National

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    MPhil student shot dead over marriage dispute, cou…

    A tragic incident in Kabeerwala has shocked the local community after a 28-year-old MPhil student was allegedly shot dead in connection with a marriage dispute. Police officials said the woman was targeted in a firing incident in the Sarai Sidhu area of Faridpur village. According to police, the victim belonged to the Haraj community and was allegedly attacked over a disagreement related to a marriage proposal. Initial investigations suggest that the woman was targeted by her cousin along with two other individuals, who allegedly opened fire at her. The incident took place in Faridpur village, where the victim lost her life after sustaining gunshot wounds. Following the attack, police reached the scene and began collecting evidence as part of the investigation. Authorities shifted the victim’s body to the Civil Hospital Kabeerwala for a post-mortem examination. Police said that legal proceedings have been initiated, and efforts are underway to locate and arrest the suspects allegedly involved in the killing. Officials have stated that the investigation is ongoing and further details will emerge after the completion of evidence collection and questioning of relevant individuals. Police teams are working to determine the exact circumstances behind the incident and establish the motive behind the attack. Cases involving disputes over marriage proposals and family disagreements have frequently raised concerns regarding violence against women. Legal experts and social observers have emphasized the need for stronger awareness, timely intervention, and effective enforcement of laws to prevent such tragedies. The death of the young scholar has caused grief among residents, particularly those who knew her academic journey. As an MPhil student, she was pursuing higher education and had aspirations for her future before the incident brought her life to a sudden end. Police officials have assured that all available resources are being used to investigate the case and bring those responsible to justice. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

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    Gold price in Pakistan hits record high after anot…

    Gold and silver prices continued their upward trend in both international and local markets, with gold reaching another historic level in Pakistan. The latest increase has pushed the price of gold per tola to a new record high, creating fresh concerns for buyers and investors. According to market data, the international bullion market witnessed another major rise on Wednesday, with gold prices increasing by $46 per ounce. Following the surge, the global gold price reached $4,114 per ounce, reflecting continued strength in the precious metals market. The impact of rising international prices was also seen in Pakistan’s local bullion markets. The price of 24-carat gold increased by Rs. 4,600 per tola, bringing the new rate to Rs. 433,836 per tola. This marks another significant jump in gold prices after gains were also recorded in the previous trading session. Similarly, the price of gold per 10 grams increased by Rs. 3,944, reaching Rs. 371,944 in local markets. The continuous rise has made gold increasingly expensive for consumers, particularly those planning weddings, investments, or savings through precious metals. Silver prices also recorded an increase alongside gold. The price of silver per tola rose by Rs. 7, reaching Rs. 6,403, while the price of 10 grams of silver increased by Rs. 6 to Rs. 5,489. Market analysts link the rise in precious metal prices to global economic factors, including investor demand for safe-haven assets, international market trends, and fluctuations affecting commodity prices. Gold is often considered a secure investment during periods of uncertainty, which can increase demand and push prices higher. The latest increase continues a trend of rising gold prices in recent days, with both global and local markets showing strong momentum. Traders and investors are closely monitoring international developments as further changes in global markets could influence gold and silver rates in Pakistan. With gold prices reaching unprecedented levels, consumers are advised to keep track of daily market updates before making major purchases. The bullion market remains sensitive to international price movements, currency changes, and economic conditions that can quickly impact local rates.

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    55-year-old security guard missing in Lahore, Kidn…

    A private company security guard has reportedly gone missing from Lahore’s Nasirabad area, after which police registered a case of alleged abduction. Authorities have started an investigation to trace the missing man and determine the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. According to police officials, the case was registered on the complaint of the missing security guard’s daughter. The missing person has been identified as 55-year-old Ijaz Hussain, who was working as a security guard at a private company. In her statement to police, the guard’s daughter said that her father was unwell and had gone to Gulab Devi Hospital to get medicine and have tea. However, despite efforts to locate him, the family was unable to find any information about his whereabouts. Following the complaint, police registered a case and began collecting details as part of the investigation. Officials said that efforts are underway to trace the missing security guard and identify any possible suspects involved in the incident. Police teams are reportedly reviewing available information and taking necessary steps to find clues regarding the disappearance. Authorities have assured the family that the matter is being investigated and all possible measures are being taken to locate the missing man. Cases involving missing persons require immediate action, as early investigation and evidence collection can play an important role in determining the facts. Police officials have encouraged anyone with relevant information about the incident to cooperate with investigators. The investigation into the alleged abduction remains ongoing, and further developments are expected as police continue their efforts to recover the missing security guard and establish what happened.

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    PPP leader Nadeem Afzal Chan criticizes Punjab gov…

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Central Secretary for Information Nadeem Afzal Chan has strongly responded to a speech delivered by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during a public gathering in Muzaffarabad. In his statement, Chan accused the Punjab chief minister of making false allegations against the Pakistan Peoples Party and rejected the claims made during her address. Responding to Maryam Nawaz’s remarks, Nadeem Afzal Chan said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) should focus on addressing its own governance challenges instead of criticizing political opponents. He alleged that the party’s poor governance and corruption had negatively affected Punjab and claimed that the current condition of the province reflected years of administrative failure. Chan argued that the slogan of “Clean Punjab” had remained only a political promise and had not translated into meaningful improvements on the ground. According to him, the situation across the province demonstrates that many of the commitments made by the Punjab government have not been fulfilled.   Referring to the recent heavy rainfall in different parts of Punjab, the PPP leader claimed that a single spell of rain exposed weaknesses in the province’s infrastructure and urban management. He said that roads in several cities were submerged under water, creating serious difficulties for residents and disrupting normal daily life. Many people, he alleged, were forced to remain inside their homes because flooded streets made travel difficult and unsafe.   Nadeem Afzal Chan specifically mentioned the cities of Gujranwala and Layyah, describing their condition after the rainfall as particularly concerning. According to him, streets, markets, and residential areas in these cities resembled rivers and streams due to inadequate drainage systems. He argued that the flooding highlighted shortcomings in planning and municipal services despite repeated claims of development by the provincial government.   The PPP leader further criticized what he described as excessive government spending on publicity campaigns. He said billions of rupees had allegedly been spent on advertisements promoting the Punjab government’s performance, but the actual situation experienced by citizens painted a very different picture. In his view, the condition of roads and public infrastructure after the rainfall contradicted the government’s claims of effective governance and development.   Chan also accused the Punjab government of setting new records for corruption, alleging that financial irregularities had become a growing concern under the current administration. He claimed that additional controversies could emerge in the near future, including what he described as a potential wheat-related scandal. According to him, the details of the matter would soon become public, though he did not provide specific evidence to support the allegation. The remarks by Nadeem Afzal Chan reflect the continuing political rivalry between the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, with both parties frequently criticizing each other’s governance and policy decisions. Political exchanges between government and opposition leaders have intensified in recent months, particularly over issues related to public services, infrastructure, and economic management. The Punjab government has not immediately responded to Chan’s latest allegations. As political debate continues, issues such as urban infrastructure, flood management, public spending, and governance remain central topics in Pakistan’s political discourse, with both government and opposition parties presenting differing views on the province’s performance and future priorities.

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    JI Secretary General Ameerul Azeem passes away

    Ameer-ul-Azeem, Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan, has passed away after a prolonged illness. His funeral prayers will be offered at 5:00 pm today at Mansoora, Lahore. A Jamaat-e-Islami spokesperson confirmed his death, saying he had been battling cancer for a long time. Before becoming the party’s Secretary General, he served for many years as the central Secretary for Information. Born in Lahore in 1958, Ameer-ul-Azeem completed his matriculation from Islamia School Sant Nagar and his intermediate studies at Islamia College Railway Road. He later earned a BSc in Physics and Double Mathematics from Islamia College Civil Lines and an MBA from the University of the Punjab. He became associated with Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba (IJT) during his school years and later served as the elected president of the Punjab University Students’ Union. He also held the position of Nazim-e-Aala (Chief Organizer) of IJT. During General Zia-ul-Haq’s rule, Ameer-ul-Azeem led a long march demanding the restoration of student unions and was imprisoned for his role in the movement. While in jail, he was elected as the head of Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba. He later served as Jamaat-e-Islami’s central Secretary for Information, Secretary General of the party’s Lahore chapter, and Ameer of Lahore. In 2019, he was appointed Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan by then party chief Siraj-ul-Haq following consultation with the party’s Central Shura.

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    PAC flags Rs19bn BISP payment irregularities

    A subcommittee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised concerns over financial irregularities in the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) after audit officials revealed that more than Rs19 billion was paid outside the beneficiaries’ respective provinces or districts. The meeting was chaired by subcommittee convener Moeen Aamir Pirzada. Members reviewed a series of audit objections related to BISP covering the financial years from 2010-11 to 2022-23. During the briefing, audit officials informed the committee that payments worth over Rs19 billion had been made in locations different from the beneficiaries’ registered districts or provinces. The audit team said the transactions required further scrutiny to determine whether they resulted from administrative weaknesses, verification gaps or possible misuse of the programme. Committee members expressed concern over the findings and stressed the need for stronger monitoring and accountability in the country’s largest social welfare programme. They said public funds intended for deserving families must be distributed through a transparent and well-monitored system. The subcommittee examined the audit observations in detail and sought explanations from the relevant BISP officials regarding the irregular payments. Officials were asked to clarify how such payments were processed and whether adequate checks were in place to prevent similar cases. The committee also discussed measures to improve the verification process, strengthen oversight and ensure that future payments are made only to eligible beneficiaries through proper channels. Members emphasized that any financial irregularities should be investigated thoroughly and those responsible should be held accountable.

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    Court rejects Gohar’s FIR plea against PM

    A district and sessions court in Islamabad has dismissed a petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, who had sought the registration of a criminal case against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and several other senior government officials over the events of the November 26 protest. The court issued a detailed 17-page written judgment, outlining the reasons for rejecting the application. The verdict was authored by Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka, who concluded that the petitioner had failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify the registration of a first information report (FIR). According to the judgment, Barrister Gohar was given multiple opportunities to appear before the court and record his statement as an eyewitness. However, the court noted that he did not record his testimony despite repeated chances. The ruling further stated that the petitioner neither presented eyewitnesses nor submitted legally admissible evidence in support of his allegations. The court observed that the application relied mainly on claims without providing documentary or forensic material required to initiate criminal proceedings. The petition alleged that 12 people lost their lives and more than 38 PTI supporters were injured during the November 26 protest. However, the court noted that no post-mortem reports, death certificates, medical records, digital videos, photographs or other primary evidence were produced to verify the claims. The judgment emphasized that criminal action cannot be initiated against senior public officeholders solely on the basis of verbal allegations. It said there must be credible and legally admissible evidence before the court can direct the registration of an FIR against high-ranking officials. Among those named in the petition were Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Atta Tarar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Islamabad Inspector General of Police Ali Nasir, DIG Operations Ali Raza, SSP Operations Zeeshan Haider and other officials. The court also observed that if the petitioner believed that government institutions were not cooperating in the investigation, he had legal options available under Pakistani law. These included approaching the courts for further investigative measures, including exhumation where legally justified. The judgment noted that no such legal remedies were pursued.

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    Petrol up Rs6.39, diesel Rs7.83

    The federal government has announced an increase in the prices of major petroleum products, including petrol, high-speed diesel and kerosene oil. The revised prices came into effect from today and will remain applicable for one day, according to official notifications. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) issued a notification confirming the increase in fuel prices. The revised rates were also endorsed through a separate notification issued by the Petroleum Division. Under the new pricing structure, the price of petrol has been increased by Rs6.39 per litre. Following the increase, the new retail price of petrol has been fixed at Rs327.12 per litre. The price of high-speed diesel (HSD) has also been revised upward. It has been increased by Rs7.83 per litre, taking the new price to Rs375.04 per litre. The government has also raised the price of kerosene oil by Rs7.80 per litre. The new price has been set at Rs297.17 per litre. The revised fuel prices became effective immediately after the issuance of the official notifications. According to the government, these rates will remain in force for one day only. The increase is expected to affect transportation costs and fuel expenses for consumers during the period in which the revised prices remain applicable. Petrol is widely used by private vehicles and motorcycles, while high-speed diesel is consumed by heavy transport vehicles, public transport, agriculture and industrial sectors. Kerosene oil is commonly used in remote areas for cooking and heating purposes.

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    Three suspected robbers killed in Karachi police e…

    KARACHI: Three suspected robbers were killed during a police encounter in the Umar Brohi Goth area of Gulshan-e-Maymar, Karachi, police said. According to officials, the suspects had taken shelter inside a house. Acting on information about their presence, police reached the location and launched an operation. The suspects allegedly opened fire at the police team, prompting officers to return fire. Three suspects sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange. Police shifted them to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, but all three reportedly died while en route. Police identified the deceased suspects as Suresh, Ramchand and Anil. Authorities said the three men were allegedly involved in several criminal activities, and investigators are now collecting details of their previous criminal records to determine their involvement in other cases. A police officer also suffered injuries during the encounter and received medical treatment at a hospital. Officials said the investigation into the incident remains underway. Meanwhile, police carried out operations in other parts of Karachi and arrested five more suspected robbers. Authorities said further investigations are in progress, while efforts continue to trace and apprehend other suspects involved in street crime and robbery cases across the city.

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    Maryam hits back at Bilawal with video proof

    Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has responded to criticism by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari by releasing video footage showcasing the condition of roads, streets, and sanitation in several cities across Punjab. The response followed Bilawal’s address at an election rally in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), where he questioned the state of development and municipal services in different parts of Punjab. During his speech, Bilawal raised concerns about the condition of cities beyond Lahore and asked whether residents of other districts were receiving the same level of attention and development. Soon after the speech, Maryam Aurangzeb shared a series of videos on social media. The footage focused on the same cities mentioned by Bilawal. According to her, the videos were intended to present the actual situation on the ground and respond directly to the questions raised during the rally. The videos highlighted roads, streets, and cleanliness operations in different districts. They showed paved roads, cleaned streets, and sanitation activities carried out by local authorities. Maryam Aurangzeb maintained that the footage reflected the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and public services across Punjab. She gave special attention to Vehari and Kasur, two districts specifically mentioned by Bilawal in his speech. To answer his criticism, she shared separate videos from both cities. The footage displayed roads, residential streets, and cleanliness arrangements, which she described as evidence of the government’s development work. Maryam Aurangzeb said the videos served as visual proof of the progress made in Punjab. She maintained that the provincial government was working to improve civic facilities in both major cities and smaller districts, rather than focusing only on Lahore. https://x.com/i/status/2079953668946976948