Avatar: Seven Havens gets October premiere date

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has strongly criticised Sindh Minister Sharjeel Memon over his remarks about the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. Azma Bukhari told Memon to “drink cold water and pour some on his head,” saying the election was over and the people of AJK had already delivered their verdict. She said the election results had proved the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) calculations wrong and dismissed its allegations regarding pre-poll rigging. Bukhari claimed that a PML-N candidate had recovered bags containing ballot papers from the residence of a PPP candidate one night before polling. Taking a sharp jibe at the PPP, she said its “arrow had disappeared in the valleys of Kashmir,” while the PML-N’s “lion” was roaring across the region. She said AJK voters had given their verdict in favour of PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif during the first phase of the elections. Bukhari urged the PPP to learn to accept defeat instead of raising allegations whenever it loses an election. She said political parties should celebrate victories but also show maturity in defeat. She further questioned the PPP’s position on elections in Gilgit-Baltistan. Bukhari asked whether the party considered those elections transparent because it had formed the government there. She said it was unfair to describe an election as transparent when a party wins and allege rigging when it loses.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Manila, Philippines, on Wednesday to attend the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting. The visit reflects Pakistan’s continued engagement with regional and international partners on key political, economic, and security issues. Dar reached Manila with a high-level delegation. During his visit, he will participate in the ARF plenary session and hold several bilateral meetings with foreign ministers and senior officials from participating countries. These meetings are expected to focus on strengthening diplomatic ties, expanding economic cooperation, and discussing regional developments. Upon his arrival, Dar was welcomed by senior officials of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Philippines Asima Rabbani, and officials of the Pakistani Embassy. The ASEAN Regional Forum is one of the region’s most important diplomatic gatherings. It brings together foreign ministers and senior representatives from ASEAN member states and partner countries to discuss peace, security, and regional cooperation. This year’s meeting will focus on several pressing international issues. Participants will exchange views on growing geopolitical tensions, regional security challenges, energy security, food supply concerns, trade cooperation, and the impact of ongoing global conflicts. The situation in Myanmar will also be high on the agenda. Leaders are expected to review efforts to implement ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus and discuss ways to support peace and stability in the country. The continuing tensions between the United States and Iran are also expected to feature prominently during discussions. Delegates will assess the impact of the conflict on regional security, global energy markets, and international trade. Senior diplomats from major world powers are attending the forum. These include representatives from the United States, China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. The meeting provides an opportunity for bilateral engagements and dialogue on shared global challenges. ASEAN countries are also expected to discuss measures to strengthen regional energy cooperation. Member states are exploring ways to improve oil-sharing mechanisms to reduce the impact of possible disruptions in global energy supplies.

The weather in Karachi is expected to remain hot and humid over the next 24 hours.The sky will remain partly cloudy during the period. According to the Meteorological Department, some parts of the city may receive light drizzle. The possibility of scattered drizzle has been forecast for the next 24 hours.The weather conditions are expected to remain largely warm despite the possibility of rain. The department said the maximum temperature in Karachi could rise to between 33°C and 35°C.Sea breezes are also continuing to blow across the city. Their speed has been recorded at around 18 kilometres per hour. The humidity level in Karachi has been recorded at 78 percent. The high humidity is likely to make the weather feel warmer and more uncomfortable. The Meteorological Department also reported the minimum temperature during the past 24 hours. The lowest temperature recorded in the city was 28.5°C.Meanwhile, weather experts have said that rainfall could begin in most parts of Sindh by August 2. The expected rain may bring some relief from the ongoing hot and humid conditions. However, weather conditions may vary across different parts of the province.Residents of Karachi are advised to remain prepared for changing weather conditions. People should also take precautions against the heat and high humidity, particularly during the warmer hours of the day. The weather department will continue to monitor the situation. Further updates are expected as the weather system develops.