National

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    AJK fully prepared for polls as Mirpur voting begi…

    ByJustpaste.in

    MUZAFFARABAD, July 26: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) authorities have completed preparations for the first phase of the general elections, with polling scheduled to begin in the Mirpur division on Monday. AJK Chief Secretary Khushal Khan said all necessary arrangements had been finalised for the elections. He assured voters that the process would be conducted peacefully, transparently and fairly. Speaking at a joint press conference with Election Commission Secretary Raja Mohammad Shakeel Khan, the chief secretary said the formal election process would begin on July 27 in accordance with the Constitution. He said polling material had already been sent to returning officers and all state institutions were ready to perform their responsibilities during the elections. Around 17,000 security personnel have been deployed to maintain peace during polling. Police contingents from all four provinces will also assist AJK Police with security arrangements. Khushal warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to disturb law and order or interfere with the electoral process. Authorities are also monitoring social media activity ahead of polling. The chief secretary said action would be taken against individuals involved in spreading misleading propaganda aimed at creating confusion or disrupting the elections. Election Commission Secretary Raja Mohammad Shakeel Khan said preparations for the first phase in Mirpur division had been completed. Polling material has already been delivered to the relevant polling stations. Around 22,000 election staff have been assigned duties for the voting process. Khan said election personnel had received training to ensure that polling is conducted efficiently and transparently. He said the chief election commissioner recently visited Mirpur and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. Police, Rangers and the Federal Constabulary have also been placed on high alert. Security officials will remain deployed to protect polling stations and voters. Khan urged citizens to participate in the elections. He described voting as one of the most important democratic rights available to the public. He also warned voters about misleading material circulating online. According to him, old videos related to election boycotts were being reshared on social media to create confusion. The election official said no major untoward incident had been reported during the campaign. He added that political parties and candidates had accepted the election code of conduct. He urged voters to ignore rumours and uncertainty and cast their votes for their preferred candidates. The first phase of the AJK general elections will be held across Mirpur division on July 27. The AJK Information Department has separately urged media organisations and journalists to exercise extra caution during election coverage. It asked them to publish only verified and balanced information, particularly during polling, counting and the announcement of results. The department also warned against sharing unverified material that could create panic, confuse voters or affect public order during the sensitive election period.

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    Daanish schools enrol only 40,000 in 15 years: Edu…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has raised questions about the performance and accessibility of the Daanish School System. He said education at Daanish schools was expensive. As a result, the system had enrolled only around 40,000 students in 15 years. The minister questioned the effectiveness of earlier education initiatives in the province. He specifically referred to comprehensive and pilot schools established in Punjab. He asked where those schools had gone and why they had failed to deliver the expected results. Rana Sikandar Hayat said the Punjab government was working to reduce the gap between public and private education. For this purpose, the government had moved towards a public-private partnership model. He said the approach could help improve the quality of education and increase access for children. The provincial minister also highlighted the enrolment performance of the Nawaz Sharif School of Eminence programme. He said these schools had recorded an average enrolment of around 112 per cent so far. Rana Sikandar Hayat also spoke about the issue of inaccurate student records in government schools. He claimed that authorities had removed around 1.5 million ghost students from government school records across Punjab. The minister said the province still faced a major education challenge. Around 25 per cent of children in Punjab remain out of school, according to him. He said the dropout problem becomes particularly serious when students reach the high-school level. A significant number of children leave education after reaching secondary-level schools, he said. This affects the overall literacy and education indicators of the province. The minister said the government was now focusing on bringing children who are outside the education system back into schools. He said schools operating under outsourcing arrangements had been given a specific target. They would be required to enrol 5 per cent of children currently deprived of education. The initiative is aimed at increasing school enrolment and reducing the number of children who remain outside the formal education system. Rana Sikandar Hayat said improving access to education required both enrolment and retention. Bringing children into schools would not be enough if they later dropped out. He stressed the need to strengthen the education system and ensure that children continue their studies through higher grades. The minister’s remarks highlight the challenges facing Punjab’s education sector. Despite having a large network of schools, the province continues to deal with out-of-school children, inaccurate enrolment records and high dropout rates. The government is now looking towards partnerships with the private sector and reforms in public schools to address these problems. The minister said the ultimate objective was to provide more children with access to quality education and reduce the divide between public and private schooling.

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    Sherjeel Memon alleges pre-poll rigging ahead of A…

    ByJustpaste.in

    MIRPUR, July 26: Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has accused political opponents of attempting to influence the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections before polling. Speaking to journalists in Mirpur, Memon alleged that buses worth Rs200 million were sent to the region a day before polling as part of an attempt to influence voters. He claimed that the move was aimed at creating an impression among voters and affecting their electoral choices. Memon also criticised the Election Commission of AJK. He alleged that the commission had failed to take timely action against what he described as pre-poll rigging. He said the PPP would oppose any attempt to manipulate the election process. The provincial minister also criticised the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. He accused the party of ignoring what he described as unconstitutional and unethical actions. Memon said the final decision in the AJK elections would be made by the people of Kashmir. He urged federal ministers to focus on their official responsibilities. He also called on them to stay away from activities that could interfere with the electoral process. The Sindh minister alleged that attempts were being made to influence voters through buses and trucks before polling. He questioned whether the people of Kashmir could be persuaded through material incentives. Memon said the people of Mirpur were politically aware. He expressed confidence that voters would not be influenced by such offers. He said PPP leaders had reached Mirpur to monitor the election situation. According to him, the party wanted to prevent alleged attempts to manipulate the electoral process. Memon also called on the Election Commission to examine the activities of federal ministers during the election campaign. He questioned why action had not been taken over alleged violations of the election code of conduct. The minister specifically asked why federal ministers involved in election campaigning had not faced action. Memon also highlighted the PPP’s position on the Kashmir issue. He said the party had consistently raised the issue at international forums. He praised PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for presenting the Kashmir issue before the international community. Memon said he expected voters to support the PPP in the elections. He claimed that voters would reject what he described as smaller political parties. The minister further said Kashmiri voters could not be bought through financial or material incentives. He said people in Kashmir would reject attempts to influence their decisions through such tactics. Memon also questioned why action had not been taken against Defence Minister Khawaja Asif over alleged election-related violations. His comments came a day before the first phase of the AJK general elections. The polling process is set to begin on July 27 in the Mirpur division. The election campaign has intensified ahead of polling. Political parties are making competing claims about the electoral process, while authorities have warned against actions that could disrupt peaceful and transparent elections.

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    River garden residents protest repeated increase i…

    ByJustpaste.in

      Residents of River Garden Islamabad have strongly protested a fresh increase in monthly maintenance charges after the society’s management, River Garden Development Private Limited (RDPL), once again raised service fees. According to residents, the revised charges have been applied unilaterally in bills issued from July onward, placing an additional financial burden on homeowners. Residents claim that this is not the first time maintenance charges have been increased. They state that RDPL had already raised service charges several times during 2023, 2024, and 2025. As a result of these repeated revisions, the cumulative increase in maintenance fees over the past few years has reportedly exceeded 175 percent, leading to growing frustration among residents. A large number of River Garden residents have previously challenged these increases in court. During 2023 and 2024, several homeowners obtained stay orders against the hikes, arguing that the increases were unjustified and lacked transparency. However, residents allege that despite these court orders, the management has continued to introduce higher maintenance charges and adopt various administrative measures that they believe place pressure on residents to withdraw their legal cases. The latest increase has once again triggered widespread criticism within the community. Residents argue that they continue to pay maintenance charges despite receiving inadequate and below-standard services. They believe that the fees being collected do not reflect the quality of facilities available in the housing society. Residents have demanded that maintenance charges should be determined through a transparent and independent process. They have called for the appointment of a neutral third-party auditor to evaluate the society’s operational expenses and recommend fair service charges. They also insist that the rates should be comparable to those charged by neighboring housing societies offering similar facilities and services. According to the residents, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) regulations emphasize that housing societies must prioritize the provision of essential infrastructure and address the concerns of residents before imposing additional financial burdens. They argue that instead of increasing maintenance charges, the management should first improve the condition of the society and fulfill its basic responsibilities. Residents highlighted several longstanding issues that, they say, remain unresolved. They claim that many roads within River Garden are damaged and require urgent repair. They also pointed out that the boundary wall of the housing society is still incomplete, raising concerns about security. In addition, residents say that the promised community center has yet to be constructed despite repeated assurances. They have also expressed concerns over the increasing number of stray dogs roaming the society, describing the situation as a public safety issue for families and children. Other complaints include poor maintenance of green areas, with grass and wild shrubs reportedly left unattended for extended periods. Residents further criticized the relocation of the society’s cemetery, stating that it has been moved approximately 13 kilometers away from the residential area, making it difficult for families to visit and creating inconvenience during funeral arrangements. The residents have once again appealed to the Chairman of the Capital Development Authority to take immediate notice of the matter. They have urged the authority to review the process used to determine monthly maintenance charges and introduce a transparent mechanism that ensures fairness and accountability. Furthermore, residents have requested the CDA to ensure that RDPL fulfills its obligations by improving infrastructure, completing pending development projects, and providing the essential services promised to homeowners. They believe that only after these basic facilities are delivered should any discussion regarding increases in maintenance charges take place. The issue has become a major concern for many families living in River Garden, who say they are willing to pay reasonable service charges but expect transparency, accountability, and quality services in return. They hope that intervention by the CDA will help resolve the dispute and ensure that residents receive the facilities and standards they were promised when investing in the housing society.

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    Dhabeji power fault puts Karachi water supply at r…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Karachi’s water supply has come under fresh pressure after a power disruption at the Dhabeji Pumping Station affected the operation of three pumps. The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) warned on Sunday that several areas of the city could experience a temporary reduction in water supply following the disruption. According to KWSC, the power failure occurred around 8:45am in the third phase of the Dhabeji Pumping Station. The affected section remained without electricity, forcing three pumps to stop working. The disruption is expected to reduce Karachi’s water supply by around 75 million gallons per day. Areas that could face lower water pressure or interruptions include North Nazimabad, Nazimabad, Gulberg Town, New Karachi, Landhi, Korangi and Scheme 33. KWSC said it was coordinating with K-Electric to restore the electricity supply and bring the affected pumps back online. Officials said normal water distribution would resume as soon as the pumps were operational again. However, K-Electric disputed the cause of the outage. The power utility said the issue was an internal fault in KDA Pumping Feeder 2, which supplies electricity to the Dhabeji station, and was not caused by a problem with its wider distribution network. K-Electric said electricity to 19 of the station’s 22 pumping motors remained available. Its technical team was also in contact with KWSC to help resolve the problem. The latest disruption comes as Karachi is already struggling with recurring water shortages and distribution problems. KWSC officials have previously raised concerns over damage to major water pipelines during ongoing development and construction activities. Officials said excavation work linked to the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit project and the K-IV water project has repeatedly damaged pipelines along University Road. The repeated damage has disrupted the city’s water distribution network and affected supplies to several neighbourhoods.

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    Another FIR against Rajab Butt: Lahore police laun…

    ByJustpaste.in

    A new police case has been registered against social media personality Rajab Butt and several others following an alleged altercation at a private café in Lahore. The case was filed at Nawab Town Police Station after a woman accused the group of assault, intimidation, and involvement in a firing incident. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the complainant stated that she and her friends visited a private café on July 25 when an argument reportedly broke out. She alleged that two men and two women behaved aggressively with one of her friends, leading to a heated confrontation. The complainant further claimed that members of the group physically assaulted them by slapping them and allegedly displayed firearms during the incident. The FIR also alleges that one of the accused fired a weapon, creating panic at the scene. In her complaint, the woman alleged that the entire incident took place at the direction of Rajab Butt. Based on these allegations, police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to determine the facts surrounding the incident. Authorities have stated that evidence will be collected, witness statements will be recorded, and all claims mentioned in the FIR will be examined as part of the ongoing investigation. As of now, Rajab Butt and the other individuals named in the FIR have not issued any official public response regarding the allegations. Since the investigation is still underway, the accusations remain unproven, and no court has determined criminal liability. Further developments are expected as police continue their inquiry.

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    Brilliant comeback by Pakistan as West Indies fold…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan produced an impressive bowling performance on the second day of the opening Test in Tarouba, dismissing West Indies for 311 in their first innings after the hosts had looked firmly in control at the end of Day 1. West Indies resumed play on 194 for 3, but Pakistan’s pace attack maintained disciplined lines and lengths to trigger a dramatic collapse. The home side managed to add only 117 more runs before losing their remaining seven wickets. Shai Hope played the leading role for West Indies with a well-crafted 92, narrowly missing out on a century. Kevlon Hodge also made an important contribution with 84 runs. Shamar Joseph scored 23, while Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Amir Jangoo added 21 runs each. Justin Greaves made 15, Brandon King contributed 12, and Roston Chase scored 10. Mohammad Ali was the standout performer for Pakistan, finishing with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 50 runs. Mohammad Abbas provided excellent support by claiming three wickets, while Khurram Shahzad picked up two. Aamir Jamal also chipped in with one wicket to complete the innings. West Indies had ended the opening day in a strong position at 194 for 3, but Pakistan’s bowlers turned the match around with a disciplined and determined display on the second morning. Their efforts prevented the hosts from posting a significantly bigger total and handed Pakistan valuable momentum heading into their first innings

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    Bilawal hits back at Nawaz: Kashmiris ‘ not rea…

    ByJustpaste.in

    PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Sunday delivered a sharp riposte to PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, declaring that the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) are “not ready to bargain away their rights”  whether in Kashmir or Mirpur . The exchange comes a day before the first phase of elections in AJK, with Mirpur set to vote on Monday, and amid allegations of pre-poll rigging by the PPP after the PML-N gifted 10 e-buses to Muzaffarabad . In a recent campaign speech, Nawaz had invoked Bilawal by name, stating that Kashmir should not be mistaken for Kashmir, nor Mirpur for Mirpurkhas the districts of Sindh where the PPP has been in power for years . Responding via a video statement on social media, Bilawal began with a pointed, “Mian sahib, please don’t take offence,” while tagging Nawaz’s X account . “Whether it’s Kashmir or Kashmir, Mirpur or Mirpurkhas, not only do their names resemble each other; their temperament matches too, their honour matches too, and so does the courage to stand up for their rights,” Bilawal said . The PPP chairman emphasized that neither Kashmiris nor the people of Mirpurkhas would allow anyone to “rob them politically of their right to governance and right to ownership.” He reiterated his commitment to securing for the people of Kashmir the rights to governance, ownership, and employment “the same rights that every Pakistani citizen is entitled to.” Bilawal added that if these fundamental rights were ensured, “they won’t need gifts of this sort. They will arrange their own development,” a clear reference to the PML-N’s e-bus initiative . Urging his supporters to turn out in large numbers on polling day, Bilawal concluded with a defiant slogan: “Progress too! Authority too! Employment too! And Kashmir’s decision by Kashmiris!” The war of words underscores the high political stakes in the AJK elections, with both major parties locked in a fierce contest for control of the region .

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    Oil tankers call off immediate strike as petroleum…

    ByJustpaste.in

    A potential nationwide disruption to fuel transportation has been temporarily put on hold after Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister agreed to meet representatives of the Oil Tankers Contractors Association following the group’s 72-hour ultimatum. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 27, where both sides are expected to discuss the association’s long-standing demands and explore ways to prevent a countrywide strike. During a joint press conference, leaders of the Pakistan Oil Tankers and Contractors Association said they had repeatedly raised their concerns with the authorities over the past year and a half. They stated that if the government accepts their demands, they will formally announce the decision. However, if negotiations fail, they will unveil their next course of action, which could include a nationwide suspension of oil tanker operations. The association is demanding an immediate end to commercial loading practices and an increase in transportation rates. According to the representatives, oil tanker freight charges have remained unchanged for the past three years despite a sharp rise in operating expenses. They also pointed out that motorway and National Highway Authority (NHA) toll taxes have increased by nearly 180 percent during the same period, making current transport rates financially unsustainable. Association leaders further alleged that despite months of negotiations and official correspondence, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and the Petroleum Division failed to address their concerns, leaving them with no option but to threaten industrial action. The outcome of Monday’s meeting is expected to determine whether the dispute is resolved through dialogue or escalates into a nationwide strike that could affect fuel transportation and supply across the country.

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    Body fat new study reveals its crucial role in met…

    ByJustpaste.in

    A new scientific study has highlighted that body fat is much more than a source of extra weight. Researchers say fat tissue functions as an essential organ that helps regulate metabolism, stores energy, and produces hormones needed for the body’s normal functioning. According to the researchers, while excessive body fat is widely associated with conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, having too little body fat can also pose serious health risks. The findings suggest that maintaining a healthy balance of body fat is important for overall metabolic health. The study focused on a rare inherited disorder known as Familial Partial Lipodystrophy Type 2 (FPLD2). People with this condition lose fat from specific parts of the body or experience abnormal fat distribution, increasing their risk of diabetes and other metabolic disorders. A research team led by American endocrinologist Dr. Elif Oral examined patients with the condition and found that affected fat cells develop significant structural and functional abnormalities. These changes can disrupt the body’s metabolism and contribute to a range of health complications. To better understand the disease, scientists created a mouse model in which the Lamin A/C gene was switched off only in fat cells. This is the same gene known to be affected in individuals with FPLD2. The model allowed researchers to closely examine how defects in fat tissue influence the body’s metabolic processes. Researchers believe the findings could improve understanding of rare fat disorders while also opening new avenues for the development of treatments for diabetes and other metabolic diseases. The study reinforces the idea that healthy fat tissue plays a vital role in maintaining the body’s balance and overall well-being.