Punjab

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that the Akali Dal-BJP and Congress governments left the state with a ₹14,191 crore pay commission arrears burden. The announcement highlights financial strain amid ongoing discussions about high pay scales.

Pakistan is reconsidering governance structures amid debates over creating new provinces. The article argues that effective service delivery depends on administrative proximity and state capacity rather than merely redrawing boundaries. Historical examples like the 1955 One Unit scheme and the 1973 Constitution highlight challenges in balancing national unity with regional needs.

NAB recovered Rs2.45 trillion worth of state assets in Q2 2026, including 1,078,283 acres of land across multiple provinces, through AI-powered investigations and collaborations with government bodies. The six-month recovery total reached Rs5.41 trillion, with NAB transitioning to automated, AI-based processes for investigations.

Cotton production in Pakistan rose 32.33% year-on-year by July 31, driven by a 66.82% surge in Sindh despite a 1.1% decline in Punjab. Discrepancies exist between the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) and Punjab government data, while sugarcane expansion in Bahawalpur Division is cited as a threat to domestic cotton cultivation.

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.

Pakistan plans to import 1 million tonnes of wheat despite Punjab province's surplus, raising concerns over supply chain management and policy credibility. Surging wheat prices and conflicting government policies, including abrupt shifts in procurement methods, have disrupted market stability and farmer-consumer balance.

Pakistan’s electoral rolls decreased by 589,458 voters between May 7 and July 2, 2026, as the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) removed 1.48 million deceased voters. Punjab and Sindh recorded the largest declines, with Punjab accounting for 81.2% of the nationwide reduction.

Pakistan's Flood Forecasting Division warns of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan until August 4, with risks of low-level flooding in the Indus River and potential flash flooding in hill torrents and urban areas. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority is monitoring river levels and issuing monsoon safety advisories.

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.

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.

Parts of Punjab and Sindh in Pakistan face urban flooding risks due to rising water levels in Tarbela and Mangla dams amid monsoon rains. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported 45 deaths in Punjab from flooding, with medium to high flood levels in key rivers and nullahs.

Punjab Congress has initiated a mass mobilisation programme ahead of the Assembly polls. Congress general secretary Bhupesh Bhagel stated the ruling AAP is losing support and Congress is the only viable option for the state, anticipating a five-cornered contest.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) stated it is ready to hold local government elections in Punjab and 23 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but attributed delays to last-minute amendments by federal and provincial governments. The ECP highlighted that changes to local government laws, such as adjusting population thresholds for councils in KP, created legal and administrative challenges, preventing timely elections. The commission proposed amending constitutional and electoral provisions to prohibit such alterations post-term expiry.

BJP accuses AAP government in Punjab of exacerbating the drugs problem. BJP leader Kewal Singh Dhillon claims families affected by the drug crisis are forced to sell homes and protest due to eroded public trust.

Punjab has outsourced 18,000 primary schools to the private sector, with plans to expand to middle and high schools, colleges, and potentially universities. The policy is part of a broader outsourcing trend in education and health sectors across provinces like Sindh, driven by cost considerations, though challenges like rising costs and regulatory needs are highlighted.

Delhi BJP protesters gathered near AAP headquarters at Ferozshah Road, demanding the resignation of Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains. The protest alleges six exam paper leaks under the government in the state.

Recurring floods in Pakistan have caused significant disruptions to education and health systems, displacing millions of children and exacerbating issues like child marriage. The 2022 and 2025 floods destroyed thousands of schools, increased out-of-school rates, and linked to an 18% rise in child marriages, disproportionately affecting girls.

CAQM has urged the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to deploy drones for monitoring stubble burning in paddy cultivation areas, particularly in hotspot villages and fire-prone locations. Drone surveys are to be conducted from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., a period when attempts to evade satellite detection are more likely.

A FIR has been lodged following the electrocution death of a PhD scholar in Punjab, leading to protests at Panjab University. The university has offered ₹16 lakh in aid and a job to a family member.

Parts of Punjab and Islamabad experienced rain, marking the start of a new monsoon season as previous floods caused over 100 deaths. A 25-year-old man was injured in Lahore due to a roof collapse during the new rain spell, and several areas reported significant rainfall amounts. Previous flooding had submerged large areas, with rescue operations ongoing for stranded residents.

AAP's welfare initiative ahead of the 2027 Punjab polls has faced criticism from opposition parties, who argue the cash payout rollout is an election-eve strategy to secure voter support. The opposition labels the move as a delayed gimmick timed for political gain.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts a fresh monsoon rain spell from July 29 to August 5, affecting multiple regions including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and Sindh, with varying intensities of rainfall and thundershowers. The forecast highlights potential flooding risks in areas already impacted by previous rains.

The death toll from monsoon rains and floods in Pakistan has exceeded 100. Punjab's monsoon season typically lasts until September, with more rain expected this week.

Pakistan is facing a nationwide emergency as heavy monsoon rains cause flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage, with over 100 deaths reported. Despite warnings from the Met Office and NDMA about rising river levels and flash floods, the government's preparedness remains inadequate, echoing failures from the 2022 floods.

The film 'Satluj,' inspired by human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra's investigation into Punjab's enforced disappearances, was removed from ZEE5 in India two days after its July 2026 release following government directives under the Information Technology Rules, 2021. The film faced certification disputes with the Central Board of Film Certification, which demanded changes to its title and content, preventing its original theatrical release.

Flood levels in the Chenab River have eased to low from medium, while the Met Office forecasts fresh rainfall starting July 29 in Punjab and northern regions. The PDMA reported stable water flows in several rivers, low-level flooding at specific sites, and urged residents in floodplains to evacuate.

Punjab's 400-square-kilometer area has been submerged due to torrential rains and overflowing drains, with the Chenab and Ravi rivers expected to reach medium to high flood levels in 24 hours. Officials warn of unprecedented challenges, including 87,000 cusecs flow in the Ravi at Balloki, as flood response measures are intensified.

Seven people, including two children, were killed and 20 injured in Punjab due to heavy rains causing structural collapses, drowning, and electrocution. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority reported 14 rain-related incidents, including roof collapses and livestock deaths, across multiple districts.

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu resigns. He had been part of the Union Council of Ministers since 2024 and is likely to focus on forthcoming elections in Punjab next year.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasted monsoon rain and thunderstorms across Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and Azad Kashmir from July 24-28 due to an active monsoon system. Rain and thundershowers, including heavy falls, are expected in multiple districts, with partly cloudy conditions in some areas of Balochistan.

Vikramjit Singh, wanted in a 2023 Punjab case, and U.S. national Manveer Singh were arrested while entering India from Nepal. Both are linked to the 'Waris Punjab De' group.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Punjab as part of an investigation into a ₹450 crore bank loan fraud case linked to a CBI inquiry. The probe involves an alleged fraud where a loan was availed from a consortium of banks.

3,172 gender-based violence cases were reported in Pakistan from January to June 2026, with murders, torture, and abductions being the most common. Punjab accounted for 74% of cases, followed by Sindh with 17%, and 10 districts were identified as most vulnerable.

The Chenab River remains in high flood as heavy rains persist in held Kashmir and Punjab. The Flood Forecasting Division warns river flows may rise further until July 25 due to monsoon rains and westerly weather systems, with urban and flash flooding risks in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.

Heavy monsoon rains caused widespread flooding in Lahore, disrupting traffic and daily life with water accumulation on major roads, underpasses, and low-lying areas. Authorities reported drainage operations, but residents faced challenges due to submerged streets and sinkholes, while 21 deaths and 154 injuries were recorded in Punjab from rain-related incidents.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces domestic backlash over a potential trade deal with the United States, which would position India as a hub for US agricultural exports displaced by the US-China trade conflict. Farmers in Punjab are protesting against the deal, fearing its impact on their livelihoods.

Rains and floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab have caused 37 deaths, damaging infrastructure, crops, and homes. Heavy rainfall and landslides disrupted roads and trade routes, while India's release of excess water exacerbated flooding in rivers like Chenab.

Punjab reported 15 out of 22 documented threats against journalists between April and June 2026, with state institutions identified as the primary threat in 68% of cases. The Freedom Network review highlighted a 22% increase in threats compared to the first quarter, particularly targeting journalists covering governance, corruption, and public interest issues.

Congress is holding sit-in protests in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab over student issues. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu led the protest in Himachal Pradesh.

As 2027 elections approach, party leaders in Punjab are actively engaging with Scheduled Caste (SC) groups. The article highlights the ongoing division among Punjab's Dalits, a subset of SC communities.