Tag: Lahore

  • Govt says will not allow PTI’s long march, calls it ‘fitna’; Khan vows to continue

    Govt says will not allow PTI’s long march, calls it ‘fitna’; Khan vows to continue

    Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah announced on Tuesday that the federal government will not allow any riots in the name of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) long march, which is due to take place tomorrow (May 25).

    He said the government will not allow the PTI to spread “chaos and disorder”.

    “They will be stopped so they cannot propagate their misleading agenda,” he said while adding that PTI’s long march is not democratic.

    Sanaullah said everyone has the right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest. However, he said that PTI doesn’t want a peaceful protest.

    ‘PTI has moved from abuses to bullets’: Interior Minister says no to PTI march

    “Had they not spread anarchy, we would not have stopped them. These people [PTI] have moved from abuses to bullets. A police constable was killed in Lahore.” Rana Sana vowed to protect the lives and properties of the capital’s people “at all costs”.

    The announcement has come after a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) political committee meeting with Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif where it was reportedly decided to stop Imran Khan-led Azadi March in the federal capital.

    “Such tactics are equal to ruining the economy,” PM Shehbaz was reported as saying in reference to the long march while addressing the meeting.

    ‘We will lead the biggest procession in history on May 25’: Imran Khan

    Meanwhile, despite the government’s decision, addressing a press conference in Peshawar, PTI Chairman Imran Khan said that he will lead the biggest procession in Pakistan’s history on May 25.

    He went on to say that the PTI has a right to stage a protest against the “imported conspiracy”.

    “Did we protest when Bilawal staged a long march? Did we arrest him? Fazlur Rehman also staged a march, we said we would help them,” said Khan.

    Khan lashed out at the government for conducting raids in Lahore, and for barging into homes of “innocent citizens”.

    Long March: Khan asks judges and ‘neutrals’ to do the right thing

    Addressing “those who call themselves neutral”, he said that they had taken an oath to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty. “You need to understand that the public is looking at you, and you will also be judged. You will be equally responsible if the country goes towards destruction.”

    PTI’s long march: Islamabad likely to be fully closed on May 25

    According to Geo News, after the decision to stop the long march, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah summoned the Pakistan Army for the security of the Red Zone in Islamabad.

    Section 144 has also been imposed in the federal capital for two months. According to a notification, the restrictions have been extended up to one kilometre of the Red Zone.

    Raids at PTI leaders’ house in Lahore

    On Monday night and early morning on Tuesday, Punjab Police raided the houses of several PTI leaders, including former Energy Minister Hammad Azhar, Usman Dar, and Babar Awan.

    In a video, the mother of PTI leader Walid Iqbal and daughter-in-law of Allama Iqbal Justice (retd) Nasira Iqbal shared the harassment her staffers had to through at the hands of the police.

    During a raid of a PTI leader’s house in Lahore’s Model Town, police constable Kamal Ahmad was shot in the chest and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.

    A first information report (FIR) was filed, stating that a police party, during a search operation in Model Town, rang the doorbell of Major (retd) Sajid Hussain’s house at 1:40am.

    “Hussain asked his son Bukhari to fire straight at the police party. Bukhari, with the intention of killing, fired straight at the police party. A bullet struck the chest of Constable Kamal Ahmad, who was standing outside the house”, the FIR reads.

    Both Hussain and his son Bukhari were arrested later.

    The current Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Hamza Shehbaz on Tuesday attended the janaza (funeral) of Ahmad and blamed PTI for the constable’s death.

    ‘Azadi March is not against the government but the establishment’: Maryam Nawaz

    Later in the evening, PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz said his “Azadi March” is not against the government, “but the establishment”.

    She said the PTI chairman also launched “a malicious campaign targetting the judiciary, in which abusive words were used against the judges” 

    Speaking further about the long march, Maryam said the government was worried about PTI’s “nefarious designs”, and it has intel about the party amassing weapons for use against law enforcement agencies (LEAs).

    The PML-N vice president pointed out that the PTI chairman should call his children to Pakistan for leading the “Azadi March”, instead of instigating Pakistan’s youth to lay their lives for him.

    “Since they are Imran Khan’s sons, they will live abroad, and no one will touch them. They will remain in a safe and sound environment, while the sons of the soil — who spent their entire lives serving the country — will take bullets to their chests just because a person’s desire for power does not end?”

  • Fact Check: Monkeypox DID NOT reach Lahore

    Fact Check: Monkeypox DID NOT reach Lahore

    Claim: Two patients with monkeypox have been admitted into Jinnah Hospital

    Fact: Medical Superintendent Jinnah Hosptial confirms that no patients with monkeypox have been admitted

    On May 23, 2022, Dr Farooq Nawaz Sahil, a resident pulmonologist at Services Hospital Lahore tweeted that 2 patients with monkeypox have been admitted to Jinnah Hospital, Lahore and are being treated in the hospital’s isolation ward. ProPakistani, a digital media platform, shared the tweet on its website which became an extremely concerning public health update, reporting the first 2 cases of monkeypox in Pakistan.

    Although shortly after his tweet, Dr Sahil deleted it, the news spread like wildfire, primarily because the residual fear of a global pandemic has not completely worn off.

    The ProPakistani post coincided with the national Institute of Health (NIH) and World Health Organization’s (WHO) warnings to expect a global rise in the number monkeypox cases reported. This made it more likely to be believed and spread a panic within social media users who started sharing it repeatedly. Some of these posts can be found on Facebook and Twitter here, here, here here, here, here, here and here.

    Team Current established correspondence with Jinnah Hospital, Lahore and confirmed with the Medical Superintendent Dr Tahir that no such cases have been reported and in fact this false information has disrupted the hospital’s environment by creating unnecessary panic in citizens in Lahore. National Institute of Health Pakistan also tweeted earlier today, clarifying that no cases of monkeypox have been reported so far.

    Verdict: FALSE

    What is Monkeypox?

    Monkeypox is a virus and a usually self-limited disease with symptoms lasting from two to four weeks. It is transmittable through close contact (lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, bedding) with an infected person or animal. It is a viral zoonotic disease and its clinical representation is similar to smallpox. According to the WHO report, past outbreaks were not extremely widespread and increasingly got better managed with modern medicine.

    In May 2022, multiple cases of monkeypox were identified in several countries where occurence of monkeypox is not a regular phenomenon and so WHO and NIH issued warnings against the disease and suggested strongarming medical screening at border entrances.

  • Buzdar changed 3,000 officers in his tenure as CM

    Buzdar changed 3,000 officers in his tenure as CM

    During a three-and-a-half-year tenure, former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar transferred over 3,000 officers in violation of both the tenure policy and the Supreme Court’s (SC) judgment in the Anita Turab case, reports The News.

    In Anita Turab’s case, the apex court barred the government from transferring officers before the completion of their tenure.

    In the Anita Turab case, the SC had laid down the several principles to save the government servants from politicisation. Appointments, removals and promotions must be made in accordance with the law and the rules. Secondly, when the ordinary tenure for a posting has been specified in the law or rules made thereunder, such tenure must be respected.

    According to the news outlet, there have been no suo moto notices and no punishments for the violators.

    Moreover, it has been reported that the Buzdar government transferred around 1,100 secretaries, Director Generals (DG), commissioners, Deputy Commissioners (DC) and additional deputy commissioners in Punjab.

    In the Police Department, there were more than 1,900 senior police officials, including Deputy Inspector General (DIGs), regional police officers, city police officers, district police officers and Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs), who were transferred.

    The record reveals that Lahore, Gujranwala, Pakpattan and Dera Ghazi Khan were the major districts that were the focus of these changes where maximum numbers of transfers and postings occurred.

    It is pertinent to mention that during Buzdar’s tenure Punjab saw five chief secretaries and seven inspectors generals of police which has never happened before.

    In 36 districts of Punjab, the Buzdar government transferred 198 deputy commissioners in three and a half years. On average, 5.5 DCs were changed in every district during the PTI-led government.

    Dera Ghazi Khan and Gujranwala are the two districts where the maximum number of DCs were changed.

    In DG Khan and Pakpattan, some DCs were transferred within three months. Waqas Rashid was transferred within three months as DC Dera Ghazi Khan and Nauman Yousaf was transferred in three months as DC Pakpattan.

  • Supreme Court bars transfers, appointments in high-profile cases

    Supreme Court bars transfers, appointments in high-profile cases

    The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) is barring authorities from making new appointments and transferring officials involved in “high-profile” and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) cases as well as those cases which are being heard by special courts, reports Dawn.

    The Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) observed that special courts in Karachi and Lahore lack judges while three accountability courts in Islamabad are also empty.

    The court issued notices to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) director general, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman and the interior secretary. The court asked the parties concerned to give an explanation as to why there was “interference” in criminal cases, and stopped the NAB and FIA from withdrawing cases till further orders.

    The court also asked to be informed about the steps being taken to protect the record of criminal cases and directed for the record of high-profile cases to be checked and sealed. When Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Ashtar Ausaf protested against this, the CJP said that the record of ongoing cases would not be sealed, only that of the prosecution.

    During the hearing, the CJP also observed that there should be “no interference in the prosecution process or the prosecution wing”.

    The CJP also noticed that FIA’s former director Mohammad Rizwan, who was probing money laundering charges against Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and his son Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Hamza Shahbaz, was also transferred and later died of a heart attack.

    “We are concerned over these developments,” the CJP said. Justice Bandial, indirectly pointing out at Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) also stated that according to news reports, “thousands” of people had benefitted after their names were removed from the no-fly list.

    At one point, CJP Bandial remarked that the court was only concerned with ensuring justice and adjourned the hearing till May 27.

  • PHA plants hundreds of fruit trees along Canal Road Lahore

    PHA plants hundreds of fruit trees along Canal Road Lahore

    The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) on May 17 planted around 400 fruit trees alongside the canal road Lahore which were provided by the civil society.

    The Director-General (DG) PHA Zeeshan Javed applauded the efforts of PHA for the beautification of the provincial capital.

    He also praised the PHA workers for performing their responsibilities outside in such heat and insisted that PHA is dedicated to beautifying the city by implementing various beautification programmes.

    Last week, Commissioner Lahore Captain (retd) Muhammad Usman presided over a meeting at the PHA office to examine the city’s beautification efforts. The DG PHA Zeeshan Javed briefed the Commissioner on clean and green Lahore, tree planting, and ongoing and finished projects in the city during the meeting.

    Read more: Lahore ranks first in reporting most traffic accidents

    He urged the officials to take steps to beautify the city’s main highways, green belts, and provincial capital’s entrances and exits.

  • Lahore Traffic Police raises minimum fine amount for four-wheelers to Rs5,000

    Lahore Traffic Police raises minimum fine amount for four-wheelers to Rs5,000

    In an attempt to combat traffic rule infractions in Lahore, Punjab police have ordered a significant hike in fines. The department announced on social media that instead of a few hundred rupees, violators will now be slapped with at least Rs5,000 fine for four-wheelers and Rs2,000 for two-wheelers.

    Muntazir Mehdi, the Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) of Lahore, shared his recommendations with the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Traffic Police. The department also released information on the provincial capital’s increased fine rates.

    As per a recent tweet, Improper parking of motorbikes would incur a penalty of Rs2,000 and improper parking of vehicles will incur a fine of Rs5,000. Moreover, riding a motorcycle without a license will cost the violator Rs2,000, while driving a car will now cost Rs5,000 without a license.

    Motorcycles without number plates or with fancy number plates will be fined Rs2,000, while car drivers would be fined Rs5,000.

    Punjab’s Chief Minister (CM) Hamza Shehbaz Sharif in the last week ordered the creation of an emergency traffic plan to alleviate traffic congestion on important roads in Lahore. He directed the Inspector General (IG) to provide a comprehensive plan, including the promotion and relocation of traffic wardens, as well as its proper implementation.

  • Exclusive: Police officer suspended after woman files harassment complaint

    Exclusive: Police officer suspended after woman files harassment complaint

    A Lahore resident, Maryam Khan, shared pictures on her Twitter account in which a Lahore traffic police officer on a motorbike can be seen harassing her in broad daylight on Mall Road, one of the busiest roads in Lahore. He parked his bike next to her car at a signal and made ‘kissing’ gestures at her and her daughter.

    “Here are photos of a traffic police officer named Sami Ullah on Mall Road, Lahore at 12.30 pm today, harassing me and my daughter while we were at a traffic light stop before G.O.R 1,” tweeted Maryam Khan.

    She tagged City Traffic Police (CTP) Lahore to take action against the harasser.

    While talking to The Current, Public Relations Officer (PRO) Rana Arif said that the police officer, Sami Ullah, has been suspended and an inquiry is underway. He added that the next action will be taken as per the inquiry report. He said that CCTV cameras are placed all over Mall Road and it will be very easy to find out what actually happened.

    Earlier, responding to Khan’s tweet, CTP Lahore said, “Ma’am, if you have any complaints regarding any traffic police official. You can register the complaint on Rasta app which is the right forum.”

    Following the incident, Twitterati expressed their disappointment and anger over it.

    https://twitter.com/seditiousmusing/status/1526270762272935936?s=20&t=wMtPjunef7zBXk1wHTxZtw

  • Met department predicts torrential rains starting next week

    Met department predicts torrential rains starting next week

    The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted torrential rainfall starting next week, putting an end to the brutal heatwave in most parts of Pakistan.

    As per the latest PMD forecast, a new weather system will develop in the country from Sunday, attracting downpours from the May 16 to May18.

    Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad, upper and central Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Jammu Kashmir. Following the rain, the PMD predicts that temperatures in these areas will decrease radically.

    In addition, the PMD has directed that the relevant Disaster Management Authorities be on high alert in order to avert loss of life and property throughout the rainfall.

    In other news, the PMD has warned that a severe heatwave will approach Sindh. The extreme heat will extend through May 17th, with daytime temperatures in most regions exceeding usual.

    Read more: Heatwave Alert: All physical activities in Punjab schools suspended

    Daytime highs in upper Sindh will linger between 46°C and 48°C, in central Sindh districts between 43°C and 45°C, and in lower Sindh districts between 38°C and 40°C.

  • CNG prices pushed to Rs140 per kg for sales tax collection

    CNG prices pushed to Rs140 per kg for sales tax collection

    The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has raised the sales tax rate on compressed natural gas (CNG) supplies to customers.

    On Tuesday, the FBR published S.R.O. 587(I)/2022 to replace S.R.O. 39(I)/2022, which was issued on January 8, 2022. It has amended the value of compressed natural gas (CNG) supply to consumers in order to charge sales tax from CNG stations.

    It has set the value of supply to CNG customers in order for gas generation and distribution businesses to charge sales tax from CNG stations.

    CNG rates

    The price of CNG in Region-I, which includes Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Potohar, has been raised from Rs134.57 per kg to Rs140 per kg (Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Gujar Khan).

    Read more: Pakistani Rupee crashes to a record low against US dollar 

    Moreover, the cost of CNG has been raised from Rs128.11 per kg to Rs135 per kg in Region-II, which covers Sindh and Punjab except for the Potohar region.

  • 250,000 students to appear in Matric exams starting today

    250,000 students to appear in Matric exams starting today

    The Board of Intermediate & Secondary Education (BISE) Lahore will begin Matric (10th Class) examinations on Tuesday (today), with over 250,000 students expected to take part. According to a BISE Lahore official, the Lahore Board has set up 759 examination centers for the exam.

    The 9th Class exams will begin on May 26 and will attract nearly 270,000 students. He noted that Intermediate exams would begin the second week of June 2022, following Matric exams.

    Read more: Dr Murtaza Syed assumes charge as the new Governor State Bank of Pakistan

    BISE Lahore Chairman Mirza Habib Ali stated that these exams will cover the entire course. He also asked the concerned officials to make watertight arrangements for conducting the tests in a transparent and supervised manner.