Seven Dead and At Least 15 Injured in Nonthaburi School Shooting

The Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has strongly rejected allegations that security forces opened fire on protesters or were responsible for civilian deaths during the recent unrest in Rawalakot, describing the claims as false, unverified and part of an organised disinformation campaign. Responding to a report by the BBC on the recent incidents, the AJK government said armed members of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee opened fire on security personnel in Rawalakot, resulting in the deaths and injuries of several officers. It also alleged that the attackers set multiple vehicles on fire during the violence. According to the government, security forces acted only to maintain law and order and enforce the law, insisting that civilians were not deliberately targeted during the operation. The AJK government cited information from the police spokesperson, who said seven security personnel were killed and 143 others were injured in firing allegedly carried out by armed members of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee. It further claimed that the banned group has a history of violent activities. According to the statement, attacks carried out in 2024 and 2025 resulted in the deaths of four security personnel and left hundreds of others injured. The government also said two individuals arrested on July 28 and 29 were under investigation. It alleged that one of the suspects claimed a reward of Rs10 million had been offered for the killing of each Ranger, raising questions about the possible funding of the group. According to the statement, verified videos show armed individuals linked to the banned Joint Awami Action Committee using modern weapons and firing during the unrest. The AJK government maintained that law enforcement agencies carried out their constitutional responsibilities with restraint and professionalism. It insisted that no action was taken against peaceful civilians and that operations were conducted solely to restore public order. The government also categorically denied allegations of indiscriminate firing, the use of snipers or claims that bodies of victims were withheld from their families. It further alleged that the banned Joint Awami Action Committee had previously been involved in blocking roads, stopping or burning cargo vehicles and disrupting the supply of essential goods. According to the statement, law enforcement agencies made efforts to keep roads open and ensure the uninterrupted movement of essential supplies. The AJK government added that the Joint Awami Action Committee has been declared a banned organisation under the Anti-Terrorism Act and said all legal proceedings against the group are being carried out in accordance with the law.

The first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections is being held today across the Mirpur division, with authorities completing extensive arrangements for polling and security. The first phase covers Mirpur, Bhimber and Kotli districts. Officials said all polling material has been delivered to the designated polling stations ahead of voting. AJK Chief Secretary Khushal Khan and Election Commission Secretary Raja Muhammad Shakeel said the authorities were committed to ensuring free, fair and transparent elections. They urged voters to exercise their democratic right peacefully. They also warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt polling or create a law and order situation. Officials advised voters and political workers to avoid spreading or believing unverified information circulating on social media. They said all stakeholders must follow the election code of conduct. The AJK elections are being conducted in three phases. Polling in the Mirpur division is taking place today. The second phase will be held in Muzaffarabad on August 2, followed by the third phase in Poonch on August 10. Security has been significantly increased across the three districts. Mirpur police authorities said a detailed security plan has been prepared to protect voters, election staff and polling stations. Mirpur SSP Khurram Iqbal said security forces have adopted a three-layer strategy. Polling stations have been divided into highly sensitive, sensitive and normal categories. Security personnel and resources have been assigned according to the level of risk. The district has also been divided into 56 security sectors. Each sector is being supervised by a deputy superintendent of police. Monitoring and rapid-response teams will remain active throughout the voting process. Authorities have also prepared additional contingency arrangements to deal with emergencies. A second response force will be available if required, while a third security layer will operate under zonal commanders. More than 1.4 million registered voters are expected to participate in the first phase across 13 constituencies. Authorities have established 2,454 polling stations containing 3,701 polling booths. Around 3,500 election officials have been assigned duties for the polling process. Voting will take place from 8am to 5pm. The 13 constituencies include four in Mirpur district, three in Bhimber and six in Kotli. Of the total polling stations, 1,965 have been classified as sensitive or highly sensitive. More than 19,000 security personnel have been deployed across the division. The force includes around 17,000 police officers, while approximately 2,100 army personnel will remain available as a backup force. A total of 288 candidates are contesting the 13 seats. The main political competition is expected to involve the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Pakistan Peoples Party and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, along with several influential independent candidates. Authorities have appealed to voters, candidates and political workers to cooperate with security personnel and maintain peace throughout polling.

KARACHI: Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has announced that Regal Chowk will officially be renamed Khatm-e-Nabuwwat (PBUH) Chowk. The decision was announced during his visit to the historic intersection along with the Municipal Commissioner and members of the City Council. The mayor said the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) would carry out extensive renovation and beautification work at the site before the start of Rabi-ul-Awwal. He said the project aims to improve the appearance of the area while reflecting the significance of the holy month. Barrister Murtaza Wahab said the city administration had already started preparations for Rabi-ul-Awwal. He added that special arrangements would be made across Karachi to facilitate religious gatherings and ensure that citizens could observe the month in a peaceful and clean environment. He said a comprehensive cleanliness campaign would be launched throughout the city. Sanitation staff would remain active in all districts to maintain hygiene around mosques, religious processions and public places. Waste collection and disposal operations would also be intensified during the month. The mayor announced that decorative lighting and beautification work would be carried out on major roads, intersections and important public buildings. He said these measures were intended to create a festive atmosphere during Rabi-ul-Awwal. He recalled that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation had successfully managed civic arrangements during Muharram-ul-Haram. According to him, similar planning would be implemented during Rabi-ul-Awwal to provide better services to the public. Barrister Murtaza Wahab said all relevant civic departments, including sanitation, engineering, municipal services and emergency response teams, would remain on high alert throughout the holy month. He directed officials to ensure uninterrupted public services and respond promptly to any issues.