Month: July 2026

Mirpur (ajk): Former Chairman of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Accountability Bureau of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Justice (Retd) Syed Mazhar Kaleem Shah, has said that promoting tolerance, trust, dialogue and political wisdom was imperative for addressing the challenges being faced by Azad Jammu Kashmir.

He emphasized that all issues being confronted by the state could only be resolved through constitutional, legal, democratic and political processes.

Talking to journalists at the Kashmir Press Club Mirpur on Tuesday, Justice (R) Mazher Kaleem Shah stressed the need to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law under all circumstances.

He noted that peaceful protests and mass public movements were a legitimate part of democratic societies, but lasting and effective solutions to public issues can only be achieved through political engagement and negotiations.

He continued the people of Azad Jammu Kashmir have deep love and affection for Pakistan, Kashmiris ultimate destination, and that maintaining national unity and stability within the state was a collective responsibility. He added that isolated disagreements or the actions of a few individuals should not be allowed to undermine the overall atmosphere of mutual harmony and cohesion in the region.

Justice (R) Shah emphasized the prevailing circumstances require all stakeholders to demonstrate wisdom, patience and responsibility in order to further strengthen state stability, public welfare and national unity.

He concluded that love, dialogue and mutual understanding were the most effective means of overcoming differences and laying the foundation for a positive and prosperous future.

Hyderabad: A fire triggered by a solar inverter destroyed valuable household items in a house in Hyderabad on Tuesday, according to Rescue 1122 officials.

Rescue 1122 spokesperson Dilbar Halepoto said that a fire was reported at a house near Wali Bhai Park in Latifabad Unit No. 3. A Rescue 1122 fire team immediately rushed to the scene.

According to initial information, the homeowner Muhammad Rehan had locked the house and gone out when the fire broke out. The blaze reportedly originated from a solar inverter and quickly spread to valuable household belongings.

After assessing the situation, the rescue team broke the lock to gain access to the house and brought the fire under control with timely and professional efforts, preventing it from spreading further.

Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident, although a considerable amount of household property was destroyed.

Experts noted that incidents of fires caused by solar inverters have been increasing during the ongoing extreme summer heat and urged citizens to adopt proper safety precautions and preventive measures while using such equipment.

Mirpur (ajk): The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Tuesday reviewed preparations for holding of the scheduled July 27 General Elections-2026 in the State in free, fair and peaceful manner.

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission in its high level meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Retd.) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, and was attended by Senior Member Election Commission Khawaja Muhammad Ahsan, Member Election Commission Syed Nazeer-ul-Hassan Gillani, Secretary Election Commission Raja Muhammad Shakeel Khan, and other relevant officials.

Participants conducted a detailed review of the arrangements made so far for the general elections. Expressing satisfaction over the progress of preparations, the Election Commission reaffirmed its commitment to completing all stages of the electoral process in accordance with the prescribed election schedule.

Speaking on the occasion, Ghulam Mustafa said that all responsibilities assigned under the election time frame had been carried out efficiently and on time. He noted that election symbols had already been allotted to candidates and that the next phase would involve the completion of ballot paper printing and the timely delivery of election materials to Returning Officers.

He emphasized that the Election Commission was working around the clock to ensure smooth conduct of the elections and reiterated its resolve to utilize all available resources and capabilities to complete the electoral process successfully in line with constitutional requirements and the announced schedule.

The Commission expressed confidence that the remaining election-related activities would be completed within the stipulated timeframe, ensuring transparent, orderly, and efficient conduct of the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Faisalabad: Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Nauman Siddique linking officers’ accountability to KPI performance, said that only officers failing to achieve KPI targets would be required to explain their performance in review meetings. Chairing a meeting to review progress on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on Tuesday, he announced a new accountability framework for government departments and said the officers who fail to achieve their assigned KPI targets would be required to attend review meetings and explain their performance whereas those successfully meeting their targets would be exempted from attending such meetings. He also issued a stern warning against fake performance reporting, directing the officers to rectify any incorrect entries voluntarily. He also made it clear that strict departmental action would be initiated against the officials who were found making false or fabricated entries in future KPI reports.

Kohat: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kohat, Muhammad Nawaz, conducted a detailed inspection of drainage arrangements in anticipation of the upcoming monsoon rains. Accompanied by officials from WSSC Kohat, TMA Kohat, CandW, Irrigation Department, and other relevant agencies, the Deputy Commissioner visited College Town, Katha Jhung, Pindi Road, various bazaars, and the Liaquat Memorial Hospital.

During the visit, Mr. Nawaz examined the drainage systems, nullahs, and sewerage channels at multiple locations. He directed the concerned authorities to ensure that all arrangements remain fully functional, sensitive points are continuously monitored, and timely drainage of rainwater is guaranteed to prevent inconvenience to the public.

The DC emphasized that all departments must remain on high alert during the monsoon season and ensure effective drainage measures to safeguard citizens from potential difficulties.

Bahawalpur: Deputy Commissioner Bahawalpur Syed Hassan Raza carried out inspections of several public water filtration plants and Ghausia Park, Satellite Town, to review the quality of civic services, cleanliness standards, ongoing development works, and facilities being provided to citizens. Accompanied by officials from the relevant departments, the Deputy Commissioner first visited the water filtration plants located at Takoon Park Dar-ul-Kabab Chowk, Shahdara Park, and Habib Colony.

During the inspection, Syed Hassan Raza examined the installed machinery, filtration systems, water quality, sanitation arrangements, and the overall operational performance of the facilities. He also received a detailed briefing on routine maintenance, filter replacement schedules, and the water supply system. The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned authorities to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness at all filtration plants and ensure that all machinery remains fully operational so that citizens continue to receive an uninterrupted supply of safe and clean drinking water. He directed the officials to conduct regular inspections of filtration units and replace faulty filters immediately to prevent any compromise in water quality. He emphasized that providing clean, safe, and quality drinking water is one of the district administration’s fundamental responsibilities and that negligence in this regard would not be tolerated.

The Deputy Commissioner further directed the relevant departments to ensure continuous monitoring of all filtration plants and carry out operation and maintenance activities in accordance with prescribed standards. He reiterated that access to safe drinking water remains one of the district administration’s top priorities and that all available resources would be utilized to improve basic civic services and ensure effective monitoring of public welfare projects. Later, Deputy Commissioner Syed Hassan Raza paid a surprise visit to Ghausia Park, Satellite Town, where he reviewed cleanliness arrangements, plantation activities, landscaping, and the progress of ongoing development works. Inspecting various sections of the park, he assessed the condition of green spaces, walking tracks, seating areas, and other public facilities.

He directed the concerned officials to ensure the timely growth of grass and undertake extensive plantation of seasonal flowers and ornamental plants to create a more attractive and pleasant recreational environment for visitors. During the inspection, the Deputy Commissioner expressed dissatisfaction over the cleanliness arrangements and instructed the concerned staff to immediately improve sanitation standards.

He stressed that maintaining the cleanliness, beauty, and proper upkeep of public parks was a primary responsibility of the administration and that negligence in this regard would not be tolerated. Referring to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision and the “Suthra Punjab” initiative, Syed Hassan Raza directed the authorities to ensure that Ghausia Park remains clean, green, and well-maintained at all times. He also instructed officials to establish an effective system for the park’s regular maintenance, protection, and monitoring so that families and visitors could enjoy a safe, healthy, and pleasant recreational environment.

The Deputy Commissioner further directed that all ongoing development works be completed within the stipulated timeframe and according to approved quality standards. He instructed that all park facilities remain fully functional and that cleanliness, plantation, and beautification activities be completed on a priority basis to transform Ghausia Park into one of Bahawalpur’s premier public recreational destinations.