Punjab cybercrime crackdown, 28 suspects arrested

In the international bullion market, the price of gold fell by $10 per ounce, bringing it down to $4,040 per ounce. The decline in global prices was mirrored in Pakistan’s local bullion market, where the price of 24-karat gold dropped by Rs. 1,000 per tola, settling at Rs. 426,436. Similarly, the price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold in the domestic market decreased by Rs. 857, reaching Rs. 365,600. The latest adjustment follows fluctuations in global bullion markets, where investor sentiment and international economic developments continue to influence precious metal prices. While gold registered a decline, silver prices moved in the opposite direction. In the international market, silver gained 68 cents per ounce, pushing its price to $58.12 per ounce. The increase in global silver prices was also reflected in Pakistan’s local market. The price of silver per tola rose by Rs. 68, reaching Rs. 6,291, while the price of 10 grams of silver increased by Rs. 58 to Rs. 5,393. Market analysts say fluctuations in precious metal prices are primarily driven by movements in international bullion markets, changes in investor demand, currency trends, and expectations regarding global economic conditions. Gold often experiences price volatility as investors respond to inflation data, interest rate expectations, and geopolitical developments, while silver prices are influenced by both investment demand and industrial consumption. Jewellers and bullion traders in Pakistan closely monitor international price movements, as domestic gold and silver rates are largely determined by global market trends along with the exchange rate of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar. The latest decline in gold prices may provide some relief for buyers planning jewellery purchases or investment in physical gold. However, traders caution that bullion prices remain highly volatile, and future movements will depend on developments in the global economy and financial markets. With gold easing and silver continuing to strengthen, investors are expected to keep a close watch on international market trends before making further investment decisions in precious metals.

  Lahore, August 4, 2026: The Punjab Counter Narcotics Force (CNF) has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking across the province, achieving significant success in recent intelligence-led operations. The campaign is being carried out under the special directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif as part of the government’s commitment to building a “Drug-Free, Healthy and Safe Punjab.” Over the past two weeks, the CNF conducted 85 intelligence-based operations across the divisions of Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur and Sargodha. These coordinated raids targeted major drug trafficking networks operating in different parts of the province. The operations resulted in the arrest of 93 suspected drug traffickers, while authorities recovered approximately 296 kilograms of narcotics with an estimated market value of more than Rs. 53.4 million. Officials described the operations as a major step toward curbing the illegal drug trade and improving public safety. The seized narcotics included a wide range of illegal substances such as hashish, opium, cannabis (weed), crystal meth (Ice), poppy straw, cocaine, heroin and five litres of illicit liquor. In addition to narcotics, the CNF recovered a significant cache of weapons from the suspects. These included 13 pistols, two sub-machine guns (SMGs), four rifles and seven drones that investigators believe were being used to facilitate criminal activities and drug distribution. Director General of the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force, Commander Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal, said the Force’s success should not only be measured by the quantity of drugs confiscated but also by its ability to dismantle organised drug trafficking networks across Punjab. He noted that the CNF continues to rely on modern intelligence gathering, professional expertise and coordinated operational planning to identify and eliminate criminal groups involved in the narcotics trade. He further highlighted the Force’s overall performance since it became operational in August 2025. According to the Director General, the Punjab CNF has recovered a cumulative 24.7 tonnes of narcotics valued at more than Rs. 2.23 billion. He described these achievements as evidence of the provincial government’s zero-tolerance policy against narcotics and the effectiveness of its law enforcement strategy. Commander Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal also credited the Force’s progress to close coordination among various law enforcement agencies, which has strengthened efforts to combat drug trafficking and disrupt criminal organisations operating throughout the province. Reaffirming the CNF’s commitment, the Director General said the Force will continue to launch vigorous and indiscriminate operations against drug dealers and traffickers. He stressed that intelligence-driven policing, enhanced operational capabilities and sustained enforcement efforts will remain central to achieving the government’s vision of a province free from the menace of narcotics. Punjab authorities have reiterated that the fight against drugs remains a top priority, emphasizing that continued action against traffickers is essential to protecting communities, safeguarding young people and ensuring a healthier and safer future for the province.