Month: July 2026

Rawalpindi: The Special Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Rawalpindi on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of the 19-year-old newlywed Sidra Arab murder case until July 14, following an objection raised by the defense counsel against the inclusion of terrorism provisions.

The nominated suspects appeared before the court during the hearing. Defense counsel Basharatullah Khan challenged the invocation of sections 7-ATA and 11-WW of the Anti-Terrorism Act, arguing that no evidence existed to justify the application of terrorism clauses to the case.

The prosecution requested a brief adjournment to submit a formal response to the defense’s objections, which the court accepted before rescheduling the next hearing. The murder case, centered around a jirga decree, was recently transferred from the Sessions Court to the ATC after charges relating to terrorism and lynching were added.

According to the prosecution, 19-year-old Sidra Arab was strangled to death during the night of July 16 and 17 last year, and the suspects allegedly obliterated all burial marks to hide the grave. A total of 14 suspects, including the victim’s father, uncle, former husband, and a graveyard secretary, have been nominated in the case.

Sialkot: Chairman of Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL) Abdul Ghafoor Malik held a meeting with a four-member delegation from Pakistan State Oil (PSO) at SIAL to discuss matters of mutual interest and explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation.

The PSO delegation included Ayesha Afzal, General Manager, Zia Mohiuddin, Deputy General Manager, Aslam Kamran, Regional Head and Raja M. Usman, Station Manager, PSO Sialkot.

During the meeting, both sides engaged in productive discussions aimed at strengthening institutional ties and reinforcing collaboration in support of operational excellence.

They reaffirmed their shared commitment to fostering a long-term partnership and exploring future avenues of cooperation that would contribute to the continued growth and efficient operations of Sialkot International Airport.

Sialkot: Syed Ahtesham Mazhar, President of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), accompanied by members of the SCCI Executive Committee, visited the 32nd Textile Asia International Exhibition and Conference at the Lahore Expo Centre.

Upon arrival, the SCCI delegation was warmly received by Muhammad Uzair Nizam, Managing Director, Textile Asia Exhibition, along with the Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol, President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

During the visit, the delegation toured various exhibition halls, interacted with exhibitors showcasing the latest textile machinery, technologies, and industrial innovations, and explored opportunities for strengthening inter-industry collaboration and promoting technological advancement within Pakistan’s manufacturing sector.

Rawalpindi: A robber was killed while another managed to escape during an exchange of fire between police and armed suspects in the Civil Lines area of Rawalpindi, police said on Tuesday.

An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Muhammad Hafeez sustained serious injuries during the encounter.

According to Police spokesperson, the suspects opened fire on a police party during an operation in the Civil Lines area.

In retaliatory firing, one robber was killed while his accomplice fled from the scene during firing at the police.

The deceased suspect was identified as Taimoor, who, according to police, had previously opened fire on a police party and was a proclaimed offender (PO) with a criminal record involving terrorism, robbery, vehicle theft, attempted murder, and other cases.

Police said the killed suspect had earlier snatched a mobile phone and cash from a courier company employee at gunpoint.

Following the incident, Civil Lines Police traced the suspects and attempted to arrest them, upon which the robbers opened fire on the police team.

City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi, Deputy Inspector General (IGP) Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera rushed to the scene and later visited the hospital to inquire about the health of injured ASI Muhammad Hafeez.

He appreciated the bravery of the injured officer and the police team and directed officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured ASI.

CPO Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera said that those who attack citizens or police personnel would not escape the law and would be dealt accordingly.

Nowshera virkan: Three construction workers were injured after a bamboo scaffold collapsed during construction work here on Tuesday, the Rescue 1122 officials said.

The incident occurred in Mohalla Rarowala near Government Girls School No. 2, where workers were carrying out construction on an under-construction building.

According to Rescue 1122 officials, a bamboo support tied at height suddenly broke, causing three workers to fall.

The injured were identified Shehbaz 35, Owais 26, and Anwar 60 years old.

The Rescue officials said Shehbaz suffered a fractured right leg, Owais sustained facial abrasions, and Anwar is suspected to have suffered a spinal injury.

The Rescue 1122 team provided first aid at the scene before shifting all three injured workers to a hospital for further treatment.

Rawalpindi: Funeral prayers for Group Captain Asim Tariq Shaheed, who embraced Shahadat while courageously intervening to rescue a woman in distress in Islamabad, were offered on Tuesday.

The martyred officer was laid to rest with full military honours in recognition of his exceptional courage, selfless devotion and unwavering sense of duty, said a news release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of the Air Staff, attended the funeral prayers along with senior officers, airmen and a large gathering of civil community to pay final respects to the valiant officer and honour his supreme sacrifice.

Chief of the Air Staff paid rich tribute to Group Captain Asim Tariq Shaheed, stating that the sacrifice epitomizes the finest traditions of the Pakistan Air Force and the Armed Forces of Pakistan, the news release said.

He observed that by laying down his life while protecting an innocent citizen, the martyred officer demonstrated that the men and women of the Pakistan Air Force remain steadfast in their commitment not only to safeguarding the nation’s frontiers, but also to protecting the lives, dignity and honour of their fellow countrymen.