Month: August 2026

Islamabad: A Special Court for Control of Narcotic Substances on Friday acquitted Shahzad Shah in a narcotics case registered by the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), ruling that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Special Judge Dr. Abida Sajjad announced the verdict after hearing arguments in FIR No. 189/24 registered at ANF Police Station, Rawalpindi.

Defence counsel Danish Akbar Khan argued that his client had been arrested merely on suspicion and was later falsely implicated in the case. He maintained that the accused had no connection with the alleged narcotics and had no previous criminal record.

The defence further submitted that in narcotics cases, the prosecution is legally bound to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt, which it had failed to do.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court acquitted the accused.

Shahzad Shah had been charged with allegedly attempting to smuggle two kilograms of hashish in the case registered at ANF Police Station, Rawalpindi.

Islamabad: Rainfall continued in various parts of the federal capital, with conditions ranging from heavy to light showers. Assistant Commissioners, along with sanitation teams, remained in the field to oversee drainage operations, while authorities monitored roads, low-lying areas, and stormwater channels to maintain normal conditions across the city.

According to the spokesman of Islamabad Capital Territory administration, intermittent rain continued across different sectors of the federal capital on Friday, prompting district administration officials to stay on alert.

Assistant Commissioners visited several areas with sanitation teams to review the situation and ensure that rainwater was cleared without delay. Dewatering pumps were deployed at key locations to remove accumulated water and support the drainage process.

According to the district administration, teams remained active throughout the affected areas to prevent water buildup and respond to any developing situation. Officials said drainage operations were being carried out continuously where needed.

Traffic flow on major roads and highways remained normal despite the ongoing rainfall. Authorities reported no major disruptions to vehicle movement, while field staff monitored road conditions to address any issues that could affect commuters.

The administration also continued close monitoring of low-lying areas and stormwater channels across the city. Teams were instructed to keep a watch on locations that were usually vulnerable during periods of rain.

Officials said coordination among field teams would continue until weather conditions improve. Residents have been advised to remain cautious during rainfall and follow updates issued by the district administration and relevant departments.

The district administration stated that all available resources remained in place to ensure smooth drainage, maintain traffic movement, and monitor areas that may face water accumulation during the ongoing spell of rain.

Islamabad: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office in Lahore, in close collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Corporate Crime Circle (CCC) Gujrat, conducted a crackdown against illegal internet service providers in District Gujrat.

Two successful raids were carried out at Habib Plaza, Karianwala, District Gujrat, and Prime Communication, Main GT Road, Sarai Alamgir, opposite Shan Bakers, District Gujrat. The service providers had been operating without valid licenses from PTA, said a news release.

The first raid was conducted at an operational setup located at Habib Plaza, Karianwala, which was being used to provide internet services through fiber optic and point-to-point (P2P) links in the Karianwala area of District Gujrat. During the raid, one individual was arrested, and relevant equipment was confiscated from the site, including one Cloud Switch Router (MikroTik), three OLTs, four GPON ONUs, and one Radius Server.

The second setup was dismantled in the Sarai Alamgir area of District Gujrat. During the raid, one person was arrested, and relevant equipment was confiscated from the site, including two switches (CISCO and GRANDSTREAM), five OLTs, four GPON ONUs, one Radius Server, and one invoice slip.

The successful efforts against illegal internet service providers can be attributed to PTA’s unwavering commitment, continuous monitoring, and persistent efforts to curb illegal internet services. These actions are crucial in curtailing losses to the national exchequer.

PTA urges the public to avail telecom services only from PTA-licensed operators to avoid sudden discontinuation of services. The list of licensed operators is available on the PTA website: www.pta.gov.pk.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Friday appreciated Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin, for his role in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

During a farewell meeting, the two sides discussed cooperation in the information technology and telecommunications sectors and explored ways to further expand collaboration.

Shaza Fatima praised Ambassador Kistafin’s efforts to promote Pakistan-Kazakhstan ties, particularly in the field of technology. She said he had played an important role in enhancing cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations during his tenure.

The minister acknowledged the ambassador’s contributions and wished him success in his future assignments.

She also presented the Ambassador with a commemorative shield in recognition of his services and contributions to strengthening ties between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.

Islamabad: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Friday expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in a coal mine explosion in the Sorange area near Quetta.

The Chairman Senate extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace for the departed souls, patience for the grieving families, and the speedy recovery of those injured.

He also urged the relevant authorities to expedite rescue operations and ensure that all available resources are utilised to save those still trapped.

Emphasising the need to prevent such tragedies, the Chairman Senate called for stricter enforcement of mine safety measures to safeguard workers’ lives in the future.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, has strongly reiterated that the creation of new administrative provinces is the ultimate key to strengthening democracy, revitalizing the economy, and delivering effective governance in Pakistan.

Reacting to the statement made yesterday by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi-who highlighted the urgent need for structural governance reforms and the establishment of new administrative units-Minister Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized that he has long advocated for this vital national requirement to address Pakistan’s rapidly growing population and complex administrative challenges.

Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan reaffirmed his proposed framework to reorganize Pakistan’s existing four provinces-Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan-into three provinces (administrative units) each, named North, Central, and South. He underscored that this strategic reorganization will fully preserve the historic and cultural identities of all regions without altering existing provincial names, while providing a permanent and sustainable solution to longstanding public grievances.

Addressing the daily hardships faced by ordinary citizens, the Federal Minister pointed out that people are currently forced to undertake long, exhausting, and expensive journeys covering hundreds of kilometers just to reach provincial capitals for minor administrative or legal matters.

Reorganizing the administrative setup will bring public offices directly to the citizens’ doorsteps, drastically streamlining public service delivery. The Minister noted that while decentralization may challenge entrenched political monopolies or centralized mindsets, Pakistan is a democratic republic where autocracy has no place.

Under this proposed administrative model, key state institutions-including the offices of the Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police, and the High Courts-will be able to deliver immediate, efficient, and accountable justice and administration within manageable jurisdictions.

Transitioning the debate on new provinces from political slogans to concrete action will not divide the nation; rather, it will strengthen national unity, ensure equitable distribution of resources, and foster balanced development across every corner of Pakistan.