Daily Diary (DD) - Day 122 of 2026

1841hrs:

Certainly the most important day of the (English 3rd tier football) season. 

Luton Town's promotion push (final day of season):

Most recent background context

2006hrs: Writing as Luton trail 2-1 away to Bolton on the final day, as we turn our attention to the 2nd half of this highly riveting match. Luton have hit the woodwork 3 times and will continue to have scoring opportunities in this final half of (their game), effectively to end the season, unless they beat Bolton and hope Stevenage remain 0-0 at home to Wigan. 

They have manufactured great momentum over the past 9 games and can overturn the score, with their un-matched belief and fighting spirit. 

I want history to record my ambitions for Luton Town Football Club at this critical juncture, as they have the potential to positively affect our economy in AJK, in the years to come. 

..

Update: 2030hrs

With 71 minutes played Luton have pegged back a goal to make it 2-2 while Stevenage are still 0-0. Barnsley have also equalised at home to Stockport (If they win that will also open a door for Luton). All to play for. At this stage and as it stands Luton just need 1 goal for all scores to favour their play-off ambition.

..

Update: 2038hrs

At this stage Plymouth would go through at the cost of Stevenage and Luton, as they have overturned a 2-0 deficit to get to 3-2 against Northampton.

..

Update: 2052hrs

Into the dying moments and Luton still need a goal!

..

Update: 2054hrs

Stevenage have scored!

..

Update: 2056hrs

Luton have also just scored but Stevenage still go through at this rate!

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Update: 2114hrs

So Stevenage confirm themselves as the 4th of 4 teams qualifying for a play-off position, along with Bolton, Bradford and Stockport. 

The table doesn't lie:

Table source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/tables#LeagueOne

Luton Town were relegated last year (tier 2 to tier 3 of the English Football League) as they couldn't muster that single point needed on the last day of last season. This year, Luton have just missed the possibility of promotion back to the Championship (tier 2) by a single point, despite gaining 26 points from the final 30 available this season.

It is a role reversal though (from a negative to a positive mindset), even though this lesson will cost another year in League One (tier 3). Building a culture of winning consistently is what Jack Wilshere has achieved in his first season. There could be no better form of preparation for next season.

Well done to Stevenage for fighting till the very end, so patiently and with so little apparent fuel or resources. Their struggle and the way they have approached it, has possibly eclipsed Luton's recent turn-around. That itself is a colossal achievement for a smaller town in our midst.

Final Thoughts:

Luton P46 W21 D11 L14 F68 A56 GD12 PTS 74

Played 46, Won 21, Drew 11, Lost 14, Goals Scored 68, Goals Conceded 56, Goal Difference +12 and Points 74

Average overall: 53.6% of available points derived.

Last 10 games average = 86.7%

Average before last 10 games = 44.4%

Retrospect:

Luton under Matt Bloomfield: P11 W5 D1 L5 F14 A13 PTS 16

48.5% success rate

Cup Competitions: P3 W1 D0 L2 F5 A5 :EFL Cup 1, FL Trophy 2  

33.3% success rate

Luton under Jack Wilshere: P35 W16 D10 L9 F54 A43 PTS 58

55.2% success rate

Cup Competitions: P8 W7 D0 L1 F23 A9 : FL Trophy 6, FA Cup 2 (2-1 loss to Swindon in FL Trophy converted to 3-0 win for Luton for the former breaking rules)

87.5%% success rate

....   

Gilgit-Baltistan on the brink of a biased, non-transparent and dubious election

The government of Pakistan has announced the date of June 7, 2026 for general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, which is a major geographic unit of the internationally disputed State of Jammu and Kashmir. 

Before the elections, all political and religious parties of Pakistan have been approved to join the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections and to keep the national and political parties of Gilgit-Baltistan out of the election process, as top leaders and candidates of local parties have been arrested here. 

Nationalist and progressive leaders who have participated in the Gilgit-Baltistan 'election process' have been booked under anti-terrorism laws. Their details are as follows:

1) Ehsan Ali Advocate - Chairman People's Action Committee Gilgit Baltistan. Candidate for Constituency GBA-6 Hunza.

2) Mohammad Nafees Advocate - Senior Leader of Balawaristan National Front. Candidate for Constituency GBA-3 Gilgit-III.

3) Shabir Hussain Mayar - Member of Gilgit Baltistan United Movement. Candidate for Constituency GBA-11 Kharmang.

4) Ta-aruf Abbas Advocate - Senior Leader of Karakoram National Movement. Candidate for Constituency GBA-13 Astore-I.

5) Abrar Ali Bagoro - Senior Leader of Karakoram National Movement. Candidate for Constituency GBA-14 Astore-II.

6) Fida Hussain Iftikhar - Senior Leader of Gilgit Baltistan United Movement. Candidate for Constituency GBA-10 Skardu-IV.

Several other political leaders and activists were also arrested, to ensure that these nationalist and progressive parties do not get access to the people during the election campaign, less win their respective seats in the Gilgit Baltistan Assembly.

We urge the Government of Pakistan to immediately release these candidates belonging to local and national parties of Gilgit-Baltistan. Thus, opening up the possibility of free, fair and transparent elections being conducted in the territory. We urge the 'powers-that-be' in Pakistan to drop bogus anti-terrorism cases against these candidates and to concede all political parties the necessary freedom to participate and campaign in the elections.

If these local national leaders are prevented from participating, these elections will be considered partial (biased), opaque and a one-sided exercise, without any legal or ethical merit. 

Courtesy: Manzoor Parwana (amongst the most prominent activists of Gilgit Baltistan, hailing from Rondu in Baltistan)

....

Public Finance Update:

Number of co-citizens who have paid their share (over 20 years): 

16

Number of co-citizens who have paid a portion to date, since direct public funding began in 2012:

215

Number of co-citizens who have promised to pay:

86

Number of co-citizens I have directly contacted since the 9th of October 2025 (of total 5,000):

750

Cash in Hand: -29,950

Cash Deposits: 272,043

Immediate Debts: 0

..

Social Welfare Budget (Zakat/Sadqa):

Current Deposits: 257,000 

Arrears: 22,776 (pending from 17/03/2026 - money that has been spent elsewhere momentarily but needs to be rightfully returned to this fund)

Distributed (today): 0

Balance: 257,000

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Daily Diary (DD) - Day 119 of 2026

1950hrs:

Still fighting a 3-week-old illness while also contemplating fresh strategies to get that daily sleeping/resting routine right. Of course, time is ebbing away and it is not replace-able, which is the deepest lament of all.

....

Luton Town's promotion push:

Most recent background context

Following on from last Saturday's football (English League 1 - third tier) results and with respect to Luton Town's promotion prospects, they have suddenly received a boost as relegation-certified Port Vale beat promotion-seeking Stockport 2-1 away last night (Tuesday), in an absolutely unexpected result. This not only eat away Stockport's 1 (less played) game advantage, it also means that - just like - Bradford, they need to at least find a draw away: Stockport away to Barnsley and Bradford away to Exeter City, the latter who need to at least win to have a chance of avoiding relegation.

Table source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/tables#LeagueOne

Now, Luton still need to beat Bolton away but they have 3 clear sources of 'un-controllables' that could ease their path. Stevenage need a win at home against Wigan and the 2 teams cited above (viz. Stockport and Bradford) both need a draw.

See you all on Saturday for what is going to be an exciting finale.

.... 

Public Finance Update:

Number of co-citizens who have paid their share (over 20 years): 

16

Number of co-citizens who have paid a portion to date, since direct public funding began in 2012:

215

Number of co-citizens who have promised to pay:

86

Number of co-citizens I have directly contacted since the 9th of October 2025 (of total 5,000):

735

Cash in Hand: -19,190

Cash Deposits: 270,243

Immediate Debts: 3,190

..

Social Welfare Budget (Zakat/Sadqa):

Current Deposits: 257,000 

Arrears: 22,776 (pending from 17/03/2026 - money that has been spent elsewhere momentarily but needs to be rightfully returned to this fund)

Distributed (today): 0

Balance: 257,000

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 115 of 2026

1119hrs:

Almost a repeat of yesterday's routine, whereby I tried to get to sleep by 2100hrs and despite struggling for a few hours, I managed to get up at 0900hrs this morning.

The flu and temperature has now been nagging me for 3 weeks and I can't wait to be rid of it, so that my 'active' life resumes.

....

Luton Town's promotion push:

Background context

Luton Town have now won 7 of their last 9 games, with 1 game to go (earning 23 points from a possible 27). When there were 10 games to go I did feel that they needed to win them all to ensure they achieved a play-off position. They have only dropped 4 points (drawing 2 games) but such is the competitiveness of this league that they are still 1 point behind the final play-off position of 6th. 

With 1 game to go the picture is much clearer now:

Table source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/tables#LeagueOne

Bolton's draw with Bradford ensured that they have secured a play-off place. 

Stockport just need 1 point from their last 2 games to secure their position too.

Which realistically leaves Luton competing with both Bradford and Stevenage for that spot while Plymouth can only compete with Stevenage (and Luton) for that final play-off position.   

Out of control:

Stockport - 3 points (2 games left & they only need a point while they also have a +1 GD c.f. to Luton)

Bradford - 3 points (1 game left & 5 goals advantage to Luton in GD)

Stevenage - 1 point (1 game left & 9 goals advantage to Luton in GD)

There are now effectively 5 teams vying for 3 promotion play-off places.

Stockport have a game in hand, which they play on Tuesday the 28th of April against already relegated Port Vale. This will be our next update on Wednesday (given the time difference).

Our final update will be next Saturday and the following fixtures will be noted with interest:

(Barnsley vs Stockport) 

- This may be irrelevant if Stockport obtain at least a point against Port Vale on Tuesday, which is very likely. If Stockport somehow lose, then this match away against Barnsley will be hugely significant. Meanwhile, Barnsley have only won 1 of their last 6 matches while Stockport have won 3 of their last 6.

Bolton vs Luton

- Bolton have qualified for the play-offs while only winning 2 of their last 6 games, whereas Luton have won 5 of their last 6. Luton need a win while hoping either Bradford lose to Exeter (who need at least a win while hoping Leyton do not beat Burton at home, to avoid relegation) or Stevenage do not muster more than a draw against Wigan. Or unrealistically expect Stockport to lose their last 2 games against Port Vale at home (on Tuesday) and against Barnsley away on the final day of the season. 

Exeter vs Bradford

- Exeter have only won 1 of their last 6 while Bradford have only won 2 of their last 6. Bradford are uncomfortable away but need only a point to secure a play-off position, while Exeter must win at all costs to even have a chance of avoiding relegation, subject to Leyton not winning at home against Burton.

Northampton vs Plymouth

- Northampton are rock bottom of the league having lost all 6 of their last 6 games, while Plymouth have an outside chance of entering the promotion arena, having won 3 of their last 6 games. A Plymouth win plus a Luton draw or loss against Bolton, plus a Stevenage draw or loss against Wigan, would provide Plymouth that gateway to the play-offs.

Stevenage vs Wigan

- Not many people would have considered Stevenage to have given themselves such an opportunity to make the play-offs but a win against Wigan would secure Stevenage's place, irrespective of whatever happens elsewhere. Stevenage have won 3 of their last 6 while Wigan have also won 3 of their last 6. This could make for an interesting match!

Overall, Luton are in the ascendancy (surpassing even 100 point Lincoln over the course of the last 10 league games) but their destiny isn't in their own hands, unlike last year in the Championship (tier 2 of the English league), when they just needed a point away to West Brom to retain their place in that tier. They lost (even though West Brom had little but pride to play for) but this year's ascendancy at the right time by Luton is something else. The following is what I wrote on various Luton Town related YouTube channels post-match after beating Barnsley 2-1:

Jack Wilshere and his team approached the Luton malaise very patiently and methodically and it has shown just at the right time. Winning 7 of your last 9 league games is no mean feat, as it even eclipses Lincoln. 

Hard work and perseverance is a universal recipe for success.

....

Public Finance Update:

Number of co-citizens who have paid their share (over 20 years): 

16

Number of co-citizens who have paid a portion to date, since direct public funding began in 2012:

215

Number of co-citizens who have promised to pay:

86

Number of co-citizens I have directly contacted since the 9th of October 2025 (of total 5,000):

715

Cash in Hand: -6,870

Cash Deposits: 270,772

Immediate Debts: 3,000

..

Social Welfare Budget (Zakat/Sadqa):

Current Deposits: 257,000 

Arrears: 22,776 (pending from 17/03/2026 - money that has been spent elsewhere momentarily but needs to be rightfully returned to this fund)

Distributed (today): 0

Balance: 257,000

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 112 of 2026

1917hrs:

Some travelling today, to Khuiratta by the LOC. Hence the delay in posting. 

Luton Town's promotion push:

Background context

Luton Town kept me up till late and they have redeemed themselves somewhat. Returning to winning ways by beating Rotherham 2-0 away, which has now seen them earning 20 points from a possible 24, over the last 8 games. Those 2 draws against Stockport (at home) and Mansfield (away) are perhaps the reason why they are are still 3 points away from a play-off place, with only 2 games to go. 

Half the riddle will be solved this Saturday I suspect but the other half will only surface at the final whistle, on the final day of the season (next Saturday 2 May). 

Out of control:

Stockport - 6 points (3 games left & if they win game in hand, currently level on GD)

Bradford - 5 points (2 games left & 4 goals advantage to Luton in GD)

Bolton - 3 points (2 games left & 9 goals adrift in GD too)

Stevenage - 3 points (2 games left & 8 goals advantage to Luton in GD)

There are still effectively 6 teams vying for 4 promotion play-off places, although Plymouth have dropped 1 point below Luton (with identical GD).  

Our next update will be on Saturday and the following fixtures will be noted with interest.

Doncaster vs Stevenage 

- Both have won 3 of their last 6 games. A Stevenage loss followed by a Luton win will give Luton control over their destiny.

Stockport vs Peterborough 

- Stockport have won 3 of their last 6 games, although they have been faltering of late while Peterborough have not won any of their last 6 games. It seems difficult for Peterborough to get anything here, despite still being affected by the relegation zone.

Bradford vs Bolton

- Both have only won 2 of their last 6 games and there is potential in this result for Luton. Bolton just need a point to secure their play-off place and given their unassailable goal difference (GD) compared to Luton (viz. 9 goals), a win for Bolton would suit Luton better. However, if Bolton lose, that would also give Luton control of their destiny albeit having to beat Bolton away on the final day of the reason and making up for that GD gap today against Barnsley, while also hoping that Bradford score a few against Bolton, before Luton make up the difference on that final fixture viz. Bolton vs Luton. Meanwhile, Bradford losing or drawing would mean Luton need Exeter to win against Bradford at home on the final day, as they fight against relegation.

Luton vs Barnsley

- Barnsley have only won 1 of their last 6 games while Luton have won 4 of their last 6. However, Barnsley did give Luton their worst defeat of the season (5-0) earlier and Luton could do justice by winning 6-0 and narrowing that GD gap with Bolton.

 

Plymouth vs Port Vale

- Plymouth have won 3 of their last 6 while relegated Port Vale have won 2 of their last 6. I can't imagine Port Vale getting anything out of this and I think Plymouth (who have had a much better second half of the season), will continue to knock on that play-off door by the end of this match. 

....

Public Finance Update:

Number of co-citizens who have paid their share (over 20 years): 

16

Number of co-citizens who have paid a portion to date, since direct public funding began in 2012:

215

Number of co-citizens who have promised to pay:

86

Number of co-citizens I have directly contacted since the 9th of October 2025 (of total 5,000):

700

Cash in Hand: -3,590

Cash Deposits: 270,662

Immediate Debts: 3,000

..

Social Welfare Budget (Zakat/Sadqa):

Current Deposits: 307,000 

Arrears: 22,776 (pending from 17/03/2026 - money that has been spent elsewhere momentarily but needs to be rightfully returned to this fund)

Distributed (today): 50,000

Balance: 257,000

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 108 of 2026

0540hrs:

My routine is improving albeit just at the bottom end (waking up). Getting up at 0500hrs just puts me 2 hours away from the perfect daily start. It's the top end (going to sleep) where I need to focus on more, as last night I didn't get to sleep before midnight, 4 hours later than intended.

....

Luton Town's promotion push:

Background context

You have to take the rough with the smooth and Luton Town have narrowed their chances of a promotion play off place by drawing 2-2 at Mansfield Town. Yes, all the other teams fighting for a play off place also drew but this has let in Plymouth (the only team to win amongst those below Luton Town today) and of course there is one game less to play with, before the end of the season.

Out of control:

Stockport - 9 points (4 games left & if they win game in hand, 3 goals adrift in GD too)

Bradford - 7 points (3 games left & 2 goals advantage to Luton in GD)

Bolton - 3 points (2 games left & 11 goals adrift in GD too)

Stevenage - 3 points (3 games left & 7 goals advantage to Luton in GD)

Plymouth - 1 point (3 games left & 2 goals adrift in GD too)

So now, there are effectively 6 teams vying for 4 promotion play-off places.

Luton have now gained 17 from a possible 21 (in their most recent 7 league games) and can now only obtain a further 9 points from the remaining 9 available (in their remaining 3 league games), while still needing to improve their GD to better Bolton's current 11 goal advantage, within these 3 games.

We'll now update you next on Wednesday, as 5 of the 6 teams (bar Bolton) fighting for 4 play-off places will be playing on Tuesday evening, though their results will emerge beyond midnight here in AJK. 

Can Luton Town re-tilt the balance in their favour?

....

Public Finance Update:

Number of co-citizens who have paid their share (over 20 years): 

16

Number of co-citizens who have paid a portion to date, since direct public funding began in 2012:

215

Number of co-citizens who have promised to pay:

86

Number of co-citizens I have directly contacted since the 9th of October 2025 (of total 5,000):

680

Cash in Hand: 5,930

Cash Deposits: 271,494

Immediate Debts: 6,150

..

Social Welfare Budget (Zakat/Sadqa):

Current Deposits: 317,000 

Arrears: 22,776 (pending from 17/03/2026 - money that has been spent elsewhere momentarily but needs to be rightfully returned to this fund)

Distributed (today): 0

Balance: 317,000

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 106 of 2026

1816hrs:

Continuing with the dreadful pattern being practiced over the past so many days. That is, getting to sleep at about the time I am supposed to be waking up viz. 0300hrs and getting up at 1000hrs, by which time I should have completed the bulk of my daily documentation/research duties. 

With just a couple of days to go, to my 21st anniversary of returning to my 'motherland', I am still a clear distance from reaching my sleeping routine aspirations, despite almost a year of 'trying'.

.... 

Luton Town's promotion push:

Background context

2 concerning teams, Luton itself (against Northampton Town) & Stockport (against AFC Wimbledon) played on the 15th of April in the UK, which for us translates as the 16th of April, given that we are 4 hours ahead, there has been another slight change in the scenario.

Out of control:

Stockport - 9 points (5 games left & if they win game in hand)

Bradford - 7 points (4 games left)

Bolton - 3 points (3 games left & 11 goals adrift in GD too)

Stevenage - 3 points (4 games left)

After their 2-1 win over Northampton today, Luton have climbed to 7th, just one spot and 3 points below Stevenage, having played the same amount of games but with a superior GD of 7.

Luton have now gained 16 points from a possible 18 (in their most recent 6 league games) and just need to obtain 12 points from the remaining 12 (in their remaining 4 league games) and possibly improve their GD to +20 (another 12 clear goals compared to their opposition).

We'll now update you on Saturday, as all concerned teams (8 realistically), that are each fighting for 1 of 4 play-off places, will be playing that afternoon in the UK (evening here in AJK).

....

Public Finance Update:

Number of co-citizens who have paid their share (over 20 years): 

16

Number of co-citizens who have paid a portion to date, since direct public funding began in 2012:

215

Number of co-citizens who have promised to pay:

86

Number of co-citizens I have directly contacted since the 9th of October 2025 (of total 5,000):

670

Cash in Hand: 22,750

Cash Deposits: 271,294

Immediate Debts: 3,150

..

Social Welfare Budget (Zakat/Sadqa):

Current Deposits: 317,000 

Arrears: 22,776 (pending from 17/03/2026 - money that has been spent elsewhere momentarily but needs to be rightfully returned to this fund)

Distributed (today): 0

Balance: 317,000

....

Daily Diary (DD) - Day 105 of 2026

1202hrs:

That similar pattern continues, except that I got to sleep at c. 0400hrs (an hour later compared to the 2 mornings preceding today) and got up at 1100hrs. The only positive aspect is that I'm getting my full quota of sleep, yet the timing is absolutely atrocious, as I continue to recover from being 'under the weather'.

....

Luton Town's promotion push:

Background context

Although 2 concerning teams (Bolton & Stevenage) played against each other on the 14th of April in the UK, for us it translates as the 15th of April, given that we are 4 hours ahead, there has been a slight change in the scenario.

Out of control:

Stockport - 9 points (6 games left & if they win game in hand)

Bradford - 7 points (4 games left)

Bolton - 3 points (3 games left & 12 goals adrift in GD too)

Stevenage - 3 points (4 games left)

All other teams below or above Luton have lesser points and/or lesser games left to play.  

Luton play at home this evening against Northampton while Stockport are away to AFC Wimbledon. Let's see if there is further closing down of what remains out of control for Luton (provided they win their last 5 remaining games).

....

Public Finance Update:

Number of co-citizens who have paid their share (over 20 years): 

16

Number of co-citizens who have paid a portion to date, since direct public funding began in 2012:

215

Number of co-citizens who have promised to pay:

86

Number of co-citizens I have directly contacted since the 9th of October 2025 (of total 5,000):

665

Cash in Hand: 26,900

Cash Deposits: 271,920

Immediate Debts: 0

..

Social Welfare Budget (Zakat/Sadqa):

Current Deposits: 327,000 

Arrears: 22,776 (pending from 17/03/2026 - money that has been spent elsewhere momentarily but needs to be rightfully returned to this fund)

Distributed (today): 10,000

Balance: 317,000

....