Madar-e-Millat remembered on 133rd birth anniversary


Lahore: Madar-e-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah was remembered here and across the country on Friday as a fearless leader and the trusted sister and adviser of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, on the occasion of her 133rd birth anniversary.



Born on July 31, 1893, in Karachi, she went on to become one of the most prominent leaders of the Pakistan Movement. She earned a degree in Dental Surgery from Calcutta and established her own dental clinic in Bombay, before dedicating herself to the political struggle alongside her brother.



She stood firmly beside Quaid-e-Azam throughout the Pakistan Movement, playing a vital role in awakening political awareness among Muslim women and mobilising them for the cause. In 1937, she founded the All India Muslim League Women’s Committee, which proved instrumental in spreading the movement’s message among women across the Subcontinent.



Following the creation of Pakistan in 1947, she worked tirelessly for the rehabilitation of refugees and the provision of medical assistance. In later years, she emerged as a champion of democratic values, notably challenging the military rule.



The nation continues to remember her national, democratic, and social services with deep respect and gratitude, with her efforts remaining a beacon of light for generations.



BISP Chairperson pays tribute to Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah on 133rd birth anniversary


Islamabad: Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme, Senator Rubina Khalid on Friday paid glowing tribute to Madar-e-Millat, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah on her 133rd birth anniversary, saying her unwavering commitment to democracy, the constitution and the rights of the people continued to inspire the nation.



In a message issued on the occasion, Senator Rubina Khalid extended heartfelt congratulations to the entire nation on the birth anniversary of Madar-e-Millat and paid rich tribute to her invaluable national services.



She said the 133rd birth anniversary of Fatima Jinnah reminded the nation of her unparalleled struggle for democracy, constitutional supremacy and the protection of public rights.



She added that Fatima Jinnah played a historic role in creating awareness among women about their active participation in national development and the democratic process, and her contributions would always be remembered.



The BISP chairperson said Fatima Jinnah’s honesty, courage and principled politics served as a guiding light for future generations.



She urged the nation to renew its commitment to building a stronger, democratic and people-centric Pakistan by following the vision and ideals of Madar-e-Millat. Senator Rubina Khalid also said the Benazir Income Support Programme would continue to draw inspiration from Fatima Jinnah’s vision in its mission to empower women and promote their socio-economic development.



She reaffirmed that the nation saluted the outstanding services of Madar-e-Millat, whose name would always be remembered with the utmost respect and honour.



Woman dies, little daughter injured in road mishap


Bahawalpur: A woman has lost her life and her two-year-old daughter was injured when a motorcycle rickshaw overturned after veering off the road near in Chak No. 105/DB Tehsil Yazman.



According to Rescue 1122 report, a motorcycle rickshaw was travelling from Yazman to Cholistani area when the driver reportedly lost control, causing the vehicle to leave the road and overturn. ‘As a result of the accident, Shehnaz Bibi, wife of Ramzan, aged 50 and a resident of Bhata Colony, Yazman, sustained a severe open head injury and died at the scene,’ they said, adding that her two-year-old daughter, Arman Fatima, daughter of Ali Haider, suffered a deep cut to her right leg.



Rescue personnel shifted the deceased woman’s body and the injured child to Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital Yazman. The body of the woman was handed over to the heirs. Doctors have been providing medical treatment to the little baby.



LESCO saves Rs58bn in two years, cuts losses to historic low


Islamabad: Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), Pakistan’s largest power distribution company, has saved the national exchequer more than Rs58 billion by reducing its financial gap from Rs79 billion to Rs21 billion over the past two years through aggressive loss reduction, improved recoveries and power sector reforms, setting a new national benchmark for performance, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) on Thursday.



The company achieved a recovery rate of 101.05pc during the period, surpassing the 100pc benchmark set by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) for the first time.



Distribution losses declined from 15.8pc to 11.86pc, marking a four percentage point reduction , the largest two year loss reduction recorded by any electricity distribution company in the country’s history.



The achievement carries significant financial weight as LESCO, with an annual revenue base exceeding Rs1 trillion, generates an estimated Rs10bn improvement for every one percentage point reduction in losses.



The four point decline has therefore translated into one of the biggest efficiency gains ever recorded in Pakistan’s power distribution sector.



Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari said LESCO’s performance demonstrated that sustained oversight, accountability and data driven management could deliver tangible results in the power sector.



The ministry said the minister had closely monitored loss and recovery trends across distribution companies, ensuring management teams remained focused on meeting targets and improving field level enforcement.



According to the statement, the turnaround was driven by the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and supported by reforms introduced by the Power Division, including digitisation of billing and recovery systems, stricter anti theft measures, network modernisation, continuous performance monitoring and customer focused initiatives.



The ministry said independent boards of directors and a policy of non interference in operational matters had enabled professional management to implement reforms without political pressure.



It added that LESCO’s performance offered a model for other distribution companies and strengthened efforts to curb circular debt while improving the financial sustainability of the power sector.



Rain brings relief as weather turns pleasant in Burewala


Burewala: Intermittent rain continued across Vehari, Burewala and adjoining areas on Friday, bringing welcome relief from intense heat and humid conditions.



The rainfall significantly lowered temperatures, with residents expressing relief after days of sweltering weather. However, electricity supply was disrupted in several urban and rural areas as power outages affected multiple feeders.



The rain also eased humidity, making the weather pleasant, while authorities remained on alert to address power restoration and any rain-related issues.



CTD arrests alleged SRA affiliated terrorist


Hyderabad: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has claimed arrested of a wanted suspected terrorist associated with Sindh Revolutionary Army (SRA) in a raid carried out in Husri area in the city’s outskirts.



According to a CTD statement issued here on Friday, a hand grenade, explosive, detonator, a remote with cells, battery, a 30-bore pistol with three spent casings and six spent casings of a SMG were recovered from possession of the suspect Imam Bux Khaskheli. He was wanted by the CTD, in the First Information Report numbers 6/2026 and 7/2026, was allegedly planning to carry out a terror attack. He is said to be a close associate of other suspected terrorists including Mubashir Laghari, Ali Haider Katrio, Sarang Meerani and Mehran Meerani whom the CTD had already arrested.



The suspect was allegedly recruited by the SRA’s commander Asghar Shah while a suspect identified as Soomar Mallah had handed him over the items which were recovered from his possession. He was actively participating in the sit-ins, demonstrations and other anti-state activities. Khaskheli was allegedly among suspects who had allegedly fired gunshots on a truck transporting goods from Sujawal district to Punjab in addition to his alleged extortion seeking from a state owned oil company. He had also allegedly remained involved in spreading anti state sentiments among youth.