AI manipulation claimed in PARC hiring; 105 candidates still waiting

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has strongly criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) over its allegations of rigging in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. Maryam responded to criticism from PPP leaders in a social media post on Wednesday. She accused the PPP of being behind what she described as “subtle rigging” and questioned its decision to complain about electoral irregularities. “The mastermind of subtle rigging is crying foul over rigging,” Maryam said in her post. She then added a sarcastic question about when doomsday would arrive. Her remarks came after PPP Central Punjab General Secretary Hassan Murtaza accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of manipulating the AJK election process. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Murtaza alleged that electoral rules had been repeatedly violated during the polls. He also criticised the role of the Election Commission. He claimed that the commission had acted like an election agent instead of performing its constitutional responsibilities. Murtaza accused the PML-N of setting a new example of electoral rigging. He said his party had been treated unfairly during the elections. The PPP leader also criticised the political activities of the PML-N leadership in AJK. Without directly naming Maryam Nawaz, Murtaza referred to her father, Nawaz Sharif. He said Sharif had gone to Kashmir and expressed a desire to become prime minister. Murtaza argued that if the PML-N leadership was now seeking the AJK premiership, it was only possible because of the PPP’s political role. He also defended Nawaz Sharif and said the PPP respected the former prime minister. Murtaza claimed that the PML-N had itself reduced Sharif’s political standing by offering him a position as chairman of an institution in Lahore while he was seeking the AJK premiership. The PPP leader then shifted his criticism to Punjab’s governance and public services. He claimed that thousands of acres of farmland between Shahdara and Muridke had been inundated. According to Murtaza, water had reached several feet in some agricultural areas. He said the damage was not caused by a major flood. Instead, he blamed a breach in a drain embankment. Murtaza also criticised the Punjab government’s claims about Lahore’s development. He argued that the city’s infrastructure remained vulnerable to heavy rainfall. He said several roads turned into what he described as drainage channels after only a few hours of rain. The PPP leader blamed government decisions for creating difficulties for citizens. He also criticised the import of one million metric tonnes of wheat. Murtaza claimed that the imported wheat was worth around Rs1 trillion. He questioned the government’s economic decisions and argued that citizens deserved better public services. He said taxes collected from the public should be used to provide essential facilities. He also called on the government to fulfil its responsibility toward citizens. The political dispute comes amid growing tensions between the PPP and PML-N over the AJK elections. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has also alleged irregularities in the first phase of the AJK elections. The PML-N, however, has rejected allegations of rigging and defended the election results. Maryam Nawaz has previously urged political opponents to accept defeat rather than make allegations of electoral manipulation

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal has said that elections in Rawalakot could be held on August 20 or 21 if the ongoing protest is resolved within the next three to four days. Speaking to the media in Muzaffarabad, Mughal said polling in Bagh and Haveli was scheduled to take place first due to security concerns. He said security personnel had already arrived in the two districts, while polling material was being transported under the supervision of the military. He added that eight security personnel would be deployed at each highly sensitive polling station to ensure the safety of voters and election staff. The chief election commissioner said efforts were also under way to restore internet services in Bagh and Haveli on August 9 and 10. Mughal said the Election Commission expected to be in a position to announce the polling date for Rawalakot within the next seven days. However, the final schedule would depend on the resolution of the ongoing protest. “If the protest is resolved within three or four days, elections in Rawalakot can be held on August 20 or 21,” he said. Responding to allegations made by political leaders, Mughal said the Election Commission could not engage in a war of words with politicians. He said the commission would provide the facts once the electoral process had been completed and would determine whether any irregularities had occurred and who was responsible.

Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Langau has praised security personnel for successfully foiling an attack on his security squad in Mastung. Speaking at a press conference in Quetta, Langau said Mastung police confronted the attackers and forced the terrorists to flee, preventing the attack from succeeding. He said five police personnel were injured during the incident. The minister praised the police officers for their courage and said their response prevented a potentially serious attack. Langau said the people of Balochistan had endured violence and conflict for a long time. He urged those involved in armed activities in the mountains to realise that the conflict was futile and would not achieve its objectives. He appealed to both Baloch and Pashtun communities not to fall victim to what he described as terrorist propaganda. “Protect your children’s future from terrorists,” he said, urging families and communities to reject violence and militant activities. The provincial minister also alleged that terrorists were receiving support from India and Afghanistan. He said the government and security forces would continue efforts to counter terrorism and protect citizens. The attack took place in Mastung as security personnel accompanying the provincial home minister came under fire. Security forces responded to the attack, while several personnel were wounded.