Pakistan Tourism faces tough questions as Senate reviews PTDC’s future

KARACHI: The first silent mourning procession in Karachi concluded at Hussainiya Iranian Kharadar after passing through its traditional route from Nishtar Park, with authorities enforcing strict security measures throughout the event. A gathering was held at Nishtar Park before the procession began, where Allama Baqir Hussain Zaidi addressed the participants. Police and Rangers personnel were deployed along the procession route, while several roads in the surrounding areas were temporarily closed to general traffic as part of the security arrangements. The affected roads were reopened after the procession passed through the areas. Traffic police also remained on duty to manage congestion and guide motorists toward alternative routes. Meanwhile, the second silent mourning procession is scheduled to begin from Rizvia Society in the afternoon and will conclude at Shah Najaf Imambargah on Martin Road.

LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab has arrested three suspects in coordinated operations across Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan for allegedly harassing, blackmailing, and targeting women through social media platforms. The operations were carried out under the special directives and supervision of NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Waseem as part of an intensified campaign against cyber-enabled crimes involving women. During the raids, investigators seized mobile phones, SIM cards, and other electronic devices containing digital evidence, while further investigations are underway. In Lahore, NCCIA officials arrested Qaiser Bilal in connection with FIR No. 151/2026. Authorities said a mobile phone recovered from the suspect allegedly contained objectionable photographs of the complainant, threatening messages, and evidence of image sharing. Investigators further alleged that the suspect created a private TikTok account under the name “Miss.B” to upload the victim’s photographs and falsely posed as an officer of a sensitive government institution to intimidate and blackmail her. The case is being investigated by Sub-Inspector Umm Salma. In Faisalabad, officials arrested Soban Ahmed under FIR No. 100/2026. According to investigators, the suspect allegedly used social media platforms and WhatsApp to blackmail and threaten the complainant’s sister by exploiting objectionable material. A mobile phone and SIM cards believed to have been used in the offence were recovered during the operation. Sub-Inspector Umar Rehman is leading the investigation. Meanwhile, in Multan, NCCIA arrested Muhammad Imran in connection with FIR No. 123/2026. Authorities alleged that the suspect obtained objectionable images of the complainant and circulated them through multiple WhatsApp accounts while continuously harassing the victim and her family. Investigators recovered a mobile phone, two SIM cards, and the WhatsApp account allegedly used in the crime. A court has granted a four-day physical remand of the suspect to facilitate further investigation, which is being conducted by Sub-Inspector Saeed Ahmed. Director NCCIA Punjab Muhammad Ali Waseem reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting women from online harassment, blackmail, and the misuse of digital platforms. He said the agency would continue taking strict legal action against those involved in cybercrimes targeting women and would use advanced digital forensic techniques to ensure offenders are brought to justice.

  Two suspected criminals, identified as Fayyaz Butt and Rehan Butt, were killed in an exchange of fire with police in Sheikhupura, while a case has been registered at Muridke Police Station in connection with the incident. According to police and details mentioned in the First Information Report (FIR), the two suspects were among armed men allegedly involved in a recent attack in Lahore in which three police personnel were martyred and three others were injured. The suspects had reportedly fled the scene following the attack and were later traced to a house in Sheikhupura. The FIR states that a group of three armed suspects entered the residence of a citizen, identified as Abdul Hafeez, and held his family hostage at gunpoint. Abdul Hafeez’s wife and their three children were reportedly inside the house when the suspects entered and took control of the situation. After receiving information about the presence of the suspects, police surrounded the house and launched an operation to secure the area and rescue the hostages. Police officials reportedly called upon the suspects to surrender their weapons and come out of the house peacefully. However, instead of surrendering, the suspects allegedly opened fire on the police, resulting in an exchange of gunfire between the two sides. During the confrontation, a police vehicle was also damaged by gunfire. According to the FIR, the exchange of fire continued for some time before the shooting eventually stopped. When police personnel entered the house and searched the premises, they found two bodies lying in the courtyard. Weapons were also recovered from the scene near the bodies. The deceased suspects were subsequently identified as Fayyaz Butt and Rehan Butt Police have registered a case against the suspects and other alleged accomplices under several serious charges. The FIR includes provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act along with sections relating to the possession of explosive material, murder and attempted murder. The case has been registered at Muridke Police Station and further investigation is underway to determine the suspects’ alleged involvement in the Lahore attack and other criminal activities. Authorities are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the hostage situation and the suspects’ presence at the residence. Police are expected to examine evidence recovered from the scene, including weapons, and determine whether other individuals were involved in the incident. The development comes after the reported killing and injuries of six police personnel in Lahore, with authorities alleging that the suspects involved in that incident escaped and later took refuge in the Sheikhupura area. The police operation ultimately ended with the deaths of two suspects, while the condition and whereabouts of the hostages were not detailed in the FIR information provided. Officials said the investigation would continue to establish the complete sequence of events, identify any other people involved and determine the suspects’ connection with the earlier attack on police personnel. The incident has also raised concerns over the use of firearms and explosives by suspected criminals and the risks faced by law enforcement personnel while responding to armed confrontations. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s disaster management authorities have issued a fresh flood alert as intensified monsoon rains continue to push water levels higher in major rivers, raising concerns over flooding in several parts of the country. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said river flows are expected to increase significantly between August 2 and 4, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas and remain alert to changing weather conditions. According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), high flooding has been observed in the Lehri River at Head Gogi, while Nullah Palkhu near Wazirabad is experiencing medium-level flooding. The Indus River is currently witnessing low-level flooding at Kalabagh, Chashma, Guddu and Sukkur, while similar conditions have been reported at Head Nari on the Nari River. The NDMA warned that the Chenab River is likely to experience high water flows at Marala, with low to medium flooding anticipated at Khanki and Qadirabad. Water levels are also expected to rise in the Jhelum, Ravi and Kabul rivers and their tributaries as monsoon activity intensifies. Officials cautioned that streams connected to the Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi rivers could swell to medium or high levels. Meanwhile, water flows in the Ravi and Sutlej rivers will largely depend on releases from reservoirs across the border. The authority also expressed concern over the possibility of flash floods in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, as well as seasonal streams in central and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Balochistan. In addition, urban flooding and waterlogging remain a serious threat in several cities, including Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Hyderabad, Badin, Thatta and other parts of Sindh due to continued heavy rainfall. The NDMA advised residents to avoid crossing flooded roads and waterways, monitor weather updates before travelling, and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities. It also encouraged the public to use the official Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for real-time weather warnings and emergency information. Separately, the Prime Minister’s Emergency Response Committee (ERC) held its 10th consecutive daily review meeting to assess the country’s monsoon situation. The meeting, chaired virtually by Planning Minister Prof Ahsan Iqbal, brought together federal ministries, provincial governments, disaster management authorities and senior administrative officials. During the briefing, the NDMA presented the latest updates on weather conditions, casualties, infrastructure damage, rescue operations and rehabilitation efforts. Officials informed the committee that deputy commissioners in all high-risk districts had already been directed to remain fully prepared for any emergency. The committee was told that recent heavy rains had caused flooding in multiple regions, with coordinated rescue and relief operations continuing through federal, provincial and district authorities. Weather experts also forecast more rainfall across northern and central Pakistan in the coming days, while isolated showers are expected in southeastern Sindh. The NDMA highlighted that relief activities are being carried out with the support of both national and international humanitarian organisations. Officials further noted that most monsoon-related fatalities this season resulted from the collapse of unsafe and poorly constructed buildings, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement of building safety regulations and greater public awareness. The ERC commended the efforts of government institutions, provincial administrations, district authorities, the armed forces and rescue teams for their ongoing response. It directed all relevant departments to strengthen coordination, maintain maximum preparedness, accelerate relief and rehabilitation work, and take preventive measures to minimise the impact of future weather emergencies.