Quetta protesters block Airport Road after deadly Hanna Urak clash kills four

Protesters continued to block Quetta's Airport Road outside BA Mall on Monday after a deadly armed clash in the Hanna Urak area left four men dead and several others injured, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible and stronger security measures. The demonstrators placed the body of the deceased on the road and staged a sit-in, which is still going on, disrupting traffic on one of the city's busiest routes. They insisted they would continue their protest until authorities took concrete action against the attackers. According to local sources, the violence erupted when unidentified armed men reportedly confronted local tribesmen and residents in Hanna Urak. The incident sparked outrage among residents, who accused authorities of failing to maintain law and order in the area. Protesters called for a full-scale operation against armed groups and demanded lasting security arrangements to prevent further attacks. Read More: Armed clash near Quetta leaves four dead, seven injured Political leaders and key government officials, including Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, later visited the injured and affected families, as well as members of the local community. Expressing solidarity with the residents, they condemned the violence and said innocent people should not be forced to live under the constant threat of armed attacks. They assured the community that their concerns would be raised with the relevant authorities and pledged to support efforts aimed at improving security and bringing those responsible for the attack to justice. The protest is still going on, and officials are continually holding negotiations with demonstrators to reopen Airport Road and restore normal traffic flow.

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Lahore municipal body faces allegations after video shows dead stray dogs near Ring Road

Another alleged incident involving the killing of stray dogs by the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore has surfaced after a new video emerged showing the carcasses of stray dogs being transported near Harbanspura Ring Road. The video purportedly shows the dead dogs being loaded onto vehicles associated with the Punjab Chief Minister's Suthra Punjab programme. It also alleges that vehicles assigned to the cleanliness initiative were used to transport the animals. In the footage, a citizen can be heard questioning an official about a court ban on killing stray dogs. The official allegedly responds that there is "no ban" and that "the government is carrying it out." The video has surfaced despite directions issued by the Lahore High Court requiring the Punjab government to implement the Punjab Animal Birth Control (TNVR) Policy 2021. During court proceedings, government officials assured the court that stray dogs would not be culled and would instead be managed under the policy through the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (TNVR) programme. The court also warned that any violation of its orders could lead to contempt of court proceedings. Read More: Dog bites surge across the city The Punjab government introduced the TNVR Policy in 2021 as a humane approach to controlling the stray dog population. Under the policy, stray dogs are to be captured, sterilised, vaccinated against rabies and released back into the same locality. Animal welfare organisations have repeatedly alleged that stray dogs continue to be killed in Lahore and other parts of Punjab despite the court's directions and the government's stated policy. The relevant authorities, however, have denied such allegations on various occasions. Animal rights activists also claim that incidents of stray dogs being allegedly killed have continued to surface in several private housing societies, raising further concerns over compliance with the court's orders and the provincial government's animal control policy.

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Lahore municipal body faces allegations after video shows dead stray dogs near Ring Road

Another alleged incident involving the killing of stray dogs by the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore has surfaced after a new video emerged showing the carcasses of stray dogs being transported near Harbanspura Ring Road. The video purportedly shows the dead dogs being loaded onto vehicles associated with the Punjab Chief Minister's Suthra Punjab programme. It also alleges that vehicles assigned to the cleanliness initiative were used to transport the animals. In the footage, a citizen can be heard questioning an official about a court ban on killing stray dogs. The official allegedly responds that there is "no ban" and that "the government is carrying it out." The video has surfaced despite directions issued by the Lahore High Court requiring the Punjab government to implement the Punjab Animal Birth Control (TNVR) Policy 2021. During court proceedings, government officials assured the court that stray dogs would not be culled and would instead be managed under the policy through the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (TNVR) programme. The court also warned that any violation of its orders could lead to contempt of court proceedings. Read More: Dog bites surge across the city The Punjab government introduced the TNVR Policy in 2021 as a humane approach to controlling the stray dog population. Under the policy, stray dogs are to be captured, sterilised, vaccinated against rabies and released back into the same locality. Animal welfare organisations have repeatedly alleged that stray dogs continue to be killed in Lahore and other parts of Punjab despite the court's directions and the government's stated policy. The relevant authorities, however, have denied such allegations on various occasions. Animal rights activists also claim that incidents of stray dogs being allegedly killed have continued to surface in several private housing societies, raising further concerns over compliance with the court's orders and the provincial government's animal control policy.

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CCTV ordered in shops to curb child abuse

In a move aimed at preventing child sexual abuse and improving public safety, Faisalabad police have directed all shopkeepers, departmental stores, wholesale markets, shopping malls, and other commercial establishments across the district to install CCTV cameras within one month. According to an official order issued by City Police Officer (CPO) Tanveer Hussain, businesses that fail to comply with the directive within the stipulated time may face legal action, including the registration of criminal cases and the sealing of their premises. The decision follows a sharp rise in reported cases of child sexual abuse in the district. Official figures show that 330 cases involving the sexual abuse of minor boys and girls were reported across Faisalabad during the first six months of 2026, from January 1 to June 30. The breakdown of the cases shows: Lyallpur Town: 25 cases; Madina Town: 80 cases; Iqbal Division: 71 cases; Jaranwala Division: 82 cases; Sadar Division: 72 cases. Police records reveal that challans in 154 cases have been completed and submitted to courts, while 118 cases remain under investigation with incomplete challans. In addition, six cases were submitted to courts under Section 512 of the Criminal Procedure Code with incomplete challans. A total of 48 cases were later dismissed, according to official records. Speaking about the initiative, CPO Tanveer Hussain said the installation of CCTV cameras is intended not only to help prevent child sexual abuse but also to curb incidents of theft, robbery, and other crimes. He urged the business community to install surveillance systems without delay to avoid legal action and contribute to ensuring the safety and security of citizens and their property.

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Groundwater crisis prompts urgent action

In view of climate change, declining rainfall, and falling groundwater levels, the Punjab government has set 2030 targets for water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharge. However, officials and experts claim progress is slow, while the water crisis is worsening, especially in Lahore. According to the Climate Resilient Punjab Vision and Action Plan 2024, Punjab faces strong climate pressure from rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, urban growth, and unregulated groundwater use, leading to rapid groundwater depletion. The plan sets 2030 targets to expand rainwater storage, install recharge systems, improve flood management, and ensure efficient water use, while balancing surface and groundwater and strengthening recharge infrastructure in vulnerable areas. Lahore is cited as a key example of this crisis, where multiple studies suggest groundwater levels are dropping by up to one meter annually. Areas such as Gulberg, Shadman, and Muslim Town have been declared high-risk zones. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Lahore has launched a groundwater recharge project under which rainwater is directed back into the ground through specially constructed wells. According to a WASA spokesperson, recharge wells have been installed in Tajpura, Liberty, Qaddafi Stadium, and other locations, with expansion planned. The Punjab government has also approved 358 underground water tanks across the province, including 34 large tanks and 324 roadside tanks. Recharge wells will be constructed alongside these tanks to help restore groundwater levels. Separately, WASA Lahore has prepared a plan for 1,000 groundwater recharge wells in the city. Officials say three wells are currently operational, each capable of recharging about 8,000 gallons of water daily. Secretary Housing Punjab Noor-ul-Amin Mengal said 15 initial sites in Lahore have been selected for recharge wells, while the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) will allocate space in all parks. The Punjab Climate Resilient WASH Sector Development Plan 2025–35 states that the existing water management system is not strong enough to withstand climate stress. It warns that achieving the 2030 targets will require large-scale investment, modern water infrastructure, and improved capacity of local governments. Dr Muhammad Yasin from the Centre for Integrated Mountain Research, University pf Punjab said that while water policies are being formulated, the real issue is implementation. "Frequent changes in governments and policies damage long-term planning. Recharge wells alone are not sufficient; groundwater extraction must be controlled, surface water projects expanded, and urban planning made environmentally sustainable," said Dr Yasin. Environmental Protection Agency Punjab (EPA) Director General Imran Hamid Sheikh said the government has made rainwater harvesting systems mandatory in 23 new sectors. "Industries including poultry, fish farms, textiles, pharmaceuticals, food, and cement, as well as housing societies, hotels, marriage halls, educational institutions, and commercial buildings, must install rainwater harvesting systems, and construction approval has been linked to this requirement," claimed Sheikh. WWF Pakistan’s Freshwater Programme Director Sohail Ali Naqvi explained that climate change is increasing heatwaves, droughts, and irregular rainfall, severely impacting groundwater reserves. "Government agencies have warned temperatures in South Punjab may exceed 50 degrees Celsius, while phenomena like El Niño are disrupting the hydrological cycle, causing extreme rainfall in some areas and drought in others," noted Naqvi. He added that groundwater levels in Pakistan, especially Punjab, are declining rapidly due to excessive tube well use. With more than 1.3 million tube wells in the province, the water table is continuously falling despite reduced rainfall. Naqvi stressed that rainwater harvesting and recharge measures are essential. "The Punjab government has made water conservation mandatory for housing societies, while the Judicial Water and Environment Commission is also issuing guidelines in this regard," concluded Naqvi.

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IHC seeks jail record in Imran confinement case

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sought a detailed report and jail record from the superintendent of Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail in a case concerning allegations that former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, are being kept in solitary confinement. Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro issued the order on Saturday while hearing petitions related to the alleged solitary confinement of the PTI founder and his wife. The court directed the Adiala Jail superintendent to submit a comprehensive report explaining whether Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi had been kept in solitary confinement. If so, the report must specify why they were placed in solitary confinement, under which law, for how long, and whether the confinement amounted to a form of punishment. The IHC observed that it would decide whether the petitions were maintainable only after receiving the reports. The court also directed the jail authorities to submit details regarding the conditions in which Imran and Bushra are being kept, as well as the facilities provided to them inside the prison. It asked the superintendent to explain the extent to which the allegations of solitary confinement were accurate and to provide complete details. The court also ordered the jail authorities to explain under which legal provision the prisoners were allegedly kept in solitary confinement, for what duration and under what circumstances. The court also instructed the Inspector General of Prisons to ensure the appearance of a jail officer of superintendent rank at the next hearing along with the relevant jail records, prison registers and all related documents concerning both prisoners. It said the officer appearing before the court must be fully aware of the facts and circumstances of the case. The IHC adjourned the hearing until August 6. Last week, Aleema Khanum, a sister of Imran Khan, filed a writ petition in the IHC seeking a declaration that the prolonged solitary confinement and incommunicado detention of her brother at Adiala Jail is illegal, unconstitutional, and without lawful authority. The petition, filed under Article 199 of the Constitution through a legal team led by Barrister Salman Safdar and Advocate Salman Akram Raja, named the superintendent and deputy superintendent of Adiala Jail, the Punjab inspector general of prisons, the NAB chairman, the FIA director general, the medical superintendent of PIMS, and the state as respondents. According to the petition, Imran is serving sentences in two cases—the Al-Qadir Trust Case and the Toshakhana Bvlgari Set Case—and his appeals against both convictions, along with applications for suspension of sentence, are presently pending before the IHC. She contended that since his conviction in the Bvlgari Set Case, her brother has been subjected to "unprecedented, harsh, and rigorous solitary confinement". According to the petition, Imran is kept in isolation for approximately 22 hours a day, while his wife, Bushra Bibi, is held in solitary confinement for 24 hours daily. The petition drew particular attention to the deterioration of Imran Khan's eyesight. It stated that he has lost approximately 85% of the vision in his right eye and has been taken out of Adiala Jail on at least four occasions for injections at PIMS.

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Govt plans annual evaluation of judges, says Azam Tarar

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Saturday said the government was committed to improving legal education, strengthening the professional training of lawyers and ensuring the effective administration of justice. Addressing the inauguration of the Lawyers Education Academy at the Punjab Bar Council and a certificate distribution ceremony for successful participants of the Bar Vocational Course, the minister said work was underway on introducing a comprehensive health insurance policy for lawyers and their families. He said the federal and Punjab governments were extending full support to the welfare of the legal fraternity. Tarar said lawyers would be provided treatment for cancer, kidney, liver and heart diseases at both public and private hospitals under the proposed health scheme. He added that the Punjab government had released Rs1.35 billion in grants for bar associations and announced an additional Rs20 million for the Bar Vocational Course. The minister said the establishment of the Directorate of Legal Education at the Pakistan Bar Council was a major reform aimed at modernising legal education. He described the legal profession as a sacred responsibility and urged lawyers to strengthen their institutions and resolve disputes through institutional forums. On judicial reforms, Tarar said a seven-member committee had been constituted to ensure transparency and merit in the appointment of high court judges. The committee would interview candidates and submit its recommendations to the Judicial Commission. Questioning why high court judges should not undergo interviews when civil judges and additional sessions judges were required to pass examinations, the minister said judicial appointments must be based strictly on merit. He added that the government was introducing, for the first time, a constitutional mechanism for the annual evaluation of judges’ performance through a Judges Evaluation Committee. Under the proposed system, a Judges Evaluation Committee would review the performance of judges at the end of each year. If a judge’s performance was found unsatisfactory, the committee may send a reference to the Judicial Commission and recommend removal, he added. Read More: CJ forms panels for judicial appointments Commenting on constitutional reforms, Tarar said the 28th Constitutional Amendment would not be introduced in haste. He said that whenever the amendment was introduced, it would only be after broad consultation. He noted that the legal fraternity, including the Supreme Court Bar Association and other bar councils, had supported the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments. Punjab Bar Council Executive Committee Chairman Fakhar Hayat Awan said the Bar Vocational Course had been mandatory since 2018 and announced that the Punjab Bar Council would no longer issue licences without verification of law degrees by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). He also announced that the Bar’s Benevolent Fund had been increased from Rs300,000 to Rs600,000, pledging that there would be no compromise on the rights and welfare of lawyers. Earlier, the federal law minister inaugurated the Lawyers Education Academy and later distributed certificates among successful participants of the Bar Vocational Course. The ceremony was attended by Judicial Commission member Ahsan Bhoon, Pakistan Bar Council Vice Chairman Pir Muhammad Masood Chishti, Punjab Bar Council Vice Chairman Khawaja Qaiser Butt, senior office-bearers of the Pakistan and Punjab Bar Councils, and a large number of lawyers.

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