Azad Kashmir Spectator

Rawalakot : 10 alleged terrorists have been arrested by Rawalakot police in a search operation today. Operation was conducted on the basis of information provided by some undisclosed persons which was later verified by security agencies. SP poonch Riaz Bukhari told the news that the alleged terrorists were arrested from a house from the town area "Kasai Gali" in Rawalakot. 7 of those 10 belong to Swat, Pakistan and 3 are the local people. It's said that they were also involved in the terror activities that took place last year in Rawalakot and adjoining areas. Police told that further actions will be taken on the basis of information provided by these alleged persons.

New Delhi, March 26: India will not want Shahid Afridi’s boys to prolong their stay in the country by winning Wednesday’s match, but some others from across the frontier are welcome to longer visits.

New Delhi today “unilaterally” eased travel restrictions across the Line of Control (LoC) to increase people-to-people contact.

Visitors from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (Azad Kashmir) can now stay in Jammu and Kashmir for up to six months and will be allowed multiple entries, the foreign office said.

The move comes a day after Manmohan Singh invited Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to watch the March 30 India-Pakistan World Cup semi-final at Mohali. Gilani and his wife are likely to come although an official confirmation is awaited from Islamabad.

Till now, the entry permit for cross-LoC travel remained valid for four weeks, with a provision for a two-week extension at the discretion of the Jammu and Kashmir government.

A further two weeks could be added in case of health or family emergencies if the foreign ministry and the state government so recommended.

The multiple-entry offer, too, is new: only one-time travel was allowed across the LoC on a single permit.

A foreign ministry statement said: “To encourage more people-to-people contact across the Line of Control, the Government of India has unilaterally decided to increase the stay period for the persons visiting Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (Azad Kashmir) to six months with multiple entries.”

At their meeting in Thimphu in February, the two countries’ foreign secretaries had agreed that their governments should take steps to increase people-to-people contact.

Nirupama Rao and Salman Bashir had also agreed that the two sides should resume dialogue on all issues, and that Bashir would visit India by July to review with Rao “the progress in the dialogue process”.

That meeting is to be followed by one between the two foreign ministers. But before all this, the two countries will have their bureaucrats meet and discuss a range of issues.

These include “counter-terrorism (including progress on the 26/11 trial in Pakistan), humanitarian issues, peace and security, including confidence-building measures, Jammu and Kashmir, promotion of friendly exchanges, Siachen, economic issues, the Wullar Barrage and Tulbul navigation project, and Sir Creek”.

As part of this “comprehensive dialogue”, the two home secretaries are scheduled to meet in New Delhi on March 28-29, that is, on the eve of the World Cup semi-final.

Sources said Singh might take the opportunity to discuss with Gilani, on the sidelines of the match, what “deliverables” can be achieved by July. More so, because the bureaucratic talks may become long-drawn given that both countries have lobbies opposed to the resumption of the dialogue process.

A young Pakistani fan at the Wagah border on Saturday. He is on his way to Mohali to cheer his team in the March 30 semi-final. (PTI)

Yesterday 447 bottles of Wine were confiscated by AJK Police from Rawalakot area during a search operation.  The alleged Abdul Shakoor has been arrested and investigation has been started. Police told that the alleged person was also involved in the dealings on illegal weapons and is doubted to be also involved in a theft case which took place last week. It's a great achievement from the AJK police and it really deserves an applaud.

MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif has said that the dictators had betrayed to the people of Pakistan, Geo News reported. Addressing a public gathering here on Sunday, Nawaz Sharif severely criticized the politicians for supporting the dictators. Nawaz Sharif while addressing, formally announced launching of PML-N AJK. He said that PML-N is a revolutionary party. He himself is an innovative person, he said and added that PML-N is a sign of revolution. Those who had been talking about the revolution supported dictators, he said and asked why 50 people were killed in Karachi on May 12?. Nawaz came hard on the politicians saying that those who were talking about the resolution supported dictator at the time of Lal Masjid operation and in derailing of judiciary. PML-N chief further said that at the time of earthquake in AJK he was in Jeddah. He was intended to come back to Muzaffarabad but a person who is not present in the country stopped him. Nawaz Sharif stated that he is friend Pakistan not the companion of President Asif Ali Zardari. He further said that President Zardari was voted by those who had been talking about revolution, adding that PML-N did not support him.

The Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan said that Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas fixed a goal for the Muslims of Subcontinent which gave a guarantee of their freedom and self respect. Under the leadership of Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas, Muslim Conference passed a resolution of the affiliation of Kashmir with Pakistan and had chosen a bright destiny for the Muslim of this state. The Prime Minister further said, “While celebrating the death anniversary of our leader we should think about self accountability whether we are following the directions of our leader or we have gone astray. Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas made Muslims of the state of Jammu and Kashmir aware of the value of freedom and taught them the triumphs of their ancestors. Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas was a man of principles, staunch politician, saint and a sympathetic person. It is our moral duty to complete the mission of our leader. Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas attributed his life for the affiliation of Kashmir with Pakistan. Muslim Conference is not only a political party but also a name of theory which was established before Pakistan came into being. Muslim Conference is the custodian of the affiliation of Kashmir with Pakistan and the blood of Kashmiri martyrs. The workers of Muslim Conference should play their role for the resolution of Kashmir. Soon Kashmir will become free and will become a part of Pakistan. The peace of nuclear South Asia is greatly related to the resolution of Kashmir issue and the peace of world is related to the peace of South Asia. India should accept geographical facts and should leave the policy of repression and aggression. India cannot resolve Kashmir issue by force or by frightening Kashmiri leadership. India should fulfill her promise made in the United Nations and should give Kashmiris their right of self-determination according to the accepted resolutions of United Nations. Indian government should keep in mind that Kashmiris have been struggling for their right of self-determination for the last 63 years and would never with draw from their birth right. More than six hundred thousand Kashmiris have been martyred in freedom struggle. The resolution of Kashmir issue is drawing near and it has become difficult for India to prolong her tyranny in Kashmir”. The Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan expressed these views in his message broad cased by three radio stations on the annual death ceremony of the Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas on Saturday.

 Head of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Mian Nawaz shareef has given the green signal for the formation and launching of PML(N) in Azad Kashmir. According to reports, Nawaz shareef is expected to visit Muzaffarabad with in a week where he would formally announce the formation of PML(N). Quarters had been busy in effort to launch PML(N) since past one year but Green signal from Nawaz shareef was awiated. Notable people which would be a part of PML(N) are Ex-Prime Minister and President Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan, Raja Farooq Haider Khan, Minister Abdul Majid, Shah Ghulam Qadir and many more. PML(N) would be quite strong in Kotli and in few constituencies of Muzaffarabad but it would face a tough challenge in rest of AJK. Lets see what comes out in the coming one month.

 

Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Azad Kashmir, Sardar Ejaz Afzal told "Rabta Committee" of Mutahidda Majles-e-Amal (MMA) that he is not going to contest elections this time. Few quarters are trying to revive MMA in Azad Kashmir and in an effort for that they contacted Ejaz afzal. Ejaz Afzal has already announced that he is not going to contest elections this time and his aides report that he will probably Support Sardar Khalid Ibrahim Khan in coming election from his constituency. If Sardar Ejaz Afzal doesn't contest, Sardar Khalid Ibrahim is going for an  obvious victory this time.

Ex-Prime Minister of AJK Sardar Yaqoob Khan Joined Pakistan People's Party after a long session of contemplation. Formal announcement was made today in Islamabad in the presence of all senior political leadership of PPP AJK , Manzoor Watto and Faryal Talpoor. Yaqoob khan won his first election from the ticket of Muslim Conference in 2001. In 2006, he contested from the platform of friends group and won the seat. He was elected Prime Minister and he remained so for 9 months. This is the third time he changed his political Party. This shows that this person has no political ideology and he just pursues the status, seat and power. Alas, People will still vote for him. I wonder when will the people of AJK learn to use their vote in right way.

Pakistani Flag Hoisted in Department of Law, The University of Kashmir Srinagar on December 15, 2010






Pakistani Flag Hoisted in Department of Law, The University of Kashmir Srinagar on December 15, 2010

Ex-Prime Minister of AJK Sardar Yaqoob khan couldn't decide yet which side to join. He left the Muslim conference after he was thrown out of Premiership by his own party members and joined friends group. He has been approached by Pakistan People's party recently when Barrister Sultan met him at his residence in Rawalakot. He is also in contacts with Sikander Hayat Group and there is possibility that if PML(N) is launched in AJK, he might join that. Muslims Conference also wants to make some deal with Yaqoob khan regarding future's status and wants to get him back into party. Yaqoob Khan is following the strategy of "wait and see" and  watching the see-saw of the politics. One thing is almost clear that the people like Yaqoob khan follow no ideology and are real "Lotas" in AJK politics.He only pursue the Power and Seat. I wonder how would people still go for voting him in coming elections.

Begum shamshad aziz, Wife of General Aziz Khan (Rtd) of Palandri, also joined Pakistan people's Party (PPP) a day ago. She made a formal announcement here in Islamabad on 14th of december. According to reports, it is said that Begum shamshad aziz would apply for the ticket of Pakistan People's party form constituency LA 20, Poonch 4, which is also the stronghold of Sardar Khalid Ibrahim Khan and Sardar Syab Khalid Khan. At Present, the decision of Begum Shamshad Aziz looks quite unwise and without a massive rigging in elections, it's almost impossible for her to win that constituency.

With the rejoining of Barrister Sultan Mehmood chaudhary, a tug-of -war has started with in the Pakistan People's party. A faction of workers is not happy with the come back of Barrister Sultan. Lobbying has been started in party by both the strong groups, first one of Chaudhary Majeed and other one of Sultan Mehmood. Both are trying to gatter maximum strength to become a feasible candidate for the premiership. Barrister Sultan met Sardar Yaqoob khan yesterday at later's residence in Rawalakot and invited him to join Pakistan people's party.

MUZAFFARABAD : Ex-Prime Minister of AJK Raja Farooq Haider demanded representation of AJK government in NFC awards of Pakistan. He further demanded to increase the budget of AJK government. He was talking to the convention of Central bar association here in Muzaffarabad. MLA Naureen Arif was also present at the moment. He asked lawyers to lead the nation in a better way. Judiciary is responsible for providing speedy justice and if it would not fulfill its responsibility, it would be impossible to eradicate the corruption from the society. He also demanded to return 50 billion rupees for earthquake victims from Pakistan government.

President of People's Muslim League Azad Kashmir and Ex- Prime Minister of AJk Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhary Rejoined Pakistan People's party Azad Kashmir. Quarters from PPP were trying since a lot time to get him back in party and they did so. Formal announcement was made in Islamabad last evening in presence of Faryal Talpur (Zardari's sister) at Zardari House. Leaders and Political workers of PPP welcomed this decision and appreciated him. While talking to Press Barrister Sultan said that PPP was his own house and he returned to his own home. He said that now he would work with more spirit as a political worker. It must be noted that he made his own party "people's Muslim league" before last elections due to the differences with party leadership.

Students of The university of Kashmir, Srinagar today hoisted Flag of Pakistan inside the campus, despite of all the fear and hurdles created by the Indian forces in Kashmir. According to reports the incident took place near the department of law of Kashmir University Srinagar.

Complaints of Flu, Cough and chest infections are increasing day by day as the dry winter season prevails in Azad Kashmir. According to reports, hospitals are receiving increased cases of Flu, Cough and chest problems particularly in areas of Rawalakot, Bagh, Muzaffarabad and Palandri. Children are particularly victims of these infectious problems.

After the statements of various political leaders regarding the formal announcement of launching of Pakistan Muslim league (Nawaz) in Azad Kashmir after Ashura, Prime Minister AJK Sardar Ateeq Held an immediate meeting with Minister Kashmir Affairs Mian Manzoor Ahmed Watto and discussed about the latest political scenario in AJK. The formation was an alliance with other political parties was also discussed in the meeting. It is expected that Muslim conference and Pakistan People's party makes a coalition, seat-to-seat adjustment or a limited coalition to stop the way of PML(N) from coming into the government. Formation of PML(N) has threatened the position of all the political entities in Azad Kashmir.

President Jammu Kashmir Peoples Party, Sardar Khalid Ibrahim Khan and Ameer of Jammat-e-Islami Abdul Rasheed Tarabi met yesterday Regarding the issue of coalition between two stated parties in coming elections. Both the parties are expected to reach to a consensus on seat-to-seat adjustment in elections. Jammu Kashmir people's party, under the leadership of Khalid Ibrahim has emerged as a growing strength and is expected to give tough time to rivals in many constituencies of Poonch, Bagh, Sudhnuti and Muzaffarabad in coming election. Many Political heads are approaching Sardar Khalid Ibrahim in this regard but no decision has been finalized yet.