Karachi waffle chain owner found dead in Gulistan-e-Jauhar after alleged kidnapping

A 25-year-old man who was allegedly kidnapped from Karachi's PECHS Society was found dead in the bushes near a wedding hall in Gulistan-e-Jauhar on Wednesday, with police suspecting that he was tortured before being shot dead. The victim, identified as Mir Raza Ali, son of Mir Hassan Ali, was a resident of PECHS Block 2 and owned waffle dessert chain “Wafflix” near Bahadurabad Chowrangi. His body was recovered from the bushes near Shadi Qila wedding hall in Gulistan-e-Jauhar Block 1 and was taken to Jinnah hospital for post-mortem examination. According to police, the body appeared to be one to two days old and had signs of burns in some areas, making identification difficult. The victim was identified by his father through his clothes. Police said a mark on the victim’s back was also found, while the exact cause of death would be determined after the post-mortem report. Read: Three suspects arrested in Dr Akash murder case killed in firing by their accomplices: police Station House Officer Kamran Qureshi said initial findings suggested that the victim was tortured before being shot. He added that police were collecting CCTV footage from cameras installed around the wedding hall to trace the suspects involved in the kidnapping and murder. A kidnapping case was registered at Ferozabad Police Station on Tuesday on the complaint of the victim’s father. According to the first information report, on the night between July 27 and 28, Raza returned home from his shop in his car and informed his mother at around 4am that he would step outside his house for 10 minutes. He did not return. His mother later called his mobile phone, but it was switched off. The family searched for him and also contacted Madadgar 15 before registering a kidnapping case against unidentified suspects at the police station. Police are continuing their investigation. Condemnations and condolences poured in on social media from those who knew the young entrepreneur as the authorities were criticised for the security situation of the city.

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PPP alliance with PML-N in Centre not endangered by AJK polls criticism, Bilawal says

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday said his criticism of alleged irregularities in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections could not endanger the party’s coalition with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz at the Centre, but warned that alleged rigging and what he described as theft of the public mandate could have implications for the ruling alliance. Speaking to the media after meeting AJK Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar and PPP workers at his residence here, Bilawal said the PPP-PML-N coalition at the federal level remained intact. “My statements cannot put our coalition with the federal government in danger,” Bilawal said, while cautioning that alleged manipulation of the AJK electoral process and denial of the public mandate could create difficulties for the alliance. The PPP chairman said alleged vote theft and what he called an assault on the people’s mandate were “unacceptable”, arguing that he could not remain silent when party workers were allegedly targeted. لائیو: پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی کے چیئرمین بلاول بھٹو زرداری ضلع مظفرآباد کی تحصیل گڑھی ڈوپٹہ میں پارٹی کارکنان سے خطاب کررہے ہیں۔ https://t.co/znQ4O2ruVa — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) July 29, 2026 “If my worker is killed, how can I remain silent?” he asked, saying he had the right to raise his voice for the rights of PPP workers and the people. Bilawal said the political crisis in AJK could be resolved through democratic means and called for the people’s mandate to be respected. He alleged that polling had been interfered with at around 30 polling stations and claimed that the PPP was given four seats instead of the eight it expected. He further alleged that rigging had taken place in Kotli and claimed that votes were “stolen at gunpoint”. Bilawal demanded that AJK voters be allowed to exercise their democratic right freely, saying any attempt to undermine the electoral process was unacceptable. READ: PML-N secures strong lead in AJK polls, wins 9 of 13 seats in Mirpur as unofficial results pour in Calling on the people of AJK to participate fully in the remaining phases of the elections, he urged voters to elect their representatives through the ballot. He reiterated that the PPP believed in democracy, the sanctity of the vote and respect for the public mandate. Bilawal’s remarks came amid heightened political tensions following the first phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections in Mirpur Division, where the PML-N emerged as the leading party while the PPP alleged irregularities in the electoral process. PPP AJK President Chaudhry Yasin, AJK Prime Minister Faisal Rathore, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Nadeem Afzal Chan and Nabila Ayub were also present.

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NCCIA summons journalist Asad Toor under Peca for alleged dissemination of 'fake info'

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency on Wednesday issued a notice to renowned journalist Asad Ali Toor, directing him to appear before the agency in connection with an inquiry into the alleged dissemination of "false information". According to a notice issued by the NCCIA Cybercrime Reporting Centre, and also shared by the journalist on his X account, Toor was summoned under Section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in connection with the inquiry. The inquiry pertained to the alleged dissemination of false or fake information under Section 26A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), 2016. 🚨🚨@NCCIAOFFICIAL summoned me on this Friday, 31 July 2026 on the complaint of the state. چشم نم جان شوریدہ کافی نہیں تہمت عشق پوشیدہ کافی نہیں آج بازار میں پا بہ جولاں چلو دست افشاں چلو مست و رقصاں چلو خاک بر سر چلو خوں بداماں چلو راہ تکتا ہے سب شہر جاناں چلو حاکم شہر بھی… pic.twitter.com/bUFJtXxS9N — Asad Ali Toor (@AsadAToor) July 29, 2026 The notice stated that the NCCIA was conducting an inquiry into the matter and identified the complainant as "Through State", which was registered on Tuesday. According to the notice, the allegations relate to the "alleged dissemination, transmission and/or public exhibition of false/fake information". The agency directed the journalist to appear in person at the NCCIA Cybercrime Reporting Centre on Saturday to record his version in the inquiry, while warning that failure to appear without lawful excuse would be deemed an unwillingness to offer a defence and the inquiry would proceed ex parte. It further warned that non-compliance with the notice was punishable under Section 174 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), 1860. The National Press Club (NPC) strongly condemned the notice, describing it as "a disturbing example of an attempt to pressure the fundamental rights of press freedom and freedom of expression". In a statement, the NPC said that the Constitution guaranteed every citizen, particularly journalists, the right to freedom of expression and to perform their professional duties. 🚨🚨 Humbled, national press club of #Islamabad condemn @NCCIAOFFICIAL summons to me and demands withdrawal of the summons. pic.twitter.com/vO7m6eOKXl — Asad Ali Toor (@AsadAToor) July 29, 2026 "Subjecting journalists to legal pressure and retaliatory action for carrying out their professional responsibilities or expressing critical opinions is not a positive sign for any democratic society," it added. The NPC leadership urged institutions to refrain from exerting unnecessary pressure on journalists and to fulfil their responsibilities in accordance with the law, the Constitution and fundamental human rights. " A free, responsible and secure press is the foundation of a strong democratic system," the statement said while demanding an immediate withdrawal of the notice issued to the journalist. "We demand that the notice issued to Asad Ali Toor be withdrawn, that the constitutional and legal rights of journalists be fully respected, and that the authorities refrain from taking measures that could curtail press freedom or create a sense of insecurity among the journalistic community," the statement concluded.  

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Water shortage grips cantt areas

Residents of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) and Chaklala Cantonment Board (CCB) areas are facing an acute water crisis, with a widening supply shortfall, declining groundwater yields and reduced inflows from Khanpur Dam leaving thousands of households struggling to meet their daily water needs. The crisis has intensified despite a substantial increase in water charges by the cantonment authorities. The annual water supply bill for a five-marla residential property has been raised from Rs8,400 to Rs14,400, while residents say the quantity of water supplied has continued to decline. According to officials and local representatives, water supply from Khanpur Dam has fallen from the allocated 19 million gallons per day (MGD) to only 11 MGD, while the discharge from tube wells has declined significantly due to falling groundwater levels. As a result, the combined daily water shortfall in the two cantonment jurisdictions has reached 41.64 MGD, with many tube wells no longer producing sufficient water. Residents across the cantonment areas complain that water is now supplied only on alternate days for 25 to 30 minutes. In Rawalpindi Cantonment, the daily water demand stands at 50 MGD, while only 12.78 MGD is currently available, resulting in a daily shortfall of 37.22 MGD. Residents of densely populated neighbourhoods, including Mughalabad and Azizabad, said the worsening shortage had made daily life increasingly difficult. They complained that despite receiving water for barely half the month, they continue to be billed for a full month's supply. Former RCB Vice-President Malik Munir Ahmed said the cantonment was entitled to receive 19 MGD from Khanpur Dam but was currently receiving only 11 MGD. He alleged that a considerable quantity of stored water was being lost through seepage, exacerbating the already critical situation. Responding to the concerns, RCB Chief Engineer Ateequr Rehman Chaudhry said efforts were under way to improve the water supply system. He explained that the alternate-day supply schedule had been introduced to allow sufficient storage so that water could be distributed more evenly across all localities. The situation is equally alarming in the CCB, where the water supply system in all 10 wards has come under severe strain. Against a daily demand of 10.12 MGD, only 5.92 MGD is available, resulting in a daily shortfall of 4.2 MGD. Residents of Kamalabad, Jhawara, Tahli Mohri and adjoining localities said the prolonged shortage had forced them to purchase expensive private water tankers. They claimed repeated complaints lodged with the CCB had failed to produce any lasting solution.

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Kuwait's foreign minister arrives in Pakistan for bilateral talks

Kuwait's Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday on a two-day official visit to hold bilateral talks. According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Sheikh Jarrah arrived in Islamabad at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Upon his arrival at Islamabad International Airport, the Kuwaiti foreign minister was received by Zahid Hussain, Additional Secretary for the Middle East at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “During the visit, the two sides will hold talks covering the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest,” the statement said. H.E. Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, arrived in Islamabad today on an official visit at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50. Upon arrival at Islamabad… pic.twitter.com/7sOY6qtx22 — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 28, 2026 The Foreign Office said the visit reflected the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Kuwait, anchored in shared history, mutual trust and close cooperation. The visit comes in the backdrop of renewed attacks on Kuwait and other Gulf Cooperation Council states by Iran as part of the recent escalation of the conflict. Earlier, Kuwait came under sustained attack, with the armed forces saying they had intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles and drones, and that several firefighters and oil sector workers had been injured while responding to the attacks. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had struck a US military support centre at Kuwait's Camp Arifjan and destroyed a radar facility at Ali Al Salem Air Base. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation later said one of its oil facilities had been hit in "repeated Iranian attacks", causing significant damage and some injuries, according to the state news agency.

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Govt announces Rs1.63 increase in petrol, Rs1.55 in diesel price for July 29

The federal government on Tuesday increased the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs1.63 and Rs1.55 per litre, respectively, a day after reducing the petrol price. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum, the price of petrol has been fixed at Rs335.81 per litre, while HSD will now cost Rs388.38 per litre with effect from July 29. The latest revision comes a day after the government reduced the price of petrol by Re1 per litre, while increasing the price of high-speed diesel by Rs3.37 per litre. Read: Govt decreases petrol price by Re1, increases HSD price by Rs3.37 for July 28 On July 17, the government introduced a daily fuel price review mechanism amid volatility in global oil prices following renewed hostilities in the Middle East. The daily fuel prices are based on a seven-day average of international market rates to align with international standards. Oil prices spiked to $100 a barrel for the first time since May last week on July 23, major tech giants knocked US stocks lower, and Europe's borrowing costs spiked to long-term highs in an unsettling day across markets. Brent crude jumped 6% to $100.50 a barrel following attacks on tankers in the Red Sea that choked off a second crucial Middle East artery for global oil supplies alongside Iran's near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz. It marked the first time the international oil benchmark had hit that level since late May as the US-Iran war has heated up again.  

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Kuwait foreign minister to visit Pakistan from July 28 to 29

Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah will undertake an official visit to Pakistan from July 28 to 29 at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, the Foreign Office said on Monday. According to an official statement, the visiting dignitary will "hold talks with Ishaq Dar during his stay, with both sides expected to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and discuss regional and international developments of mutual interest". The statement added that the Kuwaiti foreign minister is also scheduled to call on Pakistan’s leadership as part of his official engagements. 🔈 PR No. 1️⃣9️⃣0️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ Curtain Raiser: Visit of the Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait to Pakistan (28–29 July 2026) 🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/xi5FJ70s2s — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 27, 2026 The Foreign Office said the visit "reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Kuwait to further strengthen their longstanding partnership and expand cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries". The visit comes in the backdrop of renewed attacks on Kuwait and other Gulf Cooperation Council states by Iran as part of the recent escalation of the conflict. READ: Iran renews attacks on Gulf states after another night of US strikes Earlier, Kuwait came under sustained attack, with the armed forces saying they had intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles and drones, and that several firefighters and oil sector workers had been injured while responding to the attacks. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had struck a US military support centre at Kuwait's Camp Arifjan and destroyed a radar facility at Ali Al Salem Air Base. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation later said one of its oil facilities had been hit in "repeated Iranian attacks", causing significant damage and some injuries, according to the state news agency.

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