Nimra Khan’s ex-husband confirms their divorce

Security sources said that armed members of the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) abducted a courier company’s mini-truck along with two people from the Khad Koocha area on July 24. According to the sources, the kidnappers demanded Rs25 million in ransom from the courier company on July 26 and threatened to kill the hostages if the money was not paid. Security sources said the proscribed BLA is involved not only in terrorism but also in criminal activities, including bank robberies, vehicle theft, extortion and kidnapping for ransom. They said such incidents indicate the involvement of criminal networks in activities that can also serve as a source of financing for terrorism. The sources said ordinary Baloch citizens, local traders and peace in Balochistan suffer the most from such activities. They added that such actions are also aimed at creating fear and insecurity among residents and disrupting the peaceful environment in the region.

The Anti-Corruption Department has conducted an inquiry into alleged irregularities and appointments to key positions at Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC), raising questions over the appointment procedures and eligibility of several candidates. The inquiry report identified alleged violations of rules and regulations in appointments to important positions, including Director Finance, Chief Internal Auditor, Director Supply Chain, and Director Research and Clinical Audit. According to the report, a person was appointed as Director Finance despite allegedly failing to meet the prescribed eligibility criteria. The inquiry also found that the candidate who secured the top position on merit for the post of Chief Internal Auditor was allegedly overlooked. The report further stated that the appointment of the Director Supply Chain was made despite the candidate allegedly not meeting the required technical expertise criteria. Similarly, the inquiry raised objections to the appointment of the Director Research and Clinical Audit, stating that the appointee allegedly did not meet the required eligibility criteria. The Anti-Corruption Department said the appointments allegedly violated provisions of the Medical Teaching Institutions (MTI) Act and relevant rules and regulations. Based on its findings, the inquiry recommended that the disputed appointments be cancelled. The report also recommended action against the Chairman and members of the Board of Governors, along with other officials allegedly involved in the appointment process. According to the inquiry report, the disputed appointments remained in place for around three years, allegedly causing a financial loss of approximately Rs150 million to the public exchequer. The inquiry recommended recovering the alleged financial loss from the individuals responsible. The Anti-Corruption Department has also recommended verification of the educational qualifications, professional experience and certificates of the officials concerned. The verification is aimed at determining whether the documents submitted by the candidates at the time of their appointments met the prescribed criteria and were in accordance with the relevant rules. The matter has already been under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Department. A petition challenging appointments to key posts, including Director Finance, Chief Internal Auditor and Director Supply Chain, is also pending before the Peshawar High Court.

Independence Day celebrations were held across Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday, with political leaders, judges and government officials highlighting national unity, development, democracy and the sacrifices made for Pakistan. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in her Independence Day message, said the occasion was a day for the younger generation to renew its commitment to the country’s future. She said she wanted to see young people equipped with books, pens and laptops, stressing that genuine development would only be achieved when no section of society was left behind. Lahore High Court Chief Justice Justice Aalia Neelum, addressing a flag-hoisting ceremony, said love for the homeland was part of faith. She said every citizen had a responsibility to work tirelessly for the country’s progress and added that the Punjab judiciary was striving to ensure the effective delivery of justice. Independence Day celebrations were also held at King Edward Medical University in Lahore. Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique attended the ceremony as chief guest, cut the Independence Day cake and led prayers for the country’s security and prosperity. He said every citizen must play a role in Pakistan’s development. A flag-hoisting ceremony was also organised at the Sports Board Punjab. The secretary sports, director general sports and other officials and employees attended the event. The national flag was hoisted and participants observed a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Pakistan. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said Independence Day should also serve as an opportunity to reflect on the objectives and sacrifices behind the creation of Pakistan. He said the country was established in 1947 on the principles of unity, discipline and firm faith, but 79 years later the nation had still not fully achieved national cohesion. Fazlur Rehman called for overcoming regional, linguistic and group-based divisions and urged people to move forward as one Pakistani nation. He said the objectives of Pakistan’s creation included an Islamic system, a prosperous economy and stable democracy. Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said Pakistan was created on the basis of the Two-Nation Theory but the country had yet to fully realise the objectives for which it was established. He criticised successive governments for making people’s lives difficult and said the implementation of the Quran and Sunnah was essential to achieving Pakistan’s true destination. In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi hoisted the national flag at Governor House. Iran’s Consul General Ali Banafsheh Khah also attended the ceremony. Prayers were offered for Pakistan’s development, prosperity and stability, while Kundi and the Iranian consul general jointly cut the cake marking the country’s 79th Independence Day. K-P Adviser on Finance Muzammil Aslam said the province had witnessed significant improvements and called for greater efforts to strengthen the region. He said the provincial government had faced serious financial difficulties when it took office but the situation had subsequently improved. Aslam said officials should set clear targets for what they wanted to achieve before the next Independence Day. He also stressed the need for collective efforts to eliminate terrorism from the province. K-P Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah said the objectives behind the creation of Pakistan would be fulfilled. He said the people would not hesitate to make sacrifices for the country and would continue working towards its progress and stability. Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja also congratulated the nation on Independence Day. She paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives defending the country and described the armed forces as guarantors of peace and development. She said Pakistan’s growing international standing reflected the efforts of its political and military leadership. According to her, Pakistan is increasingly recognised globally for its commitment to peace, development, defence and its vision of a digital future.