Punjab considers three-day Basant Festival in Lahore for March 2027

Women parliamentarians in Balochistan have strongly condemned the killing of a mother and daughter in Nushki. The victims were reportedly killed after militants entered their home. The lawmakers described the incident as deeply tragic. They said the attack was also against Baloch traditions and social values. They expressed concern over the targeting of civilians, especially women. Speaking at a press conference in Quetta, Balochistan government adviser Meena Majeed said the victims were identified as Bibi Hanifa and Hafsa. She alleged that the two women were killed by militants linked to what the authorities describe as Fitna al-Hindustan. Majeed questioned why the mother and daughter were targeted. She asked what their crime was. She said ordinary Baloch citizens were now facing threats from militants. She also expressed concern about the targeting of women. Majeed said the government and security forces were continuing operations against militants in the province. She assured that those involved in the Nushki attack would be identified and brought before the law. She said the government would continue efforts to protect civilians. Balochistan Assembly Deputy Speaker Ghazala also condemned the incident. She said women parliamentarians would not remain silent over the killing of the mother and daughter. Ghazala stressed that women must be protected everywhere. She said their safety should remain a priority under all circumstances. Provincial Education Minister Raheela Durrani also expressed strong concern over the incident. Durrani questioned the message being sent about Balochistan when women were targeted and killed. She said such incidents damage the image of the province and create fear among local communities. The women lawmakers said violence against civilians could not be tolerated. They called for effective action against those responsible for the killings. They also stressed the need for stronger security measures to protect women and other vulnerable citizens. The lawmakers expressed solidarity with the victims’ families. They said the government and security institutions must ensure that those responsible for the attack face justice.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Palwasha Khan has criticised the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) over the recent political developments in Kashmir. Khan said those who had won what she called a “fixed match” in Kashmir should not lecture others about the public mandate. In a statement, the PPP senator alleged that attempts were made to manipulate the electoral process in Kashmir. She claimed that re-polling was conducted repeatedly in some areas. According to Khan, these actions were part of an alleged attempt to influence the election results. She said the PPP had formally raised objections over the process. Khan said her party had submitted complaints to the relevant authorities. She added that the complaints were supported by evidence. The PPP senator also made allegations against PML-N candidates who won seats in Kashmir. She claimed that some successful candidates could not even visit their own constituencies. Khan said the political situation in Kashmir should be judged on the basis of facts on the ground. She rejected what she described as attempts to present the election results as a clear reflection of public opinion. She also turned her criticism towards the political situation in Punjab. Khan said Lahore should not be treated as a reflection of the entire province. “Lahore is not the whole of Punjab,” she said. The PPP leader urged political leaders to move beyond Lahore and assess the situation in other parts of Punjab. She said the realities outside the provincial capital were different. Khan also claimed that people in Punjab were living under fear because of the Criminal Case Department, or CCD. She said the situation had created concern among citizens. The senator criticised the alleged use of the CCD and said the PPP would oppose any move that could increase its role in Kashmir. “We will not allow Kashmir to be handed over to the CCD,” Khan said. Her statement comes amid political tensions over the election process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Political parties have continued to exchange allegations over polling, re-polling and the credibility of election results. Khan’s remarks reflect the PPP’s wider criticism of the political situation and alleged electoral irregularities. The party has called for its complaints and evidence to be properly examined by the relevant authorities.