Coloured ice balls, drinks raise health concerns

With the onset of summer, brightly coloured ice balls and flavoured drinks being sold in streets and outside schools have started raising health concerns in the city. Vendors selling ice balls regularly gather outside government and private schools during breaks and closing hours, offering the treats for Rs10 to Rs20. Alongside the ice balls, artificially flavoured cold drinks in seven to eight different colours are also being sold for Rs10 per glass. The products are available in red, green, blue, yellow, orange and brown colours, while ice balls are usually prepared using three or four colours of the customer's choice. Not only children but adults are also buying these treats due to their low prices. From 8am till midnight, stalls and carts selling colourful drinks and ice balls can be seen across neighbourhoods, markets and commercial areas. Vendors are also selling low-quality flavoured juices in the name of various fruits at cheap rates, contributing to the spread of diseases. Children are increasingly spending their pocket money on these ice balls after school hours, while no action is being taken against the vendors. Former Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology medical superintendent Dr Ayaz Haider said the ice balls were highly injurious to health and caused throat and stomach illnesses. He said although ice appeared cold, its effect on the body was harmful, adding that the colours used on ice balls did not comply with hygiene standards. The red colouring in particular was extremely dangerous for health, he added. Dr Haider said the syrups used on ice balls were unbranded and usually prepared at home. He said throat diseases were spreading rapidly these days because people preferred low-quality ice cream, ice balls and market syrups instead of taking precautions during hot weather. He further said smoke emitted by vehicles also contaminated these food items. During summer, people are naturally attracted towards cold drinks, ice balls, kulfi, market syrups, sattu and sugarcane juice, making it a profitable season for roadside vendors, he added. He warned that dust settling on unhygienic kulfi, cold drinks and ice balls could also prove harmful to health. Seasonal changes often trigger throat and stomach diseases, while even minor negligence could lead to illness, he said. Dr Haider advised parents to avoid such products and instead provide children with fresh fruit and vegetable juices prepared at home.

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Australian PM demands 'transparent' inquiry into nine-year-old girl's killing by Punjab CCD

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday demanded a “transparent” investigation into the killing of a nine-year-old Pakistani-Australian girl who was shot dead by the Punjab Crime Control Department (CCD) in Chakwal on June 10 during an operation. Hania Ahmed suffered fatal shots after law enforcement officers in Chakwal shot at her family’s car last Wednesday. The onslaught also critically injured her 39-year-old father, Adeel Ahmed, and 10-year-old brother, Aafan Ahmed, while her mother remained unhurt in the incident. The shootout was covered widely by Australian as well as international media, triggering calls for an independent probe to ascertain the actual circumstances that led to the incident. Addressing reporters in Canberra following public outcry, the Australian PM flagged the importance of a detailed inquiry into the incident: “These circumstances do need to be examined. They need to be examined in a transparent way, so that everyone can know, the family, most importantly, but others as well.” The premier said that his heart goes out to the family and friends of the slain girl and expressed solidarity with the Pakistani-Australian community, adding that they would be “really feeling this today”. Albanese condoled the family over the unfortunate incident on what “should have been a time of joy”. The Australian High Commission said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was providing consular assistance to the family. “The Australian High Commission sends its deepest condolences to the family at this sad and difficult time,” it added. Meanwhile, Punjab CCD Additional Inspector General (AIG) Sohail Zafar Chattha on Monday claimed that the department did not believe in extrajudicial killings and operated against individuals involved in serious criminal activities. He said this on a visit to the Chakwal residence of the slain nine-year-old girl. “We take action against people implicated in grave crimes. Such criminals are often armed and have a history of opening fire on law enforcement personnel,” he highlighted while speaking to the media. He explained that when CCD teams were compelled to respond when they came under attack during operations, adding that at least three to four robberies were reported in Chakwal on the day of the incident, which contributed to the response by the CCD personnel. “A citizen’s life is more precious than arresting two robbers. Even if suspects are not apprehended on the spot, CCD personnel are trained to pursue and capture them later,” he said, adding that it would have been better if CCD continued the chase and arrested the suspects later. He further revealed that the alleged robbers arrived in the city from Sheikhupura and “believed they could carry out criminal activities in Chakwal without consequences”. “Our officers traced the suspects and conducted a raid. Unfortunately, during the exchange of fire between the suspects and law enforcement officials, the little girl was shot and killed.” Chattha called the incident “a major tragedy” and extended sympathy to the aggrieved family. He said that the credibility of the ongoing investigation would be measured by the confidence and satisfaction of the victim’s family. “The family’s trust in us is extremely important, and public confidence in the CCD is equally significant. Society has high expectations of the CCD and often believes that the department does not make mistakes,” he said. He acknowledged that mistakes could happen and suggested that the incident should serve as an opportunity for institutional improvement. “Following the loss of this young child, we have an opportunity to correct our shortcomings and address any gaps in training to prevent such incidents from happening in the future,” he concluded. Later, CCD Superintendent of Police (SP) Shah Meer Khalid shared details of the incident at a press conference at the CCD Headquarters, saying personnel involved in the firing had been taken into custody and legal and departmental action had been initiated against them. “The challan of the arrested personnel will soon be presented before the court for further legal proceedings,” he added. Khalid said CCD personnel had mistakenly opened fire on the vehicle of the affected family, believing that the robbers were fleeing after snatching the family’s vehicle at gunpoint. He said the CCD personnel had violated standard operating procedures, adding that the affected family had been assured of a transparent investigation. The SP said the family had expressed confidence in the investigation and the progress made so far. The incident According to police and family sources, Adeel — an Australian citizen residing in Perth — had arrived in Pakistan with his wife, Dr Sidra, and their children for a family holiday. The couple had recently performed Hajj and were visiting relatives across the region. The incident took place late in the evening as the family was travelling to a relative’s house for dinner. Near the CCD police station in Chakwal, armed suspects on a motorcycle intercepted the family’s vehicle and robbed them of cash and jewellery. An exchange of fire subsequently took place between the arriving CCD personnel and the robbers. In panic, Adeel attempted to accelerate and drive his family away from the scene. However, CCD officials, operating under the assumption that the speeding vehicle belonged to fleeing suspects, opened indiscriminate fire. The vehicle was hit by multiple bullets, critically injuring nine-year-old Hania. She was taken to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) but succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival. Her father, Adeel, and her brother, Affan, also sustained serious gunshot wounds in the incident and were shifted to a specialised medical facility in Rawalpindi, where they remain under treatment. Dr Sidra remained unharmed. The incident sparked strong public backlash on social media and drew condemnation from civic circles, which demanded accountability for alleged high-handedness by law enforcement. In a significant legal development, authorities amended the case against the arrested CCD official, upgrading the charge to Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code from the initial registration under Section 322, which pertains to manslaughter or unintentional homicide.

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Australian PM demands 'transparent' inquiry into nine-year-old girl's killing by Punjab CCD

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday demanded a “transparent” investigation into the killing of a nine-year-old Pakistani-Australian girl mistakenly shot dead by the Punjab Crime Control Department (CCD) in Chakwal on June 10. Hania Ahmed suffered fatal shots after law enforcement officers in Chakwal shot at her family’s car last Wednesday. The onslaught also critically injured her 39-year-old father, Adeel Ahmed, and 10-year-old brother, Aafan Ahmed, while her mother remained unhurt in the incident. The shootout was covered widely by Australian as well as international media, triggering calls for an independent probe to ascertain the actual circumstances that led to the incident. Addressing reporters in Canberra following public outcry, the Australian PM flagged the importance of a detailed inquiry into the incident: “These circumstances do need to be examined. They need to be examined in a transparent way, so that everyone can know, the family, most importantly, but others as well.” The premier said that his heart goes out to the family and friends of the slain girl and expressed solidarity with the Pakistani-Australian community, adding that they would be “really feeling this today”. Albanese condoled the family over the unfortunate incident on what “should have been a time of joy”. The Australian High Commission said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was providing consular assistance to the family. “The Australian High Commission sends its deepest condolences to the family at this sad and difficult time,” it added. Meanwhile, Punjab CCD Additional Inspector General (AIG) Sohail Zafar Chattha on Monday claimed that the department did not believe in extrajudicial killings and operated against individuals involved in serious criminal activities. He said this on a visit to the Chakwal residence of the slain nine-year-old girl. “We take action against people implicated in grave crimes. Such criminals are often armed and have a history of opening fire on law enforcement personnel,” he highlighted while speaking to the media. He explained that when CCD teams were compelled to respond when they came under attack during operations, adding that at least three to four robberies were reported in Chakwal on the day of the incident, which contributed to the response by the CCD personnel. “A citizen’s life is more precious than arresting two robbers. Even if suspects are not apprehended on the spot, CCD personnel are trained to pursue and capture them later,” he said, adding that it would have been better if CCD continued the chase and arrested the suspects later. He further revealed that the alleged robbers arrived in the city from Sheikhupura and “believed they could carry out criminal activities in Chakwal without consequences”. “Our officers traced the suspects and conducted a raid. Unfortunately, during the exchange of fire between the suspects and law enforcement officials, the little girl was shot and killed.” Chattha called the incident “a major tragedy” and extended sympathy to the aggrieved family. He said that the credibility of the ongoing investigation would be measured by the confidence and satisfaction of the victim’s family. “The family’s trust in us is extremely important, and public confidence in the CCD is equally significant. Society has high expectations of the CCD and often believes that the department does not make mistakes,” he said. He acknowledged that mistakes could happen and suggested that the incident should serve as an opportunity for institutional improvement. “Following the loss of this young child, we have an opportunity to correct our shortcomings and address any gaps in training to prevent such incidents from happening in the future,” he concluded. Later, CCD Superintendent of Police (SP) Shah Meer Khalid shared details of the incident at a press conference at the CCD Headquarters, saying personnel involved in the firing had been taken into custody and legal and departmental action had been initiated against them. “The challan of the arrested personnel will soon be presented before the court for further legal proceedings,” he added. Khalid said CCD personnel had mistakenly opened fire on the vehicle of the affected family, believing that the robbers were fleeing after snatching the family’s vehicle at gunpoint. He said the CCD personnel had violated standard operating procedures, adding that the affected family had been assured of a transparent investigation. The SP said the family had expressed confidence in the investigation and the progress made so far. The incident According to police and family sources, Adeel — an Australian citizen residing in Perth — had arrived in Pakistan with his wife, Dr Sidra, and their children for a family holiday. The couple had recently performed Hajj and were visiting relatives across the region. The incident took place late in the evening as the family was travelling to a relative’s house for dinner. Near the CCD police station in Chakwal, armed suspects on a motorcycle intercepted the family’s vehicle and robbed them of cash and jewellery. An exchange of fire subsequently took place between the arriving CCD personnel and the robbers. In panic, Adeel attempted to accelerate and drive his family away from the scene. However, CCD officials, operating under the assumption that the speeding vehicle belonged to fleeing suspects, opened indiscriminate fire. The vehicle was hit by multiple bullets, critically injuring nine-year-old Hania. She was taken to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) but succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival. Her father, Adeel, and her brother, Affan, also sustained serious gunshot wounds in the incident and were shifted to a specialised medical facility in Rawalpindi, where they remain under treatment. Dr Sidra remained unharmed. The incident sparked strong public backlash on social media and drew condemnation from civic circles, which demanded accountability for alleged high-handedness by law enforcement. In a significant legal development, authorities amended the case against the arrested CCD official, upgrading the charge to Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code from the initial registration under Section 322, which pertains to manslaughter or unintentional homicide.

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Muharram majalis begin today

Majalis commemorating the martyrs of Karbala will formally begin on Monday (today) at imambargahs across Rawalpindi and Islamabad. From today until the 5th of Muharram, majalis at every imambargah will continue daily until midnight. From the 6th of Muharram, with the start of mourning processions, the duration of majalis and processions will be extended until 2am daily. Strict security arrangements have been completed at all imambargahs in the twin cities. Entry of vehicles and motorcycles into roads and streets surrounding imambargahs will remain prohibited. Closed-circuit cameras have been installed around the venues. The majalis will begin after Maghrib prayers. Across the six districts of Rawalpindi Division - Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Murree and Jhelum - a total of 4,376 majalis will be held, while 757 Zuljanah, Alam, Tazia, Mehndi and mourning processions will be taken out.

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PPP AJK seeks withdrawal of election schedule for migrant seats amid rising tensions

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Sunday called upon the Election Commission to withdraw the election schedule for 12 migrant seats, terming the announcement ahead of a protest call “not an appropriate decision”. The demand comes amid tensions following a call by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) for widespread protests seeking the abolition of 12 seats in the Legislative Assembly reserved for refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir who have settled in mainland Pakistan. Just days before the protest call, the AJK Election Commission, on June 5, announced general elections for the Legislative Assembly, scheduled to be held on July 27. Read: Bilawal Bhutto urges AJK protesters to end demonstrations peacefully Addressing a press conference at Jammu Kashmir House after a meeting of the party’s core committee, PPP AJK President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin said the timing of the electoral announcement was inappropriate. “Issuing the election schedule for migrant seats just three days before a protest call was not an appropriate decision,” he said. He added that under the prevailing circumstances, holding elections appeared difficult and called for withdrawal of the schedule to allow further consultation. “Elections in the current situation are not feasible, and the Election Commission should review its decision and continue the consultation process,” Yasin said. He said the party did not support confrontation or political conflict, stressing that human lives could not be placed below electoral considerations. “The PPP does not believe in confrontation. Twelve seats cannot be more valuable than human lives,” he said. Also Read: AJK reinstates 177 FIRs against JAAC members over breach of Oct '25 agreement Yasin also cautioned that instability in the region could be exploited by hostile forces. “Any instability in the region could be used by hostile elements, particularly India, which is why all stakeholders must act responsibly,” he warned. He said dialogue and political consensus remained the only viable way forward. “Dialogue and consensus are essential to reduce tensions and address the challenges facing the region,” he added. The PPP leader said the party’s politics had always centred on the Kashmir cause, crediting PPP founders for elevating the issue internationally. He said that over the past seven months, efforts had been made to resolve public issues and strengthen the democratic system, adding that 37 out of 38 demands of the Awami Action Committee had been implemented, while only the constitutional matter of migrant seats remained under consideration. He further said that all sides had shown a positive response during negotiations, adding that only a one-week extension had been requested from the Awami Action Committee, which was not accepted. He said essential food shortages were emerging in Azad Kashmir, warning that the region was facing uncertainty and instability. Read More: Certain elements seeking to create instability in AJK despite repeated offers of dialogue: Rana Sanaullah “All outstanding issues can only be resolved through dialogue, political harmony and continuity of the democratic process,” he said. Legislative Assembly parliamentary leader Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan said all stakeholders needed to play their role in stabilising the situation. “Elections are not more important than human lives, and hasty decisions have worsened the situation,” he said. He called for immediate withdrawal of the election schedule to enable reconciliation. Senior Minister Mian Abdul Waheed said protecting the state was the foremost priority. “Azad Kashmir cannot afford further tension or confrontation in the current circumstances,” he said. He urged all parties to resolve the issue through dialogue, stressing that Pakistan and Kashmir remained inseparable. “No power can create a rift between Pakistan and the Kashmiri people,” he said. He said unity among political parties, the public and overseas Kashmiris was essential to avoid further deterioration of the situation. He added that political differences must be set aside in favour of national and state interests and called for immediate consultations to consider postponing the elections. Those present at the press conference included parliamentary leader Sardar Yaqoob, senior minister Mian Waheed, government ministers Sardar Javed Ayub, Javed Iqbal Budhanvi, Sardar Zia-ul-Qamar or others. Background The recent unrest and deadly clashes in areas, including Rawalakot, where the newly proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had been holding a sit-in outside the Combined Military Hospital Rawalakot. AJK police allege that armed JAAC members opened fire on deployed law enforcement in a planned attack, leaving four personnel dead and around 20 injured. JAAC, however, disputes this account, claiming security forces used tear gas and fired shells toward the hospital. According to the AJK police, three individuals linked to the JAAC and four law enforcement personnel were killed during the protests on Sunday. JAAC, however, said in a statement on X that seven individuals were killed and dozens were injured when street firing was carried out in the dark after electricity was allegedly cut off. The clash on Sunday came as the AJK government and the JAAC witnessed a face-off, as the election date for AJK was announced for July 27. Read More: Certain elements seeking to create instability in AJK despite repeated offers of dialogue: Rana Sanaullah AJK's 53-member legislative assembly includes 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees — people who fled Indian-controlled Kashmir in 1947 and 1965 and are now scattered across Pakistan. Six seats represent refugees from the Jammu division (~434,000 people) and six from the Kashmir Valley (~30,000 people) — an already lopsided arrangement that many see as unfair. The region witnessed one of its most turbulent periods in October last year when protests led by the JAAC erupted over demands for constitutional and governance reforms. At least nine people, including three policemen, were killed during the unrest. The JAAC, which organised the protests and strike, had presented a wide-ranging charter of demands, including an end to the privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite, the abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees, and the scrapping of the quota system. Two days after the violence, the government and the JAAC reached an agreement covering 12 core and 13 additional points. Under the accord, both sides agreed to constitute a high-level committee to examine the issue of refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly. Read More: Four police personnel martyred, over 20 injured in Rawalakot firing: AJK police The unrest also triggered political upheaval in the region. The PPP subsequently moved a no-confidence resolution against then Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz joining the effort. Haq, who had been elected in April 2023 with 48 votes, chose to face the vote rather than resign. On Nov 17, Rathore secured 36 votes in the election and became the 16th prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. With elections now approaching and the refugee seat issue still unresolved, the AJK government convened an All Parties Conference (APC) in Muzaffarabad to build consensus. Almost every major party attended — except PTI and the JAAC, who boycotted it. The JAAC's position is that the government had already rejected its written proposals submitted on May 30, so attending would be futile. It had proposed either keeping symbolic refugee representation until the Kashmir dispute is permanently resolved, or replacing the 12 assembly seats with 4 seats in the AJK Council — a body chaired by the Prime Minister, which it argued would better preserve the political dimension of the Kashmir cause. The APC rejected any changes outside the constitutional and legislative framework, saying only the elected assembly could alter refugee seat arrangements. The JAAC called the resolution "a page and a half of utterly trivial lines" and accused participants of gathering to serve their own interests rather than the public's.

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Flood risk churns Leh waters

The flood season for the 18-kilometre-long Nullah Leh and 15 seasonal streams, which wreak havoc across the city every monsoon, will begin on Monday, June 15, and continue until August 15. Despite the start of the flood season, desilting and removal of garbage and building material from Nullah Leh and the 15 seasonal streams have not been completed, raising fears of another destructive flood this year. Residents living along Nullah Leh and the seasonal streams have started relocating due to these fears, while many have shifted their valuables to safer places. Although Rs80 million has been allocated for desilting, even 15 per cent of the work has not been completed. Nullah Leh originates from the Margalla Hills of Islamabad. Until 1950, it was a clear stream whose water was used for drinking. Women washed clothes and bathed along its banks, while members of the Hindu community immersed ashes there after cremations. Dhobi ghats existed at several points along its banks. Historical accounts suggest that Alexander the Great's army camped beside the stream because of its clear water, while Aryan tribes remained settled in the area for 80 years. Arya Mohalla still exists alongside the nullah. When Islamabad was developed as the capital during Ayub Khan's era, the stream gradually became contaminated by sewage and has now turned into a foul-smelling drain. So far, 17 major and minor floods have struck Nullah Leh, resulting in 210 deaths and the loss of 2,500 animals, including cows, buffaloes, goats, dogs and cats. The most devastating flood occurred on July 23, 2001, claiming 81 lives. Half the city was submerged under 10 to 20 feet of water, while two-storey houses in nearby areas were inundated. One flood occurred during Ayub Khan's era, one during Yahya Khan's, three during Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's tenure, three during General Ziaul Haq's rule, three during Pervez Musharraf's period, two each during the governments of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, one during Imran Khan's government and two during the current government. The July 23, 2001 flood caused losses of Rs7 billion to traders and another Rs2 billion worth of losses to citizens. For flood monitoring, two critical points have been designated on Nullah Leh. The danger level at Katarian is 18 feet, while at Gawalmandi it is 17 feet. A year ago, the flood early warning system installed on the nullah was stolen and had to be replaced. Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema said preparations to deal with flooding had been completed. The Triple One Brigade will remain on full red alert during the flood season. Personnel from rescue agencies, Civil Defence and Rescue 1122 will undergo full-dress rehearsals at Rawal Dam to rescue stranded citizens, with army personnel also participating. To cope with power outages during floods, Civil Defence volunteers will be provided special hand-operated siren devices. These will be placed in special Civil Defence wards established in flood-prone areas. Five relief camps will be set up at Islamia Higher Secondary School No.1 on Murree Road, Islamia High School Liaquat Road near Liaquat Bagh, Girls School New Katarian, Girls School Dhoke Hassu, Girls School Dhoke Ratta Bhosa Godam and a Girls School in Gawalmandi.

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AJK SC Bar warns violators, calls for immediate surrender

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Saturday warned individuals involved in disturbing peace, violence, damaging government property and causing loss of human lives to immediately surrender and present themselves before the law, while assuring full legal assistance to those who do so. Tensions have been rising in AJK following recent deadly clashes that have led to competing narratives over casualties, governance grievances, and political legitimacy. Official sources have confirmed at least seven deaths. Officials said that despite claims of peaceful intent, certain elements have continued to engage in violent activities. The same elements, they added, have previously been involved in damaging public property and attacks that resulted in the martyrdom and injuries of security personnel. Read: AJK reinstates 177 FIRs against JAAC members over breach of Oct '25 agreement In a statement issued by AJK SCBA President Raja Aftab Ahmed Advocate, it said that those involved in armed attacks and acts undermining public order must surrender without delay. He said, “Individuals involved in disturbing peace, launching armed attacks, damaging government property, and causing loss of human lives must immediately surrender and present themselves before the law.” He added that those challenging the writ of the state were not only endangering human lives but were also committing a grave offence equivalent to treason. He urged such individuals to hand themselves over to the authorities, adding that the Bar would provide complete legal assistance to them in the courts of Azad Kashmir. Background The recent unrest and deadly clashes in areas, including Rawalakot, where the newly proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had been holding a sit-in outside the Combined Military Hospital Rawalakot. AJK police allege that armed JAAC members opened fire on deployed law enforcement in a planned attack, leaving four personnel dead and around 20 injured. JAAC, however, disputes this account, claiming security forces used tear gas and fired shells toward the hospital. According to the AJK police, three individuals linked to the JAAC and four law enforcement personnel were killed during the protests on Sunday. JAAC, however, said in a statement on X that seven individuals were killed and dozens were injured when street firing was carried out in the dark after electricity was allegedly cut off. The clash on Sunday came as the AJK government and the JAAC witnessed a face-off, as the election date for AJK was announced for July 27. Read More: Certain elements seeking to create instability in AJK despite repeated offers of dialogue: Rana Sanaullah AJK's 53-member legislative assembly includes 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees — people who fled Indian-controlled Kashmir in 1947 and 1965 and are now scattered across Pakistan. Six seats represent refugees from the Jammu division (~434,000 people) and six from the Kashmir Valley (~30,000 people) — an already lopsided arrangement that many see as unfair. The region witnessed one of its most turbulent periods in October last year when protests led by the JAAC erupted over demands for constitutional and governance reforms. At least nine people, including three policemen, were killed during the unrest. The JAAC, which organised the protests and strike, had presented a wide-ranging charter of demands, including an end to the privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite, the abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees, and the scrapping of the quota system. Two days after the violence, the government and the JAAC reached an agreement covering 12 core and 13 additional points. Under the accord, both sides agreed to constitute a high-level committee to examine the issue of refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly. Read More: Four police personnel martyred, over 20 injured in Rawalakot firing: AJK police The unrest also triggered political upheaval in the region. The PPP subsequently moved a no-confidence resolution against then Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz joining the effort. Haq, who had been elected in April 2023 with 48 votes, chose to face the vote rather than resign. On Nov 17, Rathore secured 36 votes in the election and became the 16th prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. With elections now approaching and the refugee seat issue still unresolved, the AJK government convened an All Parties Conference (APC) in Muzaffarabad to build consensus. Almost every major party attended — except PTI and the JAAC, who boycotted it. The JAAC's position is that the government had already rejected its written proposals submitted on May 30, so attending would be futile. It had proposed either keeping symbolic refugee representation until the Kashmir dispute is permanently resolved, or replacing the 12 assembly seats with 4 seats in the AJK Council — a body chaired by the Prime Minister, which it argued would better preserve the political dimension of the Kashmir cause. The APC rejected any changes outside the constitutional and legislative framework, saying only the elected assembly could alter refugee seat arrangements. The JAAC called the resolution "a page and a half of utterly trivial lines" and accused participants of gathering to serve their own interests rather than the public's.

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