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SWAT: The death toll from the suicide bombing at the main gate of Kabal Police Station in Pakistan’s northwestern Swat district has risen to 17 after two more injured victims succumbed to their wounds, officials said on Monday. The deceased include seven police personnel and 10 civilians, while more than 23 injured people remain under treatment at various hospitals. Funeral prayers for the victims were offered before they were laid to rest in their native villages. Markets across Kabal remained completely shut as residents observed a day of mourning. Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against unidentified terrorists at the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Police Station in Kabal. The case includes charges of murder, attempted murder, and terrorism-related offences under Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suicide bomber used between six and eight kilograms of explosives. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed paid an emergency visit to Swat following the attack. He visited the injured police personnel and civilians receiving treatment at Saidu Sharif Teaching Hospital, inquired about their condition, praised their courage, and wished them a speedy recovery. The IGP also directed doctors and medical staff to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured. Additional Inspector General CTD, Regional Police Officer Malakand, and District Police Officer Swat accompanied him during the visit. Later, the IGP chaired a high-level security meeting at the Regional Police Office Malakand to review the overall law and order situation in the region and assess the progress of the investigation into the attack, including efforts to identify the perpetrators and their facilitators. Officials informed the meeting that the suicide bomber had been identified and that investigators were using modern forensic and technological methods to expedite the probe. The IGP instructed authorities to ensure the swift arrest of everyone involved and bring them to justice. Speaking to reporters, Zulfiqar Hameed announced that a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) would be constituted to investigate the bombing. He said the families of the fallen police personnel would receive the full martyrs compensation package. He added that stringent security arrangements had already been in place due to potential threats and that police officers displayed exceptional bravery by preventing the suicide bomber from reaching the main target, thereby averting even greater casualties. He reaffirmed that terrorists would not be allowed to regroup and said police continue to receive modern weapons, equipment, and operational support. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Suhail Khan Afridi arrived in Swat along with Special Assistant for Home Tariq Saeed, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, and the provincial police chief. The chief minister met the families of the victims, offered condolences, and prayed for the departed. He also visited the injured at Saidu Sharif Teaching Hospital and directed hospital authorities to ensure they receive the best available medical care. The chief minister later chaired a high-level meeting on the security situation in Swat, where he was briefed on the bombing, the region’s overall security environment, and the ongoing counterterrorism operations. Addressing the meeting, Afridi said the people and police of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were paying the price for what he described as the federal government’s flawed security policies. However, he stressed that the sacrifices made by police personnel and innocent civilians in the fight against terrorism would not go in vain. He called for unity among the public, police, and all political and religious stakeholders to defeat terrorism, describing the current campaign as a decisive phase in eliminating the threat. The chief minister said the provincial government was providing all necessary resources to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), including a Rs20 billion allocation to strengthen the police force’s operational capacity. Reaffirming his government’s commitment to restoring peace, Afridi expressed confidence that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would overcome the security challenge and declared that the 2026–27 fiscal year would be a year of peace, development, and prosperity for the province.

GUJRAT: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Chaudhry Zeeshan Younas has officially won the LA-38 (Jammu-V) seat in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, a result that is being viewed as politically significant in Gujrat, where the Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) maintains a strong political foothold. According to the official results, Zeeshan Younas secured 13,652 votes, defeating the Pakistan Muslim League (AJK) candidate Chaudhry Akbar Ibrahim, who polled 9,523 votes. The constituency is one of the 12 refugee seats reserved for Jammu and Kashmir refugees residing in different districts of Punjab. The outcome has generated considerable political discussion in Gujrat as LA-38 falls within the political sphere of NA-63, represented in the National Assembly by PML-Q leader Hussain Elahi. The district is widely regarded as one of the strongest political bases of the Chaudhry family, with PML-Q also holding representation in the Punjab cabinet. During the election campaign, Hussain Elahi personally led the campaign for Chaudhry Akbar Ibrahim, addressing public meetings, corner gatherings and mobilising party workers across the constituency. Senior PML-Q leaders remained actively engaged in an effort to retain the seat. In response, the PML-N launched an extensive campaign led by Divisional President Chaudhry Abid Raza, District President Nawabzada Tahir-ul-Mulk, and Youth Wing Coordinator Chaudhry Ali Warraich, who remained active throughout the campaign by organising corner meetings, interacting with voters and coordinating election activities. Political analysts believe the result carries significance beyond the AJK elections, as it reflects the continuing political rivalry between PML-N and PML-Q in Gujrat. Despite PML-Q’s longstanding influence in the district and its representation in both the National Assembly and the Punjab government, PML-N managed to secure a convincing victory in the refugee constituency. Polling for LA-38 was held as part of the second phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections, during which voting took place on 21 constituencies. Of these, 12 refugee seats represent Jammu and Kashmir refugees settled in various districts of Punjab, while the remaining seats are located in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Following the announcement of the official results, PML-N workers celebrated the victory in different parts of Gujrat, describing it as an important political achievement in a district traditionally considered a stronghold of PML-Q. Political observers believe the result is likely to further intensify competition between the two parties in future electoral contests. The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has released the official results, confirming Chaudhry Zeeshan Younas as the returned candidate from LA-38 (Jammu-V).

Islamabad: The Senate Sub Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control ordered an investigation into an alleged media campaign against committee members following a previous meeting on a customs seizure case. The committee also raised serious questions regarding the handling of seized goods, legal procedures and possible weaknesses in the customs monitoring system. The committee, convened by Senator Saifullah Abro, directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to conduct an impartial inquiry into TV channels and media platforms accused of running targeted coverage against Senate members after the committee discussed the seizure of 11 loaded trucks on the motorway. The committee stated that after the previous meeting held on July 20, 2026, an official handout was issued and circulated on different media platforms which allegedly targeting the Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and other members. Taking notice of the matter, the committee directed the Member FBR to personally examine the handout issued by the FBR media wing and identify the officials responsible for preparing and issuing the material. The FIA was instructed to complete a detailed inquiry and submit a report to the committee regarding the alleged campaign. During the meeting, the committee also raised serious questions about the seizure of 11 trucks and the legal process Customs authorities followed. Senators questioned whether Customs had proper jurisdiction over the motorway operation, stating that motorway operations primarily fall under other relevant authorities while Customs provides assistance when required. The committee expressed concern over different valuation figures linked to the seized trucks, pointing out a major difference involving Rs 22 crore. The owners of the transport company and steel company were directed to provide complete details regarding the matter. The committee also questioned the FIR’s registration in the case and asked why 11 truck drivers were produced before the court after a delay of six days. Members directed the inspector responsible for preparing the FIR to appear before the committee and explain the legal basis and details mentioned in the case. The Deputy Collector of Customs was also asked to explain why certain names mentioned during the site presence were not included in official reports. The Inspector General Motorway Police informed the committee that a Memorandum of Understanding exists between Motorway Police and Customs, allowing operational support for stopping suspicious vehicles. The committee also raised concerns over the system of issuing Consumption Certificates and questioned why manual certificates were still being issued despite official digital procedures. The Convener asked Customs officials whether physical inspections were conducted before issuing such certificates. Officials informed the committee that they did not always conduct physical verification visits and often relied on available information and administrative authority. The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the explanation and stressed the need for stronger verification mechanisms. Another major issue discussed was the handling of tax exempted imports. The committee examined details related to approximately Rs 1,120 billion worth of imports in tax exempted areas and stated that the information provided was incomplete. Officials were directed to provide a detailed breakdown of goods imported, their movement and their sale in local markets under the 2025 and 2026 quota registration system. The committee said that weaknesses in customs monitoring could create opportunities for smuggling, tax losses and misuse of exemptions. Members emphasized that customs posts, dry ports and revenue institutions must operate with greater transparency and accountability. The committee reaffirmed that it would continue investigating issues related to smuggling networks, anti narcotics controls, seized assets and possible revenue leakages.

Islamabad: Pakistan’s historical records and national documents came under Senate focus as lawmakers raised concerns over the protection, preservation and possible illegal movement of valuable archival material. The Senate Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation reviewed new rules for the National Archives and called for stronger measures to protect important historical documents from damage, smuggling and misuse. The committee, chaired by Senator Naseema Ehsan, examined the draft National Archives Rules and Archival Material Preservation and Export Control Rules during a meeting at Parliament House. Officials informed the committee that under the proposed rules, documents of major national importance would be officially declared archival material after 25 years. This step would provide stronger legal protection and help prevent the illegal removal of historical records from Pakistan. The committee stressed that old documents are not just papers but a valuable record of the country’s history, identity and national memory. Members emphasized the need to create awareness among young people about protecting historical records. The committee directed that the draft National Archives Research and Reference Rules 2026 should be finalized after considering members’ recommendations. Chairperson Senator Naseema Ehsan also directed the Cabinet Division to consult provincial governments before finalizing the rules to develop a coordinated system across Pakistan. During the meeting, officials briefed the committee about efforts to modernize the National Archives of Pakistan. Officials informed the committee that around nine million archival documents have already been digitized and the next phase will focus on making these records available to the public through an online electronic library. The committee appreciated the digitization project but stressed that strong cybersecurity and data protection measures must be included to protect digital records from misuse or unauthorized access. Officials informed the committee that a Rs 285 million modernization project is underway to improve fire safety systems, lighting and environmental controls at the National Archives. However, officials highlighted a shortage of skilled archivists due to low salaries and limited career opportunities in the field. The committee recommended cooperating with universities and academic institutions to introduce specialized courses in archival preservation and improve professional opportunities for experts. The committee also reviewed rules related to the preservation, exhibition and export control of archival material owned by both government institutions and private individuals. Members welcomed the introduction of a licensing system aimed at controlling the illegal movement of historical records outside Pakistan. The committee expressed particular concern over archival collections held in provincial areas and stressed the need for their digitization and proper preservation through cooperation with provincial authorities. The chairperson directed that the legal framework should include stronger penalties for smuggling archival material. The committee also called for disaster management plans to protect historical records from floods, fires and other natural risks. During the meeting, officials also briefed the committee on the progress of the Balochistan Child Protection Commission. The committee was informed that the Balochistan Cabinet had approved Child Protection Rules 2026, while legislation related to child marriage was under consultation. The Ministry of Human Rights informed the committee about the lack of rehabilitation facilities for children affected by drug dependency and support centres for girls abandoned by their families. The committee stressed the need for awareness campaigns about safe social media use among children and encouraged parents to play an active role in protecting children online. Senator Naseema Ehsan appreciated the steps taken for child protection and emphasized that continuous efforts are required to safeguard children’s rights.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Monday said Pakistan had not failed as a state but had entered an era of national reforms, urging the country’s youth to lead the transformation with confidence, innovation and hard work. Addressing the launch ceremony of a national anthem marking Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day and the 150th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the minister said the country was standing at the threshold of a new phase driven by hope, national unity and economic revival. Rejecting claims that Pakistan’s institutions had collapsed, Ahsan Iqbal said the country was modernising its governance system and national priorities to meet the demands of the 21st century. “This is not the age of systemic failure; it is the age of national reform,” he said, adding that sustainable progress required continuity of reforms, national consensus and collective responsibility. The minister stressed that the challenges facing a country of more than 250 million people could not be addressed by elected representatives alone. He called for the active participation of youth, the private sector, civil society, experts and state institutions in driving national development. Highlighting the role of young Pakistanis, Ahsan Iqbal described them as the country’s greatest asset. “Our youth are not cockroaches; they are Iqbal’s Shaheens,” he said, urging them to embrace ambition, self-confidence and excellence in shaping Pakistan’s future. Referring to the country’s economic outlook, the minister said predictions made in 2022 about Pakistan defaulting had proved wrong, attributing the recovery to prudent economic policies, public support and collective national resolve. He said overseas Pakistanis were increasingly recognising the country’s improving economic trajectory. The minister said the government’s URAAN Pakistan initiative was a comprehensive national transformation framework aimed at building a one-trillion-dollar economy through export-led growth, technological advancement, energy security, digital transformation, human capital development and sustainable development. He added that significant investments were being made to equip young people with artificial intelligence, digital skills and future-oriented education, saying the youth were not only Pakistan’s future but also its present. Ahsan Iqbal said the newly launched national anthem symbolised national awakening and reflected the vision of Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah by inspiring young people to pursue knowledge, character, self-reliance and nation-building. He concluded by saying that Pakistan’s strength lay in the talent, resilience and determination of its youth and reaffirmed that URAAN Pakistan was a national mission rather than the agenda of any single political party, aimed at building a strong, prosperous and self-reliant Pakistan.