Pakistan, Qatar push US-Iran 10-day ceasefire plan

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.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh has issued a province-wide weather alert after forecasting widespread rain and thunderstorms across several districts from July 23 to July 25. Authorities have directed all district administrations and emergency response agencies to remain fully prepared for any weather-related emergencies. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), strong monsoon currents entering the region from the Arabian Sea are expected to bring rainfall of varying intensity across Sindh over the next three days. PDMA officials said heavy rainfall is likely in Hyderabad, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Jamshoro and Shaheed Benazirabad. Residents in these districts have been advised to remain cautious and follow official weather advisories. Light to moderate rain is expected in Ghotki, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sukkur and Khairpur, while Larkana, Naushahro Feroze and Thatta are also likely to receive rain accompanied by thunderstorms. In Karachi, the weather is expected to remain warm and humid with partly cloudy skies. Authorities have also predicted isolated drizzle in different parts of the city during the forecast period. PDMA warned that strong winds, thunderstorms and lightning could damage weak buildings, electricity poles, solar panels, billboards and other vulnerable structures. Officials have instructed local administrations to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of accidents and property damage. The disaster management authority has activated its monsoon emergency preparedness plan across the province. Dewatering pumps, heavy machinery and emergency equipment have been kept on standby to deal with urban flooding and rain-related emergencies. Authorities have also identified low-lying areas that are more vulnerable to water accumulation and flash flooding. Emergency teams will be deployed immediately if heavy rainfall causes flooding in any district. PDMA has advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain, stay away from electricity poles and unstable structures, and remain alert during thunderstorms. People have also been urged to monitor official weather updates and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities.

  LAHORE, Aug 12 (APP): Senior journalists, defence analysts and experts have described the Makkah Joint Defence Pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye as a significant step towards regional peace, collective security and stronger defence cooperation. The views emerged during a panel discussion titled “Makkah Pact: Peace, Security and Stability”, organised by the Press Information Department (PID) Lahore. PID Lahore Director General Shafqat Abbas said the agreement aimed to strengthen peace, stability and mutual trust rather than target any country. He stressed the importance of diplomacy, dialogue and cooperation in resolving regional disputes. He said Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye brought different strengths and experiences to the partnership, creating opportunities for cooperation in defence, diplomacy, trade and investment. Abbas also said Pakistan’s national strength should extend beyond defence and include education, science, technology, skilled human resources and a strong economy. He urged the country to turn its defence capabilities into broader economic gains through research, skills development and increased exports. Senior journalist and analyst Mujeebur Rehman Shami highlighted Pakistan’s achievements in defence and diplomacy but called for greater investment in education, science, technology and skills. He also stressed the need to increase exports and improve economic productivity. Journalist Salman Ghani said the three countries offered complementary strengths, with Pakistan contributing its defence capabilities, Saudi Arabia its economic influence and Türkiye its advanced defence industry and technology. He said the pact could also encourage investment and economic cooperation. Defence analyst Col (retd) Abid said Pakistan’s leadership and military diplomacy played an important role in developing the agreement. He noted that its impact could extend beyond defence to economic, diplomatic and strategic affairs. Other speakers, including Dr Faleha Afzal, Malik Salman, Dr Farzana Riaz and journalist Noorullah, called for greater unity among Muslim countries and urged Pakistan to pursue economic development alongside defence preparedness. The participants agreed that stronger cooperation between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye could contribute to regional peace and stability. They also emphasised dialogue, common interests and coordinated efforts to address shared challenges. At the end of the session, Shafqat Abbas thanked the participants and said such discussions helped promote informed public debate on important national and international issues.

KARACHI: The Karachi Traffic Police has announced a comprehensive traffic management plan ahead of the central Chehlum procession on Tuesday, urging commuters to use alternative routes as several major roads will remain closed during the religious event. According to the traffic arrangements, the main Chehlum procession will begin from Nishtar Park at 9:00am and proceed along its traditional route. M.A. Jinnah Road will remain closed to regular traffic for the duration of the procession to ensure the safety of participants and maintain security. Authorities have prepared a series of traffic diversions to minimize disruption across the city. Vehicles traveling from Saddar towards Tower will be redirected through Preedy Street and I.I. Chundrigar Road, while motorists approaching from Shahrah-e-Quaideen will be diverted via Kashmir Road and People’s Chowrangi. Traffic from Korangi, Landhi and the National Highway will be routed through Rashid Minhas Road and the Super Highway. Commuters coming from Nazimabad will be able to use Lasbela, Garden and Nishtar Road, while traffic from Liaquatabad will be diverted from Lasbela Chowk towards Nazimabad No. 10. Motorists traveling from Hassan Square and Shahrah-e-Faisal have also been advised to follow designated diversion routes through Society Light Signal, Teen Hatti and Sher Shah Suri Road. Drivers using Jamshed Road toward Guru Mandir have been asked to use Bahadur Yar Jang Road or Soldier Bazaar Road as alternate routes. Traffic police further announced that heavy vehicles will not be allowed to enter Karachi from 10:00am until the conclusion of the procession. Parking will also be prohibited along the procession route, and any vehicle found violating the restrictions will be removed immediately. Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala will be observed across the country on Tuesday with mourning processions and religious gatherings taking place under heightened security arrangements.