Welfare pharmacy seal-off adds to poor patients’ woes

Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has strongly opposed calls to abolish the reserved legislative seats for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan, saying the voting rights of displaced Kashmiris are protected by constitutional and democratic principles and must not be undermined. His remarks came after reports that a banned Action Committee had demanded the abolition of seats reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) legislative framework. The proposal has sparked debate and criticism from political and social circles on both sides of the Line of Control. In a statement, Mirwaiz said millions of Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan have a legitimate constitutional and democratic right to participate in the electoral process, adding that these rights cannot be ignored or sacrificed. “The voting rights of Kashmiri refugees are an integral part of their constitutional and democratic rights,” he said, stressing that displaced Kashmiris deserve equal respect, representation and protection. Mirwaiz argued that the rights of refugees are inseparable from the collective rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He maintained that any political movement claiming to represent Kashmiris must ensure equal representation for residents of every region and community without discrimination. He warned that protecting the interests of one group should never come at the cost of another group’s constitutional rights. According to the Hurriyat leader, justice, equality and mutual respect must remain the guiding principles in resolving issues affecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Calling for dialogue, Mirwaiz urged all stakeholders to engage in consultations and meaningful discussions to find a balanced and widely acceptable solution. He said consensus-based decision-making was essential to preserving unity and protecting the democratic rights of all Kashmiris. The statement also criticized attempts to alter the existing representation of Kashmiri refugees, arguing that such moves risk deepening divisions rather than strengthening democratic participation. The controversy over refugee seats has emerged during a politically sensitive period in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with electoral issues drawing increased public attention. While supporters of the proposal argue that reforms are needed, opponents insist that any changes affecting refugee representation must respect constitutional guarantees and the political rights of displaced Kashmiris. Mirwaiz’s intervention adds a prominent voice to the debate, highlighting the need for dialogue and consensus rather than unilateral decisions on issues involving the constitutional and democratic rights of Kashmiri refugees.

The death toll from monsoon rains, flash floods and landslides across Pakistan has risen to 110, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The authority said 360 people have been injured in rain-related incidents since June 26. Nearly 800 houses have also been damaged across the country. Most fatalities have been reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, followed by Punjab. Several areas have also faced flooding and damage caused by heavy rainfall. The NDMA briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the latest situation. The authority warned that northern parts of the country could face more flash floods and glacial lake outburst floods in the coming weeks. Rapidly melting glaciers have increased the risk in mountainous areas. Authorities have been asked to remain prepared for sudden flooding and other weather-related emergencies. Prime Minister Shehbaz directed officials to use all available resources to protect lives and property. He also stressed the importance of early warning systems and timely emergency measures. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast another strong monsoon spell from July 29. The system is expected to affect Islamabad, upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The upper catchment areas of major rivers may also receive heavy rainfall. The weather system is expected to continue until August 5. The weather department has warned of possible urban flooding. Rising water levels in rivers, hill streams and nullahs are also expected in vulnerable areas. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and follow official warnings during the latest spell of rainfall. Meanwhile, the Punjab Home Department has imposed Section 144 across the province for 60 days. The restrictions ban swimming, bathing and unauthorised boating at various water bodies. Pakistan faces heavy monsoon rainfall every year between late June and September. The season frequently causes flooding, landslides, infrastructure damage and loss of life.

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has expressed profound grief over the deaths of 10 mountaineers who lost their lives in the devastating avalanche on Broad Peak in Gilgit-Baltistan. He assured that Pakistan will continue search, rescue and recovery operations until all possible efforts have been exhausted. In his statement, Dar extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with the governments and people of Nepal, China, Oman, the United Kingdom and the United States, whose citizens were among those killed in the tragedy. The deputy prime minister paid special tribute to legendary Nepali climber Nirmal Purja, describing him as one of the world’s most accomplished mountaineers. He also honored Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi of Hunza, saying his bravery, determination and passion for the mountains would always be remembered. Dar said the courage and dedication shown by all the climbers reflected the true spirit of mountaineering. He added that their achievements would continue to inspire climbers across the world despite the tragic loss. He also praised the rescue personnel, Pakistan Army Aviation teams, high-altitude porters and emergency responders who have been working in extremely difficult conditions at high altitude. He said their commitment and professionalism deserve the nation’s appreciation. The foreign minister reaffirmed that Pakistan remains fully committed to the ongoing rescue and recovery mission. He said the government is maintaining close coordination with the embassies of the affected countries to facilitate the operation and provide all possible assistance. The deadly avalanche struck an international climbing expedition on Broad Peak while the team was moving from Camp 2 to Camp 3. The incident claimed the lives of climbers from Pakistan, Nepal, China, Oman, the United Kingdom and the United States. Among those killed was Nirmal Purja, who gained worldwide recognition after climbing all 14 mountains above 8,000 metres in a record six months and six days in 2019. He had returned to Pakistan in an attempt to become the first mountaineer to summit all 14 eight-thousanders twice without using supplemental oxygen. Rescue teams later recovered Purja’s body from an altitude of approximately 5,700 metres, several days after he and other members of the expedition went missing following the avalanche. The victims also included climbers from Nepal, China, Oman, the United States and Pakistan, making it one of the deadliest mountaineering disasters in the region in recent years.

The Sindh School Education Department has approved the transfer of 2,059 teachers under the first phase of its e-transfer system, aiming to improve teacher distribution and ensure better staffing in public schools across the province. According to an official notification issued in Karachi, the approved transfers include 1,625 applications under the general category and 434 applications under the mutual transfer category. The department approved transfers for a total of 2,059 teachers. Among them, 1,163 are male teachers, while 896 are female teachers. Officials said 644 teachers were transferred on the basis of the teacher-to-student ratio to address staffing imbalances in schools. Another 544 teachers received transfers based on their marital status. The notification further stated that 173 transfers were approved on medical grounds. In addition, 100 teachers were transferred due to tribal dispute-related reasons. Another 31 teachers were granted transfers because of physical disabilities. The department also approved 434 applications under the mutual transfer category, allowing teachers to exchange their postings with one another. According to the official statement, the e-transfer system has also helped improve the functioning of public schools. A total of 41 schools that were previously facing teacher shortages have become operational after teachers were posted through the transfer process. Education officials said the e-transfer system is designed to make the transfer process more transparent, efficient and merit-based. The digital system reduces manual intervention and ensures that transfers are processed according to approved criteria. The School Education Department expects the initiative to improve the availability of teachers in underserved areas and strengthen the overall quality of education in government schools across Sindh. Further phases of the e-transfer programme are expected to continue in line with departmental requirements.