US launches strikes on Iran after attack on Jordan base

LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab has arrested three suspects in coordinated operations across Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan for allegedly harassing, blackmailing, and targeting women through social media platforms. The operations were carried out under the special directives and supervision of NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Waseem as part of an intensified campaign against cyber-enabled crimes involving women. During the raids, investigators seized mobile phones, SIM cards, and other electronic devices containing digital evidence, while further investigations are underway. In Lahore, NCCIA officials arrested Qaiser Bilal in connection with FIR No. 151/2026. Authorities said a mobile phone recovered from the suspect allegedly contained objectionable photographs of the complainant, threatening messages, and evidence of image sharing. Investigators further alleged that the suspect created a private TikTok account under the name “Miss.B” to upload the victim’s photographs and falsely posed as an officer of a sensitive government institution to intimidate and blackmail her. The case is being investigated by Sub-Inspector Umm Salma. In Faisalabad, officials arrested Soban Ahmed under FIR No. 100/2026. According to investigators, the suspect allegedly used social media platforms and WhatsApp to blackmail and threaten the complainant’s sister by exploiting objectionable material. A mobile phone and SIM cards believed to have been used in the offence were recovered during the operation. Sub-Inspector Umar Rehman is leading the investigation. Meanwhile, in Multan, NCCIA arrested Muhammad Imran in connection with FIR No. 123/2026. Authorities alleged that the suspect obtained objectionable images of the complainant and circulated them through multiple WhatsApp accounts while continuously harassing the victim and her family. Investigators recovered a mobile phone, two SIM cards, and the WhatsApp account allegedly used in the crime. A court has granted a four-day physical remand of the suspect to facilitate further investigation, which is being conducted by Sub-Inspector Saeed Ahmed. Director NCCIA Punjab Muhammad Ali Waseem reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting women from online harassment, blackmail, and the misuse of digital platforms. He said the agency would continue taking strict legal action against those involved in cybercrimes targeting women and would use advanced digital forensic techniques to ensure offenders are brought to justice.

  The Sindh provincial cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, has approved the imposition of a toll tax on heavy commercial vehicles using the Mehran Highway. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting as part of the provincial government’s broader strategy to establish a sustainable financial system for the maintenance and development of road infrastructure across Sindh. According to the cabinet’s decision, the toll tax will apply exclusively to heavy and commercial vehicles traveling on the 135-kilometer-long Mehran Highway. Private passenger vehicles will not be subject to the new toll under the current policy. Officials stated that commercial transport vehicles place greater pressure on road infrastructure due to their size and weight, making it appropriate for them to contribute to the highway’s maintenance through toll payments. During the meeting, cabinet members received a detailed briefing on the ongoing development of the Mehran Highway. Officials informed the cabinet that the project to expand the highway into a dual carriageway is currently underway at an estimated cost of Rs41 billion. The project is intended to improve road safety, increase transportation efficiency, reduce travel time, and accommodate the growing volume of traffic, particularly heavy commercial vehicles that regularly use the route for the movement of goods. The briefing also highlighted the expected financial benefits of the toll collection system. It was estimated that the toll tax would generate approximately Rs2.14 billion in annual gross revenue. After deducting operational and administrative expenses associated with collecting the toll, the government expects a net annual income of around Rs1.48 billion. These funds are intended to support the regular maintenance, repair, and future upgrading of the highway, ensuring that it remains in good condition for years to come. The cabinet further approved a schedule of toll charges based on different categories of vehicles. Under this system, toll rates will vary according to the type, size, and classification of each vehicle. Heavy trucks, trailers, buses, and other commercial transport vehicles will be charged according to predetermined rates. Officials explained that this category-based approach is designed to make the toll system fair and proportionate, with larger vehicles contributing more because of the greater wear and tear they cause to road infrastructure. In another significant administrative decision, the Sindh cabinet approved the restoration of the traditional name of the provincial department responsible for road construction and public infrastructure. The department, which had previously been renamed the Works and Services Department will once again be known as the Communication and Works Department. The government stated that the name change is intended to align Sindh’s administrative structure with that of the federal government and other provinces, where the department is commonly known by the same title. Speaking after the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah emphasized that the Sindh government is committed to introducing a self-sustaining financial model for the long-term maintenance of highways and road networks. He said that relying solely on government budget allocations is not sufficient to meet the increasing costs of maintaining modern transportation jobs infrastructure. According to him, the introduction of toll collection on major highways will provide a stable source of revenue that can be reinvested directly into road maintenance and improvement projects. The Chief Minister added that better roads are essential for economic growth, trade, and public safety. By ensuring a reliable funding mechanism for highway upkeep, the government aims to enhance transportation services, reduce infrastructure deterioration, and improve connectivity throughout the province. The approval of the toll tax and the continuation of the Mehran Highway expansion project represent important steps toward achieving these long-term development objectives while promoting a more efficient and financially sustainable road network in Sindh.