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Pakistan News

Drug Dealer Anmol alias Pinky granted three-day physical remand

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Drug Dealer

KARACHI: Deputy Inspector General (South) Asad Raza said on Wednesday that alleged drug dealer Anmol alias Pinky has been granted a three-day physical remand by a judicial magistrate in Karachi.

According to the DIG South, the court had rejected the police request for physical remand a day earlier. However, the suspect was produced again before the Judicial Magistrate (South), where police renewed their request.

The court subsequently approved a three-day physical remand, after which police took the suspect into custody for further investigation.

Police sources said authorities have also compiled details of previous cases registered against Anmol alias Pinky.

The suspect was arrested by Garden Police during an operation in Karachi. According to police, cocaine and other narcotics worth millions of rupees were recovered from her possession.

On the other hand, Police have registered an additional case against alleged drug dealer Anmol alias Pinky after a pistol was reportedly recovered from her possession during her arrest in Karachi’s Garden West area.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the suspect was unable to produce a valid license for the weapon.

Anmol alias Pinky was arrested from a flat in a residential building in Garden. Following media reports about the arrest, the property owner reportedly asked for the apartment to be vacated.

A family residing at the address mentioned in the FIR said they have been living in the flat as tenants for the past eight years and do not know the suspect.

The family questioned how their home address was included in the police report and said the apparent error has caused them significant mental distress.

Earlier, Garden Police claimed to have recovered a pistol, cocaine worth millions of rupees, chemicals, and other narcotics from the suspect.

Police said Anmol alias Pinky was wanted in 10 cases and had allegedly been operating a citywide drug trafficking and supply network.

Investigators alleged that she used online platforms to arrange narcotics deliveries through designated riders, including female couriers.

President confers Pakistan’s civil awards on recipients from various fields

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President confers

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday conferred Pakistan’s civil awards on various personalities including the Pakistani nationals and foreigners in recognition of their outstanding services in various fields.

The investiture ceremony was held at the Aiwan e Sadr in which different personalities were decorated with the civil awards in recognition of their services in health, education, literature, journalism, public, research, diplomatic matters, sports and economy.

The ceremony was attended by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto, the federal ministers, Chairman Senate, parliamentarians, members of the civil society, diplomats, media and a large number of people.

Nishan-i-Imtiaz (posthumous) was conferred upon late Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan, and Irfan ul Haq Siddiqui in recognition of their outstanding services to the country.

The other recipients who were conferred upon with awards in different categories included,  Attaul Haq Qasmi Nishan-i-Imtiaz, Shahid Khan Afridi Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Muhammad Ali Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Asghar Nadeem Syed Hilal-i-Imtiaz, late Senator Taj Haider (posthumous) Sitara-i-Pakistan, Moazzam Jah Ansari Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Engineer Jamaluddin Ahmed Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Mirza Rizwan Baig Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Muhammad Yousuf Khan Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Dr Ameer Muhammad Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Professor Dr Ikram ul Haq Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Zahra Majid Ali Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Shehroz Kashif Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Late Malik Ata Muhammad Khan Hilal-i-Imtiaz (posthumous), Ehtesham ul Haq Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Azeez uddin Hilal-i-Imtiaz,  Bahrain’s diplomat Mohammad Ebrahim Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Javed Ullah Khan Mehsood Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Nawab Ali Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Senator Hidayatullah Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), ASI Muhammad Akram Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), SI Taj Meer Shah Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Constable Abdullah Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Constable Samand Khan Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Constable Zameel Badshah Shaeed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Abdul Hameed Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Constable Muhammad Siraj Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Constable Muhammad Javed Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Hafeezullah Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Inspector Shariq Rizwan Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Jawad Qamar Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Naek Gulzar Ali Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sipoy Uzair Khan Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Khatab ul Rehman Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Gul Umarzai Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Abdul Sameed Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Imran Khan Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Naeb Subedar Muhammad Jan Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous),  Lance Naek Syed ur Rehman Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Hazratullah Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Khunzada Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Mushtaq Ahmed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Baseerullah Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Mehtab ur Rehman Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Sher Rehman Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Fazal Kareem Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Syed Amin Shaheed Sitara-i-Shujaat (posthumous), Shah Wali Khan Shaheed Hilal e Shujaat (posthumous), ASI Muhammad Ejaz Khan Shaheed Hilal e Shujaat (posthumous), SI Laiq Zada Shaheed Hilal e Shujaat (posthumous), Constable Alam Zeb Shaheed Hilal e Shujaat (posthumous), Constable Muhammad  Ejaz Shaheed Hilal e Shujaat (posthumous), Waseem Ahmed Khan Shaheed Hilal e Shujaat (posthumous), Sepoy Azhar Mehmood Shaheed Hilal e Shujaat (posthumous).

The personalities who received Sitara-i-Shujaat included Sepoy Muhammad Yousaf Shaheed (posthumous), Constable Muhammad Shehryar Shaheed (posthumous), Faisal Ismail Shaheed (posthumous), Abdul Wakeel Shaheed (posthumous), Fazal Manan Shaheed (posthumous), ASI Noor Hakeem Shaheed (posthumous), Constable Zahidullah Shaheed (posthumous), and Liaqat Ali Shaheed (posthumous).

Similarly the personalities who received Sitara-i-Imtiaz included Secretary Interior Captain (r) Muhammad Agha, Dr Muhammad Fakhar e Alam, Nabeel Munir, Iftikhar Amjad, Lt. (R) Sohail Ashraf, Dr Naseem Faraz, Javed Akbar Riaz, Brigadier Faisal Shaukat Jehangiri, Ahmed Abdul Moeez Khawaja, Irfan Ahsan, Hamza Tabani, Dr Arshad Rehan (US/Pakistani), Late Munir Ahmed Chaudhry, Muhammad Yaseen Khan, Arshad Wali Muhammad, Ahmed Raza, Prof Sarwar Muhammad Khawaja, Hamra Abbas, Late Justice Syed Deedar Hussain Shah, Nadeem Hussain, and Nadeem Mehboob.

Rashid Waheed Khawaja and Zahid Ahmed received Pride of Performance award while Muhammad Saeed Sheikh received Sitara-i-Khidmat and Shahid Hussain received Tamgha-i-Shujaat award.

Those received Tamgha-i-Imtiaz included IG Sindh Javaid Akhtar Odhoo,  Nadir Shafee Dar, Dr Muhammad Shahbaz Chaudhry,  Muhammad Kashif Ashfaq, Ch Amanat Hussain Mahr, Dr Farhat Akhtar Raja, Dr Khurum Hayat Khan, Dr Muhammad Shabi Ahmed, Dr Zeeshan Ali, Syed Zahid Hussain Shah, Raja Suleman Raza, Sajid Abbas, Naveed Anwar Chaudhry, Abdul Waheed Khan, Abdul Wahab Sheikh, Waqas ul Hassan,  Shazia Sikandar Rana, Mohsin Nawaz, Muhammad Arsalan Zafar, Abdul Muhai Shah, Dr Rao Kamran Ali, Dr Imran Syed, Dr Muhammad Naeem Malik, Nasir Aftab, Professor Dr Fateh Muhammad Marri, Aamir Javed Sheikh, Dr Anam Fatema, Captain (r) Qazi Ali Raza, Capt (r) Chaudhry Awais Afzal, Sahibzada Muhammad Yousuf, Waseem Ahmed, Professor Muhammad Tayyeb, CEO SMEDA Nadia Jehangir Seth, and Zia ul Hassan Lanjar.

Pakistan launches Hepatitis C elimination programme: Mustafa Kamal

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Pakistan launches

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal has revealed that around 10 million people in Pakistan are suffering from Hepatitis C, while nearly 80 percent of patients remain unaware of their condition.

He made these remarks while addressing the soft launch ceremony of the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis C Elimination Programme, announcing free nationwide screening and treatment under the initiative. He described the programme as a historic and revolutionary step for Pakistan’s healthcare sector.

The minister said the Rs67 billion programme was initiated after nearly a decade of sustained efforts. He added that while an estimated 60 million people worldwide are affected by Hepatitis C, Pakistan accounts for a significant portion of the burden.

Highlighting the severity of the disease, he warned that untreated Hepatitis C can lead to liver cancer, stressing the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and public awareness.

Mustafa Kamal said Pakistan’s healthcare system must shift from “sick care” to true preventive healthcare, focusing on disease prevention rather than only treatment.

He further stated that a nationwide screening drive will be launched in collaboration with National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to ensure wider public access. In the initial phase, 12 screening counters have already been set up in federal hospitals in Islamabad.

He announced that the Hepatitis C screening test, costing around Rs7,000, along with a full three-to-six-month treatment course, will be provided free of cost under the programme.

Comparing international success stories, he said that if countries like Egypt can eliminate Hepatitis C, Pakistan can achieve the same goal through timely screening and public participation.

The minister also highlighted the growing pressure on Pakistan’s healthcare system due to population growth, stating that doctors are now treating over 350 patients a day compared to an ideal workload of around 30 patients.

Controversy erupts after drug suspect appears in court without handcuffs

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Controversy erupts

KARACHI: In a clear violation of standard operating procedures (SOPs), police on Tuesday produced a high-profile alleged drug trafficker, Anmol alias “Pinky,” before a judicial magistrate (South) in Karachi without handcuffs and under what appeared to be special protocol.

According to police officials, the suspect was arrested a day earlier from the Garden area of Karachi. She is reportedly a highly wanted individual, named in 10 different criminal cases.

Authorities claimed that weapons, cocaine, and other narcotics worth approximately Rs1.5 million were recovered from her possession. Police further alleged that she was running an organised drug supply network across the city.

Investigators said the suspect was also involved in online drug distribution through riders and allegedly used female riders as part of her network.

After hearing the arguments, the court sent the accused to jail on judicial remand.

The case drew major attention after a video surfaced showing the suspect walking inside court premises wearing sunglasses and without handcuffs, while being escorted by police officers. The footage sparked widespread criticism on social media over alleged preferential treatment.

Following the incident, Karachi Additional Inspector General of Police Azad Khan took notice and ordered an inquiry into the matter.

A police spokesperson confirmed that a formal investigation has been launched to determine the role of the officers involved, stating that violations of SOPs will not be tolerated.

Sindh Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho also took notice and sought a detailed report from the Karachi AIG. He ordered the immediate suspension of the investigation officer and staff found negligent, and directed the formation of a committee of senior officers to ensure a transparent probe.

Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar also demanded a report and announced that a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) would be formed to investigate the matter.

He said any violation of SOPs or misuse of authority is unacceptable, stressing that strict action will be taken against those responsible.
He added that the police uniform represents public trust and vowed that the government would not compromise on the rule of law.

Lakki Marwat blast kills seven, injures more than 18

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Lakki Marwat blast

LAKKI MARWAT: At least seven people were killed and more than 18 others were injured in a powerful explosion near a police station in the Sarai Naurang market area of Lakki Marwat on Tuesday.

According to police, the blast occurred in a rickshaw parked near the Naurang Police Station. The bodies of the seven victims were shifted to Naurang Hospital.

Hospital authorities said two traffic police personnel were among those martyred in the explosion.

Several women and children were also among the injured brought to the hospital for treatment.

Following the incident, an emergency was declared at Sarai Naurang Hospital to handle the casualties.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of seven people, including two traffic police officers, in the explosion in the Sarai Naurang market area of Lakki Marwat.

The prime minister said that all relevant institutions and the government are working with unwavering determination to eliminate the menace of terrorism.

“Terrorists will not be allowed to obstruct Pakistan’s path to peace and development,” he said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif noted that law enforcement agencies and the public have made invaluable sacrifices in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

He directed authorities to complete a swift investigation into the incident, identify those responsible, and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The prime minister also offered prayers for the forgiveness of those martyred in the blast and for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Pakistan likely to observe Eid-ul-Adha on May 27, says SUPARCO

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Pakistan likely

KARACHI: The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has indicated that Eid-ul-Adha in Pakistan is likely to fall on May 27.

According to a spokesperson, the new moon on May 17 will be 18 hours and 30 minutes old at sunset, making the chances of sighting the Zilhaj moon on the evening of May 17 favorable.

The spokesperson added that the first of Zilhaj 1447 Hijri is expected to fall on Monday, May 18.

Based on these calculations, Eid-ul-Adha is likely to be observed in the country on May 27.

However, SUPARCO clarified that the final decision regarding moon sighting and the official start of Zilhaj will be taken by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee of Pakistan.

Pakistan rejects reports claiming presence of Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan Air Base

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Pakistan rejects

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office has strongly rejected and termed misleading media reports regarding the alleged presence of Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan Air Base.

In a statement posted on social media, the Foreign Office dismissed a report by CBS News, calling it “misleading and sensationalist.”

The statement said such speculative narratives are aimed at undermining ongoing efforts for regional stability and peace.

The Foreign Office clarified that after a ceasefire and during the initial phase of talks in Islamabad, multiple aircraft from Iran and the United States had arrived in Pakistan to facilitate the movement of diplomatic staff, security teams, and negotiating personnel.

It added that some aircraft and supporting staff remained in Pakistan in anticipation of the next round of discussions.

Although formal negotiations have not yet resumed, high-level diplomatic contacts continue. In this context, visits by Iranian Foreign Minister to Islamabad were made possible through existing administrative and logistical arrangements.

The statement further clarified that the Iranian aircraft present in Pakistan arrived during the ceasefire period and had no connection with any military emergency or security deployment.

President Zardari directs measures to reduce inflation and provide relief

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President Zardari

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has directed authorities to take possible measures aimed at reducing inflation, ensuring the availability of essential commodities, and providing relief to the common people.

According to a statement issued by the Aiwan-e-Sadr (President’s House), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on the president at the Presidency in Islamabad.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, and Dr. Asim Hussain.

During the discussion, participants reviewed the overall national situation, developments related to Afghanistan, and the evolving regional landscape.

They also paid tribute to the martyrs of “Marka-e-Haq” and appreciated the professional capabilities of Pakistan’s armed forces, reaffirming commitment to national defense.

President Zardari emphasized that despite difficult geopolitical conditions, regional tensions, and disruptions in supply chains, the government must prioritize maximum relief for the public.

He specifically instructed authorities to focus on reducing inflationary pressure, ensuring the availability of essential goods, and implementing effective measures to ease economic challenges faced by citizens.

PM Shehbaz chairs meeting to finalize strategy for boosting Pakistan’s exports

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PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review a policy framework aimed at increasing Pakistan’s exports, with participants presenting recommendations and suggestions to strengthen the country’s export sector.

During the meeting, the prime minister emphasized that export-oriented industries are essential for achieving Pakistan’s long-term economic development goals.

He said the government is focused on expanding exports and providing greater facilitation to industries, directing officials to formulate a comprehensive plan to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and industrial units to enhance export performance.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also called for a strategy to promote new businesses and industries that can contribute to higher exports and diversify Pakistan’s export base.

He stressed that investment in research and development (R&D) and innovation within the industrial and commercial sectors would improve Pakistan’s competitiveness in global markets.

Separately, members of the Senate of Pakistan discussed the economic impact of recent regional tensions and measures needed to reduce government expenditures and stabilize the economy.

Senator Mohsin Aziz said Pakistan’s exports had declined by $4 billion, adding that citizens currently hold Rs 38 trillion in bank deposits, with Rs 18 trillion shifted from businesses into banks.

He further noted that electricity and gas prices have doubled, while circular debt continues to rise despite the increase in utility tariffs.

Sindh announces vacations for schools from June 1 to July 31

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Sindh announces

KARACHI: Sindh Government has announced summer vacations for all public and private schools across the province.

According to the Sindh Education Department, the summer break will begin on June 1 and continue until July 31. The decision will apply to all government and private educational institutions in Sindh.

Meanwhile, the Government of Punjab has also declared extended summer holidays for schools across the province.

Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said that summer vacations in Punjab will start on May 22 and schools will reopen on August 24.

The announcements come as temperatures continue to rise across the country, prompting provincial governments to take precautionary measures to protect students and school staff from extreme heat.