Opposition joins hands for Feb 8 protest, condemns Islamabad blast

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Friday announced his party’s support for the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan’s (TTAP) protest scheduled for February 8, saying all opposition parties shared the same stance that the 2024 general elections were rigged. Addressing a press conference alongside TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Maulana Fazl said his party would fully back the February 8 wheel-jam and shutter-down strike announced by the movement. “We support their February 8 wheel-jam and shutter-down appeal, and if our party has planned any rally or procession, we will cancel it, or if it cannot be cancelled, we will hold it at such a time that it does not affect the wheel-jam or shutter-down,” he said.. جے یو آئی ف 8 فروری کی پہیہ جام اور شٹر ہڑتال کی مکمل سپورٹ کا اعلان کرتی ہے اور 8 فروری کو ہماری جماعت نے جو جلسے کا اعلان کیا ہے اسے منسوخ کرتے ہیں مولانا فضل الرحمن کا اعلان pic.twitter.com/H3BrcDygPM — Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (@TTAP_OFFICIAL) February 6, 2026 He said JUI-F would also align its programmes with the protest schedule announced by TTAP. “Our demand is one, our stance is one. Rigging took place on February 8, and we have been sitting in opposition against this rigging from day one, and we all have the same stance,” he said. Criticising the role of the establishment, Maulana Fazl said its attitude had not changed even after the elections. He said the same conduct had continued in subsequent by-elections. “We are firm on our position, and our stance on this issue is also one. Just as we rejected the February 8, 2024 elections on that very day, we remain firm on that stance today as well. Even today, we reject it and demand fresh elections,” he added. Condemning the suicide attack at an imambargah in Islamabad, the JUI-F chief expressed deep sorrow and extended sympathy and solidarity to the families of the martyrs and the injured. He termed the incident a failure in ensuring peace and said the authorities should accept their mistake. “We were crying that this is the situation in K-P or this is the situation in Balochistan … the entire state has become helpless,” he said. He said his party did not want the state to become weak and wanted to see it strong, adding that while national defence was important, the hardships faced by people over several decades had yet to see meaningful change. Speaking on the occasion, Achakzai said the opposition had raised concerns in February over alleged manipulation of the public mandate. He said that “at gunpoint, through the pressure of courts, money, and force, the opinion of 250 million people was changed everywhere,” adding that those who protested against rigging were later subjected to violence and legal action. He said thousands of people had FIRs registered against them and also condemned recent judicial amendments, saying the judiciary’s authority had been curtailed and voices silenced under the PECA Act. مولانا فضل الرحمن نے ساوتھ آفریقہ سے کال کرکے ہمیں آج آنے کی دعوت دی 8 فروری کو بندوق کے زور پر 25 کروڑ لوگوں کا مینڈیٹ چوری کیا گیا ، ہم 8 کو پہیہ جام کررہے ہیں جبکہ مولانا فضل الرحمن 8 فروری کو پہیہ چلا رہا ہے تو ہم نے مولانا سے اسی حوالے سے بات کی ہے، قائد حزب اختلاف محمود… pic.twitter.com/xjYtNQS8YY — Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (@TTAP_OFFICIAL) February 6, 2026 He said there was consensus among opposition parties to protest against the government in a democratic manner and that they had requested Maulana Fazl to show accommodation regarding the February 8 wheel-jam strike, for which he expressed gratitude. Achakzai, who is also the leader of the opposition in the national assembly, also condemned the Islamabad attack and said all forms of terrorism were unacceptable. “We condemn all forms of terrorism, whether it is from the government, from any individual, any party, or any group,” he said. He said terrorism was not limited to one region but affected the entire world, adding that associating terrorism with Islam and humanity was dangerous. “The Holy Quran considers the killing of one human being as the killing of all humanity. We are such people; we follow such a religion,” he said. He reiterated calls for a roundtable conference involving all institutions to chart a way forward. “This is our country; we want to save it and run it,” he said, adding that the country could only function when power rested with an elected parliament and policies were formulated there. Praising the security forces and agencies for their sacrifices, he said civilian supremacy was essential for the proper functioning of institutions, warning that failure to ensure it could lead to serious consequences. Responding to a journalist’s question about whether the JUI-F chief had been taken into confidence regarding the prime minister’s proposed visit, Achakzai said it would be a positive development if the prime minister wished to meet him. “There is nothing wrong with it. We will meet one another. We have to run this country. We will have to show courage and accept our mistakes. We have no permanent enmity with anyone. This country belongs to all of us collectively,” he said.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/75JIRY2

Open manholes, drains continue to claim lives in Punjab

Five months have passed since the monsoon season ended in Punjab, yet dozens of projects related to water supply, sewerage, repair of manholes and putting covers on them in Lahore remain stalled. The incomplete projects, particularly covering the manholes and drains, hidden under the stagnant water, have become the deathtraps and posing serious threat to citizens’ lives. According to details, the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has left the city of Lahore in disarray under the guise of development. Due to deep excavations carried out for new pipelines and the failure to install or repair sewer covers in a timely manner, accidents are occurring daily not only in Lahore but across the province. In January 2026 alone, seven accidents were reported in which four people including two children lost their lives and seven sustained injuries. According to information obtained by The Express Tribune, over the past six years more than 100 incidents have been reported across Punjab involving people being injured or killed after falling into manholes or excavated pipeline trenches. These incidents resulted in 29 deaths, including nine children, while more than 65 people including children, elderly, and young individuals were injured. Nine children lost their lives after falling into open manholes or deep excavations, carried out to lay sewerage pipelines. Most of the incidents were reported in Lahore, Kasur, and Lodhran, while similar incidents also occurred in Sahiwal, Multan, Chiniot, Sargodha, and Khanewal. On the other hand, during sewer pipeline cleaning operations and due to the release of poisonous gases, a total of 23 workers lost their lives while 37 were shifted to hospitals with injuries. Available data shows that Lahore has a total of approximately 487,570 new and old sewer manholes. Every year, before and after the monsoon, around 10,000 gutters and manhole structures are affected due to theft of covers or breakage. According to WASA’s own survey report, more than 25 areas in the Lahore experienced cracks and manhole collapses last year. Incidents of people falling into deep excavations were also reported last year from Baba Ground, Civil Secretariat, and Gulberg III. Urban planner, Mian Sohail Hanif Bhandara stated that poor planning by WASA and the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), with roads built over decades-old sewer and water pipelines were the main causes of accidents. “As these aging lines fail, manholes break and roads cave in, especially during the rainy season. Unlike international practice, manholes are repaired and covers are put only after accidents occur,” claimed Bhandara. Conversely, WASA Lahore’s spokesperson Abuzar Saeed stated that due to the special efforts of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, a complete survey of all sewer manholes in the city had been completed. “So far, 70 per cent of the work has been completed, and the remaining will be completed within the next few days,” said Saeed. WASA's Managing Director Ghafran Ahmed asserted that billions of rupees in funding were being used to replace pipelines on 26 major roads. “Once WASA is fully established across Punjab, uniform facilities will be available to everyone. Reportedly, WASA Lahore’s sewerage network spans more than 4,000 kilometers. The city has 10 major drains and 85 smaller tributary drains. There are also 15 large pumping stations in Lahore to drain sewer.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/a5zMEJ1

Putin reaffirms readiness to ramp up anti-terror cooperation with Pakistan after ICT attack

Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his readiness to further strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in combatting terrorism following the suicide attack on an Islamabad imambargah on Friday that killed at least 31 people and injured dozens. Police and administration officials confirmed that a massive bomb tore through the Tarlai area imambargah on Friday, claiming the lives of at least 31 worshippers and injuring 169. According to the Embassy of Russia in Pakistan, President Putin sent letters of condolence to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressing sorrow over the terrorist attack. In his message, Putin said, “The killing of people during a religious ceremony is yet another testament to the barbaric and inhumane nature of terrorism. I would like to reaffirm Russia's readiness to further strengthen cooperation with our Pakistani partners in the fight against terrorism.” He also conveyed his sympathy and support to the families and loved ones of the victims, extending “our wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured”. ✉️ Russian President Vladimir Putin sent letters of condolence to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. ✍️ Dear Mr. President, Dear Mr. Prime Minister, Please accept my deepest condolences on the tragic consequences of the terrorist attack in Islamabad.… pic.twitter.com/qJsG2U7gm3 — Embassy of Russia in Pakistan (@RusEmbPakistan) February 6, 2026 Responding to Putin’s letter, President Zardari expressed gratitude, writing, “I thank President Vladimir Putin for his kind letter of condolence on the tragic terrorist attack in Islamabad. Pakistan deeply values Russia’s solidarity and our shared resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms.” “I thank President Vladimir Putin for his kind letter of condolence on the tragic terrorist attack in Islamabad. Pakistan deeply values Russia’s solidarity & our shared resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms.” — President Asif Ali Zardari@RusEmbPakistan pic.twitter.com/3ScG0jTAJi — The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) February 6, 2026 There were outpourings of support and solidarity from other countries as well. 'Crime against humanity': Politicians, nations slam horrifying attack on Islamabad imambargah PM Shehbaz reacted to the messages in a post on X: "I am grateful for the strong messages of sympathy and support that we have received from across the globe, in the wake of today’s heart wrenching suicide attack in Islamabad. The support of our friends and partners has always remained critical in Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. "The perpetrators of this heinous crime will be brought to justice with full force and their nefarious designs will never be allowed to succeed. The brave Pakistani nation stands united at this time and we remain fully committed to our resolve to defeat terrorism, as we always have." I am grateful for the strong messages of sympathy and support that we have received from across the globe, in the wake of today’s heart wrenching suicide attack in Islamabad. The support of our friends and partners has always remained critical in Pakistan’s counterterrorism… — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) February 6, 2026  

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/YiueoWa

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.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/wsc9zHx

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.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/onz5kaX

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.    

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/in5FJNz

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.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/H51qYEM