Pakistan blames Afghan-based militants for rising …

  Residents of River Garden Islamabad have strongly protested a fresh increase in monthly maintenance charges after the society’s management, River Garden Development Private Limited (RDPL), once again raised service fees. According to residents, the revised charges have been applied unilaterally in bills issued from July onward, placing an additional financial burden on homeowners. Residents claim that this is not the first time maintenance charges have been increased. They state that RDPL had already raised service charges several times during 2023, 2024, and 2025. As a result of these repeated revisions, the cumulative increase in maintenance fees over the past few years has reportedly exceeded 175 percent, leading to growing frustration among residents. A large number of River Garden residents have previously challenged these increases in court. During 2023 and 2024, several homeowners obtained stay orders against the hikes, arguing that the increases were unjustified and lacked transparency. However, residents allege that despite these court orders, the management has continued to introduce higher maintenance charges and adopt various administrative measures that they believe place pressure on residents to withdraw their legal cases. The latest increase has once again triggered widespread criticism within the community. Residents argue that they continue to pay maintenance charges despite receiving inadequate and below-standard services. They believe that the fees being collected do not reflect the quality of facilities available in the housing society. Residents have demanded that maintenance charges should be determined through a transparent and independent process. They have called for the appointment of a neutral third-party auditor to evaluate the society’s operational expenses and recommend fair service charges. They also insist that the rates should be comparable to those charged by neighboring housing societies offering similar facilities and services. According to the residents, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) regulations emphasize that housing societies must prioritize the provision of essential infrastructure and address the concerns of residents before imposing additional financial burdens. They argue that instead of increasing maintenance charges, the management should first improve the condition of the society and fulfill its basic responsibilities. Residents highlighted several longstanding issues that, they say, remain unresolved. They claim that many roads within River Garden are damaged and require urgent repair. They also pointed out that the boundary wall of the housing society is still incomplete, raising concerns about security. In addition, residents say that the promised community center has yet to be constructed despite repeated assurances. They have also expressed concerns over the increasing number of stray dogs roaming the society, describing the situation as a public safety issue for families and children. Other complaints include poor maintenance of green areas, with grass and wild shrubs reportedly left unattended for extended periods. Residents further criticized the relocation of the society’s cemetery, stating that it has been moved approximately 13 kilometers away from the residential area, making it difficult for families to visit and creating inconvenience during funeral arrangements. The residents have once again appealed to the Chairman of the Capital Development Authority to take immediate notice of the matter. They have urged the authority to review the process used to determine monthly maintenance charges and introduce a transparent mechanism that ensures fairness and accountability. Furthermore, residents have requested the CDA to ensure that RDPL fulfills its obligations by improving infrastructure, completing pending development projects, and providing the essential services promised to homeowners. They believe that only after these basic facilities are delivered should any discussion regarding increases in maintenance charges take place. The issue has become a major concern for many families living in River Garden, who say they are willing to pay reasonable service charges but expect transparency, accountability, and quality services in return. They hope that intervention by the CDA will help resolve the dispute and ensure that residents receive the facilities and standards they were promised when investing in the housing society.

JAZAN: Firefighters have extinguished a blaze that erupted early Sunday at a facility within Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery in southwestern Saudi Arabia, with authorities confirming that no injuries were reported. The Saudi Energy Ministry said Aramco’s industrial security teams quickly brought the fire under control. Relevant authorities were subsequently working to complete procedures related to the incident. The ministry did not disclose what caused the fire or provide details about the extent of any damage. Located on the Red Sea near Saudi Arabia’s border with Yemen, the Jazan refinery has a processing capacity of around 400,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The facility produces several refined petroleum products, including gasoline and ultra-low-sulfur diesel. The latest incident comes shortly after the refinery was shut down following an attack in late July that Saudi authorities attributed to Yemen’s Houthi movement. The attack reportedly damaged parts of the refinery’s integrated gasification complex and tank storage facilities. The Houthis had previously claimed responsibility for strikes targeting Aramco facilities in Jazan and Yanbu, raising concerns over the security of Saudi energy infrastructure and shipping routes in the Red Sea. Aramco Chief Executive Amin Nasser said last week that recent attacks had caused some temporary production disruptions but expressed confidence that operations could be restored quickly. He said the incidents had not caused a significant operational or financial impact on the company. The latest fire comes amid heightened regional tensions involving Saudi Arabia, Yemen and wider disruptions affecting energy and maritime security across the Middle East.

RAWALPINDI: Commandant Sihala Police College Ashfaq Ahmad Khan has called upon police officers to adopt a compassionate, respectful and impartial attitude towards victims of rape and sexual violence. He was addressing sub-inspectors who successfully completed the one-month SSIOU course at Sihala Police College, Rawalpindi. Speaking at the concluding ceremony, Ashfaq Ahmad Khan said that rape victims, particularly women, children and girls, are already in a highly vulnerable situation, and it is the responsibility of police officers to protect their dignity and self-respect throughout the investigation process. He stressed that investigations into rape cases must be conducted professionally, sensitively and impartially. The identity and personal information of victims must be kept strictly confidential so that their dignity and reputation in society are not compromised. The Commandant urged the newly trained officers to ensure that every stage of an investigation is carried out while respecting the privacy and dignity of victims. At the same time, he said, investigations must be thorough, transparent and evidence-based so that perpetrators can be brought to justice and face the consequences of their crimes under the law. Ashfaq Ahmad Khan said the police have a crucial responsibility to provide victims with justice, protection and confidence. He added that a compassionate approach, combined with professional investigation, would help ensure that victims are treated with dignity while criminals are brought to justice. make it proper title

RAWALPINDI: Senior Justice of the Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench, Sadaqat Ali Khan, has described freedom as the greatest blessing and called on citizens to contribute positively to Pakistan’s progress by following the vision and principles of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He was speaking at a grand Independence Day ceremony held at the premises of the Lahore High Court ( LHC) Rawalpindi Bench, attended by Justice Mirza Waqas Rauf, retired judges, senior lawyers and court officials. The ceremony began with a guard of honour for Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan, who later hoisted the national flag alongside fellow judges. Senior judicial officers, representatives of the legal community and other officials also participated in the event. Addressing the gathering, Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan said Pakistan’s independence was achieved through immense sacrifices by the Muslims of the subcontinent under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He said Independence Day was not merely a celebration of freedom but also a reminder of the determination and struggle that led to the creation of Pakistan. He paid tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their lives and resources for the country’s independence, saying their sacrifices should inspire the nation to work for Pakistan’s development and prosperity. The senior judge stressed that every citizen has a responsibility to play a constructive role in strengthening the country and advancing the ideals envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam.