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Two US lawmakers met Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Monday. Ryan Keith Zinke, a member of the US House of Representatives from Montana, and Michael James, a member of the House of Representatives from Washington state, held talks with the military leadership. The meeting covered several areas of mutual interest. Regional security, defence cooperation and economic ties between Pakistan and the United States were also discussed. The talks focused on ways to strengthen bilateral relations. Both sides explored opportunities for closer cooperation in the defence and economic sectors. Field Marshal Asim Munir highlighted Pakistan’s economic potential during the meeting. He said long-term regional stability depends heavily on economic growth, increased trade and stronger regional connectivity. The army chief also briefed the visiting lawmakers on Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms. He said the reforms are aimed at creating a business-friendly environment and encouraging foreign investment. The Pakistani military leadership also stressed the importance of expanding economic cooperation. Greater trade and stronger links between the private sectors of both countries were discussed as potential areas for future collaboration. The US delegation acknowledged Pakistan’s importance in maintaining regional stability. The lawmakers also recognised the country’s role in promoting economic resilience in the region. Both sides discussed opportunities for increasing bilateral trade. They also considered greater private-sector partnerships and broader economic engagement between Pakistan and the United States. The visiting lawmakers thanked Pakistan’s military leadership for the hospitality extended to them during their visit. The meeting concluded with a shared emphasis on strengthening relations between the two countries. Both sides expressed interest in developing deeper economic, commercial and institutional links. The discussions come as Pakistan continues efforts to attract foreign investment and expand international trade. Strengthening economic cooperation with the United States could provide further opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries

General Syed Aamer Raza, HI (M), S Bt, formally assumed command of the National Strategic Command on Monday, marking the beginning of his tenure in the key military position. A Guard of Honour was presented to General Aamer Raza following his appointment as Commander National Strategic Command. The ceremony was held as part of the formal proceedings marking his assumption of command. After the Guard of Honour, General Aamer Raza visited Yadgar-e-Shuhada. He laid a floral wreath at the memorial to pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country. The general also offered Fateha at the memorial. The ceremony reflected the military tradition of honouring personnel who lost their lives in the service of Pakistan. Following the proceedings, General Aamer Raza visited General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. He called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces. During the meeting, Field Marshal Asim Munir congratulated General Aamer Raza on assuming command of the National Strategic Command. The meeting was part of the formal transition following General Aamer Raza’s appointment. The National Strategic Command holds an important position within Pakistan’s strategic security structure. The appointment comes at a time when Pakistan continues to focus on maintaining national security and strengthening its strategic preparedness. General Aamer Raza’s assumption of command formally completes the transition to his new responsibility. His meeting with the military leadership also provided an opportunity to mark the start of his tenure at the command. The ceremony and subsequent meeting were conducted in accordance with established military traditions.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has rejected Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s claim about the death of a party worker during the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. Rana Sanaullah said Bilawal Bhutto had not received complete information about the incident. He said the PPP worker was killed during an exchange of fire between two groups. He also clarified that the PML-N candidate was not present at the scene when the firing took place. The incident occurred in the Nikyal area of Kotli during the first phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections. Rana Sanaullah said tensions had already existed between the two sides in the area. He said the dispute was not limited to election day. He recalled an earlier incident involving a PML-N election rally. According to him, the rally had come under fire. One PML-N worker was killed in that incident, while four others were injured. Rana Sanaullah said another firing incident during polling resulted in one death and injuries to several people. He described the incidents as isolated. He said no major incident had been reported across AJK apart from the Nikyal incident. The PML-N leader also praised the overall election arrangements. He said authorities had made satisfactory preparations to facilitate polling and maintain security. The comments came after Bilawal Bhutto expressed concern over the death of a PPP worker in Nikyal. Bilawal had questioned the authorities over the incident. He also asked where the relevant officials were and demanded action over the death of his party worker. The incident added to political tensions during the first phase of the AJK elections. Political parties had already raised concerns about alleged disruptions and security issues at some polling stations. Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said the people of AJK had rejected calls for unrest. She said voters had chosen the democratic process instead. According to Bukhari, polling was taking place despite attempts to create disorder. Bukhari also highlighted the performance of the Punjab government. She said the provincial government’s development work was being discussed among voters in AJK. She referred to the government’s response to heavy monsoon rains in Punjab. Bukhari said Lahore received several hours of continuous rainfall. She claimed that underpasses were cleared within a few hours. She also said government officials and administrative teams remained present in the field during the rain. The minister said monsoon rains had also caused rising water levels in Punjab’s rivers. She said authorities were monitoring the situation continuously. According to Bukhari, a central digital control room has been established for round-the-clock monitoring. She said the system was being used to track the situation and coordinate the government’s response. Bukhari also spoke about the Punjab Beautification Programme. She said plans were being made to shift hanging utility wires underground. The programme is aimed at improving the appearance and infrastructure of urban areas, according to the minister. The political statements came as vote counting began after polling ended in the first phase of the AJK elections. The first phase covered 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division. The constituencies are spread across Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber. Election authorities have said that security arrangements were put in place to protect voters and election staff.

Karachi Police Chief Azad Khan has claimed that incidents of robbery and murder have declined across the city, saying the rate of vehicle and motorcycle snatching has fallen by 25%. Speaking during a visit to the Site Association of Industry office, Azad Khan said the latest results were encouraging. However, he added that the police wanted to achieve further improvements in the city’s security situation. The Karachi police chief said authorities were also taking cases of extortion seriously. He said he was personally monitoring such cases and assured the business community that no leniency would be shown towards extortionists and their associates. Azad Khan said many extortionists were still operating from outside the city. He claimed that police had information about them and their networks. He said their associates were allegedly intimidating citizens and businesspeople. Police would take action against anyone found involved in threatening or extorting residents, he added. The police chief stressed that peace in Karachi had been restored after considerable efforts. He said maintaining the city’s security was now a major responsibility. Azad Khan also linked security with Karachi’s economic stability. He said the city’s economic security was extremely important because a weak economy could lead to higher unemployment and crime. He said Karachi’s business community had an important role in the city’s economy. Ensuring a secure environment for businesses was therefore necessary for continued economic activity and investment. The Karachi police chief also spoke about his personal connection with the city. He said he had grown up in Karachi and felt that the city had a debt that needed to be repaid through public service. He acknowledged that the Sindh Police faced several challenges. However, he said efforts were continuing to improve law and order and provide better services to residents. Azad Khan also highlighted the increasing use of technology in policing. He said authorities had not waited for the completion of the Safe City project to introduce the e-challan system. The police would continue moving forward with technology rather than returning to traditional methods. He said the department was also exploring the use of artificial intelligence-based traffic signals. However, such systems required significant investment. The police chief said the authorities were making every effort to provide better public services. He also announced that a major plan was being prepared to tackle encroachments across Karachi. He said the removal of illegal encroachments would be addressed through a broader strategy. The police leadership’s comments come as Karachi continues to face challenges related to street crime, traffic management, extortion and urban development.