Extortion Scandal Involving Police Officers Affects Chinese Tourist Bookings

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan is in good health, adding that details of his medical condition will eventually be made public. Speaking during a session of the National Assembly, Asif said Imran’s sister had met him and could explain the former prime minister’s current health condition. He said Imran’s eye problem had gradually improved. However, he added that Imran was experiencing a minor blood pressure issue and was being given medication for it. Asif said it was inappropriate to turn Imran’s health into a political issue or give the matter a political colour. Referring to his own experience in prison, the defence minister said he had once been told that he required surgery for a hernia while he was incarcerated. He claimed that Imran had demanded a video at the time to verify whether the surgery was actually taking place. Asif said he still had that video. He added that Imran’s medical report should be reviewed by everyone concerned. “I say on oath that there is no serious issue with Imran Khan,” he said. The defence minister also referred to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, saying he had undergone two surgeries around two months ago. Despite this, Asif said, discussions about Sharif’s platelet count still continued. Asif accused Imran of previously mocking Nawaz Sharif’s health problems, particularly his platelet count. He said there were hundreds of videos showing Imran making remarks about the issue. He further claimed that Imran had also mocked illnesses during rallies held in the United States, arguing that he had failed to recognise at the time that illness was a genuine matter. The defence minister also recalled the imprisonment of political leaders in the past. He said opposition leaders had been jailed while their colleagues continued attending parliamentary sessions without making threats or linking government business to their release.

Protective embankments inspected at Head Sidhnai, Mai Safura, Kund Sargana and Fazil Shah as Ravi and Chenab water levels remain under continuous surveillance Khanewal: Deputy Commissioner Khanewal Hena Arshad has issued a pre-emptive alert to all relevant departments, directing them to maintain complete operational preparedness for any possible flood emergency in the district. The alert comes as Punjab faces an evolving monsoon and river-flood situation. According to the latest official update, moderate flooding has been recorded in the River Chenab at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge. Low-level flooding has also been reported at Trimmu on the Chenab and at Balloki and Sidhnai on the River Ravi. The Deputy Commissioner visited Head Sidhnai, the Mai Safura Bund Breaching Section, Kund Sargana and Fazil Shah Bund, where she inspected flood-protection infrastructure and reviewed emergency response arrangements. Officials of the Irrigation Department briefed her on the prevailing water situation in the Ravi and Chenab rivers, the structural strength of protective embankments, vulnerable riverine areas, evacuation planning and precautionary measures being taken to minimise possible losses. Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue Fazal Abbas, Assistant Commissioner Kabirwala Muhammad Haroon and officers representing the Irrigation Department, Rescue 1122, Revenue Department and other concerned agencies accompanied the Deputy Commissioner during the inspection. At Head Sidhnai, Hena Arshad inspected the Mai Safura Bund Breaching Section, surrounding flood embankments and the railway bridge. She reviewed the condition of the protective infrastructure and the safety measures being implemented around vulnerable locations. The Deputy Commissioner directed the Irrigation Department, Kabirwala tehsil administration, Rescue 1122, Revenue Department and other agencies to remain fully alert and maintain uninterrupted coordination. She stressed that machinery, rescue boats, emergency equipment, personnel and transportation resources must remain available for immediate deployment. Any weakness detected in an embankment or protective structure should be repaired without delay, she added. Earlier, while chairing a flood-preparedness meeting at Head Sidhnai, the Deputy Commissioner said that the district administration had completed the necessary arrangements to respond effectively to a possible emergency. She ordered the immediate strengthening of flood embankments, removal of encroachments from waterways and vulnerable locations, and implementation of all remaining precautionary measures. During her visits to Kund Sargana and Fazil Shah Bund, Hena Arshad instructed officials to prepare for the timely and safe evacuation of residents from low-lying riverine settlements whenever water conditions require such action. She directed the administration to identify vulnerable populations in advance, maintain updated evacuation lists and ensure the availability of transport for families, livestock and essential belongings. The Deputy Commissioner also ordered that flood-relief camps and facilities established by the Health and Livestock departments remain fully operational. These camps must be prepared to provide shelter, medicines, drinking water, food, veterinary assistance and other essential services immediately after an emergency is declared. Punjab authorities have intensified flood monitoring across rivers, headworks and barrages. Drone surveillance has also been conducted at Head Sidhnai and other strategic locations to monitor water flows, riverbank erosion and possible incoming flood waves. The wider provincial situation remains sensitive. More than 4,300 residents have already been evacuated from vulnerable settlements along the Chenab in Chiniot district following an increase in water levels, illustrating the speed with which river conditions can affect downstream communities. The National Disaster Management Authority has also issued a weather advisory covering July 25 to July 30, warning of further monsoon activity and associated flooding hazards. Hena Arshad said water levels and river conditions across Khanewal district were being monitored continuously. She instructed all departments to remain vigilant and respond immediately to any rise in water levels, weakening of embankments or other emergency situation. “The protection of citizens’ lives, property and livestock is the district administration’s foremost priority,” the Deputy Commissioner said, reaffirming that negligence or delays in flood-preparedness measures would not be tolerated. Residents of low-lying areas near the Ravi, Head Sidhnai and adjoining riverine belts have been advised to remain attentive to official announcements, avoid approaching rivers and flood channels, and cooperate with the administration if precautionary evacuation becomes necessary. Citizens may contact Rescue 1122 during an immediate emergency or call the Provincial Disaster Management Authority’s disaster helpline 1129 to report flood-related risks and seek assistance.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has launched a major initiative to bring millions of out-of-school children into the education system. The provincial government has started work on a comprehensive plan. The initiative will identify children who are not attending school and provide them with suitable educational opportunities. Officials from the education, local government, health and social welfare departments have signed a memorandum of understanding for the programme. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi was also present at the signing ceremony. Officials gave a detailed briefing on the initiative. They said a province-wide survey would be conducted to identify out-of-school children. The government will also develop a “One Map” system. The system will identify the number of children who are out of school. It will also show their locations. This data will help the authorities plan enrolment drives in areas where the need is greatest. According to figures presented during the briefing, around 4.9 million children in KP were out of school according to the 2023 census. The provincial education department has estimated the number at around 2.6 million. The government has set an initial target of bringing 60% of out-of-school children into the education system during the first phase. Officials said children under the age of five would also be included in the data collection process. Their information will help the government prepare future education plans and estimate upcoming enrolment needs. The programme will use different forms of education. Government schools will be used where possible. Community schools will also play a role. Double-shift schools will be introduced or expanded in areas facing limited capacity. Digital platforms will also be used to reach children who cannot easily access conventional schools. Poverty has been identified as one of the major reasons children leave school. The government plans to provide financial support to vulnerable families. Scholarships, Zakat funds and other assistance will be used to encourage children to remain in education. Scholarship payments will be linked to attendance. Officials said students would need to maintain at least 75% attendance to qualify for the scholarship payments. The programme will also focus on skills development. Children will receive technical and vocational training under the United Nations’ Generation Unlimited programme. The initiative is aimed not only at increasing school enrolment but also at improving the future employment prospects of young people. The government has also planned independent verification of the survey data. An independent organisation will verify 5% of the collected data to improve transparency and ensure that the figures accurately reflect the situation on the ground. Authorities said the survey would provide a clearer picture of the out-of-school population in the province. The data will then be used to design targeted education programmes.