punjab university towniii
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Punjab University Town-III project faces fresh scr…

LAHORE: A Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker has submitted an adjournment motion in the Punjab Assembly, calling for a comprehensive investigation into alleged financial and administrative irregularities surrounding the Punjab University Town-III housing scheme.

According to the motion submitted by MPA Raja Shaukat Aziz, the housing project was allegedly launched in 2017 by a Punjab University professor without fulfilling the required legal and regulatory formalities. It further claims that the professor entered into a development agreement with his own brother, who was appointed as the project’s developer despite the alleged absence of due legal procedures.

The motion alleges that payments amounting to Rs2.70 billion were made to the developer. However, despite the release of funds, no significant development work was carried out at the project site, and plot holders have yet to receive possession of their plots.

The document states that nearly 900 affected families have been waiting for justice for the past nine years, claiming they have suffered financial losses and uncertainty due to the stalled housing scheme. It further alleges that, despite repeated complaints, no effective legal action has been taken against those purportedly responsible.

Seeking legislative intervention, Raja Shaukat Aziz has urged the Punjab Assembly to establish a special committee to investigate the Town-III project, determine responsibility for the alleged irregularities, and ensure appropriate legal action against those found accountable.

The Punjab University Town-III housing scheme has previously remained under public and academic scrutiny over allegations of administrative and financial mismanagement. The latest move is expected to renew debate over accountability and transparency in public housing projects.

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    Congo virus case confirmed: health experts issue u…

    Health authorities have confirmed a case of Congo virus, also known as Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), after laboratory testing verified the infection. Officials said the patient’s Congo PCR test returned positive, prompting renewed calls for public awareness and preventive measures against the potentially life-threatening disease. According to health officials, the patient underwent several medical examinations, including a specialized PCR test for the Congo virus. The results confirmed the presence of the infection, allowing doctors to begin appropriate treatment and monitoring while taking necessary infection control measures. Medical experts explain that Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever is a viral disease primarily transmitted through the bite of infected ticks commonly found on livestock. The virus can also spread through direct contact with the blood, tissues, or bodily fluids of infected animals, making people who work closely with livestock more vulnerable to infection. Healthcare professionals have warned that the virus can also spread from one person to another through close contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected patient. For this reason, strict infection prevention protocols are essential in hospitals and healthcare facilities to protect medical staff and caregivers. The symptoms of Congo virus usually begin suddenly and may include high fever, severe weakness, intense headache, muscle pain, nausea, and fatigue. In more serious cases, patients may experience bleeding from the nose and gums, bruising on the skin, and internal bleeding, which can become life-threatening if not treated promptly. Experts emphasize that prevention remains the most effective way to reduce the spread of the disease. People who handle livestock are advised to wear protective clothing and gloves, inspect animals for ticks, and avoid direct contact with animal blood or tissues whenever possible. Farmers, butchers, veterinarians, and livestock traders are considered among the highest-risk groups. Health authorities have also urged hospitals and healthcare workers to follow strict infection control practices, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when treating suspected or confirmed cases. Early diagnosis and timely medical care can improve patient outcomes and help limit the spread of the virus. As public health officials continue to monitor the situation, citizens are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms after exposure to ticks or infected animals. Increased awareness, proper hygiene, and preventive measures remain essential in reducing the risk of Congo virus transmission, particularly during periods of increased livestock movement.

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    Karachi Court acquits Anmol Alias Pinky in three d…

      A Karachi court has acquitted Anmol, alias Pinky, in three drug-related cases after accepting her applications seeking acquittal. The Additional District and Sessions Court South approved Anmol’s acquittal applications in all three cases. The cases against her had been registered at Guzri Police Station in 2020, 2021 and 2022. According to court proceedings, Anmol had remained a fugitive in connection with these cases. During the hearing, Anmol’s defence lawyer argued that two other accused persons nominated in the cases had already been acquitted by the court. The lawyer informed the court that co-accused Ali and Fahmida had been acquitted in 2024. The defence maintained that Anmol had been implicated in the cases primarily on the basis of statements given by her alleged co-accused. According to the lawyer, since the co-accused had already been acquitted, there was no reasonable possibility of securing a conviction against Anmol on the same evidence. The defence further argued that the prosecution’s case against Anmol was dependent on the statements of the co-accused. With those individuals having already been cleared by the court, the defence contended that there was insufficient evidence to establish Anmol’s involvement in the alleged offences. After hearing the arguments, the Additional District and Sessions Court South accepted the acquittal applications and acquitted Anmol alias Pinky in all three cases. The cases were registered at Guzri Police Station over a period of three years. The court’s decision brings an end to the proceedings against Anmol in these particular cases, although the order relates specifically to the three drug cases mentioned during the hearing.   Separately, Anmol alias Pinky had also been arrested by Garden Police in Karachi in May in connection with an alleged drug trafficking case. According to police officials, the woman was arrested during an operation in which law enforcement authorities claimed to have recovered a pistol, cocaine reportedly worth millions of rupees, chemicals and other narcotics from her possession. Following her arrest, Anmol was presented before a court without handcuffs, an aspect that had also drawn attention at the time. The latest court decision concerns the three cases registered against Anmol at Guzri Police Station in 2020, 2021 and 2022. The defence specifically relied on the acquittal of the co-accused in 2024, arguing that the same evidence could not reasonably be used to convict Anmol after those individuals had already been cleared. The court ultimately accepted the defence’s plea and granted Anmol relief in all three cases. The development marks a significant legal outcome for Anmol in the cases pending against her. However, the acquittal applies to the three cases before the Additional District and Sessions Court South and does not automatically determine the outcome of any separate case or investigation in which she may be involved. The ruling also highlights the importance of evidence in criminal proceedings, particularly when a prosecution case relies heavily on statements or allegations made by co-accused persons. In this instance, the defence successfully argued that the acquittal of the co-accused weakened the case against Anmol to the extent that her conviction was no longer considered likely. The court’s order followed arguments from both sides and brought the proceedings in the three specified cases to a close.

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    Saeed Ghani says ethnic voting trend Is fading in …

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Saeed Ghani has said that the trend of securing votes in Karachi primarily on the basis of ethnicity is gradually losing its influence. Addressing a PPP public gathering in Union Council 8 of Korangi, Ghani said voters were increasingly making political choices based on a party’s performance, ideology and vision rather than ethnic identity. He claimed that the PPP government had carried out extensive development work in District Central and Korangi, arguing that these projects had strengthened the party’s connection with residents and addressed long-standing civic needs. Ghani said Karachi’s political landscape was changing as people became more focused on issues that directly affected their daily lives. According to him, voters now paid greater attention to development, public services and the performance of political representatives when deciding which party to support. The PPP leader maintained that political parties could no longer rely solely on traditional ethnic or linguistic loyalties to win elections. He said improved performance and engagement with local communities would play a more important role in shaping voters’ decisions in the future. Ghani also highlighted the importance of development initiatives in strengthening public confidence, saying continued work in areas such as infrastructure and civic facilities could help political parties earn lasting support from Karachi’s residents.

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    FIA arrests 15 passport agents in crackdown outside regional passport offices

    GUJRANWALA: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Gujranwala Zone has arrested 15 alleged agents during a coordinated crackdown on individuals operating outside passport offices in Gujranwala, Gujrat and Sialkot, accusing them of illegally charging citizens by promising expedited passport processing. The operation was launched on the directions of FIA Director General Dr Usman Anwar and the Director FIA Gujranwala Zone, according to an FIA spokesperson. The spokesperson said the suspects allegedly lured applicants by claiming they could secure passports quickly in exchange for money. Preliminary investigations have also indicated the alleged involvement of some passport office officials, and further inquiries are underway to determine their role. According to the FIA, seven suspects were arrested by the Gujranwala Circle, three by the Gujrat Circle and five by the Sialkot Circle. Those arrested in Gujranwala were identified as Hafiz Ayub, Muhammad Afzal, Muhammad Tariq, Ali Hassan, Muhammad Asad, Jamshed Ali and Sajjad Ali. An FIR (No. 578/2026), dated July 22, 2026, has been registered against them under Section 6 of the Passport Act, 1974, along with Sections 419, 420 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code. In Gujrat, FIA officials conducted a raid outside the Passport Office in Mandi Bahauddin and arrested Zahid Iqbal, Zubair Aslam and Shahroz Ali. An FIR (No. 03/2026 ACC), dated July 22, 2026, has been registered against them under Sections 419 and 420 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The FIA said five more suspects were arrested by the Sialkot Circle, where separate cases have also been registered under relevant legal provisions. Their identities were not disclosed in the press release. The agency said investigations are continuing to identify other members of the network and examine the alleged involvement of officials who may have facilitated the illegal activities. The FIA urged the public not to approach unauthorized agents for passports or other government services. Citizens have been advised to deal directly with the relevant government offices and report anyone demanding money or offering illegal facilitation so that legal action can be taken. An FIA spokesperson said the agency would continue its crackdown against agents exploiting citizens and those involved in corruption related to public services.

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    AJK polling enters third phase amid tight security

    MUZAFFARABAD: Voting in the third phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir general elections began on Monday in four constituencies of Bagh and Haveli districts. Polling started at 8am and will continue until 5pm. Security has been tightened across the constituencies due to concerns over possible clashes and disturbances. Authorities have declared most of the 803 polling stations sensitive or highly sensitive. A large security contingent has been deployed to maintain law and order. Around 10,300 additional security personnel have been sent to Bagh and Haveli. Officials said the deployment was aimed at providing a safe environment for voters and election staff. The third phase was originally planned for all 11 constituencies of Poonch Division. However, voting was restricted to Bagh and Haveli after authorities reviewed the security situation. The remaining seven constituencies are expected to be polled later this month. Election officials have indicated that voting could take place on August 20 or 21, depending on the security situation. The current phase has attracted considerable political attention. Several prominent leaders are contesting the four seats. AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore is seeking to retain his constituency. Two former prime ministers, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas and Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, are also in the electoral race. A total of 460,371 voters are eligible to cast their ballots. They include 238,664 men and 221,707 women. The election is being held at 803 polling stations. These stations have 1,254 polling booths. As many as 82 candidates are competing in the four constituencies. LA-14 Dhirkot has the highest number of candidates. Thirty candidates are contesting the seat. LA-17 Haveli has nine candidates, the lowest number among the four constituencies. In LA-17 Haveli, Prime Minister Rathore is facing PML-N candidate Engineer Mohsin Aziz and independent contender Khawaja Tariq Saeed. Rathore and Saeed were previously political allies. They had reportedly agreed to contest the seat alternately. Their political relationship changed after Rathore became prime minister. Rathore sought Saeed’s withdrawal from the contest. Saeed refused to step aside. The two former allies are now competing against each other. Mohsin Aziz is also running an active campaign. His father, Chaudhry Mohammad Aziz, had won the constituency several times in the past. The PML-N candidate is expected to receive support from sections of the Gujjar community. Saeed is believed to have support among parts of the Kashmiri community and several smaller clans. Rathore has expressed confidence about retaining the seat. He has highlighted the performance of his government during his tenure. The constituency has also witnessed allegations of electoral irregularities. Claims circulated on social media about alleged manipulation by two presiding officers. Election officials rejected the allegations as presented on social media. However, they confirmed receiving complaints against the two officials. Both were subsequently removed from election duties. In LA-15 Wasti Bagh, former prime minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas is facing several strong contenders. The candidates include PML-N nominee and former minister Mushtaq Ahmed Minhas. PPP candidate and sitting minister Sardar Ziaul Qamar is also contesting. Jamaat-i-Islami candidate retired Brigadier Dr Mohammad Khan is another key contender. Ilyas had initially announced a boycott of the third phase. He later reversed the decision and returned to the election campaign. He has described the contest as important for his political future. He has also linked his campaign to the possibility of securing a senior constitutional position after the election. Ilyas and Ziaul Qamar belong to the same Madiyal tribe. Brigadier Khan belongs to the Narma clan. He is backed by several influential Jamaat-i-Islami figures and local supporters. Mushtaq Minhas is benefiting from the PML-N’s position as the leading party in the elections held so far. The party has secured the largest number of seats in the previous phases and is expected to play a major role in forming the next government. In LA-16 Sharqi Bagh, former ministers Sardar Mir Akbar and Sardar Qamar Zaman are among the main contenders. Mir Akbar is contesting on the PML-N ticket. Qamar is representing the PPP. The LA-14 Dhirkot contest has also emerged as one of the closely watched races. Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, head of the Muslim Conference, is seeking another victory from the constituency. He has represented the seat for several years and previously served as AJK prime minister. He is facing a strong challenge from Sajid Iqbal Abbasi of the Awam Dast-o-Bazu Party. Abbasi is a contractor and philanthropist. He has reportedly spent substantial personal resources on welfare and development projects in the constituency. His supporters believe his community work has helped him build a strong voter base. The contest has become more interesting because Attique and Abbasi belong to the same tribe. PML-N candidate Raja Faisal Azad and PPP nominee Raja Mubashar Ejaz are also contesting Dhirkot. However, the main competition is expected to remain between Attique and Abbasi. The results of the third phase could influence the political balance in AJK. The PML-N has already emerged as the strongest party in the earlier phases. The PPP and other political groups will now seek to strengthen their position in the remaining contests.

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    Man admits transporting body of Scottish woman in suitcase in Athens

    Greek authorities have arrested a 26-year-old man who confessed to transporting the body of 38-year-old Scottish woman Elisabeth-Jane Ross in a suitcase to an abandoned building in Athens. The victim’s body was discovered on 18 July in the Kypseli district following a missing person report, with subsequent investigations leading police to identify the suspect via video footage. Law enforcement officers arrested the suspect on suspicion of manslaughter, robbery, and weapons offences after finding he had used the victim’s bank cards and seized a knife and replica pistol at his home. Greek police are fast-tracking toxicology reports to determine the precise cause of death while continuing efforts to trace American acquaintances Ross was scheduled to visit before her disappearance. The Scottish Government confirmed it is providing official support to the victim’s family alongside the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

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