bilawal blames pmln
| |

Bilawal blames PML-N for PPP worker’s death in N…

MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has blamed Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supporters for the death of a PPP worker during clashes in Nikyal amid the ongoing Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections.

In a statement, Bilawal expressed condolences to the family of the deceased worker, Mukhtar Younus. He alleged that Younus was killed in firing allegedly carried out by supporters of PML-N candidate Sardar Umair Naeem.

Bilawal questioned the role of the relevant authorities and the Election Commission, asking where they were when tensions were reportedly escalating in the constituency.

He said a video allegedly showing firing had surfaced two days before the incident. According to Bilawal, timely action on the footage could have prevented the loss of a valuable human life.

Bilawal said Mukhtar Younus had been actively campaigning alongside PPP candidate Javed Iqbal Budhanvi. He alleged that political opponents had resorted to aggressive tactics after sensing the possibility of defeat.

The PPP chairman called for accountability and urged the authorities to ensure the safety of voters and political workers during the election process.

PPP Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman also strongly condemned the death of Mukhtar Younus and the reported injuries to two other party workers during polling in Nikyal.

Rehman described the incident as deeply disturbing. She alleged that a climate of fear had been created in the constituency by the PML-N candidate and claimed that authorities had failed to take action despite alleged incidents of violence in recent days.

She demanded that the Election Commission take immediate notice of the incident, arrest those responsible and conduct a transparent investigation.

Rehman also called for strict legal action against anyone found responsible. She stressed that the electoral process must remain peaceful, transparent and impartial.

The PPP leader said political differences must never be allowed to turn into violence. She called for equal and indiscriminate action against those involved in political violence.

Rehman also demanded immediate re-polling at several polling stations in LA-8 Kotli-I, Raj Mahal, citing alleged irregularities.

She alleged that a PPP polling agent was reportedly held hostage and said complaints had been received from polling stations 76, 77, 79 and 91 to 94.

She urged authorities to deploy additional police and security personnel in view of the growing crowds and law-and-order concerns.

Rehman called for an impartial investigation into all complaints and urged authorities to provide voters with a secure environment to exercise their right to vote freely.

She warned that public confidence in the election results could not be restored without ensuring a transparent electoral process.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Gold prices hold near two-month high as traders await US PPI data

    Gold prices remained largely stable near their highest level in more than two months on Thursday, as investors paused to assess the metal’s recent gains following softer-than-expected signals from US inflation data. Spot gold was trading at around $4,408.55 per ounce by 0336 GMT, little changed from the previous session. The precious metal had earlier climbed nearly 1%, reaching its highest level since June 5. Meanwhile, US gold futures for December delivery were broadly steady at $4,467 per ounce. The latest movement came after gold staged a strong rally following the release of US consumer inflation figures. Investors are now turning their attention to the US Producer Price Index (PPI), due later on Thursday, which could provide further indications about the direction of monetary policy and interest rates. Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade, said gold was undergoing a period of consolidation after its gains following the consumer price data. He noted that expectations for a Federal Reserve rate hike had weakened further, while traders were waiting for the PPI report before making significant new moves in the market. US Inflation Cools Market sentiment was influenced by Wednesday’s US Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures, which showed that inflation moderated for a second consecutive month on an annual basis. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer prices increased 3.4% in the 12 months through July, compared with a 3.5% rise in June. The reading was broadly in line with economists’ expectations. The data reduced expectations that the Federal Reserve would move toward higher interest rates in the near term. Market participants are now closely monitoring incoming economic indicators to determine whether price pressures are continuing to ease. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, traders were pricing in roughly a 40% probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike at the September meeting, down from approximately 54% a week earlier. Lower Rate Expectations Support Gold Gold generally benefits when expectations for interest rates decline because lower rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding precious metal. The shift in expectations has therefore provided additional support to bullion, although investors remain cautious ahead of further inflation data. The upcoming PPI report is expected to play an important role in determining whether the recent moderation in consumer inflation is also reflected at the producer level. A weaker-than-expected reading could further reinforce expectations for a less aggressive Federal Reserve stance, potentially providing additional momentum to gold. Conversely, stronger producer inflation could revive concerns about persistent price pressures and limit gains in the precious metals market. Geopolitical Risks Remain in Focus Investors are also keeping an eye on geopolitical developments, particularly tensions between Iran and the United States. A senior Iranian source said Tehran and Washington remained divided over efforts to reach a permanent agreement to end the conflict in the Gulf. According to the source, there had been no significant progress in negotiations aimed at reviving an interim agreement reached in June. Continued geopolitical uncertainty can contribute to demand for safe-haven assets such as gold, although market participants remain focused primarily on monetary policy and economic data. Other Precious Metals Elsewhere in the precious metals market, spot silver rose around 0.3% to $65.47 per ounce. Silver had reached its highest level since June 22 during the previous session. Platinum prices declined 0.4% to $1,749.70 per ounce, while palladium fell 0.5% to $1,362.10.

  • Pakistan holds first National Self-Care Dialogue on health

    On International Self-Care Day, Pakistan’s first national dialogue on self-care brought together Joint Secretary, Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, Syed Salahuddin Ahmed; Alison Blackburne, British Deputy High Commissioner to Karachi; and senior representatives from government, healthcare institutions, academia, development organisations, business, civil society and the media. Convened by Haleon Pakistan, the dialogue highlighted the importance of advancing self-care as a public health priority to improve health outcomes, strengthen health literacy and support a more resilient healthcare system. The inaugural Pakistan Self-Care Dialogue, titled “Self-Care as a Public Health Imperative,” was led by Haleon Pakistan Limited, makers of leading consumer health brands including Panadol, Sensodyne and CAC-1000 Plus, as part of the global observance of International Self-Care Day on 24th July. Marked annually around the world, the day raises awareness of self-care as an essential pillar of public health, promoting prevention, health literacy and empowering individuals to take greater ownership of their health. The event featured a welcome address by Qawi Naseer, CEO and General Manager of Haleon Pakistan Limited, a keynote address by the Joint Secretary, Syed Salahuddin Ahmed, and remarks by Alison Blackburne, British Deputy High Commission. This event also included a dialogue-based panel discussion featuring Dr. Ahson Qavi Siddiqi, CEO Sindh Healthcare Commission, Qawi Naseer, Dr. Samar Fatima, Associate Director of Aga Khan University’s Centre of Clinical Best Practices and Dr. Humaira Jamshed Associate Professor of Bioscience at Habib University, Dr. Zulfiqar Ahmed Siddiqui (MD, MBBS, MPH), Health Specialist at UNICEF. “A healthier Pakistan cannot be built through treatment alone. Prevention, health literacy and responsible self-care must become part of everyday life. By working together across sectors, federal and provincial, we can empower people to make informed health decisions and build a stronger, more resilient healthcare system,” said the Joint Secretary, Syed Salahuddin Ahmed, sharing the Ministry’s perspective during his keynote address.

  • |

    Why people are belting Disney tunes at smart-glasses wearers

    If you suspect someone is secretly filming you with smart glasses, the internet has come up with an unusual defence. People are being told to start singing a Disney song out loud. The idea is not that singing will actually stop the recording itself. Instead, it relies on platforms’ copyright detection systems flagging the music and quietly taking the video down. Most major platforms scan uploaded videos for any copyrighted audio in the background. If a clip contains protected music, it typically gets muted, deleted, or in rarer cases, flagged for legal action. Copyright protection applies to lyrics, composition and melody alike, which means even a rough, off-key rendition can trigger removal. That loophole is exactly what people online are now trying to exploit. This trick has already spread across social media, with people from different countries picking it up. Reactions online have mostly ranged from disbelief to outright frustration at the whole situation. Many users have pointed out the irony that copyrighted music seems to receive stronger legal protection online than personal privacy does. Being filmed without consent, by comparison, often leaves people with far fewer options. Copyright law tends to apply fairly consistently across different countries, but privacy law is a different story entirely. It varies significantly from place to place, leaving many people, especially women, without a reliable way to get unwanted footage removed. The debate has grown louder alongside the rising popularity of smart glasses in everyday life. Meta’s Ray-Ban models have become the clear frontrunner in this fast-growing product category. As more people walk around with cameras built into their glasses, old arguments about filming strangers without consent have resurfaced. The devices have made it easier than ever to record someone without them even realising it. Meta has responded by saying it takes non-consensual filming seriously as a company. It has also made changes to the indicator light that shows when the glasses are actively recording. The company added that it has been removing certain types of content it considers harassment. This includes unsolicited, “pick-up line” style videos aimed at strangers without their consent.

  • |

    US delegation walks out of UN Security Council after dispute with France

    The United States walked out of a United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday during remarks by France’s ambassador, escalating a diplomatic dispute between the two allies over human rights and the leadership of the UN’s top human rights office. The disagreement began after a recent vote on extending the term of Volker Turk as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The United States joined Russia and North Korea in opposing his reappointment, placing Washington on the same side as two countries it has frequently criticized over human rights issues. Following the vote, France’s mission to the United Nations strongly criticized the US position on social media, saying Washington had once been a global symbol of human rights but no longer deserved that reputation. The statement drew a sharp response from American officials and set the stage for the diplomatic confrontation that followed. The latest tension unfolded during an emergency Security Council meeting on Russia’s war in Ukraine. As France’s UN Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont began speaking, members of the US delegation left the chamber in protest. US Ambassador Dan Negrea later said the walkout was a direct response to what he described as France’s disrespectful and condescending language toward the United States. He warned that similar protests would continue unless France changed its approach and withdrew its criticism. Earlier, US Ambassador Mike Waltz defended Washington’s opposition to Turk’s second term. He argued that the human rights chief had unfairly criticized democratic countries while failing to take a strong enough stance against governments with poor human rights records. Waltz did not identify specific examples to support his criticism. During his time in office, Turk has repeatedly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has also raised concerns about Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Despite US objections, his second term was approved by a large majority of UN member states, with 144 countries voting in favor, 10 voting against and 13 abstaining. The dispute reflects broader tensions between the United States and the United Nations under President Donald Trump’s administration. In recent years, Washington has reduced financial support for several UN agencies and withdrawn from a number of UN bodies as part of a wider review of its international commitments. After the vote on Turk’s reappointment, US Ambassador Jeff Bartos warned that the United States would reconsider its participation, engagement and funding for UN institutions. He accused the organization of allowing procedural abuses and political deals to influence key appointments. France, however, strongly defended Turk’s leadership. Ambassador Bonnafont described him as a principled and impartial official who had carried out his responsibilities with integrity during his first term. France argued that his reappointment reflected the confidence of the overwhelming majority of UN member states. A spokesperson for the United Nations declined to comment directly on the American walkout but said the organization expects all member countries to respect decisions made through its established voting process. The incident has added to growing friction between Washington and the UN at a time when international cooperation is already under pressure from several global conflicts.

  • Lahore Police receives 60,000+ women helpline calls, CCPO

    LAHORE – CCPO Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana has reiterated the police’s resolve to make Lahore the safest city for women and children, describing the Virtual Women Police Station as a reliable and effective platform for female safety, legal guidance and swift justice. In a statement issued here on Thursday, the CCPO emphasized that the department maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards crimes targeting women and children, noting that police personnel are working round-the-clock to assist victims of gender-based violence and harassment. He directed investigating officers to strictly ensure the privacy and dignity of complainants while dealing with cases involving women. The CCPO further stated that prompt action, merit-based investigation and speedy justice in offenses against women remain core responsibilities of the Lahore Police. According to the spokesperson for Lahore Police, the Virtual Women Police Station received over 60,300 calls during the current year. Legal action has been completed on more than 62,000 calls, while inquiries are underway on 295 applications. Acting on the received calls, 858 cases have been registered, with legal proceedings actively underway, the spokesperson added.

  • |

    Lahore family death mystery solved, Police reveal …

    LAHORE: Police have claimed to have solved the mystery surrounding the deaths of a US national and her three children in a private housing society in Lahore, saying forensic evidence indicates the woman fatally poisoned her children before taking her own life. Addressing a press conference on Friday, Lahore DIG Investigation Zeeshan Raza said forensic findings and the investigation suggest the woman mixed potassium cyanide into ice cream and gave it to her three children on July 17 before consuming the poisoned dessert herself. According to investigators, the woman had recently arrived in Lahore from the United States with her husband and children. Police said the investigation revealed she had been suffering from mental health problems and had allegedly searched online for methods of suicide before the incident. The DIG further stated that investigators believe the woman also attempted to serve the poisoned ice cream to her husband, but he did not consume it. Police said the investigation included forensic analysis, digital evidence and interviews with family members. Authorities also conducted a polygraph examination of the husband as part of the inquiry before concluding that he was not involved in the deaths. During the investigation, police traced the source of the chemical allegedly used in the incident. Officials said the woman had arranged for the parcel containing the chemical to be delivered to a friend’s residence instead of her own address. As part of the probe, police arrested two additional suspects, including the owner of an online chemical business and a delivery rider. Investigators allege the shop owner illegally sold potassium cyanide online and received Rs138,540 for the transaction. Police said both suspects will face legal proceedings for their alleged role in supplying the hazardous chemical. Investigators added that a comprehensive case file is being prepared in coordination with prosecutors to ensure the accused are prosecuted under the relevant laws. The case shocked the country after the woman and her three children were found dead under mysterious circumstances earlier this month. Authorities say the investigation relied on forensic evidence and digital records to reconstruct the sequence of events. The incident has also renewed concerns about the online sale of highly toxic chemicals and highlighted the importance of stronger oversight, as well as greater awareness and access to mental health support for individuals experiencing severe psychological distress.

Leave a Reply

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