congressional delegation visits
| |

U.S. congressional delegation visits Punjab safe c…

Lahore, July 26, 2026: A high-level delegation from the United States Congress, including Congressman Ryan Zinke and Congressman Michael Baumgartner, visited the headquarters of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) in Lahore. During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the Authority’s advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based systems, modern surveillance technologies, and digital public safety initiatives aimed at improving security and emergency response mechanisms across Punjab.

The visiting delegation was warmly welcomed by Managing Director Punjab Safe Cities Authority Muhammad Ahsan Younas and Chief Operating Officer Muntansir Feroz upon their arrival at the PSCA headquarters. The officials provided an overview of the Authority’s operations and highlighted the role of technology-driven solutions in strengthening law enforcement capabilities and ensuring better public safety services for citizens.

During their visit, the U.S. Congressional delegation toured different operational sections of the Authority and observed the functioning of various advanced security systems. The visitors were informed about the latest technological developments introduced by PSCA, including artificial intelligence-powered upgrades, smart monitoring tools, and digital solutions designed to improve security management throughout the province.

According to the PSCA spokesperson, the delegation received a detailed briefing on the Authority’s modern surveillance infrastructure, including state-of-the-art security cameras, the Integrated Command and Control Centre, AI-based security modules, and province-wide monitoring networks. Officials explained how these technologies help authorities monitor public spaces, respond quickly to emergencies, and support law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and security.

The delegation was also briefed on PSCA’s coordination with Punjab Police and other security institutions. Officials highlighted the Authority’s role in creating an integrated security environment through advanced communication systems, data-driven monitoring, and rapid emergency response mechanisms. The visitors were informed about how these systems assist law enforcement agencies in improving operational efficiency and providing timely assistance to citizens.

The PSCA spokesperson further explained that the delegation was given a detailed presentation on the upgraded features of Emergency Helpline 15. The briefing included information about its technology-based emergency response system and various citizen-focused digital services developed to make emergency assistance faster and more accessible for the public.

The U.S. Congressional delegation showed particular interest in several major initiatives launched by PSCA, including the Women Safety App, Virtual Women Police Station, Virtual Center for Child Safety, Intelligent Traffic Management System, and other innovative digital public safety projects. These initiatives were presented as examples of how technology can be effectively used to address social challenges and improve public services.

The visiting representatives appreciated the efforts of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority in using modern technology to enhance public security and improve citizen services. They recognized these initiatives as progressive models that demonstrate the potential of artificial intelligence and digital innovation in strengthening safety systems.

At the conclusion of the visit, commemorative shields were presented to the members of the U.S. Congressional delegation as a gesture of appreciation and goodwill. Senior officials from PSCA and representatives of relevant departments were also present during the concluding ceremony.

The visit highlighted the growing importance of technological cooperation and knowledge-sharing in the field of public safety. The Punjab Safe Cities Authority continues to focus on adopting modern digital solutions to create safer communities, enhance emergency response capabilities, and provide improved services to citizens across the province.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Protests erupt in Bologna after man’s death during police restraint

    Thousands of people marched through the Italian city of Bologna after the death of a Moroccan born man who died while being restrained by police, prompting a criminal investigation and violent clashes that left dozens of officers injured. The protests were held in memory of Abderrahim Fakir, whose death on Sunday has sparked widespread public anger and renewed debate over police conduct in Italy. Demonstrators gathered to demand justice before a smaller group broke away from the main rally and clashed with riot police late into the night. Authorities said 64 police officers were injured during the unrest as protesters threw objects, confronted security forces and set two vehicles on fire. Police eventually brought the situation under control. The incident that led to the demonstrations began after officers responded to reports of a man behaving erratically in Bologna’s Pilastro neighbourhood. According to police, Fakir was seen kicking garage doors before officers attempted to calm him. They later used pepper spray during the confrontation. A video widely shared by Italian media shows two police officers holding Fakir face down on the ground while another man restrains his legs. Emergency medical workers are also visible nearby. In the footage, Fakir can be heard asking the officers to stop before he gradually stops moving. After he became unresponsive, officers handcuffed him and attempted to wake him before medical staff intervened. Prosecutors have opened a manslaughter investigation involving the police officers and emergency workers who were present at the scene. The inquiry will examine whether the restraint methods or medical response contributed to Fakir’s death. Several witnesses told local media that although Fakir appeared distressed, he was unarmed and did not pose a threat to anyone nearby. His sister, Khadija Fakir, called for a full investigation and said the family wanted answers about how he died while in police custody. Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore also expressed shock after watching the video and organised Monday’s public demonstration in support of Fakir’s family. During the rally, Fakir’s niece addressed the crowd, describing her uncle as a caring and respected member of the community. She said he deserved compassion, dignity and help rather than the outcome that followed. Although the main demonstration remained peaceful, officials said a small number of protesters later turned violent. Mayor Lepore condemned the unrest while drawing a distinction between peaceful demonstrators and those who resorted to violence. The police union defended the officers’ actions and argued that the available video showed they had acted appropriately under difficult circumstances. Union representatives said the officers immediately handed over body camera footage to investigators and insisted the use of force was justified because officers faced resistance during the incident. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for a thorough investigation into Fakir’s death while strongly condemning the violence that followed. She said determining the truth about the incident was essential but stressed that attacks on law enforcement could not be justified. Fakir’s death has drawn comparisons with previous high profile cases involving deaths in police custody in Italy. Opposition politicians have criticised the government’s strong support for police, while human rights advocates say the investigation must establish whether officers followed proper procedures during the arrest. The case has intensified public discussion over policing practices and accountability across the country.

  • | |

    Evergrande founder handed life sentence as court s…

    The founder of Evergrande, the Chinese property giant whose collapse triggered a nationwide housing market crisis, has been sentenced to life in prison and stripped of all personal property. Hui Ka Yan pleaded guilty in April to multiple charges, including embezzling assets and corporate bribery. The Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court also imposed fines totaling 15.82 billion yuan, roughly £1.73 billion or $2.35 billion, on his former companies over a range of offenses that included falsifying financial records and concealing debt. The sentencing marks a major turning point in the fallout from Evergrande’s collapse, which shook China’s property sector and inflicted heavy losses on investors and domestic banks alike. The court said Hui and his businesses seriously disrupted the Chinese property market, causing significant economic damage. Other former Evergrande executives, including Hui’s two sons Xu Zhijian and Xu Tenghe, received jail terms ranging from 22 months to 18 years, according to Chinese state media. Once ranked as Asia’s richest man, Hui has watched his fortune and influence collapse alongside his company. Also known as Xu Jiayin, he grew up in rural China raised by his grandmother before entering the property industry and founding Evergrande in 1996. He guided the company through a period of rapid expansion fueled by heavy borrowing, eventually building Evergrande into China’s largest real estate developer with a stock market valuation exceeding $50 billion, roughly £36.7 billion. At his peak, Hui held the distinction of being Asia’s wealthiest individual. The company suffered a major setback when Beijing introduced new measures in 2020 aimed at curbing debt across the property sector. As Evergrande struggled to keep up with interest payments, it began selling properties at steep discounts to stay afloat before ultimately collapsing in 2021. Court proceedings in April revealed that the company had taken in millions of dollars in pre sale funds from prospective homebuyers that were never used for the construction they were intended to finance. Instead, that money was redirected toward new development projects, leaving hundreds of housing projects unfinished. In March 2024, Hui was separately fined $6.5 million and banned for life from China’s capital markets after regulators found the company had overstated its revenue by $78 billion. Evergrande’s stock market value shrank by 99 percent before the company’s shares were delisted from the Hong Kong exchange in August 2025, ending more than fifteen years of trading. The company’s implosion is widely seen as a key trigger for the broader downturn in China’s property market that continues to weigh on the country’s economy. At its peak, Evergrande stood as the largest firm in an industry that accounted for roughly a third of China’s gross domestic product, serving as both a major driver of economic growth and a critical revenue source for local governments. The sector’s ongoing troubles have continued to pressure the world’s second largest economy, with several other major developers facing their own financial distress in the years since Evergrande’s fall.

  • | |

    NCCIA crackdown: 14 suspects arrested in Lahore, M…

    The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab has launched a major crackdown against networks allegedly involved in online financial fraud, identity theft and social media scams, arresting 14 suspects in Lahore and Multan. The operation was carried out under the direction and supervision of NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Waseem. Officials said the suspects allegedly defrauded citizens of millions of rupees through various online schemes. In Lahore, the NCCIA arrested four suspects in three separate cases. They were identified as Muhammad Amir, Muhammad Ashfaq, Muhammad Qamar and Ameer Karim. According to initial investigations, the suspects allegedly posed as marriage bureau representatives or close friends to gain victims’ trust. They then allegedly deceived citizens into transferring money. Investigators recovered mobile phones from the suspects and found evidence indicating that victims had been defrauded of significant amounts. In Multan, the NCCIA carried out three separate operations and arrested 10 suspects. They were identified as Muhammad Asghar, Amir Shehzad, Muhammad Kamran, Rizwan Talib, Saqib Ali, Kamran Talib, Iftikhar Manzoor, Muhammad Adnan, Muhammad Sultan and Muhammad Naeem. Investigators said the suspects allegedly used social media platforms and WhatsApp to impersonate officials from customs, police, banks and other government institutions. The suspects allegedly contacted citizens using false claims involving prizes, gifts, donations, bank verification and parcel clearance. They then demanded money from victims under various pretexts. Investigators uncovered one case in which a victim was allegedly defrauded of Rs1 million, while another involved the alleged theft of Rs588,000. The NCCIA said several mobile phones, SIM cards, fake WhatsApp accounts, social media profiles and other digital evidence were recovered during the operations. The seized devices and accounts are being subjected to forensic analysis. Cases have been registered against all 14 suspects under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, as amended in 2025, along with applicable sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.

  • |

    Pakistan confirm four-day warm-up before England Tests

    LONDON: Pakistan’s preparations for the highly anticipated three-match Test series against England will begin with a vital four-day warm-up fixture against a Professional County Club Select XI, offering the visitors an opportunity to fine-tune their game in English conditions before the opening Test. The Pakistan men’s cricket team is scheduled to arrive in London on August 8, with the warm-up match set to take place from August 12 to 15 at the County Cricket Ground, Beckenham. The fixture will be organized by Kent Cricket and will feature a Select XI comprising experienced first-class players from various English county sides. The practice match is expected to play a crucial role in helping Pakistan’s batters and bowlers adapt to the swinging and seam-friendly conditions that have traditionally challenged touring teams in England. Team management will also use the game to assess combinations and finalize the playing XI ahead of the Test series. Pakistan will begin the Test campaign on August 19 at Headingley in Leeds. The second Test will be played at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London from August 27, while the third and final match is scheduled for September 9 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. The upcoming tour marks Pakistan’s fourth Test visit to England since 2016. During that period, Pakistan have produced several memorable performances, drawing two Test series while losing one in 2020. Their ability to compete in English conditions has earned praise from cricket experts and fans alike. Overall, Pakistan and England have contested 29 bilateral Test series since their first meeting in 1954, creating one of cricket’s most respected rivalries. With a challenging series on the horizon, the Beckenham warm-up fixture could prove decisive in shaping Pakistan’s preparations. Supporters will be hoping the team builds confidence early and carries that momentum into what promises to be another fascinating chapter in the historic Pakistan-England Test rivalry. Pakistan squad for England Tour: Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah Pakistan tour of England (All matches to begin at 3pm PKT): 1st Test – 19-23 August at Headingley, Leeds 2nd Test – 27-31 August at Lord’s, London 3rd Test – 9-13 September at Edgbaston, Birmingham

  • | |

    PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announces Independence d…

      Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced a special Independence Day surprise for cricket fans across the country, inviting them to celebrate the national occasion by watching their favourite stars in action at the stadium. Mohsin Naqvi said that the action in the National Championship Cup is currently underway, with several prominent Pakistani cricketers taking part in the tournament. He highlighted that fans will have the opportunity to watch some of their favourite players perform live on the field. According to the PCB chairman, players including Shadab Khan, Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman are among the stars featuring in the ongoing matches. He encouraged cricket enthusiasts to come to the stadium with their friends and families and enjoy the exciting cricket action together. In a special announcement for fans in Multan, Mohsin Naqvi said that entry to Multan Cricket Stadium would be free for spectators from 3pm. The initiative is aimed at giving cricket lovers an opportunity to enjoy live domestic cricket without having to pay an entry fee. The PCB chairman also urged families and groups of friends to take advantage of the opportunity and attend the matches. With several well-known players participating, the matches are expected to attract a large number of spectators and create a festive atmosphere at the stadium. Mohsin Naqvi further announced that fans would receive another special surprise at 10pm on the night of Independence Day. Although he did not reveal the details of the surprise, his announcement has generated excitement among cricket supporters who are looking forward to celebrating August 14 with a special event. The announcement comes as Pakistan celebrates its Independence Day, making the occasion particularly significant for cricket fans. Cricket remains one of the country’s most popular sports, and opportunities to watch leading players perform in front of a home crowd often attract considerable public interest. The National Championship Cup provides an important platform for established players as well as emerging cricketers to demonstrate their skills. The participation of experienced names such as Shadab Khan and Fakhar Zaman, alongside players such as Sahibzada Farhan, is expected to add further interest to the competition. The PCB has increasingly focused on providing fans with greater access to domestic cricket and creating an atmosphere that encourages spectators to attend matches. Free entry for the Multan Cricket Stadium matches is another step aimed at bringing supporters closer to the sport and increasing public engagement with domestic competitions. Fans in Multan and surrounding areas can therefore look forward to an exciting day of cricket, followed by the much-anticipated Independence Day surprise at night. With free stadium entry from 3pm and prominent Pakistani players scheduled to feature, cricket lovers have been given an opportunity to celebrate the national occasion through live sporting entertainment. Mohsin Naqvi’s announcement is likely to further boost interest in the National Championship Cup, while the mystery surrounding the 10pm surprise has added an extra element of anticipation for fans waiting to discover what the PCB has planned for Independence Day.

  • | |

    Iran issues fresh warnings as regional tensions es…

    Tensions across the Middle East intensified on Saturday as senior Iranian military and political officials issued strong warnings to the United States and its regional partners, while Kuwait reported intercepting drones it said were launched from Iran. Major General Abdollahi, commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, accused Washington of deliberately widening the regional conflict. In a statement shared on X and reported by Iranian state media, he alleged that the United States was pursuing a strategy aimed at expanding the war and increasing its influence across the Middle East. According to Abdollahi, the recent confrontation with Iran demonstrated that Washington was prepared to target the interests and resources of Muslim nations to achieve its objectives. He further claimed that the US was relying on the wealth, infrastructure, and strategic assets of regional countries to protect its military presence while reinforcing Israel’s security. The Iranian commander argued that the balance of power in the region had shifted in Iran’s favor, asserting that the United States and Israel failed to achieve their goals during the latest conflict. He also claimed they were now attempting to continue the confrontation through the territory of neighboring Muslim countries. Abdollahi urged regional governments to reconsider their cooperation with Washington, warning that nations acting as a “defensive shield” for the United States could eventually face the consequences of war. Separately, Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaei, a member of the parliament’s National Security Commission, warned that any future attack on Iran would have devastating consequences for the region. He claimed that such a conflict could reduce regional infrastructure to the “Stone Age” and cautioned against further military action. Meanwhile, Kuwait strongly condemned what it described as Iranian aggression after reporting drone attacks on key facilities. Kuwaiti authorities said their air defense systems detected and destroyed multiple hostile drones that entered the country’s airspace early Saturday. Officials stated that a government installation in northern Kuwait and civilian vehicles on Bubiyan Island sustained material damage from falling debris, although no casualties were reported. Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry described the attacks as a serious violation of the country’s sovereignty and said it reserved the right to take all necessary measures to protect its national security, interests, and critical infrastructure. Iran also warned that continued US maritime pressure could trigger broader consequences. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said ongoing American actions could ultimately lead to restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz and other strategic waterways, warning that such developments would have significant consequences for global energy markets and the wider economy. At the same time, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf declared that Iran had emerged victorious from the recent conflict but stressed that the country must strengthen its long-term stability and national resilience. He emphasized expanding the authority of Iran’s supreme leadership as a key step toward securing the country’s future. Elsewhere, maritime security concerns remained high. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a commercial tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile off the coast of Oman, damaging its engine room and leaving it temporarily unable to maneuver. Authorities are investigating the incident. In Yemen, the Houthi movement denied reports that it planned to charge commercial vessels for passage through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, insisting that its maritime transit services remain free. However, the group claimed that its blockade had already forced several Saudi oil tankers to reroute around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope, underscoring the continuing disruption to regional shipping routes.

Leave a Reply

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