generation seeking clarity and direction in these critical times.
The event marked a significant moment for Leepa Valley, as its people continue to navigate complex political narratives while striving for a just and equitable future.
In a scathing indictment, global human rights activists, organizations, and institutions have condemned the systematic exploitation of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) by Pakistani authorities. The AJK people have been subjected to modern-day slavery, with their fundamental rights being trampled upon with impunity.
Third-Day of Protests in Muzaffarabad
The people of AJK have taken to the streets for the third consecutive day, blocking all roads leading to Pakistan. Human rights activists and organizations have highlighted the issues of enforced disappearances, torture, and killings, which have become commonplace in AJK.
International Community Urged to Intervene
The Joint Action Committee has appealed to world leaders, particularly the United Nations, to intervene in the Kashmir dispute and ensure that the people of AJK are granted their right to self-determination. The committee has also urged human rights organizations to take note of the plight of AJK people languishing in prisons and to help secure their release.
The situation in AJK is a stark reminder of the human rights abuses that have been perpetrated in the region for decades. It is imperative that the international community takes immediate action to address these abuses and ensure that the people of AJK are granted their fundamental rights.
Muzaffarabad: The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) has blocked all major entry points to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) after the government failed to respond to their demands by the December 6 deadline. According to The Azadi Times, the protests have intensified across the region as participants move to seal key access routes connecting AJK with Pakistan.
Key Entry Points Sealed
In the Mirpur region, protestors have blocked the Dhan Gali entry point, while in Muzaffarabad, the capital of AJK, the Bararkot entry point has been closed. Processions from Neelum Valley are also heading towards Muzaffarabad, while in Bagh, protestors are set to block the Kohala point—an essential route linking AJK and Pakistan. Similarly, Rawalakot demonstrators have marched to the Azad Pattan Bridge and shut it down.
Commitment to Peaceful Protest
The JKJAAC has declared that the protests will remain peaceful and will continue until their demands are addressed. Committee representatives stated that the government’s inaction compelled them to take this extreme step, aimed at drawing attention to the pressing issues faced by the people of AJK.
Impact on Daily Life
The closure of these vital routes has severely disrupted travel and daily activities for residents across Azad Kashmir. Commuters and businesses are facing significant challenges as the protests escalate.
What Are the Demands?
The demands of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee include economic reforms, the provision of basic facilities, and the implementation of public welfare projects. The lack of a response from the government has heightened public frustration and unrest.
Protestors Stand Firm
Leaders of the committee have stated that the protests represent the voice of the people and that they will not retreat under any pressure. Blocking the entry points is a strategic move to pressurize the government into immediate action.
The Azadi Times will continue to provide updates on the ongoing protests and the government’s response.
Muzaffarabad (Report): The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) continues its peaceful lockdown across Azad Kashmir (Pakistan-administered Kashmir) to press for the acceptance of their demands.
Speaking at a public gathering in Khai Gala, Sardar Umar Nazir Kashmiri reaffirmed that the lockdown will persist until their demands are met. He announced a mass gathering in Rawalakot tomorrow at 11 AM, from where the protestors will march towards the Azad Pattan entry point between Azad Kashmir and Pakistan.
Protesters from different regions, including Poonch, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Kotli, and Mirpur, are expected to gather at their respective entry points to hold sit-ins. Key locations include Kohala Bridge, Barar Kot, Mangla Bridge, and other major crossings.
Public Facilities Amid Lockdown While essential services remain disrupted, the Action Committee has taken measures to alleviate hardships faced by the public. Grocery stores and bakeries will remain open until 11 AM to meet daily needs. Free meals are also being arranged for day laborers and other vulnerable groups.
Students appearing for board exams will not face any hurdles, although schools and colleges will remain closed. Private vehicles will be allowed for those traveling to the protest points.
Call for Unity and Persistence Addressing the protesters, Sardar Umar Nazir Kashmiri urged participants to support the underprivileged during the lockdown. He emphasized that the lockdown would continue until all demands are accepted, and called on people to remain united and vigilant. “We will not compromise under any circumstances,” he declared.
Special arrangements have been made for university students residing in hostels. Free meals will be provided to those affected by the closure of eateries. Ibrahim Habib Mir, a member of the committee, has assured that food will also be delivered directly to female students at their hostels.
Widespread Participation Expected With people mobilizing from across Azad Kashmir, tomorrow’s events are expected to draw significant crowds. Protests and sit-ins have remained peaceful so far, showcasing a disciplined approach by both the public and the organizers.
Muzaffarabad (The Azadi Times) – Azad Kashmir observed a day-long peaceful shutter-down strike today on the call of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), with protests recorded in major and smaller cities alike. Public transport remained off the roads, and businesses were shut down as the region resonated with calls for the repeal of a controversial Presidential Ordinance. The strike deemed a significant step in the ongoing protests, remained peaceful and orderly, showcasing a rare collaboration between the administration and demonstrators.
A Unified Stance for Demands
Protesters gathered across various locations, including Chehla Bandi, Plate, Upper Adda, and other prominent areas in Muzaffarabad. They chanted slogans in favor of their demands without indulging in vandalism or incitement, ensuring their focus remained on their charter of demands. Demonstrations extended to neighboring towns such as Karoli, Thotha, Majhoi, and Garhi Dupatta, where a complete shutter-down was observed.
Despite political opposition to the strike, the call was largely successful. Public transport remained suspended, though private vehicles and ambulances operated. Government offices saw moderate attendance, while educational institutions remained open but faced low turnout due to transportation challenges.
The Supreme Court’s suspension of the Presidential Ordinance played a pivotal role in maintaining peace. This legal development removed immediate restrictions on gatherings, which could have otherwise resulted in confrontations between the administration and protesters.
Entry Points Briefly Blocked
Protesters had announced plans to block major entry points, including Kohala, Bararkot, and Shaheed Gali, by midnight. However, these blockades lasted no more than half an hour before being cleared. Some groups attempted to burn tires, but these efforts were stopped after concerns about environmental pollution were raised.
The lack of public transport and the closure of hotels posed difficulties for travelers, daily wage workers, and commuters. Despite these challenges, the day ended without any significant disruptions, marking a stark contrast to the violent confrontations of past protests.
Joint Public Action Committee’s Firm Stand
Addressing the gatherings, core committee member Shaukat Nawaz Mir led processions and rallies across the city. Speakers reiterated demands for the immediate repeal of the Presidential Ordinance, the release of political detainees, and the government’s acceptance of the committee’s charter of demands.
“Azad Kashmir’s people will not tolerate oppressive laws that curtail freedom of expression. The nation has awakened, and we will not back down until our demands are met,” declared one of the speakers.
Cooperation Between Protesters and Administration
A notable feature of today’s strike was the absence of police presence at protest sites. Demonstrators also refrained from engaging in vandalism or disrupting law and order, setting an example of mutual understanding and civic responsibility. The Supreme Court’s suspension of the controversial ordinance averted a potential flashpoint, as the ordinance would have necessitated prior approval for public gatherings.
The court ruling also shielded protesters from legal action, allowing them to voice their concerns without fear of reprisal. The day-long protests highlighted the effective strategy adopted by law enforcement agencies and organizers to prevent violence while ensuring a platform for public dissent.
The Road Ahead
The Joint Public Action Committee has issued a 12-hour ultimatum to the government, warning of intensified protests, including a long march to Muzaffarabad, if their demands remain unmet. The memory of the violent clashes from the May 11 protests, which resulted in injuries to civilians and police officers, looms large.
As tensions simmer, today’s peaceful strike serves as a reminder of the power of restraint and dialogue in addressing public grievances. However, the ball is now in the government’s court to address the demands and avert further escalations in the region.
When the Syrian city of Aleppo was captured by anti-government rebels, photos surfaced of a handsome man dressed in military uniform leading the attack. The man’s name is Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, who is the head of a group called Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
After the occupation of Aleppo, the name of al-Jolani has once again become the center of debate and controversy. One of the reasons for this is that the group he is leading has been sanctioned by the United Nations and some Muslim countries, in addition to Western countries, and has been given the status of a ‘terrorist group’.
Abu al-Jolani is the main leader of the movement against the Bashar al-Assad regime in northwestern Syria and controls several areas along Aleppo province. It is home to around 3 million people displaced by the Syrian civil war and is considered a stronghold of the anti-government movement.
But the surprise attack that began a week ago is perhaps the most dramatic chapter yet in the life of Abu al-Jolani, the most enigmatic and controversial leader of Syria’s civil war.
Who is Abu Muhammad al-Jolani?
According to BBC Monitoring, there is a variety of information about al-Jolani’s real name, date, and place of birth, which adds to his mysterious personality.
According to United Nations reports, Abu al-Jolani was born between 1975 and 1979, while according to Interpol, his date of birth is 1975.
According to an interview given to American TV network PBS, his real name is Ahmed Hussein and he is called Abu al-Jolani because of the Golan Heights, where his family has historical ties.
In the same interview, he said that he was born in 1982 in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, where his father worked as a petroleum engineer. In 1989, his family returned to Syria and he was raised near Damascus.
According to some reports, he studied medicine in Damascus but joined al-Qaeda in Iraq during his third year when the US invaded in 2003. He is said to have soon become a close associate of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq. But after al-Zarqawi’s death in 2006, he moved to Lebanon, where he trained the Lebanese militant group Jund al-Sham.
After that, there are reports of his return to Iraq where he was arrested by the US Army. After being imprisoned for some time, when he was released in 2008, he joined the so-called Islamic State.
He is said to have been held at the American prison camp called Camp Buka, where his ideas matured and relations with the leaders of the future so-called Islamic State were also developed.
According to some reports, al-Jolani returned to Syria in August 2011 and opened an al-Qaeda branch aimed at fighting President Bashar al-Assad. However, a Lebanese newspaper has claimed that al-Jolani is actually an Iraqi citizen named after the area of Fallujah called Al-Jullan and that he belongs to that area.
After taking over the leadership of the militant group Jabhat al-Nusra, al-Jolani’s personal information was reportedly kept so secret that most members of the group did not know anything about their leader.
AFP
Separation from al-Qaeda
In 2011, when the uprising in Syria turned into a civil war, al-Jolani arrived in Syria on a special mission on behalf of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi to establish a local branch of the Islamic State. In 2012, Jabhat al-Nusra was launched and became the Iraqi branch of the Islamic State.
However, in 2013, when Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi formally announced the merger of Jabhat al-Nusra and the Islamic State, al-Jolani rejected it and declared his support for al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri.
This was the time when Jabhat al-Nusra was becoming militarily powerful. In July 2016, al-Jolani announced that his group was no longer affiliated with al-Qaeda and would now be called Jabhat Fateh al-Sham.
In 2017, the group was formed into a coalition called Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which included other organizations and was headed by al-Jolani.
The organization prioritized local-level issues, and in 2021, al-Jolani told the American broadcaster PBS that he had abandoned al-Qaeda’s ideology of global jihad and was now aiming to overthrow the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria and establish an Islamic system in the country.
In this interview, al-Jolani said, “When we were in al-Qaeda, we were against targeting European or American targets. We never did that.” He said that the designation of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham as a terrorist group was an ‘unfair’ and ‘political’ decision.
Aleppo
Al-Jolani is said to adapt himself to the situation. At first, his ideologies were close to those of al-Qaeda, but later he adopted a local agenda.
Under his leadership, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham implemented the Islamic system in Aleppo province, built courts, and even established a police force. He has considerable influence in Aleppo, which is also considered the center of the opposition in Syria. This area is also important because it borders Turkey.
During this time, al-Jolani showed expertise in local administration and diplomacy along with military operations and emerged as a key player in the Syrian conflict.
In the areas controlled by their group, there is a government that manages the economy, health, education, and even security. Al-Jolani has said that there is an Islamic government in these areas, but not under the ideology of the Islamic State.
However, according to reports and analysts, his group has taken a tough stance against its opponents. There are also reports that his group has tortured prisoners.
Al-Jolani has been denying the allegations and has been inviting human rights organizations to visit prisons under his jurisdiction and assess the conditions there.
It should be noted that the US government also declares al-Jolani a ‘terrorist’ and a reward of 10 million dollars has been set for providing information for his arrest.
Last month, on November 2, at 6:20 a.m., a chilling female voice was heard from the garage of a house in Jamaica, a suburb of Queens, New York, saying, “You are all going to die today.” Moments later, the building was engulfed in flames.
According to the New York Daily News, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz reported that a female resident on the property witnessed the incident and raised the alarm. She stated that Edward Jacobs, 35, woke up to the fire and attempted to save his friend, Anastasia Etienne, 33, who was asleep upstairs. Tragically, neither could escape the flames, and both perished in the fire.
The case has taken a sensational turn with the arrest of Alia Fakhri, the 43-year-old younger sister of Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri. Alia has been charged with arson and multiple counts of murder following eyewitness testimony linking her to the crime.
The Case Against Alia Fakhri
According to District Attorney Katz, the fire began in a garage adjacent to the residence of Edward Jacobs. Investigators allege that Alia Fakhri deliberately started the fire, trapping the victims inside the burning building with no escape.
Alia, a resident of Parsons Boulevard in Queens, was remanded in custody on November 27 after being indicted by a grand jury. She faces charges including two counts of murder, attempted murder, and arson. If convicted, she could face life imprisonment. Her next court hearing is scheduled for December 9.
Many news channels have given credit to Nargis Fakhri’s Facebook page for this picture of her with her sister Aliya.
Who is Alia Fakhri?
Aliya is the younger sister of Bollywood star Nargis Fakhri, known for her roles in Rockstar and Kick. While Nargis rose to fame in the entertainment industry, Aliya lived a private life, away from the limelight.
The sisters’ upbringing was marked by challenges. Their father, Mohammad Fakhri, a Pakistani immigrant, married Marie, a Czech national, in the United States. However, the parents separated, and their father passed away shortly afterward. Nargis was just six years old at the time, and Aliya was four.
According to reports, Aliya’s life took a darker turn due to dental problems that led to an addiction to painkillers. This opioid dependency is believed to have impacted her mental health.
Family Reactions
Nargis Fakhri reportedly estranged from her sister for nearly two decades, expressed shock at the news, learning of the incident through media reports.
Aliya’s mother defended her daughter, stating, “I don’t believe Aliya could harm anyone. She was always a caring person who tried to help everyone.” She acknowledged Aliya’s struggles with opioid addiction but maintained that Alia’s character was fundamentally kind.
The Victims
Edward Jacobs and Anastasia Etienne, the two victims, were close friends. Jacobs’ mother revealed that while Jacobs and Aliya were once in a relationship, they had parted ways over a year ago. She alleged that Aliya continued to pursue Jacobs even after their separation.
Legal Proceedings
As the case unfolds, it has garnered widespread attention due to the involvement of Nargis Fakhri’s family and the tragic loss of two lives. The upcoming court hearing on December 9 will shed more light on the case, as prosecutors aim to establish the motive and circumstances leading to the fatal fire.
