Phetchabun Authorities Monitor Receding Pa Sak River Levels Amid Ongoing Flood Impacts

First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari has called on the Punjab government to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the murder of Hina Javed in Rawalpindi. Aseefa expressed deep sorrow over the killing and conveyed her condolences to Hina’s family. She said those responsible for the crime must be identified and brought to justice. Hina Javed was found dead inside the bathroom of her apartment in Askari Apartments, Lal Kurti, on Thursday evening. Police said the initial examination indicated signs of violence and a mark around her neck. Aseefa urged the provincial authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the case. She stressed that the circumstances surrounding Hina’s death must be fully established and that no aspect of the investigation should be overlooked. She said the perpetrators must face the law and called for strict action to ensure that such incidents are not repeated. The First Lady also expressed concern over increasing incidents of violence against women in Pakistan. She called for stronger measures to protect women and prevent violence against them. According to the first information report registered at Civil Lines Police Station on August 20, Hina’s brother, Fahid Javed, accused her husband, father-in-law and a domestic servant of being involved in her death. Fahid told police that he received a call from Hina’s father-in-law at around 6:53pm on Thursday. He was informed about an emergency at the apartment. He then reached the residence with other family members at around 7:23pm. The complainant said he found his sister’s body in the bathroom. He alleged that Hina had been subjected to severe violence and mistreatment. He also raised suspicion that she may have been given a poisonous substance before her death. The FIR was registered under Sections 302 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The complaint states that Hina married the main suspect in November 2025. An initial postmortem examination reportedly found a strangulation mark around her neck, an injury below her right lip and bleeding. Police have detained Hina’s husband and a domestic servant in connection with the murder. Her father-in-law is also being questioned as part of the investigation.

Cambridge International has released the results of its June 2026 examination session, with more than 100,000 students across Pakistan receiving their AS and A-Level results. Students from more than 850 schools in Pakistan took part in the examination session. The results were announced globally on Tuesday, with nearly 368,000 students worldwide receiving their Cambridge International AS and A-Level results. In Pakistan, thousands of students appeared for examinations in a wide range of subjects. Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Business and Computer Science remained among the most popular choices. Cambridge officials congratulated students on completing their examinations and acknowledged the challenges faced by some candidates during the preparation period. Cambridge Pakistan Country Director Uzma Yousuf said this year’s results were particularly significant because some students had prepared for their examinations amid regional tensions, uncertainty and disruptions. She congratulated the students and praised teachers, parents and school communities for supporting candidates throughout the academic year. Yousuf said education should not be viewed only through examination grades. She stressed the importance of developing knowledge, confidence and practical skills that can help young people succeed in higher education, employment and their future lives. Cambridge International also said it was continuing to develop its assessment system. The organisation is working on digital examination initiatives and flexible assessment options aimed at giving students greater choice and accessibility. Cambridge qualifications are accepted by universities and educational institutions in many countries. The organisation said its international qualifications provide students with pathways to higher education both in their home countries and abroad. According to Cambridge, recent UK university application data showed that 98% of Cambridge International A-Level students who applied to British universities during the 2025 admissions cycle received at least one university offer. The organisation said its qualifications are designed to provide students with internationally recognised academic credentials while allowing them to study within their own countries. The latest results have also been announced amid concerns surrounding examination security in Pakistan during the 2026 examination cycle. Earlier this year, allegations emerged that Cambridge Mathematics examination papers had been circulated before scheduled tests. One A-Level Mathematics paper was cancelled and candidates were required to sit a replacement examination. A separate AS-Level Mathematics paper was also cancelled following reports of a leak. Further claims regarding the circulation of another Mathematics paper were later raised by students. The incidents led to calls for stronger examination security and prompted education authorities to seek investigations into the allegations. Cambridge has previously said it investigates reports concerning examination integrity and has urged students and parents to follow information released through its official channels. Meanwhile, students who appeared for the June 2026 IGCSE and O-Level examinations are expected to receive their results on August 18.

Lahore Police have directed that no woman should remain at any police station after sunset, introducing a new measure that officials say is aimed at ensuring the safety and dignity of women. The directive was issued by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Muhammad Faisal Kamran during a crime review meeting with officers of the City Division. He instructed police personnel to treat women with respect and ensure that female complainants as well as women taken into custody are not kept at police stations after Maghrib. According to the directive, police officers must adopt procedures that protect women’s privacy and dignity while dealing with complaints or investigations. The decision comes in the wake of growing concerns over crimes against women and follows the arrest of a Lahore police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman with a mental health condition. According to police, the woman had left her home and did not return for several hours. Her family later learned from a local resident that a plain-clothes police officer had taken her away on a motorcycle. The victim later alleged that the officer took her to another location and sexually assaulted her. Following the allegations, police registered a case against the accused officer. DIG Investigation Syed Zeeshan Raza ordered an immediate and transparent investigation, directing investigators to proceed strictly on merit. The incident also led to disciplinary action within the police department, with 78 police officials reportedly suspended as authorities launched an internal review of the case. While police officials say the new directive is intended to safeguard women, some critics argue that restricting women’s presence at police stations does not address the root problem. They contend that law enforcement agencies should instead focus on ensuring police stations remain safe and accessible for women at all hours.