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ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Aamir Muqam has extended an offer of dialogue to protesters staging a sit-in in Rawalakot, urging demonstrators to engage in peaceful negotiations while distancing the federal government from recent controversial remarks about the region. Speaking during a televised interview, Muqam said the people of Rawalakot have always been, and will continue to remain, Kashmiris, emphasizing their historical identity and longstanding contributions to Pakistan. “The people of Rawalakot are Kashmiris, have always been Kashmiris, and will remain Kashmiris,” the minister said, stressing that the government values the sacrifices made by the residents of Poonch and other parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. His remarks came amid growing political tensions following comments attributed to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, which sparked criticism and prompted strong reactions from political leaders and residents in the region. Muqam clarified that Khawaja Asif’s statement reflected his personal opinion and should not be interpreted as the official position of either the federal government or the ruling party. “The statement does not represent government policy,” he said, adding that the people of Rawalakot had rendered immense sacrifices for Pakistan during critical periods of history and deserved respect and recognition. Addressing the ongoing sit-in, the minister appealed to protesters to choose dialogue over confrontation. He said the government believes the majority of those participating in the demonstration are patriotic citizens with genuine concerns rather than individuals pursuing unlawful objectives. “I do not consider everyone at the sit-in to be terrorists,” Muqam said. “Most participants are loyal Pakistanis. They should distance themselves from elements with negative agendas and come forward for meaningful talks.” The minister reiterated the government’s willingness to resolve issues through negotiations, saying constructive engagement remained the most effective path toward restoring calm and addressing public grievances. His appeal comes as authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation in Rawalakot, where demonstrations have drawn national attention amid heightened political debate and security concerns. Political observers believe Muqam’s conciliatory tone signals an effort by the federal government to ease tensions and prevent further escalation through dialogue rather than confrontation. His reassurance regarding the identity and sacrifices of the people of Rawalakot is also being viewed as an attempt to rebuild trust following the controversy surrounding recent public statements. The government’s next steps, including any formal negotiations with protest representatives, are expected to shape developments in the coming days as officials seek a peaceful resolution to the standoff.

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges has summoned Metropolitan Corporation Lahore’s Metropolitan Officer (Regulation), Jawad-ul-Hassan, to appear in person before the committee on September 1. The summons were issued on the direction of committee chairman Afzal Khokhar after the officer failed to attend an earlier committee meeting despite being served a notice. According to the National Assembly Secretariat, Jawad-ul-Hassan has been directed to appear at 2pm on September 1 in the Constitution Room of Parliament House, Islamabad. The committee took notice of his absence from its August 12 meeting and decided that his personal appearance should be ensured at the next proceedings. The summons were issued under Rule 227(3) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007. The provision allows the committee to take steps to secure attendance when required in connection with parliamentary proceedings. The official notice also warned that failure to comply could lead to further action under the powers available to the committee. These powers include authority similar to that of a civil court for enforcing attendance and requiring the production of relevant documents. To ensure that the summons are properly served and implemented, the National Assembly Secretariat has sought assistance from the Punjab chief secretary. The inspector general of police Punjab has also been asked to provide necessary assistance, within the law, to facilitate the officer’s attendance before the parliamentary committee. Meanwhile, the chief officer of the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore has been directed to ensure that Jawad-ul-Hassan is informed about the summons and appears before the committee personally. The latest development represents an escalation following the officer’s earlier failure to attend the proceedings. The committee is now seeking his direct appearance rather than allowing the matter to proceed in his absence. The September 1 hearing is expected to provide the committee an opportunity to question the officer directly and examine the circumstances surrounding his previous non-appearance.

The Lahore High Court has dismissed a petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) seeking permission to hold a public gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan. Justice Mirza Waqas Rauf announced the written decision on a petition filed by Mian Usman Akram. The petitioner had asked the court to allow the party to hold a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan. He argued that refusing permission for the gathering violated the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. The petition referred to Article 16 of the Constitution. The article protects the right of citizens to assemble peacefully and without arms, subject to reasonable restrictions imposed by law. The court, however, noted that the right to peaceful assembly does not mean that every gathering can be held without following the relevant legal procedure. Under the applicable law, permission for a public gathering is granted through the relevant administrative authorities. The deputy commissioner is responsible for considering such requests and issuing an NOC where required. During the proceedings, the government’s lawyer informed the court that a meeting had already been held under the deputy commissioner to consider the PTI’s request. The meeting reviewed the security and law and order situation in the area. Officials recommended that the proposed rally should not be allowed because of security concerns. The written judgment also noted the nature of Minar-e-Pakistan as a public place. The court observed that the site is regularly visited by citizens for recreational and other public activities. According to the government’s submission, the deputy commissioner had already taken a decision on the PTI’s application. The request for permission to hold the rally was rejected on August 3. The court observed that the administrative authority had already decided the matter. Therefore, the petition could not be entertained as a request for permission that was still pending before the deputy commissioner. The Lahore High Court consequently dismissed the petition.

Aleema Khan, the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has said the party will continue its peaceful campaign for the release of the former prime minister. Addressing party workers in the Jandol Munda area of Lower Dir, Aleema Khan urged supporters to remain committed to a lawful and peaceful struggle. She stressed that all political activities should be carried out within the framework of the law. She called on party workers to work closely with elected representatives and play an effective role in advancing the party’s objectives through democratic means. Aleema Khan said unity, discipline and peaceful protest remain the movement’s greatest strengths. She encouraged supporters to stay organised and continue their efforts with patience and determination while maintaining respect for the law. Her remarks came as PTI continues to campaign for the release of its founder and presses ahead with its political activities across the country. Earlier, Bushra Bibi, the wife of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, has filed an appeal in the Constitutional Court seeking the suspension of her sentence and release on bail. In her petition, she requested the court to suspend the sentence handed down by the trial court until the final decision on her appeal. She argued that she should be granted bail on medical grounds. The petition stated that Bushra Bibi is entitled to relief because she is a woman and is suffering from health problems. It maintained that her medical condition requires proper treatment and care, making her eligible for bail during the legal proceedings.