National

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has rejected the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. The party has described the July 27 polls as unacceptable and demanded a judicial inquiry into the violence reported in the region. PTI leaders also called for the cancellation of the remaining two phases of the elections. They demanded fresh elections across AJK in a single phase under an independent and impartial election commission. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan appeared alongside former AJK prime minister Sardar Qayyum Niazi. The leaders strongly criticised the violence reported in Rawalakot, Mirpur and other areas. Multiple reports of deaths and injuries have emerged since Monday. Videos showing unrest have also circulated on social media, although the reported casualties could not be independently verified. Both security agencies and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) have reported casualties during clashes. Niazi said Kashmiris were facing what he described as unprecedented oppression. He said the situation was particularly concerning because Kashmiris had historically supported the cause of accession to Pakistan. He claimed protesters had attempted to resolve their grievances through negotiations. According to him, the situation deteriorated after their demands were not addressed. Niazi maintained that the protesters were peaceful. He questioned the use of force against them and urged authorities to avoid further escalation. He also criticised the decision to conduct the AJK elections in three phases. Niazi argued that the region has a relatively small population and questioned why the elections could not have been held on a single day. He said the ongoing violence was damaging Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir issue. According to him, AJK is considered an important base for the wider Kashmir cause. Niazi warned that the unrest could send a negative message internationally. He said Pakistan had previously highlighted alleged human rights violations in Indian-administered Kashmir at international forums. He argued that developments in AJK could make it difficult for Pakistan to effectively present its position on Kashmir before the international community. The former AJK prime minister also rejected the portrayal of protesters as terrorists. He said the same people had previously been engaging with authorities through negotiations. Niazi called for dialogue and urged the government to avoid further use of force. He proposed the establishment of a national government in AJK until conditions returned to normal. He said free and transparent elections should then be held across the region, with PTI participating in the process. Gohar also strongly criticised the July 27 elections. He alleged that the polls had failed to reflect the will of the people. The PTI chairman said using force to silence protesters could not resolve political and public grievances. He argued that listening to citizens was a fundamental part of democracy. Gohar criticised both the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) for turning the election dispute into a political contest. He said political parties should focus on the violence and reported casualties rather than exchanging allegations over electoral gains and losses. The PTI leader also pointed to the low voter turnout. He claimed that the limited participation represented public dissatisfaction with the existing political system. Gohar said the Kashmir issue was extremely sensitive and should not be used for political interests. He urged all stakeholders to act responsibly and resolve the crisis through dialogue. PTI has now formally demanded a judicial investigation into the reported violence. The party also wants the remaining election phases, scheduled for August 2 and August 10, cancelled. The party has further called for the resignation of the AJK government and the formation of a national government to manage the situation. PTI wants fresh elections to be held across AJK in a single phase. It has called for the process to be conducted under the supervision of an independent and impartial election commission. The party says dialogue should be prioritised to address public grievances and restore normalcy before a fresh electoral process begins.

QUETTA: The Balochistan cabinet has approved several major measures aimed at improving security, governance, education and public services across the province. One of the key decisions was to declare the entire province a regular police area following the integration of the Levies Force into the police system. The decisions were taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Wednesday. The meeting reviewed several matters linked to law and order, development, administrative reforms and public welfare. The cabinet also approved the third phase of the Chief Minister Scholarship Programme. Under the programme, 300 children of registered workers from Balochistan will receive admission to a quality boarding school in Islamabad. The initiative aims to provide better educational opportunities to children of workers and help them build stronger prospects for the future. The cabinet approved the appointment of Superintendent of Police Nabeel Ahmed as chief operating officer of the Balochistan Safe City Authority. It also approved the establishment of a Provincial Parole Board on the recommendation of the Home Department. A new police station was approved for Hub Marble City. The move is aimed at improving security in the growing industrial and commercial area. The cabinet also approved a Service Level Agreement for the Quetta Safe City Project. The project will support the expansion of modern surveillance systems and technology-based policing in the provincial capital. Several decisions were also taken to strengthen local government institutions. Union Council Mesi Zai and Union Council Mai Zai were upgraded to municipal committees. The cabinet also approved a new Municipal Committee in Gulistan. The measures are intended to improve administrative services and strengthen local governance. For improved planning of development schemes, the cabinet approved the Balochistan Planning Manual. The meeting also endorsed the Balochistan Child Protection Rules 2026. The rules are aimed at strengthening safeguards for children and improving their welfare across the province. The cabinet approved amendments to the Balochistan Cadet Colleges Act 2026. It also extended the contract of the prosecutor general for another two years. Another major decision involved approval of the Balochistan Hybrid Weighted Procurement Policy 2026. The policy is intended to improve transparency and efficiency in government procurement. The cabinet also approved a financing proposal for the Harnai-Sibi Road Project. Other decisions included approval of the Gwadar Development Authority Service Rules 2024 and the creation of a new tehsil and subdivision in Nasirabad district. Officials said the administrative changes would help improve public service delivery and make development planning more effective. The meeting began with prayers for security personnel and civilians who lost their lives in recent incidents. Cabinet members paid tribute to those who died and expressed sympathy with their families. Speaking at the meeting, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said his government was focused on improving law and order across Balochistan.

Saudi Arabia has appointed Dr Rajeh bin Tami Al-Baqami as its new ambassador to Pakistan, replacing Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki. The appointment comes as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia continue to strengthen their longstanding partnership in defence, investment, trade and regional security. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Al-Baqami was among eight newly appointed ambassadors who recently took the oath of office. The ministry shared photographs of the newly appointed envoys and said they had been sworn in on behalf of the Saudi leadership. Al-Baqami brings both military and diplomatic experience to his new position. He previously served as a major general in the Saudi armed forces before joining the Foreign Ministry at ambassadorial rank. He holds a doctorate in Human Resource Management from Brunel University London. His appointment comes at a time when Islamabad and Riyadh are expanding their strategic cooperation. The two countries recently formalised their defence partnership through a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. Under the agreement, aggression against either country is considered an attack on both, further strengthening their long-standing military relationship. Economic cooperation has also become an important part of bilateral ties. Saudi Arabia has pledged major investments in Pakistan under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 programme. Riyadh has also provided financial assistance to Pakistan during periods of economic and balance-of-payments pressure. Saudi Arabia remains an important source of oil supplies for Pakistan, including arrangements involving deferred payments. The kingdom has also supported Pakistan’s foreign exchange position through deposits with the State Bank of Pakistan. Relations between the two countries have gained further momentum amid changing regional security dynamics. Islamabad and Riyadh have maintained close consultations on regional developments, including tensions involving Iran. Pakistan has also provided military support to Saudi Arabia during periods of heightened security concerns in the region. Al-Baqami succeeds Al-Malki, who served as Saudi ambassador during a period of expanding political, defence and economic cooperation between the two countries. His arrival is expected to provide further momentum to bilateral engagement and strengthen coordination between Islamabad and Riyadh.

MANCHESTER: British-Pakistani entrepreneur Shafiq Akbar has announced that an online property verification service in Pakistan will be launched next month, describing it as a major step towards protecting overseas Pakistanis from property fraud and restoring confidence in the country’s real estate sector. Speaking at an investment event in Manchester, Akbar said many overseas Pakistanis want to invest in Pakistan, whether to own a home, establish a base in the country or build long-term wealth. However, he said the biggest concern preventing many from investing is the fear of fraud and uncertainty over whether their investment will be secure. He said overseas Pakistanis need confidence that the promises made to them will be fulfilled, whether that is receiving ownership of a home or achieving the expected returns on their investment. “It is our responsibility, as Pakistanis, together with the Government of Pakistan and the private sector, to ensure their investments are protected,” he said. Akbar revealed that an online property verification service will be launched in Pakistan next month, allowing overseas buyers to verify the legal status and ownership of properties remotely before making a purchase. He said Pakistanis living in countries such as the UK will be able to check online whether a property in Islamabad has any legal, ownership or other issues before investing, helping them make informed decisions with greater peace of mind. He said the initiative is aimed at improving transparency in Pakistan’s real estate market and reducing the risk of fraudulent transactions, which have discouraged some overseas Pakistanis from investing. Highlighting Pakistan’s investment potential, Akbar said his experience over the past decade has convinced him that the country offers significantly greater growth opportunities than more mature economies. Comparing Islamabad with London, he said the Pakistani capital has witnessed remarkable infrastructure development over the past five to ten years, including new roads, underpasses, motorways, airport expansion and major public infrastructure projects. He said Pakistan’s growing population, expanding infrastructure and status as a developing economy continue to create strong long-term investment opportunities. Akbar also urged the Government of Pakistan to prioritise the protection of overseas Pakistanis’ investments by strengthening legal safeguards and providing greater security for investors. He said giving overseas Pakistanis confidence that their investments are safe would encourage them to invest back home with peace of mind. The online property verification service has yet to be launched, and further details regarding its implementation, regulatory oversight and the mechanism for verifying property records have not yet been disclosed.