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Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has announced that a major road in Duki district will be renamed after Dr Mahnoor Nasir, a female doctor who survived a severe acid attack earlier this year. The decision has been taken to honour Dr Mahnoor’s courage, resilience and dedication to her profession. The chief minister said her determination and commitment to duty had made her an example for women across Balochistan. Under the notification issued by the provincial government, Haji Amanullah Masjid Road near Damani Chowk in Duki will now be known as Dr Mahnoor Nasar Road. The new name will take effect immediately. Dr Mahnoor, a 29-year-old doctor at Civil Hospital Quetta, was seriously injured in an acid attack in June. She suffered extensive burns to her face, chest, legs and other parts of her body. According to police, the alleged attacker was a hospital employee identified as Humayun Shah. Law enforcement officials later traced him while he was attempting to escape on a bus. Police said he was killed during an encounter. Chief Minister Bugti praised Dr Mahnoor for continuing to demonstrate courage despite the severe injuries she suffered. He said recognising citizens who show bravery and remain committed to their responsibilities was a duty of the government. The acid attack triggered strong condemnation across Balochistan. Members of the medical community, government officials and other sections of society called for strict action against those responsible. Doctors in Quetta also staged a strike following the incident. They demanded a transparent investigation and stronger measures to ensure the safety of medical professionals, particularly women working in hospitals. The case also came amid wider legal and social concern over acid attacks in Pakistan. In a significant ruling issued days after the incident, the Supreme Court described acid violence, or vitriolage, as a particularly heinous offence and said its gravity could exceed that of homicide. The renaming of the road is being presented by the Balochistan government as a public tribute to Dr Mahnoor’s resilience. Officials said the initiative is also intended to highlight the importance of recognising women who continue to serve their communities despite facing serious challenges.

Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir have already made their political choice in favour of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). In a statement, Aurangzeb said Mirpur had given its verdict in favour of the PML-N on July 24. She linked the decision to the visit of PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and party leader Maryam Nawaz to the city. According to Aurangzeb, the response from the people of Mirpur showed their support for the PML-N leadership. She said the people had made their choice clear through their political support. Aurangzeb said the PML-N’s electoral symbol, the lion, had also received strong support. She claimed that by voting for the lion symbol, the people had formally expressed their belief that the development of Azad Jammu and Kashmir was connected with the PML-N. She said the party was committed to the progress and development of the region. Aurangzeb maintained that the public response in different areas was an indication of growing support for the PML-N. The senior provincial minister also referred to the situation in Muzaffarabad. She said the people of Muzaffarabad had already announced their decision on July 21. Aurangzeb said the political choices made in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad reflected the direction of the election campaign. She suggested that the response from voters in both areas had strengthened the PML-N’s position. She further said August 2 would be an important day for the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. According to her, voters would use the lion symbol to formally announce their decision through the ballot. Aurangzeb urged Kashmiris to vote for the PML-N and support its leadership. She presented the party as a force for development and progress in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The statement comes amid the ongoing electoral activity in the region. Political parties are campaigning to win the support of voters ahead of the final voting process. Aurangzeb’s remarks underline the PML-N’s focus on development as a central theme of its campaign. She said the people’s vote would determine the future political direction of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The minister expressed confidence that voters would reaffirm their support for the PML-N on August 2 by voting for the lion symbol.

ISLAMABAD: A video of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir placing his hand affectionately on the heads of women during a ceremony has gained widespread attention on social media. The video surfaced during the inauguration of the Victory Monument in Islamabad on Independence Day. During the event, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and other senior civilian and military leaders met families of martyrs and military veterans. The leadership paid tribute to their sacrifices and services. The Victory Monument was inaugurated on Thursday night in a ceremony attended by the country’s top civilian and military leadership. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended as chief guests. Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, was also present. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf attended the ceremony as well. The monument has been built to honour Pakistan’s martyrs and commemorate the military confrontation with India in May. The event featured a series of patriotic performances and visual displays. The ceremony opened with a military band playing the national anthem. A special light and sound show titled “Dastaan-e-Ishq-e-Watan: Marka-e-Haq” was later presented. Projection mapping technology was used to display visuals on the monument. The presentation highlighted themes linked to patriotism, sacrifice and the country’s defence. A documentary was also screened during the event. It showcased the construction of the monument and the eight-month journey from its initial design and development to completion. The monument features five large arches. According to the presentation, the arches represent the five pillars of Islam. They also symbolise five pillars of Pakistan, identified as the government, armed forces, media, people and national ideology. The structure incorporates elements representing Pakistan’s three military services. Its design also highlights the country’s capabilities in cyber defence and space warfare. Pakistan Air Force fighter jets conducted an aerial display during the ceremony. The aircraft released flares across the night sky, adding to the spectacle. The event concluded with a flag-hoisting ceremony attended by President Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir. Fireworks were also displayed as the national anthem played.