Bhumjaithai Secures Dominant Win, Anutin Poised to Continue as PM

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has announced that he has received a response from the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) regarding his proposal to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address the ongoing crisis in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). He said the response marked an important step towards finding a peaceful and institutional solution to the unrest. In a statement issued on Saturday, Bilawal said the committee had shown willingness to consider the proposed commission. He welcomed the response and said it reflected support for resolving the dispute through dialogue rather than confrontation. He added that the proposal had already been endorsed by the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. The PPP chairman said the loss of every life during the recent unrest was a national tragedy. He stressed that his foremost priority was to help restore peace, reduce tensions, and bring normal life back to the people of AJK as soon as possible. Bilawal said the next stage would involve consultations with AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore. He explained that the prime minister would hold discussions with the federal government and other relevant stakeholders to determine whether sufficient consensus exists to move forward with the proposed commission. According to Bilawal, these consultations are necessary before any final decision is taken. He expressed hope that all parties would work together to develop a mutually acceptable framework capable of addressing the concerns raised during the recent protests. The proposal comes after weeks of political tension between the AJK government and the Joint Awami Action Committee. The dispute intensified over the committee’s demand to abolish the 12 seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir who settled in Pakistan after 1947. The disagreement led to widespread demonstrations across the region and increased political uncertainty. Bilawal has repeatedly called for the establishment of an independent Truth and Reconciliation Commission over the past month. He believes such a body could impartially investigate the recent violence, determine the facts surrounding the unrest, and help create conditions for meaningful dialogue between the government and protesters. Speaking at a public gathering in Muzaffarabad earlier this week, Bilawal said maintaining peace, fairness, and transparency was essential during the election period. He argued that resolving the crisis should not be viewed as a political victory or defeat for any party but as a national responsibility aimed at protecting the future of Kashmir and safeguarding Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir issue.

QUETTA: A targeted anti-polio vaccination campaign will begin on Monday across 62 high-risk union councils in 13 districts of Balochistan as health authorities intensify efforts to stop the spread of the poliovirus and protect children from lifelong disability. According to the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), the campaign will cover 209,557 children under the age of five. Trained vaccination teams will visit homes and designated centres to administer oral polio vaccine free of charge. Officials said 862 mobile vaccination teams have been deployed to conduct the campaign. In addition, 61 fixed vaccination centres and 72 transit vaccination points have been established to ensure that children travelling with their families or living in hard-to-reach areas are not missed. The EOC said the campaign is focused on high-risk union councils where the threat of poliovirus transmission remains significant. Health authorities noted that the virus continues to circulate in some parts of the province, making regular vaccination campaigns essential to prevent new infections. Officials stressed that polio is an incurable disease that can cause permanent paralysis, but it is completely preventable through timely vaccination. They urged parents to cooperate with vaccination teams and ensure that every eligible child receives polio drops during the campaign. The EOC warned that every child who remains unvaccinated increases the risk of virus transmission within the community. Officials said even a small number of missed children can allow the virus to continue circulating and endanger other children. The campaign will be carried out in Barkhan, Dukki, Jaffarabad, Jhal Magsi, Loralai, Qila Saifullah, Nasirabad, Sherani, Sohbatpur, Usta Muhammad, Zhob, Ziarat and Mastung. Special arrangements have been made in these districts to achieve maximum vaccination coverage. Health authorities said supervisors and monitoring teams will oversee the campaign to ensure transparency, improve performance and address any operational challenges. Officials added that vaccination teams have been instructed to reach every household in the targeted areas.

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.