The AJK Election Commission has finalised all arrangements for the second phase of the general elections of the Legislative Assembly.

Polling will be held in nine constituencies of the Muzaffarabad Division and 12 constituencies of Kashmiri refugees living in different parts of the country.

READ MORE: First phase of AJK polls today

A close contest is expected between the PML-N and the PPP. In Muzaffarabad division, 208 candidates are contesting on the seats of refugees, 143 of whom are candidates for the seats of refugees. More than 1.2 million voters will exercise their franchise.

Eight police personnel will be on duty at the most sensitive polling station, 6 at the sensitive one, and 4 at the normal polling station.

Earlier, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called for open hearings on all complaints of alleged rigging in the first phase of the AJK elections.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Bilawal said the credibility of the first phase of the elections would be judged by the extent to which fairness, transparency and impartiality were ensured during the electoral process.

Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said this on Saturday while responding to queries. “The use of pellet gun is abhorring wherever it takes place – whether it takes place in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir or in India. We totally condemn that.”

He added: “The use of pellet guns in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in a certain time frame, particularly 2016-18, and probably in some way continues till today, was amply highlighted and duly condemned.”

You may recall a very good report by the Amnesty International on the massive blindness that pellet guns caused. This is part of the history now, he observed.

Andrabi remarked: “It was documented in the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reports – the two reports that came out in 2018 and 2019. Civil society had also actively monitored.” To some extent, FO spokesperson said the victims, their rehabilitation and their treatment were also documented.

“I recall the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, which is a UN Human Rights Convention, had also taken note of it that how far the use of this weapon (pellet gun) as a lethal weapon for crowd control basically can be justified. India justified the use of pellet gun as a crowd control. So, these developments are well documented, he emphasised.

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Speaking at a press conference, Abbasi referred to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s recent proposal to create new provinces and administrative units, saying it reflected a belated realisation within the government that the country’s governance model had failed. “I am grateful to my interior minister (Naqvi) for acknowledging after four or five years that the country is not running.”

He maintained that such proposals should have been discussed in parliament or the federal cabinet. “It should have been discussed in parliament or the cabinet. The country knows it is not running, but it has now finally dawned on the rulers,” he added.

Referring to the military’s media briefing on Friday, Abbasi said the armed forces’ spokesman had also acknowledged the need for reform, adding that meaningful institutional changes were essential to keep the country functioning.

He; however, argued that vested interests continued to stand in the way of reform. “The country is not being run well and we do not have money, and we are not ready to undertake reforms.”

Warning of worsening economic conditions, the former premier said public debt, government expenditure and the tax burden would continue to rise unless structural reforms were introduced. “Reforms are needed in this country or else the situation will get worse. Your debts, costs and taxes will continue to increase.”

Abbasi argued that merely creating new provinces would not address the country’s underlying problems, insisting that the entire governance system required restructuring.

“After 78 years, we don’t know how to buy flour. Our farmers have been ruined, and today we are even importing wheat by spending precious dollars,” he said, alleging that those in power were more interested in acquiring official vehicles and aircraft than addressing the hardships faced by ordinary citizens.

The APP chief said the country needed substantive rather than cosmetic reforms.

“A new experiment is carried out every year, but what Pakistan truly needs is a change in the system and the establishment of the rule of law.”

Calling for an end to political victimisation, Abbasi said the practice of imprisoning political opponents must come to an end. “If all politicians are corrupt, then who will run the country,” he asked, adding that the country’s two principal stakeholders in governance were accusing one another of wrongdoing.

He said constitutional supremacy and the rule of law were essential for political stability and sustainable economic growth. “Without the rule of law, investment will not come, and without investment there can be no sustainable economic progress,” he said.

Abbasi further claimed that around 8,000 children in the country were living with HIV and criticised the government’s decision to import one million tonnes of wheat despite Pakistan’s agricultural potential. Referring to rising electricity, gas and fuel prices, he said the increasing cost of living had placed an unbearable burden on households. “No other country in the world is in such a condition.”

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According to the details, the men were flown out of Kraków-Balice airport on June 29 aboard a Polish military transport aircraft.

According to the Polish Border Guard, all nine had received enforceable return orders after being found without valid residence documents and having crossed the Poland-Belarus border in violation of immigration regulations.

The deportees were identified as Atif Shah, Manzar Khan, Salman Ali, Muhammad Wasim Khan, Mehmood Shah, AtifUllah, Taimoor Ashraf, Ashfaq Khan and Asif Khan, according to identity and tracing details shared with Pakistani authorities.

Behind the administrative record are nine families dealing with the consequences of journeys that failed to deliver the future they had expected.

While speaking to this correspondent after his return, Asif Khan said the unsuccessful attempt had placed his family under considerable financial and emotional pressure.

Asif, originally from Mohmand district and presently residing in Shabqadar, Charsadda, is the father of three sons.

He said the journey had been undertaken with the hope of improving his family’s circumstances and creating better opportunities for his children.

Instead, he returned after losing the resources committed to the trip, and now faces the challenge of rebuilding his life while continuing to support his household.

Asif said the assurances given before departure did not prepare him for the uncertainty surrounding the Belarus route or the possibility that the journey could end in interception and deportation.

Another returnee, Ashfaq Khan, a young resident of Mardan, said the situation he encountered was very different from the expectations created before he left Pakistan.

He said the route had been presented as a manageable passage into Europe.

However, once the journey progressed through Belarus, the migrants faced uncertainty over their movement, strict border controls and the continuing fear that they could be detained.

Ashfaq said his return had affected his entire family because the financial burden of such journeys was rarely carried by the traveler alone.

Parents and siblings often contributed their savings in the belief that successful migration would eventually support the wider household.

Taimoor Ashraf, a resident of Malakwal in MandiBahauddin district, also described the experience as financially damaging and emotionally exhausting.

He said family resources had been committed to the journey, but the plan collapsed before he could reach his intended destination.

He returned to Pakistan carrying the loss of the money spent and the disappointment of a failed migration attempt.

Taimoor said the greatest difficulty was facing his family after returning without the employment or financial security that had originally motivated him to undertake the journey.

The three returnees warned other Pakistanis against relying on agents who portrayed Belarus as an uncomplicated gateway to the European Union.

They said the promises made before departure often omitted the possibility of arrest, detention, deportation and the loss of money borrowed or collected from relatives. The Polish Border Guard’s public statement did not identify the agents involved, disclose how much the men paid or provide details about how long they remained in Belarus or Poland. Neitherdidit specify the conditions they experienced before their return.

However, the verified record confirmed that the men had crossed into Poland from Belarus.

They were deported after the authorities determined that they lacked the documents required to remain in the country.

The case shifts attention towards the people facilitating such journeys from Pakistan.

The men could not have reached the Belarusian frontier without travel arrangements, payments and assurances made before their departure. This creates a need to establish who recruited them, how the journey was advertised, where the money was collected and whether the same facilitators are continuing to approach other families?

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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar were also present.

During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on the overall political situation in the country.

Matters concerning the AJK elections also came under discussion, sources said.

Moreover, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, while addressing a ceremony here today, expressed confidence that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will form the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the PML-N candidates have secured victory in the Mirpur division and taken a clear lead in the first phase of the Kashmir elections. He paid rich tribute to party workers for running a vigorous election campaign.

Attaullah Tarar emphasized that public service and development remain the core mission of PML-N. He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched mega development projects in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Daanish schools.

The Minister said PML-N leadership has consistently championed the Kashmir cause and effectively presented the Kashmiri people’s case at the United Nations and all other global forums.

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“Today it is with profound sadness and immense heartbreak that we confirm that Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja tragically lost his life following the avalanche on Broad Peak,” expedition organiser Elite Exped said in a statement posted on Instagram.

Purja, 43, a former Gurkha who served with Britain’s Special Forces, rose to international prominence in 2019 after climbing all 14 mountains above 8,000 metres in a record six months and six days.

His achievement was later chronicled in the 2021 Netflix documentary 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible.

In 2021, he also made history by completing the first winter ascent of K2 alongside a team of nine fellow Nepali climbers.

Just days before the tragedy, Purja wrote on X that he was attempting to become the first climber to summit all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks twice without supplementary oxygen.

“Broad Peak, I ask for nothing but safe passage up and back down,” he wrote. “I take zero mountains for granted. Not one. The moment my foot leaves base camp, it’s 100pc. Always has been. Always will be.

“My purpose has never been about me. It’s about what I represent. It’s about showing you that your own mountains, whatever they are, are climbable.”

The confirmation of Purja’s death came as search and rescue operations resumed on Saturday for seven climbers who remained missing after the avalanche struck a 10-member international expedition on Thursday.

The search was suspended overnight on Friday before rescue personnel, high-altitude porters and military assets resumed operations at first light, according to the Gilgit-Baltistan police.

The avalanche hit the expedition while climbers were ascending from Camp 2 to Camp 3 on Broad Peak, one of Pakistan’s most technically demanding 8,000-metre mountains.

Three bodies were recovered on Friday and identified as Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy of Oman, Sarah Mallory of the United States and

Pur Bahadur Gurung of Nepal.

Officials said the body of the Omani climber was flown from Skardu to Islamabad on Friday, while the body of the Nepali climber remained in Skardu.

The Pakistan Army deployed helicopters, rescue personnel and specialised equipment to support the operation, while a civilian rescue team led by noted Pakistani mountaineer Sirbaz Khan continued ground efforts in the hazardous terrain.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan said the expedition comprised 10 climbers, including five Nepalis, a Pakistani, an Omani, an American, a Chinese national and two British climbers.

However, Gilgit-Baltistan Police said the missing team included two British nationals, a man and a woman, but made no mention of an American climber.

Drone footage has indicated the possibility of additional casualties, although persistent snowfall and adverse weather have severely hampered rescue efforts. Authorities said the search would continue as conditions allowed.

Alpine Club secretary Ayaz Khan Shigri said rescuers using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology had traced the locations of four climbers but cautioned against speculation.

Broad Peak (8,047 metres), located in the Karakoram range near K2, is regarded as one of the most challenging and technically demanding of the world’s 14 peaks above 8,000 metres, which was first summited in 1957 by an Austrian expedition.

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In a post on X, the minister stated:

“Reform and restructuring in the governance model is the only way forward. It is needed even more in this new era of digital speed than ever before.”

The minister shared the statement alongside one of his earlier posts from August 5, 2018, in which he highlighted structural weaknesses in governance and stressed the need for a service-oriented public administration.

In the earlier post, he wrote:

“I agree… our governance structure has collapsed in Balochistan and it is not interested in anything. If it had been a proper service-oriented provincial government, everything would have been fine. The biggest task is to make it fully functional as a public service delivery system.”

By revisiting his earlier remarks, Jam Kamal Khan reiterated that effective governance requires continuous institutional reform, restructuring, and a stronger focus on efficient public service delivery, particularly in an era driven by rapid digital transformation.

Meanwhile, there are speculations in the federal capital that the commerce minister may be replaced. According to sources, the incumbent has differences with some top advisers to the prime minister and has not delivered in line with expectations.

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He also asserted that Punjab ministers had effectively issued a “charge sheet” against their own federal government by criticising the functioning of Karachi Port.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday alongside Pakistan Peoples Party (Sindh) General Secretary Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi and TaimurSiyal, Ghani said the recent remarks by Punjab ministers reflected a lack of understanding of Sindh’s realities, suggesting they had perhaps never visited the province.

He noted that a delegation of young parliamentarians from Punjab had recently met Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, with one member from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) reportedly acknowledging that Karachi was “nothing like it had been portrayed”.

Referring to criticism over Karachi Port’s revenues, Ghani said ports fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government, adding that raising such issues amounted to criticising the federal administration led by the PML-N itself.

He alleged that Punjab ministers viewed national issues only through the political lens of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Highlighting Sindh’s healthcare sector, Ghani described the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) as one of the world’s largest cardiac hospitals, providing comprehensive heart treatment under one roof and offering free medical care to millions of patients every year, including those from across Pakistan.

He said that during the previous year alone, NICVD treated 4.14 million patients free of charge, including 119,000 patients from Punjab. He added that many Punjab residents also travelled to Sindh for heart transplant procedures, demonstrating the quality of healthcare available in the province.

Welcoming the establishment of a cardiac hospital in Sargodha, Ghani said more of such facilities should be set up across Pakistan.

However, he urged critics of Sindh’s health services to first examine NICVD’s achievements, saying its model of integrated cardiac care was unmatched anywhere in the world.

Turning to provincial finances, Ghani said Sindh had faced significant fiscal pressure in the latest budget but had managed to keep expenditure under control.

He said that Sindh had reduced its development budget by 29.2 per cent compared with 39.4 per cent in Punjab.

He said Punjab had increased its overall expenditures by 12 per cent.

The minister further claimed that despite Punjab being larger in both population and area, Sindh generated Rs676 billion from its own resources during the 2025–26 financial year, compared with Rs524 billion collected by Punjab.

Comparing housing initiatives, Ghani said Punjab was constructing homes through loan schemes, whereas the Sindh government was providing 2.1 million free houses, with ownership rights being granted to women.`

Responding to allegations regarding Karachi’s water supply, he said the city’s water shortage was not a recent issue.It had existed long before 2008.

He pointed out that Karachi was among the few cities in the world that sourced drinking water from 160 kilometres away, adding that the Supreme Court had authorised the operation of seven hydrants in the city.

On the issue of new provinces, Ghani reiterated that only provincial assemblies had the constitutional authority to approve such changes.

He said that not only the PPP but all elected representatives in Sindh opposed the creation of a new province in the province.

In contrast, he noted that the Senate had previously passed, with a two-thirds majority, a resolution supporting the creation of two new provinces in Punjab, followed by a similar resolution in the Punjab Assembly in 2012, reflecting demands within Punjab for administrative re-organization.

Talking about the PML-N, Ghani questioned the party’s democratic credentials, arguing that the PPP had sacrificed lives in the struggle against military dictatorships.

He said Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had refused to compromise with dictatorship at personal cost whereas Nawaz Sharif entered into an agreement with military rulers and spent 10 years abroad before returning to politics.

He said that former PML-N governments had faced accusations of electoral manipulation.

Claiming that “the PML-N had suffered a decisive defeat in the 2024 general elections”, he alleged that Nawaz Sharif, ShehbazSharif and Maryam Nawaz had come to power “through electoral rigging rather than public support”.

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Speaking at a news conference here, Khuhro said Pakistan’s Constitution clearly prescribes the procedure for creating a new province, requiring the approval of a resolution by a two-thirds majority in the concerned provincial assembly. “If a new province is to be created under the Constitution, the process must be followed.”

The Punjab Assembly had previously adopted a resolution supporting the creation of a new province, while there was no such demand with constitutional backing in Sindh, he argued.

He criticised recent remarks by the Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi regarding the country’s political system. Any suggestion that the democratic system had failed was contrary to the spirit of the Constitution, he opined. He argued that a federal minister who publicly questions the democratic framework should step down from office.

He said Pakistan could not afford any unconstitutional course, adding that democratic continuity and constitutional supremacy were essential for addressing the country’s political and economic challenges.

Khuhro also criticised proposals to create multiple new provinces, arguing that such measures would increase administrative expenditure at a time when the country was facing economic constraints.

Responding to a question, he said the issue of the Jalalpur Canal remained pending before the Council of Common Interests (CCI) and should be taken up when the constitutional forum meets.

On this occasion, a Karachi-based businessman Saeed S Muhammad announced joining the PPP, expressing confidence in the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

Khuhro welcomed him into the party.

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The agreement was signed by PSDF CEO Ahmed Khan and BISP Director General of Complementary Initiatives Adeela Bokhari.

Under the deal, BISP will use its National Socio-Economic Registry, digital portal, and local offices to identify and verify eligible candidates, while PSDF will reserve training quotas and cover costs, materials, and stipends.

Graduates will receive certificates recognized by NAVTTC and aligned with HEC standards.

Ahmed Khan said the partnership connects social protection with skills development, helping beneficiaries move from dependency to economic participation.

Adeela Bokhari said it builds on BISP’s Benazir Hunarmand Programme, opening pathways to entrepreneurship and dignified employment, particularly for women.

The initiative aims to convert social assistance into sustainable, long-term economic empowerment.

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In a monsoon fact sheet issued on directions of Punjab Chief Minister, the PDMA said rainfall was recorded in most districts of the province during the last 24 hours. Rawalpindi Kachehri received the highest rainfall of 95mm, followed by Murree 85mm, Joharabad 56mm, Multan 37mm, Bhakkar 31mm, Narowal 27mm, Noorpur Thal 27mm, Khanewal 21mm, Chakwal 20mm, Gujranwala 12mm, Jhang 10mm and Sargodha 8mm.

The authority said advance planning, timely response and the availability of machinery ensured the prompt drainage of rainwater despite heavy downpours. It added that the current spell of monsoon rains is expected to continue until August 5.

Director General PDMA, Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa, said rivers, dams and barrages across Punjab were under continuous monitoring on the instructions of the chief minister. He said a low-level flood was currently being witnessed in the Indus River at Kalabagh and Chashma.

According to the PDMA, Tarbela Dam is 89 percent full, Mangla Dam 57 percent, Bhakra Dam 33 percent, Thane Dam 35 percent and Pong Dam 32 percent.

Jappa said the Punjab government was providing the best possible medical treatment to the injured, while compensation would also be paid to the families affected by monsoon-related incidents in accordance with the government’s policy.

He urged citizens to adopt precautionary measures during the rainy season, avoid sending children near storm drains, low-lying areas, rivers and canals, and immediately contact the PDMA Control Room or the relevant district administration in case of any emergency.

The PDMA said its control room was monitoring the situation across Punjab round the clock to ensure a prompt response to any emergency.

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She said that Bilawal Zardari does not appear to be in good spirits these days and has been delivering speeches in a raised voice because he is unsettled by Maryam Nawaz’s performance.

Azma Bokhari said it is not possible for their party leadership to be insulted while they remain silent. She added that Maryam Nawaz can be the Pakistan Muslim League (N)’s candidate for Prime Minister in the next general elections, and whether the Pakistan People’s Party seeks reconciliation or confrontation, “we are prepared for both.”

She further said that Bilawal is short-tempered and lacks restraint in his choice of words. She said the Charter of Democracy was signed, but it appears that Bilawal himself has trampled it underfoot. She added that they only respond when such remarks are made, ignoring 80 percent of Bilawal’s statements and responding only to 20 percent, particularly when the line is crossed.

Azma Bokhari said every political party has its own history, including the Pakistan People’s Party, and therefore she is reserving her comments for now. She said that if an opposing candidate has to disappear for Bilawal to secure his family’s seat in Nawabshah, and if local government elections are conducted in the manner witnessed by the world, then the feudal elite of Sindh should first free the farmers and citizens of interior Sindh from police dominance before talking about elections.

Referring to Mirpur Division and the refugee seats, she said the Pakistan People’s Party has not won the refugee seats for the past forty years and will face defeat again on the second as well. She said that instead of making faces and ridiculing others, political leaders should focus on the issues faced by the public. She added that similar claims of a government’s “countdown” had been made in the past by another individual, and everyone knows where he is today.

Azma Bokhari said that, in principle, Bilawal Zardari should first ensure the resignation of all those holding offices he calls illegitimate. She noted that the same government elected the President through parliamentary votes and that the Governor of Punjab also holds office under the same political arrangement. She said that if the government’s countdown has truly begun, then Bilawal’s allies should be the first to leave office. She added that the office of the Chairman Senate should be returned to the PML-N and the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly should also resign immediately so that it becomes clear that if they consider the government illegitimate, they do not accept the mandate under which they themselves hold office.

She said she visited Karachi about one and a half months ago and found the city’s condition worse than before. She expressed surprise that even in upscale areas, near the Italian Embassy, there were large heaps of garbage, questioning what kind of reports foreign missions would be sending to their governments. She said she had witnessed Karachi’s condition herself and suggested that at least the areas surrounding diplomatic missions should be kept clean.

Azma Bokhari said that Maryam Nawaz Sharif can be the Pakistan Muslim League (N)’s candidate for Prime Minister and is the future of the party. She said the party will decide in which election she will contest, but there is no second opinion that the backbone of the PML-N today is the performance delivered by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during the past two and a quarter years in Punjab.

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In a condolence message, the chief minister extended her heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family. She said the late Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar would be remembered for his valuable political and public services, adding that his contributions would continue to inspire people for years to come.

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KWSC Spokesman said the measures were taken on the instructions of Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, who directed operational staff to remain on standby to respond promptly to any disruption in water supply or sewerage services during the observance.

The utility said superintending engineers, executive engineers and field teams had been instructed to coordinate closely with the district administration, police, elected representatives and organisers of Chehlum processions to facilitate arrangements.

As part of the contingency plan, KWSC will ensure water supply to mosques, imambargahs, religious gatherings, sabeels and procession routes. Sewerage lines along the routes are being cleaned, while damaged manholes are being repaired and covers installed to minimise public inconvenience.

The corporation said jetting and suction machines had been deployed, additional field staff assigned to sensitive locations and emergency response teams placed on standby. Its Hydrants Cell has also been directed to provide water tankers where needed during religious events.

Chief Engineers Aftab Alam Chandio, Muhammad Zahid, Shafqat Maghan and Shehbaz Bashir have been appointed to supervise the operation and monitor arrangements throughout the Chehlum observance.

All relevant officers would remain in the field to ensure civic services continue without disruption during the processions.

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The Speaker also expressed profound grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of Major Hafiz Ehsan Elahi Shaheed, who embraced martyrdom during the operation while defending the motherland.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that Major Hafiz Ehsan Elahi Shaheed set an enduring example of courage, patriotism, and devotion to duty by sacrificing his life for the defence of Pakistan. He stated that the nation would always remember the bravery and selfless service of the martyr.

The Speaker extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family of Major Hafiz Ehsan Elahi Shaheed and prayed that Allah Almighty may elevate the martyr’s ranks in Jannah and grant patience and fortitude to his family in bearing this irreparable loss.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq remarked that the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan’s security forces in the fight against terrorism are unforgettable and continue to strengthen the nation’s resolve. He said the unwavering commitment of the security forces to thwart every conspiracy against Pakistan’s peace and security is highly commendable.

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The Commissioner of Lahore, Nauman Yousaf, inspected the shrine’s entry and exit points on Saturday and chaired a review meeting to finalise operations, including Safe City camera surveillance, round-the-clock sanitation, and full medical coverage for the hundreds of thousands of devotees expected to visit the shrine.

During the visit, the commissioner inspected the surrounding areas of Data Darbar, with a specific focus on the under-construction area. The Deputy Commissioner of Lahore, Captain Ali Ejaz (Retd), the administrator of Data Darbar, and senior officers from the district administration accompanied the commissioner during the inspection.

On this occasion, the commissioner issued directives to ensure safety and security of the under-construction areas.

Subsequently, a review meeting was held at the Data Darbar Complex, in which the Lahore district administration and the administrator of Data Darbar provided a briefing on the arrangements.

It was stated that events such as Mahafil-e-Samaa (Qawwali), Chador Poshi ceremony, art gallery exhibitions, and special prayer ceremonies would take place during the Urs.

The officials also said that a “Clinic on Wheels”, medical camps, rescue help desks, and ambulances would be strategically stationed at designated points around the venue.

The commissioner said that the highest standards of cleanliness must be maintained at the shrine, along with all surrounding areas and approach routes for the arriving devotees.

He said that teams from Suthra Punjab, WASA, and MCL must remain present on the site to ensure round-the-clock sanitation and cleaning operations.

He also stated that a comprehensive route guidance was indispensable for the devotees visiting Data Sahib.

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The chief minister felicitated Fatima Zahra on becoming the first Pakistani woman boxer to win a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Expressing her pleasure over the achievement, Maryam Nawaz said, “It is heartening to see Pakistan’s daughters moving forward and proving their talent on the international stage.” She praised Fatima Zahra’s accomplishment, describing it as a matter of pride for the nation and an inspiration for aspiring female athletes across the country.

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The ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra while announcing a 24-page judgment convicted Hassan Muhammad, Salman Khan and Muhammad Danish for the offence under Section 4 (Punishment for attempt to cause explosion, or for making or keeping explosive with intent to endanger life or property) of Explosive Substances Act, 1908 and sentenced to seven years rigorous imprisonment with fine of Rs. 500,000 each.

According to the written order the accused while recording his statements under section 342 Cr.PC also failed to submit any plausible reasons behind his alleged false nomination. A very heinous offence is alleged against the accused but no convincing defence was ever placed to prove any conspiracy by the local police behind implication of the accused in the instant case.

The order says that prosecution has failed to prove the charge levelled against the accused for the offence under Section 7, 11-G, 11- W, 21 (i) of ATA, 1997. Therefore, the accused Hassan Muhammad, Salman Khan and Muhammad Danish are hereby acquitted for the offences under Sections 7, 11-G, 11-W & 21 (i) of ATA, 1997, it says.

The judgement says that as far as the recovery of explosive substance punishable under Section 4 of ESA, 1908 is concerned the prosecution has produced very strong and cogent evidence in order to bring home the guilt of the accused.

It says that forensics evidence is also available on record connecting the accused with the commission of crime. In view of that, the charge levelled against the accused persons Hassan Muhammad, Salman Khan and Muhammad Danish for the offence under Section 4 of ESA, 1908 has been proved through cogent, trustworthy and confidence inspiring evidence. Therefore the accused are hereby convicted for the offence under Section 4 of ESA, 1908.

It says that the convicts will further undergo for a period of six months in case of non-payment of fine.

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According to data gathered by Business Recorder, police registered a total of 50 cases of different kinds of crime during the week. Out of total registered, 27 cases are related to vehicles theft, 10 robberies and six street crimes [snatching of mobile phone and cash at gunpoint]. The 27 cases of vehicle theft include 26 motorcycles and one car.

In the same period, criminal gangs were active in the limits of Koral, Ramana, Khanna, Shehzad Town, Industrial Area and Shalimar police stations.

During the period, under review, four cases of auto theft, one case each of street crime and robbery registered at Koral police station, two cases of robbery and one case each of street crime and auto theft reported to Ramana police station and another two cases each of robbery and auto theft registered at Khanna police station.

Furthermore, Industrial area police registered one case of street crime and two cases of auto theft, Ramana police registered two cases of robbery and another two cases of auto theft reported to Noon police station.

Meanwhile, the city police have claimed to check over 651 individuals during citywide search operations in the city. The city police conducted search and combing operations in various areas of the federal capital to curb crime and crackdown on criminal elements during the last few days. During these search operations, a total of 651 individuals, 219 households, 83 shops, 37 hotels, 287 motorcycles and 122 vehicles were thoroughly checked.

Additionally, 15 suspicious individuals and 23 motorcycles were also shifted to the police station for further verification. Moreover, accused involved in the possession of illegal weapons were arrested, and two pistols of various calibres, along with ammunition, were recovered.

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Speaking at a press conference at Idara Noor-e-Haq, he said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s recent remarks amounted to an admission that both those were “imposed through Form 47” and those responsible for the process had failed.

“The country’s problems will start to ease when elected representatives are allowed to govern and every institution works within its constitutional limits,” he said.

Naeemur Rehman said public attention was repeatedly diverted from real national issues through unnecessary controversies that encouraged ethnic divisions and political polarisation.

CriticiSing the political system, he said local government elections had not been held in Punjab since 2015. He also claimed that despite its electoral strength, Jamaat-e-Islami was prevented from securing the Karachi mayor’s office. Referring to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), he questioned its electoral mandate, alleging that it had itself benefited from the same system it now defended.

Calling for major political reforms, the JI chief demanded the introduction of a proportional representation electoral system, the release of political prisoners and an end to what he described as unnecessary privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite, including political and military leadership.

Announcing a nationwide protest campaign against the petroleum levy, which he called an unfair burden on the public, Naeemur Rehman said the party would hold youth demonstrations on Aug 2, a women’s march on Shahrah-i-Quaidin in Karachi on Aug 3, and nationwide protests, including road blockades, on Aug 7.

He said the petroleum levy had placed an excessive financial burden on low- and middle-income families, arguing that every increase in fuel prices pushed up the cost of transport, food and other essential goods. He also criticised the government’s taxation policies, saying ordinary citizens were paying the price while the ruling class remained unwilling to reduce its own spending and privileges.

The JI chief said the government had failed to resolve the country’s economic problems and accused the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) of widespread inefficiency and corruption. He also criticised recent changes to solar energy policies, saying they discouraged people from adopting affordable alternatives to costly electricity.

Turning to Karachi, Naeemur Rehman said the country’s commercial capital continued to face neglect despite its vital contribution to the national economy. He alleged that the PPP had retained control over the city’s institutions and resources while residents continued to suffer from poor civic services and inadequate public facilities.

Commenting on the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, he expressed regret over the recent unrest and said the crisis should have been resolved through dialogue instead of force. He warned that the use of force would deepen public resentment and create opportunities for hostile external elements to exploit the situation.

Naeemur Rehman also expressed grief over the reported killing of 35 coal miners in Balochistan and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.

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The court also observed that the return of dower is not mandatory in every case of Khula and added entitlement to dower must be determined on the facts of each case.

Merely describing the divorce as Khula does not automatically extinguish the wife’s dower rights, the court remarked.

The court also observed that the dower is not a penalty upon the husband, nor a benefit held at the family court’s discretion, it is a proprietary right arising from the contract of marriage. It cannot be forfeited, reduced or apportioned without a specific finding that the law permits it, the court remarked.

The court passed this order in a petition of Arslan against the decision of a family court in a suit of his wife and dismissed the same in limine.

The court; therefore, directed the registrar to forward a copy of this judgment to the Punjab Secretary Law, and to the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan and asked for appropriate amendments in the law in the light of the court’s observations.

The court also issued guidelines to the family courts in detail in this regard.

The court explaining the right of Khula and the right to dissolve a marriage observed that they are separate rights.

The court said, Khula, is the wife’s own right to seek dissolution of her marriage through the court, even against her husband’s will, where she satisfies the court that continuing the marriage within the limits prescribed by Allah has become impossible. In other words, Khula can be granted to a woman without any fault of a husband, the court remarked.

Hence a woman seeking Khula need not to prove any ground and she givers up her dower as the price of release.

Whereas the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939, by contrast, entitles a wife to a decree of dissolution upon proof of specific matrimonial wrongs, the court added.

However, nothing contained in this Act shall affect any right which a married woman may have under Muslim law to her dower or any part thereof on the dissolution of her marriage, the court added.

The court explaining the issue further, said that confusion arose because sub-sections (5) and (6) of Section 10 of the Family Courts Act, 1964 were struck down without anything being put in their place, the court added.

Unfortunately, much of the subsequent difficulties experienced by the family courts appear to have arisen from treating every decree passed after reconciliation fails as if it were an identical category of Khula irrespective of the factual foundation of the claim, the court observed.

The court said, such an approach overlooks the distinction carefully preserved by both Islamic jurisprudence and the Federal Shariat Court itself between a dissolution founded upon unilateral aversion and one occasioned by the husband’s own misconduct.

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Planting a sapling to formally open the festivities, the Governor said the campaign aimed to promote patriotism alongside environmental awareness, describing afforestation as a national responsibility in the face of climate change and rapid urbanisation.

He said rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and floods underscored the need to expand green spaces. Indiscriminate tree cutting and unplanned urban development had worsened environmental challenges.

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Additional Sessions Judge Hakim Khan, in his 19-page verdict, ruled that the corruption allegations levelled by the PTI leader against Ahsan Iqbal were not substantiated and directed Murad Saeed to pay Rs2.5 million as compensation for defaming the federal minister.

The verdict states that the PTI leader failed to prove his allegations that Ahsan Iqbal had received Rs70 billion in illegal commissions through corruption. The judgment says that Iqbal contended Murad Saeed had publicly accused him of receiving Rs70 billion as an illegal commission and of committing corruption in connection with the Multan-Sukkur Motorway Project. Such allegations, made by then serving federal minister during a widely covered press conference and extensively reported in the media, were capable of causing serious damage to his integrity, political standing, and personal dignity, the court observed.

The judgment further states that the court attached considerable significance to the nature of the allegations. The defendant did not merely criticize government policies or administrative decisions but directly accused the plaintiff of corruption, abuse of authority, and receiving illegal commissions amounting to Rs70 billion. Such imputations strike at the core of a person’s honesty, integrity, and moral character and are inherently defamatory, it said. Since the defendant failed to establish the truth of these allegations or provide any lawful justification for making them, the natural and probable consequence was injury to the plaintiff’s reputation.

The court ruled that the controversial statements created a negative public perception of the federal minister and amounted to a direct attack on his character and credibility.

The court also noted that Murad Saeed neither appeared before the court nor produced any evidence to support his claims.

The verdict states that although the plaintiff claimed Rs10 billion in damages, the court was required to award compensation that was fair, reasonable, and proportionate to the injury proved.

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According to the military’s media wing, five militants belonging to the banned outfit Fitna al-Khawarij were killed during an intelligence-based operation in the Razmak area of North Waziristan district. The operation was launched on the basis of information regarding the presence of militants in the area.

The ISPR said security forces effectively engaged the militants, killing all five. During the intense exchange of fire, Major Hafiz Ihsan Elahi, 34, a resident of Mianwali district, embraced martyrdom while leading his troops from the front. The military described him as a brave officer who fought gallantly and made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, who, according to the ISPR, had been actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces and law enforcement agencies, as well as the killing of innocent civilians.

In a separate operation conducted on the night of July 30 and 31 in Nushki district of Balochistan, security forces targeted terrorists belonging to Fitna al Hindustan following intelligence reports about their presence.

According to the ISPR, the terrorists’ hideout was identified, monitored and destroyed through a prompt surgical operation, resulting in the killing of seven militants, including a suicide bomber. A cache of ammunition and improvised explosive devices was also destroyed at the site.

The ISPR said sanitisation operations are underway in both areas to eliminate any remaining militants. It added that the country’s counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam,” approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, will continue at full pace to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan.

The military reaffirmed that the sacrifices of its personnel strengthen its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation at all costs.

Five militants belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij were killed during an intelligence-based operation conducted by Pakistan’s security forces in the Razmak area of North Waziristan district on Saturday, while a Pakistan Army major embraced martyrdom during an intense exchange of fire, the ISPR said.

According to the military’s media wing, the operation was launched on reports of presence of militants belonging to Fitna al-Khwarij. During the operation, security forces effectively engaged the militants, killing five of them. The ISPR said that during the fierce exchange of fire, Major Hafiz Ihsan Elahi, 34, a resident of Mianwali district, embraced martyrdom while leading his troops from the front. The military described him as a brave officer who fought gallantly and made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Security forces also recovered weapons and ammunition from the slain militants, who, according to the ISPR, had been actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces and law enforcement agencies, as well as the killing of innocent civilians.

According to family members, Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar had been unwell for several weeks. He suffered a brain haemorrhage and underwent surgery as part of his treatment.

The family confirmed his passing but did not disclose further details regarding his illness.

Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar was the father of Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar. His death has been mourned by family members and political colleagues.

Born on 15 March, 1950, Iqbal Channer had degree of Bachelor of Laws which he received in 1971 from Wilayat Hussain Islamia Law College in Multan.

He was first elected to the Punjab Assembly as a PML-N candidate from Constituency PP-272 (Bahawalpur-VI) in the 2002 general elections.

He was re-elected to the Punjab Assembly as a candidate of PML-N from Constituency PP-272 (Bahawalpur-VI) in the 2008 elections. Following the election, he was inducted into the provincial cabinet of Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif where he served as Provincial Minister for Special Education from June 2008 until June 2010. In June 2010, he was appointed as the Provincial Minister for Prisons.

He was re-elected to the Punjab Assembly in the 2013 general elections. This time he was made Minister for Cooperatives.

Iqbal Channer was elected to the National Assembly as a PML-N candidate NA-168 Bahawalpur-V in the 2024 general elections.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of MNA Malik Iqbal Channer.

Commiserating with the bereaved family, he prayed for the departed soul. Paying tribute to the late leader’s political, social, and public services, the Prime Minister said that Malik Iqbal Channer’s demise is a great loss of a sincere public representative. He said Malik Iqbal was a dedicated and ideological worker of the PML-N.

JI Karachi chief Monem Zafar Khan announced the drive at a seminar organised by the party’s women’s wing at Idara Noor-e-Haq. He said planting trees is an ongoing charity for future generations and urged all citizens to join the effort.

The campaign will plant trees at government schools, public hospitals, parks, major roads, and other public spaces.

Monem Zafar also asked residents to plant and protect trees at their homes, in courtyards, and on rooftops. He congratulated the women’s wing for starting the initiative.

With Karachi’s population above 35 million, the JI leader cited research showing one tree is needed for every seven people. This means the city requires about five million trees to meet the target.

He criticised development projects that cut down thousands of trees.

He specifically mentioned the Red Line project, which he said removed an estimated 14,000 trees along University Road. He pointed to successful urban forests in Singapore and Australia as models and praised local plantation efforts in Liaquatabad and Gulberg towns.

Jawadan Faheem, chief of JI’s women’s wing, said tree plantation is not a one-time activity. It needs constant effort and practical action. She said everyone in society must help protect Karachi from rising temperatures and climate change. She urged women to promise to plant and care for at least one tree this year. She also called for plantation drives in girls’ and primary schools to build environmental awareness in children.

Separately, Monem Zafar announced that the women’s wing will hold a protest march on Shahrah-e-Quaideen on August 3 at 3:30pm.

The march will oppose the petroleum levy, which he called an “extortion tax”. JI Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman will address the rally. He appealed to women from across Karachi to take part in large numbers.

The seminar featured a panel discussion titled “Green Karachi, Every-one’s Responsibility”. Environmental experts, lawyers, health specialists, teachers, and civil society members took part in it.

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The inauguration ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor of Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad, members of the KMC City Council, elected representatives, and a large number of local residents.

Addressing the ceremony, Mayor of Karachi said that work is progressing rapidly on modern infrastructure, improved roads, water supply and drainage projects across Karachi to provide citizens with high-quality municipal services.

He said that under the project, modern roads measuring 10.25 meters in width on each side have been constructed. The project has been completed with curb blocks, a modern central median, road markings, an efficient drainage system, and other essential civic facilities.

The Mayor stated that the project will significantly improve traffic flow in the area while providing citizens with a safer and more comfortable travel experience.

He further announced the completion of a 700-meter-long, 48-inch diameter water supply line rehabilitation project at a cost of Rs. 86.895 million. Under this project, 16 T-connections were installed, approximately 4,000 leakages were repaired, 2,400 illegal water connections were removed, and new 4-inch diameter water supply lines were laid in 54 streets, resulting in a significant improvement in the area’s water supply system.

He added that the project also included the installation of 53 double-arm street lights and the desilting (winching) of the sewerage drain along with improved drainage arrangements to provide modern and sustainable civic facilities.

The Mayor Karachi said that, in line with the Pakistan Peoples Party’s public service manifesto, Karachi’s development journey is progressing rapidly, and strengthening the city’s infrastructure while ensuring quality municipal services remains the government’s top priority.

Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that no proper road had ever been constructed in the area in the past. Various political parties came to power and made grand promises, but failed to deliver practical results.

He remarked that Karachi is a bouquet of diverse ethnic communities, and everyone must play their role in preserving and enhancing its beauty. He added that the Pakistan Peoples Party has resolved a long-standing issue faced by the people of Manghopir.

The Mayor said that representatives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari are working practically in every area of Karachi. He added that critics and opponents would be answered through performance, and that the promises made by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the Pakistan Peoples Party would be fulfilled so that the public could clearly see who made promises and who honored them.

He described the road project as a long-cherished dream of the local residents that has finally become a reality. According to him, the newly constructed road will substantially improve connectivity between District Central and District West while providing a better transportation facility for citizens.

The Mayor noted that despite the ongoing monsoon rains, development work across Karachi continues uninterrupted, and elected representatives are taking practical steps to resolve public issues. He said that sincere leadership fulfills its promises and that the Pakistan Peoples Party firmly believes in serving the people.

He further stated that, under the directives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the Chief Minister of Sindh, councillors, UC chairmen, town chairmen, the Deputy Mayor, and other elected representatives are continuously working to complete public welfare projects.

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The Punjab Safe Cities Authority and Traffic Police have been tasked with identifying and dismantling the organized networks behind professional begging. The meeting was informed that forcing individuals to become vagrants is a non-bailable offence under the law in Punjab.

The amended Punjab Vagrancy Ordinance, 1958, is currently in force to address this issue. The Secretary Home Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi directed all relevant institutions to conduct joint operations to eliminate organized begging from Lahore.

He emphasized that strict action against the handlers and masterminds of professional beggars was indispensable. He further stated that the Government of Punjab had introduced legislative amendments to ensure that professional beggars and the gang leaders are brought to justice. He noted that the substantial increase in penalties and fines would serve as a deterrent against organized begging.

The Secretary Home directed all relevant departments to ensure strict punishment for those who force innocent children, elderly people and women into begging. He also instructed that arrested members of these mafias should be prosecuted effectively to secure exemplary punishment.

Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi emphasized that all concerned departments must adopt a coordinated strategy to eradicate professional begging networks. He directed the authorities to ensure the effective use of modern technology and human intelligence during the anti-begging campaign. The Secretary Home further instructed that a comprehensive database of repeat offenders involved in professional begging should be developed.

Similarly, an updated database should be maintained for every deserving, impoverished and needy individual admitted to welfare homes. He also directed authorities to identify hotspot locations and conduct targeted operations. According to the Secretary Home, the Government of Punjab is transforming welfare homes into centers of social welfare and rehabilitation. Capacity at welfare homes is being enhanced to support deserving, underprivileged and needy individuals.

He directed that welfare homes should provide high-quality facilities related to food, healthcare and accommodation. Special arrangements should also be made to ensure education for children residing in welfare homes. The Secretary Home added that welfare homes would also offer vocational training and skill-development programs to enable needy individuals to become financially self-sufficient in the future.

He stressed that civil society must also play its role in supporting vulnerable segments of society. Secretary Home Punjab urged citizens to report professional beggar mafias by calling the police helpline, 15, assuring that the identity of informants would remain strictly confidential.

The important meeting was attended by Secretary Social Welfare Saira Omar, Special Secretary Home Zainab Khan, Director General Social Welfare Dr. Shehnshah Faisal, Director General Probation and Parole Shahid Iqbal, Additional Secretary Prisons Roman Burana, Additional Secretary Judicial Abdul Rauf, CTO Lahore Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi, AIG Sarfraz Virk, Deputy Prosecutor General Dr. Usman Iqbal, Director Civil Defence Punjab Tasneem Ali Khan, as well as officials from the Punjab Safe Cities Authority, FIA, School Education Department and Health Department.

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In a post on social media platform X on Saturday night, Bilawal said the JKJAAC had responded to his earlier letter proposing the formation of the commission and had also submitted its own recommendations for consideration.

He stressed that the loss of every precious life is a national tragedy, adding that his immediate priority is to help end the current crisis, provide urgent relief to the people, and restore normalcy in Azad Jammu and Kashmir as soon as possible.

Bilawal welcomed the committee’s willingness to consider the proposed Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a possible institutional mechanism for moving forward. He said that the proposal has also been endorsed by the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and said he would carefully review the committee’s recommendations.

The PPP chairman said that he would now consult the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, who would seek initial feedback from the federal government and other relevant stakeholders to determine whether sufficient common ground exists to advance a mutually agreed proposal.

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The Punjab government believes in performance rather than rhetoric, which is why the public continues to place its trust in the politics of service, transparency and development.

“If other provinces also prioritise youth development, education, sports, energy and public welfare, Pakistan as a whole can achieve unprecedented progress,” they said while addressing a joint press conference at DGPR.

The provincial ministers stated that the people of Kashmir rejected the politics of slogans, negativity and baseless allegations, and instead voted for development, peace, public service and performance. They said the electoral success of PML-N in Azad Kashmir is a testament to the people-centric initiatives launched by the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Rana Sikandar Hayat said that the people of Kashmir endorsed transformational initiatives such as Electric Buses, Khelta Punjab, Danish Schools, Schools of Eminence, Suthra Punjab, Apna Ghar Apni Chhat and the Honhaar Scholarship Programme. He questioned whether similar public welfare initiatives exist in Sindh and whether its people are receiving comparable facilities.

Rana Sikandar Hayat said Punjab has emerged as a national role model in education, healthcare, sports, development and public service under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, while some provincial governments have nothing to present except criticism of Punjab’s performance. Rana urged those seeking comparisons with Punjab to first present their own provinces’ report cards on literacy, education, infrastructure and public services.

Rana highlighted that Punjab is providing laptops, merit scholarships, world-class educational facilities and quality institutions, while international students are also choosing universities and Danish Schools in Punjab.

Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said that every department of the Punjab Government is delivering measurable results under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. He said Punjab ministers are inaugurating development projects on a daily basis, while political opponents continue to criticise instead of presenting their own performance. He announced that the CM Punjab Youth Games 2026 will be the largest sporting event in the province’s history, with the participation of five million young athletes, competitions spanning 57 days, and cash prizes worth Rs. 500 million for outstanding performers.

Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar further announced that the Punjab Government is preparing to set a Guinness World Record through sports activities involving five million youth during October and November. Students from schools, colleges, universities, seminaries and special education institutions will participate in this historic initiative.

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