Muzaffarabad: In a significant move aimed at transforming the educational landscape in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the Azad Kashmir cabinet has granted approval to the region’s first-ever education policy. The establishment of educational institutions with the backing of international organizations marks a pivotal step toward enhancing educational standards in the region.

The practical measures devised to provide the best education to children who are currently unable to access it stand as a testament to the educational commitment of Azad Kashmir Prime Minister, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas.

Syed Zeeshan Haider, the central leader of PTI Azad Kashmir and former candidate of the Legislative Assembly of AJK, expressed these views while addressing journalists following a function. Haider extended special congratulations to Education Minister Dewan Ali Khan Chaghtai for his groundbreaking educational initiatives.

Highlighting the pressing need to realign the focus of government teachers in Azad Kashmir, Haider emphasized that the new education policy will facilitate the operation of schools in collaboration with private institutions under a public-private partnership model. This collaborative effort is expected to significantly enhance the education system in the region, as Haider asserted that societal development is intrinsically linked to the improvement of the education system in Azad Kashmir.

Citing the dilapidated state of schools and the education system in the region, Haider criticized previous governments for prioritizing infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges over educational reforms. He lauded the swift and commendable actions taken by Education Minister Diwan Ali Chaghtai, noting that significant progress has been made in a remarkably short span of time.

Furthermore, Haider underscored that in alignment with the vision of Chairman Tehreek-e-Insaf, the Azad Kashmir government has initiated concrete steps to foster a highly educated, skilled, and self-sufficient populace in Azad Kashmir. He expressed confidence that the tangible benefits of these initiatives would soon reach the people.

The approval of the education policy signifies a pivotal juncture in the educational trajectory of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, setting the stage for a brighter and more promising future for the region’s educational landscape.

Muzaffarabad: Maria Manzoor Khawaja, a woman councilor representing the constituency of opposition leader Chaudhry Latif Akbar, has officially assumed office as a member of the district council of Muzaffarabad. Following her successful election, she was sworn in as a member of the district council on Monday.

In a ceremony held on Monday, Maria Manzoor took the oath of office, signifying her commitment to serving the community and upholding the responsibilities entrusted to her as a council member.

After taking the oath, she proceeded to the opposition chamber, where she was warmly congratulated by opposition leader Chaudhry Latif Akbar, who adorned her with a garland in a gesture of appreciation and support.

Expressing her gratitude, Maria Manzoor stated, “I am grateful to Allah for this opportunity. I am fully dedicated to fulfilling the trust placed in me by the Leader of the Opposition in Kashmir, Chaudhry Latif Akbar. I am determined to continue the fight for the betterment of our community.”

Accompanying Maria Manzoor was MLA Khawaja Farooq, who also extended his congratulations on her new role as a member of the district council.

The induction of Maria Manzoor Khawaja into the district council marks an important development, underlining the ongoing efforts to enhance representation and promote active participation in the local governance of Muzaffarabad.

By Azadi Times Correspondent

Date: February 13, 2023

Palandri Azad Kashmir: Palandri police have initiated legal action against Zaheer Jawad, a councilor elected from Sadhnuti district, following accusations of interfering in government affairs, obstructing public roads, and issuing threats.

The motion to register the FIR was raised by the Food Department, citing incidents involving the councilor. According to reports, Jawad, accompanied by a group of individuals, approached Goura Mill several days ago, demanding one hundred maunds of flour per person. None of the individuals were registered dealers with the Food Department. When refused the requested flour, they allegedly resorted to making threats.

A subsequent incident occurred two days later, where they returned with a different group of people. They reportedly blocked the road leading to the mill, forcibly closed the mill gates, threw stones, and obstructed the delivery of flour to other districts.

In response to these incidents, the police have filed an FIR and launched an investigation. However, no arrests have been made at this stage. This FIR marks the first legal action taken against councilors who were elected two months ago for their alleged interference in official matters.

The Palandri police are working diligently to address the situation and ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law. Further updates on the investigation are anticipated in the coming days.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and unable to focus, you’re not alone. In the last two decades, our lifestyles have undergone significant changes. The constant exposure to external stimuli and technology has altered the way we eat, think, and sleep, potentially leading to various imbalances in our bodies.

The human body operates on a specific circadian rhythm, governing vital processes such as eating, sleeping, digestion, hormone secretion, and stress levels. Therefore, it’s crucial to align our bodies with these natural rhythms. Fasting is a powerful method to realign ourselves. It’s recognized as a significant process for eliminating metabolic toxins, cleansing the digestive system, and maintaining overall health.

Circadian Rhythms vs. Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting involves refraining from food for several hours each day on certain days of the week. In contrast, circadian rhythm fasting follows a meal schedule that synchronizes with your body’s internal clock. This approach emphasizes eating meals at specific times rather than fasting for extended periods. With circadian rhythm fasting, you consume food only within a set time frame, such as between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Unlike intermittent fasting, circadian rhythm fasting focuses on when you eat rather than the number of calories consumed. It encourages eating within a defined window, making it unnecessary to go an entire day without food.

Synchronizing with Circadian Rhythms

Before starting circadian rhythm fasting, it’s essential to consult your physician to avoid complications from underlying health issues. Upon receiving medical clearance, here are some key points to remember:

• Eat between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. to align with the circadian rhythm.
• While there are no strict rules about food choices, prioritize fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, or millet, and reduce sugar intake. Avoid sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages, sticking to water.
• Increase fiber intake in your meals.
• Get 20 minutes of sunlight in the morning.
• Incorporate exercise into your daily routine.
• Limit TV, mobile phone usage, and exposure to blue light after 8 p.m.
• Aim to sleep early and turn off all bright lights an hour before bedtime.
• Ensure you get at least seven hours of quality sleep each night.

Benefits of Circadian Rhythm Fasting

Research indicates that circadian rhythm fasting offers numerous benefits, including weight loss, reduced body fat, lower blood pressure, decreased LDL (bad cholesterol), increased HDL (good cholesterol), lowered fasting insulin and glucose levels, and reduced insulin resistance. This type of time-restricted eating may help prevent or manage conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Weight loss is a particularly significant advantage, as many individuals struggle to achieve or maintain weight loss through lifestyle changes alone. Early studies suggest that adhering to circadian rhythms may also aid in cancer prevention, inflammation reduction, and the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

Not Suitable for Everyone

While most individuals adapt well to circadian rhythm fasting, it may not be suitable for everyone. Older individuals or those who are underweight may experience adverse effects if they don’t eat appropriately within the restricted meal times, leading to reduced caloric intake. People with a history of disordered eating should approach fasting with caution.

In conclusion, while circadian rhythm fasting offers promising health benefits, it’s essential to approach it mindfully and consider individual health needs and circumstances. By aligning our eating patterns with our natural biological rhythms, we can optimize our health and well-being in the long run.

Muzaffarabad: Bank of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has achieved a significant milestone as its remittances, also known as home remittances, have surpassed the highest level of 6 billion rupees. This remarkable achievement is attributed to the strong confidence of Kashmiri immigrants and the effective strategies implemented by the institution.

Following the recent agreement with Western Union, in addition to existing agreements with Haria (RIA) and Money Gram (Money Gram), remittances have been on the rise. In 2019, remittances stood at 80 crore rupees. However, the bank has witnessed a substantial increase in remittances, which have now reached a record level of 4.6 billion rupees.

During a review meeting chaired by Mr. Khawar Saeed, President and Chief Executive Officer of the bank, it was highlighted that remittances have seen a significant surge of approximately 4 billion rupees since 2019. This surge in remittances marks the highest increase ever since the establishment of the bank, reflecting the strong trust of overseas expatriate customers in the institution.

Mr. Khawar Saeed also noted that the bank is not only achieving milestones in remittances but is also making strides in accomplishing other business objectives while expanding its network. Under the guidance of the state’s financial institution and the independent government, particularly the chairman of the board of directors, the Bank of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has made remarkable progress.

This achievement signifies a testament to the dedication and effective management of the Bank of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in serving the financial needs of the people and facilitating economic growth in the region.

Muzaffarabad: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Supreme Court has granted conditional permission to two candidates contesting for youth-specific seats in the second phase of local government elections. These candidates were initially barred by the High Court from participating in the election on the basis of their age.

The decision came following a writ petition filed in the Azad Kashmir High Court by Bilal Nawaz against the candidacy of Rizwan Khadim and Mohammad Mahfouz. The petition argued that the Azad Kashmir government had set the age limit for youth at forty years, which is contrary to the constitution. The petition contended that the age limit for youth should be thirty-five years.

Mohammad Mahfouz was nominated by the PTI, while Rizwan Khadim was nominated by the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Party for specific seats of the Municipal Corporation Rawalkot.

Subsequently, an appeal was made in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court, after due consideration, allowed these candidates conditional permission to contest in the upcoming election.

This decision by the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Supreme Court marks an important development in ensuring fair representation and adherence to constitutional principles in the electoral process.