azad kashmir goes
|

Azad Kashmir goes to polls under revised schedule following civil unrest

Voting has commenced in the Mirpur division of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) for the first phase of the region’s general elections, following weeks of political instability and civil unrest.

The election commission announced a three-phase schedule across 45 assembly constituencies after campaign activities were severely disrupted by protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil rights movement recently banned under anti-terrorism laws.

The unrest primarily stems from JAAC’s demand to abolish 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan, which the group contends allow mainstream Pakistani political parties to improperly influence local government formation.

While the AJK Supreme Court ruled that these reserved seats hold constitutional protection and cannot be removed by executive decree, security remains high across polling areas, with officials warning of strict legal measures against any attempts to disrupt the voting process.

Following the Mirpur phase, voting for the Muzaffarabad division and refugee constituencies will take place on August 2, concluding with the Poonch division on August 10.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Blake Lively shares rare new moments with Ryan Reynolds

    Blake Lively has given fans a glimpse into a special outing with husband Ryan Reynolds, sharing a fresh collection of photographs from their recent appearance at a football match. The actress took to Instagram on Friday, August 7, to post several pictures from their July 30 visit to Yankee Stadium, where they watched Wrexham AFC take on Liverpool. The new images feature the couple enjoying the event together, with Blake and Ryan seen smiling and posing alongside each other. One photograph shows them holding hands while standing together inside the stadium, while another captures Ryan enjoying the match from the crowd. Blake also included pictures featuring friends who joined them for the occasion, giving followers a look at the group’s memorable evening. Alongside the photographs, the actress reflected on the experience and described watching Wrexham play at the iconic stadium as one of the most unforgettable moments of their journey with the football club. She also expressed gratitude to their friends, family and members of the Wrexham community who attended the match and supported the team. Blake gave special recognition to longtime friend and photographer Guy Aroch, who accompanied the group and captured the moments featured in her Instagram post. Aroch responded warmly to the post, expressing his affection for Blake and Ryan and recalling the experience as a memorable occasion spent with family and close friends. The new photographs have attracted attention from fans, particularly because they offer a rare recent glimpse of Blake and Ryan together. The couple, who married in September 2012, have remained one of Hollywood’s most recognisable celebrity pairs. Their appearance at the Wrexham-Liverpool match also highlights their continued connection with Wrexham AFC. Ryan Reynolds is a co-owner of the Welsh football club, which has gained significant international attention in recent years. Blake’s latest post comes weeks after she shared a Father’s Day tribute for Ryan, making the new collection of photographs another affectionate public glimpse into their family life.

  • | |

    Abdullah Tahir murder case: suspect woman arrested…

    Police have arrested a female suspect allegedly involved in the murder case of former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ticket holder Abdullah Tahir. The suspect was taken into custody from Sialkot and later shifted to Lahore for further investigation. According to police officials, the arrested woman played a role in the case by allegedly honey-trapping Abdullah Tahir’s driver, which helped investigators trace the events surrounding the killing. Authorities said the suspect is reportedly a friend of the shooter involved in the murder. Police further claimed that the woman had previously been involved in similar honey-trapping activities targeting other individuals. Investigators are now examining her alleged connections and role in the planning and execution of the attack. Abdullah Tahir, a former PTI ticket holder, was killed in Lahore a few days ago. Following the incident, police launched an investigation and collected evidence to identify those responsible for the targeted killing. The arrest of the female suspect is being considered a significant development in the case as investigators continue efforts to uncover the full chain of events behind the murder. Police are expected to record the suspect’s statement and gather additional information regarding the involvement of other individuals. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the motive behind the killing or the identities of all suspects involved. The investigation remains ongoing, with police working to establish the complete network connected to the crime. The case has attracted attention due to Abdullah Tahir’s political association and the circumstances surrounding his death. Law enforcement officials have assured that further legal action will be taken after completing the investigation and collecting sufficient evidence.

  • | |

    Brooke Nader and Taron Egerton call it quits after…

    Model Brooke Nader and actor Taron Egerton have reportedly ended their relationship after dating for around four months. The pair, who first sparked romance rumors in March, have decided to go their separate ways, with sources saying the split was amicable and without any major drama. According to Us Weekly, an insider confirmed on Monday that it was Nader who chose to end the relationship. “Their relationship was casual, but Brooke ended things with him,” the source told the publication. The insider added that there are no hard feelings between the two, suggesting the romance simply ran its course. Nader, 29, and Egerton, 36, were first linked earlier this year after they were spotted spending time together in public. Their romance quickly attracted attention from fans, as both stars had recently entered new chapters in their personal lives. Although they never publicly discussed their relationship in detail, they were seen together on several occasions, fueling speculation that their connection was becoming more serious. Despite the growing interest, the couple largely kept their romance away from the spotlight. Unlike many celebrity pairs who frequently share their relationships on social media, Nader and Egerton preferred to maintain a low profile. Their decision to keep things private made the reported breakup all the more surprising for fans who had been following their relationship. Sources close to the former couple say their romance was always relaxed rather than deeply committed. While they enjoyed spending time together, they were reportedly focused on their individual careers and busy schedules. Those close to them insist the breakup was not caused by a major disagreement or betrayal but was simply the result of realizing they were better off moving in different directions. Nader has continued to make headlines with her successful modeling career, fashion appearances and growing influence in the entertainment industry. Egerton, meanwhile, remains busy with several acting projects following acclaimed performances in films such as Rocketman, Tetris and the Netflix thriller Carry-On. Both stars have demanding professional commitments that often require extensive travel and long filming schedules. Neither Nader nor Egerton has publicly commented on the reported split. As is often the case with celebrity relationships, both appear to be focusing on their careers rather than discussing their personal lives. Although their romance lasted only a few months, fans appreciated seeing the pair together and wished them well. For now, the two are said to have parted on good terms, bringing a quiet end to what insiders describe as a casual but enjoyable relationship. With both stars continuing to thrive professionally, attention is now turning to their upcoming projects and what lies ahead in their personal lives.

  • | | |

    Rana slams Naqvi’s ‘confusing’ provinces rem…

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, said it was true that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had instructed party leaders not to respond to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s recent statements. He added that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) strongly disagreed with both the content and tone of Naqvi’s remarks. Speaking on a television programme, Rana Sanaullah described Mohsin Naqvi’s comments as “meaningless” and lacking context. He said he had listened to Naqvi’s speech but could not understand what message he was trying to convey. “It appeared that he wanted to make a significant point but failed to explain it properly. Once he made the statement, his subsequent remarks contradicted one another. I simply could not understand what he was saying or why he was saying it,” Rana Sanaullah said. He stressed that whenever a person makes a public statement, it reflects their personal opinion, adding that it was up to Mohsin Naqvi to clarify the intent behind his remarks and take responsibility for their interpretation. Responding to Naqvi’s proposal regarding the creation of new administrative units or provinces, Rana Sanaullah said such matters could not be decided merely through public statements. “You cannot simply talk about new provinces and expect them to come into existence. The Constitution clearly defines the procedure for creating new provinces or administrative units,” he said. He maintained that the issue should first be debated in Parliament, while the final decision would rest with the leadership of the political parties. Rana Sanaullah recalled that during the PML-N government in Punjab from 2013 to 2018, the party had formally proposed the creation of new provinces. He said he had personally presented both the resolution and the proposal for establishing a commission to examine the matter. He explained that a national commission would have to be formed to review all aspects of creating new provinces, including financial resources, administrative arrangements and constitutional requirements. “The commission would also need to consult on representation in the National Assembly, provincial assemblies and the Senate. This is a highly complex issue that requires serious deliberation by experienced policymakers,” he said. Rana Sanaullah added that Pakistan could adopt smaller provinces, a stronger local government system, or even both, but such decisions should be made collectively by political parties after thorough consultation

  • |

    Sabalenka storms into Toronto third round, eyes US Open hat-trick

    TORONTO: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka made an emphatic return to hard-court tennis with a straight-sets victory over Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima at the WTA 1000 Toronto Open, reinforcing her status as one of the favourites heading into the North American swing. The Belarusian star defeated qualifier Uchijima 6-3, 6-3 in her opening match on Tuesday, bouncing back strongly after disappointing exits at both the French Open and Wimbledon. The convincing win marked another milestone in Sabalenka’s remarkable hard-court campaign, where she has now won 24 of her last 25 matches on the surface. Her only defeat on hard courts this season came against Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final, highlighting just how dominant Sabalenka has been throughout the year. Despite the comfortable scoreline, the match was far from straightforward. Uchijima stunned the top seed early by breaking serve in the opening game after recovering from a 40-15 deficit, quickly taking a 2-0 lead. However, Sabalenka responded like a champion, winning the next five games to seize complete control and eventually close out the opening set with authority. The second set proved equally competitive, with both players exchanging five service breaks in an entertaining battle. Sabalenka eventually established a crucial 3-2 advantage before tightening her game at the right moment. She held serve confidently to move ahead 4-2 and later sealed victory on her second match point with a powerful overhead winner. Speaking after the match, Sabalenka expressed satisfaction with both her physical condition and mental approach following a short break from competition. “I’m happy with the performance and the fight. I expected some challenges after the break, but I felt mentally and physically ready,” she said. The victory keeps Sabalenka’s momentum alive as she targets another successful North American campaign, including a possible third consecutive US Open title later this month. Awaiting her in the third round is experienced Chinese player Zhang Shuai, who advanced after Jelena Ostapenko retired while trailing 6-0, 4-0. With confidence growing and hard-court form peaking once again, Sabalenka has sent an early warning to the rest of the field that she is ready to challenge for another major title as the road to New York gathers pace.

  • | |

    Roma Ria steps into national director role for Mis…

    Roma Ria is entering a new chapter in her pageant journey as she officially steps into the role of National Director for Miss Universe Pakistan. The announcement marks an important moment for Ria, who previously represented Pakistan as Miss Universe Pakistan 2025. Sharing her feelings about the new responsibility, Ria described the appointment as a deeply meaningful achievement. She said she was “incredibly humbled, grateful, and honored” to be officially announced as the national director. The new position places Ria in a role that goes beyond the spotlight, giving her an opportunity to help shape the future of Pakistan’s participation in the Miss Universe competition. As national director, she will have a greater role in guiding the pageant, supporting contestants and helping prepare future representatives for the international stage. Ria’s transition from titleholder to leadership also adds a personal touch to the development of Miss Universe Pakistan. Having experienced the competition herself, she understands the preparation, expectations and pressure that come with representing the country internationally. Her journey has also been connected with advocacy and community work. Online references to Ria describe her as the founder of Rehmat Foundation, an initiative associated with supporting girls’ access to education. (Instagram⁠) This gives her new position a wider dimension, as her public platform has increasingly extended beyond fashion and pageantry. For Ria, the national director role appears to be about creating opportunities as much as celebrating beauty. Pageants today increasingly place emphasis on confidence, communication, social causes and leadership, allowing contestants to use their visibility to represent something larger than themselves. Her appointment could therefore signal an evolving direction for Miss Universe Pakistan, with greater attention on empowering contestants and preparing them to become confident representatives of the country. Ria’s announcement has also highlighted the significance of her own journey. From wearing the national title on an international stage to helping guide the next generation of Pakistani contestants, she is now moving from competitor to mentor and decision-maker. With gratitude at the heart of her announcement, Ria is embracing the responsibility with optimism. Her new role gives her a chance to contribute to the pageant from behind the scenes while helping future contestants step onto the global stage with confidence. As Miss Universe Pakistan continues to build its presence, Roma Ria’s move into the national director position represents a fresh beginning — one that combines pageantry, leadership and a commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for women in Pakistan. (Instagram⁠)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *