Eight killed as torrential rains devastate Sindh

  Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has alleged that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is attempting to secure power in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) through electoral manipulation rather than the democratic process Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Memon strongly criticized the ruling party’s political approach and accused its leadership of relying on what he described as “backdoor” methods to gain power. He claimed that the PML-N was now trying to repeat the same strategy in Azad Kashmir ahead of the upcoming political developments in the region. “The Pakistan Muslim League-N wants to come to power in Azad Kashmir through rigging,” Memon said while addressing journalists. He argued that free and fair elections are essential for maintaining public trust in democratic institutions and urged all stakeholders to ensure transparency in the electoral process. During the press conference, Memon also took aim at former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. He alleged that Nawaz Sharif had himself entered power through what he called the “backdoor,” adding that Maryam Nawaz had followed the same path. Referring to one of her recent public remarks, Memon criticized her statement asking, “When will the Day of Judgment come?” He said such expressions should not be used by political leaders, arguing that they were inappropriate in public discourse. The Sindh minister emphasized that politicians should exercise caution in their choice of words and avoid making statements that could create unnecessary controversy or distract from issues affecting the public. He said political leaders have a responsibility to maintain respectful and constructive dialogue, particularly during periods of heightened political activity. Memon also spoke about the challenges facing Karachi, describing the country’s largest city as unique in both its size and complexity. “Karachi has many challenges because Karachi is not just a city—it is like a country,” he remarked. He said the metropolis faces a wide range of issues, including infrastructure demands, traffic congestion, rapid population growth, and the need for improved public services. According to Memon, the Sindh government continues to work on addressing these longstanding challenges through development projects and administrative reforms. He stressed that managing Karachi requires coordinated efforts from both provincial and federal institutions due to the city’s economic significance and its role as Pakistan’s commercial hub. The press conference primarily focused on the current political environment, electoral transparency, and governance issues. Memon reiterated that democratic values must be upheld and that any attempt to influence election outcomes unfairly would undermine public confidence in the political system. His remarks come amid increasing political activity across the country, with parties positioning themselves ahead of future elections and regional political contests. The statements are expected to draw responses from the Pakistan Muslim League-N, which has previously rejected similar allegations and maintained that it believes in democratic and constitutional processes. The comments made by Sharjeel Memon add to the ongoing political debate in Pakistan, where electoral integrity, governance, and accountability continue to dominate public discussion. As political tensions persist, attention remains focused on ensuring transparent elections and promoting constructive political dialogue across the country.