forensic report confirms
| |

Forensic report confirms drug toxicity in Township…

Punjab Police Chief Abdul Kareem has said the deaths of two women at Lahore’s Township Police Station were caused by combined drug toxicity, ruling out physical violence or police torture as the cause of death.

Addressing a press conference at the Central Police Office in Lahore, the Inspector General of Police said a detailed investigation had been conducted into the deaths. The Lahore CCPO and DIG Investigation also attended the briefing.

According to the IG, the Medical Board found no signs of physical assault, external injuries or wounds on either woman. A separate magisterial inquiry conducted under Section 176 of the Code of Criminal Procedure also found no evidence of torture by police officials.

The police reviewed complete CCTV footage related to the incident and recorded statements from police personnel and witnesses. The two women had been brought to Township Police Station following action on a 15 emergency call. A case under Sections 379 and 420 of the Pakistan Penal Code was subsequently registered after a written complaint was received.

Police said both women had previously been involved in several alleged fraud and cheating cases registered in Lahore and Gujrat. CCTV footage also showed that their clothes appeared to have been torn before they were taken into police custody.

The Medical Board had earlier observed several injection marks on the women’s arms. Samples were subsequently collected by the Punjab Forensic Science Authority for detailed examination.

The final forensic report has now confirmed the presence of nine different types of drugs in samples obtained from both women. The Medical Board concluded that the combination of drugs caused toxicity, leading to cardiopulmonary arrest and death.

IG Punjab Abdul Kareem said the police would continue to follow the law and ensure transparent accountability. He stressed that no individual would be treated as being above the law.

The police chief also briefed the media on several other cases. He said significant progress had been made in the Hina Javed murder investigation in Rawalpindi, where three suspects were nominated and two had been arrested. Investigators, he said, established that an incident initially reported as suicide was actually a murder.

Regarding the Abdullah Tahir murder case, the IG said police were working to arrest the suspected shooters. The suspects reportedly fled towards Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and efforts were underway to trace their whereabouts.

On police reforms, Abdul Kareem said the Dolphin Force was being reorganised, with its command and control to be placed under local station house officers. The department is also considering modern electric motorcycles for the force, while new motorcycles have already been provided to Murree Police for improved patrolling.

The IG further announced stronger measures against corruption within the police department. He said the Internal Accountability Branch was being strengthened and regional and district police officers had been directed to take strict action against officials involved in corrupt practices.

Speaking about the Ghaziabad rape case, the IG said police had arrested the nominated suspect and secured relevant medical, forensic and CCTV evidence. Footage from the police station, Safe City cameras and other local cameras was collected, while statements from the victim, complainant, relatives and other relevant individuals were recorded.

Police personnel found negligent in the case were suspended and departmental inquiries were initiated. The Punjab Institute of Mental Health also conducted assessments of the victim.

Similar Posts

  • Contemporary Thai Fashion Takes the Spotlight at Wat Arun

    Contemporary Thai Fashion Takes the Spotlight: Red-Carpet Moments from the Amazing Thailand Ambassador Launch. Leading stars expressing the richness of Thai identity through designs by renowned Thai brands. Grand Opening of Amazing Thailand Ambassador is Stunning with Spectacular Drone and Fireworks Show over Wat Arun Bangkok, 4 February 2026 – The unveiling of “Lalisa LISA […]

  • | |

    Court awards Ahsan Iqbal Rs2.5m in defamation case

    An Islamabad District and Sessions Court has ruled in favour of Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal in a long-running defamation case against PTI leader Murad Saeed. The court ordered Murad Saeed to pay Rs2.5 million in damages for making allegations that were not proven during the proceedings. Additional Sessions Judge Hakim Khan announced the verdict after hearing the case. The court held that Murad Saeed’s statements had damaged Ahsan Iqbal’s reputation and public image. It directed the PTI leader to compensate the federal minister with Rs2.5 million. According to the judgment, Murad Saeed accused Ahsan Iqbal of being involved in corruption worth Rs70 billion. However, the court found that he failed to provide any evidence to support the allegations. The court ruled that the accusations of corruption, misuse of authority, and receiving illegal commissions were defamatory because they remained unsubstantiated. The judgment stated that Ahsan Iqbal had initially sought Rs10 billion in damages for the alleged harm caused to his reputation. However, the court observed that the amount claimed was excessive in view of the evidence presented during the trial. It therefore awarded Rs2.5 million as reasonable compensation. The court further observed that Murad Saeed’s controversial statements had harmed Ahsan Iqbal’s reputation, dignity, and credibility. It said the allegations created a negative impression of the minister among the public and directly targeted his honesty, integrity, and professional standing. The judgment also noted that Murad Saeed neither appeared before the court during the proceedings nor submitted evidence to substantiate the corruption claims. The absence of supporting material, the court said, weakened his defence and left the allegations unproven. The case originated from statements made by Murad Saeed in 2019 regarding the Multan-Sukkur Motorway project. At the time, he alleged that Ahsan Iqbal had committed corruption in connection with the project. After reviewing the evidence and hearing the arguments, the court concluded that the accusations were not established and therefore amounted to defamation. The verdict marks the conclusion of the defamation proceedings, with the court reaffirming that public allegations of corruption must be backed by credible evidence.

  • |

    UoG reviews over Rs6bn budget for FY2026-27

    GUJRAT: The Finance and Planning Committee of the University of Gujrat (UoG) has reviewed a proposed budget exceeding Rs6 billion for the fiscal year 2026-27, with a focus on financial sustainability, institutional reforms, student welfare and infrastructure development. The proposed budget was discussed during the committee’s 36th meeting held at the Hafiz Hayat Campus under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zahoor Ul Haq, recipient of the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz. The budget will now be placed before the university syndicate for final approval. During the meeting, the committee was informed that the university had strengthened its financial position through improved governance and prudent resource management. Officials said the institution generated nearly Rs3.75 billion through its own resources, reducing dependence on external financial support. The meeting was told that governance reforms and administrative measures implemented during the previous financial year resulted in savings of around Rs400 million. University management said these savings had been redirected towards student welfare initiatives and development projects. According to the budget proposal, around Rs370 million has been allocated for scholarships, enabling financial assistance for nearly one-third of the university’s enrolled students. Officials said the move reflects the institution’s commitment to ensuring that deserving students continue their education despite financial constraints. The committee also approved plans to invest Rs450 million in the purchase of 18 new buses to improve transport facilities for students and staff. The university estimates the new fleet will reduce annual transportation expenses by nearly Rs60 million through improved operational efficiency. Members were further informed that the university is expanding the use of solar energy across its campuses. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce electricity costs while supporting environmentally sustainable operations. The meeting also reviewed reforms related to faculty workload management, which reportedly generated savings of Rs119 million. University officials said the measures were designed to optimise academic resources without affecting the quality of teaching and learning. Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zahoor Ul Haq emphasised the importance of financial discipline, transparency and efficient utilisation of resources to ensure the university’s long-term growth. He said the proposed budget reflects the institution’s priorities of academic excellence, student support and sustainable development. The meeting was attended by Additional Treasurer Ghulam Safdar Malik, Additional Secretary Higher Education Department Zahida Azhar, Section Officer Finance Department Asghar Ali, who joined online, Registrar Muhammad Naeem Butt, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Prof Dr Faisal Mahmood Mirza, Academic Council members Dr Ashfaq Ahmad Mirza and Dr Bushra Akram, Deputy Treasurer Muhammad Fawaz Khokhar, Director ORIC Prof Dr Audil Rashid and other committee members.

  • |

    Gold prices hold near two-month high as traders await US PPI data

    Gold prices remained largely stable near their highest level in more than two months on Thursday, as investors paused to assess the metal’s recent gains following softer-than-expected signals from US inflation data. Spot gold was trading at around $4,408.55 per ounce by 0336 GMT, little changed from the previous session. The precious metal had earlier climbed nearly 1%, reaching its highest level since June 5. Meanwhile, US gold futures for December delivery were broadly steady at $4,467 per ounce. The latest movement came after gold staged a strong rally following the release of US consumer inflation figures. Investors are now turning their attention to the US Producer Price Index (PPI), due later on Thursday, which could provide further indications about the direction of monetary policy and interest rates. Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade, said gold was undergoing a period of consolidation after its gains following the consumer price data. He noted that expectations for a Federal Reserve rate hike had weakened further, while traders were waiting for the PPI report before making significant new moves in the market. US Inflation Cools Market sentiment was influenced by Wednesday’s US Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures, which showed that inflation moderated for a second consecutive month on an annual basis. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer prices increased 3.4% in the 12 months through July, compared with a 3.5% rise in June. The reading was broadly in line with economists’ expectations. The data reduced expectations that the Federal Reserve would move toward higher interest rates in the near term. Market participants are now closely monitoring incoming economic indicators to determine whether price pressures are continuing to ease. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, traders were pricing in roughly a 40% probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike at the September meeting, down from approximately 54% a week earlier. Lower Rate Expectations Support Gold Gold generally benefits when expectations for interest rates decline because lower rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding precious metal. The shift in expectations has therefore provided additional support to bullion, although investors remain cautious ahead of further inflation data. The upcoming PPI report is expected to play an important role in determining whether the recent moderation in consumer inflation is also reflected at the producer level. A weaker-than-expected reading could further reinforce expectations for a less aggressive Federal Reserve stance, potentially providing additional momentum to gold. Conversely, stronger producer inflation could revive concerns about persistent price pressures and limit gains in the precious metals market. Geopolitical Risks Remain in Focus Investors are also keeping an eye on geopolitical developments, particularly tensions between Iran and the United States. A senior Iranian source said Tehran and Washington remained divided over efforts to reach a permanent agreement to end the conflict in the Gulf. According to the source, there had been no significant progress in negotiations aimed at reviving an interim agreement reached in June. Continued geopolitical uncertainty can contribute to demand for safe-haven assets such as gold, although market participants remain focused primarily on monetary policy and economic data. Other Precious Metals Elsewhere in the precious metals market, spot silver rose around 0.3% to $65.47 per ounce. Silver had reached its highest level since June 22 during the previous session. Platinum prices declined 0.4% to $1,749.70 per ounce, while palladium fell 0.5% to $1,362.10.

  • Lahore Hijama scam exposed, NCT issues show-cause notice

    ​LAHORE: A major scam involving the sale of fake Hijama (Cupping Therapy) diplomas and the extortion of millions of rupees from aspiring practitioners has been uncovered in Lahore, prompting the National Council for Tibb (NCT) to issue an official show-cause notice. According to reports, an engineer named Muhammad Raheel Iqbal Butt, running an engineering firm named “3 DOTS GLOBAL FORUM,” unlawfully converted his company into an unauthorized Hijama training center. By posing as a “Professor and Surgeon” alongside his Saudi Arabia-based sister, Rabeel Iqbal Butt, whom he portrayed as a lecturer, he misled individuals seeking a shortcut into the medical field. The center charged each student PKR 90,000 for a 4-month course and PKR 50,000 for practical training, accumulating PKR 140,000 per student without any statutory approval, accreditation, or legal authority. Having completed seven sessions—training roughly 70+ unverified practitioners—the firm reportedly pocketed over PKR 10 million (1 Crore PKR). Responding to this public health risk, the Registrar of the National Council for Tibb (Government of Pakistan) issued a formal show-cause notice demanding a written explanation and legal documentation authorizing their courses within seven days, warning of strict regulatory and legal action upon non-compliance.

  • | |

    PML-N backs Gilani for AJK Premiership

    ISLAMABAD: Barrister Syed Iftikhar Ali Gilani is set to be elected as the 17th Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) today, August 28, after the AJK Legislative Assembly issued a revised schedule for the election. Gilani’s nomination by PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif has placed the party’s central leadership at the centre of the government-formation process in AJK, where the PML-N and its allies hold a comfortable majority in the 53-member Legislative Assembly. Election Schedule According to the revised schedule issued by the AJK Legislative Assembly, nomination papers will be filed from 9:30am to 10:30am, followed by scrutiny from 10:30am to 10:45am. The candidate list will be displayed at 11:00am, while candidates will be allowed to withdraw their papers until 11:30am. The final list will be issued at noon. The election for the prime minister is scheduled for 2:00pm, after Friday prayers, followed by the oath-taking ceremony at 4:00pm at the Presidency. PML-N Holds Numbers The PML-N and its coalition partners currently command 32 seats in the 53-member assembly, including support from JUI and Awami Dast-o-Bazu. The PPP has 14 members and has nominated Mukhtar Ahmed Abbasi and Bazal Naqvi for the prime ministerial contest. With the coalition holding a clear majority, Gilani is widely expected to secure the required votes and become the next AJK premier. Nomination Sparks Internal Reservations Despite the coalition’s numerical strength, Gilani’s nomination has reportedly exposed differences within the PML-N’s AJK chapter. Sources familiar with the matter told Minute Mirror that PML-N AJK President Shah Ghulam Qadir and former AJK prime minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan expressed reservations during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad on Wednesday in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Qadir was also reportedly opposed to the nomination and indicated that he would neither vote for Gilani nor attend Friday’s assembly session. The extent of internal dissent became evident when only 26 of the 32 lawmakers supporting the coalition attended a dinner hosted by AJK Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Tariq Farooq on Thursday night. PML-N leader and Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed Gilani’s nomination on X, saying the decision was taken following consultations within the party leadership. Gilani’s Political Career Barrister Syed Iftikhar Ali Gilani became a member of the AJK Legislative Assembly in August 2026 on a technocrat seat. He previously served as an assembly member from October 2011 to August 2021, giving him considerable experience in AJK politics. Speaker, Deputy Speaker Elected The latest developments follow the election of Chaudhry Tariq Farooq as Speaker of the AJK Legislative Assembly on August 24. He secured 32 votes. Ahmed Raza Qadri was elected Deputy Speaker with the same number of votes. A small cabinet is also expected to take oath after the new prime minister assumes office. Nawaz Sharif’s Role The latest nomination marks another significant turn in the PML-N’s efforts to form the government in AJK. Following the party’s victory in the AJK elections, held in three phases between July 27 and August 10, Nawaz Sharif initially nominated Shah Ghulam Qadir for the top office. The subsequent nomination of Barrister Iftikhar Gilani has therefore introduced an unexpected twist to the government-formation process, while raising questions about whether the PML-N leadership can resolve internal differences before the new government takes shape.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *