AJK Protest

Awami Action Committee Announces Strike and Long March on June 9 in AJK

by with No Comment Politics

MUZAFFARABAD: The Joint Awami Action Committee in Azad Kashmir has announced a strike and long march scheduled for June 9, alongside ongoing negotiations with the government.

Despite what officials describe as serious efforts by the government during negotiations, the Action Committee has maintained its hardline stance and opted to continue with its protest plan.

Questions have been raised over whether the protest campaign is an attempt to pressure the government or whether it reflects a broader form of disruptive politics under the pretext of resolving public issues. Authorities have stated that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, blocking roads and paralysing public life cannot be allowed.

Political leadership and opposition parties in Azad Kashmir are said to be united against protest-based politics. The approval of the All Parties Conference declaration by the Azad Kashmir Assembly has been described as a clear expression of democratic consensus.

Officials have warned that any attempt to disrupt peace and order through rigid or uncompromising behaviour will be dealt with according to the law.

It has also been stated that the planned disruption of the electoral process on June 9 would not serve the public interest, but would instead amount to an attempt to undermine democratic procedures. Citizens are being encouraged to place their trust in the ballot, dialogue, and constitutional processes rather than road blockades, strikes, or pressure-based politics.

The Azad Kashmir government has said that it has not closed the door to dialogue, but the Action Committee has instead chosen confrontation over negotiations.

Meanwhile, Azad Kashmir Assembly member Abdul Majeed Khan, speaking to ARY News, said that movements based on disruptive thinking would benefit external adversaries. He added that Pakistan is currently being recognised globally for its role as a promoter of peace and mediation, and it would not be acceptable to create a “state within a state” and provide opportunities to enemies. He expressed confidence that the people of Azad Kashmir are well aware and will not be misled.

gnn tv

PEMRA Issues Show-Cause Notice to GNN for Telecasting Mohsin Baig’s Controversial Remarks

by with No Comment Politics

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has issued a show-cause notice to a GNN TV channel for airing a controversial statement.

According to details, a controversial statement by Mohsin Baig against Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb was broadcast during an Eid show on GNN TV.

Sources said that following the controversial remarks, derogatory content against the federal minister also circulated on social media.

In its show-cause notice, PEMRA questioned why action should not be taken against the private channel for airing the controversial statement.

Adiala Jail

Prisoner Escapes from Hospital After Being Shifted from Adiala Jail for Treatment

by with No Comment Crime & Court

RAWALPINDI: A prisoner brought from Adiala Jail for medical treatment has escaped from Benazir Bhutto Hospital, authorities confirmed.

The escaped convict identified as Jameel was arrested in a narcotics case and had been sentenced by the court. Police have registered a case at Waris Khan police station following the escape.

The case names ASI Imran and Constable Qamar Ali, who were on duty at the time of the incident.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the escaped convict was taken out of the ward on a wheelchair by an unidentified person. The under-treatment prisoner was then allegedly placed in a vehicle by his son Adnan and another unidentified person, after which they fled the scene.

Officials further stated that the accused had been booked by the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force last year.

It is also confirmed that the court had sentenced the convict to nine years in prison after charges of drug smuggling were proven.

Islamabad

Islamabad to Get Its Own Legislative Assembly and Administrative Structure

by with No Comment Politics

The federal government has decided to restructure the administrative setup of the capital, Islamabad, including the creation of a separate legislative assembly.

According to ARY News, the government’s decision follows a report submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif by a special committee tasked with reviewing Islamabad’s governance framework.

The special committee, comprising Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Sanaullah, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, and Musaddiq Malik, recommended establishing a distinct governmental structure for Islamabad with its own Chief Executive.

Sources indicate that the proposed Islamabad Assembly will consist of 20 to 30 members, have a separate secretariat, and will have authority to legislate on matters pertaining to the federal capital.

Under the committee’s recommendations, members of the Islamabad Assembly will be directly elected. Developmental and administrative affairs of Islamabad, including those of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), will be managed through this assembly.

Following the Prime Minister’s approval, legislation regarding Islamabad’s separate administrative structure will be presented in Parliament.

connected-without-internet

Internet and Mobile Services to Be Suspended Across AJK from Tonight

by with No Comment Politics

MUZAFFARABAD: Authorities have issued orders to suspend internet and mobile phone services from 11:30 pm tonight in view of the strike announced by the Joint Public Action Committee.

After negotiations between the Joint Public Action Committee and the government of Azad Kashmir remained deadlocked, authorities decided to implement security and administrative measures across the state. As part of these measures, internet and mobile phone services will be suspended from 11:30 pm tonight.

Sources said that mobile and internet services throughout Azad Kashmir will remain suspended until June 12.
The measures are being taken in anticipation of the state wide shutter-down strike and complete wheel-jam protest call given by the Joint Public Action Committee for June 9.

Central leader of the Public Action Committee, Shaukat Nawaz Mir, told the media that no progress could be made during talks between the Government of Pakistan and the Action Committee.

According to him, government representatives had insisted that the committee withdraw its protest call, a demand that was completely rejected by the Public Action Committee.

Following the failure of negotiations and the continuation of the deadlock, the Joint Public Action Committee announced that it would proceed with its call for a complete strike and protests across Azad Kashmir on June 9.

Subsequently, the administration decided to suspend communication services in an effort to maintain law and order in the region.

murder crime

Mother of Three Commits Suicide by Jumping from Plaza Roof in Islamabad

by with No Comment Uncategorized

ٰIslamabad: A tragic incident occurred in the jurisdiction of Thana Kirpa, Islamabad, where a mother of three allegedly took her own life by jumping from the roof of a plaza.

According to police sources, the woman, a resident of Jinnah Garden, leaped from the 11th floor of a hotel, resulting in her instant death at the scene.

Family and police officials reported that the woman, identified as Maryam, had been facing ongoing domestic disputes with her husband and was under considerable mental stress for some time.

Preliminary information indicates that her husband is involved in the property business. Police have launched investigations into all aspects of the incident, and the body has been transferred to a hospital for post-mortem examination.

Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the case to determine the factors that may have led to the tragic event.

Pinky

Nigerian Handler, 13 Supply Riders Arrested in ‘Pinky’ Drug Case

by with No Comment Crime & Court

The Sindh Police have revealed the arrest of a Nigerian handler and 13 supply riders in connection with the drug trafficking case of Anmol, aka Pinky, while confirming that Pinky’s cocaine factory is located in Lahore.

The disclosure was made during a meeting of the Standing Committee on Home Affairs of the Sindh Assembly, chaired by Faryal Talpur. The session was attended by the Home Minister, Minister for Excise and Narcotics, members of the committee, IG Sindh, Additional IG Karachi, representatives from the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), and other officials.

During the briefing, Sindh Police informed the committee that Pinky frequently traveled to Nigeria and that his Nigerian handler has now been arrested from Lahore. All 13 supply riders connected to Pinky’s operations have also been taken into custody. Authorities did not disclose the involvement of any high-profile individuals, though opposition members demanded public disclosure of any such links. Home Minister Ziaul Haq Lanjhar stated that it would be premature to reveal names at this stage, as investigations are ongoing.

The committee also discussed legal clarifications regarding narcotics definitions. National Assembly member Qadir Patel raised concerns that substances like lime, pan, and tobacco are ambiguously categorized under current laws, and Minister Lanjhar assured that corrections would be made to clarify the terminology.

During the session, Faryal Talpur inquired about poppy cultivation in areas such as Qambar, Shikarpur, and Dadu. The DIG Naser Aftab explained that access is difficult, but drone spraying operations are ongoing. Lawmakers, including Nabeel Gabol, raised additional enforcement concerns regarding the arrest of a minor girl in District East. Talpur directed that the girl be released immediately if she was not involved in any crime.

MP Agha Rafiullah highlighted resource and manpower constraints in Malir, Karachi’s largest district. In response, Home Minister Lanjhar assured that efforts would be made to expand police stations and enhance resources.

Faryal Talpur emphasized the need to accelerate anti-drug operations to prevent narcotics from reaching households.

After the committee meeting, Provincial Minister Ziaul Haq Lanjhar told media that the government has decided to establish a dedicated narcotics force. The force will operate jointly with the police and existing narcotics departments to intensify anti-drug measures. Lanjhar added that Pinky is involved in 28 cases, including 12 in Sindh, one by the ANF, and five in Punjab. Authorities have pledged not to release any individuals connected to the case.

The minister further noted that Faryal Talpur has issued strict directives regarding narcotics control and that a high-level committee is being formed for educational institutions. Plans have also been proposed to allocate a separate budget for the acquisition of drones, with a drone force to be established under the Home Department in the next budget.

Supreme Court of Pakistan

AJK Government Seeks Supreme Court Guidance on Refugee Seats

by with No Comment Politics

Muzaffarabad: Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has filed a reference in the Supreme Court seeking constitutional guidance on the issue of refugee seats.

The reference was submitted to clarify certain constitutional and legal questions concerning the allocation and management of seats designated for refugees in Azad Kashmir.

The case will be heard by a full bench of the AJK Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Raja Saeed Akram Khan, with Justices Raza Ali Khan and Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry also on the bench. The hearing is scheduled to take place tomorrow.

According to the text of the reference, the government has specifically sought the court’s guidance on constitutional and legal matters related to refugee seats, highlighting the need for judicial interpretation to ensure compliance with existing laws and regulations.

This move underscores the administration’s intent to seek a clear legal framework for the representation and management of refugees in the Azad Kashmir legislative system.

Barrister Gohar

Barrister Gohar Warns of Possible Withdrawal from Assemblies Amid Pressure

by with No Comment Politics

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar has warned that excessive pressure on his party could force it to consider leaving the political system altogether.

Speaking at a corner meeting in Gilgit-Baltistan, he said that continued suppression could compel the party to withdraw from assemblies and the Senate.

Barrister Gohar criticized efforts to prevent the PTI from conducting its election campaign, terming it pre-poll rigging. He emphasized that obstructing party leaders and Members of the National Assembly, or expelling them from provinces, is not only unconstitutional but also an attack on democratic principles.

Addressing the audience, the PTI chairman highlighted that leaders who lost their constituencies are now appealing to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for votes despite having a four-year record focused on obstructing the PTI to secure election victories. He asserted that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan will not be misled by such tactics.

Barrister Gohar’s remarks signal rising tensions over electoral freedoms in the region and underline the PTI’s determination to resist actions they consider undemocratic or unconstitutional.

Zahir-jaffar-noor-muqaddam-case

Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence of Noor Mukadam Murder Convict Zahir Jaffer

by with No Comment Crime & Court

Supreme Court of Pakistan has dismissed the review petition filed by Zahir Jaffer, the convicted murderer of Noor Mukadam, upholding his death sentence.

Noor Mukadam, 27, was brutally murdered on July 20, 2021, inside a residence in a posh area of Islamabad. Following the investigation, the local Islamabad court sentenced Zahir Jaffer to death on February 24, 2022, after finding him guilty of the crime. Jaffer subsequently filed an appeal in the Supreme Court, which was rejected on May 20, 2025, with the death sentence confirmed.

After the rejection, Jaffer filed a review petition seeking reconsideration of the sentence. The Supreme Court heard the petition for four hours, with his lawyer Khawaja Haris presenting arguments, while Advocate Shah Khawar represented the parents of Noor Mukadam.

During the hearing, Khawaja Haris argued that although Jaffer was present at the scene of the crime, his mental state at the time was not stable. He cited medical records showing that Jaffer was being treated for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression, and was administered medications while in jail during the trial.

Chief Justice Ashtiaq Ibrahim inquired about the timeline of Jaffer’s treatment, asking whether he was under treatment at the time of the crime. Justice Salahuddin Panhwar further questioned which doctor had treated him and noted that his medical history during school, college, and university should also be presented.

Khawaja Haris presented a letter from the Harley Street Clinic in London, dated 2022, in support of his client’s mental health claims. Justice Panhwar questioned whether Jaffer had personally obtained this document after the incident, highlighting inconsistencies in the defense’s argument.

The defense also noted that a medical board had been requested during the trial to assess Jaffer’s mental health, but this was rejected. Haris clarified that the review petition sought a reconsideration of the merits, not a retrial, emphasizing that the court should have fully considered all facts when awarding the death sentence.

Justice Hashim Kakr responded critically, remarking that if competent defense counsel had represented Jaffer from the start, he would not be facing the current situation. The court rejected the defense’s request to adjourn the hearing and resumed arguments after a brief recess.

After considering all arguments, the Supreme Court dismissed the review petition and upheld Zahir Jaffer’s death sentence, maintaining the previous verdict.