Thai Election Commission Certifies 396 Constituency Seats, Paving Way for Parliamentary Formation

Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has criticised the country’s elite class, saying ordinary Pakistanis are struggling under rising costs while privileged groups continue to enjoy extensive benefits without paying their fair share of taxes. Speaking at a press conference at Jamaat-e-Islami headquarters in Mansoorah, Lahore, Hafiz Naeem said increases in petroleum prices have a direct impact on the prices of essential goods and place the greatest burden on middle- and lower-income families. He said access to quality healthcare and education remained inadequate for a large section of the population, adding that ordinary citizens were being deprived of basic facilities. Hafiz Naeem also said Jamaat-e-Islami had not ended its protest sit-in but had only postponed it. He criticised what he described as a political system dominated by a self-serving political class. He said many Pakistanis were taking significant risks to travel abroad in search of employment, while educated young people were also leaving the country because of limited job opportunities. The Jamaat-e-Islami leader further alleged that owners of independent power producers were not being adequately taxed despite earning substantial incomes. At the same time, he said, people across the country were facing prolonged power outages while additional charges were being collected from consumers. Hafiz Naeem accused the ruling class of failing to deliver meaningful relief because of what he described as corruption and poor governance. He questioned the reported purchase of an aircraft worth around Rs11 billion for the Punjab chief minister. He also criticised government officials for defending the expenditure, saying public funds should not be used for expensive official vehicles and other privileges. The Jamaat-e-Islami emir urged authorities to reduce unnecessary government spending and focus resources on providing relief to ordinary citizens.

Eighteen suspected terrorists were killed in Balochistan’s Surab district after an explosives-laden vehicle detonated prematurely, followed by a security operation against fleeing militants, the military’s media wing said on Wednesday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the incident occurred on the morning of August 12 while the militants were preparing a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED). The premature explosion killed eight militants at the site, while several others were reportedly injured. ISPR said additional explosives stored by the militants also detonated. The blast reportedly caused the deaths of three civilians living or working near the area. Following the explosion, security forces and Balochistan Police launched a joint clearance operation. The objective was to identify those involved in the incident and locate other militants and their facilitators. During the operation, security personnel detected several militants attempting to flee the area. Ten more militants were subsequently killed in an exchange of fire, according to ISPR. The military said the combined death toll among the militants involved in the incident had reached 18. Two security personnel were also injured during the operation. Security forces have continued sanitisation activities in the area to search for any remaining militants and clear possible threats. The military said counter-terrorism operations would continue under the government’s broader Azm-e-Istehkam framework. It said security and law-enforcement agencies remained committed to preventing terrorist groups from establishing a foothold in the country. The latest operation comes a day after security forces reported killing five militants during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Panjgur district. Balochistan has remained one of Pakistan’s key security challenges, with militant groups repeatedly targeting security personnel, civilians and government installations. The province has witnessed several major attacks in recent months, prompting increased coordination between the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police. Security officials say operations are being conducted to disrupt militant networks, identify facilitators and prevent further attacks. The authorities have also repeatedly warned that militant groups operating in Balochistan pose a threat to both civilian life and national security.

Heavy monsoon rains continued to wreak havoc across Sindh, killing at least eight people and injuring another eight as widespread flooding disrupted life in several districts. The provincial government placed all rescue and emergency agencies on high alert and directed authorities to intensify relief efforts in the affected areas. The downpour caused severe urban flooding, inundated roads and residential areas, and damaged public infrastructure. Authorities warned that more rainfall could worsen the situation and urged residents to remain cautious. Hyderabad received an exceptionally high amount of rainfall, with a cumulative 360 millimetres recorded between August 1 and August 2. The continuous rain submerged roads, disrupted traffic and affected routine activities across the city. In Badin district, floodwaters created a major emergency after two breaches developed in the Mirwah Canal on Sunday morning. The breaches, measuring approximately 15 feet and eight feet wide, allowed water to flow into nearby settlements, flooding around 200 houses. Local authorities and rescue teams were deployed to assist affected families and assess the damage. The provincial government also took administrative action during the emergency. The Town Municipal Officer (TMO) of Umerkot was suspended for remaining absent from the district while the crisis unfolded. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah directed all rescue organizations to remain on high alert and ensure a rapid response to emergencies. He instructed the Local Government Department that no government officer should leave their place of posting without prior permission until the situation improves. The chief minister also directed Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, district administrations, town municipal authorities and other civic agencies to keep the city’s drainage network fully operational. He emphasized that all available machinery and staff should be deployed to ensure the quick removal of rainwater and prevent prolonged flooding. Murad Ali Shah ordered the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the Irrigation Department, the Health Department, district administrations and rescue services to stay fully prepared for any further emergencies. He instructed officials to implement all precautionary measures immediately and provide timely assistance to affected residents.