Four Suspects in Five-Body Murder Case Remanded into Formal Custody; One Apologizes to Victims’ Families, Claims He Was Forced, Bail Opposed, Families Want Death Penalty

Pakistan has been ranked among the countries with the highest number of viral hepatitis cases worldwide, with the country standing fifth globally in total hepatitis burden, according to the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA). The warning was issued on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, highlighting the growing public health challenge caused by hepatitis B and C infections. PMA Secretary General Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro said Pakistan has one of the world’s largest burdens of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), with around 10 million people suffering from chronic Hepatitis C. In addition, an estimated 3.8 million people are living with chronic Hepatitis B (HBV), bringing the total number of people affected by viral hepatitis in the country to approximately 13.8 million. According to the PMA, Pakistan’s hepatitis burden is higher than many countries and is exceeded only by China, India, Indonesia, and Nigeria. The national prevalence rate of Hepatitis C is estimated between 4.8 and 7.5 percent, while Hepatitis B affects around 1.1 to 1.7 percent of the population. Health experts warned that untreated hepatitis can lead to serious complications, including liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, which collectively claim more than 37,000 lives in Pakistan every year. Dr Shoro stated that Pakistan contributes a significant share of new global Hepatitis C infections due to unsafe medical practices. He highlighted that thousands of new infections occur annually because of the reuse of unsterilized syringes, unsafe medical equipment, and unscreened blood transfusions. Other major causes of hepatitis transmission include unsafe surgical procedures, dental treatments, tattooing, body piercing, shaving with contaminated razors at barber shops, and practices carried out by unqualified healthcare providers. Low coverage of the mandatory Hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine has also remained a concern. President Asif Ali Zardari said hepatitis remains one of the country’s most serious public health challenges but emphasized that it can be prevented and treated through early detection, timely medical care, and collective efforts. He stressed the need for strict regulation of unsafe healthcare practices and awareness campaigns to protect citizens. National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also highlighted the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and access to quality treatment. He said strengthening the healthcare system and improving public awareness are essential steps toward reducing the disease burden. Health authorities and public representatives called for greater cooperation between government institutions, healthcare providers, and communities to control hepatitis transmission and improve treatment access across Pakistan.

Pakistan has issued a high-level flood alert after India released a significant volume of water from the Salal Dam following heavy rainfall in Indian-administered Kashmir. The move has raised concerns among Pakistani authorities, who are closely monitoring the situation as water levels continue to rise in the Chenab River. According to Punjab’s Irrigation Department, the heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas prompted Indian authorities to open all gates of the Salal Dam, allowing a large flow of water to move downstream toward Pakistan. Officials have warned that the increased water discharge could reach Wazirabad within the next 48 hours, prompting precautionary measures in vulnerable areas. The Irrigation Department stated that water levels in the Chenab River have already begun to increase. Authorities are continuously tracking river flows to assess the potential impact on downstream districts and to provide timely updates if the situation changes. As a precaution, a high alert has been issued for flood-prone areas, particularly in Sialkot and Wazirabad, where local administrations have been instructed to remain prepared for any emergency. Disaster management teams are coordinating with relevant departments to monitor developments and ensure a rapid response if water levels continue to rise. Officials have urged residents living near the Chenab River and low-lying areas to stay informed through official announcements and avoid unnecessary travel near riverbanks. Emergency services are also on standby to respond quickly should flooding occur. Seasonal monsoon rains often lead to rising river levels across the region, making cross-border water management a critical issue during this period. Sudden increases in water discharge from upstream reservoirs can significantly affect downstream communities, requiring close coordination between authorities and continuous monitoring of river conditions. While officials have expressed concern over the rising water levels, they are also emphasizing that the situation remains under observation. The extent of any flooding will depend on rainfall patterns over the coming days and the volume of water continuing to flow into the Chenab River. Residents in at-risk areas are advised to follow guidance issued by local authorities, remain alert for weather and flood updates, and take necessary precautions if evacuation advisories are issued. Authorities have assured the public that monitoring efforts will continue around the clock to minimize risks and protect communities from any potential flooding. With the water surge expected to arrive within the next two days, emergency agencies remain on alert as Pakistan prepares for the possible impact of increased river flows during the ongoing monsoon season.

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the people of Kashmir on Kashmir Exploitation Day, urging the international community to play a more active role in resolving the longstanding dispute. In his message, President Zardari said lasting peace in South Asia depends on a peaceful and just settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir issue. He stated that India’s actions cannot alter the internationally recognized status of the dispute or weaken the determination of the Kashmiri people, adding that Pakistan will continue to stand firmly with them. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the measures introduced by India since August 2019 have led to increased repression and restrictions on fundamental freedoms in the region. He also accused India of attempting to alter the demographic composition of the occupied territory. The prime minister called on the international community to move beyond expressions of concern and play a responsible role in achieving a fair and lasting resolution to the Kashmir dispute. He also urged India to end alleged human rights violations in the occupied valley and reverse the unilateral measures introduced in August 2019.

KARACHI: Unidentified gunmen opened fire at the office of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA and former federal minister Qadir Patel in Karachi’s Boat Basin area, prompting a police investigation and tighter security around the premises. According to police, the attackers fired several shots at the office entrance late at night before fleeing the scene. No one was injured in the incident, while the main gate sustained bullet marks. Investigators recovered five spent 9mm pistol casings from the site and secured them as evidence. Police teams also began examining CCTV recordings from the surrounding area to trace the attackers and determine the vehicle used in the shooting. Following the incident, security was increased around Patel’s office and nearby areas of Clifton. Police said efforts were underway to identify the suspects and establish the motive behind the attack.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed serious displeasure over the use of a ceremonial horse-drawn buggy by Islamabad’s chief commissioner and inspector general during the August 14 Independence Day celebrations. An official advisory issued by the Establishment Division said the incident had attracted widespread public criticism and prompted the Prime Minister to take a serious view of the conduct. The advisory was issued to Islamabad Chief Commissioner Lt (retd) Sohail Ashraf and Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi. According to the advisory, the prime minister believed that the display of pomp and show created an impression of privilege, ostentation and personal glorification, which was contrary to the principles of public service. It stressed that government officials entrusted with public offices were expected to demonstrate humility, restraint, dignity and sound judgment. The Establishment Division warned that such conduct could weaken public confidence in government institutions and fall short of the standards expected from senior officials. The two officials were advised to exercise greater care in carrying out their duties and ensure that similar incidents did not happen again. The controversy emerged after images and videos of the officials travelling in the ceremonial buggy during the Independence Day event circulated widely on social media, drawing criticism from the public. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi subsequently defended the officials, saying they were not responsible for the decision to use the buggy. He explained that the vehicle had originally been arranged for the chief guest, while he and the chief guest were delayed because of a meeting involving the president and prime minister. Naqvi said the two officials had initially been reluctant to begin the programme in the absence of the chief guest and the minister but were instructed to proceed to avoid inconvenience to the public. Despite the clarification, the incident continued to attract attention, ultimately leading to the formal advisory from the Establishment Division.