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Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Police have accused the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of pursuing an agenda aimed at creating unrest in the region. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khawar Ali Shaukat made the allegations during a press conference in Rawalakot on Wednesday. The police official said recent violence in Rawalakot had raised serious questions about the group’s claim that it was engaged in peaceful protests. Shaukat alleged that armed groups attacked security personnel at several locations across the city over the past two days. According to the police official, the attackers used sophisticated weapons during the clashes. He said security personnel came under repeated fire during the incidents. The SSP said one Rangers official was martyred in the violence. He added that around 15 police officers and other law enforcement personnel were injured. Shaukat claimed that several suspects had been arrested in connection with the attacks. He said a significant quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from those taken into custody. The recovered weapons allegedly included heavy arms. Police also claimed to have seized an automatic weapon believed to be of American origin. The SSP said the recovery raised concerns about the nature and objectives of the group involved in the violence. He accused the proscribed organisation of attempting to disrupt peace in AJK and create divisions within society. Shaukat also rejected claims circulating on social media that security forces had deliberately targeted peaceful protesters. He said the situation on the ground was different from the narrative being presented online. According to the police official, law enforcement agencies exercised restraint throughout the unrest. He claimed that security personnel responded only after coming under attack. The latest police statement comes after clashes between protesters and security forces in different parts of AJK. Violence was reported in Rawalakot on Monday and in Mirpur on Tuesday. The clashes reportedly resulted in several casualties, although details surrounding the losses remained disputed. The JAAC has been holding protests across the region for several weeks. Among its demands is the abolition of 12 seats in the local legislature reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir. The dispute has led to growing tensions between protesters and the authorities. The government has also accused militant elements of exploiting the protests. It has alleged that some groups involved in the unrest are pursuing a foreign agenda and receiving financial support from India. The JAAC has rejected such allegations and accused security forces of using excessive force against its supporters. The group has claimed that dozens of its supporters were killed during clashes. However, the claim has not been officially confirmed. The competing claims have added to uncertainty surrounding the situation in AJK. Authorities are now investigating the violence and the alleged involvement of armed individuals. Police have also indicated that further arrests could follow as the investigation progresses.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has strongly criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) over its allegations of rigging in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. Maryam responded to criticism from PPP leaders in a social media post on Wednesday. She accused the PPP of being behind what she described as “subtle rigging” and questioned its decision to complain about electoral irregularities. “The mastermind of subtle rigging is crying foul over rigging,” Maryam said in her post. She then added a sarcastic question about when doomsday would arrive. Her remarks came after PPP Central Punjab General Secretary Hassan Murtaza accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of manipulating the AJK election process. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Murtaza alleged that electoral rules had been repeatedly violated during the polls. He also criticised the role of the Election Commission. He claimed that the commission had acted like an election agent instead of performing its constitutional responsibilities. Murtaza accused the PML-N of setting a new example of electoral rigging. He said his party had been treated unfairly during the elections. The PPP leader also criticised the political activities of the PML-N leadership in AJK. Without directly naming Maryam Nawaz, Murtaza referred to her father, Nawaz Sharif. He said Sharif had gone to Kashmir and expressed a desire to become prime minister. Murtaza argued that if the PML-N leadership was now seeking the AJK premiership, it was only possible because of the PPP’s political role. He also defended Nawaz Sharif and said the PPP respected the former prime minister. Murtaza claimed that the PML-N had itself reduced Sharif’s political standing by offering him a position as chairman of an institution in Lahore while he was seeking the AJK premiership. The PPP leader then shifted his criticism to Punjab’s governance and public services. He claimed that thousands of acres of farmland between Shahdara and Muridke had been inundated. According to Murtaza, water had reached several feet in some agricultural areas. He said the damage was not caused by a major flood. Instead, he blamed a breach in a drain embankment. Murtaza also criticised the Punjab government’s claims about Lahore’s development. He argued that the city’s infrastructure remained vulnerable to heavy rainfall. He said several roads turned into what he described as drainage channels after only a few hours of rain. The PPP leader blamed government decisions for creating difficulties for citizens. He also criticised the import of one million metric tonnes of wheat. Murtaza claimed that the imported wheat was worth around Rs1 trillion. He questioned the government’s economic decisions and argued that citizens deserved better public services. He said taxes collected from the public should be used to provide essential facilities. He also called on the government to fulfil its responsibility toward citizens. The political dispute comes amid growing tensions between the PPP and PML-N over the AJK elections. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has also alleged irregularities in the first phase of the AJK elections. The PML-N, however, has rejected allegations of rigging and defended the election results. Maryam Nawaz has previously urged political opponents to accept defeat rather than make allegations of electoral manipulation

The government has introduced a four-year Hajj policy covering arrangements from 2027 to 2030. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf presented the policy on Wednesday. He described it as a major step toward improving and modernising Hajj arrangements in Pakistan. Speaking at a briefing, the minister said this was the first time the government had introduced a four-year Hajj policy. He said the initiative would provide a long-term framework for organising the pilgrimage. Yousaf said the policy had been prepared under the guidance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It focuses on technology, transparency and improved services for pilgrims. According to the minister, the new framework aims to bring Pakistan’s Hajj arrangements closer to international standards. It will also introduce several new facilities for pilgrims. For the first time, applicants will have access to a registration and waiting-list system. The government expects the system to make the process more organised and transparent. The minister said the government and private Hajj schemes would retain their existing quota division. Sixty per cent of the quota will remain with the government scheme, while private operators will receive 40 per cent. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will continue to oversee and regulate Hajj arrangements. It will also monitor the performance of private Hajj companies. Under the new policy, applicants will be able to enter the pilgrims’ list after paying 10 per cent of the required amount. The government has also planned greater transparency in procurement. Purchases made in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will be carried out through transparent procedures. Yousaf said any money remaining after meeting the required expenses would be returned to the pilgrims. The measure is aimed at improving financial transparency and protecting the interests of Hajj applicants. The government also plans to change the way private Hajj companies are monitored. Their registration and oversight will not depend only on the quota allocated to them. Instead, their performance will be an important factor in determining their registration and continued participation in the Hajj programme. A digital complaint-resolution system is also being introduced. Pilgrims will be able to submit complaints and seek quick action through the new system. An appeal mechanism will also be established. This will provide pilgrims with another channel to challenge decisions or seek resolution of their complaints. The minister said the government would also improve training programmes for Hajj pilgrims. The aim is to prepare pilgrims more effectively before their departure for Saudi Arabia. The Hajj Muhafiz Scheme will continue under the new policy. The government considers the scheme an important part of its arrangements for pilgrims. Yousaf said the new policy had been developed in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The framework is intended to improve coordination and service delivery during the pilgrimage. The minister said the government’s objective was not limited to managing logistical arrangements. It also wanted to ensure that Pakistani pilgrims received a dignified and comfortable Hajj experience. The estimated cost of the government Hajj package is expected to remain between Rs1.2 million and Rs1.3 million. However, the final cost may depend on various arrangements and expenses associated with the pilgrimage. Yousaf also clarified that any increase or decrease in Pakistan’s Hajj quota would require a decision from the federal cabinet. He said Pakistan had received recognition and awards for its Hajj arrangements in the past. The government now wants to further improve the system through long-term planning and greater use of technology. The four-year policy is expected to provide greater continuity in Hajj preparations. Officials believe the long-term framework will also make planning easier for both the government and pilgrims.

ISLAMABAD: A 25-year-old man died while taking part in a physical test for recruitment into the Islamabad Police. The deceased was identified as Ishaq. He had travelled from Sarai Naurang in Lakki Marwat to participate in the recruitment process. According to police, Ishaq was taking part in the running test when he suddenly collapsed. He reportedly became unconscious during the physical activity. Police officials immediately arranged an ambulance to take him to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. Ishaq was shifted to the hospital’s emergency department for medical assistance. However, doctors said that he had already died while being transported to the hospital. The young man could not be revived after reaching the medical facility. The incident occurred during the physical testing stage of the Islamabad Police recruitment process. The test requires candidates to take part in physical activities as part of the selection procedure. The sudden death of the young candidate has raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the incident. However, police have not yet provided further details about the exact cause of death. It was also not immediately clear whether Ishaq had any previous medical condition or whether he had undergone a medical examination before taking part in the physical test. Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further information may emerge after the relevant medical and official procedures are completed. The death has brought attention to the physical demands placed on candidates during police recruitment tests. Candidates are required to meet prescribed physical standards before progressing to further stages of the selection process.