National

MULTAN: Director General of the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Saif Anwar Jappa, met Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab, Fawad Hashim Rabbani, at the South Punjab Secretariat to review the ongoing monsoon situation and flood relief operations across the region. During the meeting, the Additional Chief Secretary congratulated Saif Anwar Jappa on his appointment as DG PDMA and expressed his best wishes for his new role. The PDMA chief gave a detailed briefing on the current flood and weather situation, as well as the relief measures being undertaken in affected areas. He said the authority, in coordination with all relevant departments, has accelerated rescue and relief operations in response to the ongoing monsoon emergency. Jappa said dewatering efforts, ration distribution and rescue activities are continuing in flood-affected areas. He added that teams are actively working to drain water from urban flood zones and restore damaged roads to ensure public access and safety. He further said all district administrations and emergency control rooms have been placed on high alert around the clock to respond swiftly to any developing situation. The PDMA is also using modern technology, including drones, to deliver life jackets and emergency relief supplies to inaccessible areas during emergencies, he said. According to the DG PDMA, priority is being given to identifying flood relief camps in vulnerable districts and ensuring the timely provision of food, clean drinking water, dry fodder for livestock and other essential supplies to affected families. Additional Chief Secretary Fawad Hashim Rabbani directed authorities to maintain strict monitoring of water flows in flood-prone areas of South Punjab and ensure timely preventive measures. He said the completion of two new protective embankments at Jalalpur Pirwala in a record period, under the directions of the Punjab government, has played a significant role in protecting the city from floodwaters. Rabbani also instructed officials to ensure the immediate evacuation of people living in riverine and low-lying areas where flood risks remain high. He further directed that rescue and relief teams remain fully prepared in the hilly areas of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur to respond promptly to any emergencies caused by flash floods and hill torrents during the ongoing monsoon season.

A Lahore court on Wednesday handed a four-day physical remand of a suspended assistant sub-inspector (ASI) to police for further investigation into the alleged rape of a mentally challenged young woman inside Ghaziabad Police Station. The suspect, identified as suspended ASI Imran, was presented before Judicial Magistrate Iram Yousaf by the investigating team. Police requested a 14-day physical remand, stating that further custody was necessary to collect evidence and complete the investigation into the alleged sexual assault. After hearing the arguments, the court approved a four-day physical remand instead of the two-week period sought by investigators. The suspect will remain in police custody while investigators continue gathering evidence and recording statements. The case has sparked widespread concern after authorities alleged that the incident occurred within the premises of a police station. Following the allegations, Lahore police suspended the entire staff of Ghaziabad Police Station, citing administrative failures, negligence and poor supervision. According to the first information report (FIR), the case was registered on August 3 under Section 376 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deals with rape, along with Section 155C of the Police Order 2002 concerning misconduct by police officials. The complaint was filed by the victim’s father. Police officials said senior officers immediately took notice of the incident after the FIR was registered. The accused officer was arrested, while departmental action was initiated against police personnel responsible for supervising the station. In a separate disciplinary move, authorities suspended 78 police officials posted at the station, holding them accountable for negligence and failure to ensure proper oversight. According to the complainant, his mentally challenged daughter, believed to be around 19 or 20 years old, left home on the afternoon of August 3 and did not return for several hours. During the search, a local resident allegedly informed the family that a policeman in plain clothes had taken the young woman away. The victim’s father said he rushed to the police station, where he was told that his daughter had already gone home. When the family returned, they found her distressed and crying. He alleged that his daughter told them she had been taken to the police station by a police officer and sexually assaulted. Following her statement, the family approached authorities and sought legal action against the accused officer.

The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Dera Ghazi Khan has announced the position holders for the 2026 Matric Annual Examinations ahead of the official declaration of results. Chairman Professor Dr Abdul Rauf unveiled the names of the top-performing students and congratulated the position holders and their parents on their outstanding achievement. Board Secretary Abdul Rehman Chaudhry, Controller of Examinations Professor Muzaffar Hussain, and other senior officials were present during the announcement ceremony. The board said the complete Matric Annual Examination results will be officially announced on August 6. Abdullah Saleem from Layyah secured first position across the DG Khan Board by scoring 1,191 marks. Mir Mujtaba from Taunsa Sharif claimed second position with 1,190 marks. The third position was shared by Farwah Ahmed from Muzaffargarh, Meerab Zahra from Layyah, and Syed Muhammad Jon Abbas from Layyah, with each student scoring 1,189 marks. Students from Layyah, Taunsa Sharif, and Muzaffargarh dominated the list of top achievers this year, reflecting the strong academic performance of the region. The announcement sparked celebrations among parents, teachers, and educational circles, who praised the students for their remarkable success. The position holders credited their achievement to hard work, the guidance of their teachers, and the prayers and support of their parents.

Prominent religious scholar Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman has called for urgent reforms in Pakistan’s justice and economic systems, saying that a legal framework that fails to deliver justice for decades cannot be considered fair. Addressing a gathering in Karachi on Tuesday, Mufti Muneeb said prolonged court cases lasting 40 years amount to injustice and place an enormous burden on ordinary citizens. He stressed that timely justice is essential for social stability and public trust in institutions. The scholar also urged those in power to focus on resolving Pakistan’s domestic challenges. He said leaders often discuss global issues, but greater attention should be given to pressing national matters, particularly economic concerns affecting millions of people. Referring to the energy sector, Mufti Muneeb called for a solution to issues related to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which have frequently been debated in Pakistan due to their impact on electricity costs and the national economy. He further highlighted the country’s financial difficulties, saying that after payments related to provincial allocations and debt obligations, limited resources remain for development and public welfare. Speaking at the same event, Maulana Bashir Farooqi expressed concern over the continuation of the interest-based banking system. He said there was a need for serious efforts to move toward alternative financial models and added that his organization was prepared to help train employees of conventional banks if reforms were introduced. The remarks come amid ongoing debates in Pakistan over judicial reforms, economic challenges and proposals for changes in the financial system.