K-Electric GM assures Ghouri Arcade residents of relief

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.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has expressed confidence that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will emerge victorious in the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections. In a statement, Azma Bukhari said political opponents alleging electoral rigging would continue to make such claims, but the people would keep placing their trust in the PML-N through the democratic process. She maintained that the party’s candidates were expected to secure victories with comfortable margins. The minister said polling during the second phase of the AJK elections was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, with voters actively participating and exercising their democratic right across the constituencies. Azma Bukhari claimed that many voters were supporting the PML-N because they appreciated the performance of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. She said the provincial government’s development initiatives had strengthened public confidence in the party and encouraged voters to support its candidates. Criticising the opposition, she said parties raising allegations about the electoral process had failed to gain significant public support. According to her, such criticism did not reflect the overall mood of the electorate. Highlighting the party’s development agenda, Azma Bukhari said the people of Azad Kashmir also deserved modern infrastructure and public welfare projects. She referred to improved road networks, electric bus services, and the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing programme as examples of initiatives that could also benefit the region.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and Member of the National Assembly Shazia Marri has strongly criticised the federal government over the deaths of newborn babies in the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) fire, calling the incident a serious example of administrative negligence. In a statement, Marri said innocent children had lost their lives, yet no one appeared to be taking responsibility for the tragedy. She alleged that ordinary citizens were paying the price for what she described as incompetence and poor management by the federal government. Marri demanded that those responsible for the incident be identified and proceeded against according to the law. She questioned the federal health minister’s position, asking what justification there was for remaining in office if the minister could not ensure the safety and proper administration of a major government hospital. The PPP leader said the deaths of newborns could not simply be dismissed as an accident while ignoring possible administrative failures. She called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the PIMS fire and urged authorities to determine whether negligence or shortcomings in hospital management contributed to the loss of lives. Marri also questioned the hospital’s fire safety arrangements and emergency response. She asked where the required safety measures were when the fire broke out and why immediate rescue and emergency procedures could not prevent the deaths. The PPP leader demanded strict legal action against anyone found responsible following the investigation. She said the federal government should accept responsibility for the incident and ensure justice for the families who lost their children. Marri described the loss of innocent lives as irreparable and said those found guilty of negligence should not be given any concession. Her remarks came amid widespread public anger following the PIMS tragedy, which has prompted demands for accountability, improved fire safety systems and stronger emergency preparedness at government hospitals.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) over its recent political gathering in Lahore. She also extended birthday wishes to former president and PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari. In a statement, Bukhari said Zardari should be thankful that he had been spared the embarrassment of another poorly attended gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan. Her remarks came after the PPP announced a Lahore gathering to mark Zardari’s birthday. Bukhari questioned the decision to organise the event in Lahore. She said holding a gathering with a large number of empty chairs would be disrespectful to Zardari. She also criticised those who advised the PPP leadership to hold the event in Lahore. She said the party should review the advice it receives from its provincial leadership. Bukhari claimed that the Governor House Punjab had a large number of empty chairs during the gathering held the previous night. She claimed around 2,000 chairs had been arranged for the event. However, she alleged that only around 150 people were present. The minister used the reported attendance to question the PPP’s political standing in Punjab. She said the party’s poor position in the province was partly linked to the information being provided to its leadership. According to Bukhari, some party leaders are giving senior leadership inaccurate reports about the party’s popularity and political strength. She said such reporting could prevent the PPP leadership from understanding the actual situation on the ground. Bukhari also criticised the PPP’s Punjab leadership for what she described as misplaced priorities. She alleged that the provincial leadership was more focused on the Punjab government than on strengthening the PPP itself. The minister said the party should focus on expanding its political presence and improving its organisational structure in Punjab. She argued that greater attention to party affairs could have prevented the PPP from reaching its current political position in the province. Bukhari’s comments reflect the continuing political rivalry between the ruling Punjab setup and opposition parties in the province. The PPP has traditionally maintained a political presence in Punjab. However, its influence in the province has faced challenges from major political parties. The latest exchange also highlights the importance of public gatherings for political parties. Large rallies are often used to demonstrate public support and organisational strength. Bukhari’s criticism focused heavily on the reported attendance at the Lahore event. She suggested that the number of participants did not match the scale of the arrangements. The PPP has yet to publicly respond to all of Bukhari’s allegations.