Chinari Azad Kashmir (Azadi Times): Despite 37 days passing, the sit-in staged by PTI workers from Jhelum Valley in Chinari to demand the release of ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan continues unabated. In a show of unity, PTI activists, led by former Assembly candidate Zeshan Haider, lit candles to protest the non-arrest of Arshad Sharif’s killers and the detention of his widow.

The protesters expressed intense sorrow and anger over the non-apprehension of Arshad Sharif’s murderers and the arrest of his widow. They chanted slogans like “Arshad Sharif, we are ashamed; your killers are still alive” and “Zille Shah, we are ashamed; your killers are still alive.” They vehemently rejected the unjust norms of cruelty and called for the release of Prime Minister Imran Khan with sky-splitting slogans.

The protest camp, situated in the Chinari sub-district connected to the Line of Control, has been in operation for the past 37 days. Yesterday, a special day was observed to express solidarity with the family of the late Arshad Sharif. Addressing the gathering, Syed Zeshan Haider, the central leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Azad Kashmir and a former Assembly candidate, stated,

"A letter has been written to the Chief Justice, awaiting a response. Some nefarious elements are plotting to involve me and other journalists in false cases, abduct us, or even plan our demise! We, too, seek justice, and the entire nation is watching for your fair verdict."

Furthermore, PTI activists condemned the additional pain inflicted on Arshad Sharif’s family. They demanded that the entire nation join in applauding their system of justice, as Arshad Sharif’s family continues to be denied justice.

Demonstrators asserted that all of the country’s problems find their solution in Imran Khan’s hands, as he possesses the ability to rescue the nation from crises. The protest will remain ongoing until justice is served.

Note: The protest’s longevity and the demands for justice remain central to the demonstrators’ objectives as they continue to demand ex-Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s release and the resolution of Arshad Sharif’s case.

Kotli, Jammu and Kashmir: In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front organized a rally in the Kotli, Azad Kashmir, under the jurisdiction of the Naar Tehsil, to demand the release of Yasin Malik, a prominent leader of the freedom movement. Following the rally, a martyrs’ conference was convened, addressing critical issues related to the struggle for Kashmir’s independence.

The rally, led by Liberation Front leaders, including Raja Haq Nawaz Khan, Muhammad Rafiq Dar, Saleem Haroon, Sajid Siddiqi, Abid Shabeer, and others, echoed with fervent slogans calling for the release of freedom leaders held in various Indian prisons and advocating for the right to self-determination for the occupied region of Jammu and Kashmir.

During the rally, a symbol of peace was portrayed as doves were released into the sky. The procession featured not only horseback riders but also a local traditional band, adding to the fervor of the event. The rally culminated in an open field near Naar Bazaar, where a conference took place.

The conference, presided over by Sajid Siddiqi, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Azad Kashmir Gilgit-Baltistan Zone, had Muhammad Rafiq Dar as the Special Guest. Senior leaders like Shafqat Maghl, Nasrat Qureshi, Ashfaq Mursheed, Raja Mukhtar Ahmed, Sajjad Yunus, Sajjad Noshad, Haq Nawaz Raja, Liaqat Naqshbandi, Raja Parvez, Abrar Iftikhar, Ghulam Owais, Bilal Kashmiri, and other prominent figures of the party participated in the conference.

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The conference attendees deliberated on various critical issues, including the central role of the freedom movement, persistent demands, the release of incarcerated Kashmiri leaders, human rights violations in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and projects aimed at undermining the identity of the region. The participants reached a unanimous consensus and issued a statement.

In the statement, heartfelt tributes were paid to the martyrs of Jammu and Kashmir. The attendees reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to continue the struggle until the mission of these brave martyrs is realized. The statement declared Jammu and Kashmir as an indivisible political entity, vowing to persist in the fight for the region’s freedom, unity, and rightful sovereignty, ultimately leading to the well-being of the Kashmiri people.

The conference participants called upon the leaders of the Group of Twenty (G20) nations to leverage their unique influence in facilitating a peaceful, stable, and permanent resolution to the Kashmir issue. They also urged concerted action to address human rights violations in the region and uphold the fundamental principles of justice and self-determination.

Azadi Times: Alok Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES), announced that there has been a notable 31 percent decrease in fire incidents in Jammu Kashmir this year.

He reported that compared to 59,000 fire incidents last year, J&K has seen only 4,000 incidents this year, marking a substantial reduction over the past year, specifically from August 2022 to July 2023.

Kumar attributed this decline to the successful organization of 28,000 fire awareness events conducted by F&ES across various locations in J&K. Notably, over three lakh people have been trained in fire awareness through these events.

Kumar also revealed the F&ES’s future plans, including the intention to equip every household with a fire extinguisher, enabling residents to respond swiftly to fires until professional firefighters arrive. Training programs are ongoing, even involving Class 10th students to enhance fire response skills.

Additionally, ADGP F&ES emphasized that prompt first aid would be provided to anyone injured during a fire incident, ensuring that lives are safeguarded until they receive advanced medical treatment at the hospital.

These measures reflect F&ES’s commitment to reducing fire incidents and preventing loss of life, as reported by Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir – In a shocking revelation, the livestock sector in Muzaffarabad, the capital city of Azad Kashmir, has been hit by a corruption scandal. Azadi Times reported on Thursday.

The Livestock Department, entrusted with the responsibility of promoting agriculture and ensuring the welfare of farmers, has been marred by widespread corruption, particularly in the poultry sector. For the past five years, the department’s plan to provide chickens to the public has remained nothing more than a mere formality.

Investigations have uncovered a web of deceit and manipulation, as fake production figures were created to mislead authorities and the public alike. Startlingly, it has been discovered that around 70% of officials within the Livestock and Poultry Development department maintain their own private veterinary stores and poultry farms. Even though they lack their own farms, these officials have managed to secure contracts with private farm owners, further exacerbating the corrupt practices.

The Azad Kashmir Livestock Department, originally envisioned to foster the production of milk, meat, and eggs, has failed spectacularly in fulfilling its core objectives. The recent poultry sector corruption scandal has shed light on the magnitude of the problem. Under the department’s supervision in Muzaffarabad district, the data provided for the distribution of chickens to the public from a single poultry farm has been proven to be fictitious. Investigations have also revealed the inclusion of fabricated names and telephone numbers in the records.

Moreover, it has come to light that department officials have established their own private poultry stores, where they sell medicines and feed for the chickens purportedly being raised on the government farm. Even more alarming is the revelation of a contract between the officials and private farm owners for the disposal of farm waste.

These disposal farms clandestinely operate as outlets for the sale of feed, chickens, and medicines during nighttime. To cut costs and maximize profits, officials have been found to sell only one-day-old chicks to farmers. Unfortunately, due to the lack of proper care, feed, vaccines, and field expenses, these chicks often succumb to premature death within days.

Despite the gravity of the corruption scandal, no significant investigations have been conducted thus far. It is believed that the owners of the disposal poultry farms exert influence over the officials and hinder any attempts to uncover the truth.

Local landlords and farmers have expressed their frustration and called upon the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir and the Chief Secretary to intervene. They have urged for thorough physical verification of department records, an investigation into the personal poultry stores and farms of the officials, and swift action against those responsible.

They emphasize the importance of publicly presenting the true facts to restore trust and transparency. Furthermore, it has been observed that a substantial budget allocated to the livestock sector continues to be siphoned off into the pockets of corrupt officials in the form of bribes, further exacerbating the plight of farmers and the agricultural industry.

In light of these shocking revelations, it is imperative for the concerned authorities to take swift action against the perpetrators of this corruption scandal. Restoring integrity and accountability within the Livestock Department is crucial to ensure the welfare of farmers and the growth of the agriculture sector in Azad Kashmir.

Byline: Azadi Times – Only Independent News Source of J&K: In a pivotal juncture in the relentless legal struggle revolving around the annulment of Article 370, the Central Government, on the 13th day of hearings, presented its case before the Supreme Court.

The government’s arguments sought to shed light on the developmental activities initiated in Jammu and Kashmir since the contentious move on August 5, 2019.

Representing the Central Government, the Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, delivered a powerful presentation, spotlighting the positive transformations witnessed in the region.

Mehta revealed a remarkable statistic: in 2022, an astounding 1.88 crores of tourists graced the region, symbolizing a remarkable resurgence in the tourism sector, which serves as a vital economic lifeline.

He went on to state, “Many new industries are also making their way to Jammu Kashmir,” hinting at diversification efforts to bolster the local economy.

Mehta emphasized that effective governance extends beyond mere law enforcement. He disclosed, “Out of 53 projects under the Prime Minister’s development package, valued at 58477 crores, a significant 32 have already been successfully completed.” These projects are envisioned to fortify infrastructure and catalyze economic growth in the region.

Also Read: https://azaditimes.com/azad-kashmir-daily/civil-society-to-protest-against-governments-failure-to-construct-bridges/

Regarding the restoration of statehood, the Central Government refrained from providing a specific timeline but assured its preparedness for regional elections. Mehta affirmed, “The government stands ready for elections. The decision rests with the Election Commission of India and the Election Commission of Jammu Kashmir. Voter list updates are complete, and any pending work is actively underway.”

During the proceedings, Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioners challenging the Article 370 abrogation, passionately sought recognition from the judges regarding the development-centric facts presented. He passionately argued, “This is relevant from our standpoint. Your Lordships have previously stated that subsequent facts should be taken into account.”

Responding to the Central Government’s assertion that there were no shutdowns in the Kashmir valley post Article 370’s abrogation, Advocate Sibal countered the claim. He asserted, “When you have 5,000 people under house arrest and a blanket curfew affecting 144 throughout the state, there can be no bandh! My plea is to refrain from entering this arena, as we would have to counter it with an array of facts.”

In response, the Chief Justice of India reminded all parties involved that the developmental activities cited by the Government may not be directly germane to the constitutional challenge at hand. The Court underscored the imperative of addressing the constitutional challenge autonomously.

As the legal confrontation unfolds in the Supreme Court, the future of Jammu and Kashmir remains a topic of intense scrutiny and passionate debate. The region’s development, statehood restoration, and electoral prospects continue to dominate the discourse in this high-stakes legal contest.

In the heart of Azad Jammu and Kashmir lies Rawalakot, a city known for its breathtaking natural beauty and, more recently, as the home of the Rawalakot Hawks, an Azad Kashmir’s (Pakistan-administered) T20 franchise cricket team.

The Rawalakot Hawks have taken the Kashmir Premier League (KPL) by storm, thrilling fans and showcasing the incredible talent that this region has to offer.

Exploring the Rawalakot Hawks

The Rawalakot Hawks are more than just a cricket team; they are a symbol of hope and pride for their hometown. Let’s dive into what makes this team special, from its key players to the exhilarating highlights of their journey.

Rawalakot Hawks Players: A Stellar Lineup

The Rawalakot Hawks boast a formidable roster of players, each contributing their unique skills to the team’s success. Led by Captain Ahmed Shehzad, who is known for his aggressive batting style, this lineup is a force to be reckoned with in the KPL.

Rawalakot Hawks Highlights: Unforgettable Moments

The journey of the Rawalakot Hawks in the KPL has been marked by unforgettable highlights. From remarkable catches that defy gravity to explosive batting performances that leave spectators in awe. These moments have etched the team’s name in the annals of cricketing history.

Rawalakot Hawks Stadium: The Fortress of Rawalakot

The Rawalakot Hawks have the privilege of playing on their home turf in Rawalakot, a stadium that echoes the cheers of passionate fans. This home-ground advantage has played a significant role in the team’s success, making every match a spectacle to behold.

Kashmir Premier League (KPL)

The Kashmir Premier League (KPL) has emerged as a premier T20 cricket competition. Rawalakot Hawks are at the forefront of this exciting journey. Their consistent performance and remarkable players have not only delighted fans but have also inspired the youth of the region to pursue their cricketing dreams.

The Clash with Mirpur Royals and Jammu Janbaz

In the upcoming KPL season, the Rawalakot Hawks are set to face tough competition from teams like the Mirpur Royals and the Jammu Janbaz. The match schedule promises thrilling encounters that cricket enthusiasts won’t want to miss.

Mirpur Royals Squad: A Worthy Adversary

The Mirpur Royals, with their talented squad, are expected to provide a stern test for the Rawalakot Hawks. It’s a clash of titans, and cricket fans can anticipate intense and exhilarating matches.

Srinagar, August 30 (Azadi Times): In a significant development, the All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the puzzling demise of Engineer Gurmeet Singh.

As reported by the Azadi Times, Engineer Gurmeet Singh was discovered lifeless on Tuesday in the Gandamulla region of Baramulla district after having gone missing from his residence several days earlier.

Jagmaohan Singh Raina, the Chairman of the All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee, has issued a press release asserting the need for an impartial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Gurmeet Singh’s death.

Concerns have been raised, suggesting possible involvement by local authorities, and as such, it is imperative that a transparent and unbiased investigation be initiated.

Raina further emphasized the importance of securing all records pertaining to the Roads and Buildings Department to facilitate a comprehensive and impartial inquiry. Engineer Gurmeet Singh’s untimely death has evoked a significant response, with a substantial gathering of Sikhs in Baramulla expressing their sorrow and advocating for justice.

The devastating earthquake that struck Muzaffarabad in 2005:

On the chilling morning of October 8, 2005, a catastrophic earthquake struck the picturesque city of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan. This natural disaster left an indelible mark on the region, claiming thousands of lives, displacing countless families, and reshaping the landscape forever. In this article, we pay tribute to the resilience of the people of Muzaffarabad and reflect on the lessons learned from the devastating Muzaffarabad earthquake of 2005.

The Earthquake’s Fury

The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.6 on the Richter scale, was of immense destructive power. Its epicenter was situated near the city of Muzaffarabad. The seismic shockwaves radiated across a vast area, affecting not only Pakistan but also parts of India and Afghanistan. The tremors felt as far away as Kabul and New Delhi.

Immediate Aftermath

The immediate aftermath was a scene of chaos and despair. Entire neighborhoods to rubble, and historic landmarks, including the Red Fort of Muzaffarabad, to ruins. Families and survivors left with the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from the ground up.

Loss of Lives

Tragically, the Muzaffarabad earthquake claimed the lives of approximately 87,000 people, with tens of thousands more injured. The loss of life was heartbreaking, and it left a profound scar on the hearts of those who survived.

International Aid and Response

In the wake of this catastrophe, the international community rallied to provide aid and support. Relief efforts launched to provide immediate medical assistance, food, and shelter to those affected. Countries from around the world extended a helping hand, sending rescue teams and humanitarian aid.

Reconstruction and Resilience

The people of Muzaffarabad demonstrated remarkable resilience and unity in the face of adversity. They began the arduous task of reconstruction, rebuilding not just their homes and communities but also their spirits. Schools, hospitals, and infrastructure restored with determination and international support.

Lessons Learned

The Muzaffarabad earthquake of 2005 taught us invaluable lessons about disaster preparedness and response. It underscored the importance of earthquake-resistant infrastructure, early warning systems, and community resilience. It served as a stark reminder that nature’s fury can strike at any moment, and preparedness is key to minimizing its impact.

Conclusion

As we look back on the tragic events of October 8, 2005, in Muzaffarabad, we remember the lives lost and the strength of those who survived. The earthquake was a profound tragedy, but it also showcased the indomitable human spirit and the power of global solidarity in times of crisis. It’s a testament to the resilience of the people of Muzaffarabad that they have rebuilt their city and their lives. May we continue to learn from this tragedy and work toward a safer and more prepared future.

The Muzaffarabad earthquake of 2005 remains a somber chapter in the history of natural disasters. Remembering this event is not only an act of tribute to those who suffered but also a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and community strength.