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LAHORE: Authorities have arrested 28 suspects in Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan as part of a major crackdown on organised online fraud, exposing alleged schemes that relied on impersonation, fake investment opportunities and fabricated official identities to deceive citizens. The arrests were made during a province-wide operation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab, directed by Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim, officials said. Investigators also seized 24 mobile phones and a laptop, which are now being examined for evidence that could lead to other members of the alleged network. The investigation has revealed how fraudsters allegedly manipulated trust to convince victims to hand over large sums of money. Millions allegedly lost in Lahore scam In Lahore, 18 suspects were arrested in separate operations. Investigators said the suspects allegedly impersonated relatives, visa agents, government officials and personnel associated with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority. In one case, suspects allegedly posed as both a relative and a visa agent and persuaded a victim to transfer Rs25.86 million. The case has highlighted how scammers can combine apparently familiar identities with urgent requests to make their schemes appear legitimate. Rs54.66m trading fraud uncovered Three suspects were arrested in Faisalabad in connection with alleged online trading fraud and unauthorised access to a company email account. According to investigators, a victim was shown fabricated trading records, digital-wallet balances and purported profit statements to create the impression that substantial returns were being generated. After being persuaded to invest, the victim allegedly lost Rs54.66 million, investigators said. The case demonstrates the growing sophistication of investment scams, where criminals allegedly use manipulated digital information to make fraudulent platforms appear genuine. Multan arrests expose impersonation tactics In Multan, seven suspects were arrested for allegedly posing as relatives, bank employees and individuals claiming to be based in Britain. Officials said victims were approached with various demands, including payments supposedly required for prize money, customs clearance, taxes and visa renewals. Such tactics typically create a sense of urgency, leaving victims with little time to verify the identity of the caller or the authenticity of the demand. Digital evidence now under forensic examination NCCIA investigators are examining the seized devices through forensic analysis. Financial transactions, call records and digital communications are also being reviewed to establish the full extent of the alleged operation and identify other people who may be connected to it. The crackdown comes amid growing concern over online financial fraud in Pakistan. The NCCIA’s own statistics identify financial fraud as a major category of reported cybercrime. The latest arrests underscore a simple but increasingly important warning: an apparently familiar voice, official-looking message or promising investment opportunity may not be what it seems. Authorities are expected to continue the investigation as they trace the alleged network and follow the digital and financial trails left behind.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with Colombia after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake devastated parts of the country, killing more than 111 people and leaving widespread destruction in its wake. The earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, with the epicentre near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region. The powerful tremor damaged hundreds of buildings and triggered desperate rescue operations as emergency workers searched through collapsed structures for survivors. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound grief over the loss of precious lives and the destruction caused by the disaster. He extended heartfelt condolences to Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, the people of Colombia and families who lost loved ones in the tragedy. “Pakistan stands with the people of Colombia in this difficult hour,” the prime minister said in his message, conveying solidarity with those facing the devastating consequences of the earthquake. Sharif also expressed sympathy for those injured and affected by the disaster, saying Pakistan’s thoughts and prayers were with the victims, survivors and rescue teams working in difficult conditions. The earthquake caused severe damage across several western cities, including Pereira, Cali, Quibdó and Manizales. Hospitals were placed under pressure as injured people were brought in, while rescue workers and volunteers continued clearing rubble in search of those feared trapped. Authorities also reported damage to infrastructure and airports, while aftershocks added to fears among residents. Colombia’s government declared an emergency to speed up rescue and relief operations. The disaster has prompted an international response, with countries offering assistance as Colombia confronts one of its most serious seismic emergencies in years. For Pakistan, the tragedy has once again highlighted the importance of international solidarity during natural disasters. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the Pakistani government and people shared the grief of Colombian families and prayed for strength, patience and an early recovery for everyone affected. As rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on saving lives, supporting survivors and helping devastated communities rebuild.

LAHORE: Schools across Punjab are set to reopen on August 24 following the summer vacation, with the provincial government directing education authorities to complete all necessary arrangements before students return to classrooms. Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has instructed relevant departments and school administrations to ensure that educational institutions are clean, secure and fully prepared for the new academic session. The minister directed school administrations to pay particular attention to the cleanliness of classrooms, washrooms, playgrounds and other areas of school premises. He also stressed the need to ensure the availability of safe and clean drinking water for students and staff. In view of the ongoing monsoon season, authorities have been asked to inspect and clean water tanks and school rooftops and ensure proper disinfection. Drainage systems should also be checked to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water, which can increase the risk of mosquito breeding and dengue fever. The education minister ordered school administrations to strictly follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at preventing dengue outbreaks. Officials have been directed to identify and remove potential mosquito breeding sites from school premises and ensure that no stagnant water remains in or around the institutions. Security arrangements have also been made a priority ahead of the reopening. The minister directed both government and private schools to ensure full compliance with prescribed security SOPs and make certain that CCTV cameras and other security equipment are operational before students arrive. Schools where construction or repair work is underway have been instructed to install proper barriers and restrict students’ access to potentially hazardous areas. The authorities have also been directed to inspect electrical installations throughout school buildings. School heads must ensure that fans, lights, switches, electrical sockets and wiring are in safe working condition to prevent accidents. Rana Sikandar Hayat further instructed heads of educational institutions to conduct a final inspection of their respective schools before reopening. He warned that negligence, delays or failure to comply with the government’s instructions would not be tolerated and could result in action against those responsible. The minister emphasized that all arrangements must be completed before August 24 so that students can return to school in a clean, safe and healthy environment.

PTI founder Imran Khan has been provided with eight books in jail following directions from the Islamabad High Court. A deputy superintendent of the jail said the prison authorities received the eight books from the Islamabad High Court. The court had directed the authorities to provide the books to Imran Khan. The jail administration subsequently handed all eight books over to the PTI founder. However, Khan returned four of the books to the jail authorities. He reportedly told officials that he had already read those books. The remaining books were kept with him after being delivered by the prison administration. The development comes after the Islamabad High Court issued directions regarding access to reading material for the former prime minister. The jail authorities confirmed that the court’s instructions regarding the books had been followed. Officials did not provide further details about the titles of the books that were delivered or returned. The provision of books gives Khan access to additional reading material during his time in prison.