Leh erosion puts homes, shops at risk

Although the flood surge in Nullah Leh following nearly 200mm of rain on September 1 has receded, its destructive aftermath continues, with widespread soil erosion and landslides threatening homes, shops, roads, bridges and passageways along a roughly 15-kilometre stretch from New Katarian to Gulistan Colony. The situation is particularly alarming near Ganj Mandi, where severe landsliding has put 10 shops and three houses at risk of collapse. The district administration has declared the affected area dangerous and sealed it to prevent movement. A bridge connecting Ratta with Dhoke Ratta has also been closed as a precaution. The torrential rain on September 1 caused a powerful flood surge in Nullah Leh, severely eroding its banks at several points. Even after the water receded, soil erosion and landsliding have continued. Along the stretch from New Katarian to Gulistan Colony, the ground is giving way at several locations, while roads and pathways have been washed away. In some areas, residential and commercial buildings have been left dangerously close to the nullah. The situation near Ganj Mandi is especially serious, where a large section of land along the nullah has collapsed. Continued erosion has placed 10 shops and three houses in danger, prompting the administration to restrict movement in the affected area. In Sagri Mohalla, erosion has washed away a passage in front of residential houses, causing severe difficulties for residents. An unpaved route leading from Ratta Road towards Ganj Mandi has also been swept away by floodwaters. Local residents have blamed illegal dumping of construction waste along Nullah Leh for aggravating the destruction. They said bricks, gravel, construction debris and household solid waste had been dumped along the nullah and its banks throughout the year using tractor-trolleys. The accumulation of waste obstructed the natural flow of water at several points, residents said, while changes in the direction of floodwaters during the deluge intensified erosion along the banks. According to residents, some settlements were around 50 yards from Nullah Leh before September 1, but severe erosion has reduced the distance to roughly 10 metres at several locations. Residents fear that further rainfall or another flood surge could put homes and commercial buildings directly in danger. They have demanded immediate construction of concrete retaining walls and reinforced embankments at vulnerable points, as well as strict legal action against those dumping construction waste and the tractor-trolley owners involved. Meanwhile, the embankments of the Gowalmandi Bridge were also damaged by the September 1 flood. The powerful flow of water battered the bridge and its approaches, weakening parts of the structure. The administration has since begun repair work on the damaged embankments. The bridge connecting Ratta with Dhoke Ratta has also been closed as a safety measure to prevent any major accident caused by weakened sections. Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir said the issue of modernising and improving Rawalpindi's drainage system had been included in the Punjab Development Project.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/TMq4932

Lahore police to begin using body-worn cameras after training

Training of Punjab’s police field force in the use of body-worn cameras has been completed, with the project being launched initially in Lahore, where docking points for the cameras at police stations are being installed. The body-worn cameras will be connected to Smart Safe City systems established in 43 cities across the province. Personnel of the Punjab Police, Highway Patrol, Dolphin Force and traffic wardens will wear the cameras while performing their duties. The cameras’ digital facial recognition feature will help identify suspects. The state-of-the-art devices will also facilitate automated reading of motorcycle and vehicle number plates, while an instant threat alert can be generated in an emergency. Also Read:  The cameras are equipped with a calling facility for immediate communication. Police personnel will be able to record audio and video and take photographs through the devices. During duty, recordings will also be stored in the cameras’ built-in memory. After completing their duty, personnel will place the cameras at designated docking points, where the recorded data will automatically be transferred from the devices and securely stored. A ‘push-to-talk’ facility will enable field-duty officers to establish immediate contact with the control room, while an SOS emergency button will allow them to alert the control room in emergencies. The cameras will be connected to a central monitoring system, with live monitoring carried out at the respective district Safe City control rooms. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the body-worn cameras would not only facilitate monitoring but also help curb corruption. “Ensuring a sense of security among the public, particularly vulnerable segments, is the real measure of success,” she said regarding the initiative. She said protection of the life and property of every individual in Punjab was the foremost responsibility of the government. In a message on the International Day of Democracy, the chief minister said an informed citizenry, honest leadership and the rule of law were essential for the success of democracy. She termed accountability a key pillar of democracy and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to hold corrupt elements accountable. She said a systematic campaign against corruption was under way in Punjab. The chief minister said supremacy of the Constitution was the essence of democracy, while an active civil society and effective institutions were crucial for promoting and strengthening democratic traditions. Meanwhile, Naseerabad police in Lahore arrested two men for allegedly impersonating police officers and intimidating citizens in Gopal Nagar’s main market. According to police, the suspects, Muhammad Asif and Abdul Majid, were wearing police caps with white shalwar kameez and allegedly presenting themselves as officials. When questioned, they failed to provide proof of their identity or employment. Police arrested the two men and registered a case under Sections 170 and 171 of the Pakistan Penal Code for impersonating police officials and illegally using official police caps.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/4uz3GBf

CM Afridi leads second day of Lahore street movement amid heavy police deployment

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said preparations for the September 27 long march seeking the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan were complete as he led the second day of his Lahore street movement on Tuesday amid a heavy deployment of Punjab Police. Addressing the media and rally participants, CM Afridi said the party would disclose its detailed plan for the protest a week before the event and called on people to come out for their rights. He claimed that even a force of 100,000 police or military personnel could not stop what he described as the mobilisation of four million people. Read: CM Afridi accuses Punjab govt of political victimisation and manhandling at worker's residence in Lahore Afridi took to the streets from Shah Jamal after visiting the family of Ghulam Mohiuddin Dewan, a former member of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly who is currently under arrest. The rally, accompanied by a large number of party workers and supporters, travelled along Ferozepur Road, Mozang Chungi, Lytton Road and Jain Mandir before reaching Hall Road. A heavy police deployment was witnessed along the route of the K-P chief minister's rally. According to PTI, police forcibly closed shops and markets along the route and blocked roads and streets on both sides, restricting the movement of PTI workers, supporters and members of the public. "پنجاب پر جعلی حکومت نے لاہور میں کرفیو لگایا ہوا ہے، یہاں پرامن سیاسی سرگرمیوں کی اجازت نہیں ہم جہاں جارہے راستے بند کر رہے، افسوناک بات یہ ہے کہ ہم کل پٹرول ڈلوانے گئے انہوں نے پٹرول پمپ بند کردیا لیکن پٹرول پمپ کا مالک غیرت مند پنجابی تھا اس نے کہا یہ ہمارے مہمان ہیں ہم انہیں… pic.twitter.com/7rsJWkdBuI — PTI (@PTIofficial) September 15, 2026 The party also claimed that several PTI workers were arrested and that police conducted raids at the residences of party workers and leaders. It also alleged that police confined shopkeepers and citizens inside plazas at various locations to prevent them from joining the rally while claiming that police officials in uniform and plain clothes attempted to arrest workers at several points; however, members of the K-P chief minister's official squad intervened and secured their release. Speaking to the media during the rally, CM Afridi alleged that he had been abducted by Punjab Police the previous night and accused the provincial government of creating hurdles for his political activities. "I was being abducted," Afridi said, adding that he had been taken around Lahore's roads for about 15 minutes before being left on the roadside. "لانگ مارچ کی پوری تیاری ہے ستائیس ستمبر سے ایک ہفتہ قبل پلان بتایا جائے گا"۔وزیراعلی @SohailAfridiISF #LongMarchOnSeptember27th pic.twitter.com/6PuVzsxVfh — PTI (@PTIofficial) September 15, 2026 He said the Punjab government should be ashamed and warned that if anything happened to him in Punjab, the provincial government and Punjab Police would be responsible. Earlier, K-P Information Minister Shafi Ullah Jan alleged that Afridi could not have reached the location without being detained or stopped by police. "If the police did not arrest him, then how did Sohail Afridi get here?" Jan said, alleging that an attempt had been made to abduct the K-P chief minister. He further alleged that pressure was put on PTI workers who followed Afridi and that the chief minister was forced out of his vehicle after police saw party workers around the convoy. According to the PTI, Lahore chapter Vice President Mehr Naeemullah Taj was also arrested. The party also claimed that police raided the residence of senior PTI leader Lala Ishtiaq, who was not present at the house at the time, according to his family. In a video message earlier, Afridi criticised the media for what he described as a failure to raise its voice over the death of PTI activist Ishtiaq Ahmad. He repeated the party's allegation that Ahmad had been thrown into boiling oil during a police raid linked to Eid Milad-un-Nabi preparations. Afridi also warned the Punjab government and police against creating hurdles to the movement, saying that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa was discussing its response and that a "very strong reaction" would follow if PTI workers faced the same treatment as the previous night. Speaking to workers, senior founding PTI leader Al-Haj Shaid Hussain praised Afridi's "courage and bravery" and claimed that Lahore residents had broken barriers to welcome the K-P chief minister. He accused the PML-N and PPP of practising "hate politics" and said the two parties had failed to address the problems of the people and the country. The street movement is being presented by PTI as part of its mobilisation ahead of the Sept 27 protest. Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Moeen-ud-Din Qureshi, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, K-P Information Minister Shafiullah Jan, Shaukat Basra and others accompanied Afridi during the Lahore campaign.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/D4zjeCy

CM Afridi accuses Punjab govt of political victimisation and manhandling at worker's residence in Lahore

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Monday accused the Punjab government and police of political victimisation, brutality and manhandling during his visit to Lahore to offer condolences to the family of a slain Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activist, Ishtiaq Ahmad. Tensions rose outside the deceased activist’s residence as Afridi, accompanied by PTI Secretary General Barrister Salman Akram Raja and Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, reached the workers' home. They also encountered barricades and a heavy police presence. Afridi alleged that the Punjab govt attempted to "abduct" him and later "dumped" him on the street, saying such an attempt against a provincial chief minister was no small matter. He urged workers to remain peaceful, alleging that the situation was orchestrated by Punjab’s government to create chaos. “We have not come here to hold any political gathering or procession,” Afridi told police personnel. PTI strongly condemned the incident, calling it "the shameful and reprehensible conduct of the Punjab Police" towards Afridi. "انہوں نے اغواء کرنے کی کوشش کی پھر یہاں سڑک پر پھینک گئے، ایک صوبے کے وزیراعلی کو اغواء کرنے کی کوشش کی یہ چھوٹی بات نہیں ان پر اب پریشر آئے گا" وزیراعلی سہیل آفریدی@SohailAfridiISF pic.twitter.com/RSrVeGYKkL — PTI (@PTIofficial) September 14, 2026 The statement said that the political differences were one thing, but "harassing or attempting to abduct" an elected public representative was absolutely unacceptable under any circumstances. "Maryam Nawaz and her thuggish elements should feel ashamed of this disgraceful behaviour," it added. PTI said that the "power is temporary, but the violation of the people's mandate and the humiliation of democratic representatives" are always remembered in history. پریس ریلیز: پاکستان تحریکِ انصاف وزیر اعلیٰ سہیل آفریدی کے ساتھ روا رکھے جانے والے پنجاب پولیس کے شرمناک اور قابلِ مذمت رویے کی شدید الفاظ میں مذمت کرتی ہے۔ سیاسی اختلاف اپنی جگہ، مگر ایک منتخب عوامی نمائندے کو ہراساں کرنا یا اغوا کرنے کی کوشش کرنا کسی صورت قابلِ قبول نہیں۔… — PTI (@PTIofficial) September 14, 2026 K-P Information Minister Shafi Ullah Jan also strongly condemned it and said that said forcing an elected chief minister into a vehicle, withdrawing his security and leaving him without assistance was a serious matter for which the Punjab government should be held responsible. Jan said the incident in Lahore amounted to an affront to the democratic mandate and constitutional rights of the K-P chief minister. Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Moeen-ud-Din Riaz Qureshi also condemned what he described as the alleged misconduct and attempted abduction of Afridi by Punjab police. He said such treatment of an elected chief minister was unacceptable and stressed that the public mandate, Constitution and democratic values must be protected. Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (TTAP) Punjab Chief Organiser Ammar Ali Jan and Information Secretary Shayan Bashir also condemned the alleged detention of Afridi, holding the Punjab government responsible for the incident. In a joint statement, they said a sitting chief minister had visited the family of a deceased political worker to offer condolences and should not have been detained by police of another province. They alleged that Punjab police had held the elected K-P chief minister against his will and described the incident as unprecedented in relations between the provinces. وزیراعلیٰ خیبرپختونخوا @SohailAfridiISF کو پنجاب پولیس کی جانب سے اغوا کرنے کی کوشش کی گئی۔ مریم نواز کے گلو بٹوں نے وزیراعلیٰ آفریدی کو ڈالے میں ڈال کر اغوا کیا اور دور ویرانے میں چھوڑ دیا، پنجاب پولیس نے وزیراعلیٰ آفریدی کو ان کی سکیورٹی سے الگ کرکے زبردستی دوسری گاڑی میں… — Shafi Jan (@ShafiJanPTI) September 14, 2026   Responding to Afridi’s allegations, Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Zahid Bokhari called it a “drama”, saying that they themselves went and sat in the police van while police officials were asking them to get off. “They scolded and pushed aside their own guard for obstructing what she described as a scripted drama and lazy acting," she said in a post on X. ایک اور ڈرامہ بازی ملاحظہ کریں،خود جا کر پولیس وین میں بیٹھ گئے،پولیس والے اترنے کو کہہ رہے ہیں،اپنے گارڈذ کو اپنا ڈرامہ بلاک کرنے پر جھاڑ کر پرے کردیا،فرمائشی اور سستی ایکٹینگ انکو عزت دے رہے ہیں لیکن یہ اسکے لائق ہی نہیں pic.twitter.com/CXVeRGAu0u — Azma Zahid Bokhari (@AzmaBokhariPMLN) September 14, 2026 Addressing media and PTI workers outside Ahmad’s home, Afridi accused the Punjab police and government of causing the death, saying the deceased was innocent. He also criticised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, referring to her concerns over security threats. “The Punjab police and the illegitimate Punjab government burned Ishtiaq Ahmad in hot oil; he was innocent and had done no wrong, yet he was killed,” he said. Ahmad had died after suffering burn injuries during a police raid while preparations were under way for Eid Miladun Nabi (PBUH). The PTI alleged that the police were responsible for his death, claiming that he had suffered burns over 70 per cent of his body after falling into a vat of boiling oil amid chaos. He later died despite treatment. Afridi rejected security and protocol offered by the Punjab authorities and said he had come to Lahore as an ordinary citizen. “Punjab is mine, Pakistan is mine. I have come here as an ordinary citizen. I refuse to accept your security; I do not need your protection. The fake chief minister of Punjab claims she feels threatened by the three provinces of Pakistan but not by India, which is a shameful attitude. I am from Punjab, and Punjabis are mine. I have no threat from Punjab. The people of Punjab despise you. I am the people’s chief minister and I enjoy being among the people,” he added. Speaking about the PTI’s planned September 27 protest, he said the party’s struggle would remain within democratic and legal limits. He said the Constitution was the guarantor of national cohesion and equal rights and rejected violence and lawbreaking. “We do not support violence or lawbreaking; our only demand is that courts and relevant institutions make impartial and fair decisions in accordance with the Constitution and law,” he said. Afridi called upon citizens to participate in the September 27 protest, saying people would come out to demand the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and their rights. The Punjab Home Department had imposed a ban on large gatherings under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code until September 17. The order also prohibited rallies, demonstrations and the display of weapons, while exempting weddings, funerals and court proceedings. PTI leaders also alleged that authorities had obstructed their movement. Opposition Leader Moeen Qureshi claimed that the K-P chief minister’s convoy was repeatedly stopped and attempts were made to arrest members of the delegation. “An attempt was made to arrest me, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and Senator Aoun Abbas. Moreover, the police prevented us from going to the deceased’s home to attend the funeral,” he said. PTI Punjab Information Secretary Shaukat Basra also accused the provincial authorities of carrying out late-night raids and detaining hundreds of party workers, including women. The leaders alleged that the police had maintained a heavy presence during the funeral and rushed the rites to prevent family members and party workers from gathering. After offering condolences to the family, Afridi and other leaders proceeded towards Data Darbar in a rally. A large number of PTI supporters joined the procession as it passed through Mochi Gate, Lohari Gate and Bhatti Gate amid heavy police presence. After offering prayers at the shrine, Afridi proceeded with supporters towards the Lahore High Court to attend a function hosted by lawyers. The movement of the convoy and rally disrupted traffic in several parts of central Lahore. Severe congestion was reported around the railway station, Mall Road, Lower Mall Road, Regal Chowk, GPO Chowk and Circular Road, while traffic diversions forced commuters to use adjoining neighbourhood streets. Traffic jams were also reported around Ek Moriya Pul, Akbari Market Road, Delhi Gate, Wansan Wala Bazaar and Shah Alam Market. Sources said police forced shopkeepers to close businesses along Hall Road, Mall Road, Anarkali and other markets during the time.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/8rwQADX

Monsoon exposes flood failures

The 90-day pre-monsoon and monsoon season ended on a tragic note in Rawalpindi, claiming 14 lives despite repeated assurances by the deputy commissioner and managing director of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) that 100% flood-prevention arrangements had been completed. Several children who drowned during the season were found days later, with their bodies trapped in bushes along Nullah Leh, eight to 10 kilometres from the locations where they had fallen into the water. Even after the end of the monsoon season, more than 150 deep and uncovered manholes across the city remain potential death traps, as the administration has failed to install covers or protective grilles despite announcing such measures over the past three months. The deaths began during the pre-monsoon period when seven-year-old Visal drowned near Kacha Stop in Westridge-III. His body was recovered a week later, eight kilometres away near the Nullah Leh bridge at Gawalmandi. The incidents continued throughout the monsoon. Seven-year-old Abu Bakar drowned in Misrial's Friends Colony, while seven-year-old Zahid drowned in Nullah Leh in Gulistan Colony. When Zahid's father attempted to rescue him, he too was swept away and drowned. In Rawat's Chakbeli Khan area, two brothers, seven-year-old Asim and nine-year-old Muneeb, drowned in a rainwater drain. In Rawat's Kharkan area, 14-year-old Abdul Manan and 11-year-old Ayan also drowned in a rainwater channel. Thirteen-year-old Areeba Tayyab drowned in a rainwater drain in Gulzar-e-Quaid, while six-year-old Hasnain was swept away by a rainwater channel near Girja Road. Five-year-old Hareem drowned at Lunda Bazaar, Bohar Bazaar Chowk, but her body has yet to be recovered. In Gujar Khan, two friends drowned while bathing, while 35-year-old Rizwan was killed when a dilapidated building near Lunda Bazaar collapsed during heavy rain. Following the drowning incidents involving children, Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir's response was to impose restrictions on children leaving their homes when torrential rain began. However, no financial assistance was provided to the families of the children who drowned, nor did officials visit their homes to offer condolences or provide meaningful relief to residents of low-lying areas. The monsoon also exposed the vulnerability of the recently renovated Raja Bazaar, where around Rs700 million had been spent on modernisation. The market was inundated four times during the season, with floodwater reaching five feet and causing losses worth millions of rupees to shopkeepers. Despite the end of the monsoon, the damaging effects of the floods remain visible in streets and neighbourhoods across low-lying areas. WASA, the Municipal Corporation and the district administration have yet to present a definitive solution to the 18-kilometre-long Nullah Leh and the city's 15 major rainwater channels, which have repeatedly devastated Rawalpindi over the past five decades. So far, the authorities have relied largely on proposals rather than implementing a permanent project. Chairman of the Citizens Action Committee Malik Zaheer Awan said flooding could not be prevented until the systems carrying rainwater and sewage were separated. He proposed laying 12-foot-wide sewage pipelines along both sides of Nullah Leh to carry the city's wastewater, while reserving the central channel exclusively for rainwater. He said the project had previously been proposed during the tenure of former Rawalpindi Development Authority chairman Tariq Murtaza, with an estimated cost of Rs30 billion and financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank. He urged the authorities to revive the project immediately. District Bar Association president Malik Sajid Mahmood Awan said the destruction caused by Nullah Leh and the 15 rainwater channels was affecting the entire city. He called for encroachments to be removed forcefully in accordance with the official maps of Nullah Leh and its rainwater channels prepared by the Survey of Pakistan in 1965. He suggested that people affected by the removal of encroachments be provided three-marla government plots around Adiala Road, saying this would allow the original 800-to-1,000-foot width of Nullah Leh to be restored. The channel's width has now been reduced to between 300 and 550 feet because of encroachments, he said. Awan warned that without restoring the original waterway, every other solution would result in the waste of hundreds of millions or billions of rupees. Rawalpindi DC said all drains would be cleaned before the next monsoon, while covers and protective grilles would be installed on manholes. He said the drains would undergo complete desilting and deepening. He added that throwing construction material and waste into Nullah Leh and other rainwater channels would be declared a criminal offence.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/8ZNl4j6

Punjab imposes Section 144 for five days, citing 'terror threat'

The Punjab government on Sunday imposed Section 144 across the province for five days, citing a “serious and imminent threat” to public peace and the safety of life and property from terrorist organisations and hostile intelligence agencies. The order came as Jamaat-e-Islami’s (JI) countrywide protest campaign against the petroleum levy and inflation entered its 29th day, while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced a mobilisation drive across Punjab, with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi scheduled to visit several cities. Under the order issued by the Home Department of Punjab, assemblies, rallies, gatherings, sit-ins, processions, demonstrations and other public events involving five or more people have been banned across the province with immediate effect. The order said credible reports received from law enforcement and intelligence agencies had pointed to threats from terrorist organisations and hostile intelligence agencies. It said multiple threat alerts had been received regarding possible terrorist activities involving suicide bombers, vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) and target killings during large public gatherings across the province. According to the order, such attacks could be aimed at creating mayhem, causing social unrest and disrupting public peace and tranquillity. Read: K-P CM prepares to tour 13 Punjab cities The government said assemblies of people, rallies, gatherings, sit-ins, processions, demonstrations and jalsas could become potential targets for terrorist attacks, adding that the possibility of an untoward incident or act of terrorism could not be ruled out during such activities. It also expressed apprehension that certain elements could organise activities, gatherings or demonstrations that may lead to large assemblies of people, making them vulnerable to hostile activity by terrorists or terrorist organisations. “Any such incident shall be a breach of public peace, disturbance of the public order, a security risk for the general public and likely cause loss of life, property or critical infrastructure,” the order said. The home department said the Punjab inspector general of police, Counter-Terrorism Department, special branch and several divisional and district administrations had requested immediate preventive measures to address potential terrorist and hostile activities and enable authorities to maintain law and order across the province. The order, issued under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, also imposed a complete ban on the carrying, display or brandishing of all kinds of weapons at public places. However, the restrictions on assemblies do not apply to marriage ceremonies, funeral prayers, burial processions and prayers at mosques and churches. Official duties of government and semi-government organisations and proceedings in courts of law have also been exempted. "Personnel of law enforcement, intelligence and security agencies performing official duties have been exempted from the ban on carrying weapons. Other events may be held with permission from the deputy commissioner of the relevant district under Section 16 of the Punjab Civil Administration Act, 2017," it said. Also Read: PTI announces support for JI's ongoing sit-ins against petroleum levy, inflation The order also prohibited inciting people to participate in unlawful assemblies, and stated that the order came into force immediately and would remain effective for five days from the date of issuance. The order came amid heightened political activity in Punjab; the province is also set to witness a mobilisation drive by the PTI ahead of its planned Sept 27 protest and long march. K-P CM Afridi is scheduled to begin his Punjab tour on Sept 13 from Daud Khel and travel through Mianwali, Wan Bachran, Quaidabad, Khushab and Sargodha before proceeding through Lalian and Chiniot to Faisalabad, where he will stay overnight. The PTI has also accused the government of launching a crackdown against its activists. According to the party, 54 workers from six districts of southern Punjab have been arrested. The list includes three workers from Dera Ghazi Khan, eight from Rajanpur, five from Vehari, 10 from Layyah, 18 from Multan and 10 from Khanewal.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/P6X8lwS

CM Maryam seeks explanation on civic service deficiencies

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has sought an immediate explanation from the deputy commissioners of Okara and Sahiwal after the CM’s Inspection Team uncovered overcharging at a hospital parking lot and deficiencies in civic services. The team conducted late-night surprise visits to the Okara District Headquarters and Depalpur and Chichawatni Tehsil Headquarters Hospitals. At the Chichawatni THQ Hospital, the team received complaints about excessive parking charges and ordered cancellation of the contract and registration of a case against those responsible. Read: CM Punjab launches crusade against corruption The team also noticed stagnant rainwater and non-functional streetlights in Okara district. Based on a report, CM Maryam expressed displeasure and sought explanations from the DCs of Okara and Sahiwal. She ordered the relevant authorities to immediately start reconstruction of the dilapidated Depalpur Road. وزیرِ اعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف کی ہدایات پر معاون خصوصی شعیب مرزا نے انسپیکشن ٹیم کے ہمراہ اوکاڑہ، دیپالپور اور چیچہ وطنی کے اچانک دورے کیے ۔ سرکاری ہسپتالوں اور عوامی سہولیات کا تفصیلی معائنہ کیا گیا۔ وزیرِاعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف کے واضح احکامات کہ مطابق عوامی مسائل پر فوری… pic.twitter.com/HMkCucZCME — Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) September 6, 2026 Meanwhile, following the arrest by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) of nine government employees and three frontmen in various districts, CM Maryam said the time had come to eliminate corruption from government institutions across Punjab. According to an official statement issued on Sunday, ACE teams conducted raids and trap operations in several districts against officials allegedly involved in receiving bribes. In Bahawalnagar, an assistant commissioner’s office clerk was allegedly caught receiving a bribe and a case was registered against him. A former union council office naib qasid was also arrested during a trap raid. In Vehari, an excise department official was arrested while allegedly accepting a bribe. In Dera Ghazi Khan, a computer operator at Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital was caught during a similar operation. A naib qasid of the local government department was arrested in Mandi Bahauddin and booked in a corruption case. In Jhang, the ACE arrested a tehsil office reader for allegedly receiving a bribe. Two alleged frontmen, Mohammad Yasir and Abdullah, were arrested in Muzaffargarh. Also Read: Minister slams Maryam over terrorism remarks In Lahore, the ACE registered a case and arrested a patwari’s munshi, Mubeen Akhtar, over allegations of corruption. Another alleged frontman working for a patwari was also caught receiving a bribe. In Chakwal, PERA Force Sergeant Asif Kamal and Naib Qasid Talal Hussain were arrested in a trap operation. “We will not rest until every government institution is free of corruption and corrupt elements,” the CM said, according to the statement. She directed the relevant authorities to continue action against officials and other individuals involved in corrupt practices.

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

Low-level flooding reported in Dek

Water flows in most rivers across Punjab remain normal, although low-level flooding has been reported in the Indus River at Kalabagh and Chashma, while the Dek, an important tributary of the Ravi, is experiencing high-level flooding, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). According to a PDMA spokesperson, water flows in the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi and Sutlej rivers are at normal levels. The Indus River is experiencing low-level flooding at Kalabagh and Chashma, where water flows stand at 351,000 cusecs and 283,000 cusecs, respectively, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson added that the Nullah Bein in Shakargarh was also experiencing a low-level flood situation. Meanwhile, the Dek, a major tributary of the Ravi River, was experiencing a high-level flood situation. The discharge in Nullah Dek stood at 22,500 cusecs, according to the PDMA spokesperson. Tarbela Dam has reached 100 per cent of its capacity, while Mangla Dam is 78 per cent full, the PDMA said. PDMA Director General Safi Anwar Jappa urged citizens to adopt precautionary measures in view of the weather and flood situation. He advised people to avoid recreational activities around rivers, canals and streams. He also urged citizens to take special care of children and not allow them to bathe in rivers, streams or drains under any circumstances.

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

Heavy vehicles face pre-smog checks

The Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has stepped up preparations for the smog season, placing heavy vehicles at the centre of its enforcement strategy. The move comes as the environmental authorities shift their focus from reacting to deteriorating air quality toward taking preventive measures before the onset of severe smog conditions. The EPA has directed its field formations to intensify vehicle inspections, particularly on major highways, urban roads and city entry points, with the objective of removing high-emission vehicles before they add to the pollution during the critical period. According to EPA data, 1,745 challans have been issued and 621 vehicles impounded in Lahore since May, with fines amounting to Rs4.483 million imposed for violations of environmental standards. The agency says these figures form part of its continuing pre-smog preparedness and enforcement against vehicular emissions will be significantly strengthened in the days ahead. The focus is particularly on trucks, buses and large diesel-powered vehicles because poorly maintained engines and exhaust systems can release excessive smoke and contribute to deterioration of air quality in densely populated areas. EPA spokesperson Sajid Bashir said the department was accelerating its field operations ahead of the smog season and curbing vehicle emissions was being treated as a priority. He said vehicles found emitting smoke beyond the prescribed environmental limits were being proceeded against under the relevant laws, while the agency was increasing inspections at locations where heavy traffic and commercial transport were concentrated. He urged owners of heavy vehicles to have their engines and exhaust systems properly maintained and ensure that they had valid fitness certification before operating on major urban routes. The EPA is preparing for a tightening of enforcement at city entry points. Officials said vehicles without fitness certification and emitting excessive smoke would face action with the objective of preventing unfit and highly polluting vehicles from entering major urban centres. The coming days are expected to see greater deployment of environmental teams at major entry and exit points, where heavy vehicles will be subjected to closer scrutiny. The measure is part of an approach designed to intercept major pollution sources before they enter congested urban areas. The enforcement drive will also be supported through the Punjab Safe Cities Authority's camera network for monitoring of heavy transport vehicles. Camera assistance will help enforcement teams identify vehicles requiring further inspection and support action against non-compliance. EPA Director General Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh issued strict directions to field officers to intensify enforcement against smoke-emitting vehicles He directed teams to maintain regular surveillance on major routes and ensure that environmental violations are dealt with promptly and without discrimination. Sheikh stressed the need for stronger coordination between the EPA, district administrations, traffic authorities, the PSCA and other relevant departments. According to the directions, vehicular emission control must form part of a coordinated pre-smog response involving all departments responsible for traffic management, enforcement and public health protection.

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

Delays weaken Pakistan's rights commissions

Delays in appointing chairpersons and members to national and provincial commissions dealing with human rights, women, children and minorities have raised concerns over the independence and effectiveness of these institutions, as well as Pakistan's ability to meet its international human rights obligations. The previous National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) completed its four-year term in November 2025, but a new commission has yet to be fully constituted. Meanwhile, the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) continues to operate under an acting head rather than a permanent chairperson. Former NCHR chairperson Khawar Mumtaz said governments had failed to demonstrate seriousness in constituting and empowering human rights and women's commissions in a timely manner. She believed the appointment process for a new chairperson should be completed before the incumbent's term expires to prevent an institutional vacuum. "Repeated reliance on temporary arrangements could undermine the independence and effectiveness of such commissions," noted Mumtaz. An amendment to the National Commission for Human Rights Act in 2026 introduced Section 4A, allowing the chairperson to remain in office for up to 120 days after completing the term, or until a new chairperson is appointed, whichever comes first. The previous commission's term ended in November 2025, meaning the 120-day transitional period has also elapsed, raising questions over the commission's legal and operational position. NCHR Chairperson Rabiya Javeri Agha, however, said the commission was functioning effectively because it had recruited additional staff two years ago and currently had adequate human resources. She further added that the extension of the NCHR chairperson's tenure had been made in accordance with the law and was also consistent with practices followed by national human rights institutions in other countries. When asked about the constitution of a new commission, she said the matter fell within the government's authority and questions regarding the appointment should be directed to the government. Human rights activist and Centre for Social Justice Executive Director Peter Jacob said the National Commission for Minorities Rights Act had been passed by Parliament in December 2025, but the process of appointing the commission's chairperson and members had yet to be completed. Records of the National Assembly and Senate show that the relevant legislation was passed on December 16, 2025. The National Commission on the Rights of Child has also faced gaps in representation from some provinces and Islamabad. The Ministry of Human Rights invited applications in July 2026 for the appointment of members from Punjab, Islamabad and Balochistan. At the provincial level, the position of chairperson of the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women has remained vacant since 2019. The Lahore High Court in June 2026 directed the Punjab government to complete the appointment within 45 days, while the commission's own website continues to show the chairperson's position and several members' seats as vacant. The government has meanwhile announced various initiatives in the human rights sector, including the National Action Plan on Human Rights 2026. The Ministry of Human Rights says work is also under way to improve implementation of international human rights treaties and strengthen the capacity of national institutions. Civil society representative and lawyer Abdullah Malik opined that incomplete commissions could affect independent monitoring, reporting and recommendations concerning Pakistan's obligations under UN treaties, international human rights reviews, commitments relating to women and children, and the Sustainable Development Goals. The NCHR holds an 'A' status accreditation from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), making its independence and effective functioning particularly important for Pakistan's international standing.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/KslY9du

Punjab Assembly passes controversial anti-terror law

The provincial assembly of Punjab on Monday passed the Punjab Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2026 amid protests and a walkout by opposition lawmakers. During the session, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan and Opposition Leader Moin Riaz Qureshi held a heated debate over the new legislation's legal and constitutional implications. Addressing the house, the speaker issued a ruling confirming that the bill could legally be placed on the agenda, citing Article 142 of the Constitution concerning criminal-law jurisdiction. Defending the move, the speaker recalled how terrorism claimed more than 100,000 lives in Pakistan during the war on terror, including those of high-profile figures, and led to attacks on places of worship. He argued that, in the past, terrorists often walked free due to a lack of witness protection and physical security. He noted that even democratic nations such as the US have established “faceless” or anonymous courts to deal with extreme terror threats, urging the opposition to propose constructive amendments rather than block the bill. Qureshi condemned the “draconian” law, which he claimed aimed at "crushing the citizens of Punjab”. He accused the ruling government of introducing the amendment to target political rivals, particularly PTI leaders and activists, much like previous defamation and National Accountability Bureau laws. He raised concerns about a provision under which a Grade-20-designated official would have the authority to advise the chief justice of the Lahore High Court on whether cases should be classified as “special security cases”. Joining the debate, opposition lawmaker Ahmar Rashid Bhatti read out on the floor of the House an opinion column he had written for a daily newspaper, comparing the proposed law to a 1909 British colonial-era act that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah opposed. He warned that allowing the identities and voices of judges, prosecutors, defence lawyers and witnesses to be concealed or altered would violate Article 10-A of the Constitution, which guarantees the fundamental right to a fair and transparent trial. Following the intense debate, opposition members chanted slogans against the bill and walked out of the hall. As they exited, lawmaker Waqas Mann pointed out a lack of quorum, but the treasury benches successfully rallied enough members to maintain it. With the opposition absent, their proposed amendments were rejected, and the House voted to approve the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The bill seeks to insert a new Section 21AAA into the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, creating a “special security case” mechanism for cases in which participants are considered to require extraordinary protection. Under the proposed law, a designated authority — an officer of at least BS-20 whose identity would itself remain confidential — could declare a case or a class of cases a special security case. At the authority’s request, the LHC chief justice would assign the case to an Anti-Terrorism Court judge. The bill also proposes that the identities of judges, public prosecutors, defence counsel, police officers, witnesses and other persons involved in such proceedings “shall not be disclosed”. Judicial orders would carry official titles instead of the judges’ names, while witnesses would be identified through codes issued by the designated authority. The proceedings could be held at secure premises or conducted through video links, including from prisons. The proposed provision would also allow the government to adopt other security measures it considers appropriate.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/fn2rHJO

Kundi questions Centre's K-P priorities

As the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government comes under fire over its alleged failure to improve the lives of people in the province, Governor Faisal Kareem Kundi on Saturday turned the question towards Islamabad, asking what the PML-N-led federal government had done for the province. "There is a lot of criticism of the PTI government in K-P for doing little to nothing for the people of the province, but what has the PML-N-led federal government done for K-P?" Governor Kundi asked during a conversation with The Express Tribune. Kundi questioned how many times Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had visited Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to preliminary research, the prime minister has visited the province twice. Kundi said the frequency of the premier's visits reflected the federal government's priorities towards the people of K-P. "Why are all the projects and the focus directed towards Punjab?" he asked, adding that if the PTI government in K-P was failing its people, the federal government could have stepped in to fill the gaps. The governor said he supported the K-P government's "genuine demands" from the federal government, particularly those relating to the province's fiscal and water shares. "Our province is not getting its due fiscal share," he said. "Not only that, K-P is not even getting its due water share." Kundi also raised the issue of the Chashma Right Bank Canal, saying K-P had been deprived of its due share while other provinces had received canals and water allocations. "Where is our Chashma Right Bank Canal? Every province has received its canals and is getting its due share of water, but not K-P," he said. According to Kundi, the canal could irrigate a large area in Dera Ismail Khan and help address the province's agricultural needs, including its wheat shortfall. Asked about Chief Minister K-P Sohail Afridi's performance, Kundi said there was "nothing to write home about" on the performance front. However, he described Afridi as a decent person who "minds his own business", unlike his predecessor. On the political situation in K-P, Kundi said PTI was fragmented and divided into five or six groups. This fragmentation, he added, had considerably weakened the party's political strength in the province. He predicted that PTI's planned September 27 rally would be "another flop show". Asked about reports that the PPP was considering moving to the opposition benches in the federal government, following remarks by PPP leader Hasan Murtaza, Kundi appeared to reject the possibility. "Why would PPP sit on the opposition benches? Will we sit behind PTI?" he asked. When asked whether the PPP could pursue an independent political course rather than joining an opposition bloc, given its political differences with PTI, Kundi reiterated his objection to sitting alongside PTI. "Why would we sit with PTI or share benches with them?" he said. His position, however, appears to differ from remarks made by some other PPP leaders regarding the party's possible political strategy in the federal government. On the question of creating new provinces, Kundi said the PPP was opposed to the proposal in principle, although the party supported the creation of a Saraiki province.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/vG4uTnf

Lahore Zoo probes viral TikToker's lion enclosure stunt

The Lahore Zoo administration has launched an inquiry into a viral social media video that purportedly shows a TikToker climbing over the railing of a lion enclosure. The video, which surfaced on social media two days ago, appears to show the TikToker crossing the enclosure railing before returning outside moments later, sparking concerns over zoo security and visitor safety. Zoo officials, however, said there was a wide trench between the enclosure railing and the area inhabited by the lions. They added that multiple layers of razor wire had also been installed along the boundaries of enclosures housing big cats and other large animals. According to the officials, it was not physically possible for a person to cross the razor-wire barriers and enter the lions' trench. They said there was currently no confirmation that anyone had crossed the barriers or entered the trench. The administration has initiated an inquiry to determine the authenticity of the video and establish the circumstances in which it was recorded. Officials said the version of the video uploaded on TikTok appeared to have been edited. However, they stressed that a final conclusion would be drawn only after the investigation was completed. The zoo administration also said the TikToker was known for producing and sharing videos featuring similar stunts on social media.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/NBK0Pgr

UNESCO widens Pak heritage map

UNESCO has added 12 more historical and cultural sites from Pakistan associated with Gandhara and Buddhist heritage, Mughal-era architecture, historic forts and other cultural heritage to its Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. The latest additions take the total number of Pakistani sites on the list to 37. Their inclusion marks an important first step towards securing World Heritage status and will help highlight Pakistan's diverse cultural and historical heritage on the global stage. Currently, Pakistan has six sites inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The latest inclusion on the Tentative List does not confer World Heritage status on these sites; rather, it represents an important preliminary step towards possible future nomination to the final list. The cultural landscape of the Kalash Valley in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and other important archaeological and historical sites in the province have already been included. According to the latest records of UNESCO's World Heritage Centre, the Kalash Valley was added to the Tentative List in March 2026. Three sites from Punjab - Pharwala and Rohtas forts and the Tomb of Sultan Muqarrab Khan - were added to the Tentative List on May 11, 2026, according to the records. Other additions include Mai Qamro Mosque, Bazira-Barikot, the Gor Khatri Archaeological Complex, Sethi House and the Bhamala Buddhist Complex. Sindh also has significant representation on the Tentative List, with the inclusion of Kot Diji, Naukot and Umerkot forts. According to UNESCO, Kot Diji Fort is an important example of military architecture from the Talpur period, while pre-Harappan remains have also been found in its surrounding area. Pakistan's six sites already inscribed on the World Heritage List are Mohenjo Daro, Taxila, the Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and neighbouring city remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol, Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens, the Historical Monuments at Makli, and Rohtas Fort. Among these, Taxila, Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens, and Rohtas Fort are located in Punjab. Punjab's sites already included in the Tentative List include the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Wazir Khan Mosque, the Tombs of Jahangir, Asif Khan and Akbari Sarai, Hiran Minar and Tank in Sheikhupura, Harappa, the Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam, and the Salt Range and Khewra Salt Mines, among others. Former Archaeology Department director Malik Maqsood said the increase in the number of Pakistani sites on the Tentative List could help draw greater international attention to the country's historical and cultural heritage, while strengthening efforts for their preservation and eventual inclusion on the World Heritage List.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/Rsyg1rY

‘Blind murder’ theory falls apart as TikToker killing probe uncovers family plot

The murder investigation into 28-year-old TikToker Shamsu Bibi, also known as Ayesha Gilamana, in Taxila took a dramatic turn on Saturday, with police alleging that her father, biological brother and close relatives were involved in the conspiracy to kill her. Police have arrested five suspects, including her father and brother, while the two alleged shooters are also in custody. Rawalpindi Operations SSP Malik Tariq Mehboob told a presser that preliminary investigations suggested Ayesha’s family disapproved of her TikTok and other social media activities, which had become a major source of conflict within the family. He said evidence gathered so far indicated that Ayesha had allegedly been killed in the name of honour and that her father, brother and other close relatives were allegedly involved in planning the murder. According to the SSP, an attempt was initially made to portray the killing as a blind murder and mislead the police by creating the impression that outsiders were responsible. However, as investigators widened the scope of the probe, evidence began pointing towards members of the victim’s own family. Mehboob said investigators examined footage from more than 100 CCTV cameras and used human intelligence and other sources to establish the circumstances surrounding the murder. The victim’s father and brother were subsequently brought into the investigation, following which details of the alleged planning and the roles of various suspects began to emerge. The SSP said the investigation indicated that Ayesha’s father Fazal, brother Bashir and other close relatives were allegedly involved in the conspiracy. In a surprising development, her father became the complainant in the murder case after her death, allegedly in an attempt to conceal the facts and mislead the law. He further disclosed that an earlier attempt had also allegedly been made to kill Ayesha. The suspects had reportedly planned to target her during a wedding ceremony in Haripur, but she escaped the attack after changing her route. Malik said five suspects had so far been arrested: the victim’s father Fazal, biological brother Bashir, cousin Ahsan, her father’s uncle Rozi Khan and the son of her cousin, Yasin. The two alleged shooters are also in police custody, while one of the arrested suspects has allegedly confessed during interrogation. The SSP said the preliminary investigation indicated that the murder was an alleged honour killing, but the probe was continuing and further significant revelations could emerge. He said investigators would strengthen the evidence against the arrested suspects before submitting the challan to the court.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/JW8nTo2

8 Pakistan Bar Council members condemn ‘defiance’ of SC order amid Imran Khan’s treatment fiasco

Eight members of the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) on Saturday strongly condemned “the government’s blatant, willful and deliberate violation” of a Supreme Court (SC) August 18 order concerning the medical examination of former prime minister Imran Khan. Three days ago, the SC ordered the government to transfer Imran to Shifa Inte­rn­ati­onal Hospital for examination and treatment by a multidisciplinary medical board. The government instead sent him to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for treatment, drawing the ire of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership and eventually leading to the filing of a contempt of court petition in the apex court today. A press release signed and released by the group under the Pakistan Bar Council Member letterhead said, “We, the undersigned, strongly condemn the blatant, willful and deliberate violation by the government and authorities of the order of the Supreme Court of Pakistan dated 18 August 2026 concerning the shifting, medical examination and treatment of Mr. Imran Khan, former prime inister of Pakistan.” The press release was signed jointly by PBC members Abid Shahid Zuberi, Muhammad Maqsood Buttar, Shafqat Mehmood Chauhan, Munir Ahmed Kakar, Abdul Sattar Khan, Salman Akram Raja, Salahuddin Ahmed and Qazi Muhammad Arshad. Read: PTI files contempt petition in SC over alleged violation of order on Imran's hospital transfer The statement further highlighted that the apex court’s August 18 order was “clear, unequivocal and binding”, which was flouted by the executive in “direct defiance” of the court’s directions. The group emphasised that the executive did not have the authority to defy SC’s directions and orders. Describing the alleged non-compliance as a serious assault on the independence, authority and dignity of the judiciary, it warned that the abeyance undermined the rule of law and “strikes at the very foundation of constitutional governance". Detailing its argument, the PBC members said the incident rendered the constitutional separation of powers meaningless. “Judicial orders are the principal constitutional safeguard against arbitrary state action,” the statement said, adding that failure to comply with SC orders placed the fundamental rights of citizens at risk. Outlining paragraph 14 of the top court’s order, the lawyers argued that the executive was fully aware of the binding nature of the directions and the consequences of non-compliance. The group maintained that the filing of a review petition by the government did not suspend the court’s August 18 order and therefore the executive was not authorised to disregard it. The signatories demanded that those responsible for the alleged violation be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Read more: Medical board urges concessions for Imran The statement also criticised the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, contending that these had eroded the supremacy of the rule of law, the judiciary and the Constitution. It argued that the amendments could not provide constitutional cover for disobedience of a subsisting SC order. “No constitutional amendment, political consideration or executive decision can place the government above a binding judicial command,” the lawyers stressed in the joint statement. They said SC orders could not be held in abeyance at the government’s whim. The statement also drew comparisons between the treatment afforded to other ex-premiers and political leaders facing criminal convictions. It said a former premier had been allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment pursuant to a court order and an undertaking executed on Rs50 stamp paper, referring to PML-N President Nawaz Sharif's flight abroad from prison. The lawyers questioned whether constitutional protections relating to life, health, dignity and access to medical treatment were being applied selectively based on the political circumstances of an individual. In concluding remarks, the members of the PBC called for the complete implementation of the apex court’s August 18 order and urged that those “responsible for defiance be dealt with strictly” in accordance with the law. Similarly, the Sindh High Court Bar Association Karachi (SHCBAK) also described Imran’s treatment at PIMS as “brazen defiance of the SC’s order by executive and [Adiala] jail authorities”. In a statement issued on the association’s letterhead, SHCBAK President Muhammad Haseeb Jamali said the executive and government functionaries were constitutionally bound to comply with judicial orders. He referred to Articles 5 and 190 of the Constitution, arguing that the former obliged citizens to act in accordance with the Constitution and law, while the latter required executive authorities to act in aid of the SC. The bar association also maintained that access to medical treatment was a fundamental human right that could not be denied to prisoners. In the context of the aforesaid, the SHCBAK president reminded the government about the principles of “tracheotomy of power” whereby judicial orders are binding on all and lamented that the recent incident of the SC’s order abeyance was not in line with it. The statement issued by him also alleged that the 26th and 27th amendments to the Constitution rendered the judiciary a “subordinate” of the executive. He contested that the recent violation of SC directions in Imran’s case was a prime example of it. Recalling that the judiciary was one of the three pillars of the state, the association called on the executive authorities, including Adiala jail officials, to immediately comply with the SC’s order and ensure Imran’s medical treatment as mandated by the apex court. It further urged the top court to take “strict legal action against all delinquent officers” found responsible for non-compliance. PBC VC disowns statement issued by 8-member group Separately, the PBC distanced itself from the statement issued by eight of its members, stressing that the views solely reflected individual opinions which could not be construed as the collective position of the country’s top representative body of lawyers. In a statement issued today by the PBC secretary, its vice chairman said, “It is clarified that the statement issued by eight out of the 23 members of the Pakistan Bar Council represents the views of those individual members and cannot be treated as the collective position of the Pakistan Bar Council.” Also Read: Two specialists from Shifa International Hospital participated in Imran's eye assessment: PIMS The 23-member council also underscored that it was governed by “democratic principles” that disallowed the minority from dictating the position of the majority. “The Pakistan Bar Council is an institution of the legal fraternity and must remain above political interests and personal agendas. Neither the platform of the Pakistan Bar Council nor that of the superior judiciary should be politicised or used for any ulterior motives,” the statement read further. The PBC also strongly condemned a separate statement issued by the Lahore High Court Bar Association, saying it categorically distanced itself from such statements. “These statements do not reflect the collective views, position, or policy of the legal fraternity and the institution,” it said. The PBC, which is the largest representative body of lawyers in Pakistan, reiterated that bar representatives should not use the council’s platform to further personal political agendas. The council said it remained firmly committed to the rule of law, independence of the judiciary, supremacy of the Constitution and the sanctity of constitutional institutions. The refutation also highlighted that the lawyers’ body expected “all members” to respect these fundamental principles and uphold the dignity and institutional autonomy of the PBC. Balochistan High Court Bar Association (BHCBA) President Mir Attaullah Lango also slammed the press statement issued by the eight PBC members, calling it “misleading and controversial”. Advocate Lango said differences and political matters within the lawyers’ community should remain confined to it and should not be allowed to affect or undermine the collective institutions of lawyers. The BHCBA president said collective platforms of the legal community should not be used to serve the interests of any individual or group. “Controversial statements in support of a particular person should be avoided,” Lango stressed. He said that history was a witness that lawyers’ politics had never served the interests of an individual; thereby, the benchmark should not be compromised. Advocate Lango vowed not to let lawyers’ representative organisation be used for group interests or personal agendas “under any circumstances”. Punjab legal fraternity exchange barbs after Imran’s treatment sparks row A stark divide among the members of the Punjab legal fraternity was also observed as an Imran Khan-supporting group warned of protests over what they described as the government’s failure to fully implement the SC’s directions regarding his medical treatment, while the other distanced itself from the statement, maintaining neutrality to allow the courts to determine sub judice matters on their legal merit. Speaking at a press conference at the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA), Imran’s counsel Barrister Salman Safdar said the federal top court’s recent order regarding his client’s medical treatment was in accordance with the constitution and law and should be implemented in letter and spirit. Safdar alleged that despite repeated judicial directions, Imran had been denied basic facilities by the government and kept in isolation. He also lamented that the former premier’s cases were not being fixed for hearing at a feasible frequency. Referring to a 2022 meeting with Imran, Safdar said, “The PTI founder had foretold that several cases would be registered against him,” adding that he was appalled that more than 400 cases were filed against the former cricketer turned politician. “Imran never attempted to evade the legal process, but he is not being provided adequate opportunities to properly defend himself,” the barrister maintained. Reiterating the claims of prolonged isolation in jail faced by Imran and his wife, the legal counsel submitted that the ex-premier’s health succumbed to circumstances. “The former prime minister’s eyesight deteriorated during his confinement,” he said while claiming that jail authorities confirmed it, though the government still refutes it. The barrister argued that the SC’s rulings were not being properly implemented to provide reprieve to Imran. Appalled by the treatment meted out to the former premier, he reminded the authorities, “Imran Khan is neither a terrorist nor involved in any case against the state.” Acknowledging that the PTI founder had been convicted in the Toshakhana case, Safdar claimed delayed hearings of Imran’s pending cases. Citing an example, the legal counsel asserted, “A bail petition before the Islamabad High Court had remained pending for around 18 months.” He warned that a continuous denial of justice would undermine public confidence in the legal system. During the press conference, LHCBA President Babar Murtaza also seconded Safdar’s opinion, calling it a denial of Imran’s fundamental rights. He stated that the PTI founder had spent around 10 months in solitary confinement that caused his poor health. Reverting the discussion towards alleged flouting of the SC order by the government, Murtaza reminded that the top court had passed directions after assessing Imran’s medical summary. He said that failure to comply with the order could amount to contempt of court. The bar leader warned that the legal fraternity would launch protests and stage a sit-in outside the Punjab Assembly if the court’s directions are not implemented. Senator Hamid Khan also voiced concerns over the alleged non-compliance with the judicial decision, warning that continued disregard for court orders would fuel unrest and undermine the rule of law. “Interference in judicial affairs is weakening the independence of the judiciary.” The senator reiterated the fears expressed by the PTI founder that his health was being compromised in custody. He also highlighted the possibility of serious consequences if adequate medical treatment was not provided to the former PM. Separately, Punjab Bar Council Vice Chairman Chaudhry Qaiser Nazir Ahmed Sahi and Executive Committee Chairman Chaudhry Arshad Ali Hanjra said the recent statements issued by “some members of the Pakistan Bar Council and Punjab Bar Council represented their personal views”. In a joint statement issued to the media, they contested that the statement by a handful of lawyers could not be treated as the collective position of the legal fraternity or the two bar councils. The council leaders also urged bar councils, bar associations and their representatives to exercise restraint while commenting on matters that were sub judice. “The Punjab Bar Council stressed that, with regard to matters that are sub judice, bar councils, bar associations and their representatives should refrain from issuing statements that could potentially influence judicial proceedings, undermine institutional independence or affect public confidence,” the statement issued by the council’s secretary, on behalf of the duo, read. The two officials called upon all stakeholders to respect the judicial process and allow the courts to determine sub judice matters on their legal and constitutional merits.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/SUQ0gCJ

Minor boy assaulted, killed

A 10-year-old boy was allegedly abducted, sexually assaulted and killed after he went out to buy ice in the Dhuddi Wala area, police said on Wednesday. The body of Muhammad Bilal was recovered from a vacant plot in the area and handed over to his family after a post-mortem examination. Police registered a case under sections relating to kidnapping, murder and rape and detained several suspects for questioning. According to the first information report (FIR), Muhammad Parvez, 39, a resident of Rehmanpura, Chak 215-RB, told police that his 10-year-old son, Muhammad Bilal, went out at around 5pm on August 16 to buy ice but did not return home. The family searched for him in the surrounding areas and contacted relatives but could not locate him. The FIR stated that unidentified persons allegedly abducted the boy, sexually assaulted him and killed him by attacking his neck with a sharp-edged weapon before dumping his body in a vacant plot belonging to Sohail Akhtar. The body remained concealed among kikar trees, which had grown to a height of around 10 feet, and was not discovered immediately. Police were alerted after a citizen spotted the body while passing by the area. Police officials, including SI Iqbal, DSP Sadar Shahid Gujjar and SHO Sadar Muhammad Ali Khan, reached the scene and shifted the body to a hospital for post-mortem examination. After completing medico-legal formalities, police handed over the body to the family and registered a case under Sections 363, 302 and 376(3) of the Pakistan Penal Code. Bilal was later buried at his ancestral graveyard amid the presence of hundreds of mourners. Police detained several people considered suspicious for questioning. Police said Bilal went missing on August 16 after leaving home to buy ice. His family did not initially report his disappearance to police, and the authorities were informed after his body was discovered.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/5WMcbGC

Lahore police defend handling of case over two women’s custodial deaths at Township station

The Lahore police on Tuesday defended their handling of a case of the death of two women at Township Police Station, saying a judicial inquiry and an interim post-mortem examination had so far found no apparent marks of torture on the bodies, while the DNA and other forensic reports were still awaited. Addressing a press conference, Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Operations Faisal Kamran, and DIG Investigations Zeeshan Raza stated that no aspect of the case would be left uninvestigated. According to the police account of the day, a call was received on the emergency helpline 15 at around 2:55pm regarding an alleged swindling incident in the Township area. The police reached the location at 3:11pm, while the complainant arrived at about 4pm. The first information report (FIR) against the two women was registered at 4:50pm, after which custody was transferred from the operations to the investigation wing at around 5:20pm. ٹاون شپ تھانے میں زیرحراست ہ ل ا ک دوخواتین کا کیس !پوسٹمارٹم رپورٹ !! پولیس اہلکاروں کو کلین چٹ؟CCPO لاہور کی گفتگو سنیں#TownshipPoliceStation #LahorePolice #CCPOLahore #PoliceCustody #PoliceInvestigation #LahoreNews #PakistanNews #BreakingNews #Justice #LawAndOrder… pic.twitter.com/klt7sXCdpn — Express News (@ExpressNewsPK) August 11, 2026 The women were handed over to the investigation wing clerk at approximately 5:30pm. The police said their condition began deteriorating around 15 minutes later, prompting officials to call Rescue 1122. The women were moved from the police station to Jinnah Hospital at around 7pm, where they were declared dead. READ: Post-mortems find no signs of torture in deaths of two women in Lahore police custody The police said the identification process was initially delayed because the women did not have their CNICs. Investigators traced them through their photographs and names using the Criminal Record Office (CRO). The officials said two previous cases were found registered against the women at Dinga Police Station in Gujrat in 2023 and Lahore Factory Area in 2024. Investigators then got a lead regarding another woman in Rawalpindi, which helped them trace the deceased women's families in Pakpattan. The police said the post-mortem examination had been delayed because the deceased did not have identification documents and their legal heirs had not initially been located. The examination was conducted after the families were available. Since the deaths had occurred after the women had been brought into custody, the police requested a magistrate to conduct an inquiry under Section 176 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The judicial magistrate's interim report clarified that the final findings would depend on the post-mortem report. The officials also addressed questions surrounding an incident at Ghaziabad Police Station, where an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) had been accused of sexually assaulting a woman on August 2. غازی آباد واقعہ: ڈی آئی جی آپریشنز کا بڑا ایکشن، ایس ایچ او سمیت تھانے کی تمام نفری معطل غازی آباد واقعے پر سخت نوٹس لیتے ہوئے ڈی آئی جی آپریشنز نے ناقص سپرویژن اور غفلت برتنے پر ایس ایچ او، 2 سب انسپکٹرز، 8 اے ایس آئیز اور فرنٹ ڈیسک عملے سمیت تھانے کے تمام 78 اہلکاروں کو معطل… — Lahore Police Official (@Lahorepoliceops) August 4, 2026 The policeman was accused of taking the woman to the police station and assaulting her there. The police said sections of the law carrying the possibility of capital punishment had been added to the FIR and strict departmental action had also been taken. READ MORE: 78 Lahore cops suspended after ASI's alleged sexual assault of mentally challenged woman in police station The officers said no leniency would be shown if anyone was found guilty, adding that stern action had already been taken against those found responsible for negligence. They also announced a new policy to ensure the round-the-clock presence of women officers at all police stations in the city. Three officers will be assigned to each police station during the morning shift and two in the evening. The decision follows an earlier directive restricting women from remaining at police stations in the city after sunset, except in emergency circumstances with approval from a senior officer.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/Wn57CPT

Road crashes claim 180 lives in Faisalabad

Despite stricter enforcement by the traffic police and Highway Patrol Police, Faisalabad district recorded 18,728 road traffic accidents during the first seven months of 2026, leaving 180 people dead and 21,827 others injured, according to official data. The figures, obtained by The Express Tribune, show that many of the injured, including women and children, suffered severe fractures and permanent disabilities, with some losing limbs in the accidents. Traffic police launched enforcement drives across the district by setting up checkpoints and issuing challans worth millions of rupees in an effort to improve traffic discipline and reduce road accidents. Awareness campaigns were also conducted in schools, colleges, universities, banks, factories and mills. However, the rising number of traffic accidents has remained a matter of concern. According to official statistics, all 180 fatalities recorded between January 1 and July 31 were linked to speeding. The monthly breakdown of accidents is as follows: In January, 2,394 accidents claimed 27 lives and injured 2,768 people. In February, 2,690 accidents left 23 people dead and 3,142 injured. In March, 3,018 accidents resulted in 28 deaths and 3,631 injuries. In April, 2,847 accidents claimed 22 lives and injured 3,266 people. In May, 2,938 accidents left 36 people dead and 3,349 injured. In June, 2,325 accidents claimed 17 lives and injured 2,755 people. In July, 2,516 accidents resulted in 27 deaths and 2,916 injuries. Most of the injured suffered broken arms, legs and other serious injuries and were shifted to hospitals for treatment. Residents criticised the traffic police and Highway Patrol Police, alleging that officers were more focused on issuing challans than ensuring smooth traffic flow and preventing accidents.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/Zpv0YaP

78 Lahore cops suspended after ASI's alleged sexual assault of mentally challenged woman in police station

The Lahore police on Tuesday suspended the entire staff of Ghaziabad Police Station over administrative lapses and poor supervision after an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) was arrested for allegedly raping a mentally challenged woman on the premises. On August 3, a first information report (FIR) was registered at the Ghaziabad Police Station under Sections 376 (punishment for rape) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and 155C (penalty for certain types of misconduct by police officers) of the Police Order 2002 against an ASI on the complaint of the victim’s father. On the same day, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Investigation Syed Zeeshan Raza took notice of the incident and ordered the arrest of the suspect. The complainant said that his approximately 19–20-year-old mentally challenged daughter left the house on Sunday around 1pm. "When she did not return for a considerable time, Faisal Yousaf, son of Muhammad Yousaf, informed us that a policeman, who was in plain clothes, had taken our daughter away.” He said he immediately went to the police station, but upon reaching there he was informed that the girl had already returned home. “We all returned home, where my daughter was crying. I asked her the reason, and she told me that a policeman ... had taken her [to the police station] and forcibly raped her,” he said. Read: Rape brutality The complainant requested legal action against the suspect. According to suspension orders available with The Express Tribune, 78 staff posted at the police station were suspended and directed to report to the Police Lines till further orders. The cops suspended for “poor supervision and negligence” included the station house officer (SHO), two sub-inspectors, eight ASIs, front desk staff and other officials, bringing the total number of suspended personnel to 78. According to an official statement shared by Lahore police on X, DIG (Operations) Faisal Kamran noted that maintaining the overall discipline and environment of the police station was the primary responsibility of every officer, including the SHO. غازی آباد واقعہ: ڈی آئی جی آپریشنز کا بڑا ایکشن، ایس ایچ او سمیت تھانے کی تمام نفری معطل غازی آباد واقعے پر سخت نوٹس لیتے ہوئے ڈی آئی جی آپریشنز نے ناقص سپرویژن اور غفلت برتنے پر ایس ایچ او، 2 سب انسپکٹرز، 8 اے ایس آئیز اور فرنٹ ڈیسک عملے سمیت تھانے کے تمام 78 اہلکاروں کو معطل… — Lahore Police Official (@Lahorepoliceops) August 4, 2026 The DIG also said, “Poor oversight or irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances, and there will be no compromise on professional discipline.” He vowed that the process of accountability would be ensured at the “police station level” to establish a public-friendly and responsible police culture. The statement further revealed that Ali Zafar Dastagir was appointed as the new SHO of the Ghaziabad Police Station. Punjab Women Protection Authority chairperson Hina Parvez Butt condemned the incident, saying that "the rape of a woman by the ASI in Lahore is regrettable." لاہورمیں اے ایس آئی کی لڑکی سے زیادتی کا واقعہ افسوسناک ہے۔ڈی آئی جی آپریشنز نے فوری نوٹس لیتے ہوئے ایس ایچ او غازی آباد تھانے کو تمام نفری کے ہمراہ معطل کر دیا pic.twitter.com/jj08igThyP — Hina Parvez Butt (@hinaparvezbutt) August 4, 2026 The police said the investigation was under way, adding that further legal and departmental action would be taken in light of its findings.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/SzBWk1e