Tuesday, October 14, 2025
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LHC acquits man sentenced to death in brother-in-law’s murder case

By
Kamran Muraad
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LAHORE, Oct 14 (APP):The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday set aside the death sentence of a man convicted of killing his brother-in-law over a property dispute, acquitting him of all charges.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhry and Justice Sardar Akbar Ali Dogar announced the verdict while allowing the appeal filed by convict Shah Nawaz.
According to case details, a murder FIR was registered against Shah Nawaz and others at Rojhan Police Station, District Toba Tek Singh, in 2021. The prosecution alleged that the accused had murdered his brother-in-law following a dispute over inheritance.
During the hearing, the defence counsel contended that the presence of witnesses at the scene could not be established, the post-mortem report was delayed, and the trial court had delivered the death sentence without sufficient evidence.
Conversely, the prosecutor argued that the police investigation, witness statements, and medical report proved the accused’s guilt and urged the court to uphold the trial court’s decision.
After reviewing the record, the bench observed that the witnesses’ presence at the crime scene appeared doubtful and ruled that the prosecution failed to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, the bench acquitted Shah Nawaz and annulled the sessions court’s verdict.

DC reviews measures for improving municipal services

By
Asif Jalal
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LAHORE, Oct 14 (APP): Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza, in line with CM Punjab’s Clean Lahore Mission, visited various areas of Tehsil Allama Iqbal to review ongoing efforts for improving municipal services and civic facilities, here on Tuesday.
During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner inspected cleanliness and administrative arrangements in Ali Town, Johar Town, and along Canal Road. Chief Officer Metropolitan Corporation Lahore, officials from Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) and Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) also accompanied him.
Syed Musa Raza expressed satisfaction over the improvement of cleanliness and maintenance along major roads but directed LWMC officials to further enhance sanitation arrangements in residential streets and inner localities. He emphasized that there should be no presence of cattle in residential areas and instructed the Metropolitan Corporation to take immediate steps in this regard.
The Deputy Commissioner also directed WASA authorities to address sewerage-related complaints and resolve issues of open or damaged manhole covers on a priority basis. He reiterated that ensuring uninterrupted provision of quality municipal services to citizens was among the top administrative priorities of the district administration. “All relevant departments must ensure timely and coordinated actions to resolve public grievances and improve the city’s municipal outlook,” the DC added.

DG PAA to hold E-Kachehri tomorrow for public complaints

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP):The Director General (DG) of the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) will hold an E-Kachehri (online public hearing) on Wednesday at the PAA Headquarters in Karachi.
The initiative aims to directly address public complaints and improve service delivery across the country’s airports.
According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Airports Authority, the DG and his team will personally listen to complaints submitted by citizens during the live session. Complainants will have the opportunity to register their issues in real time through the Authority’s Facebook page, where the E-Kachehri will be broadcast live.
The Authority has advised participants to include their full name, contact number, airport name, and complete details of their complaint. It further encouraged the public to attach any supporting documents to facilitate quick and effective resolution.
The PAA added that providing accurate and complete information in the comments section during the live broadcast will help ensure timely redressal of grievances.
This initiative reflects the Authority’s ongoing commitment to transparency, public engagement and efficient complaint handling within Pakistan’s airport network.

Commissioner inspects Land Record Center

By
Asif Jalal
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SARGODHA, Oct 14 (APP): Commissioner Sargodha, Jahanzeb Awan, conducted a surprise visit to the Land Record Center Sargodha on Tuesday to assess the service delivery system and interact directly with citizens.
According to a spokesperson for the Commissioner’s Office, during the visit, Commissioner Awan visited various service counters and engaged with citizens to inquire about the facilities provided, staff behavior, and overall service quality.
The in-charge of the center briefed the Commissioner on the center’s operations, noting that an average of 300 tokens are issued daily and that staff often work beyond official hours — including Sundays — to accommodate public needs.
Commissioner Awan stressed the importance of cleanliness, discipline, and transparency in all operations. He highlighted that the Land Record Center plays a crucial role in delivering essential public services efficiently under one roof.
He assured the public that service quality would be upheld and transparency maintained. He also announced that surprise visits would continue in the future to monitor performance and ensure citizen satisfaction.

Turkish, Azerbaijan parliamentary speakers visit Iqbal’s Mausoleum, Badshahi Mosque

By
Asif Jalal
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0
LAHORE, Oct 14 (APP): Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye, Professor Dr. Numan Kurtulmus, and Speaker of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan, Madame Sahiba Gafarova, paid tribute to Pakistan’s national poet, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, during a visit to his mausoleum on Tuesday.
Upon their arrival, a contingent of Pakistan Rangers presented a formal salute to the distinguished guests. The visiting dignitaries laid wreaths and offered fateha at the mausoleum, honoring the legacy of the renowned philosopher-poet whose visionary ideas played a pivotal role in inspiring the Pakistan Movement.
The guests also recorded their reflections in the visitors’ book, acknowledging Allama Iqbal’s enduring intellectual and spiritual contributions to the Muslim world.
Following the mausoleum visit, the delegation toured the historic Badshahi Mosque. Officials from the Walled City of Lahore Authority guided them through the mosque’s architectural grandeur and briefed them on its historical and cultural significance as a symbol of Islamic heritage in South Asia.
Earlier in the day, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, warmly received the dignitaries at Lahore Airport. He welcomed them with bouquets on behalf of the Provincial Assembly.
Speaking on the occasion, the Speaker emphasized that the visit reflects the deep-rooted cultural, historical, and fraternal ties among Pakistan, Turkiye, and Azerbaijan, as well as their shared reverence for influential figures who have shaped the Muslim world’s intellectual landscape.

SNGPL resumes new domestic gas connections in Multan

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
MULTAN, Oct 14 (APP):In a major relief for domestic consumers, the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has resumed the issuance of new household gas connections across Multan and adjoining regions. The installation of gas meters is now being carried out on a daily basis to meet growing consumer demand.
According to SNGPL spokesperson Muhammad Jameel Shaheen, the company has restarted the process of providing gas connections to applicants who had already deposited demand notices or urgent fees prior to the temporary suspension. He stated that such consumers can now obtain their gas connection by submitting an additional payment of Rs 15,500.
Shaheen explained that for houses measuring up to 10 marlas, the connection fee has been fixed at Rs 21,500, which includes Rs 20,000 refundable security deposit and Rs 1,500 service line charges. Those seeking urgent connections will be required to pay Rs 25,000, while houses larger than 10 marlas will be charged an additional Rs 3,000 as service charges.
He added that the Multan Region has been allocated a quota of 27,000 urgent connections to facilitate as many citizens as possible. So far, gas meters have already been installed and activated for over 100 domestic consumers, with further installations continuing each day.
The spokesperson further advised applicants that the required documents for new connections include a copy of CNIC, latest electricity bill, property ownership papers, and a copy of the neighbor’s gas bill, along with verification that the SNGPL line is available in the area.
He urged citizens to visit the SNGPL Customer Care Office for complete guidance and document submission, where dedicated service counters have been set up to assist consumers efficiently.

LHC upholds life imprisonment of couple in narcotics case

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
LAHORE, Oct 14 (APP):The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday upheld the life imprisonment of a husband and wife convicted in a narcotics case, dismissing their appeal against the trial court’s verdict.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Farooq Haider and Justice Ali Zia Bajwa announced the decision on conclusion of arguments by the parties on the appeal filed by convicts Irfan Ali and his wife, Asma Bibi.
During the hearing, Additional Prosecutor General Abdul Samad opposed the appeal, arguing that the trial court had based its verdict on witness statements, forensic reports, and other concrete evidence.
The defence counsel, however, contended that the couple had been falsely implicated and that the case was fabricated to show police performance.
Rejecting the defence arguments, the bench ruled that the trial court’s decision was consistent with both the law and the evidence presented on record.
As per record, police recovered 65 kilograms of charas from the couple, and a case was registered against them in 2021 at Ferozewala Police Station.

Over 420,000 children vaccinated on first day of anti-polio drive in Lahore

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
LAHORE, Oct 14 (APP):More than 420,000 children were administered anti-polio drops on the first day of the ongoing vaccination campaign in Lahore.
The progress was reviewed at a joint meeting chaired by National EOC Coordinator Captain (R) Muhammad Anwar-ul-Haq, EOC Coordinator Adeel Tasawur, and Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza at the DC office on Tuesday. Additional Deputy Commissioner (General), CEO Health Dr. Asif Arbab, Assistant Commissioners, WHO observers, and other officials also attended.
CEO Health Dr. Asif Arbab briefed the meeting that over 6,000 polio teams remained active across the city. He said the first-day coverage achieved 87 per cent of the target, with 420,221 children vaccinated, including 31,140 guest children and 57,170 schoolchildren. He added that 11,809 children from flood-affected areas were also reached and vaccinated.
WHO observers appreciated the district administration and field staff for their effective coordination and performance.
National EOC Coordinator Captain (R) Muhammad Anwar-ul-Haq said every missed child must be traced and vaccinated, while special focus should be given to zero-dose and guest children. He welcomed the use of new tally sheets, terming it a positive development, and noted that the number of polio cases in the country had dropped to the lowest level so far.
EOC Coordinator Adeel Tasawur urged accurate registration of guest children and commended frontline workers for their continued commitment to protecting children from polio.
Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza directed all DDHOs to ensure strict field monitoring, adding that no child should be left unvaccinated. He reaffirmed that the vision of Chief Minister Punjab for a ‘Zero Polio Punjab’ would be fully achieved through collective efforts.

14,000 contaminated milk discarded in Lahore

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
LAHORE, Oct 14 (APP):The Punjab Food Authority continued its crackdown in the provincial metropolis against adulterated milk to control the wicked practice of milk adulteration.
During the operation, the teams disposed of 14,000 litres of adulterated milk and confiscated six tankers besides lodging six FIRs against milk suppliers at different police stations. The crackdown was launched against the milk adulteration mafia under the special directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
 PFA Director General Muhammad Asim Javaid said that the dairy safety teams (DST) inspected several milk carrier vehicles at the different entry points of the city. He said that the authority found 350 maunds of substandard and tainted milk in different milk-carrier vehicles during the screening of milk samples with latest lab equipment.
 He said that the team disposed of thousands of litres of contaminated milk after finding that the milk sample results were not up to the mark. The DSTs found the contamination of polluted water, powder, a low level of fats and a lack of nutritional values in the milk, he said.
He stated that the authority is ensuring the traceability and inspection of milk from dairy farms to consumers. They are on a mission to make Punjab adulteration-free by thwarting every tactic of the milk adulteration mafia, he added.
Muhammad Asim Javaid further said that any negligence in ensuring the provision of quality goods will not be tolerated. He has requested the public to support the PFA in eliminating the adulteration mafia and report to the PFA on its 1223 helpline number in case of any complaints.

Govt provides Rs 1.366 bln to clear dues of PSM retired employees

By
Asif Jalal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): The government has provided funds amounting to Rs 1.366 billion to clear the dues of 411 retired employees of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM).
According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the allocated amount covers gratuity, provident fund and leave encashment payments.
The disbursement is expected to conclude within the month of October, providing the long-awaited financial relief to the retired employees.
According to the documents, 899 employees still remain on PSM’s payroll, with salaries being financed through the government loans to the PSM to sustain operations and maintain essential functions while restructuring of the facility continues.
Meanwhile, in an effort to protect this precious state enterprise, the management has intensified its anti-theft campaign, registering 26 FIRs and making multiple arrests linked to copper and other material thefts. The recovered materials will be auctioned off to generate revenue and offset operational losses.
The enterprise has also recovered 20 acres of encroached land and plans to reclaim an additional 38 acres in collaboration with the local administration. These assets will be reintegrated into the industrial use under the government’s broader strategy for state-owned enterprise revitalization.
Though production at PSM remains halted since 2015, the government’s consistent focus on financial cleanup, land recovery, and employee settlements is widely viewed as a foundation for future industrial revival in the country. The current reform plan focuses on clearing liabilities, recovering encroached land, and enhancing accountability mechanisms.
Spread over 18,600 acres in Karachi, the enterprise also includes Gulshan-e-Hadeed Housing Project, developed for the employees in multiple phases since 1986.
Policymakers view the revival of the mills as a strategic economic priority—one that could reduce steel imports, generate jobs, and support the construction and manufacturing sectors, both key drivers of Pakistan’s industrial growth.
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