Gun attack on PPP office in Karachi leaves two inj…

  The Punjab University administration has intensified its efforts to address the issue of stray dogs on campus while ensuring compliance with legal directives and prioritizing the safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. According to university officials, the administration has been actively pursuing a comprehensive strategy to manage the stray dog population in collaboration with the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL). The initiative follows the directives of the Honorable Lahore High Court, which has prohibited the culling of stray dogs and instead instructed the relevant civic authorities to adopt humane measures for controlling their population. In line with the court’s orders, Punjab University has been coordinating closely with MCL to implement a systematic and lawful approach to the issue. University officials stated that several operations have already been carried out on different parts of the campus, during which MCL teams captured stray dogs and took them into custody as part of the approved animal control mechanism. The administration has also shared details of these operations to highlight the progress made so far. Officials emphasized that the campaign is not a one-time activity but an ongoing effort aimed at ensuring long-term results. The latest operation has already commenced and will continue in the coming days to further reduce the presence of stray dogs across the university premises. The administration believes that sustained operations, coupled with close coordination between the university and civic authorities, will help create a safer and more secure environment for everyone on campus. The stray dog issue has remained a concern for students and employees, with many expressing worries about safety while moving between academic departments, hostels, and other university facilities. Responding to these concerns, the university administration reiterated its commitment to resolving the matter through legal and humane means rather than adopting measures that violate court directives. University officials also urged members of the campus community to cooperate with the ongoing operations and avoid interfering with the work of MCL teams. They stressed that public cooperation is essential for the success of the campaign and encouraged anyone noticing areas with a high concentration of stray dogs to report them to the relevant university offices so that timely action can be taken. The administration further clarified that all measures being implemented are fully aligned with the directions issued by the Honorable Lahore High Court. Since culling has been prohibited, the focus remains on capturing, relocating, and managing stray dogs through the mechanisms prescribed by the competent authorities. Officials expressed optimism that the continued operations will gradually improve the situation and significantly minimize the risks associated with stray dogs on campus. They reaffirmed that the university will maintain close coordination with MCL until satisfactory and sustainable results are achieved. Punjab University has assured students, faculty members, and staff that their safety and well-being remain among the institution’s highest priorities. The administration stated that it will continue monitoring the situation, reviewing progress regularly, and taking all necessary steps within the legal framework to ensure a safe, secure, and conducive academic environment for the entire university community.

  The Sindh School Education and Literacy Department has announced that all public and private educational institutions across the province will remain closed on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in observance of the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA). According to an official notification issued by the department, the holiday will be observed on 20th Safar 1448 AH, marking the annual commemoration of Chehlum. The decision applies to all government and privately managed schools operating under the administrative control of the School Education and Literacy Department throughout Sindh. The notification stated that the closure was approved following a decision taken during a meeting of the provincial Steering Committee held on February 12, 2026. It confirmed that all educational institutions under the department’s jurisdiction would remain closed on August 4 to facilitate the observance of the religious occasion. Chehlum is observed every year on the 20th of Safar and marks the conclusion of the 40-day mourning period following the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), his family members, and companions in the historic Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. The occasion holds immense religious significance for Muslims, particularly for those who participate in mourning gatherings and commemorative processions held across the country. As part of the annual observances, mourning processions featuring Alam, Tazia, and Zuljinah are expected to take place in several cities and towns across Sindh. Thousands of devotees traditionally participate in these events to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala. In light of the large public gatherings expected during Chehlum, the Sindh Home Department has also announced additional security measures aimed at maintaining law and order throughout the province. A day before the school holiday notification was issued, the Home Department imposed a province-wide ban on pillion riding for the day of Chehlum. The temporary restriction is intended to strengthen security arrangements and minimise the risk of any untoward incidents during the religious processions and gatherings. Authorities have clarified that the ban forms part of a broader security plan implemented each year for major religious occasions. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the measures while facilitating the safe conduct of mourning events. In a separate notification, the Sindh Home Department also announced the extension of Section 144 across the province for another month. The renewed restrictions came into effect on August 1 and will remain in force as part of ongoing efforts to preserve public order. Under Section 144, several activities have been prohibited throughout Sindh, including wall chalking, public rallies, demonstrations, and the open display of weapons. The restrictions are designed to prevent any activities that could disrupt peace or pose security concerns during the mourning period. The provincial government has urged citizens to cooperate with the authorities and follow the issued guidelines to help ensure that Chehlum observances are conducted peacefully and securely across Sindh.

  Skardu: Rescue teams have recovered the bodies of eight climbers who went missing after a massive avalanche struck Broad Peak, one of the world’s highest mountains, in northern Pakistan. The tragic incident has shocked the international mountaineering community and prompted an extensive search-and-rescue operation in the Karakoram mountain range. According to officials, four additional bodies were located during the latest phase of the rescue mission, bringing the total number of recovered victims to eight. Earlier in the day, rescue teams had already found four bodies in the avalanche-hit area. Of the four bodies recovered most recently, three have been airlifted by helicopter to Skardu for identification and further legal formalities. Rescue authorities are continuing efforts to locate the remaining two missing climbers, despite extremely challenging weather conditions, difficult terrain, and the constant risk of further avalanches. The search operation remains active on Broad Peak, with rescue personnel working around the clock to find the missing mountaineers. Helicopters, local rescue teams, and experienced high-altitude climbers are taking part in the mission, while authorities continue to monitor weather conditions that could affect ongoing operations. Provincial Minister for Tourism Nek Nam Karim said the government is making every possible effort to locate the remaining climbers. He stated that the Tourism Department is providing full logistical support to rescue teams, including transportation, coordination, and essential equipment required for high-altitude search operations. The group of missing climbers represents several countries, highlighting the international nature of mountaineering expeditions in Pakistan. The team includes climbers from the United States, China, Nepal, Oman, and Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, who remains among those unaccounted for. Authorities are maintaining close contact with the embassies of the affected countries and are keeping the families of the climbers informed about developments in the rescue operation. Broad Peak, located in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region, is the 12th-highest mountain in the world, standing at ,8047 metres (26,401 feet)above sea level. It lies within the Karakoram mountain range, close to K2, and is regarded as one of the world’s most demanding climbing destinations. Every year, experienced mountaineers from across the globe travel to Pakistan in an attempt to summit the towering peak. However, climbing Broad Peak is extremely hazardous. Mountaineers face unpredictable weather, heavy snowfall, strong winds, crevasses, and the constant threat of avalanches. Even highly skilled climbers can find themselves in life-threatening situations due to rapidly changing mountain conditions. The latest tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the dangers associated with high-altitude mountaineering. Rescue officials have acknowledged that operations at such elevations are exceptionally difficult because of thin air, freezing temperatures, and limited access to the affected areas. As the search for the remaining missing climbers continues, hopes remain that rescue teams may still locate them. At the same time, condolences continue to pour in for the victims and their families. The incident has once again highlighted both the breathtaking beauty and the unforgiving dangers of Pakistan’s towering Karakoram mountains, where adventure and risk often go hand in hand.