National

ISLAMABAD: Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Barrister Danyal Chaudhry on Sunday said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)’s victory on all three refugee seats in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections reflected the confidence of Kashmiri refugees and the people of Rawalpindi in the leadership of former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. Speaking at a press conference, Chaudhry thanked voters, Kashmiri refugees and party workers for what he described as a historic electoral success, saying the results reaffirmed the party’s strong support among the refugee community. He said the outcome of the elections was a clear endorsement of the PML-N’s political narrative and leadership, adding that the party had once again demonstrated its close connection with Kashmiri refugees by securing all three seats. The parliamentary secretary said the election mandate showed that the PML-N remained the principal political representative of Kashmiri refugees. Criticising rival parties, Chaudhry claimed that the Pakistan Peoples Party failed to attract significant voter support during the polls, alleging that its polling camps remained largely deserted throughout election day. He also said the party’s post-election press conference reflected its electoral performance. The PML-N has termed the clean sweep a major political achievement, saying it would further strengthen the party’s position among Kashmiri refugees ahead of future political contests.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has expressed confidence that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will emerge victorious in the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections. In a statement, Azma Bukhari said political opponents alleging electoral rigging would continue to make such claims, but the people would keep placing their trust in the PML-N through the democratic process. She maintained that the party’s candidates were expected to secure victories with comfortable margins. The minister said polling during the second phase of the AJK elections was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, with voters actively participating and exercising their democratic right across the constituencies. Azma Bukhari claimed that many voters were supporting the PML-N because they appreciated the performance of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. She said the provincial government’s development initiatives had strengthened public confidence in the party and encouraged voters to support its candidates. Criticising the opposition, she said parties raising allegations about the electoral process had failed to gain significant public support. According to her, such criticism did not reflect the overall mood of the electorate. Highlighting the party’s development agenda, Azma Bukhari said the people of Azad Kashmir also deserved modern infrastructure and public welfare projects. She referred to improved road networks, electric bus services, and the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing programme as examples of initiatives that could also benefit the region.

LAHORE: Authorities have arrested 28 suspects in Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan as part of a major crackdown on organised online fraud, exposing alleged schemes that relied on impersonation, fake investment opportunities and fabricated official identities to deceive citizens. The arrests were made during a province-wide operation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab, directed by Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim, officials said. Investigators also seized 24 mobile phones and a laptop, which are now being examined for evidence that could lead to other members of the alleged network. The investigation has revealed how fraudsters allegedly manipulated trust to convince victims to hand over large sums of money. Millions allegedly lost in Lahore scam In Lahore, 18 suspects were arrested in separate operations. Investigators said the suspects allegedly impersonated relatives, visa agents, government officials and personnel associated with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority. In one case, suspects allegedly posed as both a relative and a visa agent and persuaded a victim to transfer Rs25.86 million. The case has highlighted how scammers can combine apparently familiar identities with urgent requests to make their schemes appear legitimate. Rs54.66m trading fraud uncovered Three suspects were arrested in Faisalabad in connection with alleged online trading fraud and unauthorised access to a company email account. According to investigators, a victim was shown fabricated trading records, digital-wallet balances and purported profit statements to create the impression that substantial returns were being generated. After being persuaded to invest, the victim allegedly lost Rs54.66 million, investigators said. The case demonstrates the growing sophistication of investment scams, where criminals allegedly use manipulated digital information to make fraudulent platforms appear genuine. Multan arrests expose impersonation tactics In Multan, seven suspects were arrested for allegedly posing as relatives, bank employees and individuals claiming to be based in Britain. Officials said victims were approached with various demands, including payments supposedly required for prize money, customs clearance, taxes and visa renewals. Such tactics typically create a sense of urgency, leaving victims with little time to verify the identity of the caller or the authenticity of the demand. Digital evidence now under forensic examination NCCIA investigators are examining the seized devices through forensic analysis. Financial transactions, call records and digital communications are also being reviewed to establish the full extent of the alleged operation and identify other people who may be connected to it. The crackdown comes amid growing concern over online financial fraud in Pakistan. The NCCIA’s own statistics identify financial fraud as a major category of reported cybercrime. The latest arrests underscore a simple but increasingly important warning: an apparently familiar voice, official-looking message or promising investment opportunity may not be what it seems. Authorities are expected to continue the investigation as they trace the alleged network and follow the digital and financial trails left behind.

KOT ADDU: The body of the last person missing after the tragic Muzaffargarh Canal accident has been recovered near Head Kallo, bringing the search and rescue operation to an end. The body was recovered during a continued search operation launched to locate people who went missing following the accident. Rescue teams had been conducting searches at different points along the canal, including Head Kallo, day and night. According to officials, water was released into the canal following a request from the families of the victims. Due to the flow of water, the missing person’s body surfaced near Head Kallo. Rescue personnel deployed at the location immediately responded and recovered the body. The search operation continued despite the release of water into the canal. Teams from the district administration, Rescue 1122 and other relevant departments remained engaged in the operation under the direction of Kot Addu Deputy Commissioner Bilal Saleem and the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Kot Addu Farrukh Mahmood. Rescue teams were deployed at multiple locations along the canal. They maintained continuous surveillance and carried out searches in different sections to locate all missing persons. With the recovery of the latest body, officials said that all people reported missing in connection with the Muzaffargarh Canal accident have now been found. The rescue teams are completing the necessary procedures following the recovery. The body will be handed over to the relevant authorities for identification and other legal formalities. The district administration and rescue teams used all available resources throughout the operation. Officials also provided possible assistance and cooperation to the affected families during the search. The recovery of the last missing victim marks the completion of the search for those reported missing after the tragic canal accident.

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.