Category: District

Peshawar: In a significant crackdown on cruelty against animal, Peshawar Police arrested three individuals involved in the illegal and inhumane practice of ear cropping of dog puppies for business purposes.

The arrests were made during raids in the Gul Bahar area following public complaints and social media reports about the cruel practice.

The suspects identified as Niaz Ali, his son Imtiaz Ali, and his son-in-law Badal, were taken into custody for allegedly chopping off the ears of newly born puppies.

The operation was conducted under the directives of SP City, Syed Talal Ali Shah, who acted swiftly after getting notice of public complaints.

The arrests have been widely praised by animal lovers and rights activists, who hope this action will deter others involved in such heinous acts.

Dr. Ayeza Haider, Focal Person of the Pakistan Animal Rights Advocacy Group, commended SP Peshawar and the raiding team for their efforts.

Dr. Haider revealed that she had raised concerns about this practice nearly a year ago, reaching out to the Peshawar District Administration and the Deputy Commissioner.

She also shared evidence, including photos and videos, with the District Director of Livestock, highlighting the brutal treatment of puppies.

'This practice is not only cruel but also a violation of the colonial-era `Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act', 1890,' Dr. Haider stated.

She further expressed alarm over reports that sick or unsold puppies are often discarded in drainage canals to die.

A local source, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, explained that ear cropping is used to deceive buyers.

Stray puppies are taken from their mothers, fed for a few days, and then subjected to ear cropping to pass them off as the highly sought-after Kochi breed from Afghanistan.

The Kochi breed, known for its aggressive nature and fighting prowess, is in high demand among dog enthusiasts and those involved in illegal dog fighting. Dealers often post images of cropped puppies on social media to attract potential buyers.

A visit to the Changar Abad area near Gulbahar revealed a thriving underground trade in animals. Small kennels housing dogs of various breeds, from mature adults to puppies, were found within cramped residential spaces.

For a mere Rs. 500 per puppy, dealers offer ear cropping services on demand.

'The arrests have brought a sense of relief to animal lovers, who hope this marks the beginning of a broader crackdown on such practices. The police action has been hailed as a significant step toward protecting innocent animals and enforcing laws against cruelty.

As the investigation continues, authorities are urged to take further measures to eradicate this brutal trade and hold all perpetrators accountable.

Peshawar: Former Nazim Union Council, Pat Baba Road Takhtbai, district Mardan ended his difference with PPP and rejoined the Party, in a function held at his residence in the presence of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi here Saturday.

Besides, the provincial president, Syed Mohammad Ali Shah Bacha, Senior Vice president, Syed Ayub Shah, Incharge Study Circle Comrade Anwar Zeb, Syed Tahir Abbas, Khawaja Yawar Naseer, Malik Tehmash Khan, Shoaib Alam Khattak, president District Mardan Asadullah Khan, Divisional President Nawabzada Omar Farooq Hoti, district general secretary Namdar Shagai and tehsil president and general secretary a large number of other party workers also attended the ceremony.

On this occasion, the Governor, PPP's provincial president Syed Mohammad Ali Shah Bacha and other Party leaders congratulated him on rejoining PPP and commended his decision.

Aurangzeb Khan has also served the Party in the capacity as the General Secretary PPP district Mardan.

Faisalabad: Central Leader Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Talal Chaudhary said that the government has set new records of progress and development within just one year by initiating a series of public welfare programs.

Talking to media persons on the occasion of the government's one-year completion, he said that in the next four years, even greater strides would be made to achieve complete economic stability and place Pakistan among the ranks of developed nations. He said that February 8 marked a year since the general elections and provided a moment for reflection on the performance of the elected public representatives.

He said that politics in Pakistan should be based on work and performance, not on accusations, protests or chaos. He criticized a political group and said that it was attempting to create a false narrative about the election results. "Our opponents are experts in spreading rumors and misinformation. They tried to challenge the election results by using frivolous and unfounded claims about Forms 45 and 47. However, their allegations failed in the courts and 95% cases were ruled against them," he added.

He pointed out that despite initial claims of rejecting the election results, the opposition eventually engaged in negotiations but did not include election disputes in their demands.

Talal Chaudhary criticized the continued protests and said that these elements were in fact trying to seek a legal relief. Although they claimed to fight for democracy, their focus was on securing pardons for corruption cases like the £190 million scandal and May 9 riots, he alleged.

He said that despite PTI's calls for nationwide protests on February 8, normal life and business activities continued uninterrupted. He stressed the need for a comparison of performance between Punjab and other provinces and said that Punjab had initiated various public welfare programs including the "Dhee Rani" scheme, free solar power for farmers, a tractor scheme, carpeted roads and free doorstep delivery of medicines. This achievement could not be compared with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) where no significant development projects had been launched in 13 years of PTI rule, he added.

He further said that Punjab also boasted modern infrastructure including metro systems and underpasses whereas KP lacked similar advancements.

He also pointed out the economic stability achieved over the past one year and said that dollar rate is stable whereas the stock market is booming in addition to reduction in inflation. All these are contributing to Pakistan's economic takeoff, he added.

He also highlighted the government's diplomatic success stories and said that Pakistan's relations with key allies including Saudi Arabia, China and the USA had improved.

He mentioned the successful hosting of the SCO conference and said that upcoming Champions Trophy would prove a sign of Pakistan's growing international credibility. The economic indicators from interest rates to import-export figures are improving and the people were taking its benefits directly, he added.

He said that the government was commitment to economic growth and social welfare. In this connection, solid steps would be taken to reduce electricity and food prices in addition to creating job opportunities and improving healthcare and education during next four years so that the dream of prosperous and developed Pakistan could be materialized as early as possible, he added.

Sialkot: Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that the government will not allow the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to disrupt the state again by repeating incidents like May 9 or November 26.

He expressed these views during a press conference at his residence in Sialkot Cantt here today (Saturday).

He said that the PTI has once again announced a series of protests. "The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is spending immense resources, wealth and wealth on the PTI rally to be held tomorrow, Sunday. Millions of rupees are being spent on this rally, while government employees are being forced to participate in this rally.

Government missionaries and government employees are working day and night for the success of the rally," he added.

The minister said that he had earlier pointed out that whenever there was an opportunity to improve Pakistan's image at the international level, to increase Pakistani respect and honor, or when a respectable event comes up for Pakistan like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conference, PTI comes out to protest.

"During the SCO conference, the PTI also attacked Islamabad, which is a clear proof of its riotous politics," he said.

"The Champions Trophy is going to be held in Pakistan, but the PTI has planned a protest program on February, 18 or 19, the day the Champions Trophy is to start, which is beyond understanding. Why are there no such rallies and processions in other provinces? The PTI has always held violent demonstrations and rallies, which no one can ever allow," he maintained. He said that no one will have any objection to peaceful gatherings. The administration can also make appropriate arrangements for this, but if someone comes to Islamabad, goes to Punjab or goes to any other province with the intention of holding such a gathering that is an attack on the state, a conspiracy to create a new May 9, a conspiracy to create a November 26, then this cannot be allowed, he added.

The minister said that political parties should adopt political behavior and not attack the state like violent groups. "This behavior of PTI is not acceptable for the state of Pakistan in any way. These people are inciting the atmosphere of terrorism, which is not the right thing to do. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said that 99 percent of their demands have been fulfilled, then why are they protesting, they should celebrate.

There is a commotion in the PTI. There was a lot of noise that Trump would come and the PTI founder would come out of jail, but nothing like that happened. One of the delegations from America said that the PTI is spending three to four million dollars a month in America. Soon, there will be fights among them over this money because all this money was looted in Pakistan and these people have fled and are involved in anti-Pakistan activities," he added.

He said that regarding the PTI talks, he had already said that they were not serious about the talks and the same thing happened and all the talks produced no result. The PTI has tried to disrupt international meetings before it. They are also starting rallies and gatherings on the occasion of a global event, the Champions Trophy.

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif were also deprived of power, but none of them attacked the state, but the PTI is repeatedly attacking the country and the nation and it should change its behavior as a political party, he observed.

In response to a question, Khawaja Muhammad Asif said, "We want good relations with the international community, but there will never be any compromise with anyone on the issue of Pakistan's integrity and Pakistan's honour and dignity will be given priority at all costs."

In response to another question, he said that those who attacked the country's institutions on May 9 were found guilty of treason and were also charged with treason. He said that those who had attacked the nation's institutions on May 9 were convicted of betraying their country and cases were also filed against them.

The federal minister said that they were trying to eliminate terrorists and the war would continue until terrorism is eradicated from its root and our youths are making sacrifices in the war. He said that the language of the PTI is neither political nor are these people political. "Their leader is a mentally ill person who puts his hand in the pocket of every person sitting next to him," he claimed.

Abu dhabi: On behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan, ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan's envoy to the United Arab Emirates, visited the Ismaili Centre Dubai on Saturday to offer condolences on the passing away of His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV.

Ambassador Tirmizi paid tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of His Highness, which was marked by an unwavering commitment to serving humanity. He described His Highness as a global beacon of hope whose tireless efforts uplifted the underprivileged and vulnerable communities across the world.

Ambassador Tirmizi also highlighted the profound connection between His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and Pakistan. He recalled His Highness's remarkable contributions to Pakistan's socio-economic development, particularly through the work of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

During his visit, Ambassador Tirmizi was received by Khalil Feroz Muhammad, Vice President of the Ismaili Centre Dubai, Akbar Verjee, Head of Diplomatic Relations, and Hassan Vellani, a senior representative of the Ismaili community. Together, they reflected on the extraordinary life and legacy of His Highness.

Ambassador Tirmizi recorded his condolences in the official condolence book at the Ismaili Centre Dubai. 'The passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV is a great loss for the global community. His legacy will continue to inspire us to strive for a more equitable and compassionate world," remarked the Ambassador.

The Embassy of Pakistan in the UAE extends its deepest sympathies to the Ismaili community, the Aga Khan family, and all those mourning the loss of this extraordinary leader, he added.

Rawalpindi: Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Naval Staff Bangladesh, who is on an official visit to Pakistan, called on General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) here at Joint Staff Headquarters.

The discussion centered on evolving regional environments, and mutual strategic interests, including maritime collaboration and explored ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation. Both military leaders underscored the importance of collaboration in promoting peace and stability, said an ISPR news release.

The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

Earlier, upon arrival at Joint Staff Headquarters, a smartly turned-out tri-services contingent presented the Guard of Honour to the visiting dignitary.