Maryam Nawaz

At least three people were killed and three injured in rain-related incidents across Punjab, including house collapses and drownings, while heavy monsoon rains caused severe waterlogging and traffic disruptions in Lahore and other cities. Authorities activated emergency response systems and urged precautions as the monsoon is expected to continue until August 5.

PPP leader Saeed Ghani accused PML-N of rigging every election they won, citing instances in 1985, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1997, 2008, 2013, and 2024. He claimed the PPP was targeted in these elections and emphasized his party's stance against creating new provinces in Sindh while supporting Punjab's requests.

Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar, a PML-N MNA and former provincial minister, passed away at 76 in Bahawalpur. Political leaders including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nawaz Sharif, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed grief and praised his public service.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is holding regular meetings with PML-N lawmakers to address concerns about being ignored by bureaucracy and police. The lawmakers, particularly from rural areas, seek recognition when raising public grievances, as a recent policy shift removed their influence over administrative postings.

The PPP accused the AJK Election Commission of facilitating rigging in the first phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, with PML-N winning nine seats in provisional results. PPP's Hassan Murtaza alleged polling stations were seized, voting time extended to favor PML-N, and the commission failed to address violations.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz praised PML-N's victory in the first phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections and urged the PPP to accept defeat. She criticized the PPP for alleging election rigging, arguing that the PPP's governance in AJK had worsened conditions and failed to deliver results.

Four men, reportedly Pakistani nationals, were killed in a suspected ambush in Kempton Park, South Africa. Police confirmed the deaths as murder cases but could not verify the victims' nationalities. Reactions from local and national officials, including condolences and calls for justice, were reported.

PTI criticized the government for allocating Rs1.8 billion in special allowances to top bureaucrats while fuel prices rose sharply, accusing officials of favoring elites over ordinary citizens. The party demanded policy rollbacks, transparency in wheat stock discrepancies, and audits of Sindh's public service exams and Azad Kashmir's election practices.

The Mirpur Division elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir face tensions as PML-N and PPP contest amid PPP allegations of code violations and Election Commission warnings against new schemes. MQM-P withdraws candidates in favor of PML-N, while 2,316 polling stations are set up for the vote.

The AJK Election Commission warned against code of conduct violations following PML-N's announcement of development schemes during elections. PPP labeled the pledges as 'political bribery,' prompting the Commission to clarify that new schemes or government resources used for campaigning would be illegal. Media and social platforms were urged to avoid unverified content to maintain electoral integrity.

Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz pledged infrastructure and welfare projects for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), including an international airport and electric buses, amid PPP criticism over electioneering tactics. PPP accused the PML-N of making pre-poll promises and urged the Election Commission to address the issue.

Nawaz Sharif criticized the lack of development in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) after his removal from power, vowing to implement a manifesto prioritizing education, healthcare, and infrastructure if PML-N wins the upcoming elections. He and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced plans for schools, hospitals, and natural gas access in AJK, emphasizing their party's past contributions to the region.

PML-N launched its election campaign in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) with party leader Nawaz Sharif addressing supporters in Muzaffarabad. He emphasized the need for a motorway along the Jhelum River and the party announced candidates for 37 of AJK's 45 constituencies.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan held a second meeting in a week to discuss legislative issues, emphasizing inclusive legislation and mutual coordination between treasury and opposition members. They addressed prison reforms and the Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill, 2026, while also praising initiatives like the 'Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar' scheme.

Punjab's government has digitally mapped health and demographic profiles of nearly 94.3 million citizens, with 85% coverage in 18 districts and plans to operationalize 16 cardiac cath labs by December. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered a population management campaign and a new healthcare program linking citizens to primary healthcare centers.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz urged parents to ensure children's safety after an eight-year-old girl was raped in Sargodha and 14 children died in a Lahore roof collapse. She emphasized collective responsibility and called for vigilance to prevent such incidents.

Provincial chief ministers in Pakistan reaffirmed commitments to prison reforms during a Supreme Court-hosted conference, emphasizing reduced incarceration, improved infrastructure, and human dignity. The National Judicial Policy-Making Committee facilitated the event, resulting in the Islamabad Declaration on Prison Reforms, which underscores shared institutional responsibility and provincial leadership in overhauling the justice system.

A Lahore court extended the pre-arrest bail of PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar and his wife until July 13, following allegations of harassing television actress Momina Iqbal. The case emerged after Iqbal's social media appeal highlighted claims of online harassment and threats, prompting investigations by NCCIA and a police FIR.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz met with Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan to address controversies involving the scrutiny of police conduct and a disputed bill. The meeting aimed to resolve misunderstandings and reaffirm collaboration between the two officials.

Lahore police have booked a tuition centre owner and a construction worker after a roof collapse killed 14 children. The incident occurred when soil was added to a dilapidated building's roof, causing it to collapse. The FIR was registered under sections 322 and 337-H of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered a redraft of the Punjab Control of Habitual Offenders and Anti-Social Behaviour Bill 2026 due to opposition. The bill will be revised by the law department and resubmitted to the Assembly. The session also saw protests over medical negligence and a hostel takeover, alongside the passage of resolutions on water scarcity, anti-drug campaigns, and digital governance.

The article discusses speculation about the instability of the Pakistani government, with journalist Sohail Warraich predicting its potential downfall starting in July. Debates highlight economic struggles and the government's lack of popularity, while others argue its stability due to the prime minister's relationship with the military.

A BS-18 police officer in Hafizabad was removed from his post after an altercation with the son of a local MPA over the use of the DPO office’s toilet. The dispute, which occurred during a visit by the MPA and his constituents, led to a social media campaign and political intervention by a senior PML-N figure, prompting an inquiry by Punjab’s IGP on the CM’s orders.

The Punjab government is expanding the Liquid Tree project, using microalgae to absorb carbon dioxide and improve urban air quality. The initiative, led by the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency, will install liquid trees in malls and public spaces, with the first EPA-certified unit moving from Faisalabad to Lahore. Additional measures include banning thin plastic bags and establishing green buffer zones around industrial areas.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the National Economic Council (NEC) to discuss federal and provincial development plans for the upcoming fiscal year (FY2026-27). The meeting emphasized collaboration between the Centre and provinces to address economic challenges, including rising global oil prices, while maintaining macroeconomic stability.

The Punjab government plans to launch Lahore's first app-based electric motorbike rental service to address last-mile connectivity and air quality issues. The initiative will deploy 10,000 e-bikes and 300 docking stations, targeting reduced pollution and transportation costs for residents.

PML-N MPA Saqib Chadhar secured interim pre-arrest bail from a Lahore court after being booked for allegedly harassing actor Momina Iqbal. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency registered a case against Chadhar under multiple sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and Pakistan Penal Code, citing allegations of cyber harassment, stalking, and threats. The court barred the agency from arresting Chadhar until June 24.