Indian activists challenge AI-powered police surveillance following student demonstrations

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has urged the government and protesters in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to agree on the formation of a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate the violence and political tensions that have gripped the region. Speaking to party workers in Muzaffarabad on Tuesday, Bilawal said the commission could provide a peaceful mechanism to determine the facts behind the unrest and help prevent further loss of life. He said maintaining peace, fairness and transparency was particularly important during the ongoing AJK elections, arguing that the issue should not be treated as a contest between winners and losers. According to Bilawal, the PPP had been advocating a truth and reconciliation commission for about a month. He proposed that protesters suspend their demonstrations while the commission investigates the incidents and presents its findings. He criticised both the authorities and protesters for failing to compromise, warning that ordinary Kashmiris were suffering despite having no connection with either side. Bilawal said those responsible for violence should be identified through an investigation rather than being punished on the streets. He also accused the state of giving greater importance to the interests of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) than to the interests of Kashmir. Bilawal questions AJK election process Bilawal also criticised the conduct of the AJK elections, particularly the violence and allegations of irregularities reported during polling in parts of the region. He claimed that the PPP had a strong mandate in Mirpur and alleged that polling stations were forcibly occupied and party polling agents removed. He also accused rival political workers of using violence to influence the electoral process. According to preliminary election results, the PML-N won nine of the 13 constituencies in the first phase, while the PPP secured four seats. Bilawal rejected the results in several constituencies and alleged that the PPP’s mandate had been compromised. He questioned how PPP candidate Chaudhry Yasin could lose his home constituency and described the result as unacceptable. He also criticised the decision to conduct the AJK elections in three phases, alleging that the arrangement had failed to prevent electoral malpractice. The PPP chairman referred to reports of violence, firing and the death of a political worker, while also raising concerns over internet disruptions in parts of the region. He called on the authorities to decide whether national interests or political considerations would guide their actions in AJK. Bilawal warned that continued violence and political instability could damage the future of the region. He urged PPP workers to remain peaceful but said the party would not accept attacks on its supporters or the alleged seizure of polling stations. He also appealed for political restraint, saying that the PPP wanted to pursue peaceful politics but would continue to defend what it considers its electoral mandate.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif has promised a comprehensive development package for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), saying the region will receive modern infrastructure, improved healthcare and better public services if his party wins the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections. Addressing a public gathering in Muzaffarabad, Nawaz Sharif said AJK has not received the level of development it deserves despite its importance. He said many parts of Pakistan have witnessed major infrastructure projects, but similar progress has not reached Azad Kashmir. The former prime minister questioned why a modern highway connecting Kohala and Muzaffarabad had still not been completed. He said better road infrastructure is essential for economic growth, tourism and improved connectivity across the region. Nawaz recalled that during his previous government, a motorway project linking Mansehra, Muzaffarabad and Mirpur had been approved. He said the project would have transformed the region by improving transportation, encouraging investment and creating employment opportunities, but it remained unfinished after his government left office. He expressed regret over the delay in completing several development schemes initiated by the PML-N, saying valuable years had been lost. He pledged that if the party returns to power in AJK, all pending projects would be completed without delay. Nawaz also made a symbolic political statement by saying he would ask Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to appoint him as the prime minister of Azad Kashmir if the PML-N wins the elections, so he could personally supervise the region’s development projects. He added that even if he does not assume that role, he will regularly visit AJK to monitor progress and ensure that promises made to the public are fulfilled. The PML-N leader announced several development initiatives for the region. He said 10 green electric buses would soon begin operating in Muzaffarabad to improve public transport. He also announced that 15 mobile hospitals would be introduced to provide medical services to people living in remote and mountainous areas. He said no resident should have to travel long distances for basic healthcare. Better hospitals, schools, colleges and universities would remain among the party’s top priorities if elected. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who also addressed the gathering, promised to extend Punjab’s development model to Azad Kashmir. She said the PML-N government has introduced major reforms in public transport, healthcare, education and social welfare in Punjab, and similar initiatives would be launched in AJK. Maryam announced that electric buses, mobile hospitals and several welfare programmes would be introduced in the region. She also pledged support for low-income families, widows, persons with disabilities and young entrepreneurs through various public welfare schemes. She urged voters to compare the governance performance of different political parties before casting their votes. According to her, the development achieved in Punjab demonstrates the PML-N’s ability to deliver major public projects. The Punjab chief minister also criticised political opponents for failing to resolve the region’s long-standing problems despite being in government. She said the people of Azad Kashmir deserve better roads, modern healthcare, quality education and greater employment opportunities. During the rally, Nawaz Sharif also displayed party unity by inviting AJK PML-N President Shah Ghulam Qadir onto the stage and raising his hand before party workers and supporters. The gesture was widely viewed as a sign of confidence in the party’s leadership ahead of the July 27 AJK Legislative Assembly elections.