Vikrant Massey explains why exes should stay in past

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has invited Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to visit Pakistan at the earliest during a telephone conversation focused on strengthening bilateral ties and discussing the evolving regional situation. According to the Foreign Office, the two foreign ministers held detailed discussions on a wide range of issues of mutual interest. They reviewed the current state of Pakistan-Iran relations and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close diplomatic engagement and cooperation. During the conversation, Dar extended a formal invitation to his Iranian counterpart to undertake an early visit to Pakistan. The proposed visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both countries to further enhance political dialogue and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The two leaders also exchanged views on recent regional and international developments. Their discussions covered issues affecting peace, security and stability in the region, as both countries continue to coordinate on important diplomatic matters. Special attention was given to the deteriorating situation in occupied East Jerusalem. The foreign ministers expressed concern over the rising tensions and discussed the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories. They emphasized the need for continued diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and promote regional stability. The telephone contact reflects the regular high-level engagement between Islamabad and Tehran as both governments continue consultations on regional affairs and bilateral cooperation. Pakistan and Iran share close historical, cultural and economic ties, and both countries have maintained regular diplomatic contacts to strengthen cooperation in political, economic and security sectors. Officials said the two sides agreed to remain in close contact on matters of mutual concern and continue consultations on regional and international issues. They also reaffirmed their commitment to promoting stronger bilateral relations through sustained dialogue and high-level exchanges.

More than 4,000 police personnel will be deployed in Rawalpindi division to ensure security during the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections on August 2. Police officials have prepared a detailed security plan for polling in four constituencies of the division, including Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal and Murree. A total of 4,029 police officers will be assigned duties at 175 polling stations. The polling stations have been divided into three categories according to their security requirements. Category A includes highly sensitive stations, Category B covers sensitive locations, while Category C consists of normal polling stations. Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer Babar Sarfraz Alpa said providing voters with a safe and peaceful environment is the top priority. He added that all available resources would be used to ensure free and transparent elections. He said strict monitoring would be carried out at sensitive polling stations. Additional patrolling and surveillance measures would remain active throughout the polling process. Police officials will also monitor suspicious activities, illegal weapons and any violations of the election code of conduct. Legal action will be taken against individuals involved in disrupting the electoral process. In Rawalpindi district, more than 3,100 police personnel and 200 traffic police officials will be deployed at 100 polling stations. These stations are located in different areas, including Rawalpindi city, Taxila, Wah Cantt, Gujar Khan, Kallar Syedan and Kahuta. Among the 100 polling stations, 18 have been declared highly sensitive, 45 sensitive and 37 normal. Security arrangements have also been made for the safe transportation of polling materials. City Police Officer Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera said the police would ensure implementation of the Election Commission’s rules and maintain law and order until the completion of the election process. The AJK elections are being conducted in phases due to security concerns. Authorities have increased security measures after previous election-related tensions and allegations of irregularities.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has highlighted the key provisions of the landmark Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, stressing that any external armed attack on Pakistan, Saudi Arabia or Türkiye will be considered an attack on all three countries. Dar said the agreement, signed in Makkah Mukarramah on 7 August 2026, reflects the depth of the brotherly relations between the three nations and is the culmination of years of consultations and strategic coordination. Under the accord, an external armed attack against any one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all, consistent with the right of individual and collective self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. The Foreign Minister stressed that the agreement is purely defensive in nature and is not directed against any country. He said the accord is intended to strengthen cooperation in confronting shared peace and security challenges while promoting regional stability and prosperity. Dar also clarified that the Makkah Accord does not replace or abrogate any existing bilateral or multilateral agreements between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, or their agreements with other countries and international organisations. Another significant provision, he said, is that the agreement remains open to other countries in the region willing to uphold its fundamental principles and resolve differences through mutual respect, cooperation and peaceful means. Dar reaffirmed that the agreement is consistent with Pakistan’s foreign policy and said Islamabad would continue working with all brotherly countries towards lasting peace and stability. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and to building a more secure, stable and prosperous future for the peoples of the region.

At least 11 people have died and 25 others have been injured in rain-related incidents across Pakistan during the past 24 hours. The latest casualties have pushed the nationwide monsoon death toll to 97 since June 26. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said 297 people have been injured during the same period. Punjab recorded the highest number of casualties in the latest 24-hour period. Seven people were killed and 20 others were injured. Sindh reported two deaths and two injuries. One person died and three others were injured in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Another death was reported in Gilgit-Baltistan. House collapses were the main cause of deaths. The NDMA said they accounted for more than half of the fatalities during the latest reporting period. Drowning and lightning strikes were also among the major causes. The continuing rains have damaged homes and infrastructure in several areas. The NDMA said 22 houses were damaged during the past 24 hours. Seventeen suffered partial damage, while five were completely destroyed. Eight livestock were also lost during the latest spell. Since June 26, a total of 447 houses have been damaged across the country. Of these, 338 were partially damaged and 109 were completely destroyed. The number of livestock killed has reached 269. Heavy rain and landslides have also affected roads in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Around 0.9 kilometres of roads were damaged during the latest period. Traffic has been disrupted at several locations. Authorities are working to restore affected routes. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast more rain, strong winds and thunderstorms in several parts of the country during the next 24 hours. The department has warned of possible flash floods in hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan and northeastern Balochistan. Urban flooding is also possible in parts of southeastern Sindh. Rain and thunderstorms are expected in the upper catchments of major rivers. Islamabad, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan may also receive showers. Parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan are also likely to experience unsettled weather. The Met Office said flood-generating rainfall is not expected until July 28. However, another monsoon spell could begin from July 29. The expected system may affect upper river catchments, Islamabad, upper Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Authorities have continued relief and rescue work in affected areas. The NDMA said 386 relief items were distributed during the past 24 hours. Rescue teams also carried out five operations. Eight people were rescued. Since the beginning of the monsoon season, authorities have conducted 130 rescue operations. A total of 3,841 people have been rescued across Pakistan. Karachi may receive more rain Karachi is expected to remain mostly cloudy, hot and humid over the next two days. The Met Office has forecast light rain and drizzle at isolated locations. Strong winds may also occur in some areas. The city is expected to remain partly cloudy and humid on Monday and Tuesday. Occasional drizzle is also possible. A low-pressure system over southwest Rajasthan and nearby areas is currently affecting weather conditions. The system is expected to weaken by Monday. However, strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea continue to move towards southern and central Pakistan. These conditions may keep the weather unsettled. Several districts of Sindh are expected to receive thunderstorms and rain. Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar and Matiari may receive moderate rainfall. Heavy rain is also possible at isolated locations. Ghotki, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Larkana and Khairpur are also likely to receive rain. Naushahro Feroze, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Jamshoro, Shaheed Benazirabad and Hyderabad may also experience showers, strong winds and thunderstorms. The Met Office has warned that lightning and strong winds could damage weak buildings and other vulnerable structures. Heavy rain may also cause urban flooding in low-lying and vulnerable areas. Residents have been advised to remain alert. People in vulnerable locations have been urged to follow official weather updates and take necessary precautions during thunderstorms. Karachi received its first major monsoon spell of the season on Friday. Rain was recorded across several parts of the city. The rainfall began in areas including Gulshan-e-Maymar, Surjani Town, Ahsanabad and Manghopir. It later spread to several other parts of the city. Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Johar, Nazimabad, Jamshed Road and DHA also received rain. Several commercial and central areas were also affected. The rainfall brought relief from the heat and humidity. However, authorities remain concerned about water accumulation if another heavy spell hits the city. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had placed the province on high alert ahead of the forecast. He directed local government bodies, the Water Board and district administrations to remain operational around the clock