فیچرڈ

  • | |

    Swat hosts flag rally in support of Pakistan army …

    A joint flag rally and patrol were held in Swat to demonstrate solidarity with the Pakistan Army and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Police amid the prevailing security situation in the region. The event brought together security personnel and local residents in a show of unity aimed at reinforcing public confidence and promoting peace. According to official information, the rally featured participation from Pakistan Army personnel, KP Police officers, civilians, and children. Participants carried the national flag and expressed support for the country’s security forces while emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the public and law enforcement agencies. During the event, large crowds chanted patriotic slogans, including “Long Live Pakistan” and “Long Live Pakistan Army,” as the joint procession moved through key roads and public areas of Swat. The rally was accompanied by a coordinated patrol involving security vehicles and motorcycles, highlighting the continued presence of security forces across the district. The joint patrol was organized as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security, reassure local communities, and enhance coordination between the Pakistan Army and the provincial police. Officials said such activities are intended to improve the public’s sense of safety while maintaining vigilance against potential security threats. Authorities stated that the initiative also aimed to send a clear message that the people of Swat stand united with the country’s security institutions against elements seeking to disrupt peace and stability. The visible participation of residents reflected community engagement in efforts to support law enforcement and contribute to a secure environment. Residents from different segments of society, including families and young people, took part in the event, underlining a shared commitment to peace and national unity. Organizers described the rally as a symbol of cooperation between citizens and security forces, stressing that maintaining peace requires collective responsibility and mutual trust. The flag rally comes as security agencies continue to monitor the situation in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and carry out measures aimed at ensuring public safety. Joint patrols and community outreach initiatives have become an important part of broader efforts to strengthen coordination between security institutions and local communities. Officials expressed confidence that continued collaboration between the Pakistan Army, KP Police, and the people of Swat would help preserve lasting peace and stability in the region. They emphasized that unity, vigilance, and public cooperation remain essential in addressing security challenges and safeguarding the progress made toward maintaining law and order.

  • | |

    Rehman Bhola reportedly taken into custody after c…

    Rehman, widely known as Rehman Bhola, was reportedly taken into custody following a clash and firing incident at the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) headquarters in Karachi’s Bahadurabad area. The reported detention comes shortly after Rehman Bhola was acquitted in the Baldia Factory fire case, drawing renewed public attention to his activities. According to local reports, Rehman Bhola was taken into custody from his residence in North Nazimabad late Sunday night. The reported operation followed a dispute and exchange of gunfire that allegedly occurred at MQM-P’s temporary headquarters in Bahadurabad. CCTV footage circulating on social media and cited in local media reports appears to show plainclothes personnel, uniformed police officers, and female officers escorting Rehman Bhola from his residence before taking him away in official vehicles. However, authorities have not publicly verified the authenticity of the footage. Despite widespread reports of the detention, police officials had not issued an official statement confirming Rehman Bhola’s custody by late Monday night. As a result, the exact legal basis for the reported action and the charges, if any, remain unclear. The reported detention follows tensions at the MQM-P headquarters, where a dispute reportedly escalated into a firing incident on Sunday evening. While the circumstances surrounding the clash are still being investigated, reports indicate that law enforcement agencies launched operations in different parts of Karachi following the incident. Media reports also suggest that several MQM office-bearers and workers were detained from various areas of the city as part of the ongoing investigation. However, authorities have yet to release an official count of those taken into custody or provide details regarding their alleged involvement. Rehman Bhola recently returned to the public spotlight after being acquitted in the Baldia Factory fire case, one of Pakistan’s most high-profile criminal cases. His reported detention has therefore attracted significant attention, although officials have not linked the custody directly to any specific criminal allegation. The investigation into the Bahadurabad incident remains ongoing. Law enforcement agencies are expected to examine available evidence, including CCTV recordings and witness statements, to determine the sequence of events and identify those responsible for the reported violence. Until an official statement is issued, many details surrounding Rehman Bhola’s reported detention and the broader investigation remain unconfirmed. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the inquiry progresses.

  • | | | |

    Trump warns Iran it has a ‘last chance’ to rea…

    US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran has a final opportunity to reach an agreement with the United States, saying he postponed planned military action to allow diplomacy one last chance. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said several Gulf countries had urged Washington to delay military strikes against Iran in the hope that negotiations could produce a diplomatic breakthrough. According to the US president, those requests led him to postpone military action once again. Trump stated that multiple regional governments had contacted his administration, asking that Iran be given another opportunity to negotiate. He described the current moment as Iran’s “last chance” to avoid further escalation and urged Tehran to seize the opportunity for a peaceful resolution. When asked why this latest diplomatic effort differed from previous attempts, Trump replied that he wanted to give Iran one final opportunity before what he described as “complete destruction.” However, he did not provide additional details about the conditions that could trigger military action or a specific timeline. Despite his warning, Trump expressed optimism that negotiations could move forward quickly. He said the first phase of a potential agreement would involve reopening the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted maritime traffic by Tuesday, while the second phase would focus on ending Iran’s nuclear program. The US president acknowledged that dismantling Iran’s nuclear program would not happen immediately and would require additional time to implement. He added that both the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and measures related to Iran’s nuclear activities were included in a memorandum of understanding reportedly reached between the two sides in June. Trump’s remarks come amid renewed diplomatic efforts surrounding the long-running dispute over Iran’s nuclear program and regional security. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have remained high despite repeated attempts to revive negotiations. Earlier in the day, Trump also announced that talks with Iran were expected to take place. However, Iran has maintained that its current discussions are being conducted through Oman rather than in direct negotiations with the United States. The differing public statements highlight the continuing uncertainty surrounding the diplomatic process. No immediate response from Iranian officials was reported following Trump’s latest comments. It also remains unclear whether a formal agreement is close or whether the two sides have narrowed their differences on key issues, including nuclear activities and regional security. Observers say the coming days could prove significant as diplomatic contacts continue and both sides weigh the possibility of further negotiations against the risk of renewed confrontation in the region.

  • | | |

    Three killed as heavy monsoon rains trigger floodi…

    At least three people lost their lives and three others were injured in rain-related incidents across Punjab as heavy monsoon showers triggered urban flooding, damaged homes, and disrupted daily life in several cities. Authorities have placed emergency services on high alert as the current spell of rain is expected to continue through August 5. According to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), one man died and another person was injured after a house collapsed in Uch Sharif, Bahawalpur district. In a separate incident, two children drowned in Khushab during the ongoing monsoon rains. Two additional people sustained injuries in separate roof collapse incidents reported in Mandi Bahauddin and Lodhran. The PDMA also confirmed damage to at least one house in Bahawalpur. Officials clarified that nine other deaths reported on the same day were not directly linked to rain or flooding. These incidents included drownings in canals and rivers in Kot Addu, Narowal, and Attock, while four children tragically died of suffocation after becoming trapped inside a parked vehicle in Mianwali. PDMA Director General Saif Anwar Jappa directed deputy commissioners across Punjab to remain on high alert as heavy rainfall is forecast to continue. He said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is personally monitoring the situation and has instructed district administrations, Rescue 1122, Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa), and other departments to remain fully prepared for emergencies. Lahore experienced several hours of intense rainfall, leaving many roads and residential areas submerged. Water accumulated up to one-and-a-half feet deep in areas including Township, Kacha Jail Road, Haider Road, and the Quaid-i-Azam Industrial Estate, causing severe traffic congestion and disrupting public movement. According to Wasa Lahore, the city received an average rainfall of 24.8 millimetres, with the highest rainfall recorded at the Wasa Head Office in Gulberg at 66.4mm. Significant rainfall was also reported in Shadipura, Mughalpura, Mannawan, Johar Town, Tajpura, and several other localities. Faisalabad recorded the highest rainfall in Punjab at 103mm, resulting in extensive urban flooding at multiple locations. Water levels reached up to 23 inches in some areas, prompting Wasa teams to continue dewatering operations throughout the day. Heavy rainfall also affected Gujrat and Mandi Bahauddin, where roads were inundated and drainage operations remained underway. In contrast, Jhelum recorded only light rainfall, and officials reported that all waterlogging points had been cleared by the afternoon. Authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, stay away from electricity poles and damaged buildings, and keep children away from floodwater and fast-flowing canals as monsoon conditions persist across the province.

  • | |

    Pakistan cuts petrol price by Rs. 4.08 per litre, …

    The federal government has announced a reduction in petroleum prices, lowering the cost of petrol by Rs. 4.08 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs. 2.45 per litre. The revised prices will come into effect from August 4, providing some relief to consumers amid easing international oil prices. According to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division, the new price of petrol has been fixed at Rs. 331.95 per litre, while high-speed diesel will now be available at Rs. 389.93 per litre. The latest revision follows a decline in global crude oil prices after geopolitical tensions in the Middle East showed signs of easing. Despite the reduction, the government continues to impose substantial taxes and duties on petroleum products. Petrol carries approximately Rs. 110 per litre in taxes and levies, while diesel is subject to Rs. 96 per litre in government charges. Fuel prices had surged sharply earlier this year following heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, which raised concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supplies. High-speed diesel reached a record Rs. 520.35 per litre on April 3 after climbing from Rs. 281 per litre in late February. During the same period, petrol rose from Rs. 266 per litre to a peak of Rs. 458.41 per litre. Earlier, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced that fuel prices would now be reviewed daily instead of weekly in response to increased volatility in international energy markets. Under the new mechanism, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has been tasked with determining petroleum prices based on prevailing global market trends. The decision to introduce daily pricing has, however, faced criticism from the All Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association, which has opposed the move and indicated that it may consider launching protests against the policy. Petrol remains the primary fuel used by private vehicles, motorcycles, rickshaws, and small transport, making its price particularly important for middle- and lower-income households. Meanwhile, high-speed diesel is widely consumed by the heavy transport sector, agriculture, industries, power plants, and commercial generators, meaning changes in diesel prices have a broader impact on transportation costs, supply chains, and inflation. The latest reduction is expected to provide modest financial relief to consumers and businesses. However, future fuel prices will largely depend on international crude oil trends, exchange rate movements, and developments in the Middle East, all of which continue to influence Pakistan’s petroleum pricing policy.

  • | |

    Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 likely to be held in U…

    The Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 is expected to be hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with participating teams reportedly informed about the possible tournament dates through unofficial channels. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is expected to make an official announcement regarding the venue and schedule soon. According to cricket reports, the tournament is likely to take place from August 28 to September 13 and will feature eight teams competing for the continental title. The UAE has emerged as the likely host after discussions regarding the tournament’s arrangements and logistics. The competition is expected to include some of the leading women’s cricket teams from Asia, including Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand, and the UAE. The participation of eight teams highlights the growing popularity and development of women’s cricket across the region. The Women’s Asia Cup has become one of the most important tournaments in the Asian cricket calendar, providing teams with an opportunity to compete at a high level and prepare for major international events. The upcoming edition is expected to attract significant attention from cricket fans across Asia. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already announced its squad for the tournament. Star all-rounder Harmanpreet Kaur has been retained as captain of the Indian women’s team, with the side aiming to continue its strong performances in regional competitions. Pakistan’s women’s team is also expected to participate in the tournament as part of its preparations for upcoming international assignments. The competition will provide players with valuable experience against some of Asia’s strongest cricketing nations. The UAE has previously hosted several international cricket events due to its modern facilities, suitable playing conditions, and established cricket infrastructure. Venues in the country have regularly hosted international matches and major tournaments, making it a preferred destination for cricket events when neutral venues are required. The final confirmation of the venue, match schedule, and tournament details will come from the Asian Cricket Council. Until then, teams are expected to continue preparations based on the proposed dates. With regional rivals set to compete and eight teams participating, the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 is expected to be an exciting event for fans and an important platform for the growth of women’s cricket in Asia.

  • | |

    New CCTV footage emerges in Mir Raza Ali murder in…

    A significant development has emerged in the investigation into the murder of Mir Raza Ali, a young resident of Karachi’s PECHS area, as police continue to gather evidence and analyze new surveillance footage to determine the circumstances surrounding the case. According to investigators, a newly obtained CCTV recording shows Mir Raza Ali walking along a street shortly before the incident. During the footage, he appears to remove a glowing object from his pocket and throw it away while continuing on foot. Police believe the object seen in the video is likely to be a mobile phone, although forensic analysis is still underway to confirm its identity. Officials said a local resident had earlier informed police about the location where a mobile phone was found. The spot reportedly matches the location visible in the CCTV footage where the illuminated object was discarded, strengthening investigators’ efforts to establish a timeline of events. Police have since collected additional evidence from the area where the phone was recovered. Investigators are examining the location for forensic clues that may help determine what happened before the victim’s death and whether anyone else was present at the scene. Authorities also confirmed that more CCTV footage tracing Mir Raza Ali’s movements has been obtained from nearby locations. The investigation team is carrying out a detailed technical and forensic examination of these recordings to reconstruct the victim’s final movements and identify any individuals who may have come into contact with him. Law enforcement officials said the investigation remains active and that all available evidence is being carefully reviewed. Detectives are comparing CCTV footage, forensic findings, witness statements, and digital evidence to establish a clearer picture of the events leading up to the murder. Police have not yet announced any arrests or identified suspects in connection with the case. They emphasized that multiple aspects of the investigation are being examined and that conclusions will only be drawn after all evidence has been thoroughly analyzed. The emergence of the latest CCTV footage is considered an important development because it may help investigators verify key details of the victim’s movements before the incident. However, officials cautioned that the investigation is still in progress, and no final determination has been made regarding the significance of the recovered mobile phone or its possible connection to the crime. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to pursuing every lead and using forensic and technical analysis to ensure that those responsible for Mir Raza Ali’s death are identified and brought to justice.

  • | |

    Seven law enforcement personnel martyred during re…

    Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Information Secretary Muhammad Rashid Hanif has said that seven law enforcement personnel, including police and Rangers officials, were martyred during the recent unrest in the region. In a televised address on Monday, Hanif said the casualties occurred during clashes linked to ongoing protests by the now-proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The committee has been demonstrating in the region for several weeks over its demand to abolish 12 seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly reserved for refugees from Indian-held Kashmir. The unrest intensified after clashes between protesters and security personnel in Rawalakot and Mirpur last week. The incidents reportedly resulted in multiple casualties and increased tensions across the region. Hanif stated that weapons allegedly recovered from JAAC members were presented during a previous press conference by a police official on July 27. He claimed that seven law enforcement personnel were killed using similar weapons, while 45 personnel suffered serious injuries and several others sustained minor injuries. The AJK information secretary also alleged that police and Rangers vehicles were damaged and burned during the unrest. He claimed that the incidents indicated the presence of armed elements within the banned organization and accused them of attempting to challenge the state’s authority and disrupt peace. Responding to allegations made by JAAC regarding events in Rawalakot and surrounding areas between July 27 and July 31, Hanif rejected the claims and described them as part of a misinformation campaign. He said the security institutions of AJK had shown restraint and professionalism while handling the law and order situation. Hanif denied allegations of unprovoked firing by security forces and rejected claims that bodies were being withheld. He stated that the government currently had no bodies in its custody and accused the organization of spreading misleading information through social media. He further alleged that JAAC activists had been involved in blocking and damaging vehicles carrying essential supplies and food items. The information secretary also highlighted previous incidents involving casualties among law enforcement personnel, claiming that one police official was martyred in 2024 and three others in October 2025 during unrest-related incidents. Meanwhile, the AJK government criticized international media reports regarding the clashes, describing some coverage as biased and incomplete. Officials said reports should have included the government’s position and verified information before publication. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also criticized coverage of the AJK elections by some media outlets, alleging selective reporting from specific polling locations. The situation in AJK remains tense as authorities continue security measures while political and public disputes over electoral representation and governance issues continue. The government and protest groups have presented conflicting accounts of the events, and further developments are expected as investigations proceed.

  • | |

    Man arrested after allegedly shooting himself to s…

      A young man has been arrested in Kasur after allegedly shooting himself in the leg and staging a fake robbery in an attempt to avoid giving his salary to his family, according to police officials. The unusual incident has drawn attention due to the elaborate plan the suspect reportedly carried out to deceive both his relatives and law enforcement authorities. According to the police, the accused, identified as Adnan, had recently received his salary but did not want to hand over the money to his family as expected. Instead, he reportedly intended to use the money to purchase a new mobile phone. Fearing that his family would insist on receiving his earnings, he allegedly came up with a plan to fake a robbery in order to explain the disappearance of his salary. Police said that Adnan allegedly shot himself in the leg to make the fabricated robbery appear genuine. After sustaining the self-inflicted injury, he reportedly claimed that unidentified robbers had intercepted him, stolen his money, and opened fire before fleeing the scene. The incident initially appeared to be a case of armed robbery, prompting authorities to launch an investigation. However, as investigators examined the evidence and questioned the victim, inconsistencies began to emerge in his account of the incident. Police officers carefully reviewed the circumstances surrounding the alleged robbery and collected forensic and testimonial evidence. Their investigation eventually led them to conclude that the robbery had never taken place and that the injury had been deliberately self-inflicted as part of a staged incident. During the course of the investigation, police also uncovered the alleged involvement of three of Adnan’s friends. According to officials, the three men are accused of providing him with the firearm that was used in the incident. As a result, they were also taken into custody and are being questioned regarding their role in helping carry out the alleged plan. Police stated that the suspects now face legal action for allegedly misleading law enforcement, staging a false crime, and illegally facilitating the use of a firearm. Authorities emphasized that fabricating criminal incidents wastes valuable police resources and diverts attention away from genuine emergencies and victims who require immediate assistance. The case has generated widespread discussion on social media, where many users expressed surprise at the lengths to which the accused allegedly went to avoid giving his salary to his family. Others noted that personal financial disputes should be resolved honestly rather than through actions that could endanger lives and lead to criminal charges. Law enforcement officials reiterated that filing false reports and creating fake crime scenes are serious offenses that can result in legal consequences. They urged the public to cooperate with authorities by providing truthful information and avoiding actions that interfere with criminal investigations. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and police are expected to complete the legal process after gathering all relevant evidence and recording statements from those involved. Authorities have not yet disclosed additional details about the charges that will be filed, but they confirmed that both the main suspect and his three friends remain in custody as the investigation continues.

  • | |

    West Indies post 344 in first innings as Pakistan …

    West Indies were dismissed for 344 runs in their first innings against Pakistan in the second Test match being played in Port of Spain. Pakistan’s off-spinner Sajid Khan delivered an impressive bowling performance, taking four crucial wickets to help restrict the home side. West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first, looking to take advantage of favorable conditions. Their innings was built around important contributions from Justin Greaves and captain Roston Chase, who played responsible knocks to strengthen the team’s total. Greaves scored 73 runs, while Roston Chase added 70 runs to lead the West Indies batting effort. Brandon King contributed 46 runs, while Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo scored 29 and 26 runs respectively as the hosts attempted to build a competitive first-innings score. Pakistan’s bowling attack responded strongly, with Sajid Khan emerging as the standout performer. The experienced off-spinner troubled the West Indies batters with his accuracy and variations, finishing with four wickets. His spell played a key role in preventing the hosts from gaining further momentum. Fast bowlers and other bowling options also supported Sajid Khan effectively. Ubaid Shah, Mohammad Ali, and Ali Usman claimed two wickets each, ensuring that West Indies were unable to extend their innings beyond 344 runs. At the toss, Pakistan captain Babar Azam said that his team would also have preferred to bat first if they had won the toss. He expressed confidence in the squad and said Pakistan aimed to play positive and attacking cricket throughout the match. West Indies captain Roston Chase said his team wanted to make their home conditions a strength and decided to maintain the same playing XI for the second Test. The hosts entered the match with confidence after taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Pakistan now face the challenge of responding strongly with the bat as they look to level the series. A victory in the second Test is essential for Pakistan to avoid a series defeat, while West Indies will aim to maintain their advantage and secure a historic series win. With both teams fighting for crucial championship points and momentum, the second Test is expected to produce an exciting contest as the match progresses.