पंजाब

Punjab Inspector General Rao Abdul Karim has said that there is no evidence of physical torture or police violence in the deaths of two women who died after being taken into custody at a Lahore police station. The two women 17-year-old Amna and 22-year-old Anmol were sisters-in-law. They were arrested on August 4 in connection with a case involving alleged theft and fraud and were taken to Township Police Station in Lahore. According to police both women developed health problems within a few hours of their detention. They were subsequently taken to hospital, where they died. Speaking to the media on Tuesday night Punjab IG Rao Abdul Karim said a transparent and impartial investigation had been conducted into the incident. He claimed that a medical board had found no evidence of physical torture external injuries or wounds on the bodies of either woman. He also said that a separate magisterial inquiry conducted under Section 176 of the Code of Criminal Procedure found no evidence of police torture. The investigation included a detailed review of available CCTV footage while statements from police officers and witnesses were also recorded according to the Punjab police chief. The IG further said that the initial medical examination found multiple injection marks on the women’s arms. According to him, the marks were consistent with repeated use of injectable substances. The Punjab Forensic Science Authority collected the necessary forensic samples for further investigation and the forensic report has now been received. Citing the forensic findings, the Punjab IG claimed that both women were habitual users of different types of drugs. He said the medical board had concluded that their deaths resulted from cardiac arrest caused by a drug overdose. The police chief also claimed that both women had previous criminal cases registered against them in Lahore and Gujrat in connection with alleged fraud and cheating. He added that a review of CCTV footage showed that the women’s clothes had already been torn before they were taken into police custody. The deaths have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the women’s detention and the events that occurred before they were taken to hospital. While the Punjab police has ruled out torture based on the available medical, forensic and investigative findings the case has attracted significant public attention. The findings of the medical and forensic investigations are expected to remain central to any further legal or public scrutiny of the Lahore custody deaths.

Lahore: Intermittent monsoon rains continued across Lahore after resuming late Monday night, bringing much-needed relief from intense heat and humidity. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast that the wet spell will continue throughout the day, with additional rainfall expected across Lahore and other parts of Punjab over the next 24 hours. According to the Met Office, Lahore’s minimum temperature is expected to remain around 27°C, while the maximum temperature may reach 32°C. Cloudy conditions and intermittent showers are likely to persist, contributing to cooler weather across the city. The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert to district administrations across the province, directing officials to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures to minimize the risk of rain-related incidents, urban flooding, and water accumulation. Meanwhile, WASA Lahore has deployed emergency teams to ensure the timely drainage of rainwater from roads and low-lying areas. Managing Director Ghufran Ahmed, along with other officials, is personally monitoring the city’s drainage operations to prevent disruptions caused by heavy rainfall. Rainfall data recorded across Lahore showed varying intensities in different localities. Nishtar Town received the highest rainfall at 42.2 mm, followed by Lahore Airport with 30 mm. Other recorded rainfall included 20.6 mm in Johar Town, 12.6 mm at Upper Mall, 6.8 mm in Kahna, 3.4 mm on Defence Road, and 2.2 mm at the WASA Head Office in Gulberg. Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during heavy rain, avoid unnecessary travel in waterlogged areas, and stay updated through official weather advisories. With more rainfall expected over the coming hours, emergency response teams remain on standby to address any weather-related emergencies. The ongoing monsoon spell is expected to continue improving weather conditions while increasing the possibility of localized flooding in low-lying areas if heavy showers persist.

The Punjab government has introduced a new law for vehicle scrapping, allowing unusable and damaged vehicles to be legally disposed of through registered scrapping facilities. The move aims to regulate the disposal of old vehicles and remove unfit vehicles from roads across the province. According to reports, Punjab Governor Saleem Haider issued the Motor Vehicles Amendment Ordinance, which provides a legal framework for scrapping vehicles that are no longer fit for use. Under the new ordinance, vehicles without valid fitness certificates may also be sent for scrapping. The law includes vehicles that have been severely damaged in accidents or destroyed by fire and are considered beyond repair. The new regulations allow vehicle owners to voluntarily apply for scrapping if they no longer want to keep their vehicles. However, the process must only be completed through officially registered vehicle scrapping facilities to ensure proper disposal and prevent misuse. Officials believe the new system will help improve road safety by reducing the number of unsafe vehicles operating on roads. Old and poorly maintained vehicles can contribute to accidents, environmental pollution, and increased risks for drivers and passengers. The ordinance also introduces a more organized approach to vehicle disposal, ensuring that scrapped vehicles are handled through approved channels rather than informal methods. Registered scrapping facilities will be responsible for carrying out the process according to legal requirements. Transport experts have welcomed measures aimed at removing dangerous vehicles from circulation, saying that proper vehicle inspection and disposal systems are essential for safer roads and better environmental management. The implementation of the new law is expected to impact owners of old, damaged, and unfit vehicles across Punjab. Vehicle owners will now have a legal option to dispose of vehicles that are no longer economically repairable or safe to operate. The government is expected to issue further guidelines regarding the registration of scrapping facilities and the detailed procedure for vehicle owners in the coming days. The new vehicle scrapping ordinance represents a significant change in Punjab’s transport regulations, with authorities focusing on road safety, environmental protection, and better management of end-of-life vehicles.

A minor dispute over a juice payment turned violent in Lahore’s outskirts when three individuals allegedly opened fire at a food point staff following an argument. The incident occurred in Managa Mandi, where police have launched an investigation after CCTV footage of the incident surfaced. According to police officials, the suspects, identified as Boda Jatt and two of his associates, visited the food point and consumed juice. After the bill was presented, the individuals allegedly paid less than the required amount, leading to an argument with the staff. Police said that when the food point employees asked the suspects to pay the remaining amount, the situation escalated. The accused allegedly pulled out weapons and opened fire at the food point owner and staff before fleeing the scene. The CCTV footage reportedly shows the moments surrounding the incident and is being reviewed by investigators as part of the case. Police have collected bullet casings from the crime scene and registered a case against the suspects. Authorities have started efforts to trace and arrest the individuals involved in the attack. Police teams are using available evidence, including CCTV recordings and forensic material, to identify the suspects and proceed with legal action. Residents expressed concern over the incident, saying that disputes over minor issues should not lead to violence. The incident has once again raised questions about public safety and the need for effective action against individuals involved in armed attacks. Police officials have assured that strict action will be taken against those responsible once they are arrested. Further investigation is underway to determine the complete circumstances behind the shooting and whether any additional individuals were involved. The case highlights the importance of resolving everyday disputes through legal and peaceful means rather than resorting to violence. Law enforcement authorities continue their search for the suspects as the investigation progresses.

Four members of the same family were injured after the roof of a house collapsed in Lahore’s Shalimar area on Sunday. Rescue teams responded quickly to the incident, rescuing the victims from the debris and transporting them to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. The accident occurred in Pathan Colony, located near Ghausia Chowk on Shalimar Road. According to Rescue 1122 officials, emergency responders reached the scene shortly after receiving reports of the collapse. Rescue personnel carried out a search operation, safely removing the injured individuals from beneath the rubble before shifting them to hospitals. Authorities said the house had a traditional roof made of mud and T-R girders, which collapsed unexpectedly. The exact cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed, and officials are expected to investigate whether the collapse was caused by structural weakness, aging construction, or other factors. The injured victims have been identified as three-year-old Rajab, 35-year-old Zainab, 35-year-old Shahid, and 20-year-old Mujahid. Rescue 1122 confirmed that all four belong to the same family. Two of the injured were taken to Kot Khawaja Saeed Hospital for treatment, while the remaining victims also received immediate medical care. Fortunately, rescue officials stated that all four injured individuals are in stable condition and are out of danger. Medical staff continue to monitor their recovery, and no fatalities have been reported. After completing a thorough search of the damaged building, Rescue 1122 confirmed that no additional people were trapped under the debris. The rescue operation was officially concluded once authorities ensured the site was clear. Building collapses remain a concern in parts of Pakistan where older structures and traditional construction methods are still common. Experts have frequently emphasized the importance of regular structural inspections and timely maintenance, particularly for buildings constructed with aging materials. They also encourage homeowners to seek professional assessments if signs of cracks, weakened roofs, or structural damage become visible. The latest incident highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and the rapid response of rescue services. Prompt action by Rescue 1122 helped prevent further casualties and ensured that the injured received immediate medical attention. Local authorities are expected to assess the condition of the damaged property and determine whether additional safety measures are required to prevent similar incidents in the future.

LAHORE: Following the successful computerized ballot held on June 23, 2026, the CM Punjab Rahmat Card initiative has entered its next major milestone with JazzCash commencing digital disbursements to selected widows and orphans across Punjab. The launch of digital payments marks the successful transition from beneficiary selection to financial assistance delivery, completing another key phase of one of Punjab’s most technologically advanced social welfare initiatives. The CM Punjab Rahmat Card is a collaborative initiative of the Government of Punjab, Zakat & Ushr Department, Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), NADRA, Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA), Urban Unit, JazzCash, and other stakeholders to digitize the complete lifecycle of welfare assistance from citizen application and eligibility verification to transparent beneficiary selection and digital financial disbursement. During the computerized ballot ceremony, officials acknowledged the successful completion of the project’s technology implementation. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister (SACM) Rashid Iqbal Nasrullah appreciated the PITB team for its continuous technical support throughout the implementation of the initiative within stringent timelines. He also specially acknowledged the prompt guidance and support extended by PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf at various stages of the project whenever required. Secretary, Zakat & Ushr Department, Irfan Ahmad Sandhu also commended the dedicated efforts of PITB in designing, developing, and operationalizing the comprehensive digital ecosystem supporting the Programme. He appreciated PITB’s commitment to ensuring the timely completion of all assigned deliverables despite challenging timelines. Participants observed that the CM Punjab Rahmat Card is the first initiative of its kind undertaken by the Zakat & Ushr Department in terms of both scale and technological sophistication. By replacing conventional manual processes with integrated digital workflows, the Programme has introduced unprecedented levels of transparency, efficiency, accountability, and speed in the delivery of welfare assistance. As the technology implementation partner, PITB designed, developed, and operationalized the complete digital platform supporting the initiative. The digital ecosystem includes an online citizen application portal, an Android mobile application, a dedicated helpline for application support, inquiries, and complaints, a Beneficiary Management System, a multi-agency digital verification engine integrated with NADRA and Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER) databases, automated scrutiny and eligibility determination workflows, a computerized district-wise balloting mechanism, and real-time monitoring and decision-support administrative dashboards. The end-to-end digital workflow enabled citizens to submit applications online, which were then verified through multiple government databases, assessed against approved eligibility criteria, allocated according to district quotas, and finally selected through a transparent computerized ballot before being transferred for digital disbursement through JazzCash. The CM Punjab Rahmat Card initiative stands as a successful example of how digital public infrastructure can enable multiple government institutions to operate through a unified technology platform, facilitating data-driven decision-making, automated eligibility verification, transparent Programme execution, and secure digital payments. The project reinforces the Government of Punjab’s commitment to delivering technology-enabled, scalable, and accountable citizen services that improve the lives of vulnerable segments of society.