In the wake of the recent security threats, the government of Punjab has decided to cancel all public events and gatherings in the province, including the Baisakhi celebrations. The decision was taken due to the increased security concerns and the need to ensure the safety of the public.
According to the jail administration, the courts have been informed about the decision, and all prisoners will not be produced in court during the Baisakhi celebrations. The jail authorities have stated that the police personnel are busy with security duties, and it is not possible to produce the prisoners in court.
The defense minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, has confirmed that the attacker in the Islamabad bombing was a Pakistani citizen. The rescue teams have informed that four fire brigade vehicles are engaged in extinguishing the fire at the factory where plastic items are manufactured.
In a significant development, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has increased the electricity price by 28 paisa per unit for the month of December, citing fuel price adjustments. Former cricket captain Shahid Afridi has expressed his concern over the ongoing security threats, asking how much longer the nation will rely on mere condemnations and tweets instead of taking concrete action.
In a show of solidarity with the victims of the Islamabad bombing, the Council of Islamic Ideology held a protest at the Chourangi Chowk in Islamabad, attended by several prominent leaders, including Allama Sadiq Jafari and Allama Mubashir Hasan.
Punjab Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, has announced the cancellation of all her official engagements and activities on the occasion of Baisakhi. Interior Minister, Mohsin Nagvi, returned from Dubai and visited the Tralai Imam Bargah in Islamabad, while the Sindh government has canceled its cultural event, music program, in solidarity with the victims of the Islamabad bombing.
Defense Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, has stated that the attacker was a Pakistani citizen who had targeted the last row of worshippers during the prayers. Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has emphasized the need to eradicate the differences based on color, caste, and creed, saying that his family has made significant sacrifices for the sake of democracy.
In a separate incident, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, was diagnosed with a central retinal vein occlusion in his right eye, prompting medical experts to recommend follow-up treatment in the hospital. Khan was later shifted to the PIMS hospital for further treatment, which was carried out with his consent.
Senior Punjab Minister, Mian Muhammad Shafiq, has appealed to all citizens, parents, and youth to take responsibility for their safety and the safety of others, emphasizing the need to follow the law.
In a related development, the Pakistan embassy in Vienna hosted a special event on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, which was attended by Pakistani and international dignitaries. The event was chaired by Pakistani Ambassador, Kamran Akhtar, who reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Inspector General (IG) of Islamabad Police, Muhammad Ahsan Younis, has revealed that the deceased IG’s cousin was also among the victims of the bombing. According to government sources, the attacker had received training in terrorist activities from Afghanistan and had traveled to the country multiple times.
In a separate development, the Pakistani embassy in Norway hosted a panel discussion on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, which was chaired by former Norwegian Parliament Speaker, Akhtar Chaudhry.
Defense Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, has confirmed that the Islamabad bomber was a Pakistani citizen who had received training in terrorist activities from Afghanistan. Government sources have revealed that the attacker had traveled to Afghanistan multiple times and had received training in terrorist activities.
In a related development, Punjab Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, has announced the cancellation of all her official engagements and activities on the occasion of Baisakhi.
The cause of the attacker’s death remains unknown, and no suicide note has been found.
