Latest news with #TariqMehmood
Express Tribune
17-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Faith healer arrested for sexual assault
In Dhoke Elahi Bakhsh area of Waris Khan Police Station, a fake spiritual healer (pir) was arrested after he was accused of making inappropriate advances and threatening a woman while claiming to cure illnesses and exorcise jinns. According to police, the victim, a resident of Azad Kashmir suffering from epilepsy, had tried various treatments without success. She came across a video of the accused, Pir Khurram, on TikTok, who claimed to treat patients through spiritual healing. Her uncle, Tariq Mehmood, who was aware of her condition, contacted Pir Khurram and arranged an appointment. Pir Khurram demanded a fee of Rs100,000. On arrival, he collected Rs5,000 as an emergency payment and took the woman into a room to perform the spiritual healing. Observing her worsening condition, her uncle entered the room. At this point, Pir Khurram reportedly began inappropriate physical contact under the pretence of treatment and removed the woman's dupatta. He touched different parts of her body, claiming she was possessed by jinns and administered water that made her condition worse. When her uncle tried to take her to the hospital, Pir Khurram became angry, demanding the remaining Rs95,000.
Express Tribune
14-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Sugar price surges in city
The price of white refined sugar has risen by up to Rs25 per kilogramme since the start of Ramazan, as hoarding, profiteering and ineffective price regulation continue to disrupt the market. Consumers across Punjab are paying varying prices for the commodity, with significant disparities observed between the open markets, model bazaars and government-designated sugar sale points. A market survey revealed that at the beginning of the fasting month, sugar was available for Rs156-160 per kg at most retail outlets. However, the have surged to Rs160-165 per kg in wholesale markets and Rs180-185 in retail stores. Despite government efforts to stabilise prices, sugar is currently selling at Rs130 per kg at makeshift sale points, Rs153 at Utility Stores, Rs160-165 in model bazaars and Rs180-185 in open markets, highlighting a fragmented pricing structure. Critics argue that the government's inconsistent pricing policies have created distortions in the market, allowing hoarders and profiteers to exploit the situation amid heightened demand during Ramazan. "Every year during Ramazan, we face the same issue. Prices skyrocket, and no one takes responsibility. The government announces subsidies, but retailers charge whatever they want," said Aftab Ahmed, a shopper at a local market. Shopkeepers, on the other hand, claim they are also victims of the volatile pricing system. "We are buying sugar at inflated rates from wholesalers, so we have no choice but to pass the cost on to consumers," said Tariq Mehmood, a grocery store owner in Lahore.
