Sindh announces August 4 school holiday

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has summoned journalist Asad Ali Toor for questioning over allegations of spreading false or misleading information online. According to the notice issued by the agency, the state has been named as the complainant in the case. The inquiry relates to allegations of the dissemination, transmission or public display of information described as false or fake. The proceedings have been initiated under Section 26A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016, which deals with the dissemination of false and fake information. The NCCIA has directed Toor to appear before its Cybercrime Reporting Centre in Islamabad at 11am on July 31. The notice warned that failure to appear without a lawful reason could result in the inquiry continuing in his absence. The agency said non-compliance could also lead to action under Section 174 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which concerns failure to attend when ordered by a public servant. Toor confirmed receiving the summons through a post on X. He shared an image of the notice and accompanied it with verses by revolutionary poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz. The development has also raised concerns among journalist organisations over press freedom and the treatment of journalists facing legal proceedings. The National Press Club (NPC) in Islamabad criticised the notice and expressed concern over what it described as growing pressure on the media. The press club said freedom of expression is protected under the Constitution. It argued that journalists should not face legal pressure or retaliation simply for carrying out their professional responsibilities or expressing critical views. The NPC called on relevant institutions to perform their duties within the framework of the law, the Constitution and fundamental rights. It also stressed that free, responsible and safe journalism is essential for a healthy democratic system. The press body urged authorities to withdraw the notice and ensure that journalists’ constitutional and legal rights are protected. It also warned that measures restricting press freedom could create further insecurity among members of the journalist community. This is not the first time Toor has faced legal action under cybercrime laws. He was arrested in 2024 in a case registered under Peca over allegations of running a campaign against state institutions. His arrest at the time prompted criticism from sections of the journalist community. He was subsequently released.

Security forces have killed 16 militants during intelligence-based operations in several areas of Balochistan, according to security sources. The operations are being carried out under Operation Al-Azm following a series of terrorist attacks in the province. Authorities said several militant hideouts and ambush positions were destroyed during the ongoing action. Security personnel also recovered weapons, ammunition and explosive material from the targeted locations. Operations are continuing in areas including Killi Kundi Umrani, Khad Kocha and Mastung, where security forces are targeting militant networks blamed for recent attacks. The latest operations followed an attack on the Mangi Dam Police Station, after which security forces launched a separate campaign named Operation Shaban. The security situation in Mastung also came under renewed focus after unidentified armed men attacked a vehicle on a national highway. A district and sessions judge and his security guard were killed in the attack, while an additional sessions judge and another person were seriously injured. Security sources said counterterrorism operations would continue across Balochistan until militant infrastructure is dismantled and law and order is restored. The state refers to militants linked to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other groups operating in the province as Fitna al-Hindustan. Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir recently reiterated the military’s determination to eliminate militant networks in Balochistan. He said targeted operations against Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan would continue until terrorism and those supporting it were eliminated. The latest operation comes amid a broader rise in militant violence in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. A United Nations Security Council assessment has also highlighted continuing threats from militant groups in the region. The report pointed to attacks claimed by the BLA against Pakistani security forces and infrastructure linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The UN assessment also raised concerns about militant groups obtaining modern weapons and equipment through cross-border smuggling and illegal markets. It noted the reported use of advanced rifles, night-vision equipment, thermal imaging systems, sniper weapons and drones by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. The report further cited assessments that the BLA and TTP have maintained coordination in some areas, including through shared resources and training networks.

LAHORE: Pakistan’s monsoon death toll has risen to 107 after 10 more people were killed in rain-related incidents across Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa during the past 24 hours. According to the latest figures released by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), seven people died in Punjab while three lost their lives in K-P. The deaths were reported between the previous afternoon and 1pm on Sunday. Punjab recorded fatalities in several districts. Gujrat and Okara reported two deaths each, while Sargodha, Narowal and Sialkot each reported one death. In K-P, two people died in Hangu and another was killed in Shangla. Officials said the latest casualties were caused by incidents including house collapses, electrocution and drowning as heavy rainfall continued to affect several parts of the country. The recent rains also injured 50 people. Punjab accounted for 47 of the injured, while three people were injured in Hangu. K-P has recorded the highest number of deaths since the beginning of the current monsoon season, with 55 fatalities. Punjab follows with 36 deaths. Seven people have died in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, six in Balochistan, two in Sindh and one in Gilgit-Baltistan. Overall, the monsoon has injured 297 people and damaged 447 houses across the country. At least 269 livestock have also been killed. Rescue authorities have carried out 130 operations since the start of the rainy season. These efforts have helped rescue 3,841 people from flooded and other dangerous areas. The rains have also caused significant damage to roads and other infrastructure. Landslides, flash floods and rising water levels have disrupted transportation in parts of K-P and Gilgit-Baltistan. The mountainous region has suffered particularly heavy damage. The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority said 184 houses have been damaged, while nine bridges have been destroyed. Nearly eight kilometres of roads have also been washed away. Astore has reported the highest number of damaged homes, while Diamer has suffered major destruction from several weather-related incidents. Skardu has recorded the greatest number of damaged bridges. Relief activities are continuing in affected communities. Authorities are distributing food, tents and other essential supplies, while road crews are working to reopen important routes.