A significant protest led by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi continued at Numaish Chowrangi, where JI Karachi Emir Mun’im Zafar strongly criticized the provincial government and police. Zafar accused authorities of being “silent spectators” to the loss of lives in traffic accidents and the pervasive issue of street crime. He further condemned the “cruel prices” of electricity and petroleum products in Karachi, demanding an explanation for the silence surrounding heavy traffic incidents. Zafar asserted that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government and the city’s mayor are unwilling to grant Karachi its rightful share, promising an announcement regarding future actions soon.
In other local news, Karachi Police successfully apprehended multiple individuals, including Jawad Qadri and Shahzeb Mullah, on allegations of involvement in an extortion ring. A somber discovery was made at Jinnah Terminal of Karachi Airport, where the body of a foreign airline’s station manager was recovered from the airline’s office. Police officials also confirmed the discovery of a missing woman’s body in Sector 11.5 of Orangi Town. Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab confirmed that police have taken action regarding incidents that occurred during Sindhi Cultural Day celebrations.
Nationally, new data from the 15 emergency hotline indicates a 28% decrease in crime-related calls. In an anti-smuggling operation, Rangers reported that suspects were transporting smuggled mobile phones from Balochistan, concealed within secret compartments. Weather conditions are impacting travel, with snowfall disrupting traffic on hilly routes and posing a risk of road closures in several areas. Motorway M1 has been closed from Peshawar to Rashakai, according to a Motorway Police spokesperson. Furthermore, police reported a robbery incident in Kot Samabah, where robbers looted Rs 600,000 from a citizen before fleeing.
Amid ongoing electoral processes, polling continues uninterrupted until 5 PM, with security assessments designating 84 out of 178 polling stations as “sensitive” and 54 as “highly sensitive.” The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has publicly rejected what it termed “propaganda by specific political elements.” In Islamabad, a local court issued a written order confirming a reconciliation between parties in a case concerning the deaths of two scooter riders, Samreen Hussain and Tabinda Batool, who were tragically killed in a vehicle collision. Separately, a leopard rescued five days ago in the Galiyat region, with the assistance of local residents, has now become a challenge for wildlife authorities.
Political statements also made headlines: Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain reiterated that the ideology of N-League President Nawaz Sharif remains rooted in civilian supremacy. Another Federal Minister, Ali Pervaiz Malik, acknowledged that managing losses currently presents a significant challenge for him. Rana Sanaullah stirred discussion by stating that political matters were progressing according to the wishes of Faiz Hameed, General Bajwa, and the founder of PTI.
In entertainment news, professional wrestler John Cena symbolically left his signature shoes, armbands, and wristbands in the ring. The Pakistani reality show ‘La Zawal Ishq,’ which drew comparisons to the British series ‘Love Island,’ has been removed from YouTube in Pakistan after 50 episodes had aired. On the international sports front, foreign media reported disputes between England’s cricket security staff and local media representatives in Brisbane and Adelaide. Lastly, actress Hania Aamir has continued to draw attention over the past few years due to reports of alleged cosmetic procedures, despite her widely recognized natural beauty.
