***
## Body
### Criminal Investigations and Justice
**Dr. Wardah Murder Case Sees Major Advancement**
Significant progress has been reported in the high-profile case involving the kidnapping and murder of Dr. Wardah in Abbottabad. Police have successfully recovered the murder weapon—a rope used to strangle the victim—following information provided by the suspects. The investigation, led by Abbottabad Police, also yielded substantial financial evidence. Authorities recovered 10 gold receipts and checks amounting to PKR 12.3 million from the custody of Waheed Bala, the husband of Rida, who is identified as the alleged mastermind of the crime.
**Suspension in High Ranks**
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Usman Haider has been formally suspended following his arrest on charges related to the murder of his wife and daughter.
**High-Profile Passing**
The family of former Punjab Chief Minister Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo confirmed his passing.
### Diplomacy and Government Appointments
**Presidential Emphasis on Economic Ties**
President Asif Ali Zardari met with Maryam Madiha Aftab, Pakistan’s designated Ambassador to Ireland. During the meeting, the President emphasized the critical need to enhance economic partnerships and collaboration between Pakistan and Ireland.
**New Tax Ombudsman Sworn In**
Zafar Hijazi took the oath of office as the Federal Tax Ombudsman in Islamabad. President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath to Mr. Hijazi.
**Strengthening UAE-Pakistan Relations**
The newly appointed Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, visited Sindh Governor House. He met with Governor Kamran Tessori, and discussions centered on bolstering Pak-UAE bilateral relations, facilitating investment opportunities, and reviewing other matters of mutual interest.
### Security and Law Enforcement
**Successful Recovery Operation**
All 14 passengers who were kidnapped from a bus traveling from Sadiqabad to Quetta have been successfully recovered and safely repatriated by law enforcement agencies.
**Railway Track Damaged**
A section of the railway track near Humayun, in the vicinity of Shikarpur, was severely damaged following a deliberate explosion.
**Karachi Security Review**
Additional Inspector General (AIG) Karachi, Javed Alam Odho, chaired a high-level meeting focused on reviewing and bolstering security arrangements across the metropolis ahead of the Christmas holiday period. Separately, the Clifton area of Karachi reported two separate instances of two superstores being robbed by armed suspects within a two-day timeframe.
**Disaster Incident**
A fire erupted at a CNG station located in Noshehra.
### Provincial Governance and Legislative Actions
**Relief for Prisoners in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa**
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, visited the Central Jail Peshawar, where he announced a special two-month remission of sentences for prisoners across the province.
**Addressing Balochistan’s Drought Crisis**
Chief Minister Balochistan, Sarfaraz Bugti, stated that the drought situation in the province is worsening. He confirmed that the provincial government is developing comprehensive planning to mitigate the severe effects of the dry spell.
**Legal Challenge to KP Minister**
An application has been filed in the Peshawar High Court (PHC) seeking the removal of Provincial Minister Amjad Ali’s name from the Exit Control List (ECL) and the Provincial National Identity List (PNIL).
**Sindh Assembly Resolutions**
During a session of the Sindh Assembly, a resolution was introduced urging the government to modernize and upgrade the province’s fire brigade systems. Another significant resolution was passed commemorating the 1971 East Pakistan tragedy, specifically paying tribute to the sacrifices made by the Bihari community alongside the Armed Forces of Pakistan.
### Human Rights and Political Movements
**HRCP Condemns Indian CM’s Action**
The Human Rights Council of Pakistan (HRCP) issued a strong reaction condemning the action of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who publicly pulled the veil (niqab) off a Muslim female doctor in the Indian state. [Note: This incident was reported twice in the source text, confirming its significance.]
**Political Consultations**
Delegations from the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Aaeen-e-Pakistan (Movement for the Protection of Pakistan’s Constitution) visited the Jamaat-e-Islami office in Islamabad and also met with National Watan Party chief Aftab Sherpao as part of ongoing political consultations.
### International Briefs
**Heroism in Australia Recognized**
Muhammad Fateh, the father of the citizen who bravely confronted and subdued an attacker during the recent terrorist incident in Sydney, Australia, confirmed that his son’s courageous actions saved the lives of dozens of innocent people.
**Indian Police Statement on Terror Suspect**
Indian police released a statement concerning Sajid Akram, a suspect linked to terrorism activities at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
**Bollywood Actor Opts for Rail Travel**
Renowned Bollywood actor Anupam Kher shared his positive experience of traveling by train after missing an Indigo connecting flight from Varanasi to Khajuraho, describing the journey as ‘interesting.’
