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J&K High Court Reserves Verdict on AAP Leader Mehraj Malik’s Preventive Detention Case

Editorial Staff
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J&K High Court Reserves Verdict on AAP Leader Mehraj Malik’s Preventive Detention Case

Srinagar, February 24, 2026 – The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court on Monday reserved its verdict on the petition filed by Miraj Malik, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and sitting MLA, challenging his preventive detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA).

Miraj Malik, who also serves as the President of Jammu & Kashmir’s AAP unit, was detained on September 8 last year, accused of “disturbing public peace,” and subsequently transferred to Kathua Jail. In response, he filed a petition in the High Court on September 24, seeking both the annulment of his detention and compensation of INR 50 million (approx. USD 602,000) for the alleged wrongful confinement.

The case was heard on Monday by Justice Mohammad Yousuf Wani, with both parties presenting their arguments in full. Following the proceedings, the court reserved its decision, allowing both Malik’s legal team and the government to submit written submissions or additional points within one week.

Speaking after the hearing, Advocate Apo Singh Salathia, representing Malik and also the AAP spokesperson, described the legal process as “long and challenging,” while expressing confidence in the judiciary. She appealed to AAP supporters and workers to remain patient and maintain a constructive approach while awaiting the court’s decision.

Legal experts anticipate that the High Court’s verdict could be announced in the coming days, a ruling that could set important precedent regarding preventive detentions under the PSA in Indian-administered Kashmir.

The Muzaffarabad Overseas Kashmiris Convention: A Critical Analysis

Editorial Staff
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The Muzaffarabad Overseas Kashmiris Convention: A Critical Analysis

Muhammad Arif Arfi, Journalist

The recently held Overseas Kashmiris Convention in Muzaffarabad has left many observers with a sense of unease regarding the future direction of the Kashmir solidarity movement, the region’s environmental integrity, and the political autonomy of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK). Beneath the veneer of official rhetoric lay a subtext of manipulation, division, and potentially hazardous planning.

A Shifting Narrative

The convention’s undertones suggested a significant, and potentially alarming, policy shift. The Prime Minister of the Government of Azad Kashmir repeatedly referred to the territory as the “State of Azad Kashmir.” This linguistic choice is not merely a casual error; it signals a possible official departure from the historical narrative of the entire Jammu and Kashmir state. It raises serious questions about whether the government is preparing to formally abandon the principled stance on the larger Kashmiri liberation cause.

The Deep State’s Agenda of Division
It became increasingly evident that Pakistan’s “deep state” is attempting to replicate its domestic political fissures within the Kashmiri community. The convention’s guest list for overseas Kashmiris was notably selective, featuring only individuals aligned with a specific establishment narrative. There is a clear intent to create a compliant “pocket” of overseas supporters to counterbalance the influence of the pro-freedom Joint Awami Action Committee. The goal appears to be the fragmentation of the overseas Kashmiri community, mirroring the divisive politics witnessed between the workers of PTI and PML-N in Pakistan.

Economic Ambitions at Environmental Cost

Discussions with several participants revealed a troubling subtext: the rapid acquisition of land in AJK for tourism projects, ostensibly to facilitate overseas Kashmiri investment. While investment is welcome in principle, the execution model raises red flags.

· A Recipe for Disaster: There are fears of a repeat of the infamous “Nangi Mali” model, where land was leased at a pittance (20 rupees per kanal), leading to unchecked exploitation and environmental degradation.
· The Water Tower at Risk: Azad Kashmir serves as Pakistan’s critical water tower. Unregulated mining and large-scale construction threaten to damage glaciers and water reservoirs, potentially crippling Pakistan’s entire irrigation system.
· Deforestation and Displacement: Projects like the Taobat-Minni Marg Road have already resulted in the cutting of thousands of ancient trees—an act tantamount to killing future generations. The displacement of local populations from crucial mountain pastures under the guise of development will only lead to long-term ecological and social harm.

A Convention Devoid of Kashmiriyat
The irony of the convention was its utter lack of local identity and culture. The main signage featured a European landscape instead of the majestic valleys of Neelum or the Jhelum River. The comperes, seemingly imported from Rawalpindi, were so engrossed in praising Pakistani military officials that they remained oblivious to the names of local Kashmiri leaders. This cultural disconnect was compounded by a media strategy that relied on franchised stories from private media headquarters in Punjab and anchors brought in from “Pindi” to manufacture a specific narrative, effectively sidelining local journalists and creating an atmosphere of controlled press.

The Recycled Political Narrative

The political discourse on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute was a tired repetition of the same “worn-out” narrative that has defined 78 years of diplomatic failure. This approach, many argue, culminated in the disastrous events of August 5, 2019, following the alleged “Bajwa-Modi-Imran-Trump” understanding. The convention offered no new strategy or fresh thinking, only a rehashing of past slogans.

The Question of Moral Authority
Finally, a fundamental question remains: by what moral authority is a government with only a few months left in its tenure launching projects of this magnitude? Its own mandate is considered controversial, and the opposition, having failed in its duty to provide oversight, has already lost its moral ground. This creates a dangerous vacuum of accountability.

Recommendations for the Powers That Be
Before embarking on any further “adventures” in the region, it is imperative to conduct unbiased Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) through credible international universities. The costly mistakes of the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project must not be repeated. The focus should be on sustainable development that protects the region’s fragile ecosystem and prioritizes the rights of the local population over speculative investment schemes.

The people of Kashmir and Pakistan must wake up and pay attention. The stakes are too high, and the margin for error is too small. Let us proceed with caution, lest we trade our inheritance for a mess of pottage.

A Daughter of Kashmir Falls: Questions of Justice and Media Recklessness in Fariha Ibrahim Case

Editorial Staff
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A Daughter of Kashmir Falls: Questions of Justice and Media Recklessness in Fariha Ibrahim Case

Dateline: BAGH / LAHORE – The death of 22-year-old Dr. Fariha Ibrahim, a final-year medical student from the mountainous district of Bagh in Azad Kashmir, should have been a straightforward, albeit tragic, story. A bright young woman, the pride of her community, dies in an accident at her hostel in Lahore. Instead, her passing on the evening of [Insert Date, if known, otherwise remove] has spiraled into a vortex of grief, suspicion, and a media-fueled firestorm that has left her family and an entire region demanding answers.

Fariha, a student at the prestigious Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU), was not just another statistic. She was a daughter of the soil, a symbol of aspiration for countless Kashmiri families who see education as the only path to a better future. Her sudden death has now become a flashpoint, raising uncomfortable questions about institutional accountability, irresponsible journalism, and the safety of young women in Pakistan’s premier educational institutions.

From the moment the news broke, a battle for the truth began. The official line from the university administration, as relayed by the hostel warden, points to a tragic accident. According to this version, Fariha was walking with friends in the hostel lobby when she lost her balance and fell from an upper floor. The incident, they claim, occurred around 9:00 PM.

This narrative is, however, immediately contradicted by a far more sinister one being peddled by a 24-hour news cycle desperate for ratings. Major channels, including ARY News, flashed tickers as early as 7:45 PM, before the incident was even said to have occurred, speculating that the young doctor was “disturbed” after a poor exam performance. They have framed her death as a suicide, a narrative of academic pressure that fits a tired and damaging stereotype.

The Fariha Her Family Knew: No Stress, Only Success

This is the point where the media’s narrative collides violently with the truth. Speaking exclusively to this correspondent, Fariha’s family has provided a timeline that paints a picture of a calm, happy, and successful young woman, completely at odds with the “disturbed student” trope.

Her father, speaking from their home in the picturesque hills of Bagh Maloot, recounted their final conversation. “She called us just an hour before the tragedy. She was not sad; she was exuberant. She told us, ‘Ammi, Abu, my paper went amazing. Please pray that my next one goes just as well.'” They spoke of her day, exchanged pleasantries, and the call ended, as it always did, with her reminding them it was time for her prayers. Fariha was a devout and punctual student of the Quran, a girl, her teachers later confirmed, who was beloved by all for her gentle and ethical nature.

This testimony from her parents is corroborated by university sources who have spoken on condition of anonymity. They describe Fariha as an “exceptional student” with no academic record that would suggest any cause for despair. If this is the portrait of a student about to take her own life, it is a portrait that defies all logic.

The Unanswered Questions: A Demanding Inquiry

The gap between the “accident” and “suicide” theories has created a cavern of doubt, and from this darkness, a more disturbing possibility is emerging: that of foul play. The Kashmiri community, both in Bagh and in diaspora, is now mobilizing, their chants of “We want justice” echoing the sentiments of a people who feel their daughter has been failed.

The key questions are piling up, demanding a transparent investigation:

  1. The CCTV Evidence: The most crucial piece of evidence is the hostel’s CCTV footage. Why has it not been released to the family or the public? If it was an accident, the footage would prove it conclusively. Its absence fuels the darkest suspicions. Is there something on that tape that the university administration does not want the public to see?
  2. The Barrier Question: If it was an accident, why was the railing or wall in the lobby so low as to allow a fatal fall? This points to a gross negligence of safety standards within the hostel, for which the administration must be held accountable.
  3. The University’s Silence: Why has the FJMU administration remained largely silent, failing to issue a clear, factual statement to counter the media’s hysterical and false reporting? Their silence is complicity in the spread of disinformation that is compounding the family’s trauma.
  4. The Motive: If Fariha was not stressed and was in good spirits, what motive could there possibly be for suicide? Conversely, if this was an accident, why the immediate media push to label it a suicide? And if it was neither, who was with her in that lobby? The university’s abrupt closure after the incident only adds to the suspicion.

A Cry from the Mountains

The people of Bagh Maloot are not known for creating noise, but their silence is now broken. They have poured onto the streets, not with violence, but with a demand for truth. “This is not just an accident; it is a questionable killing,” one protester stated.

To have that story end in such ambiguity is a betrayal.

The media, for its part, must introspect. In their race for ratings, channels like ARY have trampled over journalistic ethics. They have publicly tried and convicted a dead girl of being “disturbed” based on zero evidence, causing unimaginable pain to her family. This is not journalism; it is character assassination for profit.

The Path to Justice

The Government of Azad Kashmir must intervene now, not as a symbolic gesture, but as the elected representative of its people. It must demand that the Punjab government and the FJMU administration hand over the case to an independent, impartial investigative body—one that operates outside the influence of the university or local police.

The Fariha Ibrahim case is a test. It is a test of whether the state can provide justice to one of its most vulnerable and valuable citizens: a young woman striving to become a doctor. If the truth is buried, if the CCTV is “lost,” if the media moves on to the next tragedy, then Fariha’s death will not have been in vain—it will have been a murder, not just of a person, but of the very idea of justice.

For now, her family waits. The mountains of Kashmir wait. They are waiting for the truth about their daughter. And as this journalist can confirm, they are prepared to wait no longer.

Awami Action Committee Gilgit-Baltistan Calls for Mass Protest Over Basic Services Crisis

Editorial Staff
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Awami Action Committee Gilgit-Baltistan Calls for Mass Protest Over Basic Services Crisis

Gilgit-Baltistan — The Awami Action Committee (AAC) Gilgit-Baltistan has called on residents to prepare for what it describes as a “major public protest” over the continued shortage of basic services in the region.

In a statement shared on social media by Ehsan Ali Advocate, Chairman of the Awami Action Committee Gilgit-Baltistan, the group alleged that residents have been facing persistent challenges including shortages of clean water, electricity, medical facilities, essential medicines, and subsidized flour.

The statement criticizes what it describes as increasing privileges and benefits for government officials and bureaucrats while public grievances remain unresolved. It further claims that the region’s leadership has failed to adequately address the socio-economic concerns of the population.

The committee has urged citizens to organize at both village and city levels by forming local “public action committees” in preparation for coordinated demonstrations. According to the statement, large-scale protests may take place in the coming days, with organizers indicating that they plan to mobilize people across the region.

Gilgit-Baltistan has witnessed periodic protests in recent years over issues including taxation, wheat subsidies, electricity supply, and governance reforms. Public frustration has occasionally resulted in sit-ins and road blockades in major towns.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee is scheduled for February 25 in Sehmsa, Kotli, in Azad Kashmir. Observers suggest that developments in Gilgit-Baltistan could influence political mobilization in other parts of the wider Kashmir region, where similar economic concerns have been raised.

There has been no immediate official response from the Gilgit-Baltistan government regarding the latest protest call.

Why AJK’s Customs, Royalties and Federal Grants Debate Went Viral After Overseas Kashmir Conference

Noreen Haider
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Why AJK’s Customs, Royalties and Federal Grants Debate Went Viral After Overseas Kashmir Conference

MUZAFFARABAD — What began as a simple question at the first ever Overseas Kashmir Conference in Muzaffarabad has quickly rippled across social media and political circles, spotlighting long-standing disputes over customs duty, resource royalties, and the fiscal relationship between Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and the federal government of Pakistan.

In a session meant to encourage diaspora investment and economic engagement, an overseas Kashmiri entrepreneur pointedly asked why AJK residents face customs duties on imported vehicles — while similar exemptions once existed in other regions such as the former Malakand Division. He then asked why AJK, which generates significant wealth from hydropower and remittances, does not enjoy the sort of fiscal privileges seen in other areas. The response came from Pakistan’s Chief Secretary — not AJK’s Prime Minister — prompting fresh scrutiny about authority, autonomy, and accountability.

Customs Duties, Exemptions, and AJK’s Status

Pakistan no longer offers widespread customs exemptions anywhere, including the former non-customs zones of the Malakand Division and neighboring regions. Those concessions were removed following constitutional reforms and the merger of formerly separate administrations. The Chief Secretary explained that because these exemptions no longer exist nationwide, AJK too cannot unilaterally extend them. Supporters of the businessman’s position argue this overlooks AJK’s unique status and economic contributions.

The core grievance is simple: Overseas Kashmiris feel that, unlike other regions with special customs provisions, AJK’s residents — both home and abroad — face full customs levies without comparable fiscal benefits.

Variable Grants vs. Royalties: Understanding the Financial Record

At the heart of the debate lies how AJK is funded. Unlike Pakistan’s provinces, which receive constitutional revenue shares under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, AJK does not formally participate in that formula. Instead, it receives budgetary allocations and variable grants in lieu of federal taxes, which include customs and income tax components. These grants form a large portion of AJK’s annual budget — often exceeding Rs. 100 billion — highlighting the territory’s dependence on federal transfers.

Critics argue that the “grant” narrative obscures an unequal exchange. They point out that AJK is home to major hydropower projects — such as the Mangla Dam and Neelum–Jhelum Hydropower Plant — and contributes significantly to Pakistan’s electricity grid and revenue streams. Despite this, AJK does not receive royalty payments on par with what provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa receive from similar projects, a point of contention repeatedly raised by commentators and public figures. Historically, this lack of royalty has been linked to AJK’s different constitutional status.

“Why Treat Us Like Aid Recipients?”

Several social media respondents reframed the debate in stronger terms, asking: If AJK’s contributions are so significant, why is its fiscal treatment that of a dependent region rather than an economic partner? Many echoed a growing sentiment that the prevailing narrative — that “Pakistan feeds AJK from its own resources” — is misleading and undermines justice and transparency. Instead, they argue the question should focus on how revenue from natural resources, taxation, and overseas remittances is accounted for and shared.

One commentator pointedly questioned why hydropower income and foreign remittances — both major revenue generators — are not equitably reflected in AJK’s budgetary entitlements. Another criticized what they see as an institutional reluctance to fully explain resource allocation, describing it as “a deliberate omission from public discourse.”

Authority, Accountability, and Public Trust

The optics of the Chief Secretary answering a politically charged question intended for AJK’s Prime Minister has itself become symbolic. For many observers, it underscored perceptions about where real authority and fiscal decision-making power resides. Whether intentional or not, this moment sparked debate about accountability at the highest levels of governance within AJK.

Some analysts argue this points to structural issues in how AJK’s government interacts with federal authorities. Others see it as a politicized incident that unintentionally amplified long-held public frustrations about transparency, resource rights, and economic dignity.

A Broader Narrative: Economics Meets Identity

This debate is not occurring in isolation. It intersects with broader questions about AJK’s political identity, economic autonomy, and public expectations of fairness. The Overseas Kashmir Conference aimed to build confidence, attract investment, and signal economic modernization. Instead, it became the stage for a critical conversation that may shape future fiscal discourse and demands for structural reform.

Whether policymakers respond with detailed transparency or maintain existing narratives, this moment reflects a growing public appetite for accountability — and for narratives that reflect both economic data and lived realities.

The conversation ignited in Muzaffarabad is more than an isolated policy argument. It represents a deeper national and regional dialogue about equity, representation, and the fiscal future of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. As Kashmiris both at home and abroad engage with these questions, the implications could resonate far beyond a single conference hall.

Muzaffarabad Hosts First-Ever Overseas Kashmiris Convention Amid Praise and Political Criticism

Editorial Staff
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Muzaffarabad Hosts First-Ever Overseas Kashmiris Convention Amid Praise and Political Criticism

Muzaffarabad: The Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Monday inaugurated the first-ever Overseas Kashmiris Convention in Muzaffarabad, marking what officials described as a historic initiative of its kind in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

The convention brought together members of the Kashmiri diaspora from across the globe, including professionals who have earned recognition in diverse international fields. The event was attended by Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, senior government ministers, opposition leaders, representatives from Pakistan, and Hurriyat leadership.

Policy Dialogues and Development Focus

A series of panel discussions and policy dialogues were organized as part of the convention, focusing on strengthening engagement with overseas Kashmiris and exploring avenues for economic growth.

According to officials, special emphasis was placed on promoting investment opportunities in key sectors such as Information Technology (IT), hydropower, tourism, and mineral resources. The government announced that recommendations emerging from these discussions would form the basis of a comprehensive policy framework aimed at facilitating diaspora participation in the region’s development.

Among the proposals discussed was the establishment of a dedicated court to address legal matters concerning overseas Kashmiris. Additionally, the Prime Minister announced the launch of a web portal intended to provide a centralized platform for resolving complaints and administrative issues faced by the diaspora.

To attract foreign investment, the government also proposed a “one-window operation” system designed to streamline procedures for overseas investors.

Cultural programs and art exhibitions showcasing Kashmiri heritage were held alongside policy sessions, highlighting the region’s rich cultural identity.

Administrative Measures and Public Holiday

The AJK government declared February 16 a public holiday in Muzaffarabad to facilitate the smooth conduct of the convention. According to an official notification, all government and semi-government offices, as well as private commercial centers in the capital, remained closed in light of the event and the arrival of international guests.

However, the event witnessed a minor disruption when three members of the Legislative Assembly — including Minister Sardar Yasir Sultan, MLA Abdul Majid Khan, and Asim Sharif Butt — reportedly left the venue after not being allocated seats during the proceedings.

Political Reactions and Social Media Debate

While the government termed the convention a milestone in diaspora engagement, the event has also sparked debate across political circles and social media platforms.

Several political voices questioned the inclusivity of the convention, arguing that if the initiative genuinely aimed to address the fundamental issues of overseas Kashmiris and the broader Kashmiri population, representatives of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee should have been formally invited to participate in the discussions.

Critics further pointed to the presence of ministers and officials from Pakistan, claiming that the event appeared more symbolic than structural in addressing long-standing grievances. Social media commentary suggested that without tangible progress on core infrastructure demands — such as the establishment of an international airport in the region and the introduction of scheduled banking facilities capable of handling international remittances — policy announcements would remain limited in practical impact.

Some commentators argued that overseas Kashmiris continue to face logistical barriers, including traveling outside the region to access international flights and relying on external banking systems for remittance transfers. In their view, addressing these foundational issues would constitute a more meaningful step toward economic empowerment.

Others defended the initiative as an important starting point, asserting that diaspora engagement requires gradual institutional reforms and sustained dialogue.

A Test of Implementation

As the first event of its kind in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, the Overseas Kashmiris Convention represents a notable attempt by the AJK government to formalize its engagement with the global Kashmiri community.

Whether the convention translates into concrete policy implementation, institutional reform, and measurable economic impact remains to be seen. For now, the event has opened both a platform for dialogue and a broader conversation about governance priorities, representation, and the future trajectory of development in the region.

The New Arena of Competition: Youth, Resistance and Political Identity in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir

Editorial Staff
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The New Arena of Competition: Youth, Resistance and Political Identity in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir

In many parts of the world, young people compete for academic excellence, technological innovation, entrepreneurial success, and sporting achievement. In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, however, a different kind of competition has quietly but unmistakably taken root over the past five years.

It is not primarily a race for wealth.
It is not centered on sports.
It is not even driven by lifestyle or entertainment culture.

For a significant segment of Kashmiri youth, the new arena of competition is resistance — the pursuit of political voice, ideological positioning, and public visibility within the sphere of what is widely referred to as “مزاحمتی سیاست” (resistance politics).

A Generational Shift in Priorities

This shift does not mean that young Kashmiris have abandoned education or professional ambition. Universities are full, competitive exams remain crowded, and overseas migration continues to be a major aspiration. Yet, parallel to these traditional pathways, political identity-building has become a defining feature of youth culture — particularly online.

Over the past five years, a noticeable trend has emerged: young individuals striving to build a name for themselves within resistance-oriented political discourse. Social media has accelerated this transformation. Platforms that once showcased lifestyle content now amplify speeches, protest clips, political commentary, and ideological debates.

Two prominent contemporary examples often cited in youth discussions are Khawaja Mehran and Sardar Ruman, who, in a relatively short span of time, gained substantial recognition across Pakistan-administered Kashmir. With large social media followings and dedicated supporter bases, they represent a model of rapid political visibility that resonates deeply with younger audiences.

Their rise illustrates something broader: in today’s Kashmir, influence is no longer limited to traditional party hierarchies. It can be cultivated digitally, strategically, and emotionally.

Resistance vs. Electoral Politics

However, the political landscape is not monolithic.

On one side are resistance-oriented groups that do not participate in electoral processes. They operate through activism, public mobilization, ideological campaigns, and social media engagement. Many of their workers face economic hardship, social pressure, and in some cases, legal or administrative consequences. Participation often demands sacrifice rather than financial reward.

On the other side are branches of mainstream Pakistani political parties that contest elections within Pakistan-administered Kashmir. These platforms offer structured political careers, clearer institutional pathways, and sometimes more stable economic prospects.

Young people navigate between these two worlds.

Some choose resistance politics out of ideological conviction. Others align with electoral parties, seeing them as pragmatic vehicles for influence and development. There are also those who publicly remain neutral — particularly government employees and salaried professionals — yet privately sympathize with one current or another.

This complexity challenges any simplistic reading of the trend.

The Social Media Catalyst

According to an internal survey conducted by the team at The Azadi Times, analyzing social media behavior of users between 18 and 40 years of age, a clear pattern emerged: political and resistance-oriented content consistently receives higher engagement than entertainment or purely informational posts.

This does not necessarily indicate unanimous ideological alignment. Rather, it signals that political identity has become socially valuable. To speak on “حق” (rights), to critique governance, or to position oneself as a defender of collective dignity has become a source of recognition.

For many young Kashmiris, especially in districts such as Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and others, visibility in political discourse brings social legitimacy. It offers meaning in a region where economic constraints, limited industrial development, and restricted structural autonomy often produce frustration.

When traditional avenues of upward mobility feel constrained, symbolic arenas gain importance.

A Question of Direction

The central question is not whether youth engagement in politics is positive or negative. Political awareness is a sign of vitality in any society. Democracies and movements alike depend on informed, courageous young voices.

The deeper question is: what direction will this energy take?

Will it translate into policy innovation, community development, and institutional reform?
Or will it remain confined to performative competition on social media?
Can resistance discourse coexist with constructive governance frameworks?
And how can young Kashmiris balance ideological passion with educational, technological, and entrepreneurial advancement?

Globally, youth-led movements have often reshaped political landscapes. But sustainable change typically requires more than visibility; it demands strategy, organization, and inclusive thinking.

Beyond Binary Narratives

It would be inaccurate to suggest that all Kashmiri youth are turning toward resistance politics as a career path. Many remain focused on education, overseas employment, freelancing, civil services, and business ventures. The digital economy has opened new doors, and thousands quietly pursue economic mobility rather than political fame.

Yet, the symbolic weight of resistance politics has undeniably grown.

For some, it is a moral obligation.
For others, it is an identity statement.
For a few, it may also be a path to recognition in a competitive social environment.

The coexistence of electoral politics and non-electoral resistance politics creates a unique dynamic within Pakistan-administered Kashmir. It reflects both political aspiration and structural limitation — a society negotiating its place within a complex regional reality.

The Responsibility of Media

Independent journalism carries a particular responsibility in such a climate. Amplifying youth voices must go hand in hand with encouraging critical thinking. Sensationalism may generate clicks, but thoughtful analysis builds societies.

If the emerging trend of youth engagement in resistance politics is to contribute positively, it must remain anchored in democratic ethics, peaceful discourse, and long-term vision. Political passion without institutional literacy can lead to polarization. Conversely, apathy can breed stagnation.

Kashmir’s youth deserve more than binary choices. They deserve platforms that combine resistance with reform, identity with opportunity, and conviction with competence.

A Generation in Search of Meaning

Ultimately, the rise of political competition among young Kashmiris is less about rivalry and more about relevance. It signals a generation unwilling to remain silent. Whether this momentum evolves into transformative leadership or remains a social media phenomenon will depend on how institutions, civil society, and political actors respond.

The story unfolding in Pakistan-administered Kashmir is not merely about resistance. It is about a generation searching for agency in a constrained environment — redefining what success, influence, and dignity mean in their context.

And that conversation is only just beginning.

By a Contributor from Mirpur (Name Withheld on Request)

Controversy Erupts Within JKLF (Touqeer Group) Following Tahira Touqeer’s Remarks; Resignation from Basic Membership Announced

Editorial Staff
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Controversy Erupts Within JKLF (Touqeer Group) Following Tahira Touqeer’s Remarks; Resignation from Basic Membership Announced

Muzaffarabad | A controversy has emerged within the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (Touqeer Gilani Group) after remarks made by Tahira Touqeer, a politically active member associated with the group and wife of former zonal president Touqeer Gilani, during a recent media interview.

In the interview, Tahira Touqeer sharply criticized the Awami Action Committee, stating that the committee had delivered “nothing but bodies.” Her statement triggered widespread debate across social media platforms and political circles.

During the same interview, when asked about recent slogans raised by Sardar Aman Kashmiri — including “To hell with Pakistan, to hell with India” — Tahira Touqeer responded by saying that Sardar Aman was “new” and did not yet fully understand the complexities of the situation. Her remarks further intensified public reaction.

Following the interview, several social media users, including individuals identifying themselves with the JKLF (Touqeer Group), openly criticized Tahira Touqeer. In some posts, she was controversially and sarcastically referred to as “Pakistani Major Tahira Touqeer,” with related images circulating online. These posts raised questions regarding her political positioning and intentions.



Amid the growing backlash, Touqeer Gilani issued a statement on his official Facebook page clarifying that the remarks made by his wife were her “personal views” and did not represent the official stance of the organization.

It is notable that Tahira Touqeer and Sardar Aman have previously collaborated on several political campaigns. Currently, Sardar Aman serves as the zonal president of the same faction of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front originally founded by Touqeer Gilani.

Subsequently, reports confirmed that Tahira Touqeer has traveled back to the United States, where Touqeer Gilani is presently based. Shortly afterward, a formal statement was issued by the Liberation Front announcing that Tahira Touqeer had resigned from the organization’s basic membership.

The developments have sparked broader discussions within pro-independence political circles regarding internal cohesion, leadership dynamics, and the impact of public statements on organizational unity.

As of now, no further official clarification has been issued by the central leadership of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (Touqeer Group).

This is a developing story. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.

Shaukat Nawaz Mir Criticizes Appointment of Captain (R) Malik Liaqat Ali as AJK IGP

Editorial Staff
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Shaukat Nawaz Mir Criticizes Appointment of Captain (R) Malik Liaqat Ali as AJK IGP

Muzaffarabad: Core member of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, Shaukat Nawaz Mir, has publicly opposed the appointment of a Pakistani federal officer as Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, describing the decision as “contrary to merit.”

The Government of Pakistan has appointed Captain (R) Malik Liaqat Ali as the new Inspector General of Police in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. He replaces Rana Abdul Jabbar, who previously served in the position.

JKJAAC Raises Concerns Over Merit and Local Representation

In a video statement shared on his official Facebook page, Mir questioned the decision to appoint a non-state officer despite the presence of senior Kashmiri police officials.

https://youtu.be/_SrZk04ocKY



He argued that bypassing eligible local officers raises concerns regarding merit, institutional balance, and administrative fairness.

> “If senior Kashmiri officers are available, why are they not considered for the top position?” Mir asked.



He stated that any administrative move perceived as undermining justice or equality would face public scrutiny.

Political Context and Response to PM’s Remarks

During his remarks, Mir also referred to recent statements by Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, Prime Minister of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, who had described Pakistan as a “big brother.” Mir questioned whether such a relationship justified overlooking the rights of local officers.

Established Practice of Federal Appointments

Historically, the post of Inspector General of Police in Pakistan-administered Kashmir has been filled by officers appointed through Pakistan’s federal government. The appointment process is typically decided at the federal level.

While supporters argue that the arrangement ensures administrative coordination between Islamabad and Muzaffarabad, critics say it limits local institutional representation.

Wider Debate

The issue has reignited debate over merit, governance, and administrative autonomy in the region. Although nationalist political groups have previously criticized similar appointments, the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee has now formally voiced opposition through its leadership.

Mother’s Enduring Sacrifice for Kashmir’s Freedom

Editorial Staff
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Mother’s Enduring Sacrifice for Kashmir’s Freedom

In Kashmir, the mother of Kashmiri leader Shaheed Maqbool Bhat has lived a life of unimaginable sacrifice. Having lost four of her sons for the cause of Jammu and Kashmir’s freedom, she now waits for her fifth son, Zahoor Bhat, who remains imprisoned in Indian-occupied Kashmir.

Her resilience and unwavering love for her homeland have made her a symbol of courage. Today, people around the world honor this extraordinary mother, whose life embodies the struggle and hope of Kashmir.

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