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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197 terrorists killed, 22 security personnel martyred in Balochistan operations so far: state media

Pakistan’s security forces have killed a total of 197 terrorists belonging to the banned 'Fitna al-Hindustan' militant group in continuing counterterrorism operations in Balochistan for the past three days with 22 security personnel having been martyred, state media reported on Tuesday. The government has designated the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militant group and other Baloch groups as “Fitna al-Hindustan”, alleging they are acting as proxies of India to destabilise Pakistan through hybrid warfare. In a post on X, state broadcaster PTV News said, quoting security sources: "197 terrorists of Fitna al-Hindustan have been killed in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations for the past three days. Some follow-up and sanitisation operations against these terrorists are still ongoing." It said 22 security personnel from the army, Frontier Corps, police, and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency were martyred while protecting civilians and the country. Meanwhile, it said 36 civilians, including women and children, had lost their lives in the terrorist attacks. گزشتہ تین دنوں سے جاری دہشت گردی کے خلاف آپریشنز میں فتنہ الہندوستان کے 197 دہشت گرد جہنم واصل ہو چکے ہیں، سیکیورٹی ذرائع ان دہشت گردوں کے خلاف کچھ تعاقبی اور سینیٹائزیشن آپریشنز اب بھی جاری ہیں، سیکیورٹی ذرائع مادر وطن اور معصوم شہریوں کی حفاظت کرتے ہوئے پاکستان کے 22… pic.twitter.com/GwqAW34Ffw — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) February 3, 2026 According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, terrorists had launched coordinated attacks at several locations on Saturday, targeting security installations and civilian areas across Quetta, Mastung, Noshki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar and Pasni. Security forces responded with sustained clearance operations and standoffs, killing 92 terrorists on the first day. The military said 18 civilians were also killed, while 15 security personnel “fought gallantly and embraced martyrdom” during the operations. A day ago, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that Pakistan needed to deploy large numbers of troops in Balochistan because of the province’s vast geography amid the serious security situation and recent spate of attacks. Speaking in the National Assembly (NA) on the matter, Asif said: "Balochistan constitutes over 40% of Pakistan geographically ... to control it is much difficult than a populated city or area and it needs deployment of massive forces. Our troops are deployed there and are in action against them (terrorists) but they are physically handicapped by guarding and patrolling such a big area." The defence minister said the government tightened enforcement to curb smuggling, triggering a major protest at the Chaman border. He said some people argue the state should negotiate with nationalist movements, but claimed the protest movement was driven by commercial interests rather than politics or nationalism. Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti had described the operation as one of the most extensive intelligence-led actions conducted in such a short timeframe. He said the crackdown followed a series of coordinated assaults claimed by the BLA. Asif said on Sunday that Pakistan’s findings showed that “all the linkages point towards India” in the recent attacks. Security sources had also claimed that Indian media outlets and India-linked social media accounts amplified support for Fitna al-Hindustan during the attacks, which they described as part of a coordinated hostile information campaign. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had also directly held India responsible on Saturday, alleging that New Delhi was involved in planning and backing the incidents and vowing to expose what he described as its role before the international community. The attacks were unanimously condemned by the country's political stakeholders with resolutions against them passed in the Senate and NA.

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Sanaullah throws hat behind restoration of Imran's meetings 'if no new date given' post-Feb 8 protest

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said on Monday that the meetings of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan with his family and relatives should be allowed subject to the condition that no new date or call was given for a protest after February 8. 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 (ATA) related to the protests of May 9, 2023. Meetings with his family members, which typically occur on Tuesday, have not been allowed. Meanwhile, the PTI has announced a wheel-jam and shutter-down strike on February 8 to mark two years since the 2024 general elections. Speaking in an interview on programme 'Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath' on a private media broadcaster, Sanaullah said a meeting tomorrow with one of Imran's sister could be possible, but, he said nothing to that effect was discussed in talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. He supported the jail administration's decision to not allow meetings if Imran "wants to pour fuel over fire" before Feb 8. "If no new date is given after Feb 8 then it should happen and there is no grounds to not allow a meeting." However, Sanaullah said that press conferences or stances against institutions and their heads in the after match of the meetings was "unacceptable". Also Read: K-P CM Afridi, PM Shehbaz discuss thorny issues in ice-breaking meeting “A narrative against institutions who are sacrificing their lives can’t be tolerated. PTI must step back from this. If PTI wants to continue all this, then it must do so against the government or political parties,” he said. On Imran’s health, Sanaullah said he was receiving the best possible medical care “according to his position”, and described claims to the contrary as baseless propaganda. Commenting on the meeting between PM Shehbaz and CM Afridi, Sanaullah said the discussion took place in a pleasant atmosphere and focused on a two-point agenda. “We both have different parties, ideologies and approaches, therefore we will not condition anything to other matter — put this matter aside, let’s come and discuss on Pakistan,” Sanaullah quoted the prime minister as saying. Also Read: Defence minister urges large-scale troop deployment in Balochistan On the recent attacks in Balochistan, Sanaullah said the government had a comprehensive counter-terrorism policy and that the army was fully capable and in control of the situation. He said all the attackers had been killed. “The only purpose of the attacks is to destabilise the country and damage the reputation of Pakistan as a state,” he added.

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Weapons regulation finally falls under Punjab govt’s radar

Amidst the growing use of illegal weapons in crimes across Punjab, the provincial government has finalized a comprehensive policy aimed at curbing illegal arms and improving law and order. The policy, prepared by the Punjab Home Department, is expected to be presented to the provincial cabinet for approval in the coming weeks. Under the proposed policy, all weapons licences across Punjab will be re-verified. Licenses of suspicious individuals may be cancelled, and a digital weapons registry will be established to improve monitoring and transparency. The government is also considering a time-bound amnesty scheme to allow people in illegal possession of weapons to voluntarily surrender them before a province-wide crackdown begins. Despite these measures still in the initial stages, public anxiety is already evident. A resident from Lahore, speaking on the condition of anonymity, urged the government to avoid an immediate crackdown and instead provide sufficient time and facilitation for compliance. Experts, on the other hand, maintained that the government's attempt to regulate the circulation of illegal arms was too little, too late.  Also Read: Punjab Police reject fake encounter allegations, call claims ‘baseless’ Defense analyst Brigadier (R) Ghazanfar Askari welcomed the policy but believed that action should have been taken much earlier. “Illegal weapons were historically smuggled from Afghanistan into Pakistan through organized networks. Weak oversight allowed weapons to flood Punjab. Furthermore, in the past, weapons licenses were often issued on political grounds,” said Askari, who urged the government to compile records, take action accordingly, and secure immediate cabinet approval to ensure swift implementation. Meanwhile, the Punjab government has suspended the verification and computerization of old manual weapons licenses. Citizens, institutions, and security companies holding manual licenses had been given a final opportunity in March 2025 to convert them into computerized licenses. However, after nearly ten months, the revalidation and computerization process has now been halted. The Punjab Home Department revealed that there are one million NADRA-verified weapons licenses in the province, all currently under review. Manual (copy-based) licenses have been permanently abolished and can no longer be computerized. A fresh verification of licenses issued by DC offices is underway. Once legislation is finalised, the government will resume a strict crackdown, including penalties, while offering a time-bound amnesty for voluntary surrender of illegal weapons. Licences not renewed within the prescribed period will be cancelled. Authorities are also finalizing designated surrender points and record-keeping procedures. Any illegal license linked to a crime will face strict legal action. Read More: Punjab to launch CCD unit for sex crimes Once legislation is finalised, the government plans to resume a strict crackdown, including penalties, alongside a time-bound amnesty for voluntary surrender of illegal weapons. Licences not renewed within the prescribed period will be cancelled. Authorities are also finalising designated surrender points and record-keeping procedures. Any illegal licence linked to a crime will face strict legal action. A Home Department spokesperson said reports have also been sought regarding the surrender of illegal weapons and progress under the de-weaponisation campaign. Commissioners and deputy commissioners across Punjab have been directed to submit their reports by November 13. The computerisation of manual weapons licences was first launched in 2016, with December 31, 2020, set as the final deadline. Licences not computerised by that date were cancelled, yet illegal weapons continue to circulate. Official sources said that in recent months, police, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), and district administrations have conducted joint search-and-combing operations across the province, recovering large quantities of unlicensed weapons and registering hundreds of cases. Officials described these actions as the practical beginning of a zero-tolerance policy against illegal arms. The proposed policy also includes a complete ban on aerial firing at weddings, public gatherings, and political events, with immediate arrests for violations. Tribal traditions, inherited weapons, and inter-provincial smuggling have been identified as key contributors to the spread of illegal arms. Districts bordering Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa will receive special attention, with plans for stronger check posts and enhanced surveillance.

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Amnesty issues urgent action appeal to PM Shehbaz for Imaan, Hadi's release

Human rights organisation Amnesty International issued an urgent action appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday calling for the immediate and unconditional release of human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha. The two were convicted in Islamabad last month linked to alleged posts and reposts on X that investigators described as “anti-state”. The case was registered in August 2025 by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, with allegations that the content was aimed at undermining state institutions and aligning with proscribed organisations or individuals. The convictions were widely condemned by the legal community, politicians and civil society. Today, Amnesty issued an urgent action appeal and called on the public to write to PM Shehbaz about the couple's release. In model letter written to the premier, Amnesty recounted the circumstances of their arrest and conviction, saying they were "being targeted solely for their advocacy and work defending human rights in the country". It said their trial was conducted with "unusual haste", adding that they were "consistently denied the right to cross-examine witnesses and bring evidence against them". 🇵🇰 PAKISTAN: Amnesty International has issued an Urgent Action calling for the immediate and unconditional release of human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, each sentenced to 10 years in prison over social media posts labelled “anti-state”. Since their arrest on… pic.twitter.com/6mzPAS7GIk — Amnesty International South Asia, Regional Office (@amnestysasia) February 2, 2026 Amnesty also noted that their conviction was announced while a transfer application was still pending against the presiding judge, who the couipled had accused of bias. The organisation praised them as lawyers who had defended the rights of "countless people" and who were currently representing journalists, activists and victims of enforced disappearances and blasphemy allegations. "Their imprisonment impacts many of these people who deserve the right be represented by their lawyers. The use of laws such as PECA to silence and criminalise peaceful dissent is a matter of grave concern and a clear violation of Pakistan’s obligations under international human rights law. "I urge your government to immediately and unconditionally release Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha and quash their convictions. I also call on you to end the misuse of the criminal justice system, including cybercrime laws, to target human rights defenders. I trust your commitment to justice and human rights will guide your actions to address these grave concerns," the organisation said. Last week, European Union Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Anouar El Anouni said in a post on X that the convictions went against freedom of expression and independence of lawyers. "These are not only key democratic principles but also part of Pakistan's international human rights commitments." The EU Delegation to Pakistan amplified the statement in a post on X, sharing the spokesperson’s message on the case. Statement by EU Spokesperson on the conviction of Human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha. https://t.co/Vzc6yXI6uz — EUPakistan (@EUPakistan) January 29, 2026 The Foreign Office (FO) had rebuffed criticism, saying the issue was a "domestic affair" of the country. Questioned about the matter while speaking at his weekly press briefing, FO Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi had said: "This is a domestic affair of Pakistan, the trial and conviction took place under our local laws through a judicial process. The relevant individuals have a right to appeal and have a right to a judicial recourse. As such, there is domestic remedy available to these individuals." He added that while Pakistan remained engaged with the EU on all issues, "we do make a distinction about our domestic affairs". The couple were arrested on January 23 near the underpass outside Serena Hotel while travelling to the district courts, and later sent to 14 days’ judicial remand by an anti-terrorism court. A district and sessions court later sentenced both to a combined 17 years’ rigorous imprisonment each: five years under PECA Section 9 (plus a Rs5m fine), 10 years under Section 10 (plus Rs30m), and two years under Section 26-A (plus Rs1m), with additional jail time in case of non-payment of fines. The judge also acquitted them of the PECA hate-speech charge under Section 11, saying prosecution witnesses did not support that allegation. Read more: Imaan Mazari alleges mistreatment as court hears tweet case via video link During proceedings conducted via video link, Mazari alleged mistreatment in custody and announced a boycott of the hearing. The judgment noted the pair were already in custody in another case and said they would remain in jail to serve their sentences, with credit for time spent in detention under Section 382-B of the Criminal Procedure Code.

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Ashrafi calls for interfaith harmony

PM's Coordinator for Religious Harmony and PUC Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi has said Pakistan is committed to fostering interfaith harmony, dialogue, peace, and tolerance to ensure national unity. In a message issued on Sunday on the occasion of World Interfaith Harmony Week, being observed from February 1 to 7, Ashrafi said interfaith harmony is vital for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among different religions and communities. The PM's coordinator said Pakistan is a society enriched with religious, cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity, which should be protected through dialogue and understanding.

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Govt promotes seven PSP officers to grade-18

The federal government has approved the promotion of seven officers of the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) to grade-18, issuing formal notifications through the Establishment Division on the recommendations of the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC). The promotions come alongside key inter-provincial postings, reflecting an administrative reshuffle across Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as the government moves to fill senior policing positions and streamline command structures. According to the notifications, Abdullah Imran has been promoted to grade-18 and transferred from Balochistan to the Punjab government.

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