Russian Supreme Court bans anti-war Yabloko party …

LAHORE: Authorities have arrested 28 suspects in Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan as part of a major crackdown on organised online fraud, exposing alleged schemes that relied on impersonation, fake investment opportunities and fabricated official identities to deceive citizens. The arrests were made during a province-wide operation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab, directed by Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim, officials said. Investigators also seized 24 mobile phones and a laptop, which are now being examined for evidence that could lead to other members of the alleged network. The investigation has revealed how fraudsters allegedly manipulated trust to convince victims to hand over large sums of money. Millions allegedly lost in Lahore scam In Lahore, 18 suspects were arrested in separate operations. Investigators said the suspects allegedly impersonated relatives, visa agents, government officials and personnel associated with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority. In one case, suspects allegedly posed as both a relative and a visa agent and persuaded a victim to transfer Rs25.86 million. The case has highlighted how scammers can combine apparently familiar identities with urgent requests to make their schemes appear legitimate. Rs54.66m trading fraud uncovered Three suspects were arrested in Faisalabad in connection with alleged online trading fraud and unauthorised access to a company email account. According to investigators, a victim was shown fabricated trading records, digital-wallet balances and purported profit statements to create the impression that substantial returns were being generated. After being persuaded to invest, the victim allegedly lost Rs54.66 million, investigators said. The case demonstrates the growing sophistication of investment scams, where criminals allegedly use manipulated digital information to make fraudulent platforms appear genuine. Multan arrests expose impersonation tactics In Multan, seven suspects were arrested for allegedly posing as relatives, bank employees and individuals claiming to be based in Britain. Officials said victims were approached with various demands, including payments supposedly required for prize money, customs clearance, taxes and visa renewals. Such tactics typically create a sense of urgency, leaving victims with little time to verify the identity of the caller or the authenticity of the demand. Digital evidence now under forensic examination NCCIA investigators are examining the seized devices through forensic analysis. Financial transactions, call records and digital communications are also being reviewed to establish the full extent of the alleged operation and identify other people who may be connected to it. The crackdown comes amid growing concern over online financial fraud in Pakistan. The NCCIA’s own statistics identify financial fraud as a major category of reported cybercrime. The latest arrests underscore a simple but increasingly important warning: an apparently familiar voice, official-looking message or promising investment opportunity may not be what it seems. Authorities are expected to continue the investigation as they trace the alleged network and follow the digital and financial trails left behind.

The government has introduced a four-year Hajj policy covering arrangements from 2027 to 2030. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf presented the policy on Wednesday. He described it as a major step toward improving and modernising Hajj arrangements in Pakistan. Speaking at a briefing, the minister said this was the first time the government had introduced a four-year Hajj policy. He said the initiative would provide a long-term framework for organising the pilgrimage. Yousaf said the policy had been prepared under the guidance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It focuses on technology, transparency and improved services for pilgrims. According to the minister, the new framework aims to bring Pakistan’s Hajj arrangements closer to international standards. It will also introduce several new facilities for pilgrims. For the first time, applicants will have access to a registration and waiting-list system. The government expects the system to make the process more organised and transparent. The minister said the government and private Hajj schemes would retain their existing quota division. Sixty per cent of the quota will remain with the government scheme, while private operators will receive 40 per cent. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will continue to oversee and regulate Hajj arrangements. It will also monitor the performance of private Hajj companies. Under the new policy, applicants will be able to enter the pilgrims’ list after paying 10 per cent of the required amount. The government has also planned greater transparency in procurement. Purchases made in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will be carried out through transparent procedures. Yousaf said any money remaining after meeting the required expenses would be returned to the pilgrims. The measure is aimed at improving financial transparency and protecting the interests of Hajj applicants. The government also plans to change the way private Hajj companies are monitored. Their registration and oversight will not depend only on the quota allocated to them. Instead, their performance will be an important factor in determining their registration and continued participation in the Hajj programme. A digital complaint-resolution system is also being introduced. Pilgrims will be able to submit complaints and seek quick action through the new system. An appeal mechanism will also be established. This will provide pilgrims with another channel to challenge decisions or seek resolution of their complaints. The minister said the government would also improve training programmes for Hajj pilgrims. The aim is to prepare pilgrims more effectively before their departure for Saudi Arabia. The Hajj Muhafiz Scheme will continue under the new policy. The government considers the scheme an important part of its arrangements for pilgrims. Yousaf said the new policy had been developed in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The framework is intended to improve coordination and service delivery during the pilgrimage. The minister said the government’s objective was not limited to managing logistical arrangements. It also wanted to ensure that Pakistani pilgrims received a dignified and comfortable Hajj experience. The estimated cost of the government Hajj package is expected to remain between Rs1.2 million and Rs1.3 million. However, the final cost may depend on various arrangements and expenses associated with the pilgrimage. Yousaf also clarified that any increase or decrease in Pakistan’s Hajj quota would require a decision from the federal cabinet. He said Pakistan had received recognition and awards for its Hajj arrangements in the past. The government now wants to further improve the system through long-term planning and greater use of technology. The four-year policy is expected to provide greater continuity in Hajj preparations. Officials believe the long-term framework will also make planning easier for both the government and pilgrims.

The Senate held a detailed discussion on the health of PTI founder Imran Khan. The discussion was held after a demand by Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas. The Senate proceedings were also suspended to take up the issue. Speaking in the Senate, Raja Nasir Abbas said Imran Khan was facing punishment for crimes he had not committed. He described the former prime minister’s health as a highly sensitive matter. The opposition leader urged the government to show restraint. He said political differences should not lead to anyone being subjected to unnecessary suffering. Raja Nasir Abbas said the government should focus on resolving the country’s problems instead of pursuing political revenge. He also questioned whether the priority was to fix the system or settle political scores. He demanded that Imran Khan be allowed to meet his personal doctors. He said access to proper medical care was essential, particularly because of concerns about the PTI founder’s health. The opposition leader also called for Imran Khan to be shifted to a hospital if necessary. He demanded that a meeting with him should be allowed. Raja Nasir Abbas said such measures could help prevent a serious situation in the future. He stressed that the authorities should take the health concerns seriously. He also called for politicians to be given an opportunity to run the country. He said political issues should be resolved through political means. The opposition leader also raised the issue of PTI women who are currently in prison. He called for greater attention to their situation. During the debate, Raja Nasir Abbas addressed PML-N Senator Rana Sanaullah. He said Rana Sanaullah knew that the cases against him had not been filed by politicians. Rana Sanaullah responded by asking Raja Nasir Abbas who had filed the case against him. The exchange highlighted the political tensions between the government and opposition benches in the Senate. The debate also brought renewed attention to Imran Khan’s health and the opposition’s demand for greater access to medical care and personal doctors. Opposition lawmakers have continued to raise concerns about the PTI founder’s condition and have called for his medical needs to be addressed without political considerations.

DALLAS: A conference in Dallas, Texas, has called for a peaceful and lasting settlement of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions. The conference was organised by Friends of Kashmir to mark the anniversary of India’s 2019 decision to revoke the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir. Members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora, community leaders and representatives of Sikhs for Justice attended the event. Pakistan’s Consul General in Houston, Aftab Chaudhry, was the chief guest. Friends of Kashmir International Chairperson Ghazala Habib presided over the gathering. Speakers expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). They also voiced concerns about the situation in the region following the revocation of Article 370 and Article 35A. Addressing the participants, Chaudhry said Pakistan would continue providing diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmiri people. He said India’s decision to revoke the region’s special status had added further complexity to the long-running Kashmir dispute. Ghazala Habib urged the international community to pay greater attention to the concerns and rights of Kashmiris. She also highlighted cooperation between Kashmiri and Sikh communities in raising issues related to justice and human rights. Other speakers, including Aftab Siddiqui, Syed Fayaz Hasan, Ghulam Jahangra and Dr Fareeha Qazi, called for stronger international efforts to address the Kashmir dispute through peaceful means. Gurvinder Singh, who represented the Sikh community, stressed the importance of involving younger generations in campaigns focused on justice and human rights. At the conclusion of the conference, participants adopted a resolution calling for an internationally supported and peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue in line with relevant UN resolutions. The resolution also urged the international community to help protect the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people and maintain attention on the disputed region.