On the eve of the first leg of the LG elections, a young boy pastes a poster of a candidate for a seat on the Muzaffarabad Municipal Corporation on a wall in the old city area.

MUZAFFARABAD: After a three-decade wait, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) will hold phased local government elections on Sunday (today), with the first leg taking place in Muzaffarabad division amid concerns about the “minimal security cover” provided by local police personnel.

Senior officials who spoke on Saturday appeared confident that the exercise would be largely peaceful and satisfactory, saying that while approximately 4,500 police officers would man 1,323 polling stations, a Quick Response Force (QRF) of 500 officers would remain on alert at the backend to deal with any emergency.

According to officials, 697,732 voters, including 321,536 females, will exercise their right to vote from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to choose their nominees from 750 wards of urban and rural councils in the three districts of Muzaffarabad division — Neelum, Muzaffarabad, and Jhelum valley — from a field of 2,716 contestants, the majority of whom belong to the ruling PTI and the opposition PPP and PLM-N

In the Muzaffarabad division, approximately 19 candidates have already run unopposed.

Of the 1,323 polling stations, 418 have been designated as “sensitive” and 257 as “most sensitive’’ with three and five police officers assigned to each. According to officials, two police officers are usually stationed at other polling places.

Divisional commissioner Masoodur Rahman dispelled the notion that security arrangements were inadequate, stating that the division had been divided into 11 zones, 130 sectors, and 64 QRF points, each of which would be led by senior police and administration officials with first-class magistrate powers.

In addition to the QRF, an internal security framework is in place and may be activated if the situation warrants," he said, referring to sections 129 and 130 of the criminal procedure code, which allow district administration to call in army personnel in the event of an emergency.

He stated that polling staff and polling materials had arrived at their respective polling stations in the company of police officers.

He expressed his appreciation for the candidates’ and their supporters’ sense of responsibility thus far and expressed hope that they would continue to do so on election day. “I assure the public that security measures are adequate, leaving little room for anyone to seize control of the law.” They should go to their polling places with complete confidence and vote without fear.”

He made it clear that rioters and troublemakers, regardless of affiliation, would face criminal charges, which could lead to the candidate’s disqualification under the applicable laws.

To “avoid any inconvenience,” the commissioner also advised residents of other areas not to travel to Muzaffarabad division on Sunday.

Background:

The last LG polls in AJK were held in 1991, and each government has run LG institutions through ‘administrators,’ either government servants or party workers, since 1995, when the next polls became due.

The issue of LG polls had been pending in the AJK’s superior courts since the early days of the previous PML-N government. Following protracted legal proceedings, the AJK Supreme Court directed the government in December last year to make plans for LG elections in August 2022 based on the 2017 census.

However, in July of this year, the AJK Supreme Court reviewed the deadline on the government’s request and directed it to hold LG polls by October 15, after which the election commission set September 28 as the polling date. The PPP and PML-N then requested another extension until March 2023, but the Supreme Court denied the request and extended the deadline until November 30. While the commission then set Nov 27 as the date for polling across AJK, it was due to Islamabad’s refusal to provide an additional 40,000 personnel that the commission announced a phase-wise election for Muzaffarabad, Poonch, and Mirpur divisions on Nov 27, Dec 3, and Dec 8, respectively.

The decision drew criticism from the opposition, who claimed that the lack of adequate security arrangements could lead to violence, but AJK Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas did not strongly object because he did not want the exercise to be derailed.

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The military confirmed late Tuesday that it had sent the summary to the defense ministry after the government spent Tuesday trying to dispel the impression of a stalemate.

Even though multiple ministers spent the day denying that the summary had been received by the PM Office — Defence Minister Khawaja Asif even tweeted as much as around 11 pm after multiple TV appearances.

GHQ has forwarded to the MoD the summary for the selection of the CJCSC and COAS, which includes the names of six senior most Lt Gens.

Although the communique did not specify which six names had been forwarded, it is widely assumed that the six men are currently in the running for the next chief of army staff.

Earlier, on a TV talk show, Mr. Asif stated that there were no differences between the army and the government and that the concerns expressed by various quarters in this regard were unfounded

Following rumors and denials, the army says a summary for the appointment of the next chief has been sent to the defense ministry; an ISPR release mentions no names.

Several PML-N leaders, including former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, had indicated a day earlier that the army was impeding the process.

However, the defense minister stated that he had assured Mr. Abbasi that his concerns would be addressed. According to a senior PML-N leader, the delay in submitting the summary could undermine the government and leave the process open to speculation and legal challenges.

PM Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to consult with Gen Bajwa on the selection of his successor on Thursday. It is customary for the prime minister to hold this discussion with the departing chief; however, it is referred to as an “informal consultation.”

On Monday, the Prime Minister requested a summary for the appointment of the next army chief, as well as the service dossiers of the candidates, from the Defense Ministry. The prime minister’s letter was then forwarded to General Headquarters by the Defence Ministry.

The government now anticipates that the summary, along with the service dossiers, will arrive on the prime minister’s desk on Wednesday. 

The government had previously planned to finish the process by Friday.

After making his decision, the prime minister would advise President Arif Alvi to appoint the general as the next army chief. It remains to be seen whether the president will accept the advice or return it for reconsideration.

On Wednesday, Gen. Bajwa will deliver his final public speech before retiring, most likely at a Defense Day ceremony.

He is expected to discuss developments during his extended six-year tenure in his speech. Meanwhile, as part of his farewell tour, Gen Bajwa paid a visit to the Quetta garrison on Tuesday. 

According to ISPR, he visited the martyrs' monument and interacted with officers and troops. He praised the corps and its formations for their efforts and contributions to Balochistan's peace and stability, as well as their assistance to the provincial government during the recent floods.

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A week after an Afghan gunman killed a Pakistani security guard at the Chaman crossing, it reopened.

Pakistan reopened its key Chaman border crossing with landlocked Afghanistan for trade and pedestrian movement on Monday, a week after it was closed after an Afghan gunman shot and killed a Pakistani soldier and injured two others, according to a Pakistani official.

Pakistan at the ‘Friendship Gate’ crossing point in Chaman, Pakistan, on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Pakistan has reopened a key border crossing with Afghanistan, a week after an Afghan gunman killed a Pakistani security guard there, forcing the crossing to close.

Security forces on both sides have been placed on high alert . After the reopening, soldiers from both countries shake hands. Following a deadly attack, the border was closed last week ago.

Shehzad Zehri, an official in Chaman, a border city in Balochistan’s southwestern province, confirmed the reopening to Al Jazeera on Monday. 

According to officials, the decision to reopen the Chaman border crossing, also known as Friendship Gate, was made during a meeting between Pakistani and Afghan officials on Sunday.

Another official in Chaman, Abdul Hameed Zehri, said the Afghan authorities expressed regret for last week’s incident and promised action.

The Chaman border, located nearly 120 kilometers (74 miles) northwest of Pakistan’s provincial capital Quetta, is one of the busiest border crossings between the two countries, with thousands of people crossing each day.

On November 13, a Pakistani soldier stationed at the border was fired upon, forcing the crossing to close. Following the incident, there was a brief exchange of fire between the two armies.

Imran Kakar, former president of the Chaman Chamber of Commerce, who attended the meeting on Sunday, said the discussions took place in a “friendly environment.”

Kakar expressed hope that such incidents will not jeopardize the livelihoods of the thousands of traders who use the crossing.

“Both countries are impacted. People are impacted. Businesses are impacted. These issues can only be resolved through dialogue, and trade must not be halted,” he told Al Jazeera.

Security forces on both sides of the border are on high alert; soldiers from both countries shake hands after the border reopens.

The Taliban government in Afghanistan condemned the incident in a statement last week and ordered the formation of a fact-finding committee to investigate it.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied allegations in Pakistani media that the attacker was a member of the Afghan border forces on Friday.

The Afghan Taliban has had a tense relationship with Islamabad since taking over Kabul last year. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of providing a safe haven to armed groups, which the Taliban denies.

Pakistan was one of only a few countries to recognize the first Taliban government in Afghanistan when it came to power in the late 1990s.

However, in a news conference on Friday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari stated that his country would not recognize the Taliban government until an international consensus is reached.

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PTI supporters march from Koral Chowk to Rawat to join long marchers after district administration grants one-time permission and instruct protesters not to enter the Red Zone.

ISLAMABAD: After the district administration granted permission for the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) to hold a gathering in the federal capital, workers from the former ruling party flocked to Rawat to listen to party chief Imran Khan’s address via video link.

PTI workers from various union councils arrived at Koral Chowk, and a rally led by PTI leaders Ali Nawaz Awan and Raja Khurram arrived in Rawat to join the two-week-long march.

Meanwhile, Islamabad police put strict security measures in place, claiming that there are “security concerns and a threat to peace” if the protests enter the Red Zone.

The NOC for the power show

Earlier in the day, the federal capital’s district administration issued a no-objection certificate to the PTI. According to the administration, the permit would be valid for one day only and would cover the route from Koral Chowk to Chak Beli Mor Rawat via Express Highway.

In response to PTI leader Ali Nawaz Awan’s application, the administration approved the request with 35 conditions. The deputy commissioner (DC) informed the PTI leader that the rally was not permitted to change its route, and any deviation from the route would result in the cancellation of the NOC.

Section 144 would continue to be enforced in other areas, and rallies would not be permitted to block any roads or cause damage to public or private property.

They were also told that they could not carry weapons or batons and that citizens’ freedom of movement should not be restricted.

The permission was granted on the condition that no one chanted slogans opposing Pakistan’s state, religion, or ideology. The party was also bound to conduct security checks on participants, and if any violations occurred, Ali Nawaz Awan, who had submitted the request for the NOC, would face legal action.

Mr. Awan told Dawn that it was an impressive show as a large number of city workers arrived at Koral Chowk and Rawat.

It is worth noting that the PTI Islamabad was under fire for failing to hold a single protest in the federal capital since the assassination attempt on party chairman Imran Khan on November 3rd, despite having three lawmakers and the party secretary general from the city.

The party’s protests were limited to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where it was in power and could not be arrested by police.

Mr. Awan, on the other hand, claimed that the city was completely choked on the day of the assassination attempt on the party chairman. Later, he claimed, a strategy was devised to hold protests at the federal capital’s borders.

Security precautions

The Islamabad police claimed that if the protests entered the Red Zone, there would be security concerns and a threat to peace.

“There is a possibility of a terrorist attack during the rally/and public gathering, which would disrupt the peace of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, as well as other parts of the country,” they added.

Any terrorist activity will provoke the participants of the public gathering due to the possibility of terrorism, according to the officers, who added that a total of 14,018 officers and officials – 4,056 from the capital police, 4,791 FC, 4,675 Rangers, and 497 Sindh police – were deployed in various parts of the capital.

To maintain law and order during the rally, police and other law enforcement officers were equipped with tear gas, rubber bullets, gas masks, pepper guns, and spray paints, according to the security plan.

The officers and personnel stationed at the points were divided into three teams to intercept protestors and make arrests from flanks in the event of a law and order situation, according to the officers.

During the protest, at least 6,721 officers were stationed in the City Zone, while 2,566 officers were stationed in the Rural Zone. Gujar Khan’s Hamid Asghar also contributed to the report. 

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The Babar Azam-led Pakistan was defeated by England in the T20 World Cup 2022 final.

Pakistan had a rollercoaster ride in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, reaching the finals despite losing two consecutive matches in the Super 12 stage. The Babar Azam-led side was eventually defeated by England in the summit clash that crowned England as world champions.

Many members of the cricketing community believe that captain Babar Azam should step down. Furthermore, Pakistan great Shahid Afridi believes that Babar should give up responsibility in the T20 format and instead focus on batting and leading the team in ODIs and Tests.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi suggested that Babar Azam step down as T20 captain to focus on his batting after the current skipper struggled with the bat at the ICC T20 World Cup 2022.

Afridi also stated that Pakistan has other options for T20 captains, including Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shan Masood.

Afridi told the media, “Babar Azam should step down as T20 captain and focus on his batting.” We have other players, such as Shadab, Rizwan, and even Shan, who can lead the T20 team.”

Following a poor showing in the T20 World Cup 2022, where he scored 124 runs in seven innings with an average of 17.71, the focus has shifted to Babar Azam's personal contribution to the team.

Pakistan may have finished second in the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia, but Babar's batting performance was lacking, as the star batter only managed 124 runs in the tournament.

Following his poor performance, many have suggested that Babar should step down as captain of at least one format, and now the legendary all-rounder has joined the long list.

Notably, Pakistan was denied the opportunity to lift the T20 World Cup 2022 trophy after losing to England in the final at the MCG on November 13.

The Pakistan captain’s lean patch throughout the T20 World Cup was one of the events that stood out. With the exception of his sensational 53-run innings against New Zealand, Babar did not appear to be in top form.

Furthermore, Babar had single-digit scores in the first four Super 12 matches and a 32 in the championship match against England. Fans and members of the cricketing fraternity have witnessed his decline with the willow, which has been harmed by the pressures of captaincy

Throughout the competition, the skipper was heavily chastised for his underwhelming performances. Babar has not responded to the cricketing community's suggestions, and it remains to be seen what happens. It’s worth noting that Babar Azam led the Men in Green to the T20 World Cup semi-finals in 2021, the Asia Cup finals in 2022, and the T20 World Cup finals in 2022.

Babar is also the most successful T20 team captain in Pakistan, having won 40 of 66 games, or 65.57 percent of the time. Pakistan's captain has also risen to third place in the T20 batting rankings.

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A drone crashed into the window of the adjoining Washing Point Building early Wednesday morning, according to the FIR, which was filed by Orange Line Metro Station security officer Pall Nazir Masih. The broken glass and drone then fell into the metro station below.

According to police, a spy camera was discovered inside the plane, and the bomb disposal squad discovered no explosive material from the remote-controlled plane.

The drone crashed inside the Ali Town terminal’s empty track. According to police, a camera was attached to the drone plane. Police are investigating where and why the drone landed.

Relevant authorities, including the bomb disposal squad, arrived at the crash site, and investigations into the incident from various angles have begun.

According to the details, the drone collided with the Lahore Orange Line train station. Surprisingly, the police claimed that a spy camera was discovered inside the drone. The bomb disposal squad was also called, but no explosives were discovered.

They stated that the drone was approximately six feet and four inches long, with a wingspan of approximately thirteen feet.

Officials have also stated that they are investigating what materials the drone is made of, who may have built it, and where it came from.

Later, police filed an FIR under Section 440 of the Criminal Procedure Code against unidentified individuals.

Section 440: Mischief committed after preparation for causing death or hurt: Whoever commits mischief after preparing for causing death, or hurt, or wrongful restraint, or fear of death, or hurt, or of wrongful restraint, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term of up to five years, and shall also be fined.

The police called in a bomb disposal team, who determined that the drone was devoid of any explosive material after a thorough examination. The Special Protection Unit is in charge of the security in the area. The unit notified the police and mass transit authority as soon as the incident was reported to them, and intelligence agencies are also investigating. However, no department has stated the drone plane, where it came from, and why, or whether it is a spy drone.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have seized and are inspecting the military drone, while the Pakistan Army’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), has yet to state the incident.

While the drone is being investigated, social media users speculate that it came from India because Lahore shares a border with India. This is not the first time an unidentified drone has crashed in Pakistan. A US spy plane crashed into Pakistani territory near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Balochistan in 2011.

The drone was surveying the border when it crashed 300 meters inside Pakistani territory near the Pishin Scouts compound in Chaman. The drone was carrying no weapons and was most likely used for surveillance. The wreckage was taken over by Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies.

The Unmanned Ariel Vehicle (UAV) was taking aerial photographs of border areas on the Pakistani side of the LoC when it was shot down by Pakistani troops assigned to guard-forward posts in the AJK district of Bhimbher.

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On the occasion of his wife Sania Mirza's birthday, Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik took to social media and posted a heartfelt message.

On the occasion of his wife Sania Mirza’s birthday, Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik took to social media and posted a heartfelt message. At a time when the couple’s divorce rumours are rife, Shoaib’s wish for Sania, who turns 36 on Tuesday, adds a new layer of speculation to the status of their relationship and promises to confound fans.

Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik and his wife, ace Indian tennis player Sania Mirza, have been making headlines since rumours of their divorce circulated. The couple, who married in 2013, was said to have divorced after nine years of marriage.

After the former posted a heart-breaking post on social media, several publications speculated that Sania and Shoaib’s relationship had soured. The aforementioned Instagram story, combined with Shoaib’s absence from Sania’s social media, paved the way for speculation. Neither the cricketer nor Sania, however, addressed the rumours.

On Sunday, a new poster for the Mirza Malik Show, starring cricketer Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, was released. Urduflix, the streaming platform that will host the show, shared the poster.

The poster’s release coincides with media speculation that the couple has split up. Several leading media outlets in Pakistan, India, and the UAE have published articles implying that the couple is divorcing. Some people alluded to the possibility of infidelity. However, neither Malik nor Mirza responded to the rumours.

The show was first announced in December 2021, but no release date has been set. Mirza and Malik announced the show at a press conference in Dubai, saying it appealed to them because they enjoy trying new things both together and individually. “We like challenges, so the transition from sports to media was very exciting,” Mirza said.

During the press conference, she stated that she wanted their show to be “a good family show” with lots of laughter, similar to The Kapil Sharma Show. “Ours will not be a comedy show, but humour is very important.”

The couple married in 2010 and have a four-year-old son named Izhaan Mirza Malik.

Malik spoke with ICON in September about living in Dubai as a neutral space and his difficulties bouncing between Dubai and his hometown of Sialkot, where his mother still lives, and wherever he needs to go to play cricket.

“It’s now a way of life,” he said. “Sania obviously can’t visit Pakistan very often due to political constraints.” My mother travels to Dubai frequently.

“Sania and I have adjusted our routines so that one of us is always available if the other needs to go on tour,” Malik explained. “Once upon a time, I would

“I used to play in eight to ten league cricket matches a year.” Now I just go with four to five.”

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The international community has condemned a deadly attack on Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan, which supporters claim was an assassination attempt.

Mr. Khan, 70, is undergoing treatment after being shot in the leg during a large protest in Warzirabad, in the country's north-east.

According to his camp, he is in stable condition and could be released from the hospital in the days ahead. When his convoy came under fire, one individual was killed and at least 5 - 10 others were injured.

The assassination of Mr. Khan has energized the country. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Mr. Khan's party, has called for protests across the country following Friday prayers. Schools in the capital, Islamabad, have been closed.

Pakistan's rulers have condemned the assassination of their opposing player, with Chairman Arif Alvi leading the charge.

The attack on their opponent has been condemned by Pakistan's leaders, with President Arif Alvi trying to call it a heinous attempted assassination and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif trying to order an immediate investigation.

Crime has no role in politics, and we call on all groups to refrain from conflict, harassment, and intimidation, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The former cricketer turned politician is still popular with voters, but he was defeated in a parliament vote in April.

He has since fought to reclaim his position. Mr. Khan had been going to lead a "long march" of demonstrations calling for new elections to enable his comeback, buoyed by substantial PTI successes in recent local elections. He has described his withdrawal as a political conspiracy and has been outspoken about it.

What happened during the attack

When the shooting started on Thursday, he was going to stand on an open truck bed enveloped by aides and other party members.

It was the 7th day of his long march, intended to bring him to Islamabad the following week. His vehicle was in Wazirabad, approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Lahore.

According to survivors from the convoy, Mr. Khan had been flapping to backers and was about to start speaking to the audience when the gunshots rang out.

We could see the aggressor from atop the container, Mueezuddin, a party staffer, told the BBC.

We saw the attacker had drained an entire magazine... [and] was loading another journal when a boy grabbed him from behind.

Unverified social media videos show an assailant in the crowd trying to point a pistol at Mr. Khan's rally before being overcome by Mr. Khan's supporters.

According to Mueezuddin, Mr. Khan and the people around him ducked rapidly after the first shots, and after he was hit, he remained calm while his bodyguards administered first aid.

He was then transferred to a bullet-proof car and taken to a hospital in Lahore.

According to witness accounts and video footage of the incident, a security officer was also seen shooting from the container.

According to Punjab Chief Minister Pervez Elahi, there was more than one attacking player, as Mr. Khan was shot in the leg from behind while the accused attacker was caught on the video. 

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ISLAMABAD: As the PTI began its "haqeeqi azadi long march" from Lahore, the digital media controller issued a directive directing all personal TV channels not to broadcast the march or PTI leaders' speeches live.

The Pakistan Digital Devices Regulatory Agency (Pemra) also chastised private Television networks for failing to implement a delay method during live coverage.

Without going to name any political party or leader, the regulator stated that a speech was broadcast live on Friday during which "statements against state institutions were made apparently referring to PTI Chairman Imran Khan's speech in the afternoon at the beginning of his march on Islamabad.

While monitoring today's transmissions, it was discovered that throughout the speech telecast now, statements critical of state institutions were broadcast live.

Given the foregoing, all licensees are once again aimed to halt live telecasts of content/programs while trying to cover the long march and public speaking of PTI leaders."

The regulator also ordered that all satellite Television channels, including those classified as regional language channels, follow the guidelines to enact delay mechanism needs during live broadcasts.

The advisory also instructed the channels to "refrain from airing subject matter that is morally equivalent to malign/disgrace state institutions," as well as to "sensitize editorial boards, bureaus, and field reporters" to ensure compliance with the directives.

The authority referred to an order issued by the Islamabad High Court on September 5 ordering all licensed news and current events TV channels to cease live telecasting of content and initiatives without a time delay mechanism.

The IHC also aimed the channels to keep Pemra updated on the application of its directives.

Following that, Pemra issued orders to all channels to use a "maximum time delay mechanism" during live broadcasts in accordance with Clause 5 of the 2015 Code of Conduct.

The streams were also aimed to submit specifications for the machinery used for the purpose.

According to the Sep 5 directive, editorial boards or in-house monitoring committees should be formed to draft SOP for this purpose, and detailed information about the committees should be sent to Pemra.

However, the new advisory stated that despite the nearly two-month lapse, only five TV channels had submitted their responses, which were also deemed "not satisfactory."

Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi headed over a meeting at the CM Office on Friday, during which the security arrangements for the long march, the route of the long march, and the deployment of the police force were discussed.

The chief minister directed that foolproof security arrangements be made for the long march and that special arrangements be made to keep law and order along the entire route of the long march.

He stated that the formed security plan must be followed in both letter and spirit and that the police and administration must leave no stone unturned to protect the lives and property of the people. 

He directed that all departments involved ensure the maintenance of law and order through an excellent coordinating body, and that substitute arrangement be made to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. 

The CM directed that the coordination committee hold daily meetings and that steps be taken.

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PTI Chairman Imran Khan questioned the unprecedented press conference held earlier today by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum & Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG Lt Gen Babar Iftikhar, asking what the purpose of holding a "political presser" was if institutions were apolitical.

In an interview with 92 News journalist Amir Mateen, the former said today's press conference was "unprecedented" and "never heard of."

Either there must be a concern for them, such as security, but people held an ideological press conference, so I'm confused." Couldn't the defense, interior, or prime minister have done it? What role did the institutions play in holding the press conference?

Since I was eliminated from the government, I have done everything in my power to keep the country and army safe. I'm aware that anything I say about the establishment will have an impact on the army.

But when they hold a media briefing like this, and I start responding, it will directly affect our army, and I don't want to harm them in any way." This is why I always try to make my criticism constructive and beneficial," Imran explained.

He said he had been criticizing "Dirty Harry," who had recently been posted in Islamabad, for the torture inflicted on Azam Swati and Shahbaz Gill.

Speaking of "backdoor talks," Imran stated that he was aware of a "conspiracy" to destabilize his government before the no-confidence vote.

I have repeatedly stated publicly that I have told Gen Bajwa that if this conspiracy succeeds at this time, it will have a direct effect and lost opportunity on the economy.

I issued a warning and stated that there was talk of an extension here. I advised him that if they're willing to give you [an extension], we can do the same," Imran said.

To say I was making a deal in closed rooms what would I get out of a deal? I told you to do it for Pakistan. But they didn't put a stop to the plot and look what happened.

Consider his program, then consider who was endangered as a result of him [...] consider his tweets. This is not a secret. Why did the general public turn out in such large numbers for his funeral? People recognized him and his reality.

The truth about Arshad Sharif will never be hidden. He informed the Islamabad High Court & President Arif Alvi that his life was in danger. He said the same thing to me, and I told him he should leave the country. But he was so courageous that he didn't want to leave," the PTI chief continued.

During yesterday's press conference with PTI leader Faisal Vawda, Imran said he had seen many people close in his major shift and show a different part during difficult times.

During a surprise media conference on Wednesday night, Vawda claimed that blood would drop and bodies would fall as during PTI long march, which is set to begin in Lahore on Friday, October 28.

During today's interview, Imran claimed that "dirty Harry" was very close to Vawda and that he had "no doubt" that "all this play about death and destruction [in the long march]" was done at the request of the shadowy figure.

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PTI Chairman Imran Khan announced on Tuesday that his party's long march forward toward Islamabad for the country's "haqeeqi azadi" would begin on October 28 at Lahore's Liberty Chowk.

The former premier told a news conference in Lahore, bordered by the party's top leadership, that the march will begin at 11 a.m. from the Liberty Chowk and that he will lead it himself.

This is our rally for haqeeqi azaadi, and there is no end date. We will arrive in Islamabad via the GT Road, and even the nation will arrive from all over Pakistan.

I predict this will be the largest crowd of people in the country's history, Imran predicted. He went on to say that its long march was not politics, but rather a war for Pakistan's future.

This is a struggle for freedom from these robbers who have been imposed on us, far beyond politics. This jihad will determine the fate of the country.

Extending on the march's demands, the former prime minister stated that he only wished for one thing: The decision of who will lead the country belongs to the people.

We want the people to make the decision. Today, I am attempting to appeal to the entire nation to decide whether we want to continue on this path of becoming a free nation or serve these thieves.

He stated that the rally would be peaceful in response to a question. We will not violate the law or enter the Red Zone. Whatever happens in Islamabad will be in accordance with what the court system has permitted. We have instructed everyone to remain calm, and we will simply show up.

The PTI chief stated at the start of the media briefing that the march had been planned in advance. On May 25, we held a peaceful demonstration, but they attacked us with violence. And if I hadn't called it off, there would have been discord and bloodshed in the country the next day, he said. As a result, to save my nation and avoid chaos, I called it off, he added.

Imran went on to say that he desired to clarify the march's purpose because he had been told that he was being reckless because the country was in crisis.

I'd like to remind the nation that when we took office in 2018, Pakistan was bankrupt and had the world's largest foreign deficit.

According to the PTI chief, journalists in Pakistan are currently facing the very worst form of oppression. There is no example of the kind of inequities and limitations they have tried to impose on the media in any other democracy.

However, what they did to Arshad Sharif was the most distressing for the journalist community. I've never seen anything like this in Pakistan, he said.

The journalist was killed in Kenya in an apparent case of "mistaken identity." Imran described the killing as a targeted attack at a lawyer's convention in Peshawar today.

During a media briefing in Lahore, the PTI chief stated that everyone knew Sharif was a journalist who never compromised.

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ISLAMABAD: In connection with Saturday's protests against the Election Commission of Pakistan's judgment to reject former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Dawn has learned that at least 7 cases have been confirmed against more than 1,900 offenders, including senior leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), on multiple charges that include terrorism.

Cases filed against the party establishment at the Secretariat, Industrial Area, Shahzad Town, Sihala, Sangjani, Khanna, and Bhara Kahu police stations allege that they blocked roads, attacked police officers, and destroyed public and private property.

Industrial Area police have charged eight people and named 1,200 other PTI activists with 7ATA and other costs for pelting police and FC staff with stones in Faizabad.

On the objection of PML-N leader Mohsin Nawaz Ranjha, Secretariat police charged former Prime Minister Imran Khan and an amount of PTI leaders under sections 109, 148, 149, 324, & 427 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).  These individuals are also charged with attempting to run over police officers with their cars and setting fire to trees.

Similarly, Sangjani police have charged six people and named another 100 under 7ATA and other sections of the PPC for blocking the Srinagar Highway and attacking police officers at the request of Imran Khan, Asad Umar, Ali Nawaz Awan, and others.

Meanwhile, the instance at Shahzad Town police station named six people, along with 150 others, for obstructing Taramri chowk, carrying weapons with batons and iron rods, and torching tires. In the case at Sihala police station, 11 people were nominated, along with 100 others, for blocking the GT Road, whereas Khanna police nominated 15 people, along with 250 other activists, for an armed grouping at Iqbal Town, where they obstructed the Islamabad Freeway and attacked the police party.

The instance at Bhara Kahu police station named 29 people and 235 others for obstructing Athal Chowk with an armed mob & threatening police officers.

Furthermore, after a terrorism case was filed against PTI legislator Saleh Mohammad Khan Swati of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and two of his personal guards at the Secretariat Police Station late Friday night, Islamabad police later shared a photo of the MNA standing in front of a police station. The photo goes viral just minutes after the post.

According to sources, police typically photograph habitual criminals and those involved in heinous crimes such as robbery and terrorism as part of the Criminal Record Office (CRO) profiling process. According to Dawn, many senior officers expressed their displeasure with the photo being made public.

The MNA and his two bodyguards were later brought before a court of law and imprisoned on judicial remand. Separately, capital police have charged former responsibility czar Mirza Shahzad Akbar, FIA The case was opened at the Secretary general police station in the wake of a complaint filed by Ms. Mirza's ex-husband, Umar Farooq Zahoor. officials, and model Sophia Mirza with conspiracy, forgery, and fraud.

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LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Siraj-ul-Haq has stated that only a nuclear Pakistan can ensure the country's freedom and security. The US president's declaration that Pakistan's nuclear program is dangerous is reprehensible. He demanded that the government declare the ejection of the American ambassador until the United States apologized for such remarks.

Speaking to the media here on Sunday, Siraj-ul-Haq said the leaders lacked the courage to properly respond to US President Donald Trump's uncalled-for remark about the country's nuclear program because the ruling parties were always eager to show loyalty to Washington instead of serving the common people and national interests.

He wished that the government would recognize the sensitivity of the situation and represent the nation's sentiment by responding appropriately to the US by declaring that it was the US, not Pakistan, that posed a real threat to global peace and humanity.

He claimed that the Pakistani people only bowed to Almighty Allah. Our nation and individuals are not free, but true freedom can be found only by trying to enforce the Islamic system. Jamaat-e-Islami is now the sole political party.

The IMF slavery of the 22 million Pakistanis forced to live in worry and despair is the result of the incompetence of the current and previous rulers, he said, adding that the JI was gathering youth from all over the nation on October 30 at the Greater Iqbal Park to give people a plan of action for the future and bring an Islamic revolution by organizing them. He claimed that the country was founded on the rule of families and individuals rather than the constitution and the law.

The nation has been held hostage by mafias, landlords, and tyrants. Intelligent young people are now either fleeing the country or becoming depressed and drug addicts. Education is costly, and good health activities are scarce, he added.

JI demands that the US ambassador be expelled.

According to the statement, "over the last years, Pakistan has evidenced to be a most responsible nuclear state, with the nuclear program supervised by a technically solid and watertight control and command structure."

It also stated that Pakistan had demonstrated sustainable management of its nuclear-weapon capabilities on numerous occasions, as evidenced by strict adherence to international standards, particularly IAEA requirements on non-proliferation, security, and safety.

According to the White House, President Biden's remarks about Pakistan's nuclear program were "nothing new," as he had initially done similar remarks.

In response to a press conference question, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that Biden wants to believe a "safe and prosperous" Pakistan is critical to "US interests.

The JI leader, however, was unsatisfied, claiming that the current and previous rulers were American slaves, while they accepted in bowing down to the Almighty alone.

Having nuclear weapons, according to Siraj, ensures Pakistan's freedom and integrity.

He slammed Biden's assertion that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal was not secure.

Siraj slammed both the current and previous regimes, trying to claim that the PTI and Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) were puppets of the international establishment who simply carried out their orders.

The JI leader stated that crises had enslaved the country's 220 million people due to the rulers' ineptness and the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) servitude.

As a result," he continued, "the Jamaat-e-Islami is now the only option for making the country pleased and developing.

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Shehbaz Sharif & his son, Hamza Shehbaz, have been charged with money laundering in the amount of Rs16 billion.

Judge Ijaz Hassan Awan read out the brief ruling, which had been retained earlier in the day.

During Tuesday's hearing, the FIA informed the court that no direct transactions from benami (unnamed) accounts had been made in the savings accounts of PM Shehbaz and his son.

In November 2020, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) charged Shehbaz and his two sons, Hamza and Suleman, under Sections 419, 420, 468, 471, 34, and 109 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, as well as Section 3/4 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act.

Suleman was declared a professed violator by the court due to his frequent absence from the trial proceedings.

In an interview with DawnNewsTV, PML-N leader Talal Chaudhry referred to the verdict as a "PML-victory," N's claiming that "such fabricated instances were obligated to be exposed one day.

Today is a victory and reflection day, he added.

Meanwhile, the PML-N said in a tweet on its official Twitter account that Another fabricated case formed for political victimization comes to an end.

The verdict, according to PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry, is a slap in the face to the nation.

On the one hand, [they are] attempting to raise funds for flood relief. One family, on the other hand, has pilfered billions of rupees Fawad went on to say that the money that had been laundered did belong to the citizens of the country.

At the start of today's hearing, Advocate Amjad Pervez, who reflects PM Shehbaz and former Punjab chief minister Hamza, asked the court to grant the premier another exempt status from the hearing due to unavoidable official obligations.

On Tuesday, the court granted a similar request.

Pervez informed Judge Awan that neither of the eyewitness accounts testified against the Prime Minister or his son. He accused the officer in charge of the investigation of attempting to present "twisted declarations" from witnesses.

He chastised the FIA, claiming that the cases were brought "on the grounds of malice."

Based on the law, the plaintiff must prove its case, he said, adding that the trial had yet to provide any evidence on the bribery charge.

Farooq Bajwa, an FIA special prosecutor, told the judge that co-suspect Masroor Anwar had been trying to operate Shehbaz Sharif's bank account and that all benami accounts were run by Ramzan Sugar Mills employees.

He claimed that the profile of another suspect, Gulzar Ahmed, was still active after his death.

Bajwa responded that there was no proof in the available records.

The judge reserved his decision in the case after hearing arguments from both sides.

On Tuesday, the judge first asked the defendant how many financial assets were opened in the name of co-defendant Malik Maqsood Ahmad, a peon at Ramzan Sugar Mills who died while on the run.

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ISLAMABAD: On Wednesday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) approved PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s protective bail until next week in the forbidden funding case and guided him to contact the appropriate court.

After appearing in court on the commands of Chief Justice Athar Minallah, the PTI chief was granted bail against recognizance of Rs5,000 until October 18 in the forbidden funding case enrolled by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

When the hearing was resumed, the extra attorney general argued that barrier protection bail is granted in cases involving a different province. However, Khan's lawyer, Barrister Salman Safdar, told the court that they approached the high court after the special court declined to hear the bail pleas of two of the accused persons in the case.

We had no choice but to approach the Supreme Court, the lawyer explained to Justice Minallah. The IHC CJ then stated that the bail implementation, in this case, should be heard by the special court.

After hearing the comment, the government's lawyer admitted in court that they were stunned by the special court's decision. If there was a problem, the IHC Court stated that his court would confer bail to the PTI chief until the case was heard by the special court.

We're approving protective bail, Justice Minallah said. He went on to say that the jury would keep the specific instance on trial for the time being and would hear the plea if the issue was not resolved. Barrister Khan is Khan's lawyer at this point.

We are approving protective bail, Justice Minallah stated. He went on to say that the judge would keep the case on trial for the time being and would hear the direct appeal if the issue was not resolved. At this point, Khan's lawyer, Barrister Safdar, began arguing about the case's merits. However, Justice Minallah noted that the council wished for the case to be dismissed.

This is our request, the lawyer said to the judge. However, the judge informed him that legal avenues for dismissing the case were available to him. The PTI chief applied for protective bail at the IHC on Wednesday, but the registrar rejected the request with objections. When the IHC CJ heard the petition, the objections were dropped.

Earlier Wednesday, when Justice Minallah did hear the plea, the PTI chairman's lawyer told the court that Imran Khan faced arrest. The IHC CJ then asked the prosecutor where his client was and why he hadn't appeared in court.

If the court orders, the lawyer told the judge, Imran Khan will have seemed before it immediately. Hearing this, the IHC CJ instructed the lawyer to request that his client appears at 3 p.m. on Wednesday. However, the lawyer stated that it would be extremely late and that his client could appear in court in 30 minutes. "All right, then come [by then]," the IHC CJ said to the lawyer.

The court also ordered that the PTI chief not be arrested until he went on trial and that the police refrain from harassing him. The FIA had decided to book PTI Chairman Imran Khan in the forbidden funding case the day before, as the agency ramped up its investigation into the matter.

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On Friday, a further alleged recording of recently departed Prime Minister Imran Khan was leaked, the latest in many leaked information from the Prime Minister's Office, allegedly featuring the PTI chief discussing horse-trading in parliament.

You have a misinterpretation that now the numeric game is finished [...] don't believe this is over, a voice presumed to be Imran's says in the audio recording.

As you can see, 48 hours is a long time. Big things are taking place. I'm attempting to make my own movements that we can't reveal According to Imran. The PTI chief is said to have gone on to say that he is "buying five" lawmakers.

I've sent the message that all five are critical. And tell the others that if they get these five [...] and he gets ten, the game is in our hands. The nation is concerned right now. People all over the world desire that we win in some way.

"Thus, don't fear whether this is correct or not [...] even if they split one, it will make a significant difference," the voice, thought to be Imran's, continues.

The audio clip released last Friday is the third in which the PTI chairman appears. Last week, an audio recording purportedly disclosed a discussion between Imran and then-principal secretary Azam Khan about just the cipher used by Imran, which was shared by Asad Majeed, the then-envoy to the US.

In the video, the former premier reportedly tells Azam to "hype up" the cipher

Leaks expose a gross violation of security at the PM Office

What began as an alleged and slightly embarrassing audio leak appears to have escalated into a full-fledged national security incident, with the release last month of a slew of voice tapes of conversations between key government figures, such as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz, and some members of the federal cabinet.

The recordings have seemed to be informal discussions in the PM Office rather than recorded phone conversations.

First, a recording of PM Shehbaz trying to discuss with an unidentified official the possibility of enabling the import of Indian machinery for a power project involving Maryam Nawaz Sharif's son-in-law, Raheel, surfaced. and turn it into an international plot to destabilize his government but adds that no country should be named.

A day later, another video emerged, purportedly showcasing PTI leaders Asad Umar and Shah Mahmood Qureshi trying to discuss the "foreign conspiracy" cipher with the defunct premier and ex-principal secretary. It was allegedly an extension of the conversation in the previous recording.

On Friday, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry did not deny the material of the latest audio clip, but stated that "everybody knows how and where how the audio files are being made."

In a Twitter post, the former minister asked, Will you show NRO 2 to be valid by having to join voices such as these?

A day later, additional recordings regarding former minister of finance Miftah Ismail as well as the defections of PTI legislators from the National Assembly surfaced, which were posted on social media by several PTI leaders.

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Maryam Nawaz, Vice-President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), left for London on Wednesday after receiving her travel documents on the Lahore High Court (LHC) order.

She went to Raiwand to visit her grandparent's and mother's graves before departing for London. People took selfies with her when she arrived at Lahore's Allama Iqbal Airport.

She will fly from Doha to London on a connecting flight. After three years, she will fulfill her father, PML-N Nawaz Sharif.

Earlier on Monday, the LHC ordered the return of Maryam Nawaz's passport after a 3 member bench led by the Chief Justice of the LHC concluded the petition filed by the PML-N ruler for the return of her passport following National accountability.

Allowing Maryam's petition, the bench stated that the court had no choice but to grant the application based on the conclusion of the NAB's deputy prosecutor.

The bench removed the status of giving up the passport noted in the 2019 bail decision to grant the order and directed the deputy official (judicial) to bring back the passport(s) to the complainant as soon as possible after due verification.

In November 2019, a 2 member bench of the LHC granted Ms. Sharif post-arrest bail in the case, stating that "bail cannot be excluded as a punishment.

The bench had ordered Ms. Sharif to provide Rs10 million in recognizance, with two sureties in the same amount, to satisfy the trial court. She was also ordered to transfer Rs70 million with the court 'to establish her bona fide and surrender her passport, as the trial feared she would flee the country. 

Ms. Sharif was arrested by the NAB in August 2019 while visiting her imprisoned father, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Maryam Nawaz's passport has been issued

Maryam Nawaz petitioned the LHC in April for the return of her travel document so that she could make the journey to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and then to London.

Due to jurists recusing themselves one after the other, no fewer than four seats were formed to hear Maryam Nawaz's passport-return case.

The first bench was made up of Justices Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi and Anwarul Haq Pannun. Justice Najafi & Justice Farooq Haider were appointed to a second bench. At last, LHC Chief Justice Muhammad Ameer Bhatti convened a bench of Justices Najafi and Asjad Javed Ghural to hear the petition.

Maryam Nawaz later withdrew her petition.

It is worth noting that the PML-recent N's legal victories are unsettling its political rival PTI, which has frequently alleged the present government of offering itself an "NRO-2."

The next press briefing will be allowed to hold from Avenfield Apartments, which has no land in Pakistan, let alone London, said PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry.

During tonight's debate, the National Accountability Bureau's counsel stated that they have no opposition to returning the travel documents to Maryam Nawaz because they do not require any further investigation into the PML-N stalwart. After listening to the arguments of both sides, the court ordered the return of Maryam Nawaz's passport. 

During today's hearing, the National Accountability Bureau's counsel stated that they have no reason to object to returning the passport to Maryam Nawaz because they do not require any further investigation into the PML-N stalwart. After hearing points on both sides, the court ordered the return of Maryam Nawaz's passport.

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PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz & her partner Captain (retd) Safdar were cleared of all charges in the Avenfield properties fraud reference four years after their conviction, just after Islamabad High Court (IHC) overruled the July 2018 verdict on Thursday.

The court stated in a brief order, a duplicate of which is available to Dawn.com, that "the immediate appeal is permitted and the decision dated July 6, 2018, is set aside for reasons to be recorded later."

It went on to say that Maryam and Captain Safdar's convictions had been overturned and that they had been exonerated of the fees in the reference. 

Outside of the court, the PML-N leader praised the verdict and declared Mian Nawaz Sharif vindicated.

Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the "edifice of lies, slander, and personal attacks" had crumbled.

Maryam's acquittal in the Avenfield case is a slap in the face to the ostensibly accountable system that was used to attack the Sharif family." "I'd like to congratulate Maryam Beti and Safdar, he said.

The verdict, according to lawyer Maryam Ali Abbasi, is "quite damning" for the accountability watchdog, which is "already starting to move towards increased regulation or redundancy."

In an interview with Dawn.com, lawyer Mirza Moiz Baig stated that a person who has been found guilty of a crime encompassing corruption or moral depravity is disqualified from standing for election unless a timeframe of five years has elapsed since their release.

While the Supreme Court has held in the particular instance of Samiullah Baloch that a recusal under Article 62(1)(f) is permanent, an exclusion under Article 63(1)(g) is not," he explained.

Unlike her father, Maryam Nawaz was never proclaimed to fall short of the standard enshrined in Article 62(1)." (f). On the opposite, the only impediment to her running for office is a lack of funds.

The high court's decision may thus open the path for Maryam Nawaz's formal entry into electoral politics, he concluded.

Meanwhile, lawyer Basil Nabi Malik stated that the conviction should not have come as a surprise to anyone.

From the start, there were serious concerns about the way, medium, and method of obtaining the conviction," he told Dawn.com.

However, while correct, this overruling would be seen by many as a symbol of changing times, rather than any real achievement of justice, he said, trying to add that such was the level of politicization in the country.

Today's hearing was presided over by a two-member bench comprising Justice Aamer Farooq & Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, wherein the court heard arguments both ways.

Maryam's lawyer, Amjad Pervaiz, and NAB prosecutor, Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi, popped up before the court at the start of the hearing.

Usman Cheema introduced the arguments at the previous hearing, but he is not starting to feel well today," the bureau's lawyer told the court. He then requested permission from the bench to present arguments.

During today's hearing, Justice Kiyani stated that the investigating officer's opinion could not be considered evidence. The joint investigative committee did not show any facts; it simply gathered information, he pointed out.

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Former Prime Minister & PTI Chairman Imran Khan has stated that his movement for true freedom against the governing coalition will not end until initial and transparent election results are announced.

You continue to be ready. I will issue a [protest] call when my adversaries believe Imran Khan has decided to give up, and that day is not far away," he said on Saturday at his party's power show in Punjab's Rahim Yar Khan district. "I'll call you when I start believing I can take 3 wickets in one ball... I am observing our activists' preparations and will issue a call when I genuinely think we are fully prepared.

Imran stated that his much-publicized call for the next strike against the ruling coalition would be his last and that he would not step another protest or hold a long march after that.

That call will be issued to save Pakistan through unrestricted and transparent elections. We have no other option but to hold elections to save the country.

The country's economic woes cannot be solved without peace and stability and a strong government, according to Imran, who added that only unrestricted and transparent elections can be brought economic stability.

Replying to Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah's caution against marching on Islamabad, Imran said in a message to him that peaceful protest was his party's democratic right. "Rana Sanaullah, who should be in prison, is trying to lecture us on democracy.

Rana Sanaullah, open your ears to hear that somehow this time we will arrive with 'full planning. Everyone knows how much Rana Sanaullah will do, but no one understands what I will do, he said, referring to the violence that his party's workers faced during their brief long march in May.

I have never got to witness such mass awareness as I am witnessing today... I've never seen my people come out of their houses in hot weather, he added. Imran began his speech by saying thank his followers for gathering in great numbers and standing in line for his speech. They [PM Shehbaz and his representatives] are choosing to stay in expensive hotels to impress those from whom he [PM Shehbaz] is asking for donations, he observed.

He added that PM Shehbaz was imposed on the nation not because he possessed any leadership qualities, but because he was willing to take orders from all powers, including the IMF.

The PTI chief stated that the nation has no destiny if such corrupt leaders continue to rule it, such as PM Shehbaz and his child, who have been set to be indicted in a money laundering case.

Imran stated that they had obtained an NRO and closed corruption scandals worth Rs11,000 billion.

We have no future if we admit the thievery of Rs11,000 billion as well as the slavery of these 'imported rulers. Taking a jab at Prime Minister Shehbaz for seeking international donations for disaster victims, Imran said the nation would have to settle national interests by accepting foreign aid because there is no free lunch.

He claimed that incumbent rulers were attempting to disqualify him because they were afraid of the power of the people. Four people have decided behind closed doors to assassinate me... they are still functioning on this plan," he claimed.

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All 4 of Haliman's daughters became ill after she left her flood-ravaged town in Pakistan's Sindh province's Qambar Shahdadkot district. 2 of her daughters have repetitive fevers, while the other 2 have skin problems.

I've never encountered such diseases before. The skin on my oldest daughter's feet is tearing off, Haliman said, seated on a charpoy in Larkana's girls' college, where she sought refuge with many others. 

As per Unicef, severe flooding in Pakistan caused by intense monsoons has killed over 1,500 people, such as 528 kids, and affected approximately 16 million children. Authorities estimate that it will take at least three to six months for the waters that have washed residences, roads, plants, livestock, and folks to recede.

Flooding has also led to the spread of water-borne illnesses. "Millions of individuals live under the blue skies, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, says last week during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization top of the mountain in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. "Water is the cause of water-borne diseases. He has prompted the world to pay attention to the effects on children.

At least 3.4 million girls and boys continue to necessitate immediate, potentially life-saving assistance. Abdullah Fadil, the representative of Unicef Pakistan, did warn that without a massive rise in funding, many more kids would perish. The scenario for Pakistani families is beyond bleak, he said, adding that malnourished children suffer from diarrhea and malaria, dengue, and harsh skin conditions.

Rawat Khan, 47, who was carrying her daughter Iqra, whose ear had become discolored as well as blemished with tiny, pus-filled patches, said that these illnesses were not usual before, but now all the children were sick. Her son's chest was also swollen.

The physician wants us to get medical tests in Karachi... but we can't afford it." We don't have any money. The floods destroyed our residences and savings, she explained.

All we did was save our existence. Hardly anything else could be saved. We are desperate as we watch our children become ill and are helpless to intervene. The government has let us down.

All of these are water-borne illnesses. You see standing water in flood zones where mosquitoes abound, and individuals don't have good drinking water, so they walk through polluted water and drink it. Everything is extremely depressing, Ali said. He continued by stating that a large portion of the population had been impacted on a large scale.

Unfortunately, the government is not acting correctly manner because such catastrophes have not occurred before. The National Disaster & Management Authority is also not involved. If the government remains inactivated, we will face a bigger tragedy in the form of illnesses in the near future, Ali warned.

A woman, who asked to remain anonymous, comforted her child in her lap. "Our children receive no medicine, care, food, or anything else. "My son has been puking for days, but I have no idea what's causing his illness," she explained.

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