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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Five terrorists killed in K-P's Hangu, say police
Listen to article At least five terrorists were killed during a security operation in Hangu's Zargari area on Saturday, local officials said. The joint operation was carried out by police and other law enforcement agencies after receiving intelligence about terrorists present in the area, Express News reported. A fierce exchange of gunfire took place, during which Hangu District Police Officer (DPO) Mohammad Khalid Khan and Doaba SHO Nabi Khan were injured, along with one officer from the security forces. DPO was reported to be in stable condition. He was initially moved to Kohat and is expected to be airlifted to Peshawar. Regional Police Officer (RPO) Kohat Abbas Majid Marwat accompanied him. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed contacted the injured officers to inquire after their health. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a telephonic conversation with DPO, who was injured during an operation against the Indian-sponsored proxy 'Fitna Al-Hindustan.' He inquired about his condition and commended his bravery and leadership. 'Under your command, the police team displayed immense courage and eliminated five terrorists of Fitna Al-Hindustan,' he said. He lauded the entire Hangu police team for their successful operation and described their action as a significant blow to terrorism. Naqvi also offered prayers for the swift recovery of DPO and SHO, who was also injured in the operation. 'You are the pride of the nation. We are proud of you,' he added.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
PR hikes passenger fares after diesel price surge
Pakistan Railways (PR) has increased passenger train fares by 2% following a rise in diesel prices. The freight sector has also seen adjustments, with coal rates up by 3% and fertiliser rates by 2%, officials confirmed, Express News reported. The price of diesel surged by Rs 11.37 per litre, imposing an additional daily cost of Rs 3.99 million and a monthly burden of around Rs 119.5 million on the state-owned operator. Pakistan Railways consumes approximately 350,000 litres of diesel per day. Meanwhile, PR is preparing to relaunch the refurbished Pak Business Express, a once-celebrated public-private partnership (PPP) train service that later collapsed due to operational and financial issues. Read: PR gears up for new Business Express The prime minister is expected to inaugurate the revamped train in the coming days, promising upgraded coaches, better seating, Wi-Fi, and improved catering. Launched in 2012 under a PPP between Pakistan Railways and Four Brothers Group, the train was intended to modernise travel on the Lahore-Karachi route. The private partner managed onboard services while PR provided locomotives and track access. However, the venture faced internal resistance from the railway bureaucracy and financial mismanagement by the private firm. Payment defaults led to legal disputes, and by 2015, PR took full control, ending the partnership.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Cyber Crime Agency summons Aleema Khan over 'anti-state' posts
Listen to article The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has issued a notice summoning Aleema Khan in connection with alleged anti-state activities carried out through social media. According to sources within the NCCIA, Aleema has been directed to appear in person at the agency's Lahore office in Gulberg-II on Thursday at 11:30 am. The summons relates to an inquiry linked to a case registered against her on May 27, 2025. Officials told Express News that the purpose of her appearance is to record a statement in her defence. The inquiry pertains to allegations that Aleema was involved in online activity deemed hostile to the state. Read More: PECA aimed at tackling digital threats, not silencing free speech: Tarar The notice warned that failure to comply would be interpreted as a refusal or inability to present a defence. It further stated that in the event of non-compliance, legal proceedings would move forward in absentia. The NCCIA cautioned that failure to appear could result in action under Section 174 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deals with non-attendance in response to an order from a public servant. In such a case, the agency said, arrest could be warranted. The federal government formally established the NCCIA last year, replacing the Federal Investigation Agency's cybercrime wing. The new body had been tasked with handling a growing number of online offences. At the time of the NCCIA's creation, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had stated that the authority was set up to address issues such as online harassment, misinformation, and the spread of anti-state propaganda, while safeguarding the digital rights of citizens.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Express Tribune
Another 'millionaire maid' arrested for jewellery theft in Karachi
Listen to article Police in Karachi's Defence area have arrested another domestic worker accused of drugging household members and looting their valuables, with investigators revealing that she had amassed wealth through similar crimes in both Karachi and Rawalpindi, Express News reported on Tuesday. According to South Investigation SSP Ali Hassan, the suspect — identified as Farzana Kausar alias Mehreen — allegedly stole jewellery worth Rs6.5 million from a bungalow in Karachi before fleeing the city. She was later traced and apprehended through technical surveillance. During interrogation, police said, the accused confessed to administering drug-laced green tea to the family members, rendering them unconscious before executing the theft. Read More: Govt strikes again with fuel price hike SSP Hassan revealed that the woman gained employment as a domestic help and used the position to target households in both Karachi and Rawalpindi. 'She admitted to committing multiple thefts in homes where she worked as a maid,' the senior officer said, adding that further investigation is underway to verify her claims and determine the full extent of her criminal activity. The police are also gathering details of similar thefts she claimed to have carried out in Rawalpindi, SSP Hassan confirmed. Also Read: Punjab speaker halts action against suspended PTI MPAs This arrest comes weeks after Clifton Investigation Police apprehended a domestic worker, Shahnaz, who was found to be leading an unusually lavish lifestyle. The accused had been employed for 14 years at a residence in Khayaban-e-Tanzeem, Defence Housing Authority, where she allegedly stole cash, jewellery, and other valuables in small increments without raising suspicion. According to Investigating Officer Saeed Theem, Shahnaz had accumulated multiple cars, motorcycles, flats, and a grocery store, and maintained bank accounts containing millions of rupees. Her assets came to light during the course of an ongoing investigation.
Express Tribune
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan-US relations strong, expanding across key sectors: US consul general
Listen to article US Consul General Lahore Kristin K Hawkins has said that Pakistan and the United States share a longstanding and enduring relationship, with cooperation expanding across sectors including agriculture, trade, education and cultural preservation. In an exclusive interview with Express News, Hawkins stated that agricultural experts from both countries are working jointly to tackle farming challenges faced in South Punjab and the US. She added that bilateral programmes in areas such as trade and agriculture can further strengthen mutual support. 'Our focus is to provide modern educational opportunities to Pakistan's youth,' Hawkins said. She highlighted the success of the English Access Micro-scholarship Program, launched in 2004, which has benefitted more than 27,000 Pakistani students, including 6,000 from Punjab. 🇺🇸 and 🇵🇰 are jointly preserving Multan's history and culture! CG Hawkins visited the City of Saints, where the U.S. is supporting restoration work at Multan's historic Ghanta Ghar. She also congratulated 150 students who completed a 🇺🇸-supported skills training program!… — U.S. Consulate General Lahore (@USCGLahore) July 14, 2025 'These students are contributing to a safer and more prosperous future for both nations,' she said. Over the last two years, the programme has expanded, reaching over 1,000 new students in Punjab, with 400 students from cities across South Punjab. Responding to a question on cultural initiatives, Hawkins said the US has supported nearly 35 cultural preservation projects in Pakistan under the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). Notable efforts include the conservation of historical landmarks such as Multan's Ghanta Ghar and local shrines. She also mentioned the establishment of 19 Lincoln Corners across Pakistan to provide students with access to modern technology, including 3D printing, digital libraries, and research journals, offering access to more than 40,000 scholarly articles. Lincoln Corners across Pakistan are hubs for learning, dialogue, and connection. 📚 In Multan, CG Hawkins visited Bahauddin Zakariya University and met with Lincoln Corner volunteers who shared how the space has helped them grow, personally and professionally, by providing a… — U.S. Consulate General Lahore (@USCGLahore) July 14, 2025 These centres also provide guidance on higher education opportunities in the US, while promoting technology and cultural exchange. 'In South Punjab, Lincoln Corners have been set up at Bahauddin Zakariya University in Multan and the University of Education in Vehari,' she said. Hawkins reiterated the US' commitment to fostering educational and cultural cooperation, particularly for youth empowerment in underserved regions.
