Belarus military delegation meets Naval Chief to discuss defence cooperation


Islamabad: A high-level delegation of the Republic of Belarus led by Chief of the General Staff and First Deputy Defence Minister, Major General Pavel Muraveiko, called on Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, at Naval Headquarters, Islamabad.



Upon arrival at Naval Headquarters, the dignitary was received by the Chief of the Naval Staff, said the Directorate General Public Relations (Pakistan Navy) press release.



During the meeting, professional matters of mutual interest, including defence collaboration were discussed. Admiral Naveed Ashraf emphasised that Pakistan greatly values its relations with Belarus and desires to forge a long-term, multi-dimensional cooperation with the country.



The visiting dignitary appreciated and acknowledged Pakistan Navy’s efforts and commitment towards regional maritime security. Both sides agreed to further strengthen and diversify the scope of the existing bilateral defence relationship.



Mirpur Police arrest 12 over post-election unrest, hunt underway for firing suspect


Mirpur: Police in Mirpur have arrested 12 people for allegedly disrupting public order, forcing traders to shut their businesses and creating unrest on major roads, while efforts are underway to apprehend a suspect identified in a firing incident, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khurram Iqbal said on Saturday.



Speaking to the media, the SSP said normal life had largely returned to Mirpur Division following the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections held on July 27. He said political celebrations concluded peacefully and commercial activities had resumed across the city after the electoral process.



However, Khurram Iqbal alleged that some individuals attempted to disturb the peaceful environment by staging protests on key roads, raising slogans against state institutions and pressuring shopkeepers to close their businesses a day after polling. Police responded swiftly, arresting 12 suspects for their alleged involvement in the incidents, he added.



The SSP said one suspect allegedly involved in the reported firing had been identified and police teams were conducting raids to arrest him. Reaffirming the force’s commitment to maintaining law and order, he warned that strict and impartial action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt peace, while urging parents to encourage their children to respect the law and contribute to a peaceful civic environment.



11 medical stores challaned in anti-drug drive


Sargodha: Health authorities on Saturday intensified their crackdown on the illegal drug trade, challaning 11 medical stores and pharmacies and seizing a large quantity of smuggled, unregistered and expired medicines during raids across the district.



Deputy Drug Controller Shahpur, Faheem Zia led the operation, during which officials confiscated Indian-smuggled medicines, narcotics, sexual enhancement drugs, misbranded and unlabeled medicines, as well as Pregabalin capsules allegedly being sold without valid prescriptions.



The cases have been referred to the District Quality Control Board for legal action, while three medical stores were sealed for violating drug laws.



Officials said two medicine samples collected during the raids were declared substandard by the Drug Testing Laboratory.



A request has also been sent to the relevant authorities seeking registration of an FIR against the owner of a medical store over alleged violations.



According to the district administration and the health department, the crackdown will continue to curb the illegal sale of medicines and ensure the availability of safe and quality drugs to the public.



Death toll in Burewala cylinder blast rises to four


Burewala: Another victim of the tragic gas cylinder explosion at Al-Karam Sweets, Chungi No. 5, succumbed to his injuries, raising the death toll to four.



Police said Shabbir Ahmad, son of Khadim Hussain, died while under treatment at the Burn Unit of Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Shabbir Ahmad was the owner of Al-Karam Sweets and had been under treatment in the burn unit’s ICU since the blast.



The explosion occurred a few days earlier due to a gas leakage at the sweet shop, injuring 13 people, including two children, who suffered burns. The injured were immediately shifted to various hospitals, with critically injured victims referred to the Burn Unit of Nishtar Hospital, Multan.



Police said the condition of two more injured persons is stated critical. The tragic incident has evoked deep grief and sorrow across the city.



NA Speaker condoles death of MNA Malik Iqbal


Islamabad: Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Saturday expressed deep sorrow and grief over the passing of Member of the National Assembly Malik Muhammad Iqbal, saying Parliament had lost a sincere, dignified and people-friendly representative.



In a condolence message, the Speaker paid tribute to the late lawmaker’s parliamentary, political and public services, saying his contributions would always be remembered.



He said Malik Iqbal had dedicated his political career to serving the people and made valuable contributions to national politics and the promotion of democratic traditions.



The Speaker also expressed heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar on the demise of his father.



He said the loss of a father was an irreparable tragedy and assured the bereaved family that he shared their grief in this difficult time. Ayaz Sadiq prayed to Allah Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul, elevate his ranks in Jannah, and bless the bereaved family with patience and fortitude to bear the loss.



Pakistan stage comeback to overcome South Korea 3-1 in second


Islamabad: Pakistan produced a spirited second-half comeback to defeat South Korea 3-1 in the second Test of the Pakistan-South Korea hockey series at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium here on Saturday.



After a closely contested first half, South Korea took the lead in the 30th minute when Son Dain scored a field goal to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.



Pakistan responded strongly after the break. Abdul Rehman restored parity in the 33rd minute with a well-taken field goal before captain Abu Bakar Mahmood converted a penalty corner in the 52nd minute to put the hosts ahead 2-1.



The Pakistan skipper struck again in the final minute, converting another penalty corner to seal a convincing 3-1 victory for the national side.



Abu Bakar Mahmood, who scored twice, was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.



Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi attended the match as the chief guest and witnessed the thrilling contest.



Speaking on the occasion, he welcomed the revival of international hockey activities in Pakistan and termed the successful hosting of the series a positive development for the country’s hockey.



At the post-match ceremony, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani presented a commemorative shield to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.