Court extends Gul Plaza probe till Aug 9

KARACHI: The Sindh College Education Department has directed government colleges across the province to stop presenting traditional gifts and souvenirs to the Secretary College Education during official visits. The directive, issued on August 6, instructs the Director General Colleges and regional directors in Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur and Larkana, along with principals of government colleges, to ensure that no gifts are presented to the secretary during his visits. The department has specifically prohibited the presentation of Ajrak, Sindhi caps and bouquets. It has also made clear that commemorative shields, souvenirs and other ceremonial items should not be offered. Officials have been asked to strictly follow the instructions and ensure that the directive is implemented in both letter and spirit. The department has warned that any failure to comply with the orders will be taken seriously, signalling a move away from the customary practice of presenting traditional gifts to senior officials during official visits.

A man has been arrested in Lahore after allegedly killing his mother and a neighboring woman during a domestic dispute in the Harbanspura area. The incident also left two girls injured, prompting a swift response from police and forensic investigators. According to police, the attack took place in Kotli Pir Abdul Rehman, a locality in Harbanspura, where the suspect allegedly assaulted multiple people using a screwdriver. Authorities said the victims suffered serious injuries during the attack, resulting in two fatalities and two injuries. The deceased have been identified as 70-year-old Kaneez Fatima, the suspect’s mother, and 52-year-old Sultana Imran, a neighboring resident. Police said both women died after sustaining multiple injuries during the incident. Two girls, identified as 23-year-old Aqsa and 13-year-old Arifa, were also injured in the attack. They were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, where they received medical treatment. Officials have not yet released further details about their current condition. Police officers, forensic experts, and investigators arrived at the scene shortly after receiving reports of the incident. The area was secured while evidence was collected to assist in the investigation. Authorities also documented the crime scene and interviewed witnesses to determine the sequence of events. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the suspect was arrested at the scene along with the alleged weapon used in the attack. The accused has been identified as Aurangzeb, and investigators have begun formal legal proceedings. Police stated that the motive appears to be linked to a domestic dispute, although the exact circumstances remain under investigation. The bodies of the deceased were transferred to a hospital for medico-legal procedures and post-mortem examinations, while investigators continue to gather evidence and record witness statements. Officials said additional details will be released as the inquiry progresses. Incidents of domestic violence remain a serious concern, with authorities emphasizing the importance of early intervention in family disputes and improved access to conflict resolution and mental health support where appropriate. Police have urged the public to report threats or violent behavior promptly to help prevent similar tragedies. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are expected to present the suspect before the relevant court in accordance with legal procedures. As with all criminal cases, the allegations against the accused remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.