Identification of Tobacco rattle virus resistant potato cultivars in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hostas (Hosta spp.) are one of the most widely grown and economically important landscape perennials in the nursery industry in North America. Several viruses including Hosta virus X (HVX), Tobacco rattle virus (TRV), Tobacco ringspot virus (ToRSV), Tomato ringspot virus (TomRSV), Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV), and Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) are known to occur in hostas (4). This report confirms the occurrence of an additional virus, Arabis mosaic virus (ArMV), in hostas in North America. This virus was first identified during the summer of 2004 in Hosta fortunei 'Sharmon' in several garden centers in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. Entire lots of this variety, numbering several dozen plants, showed symptoms consisting of blanching of the foliage similar to those caused by ToRSV and TomRSV infection (4). Symptoms persisted throughout the growing season. Virus-like particles, 28 to 30 nm in diameter, were observed by electron microscopy in partially purified extracts of symptomatic leaf tissue following fixation with 5% glutaraldehyde and negative staining with 2% sodium phosphotungstate, pH 7.0. Particles had an angular outline and some were penetrated by stain. No other virus-like particles were observed in these extracts. The particles were identified as those of ArMV. Identification was made using double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) and immunosorbent electron microscopy (ISEM) with antiserum to ArMV (PVAS-587) obtained from the American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, VA. In the spring and summer of 2005, ArMV was again identified as described above in 'Sharmon', H. undulata 'Albomarginata' samples from Minnesota, Michigan, and Nebraska, and H. 'Marion Bachman' and H. 'Touch of Class' from two wholesale nurseries in Minnesota. Symptoms in these hosta cultivars were similar to those observed in 'Sharmon' and were accompanied by stunting and leaf deformation. A portion of the coat protein (CP) gene of the ArMV isolate from 'Sharmon', designated ArMV-H, was amplified using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with ArMV-specific CP primers (3) and total RNA extracted with a RNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen Inc., Valencia, CA). Amplicons of the expected size (220 bp) were cloned and five clones were sequenced. Nucleotide sequence identities of the ArMV-H CP sequence to corresponding ArMV databank entries varied from 94 to 88% (Genbank Accession Nos. AY017339 and D10086 and X55460 and X81815, respectively). Interestingly, the hosta ArMV isolate was not transmitted by mechanical inoculation to diagnostically susceptible indicator plants (cucumber, tobacco, and petunia) (2) or to hosta (H. undulata 'Albormarginata', H. 'Honeybells', and H. 'Royal Standard'). Testing by using ELISA and ISEM showed that 'Sharmon' source plants contained high levels of ArMV antigen and virions, and a high percentage of virions were not penetrated by negative stain, indicating that they were not empty (i.e., devoid of RNA). It appears that ArMV-H may be transmitted only vertically, (i.e., clonal propagation) and this raises some interesting questions about the molecular basis of this anomaly. An isolate of ArMV from hops was similarly reported to have a very restricted host range (1) suggesting a possibility of a common mechanism of host range restriction.

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

BackgroundDigital literacy is a critical competency in 21st-century medical education, enabling students to leverage technology (e.g., electronic health records, virtual simulations) for clinical practice, research, and lifelong learning. However, resource-constrained regions like Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan, with limited digital infrastructure and training capacity, lack data on students’ digital readiness.ObjectivesTo assess digital literacy awareness among undergraduate medical students in AJK and examine associations between digital literacy and student demographics.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 377 students from four medical colleges in AJK using a validated 24 item questionnaire covering seven digital literacy domains. Stratified random sampling ensured representative demographics. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26, with descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlations.ResultsStudents reported high confidence in basic skills such as learning new technologies (73.2%) and using communication platforms (57.8%) but limited awareness of programming (11.1%) and cybersecurity (43%). Male students had higher beginner-level scores than females (24.83 ± 4.51 vs. 23.48 ± 4.30; p = 0.003). First-year students demonstrated significantly higher advanced-level awareness compared with final-year students (36.88 ± 5.71 vs. 33.67 ± 6.05; p = 0.014). Age showed a small negative correlation with beginner (r = − 0.125) and advanced (r = − 0.116) scores. Male, first-year, and younger students performed better in digital literacy assessments (p < 0.05).ConclusionMedical students in AJK possess foundational digital literacy and ethical awareness but lack proficiency in advanced domains such as programming, AI, and cybersecurity. Tailored curricular reforms and institutional support are urgently needed to prepare future physicians for technology-driven healthcare.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12909-025-08357-3.

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.

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.

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.

This paper discusses the necessity and significance of smart and sustainable energy system in the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). A smart grid (SG) enhances the reliability and efficiency of power grid by responding to number of faults and disturbances occurring in a power system (PS) automatically. If not addressed appropriately, the power crisis will negatively impact the state. The AJK state has abundant hydel, wind and solar potentials that are not ever utilized effectively. The paper highlights the challenges of traditional grid and the potential of adoption of smart grid in AJK state to overcome energy crisis using distributed generation (DG).

AJK (Azad Jammu and Kashmir) is known as Pakistan Administered Kashmir and the government is a small administrative unit under overall sovereignty of Pakistan. It has a total area of 13297 sq kilometers with a 3.8 million population. This study critically examines the problems of primary education system in AJK State specifically in govt. primary schools in Pakistan administrative Kashmir, a part of former princely state called Azad Jammu and Kashmir. For this purpose a significant assessment of on hand literature was passed out. On the basis of deeper and critical investigation of literature, the study found that most neglected level of education is primary education which is poorly financed and poorly managed. The political interference in the system breeds corruption, favoritism and nepotism. The supervision system is weak and traditionally characterized having no effective mechanism for teacher training and poor system of accountability exist. Successive educational policies have failed to bring any positive changes in the system due to poor implementation and monitoring. The outdated curriculum of the primary education is executed. Assessment is based on the memory of the students rather than their performance. On the basis of this study it is recommended that problems can be solved by robust system of accountability, quality assessment system, eradication of corruption, non political interference, and quality curriculum and teachers motivation.