MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed extended his heartfelt congratulations to Jammu Kashmir Cricket team on registering their one of the biggest wins in the history of the Ranji Trophy by outclassing team Mumbai.
In a statement to media, Sheikh Khursheed congratulated Jammu Kashmir cricket team for their glorious run in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. We are proud of our young talent for their for their remarkable feat in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, he said,He also urged Lt Governor Manoj Sinha & Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to announce the appreciation in favour of players to boost their morale.
It is great to know that our cricket team is doing very well, your victory over Mumbai has added a new chapter in the cricket history of the State, he said“I hope and pray that you continue with this winning spree in the remaining matches as well, he added.(KNS)
External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar addressed the status of India’s trade relations with Pakistan, clarifying that New Delhi didn’t cease trade, but rather, it was the Islamabad administration that decided to halt trading in 2019.
“We did not stop trading. Their administration made the decision in 2019 to not continue trading with us,” Jaishankar said in a press conference in Washington DC on Wednesday (local time).
He also reiterated India’s longstanding concern regarding the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status, which India had extended to Pakistan but which Pakistan didn’t reciprocate.
“Our concern about this issue was from the beginning that we should get MFN status. We used to give this status to Pakistan but they did not give it to us,” the EAM said.
Noting that there have been no recent discussions or initiatives on trade from either side, he added, “So, neither such talks have taken place with Pakistan regarding trade from our side, nor did they take any initiative from their side.”
Highlighting India-US ties, Jaishankar said both nations have a “very strong degree” of trust and convergence.
“We have a very strong degree of trust today between India and the United States, a very high level of convergence of our interests,” he said. He also noted that the two nations share a sense of global good and are committed to serving their national interests while building their bilateral partnership.
“A sense that while we serve our national interest, while we build our bilateral partnership, definitely on regional issues and global issues, there is a lot of good that we can do. So that sense of global good was also very evident conceptually in what we discussed,”
“In terms of the bilateral ties, this was the first day of the administration, so we had sort of essentially a broad brush conversation, didn’t get too deep into details, but there was an agreement, a consensus between us that we need to be bolder, bigger and more ambitious,” he added.
Notably, Jaishankar represented India at US President Donald Trump’s inaugural function. He also carried a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for President Trump.Donald Trump took oath as the 47th US President on January 20. (ANI)
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today met several deputations at Civil Secretariat Jammu, and listened to their issues, demands and grievances for immediate redressal.
A deputation led by District Development Council Chairman Kishtwar, Pooja Thakur, brought development and employment issues to the notice of the Chief Minister.
Representing far-flung areas of Paddar, Dachhan, Atholi, Nagseni and other areas of Kishtwar district, the delegation submitted a memorandum of demands to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, highlighting key issues faced by these remote areas of Kishtwar district.
The delegation emphasized the need for employment opportunities for locals in ongoing and upcoming power projects, along with the upgradation of schools and health institutions to address critical shortages of teachers, doctors and paramedics.
They also brought attention to the need for improved public infrastructure, including better roads, reliable drinking water facilities and the establishment of banking services in remote areas.
The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to the deputation and assured that all genuine demands would be addressed on priority emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable development in remote areas for upliftment of marginalized communities.
In a separate meeting, a deputation comprising former legislators of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir State Assembly met the Chief Minister to discuss their concerns.
They requested for an enhancement of pension benefits, noting that the last revision occurred over a decade ago.
Besides they requested for an increase in medical allowance.
They also sought intervention of Chief Minister in giving directions for smooth and hassle free entry of ex-legislators to the Legislative Assembly and Secretariat premises and to devise a simple mechanism to facilitate their easy access.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured the delegation that their issues would be taken up promptly.
CM Omar Abdullah said that his government gives due recognition to their contributions to public service and assured that a mechanism would be devised to facilitate their entry without any difficulty.
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra while debunking reports that the alliance with the National Conference is on the verge of a collapse, termed them as “malicious” and “concocted.”
Tariq Karra, asserted that there was no truth in these reports and that Congress was committed to this alliance and in support of the present dispensation.
“These are just baseless, malicious, concocted, and constructed rumours. I don’t have much to say about it. This is not a thing to respond to,” Karra stated.
Karra, however, added that they have been reiterating their principal demand for restoration of statehood and that they would not be a part of the cabinet unless statehood is restored.
“Statehood restoration is our principal stand. We are not joining the cabinet unless statehood is restored,” he said.
Several reports have been doing rounds on social media that Congress was contemplating to put an end to the alliance with the National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)
The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Monday ordered reconstitution of board of directors of Jammu and Kashmir Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB).
An order reads: “In supersession of all previous orders issued on the subject, Board of Directors of J&K Khadi and Village Industries Board is reconstituted.”
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Industries and Commerce Department, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, has been appointed has the chairman of the board. He has replaced the incumbent chairperson of the board, senior BJP leader, Dr Hina Bhat.
Administrative Secretary Finance, Administrative Secretary Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, Administrative Secretary Industries and Commerce Department, Registrar Cooperative Societies, J&K, Director General (Codes), Finance Department, Director MSME DL, J&K, Director Industries and Commerce, Jammu, Mission Director Rural Livelihood Mission J&K and Director Industries and Commerce Kashmir have been appointed as directors of the board—(KNO)
On the directions of incarcerated AIP Supremo and MP Baramulla, Er Rashid, Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency Incharge Inam Un Nabi along with AIP State Secretary Sheikh Ashiq, today toured various areas of Bemina, including Durbal Bemina, falling under the Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency.
During the visit, Inam Un Nabi announced the release of ₹2 lakh from the MP Fund for the installation of solar lights near Imam Bargah Jadeed and the provision of a new transformer to address the area’s electricity woes.
The residents of Bemina expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Er Rashid for ensuring that MP funds reach the grassroots level, a first in their experience. They remarked, “We have observed Er Rashid among us, living as simply as any common citizen of the area. His dedication to the people is unmatched.” The locals prayed for his early release, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to public welfare and development. “We express our sincere gratitude and hope to see him among us again soon,” they added.
The leaders also interacted with the locals, listened to their concerns, and reaffirmed AIP’s dedication to resolving public issues and ensuring grassroots development despite the challenges faced by the party’s leadership.
Imran Khan’s journey from a celebrated cricket hero to a jailed political figure is a story filled with passion, determination, and controversy. His life’s arc, stretching from sports glory to political upheaval, captures the attention of millions worldwide. This article explores the life of Imran Khan, his rise to fame, his foray into politics, his struggles against corruption, and the circumstances that led to his imprisonment.
Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi was born on October 5, 1952, in Lahore, Pakistan. He belonged to an affluent Pashtun family and was educated at prestigious institutions, including the Royal Grammar School in Worcester and later at Keble College, Oxford. From an early age, Khan showed a keen interest in sports, especially cricket, which would later become his ticket to global fame.
Khan made his debut in international cricket in 1971 at the age of 18. His cricketing prowess, particularly as a fast bowler, quickly made him a crucial part of the Pakistani cricket team. Over the years, he evolved into a brilliant all-rounder and was known for his charismatic leadership. His crowning achievement came in 1992 when he led Pakistan to its first and only Cricket World Cup victory. This triumph not only solidified his status as a national hero but also marked the end of his illustrious cricketing career.
Philanthropic Ventures
Following his retirement from cricket, Khan channeled his energy into philanthropy. He established the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre in 1994, named after his mother who had died of cancer. The hospital was a significant achievement as it provided free cancer treatment to thousands of patients, regardless of their financial status.
In addition to his contributions to healthcare, Khan also founded Namal University in Mianwali. This institution aimed to offer quality higher education to the underprivileged, further cementing his image as a benefactor of the poor and marginalized.
Entry into Politics
Imran Khan’s transition into politics was driven by his dissatisfaction with the status quo and his desire to bring about meaningful change in Pakistan. In 1996, he founded the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which translates to Pakistan Movement for Justice. The party’s primary focus was on anti-corruption, justice, and economic reform.
In the initial years, PTI struggled to gain significant traction. The political landscape of Pakistan was dominated by established parties like the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). However, Khan’s persistence and his appeal as a clean, honest leader who was above the typical political fray gradually started to attract a following.
Rise to Power
Khan’s political fortunes began to change in the 2010s, as he capitalized on growing public disillusionment with the traditional political elites. His message of accountability, justice, and a corruption-free Pakistan resonated with a large section of the population, particularly the youth.
In the 2013 general elections, PTI emerged as a significant political force, although it could not secure a majority. The turning point came in the 2018 elections when PTI won a sweeping victory, and Imran Khan was sworn in as the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan. His ascent to power was seen as a new beginning for a country long plagued by corruption and mismanagement.
Governance and Challenges
Khan’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by a mix of achievements and challenges. He implemented various reforms aimed at improving governance, economic stability, and social welfare. His government launched the Ehsaas Programme, which was designed to reduce poverty and provide social protection to the most vulnerable segments of society.
However, his administration also faced significant hurdles. The economic situation remained precarious, with inflation and unemployment posing serious challenges. His government’s relationship with the military, traditionally a powerful institution in Pakistan, also began to strain over disagreements on key issues, including the appointment of military officials and foreign policy decisions.
Conflict with the Military
The military’s influence in Pakistan’s political affairs is well-documented, and any leader’s success often depends on maintaining a stable relationship with it. Khan’s relationship with the military, which was initially supportive, began to sour during his time in office. Reports of disagreements over policy directions and key appointments became frequent, leading to speculation about growing rifts.
The culmination of these tensions came in April 2022, when Khan was ousted from power through a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly. This move was widely perceived as being backed by the military, which had grown increasingly disillusioned with Khan’s governance.
Post-Ouster Political Struggles
Following his removal from office, Khan became a vocal critic of the military’s role in politics. He accused the establishment of orchestrating his ousting and began rallying his supporters against what he described as a corrupt and unjust system. His post-ouster period was marked by a series of mass protests and rallies, where he called for fresh elections and a return to civilian supremacy.
Khan’s defiance and his refusal to bow down to pressure made him a target of various legal cases. He faced numerous charges, ranging from corruption to incitement of violence. His supporters viewed these cases as politically motivated, aimed at sidelining him from the political scene.
Imprisonment and Legacy
In January 2025, Imran Khan was sentenced to 14 years in prison on corruption charges. His imprisonment was seen by many as a move to remove a potent threat to the entrenched political and military elite. Despite his incarceration, Khan’s popularity remained undiminished. His supporters continued to view him as a martyr who was being punished for challenging a corrupt system.
Khan’s legacy is a complex one. On one hand, he is celebrated as a cricketing legend and a philanthropist who made significant contributions to Pakistani society. On the other hand, his political career has been marked by both bold reforms and contentious relations with the military and political adversaries.
Conclusion
Imran Khan’s life story is a testament to his resilience and his unwavering commitment to his principles. From his days as a cricketing icon to his time as a political leader, Khan has consistently sought to challenge the status quo and fight for a better Pakistan. His journey, filled with triumphs and tribulations, reflects the struggles of a man who dared to dream of a corruption-free Pakistan. Whether seen as a hero or a controversial figure, Imran Khan’s impact on Pakistan’s political landscape is undeniable, and his story will continue to inspire debates and discussions for years to come.
Expressing deep concern over the mysterious disease in Rajouri that has claimed several lives, Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) President and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone termed the situation “heart-wrenching.” Lone highlighted the urgency of identifying the cause behind the deaths and expressed hope that the medical fraternity would soon uncover the mystery.
Sajad Lone emphasized that information gathered about the disease should be shared nationally with medical experts to address the issue promptly and prevent further casualties. His call for action underscores the critical need for swift and thorough investigations to protect the health and well-being of the affected community.
Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) President and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone, has strongly criticized leaders of the National Conference (NC) for their alleged hate speeches of its leaders during elections which are in contrary of CM Omar Abdullah praising PM Modi. In a Post on X, he accused them of creating an atmosphere of hostility and violence through their rhetoric. Referring to the aftermath of the “no clouds in the sky” speech by the Chief Minister, Lone pointed out that thousands of speeches made by NC contestants, many of whom are now MLAs, surfaced on social media. He claimed that these speeches contained venomous and inflammatory content, portraying their political opponents as enemies of Muslims and inciting communal hatred. “I heard some of them.I shivered. I wonder how we are alive,” Lone remarked, emphasizing the dangerous impact of such statements. He alleged that these leaders worked to create circumstances that could lead to political killings, in a place where past utterances have resulted in violence. Reiterating his stance on political assassinations, Lone said, “It is the evil mouth and the even eviler brain that sums up the anatomy of a political killing. The one who presses the trigger is, as a rule, a dispensable brainwashed idiot.” He further stated that his social media team has been directed to compile a digital list of such speeches, asserting that the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve to know what their leaders said during elections and what they are saying now. (KNS)
National Conference (NC) leader and MLA Salman Sagar has strongly criticized the Srinagar Smart City project, calling its execution “shady and shabby” from the start. His remarks come in response to the recent Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) raids on Smart City officials. Speaking to KNS, he said “From day one, we could see the poor quality of work in the Srinagar Smart City project. Today, our concerns have turned out to be true,” Sagar said while reacting to the raids. He recalled how his party was among the first to raise concerns about the Smart Street project. “We had already pointed out the flaws and even held a press conference against it. The work was done hastily, and the time frame given for such large-scale infrastructure projects, including roads and buildings, was unrealistic. Now, we are witnessing the results as the poor-quality construction is being exposed,” he stated. Sagar further said that the lack of proper planning has led to the present situation.”Unfortunately, what we predicted has come true. Those in power have been making the same promises for five years without delivering results. However, we are confident that the more they talk, the better we will perform. We believe in letting our work speak for itself.” He acknowledged that mistakes can happen in large projects but stressed that better execution was necessary. “We will not ask them to remain silent; instead, we will continue doing our work. When we go to the people after five years, we will present a strong progress report with logical explanations and tangible achievements,” he asserted. Sagar highlighted that the National Conference envisions a well-planned satellite town as part of its development strategy. “This town will cater to the people of Srinagar and Jammu. There is no ambiguity in our stance—the government and our party are committed to ensuring better infrastructure for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added. (KNS)
