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Thousands of mourners across Pakistan observed the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala on Tuesday, with religious processions and gatherings taking place under extensive security arrangements in major cities. Authorities deployed thousands of police personnel, installed surveillance systems and implemented strict traffic and security measures to ensure the peaceful observance of the occasion. In Karachi, the central Chehlum procession began from Nishtar Park after a religious gathering. The procession is following its traditional route under a comprehensive security plan. More than 5,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed along the route, while roads leading to the procession have been sealed with containers. Senior police officials visited the route to review security arrangements and monitor the deployment. The city administration urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, follow traffic advisories and use alternate routes to avoid inconvenience. In Lahore, the main Chehlum procession started from Haveli Alif Shah inside Delhi Gate and is proceeding along its traditional route before concluding at Karbala Gamay Shah. More than 10,000 police personnel have been assigned to provide security. Roads and streets connected to the procession route have been secured with barriers and barbed wire, while surveillance is being carried out through CCTV cameras, drones and sniper deployment on high-rise buildings. Officials said 43 Smart Safe City centres across Punjab are monitoring processions in real time. In Lahore alone, more than 800 surveillance cameras are being used to monitor processions, religious gatherings and other sensitive locations. Additional portable smart cameras have also been installed to strengthen security. In Rawalpindi, the central Chehlum procession commenced from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain under heightened security, with police and other law enforcement agencies deployed throughout the route. In Quetta, two major processions were taken out from Alamdar Road and Hazara Town to commemorate the martyrs of Karbala. More than 1,700 police personnel, supported by the Frontier Corps (FC), have been deployed to maintain law and order. Authorities sealed procession routes and intensified security checks at entry and exit points. CCTV cameras are monitoring the routes, while a Quick Response Force has been stationed at multiple locations to respond to any emergency. As part of the security measures, mobile phone and internet services have been temporarily suspended in several areas of Quetta. Across the country, law enforcement agencies remain on high alert to ensure the peaceful conclusion of Chehlum processions. Authorities have appealed to the public to cooperate with security personnel and follow official instructions to help maintain peace and public safety during the religious observance.

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah  has strongly rejected allegations of electoral rigging in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s LA-27 constituency, calling the claims baseless and politically motivated. Speaking to reporters, Rana Sanaullah said a fake video was being circulated on social media to create the impression that irregularities had taken place during polling in the Muzaffarabad constituency. He alleged that the video was being used as part of a campaign to mislead the public and damage the credibility of the electoral process. He challenged the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to produce credible evidence if it believed rigging had occurred. He said accusations alone were not enough and urged the party to present proof before making such serious claims. Rana Sanaullah said polling in LA-27 had been conducted peacefully since the morning. He added that no complaints had been received regarding polling staff or the administration of any polling station during the voting process. The adviser also questioned whether the PPP had filed any formal complaint with the Election Commission regarding the alleged irregularities. He said the appropriate legal and constitutional forum was available for any political party that wished to challenge the election process. According to Rana Sanaullah, the PPP had adopted a narrative of election rigging from the very beginning instead of waiting for the electoral process to conclude. He maintained that if the party had evidence, it should submit it to the Election Commission for investigation rather than relying on unverified videos and public statements.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi could not have made recent remarks without consulting the prime minister, while calling for a national policy to address the country’s political and administrative challenges. Addressing a press conference in Quetta, Fazlur Rehman said there was no comprehensive national policy to improve the country’s current situation. He said the proposal to create new provinces should be considered carefully in light of Pakistan’s administrative structure and overall capacity. He said creating new provinces was not a bad idea in principle, but stressed that it was not a simple process and required serious consideration of the country’s political, constitutional and financial realities. The JUI-F chief alleged that new political debates were often introduced to divert public attention from pressing national issues. He urged Mahmood Khan Achakzai to convene a meeting of the joint opposition to discuss the country’s political situation. Fazlur Rehman said if such a meeting was not called, his party would organize a broader national-level conference to deliberate on the challenges facing the country. He warned that democracy could not flourish if governments continued to be formed according to individual preferences rather than the public mandate. He further said democratic institutions had weakened and Parliament was no longer functioning effectively. According to him, Pakistan must be governed strictly in accordance with the Constitution to restore public confidence. Calling for a fair and nationally inclusive policy, Fazlur Rehman said the country needed governance based on justice and equality. He also confirmed that JUI-F had decided not to join the government in Balochistan. Commenting on provincial politics, he said JUI-F remained the country’s largest public political movement and added that he had no knowledge of any proposal regarding Abdul Malik Baloch becoming the next chief minister of Balochistan.

AMMAN: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Jordan’s capital, Amman, on Wednesday to participate in a high-level ministerial meeting focused on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, as Islamabad steps up its diplomatic engagement on the ongoing Middle East crisis. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Dar was received at the airport by Jordanian Foreign Ministry Director Suja Al-Majali and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Jordan Khurram Sarfraz, marking the start of an important diplomatic visit. During his stay, Dar is scheduled to attend the ministerial conference on occupied Jerusalem, where regional leaders and foreign ministers are expected to discuss the worsening humanitarian situation in Palestine, recent developments in the region, and coordinated diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability. The deputy prime minister is also expected to hold a meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan, one of the Middle East’s leading voices on the Palestinian issue. The discussions are likely to focus on the latest regional developments, Pakistan-Jordan bilateral ties, and cooperation on matters of mutual interest. In addition, Dar will meet several foreign ministers on the sidelines of the conference to exchange views on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the broader Palestinian issue, and international efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire and political solution. Pakistan has consistently reiterated its support for the Palestinian people and has called for an immediate end to violence, unrestricted humanitarian assistance, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Dar’s visit is being closely watched as Pakistan continues to strengthen diplomatic coordination with regional partners while advocating for peace, stability, and justice for the Palestinian people on international forums.

Pakistan and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation against terrorism during the fourth round of the Pakistan-US Counterterrorism Dialogue held in Washington. The meeting brought together senior officials from both countries to discuss the changing regional and global security situation. The dialogue was led by Pakistan’s Special Secretary Ambassador Nabeel Munir and the US Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Ambassador Gregory LoGerfo. Both sides reviewed the current terrorist threat environment. They exchanged views on security challenges facing the region. Officials also explored practical ways to strengthen cooperation in tackling terrorism and violent extremism. A joint statement issued after the meeting said both countries share a common interest in defeating terrorist organisations. It added that Pakistan and the United States remain committed to working together to improve regional and international security. The discussions focused on strengthening border security and improving coordination between the two countries. Officials also discussed measures to disrupt terrorist financing and facilitation networks. They agreed that closer cooperation is essential to prevent terrorist groups from expanding their activities. During the dialogue, both delegations identified several militant organisations that continue to threaten regional peace and stability. These included ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), Al Qaeda, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), along with affiliated groups. Both governments reaffirmed their determination to confront these organisations and protect their citizens from terrorism. The two countries also agreed to deepen cooperation through bilateral engagement and multilateral platforms. They stressed the importance of intelligence sharing, information exchange, and joint efforts to improve counterterrorism capabilities. Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the two sides held detailed discussions on regional and global terrorist threats. Both countries pledged to enhance collaboration in addressing security challenges and maintaining regional stability. The latest dialogue reflects improving relations between Islamabad and Washington after years of strained ties following the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan in 2021. Since then, both countries have gradually rebuilt engagement by focusing on areas of mutual interest instead of past differences. Besides counterterrorism, Pakistan and the United States have increased cooperation in trade, investment, climate change, and regional peace. Officials from both countries believe continued dialogue is essential to strengthen bilateral relations and promote long-term stability.

Pakistan observed Kashmir Exploitation Day on August 5, with political leaders reaffirming their support for the people of Indian-administered Kashmir and describing India’s actions of August 5, 2019, as illegal and contrary to international law and United Nations resolutions. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan remains committed to supporting the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. In his message, he stated that India’s unilateral constitutional changes made on August 5, 2019, were unlawful and pledged Pakistan’s continued moral, political and diplomatic support for Kashmiris. He also urged India to reverse all measures that altered the disputed region’s constitutional status. The Foreign Office said Pakistan continues to observe Kashmir Exploitation Day to highlight the events of August 5, 2019. A spokesperson praised the courage, resilience and sacrifices of the people of Indian-administered Kashmir and reiterated Islamabad’s support for their cause. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz paid tribute to the families of those who lost their lives during the Kashmir conflict and urged the United Nations and international human rights organisations to take notice of alleged human rights violations in the region. She said Pakistan would never accept the constitutional changes introduced by India in 2019. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said India’s actions were against United Nations Security Council resolutions and called on the international community to play a greater role in protecting human rights in Kashmir. Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani condemned India’s August 5 measures, saying attempts to alter the region’s demographic composition and identity were unacceptable. In Peshawar, a solidarity rally led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi was held from the Civil Secretariat to the Governor House. Government employees and people from different walks of life participated in the event. Addressing the rally, Kundi said Pakistan would continue to stand with the people of Kashmir and support their aspirations. Sindh Home and Law Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar said the use of force and restrictions could not weaken the determination of the Kashmiri people. Sindh Assembly Speaker Owais Qadir Shah also urged the United Nations to play a more effective role in addressing the situation. Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman said the struggle of the Kashmiri people would continue until the dispute is resolved in accordance with United Nations resolutions. Senator Sherry Rehman praised the resilience and determination of Kashmiris, while Federal Minister Amir Muqam, speaking at a rally in Islamabad, reiterated Pakistan’s support for Kashmir and criticised India’s policies in the disputed territory. PPP Parliamentarians Secretary General Nayyar Bukhari also condemned India’s 2019 constitutional changes, saying they had failed to suppress the Kashmiri people’s demand for self-determination and warning that such policies could undermine regional peace.