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                        <title>Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune</title>
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                        <description>The Express Tribune keeps you up to date with all the latest happenings from Pakistan and across the world!</description>
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			<title>Punjab passes anti-terror law amid protest</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626802/punjab-passes-anti-terror-law-amid-protest</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626802/punjab-passes-anti-terror-law-amid-protest#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 26 23:51:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2626802</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Opposition describes Punjab Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2026 as black law]]>
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				<![CDATA[The provincial assembly of Punjab on Monday passed the Punjab Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2026 amid a protest and walk-out by opposition lawmakers.

During the session, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan and Opposition Leader Moin Riaz Qureshi held a heated debate over the new legislation&#39;s legal and constitutional implications.

Addressing the house, the speaker issued a ruling confirming that the bill could legally be placed on the agenda, citing Article 142 of the Constitution concerning criminal-law jurisdiction.

Defending the move, the speaker recalled how terrorism claimed more than 100,000 lives in Pakistan during war on terror, including those of high-profile figures, and led to attacks on places of worship.

He argued that, in the past, terrorists often walked free due to a lack of witness protection and physical security. He noted that even democratic nations such as the US have established &quot;faceless&quot; or anonymous courts to deal with extreme terror threats, urging the opposition to propose constructive amendments rather than block the bill.

Qureshi condemned the &quot;draconian&quot; law which he claimed aimed at &quot;crushing the citizens of Punjab&quot;. He accused the ruling government of introducing the amendment to target political rivals, particularly PTI leaders and activists, much like previous defamation and National Accountability Bureau laws.

He raised concerns over a provision under which a Grade-20 designated official would have the authority to advise the chief justice of the Lahore High Court on whether cases should be classified as &quot;special security cases&quot;.

Joining the debate, opposition lawmaker Ahmar Rashid Bhatti read out on the floor of the House an opinion column he had written for a daily newspaper, comparing the proposed law to a 1909 British colonial-era act that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah opposed.

He warned that allowing the identities and voices of judges, prosecutors, defence lawyers and witnesses to be concealed or altered would violate Article 10-A of the Constitution, which guarantees the fundamental right to a fair and transparent trial.

Following the intense debate, opposition members chanted slogans against the bill and walked out of the hall. As they exited, lawmaker Waqas Mann pointed out a lack of quorum, but the treasury benches successfully rallied enough members to maintain it.

With the opposition absent, their proposed amendments were rejected, and the House voted to approve the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

The bill seeks to insert a new Section 21AAA into the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, creating a &quot;special security case&quot; mechanism for cases in which participants are considered to require extraordinary protection.

Under the proposed law, a designated authority could declare a case or a class of cases a special security case.]]>
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			<title>Pindi lives through monsoon with open manholes</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626825/pindi-lives-through-monsoon-with-open-manholes</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626825/pindi-lives-through-monsoon-with-open-manholes#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 26 01:30:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Qaiser Shirazi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2626825</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Authorities blame lack of funds for failure to install manhole covers, safety grills]]>
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				<![CDATA[The monsoon flood season has ended in Rawalpindi, along with all six flood relief centres, but 270 deep drains and manholes in the city, cantonment and surrounding areas remain without covers or protective grills despite repeated directives.

The bodies of two children who drowned during the season have also not been recovered.

Following protests by citizens, teams of patwaris, on the orders of Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir, have started surveying the worst-affected flood-hit areas to assess the damage. Before the season, the government had directed the relevant development agencies, including WASA, the district council and the municipal corporation, to install iron or concrete covers and 100kg-capacity protective grills on all small, large and particularly deep manholes in the city, cantonment and adjoining areas.

However, not a single manhole in Rawalpindi could be fitted with such a grill even after the monsoon season ended.

The basic reason is being attributed to a severe shortage of funds and a financial crisis. No competent authority has taken notice of the violation.

The bodies of two children, Hareem and Zahid, who drowned during the monsoon season, have also not yet been recovered. During the entire monsoon season this year, the relevant rescue agencies could not even conduct their traditional &quot;full-dress rehearsal&quot; for rescuing citizens trapped in floods.

This monsoon was again disastrous for Rawalpindi residents.

The Leh Nullah also swelled, while 15 rainwater drains filled up and overflowed, with water entering shops, markets and houses and causing destruction. In low-lying areas hit by sewage-contaminated floodwater, toxic mud, shopping bags and wrappers carried by the floodwater are still scattered in streets, neighbourhoods and vacant plots.

Despite demands and protests by affected residents, no disinfectant spray has been carried out in these areas. As soon as the monsoon ended, the flood relief camps were closed and the flood emergency was also withdrawn. However, the relevant departments will continue routine monitoring of rainfall, inspections and safety arrangements.

Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir has also directed the Municipal Corporation, RDA, WASA, District Council and Rescue 1122 to prepare a foolproof flood protection plan for June 15 to September 15 next year.

He has also sought plans for the timely and rapid drainage of water from Nullah Leh and 15 rainwater drains based on the maximum rainfall recorded in the twin cities so far.

Residents of the worst low-lying and flood-prone areas, including Nadeem Colony, Javed Colony, Qasim Market and adjoining areas, Girja Road, Shalay Valley, Sadiqabad Chowk, Raja Bazaar, Dingi Khoi Chowk, Moti Bazaar, Dhoke Syedan, Sharoon Colony, Dhoke Hasu, Fauji Colony and Dhoke Elahi Bakhsh said the low-lying areas had been completely left unattended during this year&#39;s monsoon.

They said signs of flood damage were still scattered everywhere in areas hit by floodwater and that neither spraying nor cleaning had been carried out.

No minister, adviser, commissioner or deputy commissioner visited any flood-hit area throughout the season. The low-lying areas were completely neglected, while floodwater also damaged streets, leaving them broken at several places.]]>
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			<title>Major roads to have bike lanes</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626841/major-roads-to-have-bike-lanes</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626841/major-roads-to-have-bike-lanes#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 26 02:27:50 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2626841</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[CM orders enforcement of traffic rules on Suthra Punjab vehicles]]>
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				<![CDATA[Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered the designation of dedicated bike lanes on major roads in Lahore and directed authorities to ensure strict compliance with traffic rules by vehicles operating under the Suthra Punjab programme.

Presiding over a meeting on traffic management on Monday, the chief minister expressed concern over violations of traffic laws by vehicles linked to the sanitation programme and ordered that they be made to comply with the regulations without exception.

She expressed grief over the death of a minor girl after being run over by a Suthra Punjab vehicle.

The meeting reviewed measures to improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety and traffic management in Lahore. The chief minister ordered that zebra crossings be strictly enforced for pedestrians and agreed to introduce camera-based digital monitoring to ensure compliance.

A proposal to install alert buttons for pedestrians crossing roads was also reviewed.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered the launch of a pilot project on The Mall to enforce zebra crossing rules and said Ferozepur Road should also be developed as a model route.

She directed authorities to ensure that loaded tractor-trolleys did not ply the roads without proper covering. She especially ordered strict implementation of the requirement for Suthra Punjab tractor-trolleys.

She also ordered action across the province to prevent overloading of tractor-trolleys ahead of the sugarcane season.

The chief minister directed the authorities to take immediate measures to ease traffic congestion at Shahdara and Thokar Niaz Baig, stressing that traffic at Lahore&#39;s entry and exit points should not face any obstruction.

She also ordered the installation of traffic signals at Pine Avenue and Jati Umra Chowk as part of traffic management measures. According to a statement, the chief minister expressed satisfaction over an improvement in Lahore&#39;s traffic ranking in South Asia. City Chief Traffic Officer Abdul Rahim Shirazi said traffic congestion had declined by up to 70 per cent at several locations, including Jati Umra Chowk, Pine Avenue, Defence Mor, Karim Block, Akbar Flyover, Kahna and Main Boulevard.

The participants were informed that 4,096 traffic permits had been issued to teenagers aged between 16 and 18 years and 65,000 panic buttons had also been installed for women travellers across Lahore.

The CTO said the installation of QR panic buttons in public transport vehicles, rickshaws and online cabs was being accelerated across Lahore.

He said teams were installing the buttons from 45 locations across the city, while officials had also been deployed for the purpose in every traffic sector. He added that 12 teams had been assigned to install the buttons in rickshaws.

He added that the panic button had been made mandatory as part of efforts to improve passenger safety. Four additional licensing centres have also been established following demands from rickshaw unions.

The official said a decision had also been taken to take action against online cab services that failed to adopt the required safety and security features.

He said the installation of tracking systems in online cabs had improved the monitoring of both passengers and drivers. The panic buttons would enable passengers to seek immediate assistance in emergencies.]]>
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			<title>Blind dolphin found dead along river in DG Khan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626847/blind-dolphin-found-dead-along-river-in-dg-khan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626847/blind-dolphin-found-dead-along-river-in-dg-khan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 26 02:27:50 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Asif Mehmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2626847</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Carcass sent for post-mortem to determine cause of death]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The discovery of a rare Indus blind dolphin, locally known as Bhulan, dead along the Indus River in Dera Ghazi Khan has raised concerns among wildlife activists over the protection and monitoring of the endangered species.

According to local sources, the dolphin&#39;s carcass was found on the southern bank of the Indus, east of Arain Wala Spur, within the jurisdiction of Shiro Modern Police Station.

A boat crossing used by local residents is located on the opposite bank.

Additional Chief Wildlife Ranger South Punjab Sheikh Muhammad Zahid said the dolphin had entered the area with the flow of water during the recent floods but became stranded after the water level receded.

He said the carcass was shifted to Dera Ghazi Khan late at night for a post-mortem examination. No apparent injury marks were visible on the dolphin&#39;s body, he said, adding that it was therefore premature to conclude that it had been killed by poachers.

The exact cause of death would be determined after the post-mortem, he added.

The development comes after the Punjab government recently established the Panjnad Indus River Dolphin Wildlife Sanctuary, covering about 198 kilometres of the Indus River from Jam Pur, Bait Lundi Patafi, to Guddu Barrage. The new sanctuary has been linked with the existing protected dolphin habitat in Sindh, creating a continuous legally protected corridor of around 400 kilometres along the Indus for the species.

The Indus dolphin population in Punjab is estimated at around 660, with nearly two-thirds inhabiting the newly designated protected area.

Local social activists said incidents of dolphin deaths and strandings had been reported from riverine areas of Layyah, Taunsa and Dera Ghazi Khan, particularly when water levels in the Indus receded.

They said stranded or dead dolphins were often spotted by local residents and social workers, who subsequently alerted the relevant authorities.

The local community has called for a thorough investigation into the latest death and urged the authorities to establish an effective monitoring and rescue mechanism across the sanctuary and other riverine areas.

Activists said timely intervention could help rescue dolphins that become stranded as water levels fall and prevent avoidable deaths.

According to WWF-Pakistan, the Indus River dolphin is one of the world&#39;s rare freshwater mammals and an important indicator of the health of the Indus River ecosystem.

A 2001 survey recorded around 1,200 dolphins, while subsequent conservation efforts helped increase the population to nearly 2,000.

The species continues to face threats from water pollution, habitat fragmentation caused by barrages, illegal hunting and entrapment in irrigation canals, according to WWF-Pakistan.]]>
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			<title>Driver vanishes with ghee trailer</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626828/driver-vanishes-with-ghee-trailer</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626828/driver-vanishes-with-ghee-trailer#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 26 01:30:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Saleh Mughal]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2626828</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Police say Rs25m loading vehicle was later recovered empty in Peshawar]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[A trailer loaded with ghee belonging to a well-known brand worth millions of rupees mysteriously disappeared along with its driver and a worker onboard from the Hakla service area of Taxila police station in Rawalpindi. The trailer was reportedly found by the Peshawar police.

The police registered a case on the complaint of the manager of the logistics company, who was in charge of transporting the ghee, following court orders. The total value of the trailer itself and the ghee loaded on it is reportedly more than Rs45 million. According to the police, the manager of a private logistics company, Abdul Rashid, said that the company&#39;s trailer number TM1/768, which was carrying a well-known company&#39;s supply of ghee, left Karachi for Lawrencepur.

When it reached the Halka service area, unknown persons allegedly removed the trailer&#39;s tracker, causing communication with the vehicle to be lost. At that point, the company administration immediately tried to contact the driver Abdul Razzaq, however, his mobile phone was also found to be switched off. Despite conducting a search, the company was unable to trace the trailer or the driver.]]>
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			<title>Punjab completes local govt delimitation</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626179/punjab-completes-local-govt-delimitation</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626179/punjab-completes-local-govt-delimitation#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 26 01:51:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Imran Adnan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2626179</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[10 town corporations proposed for Lahore]]>
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				<![CDATA[Delimitation for Punjab&#39;s new local government system has been completed, paving the way for the formation of town and municipal corporations, municipal committees and tehsil councils.

The new framework under the Punjab Local Government Act 2025 is being introduced as the province prepares for long-delayed elections. Thee Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has agreed in principle to hold the polls between December 15, 2026 and January 15, 2027.

Under the new system, the existing metropolitan corporation, district council and union council ward structures are being replaced with a population-based local government setup.

Town corporations will be established in cities with populations of 700,000 or more under Section 7 of the act. Municipal corporations will cover cities with populations exceeding 200,000, while municipal committees will be established in urban areas with populations between 25,000 and 200,000.

Tehsil councils will be established in rural areas, including portions of semi-urban areas with larger cities.

Based on population, town corporations are proposed for 13 major cities, while tehsil councils will be formed in other districts.

Lahore will have 10 town corporations according to documents. Each town corporation will have a mayor and two deputy mayors under Section 17 of the act, with a deputy mayor also serving as speaker of the town assembly.

The new structure will also give UC chairpersons representation in town corporations as general members. Reserved seats will be allocated for women, non-Muslims, farmers, labourers, technocrats, youth and persons with disabilities.

At the UC level, Section 15 provides for a 13-member house comprising nine elected councillors along with reserved representation for women, youth, labour and minorities.

The population of each union council has been fixed between 22,000 and 31,000 under the new law. The previous 2022 legislation did not prescribe a population ratio for the councils.

The chairperson of a UC will be voted in by the elected councillors.

Lahore will have 10 mayors and 20 deputy mayors under the proposed system. The local government polls will be held on a non-party basis.]]>
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			<title>PR Police moves against goods smuggling</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626180/pr-police-moves-against-goods-smuggling</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626180/pr-police-moves-against-goods-smuggling#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 26 01:51:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2626180</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Railways Police registered 2,241 cases involving various crimes and arrested 2,581 suspects]]>
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				<![CDATA[Inspector General Pakistan Railways Police Muhammad Wisal Fakhar Sultan has ordered a strict crackdown on mafias occupying railway land and cargo companies allegedly involved in smuggling illegal goods through trains.

The directives were issued during a conference of all Superintendents of Police (SPs) of the Pakistan Railways Police at the Central Police Office in Lahore, where the force&#39;s performance, crime situation and professional affairs during the past six months were reviewed.

The Railways Police registered 2,241 cases involving various crimes and arrested 2,581 suspects during the six-month period.

The IG directed officers to adopt more effective and coordinated measures against criminal elements and ensure indiscriminate legal action against those involved in criminal activities.

He specifically ordered officers to dismantle mafias, groups and organised networks involved in smuggling illegal goods through trains.

Private cargo companies found facilitating or participating in such activities would also face strict legal action, while their licences would be cancelled, he directed.]]>
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			<title>PKLI starts free liver transplants</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626165/pkli-starts-free-liver-transplants</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626165/pkli-starts-free-liver-transplants#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 26 00:31:25 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Jamil Mirza]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2626165</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Kidney transplant services are scheduled to begin in September]]>
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				<![CDATA[Punjab Kidney and Liver Transplant Institute (PKLI) Rawalpindi has commenced liver transplant services after successfully performing two liver transplants under a 100% subsidy through its financial screening programme.

Kidney transplant services are scheduled to begin in September, while the Punjab government is also expected to launch a fully free kidney and liver transplant programme soon.

The two successful liver transplants were performed on consecutive days at PKLI Rawalpindi, further strengthening the institute&#39;s capacity to provide advanced transplant facilities.

The first transplant was performed on August 25 on a patient from Rajanpur suffering from decompensated chronic liver disease (DCLD) caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV). The procedure was successfully carried out by Professor Faisal Saud Dar, Dr Ehsanul Haq and Dr Bilal Ahmed Khan. The patient&#39;s nephew donated the liver.

The second transplant was performed on August 26 on a patient from Kallar Syedan, Rawalpindi, who was suffering from decompensated chronic liver disease associated with non-B, non-C (NBNC) hepatitis. The patient&#39;s sister donated the liver. The same medical team successfully performed the procedure.

According to the PKLI administration, both patients were successfully weaned off ventilators on the day of their respective transplants. Both patients are conscious and stable.]]>
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			<title>Trucker commits suicide over 'police attitude'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626178/trucker-commits-suicide-over-police-attitude</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626178/trucker-commits-suicide-over-police-attitude#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 26 01:51:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2626178</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Protest led to the suspension of interprovincial traffic on the important route]]>
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				<![CDATA[A truck driver who allegedly attempted suicide after becoming frustrated with &quot;the conduct of police officials&quot; at the Sakhi Sarwar Combined Check Post on the Dera Ghazi Khan-Quetta route died of his burn injuries.

The driver, identified as Musharraf, had allegedly doused himself with oil and set himself on fire at the check post. He was initially shifted to the Teaching Hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan and later referred to the Burn Unit of Nishtar Hospital, Multan, after suffering burns to more than 60% of his body.

He succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, according to the available information.

Following his death, the bereaved family and members of the goods transporters&#39; community, led by district president Abdul Salam Nasir, staged a protest outside the Sakhi Sarwar check post.

They placed the deceased&#39;s body on the Dera-Quetta Road and demanded action against the check-post personnel and registration of a case over the incident.

The protest led to the suspension of interprovincial traffic on the important route.]]>
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			<title>PTI mixed signals fuel alliance confusion</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626148/pti-mixed-signals-fuel-alliance-confusion</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626148/pti-mixed-signals-fuel-alliance-confusion#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 26 22:16:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Rameez Khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Conflicting views emerge over JUI-F seat adjustment]]>
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				<![CDATA[Contradictory statements by senior PTI figures over a possible seat adjustment with JUI-F, as well as the party&#39;s position on the creation of smaller provinces, have raised questions about whether the party has a clearly defined position on key issues being discussed as part of its emerging opposition alliance.

The confusion intensified after K-P Information Minister Shafi Jan appeared to suggest that seat adjustment with the JUI-F was on the table, while PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan later spoke of a joint strategy with the religious party.

At the same time, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman had already opposed the creation of smaller provinces under the present circumstances, adding to questions about differing positions within the PTI.

Following a preliminary understanding on an alliance with the JUI-F, K-P Jan, while discussing the possibility of a written agreement with the JUI-F during a television programme, was asked about seat adjustment.

He responded: &quot;Absolutely, everything was on the table, even what you (the anchor) are hinting at; it was part of the negotiation and will be in a written decision as well.&quot;

The clip was widely circulated within PTI circles.

According to a PTI leader, Asad Qaiser was subsequently asked about the contours of a possible arrangement with the JUI-F in light of Jan&#39;s remarks. The leader said Qaiser not only denied any possibility of a seat-adjustment arrangement but also said he would advise Shafi Jan to exercise greater caution while responding to such questions in the future.

Another party leader said Fazl had never discussed any possibility of seat adjustment with the PTI, even during informal conversations.

He said Jan&#39;s statement had been discussed at length ahead of the joint parliamentary meeting of opposition parties, with many participants regretting that he had spoken publicly without taking the facts into consideration.

Interestingly, the JUI-F has also strongly denied seeking any seat adjustment from the PTI.

JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghori said the party had neither sought any seats from the PTI nor was seat adjustment part of any decision. He said the JUI-F had sought assurances from the PTI to clear certain doubts, but seat adjustment was not among them.

&quot;Our alliance is limited to Parliament, not outside,&quot; he said.

Asked about the PTI&#39;s call for a rally on September 27, Ghori said the JUI-F had not been invited by the PTI to participate in the rally at any stage.

Questions over smaller provinces

The PTI leader said party members also wanted to ask Barrister Gohar about his position on the issue of smaller provinces.

The issue assumed significance after Gohar, during a joint press conference, spoke of opposition parties adopting a unified position inside and outside the assemblies on key issues. His remarks came after an address by the JUI-F chief, who had said that, given the existing circumstances, the creation of new provinces would deepen public distrust - effectively opposing the proposal at this stage.

The leader said Barrister Gohar himself had publicly described smaller provinces as a necessity during the initial days of the debate. Why he did not clarify his position during the joint press conference, he said, remained a question mark.

He added that he had recently heard another senior PTI leader support the idea of smaller provinces during a television programme, leading him to believe that the party had not yet formally deliberated on the issue.

PTI office-bearer Akhundzada Hussain, who is also the spokesperson for TTAP, however, clarified that Barrister Gohar had categorically endorsed Fazl&#39;s position.

He said neither the PTI nor TTAP accepted the legitimacy of the existing Parliament and therefore believed that it was beyond the mandate of the current Parliament to undertake such critical legislation.

He said the PTI&#39;s position on smaller provinces remained unchanged, but since the party did not recognise the legitimacy of the system, it could neither endorse nor support key legislation passed by it.

Meanwhile, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas also denied any possibility of seat adjustment with the JUI-F, saying that, to the best of his knowledge, the matter was not even under consideration.]]>
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				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/131782004974-0/131782004974-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
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			<title>Boy rescued hours after abduction</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626166/boy-rescued-hours-after-abduction</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626166/boy-rescued-hours-after-abduction#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 26 00:31:25 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2626166</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Suspects were taking the child from Abbottabad towards Rawalpindi/Islamabad]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Police recovered a 12-year-old boy, who was allegedly abducted from Hassan Town in the jurisdiction of Sikandarabad Police Station, safely from Tarnol, Islamabad, within a few hours.

Three suspects allegedly demanding Rs100 million as ransom were arrested and the vehicle used in the incident was taken into custody.

According to police, the suspects were taking the child from Abbottabad towards Rawalpindi/Islamabad.

Abbottabad Cantt SP Salman Khan told a press conference that on the previous day, Muhammad Ibrahim, son of Shah Zaman and resident of Hassan Town, had lodged a report at Sikandarabad Police Station stating that his 12-year-old son Abdullah had not returned home after going outside.

According to initial information, the complainant&#39;s nephew, Owais Haroon, had taken the child out of the house on some pretext.]]>
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			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/1161246-kidnapxx-1471033636/1161246-kidnapxx-1471033636.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
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			</item><item>
			<title>Man killed during scuffle</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626177/man-killed-during-scuffle</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2626177/man-killed-during-scuffle#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 26 01:51:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2626177</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[He was taken to a hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A young man died after falling to the ground during a scuffle following an argument in Samanabad. Police arrested a suspect after the incident.

The police identified the deceased as Muhammad Imran who allegedly had an argument with a man before falling and suffering injuries during an ensuing scuffle.

He was taken to a hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. Police arrested the suspect, Mir Aslam, with the help of CCTV footage. A case was registered on the complaint of the victim&#39;s brother, while raids were under way to arrest another nominated suspect.]]>
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			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/dead-11783643272-0/dead-11783643272-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
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			</item><item>
			<title>Complainant receives death threats</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625725/complainant-receives-death-threats</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625725/complainant-receives-death-threats#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 26 02:18:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2625725</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Samanabad police registered a case against Sui gas contractors Shahid and Taimur]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The complainant in a case registered over the deaths of six people in a gas leakage explosion in Masoodabad has allegedly received death threats from nominated accused.

According to the complaint, Zain Ali, a resident of Masoodabad, told police that six members of his family, including his brother, were killed in a fire following a gas leakage explosion on August 5.

Following the incident, Samanabad police registered a case against Sui gas contractors Shahid and Taimur, along with the general manager and other officials of the gas utility, in connection with the deaths. The nominated suspects have obtained interim bail from the court, according to the complainant]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/663844-pistolm-1390801424/663844-pistolm-1390801424.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Man kills wife, cooks up robbery story</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625042/man-kills-wife-cooks-up-robbery-story</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625042/man-kills-wife-cooks-up-robbery-story#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 06:20:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2625042</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Victim wanted to establish stitching centre, while her husband allegedly opposed the idea]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A man allegedly shot and killed his wife in Kanwan Wala Chowk area and later staged a fake robbery to conceal the crime, police said on Thursday.

Police said Muhammad Adnan, a resident of Hafiz Colony, Gaggo, had been in a dispute with his wife, Maryam, over her plan to open a stitching centre and start her own business.

Maryam wanted to establish the stitching centre, while Adnan allegedly opposed the idea.

Police said the dispute had caused considerable distress to the woman.

Police said Adnan took Maryam out late at night on the pretext of getting medicine and drove her to an area near Kanwan Wala Chowk, where he allegedly shot her dead.

After the killing, Adnan allegedly attempted to portray the incident as a robbery during which his wife had been shot. However, police said the alleged robbery story did not withstand scrutiny during the investigation.

Gaggo police detained Adnan and registered a murder case against him on the complaint of the victim&#39;s father, Muhammad Akram, a resident of Faisalabad.]]>
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			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/pexels-crime1767374104-0/pexels-crime1767374104-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Jail official arrested over alleged Rs450m bribe</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625044/jail-official-arrested-over-alleged-rs450m-bribe</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625044/jail-official-arrested-over-alleged-rs450m-bribe#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 06:20:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2625044</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Cheema on August 19, allegedly received Rs450 million in bribes from a citizen, Afzal Chaudhry]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) has arrested Gujranwala jail Superintendent Azhar Javed Cheema over allegations of receiving a Rs450 million bribe and obtained his five-day physical remand from a court.

According to officials, ACE authorities arrested Cheema from inside the jail on Tuesday and initiated an investigation into allegations of large-scale corruption against him.

The accused was produced before the court shortly after his arrest. During the proceedings, the ACE circle officer requested a 12-day physical remand, arguing that the investigation team needed to recover the alleged bribe amount of Rs450 million.

The court, however, granted the ACE a five-day physical remand of the accused and handed him over to the anti-corruption authorities for further investigation.

Cheema, on August 19, allegedly received Rs450 million in bribes from a citizen, Afzal Chaudhry.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/371778015870-1/371778015870-1.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Businessman found dead</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625040/businessman-found-dead</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625040/businessman-found-dead#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 06:20:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2625040</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Police said Hamza Mughal, a commission agent and social figure, was found dead at his office]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A local businessman and social worker was found dead in his office at the grain market in Mailsi, police said on Thursday.

Police shifted the body to the Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital for a post-mortem examination and collected evidence from the scene. Police said the circumstances initially appeared to indicate suicide, but it was too early to draw any definitive conclusion.

Police said Hamza Mughal, a commission agent and social figure, was found dead at his office in the Mailsi grain market.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/body-crime-scene-21760802894-0/body-crime-scene-21760802894-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Two 'robbers' killed, one injured</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624875/two-robbers-killed-one-injured</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624875/two-robbers-killed-one-injured#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 26 02:05:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624875</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Police intercepted them while they were allegedly attempting another robbery]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Two suspected robbers were killed and a another injured and arrested during an alleged police encounter in Shahdara.

According to a spokesperson for the Lahore DIG operations, the three armed men had entered Saggian after allegedly committing a robbery in Kot Abdul Malik.

The police intercepted them while they were allegedly attempting another robbery.

The suspects allegedly opened fire on the police, triggering an exchange of fire in which Ali Akbar and another man named Ali were killed.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/handcuffpex1749387136-0/handcuffpex1749387136-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Minor boy assaulted, killed</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624876/minor-boy-assaulted-killed</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624876/minor-boy-assaulted-killed#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 26 02:05:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[KASHIF FARID]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624876</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Body found in vacant plot two days later, several suspects detained]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A 10-year-old boy was allegedly abducted, sexually assaulted and killed after he went out to buy ice in the Dhuddi Wala area, police said on Wednesday.

The body of Muhammad Bilal was recovered from a vacant plot in the area and handed over to his family after a post-mortem examination.

Police registered a case under sections relating to kidnapping, murder and rape and detained several suspects for questioning.

According to the first information report (FIR), Muhammad Parvez, 39, a resident of Rehmanpura, Chak 215-RB, told police that his 10-year-old son, Muhammad Bilal, went out at around 5pm on August 16 to buy ice but did not return home.

The family searched for him in the surrounding areas and contacted relatives but could not locate him.

The FIR stated that unidentified persons allegedly abducted the boy, sexually assaulted him and killed him by attacking his neck with a sharp-edged weapon before dumping his body in a vacant plot belonging to Sohail Akhtar.

The body remained concealed among kikar trees, which had grown to a height of around 10 feet, and was not discovered immediately.

Police were alerted after a citizen spotted the body while passing by the area.

Police officials, including SI Iqbal, DSP Sadar Shahid Gujjar and SHO Sadar Muhammad Ali Khan, reached the scene and shifted the body to a hospital for post-mortem examination.

After completing medico-legal formalities, police handed over the body to the family and registered a case under Sections 363, 302 and 376(3) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Bilal was later buried at his ancestral graveyard amid the presence of hundreds of mourners.

Police detained several people considered suspicious for questioning.

Police said Bilal went missing on August 16 after leaving home to buy ice. His family did not initially report his disappearance to police, and the authorities were informed after his body was discovered.]]>
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			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/737139-assault-1405666075/737139-assault-1405666075.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Two cops shot dead in Badami Bagh</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623816/two-cops-shot-dead-in-badami-bagh</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623816/two-cops-shot-dead-in-badami-bagh#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 26 00:43:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Muhammad Shahzad]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623816</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Police records show that Adeel had lodged the complaint at Shafiqabad police station in December 2024]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A Sub-Inspector, Adeel Shafique, was killed along with a colleague in a targeted attack in Badami Bagh on Thursday evening, nearly two years after he had reported a death threat from the prime suspect, Rehan Butt.

Police records show that Adeel had lodged the complaint at Shafiqabad police station in December 2024 after receiving a threatening telephone call from Rehan following the killing of his brother Faizan Butt in a Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) encounter.

According to the FIR registered on December 10, 2024, Adeel stated that he had served with the CTD and was monitoring ground reports concerning Faizan who police had described as an associate of a proscribed group.

The document states that Faizan was killed in a police encounter on November 29, 2024. On the same evening at around 5:42pm, Adeel received a call from a mobile number allegedly used by Rehan Butt.

According to the complaint, Rehan threatened him over the killing of his brother and warned that he would target the policemen responsible.

The case was registered under Section 506 of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 25-D of the Telegraph Act, 1885. The police record describes the complaint as relating to criminal intimidation and a threatening telephone call.

On Thursday, Adeel and Head Constable Asad, both deputed at the Lorry Adda police station, were shot dead in the Badami Bagh area.

According to DIG Operations Faisal Kamran, police received information about Rehan Butt&#39;s presence in the area and Adeel and Asad went to the location.]]>
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			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/punjab-ctd1785575868-0/punjab-ctd1785575868-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
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