<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" version="2.0"><channel>
                        <title>Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune</title>
                        <atom:link href="https://tribune.com.pk" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/>
                        <link>https://tribune.com.pk</link>
                        <description>The Express Tribune keeps you up to date with all the latest happenings from Pakistan and across the world!</description>
                        <lastBuildDate>Sun, 26 Jul 26 19:42:21 +0500</lastBuildDate>
                        <language>en-US</language>
                        <sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
                        <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
                        <generator>https://laravel.com/</generator><item>
			<title>Property registration resumes after hiatus</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620257/property-registration-resumes-after-hiatus</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620257/property-registration-resumes-after-hiatus#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 26 19:38:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Qaiser Shirazi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2620257</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[DC retains previous year's valuation rates, while revised taxes come into effect]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Property registrations for residential and commercial properties have resumed across Rawalpindi Division after remaining suspended for a month.

The new deputy commissioner has retained the previous financial year&#39;s property valuation rates for 2026-27, a move welcomed by property dealers.

Property registrations in Rawalpindi city, cantonment and adjoining areas have resumed through biometric verification and the online system using the existing official rates. However, advance tax, capital gains tax and registration processing fees have been increased.

Officials estimate that the month-long suspension of property registrations caused the government a loss of around Rs1.5 billion.

Under the revised fee structure, stamp duty remains one per cent of the property&#39;s total value, corporation tax one per cent, cantonment board tax three per cent, Punjab Land Revenue Authority services tax Rs3,800, registration fee Rs1,000, comparison fee Rs500, advance tax 10.5pc for non-filers and 1.25pc for filers

The new structure requires capital gains tax of 11.5pc for non-filers and 2.75pc for filers, property record issuance fee Rs800, express property record fee Rs3,500, mutation fee Rs1,100, express mutation fee Rs11,200, and certified copy of a registered deed Rs1,300.

Biometric verification of both buyer and seller has been made mandatory. The upgraded online registration system will become fully operational from Monday, July 27. Stamp Vendors Union Patron Waheed Awan and Secretary General Mudassar Sheikh said the DC rates had been issued without any increase over last year&#39;s valuation.

They said buyers would benefit from unchanged official property values, although increases in taxes, Green Property Certificate charges and processing fees would raise registration expenses by Rs30,000 to Rs50,000 for residential properties and Rs50,000 to Rs125,000 for commercial properties.

Property registration offices and tehsil offices have regained activity with the resumption of registrations.

&nbsp;

box

&nbsp;

Excise yet to prepare property tax bills

OUR CORRESPONDENT

RAWALPINDI. The Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has yet to prepare property tax bills for the 2026-27 fiscal year despite July nearing its end, delaying the dispatch of bills to taxpayers across Rawalpindi Region.

The department has already increased property tax rates by 10 to 15 per cent, but officials said the bills could only be prepared after receiving the deputy commissioner&#39;s valuation rates.

While DC rates are usually issued between July 2 and 5, they were released only recently and had still not reached the department by Saturday, July 25.

Officials said the new rates are expected on Monday, after which preparation of the bills will require another 10 to 15 days. Property tax bills for residential and commercial properties in Rawalpindi city and cantonment are expected to be dispatched after Aug 14.

box

Complaint prompts transfer of staff

&nbsp;

OUR CORRESPONDENT

RAWALPINDI. Rawalpindi district administration has ordered the immediate transfer of registry clerks and assistant clerks posted at property registrar offices across Rawalpindi city, district council, cantonment and tehsil offices after taking notice of complaints alleging corruption in the property registration process.

The transferred officials have been directed to relinquish charge immediately. The sudden transfers caused unrest in registry offices, while several influential officials reportedly approached political leaders and lawmakers in an effort to have the orders reversed.

New registry clerks and assistants will assume charge from Monday. According to the report, many of the transferred officials had remained posted in the same offices for three to three-and-a-half years and had been the subject of numerous complaints from the public, property dealers and stamp vendors.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/41785008349-3/41785008349-3.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Rains keep civic services on the toes</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620358/rains-keep-civic-services-on-the-toes-2</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620358/rains-keep-civic-services-on-the-toes-2#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 26 00:20:18 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ADNAN LODHI]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2620358</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Air quality in metropolis improves amid frequent downpours]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A fresh spell of monsoon rain swept across Lahore and several other districts of Punjab on Saturday, bringing cooler weather, reducing humidity and improving air quality for some time.

However, the heavy rain also caused waterlogging and traffic jams, putting emergency services and hospitals on high alert to deal with related problems.

Rain with thunderstorms was recorded in Lahore, Narowal. Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Rawalpindi and Chakwal. Several other districts also received moderate to heavy rainfall.

Rainwater pooled in hospitals and on nearby roads in Lahore.

Job aspirants also faced problems as Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) examinations continued in various districts despite the rain.

Many people found it difficult to reach their workplaces, including health workers and hospital employees.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast that the current weather system will remain active over the coming days with more rain expected in many parts of the province.

A large number of citizens visited parks and other public places to enjoy the pleasant weather.

A spokesperson said all district hospitals had been advised to prepare for the rainy season and they were providing the best treatment facilities.

However the rain also created civic problems as water accumulated on roads and in many low-lying areas.

The traffic flow on major roads remained slow as several underpasses and residential areas were flooded, forcing commuters to use other routes.

Officials said field staff remained deployed across the city to clear blocked sewer lines as quickly as possible.

District authorities also advised people to avoid unnecessary travel through flooded roads until the water level receded.

Similar conditions were reported in other cities where heavy rain disrupted business activities and affected traffic.

Hospital emergency departments in Lahore remained on alert to treat victims of injuries caused by road accidents, slipping on wet roads and shocks caused by exposed electric wires.

Doctors said hospitals were also preparing for an increase in seasonal diseases that usually appeared after heavy rain, including viral fever, diarrhoea, gastroenteritis and mosquito-borne ailments.

Medical experts advised people to drink boiled or filtered water, avoid stagnant water and seek immediate care if they develop dehydration or persistent fever.

They warned that standing rainwater could become a breeding place for mosquitoes if drainage was delayed. They stressed that proper sanitation during and after the monsoon season was essential to reduce the risk of dengue fever.

Environmental experts described the rainfall as a natural way of cleaning polluted air.

&quot;The showers significantly reduced dust particles and suspended pollutants that had accumulated during the recent dry weather. Real-time air quality monitoring indicated that Lahore&#39;s Air Quality Index (AQI) improved to the moderate category with readings generally ranging between 100 and 120 on Saturday,&quot; said an official, Sajid Bashir. This was a significant improvement compared with the high pollution levels usually seen during long dry periods.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/heavy-rain1784908314-0/heavy-rain1784908314-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>PTI rallies support for August 5 protest</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620370/pti-rallies-support-for-august-5-protest</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620370/pti-rallies-support-for-august-5-protest#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 26 01:09:43 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Imran Adnan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2620370</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Salman Akram Raja accuses government of corruption, economic mismanagement, political victimisation]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja on Saturday accused the government of corruption, economic mismanagement and political victimisation, urging citizens to participate in the party&#39;s August 5 protest.

Addressing a news conference, Raja criticised the government&#39;s handling of basic commodities, fuel prices and public expenditure, while reaffirming the party&#39;s resolve to continue what he described as its struggle for public rights.

Raja expressed concern over the agricultural crisis, alleging that between four million and 4.5 million metric tonnes of wheat, potentially rising to five million metric tonnes, had gone missing due to government negligence and alleged collusion with hoarders.

&quot;These hoarders enjoy full state patronage while the direct burden falls on the poor,&quot; he said, adding that the current system had launched what he described as a direct assault on the public&#39;s wellbeing and health.

On fuel prices, Raja rejected the government&#39;s explanation that domestic petrol prices were merely following international trends. He pointed to neighbouring countries where, he claimed, prices had remained stable, and criticised the failure to maintain national petroleum reserves, calling it an example of bad governance.

He also claimed that Punjab had provided Rs806 billion to the federation, funds he said were originally meant for health and education, while successive fuel price increases continued to burden citizens.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/pti-sulman-akram-raja1785031115-0/pti-sulman-akram-raja1785031115-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>LHC grants bail in Libya boat tragedy case</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620366/lhc-grants-bail-in-libya-boat-tragedy-case</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620366/lhc-grants-bail-in-libya-boat-tragedy-case#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 26 01:09:43 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Rana Yasif]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2620366</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says bank transfer alone not proof of human smuggling]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Lahore High Court (LHC) has granted post-arrest bail to a man accused in a human-smuggling case linked to a migrant boat that capsized off the Libyan coast, killing 73 people.

The court ruled that the mere transfer of money into an accused&#39;s bank account is insufficient to establish guilt unless it is directly connected to his knowing involvement in a criminal network.

Justice Muhammad Amjad Rafiq, while deciding the post-arrest bail petition of Muhammad Tahir, observed that investigators had only established that funds were routed through a bank account bearing the petitioner&#39;s name, the Madina Traders account.

He noted that the investigators themselves concluded that a third party, Akbar Ali of Gojra, actually operated and controlled the account.

The court held that this finding undermined the prosecution&#39;s case against Tahir, as it failed to establish his connection with an organized human-smuggling network or show that he knowingly received the money to facilitate migrant smuggling.

On that basis, the court ruled that the petitioner had made out a case for further inquiry and ordered his release on bail against surety bonds of Rs500,000.

In its detailed order, the court outlined the evidentiary threshold required to establish a prima facie case under the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Act, 2018, describing it as a &quot;51 per cent likelihood&quot; that investigators must establish through admissible evidence rather than mere suspicion.

It explained, section by section, the type of evidence investigators are expected to collect in migrant-smuggling cases, including documentary and digital evidence such as financial ledgers, travel documents, electronic communications, call data, site inspections and victims&#39; travel histories, to establish a suspect&#39;s intentional and active involvement in human smuggling under Section 3 of the Act.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/lhc1783563047-0/lhc1783563047-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Officials in firing line over illegal foreigners' hunts</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620359/officials-in-firing-line-over-illegal-foreigners-hunts-2</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620359/officials-in-firing-line-over-illegal-foreigners-hunts-2#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 26 00:20:18 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Asif Mehmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2620359</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Two suspended over allegedly facilitating illegal hunting by foreign nationals, inquiry committee constituted]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Two wildlife officials have been suspended over allegations of facilitating illegal hunting by foreign nationals at the Changa Manga Reserve, while a three-member inquiry committee has been constituted.

According to a notification, Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Osama Yousaf posted in Kasur district and Nadeem Zafar in Changa Manga have been suspended with immediate effect over alleged negligence, misconduct and facilitation of illegal hunting.

The inquiry committee will be headed by Sargodha Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Naeem Tahir with Jhan Assistant Chief Wildlife Ranger Muhammad Saleem Sargana and Muhammad Waseem as members.

The committee has been directed to examine all aspects of the alleged illegal hunting by foreign nationals at the Changa Manga Wildlife Reserve and submit a fact-finding report to the central zone additional chief wildlife ranger within three days.

Meanwhile, a portable radiology facility has been launched at the Wildlife Hospital in Lahore Safari Zoo.

The equipment was recently used to examine a deer and a python at Lahore Zoo.

Lahore Zoo Director Dr Ghulam Rasool said that in the past, animals had to be sedated and transported to a veterinary hospitals for X-ray.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2138873-huntingphotofile-1579233277/2138873-huntingphotofile-1579233277.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Chenab, Ravi floods submerge crops</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620360/chenab-ravi-floods-submerge-crops-2</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620360/chenab-ravi-floods-submerge-crops-2#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 26 00:20:18 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2620360</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Relief camps set up for vulnerable villagers]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Due to an increase in water levels in the Chenab and Ravi rivers, a flood situation has arisen in various areas of Punjab, where citizens and farmers are facing difficulties because of land erosion, breach of protective dykes and water entering settlements.

In the Kot Bela area of Alipur Chatta, dozens of houses are under threat due to rapid land erosion, while thousands of acres of agricultural land has been submerged with several feet of water accumulated in standing crops, causing heavy losses to farmers.

The protective dykes of Chenab river near the settlement of Bada Parara in Taranda Muhammad Panah has given way, after which floodwater has entered nearby settlements.

According to locals, crops, including sugarcane, moong, sesame and fodder, have been submerged, while the road links of several settlements have been cut off, forcing residents to migrate to safe places. The cemetery of Gurna Pathana was also affected by flood in the Chenab.

The local administration accelerated the construction of dykes and relief work with heavy machinery working continuously to divert the water.

According to authorities, an increase in the water level in Ravi river was recorded at Abdul Hakeem. The inflow was 53,530 cusecs and outflow 38,230.

The administration set up flood relief camps in Mal Fatiana, Kot Pathana, Adda Kalera, Tara, Haveli Mai Safooran, Kot Karam Shah and Dedhi.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/flash-flood1784665003-0/flash-flood1784665003-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Nurse blamed for infant's thumb loss</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620259/nurse-blamed-for-infants-thumb-loss</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2620259/nurse-blamed-for-infants-thumb-loss#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 26 19:38:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Jamil Mirza]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2620259</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Committee recommends disciplinary action under PEEDA Act]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A fact-finding committee has held a female nurse responsible after a 23-day-old baby girl lost her thumb at Holy Family Hospital and recommended departmental action against her under the PEEDA Act. The nurse has also been directed to report to the department in Lahore.

According to details, the 23-day-old daughter of Attock-based carpenter Qaiser Mahmood was under treatment in the paediatric nursery of Holy Family Hospital when her right thumb was mysteriously severed.

Following the incident, Medical Superintendent Dr Ejaz Butt constituted a three-member fact-finding committee headed by Paediatrics Department Head Dr Hina Sattar, with Dr Nadeem Malik and the Nursing Superintendent as members.

In its report, the committee termed the incident a case of negligence, carelessness and dereliction of duty, holding nurse Neelam Siddiq responsible and recommending departmental proceedings against her under the PEEDA Act. She has also been directed to report to the department in Lahore.

Dr Butt termed the incident highly unfortunate, saying that while the nurse found responsible would face disciplinary action, every effort would be made to prevent such incidents in future.

He said strict instructions had been issued to all hospital departments to perform their professional duties in accordance with standard operating procedures.

Meanwhile, local police have registered a case on the complaint of Qaiser Mahmood.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/31785008349-2/31785008349-2.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Hattar labourers cry for justice</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2619905/hattar-labourers-cry-for-justice</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2619905/hattar-labourers-cry-for-justice#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 26 19:47:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Yawar Hayat]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2619905</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Workers allege unsafe working conditions, low wages and poor sanitation]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Workers employed at factories in the Hattar Industrial Estate are allegedly being subjected to unsafe and unhygienic working conditions, with many forced to work without personal protective equipment (PPE), according to the Environmental Protection Forum (EPF), which has called for immediate action against alleged violations of labour, health and environmental laws.

The forum alleged that several factories were operating in conditions that failed to meet basic workplace safety standards. According to the EPF, workers were made to perform their duties barefoot and without gloves, masks or other protective gear while working near industrial machinery, exposing them to serious health and safety risks.

The forum further claimed that many of the workers, who had travelled from different parts of Sindh in search of employment, were earning monthly wages ranging between Rs18,000 and Rs21,000. It also alleged that the canteens and kitchens provided for workers were in a deplorable sanitary condition, raising concerns about food safety and workers&#39; welfare.

The EPF maintained that these alleged violations were occurring despite the presence of government institutions responsible for enforcing labour, health and environmental regulations. It criticised the Labour Department, the Office of the Divisional Director, the Health Department, the District Administration, the Employees&#39; Social Security Institution, the Workers Welfare Board and the Environmental Protection Department for what it described as inadequate enforcement of existing laws and regulations.

Officials from the relevant departments and representatives of the factories could not immediately be reached for comment.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/151784836657-4/151784836657-4.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Bars oppose LHC judge nominations</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2619901/bars-oppose-lhc-judge-nominations</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2619901/bars-oppose-lhc-judge-nominations#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 26 19:47:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Qaiser Shirazi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2619901</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Lawyers allege Pindi overlooked since 2017]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Three leading lawyers&#39; bodies in Rawalpindi have rejected the recent nomination of nine judges to the Lahore High Court (LHC), alleging that senior lawyers from Rawalpindi Division have once again been overlooked in the judicial selection process.

The Rawalpindi High Court Bar Association, District Bar Association Rawalpindi and the People&#39;s Lawyers Forum (PLF) Rawalpindi Division have jointly called on President Asif Ali Zardari to withhold the appointment notifications and seek the minutes of the Judicial Commission meeting, along with the criteria used for selecting the nominees.

In separate statements and resolutions, the lawyers&#39; associations claimed that despite repeated nominations, no lawyer from Rawalpindi Division has been elevated to the LHC since 2017. They described the continued exclusion of the division as unjustified and urged the Judicial Commission to convene a fresh meeting to ensure what they termed &quot;fair representation&quot; for the region.

The executive body of the RHCBA termed the alleged exclusion of the division&#39;s nominees &quot;unconstitutional and discriminatory&quot;, noting that Rawalpindi Division comprises seven districts - Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Talagang, Murree and Mianwali - with a substantial legal community. It maintained that lawyers from the division have a distinguished record of legal practice and judicial service.

In a statement issued by Secretary General Qasim Mahmood Malik, the association announced that it would raise the matter before all available legal forums and continue its campaign until the division receives appropriate representation in the higher judiciary.

Meanwhile, the People&#39;s Lawyers Forum (PLF) Rawalpindi Division also passed a unanimous resolution rejecting the appointments. At a meeting chaired by its divisional president Syed Masood Shah and other participants urged President Zardari to refrain from issuing appointment notifications until the Judicial Commission&#39;s proceedings and selection criteria have been reviewed.

The PLF further announced that it would submit a dossier outlining its objections to President Zardari, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani and PPP Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, while pressing for a fresh Judicial Commission meeting to consider senior lawyers from Rawalpindi Division for the remaining vacancies.

Separately, District Bar Association Rawalpindi President Tariq Mahmood Sajid Awan, Secretary Qamarul Haq Niazi and members of the executive body also criticised the appointments, demanding that the Judicial Commission reconvene to review the selection process. They vowed to pursue the matter through all constitutional and legal forums.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/lhc-11766423525-0/lhc-11766423525-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Terror charges dropped in traders clash case</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2619906/terror-charges-dropped-in-traders-clash-case</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2619906/terror-charges-dropped-in-traders-clash-case#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 26 19:47:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2619906</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Section 7 of ATA removed from case involving armed clash, vandalism between two groups of traders in Murree]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) has been removed from a high-profile case involving an armed clash and vandalism between two groups of traders in Murree at the beginning of this year.

Judge of the Rawalpindi Anti-Terrorism Court, Syed Amjad Shah, removed terrorism provisions from the case registered at Murree Police Station under terrorism and attempted murder charges and sent it to the court of Civil Judge Murree for trial.

The case was registered on the complaint of police regarding firing and a clash between two groups of the Murree Traders Association at Mall Road. Due to the ongoing dispute between the two groups, tensions remained high in Murree&#39;s central markets for several days.

Accused Tufail Akhlaq and Abdul Hameed Abbasi challenged the inclusion of terrorism provisions in the case. Supreme Court lawyer Asad Abbasi had filed a petition seeking removal of the charges, arguing that the case was of ordinary nature and terrorism provisions had been included by Murree police as an act of retaliation.

He argued that none of the legal requirements for applying terrorism charges were fulfilled and such provisions could not be imposed merely on police&#39;s request.

The court accepted the argument, removed the terrorism charges and transferred the case to the Civil Judge Murree for trial.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/141784836657-3/141784836657-3.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Man dies after poisoning self, three children</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2619900/man-dies-after-poisoning-self-three-children</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2619900/man-dies-after-poisoning-self-three-children#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 26 19:27:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[KASHIF FARID]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2619900</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Man allegedly mixed poisonous wheat preservation tablets into juice]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A 35-year-old man allegedly poisoned himself and his three young children after reportedly becoming distressed over unemployment and a domestic dispute, police said on Thursday.

The incident occurred in Gulshan Rahim Town, within the jurisdiction of Sadar Police Station.

According to police, Azhar Ali, son of Manzoor Ahmad, allegedly mixed poisonous wheat preservation tablets into juice and gave it to his three children Dua Zahra, 12, Areej, 9 and Eshal Fatima, 6, before consuming the poisoned drink himself.

All four were rushed to Civil Hospital after their condition deteriorated.

Azhar Ali later died during treatment, while the condition of all three children was stated to be out of danger, according to hospital and police officials.

Following the incident, DSP Sadar Shahid Gujar, SHO Muhammad Ali Khan and other police officers reached the scene.

After completing legal formalities, police handed the body over to the family.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/61784835056-0/61784835056-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Engineer suspended over collapsed wall</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2619907/engineer-suspended-over-collapsed-wall</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2619907/engineer-suspended-over-collapsed-wall#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 26 19:47:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2619907</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Contractor responsible for construction to be blacklisted, further action taken in accordance with findings of inquiry]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Islamabad district administration has dismissed reports claiming that the rain-damaged safety wall on Prince Road in Phulgran was part of a Rs2.8 billion project, clarifying that the wall was constructed at a total cost of Rs250 million.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the administration said the reported project value was inaccurate and urged the public to rely on verified information.

Following a preliminary assessment, officials identified concerns over the quality of construction and suspended the site engineer responsible for the project with immediate effect.

The administration also announced that the contractor responsible for the construction would be blacklisted. It said further action would be taken in accordance with the findings of an ongoing inquiry and the applicable rules and regulations.

As a precautionary measure, authorities have ordered the demolition of the remaining section of the safety wall to eliminate any potential risk to public safety and facilitate a comprehensive structural assessment.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/131784836657-2/131784836657-2.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>WB mission reviews Tarbela project</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2617238/wb-mission-reviews-tarbela-project</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2617238/wb-mission-reviews-tarbela-project#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 26 22:23:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Yawar Hayat]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2617238</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[During the visit, the delegation inspected various project sites]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A World Bank mission visited the Tarbela Fifth Extension Hydropower Project to review progress on environmental, social and occupational health and safety (OHS) measures being implemented under the scheme.

Sources said the WB delegation comprised Lead Social Development Specialist Dr Chudi Okafor, Lead Environmental Specialist Pablo Cardinale, Senior Social Development Specialist Imranul Haq and Senior Environmental Specialist Sana Ahmed.

During the visit, the delegation inspected various project sites and reviewed the implementation of environmental, social and occupational health and safety standards as part of the project&#39;s overall development framework.

General Manager and Project Director of the Tarbela Fifth Extension Project Umair Mannan, together with officials from the Environmental and Social Management Unit (ESMU-T5), briefed the delegation on the project&#39;s overall progress, with particular emphasis on environmental management, social safeguards and regulatory compliance.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/world-bank1783552064-0/world-bank1783552064-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Students complete police internship</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2613972/students-complete-police-internship</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2613972/students-complete-police-internship#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 26 21:24:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2613972</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Concluding ceremony of the 29th batch of the Volunteers in Police Internship Programme was held at Qila Gujjar Singh]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[As many as 150 students from various educational institutions completed a two-week internship programme organised by Lahore police.

The concluding ceremony of the 29th batch of the Volunteers in Police Internship Programme was held at Qila Gujjar Singh. DIG Operations Faisal Kamran emphasised on the occasion that public cooperation was essential for maintaining peace and preventing crimes. He said such programmes contribute positively to community-police relations.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/221781823788-2/221781823788-2.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Father, two sons among five killed in traffic tragedies</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2613976/father-two-sons-among-five-killed-in-traffic-tragedies</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2613976/father-two-sons-among-five-killed-in-traffic-tragedies#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 26 21:24:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2613976</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Police said impact threw victims onto road, where they were run over by the tractor-trolley and died on the spot]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Five people, including a father, his two sons and a student, were killed while another person sustained injuries in three separate road accidents in Faisalabad, police said on Thursday.

In the first incident, 26-year-old Nadeem Rehmatullah, a resident of Yasir Town, was returning home from General Hospital Samanabad with his seven-year-old son Ahmed and two-year-old son Rehmat when a speeding tractor-trolley allegedly hit their motorcycle on the Khanewana Bypass Road near Roshanwali Jhal Bypass.

Police said the impact threw the victims onto the road, where they were run over by the tractor-trolley and died on the spot.

Police officials reached the scene, shifted the bodies to a hospital for legal formalities and launched a search for the driver, who fled after the accident.

In another incident in the limits of Madina Town police station, an 18-year-old O-Level student, Abu Bakar, lost his life after being struck by a car in Abdullah Garden on Canal Road.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/381776634737-11/381776634737-11.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Notices issued in bribery petition</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2614145/notices-issued-in-bribery-petition</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2614145/notices-issued-in-bribery-petition#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 26 19:31:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2614145</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday issued pre-admission notices to the Secretary of the Ministry of Planning and other respondents on a petition filed by contractors and companies alleging that three officials of the ministry demanded bribes in exchange for the release of outstanding payments amounting to millions of rupees.

Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro issued the written order following the preliminary hearing of the case.

According to the petition, the applicants have requested the court to direct the Ministry of Planning to release their long-overdue contractual payments, alleging that the legitimate dues have been deliberately withheld.

The petition further claims that three ministry officials refused to process the payments unless illegal gratification was paid, describing their alleged conduct as unlawful.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/438229-IHC-1347931237/438229-IHC-1347931237.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Police crack 18-month-old murder mystery</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2613977/police-crack-18-month-old-murder-mystery</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2613977/police-crack-18-month-old-murder-mystery#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 26 21:24:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shahzad Akram]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2613977</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Victim's wife held; police allege woman arranged husband's killing after divorce]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Police have claimed to have solved an 18-month-old blind murder case in Gujranwala, alleging that the victim&#39;s wife orchestrated his killing with the help of her relatives and associates after he refused to grant her a divorce.

According to police, Salman Butt was shot dead outside his home in Sharif Farm locality within the jurisdiction of Cantt Police Station on January 9, 2025. He had just returned from work and was knocking at his door when three unidentified motorcyclists opened fire, killing him on the spot before fleeing.

A murder case was registered on the complaint of the victim&#39;s father, but the perpetrators remained unidentified for nearly a year and a half.

Police said fresh investigations revealed that Salman&#39;s wife, Najma Bibi, was allegedly behind the murder. Investigators claimed that she wanted to marry her cousin, Kaleem, a resident of Muridke, and had repeatedly sought a divorce from Salman. When he refused, she allegedly conspired with Kaleem to have him killed.

According to police, Kaleem, who had been living in Malaysia, allegedly travelled to Gujranwala and, with the assistance of an associate identified as Mughis Faizan, planned and executed the murder.

After the killing, Kaleem reportedly fled back to Malaysia, while Mughis Faizan was later arrested.

Police have taken Najma Bibi into custody and said efforts are underway to secure the arrest of Kaleem through legal channels.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/371778015870-1/371778015870-1.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Wanted suspect killed in alleged police encounter</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2613763/wanted-suspect-killed-in-alleged-police-encounter</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2613763/wanted-suspect-killed-in-alleged-police-encounter#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 26 21:11:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2613763</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[He died at the scene, while the remaining suspects managed to escape]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A suspected inter-district suspected allegedly wanted in kidnapping-for-ransom and several other serious criminal cases was killed during an alleged police encounter near Pul Gajuji in the jurisdiction of Saddar Police Station, police said on Wednesday.

A spokesman for police said law enforcement officials received information regarding the presence of proclaimed offenders in the area and launched an operation to apprehend them.

As police teams moved in, the suspects allegedly opened indiscriminate fire, triggering an exchange of gunfire. During the encounter, the suspect identified as Asghar Jarh sustained fatal injuries, allegedly from gunfire fired by his own accomplices.

He died at the scene, while the remaining suspects managed to escape.

Police said Asghar Jarh was a wanted criminal allegedly involved in multiple cases, including kidnapping for ransom, attempted murder, highway robbery and other serious offences.

He was also wanted by police in both Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan districts.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/341781040755-4/341781040755-4.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Lumpy Skin Disease cases rise in Sargodha</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2613765/lumpy-skin-disease-cases-rise-in-sargodha</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2613765/lumpy-skin-disease-cases-rise-in-sargodha#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 26 21:11:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2613765</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Cases of the disease have been reported in several areas]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The reported increase in Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) among cattle and buffaloes across several areas of District Sargodha has raised concern among livestock farmers and dairy farm owners, who fear further spread of the disease if timely preventive measures are not taken.

Cases of the disease have been reported in several areas, including 92 NB, Behak Mekan, 87 NB, 91 NB, 107 NB, 104 NB, Dera Jada, Kundan Shahpur, 66 NB, 40 NB and Mathalak. Livestock owners said the number of affected animals was increasing steadily and warned that the disease could spread to more areas without immediate intervention.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/271781731061-3/271781731061-3.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item>	</channel>
                </rss>
