AJK chamber chief pays tribute to July 13 martyrs, calls for peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue


Mirpur: President of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AJKCCI), Umar Shehzad Jarral, on Monday paid tribute to those commemorated on Kashmir Martyrs’ Day, describing the events of July 13, 1931, as a landmark in Kashmir’s political history and honoring those who lost their lives outside Srinagar Central Jail.



Speaking at a special prayer gathering, Jarral said the protesters who were killed while demonstrating against the Dogra administration had left a lasting legacy of courage and resilience. He said the events of 1931 helped strengthen political awareness and inspired subsequent movements seeking political and civil rights in Kashmir.



The AJKCCI president said Kashmir Martyrs’ Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by generations of Kashmiris in pursuit of what he described as their political, social and religious rights. He also reiterated his support for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute, saying it should be settled in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.



Jarral called on the international community to play what he described as a constructive role in promoting human rights and regional stability. The ceremony concluded with special prayers for those commemorated on the occasion, as well as for peace, stability and prosperity in the region.



Governor condemns attacks on police in Tank, Buner; seeks reports


Peshawar: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday condemned the attacks on police personnel in Tank and Buner and sought reports from the relevant authorities. The governor expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of police personnel in an alleged IED attack on Tank-Jandola Road and paid tribute to them, describing the martyrs as the pride of the nation.



He extended heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families and colleagues of the martyrs and directed the authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured personnel, while praying for their speedy recovery.



Expressing sorrow over the martyrdom of a Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Sub-Inspector in Buner, Governor Kundi said the sacrifice of the martyred officer would always be remembered. He said the sacrifices rendered by police and security forces in the war against terrorism were unforgettable, adding that terrorist elements would never succeed in their nefarious designs.



The governor said operations against enemies of peace would continue with full force and the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with security forces and police for complete elimination of terrorism.



Shehryar Afridi reviews Kohat road expansion project, stresses inter-agency coordination


Kohat: Former federal interior minister and Member of the National Assembly Shehryar Afridi on Monday chaired a high-level meeting at the Commissioner House to review progress on the widening and construction of the road linking PAF Chowk with Kohat Kacheri, with officials emphasizing the need for timely completion of the project.



The meeting reviewed key issues affecting the scheme, including the removal of encroachments and measures to improve traffic flow along the busy corridor. Participants agreed that matters relating to the section of the road falling under Cantonment jurisdiction would be resolved through consultation and close coordination among the relevant institutions.



Commissioner Kohat Division Syed Muatassim Billah Shah, Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Nawaz Wazir, Assistant Commissioner Kohat and representatives of the concerned departments attended the meeting and received updates on the project’s progress.



Officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening interdepartmental cooperation to remove obstacles and expedite the completion of the road expansion project, which is aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving transport infrastructure in Kohat.



Minister reviews arrangements for 283rd urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai


Hyderabad: Sindh Minister for Culture Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah on Monday said that the upcoming 283rd annual Urs celebrations of Sufi saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai would reflect Sindh’s rich culture, peace and spirit of tolerance.



Chairing a review meeting at the Bhit Shah Culture Rest House, the minister directed all relevant departments to finalize timely and foolproof arrangements for the annual event.



He stressed the need to ensure the convenience and security of devotees, smooth traffic flow and the operation of special shuttle services during the Urs. He also instructed authorities not to forcibly close local markets during the movement of VVIPs and government officials.



Deputy Commissioner Matiari Muhammad Yousif Shaikh briefed the meeting that arrangements for security, sanitation, provision of clean drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, healthcare facilities, traffic management and emergency services were being completed on a priority basis. Divisional Commissioner Hyderabad Fayyaz Hussain Abbasi directed officials to keep designated emergency routes clear and prepare a contingency plan in view of possible monsoon rains.



Deputy Inspector General of Police Hyderabad Tarique Razzaque Dharejo assured the meeting that additional police personnel would be deployed at the shrine, grounds, parking areas and entry and exit points to ensure security. DHO Dr Zahid informed the meeting that medical camps and ambulances would be stationed at various locations to deal with any medical emergency.



Secretary Culture Khair Muhammad Kalwar said a special literary conference would also be organized as part of the Urs celebrations. Meanwhile, the shrine’s Sajjada Nasheen Syed Mustafa Shah, urged the authorities to expedite the restoration work of Karar Lake. The meeting was attended by the Superintendent of Police Matiari, officials of the Auqaf Department, Town Committee, Sindh Rangers and representatives of other relevant departments.



Hyderabad Police arrest 116 accused in week-long crackdown


Hyderabad: Under the directives of DIG Hyderabad Range and the leadership of SSP Shahzaib Chachar Hyderabad Police carried out effective operations against criminals, drug peddlers, Gutka and Mainpuri suppliers and other law violators from 6th July to 12th July ,arrested a total of 116 accused.



According to a weekly report issued by Spokesman district police here on Monday, Police arrested 33 accused during criminal action, 02 accused were killed and 01 accused was arrested while injured during an encounter against criminal elements. 03 accused were arrested during operations against robbers.



Similarly, 28 drug peddlers were arrested in operations. 01 accused was apprehended against theft incidents incident,33 accused held in connection with gutka and mainpuri supply. while 06 accused held in connection with gambling, similarly 09 suspects were arrested found involved in other offences.



Police in its multiple operations recovered 10 pistols along with 22 rounds pf ammunition were recovered during operations against illegal weapons.



During operations gutka and mainpuri police recovered 4925 pieces of mainpuri, 9090 gutka sachets, Police acelrating its operation also recovered 48 bottles of wine, 63 liters of contraband liquor and 4 kilo grams 300 grams of marijuana was recovered during operations against narcotics and alcohol.



Body of child missing since 2005 earthquake recovered during excavation in Balakot


Mansehra: Memories of the devastating October 8, 2005 earthquake resurfaced after the body of a child who went missing during the disaster was recovered from beneath the rubble during excavation work at a house in Garan, Balakot.



According to reports, the remains were identified as those of Jamal Shafiq, son of Qari Shafiq-ur-Rehman, who was around four to five years old when the powerful earthquake struck. The child had been missing since the disaster, and his body was discovered while excavation was underway at the site of the former house.



The discovery has deeply moved local residents, bringing back painful memories of the 2005 earthquake, which claimed thousands of lives and caused widespread destruction across northern Pakistan. Authorities were expected to complete the necessary legal and administrative formalities before handing over the remains to the family for burial.