Mass Shooting at School in Nonthaburi Leaves 6 People Dead including Student Gunman, 15 Others Injured

In a heartbreaking turn of events in Punjab’s Rawalpindi district, a 17-year-old girl was brutally shot and killed by her own brother near Sukho Road in Gujar Khan, just days after she was brought back home under the guise of family reconciliation. The victim had initially fled her home in January during a school vacation to marry a man of her own choice, after which the couple relocated to Karachi to build a life together. Seeking to mend broken ties, the victim’s brother recently traveled to Karachi, brokered peace with the couple, and persuaded them to return. Upon their arrival in Gujar Khan, he arranged a rented house for the newlyweds. However, the promise of harmony shattered when the father visited the rented residence to check on his daughter. A heated argument broke out at the scene, culminating in the brother pulling out a handgun and opening fire on his sister in front of family members. Rawalpindi police have registered a murder case based on the father’s statement, and an investigation into the incident is currently underway to apprehend the suspect.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has strongly rejected allegations of election rigging in the ongoing Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) legislative assembly elections, maintaining that the electoral process has remained transparent and democratic despite criticism from opposition parties. The three-phase election, being held under heightened security arrangements, has become one of the most closely watched political contests in recent years. The process has been marked by the boycott of the polls by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accusations of irregularities by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and weeks of unrest linked to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has challenged the existing electoral structure, particularly the controversial refugee constituencies. Addressing a press conference after the completion of the second phase of polling, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah expressed confidence that the PML-N had already secured enough seats to form the next AJK government. He predicted the party would strengthen its position further after the remaining constituencies complete voting in the final phase. Sanaullah described the elections as free, fair and credible, crediting election officials, law enforcement agencies and the AJK administration for ensuring a peaceful voting process under difficult circumstances. He dismissed the PPP’s allegations of rigging, arguing that any complaints should be formally presented before the Election Commission, which has the constitutional authority to investigate and order re-polling wherever necessary. The senior PML-N leader also alleged that elements associated with the PPP and JAAC attempted to create unrest in Muzaffarabad before polling day to discourage voter turnout in areas considered favorable to his party. He said the PML-N would seek an official investigation into those incidents. The PPP, however, continues to challenge the credibility of the elections. Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has alleged widespread irregularities and insisted that several constituencies require independent investigations, claiming that the electoral process has not provided a level playing field for all contestants. One of the central issues surrounding the election remains the 12 refugee constituencies, which represent refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir residing in different parts of Pakistan. Critics argue that these seats allow Islamabad greater influence over government formation in AJK, while the government maintains they are constitutionally protected. Earlier this year, the AJK Supreme Court ruled that the constituencies cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment. The political atmosphere has also been shaped by protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee, which initially mobilized against rising electricity prices, taxation and the increasing cost of living before expanding its campaign to demand electoral reforms. Following weeks of demonstrations and clashes with security forces, the AJK government declared JAAC a banned organization under anti-terrorism laws. With unofficial results from the first two phases placing the PML-N in a leading position, attention has now shifted to the third and final phase of polling in Poonch Division, scheduled for August 10. The outcome will determine the composition of the next AJK government and conclude an election that has generated intense political debate across Pakistan.

  Investigators have obtained the mobile phone data records and forensic report related to the death of Mir Raza Ali as the investigation into the mysterious case continues. According to officials involved in the inquiry, digital evidence collected from his mobile phone has provided important leads, although authorities say it is still too early to reach a final conclusion about the circumstances surrounding his death. According to the investigation team, Mir Raza Ali sent a message to one of his friends on the night of July 28. The content of this communication is being examined as part of the broader investigation to determine his state of mind and the events leading up to his death. Officials also stated that Mir Raza Ali’s complete medical report has not yet been received. His family has expressed dissatisfaction with the preliminary medical report, saying it does not fully address their concerns. The initial report identified the cause of death as a gunshot wound, but investigators emphasize that further medical findings are awaited before drawing any definitive conclusions. The family has alleged that Mir Raza Ali’s body bore signs of physical assault and burn marks, raising questions about whether additional injuries may have been inflicted before his death. Investigators have said that if the family requests a second medical examination or another post-mortem review, the authorities are prepared to facilitate it in order to ensure transparency and address all concerns. As part of the investigation, officials have recorded statements from 15 individuals including the online taxi driver who was reportedly connected to the case and the person who first informed authorities about the body. These statements are being cross-checked with forensic findings, digital evidence, and other available information to establish a clear timeline of events. Investigators stressed that they are carefully examining every aspect of the case to determine whether Mir Raza Ali’s death was a suicide or a homicide. They said no possibility has been ruled out, and all available evidence is being analyzed thoroughly before reaching a final conclusion. Mobile phone data has also revealed that Mir Raza Ali had contacted a friend requesting a loan of Rs. 30 million (3 crore). According to investigators, he reportedly told his friend that he was facing serious difficulties and was in urgent need of money. This information has prompted investigators to explore whether financial stress may have played a role in the events leading up to his death. Further examination of Mir Raza Ali’s mobile records suggests that he owed money to multiple individuals. Authorities are now reviewing his financial dealings, communications, and personal relationships to understand whether these debts could have contributed to the incident or whether they point toward another motive. Investigators also disclosed that Mir Raza Ali’s fiancée sent him continuous messages between 3:10 a.m. and 3:50 a.m. on the night in question. However, according to the mobile data, Mir Raza Ali did not respond to any of her messages. Officials are examining the timing of these communications alongside other digital evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events before his death. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities awaiting the final medical report and additional forensic analysis. Officials have reiterated that all evidence—including witness statements, forensic findings, mobile phone records, and financial information—will be carefully reviewed before determining the exact cause and manner of Mir Raza Ali’s death. They have assured the public that the inquiry will be conducted impartially and that every possible angle will be investigated to ensure the truth is established.

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the people of Kashmir on Kashmir Exploitation Day, urging the international community to play a more active role in resolving the longstanding dispute. In his message, President Zardari said lasting peace in South Asia depends on a peaceful and just settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir issue. He stated that India’s actions cannot alter the internationally recognized status of the dispute or weaken the determination of the Kashmiri people, adding that Pakistan will continue to stand firmly with them. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the measures introduced by India since August 2019 have led to increased repression and restrictions on fundamental freedoms in the region. He also accused India of attempting to alter the demographic composition of the occupied territory. The prime minister called on the international community to move beyond expressions of concern and play a responsible role in achieving a fair and lasting resolution to the Kashmir dispute. He also urged India to end alleged human rights violations in the occupied valley and reverse the unilateral measures introduced in August 2019.