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Dengue Cases Surge in Jammu as Infections Cross 1,500 Mark

Editorial Staff
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Dengue Cases Surge in Jammu as Infections Cross 1,500 Mark

Jammu, Indian-administered Kashmir: Dengue infections continue to spread across parts of Jammu, with the Udhampur district emerging as one of the most affected areas. According to the latest figures released by the Directorate of Health Services, Jammu, the total number of recorded dengue cases has now reached 1,573.

While health officials noted a decline in overall dengue cases compared to last year, certain districts particularly Kathua and Udhampur, have seen a sharp and worrying rise. As of October 8, 2025, Kathua has reported 452 cases and Udhampur 168 cases, marking a significant increase from the same period last year.

In contrast, Jammu district which typically reports the highest number of infections has shown a marked improvement. This year, 674 cases were recorded compared to 1,689 during the same time in 2024. Of these, 498 cases emerged from municipal areas and 176 from non-municipal zones.

Comparative data shows that Kathua’s infections have nearly doubled from 231 in 2024 to 437 in 2025, while Udhampur’s tally has risen from 95 to 161 by early October. On October 8 alone, 91 new cases were confirmed out of 310 tests conducted — 59 males and 32 females tested positive.

Health authorities have so far conducted 17,141 dengue tests this year — nearly the same volume as 2024 (17,238 tests). Officials warn that stagnant water and poor sanitation remain key sources of mosquito breeding and are urging residents to remain vigilant.

“People must eliminate standing water sources around their homes, use mosquito repellents and nets, and seek medical attention immediately in case of symptoms,” said an official from the Directorate of Health Services.

Public health experts have expressed concern over the regional disparity, emphasizing the need for targeted vector-control campaigns in Udhampur and Kathua to prevent a broader outbreak as temperatures remain conducive for mosquito breeding.

Tags: #Jammu #Udhampur #Kathua #Dengue #PublicHealth #VectorBorneDiseases #TheAzadiTimes #KashmirNarrative

Tight Contest in AJK Supreme Court Bar Elections as Lawyers Cast Votes in Muzaffarabad

Noreen Haider
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Tight Contest in AJK Supreme Court Bar Elections as Lawyers Cast Votes in Muzaffarabad

Muzaffarabad — The elections for the Supreme Court Bar Association are underway in Muzaffarabad today, with 482 registered lawyers from across the region exercising their right to vote. The contest for the presidency is expected to be closely fought between Raja Aftab Khan, a former president of the Central Bar, and Advocate Bilqees Rasheed Minhas.

While most candidates for other positions have already been elected unopposed, the presidential race has drawn particular attention due to its competitive nature and the influence the position carries within the legal fraternity of the region.

Polling began early Saturday morning and is being held under the supervision of the Election Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association. Results are expected later tonight, determining the leadership for the 2025–2026 term.

Observers say this year’s elections reflect both generational shifts and evolving perspectives within the legal community, as younger advocates push for institutional reform and greater transparency within the bar associations.

Crackdown on Overseas Job Scam Agents in Mirpur: Committees Formed to Expose Fraud

Editorial Staff
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Crackdown on Overseas Job Scam Agents in Mirpur: Committees Formed to Expose Fraud

Mirpur, Pakistan-administered Kashmir — Authorities in Mirpur have responded to a surge in complaints against fake visa and employment agents by establishing district-level inquiry committees. The move aims to shield job seekers from being exploited through promises of overseas employment.

Residents allege that several unlicensed agents and agencies lure people with foreign job offers, collect substantial sums under the guise of visa processing, and then vanish. When victims press for refunds, they are often intimidated or threatened into silence, officials say.

Described by local leaders as a “serious criminal and social issue,” the matter has prompted urgent administrative action. The newly formed committees will audit, verify, and hold accountable any person or firm involved in overseas recruitment within their districts.

Structure of Inquiry Committees (District-Level):

  • Mirpur: Additional Deputy Commissioner (Chair), Assistant Commissioner (Member), and the Station House Officer (SHO) of the concerned police station

  • Kotli: Additional Deputy Commissioner (Chair), Assistant Commissioner (Member), and the local SHO

  • Bhimber: Additional Deputy Commissioner (Chair), Assistant Commissioner (Member), and the corresponding SHO

Each committee has been directed to submit a detailed report and set of recommendations by October 31, 2025.

The residents of Mirpur, many of whom have deep ties to overseas labour markets, view this crackdown as a necessary step toward restoring public confidence. They stress that oversight and strict action must follow the investigations so that those responsible for fraud face legal consequences.

Meanwhile, officials have issued precautionary advice: anyone considering employment abroad should first confirm whether the agent or agency is officially registered and legally operating.

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Pakistan-administered Kashmir Officer SSP Khawar Ali Shaukat Nominated for International Police Award

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Pakistan-administered Kashmir Officer SSP Khawar Ali Shaukat Nominated for International Police Award

Muzaffarabad | October 10, 2025: Pakistan-administered Kashmir’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khawar Ali Shawkat has been nominated for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Global Award, marking a moment of pride for the region’s law enforcement community.

The IACP, one of the world’s most prestigious policing organizations, annually recognizes forty outstanding officers from across the globe for their exceptional service, leadership, and contribution to modern policing.

According to official sources, SSP Khawar Ali Shawkat will travel to the United States this week to attend the IACP annual conference, where he will receive the award alongside international counterparts from various countries.

A Moment of Pride for AJK

The nomination of SSP Khawar Ali Shawkat has been widely celebrated in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with senior officials and citizens expressing pride in his recognition at the global level.

Local activist Hamza Nasir, in a statement shared on social media, congratulated the officer, calling it “an honour for the state and a moment of inspiration for young professionals in public service.”

“This achievement highlights that AJK’s officers are capable of meeting international standards of professionalism, dedication, and leadership,” he said.

The IACP’s Global Recognition

Founded in 1893, the International Association of Chiefs of Police is the world’s largest and most influential professional association for police leaders. The organization’s global awards celebrate innovation, integrity, and dedication to public safety, aiming to strengthen cooperation among law enforcement agencies worldwide.

By being shortlisted for this year’s award, SSP Khawar Ali Shawkat joins an elite list of global police professionals recognized for advancing policing standards in their respective regions.

Messages of congratulations have poured in from across AJK, with well-wishers acknowledging SSP Khawar Ali’s contribution to maintaining law and order and introducing modern policing practices in the state.

As he prepares to represent Azad Jammu and Kashmir at the global platform in the United States, many see this recognition as a symbol of AJK’s growing participation in international professional forums.

Crackdown in Pakistan-administered Kashmir: Police Book 2,500 in Protester’s Killing Case

Editorial Staff
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Crackdown in Pakistan-administered Kashmir: Police Book 2,500 in Protester’s Killing Case

Muzaffarabad | October 10, 2025: A murder case has been registered against 2,500 individuals, including Shaukat Nawaz Mir and other members of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), following the death of protester Owais Rafiq during demonstrations held on October 1 in Muzaffarabad.

The First Information Report (FIR), filed by police under multiple sections including the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), was brought to public attention on Thursday by journalist Naeem Chughtai. The move has triggered fresh political debate across Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), where tensions between the government and the rights movement have remained high for weeks.

From Protest to Prosecution

According to official documents, the FIR was lodged in police custody after violent clashes erupted between security forces and demonstrators in the AJK capital. Protesters, led by the Joint Awami Action Committee, had been demanding affordable electricity tariffs, transparent governance, and control over local resources issues that have resonated widely among the region’s population.

The death of Owais Rafiq, described by locals as a committed young activist, sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability. Witnesses claim he was struck during police action to disperse the crowd, a claim authorities have not publicly addressed.

The inclusion of anti-terrorism provisions in the FIR has alarmed rights observers, who say the case represents an escalation in the government’s approach to dealing with civic dissent.

Ultimatum and Escalating Tensions

The filing of the case comes days after Shaukat Nawaz Mir, the convener of the JKJAAC, issued a 10-day ultimatum to authorities, demanding the arrest of those responsible for killing protesters — particularly those involved in the September 29 “Peace March” killings during the Muslim Conference rally in Muzaffarabad.

In his public statement, Mir warned that if justice was not delivered within the given time frame, the committee would be compelled to resume its long march towards Muzaffarabad, reviving fears of another wave of protests.

Political analysts in the region believe that the FIR’s timing immediately after Mir’s ultimatum suggests an attempt to neutralize the movement’s leadership. Sources within the Action Committee told Azadi Times that arrests of key organizers “cannot be ruled out” in the coming days.

Rights Groups Warn of ‘Criminalizing Dissent’

Human rights advocates have criticized the government’s approach, arguing that using terrorism laws against protest organizers undermines the democratic fabric of AJK.

“These are citizens demanding their rights, not insurgents,” said a Muzaffarabad-based rights activist, speaking to Azadi Times on condition of anonymity. “Criminalizing peaceful dissent only deepens mistrust between the people and the state.”

Local observers point out that the JKJAAC movement — once dismissed as a fringe coalition — has evolved into one of the largest grassroots mobilizations in AJK’s recent history, drawing participants from civil society, traders, teachers, and the youth.

Public Sentiment and Media Attention

The case has reignited public debate over state accountability, with many Kashmiris viewing the FIR as an attempt to silence a growing movement. On social media, hashtags such as #AJKRightsMovement, #JusticeForOwaisRafiq, and #KashmirBleeds have gained traction, with activists urging international media and rights organizations to take notice.

Several journalists, including those from international outlets, have highlighted that the JKJAAC’s protest movement reflects a deeper frustration with governance structures and economic inequality in the region — an issue that has rarely received sustained global coverage.

As AJK braces for what could be another tense week, the Joint Awami Action Committee has yet to release an official statement responding to the FIR. Meanwhile, political circles in Muzaffarabad remain abuzz with speculation that the state may attempt to preempt further mobilization by detaining senior JKJAAC leaders.

The unfolding events underscore a pivotal moment for Azad Jammu and Kashmir where demands for accountability and autonomy increasingly challenge the balance of power between the public and the state apparatus.

Early Snowfall Blankets Pir Panjal Mountains, Bringing Winter Chill to Rajouri and Poonch

Editorial Staff
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Early Snowfall Blankets Pir Panjal Mountains, Bringing Winter Chill to Rajouri and Poonch

By Staff Reporter Rajouri, October 7, 2025 — The upper reaches of Rajouri and Poonch districts witnessed fresh snowfall from Sunday evening, marking an early onset of winter across the Pir Panjal mountain range. The sudden weather change has surprised residents and significantly affected daily activities across the twin border districts.

Nearly all higher-altitude areas of the Pir Panjal range received snow, with around two inches accumulating at Pir Ki Gali, a well-known mountain pass along the Mughal Road. Authorities reported slippery conditions but confirmed that traffic continues to operate, with drivers being urged to exercise caution as weather conditions remain unpredictable.

Meanwhile, heavy rains have lashed the plains of Rajouri and Poonch since Monday morning, disrupting normal life. Waterlogging has been reported in several areas, affecting drainage systems and creating difficulties for shopkeepers and commuters alike. School children and office-goers struggled to reach their destinations amid persistent downpours.

The abrupt shift in weather has led to a sharp drop in temperature, prompting people to take out warm clothing, blankets, and heaters earlier than usual. Locals say winter appears to have arrived ahead of schedule, raising expectations of a harsher season ahead for the Pir Panjal region.

Farmers Concerned Over Crop Loss

The unseasonal snowfall and rains have also triggered concerns among farmers. This period coincides with the harvest season for maize, rice, and dry fodder, and continuous rainfall has inundated fields in several areas, leading to crop damage.

Local farmers report that standing crops have begun to rot due to excess water accumulation, and if conditions persist, losses could deepen — particularly in villages where the harvest has yet to be completed.

Agricultural experts warn that prolonged wet weather could further impact yields, urging authorities to assess the situation and provide timely support to affected farmers.

Authorities on Alert

District administrations in both Rajouri and Poonch have instructed concerned departments to monitor the situation closely and keep the public updated about weather developments.

While the snow has transformed the Pir Panjal mountains into a scenic landscape, for many residents and farmers, this sudden beauty has brought fresh challenges and an early reminder of the hardships of winter life in Kashmir’s border highlands.

FIR Filed Against 47 Individuals in Muzaffarabad Over Lynching Incident

Editorial Staff
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FIR Filed Against 47 Individuals in Muzaffarabad Over Lynching Incident

By Staff Reporter Muzaffarabad, October 7, 2025 — An FIR has been registered in Muzaffarabad against 47 individuals, including prominent local figure Raja Saqib Majeed, his four brothers, and his son, following the death of Sudheer, who was killed during a violent attack reportedly carried out by workers affiliated with the Muslim Conference.

The case was filed by Sudheer’s father, who accused the suspects of direct involvement in his son’s killing. The FIR includes Section 302 (murder) and several other clauses of the Pakistan Penal Code, but notably, no provisions under the Anti-Terrorism Act have been added.

Human rights observers and political analysts have expressed concern over the omission of terrorism charges, arguing that the nature of the attack and its political motivation merit a stronger legal response.

The incident has once again highlighted the volatile political climate in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where clashes between rival party workers have grown increasingly violent in recent years.

Authorities have yet to confirm whether any of the accused have been detained, while local groups are calling for a transparent investigation and accountability for all involved.

Anti-Corruption or Control? Understanding the Expanding Powers of Pakistan’s Accountability Bureau in Kashmir

Editorial Staff
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Anti-Corruption or Control? Understanding the Expanding Powers of Pakistan’s Accountability Bureau in Kashmir

In Pakistan, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) holds sweeping powers to investigate corruption across public offices—excluding the military. Yet, questions persist over its role, independence, and the selective application of accountability laws.

Notably, there is no lower limit defined in the NAB Ordinance for the amount of corruption it can pursue. However, in administrative practice, cases involving corruption below Rs. 50 million are typically referred to the Anti-Corruption Department or the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

A Legal Threshold with Political Implications

Amendments introduced in 2022 sought to redefine what constitutes a punishable act under NAB’s jurisdiction. Section 5(o) of the revised ordinance established a threshold of Rs. 500 million, limiting NAB’s prosecution to cases exceeding that amount. Although the Supreme Court restored the amendment last year, the court also questioned the legitimacy of this threshold — which nonetheless remains intact within the amended ordinance.

This effectively means that NAB may not investigate cases involving less than Rs. 500 million, raising serious concerns about loopholes and selective accountability.

Interestingly, Section 5(o) also mentions NAB’s authority over offenses listed in its Schedule, which includes various criminal acts without any financial threshold, creating a grey area that could be used at the discretion of authorities when politically convenient.

Extension to Pakistan-Administered Jammu and Kashmir

In Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir (PAJK), adapting the NAB framework into the local Accountability Bureau Act is expected to bring structural changes. Previously, complainants were required to identify themselves and prove allegations of corruption at their own expense. Under the new provisions, anonymous complaints may trigger investigations, and the accused will now bear the burden of proving the legitimacy of their assets.

If they fail to justify their income sources, they will be presumed guilty — a significant shift in accountability procedure. Moreover, the merging of the Anti-Corruption Department into the Accountability Bureau means that even minor corruption cases will now fall under the Bureau’s mandate, with complaints becoming easier to file and investigate.

Despite this administrative alignment, the Accountability Bureau of Azad Kashmir will remain autonomous and outside NAB’s direct control, functioning under the region’s own governance structure.

Accountability or Instrument of Power?

Historically, anti-corruption institutions in South Asia — including NAB — have been used more as instruments of political control than genuine vehicles of transparency. Both military and civilian governments have allegedly weaponized these bodies to silence opponents, while shielding their own ranks.

This pattern is not unique to Pakistan. Across the postcolonial world, corruption often serves as a symptom of a deeper, dependent economic order — a byproduct of elite structures shaped by colonial legacies and global capital. In such systems, bureaucracies and political elites operate as clients rather than sovereign actors, incentivized to maintain dependency rather than reform it.

As analysts point out, corruption becomes less a moral failure and more a structural feature — sustained by systems where power, privilege, and patronage are distributed top-down. The rhetoric of anti-corruption, then, often becomes a political weapon—to discipline, to control, and to legitimize existing hierarchies.

The Broader Question

The real question for Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir is whether this restructured Accountability Bureau will genuinely curb corruption — or simply replicate the same coercive and selective mechanisms seen elsewhere in Pakistan.

For a region that has long struggled for political and economic self-determination, true accountability will depend not merely on laws and ordinances but on public empowerment and transparency from below.

As the system stands, the line between accountability and authority remains dangerously blurred.

Pakistan’s Sana Mir Faces Backlash Over ‘Azad Kashmir’ Comment During Cricket Broadcast

Editorial Staff
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Pakistan’s Sana Mir Faces Backlash Over ‘Azad Kashmir’ Comment During Cricket Broadcast

Muzaffarabad, October 7, 2025 — What began as a routine cricket commentary has unexpectedly stirred political controversy across South Asia. Pakistan’s former women’s cricket captain and renowned commentator Sana Mir has found herself defending her words after referring to “Azad Kashmir” during a live broadcast of the Pakistan vs Bangladesh match.

During the coverage, Mir introduced Pakistani player Natalia Pervaiz, mentioning that she hails from “Azad Kashmir,” the Pakistan-administered region of the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The comment sparked criticism from Indian social media users and some media outlets, accusing her of making a “political statement.”

Clarification and Reaction

In response, Sana Mir issued a clarification, stating that she did not intentionally use the term “Azad Kashmir.” She shared a screenshot from ESPN Cricinfo, which had originally listed Natalia Pervaiz’s birthplace as Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The platform has since modified the description to “Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir.”

“I simply read what was written on Cricinfo’s player profile,” Mir explained, emphasizing that her comment was not politically motivated.

A Region of Complex Identities

The Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains one of the world’s longest unresolved territorial conflicts — spanning over seven decades since the partition of British India in 1947. The region is divided into four administrative parts: two under Pakistan’s control (Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan), and two under India’s administration (Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh). A fifth portion, Aksai Chin, remains under China’s control.

Home to diverse ethnicities, languages, and religions, the people of Jammu and Kashmir share a complex history of unity and division. Following the 1947 uprising in Poonch against autocratic rule, the region was split by the newly independent states of Pakistan and India — giving rise to what continues to be recognized internationally as the Kashmir conflict.

Freedom and Identity Debates

Ironically, while many Kashmiris are often criticized for not using the term “Azad” (meaning “free”), Sana Mir now faces backlash for having used it. The debate highlights how even linguistic choices remain deeply political in discussions related to Kashmir.

For Kashmiris, the issue is not merely about terminology — it is about representation, identity, and the unfulfilled promise of self-determination, a right acknowledged by the United Nations but yet to be realized.

Ten Killed, Hundreds Injured as Unrest Deepens Across Pakistan-administered Kashmir

Editorial Staff
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Ten Killed, Hundreds Injured as Unrest Deepens Across Pakistan-administered Kashmir

By The Azadi Times | Muzaffarabad | October 5, 2025 At least ten people, including seven civilians and three police personnel, were killed and more than 300 injured during a week of violent clashes in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), highlighting the deepening public anger over governance failures and political neglect in the region.

The violence, which erupted between September 29 and October 3, spread across Muzaffarabad, Dheerkot, and Mirpur, as protesters clashed with security forces during demonstrations calling for economic reforms, lower electricity tariffs, and greater political autonomy.

Local reports confirm that three civilians lost their lives in Muzaffarabad, two in Dheerkot, one in Palak (Dadyal), and one in Khaliqabad (Mirpur). Meanwhile, three police officials were also killed in Dheerkot amid heavy confrontation.

More than 300 people sustained injuries, including over 50 in Muzaffarabad and 120 in Dheerkot, with dozens more hurt in Riyan (Kotli), Palak, and Khaliqabad. Many of the injured were struck by tear-gas shells or rubber bullets, while others were wounded in stampedes and accidents during the long protest march.

Among the wounded was Umair Khalid, a young protester from Baloch, who suffered a severe leg fracture after an accident in Tararkhal while returning from the march.

Injured police personnel were transported to PIMS Hospital in Islamabad, while scores of civilians were admitted to hospitals across the region for emergency care.

Public Anger and Silence From Authorities

The unrest, one of the deadliest episodes in recent years, reflects growing frustration in Azad Jammu and Kashmir over rising inflation, unemployment, and the perception that Islamabad has ignored the region’s constitutional and economic grievances.

Residents and civil society groups have condemned what they describe as the use of excessive force by police, while rights activists have urged the government to launch an independent inquiry into the deaths.

For many in AJK, the recent protests are not merely about utilities or taxes — they are a symbol of political suffocation and a call for the fulfillment of long-standing promises of autonomy and accountability.

As tension continues to simmer, observers warn that unless meaningful dialogue begins between the government and regional representatives, the situation could trigger a broader crisis across the mountainous territory that remains at the heart of the Kashmir conflict.

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