Muzaffarabad, (Azadi Times) November 15, 2023 – In response to the growing concern of the Congo virus spreading in Azad Kashmir, Dr. Muhammad Farooq Khan, Director of Health Services AJK, issued a statement outlining crucial precautionary measures.

The AJK Department of Public Health has taken proactive steps, providing guidance to medical institutions across the region for the care and treatment of potential patients.

The Congo virus, scientifically known as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, is primarily transmitted to humans through infected ticks commonly found on livestock and domestic animals.

Additionally, human transmission can occur through the bite of infected animals or contact with their blood or meat. Dr. Farooq Khan stressed the need for vigilant observation when purchasing animals, ensuring they are free from ticks.

To address this concern, health officials recommend the use of insect repellents in homes, especially in areas with livestock or domestic animals. Spraying insecticides has been advised to curb the spread of ticks, and precautionary measures include wearing thick gloves during animal slaughter to prevent accidental cuts and infections.

The health advisory also highlights the importance of taking precautions while handling bones during slaughter or washing meat at home. Wearing thick gloves in such instances is strongly advised to minimize the risk of infections associated with the Congo virus.

With these precautionary measures, health authorities aim to raise awareness and ensure the safety of individuals in Azad Kashmir, particularly in areas where the Congo virus poses a potential threat. Stay informed, stay safe.

Muzaffarabad (Azadi Times– November 14, 2023) — The announcement of results for Azad Jammu and Kashmir Secondary Education reveals a remarkable academic triumph.

Sana Ghulam Rasool, a student from Khwaja Mohalla, Muzaffarabad, under the jurisdiction of the University of Kashmir Muzaffarabad, has secured the top position across Azad Kashmir, clinching a gold medal in the BISE examinations. Meanwhile, Tharia Naeem secured the second position, and Aqsa Bibi secured the third position.

Thanaa Ghulam Rasool hails from Ward 25, Khwaja Mohalla, Muzaffarabad. She is the daughter of the late Khwaja Ghulam Rasool Wani, the owner of New Kashmir Handicrafts, and the sister of Khwaja Adeel, a prominent naat reciter and social worker.

On achieving this feat, Thanaa expressed her gratitude, attributing her success to the prayers of her parents and the hard work of her dedicated teachers. She joyously credited her accomplishment to the prayers of her parents, saying,

“Today, I am overwhelmed with joy, and I dedicate my success to the prayers of my parents and the efforts of my esteemed teachers.”

The exceptional achievement of Thanaa Ghulam Rasool has been met with congratulations from her family, the local community, and the university administration, staff, and fellow students.

Muzaffarabad (Azdi Times – AJK, November 14, 2023) — The 64th Monday meeting in Muzaffarabad continues to strengthen the bond between farmers and government authorities as part of the ongoing series of weekly meetings.

Jointly organized by the AJK Livestock Department and the Azad Jammu Kashmir Agriculture and Irrigation Department, these meetings are held every Monday, spanning the entire state. The initiative, led by Secretary of AJK Agriculture Livestock, Sardar Javed Ayub, is extending its reach to the grassroots level in villages and neighborhoods.

Farmers participating in these meetings receive information about the array of services provided by the department, and their concerns and issues are given due attention with prompt solutions.

The department’s commitment to maintaining direct communication with farmers not only enhances public sentiment but also contributes to the improvement of veterinary services for animal care and agricultural production.

The ongoing efforts to address farmers’ concerns highlight the importance of seeking guidance from agricultural experts for land cultivation.

Farmers seeking information related to the Department of Livestock’s farming vaccination are encouraged to contact the relevant veterinary centers. The department remains dedicated to serving the public, urging citizens to consult with livestock experts for optimal benefits. The emphasis on mandatory animal vaccinations aims to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.

In response to recent cases of the Congo virus in Balochistan, the department is actively disseminating preventative measures to curtail its spread. Farmers are advised to clear their livestock and fields of ticks, utilizing tick spray and effective medications under the guidance of Livestock Department experts.

While animals may not display apparent signs of the disease, humans may experience severe headaches, vomiting, and bleeding from the nose and mouth. Livestock Department officers are actively participating in meetings across the province, including senior officers, veterinary officers, and agricultural officers.

In Muzaffarabad district, the Chief Organizer of Livestock, Livestock Organizers, District Officers, Veterinary Officers, and Agriculture Officers are all actively involved. Officers from all departments are committed to being available in the field at all times.

The Monday meeting series is fostering stronger relationships with farmers, encouraging them to reclaim their lands, engage in animal husbandry, and contribute to their income.

The key to overcoming inflation lies in empowering individuals to cultivate their lands and raise animals. Officers and staff of the Livestock and Agriculture Departments are dedicated to providing ongoing service and support to farmers.

Muzaffarabad (Azadi Times News – AJK, November 14, 2023) — The Press Foundation Azad Jammu Kashmir has embarked on the process of computerizing records, aiming to streamline the data of all its members.

The foundation has urged its members to submit details, including contact letters, publications, published materials, notable works, awards, etc., to the Press Foundation Secretary by November 20 for comprehensive computerization.

According to a press release issued by the Press Foundation Secretariat, the computerization is being undertaken to align the foundation with the present-day requirements. Members are required to compile information related to their affiliations with institutions, published news, published packages, exclusive live coverage, along with recent images.

Members are also encouraged to provide detailed information about their journalistic achievements, breaking news coverage, awards received, and national and international representation for inclusion in their profile records.

The documents received by November 20 will undergo thorough scrutiny. Computerized members will be treated separately from other members gradually to streamline foundation operations.

This initiative is seen as a step towards modernization and efficient management of the Press Foundation’s records, ensuring that the organization remains aligned with contemporary demands. The computerization process is expected to enhance accessibility and improve the overall efficiency of the foundation’s operations.

It is noteworthy that the Press Foundation plays a crucial role in promoting journalism and facilitating media professionals in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The move towards computerization reflects a commitment to embracing technological advancements for the betterment of the organization and its members.

November 13, 2023 – Azadi Times:In a landmark move towards advancing education and healthcare, the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) in Muzaffarabad and Aga Khan University (AKU) Karachi have officially joined hands in a significant collaboration.

This strategic partnership encompasses various academic disciplines, with a special focus on Public Health and Medical Sciences, marking a new era of cooperation between these prestigious institutions.

As per the press release issued by the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Public Relations Department, this pivotal decision emerged during a constructive meeting between a distinguished delegation from Aga Khan University Karachi, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi, and representatives from the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The AKU delegation, led by Professor Dr. Romaina Iqbal, Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health Section, included Assistant Professor Dr. Bilal Ahmed Usmani, Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, as well as other esteemed instructors such as Sabaht Naz, Dr. Mahruk Zafar, Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, and Assistant Manager of Continuing Education Programs, Shahzad Rajwani.

The meeting was also attended by Assistant Dean and Associate Dean Dr. Bashir-ur-Rehman Khan from the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

During the meeting, the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir articulated its commitment to facilitating teaching faculty, offering training opportunities at Aga Khan University for its students, and providing practical work environments.

In response, Aga Khan University commended the University of Kashmir’s initiatives and assured its support for teaching faculty provisions, student training programs at Aga Khan University, and the establishment of practical work facilities.

The visit further solidified the collaboration, with both institutions expressing eagerness to explore avenues for joint research initiatives, student exchange programs, and collaborative projects that would contribute significantly to the academic and healthcare landscape in the Azad Jammu Kashmir.

Muzaffarabad (Azadi Times): Blatant negligence by the officers of the Electricity Department has raised serious safety concerns in the Billa Noor Shah area.

Despite the passage of twelve days, the high voltage lines continue to remain improperly secured, posing a potential hazard of any untoward incident due to the sagging of these lines, particularly in proximity to roofs and trees.

Chief Engineer, Muzaffarabad Division, Billa Noor Shah, has taken notice of the laxity in securing the high voltage lines passing over the densely populated areas. Immediate action is required to rectify the slackening of the lines, removing them from roofs, and elevating the poles.

The sagging of the lines, coupled with the decayed wooden supports on the poles, increases the risk of the lines falling onto rooftops and streets at any moment.

Local, political, social, and business circles in Billa Noor Shah have urgently demanded that the responsible authorities in the Electricity Department address this pressing issue promptly and implement necessary measures to ensure the safety of the residents in the area.

The community is seeking immediate intervention to resolve this impending threat, highlighting the potential dangers posed by the loosely hanging high-voltage lines in the city.