National

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    Suicide bombing at Kabal Police Station kills 14, injures 20 in Swat

    ByJustpaste.in

    SWAT: At least 14 people, including five police personnel and nine civilians, were killed and 20 others injured in a suicide bombing at the main gate of Kabal Police Station in Swat district on Sunday. According to Malakand Regional Police Officer (RPO) Syed Fida Hassan Shah, the attacker attempted to enter the police compound but was intercepted by security personnel stationed at the entrance. Prevented from gaining access, the suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest at the main gate. Police said the 20 injured include 14 police personnel and six civilians. The wounded were shifted to nearby hospitals, where several are reported to be in critical condition. The RPO said the police compound houses Kabal Police Station, Kabal Police Lines, a public facilitation center, and several other government offices. He noted that the casualties could have been significantly higher had the attacker succeeded in entering the compound. Following the blast, police and other law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area and launched a search operation, while investigators began collecting forensic evidence from the scene. Police officials said the severed head of the suspected suicide bomber has been recovered, and investigators are working to establish his identity and determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. Local sources said a public demonstration calling for peace was underway at nearby Kabal Chowk when the explosion occurred. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the protest was linked to or affected by the attack. An investigation into the incident is ongoing. An emergency has been declared at the Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals following the suicide blast in Kabal, Swat. All doctors, nursing staff, and paramedics have been placed on high alert to ensure the timely treatment of those injured in the attack. Hospital authorities said every effort is being made to provide the best possible medical care to the victims. Medical Superintendent Dr. Muhammad Saleem Khan, along with other senior officials, is personally overseeing the emergency response and monitoring the situation. The Saidu Hospital administration has appealed to the public to donate blood to help meet the urgent needs of the injured. Citizens have also been requested to avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital during the emergency to prevent overcrowding and allow medical teams to carry out their work efficiently. Hospital officials said the situation is being closely monitored, and emergency medical services remain fully operational.

  • Swat peace rally blast kills 14, injures over 20

    ByJustpaste.in

    By Haroon Siraj SWAT – At least 14 people were killed and more than 20 others injured in a bomb blast during a peace demonstration at Kabal Chowk in Swat district on Sunday, according to rescue officials. The demonstration had been organised by Olasi Pasoon, with people from different parts of the district gathering to demand peace amid growing security concerns and recent militant activity in the area. Participants were chanting slogans calling for the restoration of peace when the explosion occurred. Rescue officials said nine bodies and at least 16 injured people were shifted to Saidu Sharif Teaching Hospital, while five bodies and several injured were taken to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Kabal. Police and security forces cordoned off the area immediately after the blast and launched a search operation. The nature of the explosion and those responsible were not immediately confirmed, while an investigation was underway. The incident comes days after an armed clash between suspected militants and police in the Shalkho Sar area of Swat’s Matta and Kabal tehsils. In that exchange of fire, one police was killed, while police claimed that militants were also killed during the operation. No group had claimed responsibility for Sunday’s blast at the time this report was filed.

  • K-Electric GM assures Ghouri Arcade residents of relief

    ByJustpaste.in

    Karachi: A warm reception was organized in honour of the newly appointed General Manager, IBC Garden, Mr. Asim Nizami, along witvh his team, including the Deputy General Managers (DGMs). The visit took place after Mr. Asim Nizami graciously accepted the invitation extended by Madam Humaira Motala to visit Ghouri Arcade and meet with the residents. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Madam Humaira Motala, Mr. Abdul Rauf Memon, Mr. Mohammad Attique, and Mr. Mohammad Ashfaq of Ghouri Arcade, who presented the General Manager with a bouquet and a commemorative souvenir as a token of respect and appreciation. A detailed discussion was held regarding the ongoing load shedding in Ghouri Arcade, despite the area comprising predominantly KE STAR consumers and the absence of illegal electricity connections (kundas), particularly in Ghouri Arcade of Chaman Street. The residents highlighted their concerns and requested immediate relief from the unjustified load shedding. Mr. Asim Nizami listened attentively to all the issues raised, responded satisfactorily to the concerns of the residents, and assured the community that the issues affecting Ghouri Arcade would be addressed on a priority basis. It was assured to Ghouri Arcade that they wud not bear the financial loss of the feeder as some of the delegates have of the area have agreed to. Dr. Mohammad Hanif Baig, Managing Director of Maisarah Hospital, also attended the reception. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with optimism that the longstanding issues would be resolved through mutual cooperation.

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    Khawaja Asif predicts PML-N AJK government

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders on Sunday expressed confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections and form the next regional government. At the same time, they rejected allegations of election rigging and violence raised by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), insisting that the polling process remained peaceful and transparent. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif made the remarks while visiting party election camps in Union Council Fatehgarh, Sialkot. He said polling across AJK and the refugee constituencies was conducted in a calm and orderly manner. According to him, voters actively participated in the electoral process and the turnout remained encouraging throughout the day. He said reports received from various election camps reflected a positive trend in favour of the PML-N. He added that voter participation was expected to increase further as polling continued. Khawaja Asif expressed confidence that the party would secure enough seats to form the next AJK government. The defence minister said a PML-N government in AJK would focus on development, public welfare and political stability. He added that the party wanted to continue serving the people under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif. Speaking about the Kashmir issue, Khawaja Asif reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position. He said Kashmir remained an integral part of Pakistan’s national policy. He also criticised what he called propaganda aimed at strengthening India’s narrative on the dispute. According to him, there could be no compromise on Pakistan’s stance regarding Kashmir. He also highlighted the political importance of Sialkot, saying the district has a large population of refugees from Jammu. He noted that nearly 100,000 voters were registered in the LA-36 Jammu-III constituency, making it one of the important refugee seats in the elections. Khawaja Asif urged all political parties to respect the decision of the voters. He said every party should accept the election results in the spirit of democracy, regardless of victory or defeat. Later, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah also addressed a press conference in Islamabad alongside Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam. Rana Sanaullah strongly rejected PPP allegations of widespread rigging and violence. He said the elections were held peacefully and voters exercised their democratic right without major disruptions. He explained that polling hours were extended by one hour at some polling stations because of difficult weather conditions. He added that voters who had already entered polling stations before the closing time were allowed to cast their ballots in accordance with election rules. According to Rana Sanaullah, nearly 95 to 96 per cent of the polling process had been completed smoothly by the end of the day. He said ballot counting had already started in most constituencies. The adviser criticised allegations of election manipulation. He said one political party began accusing the authorities of rigging early in the morning without presenting any evidence. He maintained that such claims were politically motivated and intended to create unnecessary controversy. Commenting on incidents of violence, Rana Sanaullah said only three isolated cases were reported during polling. He insisted these incidents did not affect the overall election process. He also responded to reports involving AJK Acting President and Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar. According to Rana Sanaullah, the incident resulted from a personal dispute linked to an old court case. He denied reports of any serious physical assault and said the matter had been exaggerated for political purposes. The adviser also addressed the death of an elderly man, Mushtaq, during polling. He said the deceased was a heart patient and suffered a cardiac arrest after an argument between rival political supporters. He rejected claims that the man had been killed in election-related violence, saying no post-mortem report had confirmed such allegations. Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said PML-N supporters participated enthusiastically in the elections. He said voters showed confidence in the party’s leadership by casting their ballots in favour of the lion, the party’s election symbol. In a statement shared on social media, Tarar described allegations of rigging as baseless and unsupported by evidence. He said the public had once again expressed trust in the PML-N’s agenda of development, public service and economic progress.

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    Security forces reportedly foil infiltration attem…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistani security forces reportedly thwarted an attempted infiltration by armed militants in the Kharan district of Balochistan, according to local media reports citing official sources. The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region, where authorities continue to conduct operations against militant groups. According to the reports, security personnel responded promptly after detecting suspicious movement in the area. The reported response allegedly forced the militants to retreat before they could achieve their objectives. Officials quoted in the reports described the operation as an example of the security forces’ continued vigilance and rapid response capabilities. The reports further claim that militants have increasingly relied on online propaganda and misinformation campaigns alongside their activities on the ground. According to the cited sources, images and videos are sometimes used to spread misleading narratives on social media. These assertions have not been independently verified. Media reports also stated that indiscriminate firing and shelling during the incident allegedly injured five civilians, including children. If confirmed, the reported injuries underscore the risks faced by local communities living in areas affected by security operations and militant activity. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and provide further updates. Balochistan has experienced security challenges for many years, with periodic clashes involving security forces and armed groups. The region remains strategically significant due to its geography and infrastructure, making stability a priority for both provincial and federal authorities. Security agencies continue to emphasize intelligence-based operations aimed at preventing attacks while protecting civilian populations. Developments in conflict-affected regions often evolve quickly, and initial reports may change as additional information becomes available. Independent verification and official statements are essential for establishing an accurate account of events. Readers are encouraged to follow updates from credible news organizations and official government sources as the situation develops. The reported incident in Kharan serves as a reminder of the complex security environment in Balochistan. While authorities emphasize their commitment to maintaining peace and public safety, continued transparency, verified reporting, and timely communication remain vital to ensuring that the public receives accurate and reliable information during rapidly unfolding events.

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    Six policemen among 15 martyred in Swat suicide bl…

    ByJustpaste.in

    At least 15 people, including six police personnel, were killed in a suicide bombing near Kabal Police Station in Swat on Sunday, according to local administration and police officials. Authorities said the attacker attempted to enter the police station but was intercepted by security personnel stationed at the entrance. After failing to gain access, the suicide bomber detonated the explosives near the main gate, triggering a powerful explosion that caused multiple casualties. The blast occurred near Kabal Chowk, where a protest by local youths was also taking place at the time. The explosion spread panic throughout the area, with emergency teams and security forces rushing to the scene to launch rescue and relief operations. Police officials said several people sustained injuries in the attack and were shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Authorities fear the number of casualties could rise as some of the injured remain in critical condition. During the search operation, investigators recovered human remains from the blast site, including a severed head believed to belong to the suicide bomber. Forensic experts have collected evidence to help identify the attacker and determine the nature of the explosives used. Security forces immediately cordoned off the area and launched a comprehensive search operation to ensure no further threats remained. Bomb disposal teams also inspected the site while investigators gathered evidence for the ongoing inquiry. Officials said the timely action of police personnel prevented the attacker from entering the police station, a move they believe avoided even greater loss of life and damage. The attack has once again highlighted the security challenges facing law enforcement agencies, which continue to remain on high alert amid renewed militant violence in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

  • Electrocution tops monsoon death causes in Pakistan

    ByJustpaste.in

    The number of people killed by this year’s monsoon rains across Pakistan has reached 126. The deaths took place between June 26 and August 1. The National Disaster Management Authority, known as NDMA, shared this update. The authority also said that 404 people have been injured during this period. According to the NDMA report, released on Saturday, electrocution has caused the most deaths so far. Flash floods, drowning and lightning strikes are the next major causes. Some deaths also happened due to house collapses and falling trees during heavy rain. The report also shared numbers from the past 24 hours. Four people died during this short period due to rain related incidents. These deaths were caused by drowning and lightning. Sindh reported three of these four deaths. During the same 24 hours, 16 people were injured across the country. Punjab recorded the highest number of injuries during this time. Looking at the full monsoon period so far, Punjab has suffered the most deaths. The province recorded 47 deaths between June 26 and August 1. Out of these, 19 were children. Punjab also reported 295 injuries, including 68 children. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa follows closely with 55 deaths during the same period. The province also reported 82 injuries. Sindh recorded five deaths and seven injuries. Balochistan reported eight deaths and 15 injuries. Rescue teams remained active across the country during the past 24 hours. In Punjab, four rescue operations helped save nine people. Two people were rescued in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Five more were rescued in Sindh. The Meteorological Department says monsoon winds coming from the Arabian Sea are still affecting most parts of Pakistan. The department shared a three day weather forecast for Karachi. The city saw light to moderate rain in different areas on Saturday. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, Karachi will remain mostly cloudy on Sunday. There is a chance of thunder, lightning and moderate rain in some parts of the city. On Monday and Tuesday, cloudy and humid weather is expected, along with a chance of drizzle during night and morning hours. Other parts of Sindh are also expected to receive rain. Areas such as Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar, Khairpur and Hyderabad may see moderate to heavy rain with thunderstorms. Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is expected in Ghotki, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Larkana and nearby areas. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority has warned that heavy rain, strong winds and lightning could damage weak buildings. Low lying areas in cities like Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin and Sanghar may face urban flooding. Tourists and travellers have been advised to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel during this period. Last week, the Pakistan Meteorological Department issued a nationwide alert. It warned that a new spell of monsoon rain from July 29 to August 5 could cause more urban flooding, flash floods and landslides in many parts of the country.

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    President, PM vow action after Swat suicide blast

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday strongly condemned the deadly suicide bombing in Kabal, Swat, expressing grief over the loss of lives and reaffirming the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism. In separate statements, both leaders extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in the attack and prayed for the departed souls. They also asked Allah Almighty to grant patience and strength to the bereaved families during this difficult time. President Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the explosion. He directed the relevant authorities to ensure that all injured victims receive the best possible medical treatment without delay. The president said terrorists would never succeed in weakening Pakistan’s peace, national unity or the writ of the state. He praised the sacrifices of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and other law enforcement agencies, describing their bravery and commitment as a source of pride for the nation. He further called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident and directed authorities to identify those responsible for planning and carrying out the attack. He stressed that all perpetrators and their facilitators must be brought to justice. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the suicide bombing and expressed profound grief over the loss of precious lives. He conveyed his sympathies to the families of the victims and prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks. The prime minister also wished a speedy recovery for those injured and instructed the relevant departments to provide them with the highest standard of medical care. Reaffirming the government’s resolve against militancy, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s fight against terrorism would continue until the menace was completely eradicated. He said those seeking to destabilise the country through acts of violence would not be allowed to succeed.

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    PML-N leads as second phase of AJK elections concl…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The second phase of the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Assembly elections concluded with voters casting their ballots across multiple constituencies under heightened security. Preliminary and unofficial results indicated that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured victories in several constituencies, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) also registered wins in selected seats. Election authorities continued the counting process as additional results were awaited. More than one million registered voters were eligible to participate in the second phase of the elections. Polling stations were established across the region and in designated constituencies for Kashmiri refugees residing in different parts of Pakistan. In some areas, polling hours were extended to facilitate voters and improve participation. According to preliminary results, PML-N emerged as the leading party in the declared constituencies, strengthening its position in the AJK Assembly. PPP candidates also secured victories in several constituencies, while independent candidates and representatives of other political parties remained competitive in a number of closely contested seats. Final official results are expected after the Election Commission completes the consolidation process. Election day remained largely peaceful, although reports of isolated clashes were received from a few constituencies. Media reports stated that one political worker lost his life during an incident, while several others, including a member of Pakistan’s National Assembly, were reportedly injured in separate firing incidents. Authorities are expected to investigate these events, while political parties have urged supporters to remain calm. Security arrangements remained a key feature of the electoral process, with thousands of police personnel deployed at polling stations. Sensitive locations received additional security to ensure the smooth conduct of voting. In one constituency, polling was postponed because of adverse weather conditions and landslides, with the Election Commission announcing a revised polling date. The AJK elections are considered an important indicator of the political landscape in the region. As official results continue to emerge, attention will remain focused on the final distribution of seats and the formation of the next government. Political analysts believe the outcome could influence future policy discussions and shape the region’s governance in the coming years.

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    Torrential rains trigger flash floods in Upper Dir…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Torrential rainfall has caused widespread disruption in Upper Dir, where flash floods and overflowing streams have damaged roads, washed away infrastructure, and stranded travelers across several parts of the district. According to rescue officials, the continuing downpours have significantly affected transportation and raised concerns about public safety. Rescue 1122 reported that floodwaters near the Inkar Madrasa area swept across the main highway, forcing authorities to close the road to all types of traffic. The closure resulted in long queues of vehicles, leaving commuters and tourists stranded while waiting for conditions to improve. Emergency responders have been monitoring the situation and coordinating relief efforts in the affected areas. The heavy rains also washed away a connecting bridge and damaged multiple roads, disrupting access between nearby communities. Rising water levels in seasonal streams have further complicated rescue and recovery operations, making travel difficult and increasing the risk for people living near flood-prone areas. According to rescue officials, one vehicle was swept away by floodwaters in a rain-fed stream. However, no fatalities had been reported at the time of the latest updates. Authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage while emergency teams remain on standby to respond to any additional incidents caused by the severe weather. Officials have urged residents, tourists, and motorists to avoid unnecessary travel until weather conditions improve. They have also advised the public to stay away from rivers, streams, and flood channels, where rapidly rising water levels can pose a serious threat to life and property. Heavy monsoon rains frequently trigger flash floods and landslides in northern Pakistan, disrupting transportation and damaging critical infrastructure. Authorities are continuing to monitor weather conditions closely and have appealed to the public to follow official advisories and cooperate with rescue teams. Travelers planning to visit Upper Dir are encouraged to check road conditions before departing and remain alert for further weather updates as rescue and restoration efforts continue.