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QUETTA: Earthquake tremors were felt in Zhob and Chaman districts of Balochistan, triggering panic among residents. According to the Seismological Centre, the earthquake had a magnitude of 4.8 on the Richter scale. Its depth was recorded at 15 kilometres below the Earth’s surface. The epicentre of the earthquake was located around 122 kilometres northeast of Zhob, according to the seismic monitoring authorities. The tremors were felt in several areas, causing fear and anxiety among local residents. Many people rushed out of their homes as a precautionary measure. Residents were seen reciting the Kalma Tayyaba while gathering in open areas to avoid any possible danger from the earthquake. The sudden tremors caused concern among citizens, particularly because of the possibility of aftershocks. People remained cautious and stayed outside their homes for some time. Authorities and local administration remained alert following the earthquake. Emergency services were also monitoring the situation in the affected districts. So far, no casualties or property damage have been reported as a result of the earthquake. Officials are continuing to assess the situation and monitor for any further seismic activity. Earthquakes are relatively common in parts of Balochistan because of the region’s geological setting. Authorities generally advise residents to remain calm during tremors and move to safer open areas after leaving buildings if necessary.

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of pursuing a politics of violence. In a statement, Tarar said the Mall Road incident in Rawalpindi had brought several issues to light. He alleged that PTI supporters arrive at protests carrying weapons. He said a security official was fired upon in broad daylight on Mall Road in Rawalpindi. According to Tarar, the incident was another example of what he described as PTI’s politics of violence. The federal minister further alleged that the purpose of PTI protests was to disrupt law and order and create unrest in the country. Tarar said the party’s objective behind protests was to create anarchy and instability in Pakistan. He also claimed that PTI was unable to accept the country’s development and progress. His remarks came after the Mall Road shooting in Rawalpindi, where a man identified as Muhammad Hussain was killed after allegedly opening fire at security forces, according to police.

The DNA of Karachi businessman Mir Raza has matched samples collected from his parents, officials said on Tuesday. The development is part of the ongoing investigation into his death. Authorities have also expanded the investigation team handling the case. A notification has been issued for the appointment of two additional officers. According to the notification, DSP Sirajuddin and Inspector Muhammad Ali have been included in the investigation team. Their addition has increased the strength of the team to seven members. The latest appointments come as investigators continue to examine different aspects of the case. Police are also reviewing the available evidence as part of the probe. Meanwhile, the former investigation officer appeared before the Judicial Magistrate East in connection with the case. He requested additional time to submit the investigation report. The former officer told the court that the investigation was still in progress. He also informed the court that senior authorities had changed the officer responsible for investigating the case. He said the newly appointed investigation officer would appear before the court at the next hearing. The officer is expected to continue the investigation and submit the required report. The court accepted the request for more time. It directed the former investigation officer to submit the report by August 15. The court proceedings took place as investigators continued their efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding Mir Raza’s death. The DNA match with his parents has also provided an important development in the investigation. Authorities are now expected to continue examining other evidence and findings linked to the case.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Salman Akram Raja has said he had no authority to remove Mashal Yousafzai from the Senate. He said he chose to overlook the matter to prevent divisions within the party. Speaking to the media outside the Supreme Court in Islamabad, Raja said Mashal Yousafzai was not acting alone and had a group supporting her. He said the facts would eventually come before everyone. He added that he would not further fuel an issue that had already been given unnecessary attention in the past. Raja also said he did not know who had made Mashal Yousafzai a senator. Speaking to journalists at the Adiala Jail factory checkpoint in Rawalpindi, Raja said that allegations should be backed by evidence. He said false allegations remained false regardless of who made them. He said he had been practising law and continued to do so. He described some of the statements made against him as completely baseless. Raja said such allegations would have to be answered. He added that the party would take action over the matter. Comments on political developments Speaking about the political situation, Raja said September 27 was not a distant date. He said political activity was continuing on a daily basis. He said time passes quickly and described September 27 as an important date. Raja also said that a revolution could not be brought about by a single political party. He said it required the participation of the entire nation. On negotiations with the government, he said there was currently no formal offer from the government. However, Raja said PTI had not rejected negotiations on principle at any level. He described reports of an alliance with the Pakistan Peoples Party as premature. He said two parties could have similar positions on a particular issue without forming an alliance. PTI denies link with terrorism Raja strongly rejected any alleged connection between PTI and terrorism. He said PTI had never had any association with terrorism. Referring to the person killed in Rawalpindi, he said the party did not know which group the man belonged to or what activities he had been involved in. Raja described PTI as a peaceful political party. He said the party opposed terrorism and had never been part of any violent activity. He maintained that PTI was continuing its political struggle within the framework of the Constitution and the law.