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The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has set an ambitious target of planting 1.4 million saplings in a single day as part of its Independence Day celebrations. K-P Information and Public Relations Minister Shafi Jan said the large-scale plantation drive would be conducted across the province on August 14. He described the initiative as a major step towards expanding green cover and promoting environmental protection. The minister said extensive plantation activities would be carried out across a large area in Speen Khak, with teams taking part in the campaign to meet the record target. Shafi Jan, in his Independence Day message, said August 14 was a historic occasion that reminded the nation of the sacrifices made during the Pakistan Movement. He paid tribute to the leaders who struggled for the creation of Pakistan and those who sacrificed their lives for the country. He urged citizens to renew their commitment to building a stronger, stable, prosperous and sovereign Pakistan. According to him, national development requires collective responsibility, discipline and a continued commitment to the country’s future. The minister also highlighted the role of young people in national development. He said the younger generation should follow the ideals of Allama Iqbal and contribute towards making Pakistan more self-reliant and progressive. The provincial government has introduced a digital monitoring mechanism to improve transparency in the plantation campaign. The Ehsaas Shajarkari Web Portal will be used to identify suitable plantation locations through GPS technology. The portal will also help authorities monitor plantation activities and maintain a consolidated record of the saplings planted during the campaign. Officials will be able to track plantation sites and assess progress through the digital system. Shafi Jan said the initiative was being undertaken under the direction of K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. He expressed confidence that the province would achieve its target and establish a significant plantation milestone on Independence Day.

The Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has strongly rejected allegations that security forces opened fire on protesters or were responsible for civilian deaths during the recent unrest in Rawalakot, describing the claims as false, unverified and part of an organised disinformation campaign. Responding to a report by the BBC on the recent incidents, the AJK government said armed members of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee opened fire on security personnel in Rawalakot, resulting in the deaths and injuries of several officers. It also alleged that the attackers set multiple vehicles on fire during the violence. According to the government, security forces acted only to maintain law and order and enforce the law, insisting that civilians were not deliberately targeted during the operation. The AJK government cited information from the police spokesperson, who said seven security personnel were killed and 143 others were injured in firing allegedly carried out by armed members of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee. It further claimed that the banned group has a history of violent activities. According to the statement, attacks carried out in 2024 and 2025 resulted in the deaths of four security personnel and left hundreds of others injured. The government also said two individuals arrested on July 28 and 29 were under investigation. It alleged that one of the suspects claimed a reward of Rs10 million had been offered for the killing of each Ranger, raising questions about the possible funding of the group. According to the statement, verified videos show armed individuals linked to the banned Joint Awami Action Committee using modern weapons and firing during the unrest. The AJK government maintained that law enforcement agencies carried out their constitutional responsibilities with restraint and professionalism. It insisted that no action was taken against peaceful civilians and that operations were conducted solely to restore public order. The government also categorically denied allegations of indiscriminate firing, the use of snipers or claims that bodies of victims were withheld from their families. It further alleged that the banned Joint Awami Action Committee had previously been involved in blocking roads, stopping or burning cargo vehicles and disrupting the supply of essential goods. According to the statement, law enforcement agencies made efforts to keep roads open and ensure the uninterrupted movement of essential supplies. The AJK government added that the Joint Awami Action Committee has been declared a banned organisation under the Anti-Terrorism Act and said all legal proceedings against the group are being carried out in accordance with the law.