DG NAB Lahore hears public complaints at monthly open court

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has urged the government and protesters in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to agree on the formation of a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate the violence and political tensions that have gripped the region. Speaking to party workers in Muzaffarabad on Tuesday, Bilawal said the commission could provide a peaceful mechanism to determine the facts behind the unrest and help prevent further loss of life. He said maintaining peace, fairness and transparency was particularly important during the ongoing AJK elections, arguing that the issue should not be treated as a contest between winners and losers. According to Bilawal, the PPP had been advocating a truth and reconciliation commission for about a month. He proposed that protesters suspend their demonstrations while the commission investigates the incidents and presents its findings. He criticised both the authorities and protesters for failing to compromise, warning that ordinary Kashmiris were suffering despite having no connection with either side. Bilawal said those responsible for violence should be identified through an investigation rather than being punished on the streets. He also accused the state of giving greater importance to the interests of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) than to the interests of Kashmir. Bilawal questions AJK election process Bilawal also criticised the conduct of the AJK elections, particularly the violence and allegations of irregularities reported during polling in parts of the region. He claimed that the PPP had a strong mandate in Mirpur and alleged that polling stations were forcibly occupied and party polling agents removed. He also accused rival political workers of using violence to influence the electoral process. According to preliminary election results, the PML-N won nine of the 13 constituencies in the first phase, while the PPP secured four seats. Bilawal rejected the results in several constituencies and alleged that the PPP’s mandate had been compromised. He questioned how PPP candidate Chaudhry Yasin could lose his home constituency and described the result as unacceptable. He also criticised the decision to conduct the AJK elections in three phases, alleging that the arrangement had failed to prevent electoral malpractice. The PPP chairman referred to reports of violence, firing and the death of a political worker, while also raising concerns over internet disruptions in parts of the region. He called on the authorities to decide whether national interests or political considerations would guide their actions in AJK. Bilawal warned that continued violence and political instability could damage the future of the region. He urged PPP workers to remain peaceful but said the party would not accept attacks on its supporters or the alleged seizure of polling stations. He also appealed for political restraint, saying that the PPP wanted to pursue peaceful politics but would continue to defend what it considers its electoral mandate.

Police have arrested three transgender persons after registering a case over an alleged attack on the Boat Basin police station in Karachi. The case was lodged by the state following an incident that took place a few days ago. According to police officials, a large group of transgender persons allegedly entered the police station in an agitated state and created unrest inside the premises. They are accused of pelting stones, damaging government property and disrupting official work. Police said the protesters allegedly smashed the windows of vehicles parked at the police station. They also damaged the glass panels of a police mobile and vandalized equipment linked to the Safe City surveillance system. Authorities said the doors of the Safe City monitoring room were also broken during the incident. Officials stated that police personnel tried to calm the protesters and asked them to remain peaceful. However, they claimed that the group continued its protest and refused to leave the premises. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the protesters also allegedly assaulted members of the public who were present at the police station despite repeated warnings from police officers. Eight transgender persons have been nominated in the case, while investigations are continuing to identify and arrest the remaining suspects. Police said the protest erupted after officials detained several beggars under the Beggary Act on the instructions of the assistant commissioner. During the operation, one transgender person reportedly suffered a nosebleed while being taken into custody. According to police, the injury occurred during the detention process. They alleged that the protesters later presented the incident as a case of police torture, which triggered the protest outside and inside the police station. Authorities said an investigation is underway to determine the exact sequence of events. Police are also reviewing available evidence, including surveillance footage, to identify everyone involved in the alleged vandalism and attacks on government property.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has praised the singers, performers and production team behind a new Balochi patriotic song released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) for Independence Day. The prime minister shared the song’s video on X and expressed his appreciation for everyone involved in the project. Shehbaz said the song beautifully reflected the spirit of love for Pakistan. He added that the patriotic composition had filled him with pride. The prime minister particularly acknowledged the artists and singers for presenting the national message through the Balochi language. He said the song showcased the cultural richness of Balochistan while reinforcing feelings of patriotism. He also commended the producers and other members of the team for their contribution. According to Shehbaz, their efforts had successfully conveyed a powerful message of devotion to the homeland. The Balochi-language song forms part of the Independence Day celebrations being held across Pakistan. It combines patriotic sentiments with the region’s distinctive cultural identity. The prime minister said such creative initiatives help highlight Pakistan’s linguistic and cultural diversity. He noted that regional languages provide meaningful ways to express national pride and strengthen a shared sense of identity. Independence Day preparations are underway across the country, with patriotic songs, cultural programmes and other activities planned to mark the occasion.