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Kasuri Responds to Modi’s Warning: ‘We’re Not Afraid of Bullets’

May 30, 2025, 8:48 am

Saifullah Kasuri, a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander, addressed a rally in Lahore on Wednesday. According to The Times of India, he stood alongside Pakistani security forces, ISI officials, and other terror group leaders. As a result, the rally showed how close Pakistan’s establishment is to militant groups.

Kasuri Brags About Gaining Fame

During his speech, Kasuri openly boasted about gaining attention after being linked to the Pahalgam terror attack. “I have become more famous since being accused of the attack,” he said. Notably, he shared the stage with US-designated terrorist Talha Saeed, son of LeT chief Hafiz Saeed. Moreover, Malik Ahmad Khan, the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, also attended the event.

He Praises Pakistan’s Retaliation

Kasuri praised Pakistan’s “Bunyan al-Marsoos” operation. It was launched as a response to India’s Operation Sindoor. “Allah loves those who engage in jihad,” he declared. Pakistani officials reportedly applauded his statement. Clearly, the speech aimed to boost morale after India’s precision airstrikes on LeT bases in Muridke killed several terrorists.

He Challenges PM Modi

Furthermore, Kasuri issued a direct challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Narendra Modi samajhta hai hum goliyon se darne wale hain? Ye uski bhool hai,” he said. (“Modi is mistaken if he thinks we are scared of bullets.”) This remark was seen as a reply to Modi’s earlier warning that Pakistan should prepare for consequences if it continued to use terrorism.

Kasuri Denies Role, Spreads Misinformation

Earlier, Kasuri claimed he had no part in the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists. Nevertheless, during the rally, he praised Pakistan’s cyber teams. He claimed they had targeted India’s railways and communication systems. However, Indian authorities quickly refuted those claims as false and baseless.

He Has a History of Extremist Involvement

In the past, Kasuri led the Milli Muslim League, a political front linked to LeT. He also worked on the coordination committee of Jamaat-ud-Dawa, the group’s so-called charity arm. Since the Pahalgam attack, these outfits have organized multiple rallies. According to TOI, they have used these events to raise money in the name of “jihad in Kashmir.”

India Strikes Back: Targets Lahore and Sialkot After Pakistan Missile Attacks on Multiple Indian Cities

May 8, 2025, 10:43 pm

India launched a missile strike on Lahore on Thursday night in retaliation after Pakistan fired multiple missiles toward Indian territory. The escalation followed Pakistan’s targeting of Indian locations including Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia with eight missiles, all of which were intercepted and neutralized by India’s air defence systems.

Drones Intercepted Across Multiple Indian Cities

Explosions were reported in Udhampur as Indian forces intercepted Pakistani drones in Jammu and Kashmir. Similar activity was observed in Jaisalmer, where Indian air defence units successfully took down hostile drones. Residents witnessed flashes in the sky and heard loud blasts as defence systems engaged.

Blackouts Imposed as Precautionary Measure

Amid ongoing threats, a complete blackout was enforced in several cities to prevent aerial targeting. In Rajasthan, Bikaner went dark, while in Punjab, Jalandhar faced a power cutoff. Jammu and Kashmir saw blackouts in Kishtwar, Akhnoor, Samba, and Jammu. Amritsar also joined the list of affected areas.

Pakistan Deploys Loitering Munitions on Jammu

In a continued act of aggression, Pakistan deployed loitering munitions against Jammu on Thursday. Indian air defence guns actively engaged the threats, intercepting them before impact.

India’s Operation Sindoor Targets Terror Infrastructure

India’s retaliatory action was part of Operation Sindoor, a strategic strike operation launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people. Under this mission, India targeted terrorist infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) using precision-guided strikes.

Foreign Secretary Confirms Measured Response

At a media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that India’s military actions were deliberate and focused solely on terrorist locations. Emphasizing restraint, Misri clarified that India avoided civilian and military targets.

“The original escalation was by Pakistan on the 22nd of April. We are the ones who are responding to that escalation with the action that was taken yesterday morning. And again, I would like to emphasize that the action was restrained; it was directed towards non-civilian, non-military targets; and confined to terrorist camps,” he said.

He added that Pakistan’s fresh wave of aggression would not go unanswered.

“Any further action by Pakistan, some of which we are seeing today is nothing but escalation by Pakistan now, once again, and will be responded to and is being responded to appropriately,” Misri asserted.

Series Of Blasts Heard In Lahore, Smoke Covers Sky | WATCH

May 8, 2025, 9:17 am

Multiple loud explosions were heard on Thursday morning along Walton Road in Lahore, Pakistan’s largest city in Punjab province, triggering panic among residents. According to local media, three back-to-back blasts rattled the area, prompting people to rush out of their homes in fear. The city skyline was covered in thick smoke following the blasts, further fueling chaos.

Visuals aired by local news outlets showed people gathering on the streets in confusion and terror. “There was a loud bang, then another. We thought it was an airstrike,” a resident told reporters. Several others were seen making urgent phone calls while traffic in the area came to a sudden halt. The fear of more explosions kept many from returning to their homes.

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سماع دوي انفجار في مدينة #لاهور الباكستانية#إرم_نيوز #باكستان #Pakistan #Lahore pic.twitter.com/Rgq613y7QS

— Erem News – إرم نيوز (@EremNews) May 8, 2025

The incident occurred shortly after several air routes over Lahore and Sialkot were temporarily shut for commercial flights due to rising border tensions, Samaa TV reported. No official statement has been issued yet on the cause of the blasts. With tensions escalating following India’s Operation Sindoor strikes on terror camps in Pakistan, authorities remain on high alert. Further details are awaited.

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لاہور میں دھماکے کی آوازیں۔۔۔۔??

نصیر آباد کے قریب لوگ گھروں سے باہر نکل آئے۔۔۔۔

pic.twitter.com/1BF8m1ECnT

— Omar Malik (@Mr_OmarMalik) May 8, 2025

This is a developing story.

Pakistan: Smog Levels Hit Alarming Heights In Lahore

December 3, 2024, 3:42 pm

Lahore, once renowned as the “City of Gardens,” now holds the grim title of the world’s most polluted city, according to a report by Dawn.

On Tuesday, the air quality in areas such as DHA Phase-5 and the vicinity of the US Consulate reached catastrophic AQI levels of 459 and 433, respectively, underscoring the severity of the crisis.

Despite government assurances of action, the hazardous air continues to suffocate residents, leading to an influx of respiratory illness cases in hospitals.

The smog crisis, driven by unchecked industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and crop residue burning, has exposed Pakistan’s ineffective environmental policies, as reported by Dawn. While the Punjab government has taken measures such as cancelling route permits for faulty vehicles and sealing six brick kilns and three industrial units, these efforts have proven inadequate to address the systemic causes of pollution.

Must Read: Pakistan: Lahore Becomes The Most Polluted City In The World

The Meteorological Department has ruled out immediate rainfall, leaving residents to endure toxic air under stagnant weather conditions. Low wind speeds of 6 km/h, combined with 81% humidity, have further exacerbated the smog, according to Dawn.

Although Punjab authorities have restricted heavy vehicles and initiated road sprinkling campaigns, critics argue these are merely piecemeal solutions to a massive issue. Dawn highlighted that while over 1,000 vehicles were inspected and 144 with faulty engines were impounded, such measures barely scratch the surface of the larger problem of unchecked pollution and lax enforcement of environmental regulations.

Senior Minister Marrium Aurangzeb’s statement that smog elimination will take “eight to ten years” has drawn sharp criticism for its lack of urgency. While her call for public cooperation is important, it shifts focus away from the administration’s failure to deliver immediate, effective solutions.

The ongoing smog crisis in Lahore highlights a broader pattern of neglect and poor governance in Pakistan. As the city grapples with one of its worst environmental disasters, Dawn warns that without swift, science-driven interventions, Lahore risks becoming a permanent casualty of policy paralysis and administrative failure.

Also Read: Baloch Rights Group Slams Pakistani Forces for Abductions

World’s Most Polluted City Hits 1600 AQI And It’s Not Delhi

November 15, 2024, 11:59 am

With worsening air pollution impacting several northern Indian states, regions in Pakistan have recorded the world’s highest Air Quality Index (AQI) this November. Lahore’s CERP Office area reached a staggering AQI of 1587 on Friday, according to Swiss monitor IQAir, marking it as the most polluted area globally. Additionally, three other areas in Lahore—Syed Maratib Ali Road, Pakistan Engineering Services offices, and VTS—reported AQI levels exceeding 1000.

Lahore’s Rising AQI

Lahore’s average AQI was recorded at 1300 on Thursday, making it the most polluted city worldwide for most of November 2024. Despite government initiatives to curb pollution, air quality has worsened daily, prompting authorities to take drastic measures, including school closures, shutting parks and museums until the week’s end, enforcing mask mandates, and reducing office capacity.

Smog and Health Impacts in Pakistan

As temperatures drop, dense smog has covered numerous cities in Pakistan, significantly reducing visibility. According to Ary News, Lahore alone reported over 15,000 cases of respiratory and viral infections within 24 hours. With Lahore and Multan currently ranked as the world’s most polluted cities, over 70,000 people receive daily medical treatment for smog-related ailments.

Pakistan’s Response to Winter Smog

To address persistent winter smog, Pakistan has implemented strict new measures, including a three-month ban on weddings and revised transport guidelines. The Punjab government has also shut down educational institutions in heavily affected areas. The primary contributors to this hazardous air quality include vehicle emissions, construction, industrial activities, and crop burning, particularly during the winter wheat-planting season.

Lahore: Proposal To Rename Shadman Chowk After Bhagat Singh Scrapped

November 11, 2024, 2:09 am

A proposal to rename Shadman Chowk in Lahore after Bhagat Singh and install a statue in his honor has been scrapped following the opinion of a retired military official, the district government of Lahore has informed the high court.

In a written response submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday, Assistant Advocate General Asghar Leghari presented serious allegations against the Indian freedom fighter. “A proposed plan of the city district government Lahore to name Shadman Chowk after Bhagat Singh and place his statue there has been scrapped in light of an observation submitted by Commodore (retd.) Tariq Majeed,” the Metropolitan Corporation of Lahore stated in its reply to a contempt petition filed by Imtiaz Rasheed Qureshi, Chairman of the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation Pakistan.

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Majeed, who was part of a committee tasked with renaming the chowk, reportedly described Singh as “not a revolutionary but a criminal, in today’s terms he was a terrorist, he killed a British police officer, and for this crime, he was hanged along with two accomplices.” He recommended that Shadman Chowk should not be renamed after Bhagat Singh, and his statue should not be installed there.

The report also claimed that Singh was influenced by “religious leaders hostile to Muslims” and accused the Bhagat Singh Foundation of working “against Islamic ideology and Pakistani culture,” suggesting that it should be banned. “Don’t the officials of the foundation, who call themselves Muslims, know that it is not acceptable to name a place after an atheist in Pakistan and that Islam prohibits human statues?” the report questioned.

Must Read: Jewish Group Plans Pro-Israel Rally Before High-Risk France-Israel Match

In response, Qureshi told PTI on Sunday that Bhagat Singh had been widely recognized as a great revolutionary, freedom fighter, and martyr. “I will send a legal notice to retired Commodore Majeed for levelling serious allegations against the Bhagat Singh Foundation and contest his stance on Bhagat Singh,” he said.

Qureshi has named the district government, DC Lahore, Chief Secretary Punjab, and the Administrator of the City District Government as parties in a contempt of court petition, filed through Advocate Khalid Zaman Khan Kakar. The petition claims that LHC Justice Shahid Jamil Khan had directed the authorities on September 5, 2018, to take steps to rename Shadman Chowk after Bhagat Singh, but the court order has yet to be implemented.

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Lahore’s Toxic Smog Forces School Closures As Pollution Hits Record Highs

November 4, 2024, 5:28 pm

Amid escalating air pollution, Lahore authorities ordered all primary schools to close for a week as toxic smog continues to blanket the city. With pollution levels hitting unprecedented highs, Lahore topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities on Sunday, after recording a staggering PM2.5 reading of 1900 near the Pakistan-India border on Saturday. The World Health Organization (WHO) deems any reading above 300 as dangerous, highlighting the severe health threat posed by this pollution surge.

The smog crisis in Lahore, which affects the city’s 14 million residents, is attributed to a mix of low-grade diesel emissions, agricultural fires, and weather patterns that trap pollutants. Provincial authorities confirmed that air quality reached record highs over the weekend, a finding corroborated by Swiss air quality monitoring group IQAir. A PM2.5 level over 300 is classified as “hazardous” by IQAir, indicating grave health risks.

Punjab’s senior minister, Marriyum Aurangzeb, pointed to neighboring India’s pollution practices as a contributing factor, stating, “This cannot be solved without talks with India.” Meanwhile, she urged parents to keep children indoors. Additional health precautions, such as mandatory face masks, have been advised for older students still attending school. The government is also collaborating with the Environmental Protection Department to monitor the crisis closely and implement countermeasures.

Lahore’s worsening air quality reflects similar issues across South Asia, particularly in Delhi, where pollution levels reached the “very poor” category over the weekend. Indian officials noted that while stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana has reduced, air quality remains poor due to other pollutants. In response, Delhi authorities imposed fines on thousands of polluting vehicles and construction sites.

In Lahore, government efforts to reduce emissions include limiting tuk-tuks with two-stroke engines and requiring smoke filters in restaurants with barbecues. Public and private sector offices have also been directed to shift half of their workforce to remote work. Children have faced stringent precautions since last month, with restrictions on outdoor activities and adjusted school hours to avoid peak pollution times.

With PM2.5 particles exceeding safe levels by 40 times, healthcare facilities are under pressure as respiratory cases surge. The University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute reports that Lahore’s pollution could reduce residents’ life expectancy by up to 7.5 years, underscoring the long-term impact of this crisis.

Protests Erupt Across Pakistan Over Alleged Rape of College Student

October 17, 2024, 9:18 pm

Protests have erupted across various cities in Pakistan following the alleged rape of a college student, sparking widespread unrest and violence. The protests, initially organized to demand justice for the victim, quickly escalated into chaos, with incidents of vandalism and arson reported in major cities like Lahore and Rawalpindi.

Violent Protests in Lahore

In Lahore, the epicenter of the protests, students gathered at Punjab College’s Campus 11, where they set fires in the parking area, broke windows, and caused significant damage. According to Dawn News, some protesters were armed with iron rods and clubs as they stormed the campus. The unrest also spread to Burki Road, where students blocked traffic, demanding accountability from the college administration for allegedly covering up the incident.

Organizations such as Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT), Red Workers Front, and Progressive Students Collective have publicly supported the protesters.

Rawalpindi Protests Turn Chaotic

In Rawalpindi, videos surfaced on social media showing thousands of students staging an impromptu protest against the alleged rape. Over 200 students have been arrested in connection with the violence, which resulted in damage to both public and private properties. The protests in Rawalpindi have heightened tensions across the country, fueling further unrest in other cities.

The protests turned deadly in the Gujrat district of Punjab, where a security guard was killed, and several protesters were injured during violent clashes at the PGC boys’ campus. A group of protesters, comprising local and external students, reportedly attacked the girls’ campus on Rehman Shaheed Road, causing extensive damage to the premises.

The violence spread to other towns in the Gujrat district, including Lalamusa, Kharian, and Jalalpur Jattan, where protesters targeted PGC campuses, vandalized properties, and stole valuables.

Police have responded by registering cases against more than 250 individuals for vandalizing college properties and looting valuables, which have been estimated at around Rs 15 million. Among these, 45 suspects have been identified in connection with the violence at PGC campuses. In Kharian, authorities have booked 200 individuals, including 46 identified suspects, for their involvement in attacking the Kharian campus, according to the college principal.

The ongoing protests have raised serious concerns about safety and order, as calls for justice for the victim continue to resonate across Pakistan.

Lahore Protests: 28 Injured In Clash Over Alleged Rape In Punjab College | VIDEOS

October 17, 2024, 4:14 pm

At least 28 students, including several girls, from multiple campuses of the Punjab Group of Colleges in Lahore were injured on Monday during protests against the alleged on-campus rape of a female student. The clashes occurred after police resorted to baton charges to disperse the demonstrators, who had blocked roads and set fire to furniture in their demand for justice. The injured students were taken to Services Hospital, with one in critical condition, according to a Rescue 1122 official.

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Outrage Over Alleged Rape Sparks Widespread Protests

The protests began after reports surfaced on social media alleging that a female student at the Gulberg girls’ campus was raped by a security guard in the college’s basement. Students from various campuses quickly gathered to demand action, accusing the administration of negligence. Sharaz Abbas, a student involved in the protests, expressed frustration over the situation, claiming that the Punjab police used excessive force, including on female students. “The police brutally assaulted us, even inside the campus,” he said, vowing that the protests would continue until justice is served.

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#PAKWatch??:

Student protests have ERUPTED at the Punjab Group of Colleges (PGC) Campus 10 in Lahore, Pakistan. The protests began over the alleged sexual assault of a female student.

PAK = NO RULE OF LAW = CHAOS.pic.twitter.com/6o6lCARDfJ

— Steve Hanke (@steve_hanke) October 14, 2024

It is evident that the Women’s March has a political agenda. Even after a shocking rape case at a Lahore college (Punjab College), no feminist groups or organizers have shown up to protest or speak out, exposing their questionable motives!!#Lahore pic.twitter.com/y1X148X9Wt

— Malik Zarrar (@malikzarrar92) October 14, 2024

???SECURITY GUARD ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED RAPE OF COLLEGE STUDENT IN LAHORE, PAKISTAN

A security guard at a private college in Lahore’s Gulberg has been arrested for allegedly raping a first-year student in the college’s basement during school hours.

The guard fled the scene but… pic.twitter.com/q20sSrpapm

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) October 14, 2024

Police Response and Ongoing Investigation

Senior police officer Faisal Kamran stated that officers had no choice but to intervene as students were demanding the custody of the college principal and could have posed a threat to him and other staff members. Kamran confirmed the arrest of the accused security guard but mentioned that the victim or her family had yet to file an official complaint. The investigation is ongoing, and no formal verification of the rape allegations has been made so far.

ALSO READ: ‘Go Back To India’: Canadian Woman Accuses And Tell Man To Leave Goes Viral | WATCH

Punjab Government’s Stance on the Incident

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari acknowledged that no official rape report had been lodged with the college. She urged anyone with verified information to come forward and cooperate with the government, assuring that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is closely monitoring the situation. Bokhari criticized the politicization of the issue and stressed that the suspect has been in police custody since Sunday.

How Sinkhole Become Motorist’s Trouble For Life ? Watch Shocking Moment!

October 3, 2024, 3:01 pm

A large sinkhole appeared in Lahore on Monday, engulfing three vehicles and injuring several motorists, leading to major traffic disruptions in Pakistan’s second-largest city. A viral video captured the scene, showing individuals trapped inside the sinkhole, which reportedly formed due to a leak in an underground sewer line.

According to Geo News, the incident occurred on a major road in Johar Town, where one car and two motorcycles fell into the sudden opening. Social media footage revealed one car positioned vertically within the sinkhole. Motorists trapped in the cavity were rescued using a wooden ladder.

A rescue worker spoke to The Nation, mentioning that two individuals in the car sustained injuries when the road collapsed. “The injured were taken to a hospital after being rescued by officials and locals,” confirmed a rescue official.

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Recurring Problem

This is not the first time a sinkhole has formed at this location. Last year, a similar event occurred, injuring three family members when their vehicle fell into the sinkhole. In fact, this latest sinkhole marks the fourth such occurrence on the same road in Johar Town within recent months.

The emergence of yet another sinkhole has sparked public outrage towards road authorities, with some social media users dubbing it “Lahore’s annual sinkhole.”

“The road has become extremely dangerous for motorists, as sinkholes can emerge at any time, putting lives at risk. Look at this incident – the car fell in, injuring the driver and his friend,” a bystander told Dawn.

The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) attributed the sinkhole to a leak from an underground sewer line.

Lahore High Court Welcomes Aalia Neelum, First Woman Chief Justice

July 11, 2024, 4:20 pm

In a landmark event for Pakistan’s judiciary, Justice Aalia Neelum took oath as the Chief Justice of Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday at the Governor’s House. This historic occasion marks the first time a woman has been elevated to the court’s highest position.

According to reports from Dawn, President Asif Ali Zardari approved Justice Neelum’s appointment a day prior to her swearing-in ceremony. The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, had earlier endorsed her elevation alongside nominees Acting Chief Justice Shujaat Ali Khan and Justice Ali Baqar Najafi for consideration as LHC chief justice.

Oath Administration and Distinguished Attendees

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan administered the oath of office in a ceremony attended by several distinguished LHC judges, including Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh, Justice Syed Shahbaz Rizvi, and Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza. Notable figures present included Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and the inspector-general of Punjab.

Justice Aalia Neelum: Background and Career Achievements

Born on November 12, 1966, Justice Neelum holds an LLB degree from the University of Punjab and commenced her legal career as an advocate in 1996. She attained the status of advocate of the Supreme Court in 2008 and was appointed to the Lahore High Court in 2013, eventually becoming a permanent judge on March 16, 2015.

Throughout her judicial tenure, Justice Neelum has delivered 203 notable judgments. She notably served as the first woman administrative judge overseeing anti-terrorism courts across Punjab and played a pivotal role in establishing specialized courts for handling cases of gender-based violence. Her contributions also include formulating protocols for evidence recording in e-courts province-wide.

Progress Towards Gender Equality in Pakistan’s Judiciary

Justice Aalia Neelum’s appointment signifies a significant stride towards gender equality within Pakistan’s judiciary. Her elevation follows in the footsteps of other trailblazing women in Pakistan’s legal history, such as Justice Syeda Tahira Safdar, who became the first woman Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court in 2018, and Justice Ayesha A. Malik, the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court in 2021.

This landmark appointment underscores Pakistan’s commitment to empowering women in key leadership roles and reflects broader efforts to ensure gender representation and equality within the judiciary.

Pakistani Couple Detained For Visa Fraud Scheme in Lahore

May 7, 2024, 10:32 am

The Anti-Human Trafficking Circle of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Lahore achieved a significant breakthrough on Monday by apprehending two suspects, including a woman, allegedly involved in visa fraud and human trafficking, as per ARY News.

Usman Ahmed and his wife were captured from different locations in Lahore on charges related to orchestrating a visa scam and assisting individuals in obtaining visas for overseas travel, according to an FIA spokesperson.

The suspects reportedly took large sums of money from victims by promising to help them obtain visas, particularly a student visa for their son to Canada, which amounted to millions of rupees.

In a troubling development, it was revealed that Usman Ahmed disappeared after taking PKR 1.1 million from one victim, as per FIA sources. Additionally, Usman’s wife is implicated in another case where she allegedly received PKR 500,000 from another victim with the promise of securing a visa for travel to Saudi Arabia. However, investigations have revealed that the suspects did not fulfill their promises and subsequently evaded authorities.

In response to these concerning findings, the FIA spokesperson announced the arrest of the suspects and vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, as reported by ARY News.

Healthcare Access Crisis Plagues Pakistan

April 22, 2024, 4:58 pm

The lack of access of healthcare in Pakistan highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to ensure healthcare accessibility and affordability for all segments of society.

Without swift action, the gap between healthcare needs and available services will widen, perpetuating inequality and suffering among the most vulnerable.

Reported by The News International, the dire state of Pakistan’s healthcare system is exemplified by the story of Muhammad Boota, a Lahore-based domestic worker who struggles to afford insulin, a vital medication costing 40% of his income every 10 days. This plight mirrors that of millions across the nation who rely on sporadic charitable donations for life-saving treatments. According to Sehat Kahani, a Pakistani NGO, over 50% of Pakistanis lack access to basic primary healthcare services, while 42% have no health coverage.

The situation may further deteriorate following a government decision in February to raise prices on 146 essential medications, pushing them even further beyond the reach of lower-income citizens. Such developments underscore the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare reforms to ensure equitable access and affordability for all. Without swift action, the already gaping disparities in healthcare provision will only widen, perpetuating inequality and exacerbating the suffering of the most vulnerable segments of society.

The critical state of Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure is primarily attributed to a severe lack of government funding. Statistics from 2021 reveal that the Pakistani government allocates a mere 0.84% of its GDP to healthcare, a decrease from 0.94% in 2019 and significantly lower than the average of 2.62% among other lower-middle-income nations.

According to The News International, Pakistan ranks 176 out of 189 countries in terms of government healthcare expenditure relative to its economic size, indicating a lack of prioritization of healthcare funding. Furthermore, a human rights organization in Pakistan has advocated for the constitutional recognition of the Right to Health through its campaign titled ‘The Right to Health: A People’s Manifesto’, emphasizing the urgent need for policy reform to address systemic deficiencies in healthcare provision.

The nation grapples with a profound crisis precipitated by escalating poverty, inflation, and unemployment, amid what is arguably one of the most severe economic downturns in its history. Even before the current turmoil, Pakistan faced multifaceted challenges across various sectors, as highlighted in recent news reports.

According to a World Food Programme report published in 2018, 21% of the population suffered from undernourishment, with 44% of children under five experiencing stunted growth. The Asian Development Bank’s findings for 2020 revealed a grim statistic: out of every 1,000 children born in Pakistan, 65 would not survive to see their fifth birthday. Furthermore, nearly a quarter of the population lacked access to electricity in 2020, exacerbating living conditions. Compounding these issues, Pakistan grapples with one of the most severe climate change crises, further straining resources and resilience.

Pakistan: Lahore Holds On to ‘Most Polluted City’ Tag in the World!

November 27, 2023, 6:28 pm

Pakistan’s Lahore city remains at the top of the world’s most populous cities, but it also happens to be the most polluted, with an average pollution reading of 415, according to Pakistan-based ARY News on Monday.

The Punjab Environment Protection Department’s air pollution data revealed alarming figures in various areas. Upper Mall, Polo Ground Lahore Cantt, Lahore College for Women, Lahore College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Town Hall Lahore reported AQI readings of 508, 491, 297, 250, and 299, respectively.

The AQI rating, categorized into unhealthy, more harmful, and extremely hazardous, hovered between 151 and over 300 due to a confluence of factors such as ground-level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.

Experts highlighted the surge in air pollution during the winter months, attributing it to shifts in wind speed, direction, and declining minimum temperatures. The colder weather condenses the air, causing toxic particles to concentrate closer to the ground, thus enveloping the atmosphere with a layer of harmful elements like carbon and smoke.

In response to the escalating smog crisis, Pakistan’s Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) initiated smart lockdowns in ten districts, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, and Sargodha. According to ARY News, educational institutions remain closed in these districts, while markets, shops, cinemas, and restaurants are permitted to operate until 3 p.m.

The citizenry received warnings from environmental authorities regarding the perilous Air Quality Index (AQI) of 379, labeling Lahore as the most polluted city globally. In response, experts advised the populace to wear face masks and take essential precautions while urging cooperation from citizens and industries to alleviate this environmental catastrophe, as emphasized by Punjab government officials.

Pakistan: Imran Khan has been called in for questioning in Lahore Corps Commander House attack case

May 30, 2023, 10:18 am

The former Pakistani prime minister Imran has been called in for questioning by a joint investigation team (JIT), which the caretaker government of Punjab province established to look into the arson attacks on the Pakistan Corps Commander’s House and the Askari Corporate Tower in Lahore on May 9.The JIT headed by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Kamran Adil has asked Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman to appear before the probe body at Qila Gujjar Singh investigation headquarters at 4 pm on May 30. According to sources privy to the matter, the JIT will question Imran Khan in connection with the May 9 riots. The Punjab Home Department has formed 10 different joint investigation teams (JITs) to carry out an investigation into the attacks and violent protests on May 9. PTI chairman Imran Khan was nominated in several FIRs lodged at different police stations in the province, Geo News reported citing sources. The JIT headed by Kamran Adil comprises the Superintendent Police (SP) Investigation City Division Lahore Dr Raza Tanveer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)/SP-AVLS Lahore Raza Zahid, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Taimoor Khan and Factory Area Police Station in-charge investigation Muhammad Sarwar.Protests erupted in Pakistan after the arrest of Imran Khan on May 9. After the protests, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders exodus started, as security forces began a crackdown against the party after the attacks on civil and military institutions, including the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and the Lahore Corps Commander’s House. At least eight people were killed in the protests that erupted in Pakistan.
On May 25, an anti-terrorism court permitted the handover of 16 suspects, involved in the ransacking and vandalising of the Corps Commander’s House to the commanding officer so they can be tried under the army laws. ATC Judge Abher Gul Khan accepted the request of the army officer who had sought the custody of the vandals who are presently in Camp Jail, Lahore.In two different lawsuits brought in relation to the assault on Corps Commander House, also known as Jinnah House, the defendants were named. Amar Zohaib, Ali Iftikhar, Ali Raza, Muhammad Arsalan, Muhammad Umair, Muhammad Raheem, Zia-ur-Rehman, Waqas Ali, Raees Ahmad, Faisal Irshad, Muhammad Bilal Hussain, Faheem Haider, Arzam Junaid, former PTI MPA Mian Muhammad Akram Usman, Muhammad Hashir Khan, and Hassan Shakir are among the defendants.Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, encouraged the Supreme Court judges to take note and ensure a legal investigation into the violence that occurred on May 9 so that only the “guilty should be punished,” according to Dawn. Imran Khan made the request on May 28.
Khan argued that, in light of the Dawn story, the supreme court should take suo motu notice and order the release of political prisoners who were women and were peacefully protesting. He emphasised that a legal investigation was necessary to determine who fired, killing 25 unarmed protestors and injuring hundreds more. He said that 10,000 political prisoners had been held without being investigated and that arson and destruction had been reported in a few locations around the province.

Lahore Police obtain search warrant for Imran Khan’s Residence

May 19, 2023, 6:27 pm

Lahore Capital City Police on Friday secured a warrant to search Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s Zaman Park residence.

This follows a Capital City Police Officer’s (CCPO) claims of arresting six more “terrorists” attempting to flee from Khan’s residence in Lahore. According to CCPO Bilal Siddique Kamyana, four of the alleged terrorists were involved in the Askari Tower attack while the other two were among those who ransacked the Corps Commander House on May 9. The total number of arrests now stands at 14.

On Wednesday, the Punjab government had claimed that “30-40 terrorists were hiding inside” the former Prime Minister’s residence and gave the PTI 24 hours to to hand them over or face action.

Eight of these alleged terrorists had previously been arrested while escaping the Zaman Park area on Thursday.

According to sources, the Punjab government decided to send a team to hold talks with PTI leadership before conducting the operation. A negotiation team headed by Lahore Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa is slated to reach Zaman Park after the Friday prayers to conduct the search.

Punjab’s Interim Information Minister Amir Mir said the team will decide a time with Khan and search the property in the presence of cameras. A contingent of nearly 400 officers is expected to accompany the team “to arrest terrorists holed up there.”

Meanwhile, Khan took to Twitter to air his concerns: “The mindset behind this unprecedented crackdown and current reign of terror that PTI and its supporters are being subjected to (that was not even witnessed during Zia and Musharraf martial laws) is that we Pakistanis are like a herd of sheep who can be terrorised enough to meekly bow down to this naked show of power.”

Pakistan: Imran Khan-led PTI will kick off its electoral campaign in Punjab tomorrow

April 23, 2023, 5:19 pm

Asad Umar, the secretary general of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stated on Sunday that the party will begin its election campaign for the Punjab elections on Monday amid the election’s uncertainties.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, Asad Umar stated, “Tehreek-e-Insaf will officially launch its election campaign from tomorrow. They (PDM) may not be ready but we are ready.” Earlier this week, the PTI finalised a list of 297 candidates for the elections.

PTI’s announcement of launching the election campaign comes despite uncertainty over the polls. The PTI finalised the list of candidates after the party’s chairman Imran Khan interviewed all party candidates in person to uphold merit in distributing party tickets. He held one-on-one interviews with all candidates from 6-18 April to select nominees for polls, as per the Geo News report. However, the issuance of tickets has not gone well within the PTI as many high-profile leaders of the party were not given tickets.

Imran Khan has been planning to include PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Asad Umar in the review committee to address objections raised by party members, Geo News reported citing sources. On Thursday, the PTI set up a four-member committee to address objections regarding the issuance of party tickets.

The panel included Musaddiq Abbasi, Ijaz Chaudhary, Rai Hassan Nawaz, and Aoon Abbas. However, after backlash from party workers and supporters, PTI chairman Imran Khan is likely to involve some senior members to make a decision over the appeals regarding the issuance of tickets, as per the Geo News report.The Election Commission of Pakistan (PTI) is waiting for funds from Pakistan’s federal government to hold elections, as per the news report. Earlier this month, the Pakistan Supreme Court directed the ECP to conduct elections in Punjab on 14 May.

PTI claims Imran Khan ‘attacked through bullets, expired tear gas’

March 15, 2023, 2:28 pm

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday claimed that party chief Imran Khan was attacked “through bullets, expired tear gas, etc.” “Pakistan’s most popular leader and former Prime Minister was attacked through bullets, expired tear gas, and etc. The fascism of this regime stands exposed,” PTI tweeted on its official Twitter handle at 11:52 a.m. on Wednesday. The party also alleged that Zaman Park, where the PTI chairman was holed up in his house, is “under extreme attack” by law enforcement personnel, the Pakistan-based Dawn newspaper reported.

In a tweet at 11:48 a.m. on Wednesday, PTI shared a video alleging “open firing by Rangers and Police”, without specifying when the video was filmed. It added that Zaman Park is “under extreme attack”. The footage could not be independently verified by Dawn, and it could not be ascertained if it was from today.

Dawn on Wednesday reported that a police team that arrived at Imran Khan’s residence in the Zaman Park area on Tuesday to arrest him faced fierce resistance from the PTI supporters, who braved tear gas and water cannons to keep the police personnel at bay.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf workers engaged the police for more than 11 hours.On Tuesday night, PTI gained the upper hand in Lahore. The influx of a large number of supporters into Zaman Park forced security men to retreat. By midnight, the police had suffered around 30 casualties. Geo News reported that at least 15 PTI men had also been detained by the police, according to Dawn.

Earlier, Imran Khan accused the federal government of planning his arrest according to a “London plan” to finish all cases against the country’s former premier, Nawaz Sharif. “This is part of the London plan, and an agreement has been signed there to put Imran in jail, make the PTI fall, and finish all cases against Nawaz Sharif,” Khan said in a video message.

Islamabad police may arrest former Pakistan PM Imran Khan today

March 14, 2023, 11:20 am

Islamabad courts to arrest Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan, sources said the Islamabad police will visit Zaman Park in the next 24 hours to arrest the former prime minister, reported Geo News.
Notably, a sessions court in Islamabad issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Khan in a case of threatening a female judge belonging to a court in the federal capital. Khan was booked in a case for threatening judicial magistrate Zeba Chaudhry and police officers at a rally in F-9 Park on August 20, to “terrorise” police officers and the judiciary, reported Geo News.
Earlier in the day, Civil Judge Rana Mujahid Rahim released the three-page reserved verdict and issued non-bailable arrest warrants over Khan’s repeated non-appearance.
The former prime minister, instead of attending the hearing, filed a plea for an exemption from physically appearing before the judge, requesting permission for joining the court proceedings virtually via video link, reported Geo News.
Desperate to put him behind bars, a police party from Islamabad earlier in the day flew by helicopter to Lahore to arrest the PTI chairman — who was ousted as the prime minister last year in April.
The sources told Geo News that several decisions were taken during a meeting between Islamabad and Lahore’s police officials — as the law enforcers came to the city for the second time to arrest Khan.
The meeting’s participants decided that the Islamabad police would be completely supported and it will be ensured that the capital’s cops reach Khan’s Zaman Park residence with no hindrances, sources said.
Two courts have issued Khan’s non-bailable arrest warrants in separate cases, however, he has not appeared before them repeatedly — and instead, held a rally in Lahore, where he also announced to hold a “historic” rally this Sunday.
In connection with the Toshakhana case, the capital police had arrived on March 5 as well in Lahore, but they were told that Khan was not at his Zaman Park residence, resulting in them leaving empty-handed, reported Geo News.
A district and sessions court earlier in the day also restored the former prime minister’s non-bailable arrest warrant in the Toshakhana case.
The Islamabad court had earlier reserved its verdict on a petition filed by the former prime minister seeking an exemption from the hearing of the case.

Major Power cut across Pakistan; in cities like Karachi and Lahore

January 23, 2023, 12:19 pm

A major electricity breakdown hit Pakistan leaving major cities without electricity due to a fault in transmission lines. “There are reports of multiple outages from different parts of the city. We are investigating the issue and will keep this space posted,” said Imran Rana, Spokesperson, K-electric in a Twitter post. Confirming the development Pakistan’s Geo News reported that several areas in Karachi and Lahore were without electricity.