Latest news with #AzadJammuandKashmir
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM asks provinces, AJK & GB to partner for cashless economy
ISLAMABAD: In a clear message to the provinces, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed all provincial governments, including those of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), to fully cooperate with the federal government in advancing the ambitious plan for the digitisation of the economy and the promotion of a cashless economy. The prime minister, while chairing a weekly review meeting on the transition to a cashless and digital economy, warned that the transformation plan must not be treated as an optional exercise. He underscored that digitisation was not merely a matter of convenience – it was a matter of national transparency, economic efficiency, and global competitiveness. Govt pushes for cashless economy 'The aim is to make citizens' lives easier, not costlier,' the prime minister said, as he emphasised that the masses must not bear any financial burden during the transition. But behind the soft phrasing was a firm directive: federal plans must move forward swiftly, and all governments – central or provincial – must fall in step. Signalling impatience with bureaucratic foot-dragging, Sharif called for 'meaningful consultation' with stakeholders to be institutionalised – not delayed under the guise of process. He said that clear timelines must be met and insisted that collaboration across federal and provincial lines was non-negotiable. Officials briefing the prime minister said that the groundwork for the digital economy architecture was nearly complete. The National Digital Commission and Pakistan Digital Authority have been established, and rules of operation have been finalised. Appointments to the authority are said to be in their final stages. In what appears to be a signal that the plan is entering an operational phase, the Merchant Onboarding Framework – a critical step for enabling digital payments – was formally launched on July 25. The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Planning Minister AhsanIqbal, IT Minister Shaza Fatima, and State Minister for Finance Bilal Kayani, as well as chief secretaries from all provinces and territories, and senior government officials. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
AJK govt 'failed to shoulder' Kashmir cause: Gilani
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has failed to shoulder the "higher burden of responsibilities" regarding the Kashmir dispute and the ongoing freedom movement in the valley. These views were expressed by Dr Syed Nazir Gilani, chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Council for Human Rights, in a special conversation with this correspondent here on Sunday. He noted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir were the primary party in the plebiscite, with Pakistan as the second party. He added that the 1974 Act, essentially amounted to the annexation of AJK to Pakistan. Unfortunately, the AJK government has "miserably failed" to extend this annexation to the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), he added. Dr Gilani argued that if the AJK government had succeeded in uniting people from all segments in IIOJK, particularly Kashmiri Pandits, Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists, around the demand for the right to self-determination, it would have facilitated the annexation of the entire Jammu and Kashmir region to Pakistan through a vote. This, in turn, would have expanded Pakistan's influence among Kashmiris and been reflected in the plebiscite with a vote in Pakistan's favour. However, he maintained that the AJK government not only failed to fulfil its responsibilities regarding the freedom of IIOJK, but also fell short in expanding the scope of the Kashmiris' affiliation with Pakistan.
Business Recorder
17-07-2025
- Climate
- Business Recorder
NDMA reports 54 more deaths in rain-related incidents, warns of urban flooding
Torrential rainfall across Pakistan has resulted in widespread havoc, with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reporting a grim toll of 178 fatalities and 491 injuries since June 26, while warning of urban flooding in various parts of the country. According to the fresh figures released by the NDMA, 54 deaths and 227 injuries have happened in rain-related incidents in the past 24 hours. In addition to the loss of human lives, 678 houses have been damaged and 126 livestock died. A province-wise breakdown of total fatalities since June 26 is as follows: Punjab 103 deaths, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 38, Sindh 20, Balochistan 16 and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) 1 death. The NDMA confirmed that all reported incidents were a direct consequence of the ongoing heavy torrential rainfall. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and coordinate relief efforts in affected areas. Meanwhile, the NDMA has warned of urban flooding and rising water levels in seasonal streams and rivers across multiple regions of Pakistan due to expected heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours. The public has been advised to stay informed through official channels, including the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App. The NDMA spokesman said the NDMA, along with relevant agencies, is taking proactive measures to manage any potential emergency. The authority has urged the public to exercise extreme caution amid heavy rain forecasts and potential flooding. Citizens are advised to avoid crossing nullahs, bridges, and submerged roads, and residents in low-lying areas should relocate valuables and livestock to safer ground. People in vulnerable zones are encouraged to prepare emergency kits with food, water, and medicines for three to five days. Local administrations have been directed to keep drainage machinery ready, while residents are advised to stay updated through official alerts on TV and mobile platforms. According to the alert, Rawalpindi and Islamabad are expected to experience intermittent torrential rainfall over the next 24 to 48 hours. The NDMA has cautioned that the intense downpour may lead to a surge in Nullah Leh, posing a serious risk of flooding in low-lying areas. The disaster management authority has advised twin cities residents, especially those residing near Nullah Leh, to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures, and evacuate vulnerable locations if sirens are sounded. Citizens have also been urged to cooperate fully with relevant departments during any emergency response. Severe rain, accompanied by windstorms and thunderstorms, is highly likely within the next 12 hours across several districts of Punjab, including Lahore, Chakwal, Attock, Jhelum, Khushab, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Hafizabad. The NDMA has instructed all relevant departments to implement advance preparedness measures to effectively manage any potential emergency.
Business Recorder
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
AJK PM pays tribute to Kashmiri martyrs for their role in freedom
ISLAMABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister (PM) Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq on Sunday recognised the courage of the Kashmiri martyrs of 13 July, emphasizing that their sacrifice formed the bedrock of the Kashmiri freedom movement, a fight that will endure. In an exclusive conversation with a local news channel, he emphasised that the spirit of resistance shown by the martyrs continues to inspire generations of Kashmiris. He urged the international community to acknowledge the Kashmiris' legitimate right to self-determination and called for renewed efforts to resolve the longstanding conflict through peaceful dialogue. Anwar ul Haq further reaffirmed that the struggle for Kashmir's freedom is a collective responsibility that will carry on until justice is achieved. Responding a query, he also warned that India's brutality shows no signs of abating, despite the courageous response from our Shaheen brave Pakistani armed forces. He stressed that if such aggression is not stopped, it will only lead to further escalation and intensified resistance from the Kashmiri people. He warned that if such aggression persists, it will only harden the resolve of Kashmiris, escalate their struggle for freedom and provoke a fierce and uncompromising response from Pakistan's armed forces. He also held India responsible for the ongoing bloodshed and violence in Balochistan, accusing it of fueling unrest and destabilizing the region through covert operations. He warned that such interference not only threatens regional peace but also undermines the sovereignty and security of neighboring countries, calling on the international community to take notice and hold India accountable for its actions.
Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Rallies, seminars mark Kashmir Martyrs Day
Various rallies were organised by different religious and political parties to celebrate Kashmir Day. PHOTOS: AGENCIES Kashmiris living on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), and across the world, observed the Kashmir Martyrs' Day on Sunday to pay tributes to the martyrs of July 13, 1931 massacre, and all those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. The day was marked by a complete shutdown in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and a march towards the Martyrs' Graveyard at Naqashband Sahib in Srinagar, where the 22 martyrs of July 13, 1931 tragedy, are laid to rest. To honour the martyrs, rallies, seminars, and conferences were organised by the Kashmiri organisations in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan, and major capitals across the world. In Muzaffarabad, a smartly-turned-out Police contingent presented salute at the Shuhada Monument in the morning as a mark of respect to the Shuhada. The Pasban-e-Hurriatyat also arranged a protest rally at Burhan Wani Shaheed Chowk. Later in the day, the Kashmir Liberation Cell in collaboration with All Parties Hurriyat Conference AJK Chapter arranged a public gathering followed by a mass rally in Muzaffarabad. Meanwhile, President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan's political, moral, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people in their separate messages on the occasion of Kashmir Martyrs' Day. President Zardari lauded the unwavering courage, determination, and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, who resisted the Indian occupation for decades and continued their struggle for self-determination. "Pakistan pays tribute to the bravery, determination and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, who have stood firm against Indian rule for decades and continue to struggle for their freedom," he said. "The great struggle that the Kashmiri people are carrying forward today is a continuation of the sacrifices of these 22 martyrs. The candle of freedom that their sacrifice lit in the hearts of the Kashmiri nation is still burning brightly today." He urged the international community and human rights organisations to take immediate notice of the Indian-state terrorism and grave human rights abuses in the occupied territory. "Pakistan will continue to provide political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri brothers until they achieve their right to self-determination in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council," he concluded. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, said that the people of Kashmir had continued to sacrifice their lives in pursuit of their legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination. "Today, the government of Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to the resolution of the Kashmir issue and the right of self-determination of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with United Nations resolutions," he said. (WITH INPUT FROM RADIO PAKISTAN)
