Tag: Peshawar

  • Authorities confiscate smuggled cigarettes worth Rs14 crore

    Authorities confiscate smuggled cigarettes worth Rs14 crore

    In a substantial crackdown on the illicit trade of non-duty-paid cigarettes, the Inland Revenue Enforcement Network (IREN) successfully seized over 679,000 packerites (15,580,000 sticks) of smuggled cigarettes during a two-day operation.

    The confiscated cigarettes, representing various local and foreign brands, including Business Royal, H&P, Platinum, Milano, and Olympic, have an estimated value exceeding PKR 140 Million.

    The enforcement teams targeted local shops in Peshawar, Multan, and Sialkot, where the availability of non-duty paid cigarettes had seen a concerning surge.

    This operation was initiated under the directive of Mir Badshah Khan Wazir, Member (IR-Operations), who emphasized the need to curb the illegal trade of tobacco products.

    Criminal proceedings have been set in motion against both manufacturers and transporters involved in this illicit trade.

    One of the key factors contributing to the rise in the popularity of smuggled cigarettes is the substantial price difference compared to duty-paid alternatives.

    While the cost of a pack of 20 duty-paid cigarettes starts at Rs600, the non-duty paid counterparts can be obtained for as low as Rs200. Some reports even suggest that certain brands are being sold at an even more economical rate.

    The increasing prevalence of non-duty paid cigarettes poses a serious concern, not only in terms of lost revenue for the government but also due to health implications.

    Smokers in Pakistan, attracted by the affordability of these illicit products, have contributed to the surge in sales of non-duty paid cigarettes.

    The IREN’s recent operation sends a clear message that the authorities are actively addressing this issue to safeguard public health and financial interests.

    As investigations unfold, it remains to be seen how this crackdown will impact the illicit trade of cigarettes and discourage individuals from opting for non-duty paid alternatives.

  • In a first, Peshawar High Court orders separate queue for transgender voters

    In a first, Peshawar High Court orders separate queue for transgender voters

    Peshawar High Court has directed authorities in the province to establish a separate queue for transgender voters in PK-81 from where trans rights activist Sobia Khan is contesting elections as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s first transgender individual participating in general polls.

    The court’s verdict highlighted the absence of specific documents for the transgender quota, as no such provision currently exists. Additionally, the court-mandated security measures for transgender candidate Subiya during the general elections, where she is running independently in PK-81.

    Who is Sobia Khan?

    Sobia is hailing from Peshawar and she has filed nomination papers for the provincial assembly seat from constituency PK-81. She is running her campaign as an independent candidate.

    Notably, Sobia Khan, a graduate and the first transgender broadcaster in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been hosting TNN’s “Sobiya Khan Show” for the past four years.

    Sobia welcomed the court ruling. Talking to Tribal News Network, Sobia detailed her broader goals, aiming not only to champion transgender rights but also to challenge societal perceptions. She aspires to work for the welfare of the constituency, particularly focusing on the rights of women and children, breaking stereotypes about the capabilities of transgenders.

    Sobia Khan, backed by her family and local support, appealed to NGOs, civil society, and the district administration for assistance in her election campaign. Acknowledging the unprecedented nature of a transgender participating directly in elections, she stressed the need for security during her campaign.

  • Clashes between PTI workers and police amid general elections

    Clashes between PTI workers and police amid general elections

    Clashes have been reported between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers and police officers, after imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan gave calls for rallies ahead of the February 8 general elections.

    Numerous PTI supporters attempting to organize rallies in cities like Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar were taken into custody during the crackdown, adding to mounting political tension. Reports also indicate police raids on election offices, confiscation of party paraphernalia, and the removal of banners and panaflexes, allegedly aimed at intimidating party workers and voters.

    In Lahore, former Punjab governor and PTI candidate for NA-129, Mian Muhammad Azhar, was arrested by the police during an attempt to lead an election rally in his constituency. He was reportedly released later in the day.

    His son, PTI Central Punjab General Secretary Hammad Azhar, took to X (formerly Twitter) and stated, “My 82-year-old father was arrested. He wanted to lead a rally as per his democratic and constitutional rights”.

    “Pakistan has today been reduced to a total fascist state with zero human rights or rule of law. One Nawaz Sharif and his daughter calling the shots and ruining the country,” he added.

    Despite the challenges, Mian Muhammad Azhar, upon his release, maintained that he had not committed any crime, asserting that his sole offense was organizing an election rally. He highlighted the apparent disparity in treatment, alleging that all political parties were allowed to conduct rallies and public gatherings, except the PTI.

    In Karachi, over 20 PTI workers were arrested as the party attempted to conduct an election rally near Clifton Teen Talwar. Violent clashes erupted between PTI workers and the police, turning the area into a battleground. The confrontations resulted in injuries to police officials, including SHO Boat Basin Riaz Niazi, whose jaw was reportedly broken.

    Police used baton charges and tear gas to disperse the PTI workers, leading to further injuries among the protesters. The clash disrupted traffic near Teen Talwar, Clifton, for a significant period.

    SSP South Sajid Amir Sadozai told Express Tribune that no prior permission was taken by PTI workers to hold a rally in Clifton.

    The PTI workers had blocked the road, following which the police asked them to clear the road.

    In reply, they attacked the police with stones and sticks as a result more than 10 police personnel including SHO Boat Basin and a lady SHO were injured. SHO Boat Basin’s jaw was broken and he is in critical condition.

    Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) chief organiser took to X and said, “They should be dealt with iron hands.”

    PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan condemned the actions of Karachi Police, emphasizing the constitutional right of every citizen to hold a peaceful rally during the election campaign.

    Similarly, in Peshawar, PTI workers held rallies across various locations in the city, including Ring Road. The police apprehended 30 individuals from Pahari Pura, Faqieerabad, Sharqi, Hayatabad, Khazana, and Sarband.

    Moreover, cases were filed against over fifty workers and community leaders.

    Seventeen individuals were mentioned in the FIR within the jurisdiction of Paharipura police station, with seven of them being taken into custody. Likewise, Faqeerabad police station detained seven workers.

    Sarband police arrested 17 individuals, while Hayatabad and Sharqi police each apprehended three PTI workers.

    Earlier, PTI Chakwal candidate Ayyaz Amir reported a peculiar situation emerging in Chakwal involving the police. He highlighted instances of police raids on the homes of prominent local citizens, arrests of their family members, and acts of vandalism against local leaders.

    Major election rallies were observed in various constituencies, including Lahore, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Okara, Chakwal, Mandi Bahudin, Layyah, Bahawal Nagar, Mansehra, Gagu Mandi, Chitral, Banu, Peshawar, Karachi, Hyderabad, and other cities.

  • Father kills son in Peshawar for planting PTI flag at home

    Father kills son in Peshawar for planting PTI flag at home

    A father has allegedly killed his son in Budhbir, a suburb of Peshawar after the younger man put up a PTI flag on the roof of the house following a bitter dispute, BBC Urdu has reported.

    A case has been registered on the complaint of Arifur Rahman, the brother of the deceased Atta-ul-Rehman, in which it is said that the father and son had a repeated and bitter verbal argument on politics, upon which the father got angry and opened fire on his son with a pistol.

    Son Atta-ul-Rehman in Qatar

    Arifur Rahman, the complainant in this case and the victim’s brother, told the BBC that his brother had been living in Qatar and was working as a sanitary worker. His brother had come home to Peshawar after taking a two-month leave and was supposed to return to Qatar in 20 days.

    Arif says that the argument between his father and brother started with the hanging of the PTI party flag on the roof of the house, which escalated to bitter words and his father shot Atta-ur-Rehman in a fit of rage. He was visibly upset when the BBC interviewed him. In his words, his younger brother Atta brought the flag home and put it on the roof, but his father did not like it. According to Arif, his father urged his brother to “vote whoever you want, but raising this flag is not right.”

    Arif says that his younger brother started an argument with his father that it was not a big deal to plant the flag and eventually the argument escalated to such an extent that Noor Rehman pulled out a pistol and fired at his son.

    According to the FIR of this case, Atta-ur-Rehman was being taken to Lady Reading Hospital for treatment, but he died on the way.

    Arif has said that his father had retired from his job some time ago. His father does not seem to belong to any political party, but the Awami National Party is supported in his area and representatives of this party are elected. He says that there is an atmosphere of sadness in the house now. Our breadwinner brother is no more and the whole area is saddened by the incident. Atta-ur-Rehman has been buried. His brother relayed that it was not such a big deal, just that the bitterness in the conversation increased so much that no one understood what happened.

    The father has escaped from the house. SP President Division Abdul Salam Khalid says that raids are being conducted in search of the accused.

  • Strong earthquake in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and AJK

    Strong earthquake in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and AJK

    Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Azad Jammu, and Kashmir (AJK), and their adjoining areas were jolted by a strong earthquake around 2:30 pm on Thursday. However, strong tremors were felt for only a few seconds. In Islamabad, people were seen coming out of high-rise buildings.

    According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the epicentre of the earthquake was the Hindu Kush region in Afghanistan and the depth of the quake was 213 kilometres.

    The earthquake was also felt in Peshawar, Gujrat, Gujranwala, and other regions of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Malakand, Upper and Lower Dir, Kohat, Swat experienced both light and strong jolts.

  • Former Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar Finally Speaks Up

    Former Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar Finally Speaks Up

    Former Chief Minister Punjab and Imran Khan’s ‘Wasim Akram Plus’ has finally broken his silence after leaving Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI).

    In a recent media interview on Monday, the mild-mannered Buzdar emphasized the need for all political parties to come together for the betterment and stability of the country.

    When asked why he isn’t targeted as other PTI members are, Buzdar stated, “For the past two years, I have been dealing with legal matters in courts. I hope that challenging times will soon come to an end, issues will be resolved, and Pakistan will move forward towards progress and development.”

    He also said that he has never talked ill about anyone and never will.

    When asked about his stance on PTI, Buzdar refrained from commenting, stating that everything is in the hands of the people, and the public is the ultimate judge.

    He advised PTI to sit together with others and talk for the progress of country.

    Responding to questions about his competence, Buzdar expressed confidence that the people of the province can vouch for his sincerity and dedicated service to the region. He added, “People are the best judges, and they will vote for whoever they believe is better suited for the job.”

    Buzdar stressed the importance of political parties setting aside differences and working collaboratively for the greater good of the country.

    He emphasized the need for unity and collaboration to contribute to the improvement of Pakistan.

    He sent well wishes to his former party and disclosed that he has joined hands with the head of the Muslim League Zia, Iijaz-ul-Haq.

    A joint press conference was held where Iijaz-ul-Haq said, “I believe that elections will take place on February 8. Usman Buzdar, Yar Muhammad Rind, Amin Aslam, and 25 others are with us. We have support from various regions, including Peshawar, Sialkot, Khanewal, Sargodha, and Rajanpur. We are in contact with more parties, and they will soon be invited to join. We are forming an alliance in the name of National Unity to eliminate polarization.”

  • Gunman dressed as lawyer opens fire in Peshawar court

    Gunman dressed as lawyer opens fire in Peshawar court

    A gunman opened fire within the premises of the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Peshawar’s judicial complex on Monday, injuring three persons and killing one, media reports have said.

    Eyewitnesses on the scene reported that the alleged shooter, disguised as a lawyer, opened fire inside the ATC, creating panic throughout the judicial complex.

    The incident left four individuals severely injured, prompting an urgent response from law enforcement.

    The injured victims were swiftly and efficiently transported to the hospital.

    Tragically, Lady Reading Hospital Spokesperson Muhammad Asim revealed that one of the wounded individuals succumbed to injuries before reaching the medical facility.

    “Four people were brought to the hospital – one deceased and three injured,” stated the hospital’s spokesperson.

    According to senior journalist Iftikhar Firdous, the attacker has been arrested by police from the premises. He was one of the parties whose case was scheduled for hearing.

    Firdous questioned the level of security in the court in a tweet he posted on X, “And this is the security in a courtroom?”

    However, investigations are underway to ascertain the motives behind the attack and the identity of the assailant.

  • Nine years pass after APS attack

    Nine years pass after APS attack

    Today Pakistan is observing the ninth anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Army Public School Peshawar which took the lives of 144 people, mostly students.

    The heinous attack happened in 2014 and is widely described as Pakistan’s 9/11 for the shockwaves it created nationally and internationally. Schools were shut down in the country due to the security risk whereas vigils were held all over the world.

    Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack.

    Following the attack, Pakistan’s military and civil leadership sat down to formulate a National Action Plan which primarily aimed at curbing the menace of terrorism. Different military operations were launched to root out several militant elements in the country. The most prominent operations were Zarb-e-Azab and Radul Fassad.

    Pakistan stands out as one of the worst victims of terrorism with over 80,000 lives lost and economic loss surpassing $150 billion.

    However, the menace is resurfacing with Pakistan a considerable increase in terror activities in recent months, especially in KP and Balochistan, after TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November last year.

    Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) in a report showed that the country experienced a 34 percent increase in anti-state violence last month.

  • Return of illegal foreigners to their country beneficial for Pakistan, says Gen. Asim Munir

    Return of illegal foreigners to their country beneficial for Pakistan, says Gen. Asim Munir

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir said on Thursday that the presence of illegal foreigners in the country is “seriously affecting” its security and economy, adding that the decision to send illegal foreigners to their home country is beneficial for Pakistan.

    According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief passed the remarks during a visit to Peshawar, where he briefly explained the security situation, ongoing counter-terrorism operations, and the return of undocumented foreign nationals.

    “Decision to repatriate them has been taken by the government in the interest of Pakistan,” General Asim said, as quoted by the military’s media wing.

    The army chief also mentioned that all the illegal immigrants are being sent to their home country in a “humane and dignified manner.”

    According to the Interior Ministry, almost 255,029 illegal foreigners have left for Afghanistan from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

    On his visit to Peshawar, Gen. Munir interacted with soldiers and officers, and he said while addressing them that “The nation takes pride and acknowledges the accomplishments of its Armed Forces. Pakistan is destined to succeed and the Pakistan Army will continue to undertake its selfless and sacred duty of safeguarding every inch of the motherland till the last drop of blood, InshaAllah.”

  • Governor House wedding shoot triggers furious debate on social media

    Governor House wedding shoot triggers furious debate on social media

    Renowned journalist Saleem Safi shared a TikTok video on Tuesday on X (formerly Twitter) of a newlywed couple in wedding attire running around the Governor House for their wedding photoshoot. He criticised the KP governor for allowing such practices.

    Safi later shared the response of Governor Haji Ghulam Ali where he was defending the practice as something that has been happening for a long time. The media in-charge to KP Governor Maaz Fida issued a clarification, explaining that governor house has always been open to the public for wedding photo shoots, with the condition that they obtained prior permission. In a post shared by Saleem Safi, the screenshot of the clarification, Fida dismissed the news of any film shooting taking place in the governor house.

    He said, “Public’s governor’s public governor house is just as accessible to newly married couples as it is for anyone else”. He said that the video doing rounds on social media is of such a couple that had formally obtained permission for the photoshoot.

    Fida added that there used to be a fee for such photo shoots, which was abolished by Ghulam Ali when he became the governor. He said that a specific portion of the governor house is open for such photo shoots and anyone can obtain the facility.

    Safi counter-criticized the Governor’s statement by saying that if this is the case then would couples from lower strata of society be allowed to have their photoshoots in there.

    The interaction has divided social media where some are defending the practice while others are criticising the fact that romantic photoshoots mar the sanctity of the place.

    Some X users found this funny enough to make memes on it.

    It is important to note that renting out public properties for a nominal fee for photo shoots or events is a common practice, all across the world and in Pakistan as well. In March 2020, the then-Governor Punjab, Chaudhry Sarwar, had also approved renting out the Lahore Governor House estate for commercial activities to generate operational expenditures.