K-P CM Afridi vows peace, uplift as Hazara tourism gets major push

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi directed authorities on Friday to identify and develop new tourist destinations in Kolai-Palas and Allai to unlock the immense tourism potential of Hazara Division. Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Chief Minister’s House, CM Afridi reviewed progress on development initiatives, law and order, governance, public service delivery, and grievance redressal across the division. He stressed that tourism promotion remains a top strategic priority of the provincial government. The meeting was informed that Rs500 million has been earmarked under the Khushhal Hazara Package specifically for tourism development projects. CM Afridi instructed concerned departments to ensure high-quality facilities and hospitality for both domestic and international tourists, noting that “tourists serve as ambassadors of the province’s positive image.” He also directed the formulation of dedicated traffic management plans to ensure smooth movement in major tourist destinations during peak seasons. To address longstanding local issues, the CM ordered the constitution of a commission for the permanent resolution of the boundary dispute between Chor Mali Valley and Baleej Valley in Kolai-Palas and Battagram districts. He called for immediate initiation of necessary legal and administrative processes. The meeting also reviewed monsoon preparedness, with the CM directing all departments to remain on high alert and fully operationalise contingency plans to respond effectively to any emergency. Highlighting the importance of responsive governance, CM Afridi directed district administrations to further strengthen public engagement. He instructed that elected representatives be actively involved in Khuli Kacheries and other outreach initiatives for timely resolution of public complaints. “We will measure our performance not through presentations, but through public satisfaction. The current fiscal year will be a year of peace, development and prosperity,” the chief minister remarked. He also announced an enhanced police budget to strengthen law and order and public safety across the province. Briefing the meeting, officials informed that 139 development schemes are currently under implementation in Hazara Division under the Provincial Annual Development Programme, with substantial funds already utilised. Out of 2,111 complaints registered through the Pakistan Citizen Portal, 1,879 have been successfully resolved. Under the Open Door Policy, more than 100 Khuli Kacheries have been conducted to strengthen direct public engagement. Significant progress was also reported in land records digitisation: fully completed in Abbottabad and Battagram, 97 per cent in Haripur, and 90 per cent in Mansehra. Additionally, 20 Police Facilitation Centres are operational in the division, with six more under construction. The chief minister directed all departments to ensure timely and accountable implementation of the decisions taken in the meeting. He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to delivering responsive governance, efficient public services, sustainable development, and a peaceful environment. The K-P Assembly speaker, elected representatives from Hazara Division, chief secretary, police chief and other senior officers attended the meeting.

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IHC restrains NHA from collecting 50pc additional toll on M-Tag violations

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday restrained the National Highway Authority (NHA) from collecting an additional 50% from motorists travelling without an M-Tag or with insufficient M-Tag balance, suspending the authority's notification until the next hearing on August 3. The court also issued notices to the NHA, the Ministry of Communications and other respondents, seeking their replies. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir passed the interim order after conducting a preliminary hearing on a petition filed by Advocate Muhammad Jalal Haider. Read: SCBAP to challenge NHA’s ‘extortion’ via toll tax hikes The NHA had announced a 50% increase in toll charges for vehicles without an M-Tag or with insufficient M-Tag balance, effective from June 15, 2025, as part of its plan to implement a 100pc M-Tag system across the country's motorways. The petition named the NHA, the Ministry of Communications and other parties as respondents, requesting the court to declare the additional charge illegal and order the authorities to refund the amount collected from the public under the penalty. According to the petition, the NHA issued a notification on May 30, 2025, imposing an additional 50% toll, described as a penalty, on vehicles travelling without an M-Tag or with insufficient M-Tag balance. The petitioner argued that Section 10 of the NHA Act authorised the authority only to collect toll tax and contained no provision allowing it to impose penalties on either non-M-Tag vehicles or those with low M-Tag balances. The petition contended that the NHA was recovering the additional amount without any legal authority. It requested the court to declare the May 30 notification unconstitutional and void, direct the NHA to refund all additional amounts collected under the notification, and seek details of the mechanism governing M-Tag balances and its implementation.

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Lahore police arrests 4 suspects for kidnapping, sexual assault of two foreign women

Lahore police on Thursday rescued two foreign women within hours of receiving an emergency complaint, arrested four suspects and launched an investigation into allegations of kidnapping, ransom demands and sexual assault. A first information report (FIR) was registered today at the Defence C Police Station under Sections 365A (kidnapping) and 375A (rape) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) on one of the victims' complaint. Read: Two held in student's rape, murder case She said that the women travelled to Pakistan after being invited by an acquaintance they had met in Singapore in October 2025. She added that on June 29, they were abducted by the acquaintance and four accomplices, who demanded money for their release. The complaint further contained allegations of repeated sexual assault, threats with weapons, physical abuse and extortion. A statement from the Lahore police said an emergency call was received through the Punjab Emergency Helpline after the father of one of the women, who was in the Netherlands, reported the alleged kidnapping. Following directions from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Lahore police launched an operation, using Safe City surveillance to trace the suspects. The statement added that the two women were recovered within approximately two hours, while four suspects were arrested. Police said raids were continuing to apprehend the remaining suspects. Also Read: Two women allegedly gang raped in Lahore, four suspects arrested Investigators said the victims had undergone medical examinations and that further legal proceedings would be conducted in light of forensic and other evidence collected during the investigation. Lahore Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Faisal Kamran said all those found involved in the case would be brought to justice and reiterated that crimes against women would be dealt with without compromise. Reports circulating on social media alleged that one of the suspects was related to an influential political figure. However, the police did not comment on the claim and no such relationship was mentioned in the FIR or police statement.

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PTA warns of intermittent internet issues after submarine cable fault

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said on Thursday that it was monitoring disruption to internet traffic caused by a fault in the SEA-ME-WE 5 (SMW5) international submarine cable system, warning that some users may experience intermittent degradation in internet services. In a statement, the PTA said the fault could result in periodic deterioration in service quality and connectivity for some internet users. "The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority is continuously monitoring the disruption in internet traffic caused by a fault in the SEA-ME-WE 5 (SMW5) international submarine cable system. As a result of the fault, some internet users may experience intermittent degradation in service quality and connectivity," the statement said. The regulator said Transworld Associates (TWA) was working with the SMW5 consortium to identify the root cause of the fault and determine the estimated time for service restoration (ETTR). Meanwhile, internet traffic was being rerouted through alternative international links to minimise disruption and ensure continuity of services. "PTA remains in constant contact with the relevant stakeholders and continues to closely monitor the situation to ensure the earliest possible restoration of internet services across the country," the statement concluded.

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Momina Iqbal case: Lahore court extends interim bail of PML-N MPA Chadhar, wife up to July 13

A sessions court in Lahore on Thursday extended the interim bail of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Saqib Chadhar and his wife Samaira until July 13 in a case involving allegations of harassment and death threats against actress Momina Iqbal. The case was registered on June 4 by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over a complaint filed by Momina. According to the first information report (FIR), Chadhar and his wife were accused of engaging in a sustained campaign of cyber harassment, stalking, intimidation and blackmail against the actor. The hearing was conducted by Additional District and Sessions Judge Nusrat Ali Siddiqui, who granted the extension and provided Samaira another opportunity to join the investigation. During the hearing, the investigating officer (IO) submitted a progress report to the court, stating that the MPA’s wife had not yet joined the investigation despite repeated directions by the court. Read: Actor Momina Iqbal appeals to CM Maryam for justice after receiving 'death threats' The IO informed the judge that the mobile phones of the suspects had been sent for forensic examination, and additional time was required for a detailed probe. The court is expected to resume proceedings on July 13 to review the status of the investigation as well as compliance with the court's directions. On June 5, the sessions court in Lahore granted interim pre-arrest bail to Chadhar and restrained authorities from arresting him until June 24. The cyber harassment case Momina, on May 20, took to social media, claiming that she had been facing online harassment, cyberbullying, and death threats for a long time. She alleged that she and her family had endured severe mental stress and trauma due to the individual involved. In a message shared on her Instagram story, Momina, without naming anyone, alleged that an MPA associated with the PML-N had been issuing threats to her for an extended period. She added that she had repeatedly reported the matter to the NCCIA and the Federal Investigation Agency, but no action was taken. The actor appealed to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, saying she believed the chief minister "will take unbiased and lawful action against anyone found involved in abuse of power or obstruction of justice". Three days later, the actor filed a formal complaint with the Lahore police, accusing Chadhar and his alleged accomplices of cyber harassment, criminal intimidation, blackmail, defamatory campaigns and interference in her marriage. According to a copy of the complaint submitted to police on May 22, the actor alleged that Chadhar had subjected her to “continuous harassment, death threats, and psychological torture” after she rejected his marriage proposal and ended ties with him in 2022. The application, filed at the Chung Police Station, stated that the suspect allegedly used threatening calls, WhatsApp messages, fake social media activity, and AI-generated images to intimidate the actor and damage her reputation ahead of her upcoming marriage. The complaint further alleged that the suspect repeatedly threatened to kill her if she refused to marry him. One of the alleged messages cited in the application stated: “Don’t force me … even your dead body will not be found.” The actor also alleged that during a meeting at Pearl Continental Hotel Lahore in December 2024, the suspect again threatened her, warning that she would be killed if she married someone else. According to the complaint, the situation escalated earlier this month after the actor’s engagement was finalised. The application claimed that explicit and AI-edited photographs were sent to her WhatsApp number from unknown contacts in an attempt to blackmail her and sabotage the marriage. Read more: Momina sends Rs190m legal notice to religious scholar over 'derogatory remarks' The complaint stated that similar material was also sent to her sister, while threatening calls were allegedly made to members of her fiancé’s family. Momina further alleged that her fiancé, currently residing in Karachi, also received repeated calls and threatening messages from unidentified numbers and social media accounts linked to the accused. The application accused the lawmaker of using political influence and connections within the ruling party to pressure the actor and obstruct action on previous complaints. She requested the police to register a criminal case against the lawmaker, his wife and other alleged facilitators, provide security to her family, and initiate immediate legal proceedings. Responding to Iqbal's previous call for help, CM Maryam said the matter involving a PML-N MPA and a prominent media personality was “a personal issue” and would be addressed strictly on merit and in accordance with the law. The chief minister further warned against any attempt to exert pressure or misuse influence through threats of releasing personal content, saying any such action would be met with firm and uncompromising action.

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5 tourists killed after boat capsizes in Swat's Saifullah Lake

At least five tourists were killed after a boat capsized in Saifullah Lake in the Kalam area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Swat district on Wednesday, police said, while rescue teams continued searching for the remaining missing passengers. Police initially said the boat was carrying seven people, including the boatman. However, officials later said eight members of the same family were on board when the accident occurred. Swat District Police Officer Mohammad Omar Khan said five bodies had been recovered from the Mahodand area and that rescue teams, police, and local volunteers were continuing search efforts for the remaining missing persons. Read: Foreign tourists' boat capsizes due to rough seas According to the police, the boatman was rescued with serious injuries and taken to the hospital for treatment. K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed grief over the incident, describing the boat accident as "deeply tragic and heartbreaking". While extending condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the departed souls, he urged the relevant authorities to make the rescue operation more effective and continue the search without interruption until all the missing persons were located. The governor also called for strict enforcement of safety measures and boating regulations at tourist destinations. K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the incident and sought an immediate report from the relevant administration. Also Read: Nine die as rescue boat capsizes in Bahawalnagar He directed that action be taken against those responsible if negligence or lapses were established. The chief minister said the provincial government stood with the affected families during the difficult time. He also directed rescue authorities to continue search and relief operations with full responsibility and urgency to recover a missing girl.

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CTD opens five fronts in Karachi Rangers attack probe

Five cases have been registered by the Sindh Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in connection with the terrorist attack on a Rangers transport company in Karachi's Gulistan-e-Jauhar, in which three Rangers personnel were martyred. Investigators said an arrested terrorist claimed the attackers belonged to the banned Jamaat-ul-Ahrar outfit and revealed details of the alleged planning, facilitators, and commanders behind the assault. The main case was registered on the complaint of an officer posted at the Rangers Transport Company (TC) Workshop. According to the complainant, around 8pm on June 27, a suicide bomber detonated himself at the workshop's main gate, martyring three Rangers personnel stationed there on the spot. Read: Rangers foil attack on Karachi camp, three soldiers martyred The complaint stated that as Rangers personnel moved forward following the blast, three armed terrorists carrying automatic weapons entered the premises, opened indiscriminate fire and hurled hand grenades during the attack. The complainant said he and other Rangers personnel engaged the attackers, while the Rangers Special Force and Quick Response Force (QRF) also reached the scene. According to the first information report, security personnel responded with official submachine guns (SMGs), killing two terrorists, while a third attacker was wounded and captured alive by Rangers personnel. Local police also arrived at the scene shortly afterwards. The arrested terrorist identified himself as Usman alias Ali. An SMG, ammunition, and a hand grenade were recovered from his possession. During interrogation, the suspect identified his deceased accomplices as Umar, Abdul Hadi, and suicide bomber Janan. Investigators recovered an SMG, ammunition, and magazines from Umar's body, while Abdul Hadi was carrying an SMG, a double magazine, and 16 rounds of ammunition. Police also recovered 43 spent SMG shell casings and seized an unexploded hand grenade from the scene. The Bomb Disposal Squad was called in, while the attack caused extensive damage to government property and vehicles. Also Read: Pakistan summons Afghan envoy over terrorist attack on Rangers camp in Karachi The martyred and injured Rangers personnel were taken to the hospital immediately after the attack. The arrested terrorist was later transported to the hospital by ambulance for medical treatment. During interrogation, the suspect told investigators that he was from Jalalabad, Afghanistan. He claimed that Janan and Umar were also Afghan nationals, while Abdul Hadi was a Pakistani citizen from Bajaur who had long been associated with a terrorist organisation in Afghanistan and had arrived in Karachi a week before the attack. According to the investigation, the attackers stayed at a temporary safe house in Korangi with the assistance of local facilitators. They carried out reconnaissance of the Rangers' workshop before launching the assault. The suspect claimed that all four attackers belonged to the banned Jamaat-ul-Ahrar organisation operating from Afghanistan. He alleged that commanders Umar Qari, Maulvi Ahrar, and Abdul Wajid dispatched them to Pakistan to carry out the attack. He further claimed that the commanders instructed the group to inflict maximum casualties on Rangers personnel and disrupt peace and security. The suspect also alleged that Afghanistan-based members of the organisation — Mullah Tahir Afghani, Mullah Abdul Mannan and Umar Afridi — provided training for the attack. The remaining four cases related to the attack were registered based on a complaint by a police officer. Crackdown on 'illegal' Afghan residents intensifies Meanwhile, the crackdown against Afghan nationals residing illegally in Karachi's Malir district intensified, with police arresting five Afghan nationals allegedly living unlawfully in a warehouse and booking the property's owner for providing them with accommodation. Quaidabad police conducted an operation near Khyber Gali, the Plastic Warehouse, and Sher Pao Colony, where they detained six individuals, including five Afghan nationals. Read More: Terrorists must not be called 'militants': Tarar The arrested individuals were identified as Abdul Hadi, Ayaz, Ehsanullah, Yaseen, Mohammad Akbar, and Hassan Nawab. Police said one of those arrested was the owner of the warehouse where the Afghan nationals were allegedly staying. A case has been registered against the five Afghan nationals under Section 14-D of the Foreigners Act. A separate case has also been registered against the warehouse owner under Section 11 of the Sindh Temporary Residence Act for allegedly providing accommodation to undocumented foreign nationals.

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