ICC unveils July’s top cricket stars

The Lahore district administration has declared Tuesday, August 4, as a public holiday across the district to facilitate devotees attending the annual Urs celebrations of the revered Sufi saint Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh. According to an official notification, the holiday will remain effective only within the limits of Lahore district, allowing worshippers to participate in the religious events without disruption. The 983rd annual Urs officially commenced with a traditional chadar-laying ceremony and the inauguration of a milk sabeel at the shrine. The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, who paid tribute to the great Sufi saint and highlighted his enduring message of peace, tolerance, and unity. The Urs is observed over three days and attracts thousands of devotees from across Pakistan. Religious scholars, spiritual leaders, and followers gather at the shrine to offer prayers, recite the Holy Quran, and take part in various religious and spiritual activities held throughout the celebrations. Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh, also known as Hazrat Ali Hajveri, was an 11th-century Persian Sufi scholar born in Ghazni. He later settled in Lahore, where he dedicated his life to spreading the teachings of Islam, compassion, and brotherhood through Sufism. His shrine has since become one of the most significant spiritual landmarks in the region. Data Darbar is widely regarded as South Asia’s largest Sufi shrine and receives millions of visitors every year.

Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Friday said Pakistan’s rapid population growth requires a serious review of the country’s governance and administrative structure to ensure it continues to meet the nation’s needs. Speaking at a news conference, the military spokesperson noted that Pakistan’s population had increased from around 70 to 80 million in 1972 to nearly 250 million today, while the country’s administrative framework had largely remained unchanged. He said such a significant rise in population made it necessary to assess whether the existing system was still capable of delivering effective governance and public services. The DG ISPR stressed that improving governance was essential for national security and stability, adding that unresolved issues indicated the need for reforms. However, he emphasized that any changes to the administrative structure must be introduced through constitutional and democratic processes. He said the decision on governance reforms or administrative restructuring should reflect the aspirations of the people rather than individual opinions. Lt Gen Chaudhry also highlighted that Pakistan’s youth now make up the largest segment of the population and urged political leaders to focus on improving governance while guiding the public through constructive political dialogue. He reiterated that lasting solutions to the country’s governance challenges could only be achieved through constitutional means and in accordance with the will of the people.

SIALKOT: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has rejected claims that he questioned the Kashmiri identity of the people of Rawalakot, saying his remarks had been misunderstood and reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a public gathering in Sialkot on Friday, the senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader said he had “never said that the people of Rawalakot are not Kashmiris.” He stressed that Pakistan’s bond with Kashmir remains unwavering and added that pro-Pakistan slogans continue to be raised in Indian-administered Kashmir. Khawaja Asif also pledged that the government would not allow the abolition of refugee-reserved seats, describing Kashmiri refugees as the rightful stakeholders whose political representation must be protected. “The refugee seats will not be abolished. Kashmiri refugees are the true heirs of these constituencies,” he told supporters, adding that the government remained committed to safeguarding their constitutional and political rights. The defence minister also criticized the Action Committee operating in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, accusing it of encouraging unrest despite the government having previously accepted many of its demands. He claimed that financial assistance amounting to Rs24-25 billion had already been provided to address public concerns. Without presenting evidence, Asif further alleged that some members of the committee were “suspicious” and receiving foreign funding, asserting that their activities were creating unnecessary instability instead of contributing to constructive dialogue. Turning to politics, the PML-N leader expressed confidence that his party would form the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, saying the party remained committed to development, stability and public welfare in the region. His remarks come amid heightened political debate over Kashmir-related issues and governance in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where political parties continue to campaign on questions of representation, development and regional stability ahead of future electoral contests.