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New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) Pakistan’s top crypto regulator said digital assets should be assessed individually under Islamic law after meeting a prominent scholar whose recent fatwa broadly rejected purchases made with cryptocurrency, a new report has said.

Bilal bin Saqib, Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, said he held a “constructive discussion” with Mufti Taqi Usmani about the Sharia status of digital assets and that both agreed on the need to protect Pakistanis from “fraud, exploitation, and financial harm,” the report from The Block said.

Saqib argued that blockchains, stablecoins, tokenized real‑world assets and other digital instruments represent different technologies and use cases and “merit careful technical assessment alongside rigorous Shariah examination, rather than being viewed through a single lens.”

The comments came after a fatwa previous week by Usmani and other scholars of Jamia Darul Uloom Karachi’s Darul Ifta, that said cryptocurrencies do not qualify as “maal,” or wealth, under Sharia and are rather just fictitious numerical entries.

When asked if purchases of goods and services such as a book or an online course made with cryptocurrency are valid, the scholars said they do not amount to lawful transfer of ownership of the products.

Scholars asked the purchaser to return the books and delete the course materials and hence the ruling expanded its scope beyond speculative crypto trading to trade of physical goods and digital services.

Saqib called for continued engagement among religious scholars, regulators and industry experts as Pakistan develops its approach to emerging financial technology.

Pakistan's parliament passed the Virtual Assets Act in March, making PVARA a permanent federal regulator with powers to license exchanges, custodians and token issuers.

Regulators have room to distinguish between unbacked cryptocurrencies, fiat‑backed stablecoins and tokenized securities, the scholar said.

Another report has said that the State Bank of Pakistan had historically taken a cautious stance on crypto, but the agreement with US President Donald Trump’s family-linked crypto business, World Liberty Financial, gave quasi‑official legitimacy to a foreign‑controlled stablecoin ecosystem.

—IANS

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Naypyidaw, July 13 (IANS) India’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, on Monday handed over solar systems for 50 households of earthquake-affected ethnic people in Taunggyi.

"50 household solar systems for earthquake-affected ethnic people of Inlay, a Quick Impact Project (QIP) under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Initiative, were handed over in Taunggyi today by Ambassador Abhay Thakur in the presence of Ethnic Affairs Minister U Than Maung and CM Shan State U Sai Htein Soe," the Embassy of India in Myanmar wrote on X.

In addition to the Union Ethnic Affairs Minister and Deputy Minister, several Ethnic Ministers of Shan State responsible for Inthar, Lisu and Kayan affairs joined the Mission team at the MGC QIP handover and site visit to beneficiary houses in earthquake-affected floating villages of Inle lake.

Development cooperation has long been a prominent feature in India’s overall bilateral engagement with Myanmar. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India's involvement and assistance extends from setting up of major connectivity infrastructure to significant initiatives in establishing long-term sustainable and relevant institutions for capacity building and human resource development in some of the critical areas such as agricultural research, rural infrastructure, healthcare and education, IT and skill development.

Under the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) mechanism, Quick Impact Projects (QIP) were launched by Indian government to deliver short-gestation, high-visibility development outcomes across various countries including Myanmar.

"QIPs strive to deliver small, timely interventions that respond to local needs and produce visible benefits faster. Under the Framework Agreement of QIP, the Government of India has committed up to US$ 500,000 per year for such projects. As of March this year, over 25 QIPs have been sanctioned in states and regions all across Myanmar. These are in sectors such as renewable energy, civic infrastructure, agriculture, rural development, education, handloom, disaster risk reduction and cultural restoration," the MEA stated.

–IANS

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Tel Aviv, July 13 (IANS) The emergence of Pakistan as a mediator between Libya's rival eastern and western power centres adds a "cynical" dimension to the country's already fractured political landscape. With the explicit knowledge of Washington and several regional stakeholders, Islamabad has positioned itself in 2026 as a self-styled peace broker seeking to bridge the divide between the Libyan National Army in the east and the Government of National Unity in the west, a report has stated.

Yet this diplomatic initiative stems neither from a genuine commitment to North African stability nor from any longstanding strategic interest in the region. Rather, it reflects a transactional arrangement crafted by an economically distressed Pakistan seeking to leverage its defence infrastructure in exchange for much-needed hard currency, Amine Ayoub, a policy analyst and writer based in Morocco, wrote in The Times of Israel.

He argued that the mediation's underlying hypocrisy stems from a $4 billion weapons agreement signed between the Pakistan Army and Saddam Haftar, Deputy Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) in Libya’s Benghazi in December 2025.

“In a blunt display of realpolitik, Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir met with Saddam Haftar to seal one of Islamabad’s largest-ever military exports, an order encompassing sixteen JF-17 fighter jets, basic trainers, and long-term technical training. That this massive transaction moved forward in blatant defiance of the long-standing United Nations arms embargo highlights the hollow nature of international law when cash and weapons change hands. For Pakistan to now claim the mantle of an objective, neutral arbiter is structurally absurd,” said Ayoub.

“A state cannot act as a primary arms supplier to one faction in a civil war while simultaneously presenting itself to the other side as an unbiased peace broker. This double game has predictably triggered profound skepticism and open hostility across western Libya, where political and military factions in Tripoli and Misrata correctly perceive Islamabad as deeply compromised by its financial and military alliances with the Haftar family. The rhetoric of neutrality quickly dissolves when confronted with the physical reality of Pakistani-supplied hardware reinforcing the eastern military apparatus,” he added.

According to the report, for the United States, involving Pakistan in the process is a calculated strategy aimed at managing risks while maintaining plausible deniability. Rather than committing its own personnel or political capital to the difficult task of militia disarmament and institutional integration, it said, Washington has shifted these security tasks to a Pakistani military establishment that is “eager to please and desperate for revenue.”

“Pakistan is essentially acting as a low-cost security subcontractor, brought in to handle the volatile field logistics of collecting weapons and policing rival militias while the primary Western architects remain safely insulated from direct exposure if the deal unravels. This arrangement relies on the illusion that external enforcement can substitute for domestic legitimacy. In reality, it guarantees that Libya’s stabilisation remains a distant mirage, sacrificed to satisfy the financial necessities of a broken South Asian economy and the geopolitical convenience of a detached American foreign policy,” the report noted.

--IANS

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New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Seychelles was not only aimed at strengthening ties but to also reiterate India's commitment to serving as a net service provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), a report has claimed.

"Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, lies near vital sea lanes of communication connecting East Africa, West Asia and the wider Indian Ocean region. The security of these sea lanes is therefore crucial to India, making maritime cooperation with Seychelles indispensable," a report in India Narrative highlighted.

During his visit to Seychelles last month, PM Modi held a meeting with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, discussing new opportunities in industries, connectivity, technology, and digital infrastructure

"President Herminie and I took stock of the economic partnership between India and Seychelles. We discussed new opportunities in industries, connectivity, technology, digital infrastructure and more. India will keep working with Seychelles in sectors such as housing, healthcare, transport, skilling, food security, education and defence," PM Modi wrote on X.

PM Modi also noted that he and Seychelles’ President agreed that the security, sustainability, and prosperity of the Indian Ocean are shared responsibilities.

"Dr. Patrick Herminie and I agree that the Indian Ocean is our shared home and therefore, its security, sustainability and prosperity are our shared responsibility. India envisions an Indian Ocean where maritime security advances alongside economic prosperity. Our partnership is based not on size, but on mutual respect and trust. We do not merely live close to one another, but move forward together. Our vision is to make the Indian Ocean an Ocean of Opportunity," PM Modi wrote on X.

During the visit, the two nations enhanced their defence and maritime partnership by strengthening cooperation in maritime security, surveillance and capacity-building. PM Modi handed over 'Made in India' Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) PS LESPWAR, six ambulances, 10 utility vehicles and five laser radial boats to strengthen Seychelles' maritime surveillance and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) priorities.

"Strategically, the island countries of the Indian Ocean are becoming increasingly important to India as New Delhi reinforces its commitment to being a net security provider in the region. The international security architecture is currently experiencing considerable disorder, with established norms being undermined by regional conflicts and deeper uncertainty marked by periodic episodes of coercion and retaliation," the India Narrative report mentioned.

India acknowledges the need to create a comprehensive maritime-security strategy which has the ability to respond to emerging contingencies. India cannot manage the region's maritime-security challenges alone and it cannot afford to create unease among its maritime neighbours through an overtly aggressive naval strategy. India has the option to invest in defence diplomacy and promote cooperative security mechanisms with Indian Ocean littoral states by bolstering their defence capabilities, the report detailed.

India has supported Seychelles Coast Guard in enhancing its operational capabilities by gifting and providing maritime assets. India gifted patrol boats PS Topaz to Seychelles in 2005 and PS Constant in 2014. India gifted the Fast Interceptor Boat C-405 to Seychelles in 2016 while in 2018, India gifted a second Dornier 228 aircraft to Seychelles in 2018 to enhance its maritime-reconnaissance capabilities. In 2021, India handed over the Fast Patrol Vessel SCG PS Zoroaster to the Seychelles Coast Guard, further strengthening the country’s maritime fleet.

"Since India is not yet the sole security provider in the Indian Ocean Region, it has developed a cooperative-defence strategy with littoral states through defence assistance. This reinforces India’s commitment to serving as a net security provider by helping these countries improve their security preparedness,” the report added.

--IANS

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Tokyo, July 13 (IANS) India and Japan held the 8th Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo on Monday, reaffirming their commitment to further strengthen the Special Strategic and Global Partnership and to a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

Both sides discussed ways to deepen cooperation in emerging domains, including defence industrial collaboration, technological innovation, cyber security, space, and other areas of shared strategic interest. The two sides also expressed satisfaction with the growing convergence between India and Japan on regional and global security issues and agreed to continue working closely in the Indo-Pacific, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Defence.

The two countries reiterated their commitment to promoting a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region founded on respect for international law. For the meeting, the Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and the Japanese delegation was led by Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs Kano Koji. Both sides discussed the prevailing regional and global security environment and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

"The dialogue reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral defence engagements, including military-to-military exchanges, co-operation between joint headquarters, maritime cooperation, defence exercises, capacity building, defence equipment and technology cooperation including maritime technology, and enhanced institutional interactions," the Ministry of Defence stated.

The two nations welcomed the steady expansion of defence cooperation and stressed the importance of maintaining regular high-level exchanges and dialogue mechanisms. They discussed probable outcomes for the forthcoming Ministerial visits including 2+2, scheduled to be held later this year.

"Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and Japanese Vice Minister for International Affairs, Ministry of Defense Mr Kano Koji co-chaired the 8th India–Japan Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo on July 13, 2026. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership and to a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific," Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, posted on X.

During the dialogue, Rajesh Kumar Singh expressed appreciation for Japan's continued engagement with India in the defence sector and underscored the importance of strengthening practical cooperation under the framework of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

Kano Koji reaffirmed Japan's commitment to further expanding defence ties with India across priority areas.

Earlier in the day, Singh met Japanese Minister of Defence Shinjiro Koizumi, and conveyed greetings of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The two sides reaffirmed the growing momentum of India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. He also presented an invite from Defence Minister to Koizumi for his visit to India at an earliest opportunity.

"Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh met Japan’s Minister of Defense Mr Shinjiro Koizumi in Tokyo on July 13, 2026, reaffirming the growing momentum of the India-Japan Special Strategic & Global Partnership. Building on the outcomes of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent visit to India, both sides held wide-ranging and productive discussions on regional security, maritime cooperation, defence industrial collaboration and advancing a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific. The meeting underscored the shared commitment to further elevate India-Japan defence ties," the Ministry of Defence mentioned.

Singh also laid wreath at the Self-Defense Forces Memorial Stone in Tokyo, paying tribute to the members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) who have made the supreme sacrifice in the service of their nation.

"The visit underscored the growing and deepening defence ties, mutual respect, and shared commitment of India and Japan towards peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region," the Defence Ministry emphasised.

--IANS

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New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) Pakistan remains inadequately prepared to deal with the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI), despite growing adoption of AI tools among businesses and professionals, as weak digital infrastructure, fragmented data systems and limited institutional readiness continue to hamper the country's progress, a report has said.

A report published in Dawn highlighted that AI adoption is gradually increasing across Pakistan, particularly among educated youth and service-sector employees using tools such as ChatGPT.

Businesses are also exploring AI applications to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

However, the country's digital ecosystem and policy framework remain underdeveloped, limiting AI's broader deployment and benefits, it said.

It further warned that Pakistan's outdated statistical systems, poor-quality data and low levels of digitisation could undermine AI-driven decision-making, as artificial intelligence relies heavily on accurate and comprehensive datasets.

Citing experts, it noted that government agencies and businesses still lack reliable data on AI adoption, making it difficult to assess the technology's impact on productivity, employment and economic growth.

Pakistan's labour surveys and official databases continue to follow frameworks developed before the digital economy, with little tracking of AI adoption across industries or occupations that could face automation.

However, they questioned whether government institutions possess the necessary technical expertise and policy understanding to implement AI effectively.

They also cautioned that poor data quality and limited awareness among policymakers could restrict the effectiveness of AI initiatives, even if advanced technologies are introduced.

Private sector experts -- cited in the report -- said AI adoption remains uneven across industries. While banks and a few large companies are investing in AI applications and hiring specialised talent, most businesses have yet to formulate formal AI strategies.

They further stressed that Pakistan needs to strengthen digital infrastructure, improve data governance and promote AI literacy among policymakers and businesses to remain competitive as artificial intelligence reshapes the global economy.

--IANS

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Seoul, July 13 (IANS) A Seoul district court on Monday sentenced South Korea's former President Yoon Suk Yeol to two years in prison after finding him partially guilty of accepting illegal political funds in the form of free opinion polls from a self-proclaimed power broker.

The Seoul Central District Court convicted the jailed former president on charges of violating the Political Funds Act in a ruling that marked a departure from a separate trial where his wife was acquitted on the same charges.

Special counsel Min Joong-ki's team earlier indicted Yoon on charges of colluding with his wife, former first lady Kim Keon Hee, and receiving 58 opinion polls worth about 270 million won (USD 180,100) in total for free from the power broker, Myung Tae-kyun, between April 2021 and March 2022, Yonhap news agency reported.

In its ruling, the court recognised that Yoon had received 14 opinion polls from Myung for free over the period, sentencing him to prison and ordering a forfeiture of 13.96 million won.

It recognised the special counsel team's argument that Yoon had promised to support former Rep. Kim Young-sun's nomination as a candidate for the conservative People Power Party in the parliamentary by-elections in June 2022 in exchange for the opinion polls.

"The defendant's actions sowed distrust in politics and undermined the public trust in the development of democracy," the court said. "A punishment commensurate with the wrongdoing is inevitable."

The court also sentenced Myung to 18 months in prison on the charges.

The special counsel team had sought a four-year prison sentence for Yoon and a three-year term for Myung.

The ruling diverged from an appellate court's acquittal of Yoon's wife on charges of accepting free opinion polls from Myung in a separate trial.

In Kim's acquittal in April, the Seoul High Court ruled the couple could not be seen as profiting off the opinion polls, as Myung had provided them to other people as well. Min's team has appealed that ruling.

After the ruling, Yoon's lawyers vowed to appeal, saying the verdict was "difficult to understand" given the former first lady's acquittal in her trial.

The special counsel team called the latest ruling "very meaningful," noting the bench appeared to have closely considered the various evidence and arguments presented in its judgment.

It marked the latest conviction for Yoon, who has been standing multiple trials following his failed 2024 martial law bid. In February, Yoon was sentenced to life imprisonment for leading an insurrection through his short-lived imposition of martial law.

–IANS

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Boston, July 13 (IANS) Indian Naval Sail Training Ship (STS) INS Sudarshini arrived in Boston to join dozens of tall ships from over 20 nations for the 'Parade of Sails' at Sail Boston 2026, the Indian Navy stated on Monday.

"Lokayan26, Tricolour at Boston! Post spectacular Sail4th250 celebrations in New York, INS Sudarshini reached Boston on 12 Jul 26 to join 60-plus tall ships from 20-plus nations for the Grand Parade of Sails at Sail Boston 2026," the spokesperson of the Indian Navy wrote on X.

"Shri Raghuram Sastry, Consul General of India in Boston, embarked the ship for the Grand Parade of Sails and ceremonial entry into Boston. From Norfolk to Boston - Lokayan2026 continues to carry India's maritime heritage and goodwill across the oceans," it added.

INS Sudarshini represented India at the International Naval Review 250 and SAIL250 celebrations in New York on July 4, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the USA's independence. Carrying forward the Indian Navy's message of maritime friendship, cooperation and goodwill across the oceans, the ship sailed to Boston to participate in Sail Boston 2026.

According to the Ministry of Defence, INS Sudarshini concluded her port call at New York, USA, on July 8, marking another significant milestone in the ongoing Lokayan 2026 transoceanic expedition.

"The visit showcased India's rich maritime heritage while further strengthening the strategic and cultural partnership between India and the United States," the ministry stated.

As part of the Indian Navy's 10-month transoceanic deployment, the indigenously built three-masted barque represented India at the International Naval Review 250 and Sail4th 250 celebrations, organised to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States.

A major highlight of the visit was INS Sudarshini's participation in the spectacular Parade of Sail, during which the ship sailed past the Statue of Liberty and along the Hudson River, proudly flying the Indian National Flag alongside an impressive fleet of international tall ships and naval vessels.

According to the Ministry, during its stay in Brooklyn, INS Sudarshini served as a floating Ambassador of India, welcoming over 1,000 visitors on board, including members of the Indian diaspora, local residents, and maritime enthusiasts. Visitors were provided with an insight into the Indian Navy's sail training traditions and India's rich maritime heritage.

–IANS

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Kathmandu, July 13 (IANS) Nepal's Supreme Court order directing the government to work on increasing Nepal's share of free electricity from the 480 MW Phukot Karnali Hydropower Project being developed by India's state-owned NHPC Limited, is likely to be one of the key issues during high-level bilateral energy talks between both countries this week.

The 13th meeting of the Joint Secretary-level Joint Working Group (JWG) and the Secretary-level Joint Steering Committee (JSC) — the highest bilateral mechanisms overseeing energy cooperation between the two countries — is scheduled to be held in the western city of Pokhara on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Sandeep Kumar Deo, Joint Secretary at Nepal's Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, told IANS that the progress of hydropower projects in Nepal being developed or planned with Indian investment would be one of the key agenda items.

Asked whether the Supreme Court order concerning the NHPC-promoted project would figure in the discussions, Deo said all major energy-sector projects and issues would be reviewed comprehensively, but declined to elaborate.

On September 1, 2025, Nepal's Supreme Court directed the government to amend the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Phukot Karnali project so that Nepal's share of free electricity — currently fixed at 21.9 per cent — is increased in proportion to its investment in the project. The court instructed the government to revise the agreement accordingly and implement the changes.

Following the verdict, NHPC expressed concern over the ruling, warning that the project may no longer be financially viable if the directive is implemented. Its Nepali partner, Nepal Vidyut Utpadan Company Limited, also urged the Ministry of Energy to recommend that the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) file a review petition before the Supreme Court.

The Nepal government now finds itself in a difficult position. While seeking a review of the verdict could provide legal clarity and help preserve the project's financial viability, doing so could expose the government to criticism from opposition parties, which may portray such a move as compromising Nepal's national interest.

The MoU, signed during the 2023 visit of then Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' to India, provides that Nepal will receive 21.9 per cent of the project's monthly electricity generation free of cost from the date of commercial operation. It also contains a provision allowing both parties to renegotiate the arrangement if the project becomes commercially unviable.

Deo said the two sides would also discuss cross-border transmission lines, electricity trade, renewable energy and green hydrogen.

He said the meeting would review existing cross-border transmission infrastructure, projects under construction and proposed high-capacity interconnections that are crucial to Nepal's long-term ambition of becoming a major electricity exporter.

Although around a dozen cross-border transmission links exist between Nepal and India, only the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur 400 kV transmission line currently has the capacity to facilitate large-scale electricity trade.

Construction is currently underway on the New Butwal-Gorakhpur 400 kV and Dhalkebar-Sitamarhi 400 kV cross-border transmission lines.

In October last year, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited signed the Joint Venture Agreement and the Shareholders' Agreement to establish joint venture companies for constructing two additional 400 kV cross-border transmission lines—Inaruwa-Purnea and Dododhara-Bareilly.

The agreements ensure that, in line with the earlier understanding between the two countries, both transmission lines will be completed by 2030. Their completion is expected to enable Nepal to export an additional 5,000 MW of electricity to India.

The transmission line projects are central to implementing the long-term power trade agreement signed by Nepal and India in January 2024, under which India agreed in principle to import up to 10,000 MW of electricity from Nepal over the next decade. Nepal currently exports around 1,000 MW to India during the monsoon season, making the expansion of cross-border transmission infrastructure essential to achieving that target.

During the 12th meeting of the Joint Steering Committee, the two countries also agreed to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and construct a 400 kV transmission line between Nijgadh/Harnaiya (Nepal) and Motihari (India), as well as another 400 kV transmission line between Kohalpur (Nepal) and Lucknow (India). They also agreed to upgrade the existing Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur 400 kV transmission line by replacing its conductors with High-Temperature Low-Sag (HTLS) conductors with a capacity equivalent to Quad Moose conductors.

The two sides are also expected to review the progress of bilateral electricity trade, which has expanded rapidly since India began allowing Nepal to sell surplus hydropower through its day-ahead electricity market in 2021.

He added that cooperation in renewable energy development and the promotion of green hydrogen would also feature prominently during the two-day meetings.

--IANS

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Islamabad, July 13 (IANS) The anti-government protest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) entered its 34th consecutive day, with protestors raising slogans against the Pakistani authorities.

What began as demands for basic rights has transformed into a powerful challenge against Islamabad's long-standing control, with local leaders delivering scathing accusations that strike at the heart of Pakistani authorities' narrative on the occupied territory.

Addressing a gathering in Rawalakot on Sunday, protest leader Javed Iqbal said, "For 78 years, they sold us the 'Srinagar liberation' churan (propaganda). That fake churan is now expired; Kashmiris are no longer buying it. When we ask for flour, we get bullets; when we ask for electricity, we get bullets; when we ask for water, we get bullets."

Stressing that PoK is done with Pakistan, the gathering echoed with the slogan, "Every single child will fight to the death, but Kashmir (PoK) will not become a province."

Videos circulating on social media also showed hundreds of locals in the occupied territory, especially women, marching against repression, high taxes, power tariffs, and arbitrary arrests.

Meanwhile, members of the Kashmiri diaspora in Washington staged a protest against the human rights abuses in the PoK, calling for international intervention over what they described as the brutal crackdown by the Pakistani authorities.

The protestors carried a banner that read "Stop state repression in Kashmir" and raised slogans condemning the atrocities in the region.

The demonstrations worldwide come amid ongoing unrest in PoK, during which dozens of civilians have been killed and injured by Pakistani forces, with the region under a strict blockade, curfew, and a total communications blackout.

Last week, the civil society group, the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), announced a long march towards Muzaffarabad in PoK on July 15, while urging the people across the region to join the protest in large numbers.

Citing reports, the JAAC further said that another two young men were killed in the firing by the Pakistani forces, as tensions in the occupied territory intensify.

"Every ruler sitting in the Muzaffarabad Assembly is responsible for this massacre -- people will remember that the killers of these young men of ours are the Pakistani forces and the rulers of Muzaffarabad," JAAC posted on X.

"On one side we are lifting the bodies of our young brothers; the remains of those killed a month ago are still kept in custody, and on the other side the rulers are turning this massacre into an election celebration by ignoring it. We will take revenge for the blood of the deceased from these killers," it added.

--IANS

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