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President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior officials have deposited numerous gifts received from foreign dignitaries in the Toshakhana. The government has released details of gifts received by senior officeholders during the recent period. The Cabinet Division has also made records of gifts received by public officials since 2002 available on its official website. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said details of deposited gifts are published periodically. He said the records cover gifts received by the president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, federal ministers and other government officials. However, the names of the foreign dignitaries who presented the gifts have not been made public. The Cabinet Division has stated that the valuation of some of the newly listed gifts is still being completed. It has also clarified that the published information is based on records and declarations submitted by individuals and departments. The records show that President Zardari received several valuable and ceremonial items. These included a tea set, sword, golden desert model, woollen overcoat and a Vacheron Constantin Geneve wristwatch. Other gifts listed for the president included a decorative piece, ceremonial sabre set, chessboard, serving bowl and an oil painting. First Lady Assefa Bhutto-Zardari and Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari also received jewellery. The records show that both received necklaces. Jewellery sets were also listed among their gifts. Assefa Bhutto-Zardari additionally received a Kumis set. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also received a wide range of gifts. The items included shields, souvenirs, portraits, ties, frames and swords. Some jewellery items were also listed among the gifts received by the prime minister. The records further show several watches, including Rolex and Patek Philippe models. Other items included a coin, traditional dress, clock, sugar bowl and car model. Cups, pens and cufflinks were also among the listed gifts. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar received several items as well. His gifts included a decorative piece and a traditional Chinese stamp. The records also mention a Burmese string puppet, a Myanmar cultural frame, a Rolex watch, vase, medal and Chinese leather belt. Dar also received an Egyptian statue, pen and cufflink set. Several other federal officials were also listed in the records. Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema received a book about Uzbekistan and a T-shirt. Economic Affairs Secretary M. Humair Karim received a ballpoint pen. Information Minister Tarar was listed as having received a Rolex watch. Several members of the president’s staff also received watches. These included the military secretary, chief security officer, Air ADC, principal staff officer and presidential spokesperson. National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq received a large ceramic jar. Senator Saleem Mandviwalla received a Bvlgari watch. Former NAB chairman retired Lt Gen Nazir Ahmed received a wristwatch and an INTERPOL commemorative book. Deputy Chief of State Protocol Hafeezullah received a Tag Heuer watch. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi received a Rolex watch and a hand-chased tea set. Prime Minister’s spokesperson for foreign media Mosharraf Ali Zaidi received a Tag Heuer watch. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhter received a hand-chased tea set with 24-karat gold plating. The government has said the details of Toshakhana gifts will continue to be uploaded periodically. The Cabinet Division has also placed a disclaimer on the records. It said the information is based on available records and declarations made by officials and departments under the rules applicable at the time.

Security sources said that armed members of the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) abducted a courier company’s mini-truck along with two people from the Khad Koocha area on July 24. According to the sources, the kidnappers demanded Rs25 million in ransom from the courier company on July 26 and threatened to kill the hostages if the money was not paid. Security sources said the proscribed BLA is involved not only in terrorism but also in criminal activities, including bank robberies, vehicle theft, extortion and kidnapping for ransom. They said such incidents indicate the involvement of criminal networks in activities that can also serve as a source of financing for terrorism. The sources said ordinary Baloch citizens, local traders and peace in Balochistan suffer the most from such activities. They added that such actions are also aimed at creating fear and insecurity among residents and disrupting the peaceful environment in the region.

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court has directed a citizen named Quaid-e-Azam to appear before the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Board after his Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) was blocked. The matter came before the court after the citizen challenged the blocking of his CNIC through a petition. A division bench comprising Justice Waqar Ahmed and Justice Inamullah Khan heard the case. During the proceedings, the petitioner’s lawyer told the court that his client was a businessman. He said the citizen’s CNIC had been blocked and requested the court to intervene in the matter. The lawyer sought relief against the action taken against his client. He maintained that the blocking of the identity card had affected the citizen and required judicial consideration. A NADRA representative also appeared before the court. The Director Legal of NADRA informed the bench that the CNIC had not been blocked without reason. He said the authority had found the petitioner’s identity record suspicious. According to NADRA, the issue required further verification of the citizen’s record and identity documents. After hearing both sides, the court did not immediately order the restoration of the CNIC. Instead, the bench directed the petitioner to appear before the NADRA Board. The court’s direction means that the petitioner will have an opportunity to present his position before the relevant authority. NADRA will then examine the matter in accordance with its verification process. The case highlights the importance of accurate identity records and the procedures followed when questions arise over a citizen’s documentation. The court’s order also provides a formal channel for the petitioner to address the concerns raised by NADRA

A railway bridge near Mission Caller on the Sheikhupura-Lahore section was damaged after a strong flood surge hit the area, disrupting train services between Lahore and Faisalabad. Railway authorities said train operations on the Lahore-Faisalabad section have been temporarily suspended due to damage to the bridge. Trains travelling from Lahore towards Karachi via Sheikhupura and Faisalabad are being diverted through Sahiwal as an alternative route. Officials said the Badr Express and Ghouri Express have been cancelled due to the disruption. The Shalimar Express and Karakoram Express will operate via Raiwind and Sahiwal, while the Mianwali Express, which normally runs between Lahore and Mianwali, will be diverted through Lala Musa. Several other trains operating on the affected route have also been cancelled. Some services have been shifted to alternative routes to minimise disruption to passengers. According to railway officials, the flood surge that hit the area last night caused 30 of the bridge’s 110 pillars to collapse. Repair work has begun on the damaged structure. Railway authorities are working to restore the track and resume normal train operations as soon as possible. The flooding has also affected nearby communities. Residents said several settlements, including Hadiala Warkan village, were inundated after the flood surge entered the area during the night. The floodwaters have also caused significant damage to standing crops. Local residents expressed concern over losses to agricultural land and crops following the sudden rise in water levels.

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab has launched a major crackdown against networks allegedly involved in online financial fraud, identity theft and social media scams, arresting 14 suspects in Lahore and Multan. The operation was carried out under the direction and supervision of NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Waseem. Officials said the suspects allegedly defrauded citizens of millions of rupees through various online schemes. In Lahore, the NCCIA arrested four suspects in three separate cases. They were identified as Muhammad Amir, Muhammad Ashfaq, Muhammad Qamar and Ameer Karim. According to initial investigations, the suspects allegedly posed as marriage bureau representatives or close friends to gain victims’ trust. They then allegedly deceived citizens into transferring money. Investigators recovered mobile phones from the suspects and found evidence indicating that victims had been defrauded of significant amounts. In Multan, the NCCIA carried out three separate operations and arrested 10 suspects. They were identified as Muhammad Asghar, Amir Shehzad, Muhammad Kamran, Rizwan Talib, Saqib Ali, Kamran Talib, Iftikhar Manzoor, Muhammad Adnan, Muhammad Sultan and Muhammad Naeem. Investigators said the suspects allegedly used social media platforms and WhatsApp to impersonate officials from customs, police, banks and other government institutions. The suspects allegedly contacted citizens using false claims involving prizes, gifts, donations, bank verification and parcel clearance. They then demanded money from victims under various pretexts. Investigators uncovered one case in which a victim was allegedly defrauded of Rs1 million, while another involved the alleged theft of Rs588,000. The NCCIA said several mobile phones, SIM cards, fake WhatsApp accounts, social media profiles and other digital evidence were recovered during the operations. The seized devices and accounts are being subjected to forensic analysis. Cases have been registered against all 14 suspects under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, as amended in 2025, along with applicable sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore will become a major source of hope for cancer patients. She shared the message on the occasion of World Head and Neck Cancer Day. The day is observed to raise awareness about head and neck cancers and encourage people to identify risk factors and seek medical advice at an early stage. Maryam Nawaz stressed the importance of preventing cancer through healthier lifestyle choices. She said several habits can increase the risk of developing cancer. According to the chief minister, smoking, gutka, paan, alcohol consumption and an unhealthy lifestyle are among the major factors linked to cancer. She urged greater awareness about these risks. She also highlighted the importance of prevention and timely medical care. Maryam Nawaz said the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore is close to completion. The project is expected to strengthen cancer treatment facilities in the province. The institute is intended to provide specialised services to cancer patients. It is also expected to contribute to research and improve access to advanced cancer care. The chief minister said the facility would provide patients with greater hope and support during their treatment journey. Her statement also highlighted the need to focus on both cancer prevention and better treatment facilities. She stressed that public awareness about harmful habits can play an important role in reducing health risks. The completion of the Lahore institute is therefore being presented as an important development for cancer care in Punjab. Its services are expected to support patients who require specialised treatment and help strengthen the province’s healthcare infrastructure.

The Punjab government has imposed a 60-day ban on swimming in dams, rivers, canals, ponds and lakes across the province. The restriction has been introduced under Section 144 of the law. The Punjab Home Department issued a notification announcing the ban. According to the notification, people will also be prohibited from bathing in rainwater accumulated on streets, roads and open areas. The government has also restricted boating without official permission in the province. The ban applies to the water bodies covered under the notification. Officials said the restrictions were imposed to protect human lives during the ongoing monsoon season. Water levels have increased in several dams, rivers, canals, ponds and lakes across Punjab. Heavy rainfall has also created pools of standing water in different areas. Authorities fear that entering these waters could increase the risk of drowning and other accidents. The government has therefore moved to prevent people from swimming or bathing in potentially dangerous locations. The Home Department said the restrictions would remain in place for 60 days. Citizens have been advised to cooperate with the authorities and avoid entering rivers, canals, dams and other water bodies. The ban comes as Punjab continues to experience monsoon rains. Several parts of the province have already faced heavy rainfall, flooding and rising water levels. Officials have urged residents to remain cautious, particularly in areas where water levels are rising. People have also been advised to follow official warnings and avoid unnecessary activities near flooded areas.