Daily Diary (DD) - Day 255 of 2025

2207hrs:

Routine haywire once more. Yesterday was an energetic day beginning at 0700hrs and going beyond midnight.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 254 of 2025

1113hrs:

Have returned to Kotli courts today after a week of absence. Since the 19th of June 2021 when we were released on bail (on appeal of our sentence in the famous Pakistani flag case in Maqbool Bhat Shaheed Square reference 21 August 2020) and today we attended our appeal date for the first time since being released. The case was immediately adjourned to the 14th of October 2025 (next month).

There is another case on our back. This time based on a complaint by my paternal uncle. The details of the case have been logged on the 29th of July 2025 and duly responded to on that date. However, as the inhumane system we live in does not like formal written communication - seeing it as an impediment to their endemically corrupt practices - they've not responded to my written communication and instead have sent me another summons yesterday, threatening to issue a warrant if I don't attend. Here's the summons:

I will be discussing this matter with the Deputy Commissioner shortly. Let's see what he has to say. I will of course keep you all posted.

....       

(Update: 1400hrs at DC Office)

I've just had a reasonably thorough discussion with the DC (Kotli) Nasir Rafiq of Tain in Poonch. We have very different views on what constitutes legality and what doesn't. In any case, he has taken the written letter that I sent to the Tehsildar on the 29th of July 2025 as referenced with a hyperlink above. Here's a receipt from his office confirming that he has received it:

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 253 of 2025

0914hrs:

At least I got to sleep last night and woke up at 0700hrs today but still nowhere near the optimum day that I'm targeting. Will try again and again until I succeed.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 252 of 2025

0322hrs:

This is more like it, although if I had gone to sleep yesterday evening at 2000hrs and just woke up, the timing of today's weblog would have been more authentic.

It has always been authenticity that I have searched and strived for in 2 decades and counting. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 251 of 2025

0958hrs:

A better start but I need to get back to 0300hrs. 

Still in Dadyaal.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 250 of 2025

1853hrs:

Late again today. Travelled to Dadyaal though no excuse.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 249 of 2025

1409hrs:

Better than yesterday but still suffering from the effects of that lapse yesterday. Today was a public holiday on account of the beloved prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and thus a form of reprieve has been bestowed on us, in the shape of a free weekend.

We remember through both written and oral history how our co-citizens from other faiths would also participate in such events to commemorate the holy prophet of Islam's birth. 

We must make the most of this weekend to prepare for the next stage of attrition. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 248 of 2025

2014hrs:

A great lapse in these past 24 hours, to the extent that yesterday evening's X Space was not delivered. A lapse that broke a 1,055 day daily record of delivering a Space came what may.

I couldn't proceed to Kotli for what should have been Day 3 of 'Awaami Adaalat' District Kotli either.

We may still recover to make amends but the margin for error is now almost zero.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 247 of 2025

0309hrs:

Back at home after a 2 day excursion. So, this time has to be the time to share thoughts that are for public consumption. 

We are entering the last few laps of a very long marathon and we will pick up speed as required at this stage.

Today is also Day 2 of Awaami Adaalat - District Kotli. A daily photo will also feature in due course. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 246 of 2025

0311hrs:

This will have to be a regular time as if dear life itself depended on it, with now only 120 days to go in what should go down as a bullish year.

....

I witnessed a very concerning level of rain yesterday evening while driving from Nikyaal to Kotli. We must respect nature like never before. Foreign militaries of all colours should take note too.

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The 3rd of September Public Statement 

(to the people of AJK in particular and JKA in general)

As a patriot of my motherland (Dharti Maa) I've worked pro bono (voluntarily conducted independent action-oriented public policy research in public interest - free of charge by devoting an average of 16 hours a day) for over 2 decades, for and with my fellow co-citizens, who are all equally entitled to determine their own future as referenced by international law.

Even at this stage, over 99% of our population (inheritors of the hitherto autocratic State of Jammu & Kashmir pre 1947) are yet to understand the value of independent research: as witnessed by this devoted, focussed, un-interrupted and un-compromising patriot.

If this matter is not addressed by this referenced and documented population - in these 120 days before the end of this bullish year of 2025 - it will most likely be too late to address it ever again - given the practical barriers to self-determination - structured with the complicit approval of the 'international community' as many among this population perceive.       

It will also terminate this voluntary contract as a fellow Owner (Maalik) & Inheritor (Waaris) of the territory that 'I' (Tanveer Ahmed s/o Khan Muhammad Rafique) has operated in as 'we' - to fulfil conditions of public interest - in the shape of JKA PUBLIC AGENCY, have inclusively revised as Jammu Kashmir & Allied (areas) or JKA for short.   

#PopularSovereignty

#DirectDemocracy

JKA PUBLIC AGENCY Note: #E212803092025

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 245 of 2025

0316hrs:

I'm counting down the days left in the year, as well as automatically counting the days already behind us this year, courtesy this daily weblog.

Inclusive of today, there are still 121 days left. If I manage to get up at 0300hrs every morning and sleep at 2000hrs (8pm) every evening until the end of this year, then I can guarantee that there will be fireworks in this region.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 244 of 2025

0957hrs:

A little over 121 days remain to make a breakthrough in #RightsMovementAJK to the extent of giving solid shape to a genuinely free government in AJK.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 243 of 2025

1127hrs:

Better than yesterday for a start. Another journey beckons today.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 242 of 2025

1411hrs:

Today should be the day that my daily routine finally plugs into the right groove. There isn't any room for error remaining, given that there are only 123 days left this year.

....

Matters in Rawalakot are still at a standstill as the city moves into its second day of a publicly enforced lockdown over arrests of students since August the 13th, whereby some fellow students continue their hunger strike till death.

Update (2055hrs):

The students were released at around midday, after all that battle of attrition over the past so many days. Normalcy returns to the region for the moment.

.... 

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 241 of 2025

1444hrs:

A very lax past 24 hours, reflected in the timing of today's post which is even later than yesterday.

Family commitments have kept me engaged otherwise, although that can never be an excuse to not conduct all daily duties in a timely manner.

....

I was requested to draft a brief summary of the people's narrative from a historical perspective up to the present day; for the purposes of politicians, diplomats and other monitors of this territory that we describe as Jammu Kashmir & Allied (areas) or JKA for short:

The Terms ‘Jammu’ & ‘Kashmir’

Although written history can be traced back at least a couple of thousand years, the terms ‘Jammu’ & ‘Kashmir’ came together at the ‘Treaty of Amritsar’ on the 16th of March 1846, emerging as a result of the ‘Treaty of Lahore’ a week earlier. These were a series of events that signalled the downfall of the Ranjeet Singh era and the ascendancy of the British Indian colonial empire.

Both regions being adjacent to each other (viz. Jammu & Kashmir), one can trace a fluidity (like many other parts of the world) whereby each region in different eras would have had a different shape depending on its influence and relative power. No doubt, the term ‘Kashmir’ has been more widely known and used throughout history compared to ‘Jammu’.  

A lot of modern historians have tended to classify the history of the region using the terminology of religious identity. For example, there was a Hindu era pre Buddhist era (3rd century BCE to the 8th century CE) before another Hindu era emerged in the 8th century. Thereafter began the Muslim era in the 14th century viz. 1320 CE.  

Throughout history, the region has generally remained independent and this is exemplified through the writings of Pandit Kalhana in Rajatarangini (The chronological history of Kings) first published in 1148-49 CE. This historical account is generally described as the first of such in the whole Indian sub-continent & surrounding areas.

Pushing forward towards the modern day, it is generally noted by historians that the region of Kashmir lost its independence to the ascendant Mughal Indian empire in 1586 CE, followed by the Afghans who ruled this region from 1752 to 1819 before Sikh rule under Ranjeet Singh coincided with the gradual accumulation of territory by Gulab Singh, using Jammu as his power base. 

Birth of the State of Jammu & Kashmir

This is what then led to the formation of the State of Jammu & Kashmir (Referred to as J & K here on) in 1846, under British suzerainty.

Gulab Singh of Jammu and his family had prospered under Sikh Rule, signified by accumulation of territory up to Tibet (Ladakh), including Baltistan and other areas surrounding what is the Kashmir Valley. With the demise of Ranjeet Singh in 1838 began a series of in-fighting over succession and as the family of Gulab Singh also got caught up in these intrigues, they gradually made distance from what was left of the Sikh Empire and transferred their allegiance to the ascendant British colonial power. These events eventually facilitated the Treaty of Amritsar in 1846 (upon defeat of the remnants of the Sikh Empire by the British) as a quid pro quo between Gulab Singh and the British.

In turn, what was now termed as ‘Dogra Rule’ (indicating the region of Jammu where Gulab Singh and his successors originated from) developed their rule over what became c. 85,000 square miles of territory, including the regions of Gilgit Baltistan, Ladakh, the Kashmir Valley, Aksai Chin (Tibet Ha adjacent to the territory of Tibet), Jammu and what is today AJK (essentially splintered from the regions of the Kashmir Valley & Jammu).        

Although rule between 1846 and 1947 remained autocratic and harsh by some accounts, it remained consistent and stable. By the emergence of the 3rd successor to Gulab Singh (after his son Ranbir Singh followed in turn by his son Pratap Singh) Hari Singh was the nephew of Pratap SIngh (as the latter didn’t have any children) and was comparatively modern minded, introducing various socio-economic reforms including a definition of citizenship (State Subject Rule 20 April 1927), compulsory education and the introduction of a parliament (conducting 3 elections between 1934 and 1947 albeit with limited adult franchise). It is also important to note that bilateral agreements made between the State of J & K and British India were more balanced in terms & conditions while being protective of the territory of J & K, compared to all agreements made between post 1947 politicians and India & Pakistan. Examples include the Upper Jhelum Water Canal Agreement of 1904 and the Gilgit Lease Agreement of 1935.

It is also important to acknowledge that the public (or subjects under an autocratic dynasty) played a significant part in activism which led to some of the reforms described above.

Failure or Success of Outside Intervention?

It is within this framework ‘autocracy vs democracy’ that the rights movement pre 1947 should be understood rather than from a religious identity prism (viz. Hindu autocrat vs Muslim majority subjects), which tends to play into the 2 nation theory that the British colonial setup worked so successfully to establish post 1857 (Indian Independence Movement). This had led to the experiment of partitioning Bengal in 1905 and the Minto Morley Reforms of 1909 that created separate electorates for Hindus and Muslims in British India. These strategies to control the ‘locals’ compelled colonial subjects to conceptualise their rights based on their religious identity and perceive their fellow compatriots as the ‘other’, rather than the colonial power manipulating them.

What essentially should have been a peaceful transfer of power from ‘autocracy to democracy’ coinciding with British colonial departure from the region in 1947 and the end of British suzerainty in J & K, was converted into a question of accession to either India or Pakistan. The goalposts had been changed. Both the autocrat and his former subjects were marginalised in the process.

The United Nations was invoked to create a conflict resolution framework after both Indian and Pakistani troops under British command (at different intervals and under differing pretexts) were sent into the State of J & K to ostensibly protect the local population. 

It is important to note that the notion of asking the people (through a plebiscite) based on a non-binding conflict resolution framework that sough voluntary withdrawal of troops from both sides; was both a convenient way for Britain to avoid accountability and for India & Pakistan to cement their respective presence in the State of J & K, which endures to date.           

Indigenous Freedom Struggle Post 1947

With the autocrat (Hari Singh) adeptly thwarted from retaining the independence of the State of J & K and his former subjects lured into a split between an Indian (National Congress via National Conference & Sheikh Abdullah) and a Pakistani (Muslim League via Muslim Conference & Sardar Ibrahim), while simultaneously being given the impression that the United Nations would imminently resolve this matter, gradually transpired as an ‘eyewash’ for the people. 

Their rights struggle which was many decades old and for some communities even over a century old, was now tied in a straightjacket, with intermittent yet regular conflict between India & Pakistan, ensuring mounting casualties of the local population and apparently nobody even acknowledging their cries in 2025.   

Various freedom icons (Maqbool Butt being the most prominent) and rights movements have emerged to date, to try and help their compatriots break free of these modern chains of slavery; characterised by a structural absence of freedom of expression, association, assembly & movement on both sides of the divide. The Chinese encroachment into 17% of the State and looming ecological disasters throughout the region, only add to the complexities: which if pre 1947 - the autocratic ruler and his subjects had come to an understanding together - would have ensured a geopolitically neutral territory adopting the highest forms of direct democracy (surpassing the standards set by Switzerland) in a region which is most certainly - in relative terms – the most precious and thus sought after territory in the world, on account of its geographic location and the resources (particularly downhill inclined fresh water) flowing through it. 

Continued external manipulation would ensure indefinite multipolar conflict and internal strangulation of aspirations, while an internal political process without external influence based on the stakeholders binding each other into a contract clarifying each other’s rights & responsibilities (particularly over water management), would provide the most feasible opportunities for peace & prosperity of the whole region, which ultimately accounts for half the world’s population.         

....

The above brief historical summary of where the people (descendants of former State Subjects of Jammu Kashmir & Allied areas) find themselves in 2025; was written on the 29th of August 2025 by Tanveer Ahmed, an independent action-oriented public policy researcher - working un-interrupted on-the-ground in AJK since April 2005 - operating through direct public funding of the people of this territory, in an inclusive & equitable manner.  

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 240 of 2025

1318hrs:

Better than yesterday but still stuck without proper synchronisation and timing of daily activities.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 239 of 2025

1522hrs:

A delay in logging today compared to the gradual improvements made over the past few days.

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The following report provides important information about how nature has responded to the decades old ills of human kind, in the most ecologically sensitive part of the world:

************

A Himalayan Crisis 

* Soumya Dutta, MAUSAM/ NAPM.

A deadly combination of Climate Change Crisis (which itself is a result of the  "extractive-expansionist-capitalist" economic model adopted globally) and all round 'insane  developmentalism' - is wrecking havoc across the Hindukush Himalayas.  

Most of these were predicted for over a decade by many climate scientists, climate & ecological justice activists and few concerned planners, but those warnings were largely ignored. 

Now it's Payback Time.

The year 2025 has most likely seen an increase in climatic disasters in the Himalayan region (excluding Earthquakes, which are not Climate change driven), primarily driven by intensified monsoon rains, cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outbursts, exacerbated by climate change and western disturbances. Not to talk about the intensified Heatwaves in the lower Himalayas. 

And it's to be noted, that no La Nina (which increases rainfall in the Indian subcontinent) is prevailing in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean now, nor an El Nino. It's ENSO neutral condition prevailing now.  So the entire effects can be likely attributed to Climate Crisis & local mal-development .

From the better known media reports, no Major Himalayan disasters were reported from January to May 2025, with events ramping up during the monsoon season starting in June. The list below, which is not an exhaustive list; shows distinct, verified events with available dates or timeframes, noted from news reports and analyses.

Cumulative death tolls for the monsoon period include over 145 in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh combined, 130 in Himachal Pradesh alone (from 74 flash floods, 39 cloudbursts and 73 major landslides) and around 300 in northwest Pakistan (including Pakistani-administered Jammu & Kashmir).

A. Late June 2025: Cloudburst in Kullu and Kangra districts, Himachal Pradesh, India

A cloudburst triggered deadly floods near the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric Project, killing 2 people and leaving up to 20 missing, with significant damage to infrastructure in this vulnerable Himalayan area.

B. July 2025 (multiple incidents): Flash floods and landslides across Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, India

Ongoing heavy monsoon rains led to nature's fury through multiple flash floods and landslides, causing deaths (exact toll unspecified in reports) and widespread destruction in these states, highlighting the region's increasing vulnerability to extreme weather.

C. July 28-29, 2025: Cloudburst in Mandi town, Himachal Pradesh, India.

An intense cloudburst-type rainfall event, influenced by a western disturbance, triggered a flash flood that killed 3 people and caused localized havoc in the area.

D. August 5, 2025: Flash flood in Dharali and Harsil villages, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, India

A sudden flash flood, possibly caused by a cloudburst, glacial lake outburst, or glacier collapse, overwhelmed the Kheer Ganga river, submerging markets, destroying 50 hotels and 40-50 houses and damaging an army camp. At least 5 confirmed dead, with over 70 presumed dead and 43 still missing as of mid-August; a temporary lake formed upstream, raising further flood risks.

E. Early-Mid August 2025: Cloudburst and flash floods in Chashoti, Kishtwar district, Jammu & Kashmir, (Indian-administered)  

A massive cloudburst caused devastating flash floods and landslides along a pilgrimage route in this remote Himalayan area, killing at least 44 people, leaving dozens missing, and requiring extensive rescue operations by NDRF, SDRF, army and volunteers amid challenging terrain.

F. August 17, 2025: Cloudburst in Kathua district, Jammu (Indian-administered)

A severe cloudburst led to terrifying flooding, with water and debris surging through the area; army, NDRF and RSS teams conducted relief and rescue operations, though specific casualty figures were not detailed in initial reports.

G. August 22, 2025: Glacial lake outburst flood in Gilgit-Baltistan, (Pakistani-administered) 

A GLOF in this northern Himalayan region triggered cascading floods, demonstrating the dangers of warming-induced glacier melt, though specific casualty details were not immediately reported.

H. August 2025 (ongoing monsoon period): Widespread monsoon floods in northwest Pakistan (including Swat River and Mingora)

Torrential rains caused powerful floodwaters and debris flows, killing at least 227 people overall in the region, washing away homes, and triggering landslides; this is part of broader monsoon devastation in the Hindu Kush Himalayas.

I. Summer 2025 (specific dates unspecified, reported in late August): Devastating floods in Kashmir region, (Indian-administered) 

Recurring floods highlighted climate instability and human impacts, compounding geopolitical tensions and hindering solutions; exact casualties not specified but part of the season's havoc.

J. August 26, 2025: Landslide en route to Vaishno Devi shrine, Jammu (Indian-administered)

A landslide, amid monsoon rains wreaking havoc on Himalayan states, killed and estimated 13 people and injured 14, with experts warning of risks from unchecked construction along riverbanks and slopes.

The Himalayas have been ringing the warning bells very loud and clear, for the past few years especially. It's up to us all to rise to the challenge, restraint the destruction engines and heal the Himalayas. The question is not how to do that, we already know. The main question is will the profiteering juggernaut of extractive-expansionism be called to account and halted in its devastation path? And that's not a billion dollar question, but a question of choosing between the long term sustenance of the Himalayan ecosystem and its slow destruction. 

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Note: The report above has been slightly edited for clarity and ensuring the outstanding people's reference on either side of Jammu & Kashmir is acknowledged, rather than these areas being assumed to be an integral part of either India or Pakistan.   

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 238 of 2025

1035hrs:

Getting better but still many hours away from being optimum. 

We are also still in Mirpur but will definitely proceed home today. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 237 of 2025

1115hrs:

We continue our pursuit of increased efficiency in daily output. Though still in Mirpur I have plans to return home to Sehnsa today.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 236 of 2025

1342hrs:

Thankfully, getting prompter in logging my daily entry. 

Still in Mirpur at in-laws. 

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We were clear that there were no snake bite vaccines in any health centre/hospital throughout AJK (even dog bite vaccines were rare if at all available). What we were not aware of was that these vaccines were present in Pakistani army camps. One such example emerged from Dawarandi Pakistani Army Camp today. 

19 year old Bilal Nayazi s/o Abdus Sattar Nayazi of village Sehr Kohali was taken to the above mentioned army camp this morning after being bitten by a snake. However, the army there said they could not provide the vaccine without permission from their superiors, which it appears they were not ready to obtain. Hence, Bilal was then rushed to the tehsil headquarter hospital in Hajeera before being further referred to the district headquarter hospital in Rawalakot. Here, he has been given some other injections (not a vaccine against snake bites) and it is possible that he may survive the ordeal.

As one can gauge these are life or death scenarios and despite the elapse of 78 years, even basic services such as snake or even dog bite vaccines cannot be made available to the public here. 

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The following questions were put to me by an academic in the UK on the 24th of July (last month). Given my commitments I had to delay my response till this morning.

Questions:

I’m trying to apply the theory of internal colonialism to AK, with the help of the following questions:

Pakistan in Azad Kashmir 

1. How did Pakistan first enter Azad Kashmir?

2. How has Pakistan impacted on the culture and social organization - indigenous values, orientations, and ways of life  - of Azad Kashmir?

3. How does Pakistan and its agents or representatives administer Azad Kashmir?

4. Are there any principles - of superiority and inferiority - utilised for social domination by Pakistan of Azad Kashmir?

5. Anything else?

Answers:

1) How did Pakistan first enter Azad Kashmir?

Initially, it entered in accordance with the Standstill Agreement (within the Indian Independence Act framework) post agreement on the 15th of August 1947 (having been offered to both India and Pakistan on the 12th of August, whereby the former deliberately stalled on deciding as subsequent events would reveal why). Although only a general announcement of this Standstill Agreement was published, indicating that some essential food items (salt), energy related oils (paraffin, petrol, diesel etc.) and postal services were to continue being sent/delivered to the State of Jammu & Kashmir (J & K for short here on), as they were during the British colonial era.

Within a few weeks Pakistan began dishonouring this agreement by stalling essential supplies, incidents of people being robbed enroute to or from Pakistan and J & K gradually became a regular occurrence. Pakistan also began quietly fomenting a rebellion (supplying arms and logistics) to the people of Poonch in particular. They also sent their own citizens to foment instability in the southern parts of what became AJK, in areas such as what constitute districts Mirpur and Bhimber today.

What were essentially a series of measures to destabilise what became the territory of AJK, gradually led to the execution of ‘Operation Gulmarg’ whereby thousands of tribal Pathan raiders (closely but subtly led and aided by Pakistan’s military which of course like the Indian army was led by the British) entered the State of J & K in the early hours of the morning on the 22nd of October 1947.

With this invasion, the Standstill Agreement had now categorically ended and Pakistan’s presence in what is today c. 35% of the State of J & K continues. 

2) How has Pakistan impacted on the culture and social organization - indigenous values, orientations, and ways of life  - of Azad Kashmir?          

In every sense. There is no aspect of life from Security, Governance, Economy & Culture that Pakistan has not adversely affected. My own estimate is that we are losing c. $20 billion (US) dollars a year on account of their presence here in AJK (I’m not including the territory of Gilgit Baltistan in this estimate). Perhaps most critical is that they claim a monopoly on all forms of public narrative in the territory (including the past, present & future).

Geographically, we have become isolated from all directions (including Gilgit Baltistan) except where we are adjacent to the territory of Pakistan. Our access to the outside world is also only via Pakistan. In such circumstances, there is almost zero choice for the people of this territory to not adopt all aspects of life and administration, as are prevalent in the adjacent areas of Pakistan.

3) How does Pakistan and its agents or representatives administer Azad Kashmir?

They infiltrate into each and every aspect of life here and try to manipulate or influence anything that is of potential economic benefit to them, or what they perceive to be harmful to the suffocating monopoly of their imposed public narrative, which is essentially designed to keep people ignorant or complicit in their corruption. 

If they can’t affect you in public spaces (by manipulating your access to economic opportunities or by marginalising you through use of targeted propaganda to defame you) they will try and influence somebody close to you in your family and create disruption, misunderstanding or fear in close members of your family, to ensure their ‘interests’ are not harmed.

4) Are there any principles - of superiority and inferiority - utilised for social domination by Pakistan of Azad Kashmir? 

Pakistan’s main theme is Muslim/Non-Muslim (especially Hindus, then Jews and then Christians) presenting themselves as protectors of Muslims globally and especially in the region vis a vis India. It is a hate driven formula which ensures that no Non Muslim can possibly sustainably live in AJK.

They do pander to the historically dominant ruling tribes/clans of the region and try to ensure their complicity in whatever they do here. However, their major distinction of superior/inferior is based on who follows their narrative and who doesn’t. Whoever follows can expect to gain favour and whoever doesn’t will inevitably face their wrath.

5) Anything else?

To understand how Pakistan behaves in AJK or for that matter, how they operated in Bangladesh (although in this specific case they tried to use race and language to impose their advantage or supposed superiority), in Gilgit Baltistan or how they deal with Balochistan, Sindh, KPK or even areas in Southern Punjab; it is important to understand that Pakistan is essentially a country designed by Britain to be a conflict economy facilitator (Korean War 1950s, Afghanistan 1980s and 2000s) and not to develop indigenously as a self sufficient economy, utilising its abundant natural resources for its people which - if human capital were its priority – would have made Pakistan one of the most lucrative markets in the world.

The elite in Pakistan is primarily made up of those families which not only facilitated British colonialism but also facilitated all previous powers too. Thus, comprising of the core of Western Punjab (essentially) it lies on the route between Kabul and Delhi, whereby most pre British powers who ruled the region, used this route to conquer Delhi, the seat of power for the past 1,000 years or so. These people have developed a genetic knack of assessing (usually correctly) whether the prevalent ruler in Delhi is stronger than the next power entering from the Khyber Pass.

In summary, complicity with larger powers is what has been in practice for at least a 1,000 years (Ranjeet Singh of the Punjab was an aberration in this regard), in the region where the Pakistani elite has its power base. This is also the modus operandi since 1947 viz. operate under the umbrella of larger powers (scratching their back so to speak) and dominate peripheral areas to extract resources to the maximum and base your public narrative in and around these realities. What may be a distinguishing factor in this era is the way religion and religious identity has been exploited. It is perhaps unprecedented in Islamic history, even from its inception c. 1,400 years ago.

End....

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 235 of 2025

1429hrs:

Getting ready to proceed to Mirpur, where I will spend the weekend with my in laws.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 234 of 2025

2201hrs:

Getting earlier by the day but still a great many hours behind schedule. Another day at home though productivity is now decreasing. 

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Tomorrow and Sunday are outdoor activity days for certain. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 233 of 2025

2247hrs:

Slightly earlier than yesterday though still late by the standards envisaged for this daily duty. 

Another day at home putting together the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle. 

I can see the shape now.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 232 of 2025

2325hrs:

Very late in the day is today's entry, for no good reason except being immersed in research work followed by some outdoor activity in Sehnsa and Sehrmandi.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 231 of 2025

1054hrs:

At this stage I am still at home, waiting for confirmation before proceeding to Kotli.

Meanwhile, continuous heavy rains have inevitably created havoc throughout AJK and GB. Lives have been lost, property has been destroyed on account of which both government and public are proportionately responsible, for not ensuring appropriate infrastructure and public services are in place, for a territory that screams out for organisation.

....

We are also waiting on details of our young political prisoners in Rawalakot, who we understand from local reports are being physically tortured and interrogated, not by the local police but by Pakistan's clandestine agencies. Further details and confirmation will follow in due course.

.... 

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 230 of 2025

1454hrs:

Another day at home after feeling exhausted from 2 days of relatively intense travelling, given that I'd just come out of a 6 day hunger strike not much more than a week ago.

This is time for the family as well as time for improving the 20 year old independent research record.

....

Wherever important documentation is released or published by anybody related to this territory, I do make a point of documenting it for the public record.

Here are a few important examples for today:

1)

Press Release  Rawalakot Arrests.

The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) strongly condemns the arrest and torture of peaceful protesters in Rawalakot, Poonch (PoJK).

Peaceful protest, freedom of association, peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and the right to self-determination are fundamental human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), including:

- Article 19 – Freedom of opinion and expression  

- Article 20 – Right to peaceful assembly and association  

- Article 5 – Protection from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment  

- Article 9 – Protection from arbitrary arrest, detention or exile  

- Article 1 – All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights  

- Article 21 – Right to take part in government and express political will  

The arrests and torture of individuals who were peacefully chanting slogans such as “We want freedom,” “No to accession,” and “Kashmir humara chhor do” are clear violations of these international laws and principles. Such oppressive tactics cannot silence dissent or suppress the legitimate aspirations of the people.

UKPNP will raise this issue at all international forums, including the United Nations, and demands the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees.

United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP)

..

2)

Date: 17 August 2025

Condemnation of Human Rights Violations in POJK: Call for International Intervention

On 13 August 2025, a volleyball match organized by the Poonch Volleyball Association in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (POJK) turned into a scene of political repression and violence.

Political figures, including MLA Hassan Ibrahim and Tahir Anwar Advocate, incited the crowd with political slogans. When spectators peacefully raised slogans affirming their Kashmiri identity, police—acting on the direct orders of these leaders—launched baton charges, tear gas shelling, and arbitrary arrests. The following day, false FIRs were registered, and a search campaign against innocent civilians was initiated.

This is a gross violation of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and protection from arbitrary detention. Such actions silence the voices of Kashmiris and deepen mistrust in the region.

We Demand:

Immediate and unconditional release of all detainees.

An end to harassment and intimidation of civilians.

Accountability of politicians and officials who ordered these unlawful actions.

International monitoring of the situation in POJK.

We call on the United Nations, human rights organizations, and the global community to urgently intervene and hold those responsible accountable.

Justice, dignity, and freedom are the rights of every citizen — the people of Jammu & Kashmir must not be silenced through force.

Issued by

Umar Hayat Spokesman Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front.

(Notes: The timeline for this press release was yesterday but as I saw it today, it is being incorporated on today's date. This faction of the JKLF is led by Sardar Sagheer Khan)

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3)

Subject: Urgent International Appeal to Save the Life of Mr. Yasin Malik

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am compelled to draw your urgent attention to the case of Mr. Yasin Malik, Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), who has been convicted under a process that raises serious concerns about fairness, transparency, and compliance with international human rights standards. 

Mr. Malik’s 13-year-old daughter, Ms. Razia Sultana, has appealed to the conscience of the international community to save her father from imminent execution. This appeal goes beyond one individual case—it concerns the fundamental principles of justice, human dignity, and the protection of political freedoms in conflict-affected regions.

Under Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the right to life is protected as a supreme human right. The imposition of the death penalty following a trial that does not meet international standards of fairness violates Article 14 of the ICCPR, which guarantees the right to a fair and impartial hearing. 

Moreover, Article 19 of the ICCPR upholds the right to freedom of opinion and expression, which includes peaceful political expression such as that exercised by Mr. Malik throughout his political career. 

The execution of a political leader under questionable judicial circumstances risks silencing dissenting voices and undermining the democratic principles that the United Nations and the international community strive to uphold. It may also escalate tensions in an already volatile region, thereby threatening international peace and security, contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter (Articles 1 and 55).

I therefore respectfully urge your good office to:

1. Intervene with the Government of India to halt the execution of Mr. Yasin Malik;

2. Ensure that he is afforded his right to a fair, transparent, and impartial trial in                        accordance with international standards;

3. Send an independent fact-finding mission or engage relevant UN Special Rapporteurs         to monitor and report on his case;

4. Safeguard his life and uphold the principles of justice, human rights, and the rule of            law.

This is an urgent matter of human rights protection and international legal obligation. The world must not allow injustice to be carried out under the shadow of legality.

Sincerely,

(Your Full Name)

(Your Country)

(Contact & Email)

(Note: The above sample letter has also been released by the JKLF, albeit a different faction led by Raja Haq Nawaz (as stand-in chairman)

 

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Ultimately, I'll return to a major theme emerging from my 2 decade old continuous research:

#AJKReferendum2023 

=

#PublicMandateAJK2025

If you want freedom and are willing to take the responsibility then you must set your own terms and conditions between yourselves (Riyasati Baashindey). 

Ref. #SSR1927

Otherwise, the rest of the world is already dictating their terms and conditions to you and will continue to do so, with ever more intensity.

Tanveer Ahmed

An independent action-oriented public policy researcher working un-interrupted on-the-ground in AJK since April 2005, operating through direct public funding of the people of this territory in an inclusive and equitable manner. 

JKA PUBLIC AGENCY Note: #E084918082025

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The following photo and note in Urdu has been written by a co-citizen of mine. I have shared it to provide some context to how some or even many of my co-citizens perceive my work:

 "بااختیار اور باوقار لوگ عقاب کی مانند ہوتے ہیں، جو ہمیشہ تنہا پرواز کرنا پسند کرتے ہیں۔"

 

عقاب ایک ایسا پرندہ ہے جو اپنی بلند پروازی، خودداری اور تنہائی پسند طبیعت کے لیے جانا جاتا ہے۔ اسی طرح طاقتور، صاحبِ بصیرت اور باکردار لوگ اکثر بھیڑ سے الگ رہتے ہیں، وہ اپنی راہ خود متعین کرتے ہیں، اپنے فیصلوں کے لیے دوسروں پر انحصار نہیں کرتے۔ وہ تنہائی میں سکون اور ارتقاء تلاش کرتے ہیں، کیونکہ انہیں معلوم ہوتا ہے کہ بلندی کا راستہ ہمیشہ الگ اور تنہا ہوتا ہے۔

 

عظمت ہمیشہ ہجوم میں نہیں، بلکہ انفرادیت اور تنہا جدوجہد میں پنہاں ہے……..

۔۔۔۔

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 229 of 2025

2144hrs:

Woke up in Dadyaal after not much sleep there. A lot of adrenaline prevented me from doing so. I spent a lot of important years in that very accommodating city. 

I also caught a few hours in Kotli. 

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Earlier this morning I completed a draft letter for diplomats, in reference to the plight of Yasin Malik, upon the request of a co-citizen. Here it is:

Your Excellencies, 

Memorandum

In the background of a Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) led armed struggle for independence and reunification of the territory of Jammu & Kashmir since 1988, the subsequently imprisoned chairman of the JKLF Yasin Malik, publicly renounced violence as a means of resolving political conflict in 1994.

This strategic step towards non violence was not only welcomed in India but was also encouraged by the ‘International Community’ in general, led by Britain and the United States of America (USA) in particular. Successive Indian governments since 1994 had regularly given a prominent audience to Yasin Malik and others who had adopted peaceful means of struggle for their political objectives. British and American diplomats had frequently praised this stance and repeatedly gave some assurance of a move towards resolution in such an environment. Facilitating Yasin Malik to address Harvard University and the US State Department became examples of this encouragement towards a peaceful resolution.     

Conditions and opportunities for sustained dialogue continued till the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Narendra Modi came into power in 2014. The various “gentleman’s agreements” lost substance as the aforementioned government began cracking down hard on what they identified as “Kashmiri Separatists” and all possibilities of continuing dialogue gradually evaporated. Post 2018 many a political activist was indefinitely incarcerated - including Yasin Malik - and this process was intensified upon revocation of what remained of a “Special Status” of Indian Administered Jammu & Kashmir on August the 5th 2019, whereby it is reported that over 4,000 citizens of the Kashmir Valley remain imprisoned, including human rights defenders and journalists simply documenting these changes. 

In due course, the BJP led government disregarded all previous attempts at securing peace through peaceful means and re-opened over 3 decades old cases against Yasin Malik and others, sentencing the latter to life imprisonment. 

Of late, India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has requested the Indian judiciary to convert Yasin Malik’s life sentence into the death penalty.

It is our informed opinion that if indeed Yasin Malik is hanged (like his leader Maqbool Bhat), hardliners within the freedom movement will revive what they would consider to be a dormant militant policy, abandoned since 1994. This would lead to the loss of yet another generation to violence and the world should do whatever is possible to avert repeating such a tragic scenario.    

We thus appeal to the world’s conscience through their respective governments and other multilateral forums to utilise their good offices, to urge the prevailing government in India to return to a framework of peaceful dialogue and to help create a conducive environment for such.

An iron-hand policy may fulfil temporary objectives and present favourable optics in the short term but as some Indian policy analysts have admitted, every power has to ultimately return to dialogue to achieve a sustainable solution. 

By releasing Yasin Malik and other political prisoners who originate from the conflict ridden Kashmir Valley, that conducive environment for result oriented dialogue may be revived.

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End of draft....

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 228 of 2025

1939hrs:

Have finally made it to Dadyaal today. Condolences of close friend's families is a necessary social duty, in which I've always proved lax over these past 2 decades. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 227 of 2025

2150hrs:

Yet another day at home, though fulfilling in terms of family bonding. 

Eyes are on the future, as always. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 226 of 2025

2218hrs:

Having to re-write today's entry. Another day at home where all the power is. That power equips you to take on the world fairly and squarely. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 225 of 2025

2221hrs:

Family imperatives kept me at home today. Otherwise, I was keen on giving time to Kotli courts and then proceeding to Dadyaal today. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 224 of 2025

1246hrs:

In Kotli today, still preparing to permanently structure our 'Awaami Adaalat' in the main district complex where the administration, judiciary and other government departments operate from.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 223 of 2025

1510hrs:

An extra day at home to ensure my data targets are up to date. The Awaami Adaalat in District Courts Complex is pending for almost a couple of months now. It can be delayed no longer.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 222 of 2025

1508hrs:

We've had barely half an hour of electricity in the past 12 hours. Meanwhile, I'm continuing to prepare for a genuine government here in AJK, as with each passing moment it is becoming easier to convince our people that it is a matter of survival.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 221 of 2025

1637hrs:

Undergoing more rest as warranted. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 220 of 2025

2119hrs:

Working away at home but trying to take it as easily as possible. I do understand that the art & craft of exertion has to be balanced, in order to maintain the high level of consistency generated over 2 decades. 

I'm hoping my original plan of sleep from 2000hrs (8pm) to 0300hrs (3am) can be resumed as of this evening. I did get to bed and turned the lights off on the dot today and I do realise my eyes are still open an hour and 24 minutes later. 

I will battle to stabilise this routine for the rest of my life. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 219 of 2025

1610hrs:

Relaxing at home with family but still working away with sporadic intensity.

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A Journey from #Subject2Citizen 

From 2005 onwards....

This journey is essentially understanding and then executing #SelfDetermination , relying exclusively on equitably framed voluntary indigenous resources to do whatever is possible to create a genuinely free government in AJK, as clarified by international law. 

#FreeGovtAJK2025

Step 1:

#InclusiveGovernanceAJK

Every 'Riyasati' must answer the same question in order to prove inclusivity. 

#DirectDemocracyAJK

Inclusivity is the licence that produces a genuine #PublicMandateAJK2025

Step 2:

A mandate will open the opportunity to conduct a genuine #PublicAssemblyAJK2025

#PopularSovereigntyAJK

Step 3:

A clear set of individuals mandated by the public will identify appropriate lists pertaining to reward and punishment to seek public consensus on. In the context of the past 78 years of lawlessness, such conditioning is necessary to drive a genuine government. 

#AwaamiAdaalatAJK2025

This step will also organise relevant administrative, constititional, social, economic and political reforms to this end. 

#RightsMovementAJK

Unable to balance rights and responsibilities is still a major weakness in our people. 

Step 4:

A smoothly running government from Day 1.

Warning:

Unity of goal = success, is not possible without accepting inclusivity of 'Riyasati', by pleading to the rest of the world, by siding with any 1 country or ideology or imagining that a single party will succeed in mobilising the masses for revolution. 

JKA PUBLIC AGENCY Note: #E152607082025

FB Link to above post:

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 218 of 2025

1047hrs:

Waking up at home in Kokoi, Sehnsa after 9 days of battling it out in public. 

There now only remain 147 days of this year. Can our public understand what needs to be done in time? 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 217 of 2025

1137hrs:

Waking up in Sarda. 

Every little victory accumulates over the years and decades, eventually generating a compound effect. 

The question is: 

Has that compound effect arrived yet? 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 216 of 2025

1011hrs:

I'm the first of 3 hunger strikers to reach the district courts complex today. The imprisoned Ayaz Butt and Zubair Bhatti are still in hospital. 

We are expecting a good crowd of co-citizens to come and witness the proceedings which have been pending since the 15th of June, marking 50 days of unwarranted detention. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 215 of 2025

0804hrs:

We are now into our 6th day of an indefinite hunger strike to ensure Pakistan's clandestine agencies stop enjoying a free-for-all in our territory. 

This is taking a lot out of us 3 people but it is a deposit of goodwill and determination for our nation. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 214 of 2025

0805hrs:

Recovering in hospital though our hunger strike continues into its 5th day. Yes, we are being injected with distilled water since being rushed into district headquarters hospital Kotli but all 3 of us (Ayaz Butt, Zubair Bhatti and myself) continue to refrain from eating or drinking anything; until Ayaz Butt is released unconditionally and rather than the dummy government taking a bond of assurity from political prisoners, rather that the dummy government should provide us - the public of AJK - an assurity that they will not target public activists ever again.

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 213 of 2025

2112hrs:

Writing from my hospital bed....the system of governance here in AJK - if we can call it that - is in its last throes. 

There are 3 activists fighting for their lives - with the whole nation alert and preparing to jam the system from all corners - yet still maintaining a hunger strike despite being injected with drips of saline and glucose. 

The system (controlled by Pakistan) is still trying to maintain its 'writ' and being adamant that Ayaz Butt will be unconditionally released on his next hearing on the 4th of August. This is despite 2 judges admitting that no criminal charges can arise from the allegations against Ayaz Butt, as early as the 4th of July (after his arrest on the 15th of June) and as recently as the 26th of July, despite which giving a hearing date of the 4th of August, is evidence that the system has been dragging its feet to admit the inevitable. 

That is has to unconditionally release Ayaz Butt. The Pakistani State can no longer fool anyone about its using the right to self determination as a cover to force the people of AJK to confirm to its inhumane national narrative. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 212 of 2025

0821hrs:

37 hours and 21 minutes into my latest hunger strike. Except this time I am joining 2 other co-citizens, namely Ayaz Butt & Zubair Bhatti who have both been on hunger strike for 5 hours longer than me. 

Thus far, there doesn't seem to be any anxiety being displayed by the 'system' but if there is no resolution by tomorrow at noon (Fri 01 Aug 2025), then we will close Abshaar Chowk to all traffic. Subsequently, we will move on to Plan B, C, D etc. 

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 211 of 2025

0345hrs:

Already 8 hours and 45 minutes into my latest hunger strike. This time it is a bit different. I am not alone and not even the first to conduct this particular hunger strike. 

I am the third and I started 5 hours later than them. Ayaz Butt began his hunger strike in jail yesterday at 1400hrs and he was joined outside by Zubair Bhatti at the same time. The latter has also been conducting a sit-in protest on behalf of Ayaz Butt at Abshaar Chowk, since the 25th of June. 

I joined them in the evening at 1900hrs.

I did try to sleep at 2000hrs and didn't fair too badly, even though I've been lying on a simple floor mat on the street at Abshaar Chowk. That is, until the heavens burst with rain at c. 0200hrs.

At almost 0400hrs it is still raining, less intensely though. 

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:آبشار چوک کوٹلی اور  ڈسٹرکٹ جیل میں جاری بھوک ہڑتال کے دو بڑے مطالبات ہیں

1) 

ایاز بٹ کی غیر مشروط اور باعزت رہائی۔اس گرفتاری کے بارے دو مختلف جج صاحبان نے 4 جولائی اور 26 جولائی 2025

کو سر اجلاس رولنگ دی ہے کہ یہ مقدمہ بنتا ہی نہیں۔ جب مقدمہ نہیں بنتا تو بندہ جیل میں کیوں؟

2)

آزاد جموں و کشمیر کی حکومت سے عوام کو ضمانت چاہیے کہ آئندہ کسی ریاستی کی تقریر و تحریر، نقل وحرکت کرنے، تنظیم سازی، اجتماع سازی اورجہاں مقامی قوانین ناکافی ہوں وہاں بین الاقوامی قوانین تک رسائی پر کوئی بیرونی، غیر قانونی ،غیر آئینی حوالداری مداخلت نہیں کی جائےگی۔

JKA PUBLIC AGENCY Note: #U064830072025

The Urdu note above can also be accessed on Facebook

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