CM Maryam orders strict action against child abuse, rape, corruption


Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday ordered strict legal action against those involved in rape, child abuse and corruption, directing authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against crimes targeting women and children.



Chairing a high-level meeting on law and order here, the chief minister reviewed the province’s security situation and called for a comprehensive strategy to eliminate rape, child abuse and corruption.



She was informed that the Safe City Project had been completed in all 43 districts of Punjab and would be formally inaugurated soon. The chief minister approved the installation of more than 2,000 additional Safe City cameras in Lahore and directed the expansion of the project to 98 more tehsils as well as riverine (Katcha) areas.



The meeting was told that the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) had established a dedicated cell to monitor blasphemy-related cases, while a Special Cyber Unit would be created to tackle cybercrime. Additional personnel were also being inducted to strengthen security and development in tribal areas.



CM Maryam Nawaz directed that mobile police stations should provide services at citizens’ doorsteps, saying that if people could not reach police stations, the police should reach them instead. She observed that the establishment of the Crime Control Department (CCD) had contributed to a significant decline in the provincial crime rate.



Declaring the protection of women and children her ‘red line’, the chief minister reiterated that no leniency would be shown towards offenders involved in crimes against vulnerable groups.



The meeting was further informed that 29,000 body-worn cameras would be provided to police personnel by the first week of September to improve transparency and accountability.



Officials also briefed the meeting that the registration of Imams had been completed and Rs10 billion had been released for more than 72,000 Imams across the province.



The CM was informed that more than 139,000 illegally residing foreign nationals had been repatriated so far. During 2026, 23,243 illegal foreign nationals had been deported, while 5,127 illegal Afghan nationals were shifted to holding centres during the first six months of the year.



The meeting was also told that documentary and biometric verification of over 1.25 million people had been completed across Punjab, while all arrangements had been finalised to ensure the transparent conduct of the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT).



CTO Shirazi supervises transparent promotion examination for Traffic Assistants


Lahore: Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi on Wednesday visited and supervised the Departmental B-I Promotion Examination conducted by Lahore Traffic Police at Manawan Lines, reaffirming the department’s commitment to transparency, merit and fairness in the promotion process.



A total of 112 traffic assistants appeared in the examination, which was conducted for their promotion to the rank of senior traffic assistant. The CTO personally monitored the examination process, while SP Headquarters Maqsood Ahmed Loon, DSP Headquarters and the Office Superintendent were also present.



Addressing the participants, CTO Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi said Lahore Traffic Police was committed to ensuring a transparent, merit-based and impartial promotion system. He made it clear that no candidate would be allowed to secure any undue advantage or use influence during the examination.



He said mobile phones and all other digital devices were strictly prohibited inside the examination center, adding that the entire examination process was being audio and video recorded to ensure complete transparency and accountability.



According to a Lahore Traffic Police spokesperson, candidates who successfully qualify in the Departmental B-I Promotion Examination will be promoted to the rank of senior traffic assistant.



CTO Abdul Rahim Shirazi emphasized that conducting fair, transparent and merit-based departmental examinations remained a top priority of Lahore Traffic Police, adding that equal opportunities would continue to be provided to all eligible officials strictly on merit.



BNBWU holds awareness session on career opportunities for women in PAF


Sukkur: The Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University (BNBWU) Sukkur on Wednesday organized an awareness session on “Career Opportunities for Women in the Pakistan Air Force” at the Event Hall, Admin Block.



The session was held on the directives of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Tehmina Nangraj as part of the university’s ongoing efforts to provide career guidance, professional exposure and opportunities for national service to its students.



Squadron Leader M. Shabeeb Durrani, Officer Commanding, PAF Information and Selection Centre Sukkur, was the keynote speaker. He was accompanied by Assistant Abdul Rafique, Corporal Technician Ikhtisham, Corporal Technician M. Umar and Corporal Technician Jawad.



The speakers briefed the students on career pathways in the PAF, eligibility criteria, recruitment procedures, professional training and the growing role of women in the Pakistan Air Force.



The session highlighted BNBWU’s commitment to empowering its female students with informed career choices, leadership opportunities and pathways to serve the nation with honour, courage and dedication.



Pakistan through to World Junior Squash Championships quarter-finals


Islamabad: Pakistan booked their place in the quarter-finals of the World Junior Squash Championships 2026 team event after defeating Canada 2-0 in the pre-quarter-finals in the Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada on Wednesday.



According to information made available here by Pakistan Squash Federation, Nauman Khan gave Pakistan a flying start with a convincing 3-0 victory over Colten McLaughlin, winning 11-5, 13-11, 11-9 in the opening singles match.



Abdullah Nawaz then sealed Pakistan’s passage to the last eight after battling past Calder Murray in a thrilling five-game contest. He won 9-11, 11-7, 11-9, 6-11, 11-3 to complete a memorable team victory.



Pakistan will face defending champions Egypt in the quarter-finals on Thursday.



Elite Force official martyred, four militants killed in Swat operation


Peshawar: An Elite Force official was martyred during a joint counterterrorism operation in Swat, while four militants were killed and several others reportedly injured, Swat police on Wednesday informed.



The joint operation is being carried out by Swat Police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) against militants in Shalkho Sar area of Swat.



According to the Swat Police spokesman, the operation is being conducted under the direct supervision of the Regional Police Officer (RPO) Malakand and the District Police Officer (DPO) Swat.



The spokesperson said security forces have tightened the cordon around the militants.



Officials claimed that militants suffered heavy losses during the operation, with four of their members killed and several others wounded.



During the exchange of fire, an Elite Force official, identified as Gulfam, embraced martyrdom while fighting the militants.



Paying tribute to the fallen officer, police said the force remains committed to making every sacrifice necessary to maintain peace and security in the region.



The police spokesman added that the operation in Shalkho Sar is still underway, with security forces continuing search and clearance activities in the area.



MNA Babar Nawaz Khan Visits Injured Police Constable at Ayub Teaching Hospital


Abbottabad: Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Babar Nawaz Khan visited Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, on Wednesday to inquire after Police Constable Moazzam Pir, who was injured in an exchange of fire with criminal elements in Haripur.



During his visit, the MNA met the injured police officer, received a briefing on his condition, and expressed best wishes for his speedy recovery.



He praised the constable’s bravery and dedication, saying police personnel continue to safeguard the lives and property of citizens despite the risks involved.



Babar Nawaz Khan also met the hospital administration and sought details about the medical treatment being provided to the injured constable.



He directed the administration to ensure that no shortcomings occur in the provision of medical care.



He described police personnel as national heroes and reaffirmed that both the government and the public stand by the country’s law enforcement officers in recognition of their sacrifices.



Constable Moazzam Pir was injured two days ago during an exchange of fire with criminal elements in Haripur and was later shifted to Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, for treatment.