Gilgit, (PaJK): A new chapter is being written in the history of cricket in Gilgit-Baltistan, as the Kashmir Premier League (KSL) has announced a golden opportunity for local young cricketers to play alongside international cricket legends. This announcement has ignited a wave of excitement among the region’s youth.

According to Masood Ahmed Khan, the Chairman of the Kashmir Premier League, six talented players from Gilgit-Baltistan will be selected to join the league. To achieve this, special talent-hunting trials will be held in collaboration with the “Markhor Super League,” through which the best players will be identified and introduced to the national level.

International Cricket Stars Visiting Gilgit-Baltistan

In another significant development, major international cricket figures such as Shahid Afridi, Wasim Akram, and other cricket legends are scheduled to visit Gilgit-Baltistan. These stars will not only meet with local players but also oversee the trials, which are set to take place tomorrow at Gilgit’s City Park. This will be an invaluable opportunity for the young cricketers to interact with the legends and gain insights into the game at the highest level.

Government Support for the Initiative

The Government of Gilgit-Baltistan has shown full support for this initiative. Government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq expressed gratitude in a press conference to both the Kashmir Premier League team and the visiting legends. He stated, “This is a moment that will turn the dreams of our youth into reality. We are grateful to the Kashmir Premier League and Markhor Super League for addressing 75 years of sports deprivation. The government will provide all necessary facilities to ensure the success of this historic opportunity.”

He further mentioned that the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan will collaborate with all players and organizers to ensure that the youth of the region are given a chance to showcase their talent on both national and international platforms.

A New Dawn for Cricket in Gilgit-Baltistan

This development marks a major milestone not only for the growth of cricket in the region but also for enhancing the positive image of Gilgit-Baltistan on the international stage. The joint efforts of the Kashmir Premier League and the Markhor Super League are a historic foundation for the passionate cricketers of Gilgit-Baltistan, a moment that the region’s people will never forget.

Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir (Pakistan-administered Kashmir): Azad Kashmir’s senior-most Minister and Interior Minister Colonel (R) Waqar Noor has sounded the alarm over growing security threats in the region following the discovery of a major militant network allegedly linked to the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The warning came during a press briefing held after an in-camera cabinet meeting in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan administrated Kashmir where the Inspector General of Police Rana Abdul Jabbar briefed ministers on the evolving threat landscape.

Speaking to journalists alongside key cabinet members, including Ministers Ch. Muhammad Rasheed, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, Akbar Ibrahim Choudhary, and Information Secretary Sardar Adnan Khurshid, Interior Minister Waqar Noor revealed that multiple militants had been apprehended across various locations in Azad Kashmir, and that two suicide bombers had already entered the region.

“Azad Kashmir is under serious threat. A significant TTP network was recently dismantled, one that aimed to destabilize the peace of the region,” stated Noor.

The Minister further disclosed that TTP has reportedly appointed its own “Governor” and regional leadership for Azad Kashmir, indicating a disturbing attempt by the group to establish a shadow administrative structure within Pakistan-administered territory.

Weapons License Ban Lifted Amid Security Concerns

In light of the heightened threat, the Azad Kashmir Cabinet has lifted a longstanding ban on issuing prohibited bore arms licenses. Government officials, legislators, senior officers, and other high-profile individuals who face credible threats may now apply for such licenses. Notably, ordinary citizens who can prove a risk to their lives may also be eligible.

“Our priority is the protection of life and property,” said Interior Minister Noor. “Any citizen who faces a real threat will be allowed to arm themselves for self-defense.”

He added that he had personally acquired licenses for two Kalashnikovs from the Ministry of Interior and would obtain more if necessary.

Militant Network Planning Large-Scale Attacks

Details emerging from the briefing suggest that a person apprehended with weapons near the Azad Pattan Bridge was part of a larger cell. According to intelligence, four additional individuals had entered the region separately with plans to regroup and carry out attacks.

“Had our agencies not intercepted them, the outcome could have been catastrophic,” Noor stated.

Officials confirmed that the network had been under surveillance, and law enforcement conducted targeted operations leading to arrests that likely prevented imminent acts of terrorism.

Call for Unity and Vigilance

The cabinet urged the public to understand the gravity of the situation and remain alert. “These threats go far beyond grievances over electricity or food subsidies,” said Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, adding that “elements exploiting public unrest are being funded by foreign enemies, similar to patterns seen in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”

The ministers expressed concern over rising rhetoric involving terms like “non-state actors” and “non-state institutions.” Interior Minister Noor criticized the misuse of such terms:

“My son is a Major in the Pakistan Army. He holds a State Subject Certificate of Jammu and Kashmir. Is he a non-state actor?”

Noor highlighted the presence of over 25 Brigadiers, six Major Generals, and two Lieutenant Generals of Kashmiri origin serving in the Pakistan Armed Forces, emphasizing their role in defending the region.

Opposing “Fitna al-Khawarij”

Interior Minister Noor repeatedly referred to the infiltrators as part of “Fitna al-Khawarij,” a religious term often used to denote extreme militant offshoots. He urged citizens to work with authorities, share suspicious activities, and avoid falling for disinformation campaigns.

“All institutions must be united on one page. We’re asking the Awami Action Committee and the people to grasp the seriousness of this moment,” he said.

A Region on Edge

As Azad Kashmir faces unprecedented security challenges, the cabinet’s decision to relax gun license restrictions marks a significant policy shift. The TTP’s strategic interest in this sensitive region already marred by political tensions and public unrest adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitical dynamics of Kashmir.

While authorities claim that proactive steps have averted potential disaster, the presence of suicide bombers and a structured militant network point to a deeply concerning future. For now, the message from the state is clear: vigilance, unity, and preparedness are not optional—they are essential.

Muzaffarabad, (PaJK): In the capital of Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, the Christian community celebrated their global religious festival, Palm Sunday, with devotion and reverence. A special prayer service and celebration were held at the local church in Muzaffarabad, attended by a large number of Christian families, children, and elders.

Prominently, Muslim leadership from Muzaffarabad actively participated in the event. They visited the church to extend their warm greetings to the Christian community on their holy festival, delivering a powerful message of interfaith harmony, love, and brotherhood.

The event was attended by notable figures, including Mayor of Muzaffarabad Municipal Corporation Syed Sikandar Nisar Gilani, former Chairman of the Development Authority and Chairman of Muzaffarabad City Development Foundation Zahid Amin Advocate, Secretary of Allotment Development Authority Muhammad Saleem Awan, DFA President Mehtab Mir, Councillor Umair Kayani, Chairperson of Workers Union Azad Kashmir Elder Riyasat Masih, Sonia Riyasat, Riaz Masih, and other political and social personalities.

Christian community leaders expressed their pride in the participation of Muslim guests, emphasizing that Muzaffarabad offers equal religious freedoms to all communities, fostering a society bound by brotherhood and mutual respect.

During the event, speeches were delivered by prominent leaders such as former Chairman Zahid Amin and Mayor Syed Sikandar Nisar Gilani. They reassured the Christian community and all minorities of their complete freedom in Azad Jammu & Kashmir to practice their faith, worship, and contribute positively to society, just like other citizens.

The speeches also highlighted the invaluable contribution of sanitation workers in Muzaffarabad. Zahid Amin praised their efforts, stating, “Sanitation workers wake up before dawn to clean the entire city. You are our pride. Addressing your issues is the responsibility of the state, and we are committed to fulfilling this responsibility.” He also appreciated the provision of land for the construction of a church, acknowledging it as a commendable step toward ensuring religious freedom.

Elder Riyasat Masih also expressed gratitude to the government of Azad Kashmir, particularly the former Chairman Zahid Amin, the Station Commander of the Pakistan Army, and other officials, for their efforts in fulfilling the Christian community’s longstanding demand for a place of worship. He emphasized that “We are all citizens of the same state, and we must stand by each other during festivals and moments of joy. Interfaith harmony is the path to progress and peace.”

The event concluded with special prayers for religious tolerance, peace, and unity in the region.