Day: July 19, 2026

Lahore: Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan has stressed that it is imperative for the nation to stand united against terrorism and sectarianism.

“Anti-state elements seek to create division and chaos in the country,” he said while talking to a delegation of religious scholars of different schools of thought, led by Vice Chairman Interfaith Peace Committee Punjab Sahibzada Pir Syed Zaigham Abbas at the Governre’s House, here on Saturday.

He also lauded the positive role played by scholars and religious leaders during the holy month of Muharram-ul-Haram.

Sardar Saleem Haider said that the role of religious scholars is very important for promotion of peace, unity and brotherhood in society. He said the positive role of all scholars and religious leaders in the exemplary atmosphere demonstrated during Muharram-ul-Haram is valuable.

The Punjab governor said that even today there is a need for religious scholars to spread the message of love, tolerance, brotherhood and national unity. He said that everyone should play a role to eliminate terrorism and sectarianism, adding that anti-state elements want to create chaos among us through division.

The Punjab governor said those who spread sectarianism in the country will be dealt with an iron hand.

Lahore: Police have registered a murder case and launched a multi-angle investigation into the mysterious deaths of a woman and her three children in Block B-1 of Valencia Town after preliminary findings suggested the incident was a case of homicide.

According to police, food items, including halwa, rice and curry, prepared at the family’s residence on the day of the incident have been sent for forensic examination to determine the presence of any toxic substance. The exact cause of death will be established after forensic reports are received.

Initial examination found no clear signs of resistance or a struggle inside the house. Police have collected fingerprints from utensils, the dressing table and door handles to determine whether anyone other than the family members was present at the scene.

The mobile phone of the head of the family has also been seized for forensic analysis to obtain further evidence.

Police said the family had returned to Pakistan from the United States some time ago and that all possible angles are being investigated.

The deceased children were identified as 16-year-old Rehan, 11-year-old Arisha and nine-year-old Arsal. Their father, Nasir Dogar, has been taken into custody as the investigation continues.

Lahore: Punjab Secretary/Chief Administrator Auqaf Dr Ahsan Bhutta on Saturday directed officials to continue emergency review meetings and field inspections until the commencement of the three-day annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), stressing that all available resources and administrative capacities must be fully utilised to ensure the event is held in a dignified, secure and well-organized manner.

Chairing meetings of various committees overseeing the Urs arrangements here, Dr Bhutta said comprehensive planning and effective coordination among all departments were essential for the successful management of one of the country’s largest religious gatherings.

The meetings were attended by Director General Religious Affairs Hafiz Anees-ur-Rehman, Data Darbar Administrator Muhammad Ali Khan, Khateeb of Data Darbar Mosque Mufti Nadeem Mukhtar, Manager Gohar Mustafa, SDO Qaiser Munir, DSP Saqib Butt and committee members, including Mansoor Rizvi, Mian Umair Saeed and Munawar Gujjar.

The Sabeel Committee briefed participants on arrangements for the uninterrupted supply of milk and chilled drinking water for devotees, while the Langar Committee finalized plans for the preparation and distribution of free meals at designated locations.

The Sama Committee reviewed arrangements for Qawwali and other spiritual gatherings in light of ongoing development work at the shrine. Meanwhile, Mufti Nadeem Mukhtar, head of the Religious Affairs Committee, presented the schedule of Zikr gatherings, seminars, and other religious programmes to be held before and during the Urs.

Dr Bhutta also reviewed the progress of development projects at Data Darbar, including concrete work on the courtyard slab, marble installation, calligraphy and other beautification initiatives.

He said providing exemplary facilities and hospitality to millions of devotees from across Pakistan and abroad would strengthen Punjab’s position as a leading destination for religious tourism, enhance Pakistan’s positive spiritual image internationally and contribute to the financial sustainability of the Auqaf Department.

The meeting concluded with Fateha at the shrine and special prayers for Pakistan’s peace, stability, and prosperity.

Lahore: Lahore Traffic Police decided to launch a special crackdown against underage and unlicensed drivers, as well as triple riding on motorcycles, across the city on Saturday and Sunday.

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi directed all circle officers to monitor the campaign and ensure effective enforcement personally.

According to the CTO, vehicles and motorcycles being driven by underage drivers will be impounded in addition to issuing challans. However, motorcycles would be released after legal formalities if a valid juvenile driving permit was produced.

He said underage drivers frequently take motorcycles, cars and rickshaws onto roads during weekends, increasing the risk of traffic accidents. Strict action would also be taken against triple riding to ensure safer roads.

The CTO said learner’s permit holders were not allowed to drive independently. A fine of Rs5,000 would be imposed on drivers operating vehicles without a valid license, while motorcyclists driving without a license would be fined Rs2,000.

He said the special operation aims to improve road safety and ensure strict compliance with traffic laws

Lahore: Deputy Commissioner Lahore Muhammad Ali Ejaz on Saturday inaugurated a specialized training programme for the Civil Defence Resilience Force to enhance emergency preparedness and disaster response capabilities in the district.

The inaugural session was held at Town Hall, where hundreds of Civil Defence personnel and volunteers will receive training in emergency response, disaster management and rescue operations.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Abdullah Khan, Civil Defence Officer Ashfaq Ahmad and other officials attended the ceremony.

Addressing the participants, the DC said the Civil Defence Force had always played a key role as a frontline response unit during emergencies, natural disasters and adverse weather conditions. He appreciated the dedication and professionalism of the personnel.

He said the training programme would equip the force with modern skills to improve response time and operational efficiency, enabling it to better assist the district administration in relief, rescue and public service operations.

Muhammad Ali Ejaz said protection of citizens’ lives and property was the administration’s top priority and urged participants to utilize the training to enhance their professional capabilities.

Lahore: Police have registered a case over alleged torture of a woman following a dispute at a bakery in Gulshan-e-Ravi and arrested the bakery manager.

According to police, complainant Anam alleged that bakery staff abused her, tore her clothes, and slapped her when she attempted to return a spoiled sandwich.

Police said CCTV footage of the incident had also surfaced, showing an argument between the woman and bakery staff. The bakery manager Bilal was arrested, while further investigation was underway.

DIG Operations Lahore Faisal Kamran directed strict legal action against those responsible.