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Full Court Bench Formed by AJK High Court to Hear Writ Petition on Registration of Political Parties

Saba Anjum
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Full Court Bench Formed by AJK High Court to Hear Writ Petition on Registration of Political Parties

Muzaffarabad (Azadi Times) March 20, 2023 – The High Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has constituted a full court bench to hear a writ petition filed regarding the registration of 08 political parties established in Azad Kashmir. The court has issued notices to the parties involved, and the next date of hearing has been fixed for 29th March.

The writ petition was filed in the name of the Election Commissioner of Azad Kashmir by Councilors Wahidashraf, Rizwan-ur-Rashid Mughal, Zahoor Ahmed, Abdul Qayyum, Malik Inayat Hussain, etc., who were elected on party tickets in the recent local elections.

The preliminary hearing of the writ petition took place in a Divisional Bench, presided over by Chief Justice of the High Court, Justice Raja Sadaqat, and Justice Sardar Muhammad Ejaz. Sardar Tahir Anwar Advocate, Syed Zulqarnain Naqvi Advocate, Khawaja Junaid Pandit Advocate, Raja Zarif Hussain Khan Advocate, and others appeared in the High Court on behalf of their respective parties.

During the hearing, Sardar Tahir Anwar Advocate raised concerns about the registration of these political parties under the Political Parties Act, stating that it is doubtful. He argued that it is not competent to send notices to these councilors, as the records of the political parties were taken into custody by the Election Commission.

The court approved the writ for regular hearing, during which three points will be raised:
1. Whether the political parties that sent notices to their elected councilors are registered under the constitution and the law, and whether they were eligible to send notices.
2. The status of the elected councilors who were elected on the ticket of these parties and whether they will send references to the Election Commission in this regard, and if the references are legally valid.
3. Notices have been issued to the presidents and general secretaries of the parliamentary parties to present their stand by themselves or through a lawyer.

Among the political parties involved are Pakistan Muslim League-N Azad Kashmir, Pakistan Peoples Party Azad Kashmir, All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference, MQM Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir People’s Party, Jamiat Ulema Islam Jammu Kashmir, and Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir.

It should be noted that the Political Parties Act, under which political parties are registered, specifies punishments for wrong registration. Therefore, it is necessary that the person registering the political party should be a state subject. Additionally, the Act fixes the tenure of office bearers for three years.

Mirpur Azad Kashmir Ramadan Timings 2023

    Editorial Staff
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    Mirpur Azad Kashmir Ramadan Timings 2023: Today’s 19 March 2023 (26th Shaban 1444) Mirpur Sehr & Iftar Time. Mirpur Ramadan Timing is: Sehr: 04:47 and Iftar: 18:19 (Hanafi). According to Fiqa Jafria (Shia) Sehr and Iftar Time is: Sehr: 04:37 and Iftar: 18:29. Find 30 days Ramadan time table for Mirpur AJK.

    Roza

    Date

    Sehr

    Iftaar

    123 March 202304:4118:22
    224 March 202304:4018:23
    325 March 202304:3918:24
    426 March 202304:3718:24
    527 March 202304:3618:25
    628 March 202304:3418:26
    729 March 202304:3318:26
    830 March 202304:3118:27
    931 March 202304:3018:28
    1001 April 202304:2818:29
    1102 April 202304:2718:29
    1203 April 202304:2518:30
    1304 April 202304:2418:31
    1405 April 202304:2218:32
    1506 April 202304:2118:32
    1607 April 202304:1918:33
    1708 April 202304:1818:34
    1809 April 202304:1718:34
    1910 April 202304:1518:35
    2011 April 202304:1418:36
    2112 April 202304:1218:37
    2213 April 202304:1118:37
    2314 April 202304:0918:38
    2415 April 202304:0818:39
    2516 April 202304:0618:40
    2617 April 202304:0518:40
    2718 April 202304:0318:41
    2819 April 202304:0218:42
    2920 April 202304:0118:43
    3021 April 202303:5918:43

    Muzaffarabad Sehr & Iftari Timings 2023 (Fiqa Hanfi)

    Saba Anjum
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    0

    Muzaffarabad Fiqa Hanfi Ramadan Sehr-o-Iftar timings of Fiqa Hanfia and 2023 suni Ramadan calendar. Find accurate Ahle Sunat Ramadan Sehri and Iftar time, Today 19 March 2023 Shia Ramadan timings are as follows: Sehar Time: 04:37 and Iftar Time: 18:31. These are calculated via the Shia Fiqa hanfia calculation methods. You can check the Fajar and Maghrib Adhan time in Muzaffarabad below.

     

    Muzaffarabad Sehr & Iftari Timings of Next 30 days (Fiqa Hanfi Sunni)

    Date

    Sehr Time

    Iftaar Time

    19 March 202304:4718:21
    20 March 202304:4518:22
    21 March 202304:4418:23
    22 March 202304:4318:24
    23 March 202304:4118:24
    24 March 202304:4018:25
    25 March 202304:3818:26
    26 March 202304:3718:27
    27 March 202304:3518:28
    28 March 202304:3418:28
    29 March 202304:3218:29
    30 March 202304:3118:30
    31 March 202304:2918:31
    01 April 202304:2718:31
    02 April 202304:2618:32
    03 April 202304:2418:33
    04 April 202304:2318:34
    05 April 202304:2118:34
    06 April 202304:2018:35
    07 April 202304:1818:36
    08 April 202304:1718:37
    09 April 202304:1518:38
    10 April 202304:1418:38
    11 April 202304:1218:39
    12 April 202304:1118:40
    13 April 202304:0918:41
    14 April 202304:0818:41
    15 April 202304:0618:42
    16 April 202304:0518:43
    17 April 202304:0318:44

    Opposition parties united to solve the problems of Khalana Valley

    Editorial Staff
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    Opposition parties united to solve the problems of Khalana Valley

    HATTIAN BALA: (Azadi Times) – Opposition parties have come together to address the pressing issues of the Khalana Valley by uniting along the ceasefire line.

    The ruling party’s decision to abstain from participating in any committee has been announced, drawing criticism from various quarters. The opposition alleges that instead of effectively resolving the people’s problems, the incumbent government has entrenched them deeper into a quagmire of issues, an approach deemed unacceptable by the opposition.

    Subedar (retd) Nur Afsar, Abdul Hafeez Abbasi, Muhammad Waseem Abbasi, Zeeshan Sagheer, and other prominent figures expressed their concerns, stating that previous governments did not face as many challenges, and conditions were not as dire as they are today.

    The area, once a picturesque green garden, has reportedly been neglected for the past two years. Instead of addressing the problems, the authorities have been accused of resorting to evasive tactics, merely casting shadows with the light of promises.

    The participants emphasized the urgent need to address the region’s issues. They expressed their determination not to be deceived by the ruling party any longer.

    Further, they expressed confidence in the leadership of opposition figures, including Raja Farooq Haider Khan, Sahibzada Ashfaq Zafar, and Dr. Raja Muhammad Mushtaq Khan. They affirmed their commitment to utilizing every available platform to resolve the area’s problems, even if it requires raising their voices and staging robust protests.

    The opposition reiterated that they will not be misled by the ruling party and are resolute in their pursuit of a resolution to the longstanding issues facing the Khalana Valley.

    AJK High Court Orders Removal of AJK Public Service Commission Employees Amid Allegations of Irregularities

    Noreen Haider
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    AJK High Court Orders Removal of AJK Public Service Commission Employees Amid Allegations of Irregularities

    Muzaffarabad (Azadi Times) – The Azad Jammu and Kashmir High Court has ordered the removal of all employees of the AJK Public Service Commission (PSC) ranging from grades 4 to 20. This decision came during the hearing of a writ petition filed by Abdul Basir Tajur against the Azad Government and the Public Service Commission.

    The petition raised concerns about alleged alterations and irregularities in the answer copies of candidates during Public Service Commission examinations. Chief Justice of the High Court and Justice Sardar Muhammad Ijaz Khan presided over the hearing, during which the reply copies were thoroughly examined. Subsequently, upon finding irregularities and alterations, the Public Service Commission was directed to dismiss all employees and officers from grades four to twenty and replace them with officers from other departments.

    The Supreme Court, in its decision, highlighted that a crucial institution like the Public Service Commission has lost its credibility and failed to maintain transparency. The general public and intellectuals have raised questions regarding the irregularities within the Commission.

    The Supreme Court further ordered that the papers of recent examinations should be re-evaluated by distinguished professors from the University of Azad Kashmir to ensure transparency.

    Concerns about the transparency of the commission have been expressed by candidates for a considerable period. Alterations in examination papers were reported to be common, with instances of sheets being tampered with to favor certain individuals. Some employees of the PSC were accused of engaging in bargaining during the examinations of District Education Officers, leading to the success of ineligible candidates. This compromised the integrity of the examination process, with qualified candidates’ papers being tampered with and sheets removed.

    Abdul Basir Tajur, a resident of Neelam, sought justice by approaching the High Court, which subsequently called for the examination papers. The illegal actions and irregularities of the PSC were established, leading to yesterday’s verdict where the bench, consisting of the Chief Justice of the High Court and Justice Ijaz, ordered the Secretary of Services to transfer all PSC employees. Simultaneously, they instructed to have the examination papers re-evaluated by a qualified professor from the University of Azad Kashmir.

    Renowned jurist Huzoor Imam Kazmi appeared in this case, representing Abdul Basir Tajur.

    AJK Minister Yasir Sultan Inaugurates Jashn e Baharan in Mirpur, AJK

      Editorial Staff
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      MIRPUR: (Azadi Times) The grand Jashan Baharan festival has started in Mirpur Azad Kashmir, the 5-day Biharan festival was inaugurated by the Minister of Physical Planning and Housing Chaudhry Yasar Sultan at the Mirpur Stadium, balloons were released in the air, the participants in the colorful festival danced happily.

      Special thanks were given to Chaudhry and Prime Minister Sardar Tanviraliyas. The chief guest appreciated the performance of the administration for organizing the successful festival, it was announced to hold Jashan Baharan Festival in the three divisions of Azad Kashmir.

      DG Sports Azad Kashmir Mehrban Rashid Chaudhry, Deputy Commissioner Chaudhry Amjad Iqbal, and Assistant Commissioner Sardar Abdul Qadir Khan were with him. In the festival, sports competitions, horse and cattle show, kabaddi, and javelin, highlighting the culture of the four provinces, food stalls and other entertainment programs were presented.

      In the Mirpur Cricket Stadium, the entrance is free for the spectators of the festival. In the opening ceremony, excellent performances and tableau shows were presented by the students of government and private schools.

      Azad Kashmir Minister of Physical Planning and Housing Chaudhry Yasir Sultan while addressing the opening ceremony of Jashan Baharan Mela said that the district administration congratulates the successful organization of Jashan Baharan Mela in Mirpur.

      The real heroes of Jashan Biharan are the students who are deaf and blind, but they have given the fair four moons. Such fairs should be held every year. Muzaffarabad. Actions will be taken regarding the successful KPL.\

      Spring celebrations will be held in the three divisions of Azad Kashmir. In this event, the performance of every person including the district administration, sports department, students of government private schools, and teachers will be appreciated.

      Appreciate those who devoted their energies to making the festival a success. Jashan Baharan festival will promote positive activities in society. A healthy society is essential for the development of the state.

      Secretary Sports of Azad Kashmir Chaudhry Muhammad Raqib Khan said that he congratulates the government of Azad Kashmir on the festival of Jashan Baharan. Special guests are grateful to the Minister of Physical Planning and Housing Chaudhry Yasir Sultan who participated in the festival with his participation and encouraged the female students.

      Such fairs play an important role in promoting our culture, Commissioner Mirpur Division Chaudhary Shaukat Ali appreciated all the departments and organizers, he said that such fairs are to encourage the youth towards positive activities.

      The festival is commendable, on the first day of the festival, karate, martial art cricket match, and tug-of-war competitions were held by young students, and the performance of special students of Kashmir Institute of Special Education captivated the audience. Pakistani and Kashmiri national anthem was presented, and Pilot High Students of the school saluted by playing the band.

      Secretary Sports Chaudhry Mohammad Raqib, Commissioner Mirpur Division Chaudhry Shaukat Ali, Deputy Commissioner Chaudhry Amjadaqbal, DG MDHHA Chaudhry Mansha, DG Sports Mehrban Rashid, Chairman Main District Council Naveed Akhtar Goga, Additional Director Livestock were present at the festival.

      Dr. Khalid Qayyum Butt Sabir Shah President Chamber, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Municipal Representatives, Police Officers, Education Department, Lawyers, Journalists, NGO representatives, men, and women participated. Traffic arrangements for Saraha Festival, police were deployed, athletes were given shields by the organizers.

      Is Eating Three Meals a Day Really Healthier? What Science Says

      Editorial Staff
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      Is Eating Three Meals a Day Really Healthier? What Science Says

      Most people consume three meals a day as a routine part of their lives. But is this practice the healthiest option? Some individuals opt for two meals a day and manage to stay healthy. However, before considering how many times a day we should eat, scientists suggest that we should pay attention to when we should not eat.

      Rosalyn Anderson, an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin’s School of Medicine and Public Health, has conducted research on the daily calorie needs of the human body. She asserts that taking a significant break from eating every day offers benefits. “A long break between meals provides the body with an opportunity to repair proteins or fats that have not been digested for some reason.” Such breaks are associated with a reduced risk of various diseases.

      Professor Roselyn Anderson explains that our bodies have evolved to adapt to intermittent fasting. “This allows the body to store energy and use it where it is needed, while also activating our body’s energy release system.”

      According to sports science professor Antonio Paoli, longer breaks between meals improve the body’s utilization of glycerin. Due to a lesser rise in glucose levels in the body after eating, the body can store less energy. “Our data show that eating dinner early extends the fasting period, which has positive effects on the body,” says Professor Paoli.

      Having low sugar levels in all cells is beneficial because high sugar levels initiate a process called glycation. During glycation, the combination of glucose and lipids increases inflammation in the body, raising the risk of diabetes. Some experts suggest that eating only once a day may be the best practice.

      David Levitsky, from Cornell University’s College of Human Ecology in New York, points out that there is overwhelming data indicating that exposure to images of food increases food cravings. “When there were no fridges and freezers, we ate only when food was available. Historically, humans used to eat one meal at a time.” Siren Cherrington Hollins, a historian of human diet, states that in ancient Rome, only one meal was consumed at noon.

      But won’t we starve if we eat only once a day?

      David Levitsky suggests that hunger is often a psychological sensation. “When it’s 12 o’clock, we start craving food. You might have a breakfast habit. The data shows that if you skip breakfast, your body will consume fewer calories throughout the day.” However, David Levitsky does not recommend this method for diabetics.

      However, other experts do not advocate for only one meal a day. They understand that when we don’t eat anything, the level of fasting glucose in our blood increases, and if this occurs for an extended period, it raises the risk of type 2 diabetes. Eating more than once helps keep fasting blood glucose levels low so that the body does not interpret it as starvation and start producing fasting glucose in response.

      “Eating a large number of calories early in the day is beneficial for health. Late-night eating is linked to heart disease, digestive issues, and diabetes. By consuming the majority of your calories earlier in the day, the body can utilize all the energy and not store it as fat. Similarly, breakfast should be avoided early in the morning, as eating immediately after waking from sleep is not beneficial for health and disrupts the body’s internal clock. Researchers indicate that the body’s internal clock plays a crucial role in food digestion.

      The human body produces a substance called melatonin to induce sleep, and its release inhibits the secretion of insulin. When you sleep, your body produces melatonin, which prevents your blood glucose levels from rising during sleep. If you consume calories when melatonin levels are high in the body, it raises glucose levels.

      Consuming too many calories at night before going to bed makes it challenging for the body to manage them, resulting in the body being unable to maintain the correct glucose levels. Prolonged high glucose levels in the body can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes. However, this does not mean that we should skip breakfast. There is evidence to suggest that breakfast should be started one or two hours after waking from sleep. It is essential to remember that breakfast is a relatively modern concept.

      Cherrington Hollins explains that breakfast was introduced in ancient Greece. They ate bread soaked in wine for breakfast and consumed very little throughout the day. The practice of having a substantial evening meal began during the ancient Greek period.

      Initially, only the nobles could afford the ‘luxury’ of breakfast. Then, after the 17th century, every person of status could afford the ‘luxury’ of a substantial morning meal. Cherrington Hollins notes that what we currently call breakfast began in the 19th century during the Industrial Revolution. During this period, fixed working hours were established, and as a result, the tradition of consuming three meals a day became customary.

      “Breakfast for working professionals was typically a straightforward meal, usually in the form of street food or a slice of

      Editorial: The Adjournment of the Opposition Members’ Motion: A Disconcerting Move

      Editorial Staff
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      Editorial: The Adjournment of the Opposition Members’ Motion: A Disconcerting Move

      The recent adjournment motion presented by certain opposition members in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir assembly has stirred a considerable uproar, rightly so. Led by opposition leader Chaudhry Latif Akbar, members of the People’s Party in Azad Kashmir, including Chaudhry Yasin, Sardar Javed Ayub, Nabila Ayub, and Member of the Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Nisara Abbasi on behalf of the PML-N, signed a special letter concerning women.

      This adjournment motion, however, has raised eyebrows for all the wrong reasons. It questions fundamental Islamic principles and has been presented in an assembly situated in a state that prides itself on its Muslim identity. The motion contests the decision of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir University, which directed female students to adhere to the hijab dress code. It is indeed regrettable that such a motion, which appears to contravene Islamic norms, has been tabled in an assembly representing a Muslim-majority region.

      The motion argues against the university’s directive, advocating for the freedom of female students to dress as they please within the classroom, and even questions the ban on girls’ swimwear within the university premises. Such contentions directly challenge the Islamic ethos and cultural fabric of Azad Kashmir.

      It is concerning to note the defiance exhibited by certain assembly members against the religious and cultural values of Azad Kashmir. The argument, put forth by Chaudhry Latif Akbar, advocating for the removal of uniforms from government schools and suggesting that students should have the freedom to attend classes wearing attire such as ‘dhoti’ or ‘nakar,’ seems to be out of touch with the sentiments and values of the region.

      The parallels drawn with the situation in India, particularly concerning the issue of the hijab ban, are alarming. We cannot afford to import ideologies that run counter to our cultural and religious ethos. The recent incident in India, where a Muslim girl faced harassment for wearing the hijab, should serve as a stark reminder of the importance of preserving our religious freedoms.

      The decision by Azad Kashmir University to incorporate the hijab dress code, based on the suggestions of parents, teachers, and elders, was aimed at creating a conducive environment for female education. However, this move has been met with protests, suggesting a disconnection with the Islamic identity of Azad Kashmir.

      It is imperative that the opposition members withdraw this motion and offer an apology to the people of Azad Kashmir, as well as seek forgiveness from Allah and His Messenger. The silence of the Council of Islamic Ideology in Azad Kashmir on this matter is also perplexing and warrants attention.

      We must uphold our regional culture and values while promoting education, especially for girls. The adoption of the hijab dress code by Azad Kashmir University was a step in the right direction, ensuring a safe environment for female students and alleviating parental concerns. We must not allow our state to become a battleground for conflicting ideologies, but rather, we should strive to preserve our rich Islamic heritage.

      The Quranic injunctions regarding the hijab are clear, emphasizing the modesty and dignity of women. Therefore, any attempt to undermine these principles should be met with strong opposition. Let us remember the words of the Holy Quran: “O Prophet! Tell your women and your daughters and the Muslim women to hang down a little of their cloaks over themselves, it is very close so that if they are recognized, no one will persecute them.”

      Chaudhry Latif Akbar and others who have supported this motion should reflect on their actions and reassess their stance in light of the Islamic teachings and the sentiments of the people of Azad Kashmir. We cannot afford to compromise our religious and cultural values in the pursuit of agendas that are contrary to the essence of Islam. It is time for our leaders to uphold the sanctity of our beliefs and safeguard the Islamic identity of Azad Kashmir.

      Dadyal: Pathan also guilty of blind murder in Dadyal

      Editorial Staff
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      DADYAL: (Azadi Times) SSP Mirpur Raja Irfan Saleem, DSP Dadyal Chaudhry Ansar Ali Khan, SHO Police Station Adnan Sabir Khan and their team deserve tribute.

      The blind murder of a young man named Osama has been traced at Sher Shah place and the killer of Osama Pathan has been arrested. The murder device was also recovered. The killer Talib Khan, son of Ghulam Rasool Pathan, a resident of Thanpal, was arrested.

      The killer of Osama, Talib Khan, son of Ghulam Rasool Pathan, resident of Thanpal, had an illicit relationship with his wife, and the deceased Osama also had photos and videos, on the basis of which the killer Talib Khan arrested Osama. Killed brutally.

      Dadyal police station arrested the accused within three days while working with extremely hard work. The people of the area have paid tribute to the police for their performance.

      Kashmiri student injured in attack by auto driver in Delhi, case registered

      Editorial Staff
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      Kashmiri student injured in attack by auto driver in Delhi, case registered

      SRINAGAR: (Azadi Times) A Kashmiri student was attacked by an auto-rickshaw driver and seriously injured in the Okhla area of Delhi. According to the details, this incident took place in the New Friends Colony area of South East Delhi at around 8:30 pm on Monday evening.

       

      When a nursing student got into an argument with an auto driver over the fare. During the argument, the auto driver got angry and attacked the student with a sharp object due to which she was badly injured. After the attack, the auto driver fled the spot.

      Meanwhile, the people present admitted the injured student to a nearby private hospital where she is undergoing treatment. Confirming the incident, Delhi Police said, “New Friends of South East Delhi. A 22-year-old Kashmiri student was allegedly assaulted by an auto driver with a sharp object after an argument with an auto-rickshaw driver over fares in the Colony area on Monday evening. The injured was identified as Mehreen Riaz, Delhi Police added. who is undergoing treatment in a private hospital.

       

      The injured student was staying in a PG residence at Noor Nagar in Shaheen Bagh. The police said that the student had hired an auto rickshaw from Shaheen Bagh to CC Market NFC. After reaching the CC market, he had an argument with the auto driver.

       

      The auto driver got angry and attacked the student with a sharp object and sustaining injuries on her right lower abdomen. On her complaint, an FIR under IPC was registered at the NFC police station and Further investigation has been initiated. Attempts are being made to identify the auto driver, he said.

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