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## Pakistan National News Briefing: Infrastructure, Governance, and Security Update
### Infrastructure & Weather Alert: Motorway Closures
Dense fog has severely impacted road traffic across Punjab, leading to significant closures of key national arteries. Motorway Police (MP) confirmed that extensive sections of the road network remain closed to ensure public safety.
**Key Closures:**
* Motorway M3: Closed from Darkhana to Rajana and from Jaranwala to Darkhana.
* Motorway M4: Closed from Gojra to Multan.
* Motorway M5: Closed from Multan to Zahir Pir.
The MP spokesperson strongly advised commuters regarding safety protocols. Visibility on the National Highway (NH) remains constrained to approximately 100 meters in several areas, including Kasowal, Iqbal Nagar, Chicha Watni, Mian Channu, Khanewal, Multan, Basti Malook, Lodhran, and Bahawalpur.
Authorities reiterated that **safe travel hours are strictly limited to 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.** Road users are directed to adhere rigorously to lane discipline, as violation remains a primary cause of accidents in low-visibility conditions. Citizens are urged to prioritize daytime travel.
In a separate infrastructure incident, a railway track near Humayun in the Shikarpur area was damaged by an explosive device, and a fire broke out at a CNG station in Nowshera.
### Security and Law Enforcement Roundup
**Kidnap Victims Rescued:**
In a significant security success, all 14 passengers who were abducted from a commercial bus traveling from Sadiqabad to Quetta have been safely recovered and released.
**High-Profile Arrests and Incidents:**
* **DSP Suspension:** Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Usman Haider was suspended following his arrest on charges related to the alleged murder of his wife and daughter.
* **Karachi Robberies:** Karachi’s Gulshan Hadeed area witnessed a spree of crime, with two superstores looted by two suspects over a two-day period.
* **Christmas Security:** Additional IG Karachi, Javed Alam Odho, chaired a high-level meeting to review and finalize security arrangements ahead of the Christmas holiday period.
### Political & Governance Developments
**New Appointments and Legal Action:**
* **Federal Tax Ombudsman:** Zafar Hijazi officially took the oath of office as the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) in Islamabad, administered by President Asif Zardari.
* **KP CM Controversy:** Proceedings have been initiated to declare Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi an absconder. Simultaneously, a petition was filed in the Peshawar High Court (PHC) seeking the removal of provincial minister Amjad Ali’s name from the Provisional Check List (PCL) and the national identity/exit list.
* **Prison Remission:** CM Sohail Afridi visited Central Jail Peshawar, where he announced a special two-month remission for prisoners.
**Inter-Party Engagements:**
Delegations from the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Aain-e-Pakistan (Movement for the Protection of the Constitution of Pakistan – TTAP) were active in Islamabad, holding meetings at the Jamaat-e-Islami office and later meeting with Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) chief Aftab Sherpao.
**Provincial Legislation and Environment:**
* **Sindh Assembly Resolutions:** Two key resolutions were tabled in the Sindh Assembly: one advocating for the modernization of the province’s fire brigade system, and another honoring the sacrifices made by the Pakistan Armed Forces and Biharis during the 1971 East Pakistan tragedy.
* **Balochistan Drought:** Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti highlighted the rapidly deteriorating drought situation in the province, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive planning to manage the crisis.
### Diplomatic Ties
The newly appointed Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, arrived at the Sindh Governor House. He subsequently met with Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, where discussions focused on strengthening Pak-UAE bilateral relations, investment opportunities, and other mutual interests.
### International and Human Rights Concerns
**HRCP Condemns Incident in India:**
The Human Rights Council of Pakistan (HRCP) issued a strong reaction concerning an alleged incident involving Bihar (India) Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who reportedly pulled the veil off a Muslim female doctor.
**Australian Heroism Acknowledged:**
The father of the civilian who courageously subdued an attacker at Sydney’s Bondi Beach confirmed that his son’s bravery was instrumental in saving the lives of dozens of innocent people.
### Miscellaneous
* **Bollywood Travel:** Noted Indian actor Anupam Kher opted to travel by train after missing a connecting Indigo flight from Varanasi to Khajuraho, describing the experience as interesting.
* **Political Figure Passes:** The passing of political figure Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo was confirmed by his family.
