فیچرڈ

  KARACHI: A fire broke out at a warehouse near Shershah in Karachi West, prompting emergency response teams to rush to the scene and begin efforts to bring the blaze under control. According to Rescue 1122, its teams were immediately dispatched to the affected area after receiving information about the incident. Rescue personnel are currently engaged in firefighting operations and are working to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby buildings and commercial establishments. The fire reportedly erupted at a warehouse located in the vicinity of Shershah, an area known for its busy commercial and industrial activities. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, while officials have not immediately provided details regarding the extent of the damage or whether anyone was injured. Rescue 1122 officials said their teams were actively working at the site to control the flames. Firefighters are using emergency equipment to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the warehouse or surrounding properties. The incident has raised concerns because warehouse fires can spread rapidly, particularly when buildings contain combustible materials, packaging, chemicals or other flammable goods. Such fires can also generate thick smoke, making firefighting operations more difficult and creating risks for people living or working nearby. Emergency personnel have been focusing on bringing the situation under control while assessing the conditions inside and around the affected warehouse. Authorities may also inspect the premises after the fire is extinguished to determine how the incident started and whether safety regulations were being followed. The Shershah area is one of Karachi’s important commercial zones, with numerous warehouses, workshops, markets and businesses operating in and around the locality. A fire in such an area can potentially affect surrounding businesses and disrupt traffic and commercial activity. Residents and workers in the vicinity have been Fire breaks out at warehouse near Karachi’s Shershah area KARACHI: A fire broke out at a warehouse near Shershah in Karachi West, prompting emergency response teams to rush to the scene and begin efforts to bring the blaze under control. According to Rescue 1122, its teams were immediately dispatched to the affected area after receiving information about the incident. Rescue personnel are currently engaged in firefighting operations and are working to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby buildings and commercial establishments. The fire reportedly erupted at a warehouse located in the vicinity of Shershah, an area known for its busy commercial and industrial activities. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, while officials have not immediately provided details regarding the extent of the damage or whether anyone was injured. Rescue 1122 officials said their teams were actively working at the site to control the flames. Firefighters are using emergency equipment to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the warehouse or surrounding properties. The incident has raised concerns because warehouse fires can spread rapidly, particularly when buildings contain combustible materials, packaging, chemicals or other flammable goods. Such fires can also generate thick smoke, making firefighting operations more difficult and creating risks for people living or working nearby. Emergency personnel have been focusing on bringing the situation under control while assessing the conditions inside and around the affected warehouse. Authorities may also inspect the premises after the fire is extinguished to determine how the incident started and whether safety regulations were being followed. The Shershah area is one of Karachi’s important commercial zones, with numerous warehouses, workshops, markets and businesses operating in and around the locality. A fire in such an area can potentially affect surrounding businesses and disrupt traffic and commercial activity. Residents and workers in the vicinity have been advised to remain cautious and avoid approaching the affected location unnecessarily. Keeping roads and access routes clear is particularly important during emergency operations because firefighting vehicles and rescue teams need sufficient space to reach the site and carry out their work. At the time of the initial report, there were no confirmed details regarding casualties or the financial losses caused by the fire. Officials are expected to provide further information once firefighting operations are completed and the situation is assessed. The incident once again highlights the importance of fire safety measures at warehouses and commercial facilities. Proper storage of combustible materials, functional fire extinguishing systems, emergency exits and regular safety inspections can help reduce the risk of major fires and limit damage when accidents occur. Rescue 1122 teams remain engaged in firefighting efforts, while further details about the cause of the blaze, possible injuries and property damage are awaited. Authorities are expected to investigate the incident after the fire has been brought under control. The investigation will help determine whether the fire was caused by an electrical fault, an equipment malfunction, negligence or another factor. For now, emergency teams are concentrating on their immediate priority: extinguishing the fire, protecting nearby properties and ensuring the safety of people in the surrounding area. Further updates are expected as officials assess the situation and complete their operations. to remain cautious and avoid approaching the affected location unnecessarily. Keeping roads and access routes clear is particularly important during emergency operations because firefighting vehicles and rescue teams need sufficient space to reach the site and carry out their work. At the time of the initial report, there were no confirmed details regarding casualties or the financial losses caused by the fire. Officials are expected to provide further information once firefighting operations are completed and the situation is assessed. The incident once again highlights the importance of fire safety measures at warehouses and commercial facilities. Proper storage of combustible materials, functional fire extinguishing systems, emergency exits and regular safety inspections can help reduce the risk of major fires and limit damage when accidents occur. Rescue 1122 teams remain engaged in firefighting efforts, while further details about the cause of the blaze, possible injuries and property damage are awaited. Authorities are expected to investigate the incident after the fire has been brought under control. The investigation

  MUZAFFARABAD: At least two people were killed and several others injured when gunfire broke out during the funeral prayers of victims of an earlier clash in Kot Tralla, near Muzaffarabad in Azad Kashmir. According to Azad Kashmir Police, the incident occurred during the funeral prayers being held for two people who had been killed in a firing incident between two groups a day earlier. The latest shooting turned the funeral gathering into another scene of violence, resulting in further casualties. Police confirmed that two people had been killed in a clash between two groups in Kot Tralla the previous day. Following the incident, funeral prayers for the deceased were arranged in the area. However, while family members, relatives and other mourners had gathered to attend the prayers, another firing incident took place. According to police officials, the latest exchange of fire resulted in the deaths of two more people, while several others sustained injuries. The injured were shifted to nearby medical facilities for treatment. The exact number and condition of those injured were not immediately available. The incident has caused concern among local residents, particularly because the violence occurred during a funeral gathering. Such gatherings normally bring together large numbers of family members, relatives and community residents, making any outbreak of violence especially dangerous. Police teams reached the area following the shooting and began efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities are investigating whether the latest firing was connected to the dispute that had led to the earlier clash between the two groups. The motive behind the initial confrontation has not yet been disclosed. Police officials are expected to investigate the cause of the dispute and identify those responsible for both incidents. Further action will be taken once the circumstances of the shootings and the identities of the suspects are established. The latest incident has also raised questions about security arrangements during funeral gatherings, particularly in areas where tensions exist between rival groups. Authorities may increase security measures in the area to prevent further violence and maintain law and order. Residents have expressed concern over the escalation of violence, as the dispute has now resulted in deaths on two consecutive days. The fact that the second shooting occurred during funeral prayers has further intensified fears of additional clashes. Police officials have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. They are also expected to take steps to prevent any further confrontation between the two groups. The bodies of the victims are being handled according to local procedures, while the injured are receiving medical treatment. Families of those killed and injured are facing another tragedy following the earlier deaths in the area. Authorities have not yet released complete details about the weapons used, the identities of the attackers or the exact circumstances that led to the latest shooting. An investigation is underway, and additional information is expected as police gather evidence and question witnesses. The incident highlights how disputes between rival groups can quickly escalate and affect innocent people, particularly when violence occurs in crowded public gatherings. The authorities’ immediate priority is to restore peace in Kot Tralla, provide security to local residents and ensure that those responsible for the shootings are brought to justice. Further developments are expected as the investigation continues and officials release more information about the casualties and the circumstances surrounding the two incidents.

KARACHI: The Sindh government is set to introduce a facial recognition-based attendance system in government schools across six districts from August 17, aiming to strengthen staff monitoring and improve teacher availability for students. The Facial Recognition Attendance Monitoring and Evaluation System (FRAMES) will initially be launched as a pilot project, with one district selected from each division. The system will monitor attendance of both teaching and non-teaching staff through a digital mobile application. The pilot phase will cover Karachi East, Hyderabad, Naushehro Feroze, Jacobabad, Ghotki and Umerkot, with attendance of around 49,565 employees to be monitored through the system. Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah said the initiative would gradually be expanded to all districts if the pilot proves successful. He said the application had been designed to be user-friendly, while a mechanism had also been established to identify and resolve technical issues promptly. The minister said FRAMES was not merely an attendance tool but was intended to ensure students have access to teachers during school hours. Staff members will be able to record attendance using their own phones or those of a headmaster or colleague. The system will also function without an internet connection, with attendance data automatically updated once connectivity becomes available. Teachers will be required to record both their arrival and departure from school. Employees will be able to view their attendance records through the application and download monthly reports. The system will also allow teachers to submit leave requests online from home, with approvals processed digitally. Training for education officials, school heads and teachers has been completed to ensure smooth implementation. The government has also provided special training to school heads to assist staff in using the system. FRAMES is available on both Android and Apple devices, while employees who have not yet completed registration have been advised to contact the Directorate General Monitoring and Evaluation office to update their records.

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced sit-ins outside the chief minister’s residence in Lahore and governors’ houses across the country from August 16, protesting rising petroleum prices and the growing cost of living. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Rehman said the Lahore demonstration would begin at 3pm from Masjid-e-Shuhada and move towards the Chief Minister’s House. He said the protests would continue until the government addressed the party’s demands, including immediate reductions in fuel, electricity and essential commodity prices. Rehman accused the government of collecting Rs1,567 billion through petroleum levies, claiming the amount had exceeded the target set under the International Monetary Fund programme. He said JI would not remain silent while ordinary citizens faced increasing economic pressure. The JI chief warned that any attempt to obstruct the demonstrations could escalate the campaign into a broader movement demanding the government’s removal. He maintained that the party’s previous sit-ins had been peaceful and caused no damage to public or private property. JI has also launched a social media campaign against the petroleum levy, urging citizens to raise their voices against what is described as an unfair financial burden on the public.

RAWALPINDI: Ambassador of Spain to Pakistan, H.E. Carlos Aragón Gil de la Serna, visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI) and held a meeting with RCCI President Usman Shaukat to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral economic, trade and cultural relations between Pakistan and Spain. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, was also present as the chief guest on the occasion. Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, former presidents of RCCI, Executive Committee members and a large number of Chamber members also attended the meeting. Upon their arrival, the Spanish Ambassador and Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan were warmly welcomed by RCCI President Usman Shaukat and members of the Chamber. RCCI President Usman Shaukat highlighted the significant potential for expanding Pakistan–Spain trade and called for stronger business-to-business linkages, improved market access, and enhanced cooperation in investment and technology. He said Spain offers important opportunities for Pakistani exporters, particularly in textiles and agro-based products, while Pakistan can benefit from Spanish expertise in modern agriculture, precision farming, irrigation, mechanization, greenhouse technology and water management. The discussion assumes added significance in light of recent Pakistan–Spain consultations regarding the establishment of a Joint Working Group on Agriculture. Pakistan has identified rice, ethanol, potatoes and maize as products with potential for increased exports to the Spanish market. Spain has also acknowledged Pakistan’s favourable trade balance, with textiles being among Pakistan’s major exports to Spain. On this occasion, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan highlighted RCCI’s important role in supporting the government on economic and budget-related matters and appreciated the Chamber’s contribution towards strengthening Pakistan’s economic foundations. He said Pakistan is moving forward across various sectors, particularly information technology, and stressed the need to further promote investment, innovation and entrepreneurship. Rana Mashhood said the Prime Minister’s Vision 2047 provides a roadmap for building a prosperous, self-reliant and globally competitive Pakistan. He emphasized that youth empowerment, employment generation, peace and economic stability are essential priorities for the country’s sustainable development. He added that Pakistan’s young population represents a major national asset and that greater opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship and employment are needed to fully harness its potential. He also appreciated the growing economic and diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Spain, saying stronger cooperation with European countries can create new opportunities for Pakistani businesses, exporters and young entrepreneurs. In a special gesture of friendship and goodwill, RCCI President Usman Shaukat and Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan jointly presented H.E. Carlos Aragón Gil de la Serna with a football manufactured in Pakistan for the FIFA World Cup. The presentation showcased Pakistan’s strong sports manufacturing capabilities and symbolized the growing friendship, cooperation and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Spain. The Spanish Ambassador also participated in RCCI’s Independence Day celebrations and cake-cutting ceremony, further reflecting the warm cultural and people-to-people relations between the two countries. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to promoting bilateral trade and investment, technology cooperation, agricultural collaboration and stronger institutional linkages for the mutual economic benefit of Pakistan and Spain.

  When the history of Pakistan’s independence is discussed, the narrative often focuses on the male political leaders who negotiated with the British, addressed large public gatherings and worked toward the creation of a separate homeland. However, women also played an important and often overlooked role in the Pakistan Movement. They organised political activities, mobilised communities, created awareness, participated in protests, assisted refugees and challenged traditional expectations about women’s place in public life. Among the prominent women of the movement, Fatima Jinnah remains one of the most widely recognised figures. However, her contribution extended far beyond her relationship with Muhammad Ali Jinnah as his sister. She worked closely with her brother and played an active role in encouraging Muslim women to participate in political activities. At a time when women’s involvement in public politics was socially restricted, Fatima Jinnah’s visibility carried considerable significance. Her participation demonstrated that the struggle for Pakistan was not intended to be limited to men. She became an important symbol of women’s political participation and helped encourage Muslim women to take an active interest in the future of the community. Following Partition in 1947, Fatima Jinnah continued her public service. She became involved in efforts to support refugees and assist with their rehabilitation. She also continued to speak for greater participation of women in the political and social development of Pakistan. Another important figure was Abadi Bano Begum, popularly known as Bi Amma. Long before the demand for Pakistan became the central political objective of Indian Muslims, Bi Amma had already demonstrated that Muslim women could play a role in political movements. She was the mother of prominent leaders Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar and Maulana Shaukat Ali and became actively involved in the Khilafat Movement. Bi Amma addressed public gatherings and encouraged people to support the political struggle against British rule. Her involvement was significant because political activism was still considered unusual for many Muslim women. By entering the public sphere, she helped challenge the idea that politics was exclusively a man’s responsibility. Begum Jahan Ara Shah Nawaz was another influential woman associated with Muslim League politics. Rather than remaining a passive supporter, she actively participated in political mobilisation and worked to increase women’s involvement in the Pakistan Movement. During the politically tense period of 1946–47, Muslim League women participated in protests in Punjab, with some even facing arrest. Her political involvement had begun well before Pakistan was established. She participated in the First Round Table Conference and raised concerns about discrimination against women in political rights, government employment, business and professional opportunities. After independence, Begum Jahan Ara Shah Nawaz became one of the two women members of Pakistan’s first Constituent Assembly. Alongside Shaista Ikramullah, she worked to bring women’s rights and legal equality into discussions about the new state. The contributions of these women show that Pakistan’s independence was not achieved through the efforts of men alone. Women participated in political mobilisation, social reform and nation-building, helping establish the principle that they had a legitimate and important role in Pakistan’s public life.

  A man climbed an electricity pole in Peshawar in an alleged attempt to steal power cables, according to the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO). The unusual incident took place in the Shahibagh Sub-Division area, where electricity supply had already been suspended because maintenance work was underway. According to PESCO officials, the man climbed onto the pole while power was switched off in the area. The incident reportedly occurred during a period when electricity lines were not operational due to repair and maintenance work being carried out by the power distribution company. PESCO said that the man appeared to have taken advantage of the temporary suspension of electricity supply. He reportedly climbed the pole with the intention of removing electrical wires. The incident was noticed by people in the area, who alerted the relevant authorities. Officials reached the location and took action to prevent the situation from becoming more serious. The man was eventually brought down safely from the electricity pole. The incident occurred in the Shahibagh Sub-Division, an area served by PESCO as part of its electricity distribution network in Peshawar. Authorities said that the power supply had been deliberately shut down because repair work was being conducted on the network. The temporary power outage may have created an opportunity for the suspect to attempt the alleged theft. Electricity cables and other equipment belonging to power distribution companies are frequently targeted by thieves because the materials can be sold as scrap or for their metal value. However, climbing an electricity pole can be extremely dangerous even when the power supply has been switched off. Electrical systems can contain residual risks, and unexpected restoration of electricity can also create a serious threat to anyone working on or near power lines. PESCO officials did not immediately provide further details about whether the man had successfully removed any cables before being stopped. It was also not immediately clear whether a formal case had been registered against him or what legal action would be taken. The incident highlights the challenges faced by electricity distribution companies in protecting their infrastructure from theft and illegal interference. Power cables, transformers and other equipment are essential for maintaining electricity supplies, and their theft can cause additional outages and financial losses. Authorities regularly warn members of the public against approaching electricity poles, wires and other electrical equipment without proper training or authorisation. Such actions can result in serious injuries or even death. Residents in the area reportedly alerted officials after noticing the man on the pole. His safe removal prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating. PESCO has been carrying out maintenance and repair activities in different parts of its service area to improve the reliability of electricity supplies. Planned outages are sometimes necessary to allow technical teams to safely work on power lines and related infrastructure. Officials have advised consumers to cooperate with maintenance schedules and report suspicious activity involving electricity infrastructure to the relevant authorities. The Peshawar incident serves as a reminder that electricity infrastructure remains vulnerable to theft, particularly during planned outages. It also demonstrates the dangers associated with attempting to interfere with electrical equipment. While the man was successfully brought down from the pole, authorities are expected to investigate the incident further and determine whether he intended to steal cables and whether any electricity infrastructure was damaged during the attempt.

LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested seven suspects in separate operations against online financial fraud in Lahore and Multan, exposing schemes involving WhatsApp hacking, fake visa charges and marriage scams. Acting on special directives from NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim, officials in Lahore arrested a suspect identified as Haider Ali, who allegedly posed as a courier company representative to obtain victims’ OTPs and verification codes. The suspect and his associates reportedly gained access to WhatsApp accounts and then contacted victims’ relatives and friends to demand money. Investigators said one victim transferred Rs2.77 million to an account linked to Haider Ali. The money was subsequently moved through several accounts and withdrawn. A mobile phone recovered from the suspect contained WhatsApp conversations, transaction records, identity documents and other digital evidence. In Multan, authorities arrested Muhammad Imran Shahid for allegedly impersonating a victim’s cousin and demanding money through phone calls and WhatsApp messages on the pretext of visa extension and visa fees. The suspect reportedly received Rs580,000 from the victim. In another case, five suspects were arrested for allegedly using fake Instagram and Snapchat profiles to befriend women and lure them with marriage proposals. The suspects allegedly sent fake gift and parcel receipts before demanding money under the guise of customs duties, taxes and clearance charges. Mobile phones were recovered during the operations, while investigators are examining the suspects’ financial transactions, call records and digital data. The NCCIA said further revelations are expected as the investigations continue.