Songkran Road Toll Reaches 191 in Five Days

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has extended her greetings to Muslims on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH). In her message, she said the blessed occasion is a source of happiness and spiritual fulfilment for every Muslim. She said the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) brought immense blessings and guidance to humanity. Maryam Nawaz said the arrival of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) transformed the course of human history. His message provided people with a clear path based on faith, justice and compassion. She said the Holy Prophet (PBUH) gave dignity and respect to the weak and vulnerable members of society. He established principles of equality and justice and taught people to treat others with kindness and fairness. The chief minister said the birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) brought an end to ignorance and false beliefs. It spread the message of monotheism and strengthened the belief in the oneness of Allah Almighty. She said the teachings and character of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) remain a source of guidance for Muslims and humanity as a whole. Maryam Nawaz urged people to reflect on the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and follow his example in their daily lives. She said the true spirit of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) lies in promoting peace, compassion, brotherhood, justice and respect for humanity. She prayed that Allah Almighty bless the country and its people and enable everyone to follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

KARACHI: Internal differences within Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) intensified on Sunday after supporters of two rival factions allegedly clashed outside the party’s Bahadurabad headquarters in Karachi, leaving at least three people injured. According to reports, tensions between supporters of the groups associated with MQM-P Chairman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and senior leader Mustafa Kamal escalated following a party meeting. The confrontation turned violent as workers allegedly exchanged slogans, engaged in physical fighting, and pelted stones at each other. Witnesses also reported aerial firing near the Bahadurabad headquarters during the unrest, creating panic in the area. Three people sustained injuries during the clashes. Senior MQM-P leader Dr Farooq Sattar said the dispute erupted after a meeting of party leaders at the Bahadurabad office. Speaking to the media, he alleged that supporters of one faction assaulted MPA Ejaz-ul-Haq and party leader Zakir. He further claimed that party leaders Mangla Sharma and Sabeen Ghori were also mistreated during the incident. MQM-P leader Amin Ul Haque alleged that one party worker was injured in the firing, while several others suffered injuries due to stone-pelting. He also claimed that extensive vandalism took place inside the party office and that the office’s DVR recording system was taken away. Amin Ul Haque said the matter had reached a point where it could no longer be ignored and called the incident deeply concerning for the party. Meanwhile, Dr Farooq Sattar later arrived at the Bahadurabad headquarters following the clashes as senior party leaders attempted to assess the situation and address the growing internal crisis.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has rejected Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s claim about the death of a party worker during the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. Rana Sanaullah said Bilawal Bhutto had not received complete information about the incident. He said the PPP worker was killed during an exchange of fire between two groups. He also clarified that the PML-N candidate was not present at the scene when the firing took place. The incident occurred in the Nikyal area of Kotli during the first phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections. Rana Sanaullah said tensions had already existed between the two sides in the area. He said the dispute was not limited to election day. He recalled an earlier incident involving a PML-N election rally. According to him, the rally had come under fire. One PML-N worker was killed in that incident, while four others were injured. Rana Sanaullah said another firing incident during polling resulted in one death and injuries to several people. He described the incidents as isolated. He said no major incident had been reported across AJK apart from the Nikyal incident. The PML-N leader also praised the overall election arrangements. He said authorities had made satisfactory preparations to facilitate polling and maintain security. The comments came after Bilawal Bhutto expressed concern over the death of a PPP worker in Nikyal. Bilawal had questioned the authorities over the incident. He also asked where the relevant officials were and demanded action over the death of his party worker. The incident added to political tensions during the first phase of the AJK elections. Political parties had already raised concerns about alleged disruptions and security issues at some polling stations. Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said the people of AJK had rejected calls for unrest. She said voters had chosen the democratic process instead. According to Bukhari, polling was taking place despite attempts to create disorder. Bukhari also highlighted the performance of the Punjab government. She said the provincial government’s development work was being discussed among voters in AJK. She referred to the government’s response to heavy monsoon rains in Punjab. Bukhari said Lahore received several hours of continuous rainfall. She claimed that underpasses were cleared within a few hours. She also said government officials and administrative teams remained present in the field during the rain. The minister said monsoon rains had also caused rising water levels in Punjab’s rivers. She said authorities were monitoring the situation continuously. According to Bukhari, a central digital control room has been established for round-the-clock monitoring. She said the system was being used to track the situation and coordinate the government’s response. Bukhari also spoke about the Punjab Beautification Programme. She said plans were being made to shift hanging utility wires underground. The programme is aimed at improving the appearance and infrastructure of urban areas, according to the minister. The political statements came as vote counting began after polling ended in the first phase of the AJK elections. The first phase covered 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division. The constituencies are spread across Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber. Election authorities have said that security arrangements were put in place to protect voters and election staff.