karachi court acquits
| |

Karachi court acquits Anmol alias Pinky in three d…

KARACHI: An Additional District and Sessions Court in Karachi has acquitted Anmol alias Pinky in three drug cases registered at Gizri Police Station.

The court announced the decision on Thursday after hearing arguments from the defence.

Pinky was arrested by Karachi police in May during a joint operation with a civil agency at an apartment in the Garden area.

Police had accused her of operating an organised narcotics supply network in Karachi. Investigators alleged that the network was involved in processing and distributing cocaine and had links with other major cities, including Lahore and Islamabad.

According to police, the three cases against Pinky were registered at Gizri Police Station in 2020, 2021 and 2022. She had remained a fugitive in the cases before her arrest.

During Thursday’s hearing, Pinky’s defence counsel argued that two other accused persons in the cases had already been acquitted.

The lawyer told the court that co-accused Ali and Fehmida were acquitted in 2024. He argued that Pinky had subsequently been implicated on the basis of statements attributed to the acquitted co-accused.

The defence maintained that after the acquittal of the two co-accused, there was insufficient legal basis to convict Pinky in the cases.

The court accepted the defence arguments and acquitted her in all three cases.

Before her acquittal, investigators had made several allegations about Pinky’s alleged role in the narcotics trade.

Police claimed she supplied drugs to customers in affluent areas of Karachi, including DHA and Clifton. Investigators also alleged that she personally prepared cocaine and used female riders and online platforms to facilitate deliveries.

Police further claimed that her alleged network extended beyond Karachi to cities including Lahore and Islamabad.

During interrogation, investigators attributed statements to Pinky regarding the quality and sale of cocaine. Police alleged that two categories of cocaine were being sold through the network at different prices.

Pinky, however, made separate allegations during interrogation. She claimed she was being pressured to name politicians and members of the entertainment industry.

She also alleged that she had been subjected to physical mistreatment during questioning and accused an investigation officer of threatening her.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    CM Maryam Nawaz extends Milad-un-Nabi greetings

    Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has extended her greetings to Muslims on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH). In her message, she said the blessed occasion is a source of happiness and spiritual fulfilment for every Muslim. She said the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) brought immense blessings and guidance to humanity. Maryam Nawaz said the arrival of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) transformed the course of human history. His message provided people with a clear path based on faith, justice and compassion. She said the Holy Prophet (PBUH) gave dignity and respect to the weak and vulnerable members of society. He established principles of equality and justice and taught people to treat others with kindness and fairness. The chief minister said the birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) brought an end to ignorance and false beliefs. It spread the message of monotheism and strengthened the belief in the oneness of Allah Almighty. She said the teachings and character of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) remain a source of guidance for Muslims and humanity as a whole. Maryam Nawaz urged people to reflect on the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and follow his example in their daily lives. She said the true spirit of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) lies in promoting peace, compassion, brotherhood, justice and respect for humanity. She prayed that Allah Almighty bless the country and its people and enable everyone to follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

  • Punjab Police’s Gujranwala division faces media communication gaps

    GUJRANWALA: Punjab Police’s Gujranwala division has a public relations setup in place, but journalists covering the region say the system is failing at the most basic task providing timely and accessible official information. Journalists covering police affairs across Gujranwala division say contacting the concerned PRO for the police version of an incident has become a frustrating exercise, with calls and messages frequently going unanswered. The problem becomes more serious when reporters are working on developing stories involving arrests, FIRs, police encounters, alleged misconduct or other sensitive matters where the police version is essential before publication. According to journalists, the issue is not simply about the availability of press releases. The police communication mechanism largely revolves around a WhatsApp group where official information is circulated, but there is little effective two-way communication when journalists need clarification or an immediate response. “Information is posted in the group, but when a journalist needs to ask a question or verify an incident, getting a response is often difficult,” said a journalist covering police affairs in the division. Another journalist said the communication gap had become particularly noticeable during breaking incidents, when reporters need the official version within minutes rather than hours. The frequent changes of PRO officials have further complicated the situation, journalists say. According to them, PROs are changed so frequently that journalists are often left uncertain about whom to approach for official comments. “By the time a working relationship develops with one PRO, another officer is assigned the responsibility,” a journalist said. The situation raises questions about the effectiveness of the PRO system itself. A police public relations officer is not merely responsible for forwarding press releases; the position also serves as a communication bridge between the police department and the media. When that bridge fails to function, journalists can be left with incomplete information while the police department risks losing an opportunity to present its official position. The problem is particularly important in a region where police operations regularly generate public interest. Arrests, encounters, recoveries, FIRs and allegations against police personnel all require timely verification and an official response. Journalists say the regional police command should establish a stable and clearly accessible media contact mechanism instead of relying primarily on a WhatsApp group for communication. The Punjab Police authorities and senior officers of Gujranwala division should also review the frequent changes in PRO assignments and assess whether the existing arrangement is delivering the level of media coordination expected from a major regional police formation. Without timely communication, the PRO system risks becoming a one-way information desk rather than the professional media liaison mechanism it is supposed to be.

  • | | |

    Police officer martyred in gun attack near Jamali …

    A police officer was martyred after unidentified gunmen opened fire on two policemen near Jamali Bridge on Karachi’s Super Highway on Monday. The attack has prompted senior police officials and the Sindh government to order an immediate investigation and intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible. According to police, the two officers were deployed on duty near Jamali Bridge when unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle approached and opened indiscriminate fire. Constable Zaman, who was serving at Site-A Police Station, sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. His fellow officer survived the attack without injury. Authorities have not yet confirmed the motive behind the shooting, and an investigation is underway to determine whether the incident was a targeted attack or linked to other criminal activity. Police have begun collecting evidence from the crime scene and reviewing available information to identify the suspects. Following the incident, Inspector General (IG) Sindh Javed Alam Odho took immediate notice of the attack and directed the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) East to submit a detailed report without delay. The IG instructed law enforcement officials to ensure that those involved in the attack are arrested and brought to justice as quickly as possible. The police chief also ordered investigators to utilize all available resources, including modern technology, intelligence networks, and investigative tools, to trace and capture the suspects. He further directed police units to strengthen patrolling, checkpoint operations, and snap checking across the area while maintaining strict surveillance of suspicious individuals and vehicles. Separately, Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar also sought an immediate report from the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) East regarding the incident. He emphasized that every available resource should be employed to identify and arrest the attackers and ensure they face the full force of the law. The home minister instructed police to make effective use of intelligence information, forensic techniques, and modern investigative methods during the operation. He also called for enhanced police patrols, tighter security measures, and increased monitoring of suspicious activity to prevent similar incidents. Paying tribute to the fallen officer, Lanjar said the sacrifice of police personnel would not be forgotten and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing those responsible. The attack highlights the continued security challenges faced by law enforcement officers in Karachi, where police personnel remain on the frontline against crime and violence. Investigations into the shooting are ongoing, and authorities have yet to announce any arrests.

  • | |

    Punjab CM engages PML-N legislators to improve pro…

    LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has intensified her engagement with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) legislators by holding regular meetings aimed at addressing their concerns and improving coordination between elected representatives and the provincial administration. As part of the initiative, the chief minister met PML-N members of the Punjab Assembly from Bahawalnagar on Friday to discuss the political situation, ongoing development projects, and issues affecting local communities. The meeting followed a similar interaction with lawmakers from Mandi Bahauddin held last week, reflecting a broader effort to strengthen communication within the party. The renewed outreach comes amid concerns voiced by several lawmakers, particularly those representing rural constituencies, who believe government officials and police are not responding adequately when they raise public issues on behalf of their constituents. Since assuming office in February 2024, Maryam Nawaz has maintained a policy of keeping political influence out of administrative and police appointments, insisting that postings and transfers should be based solely on merit. While the move has been praised as an effort to promote transparency and professionalism, some legislators have argued that it has reduced their ability to effectively advocate for their voters. Party sources said most lawmakers are not seeking authority over appointments but expect district officials and law enforcement agencies to respond respectfully and seriously when they present genuine public grievances. They believe stronger coordination between elected representatives and the administration is essential for resolving local issues and maintaining public confidence. According to senior party figures, the chief minister has been encouraged to hold regular consultations with lawmakers to ensure their concerns are heard directly while preserving her commitment to merit-based governance. The Punjab government has reiterated that its policy of transparent appointments remains unchanged. Officials maintain that the administration is committed to eliminating political interference in the bureaucracy while ensuring that public service delivery continues to improve across the province. The latest meetings are being viewed as an effort to strengthen internal party coordination, enhance communication with legislators, and ensure that public concerns are addressed more effectively without compromising administrative reforms.

  • |

    CM Murad decides to transform Sindh PPP Unit into private limited company

    KARACHI : Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has decided to restructure the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Unit into a private limited company to build a more autonomous, commercially agile and investment-oriented PPP ecosystem for the next phase of development in the province. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by the chief minister at the CM House on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the CM on Investment Syed Qasim Naveed, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Principal Secretary to CM Agha Wasif, Planning and Development Board Chairman Najam Shah, Finance Secretary Fayaz Jatoi, Transport Secretary Asad Zamin and other senior officials. The chief minister was informed that Sindh’s PPP programme has emerged as Pakistan’s leading sub-national PPP initiative, with a growing portfolio of projects in roads and bridges, transport, economic zones, information technology, energy, water, livestock, education, health and environmental sectors. The programme has received international recognition at platforms including the UNECE PPP Forum and The Asset Infrastructure Awards. Sindh’s PPP programme was also ranked sixth in Asia by The Economist in 2018. The PPP Unit has additionally provided technical and legal support to other provinces for strengthening their PPP frameworks and project structuring. The meeting noted that the Unit’s transition into a private limited company would enable it to promote and facilitate PPP projects more effectively, assist procuring agencies, strengthen departmental PPP nodes, formulate and implement policies and guidelines, build capacity and monitor portfolio performance. The chief minister directed that the proposed institutional transformation be pursued to remove operational bottlenecks, retain specialised professionals and ensure continuity in PPP project development and implementation. He emphasised the need for a strong institutional structure capable of providing timely technical, financial and legal support to departments and implementing agencies. Mr Shah was informed that the existing PPP Unit faced challenges in retaining skilled staff because of limited competitive compensation and incentives. The absence of dedicated project implementation units and project directors in certain departments was also affecting the pace and quality of project delivery. The proposed PPP Private Limited Company will have greater commercial flexibility to undertake strategic activities, make equity investments where required, mobilise capital through financial instruments and support project financing. It will also be able to develop diversified revenue streams beyond government funding, subject to the approval and oversight of its board. The chief minister underscored that the company must operate with robust governance, transparent performance review mechanisms and clear statutory oversight. He directed that the new structure should strengthen PPP nodes in provincial departments, empower competent officers and ensure that projects are processed efficiently without compromising accountability. The meeting concluded that the restructuring would help improve administrative efficiency, facilitate innovative financing, enhance investor confidence and accelerate the delivery of development projects. The chief minister said the objective was to establish a capable, sustainable and responsive PPP institution that could contribute meaningfully to Sindh’s progress and prosperity.

  • |

    Belgium’s record wildfire races toward German bo…

    A wildfire in eastern Belgium has scorched around 3,000 hectares of woodland, peatland and moorland, becoming the country’s largest recorded wildfire and raising fears that flames could reach Germany. The blaze erupted in the High Fens nature reserve, an area known for forests and fragile wetlands. Firefighters, soldiers, farmers and crews from neighboring countries have joined the operation, using helicopters, water-bombing aircraft and ground vehicles to battle the flames. Authorities have evacuated around 600 residents from nearby areas and warned those who left their homes not to return yet. The fire has spread through difficult terrain, while dry vegetation and recent heatwaves have made containment challenging. Rain that began falling on Monday offered firefighters a welcome boost, increasing humidity and lowering temperatures. However, officials remain cautious as the fire continues to threaten parts of the region near the German border. The scale of the blaze has shocked Belgium, with officials saying it is far larger than the previous national wildfire record set in 2011. The disaster comes as much of Europe faces intense heat and drought, conditions that are increasing wildfire risks across the continent. Authorities are investigating what caused the Belgian fire.

Leave a Reply

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