CDA clarifies relocation of WWI memorial, denies demolition claims

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Thursday rejected reports suggesting the demolition of a World War I memorial, stating that the monument has been relocated as part of a conservation effort to ensure its long-term preservation, security and public accessibility. Earlier, media reports said the monument on Kuri Road, near Rehara village, was destroyed. In a statement today, the CDA said the memorial was carefully dismantled under established conservation protocols, with original bricks and materials preserved to allow accurate reconstruction at a new site. The authority maintained that the structure had deteriorated over time and that relocation was necessary to ensure its dignified upkeep and protection. "While the monument is not listed on the Department of Archaeology’s notified heritage inventory, the department was consulted and due process was followed," the CDA noted. It added that formal consent from the legal heirs was obtained before the relocation, including an affidavit and a no-objection certificate from the great-grandson of Sub Ghulam Ali, in whose honour the memorial stands. "The monument will be re-erected under its supervision at a safer and more visible location near the Northern Bypass roundabout close to Rehara village, with the aim of improving public access and ensuring continued respect for the site," read the CDA statement. The authority said relocating heritage structures due to development needs was an internationally recognised practice, citing examples such as the relocation of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in the United States and the movement or reconstruction of historic landmarks in the United Kingdom. Reiterating that the memorial’s historical significance remained intact, the CDA said the relocation continued to honour Sub Ghulam Ali’s gallantry during World War I and his Military Cross.

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Punjab's fire response plagued by inaction, audit report shows

Punjab is facing growing challenges in responding to fire emergencies as limited resources, outdated equipment, and weak preparedness continue to expose serious gaps in public safety. Despite repeated fire tragedies, Punjab has not added major firefighting resources since 2019. Currently, the province has over 300 firefighting and rescue vehicles. In Lahore, a city with a population of nearly 13 million, Rescue 1122 operates just 58 fire tenders, even though according to international standards, a big city such as Lahore must have 260 tenders. However, ground realities often contradict these ideal standards. Many areas of Lahore still lack nearby fire stations, forcing vehicles to be dispatched from distant locations. Areas such as Defence, Wagah, inner-city neighbourhoods, and newly developed housing societies remain underserved. A new hotspot has been established in Raiwind, but population-based planning remains absent. Another major concern is water availability. Fire vehicles often have to travel long distances to refill water, delaying response times. Additionally, ambulances and firefighting vehicles are routinely assigned VIP duties, further reducing availability for public emergencies. Abdullah Malik, head of an NGO, criticised the lack of preventive measures. “Fires are routinely attributed to short circuits, yet no serious checks exist on poor-quality electrical wiring in homes, markets, or high-rise buildings. Large commercial buildings often lack fire alarms, sprinkler systems, emergency exits, or trained staff,” claimed Malik, who questioned Rescue 1122’s claims of universal five-to-seven-minute response times, noting that areas like Gulberg depend entirely on the Muslim Town fire station. In 2025 alone, the province recorded 28,495 fire incidents, resulting in 99 deaths, over 1,000 injuries, and losses worth billions of rupees. According to Rescue 1122, timely interventions saved an estimated Rs69 billion in potential damage, yet officials admit that overall fire safety standards remain extremely poor. Rescue data shows that most fires were caused by short circuits (10,018), negligence (5,755), gas leaks (1,355), candle usage (1,315), and kitchen fires (340). Lahore reported the highest number. A Fire Safety Audit conducted by the Punjab Emergency and Rescue Department assessed 2,214 buildings, markets, and plazas across the province. The findings were alarming: 1,722 buildings were categorised as “D Category”, meaning extremely dangerous. Lahore emerged as the most vulnerable city, with 682 buildings placed in D Category and 13 declared extremely hazardous. “In the inner city, there are many plazas and markets where controlling a fire would be extremely difficult. Narrow streets prevent fire brigade vehicles from entering, causing serious challenges for Rescue services. There is also no clear operating procedure. Fires in Lahore in recent years have claimed many precious lives,” said Muhammad Usman, a resident of Shah Alam Market. Several past incidents highlight these shortcomings. When a plaza caught fire in Shah Alam Market, the narrow streets prevented fire vehicles and ambulances from reaching the site. Fire hoses were extended as far as possible, and helicopters were used to drop water. A similar tragedy occurred in 2013, when a fire broke out at the LDA Plaza. Due to poor safety arrangements, the fire spread uncontrollably, and 23 people jumped from the building to save their lives. More recently, a factory collapse in Sundar Industrial Estate required assistance from private housing societies due to a lack of heavy rescue machinery. In response to the worsening situation, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered an immediate province-wide fire safety audit. The government has directed that all high-rise buildings, markets, schools, and hospitals ensure proper safety arrangements. Emergency Services Secretary Dr Rizwan Naseer reported that fire incidents increased by 3.34% in 2025 compared to 2024, following a sharp 35% rise in 2024 over 2023, urging building owners to comply with the Punjab Community Safety Building Regulations 2022 to protect residents and property. By the end of 2025, the Punjab government issued tenders for new firefighting vehicles, a process still underway. Despite these steps, experts warn that without sustained investment, strict enforcement, and preventive planning, Punjab remains vulnerable to a major fire disaster.

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Health experts say Nipah virus poses no immediate threat to Pakistan

Infectious disease experts have dispelled fears about the Nipah virus in the wake of some cases reported in India. They said only a limited number of cases are reported globally each year and that Pakistan currently faces no direct threat from the virus, as no case has so far been detected anywhere in the country. The experts expressed these views during a roundtable conference on the Nipah virus, held at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). Associate Chief Medical Officer AKUH and infectious disease specialist Dr Faisal Mahmood, along with Section Head of Infectious Diseases Dr Nosheen Nasir, briefed participants on the global situation of the virus, possible risks for Pakistan, and preventive measures. They informed the conference that only 10 cases of Nipah virus were reported worldwide last year, while cases detected in eastern India and Bangladesh do not pose a direct risk to Pakistan. The current situation, they said, provides an important opportunity to review national preparedness for dealing with potential epidemics. Read More: Pakistan tightens border surveillance over Nipah virus threat as India confirms two cases Dr Nosheen Nasir said Nipah virus is a zoonotic infection, transmitted from animals to humans, adding that human-to-human transmission is limited, which is why the number of reported cases remains low. She said most cases have been reported in eastern India, Bangladesh, and Singapore. The virus was first identified in Malaysia in 1998, where it spread from pigs to humans and was named after the area where it was discovered. She said two cases have been reported in India this year, which the World Health Organization has classified as surviving cases. No case has been reported in Pakistan so far. Dr Nasir added that early symptoms of the disease resemble those of flu, while severe cases can lead to encephalitis, seizure-like episodes, and other neurological complications. Dr Mahmood said that there was no immediate need for Nipah virus screening in Pakistan, as it was unlikely that cases could be present without being reported. He added that no testing facility for the virus is currently available in the country; however, in the event of a suspected case, samples would be sent to the National Institute of Health (NIH), which has the capacity to diagnose rare infections. Also Read: Overall risk of Nipah outbreak in Pakistan remains low, NIH informs high-level meeting He said that the virus could be transmitted through bats, saliva of infected animals, and contaminated fruits. He stressed the need to use N95 masks, but there is no need at present to establish separate wards for the disease. Although bats are present in Pakistan, he said, the spread of Nipah virus is not easy. The experts further stated that there are no pig farms in Pakistan, though the virus has previously been detected in horses in a few countries. The disease can spread among people living in close contact with infected animals, and if it were to emerge in Pakistan, rural areas would be more vulnerable. Stressing the need for preventive measures, the experts advised people to wash their hands regularly, wash fruits before consumption, and avoid eating partially cut fruits. They cautioned that the disease is not limited to common cold symptoms and can also cause breathing difficulties. Dr Mahmood said that measles, chickenpox, HIV, and Hepatitis C currently pose far greater public health challenges in Pakistan. He warned that while measles and chickenpox spread rapidly, they are preventable through vaccination. He added that HIV is no longer confined to specific groups and is increasingly spreading in the general population, calling it a serious public health issue.    

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Senator questions PIFD VC's tenure, Rs2b fund release

Senator Bushra Anjum Butt on Wednesday questioned the tenure of the Vice Chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design (PIFD) and the release of more than Rs2 billion in institutional funds, while criticising the federal education minister for repeatedly missing meetings of the Senate Standing Committee on Education and disregarding its directives. The senator accused the minister of ignoring the committee’s rulings in a dispute involving the tenure of Hina Tayyaba, the vice chancellor of PIFD. Speaking during a session of the Senate body this week, Butt said the education minister had failed to take the committee seriously. “I just want to bring this matter to everybody’s attention, and to the chairperson of the Standing Committee for Education. I feel it’s time that the education minister needs to take the Senate seriously. I have been attending the meetings but the minister has never been present,” she said. She said the committee had held six to seven meetings on the matter, during which questions were raised about “misuse of power and financial embezzlement.” According to Butt, the committee ruled that Tayyaba’s tenure had ended in December and that she should step aside, with any inquiries conducted “in transparent manner.” Despite the ruling, the senator alleged that the minister not only appointed Tayyaba as interim vice chancellor but also elevated her to professor and authorised the release of more than Rs2 billion in institutional funds under her authority. “So I feel this is ridiculing the Senate Standing Committee. I would appreciate it if this matter is transferred to the Privilege Committee, and I also want to refer it to the Finance Committee,” she said. “If the standing committee’s role is merely a formality, then tell me — or if it is a platform where people knock on the door and ask for justice — so I can work accordingly,” she added, stating that she wanted the minister to explain why he did not follow the committee’s ruling. The senator further alleged that officials from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) had taken the position that the Senate had no authority to question a vice chancellor’s tenure. “We need to get this house in order,” she concluded.

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Kasim accuses govt of 'deliberately refusing' to process visas, obstructing meeting with Imran

Kasim Khan, the son of jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, on Wednesday again accused the government of deliberately refusing to process his visa and that of his brother to prevent the siblings from meeting their father. Imran has been imprisoned since August 2023, currently serving a sentence at Adiala Jail in a £190 million corruption case. In addition, he faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to the protests of May 9, 2023. The party has expressed concern in recent days over Imran's health and demanded treatment by his own team of doctors. Last year, Imran’s sister Aleema Khan had told reporters that Sulaiman Khan and Kasim would participate in a protest movement planned for August 5, 2025. Later, it was reported that Imran had stated his sons would not be coming to Pakistan to join the protest. The brothers had later held meetings with key individuals in the United States. Read More: Son voices fears for Imran's safety However, the issue has drawn reactions from the government as well. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah warned that Imran's sons, who reside in the United Kingdom with their mother Jemima Goldsmith, would be arrested if they participated in the protest. In a post on X today, Kasim said: "My brother and I are trying to travel to Pakistan to see our father. For 914 days, he has been held in solitary confinement while his health deteriorates and he is denied access to independent medical care. Now the government is deliberately refusing to process our visas." He said that denying a prisoner treatment was cruel and denying his children the right to see him was collective punishment. "I call on international human rights organisations and governments to speak out and act before irreversible harm is done." My brother and I are trying to travel to Pakistan to see our father. For 914 days, he has been held in solitary confinement while his health deteriorates and he is denied access to independent medical care. Now the government is deliberately refusing to process our visas.… pic.twitter.com/L23ZRmRDZj — Kasim Khan (@Kasim_Khan_1999) February 4, 2026 Two days earlier, the PTI alleged, citing a report, that the government had decided to withhold visa approvals for Imran’s sons to prevent access to him. It claimed according to a source in the interior ministry, “they will not be given visas. The decision has been made. The government only wants to delay the decision as long as possible without actually announcing the decision.” The report claimed the government planned to deny the visas on technical grounds — such as a failure to disclose recent travel to the United Arab Emirates — rather than issuing an outright rejection. Sulaiman and Kasim have previouly appealed for international attention to what they describe as their father’s “inhumane” incarceration, calling particularly on US President Donald Trump to use his influence to support his release. Also Read: Imran being kept in ‘poor conditions’ The brothers previously said they were compelled to speak out due to the desperate circumstances surrounding their father’s detention. 

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SC acquits former minister in OGDCL recruitment case

The Supreme Court on Monday acquitted former federal minister Anwar Saifullah in a case relating to alleged illegal recruitment in the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), after allowing his review petition and setting aside his conviction. The court ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove the allegations against the former minister. The case was heard by a three-member bench headed by Justice Hashim Khan Kakar. It is worth noting that the trial court had sentenced former minister to one year's imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs5 million.

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Maryam Nawaz urges public to celebrate Basant safely

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has thanked citizens for their enthusiastic response to Basant festival and appealed people to strictly follow safety measures during the celebration. In an official statement issued from the Chief Minister's Office, she said the permission for Basant was granted only in Lahore for a period from February 6 to 8, while kite flying remained banned in rest of the province. She added that the response to the Basant pilot project has exceeded expectations and possibility to allow celebration in other cities will be reviewed after assessing its success in Lahore. Calling Basant a traditional festival of Punjab, the CM urged citizens to celebrate with joy while also ensuring their own safety and that of others. She said all departments had made concerted efforts to make Basant safe across the provincial capital. Maryam announced that travel on 419 buses, metro bus services, the Orange Line train and 6,000 Yango rickshaws would be free during the festival. She said more than 700,000 motorcycles in Lahore had been fitted with safety rods for which free installation camps had been set up. She outlined kite specifications, stating that the size would be 35×30 inches and 40×34 inches, while only cotton string consisting of nine threads would be allowed. Metallic wire, chemical string and other prohibited materials would invite strict legal action. She added that kites and strings could also be sourced from outside Lahore if required. The CM said kite flying would not be allowed in civil aviation areas and only registered manufacturers, sellers, traders and associations would be permitted to supply QR code–embedded kites and strings. Read More: Historic Lahore rooftops booked for Basant She added that thermal drone surveillance would be conducted across all areas, including at night, with real-time monitoring in place. She said the government did not want to punish people but enforcement of the law was necessary for public safety. She added that QR codes on every kite and spool would enable real-time tracking. The CM said emergency arrangements have been finalised, including the deployment of ambulances, fire brigade vehicles and motorcycle rescue units, while assistant commissioners have been tasked to head quick response teams in every tehsil of Lahore. She added that dangerous buildings had been surveyed and fitness certificates obtained. She said violations of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act and its rules could result in imprisonment ranging from five to seven years and fines of up to Rs5 million. Lahore has been divided into three zones, high-risk, yellow and green, with dedicated safety camps established in each zone. Maryam said that Basant had boosted economic activity worth billions of rupees, benefiting kite manufacturers, restaurants and hotels. She said the festival was gaining international recognition and the government aimed to promote Punjab’s culture globally while ensuring a safe environment. LESCO submits Basant safety plan to LHC Meanwhile, the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) submitted a 27-point plan to the Lahore High Court to ensure uninterrupted power supply and public safety during the Basant festival. According to the report, a Central Control and Command Centre will be established at LESCO headquarters to address electricity-related complaints. In addition, a control room will be set up at the commissioner’s office to maintain close coordination with the provincial government. The control rooms will remain operational round the clock, with officials deputed in three shifts for constant monitoring. LESCO has placed all operational and field staff on high alert for the Basant period. For public safety, executive engineers will remain present at 132kV grid stations, while the complaint number 111 will remain fully operational across Lahore. For immediate coordination, the contact numbers of all 136 XENs and SDOs have been shared with the relevant assistant commissioners. LESCO emphasised that infrastructure stability and public safety would be the top priorities. The report stated that no staff member would remove kite strings from live lines without first switching off the power supply to prevent accidents. The utility informed the court that surveys had been conducted in high-risk areas, including Shah Alam Market, Liberty Market, Ichhra Bazaar, and Moon Market to remove damaged wiring. As part of preventive measures, 46 high-risk electricity poles were replaced in these areas.

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