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PML-N to emerge victorious in AJK polls: Attaullah Tarar


Lahore: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Saturday expressed confidence that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would achieve an excellent result in the ongoing Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, saying the party had established a strong position through its politics of public service and development.



Addressing a ceremony here, the minister appreciated PML-N workers for mobilising voters and said the political atmosphere he witnessed throughout the campaign indicated that the party’s voice was being heard across AJK.



He said that PML-N had gained a significant lead in the first phase and expressed confidence that, by the grace of Allah Almighty, the party would form the next government in AJK.



Tarar said the politics of public service, development and progress were the fundamental principles of the PML-N.



He said the development work carried out in AJK during the tenure of former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was evident, while Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had also initiated mega development projects in the region, including Daanish Schools and other major public welfare initiatives.



The minister said Kashmir had always remained among the PML-N’s priorities and that the party had consistently raised its voice for the Kashmir cause and the rights of Kashmiris, besides taking practical steps in this regard.



He said whenever the Kashmir issue was raised at the United Nations or on international forums, Nawaz Sharif had spoken about the cause of Kashmir and paid tribute to Kashmiri martyrs. Similarly, Shehbaz Sharif had also highlighted the sacrifices of Kashmiri martyrs and those who had championed the Kashmir cause, including the martyrdom of Burhan Wani.



Tarar said Kashmiri brothers and sisters living in Pakistan, as well as their forefathers, had not only made sacrifices for Kashmir but had also played their full role in supporting the Kashmir cause.



He paid tribute to all Kashmiris living in Pakistan and AJK, saying they were highly patriotic people with a deep love for Pakistan.



He said even today, people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) preferred to be buried wrapped in the Pakistani flag, while slogans such as ‘We are Pakistanis, and Pakistan is ours’ continued to be raised there.



Regarding the election campaign, the minister said every political party had the right to participate in politics and present its manifesto before the people. However, he questioned whether any political party had a manifesto and development record that could compete with the PML-N.



‘What is the answer? No, ‘ he remarked.



Tarar said public support could not be won merely through political speeches, adding that the hearts of the people could be won only through practical politics of public service.



He said Nawaz Sharif had undertaken extensive development work during his tenures, while Shehbaz Sharif was also working on projects aimed at public welfare.



The minister challenged other political parties campaigning in AJK to name even 10 or 12 major development projects completed during their respective tenures in Kashmir or in the areas from where they belonged.



He said the PML-N had undertaken major development projects and urged the people to judge political claims on the basis of performance.



He said, ‘PML-N has established a strong position through its politics of service. ‘



Tarar expressed confidence that in the AJK elections, whether on ‘Muhajir’ seats or Jammu and Kashmir seats, the PML-N would emerge victorious.



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Students from Remote Areas of Northern Sindh Showcase Talent at Mega Art Festival


Sukkur: Students from remote areas of northern Sindh impressed visitors with their outstanding art, culture and science models at a Mega Arts Festival held at the SRSO Complex, said a release issued here on Saturday.



Titled ‘Mega Art Festival 2026’, the festival was organized by the Education Team of the Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO) in collaboration with the Government of Sindh and the School Education Department. More than 200 students from over 27 Community Cluster Schools and Education Management Organization (EMO) schools managed by SRSO in four districts, Kashmore-Kandhkot, Shikarpur, Khairpur and Sukkur participated and set up stalls.



Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sukkur, Nadir Shahzad Khan, inaugurated the festival along with Chief Executive Officer of SRSO, Muhammad Dittal Kalhoro.



A large number of teachers, educationists, experts in arts, culture and science, government officials and journalists attended the event, including ADC-I Sukkur Bushra Mansoor, District Education Officer (Higher Secondary) Syed Ghulam Murtaza Shah, and experts from the Arts Council Sukkur and Aror University Sukkur.



Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Deputy Commissioner Nadir Shahzad Khan said that such platforms enhance art and science understanding and confidence among students, especially girls and boys from remote areas like Kandhkot and Shikarpur who had prepared excellent projects.



“Education is the foundation of any society and girls should polish their talents for a bright future. I was delighted to see the passion for arts, culture, science and history among students from remote areas, ” he said.



Appreciating SRSO for organizing the mega event, the Deputy Commissioner said that such festivals should be held regularly.



He said that the working model of SRSO is appreciated not only by the Sukkur administration but by the entire Sindh government. Whenever the district administration needs help during floods, whether it is construction of houses for flood victims, launching campaigns in backward and remote areas or conducting various surveys, SRSO proves to be the best partner, which must be appreciated.



He said that it is generally alleged that rural talent is low, but the command of these secondary school students from remote Sindh over artistic, scientific and historical subjects was amazing.



In his welcome address, CEO SRSO Muhammad Dittal Kalhoro said that SRSO is currently working with 1. 4 million women across Sindh, with one woman from every household as its member.



He said that with the support of the Sindh government, 300, 000 women have been made self-reliant by providing loans and they are now running their households with economic dignity.



He said that praising SRSO means praising the programs and policies of the Sindh government, because SRSO is running with the funding of the Sindh government.



Mr. Kalhoro appealed to the Deputy Commissioner to take special measures for rural women who face difficulties in obtaining bank loans due to documentary requirements and high interest rates, and requested to formulate a policy of easy, interest-free loans for them.



He said that promotion of education is his top personal priority and the education sector of SRSO has always had his full support, because education is the only path to development.



Senior Manager Social Sector SRSO, Nematullah Shaikh, said that the high level of participation is a clear indication that students have a deep interest in highlighting the culture and history of their rural areas as well as in the use of science and engineering.



He said that this festival has reached rural students who generally do not get an opportunity to exhibit their projects, thereby promoting a culture of research and practical learning in arts, culture and geography.



The girl students who had set up stalls also shared their stories and the difficulties they face in remote areas.



The projects displayed by the students included models of Minar-e-Pakistan, Mazar-e-Quaid, Lansdowne Bridge, Mir Masoom Shah Minara, SRSO Complex, rural and urban life, hospitals, pollution control technology for vehicle smoke, solar and wind hybrid system, earthquake alarm, water purification, reflection of light, models of several cities, structure of Sadh Belo Temple and other innovative solutions for climate change.



Three schools won cash prizes for the best projects. The first prize was Rs. 50, 000, the second prize Rs. 35, 000 and the third prize Rs. 25, 000.



Assistant Commissioner (AC) Sukkur Bushra Mansoor and Director Education Sukkur Syed Ghulam Murtaza Shah also addressed the ceremony.



At the end, appreciation certificates were distributed among the participants of all schools, while shields and traditional Ajrak gifts were presented to the chief guest and distinguished guests.



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Security Forces kill seven terrorists: ISPR


Islamabad: Security Forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Nushki District of Balochistan, on the reported presence of terrorists belonging to an Indian proxy, Fitna al Hindustan, neutralising seven Indian sponsored terrorists, including a suicide bomber.



During the conduct of operation, terrorists’ hideout was identified, monitored and busted through prompt surgical action by own forces killing all seven Indian sponsored terrorists including a suicide bomber. Cache of ammunitions and improvised explosive devices were also destroyed on-site, according to a press release issued by the ISPR.



Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored terrorist found in the area. Relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision ‘Azm e Istehkam’ (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.



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Deputy Chairman Senate for addressing public issues in Quetta


Quetta: Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan Nasir on Saturday said that we believed in practical service to the people instead of empty slogans, the electricity problem in Kashmir Colony Nawan Killi would be resolved immediately.



He said that we would also take steps to resolve other issues, our doors are open to the public 24 hours a day. if the public faces any problem, let us know, we would make every effort to resolve it, some vested interests use the public for their personal interests, the public should not be misled by them.



He said this while addressing a public gathering in Nawan Killi Kashmir Colony here.



Jhangir Khan Kharoti and Taiba Saqib also addressed the gathering.



He said that the development of Kashmir Colony Quetta is our top priority, we would take practical steps to provide employment to the youth, including infrastructure, security, electricity and water supply.



He said that the SDO and other staff concerned for the electricity of Kashmir Colony have been instructed to immediately estimate the electricity supply to Kashmir Colony so that the people could be ensured of electricity supply in this modern era.



He said that we believed in serving the people regardless of color and race, for which all available resources are being utilized, today, I have tried to take immediate steps to address the problems that the people have identified within the resources.



He said that some elements use people against us for their personal interests, the people should not be misled by them and would take decisions according to their conscience, saying that we stand firmly with our people in every difficult time and, God willing, we would continue to stand.



He said that PML-N leader Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is particularly interested in the development and prosperity of Kashmir and is trying to provide the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir with all the facilities that are available to the people of other parts of Pakistan.



Syedal Khan Nasir said that the doors of my office are open to the public 24 hours a day, people could contact me directly on any issue and God willing, I would solve their problems.



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Karachi Mayor inaugurates Khawaja Ajmer Nagri-Manghopir Road Dual Carriageway project


Karachi: Mayor of Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, has inaugurated a 1, 800-meter-long modern dual carriageway project from Khawaja Ajmer Nagri Chowrangi to the Dedex Factory on Manghopir Road, completed at a cost of more than Rs. 412 million (Rs. 41. 20 crore).

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 governme
nt’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 constr
ucted 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.

The Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab emphasized that the Pakistan Peoples Party believes in the politics of service rather than the politics of credit, and that anyone working in the public interest will receive the party’s full support. He also thanked allied par
ties and local elected representatives for their cooperation in completing the project.

The Mayor said that Sindh has an active local government system with powers devolved to the grassroots level, enabling citizens to directly approach their UC chairmen, councillors, town chairmen, the Deputy Mayor, and the Mayor to resolve civic issues. He stressed that other provinces, particularly Punjab, also need strong local governments and empowered mayors to ensure better municipal services at the local level.

He concluded by saying that development projects worth billions of rupees are being completed across Karachi and that the city’s progress will continue in the future. He appealed to the public to support the politics of development and public service so that Karachi can become an even better and more modern city.

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Rawalpindi region completes security, electoral arrangements for AJK refugee seats election tomorrow


Rawalpindi: Elections for three refugee seats of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly will be held tomorrow (Sunday), for which electoral and security arrangements in the Rawalpindi region have been finalized.



The Election Commission has completed all preparations for peaceful, transparent and orderly polling, while the district administration and police have finalized arrangements to implement a foolproof security plan.



According to the Election Commission, a total of 27, 907 registered voters, including 14, 917 men and 12, 990 women, will exercise their right to vote on the refugee seats LA-39 Jammu-6, LA-43 Valley-4 and LA-44 Valley-5. LA-39 Jammu-6 has 20, 807 registered voters, LA-43 Valley-4 has 3, 346, and LA-44 Valley-5 has 3, 754.



A total of 34 candidates are contesting the polls across the three constituencies. In LA-39 Jammu-6, 14 candidates are in the race, including Raja Muhammad Siddique of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Chaudhry Fakhar Zaman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Muhammad Tahir Khokhar of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP). In LA-43 Valley-4, 12 candidates are contesting, including PML-N’s Muhammad Yasin Lone, PPP’s Javed Butt, and IPP’s Hamza Majeed. In LA-44 Valley-5, eight candidates are in the field, including PML-N’s Muhammad Ahmed Raza Qadri, PPP’s Muhammad Rashid Islam, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Hanif Manzoor Dar, and Muslim Conference’s Mehr-un-Nisa.



The Election Commission has set up 192 polling stations for the three constituencies, comprising 155 for LA-39 Jammu-6, 10 for LA-43 Valley-4, and 27 for LA-44 Valley-5. Of the 100 polling stations established in Rawalpindi district for these constituencies, 18 have been declared sensitive, where additional security measures have been put in place.



RPO Babar Sarfraz Alpa said that more than 4, 000 police officers and personnel have been deployed to secure polling stations in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal and Murree.



He said providing voters with a peaceful, safe and conducive environment to exercise their right to vote was the top priority of the regional police, and that all available resources were being utilized to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.



The RPO said special monitoring, effective patrolling and strict implementation of the approved security plan would be ensured at sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations. Suspicious individuals, suspicious activities and those found in possession of illegal weapons would be kept under close watch, while strict legal action would be taken against anyone violating electoral laws and the code of conduct, without discrimination.



He added that close coordination was being maintained with the district administration, the Election Commission and other concerned institutions, and that senior police officers would personally remain in the field to supervise election security. He also appealed to citizens to abide by the code of conduct and immediately report any suspicious activity to police, so that the electoral process could be made peaceful, transparent and secure in every respect.