Pakistan crushed by England, slide to WTC bottom

LAHORE: Authorities have arrested 28 suspects in Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan as part of a major crackdown on organised online fraud, exposing alleged schemes that relied on impersonation, fake investment opportunities and fabricated official identities to deceive citizens. The arrests were made during a province-wide operation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab, directed by Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim, officials said. Investigators also seized 24 mobile phones and a laptop, which are now being examined for evidence that could lead to other members of the alleged network. The investigation has revealed how fraudsters allegedly manipulated trust to convince victims to hand over large sums of money. Millions allegedly lost in Lahore scam In Lahore, 18 suspects were arrested in separate operations. Investigators said the suspects allegedly impersonated relatives, visa agents, government officials and personnel associated with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority. In one case, suspects allegedly posed as both a relative and a visa agent and persuaded a victim to transfer Rs25.86 million. The case has highlighted how scammers can combine apparently familiar identities with urgent requests to make their schemes appear legitimate. Rs54.66m trading fraud uncovered Three suspects were arrested in Faisalabad in connection with alleged online trading fraud and unauthorised access to a company email account. According to investigators, a victim was shown fabricated trading records, digital-wallet balances and purported profit statements to create the impression that substantial returns were being generated. After being persuaded to invest, the victim allegedly lost Rs54.66 million, investigators said. The case demonstrates the growing sophistication of investment scams, where criminals allegedly use manipulated digital information to make fraudulent platforms appear genuine. Multan arrests expose impersonation tactics In Multan, seven suspects were arrested for allegedly posing as relatives, bank employees and individuals claiming to be based in Britain. Officials said victims were approached with various demands, including payments supposedly required for prize money, customs clearance, taxes and visa renewals. Such tactics typically create a sense of urgency, leaving victims with little time to verify the identity of the caller or the authenticity of the demand. Digital evidence now under forensic examination NCCIA investigators are examining the seized devices through forensic analysis. Financial transactions, call records and digital communications are also being reviewed to establish the full extent of the alleged operation and identify other people who may be connected to it. The crackdown comes amid growing concern over online financial fraud in Pakistan. The NCCIA’s own statistics identify financial fraud as a major category of reported cybercrime. The latest arrests underscore a simple but increasingly important warning: an apparently familiar voice, official-looking message or promising investment opportunity may not be what it seems. Authorities are expected to continue the investigation as they trace the alleged network and follow the digital and financial trails left behind.

QUETTA: The Balochistan Transport Department has confirmed that the inauguration of the People’s Train service between Sariab and Kuchlak has been postponed. Balochistan Transport Secretary Hayat Kakar said seven stations have been established along the 32-kilometre route between Sariab and Kuchlak to facilitate the new train service. He said the inauguration was delayed because the specially prepared train coaches have not yet reached Quetta. The launch ceremony had been scheduled to take place at Quetta Railway Station on August 14. According to Kakar, the coaches for the People’s Train have been prepared at the Carriage Factory in Islamabad. However, their arrival in Quetta has been delayed. He said the provincial government, federal government and Pakistan Railways would consult each other before announcing a new date for the inauguration. The Balochistan Transport Department said the People’s Train project has been completed at an estimated cost of Rs4 billion. The new service is expected to improve public transport connectivity between Sariab and Kuchlak and provide an additional commuting option for residents along the route.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to transfer Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to hospital. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Fazlur Rehman described the decision as a positive development. He said the hospital transfer should have been ordered much earlier. The JUI-F chief said the current political situation in the country should be assessed carefully before drawing conclusions. He also called for issues concerning the provinces to be discussed openly rather than reduced to simple political positions. Fazlur Rehman said the opposition had an important responsibility in a parliamentary system. He said opposition parties should identify weaknesses and shortcomings in government policies. He stressed that debates on provincial matters should focus on both principles and practical realities. According to him, political issues require serious discussion instead of being viewed only through the lens of support or opposition. The JUI-F chief also criticised what he described as a tendency in journalism to divide every issue into opposing camps. He said drawing a rigid line between supporting and opposing a position had contributed to worsening national problems. His remarks came after the Supreme Court ordered Imran Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital for medical treatment. The court also directed authorities to facilitate regular meetings between Imran and his family. The ruling has been welcomed by several political figures, including members of the opposition. The court has also ordered the formation of a medical board to assess Imran’s condition and directed that his personal physician be given access.

Pakistan’s security forces have intensified intelligence-based operations against militant groups in Balochistan under Operation Azm. The latest operation was carried out in the Khad Kocha area of Mastung district, where security personnel launched a targeted raid based on intelligence reports, according to security sources. During the operation, four militants allegedly associated with what security officials referred to as Fitna al-Hindustan were killed. Security sources said the operation was conducted after receiving credible information about the presence of armed militants in the area. A large quantity of weapons, ammunition and other military equipment was recovered from the militants. Officials said the recovered arms were believed to have been intended for use in future attacks. Security forces also seized several motorcycles that were reportedly being used by the militants for movement and logistical support. The vehicles have been taken into custody for further investigation. According to security sources, several other militants were injured during the exchange of fire. However, the exact number of those wounded has not been confirmed. The operation also led to the arrest of several suspected facilitators who were allegedly providing support, shelter and logistical assistance to the militants. The detained suspects are expected to be questioned as part of the ongoing investigation. Search and clearance operations are continuing across the surrounding areas to ensure that no militants remain hidden. Security forces have maintained a strong presence in the area and are closely monitoring the situation. Security officials said intelligence-based operations in Mastung have been intensified following recent militant activities in the Khad Kocha area. They added that such operations will continue to target militant networks and their support systems. According to security sources, Pakistan’s security forces remain committed to eliminating terrorism and will continue operations until peace and stability are fully restored in the region.