A tragic incident occurred in the district of Lower Kohistan as a car bearing registration number ANZ-393, traveling from Gilgit to Islamabad, met with an accident at the location of Kamar Top, Tehsil Pattan.

According to Rescue 1122 officials, the accident resulted in the loss of four lives and left one person injured.

The deceased have been identified as Muhammad Ali, son of Faqeer Muhammad, a resident of Charsadda; Muhammad Imran, son of Jumma Khan, from Fatehjang; and two individuals whose identities remain unknown. The injured individual, identified as Ihtesham, son of Abdul Rahman, hails from Konodas, Gilgit.

Rescue 1122 reports indicate that the car lost control and veered off the road, plunging into a deep ravine. Prompt response from the police and local residents led to the rescue of the injured individual and the retrieval of the four deceased individuals from the accident site.

The driver of the vehicle reportedly lost control, leading to the tragic accident. The authorities have initiated investigations into the incident to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the accident.

This unfortunate incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safe driving practices and adherence to traffic regulations, particularly on challenging mountainous routes.

The loss of lives in such accidents underscores the need for continued efforts to enhance road safety measures and raise awareness among motorists.

Muzaffarabad ( Azadi Times): Yana Mir, a journalist hailing from Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir, made headlines once again after delivering a powerful speech in the UK Parliament, rejecting comparisons to Malala Yousafzai and asserting her freedom and safety in India.

However, her recent experience upon arrival at Delhi airport has sparked controversy, as she claims to have faced harassment by customs officials.

Mir alleges that upon checking her bags at Delhi airport, customs officials accused her of being a “brand smuggler.” Despite denying any intention of seeking special treatment, Mir criticized the interrogation, describing it as dictatorial and unnecessary.

In addition to her personal ordeal, Mir took the opportunity to address broader issues in her statement. She urged the media to refrain from dividing people over the Jammu and Kashmir conflict and criticized Pakistan’s propaganda efforts. Mir vehemently defended India’s image and emphasized the need for a more balanced and nuanced portrayal of the region’s complexities.

The incident at Delhi airport has reignited debates about freedom of expression and journalistic integrity in India. Mir’s experience serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by journalists, particularly those who dare to speak out against prevailing narratives.

As the story continues to unfold, it highlights the importance of upholding journalistic principles and protecting the rights of individuals to express their views without fear of reprisal.

Mir’s courage in speaking out against injustice serves as a beacon for journalists striving to uphold the truth in an increasingly polarized media landscape.

Muzaffarabad (Azadi Times): The High Court of Azad Kashmir has suspended the administration of the historic Central Press Club Muzaffarabad Jammu and Kashmir State in response to a petition filed by government employees of Pakistan’s official news agencies, APP and PTV.

The decision comes after the High Court intervened in the aftermath of elections held last December for the central council of the Muzaffarabad Press Club, which is considered one of the most reputable journalistic institutions on both sides of the Line of Control.

Employees of APP and government TV channels in Muzaffarabad have demanded representation in the Press Club’s membership and voting rights. They argue that they should be recognized as members and given the right to vote in the Press Club elections.

This move follows a similar action taken two years ago when the administration of the Press Club in Srinagar was suspended after a controversy erupted. It marks the first time that the highest judiciary has taken notice of internal matters of a journalistic institution in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Previously, the High Court of Azad Kashmir had also removed Sardar Tanveer Elias, the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, from his position. This recent decision to suspend the Press Club administration adds to the ongoing debate regarding freedom of the press and the autonomy of journalistic institutions in the region.

Critics argue that such interventions undermine the principles of press freedom and democratic governance. They view the suspension of the Press Club administration as another blow to the autonomy and independence of media outlets in Muzaffarabad.

The controversy surrounding the management of the Press Club reflects broader concerns about the state of journalism and freedom of expression in the region, raising questions about the extent to which press institutions can operate independently in the name of freedom.

Neelum Valley (Azadi Times): In the upper region of Neelum Valley, specifically in the village of Grees Valley, the absence of a hospital has sparked outrage among residents, particularly during the harsh winter months. Covered in thick layers of snow, hundreds of people have taken to the streets from their homes to demand the establishment of a hospital in the area.

Organized under the banner of the “Save Neelum Movement,” the protest saw significant participation from locals who are demanding two critical facilities: a hospital in Grees Valley and the completion of the Hydropower Project in Phulawai. Representatives from various political parties joined forces to press the Azad Kashmir government for immediate action.

The demonstrators emphasized the urgent need for a 20-bed hospital equipped with all necessary amenities in Grees Valley and urged the authorities to expedite the completion of the Hydropower Project in Phulawai, which is already in the final stages of construction.

Addressing the protesters, organizers warned that if the government fails to address their demands promptly, they would escalate their agitation to the next level, including a sit-in at Kel. Furthermore, they announced plans to stage a protest in front of the Muzaffarabad Press Club in the near future.

Amidst chants and slogans, the protesters expressed their frustration with the lack of basic healthcare facilities and infrastructure development in the region. The situation in Grees Valley and surrounding areas remains dire, with residents determined to continue their struggle until their demands are met.

Sardar Ourngzeb, representing the people of Neelum Valley, reiterated the community’s resolve to fight for their rights. The protest in Neelum Valley serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for improved healthcare access and infrastructure development in remote areas of Azad Kashmir.

Muzaffarabad, Azadi Times Latest – AJK, February 28, 2024: The construction project of Shah Sultan Bridge in the city of Muzaffarabad has entered its final phases, with the installation of new poles underway alongside the removal of old electricity poles in the vicinity of the bridge.

Under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner City-I Khwaja Hazifa, the overhead and underground lines were shifted on Saturday. Besides removing the old poles, new poles have been installed at appropriate locations.

On this occasion, senior officials of the electricity department, including field staff, efficiently performed their duties in an organized manner. Citizens were informed a day prior about the scheduled power outage so they could make alternative arrangements and avoid any inconvenience.

The traffic police effectively managed the traffic system, ensuring smooth control, while the trader community also extended their support by assisting the personnel of the electricity department.

Speaking to the media, Assistant Commissioner Muzaffarabad City-I Khwaja Hazifa expressed satisfaction over the progress of the Shah Sultan Bridge project, highlighting it as a significant project for the state.

He emphasized that while adhering to the directives of senior officials, the old electricity poles in the vicinity of the tower are being removed and replaced with new poles at suitable locations. The overhead and underground lines, which were previously installed on these poles, are also being shifted to the new ones.

Hazifa further added that the project is being executed in accordance with high standards, ensuring a bright future for the state. He appreciated the cooperation extended by the citizens and the efforts of the electricity department’s personnel in successfully carrying out their responsibilities.

Muzaffarabad, Azadi Times Latest – AJK, February 27, 2024: The dismissal of 954 skilled grade employees from service without due process by the Forest Department has sparked vigorous protests in Muzaffarabad, capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Demonstrators brandished banners and placards, voicing slogans against the unjust actions and unfair policies of the government, particularly regarding the rights of low-ranking employees and its biased policies towards the underprivileged.

Shaukat Javed Mir, Central Deputy Secretary of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and candidate for Assembly Constituency Seven, led the protest rally in response to the call of the dismissed employees.

Addressing the massive gathering, Mir expressed solidarity with the demonstrators and denounced the alleged victimization and sycophancy of Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq. Mir emphasized that while a government of oppression may prevail, injustices and unfairness are detested by the Almighty.

Mir further highlighted the plight of the besieged Kashmir House in Islamabad and urged Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq to focus on alleviating economic hurdles and reinstating the 1,500 dismissed employees instead of indulging in flattery and servitude.

He likened the economic hardship faced by forest conservationists, who risk their lives protecting forests day and night for a meager compensation of Rs. 15,000, to a divine warning.

Referring to recent prompt actions against violations of Indian airspace, Mir praised the arrest of a pilot as a courageous move to demonstrate professional prowess and ensure the nation’s security. He reiterated unwavering support for the indefatigable efforts towards liberation, denouncing terrorism, and lawlessness, and advocating for national progress.

Mir concluded by urging Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir to play a key role in saving a thousand families from destitution.

The demonstration featured representatives from various sectors, including pensioners associations, political and religious groups, traders, and students, all echoing demands for justice and expressing unconditional solidarity with the dismissed employees.

The protest rally in Muzaffarabad resonated with chants affirming the employees’ demands, underscoring a resolute stance against injustice and exploitation.

Islamabad (Azadi Times): The Central Deputy Secretary of Information for the Pakistan Peoples Party Azad Kashmir and the nominated candidate for Assembly Constituency 7, Shaukat Javaid Mir, has stated that modern conveniences of information technology have constructed bridges between the pen, books, and the Himalayas, opening avenues for enhanced education, research pursuits, dialogue, and literary artistry.

The surge in educational standards, exploration, and literary discourse due to these advancements signifies a monumental shift. Departing from the celestial principles of Islam has led to regression, while non-religious forces, through scholarly pursuits, have erected intellectual bastions akin to Chand Band Bastiyan.

“We are still ensnared in the era of stone, archaic customs, and the bloody claws of Western civilization,” he added. “Governments in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, while capitalizing on educational experts and the modern global educational system, must alleviate the burden of uniform educational curriculums and textbooks to liberate the new generation from mental and intellectual constraints.”

He stressed the imperative need for legislation to ensure the remuneration and provisions for the esteemed teachers in private educational institutions akin to government bodies. “The greatest injustice in society is the lack of scientific pursuit,” he emphasized.

These sentiments were articulated by him during a significant gathering at the Federal Capital, addressing a renowned educational institution’s annual results and prize distribution ceremony.

Also Read: Azad Kashmir Traffic Updates as of Feb 2 2024 – Morning Report

He remarked, “Education, upbringing, and integrity serve as the cornerstone of self-assessment and propel nations to greater heights. The acquisition of knowledge is the pinnacle of humanity’s ascent.”

The competition in educational endeavors between governmental and private educational institutions is highly promising and serves as a beacon of hope for future generations.

“Our society’s social temperament is meandering towards accumulating degrees rather than acquiring knowledge, which has led us down the abyss of intellectual degradation and falsification. The external school system has diligently focused on modern education and the upbringing of the new generation, achieving significant success in the educational jihad,” he highlighted. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has mandated the pursuit of knowledge as a divine gift upon every Muslim man and woman, from the cradle to the grave.

Azad Kashmir has witnessed substantial relief from educational challenges to students, thanks to the establishment of several educational institutions, including three medical colleges, women’s universities, and cadet colleges. Principal Adnan Aziz and his brother Tahir Aziz, through relentless efforts, have illuminated society through the light of knowledge and earned a livelihood through lawful means, becoming the catalysts for the well-being of countless households.

Prior to this, during the ceremony, Shaukat Javaid Mir, felicitated and distributed medals and shields among outstanding students who demonstrated exceptional performance.