Infantino faces fresh challenge from three football confederations

Acting President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chaudhry Latif Akbar has sent two letters to the Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, demanding action over alleged security failures and irregularities reported during the polling process. In his letters, Chaudhry Latif Akbar raised serious concerns regarding the arrangements made for election security and claimed that effective security measures were not provided at several polling stations. He called for a thorough investigation into the incidents reported during the voting process and urged the Election Commission to take appropriate legal action against those found responsible. The Acting President stated that polling agents at various locations were allegedly prevented from entering polling stations, which he described as a serious violation of the electoral process. According to him, the presence of polling agents is essential to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence in elections. Chaudhry Latif Akbar further requested an inquiry into reports of firing incidents, alleged interference in the polling process, and claims that some voters were deprived of their right to cast their votes. He emphasized that all such allegations should be investigated impartially to determine the facts and ensure accountability. In one of his letters, the Acting President highlighted delays in the start of polling at Koomi Kot and Jhandgran areas. He stated that voting began late in these locations and requested that polling time be extended in the affected areas to compensate for the lost time and allow voters a fair opportunity to exercise their democratic right. He also referred to an alleged armed attack on Mumtaz Hussain Naqvi, calling for an immediate investigation into the incident. Chaudhry Latif Akbar demanded that those responsible for the attack be identified and legal proceedings be initiated against them. The Acting President stressed that all incidents reported during the election process must be examined through transparent investigations. He called upon the Election Commission to ensure that no individual or group involved in electoral violations escapes accountability. In his communication with the Election Commission, Chaudhry Latif Akbar reiterated the importance of maintaining a free, fair, and peaceful electoral environment. He stated that public trust in democratic institutions depends on ensuring that elections are conducted without intimidation, interference, or unlawful practices. The letters come amid political tensions surrounding the election process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where various political parties have raised concerns over alleged irregularities and security issues. Opposition parties have also questioned aspects of the polling arrangements, while authorities have maintained that necessary measures were taken to conduct peaceful elections. Chaudhry Latif Akbar’s demands reflect concerns about transparency and fairness in the electoral process. He emphasized that protecting voters’ rights and ensuring equal participation should remain the top priority of election authorities. He concluded by urging the Election Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of all reported incidents, publish the findings transparently, and take strict action against anyone found involved in misconduct. According to him, only a credible and impartial investigation can strengthen public confidence and ensure that the democratic process reflects the genuine will of the people.

A man has been arrested in Lahore after allegedly killing his mother and a neighboring woman during a domestic dispute in the Harbanspura area. The incident also left two girls injured, prompting a swift response from police and forensic investigators. According to police, the attack took place in Kotli Pir Abdul Rehman, a locality in Harbanspura, where the suspect allegedly assaulted multiple people using a screwdriver. Authorities said the victims suffered serious injuries during the attack, resulting in two fatalities and two injuries. The deceased have been identified as 70-year-old Kaneez Fatima, the suspect’s mother, and 52-year-old Sultana Imran, a neighboring resident. Police said both women died after sustaining multiple injuries during the incident. Two girls, identified as 23-year-old Aqsa and 13-year-old Arifa, were also injured in the attack. They were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, where they received medical treatment. Officials have not yet released further details about their current condition. Police officers, forensic experts, and investigators arrived at the scene shortly after receiving reports of the incident. The area was secured while evidence was collected to assist in the investigation. Authorities also documented the crime scene and interviewed witnesses to determine the sequence of events. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the suspect was arrested at the scene along with the alleged weapon used in the attack. The accused has been identified as Aurangzeb, and investigators have begun formal legal proceedings. Police stated that the motive appears to be linked to a domestic dispute, although the exact circumstances remain under investigation. The bodies of the deceased were transferred to a hospital for medico-legal procedures and post-mortem examinations, while investigators continue to gather evidence and record witness statements. Officials said additional details will be released as the inquiry progresses. Incidents of domestic violence remain a serious concern, with authorities emphasizing the importance of early intervention in family disputes and improved access to conflict resolution and mental health support where appropriate. Police have urged the public to report threats or violent behavior promptly to help prevent similar tragedies. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are expected to present the suspect before the relevant court in accordance with legal procedures. As with all criminal cases, the allegations against the accused remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s disaster management authorities have issued a fresh flood alert as intensified monsoon rains continue to push water levels higher in major rivers, raising concerns over flooding in several parts of the country. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said river flows are expected to increase significantly between August 2 and 4, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas and remain alert to changing weather conditions. According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), high flooding has been observed in the Lehri River at Head Gogi, while Nullah Palkhu near Wazirabad is experiencing medium-level flooding. The Indus River is currently witnessing low-level flooding at Kalabagh, Chashma, Guddu and Sukkur, while similar conditions have been reported at Head Nari on the Nari River. The NDMA warned that the Chenab River is likely to experience high water flows at Marala, with low to medium flooding anticipated at Khanki and Qadirabad. Water levels are also expected to rise in the Jhelum, Ravi and Kabul rivers and their tributaries as monsoon activity intensifies. Officials cautioned that streams connected to the Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi rivers could swell to medium or high levels. Meanwhile, water flows in the Ravi and Sutlej rivers will largely depend on releases from reservoirs across the border. The authority also expressed concern over the possibility of flash floods in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, as well as seasonal streams in central and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Balochistan. In addition, urban flooding and waterlogging remain a serious threat in several cities, including Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Hyderabad, Badin, Thatta and other parts of Sindh due to continued heavy rainfall. The NDMA advised residents to avoid crossing flooded roads and waterways, monitor weather updates before travelling, and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities. It also encouraged the public to use the official Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for real-time weather warnings and emergency information. Separately, the Prime Minister’s Emergency Response Committee (ERC) held its 10th consecutive daily review meeting to assess the country’s monsoon situation. The meeting, chaired virtually by Planning Minister Prof Ahsan Iqbal, brought together federal ministries, provincial governments, disaster management authorities and senior administrative officials. During the briefing, the NDMA presented the latest updates on weather conditions, casualties, infrastructure damage, rescue operations and rehabilitation efforts. Officials informed the committee that deputy commissioners in all high-risk districts had already been directed to remain fully prepared for any emergency. The committee was told that recent heavy rains had caused flooding in multiple regions, with coordinated rescue and relief operations continuing through federal, provincial and district authorities. Weather experts also forecast more rainfall across northern and central Pakistan in the coming days, while isolated showers are expected in southeastern Sindh. The NDMA highlighted that relief activities are being carried out with the support of both national and international humanitarian organisations. Officials further noted that most monsoon-related fatalities this season resulted from the collapse of unsafe and poorly constructed buildings, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement of building safety regulations and greater public awareness. The ERC commended the efforts of government institutions, provincial administrations, district authorities, the armed forces and rescue teams for their ongoing response. It directed all relevant departments to strengthen coordination, maintain maximum preparedness, accelerate relief and rehabilitation work, and take preventive measures to minimise the impact of future weather emergencies.