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How to Check and Pay Your AJK Electricity Bill Online: A Complete Guide

The Azadi Times
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How to Check and Pay Your AJK Electricity Bill Online: A Complete Guide

The Azad Jammu & Kashmir Electricity Department’s digitized billing portal allows residents and the diaspora to view and download utility bills online.

Residents of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and members of the Kashmiri diaspora can now check and manage their electricity bills online through a digitized platform launched by the Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) Electricity Department.

The system utilizes the PITC Barkiyat Portal, making utility bill management accessible from anywhere around the world. The platform provides a streamlined solution for households that previously relied entirely on physical paper bills delivered by post or local collection offices.

How to Check Your AJK Electricity Bill Online

Checking a monthly electricity bill requires a few simple steps:

1. **Locate Your Reference Number:** Find the reference number printed on any previous billing statement. Depending on the connection type, the number typically consists of 14 or 18 digits and is usually located near the top above the consumer’s name.
2. **Access the Portal:** Visit the official bill-checking website at `bill.pitc.com.pk/ajkbill`.
3. **Enter the Number:** Input the reference number into the designated search field. Users must ensure there are no spaces or dashes included in the entry.
4. **View and Download:** Click the “View Bill” option to display the current statement on the screen. The document can then be downloaded as a PDF or printed for record-keeping.

The portal functions strictly as a viewing and verification tool. Payments must be processed separately through authorized financial channels.

Available Payment Channels

Once a bill has been verified online, payments can be completed through multiple traditional and digital options:

– Mobile wallets, including Easypaisa and JazzCash
– Online banking applications across major commercial banks
– Over-the-counter payments at commercial banks and local post offices
– Authorized retail financial agents such as UBL Omni and HBL Konnect

Significance for the Kashmiri Diaspora

The digitization of utility billing holds particular importance for overseas Kashmiris. With hundreds of thousands of households in the region relying on remittances to manage everyday expenses—including utility payments—remote access removes significant administrative hurdles.

Family members living abroad can now directly verify billing amounts, helping streamline financial support sent back home without relying exclusively on intermediaries for basic account details.

Key Features of the Digital Platform

The PITC Barkiyat portal offers several core features for consumers:

– **Duplicate Bill Generation:** Consumers who misplace physical copies can generate a replacement statement instantly.
– **Billing History:** The system allows users to review previous billing records from the past six months.
– **Round-the-Clock Access:** The portal remains operational 24 hours a day for online retrieval.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Users encountering errors while accessing the portal can follow standard troubleshooting steps:

– **Invalid Reference Number:** Re-verify the number from an older bill and ensure no extra spaces or punctuation marks are entered.
– **Technical Errors:** Switching web browsers, clearing cache, or using a stable network connection often resolves loading problems.

For direct assistance, consumers can contact the AJK Electricity Department helpline at 1912 or reach out to local administrative offices for manual billing verification.

Mirpur Board AJKBISE Announces Schedule for Matric Part I Result Cards

The Azadi Times
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Mirpur Board AJKBISE Announces Schedule for Matric Part I Result Cards

The Mirpur education board has released the timeline for result cards and document distribution for the 2026 First Annual examinations, outlining key dates for students and institutions.

MIRPUR — The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Intermediate and Secondary Education Board in Mirpur has issued an official schedule and guidelines regarding the result cards for the First Annual 2026 Matric Part I (Class 10) examinations.

According to the notification, candidates will be able to access their result cards and related information directly through the board’s official website. Educational institutions have simultaneously been instructed to complete their institutional records and administrative procedures in accordance with the outlined framework.

The board has designated specific dates spanning from October 9 to October 21, 2026, for the preparation and distribution of result cards across various districts and examination centers.

Authorities have emphasized that students and institutions with outstanding dues or pending official fees must settle their accounts to ensure a smooth collection process without administrative delays.

The education board has advised all relevant candidates and school administrators to consult the official portal for detailed timelines and procedural updates to complete the necessary documentation within the stipulated deadlines.

Human Rights Council Condemns Inspector General’s Behavior Toward Journalist in Islamabad

The Azadi Times
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Human Rights Council Condemns Inspector General’s Behavior Toward Journalist in Islamabad

HRC-AJK expresses deep concern over the Azad Kashmir police chief’s conduct toward journalist Haider Sherazi during a press interaction outside Parliament House.

The Human Rights Council of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (HRC-AJK) has expressed serious concern over an incident involving the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Azad Kashmir and journalist Haider Sherazi during a media interaction outside Parliament House in Islamabad.

According to the council, the altercation and the tone used in the widely circulated video are alarming. Questioning public officeholders is a fundamental professional responsibility of journalists, the HRC-AJK stated, emphasizing that even when faced with difficult or critical inquiries, officials must maintain composure, respect, and professional etiquette.

The council stated that snatching a microphone or adopting an inappropriate demeanor in response to a question does not uphold positive traditions regarding press freedom and institutional dignity.

Relations between state institutions and the media must be built on mutual respect, accountability, and the rule of law, the statement noted. The council urged the relevant authorities to review the incident and ensure that journalists can perform their professional duties without fear or undue pressure.

King Mohammed VI Appoints Fatima Zahra Mansouri as Morocco’s First Female Prime Minister

The Azadi Times
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King Mohammed VI Appoints Fatima Zahra Mansouri as Morocco’s First Female Prime Minister

Following parliamentary election success, the 50-year-old leader has been tasked with forming a new government under the country’s constitutional monarchy.

Moroccan King Mohammed VI has appointed Fatima Zahra Mansouri as the country’s first female prime minister, following her party’s performance in parliamentary elections.

According to reports from foreign media, the Authenticity and Modernity Party secured 97 seats in the 395-member assembly. The party finished 31 seats ahead of its closest rival, which won 66 seats. Because the party did not secure an outright majority in parliament, it will be required to form a coalition government with other political factions.

The Royal Cabinet announced that the 50-year-old Mansouri, who previously served as the minister of housing and as the mayor of Marrakesh, has been officially tasked with forming the new administration.

Mansouri previously made history in 2009 when she was elected mayor of Marrakesh, becoming the first woman to hold that position in the city. With her new appointment, she becomes Morocco’s first female prime minister and the second woman in the Arab world to hold the office.

Morocco operates under a constitutional monarchy where King Mohammed VI remains the central source of political authority. While constitutional reforms in 2011 granted the parliament broader legislative powers, the monarch retains significant authority over key national and policy decisions.

Govinda’s Alleged Partner Komal Rani Responds to Sunita Ahuja’s Claims

The Azadi Times
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Govinda’s Alleged Partner Komal Rani Responds to Sunita Ahuja’s Claims

Komal Rani has broken her silence following Sunita Ahuja’s remarks about her marriage, questioning the public airing of private matters.

Komal Rani, linked in recent reports to Bollywood actor Govinda, has responded to statements made by the actor’s wife, Sunita Ahuja, regarding their marital issues.

In a recent social media statement on Instagram, Rani rejected allegations that she was responsible for friction in the couple’s marriage. She questioned the decision to bring private domestic matters into the public domain, suggesting that personal grievances are sometimes aired to garner public sympathy.

Rani further alleged that sustained psychological pressure, restrictions on professional activity, and isolation from others can place a heavy toll on an individual within a relationship. She questioned whether such behavior aligns with the actions of a supportive spouse.

The response follows remarks by Sunita Ahuja, who stated that she was navigating a difficult period and that her household was fracturing without valid cause.

Speculation surrounding the relationships intensified after Govinda and Rani were reportedly seen together during a visit to the Lalbaugcha Raja pandal. Addressing the public discussion at the time, Govinda remarked that any personal relationships or private matters concerned him directly rather than external observers.

Indian Social Media Influencer Nidhi Tiwari Found Dead in Madhya Pradesh

The Azadi Times
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Indian Social Media Influencer Nidhi Tiwari Found Dead in Madhya Pradesh

The 30-year-old content creator and former pageant winner was found dead at her home, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Indian social media influencer and model Nidhi Tiwari has been found dead at her home in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, in a case that has prompted a police investigation.

Tiwari, 30, had a significant online following, with approximately 900,000 followers on Facebook and 700,000 on Instagram, where her video content regularly drew large audiences. In 2024, she won the “Miss Pretty India” title and was actively pursuing a career in modeling and digital content creation.

According to reports from Indian media, Tiwari’s family discovered her body hanging at her residence last week. Family members rushed her to a local hospital, where attending physicians pronounced her dead.

Relatives told police that prior to the incident, Tiwari had been on a telephone call with an unidentified individual and appeared visibly distressed.

Local police said an investigation is underway to determine the sequence of events leading up to her death. Authorities are examining phone records, the final conversation, and other surrounding circumstances to establish whether the incident was a suicide or a homicide.

Somali Forces Rescue Hijacked Oil Tanker; Three Pakistanis Among Five Killed

The Azadi Times
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Somali Forces Rescue Hijacked Oil Tanker; Three Pakistanis Among Five Killed

Somali maritime police have freed the hijacked oil tanker ‘Honor 25’ in Puntland, though pirate gunfire during the rescue operation left five crew members dead, including three Pakistani nationals.

Somali maritime security forces have successfully rescued a hijacked oil tanker in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, but the operation turned fatal when pirates opened fire on the crew, killing five foreign nationals, including three Pakistanis.

According to the Ansar Burney Trust and local maritime authorities, the Palau-flagged oil tanker *Honor 25*, which was carrying approximately 18,500 barrels of fuel when it was seized in April, was the target of a joint land and sea operation conducted by the Puntland Maritime Police Force in the Dhareen Bar area of the Bandar Beyla district.

During the rescue raid, pirates opened fire on the vessel, resulting in the deaths of three Pakistani citizens, one Indian national, and one citizen of Myanmar. Four other Pakistani crew members sustained injuries during the exchange.

Authorities confirmed that the tanker’s crew included a total of 10 Pakistani nationals. Somali police stated that security forces successfully rescued 17 surviving crew members and apprehended nine suspected pirates involved in the hijacking.

Initial reports from regional officials indicated that the vessel was transporting fuel supplies at the time of its seizure before security forces launched the operation to regain control of the ship.

Joint Awami Action Committee Announces Major Call After Oct 4, Urges Residents to Stock Rations

The Azadi Times
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Joint Awami Action Committee Announces Major Call After Oct 4, Urges Residents to Stock Rations

JKJAAC asks traders to keep businesses open until October 3 while advising citizens to prepare for significant future actions as the anniversary of last year’s agreement approaches.

RAWALAKOT — The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) has issued a fresh directive advising citizens in Rawalakot and surrounding areas to stock up on essential supplies as it prepares to announce a major public call following October 4.

According to a statement released by the committee, commercial markets and businesses will remain operational from September 28 to October 3, allowing residents and the trading community to purchase necessary goods and food rations. The committee has specifically urged citizens to secure provisions for the next two months and called on communities to assist vulnerable and low-income households in securing essential supplies during this preparatory phase.

The announcement marks the approaching one-year anniversary of the October 4 agreement, with the committee planning gatherings and protest programmes to press authorities for its full implementation. The JKJAAC reiterated its demand for basic rights through peaceful political struggle, emphasizing that it will not step back from its core positions.

The committee has appealed to various segments of society, including traders, transporters, legal professionals, doctors, students, and political and social activists, to extend their cooperation to the ongoing movement. Residents have also been encouraged to utilize digital platforms and social media to highlight the committee’s stance and keep communities informed about upcoming developments.

The JKJAAC continues to press both the Government of Pakistan and authorities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir to fulfill previously agreed-upon demands, maintaining that its struggle remains rooted in civic rights and public representation.

Jammu Tawi River Front Extension Awaits Central Approval and Funding

The Azadi Times
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Jammu Tawi River Front Extension Awaits Central Approval and Funding

While the first phase nears completion under the Jammu Smart City project, planned expansions toward Gujjar Nagar and Hari Ki Pouri remain stalled as they await clearance from New Delhi.

The expansion of the Tawi River Front project in Jammu, modeled after Gujarat’s Sabarmati project, has hit bureaucratic delays as later phases await final approval and funding from central authorities in New Delhi, according to official data presented during a recent assembly session.

While the local administration has cleared the extension proposals, work on the subsequent stages cannot commence until federal clearance and financial allocations are secured.

The first phase of the Tawi River Front, developed under the Jammu Smart City Project by Jammu Smart City Limited, spans approximately 2.75 kilometers on both banks of the Tawi River from the barrage to the Bikram Chowk bridge. Initiated in January 2022 at a cost of 135.45 crore rupees, the initial phase focuses on flood protection, recreational development, and establishing a central business district.

Construction on the left bank is scheduled for completion in December 2025, while the right bank is slated for completion in January 2026, with finishing and beautification works currently in their final stages. The project has channeled the river flow to a width of 250 to 300 meters and features four promenades designed for public recreation.

The initial phase from Bikram Chowk to Bhagwati Nagar’s fourth bridge has already begun drawing visitors, offering water sports and hosting community events such as a grand aarti during the Amarnath Yatra.

However, subsequent development remains pending. According to details shared in the assembly, the second phase—extending the river front from Bikram Chowk to Gujjar Nagar—was reviewed by the Union Territory Level Technical Committee on August 7, 2026, and approved by the UT Level High-Powered Steering Committee on August 31, 2026.

The proposal has now been forwarded to the apex committee of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for final clearance under the Urban Challenge Fund, which supports market-driven and sustainable urban development. No financial expenditure has yet been incurred for the second and third phases, as physical construction remains contingent upon central funding and formal green lights.

Similarly, the third phase, which proposes extending the development from Gujjar Nagar to Hari Ki Pouri, remains under consideration for future incorporation. Administration officials clarified that no timeline can be established for the commencement or completion of these subsequent phases until central approvals and financial grants are officially finalized.

Jammu and Kashmir Sees Surge in Dog Bite Cases, 18 Rabies Deaths Recorded in Three Years

The Azadi Times
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Jammu and Kashmir Sees Surge in Dog Bite Cases, 18 Rabies Deaths Recorded in Three Years

Official figures reveal over 160,000 animal bite cases across J&K in four years, with health experts warning against delays in medical treatment.

JAMMU — Dog bite incidents continue to rise across Jammu and Kashmir despite administrative measures, with health records indicating an average of one case reported at hospitals every ten minutes.

According to data compiled by the Health and Medical Education Department, more than 160,000 animal bite cases have been registered across the region over the past four years. The numbers show a consistent upward trajectory: 22,110 cases in 2022; 34,664 in 2023; 51,027 in 2024; and 55,312 in 2025. Over 35,000 cases have already been recorded this year.

Jammu district accounts for the highest concentration of incidents. At the Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu alone, between 4,000 and 5,000 individuals seek treatment annually following animal bites.

Health officials report that while public awareness regarding post-bite treatment has improved, a section of the population continues to rely on traditional faiths and alternative rituals rather than seeking prompt medical intervention. Medical experts state that this delay remains a primary factor behind fatalities.

Official figures indicate that over the past three years, 18 individuals have died from rabies across various districts in Jammu and Kashmir. Fatalities include three deaths each in Jammu and Budgam districts; two each in Ramban, Reasi, Samba, and Baramulla; and one each in Udhampur, Doda, Kupwara, and Pulwama.

Dr. Harjit Rai explained that individuals bitten by a dog face a high risk of developing rabies if they fail to receive anti-rabies vaccination and serum within 24 hours. Once rabies symptoms manifest, survival chances are nearly non-existent, with the highest risk period extending from ten days to six months following an animal bite.

“If a person is bitten, the wound should immediately be washed thoroughly with running water and soap for ten minutes, which can reduce infection by up to 80 percent,” Dr. Rai said.

Dr. Rajiv Kumar emphasized that any animal bite warrants an immediate hospital visit for a full course of anti-rabies vaccinations. He cautioned against ignoring minor scratches and noted that even vaccinated domestic pets can transmit infections if they bite.

Recent data presented in the legislative assembly estimates that the municipal limits of Srinagar are home to roughly 64,416 stray dogs, while Jammu municipal areas account for an estimated 52,000. Peak incident hours typically occur during the morning and evening.

Dr. Bharat Bhushan, a retired joint director from the Animal Husbandry Department, attributed the growing stray population to the ineffective implementation of animal birth control programs. Currently, only one facility operates in Roop Nagar, Jammu, for population control measures.

“The government needs to establish multiple facilities to effectively implement birth control programs,” Dr. Bhushan said. “Additionally, open garbage dumps remain a major contributor to the stray dog population, providing accessible food sources that sustain rapid breeding.”

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