Month: August 2026

Sukkur: Additional Deputy Commissioner-I Shikarpur, Muhammad Faizan Zafar Cheema chaired a meeting to review and finalize administrative, security, sanitation and traffic arrangements for the observance of Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and the martyrs of Karbala.

The meeting was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Shikarpur which was attended by Assistant Commissioner Shikarpur Arfa Batool Rai, police officials, representatives of the Information Department, Local Government, SEPCO, Health Department, Public Health Engineering Department and other relevant government departments. Religious scholars representing different schools of thought also participated, said a press release.

Addressing the meeting, the ADC said that the Code of Conduct would be strictly enforced during the Chehlum to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of processions and religious gatherings.

He directed the concerned departments to make comprehensive arrangements for cleanliness and sanitation, particularly along the routes of Chehlum processions and around venues where religious gatherings and Majalis would be held.

Cheema further instructed the relevant authorities to ensure complete security for all processions and Majalis with the deployment of police and Rangers personnel. He emphasized that effective coordination among all concerned departments was essential to maintain law and order situation and prevent any untoward incident during the observances.

He also directed officials to develop an efficient traffic management plan to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and minimize inconvenience to the public.

The concerned departments were instructed to repair drainage crossings and address other civic issues along procession routes, near Imambargahs and at locations where Majalis would be organized.

The meeting also stressed the need for strict implementation of the Loudspeaker Act and other relevant regulations during the Chehlum.

The chair emphasized that all concerned departments should remain fully coordinated and carry out their assigned responsibilities effectively to ensure that the Chehlum processions are held peacefully, securely and in an organized manner.

Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Excise, Syed Fakhar Jehan, on Saturday formally inaugurated Kalpani to Takhta Band Chowk Road construction project in Tehsil Gagra, Buner.

The project costing Rs. 30 million would provide the local population with improved, safer and more efficient transportation facilities upon its completion.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that the provincial government remains committed to its vision of public service and sustainable development adding that provision of basic infrastructure in remote and underdeveloped areas is among the government’s top priorities.

He said that the completion of this project would significantly reduce the travel difficulties faced by the local population. He also directed concerned authorities to ensure quality construction, transparency and timely completion of the project.

Rawalpindi: The 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of the People’s Republic of China was commemorated at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.

His Excellency Mr. Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. Major General Wang Zhong, Defence Attach© of China, officials of the Chinese Embassy and senior military officers from Pakistan’s tri-services also attended the ceremony.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests and congratulated the PLA on the occasion of its 99th founding anniversary. He paid tribute to the PLA’s remarkable contributions to China’s defence, national development and international peace and security.

Highlighting the enduring strength of Pakistan-China relations, the Field Marshal observed that friendship between the two countries is unique, time-tested and has remained steadfast in the face of evolving regional and global challenges.

He reaffirmed that Pakistan Armed Forces and the PLA are true partners, bound by mutual trust, unwavering support and a shared commitment to regional peace, stability and the protection of common strategic interests.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong expressed sincere appreciation to the Field Marshal for hosting the commemorative event. He acknowledged the Pakistan Armed Forces’ significant contributions and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and reaffirmed China’s unwavering support for Pakistan and its enduring commitment to further strengthening the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between the two countries.

Mirpur: More than 1. 33 million registered voters are set to cast their ballots in the second phase of the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections on Sunday, with polling to be held across Muzaffarabad Division and 12 constituencies reserved for Jammu and Kashmir refugees residing in Pakistan, election officials said on Saturday.

According to the AJK Election Commission, a total of 1, 333, 900 registered voters will be eligible to vote, while 1, 483 polling stations have been established for the exercise. Of these, 533 have been declared highly sensitive, 741 sensitive and 209 normal. Polling will begin at 8:00 a. m. and continue uninterrupted until 5:00 p. m. , with authorities confirming that polling materials have already been dispatched and all logistical arrangements completed.

In Muzaffarabad Division, voting will take place in nine constituencies-five in Muzaffarabad district, two in Jhelum Valley and two in Neelum-where 207 candidates are contesting. Simultaneously, polling will also be held in all 12 Pakistan-based refugee constituencies, including six seats reserved for refugees from the Kashmir Valley and six for refugees from the Jammu region. A total of 137 candidates are in the race for these refugee seats.

Election Commission officials said comprehensive security and administrative measures had been put in place to ensure peaceful, transparent and orderly polling. Law enforcement agencies have been deployed at polling stations across Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-based refugee constituencies to provide voters with a secure environment for exercising their democratic right.

Rawalpindi: All 19 high-risk urban locations across Rawalpindi district will remain under round-the-clock monitoring, supported by pre-positioned heavy machinery, field response staff, and duty officers to ensure instant dewatering and traffic management during downpours. The enhanced deployment protocol follows an evaluation of drainage operations and emergency interventions conducted during recent monsoon spells.

The operational directives were issued during a District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) review meeting chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner Cap. (Retd) Tayyab Samee Khan on Saturday. He strictly warned that delay or negligence at the 19 identified bottleneck points will trigger administrative action.

He further tasked the Rawalpindi Police to deploy additional traffic wardens along inundated routes to maintain vehicular flow and assist commuters, ordering all line departments to remain on high alert throughout the ongoing monsoon season.

The meeting was attended by district Assistant Commissioners and representatives from WASA, Rescue 1122, Police, and local municipal bodies. Commending WASA, Rescue 1122, and AC City.

Mansehra: Three real brothers were shot dead and a child was injured in a tragic firing incident allegedly triggered by a marriage dispute in Karkala area of Mansehra.

Police have registered a murder case against 11 suspects, including two women, and launched raids to arrest the accused. Senior police officers visited the crime scene and assured the bereaved family that those responsible would be brought to justice.

According to police, the incident occurred in Mohallah Sher Khan, Karkala, where armed men allegedly stormed the house of Nadeem, son of Hayat Gul, and opened indiscriminate fire. As a result, Nadeem’s three brothers, Muhammad Nazir, Katheer and Gul Nawaz, were killed, while his nephew sustained injuries.

In his complaint, Nadeem stated that he had been engaged to a woman under Kohistani customs about six to seven years ago. He alleged that for the past three months Abdul Razzaq, Naseem and others had been pressuring his family to break off the engagement so they could arrange the woman’s marriage elsewhere. He claimed the family refused because it was against local traditions.

The complainant alleged that at around 6 p. m. , Waleed, Shabbir, Shams-ul-Qamar, Saleem Ullah and Naseem, armed with weapons, entered the house and opened fire. He further alleged that the attack was carried out with the alleged support and planning of Abdul Razzaq, Fazal Razzaq, Ahsan-ur-Rehman, Faisal-ur-Rehman and two women related to the accused. The attackers reportedly fled the scene after abandoning their vehicles.

Police registered FIR No. 756 at Lari Adda Police Station under Sections 302, 324, 452, 148, 149 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code against 11 accused and said raids are underway to apprehend them.

Soon after the incident, SP City Mansehra Shah Nawaz Khan and SP Investigation Muhammad Abrar visited the crime scene and met the affected family. They expressed condolences and assured the family that all those involved in the killings would be arrested and brought to justice through due process of law