فیچرڈ

  At least three people were killed and four others sustained injuries in a shooting incident near Charsadda Adda in Peshawar, according to local police authorities. The tragic incident, which occurred following a heated domestic dispute, has shocked residents of the area and prompted an immediate police investigation. Police officials stated that the shooting took place after an argument between two groups of relatives escalated into a violent confrontation. What initially began as a disagreement over family matters quickly turned deadly when firearms were used. The exchange of gunfire resulted in the deaths of three individuals at the scene, while four others were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. The condition of the injured has not yet been officially disclosed. Law enforcement authorities responded swiftly after receiving reports of the incident. Police teams reached the crime scene, secured the area, and began collecting evidence. The bodies of the deceased were shifted to a hospital for legal formalities and post-mortem examinations, while investigators interviewed witnesses to determine the exact sequence of events. According to the police, a formal case has been registered at Faqirabad Police Station, and efforts are underway to identify and arrest those responsible for the shooting. Authorities have launched a search operation to locate the suspects, who reportedly fled the scene immediately after the incident. Police officials expressed confidence that those involved would soon be brought to justice. Preliminary investigations indicate that both groups involved in the incident are closely related. Police believe the violence stemmed from a long-standing domestic dispute that escalated beyond control. Although the exact nature of the disagreement has not been officially revealed, investigators are examining all aspects of the family conflict to establish the motive behind the shooting. Family disputes turning violent remain a serious concern in various parts of Pakistan, where disagreements over property, inheritance, financial issues, or personal matters can sometimes escalate into deadly confrontations. Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly urged citizens to resolve conflicts through legal and peaceful means rather than resorting to violence. The incident has created an atmosphere of fear and sadness among local residents, many of whom expressed concern over the increasing use of firearms in personal disputes. Community members have called on authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and to strengthen measures aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future. Police officials emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages and that additional details will be made public as evidence is collected and witness statements are recorded. Authorities are also reviewing forensic evidence from the crime scene to support the investigation. The tragic shooting serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of unresolved family conflicts and the dangers associated with the misuse of weapons. As the investigation continues, the families of the victims await justice, while local authorities remain committed to apprehending the suspects and uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The police have assured the public that every effort is being made to complete the investigation promptly and transparently. Further updates are expected as the search for the accused continues and more information becomes available through the ongoing inquiry.

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has approved a Rs13 billion supplementary grant to help Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) overcome its worsening financial difficulties, while also authorizing sovereign guarantees worth Rs34.6 billion for the Sialkot–Kharian Motorway project. The decisions were made during a virtual meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had requested Rs20 billion to cover PTV’s salaries, allowances, utility bills, and other essential operational expenses. However, the ECC approved Rs13 billion, which will be released in quarterly installments of approximately Rs3.25 billion. PTV, which operates under the Pakistan Television Corporation Act and is headed by Information Secretary Ashfaq Ahmed Khokhar as its Managing Director, has been facing mounting financial challenges. According to the Ministry of Finance’s latest report, the broadcaster’s revenue declined by 22 percent during fiscal year 2024-25, falling to Rs14.3 billion. The corporation also recorded a net loss of Rs639 million, placing it among Pakistan’s 20 largest loss-making state-owned enterprises. The ECC also cleared sovereign guarantees totaling Rs34.6 billion for the 69-kilometre Sialkot–Kharian Motorway project. The motorway is being developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and was awarded in September 2021 to Sialkot Kharian Infrastructure Management (Private) Limited, a subsidiary of the Frontier Works Organization (FWO). The approved guarantees include Rs17.4 billion for Capital Viability Gap Funding, Rs10.3 billion to facilitate commercial borrowing, and nearly Rs7 billion for Operational Viability Gap Funding. In addition, the Ministry of Finance confirmed that the ECC authorized Rs27.62 billion in fresh sovereign guarantees and approved the rollover of Rs6.94 billion in existing operational viability funding to help the project achieve financial close under its revised financing structure. The government had already revised the PPP agreement for the motorway in February this year, requiring the concessionaire to complete financial arrangements within six months. Rising construction costs, inflation, higher interest rates, and design modifications prompted a restructuring of the project’s financial framework. As part of the revised agreement, the concession period has been extended from 25 years to 29 years. During the first year of operations, toll rates are expected to start at Rs4.1 per kilometre for cars, around Rs10 for minibuses, Rs13.7 for large buses, and Rs23 per kilometre for heavy trucks. The Ministry of Finance estimates that new sovereign guarantees worth Rs683 billion will be issued between April 2026 and June 2027 for various public projects and state-owned entities. Pakistan’s total sovereign guarantees currently stand at Rs4.4 trillion and are projected to exceed Rs5 trillion by June next year. More than Rs2.4 trillion of these guarantees support the power sector, while Rs895 billion have been allocated for commodity procurement and storage operations.

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the people of Kashmir on Kashmir Exploitation Day, urging the international community to play a more active role in resolving the longstanding dispute. In his message, President Zardari said lasting peace in South Asia depends on a peaceful and just settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir issue. He stated that India’s actions cannot alter the internationally recognized status of the dispute or weaken the determination of the Kashmiri people, adding that Pakistan will continue to stand firmly with them. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the measures introduced by India since August 2019 have led to increased repression and restrictions on fundamental freedoms in the region. He also accused India of attempting to alter the demographic composition of the occupied territory. The prime minister called on the international community to move beyond expressions of concern and play a responsible role in achieving a fair and lasting resolution to the Kashmir dispute. He also urged India to end alleged human rights violations in the occupied valley and reverse the unilateral measures introduced in August 2019.

CHILAS: Torrential rains triggered flooding in Chilas, disrupting daily life, damaging farmland, and claiming lives as severe weather continued to affect several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Floodwaters inundated streams and water channels, causing widespread destruction to agricultural land and crops. Authorities also closed the Babusar Road to all traffic after floodwaters made the route unsafe for travel. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), six people have lost their lives and another six have been injured in rain-related incidents across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since July 29. The agency said at least 65 houses have also been damaged. Rain-related emergencies were reported in Abbottabad, Peshawar, Swat, Buner, Khyber, Chitral and several other districts, where rescue and relief efforts remain underway. Meanwhile, the Flood Forecasting Division in Lahore reported that low-level flooding continues at the Kalabagh, Chashma and Guddu barrages along the Indus River, with authorities closely monitoring the evolving situation.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has highlighted a series of ongoing and planned infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity, boosting trade and promoting tourism across Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. Speaking at a ceremony held to honour police martyrs, the minister said the proposed extension of the Murree Expressway to Muzaffarabad will provide modern travel facilities, while the MNJC Motorway will offer an alternative route to the Karakoram Highway, strengthening Pakistan’s strategic road link with China. He said the Sialkot-Kharian-Rawalpindi Highway will reduce the distance between Islamabad and Lahore by around 100 kilometres and cut travel time by more than an hour. In Karachi, he noted that the M-10 and Lyari Expressway are improving cargo movement from the city’s port, while construction on the M-6 Motorway is expected to begin soon. Aleem Khan added that work is progressing on the Guru Nanak Expressway, which will connect Kartarpur with Nankana Sahib to promote religious tourism and facilitate Sikh pilgrims from around the world. He also said infrastructure development is advancing on tourist routes in Gilgit, the N-25 Highway is expected to be completed next year, and the M-8 Motorway projects in Balochistan will strengthen regional connectivity and cross-border trade with Iran. Paying tribute to police martyrs, the minister described their sacrifices as a lasting symbol of courage and praised the Motorway Police for their professionalism. He announced plans to establish modern police stations, dedicated parking areas and emergency ambulance services near toll plazas to improve the safety of patrolling officers. Aleem Khan also highlighted the National Highway Authority’s financial progress, saying its revenue has increased from Rs66 billion in 2024 to more than Rs127 billion in 2026. He said the improved financial position has enabled Pakistan to expand its motorway and highway network using domestic resources without relying on external funding. Inspector General of Motorway Police Sultan Ahmad Chaudhry also paid tribute to the fallen officers, reaffirming the department’s commitment to supporting the families of martyrs and honouring their sacrifices.

KARACHI: Signs of reconciliation have begun to emerge within the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) after a violent confrontation at the party’s Bahadurabad headquarters, with senior leaders initiating behind-the-scenes contacts to ease tensions and restore unity. Two days after the clash, senior party figures, including Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and Anees Qaimkhani, visited the party’s central office to discuss organizational affairs. Speaking to reporters, Mustafa Kamal rejected speculation of an internal power struggle, insisting that the party remained united despite recent events. According to sources, communication has been established between the two rival camps—one led by Mustafa Kamal and the other by Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui—in an effort to defuse tensions. A joint press conference is reportedly being considered as part of efforts to present a united front, although party leaders have neither confirmed nor denied the possibility. Notably, close associates of Siddiqui, who also serves as the party’s convener, did not attend the meeting at the headquarters. Despite the passage of two days since the confrontation, which reportedly involved a physical altercation and aerial firing, police have yet to register a First Information Report (FIR). Officials said no faction of the party has formally approached law enforcement to lodge a complaint. If neither side files a case, authorities are expected to register one on behalf of the state. Police sources said a draft FIR has already been prepared and is awaiting approval from senior officials before being formally registered. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have carried out raids and detained several MQM-P office-bearers and workers suspected of involvement in the violence. Officials said those currently in custody could face formal arrest once the FIR is registered, as investigations into the incident continue.

VEHARI: A motorcycle mechanic has been arrested in Punjab’s Vehari district after videos allegedly showing him assaulting two young brothers working as apprentices at his repair shop spread widely on social media, prompting swift police action. According to the incident took place within the jurisdiction of Karam Pur Police Station. The suspect, identified as Israr Ahmad, allegedly attacked the two boys—nine-year-old Faizan and 10-year-old Ali Ahmar—over what authorities described as a minor dispute while they were learning motorcycle repair skills at his workshop. Police said the frightened children ran to a nearby public bathhouse in an attempt to escape, but the mechanic allegedly chased them and continued the assault there. The incident gained widespread attention after videos of the alleged abuse went viral online. Following the public outcry, Vehari District Police Officer Tasawur Iqbal ordered immediate legal action against the suspect. Acting on the directive, Station House Officer Muhammad Zulfiqar Jatt and his team registered a case based on the complaint of a police official and arrested the accused. Authorities said the suspect has been booked under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including charges related to criminal intimidation and child abuse, while investigators continue to examine the case. District Police Officer Tasawur Iqbal said violence against children would not be tolerated under any circumstances, adding that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found responsible for abusing minors or taking the law into their own hands.