Notorious drug trafficker killed, two policemen injured during encounter

Faisalabad: A notorious drug trafficker was killed while two police constables sustained serious injuries during an encounter in the area of Garh police station.

Police spokesman Tariq Jatt said that the encounter took place when a police team from Garh police station raided a hideout to apprehend wanted drug traffickers.

During operation, the accused allegedly opened fire on the police party, triggering an exchange of gunfire.

As a result, an alleged notorious drug trafficker Shafqat Shah was killed in the encounter while two police constables Muhammad Shakeel and Muzammal Hussain sustained serious bullet injuries.

The injured policemen were immediately shifted to hospital for medical treatment where they were admitted for emergency care, spokesman added.

Meanwhile, City Police Officer (CPO) Tanveer Hussain visited the injured officials at Allied Hospital and inquired after their health.

He appreciated their courage and commitment displayed during anti-crime operation and directed the hospital administration to ensure provision of best possible medical treatment.

SP Lyallpur Division Abid Zafar, DSP Civil Lines Circle Ghulam Shabbir, SHO Civil Lines Police Station and other senior police officers accompanied the CPO during hospital visit.

Seven injured in various emergencies due to thunderstorm, rain in city

Multan: At least seven people sustained injuries in six weather-related emergencies reported across Multan during the past 24 hours as heavy thunderstorms and rain. According to Rescue 1122, three separate incidents involving collapsing walls left four people injured. In another three incidents, three more people sustained injuries after signboards, bricks and other objects fell from rooftops due to strong winds.

Upon receiving emergency calls, the Rescue 1122 control room immediately dispatched emergency response teams from the nearest rescue stations. Rescuers reached the affected locations promptly and provided medical assistance to all seven injured persons.

Of the victims, two were treated with first aid at the scene, while five were shifted to nearby hospitals for further medical treatment. Rescue officials confirmed that all emergency operations were completed successfully.

Rescue 1122 has urged citizens to avoid unnecessary movement near weak walls, dilapidated buildings, signboards, trees and electricity wires during adverse weather conditions. The citizens were advised to call the Rescue helpline 1122 in case of any emergency to ensure a timely response.

RPO honours Dera police officers for peaceful Muharram security

Dera ismail khan: Senior police officers who played a key role in ensuring the peaceful and secure observance of Muharram-ul-Harram were presented with commendation certificates during a ceremony held here at the Range Police Office.

The ceremony was chaired by Regional Police Officer (RPO) Ghulam Mubashir Mekan and attended by District Police Officer (DPO) Dera Ziauddin Ahmed, SP Headquarters Jaleel Imran, SP CTD Iftikhar Ali Shah, SP Saddar Asif Mehmood, SP Paharpur Muhammad Iqbal, DSP Legal Muhammad Imran, DSP Kifayat Ullah, and BDU In-charge Inayat Ullah Tiger, among other officers.

Addressing the gathering, the RPO paid tribute to the officers and personnel of Dera Police for their professionalism, dedication and effective security arrangements during Muharram-ul-Harram. He said the peaceful observance of the religious occasion reflected meticulous planning, coordinated teamwork, continuous monitoring and the tireless efforts of the police force to safeguard the lives and property of citizens.

He said the peaceful conclusion of Muharram was a testament to the force’s professional capabilities, close coordination among law enforcement agencies and the cooperation extended by the public. He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring the impartial enforcement of the law across the region.

On the occasion, RPO Ghulam Mubashir Mekan distributed special commendation certificates to DPO Ziauddin Ahmed, SPs, DSPs and other officers in recognition of their outstanding performance, effective leadership and exemplary security management during Muharram, expressing confidence that they would continue to serve with the same commitment and professionalism in the future.

UMT, Berry Solutions sign MoU

Sialkot: The Knowledge Unit of Systems and Technology (KUST) at the University of Management and Technology (UMT), Sialkot Campus, and Berry Solutions, a Sialkot-based software company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a collaborative partnership aimed at promoting innovation and technological advancement.

The agreement seeks to strengthen industry-academia collaboration by fostering knowledge exchange, supporting research and innovation, and creating opportunities for student internships and joint initiatives in software development and emerging technologies. The MoU was formally signed by Dr Saleem Farooq Shaukat, Executive Director of UMT Sialkot Campus, and Ahsan Mehmood, CEO of Berry Solutions. Speaking on the occasion, both organizations expressed their commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry by equipping students with practical skills, encouraging collaborative research, and promoting innovation-driven solutions that contribute to the growth of Pakistan’s technology sector. The partnership is expected to provide students and professionals with enhanced learning opportunities while supporting the development of a skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of the software industry.

Thousands head to Astore as heatwave intensifies, administration enhances facilities, safety measures

Astore: As an intense heatwave continues to affect Punjab and other plain areas of the country, thousands of tourists are flocking to the picturesque district of Astore, where pleasant weather, lush green valleys, snow-capped mountains, and a peaceful environment offer a refreshing escape from the scorching temperatures.

To facilitate the increasing number of visitors, the Astore District Administration has strengthened travel arrangements, traffic management, security, emergency medical services, and tourist assistance to ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for both domestic and foreign tourists.

Acting on the directives of the Deputy Commissioner Astore, administrative monitoring has been intensified at major tourist destinations, highways, and key entry points. Relevant departments have been directed to ensure smooth traffic flow, prevent illegal encroachments, maintain cleanliness, provide emergency medical assistance, and offer guidance and support to visitors throughout their stay.

The district administration has also instructed hotel owners, transport operators, and other stakeholders to extend courteous hospitality to tourists, ensure fair pricing and quality services, and strictly avoid overcharging or any form of profiteering.

According to the administration, tourist information and assistance services, security arrangements, and emergency response systems have been activated at various tourist locations, while all concerned departments remain on high alert to deal promptly with any untoward situation.

Tourists have been urged to observe traffic regulations, help preserve Astore’s natural beauty by disposing of waste only at designated places, and immediately contact the district administration or relevant authorities in case of any emergency.

Popular tourist destinations in Astore, including Deosai, Rama, Minimarg, Allah Wali Jail, Domel, and several other scenic locations, are witnessing an exceptional influx of visitors. The growing tourist activity is also providing a significant boost to local businesses and contributing positively to the district’s economy.

Human trafficker held


Faisalabad: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested a human trafficker involved in visa fraud here on Tuesday. According to official sources, the accused had received an amount of Rs 2.5 million from a citizen for visa. The accused, Bashir Ahmad Tahir, was arrested from Sahiwal. Separately, an investigation into another fraud case of receiving an amount of Rs 800,000 from a citizen is underway. Legal action has been initiated against the accused.