A significant development in the Dr. Wardah murder case unfolded as the prime fugitive suspect, Shamrez, was killed in a police encounter on Thandyani Road. According to police reports, a raid to apprehend Shamrez escalated into a shootout when he and his accomplices opened fire on the law enforcement team. District Police Officer (DPO) Haroon-ur-Rashid confirmed that three suspects, including Dr. Wardah’s friend and alleged mastermind Rida, were involved. Shamrez was neutralized in the retaliatory police action. Four suspects, including Rida and her husband, have been arrested in connection with Dr. Wardah’s murder. The investigation revealed that Dr. Wardah had entrusted 67 tolas of gold to Rida. Rida allegedly lured Wardah under the pretext of returning the gold, after which Wardah’s body was discovered in a desolate area near Thandyani.
In other news, Deputy Commissioner Bahawalpur, Syed Hassan Raza, suspended three members of the Para Force. Elsewhere, security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa conducted operations across various regions, resulting in the elimination of 13 militants. Law enforcement officials also reported that a citizen who went missing from Baloch Colony was safely located in Larkana; a case had been filed by his son at the Baloch Colony police station. In Quetta, actions were initiated against violations of the electoral code of conduct pertaining to local government elections.
The national political landscape saw various statements. PML-N leader Amir Muqam criticized Chief Minister Sohail Afridi for allegedly avoiding discussions on the health crisis and hospital conditions in his province. Minister of State for Finance, Bilal Azhar Kayani, claimed that the founder of PTI and his party were echoing the rhetoric of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated he was pressured to condemn a statement made by Nawaz Sharif. Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb affirmed the province’s commitment to representing all religions without fear, adding that those who had “occupied” the country for four years have been dislodged.
On the international front, President Asif Ali Zardari and Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori separately extended their deepest condolences to the Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan following the tragic shooting incident at a beach in Sydney. During the incident, players of the Sydney Sixers cricket team were warming up nearby; protocols were relaxed to allow them access to phones. Domestically, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) officials declared a social media campaign targeting its staff as baseless and misleading. Furthermore, allegations surfaced regarding Indian and Afghan social media propagating misinformation by labeling Pakistani youth Sheikh Naveed as an assailant.
Environmental and economic concerns also drew attention. Several Pakistani cities were declared highly polluted, with Lahore ranking as the second most polluted major city globally, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 337. Persistent severe fog across Punjab led to the closure of several sections of motorways for traffic. The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) urged the government to swiftly resolve the ongoing strike by goods transporters. In Balochistan, the provincial health department announced the completion of the first phase of an AI-powered attendance system, registering employees from District Headquarters (DHQs) and medical colleges across all districts.
Culturally, a film is reportedly underway to highlight Lyari’s vibrant sports culture, rich heritage, and positive aspects. In legal news, YouTubers Rajab Butt and Nadeem Mubarak have sought pre-arrest bail from the courts in a case related to the promotion of online gambling. Authorities also reported a tragic incident where two individuals were found deceased at a residence after a family member visited.
