Assessing awareness of digital literacy among medical students in Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Pakistan’s blood transfusion system is regulated by federal and provincial legislation, adopted since 1997. The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is one of the autonomously administered territories of Pakistan. The AJK’s blood safety act came out in 2003, to regulate the blood transfusion services but remained ineffective for the next decade due to no implementation. During the period 2014-2017, the AJK government sought technical assistance from the Islamabad Blood Transfusion Authority and initiated the implementation of blood safety legislation in the state of AJK through the AJK Blood Transfusion Authority. The AJK BTA identified and inspected 64 blood banks with a total annual blood collection of 30,833. The majority (75%) of the blood banks were in NGO/private sector while the remaining 25% belonged to the public sector. Only six blood banks fulfilled the minimum criteria of licensing set by the AJK BTA. As a result of this ground-breaking work, the AJK became the second region of the country (after Islamabad Capital Territory) to have completed a mapping and inspection exercise in the entire State. This will go a long way in the consolidation of blood transfusion services in AJK.

Soil-borne potato viruses are an increasing economic threat to crop yield in the future. Potato mop-top virus (PMTV) and Tobacco rattle virus (TRV) and their vector association in field infection in North-western region of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir were surveyed in this study. Incidence and distribution of these soil-borne viruses were estimated by field sample collection from Malakand and Hazara divisions of KPK and selected areas of Azad Kashmir. PMTV incidence was 22% in Malakand (highest of 40% in Swat II and Swat V), 24% in Hazara (highest 50% in Galliyat), and 23% from selected areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) (Highest with 40% in Rawalakot and Trarkhal). TRV incidence was 49% in AJK (100% highest field incidence in Khaigala Rawalakot), 53% in Malakand division (80% highest field incidence in Swat II), and 24% in Hazara division (70% highest field incidence in Abbottabad and Mansehra districts). PMTV, TRV vectors are Spongospora subterranea and Trichodorus, Paratrichodorus spp. were found distributed in all surveyed areas. Eighty percent (80%) fields were found infested with S. subterranean, while Trichodorus and Paratrichodorus were found in 64% in Malakand. In Hazara, 84% of surveyed fields were found infested with S. subterranea while 65% were found to be infested with Trichodorus, Paratrichodorus. In AJK S. subterranea was found distributed in 79% of fields. A significant relationship (P value=0.000) between viruses (PMTV and TRV) and their respective vectors were detected in proportionate. The corresponding R2 (0.70 and 0.82) indicates positive relation between viruses and their vectors. Positive Pearson correlation was found among incidence and severity of virus infection (PMTV and TRV) and vectors (S. subterranea; Trichodorus minor, Paratrichodorus), indicating increased disease severity with vector presence and activity. The study will be a tool in vector virus management to economical potato harvest

To offer an exhaustive investigation of the role of Kashmir in Pakistan's domestic and foreign policy, particular attention should be devoted to the strategically located chunks of Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir (PaJK) – Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). Pakistan's interaction with these two entities serves as a key manifestation of its ideologically motivated, revisionist policy as they play incessantly essential role in implementing an official discourse with its anti-Indian component. At the same time, the whole array of policies is aimed at exercising strict control over the social, political rights and liberties of the local people, which contributes to the institutionalised marginalisation of GB and AJK. Disregard for the rich, multireligious heritage of AJK and using its territory to train the Islamic militants for the proxy strategy by the army/ISI conglomerate fit into the rhetoric of Islamic exclusivism, which became the core element of Pakistani state-controlled political identity. Sectarian violence which escalated in GB since the 1970s, the state-supported attempts to alter local demographics and enhanced strategic significance of the region as the Chinese gateway to Pakistan with its pivotal role in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) profoundly affected the internal situation in this chunk of PaJK.

This study investigated challenges faced by EFL teachers in the execution of communicative language teaching (henceforth CLT) at the elementary level in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. The sample for this study consists of 30 EFL teachers from ten elementary schools in Muzaffarabad. The data was collected in two phases, starting with quantitative data collection through questionnaires, followed by qualitative data collection through interviews. The collected data was analyzed statistically through frequencies and percentages. It was found that the EFL teachers in AJK are aware of the basic principles of CLT.Although the teachers have a positive approach toward CLT, they have failed to practice it in their classes because of some challenges. The findings indicated that the factors affecting the implementation of CLT in the AJK are traditional grammar-based teaching, lack of CLT training, large class size, the diverse backgrounds of students, and a lack of support from the administration.

Assessment of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Himalayan Riverine Network of Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Brassica species commonly known as rapeseed are the second largest oil yielding crop of Pakistan and belongs to the family Brassicaceae. This scientific investigation was carried out to explore the genetic diversity of Brassica rapa from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Pakistan. Seeds of Brassica rapa L. genotypes of Azad Jammu and Kashmir were collected from Plant Genetic Research Institute (PGRI), National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad Pakistan. CTAB method was used for the extraction of DNA from leaf samples. SSR and ISSR markers were used to explore the genetic diversity and cluster analysis was used for data analysis. Out of 6 SSR markers, Ra2E11 and Na10-E02 showed maximum genetic diversity while Ra2-E07, Ra2-D04, and Na10-D03 showed moderate diversity while Ra2-E01 showed minimum genetic diversity. Among the elected genotypes 026503 (Bhimber), 026514 (Kotli), 026510 (Kotli) and 026539 (Bagh) showed maximum diversity with 6 SSR markers. From 10 ISSR markers ISSR 888 and ISSR 5 showed highest number of bands (7). ISSR 3, ISSR 5, ISSR 888 showed maximum genetic diversity among mustard genotypes, while ISSR 887 and ISSR 840 showed no results and ISSR 2, ISSR 4, ISSR 80, ISSR 811, ISSR 889 showed moderate diversity. Among the selected genotypes 026557 showed maximum diversity with ISSR markers. Based upon the present studies the genotypes 026503, 026514, 026510, 026539 and 026557 had been recognised as probable most significant genotypes which could be used in future plant breeding program.

Determining the pharmacognostic specifications of medicinal plants used in several drugs is very necessary and actually crucial. Ethnobotany has significant role in understanding the active relations between the biological diversity and cultural systems. Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is gifted with variety of medicinal plants. The theme of this chapter is to present information about wild medicinal plants in different areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Common woody species are Diospyros lotus, Taxus wallichiana, Viburnum cylindricum, and perennial herbs comprise Geranium nepalense, Oxalis acetosella and Androsace umbellata. Betula utilis, Berberis lycium, Cedrus deodara, Abies pindrow, Pinus wallichiana, Juglans regia and Salix species with large number of herbal diversity at elevations are common. Most of people use wild plants as traditional food and medicine. This ethnic flora not only plays important role in human health care but it is also an important source for present and future drug development. There is need for correct documentation, conservation of plants samples in herbarium of research institutes, and growing plants in gardens.

This article focuses on women’s economic, social and cultural (ESC) rights in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The Key human right issues concerning three ESC rights, namely education, employment and health, are targeted and discussed here. The article argues that towards fulfilment of its state-like national and international human rights obligations, AJK may progressively realize for its women population, its ESC rights through legal and policy measures. At the outset, the article discusses key human rights of women in the AJK, reflecting on both law and policy issues. While discussing the three rights mentioned above, the main focus remains on equality and non-discrimination. An analytical method is adopted to analyse relevant laws and policies. The article will, however, note deficiencies, if any, in the relevant laws and policies pertaining to the three targeted rights.

This article focuses on legal perspectives of women’s social and economic status in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The bulk of international human rights instruments provide that human rights are available to ‘everyone’ as grounded in Universal Declaration of human rights (UDHR), (1948) and other human rights instruments. In relation to women, economic, social and cultural (ESC) rights are specifically grounded in UDHR, Women’s Convention and the International Covenant of Economic, social and cultural rights (ICESCR), (1966). In this context, this paper analyses relevant provisions of women’s rights in order to highlight obligations of AJK pertaining to protection of ESC rights. It discusses the ESC status of women with linkage to Millennium development goals (MDGs). It aims to discuss that what are socio-economic conditions of women in AJK? Is there any pattern of vulner-ability in this respect? In general, ESC rights are considered as mere aspirations and goals therefore the Maastricht guidelines are also formulated. The argument developed throughout article is that though AJK is not a State but is state-like entity and has its human rights obligations, in particular, ESC obligations for promotion and protection of women. The women in AJK are vulnerable and may be empowered by promotion of ESC rights. Keywords: ESC rights, women in AJK, human rights

From ancient times, plants are being used in treatment of various diseases. Many of today’s drugs have been derived from plant sources. This research work reveals the indigenous medicinal knowledge of important medicinal plants from district Kotli Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. A total 25 common medicinal plants belonging to the 14 families were reported. Their medicinal and other botanically important uses are described by conducting a meeting and interviews from a total of 137 local inhabitants including 73 males, 47 females and 17 Hakims (herbal specialists). Primary source of indigenous medicines were herbs (56%), shrubs (28%) and trees (16%). Herbal preparations were made by the different plant parts. Most common plant part used to make the herbal preparation was leaf (39%) followed by the root (19%), whole plant (12%), seed (9%), bark (7%), fruit (7%), flower (5%) and tuber (2%). Key words: Ethnobotany, Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, indigenous knowledge.

The aim of this study was to develop a strategy of pre service teachers training program for early childhood education. The objective of the study was to develop a strategy of pre service teachers training program for early childhood education. The study is descriptive in nature which would assess need to the pre service teacher training program for ECE and development of strategies for future in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The researchers decided to take sample from each division. 175 primary teachers and 35 head teachers from each division were chosen. Thus teachers sample consisted of total 510 teachers and 105 head teachers from three divisions. In this study multistage sampling technique was used. All scores on the individual data sheets and questionnaire of all categories were entered in the SPSS 21 database for analysis. The data was analyzed by applying descriptive statistics and inferential statistics.

Societal determinants of health are of recognized importance for understanding the causal association of society and health of an individual. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a challenging public health problem across the globe instigating from a broader sociocultural background. It is more prevalent among pregnant women, children under the age of five years, and adolescent girls. Adolescent girls are vulnerable to develop IDA because of additional nutritional demand of the body needed for growth spurt, blood loss due to onset of menarche, malnourishment, and poor dietary iron intake. In this study, we explore the societal determinants of anemia among adolescent girls in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Muzaffarabad division of AJK on randomly selected 626 adolescent girls. The data were collected using a pretested self-administered interview schedule comprising mainly closed-ended questions with a few open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics was computed for describing the data, and bivariate regression and logistic regression were used to determine the association of anemia with its societal determinants. Multiple linear regression is used to determine the relationship of different determinants (independent variables) with the hemoglobin level (dependent variable) of the respondents. The prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls is 47.9%, of which 47.7% have mild anemia, 51.7% have moderate anemia, and 5.7% have severe anemia, which reveals that anemia is a severe public health problem among adolescent girls in the study area. The findings aver that anemia occurrence was significantly associated with the respondent's and her parental education, economic well-being, prevalence of communicable diseases, menstrual disorder, exercise habits, meals regularity, and type of sewerage system.

Background: The tuberculosis is one the most life-threatening poverty associate diseases affecting one-third of the world population. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the trends of tuberculosis infection, and general health conditions of orphan children in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. Methods: Total 1708 children have enrolled in this a longitudinal study and were screened for tuberculosis through sputum smear and PCR tests. Body Mass Index (BMI), exposure to tuberculosis risk factors was also analyzed for all participants. Results: In 2011, the prevalence of tuberculosis was 3.41%, 1.36%, which was among male and 2.05% among female children. In 2015, we found 1.95% positive tuberculosis cases including 1.12% females and 0.83% males. A significant overall decline in tuberculosis infection was found in four years, p < 0.01. The mean BMI value for male and female children was 21.70 (SD±0.68) and 17.53 (SD±0.72), respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, malnutrition, unhygienic and crowded living conditions are strong factors contributing to TB infection and serious threat to the orphan children, especially for the females.

This chapter focuses on two other areas at the margins of Pakistan: Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). It also explores the relationships between these two uneven territories that, in spite of the shared framework of the Kashmir dispute, are subject to different political treatments. Geographically, both GB and AJK are situated along the margins of Pakistan. Politically, however, this marginality needs to be qualified. These areas are marginal in that they have no say in Pakistani politics. In Pakistan, differential sovereignty is also a strategy of control. Pakistan creates a state of exception in which AJK and GB enjoy neither constitutional rights nor actual autonomy. The national ideology of Pakistan is still based on the Two-Nations-Theory that stipulates that Pakistan is the nation of South Asian Muslims. The Karachi Agreement formally separated the administration of AJK and GB, although they never had been united.Both AJK and GB were controlled by Pakistan.

Tobacco rattle virus (TRV) poses a significant challenge to potato production, particularly in the hilly and mountainous terrains of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. To address this issue, the present study aimed to evaluate the resistance of ten potato cultivars, Line A, Kurado, Desiree, Bataina, Fleminco, Line B, Pomola, Ronaldo, Rodalph, and Margrata, against TRV. The study was conducted in two districts, Poonch and Sudhnoti, where the in vivo effects of TRV were assessed based on yield and quality characteristics. The research investigated the impact of TRV on plant growth and yield parameters using double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) techniques, highlighting the role of soil-borne nematodes as vectors. The findings suggested that none of the tested cultivars exhibited complete resistance to TRV, though Desiree and Fleminco demonstrated moderate insensitivity. These results provided valuable insights into TRV management and emphasized the need for further research on resistant germplasm. The study concluded that TRV and its vector posed significant threats to potato production in AJK, with no tested germplasm exhibiting complete resistance. These findings may aid the potato industry in selecting cultivars that help mitigate the financial burden of tuber necrosis caused by TRV. This research represents the first comprehensive screening of potato germplasm against TRV in AJK, underscoring the severity of the virus as a hazard in hilly regions. Future studies involving broader germplasm screening are recommended to validate and strengthen these findings, ultimately facilitating the development of TRV-resistant potato varieties.