A Karachi resident, reported missing from the city’s Baloch Colony this morning, has been successfully recovered in Larkana after allegedly being abandoned on a highway by his abductors. Authorities confirm the victim’s vehicle was found near the Jamshoro Toll Plaza. A First Information Report (FIR) had been registered by the son at the Baloch Colony Police Station, and legal procedures are underway to facilitate the citizen’s return to Karachi.
Meanwhile, environmental concerns continue to plague the nation. Lahore has once again ranked as the world’s second most polluted city, recording an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 337. Several other Pakistani cities are also experiencing severely polluted atmospheres. This environmental challenge is compounded by dense fog across various regions of Punjab, necessitating the closure of multiple sections of motorways for traffic safety. In related economic news, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) has urged the government to swiftly resolve the ongoing strike by goods transporters to prevent further disruption to trade and supply chains.
In security developments, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa saw significant counter-terrorism efforts, with security forces neutralizing 13 militants in operations across different areas of the province. Separately, police encountered resistance during a raid on Thandiani Road aimed at apprehending suspect Shamrez and his accomplices, who reportedly opened fire on officers.
The political landscape remains dynamic, marked by various statements and administrative updates. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Amir Muqam criticized Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi for allegedly avoiding discussions on the province’s pressing health crisis and hospital conditions. On the national stage, State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani asserted that the founder of PTI and his party are echoing the narrative of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif also revealed that he was pressured to condemn statements made by Nawaz Sharif. In Punjab, a senior provincial minister highlighted the province’s commitment to ensuring religious representation and freedom for all faiths, while also noting the dislodgment of those who had “occupied the country for four years.” Administratively, Balochistan’s Health Department completed the first phase of its AI-powered attendance system, registering employees across District Headquarters (DHQs) and medical colleges in all districts. In Quetta, actions were taken against violations of the election code of conduct pertaining to local government polls.
Internationally, Pakistan extended its condolences following the tragic shooting incident at a Sydney beach. President Asif Ali Zardari and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori separately conveyed their deep sorrow to the Australian High Commissioner in Pakistan. Reports from Sydney indicated that players of the Sydney Sixers were warming up nearby when the incident occurred, and were subsequently allowed relaxed communication rules, including access to phones, during the unfolding events.
In other news, a social media campaign targeting staff of the national airline (PIA) has been officially denounced as baseless and misleading. Furthermore, Pakistani youth Sheikh Naveed has been subjected to “propaganda” on Indian and Afghan social media, falsely portraying him as an attacker. On the cultural front, a new film project is set to highlight Lyari’s vibrant sports culture, rich heritage, and positive community aspects. Lastly, prominent YouTubers Rajab Butt and Nadeem Mubarak have approached the courts, seeking bail in a case related to the promotion of online gambling.
