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Power, Silence, and Abuse: A Pattern of Exploitation by State Officials in Pak held Kashmir

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Power, Silence, and Abuse: A Pattern of Exploitation by State Officials in Pak held Kashmir

Muzaffarabad (Pakistan-administered Kashmir) — In a deeply troubling incident, a Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Secretariat (Transport Division) was arrested in Muzaffarabad after being caught in a compromising situation with a female student from the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. According to police, the official had allegedly rented a private shelter in Lower Chattar for months, where he reportedly exploited multiple women under the guise of offering jobs and assistance.

The student, currently enrolled in her 5th semester in the biomedical department, initially attempted to conceal her identity during the arrest. Both individuals were reportedly detained in a semi-nude state, following complaints from local residents. While medical reports later stated that the act involved “consent,” serious questions remain about how true consent is defined when one party wields significant power and authority.

A Pattern of Silence and Abuse

This is not an isolated incident. A British-Kashmiri woman previously came forward with allegations of harassment by a police officer during custody, and later, by judges during trial proceedings. Despite media coverage in the UK, there has been no transparent investigation or accountability.

Read Also: British Kashmiri widow’s house occupied by Azad Kashmir police officer

Similarly, in Kotli district, Shazma Haleem, a respected activist, reported that a senior police officer (DSP Bagh) attempted to blackmail her for speaking out on women’s rights and misconduct within government ranks.

These events highlight a troubling pattern of abuse of power by state officials, often shielded by silence, weak institutional accountability, and a culture of impunity.

A Call for International Oversight

These cases raise serious human rights concerns. When those tasked with upholding the law are themselves accused of such grave misconduct, the credibility of the entire justice system comes into question. Women, in particular, find themselves most vulnerable, targeted, silenced, and often blamed.

Controversy Erupts Over Burial of Kashmiri Mystic Sain Liaqat, Known as “The One with the Pot”

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Controversy Erupts Over Burial of Kashmiri Mystic Sain Liaqat, Known as “The One with the Pot”

Muzaffarabad, Pakistan administered Kashmir: A dispute has broken out over the burial of the renowned local mystic Sain Liaqat, famously known as “Degche Wali Sarkar” (The One with the Pot), whose body was found in Islamabad, Pakistan and later transported to Islamabad’s PIMS Hospital’s morgue.

Two groups claiming to be his heirs emerged—one from Muzaffarabad, where Liaqat was a beloved figure, and another from Murree a hill station in Punjab, Pakistan. The Muzaffarabad group sought to take his body back for burial, while the Murree faction attempted to seize it by force at PIMS, leading to intervention by hospital authorities.

Read Also: Muzaffarabad’s Beloved Eccentric: The Passing of Liaqat Sain, the City’s Mystical Wanderer

Reports indicate that the Murree group later ambushed the ambulance transporting the body near Murree, trying to take it by force, but failed. The body was eventually handed over to the Muzaffarabad group, and burial is expected to take place in his hometown.

Who Was Sian Liaqat?

Sian Liaqat was a well-known mystic in Muzaffarabad, often seen wandering the city’s streets dragging a large metal pot (degcha). Locals regarded him as a holy man, attributing supernatural abilities to him, including walking across the raging Neelum River.

Liaqat Sain with his brother who cared for him during recovery from a fractured arm; the brother lives with family in Muzaffarabad.
Liaqat Sain with his brother who cared for him during recovery from a fractured arm; the brother lives with family in Muzaffarabad.

Born in Muzaffarabad’s Dheri Syedan neighborhood, Liaqat reportedly lost his sanity in his youth. His family initially confined him, but he would mysteriously reappear outside, even when locked with chains. Eventually, they stopped restraining him, and he became a wandering ascetic.

His most distinctive trait was his daily ritual of collecting a new pot from a specific shopkeeper, who claimed his business flourished after he began giving Liaqat a pot each day. Many believed receiving a pat on the back from Liaqat brought blessings, and even high-ranking officials, including prime ministers, would not disrupt his presence during public events.

A Life of Mystique and Devotion

Liaqat ate only at select roadside hotels, where owners would personally serve him. His life was shrouded in legend, with many considering him a *majzoob* (a saint absorbed in divine love).

His death has sparked not only a burial dispute but also an outpouring of grief from followers who saw him as a spiritual guide. Social media has been flooded with tributes, with many praying for his elevated status in the afterlife.

As the legal and familial disputes continue, Saeen Liaqat’s legacy as a symbol of faith and mystery in Muzaffarabad remains undiminished.

Amin.

Why Starlink Has Yet to Launch in Pakistan: Regulatory and Security Roadblocks Revealed

Editorial Staff
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Why Starlink Has Yet to Launch in Pakistan: Regulatory and Security Roadblocks Revealed

Technology | June 6, 2025 |The Azadi Times: Elon Musk’s Starlink, a satellite internet service by SpaceX, has not yet gone live in Pakistan—despite completing major regulatory steps. Sources now confirm that significant regulatory hurdles and national security concerns are delaying the launch.

While Starlink has reportedly met all key conditions set by the Space Regulatory Board and obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC), it still awaits a final go-ahead from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Until then, Starlink cannot legally offer services within the country.

Core Concerns Behind the Delay

According to officials and cybersecurity experts:

  • Currency and Forex Pressure: Starlink insists on billing customers in U.S. dollars rather than local currency. This poses a threat to Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, which are already under strain.

  • Data Privacy and Cybersecurity: Starlink’s operations are independent of local and national internet gateways, allowing users to bypass state-imposed firewalls, surveillance systems, and web filters. Experts say this could allow access to banned or sensitive websites, posing challenges to national cyber governance.

  • Foreign Infrastructure Dependence: With its servers and data routes largely based outside Pakistan, Starlink raises sovereignty concerns, particularly in terms of data flow, surveillance, and monitoring.

IT analysts argue that Pakistan must draft a clear policy framework on data protection and satellite-based communications. Until such regulatory clarity is achieved, full operational approval remains uncertain.

Regulatory Progress So Far

Starlink has already:

  • Completed three tiers of registration in Pakistan.

  • Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

  • Secured endorsements from the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and Pakistan Space Regulatory Board.

  • Received NOC from the Ministry of Interior.

The final stage now lies with the PTA. Once licensing is complete, Starlink can begin providing high-speed satellite internet—particularly useful in remote and underserved areas.

Pakistan’s Satellite Internet Push

Pakistan has been making significant strides in satellite internet access. The government introduced its National Satellite Policy in 2023, followed by legal reforms in 2024 to strengthen space communications infrastructure. The country is preparing to tap into a growing digital economy, and satellite internet could be a game changer for education, e-governance, and disaster response in mountainous and rural regions, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Islamabad Court Sentences Kashmiri Man to Death in Brutal Murder Case

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Islamabad Court Sentences Kashmiri Man to Death in Brutal Murder Case

In a major legal development, the District and Sessions Court in Islamabad has sentenced Arbab Khalil to death for his involvement in the brutal murder of 33-year-old Faisal Ilyas, whose dismembered body was recovered from Korang Nullah in the capital’s Ghauri Town area in 2022. The sentencing marks a critical step in what has been described as one of Islamabad’s most grisly murder cases in recent memory.

Fugitive Brought Back from Dubai via Interpol

Following the meticulously planned murder on September 18, 2022, Arbab Khalil managed to flee to Dubai, evading Pakistani authorities for several months. He was eventually apprehended by Interpol and extradited to Pakistan on August 16, 2023. The Sessions Court, under Judge Jahangir Awan, delivered the capital punishment after a complete trial where guilt was established beyond reasonable doubt.

Co-Accused Sentenced; Main Accomplice Still Absconding

The court also sentenced Moazzam Akhtar and Farooq Azam—two other accused in the case—to two years of imprisonment each. However, Imran Khalil, a co-mastermind and key accomplice in the murder plot, remains a fugitive in Dubai. He has been declared a proclaimed offender, with Interpol Red Warrants issued for his arrest.

Murder Details: A Chilling Crime of Conspiracy and Cruelty

The case was followed closely due to the gruesome nature of the murder. According to Advocates Syed Tahir Abbas and Nabila Irshad, the legal representatives of the victim’s family, Faisal Ilyas was brutally murdered and dismembered, with body parts disposed of in Korang Nullah. Mobile CDR analysis and CCTV footage helped authorities trace the suspects and the vehicle used in the crime.

Advocate Nabila Irshad revealed that the accused had entered Pakistan secretly from Dubai, executed the murder, and fled the country within hours. Their calculated strategy posed challenges to law enforcement, but Islamabad Police, particularly SHO Shafqat Faiz and Investigation Officer Tariq Mehmood, managed to bring the case to its conclusion under the supervision of IG Islamabad.

Victim’s Family Calls for Further Action

Bilal Ilyas, brother of the victim, expressed both relief and concern after the verdict. While he appreciated the court and police for delivering justice, he revealed that he and his family were subjected to false cases in Rawalakot following Faisal’s murder. He urged Pakistan’s Interior Ministry to accelerate efforts to extradite Imran Khalil from Dubai and ensure all perpetrators face justice.

Arbab Khalil hails from Namnota village near Rawalakot, the same region as the slain Faisal Ilyas, which has been shaken by the violent incident and its aftermath.

GMC Srinagar’s Urology Department Marks Historic Quadruple Milestone in Medical Excellence and Innovation

Editorial Staff
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GMC Srinagar’s Urology Department Marks Historic Quadruple Milestone in Medical Excellence and Innovation

By Azadi Times | Srinagar Bureau | Srinagar, Indian administered Jammu & Kashmir — The Department of Urology at the Super Speciality Hospital, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, has achieved an unprecedented quadruple milestone in the fields of medical education, research, surgical excellence, and patient care, placing Jammu & Kashmir firmly on the national healthcare map.

Under the visionary leadership of Prof. Syed Sajjad Nazir, the department has emerged as a center of excellence in urological sciences, marked by achievements that combine rigorous academic standards with cutting-edge clinical practice.

First Graduating Batch of MCh Urology Celebrates Milestone

The first and most symbolic of the department’s recent successes is the graduation of the inaugural batch of MCh Urology specialists. This academic milestone reflects the department’s growing capacity to deliver world-class surgical training in Kashmir, and its emergence as a reliable institution for higher medical education in a conflict-affected region.

National Recognition at UROLITHICAN 2023, Kolkata

The department earned dual accolades at UROLITHICAN 2023, a prestigious national conference held in Kolkata, showcasing the team’s exceptional academic and clinical contributions. These awards mark a national-level recognition of the department’s evolving stature in Indian urological research and surgical precision.

Live Surgery Demonstration at AIIMS Bathinda Garners Top Honors

Further cementing its reputation, Prof. Sajjad Nazir performed a live Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) at the NZUSICON 360° Urolithiasis Conference hosted by AIIMS Bathinda, where the department secured third prize. The demonstration underscored the team’s commitment to innovation, skill, and knowledge sharing in complex urological procedures.

Breakthrough in Kidney Transplant Surgery Under Ayushman Bharat

Perhaps the most impactful development has been the successful revival of live-related kidney transplantation, with the first case conducted under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. This breakthrough not only underscores the department’s clinical capability but also its commitment to making advanced medical care accessible to economically weaker patients.

A Beacon of Hope and Medical Advancement in Jammu & Kashmir

These combined achievements represent a clinical revolution in Kashmir’s public healthcare system. The Urology Department at GMC Srinagar has now firmly positioned itself as a beacon of advanced medical education and compassionate care, offering inspiration and tangible results in a region often overshadowed by political narratives.

Why This Matters

In a region like Jammu & Kashmir, where political uncertainty often overshadows institutional development, this accomplishment offers a powerful counter-narrative of progress, resilience, and academic integrity. The achievements of GMC Srinagar’s Urology Department not only uplift the region’s healthcare ecosystem but also reinforce the capacity of local institutions to contribute meaningfully at a national level.

Mehbooba Mufti: “People of Pahalgam Will Safeguard the Amarnath Yatra as They Always Have”

    Editorial Staff
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    Mehbooba Mufti: “People of Pahalgam Will Safeguard the Amarnath Yatra as They Always Have”

    By Azadi Times | Srinagar Bureau | Pahalgam, Indian administered Kashmir — In a strong statement underscoring communal harmony and economic concern, PDP President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said that the local people of Pahalgam will continue to safeguard and host the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra as they have done in the past, despite recent challenges.

    Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a local event in Pahalgam on Tuesday, Mufti reaffirmed Kashmir’s legacy of hospitality and spiritual tolerance, saying,

    “The people of Kashmir will welcome the Amarnath pilgrims as they always have, with open arms and full dedication.”

    Economic Woes After Baisaran Incident

    Mehbooba Mufti highlighted the economic hardships faced by locals in the wake of the recent tragedy in the Baisaran valley, which disrupted tourism and pilgrimage activity in the region.

    “After the Baisaran incident, the situation changed drastically. Nearly 10,000 people—including pony owners, hotel operators, shopkeepers, taxi and auto drivers—have suffered economic setbacks,” she said.

    She emphasized that many of these locals are struggling with bank loans and financial stress, urging the administration to step in with relief and revival measures.

    Call for Community-Led Protection of Pilgrimage Routes

    The PDP chief said her visit to Pahalgam was specifically aimed at rallying local workers along the Amarnath Yatra routes, encouraging them to take collective ownership in safeguarding the pilgrimage.

    “This is not just about religious duty; it’s about restoring trust and reviving tourism in the region,” she added.

    Appeal to Administration and Shrine Board

    Mufti also made specific appeals to the Jammu & Kashmir administration and the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, calling for:

    • Reopening of closed parks to facilitate local tourism and provide economic relief to service providers such as horsemen and vendors.

    • Authorization for pony owners to bring the full number of their registered horses for Yatra-related services.

    She stressed the need for inclusivity and local engagement in the management of the pilgrimage, noting that local livelihoods are deeply tied to the seasonal influx of pilgrims.

    Reinforcing Kashmir’s Spirit of Coexistence

    Despite her political differences with the current administration, Mehbooba Mufti’s statements reflected a broader theme of Kashmir’s historical role in fostering interfaith unity.

    “We will leave no stone unturned in serving the Yatris, just as we have always done,” she affirmed.

    Why This Matters
    Amid rising economic uncertainty and increasing political polarization, Mufti’s statement acts as both a plea for administrative sensitivity and a reaffirmation of Kashmir’s Sufi-rooted culture of communal harmony. It also highlights the fragile balance between tourism-dependent livelihoods and the politics of pilgrimage in the conflict-scarred region of Jammu & Kashmir.

    Over 100,000 Devotees Attend 129th Annual Urs of Hazrat Baba Nizamuddin Kiyanwi Larvi (RA) in Wangat Kangan

      Editorial Staff
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      Over 100,000 Devotees Attend 129th Annual Urs of Hazrat Baba Nizamuddin Kiyanwi Larvi (RA) in Wangat Kangan

      Location: Baba Nagri, Wangat, Kangan, Indian administered Jammu & Kashmir: In one of the largest spiritual gatherings of the year, more than 100,000 devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir—and beyond—gathered in Baba Nagri, Wangat Kangan to mark the 129th annual Urs of Hazrat Baba Nizamuddin Kiyanwi Larvi (RA).

      This year, due to Eid al-Adha falling in early June, the traditional Urs dates were adjusted. The spiritual ceremonies commenced on June 8 and concluded on June 9, instead of the usual June 6–8 schedule.

      A Gathering of Faith Across Borders

      Devotees from Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Surankote, Kalakote, Uri, Pahalgam, Bandipora, Kokernag, Kulgam, Kishtwar, Doda, Shopian, Kupwara, and various regions of Jammu and outside Jammu & Kashmir traveled to attend the sacred event.

      Read Also: Urs of Hazrat Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (RA) Being Observed in Srinagar with Great Reverence

      The concluding ceremony witnessed an emotional and spiritually uplifting atmosphere with night-long prayers, Qur’an recitations, Durood o Azkaar (salutations and remembrance), and the Khitab al-Mu’azzamat—a major sermon of the Urs.

      Message of Peace, Harmony, and Reform

      Mian Altaf Ahmad, the Sajjada Nashin (spiritual head), delivered the keynote address during the concluding session. In his moving sermon, he emphasized the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), urging followers to maintain communal harmony, promote Islamic values, and—most critically—protect youth from the growing threat of drug addiction.

      “Any household afflicted by drug abuse is doomed to collective suffering,” Mian Altaf declared, urging the younger generation to abstain from destructive habits and reconnect with spirituality and service.

      He also praised the legacy of Baba Nizamuddin Kiyanwi (RA), who dedicated his life to human service, scholarship, and spiritual enlightenment.

      Organizational Excellence

      The Urs featured addresses from numerous renowned Islamic scholars, each reflecting on the noble life and mission of the revered saint. Organizers ensured adequate food and accommodation for the sea of pilgrims who had traveled long distances to pay homage.

      Mian Altaf extended heartfelt gratitude to the Ganderbal district administration for facilitating the large-scale gathering with efficient and well-coordinated arrangements. He noted a year-on-year increase in attendance, signaling a growing spiritual awakening and reverence for the saint’s message of love, unity, and service.

      Why It Matters
      The annual Urs of Hazrat Baba Nizamuddin Kiyanwi Larvi (RA) stands as a powerful symbol of Kashmir’s rich spiritual heritage and the enduring legacy of Sufi traditions that promote peace, interfaith harmony, and collective reform. As spiritual gatherings continue to draw massive crowds across the region, they underscore the importance of grassroots religious leadership in addressing contemporary challenges—especially those facing youth.

      Pallandari Awami Action Committee Calls for Unified Demand for Empowered Constituent Assembly in Jammu & Kashmir

      Editorial Staff
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      Pallandari Awami Action Committee Calls for Unified Demand for Empowered Constituent Assembly in Jammu & Kashmir

      Pallandari, Pakistan-administered Jammu & Kashmir: In a crucial meeting held today, the Pallandari Awami (People) Action Committee (PAAC) has issued a series of resolutions addressing pressing regional and national issues.

      The committee has called for a united demand across Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) for the establishment of an empowered constituent assembly and condemned the government’s failure to honor recent agreements made with the People’s Rights Movement.

      Read Also: Exclusive Interview with Sardar Aman Kashmiri | A Leading Voice in the Azad Kashmir

      Key Resolutions from the Meeting:

      1. Call for United Action on Empowered Assembly:
        The committee urged all local action committees across Pakistan-administered Jammu & Kashmir to make the establishment of a fully empowered constituent assembly a central public demand. PAC emphasized that a truly representative constitutional structure is essential for securing the rights and identity of the region’s people.

      2. Condemnation of AJK Government’s Inaction:
        The PAC strongly condemned the AJK government’s non-compliance with the agreement it had reached with the People’s Rights Movement. The committee called upon the general public to fully support any protest or mobilization announced by the Joint People’s Action Committee in this regard.

      3. Solidarity with Gilgit-Baltistan Protests:
        Expressing concern over recent developments in Gilgit-Baltistan, the committee condemned the arrest of protest leaders opposing the controversial minerals law and criticized what it described as colonial-style exploitation of the region’s resources. The PAC demanded the immediate release of detained activists and the withdrawal of anti-people legislation.

      4. Launch of Grassroots Awareness Campaign:
        PAC Pallandari announced it will soon initiate a public awareness campaign under the theme “Why a Constituent Assembly?”. The campaign will begin with the restructuring of ward-level and village-level committees throughout Tehsil Pallandari to engage directly with the local populace.

      5. Support for Local Infrastructure and Affected Communities:
        The committee expressed full support for ongoing public protests demanding the construction of key roads including Tararkhal to Pallandari, Pana to Chhe Chhan, and Chhe Chhan to Namb. Furthermore, PAC voiced solidarity with displaced residents of the Holar-Karot Dam project in Tehsil Pallandari and Sehnsa, endorsing their protests and marches for justice.

      6. Tribute to Martyrs of the People’s Rights Movement:
        Paying homage to those who lost their lives during the People’s Rights Movement in Muzaffarabad, the PAC warned the government against harassment of the martyrs’ families, stating such actions would be seen as a direct attack on the people of the region. The committee declared its right to resist any such oppressive tactics.

      7. Commitment to Resolving Public Issues:
        Reaffirming its commitment, the PAC pledged to intensify its efforts to resolve all civic and developmental issues facing the Pallandari region.

      Why This Matters
      This declaration by the Pallandari People’s Action Committee reflects the growing grassroots momentum across AJK for political empowerment, constitutional recognition, and resource justice. The committee’s alignment with similar movements in Gilgit-Baltistan signals a broader regional awakening demanding autonomy, transparency, and democratic participation.

      The resolutions are expected to influence the future course of political activism in the region and could become a blueprint for collective action among civil society groups across both AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan.

      Muzaffarabad’s Beloved Eccentric: The Passing of Liaqat Sain, the City’s Mystical Wanderer

      Editorial Staff
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      Muzaffarabad’s Beloved Eccentric: The Passing of Liaqat Sain, the City’s Mystical Wanderer
      Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir (PaJK) – The capital city of Pakistan-administered Kashmir has lost one of its most enigmatic souls. Liaqat Sain, a wandering mystic known for dragging an iron pot (degcha) through the streets, passed away under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind a legacy of quiet intrigue and urban folklore. A Man of the Streets, A Legend of the City For years, Liaqat Sain was a fixture in Muzaffarabad’s bustling Shuhada Chowk (Shaukat Line). Clad in tattered clothes, he would abruptly stop vehicles with a silent gesture, climb aboard without a word, and motion for the driver to proceed. His presence alone drew crowds—some out of curiosity, others out of reverence. Read Also: New Water Treatment Plant Inaugurated in Muzaffarabad to Address Capital’s Water Needs His trademark was the iron pot tied to a rope, which he dragged behind him like a wandering ascetic. Locals recall how he would occasionally pause at his usual spots, where people would gather to offer him tea or food. He rarely spoke, yet his silence spoke volumes. Sudden Disappearance, a Tragic End Liaqat Sain went missing just before Eidul al-Adha 2025, sparking whispers across the city. Five days later, his body was discovered near Golra Morr, Rawalpindi, in Pakistan under unclear circumstances. His death has left a void in Muzaffarabad’s cultural tapestry, where he was as much a part of the city’s identity as its rivers and mountains. The Mystic’s Life: Between Folklore and Reality Legends swirled around him—some saw him as a saint, others as a madman. But to most, he was simply “Sain,” an innocent soul wandering between worlds. After a past accident left him with a broken leg, he abandoned dragging his pot but never abandoned his attachment to it, often seen sitting beside it in Shaukat Line. A City in Mourning Muzaffarabad, a city accustomed to political shifts and power struggles, now mourns a different kind of loss—the departure of a man who belonged to no one and yet was a part of everyone’s daily life. Similar figures, like Hussaini Shah in Kotli, continue to roam Kashmir’s streets, but Liaqat Sain’s absence is deeply felt. Final Prayers for a Free Spirit As news of his death spreads, social media is flooded with tributes. “He was truly a free soul,” one resident wrote. Another added, “The streets of Muzaffarabad will feel empty without him.” May his soul find peace—a man who lived without chains, and died leaving behind only legends.

      Justice Sardar Liaqat Hussain Sworn in as Acting Chief Justice of AJK High Court Amid Ongoing Controversy Over Permanent Appointment

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      Justice Sardar Liaqat Hussain Sworn in as Acting Chief Justice of AJK High Court Amid Ongoing Controversy Over Permanent Appointment

      Islamabad (The Azadi Times) – Justice Sardar Liaqat Hussain was sworn in as the Acting Chief Justice of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) High Court in a formal ceremony held at the multipurpose hall of Kashmir House, Islamabad, Pakistan. The oath was administered by Azad Jammu Kashmir (Pakistan administrated Kashmir) AJK President Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry, marking a pivotal moment for the judiciary in the region amid ongoing controversy surrounding the delay in appointing a permanent Chief Justice.

      The ceremony witnessed the presence of high-ranking officials and dignitaries, including Prime Minister of AJK Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, former AJK Prime Minister Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan, former Supreme Court Justice Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, senior judges of the High Court, members of the AJK Assembly, and representatives from the legal fraternity, district judiciary, High Court establishment, civil society, and senior media personnel.

      Justice Sardar Liaqat Hussain, after taking oath, mingled with attendees, received congratulatory messages, and was presented with floral bouquets from lawyers and citizens alike.

      Legal Fraternity Expresses Concern Over Delay in Permanent Appointment

      Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the event was overshadowed by rising tensions within the legal community regarding the delay in issuing a notification for the permanent appointment of the Chief Justice of AJK High Court.

      According to Supreme Court Bar Association President Javed Najam Al-Thaqib Advocate and other senior lawyers, a Supreme Court ruling stipulates that a vacant constitutional position like the Chief Justice must be filled on a permanent basis within one month. The legal community argues that this timeline has not been honored, even though approval for the appointment was granted by the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

      In response, the Bar Council has issued a 48-hour notice to the federal government, demanding immediate action to notify a permanent Chief Justice. Vice Chairman of the Bar Council, Aqab Hashmi Advocate, voiced these concerns during an emergency meeting, emphasizing that failure to meet the deadline could lead to a statewide protest movement.

      Additionally, Secretary General of the High Court Bar Association, Zafar Umar Advocate, has begun consultations with legal representatives across the region to explore further legal and democratic options in response to the delay.

      Debate Over Oath-Taking in Islamabad Sparks Public Discussion

      The location of the oath-taking ceremony in Islamabad—rather than within AJK—has also stirred public debate across social media platforms, where citizens and activists questioned the symbolism and implications of holding such a significant judicial ceremony outside the territorial boundaries of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

      Some commentators argue that such actions may undermine the autonomy of AJK’s institutions, while others pointed out logistical or diplomatic justifications. Nevertheless, the topic continues to trend online, especially among pro-Kashmiri voices advocating for greater judicial independence and institutional transparency.

      What Lies Ahead for the Judiciary in AJK?

      Justice Sardar Liaqat Hussain’s appointment as Acting Chief Justice comes at a crucial juncture for AJK’s legal system. With mounting pressure from the Bar Councils and civil society, the delay in the permanent appointment is not just an administrative concern—it’s becoming a symbolic issue tied to legal sovereignty and institutional respect.

      Observers note that the coming days will be decisive. If the federal government fails to issue a notification within the Bar Council’s deadline, the region could witness widespread protests, legal action, or even a temporary judicial impasse. On the other hand, swift action by the authorities could help restore confidence in the judicial process and strengthen the rule of law in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

      Conclusion

      While the swearing-in of Justice Sardar Liaqat Hussain is a formally significant event, it has also triggered serious questions about legal procedures, institutional independence, and the broader political relationship between Islamabad and Muzaffarabad. As the situation unfolds, the eyes of the region remain on both the judiciary and the government, with hopes for a resolution that respects the constitution, judicial integrity, and the democratic will of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

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