Political parties must prioritize national interest: Khawaja Asif

Islamabad: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said on Wednesday that political dialogue is essential for resolving the country's political and social tensions.

Speaking to a private news channel, he said that political negotiations remained a pathway to de-escalate tensions, even in challenging circumstances. "No political leader or party in our coalition opposes dialogue," adding that political conversations were the cornerstone of resolving disputes in a democratic societies.

Minister criticized the inflammatory rhetoric often used by PTI's leadership, calling it counterproductive.

He said that his party was committed to fostering dialogue, stating that "doors for negotiation should never be closed."

Answering a question, he said that founder PTI's confrontational stance against state institutions was condemnable.

He stated that PTI's actions had damaged the political fabric of the country. He urged political parties to prioritize the national interest over personal or party gains, stressing the need to rebuild trust in institutions.

Key dacoit from home burglary gang nabbed

Islamabad: Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police's Lohi Bher team on Wednesday apprehended a key suspect involved in multiple home burglaries on Wednesday.

A public relation officer told reporter that the accused, identified as Muhammad Asif, was found in possession of stolen cash, a motorcycle, a laptop, and ammunition worth approximately Rs. 9.8 million.

He said that during initial investigations, the suspect confessed to committing multiple home burglaries, shedding light on the gang's illicit activities.

DIG Syed Ali Raza commended the police team for their efforts and assured citizens that the Islamabad Police will continue its operations against criminals depriving residents of their valuable assets.

Good news for LDA City allottees soon: DG

Lahore: A meeting regarding Lahore Development Authority (LDA) City was held under the chairmanship of DG LDA Tahir Farooq, with the participation of LDA City's development partners here on Wednesday.

The meeting provided a detailed briefing on the pre-acquisition plan for the remaining land in LDA City.

The DG said special attention was being given to development activities at LDA City. He assured that the issues of development partners were being addressed on a priority basis. Farooq also mentioned that soon, there will be good news for the allottees of LDA City Iqbal Sector, with the commencement of development work in this sector.

Furthermore, DG LDA stated that commercial activities in LDA City are set to begin soon. The construction of Chenab Road is in its final stages, and more blocks in LDA City will be allotted shortly.

The DG highlighted the progress in house construction in LDA City's Jinnah Sector, stating that work has accelerated. During the meeting, development partners presented their concerns and suggestions, while Hafeezullah, Director of LDA City, provided a briefing on the working of the development partners.

The meeting was attended by representatives from Paragon City, Pak Estate, Alpha Estate, Mumaar Housing, and key officials including Chief Metropolitan Planning Faisal Qureshi, Director DG Headquarters, and other relevant officers.

Good news for LDA City allottees soon: DG

Lahore: A meeting regarding Lahore Development Authority (LDA) City was held under the chairmanship of DG LDA Tahir Farooq, with the participation of LDA City's development partners here on Wednesday.

The meeting provided a detailed briefing on the pre-acquisition plan for the remaining land in LDA City.

The DG said special attention was being given to development activities at LDA City. He assured that the issues of development partners were being addressed on a priority basis. Farooq also mentioned that soon, there will be good news for the allottees of LDA City Iqbal Sector, with the commencement of development work in this sector.

Furthermore, DG LDA stated that commercial activities in LDA City are set to begin soon. The construction of Chenab Road is in its final stages, and more blocks in LDA City will be allotted shortly.

The DG highlighted the progress in house construction in LDA City's Jinnah Sector, stating that work has accelerated. During the meeting, development partners presented their concerns and suggestions, while Hafeezullah, Director of LDA City, provided a briefing on the working of the development partners.

The meeting was attended by representatives from Paragon City, Pak Estate, Alpha Estate, Mumaar Housing, and key officials including Chief Metropolitan Planning Faisal Qureshi, Director DG Headquarters, and other relevant officers.

Anti-encroachment drive carried out in Qasimabad on second day

Hyderabad: On the special directives of Deputy Commissioner Hyderabad Zain-ul-Aabdon Memon crackdown against encroachment was carried out in Qasimabad area on second consecutive day

Assistant Commissioner Qasimabad, Hataf Siyal and Miukhtiarkar Qasimabad Farhan Jatoi supervised an anti encroachment drive in Qasimabad to restore wadhy waah.

According to Deputy Commissioner Hyderabad Zain-ul Aabidin Memon,implementation of state orders will be adhered to at any cost and he is personally monitoring the whole process.

Court testifies one more witness against PTI founder, Bushra Bibi

Islamabad: A special court on Wednesday testified the fifth witness in Toshakhan-II case against PTI founder and Bushra Bibi. Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjamand heard the case wherein the court recorded the statement of prosecution witness Talat Mehmood.

The court had testified a total of five witnesses in the said case while the cross examination against the three were also completed.

During hearing, the cross examination against the witness Banyamin couldn't be completed. PTI founder's Salman Safdar requested the court to grant permission for cross examination on coming Friday.

However, prosecutor opposed the request and said that the lawyers of the accused are present in the court and can do the cross examination now.

The prosecution sought permission from the court to present two more witnesses for testimony on next hearing. The NAB officials Qaiser Mehmood and Shafqat were among the witnesses. The court, however, adjourned the case till January 10.