تازہ ترین

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    Court rules d4vd will stand trial in teen murder case

    A Los Angeles judge has ruled that there is sufficient evidence for singer d4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, to stand trial in the murder case of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The decision followed a five-day preliminary hearing during which prosecutors presented forensic evidence, text messages and witness testimony related to the teenager’s death. Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges. According to court proceedings, Burke is facing charges including first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors allege he killed Rivas Hernandez in April 2025 after she threatened to expose their alleged illegal relationship, which they claim could have damaged his rapidly rising music career. The court heard that the victim’s remains were discovered in September 2025 inside the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke after authorities investigated a foul odour coming from the vehicle. Medical examiners later ruled the teenager’s death a homicide. Prosecutors also presented evidence they say links Burke to the crime, including DNA findings, electronic communications and purchases allegedly connected to the disposal of the body. During the hearing, prosecutors also introduced text messages exchanged between Burke and Rivas Hernandez that allegedly discussed pregnancy and abortion. Additional evidence included explicit photographs recovered from Burke’s phone and digital accounts, which prosecutors argue support their claim that the pair had an illegal sexual relationship before the teenager’s death. Burke’s defence team argued that prosecutors had failed to establish evidence of premeditated murder and maintained that the singer is innocent. His lawyers insisted the evidence presented does not prove he intentionally killed the teenager and said they will continue to challenge the prosecution’s case at trial. Burke has consistently denied all allegations since his arrest earlier this year. After reviewing the evidence, the judge ruled that prosecutors had presented enough material for the case to proceed before a jury. The decision means Burke will now face a full criminal trial, where prosecutors will be required to prove their allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. He remains in custody without bail pending further proceedings. The case has attracted widespread attention because of Burke’s rapid rise in the music industry before his arrest. Prosecutors contend that the alleged murder was committed to prevent Rivas Hernandez from revealing details of their relationship, while the defence maintains that Burke has been wrongly accused. Burke is expected to be arraigned on August 31, with the trial likely to begin within the following weeks. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will seek the death penalty if he is convicted. Meanwhile, the family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez has welcomed the judge’s ruling, saying they are relieved the case will now move forward to trial.

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    PM Shehbaz congratulates PML-N after strong AJK el…

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership and its supporters after the party emerged with a clear lead in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections. In a statement on Tuesday, the prime minister described the successful completion of the first phase as a positive development for the democratic process and praised voters and political parties for their participation. Shehbaz Sharif said political parties took part in the elections with enthusiasm, calling their active participation an important sign that the democratic process had been carried out successfully. Praise for PML-N campaign Congratulating the PML-N on its performance, the prime minister credited the party’s leadership and election team for what he described as a highly successful campaign in AJK. He particularly praised PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, saying the party’s campaign had been conducted under his leadership and had succeeded in gaining a clear advantage during the first phase of voting. The prime minister’s remarks came as attention remained focused on the election results and the political direction emerging from the initial phase. PM urges voters to maintain enthusiasm Shehbaz Sharif also called on people to participate in the next phase of the electoral process with the same enthusiasm. He said continued public participation would help strengthen and complete the democratic process, stressing that voters’ engagement remained central to the success of elections. The prime minister’s statement also highlighted the importance of political competition and participation in AJK, where elections are closely watched because of the region’s political and constitutional significance. The first phase of polling saw political parties compete for public support while voters exercised their right to choose their representatives. For the PML-N, the reported lead provides an important political boost and could shape momentum heading into the next stage of the elections. With the second phase still ahead, the focus is now expected to shift toward voter turnout, campaign strategies and whether the PML-N can maintain its advantage. The final electoral picture will depend on the results of all phases, but the opening round has already provided a significant political moment for the ruling party. Unofficial and Unconfirmed Results LA-1 Mirpur-1 According to the results from all 139 polling stations in LA-1 Mirpur-1, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Azhar Sadiq was declared the winner after securing 15,427 votes, while Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Muhammad Afsar Shahid came second with 9,832 votes. LA-2 Mirpur-2 After results from all 149 polling stations were completed, PPP’s Qasim Majid won the constituency with 12,904 votes, while PML-N candidate Azim Bakhsh Chaudhry secured 8,182 votes. LA-3 Mirpur-3 The PPP also won LA-3 Mirpur-3. According to results from all 161 polling stations, Chaudhry Yasir Sultan secured 11,676 votes to win, while PML-N candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Saeed received 9,832 votes. LA-4 Mirpur-4 With results from all 162 polling stations completed, PML-N’s Chaudhry Rukhsar Ahmed won with 20,172 votes, while PPP candidate Chaudhry Sohaib Arshad came second with 13,865 votes. LA-5 Bhimber-1 PML-N candidate Waqar Ahmed Noor won LA-5 with 30,259 votes, while PPP candidate Chaudhry Pervez Ashraf secured 29,574 votes. LA-6 Bhimber-2 According to results from 100 of the 195 polling stations, PML-N’s Chaudhry Muhammad Razzaq was maintaining his lead with 21,210 votes, while Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party candidate Ali Shan Chaudhry was second with 11,354 votes. LA-7 Bhimber-3 After results from all 237 polling stations were completed, PML-N’s Chaudhry Tariq Farooq was declared the winner with 35,490 votes, while independent candidate Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq came second with 25,100 votes. LA-8 Kotli-1 According to unofficial results from all 155 polling stations, PPP candidate Zafar Iqbal Malik won with 19,535 votes, while PML-N’s Malik Muhammad Nawaz Khan secured 11,966 votes. LA-9 Kotli-2 With results from all 178 polling stations completed, PML-N candidate Umair Naeem won with 31,080 votes, while PPP candidate Javed Iqbal Budhanvi received 28,509 votes. LA-10 Kotli-3 According to results from all 169 polling stations, PPP’s Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin won with 12,431 votes, while PML-N candidate Fateh Mahmood-ul-Hassan came second with 9,245 votes. LA-11 Kotli-4 PML-N candidate Muhammad Asif won LA-11 Kotli-4 with 26,190 votes, according to results from all 206 polling stations. PPP candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Akhlaq secured 21,751 votes and finished second. LA-12 Kotli-5 Unofficial and unconfirmed results from all 207 polling stations showed PML-N candidate Muhammad Riasat Khan winning with 35,168 votes, while PPP candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin came second with 30,320 votes. LA-13 Kotli-6 After results from all 193 polling stations were completed, PML-N candidate Raja Ayaz Ahmed Khan won with 21,856 votes. Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party candidate Nisar Ansar Abdali finished second with 15,859 votes. Maryam Aurangzeb’s Statement on X Punjab Senior Minister and PML-N leader Maryam Aurangzeb wrote on social media platform X that Mirpur had already announced its decision in favour of PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif when they visited the city on July 24, and that voters had now formally endorsed that decision by voting for the lion, PML-N’s electoral symbol. She said the people of Muzaffarabad had also already expressed their decision on July 21, adding that on August 2, Kashmiris would formally reaffirm their decision by voting for the lion. Maryam Aurangzeb concluded her statement by saying that, God willing, the development of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is linked with PML-N.

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    Brad Pitt responds as children continue dropping ‘Pitt’ surname

    Hollywood star Brad Pitt has spoken publicly for the first time about several of his children choosing to remove “Pitt” from their surnames, saying he understands their decision as the family continues to deal with the fallout of his long-running split from ex-wife Angelina Jolie. His remarks came after weeks of renewed attention surrounding the legal name changes of several of the couple’s children. The issue resurfaced after Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, 18, filed a petition in Los Angeles County Superior Court to legally change her name to Vivienne Marcheline Jolie, citing “personal” reasons. She joins siblings Shiloh, Zahara and Maddox, who have either legally dropped or publicly stopped using the Pitt surname in recent years. According to reports, Pitt addressed the matter during a recent press interaction, acknowledging his children’s choice and expressing support despite the emotional toll it has taken on him. “I understand,” Pitt said when asked about the surname changes. He added, “And if they don’t want it, neither do I.” The Oscar-winning actor continued, “I want them to know that I stand with them as they bravely turn the page on the hell I put them through.” The remarks marked the first time Pitt has publicly commented on the issue since multiple children moved to distance themselves from his surname. Sources present at the event said the actor appeared emotional while discussing the situation. Pitt reportedly admitted it was painful to realise that some of his children no longer wished to be associated with his name. Reflecting on their decision, he said, “So when they decide that being associated with me is just an unacceptable way to live the rest of their lives.” Despite his disappointment, Pitt stressed that he respected their choice. “That’s what being a dad’s all about,” he said, adding that he offered his “100%” support to Shiloh, Zahara, Maddox and Vivienne as they move forward with their decisions. Pitt and Jolie finalised their divorce in December 2024, ending years of legal proceedings that began after Jolie filed for divorce in 2016. Since then, reports have consistently described a strained relationship between Pitt and several of the couple’s six children. The family rift has often been linked to an alleged altercation aboard a private plane in 2016, after which Jolie initiated divorce proceedings. While the actor had largely remained silent on the matter, reports suggested he had intentionally kept his distance from the public discussion to avoid escalating tensions within the family. On the same day his comments emerged, Pitt was photographed spending time with his girlfriend, Ines de Ramon, in Carmel Highlands, California. The couple, who have reportedly been together since November 2022, appeared relaxed during the outing despite continued public interest in Pitt’s relationship with his children. The surname changes continue to attract widespread attention, reflecting the ongoing estrangement within one of Hollywood’s most closely watched families. Pitt’s latest remarks suggest he is choosing acceptance over confrontation as his children make deeply personal decisions about their identities.

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    Chris Martin’s unreleased James Bond demo heads to auction

    An unreleased demo recorded by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin during his early attempts to write a James Bond theme song is set to go under the hammer, offering fans a rare glimpse into one of the band’s long-running ambitions. The recording, believed to be around 27 years old, has never been officially released or publicly heard. According to auction details published by Wax Poetics, the cassette features Martin performing an acoustic version of The World Is Not Enough, a song reportedly written with the hope of becoming the theme for the 1999 James Bond film of the same name starring Pierce Brosnan. However, the demo was never submitted to the filmmakers and remained in private archives for more than two decades. The recording is being described as an unreleased, unheard cassette, making it a significant collector’s item for both Coldplay fans and James Bond memorabilia enthusiasts. As of publication, bidding for the rare demo had reached $1,000, with expectations that interest could increase before the auction closes. Martin has previously spoken about Coldplay’s repeated attempts to secure a Bond theme song. During an interview with NME in 2021, the singer revealed that the band had spent years trying to write music suitable for the iconic film franchise. “We kept trying to write one for 20 years, but never submitted them,” Martin said. Reflecting on those efforts, he added with characteristic humour, “We have Bond themes for about five movies, but they’re not very good, to be honest.” Martin also joked that Coldplay’s musical style may never have been the right fit for the world-famous spy. Speaking about James Bond’s personality, he said, “I don’t know if we’re spiritually on the same trip as James… He’d be like, ‘That’s not what I’m into at all, fellas. I like guns and sh*t.’” The Bond demo forms part of a much larger collection of early Coldplay recordings assembled by British producer Chris Allison, who worked with the band during their formative years on the The Blue Room EP before they achieved global fame. The archive includes several rare recordings, such as original DAT mixes, alternate versions of early tracks and a previously unheard version of We Never Change, providing a fascinating look at Coldplay’s musical development before the release of their debut album. Collectors believe the auction could attract strong interest because it combines two globally recognised names—Coldplay and the James Bond franchise. Unreleased recordings connected to either have historically generated considerable attention among music enthusiasts. Although Coldplay never recorded an official Bond theme, Martin’s comments over the years have shown that contributing to the franchise remained a long-standing dream for the band. The newly surfaced cassette offers fans a chance to hear one of those early attempts and provides a unique piece of Coldplay history that has remained hidden for nearly three decades. 

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    Steve Lacy seemingly reveals Sadie Sink’s Spider-Man role

    Fans of Sadie Sink may have finally received an answer about her mysterious role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, after musician Steve Lacy appeared to accidentally reveal a major detail during the film’s red-carpet premiere. The moment quickly went viral online, with Marvel fans speculating that Sink could be portraying Jean Grey, one of the most iconic characters from the X-Men universe. Marvel Studios has kept Sink’s role under wraps since her casting was announced, fuelling months of fan theories. The actress, best known for her performances in Stranger Things and The Whale, has not publicly commented on her character, while the studio has also remained silent. However, during Monday’s premiere of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Steve Lacy, who contributed the song oh yeah? to the film’s soundtrack, appeared to let the secret slip while speaking to reporters on the red carpet. When asked which character he was most excited for audiences to see, Lacy replied, “You know, what? Jean.” He then added, “I like Jean. She’s the villain but there’s a reason to her madness.” (Geo News) The interviewer appeared surprised by the answer and immediately asked whether Lacy had just spoiled Sadie Sink’s role in the film. Rather than clarifying his remarks, the musician simply responded, “I like her. I like her character. I don’t know why.” Although Lacy never directly mentioned Sink’s name, many fans interpreted his reference to Jean as confirmation that the actress is playing Jean Grey, the powerful mutant from Marvel’s X-Men comics. The possibility has been widely discussed online since Sink joined the cast earlier this year. The apparent revelation quickly spread across social media platform X, where users reacted with humour and disbelief. Many joked that Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige would not be pleased with the accidental disclosure. One fan wrote, “The cameraman witnessing Feige beating the shit out of Steve Lacy in the back.” Another commented, “Bro was asked to answer without spoiling anything and failed in under 5 seconds.” A third user argued that the surprise had already become difficult to keep secret, writing, “It’s a spoiler, but at the same time it’s not because who doesn’t know the Jean Grey in the movie. They did a terrible job keeping the secret under wraps.” Another fan joked, “Kevin Feige will be coming for him.” Neither Marvel Studios nor Sony Pictures has commented on Lacy’s remarks, and Sink has also remained silent regarding the speculation. Until the filmmakers officially confirm the casting, fans will have to wait to see whether the musician genuinely revealed one of the movie’s biggest secrets or whether his comments were misunderstood. Spider-Man: Brand New Day, starring Tom Holland and Zendaya, is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on 31 July 2026. With excitement already running high ahead of its release, Lacy’s comments have only intensified speculation about how the Marvel Cinematic Universe may introduce the X-Men through Sadie Sink’s mysterious character.

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    Cristiano Ronaldo set to enter acting after World Cup defeat

    Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for a surprising new chapter away from the football pitch, with the Portugal superstar reportedly set to make his acting debut in an upcoming football drama series. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to appear in “Day 1s”, a new series centred on the world of football agents. According to British media reports, Ronaldo will make a cameo appearance while also taking on the role of executive producer. The move marks an intriguing expansion of Ronaldo’s already wide-ranging career, as the football icon increasingly explores projects beyond playing the sport that made him a global superstar. Ronaldo moves from football to the screen “Day 1s” is reportedly built around the story of a fictional football agent and the pressures, ambitions and personalities surrounding the modern game. British actor Damian Lewis is set to play the lead role, while British rapper Dave and newcomer actress Carlotta Banat are also part of the cast. Ronaldo’s involvement is expected to add an extra layer of attention to the production, particularly because of his enormous global following and deep connection with football. The series is already in production, with some scenes reportedly filmed at The Hive Stadium, home of English League Two club Barnet. Thierry Henry also joins the cast Ronaldo will not be the only major football name making the jump into the fictional world. Former France and Arsenal star Thierry Henry is also expected to appear in a cameo role. Interestingly, the concept for “Day 1s” was reportedly developed by Darren Dean, Henry’s former agent, who is also involved in the project as an executive producer. The involvement of major football personalities could make the series particularly appealing to fans who want to see what happens behind the scenes of the sport. Streaming battle could be next Reports suggest that several major streaming platforms could show interest in acquiring the rights to “Day 1s”, potentially triggering strong competition for the series. For Ronaldo, the project represents more than just a brief appearance on screen. In addition to his football career, he has expanded into business, media and other entertainment ventures in recent years. His role as both actor and executive producer could therefore signal the beginning of another major chapter in his career. After years of dominating football headlines, Ronaldo may soon have audiences watching him for a completely different reason — not for what he does with a football, but for what he does in front of a camera.

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    Zendaya praises Tom Holland’s ability to set healthy boundaries

    Hollywood actress Zendaya has revealed the one quality she most admires about her husband, Tom Holland, saying she wishes she could learn from his ability to stand up for himself and set clear personal boundaries. The actress made the comments during the promotional tour for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, where the couple reflected on their relationship and working together. Speaking during the interview, the Dune star explained that Holland’s greatest strength has nothing to do with his acting career or public image. Instead, she said she is impressed by the way he consistently prioritises respect and kindness while also knowing when to draw the line. Beginning her answer, Zendaya said, “Something I am always impressed with Tom about, which I feel like I want to inherit more of, but he’s very…” Before she could finish, Holland jokingly interrupted, saying, “Awesome? Legendary? Talented?” His playful response prompted laughter before Zendaya explained what she really meant. She continued, “You’re a big stickler for respect and kindness. Not to say that I’m not doing that, but you just make sure that is in the front.” Zendaya went on to explain that Holland is much better than she is at setting firm boundaries whenever someone crosses the line. “And then if that line is crossed, I think sometimes he’s better at drawing boundaries and making things clear. And I’m a little bit more like, okay, guys, it’s all right, everything’s all right.” Praising her husband further, the actress added, “You’re good at being like, no, no, this is, we’re not doing this. You’re good at setting the boundaries when they need to be set. Really clearly, really strong.” Zendaya also highlighted Holland’s protective nature, saying it is one of the qualities she values most in him. “So I like that you have, you know what you feel is right for yourself, and you do it, and for others you’re very protective in that way,” she said. Clearly touched by his wife’s heartfelt praise, Holland responded simply, “Thank you. I appreciate that.” According to the report, Zendaya believes Holland has a natural ability to remain calm while confidently standing his ground whenever necessary. She said his willingness to protect both himself and the people he cares about is something she deeply admires. One example of that protective instinct took place on 24 October 2024 in New York City, when the couple was leaving an event at the Nine Orchard Hotel. As photographers and fans crowded around Zendaya, she became separated from Holland in the middle of the large group. Witnesses recalled that Holland quickly made his way through the crowd and asked people to give his wife space. During the incident, he was heard saying, “No, no, no, give her some room,” before taking Zendaya’s hand and guiding her safely away from the crowd. The interview has been warmly received by fans, who praised the couple’s openness and mutual respect. Many also applauded Zendaya for highlighting Holland’s character rather than his fame, describing their conversation as another example of the supportive relationship the two stars have continued to display both on and off screen.

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    Pakistan hold Norway Cup rivals to 2-2 draw in thrilling group match

    Pakistan’s Better Future football team continued its impressive run at the Norway Cup 2026, battling to a 2-2 draw against Norwegian club Trygg/Lade in their second group-stage match in Oslo. The Karachi-based side, which won the tournament’s Boys Under-15 event last year, once again showed determination and attacking intent as it secured another positive result against international opposition. According to reports from Oslo, Better Future Pakistan produced an energetic performance against Trygg/Lade, with Yasin and Shahid finding the net for the Pakistani team. Both players played a key role in keeping their side level during a competitive encounter. The draw follows an encouraging start to Pakistan’s campaign. Better Future Pakistan opened its Norway Cup 2026 journey with a narrow 1-0 victory over Norwegian club Saudaku, giving the team an early boost in the group standings. The Pakistani youngsters will now turn their attention to their third group match on Wednesday, where another strong performance could strengthen their hopes of progressing further in the competition. Better Future Pakistan’s participation is particularly significant because the team is made up of young footballers from Lyari, Karachi, an area widely associated with Pakistan’s football culture. The players have the opportunity to showcase their talent on an international platform while competing against youth teams from different countries. Last year, the Karachi side made headlines by completing an unbeaten campaign to win the Boys Under-15 event. Their latest performances in Norway suggest that the young players are again determined to make their mark. The Norway Cup is organised under the National Council of Norwegian Children and Youth Organisations, an umbrella body representing more than 100 organisations working for the welfare of children and young people in Norway. The tournament attracts boys’ and girls’ teams from around the world, with many participants travelling independently to compete at one of the world’s major youth football events. For Better Future Pakistan, the competition is about more than results. Each match provides the young players with valuable experience against international opposition and offers a glimpse of the potential emerging from Karachi’s grassroots football scene. With one win and one draw from their opening two group matches, the Pakistani youngsters have made a promising start. Now, all eyes will be on Wednesday’s crucial third group game to see whether Better Future Pakistan can continue its impressive Norway Cup adventure.

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    Protest erupts in Washington over Netanyahu visit

    WASHINGTON: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington has sparked a fresh wave of protests, with demonstrators taking to the streets to oppose U.S. support for Israel and demand that the Israeli leader be arrested. Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in the U.S. capital carrying Palestinian flags and banners criticising Washington’s backing of Israel. The demonstrations came as Netanyahu arrived in the United States for a scheduled meeting with President Donald Trump. At the heart of the protest was a demand that U.S. authorities enforce the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against Netanyahu. Demonstrators argued that the United States should not provide protection to an Israeli leader facing allegations before the international court. The protest reflects the wider political and public debate in the United States over Washington’s relationship with Israel and its approach to the conflict in Gaza. Trump rules out Netanyahu arrest The demonstrations gained additional attention because Trump has already made his position clear. The U.S. president has said Netanyahu will not be arrested while he is in the United States, directly rejecting calls for his detention. Trump has also strongly defended Israel and Netanyahu in connection with the ongoing regional conflict. Netanyahu’s visit comes at a particularly sensitive moment. His meeting with Trump on Tuesday is the first between the two leaders since their joint war against Iran, with tensions reportedly emerging over how the conflict should be handled. Protest adds pressure ahead of Trump meeting The Washington demonstration adds another layer of political pressure surrounding Netanyahu’s visit. Protesters say U.S. support for Israel should be reconsidered and that international legal proceedings should not be ignored. The issue of Netanyahu’s potential arrest has also become prominent in U.S. politics. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said his administration is examining whether the city could enforce the ICC warrant if Netanyahu visits New York for the United Nations General Assembly in September. For now, however, Trump’s administration has made clear that Netanyahu will not face arrest during his stay in the United States. With protests continuing and the Trump-Netanyahu meeting attracting international attention, the visit is likely to keep the debate over Gaza, U.S.-Israel relations and international accountability firmly in the spotlight.

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    PPP chairman Bilawal alleges ‘vote theft’ in A…

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has accused political opponents of “stealing” votes in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, urging the state to decide whether the national interest or the interests of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) should take priority. Addressing a PPP workers’ convention in Muzaffarabad, Bilawal claimed that voters in Mirpur and Kotli had been denied their electoral rights and questioned whether the developments surrounding the AJK elections could genuinely be described as democracy. Bilawal thanked the people of Mirpur, saying they had supported the PPP through their votes. However, he alleged that decisions by state institutions appeared to be favouring the PML-N, warning that such a situation would ultimately hurt Kashmir, Pakistan and ordinary citizens. “National interest must come first,” Bilawal said, according to his party’s account of the speech. He maintained that the PPP would stand with the state of Pakistan when it comes to national interests, but not when, in his view, those interests were being confused with the interests of a political party. He also criticised what he described as restrictions on political activity and internet connectivity, saying such measures could undermine the democratic character of AJK. Bilawal argued that shutting down internet services would create an impression inconsistent with the idea of an “Azad Kashmir”. His remarks came after the first phase of the AJK elections in the Mirpur division was marked by clashes, violence and allegations of electoral manipulation. Polling was held across 13 constituencies in Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber, with rival PPP and PML-N supporters accusing each other of irregularities. The election environment also turned violent in Kotli, where one person was killed and others were injured during clashes. The PPP alleged rigging and ballot stuffing in several constituencies, while the wider electoral process remained under scrutiny. Bilawal questioned how attacks could occur at multiple polling stations despite extensive security arrangements. He alleged that the elections were being conducted in phases in a manner that could facilitate manipulation. The PPP chairman further vowed to pursue what he called the rights of party workers and said his party would not accept the denial of its supporters’ mandate. With more phases of polling still to come, demands for free, fair and transparent elections are likely to remain at the centre of political debate in AJK. Bilawal said the PPP’s reconciliation-based political approach should be considered to protect democratic institutions and what he described as the broader Kashmir cause.