ISLAMABAD: Several civilians and police officers were injured on Monday as clashes broke out between demonstrators and law enforcement during operation by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) against alleged illegal constructions in the Noorpur Shahan and Nori Bagh localities near Bari Imam in the federal capital.

The CDA action, aimed at clearing alleged encroachments and unauthorized buildings, forced the closure of the main road to Malpur, causing long traffic queues.

The Green Line bus service from Bhara Kahu was also suspended, leaving commuters stranded and causing major disruption at the bus terminal.

Residents resisting the operation clashed with police and CDA personnel. Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowds, injuring several protesters, including women and elderly people, who were taken to nearby hospitals, police said.

Protesters hurled stones at security forces, wounding a number of police officials, according to local authorities. As tensions escalated, the CDA temporarily halted its operation.

Participants in the protest accused the CDA of unfair treatment, saying the authority had in the past allotted valuable state land to the Islamabad Club at nominal rates — sometimes as low as three rupees per acre — while now demolishing the homes of poorer residents. They described the drive as discriminatory and targeting marginalized communities.

Residents affected by the ongoing Capital Development Authority (CDA) operation in Noorpur Shahan and Nori Bagh alleged that the authorities had previously permitted them to build houses on the land after accepting substantial bribes. According to the residents, many families had been living on the land for years and had been provided with gas, water, and electricity connections by the relevant municipal departments.

They argued that the CDA officials responsible for these allocations should be held accountable for what they described as systematic bribery and illegal sale of valuable state property. The residents also called for strict action against senior officials, including the CDA chairman and the Islamabad deputy commissioner, claiming that they had knowingly allowed such practices to continue during their tenures.

Islamabad police spokesperson, however, said that officers, revenue department officials and CDA personnel were conducting a lawful survey in Nuri Mohalla when “unprovoked firing and stone‑pelting” started, injuring police officers.

He said that those responsible would face strict legal action, and added that attacks on law enforcement were “intolerable” and that all measures would be taken to ensure the safety of citizens and property.

Separately on Monday, CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa convened a high‑level meeting to review progress in the anti‑encroachment campaign.

Officials including Member Administration Talat Mehmood, Member Planning and Design Dr Khalid Hafeez, Member Environment Asfandyar Baloch, Deputy Director General Enforcement Dr Anum Fatima and other senior officers attended the session, which focused on efforts to keep the capital free from illegal constructions and encroachments in line with the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Officials told the meeting that, under the supervision of Deputy DG Enforcement Dr Anum Fatima, operations against land grabbers in the Diplomatic Enclave and adjoining areas, including the former Muslim Colony, had led to the recovery of more than 900 kanals of state land from illegal occupants.

They said that in compliance with orders from the Islamabad High Court, all local residents were given lawful hearing opportunities and a site office was established for residents to present their claims.

CDA revenue and planning wing staff were deployed at the office to address concerns and resolve issues according to the law.

Officials said anyone with legally valid ownership documents could contact the CDA for verification.

They added that CDA enforcement teams were supported in all operations by the planning wing, district administration and Islamabad police.

The meeting was informed that first information reports (FIRs) are being rapidly registered against land grabbers and those who mislead innocent citizens regarding state land.

Officials described the actions as essential for protecting valuable state property, preventing future encroachments and maintaining transparency.

CDA Chairman Randhawa said genuine grievances of citizens would be examined in accordance with the law and every possible facility would be provided.

He reiterated the authority’s commitment to organized urban planning, safeguarding state land and making Islamabad free of encroachments.

The CDA administration appealed for public cooperation to help make the capital more orderly and visually attractive, urging citizens to inform authorities of any illegal construction or encroachments.

Officials said land worth billions of rupees had already been recovered from illegal occupants.

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ISLAMABAD: Islamabad police have released Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl leader Farrukh Khokhar after his brief detention for possessing illegal weapons.

Farrukh Khokhar, a prominent social figure from the twin-cities and also a cousin of of former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, was detained at a checkpoint on the Srinagar Highway during routine checking, along with illegal weapons. He was later shifted to the Aabpara Police Station.

Aabpara Police Station House Officer Asim Ghaffar had said that Khokhar did not have a valid weapon licence at the time of arrest.

Later, Asim Ghaffar said that Farrukh Khokhar’s SMG permit was not with him at the time of his arrest but was brought from his home by someone on his behalf. He said that Khokhar’s weapon is licensed and he was released.

It is worth noting that a few months ago, Farrukh Khokhar — associated with the prominent political center, Khokhar House in Rawalpindi — had met Maulana Fazlur Rehman and officially joined the JUI-F.

Farrukh Khokhar belongs to the family of former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Nawaz Khokhar and former senator and former spokesperson of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar.

He is the nephew of Nawaz Khokhar, cousin of Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, and son of Imtiaz Khokhar, also known as Taji Khokhar.

Farrukh Khokhar formally joined the JUI-F on July 19 at an event held at Dera Taji Khokhar near the old Islamabad airport. The ceremony was attended by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who welcomed Khokhar into the party fold.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman said Khokhar’s inclusion would strengthen the party’s presence in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

“This decision reflects the growing political strength of JUI-F in the twin cities. We welcome Farrukh Khokhar’s support and believe it will give new momentum to our movement,” the JUI-F chief stated.

Addressing the gathering, Farrukh Khokhar praised Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s leadership and political vision, saying he was inspired by the chief’s commitment to Islamic values and national integrity.

Khokhar noted that although his family has a political background — with his father affiliated with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) — he was personally drawn to JUI-F.

“I was deeply impressed by Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s stance on Khatm-i-Nabuwwat, as well as his support for the Pakistan Army during the war with India, which left a lasting impact on me,” Khokhar said.

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ISLAMABAD: Islamabad police have arrested five people, including two women, for allegedly assaulting and shaving the hair of a young girl at a massage centre in Lohi Bher.

According to police sources, the incident occurred at SK Massage Centre, where the girl was physically abused after she refused to engage in inappropriate acts with clients.

During the assault, her hair was reportedly cut, leaving her partially bald.

According to the sources, the main suspect fled the scene after shaving her head in front of a camera.

Sources said the prime suspect had fled, but a police team has been dispatched to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to secure his arrest.

The accused, identified as Sabi, Dilwaiz, and Arman Khan, are said to have recorded the incident on video and allegedly used it to threaten and blackmail the girl.

According to police, all other staff members of the salon have been taken into custody, and an investigation has been launched.

Local residents alleged that the Loi Bher police initially detained the suspects but released them after accepting a bribe of Rs 0.1 million.

Police have now re-arrested the accused after the video went viral and SSP Operations took notice of the incident.

Meanwhile, the victim, identified as Iman, said the incident occurred about one and a half months ago in Misrial Colony, Rawalpindi. She alleged that two individuals, a girl named Sanaa and a boy named Arman, took her to their flat on Misrial Road.

She said that she was later taken to a flat or spa in Bahria Town, where she was threatened with a pistol and recorded her video again.

The girl named fourt of the alleged perpetrators — Arman, Durani, Mithu and a fourth person whose name she could not recall. She has demanded action against the perpetrators.

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ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), often regarded as a key law-enforcement pillar of the country, came under sharp criticism on Saturday after a temporary outage in its immigration system triggered frustration among passengers at Islamabad International Airport.

The situation escalated when three individuals were taken into custody following a confrontation with immigration officials at the counters. The incident occurred as Turkish Airlines flight TK-750 arrived from Türkiye, with passengers staging protests over delays in the immigration process.

FIA officials confirmed the incident, stating that the three Pakistani-origin Dutch nationals, who were identified as Mohammad Aqib, Mohammad Hamid Shabbir, and Tajamal Hussain, attempted to bypass the queue and forcibly approached the immigration counter, leading to a heated exchange with other passengers.

The agency said the individuals allegedly used abusive language, misbehaved with staff, and obstructed official duties. FIA personnel detained the trio and later handed them over to local police. An official Istighasa (complaint) report has been submitted to the police, seeking legal action against the accused for misconduct, threats, and disruption at the immigration area.

The incident has drawn criticism from passengers and observers, who slammed the FIA for system lapses and inadequate crowd management, highlighting concerns over professionalism and passenger safety.

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ISLAMABAD: A three-member inquiry committee has finalised its report on the death of Superintendent of Police (SP) Adeel Akbar.
According to sources, the committee found no evidence suggesting that the police officer had committed suicide.

The inquiry, headed by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Haroon Joiya and comprising DIG Atiq Tahir and DIG Operations Jawad Tariq, also reviewed the postmortem report, which confirmed that SP Adeel Akbar died from a gunshot wound to the face.

The inquiry team recorded statements of SP Akbar’s wireless operator, driver, and other staff members.

The inquiry committee also recorded the statement of a psychologist during the course of the investigation,.

According to the findings, SP Adeel Akbar had visited his doctor twice before his death.

According to the sources, the committee is expected to submit its report to Islamabad Inspector General (IG) Ali Nasir Rizvi today. The Islamabad Police IG will forward the findings, along with his recommendations, to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, sources said.

An earlier inquiry into allegations against late SP Adeel Akbar had found him innocent, clearing him of all charges levelled against him by the Balochistan government.

According to official documents available with HUM News English, the Cabinet Division had completed the inquiry against SP Adeel Akbar under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020.

The Establishment Division had issued a formal notification on April 10, 2025, acquitting the late police officer of the allegations levelled by the Balochistan government.

The inquiry concluded that none of the accusations against SP Akbar could be substantiated.

Sources said Adeel Akbar’s promotion had been put on hold during the course of the inquiry, which caused him significant mental stress.

Adeel Akbar, who served as the SP in the Industrial Area, shot himself while on duty near the Serena checkpoint on October 23.

The police officer sustained critical injuries and was rushed to the PIMS Hospital by fellow personnel, where he was pronounced dead during treatment.

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ISLAMABAD: Panic spread briefly at Islamabad International Airport on Wednesday after a leopard was spotted near the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, prompting a swift response from security and wildlife teams.

According to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) officials, the animal entered the ATC ground area and roamed around for some time before being noticed by airport staff.

The Airport Security Force (ASF) and the Islamabad Wildlife Department were immediately alerted.

A wildlife team reached the spot and safely captured the leopard after a short operation. Initial reports suggested the animal may have wandered from the nearby Margalla Hills or adjoining forest areas.

The incident caused temporary concern among ATC personnel, though flight operations continued without interruption, CAA officials confirmed.

Authorities have launched an investigation into how the leopard entered the restricted area and have increased security along the airport perimeter to prevent similar incidents.

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KARACHI: Preparations are in motion to transfer Rano, the female Himalayan brown bear who has spent the past two decades at Karachi Zoo, to a wildlife rescue centre in Islamabad.

A three-member team from the Islamabad Wildlife Rescue Centre has arrived in Karachi and begun the rehabilitation process for Rano ahead of her relocation, sources said.

The move comes after officials from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) reportedly withdrew from the transfer process, leaving the Islamabad team in charge of her recovery and transport arrangements.

Authorities expect Rano to be shifted to Islamabad within the next four days, with all necessary facilities reportedly prepared at the rescue centre to accommodate her needs.

The relocation follows a Sindh High Court order mandating the bear’s transfer, citing inadequate care and poor living conditions at Karachi Zoo.

Rano is a rare Himalayan brown bear, and has long been a resident of the zoo, highlighting ongoing concerns about animal welfare in urban zoological facilities.

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ISLAMABAD: An earlier inquiry into allegations against Islamabad Police Superintendent (SP) late Adeel Akbar had found him innocent, clearing him of all charges levelled against him by the Balochistan government.

According to official documents available with HUM News English, the Cabinet Division had completed the inquiry against SP Adeel Akbar under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020.

The Establishment Division had issued a formal notification on April 10, 2025, acquitting the late police officer of the allegations levelled by the Balochistan government.

The inquiry concluded that none of the accusations against SP Akbar could be substantiated.

Sources said Adeel Akbar’s promotion had been put on hold during the course of the inquiry, which caused him significant mental stress.

Adeel Akbar, who served as the SP in the Industrial Area, shot himself while on duty near the Serena checkpoint on October 23.

The police officer sustained critical injuries and was rushed to the PIMS Hospital by fellow personnel, where he was pronounced dead during treatment.

Later, Islamabad Police completed their inquiry into the death of Superintendent of Police (SP) Adeel Akbar, with findings suggesting that the officer took his own life after suffering from prolonged psychological distress and career-related frustration.

According to official sources and inquiry findings, investigators recorded statements from SP Adeel’s driver, operator, psychiatrist, and family members before finalising the report. The psychiatrist, Dr Hafiz Sultan Muhammad, who had been treating him, told the committee that Adeel had been battling deep-rooted mental stress for some time, a condition that does not necessarily require a sudden trigger but often stems from unresolved emotional pressure.

Dr Hafiz said that during their last session on October 8, Adeel appeared calm and insisted that he was content at work, yet privately admitted feeling disheartened over repeated promotion delays. The doctor disclosed that Adeel had earlier expressed suicidal thoughts and was advised to stay away from weapons and sharp objects.

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ISLAMABAD: The crime index in the Rawalpindi city has overtaken its safety index, with corruption and bribery ranking the highest at 77.78 per cent, according to data released by Numbeo.

The global database reported Rawalpindi’s crime index at 51.59, compared to a safety index of 48.41, reflecting a 3.18 per cent rise in overall crime this year.

Numbeo noted that the city is gradually joining those where the sense of security is weakening with time. The surge, it said, is not limited to corruption and bribery but extends to vehicle theft, drug trafficking, property crimes, and violent incidents.

The report detailed drug-related crimes at 52.80 per cent, property crimes at 57.02 per cent, vehicle theft at 56 per cent, and theft from vehicles at 47.50 per cent.

It also highlighted home burglaries (49.08 per cent) and armed robberies (54.75 per cent), reflecting growing safety concerns among residents.

Numbeo’s findings further revealed that citizens increasingly fear physical assault (42.38 per cent), harassment (39.86 per cent), and attacks based on race, religion or gender (25 per cent).

For personal safety, walking alone during the day was rated between 65–66 per cent, while walking alone at night dropped to 36–37 per cent, the report added.

Numbeo warned that Rawalpindi is steadily joining the list of cities where the sense of security continues to erode.

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ISLAMABAD: A senior Islamabad police officer, serving as Superintendent of Police (SP) in the Industrial Area, allegedly shot himself while on duty near the Serena checkpoint on Thursday.

According to police sources, SP Adeel Akbar sustained critical injuries and was rushed to PIMS Hospital by fellow personnel, where he was pronounced dead during treatment.

Police officials have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Evidence has been collected from the scene.

A spokesperson for Islamabad police said the facts will be shared once the inquiry is complete. The motive behind the incident remains unclear, officials added.

According to sources, the SP was on security duty for the Pakistan and South Africa cricket teams near Serena Hotel when he reportedly took a rifle from a junior police official and shot himself.

Sources said SP Adeel Akbar snatched a weapon from his gunman and shot himself. His gunman and other police personnel present at the scene have been taken into custody.

According to sources, SP I-9 Adeel Akbar shot himself in the chest with a pistol after receiving a phone call.

Authorities are investigating who made the final call to the SP, while efforts are under way to retrieve data from his mobile phone.

Sources added that the SP’s operator has also been detained. Hospital officials confirmed that SP Industrial Area Adeel Akbar succumbed to his injuries caused by the gunshot.

Inspector General (IG) Islamabad Police Ali Nasir Rizvi personally visited PIMS Hospital to oversee the post-mortem proceedings. The IG also took detailed briefings from the doctors regarding the late officer’s condition.

According to sources, SP Adeel Akbar had previously served in Balochistan. He was a 46th Common officer and hailed from Kamonki.

Islamabad police officers have recently been facing intense pressure and persistent challenges. Increasing security concerns in the capital, along with political activities and VVIP duties, have led to longer working hours and fewer opportunities for rest.

According to sources, police officers are experiencing psychological stress, mental fatigue, and a lack of balance in their family lives. Many personnel are forced to work 12 to 16 hours a day, while availing leave has also become increasingly difficult.

Officers say that limited resources, staff shortages, and pay disparities have further compounded their problems. Several officials have pointed out that the lack of modern training, psychological support, and adequate facilities has contributed to growing frustration and exhaustion within the force.

Senior retired police officers believe that while the Islamabad Police continues to face mounting security responsibilities and political pressure. There is also an urgent need to prioritise the welfare of its personnel to maintain the overall performance and morale of the force.

A psychological assessment of Islamabad Police officers and personnel attached to the Red Zone Commandos (RZC) was conducted in 2024 to evaluate their mental health, behavioural patterns, religious and sectarian inclinations, and any potential violent tendencies.

According to police officials, the test aimed to assess stress levels and maintain psychological profiles of the personnel. The evaluation was carried out by a panel that included professional psychologists.

Sources said the assessment was initiated following complaints and concerns from relevant quarters about rising mental stress and behavioural issues among some officers.

During the month-long process, several officials were found to be suffering from depression and were advised immediate counselling and psychological support. Instructions were also issued to ensure continued monitoring of the personnel’s mental well-being, the officials added.

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ISLAMABAD: A woman was allegedly raped by two men in an apartment at Islamabad’s Centaurus Mall within the jurisdiction of Margalla Police Station.

According to the police, the victim, identified as A*, was called to Flat No-606, Tower A of Centaurus Mall by two suspects who were identified as Faisal Jalal and Syed Hafeezullah. Once she arrived, the men allegedly assaulted her and recorded a video of the incident.

The woman called the police helpline 15 to report the crime. Acting on the call, Duty Officer Assistant Sub-Inspector Khalid and Station House Officer Saleem Raza reached the scene and arrested both suspects.

The accused were later shifted to Margalla Police Station for further investigation.

The victim, who is said to be married, was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a medical examination.

According to the SHO, the initial medical report confirmed that the woman had been sexually assaulted.

Meanwhile, police have registered an FIR against the two men accused of raping the woman.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) lodged at Margalla Police Station, the suspects — Faisal Jalal and Syed Hafeezullah — allegedly lured the victim to the apartment under the pretext of offering her a job and later subjected her to sexual assault.

The complainant stated that when she resisted, the suspects physically assaulted her. To escape the attack, she locked herself in a room, but the suspects broke down the door and continued to beat her.

The FIR further said the suspects not only subjected her to sexual assault and physical violence but also threatened her with dire consequences if she approached the police or pursued legal action.

Police said an investigation is under way, while both accused have been booked under relevant sections of the law.

Earlier, Federal Minister for Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar had ordered an inquiry into the alleged rape and forced abortions of a female student by an academy principal in Rawalpindi. The minister had directed a transparent investigation into the incident, seeking a detailed report.

The incident came to light on September 1, when the victim filed an FIR at Pirwadhai Police Station, alleging that she was repeatedly raped, became pregnant twice, and was forced to undergo abortions through medication.

Police had arrested the accused academy principal, identified as Ziaur Rehman, who allegedly lured the student under the pretext of exam preparation and a promise of marriage.

The case details stated that the abuse began in May 2025, when the principal allegedly pressured the student into a relationship, claiming he had no children and wanted to marry her.

When she refused and asked him to speak to her parents instead, he reportedly began keeping her back after school hours under various pretexts and tried to exploit her.

She further alleged that on May 21, 2025, Rehman called her to the academy around 1pm under the guise of exam preparation, when no other students were present.

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ISLAMABAD: Unidentified armed robbers looted Rs4.5 million from a staffer of a famous “Cash and Carry” store within the jurisdiction of Bhara Kahu Police Station.

According to police, the store’s accountant, Saad, was on his way to deposit the cash at a bank when two armed men on a motorcycle intercepted him and snatched the money at gunpoint.

Police reached the scene soon after receiving the report and launched an investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, Bani Gala police arrested a wanted murder suspect, Muhammad Iqbal, who had been evading arrest.

The accused, a resident of Layyah, was wanted in a murder case and has now been taken into custody for legal proceedings.

The latest data shows that the crime rate in Islamabad has risen sharply in the first nine months of 2023, with a record number of motorcycles and cars being stolen.

A total of 1,292 motorcycles and 432 cars were stolen in Islamabad in the first nine months of 2023, a significant increase from the same period last year when 762 motorcycles and 280 cars were stolen.

Separately, Khanna Police recovered a stolen vehicle at a checkpoint in Islamabad.

The Toyota Prado bearing registration number CG-333 (Islamabad) was intercepted when it entered the capital from Faizabad.

The driver failed to produce ownership documents, prompting police to conduct a detailed inspection.

A subsequent physical examination revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen in 2010 from Karachi’s Defence area within the Darakhshan Police Station precincts. The car’s original registration number was found to be BD-8950.

Legal action has been initiated against the driver, police said.

In a separate operation, Secretariat Police raided the Bari Imam area following reports about the presence of illegal Afghan residents.

During the operation, several Afghan nationals attempted to resist arrest, but police overpowered them and detained 17 individuals.

According to an Islamabad Police spokesperson, all detainees have been placed in custody and will be deported after verification.

Police said the operation was part of the ongoing drive to enforce immigration laws across the federal capital.

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ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday granted police three days to recover National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Deputy Director Muhammad Usman, who was abducted from the federal capital earlier.

NCCIA Deputy Director Cybercrime Muhammad Usman was abducted from the basement of a parking area at Zara Heights, H-13. CCTV footage showed four armed men stopping his car and forcibly taking him away in a white Corolla.

IHC Judbe Justice Muhammad Azam Khan issued the directive while hearing a petition filed by Usman’s wife, Rozina Usman. During the hearing, it was revealed that Rozina herself had also gone missing.

Rozina’s lawyer, Raja Rizwan Abbasi, informed the court that he had been unable to contact her and feared she might also have been picked up.

“She called me earlier, saying she was being pressured to withdraw the petition. He said that her husband was working on sensitive cases and was abducted in a white Corolla. Now her phone is switched off,” Abbasi told the court.

He requested that the NCCIA director and Islamabad Inspector General of Police be summoned in person.

Police officials responded that they were making efforts to recover Usman and sought a seven-day extension. Abbasi countered that CCTV footage showed the victim being taken away in a suspicious vehicle with a fake number plate.

Justice Azam Khan questioned how such a vehicle could operate freely in the capital despite security checkpoints and surveillance cameras.

“This is a very serious matter,” the judge remarked. “If the police fail to recover him within three days, the NCCIA central director and Islamabad IG will have to appear before the court themselves. Find out through call data records who made the threatening calls to the petitioner.”

An assistant attorney general informed the court that a case had already been registered and requested additional time for investigation.

The court, however, granted police only three days to recover the abducted officer and adjourned the hearing.

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ISLAMABAD: An unregistered camp housing dozens of Afghan nationals has reportedly been discovered in Islamabad’s Sohan Zone, raising serious security concerns over alleged illegal activity and weak enforcement.

According to official sources, several individuals residing in the makeshift settlement, consisting of tents and temporary shelters, are suspected of working as facilitators for land-grabbing networks operating across the twin cities. Intelligence agencies have already alerted Islamabad Police to suspicious movements linked to these individuals, noting that they frequently travel across the capital late at night in various vehicles.

Sources have also questioned the performance of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Islamabad, claiming that no concrete action has been taken despite repeated intelligence alerts.

When contacted, Islamabad Police spokesperson Taqi Jawad said that decisions regarding the presence, movement, and regulation of Afghan nationals fall under the jurisdiction of the district administration, adding that police only provide operational support when required. “The district administration is best positioned to comment on this matter,” he stated.

However, sources disputed this claim, asserting that the Sohan camp does not have any official authorisation and was not established under any government or state initiative for Afghan repatriation. They alleged that the camp houses undocumented Afghans involved in criminal activities, including robbery, theft, and even murder, in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The sources further revealed that multiple illegal Afghan settlements have previously been identified across the capital, but the absence of sustained enforcement has allowed their numbers to grow steadily.

On Thursday, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that the TTP is “Kabul’s proxy” and that Afghanistan acts as a proxy of India, alleging attacks were planned from India. He told HUM News that Pakistan’s Afghan policy is no longer ambiguous and that enemies are now identified. Asif said the Afghan Taliban requested a 48-hour ceasefire, which Pakistan did not seek, and while Islamabad would accept a permanent cessation, it remains sceptical. He accused Imran Khan of facilitating the TTP’s return and warned that PTI members siding with militants would be exposed. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed firmness on Islamabad’s demands.

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LAHORE: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has suspended Serene Air’s flight operations following mounting passenger complaints and the airline’s failure to maintain a functional fleet.

The suspension came after Serene Air was left without a single airworthy aircraft. The CAA has also issued a notification ordering the immediate return of the airline’s Air Operator Certificate, citing non-compliance with operational regulations.

Serene Air, however, maintained that one of its planes was grounded in Saudi Arabia after a bird strike, while another is undergoing maintenance in China. A third aircraft has been held up due to mandatory checks after four years of service.

The airline’s spokesperson said that Serene Air had requested permission from the CAA to repatriate its stranded passengers from Saudi Arabia and expressed hope that the Air Operator Certificate would be restored after review.

The CAA stated that Serene Air’s certificate has been suspended due to non-availability of aircraft, but the restoration case would be considered once the airline makes planes available for operations.

Meanwhile, the last hurdle in Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) flight operations to the United Kingdom has been removed, with British authorities issuing the national carrier a “Foreign Aircraft Operating Permit.

PIA spokesperson Abdullah Khan confirmed the development, saying the airline will announce its UK flight schedule today.

He said that the resumption of direct flights from Pakistan to Britain will greatly facilitate passengers.

The airline had earlier received formal Third Country Operator (TCO) authorisation from the British Department for Transport (DfT), which makes a crucial step in reestablishing its air connectivity with the UK.

PIA has also been granted the Air Cargo Carrier 3 (ACC3) certification for its security and cargo operations. The certification will be valid for five years. The certificate, issued by international aviation safety bodies, demonstrates full confidence in PIA’s operational standards and safety compliance.

The comprehensive approval received allows PIA to restart its direct operations with full authorisation and recognition of our improved safety protocols, the spokesperson said.

In July, the United Kingdom lifted its ban on Pakistani airlines, allowing them to resume flight operations after over five years.

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) caused a loss of Rs 9.43 billion to the national treasury in just six years through the distribution of free and heavily discounted tickets, an audit report has revealed.

According to the Auditor General of Pakistan, between 2011 and 2016, more than 258,000 free tickets were issued, while over 116,000 tickets were sold at a 95 percent discount. The report stated that many discounted tickets were given to individuals who were not PIA employees.

The audit findings noted that fare concessions were granted without the mandatory approval of the chairman or managing director. Despite repeated reminders, no meeting was convened on the matter until 2023.

Details show that in 2011 alone, 58,861 free tickets were issued, while 51,692 were given in 2012. Similarly, 56,815 tickets were distributed in 2013, 43,077 in 2014, 21,816 in 2015, and 26,729 in 2016.

PM Sharif takes notice of land-grabbing allegations by ex-PIA chairman

The Auditor General recommended the immediate termination of the free-ticket policy, pointing out that under the rules, only the chairman and MD were authorised to issue complimentary tickets to sports bodies or charitable organisations. However, in this case, approvals were not obtained.

PIA SPOKESPERSON

Reacting to the findings, a PIA spokesperson said that free tickets had been completely discontinued since 2018 following a Supreme Court order.

The spokesperson added that the tickets highlighted in the audit were issued under a sales incentive scheme for travel agents.

He further claimed that the audit paragraph was nine years old and was being revived under pressure from certain quarters.

According to the audit report, the MD was authorised to approve fare concessions up to Rs100,000, while the chairman could approve discounts above that limit.

Read more: Punjab: Head teachers on notice over poor school results

A PIA spokesperson said that free tickets have been completely banned since 2018 under Supreme Court order.

The spokesperson added that the tickets were earlier issued to travel agents under an incentive scheme to boost sales.

Calling the audit para outdated, the spokesperson said it was nine years old and was repeatedly discussed in DAC meetings called by the relevant ministry.

“Reviving such an old audit para appears to be an attempt by certain quarters to exert pressure,” the spokesperson said.

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ISLAMABAD: The Auditor General of Pakistan has revealed that the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) retained 35 employees at its inactive London station, despite no flights or operations taking place from there for the past five years.

According to the AGP report, this caused a heavy loss of Rs210 million to the national exchequer.

According to the audit report, due to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ban, PIA’s flights to the United Kingdom and Europe have been suspended.

“Maintaining 35 employees at the inactive station has cost the airline Rs210 million,” the audit report said.

“Under the Public Sector Companies Rules 2013, the board was responsible for making decisions in the company’s interest. The PIA management was notified about the issue in September 2024, but no response has been received so far,” the audit report said

Despite multiple reminders, the Departmental Accounts Committee meeting was not convened in January 2025, it said.

The audit report has recommended that the PIA administration immediately investigate the matter.

Earlier, the AGP report said that the PIACL suffered revenue losses of more than Rs9 billion between 2008 and 2017 due to the unchecked distribution of free and heavily discounted tickets during the tenures of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) governments.

According to a report, 258,990 passengers travelled on “zero fare” tickets between 2011 and 2016, resulting in losses of Rs5.55 billion to the national flag carrier.

Meanwhile, PIA’s plan to launch direct flights from Pakistan to the UK has hit a snag after the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) failed to secure timely approval of the Third Country Operator (TCO) permit from British authorities.

In July, the United Kingdom lifted its ban on Pakistani airlines, allowing them to resume flight operations after over five years.

According to PIA officials, flights cannot operate until the TCO approval was granted. It has been over a month since the UK lifted restrictions on Pakistani airlines, but the CAA has yet to obtain the required clearance, which remains a major obstacle to launching direct flights.

UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott, who travelled on a PIA domestic flight from Islamabad to Karachi after the ban was lifted, had expressed her wish to fly to Manchester on PIA’s first direct UK flight. However, that plan has yet to materialise.

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ISLAMABAD: The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has revealed that illegal access was granted to housing societies on motorways and that the processing of NOCs for constructing interchanges was carried out without justification.

According to the audit report, the General Manager M-2 (BOT) of the National Highway Authority in Kalar Kahar processed the case for the construction of interchanges for Top City and Capital Smart City on the request of housing societies.

It was also observed that Eighteen Housing Society and Capital Smart City were given illegal access from the M-2.

The audit stated that protective fencing had been installed on both sides of the motorway to safeguard citizens from accidents, but despite this, illegal access points were provided, which goes against the very purpose of the motorway.

PIA incurs Rs9bn losses from free, discounted tickets, says audit

The report said that NOCs for interchange construction were issued without any benefit to the NHA and in violation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The audit termed the move unjustified and illegal.

The audit also stated that these illegal actions had been pointed out in December 2022, but the authority did not respond, nor was a Departmental Accounts Committee meeting convened on January 10, 2023.

The audit has recommended that action be taken against the responsible officers and corrective measures should be taken.

Earlier, the AGP detected major irregularities in the sale and transfer of Walton Airport land in Lahore to the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA).

According to the AGP report, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) exceeded federal cabinet approval and transferred an additional 23.8 acres of land to the PCBDDA.

“The cabinet had approved the transfer of 52 acres in 2021; however, the CAA transferred 76 acres instead. The additional land was commercial in nature and was subsequently sold by the PCBDDA for over Rs57 billion,” the report revealed.

The audit noted that possession of the land was handed over in January 2022, while a formal agreement between the two sides was signed a year later, in 2023.

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ISLAMABAD: The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has detected major irregularities in the sale and transfer of Walton Airport land in Lahore to the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA).

According to the AGP report, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) exceeded federal cabinet approval and transferred an additional 23.8 acres of land to the PCBDDA.

“The cabinet had approved the transfer of 52 acres in 2021; however, the CAA transferred 76 acres instead. The additional land was commercial in nature and was subsequently sold by the PCBDDA for over Rs57 billion,” the report revealed.

The audit noted that possession of the land was handed over in January 2022, while a formal agreement between the two sides was signed a year later, in 2023.

PIA incurs Rs9bn losses from free, discounted tickets, says audit

It said that the additional transfer was executed with the approval of the Board of Revenue and by informing the cabinet secretariat, but the matter was never placed before the CAA board.

In its response, the CAA said the cabinet secretariat had been informed before the transfer. However, the AGP termed the explanation unsatisfactory, stressing that the CAA had no authority to transfer land ownership or possession without explicit federal approval.

The AGP recommended a full inquiry to determine responsibility.

Efforts were made to obtain the version of the Pakistan Airports Authority and the CAA, but no response was received till the filing of this report.

SECP refutes AGP audit report, says financial decisions within law

In 2024, the Aircraft Owners and Operators Association Pakistan (AOOAP) called for a thorough inquiry into the sale of Walton Airport land, alleging that rules and regulations had been flouted.

“The sale of the land is a perfect case of violation of rules and regulations, and was carried out through deception,” the association said in a letter to the ministries of aviation and defence.

The AOOAP general secretary, retired wing commander Muhammad Nawaz Asim, had claimed the land was worth over Rs350 billion but was sold in violation of regulations.

“The most alarming aspect is that out of Rs50 billion (the sold amount), only Rs1 billion has been received in the accounts of the CAA. Where has the rest of the money gone? Who is the beneficiary, and who was used as a rubber stamp to facilitate such corruption?” the letter asked.

It alleged that a national asset had been compromised by land mafias in collusion with the CAA’s director general and other government officials.

The CAA and PCBDDA, however, rejected the association’s claims, terming them false and baseless.

They maintained that the transfer was a government-to-government transaction approved by both the federal and provincial cabinets in 2021.

It is worth mentioning that at the time of the land transfer, Khakan Murtaza was serving as the CAA director general.

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ISLAMABAD: An overseas Pakistani has accused a sub-inspector (SI) of Islamabad police of extorting more than Rs1.5 million under the pretext of securing a foreign visa.

In a video statement from Italy, the complainant, Danish, alleged that Sub-Inspector Azeem Minhas received over Rs1.5 million from him, promising to arrange a visa for his mother.

He further claimed that when he demanded a refund, the police officer not only refused but also threatened him.

According to Danish, the sub-inspector subsequently registered a false FIR against his family at Rawalpindi’s Banni Police Station, portraying the transferred money as repayment of a loan. He added that his cousin, Tanveer, was arrested in Lahore after asking Minhas to return the funds.

Danish, along with his sister Aneela, has appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Islamabad Police Inspector General Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi to intervene and ensure justice.

Islamabad Police spokesperson Taqi Jawad said no formal complaint had been received from the affected party so far. “Action will be taken strictly in accordance with law once an application is received,” he stated.

Sources said Sub-Inspector Minhas is currently serving on the staff of SSP Operations Mohammad Shoaib and has previously served as station house officer at multiple police stations in the capital.

In March this year, Islamabad Police had dismissed two sub-inspectors from service on charges of inefficiency, misconduct, and spreading propaganda against senior officers.

The officers — Sub-Inspector Asif Hayat Khan (ID-558) and Sub-Inspector Ishtiaq Hussain (ID-548) — were found guilty of repeatedly failing to complete important assigned tasks, creating embarrassing situations for the department, and undermining their superiors through internal propaganda, the orders said.

An inquiry conducted by the Additional Inspector General (AIG) for Investigations and Complaints found that both officers had a history of poor performance despite serving in various units of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police.

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