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The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution calling for the formation of an independent Truth Commission to investigate the recent unrest that claimed several lives and left many others injured. The proposed commission will examine the causes of the violence, investigate all reported deaths, injuries and property damage, and recommend measures to provide relief to victims and prevent similar incidents in the future. The move comes after violent clashes between law enforcement personnel and protesters in Rawalakot, where both security officials and demonstrators reported casualties. The unrest sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for an impartial investigation. According to the resolution, the Truth Commission will function as an independent and impartial body. Its structure, powers and terms of reference will be finalised jointly by the federal government and representatives of the protest leadership before being formally established under AJK law. The commission will be tasked with reviewing all aspects of the recent crisis. It will examine evidence related to deaths, injuries, property losses and allegations of violence. Authorities said the inquiry will be conducted without any predetermined conclusions, ensuring that every affected family and relevant party has an opportunity to present evidence and testimony. The proposed body will have access to official records, including government documents, police reports, forensic material, communication records, videos and witness statements. Sensitive information involving national security or witness protection may be reviewed through confidential proceedings. The Assembly clarified that the commission will not determine criminal guilt or hand down punishments. Instead, if evidence suggests legal violations, the matter will be referred to the relevant investigative or judicial authorities for further action. Individuals or institutions facing adverse findings will also be given an opportunity to respond before any conclusions are reached. The commission will submit interim and final reports within an agreed timeframe. Its final report is expected to be made public, subject to legal restrictions concerning national security and witness safety. It may also recommend compensation for victims, institutional reforms, legal action where necessary and measures to prevent future unrest. The resolution also called for immediate de-escalation of tensions across the region. It urged the government to restore normal life by reopening roads, ensuring medical and emergency services, improving communication networks and maintaining the uninterrupted supply of essential goods. At the same time, protest organisers were urged to suspend demonstrations until the commission completes its work. The governments of AJK and Pakistan were also asked to avoid further actions linked to the crisis during the inquiry, except where immediate measures are required to protect public safety. The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values, constitutional governance and the rule of law. It stressed that peaceful protest, freedom of expression and the right to raise political, economic and social demands are guaranteed under democratic principles. However, it strongly rejected violence, vandalism, the use of weapons and attempts to challenge state authority through force. Lawmakers paid tribute to security personnel, police officials and civilians who lost their lives during the unrest. They expressed sympathy with all affected families and stressed that every victim deserves justice, humanitarian assistance and equal treatment under the law. The House also appealed to citizens, political workers, traders and youth to distance themselves from violent elements. It emphasised that responsibility for any unlawful acts should be determined individually through evidence and due legal process rather than collective blame.

A terrorist was killed during a joint intelligence-based operation in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police said on Monday. The operation was carried out by district police, the Counter-Terrorism Department, the Quick Response Force and security forces. The operation took place in the Miryan area after intelligence reports indicated the presence of suspected terrorists. Security personnel conducted searches in Khani Kalay, Barakzai and nearby areas. The areas fall within the jurisdiction of Miryan police station. An exchange of fire took place during the operation. One unidentified terrorist was killed. Police said the identity of the deceased was being established. A Kalashnikov was recovered from the scene. Three magazines and a bandolier were also found in the possession of the killed terrorist. Security personnel later conducted search operations in surrounding areas. Several suspected individuals were detained for questioning. Bannu District Police Officer Captain (retd) Muhammad Furqan Bilal praised the personnel who participated in the operation. He described the security and police personnel fighting terrorism as the country’s real heroes. The DPO said intelligence-based operations would continue across Bannu. He said the objective was to eliminate terrorism and crime from the district. He also urged local residents to cooperate with law-enforcement agencies. Citizens were asked to report suspicious individuals and activities to police. The latest operation is part of intensified security efforts in Bannu. The district has witnessed several terrorist incidents and counterterrorism operations in recent months. On July 20, another joint intelligence-based operation was conducted in Bannu. Police said one suspected terrorist was killed and eight others were detained during that operation. The operation involved district police, the Elite Force, CTD personnel and Pakistan Army troops. Security forces had also established checkpoints and cordoned off the area during the operation. Police said the killed suspect was allegedly attempting to plant an improvised explosive device. A Kalashnikov, magazines and ammunition were recovered. Security concerns in Bannu have increased following several attacks targeting police and security installations. On July 15, terrorists attacked the Miryan police station using an explosives-laden vehicle. A prolonged exchange of fire followed the attack. Six police officers and four civilians were injured in the incident. The attackers also damaged a bridge leading to the police station. Authorities believed the move was intended to slow the arrival of reinforcements. The wider security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has remained challenging. Balochistan has also witnessed an increase in militant activity. Security forces have responded with intelligence-based operations against suspected militant networks. Authorities have repeatedly stressed the need for public cooperation to counter terrorism. Officials have also raised concerns about militant groups operating from across the Afghan border. The latest operation in Bannu reflects the continued efforts of law-enforcement and security agencies to prevent further attacks.

SKARDU: Rescue teams have recovered the bodies of celebrated British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja and three members of his expedition from Broad Peak after a difficult recovery mission, the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) confirmed. The recovery operation was carried out in extremely challenging weather and terrain. The bodies of Purja, Chinese climber Zhong Wang, and Nepali climbers Nima Sherpa and Kilu Sherpa were successfully brought to Broad Peak Base Camp. The tragic incident occurred on July 30, when an avalanche struck the 10-member international expedition while climbing Broad Peak, one of the world’s highest mountains. Contact with the team was lost immediately after the avalanche. Purja’s company later confirmed that there were no survivors from the expedition. Despite the successful recovery of four bodies, three climbers remain missing. The Alpine Club of Pakistan said search efforts would continue whenever weather and mountain conditions permit. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to locating the remaining climbers so their families can receive closure. Earlier, the bodies of three other expedition members—an American woman, an Omani woman and a Nepali climber—were airlifted from the mountain to Skardu. However, the bodies of two Nepali nationals and one Pakistani climber have yet to be recovered. The deaths have deeply affected the global mountaineering community. Fellow climbers and mountaineering organizations have paid tribute to the victims, describing the loss as a major blow to high-altitude climbing. The Alpine Club of Pakistan said arrangements are being made to return the recovered bodies to their families. The organization expressed hope that the recovery would provide some comfort to the bereaved families and allow the climbers to be laid to rest with dignity.

Former Sindh Assembly member Ghulam Rasool Anr has approached a court seeking registration of a case against his former wife over alleged fraud, blackmail and death threats. In his petition, Anr said he first became acquainted with the woman through social media. He claimed that whenever he asked her to show her face, she would send him images allegedly generated using artificial intelligence. According to the petitioner, the two got married through a video call on February 23 this year. He said the woman was wearing a veil even on the day of the marriage. Anr claimed that after the marriage, he saw the woman in person and found her appearance completely different from the pictures she had previously sent him. He said that after seeing her face, he distanced himself from her and subsequently divorced her on August 9. The former lawmaker further alleged that following the divorce, the woman began blackmailing him and allegedly threatening to kill him. He has asked the court to direct police to register a case against his former wife and take legal action over the allegations. The court has issued a notice to the police and sought a report by August 17. The allegations contained in the petition have yet to be established in court.