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AJK PM Announces Tax Reforms and Increased Taxpayer Base in Azad Kashmir

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Muzaffarabad (Azadi Times) – Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan of the Independent Government of Jammu and Kashmir has expressed confidence in the government’s initiatives, stating that they have garnered full support and trust from the people. Khan announced plans to increase the tax net to one lakh users through the introduction of a public-friendly tax system.

Addressing the importance of reforms initiated by the PTI government, Khan highlighted the widespread appreciation received from the people across various sectors. He emphasized the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in promoting the welfare and development of Azad Kashmir.

Discussing efforts to expand the tax net and streamline the tax system, Khan noted that the current government has significantly increased the number of tax filers from 5 thousand to 37 thousand. He reiterated the government’s commitment to bringing reforms in the tax system, instructing officers and officials of the Inland Revenue Department to exhibit exemplary behavior towards the public.

Khan acknowledged the existence of misunderstandings among the public regarding taxes, affirming the government’s efforts to simplify the tax system and make it more people-friendly. In a bid to facilitate taxpayers, he announced an extension of the deadline for tax return submissions until February 27.

Highlighting the significance of tax compliance, Khan underscored the importance of adhering to tax laws and regulations. He praised the efforts of Finance and Inland Revenue Minister Abdul Majid Khan and his team in this regard, commending their commendable work.

Khan revealed plans to increase the number of tax filers to one lakh and allocate a special budget for public awareness campaigns on taxation. Additionally, he emphasized the need for innovation in the transport system to address the issue of accidents caused by dilapidated vehicles.

The Prime Minister directed the Income Tax Department to conduct an extensive awareness campaign, aiming to dispel misconceptions surrounding taxes in Azad Kashmir. He also announced a reward of 2 crores for officers demonstrating the highest level of performance in tax collection.

This announcement reflects the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth, promoting tax compliance, and ensuring transparency in governance in Azad Kashmir.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission Urges Kashmir Council and Legislative Assembly Members to Declare Assets

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Muzaffarabad (Azadi Tiimes) – The spokesperson for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission has issued a press release emphasizing the mandatory requirement for all Kashmir Council members to declare their assets, along with those of their dependent wives and children, before June 30 each year. The details of these assets must be submitted to the Election Commission by December 31 of the same year.

However, as of the current financial year 2021-22, certain members of the Kashmir Council have failed to comply with this requirement. Notable members who have not yet submitted their asset details include Shuja Khurshid Rathore, Muhammad Hanif, and Sardar Syab Khalid.

Similarly, under Section 78 Sub-section (4) of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Elections Act 2020, every member of the Legislative Assembly is obligated to submit details of their assets, along with those of their dependent wives and children, before June 30 each year. These details must also be compiled on stamp paper and submitted to the Election Commission by December 31 of the same year.

Regrettably, several honorable members of the Legislative Assembly have yet to fulfill this obligation for the financial year 2021-22. The list of members who have not submitted their asset details includes:

Here are the constituencies listed in columns and rows:

Mirpur ConstituencyBhimbar ConstituencyPoonch and Sidhnuti ConstituencyNeelam ConstituencyMuzaffarabad ConstituencyJammu ConstituencyValley Constituency
Azhar SadiqWaqar Ahmad NoorSardar Mir Akbar KhanShah Ghulam QadirSardar Muhammad JavedHafiz Hamid RazaAamir Abdul Ghaffar Loan
Chaudhry Qasim MajeedAnwar HaqSardar Abdul Qayyum Khan NiaziMian Abdul WaheedSyed Bazal Ali NaqviMohammad Akmal SargalaGhulam Mohiuddin Dewan
Zafraqbal MalikSardar Hasan Ibrahim KhanKhawaja Farooq AhmedRaja Muhammad SiddiqueMuhammad Asim Sharif
Chaudhry Mohammad AkhlaqMs. Shahida SagheerRaja Farooq Haider KhanAbdul Majid Khan
Nisar Ansar AbdaliSardar Muhammad Hussain Khan
Sardar Atiq Ahmad Khan
Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan

Additionally, members of the Legislative Assembly who hold reserved seats are also required to declare their assets. Failure to comply with this requirement by January 15, 2023, may result in the suspension of membership until the submission of asset details, as per Section 78 Sub-section (6) of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Elections Act 2020.

State Disaster Management Authority Issues Winter Travel Guidelines for Tourists in Azad Kashmir

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Muzaffarabad (Azadi Times) – The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) of Azad Kashmir has released comprehensive guidelines for tourists and travelers during the winter season. These guidelines aim to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals embarking on journeys to various destinations in Azad Kashmir.

According to the issued guidelines, travelers are advised to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts provided by the Meteorological Department before commencing their journey. They are encouraged to check the NDMA/SDMA’s web portal and social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram, for special warnings and alerts. Additionally, consulting the concerned District Administration and Tourist Police for road conditions and advisories is recommended.

Travelers are urged to carry essential travel necessities, including clean drinking water and dry food, sufficient for at least 24 hours. Sick passengers are advised to bring their daily medications, while those traveling to snowy areas should carry tire chains for use when required. It is emphasized to follow instructions issued by the Highway Department and Traffic Police/Tourist Police for safe travel.

Proper vehicle maintenance is stressed, including vehicle checking and carrying spare tires, radiator fluid, and lubricants as advised by mechanics. Warm clothing is essential for cold weather conditions, and passengers in air-conditioned vehicles are advised to keep windows slightly open for fresh air circulation.

In preparation for accommodation, travelers are advised to book rooms in advance and ensure awareness of the prevailing weather conditions and road conditions in the area of interest. Avoiding unnecessary travel in hilly areas at night is recommended to mitigate risks.

Local administrations and hotel managements are instructed to enhance monitoring mechanisms in disaster-prone areas and identify danger spots with the help of the local community. Awareness campaigns are planned to prevent potential dangers, and machinery is prepared in potential hazardous areas in collaboration with the Roads Department and other departments.

Emergency operation centers are activated at the district level to monitor the situation, while tourist convenience centers are activated at tourist spots to facilitate travelers. Proper planning for snow removal and traffic management in areas with heavy tourist traffic is emphasized.

Local hotels and transport associations are urged to assist tourists and locals in emergency situations, and coordination with traffic police/tourist police is essential for road closure hazards. Travelers are warned in advance about the dangers posed by hazardous locations, and emergency operation centers are kept active to monitor district-level situations.

These guidelines underscore the importance of preparedness and caution for travelers during the winter season in Azad Kashmir, ensuring their safety and security while exploring the beautiful landscapes of the region.

Hattian Bala Hosts Right to Self-Determination Day Event at Government Boys Inter College

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Hattian Bala: Man Sets Himself on Fire Over Land DisputeHATTIAN BALA (Azadi Times) – On the occasion of Right to Self-Determination Day, a program organized by Kashmir Youth Initiative and Million Smile was held at Government Boys Inter College Hattian Bala.

The event featured several notable guests including former assembly candidate and PTI leader Syed Zeeshan Haider, SP Jhelum Valley Khurram Iqbal, SHO Manzar Chaghatai, former administrator Khawaja Nasiruddin Chak, newly elected councilor Sheikh Mumtaz, and former vice chairman PIO Taimur Baig.

Additional participants included Raja Faizan, Smile MSF & Care member Madiha Farhan, founder of Kashmir Youth Initiative Mazhar Khan, district coordinator of Jhelum Wali Raja Umar Dawood, district president Ruma Irshad, Zain Sadiq, Aliza Khushal, Mubasher Ahmed, Syeda Noor Kazmi, Ursa Bashir, martial arts teacher Bilal Shah, Million Smile Foundation national core member Asad Parvez, Zamir Ahmad Naz, Chaudhry Ahsan, Farhan Awan, Bilal Rajput, Arsa Javed Turk, Momna Awan, Owais Younis, and others.

At the end of the program, chief guests Syed Zeeshan Haider and SP Jhelum Valley Khurram Iqbal congratulated district coordinator of Kashmir Youth Initiative, Jhelum Vali Raja Umar Dawood, and his team for organizing an excellent program, along with commending the performers for their outstanding contributions.

Hattian Bala Police Arrest Six in Welfare Trust Scam

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    Hattian Bala – City Police Station Hattian Bala has arrested six individuals, including a local man associated with Hamza Welfare Trust, for allegedly scamming poor and disabled people. The arrests were made to prevent further exploitation of these vulnerable individuals, and more shocking revelations are expected as the investigation progresses.

    According to details, Syed Jawad Haider Kazmi, son of Amir Hussain Shah from Chham Doba village near Chinari, used his Facebook account and WhatsApp groups to promote the Hamza Welfare Trust. He claimed the trust would distribute wheelchairs to the disabled and free rations to the poor, but required a registration fee of 1,000 rupees upfront.

    The scheme unraveled when promised wheelchairs and rations were not delivered, prompting the victims to protest on the Srinagar Highway after leaving a private school. SHO City Police Station Hattian Bala, Manzar Hussain Chaghatai, investigated and discovered that Hamza Welfare Trust had brought only four wheelchairs but collected substantial registration fees from numerous individuals.

    Without the necessary NOC, the trust had set up a camp in Hattian Bala, charging 1,000 rupees per registration. The following individuals were arrested:
    1. Dr. Naseem, son of Muhammad Aziz, resident of Westridge Rawalpindi
    2. Shahid Mahmood, son of Shabir Ahmed, resident of Chakra District and Tehsil Rawalpindi
    3. Fayyaz Ahmad, son of Muhammad Khan, resident of Chakra Rawalpindi
    4. Syed Niaz Ali Shah, son of Shah Ali, resident of Khairabad
    5. Syed Farzan Shah, son of Syed Duran Shah, resident of Khairabad Mansehra
    6. Syed Jawad Haider Kazmi, son of Amir Hussain Shah, resident of Chham Doba, Jhelum Valley district

    Charges filed against them under sections 419/420, 467/468, and 471 of the APC, and an investigation is underway. SHO Manzar Hussain Chaghatai and his team commended for their swift action.

    The police urged that the funds stolen from the victims be recovered and returned to the rightful owners. They also warned the public to be cautious and avoid falling prey to similar scams. The police emphasized the importance of vigilance and awareness to protect hard-earned money from such fraudulent schemes.

    AJK primer announcesd the establishment of Model Police Station at Mirpur City Police Station and Women Police Station at Mirpur

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      Mirpur (Azadi Times) 05 January 2023

      Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan announced the establishment of Model Police Station in Mirpur City Police Station and Women Police Station in Mirpur. Prime Minister Azad Kashmir’s surprise visit continues, Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan’s surprise visit to DHQ Hospital Mirpur and City Police Station in Mirpur, visited various wards in District Hospital Mirpur, visited patients, visited patients under treatment in ICU He announced Rs 1 lakh cash for treatment and Rs 5 lakh for new born children.

       

      The Prime Minister visited the records at the City Police Station Mirpur, interacted with the prisoners and issued an order to release a prisoner arrested in a minor case. R. Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir announced Rs 2 lakh cash for all police station staff and prisoners. SSP Mirpur and SHO Thana City also announced appreciation certificate and encouragement reward for solving crimes in Mirpur city and timely arrest of accused in blind case. Azad Kashmir Prime Minister also met divisional and district officers in Mirpur. Speaking on this occasion, Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan has said that the purpose of the surprise visit is not to discredit any institution or officer. And neither is the government’s intention to create fear or panic, but to check the facilities provided by the institutions to the public through such visits. Treat the citizens with respect and dignity.

       

      If any complaint is received regarding the respect of the elderly, strict action will be taken against it. Public toilets should be built at places. Atta doctors should be brought under the law. Doctors’ credentials should be checked in private hospitals. No one should be allowed to play with human lives. Officers should perform their duties as servants, not rulers. The officers who do good work, where the name of the state and the government shines, are supported by them One’s dignity in the family remains forever. State employees should work on merit instead of nepotism. In the army, martyrdom is given not for money but for the protection of the country, the same attitude should be in the civil service as well. High posts should not be made only as a source of employment. The bureaucracy of Azad Kashmir is highly capable and has full potential to create a welfare state. People’s trust in the state and government can be restored only when the citizens’ specifications are met.
      He expressed these views while addressing a meeting of divisional and district officers on the occasion of a surprise visit to Mirpur. In the meeting, Commissioner Chaudhry Shaukat Ali, DIG Dr. Khalid Mahmood Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner Chaudhry Amjad Iqbal, SSP Raja. Irfan Saleem, Chief Engineer Electronics Tahir Ratial, DHO Dr. Fida Hussain, DMS Iram Batul, Divisional Director Local Government Raja Fayyaz Khan, SE Electronics Chaudhry Ziad Akbar, Exein Shahrat Majid Iqbal Awan, Chief Officer Municipal Mugheeth Riaz, Exein Building Prince Aurangzeb, DEO Muhammad Nisar, Information Officer Muhammad Javed Malik, Assistant Director Fisheries Muhammad Sajid, Social Welfare Officer Malik Muhammad Nisar, Assistant Director Livestock Abdul Qayyum Butt, Veterinarian Dr. Nadeem Kalis and other officers were also present.

       

      Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan addressed the officers and said that the state’s prime minister, government ministers and the bureaucracy should understand the pain and suffering of the people and perform their duties as servants. The officers are highly educated and experienced. The poor people should be directly benefited. Until the public servants do not perform their duties with the spirit of service, the government cannot wear the vision of its welfare and welfare state in any practical way. He said Azad Kashmir. Reforms are needed in every sector.

       

      Government guidelines for cleaning and sanitation of cities should be strictly followed. Encroachment on storm drains should be stopped, there should be modern mechanism of garbage disposal. Sale of plastic shopping bags. A deadline has been given till January 15, after which there will be a complete ban on the sale. Cleaning of drinking water tanks for citizens should be done, thus CCTV cameras should be installed in cities to control crimes. Human lives should be protected. No minute should be spared to make. Agriculture

      More plantations should be done with promotion. The officers themselves and the subordinate employees should behave kindly towards the citizens. The behavior of the government missionaries should be exemplary so that people should not be afraid to come to them, if the employees maintain their behavior and morals.

       

      If they do, their complaints will also be less. We should get guidance from our religious civilized society, which teaches service to humanity. SP will be appointed to control the traffic accidents. The officers should remain neutral, instead of being the tools of any political party, they should be the servants of the state and the people. He said that every citizen of the state should play his role as a watchdog, if such complaints are found, they should be taken to the relevant forum. In this regard, Jed Ulama is making a board consisting of Ikram, from which fake and submissive gangsters are being identified.

      Benefits and Importance of B-Complex Vitamins

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      B-complex vitamins are a crucial group of nutrients your body needs to perform various vital functions. These vitamins are found in many foods, making it possible to meet the recommended daily intake through a well-balanced diet. However, individual needs for B vitamins can vary due to factors such as age, pregnancy, dietary habits, medical conditions, genetics, medication use, and alcohol consumption. In some cases, a dietary supplement known as a B-complex vitamin may be necessary to meet these increased demands.

      What Are B-Complex Vitamins?

      B-complex vitamins encompass all eight B vitamins in a single supplement. These vitamins are water-soluble, meaning the body does not store them and they need to be replenished regularly through diet or supplements. Each B vitamin has unique functions and benefits:

      • B-1 (Thiamine): Converts nutrients into energy; found in sunflower seeds and wheat germ.
      • B-2 (Riboflavin): Converts food into energy and acts as an antioxidant; found in meat and mushrooms.
      • B-3 (Niacin): Supports cellular signaling, metabolism, and DNA repair; found in chicken, tuna, and pulses.
      • B-5 (Pantothenic Acid): Produces energy from food and supports hormone and cholesterol production; found in celery, fish, yogurt, and avocado.
      • B-6 (Pyridoxine): Supports amino acid metabolism, red blood cell production, and neurotransmitter production; found in chickpeas, salmon, and potatoes.
      • B-7 (Biotin): Essential for carbohydrate and fat metabolism and regulates genetic expression; found in yeast, eggs, salmon, cheese, and kale.
      • B-9 (Folate): Needed for cell growth, amino acid metabolism, and blood cell production; found in leafy greens, legumes, and fortified foods.
      • B-12 (Cobalamin): Crucial for neurological function, DNA production, and red blood cell production; found in meat, eggs, seafood, and dairy products.

      Who Should Take B-Complex Vitamins?

      While most people can obtain sufficient B vitamins through a balanced diet, certain conditions may necessitate additional supplementation:

      • Pregnant or Lactating Women: Increased demand for B12 and folate during fetal growth.
      • Elderly Individuals: Reduced absorption of B-complex vitamins and decreased dietary intake.
      • People with Certain Medical Conditions: Conditions such as celiac disease, cancer, Crohn’s disease, alcoholism, hypothyroidism, and anorexia can increase susceptibility to nutrient deficiencies, including B vitamins.

      Health Benefits of B-Complex Vitamins

      Even for those without specific deficiencies, B-complex vitamins can offer several health benefits:

      • Reduced Stress and Improved Mood: B-complex vitamins are often used to alleviate fatigue and enhance mood.
      • Potential Reduction in Anxiety and Depression Symptoms: Supplementation may help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.

      Conclusion

      Ensuring an adequate intake of B-complex vitamins is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Whether through diet or supplementation, these vitamins play a vital role in energy production, metabolism, and the functioning of various body systems. For individuals with increased needs or certain health conditions, B-complex supplements can provide the necessary boost to maintain optimal health.

      Kashmiris to observe Right to Self-Determination Day tommorrow

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      SRINAGAR: (Azadi Times Newspaper) 04 January 2023 Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and around the world are celebrating Self-Determination Day tomorrow with the aim of putting pressure on the international community to fulfill its commitments to Kashmiris. Azadi Times Newspaper reported….,

       

      Self-Determination Day will be celebrated on the call of the All-Party Hurriyat Conference. Protests, rallies, and seminars will be held in both parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan and across the world to sensitize the international community on the sensitivity of the Kashmir conflict.

       

      It was on 5th January 1949 that the United Nations Security Council passed a historic resolution that stated that the question of the accession of the state of Jammu and Kashmir to India or Pakistan should be decided by the democratic method of the free and impartial referendum.

       

      Naeem Ahmad Khan and Ghulam Ahmad Gulzar, the leaders of the All-Party Hurriyat Conference, said in their statements in Srinagar that the resolution of January 5, 1949, is clear proof that Kashmir is not an internal matter of India but recognized at the international level.

       

      It is a disputed area. He urged the United Nations to fulfill its responsibility to resolve the Kashmir conflict in its historical context. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the senior leader of the All-Party Hurriyat Conference, in a statement issued in Srinagar, resolved the Kashmir conflict through negotiations.

      Indian troops along with paramilitary personnel and so-called Rural Defense Committee members continued the siege and search operations in the Rajouri, Kishtwar, and Riasi districts of the Jammu region.

       

      The Indian authorities have imposed a night curfew along the working camp in the Samba district. The Indian Army Tribunal rejected the bail of Indian Army Captain Bhupinder, who martyred three laborers from the Rajouri district in a fake encounter.

       

      This action of the tribunal has confirmed that Indian soldiers are extrajudicially killing innocent Kashmiri youth. A team of the Indian Army under the leadership of Captain Bhupinder killed these laborers on July 18, 2020, in Shopian. He was martyred in the Amshipora area.

       

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      Editorial: The Unfulfilled Promise of Kashmir’s Right to Self-Determination

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      For 74 years, Kashmiris around the world have observed January 5 as Self-Determination Day, a solemn reminder of their enduring struggle for autonomy. This date marks the passage of a United Nations resolution that promised the people of Jammu and Kashmir the right to determine their own future through a free and impartial referendum. However, despite the passage of time, this promise remains unfulfilled, and the region continues to be a flashpoint for conflict between India and Pakistan.

      The resolution, adopted on January 5, 1949, outlined a clear process for resolving the dispute. It stipulated that the question of Kashmir’s accession to India or Pakistan would be decided by a democratic vote under the supervision of a UN-nominated moderator. This resolution was intended to bring peace and stability to the region following the first Indo-Pakistani war. Pakistan showed willingness to comply with these terms, but India’s stance shifted, prioritizing military occupation over diplomatic resolution.

      India’s refusal to withdraw its troops and create conditions conducive to a referendum has been the crux of the problem. This intransigence has led to decades of strife, casting a long shadow over South Asia. The UN’s resolutions on Kashmir, while advisory, were meant to provide a pathway to peace. Yet, they have been ignored, with India’s actions making a mockery of the international community’s efforts.

      The situation took a dramatic turn on August 5, 2019, when India abrogated Article 370, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status. This move, seen by many as an attempt to further integrate the region into India, has only deepened the alienation and resentment among Kashmiris. Despite a severe military lockdown and efforts to suppress dissent, the spirit of resistance among the Kashmiri people remains unbroken. They continue to demand their right to self-determination, often at great personal cost.

      The United Nations, which has been proactive in implementing resolutions in other conflict zones, has largely turned a blind eye to Kashmir. This selective intervention undermines the credibility of the international body and exposes its susceptibility to the influence of powerful member states like the United States. It is imperative that the UN re-engage with the Kashmir issue, not just for the sake of regional stability, but also to uphold the principles of justice and self-determination that it purports to champion.

      The failure to resolve the Kashmir issue is not just a bilateral problem between India and Pakistan; it is a matter of international concern. Both nations are nuclear powers, and any escalation of the conflict could have catastrophic consequences. The UN must facilitate a fair and impartial referendum, allowing Kashmiris to decide their own fate. This step is crucial not only for peace in South Asia but also for the credibility of international law and institutions.

      Kashmir remains a tinderbox, and ignoring its unresolved status is a dangerous gamble. The international community, led by the UN, must act decisively to ensure that the promises made to the people of Kashmir are finally honored. The time for half-measures and rhetorical commitments is over; what is needed now is concrete action to bring about a just and lasting resolution to this long-standing conflict.

      Flag Unveiling and Swearing-in Ceremony of Gilgit-Baltistan National Fronts Held in Karachi

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      KARACHI: (Press Release) The National Students Federation (NSF), National Women Front, and National Workers Front of Gilgit-Baltistan (Sindh Zone) held a flag unveiling and swearing-in ceremony for their newly elected cabinets in Karachi. The event featured political and social representatives from various right-wing parties across the region who engaged in a dialogue on potential commonalities in their economic future struggles.

      During the ceremony, the eighth cabinet of the NSF Gilgit-Baltistan Sindh Zone and the first cabinet of the National Workers Front Sindh Zone took their oaths of office.

      For the NSF Sindh Zone, the newly elected officials are:

      • President: Azharuddin
      • Vice President: Atiya Ali
      • General Secretary: Didar Ali
      • Education and Training Secretaries: Liaqat Ali and Karim Khan
      • Arts and Culture Secretary: Daniyal Alam
      • Finance Secretary: Akash Ali
      • Media and Information Secretary: Minhas Qayyum
      • Event Management Secretary: Moinuddin

      Ghazala Ali was elected as the representative of the Central Executive Committee by the NSF Sindh Zone.

      For the National Workers Front Sindh Zone, the newly elected officials are:

      • President: Basharat Hussain Mahdavi
      • Vice President: Karima Baig
      • General Secretary: Anmul Al Karimi
      • Secretary of Education and Training: Ismail Khan
      • Joint Secretary: Tariq Ali
      • Secretary of Finance: Rais Shah
      • Women Secretary: Arifa Latif
      • Event Management Secretary: Sherzad Wali
      • Arts and Culture Secretary: Habib Mazahir

      Ali Ahmad Jan was chosen as the representative of the Central Executive Committee by the Secretary of Media and Information and NWF Sindh Zone. The National Workers Front Gilgit-Baltistan Central Organizer, Inayat Baig, administered the oath and discussed the importance and future plans of the newly elected cabinet.

      Inayat Baig emphasized that the youth of Gilgit-Baltistan are essential to overcoming the ongoing colonial oppression and stated that a youth-led political alternative is inevitable. He elaborated on the National Front’s ideology of “progressive patriotism” and urged the youth to join and build this new revolutionary force.

      The newly elected presidents reiterated their commitment to advocating for the basic human rights of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. They highlighted the need for a new political alternative and praised the National Front as an excellent platform for the youth.

      The ceremony included the formal unveiling of the National Front’s flag, which features black, red, and sky blue colors with a white North Pole star in the middle. A briefing was provided on the flag’s colors, components, and their significance.

      In the final part of the ceremony, representatives from various right-wing parties, including the Balawaristan National Students Organization, Karakoram Students Organization, Jammu and Kashmir Students Liberation Front, Baltistan Students Federation, and All Baltistan Movement, participated in a panel discussion. They explored potential practical commonalities on the political, social, and economic future of Gilgit-Baltistan.

      Speakers at the event commended the formation and consistency of the National Front and congratulated the newly elected cabinet. They emphasized the need to bridge gaps in the political struggle of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir through credible measures.

      The speakers also condemned attempts to seize local lands and resources in the name of the Khalsa government in Gilgit-Baltistan, warning that such oppressive measures would have negative consequences. They urged the recognition of the local population’s rights to the land and resources of Gilgit-Baltistan.

      The speakers called on the youth of Gilgit-Baltistan living in various cities of Pakistan to work towards addressing the region’s deprivations alon