Violent Storms Topple Power Poles Across Thailand, Leaving One Dead and Dozens Injured

Security sources said that armed members of the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) abducted a courier company’s mini-truck along with two people from the Khad Koocha area on July 24. According to the sources, the kidnappers demanded Rs25 million in ransom from the courier company on July 26 and threatened to kill the hostages if the money was not paid. Security sources said the proscribed BLA is involved not only in terrorism but also in criminal activities, including bank robberies, vehicle theft, extortion and kidnapping for ransom. They said such incidents indicate the involvement of criminal networks in activities that can also serve as a source of financing for terrorism. The sources said ordinary Baloch citizens, local traders and peace in Balochistan suffer the most from such activities. They added that such actions are also aimed at creating fear and insecurity among residents and disrupting the peaceful environment in the region.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has defended the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. He described the polling process as peaceful, free, fair and credible. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Sanaullah said voters had exercised their democratic right across 13 constituencies of Mirpur Division on July 27. According to unofficial results, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won nine seats. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured four seats. Sanaullah congratulated the winning candidates. He also praised the Election Commission, AJK administration and security agencies for managing the election process. He said the polls were held despite a challenging security situation. He added that the authorities took steps to maintain law and order throughout polling. The prime minister’s aide urged opposition parties to respect the voters’ decision. However, he said they were free to challenge any alleged irregularities through constitutional and legal channels. Sanaullah said complaints regarding the election would be examined by the relevant authorities. He stressed that political parties should use legal forums instead of creating political tensions. He also said polling hours were extended by one hour. The extension was given to facilitate voters and allow more people to cast their ballots. He estimated voter turnout at between 40 and 60 per cent. Sanaullah said the election was largely peaceful. However, a serious incident occurred in LA-9 Nakyal. A dispute between members of the same family reportedly turned violent because of political differences. One person was killed and another was injured in the incident. Police arrested several suspects in connection with the shooting. Sanaullah also mentioned the killing of PML-N leader Malik Ashiq. He was shot during an election rally in Kotli on July 11. The government official further claimed that a candidate from LA-6 and members of his campaign team attempted to take ballot boxes after polling. He said the suspects were arrested and a case was registered. Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam also addressed the press conference. He said the PML-N’s performance showed strong public support for the party. Muqam said the party would work to fulfil the promises made during its election campaign. Sanaullah attributed the PML-N’s success to teamwork and its political leadership. He also said development initiatives in Punjab had contributed to the party’s electoral performance. The election results have triggered political exchanges between the PML-N and PPP. The PPP has raised allegations of irregularities and accused the government of influencing the election process. The PML-N has rejected the allegations. It has also accused political opponents of attempting to manipulate the electoral process. The Election Commission has said that violations of electoral rules will be dealt with under the law. The AJK elections are being conducted in three phases. The first phase covered 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division. The second phase is scheduled for August 2. It will cover Muzaffarabad Division and refugee constituencies. The final phase will be held in Poonch Division on August 10. Sanaullah said the government was ready to address genuine complaints. He maintained that political parties should follow constitutional procedures while challenging election results.

The father of young Karachi businessman Mir Raza has raised serious questions over the investigation into his son’s murder. He alleged that the case was being influenced. He claimed that signs of interference by the Sindh government were visible in the investigation. Lawyers protested at the City Court on Tuesday over the failure to arrest the suspects in the case. Mir Raza’s father, Mir Hussain, also spoke during the protest. He questioned the removal of Dr Usama from the case. According to Mir Hussain, Dr Usama was removed so that he would not be able to answer questions about the matter. He also questioned the preparation of the post-mortem report. He asked why the report was allegedly prepared on the basis of photographs. Mir Hussain questioned whether any pressure was involved in the preparation of the report. He demanded that the circumstances surrounding the post-mortem be properly examined. The victim’s father further criticised the police investigation. He said the police’s alleged incompetence in his son’s case was now evident. The protest was held as the suspects in the murder case remained at large. The lawyers demanded progress in the investigation and the arrest of those responsible. Mir Hussain called for transparency in the investigation. He said the family wanted answers regarding every aspect of the case.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Aamir Muqam has extended an offer of dialogue to protesters staging a sit-in in Rawalakot, urging demonstrators to engage in peaceful negotiations while distancing the federal government from recent controversial remarks about the region. Speaking during a televised interview, Muqam said the people of Rawalakot have always been, and will continue to remain, Kashmiris, emphasizing their historical identity and longstanding contributions to Pakistan. “The people of Rawalakot are Kashmiris, have always been Kashmiris, and will remain Kashmiris,” the minister said, stressing that the government values the sacrifices made by the residents of Poonch and other parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. His remarks came amid growing political tensions following comments attributed to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, which sparked criticism and prompted strong reactions from political leaders and residents in the region. Muqam clarified that Khawaja Asif’s statement reflected his personal opinion and should not be interpreted as the official position of either the federal government or the ruling party. “The statement does not represent government policy,” he said, adding that the people of Rawalakot had rendered immense sacrifices for Pakistan during critical periods of history and deserved respect and recognition. Addressing the ongoing sit-in, the minister appealed to protesters to choose dialogue over confrontation. He said the government believes the majority of those participating in the demonstration are patriotic citizens with genuine concerns rather than individuals pursuing unlawful objectives. “I do not consider everyone at the sit-in to be terrorists,” Muqam said. “Most participants are loyal Pakistanis. They should distance themselves from elements with negative agendas and come forward for meaningful talks.” The minister reiterated the government’s willingness to resolve issues through negotiations, saying constructive engagement remained the most effective path toward restoring calm and addressing public grievances. His appeal comes as authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation in Rawalakot, where demonstrations have drawn national attention amid heightened political debate and security concerns. Political observers believe Muqam’s conciliatory tone signals an effort by the federal government to ease tensions and prevent further escalation through dialogue rather than confrontation. His reassurance regarding the identity and sacrifices of the people of Rawalakot is also being viewed as an attempt to rebuild trust following the controversy surrounding recent public statements. The government’s next steps, including any formal negotiations with protest representatives, are expected to shape developments in the coming days as officials seek a peaceful resolution to the standoff.