lahore custody deaths
| | |

Lahore custody deaths: Punjab police says women di…

Punjab Inspector General Rao Abdul Karim has said that there is no evidence of physical torture or police violence in the deaths of two women who died after being taken into custody at a Lahore police station.

The two women 17-year-old Amna and 22-year-old Anmol were sisters-in-law. They were arrested on August 4 in connection with a case involving alleged theft and fraud and were taken to Township Police Station in Lahore.

According to police both women developed health problems within a few hours of their detention. They were subsequently taken to hospital, where they died.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday night Punjab IG Rao Abdul Karim said a transparent and impartial investigation had been conducted into the incident.

He claimed that a medical board had found no evidence of physical torture external injuries or wounds on the bodies of either woman. He also said that a separate magisterial inquiry conducted under Section 176 of the Code of Criminal Procedure found no evidence of police torture.

The investigation included a detailed review of available CCTV footage while statements from police officers and witnesses were also recorded according to the Punjab police chief.

The IG further said that the initial medical examination found multiple injection marks on the women’s arms. According to him, the marks were consistent with repeated use of injectable substances.

The Punjab Forensic Science Authority collected the necessary forensic samples for further investigation and the forensic report has now been received.

Citing the forensic findings, the Punjab IG claimed that both women were habitual users of different types of drugs. He said the medical board had concluded that their deaths resulted from cardiac arrest caused by a drug overdose.

The police chief also claimed that both women had previous criminal cases registered against them in Lahore and Gujrat in connection with alleged fraud and cheating.

He added that a review of CCTV footage showed that the women’s clothes had already been torn before they were taken into police custody.

The deaths have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the women’s detention and the events that occurred before they were taken to hospital. While the Punjab police has ruled out torture based on the available medical, forensic and investigative findings the case has attracted significant public attention.

The findings of the medical and forensic investigations are expected to remain central to any further legal or public scrutiny of the Lahore custody deaths.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    PTI chairman Gohar Khan’s mother passes away

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan’s mother has passed away. Gohar Khan confirmed the news through a post on his social media account. He shared the information with his followers and expressed grief over the death of his mother. According to the PTI chairman, his mother’s funeral prayers will be offered on Saturday at 4pm. The prayers will be held in Dagar village in Buner district. Gohar Khan also informed people about the location of the funeral so that relatives, friends and well-wishers could attend. The death of his mother comes as a personal loss for the PTI leader. Political figures, party colleagues and supporters are expected to extend their condolences to him and his family. Gohar Khan has remained active in national politics and is among the prominent leaders of the PTI. He has represented the party on several important political and legal matters. The funeral prayers will be held in Dagar at 4pm on Saturday. Family members and local residents are expected to attend the funeral. Further details about the burial arrangements have not been shared so far.

  • |

    North Korea issues fresh warning to US allies

    PYONGYANG: North Korea has accused the United States, Japan and South Korea of creating a new security crisis in the Asia-Pacific, claiming their expanding military cooperation is increasing regional tensions and threatening stability. In a commentary published by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), a military commentator alleged that the three allies are strengthening their joint combat capabilities through large-scale military exercises and closer defence coordination. The statement specifically criticized the recently concluded Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) naval exercise, describing it as a rehearsal for military aggression rather than a routine multinational drill. According to North Korean officials, the exercise involved more than 30,000 personnel, over 30 warships, five submarines and nearly 190 aircraft. Pyongyang claimed the United States is attempting to strengthen its military influence across the Asia-Pacific with the support of Japan and South Korea. It also objected to recent US-South Korea air force and logistics exercises, plans to expand American military command structures in Japan and the deployment of advanced US missile systems in the region. North Korea warned that it would respond to what it described as growing military threats by further strengthening its own deterrence capabilities. Officials said any increase in external pressure would be met with corresponding defensive measures. Separately, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry rejected recent accusations by the United States and its allies that Pyongyang poses a growing cyber threat. The ministry dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and without evidence. A foreign ministry spokesperson argued that the United States has been expanding military activities in cyberspace through cyber commands, joint cyber exercises and the use of artificial intelligence in defence operations. The spokesperson claimed Washington, rather than Pyongyang, was contributing to rising tensions in the cyber domain. North Korea reaffirmed that it would continue taking measures to safeguard its national security and protect its development interests against what it described as increasing pressure from Western countries.

  • |

    Solar boom needs battery storage, grid reforms to sustain momentum

    Islamabad: Pakistan’s rapid expansion of solar energy has already generated billions of dollars in savings, but experts and policymakers on Tuesday warned that battery storage, grid modernization and supportive policies are now essential to sustain the country’s clean energy transition. Speaking at the Solar, Storage and Flexibility 2026 Conference, Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari said Pakistan’s energy mix is already 50% clean and is targeted to reach 90% by 2035. He stressed that local manufacturing of battery storage systems and the introduction of a daytime Time-of-Use (ToU) tariff would be key to integrating growing solar generation into the national grid. Addressing the conference, PPP Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman said solar energy has already saved Pakistan US$12 billion, with another US$6.3 billion in savings expected this year. She said the country now faces an energy management challenge rather than a generation shortfall, calling for major investments in battery storage, smart grids and modern transmission infrastructure. Rehman said one in every five Pakistani households now uses solar energy and urged international climate finance to prioritize distributed renewable energy, battery storage and affordable financing for households and small businesses instead of focusing mainly on large utility-scale projects. She also opposed the proposed 18% GST on solar equipment, saying it would have slowed Pakistan’s clean energy transition, and called for targeted subsidies, microfinance and supportive regulations to expand access to renewable energy, particularly in underserved and off-grid communities. Renewable energy experts noted that Pakistan has installed an estimated 38 gigawatts of distributed solar capacity, while imports of lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) surged 220% in 2025, signalling rapidly growing demand for energy storage. Global renewable energy leaders, including Global Solar Council CEO Sonia Dunlop and Renewable Energy Council Asia Pacific representative John Grimes, described Pakistan’s consumer-led solar revolution as a model for other countries but stressed that a comprehensive battery storage policy and modern electricity grid are now critical to maintaining the momentum.

  • |

    Govt hikes petrol by Rs4.4, diesel by Rs3.62 as gl…

    The federal government on Thursday increased the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel by Rs4.40 and Rs3.62 per litre, respectively, effective July 24. Following the latest revision, petrol now stands at Rs331.52 per litre, while HSD is priced at Rs378.66. The price hike comes amid a surge in global oil prices, with Brent crude jumping 6% to $100.50 a barrel following attacks on tankers in the Red Sea, which have choked off a second crucial Middle East artery for global oil supplies alongside Iran’s near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This is the fourth consecutive day the government has revised fuel prices after switching to a daily review mechanism last week to reflect volatility in international markets. The new system bases daily fuel prices on a seven-day average of international market rates, ensuring timely adjustments to align with global trends. The latest increase was anticipated as oil prices surged to their highest level since May, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East. The price revision came after the government and the All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association reached an agreement a day ago to postpone the association’s planned nationwide shutdown for two weeks. The agreement followed successful negotiations with Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, who assured dealers that their long-pending concerns, including demands for a monthly pricing mechanism and an increase in dealer commissions, would be addressed. The surge in global oil prices has been fueled by Houthi attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea, which have raised fears of a wider regional conflict. The attacks have disrupted shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a vital alternative route for Saudi oil exports, adding to the supply concerns already triggered by the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The dual disruptions have put energy markets on edge, with fears of a global supply crunch intensifying. The spike in oil prices has also impacted global stock markets, with major tech giants knocking US stocks lower and Europe’s borrowing costs spiking to long-term highs. The unsettling day across markets reflects the broader economic implications of the Middle East conflict, which continues to disrupt global energy supplies and threaten economic stability. As the situation remains volatile, further price revisions are likely in the coming days. The government has assured the public that it is monitoring the situation closely and will take necessary measures to mitigate the impact on consumers. However, with global oil prices expected to remain elevated, Pakistani consumers are likely to face continued pressure on fuel costs, affecting transportation, goods, and services across the country. The government’s daily price revision mechanism aims to provide transparency and responsiveness to market changes, but it also means that consumers will face more frequent price adjustments as global oil markets remain volatile. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the situation stabilizes or whether further hikes are needed to reflect global trends.

  • |

    JICA delegation visits Literacy Centres in Lahore

    LAHORE: A high-level delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) visited Middle-Tech Literacy Centres in Lahore following an invitation from Literacy and Non-Formal Education Secretary Syed Haider Iqbal. The delegation included JICA President Dr. Akihiro Tanaka, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Shuichi Akamatsu, and JICA Pakistan Chief Representative Yusuke Shinozaki. During the visit, the officials toured literacy centres in Fatah Garh and Tajpura, reviewed the facilities available to students, and observed the teaching and learning activities. The delegation also interacted with students and distributed gifts among them. JICA representatives further handed over Package E textbooks to students who had completed Package D, enabling them to continue their education and move on to the next stage of their learning journey. During the visit, Secretary Literacy Syed Haider Iqbal briefed the Japanese delegation on the department’s ongoing initiatives for non-formal education. He highlighted projects being implemented with JICA’s support, along with other programmes aimed at improving access to education for children and young people who remain outside the formal schooling system. The secretary also outlined the department’s future plans and targets for expanding literacy, strengthening non-formal education and promoting skills development across Punjab. The JICA delegation appreciated the efforts of the Literacy and Non-Formal Education Department to improve literacy rates and provide educational opportunities to underserved communities across the province. The officials also acknowledged the department’s efforts to equip learners with skills that can contribute to their personal development and future economic opportunities. The meeting also focused on strengthening cooperation between the Literacy Department and JICA to expand educational opportunities for out-of-school children. Both sides discussed ways to enhance their partnership and explore further areas of collaboration to bring more children into the education system. The visit underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing educational challenges and expanding access to learning opportunities, particularly for children who have been unable to attend mainstream schools.

  • | |

    Maryam orders fire safety checks at Rawalpindi hos…

    RAWALPINDI: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered authorities to ensure complete fire safety arrangements at all government hospitals in Rawalpindi. The chief minister has also sought a detailed report from Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir about the safety arrangements at government hospitals across the city. The directive comes amid growing concerns over fire safety at healthcare facilities following the deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir said authorities would ensure the installation of proper fire safety systems in all government hospitals. He said work had already started on the installation of fire hydrants at hospitals. The facilities will also be checked to ensure that emergency arrangements are functional and accessible. On the deputy commissioner’s instructions, the Additional Deputy Commissioner visited government hospitals along with Rescue teams. The teams inspected the hospitals and reviewed their existing fire safety arrangements. They also examined the facilities required to respond to an emergency. Officials are focusing on three key areas. These include fire alarms, fire hydrants and emergency exits. The administration has been directed to ensure that fire alarms are operational and that hydrants are available at appropriate locations. Emergency exits are also being checked to ensure that patients, attendants and hospital staff can leave buildings quickly during an emergency. The deputy commissioner said the safety of patients was the administration’s top priority. He warned that no negligence would be tolerated in implementing fire safety measures. The inspection campaign is aimed at identifying weaknesses before they lead to a major incident. Authorities are also expected to take corrective measures wherever deficiencies are found. Government hospitals handle large numbers of patients every day. Many patients are also critically ill and cannot be moved quickly during an emergency. Officials therefore consider functional fire prevention and evacuation systems essential for protecting patients and medical staff.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *