Month: August 2026

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Railways police recover 32 tonnes of stolen railway material, arrest six in Karachi


Islamabad: Acting on the directives of Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Pakistan Railways Police carried out a major operation in Karachi, recovering around 32 tonnes of stolen railway material worth millions of rupees and arresting six suspects.



According to a statement issued on Sunday, Railway Police first arrested four suspects near Orangi Railway Station while they were allegedly stealing railway tracks. Officers also recovered tools used to cut the tracks.



During interrogation, the suspects led investigators to a warehouse in Haroonabad, where police recovered stolen railway material hidden beneath machinery and other equipment. Two more suspects were arrested during the raid.



Police recovered approximately 31, 800 kilograms (31. 8 tonnes) of stolen railway material from the warehouse.



Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said the government would not tolerate the illegal occupation, theft or unlawful trade of national railway assets.



He said operations against those involved in stealing or damaging railway property would continue without discrimination under the government’s zero-tolerance policy to protect national assets.



Inspector General of Pakistan Railways Police Muhammad Wisal Fakhar Sultan said the crackdown on those involved in the theft of railway material and damage to national assets would be intensified.



He said there would be no compromise on the protection of railway infrastructure and national assets, adding that all those violating the law would be brought to justice.



He added that investigations into an organised network involved in the theft and illegal trade of railway material were underway and efforts had been stepped up to arrest more suspects. Pakistan Railways Police reaffirmed its commitment to protecting national assets and ensuring safe rail travel for passengers.



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Gilani, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf discuss political situation, parliamentary affairs


Islamabad: Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani and former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf held a detailed discussion on the country’s political situation, parliamentary affairs, national issues and other matters of mutual interest.



During the meeting, both leaders stressed the need to strengthen democratic values, reinforce parliamentary institutions, uphold the supremacy of the Constitution and promote national unity.



They agreed that constructive dialogue among political stakeholders was essential to address national challenges, ensure political stability and support sustainable development.



Gilani said Parliament was the cornerstone of the democratic system and played a vital role in building consensus on issues of national importance.



He reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening the Senate as an effective, dynamic and inclusive institution through greater consultation and cooperation with all political parties.



Raja Pervaiz Ashraf appreciated the Senate chairman’s efforts to promote parliamentary traditions and political harmony in the national interest.



He said strong democratic institutions were the foundation of Pakistan’s political and economic progress and stressed that national interest should always take precedence over political differences.



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Sargodha panel approves majority of rehabilitation cases


Sargodha: The Divisional Verification Committee on Saturday approved the majority of 10 rehabilitation and settlement cases after detailed scrutiny, officials said.



The meeting chaired by Commissioner Sargodha Division Hafiz Shaukat Ali at the Commissioner Office was attended by senior officials, including Additional Commissioner Coordination, Additional Deputy Commissioner(DC) Revenue, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Assistant Commissioner(AC) Sahiwal and Deputy District Accounts Officer.



Officials said the committee examined cases placed before it along with relevant records.



Most of the cases were approved after verification in accordance with government rules while directions were issued for further action on the remaining matters.



Hafiz Shaukat Ali directed officers to ensure complete transparency and merit-based decisions while reviewing cases.



He emphasized that all departments should maintain effective coordination and dispose of pending matters within the stipulated time-frame. The commissioner said timely completion of public-related cases was essential for improving administrative efficiency and strengthening public trust.



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Youth drowns in drain


Faisalabad: A youth was drowned in rain-swollen drain near Jaranwala.



Rescue 1122 spokesman said here on Saturday that a group of youth was bathing in the drain near Faiz Pura Lundianwala Stop on Lahore Road when Ali Shehbaz (23), a resident of Syed Pura, jumped into the water and drowned.



Receiving information, Rescue 1122 team rushed to the spot but the local residents managed to retrieve the victim and transported hi to Tehsil Headquarter (THQ) Hospital Jaranwala.



Rescue 1122 team provided first aid to the victim and shifted him to THQ Hospital but in vain as the doctors pronounced him dead before providing him medical assistance.



The police took the body into custody while further investigation was under progress, he added.



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Early cotton sowing can boost output, says official


Sargodha: Early sowing of cotton can help increase production and reduce crop losses caused by weather conditions and pest attacks, Director Agriculture Extension Sargodha Muhammad Ashfaq said on Saturday.



Speaking to media during the preparation of the Cotton Production Plan 2026, he said cotton remained a vital crop for Pakistan’s economy, with Punjab contributing a major share to national production.



He said early-sown cotton developed better resistance against climatic challenges and harmful insects, while also reducing attacks by sap-sucking pests, particularly whitefly, which was a major cause of leaf curl virus.



Muhammad Ashfaq stressed that farmers should treat seeds with recommended pesticides before sowing to protect crops during the initial growth stage.



He advised growers to use certified triple-gene cotton varieties for early sowing and ensure that seeds were approved by the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department.



The director warned that the use of glyphosate on non-triple-gene varieties could damage crops, while triple-gene varieties offered resistance against the herbicide.



He said the Agriculture Department would provide technical guidance and support to cotton growers across Punjab under the direction of the provincial agriculture minister and secretary.



Muhammad Ashfaq said the adoption of modern farming techniques and agricultural research was essential for increasing cotton production and strengthening the national economy.



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Hyderabad receives light monsoon showers


Hyderabad: Hyderabad received a light rainfall on Saturday evening, preceded by a dust storm, in the ongoing monsoon season.



The amount of downpour was not immediately available from the local office of Pakistan Meteorological Department. However, a wall on the roof of a pre-partition building in downtown Hyderabad near Puqqa Qila fort collapsed during the light showers. According to the Rescue 1122, no person was hurt in the incident which took place near Mukhi House Museum in Ganga Ram Nawas building. The power outages immediately followed the rain in most parts of the city. There was no immediate word from the spokesman of Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO).