PDP reasserts self-rule demand, fields Irtiqa in key role on foundation day
'PDP was never meant to be just another party… We stood for self-rule… We believed that peace in South Asia runs through the hearts of the people of J&K, and not over their heads,' the party said a day before its foundation day.
Since unveiling its self-rule doctrine in 2008, which proposed cross-LoC economic integration and a dual currency system between J&K and PoK, the party has carved a distinct political path. Unlike most regional parties that have focused on restoring statehood following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, PDP has consistently called for full restoration of the article — and now appears intent on re-centring the political discourse around its self-rule narrative, sources said.
Delivering the official message this year was Irtiqa Mufti, US-educated eldest daughter of party president
Mehbooba Mufti
. Irtiqa, who edits PDP's monthly mouthpiece Speak Up, said the party's foundation day was a moment to 'reflect on the idea that gave birth to PDP'.
'In 1999, my grandfather Mufti Mohammad Sayeed founded this party with the belief that the people of J&K deserve dignity, dialogue, and democratic rights,' she said in her widely circulated message.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
No annual fees for life
UnionBank Credit Card
Apply Now
Undo
Her appearance has fuelled speculation of her entry into politics, especially as her younger sister Iltija Mufti has been a prominent voice since 2019. However, PDP spokesperson Mohit Bhan said Irtiqa's current role remains within the party's communications team.
Irtiqa has gradually stepped into the public sphere over the past few months, mirroring the political ascent once made by Iltija. Sunday's message marked her most visible role yet.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
13 minutes ago
- News18
PM Modi Says Opposition Is Regretting Op Sindoor Debate, Mentions Kashmir On Art 370 Anniversary
Curated By : Last Updated: August 05, 2025, 11:01 IST File photo PM Modi in Lok Sabha. (Sansad TV) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, marking the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, and used the occasion to hit out at the Opposition for 'misplaying" its hand during the recent debate on Operation Sindoor. 'On August 5, we abrogated Article 370. On August 5, we laid the foundation of the Ram Mandir. And now, on August 5, look at the Opposition, where else will you find such an Opposition that hurts its own foot by demanding a debate on Operation Sindoor?" the Prime Minister said, in a sharp jibe. Referring to the security situation in Kashmir, he reiterated that while the Opposition frequently speaks of the Constitution, it was the BJP-led NDA government that truly applied the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir by removing Article 370, a move that integrated the region fully with the Indian Union. 'They speak about the Constitution, but never allowed it to be fully implemented in J&K," he said. Operation Sindoor Debate Backfires On Opposition: PM Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Prime Minister claimed the Opposition had miscalculated by pushing for a debate on Operation Sindoor, India's retaliatory strike on terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK following the Pahalgam terror attack. 'The Opposition insisted on a debate. But they got thrashed in the discussion, and now they must be regretting it. They lost the chance to corner the government and instead exposed their lack of coherence and national perspective," he said. News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More view comments News india PM Modi Says Opposition Is Regretting Op Sindoor Debate, Mentions Kashmir On Art 370 Anniversary Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Read More
Time of India
26 minutes ago
- Time of India
Tariff threat: Congress's ‘dost dost na raha' swipe at PM Modi; mocks ‘Howdy Modi', ‘Namaste Trump' events
File photo of PM Modi and Donald Trump (Pic credit: ANI) NEW DELHI: Congress on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on PM Modi, mocking the much-touted "special bond" between him and US President, following Donald Trump's latest threat to raise tariffs on India over its continued oil imports from Russia. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, in a scathing statement laced with sarcasm and Bollywood references, said the so-called "friendship" with Trump had now become "very expensive" for India. "There is a popular song 'Dost dost na raha'. PM must also know the song. 'Dost dost na raha, Trump yaar hamein tera aitbaar na raha'," Ramesh said. Ramesh did not hold back as he reminded the public of previous high-profile events like 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump'. "They conducted 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump'. They said 'Abki baar Trump sarkar'. There were photo ops. Our EAM was sitting in the first row during the inauguration of President Trump. Claims were made that the PM shares a special bond with President Trump, that they are old is the result of all of it? Threats of increased tariffs are being made," he said. Trump, in a post on Truth Social on Monday, accused India of buying large quantities of Russian oil and reselling it on the open market for profit, vowing to substantially raise tariffs on Indian goods. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pierce Brosnan's Wife Lost 120 Pounds - This Is Her Now Undo The ministry of external affairs (MEA) has since issued a strong rebuttal, defending India's right to shape its energy policy based on national interest. Ramesh also aimed at PM Modi's silence when Trump controversially claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. "He said this 32-33 times. PM did not say anything on this. MEA has issued a statement now, but it is clear that our relations with the US have deteriorated," Ramesh said. "Today, CAP - China, America and Pakistan have become a challenge for us," he added.
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Far-right German MP's ex-aide on trial for spying for China
Jian G, German MP's ex-aide on trial for spying for China (AP) DRESDEN: A German court will on Tuesday launch the trial of two suspected spies for China, one of whom worked as an assistant to the far-right lawmaker Maximilian Krah. The German national, partially identified as Jian G., allegedly worked for Chinese intelligence from 2002, including while he was an aide to the Alternative for Germany (AfD) MEP Krah between 2019 and 2024. Jian G. is accused by prosecutors in Dresden of using that position to pass on information about debates and decisions at the European Parliament, as well as some documents deemed highly sensitive. He is also suspected of being the handler for a second alleged operative, Chinese national Yaqi X., who is accused of spying on elements of the German arms industry. Jian G. is also suspected of gathering intelligence on leading AfD politicians and spying on Chinese dissidents in Germany. This included posing as an opponent of the Chinese government on social media in order to gain contacts in the opposition scene. The second defendant, Yaqi X., worked at a company which provided Leipzig airport with logistics services and is accused of helping Jian G. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 25 Best Cities for Living Undo access information on flights and passengers. The information she passed on focused on flights transporting defence equipment and "people with links to a German arms company". According to German media reports, she particularly targeted arms giant Rheinmetall, which is involved in making Leopard tanks and which uses Leipzig airport for cargo flights. Both defendants have been in detention since they were arrested last year. The trial could be particularly embarrassing for the AfD if it leads to the information Jian G. collected on the party becoming public. According to news weekly Der Spiegel, investigators have seized records that Jian G. kept of conversations with Krah and other AfD politicians in which they discussed the private life of party co-leader Alice Weidel and alleged power struggles with her colleague Tino Chrupalla. Krah denied to the magazine ever having discussed such matters with Jian G. Krah was the AfD's top candidate in last year's European elections, but was excluded from its delegation after comments in which he minimised the crimes of the Nazis' notorious SS. However, he was welcomed back into the AfD fold for this year's German general election and now sits as one of the party's MPs in the Bundestag. The trial is expected to last until the end of September and Krah himself has been called to appear as a witness. Krah is also being investigated by prosecutors in Dresden on suspicion of money laundering and corruption during his time as a member of the European Parliament. According to Der Spiegel, between 2019 and 2023 he received more than 50,000 euros ($57,900) in payments from firms linked to Jian G. Krah denies all wrongdoing and says the accusations against him are "politically motivated".
