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Single-use plastics to be banned in PM Secretariat, federal ministries: Sherry Rehman

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NNPS Desk
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Single-use plastics to be banned in PM Secretariat, federal ministries: Sherry Rehman

ISLAMABAD, Jun 5 (APP): Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Senator Sherry Rehman on Monday announced that the government has decided to ban single-use polythene items in Prime Minister Secretariat, federal ministries and in all the divisions to end non-degradable plastic use as model for the nation to embrace behavioural change for beating plastic pollution.

Addressing a seminar in connection with the World Environment Day at Shaheed Bhutto Foundation (SBF), the federal minister informed that the ban would be imposed from today at PM Secretariat and federal government divisions would be directed to ensure refillable water bottles and containers for official use.

Senator Rehman informed that the prime minister has endorsed it and regulations would be released in the evening.

However, the plastic manufacturers have directed to stop manufacturing of non-degradable plastics and by August 1, 2023 it would be discontinued.

She said environment has become a serious topic at present but there was very low awareness among the public on the matter that made it necessary to hold maximum events of this kind.

“Unless a community, household, office, trader, manufacturer or others do not contribute their input; no policy can come from the blue as climate policy cannot be policed it demand mutual consensus.”

“Human legacy of this generation would be heaps and mountains of plastics as entire world recycles 9% plastic waste and it is not being recycled. Only Norway do 100% recycling of plastics and then Germany.

The European countries can do it because they have environmental literacy,” she added.

Some 624 containers, she said were dumped on our beaches full of hazardous plastics because the world was unable to recycle it, adding, “This plastic is going into our rivers, drains and oceans. We turned River Indus into the second most polluted river of the world.”

The minister underlined that there was no plan and planet B as we cannot throw away this planet.

“Plastics are not degrading even after a century. It is where it is and it’s proliferating. By 2050 plastics will be more than marine life in world oceans,” she added.

Senator Rehman noted that without active citizenship government could not police its policies and regulations as no policy was successful without student and youth engagement.

“This is becoming humanity’s biggest sin of polluting entire environment. We have skin in this game that we have to reduce plastic pollution for our coming generations because it is our next generation’s matter,” she concluded.

Vice President, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Central Punjab, and CEO Shaheed Bhutto Foundation, Asif Khan in his welcome remarks said Senator Sherry Rehman had gotten international recognition for her work and got position among most powerful women due to her strong international campaign on floods 2022 and dedicated work on scientific grounds to highlight climate crisis in the country.

He emphasised that there was a specific department of environment in every district and local body department.

It could be necessary to provide powers to this department. Moreover, the national disaster management should also be linked to the grassroots level alongwith strengthening of civil defence to serve both in war and peace, he suggested.

He added that public awareness was must through delegating powers to local governments especially for environment department to ensure climate resilience.

A video documentary on plastic pollution presented by Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination was also presented.

Dr Nisar Hussain Bukhari said the region was witnessing temperature rise and sipked up GHG emissions and everyone was contributing to it. He added that legislation was done by the government, but it was implemented by the masses.

“It is a long term fight that had to be started from nursery to masters level of education,” he added.

Former Accountant General Punjab and ex-Auditor General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Namatullah Babar also expressed his views on climate crisis and demanded a unified climate action to ensure climate resilience.

Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, MNA Naz Baloch said it was the society’s responsibility as a whole to create a safe and eco-friendly environment for its coming generations.

“It’s the basic civic sense that bounds citizens to avoid plastic pollution and littering. Climate education has become our need and we are working with the education ministry in this regard,” she added.

Baloch underlined that individual sense of responsibility was very important in managing and protecting environment as action needs commitment and nation has to show it.

The event ended with a special dance performance by Khanzada Asfandyar Khattak of Teri Nawab Darbar.

Draconian laws fuel separatist movements in India’s conflict-hit Manipur state

By
Ishtiaq Rao
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Draconian laws fuel separatist movements in India's conflict-hit Manipur state
Read in Urdu

ISLAMABAD, Jun 5 (APP): The imposition of draconian laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Acts (AFSPA) in the Indian state of Manipur has deepened the trust deficit between the government and multi-ethnic society of Manipur state, fueling the already active separatist movements in the region.

Since May 3, Manipur has witnessed inter-ethnic clashes primarily between Meitei and Kuki communities which resulted in over 98 deaths and the burning of at least 1,700 buildings including homes and religious sites.

According to the media reports, more than 35,000 people are currently displaced as well, with many now living in one of the 315 relief camps in the state.

Instead of finding out any political means to resolve the dispute, the “Indian government’s response has largely echoed the strategies India has previously employed during unrest in the Northeast or Jammu and Kashmir,” the United States Institute of Peace said in a report.

“This has included issuing military curfews, suspending internet services and deploying approximately 17,000 troops and paramilitary forces with shoot-on-site orders in effect for “extreme cases.”

Just like the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Narendra Modi-led government is also trying to suppress the demands of the three million people, through the use of brutal force.

The AFSPA act has been criticized by Human Rights Watch as a “tool of state abuse, oppression and discrimination”. On 31 March 2012, the UN asked India to revoke AFSPA saying it had no place in Indian democracy.

The violence erupted after the militants, reportedly backed by the central government attacked five localities mainly inhibited by the Christian community.

The latest factor triggering the violence was a high court’s decision ordering to grant a Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meiteis that would give them access to forest lands and entitle them to reservations in government jobs and educational institutions. The move has created fear among tribal communities including Kukis of losing their lands.

However, despite the violence in Manipur, the ruling BJP led by including by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah continue to electioneer for state assembly elections in Karnataka.

Amit Shah made his first statement about the violence 23 days after it began but Modi has not yet publicly acknowledged the situation.

According to the USIP, in Manipur, there are at least four valley-based armed groups, several Naga groups and nearly 30 Kuki armed insurgent organizations. The proliferation of armed groups — at one point estimated to stand at around 60 — contributed to the sense of a “war within a war” in the state.

Those closely connected with political power took advantage of the tumultuous situation. The armed groups frequently back candidates in state elections.

“Northeast politicians have reported intimidation by opposing armed groups, and civil society organizations in Manipur emphasized that the 2022 elections were overshadowed by “open intimidation” from militant groups and violence across polling stations. This has led to “democracy at gunpoint” in this fragile region,” the USIP report added.

Shashi Tharoor, an Indian parliamentarian, called for President’s rule and blamed the BJP-led government, saying it has failed to govern the state.

Peter Machado, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Bangalore, expressed concern that the Christian community is being made to feel insecure.

All 10 Kuki MLAs, including eight from the Bharatiya Janata Party, issued a statement demanding a separate body be created to administer their community under the constitution of India in the wake of the violent ethnic clashes.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk urged the authorities to “respond to the situation quickly, including by investigating and addressing root causes of the violence in line with their international human rights obligations”.

Nominated ‘Mayor of Karachi’ Murtaza Wahab vows to deliver, take entire city forward

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NNPS Desk
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Nominated ‘Mayor of Karachi’ Murtaza Wahab vows to deliver, take entire city forward
File Photo

KARACHI, Jun 05 (APP): Spokesperson for the Sindh government and Advisor to Sindh Chief Minister on Law Barrister Murtaza Wahab, after his nomination as the Mayor of Karachi, on Monday pledged to deliver for the people under the guidance of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

While expressing his gratitude to the PPP leadership for his nomination as the Mayor of Karachi, he said, ‘I have no words to express my gratitude to Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, Adi Faryal Talpur Sahiba, and the entire leadership of PPP for this honour of nominating me for the position of Mayor of Karachi.’

Wahab said that he was a Karachiite, the city was in his veins, and nothing would be of greater honour for him but to work for the betterment of his great city.

He said, “I pledge to deliver to the best of my abilities and take the entire city forward, working with all stakeholders, political and administrative.”

He also specially thanked the PPP workers, who worked so hard to win the elections of the city.

The nominated mayor vowed that they would work together and deliver under the guidance of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

He also thanked PPP Women Wing President Faryal Talpur for treating him like her own son.

Experts for urgent environmental response to eradicate massive health concerns

By
Majid Ali
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By: Nayyab Batool

ISLAMABAD, Jun 5 (APP): Environmental toxins can contribute to conditions like cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses which need immediate attention in order to ensure a healthy life & healthy planet as well, health experts warn on Monday.

The poor air quality that many people breathe as well as the dangers associated with contaminated water, transportation, sloppy sanitation, and inadequate hygiene present health concerns in a variety of ways in the home, office & outdoors.

According to WHO, an estimated 24% of the global disease burden and 23% of all deaths can be attributed to environmental factors. About 36% of this burden affects children from 0 to 14 years of age.

While talking to APP, renowned health expert Dr. Ahmed Abdullah, Associate Professor of Public Health at Al Shifa School of Public Health, shed light upon the health cost of environmental hazards in Pakistan.

“Environmental Pollution, allergens, and pollutants in the air either trigger the already held illness among people or cause a new one. It has two sides among which 1st is indoor air pollution like leaky stoves, gas heaters, fossil fuel burning & smoking at home, and the second is outdoor pollution in the overall environment.

If we are exposed to such pollution for a very long time then it can also cause respiratory cancer along with various other chronic diseases such as obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory illnesses, and asthma”.

While taking note of the most harmful air pollution he also added up the adverse effects of water & soil pollution causing a range of diseases in Pakistan.

“International classification of disease ICD-10 has 110 types of diseases among which 86 are directly or indirectly related with water causing, Blue baby syndrome due to excessive nitrate in water, diarrhea, hepatitis, Typhoid & more.

The same goes for soil pollution as well which can expose humans to allergic rhinitis, asthma, skin allergy, and other severe diseases”, He added further.

As the whole world is going towards advanced environmental measures, Pakistan and other developing countries are facing the burden of all these hazards the most, due to the disproportionate division of resources among people around the world.

This is the time that we all need to take a step forward while going for a proactive & long-term approach in order to battle these hazardous situations in our country.

According to experts in the field, Pakistan needs to go for immediate measures involving our youth also, thus initiating advanced solutions needed for the modern era.

Massive Tree plantations, public transportation, and habitat reservation are a must along with cutting carbon footprint, opting for Eco-innovation, green energy, more water reservoirs, creating waste-to-energy solutions, and ensuring proportionate & equity-based distribution of all basic resources.

SDPI, GAIN sign collaboration agreement to further cause of nutrition in Pakistan

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 05 (APP):The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) has signed an agreement to collaborate to further the cause of nutrition in Pakistan.

SDPI Executive Director Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, while speaking on the occasion, said nutritional security was the most important aspect which was threatened by variety of factors with particular threat from climate change and consumption of micro-plastics.

He said plastics were highly resistant to degradation and sustained in the environment for a prolonged period resulting in getting way into human food chain.

Microplastic exposure to humans, he added, was caused by foods of both animal and plant origin, food additives, drinks, and plastic food packaging. As this year’s Environment Day theme was “Plastic Pollution”, by reducing micro-plastic consumption, “we can ensure proper utilization of food consumed by the humans and avoid plastic-toxicity”, he concluded.

Faiz Rasool, Senior Policy Advisor of GAIN Pakistan said food safety was an important pillar to ensure food and nutrition security.

There was need to work for a National Food Safety Policy in Pakistan and “same goes for Multisectoral National Nutrition Policy”. Dietary guidelines were available but “these need to be translated into the practices and the food consumption approaches,” e added .

In the backdrop of Nutrition Emergency announced by the Government of Pakistan, he said, there was an immediate need to bring all like-minded organizations to strive for a national Nutrition and National Food Safety policies. By working with like-minded organizations, this goal would be achieved.

APP/ajb-usg

PMD forecast isolated rain at various places

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 05 (APP): Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain-wind/thunderstorms for isolated places in South Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and adjoining areas during the next 24 hours.


According to the synoptic situation, continental air was prevailing over most parts of the country.
Western currents were reaching into western and central parts of the country.


The PMD stated that “Mainly hot and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country, while very hot in southern parts”.


“However, rain-wind/thunderstorm is likely at isolated places in Potohar region, south Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and its adjoining areas”, the PMD added.


During the last 24 hours, hot and dry weather prevailed over most parts of the country. However, a rain-thunderstorm occurred in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.


The rainfall recorded was Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Kalam 07mm, Parachinar 05 and Saidu Sharif 04, Mardan 02, upper Dir and Kakul 01mm.


The highest maximum temperatures recorded were Turbat, Sibbi 45 C and Dalbandin 44 C

Talha returns Rs 4.5bln to pilgrims, implements cost-cutting measures

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 05 (APP): Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood said the ministry, taking significant measures to ease the financial burden on pilgrims, had returned an impressive sum of Rs 4.5 billion, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring the well-being of those embarking on the holy journey.

He, in a talk with APP, highlighted the efforts made by the ministry to reduce costs associated with the Hajj pilgrimage.

He disclosed that this year’s expenses for the Hajj had been lowered to $3,900 from $5,000, presenting a substantial decrease in comparison to the previous year. However, despite this decrease, he acknowledged that the current Hajj remained the most expensive in history due to the depreciation of the Pakistani rupee and the increase in the value of the US dollar, he added.

Addressing concerns about accommodation for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, Senator Talha emphasized that the ministry had taken steps to secure buildings at more affordable rates.

He revealed that the ministry had rented buildings between SR1,800 and SR2,300, compared to the higher rental fee of SR2,600 in 2019. Despite the significant difference in inflation rates between 2023 and 2019, the ministry managed to secure accommodations at lower prices, he maintained.

Furthermore, the minister emphasized the importance of efficient management of medicines for the pilgrims stating that more than fifty per cent of the required medicines could be obtained through donations, while the remaining medications could be purchased from pharmaceutical companies at their actual cost of production. By effectively managing these resources, the ministry could have saved a substantial amount of money allocated for the pilgrims’ medications, he observed.

Regarding the pilgrims’ food, Senator Talha informed that the contract was already awarded but it could be further improved with a good menu at discounted rates providing a satisfactory dining experience for the pilgrims, while also optimizing the allocated budget.

He said in order to streamline the immigration process for the pilgrims, the Saudi government had introduced the “Road to Makkah” project at the Islamabad International Airport.

He expressed his enthusiasm for this state-of-the-art programme, which was set to benefit more than 26,000 pilgrims by allowing them to complete their immigration procedures in Islamabad, reducing waiting times in the host country.

He further confirmed that the Saudi government had plans to extend this pilgrim-friendly service to other airports, including Lahore and Karachi, in the upcoming year.

Senator Talha also highlighted the ministry’s focus on training of Moavineen-e-Hujjaj, responsible for assisting the pilgrims throughout their spiritual journey.

He emphasized that the staff members from various government institutions had received adequate training to effectively handle the affairs of the pilgrims, ensuring their comfort and safety.

Responding to concerns about VIP culture, the minister pledged to eradicate it completely if given the opportunity.

He firmly stated that he would spare no effort in eliminating any form of preferential treatment during the Hajj pilgrimage.

In response to a question about corruption, Senator Talha assured that if presented with concrete evidence, he would take decisive action to bring the culprits to justice without any bias or discrimination.

Development process can be augmented by active women participation: Law Minister

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 05 (APP): Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on Monday said there should be no discrimination in terms of services as women had performed outstandingly in every profession over the years.

He said the women constituted half of the population in Pakistan and by ensuring their active participation in the socioeconomic sphere the development process could be augmented in true letter and spirit.

The was addressing the seminar “Reclaiming the Space: Reading the Constitution from Women’s Perspective”, jointly organized by the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Women Parliamentary Cacus ( WPC).

The minister said he stood there not just as a government’s representative but also as a proponent of progress, equality and justice for all. The Constitution of Pakistan was a beacon of hope, a guiding force that laid the foundation for the nation’s values and principles, he added.

He said it was essential that “we view it through a diverse lens that encapsulates the struggles and aspirations of all the members of the society, specifically of the women. When we speak of reading the Constitution from women’s perspective we aim to enhance our understanding and ensure that all individuals are treated equally under the law”.

He said the gender-based discrimination still existed in various forms withing our society and it was more visible in remote areas.

He said,”We have abundance of laws for the protection of the rights of women but the issue lies in the implementation of those laws. Let us all pledge to work together to strengthen the implementation mechanism and to enhance the parliamentary oversight in this regard.”

The minister said first there should be examination of the situation and then an implementation and monitoring plan should be devised in cooperation with all the stakeholders.

KP caretaker ministers visits industrial zones, inaugurates projects

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NNPS Desk
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PESHAWAR, Jun 05 (APP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Caretaker Minister for Industries, Commerce and Technical Education, Mohammad Adnan Jalil visited Nowshera on Monday and inaugurated various projects in the industrial zones.

He also inaugurated the newly established centre of Rescue 1122 and a new tube well for supplying drinking water to the Export Processing Zone (EPZ).

During the visit, he also laid the foundation stone of two new industrial units including a flour mill (MS Mibron Flour Mills) and a Waste Management Plant (MS Green Private Limited).

Besides, Secretary Industry, Commerce and Technical Education, Mutiullah Khan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company (KP-EZDMC), Javed Iqbal Khattak and other officers, the Regional Coordinator Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Sartaj Ahmad Khan also accompanied the provincial minister.

The provincial minister planted a sapling and inspected industrial plants producing edible oil and ice cream.

Meanwhile, the provincial minister also directed the relevant authorities to make a standard policy for the allotment of plots in the industrial zones of the province and make allotment of vacant plots in these zones according to the basis and transparency policy.

He further directed the facilitation of investors to attract them towards investment in the province.

Meanwhile, the caretaker minister also visited the Rashkai Special Economic Zone established under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and inspected the internal construction work on the project.

Speaking on the occasion, the caretaker minister said that the completion of phase one of the Special Economic Zone Rashkai established under CPEC is welcome, saying the project will play the role of catalyst in the economic development of the province.

He said that hurdles in the completion of the remaining phases of the project should be brought to his notice in written form to take them up with the concerned authorities.

On this occasion, the provincial minister was informed that the 1000-acre Rashkai Special Economic Zone is one of the industrial estates to be established under CPEC in Pakistan, which is being established in collaboration between KP-EZDMC and the China Road & Bridge Corporation (CRBC).

He was told that this is a special project under CPEC in which all facilities will be available according to international standards.

The provincial minister was further informed that Chinese and other international investors are taking a keen interest in setting up industries in the Rashakai Economic Zone.

Journey of progress & development to restart in AJK: Maryam Nawaz

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NNPS Desk
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Maryam Nawaz

BAGH (AJK), Jun 5 (APP):Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice President and Chief Organizer Maryam Nawaz on Monday said the journey of development, progress and development halted by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in 2017 in Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) would start again with the arrival of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

Addressing a big PML-N rally in Bagh in connection with the election campaign of party candidate Mushtaq Minhas, she said in the coming days, not only PML-N leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif would win the elections in the AJK but also in Pakistan.

She said Nawaz Sharif always pursued the agenda of progress, prosperity and development in Pakistan and Kashmir whenever he came into power. Besides giving a road network, health and education facilities and a strong economy, he also disbursed Rs 100 billion for the development projects for AJK during his previous government tenure.

The PML-N leader said development in the Azad Jammu & Kashmir was ensured by the PML-N leadership as all the allocated funds were utilized without any corruption.

The development works carried out by Nawaz Sharif were visible across the Azad Jammu & Kashmir, she added.

Maryam asked the masses to vote for the PML-N candidate in the Bagh area. “Voting for the PML-N means voting for development, progress and prosperity,” she added.

She paid tribute to the people of Bagh for attending the gathering in a large number. She said she was the daughter of Kashmir and bound in blood relation with its people.

She also paid tribute to the martyrs of the land who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty to protect every inch of the motherland.

“Every home in the Kashmir has a unique story of martyrdom of their loved ones, who sacrificed their present for a brighter future of the country’s coming generations,” she added.

Maryam Nawaz said all citizens of Pakistan and AJK acknowledged and paid tribute to the army personnel for safeguarding the frontiers of the country. “Army personnel are performing their duties at the height of the mountains to protect their countrymen. We pay salute and tribute to the martyrs of both Pakistan and Kashmir.”

Commenting of the May 9 incidents, the PML-N vice president said the nation would never forget those elements who disrespected monuments and memorials of national pride and installation of security departments, adding they would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

She said those who had disrespected the martyrs and put symbols of their bravery and courage on fire could not be regarded as Pakistanis anymore. The rioters even broke the fighter jets of 1965 war which was tantamount of attacking the pride of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) attained by defeating the enemy in the air war, she regretted.

Maryam said Pakistanis despite having differences of opinion could not imagine burning Pakistan’s public and defence installations.

She said the May 9 incidents had hurt the sentiments of martyrs’ families, and brought embarrassment both at national and international levels. “We cannot dare to face the families of martyrs due to the incident of May 9.”

Maryam Nawaz, without taking anyone’s name, said that the person who was behind all the destruction of May 9 was also responsible for compromising on the issue of Kashmir. “The nation will never forgive him and make him an example for others,” she added.

She said only one person was behind all the destruction, putting on fire the public and defence installations, fanning the politics of hate and division.

The PML-N leader alleged that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government was installed in the AJK by rigging the polls and “today the PTI is not seen anywhere in Kashmir.”

She said the party of a person who claimed to end the politics of PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif was now facing its own disintegration and had been divided into many groups.

Maryam said the former AJK prime minister had disclosed that the May 9 incidents were planned by PTI Chairman Imran Khan.

She said the PML-N always played a central role in the progress, prosperity and development of Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

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