Hattian Bala: (Azadi Times) A valuable cedar tree worth lakhs of rupees was cut down in the Chinari range of Hattian Bala Division on Monday.

The tree cut down with the connivance of forest department officials, who allegedly stood by and watched as the tree was cut down with a chainsaw. The remains of the tree were then set on fire in an attempt to erase the evidence.

The cutting of the tree is a serious violation of the government ban on tree cutting, which was imposed in order to protect the national forests. The ban was imposed after it was revealed that a large number of trees were being cut down illegally in the region.

The cutting of the cedar tree is a major setback for the efforts to protect the national forests in Hattian Bala. The tree was a valuable asset to the forest, and its cutting will have a negative impact on the environment.

The forest department has suspended the range officer of Chinari range, but this is not enough. The government needs to take strong action against the officials who were involved in the cutting of the tree. A judicial commission should be formed to investigate the matter and to ensure that the guilty are brought to justice.

The cutting of the cedar tree is a reminder of the need to protect our national forests. We need to be vigilant and report any illegal tree-cutting activities to the authorities. We also need to support the government’s efforts to protect our forests.

Muzaffarabad: (Azadi Times) All Party Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC) convener Mehmood Ahmed Sagar has expressed Kashmiris hopes that US President Joe Biden will raise the Kashmir issue with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to America.

In a letter to President Biden, Sagar said that the Kashmiri people hope that the US leadership, which has always raised the issue of serious violations of human rights during India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir, will take a bold stand and raise the issue of Kashmir during Modi’s visit to America.

The letter further states that the Kashmiri people believe that the United States under the dynamic leadership of President Biden will continue its efforts for a just and dignified solution to the long-standing dispute in Kashmir.

The letter laments that the apartheid government of India led by Modi has continued its oppressive decisions to deny the rights of Kashmiris and rob them of their identity.

The letter reminds the US administration that the long-standing Kashmir issue is the root cause of human rights violations in the South Asian region.

The Kashmir conflict has long been on the United Nations agenda and has taken a more dangerous turn since the Hindu nationalist government stepped up its nefarious attempts to change the demographics of the occupied territory.

The letter further states that Genocide Watch has already warned about the ongoing genocide of Kashmiris in Jammu and Kashmir and urged the United Nations and its members to stop India from committing genocide against Kashmiris.

In the aforementioned letter, the Kashmiri people have appealed to President Biden to take up the issue of resolving the long-standing Kashmir dispute with the Indian Prime Minister.

The letter expressed confidence that under the active leadership of President Biden, the United States will continue its efforts for a just and peaceful resolution of the long-standing Kashmir dispute.

Washington, DC — (Azadi Times): Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Poonch Division (Pakistani-administered Jammu Kashmir) Sardar Zaheer Ahmed has been awarded the TIP Hero 2023 by the US Department of State. He is the first Kashmiri to receive this honor.

The Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Hero Award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the fight against human trafficking. DIG Ahmed was selected for the award in recognition of his work as the Director of the FIA Human Trafficking Unit.

During his five-year tenure as Director, DIG Ahmed worked tirelessly to stop human trafficking in Pakistan. He led the development of anti-trafficking laws, and he oversaw numerous arrests and convictions of traffickers.

In a statement, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that DIG Ahmed is “a true hero in the fight against human trafficking.” He added that Ahmed’s “tireless work has made a real difference in the lives of victims of trafficking in Azad Kashmir and Pakistan.”

DIG Ahmed is a well-respected figure in the Azad Kashmiri Pakistani law enforcement community. He is known for his dedication to his work and his commitment to fighting human trafficking. His award is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

DIG Ahmed’s work has made a real difference in the lives of victims of human trafficking in Pakistan. He is a true hero in the fight against this crime.

About the TIP Hero Award

The TIP Hero Award is given annually by the US Department of State to individuals who have made significant contributions to the fight against human trafficking. The award is named after the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, which is an annual report that assesses the efforts of countries around the world to combat human trafficking.

The TIP Hero Award is a prestigious award that recognizes the work of individuals who are making a difference in the fight against human trafficking. DIG Ahmed is a deserving recipient of this award, and his work has had a real impact on the lives of victims of human trafficking in Pakistan.

Hattian Bala, June 16, 2023: Sahibzada Muhammad Ashfaq Zafar Advocate, Central Senior Vice President of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in Azad Kashmir, has demanded that the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Chaudhry Anwar Haq, immediately meet the legitimate demands of the people of Khilana Valley.

Hattian Bala, June 15, 2023: Thieves stole cash and jewelry worth lakhs of rupees in a daylight theft incident in Jhelum Valley’s Khatai (Sidhani) village near Chinari.

The incident took place on June 14, when unknown thieves took advantage of the absence of family members at the house of Farooq Ahmed Khan, a resident of the village. The thieves entered the house through the window and stole jewelry, including a pair of hooks, a locket, an iPhone, and lakhs of rupees in cash.

Farooq Ahmed Khan’s wife reached home with her children and found the window of the house open and the belongings scattered. She immediately reported the matter to her husband, who then filed a complaint with the police.

The police have registered a case against the unknown thieves under Sections 14 EHA and 454 PC. The police have also started an investigation into the matter and are hopeful of arresting the thieves soon.

The local dignitaries and the people of the area have assured the police of their full cooperation in arresting the thieves. They have also demanded the strictest action against the perpetrators of the theft.

SP Jhelum Valley Expresses Anger

SP Jhelum Valley has expressed deep anger over the incident and has demanded the police arrest the accused as soon as possible. He has also warned the criminals that they will not be spared and will be dealt with strictly.

The SP has also appealed to the people to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.

Mirpur: (Azadi Times) The Azad Jammu and Kashmir High Court (AJKHC) has accepted a writ petition filed by senior journalist Zafar Mughal on the issue of access to information in Azad Kashmir.

The petition, which was filed in the Mirpur circuit of the AJKHC, states that the government of Azad Kashmir has not fully implemented the constitutional provisions of the Right to Information Act, including the establishment of Information Tribunals/Commissions and the appointment of Public Information Officers in government and semi-government institutions.

The petition further states that Azad Kashmir lags behind in implementing its own Right to Information Act despite the presence of access to information laws at the federal and provincial levels in Pakistan.

As a result, journalists, lawyers, and the general public face difficulties in getting accurate information and disseminating it to the public due to non-compliance with constitutional and legal requirements.

Officials often refuse to provide accurate information, thereby violating the Constitution. This lack of access to accurate information hampers the work of journalists and deprives the public of important information.

The AJKHC has issued notices to the government of Azad Kashmir, the Information Commission, and the Public Information Officers, and has directed them to file their reply by July 18, 2023.

The court has also ordered the respondents to submit written statements, affidavits, and relevant documents to ensure the implementation of the Right to Information Act in Azad Kashmir.

The petition is a welcome step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the government of Azad Kashmir. It is hoped that the court will issue a judgment that will help to improve the flow of information in the region and promote good governance.

Background

The Right to Information Act is a law that guarantees the right of citizens to access information held by the government. The act was passed by the Parliament of Pakistan in 2016, and it has been implemented in all four provinces of Pakistan. However, the government of Azad Kashmir has not yet implemented the act.

The lack of implementation of the Right to Information Act in Azad Kashmir has been a major concern for journalists, lawyers, and civil society activists. They argue that the lack of transparency in the government is hindering good governance and promoting corruption.

The writ petition filed by Zafar Mughal is a significant step towards ensuring the implementation of the Right to Information Act in Azad Kashmir. It is hoped that the court will issue a judgment that will help to improve the flow of information in the region and promote good governance.