Man arrested for playing loud music

Sargodha: Police apprehended an owner of a furniture showroom in Buchha Kalan village over the violation of the Sound System Act. According to police, Amanullah was taken into custody after complaints from local residents about excessive noise levels emanating from a tape recorder at his showroom. It was alleged that Amanullah had been causing disturbance to the neighborhood by playing music at a high volume from his sound system. Acting upon the complaints, the police arrived at the scene and arrested the accused, subsequently filing a case against him.

Bhutto’s 97th birth anniversary on 5th

Sargodha: The Pakistan Peoples Party will commemorate the 97th birth anniversary of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto with great zeal and respect across the country.

Various events will be held nationwide to honour the founder of the PPP and his unparalleled contributions to the country's democracy and development. He served as the fourth president of Pakistan from 1971 to 1973 and later as the ninth prime minister of Pakistan from 1973 to 1977. Talking to reporter, PPP leader Mateen Ahmed Qureshi said that the main event would take place on January 5 at Chak No. 72, SB Moazzamabad Road, in which former Federal Minister of State Tasneem Ahmed Qureshi would participate as the chief guest. Ceremonies featuring cake-cutting and tributes to Bhutto's legacy would be organized across all tehsils of the district. Former State Minister Tasneem Ahmed Qureshi said that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for his immense sacrifices for the nation's progress, stability, and democratic continuity. "Today's democracy in Pakistan owes its roots to the relentless efforts of the PPP's founder," he added.

IUB student honoured

Bahawalpur: A student of Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB) was honoured with "Youth Icon Award" on her role in efforts for youth empowerment.

According to an official press release, Nimra Mahmood, a student of Islamia University Bahawalpur, has been awarded Youth Icon Award. The award was given away to her by the Youth Parliament Summitt.

Nimra was assigned the task by the varisty to work for the IUB Character Building Society. She as President, IUB Character Building Society, worked on project 'Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Adnan Bukhari, Adviser to IUB Character Building Society. appreciated Nimra for playing a pivotal role in running a campaign for youth empowerment.

Joint body to be formed to address traders’ grievances regarding property tax


Peshawar: Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Department of Excise and Taxation and Narcotics Control, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa decided to form a joint committee to address traders’ grievances about property tax and other issues.



The decision came during an awareness/consultative session on property tax jointly organized by SCCI and Department of E and T Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the chamber house.



The proposed committee will present apprehensions of traders regarding collection of property taxes of various slabs and would suggest reducing them in an appropriate manner with a mutual consensus.



Officials through a multimedia presentation briefed participants about imposition of various categories and slab property tax, KP Finance Act 2024, different relief measures for business community and residents through amendments in the Act.



Both sides have agreed to initiate collective steps to avoid collection of excessive and double property tax and announced to form a joint committee, consisting of representatives from SCCI and E and T deptt for this purpose.



Earlier, Fazal Moqeem in his introductory remarks said the business community wanted to pay taxes but irrational and unnecessary taxes were unacceptable.



He stressed the need to reduce the ratio of property tax and other levies and avoid disrespecting traders during actions for collection of taxes.



Fuad Ishaq and Shuakat Ali Khan also spoke on the occasion, highlighting the traders’ reservations, increase in the ratio of property tax and demanded the abolishment of unnecessary and unjust taxes.



Traders also presented comprehensive proposals for amiable resolution of the traders’ issues.



Officials from E and T department agreed with recommendations of the participants and assured to remove all grievances of the traders and provision of facilities under one-window operation.



FIA Abbottabad targets human trafficking network smuggling citizens to Europe via sea

Abbottabad: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Composite Circle Abbottabad on Friday has carried out a significant operation against human trafficking under the directives of Director General FIA, Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir.

The crackdown, part of an intensified campaign against individuals involved in smuggling citizens to Europe via illegal means, is yielding substantial results.

Acting on confidential intelligence, FIA officials arrested an Afghan land-route agent identified as Afser Khan. The suspect, a resident of Afghanistan, is reportedly the brother of human trafficker Qari Jan Muhammad and is accused of being deeply involved in trafficking citizens to Europe through sea routes originating from Libya.

The arrest was made in Haripur, where the suspect was apprehended during an intelligence-based operation. Evidence retrieved from the suspect's mobile phone revealed critical details, including communications with victims and other agents involved in the trafficking network.

Following the arrest, investigations have commenced, and further raids are underway to apprehend additional suspects linked to this illegal network.

Commenting on the operation, the Director of Peshawar Zone stated that intelligence-based crackdowns against elements involved in incidents like the Greece boat tragedy are ongoing. He emphasized that special raid teams have been formed and all available resources are being utilized to bring the culprits to justice.

The Director further asserted that no one would be allowed to endanger innocent lives, promising that the suspects would face exemplary punishments based on the evidence gathered. The FIA's continued efforts aim to dismantle such networks and ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals targeted by human traffickers.

1,231 applications of employees’ welfare approved

Khanewal: The District Welfare Fund Committee, chaired by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Salma Suleman, approved 1,231 applications for various grants, benefitting government employees and their families.

The committee approved grants including monthly financial assistance, funeral expenses, marriage assistance and scholarships worth Rs 48.48 million.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Salma Suleman lauded the initiative and directed that all legal requirements be met before disbursing the funds. The meeting was attended by senior officials from education, health, and other departments, ensuring a transparent review of applications.