Pakistan hold Norway Cup rivals to 2-2 draw in thrilling group match

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.

PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan has voiced support for the creation of new provinces, saying administrative reforms are needed to improve governance, but stressed that any such move must be carried out strictly under the Constitution and with broad political consensus. Speaking during a television interview on Thursday, Gohar described the formation of new provinces as a national necessity. However, he emphasized that constitutional requirements must be fulfilled, including securing a two-thirds majority in the relevant provincial assemblies before any proposal could move forward. The PTI chairman also expressed skepticism about Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif completing his full five-year constitutional term, though he did not elaborate on the reasons behind his remarks. The debate over creating new provinces gained momentum after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently argued that Pakistan’s governance system had become ineffective and required major structural reforms, including the establishment of additional administrative units. Naqvi later clarified that his comments reflected concerns about the country’s governance over several decades rather than criticism of the current government. The proposal has drawn mixed political reactions. Murad Ali Shah firmly rejected any suggestion of dividing Sindh, stating that the provincial assembly has repeatedly passed unanimous resolutions opposing such a move. He maintained that any change would require constitutional approval through a two-thirds majority in the concerned assembly. Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah distanced the government from Naqvi’s remarks, describing them as the minister’s personal opinion. He said any discussion on creating new provinces should take place in parliament and follow the constitutional process. Sanaullah noted that establishing new provinces involves complex constitutional, financial and administrative considerations, including representation in parliament and resource distribution.