Islamabad district courts begin summer break

Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) can help address the longstanding deprivations faced by Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). She made the remarks while addressing a PML-N rally in Rawalpindi. She also urged party workers to actively support PML-N candidates and work for their success. Marryium Aurangzeb said the PML-N had delivered development projects across Punjab. She rejected criticism that the provincial government had focused only on Lahore. She said roads and other infrastructure had been developed in cities across Punjab. She asked critics to visit different parts of the province and assess the development work themselves. The senior minister also challenged the opposition to present similar development projects instead of criticising the government. She referred to the motorway projects built during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure. She also mentioned the metro bus services introduced during Shehbaz Sharif’s tenure. “Do not just complain. Build a motorway like Nawaz Sharif did,” she said. She added that critics should also demonstrate their ability to provide public transport services similar to those introduced under Shehbaz Sharif. Marryium Aurangzeb highlighted development initiatives in Azad Kashmir as well. She said green buses were now operating on the roads of Muzaffarabad. She also praised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s housing programme. She said the provincial government had provided homes to around 200,000 people through the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” initiative during the first 18 months. The senior minister also highlighted the government’s education programmes. She said 100,000 children had received laptops under the provincial government’s laptop scheme. She added that 50,000 students had been awarded Honhaar scholarships. According to Marriyum Aurangzeb, these initiatives were aimed at supporting students and creating better educational opportunities for young people. She said the PML-N had a record of development and public welfare projects. She urged party workers to remain united and campaign actively for the party’s candidates. Marryium Aurangzeb maintained that the PML-N could play an important role in addressing the grievances of the people of AJK and bringing development to the region.

First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari has called on the Punjab government to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the murder of Hina Javed in Rawalpindi. Aseefa expressed deep sorrow over the killing and conveyed her condolences to Hina’s family. She said those responsible for the crime must be identified and brought to justice. Hina Javed was found dead inside the bathroom of her apartment in Askari Apartments, Lal Kurti, on Thursday evening. Police said the initial examination indicated signs of violence and a mark around her neck. Aseefa urged the provincial authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the case. She stressed that the circumstances surrounding Hina’s death must be fully established and that no aspect of the investigation should be overlooked. She said the perpetrators must face the law and called for strict action to ensure that such incidents are not repeated. The First Lady also expressed concern over increasing incidents of violence against women in Pakistan. She called for stronger measures to protect women and prevent violence against them. According to the first information report registered at Civil Lines Police Station on August 20, Hina’s brother, Fahid Javed, accused her husband, father-in-law and a domestic servant of being involved in her death. Fahid told police that he received a call from Hina’s father-in-law at around 6:53pm on Thursday. He was informed about an emergency at the apartment. He then reached the residence with other family members at around 7:23pm. The complainant said he found his sister’s body in the bathroom. He alleged that Hina had been subjected to severe violence and mistreatment. He also raised suspicion that she may have been given a poisonous substance before her death. The FIR was registered under Sections 302 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The complaint states that Hina married the main suspect in November 2025. An initial postmortem examination reportedly found a strangulation mark around her neck, an injury below her right lip and bleeding. Police have detained Hina’s husband and a domestic servant in connection with the murder. Her father-in-law is also being questioned as part of the investigation.

The Punjab government is expected to consider a request for Rs12.5 billion to finance the upcoming local government elections in the province. According to official sources, the Punjab Local Government Department has formally sought the funds from the provincial government to meet the financial requirements for conducting the elections. The requested amount is intended to cover the expenses associated with organising the electoral process, including administrative arrangements, polling operations, election staff, logistics and other necessary preparations. Sources said the proposal for the release of funds will be presented before the Punjab Cabinet for approval. The cabinet will review the request and decide whether to allocate the required amount for the elections. An important meeting of the Punjab Cabinet has been convened for today. The meeting is expected to discuss several major policy and administrative matters, with the funding proposal for local government elections among the key agenda items. If the cabinet approves the request, the release of funds will pave the way for the Election Commission and the provincial authorities to begin practical preparations for the long-awaited local government elections. The financial allocation is considered a key step toward ensuring that the electoral process is conducted smoothly and that all logistical and administrative requirements are met on time. Officials believe that timely approval of the funds will help avoid delays in election preparations and support the successful organisation of local government polls across Punjab.