Chonburi Police Clarify Investigation Details of Murdered Thai Family and Reject Online Claims Linking Murder Suspects to Officers

Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has stated that artificial intelligence (AI) is set to bring extraordinary changes across the world. He emphasized that Pakistan must prepare its youth for the future by providing them with modern education, digital skills, and technological resources, including laptops, to compete in the rapidly changing global environment. Addressing a ceremony at Islamia Degree College Narowal, Ahsan Iqbal said that equipping young people with digital skills has become an urgent necessity in today’s era. He stressed that technology is transforming economies, industries, and workplaces around the world, and nations that fail to adapt to these changes may fall behind in global competition. The federal minister highlighted that science and technology will play a decisive role in shaping the future economy. According to him, investment in scientific research, innovation, and technological development is essential for securing a prosperous future for the country. He stated that countries that focus on research and technological advancement are better positioned to achieve economic growth and development. Ahsan Iqbal said that the modern world is moving rapidly towards digital transformation, where artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging technologies are changing the way people work and communicate. He emphasized that Pakistan’s youth represent a valuable resource, and providing them with the right skills and opportunities can help them contribute significantly to national progress. He further stated that the government is committed to supporting young people by improving access to quality education, digital training programs, and technological facilities. He mentioned that initiatives such as providing laptops and promoting skill development programs are aimed at helping students gain knowledge and abilities required in the modern job market. The minister explained that digital skills are no longer limited to the technology sector but have become important in almost every field, including business, education, communication, healthcare, and industry. He encouraged students to learn new technologies and develop skills that can increase their employment opportunities and enable them to participate in the digital economy. Ahsan Iqbal also highlighted the importance of scientific research and innovation in achieving sustainable development. He said that investment in universities, research institutions, and technology-based projects can help Pakistan create solutions for future challenges and strengthen its position internationally. He stated that nations that successfully integrate technology into their education systems and economic structures will be the ones that succeed in the global arena. According to him, technological awareness and digital readiness are essential for young generations to take advantage of emerging opportunities. The minister urged students to focus on acquiring knowledge, improving their technical abilities, and using technology positively for personal and national development. He said that the youth must be prepared to meet future challenges and benefit from opportunities created by advancements in science and technology. Concluding his remarks, Ahsan Iqbal reiterated that artificial intelligence and digital transformation will shape the future of the world. He emphasized that Pakistan’s progress depends on empowering its young population with modern education, research opportunities, and digital skills. By investing in technology and human resources, the country can build a stronger economy and compete effectively at the international level.

  A unique and unusual theft case has been registered in Pakistan’s Punjab province after a resident alleged that suspected thieves, who failed to steal a tube well from his agricultural land, fled the scene with his pet dog instead. According to the police, the incident took place in Kot Addu district, where the complainant reported that unknown suspects entered his farmland during the night with the apparent intention of stealing a tube well. Tube wells are commonly used in Pakistan’s agricultural sector to pump underground water for irrigation and are considered valuable equipment by farmers. The complainant stated that he became aware of the presence of the suspected thieves while they were attempting to carry out the theft. Upon realizing that intruders had entered his property, he reacted immediately by releasing his pet dog in an effort to chase and stop them. However, according to the complaint filed with the police, the dog never returned after being sent after the suspects. The owner believes that the alleged thieves took the animal with them when they fled the scene after failing to steal the tube well. The complainant expressed suspicion that the suspects, unable to accomplish their original objective, decided to take the pet dog instead. He requested the police to investigate the incident and recover the missing animal. Police officials confirmed that a formal First Information Report (FIR) has been registered based on the complainant’s statement. Investigators have launched an inquiry into the unusual case and are working to identify the individuals allegedly involved in the incident. Authorities said they are examining all available evidence and gathering information from the surrounding area to determine what exactly happened on the night of the alleged theft. At this stage, police have not confirmed whether the dog was actually stolen or wandered away during the chase. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say further details will emerge once the inquiry is completed. The incident has attracted attention because of its unusual nature. While cases involving the theft of agricultural machinery, livestock, and farm equipment are relatively common in rural parts of Pakistan, allegations involving the theft of a pet dog after an unsuccessful attempt to steal a tube well are highly uncommon. Residents in agricultural communities often rely on watchdogs to protect their farms and livestock from theft. Such dogs are considered valuable companions and play an important role in safeguarding rural properties, especially during nighttime. Police have appealed for any information that could help locate the missing dog and identify the suspects. Officials emphasized that the investigation will continue until all aspects of the case are examined. The unusual complaint has sparked curiosity among local residents, but authorities have urged the public not to speculate about the incident while the investigation is in progress. Police say they will proceed in accordance with the law and take appropriate action if the allegations are supported by evidence.

LAHORE: The growing impact of water insecurity and climate change on women took center stage at a dialogue titled “Women and Water,” jointly organized by Women in Struggle for Empowerment (WISE) and the University of Home Economics, Lahore. The event brought together academics, development professionals, and civil society representatives to advocate for inclusive and gender-responsive water governance in Pakistan. Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor of the University of Home Economics, Prof. Dr. Zaib-un-Nisa, underscored the urgent need to tackle water pollution, plastic waste, and inadequate water treatment systems. She stressed that sustainable solutions require greater investment in scientific water management, wider adoption of rainwater harvesting, improved household water storage, advanced recycling technologies, and university-led awareness campaigns to encourage responsible water use. Executive Director of WISE, Bushra Khaliq, said that Pakistan’s water challenges cannot be effectively addressed without recognizing their disproportionate impact on women and girls, who often bear the greatest burden of water scarcity. She emphasized the importance of drawing lessons from organizations working directly in urban water management and called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, academia, civil society, and local communities. She also urged policymakers to ensure women’s voices, experiences, and leadership are fully integrated into water governance at every level. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Iram Rubab, Head of the Sociology Department at the University of Home Economics, described water as a multidimensional issue linked to health, agriculture, family welfare, livelihoods, sociology, and environmental sustainability. She encouraged interdisciplinary dialogue and collaborative research, noting that adopting a gender perspective in water management leads to more effective identification of challenges and practical solutions, particularly as women remain the primary managers of household water resources. The participants agreed that addressing Pakistan’s growing water crisis requires policies that not only strengthen water management but also recognize the vital role of women in ensuring sustainable and equitable access to this essential resource.

Peshawar: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has changed the venue for its August 5 public rally, with party leaders announcing that the gathering will now take place at an open ground near the Peshawar Motorway instead of the previously planned location. The decision was made during a PTI parliamentary party meeting held at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar. The meeting was chaired by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sualeh Afridi and attended by members of the National Assembly and the Provincial Assembly. Addressing the meeting, Afridi said preparations for the rally were in full swing and responsibilities had been assigned to party lawmakers to ensure the event’s success. He described the August 5 rally as a “semi-final” and a decisive gathering, saying the party would present its future political strategy to the public. According to the chief minister, the venue was shifted to an open ground near the Peshawar Motorway to improve public access and accommodate a larger number of participants. Afridi also reviewed the party’s political efforts since October 15, 2025, stating that PTI had pursued constitutional and legal avenues to resolve political issues through dialogue. He said the party leadership had sought meetings with PTI founder Imran Khan through legal channels, including approaching the Islamabad High Court and the Supreme Court, but those efforts had not produced the desired outcome. He reiterated that PTI remained committed to peaceful political activity and maintained that peaceful protest was the party’s final constitutional option. Afridi also called for better access to Imran Khan by his family, sisters, and personal doctors, while urging authorities to ensure he receives appropriate medical care. The meeting, however, was not without internal disagreements. According to party sources, several lawmakers expressed concerns over the timing of the rally and suggested holding a workers’ convention before launching the movement. Some members argued that the main protest should be organized in Punjab rather than Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to increase political pressure on the federal government. The reported differences led to a heated exchange during the meeting, with some dissatisfied lawmakers leaving before it concluded. Party sources said the chief minister assured members that their concerns would be addressed. The August 5 rally is expected to be one of PTI’s most significant political events in recent months as the party seeks to outline its next phase of political action.

  ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has scheduled for hearing the petitions seeking suspension of the sentences awarded to Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha in a case related to controversial social media posts. According to details, a two-member bench of the Supreme Court will hear the petitions on August 19. The bench will be headed by Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, while Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim will also be part of the bench. The petitions have been filed seeking suspension of the sentences imposed on Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha in connection with the controversial tweets case. The court has issued notices to all parties involved in the case and will hear their respective positions during the upcoming proceedings. The scheduling of the petitions before the Supreme Court marks another stage in the legal proceedings involving the two individuals. The case has attracted attention because it concerns social media posts and the legal consequences arising from content published on digital platforms. The applicants are seeking relief from the sentences imposed against them while their legal challenge proceeds before the superior court. The Supreme Court will examine the suspension requests during the hearing and consider the arguments presented by both the petitioners and the opposing parties. The two-member bench headed by Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan is expected to hear the legal arguments concerning the basis of the sentences, the circumstances surrounding the disputed social media posts and the grounds presented by the applicants for suspension of their sentences. Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim will serve as the second member of the bench. Notices have already been issued to the parties concerned, formally informing them of the hearing and providing them an opportunity to present their positions before the court. The proceedings are expected to focus specifically on the requests for suspension of the sentences rather than constituting a final determination of all aspects of the underlying case. The court may consider the legal arguments and relevant circumstances before deciding whether the sentences should be suspended. Cases involving social media content have increasingly become an important part of Pakistan’s legal landscape as courts deal with questions concerning online expression, the limits of digital communication and the application of existing laws to content published on social media platforms. The matter involving Mazari and Chattha has also drawn public attention because of the nature of the allegations and the penalties imposed in connection with the disputed posts. Their petitions before the Supreme Court represent an attempt to obtain relief from the sentences through the country’s highest court. The issuance of notices to the parties means that the respondents will have an opportunity to submit their arguments when the matter comes up for hearing. The final outcome will depend on the arguments presented before the bench and the court’s assessment of the applicable legal provisions and circumstances of the case. The hearing is scheduled for August 19, when the two-member bench will take up the suspension petitions. Any decision by the Supreme Court at that stage could have a significant impact on the immediate legal position of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Chattha. For now, the petitions remain pending before the Supreme Court, and the court will determine the next course of action after hearing the parties involved.