MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan-ADMINISTERED KASHMIR – April 24, 2024 – Azad Kashmir Minister Abdul Majid Khan has reportedly initiated legal action against two journalists, Waqas Kazmi and Raja Khalid, for their investigative reporting on alleged corruption within his ministry.

The journalists, who work for local news organizations, have been vocal critics of Khan, exposing a series of irregularities and misuse of power.

Kazmi and Khalid have published a series of investigative reports detailing allegations against Khan, including:

• Unlawful appointments of favored individuals within the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Bank.
• Misuse and misappropriation of bank assets for personal gain.
• Corruption surrounding the establishment of migrant colonies in Valley Six.
• Issuing fraudulent state subject certificates to non-Kashmiri residents.

The journalists claim that their reporting has angered Khan, who has initiated legal action against them in an attempt to silence them. They maintain that they have always sought Khan’s response to their allegations, and their actions fall within the realm of fair journalism.

The reported legal action against Kazmi and Khalid has sparked outrage among the journalist community in Azad Kashmir and Pakistan.

Various media organizations, journalists, and rights groups have condemned the government’s attempt to intimidate and suppress journalists.

They have called for an immediate withdrawal of the charges against Kazmi and Khalid and a thorough investigation into the allegations raised by them.

In a further escalation, Minister Khan has reportedly directed the government’s newly formed Social Media Committee to take action against the journalists. This committee, established on March 30th, has been criticized for its potential to stifle dissent and control the narrative on social media.

The incident highlights the growing pressure on journalists in Azad Kashmir, who often face threats and intimidation for their work. The government’s actions against Kazmi and Khalid are a worrying sign of a further erosion of press freedom in the region.

Azadi Times stands in solidarity with journalists Raja Khalid and Waqas Kazmi and condemns the government's attempt to silence them. We call for an immediate end to the harassment of journalists in Azad Kashmir and a full investigation into the allegations raised against Minister Abdul Majid Khan.

Bhimber, Azad Kashmir – The central leadership of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) visited Bhimber district as part of their outreach campaign in preparation for the upcoming Public Rights Long March from Bhimber to Muzaffarabad on May 11.

During their visit, the JKJAAC leadership held a consultative and review meeting with the Joint Awami Action Committee and Civil Society and Public Action Committee of Tehsil Bernal. The meeting focused on preparations for the long march and other related matters.

The participants agreed to ensure full participation from Tehsil Barnala and District Bhimber in the long march and to intensify the ongoing public outreach campaign. They reiterated their commitment to making the May 11 long march a historic event, starting with a strong turnout from Bernal and Bhimber.

Key points from the meeting:

• The JKJAC leadership expressed their confidence in the success of the long march.
• They called upon the people of Bernal and Bhimber to participate in the long march in large numbers.
• They urged the people to continue their support for the JKJAC’s struggle for the rights of the Kashmiri people.

The Public Rights Long March

The Public Rights Long March is being organized by the JKJAC to demand the resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The march will start from Bhimber on May 11 and culminate in Muzaffarabad on May 13.

The JKJAC has called upon the people of Azad Kashmir to come out in large numbers and support the long march. They have also urged the international community to take notice of the plight of the Kashmiri people and to play a role in resolving the Kashmir issue.

Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee

The JKJAAC is an umbrella organization of various political, social, and religious groups in Azad Kashmir. The JKJAAC has been at the forefront of the struggle for the rights of the Kashmiri people for many years.

The JKJAAC demands include:

• The right to self-determination for the Kashmiri people
• The end of foreign occupation of Jammu Kashmir
• The implementation of the United Nations resolutions on Kashmir

The JKJAAC has called upon the international community to support the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and to help resolve the Kashmir issue peacefully.

Kahuta, Azad Kashmir – In a shocking incident, the famous “Malyari Rock” in the village of Aura, Tehsil Khursheedabad, District Haveli, was destroyed by unknown persons on the night of April 16-17, 2024.

The Malyari Rock was a well-known tourist attraction in District Haveli, drawing visitors from all over Azad Kashmir and Pakistan. People would often climb the rock to take pictures and share them on social media.

According to reports, the destruction of the rock was a well-planned and deliberate act. The perpetrators used explosives to bring down the rock, causing significant damage to the site.

The incident has caused widespread outrage among the local community and the tourism industry. Many people have expressed their sadness and anger over the loss of this iconic landmark.

The police have registered a case at Thana Police Station City Kahuta, District Haveli, and have launched an investigation into the matter. They are using modern technical methods to track down the culprits and bring them to justice.

The authorities have assured the public that the perpetrators of this crime will be brought to justice. They are also taking steps to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

The destruction of the Billionaire Rock is a major loss for District Haveli and the tourism industry. It is a reminder of the need to protect our natural heritage and to take action against those who seek to destroy it.

Hattian Bala: Qari Liaqat Mahmood Mehravi, a resident of Langla village in Jhelum Valley, claims he was denied a Quran teacher position despite his qualifications and years of experience. Mehravi reportedly recited the Quran during Taraweeh prayers for 28 years and won several Quran competitions.

Mehravi alleges that after a court ruling created new teaching positions, he was initially congratulated on securing one. However, upon reaching the Department of Education Office (DEO) to collect his appointment order, he was informed that the order was cancelled.

Mehravi has appealed to Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar Haq for intervention, expressing disappointment over the alleged injustice. He threatens self-immolation if his grievances are not addressed.

HATTIAN BALA: In the villages of Nalai, Gandigaran, and Hotiri in Union Council Pahal of the Jhelum Valley district in Azad Kashmir, a distressing outbreak of muzziness has resulted in the deaths of eleven animals.

Among the casualties were five buffaloes, one water buffalo, four cows, and one bull. The affected villagers, including Muhammad Qasim, Muhammad Akram, Muhammad Salim, Muhammad Hanif, Sarfraz Awan, Sher Muhammad, Sherzaman, and Muhammad Basharat Awan, have suffered significant losses.

Despite repeated pleas to the Animal Affairs Department of Jhelum Valley for preventive measures and vaccinations, their response has been inadequate, leaving the local community in dismay. The locals have been advised to feed black salt to the animals, but sadly, this has not proven effective in curing the disease, leading to the animals’ untimely demise within twelve to thirty-six hours of falling ill.

Expressing grave concern over the negligence of the Animal Affairs Department, former District Council candidate Chaudhry Waheedul Hasan and Union Council Member Chaudhry Nizakat Hussain have called upon the Prime Minister, the Minister of Animal Affairs, and the Chief Secretary of Azad Kashmir to intervene immediately. They demand urgent measures to safeguard the remaining livestock and prevent further losses, including sending a lab team and senior doctors to assess the situation and provide necessary assistance.

Furthermore, there are apprehensions among residents of other areas in the Jhelum Valley regarding the potential sale of sick animals to butchers in the markets, which could pose a threat to human health. They urge the Deputy Commissioner of Jhelum Valley to promptly address this issue to protect citizens from any harm.