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Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called for a fair and transparent electoral process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), saying the Election Commission’s duty is to protect the people’s vote rather than support any political party. In a statement regarding the first phase of the AJK elections, Bilawal said the credibility of the entire electoral process would depend on ensuring justice and transparency at the initial stage. He urged the Election Commission to address all complaints related to alleged rigging and irregularities before August 2 through open hearings. He also demanded that polling station results and election records be made available to the public to remove doubts and increase confidence in the process. The PPP chairman said his party was not seeking anyone’s favour or special treatment. He said the demand was only for the right to participate in clean, transparent and impartial elections. Bilawal emphasized that the Election Commission should remain neutral and perform its constitutional responsibilities without any pressure. He said the institution’s main responsibility was to safeguard the mandate given by voters. He added that protecting the people’s vote was essential for strengthening democracy and ensuring that the voices of Kashmir’s residents were properly represented. The PPP leader’s statement came amid political discussions over the first phase of the AJK elections, with parties raising concerns and demanding a transparent mechanism to address electoral complaints.

First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari has called on the Punjab government to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the murder of Hina Javed in Rawalpindi. Aseefa expressed deep sorrow over the killing and conveyed her condolences to Hina’s family. She said those responsible for the crime must be identified and brought to justice. Hina Javed was found dead inside the bathroom of her apartment in Askari Apartments, Lal Kurti, on Thursday evening. Police said the initial examination indicated signs of violence and a mark around her neck. Aseefa urged the provincial authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the case. She stressed that the circumstances surrounding Hina’s death must be fully established and that no aspect of the investigation should be overlooked. She said the perpetrators must face the law and called for strict action to ensure that such incidents are not repeated. The First Lady also expressed concern over increasing incidents of violence against women in Pakistan. She called for stronger measures to protect women and prevent violence against them. According to the first information report registered at Civil Lines Police Station on August 20, Hina’s brother, Fahid Javed, accused her husband, father-in-law and a domestic servant of being involved in her death. Fahid told police that he received a call from Hina’s father-in-law at around 6:53pm on Thursday. He was informed about an emergency at the apartment. He then reached the residence with other family members at around 7:23pm. The complainant said he found his sister’s body in the bathroom. He alleged that Hina had been subjected to severe violence and mistreatment. He also raised suspicion that she may have been given a poisonous substance before her death. The FIR was registered under Sections 302 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The complaint states that Hina married the main suspect in November 2025. An initial postmortem examination reportedly found a strangulation mark around her neck, an injury below her right lip and bleeding. Police have detained Hina’s husband and a domestic servant in connection with the murder. Her father-in-law is also being questioned as part of the investigation.

Heavy rain in Rawalpindi has caused flooding in several low-lying areas, creating difficulties for residents. Water entered homes in Sadiqabad and Dhoke Elahi Bakhsh. Residents faced problems as rainwater accumulated inside residential areas. Several major roads were also affected. Rainwater collected on Murree Road, Rawal Road and Dhoke Khaba, disrupting traffic and making movement difficult. The situation became more difficult as WASA drainage teams had yet to reach some affected areas. Residents were waiting for authorities to clear the accumulated water. Water also entered shops in some areas, causing inconvenience to traders and residents. Meanwhile, the rain in Rawalpindi and Islamabad later stopped. Following the end of the rainfall, the water level in Nullah Lai began to fall. At Kattarian, the water level dropped to around 14 feet. At the Gawalmandi Bridge, the water level was recorded at around 16 feet. The rainfall has highlighted the vulnerability of low-lying areas in Rawalpindi to urban flooding. Residents have called for timely drainage operations to prevent rainwater from entering homes and businesses. The weather department has also forecast rain at some places in Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Authorities are expected to remain alert in areas vulnerable to flooding and water accumulation.