Swiss government rejects proposed constitutional ban on non-UN sanctions ahead of neutrality vote

UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned the deadly suicide bombing in Swat, describing the attack as “heinous and cowardly” as Pakistan renewed its warning that terrorist groups continue to operate from alleged safe havens inside Afghanistan. The attack took place outside a police station in Kabal, Swat, on August 2, killing at least 16 Pakistani nationals, mostly civilians, and leaving dozens injured, according to the UN statement cited by Pakistan’s Dawn. The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the bombing. In a statement issued through the office of the UN secretary general’s spokesperson, Security Council members expressed deep sympathy to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery. The council also stressed that those behind the attack must be held accountable, calling for perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of terrorism to be brought to justice. The UN body reiterated its longstanding position that terrorism, regardless of its motivation, location or perpetrators, remains a serious threat to international peace and security. It also urged member states to cooperate with Pakistan in accordance with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions. Pakistan Raises Alarm Over Afghan Sanctuaries The condemnation came shortly after Pakistan raised concerns at a UNSC briefing over what it described as the growing threat from terrorist organisations operating from Afghan territory. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, said several groups continue to maintain safe havens inside Afghanistan and pose an increasing threat to Pakistan and regional security. He specifically named the banned TTP, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade, Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K), East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), and Al Qaeda affiliates. Pakistan urged the international community to ensure that Afghan soil is not used to launch terrorist attacks against neighbouring countries, while calling for stronger international cooperation to counter cross-border terrorism. The latest developments have added fresh pressure to an already sensitive security relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan. They also came after the fourth US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue in Washington, where officials from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorist organisations. For Pakistan, the UNSC condemnation provides international recognition of the seriousness of the Swat attack, while Islamabad continues to push for stronger action against militant networks it says operate across its western border.

The Sindh government has announced that all public and private schools across the province will observe a six-day working week from August 1. The new schedule will remain in place until further orders. An official notification issued by the School Education and Literacy Department confirmed that schools will remain open from Monday to Saturday. The decision applies to all educational institutions operating under the department’s administrative control. The announcement comes as schools prepare to reopen after the end of summer vacations. Educational institutions remained closed for two months, with the holiday period running from June 1 to July 31. Students and teachers will now return to classrooms under the revised weekly schedule. Officials said the six-day week has been introduced to ensure smooth academic activities and improve the pace of teaching. The move is expected to help schools complete the academic calendar on time and make up for learning time lost due to previous disruptions. The decision applies equally to government and private schools throughout Sindh. School administrations have been instructed to implement the revised timetable immediately after reopening. Earlier this year, educational institutions in Sindh also experienced temporary closures because of regional security concerns linked to tensions in the Middle East. Schools remained closed for a brief period before normal academic activities resumed. Provincial authorities later restored regular operations while maintaining Saturday holidays. However, the latest notification has withdrawn that arrangement and introduced a six-day working week across the province. Education officials have advised parents, students and school administrations to follow the updated schedule. They said any future changes to school timings or working days will be communicated through official notifications.

Punjab Police Chief Abdul Kareem has said the deaths of two women at Lahore’s Township Police Station were caused by combined drug toxicity, ruling out physical violence or police torture as the cause of death. Addressing a press conference at the Central Police Office in Lahore, the Inspector General of Police said a detailed investigation had been conducted into the deaths. The Lahore CCPO and DIG Investigation also attended the briefing. According to the IG, the Medical Board found no signs of physical assault, external injuries or wounds on either woman. A separate magisterial inquiry conducted under Section 176 of the Code of Criminal Procedure also found no evidence of torture by police officials. The police reviewed complete CCTV footage related to the incident and recorded statements from police personnel and witnesses. The two women had been brought to Township Police Station following action on a 15 emergency call. A case under Sections 379 and 420 of the Pakistan Penal Code was subsequently registered after a written complaint was received. Police said both women had previously been involved in several alleged fraud and cheating cases registered in Lahore and Gujrat. CCTV footage also showed that their clothes appeared to have been torn before they were taken into police custody. The Medical Board had earlier observed several injection marks on the women’s arms. Samples were subsequently collected by the Punjab Forensic Science Authority for detailed examination. The final forensic report has now confirmed the presence of nine different types of drugs in samples obtained from both women. The Medical Board concluded that the combination of drugs caused toxicity, leading to cardiopulmonary arrest and death. IG Punjab Abdul Kareem said the police would continue to follow the law and ensure transparent accountability. He stressed that no individual would be treated as being above the law. The police chief also briefed the media on several other cases. He said significant progress had been made in the Hina Javed murder investigation in Rawalpindi, where three suspects were nominated and two had been arrested. Investigators, he said, established that an incident initially reported as suicide was actually a murder. Regarding the Abdullah Tahir murder case, the IG said police were working to arrest the suspected shooters. The suspects reportedly fled towards Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and efforts were underway to trace their whereabouts. On police reforms, Abdul Kareem said the Dolphin Force was being reorganised, with its command and control to be placed under local station house officers. The department is also considering modern electric motorcycles for the force, while new motorcycles have already been provided to Murree Police for improved patrolling. The IG further announced stronger measures against corruption within the police department. He said the Internal Accountability Branch was being strengthened and regional and district police officers had been directed to take strict action against officials involved in corrupt practices. Speaking about the Ghaziabad rape case, the IG said police had arrested the nominated suspect and secured relevant medical, forensic and CCTV evidence. Footage from the police station, Safe City cameras and other local cameras was collected, while statements from the victim, complainant, relatives and other relevant individuals were recorded. Police personnel found negligent in the case were suspended and departmental inquiries were initiated. The Punjab Institute of Mental Health also conducted assessments of the victim.

MUZAFFARABAD: Dr Muhammad Mushtaq Khan has been re-elected as the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), securing a second consecutive term as the head of the party, according to an official announcement made by the party’s spokesperson. The spokesperson said Dr Mushtaq Khan will lead Jamaat-e-Islami AJK for the 2026–2029 term. His re-election reflects the party’s continued confidence in his leadership and organisational abilities. The party also confirmed that the Secretary of the Election Committee formally declared Dr Mushtaq Khan the successful candidate after the completion of the internal election process. With his re-election, Dr Mushtaq Khan will remain responsible for overseeing the party’s political strategy, organisational affairs and public outreach activities across Azad Jammu and Kashmir during the next three years. Party officials said the election process was conducted in accordance with the organisation’s constitutional procedures. They added that the formal announcement marked the completion of the party’s internal electoral process for the position of Ameer. Dr Mushtaq Khan has been associated with Jamaat-e-Islami for many years and has remained actively involved in political, religious and social activities in Azad Kashmir. During his previous term, he represented the party on various political and public issues while overseeing its organisational structure throughout the region. His second consecutive term is expected to ensure continuity in the party’s policies and organisational framework. Party leaders expressed confidence that his experience and leadership would help strengthen Jamaat-e-Islami’s role in Azad Kashmir’s political landscape.

The federal cabinet meeting scheduled to be chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been postponed due to his official visit to Saudi Arabia, according to government sources. The meeting was expected to discuss important national and administrative matters. However, it has been deferred as the prime minister is leaving for a two-day official visit to the Kingdom. Sources said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will depart for Saudi Arabia later today. During the visit, he is expected to hold a high-level meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders are likely to review the strong and longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Discussions will focus on expanding bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, energy and economic collaboration. Regional and international developments will also feature prominently in the talks. Both leaders are expected to exchange views on the evolving situation in the Middle East and other issues of mutual concern. They will also discuss ways to enhance coordination on matters affecting regional peace, stability and security. The visit reflects the close strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The two countries maintain strong political, economic and defence ties, while Saudi Arabia has remained one of Pakistan’s key allies and economic partners. Officials said the federal cabinet meeting will be rescheduled after the prime minister returns from Saudi Arabia. A new date for the meeting is expected to be announced in due course.