US embassy alerts citizens over worsening security…

LAHORE: The Punjab Teachers Union has rejected the recent increases in salaries and pensions announced by the provincial government, describing them as inadequate in the face of rising inflation and calling for the restoration of cutbacks in employee benefits. Central President of the Punjab Teachers Union Rana Anwar-ul-Haq, along with Yasin Warraich, Rana Liaquat and other office-bearers, said the government must end what they described as discriminatory economic treatment of public-sector employees. The union leaders said inflation had reached unprecedented levels, with prices now rising almost daily, making it increasingly difficult for government employees to meet their household expenses. They termed the announced 7 per cent salary increase and 3.5 per cent pension increase insufficient, arguing that the relief did not correspond with the rapidly rising cost of living. They demanded that Punjab employees receive salary increases at par with federal government employees. They also called for the restoration of cuts affecting leave encashment, pensions and gratuity. Yasin Warraich demanded a 45 per cent Disparity Reduction Allowance for Punjab government employees, arguing that denying them such an allowance while similar measures were being considered or implemented at the federal level would amount to unfair treatment. The union representatives also criticised the provincial government for failing to address the growing gap in compensation among public-sector employees. They said Punjab employees should not be deprived of financial benefits available to workers in other parts of the country. Rana Liaquat said employees affiliated with the All Government Employees Grand Alliance (AGEGA) Punjab remained united under the leadership of Chairman Khalid Javed Sangheera and expressed full confidence in the alliance’s leadership. The teachers’ representatives said they would honour the agreement reached between the two AGEGA groups at Masjid-e-Shuhada on June 16. They further announced that the Punjab Teachers Union would fully implement the protest schedule issued under the umbrella of AGEGA. The union leaders maintained that employees would continue their struggle for equitable salaries, pensions and service benefits until their demands were addressed.

  Two suspected criminals, identified as Fayyaz Butt and Rehan Butt, were killed during an exchange of fire with police in Sheikhupura. A case has been registered at Muridke Police Station in connection with the incident, according to police officials. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the two deceased suspects were allegedly involved in a previous attack in Lahore in which three police personnel were killed and three others were injured. The FIR includes charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act, possession of explosives, murder and attempted murder. The incident occurred after three armed suspects allegedly entered the house of a citizen identified as Abdul Hafeez. According to the FIR, the suspects took the family hostage at gunpoint after forcibly entering the residence. The FIR stated that Abdul Hafeez’s wife and their three children were among those held hostage by the armed men. The situation prompted police to launch an operation to secure the house and rescue the hostages. Police surrounded the house and announced that the suspects should lay down their weapons and surrender. However, according to the FIR, the suspects did not surrender and an exchange of gunfire subsequently took place between the police and the armed men. During the exchange of fire, the police vehicle was also damaged. Police personnel remained positioned around the house while attempting to control the situation and prevent the suspects from escaping. According to the details contained in the FIR, the firing eventually stopped. When police officers entered the premises and inspected the area, they found two bodies lying in the courtyard of the house. Weapons were also found near the bodies. The deceased suspects were subsequently identified as Fayyaz Butt and Rehan Butt. Police officials said the two suspects had allegedly fled from Lahore after the deadly attack on police personnel. The FIR registered in Muridke includes several serious charges, reflecting the nature of the allegations against the suspects. The charges include provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act, along with sections relating to murder, attempted murder and possession of explosive material. The case will now form part of the investigation into the suspects’ alleged activities and their involvement in the earlier Lahore incident. The hostage situation also raised concerns regarding the safety of the family inside the residence. According to the FIR, the police operation was carried out after the armed suspects allegedly took the family members hostage and refused to surrender. The authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the encounter, including the sequence of events leading to the exchange of fire and the deaths of the two suspects. The incident highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies when dealing with armed suspects accused of serious crimes. Police personnel are required to respond quickly in such situations, particularly when civilians are being held hostage. Further details regarding the identities and alleged criminal backgrounds of the suspects, as well as the investigation into the Lahore attack, may emerge as authorities continue their inquiry. The case registered at Muridke Police Station will provide the legal basis for investigating the incident and the allegations against the deceased suspects. Police officials will also examine the weapons recovered from the scene and other available evidence to establish the exact circumstances of the encounter. Authorities have yet to provide further details regarding the condition of the hostages following the operation. The investigation is expected to determine the full sequence of events and establish the suspects’ alleged links to the earlier attack on police personnel in Lahore.