Thai Royal Couple Visits Airbus Center in Toulouse to Boost Aviation Ties

Preparations are in full swing for the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, with polling scheduled for August 2 across Muzaffarabad Division and 12 refugee seats. The second phase will cover the three districts of Muzaffarabad Division—Muzaffarabad, Neelum and Jhelum Valley—as well as 12 constituencies reserved for Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan. According to election authorities, a total of 890,621 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the nine constituencies of Muzaffarabad Division. Of these, 427,955 are male voters, while 381,666 are female voters. To facilitate polling, 1,483 polling stations have been established across the division. District Muzaffarabad, which has five constituencies, will have 1,205 polling stations. District Neelum, comprising two constituencies, will have 278 polling stations, while 328 polling stations have been set up in the two constituencies of Jhelum Valley. A total of 208 candidates are contesting the nine seats in Muzaffarabad Division, making the second phase a closely watched electoral contest. Meanwhile, Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan will also cast their votes for 12 refugee constituencies, evenly divided between six Jammu seats and six Valley seats. The Jammu refugee constituencies include LA-34 Jammu-I through LA-39 Jammu-VI, while the Valley refugee constituencies comprise LA-40 Valley-I through LA-45 Valley-VI. The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission will announce the results of all 12 refugee constituencies after the completion of polling. Authorities have said all necessary arrangements have been finalised to ensure a peaceful, transparent and orderly voting process during the second phase of the elections.

Rainfall is expected at several locations across Punjab, Balochistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, with weather conditions likely to remain unsettled in parts of the country. According to the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) Lahore, low-level flooding is continuing at several key barrages along the Indus River. The affected locations include Kalabagh, Chashma, Taunsa and Guddu, where water levels remain elevated. The latest situation has prompted continued monitoring of river flows, particularly at locations where water levels are already above normal. The expected rainfall in different parts of the country could influence water flows in rivers and streams, depending on the intensity and duration of the showers. The FFD keeps a close watch on river conditions and provides updates to relevant authorities to help them assess possible flooding risks. Local administrations in vulnerable areas are also expected to remain alert as weather conditions develop. Residents living near rivers, canals and other low-lying areas have been advised to remain cautious and follow instructions issued by local authorities. People travelling through areas vulnerable to heavy rainfall or flooding are also encouraged to stay updated on weather and river conditions. The rainfall forecast comes as several parts of the country continue to experience varying weather patterns. While scattered showers may provide relief from hot and humid conditions in some areas, heavier rainfall could increase runoff and raise water levels in vulnerable waterways.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Manila, Philippines, on Wednesday to attend the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting. The visit reflects Pakistan’s continued engagement with regional and international partners on key political, economic, and security issues. Dar reached Manila with a high-level delegation. During his visit, he will participate in the ARF plenary session and hold several bilateral meetings with foreign ministers and senior officials from participating countries. These meetings are expected to focus on strengthening diplomatic ties, expanding economic cooperation, and discussing regional developments. Upon his arrival, Dar was welcomed by senior officials of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Philippines Asima Rabbani, and officials of the Pakistani Embassy. The ASEAN Regional Forum is one of the region’s most important diplomatic gatherings. It brings together foreign ministers and senior representatives from ASEAN member states and partner countries to discuss peace, security, and regional cooperation. This year’s meeting will focus on several pressing international issues. Participants will exchange views on growing geopolitical tensions, regional security challenges, energy security, food supply concerns, trade cooperation, and the impact of ongoing global conflicts. The situation in Myanmar will also be high on the agenda. Leaders are expected to review efforts to implement ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus and discuss ways to support peace and stability in the country. The continuing tensions between the United States and Iran are also expected to feature prominently during discussions. Delegates will assess the impact of the conflict on regional security, global energy markets, and international trade. Senior diplomats from major world powers are attending the forum. These include representatives from the United States, China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. The meeting provides an opportunity for bilateral engagements and dialogue on shared global challenges. ASEAN countries are also expected to discuss measures to strengthen regional energy cooperation. Member states are exploring ways to improve oil-sharing mechanisms to reduce the impact of possible disruptions in global energy supplies.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi arrived in Karachi on Monday to preside over a two-day sitting of the Supreme Court’s Karachi Registry. Following his arrival, the Supreme Court issued the official cause list outlining the benches that will hear a wide range of civil and criminal cases during the proceedings. According to the cause list, Bench No. 1 will be headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and include Justice Musarrat Hilali. The bench will hear several important civil and criminal matters listed before the Karachi Registry over the next two days. Bench No. 2 will comprise Justice Muneeb Akhtar and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail. The judges will hear cases assigned to them under the published schedule and dispose of pending matters brought before the court. Bench No. 3 will consist of Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Irfan Saadat Khan and Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi. The three-member bench is also expected to hear a number of civil and constitutional cases during the two-day session. The Karachi Registry is scheduled to hear a variety of petitions and appeals filed by individuals, government departments and private parties. The hearings are part of the Supreme Court’s regular judicial work aimed at ensuring timely disposal of pending cases across the country. Lawyers and litigants are expected to appear before the respective benches according to the published cause list. The two-day sitting will provide an opportunity for the court to hear several pending matters and issue rulings in accordance with the law. The Supreme Court periodically holds sittings at its regional registries to improve access to justice and reduce the backlog of cases. The Karachi Registry remains one of the court’s busiest benches, handling a significant number of legal disputes from Sindh and surrounding areas. During the current session, the three benches will conduct hearings simultaneously to ensure efficient disposal of cases listed before the court.