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27 Oad gang members held for financial cyber fraud


Lahore: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested 27 alleged members of the Oad gang during a major crackdown on organized financial cyber fraud in Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad, exposing scams involving millions of rupees on Friday.



According to the spokesperson, the suspects allegedly posed as bank officials, customs and police personnel, representatives of charitable organizations, TCS riders and investment company employees to deceive citizens into sharing one-time passwords (OTPs), banking credentials and other sensitive information before fraudulently transferring funds from their accounts.



In Lahore, the NCCIA arrested 13 suspects during two separate operations. The arrested suspects included Muhammad Irfan, Muhammad Danish, Nabeel Akhtar, Badrur Rehman, Muhammad Adnan, Nadeem Abbas, Allah Rakha, Muhammad Atif and Muhammad Waseem, among others. Authorities recovered 13 mobile phones, 25 active SIM cards allegedly used in the fraud and other digital evidence from their possession.



In Multan, 13 suspects were arrested in four separate raids. They included Muhammad Asim Baloch, Muhammad Usman, Khalid Baloch, Abdul Ghaffar, Muhammad Jibran Oad, Muhammad Shan Oad, Muhammad Waqas Oad, Muhammad Ilyas Oad, Muhammad Iqbal Oad, Muhammad Shafiq Oad, Muhammad Yousaf Oad, Muhammad Naeem Oad and other.



Initial investigations revealed that the Oad gang allegedly operated fake investment websites and fraudulent WhatsApp and social media accounts to lure citizens into investing money before defrauding them of large sums.



In Faisalabad, the NCCIA arrested one suspect, identified as Nasir Ali, who was allegedly involved with accomplices in hacking bank accounts and transferring stolen funds into fraudulent JazzCash and Easypaisa accounts. One Android mobile phone, six keypad phones and 23 active SIM cards were recovered from his possession.



The spokesperson said investigations into the network were underway and reaffirmed that indiscriminate action against organized financial cyber fraud groups, including the Oad gang, would continue.



The NCCIA also advised the public not to share one-time passwords (OTPs), banking information or personal data with any unauthorized person to avoid falling victim to cyber fraud.



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Monsoon emergency under focus at ERC’s 8th session


Islamabad: The Emergency Response Committee (ERC), constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Friday held its eighth consecutive session to assess the nationwide monsoon situation, review ongoing rescue and relief operations, and strengthen preparedness measures as fresh rainfall is forecast across northern and central Pakistan.



The meeting, held at the National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) at NDMA headquarters, was chaired via video link by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).



Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo attended the session at NEOC, while Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Punjab Minister for Health and Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafique, provincial chief secretaries, NDMA chairman, senior federal officials, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and other response agencies’ officials joined physically and virtually.



NDMA officials briefed the committee on the latest monsoon situation, including human and infrastructure losses, ongoing rescue and relief efforts, and rehabilitation work in affected areas.



The committee was informed that rainfall was expected in northern and central parts of the country, while isolated to scattered showers were also likely in southeastern Sindh, raising concerns over further weather-related emergencies.



The National Emergencies Operations Centre also presented an updated hydrological outlook and highlighted potential hazards associated with the continuing monsoon spell.



Participants were briefed on relief operations being carried out in coordination with national and international humanitarian partners to support communities affected by heavy rains and flooding.



The committee was further informed that population growth, changing agricultural patterns, climate variability and rising temperatures were placing increasing pressure on Pakistan’s water resources, underscoring the need for improved water management and climate resilience.



Reviewing response measures undertaken by federal ministries, provincial governments and district administrations, the committee acknowledged the efforts of emergency responders in protecting communities, restoring essential services and delivering relief assistance.



Emphasising the need for continued vigilance, the committee reiterated the importance of close coordination among all stakeholders to ensure a swift response to any emerging situation.



Ahsan Iqbal directed all concerned departments to maintain the current operational tempo, strengthen coordination mechanisms, continue proactive preparedness measures and accelerate relief and rehabilitation activities in rain-affected areas.



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Pakistan, IAEA conclude training on computer security inspections for nuclear facilities


Islamabad: Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), successfully concluded a five-day National Training Course (NTC) on Conducting Computer Security Inspections for Nuclear Facilities at PNRA.



The course, held from July 27-31, was organized by PNRA’s National Institute of Safety and Security (NISAS), as an IAEA Collaborating Centre.



It brought together national regulatory staff and security inspectors responsible for safeguarding the digital systems of Pakistan’s operational nuclear facilities, strengthening participants’ understanding of computer security methodologies, sharpening their ability to assess compliance, conduct security audits, and identify potential vulnerabilities in line with IAEA’s Nuclear Security Series guidance.



The course was led by three distinguished international experts; Mr. Louis Ebiotuno Tabai of the IAEA, Mr. Jeong Ho Lee of the Republic of Korea, and Mr. Ricardo Paulino Marques of Brazil, who provided participants with practical knowledge and global perspectives on computer security inspections.



“Computer security is one of the important aspects of regulatory oversight of safety and security of nuclear installations. This training has contributed in further enhancing our inspector’s ability to stay ahead in ensuring computer security against evolving threats. This is of course a reflection of partnership with IAEA to further strengthen regulatory oversight of facilities and activities’ said Chairman PNRA, Mr. Zia Hussain Shah, during his concluding remarks.



While speaking at the closing ceremony, the IAEA representative Mr. Louis Ebiotuno Tabai, acknowledged Pakistan’s continued collaboration with the Agency and emphasized the importance of building national expertise to address evolving computer security challenges in the nuclear sector.



The successful conclusion of the course marks another milestone in the longstanding cooperation between PNRA and the IAEA in building national regulatory capacity.



The knowledge and practical experience gained during the programme will further strengthen Pakistan’s capability to effectively oversee computer security at nuclear facilities in accordance with internationally recognized practices.



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CM Maryam grieved over loss of lives in Quetta coal mine blast


Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious human lives in a blast at a coal mine in the Quetta area.



The Chief Minister prayed for the safety and well-being of the miners trapped inside the mine and expressed sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families.



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Pakistan, Turkiye agree to strengthen railway cooperation, revive ITI freight train


Lahore: Pakistan and Turkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding long-term cooperation in the railway sector, with both countries agreeing to promote joint investment, technology transfer and modernization projects during a high-level meeting held in Ankara.



According to the PR spokesperson on Friday, the understanding was reached during a delegation-level meeting between Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu on the second day of the Pakistani minister’s official visit to Turkiye.



The two sides agreed to restore the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight train service at the earliest and develop it into a permanent commercial trade corridor. They described the ITI freight corridor as a strategic initiative for enhancing trade and regional connectivity among South Asia, Central Asia and Europe.



During the meeting, the Pakistani delegation briefed the Turkish side on the upgradation of the Rohri-Taftan Main Line-3 (ML-3), stating that the project would significantly improve regional trade and freight operations through Iran. Progress on the Karachi-Rohri Main Line-1 (ML-1) project was also shared, while Turkish companies were invited to invest in the remaining sections of the railway network.



Pakistan also invited Turkish public and private sector companies to participate in Pakistan Railways’ infrastructure projects. Both sides discussed the possibility of Turkiye’s participation and technical cooperation in the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Corridor (UAPRC).



A detailed presentation was given on Pakistan Railways’ digital transformation, modern signaling systems, rolling stock upgradation and private sector participation. The two countries agreed to enhance cooperation in technology transfer, digital railway solutions, capacity building and modern operational systems.



The meeting also explored opportunities for joint investment, joint ventures and local manufacturing at Pakistan Railways’ Carriage Factory in Islamabad, concrete sleeper factories and engineering workshops. Both sides expressed interest in utilizing Turkish technology for the local production of railway equipment, passenger coaches and freight wagons.



Pakistan and Turkiye also agreed to promote cooperation in railway manufacturing, outsourcing, industrial collaboration and greater private sector participation. Detailed presentations on railway projects, regional connectivity and investment opportunities were delivered by both delegations.



Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said Pakistan would fully benefit from Trkiye’s experience, investment and advanced technology in the modernization of Pakistan Railways.



The two countries reaffirmed their resolve to transform bilateral railway cooperation into practical projects, joint investments and initiatives aimed at promoting regional economic growth and connectivity.



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Interview dates for head teacher candidates announced


Lahore: Interview dates for candidates who passed the merit-based head teacher test have been announced. According to the School Education Department, the interviews will be held on August 4 and 5 at PECTA Head Office, Lahore.



A 9-member panel will conduct interviews for the candidates who pass the test, which will include Additional Secretary Schools Athar Saeed, Farooq Qamar, Muhammad Ijaz Joya, Naveed Deraat, Zahida Batool and Abdul Waheed Raza, among other officers.



According to the department, the candidates who are declared successful in the interview will be appointed as OPS heads in various government schools.