فیچرڈ

Two people were killed in separate shooting incidents reported within an hour in different areas of Karachi on Thursday, prompting police to launch investigations into both cases. The first incident occurred in the Boat Basin police jurisdiction near Bath Island in Clifton, where a watchman was fatally shot outside a residential bungalow. Rescue officials shifted the victim’s body to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for legal formalities. According to Chhipa rescue officials, the deceased was identified as 40-year-old Mewa, who sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. Initial information suggested that armed suspects opened fire after encountering resistance during an attempted robbery. However, Boat Basin Station House Officer (SHO) Riaz Niazi said the exact motive behind the killing had not yet been established. He confirmed that the victim originally belonged to the Thar region and was employed as a watchman at the bungalow where the incident occurred. The SHO said police were investigating all possible angles, including personal enmity and robbery, before reaching a final conclusion. Authorities are also attempting to obtain CCTV footage from the surrounding area to identify the suspects and reconstruct the sequence of events. In a separate incident, another man was shot dead near Link Road on the National Highway in the Bin Qasim area. The victim was also taken to Jinnah Hospital for medico-legal procedures. Bin Qasim SHO Faisal Rafiq identified the deceased as 40-year-old Bashir, a truck driver originally from Dera Ismail Khan. According to preliminary findings, Bashir was present at a truck terminal when unidentified assailants, who were allegedly lying in wait, opened fire on him. Police said the victim suffered three bullet wounds, including one to the chest. Investigators recovered three spent 30-bore pistol casings from the crime scene, which have been collected as forensic evidence. Officials believe the second shooting may have been motivated by personal enmity, although they emphasised that the investigation remains ongoing and no suspects have been arrested so far. The two fatal incidents highlight the continuing security challenges in Karachi, where police regularly investigate cases involving violent crime, targeted attacks, and robbery-related shootings. Authorities have appealed to the public to cooperate with investigators and provide any information that may assist in identifying those responsible.

Rawalpindi police have registered a kidnapping case after an extensive day-long search failed to locate a six-year-old girl who disappeared near Committee Chowk, prompting authorities to launch a formal criminal investigation while continuing search efforts. The missing child, identified as Hareem Umair, vanished near Landa Bazaar on Thursday morning after her family, who had travelled from Lahore to visit relatives in Rawalpindi, prepared to return home. According to police, her father, Umair Ali, realised she was missing while helping his children into the family vehicle following heavy overnight rainfall. The disappearance triggered a large-scale rescue operation led by Rescue 1122 amid concerns that the child may have been swept away by fast-flowing rainwater in the area’s drainage system. Heavy rainfall had caused stormwater drains and Nullah Leh to overflow, complicating search efforts. Rescue teams divided the search area into four sectors, covering more than four kilometres from the site of the disappearance through Bohar Bazaar Chowk, Colonel Maqbool Chowk, Liaquat Road, Gawalmandi, and extending to Moti Mahal Bridge. Officials searched both open and covered sections of the drainage network. According to Rescue 1122, two specialised water rescue teams, consisting of 12 rescuers and five emergency vehicles, participated in the operation. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) also assisted in the search. Despite the extensive effort, no trace of the child was found before the operation was temporarily suspended after sunset due to poor visibility. Officials said the search would resume the following morning. Speaking to the media, Hareem’s father said he immediately searched nearby streets and questioned security personnel and relatives after discovering that his daughter was missing. He told police that the street was submerged under approximately one foot of rainwater at the time of the incident, leaving uncertainty over whether the child had been swept away or abducted. Following the unsuccessful search, relatives and local residents staged a protest at Bohar Bazaar Chowk, demanding intensified efforts to recover the missing girl. The demonstration continued for more than an hour before police assured protesters that every available resource would be used to continue both the investigation and the search operation. Waris Khan Police subsequently registered a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 363 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which relates to kidnapping. Authorities say both rescue operations and the criminal investigation remain ongoing as efforts continue to locate the missing child.

The federal government has announced a reduction in petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) prices for August 7, providing limited relief to consumers amid continued fluctuations in international oil markets. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum, petrol prices have been reduced by Rs3.19 per litre, bringing the new price to Rs329.82 per litre. Meanwhile, the price of high-speed diesel has been lowered by Rs1.50 per litre and will now be available at Rs382.36 per litre. The latest adjustment comes just one day after the government increased petrol prices by Rs4.45 per litre while reducing HSD prices by Rs2 per litre for August 6. The frequent revisions reflect the country’s newly introduced fuel pricing mechanism, which allows daily adjustments based on international market movements. The government introduced the daily fuel price review system on July 17 in response to volatility in global oil prices following renewed tensions in the Middle East. Under the new mechanism, domestic fuel prices are calculated using a seven-day average of international petroleum rates in line with global pricing practices. Pakistan remains highly dependent on imported petroleum products, making domestic fuel prices vulnerable to changes in international crude oil markets. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25, petroleum products represent one of the country’s largest import categories. Any rise in global oil prices increases Pakistan’s import bill, puts pressure on foreign exchange reserves, and contributes to inflation. In previous years, fuel prices were managed through government subsidies and administrative controls. While such measures provided short-term relief for consumers, they also increased financial pressure on the national budget, oil marketing companies, and refineries. Higher subsidies contributed to fiscal challenges and increased public borrowing. Global factors continue to influence oil prices, including decisions by oil-producing nations, conflicts in energy-producing regions, sanctions, and disruptions in major shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. International crude prices recently moved higher after reports that an Iranian parliamentary committee was considering measures affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude futures increased by more than $3 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures also recorded gains. Market analysts said traders remain focused on geopolitical developments and negotiations involving major oil-producing countries. Since a significant portion of global energy supplies previously moved through the Strait of Hormuz, any disruption in the route could immediately affect crude prices and fuel costs worldwide. The latest reduction in Pakistan’s fuel prices is expected to offer temporary relief to motorists and businesses, although future adjustments will continue to depend on international oil market trends.

    LAHORE – In a significant development in the high-profile murder case of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Abdullah Tahir, the police investigation has uncovered shocking details involving a sophisticated honey-trap operation and the use of drone cameras for surveillance. Abdullah Tahir, a prominent political figure, was gunned down in the upscale Gulberg area of Lahore just a few days ago, sending shockwaves through the political landscape and prompting widespread calls for a swift and transparent investigation. According to official police sources and investigative reports, the murder was not a random act of violence but a meticulously planned assassination that leveraged technology and human manipulation to track the victim’s movements. The breakthrough in the case came when investigators zeroed in on the victim’s personal driver, who has become a pivotal figure in the unfolding narrative. Police interrogation and digital forensics have revealed that the driver was systematically honey-trapped by a female accomplice working in tandem with the primary suspects. The investigation has established that the female suspect initiated contact with Abdullah Tahir’s driver through a popular social media application. Over a period of several days, she allegedly cultivated a rapport with the driver, gaining his trust and extracting crucial information about his employer’s daily routines, security arrangements, and travel schedules. The use of social media as a tool for reconnaissance highlights the increasing sophistication of criminal networks in Pakistan, which are now exploiting digital platforms to orchestrate targeted killings. The most damning evidence, however, emerged from the timeline of the day of the murder. Police sources confirm that on the fateful day, after the driver had accompanied Abdullah Tahir to his clinic, a video call was placed between the driver and the female suspect. During this call, the suspects are believed to have instructed the driver to confirm the victim’s presence at the clinic in real-time. The video call effectively served as a live verification mechanism, allowing the hitmen to ensure that their target was indeed on the premises before they moved in to execute the attack. This revelation underscores the calculated and cold-blooded nature of the conspiracy. Furthermore, the investigative team has uncovered evidence that the suspects deployed a drone camera to conduct aerial surveillance of the clinic and its surroundings prior to the assassination. The drone was reportedly used to map out the location, identify potential escape routes, and monitor the movement of security personnel or any other individuals who could interfere with the operation. The use of drone technology in this case represents a disturbing new trend in criminal activity, indicating that the perpetrators had access to advanced equipment and technical expertise, possibly hinting at a larger network behind the killing. The recovery of digital data from the driver’s mobile phone, including chat logs, call records, and multimedia files, has been instrumental in piecing together the conspiracy. The police have also detained the female suspect for interrogation, and efforts are underway to trace the other accomplices who participated in the planning and execution of the murder. Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects operated with a high degree of coordination, using encrypted communication methods to avoid detection.   Abdullah Tahir’s murder has already become a politically charged issue, with his party, the PTI, demanding a high-level judicial inquiry and condemning what they describe as a failure of state institutions to protect their leaders. The party has also alleged that the killing may be linked to political vendettas, though the police have so far refrained from assigning a political motive to the crime, stating that all angles are being explored. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on capturing the masterminds and executing the attack. The police have assured the public and the political leadership that no effort will be spared in bringing the culprits to justice. The use of honey-trapping and drone surveillance in this case has not only complicated the investigation but has also raised serious questions about the safety of public figures in an era of rapidly evolving technological threats. The authorities are now reviewing security protocols for VIPs and considering stricter regulations on the use of drones and surveillance equipment to prevent similar incidents in the future.

  The Pakistan Goods Transporters Association has raised serious concerns over the volatile and unpredictable daily adjustments in petroleum prices, stating that such frequent fluctuations make it impossible for the transport sector to continue operations smoothly. In a press conference held in Lahore, association officials, led by President Nabeel Mahmood Tariq, articulated a series of demands and grievances that have been mounting over recent months, warning that without immediate government intervention, the entire logistics and supply chain network could face severe disruption. Addressing the media alongside other senior office-bearers of the All Pakistan Goods Transporters Association, Nabeel Mahmood Tariq emphasized that the transportation industry is the backbone of the national economy, responsible for moving essential commodities, industrial raw materials, and consumer goods across the length and breadth of the country. However, he argued that the current pricing mechanism for petroleum products—which has seen almost daily revisions—has created an environment of extreme uncertainty for fleet operators. Unlike larger corporate entities, most truck owners and small transport companies operate on thin profit margins, and without a stable fuel pricing framework, they are unable to quote competitive rates to clients or plan their operational budgets effectively. Tariq pointed out that many transporters have already started grounding their vehicles, as each trip now carries the risk of financial loss if fuel prices rise unexpectedly mid-journey. Beyond fuel prices, the association president laid out a comprehensive list of demands aimed at reducing the financial burden on the sector. First and foremost, he called for an immediate end to unnecessary customs checking at various inter-provincial checkpoints. According to Tariq, these intrusive and repetitive inspections not only cause long delays—sometimes stretching into hours—but also open the door to harassment and bribery, which further inflate the cost of doing business. He urged the federal and provincial governments to streamline customs procedures and adopt a more efficient, technology-driven system that would expedite the movement of goods without compromising security or revenue collection. Another major point of contention raised by Tariq was the recent increase in toll taxes on highways and motorways. He demanded that this hike be rolled back completely, arguing that transporters are already struggling with rising maintenance costs, spare part prices, and tyre rates. The additional toll burden, he said, is simply unsustainable and forces many operators to take longer, less safe alternative routes, which ultimately hurts the overall efficiency of freight movement. Turning his attention to provincial policies, particularly in Punjab, Tariq called for the establishment of new, modern truck terminals across the province. He noted that existing truck stands and loading points are outdated, overcrowded, and lack basic amenities for drivers and helpers. New truck yards, equipped with proper parking, resting areas, workshops, and loading/unloading facilities, would not only improve working conditions but also reduce traffic congestion in urban centers. He also strongly condemned the 300 percent increase in token tax imposed on commercial vehicles in Punjab, labeling it as punitive and counterproductive. He demanded that this excessive tax hike be withdrawn immediately, asserting that it disproportionately affects small owner-operators who form the majority of the association’s membership. In a significant announcement, Nabeel Mahmood Tariq declared that the association fully supports the wheel-jam strike (hunger strike) called for August 8, which has been organized by various transport unions across the country to pressure the government into addressing these long-standing issues. He clarified that this is not a political move but a last-resort measure to draw attention to the existential crisis facing the transport industry. He warned that if the government fails to respond positively before that date, thousands of trucks, trailers, and tankers will park on the roads, effectively paralyzing the movement of food, medicine, fuel, and industrial goods. Such a strike, he cautioned, would have catastrophic consequences for an already fragile economy, leading to shortages, price hikes, and factory closures. Concluding his address, Tariq appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the chief ministers of all provinces to personally intervene and hold urgent consultations with transport representatives. He reiterated that the industry is not asking for subsidies or charity, but merely for a predictable policy environment, fair taxation, and the elimination of corrupt practices at checkpoints. He expressed hope that the government would act wisely and avert a crisis that benefits no one except speculators and hoarders. The press conference ended with a unanimous resolution passed by the association leaders, vowing to continue their struggle peacefully but firmly until all their legitimate demands are met. The coming days, they warned, will be decisive for the future of Pakistan’s transport sector and, by extension, its entire supply chain.

  Islamabad – Federal Minister for Energy Awais Leghari held a meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghaddam, in Islamabad to discuss energy cooperation, trade expansion, and regional stability. The talks marked another step in the growing partnership between the two neighbors. Ambassador Amiri Moghaddam announced that work on the second Pakistan-Iran transmission line will begin soon, a project long awaited by both sides. He also revealed that both countries are considering expanding the existing 100-megawatt electricity supply agreement, which currently powers parts of Balochistan. “Energy security is a shared goal. The second line will boost our capacity and open doors for deeper cooperation,” he said. He further invited Pakistani companies to attend the upcoming joint commission meeting in Tehran, aimed at exploring new business and investment opportunities. Federal Minister Awais Leghari emphasized that regional peace and stability are in the mutual interest of both nations. He stressed that uninterrupted electricity supply is critical for Gwadar’s development, which serves as a key hub for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. “Gwadar cannot progress without stable power. Any disruption affects local communities and our broader economic vision,” he stated. He also highlighted that electricity trade with Iran will become even more significant in the future, given Pakistan’s rising energy demands and limited domestic resources. Ambassador Amiri Moghaddam praised the current state of Pakistan-Iran relations, describing them as having reached new heights. He commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s military leadership for their peace efforts in the region, calling them commendable and constructive. “The vision shown by both sides is remarkable. We are committed to turning this goodwill into tangible outcomes,” he added. He also expressed Iran’s interest in expanding cooperation beyond energy into agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and border trade. Both sides agreed to fast-track procedural formalities for the second transmission line and explore long-term energy purchase agreements. They also discussed barter trade mechanisms to overcome financial challenges. The upcoming joint commission meeting in Tehran is expected to produce concrete results, benefiting businesses and communities on both sides. With work on the new transmission line nearing start and expanded electricity trade under consideration, Pakistan and Iran appear set to enter a new phase of cooperation built on shared interests, mutual trust, and a vision for regional connectivity. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to transform political goodwill into practical economic gains for both nations.

  The Islamabad High Court on Thursday heard petitions challenging the alleged solitary confinement of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi. During the proceedings, Advocate General (AG) Islamabad Naveed Hayat Malik informed the court that the two prisoners were not kept in solitary confinement, adding that they were being provided facilities even better than B-class prison standards. Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro presided over the hearing. The petitioners were represented by Barrister Salman Safdar, while the jail superintendent was also present in the courtroom and submitted a detailed report regarding the facilities provided to the high-profile inmates. Advocate General Malik clarified that the detainees were not isolated due to punitive measures but as a security protocol. He noted that the inability of petitioners’ families to meet them did not constitute solitary confinement. Meanwhile, Jail Superintendent Sajid Beg explained that solitary confinement legally means locking an inmate in a single cell for 24 hours—which, he emphasized, was not the case for Imran Khan. The PTI founder, he said, was housed in a compound consisting of seven interconnected cells, allowing free movement. Additionally, a convicted inmate was permanently assigned to accompany him, further disproving the solitary confinement claim. The superintendent also disclosed the amenities provided to Khan. He was given access to a television set, newspapers, and books. Both Urdu and English dailies are being delivered daily, and more than 500 books have been provided to him so far—with nine more recently added to his cell. However, Barrister Salman Safdar, representing the petitioners, painted a contrasting picture. He informed the court that on the Supreme Court’s directive, he had visited Imran Khan as a friend of the court and noticed his deteriorating eyesight. According to Safdar, Khan expressed satisfaction with his food, security, and bathroom facilities but pleaded: “Just save my eyesight.” Safdar further alleged that for seven months, he was not allowed to meet his client, and it was only after the intervention of the Chief Justice that a meeting was arranged in April, lasting barely 65 minutes. Out of that brief meeting, the PTI founder spent 60 minutes complaining about mental torture and restrictions on meetings. He claimed he was under 22-hour isolation while Bushra Bibi faced 24-hour confinement. Safdar also pointed out that the TV provided in the cell had no functioning channels. In a disturbing revelation, Safdar informed the court that Imran Khan’s 68-year-old sister, Aleema Khanum, visited Adiala Jail 38 times without being granted a single meeting. The PTI founder has also been deprived of telephonic conversations with his sons for the last eight months. Safdar argued that this psychological torture is far more severe than physical violence and urged the court to intervene. He requested that a panel of three lawyers be formed to visit the jail and independently assess the conditions. He also demanded that Imran Khan be allowed a weekly phone call with his sons and that the jail authorities submit an affidavit committing to this arrangement. Justice Soomro noted that he had previously visited jails in Sindh when he was a senior judge there, but Aleema Khanum interjected, urging the judge to personally visit Adiala Jail to ascertain the reality. After hearing all parties, the court directed them to submit written reports and relevant legal references, after which an appropriate order would be issued.

  ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has asserted that the ruling coalition will complete its full five-year constitutional term, even as he acknowledged that political speculation intensifies after the two-and-a-half-year mark. The minister addressed a range of pressing political questions, from the possibility of an opposition alliance to the stability of the current government. Chaudhry began by offering a pragmatic observation about Pakistan’s political rhythm. “After two and a half years, the countdown for any government effectively begins,” he said. However, he quickly dispelled any notion that this countdown implies an early end for the present administration. “The five years will be completed in full,” he emphasized, “and the coalition will continue to function in exactly the same manner as it does today.” He expressed complete confidence that the ruling alliance, led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), remains cohesive and resilient against any internal or external pressures. When questioned about the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) – a key coalition partner – Chaudhry delivered a nuanced response. He acknowledged that the PPP possesses a certain political awareness, or “ehsas”, regarding its current position within the alliance. He went further to state that this awareness will only deepen with time. “The PPP has this feeling today, and more feeling will also come,” he remarked, suggesting that as the government progresses, all partners will increasingly recognize the mutual benefits of remaining united. He framed this evolving consciousness not as a threat, but as a natural part of political maturity within a multi-party democratic setup. One of the most emphatic parts of Chaudhry’s interview was his categorical dismissal of any potential alliance between the PPP and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He stated, “There is no possibility of an alliance between the PPP and the PTI,” calling such speculation unfounded and politically motivated. He further reassured the public and investors alike that the government faces no existential threat from the opposition. According to the minister, the opposition remains fragmented and lacks the numerical strength or public mandate to destabilize the elected administration. Chaudhry then elevated his argument beyond mere political expediency, framing the continuity of the coalition as a national imperative. “It is in the best interest of Pakistan and the entire political system that the current alliance continues to function as it is,” he declared. He warned that any premature disruption of the government would create a dangerous power vacuum at a time when the country is grappling with economic stabilization, security challenges, and the need for institutional reforms. He called on all political stakeholders to prioritize national unity over partisan scores. The minister also took the opportunity to defend the government’s performance on key issues, including inflation management, anti-terrorism operations, and diplomatic engagements. While conceding that difficulties persist, he argued that the government has set the foundation for long-term recovery and that the opposition’s role should be constructive criticism rather than obstructionism. He urged political parties to rise above personal rivalries and focus on the greater good of the nation. In his concluding remarks, Talal Chaudhry made it clear that while the government is not afraid of early elections, it is also not shirking its responsibilities. “We were elected for five years, and we will serve for five years,” he said firmly. He expressed confidence that the public will ultimately judge this administration on its tangible achievements, not on opposition rhetoric. He dismissed the “two-and-a-half-year countdown” as a political cliché rather than a prophecy, reiterating that the coalition will not only survive but thrive until the very last day of its term. Overall, the interview projected an image of a self-assured government determined to see through its tenure, while subtly reminding its coalition partners – especially the PPP – that their long-term political futures are best secured within the existing fold. Whether this confidence will translate into political reality remains to be seen, but for now, Chaudhry’s message was unambiguous: the alliance is stable, the system is strong, and the government is here to stay.