IHC seeks answers over delay in judicial appointme…

MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has blamed Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supporters for the death of a PPP worker during clashes in Nikyal amid the ongoing Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections. In a statement, Bilawal expressed condolences to the family of the deceased worker, Mukhtar Younus. He alleged that Younus was killed in firing allegedly carried out by supporters of PML-N candidate Sardar Umair Naeem. Bilawal questioned the role of the relevant authorities and the Election Commission, asking where they were when tensions were reportedly escalating in the constituency. He said a video allegedly showing firing had surfaced two days before the incident. According to Bilawal, timely action on the footage could have prevented the loss of a valuable human life. Bilawal said Mukhtar Younus had been actively campaigning alongside PPP candidate Javed Iqbal Budhanvi. He alleged that political opponents had resorted to aggressive tactics after sensing the possibility of defeat. The PPP chairman called for accountability and urged the authorities to ensure the safety of voters and political workers during the election process. PPP Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman also strongly condemned the death of Mukhtar Younus and the reported injuries to two other party workers during polling in Nikyal. Rehman described the incident as deeply disturbing. She alleged that a climate of fear had been created in the constituency by the PML-N candidate and claimed that authorities had failed to take action despite alleged incidents of violence in recent days. She demanded that the Election Commission take immediate notice of the incident, arrest those responsible and conduct a transparent investigation. Rehman also called for strict legal action against anyone found responsible. She stressed that the electoral process must remain peaceful, transparent and impartial. The PPP leader said political differences must never be allowed to turn into violence. She called for equal and indiscriminate action against those involved in political violence. Rehman also demanded immediate re-polling at several polling stations in LA-8 Kotli-I, Raj Mahal, citing alleged irregularities. She alleged that a PPP polling agent was reportedly held hostage and said complaints had been received from polling stations 76, 77, 79 and 91 to 94. She urged authorities to deploy additional police and security personnel in view of the growing crowds and law-and-order concerns. Rehman called for an impartial investigation into all complaints and urged authorities to provide voters with a secure environment to exercise their right to vote freely. She warned that public confidence in the election results could not be restored without ensuring a transparent electoral process.

ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved an increase in the dealers’ margin on petrol and diesel by Rs1.34 per litre. According to sources, the dealers’ margin on both petrol and diesel has been raised from Rs8.64 to Rs9.98 per litre. Vice Chairman of the All Pakistan Petrol Pumps Owners Association Nauman Butt thanked the prime minister and petroleum minister for approving the increase. The association said the government had fulfilled its long-standing demand by increasing the dealers’ margin by Rs1.34 per litre. Meanwhile, the government collected more petroleum levy revenue than both its target and the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) estimate during the last fiscal year. According to Finance Ministry sources, petroleum levy collections exceeded Rs1.56 trillion during the previous fiscal year. More than Rs50 billion was also collected under the Climate Support Levy. Petroleum levy collections were around Rs100 billion higher than the government’s target and Rs21 billion above the IMF’s estimate. At present, a petroleum levy of Rs80 per litre is being charged on petrol. High-Speed Diesel carries a levy of Rs77.28 per litre. In addition, a separate Climate Support Levy of Rs5 per litre is being imposed on both petrol and diesel.

Heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms lashed Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Saturday. The downpour disrupted routine life in several parts of the two cities. Several areas of Islamabad faced waterlogging after the heavy rainfall. Underpasses in the G-6 sector were filled with rainwater. The accumulation of water caused difficulties for motorists and pedestrians. The situation was also reported to be severe in Chatta Bakhtawar. Roads and streets were submerged under rainwater. Several streets gave the appearance of ponds. Rainwater also entered residential houses in the area, creating problems for residents. The heavy rain also affected electricity supply in different parts of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Several areas experienced power disruptions as the weather conditions deteriorated. Rawalpindi authorities declared a rain emergency following the heavy downpour. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) activated its teams to deal with the situation. Staff members were deployed to affected areas. Heavy machinery was also moved to different locations. The equipment was being used to remove accumulated rainwater and keep major roads and routes clear. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast more rain in several parts of the country. Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northeastern Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir are expected to receive rain. The Met Office has warned that some areas may receive heavy rainfall. The intense rain could increase the risk of flooding in streams and rain-fed waterways. Authorities have also been advised to remain alert in vulnerable areas. Urban flooding may cause further disruption if heavy rain continues. Meanwhile, the water situation in the Indus River has also become a concern. Medium-level flooding has been reported at Kalabagh. Water inflow at Kalabagh was recorded at around 397,000 cusecs. The rising water level has increased pressure on river management authorities. Low-level flooding has also been reported at several major water reservoirs and barrages. These include Tarbela Dam, Chashma Barrage, Taunsa, Guddu and Sukkur Barrage. Despite the flooding at these locations, the overall situation in the country’s other rivers remains normal. The Flood Forecasting Division in Lahore said there was no major flood situation in the remaining rivers.

A religious scholar affiliated with Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) was shot dead by unidentified attackers in the Azam Warsak area of Birmal tehsil in Lower South Waziristan, police said on Saturday. The deceased was identified as Maulana Muhammad Ismail. According to police, the attack took place shortly after Friday prayers when unidentified gunmen riding a motorcycle opened fire on the cleric. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene before he could receive medical assistance. The attackers fled immediately after carrying out the shooting. Police launched a search operation in the area, but no arrests have been made so far. District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Tahir confirmed the incident and said an initial case has been registered. He added that investigators are examining all possible motives behind the attack and collecting evidence to identify those responsible. According to local officials and tribal elders, Maulana Muhammad Ismail was a resident of Kazha Panga and served as a teacher at a religious seminary in the area. He was known for his religious services and educational work in the community. Following the incident, law enforcement personnel reached the crime scene and shifted the body for legal formalities. Security was also tightened in nearby areas as authorities began efforts to trace the attackers. Police said no group has claimed responsibility for the killing. Investigators are questioning witnesses and reviewing available information to determine whether the attack was linked to personal enmity, militancy or any other motive. The killing has once again highlighted security concerns in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where religious and political figures have occasionally been targeted in violent attacks. Earlier this year, former JUI-F provincial lawmaker Maulana Muhammad Idrees was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Charsadda. In a separate incident in January, JUI-F leader Maulana Sultan Muhammad Wazir succumbed to injuries after being critically wounded in a bomb blast near a religious seminary in Wana Bazaar, South Waziristan.