Flood risk churns Leh waters

The flood season for the 18-kilometre-long Nullah Leh and 15 seasonal streams, which wreak havoc across the city every monsoon, will begin on Monday, June 15, and continue until August 15. Despite the start of the flood season, desilting and removal of garbage and building material from Nullah Leh and the 15 seasonal streams have not been completed, raising fears of another destructive flood this year. Residents living along Nullah Leh and the seasonal streams have started relocating due to these fears, while many have shifted their valuables to safer places. Although Rs80 million has been allocated for desilting, even 15 per cent of the work has not been completed. Nullah Leh originates from the Margalla Hills of Islamabad. Until 1950, it was a clear stream whose water was used for drinking. Women washed clothes and bathed along its banks, while members of the Hindu community immersed ashes there after cremations. Dhobi ghats existed at several points along its banks. Historical accounts suggest that Alexander the Great's army camped beside the stream because of its clear water, while Aryan tribes remained settled in the area for 80 years. Arya Mohalla still exists alongside the nullah. When Islamabad was developed as the capital during Ayub Khan's era, the stream gradually became contaminated by sewage and has now turned into a foul-smelling drain. So far, 17 major and minor floods have struck Nullah Leh, resulting in 210 deaths and the loss of 2,500 animals, including cows, buffaloes, goats, dogs and cats. The most devastating flood occurred on July 23, 2001, claiming 81 lives. Half the city was submerged under 10 to 20 feet of water, while two-storey houses in nearby areas were inundated. One flood occurred during Ayub Khan's era, one during Yahya Khan's, three during Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's tenure, three during General Ziaul Haq's rule, three during Pervez Musharraf's period, two each during the governments of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, one during Imran Khan's government and two during the current government. The July 23, 2001 flood caused losses of Rs7 billion to traders and another Rs2 billion worth of losses to citizens. For flood monitoring, two critical points have been designated on Nullah Leh. The danger level at Katarian is 18 feet, while at Gawalmandi it is 17 feet. A year ago, the flood early warning system installed on the nullah was stolen and had to be replaced. Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema said preparations to deal with flooding had been completed. The Triple One Brigade will remain on full red alert during the flood season. Personnel from rescue agencies, Civil Defence and Rescue 1122 will undergo full-dress rehearsals at Rawal Dam to rescue stranded citizens, with army personnel also participating. To cope with power outages during floods, Civil Defence volunteers will be provided special hand-operated siren devices. These will be placed in special Civil Defence wards established in flood-prone areas. Five relief camps will be set up at Islamia Higher Secondary School No.1 on Murree Road, Islamia High School Liaquat Road near Liaquat Bagh, Girls School New Katarian, Girls School Dhoke Hassu, Girls School Dhoke Ratta Bhosa Godam and a Girls School in Gawalmandi.

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AJK SC Bar warns violators, calls for immediate surrender

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Saturday warned individuals involved in disturbing peace, violence, damaging government property and causing loss of human lives to immediately surrender and present themselves before the law, while assuring full legal assistance to those who do so. Tensions have been rising in AJK following recent deadly clashes that have led to competing narratives over casualties, governance grievances, and political legitimacy. Official sources have confirmed at least seven deaths. Officials said that despite claims of peaceful intent, certain elements have continued to engage in violent activities. The same elements, they added, have previously been involved in damaging public property and attacks that resulted in the martyrdom and injuries of security personnel. Read: AJK reinstates 177 FIRs against JAAC members over breach of Oct '25 agreement In a statement issued by AJK SCBA President Raja Aftab Ahmed Advocate, it said that those involved in armed attacks and acts undermining public order must surrender without delay. He said, “Individuals involved in disturbing peace, launching armed attacks, damaging government property, and causing loss of human lives must immediately surrender and present themselves before the law.” He added that those challenging the writ of the state were not only endangering human lives but were also committing a grave offence equivalent to treason. He urged such individuals to hand themselves over to the authorities, adding that the Bar would provide complete legal assistance to them in the courts of Azad Kashmir. Background The recent unrest and deadly clashes in areas, including Rawalakot, where the newly proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had been holding a sit-in outside the Combined Military Hospital Rawalakot. AJK police allege that armed JAAC members opened fire on deployed law enforcement in a planned attack, leaving four personnel dead and around 20 injured. JAAC, however, disputes this account, claiming security forces used tear gas and fired shells toward the hospital. According to the AJK police, three individuals linked to the JAAC and four law enforcement personnel were killed during the protests on Sunday. JAAC, however, said in a statement on X that seven individuals were killed and dozens were injured when street firing was carried out in the dark after electricity was allegedly cut off. The clash on Sunday came as the AJK government and the JAAC witnessed a face-off, as the election date for AJK was announced for July 27. Read More: Certain elements seeking to create instability in AJK despite repeated offers of dialogue: Rana Sanaullah AJK's 53-member legislative assembly includes 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees — people who fled Indian-controlled Kashmir in 1947 and 1965 and are now scattered across Pakistan. Six seats represent refugees from the Jammu division (~434,000 people) and six from the Kashmir Valley (~30,000 people) — an already lopsided arrangement that many see as unfair. The region witnessed one of its most turbulent periods in October last year when protests led by the JAAC erupted over demands for constitutional and governance reforms. At least nine people, including three policemen, were killed during the unrest. The JAAC, which organised the protests and strike, had presented a wide-ranging charter of demands, including an end to the privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite, the abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees, and the scrapping of the quota system. Two days after the violence, the government and the JAAC reached an agreement covering 12 core and 13 additional points. Under the accord, both sides agreed to constitute a high-level committee to examine the issue of refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly. Read More: Four police personnel martyred, over 20 injured in Rawalakot firing: AJK police The unrest also triggered political upheaval in the region. The PPP subsequently moved a no-confidence resolution against then Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz joining the effort. Haq, who had been elected in April 2023 with 48 votes, chose to face the vote rather than resign. On Nov 17, Rathore secured 36 votes in the election and became the 16th prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. With elections now approaching and the refugee seat issue still unresolved, the AJK government convened an All Parties Conference (APC) in Muzaffarabad to build consensus. Almost every major party attended — except PTI and the JAAC, who boycotted it. The JAAC's position is that the government had already rejected its written proposals submitted on May 30, so attending would be futile. It had proposed either keeping symbolic refugee representation until the Kashmir dispute is permanently resolved, or replacing the 12 assembly seats with 4 seats in the AJK Council — a body chaired by the Prime Minister, which it argued would better preserve the political dimension of the Kashmir cause. The APC rejected any changes outside the constitutional and legislative framework, saying only the elected assembly could alter refugee seat arrangements. The JAAC called the resolution "a page and a half of utterly trivial lines" and accused participants of gathering to serve their own interests rather than the public's.

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SC restores full working schedule

The Supreme Court has withdrawn its earlier austerity measures, restoring the full working schedule and reversing cuts in fuel allowances and security arrangements following approval by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi. According to a notification issued after the chief justice's approval, the austerity policy introduced on March 10, 2026, will formally end from June 15, 2026, and all court operations will return to normal. Under the earlier measures, the Supreme Court had reduced its working days to four (Monday to Thursday) as part of a cost-cutting initiative. However, with the withdrawal of the notification, the court will now resume its regular six-day working schedule from Monday to Saturday. The March notification had also included a 50 percent reduction in the monthly petrol quota for judges and entitled officers, along with restrictions on the use of additional security and protocol vehicles in high-security zones. The SC had also introduced staggered attendance of court staff to reduce energy consumption and operational costs. The court has now revoked all these measures and will operate under its standard procedures and schedules. Officials said the reversal of austerity steps would ensure smoother functioning of judicial work and facilitate improved access to justice, as routine operations resume without restrictions. The federal government on Wednesday extended a series of austerity measures until June 30 and allowed standalone grocery and general stores to remain open until 10pm, following a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. Earlier this month, the federal government relaxed business closing hours as part of revised energy conservation measures, citing rising temperatures and longer summer daylight hours.

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First Hangor-class submarine arrives

The first Hangor Class submarine, PNS/M Hangor, has arrived in Karachi and was accorded a traditional naval welcome by senior naval officers, families of the crew, and Pakistan Navy personnel. Cadets of Pakistan Naval Academy presented a ceremonial salute to the incoming submarine and its crew, accompanied by a fly-past by PN Z9EC helicopters, said a press release issued by DG Public Relations (Navy). The submarine is equipped with advanced combat systems, modern sensors, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, and enhanced stealth features, which will augment Pakistan Navy's combat capability.

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PMA demands judicial probe into acid attack on Dr Mahnoor

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Quetta Zone has strongly condemned the acid attack on Dr Mahnoor Naseer at Civil Hospital, demanding a judicial inquiry to bring the facts before the public. Addressing a press conference at the Quetta Press Club on Thursday, PMA Quetta Zone General Secretary Dr Shoaib Baloch, flanked by zone President Dr Nadir Khan Achakzai, Vice President Dr Zainat, Senior Vice President Dr Kamyab, Finance Secretary Dr Ashraf, Joint Secretary Dr Fayyaz, and Press Secretary Dr Munir Gichki, urged authorities to ensure the protection of the life and property of doctors, paramedics, and other hospital staff. Dr Baloch condemned what he termed the government’s “retaliatory actions” against doctors protesting for justice, stating such measures were unjustifiable. Read: Suspect killed in encounter after acid attack on female doctor in Quetta “Balochistan’s doctors and healthcare providers are demanding justice, protection, a transparent investigation, and reforms in the health department following the tragic on-duty attack on our colleague Dr Mahnoor Naseer,” he said. “Administrative powers and disciplinary proceedings are being used to suppress their voice; we condemn this.” He clarified that their peaceful struggle was not for any individual, group, or personal interest but for ensuring justice for Dr Mahnoor Naseer, protecting the lives and property of doctors and medical staff, promoting merit, transparency, and accountability, eliminating corruption, nepotism, and administrative irregularities, and providing better healthcare facilities to the people of Balochistan. “The attack on Dr Mahnoor Naseer is not an attack on an individual alone; it is an attack on the entire medical fraternity, on the protection of women, and on the healthcare system itself,” he asserted. The incident occurred at Civil Hospital Quetta’s Surgical Complex, which houses five wards and three operating theatres. According to standard security protocols, at least seven to eight security guards should have been present for each ward and OT. “It is extremely regrettable that after the incident, not a single security guard was present, which not only exposes the administration’s gross negligence and incompetence but also raises serious questions and doubts. A complete and impartial investigation is indispensable,” Dr Baloch said. Also Read: Dr Mahnoor's first surgery completed after acid attack He further revealed that most CCTV cameras at Civil Hospital Quetta were non-functional or damaged. Video footage of the attack was obtained only from cameras installed by the Orthopaedic Ward using personal resources. The PMA demanded an immediate, independent, and impartial judicial inquiry into the Dr Mahnoor Naseer case. Immediate withdrawal of all show-cause notices, suspensions, and other administrative actions against doctors and healthcare providers. The doctors' body also demanded effective and foolproof security for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, paramedics, and other medical staff across all government hospitals in Balochistan.

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Funeral prayers offered for Mi-17 helicopter crash martyrs in Rawalpindi: ISPR

Funeral prayers for army personnel who were martyred in the crash of a Pakistan Army Aviation Mi-17 helicopter near Muzaffarabad were offered on Thursday, the military’s media wing said. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that the funeral prayers were offered at Chaklala Garrison in Rawalpindi. They were attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, senior civil and military officials, relatives of the martyrs and members of the public. #Breaking Namaz Janaza for Shuhada, who embraced Shahadat yesterday in tragic MI-17 helicopter crash in Muzaffarabad, was offered today at Chaklala Garrison, Rawalpindi which was attended by the PM Shehbaz Sharif, CDF Syed Asim Munir, ministers, senior civil and military… pic.twitter.com/z710oCZK0u — Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) June 11, 2026 Read: Pakistan Army Mi-17 helicopter crashes near Muzaffarabad, leaving no survivors: ISPR Earlier, funeral services for two Christian soldiers who were martyred during the incident were also held at Christ Church in Rawalpindi, which was attended by political and military leadership. Speaking on the occasion, PM Shehbaz paid tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives in the line of duty. “The martyrs' devotion to duty, professionalism, and commitment to safeguarding the motherland will remain a source of inspiration for future generations,” he was quoted as saying. While emphasising that the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces for peace, security, and national sovereignty could never be forgotten, the prime minister reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering support for the families of the martyrs during this difficult time. The ISPR said that the martyrs would be laid to rest in their respective native towns with full military honours. The helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad on Wednesday during take-off due to a technical fault, resulting in the martyrdom of all personnel on board, the military’s media wing said. According to the ISPR, there were no survivors in the crash. Rescue and recovery teams were dispatched to the site immediately after the accident and reached the area to begin relief and recovery operations. “A board of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the exact technical cause of the accident,” it added.

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Turkish Land Forces commander lauds Pakistan military’s role in regional peace, meets top leadership

Turkish Land Forces Commander General Metin Tokel acknowledged the Pakistan armed forces’ contributions towards regional peace and stability during meetings with the country’s top military leadership during his visit, the military’s media wing said on Thursday. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Tokel called on Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. Upon his arrival at the GHQ, he was presented with a smartly turned-out guard of honour by an army contingent. “During the meeting, matters of mutual professional interest, regional security dynamics, and avenues for enhanced bilateral defence cooperation were discussed,” the statement said. “The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged its contributions towards regional peace and stability,” the ISPR added. It further said that General Tokel expressed his commitment to further enhancing defence cooperation and institutional linkages between the armed forces of the two brotherly nations. The ISPR said Field Marshal Munir highlighted the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and strategic ties between Pakistan and Turkiye and appreciated the strong defence partnership between the two countries' armed forces. فیلڈ مارشل سید عاصم منیر سے ترک لینڈ فورسز کے کمانڈر کی ملاقات، آئی ایس پی آر۔ ملاقات میں پیشہ ورانہ امور، علاقائی سلامتی اور دفاعی تعاون پر تبادلۂ خیال کیا گیا۔ فیلڈ مارشل نے دونوں ملکوں کے درمیان گہرے تاریخی، ثقافتی اور تزویراتی تعلقات کو اجاگر کیا۔ فیلڈ مارشل عاصم منیر نے… pic.twitter.com/4o6gwVt80H — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) June 11, 2026 During his visit, General Tokel also called on Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf at the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad. “During the meeting, matters of professional interest and the regional maritime security environment were discussed,” the statement added. The Turkish commander also met the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, at Air Headquarters in Islamabad. The meeting focused on bilateral military cooperation and matters of professional interest.

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