Lahore Police receives 60,000+ women helpline calls, CCPO

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has accused the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of adopting double standards over election results, saying the party did not allege rigging when it won in Gilgit-Baltistan but raised accusations of electoral fraud after losing in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Addressing a meeting of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) parliamentary party in AJK, Maryam Nawaz said the PML-N had secured victory in the AJK elections, describing the result as a wise decision by the people despite difficult circumstances. She said the people of AJK had defeated violence, unrest, bloodshed, protests and strikes through the power of their vote. According to her, certain elements wanted to create conflict between Pakistan and AJK, but the election result was a major setback for them. Maryam said the people of AJK knew what they wanted and were aware of the development work being carried out in the federal government and Punjab. She maintained that voters had chosen development and progress over confrontation and instability. The Punjab chief minister said the election was not the biggest test for the PML-N, adding that the real test had now begun. She said her party had faced numerous conspiracies and challenges, while its leaders had also gone through difficult phases. “We have to start working from day one and should not spend time enjoying protocols and invitations,” she said. Referring to the 2021 AJK elections, Maryam said the PML-N had won 17 seats while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had secured three seats. She said immediate work would begin for AJK once the government was formed, stressing that the new administration should focus on public welfare and development. Maryam Nawaz also described PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif as the founder of modern Pakistan, saying the party would continue its efforts to promote development and progress.

ISLAMABAD: Heavy rain lashed Islamabad and Rawalpindi, while several parts of Lahore also received showers, providing relief from hot and humid weather. The rainfall lowered temperatures in many areas, although it also caused traffic disruptions and water accumulation on some roads. The downpour began in the morning and continued intermittently in the twin cities. Residents experienced cooler weather after several days of warm and humid conditions. In Lahore, rain was reported from different localities, bringing pleasant weather to the provincial capital. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a weak monsoon system is currently affecting parts of the country. The weather department said the monsoon winds are interacting with a westerly weather system, which is influencing the northern regions and increasing the chances of rainfall. The PMD has forecast that Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are likely to receive rain at isolated places during the day. Some areas may experience moderate to heavy showers accompanied by gusty winds. The weather department has advised the public to remain cautious during periods of heavy rainfall, particularly in low-lying areas where water may accumulate. Motorists have also been urged to drive carefully on slippery roads and avoid unnecessary travel during intense downpours. Authorities are monitoring the weather situation and have asked relevant departments to stay prepared for any emergencies caused by heavy rain. Citizens have also been encouraged to follow official weather advisories and take precautionary measures where needed.

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission has revised the schedule for the third phase of the Legislative Assembly elections. Polling in Poonch and Sudhanoti districts has been postponed. The election commission has now decided to hold the third phase in Bagh and Haveli districts. Under the earlier schedule, polling was planned for August 10. Voting was expected to take place across 11 seats in four districts of the Poonch division. The election authorities have now changed the plan. The new schedule will cover constituencies in Bagh and Haveli. The first two phases of the AJK elections have already been completed. The first phase was held on July 27 in the Mirpur Division. The second phase took place on August 2 in the Muzaffarabad Division. The elections are being closely watched because of the political contest between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the Pakistan Peoples Party. The PML-N has emerged as the leading party in the first two phases. Its leaders have claimed that the party has secured enough support to form the next AJK government. In the second phase, voting was held in 21 constituencies. Nine seats were located in the Muzaffarabad Division. Twelve seats were reserved for Kashmiri refugees settled in different parts of Pakistan. According to unofficial and provisional results, the PML-N won 15 of the 21 seats. The PPP secured the remaining six seats. The PML-N had also performed strongly during the first phase. Unofficial results showed the party winning nine constituencies. The PPP won four seats. The election process has also been accompanied by allegations of irregularities and violence. The PPP has questioned the fairness of the elections and accused the authorities of failing to ensure a transparent process. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has strongly criticised the election process. He described the polls as unfair and alleged that violence and irregularities affected the voting. Bilawal also said the PPP would continue its political struggle despite the party’s performance in the elections. He claimed that the federal government would face political challenges in the future. The PML-N has rejected the allegations. PML-N leader and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah challenged the PPP to present evidence of electoral irregularities before the election commission. He said accusations should be supported by evidence. He also accused the PPP of promoting allegations of rigging from the beginning of the election process. The revised schedule has now shifted attention towards Bagh and Haveli. The election authorities are expected to provide further details about polling arrangements and the dates for voting in the postponed constituencies.