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                        <title>Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune</title>
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                        <description>The Express Tribune keeps you up to date with all the latest happenings from Pakistan and across the world!</description>
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			<title>Punjab to tap tech to curb graft</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625038/punjab-to-tap-tech-to-curb-graft</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625038/punjab-to-tap-tech-to-curb-graft#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 06:20:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2625038</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[CM Maryam vows to restore public trust in government]]>
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				<![CDATA[Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has stressed the need to restore public trust in the government, saying that 24 hours a day were not enough to serve the people.

Addressing a ceremony at the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), she said, &quot;This is the age of technology and nothing is possible in today&#39;s world without artificial intelligence.&quot;

CM Maryam Nawaz said continuing with traditional and outdated methods would lead to failure and stressed the need to use technology in every sphere. &quot;Punjab is the only province taking the lead through the use of information technology,&quot; she said. She said the entire system in Punjab was being shifted to automation

&quot;There is no traditional filing system in Punjab anymore; every file is now processed through the digital system,&quot; she said, adding that officials no longer needed to travel from Rahim Yar Khan to submit files as all work was being done through the e-Faas system that was helping save Rs6 billion every month.

The chief minister said every department, district and division had been shifted to the digital ecosystem that enabled the entire government to work as an integrated unit. Digital monitoring had also ensured better coordination during floods. She said a dashboard established at her office enabled monitoring of departments and communication with officials throughout the province.

The digital ecosystem was ensuring efficiency, merit and transparency, she added.

She said the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry (PSER) had been completed with 26 million households registered. The data of both local residents and those who had migrated from other provinces was available, she said.

&quot;Protecting people from corruption is the responsibility of the government and the system,&quot; she said.

She said the government was providing free medicines worth Rs100 billion, but medicines and injections were still being stolen.

The chief minister announced that a system would be introduced within three months under which citizens would not need to visit government offices for their work.

&quot;I am not saying that everything is fine, but we will soon launch a crackdown against corruption and reach those responsible,&quot; she said.

&quot;I consider the drainage of rainwater more the responsibility of the chief minister than that of a councillor,&quot; she said.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also met members of the National Assembly belonging to the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) and discussed the political situation in the country and ongoing development projects in Punjab. The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Muhammad Aoun Chaudhry, Gul Asghar Khan and Manza Hassan.

The participants agreed to work together for the country&#39;s development, stability and on political matters.

Suthra Punjab salaries

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered payment of salaries to Suthra Punjab workers by the fifth of every month and immediate legal action against companies failing to make timely payments.

Chairing a meeting, she took strict notice of reports of staff remaining absent in urban and rural areas and officers found negligent.

She ordered key performance indicators (KPIs) for the managing director, financial management and tehsil municipal officers of Suthra Punjab, saying the MD would not be given another posting for three years in case of poor performance.]]>
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			<title>ECP agrees to hold Punjab local polls between Dec 15 and Jan 15</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624946/ecp-agrees-to-hold-punjab-local-polls-between-dec-15-and-jan-15</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624946/ecp-agrees-to-hold-punjab-local-polls-between-dec-15-and-jan-15#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 26 14:50:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Imran Adnan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624946</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Commission asks the Punjab government to submit an early plan if it wants to conduct the elections in phases]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday agreed in principle to the Punjab government&rsquo;s proposal to hold long-delayed local government elections in the province between December 15, 2026 and January 15, 2027.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja at the ECP headquarters to discuss a date for the local government elections in Punjab.

A four-member Punjab cabinet committee, headed by Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq, attended the meeting. Mines and Minerals Minister Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani, Agriculture Minister Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Shah and Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat were also part of the delegation, along with the Punjab chief secretary and local government special secretary.

ECP members, the ECP secretary and senior officials of the commission also participated in the meeting.

The commission was briefed that the delimitation process in Punjab had been completed.



صوبہ پنجاب میں بلدیاتی انتخابات کے انعقاد کی تاریخ مقرر کرنے سے متعلق اہم اجلاس آج الیکشن کمیشن میں چیف الیکشن کمشنر جناب سکندر سلطان راجہ کی زیرِ صدارت منعقد ہوا۔#ECP pic.twitter.com/pmE7UYe3K4
&mdash; Election Commission of Pakistan (OFFICIAL)🇵🇰 (@ECP_Pakistan) August 20, 2026


Raja stressed that establishing local governments and holding elections was a constitutional requirement under Article 140-A of the Constitution. He said that ECP was bound under Section 219(4) of the Elections Act to hold local government elections within 120 days of the expiry of the term of local governments.

Under Section 219(3) of the Elections Act 2017 and Section 59 of the Punjab Local Government Act, consultation with the provincial government was required before announcing the election date.

The Punjab cabinet committee told the commission that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was committed to holding local government elections and had authorised the committee to consult with the ECP on the matter.

Rafiq said the provincial government needed time to initiate the election process, arrange the required resources and ensure the availability of teaching staff, who were extensively used during elections.



#ECP pic.twitter.com/SvPiOr2cTl
&mdash; Election Commission of Pakistan (OFFICIAL)🇵🇰 (@ECP_Pakistan) August 20, 2026


He said December 15 to January 15 would be a more suitable period because school examinations would have been completed by then and the province would also avoid the fog-related difficulties expected during other periods.

The Punjab chief secretary told the meeting that the provincial government wanted the elections to be held in phases to ensure adequate security and better administrative arrangements.

The ECP agreed in principle to the proposed timeframe and asked the provincial government to submit a plan &ldquo;as soon as possible&rdquo; if it wanted the elections conducted in phases.

The commission said the proposals would help pave the way for fulfilling the constitutional responsibility of establishing elected local governments in the province.

Read: ECP to hold Punjab local government polls in December

Earlier, the Punjab cabinet had approved Rs12.52 billion for holding the local government elections. The cabinet, at its 36th meeting chaired by the chief minister, also approved the recruitment of 900 Union Council secretaries to facilitate the functioning of local bodies.

Punjab has not held local government elections since 2015. The last polls were conducted in phases between October and December that year under the Punjab Local Government Act 2013, while elected councils assumed office in 2017 after indirect elections for mayors and chairpersons.

The local bodies were dissolved by the PTI government in April 2019 before completing their tenure. The Supreme Court later ordered their restoration, and they eventually completed their term on December 31, 2021.

Since then, repeated changes to the Punjab local government law had delayed the electoral process. Successive provincial governments amended or replaced the relevant legislation, requiring the ECP to restart preparations, including delimitation and election planning.]]>
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			<title>Minor girl among three shot dead</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625043/minor-girl-among-three-shot-dead</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625043/minor-girl-among-three-shot-dead#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 06:20:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2625043</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[10 armed men storm nomadic settlement over alleged police informant suspicion]]>
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				<![CDATA[Three women, including a nine-year-old girl, were killed and a three-year-old child was injured when armed men opened fire on a nomadic settlement on Jhang Road in Faisalabad early on Thursday, police said.

The attack took place in Abbas Pur, where a group of nomadic families had been living in makeshift tents for about a month.

Police said the attackers were allegedly motivated by suspicion that the victims had provided information that led to the death of one of their associates in a police encounter in Kasur.

According to police, around 10 armed men entered the settlement in the early hours of the morning and opened indiscriminate fire. As a result, 55-year-old Zubaida Bibi, wife of Khalil, 30-year-old Asma Bibi, wife of Amir Ali, and nine-year-old Muskan, daughter of Amir Ali, were killed on the spot.

Three-year-old Zubaida was injured in the firing. Rescue officials provided her with first aid before shifting her to Allied Hospital for treatment.

Police officials, including SP Iqbal Town Saeed Ahmed, DSP Sadar Shahid Gujjar and Airport police SHO Qamaruzaman Awan, reached the scene after receiving information about the incident. The bodies were shifted to Allied Hospital for post-mortem examinations.

Airport police registered a case on the complaint of Muhammad Amir, son of deceased Zubaida Bibi, against 14 suspects, including 11 nominated and three unidentified accused.

The case was registered under provisions relating to triple murder, attempted murder and motorcycle theft.

Police said the suspects had allegedly targeted the nomadic settlement over their suspicion that its residents had informed police about their associate, who was killed in an alleged police encounter in Kasur.

Police said the women resisted when the attackers entered the settlement, prompting the suspects to open fire.

Taking notice of the triple murder, City Police Officer Tanveer Hussain directed the formation of three teams under the supervision of SP Iqbal Town to arrest the suspects.

Police teams were conducting raids at various locations to trace the accused.

The attack triggered panic in the area, particularly because of the timing and the killing of women and a child.

According to official data obtained by The Express, 170 people were killed in Faisalabad district during the current year in incidents attributed to old enmity, personal disputes and minor altercations. The victims included women and children.

The Jaranwala division recorded the highest number of killings, with 57 deaths, followed by Iqbal Town division with 41.

Madina Town division recorded 37 killings, including women, while 24 people were killed in Sadar division.

Lyallpur Town, a predominantly urban division, recorded 11 killings.

Police said most suspects involved in these cases had been arrested and interim challans and, in several cases, final challans had been submitted to the courts.]]>
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			<title>Nawaz revs up political engagements</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624840/nawaz-revs-up-political-engagements</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624840/nawaz-revs-up-political-engagements#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 26 22:40:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624840</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Muzaffargarh MPs briefed the Sharifs on local issues]]>
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				<![CDATA[PML-N President Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday held a meeting with the party&#39;s MPAs from Muzaffargarh as part of efforts to strengthen coordination between lawmakers and the provincial administration, according to the Punjab government.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz accompanied him during the meeting at her office, where the former premier heard the legislators&#39; concerns and discussed the political situation and development priorities in south Punjab.

The interaction is notable as Nawaz has had limited engagement with provincial lawmakers since the February 2024 general elections.

Since the elections, the PML-N president has largely limited his political activities to party meetings and sessions of the Lahore Heritage body, without directly engaging with provincial lawmakers.

According to an official Punjab government statement, the Muzaffargarh lawmakers briefed the Sharifs on local issues and lauded the Punjab government for what they termed a record number of development projects in south Punjab.

They expressed gratitude to the chief minister for launching electric bus and clean drinking water projects in Muzaffargarh, saying the initiatives reflected her focus on relatively underdeveloped areas.

The MPAs said thousands of residents were benefiting from the electric bus service.

Maryam maintained that the PML-N believed in &quot;genuine public development rather than hollow slogans and false claims&quot;, stressing that addressing the deprivations of south Punjab remained her government&#39;s top priority.

She said she had personally overseen rescue and relief efforts during last year&#39;s floods in the region, adding that helping people in underserved areas and improving their access to facilities gave her the greatest satisfaction.

Separately, Nawaz visited Bhatti Chowk Underpass in Lahore and reviewed the ongoing construction work.

Lahore Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Ali Ejaz also accompanied him.]]>
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			<title>Kite flyers seek early production permits</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624871/kite-flyers-seek-early-production-permits</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624871/kite-flyers-seek-early-production-permits#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 26 02:05:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Imran Adnan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624871</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Association calls for permission from September for 2027 festival]]>
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				<![CDATA[District Kite Flying Association representatives on Wednesday called for the early issuance of licences for kite manufacturers, saying sufficient time should be provided for production ahead of Basant in Lahore in 2027 to avoid the shortage faced by citizens during this year&#39;s festival.

The demand was made at a press conference following a meeting of office-bearers of the association in Allama Iqbal Town, including Chairman Khawaja Nadeem Saeed Wain, President Sheikh Saleem and other representatives.

Wain said the kite-flying business should be allowed to continue on a permanent basis and licences for manufacturers should be reissued. He said kite manufacturing should be permitted in Punjab for four to five months from September so that adequate stocks could be prepared before the festival.

&quot;If the Basant celebration has been announced, permission for kite manufacturing should also be given,&quot; Wain said, stressing that manufacturers needed sufficient time to produce kites and strings.

He said citizens had faced difficulties in purchasing kites and strings during Basant 2026 because of limited availability and the short time available for manufacturing. The situation should not be repeated next year, he said.

Wain also said the safety of citizens would be ensured during Basant, with special measures required to protect children. He described Basant as a festival of ordinary people and said it would be celebrated with full participation.

The call comes after Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced that Lahore would host Basant 2027 from March 12 to 14.

The chief minister stated in a social media post that the dates had been set following a successful Basant 2026. She invited young people from across the country to participate along with overseas Pakistanis and foreign visitors in the three-day festival.

&quot;Lahore will once again come alive with colour, culture, festivity, music, energy and legendary hospitality,&quot; she said.

The announcement means kite manufacturers will have several months to prepare for next year&#39;s festival if the licensing and manufacturing arrangements sought by the association representatives are approved.

Basant returned to Lahore earlier this year after a prolonged ban. The festival had been banned in 2007 following deaths and injuries associated with hazardous kite strings and other unsafe practices.

The Punjab government had allowed the festival to return to Lahore in February under specified conditions.

The revival was accompanied by restrictions on kite flying, manufacturing, sale and the use of dangerous strings.

The Punjab Assembly had passed the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Bill 2025, providing a legal framework for regulating the activity.

The law prohibits metallic wire, nylon string and chemically or glass-coated kite strings, commonly known as manjha, and prescribes penalties for violations.

Under the legislation, violations can result in imprisonment for three to five years, a fine of up to Rs2 million or both. The offences have been declared cognizable and non-bailable.]]>
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			<title>Initial results emerge from wildlife survey</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625039/initial-results-emerge-from-wildlife-survey</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625039/initial-results-emerge-from-wildlife-survey#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 06:20:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Asif Mehmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2625039</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Modern technologies, including GPS, camera traps, drones Geographic Information System (GIS), were used during survey]]>
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				<![CDATA[Initial findings of Punjab&rsquo;s first comprehensive provincial survey of wildlife, birds, reptiles, amphibians and flora have emerged, with the survey recording 5,128 Punjab urials, 1,276 chinkaras, 540 Indus River dolphins, 160 blue bulls, 138 hog deer and 93 blackbucks.

However, the complete and final results of the survey have not yet been officially released for public access.

Among birds, the survey recorded 92,636 grey francolins, 40,526 black francolins, 6,052 chukars, 1,821 houbara bustards, 345 vultures and 49 kalij pheasants.

The survey also recorded 7,600 skittering frogs, 1,070 Bengal monitor lizards, 720 Indian softshell turtles, 85 Indian cobras, 78 saw-scaled vipers and 22 Indian rock pythons. Various plant species, including shisham, kikar, peepal, phulai, pilu and kava, were also documented.

The survey was launched through a collaboration between the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Pakistan and the Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department. The project was formally inaugurated in Lahore in April 2025, with an official estimated cost of Rs530 million.

According to IUCN Pakistan Project Manager Asim Jamal, the survey aims to scientifically assess the population, distribution, habitats and threats faced by wildlife and plant species in Punjab and develop reliable data for future conservation policies.

He said preparation of a Red Data Book based on the survey findings was also an important component of the project.

Project Director Wildlife Rangers Mudassar Hassan said preparations for the second phase of the wildlife survey were under way. He said a census of wildlife had been conducted during the first phase, while data collected would be further verified and improved in the coming years.

Mudassar Hassan said the data would be refined by taking into account migration and movement patterns of different species. It would subsequently be aligned with the requirements of the IUCN Red List, he added.

He said preparation of Pakistan&rsquo;s first Red Data Book was also part of the process and was expected to be completed by 2028.

Modern technologies, including GPS, camera traps, drones and Geographic Information System (GIS), were used during the survey. The data collected is being preserved in a digital database.]]>
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			<title>Arms dealers ordered to digitise stock records</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625041/arms-dealers-ordered-to-digitise-stock-records</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625041/arms-dealers-ordered-to-digitise-stock-records#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 06:20:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2625041</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[All arms dealers have been directed to register their existing stock through Punjab Arms Licence portal by August 26]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Punjab Home Department has made digital inventory mandatory for all licenced arms dealers across the province, directing them to upload details of their existing firearms, ammunition and transactions by August 26.

The measure is aimed at curbing illegal weapons and strengthening the monitoring and regulation of the licensed arms trade, according to the department.

Under the new system, an Inventory Module has been introduced for holders of Business Arms Licences (BAL), requiring them to enter details of their complete existing stock as well as purchase and sale records on the Punjab Arms Licence online portal.

The department said the system would maintain a digital record of firearms and ammunition held by each dealer, along with details of transactions.

All arms dealers have been directed to register their existing stock through the Punjab Arms Licence portal by August 26.

Deputy commissioners across the province have been provided details of arms dealers operating in their respective districts and directed to ensure compliance.

The deputy commissioners will submit reports to the Home Department after dealers have updated their records.]]>
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			<title>Pakistani students win World Champions award at Global MUN</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625051/pakistani-students-win-world-champions-award-at-global-mun</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625051/pakistani-students-win-world-champions-award-at-global-mun#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 06:27:33 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Accomplishments of these young diplomats in 2026 edition stands out]]>
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				<![CDATA[On Pakistan&#39;s 80th Independence Day, students from Westminster Islamabad made the nation proud by winning the World Champions and Best Delegation award at Global Model UN Singapore 2026.

While representing Pakistan at the most authentic simulation of the United Nations (UN) organised by the World Federation of UN Associations (WFUNA), a group of 10 students from Westminster Islamabad participated and won 8 Best Diplomacy Awards, whereas 2 students were also shortlisted to be among the only 12 speakers internationally to give the Plenary Speech at the Opening Ceremony. The conference hosted more than 700 students from 50+ nations. Pakistan remains one of the youngest participants of the forum, with Westminster participating for the first time in 2025 when 3 out of its 6 students won the Best Diplomacy Awards.

The accomplishments of these young diplomats in 2026 edition stands out due to an exponential growth shown by the Pakistani students at such a prestigious forum within a year. Some of the students on the Westminster Delegation were also among the youngest ones at the conference, which reflects strongly on the bright future our young minds carry for the country.]]>
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			<title>Two 'robbers' killed in police shootout</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625049/two-robbers-killed-in-police-shootout</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625049/two-robbers-killed-in-police-shootout#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 06:27:33 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Yawar Hayat]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2625049</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Two pistols, vehicle, cash and five mobile phones recovered 
from suspects]]>
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				<![CDATA[Two alleged robbers from Punjab were killed in a police encounter near Jharrri Kas on the motorway, with a vehicle, cash and mobile phones recovered from them, police said.

According to police officials, Kot Najibullah police station SHO Chaudhry Khalid, along with a police party, was patrolling under the supervision of Khanpur DSP Raja Muhammad Bashir when they received information that robbers were present with a vehicle near the link road at Jharr, close to the motorway, apparently for committing an offence.

The police team reached the spot, where the suspects allegedly opened fire on seeing the police, with the intention of killing them. The police returned fire in self-defence.

After the exchange of fire stopped, two suspects were found injured at some distance and taken into custody.

During preliminary questioning, they identified themselves as Muhammad Binyamin, son of Sadiq, a resident of Chak No. 041, Pattoki, Kasur district, and Hamid Ali, son of Karamat, a resident of Sheikhupura.

They also named their fleeing accomplices as Asif, a resident of Sheikhupura, and Hassan, son of Riasat Mahmood, a resident of Lahore.

Police seized two pistols from the suspects. The injured men were shifted to the Trauma Centre for treatment but died on the way.

Police checked the allegedly snatched vehicle, registration No. BJN-457, and recovered a bag containing more than Rs200,000 and five mobile phones.]]>
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			<title>Riyadh Air begins three weekly flights between Riyadh and Lahore</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624716/riyadh-air-begins-three-weekly-flights-between-riyadh-and-lahore</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2624716/riyadh-air-begins-three-weekly-flights-between-riyadh-and-lahore#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 26 07:35:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2624716</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Carrier will operate three flights per week between Riyadh and Lahore, offering passengers a direct travel option]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Riyadh Air&rsquo;s inaugural flight RX-676 landed at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore on Tuesday, marking the airline&rsquo;s entry into the city and adding a new air link between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

The carrier will operate three flights per week between Riyadh and Lahore, offering passengers a direct travel option and expanding connectivity between the two countries.

The inaugural flight arrived from Riyadh in the evening and was welcomed with a traditional water salute arranged by the Fire and Rescue Services of the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA).

A ribbon-cutting and cake-cutting ceremony was held at the International Departure Lounge to mark the occasion.

Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malkiy attended the event along with the Chief Operating Officer and Airport Manager, Deputy Airport Manager of Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore, and officials from the PAA and Airport Security Force (ASF).

Read:&nbsp;Air India A320 briefly lost key flight controls, Airbus analysis shows

During the ceremony, the Saudi ambassador presented commemorative souvenirs to the Chief Operating Officer and Airport Manager, Deputy Airport Manager of PAA Lahore, and the Chief Security Officer of the Airport Security Force.

Senior representatives of Riyadh Air, including the Group Chief Executive Officer, Director and Chief Operating Officer, were also present. Senior officials from the Pakistan Airports Authority and Airport Security Force attended the event as well.

The launch of the Lahore route follows the airline&rsquo;s entry into Pakistan through Islamabad. Riyadh Air began its operations in the country on August 14, when inaugural flight RX-660 arrived at Islamabad International Airport from Riyadh.

The flight was also received with a water salute, while a ceremony was attended by the Saudi ambassador, Director General of the PAA Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, senior officials and members of Riyadh Air&rsquo;s management.

The PAA welcomed Riyadh Air&rsquo;s arrival in Lahore and expressed its support for the airline&rsquo;s operations in Pakistan. The authority said the new route would contribute to stronger air links and continued cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.]]>
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			<title>Man kills wife, cooks up robbery story</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625042/man-kills-wife-cooks-up-robbery-story</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625042/man-kills-wife-cooks-up-robbery-story#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 26 06:20:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2625042</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Victim wanted to establish stitching centre, while her husband allegedly opposed the idea]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A man allegedly shot and killed his wife in Kanwan Wala Chowk area and later staged a fake robbery to conceal the crime, police said on Thursday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Police detained several people considered suspicious for questioning.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to DIG Operations Faisal Kamran, police received information about Rehan Butt&#39;s presence in the area and Adeel and Asad went to the location.]]>
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			<title>Woman allegedly stabs daughter to death in Punjab</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623815/woman-allegedly-stabs-daughter-to-death</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623815/woman-allegedly-stabs-daughter-to-death#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 26 00:43:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623815</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[District Police Officer Dr Asad Ijaz Malhi took notice of the incident and directed police to arrest the suspect]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A 10-year-old girl died after allegedly being stabbed by her mother following a domestic dispute in village 40-GD Rai Pur on the outskirts of Okara, police said.

According to police, the incident occurred after an argument between the girl&#39;s parents. In a separate account, police said the mother, Bushra Bibi, allegedly attacked her daughter, Aswa, with a knife after the child refused to carry out a task.

The girl sustained critical injuries and was shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital, where she succumbed to her wounds despite medical treatment.

Goegera police reached the hospital after receiving information, took the body into custody and shifted it to the mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

District Police Officer Dr Asad Ijaz Malhi took notice of the incident and directed police to arrest the suspect. Goegera police subsequently arrested Bushra Bibi.]]>
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			<title>Shah Shams Park lake to reopen after 15 years</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623621/shah-shams-park-lake-to-reopen-after-15-years-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623621/shah-shams-park-lake-to-reopen-after-15-years-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 02:49:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623621</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Commissioner also inspected under-construction cafeteria and directed officials to complete it by the end of August]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The long-dormant lake at Shah Shams Park is set to reopen to the public after 15 years and the authorities have been directed to make it operational during the first week of September.

Multan Commissioner Aamir Karim Khan visited the park on Wednesday to inspect the ongoing restoration work and directed the Multan Horticulture Agency to complete all remaining works within the stipulated timeframe.

The lake has remained non-functional since 2011. Its restoration is being carried out on a fast-track basis under the commissioner&#39;s directives to revive one of the city&#39;s important recreational attractions.

Aamir Karim Khan stressed that the restoration should be accompanied by comprehensive safety arrangements to ensure a secure and pleasant environment for visitors.

He said the lake&#39;s revival would restore the lost charm of Shah Shams Park and provide families with an improved recreational facility.

The commissioner also inspected the under-construction cafeteria and directed officials to complete it by the end of August.

Managing Director Horticulture Authority Multan Syed Waseem Hassan briefed the commissioner on the progress of the restoration project and other development works. He said the lake would be completed within the prescribed timeframe and the park would offer improved recreational facilities to citizens.]]>
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			<title>ASI arrested for taking bribe</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623617/asi-arrested-for-taking-bribe-2</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623617/asi-arrested-for-taking-bribe-2#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 26 02:49:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2623617</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Accused was shifted to the ACE Sargodha office]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) arrested an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) for allegedly accepting a Rs50,000 bribe from a citizen in connection with a police case in Factory Area police limits on Wednesday.

A case involving a relative of the complainant, Muhammad Usman, had been registered at Factory Area Police Station and the parties had subsequently reached a reconciliation. However, ASI Muhammad Usman allegedly kept the case pending and demanded a bribe in the name of the station house officer (SHO).

On the direction of the ACE Sargodha director, a raid was conducted by the deputy director and the ASI was allegedly caught red-handed while receiving Rs50,000.

The accused was shifted to the ACE Sargodha office, where a case was registered against him. Officials said the investigation had been widened and would also examine the alleged involvement of the Factory Area SHO.]]>
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