Phuket Authorities Probe Jewish Chabad House Center in Nominee Crackdown

ISLAMABAD: Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam has extended heartfelt greetings to the Pakistani government and people on the country’s 79th Independence Day. In his message, the Iranian envoy described Pakistan as a great friend, neighbour and brotherly country. He praised the Pakistani people’s resilience, unity and achievements, saying Iran deeply valued their determination. Amiri Moghaddam said Iran attached great importance to its longstanding ties with Pakistan, based on friendship, mutual respect and cooperation. He said the commitment demonstrated by the leadership of both countries had opened the way for a new phase in bilateral relations. The ambassador said Iran-Pakistan relations were passing through an important turning point, with a new era of engagement and cooperation beginning between the two neighbouring countries. He said Iran wished continued prosperity, peace, security, development and wellbeing for the people of Pakistan. Amiri Moghaddam reaffirmed Iran’s desire to further strengthen the historic friendship between the two countries. He said Tehran remained committed to deepening bilateral relations in a manner that served the mutual interests of the Iranian and Pakistani peoples.

Pakistan is continuing diplomatic efforts to bring the United States and Iran back to the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a bid to ease regional tensions and promote dialogue, the Foreign Office (FO) said on Thursday. Speaking at the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Pakistan remains actively engaged with all relevant parties to encourage the implementation of the Islamabad MoU and the Pakistan-Qatar joint understanding aimed at reducing tensions. He said negotiations are continuing to restore stability, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, and to support efforts for de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy. The spokesperson noted that although the region had witnessed a brief period of relative calm, the security situation remains fragile. He said Pakistan hopes the reduction in hostilities will pave the way for a lasting ceasefire and meaningful negotiations. Reaffirming Islamabad’s position, Andrabi said dialogue and diplomacy remain the only practical solution to the ongoing crisis. He added that Pakistan welcomes every initiative aimed at resuming talks between Iran and the United States and will continue to play a constructive role in regional peace efforts. He urged all sides to exercise maximum restraint and honour their commitments to resume technical-level discussions under the Islamabad MoU. Highlighting Pakistan’s recent diplomatic engagements, Andrabi said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman agreed to continue close coordination for regional peace, stability and the uninterrupted movement of lawful maritime trade through the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. He said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also held separate telephone conversations with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. The discussions focused on the evolving regional situation, diplomatic cooperation and efforts to maintain peace and stability. The spokesperson said Pakistan and Kuwait also reaffirmed their longstanding partnership and agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy, information technology, agriculture, education and healthcare. He added that Kuwait’s ratification of the Pakistan-Kuwait Defence Cooperation Agreement would further strengthen defence collaboration between the two countries. Andrabi also highlighted Pakistan’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting, where Islamabad reaffirmed its commitment to regional connectivity, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative while expressing readiness to assume the SCO chairmanship for 2026-27. On Pakistan-US relations, he said Ishaq Dar recently met a visiting US congressional delegation and an American business delegation, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation through stronger parliamentary, economic and people-to-people engagement. Addressing the situation in Palestine, Andrabi said Pakistan joined several Arab and Islamic countries in condemning Israeli actions in Jerusalem and called on the international community to uphold international law, protect Palestinian rights and preserve the historical and religious status of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has claimed that the public response at the PML-N rally in Mirpur shows that her party will secure a strong victory across Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a public gathering in Mirpur, Maryam Nawaz praised the enthusiasm of the participants despite the intense heat. She said the large turnout reflected growing support for the PML-N in the region. She said that people in Muzaffarabad also attended the party’s gathering despite heavy rainfall, adding that she had not come to Mirpur as a political visitor but as someone returning to her ancestral home. Maryam Nawaz said Mirpur has beautiful houses and significant potential, but its roads and infrastructure require major improvement. She added that the time had come to begin a new phase of development in the city. Recalling her visit with Nawaz Sharif, she said the former prime minister repeatedly admired the beauty of the region during their journey and appreciated its natural landscape. The Punjab chief minister said Kashmir has abundant resources and talented people, but it lacks modern infrastructure. She stressed the need for better roads, advanced hospitals and improved facilities to promote tourism and economic growth in Azad Kashmir. She claimed that the PML-N would provide the same facilities in Azad Kashmir that it has introduced in Punjab if it wins the upcoming elections. She announced that even before the elections, she was bringing a gift of 10 electric buses for Mirpur. Maryam Nawaz highlighted Punjab government initiatives, saying that around 200,000 people had received homes under the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” housing project within two years. She said Azad Kashmir could surpass Punjab in development within five years if honest and effective governance was ensured. She also called for introducing projects such as a Safe City system and housing schemes in Azad Kashmir to improve public security and living standards. Criticising rival political parties, Maryam Nawaz said no other party could point to major development work carried out in Kashmir. She challenged opponents to identify even a single major infrastructure project completed by them. She urged voters to make a careful decision, warning that choosing the wrong leadership could delay development opportunities. She said people from other provinces often praise Punjab’s progress and wish for similar governance. Maryam Nawaz said that removing Nawaz Sharif’s contributions from Pakistan’s development history would leave behind “only ruins.” She promised that if people supported the PML-N, the party would bring changes in Azad Kashmir beyond public expectations and work to transform the region’s future.

Protective embankments inspected at Head Sidhnai, Mai Safura, Kund Sargana and Fazil Shah as Ravi and Chenab water levels remain under continuous surveillance Khanewal: Deputy Commissioner Khanewal Hena Arshad has issued a pre-emptive alert to all relevant departments, directing them to maintain complete operational preparedness for any possible flood emergency in the district. The alert comes as Punjab faces an evolving monsoon and river-flood situation. According to the latest official update, moderate flooding has been recorded in the River Chenab at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge. Low-level flooding has also been reported at Trimmu on the Chenab and at Balloki and Sidhnai on the River Ravi. The Deputy Commissioner visited Head Sidhnai, the Mai Safura Bund Breaching Section, Kund Sargana and Fazil Shah Bund, where she inspected flood-protection infrastructure and reviewed emergency response arrangements. Officials of the Irrigation Department briefed her on the prevailing water situation in the Ravi and Chenab rivers, the structural strength of protective embankments, vulnerable riverine areas, evacuation planning and precautionary measures being taken to minimise possible losses. Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue Fazal Abbas, Assistant Commissioner Kabirwala Muhammad Haroon and officers representing the Irrigation Department, Rescue 1122, Revenue Department and other concerned agencies accompanied the Deputy Commissioner during the inspection. At Head Sidhnai, Hena Arshad inspected the Mai Safura Bund Breaching Section, surrounding flood embankments and the railway bridge. She reviewed the condition of the protective infrastructure and the safety measures being implemented around vulnerable locations. The Deputy Commissioner directed the Irrigation Department, Kabirwala tehsil administration, Rescue 1122, Revenue Department and other agencies to remain fully alert and maintain uninterrupted coordination. She stressed that machinery, rescue boats, emergency equipment, personnel and transportation resources must remain available for immediate deployment. Any weakness detected in an embankment or protective structure should be repaired without delay, she added. Earlier, while chairing a flood-preparedness meeting at Head Sidhnai, the Deputy Commissioner said that the district administration had completed the necessary arrangements to respond effectively to a possible emergency. She ordered the immediate strengthening of flood embankments, removal of encroachments from waterways and vulnerable locations, and implementation of all remaining precautionary measures. During her visits to Kund Sargana and Fazil Shah Bund, Hena Arshad instructed officials to prepare for the timely and safe evacuation of residents from low-lying riverine settlements whenever water conditions require such action. She directed the administration to identify vulnerable populations in advance, maintain updated evacuation lists and ensure the availability of transport for families, livestock and essential belongings. The Deputy Commissioner also ordered that flood-relief camps and facilities established by the Health and Livestock departments remain fully operational. These camps must be prepared to provide shelter, medicines, drinking water, food, veterinary assistance and other essential services immediately after an emergency is declared. Punjab authorities have intensified flood monitoring across rivers, headworks and barrages. Drone surveillance has also been conducted at Head Sidhnai and other strategic locations to monitor water flows, riverbank erosion and possible incoming flood waves. The wider provincial situation remains sensitive. More than 4,300 residents have already been evacuated from vulnerable settlements along the Chenab in Chiniot district following an increase in water levels, illustrating the speed with which river conditions can affect downstream communities. The National Disaster Management Authority has also issued a weather advisory covering July 25 to July 30, warning of further monsoon activity and associated flooding hazards. Hena Arshad said water levels and river conditions across Khanewal district were being monitored continuously. She instructed all departments to remain vigilant and respond immediately to any rise in water levels, weakening of embankments or other emergency situation. “The protection of citizens’ lives, property and livestock is the district administration’s foremost priority,” the Deputy Commissioner said, reaffirming that negligence or delays in flood-preparedness measures would not be tolerated. Residents of low-lying areas near the Ravi, Head Sidhnai and adjoining riverine belts have been advised to remain attentive to official announcements, avoid approaching rivers and flood channels, and cooperate with the administration if precautionary evacuation becomes necessary. Citizens may contact Rescue 1122 during an immediate emergency or call the Provincial Disaster Management Authority’s disaster helpline 1129 to report flood-related risks and seek assistance.