Kohat Police arrest five suspects, seize illegal weapons in targeted operation


Kohat: Kohat Police arrested five suspects and recovered illegal weapons during a targeted Search and Strike Operation carried out as part of an ongoing campaign against criminal elements in the district, officials said on Saturday.



The operation was conducted on the directives of District Police Officer (DPO) SSP Rai Mazhar Iqbal and led by Station House Officer (SHO) Bilitang Waqar Khan. Police teams raided suspected hideouts in the area, resulting in the arrest of five alleged offenders.



During the operation, police recovered one Kalashnikov rifle, four pistols and dozens of rounds of ammunition of various calibers from the suspects’ possession. Separate cases have been registered against the arrested individuals, while further investigations are underway.



DPO Rai Mazhar Iqbal said the crackdown against criminals, drug traffickers and those possessing illegal weapons would continue across the district without discrimination. He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens and maintaining law and order through sustained intelligence-based operations.



Robber killed, three accomplices escape after CCD encounter


Faisalabad: An alleged robber was killed while his three accomplices managed to escape after an encounter with Crime Control Department (CCD) in the area of Ghulam Muhammad Abad police station.



A police spokesman said that a CCD team launched an operation to arrest proclaimed offenders in the Achkera area on the directions of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) CCD Waseem Riaz.



Incharge CCD Lyallpur Division Inspector Hassan Sadiq Cheema and Incharge CCD Iqbal Division Sub Inspector Ali Akram Goraya led the operation during which four accused opened indiscriminate fire on the CCD personnel as soon as they spotted the raiding party.



The CCD team returned fire in self-defense, triggering an exchange of gunfire. During encounter, one of the accused sustained bullet injuries and was taken into custody. He was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment but later he succumbed to his injuries.



The deceased was identified as Tayyab son of Munir resident of Chak No. 253-RB Jahangir Kalan and he had a criminal record involving 20 cases of robbery, theft, highway robbery and other serious offences.



He was also wanted in a robbery-cum-murder case in which a citizen was allegedly shot dead during a heist.



The three remaining accused managed to flee under the cover of firing. Police have launched a search operation to trace and arrest the absconding accomplices, spokesman added.



Karachi Mayor inaugurates Khawaja Ajmer Nagri-Manghopir Road Dual Carriageway project


Karachi: Mayor of Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, has inaugurated a 1, 800-meter-long modern dual carriageway project from Khawaja Ajmer Nagri Chowrangi to the Dedex Factory on Manghopir Road, completed at a cost of more than Rs. 412 million (Rs. 41. 20 crore).

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor of Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad, members of the KMC City Council, elected representatives, and a large number of local residents.

Addressing the ceremony, Mayor of Karachi said that work is progressing rapidly on modern infrastructure, improved roads, water supply and drainage projects across Karachi to provide citizens with high-quality municipal services.

He said that under the project, modern roads measuring 10. 25 meters in width on each side have been constructed. The project has been completed with curb blocks, a modern central median, road markings, an efficient drainage system, and other essential civic facilities.

The Mayor stated that the project will significantly improve traffic
flow in the area while providing citizens with a safer and more comfortable travel experience.

He further announced the completion of a 700-meter-long, 48-inch diameter water supply line rehabilitation project at a cost of Rs. 86. 895 million. Under this project, 16 T-connections were installed, approximately 4, 000 leakages were repaired, 2, 400 illegal water connections were removed, and new 4-inch diameter water supply lines were laid in 54 streets, resulting in a significant improvement in the area’s water supply system.

He added that the project also included the installation of 53 double-arm street lights and the desilting (winching) of the sewerage drain along with improved drainage arrangements to provide modern and sustainable civic facilities.

The Mayor Karachi said that, in line with the Pakistan Peoples Party’s public service manifesto, Karachi’s development journey is progressing rapidly, and strengthening the city’s infrastructure while ensuring quality municipal services remains the governme
nt’s top priority.

Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that no proper road had ever been constructed in the area in the past. Various political parties came to power and made grand promises, but failed to deliver practical results.

He remarked that Karachi is a bouquet of diverse ethnic communities, and everyone must play their role in preserving and enhancing its beauty. He added that the Pakistan Peoples Party has resolved a long-standing issue faced by the people of Manghopir.

The Mayor said that representatives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari are working practically in every area of Karachi. He added that critics and opponents would be answered through performance, and that the promises made by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the Pakistan Peoples Party would be fulfilled so that the public could clearly see who made promises and who honored them.

He described the road project as a long-cherished dream of the local residents that has finally become a reality. According to him, the newly constr
ucted road will substantially improve connectivity between District Central and District West while providing a better transportation facility for citizens.

The Mayor noted that despite the ongoing monsoon rains, development work across Karachi continues uninterrupted, and elected representatives are taking practical steps to resolve public issues. He said that sincere leadership fulfills its promises and that the Pakistan Peoples Party firmly believes in serving the people.

He further stated that, under the directives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the Chief Minister of Sindh, councillors, UC chairmen, town chairmen, the Deputy Mayor, and other elected representatives are continuously working to complete public welfare projects.

The Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab emphasized that the Pakistan Peoples Party believes in the politics of service rather than the politics of credit, and that anyone working in the public interest will receive the party’s full support. He also thanked allied par
ties and local elected representatives for their cooperation in completing the project.

The Mayor said that Sindh has an active local government system with powers devolved to the grassroots level, enabling citizens to directly approach their UC chairmen, councillors, town chairmen, the Deputy Mayor, and the Mayor to resolve civic issues. He stressed that other provinces, particularly Punjab, also need strong local governments and empowered mayors to ensure better municipal services at the local level.

He concluded by saying that development projects worth billions of rupees are being completed across Karachi and that the city’s progress will continue in the future. He appealed to the public to support the politics of development and public service so that Karachi can become an even better and more modern city.

Overseas Pakistanis’ welfare a top government priority: Imran Ahmad Shah


Islamabad: Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah Friday said the welfare of overseas Pakistanis and the provision of quality public services remained among the government’s top priorities, stressing that Pakistani missions abroad must provide efficient, accessible, timely and people-centric consular services.



He made these remarks while addressing a gathering during his visit to the Consulate General of Pakistan in Chicago, where he inaugurated a photo exhibition highlighting the rights and struggle of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).



The minister was received by Consul General Zaman Mehdi along with officers and staff of the Consulate. Members of the Pakistani-American community also attended the event.



Syed Imran Ahmad Shah said overseas Pakistanis should be treated with dignity, respect, compassion and sincerity.



He stressed the need to further simplify consular procedures, eliminate unnecessary delays and ensure timely assistance to applicants, adding that public service delivery should be guided by the principles of humanity, justice and Islamic values.



According to a news release, the minister appreciated the invaluable contribution of overseas Pakistanis to Pakistan’s economy, national development and the country’s positive image around the world.



He said consular services could be further improved by addressing the concerns and suggestions of overseas Pakistanis, strengthening institutional engagement, enhancing public communication and making greater use of modern technology.



During the visit, Consul General Zaman Mehdi briefed the federal minister on the Consulate’s initiatives to facilitate the Pakistani community across the American Midwest.



He highlighted efforts including organizing consular camps in different cities, maintaining regular engagement with the community, ensuring timely dissemination of information and improving access to consular services for Pakistanis residing in areas distant from Chicago.



The Consul General reaffirmed the Consulate’s commitment to providing transparent, timely and community-oriented services while maintaining close engagement with Pakistanis living within its jurisdiction.



Later, the federal minister interacted with members of the Pakistani-American community, who welcomed him and shared their views and suggestions regarding the welfare of overseas Pakistanis and further improvement of consular services.



Syedal Khan visits residence of martyred Session Judge Hakeem, expresses condolences to his family


Quetta: Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan Nasir visited the residence of District and Sessions Judge Abdul Hakeem Kakar, who was martyred in the firing by terrorists in Mastung, and expressed his condolences and sympathy to his son and other relatives.



He paid tribute to Shaheed Abdul Hakeem Kakar for his judicial services and said that we shared the grief of the martyr’s family and would not leave the affected family alone in this hour of difficulty.



Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan Nasir spent some time with the martyr’s family.



On the other hand, Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan Nasir visited the residence of Hashim Noorzai, the owner of a local hotel who was killed in the firing in the past few days, and offered condolences and Fateha to his sons and other family members.



He prayed that Allah Almighty may grant the deceased a place in His mercy and grant patience to the bereaved.



BISE reviews arrangements for matric awards ceremony


Sialkot: A delegation from the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Gujranwala on Saturday visited Government College Women University Sialkot (GCWUS) to review preparations for the Matric Position Holders Prize Distribution Ceremony.



The delegation, comprising BISE Secretary Prof. Rashid Ahmed Bhatti, Controller of Examinations Prof. Nadeem Ahmad and Research and Coordination Officer Atif Imdad Tarar, met Vice Chancellor(VC), Prof. Dr. Shazia Bashir to discuss arrangements for the event.



The meeting focused on administrative, logistical and ceremonial preparations to ensure the smooth conduct of the ceremony which will honour outstanding matriculation students for their academic achievements.



The prize distribution ceremony will be held at GCWUS on August 6, where position holders in the matriculation examinations will be recognized for their exceptional performance.