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Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has urged the people of Mirpur to actively participate in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections. Bilawal issued a video message along with his sister, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari. He addressed voters as polling continued across Mirpur Division. Bilawal asked Kashmiris to come out of their homes and cast their votes. He said the people should use their democratic right to decide their future. He urged voters to support PPP candidates by voting for the party’s arrow symbol. Bilawal said the PPP believes that boycotting elections has never produced successful results. He therefore called on voters to take part in the electoral process instead of staying away from polling stations. The PPP chairman said voters should participate if they want their rights to be protected. He specifically mentioned the right to governance and ownership. He also called for the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission for Azad Kashmir. Bilawal said the PPP wanted the people of Kashmir to have a strong voice in decisions affecting their future. He again urged voters to support the party and ensure their participation in the elections. Meanwhile, polling is continuing in the first phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections. Voting began at 8am and is scheduled to continue until 5pm. The first phase covers 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division. The constituencies are located in the districts of Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber. Polling has started at most stations. However, voting could not begin at polling stations 36 and 37 in Aghar Colony, Kotli, because voters had not arrived. Officials are monitoring the polling process across the division. Authorities have also urged citizens to exercise their right to vote peacefully. Mirpur Commissioner Raja Tahir Mumtaz and Deputy Inspector General Kamran Ali visited wards 16 and 17 of LA-3. They reviewed the polling arrangements and assessed the situation at the polling stations. Speaking to journalists, the commissioner said polling had been proceeding peacefully across all three districts since the morning. He appealed to voters to leave their homes without fear and participate in the elections. The commissioner assured citizens that the administration had made security and other necessary arrangements. He said voters would be provided with a peaceful environment to cast their ballots.

The Armed Forces of Pakistan have extended their warm greetings to the nation on the 79th Independence Day. The armed forces reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to defending the country against all threats. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal, along with the Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff, congratulated the nation on the Independence Day. The military leadership said the defence of Pakistan remains their foremost responsibility. They reaffirmed their determination to protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The armed forces said they would continue to defend the motherland against every threat. They also pledged to remain vigilant in safeguarding Pakistan’s national interests. ISPR said the vision and principles of the founders of Pakistan continue to guide the nation. These principles encourage citizens to uphold the country’s ideology and national values. The armed forces said they would continue working with the nation to protect peace and stability. They stressed that national unity is essential for confronting challenges. The military also called on the people to promote unity, national solidarity and tolerance. It said these values are vital for a peaceful and stable Pakistan. The armed forces paid tribute to the Ghazis and veterans for their services to the country. They acknowledged their contributions to Pakistan’s defence and security. The military leadership also paid rich tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan. It honoured the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives while defending the country. The armed forces said the sacrifices of the martyrs would continue to inspire the nation. Their services would remain an important part of Pakistan’s national history. On Independence Day, the military reiterated its commitment to standing with the people. It said the armed forces would remain steadfast in protecting Pakistan’s peace, security and stability. Moreover, Pakistan is celebrating its 79th Independence Day today with national spirit and enthusiasm. The celebrations began across the country at midnight. People came out of their homes to mark the occasion. Streets, markets and neighbourhoods were decorated with the national flag. Green and white lights illuminated many cities. Buildings and public places were also decorated for the national day. Fireworks were held in several major cities. Citizens gathered at different locations to enjoy the celebrations.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that, in his personal opinion, Karachi and Gwadar should be directly administered as part of the federation, stressing that his remarks are intended to serve the national interest rather than any political or personal agenda. Speaking in a television interview, Asif clarified that the proposal reflects his own views and has not been discussed or approved by his party. He acknowledged that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) may agree with some of his opinions while differing on others. “I am expressing my personal opinion. I have not sought my party’s approval for these remarks,” he said. “Some of my views may be supported by the party, while others may not.” The defence minister stressed that he has no personal interest in either Karachi or Gwadar and that his comments were made solely from the perspective of what he believes is best for the country. Asif also spoke about the importance of local government systems in modern democracies. He said effective local governments play a key role in governance, public service delivery and political development. He noted that local government institutions were revived during the 1980s and argued that many leaders currently serving at the provincial and federal levels began their political careers through the local government system. According to Asif, strengthening local governance remains essential for improving democratic institutions and ensuring better administration across the country. Commenting on the country’s administrative structure, the defence minister said provinces should not be created on the basis of provincial or ethnic identities. He suggested that national unity and effective governance should remain the guiding principles in discussions on administrative reforms.