Lainey Wilson details heartwarming last call with …

ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has called for restraint and dialogue amid the ongoing protest movement in Kashmir, urging state institutions to prioritize reconciliation over confrontation. In a video message released on Friday, the veteran religious and political leader said demonstrations in Kashmir have continued for nearly two months, describing the movement as a reflection of public frustration. He paid tribute to the patience and resilience of the Kashmiri people, saying they had shown remarkable endurance despite prolonged unrest. According to Fazlur Rehman, tensions escalated on June 5, prompting efforts by a mediation committee to help resolve the crisis through negotiations. He said the committee had approached him with confidence to support a peaceful settlement, but claimed its efforts did not receive the attention they deserved from the authorities. The JUI-F chief alleged that the government had remained focused on suppressing the movement through the use of force rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue. He appealed to the protest committee to allow more time for mediation and avoid taking any major step that could further escalate the situation. “I salute the patience and perseverance of the Kashmiri people,” Fazlur Rehman said, adding that the movement was spreading across Kashmir and drawing attention from audiences around the world. He also urged state institutions to adopt a path of peace instead of violence, emphasizing that reconciliation and mutual understanding were essential for resolving political disputes and restoring stability. The remarks come at a time of heightened political activity and continued demonstrations in parts of Kashmir, where various groups have been calling for action on governance and public concerns. While political leaders continue to offer differing assessments of the situation, Fazlur Rehman stressed that dialogue remains the most effective way to reduce tensions and move toward a lasting solution.

The Election Commission of Pakistan has agreed in principle to hold long-delayed local government elections in Punjab between December 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027. The decision was reached during an ECP meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja on Thursday. The meeting was held to discuss the proposed schedule and preparations for local polls in the province. A Punjab government delegation attended the meeting. The delegation included Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq, Mines and Minerals Minister Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani, Agriculture Minister Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Shah and Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat. The Punjab chief secretary and senior local government officials were also present. The ECP was informed that the delimitation process for Punjab had been completed, clearing an important hurdle in preparations for the elections. Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja stressed that elected local governments are a constitutional requirement under Article 140-A. He also pointed out that election authorities are legally required to conduct local government elections within the prescribed period after the expiry of elected local bodies. Punjab officials said the provincial government needed sufficient time to complete administrative preparations, arrange financial resources and deploy staff for the electoral process. The provincial government proposed the December 15 to January 15 window as the most suitable period for polling. Officials said school examinations would have concluded by then, allowing educational staff to be available for election duties. The government also cited weather conditions as a factor. Holding the elections during the proposed period could help avoid difficulties associated with heavy fog during other parts of the winter season. Punjab authorities further informed the ECP that they preferred conducting the elections in phases. Officials said phased polling would allow better security arrangements and make it easier for the administration to manage the large-scale electoral exercise. The ECP accepted the proposed timeframe in principle and directed the Punjab government to submit a detailed plan promptly if it wanted the elections to be conducted in multiple phases. The commission said the proposed arrangements could help move the province toward fulfilling its constitutional obligation of establishing elected local governments. The Punjab government has already allocated Rs12.52 billion for the local elections. It has also approved the recruitment of 900 Union Council secretaries to support the functioning of local bodies. Punjab has not held local government elections since 2015. The previous polls were conducted in several phases between October and December that year. The elected local councils began functioning in 2017 after mayors and chairpersons were selected through indirect elections. The local governments were dissolved in April 2019 by the then Punjab government before completing their full term. The Supreme Court subsequently ordered their restoration, and the councils eventually completed their tenure on December 31, 2021. Since then, local government elections have remained pending amid repeated changes to Punjab’s local government laws. Successive provincial administrations amended or replaced the relevant legislation, forcing the ECP to repeatedly revise its preparations and carry out fresh delimitation exercises.

A low-level flood has been recorded in the Ravi River near Kamalia after water levels increased at the Mil Fatyana point. Authorities have stepped up monitoring and emergency preparations as floodwater continues to move downstream. According to the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Irrigation, around 50,000 cusecs of water is flowing through the Mil Fatyana section of the Ravi River. Officials are closely monitoring the river to assess any further rise in water levels and to ensure timely action if conditions worsen. The district administration has established flood relief camps in several vulnerable areas. The camps have been set up in Mil Fatyana, Kot Pathana, Adda Kalaira, Mauza Tara, Haveli Mai Safuran, Kot Karam Shah and Dedi. These facilities are intended to provide temporary shelter, food and emergency assistance to residents if evacuations become necessary. As part of efforts to improve disaster preparedness, Punjab has launched drone-based flood monitoring for the first time. The technology is being used to monitor river conditions, identify vulnerable locations and issue early warnings before floodwaters reach populated areas. Officials believe the system will help improve response times and reduce the impact of flooding. The rising water has already affected nearby agricultural land. Standing crops in Mil Fatyana, Khan Da Chak, Jhalar Sigla, Shahabal Shah, Basti Peepal Wala and Mauza Darsana have been submerged, raising concerns about crop losses and the financial impact on local farmers. The Irrigation Department has urged people living along the river belt to remain alert and cooperate with local authorities. Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to move to safer locations as a precaution against any further increase in water levels. Officials said surveillance of the Ravi River will continue around the clock. Rescue teams and local administration remain on standby to respond quickly if the flood situation intensifies. Authorities have also appealed to the public to follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary movement near the river until conditions become safe.