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Six Gilgit-Baltistan Leaders Released on Bail After Two Months of Detention

Editorial Staff
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Six Gilgit-Baltistan Leaders Released on Bail After Two Months of Detention

Gilgit, July 23, 2025 — Six prominent leaders of the Awami Action Committee (AAC) in Gilgit-Baltistan were released today from jail after being granted bail by the Chief Court of Gilgit-Baltistan, nearly two months after their arrest.

The released leaders include Advocate Nafees, Asghar Shah, Mumtaz Nagri, Waheed Hassan, Advocate Ghulam Abbas, and Advocate Taaruf Abbas. Their release marks a significant development in the ongoing political unrest in the region.

A large crowd of AAC supporters gathered outside the prison to welcome their leaders, celebrating their release with cheers and slogans. The scene was one of jubilation and renewed resolve among supporters advocating for civil rights and political freedom in Gilgit-Baltistan.

These leaders were detained during mass protests and political campaigns against what the AAC describes as unfair taxation policies and the suppression of public rights in the region. Their arrests sparked widespread demonstrations both within Gilgit-Baltistan and in diaspora communities around the world.

The legal battle to secure their release was led by a team of dedicated lawyers, including Advocate Athar and Advocate Ashfaq, whose efforts have been widely praised by civil society groups and political activists.

Despite today’s release, the movement remains far from over. AAC’s central chairman, Advocate Ehsan Ali, and six other leaders remain in custody. Supporters and human rights advocates are now calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining political detainees.

Observers note that the situation in Gilgit-Baltistan continues to highlight broader concerns about freedom of expression, political rights, and governance in the region, which has long faced a complex and often contentious relationship with the federal government of Pakistan.

The AAC has vowed to continue its struggle through legal and peaceful means, urging authorities to respect the constitutional rights of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Top Female Students Shine in AJK Matric Exams 2025|AJK BISE Result

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Top Female Students Shine in AJK Matric Exams 2025|AJK BISE Result

Mirpur, Pakistan administered Kashmir – July 22, 2025: The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) of Azad Jammu & Kashmir has officially announced the results of the 2025 Matriculation (Class 10) examinations. As in previous years, female students have once again demonstrated outstanding academic performance by securing the top positions across the board.

Top 3 Positions – Matric Exams 2025:

🥇 1st Position:

  • Name: Fatima Nayrah
  • Marks: 1192 / 1200
  • Institution: Kashmir Model College, Mirpur

🥈 2nd Position:

  • Name: Saleha Abbas
  • Marks: 1185 / 1200
  • Institution: Read Foundation College, Pallandri

🥉 3rd Position (Shared):

  • Name: Ayesha Yousaf
  • Marks: 1182 / 1200
  • Institution: Read Foundation College, Pallandri
  • Name: Alisha Parvez
  • Marks: 1182 / 1200
  • Institution: Grammar Public School, Rawalakot, District Poonch

The board, along with school authorities, parents, and educators, expressed immense pride and joy at the academic achievements of these students. This success, they said, reflects the hard work, dedication, and talent of the students and serves as a source of pride for the entire region.

The Azad Jammu & Kashmir Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE Mirpur) officially released the full results on July 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM, through its official website. The announcement of top position holders is scheduled for 1:00 PM on the same day.

This remarkable performance by young female students highlights the ongoing strides in education in the region and sets a powerful example for future generations.

What Is Starlink? Availability, Pricing, and the Future of Space-Based Internet Around the World

Saba Anjum
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What Is Starlink? Availability, Pricing, and the Future of Space-Based Internet Around the World

Key Takeaways

  • Starlink is now active in 70+ countries, with speeds rivaling terrestrial broadband.
  • Pricing varies widely—from \$35/month in Nigeria to \$150/month in remote regions.
  • Geopolitical tensions and regulatory battles are shaping its rollout in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
  • SpaceX plans to deploy 30,000+ satellites, raising concerns about space debris and market monopolization.
  • Ukraine, Tonga, and Amazon tribes showcase Starlink’s role in crises and remote connectivity.

In 2025, a fisherman in rural Indonesia’s Maluku Islands livestreamed his catch to buyers in Jakarta using a pizza-sized satellite dish. A school in Rwanda’s Nyamagabe district held its first video call with a university in Cape Town. A Ukrainian drone operator near Bakhmut relayed real-time coordinates to artillery units.

All shared one lifeline: Starlink, SpaceX’s audacious satellite internet project.

Once dismissed as science fiction, Starlink has become a geopolitical force, a lifeline for the unconnected, and a lightning rod for regulatory battles. This investigation unpacks its global impact, pricing, controversies, and what comes next.

Starlink, the ambitious satellite internet project by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has quickly evolved into a transformative global communication infrastructure. Designed to bring high-speed internet access to even the most remote corners of the Earth, Starlink is no longer a futuristic experiment — it’s a functioning, rapidly expanding service with geopolitical, economic, and social implications.

As of mid-2025, Starlink is active in over 70 countries, with pilot programs and regulatory approvals underway in several others. From rural villages in Africa to war-torn regions in Eastern Europe, and from mountain towns in South America to fishing communities in Southeast Asia — Starlink is creating a new layer of internet access independent of traditional telecom monopolies.

How Does Starlink Work?

Unlike traditional broadband or fiber-optic services, Starlink relies on a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites — currently over 6,000 satellites — to deliver fast, low-latency internet from space directly to user terminals on the ground.

Each Starlink kit includes a user dish (commonly referred to as “Dishy”), a Wi-Fi router, and mounting hardware. Once set up, users can access internet speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 250 Mbps, with latency as low as 20 milliseconds, depending on location and network congestion.

Where Is Starlink Currently Available?

As of July 2025, Starlink is officially available and actively serving customers in the following regions:

  • North America: United States, Canada, Mexico
  • Europe: UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Ukraine, Poland, and others
  • Asia: Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, India (limited regions), Mongolia
  • Africa: Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia
  • South America: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Argentina
  • Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea
  • Middle East: UAE, Israel, parts of Iraq and Jordan

In many of these regions, Starlink has partnered with local telecom companies or governments to expand infrastructure and ease regulatory barriers.

Where Is Starlink Launching Next?

Starlink is actively pursuing regulatory approval or testing pilots in:

  • Indonesia
  • Pakistan
  • Bangladesh
  • Egypt
  • Turkey
  • Sri Lanka
  • Thailand
  • Kazakhstan
  • Algeria
  • Tanzania
  • Ethiopia

Some countries have been cautious or restrictive, citing concerns over data sovereignty, military implications, or competition with state-run ISPs.

Starlink Pricing by Country (2025)

Pricing varies by region and currency but typically includes:

  • Hardware Kit:
    • $399 USD (standard) to $2,500 USD (business-grade)
  • Monthly Subscription:
    • Ranges from $35 USD to $150 USD
    • Higher rates in remote or low-density regions

Examples:CountryHardware Price (USD)Monthly Cost (USD)USA$499$120UK£449 (~$575)£89 (~$113)Nigeria$600$50Philippines₱29,000 (~$500)₱2,700 (~$48)BrazilR$2,500 (~$480)R$530 (~$100)

In low-income or underserved areas, SpaceX has begun partnering with governments to subsidize Starlink hardwareand monthly fees, especially for schools and healthcare centers.

Why Starlink Matters: Not Just Another ISP

Starlink isn’t just providing internet; it’s challenging the global digital divide. In war zones like Ukraine, Starlink became a critical communications lifeline. In disaster-prone regions like Haiti and Pakistan, it promises internet resilience when terrestrial infrastructure fails.

However, the project also raises concerns:

  • Regulatory hurdles and cybersecurity concerns in authoritarian regimes
  • Orbital congestion and risks to space sustainability
  • Potential monopolization of global digital infrastructure

What’s Next for Starlink?

SpaceX aims to scale to over 30,000 satellites under its Gen2 plan, offering faster speeds, global mobility (via Roam plans), and eventually mobile connectivity directly to smartphones in partnership with other telecom providers.

The company is also experimenting with laser-linked inter-satellite communications, which could reduce reliance on ground stations and allow truly global, borderless connectivity.

Starlink may not yet be a household name in every country, but it’s undeniably altering the landscape of global internet access. For remote villages, journalists in conflict zones, scientists in the Arctic, and families in disaster-hit areas — it’s more than innovation. It’s a revolution in how we connect.

As governments, regulators, and competitors respond, one thing is clear: the sky is no longer the limit — it’s the starting point.

Garlic Girl of Kashmir: How a Young Woman Turned Garlic Farming into a Profitable Business Idea

Editorial Staff
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Garlic Girl of Kashmir: How a Young Woman Turned Garlic Farming into a Profitable Business Idea

The Azadi Times | Kupwara | Indian administered Kashmir: If you’re searching for business ideas in agriculture, or wondering how to start a small profitable farming business, this inspiring story from Kupwara, Kashmir, will motivate you.

Hamira, now known as the “Garlic Girl”, turned her humble garlic farm into a thriving business — proving that innovative entrepreneurship and women empowerment can transform even the simplest of ideas into success stories.

Garlic remains in high demand globally, and the fertile lands of Bramhri in Kupwara provide the perfect setting for cultivation. While most youth chase government jobs, Hamira chose a different path — investing her time and energy into garlic farming as a small business idea.

She started with just two kanals of land and, through dedication, hard work, and support from the Agriculture Department, expanded her operations to 5–6 kanals. Hamira focused on sustainable farming practices and embraced technology to improve production, positioning herself as a role model for young entrepreneurs, especially women.

Her greenhouse farming model not only secured her own livelihood but also created employment opportunities for more than six people in her community. This shows how agriculture business ideas can also foster rural development and empower communities.

“Instead of chasing a government job, I chose to create jobs,” she proudly says.

Hamira emphasizes that success in business requires hard work, innovation, and a willingness to use modern methods — whether it’s organic farming, garlic processing, or greenhouse management.

Her story proves that profitable business ideas for youth don’t always need huge investments or big cities — sometimes they’re right in your backyard.

Facilities Exist, But No Donors: Chronic Kidney Disease Doubles in Jammu & Kashmir Over a Decade

Editorial Staff
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Facilities Exist, But No Donors: Chronic Kidney Disease Doubles in Jammu & Kashmir Over a Decade

The Azadi Times | Srinagar | Indian administered Kashmir: While healthcare facilities and even free transplant surgeries are available, Jammu & Kashmir faces a severe shortage of kidney donors — even as cases of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) have doubled over the past decade.

According to health experts, CKD is rising rapidly in the region, mainly due to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular problems. Nationwide, India sees between 100,000 and 150,000 deaths annually from kidney-related illnesses.

Doctors warn that CKD is increasingly affecting young people, damaging their kidneys at an early age. Under the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, kidney transplants are free of cost in Kashmir. However, the lack of willing donors remains a major hurdle.

In India, an estimated 4 million people are currently affected by CKD, with nearly 1 million requiring a transplant. In Jammu & Kashmir alone, over 175,000 people are believed to suffer from CKD, and around 9,000 patients need a kidney transplant. Despite the demand, only 650 transplants have been performed so far in the region.

Major Causes of CKD

The rise in kidney disease is closely linked to increasing rates of non-communicable diseases in the population. According to the World Health Organization, the leading causes include high blood sugar, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
Doctors point out that increased food availability combined with reduced physical activity has led to rising diabetes rates, which, in turn, damage kidneys.
Consuming fried foods cooked in cheap oils and fats also raises blood lipid levels, contributing to hypertension and subsequent kidney failure.

Dialysis Patients

The exact number of dialysis patients in Kashmir remains unclear. However, a 2019 study identified 459 patients undergoing hemodialysis in Kashmir, and more recent surveys suggest the number has now surpassed 500.
The National Dialysis Program provides free or subsidized dialysis services at district hospitals under the National Health Mission. Dedicated dialysis units also operate at SMHS Hospital and SKIMS Soura.

Experts’ Opinions

Dr. Sajjad Nazir, head of the Nephrology Department at Government Medical College Srinagar, told Kashmir Uzma that kidney disease is growing alarmingly fast in Kashmir, particularly among the youth.
He stressed that transplantation is the only definitive treatment for end-stage renal disease, but finding donors remains the biggest challenge.

“Most kidney donors are women — mothers, sisters, daughters, and in many cases, wives,” Dr. Sajjad said.
He advocated for cadaver (deceased) transplants, noting that organs from accident victims or brain-dead patients could save lives.

“Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, kidney transplants are free, but our biggest problem is the lack of donors,” he concluded.

IMD Warns of Flash Floods in 12 Districts of Jammu & Kashmir Amid Heavy Rainfall

Editorial Staff
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IMD Warns of Flash Floods in 12 Districts of Jammu & Kashmir Amid Heavy Rainfall

Srinagar | Indian administered Kashmir: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a flash flood warning for the next 24 hours in twelve districts of Jammu and Kashmir due to heavy rainfall.

According to the IMD, the districts likely to be affected include Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi, Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch, Baramulla, and Anantnag.

The department cautioned that incessant rains could lead to a rapid rise in water levels in rivers and streams, potentially triggering flash floods. District administrations and the District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) in the affected areas have been directed to take all necessary precautionary measures.

The IMD has advised all relevant district authorities to implement safety protocols to ensure the protection of lives and property.

It is worth mentioning that several parts of Jammu and Kashmir have already been witnessing heavy rainfall over the past few days, resulting in swollen rivers and streams as well as landslides in mountainous regions.

Authorities have urged residents, especially those living near water bodies and in hilly areas, to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during this period of heightened risk.

Afghan Government Unveils Locally-Made Bus and Car at Industrial Complex Inauguration

Editorial Staff
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Afghan Government Unveils Locally-Made Bus and Car at Industrial Complex Inauguration

World | July 22, 2025 | Kabul (The Azadi Times) — The Afghan Taliban government has showcased a locally manufactured bus and car during the inauguration of an industrial complex in Kabul.

On Monday, Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, and Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, Maulvi Abdul Salam Hanafi, formally inaugurated the industrial factories complex.

According to the Afghan government, the complex is currently producing 105 different types of products, including agricultural machinery, equipment, parts for small industrial factories, transport vehicles, and other goods.

During the opening ceremony, several products manufactured by the National Development Corporation Complex were displayed, among them the locally-produced bus and car. Members of the Afghan cabinet also took a ride in the newly-built bus.

Posting pictures of the bus on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Afghan government and Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid wrote:

“A few days ago I announced that Afghanistan had built its first national bus. Many commented — some claimed the image belonged to another company, others called it propaganda, and some accepted it positively. Last night I rode in the same national bus and thank the National Development Corporation for fulfilling its promise.”

His post also included photographs of himself inside the bus, acknowledging the efforts of the factory workers and management.

This development marks a notable step in Afghanistan’s attempt to revive and promote domestic industrial production under the current administration.

Landslide Risk in Jhelum Valley: Deputy Commissioner Urges Citizens to Avoid Unnecessary Travel

Editorial Staff
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Landslide Risk in Jhelum Valley: Deputy Commissioner Urges Citizens to Avoid Unnecessary Travel

Pakistan administered Kashmir | The Deputy Commissioner of Jhelum Valley, Ms. Benish Jarral, has issued an alert over the heightened risk of landslides on roads and other areas due to ongoing monsoon rains. She has instructed all relevant departments to remain on high alert and to keep machinery and resources ready to tackle any emergency situation.

Speaking to officials, Ms. Jarral stated that landslides on the roads of Jhelum Valley are a common occurrence during monsoon rains, and citizens should therefore avoid unnecessary travel. She highlighted that areas including Chakar, Chinari, Chakothi, Reshiyan, Lamnian, and Leepa Valley have become particularly dangerous for traffic due to heavy rainfall. Transporters have also been advised to exercise caution and to avoid travel until weather conditions improve.

The Deputy Commissioner also urged tourists to refrain from visiting tourist spots during rainfall. Municipal staff have been directed to stay prepared to handle any emergency that may arise during the expected heavy rains. Citizens have been warned not to approach rivers and streams, and residents living near water bodies have been instructed to move to safer locations as a precaution.

“Ensure the safety of citizens’ lives and property at all costs, and keep the drainage and sanitation systems operational to allow rainwater to flow properly,” Ms. Jarral emphasized, instructing officials to take all necessary measures to minimize risks.

Baloch Women Continue Sit-in in Islamabad for Seventh Day Despite Rain and Police Harassment

Editorial Staff
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Baloch Women Continue Sit-in in Islamabad for Seventh Day Despite Rain and Police Harassment

Islamabad, Pakistan — July 21, 2025: The families of Baloch missing persons and relatives of detained Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders continued their sit-in in Islamabad for the sixth consecutive day, braving heavy rain, threats, and police harassment.

For the third day in a row, Islamabad police barred the protesters from reaching the Press Club and denied them permission to pitch tents, forcing the Baloch women to carry on their protest under the open sky despite unrelenting rain.

In a statement, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee said: “Despite the nonstop rain and road closures, the families remain steadfast in their peaceful protest, demanding the release of BYC leaders and an end to enforced disappearances in Balochistan.”

A heavy police contingent arrived at the protest site today. According to BYC, the police and local administration harassed protesters under the pretext of identity verification and carried out profiling of participants, which the group strongly condemned. The committee warned that if any harm came to the protesters, the responsibility would lie with Islamabad police and Pakistani authorities.

The families reiterated their two core demands:

  • The withdrawal of false charges and release of BYC leaders.

  • An end to enforced disappearances and the recovery of missing persons in Balochistan.

Late at night, police evicted the protesters from their residential flats, forcing them to spend the night in various locations across the city. BYC called on international human rights organizations and media outlets to take notice of the grave situation and help restore the protesters’ basic rights.

Senior Journalist and Political Leader Booked in Kashmir for Alleged Anti-Army Social Media Posts

Editorial Staff
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Senior Journalist and Political Leader Booked in Kashmir for Alleged Anti-Army Social Media Posts

Special Correspondent | Rawalakot, Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir — July 2025: In a move that has sparked fresh concerns about freedom of speech and political repression, Rawalakot police have registered a controversial case against senior journalist and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front chief organizer Sardar Qadeer Khan and Sarwarajiya Inqilabi Party president Sardar Sajjad Afzal.

According to FIR No. 232/25 filed at Model Police Station Rawalakot, the alleged incident occurred on April 1, 2025, when the two accused allegedly shared “fabricated, factually incorrect, and hate-filled” content on social media targeting the Pakistan Army. The FIR claims this act endangered the Army’s reputation and posed a threat to national security.

What makes this case particularly striking is that the FIR was lodged more than three months later, on July 13, 2025 — a gap of 3 months and 13 days after the alleged incident. Police invoked sections 153-A (promoting enmity) and 489-Y, among others, in the complaint.

In recent years, similar cases have been filed against journalists, social media activists, and political workers across Pakistan-administered Kashmir, with several arrests made and many young activists seeing their careers and livelihoods disrupted by these legal actions.

Activists and observers have condemned what they describe as “bogus and fabricated” FIRs aimed at silencing dissent and curbing free expression. They call for an immediate end to such practices and for those orchestrating these cases to be held accountable.

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