Azad Kashmir
Coverage of Azad Kashmir in the Nexus archive.
- London protesters march through streets in solidarity with Azad Kashmir
Protesters in London marched from Hyde Park towards the Pakistan High Commission to show solidarity with Azad Kashmir.
- PTI slams govt over Rs1.8bn package for bureaucrats
PTI criticized the government for allocating Rs1.8 billion in special allowances to top bureaucrats while fuel prices rose sharply, accusing officials of favoring elites over ordinary citizens. The party demanded policy rollbacks, transparency in wheat stock discrepancies, and audits of Sindh's public service exams and Azad Kashmir's election practices.
- PMD forecasts monsoon rain, thunderstorms across the country from July 24-28
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasted monsoon rain and thunderstorms across Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and Azad Kashmir from July 24-28 due to an active monsoon system. Rain and thundershowers, including heavy falls, are expected in multiple districts, with partly cloudy conditions in some areas of Balochistan.
- AJK violence
Azad Kashmir has experienced violent protests since June led by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), resulting in approximately 30 deaths. The JAAC's demand to abolish refugee seats in the AJK legislature has caused a deadlock, while political actors propose negotiations to restore calm ahead of regional polls.
- Will constitutional reform follow?
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari advocated for direct federal parliamentary representation for Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during a budget debate, highlighting their distinct constitutional histories and governance challenges. The PPP chairperson emphasized provisional provincial status for Gilgit-Baltistan while maintaining Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir dispute, noting historical grievances over bureaucratic control and colonial-era laws like the Frontier Crimes Regulation.
- Trouble at home
Pakistan successfully mediated between the US and Iran, leading to a Memorandum of Understanding for peace, but faces domestic challenges including economic instability, political neglect, and violent protests in Azad Kashmir. The government is criticized for prioritizing foreign trips over addressing critical economic and governance issues.
- NDMA warns of 'critical 24-hour weather window' nationwide
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide weather alert for Pakistan, warning of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, floods, and glacier-related flood risks over the next 24 hours. The alert includes specific regional forecasts for Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Sindh, with a separate Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) warning for mountainous areas. Authorities urge vigilance and preparedness, advising travelers to avoid northern regions during severe weather.
- BUDGET 2026-27: Only half of FY26 uplift budget spent in 11 months
The government utilised only 52.4% of the Rs1.01 trillion Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) budget in the first 11 months of FY26, with allocations reduced by Rs173 billion to fund fuel subsidies amid rising oil prices. Special regions like Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan spent just 62% (Rs153.86 billion) of their allocation due to further cuts.
- Climate choices
Pakistan faces severe climate challenges with consecutive record-warm years in 2024 and 2025, leading to glacial melt, erratic monsoons, and increased weather volatility. The government allocated Rs690bn for climate-related initiatives in 2026-27, including Rs214bn in climate-tagged expenditure and Rs476bn in green subsidies, though the article questions if these funds match the scale of required climate investments.