seven law enforcement
| |

Seven law enforcement personnel martyred during re…

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Information Secretary Muhammad Rashid Hanif has said that seven law enforcement personnel, including police and Rangers officials, were martyred during the recent unrest in the region.

In a televised address on Monday, Hanif said the casualties occurred during clashes linked to ongoing protests by the now-proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The committee has been demonstrating in the region for several weeks over its demand to abolish 12 seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly reserved for refugees from Indian-held Kashmir.

The unrest intensified after clashes between protesters and security personnel in Rawalakot and Mirpur last week. The incidents reportedly resulted in multiple casualties and increased tensions across the region.

Hanif stated that weapons allegedly recovered from JAAC members were presented during a previous press conference by a police official on July 27. He claimed that seven law enforcement personnel were killed using similar weapons, while 45 personnel suffered serious injuries and several others sustained minor injuries.

The AJK information secretary also alleged that police and Rangers vehicles were damaged and burned during the unrest. He claimed that the incidents indicated the presence of armed elements within the banned organization and accused them of attempting to challenge the state’s authority and disrupt peace.

Responding to allegations made by JAAC regarding events in Rawalakot and surrounding areas between July 27 and July 31, Hanif rejected the claims and described them as part of a misinformation campaign. He said the security institutions of AJK had shown restraint and professionalism while handling the law and order situation.

Hanif denied allegations of unprovoked firing by security forces and rejected claims that bodies were being withheld. He stated that the government currently had no bodies in its custody and accused the organization of spreading misleading information through social media.

He further alleged that JAAC activists had been involved in blocking and damaging vehicles carrying essential supplies and food items.

The information secretary also highlighted previous incidents involving casualties among law enforcement personnel, claiming that one police official was martyred in 2024 and three others in October 2025 during unrest-related incidents.

Meanwhile, the AJK government criticized international media reports regarding the clashes, describing some coverage as biased and incomplete. Officials said reports should have included the government’s position and verified information before publication.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also criticized coverage of the AJK elections by some media outlets, alleging selective reporting from specific polling locations.

The situation in AJK remains tense as authorities continue security measures while political and public disputes over electoral representation and governance issues continue. The government and protest groups have presented conflicting accounts of the events, and further developments are expected as investigations proceed.

Similar Posts

  • | | |

    Field Marshal Asim Munir vows unrelenting war on t…

    Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terrorism, saying security forces will continue intelligence-based and targeted operations until militant networks and their facilitators are completely dismantled. He made these remarks while addressing participants of the 20th National Workshop Balochistan during an interaction at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Wednesday. The army chief said lasting peace in Balochistan can only be achieved through sustained efforts by the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and the unwavering support of the people. He stressed that operations against militant groups would continue with full determination to ensure long-term peace and stability across the country. Field Marshal Asim Munir said hostile elements backed by foreign interests have repeatedly attempted to create unrest in Balochistan, weaken national unity and disrupt peace. However, he maintained that such attempts would not succeed because of the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and the resilience of the nation’s people. He reaffirmed that Pakistan remains determined to dismantle terrorist infrastructure wherever it poses a threat to the country’s security and the safety of its citizens. He said the state would continue taking decisive action against all groups involved in terrorism or supporting extremist violence. Highlighting the importance of Balochistan, the army chief described the province as a vital part of Pakistan with enormous natural resources and a resilient, patriotic population. He said the people of Balochistan are the province’s greatest asset and play a key role in the country’s future. He also pointed to ongoing development projects being carried out by the federal and provincial governments, saying these initiatives are aimed at improving infrastructure, creating economic opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for local communities through an inclusive development strategy. During the interaction, the army chief praised the contributions of civil society, academics, media professionals and the youth in promoting national harmony and supporting efforts for lasting peace and development in Balochistan. He emphasized that unity, resilience and collective national resolve are essential for overcoming challenges and ensuring Pakistan’s continued progress.

  • | |

    Balochistan home minister survives Mastung convoy …

    QUETTA: Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove remained safe after armed attackers targeted his convoy in Mastung on Friday. The attack took place in the Khad Kocha area. Langove was travelling from Kalat to Quetta when his convoy came under fire. The minister was not injured in the attack. However, six people sustained bullet wounds. Three of the injured were police personnel accompanying the convoy. The injured were immediately taken to Nawab Raisani Memorial Hospital for treatment. Hospital officials said six wounded people were brought to the facility. Two injured people were in serious condition. Two others were later referred to Quetta for further medical treatment. Security forces quickly surrounded the area after the attack. A search operation was launched to trace the attackers and determine their whereabouts. Security personnel also began collecting evidence from the site. The authorities are investigating how the attackers targeted the convoy and managed to escape. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident has raised fresh security concerns in Mastung and surrounding areas. Balochistan has witnessed several attacks in recent years, with security forces frequently conducting operations against armed groups. Langove belongs to the Balochistan Awami Party. He assumed the provincial home ministry in March this year. He has previously served as Balochistan’s home minister. His earlier appointment was later declared invalid after he was removed from the provincial cabinet in August 2024. The latest attack has prompted authorities to review security arrangements for senior government officials travelling through sensitive areas.

  • | | |

    91 trade exhibitions, 11 foreign delegations but n…

    Islamabad:Pakistan has preferential trade arrangements with 93 countries. Its trade promotion authority participated in 91 international exhibitions and sent 11 trade delegations abroad in the last financial year, yet the country still has no registered Pakistani trade representative organisation or joint chamber in China. The absence of a formal Pakistani commercial organisation in China became a major point of concern before the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce, as senators questioned why Pakistan has not established a stronger private sector trade presence in one of its most important international markets. The committee, chaired by Senator Anusha Rahman, was told that no Pakistani joint chamber is currently registered in China and no Pakistani trade representative organisation is operating there. The Secretary Commerce said a Pakistani chamber could be established in China either as a joint chamber or as a branch, but it would have to meet the requirements set by Chinese authorities. He further explained that only one joint chamber from Pakistan could register itself in China under the relevant arrangements. Senators questioned why such an organisation had not been established despite the large scale business relationship between Pakistan and China. The Secretary Commerce said the reason could best be explained by the trade organisations themselves. The issue became more important when senators asked what real benefit Pakistan would gain from establishing a joint chamber or representative office. The Secretary Commerce said the Ministry of Commerce could not give a clear position on the matter and suggested that the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and other chambers should provide their views. He said Pakistani private sector organisations could establish a chamber in major Chinese commercial centres such as Beijing or Shanghai, while the Ministry of Commerce would provide full support to interested chambers if they fulfilled Chinese requirements. Senator Anusha Rahman said a chamber could help Pakistani companies follow up more effectively on commercial opportunities in China. The discussion exposed a gap between Pakistan’s growing trade ambitions and its physical commercial presence in an important foreign market. The committee also examined the performance of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and its efforts to increase exports. The Chief Executive of TDAP said the authority was often blamed whenever Pakistan’s exports failed to grow, but export performance depended on several factors beyond the authority’s direct control. He pointed to production costs, electricity prices and the cost of financing as major factors affecting the ability of Pakistani businesses to compete in international markets. This means that simply sending trade delegations or participating in international exhibitions cannot guarantee higher exports if Pakistani products remain expensive to produce. The Commerce Minister, Jam Kamal Khan, told the committee that the Ministry of Commerce regularly sends policy proposals and recommendations to the government to improve the country’s trade environment. He said he had also proposed to the Prime Minister that reciprocal incentives should be pursued to increase exports. The minister said the Ministry of Commerce was working on new proposals to improve international marketing and increase Pakistani exports. He stressed that Pakistan could not become more competitive in international markets without dealing with the underlying costs faced by businesses and improving the investment environment. The figures presented by TDAP showed that the authority remained active in promoting Pakistani products abroad. During the last financial year, TDAP participated in 91 international exhibitions. The authority also organised or supported 11 trade delegations to foreign countries to search for new markets and strengthen business connections. Pakistan currently has preferential trade arrangements with 93 countries, giving Pakistani businesses access to special trade opportunities in international markets. However, the Senate committee stressed that trade agreements and international relationships must produce visible economic results. Members said Pakistan’s trade agreements should not remain only on paper. They should lead to higher exports, more investment and greater access for Pakistani businesses in foreign markets. The Chief Executive TDAP also clarified an important point about the authority’s financing. TDAP does not receive funding from the Export Development Fund. Instead, it receives government financing for specific projects. The committee also discussed the importance of stronger cooperation between Pakistani and Chinese institutions and private sector organisations. Senator Saleem Mandviwalla highlighted the role that Chinese international cooperation and trade specialists could play in developing stronger business and investment links. The discussion suggested that Pakistan needs to connect several areas of economic policy instead of treating export promotion as a separate activity. Lower production costs, cheaper and reliable electricity, easier access to finance, stronger investment policies, better international marketing and effective trade representation are all important if Pakistani companies are to compete successfully abroad. TDAP’s participation in 91 international exhibitions and 11 foreign trade delegations shows that the authority is actively trying to open doors for Pakistani exporters. But the Senate discussion also made clear that opening doors is only the first step. Pakistan must ensure that its businesses are able to walk through those doors with competitive products, attractive prices and the capacity to supply international buyers. The committee appreciated TDAP’s efforts but stressed the need for a coordinated national strategy linking trade policy, investment, industrial competitiveness, export promotion and overseas market representation.

  • |

    Norwegian teenager convicted of conspiracy to commit contract murder in the UK for Iran-linked gang

    Following a retrial at the Old Bailey, 19-year-old Norwegian national Johannes Kongsnes Natland has been found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder. Natland had travelled from Stavanger to Huddersfield in March last year after accepting a €25,000 (£21,500) contract to assassinate an unidentified target in the UK. Counter-terrorism officers arrested Natland in a hotel room two days after his arrival, recovering a semi-automatic pistol, a revolver, and ammunition concealed under his bed. The plot was orchestrated by the Foxtrot Network, a Swedish organised crime group linked to the Iranian government, and directed by an unidentified controller using the moniker “Agent 47”. While Natland claimed during the trial that he viewed the plot as a “joke” and intended to shoot himself in the foot to avoid executing the hit, prosecutors presented evidence of text messages and bragging that demonstrated his full awareness of the plan. Natland, who previously pleaded guilty to firearms possession, was remanded in custody by Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb and is scheduled for sentencing in October.

  • |

    Tom Holland admits he had to fake enthusiasm for bad movies

    Tom Holland has opened up about a time when he had to be less than honest while promoting certain films. He admitted those projects simply were not worth recommending to audiences. The 30-year-old actor is currently deep into promotional duties for his upcoming film, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” During a recent conversation on the Dish Podcast with host Nick Grimshaw, Holland explained that talking to press about this particular project has felt refreshingly genuine and effortless. He described how promoting a film he is genuinely proud of removes any pressure to stretch the truth. When journalists ask why audiences should watch the movie, he said, there is no need to fabricate enthusiasm because he authentically believes people will enjoy it. Holland contrasted this with earlier experiences in his career, revealing that he sometimes privately doubted whether certain projects deserved an audience at all. He admitted that in the past, when reporters asked him to justify why viewers should see a particular film, he sometimes had to hold back his true opinion, quietly acknowledging to himself that the honest answer would have been far less flattering. The actor did not specify which films prompted these private doubts, but his comments suggest that not every project in his filmography has met his own standards of quality, even if he could not say so publicly at the time. Holland’s candid remarks come as he gears up for his next major role, returning as Peter Parker in the latest installment of the Spider-Man franchise. He will be joined once again by Zendaya, continuing their on-screen partnership from previous films in the series. The upcoming movie, which blends action and science fiction elements, is scheduled to hit theaters on July 31. Alongside Holland and Zendaya, the cast includes several notable additions, Jon Bernthal, Mark Ruffalo, and Sadie Sink round out the ensemble for this fourth sequel in the ongoing Spider-Man saga. Given the franchise’s massive popularity and the strong cast lineup, expectations are already running high for this latest chapter. Holland’s honesty about past promotional experiences also offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the pressures actors face when discussing projects publicly, regardless of how they privately feel about the final product. Fans will get to judge for themselves whether this new installment lives up to the hype when it arrives in theaters later this month.

  • | | |

    Cristiano Ronaldo hints at retirement, says upcomi…

    Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that his retirement could be closer than expected, saying the upcoming year will probably be the final year of his playing career. The 41-year-old Portugal captain made the comments in an interview with lifestyle magazine Vogue, saying he wants to leave behind a “spectacular legacy” when he eventually walks away from football. Ronaldo has enjoyed one of the most successful careers in football history. Since making his senior debut for Sporting in 2002, he has won major trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and his current club, Al-Nassr. He has also won the Ballon d’Or five times. Despite his extraordinary list of achievements, Ronaldo was unable to add a FIFA World Cup title to his collection after Portugal fell short at the 2026 tournament. The forward has scored 976 goals for club and country during a career spanning more than two decades. He is now continuing with Al-Nassr as he approaches the remarkable milestone of 1,000 career goals. Ronaldo also acknowledged that retirement would leave a major gap in his life. He said he plans to spend more time travelling, playing and watching padel, and enjoying life away from professional football. His comments have intensified speculation about when one of football’s greatest careers will finally come to an end.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *