Sajal Aly’s edgy photoshoot sparks debate

The Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has strongly rejected allegations that security forces opened fire on protesters or were responsible for civilian deaths during the recent unrest in Rawalakot, describing the claims as false, unverified and part of an organised disinformation campaign. Responding to a report by the BBC on the recent incidents, the AJK government said armed members of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee opened fire on security personnel in Rawalakot, resulting in the deaths and injuries of several officers. It also alleged that the attackers set multiple vehicles on fire during the violence. According to the government, security forces acted only to maintain law and order and enforce the law, insisting that civilians were not deliberately targeted during the operation. The AJK government cited information from the police spokesperson, who said seven security personnel were killed and 143 others were injured in firing allegedly carried out by armed members of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee. It further claimed that the banned group has a history of violent activities. According to the statement, attacks carried out in 2024 and 2025 resulted in the deaths of four security personnel and left hundreds of others injured. The government also said two individuals arrested on July 28 and 29 were under investigation. It alleged that one of the suspects claimed a reward of Rs10 million had been offered for the killing of each Ranger, raising questions about the possible funding of the group. According to the statement, verified videos show armed individuals linked to the banned Joint Awami Action Committee using modern weapons and firing during the unrest. The AJK government maintained that law enforcement agencies carried out their constitutional responsibilities with restraint and professionalism. It insisted that no action was taken against peaceful civilians and that operations were conducted solely to restore public order. The government also categorically denied allegations of indiscriminate firing, the use of snipers or claims that bodies of victims were withheld from their families. It further alleged that the banned Joint Awami Action Committee had previously been involved in blocking roads, stopping or burning cargo vehicles and disrupting the supply of essential goods. According to the statement, law enforcement agencies made efforts to keep roads open and ensure the uninterrupted movement of essential supplies. The AJK government added that the Joint Awami Action Committee has been declared a banned organisation under the Anti-Terrorism Act and said all legal proceedings against the group are being carried out in accordance with the law.

ISLAMABAD: Internal differences within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have intensified after a public dispute between central secretary-general Salman Akram Raja and party leader Mashal Yousafzai. The disagreement revolves around allegations linked to party tickets and internal decision-making. Both leaders have exchanged strong statements, further highlighting tensions within the party. Mashal Yousafzai had accused Salman Akram Raja of involvement in what she described as the sale of party tickets. Raja rejected the allegation and responded sharply. Raja questioned the credibility of the accusation. He said those who could not afford even a small amount to pursue a legal case had resorted to making serious allegations against him. He also questioned Yousafzai’s knowledge of the circumstances surrounding her Senate position. Raja said she did not know who had played a role in getting her elected to the Senate. Raja further stated that decisions regarding Yousafzai had been made on the instructions of PTI founder Imran Khan. He said he did not possess the authority to remove Yousafzai from the Senate. He added that not taking action against her at the party level was an act of leniency on his part. Yousafzai rejected Raja’s claims and responded with allegations of her own. She claimed that Raja had apologised to Imran Khan on one occasion but later resumed making public statements against her and others. Yousafzai also challenged Raja to take action against her if he believed he had the authority to remove her from the party. The dispute has attracted attention because both figures hold prominent positions within PTI circles. Their public exchange has brought internal disagreements into the open at a time when the party is already facing political and organisational challenges. PTI worker Shandana Gulzar also joined the debate. Gulzar accused Raja of making an incorrect statement about financial matters. She questioned the handling of funds allegedly received from the United States. She asked where the millions of rupees allegedly coming from the US had gone. Gulzar suggested that disclosure of the facts could create serious problems for those involved. The allegations made by the PTI figures have not been independently established. The dispute remains centred on competing claims made by the individuals involved. The latest confrontation has nevertheless raised questions about internal discipline and decision-making within the party.