Alleged Belgian Gang Boss Wanted for Murder Nabbed in in Patong

Heavy monsoon rains lashed Lahore on Thursday, causing widespread flooding, traffic disruptions and severe inconvenience for residents. Torrential downpours submerged roads, streets and underpasses, bringing routine life in many parts of the provincial capital to a standstill. According to official data, Lahore received 343 millimetres of rainfall over the past 48 hours. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) warned that the second spell of monsoon rains could increase the risk of urban flooding in different parts of the city. Rainwater accumulated at more than 130 locations, affecting both residential and commercial areas. Several major roads, intersections and low-lying neighbourhoods remained submerged for hours, making it difficult for motorists and pedestrians to move around the city. The worst-hit areas included DHA Phases 1 to 5, where standing water disrupted traffic on several important roads. Water also collected on routes connecting Defence Mor, LUMS Road, Main Boulevard DHA, Watain Chowk and Ghazi Chowk, resulting in long traffic jams and slow vehicle movement. Authorities temporarily closed the Ghazi Underpass and Masjid Chowk Underpass after they were flooded. Traffic police diverted vehicles to alternative routes to prevent accidents and reduce congestion. Waterlogging was also reported in Harbanspura, Mall Road, Cooper Road, Lakshmi Chowk and Chouburji Chowk, where drainage teams continued water removal operations. The heavy rainfall exposed weaknesses in the city’s drainage system as rainwater entered houses in several low-lying areas. Residents complained that they were forced to remove water from their homes themselves because drainage operations were unable to reach many affected neighbourhoods quickly. The rain also damaged road infrastructure. Large sinkholes appeared on Canal Road, Johar Town Main Boulevard, Bhekay Wala Mor and Khayaban-e-Firdousi. Traffic police immediately cordoned off the affected sections, diverted vehicles and called in repair teams to secure the damaged roads. PDMA said rain-related incidents across Punjab have so far claimed 21 lives during the ongoing monsoon season, while 154 people have been injured. Most fatalities resulted from building collapses, while others were caused by lightning strikes, electrocution and drowning. Authorities also reported damage to dozens of houses across the province. Following the latest spell of rain, district administrations were directed to remain on high alert and prepare for possible urban flooding and emergency situations. Officials advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, stay away from electricity poles, exposed wires and weak buildings, and follow official safety instructions. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) activated emergency drainage operations across Lahore. Disposal stations continued operating at full capacity, while dewatering pumps, heavy machinery and additional staff were deployed to remove rainwater from flooded roads and underpasses. Emergency control rooms also monitored conditions around the clock to coordinate the response.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has strongly condemned the killing of party worker Mushtaq Shah in LA-31 during the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections. In a statement, Bilawal expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and said the incident was deeply tragic. He prayed for the deceased and extended sympathy to his relatives. Bilawal alleged that the earlier attack on senior PPP leader Chaudhry Latif Akbar, followed by the killing of Mushtaq Shah, reflected what he described as the intentions of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) during the election process. He further claimed that if the elections were influenced through rigging, it would undermine public confidence in state institutions. According to Bilawal, the use of violence, intimidation and coercive tactics to influence voters was unacceptable. The PPP chairman also accused the PML-N of attempting to influence the electoral process in Azad Kashmir through force and pressure. He called for a transparent, peaceful and fair election, urging the relevant authorities to ensure that every voter could exercise their democratic right without fear. Polling is currently underway for the second phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections, covering nine general constituencies in Muzaffarabad Division and 12 refugee constituencies located across different parts of Pakistan. Election authorities have deployed security personnel at polling stations to maintain law and order as voting continues across the constituencies. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a transparent electoral process and taking action against any violations of the election code of conduct.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister and President of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) Abdul Aleem Khan has said the creation of new provinces is a national issue and should not be sacrificed for political interests or expediency. In a statement, Aleem Khan said people across the country wanted new provinces to be created on an administrative basis. He said the IPP would continue raising its voice for the issue at every forum. The federal minister said the prevailing circumstances clearly demanded a new working order across the country. He urged politicians to take ownership of the demand for new provinces while fulfilling their responsibilities. Aleem Khan said political leaders needed to focus on resolving public problems instead of protecting their personal influence and authority. He stressed that the creation of new provinces was a national matter and should not become a victim of political considerations. The IPP president said there was nothing wrong with dividing each of the four existing provinces into four administrative units, if this helped improve governance and addressed public issues. He also expressed support for the creation of South Punjab and Bahawalpur provinces. Aleem Khan said the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party also supported the demand for a Hazara province. He noted that voices were also being raised for new provinces in Punjab and Sindh. He said demands for a Hazara province had been raised in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly since 2010. Aleem Khan welcomed the fact that major political parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were now supporting the creation of a Hazara province. He said the debate over new provinces should be approached as a matter of better administration, public welfare and effective governance rather than narrow political interests.