India perpetrating war crimes in IIOJK: AJK PM

Islamabad: Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq said that India was perpetrating war crimes in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

He was addressing a rally organized by All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Kashmir Chapter here on Sunday.

Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq said Kashmiris are observing India's Republic Day as Black Day today to lodge protest against Indian illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.

The AJK Prime Minister said that minorities in Modi's India neither enjoy religious freedom nor their places of worship are safe.

He said Modi regime itself is involved in the killing of Sikh leaders in Canada and after covering up its crimes, it is busy in doing propaganda against Pakistan.

He reaffirmed that Kashmiris will continue their struggle for their right to self-determination as enshrined in the UN resolutions.

He also urged international media to leave dual-standards and expose the atrocities being perpetrated in IIOJ and K.

Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq thanked Pakistan for continuously extending its moral, diplomatic and political support to Kashmiris.

He said Pakistan and Kashmir have an eternal relationship.

On this occasion, the participants of rally also chanted slogans 'Kashmir Banay Ga Pakistan, Hum Pakistani Hain and Pakistan Hamara Hy'.

President condemns firing on motorcade of Speaker AJK assembly

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari Sunday condemned the incident of firing on the motorcade of Speaker of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly.

He said attack on the Speaker Legislative Assembly was cowardly and evil act.

He prayed for the recovery of the persons who were injured in the attack.

Gilani condemns attack on AJK legislative Assembly Speaker’s convoy

Islamabad: Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Sunday strongly condemned the firing incident targeting the convoy of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar.

Calling the attack a "cowardly and regrettable act," Gilani said such actions are utterly unacceptable.

He underlined the collective responsibility of protecting democratic institutions and upholding the rule of law.

Gilani described the incident as a sinister attempt to destabilize peace and urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.

He called for the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and stressed the need to ensure their swift prosecution.

Expressing relief over the safety of Chaudhry Latif Akbar and his convoy, Gilani thanked Allah that no lives were lost during the attack. He also highlighted the importance of guaranteeing the security of all public representatives.

Gilani prayed for peace and prosperity across Pakistan and expressed his hope for the country to become a symbol of safety, stability, and harmony.

Kashmiris observing Indian Republic Day as Black Day today

Islamabad: Kashmiris worldwide, including those on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), are observing India's Republic Day Sunday as Black Day to highlight New Delhi's continued denial of their UN-recognized right to self-determination.

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference and other pro-freedom organizations have called for protests to mark the day.

A complete shutdown was observed in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), while anti-India rallies are being held in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan, and major global cities.

These demonstrations aim to convey to the international community that India, as the occupier of Kashmiris' fundamental rights, lacks the moral and legal authority to celebrate its Republic Day in the disputed territory.

Meanwhile, posters have appeared across Srinagar and other parts of IIOJK, condemning India's illegal occupation and urging the United Nations to fulfil its promise of a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir. The posters, displayed by Hurriyat organizations, carry slogans like 'Indian Republic Day is a Black Day for Kashmiris' and 'UN must act to deliver justice to Kashmir.'

Featuring images of jailed Hurriyat leaders, the posters further highlight the ongoing atrocities and repression faced by the people of the region under Indian rule.

EPA DG announces ban on plastic bags below 75 microns, boosts recycling efforts

Islamabad: Punjab's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director General Imran Hamid Sheikh announced that the provincial government is taking bold measures to combat pollution, including a ban on plastic bags thinner than 75 microns and promoting plastic recycling.

In an interview with a private news channel, Imran Hamid stated that Punjab is now implementing aggressive policies and emergency measures under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz Sharif to tackle environmental issues.

Specifically, they are focusing on recycling plastic materials into useful products such as chairs, benches and kids' swings, he added.

He stated that while a complete ban on plastic bags is not yet in place, a strict prohibition has been imposed on the use of plastic bags thinner than 75 microns, and such bags will no longer be accepted.

He explained that to gather accurate data on plastic usage, the government is transitioning from irregular to regular supply chains, enabling them to track and monitor consumption, production and supply of plastic materials.

DG also revealed that Pakistan generates a staggering 3.3 million tons of plastic waste annually, highlighting the enormity of the plastic pollution problem in the country.

This alarming figure underscores the need for effective waste management strategies and policies to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of plastic waste, he added.

He emphasized that the government is conducting extensive awareness drives not only in rural areas but also in urban schools and colleges, aiming to educate the younger generation about the importance of proper waste disposal and the hazards of plastic pollution.

He stressed that a collaborative effort between the private and public sectors is crucial to effectively combat the issue of plastic pollution, emphasizing that collective responsibility and partnership are necessary to achieve meaningful results.

He also voiced concern that the widespread use of plastic materials in cooking and heating food is posing serious health risks, including the increased likelihood of cancer and other diseases, highlighting the need for safer and healthier alternatives.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi denies attending Anti-China event in US

Islamabad: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi denies attending anti-China event in US, said " he did not attend any anti-China event in the United States". He added that opponents are just spreading venomous propaganda.

While addressing the media in Houston, USA, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi clarified that he participated in a youth event, which was given a wrong impression through propaganda.

He emphasized that such propaganda does not matter as he did not attend any such event. He highlighted that the purpose of his visit was to develop an effective plan against terrorism through cooperation with American politicians.

He stressed that the war against terrorism is not just Pakistan's fight but a collective battle. He warned that anyone who takes up arms against Pakistan will be dealt with iron hands.

The Interior Minister expressed concern that the members of US House of Representatives are being incited against Pakistan.

He advised politicians to refrain from harming Pakistan's interests. He stated that the meetings with Congress members were very positive.