Lahore receives heavy rain, three killed in roof c…

Seven workers were abducted after a group of armed men raided a private mining site in Chagai district and allegedly took away vehicles, fuel and other equipment worth millions of rupees. According to sources, the incident occurred around 1pm on Tuesday at a mine in Mahian Kaur, located approximately 15 to 18 kilometres west of Chagai town. Eight unidentified armed men reportedly arrived at the mining site on motorcycles. They took control of the facility and held the workers hostage before taking seven employees away with them. Four of the abducted workers were from Gilgit. They were identified as Wajahat, Wajid, Shahid and Sabir. The other three workers were locals. They were identified as Ziauddin from Dalbandin, Shah Saleem from Mahian in Chagai and Saeed Muhammad, who is also from Mahian. Sources said the armed men remained at the mining site for several hours. They reportedly stayed there until around 7pm before leaving with the hostages and equipment. The attackers allegedly took a Zambad vehicle and a four-wheel-drive pickup from the site. A motorcycle was also reportedly taken. More than 20 solar panels were among the items removed from the mining facility. The attackers also allegedly took bedding, kitchen equipment and other supplies used by the workers. A large quantity of fuel was also taken. Sources said the stolen fuel included around 2,500 litres of diesel and 1,500 litres of petrol. The attackers reportedly carried out the operation without facing resistance. They then left the area with the seven workers and the stolen property. The incident was reported to the relevant authorities soon after the attackers departed. Local administration and security officials have launched efforts to trace the abducted workers and recover the vehicles and other property. Search efforts are continuing in the area, while authorities are also investigating the identity and motives of the armed men. The abduction has raised fresh security concerns for workers and private mining operations in Chagai, where remote mining sites can be difficult to secure. At the time of reporting, there was no confirmed information about the whereabouts or condition of the seven abducted workers.

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has expressed profound grief over the deaths of 10 mountaineers who lost their lives in the devastating avalanche on Broad Peak in Gilgit-Baltistan. He assured that Pakistan will continue search, rescue and recovery operations until all possible efforts have been exhausted. In his statement, Dar extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with the governments and people of Nepal, China, Oman, the United Kingdom and the United States, whose citizens were among those killed in the tragedy. The deputy prime minister paid special tribute to legendary Nepali climber Nirmal Purja, describing him as one of the world’s most accomplished mountaineers. He also honored Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi of Hunza, saying his bravery, determination and passion for the mountains would always be remembered. Dar said the courage and dedication shown by all the climbers reflected the true spirit of mountaineering. He added that their achievements would continue to inspire climbers across the world despite the tragic loss. He also praised the rescue personnel, Pakistan Army Aviation teams, high-altitude porters and emergency responders who have been working in extremely difficult conditions at high altitude. He said their commitment and professionalism deserve the nation’s appreciation. The foreign minister reaffirmed that Pakistan remains fully committed to the ongoing rescue and recovery mission. He said the government is maintaining close coordination with the embassies of the affected countries to facilitate the operation and provide all possible assistance. The deadly avalanche struck an international climbing expedition on Broad Peak while the team was moving from Camp 2 to Camp 3. The incident claimed the lives of climbers from Pakistan, Nepal, China, Oman, the United Kingdom and the United States. Among those killed was Nirmal Purja, who gained worldwide recognition after climbing all 14 mountains above 8,000 metres in a record six months and six days in 2019. He had returned to Pakistan in an attempt to become the first mountaineer to summit all 14 eight-thousanders twice without using supplemental oxygen. Rescue teams later recovered Purja’s body from an altitude of approximately 5,700 metres, several days after he and other members of the expedition went missing following the avalanche. The victims also included climbers from Nepal, China, Oman, the United States and Pakistan, making it one of the deadliest mountaineering disasters in the region in recent years.

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution calling for the formation of an independent Truth Commission to investigate the recent unrest that claimed several lives and left many others injured. The proposed commission will examine the causes of the violence, investigate all reported deaths, injuries and property damage, and recommend measures to provide relief to victims and prevent similar incidents in the future. The move comes after violent clashes between law enforcement personnel and protesters in Rawalakot, where both security officials and demonstrators reported casualties. The unrest sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for an impartial investigation. According to the resolution, the Truth Commission will function as an independent and impartial body. Its structure, powers and terms of reference will be finalised jointly by the federal government and representatives of the protest leadership before being formally established under AJK law. The commission will be tasked with reviewing all aspects of the recent crisis. It will examine evidence related to deaths, injuries, property losses and allegations of violence. Authorities said the inquiry will be conducted without any predetermined conclusions, ensuring that every affected family and relevant party has an opportunity to present evidence and testimony. The proposed body will have access to official records, including government documents, police reports, forensic material, communication records, videos and witness statements. Sensitive information involving national security or witness protection may be reviewed through confidential proceedings. The Assembly clarified that the commission will not determine criminal guilt or hand down punishments. Instead, if evidence suggests legal violations, the matter will be referred to the relevant investigative or judicial authorities for further action. Individuals or institutions facing adverse findings will also be given an opportunity to respond before any conclusions are reached. The commission will submit interim and final reports within an agreed timeframe. Its final report is expected to be made public, subject to legal restrictions concerning national security and witness safety. It may also recommend compensation for victims, institutional reforms, legal action where necessary and measures to prevent future unrest. The resolution also called for immediate de-escalation of tensions across the region. It urged the government to restore normal life by reopening roads, ensuring medical and emergency services, improving communication networks and maintaining the uninterrupted supply of essential goods. At the same time, protest organisers were urged to suspend demonstrations until the commission completes its work. The governments of AJK and Pakistan were also asked to avoid further actions linked to the crisis during the inquiry, except where immediate measures are required to protect public safety. The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values, constitutional governance and the rule of law. It stressed that peaceful protest, freedom of expression and the right to raise political, economic and social demands are guaranteed under democratic principles. However, it strongly rejected violence, vandalism, the use of weapons and attempts to challenge state authority through force. Lawmakers paid tribute to security personnel, police officials and civilians who lost their lives during the unrest. They expressed sympathy with all affected families and stressed that every victim deserves justice, humanitarian assistance and equal treatment under the law. The House also appealed to citizens, political workers, traders and youth to distance themselves from violent elements. It emphasised that responsibility for any unlawful acts should be determined individually through evidence and due legal process rather than collective blame.