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ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has called for restraint and dialogue amid the ongoing protest movement in Kashmir, urging state institutions to prioritize reconciliation over confrontation. In a video message released on Friday, the veteran religious and political leader said demonstrations in Kashmir have continued for nearly two months, describing the movement as a reflection of public frustration. He paid tribute to the patience and resilience of the Kashmiri people, saying they had shown remarkable endurance despite prolonged unrest. According to Fazlur Rehman, tensions escalated on June 5, prompting efforts by a mediation committee to help resolve the crisis through negotiations. He said the committee had approached him with confidence to support a peaceful settlement, but claimed its efforts did not receive the attention they deserved from the authorities. The JUI-F chief alleged that the government had remained focused on suppressing the movement through the use of force rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue. He appealed to the protest committee to allow more time for mediation and avoid taking any major step that could further escalate the situation. “I salute the patience and perseverance of the Kashmiri people,” Fazlur Rehman said, adding that the movement was spreading across Kashmir and drawing attention from audiences around the world. He also urged state institutions to adopt a path of peace instead of violence, emphasizing that reconciliation and mutual understanding were essential for resolving political disputes and restoring stability. The remarks come at a time of heightened political activity and continued demonstrations in parts of Kashmir, where various groups have been calling for action on governance and public concerns. While political leaders continue to offer differing assessments of the situation, Fazlur Rehman stressed that dialogue remains the most effective way to reduce tensions and move toward a lasting solution.

The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has confirmed that two specialists from Shifa International Hospital were involved in the eye examination of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan. According to a statement issued by PIMS on Saturday, Imran Khan was brought to the Islamabad hospital during the night between August 20 and 21 for a medical examination and treatment. The institute said the ophthalmological assessment was carried out with the participation of two Shifa International specialists. Other required examinations were conducted by doctors at PIMS. PIMS said the findings from the eye assessment were reviewed alongside the results of investigations conducted by its own medical specialists. A medical board consisting of PIMS doctors subsequently compiled the overall medical fitness report. However, the institute said it would not make the contents of the medical report public. PIMS cited patient confidentiality as well as directions issued by the Supreme Court of Pakistan for withholding the details of the report. The clarification comes amid controversy over the treatment and medical care being provided to Imran Khan, who is currently detained at Adiala Jail. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court had directed that Imran Khan be shifted to Shifa International Hospital for treatment for several days. The court also ordered the government to facilitate weekly meetings between him and his family. The Supreme Court further directed authorities to provide access to Imran’s personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan. It ordered the formation of a medical board that would include an ophthalmologist, general physician and cardiologist, along with Dr Sultan. The government subsequently filed a review petition against the court’s order, describing the decision as discriminatory. Confusion arose later when reports suggested that Imran Khan was being moved from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar later said that the former prime minister had instead been taken to PIMS because of security concerns surrounding Shifa Hospital and the route leading to it. Tarar said doctors from Shifa International were also present during the medical examination at PIMS. After the examination, Imran Khan was declared medically fit and taken back to Adiala Jail. The development has drawn further attention from PTI and Imran Khan’s family, who have repeatedly raised concerns about his health and medical treatment. Imran Khan’s sister, Dr Uzma Khan, also spoke publicly after meeting him and alleged that he was facing severe injustice and mistreatment.

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Secretary of the Communist Party of China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Committee He Zhongyou held a meeting in Urumqi and discussed ways to expand cooperation between Punjab and Xinjiang. The meeting focused on strengthening economic relations and developing greater collaboration in areas of mutual interest. During the meeting, Maryam Nawaz highlighted Punjab’s importance to Pakistan’s economy and agriculture. She said Punjab has the distinction of being the country’s “food basket” because of its major contribution to national food production. The chief minister said Punjab was keen to benefit from China’s experience, technology and expertise, particularly in sectors linked to agriculture and economic development. She proposed launching pilot projects in different parts of Punjab in cooperation with Chinese partners. According to the chief minister, such initiatives could help introduce modern practices and technologies while providing practical models that could later be expanded across the province. The discussions also covered opportunities for closer economic cooperation between Punjab and Xinjiang. Both sides expressed interest in strengthening institutional links and expanding collaboration in areas that can contribute to development and economic growth. Maryam Nawaz said cooperation with China could help Punjab improve productivity and make better use of modern technology. She also stressed the importance of developing partnerships that produce practical benefits for people and businesses. The meeting is part of Maryam Nawaz’s official visit to China, during which Punjab is seeking to strengthen ties with Chinese institutions and explore new areas of cooperation. Xinjiang’s experience in agriculture, infrastructure, water management and modernisation could provide opportunities for Punjab to develop joint projects and exchange expertise. The two sides also discussed the importance of maintaining regular engagement between Punjab and Xinjiang. Greater exchanges between officials, experts and business representatives could facilitate the transfer of knowledge and encourage new investment opportunities.