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                        <title>Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune</title>
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                        <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>
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			<title>Azeri woman in alleged Lahore gang-rape case returns home under police escort</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632931/azeri-woman-in-alleged-lahore-gang-rape-case-returns-home-under-police-escort</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632931/azeri-woman-in-alleged-lahore-gang-rape-case-returns-home-under-police-escort#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 26 09:37:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Musharraf Shah]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category><category><![CDATA[Lahore]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632931</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Earlier, she refused to return, arguing she wants to pursue case, is being sent back forcibly]]>
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				<![CDATA[The foreign woman at the centre of an alleged gang-rape case in Lahore left for her homeland, Azerbaijan, on Sunday, after earlier refusing to return. The flight to Baku took off from Lahore airport, with three Lahore Police officers travelling with the woman, identified as Diana.

According to police sources, the request to send police officers with Diana was made by the Azerbaijani embassy. The officers accompanying the woman include female Assistant Superintendent of Police Barira, Deputy Superintendent of Police Qamar Abbas and Gender Cell In-Charge Fariyal.

The police personnel will take Diana to Azerbaijan in their custody, remaining with her until they reach her homeland.

On Friday, Diana had reportedly completed boarding at Lahore airport but then decided to get off the plane, refusing to return to Azerbaijan. She expressed some reservations at the airport, arguing that she wanted to pursue her case and was being sent back forcibly.

Read: Lahore police arrests 4 suspects for kidnapping, sexual assault of two foreign women

Diana had filed a complaint against three unidentified men for reported gang-rape, following which a case was registered at Defence C police station.

Lahore Investigation Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Zeeshan Raza took immediate notice of the incident and formed special teams headed by Cantt Investigation Superintendent of Police (SP) Asim Iftikhar to arrest the suspects.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), Diana had arrived in Lahore a few days before the alleged incident. The report said two unidentified women had lured her to a cafe, where three male friends of the women were already present. After spending some time at the cafe, the group allegedly took Diana to a flat.

The FIR alleged that she was given a drink containing an intoxicating substance at the flat, after which three men allegedly gang-raped her.

The suspects allegedly sexually assaulted her throughout the night before leaving her near the airport and fleeing, according to the FIR. They also allegedly took an iPhone and another expensive mobile phone belonging to Diana, it said.

Read More: Four suspects in alleged Peshawar gang rape case killed in attack by unidentified gunmen

Police subsequently launched an investigation and began searching for the suspects.

On September 27, police investigating the case lodged by the 20-year-old woman from Azerbaijan found a vehicle allegedly used in her sexual assault and detained three people for questioning.

Lahore Police identified suspects allegedly involved in the gang-rape and launched efforts to arrest them.

DIG Raza noted that the Investigation Police had arrested two main suspects, who were being interrogated, while one suspect was absconding and would be arrested soon, adding that whoever was found guilty would be punished in accordance with the law.]]>
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			<title>Spanish businesses invited to Lahore, Sialkot</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632844/spanish-businesses-invited-to-lahore-sialkot</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632844/spanish-businesses-invited-to-lahore-sialkot#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 26 23:00:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632844</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[CM Maryam, Spain ambassador discuss plan to open footbal academy in Lahore]]>
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				<![CDATA[Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has invited Spanish business delegations to visit Sialkot and Lahore.

She was discussing ways to expand cooperation between Punjab and Spain in trade, business, sports, culture and environmental protection with Spanish Ambassador Carlos Aragon Gil Delaserna on Saturday. The chief minister said Punjab would welcome trade and cultural delegations from Spain.

The leaders also discussed a proposal to establish a pilot football academy in Lahore with the cooperation of Spain&#39;s professional football league La Liga for training coaches and players.

The chief minister congratulated the diplomat on Spain&#39;s victory in the Football World Cup. The two sides reviewed business and trade opportunities and discussed a proposal to establish a Punjab-Spain Business Council to facilitate commercial ties.

They also considered forming a joint working group to address challenges posed by forest fires, pollution and heatwaves.

The possibility of declaring Lahore and Barcelona sister cities was also discussed, along with cooperation in culture and arts.

The chief minister welcomed Spain&#39;s decision to recognise Palestine.

She said Punjab wanted to benefit from Spain&#39;s experience in tackling climate change and smog.

The chief minister also expressed interest in learning from Barcelona&#39;s urban-planning experience in making roads and public spaces more people-friendly.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has been invited to Muscat to receive the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award 2026 for the Punjab Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar low-cost housing programme.

She will attend the award ceremony on the occasion of World Habitat Day, where the honour will be presented at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Around 200 such awards have been presented over the past 37 years. In Pakistan, the award was previously received by the deputy chairman of the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority in 2007.

Myanmar, Brazil, Tunisia and London, England, have also been selected for the honour this year.]]>
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			<title>Punjab boards to take paper checking online</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632845/punjab-boards-to-take-paper-checking-online</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632845/punjab-boards-to-take-paper-checking-online#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 26 23:00:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Adnan Lodhi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632845</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Boards to scan answer scripts for on-screen evaluation]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Punjab&#39;s education boards are preparing to replace physical examination paper checking with scanning of answer scripts and on-screen evaluation.

According to sources in the education sector, the decision is aimed at reducing marking errors and improving accountability and students&#39; confidence in examination results.

Under the proposed system, completed answer scripts will be scanned and converted into secure digital record before being assigned electronically to authorised examiners for assessment.

Instead of receiving bundles of papers at conventional marking centres, the examiners will evaluate scanned scripts through a controlled online platform. Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has directed all education boards to introduce digital reforms and launch online screen marking initially on a pilot basis for supplementary examinations.

He has also ordered the boards to take action against examiners involved in incorrect marking and strengthen monitoring of the evaluation process.

Sources said the proposed framework would introduce stronger identity verification for examiners to prevent unauthorised persons from accessing answer scripts. Under the mechanism being considered, examiners would be authenticated through facial recognition or other secure verification measures before being allowed to enter the marking system.

The objective is to ensure that the examiner assigned a particular script evaluates it. The proposed safeguards would also make it difficult for an examiner to share login credentials or allow another person to perform marking on his or her behalf.

Earlier reforms also moved the examination system towards biometric and digital verification.

The Lahore board has made biometric thumb impressions mandatory for Class IX and XI candidates during registration, while authorities have been working to strengthen digital identification and monitoring at examination centres. The Lahore Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) has already announced e-marking reforms under which theory papers are scanned and digitised, while examiners receive secure IDs to evaluate scripts remotely. The system is being introduced gradually, with officials indicating that its use will expand to additional subjects over time.

The sources said the proposed marking mechanism would also impose time limits for examiners. Each digitally assigned sheet would have to be evaluated within a prescribed period, allowing examination authorities to track pending scripts and identify unusual delays.

The time bound mechanism is expected to address another longstanding weakness of difficulty to determine when a paper was received, who handled it and how long was spent evaluating it. Under the digital system, each marking activity can generate an electronic record, creating an audit trail for the boards.

Complaints of incorrect marking, unchecked answers, calculation mistakes and inconsistencies between examiners have repeatedly caused concerns among students and parents.

The provincial government has been pushing the boards towards systems that reduce the risk of human error while retaining qualified teachers as the final decision-makers.

The proposed arrangement may also change the way examiners receive answer scripts. Instead of an examiner being handed hundreds of answer books, papers or individual questions may be allocated electronically in batches.

The Lahore BISE has disclosed plans involving smaller batches of questions to improve accuracy and efficiency.

Another benefit would be reduction in physical movement of answer scripts. Once papers are scanned, their digital copies can be distributed to authorised evaluators without transporting original scripts.]]>
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			<title>Progress hinges on continuity: Maryam</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632690/progress-hinges-on-continuity-maryam</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632690/progress-hinges-on-continuity-maryam#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 22:55:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632690</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[She says good governance and performance were essential to tackling internal security threats]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said governments that perform well should be allowed to complete their five-year terms, arguing that the lack of policy continuity in Pakistan remains a major hurdle to development.

Addressing a delegation of the National Command Authority Senior Officers Leadership Course here on Thursday, she said Pakistan&#39;s &quot;excellent image and new face&quot; had emerged before the world during its recent war with India, adding that the army and other security institutions were rendering valuable services for the country&#39;s defence.

The chief minister said good governance and performance were essential to tackling internal security threats. &quot;We are Pakistanis first, regardless of whether we belong to Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan or Gilgit,&quot; she said, stressing the need for continuity in national policies.

She said Punjab&#39;s governance standards had improved because the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz had remained in government in the province for longer periods. While claiming that terrorism had been brought under control in Punjab, she acknowledged that the threat had not disappeared and said the provincial government remained prepared for possible attacks.

The chief minister said the province had previously had around 70 &quot;no-go areas&quot;, but no such area now. &quot;I am responsible for the safety of 140 million people, so I had to take decisions that had not been taken before,&quot; she said.

She said the government had strengthened the security infrastructure, particularly in border areas, by establishing fortified check posts and providing weapons and night-vision cameras. She also highlighted round-the-clock surveillance to detect terrorist activities.

The chief minister said the Punjab government had established separate groups for administration and law and order and that special attention was being given to crimes against women and children.]]>
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			<title>PUBG task led British national to rob Lahore bank</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632689/pubg-task-led-british-national-to-rob-lahore-bank</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632689/pubg-task-led-british-national-to-rob-lahore-bank#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 22:55:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Muhammad Shahzad]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632689</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Police recover vehicle allegedly used in South Cantt bank robbery]]>
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				<![CDATA[Police claimed to have arrested a British national allegedly involved in the robbery of a bank in Lahore&#39;s South Cantt area and recovered Rs426,000, two pistols and a 12-bore rifle from his possession, officials said on Friday.

The suspect, identified as Subhan Ali, was arrested after investigators traced his movements through Safe City cameras, according to Lahore Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Faisal Kamran.

Police said Ali allegedly robbed the bank of Rs726,000 and took two weapons belonging to security guards during the incident. The recovered cash was stated by police to be part of the amount allegedly taken from the bank.

The suspect was arrested from a house where police said he had gone after the robbery. A white Honda Civic RS Turbo allegedly used in the incident was also recovered. According to police, its registration number had been concealed with black paint.

Speaking at a press conference at Police Lines Qila Gujjar Singh, DIG Faisal said the suspect entered the bank at around 9:19am and remained there for approximately nine minutes before leaving.

Police said the suspect had planned to flee to Islamabad after the robbery and had rented a vehicle for the purpose, paying its owner Rs300,000.

According to the DIG, Ali arrived in Pakistan from Britain on September 16 following a dispute with his parents. He had previously visited Pakistan in April. Police said he had spent six years working as a taxi driver in Scotland.

During questioning, Ali allegedly told investigators that he had been looking for money after spending around &pound;1,200 he had brought from Britain.

Police said he had already identified the bank near Ghazi Road as a potential target because of its location and the availability of parking near his home.

Police also alleged that the suspect had purchased a pistol from Sialkot for Rs45,000 in April and obtained ammunition from the Thokar area for Rs20,000. Investigators are examining the alleged supply of illegal weapons and seeking to identify anyone who may have facilitated their purchase.

A police account of the investigation also linked the alleged robbery to the online game PUBG.

According to police sources, Ali allegedly followed a robbery-related task or instructions in the game, including wearing clothing and a mask similar to those described in the game.

Police further claimed that after the robbery, the suspect returned to his under-construction house, placed the stolen money on a table and resumed playing the game. Investigators said he also changed the vehicle&#39;s registration plates before continuing to play.

According to the police account, officers tracking his movements through Safe City cameras eventually reached the house, where they found him with a pistol, the allegedly stolen cash and a briefcase.

Police said the suspect had no previous criminal record.

South Cantt police have registered a case and seized the alleged weapons, vehicle, cash and other material as part of the investigation.]]>
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			<title>Hawala-hundi network operating in five countries busted</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632691/hawala-hundi-network-operating-in-five-countries-busted</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632691/hawala-hundi-network-operating-in-five-countries-busted#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 22:55:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632691</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Agency says the group had established stations in Italy, Germany, Japan, Greece and Turkiye]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Gujranwala Zone has arrested an alleged ringleader of an international network involved in hawala-hundi and human trafficking.

FIA Gujranwala Director Muhammad Bin Ashraf said the agency arrested suspect Asif Ali at Lahore airport upon his arrival in Pakistan after receiving information from its liaison office in Greece.

He said the liaison office had shared the suspect&#39;s data with the FIA, following which the names of suspected network members were placed on the stop list. Asif Ali was arrested as soon as he arrived at Lahore airport, he added.

According to the FIA, a case has been registered against a 10-member international group allegedly operating a large-scale hawala-hundi and human trafficking network from five countries.

The agency said the group had established stations in Italy, Germany, Japan, Greece and T&uuml;rkiye.]]>
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			<title>Lahore back on top of global pollution rankings</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632588/lahore-back-on-top-of-global-pollution-rankings</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632588/lahore-back-on-top-of-global-pollution-rankings#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 09:19:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Asif Mehmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632588</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The city recorded an air quality index of 167 on IQAir’s, placing it ahead of Dhaka at 164 and Cairo at 158]]>
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				<![CDATA[Lahore once again ranked as the world&rsquo;s most polluted major city on Friday morning as its air quality slipped into the &ldquo;unhealthy&rdquo; category, prompting Punjab authorities to intensify anti-smog operations across the provincial capital&#39;s pollution hotspots.

The city recorded an air quality index of 167 on IQAir&rsquo;s live global ranking earlier in the day, placing it ahead of Dhaka at 164 and Cairo at 158. Provincial authorities later put Lahore&rsquo;s Air Quality Index (AQI)&nbsp;at 236, saying weak wind movement and lower temperatures had contributed to the accumulation of pollutants.

Officials said winds were blowing from the southeast, with speeds expected to remain between five and six kilometres per hour from 8am until noon before increasing to eight to 10 kilometres per hour between 1pm and 2pm.&nbsp;The expected increase in wind speed could help disperse pollutants and improve air quality later in the day, they said.

The AQI&nbsp;reached 500 on Multan Road at 6am, according to the Punjab Environment Protection Agency&rsquo;s (EPA) official real-time air quality monitoring dashboard.

At the same time, the AQI was recorded at 345 at Punjab University, 292 in Shahdara and 227 in Gulberg III. However, by 8am, the situation had changed significantly, with the AQI at Punjab University rising to 385, the highest among the monitored areas, while the reading on Multan Road dropped to 91.

IQAir&rsquo;s rankings are updated hourly, meaning a city&rsquo;s position and AQI can change significantly during the course of a day. Lahore&rsquo;s ranking had consequently shifted from the top position recorded earlier in the morning as atmospheric conditions changed.



Figure shows the top-ranked polluted cities according to IQAir. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB/IQAir

The deterioration triggered an emergency response in high-AQI parts of Lahore on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, according to the provincial government.

Smog guns remained operational in pollution hotspots, while water bowsers and sprayers were deployed to suppress road dust.

Officials said water sprinkling operations were underway along the Ring Road service line in the Hando area, GT Road near UET and Shalimar Town, as well as Burki, DHA and Multan Road.

Drone squads, night squads and the government&rsquo;s &ldquo;Hawk Eye&rdquo; field teams were also conducting round-the-clock monitoring of pollution sources, authorities said, with enforcement teams directed to take immediate action against violations.

The provincial government also reported a series of enforcement actions across Punjab during the previous 24 hours.

Read: Air pollution in Lahore, Punjab cities reaches &lsquo;hazardous&rsquo; category

According to official figures, environmental teams inspected 319 industrial units, sealing 15 facilities and registering one first information report over alleged violations of environmental regulations. Fines totalling Rs1.65 million were imposed.

Authorities also inspected 421 brick kilns, demolished five and sealed eight, while five FIRs were registered. Officials said penalties worth Rs1.5 million were imposed for violations as part of the province&rsquo;s smog-control action plan.

A separate crackdown on substandard plastic resulted in inspections at 267 locations, with authorities confiscating 1,248 kilogrammes of plastic. Six locations were sealed, and fines of Rs117,000 were imposed.

Commercial cooking operations have also come under scrutiny as authorities seek to curb smoke emissions. Officials said 249 barbecue and commercial cooking sites were inspected. Suction hoods had been installed at 88 locations, while 28 establishments were sealed.

Crop burning watch

With the harvesting season underway, the government also intensified efforts to prevent farmers from burning crop residue, a practice associated with seasonal deterioration in air quality across the region.

Officials said paddy had so far been mechanically harvested across 724,900 acres out of Punjab&rsquo;s total 6.33 million acres under the crop, representing around 11.5% of the area.

The government said 437,445 notices had been issued to farmers as part of efforts to discourage crop-residue burning.

According to official data, 1,259 Kubota machines had harvested 310,196 acres while 187 balers had covered another 94,124 acres.

The provincial administration said that around 10,000 Super Seeders were now being used by farmers to manage crop residue without setting it on fire and to encourage more environmentally sustainable farming practices.

Read more: Lahore tops world pollution rankings

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb warned farmers against burning crop residue and urged residents to avoid activities that contribute to smog. She said enforcement, monitoring, and preventive operations were being carried out simultaneously because weak winds had made it more difficult for pollutants to disperse.

&ldquo;Farmers must not set crop residue on fire, and citizens should refrain from every activity that causes smog; otherwise the law will come into action,&rdquo; she said, according to the official statement.

She added that no one would be allowed to pollute the environment.

Air pollution has emerged as a persistent environmental and public health challenge in Lahore, particularly during the cooler months when stagnant atmospheric conditions can trap emissions closer to the ground.

Industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, crop-residue burning, and weak air movement are among the factors frequently associated with Lahore&rsquo;s recurring smog episodes.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>984 allegedly bogus land mutations registered</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632554/984-allegedly-bogus-land-mutations-registered</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632554/984-allegedly-bogus-land-mutations-registered#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 03:10:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632554</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[ACE Gujranwala Director says role of other officials involved would be determined during investigation]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Gujranwala has registered a case against 11 people, including four tehsildars, for allegedly entering 984 bogus mutations based on fake registry documents in Ladhe Wala Warraich village.

According to ACE Gujranwala Region spokesperson Rana Shabbir Ashraf, the alleged bogus mutations were entered in the revenue record from July 2024 onwards, causing an estimated loss of Rs115 million to the public exchequer.

The case was registered on the directives of ACE Punjab Director General Sohail Zafar Chattha and Gujranwala Region Director Amjad Shehzad.

Those named in the case include Tehsildars Sarfraz Ahmed Cheema, Arshad Dulo, Imtiaz Sahi and Iltif Hussain Tarrar; Naib Tehsildar Captain Naseem; Prosh, an HRC official at the Gujranwala Deputy Commissioner&#39;s Office; Manzoor Ahmed Wasal Baqi; Patwaris Mustafa Mann and Bilal Butt; and deed writers Faisal Bhatti and Amanat Bhatti.

The case was registered at the Anti-Corruption Police Station Gujranwala under Sections 409, 420, 468, 471 and 162 of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 5/2/47 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.

ACE Gujranwala Director Amjad Shehzad said those responsible for causing losses to the public exchequer would not be given any concession.

He said the role of other officials involved would be determined during the investigation and action would be taken against those found responsible.]]>
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			<title>Animal rescue record to be digitised</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632551/animal-rescue-record-to-be-digitised</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632551/animal-rescue-record-to-be-digitised#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 03:10:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632551</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Spokesperson says system will also be linked with artificial intelligence to facilitate monitoring of rescue operation]]>
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				<![CDATA[A digital system will be launched at the Police Animal Rescue Centre (PARC) to maintain and monitor records of animal rescue, treatment and protection cases.

A memorandum of understanding was signed for the development of the system, according to a spokesperson. Under the initiative, records relating to animal rescues, medical treatment and protection will be digitised and made accessible through a centralised system.

The spokesperson said the system would also be linked with artificial intelligence to facilitate monitoring of rescue operations.]]>
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			<title>Lahore to host 10-day Basant festival from Jan 29 to Feb 7</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632257/lahore-to-host-10-day-basant-festival-from-jan-29-to-feb-7</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632257/lahore-to-host-10-day-basant-festival-from-jan-29-to-feb-7#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 26 11:14:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632257</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Maryam Nawaz approves extended celebrations, with a one-day break for Kashmir Day and stricter safety measures planned]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday approved and rescheduled a 10-day Basant festival in Lahore, with celebrations set to take place from January 29 to February 7 2027. According to an official announcement, celebrations will be suspended for one day on February 5 to commemorate Kashmir Day.

The decision comes after the revival of Basant in Lahore earlier this year, when the traditional spring festival was held from February 6 to 8 after the provincial government lifted the 2007 ban on kite flying through an ordinance.



وزیراعلی مریم نواز شریف کا زندہ دلان لاہور کے لئے بڑی خوش خبری کا اعلان

لاہور میں 10 دن بسنت منائی جائے گی، وزیراعلی مریم نواز شریف نے منظوری دے دی

25 سال کے تعطل کے بعد رواں سال فروری میں 6 سے 8 فروری تک لاہور میں بسنت منائی گئی تھی

وزیراعلی مریم نواز شریف نے نئے سال 2027&hellip;
&mdash; Azma Zahid Bokhari (@AzmaBokhariPMLN) September 30, 2026


The chief minister directed the authorities to organise the expanded festival to mark the arrival of 2027 and promote Punjab&#39;s cultural heritage. &quot;The 10-day Basant celebrations will help promote Punjab&#39;s cultural colours and Lahore&#39;s ancient historical tradition across the world,&quot; Maryam said.

She also directed the authorities to put in place stronger safety and public facilitation measures than those adopted during the previous festival. She appealed to the public to demonstrate responsibility and vigilance during the celebrations to help ensure the protection of human life.

The emphasis on safety comes after the three-day festival earlier this year resulted in 17 deaths and 160 injuries, according to official Home Department records. However, sources told The Express Tribune that the actual death toll was higher, at 21.

Kite flying and manufacturing were first banned in Punjab in 2005 after more than 25 people were killed. The ban was intermittently relaxed in 2006 and 2007 but was reimposed in 2007 following a rise in fatalities.

By 2024, more than 2,020 people had lost their lives in kite-flying-related incidents, according to available records. More than 90% of the deaths were caused by chemical-coated kite strings that cut victims&#39; throats or faces.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/et-shayan-51770196416-0/et-shayan-51770196416-0.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Two killed in 'CCD encounters'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632555/two-killed-in-ccd-encounters-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632555/two-killed-in-ccd-encounters-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 26 03:10:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632555</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Police say he was wanted in several robbery cases]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A suspected shooter and a dacoit were killed in separate alleged police encounters in Faisalabad. Suspected shooter Sufyan was injured during an exchange of fire with CCD personnel near Kakkarwala Bypass. He later died in hospital.

In another alleged encounter near Chechnalwala-Lunda Pull, Sandal Bar, suspected dacoit Muhammad Azam alias Billi was killed. Police said he was wanted in several robbery cases.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/ccd1782304053-0/ccd1782304053-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>World Bank, Punjab discuss AI</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631445/world-bank-punjab-discuss-ai</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631445/world-bank-punjab-discuss-ai#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 26 21:58:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2631445</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Ali Dar said under vision of CM Maryam, Punjab was integrating modern technology]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A World Bank delegation led by Michel Rogy, Regional Practice Director for Digital and AI at the World Bank Group, visited the Office of AI and Special Initiatives Punjab and met Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab on AI and Special Initiatives Ali Dar.

The meeting focused on Punjab&#39;s artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation agenda, technology-enabled public service delivery and strengthening data-driven governance. Ali Dar said that under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab was integrating modern technology with governance and public service delivery.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/131790373598-3/131790373598-3.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Inmate attacks psychologist</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630924/inmate-attacks-psychologist</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630924/inmate-attacks-psychologist#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 26 02:27:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Tariq Ismail]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2630924</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Akhtar had spent about 20 years in nine different prisons]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A death-row prisoner allegedly attacked a senior female psychologist at the Central Jail Dera Ghazi Khan, leaving her with minor injuries, prompting senior prison and Home Department officials to reach the facility and order an inquiry.

According to jail sources, prisoner Mahmood Akhtar, whose death sentence has also been upheld by the Supreme Court, attacked senior psychologist Sania Ramzan on Tuesday after allegedly leaving his cell during the morning prisoner count.

Sources said Akhtar had spent about 20 years in nine different prisons and had a record of aggressive behaviour at the facilities where he had been held.

According to the sources, the prisoner allegedly climbed over a wall, made his way towards the rear of an under-construction factory and reached the jail hospital, where he confronted the psychologist and attacked her with a blade.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/dg-khan1790131026-0/dg-khan1790131026-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Six injured in stray dog attacks</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2629987/six-injured-in-stray-dog-attacks</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2629987/six-injured-in-stray-dog-attacks#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 26 02:09:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2629987</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Doctors says affected patients were being provided necessary medical care and treatment according to their condition]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Six people and several cattle were reportedly injured in stray dog attacks in areas around Sarai Mughal on Thursday.

Residents said packs of stray dogs could be seen roaming streets, roads, fields and populated areas, particularly during the morning and evening hours. They said the presence of packs had made it difficult for children, women and elderly people to move around safely.

Doctors said the affected patients were being provided necessary medical care and treatment according to their condition.

Residents claimed that the number of stray dogs had increased in Sarai Mughal and surrounding settlements.

The residents said children returning from school and people leaving their homes for routine activities were particularly vulnerable to attacks by packs of dogs. Families of those injured said they had been forced to take additional precautions when travelling through affected areas.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/Dogs-AFP/Dogs-AFP.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Theatre sealed over violations</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630929/theatre-sealed-over-violations</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630929/theatre-sealed-over-violations#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 26 02:27:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2630929</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Action was taken as part of ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with a code of conduct]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Punjab Council of Arts, Faisalabad, and the Chiniot district administration sealed a theatre hall after finding several violations of an approved programme, rules and regulations and irregularities in promotional material during a joint inspection.

A spokesman for the arts council said on Tuesday that the action was taken as part of ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with a code of conduct and other legal and administrative requirements governing theatrical activities.

During inspection, the authorities observed several violations, including breaches of the approved play and prescribed theatre rules and regulations besides irregularities relating to promotional and publicity material.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/sealed-seized1760389312-5/sealed-seized1760389312-5.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Crackdown on rice residue burning</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2629563/crackdown-on-rice-residue-burning</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2629563/crackdown-on-rice-residue-burning#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 26 01:43:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2629563</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Meeting reviewed measures to prevent smog, air pollution and burning of rice crop residue]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Commissioner Ashfaq Ahmed Chaudhry has directed the relevant depart-ments to enforce a ban on burning rice crop residue and take legal action against violators as part of measures to prevent smog and pollution.

According to a spokesperson here on Tuesday, the commissioner issued the directions while chairing a meeting held to review measures for prevention of smog.

The meeting reviewed measures to prevent smog, air pollution and burning of rice crop residue. Agriculture Director Mehr Abid Hussain gave a briefing on steps being tak-en to curb smog and educate farmers about the harmful effects of burning residue.

Chaudhry said rice harvesting had started in the division and burning crop residue during the process could contribute to air pollution and smog.

He directed the concerned departments to educate farmers about the harmful effects of burning rice residue.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/1874251-dera_ghazi_khan-1545722739/1874251-dera_ghazi_khan-1545722739.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Child abuse suspect killed</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2629564/child-abuse-suspect-killed</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2629564/child-abuse-suspect-killed#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 26 01:43:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2629564</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Suspect had been providing pick-and-drop services to the girl for some time]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A rickshaw driver wanted in a case in-volving the alleged repeated sexual assault of an eight-year-old girl with special needs was killed in an exchange of fire with his alleged accomplice in Gujranwala, police said on Tuesday.

The incident took place in the jurisdiction of Sadar Gujranwala police station. The City Police Officer (CPO) has sought a report of the incident.

The suspect had been providing pick-and-drop services to the girl for some time.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/1131410-childabusestockimage-1467053985/1131410-childabusestockimage-1467053985.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>Two injured in encounters</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2629369/two-injured-in-encounters</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2629369/two-injured-in-encounters#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 26 02:41:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2629369</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Police said Khalid was facing cases of robbery and other offences]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Two men were injured and arrested during alleged police encounters in the city, while their accomplices escaped.

In the Sunder area, police signalled two motorcyclists to stop at a checkpoint, but they allegedly opened fire on and attempted to flee.

The police chased the men, during which one of them, Khalid Younis, was injured allegedly by firing from his accomplice.

The injured man was arrested and shifted to a hospital for treatment. Police said Khalid was facing cases of robbery and other offences.

In another incident, Raiwind police intercepted three suspected armed robbers near Lakhowal.The police said the suspects were signalled to stop at a checkpoint but they opened fire and attempted to escape.

During retaliatory firing, suspect Irfan was injured allegedly by bullets fired by his accomplices and was arrested.

The police said he had suffered gunshot wounds to his ear and leg and had been shifted to a hospital.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/attack-firing1742126521-0/attack-firing1742126521-0.png" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
			</item><item>
			<title>'Robber' shot dead</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2628834/robber-shot-dead</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2628834/robber-shot-dead#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 26 20:26:20 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2628834</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Police said CCD teams had set up a checkpoint near Damr Flour Mills to arrest proclaimed offenders]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A robber wanted in more than 40 robbery and street crime cases was killed in an alleged encounter with the Crime Control Department (CCD) on Narwala Bypass, while his accomplices escaped.

Police said CCD teams had set up a checkpoint near Damr Flour Mills to arrest proclaimed offenders. The suspects opened fire when signalled to stop, triggering an exchange of fire during the chase.

Noman alias Nomi Machhi was injured allegedly by firing from his accomplices and later died at a hospital. Police shifted his body to Allied Hospital for post-mortem.]]>
			</content:encoded>
			<image>
				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/171789158661-2/171789158661-2.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
            </image>
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