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Haripur: A minor dispute between two groups turned deadly in Haripur’s Paniyan area, leaving one brother dead and another critically injured. The incident sparked widespread public outrage, leading to a seven-hour protest against the police and the suspension of several officers. According to local sources, the confrontation reportedly began over a trivial disagreement involving people sitting outside a house. The argument quickly escalated into a violent clash between two groups, during which one young man was killed while his brother sustained critical injuries and was rushed for medical treatment. The incident triggered strong reactions from local residents, who accused the police of releasing the nominated suspects after allegedly accepting money from them. Protesters blocked the Silk Road (Shahrah-e-Resham) and continued their demonstration for nearly seven hours, demanding justice for the victims and action against those responsible. Following mounting public pressure, Haripur District Police Officer (DPO) Shafiullah Gandapur suspended the Station House Officer (SHO) of Paniyan Police Station along with five other police personnel. Another police official was placed under quarter guard over allegations of misconduct. The DPO also ordered a departmental inquiry to investigate the officers’ handling of the case. Sources further claimed that a police official was suspended over allegations of accepting Rs10,000 from the victim’s family. Authorities have not yet confirmed the bribery allegation, and the matter remains under investigation. Late at night, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Member of the National Assembly Babar Nawaz Khan met with the protesters in an effort to negotiate a peaceful resolution. Following successful talks between police officials and community representatives, the protest ended and the blocked GT Road was reopened for traffic. Speaking to the media, DPO Shafiullah Gandapur stated that strict departmental action was being taken against any police personnel found negligent in the performance of their duties. He emphasized that the law applies equally to everyone and assured the public that a transparent investigation would be conducted to ensure accountability. The investigation into both the fatal clash and the allegations of police misconduct is ongoing.

A tragic incident occurred in Chak 33 SP, a village in Pakistan’s Pakpattan district, where the roof of an old and dilapidated house collapsed during heavy rainfall, claiming the lives of two young children and leaving their mother seriously injured. The heartbreaking accident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by weak and poorly maintained structures, particularly during the monsoon season when continuous rain often weakens aging buildings. According to rescue officials, the incident took place while rain was falling in the area. The roof of the deteriorating house suddenly gave way, trapping members of the family beneath the debris. Neighbors rushed to the scene immediately after hearing the loud crash and attempted to help the victims before emergency rescue teams arrived. Rescue personnel quickly launched an operation to remove the debris and recover those trapped inside the collapsed house. After an intensive rescue effort, two children were pulled from the rubble but were found to have died from their injuries. Their mother, who was also trapped under the collapsed roof, was rescued alive but sustained serious injuries. Rescue sources confirmed that the bodies of the deceased children and the injured woman were shifted to a nearby hospital. Medical teams provided emergency treatment to the injured mother, while the children’s bodies were handed over for the necessary legal and medical procedures before being released to the family for burial. The tragic deaths have left the local community in deep shock and mourning. Residents gathered at the site to assist rescue workers and expressed grief over the heartbreaking loss of two innocent lives. Many locals also voiced concerns about the condition of old houses in the area, noting that numerous families continue to live in unsafe structures because they cannot afford repairs or reconstruction. Heavy monsoon rains frequently expose the vulnerability of aging homes across many parts of Pakistan. Weak roofs and deteriorating walls become increasingly unstable after prolonged rainfall, increasing the risk of collapse. Such incidents often result in injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage, particularly in rural areas where many houses are built with older construction materials and receive little maintenance. Authorities have repeatedly advised residents living in damaged or structurally weak buildings to take precautionary measures during periods of heavy rainfall. However, financial constraints often prevent families from repairing or rebuilding their homes, leaving them exposed to life-threatening risks whenever severe weather strikes. Disaster management experts stress the importance of inspecting old buildings before and during the monsoon season. Timely repairs, stronger construction standards, and public awareness campaigns can help reduce the likelihood of similar tragedies. Local administrations are also encouraged to identify vulnerable structures and provide assistance to families living in hazardous conditions. The incident in Chak 33 SP serves as another painful reminder of the devastating consequences that aging infrastructure and extreme weather can have on vulnerable communities. As the injured mother continues to receive medical treatment, the family and the entire village are grieving the loss of the two children whose lives were cut short in the tragic roof collapse. The unfortunate event underscores the urgent need for improved housing safety measures and greater support for families residing in unsafe homes, particularly during Pakistan’s annual monsoon season.

Pakistan’s Senate Health Subcommittee held an important meeting to discuss concerns surrounding the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), the country’s medical education policies, and the increasing number of students pursuing medical education abroad. The session was chaired by Senator Samina Zehri, the convener of the subcommittee, and attended by Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, Senator Anusha Rahman, Senator Shahzaib, and officials from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). During the meeting, Senator Samina Zehri highlighted the significant differences between Pakistan’s FSc (Faculty of Science) education system and the internationally recognized A-Level qualification. She remarked that Pakistan’s education system is well known for its challenges and that the disparity between the two academic streams should not be overlooked when formulating admission policies for medical colleges. Responding to these concerns, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal stated that the MDCAT examination is designed in a way that does not favor either A-Level or FSc students. He explained that the test includes questions that can be answered by candidates from both educational backgrounds, ensuring fairness in the admission process. According to the minister, the examination aims to assess students’ knowledge and aptitude rather than the curriculum they have studied. Mustafa Kamal further suggested that a detailed analysis should be conducted to determine how students from different educational backgrounds perform in the MDCAT. He pointed out that approximately 95,000 students had passed the examination and proposed collecting data from the past five years to determine how many successful candidates came from A-Level and FSc backgrounds. Such data, he said, would provide evidence-based insights for future policy decisions. The minister also assured members of the committee that the details of the assessment committee responsible for the MDCAT would be submitted within 24 hours. In response, Senator Anusha Rahman stated that the Senate committee was currently assisting the ministry in reviewing the admission process and therefore required complete information about the committee members involved in preparing and evaluating the examination. Following the discussion, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal formally assured the committee that all requested information regarding the assessment committee would be provided within the promised timeframe. During the meeting, Senator Anusha Rahman also called for a review of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council’s (PMDC) current policies. She emphasized the need to reassess regulations to ensure they effectively address the concerns of students and maintain the credibility of Pakistan’s medical education system. Senator Shahzaib raised another important issue regarding Pakistani students who intend to pursue higher medical education abroad. He questioned why graduates of Pakistani universities who plan to enroll in medical institutions overseas are still required to take the MDCAT. Referring to a recently issued advertisement, he noted that the existing policy appears to require these students to pass the admission test even if they have no intention of studying medicine within Pakistan. In response, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal acknowledged the concern and assured the committee that the policy would be reviewed. Senator Anusha Rahman added that while reviewing the policy, authorities should also ensure that students planning to study abroad avoid enrolling in institutions that have been identified as “red-flag” universities or those lacking proper accreditation. The Chairman of the PMDC Reforms Committee informed the meeting that students intending to study medicine overseas are required to register with the PMDC before leaving the country. This registration process, he explained, helps the regulatory body monitor students and maintain standards for foreign medical qualifications. Highlighting another major concern, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal stated that around 40,000 Pakistani students travel abroad each year for medical education, taking an estimated US$800 million out of the country. He stressed that this represents a significant financial outflow and underlined the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s own medical education system. However, Senator Anusha Rahman offered a different perspective, arguing that many of these students eventually return to Pakistan after completing their education and contribute to the country’s economy through their professional earnings. She suggested that while the government should improve local opportunities, it should also recognize the long-term benefits that internationally educated professionals can bring back to Pakistan.