National

LAHORE – On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, relief operations are continuing in all flood-affected areas of the province, with the district administration and all relevant departments remaining fully mobilised. Officials from the district administration, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Rescue 1122, Suthra Punjab, Health Clinic on Wheels, Field Hospitals, Livestock, Agriculture and other concerned departments are actively engaged in relief and rehabilitation efforts. Under the Chief Minister’s directives, flood victims in Muridke, Sheikhupura, Hakimpura, Ferozewala, Pathan Colony and other affected areas are being shifted promptly to safer locations and relief camps. Rescue 1122 teams are conducting rescue operations using boats, ensuring the safe evacuation of residents along with their essential belongings. The Chief Minister has also directed authorities to ensure the uninterrupted supply of medicines, food and other essential items for flood victims. Hygienically prepared meals are being provided three times a day breakfast, lunch and dinner to all affected families. On the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chairman CMIT Shoaib Mirza visited the flood-hit areas to review the provision of meals to the affected people. Flood victims expressed satisfaction over receiving three meals a day delivered directly to their doorsteps. In addition to cooked meals, dry milk and biscuits are also being distributed among the affected families as part of the ongoing relief efforts.

Lahore – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Kech district of Balochistan. She expressed profound grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of six labourers who were killed in firing by terrorists, and extended her heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families. The Chief Minister said the Kech tragedy reflected the worst form of brutality perpetrated by the “Fitna al-Hindustan” terrorists.

MITHI: The representatives of communities affected by the Thar Coal project, activists of civil society organisations, lawyers, journalists and youth groups on Wednesday adopted a 12-point resolution calling for a comprehensive legal framework to govern the distribution and utilisation of coal royalties, describing the issue of Thar Coal Royalty as central to the region’s future development. The resolution was adopted at a consultative meeting held at the Islamkot Press Club, where participants urged the provincial government to recognise the legal and moral claims of Tharparkar’s residents over royalties generated from coal extracted from the desert. The participants demanded the establishment of a Thar Coal Royalty Fund, proposing that at least 50 per cent of royalty revenues be earmarked for the development of Tharparkar. They also called for annual white papers detailing royalty collections and expenditures, independent financial audits, and legislation to ensure transparent management of the fund. According to the resolution, the proposed fund should be administered by a representative board comprising members from affected villages, women, youths, civil society, locally elected representatives and technical experts. The resolution further proposed that royalty revenues be invested in healthcare, education, clean drinking water, environmental restoration, afforestation, pollution control, vocational training, employment opportunities for local residents, scholarships, technical institutes, university campuses and youth skills development. Participants also sought fair compensation, rehabilitation and alternative livelihood opportunities for families displaced by mining activities or affected by devastating environmental impacts. They recommended annual public hearings on the utilisation of the royalty fund, the enactment of a Thar Coal Royalty Management Act, and the establishment of a Future Generation Fund to finance long-term investments in education, healthcare, water security and climate resilience. The meeting emphasised that the principle of “Thar’s coal, Thar’s right” should guide future policy, urging authorities to ensure transparency, accountability, public oversight and greater participation of affected communities in decisions concerning royalty utilisation. The resolution recommended that copies be forwarded to the Chief Minister of Sindh, the Speaker of the Sindh Assembly, the provincial departments of Mines and Energy and Finance, elected representatives of Tharparkar, the district administration, mining companies and relevant federal institutions for consideration. During the meeting, speakers including Ubhayo Junejo, Aijaz Bajeer, Sajan Charo, Nashad Rahim Ali, Advocate Qurban Samejo, GM Bajeer, Ms Uzma Abring, Abdul Ghani Bajeer, Nehal Mehranpoto, Hassan Rizvi, Azad Asad Hingorjo, Naseer Noon, Aijaz Baloch, Soomar Khaskheli and others expressed their deep concern over the environmental and social impacts of coal mining, including land acquisition, loss of grazing areas, groundwater contamination and limited employment opportunities for local residents. They maintained that a substantial amount of royalty revenue had accumulated over the years and urged both the federal and Sindh governments to ensure that these funds are utilised for the sustainable development and welfare of the people of Tharparkar. Participants warned that if their demands for a transparent and equitable royalty mechanism remained unaddressed, they would consider launching a coordinated protest campaign.

LAHORE – On the directions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, relief supplies comprising food, clean drinking water and livestock fodder have been dispatched for flood-affected people in Sheikhupura. The Lahore administration prepared and sent a relief food package for flood victims in Sheikhupura district. The consignment included 500 meal packs from Savour Foods and 150 food hampers from Al-Fatah Store. Acting on the chief minister’s directives, 10,000 bottles of clean drinking water were also sent to the affected areas. Fodder for livestock was dispatched, while portable washrooms were specially arranged for the flood victims.

HANGU: Ten police personnel, including DSP City Diyar Khan, who embraced martyrdom in the terrorist attack on the Khazina Banda Check Post in Hangu, were laid to rest with full state honours on Wednesday. The funeral prayers were offered at the Police Lines, Hangu, where senior police officers, government officials, fellow policemen and local dignitaries paid tribute to the fallen heroes. Commandant Police Training College Hangu, Shaukat Abbas, Deputy Commissioner Basir Ali Rehman, senior police officials and a large number of citizens attended the funeral. Floral wreaths were laid on the coffins of the martyrs in recognition of their supreme sacrifice. After the funeral, the bodies were dispatched to their native towns for burial with full official honours. According to police officials, terrorists belonging to the banned Fitna Al-Khawarij launched a coordinated assault on the Khazina Banda Check Post late Tuesday night. The attackers reportedly used quadcopters before laying siege to the check post. Police personnel stationed at the post resisted the assault bravely and continued fighting until the last moment. Upon receiving information about the attack, DSP City Diyar Khan led a reinforcement party comprising personnel from the Elite Force, RRF and Al-Barq Force. However, the police convoy was ambushed near the Khazina Banda Bridge, where heavily armed militants had already taken positions. Despite the surprise attack, the police fought courageously in defence of the country. The attack claimed the lives of 10 police personnel, including DSP Diyar Khan, while around 30 others were injured. Police officials said that during the exchange of fire, 12 to 15 terrorists were killed or wounded, and their accomplices reportedly carried the casualties towards the Zargari area. Following the incident, police and security forces launched a large scale search operation in the area. Funeral prayers for the martyrs were also held in their respective hometowns. Police Constable Nadeem was laid to rest in Sheikhan, while Constable Sanaullah was buried in Lachi, both with full state honours. Smartly turned out police contingents presented ceremonial salutes, and senior police officers, political leaders, social figures and hundreds of residents attended the funerals. Similarly, the funeral prayer of martyred police constable Abdul Saeed, a resident of Lower Dir, was offered in his native village Katan Pyan. District Police Officer Lower Dir Syed Talal Ahmad Shah and other police officers attended the ceremony and paid tribute to the martyr, assuring his family that the sacrifices of police personnel would never be forgotten. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi paid a brief visit to Hangu and stayed at the Police Club, where he offered prayers for the departed souls of the martyrs and the early recovery of the injured personnel. However, the Chief Minister left Hangu without visiting the injured policemen undergoing treatment in hospital. His decision not to meet the wounded officers has drawn criticism and raised questions in various circles, as several injured personnel remain admitted to hospitals following the attack. In contrast, Additional IG Elite Force Muhammad Ali Gandapur visited the hospital to inquire about the health of the injured policemen. He was accompanied by Regional Commander Elite Hafiz Nazir and DSP CTD Imranuddin. Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, and Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Tariq Saeed Marwat also visited the hospital and met the injured officers. Speaking to the media, IG Zulfiqar Hameed said the police fought the terrorists with exceptional courage for several hours despite facing drone attacks. He stated that 12 to 14 terrorists were killed during the operation and confirmed that all injured policemen were in stable condition and receiving the best available medical treatment. The IG announced that recommendations would be forwarded for gallantry awards, including the Tamgha-e-Shujaat, for the martyrs and other officers who displayed extraordinary bravery during the operation. He vowed that those responsible for the attack would be brought to justice. Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah praised the courage of the police force, saying their sacrifice demonstrated their unwavering commitment to protecting the people despite grave danger. He also appreciated the district administration and hospital management for ensuring timely medical treatment for the injured. Special Assistant Tariq Saeed Marwat reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to supporting the police force financially and administratively. He said the nature of terrorism had evolved with the use of drones, adding that the government was working to equip the police with anti drone technology and other modern capabilities to effectively counter emerging security threats.