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Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership cannot distance itself from the recent shooting incident on Rawalpindi’s Mall Road. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Chaudhry said the incident was deeply regrettable and alleged that the man involved had links with the PTI and had remained in contact with the party’s leadership. According to the minister, the suspect had previously stayed at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House and had met members of the PTI leadership. He also allegedly carried the party’s flag and appeared in social media videos showing attacks on security forces. Chaudhry said a security personnel was injured when the attacker opened direct fire on Mall Road. He argued that the PTI leadership could not simply deny responsibility by claiming that the individual had no connection with the party or suffered from mental health problems. “If his mental condition was not stable, why did he attack a security official instead of his own family or a party leader?” Chaudhry asked. He questioned why the individual had allegedly been placed at the frontline of protests if the party had no association with him. The minister accused the PTI of promoting a political culture based on confrontation, violence and hatred. He said the government had repeatedly urged the party to avoid spreading hostility and unrest among young people. Chaudhry linked such politics to previous violent incidents, including the events of May 9 and November 26, and warned that continuing to promote hatred could lead to further incidents. He also criticised what he described as vandalism and arson carried out in the name of politics. He questioned what the PTI had achieved for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during its long period in power in the province. “Setting things on fire and creating disorder is not politics,” he said, adding that such actions neither served the party nor the province. Referring to future political activities, Chaudhry warned that similar incidents could occur again if party workers continued to be exposed to what he described as hateful and inflammatory rhetoric. He also criticised PTI founder Imran Khan’s statements and speeches, alleging that they had contributed to political polarisation and unrest. Chaudhry further accused PTI supporters of disrespecting security personnel and national heroes, including through social media posts targeting the country’s fallen soldiers. The minister said investigations into the Rawalpindi incident were progressing and that authorities were conducting a transparent inquiry. He assured that the findings would be made public once the investigation was completed. Chaudhry said the government would not allow Pakistan to be pushed into further political instability and warned that those involved in attacks would face legal consequences.

A three-day curfew has been imposed in Nushki district of Balochistan due to the deteriorating law and order situation. The curfew has been enforced to maintain peace and prevent further unrest in the district. Residents have been directed to remain inside their homes during the curfew period. Movement in the district will remain restricted. According to a notification issued by the Balochistan Home Department, the curfew will remain in force until 8pm on July 31. The notification said the decision was taken because of the prevailing security situation in Nushki. Under the curfew restrictions, residents will not be allowed to leave their homes without permission. Unnecessary movement and travel will also be prohibited. Public gatherings will not be permitted during the curfew. Processions and other activities involving large groups of people will also remain banned. The restrictions are aimed at controlling the situation and ensuring public safety. The notification further stated that the deputy commissioner has the authority to grant exemptions to certain categories of people. Government employees may be allowed to move during the curfew if their duties require it. Medical staff will also be exempted from the restrictions. Rescue personnel and utility workers will also be permitted to perform essential duties. The authorities have warned residents against violating the curfew. According to the notification, strict legal action will be taken against anyone found violating the restrictions. The administration has urged citizens to cooperate with the authorities and remain indoors until the curfew is lifted. The development comes amid heightened concerns over law and order in Nushki. Authorities have imposed the restrictions as a precautionary measure to prevent further incidents and maintain stability. Officials are expected to monitor the situation closely during the curfew period. The restrictions could help security personnel maintain control and ensure the safety of residents.

Security forces have killed two terrorists and wounded three others during an intelligence-based operation in Killi Zaik, Balochistan, according to security sources. The operation was launched after intelligence reports indicated the presence of suspected terrorists in the area. Security personnel moved in on the reported hideout and conducted a targeted operation. Two terrorists were killed during the operation, while three others sustained injuries. Security forces also recovered ammunition, hand grenades and materials believed to have been used for preparing improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Officials said security operations against militant groups in Balochistan are continuing as part of ongoing efforts to prevent terrorist attacks and dismantle militant networks operating in the province. The latest operation comes amid an increase in security activity across Balochistan. In recent days, security forces have conducted several intelligence-based operations in different districts of the province. On Sunday, seven terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation in the Lajay area of Kharan. The previous day, 10 terrorists were killed and several others were injured during an operation in the Shor Pard area of Khuzdar district. Earlier, 18 terrorists were reported killed in operations in Surab district. Eight of them were killed after an explosive device detonated prematurely, according to security officials. Security forces have also carried out operations in Panjgur, where five terrorists, including a key militant commander, were killed in the Sarkini and Chedgi areas. The intensified security operations come as Balochistan continues to face serious security challenges. The province has witnessed a rise in militant activity and casualties in recent months. A recent security assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies showed a sharp deterioration in the security situation in Balochistan during July. According to the assessment, deaths linked to violence in the province increased from 109 in June to 372 in July. The number of security personnel killed also rose significantly, from six in June to 62 in July. The report further recorded an increase in militant deaths, with 238 terrorists reportedly killed in July compared with 75 in June. Civilian deaths also rose from 28 to 54 during the same period.