The family of Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) Central Executive Member and spokesperson Mansoor Ahmed Hab has alleged that a group of armed, masked men raided their former residence in Larkana, Sindh, issuing threats and demanding that the exiled activist end his political activities.
The JSFM said the incident occurred at around 11 PM at the family's previous home in CMC Old Staff Colony, Larkana. According to relatives, around 10 to 12 unidentified men with covered faces entered the property, searched the premises, intimidated those present, and subjected them to psychological harassment.
Hab's father stated that the intruders realized the family had relocated from the house some time ago. Before leaving, they allegedly instructed the current occupants to pass a message to Mansoor Ahmed Hab, who is living in London, warning him to discontinue what they described as political activities "against our policies."
The family further alleged that the men threatened serious repercussions for all family members if Hab continued his activism. They also reportedly claimed that Hab's cousin, Muhammad Ayoub Hab, was already in their custody and warned that they could act against the entire family without the need for any legal warrant. Following the alleged incident, the family said they have been living in fear and under significant psychological stress. They believe they are being targeted because of Mansoor Ahmed Hab's peaceful political advocacy and his support for the rights of the Sindhi community.
The family also voiced concern over the whereabouts of Muhammad Ayoub Hab, who they claim was forcibly taken from Karachi's Gulistan-e-Jauhar area on June 9, 2026. According to relatives, he has been associated with the JSFM for the past three years, and his location remains unknown, fueling concerns about an alleged enforced disappearance.
The family has urged international human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), and the United Nations, to examine the allegations and take steps to ensure the safety of Mansoor Ahmed Hab and his relatives.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Persistent monsoon showers continue to affect Himachal Pradesh, disrupting daily life and damaging public infrastructure in multiple districts. The latest update released by the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) on Thursday indicates that the impact of the ongoing rainfall has worsened over the last 24 hours, with more roads blocked, increased power outages, and additional weather-related incidents.
According to the SEOC, 46 roads across the state are currently inaccessible, compared to 35 reported on Wednesday evening. Kullu remains the most severely affected district, where 18 roads have been closed due to landslides and heavy rainfall. Mandi follows with 13 blocked roads, creating difficulties for commuters and emergency services.
The state's electricity network has also taken a significant hit. The number of non-functional Distribution Transformer Regions (DTRs) has climbed to 181 from 127 recorded a day earlier. Mandi has suffered the greatest disruption, with 122 transformers out of service, resulting in prolonged power cuts in several localities.
Water supply has also been affected. Six drinking water schemes have been disrupted, all located in the Jhandutta subdivision of Bilaspur district. Restoration work is currently underway to resume normal supply to the affected areas. The ongoing monsoon has also led to loss of life. Seasonal records show four weather-related deaths so far, with Kangra district accounting for three fatalities caused by incidents including electrocution, a fall, and another rain-linked mishap. Mandi district reported one death following a fall.
Two people have died in separate road accidents during the monsoon season, with one case each reported from Kinnaur and Mandi districts. Officials estimate that the cumulative financial losses from the ongoing rains have reached approximately Rs 44.40 lakh. Mandi has recorded the highest damage at around Rs 24 lakh, while Kangra has reported losses of nearly Rs 16 lakh.
Government departments and emergency response teams continue to work on reopening blocked roads, restoring electricity, and repairing damaged water supply systems. Authorities have advised both residents and visitors to remain alert, avoid travel through landslide-prone areas unless necessary, and closely follow official weather updates, as more rainfall is forecast in several parts of the state.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Actor Josh Brolin has shared that he seriously considered leaving Ridley Scott's upcoming post-apocalyptic film The Dog Stars after just a single day on set, saying he initially found the director's filmmaking approach overwhelming. In an interview with People, Brolin explained that Scott's preference for filming with minimal rehearsal made him feel uneasy at the start of production. Accustomed to a different process, the actor admitted he became anxious and even contacted his agent, saying he wanted to quit because something "felt wrong."
Brolin's longtime agent encouraged him not to make a snap decision and suggested he wait before walking away from the project. Everything changed after Scott invited Brolin into his trailer to review footage from a scene he had just filmed alongside co-star Jacob Elordi. Watching the completed sequence reassured the actor, who realized Scott's unconventional style was producing impressive results. That moment helped him gain confidence and embrace the director's creative process.
Although Brolin had previously collaborated with Scott on American Gangster, he said it still took him a couple of days to adjust to the filmmaker's fast-moving, multi-camera method. Once he adapted, he found the experience both exhilarating and creatively rewarding. Brolin described The Dog Stars as one of the most fulfilling projects of his career. He noted that while he had always wanted to challenge himself with more ambitious roles, his initial reaction was to resist the very opportunity he had been seeking.
Directed by Ridley Scott, The Dog Stars is based on Peter Heller's bestselling novel and features a screenplay by Mark L. Smith. The cast includes Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, Benedict Wong, Allison Janney, and Josh Brolin. The story follows Hig, a civilian pilot portrayed by Elordi, who survives in a post-apocalyptic world until a mysterious radio signal inspires him to embark on a dangerous journey in search of hope. Brolin is also set to appear in Whalefall and will return as Gurney Halleck in Dune: Part Three. The Dog Stars is currently scheduled to arrive in theatres on August 28.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Insta/@ joshbrolin.
Baloch activist Aomar Karim has begun a peaceful hunger strike outside 10 Downing Street in London, urging the international community to pay closer attention to the human rights situation in Pakistan's Balochistan region. The protest is aimed at highlighting what Karim describes as an ongoing crackdown on Baloch political activists.
In a message shared on X, Karim announced that the demonstration started on Thursday and would continue until 6:30 PM on Friday, 3 July. He said the hunger strike is an act of solidarity with the people of Balochistan and is intended to draw global attention to their concerns. Karim said the immediate trigger for the protest was the reported sentencing of Baloch rights campaigners Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shahji to life imprisonment. He also pointed to the continued detention of Beebow Baloch, Bebarg Zehri, and Gulzadi Baloch, describing these cases as examples of what he believes are serious human rights violations.
Karim argued that such developments should not be overlooked and called for greater international awareness of the challenges faced by Baloch activists. He maintained that his protest seeks to encourage governments and rights groups to take notice of the situation. The activist said he plans to remain outside the British Prime Minister's official residence throughout Thursday and Friday before relocating the demonstration to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on King Charles Street later on Friday.
Karim also appealed to journalists, Members of Parliament, human rights organisations, members of the Baloch diaspora, and supporters of the cause to participate in the protest. He urged people to stand in solidarity with the Baloch community, saying that every show of support helps increase international attention.
Balochistan has for years been the focus of allegations involving enforced disappearances, prolonged detentions, and targeted killings. Human rights groups have repeatedly expressed concern over reports that some individuals disappear for extended periods, while others are later found dead or remain in custody without transparent legal proceedings. Critics argue that these issues have deepened public distrust, increased insecurity, and complicated efforts to promote stability, justice, and accountability in the region.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Russia launched a large-scale overnight missile and drone attack on Kyiv, killing at least 11 people and injuring more than 50, including two children. The strikes damaged residential buildings and civilian infrastructure across multiple districts, with emergency teams continuing rescue operations. Ukrainian officials said the assault involved ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, forcing residents to take shelter in metro stations. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged allies to speed up deliveries of air defense systems, warning the death toll could rise. The attack comes amid an increase in Russian strikes on Kyiv and follows Ukraine's long-range drone attacks on Russian military and energy facilities. Authorities also reported damage in several areas surrounding the capital, with three people injured in the Bucha district.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
On the 2 July episode of Open For Business, Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman sit down with Lorraine Tan, Morningstar's Director of Equity Research for Asia, for an in-depth analysis of the markets.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
In a world increasingly dominated by digital wallets and quick online payments, cash is often viewed as outdated. Yet, for many people — from elderly citizens concerned about digital scams to families making everyday purchases at hawker centres — physical money remains a dependable and familiar way to pay. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman explore the importance of creating a payment ecosystem that remains accessible and inclusive for all. They speak with Wong Wanyi, FinTech Leader at PwC Singapore, about the role of cash in a rapidly changing financial landscape.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Reged Ahmad and Jonathan Yerushalmy return after a brief pause with a new episode exploring the shifting negotiations aimed at ending the Iran war, and why Donald Trump says the responsibility for reaching a deal now rests with his vice-president. Jonathan also examines the latest Kennedy family member entering the political arena, questioning whether voters are losing interest in political dynasties. He also looks at whether Trump’s planned reflection pool will be completed before the 4 July celebrations.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
As AI continues to evolve, cyber risks are becoming a major business challenge rather than just a technical problem. The Five Eyes alliance warns that advanced AI models could transform the cyber threat landscape faster than anticipated. With AI being used for both attacks and defense, the question remains: who is ahead in this new automated cyber battle? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman explore this with Jayant Dave, Chief Information Security Officer at Check Point Software Technologies.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
