Centre to fund 100MW G-B solar project: PM

The federal government would bear the cost of a 100-megawatt solar power project for Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday while chairing a review meeting in Islamabad on the initiative, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The prime minister directed officials to accelerate work on the project and ensure its completion at the earliest possible date. He also ordered independent third-party validation at all stages of implementation to ensure transparency. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Power Minister Awais Leghari, Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Amir Muqam, and senior government officials attended the meeting. During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on the progress of the federal government's solar energy initiatives in G-B. According to the briefing, an 18-megawatt (MW) solar energy project was being implemented for government buildings across the region. The solarisation of government buildings in the Gilgit and Diamer divisions is expected to be completed by December 2026, while work in the Baltistan division is scheduled to be completed by October 2026. Officials also informed the meeting that work was underway on an 82MW solar energy project for households in Gilgit, Skardu, Chilas, and Khaplu. Natural resources The premier reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to tackling land degradation, desertification and drought, and emphasized the need for collective action to protect and restore the country's natural resources in the face of growing climate challenges. In a message issued on the occasion of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, observed this year under the theme "Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore", the prime minister said Pakistan joined the international community in renewing its resolve to address environmental degradation and promote sustainable land management. He noted that rangelands play a crucial role in ensuring food security, conserving biodiversity, strengthening climate resilience, managing water resources and supporting sustainable agricultural livelihoods. The prime minister described Pakistan's vast rangelands as valuable natural assets that support livestock-based livelihoods and the rural economy while contributing to biodiversity conservation and ecological balance. Highlighting the country's vulnerability to climate change, he said rising temperatures, prolonged dry spells, water scarcity and land degradation posed significant threats to agricultural productivity and national food security. "The Government of Pakistan is fully committed to addressing these challenges through a comprehensive strategy focused on land restoration, sustainable rangeland management, afforestation, ecosystem restoration initiatives, drought mitigation and the active participation of local communities," he said. Shehbaz also highlighted the federal government's "Zarkhaiz Scheme," launched to strengthen and modernize the agricultural economy. Under the initiative, farmers are being provided interest-free loans to help improve and protect the productivity of agricultural land. He said substantial resources had been allocated under the scheme to benefit millions of small farmers across the country. In addition to financial assistance, the programme offers subsidies on agricultural machinery aimed at enhancing productivity while encouraging sustainable land management practices. The prime minister urged federal and provincial governments, relevant institutions, academia, civil society organizations, the private sector and local communities to intensify collaboration for the protection, restoration and sustainable management of land resources. He said that through afforestation, collective action and close cooperation, Pakistan could strengthen its resilience to climate change and secure a stable and prosperous future for coming generations. The prime minister concluded by urging all stakeholders to renew their commitment to safeguarding and restoring the country's fertile lands, forests and natural rangelands.

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Five-year-old boy dies after falling into uncovered manhole in Lahore's Sundar area

A five-year-old boy died after falling into an uncovered manhole in Lahore's Sundar area on Tuesday, officials said. The victim, identified as Hassan Amir, was playing in a street near Rana Town, behind a mosque, when he accidentally fell into a drainage pit, according to police and the child's father. Residents rushed to the scene and managed to pull the child out before shifting him to the hospital. However, doctors could not save his life. Read: Child falls into manhole The boy's father, Amir Jameel, lodged a first information report (FIR) at Sundar Police Station under Section 322 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which pertains to qatl-bis-sabab (manslaughter). “At about 6pm, my son Hassan Amir, aged five, while playing in the street, fell into a pit,” the victim’s father said in the FIR, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune. He said the child was rescued with the help of residents and taken to Indus Hospital, but later succumbed to injuries from the fall. “The responsible parties for my son’s death are the concerned administration, the Atomic Energy Society (Maraka) administration, and A&B Construction Company management,” the complainant said, demanding legal action and justice. Meanwhile, police said an investigation had been launched to determine responsibility for the child's death and whether safety measures had been ignored. Saddar Division Superintendent of Police Shah Rukh Khan visited the site of the incident and offered condolences to the bereaved family. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Lahore Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Mohammad Faisal Kamran said investigations were underway from multiple angles and that those found responsible would be proceeded against in accordance with the law. The incident prompted residents to demand immediate measures to cover uncovered manholes, saying they had become a persistent threat to the lives of citizens, particularly children. Also Read: Manhole victims' family in Punjab declines to pursue case Residents said valuable lives were being lost due to the negligence of the relevant authorities and called for immediate and effective steps to prevent such incidents from recurring. The tragedy revived memories of a similar incident in January this year, when a woman and her child died after falling into a manhole near Bhati Gate in Lahore. A similar incident was reported a month later in the city’s Raiwind area, where a two-and-a-half-year-old child died after falling into an open manhole. The incidents were not limited to Punjab’s capital, as such occurrences have frequently taken place in Karachi, leading to the deaths of several individuals, especially children. One of the worst incidents was reported in Karachi last year, when three-year-old Ibrahim fell into an open manhole near the Nipa Flyover in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. His body was recovered 15 hours later from a manhole near Sir Syed University on University Road, triggering widespread outrage.

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Five-year-old boy dies after falling into uncovered manhole in Lahore's Sundar area

A five-year-old boy died after falling into an uncovered manhole in Lahore's Sundar area on Tuesday, officials said. The victim, identified as Hassan Amir, was playing in a street near Rana Town, behind a mosque, when he accidentally fell into a drainage pit, according to police and the child's father. Residents rushed to the scene and managed to pull the child out before shifting him to the hospital. However, doctors could not save his life. Read: Child falls into manhole The boy's father, Amir Jameel, lodged a first information report (FIR) at Sundar Police Station under Section 322 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which pertains to qatl-bis-sabab (manslaughter). “At about 6pm, my son Hassan Amir, aged five, while playing in the street, fell into a pit,” the victim’s father said in the FIR, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune. He said the child was rescued with the help of residents and taken to Indus Hospital, but later succumbed to injuries from the fall. “The responsible parties for my son’s death are the concerned administration, the Atomic Energy Society (Maraka) administration, and A&B Construction Company management,” the complainant said, demanding legal action and justice. Meanwhile, police said an investigation had been launched to determine responsibility for the child's death and whether safety measures had been ignored. Saddar Division Superintendent of Police Shah Rukh Khan visited the site of the incident and offered condolences to the bereaved family. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Lahore Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Mohammad Faisal Kamran said investigations were underway from multiple angles and that those found responsible would be proceeded against in accordance with the law. The incident prompted residents to demand immediate measures to cover uncovered manholes, saying they had become a persistent threat to the lives of citizens, particularly children. Also Read: Manhole victims' family in Punjab declines to pursue case Residents said valuable lives were being lost due to the negligence of the relevant authorities and called for immediate and effective steps to prevent such incidents from recurring. The tragedy revived memories of a similar incident in January this year, when a woman and her child died after falling into a manhole near Bhati Gate in Lahore. A similar incident was reported a month later in the city’s Raiwind area, where a two-and-a-half-year-old child died after falling into an open manhole. The incidents were not limited to Punjab’s capital, as such occurrences have frequently taken place in Karachi, leading to the deaths of several individuals, especially children. One of the worst incidents was reported in Karachi last year, when three-year-old Ibrahim fell into an open manhole near the Nipa Flyover in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. His body was recovered 15 hours later from a manhole near Sir Syed University on University Road, triggering widespread outrage.

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PM Shehbaz says Islamic new year begins with Iran-US peace breakthrough

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday extended greetings to all Pakistanis and the Muslim community on the commencement of the new Islamic year, saying it began with the news of a peaceful resolution to the major Iran-US dispute and expressing hope for global peace. Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar 1448 Hijri, began today, while Ashura will be observed on June 26. Iran and the United States recently agreed to a peace deal mediated by Pakistan, with both sides declaring the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. The development has been welcomed by world leaders, who hailed the breakthrough agreement aimed at ending the three-month-long conflict in the Middle East and praised Pakistan for its mediation role. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, the premier prayed that the new year would bring peace and prosperity not only to the Muslim world but to all of humanity. وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا نئے اسلامی سال 1448 ہجری کے آغاز یکم محرم الحرام پر پیغام. تمام اہلیان وطن اور مسلم امہ کو نئے اسلامی سال 1448 ہجری کے آغاز کی خوشیاں مبارک ہوں۔ اللہ تعالی کے حضور دعا گو ہیں کہ یہ نیا سال نہ صرف عالم اسلام بلکہ تمام انسانیت کے لئے امن و خوشحالی کی… pic.twitter.com/k7smmLlm9v — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 16, 2026 “May every day of 1448 AH become a guarantee of peace and security, tolerance, mutual harmony, peaceful coexistence, and the protection of humanity across the world,” the premier said. He expressed satisfaction that the beginning of the Islamic year coincided with the news of a peaceful resolution of the major Iran-US dispute. “The entire nation deserves congratulations on the success of Pakistan’s sincere efforts for peace,” he said, adding that the strategy of understanding and peaceful diplomacy was in accordance with Islamic teachings and the noble example of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him). The prime minister said the new year served as a reminder of the great event of the Holy Prophet’s migration. “Among the most significant outcomes of the Hijrah was the foundation of an exemplary society and state based on Islamic teachings. That ideal state changed the course of human history and laid the foundation of a system built on faith, justice, equality, brotherhood, and service to humanity,” he added. Read: Pakistan helped avert wider conflict through US-Iran mediation, security sources say PM Shehbaz said the migration taught the values of brotherhood, sacrifice, mutual trust, discipline, justice, and collective responsibility. “Lasting solutions to our problems lie in following these principles and the noble example of the Prophet,” he added. The prime minister said the beginning of Muharram also reminded Muslims of the tragedy of Karbala, in which the grandson of the Holy Prophet, Imam Hussain, along with his devoted companions, made an "unparalleled sacrifice with unwavering faith and courage" against oppression and tyranny. “At the start of the new year, we renew our resolve to remain steadfast in supporting the rights of suffering people around the world, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters in Palestine and occupied Kashmir,” he said. Calling for national unity and collective responsibility, the prime minister urged citizens to promote honesty, hard work, mutual respect, and tolerance in their individual and collective lives. “Through our conduct and actions, we will play a positive role in the progress, stability, and prosperity of Pakistan,” he said, and prayed that God would make the new year a harbinger of goodness, blessings, peace, and prosperity for Pakistan, the Muslim world and the entire world.

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Coloured ice balls, drinks raise health concerns

With the onset of summer, brightly coloured ice balls and flavoured drinks being sold in streets and outside schools have started raising health concerns in the city. Vendors selling ice balls regularly gather outside government and private schools during breaks and closing hours, offering the treats for Rs10 to Rs20. Alongside the ice balls, artificially flavoured cold drinks in seven to eight different colours are also being sold for Rs10 per glass. The products are available in red, green, blue, yellow, orange and brown colours, while ice balls are usually prepared using three or four colours of the customer's choice. Not only children but adults are also buying these treats due to their low prices. From 8am till midnight, stalls and carts selling colourful drinks and ice balls can be seen across neighbourhoods, markets and commercial areas. Vendors are also selling low-quality flavoured juices in the name of various fruits at cheap rates, contributing to the spread of diseases. Children are increasingly spending their pocket money on these ice balls after school hours, while no action is being taken against the vendors. Former Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology medical superintendent Dr Ayaz Haider said the ice balls were highly injurious to health and caused throat and stomach illnesses. He said although ice appeared cold, its effect on the body was harmful, adding that the colours used on ice balls did not comply with hygiene standards. The red colouring in particular was extremely dangerous for health, he added. Dr Haider said the syrups used on ice balls were unbranded and usually prepared at home. He said throat diseases were spreading rapidly these days because people preferred low-quality ice cream, ice balls and market syrups instead of taking precautions during hot weather. He further said smoke emitted by vehicles also contaminated these food items. During summer, people are naturally attracted towards cold drinks, ice balls, kulfi, market syrups, sattu and sugarcane juice, making it a profitable season for roadside vendors, he added. He warned that dust settling on unhygienic kulfi, cold drinks and ice balls could also prove harmful to health. Seasonal changes often trigger throat and stomach diseases, while even minor negligence could lead to illness, he said. Dr Haider advised parents to avoid such products and instead provide children with fresh fruit and vegetable juices prepared at home.

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Australian PM demands 'transparent' inquiry into nine-year-old girl's killing by Punjab CCD

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday demanded a “transparent” investigation into the killing of a nine-year-old Pakistani-Australian girl who was shot dead by the Punjab Crime Control Department (CCD) in Chakwal on June 10 during an operation. Hania Ahmed suffered fatal shots after law enforcement officers in Chakwal shot at her family’s car last Wednesday. The onslaught also critically injured her 39-year-old father, Adeel Ahmed, and 10-year-old brother, Aafan Ahmed, while her mother remained unhurt in the incident. The shootout was covered widely by Australian as well as international media, triggering calls for an independent probe to ascertain the actual circumstances that led to the incident. Addressing reporters in Canberra following public outcry, the Australian PM flagged the importance of a detailed inquiry into the incident: “These circumstances do need to be examined. They need to be examined in a transparent way, so that everyone can know, the family, most importantly, but others as well.” The premier said that his heart goes out to the family and friends of the slain girl and expressed solidarity with the Pakistani-Australian community, adding that they would be “really feeling this today”. Albanese condoled the family over the unfortunate incident on what “should have been a time of joy”. The Australian High Commission said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was providing consular assistance to the family. “The Australian High Commission sends its deepest condolences to the family at this sad and difficult time,” it added. Meanwhile, Punjab CCD Additional Inspector General (AIG) Sohail Zafar Chattha on Monday claimed that the department did not believe in extrajudicial killings and operated against individuals involved in serious criminal activities. He said this on a visit to the Chakwal residence of the slain nine-year-old girl. “We take action against people implicated in grave crimes. Such criminals are often armed and have a history of opening fire on law enforcement personnel,” he highlighted while speaking to the media. He explained that when CCD teams were compelled to respond when they came under attack during operations, adding that at least three to four robberies were reported in Chakwal on the day of the incident, which contributed to the response by the CCD personnel. “A citizen’s life is more precious than arresting two robbers. Even if suspects are not apprehended on the spot, CCD personnel are trained to pursue and capture them later,” he said, adding that it would have been better if CCD continued the chase and arrested the suspects later. He further revealed that the alleged robbers arrived in the city from Sheikhupura and “believed they could carry out criminal activities in Chakwal without consequences”. “Our officers traced the suspects and conducted a raid. Unfortunately, during the exchange of fire between the suspects and law enforcement officials, the little girl was shot and killed.” Chattha called the incident “a major tragedy” and extended sympathy to the aggrieved family. He said that the credibility of the ongoing investigation would be measured by the confidence and satisfaction of the victim’s family. “The family’s trust in us is extremely important, and public confidence in the CCD is equally significant. Society has high expectations of the CCD and often believes that the department does not make mistakes,” he said. He acknowledged that mistakes could happen and suggested that the incident should serve as an opportunity for institutional improvement. “Following the loss of this young child, we have an opportunity to correct our shortcomings and address any gaps in training to prevent such incidents from happening in the future,” he concluded. Later, CCD Superintendent of Police (SP) Shah Meer Khalid shared details of the incident at a press conference at the CCD Headquarters, saying personnel involved in the firing had been taken into custody and legal and departmental action had been initiated against them. “The challan of the arrested personnel will soon be presented before the court for further legal proceedings,” he added. Khalid said CCD personnel had mistakenly opened fire on the vehicle of the affected family, believing that the robbers were fleeing after snatching the family’s vehicle at gunpoint. He said the CCD personnel had violated standard operating procedures, adding that the affected family had been assured of a transparent investigation. The SP said the family had expressed confidence in the investigation and the progress made so far. The incident According to police and family sources, Adeel — an Australian citizen residing in Perth — had arrived in Pakistan with his wife, Dr Sidra, and their children for a family holiday. The couple had recently performed Hajj and were visiting relatives across the region. The incident took place late in the evening as the family was travelling to a relative’s house for dinner. Near the CCD police station in Chakwal, armed suspects on a motorcycle intercepted the family’s vehicle and robbed them of cash and jewellery. An exchange of fire subsequently took place between the arriving CCD personnel and the robbers. In panic, Adeel attempted to accelerate and drive his family away from the scene. However, CCD officials, operating under the assumption that the speeding vehicle belonged to fleeing suspects, opened indiscriminate fire. The vehicle was hit by multiple bullets, critically injuring nine-year-old Hania. She was taken to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) but succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival. Her father, Adeel, and her brother, Affan, also sustained serious gunshot wounds in the incident and were shifted to a specialised medical facility in Rawalpindi, where they remain under treatment. Dr Sidra remained unharmed. The incident sparked strong public backlash on social media and drew condemnation from civic circles, which demanded accountability for alleged high-handedness by law enforcement. In a significant legal development, authorities amended the case against the arrested CCD official, upgrading the charge to Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code from the initial registration under Section 322, which pertains to manslaughter or unintentional homicide.

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Australian PM demands 'transparent' inquiry into nine-year-old girl's killing by Punjab CCD

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday demanded a “transparent” investigation into the killing of a nine-year-old Pakistani-Australian girl mistakenly shot dead by the Punjab Crime Control Department (CCD) in Chakwal on June 10. Hania Ahmed suffered fatal shots after law enforcement officers in Chakwal shot at her family’s car last Wednesday. The onslaught also critically injured her 39-year-old father, Adeel Ahmed, and 10-year-old brother, Aafan Ahmed, while her mother remained unhurt in the incident. The shootout was covered widely by Australian as well as international media, triggering calls for an independent probe to ascertain the actual circumstances that led to the incident. Addressing reporters in Canberra following public outcry, the Australian PM flagged the importance of a detailed inquiry into the incident: “These circumstances do need to be examined. They need to be examined in a transparent way, so that everyone can know, the family, most importantly, but others as well.” The premier said that his heart goes out to the family and friends of the slain girl and expressed solidarity with the Pakistani-Australian community, adding that they would be “really feeling this today”. Albanese condoled the family over the unfortunate incident on what “should have been a time of joy”. The Australian High Commission said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was providing consular assistance to the family. “The Australian High Commission sends its deepest condolences to the family at this sad and difficult time,” it added. Meanwhile, Punjab CCD Additional Inspector General (AIG) Sohail Zafar Chattha on Monday claimed that the department did not believe in extrajudicial killings and operated against individuals involved in serious criminal activities. He said this on a visit to the Chakwal residence of the slain nine-year-old girl. “We take action against people implicated in grave crimes. Such criminals are often armed and have a history of opening fire on law enforcement personnel,” he highlighted while speaking to the media. He explained that when CCD teams were compelled to respond when they came under attack during operations, adding that at least three to four robberies were reported in Chakwal on the day of the incident, which contributed to the response by the CCD personnel. “A citizen’s life is more precious than arresting two robbers. Even if suspects are not apprehended on the spot, CCD personnel are trained to pursue and capture them later,” he said, adding that it would have been better if CCD continued the chase and arrested the suspects later. He further revealed that the alleged robbers arrived in the city from Sheikhupura and “believed they could carry out criminal activities in Chakwal without consequences”. “Our officers traced the suspects and conducted a raid. Unfortunately, during the exchange of fire between the suspects and law enforcement officials, the little girl was shot and killed.” Chattha called the incident “a major tragedy” and extended sympathy to the aggrieved family. He said that the credibility of the ongoing investigation would be measured by the confidence and satisfaction of the victim’s family. “The family’s trust in us is extremely important, and public confidence in the CCD is equally significant. Society has high expectations of the CCD and often believes that the department does not make mistakes,” he said. He acknowledged that mistakes could happen and suggested that the incident should serve as an opportunity for institutional improvement. “Following the loss of this young child, we have an opportunity to correct our shortcomings and address any gaps in training to prevent such incidents from happening in the future,” he concluded. Later, CCD Superintendent of Police (SP) Shah Meer Khalid shared details of the incident at a press conference at the CCD Headquarters, saying personnel involved in the firing had been taken into custody and legal and departmental action had been initiated against them. “The challan of the arrested personnel will soon be presented before the court for further legal proceedings,” he added. Khalid said CCD personnel had mistakenly opened fire on the vehicle of the affected family, believing that the robbers were fleeing after snatching the family’s vehicle at gunpoint. He said the CCD personnel had violated standard operating procedures, adding that the affected family had been assured of a transparent investigation. The SP said the family had expressed confidence in the investigation and the progress made so far. The incident According to police and family sources, Adeel — an Australian citizen residing in Perth — had arrived in Pakistan with his wife, Dr Sidra, and their children for a family holiday. The couple had recently performed Hajj and were visiting relatives across the region. The incident took place late in the evening as the family was travelling to a relative’s house for dinner. Near the CCD police station in Chakwal, armed suspects on a motorcycle intercepted the family’s vehicle and robbed them of cash and jewellery. An exchange of fire subsequently took place between the arriving CCD personnel and the robbers. In panic, Adeel attempted to accelerate and drive his family away from the scene. However, CCD officials, operating under the assumption that the speeding vehicle belonged to fleeing suspects, opened indiscriminate fire. The vehicle was hit by multiple bullets, critically injuring nine-year-old Hania. She was taken to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) but succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival. Her father, Adeel, and her brother, Affan, also sustained serious gunshot wounds in the incident and were shifted to a specialised medical facility in Rawalpindi, where they remain under treatment. Dr Sidra remained unharmed. The incident sparked strong public backlash on social media and drew condemnation from civic circles, which demanded accountability for alleged high-handedness by law enforcement. In a significant legal development, authorities amended the case against the arrested CCD official, upgrading the charge to Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code from the initial registration under Section 322, which pertains to manslaughter or unintentional homicide.

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