Mirpur

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari accused PML-N of rigging in Azad Kashmir elections, warning their 'countdown' has begun. The PPP and PML-N, allies in the Centre, are in conflict over election disputes, with Bilawal planning a rally in AJK's Bagh town ahead of August 10 elections. The AJK Election Commission noted law and order issues may affect polling.

AJK Information Secretary Muhammad Rashid Hanif reported that seven law enforcement personnel, including police and Rangers, were martyred during recent unrest linked to protests by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Clashes in Rawalakot and Mirpur resulted in casualties, while elections in the region faced rigging allegations. Hanif accused JAAC of harboring armed elements and spreading misinformation, rejecting claims of unprovoked violence by security forces.

HRCP and Amnesty International have called for a prompt, independent investigation into violence in Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, following clashes between protesters and law enforcement. The unrest, linked to protests by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) demanding the abolition of 12 legislative seats, has resulted in casualties and a communications blackout in the region.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Police accused the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of operating under an 'agenda' to disrupt peace, citing violent attacks on security forces and recovery of sophisticated weapons, including an automatic American weapon, from arrested suspects. The police alleged that JAAC's claimed peaceful protests contradict incidents involving ambushes, casualties, and social unrest, while JAAC claims supporters were killed without official confirmation.

Officials in Pakistan-administered Kashmir accused the outlawed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and militants from the Pakistani Taliban of attempting to sabotage regional elections and infiltrating protests. Clashes between security forces and armed protesters resulted in at least one paramilitary officer killed and several others wounded, with unconfirmed reports of protester casualties.

PML-N leads in seven constituencies, PPP in five during Mirpur polls; violence and rigging allegations reported. One killed in Nakyal, electoral process criticized for low confidence.

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari of the PPP responded to Nawaz Sharif of the PML-N, asserting that residents of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and similar-named regions will not surrender their political rights. The exchange occurs ahead of AJK's first election phase in Mirpur, amid allegations of pre-poll rigging and criticism of PML-N's 'gifts' of e-buses. Bilawal emphasized the PPP's infrastructure and educational projects in AJK, contrasting them with the PML-N's promises.

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.

Bangladesh secured its first one-day international series win over Australia with a 2-0 lead in a three-match series. A rain delay led to a revised DLS target of 192 in 41 overs, which Bangladesh achieved with six overs to spare, clinching the historic victory.

Sedition cases and a Rs10 million reward for information against leaders of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) were ordered in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) following clashes between law enforcers and protesters. Clashes resulted in injuries and feared deaths, with a government-led shutdown and internet blackout complicating information flow.