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Glimpses of the Political History of Azad Kashmir

Saba Anjum
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Glimpses of the Political History of Azad Kashmir

Under the 1974 Act, the establishment of two chambers took place, known as the Legislative Assembly and the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council.

In 1975, the Azad Jammu Kashmir assembly was established under an interim constitution (Act of 1974), marking the beginning of a parliamentary system of government.

Under Act 74, two houses were formed, known as the Legislative Assembly and the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council. The Legislative Assembly held limited legislative powers, while the Council possessed legislative and financial powers. In 2018, the 13th Amendment was made to Act 74, transferring limited legislative and financial powers to the government of Azad Kashmir.

However, the Act’s scope was limited to Azad Kashmir rather than representing the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir. From 1970 to 1975, a presidential system of governance prevailed in Azad Kashmir for five years. Prior to that, a ‘President of the State’ was once elected through Ayub Khan’s ‘Basic Democracy,’ and in other times, the President was nominated by the Muslim Conference’s Executive Committee in consultation with Pakistan’s Ministry of Kashmir Affairs.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s political history has been filled with significant events. When a revolutionary government was established after the declaration of independence in 1947, its purpose was outlined as follows:

“A temporary government is taking charge of the state’s administration; it is not a sectarian government. Non-Muslims will also participate in this provisional cabinet alongside Muslims. The government’s immediate goal is to restore law and order in the state so that the people can choose a democratic constituent assembly and a representative government. The temporary government is committed to maintaining the territorial integrity and political individuality of the state. The question of affiliation with Pakistan or India will be decided through a free plebiscite by the people here.”

Sardar Ibrahim was appointed as the first president of the revolutionary government. All the matters of the new government were overseen by Pakistan’s Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, headed by Mushtaq Ahmed Gurmani. Following the presentation of the Kashmir issue at the United Nations, this ministry acted as the liaison between Pakistan and the Azad government.

The Azad government was initially seen as a mere joke, and no notable figures were willing to become part of this provisional system. However, as it became a reality, the ministries and positions grew more attractive, sparking a struggle for power.

Conflicts soon escalated between the leadership of the Muslim Conference and Sardar Ibrahim’s government over sharing power. In 1948, Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas, released from prison in Jammu (Occupied Kashmir), arrived in Pakistan and was appointed as the Chief Administrator of the Azad government. He was given full authority to reconstitute the government and cabinet.

The appointment of Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas as Chief Administrator became a topic of debate. Many historians, including Yusuf Saraf and Pandit Prem Nath Bazaz, considered this action undemocratic and unlawful. Around this time, a stipend of one lakh rupees was set for a dozen political workers in Azad Kashmir, distributed through Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas.

Instead of general elections, the Muslim Conference’s Executive Committee was regarded as the ‘Electoral College,’ and on March 2, 1949, it passed a resolution on restructuring the Azad government. Following orders from Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan of Pakistan, Sardar Ibrahim resigned with the assurance of being re-elected, which Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas, as President of the Executive Committee, accepted. Subsequently, on April 1, 1949, a new cabinet was announced, and Sardar Ibrahim was reappointed as president.

To address the mistrust between the two major political factions, a decision was made to draft a written agreement to divide powers. This agreement was signed by Sardar Ibrahim as President of Azad Kashmir, Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas as President of the Muslim Conference, and Nawab Mushtaq Ahmed Gurmani as Pakistan’s representative. Under this agreement, the governance of Gilgit and Ladakh was handed over to Pakistan, while the Azad government was given advisory powers in certain areas. This was the first written agreement between the governments of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan.

On May 26, 1949, Sardar Ibrahim and Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas were summoned to Karachi, where, with their consultation, the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs was established.

Around this time, Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas’s health deteriorated, leading him to nominate Allah Rakha Sagar as the party president, which sparked disagreements. In response, Mirwaiz Yusuf Shah held a meeting with 200 members and announced a parallel cabinet to the Muslim Conference. Approximately eight months later, Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas resumed leadership of the Muslim Conference. In the midst of this political turmoil, Sardar Ibrahim left for a United Nations session in the United States but was stopped in Karachi upon his return.

Meanwhile, a session of the Muslim Conference’s Executive Committee was called, where Sardar Ibrahim was removed from power and Syed Ali Ahmed Shah was named the new President of Azad Kashmir. In his public statement, Sardar Ibrahim mentioned his differences with Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas and demanded governance based on universal suffrage.

This political struggle led to a rebellion, sparking a civil disobedience movement in Poonch. To suppress this rebellion, the army was called in to assist the police. Mirza Shafiq Hussain writes, “The political crisis continued as Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas issued guidelines for the Azad Kashmir government and the Chief Administrator’s powers, granting him authority over the nomination of the president and cabinet, the appointment and dismissal of judges, and final legislative authority.”

Thus, Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas became an absolute authority, which led to significant backlash, and the Muslim Conference’s representative status was once again challenged. Colonel Sher Ahmed Khan formed a parallel faction of the Muslim Conference. The rebel faction approached the Minister of Kashmir Affairs, Mushtaq Gurmani, to address the situation, but no resolution was reached, leading them to announce the formation of a parallel government. This alarmed the central government, and Mirwaiz Yusuf Shah was proposed as an interim president.

Both factions rejected this proposal, and the situation in the state continued to deteriorate. In an attempt to resolve the crisis, Liaquat Ali Khan tried to bring both factions of the Muslim Conference to the negotiating table, where they demanded either the abolition of the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs or the removal of its minister. However, Liaquat Ali Khan’s assassination prevented any progress in the negotiations.

After prolonged negotiations between Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas and Sardar Ibrahim, the Azad government resigned, and Mirwaiz was appointed as interim president. This administration lasted for six months, after which Colonel Sher Ahmed Khan was named president. Sardar Ibrahim termed this appointment a conspiracy by the Minister of Kashmir Affairs, while Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas remained silent.

During this period, Sardar Ibrahim’s group continued its struggle to restore democracy. In February 1955, this movement took a new turn when there was an attempted shooting on Colonel Sher Ahmed, leading the police to raid the Pulandri Mosque to apprehend a suspect. This sparked public outrage, a confrontation ensued, and people seized all government offices. Martial law was imposed in Poonch, and the Punjab Constabulary was called in. Although the movement had begun with Sardar Ibrahim’s demand for universal suffrage, he eventually abandoned the cause and resumed his legal practice in Rawalpindi.

During this time, a ‘Kashmir Conference’ was held in Karachi, where the establishment of a Legislative Assembly and elections based on universal suffrage were decided. However, this was not implemented. After peace was restored, an interim government was formed with the consensus of the Pakistan government and the Muslim Conference, but it lasted only seven months, largely due to political inexperience. Later, President of Pakistan Sikander Mirza offered Sardar Ibrahim the presidency, which was confirmed through a session of the Muslim Conference’s Executive Committee.

When martial law was imposed in Pakistan, detained leaders were released, intensifying challenges for Sardar Ibrahim’s government. Eventually, in April 1959, Sardar Ibrahim was asked to resign, and K.H. Khurshid was appointed president of Azad Kashmir. Upon assuming office, Khurshid demanded the recognition of the Azad government as the representative government of Jammu and Kashmir. Shortly after Khurshid’s administration began, Ayub Khan’s ‘Basic Democracy’ was introduced in Pakistan, leading to elections in Azad Kashmir and the implementation of the 1961 Act. Under this act, 2,400 elected members were to elect the president of the state, with K.H. Khurshid emerging victorious.

The struggle to gain recognition for the Azad Kashmir government as a representative body unfolded at a time when the Sino-Indian border conflict was at its peak. In 1963, Khurshid revealed that “several countries, including Algeria, Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Portugal, had assured their recognition of the Azad Kashmir government once Pakistan accorded it as the representative government.” However, the leadership of the Muslim Conference deemed this act of declaring Azad Kashmir an independent or representative government as a betrayal of the martyrs’ blood. Consequently, Khurshid founded the Jammu Kashmir Liberation League.

Khurshid, Sardar Ibrahim, and Sardar Abdul Qayyum launched a campaign against the termination of the refugee representation, demanding that the president of Azad Kashmir be elected through the direct votes of the people of Azad Kashmir, Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan, and the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, and called for the establishment of a Legislative Assembly. When elections were held under the 1968 Act, Khurshid’s nomination papers were rejected. Sardar Ibrahim and Sardar Abdul Qayyum jointly issued a statement, expressing shock that “the man who served as president for five years is now deemed ineligible to contest because his name is not on the voter list.”

In these circumstances, a protest movement began in Azad Kashmir, and riots ensued. During this time, Ayub Khan announced his separation from power in Pakistan and declared that elections would be held based on universal suffrage. President Yahya Khan held separate meetings with Sardar Ibrahim, K.H. Khurshid, and Sardar Abdul Qayyum, and an interim government was formed to work on the constitution. In September 1970, the Act was implemented, which, in addition to including Gilgit-Baltistan, accepted all the demands of the people of Azad Kashmir.

The 1970 Act lasted only five years, and the system, which was shaped according to public desires, could not move forward.

Before the parliamentary system established under Act 74, the elected Prime Minister was Khan Abdul Hamid Khan, who belonged to the Pakistan People’s Party. After that, martial law remained in place until 1985. In the 1985 elections, Sardar Sikander Hayat of the Muslim Conference became the Prime Minister. In 1990, Mumtaz Hussain Rathore became Prime Minister, but within a year, he dissolved the assembly, and new elections were held in 1991, after which Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan became Prime Minister.

In 1996, Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry from the Pakistan People’s Party became Prime Minister, while in 2001, the Muslim Conference won again, and Sardar Sikander Hayat became Prime Minister. In 2006, the Muslim Conference formed a government again, but due to internal differences, Raja Farooq Haider, a member of the Muslim Conference, expressed no confidence in them, and Raja Farooq Haider became Prime Minister. After some time, Sardar Muhammad Yaqub moved a no-confidence motion, removing Farooq Haider and taking the office of Prime Minister. In the same assembly, a third no-confidence motion was moved, and Sardar Atiq Khan became Prime Minister once again.

In the 2011 elections, the Pakistan People’s Party emerged victorious, and Chaudhry Abdul Majid was elected Prime Minister. During this time, for the first time, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz also participated in the elections. Due to differences with the Muslim Conference, Raja Farooq Haider formed the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz by joining the dissatisfied faction of the Muslim Conference. In the 2016 general elections, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz secured a two-thirds majority, and Raja Farooq Haider became Prime Minister.

Nationalist Kashmiri Leader Launches ‘Back to Home’ Journey, Crossing LOC from AJK to J&K with White Flag

The Azadi Times
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Nationalist Kashmiri Leader Launches ‘Back to Home’ Journey, Crossing LOC from AJK to J&K with White Flag

Nationalist Leader Mohammad Zubair Bhatti Embarks on ‘Back to Home Journey’ from Kotli to Mahinder

Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir – Mohammad Zubair Bhatti, a nationalist leader from Kotli, has commenced a symbolic journey from Kotli Courthouse to Mahinder, a city in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, naming it the Back to Home Journey.

Holding a white flag, widely recognized as a symbol of peace, Bhatti set off with a message underscoring the right of Jammu and Kashmir’s people to travel freely across their homeland.

At the start of his journey, Bhatti expressed his belief that, as a citizen of Jammu and Kashmir, he has the inherent right to move unrestricted within the state. “We, the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, should be free to travel wherever we wish within our state without barriers,” he stated.

He also extended a message of hope to the Pakistani and Indian forces stationed along the Line of Control (LoC), expressing his optimism that they would not obstruct his journey. Bhatti urged both forces to cooperate in ensuring a smooth and peaceful completion of his journey.

The Back to Home Journey has also been shared on Bhatti’s Facebook profile, where he called for unity and peace, advocating for unrestricted movement across Jammu and Kashmir as a basic right for its people.

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Passes Resolution for Restoration of Article 370 Amid BJP Protests

    The Azadi Times
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    Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Passes Resolution for Restoration of Article 370 Amid BJP Protests

    Srinagar – In a significant move, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has passed a resolution calling for the restoration of Article 370, which previously granted special autonomy to the region.

    According to Kashmir Uzma, the resolution, presented by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary, was passed with a majority vote on Wednesday, the third day of the Assembly session.

    Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, when asked about the development, remarked, “The Assembly has done its job; that’s all I’ll say on this matter.” His response indicates a focus on letting the legislative process speak for itself without further commentary.

    However, the decision sparked strong opposition from BJP leaders within the Assembly, who staged a protest, calling the resolution an “anti-national agenda.” They stated, “We reject this resolution, as it is against the interests of India.

    Martyrs’ Day of Jammu: The Massacre of November 6, 1947 Motivations and Facts

    The Azadi Times
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    Martyrs’ Day of Jammu: The Massacre of November 6, 1947 Motivations and Facts

    Today is November 6, on this day in 1947, a caravan of Muslim refugees from Jammu set out for Sialkot. This caravan, consisting of women, children, and the elderly, departed from Jammu with dreams of a bright future and hopes in their hearts. However, the caravan never reached Sialkot.

    Sheikh Abdullah, the Chief Executive of Jammu and Kashmir and commander of the Indian forces in the region failed to provide any military security for the caravan. Taking advantage of this situation, armed Hindu and Sikh militants stopped the caravan between Deghiana and Samba, separated the young women, and then killed all the other members of the caravan—including the elderly, men, and children—with bullets and axes.

    A few people managed to survive, hiding amidst the dead and injured, and when the attackers believed all were dead, they took the women and fled. The surviving individuals managed to reach Sialkot after hiding and avoiding further attacks.

    According to the testimonies of the survivors, this ill-fated caravan consisted of thirty buses. This incident of mass killings, looting, and abduction marked the peak of the attacks by armed Hindu militias on the Muslim refugees from Jammu, which had been occurring sporadically since September. In remembrance of the Muslims killed during these attacks, November 6 is observed as Martyrs’ Day of Jammu in Pakistan and the so-called Azad Kashmir. The day condemns the massacres of Muslims in Jammu, highlighting the widespread violence and the abduction of many women.

    These killings were not limited to the refugee caravans alone, as many villages and towns in Jammu were also targeted by the terrorists. Nearly half of the Muslim population in the Kathua district was affected. The killings of hundreds of Gujjars in Mohala Ram Nagar and the burning of the Raipur village in the Jammu Cantonment area in September are part of this ongoing violence. The massacres of Jammu are undoubtedly a criminal act by the Hindus against the Muslims and should be condemned in the strongest terms.

    The responsibility for this massacre also lies with the Jammu and Kashmir administration, led by Sheikh Abdullah, who failed to provide protection for the Muslim refugee caravans on November 6. It is essential to understand why and how these horrific incidents of killing and violence occurred on November 6. When these events took place, Sheikh Abdullah was the head of the administration.

    He cannot absolve himself from responsibility for the massacre. On November 9, a similar attack on a Muslim refugee convoy was repelled by the army, resulting in the death of 150 attackers. After this, no such attacks occurred on any convoy. This clearly means that if the protective measures of November 9 had been implemented on November 6, the massacre could have been prevented.

    However, in the tragedy of our national history, historians have written about these events with extreme bias, without making any effort to analyze the actual nature of these events and their causes. This is a significant flaw, as the partition of the Indian subcontinent was an extremely ill-conceived and impractical step, intended to sow discord among the people of the subcontinent and keep them divided, perpetually under British colonial control and global imperialism.

    Has anyone ever wondered why, in 1947, people who had lived peacefully together for centuries, despite their religious differences, suddenly became bloodthirsty enemies of each other? The answer lies in a British conspiracy, which created an atmosphere of misunderstandings, rumors, and hostility among the public, leading to the violence, looting, and massacres of 1947.

    The November 6 massacre in Jammu was part of this larger narrative. When the British decided to partition the subcontinent, Maharaja Hari Singh, the last ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, rejected the partition plan and proposed an independent and fully sovereign Jammu and Kashmir. The British disagreed with his plan, fearing that an independent state of Jammu and Kashmir could thwart their grand scheme. To undermine the Maharaja’s proposal, the British began conspiring against him. They orchestrated “Operation Gulmarg” under the supervision of General Frank Messervy, the British Army Chief of Pakistan, which resulted in the tribal invasion of Jammu and Kashmir on October 22, 1947.

    The massacre of November 6, 1947, was also a consequence of the British divide-and-rule strategy. The British were extremely biased in their actions, manipulating the narrative in the media and by historians to distort the events of 1947. British newspapers like The London Times twisted the events of November 6, while editors like Ian Stephen and Harris Alexander, in their works, also presented a biased view of the massacre. Harris Alexander and Ian Stephen both reported the death toll in the Jammu massacre as 200,000, while *The London Times* claimed it to be 237,000. Many Muslim and Pakistan-affiliated historians have suggested that the actual number of victims was more than 500,000, but this remains a controversial claim due to the political agendas of different factions during the partition.

    The survivors who managed to reach Sialkot after the massacre described the caravan as consisting of thirty buses. Based on this, readers can estimate how many people were part of the caravan. Muslim and Pakistan-oriented historians often exaggerate the scale of the massacre to support the idea that Hindus and Muslims could never live together in Jammu and Kashmir and that the partition and creation of Pakistan were essential for the survival and progress of Muslims. However, this is a baseless and fabricated propaganda aimed at dividing Jammu and Kashmir on religious lines and ultimately annexing its Muslim-majority areas to Pakistan.

    In reality, the root cause of the massacres in Jammu in November was the incompetence of the Jammu and Kashmir administration. Had the government ensured proper protection for the refugee caravans, such massacres could have been avoided. The November 1947 massacre in Jammu was part of a larger pattern of violence that occurred in the aftermath of partition, particularly in areas such as Western Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Jammu and Kashmir, where Muslims perpetrated violence against non-Muslims in retaliation for earlier attacks. Since April 1947, Hindu refugee caravans fleeing from the violence in Rawalpindi, Attock, Murree, Bannu, and Hazara began arriving in Jammu, fueling further animosity.

    Following the creation of Pakistan, over 160,000 Hindus from Pakistan’s western districts migrated to Jammu, and by mid-September 1947, over 65,000 Hindu refugees had arrived in Jammu city alone. These refugees brought with them tales of Muslim atrocities, which were amplified by the media as part of the British strategy to incite hatred and division. This created a deep-seated animosity among Hindus towards Muslims, which played a significant role in the violence that ensued. Another contributing factor was the presence of Sikh military units from the Indian army who fled to Jammu, bringing arms with them, which were used to seize land and property from Muslims.

    Written by: Sameena Raja, Jammu and Kashmir

    China Congratulates Donald Trump on Re-election as U.S. President, Reaffirms Commitment to Mutual Respect

    The Azadi Times
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    China Congratulates Donald Trump on Re-election as U.S. President, Reaffirms Commitment to Mutual Respect

    Beijing (The Azadi Times) – China has congratulated Donald Trump on once again assuming the position of U.S. President.

    A spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that China will continue to work with the United States on the basis of mutual respect. China’s policy towards the United States remains unchanged, and they respect the choice of the American people.

    It is noted that Donald Trump has won the U.S. presidential election, becoming the 47th President of the United States.

    This marks Trump’s second term as President. In the election, out of 538 electoral votes, the Republican candidate Donald Trump secured 277, while the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris received 226 electoral votes.

    To win, a candidate must secure a minimum of 270 out of 538 electoral votes.

    New Law in Azad Kashmir: Stricter Regulations on Public Gatherings and Protests

    The Azadi Times
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    New Law in Azad Kashmir: Stricter Regulations on Public Gatherings and Protests

    MUZAFFARABAD: A new law has been enacted in Azad Kashmir regarding public gatherings and protests, imposing severe penalties for violations, including up to 7 years of imprisonment and detention.

    The Azad Kashmir government has implemented regulations governing public gatherings, protests, rallies, and meetings. The President of the State, Barrister Sultan Mehmood, has approved the ordinance sent by the Azad Kashmir government, which is now in immediate effect.

    Under the new law, no unregistered political or religious party, organization, union, or association will be permitted to hold public gatherings or protests. Only registered entities will have the right to protest, and they must obtain permission from the Deputy Commissioner.

    In case of violations, the Deputy Commissioner, acting as a first-class magistrate, has the authority to impose a sentence of up to 3 years or more on offenders. They can detain individuals for 3 to 5 days and may also place them under administrative detention for up to 10 days. Registered organizations must submit their applications for public gatherings, rallies, and protests at least 7 days in advance.

    According to the ordinance, the application must include the coordinator’s name, copies of identity cards, phone numbers, the location, start and end times of the event, and an estimate of the number of participants. The Deputy Commissioner will review the application and obtain reports from law enforcement agencies before granting permission. The decision will be based on whether the proposed gathering will disrupt daily life, trade, or transportation, and whether it poses a risk to public property and citizen rights.

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    The gatherings must remain peaceful, and the use of weapons, sticks, or stones, as well as inflammatory speech, will not be tolerated. The Deputy Commissioner will designate specific areas for public gatherings and protests and has the authority to declare any area in their district as a red zone or high-security zone, where gatherings will be prohibited.

    The district administration has the power to impose temporary bans on protests within their jurisdiction, with options to reduce or extend these restrictions. They may also terminate any gathering, rally, or protest immediately in light of national security or the protection of public rights. Violations of the designated location or time can result in dispersal or arrests.

    Applicants may appeal decisions regarding gathering permissions to the Commissioner, with further appeals possible against the Commissioner’s decision to the Secretary of Home Affairs. The appellate authority can uphold, revoke, or amend the Deputy Commissioner’s orders and is required to issue a decision within 15 days.

    The government claims that the immediate enforcement of this ordinance aims to ensure the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights as guaranteed by the constitution.

    Gilgit Baltistan Land Reform Bill Rejected: State Subject Rule to be Activated; Gilgit-Baltistan Awami Action Committee

    The Azadi Times
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    Gilgit Baltistan Land Reform Bill Rejected: State Subject Rule to be Activated; Gilgit-Baltistan Awami Action Committee

    GILGIT: An important meeting of the People’s Awami Action Committee Gilgit-Baltistan was held under the chairmanship of Central Chairman Ihsan Advocate in Gilgit. The meeting expressed strong dissatisfaction over the government’s efforts to approve the Land Reform Bill and unanimously rejected the bill, making it clear that the Awami Action Committee will not accept this anti-people bill under any circumstances.

    The Land Reform Bill is an attempt to legitimize illegal occupations and transfers of public land that have occurred since 1947. This so-called bill is designed to permanently seize the people’s lands, pastures, forests, and mountains.

    The Awami Action Committee Gilgit-Baltistan will vigorously resist this bill and launch a strong public movement. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan should awaken to safeguard their future; with the power of the masses, we will thwart this conspiracy just like before.

    We warn those assembly members who are acting as facilitators for the approval of this bill that they should refrain from selling Gilgit-Baltistan for a few coins and privileges, or else they will be labeled national traitors, and the public will never forgive them.

    If the government is serious, it must stop the violations of the State Subject Rule as per the agreement made with the People’s Action Committee and activate the customs laws of Gilgit-Baltistan. No other option will be acceptable.

    The people of Gilgit-Baltistan are being stripped of their lands, minerals, tourism, and all resources through a systematic plan. The public must awaken and protect their rights under the banner of the People’s Action Committee.

    Kamran Hameed Butt, Chairman of Mission Kashmir Task Force, Passes Away in France

    The Azadi Times
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    Kamran Hameed Butt, Chairman of Mission Kashmir Task Force, Passes Away in France

    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.

    Also Read: Amanullah Khan’s 8th Anniversary: JKLF Announces Events to Mark Anniversary

    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.

    Andaleeb Sartaj: A Beacon of Hope for the Youth in Jammu and Kashmir

    The Azadi Times
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    Andaleeb Sartaj: A Beacon of Hope for the Youth in Jammu and Kashmir

    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.

    Effective Ways to Keep Your Home Warm This Winter

    The Azadi Times
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    Effective Ways to Keep Your Home Warm This Winter

    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.

    Also Read: https://azaditimes.com/lifestyle/dreamy-ceilings-design-ideas-to-elevate-your-bedroom-oasis-expert-tips/

    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.

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