110 arrested during crackdown on drug-traffickers

Sun, 27 Aug 2023, 12:15 AM

LAHORE, Aug 27 (APP):The Lahore Police and Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) conducted a coordinated effort against drug addicts, suppliers, and motorcycle thieves, here on Sunday.

With the help of safe city surveillance cameras, the police targeted drug-addicts and suppliers in Muslim Town and surrounding areas. A gang involved in motorcycle thefts was also arrested by the Lahore police. As per details, at least 110 accused including 50 drug-addicts and 60 drug-suppliers were apprehended in the Muslim Town area by the Lahore Police.

The drug-addicts were shifted to rehabilitation centres and hospitals for their recovery and treatment. SP Usman Tipu emphasised that the campaign against drug-addiction would continue till complete eradication of the menace. He appealed to citizens to assist the police in eliminating the drugs scourge.

Defence B Police Station, meanwhile, arrested a two-member motorcycle thieves and mobile-snatcher gang, and recovered five stolen motorcycles, seven mobile phones, pistols, and cash.

Surveillance of the operation against criminals was diligently conducted through the safe city cameras. A case has been registered against the culprits in accordance with the law.

The public is urged to promptly inform at 15 about any suspicious activity in their surroundings.

1,802 FIRs registered for violating dengue SOPs

Abdul Hanan

Sun, 27 Aug 2023, 12:12 AM

RAWALPINDI, Aug 27 (APP):The Rawalpindi administration had registered as many as 1,802 FIRs on violations of anti-dengue SOPs from January 1 to date in various areas of the Rawalpindi district, said District Coordinator Epidemics Prevention and Control Dr Sajjad Mehmood here Sunday.

Giving details of the punitive actions, he said that the district administration, in collaboration with allied departments, had sealed 438 premises, issued tickets to 646 and a fine of Rs 31,33,000 was imposed on violations of dengue SOPs in 2023.

Dr Sajjad informed that around 150 confirmed cases had been reported in the district this year, while the number was 310 in 2022, and four in 2021 during the period. The health officer further stated that presently,47 patients were admitted to the city’s allied hospitals out of which 27 were confirmed cases. He added that no patient had died so far while 111 patients had been discharged from public health facilities after treatment. During the last 24 hours, he said 13 more cases were reported while 63 FIRs,18 tickets, and 28 premises were sealed.

Dr Sajjad said that during indoor surveillance, larvae were detected at 644 sites while larvae were found at 125 spots during outdoor surveillance in the last 24 hours.

He added that anti-dengue activities were also being carried out across the district to control the breeding of larvae, however, he urged the residents to clean their water tanks and not leave any place wet with stagnant water.

Dr Sajjad said that puddles of water, which get stagnant due to rain, become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and spread diseases like malaria and dengue fever.

Jaranwala a shameful act, committed by some so-called Muslims: minister

Abdul Hanan

Sun, 27 Aug 2023, 12:10 AM

FAISALABAD, Aug 27 (APP):Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage & Culture Syed Jamal Shah has said the Jaranwala incident was a major tragedy which saddened all patriotic Pakistanis.

It was a very shameful act and regrettably it was committed by those who called themselves Muslims. “I am ashamed and apologise to the Christina community over this incident, he said during his visit to Isa Nagri in Jaranwala and an interaction with the locals and the media on Saturday.

The caretaker minister said that teachings of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) were very obvious and not only a philosopher but also a common man could understand it easily.

He said Pakistan was a peaceful land despite having diverse ethnic communities and religions. He regretted that intentionally the peaceful combination was distorted by sowing thorns in this land and “now we are facing its ill impacts”.

He said “we lived in the diversity. Many of my teachers and friends were Christians, Hindus, Parsi. But our Indus culture narrative had taught us that we are a bouquet of diversity and our difference was a beauty of the land where flowers of all kinds grow”. He said Pakistan was a most peaceful land in the region. It was the land of Sufis who prohibited strictly from injuring feelings of any person.

He quoted a proverb in Pashto that “I am a Muslim but my friend is a Hindu. Therefore, I am ready to sweep his place of worship for the sake of my friend” and said that it was a pity that thorns were intentionally sown for the last four decades to disturb peace of the land.

“These thorns have robbed our peace and tranquility by committing horrified and terrified incidents day by day,” he said and added that now it was our collective responsibly to remove these thorns and put them in a ring of fire for their complete elimination once and for all.

He stressed the need for peace and reconciliation and said “we have come to guard the country for a few months and we would try our optimum best to discharge our obligations honestly.

If there was some corruption or wrongdoings, we would strive to eliminate it or we would hand them over to those people who could improve it”, he added.

Earlier, the caretaker minister also visited various churches in Jaranwala and expressed his sympathy with the Christian community.

Perpetrators of Jaranwala violence not be spared, Masood Khan tells Pakistani Christians

NNPS Desk

Sun, 27 Aug 2023, 12:00 AM

WASHINGTON, Aug 26 (APP): A delegation of of Pakistani-American Christian leaders Friday met Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Masood Khan, in the wake of the Jaranwala incident and was assured that the arsonists would be duly punished.

“The perpetrators of the horrendous act not only attacked a vulnerable community but they also challenged the writ of the state,” the Pakistani envoy told the delegation, which was led by Aaron Bashir, who represented Christian community, Human Rights Organizations and political activists.

“We will not allow anyone to tarnish the name of Islam or create fissures among our society,” Masood Khan said.

“The entire nation has felt the pain of the victims of Jaranwala incident and is standing behind Christian brothers, sisters and Children helping them to get over the trauma of unfortunate incident.”

The Ambassador said that the visit of Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, senior Judges of the Supreme Court, Chief Minister of the province, Cabinet members and others clearly reflected the sentiments of the nation towards affected families.

“The government, political and religious leadership and the civil society as a whole, has unequivocally condemned the incident.”

“Mere condemnation was not enough. The Federal and the provincial governments are compensating the victims and helping them to rebuild their damaged properties,” he said.

Other speakers, while expressing solidarity with the affected people of Jaranwala, appreciated the resolve shown by the government in bringing the culprits to justice. Underscoring the need for speedy dispensation of justice, they said that bringing to book the culprits would significantly restore confidence of the affected community.

They underscored the need for creating greater public awareness so that the society could serve as bulwark against rising tide of extremism and fanaticism.

In his response, Masood Khan said that Christians were equal citizens of the state and the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed their rights. The followers of other religions have representation not only in the federal and provincial legislative assemblies, they have also their own quota reserved in government jobs.

“We shall never forget the contribution of Christian community in the creation of Pakistan and its socio-economic development,” he told them

Earlier, in New York a large numbers of Pakistani-Christians staged a protest rally near the UN Headquarters to condemn the attacks on churches and houses in Jaranwala.

APP/ift

Former Speaker Balochistan Assembly, Jan Muhammad Jamali calls on Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar

Khuram Maryam

Sat, 26 Aug 2023, 11:43 PM

Former Speaker Balochistan Assembly, Jan Muhammad Jamali calls on Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar

Khuram Maryam

Sat, 26 Aug 2023, 11:43 PM

Zaka Ashraf congratulates Pakistan Men’s team on achieving No. 1 ODI ranking

Raiq Qureshi

Sat, 26 Aug 2023, 11:28 PM

LAHORE, Aug 26 (APP): Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, has extended his heartiest congratulations to the Pakistan men’s cricket team on their remarkable achievement of securing the No. 1 ranking in the ICC ODI Team Rankings. This outstanding feat comes on the heels of a sensational 3-0 series victory against Afghanistan, showcasing Pakistan’s exceptional skill, determination, and unwavering commitment to the sport.

Zaka Ashraf said on Saturday night : “This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and unity exhibited by our talented players and their unwavering focus on excellence. It is a proud moment for all of us as Pakistan cricket team reclaim the top spot in the ODI rankings.

“I also want to congratulate and laud the efforts of the entire squad, coaching staff, and support personnel for their collective commitment to raising the flag of Pakistan high in the world of cricket.

“The passion and enthusiasm of our fans have been instrumental in motivating our players to push their limits and achieve extraordinary feats. Achieving the top spot is a great example of our team reciprocating the love shown by the fans all across the world.

“We have Asia Cup and World Cup coming in the future, so we are determined to maintain this position and continue to excel across all formats of the game. Our journey has just begun, and I am confident that with the collective efforts of our players, management, and fans, Pakistan cricket will continue to scale new heights and bring more glory to our beloved nation.”

GB govt to deploy police, KSF along with public transport on KKH

Raiq Qureshi

Sat, 26 Aug 2023, 11:05 PM

GILGIT, Aug 26 (APP):In order to ensure safe travel and security of passengers on the Karakoram Highway (KKH), the government has decided to deploy the police and the Karakoram Security Force along with public transport.

In an official statement from Home department, it has been decided that “No ban is under consideration on public transport and there is no truth in the rumors being spread in this regard. Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts troops will perform patrolling duties on the Karakoram Highway and Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, police and community police troops have also been deployed at various places on the highway for the safety and security of passenger.