Heavy snow halts Spantik mission to recover Dr Asma

LAHORE: The deaths of two young women in police custody have raised fresh questions after their autopsy reports revealed black spots on their lungs and blood clots in their hearts, while failing to find visible signs of physical assault or torture. The two women, identified as Amina and Anmol, died while in the custody of Lahore’s Township police. According to sources, their post-mortem examinations found no external injuries or marks suggesting physical violence. Samples of their blood and internal organs have now been sent for histopathological testing, which is expected to help establish the final cause of death. The autopsies were conducted two days after the deaths and the reports were finalised after the medical board reached a consensus. Doctors found the women’s livers, kidneys and stomachs to be in normal condition, while black spots were observed on both sets of lungs and clots were detected in their hearts. The findings have not yet provided a definitive explanation for the deaths. Authorities are waiting for the histopathology results before determining the final cause. The families of the deceased have meanwhile called for an independent and transparent investigation. Tajamul Hussain, the father of one of the women, rejected the police version that the deaths were linked to a medical condition. He questioned how both women could have suffered fatal heart problems while in custody and alleged that they were killed. Police have denied the allegations. SSP Investigation Naveed Ahmed said the women had previous criminal records and were arrested after a passerby contacted Police Emergency 15 and reported that they had allegedly snatched an earring. The officer also claimed that the women used drugs but firmly rejected allegations that they were tortured or mistreated during their detention. With the histopathology reports still awaited, the investigation is expected to focus on the women’s medical condition, their treatment while in custody and the circumstances leading up to their deaths.

A young woman lost her life in an alleged poisoning incident in Kot Momin, a town in Punjab’s Sargodha district, after reportedly consuming a toxic drink. Police have launched an investigation following allegations by the victim’s family that she was deliberately poisoned by a classmate after refusing his marriage proposal. According to police officials, a case has been registered against two suspects on the complaint of the deceased’s father. Authorities said the investigation is underway, and efforts are being made to arrest the accused. The victim’s father alleged that his daughter had been invited to a local pizza shop by the suspects, where she was allegedly served a poisonous juice. He claimed that the accused resorted to the act after she refused a marriage proposal made by one of them. According to the complaint, the young woman consumed the beverage during the meeting and shortly afterward began experiencing severe health complications. Her condition rapidly deteriorated, prompting those present to rush her to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Despite the efforts of doctors and medical staff, the young woman could not be saved and later succumbed to her condition. Her death has shocked the local community and sparked concern over violence linked to rejected marriage proposals. Police officials confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against the two nominated suspects based on the allegations made by the victim’s father. Investigators are collecting evidence and recording statements from witnesses to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. The victim’s body was shifted to a hospital for a post-mortem examination to determine the precise cause of death. Following the completion of the medico-legal formalities, the body was handed over to her family for burial. Law enforcement authorities said raids are being carried out at multiple locations to arrest the suspects, who are currently at large. Police expressed confidence that the accused would be taken into custody soon and assured the family that the investigation would be conducted in accordance with the law. Officials also stated that forensic evidence, including the alleged beverage and other material collected from the scene, will be examined as part of the investigation. The findings of the post-mortem report and laboratory analysis are expected to play an important role in determining whether poisoning was the cause of death. The case has drawn attention due to the serious nature of the allegations. However, police emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages, and the claims made in the FIR will be examined through available evidence before any conclusions are reached. Authorities have urged anyone with information related to the incident to cooperate with investigators to help establish the facts. They reiterated that all aspects of the case, including the motive behind the alleged crime, are being thoroughly investigated. The tragic incident has once again highlighted concerns about crimes allegedly linked to rejected marriage proposals and personal disputes. Police have assured the victim’s family that every effort will be made to bring those responsible to justice, while the investigation continues to establish the full circumstances surrounding the young woman’s death.

  Lahore, August 4, 2026: The Punjab Counter Narcotics Force (CNF) has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking across the province, achieving significant success in recent intelligence-led operations. The campaign is being carried out under the special directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif as part of the government’s commitment to building a “Drug-Free, Healthy and Safe Punjab.” Over the past two weeks, the CNF conducted 85 intelligence-based operations across the divisions of Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur and Sargodha. These coordinated raids targeted major drug trafficking networks operating in different parts of the province. The operations resulted in the arrest of 93 suspected drug traffickers, while authorities recovered approximately 296 kilograms of narcotics with an estimated market value of more than Rs. 53.4 million. Officials described the operations as a major step toward curbing the illegal drug trade and improving public safety. The seized narcotics included a wide range of illegal substances such as hashish, opium, cannabis (weed), crystal meth (Ice), poppy straw, cocaine, heroin and five litres of illicit liquor. In addition to narcotics, the CNF recovered a significant cache of weapons from the suspects. These included 13 pistols, two sub-machine guns (SMGs), four rifles and seven drones that investigators believe were being used to facilitate criminal activities and drug distribution. Director General of the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force, Commander Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal, said the Force’s success should not only be measured by the quantity of drugs confiscated but also by its ability to dismantle organised drug trafficking networks across Punjab. He noted that the CNF continues to rely on modern intelligence gathering, professional expertise and coordinated operational planning to identify and eliminate criminal groups involved in the narcotics trade. He further highlighted the Force’s overall performance since it became operational in August 2025. According to the Director General, the Punjab CNF has recovered a cumulative 24.7 tonnes of narcotics valued at more than Rs. 2.23 billion. He described these achievements as evidence of the provincial government’s zero-tolerance policy against narcotics and the effectiveness of its law enforcement strategy. Commander Brigadier Mazhar Iqbal also credited the Force’s progress to close coordination among various law enforcement agencies, which has strengthened efforts to combat drug trafficking and disrupt criminal organisations operating throughout the province. Reaffirming the CNF’s commitment, the Director General said the Force will continue to launch vigorous and indiscriminate operations against drug dealers and traffickers. He stressed that intelligence-driven policing, enhanced operational capabilities and sustained enforcement efforts will remain central to achieving the government’s vision of a province free from the menace of narcotics. Punjab authorities have reiterated that the fight against drugs remains a top priority, emphasizing that continued action against traffickers is essential to protecting communities, safeguarding young people and ensuring a healthier and safer future for the province.