Muzaffarabad: – Under the auspices of the Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Business Forum, a special session was organized in Islamabad to propose recommendations for economic and business revival and practical wisdom for the future.

The session was attended by professors from various universities specializing in economics and finance, representatives of trade organizations, elected municipal representatives, and individuals from the social sector. The seminar featured prominent figures such as Dr. Mushtaq Khan, leader of the Islamic Jamiat Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan; Dr. Dansh, an eminent economic expert; and Kashif Chaudhry, President of the Traders Association of Pakistan, along with Aqeel Khurshid, the co-founder of “Neytal.”

The President of the Business Forum Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, Imran Aziz, inaugurated the session and outlined its objectives and purposes. He emphasized the role of the Business Forum in promoting business activities and connecting local business individuals with business entities from other countries to enhance business relationships.

Imran Aziz stated that Kashmir, including Pakistan, holds significant economic commitments worldwide. The region is not only crucial for important alliances but also possesses major brands. Due to the lack of mutual relations, we cannot benefit from each other. The focus of today’s brief session is aligned with this narrative.

He expressed gratitude for the presence of Dr. Dansh Khan, who holds expertise in economics and politics, having obtained a higher education from Manchester University and is currently engaged in teaching at an American university.

Participants in the special session discussed economic conditions in the Poonch division, proposing initiatives for investment in various sectors such as economic situations, tourism, and other areas. They emphasized the need to improve the standard of living for ordinary people by fostering economic activities under conducive conditions, ethical practices, and better practical wisdom.

Participants also raised concerns about the lack of interest and inappropriate attitudes of government agencies towards improving infrastructure and not taking charge of supervising business institutions at the governmental level.

They stressed that tackling future challenges requires well-planned projects, prioritizing the improvement of domestic industry units and providing more employment opportunities in the private sector. It was suggested to determine the right direction and redirect the younger generation towards entrepreneurship instead of seeking jobs.

Dr. Dansh Khan highlighted the significant role of the government in the capitalist economy, emphasizing that investors invest where they get more benefits. He explained that unfortunate circumstances have prevented any government-level work in Azad Kashmir, which was urgently needed. He urged the state to take the lead, addressing fundamental issues that require attention.

Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, addressing the session, emphasized the potential positive impact of diverse sessions involving various classes on improving the quality of life for ordinary people. He specifically mentioned the health and education projects of the Islamic Jamiat, illustrating how they benefit the common man.

The participants included Dr. Sameena Sabir, Director of the Institute of Economics, University of Azad Kashmir Muzaffarabad; Dr. Abdul Rauf, Director of BISE University of Azad Kashmir Muzaffarabad; Professor Waseem Ali, Director of FMS Namal University; Abid Sadiq, Chief Editor of Kashmir Dharti newspaper; Waseem Khurshid, General Secretary of the Traders Association of Azad Kashmir; Amir Khurshid, Municipal Corporation Counselor Rawalakot; Javed Arif Abbasi, Vice President of the Business Forum Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan; Professor Mariam Ijaz, University of Poonch; Atif Kiani, Wasif Khan, Wajid Iqbal, Asif Hanif, Abdullah Imran, and Muhammad Shakil.

This collaborative effort aims to address the economic challenges faced by the Poonch division and formulate strategies for sustainable growth and prosperity.

The participants urged the government to play a more proactive role in promoting business and ensuring equitable distribution of resources to enhance the overall economic landscape. The importance of private sector initiatives, job creation, and youth entrepreneurship was also highlighted during the discussions.

Overall, the session provided a platform for constructive dialogue and collaboration among various stakeholders to pave the way for economic development in the region.

Muzaffarabd: In a devastating incident near Garhi Dupatta, close to the Bedian area, a bus traveling from Muzaffarabad to Chakothi plunged into the Jhelum River.

The accident occurred in the vicinity of Bhediara in Chakothi, resulting in the loss of two lives, including the driver, Raja Tariq Sakanra, and passenger Hameed Akram from Kona, Channari.

Details reveal that the coaster bus, en route from Muzaffarabad to Chakothi, met with the tragic accident near Bedian while heading towards Gudhi Dupatta. The bus, carrying five individuals, including driver Raja Tariq Sakanra and passenger Hameed Akram from Kona, Channari, veered off the road and plunged into the Jhelum River.

The mishap resulted in the unfortunate demise of two individuals, Raja Tariq Sakanra and Hameed Akram, while two others sustained severe injuries. The injured have been promptly transferred to Muzaffarabad Hospital by Rescue 1122.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for heightened caution, especially on routes prone to such accidents.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident to ensure a comprehensive understanding and take necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Muzaffarabad, (Azadi Times) – The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Youth Summit 2023 is set to take place in Muzaffarabad on November 27, during which the Youth Policy will be announced.

Recognizing the invaluable asset that the youth represent for any state, experts and representatives from various organizations, including UNFP, will participate in the summit.

Media is expected to provide extensive coverage of this significant event. Speaking at a press conference, Secretary Youth, Culture, and Sports, Madhat Shahzad, and Director-General Tourism, Chaudhry Mehrban, highlighted the importance of investing in the better education and guidance of the youth.

They emphasized the participation of experts in the summit, including four sessions where the opinions of the youth will be considered to formulate the policy.

The experts at the summit will provide guidance to the youth in the best possible manner. They acknowledged that unemployment is the biggest challenge in the state and stressed the need for the youth to shift towards educational and skill-building initiatives.

Skill empowerment is crucial at the national and international levels. The officials emphasized the need to create policies that focus on skill development and provide capital.

Furthermore, they mentioned the availability of excellent opportunities in various fields, such as IT, tourism, and hydropower, in the state. The media was recognized as a crucial partner in ensuring comprehensive coverage of the summit.

In attendance at the press conference were Sardar Liaqat Ali, Director Youth and Culture, Muhammad Bashir Marza, Director Information, and Rabia Naqvi, Deputy Secretary Sports.

The Youth Summit is expected to pave the way for strategic policies that address the challenges faced by the youth and create opportunities for their growth and development.

The final match of Cafe Kashmir League Season One took place on Thursday at Khilana Kundra, featuring a fierce competition between the teams of Atterla Khlana Khurd and Sadat Chakothi.

Following an intense battle, the Chakothi team emerged victorious, defeating Atterla Khlana Khurd and clinching the Keife Kashmir League trophy along with a cash prize of fifty thousand rupees.

Twelve teams participated in the tournament, narrowing down to four teams in the semi-finals. In the final showdown between Sadat Chakothi and Atterla Khlana Khurd, Sadat Chakothi won the toss and decided to bat. Setting a target of 118 runs in eight overs, they managed to restrict their opponents to 42 runs, securing a victory.

The final match was attended by special guests, including District Health Officer Dr. Taher Rahim Mughal and the league’s sponsor, MD Keife Kashmir, Chaudhry Tariq Sagar’s daughter, Parsa Tariq. The closing ceremony also saw the presence of District Press Club Secretary Mubarak Hussain Awan, Vice President Muhammad Zahid Awan, and Kashmir News Digital team.

Notably, the Chairman of the Union Council Khilana, Raja Ayub, Chaudhry Khadim, and Muhammad Tariq Abbasi were present during the tournament’s final match.

Scores of cricket enthusiasts witnessed the event, and during the closing ceremony, District Health Officer Dr. Taher Rahim Mughal commended the committee members for organizing such a beautiful sports event.

He praised the positive message conveyed beyond the boundary, expressing love for Pakistan’s armed forces. Dr. Taher Rahim Mughal presented a cash award of ten thousand rupees to the league committee. Additionally, Chaudhry Tariq Sagar offered a cash prize of fifty thousand rupees to the winning team and ten thousand rupees to the runner-up team.

Chaudhry Tariq Sagar, the sponsor of Keife Kashmir League, was also present at the tournament’s conclusion. Dr. Taher Rahim Mughal and Chaudhry Tariq Sagar’s daughter, Parsa Tariq, awarded the trophy to the captain of the winning team, Hammad Ali. Parsa Tariq expressed her gratitude to all the players, organizers, and teams for their excellent display of sportsmanship.

She conveyed best wishes for the health and well-being of her father, Chaudhry Tariq Sagar. In her closing remarks, she hoped for the continuation of the Keife Kashmir League in the coming years, making it an annual event that brings joy and excitement to the community.

Muzaffarabad, November 23, 2023 – (AZADI TIMES) The Chief Justice of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Justice Raja Shahid Hussain, visited the Central Jail Rara in Muzaffarabad on Thursday along with the District and Sessions Judge Muzaffarabad and district administration officials.

During the visit, the Chief Justice met with the prisoners and listened to their concerns. He also directed the Chief Engineer of Public Works and the SC Public Works to remove the hurdles in the construction of the jail building.

The Chief Justice of AJK ordered the Chief Engineer to issue a notice to the contractor responsible for the delay in the construction of the jail building and to inform the court within a week. He also ordered the Chief Engineer and the SC Public Works to appear before the court immediately.

The Chief Justice also directed that the dispensary in the jail be made functional and that the prisoners be provided with the necessary medicines and other equipment. He also ordered that some of the prisoners be examined by a doctor immediately.

Following are the key points from the Chief Justice’s visit to the Central Jail Rara:

• The Chief Justice met with the prisoners and listened to their concerns.
• He directed the Chief Engineer of Public Works and the SC Public Works to remove the hurdles in the construction of the jail building.
• He ordered the Chief Engineer to issue a notice to the contractor responsible for the delay in the construction of the jail building and to inform the court within a week.
• He also ordered the Chief Engineer and the SC Public Works to appear before the court immediately.
• He directed that the dispensary in the jail be made functional and that the prisoners be provided with the necessary medicines and other equipment.
• He also ordered that some of the prisoners be examined by a doctor immediately.

Srinagar, November 17, 2023 – (Azadi Times) Lubna Nazir, a renowned education expert from Indian-administered Jammu & Kashmir, finds herself and her family facing an arduous situation as they remain stuck in Gaza. Lubna, accompanied by her children and husband, is currently grappling with the challenges of being far from their homeland.

The ordeal began when Lubna Nazir, along with her family, traveled from Srinagar to Palestine. Unfortunately, their journey took an unexpected turn when they encountered complications leading to Lubna’s incarceration in a small jail in Palestine.

The husband and children, equally distressed, are now fervently seeking the intervention of international human rights organizations to ensure the safe return of their wife and mother.

The family’s desperate plea is rooted in the desire to reunite with their loved ones and return to the familiar grounds of Jammu and Kashmir. Lubna Nazir, known for her expertise in the field of education, had embarked on this journey with her family with hopes of enriching their experiences. However, the unforeseen circumstances have led them into a challenging situation.

With mounting concerns for the well-being of Lubna and her family, they appeal to international human rights organizations to facilitate their safe return to their motherland. The distressing situation highlights the need for diplomatic efforts and humanitarian considerations to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals caught in such unforeseen circumstances.

As the international community becomes aware of this family’s plight, the hope is that swift action will be taken to secure the release of Lubna Nazir and facilitate the safe return of her and her family to the comfort of Jammu and Kashmir.

The urgency of the situation emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts to address such humanitarian crises and ensure the protection of individuals facing adversity in foreign lands.

Muzaffarabad: (Azadi Times) In a significant development, Maryam Ashraf has been appointed as the District Education Officer (Women) in Kotli, stirring up trends on social media.

While female District Education Officers have been appointed in other districts of Azad Kashmir, Maryam’s unfortunate situation prevented her from gaining the same social media attention.

Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir – Following her success in the Public Service Commission exams conducted under the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission, Maryam Ashraf has been selected for the prestigious role of District Education Officer (Women) in Kotli.

This appointment has become a trending topic on various social media platforms.

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission played a crucial role in the selection process, and Maryam Ashraf’s accomplishment is a testament to her dedication and success in the examination.

The position of District Education Officer (Women) holds great significance in the education sector, particularly focusing on women’s education and empowerment.

While other districts in Azad Kashmir have also seen the appointment of female District Education Officers, Maryam’s unique story and achievement have sparked widespread interest, making her a trending figure on social media.

The role of District Education Officer involves critical responsibilities in shaping the educational landscape, and Maryam Ashraf’s appointment is anticipated to bring positive changes to the education sector in Kotli.

This development reflects the commitment of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir government to promoting gender diversity and empowering women in key positions. Maryam Ashraf’s success story is an inspiration for aspiring individuals in the education sector, encouraging them to pursue excellence and contribute to the betterment of society.

As Maryam Ashraf takes on her new role, the community and educational stakeholders in Kotli are looking forward to the positive impact she will bring to women’s education and empowerment in the district.