Peshawar bans horns, toy pistols and firecrackers on August 14

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution calling for the formation of an independent Truth Commission to investigate the recent unrest that claimed several lives and left many others injured. The proposed commission will examine the causes of the violence, investigate all reported deaths, injuries and property damage, and recommend measures to provide relief to victims and prevent similar incidents in the future. The move comes after violent clashes between law enforcement personnel and protesters in Rawalakot, where both security officials and demonstrators reported casualties. The unrest sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for an impartial investigation. According to the resolution, the Truth Commission will function as an independent and impartial body. Its structure, powers and terms of reference will be finalised jointly by the federal government and representatives of the protest leadership before being formally established under AJK law. The commission will be tasked with reviewing all aspects of the recent crisis. It will examine evidence related to deaths, injuries, property losses and allegations of violence. Authorities said the inquiry will be conducted without any predetermined conclusions, ensuring that every affected family and relevant party has an opportunity to present evidence and testimony. The proposed body will have access to official records, including government documents, police reports, forensic material, communication records, videos and witness statements. Sensitive information involving national security or witness protection may be reviewed through confidential proceedings. The Assembly clarified that the commission will not determine criminal guilt or hand down punishments. Instead, if evidence suggests legal violations, the matter will be referred to the relevant investigative or judicial authorities for further action. Individuals or institutions facing adverse findings will also be given an opportunity to respond before any conclusions are reached. The commission will submit interim and final reports within an agreed timeframe. Its final report is expected to be made public, subject to legal restrictions concerning national security and witness safety. It may also recommend compensation for victims, institutional reforms, legal action where necessary and measures to prevent future unrest. The resolution also called for immediate de-escalation of tensions across the region. It urged the government to restore normal life by reopening roads, ensuring medical and emergency services, improving communication networks and maintaining the uninterrupted supply of essential goods. At the same time, protest organisers were urged to suspend demonstrations until the commission completes its work. The governments of AJK and Pakistan were also asked to avoid further actions linked to the crisis during the inquiry, except where immediate measures are required to protect public safety. The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values, constitutional governance and the rule of law. It stressed that peaceful protest, freedom of expression and the right to raise political, economic and social demands are guaranteed under democratic principles. However, it strongly rejected violence, vandalism, the use of weapons and attempts to challenge state authority through force. Lawmakers paid tribute to security personnel, police officials and civilians who lost their lives during the unrest. They expressed sympathy with all affected families and stressed that every victim deserves justice, humanitarian assistance and equal treatment under the law. The House also appealed to citizens, political workers, traders and youth to distance themselves from violent elements. It emphasised that responsibility for any unlawful acts should be determined individually through evidence and due legal process rather than collective blame.

Chief Election Commissioner of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal has said that the first phase of the electoral process in the region was completed in a free and transparent manner. He said all political parties actively participated in the elections. He added that polling was conducted in a peaceful environment across the region. Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said voters participated in large numbers. He said people exercised their constitutional right to vote and took part in the electoral process. The chief election commissioner said the overall polling process remained peaceful. He said election authorities and other relevant institutions worked to ensure that voters could cast their ballots. He also acknowledged the role of law enforcement agencies during the elections. According to him, security personnel played an exemplary role in maintaining law and order. The chief election commissioner said security arrangements helped keep the polling environment peaceful. Law enforcement agencies remained deployed to deal with any situation that could affect the electoral process. However, he said an incident was reported in Samahni where attempts were made to disrupt polling. The people involved in creating a disturbance were arrested, he said. Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said the authorities took action to ensure that polling activities were not affected. He stressed that maintaining peace was essential for a smooth electoral process. He also highlighted the participation of political parties in the elections. He said their involvement reflected the importance of the electoral process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The chief election commissioner’s statement came after the completion of the first phase of polling in the region. The election process attracted significant participation from voters. He said the authorities remained focused on ensuring transparency throughout the process. He also stressed the importance of maintaining law and order during polling. The election authorities are now expected to continue the next stages of the electoral process according to the announced schedule. The results and subsequent procedures will determine the political direction of the region. Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said the peaceful completion of the first phase was an important development. He maintained that the cooperation of political parties, voters, election officials and law enforcement agencies helped the process move forward.