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The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa parliamentary party meeting reportedly turned tense as several dissatisfied lawmakers openly raised concerns about the party’s strategy for securing the release of PTI founder Imran Khan. The meeting was convened to discuss the political campaign for Khan’s release, but the session became disorderly following remarks by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and members of the disgruntled group. According to details emerging from the meeting, the atmosphere became tense after the chief minister addressed the lawmakers. Members of the dissatisfied group reportedly delivered strong speeches and criticised the existing approach towards the campaign for Khan’s release. Their remarks upset Afridi, leading to a heated exchange during the session. The chief minister assured the disgruntled lawmakers that their reservations would be addressed. However, the assurance did not immediately resolve the differences. Some of the dissatisfied members reportedly left the meeting before it concluded. PTI lawmaker Fazal Elahi said all members of the parliamentary party had attended the meeting. He said the disgruntled lawmakers had demanded that the party organise a convention to formally administer an oath to its members. According to Elahi, a similar commitment should be sought from lawmakers for the campaign demanding Khan’s release, as was done during the Senate elections. Elahi stressed that the movement for Khan’s release should involve practical steps rather than remain limited to statements and discussions. He said the party’s founder could not be released through words alone and that members needed to demonstrate their commitment through action. He added that the remarks made by the dissatisfied lawmakers had caused displeasure during the meeting. The developments point to differences within the PTI parliamentary party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over how the campaign for Khan’s release should be pursued. Some lawmakers appear to be seeking stronger coordination and a more organised political strategy, while the party leadership continues to discuss its future course of action. The meeting is significant because PTI holds a strong political presence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Any disagreement among its parliamentary members could affect the party’s political strategy and coordination in the province. The demand for a formal oath also indicates that some lawmakers want greater commitment from party members before launching further political activities.

Security forces have thwarted a suspected suicide attack on a security check post in South Waziristan, killing four terrorists, according to the military’s media wing. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said terrorists attempted to target a security forces’ post on Saturday using a vehicle packed with explosives. The vehicle was intercepted before it could reach the check post. Security personnel destroyed the explosive-laden vehicle outside the post’s perimeter, killing the suicide bomber inside. The failed attack caused no damage to the check post, according to the military. The ISPR said three other attackers attempted to escape and took shelter in a nearby compound. Security forces subsequently launched a targeted clearance operation and killed all three terrorists. No security personnel were reported killed or injured during the operation. Following the engagement, security forces launched a sanitisation operation in the area to search for any remaining militants and ensure the area was secure. The military said the operation demonstrated the preparedness and professional response of security personnel against terrorist threats. It added that counterterrorism efforts would continue under the government’s broader security strategy. President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for responding quickly and preventing the attack. He said security and law enforcement agencies would continue their operations against terrorism with determination. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also commended the personnel involved in the operation. He said the nation was proud of the security forces and their continued efforts to counter terrorism. The latest incident comes amid heightened security concerns in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where militant attacks have increased in recent years. Security forces have continued targeted operations in several areas to disrupt militant networks and prevent attacks on security personnel and civilians. The South Waziristan operation comes shortly after a deadly attack in Tank district in which several security personnel and a government official were killed. Another attack in Kohat also claimed the lives of government officials after militants ambushed a vehicle at a joint check post.

Floodwaters have spread across large parts of Punjab as heavy monsoon rains continue to put pressure on drainage systems and rivers. The Ravi and Chenab rivers are expected to rise further over the next 24 hours, raising concerns about flooding in several districts. Around 400 square kilometres of land has reportedly been affected by water in areas including Sheikhupura, Muridke, Gujranwala, Narowal, Sambrial and Pasrur. Standing crops, livestock and infrastructure have suffered damage in several locations. Officials said the situation has become particularly difficult because several drains are carrying water well beyond their normal capacity. In some areas, the scale of flooding has created extensive stretches of standing water across roads and agricultural land. The Ravi River has also recorded a significant increase in its flow. Water discharge at Shahdara in Lahore was reported at around 22,000 cusecs, while the flow at Balloki rose to nearly 87,000 cusecs. Officials attributed the sharp increase to heavy rainfall and additional water entering the river through drains. Authorities warned that the situation could take several days to improve. The recovery will depend heavily on weather conditions and whether further heavy rainfall occurs. The Chenab is currently experiencing medium-level flooding at several points, while the Ravi remains at lower levels in some locations. However, forecasts indicate that both rivers could reach medium to high flood levels within the next 24 hours. The Chenab is being closely monitored at Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad. The Ravi is also under watch at Balloki and Sidhnai. Other major rivers are being monitored at key stations as authorities assess the impact of rising water levels. With more rain forecast, district administrations have been placed on high alert. Officials in Lahore, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal and Khanewal are reviewing emergency plans and strengthening flood-monitoring arrangements. In Lahore, officials inspected areas around the Hudiara Drain following heavy rainfall. Teams reviewed drainage operations and monitored the movement of rainwater in affected areas. Authorities also inspected vulnerable points and drainage channels to identify blockages that could worsen urban flooding. Officials have been directed to clear choking points and improve the flow of water. In Nankana Sahib, senior administration officials reviewed the flood situation and emergency response arrangements. Areas affected by river erosion were inspected, while evacuation, rescue and relief plans were also assessed. Khanewal officials inspected Sidhnai Headworks and several flood protection sites. They reviewed the condition of protective embankments and assessed preparedness measures in case river levels rise further. Authorities have urged district administrations to remain vigilant as the next 24 hours could prove critical. Rescue, evacuation and relief teams are being kept ready in vulnerable areas.

Monsoon rains and flooding have disrupted daily life in several parts of the country, with rising water levels and overflowing streams causing damage and cutting off road links. In Mianwali, the rising water level of the Indus River caused a protective embankment to breach, allowing floodwater to enter nearby residential areas. Meanwhile, low-level flooding continues along the Ravi River. In Dadu, rising water levels in the Gaj River have cut off road access to more than 10 villages, leaving residents facing difficulties in travelling and accessing essential supplies. Heavy rain is also continuing in Nangarparkar, Tharparkar, where more than 150 millimetres of rain has been recorded over the past two days. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has also released rainfall figures for Karachi, showing that several parts of the city received rain overnight. In Gilgit-Baltistan, rain in Chilas and surrounding areas has caused streams and waterways to swell, raising concerns about further disruption. The Astore Valley Road has remained closed for the past six days, creating shortages of essential food and other supplies in affected areas. The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rain in parts of Sindh and southern Punjab today. Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious as further rainfall could worsen the flooding situation.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has alleged that an entire network involved in spreading misleading propaganda and disinformation against Pakistan and Pakistani agencies has links to India. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, the minister said most of the content being circulated was related to the banned Action Committee in Kashmir. Tarar claimed that evidence of Indian funding for elements associated with the banned Action Committee was now in the public domain. He said numerous Indian social media accounts had emerged with evidence linking them to the campaign. According to the minister, posts shared through these accounts were aimed at provoking people against the state. He alleged that social media platforms were being used to promote groups involved in mob mobilisation and attempts to take the law into their own hands. The minister said efforts had been made to encourage such elements through social media. He alleged that the campaign was designed to create unrest and chaos in Kashmir. Tarar said Pakistan’s recent successes had not been acceptable to its adversaries. He said Pakistan had achieved gains not only on the military front but also on the diplomatic front. The information minister said the government would continue defending Pakistan’s national interests on every front. He stressed that efforts to spread disinformation and destabilise the country would not be allowed to undermine Pakistan’s interests. Tarar’s remarks came amid continued debate over social media campaigns and alleged foreign influence in Pakistan’s internal affairs. The minister urged the public to remain alert to misleading content and propaganda being circulated online.

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.