Jannik Sinner withdraws from Cincinnati with knee injury

The National Assembly Secretariat has suspended security assistant Waqas Ahmed over alleged misuse of official powers. According to an official notification issued by the National Assembly Secretariat, the security official has been removed from his existing duties and directed to report immediately to the Human Resources Management Branch. The notification did not provide detailed information about the specific incident or circumstances that led to the disciplinary action. However, it stated that the suspension was linked to the alleged misuse of authority. The development comes as the National Assembly Secretariat continues to enforce administrative and disciplinary measures among its employees to ensure compliance with official rules and regulations. Waqas Ahmed has been instructed to follow the directions contained in the notification and report to the designated HR branch without delay. Further action in the matter is expected after the relevant authorities examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged violation.

MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has reiterated that the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) alone should have the authority to determine their government and future, as political campaigning intensifies ahead of the second phase of the AJK elections. In a video message focusing on the Kashmiri people’s right to self-governance, Bilawal said his party was committed to ensuring that the residents of Azad Kashmir enjoy the same democratic rights as every citizen of Pakistan. “I want the people of Kashmir to receive the same rights that every Pakistani citizen enjoys,” Bilawal said, adding that the most fundamental of these rights is the right to sovereignty through the power of the vote. Explaining his vision, the PPP chairman said the true meaning of sovereignty is that every vote should be respected and accurately reflected in the election results. According to him, the public mandate must remain free from outside influence so that the will of the people prevails. Bilawal also stressed the need for greater representation of Azad Kashmir in national decision-making institutions. He argued that whenever key decisions are made regarding the region’s water resources, electricity or budgetary matters, Kashmir should have its own seat and an effective voice at the table. He maintained that stronger institutional representation would ensure that the interests of the people of Azad Kashmir are protected while promoting more inclusive governance. As part of his election campaign, Bilawal urged voters to support the PPP in the upcoming polls, asking them to stamp the party’s traditional arrow symbol on August 2. He said the election represented an opportunity for the people to safeguard their democratic rights and send a clear message that the future of Kashmir should be determined by its own citizens. The PPP chairman’s remarks come as political parties intensify their campaigns across Azad Kashmir ahead of polling, with issues of governance, development, constitutional rights and public representation dominating election debates. The second phase of the Azad Kashmir elections is expected to draw significant voter participation, with major political parties competing for crucial seats. Political analysts believe voter turnout and public confidence in the electoral process will play a decisive role in shaping the region’s next government and its political direction in the years ahead.

Heavy rain continued in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Several low-lying areas were flooded after hours of intense rainfall. Water levels in Nullah Lai rose sharply. The situation has created concerns about possible flooding in areas located along the waterway. According to the Managing Director of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), the water level at Katarian reached 20 feet. Warning sirens were sounded around Nullah Lai as a precaution. The water level at Gawalmandi Bridge was also recorded at 17 feet. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as more rainfall is expected in the region. Residents living along the banks of Nullah Lai were advised to leave their homes immediately. The administration has urged people in vulnerable areas to move to safer locations. Several parts of Rawalpindi were affected by the heavy rain. Pirwadhai was among the areas that came under water. Roads and streets in low-lying localities were also affected. Rain was also reported in other parts of Punjab. Gujrat and Sialkot received thunderstorms and heavy showers. The weather conditions remained unstable in several cities. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rain in different parts of Punjab from August 17 to 20. Authorities have warned that heavy rainfall could increase the risk of urban flooding. The weather department had already issued an alert for the sixth spell of monsoon rains across Punjab. The spell is expected to bring rain to several areas. Officials have advised residents to remain alert. People living near Nullah Lai and other vulnerable waterways have been urged to follow official instructions. Authorities are also monitoring water levels and drainage systems. Emergency measures are being taken in areas where the risk of flooding is higher. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall. They have also been urged to stay away from flooded roads, drains and fast-flowing water.