Defense counsel failed to prove innocence of accused in £190 million scam case: Tarar

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar said on Friday that the defense counsel fought £190 million corruption case on political grounds and did not submit any evidence to counter proofs given by the prosecution.

During media talk outside Parliament House along with Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, he said that

190 million pounds scam was the mega corruption case in Pakistan's history.

The minister said the judge in the verdict stated that the defense counsel could not present evidence to prove innocence of the accused.

He said that the defense team could not even respond to the evidence of bribery, corruption and misuse of power and authority provided by the prosecution.

The founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf could not present solid evidence in court to prove his innocence in the court.

He lamented that the PTI had the habit of using religion card and in this case they tried to hide behind the religion.

He said that in Zaman Park Lahore, a house was built with the confiscated money received from the United Kingdom's National Crime Agency.

The Al-Qadir Trust,he opined was created to launder black money earned through corruption and bribery.

Attaullah Tarar said that they had the right of appeal but they will have to prove that no sealed envelope was brought to the cabinet meeting and it did not approve the agenda item.

The defense counsel will have to prove that no house was built in Lahore with that money.

He said it was ironic that the money confiscated by NCA and returned to Pakistan government was returned to the person from whom it was taken.

"Corruption and bribery are proven in this case, misuse of authority is also proven, " Attaullah Tarar maintained.

The minister said that sentence was awarded to the accused while fulfilling the legal requirements.

The sentence passed was on merit, the accused had failed to prove their innocence, he remarked.

He said that reputed lawyers and neutral analysts were saying about this verdict was in accordance with the law as bribery, corruption and robbery have been proven by the prosecution.

He said the government had in its possession the documents of Asset Recovery Unit headed by Shahzad Akbar. In those documents it was written that £190 million amount was recovered money received from NCA.

Horticulture society launched to beautify GCWUS landscape

Sialkot: A horticulture society consisting of female students and teachers was launched to beautify the landscape of Government College Women University Sialkot (GCWUS).

Before the oath-taking ceremony, the special guest Vice Chancellor GCWUS Prof. Dr. Shazia Bashir, the guest of honour Advisor Horticulture Society GCU Lahore Prof. Dr. Zaheeruddin Khan and Professor Dr. Faiza Sharif (Department of Environmental Sciences GC University Lahore) planted a sapling in the lawn.

At the beginning of the ceremony, female students of the society took the oath of their positions.

Addressing the ceremony, the guest of honor, Advisor Horticulture Society GCU Lahore, Professor Dr. Zaheeruddin Khan said that all the students should work with the teachers to make the landscape of their university beautiful He said that the Botany students should pay special attention to the care of plants along with their studies and inform their families and friends about this.

The special guest, Vice Chancellor GCWUS Prof. Dr. Shazia Bashir said that this year, the campus will be showered with colors and fragrances in spring. Advisor Horticulture Society GCWUS Dr. Zahid Ali Butt thanked the Vice Chancellor, distinguished guests and all the students. She said that together we will work hard to beautify the landscape of the university according to the vision of the Vice Chancellor. At the end of the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor, guests of honour and Pro Vice Chancellor GCWUS Prof. Dr. Zarrin Fatima distributed certificates among the organizers.

Dry spell sparks rise in viral infections, precautions urged for Children

Islamabad: A health expert Friday sounded the alarm over a surge in viral infections of the throat and respiratory tract among children in the region, citing the prolonged dry weather, lack of rainfall and high dust levels as contributing factors and urging citizens to take precautions to protect their kids.

Talking to a private news channel Dr. Zia Ullah Shah, a specialist in children' s health explained that due to the lack of rainfall and high dust levels in the air are creating an ideal environment for viral infections to spread.

"We are seeing a significant increase in cases of throat and respiratory tract infections among children, and it is essential that parents take precautions to protect their kids," he added.

Dr. Shah explained that viral infections are highly contagious and can spread quickly through schools, playgrounds, and other areas where children gather.

He advised parents to ensure their children practice good hygiene, such as washing their hands frequently, avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms and staying home if they are feeling unwell.

The health expert also recommended that parents take steps to reduce their children' s exposure to dust and pollutants, such as keeping windows and doors closed, using air purifiers and avoiding outdoor activities during peak dust hours.

The rise in viral infections among children has prompted local health authorities to issue guidelines for parents and caregivers, he added.

He also urged schools and childcare centers to implement measures to prevent the spread of infections, such as increasing cleaning and disinfection protocols and promoting good hygiene practices among students and staff.

Domestic workers thief gang busted

Lahore: A domestic workers' thieves gang, which had stolen gold ornaments, has been traced with the help of Smart Safe City Gujranwala's cameras.

According to details, a complaint was made on the 15 emergency helpline regarding the theft of 80 tolas of gold by a domestic worker. Upon receiving the complaint, the search for the suspects began using Safe City Gujranwala's cameras. The suspects were seen traveling in an auto-rickshaw in the footage. Initial investigations revealed that three women fled in the rickshaw with two other accomplices.

The spokesperson for the Safe Cities Authority stated that the three women and two men could be seen in the video escaping in the rickshaw. The virtual patrolling officer of Safe City Gujranwala provided all evidence to the relevant police, who subsequently arrested the gang after a search.

Further legal action is underway against the suspects. Citizens are advised to thoroughly check the police records when hiring domestic workers.

Three law enforcers martyred, 106 injured during PTI protests in Islamabad, Senate told

Islamabad: Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi on Friday revealed that three law enforcers martyred, and 106 sustained injuries during violent protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Islamabad from November 24 to 26.

In a written response to Senator Quratulain Marri, the minister stated that, as per reports from all police stations in the federal capital, no civilian casualties or injuries were recorded during the protests.

He further disclosed that 17 criminal cases had been registered at various police stations across Islamabad against those involved in the violent protests.

Man kills brother over minor issue

Muzaffargarh: A man allegedly killed his brother over a domestic issue in Chowk Sarwar Shaheed area on Friday.

According to Rescue officials,two sons of Ghulam Sadiq,resident of Chak 546/TDA had an altercation over a domestic issue.The dispute escalated and one brother opened fire and killed 24-year-old Abdul Hamid on the spot.

Upon getting information,the rescue team reached the spot and shifted the body to rural health center.

Saddar police launched investigation.