Lahore court grants bail to 5 suspects in manhole tragedy as complainant seeks no action

A magisterial court granted bail to five suspects in a case pertaining to the death of a mother and her infant daughter after they lost their lives falling into an open manhole near Lahore's Bhati Gate in response to the complainant's version who sought no further legal proceedings against them. The incident occurred last month near Data Darbar, where 24-year-old Sadia and her 10-month-old daughter Rida fell into an uncovered sewer line. Rescue 1122 teams recovered Sadia's body nearly six hours after the incident, while the infant's body was retrieved about 16 hours later following an extensive search operation. Sadia's husband had accused police of subjecting him to physical torture after taking him and his cousins into custody for questioning. During today's hearing, Magistrate Shafqat Abbas presided over proceedings after the police presented the suspects before the court on the expiry of their physical remand. The suspects included Project Manager Asghar Sandhu, contractor company’s CEO Salman Yasin, Site Incharge Hunzala, Ahmed Nawaz and Daniyal. Read More: Court grants four-day remand of eight suspects The deceased woman's father, Sajid Hussain, and her husband, Murtaza, also appeared before the court. They told the court that they did not want to pursue further legal action against the suspects and had no objection to their acquittal or discharge from the case. In light of the complainant’s statement, the magistrate approved the post-arrest bail applications of the suspects and directed them to furnish surety bonds of Rs50,000 each. It is worth mentioning that at the previous hearing, the defence counsel had told the court that the company’s owner voluntarily surrendered to the police and presented a cheque of Rs10 million for the aggrieved family. Following the incident, Bhati Gate Police had registered a case under Section 322 (manslaughter) of the Pakistan Penal Code on Hussain's complaint. The complainant had accused the officials of leaving the manhole uncovered, which he said directly led to the deaths. Also Read: CM Maryam orders arrests over mother, infant daughter's deaths The case initially had triggered controversy after conflicting statements emerged, with some officials questioning whether bodies could travel through the sewerage system. Confusion deepened when a Punjab government spokesperson prematurely termed the incident “fake”, a statement later contradicted by rescue findings. Scepticism further grew when family members accused Sadia’s husband of foul play, citing strained marital relations. Police detained the husband and others for questioning, but investigators later said forensic evidence, CCTV footage and rescue operation findings supported the conclusion that the deaths were accidental. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had ordered the dismissal and arrest of the suspects Read More: Woman, child die as they fall into manhole in Lahore She expressed complete lack of confidence in the performance of all responsible departments and called for immediate accountability, holding the administration, the Lahore Development Authority, the Water and Sanitation Agency and other concerned officials responsible for gross negligence.

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Lahore court grants bail to 5 suspects in manhole tragedy as complainant seeks no action

A magisterial court granted bail to five suspects in a case pertaining to the death of a mother and her infant daughter after they lost their lives falling into an open manhole near Lahore's Bhati Gate in response to the complainant's version who sought no further legal proceedings against them. The incident occurred last month near Data Darbar, where 24-year-old Sadia and her 10-month-old daughter Rida fell into an uncovered sewer line. Rescue 1122 teams recovered Sadia's body nearly six hours after the incident, while the infant's body was retrieved about 16 hours later following an extensive search operation. Sadia's husband had accused police of subjecting him to physical torture after taking him and his cousins into custody for questioning. During today's hearing, Magistrate Shafqat Abbas presided over proceedings after the police presented the suspects before the court on the expiry of their physical remand. The suspects included Project Manager Asghar Sandhu, contractor company’s CEO Salman Yasin, Site Incharge Hunzala, Ahmed Nawaz and Daniyal. Read More: Court grants four-day remand of eight suspects The deceased woman's father, Sajid Hussain, and her husband, Murtaza, also appeared before the court. They told the court that they did not want to pursue further legal action against the suspects and had no objection to their acquittal or discharge from the case. In light of the complainant’s statement, the magistrate approved the post-arrest bail applications of the suspects and directed them to furnish surety bonds of Rs50,000 each. It is worth mentioning that at the previous hearing, the defence counsel had told the court that the company’s owner voluntarily surrendered to the police and presented a cheque of Rs10 million for the aggrieved family. Following the incident, Bhati Gate Police had registered a case under Section 322 (manslaughter) of the Pakistan Penal Code on Hussain's complaint. The complainant had accused the officials of leaving the manhole uncovered, which he said directly led to the deaths. Also Read: CM Maryam orders arrests over mother, infant daughter's deaths The case initially had triggered controversy after conflicting statements emerged, with some officials questioning whether bodies could travel through the sewerage system. Confusion deepened when a Punjab government spokesperson prematurely termed the incident “fake”, a statement later contradicted by rescue findings. Scepticism further grew when family members accused Sadia’s husband of foul play, citing strained marital relations. Police detained the husband and others for questioning, but investigators later said forensic evidence, CCTV footage and rescue operation findings supported the conclusion that the deaths were accidental. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had ordered the dismissal and arrest of the suspects Read More: Woman, child die as they fall into manhole in Lahore She expressed complete lack of confidence in the performance of all responsible departments and called for immediate accountability, holding the administration, the Lahore Development Authority, the Water and Sanitation Agency and other concerned officials responsible for gross negligence.

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TTAP strike paralyses Balochistan over alleged Feb 8 poll rigging

Daily life across Quetta and several districts of Balochistan was severely disrupted on Sunday as a province-wide shutter-down and wheel-jam strike called by the opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Aain Pakistan (TTAP) was observed, leading to closed markets, blocked roads and suspended transport services. From early morning, shops, shopping centres and business hubs in the provincial capital remained shut, while public and private transport stayed off the roads. Protesters blocked major intersections and highways, cutting off traffic within the city and on routes linking Quetta to other parts of the province. Commuters faced serious difficulties as movement remained restricted throughout the day. The protest was called by TTAP against what it claims were irregularities and manipulation in the February 8, 2024, general elections. Supporters belonging to different constituent parties staged demonstrations at various locations, demanding electoral transparency and constitutional safeguards. Read: Opposition alliance sticks to Feb 8 plan Law enforcement agencies were deployed in large numbers at sensitive points to prevent unrest and ensure security. Officials confirmed that several individuals were detained during protests in different areas, though no major violence was reported. The strike disrupted business activity, educational routines and essential mobility, adding to public frustration and economic losses, as authorities continued to monitor the situation. In Peshawar, a foot march was scheduled from Hashtnagri to Chowk Yadgar, with participation from district leadership, party workers and members of the trader community. The march was to be led by PTI Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar, who, along with other senior leaders, was expected to address workers upon reaching Chowk Yadgar. Read more: PTI strike sees mixed response across K-P amid Feb 8 protest call In Charsadda, shops and markets across the district remained open with no notable traffic disruption. PTI announced a protest demonstration at Farooq-e-Azam Chowk at 3:00pm. Authorities in Charsadda confirmed a police deployment of roughly 4,200 personnel to maintain law and order. As tensions simmered in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the administration in neighbouring Punjab moved to block any potential spillover of the protests. The Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi, Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema, imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure across the district for 15 days, effective from February 7 to February 21, 2026.

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President thanks global community for solidarity, calls for collective resolve against terrorism

President Asif Ali Zardari has thanked the leaders and nations of the world for standing with Pakistan in this moment of grief, according to a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat. “Pakistan is humbled by the strong and sincere outpouring of support and solidarity from world leaders, governments, and international organisations,” the statement quoted him as saying. The president noted that the messages of sympathy and solidarity have brought comfort to the people of Pakistan and strength to the families who mourn. “These messages reaffirm that the fight against terrorism, and the violent ideology that drives it, is a shared global responsibility and a common struggle for all,” it added. The statement emphasised that terrorism cannot be confronted by a single country in isolation. “Our experience has shown that when terrorist groups are allowed space, facilitation, or impunity beyond national borders, the consequences are borne by innocent civilians worldwide,” President Zardari said. President Zardari thanks world leaders, govts & intl orgs for strong solidarity & support in this hour of grief. The fight against terrorism is a shared global resp—no nation can face it alone. 🇵🇰 stands resolute with partners for peace & a decisive end to terror in all forms. — The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) February 8, 2026 In this context, he underlined that certain neighbouring countries have, regrettably, become partners in crime by allowing terrorist elements to operate against Pakistan from their soil. “Some not only finance them directly but also provide technical and military support. This is a reality that has shaped regional developments in recent years,” he said in the statement. Zardari also took strong exception to the situation in Afghanistan, stating that the Taliban regime has created conditions “similar to or worse than pre-9/11, when terror organisations posed threats to global peace ending in the 9/11 tragedy.”  He added that Pakistan’s eastern neighbour is assisting the Taliban regime, threatening not only Pakistan but regional and global peace. Concluding his remarks, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism. “Pakistan remains deeply grateful for the compassion and support extended to the country in this difficult hour. The solidarity shown by the international community strengthens our resolve to continue working with partners for peace, stability, and a decisive end to terrorism in all its forms,” the secretariat maintained. Also Read: Pakistan tells UN afghan-based terrorism poses ‘gravest threat’ to security The Afghan Taliban’s reluctance to address Pakistan’s security concerns has led to a souring of ties with Islamabad. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan used its sanctuaries in Afghanistan’s border regions as a launch pad for its terror campaign in Pakistan. Majority of the recent high impact attacks originated from Afghanistan involving Afghan nationals and modern weapons left by US forces during their chaotic withdrawal in 2021. These include the brazen attacks on military and paramilitary targets in Mianwali, DI Khan, Muslim Bagh, Zhob, Chitral, and North Waziristan. Pakistan saw a staggering 80% surge in terrorist attacks since Taliban’s return to power in August 15, 2021. Pakistani officials have repeatedly called upon the Taliban to rein in the TTP, but the regime remains reluctant due to multiple strategic reasons, triggering unprecedented punitive actions from Islamabad, including cross-border military strikes on terrorist bases, expulsion of illegal Afghans, and tighter border controls. These measures, however, further embittered relations between the two neighbours, triggering border skirmishes and acrimonious exchanges at the political and diplomatic level.

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Fazl decries election rigging, Gaza atrocities at Rawalpindi youth convention

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman strongly criticised the incumbent government, its electoral process, foreign and economic policies, and the ongoing atrocities in Gaza during a youth convention in Rawalpindi on Sunday. He declared the February 8 elections “fraudulent” and asserted that the current government operates on a “fake mandate,” which JUI-F does not recognise. Addressing the youth, Fazl urged them to play an active role in Pakistan’s democratic struggle. “Today’s gathering is significant because young people are joining JUI-F,” he said. “I welcome them and pray that their efforts lead the movement for freedom to its rightful destination, making Pakistan a fortress of Islam and a hub of peace.” 8فروری کو دو سال پہلے اسی دن ملک میں مرکزی انتخابات ہوئے جو نتیجہ سامنے آیا اس کو مسترد کردیا گیا اور جعلی قرار دیا گیا۔ آج جو حکومت کررہے ہیں جعلی مینڈیٹ پر حکومت کررہے ہیں، جمعیت علمائے اسلام ایسی حکومت کا حصہ نہیں ہوسکتی تھی اسی لیے اپوزیشن میں ہیں، اگر ہمارا تعلق جمعیت علمائے… pic.twitter.com/I3yh4X886D — Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam Pakistan (@juipakofficial) February 8, 2026 Referring to the February 8 elections held two years ago, he said, “The results were rejected and declared fake. The government in power today functions on a fraudulent mandate. JUI-F could never be part of such governance, which is why we are in the opposition.” He emphasised that the party’s struggle is principled and not motivated by a desire for power. “Power is not our ultimate goal. Governments today are formed by forcing parties together—such administrations are a mockery of democracy and politics.” Fazl also sharply criticised the Election Commission, alleging serious manipulation of election results. “Our struggle is not against the Constitution or institutions, but the mandate given by the people must be respected. Everyone knows how this mandate was manipulated. I challenge the Election Commission: it did not even know the results of a single constituency. Results were brought in from outside. The Election Commission has failed,” he stated. Also Read: TTAP strike paralyses Balochistan over alleged Feb 8 poll rigging He reaffirmed JUI-F’s stance against what he called “rigged elections,” noting that the party speaks based on facts and pursues a path grounded in moderation and reason to guide the nation. On foreign policy, Fazl condemned the government for sitting alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the Gaza peace board. “How can one sit on a board with the killer of Muslims? This is shameful. If the United Nations can boycott Netanyahu, why are we legitimising his role?” he questioned. He expressed outrage over the ongoing situation in Gaza. “The world has seen the suffering of Palestinians. Over the past three years, entire cities have been destroyed, more than 70,000 Muslims have been martyred, and over 100,000 people have lost their lives. More than 150,000 are now homeless. These atrocities, backed by the United States, demand global accountability,” he said. Read More: Business as usual in Islamabad despite PTI strike call Fazl also criticised the government’s foreign policy, questioning whether mega projects under CPEC have progressed under the current administration. “The economy is worsening, regional neighbors are ahead of us, and national security is at risk,” he said. On domestic governance, he highlighted failures in legislation and implementation of reforms promised under the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments. “The government focuses on consolidating its authority rather than serving the nation,” he remarked. Concluding his address, the JUI-F chief called on the youth to continue striving for justice and accountability, emphasising that the party’s struggle is based on principles, not political opportunism.  

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Terrorists cannot demoralise nation: minister

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Saturday said that terrorists cannot demoralise the nation and that terrorism will be eradicated from its roots, while all facilitators will be brought to justice. He expressed these views while addressing a press conference at Jamia Minhaj-ul-Hussain, where he strongly condemned the suicide bombing at an Imambargah in Islamabad's Tarlai area during Friday prayers. The federal minister said the state is fully determined to protect the lives and property of citizens and to safeguard places of worship. He stressed that no one would be allowed to disturb law and order or spread sectarianism in the country.

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Sehwan thrums as Qalandar's devotees gather for 774th urs

The vibrant colours of festivity and devotion once again swept through Sehwan, the town that houses the revered shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (RA). From streets lined with vendors to humble homes, the spirit of the saint’s 774th urs infused the air, drawing hundreds of thousands of devotees from across Pakistan and abroad. Dance, devotion, and trance rituals formed the heartbeat of the celebrations, while sports, literary events, and musical concerts reverberated through the town. At the centre of it all stood Qalandar’s shrine, bathed in night-time illuminations that lit up the skies. Langars offering free meals, milk, water, and soft drinks ran simultaneously across the town, welcoming Muslims and Hindus alike. حضرت لعل شہباز قلندرؒ کے 774ویں عرس مبارک کے موقع پر تمام عقیدت مندوں کو دلی مبارکباد۔ آپؒ کی تعلیمات محبت، رواداری، امن اور انسانیت کی خدمت کا لازوال پیغام ہیں۔ آج کے دور میں ہمیں قلندرؒ کی تعلیمات کو اپنی زندگیوں کا حصہ بنا کر معاشرے میں اتحاد اور بھائی چارے کو فروغ دینا ہوگا۔… — Kamran Tessori (@KamranTessoriPk) February 7, 2026 Though Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori was slated to inaugurate the three-day urs, provincial Auqaf Minister Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi performed the rite instead. “It has become essential to spread the message of Sufism to overshadow the tentacles of extremism, intolerance, and terrorism,” Shirazi said. Authorities anticipate around three million devotees during the three-day event, surpassing last year’s attendance of 2.8 million. Nestled at the foothills of the Kirthar mountains, some 146 kilometers from Hyderabad, Sehwan’s official population is just 322,000, underscoring the extraordinary influx of pilgrims. Read More: Qalandar's Urs: Sehwan drenched in devotion The celebrations feature Sugharan Jee Katchery (folk conversations), an international literary conference, agro-industrial exhibitions, Malakhro (wrestling), cattle shows, and thousands of stalls selling religious and spiritual souvenirs. Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (1177-1274), born in Marvand (Afghanistan) to ancestors from Baghdad and Mashhad, was a contemporary of Bahauddin Zakariya and Makhdoom Jahanian of Uch Sharif. Fluent in Persian, Turkish, Sanskrit, Arabic, and Sindhi, the saint was a philosopher, poet, and spiritual guide whose shrine continues to draw devotees from Punjab, Sindh, and even Hindu followers from India. “The message is simple: believe in God,” said an elderly Italian visitor, overwhelmed by the massive crowd. “No threat of terrorism or other obstacles can stop us from paying respects,” added Aslam Haider, a devotee from Multan. Also Read: Urs ends with mela, literary, cultural discourse Security measures are unprecedented: 5,000 policemen, 300 Ranges personnel, and platoons of the Army, Navy, and Rapid Response Force are deployed. Over 320 CCTV cameras monitor the town, with an additional 200 around the shrine, while drones provide aerial surveillance to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. As the town pulses with devotion, music, and spirituality, Sehwan stands as a testament to Pakistan’s enduring Sufi heritage - a place where faith transcends boundaries, and generations unite in celebration of peace, harmony, and reverence.

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