ajk voters rally
| |

AJK voters rally behind PML-N ahead of August 2 po…

ISLAMABAD: Senior Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has expressed confidence that the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) are firmly backing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), saying recent public gatherings reflect growing support for the party ahead of the August 2 elections.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Aurangzeb said the people of Mirpur had demonstrated their trust in the PML-N during the visit of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on July 24. She described the enthusiastic public response as a clear indication of the party’s popularity in the region.

She further stated that voters would reinforce this support through the ballot box by electing PML-N candidates under the party’s election symbol, the lion. According to Aurangzeb, the people believe that the progress and prosperity of Azad Jammu and Kashmir are closely tied to the PML-N’s development agenda.

Referring to earlier political activity, she said Muzaffarabad had already conveyed its support for the party on July 21. Aurangzeb added that the people of Kashmir would make their final decision on polling day, August 2, by voting in favour of the PML-N.

Similar Posts

  • | | |

    IMF hurdle blocks fuel levy cut, Senate told

    Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has said the government is unlikely to reduce the petroleum levy unless it can identify another source of revenue to compensate for the financial shortfall, warning that such a move would be difficult to secure without the approval of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Speaking during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum, the minister explained that any reduction in the levy would affect government revenues and would require a credible alternative before it could be considered. He said the IMF was unlikely to support the proposal unless Pakistan presented a replacement revenue stream. The committee also discussed the country’s fuel pricing mechanism, with several lawmakers expressing concerns over the introduction of daily price adjustments. Members argued that frequent revisions create uncertainty for consumers and make it difficult for the public to understand fuel costs. Responding to the criticism, Malik defended the system, saying the government had removed political influence from fuel pricing by giving the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) the authority to determine prices through an independent and transparent process. He said the mechanism was designed to reflect international market trends more accurately. The OGRA chairman informed the committee that local petrol and diesel prices are linked to fuel product prices in the Singapore market rather than international crude oil prices. He said the daily pricing system allows authorities to respond quickly to changes in global markets and helps reduce the impact of sudden price fluctuations. However, some lawmakers remained unconvinced. They argued that the pricing formula is too complicated for ordinary consumers and warned that frequent changes place additional financial pressure on households already struggling with rising living costs. The committee also raised concerns over the lack of performance audits of oil drilling rigs operating in the country. Members directed the relevant authorities to complete and submit an audit report within seven days to assess operational standards and efficiency. During the meeting, lawmakers questioned the continued delay in appointing a permanent chairman of OGRA. The petroleum minister replied that the recruitment process had been restarted after the earlier selection exercise failed to identify a suitable candidate.

  • |

    Minal Khan and Ahsan enjoy Disneyland Paris trip with son

    Pakistani actors Minal Khan and Ahsan Mohsin Ikram continue to give fans a glimpse into their beautiful family life as they enjoy a memorable summer vacation across Europe. The celebrity couple, who have both made their mark in the Pakistani entertainment industry, have been spending quality time together with their young son, Hassan. Their European getaway has turned into a special family adventure, with the couple sharing glimpses of their travels and precious moments with their fans along the way. Minal Khan is widely recognised for her performances in several popular Pakistani dramas. She has appeared in successful serials including Jalan, Nand, Hassad and Ishq Hua, among others. While Minal continued her acting career after marriage, Ahsan Mohsin Ikram gradually stepped away from the entertainment industry and turned his attention towards his business ventures. The couple tied the knot and later welcomed their son, Hassan, who has become an important part of their lives. Since becoming parents, Minal and Ahsan have often offered fans sweet glimpses of their family moments, with their little boy frequently stealing the spotlight. This summer, the family decided to embark on an extended trip to Europe. Minal and Ahsan travelled with their son as well as Ahsan’s father, Mohsin Ikram. During their journey, they explored several destinations and documented different moments from their travels. The family has already enjoyed time in Amsterdam and Germany and has now arrived in Paris, where they are making the most of their vacation. Their latest outing was particularly special as they took Hassan to the famous Disneyland Paris. The family appeared to have a wonderful time at the theme park, enjoying various attractions and rides together. For Minal and Ahsan, the outing was not only about exploring one of Paris’ most popular destinations but also about creating lasting childhood memories for their son. Minal looked stylish yet effortless for the family day out. She opted for a simple white tank top paired with a black skirt, creating a comfortable and chic vacation look. Ahsan, meanwhile, chose a black dress shirt with shorts for the outing. Their son Hassan looked equally adorable in a white T-shirt paired with denim. The little boy appeared to enjoy the magical atmosphere of Disneyland Paris as the family spent time exploring the park and experiencing its attractions. The Disneyland visit added another memorable chapter to the family’s European adventure. From exploring different cities to spending relaxed moments together, Minal and Ahsan’s vacation appears to be filled with family bonding and special experiences. Fans have been enjoying the couple’s travel updates, particularly the heartwarming glimpses featuring Hassan. Their latest Disneyland outing once again highlighted the joy they share as a family while travelling through Europe together. As their Paris stay continues, fans will undoubtedly be looking forward to seeing more moments from Minal, Ahsan and little Hassan’s European journey.

  • | | |

    UK border crisis: new record as 230 migrants cross…

    The UK’s ongoing small boat crisis has come under renewed scrutiny after around 230 migrants crossed the English Channel and arrived in Britain, raising fresh questions about the government’s efforts to tackle irregular migration. The latest arrival comes just 17 days after 165 people crossed the Channel in a single day, according to reports. The new figure has added to growing political pressure on the UK government as ministers face continued challenges in preventing dangerous journeys across one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. Hundreds of people are believed to have reached the UK by small boats during the current week, with reports putting the number at more than 900. The continued crossings have become a major political issue, with the government under pressure to demonstrate that its border policies can reduce the number of people making the journey. People-smuggling networks are believed to charge migrants thousands of pounds for the dangerous passage. Critics say the criminal gangs running these operations make substantial profits while placing migrants’ lives at serious risk by using overcrowded and often unsuitable boats. The latest development follows an incident last week in which a small boat caught fire while attempting to cross the Channel. A total of 173 people were reportedly rescued following the incident, highlighting the dangers faced by those attempting the journey. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the French authorities over the continued crossings. He argued that French officials could have prevented boats of this size from entering deeper waters but failed to do so. The issue has also drawn strong criticism from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. He has called for small boat crossings to be treated as a national security emergency, reflecting the increasingly prominent role of immigration in Britain’s political debate. The UK government has repeatedly pledged to tackle illegal immigration and disrupt the criminal networks responsible for organizing Channel crossings. However, the continued arrival of boats demonstrates the difficulty of stopping the journeys despite increased enforcement measures and cooperation with French authorities. The small boat crisis has become one of the most contentious issues in British politics, with politicians divided over how best to address irregular migration. While supporters of tougher policies argue that stronger border controls are urgently needed, others have stressed the need to address the criminal smuggling networks and the wider factors driving people to attempt dangerous crossings. With hundreds more people arriving in Britain, pressure on the government is likely to remain intense as it seeks to reduce Channel crossings and restore public confidence in its immigration strategy.

  • |

    Jawad Akhtar, Arsam Farooq elected Islamabad Cricket Association President

    ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has completed the election process for the Islamabad Regional Cricket Association (IRCA), with Mohammad Jawad Akhtar elected as president and Arsam Farooq Ahmed chosen as secretary for the next three years. According to an official notification issued by PCB Election Commissioner Mansoor Qadir on Thursday, both candidates were elected unopposed, allowing them to assume office immediately without a formal contest. The appointments mark another milestone in the PCB’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and improve the administrative framework of regional cricket across Pakistan. As office-bearers of one of the country’s key regional associations, Jawad Akhtar and Arsam Farooq Ahmed will be responsible for overseeing cricket development in Islamabad and implementing the PCB’s domestic cricket vision. The newly elected officials are expected to focus on expanding grassroots cricket, improving talent identification, and ensuring that promising young players receive better opportunities to progress through Pakistan’s domestic cricket system. Regional cricket associations serve as the backbone of the country’s cricket structure. They organise local tournaments, manage club and district competitions, coordinate coaching and development programmes, and create pathways for talented cricketers to reach the national domestic circuit. With Islamabad continuing to produce several promising players in recent years, expectations are high that the new leadership will further enhance the region’s cricketing infrastructure and provide stronger support for clubs, academies and emerging athletes. The PCB has repeatedly emphasised the importance of transparent administration and efficient regional governance as part of its long-term strategy to strengthen Pakistan’s domestic cricket. Stable leadership at the regional level is viewed as essential for nurturing future international stars and maintaining a competitive domestic structure. Jawad Akhtar and Arsam Farooq Ahmed now begin their three-year tenure with the responsibility of working closely with the PCB, local stakeholders and cricket clubs to promote the game throughout the federal capital. Their immediate priorities are expected to include improving player development programmes, supporting age-group competitions and ensuring effective coordination between regional and national cricket bodies. The successful completion of the Islamabad Regional Cricket Association elections reflects the PCB’s broader commitment to building a stronger, more organised domestic cricket system. With new leadership now in place, attention will turn to how the association translates administrative stability into meaningful progress for cricket in Islamabad and contributes to the continued growth of Pakistan’s talent pipeline.

  • | |

    Christian Convery calls Anne Hathaway his ‘hero’

    Actor Christian Convery has opened up about his experience filming the sci-fi thriller The End of Oak Street, describing the production as both exciting and emotionally demanding while praising his co-star Anne Hathaway. The film features Convery alongside Hathaway, Ewan McGregor and Maisy Stella. The story follows the Platt family as they struggle to survive after their neighbourhood is mysteriously displaced into an unfamiliar and dangerous environment. Speaking about the filming experience, Convery said the production involved a sharp contrast between lighthearted family scenes and emotionally intense sequences. He explained that scenes involving ordinary family moments, such as a neighbourhood party or a meal together, were enjoyable to film. However, extended periods of emotionally heavy scenes became exhausting for the cast. The young actor said the demanding nature of the production helped the cast connect with their characters on a deeper level. According to Convery, the actors were placed under considerable physical and emotional pressure during filming, which helped them portray the fear, tension and uncertainty experienced by their characters more convincingly. Convery also discussed how the cast developed a believable family dynamic on screen. He said there was no special formula for creating chemistry because the cast members naturally connected when they first met. He credited the table read, preparation sessions and regular discussions for helping the actors understand their relationships within the story. The cast also spent time together away from the set, including during meals and weekends, which further strengthened their bond. The actor said the close relationship eventually extended beyond the principal cast, describing the entire production team as a large family. Convery also spoke warmly about working with Anne Hathaway, admitting that he initially felt nervous because she had been one of his acting heroes for many years. He said Hathaway treated him as a professional colleague rather than simply as a young actor. That approach helped him feel respected and gave him an opportunity to learn from her while maintaining a clear distinction between their on-screen relationship and their real-life professional relationship. Convery has been working in the entertainment industry since childhood. He said a major turning point came when he was around nine years old and landed the lead role in Sweet Tooth, a project he filmed over several years in New Zealand. He explained that the experience encouraged him to take acting more seriously and develop a deeper understanding of filmmaking. He began studying different performances, directors and classic films while learning more about the creative process behind cinema. Despite his early success, Convery said he remains focused on improving his craft and believes actors should remain grounded and recognise that there is always more to learn.

  • |

    Pakistan railways police recover stolen railway equipment worth millions in Karachi operation

    Karachi: Pakistan Railways Police have recovered a large quantity of stolen railway infrastructure during a targeted operation in Karachi, dealing a significant blow to those involved in the theft and illegal trade of railway assets. According to an official statement issued by the Pakistan Railways Police, the operation resulted in the recovery of approximately 32 tons of stolen railway material, including railway tracks valued at millions of rupees. Authorities described the recovery as an important step towards protecting the country’s railway infrastructure and preventing financial losses to the national exchequer. The raid was conducted in Orangi Town, where police arrested four suspects allegedly involved in stealing railway tracks. Officials also seized specialized equipment believed to have been used for cutting and removing railway tracks, indicating that the suspects were operating in an organized manner. Police said the recovered material has been taken into custody, while the arrested individuals are being interrogated to identify other members of the network and determine whether the group is linked to previous incidents of railway theft in different parts of the country. Inspector General (IG) Pakistan Railways Police said the department is committed to safeguarding national assets and ensuring the security of railway infrastructure. He emphasized that strict action would continue against individuals involved in stealing railway property or causing damage to public assets. The IG further stated that operations against criminal elements targeting railway installations will be intensified in the coming weeks, with enhanced surveillance and intelligence-based raids aimed at dismantling organized theft networks.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *