Lahore has witnessed a massive deployment of police personnel and officials as part of the Basant celebrations, with over 10,000 officers and junior staff members tasked with ensuring security across the city. The city has been transformed into a vibrant spectacle, with colorful kites and patangis (traditional kite-flying gear) dominating the skies, while the rooftops are filled with the sound of drums and the chatter of patangbazos (kite-flying enthusiasts).
According to the Lahore police spokesperson, a total of 104 red zones, 92 yellow zones, and 72 green zones have been established across the city, along with rooftop patrols, overheard bridges, underpasses, and entry and exit points, where police personnel are stationed. The spokesperson also confirmed that 1,300 traffic police officials are on duty across the city.
Meanwhile, 44 motorcyclists have been arrested for allegedly violating safety regulations, and charges have been filed against them. The rescue services have reported that four fire engines are on the scene, working to extinguish a fire at a factory that manufactures plastic items.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has increased the price of electricity by 28 paisa per unit, effective from December, in line with the fuel price adjustment. Former cricketer Shahid Afridi expressed his concerns about the ongoing situation, stating that the frequency of terrorist attacks is increasing, and the government should take concrete steps to address the issue.
The National Assembly and the Senate have condemned the recent terrorist attack in Islamabad, with senior leaders, including Maulana Sadique Jafari and Maulana Mubasher Hassan, participating in a protest rally. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has canceled her Basant celebrations, while Interior Minister Mohsin Nawaz has returned to Islamabad from Dubai and visited the Tareen Imam Bargah.
The Sindh government has also canceled its cultural night music program in solidarity with the victims of the Islamabad blast. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed that the perpetrators of the attack will be brought to justice, and the state will provide full support to the victims and their families.
Meanwhile, a special ceremony was held at the Pakistani Embassy in Vienna, Austria, to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day, with Ambassador Kamran Akhtar Malik presiding over the event. The ceremony reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Occupied Kashmir.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad, along with Maulana Bashir Hussain Ammi, has been speaking to the media, revealing that the deceased IGP’s cousin was also among the victims of the blast. Government sources have confirmed that the suicide bomber had received training in terrorist activities from Afghanistan and had traveled to the country multiple times.
On the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, a panel discussion was held at the Pakistani Embassy in Norway, which was moderated by former Norwegian Parliament Deputy Speaker, Akhtar Chaudhry. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced that additional staff will be deployed at blood banks to ensure the availability of blood, while operation theaters are fully prepared and equipped to handle any emergency.
Interior Minister Khawaja Asif has confirmed that the suicide bomber was a Pakistani citizen. Government sources have also revealed that the bomber had received training in terrorist activities from Afghanistan and had traveled to the country multiple times.
Former US Secretary of Defense, Thomas DeNino, has stated that a one-sided nuclear deal is not sustainable, highlighting the lack of transparency and controls over China’s nuclear arsenal.
