Bahawalpur: Legend classical singer, Ustad Aashique Hussain who died of protracted illness has been laid to rest in local graveyard in Dera Nawab Sahb. He was 80. Ustad Aashique Hussain earned a good name in the field of classical music and singing. His father remained royal singer of Nawab of Bahawalpur. Ustad Aashique left several pupils and followers in the field of classical music and singing. He died during medical treatment in Bahawalpur. His body was brought to his native area of Dera Nawab Sahb where he was laid to rest in local graveyard. His Namaz-e-Janaz was attended by a large number of citizens. His two daughters including Sheerien Kanwal also earned fame in the field of classical music.
Police net 13 lawbreakers with 23 kg drugs, 45 liters liquor
Rawalpindi: Rawalpindi police in an action against suspected drug peddlers, bootleggers and other lawbreakers have arrested 13 accused besides recovering over 23 kg drugs, 45 liters liquor, two stolen motorcycles and other items from their possession.
A police spokesperson here on Sunday informed that New Town police rounded up an accused namely Bismillah Jan and recovered five kg charras from his possession.
Earlier, in an operation, Pirwadhai police arrested a drug peddler, Asif alias Fauji and seized 12 kg charras.
In other raids, Wah Cantt, Taxila, City, Saddar Wah, and Kalar Syedan police netted five accused, Shahbaz, Fazal-e-Rabi, Hamza, Ishrat, and Arbaz and recovered over six kg charras from their possession.
Similarly, Rattaamral, Jatli, and Bani police conducted raids in their respective jurisdiction and arrested three accused, Tahir, Aftab, and Shahid and recovered 45 liters liquor.
Civil Lines police in an operation arrested three bike lifters namely Imran, Yousaf and Imran and recovered two stolen motorcycles, weapons and other items.
Separate cases have been registered against all the accused while further investigations are underway.
Two gang members nabbed; valuables seized
Islamabad: Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police arrested two members of a criminal gang on Sunday, recovering a stolen motorcycle, batteries, and theft tools during an operation led by the Aabpara police station.
A police spokesperson told reporter that the Aabpara police station team arrested two accused involved in numerous theft and bike lifting activities. The arrested accused were identified as Asif Habib and Bilal Sadiq.
He said the police team also recovered a stolen bike, motorcycle batteries and theft tools from their possession.
During the preliminary investigation, the accused also confessed to being involved in numerous criminal activities in the jurisdiction of Aabpara police station. Moreover, cases have been registered against them and further investigation is underway.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Ali Raza said that Islamabad Police are continuously working to eliminate the crime from the capital.
Additionally, officers are directed for an effective crackdown against the accused involved in criminal activities and to take all possible measures to protect the life and property of the citizens.
CM orders completion of roads, health centers by June 30
Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the authorities to complete the construction and rehabilitation of roads and health centers across Punjab by June 30, 2025. Presiding over a special review meeting on the ongoing development projects of roads and health centers across Punjab, here on Sunday, she emphasized the significance of timely project completion, saying, 'Millions of citizens will benefit from the rehabilitation, construction, and repair of roads across Punjab.' The CM stressed the importance of Phase-I of health center construction and rehabilitation, stating, 'I will personally inspect and inaugurate the newly constructed Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centers (RHCs) in the Province.' She instructed the Planning and Development Department to devise measures for generating additional resources to support these initiatives. During the meeting, Provincial Secretary Communications and Works Sohail Ashraf presented a detailed briefing on the progress of ongoing projects. He revealed that out of 462 approved projects under the Road Rehabilitation Program, work has started on 455, with over 25 percent completed. Of the 72 schemes under Phase-II, work has begun on 67, with more than 24 percent progress made. For health centers, 75 percent of the work on 1,236 basic health units across Punjab is complete, while 54 health centers in various districts have been fully rehabilitated. Construction and rehabilitation of 1,164 health centers are advancing, with 1,211 plastered, 1,143 floored, and 1,004 nearing final stages. CM Maryam Nawaz stated the construction of farm-to-market roads would boost economic activity and improve rural connectivity. She also noted that the new Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics would bring top-tier health facilities to residents of remote areas, offering them the standards of private urban clinics for the first time. The chief minister reaffirmed her commitment to enhancing the province's infrastructure and health services, ensu ring tangible benefits for citizens in both urban and rural areas.
World has seen corrupt face of PTI: Attaullah Tarar
Lahore: Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage, and Culture Attaullah Tarar has said that the entire world has seen the corrupt face of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
He remarked that the judicial verdict has confirmed allegations of corruption against the PTI founder, claiming it as the largest financial scandal in Pakistan's history involving £190 million.
Speaking at the inauguration of developmental projects in Union Council 238, NA-127, Lahore, Tarar said that economic development and public relief remain the government's top priorities. Member of Provincial Assembly Mian Imran Javed, Chairman Ghulam Nabi Toor, Vice Chairman Haji Aslam Bhatti, and other party workers were present.
Attaullah Tarar asserted that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is a people-centric party dedicated to resolving public issues. "We are tirelessly working to fulfill our election promises," he said. Highlighting the government's efforts, he noted that inflation, which was at 38 per cent last year, has decreased to 3.9 per cent, and foreign investment is steadily increasing.
Referring to the £190 million corruption scandal, he criticised the PTI leadership for approving significant financial misappropriations behind closed doors. "They manipulated funds meant for the state, used religion as a cover, and indulged in personal luxuries, including acquiring expensive properties and jewellery," he said. He challenged PTI's legal team to refute the allegations and questioned the credibility of the religious education initiatives at the Al-Qadir Trust.
The minister highlighted the global recognition of the PTI founder's corruption. "International media headlines have exposed the former prime minister's fraudulent activities," he stated, adding that the nation must now decide which political party genuinely prioritizes the country's welfare.
He highlighted the positive economic trajectory under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, and Maryam Nawaz. "The day the PTI chairman was convicted, the stock market soared by 1,000 points, reflecting the business community's confidence in the judicial decision," he added.
Attaullah Tarar credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for steering the country away from default and creating a conducive environment for foreign investment.
The minister assured the residents of his constituency that their pressing concerns, including the persistent gas shortage, would be resolved on a priority basis. He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and public services, emphasizing that development projects would bring long-term benefits to the area. Expressing heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception by local leaders and community members, he reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to transforming the constituency into a model area. He pledged to address issues affecting daily life, ensure better access to resources, and promote sustainable development, further strengthening his bond with the people and fulfilling the promises made during the election campaign.
Parliamentary Delegation of South Sudan’s legislative assembly to Arrive in Pakistan
Islamabad: On the special invitation of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, a high-level parliamentary delegation from South Sudan, headed by Nathaniel Oyet Pierino, the First Deputy Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) of South Sudan, will arrive in Pakistan tomorrow for a three-day official visit.
This visit of the Parliamentary Delegation underscores the commitment of the Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to enhance parliamentary diplomacy and build meaningful contacts among Parliaments across the world.
According to a news release, the primary aim of this visit is to strengthen the parliamentary relations between the two countries and explore new avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation.
During their stay in Islamabad, the South Sudanese delegation will engage in a series of important meetings including Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq; Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Syed Mir Ghulam Mustafa Shah; and Deputy Chairman of the Senate Syedaal Khan.
These meetings will focus on fostering closer parliamentary cooperation, addressing mutual interests, and expanding the scope of bilateral relations across various sectors.
Additionally, the delegation will meet with prominent political figures and government leaders in Pakistan to further solidify the ties between the two nations at both the governmental and public levels.
The South Sudanese Parliamentary Delegation will also visit several significant cultural and historical sites in Pakistan to deepen their understanding of the country but also promote people-to-people exchanges. These engagements are expected to play a pivotal role in fostering friendly relations between the citizens of both nations.
This high-level parliamentary exchange is expected to contribute significantly to the growth of parliamentary diplomacy and provide a platform for expanding cooperation in various fields, ensuring a mutually beneficial relationship between Pakistan and South Sudan in the future.
These meetings will focus on fostering closer parliamentary cooperation, addressing mutual interests, and expanding the scope of bilateral relations across various sectors.
Additionally, the delegation will meet with prominent political figures and government leaders in Pakistan to further solidify the ties between the two nations at both the governmental and public levels.
The South Sudanese Parliamentary Delegation will also visit several significant cultural and historical sites in Pakistan to deepen their understanding of the country but also promote people-to-people exchanges. These engagements are expected to play a pivotal role in fostering friendly relations between the citizens of both nations.
This high-level parliamentary exchange is expected to contribute significantly to the growth of parliamentary diplomacy and provide a platform for expanding cooperation in various fields, ensuring a mutually beneficial relationship between Pakistan and South Sudan in the future.