National

ISLAMABAD: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) conducted a targeted raid on an online call center in Islamabad’s G-6 sector and seized digital devices and other material allegedly linked to cybercrime activities. According to a statement issued by the NCCIA, the operation was carried out on the basis of intelligence information and with a search warrant. During the raid officials seized digital devices and other materials that were allegedly being used for cybercrime-related activities. The agency said that no arrests were made during the operation because the foreign and local suspects allegedly involved in the activities were not present at the call center when the raid was conducted. The seized digital equipment has been sent to a forensic laboratory for detailed examination. Investigators are expected to analyze the devices and other material to determine their connection with the suspected cybercrime activities. The NCCIA said that further details would be shared once the forensic examination and investigation are completed. The agency did not disclose the identities of the individuals allegedly associated with the call center. Authorities have increasingly focused on online fraud, fake call centers and digital networks allegedly involved in financial and cyber-related crimes. The NCCIA stated that action against fraudulent operations, fake call centers and online fraud networks would continue without discrimination. The Islamabad call center raid is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to identify and investigate networks suspected of using digital platforms for illegal activities. The forensic analysis of the seized devices is expected to provide investigators with additional information about the operation and the individuals potentially connected to it. The agency’s investigation will determine whether the seized equipment was used for cybercrime and what further legal action may be taken against those involved. For now, no arrests have been reported while the investigation and forensic examination of the seized digital material remain underway.

  Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie Baker in Islamabad, where the two sides discussed regional developments, security matters and ways to strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and the United States. The meeting focused on the overall situation in the region, with particular attention given to peace and stability. Both sides exchanged views on ongoing regional developments and discussed the importance of maintaining cooperation to address emerging security challenges. According to the details of the meeting, Pakistan and the United States also discussed their bilateral relationship and explored opportunities to expand cooperation across different areas. The two sides expressed interest in strengthening existing mechanisms of collaboration and developing further partnerships in areas of mutual interest. Law-enforcement cooperation was also an important part of the discussion. Naqvi and Baker exchanged views on joint programmes and training opportunities involving police officers from both countries. Such initiatives were discussed as a means of improving professional capabilities, sharing expertise and strengthening coordination between law-enforcement institutions. The officials also discussed the need for greater cooperation against organised crime, drug trafficking and human smuggling. Both sides agreed to enhance collaboration in these areas, recognising that such crimes often operate across national borders and require coordinated efforts between countries. The discussion highlighted the importance of information sharing, professional training and institutional cooperation in tackling transnational criminal networks. Strengthening law-enforcement coordination could help both countries improve their ability to respond to security threats and combat criminal activities that affect communities in Pakistan and beyond. During the meeting, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker also praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for what she described as his positive diplomatic role in promoting peace and stability in the region. Her remarks came amid broader discussions on regional security and the importance of diplomatic engagement in addressing tensions and maintaining stability. The appreciation reflected the US side’s recognition of Pakistan’s role in contributing to regional peace efforts. The meeting between Naqvi and Baker comes as Pakistan and the United States continue to engage on a range of security and bilateral matters. Cooperation between the two countries has traditionally included areas such as counterterrorism, law enforcement, border security and efforts to combat transnational crime. The latest discussions indicate an effort to further strengthen practical cooperation, particularly in areas directly linked to public security and law enforcement. The proposed police training and exchange programmes could provide opportunities for officers from both countries to learn from each other’s experiences and improve their professional skills. Meanwhile, increased coordination against organised crime, drugs and human trafficking could contribute to more effective efforts against criminal networks. The meeting also underscored the broader importance of the Pakistan-US relationship at a time when regional developments continue to influence security and diplomatic priorities. Both countries have an interest in maintaining communication and cooperation on issues that affect regional peace and stability. Overall, the talks reflected a focus on strengthening bilateral ties through practical cooperation, particularly in law enforcement and security. The agreement to enhance joint efforts against organised crime, drug trafficking and human smuggling, along with discussions on police training programmes, demonstrates the two sides’ shared interest in addressing common challenges. The meeting also provided an opportunity for both officials to reaffirm the importance of continued engagement between Pakistan and the United States on regional peace, stability and security.

  Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has said that the plan to transfer the party’s founder, Imran Khan, to a hospital was changed at the last moment, claiming that significant progress had already been made towards arranging the transfer. Speaking to the media at Dahagal Naka on Adiala Road in Rawalpindi, Gohar said the party’s efforts had been disrupted at the final stage. He expressed regret that Imran Khan could not receive treatment at Shifa International Hospital, saying it would have been a positive development if the former prime minister had been treated there. However, Gohar said he was not disappointed and would make another attempt to ensure that the party founder received appropriate medical treatment. He stressed that political dialogue and communication should not be abandoned, saying that efforts to maintain contact must continue. The PTI chairman clarified that all discussions held so far had focused solely on Imran Khan’s health. He also rejected a video circulating on social media that purportedly showed a meeting between him and Imran Khan, describing the footage as fake. Gohar urged political leaders and other stakeholders not to politicise Imran Khan’s health or turn the issue into a matter of political rhetoric. He maintained that the Supreme Court’s orders regarding the PTI founder’s treatment should have been implemented. According to Gohar, Imran Khan’s medical treatment was a straightforward matter and there was no justification for preventing his transfer. He said whoever stopped the transfer or changed the plan at the last moment had made the wrong decision. He acknowledged that the PTI also had concerns about Imran Khan’s security but said the government had never informed the party that security concerns were preventing his transfer to Shifa International Hospital. Gohar further said the party’s core and political committees had already made their position clear through official statements, asking supporters and party workers not to go to Shifa Hospital. Instead, Imran Khan was transferred to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). However, Gohar claimed that the required treatment was not provided there either. He maintained that the Supreme Court’s directions could still be implemented if the relevant authorities were willing to act on them. The PTI chairman also revealed that the party’s petition had been assigned a case number in the Supreme Court and that a request had been submitted for an early hearing. He said the united opposition would now adopt a joint strategy in both the National Assembly and the Senate. Addressing allegations that the PTI had violated court orders, Gohar rejected the claim, saying the party had not disobeyed any Supreme Court directive. He clarified that Imran Khan’s sister had spoken publicly and confirmed that he had been taken to PIMS. Gohar said the PTI’s contempt petition was intended to seek implementation of the Supreme Court’s orders. He described it as a civil contempt matter rather than an attempt to challenge the court. He also mentioned that Noorain Niazi had been pleased after meeting Imran Khan the previous Tuesday. Gohar concluded by saying that Imran Khan’s health and security remained the party’s primary concerns. He also stressed the importance of opposition parties remaining united, arguing that reforms were urgently needed in the judiciary, Election Commission and provincial affairs.

The Punjab government has imposed a one-month ban on eight stage actresses following complaints and monitoring reports concerning inappropriate performances and gestures during theatre shows. According to a notification issued by the Punjab Information and Culture Department the action was taken on the basis of monitoring reports prepared by the Punjab Council of the Arts (PUCAR). The actresses affected by the ban are Mahi Rajput, Hina Sheikh, Malaika Shehzadi, Madiha Khan, Mehak Noor, Mano Multani, Raima Mehr and Hasna Jutt. They will not be permitted to perform in theatres during the one-month suspension period. PUCAR Director Mughis Bin Aziz said that monitoring of stage dramas was continuing across Punjab. He added that action was being taken against performers and productions found violating the applicable rules and regulations. According to the government notification, complaints regarding inappropriate acts and gestures during stage performances were investigated and found to be valid. The authorities subsequently decided to impose temporary performance restrictions on the eight actresses. The action comes amid increased government monitoring of stage dramas in Punjab. Authorities have been focusing on the quality of theatre productions, compliance with performance regulations and the prevention of content considered inappropriate under existing rules. A Punjab government spokesperson said that the measures were aimed at preventing dances gestures and other performances that violate established regulations or ethical standards. The Punjab bans 8 stage actresses decision highlights the government’s continued efforts to regulate theatre performances across the province. Officials have indicated that monitoring will continue and that further action may be taken if similar violations are identified. The one-month restriction applies specifically to theatre performances according to the notification. The latest action is expected to keep the debate over artistic expression, theatre regulation and government oversight of stage dramas in Punjab in the spotlight.