ISLAMABAD, AUG 15: Across the country, processions and majalis were held to mark the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala with reverence. Security was heightened, with roads sealed and events monitored closely.

Lahore: 12,000 Police Personnel Deployed

Punjab Police have been placed on high alert for the Chehlum of Imam Hussain and the concluding day of the Urs of Hazrat Data Ali Hajveri to ensure the peaceful and secure conduct of processions, gatherings, and ceremonies.

Inspector General of Punjab Police Dr. Usman Anwar said all sects should promote religious harmony and interfaith unity. He said 644 gatherings and 392 processions are taking place across the province, with 37,000 police personnel deployed for security duties.

In Lahore, 12,000 personnel have been assigned to secure 44 gatherings and 14 processions, assisted by special police, traffic police, and volunteers.

The police have installed 926 walk-through gates and deployed 6,753 metal detectors for security checks. Safe City cameras are also being used for monitoring.

In Lahore, over 12,000 police personnel were deployed for the Chehlum and the Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA). Circular Road and Lower Mall Road were closed to traffic, and more than 600 cameras were used for live monitoring.

Quetta: Procession of 22 Mourning Groups

In Quetta, the main procession began from Alamdar Road Imambargah Nichari, led by Balochistan Shia Conference President Ashiq Hussain Hazara. Over 2,000 police personnel were stationed, with CCTV coverage along sealed routes.

Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan: Security and Arrangements

In Hunza, Gilgit, Nagar, and Skardu, foolproof security was ensured for Chehlum processions. Water stalls and medical camps were set up, while law enforcement officials remained on high alert.

Hyderabad: Central Procession from Karbala Dadan Shah

In Hyderabad, the central mourning procession began from Karbala Dadan Shah and concluded at Qadam Gah Mola Ali. Roads were closed with barbed wire and barricades, and over 100 cameras monitored the route.

Sialkot and Sukkur: Traditional Routes Followed

In Sialkot, the procession started from Imambargah Dar Batool, while in Sukkur, the Arbaeen walk began from Military Road and ended at Karbala Maidan in Rohri. Large numbers of women mourners also participated.

Rawalpindi: Sniper Shooters Deployed

In Rawalpindi, the procession from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain in Teli Mohalla followed a route that was scanned and sealed beforehand. Police sniper shooters were posted on high-rise buildings.

Karachi: Governor and CM’s Message

Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said in their messages that the Chehlum symbolizes loyalty, sacrifice, and steadfastness against tyranny.

Multan: Nine Processions, Markets Closed

In Multan, nine processions emerged from various parts of the city. Over 1,000 police personnel were on duty, and markets along the procession routes remained closed.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 15: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the country’s nuclear assets are solely for national defence and not intended for any form of nuclear blackmail or coercion.

Speaking exclusively with Geo News on Friday, the defence minister said: “We do not threaten anyone with our nuclear capability. It is purely a guarantee of our national security.”

While aiming at Indian PM Narendra Modi, Khawaja Asif said: “Modi now sees Pakistan and its military even in his dreams. For him, the idea of war with Pakistan has become a nightmare.”

Asif went on to say that Pakistan has fought and won wars in self-defence, while Modi now faces a different kind of conflict within India itself.

“There is growing dissent inside India, even from citizens and opposition leaders who say Modi’s attitude brought the region to the brink of war,” he added.

Pakistan and India engaged in the military confrontation in May 2025, triggered by an attack in April on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) that New Delhi blamed on Islamabad, before agreeing to a ceasefire.

In response to the Indian aggression, Pakistan’s armed forces launched a large-scale retaliatory military action, named “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos” and targeted several Indian military targets across multiple regions.

Pakistan downed six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, and dozens of drones. After at least 87 hours, the war between the two nuclear-armed nations ended on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US.

The ceasefire was first announced by US President Donald Trump on social media after Washington held talks with both sides, but India has differed with Trump’s claims that it resulted from his intervention and threats to sever trade talks.

Criticising Modi’s leadership, Khawaja Asif said that India’s previous political and economic standing has declined under his rule. He said that Modi’s failures have become an opportunity for the Indian opposition, who he said are now capitalising on his “missteps.”

Turning to security matters, the defence minister accused India of backing terrorism in Pakistan and internationally, saying that Modi was behind recent incidents in both Pakistan and Canada.

He said that [terror] groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Taliban factions operating in Pakistan are proxies of India and that Pakistan holds clear evidence of Indian involvement, which has been shared with international forums.

“If we behave like good neighbours, peace in South Asia is possible. The people of this region deserve economic progress and stability,” the defence minister concluded.

PESHAWAR, AUG 15 /DNA/ – A Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government helicopter crashed near Chingee Banda on Friday, killing all three people on board.

According to officials, the helicopter was on a rescue mission when it went down. Rescue teams have reached the site and recovered the bodies.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.

At least 325 people, including 142 children, have died and 743 others have been injured since June 26 in flash floods and torrential rains that have battered several parts of Pakistan, according to daily data from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

DNA/Bureau Report

MUZAFFARABAD/GILGIT/BAJAUR: At least 150 people lost their lives, 15 others were injured and several remained missing as flash floods wreaked havoc across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said.

Since late June, monsoon rains have wreaked havoc across the country — especially KP and northern regions — by triggering deadly floods, landslides and displacement, particularly in vulnerable, poorly drained, or densely populated areas.

At least 325 people, including 142 children, have died and 743 others have been injured since June 26 in flash floods and torrential rains that have battered several parts of Pakistan, according to daily data from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Buner Deputy Commissioner Kashif Qayum Khan confirmed that 78 people had lost their lives, while “several” were missing.

The KP government said a provincial govt MI-17 rescue helicopter had reached Buner to evacuate people to safe areas.Meanwhile, in Gilgit Baltistan, at least 10 people were killed as a result of landslides and flash floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains.

According to GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq, three people, including a woman, were killed in Khalthi valley of district Ghizer, where more than half a dozen houses were buried under debris. Three others remain missing, with rescue teams conducting search operations.

In Diamer’s Bonar area, a brother and sister were swept away by raging floodwaters, while a child was injured in a landslide on the Babusar road.

Flash floods also ravaged Ghizer’s Yasin Thoi, damaging houses, schools, water tanks and agricultural land. Landslides disrupted travel on the Baltistan and Sadpara roads, while Thor in Diamer reported severe destruction. The Astore valley wasn’t spared either. Floods also damaged agricultural land and roads in the area.

Meanwhile, in Kohistan, floods damaged a bridge on the Karakoram Highway, disrupting traffic between GB and rest of the country.

The GB government has imposed emergency measures in several areas, directing the GB Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) and Rescue 1122 to remain on high alert. Relief and search operations are under way despite challenging weather conditions. “This is a testing time for Gilgit-Baltistan,” said Faraq. “The government is mobilising all available resources to assist the affected communities.”

Buner District Police Officer (DPO) also told Dawn.com in an earlier statement that 54 bodies were brought to a Tehsil Headquarters Hospital.

PTI MNA Gohar Ali Khan, who is from Malakand Division’s Buner district, said on X: “The flood in Buner has so far claimed 78 lives.”

ALSO READ: KP government helicopter crashes near Chingee Banda, three killed

By our correspondent

ISLAMABAD: Guinness World Record holder and World Memory Champion Emma Alam on Friday expressed her joy and gratitude upon receiving the Youth Excellence Award 2025, describing it as a great honor and a source of inspiration to continue working for the advancement of youth potential.

The Youth Excellence Award 2025 was presented to Emma Alam, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the nation’s progress and her role in elevating Pakistan’s image on the global stage, said a press release.

The 2025 awards ceremony, was held here at the Jinnah Convention Centre on International Youth Day, and was graced by the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who personally presented awards to the winners.

“It is an immense honor to represent Pakistan and be recognized by the Prime Minister. This award inspires me to continue working for the advancement of youth potential and education in Pakistan,” said Emma.

Emma Alam, a 2 x Guinness World Record holder and World Memory Champion, and her team of champions at Futuristic Learning institute have represented Pakistan in multiple international championships, securing numerous accolades in the field of cognitive skills and mental performance. Her achievements highlight Pakistan’s growing capacity to compete in the global knowledge economy.

Meanwhile Sania Alam, Founder of Futuristic Learning & Coach of Emma Alam said, “Emma’s achievement reflects our mission to empower Pakistan’s youth with world-class skills and position them as leaders in innovation, education, and global thought leadership.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 15: Senate on Friday unanimously passed a resolution to commemorate 1,500 years since the birth of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H).

The resolution, moved by PML-N Parliamentary Leader Irfan Siddiqui, reaffirmed the House’s commitment to following the Sunnah of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and promoting brotherhood and peace in line with his teachings.

It also called on federal and provincial governments to celebrate the Prophet’s birth anniversary in a dignified and befitting manner.