fia-12

FIA Uncovers Alleged Fake CNIC Network Facilitating Afghan Nationals

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Anti-Corruption Circle, in a joint intelligence-based operation with other law enforcement agencies, has uncovered a network allegedly involved in providing Pakistani national identity cards (CNICs) to Afghan nationals through forged documents. Four suspects, including officials of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), were arrested during the operation.

According to an FIA spokesperson, the Anti-Corruption Circle carried out the joint intelligence-led operation with other law enforcement agencies and arrested four individuals allegedly involved in illegally preparing forged documents for Afghan nationals.

The spokesperson identified the arrested suspects as NADRA Assistant Director Inam-ul-Haq, NADRA Deputy Assistant Director Fayyaz Ahmed, NADRA security guard Junaid Ahmed, and private agent Muhammad Umar Shah. Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects were allegedly involved in facilitating the issuance of fake identity documents for Afghan nationals, tampering with official records, and other illegal activities.

The spokesperson said initial evidence has indicated possible links between the network and terrorist elements, adding that a detailed investigation is underway. During the operation, authorities seized important records and other evidence, while the scope of the investigation has been expanded.

According to the FIA spokesperson, further significant revelations and arrests are expected during the course of the investigation. The agency said all facilitators and key individuals associated with the network would be brought before the law. The FIA and other law enforcement agencies reaffirmed their commitment to continuing indiscriminate action until the complete elimination of networks involved in activities affecting national security, facilitating terrorism, issuing fake identity documents, and engaging in organized crime.

lahore high court

Lahore High Court Upholds Death Sentences in Motorway Gang Rape Case

The Lahore High Court has issued its detailed judgment rejecting the appeals filed by the convicts against their death sentences in the motorway gang rape case.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Shehbaz Rizvi released the 17-page judgment, stating that crimes of this nature against women create fear and insecurity in society. The court observed that unnecessary leniency in such grave offences would be against the principles of justice and the dignity of the law.

According to the written verdict, DNA evidence is one of the most reliable means of establishing the truth. The blood samples collected from the crime scene matched the DNA of convict Abid Ali. The court said forensic evidence supported the prosecution’s case and that the convicts’ mere denial could not outweigh the strong medical, eyewitness, and forensic evidence presented before the court.

The judgment further stated that the convicts completely violated human dignity and the sanctity of a woman’s autonomy. It described the offence as one of the worst forms of sexual violence and said the crime had shaken the conscience of the court. The court observed that the actions of the convicts spread fear, insecurity, and anxiety in society, describing the crime as extremely brutal and inhumane. It also noted that the victim’s credible testimony alone could be sufficient to uphold the conviction.

Also Read: Constitutional Court Clarifies Limits of Judicial Intervention in Appointments at Public Universities

The Lahore High Court further stated that in sexual assault cases, the victim’s statement carries exceptional importance when supported by medical and forensic evidence. The court noted that the victim identified both convicts without hesitation during the trial and had also correctly identified them during the identification parade. It added that the convicts did not raise any objection to the identification parade procedure.

The judgment emphasized that the identity of the victim in rape cases must remain confidential as required by law and cannot be disclosed under any circumstances. It further directed that trial courts should not allow questions during cross-examination that could reveal the victim’s identity. The court also noted that the victim’s medical examination confirmed evidence of sexual assault and resistance, while DNA obtained from the victim’s clothing and samples matched both convicts.

The court also ruled that the absence of recorded statements from the minor children did not affect the prosecution’s case. It upheld the death sentences awarded to convicts Abid Malhi and Shafqat Baga.

The judgment noted that the Lahore High Court had announced its decision rejecting the convicts’ appeals against their sentences on June 3, 2026.

petrol price

Petrol Pumps Owners Postpone Nationwide Strike After Government Assurances

The Petrol Pumps Owners Association and the Dealers Association have announced the postponement of the strike that was scheduled for tomorrow.

According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association, the strike call has been deferred after the government assured petroleum dealers that their profit margin would be increased. The association said it was postponing the planned protest in view of the government’s commitment to address its concerns.

Secretary Information of the Petrol Pumps Owners Association, Nadeem Khan, said the association had been assured that its demands would be fulfilled. He expressed hope that the issue of the commission for pump owners would be resolved within two weeks. He also said that the government had proposed running the daily pricing system on a trial basis for two weeks.

Also Read: Federal Cabinet Approves New Daily Pricing Mechanism for Petroleum Products

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik said the government had assured petrol pump owners and dealers that their issues would be resolved within two weeks. He added that if the matters were not resolved during this period, the government would hold further discussions with them and continue efforts to find a solution.

Ali Pervaiz Malik further said that the government does not want anyone to accuse it of playing a role in unjust profiteering. He stated that just as petrol prices increased in line with international market trends, they also came down accordingly. He added that the benefits would be passed on to the public as soon as possible through the same formula in a transparent manner.

Rawalpindi Taxi Driver

Viral Video Captures Dispute Between Foreign Woman and Taxi Driver in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI: A video showing an altercation between a foreign woman and a taxi driver in Rawalpindi has surfaced on social media.

The viral video shows the foreign woman and the taxi driver arguing on a busy road in Rawalpindi.

The footage shows the two engaged in a physical confrontation while people nearby intervene to stop the fight.

During the incident, bystanders asked the taxi driver about the reason for the dispute. He said the woman was refusing to pay the taxi fare, which he said amounted to Rs700. The people attempting to resolve the situation assured the driver that they would pay the fare and urged both sides to end the dispute.

 

Court

Lahore High Court Says Khula Does Not End Wife’s Right to Dower

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has dismissed a husband’s petition against a Family Court ruling, holding that mental, verbal, and financial abuse also fall within the category of cruelty.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani of the Lahore High Court dismissed the husband’s petition in a khula case and upheld the Family Court’s decision.

The court ruled that obtaining a decree of khula does not automatically extinguish a wife’s right to dower (haq mehr). It stated that if cruelty by the husband is established, the wife remains entitled to her dower. The court further held that physical, mental, emotional, verbal, and financial abuse all constitute cruelty.

According to the court, the petitioner contracted marriage on March 18, 2022, with a dower fixed at Rs100,000. The woman later filed a suit in the Family Court seeking khula, maintenance during the iddat period, and recovery of her dower. She stated that her husband began abusing her after she demanded payment of the dower.

The court order stated that the Family Court dissolved the marriage and directed the husband to pay the wife 50 percent of the dower. The trial court also declared the husband’s appeal inadmissible. The petitioner subsequently challenged the trial court’s decision before the Lahore High Court. The court observed that the credible testimony of a wife can be sufficient to establish cruelty.

Also Read; Court Sentences Farrukh Khokhar to Life Imprisonment in Majid Satti Murder Case

The Lahore High Court further ruled that the absence of a medical report or a First Information Report (FIR) does not invalidate a claim of cruelty. It added that failing to provide maintenance, asking the wife to seek money from her parents, and forcing her out of the house may also amount to cruelty. The court said the Family Court will decide each case relating to dower based on its specific facts. It further held that once cruelty is proven, the dower cannot be reduced or divided.

The Lahore High Court also ruled that a court cannot grant a decree of khula without the wife’s clear consent. It directed that Family Courts must place on record the reasons for every decision concerning dower and dismissed the petition with multiple directions.

AJK Election

AJK Election Commission Revises Schedule for Legislative Assembly Elections

MUZAFFARABAD: Chief Election Commissioner of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Justice (R) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, along with Senior Election Commission Member Khawaja Muhammad Ahsan, Election Commission Member Syed Nazir-ul-Hassan Gilani, and Election Commission Secretary Raja Muhammad Shakeel Khan, held a press conference to announce amendments to the schedule for the general elections of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

The Chief Election Commissioner said that elections in the Mirpur Division will be held on the previously scheduled date of July 27.

He further announced that polling in the Muzaffarabad Division will take place on August 2, while polling for the 12 seats reserved for refugees residing in Pakistan will also be held on August 2.

He added that polling in the Poonch Division will be held on August 10.

Justice (R) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said that free, fair, transparent, and peaceful elections will be ensured and that the election schedule was revised after consultations with all political parties.

He said that the Election Commission remains committed to conducting free, fair, impartial, and peaceful elections.

The Chief Election Commissioner of Azad Kashmir also announced that international observers and journalists will be granted full permission to cover the elections.

Noreen niazi and barrister Gohar

PTI Distances Itself From Noreen Niazi’s Statement on ‘Marka-e-Haq’

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar has said that Noreen Niazi’s statement regarding the “Marka-e-Haq” is not the party’s official policy.

Speaking to the media in Rawalpindi, Barrister Gohar said that every Pakistani is proud of the success in the “Marka-e-Haq”. He added that Pakistan’s defense is strong and that no enemy can defeat the country.

The PTI chairman said that, according to his information, Noreen Niazi’s interview was recorded three months ago. However, he stated that the remarks expressed her personal views and do not represent the party’s policy.

Barrister Gohar said that the party had been trying to improve the situation and believed that old issues should not be reopened. He added that this is a time to take “one step back.”

Also Read: PTI Dissident Lawmakers Write to Barrister Gohar, Allege Attempts to Sideline Imran Khan

He also said that Maulana Fazlur Rehman has clarified his statement, adding that certain remarks may be made in the heat of the moment during speeches, but “what is wrong is wrong.”

Barrister Gohar further said that some matters should not be discussed publicly so that the situation can move toward improvement, adding that there are certain issues that should not be touched.

Regarding the elections in Azad Kashmir, Barrister Gohar said that the party’s decision to boycott the polls remains in place. However, he said the decision could be reconsidered if the situation improves. He added that there had been an opinion within the party in favor of reviewing the boycott decision, but no consensus was reached.

petrol price

Petrol Pump Owners Announce Indefinite Nationwide Strike After Talks With Government Fail

ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association has announced an indefinite nationwide strike after negotiations with the government over the daily pricing of petroleum products ended without an agreement.

In a video message, All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association leader Nauman Butt said that talks with the Federal Minister for Petroleum failed to produce any positive outcome. He said discussions on dealers’ margins and the implementation of daily fuel pricing remained unsuccessful.

Following the failure of the negotiations, he announced that all petrol pumps across the country would remain closed from 12:00 a.m. on July 22. He added that the nationwide strike would continue until the association’s demands are accepted.

The association also directed all petrol pump owners to fully participate in the strike and appealed to them to keep all petrol pumps completely closed from midnight on July 22.

Meanwhile, All Pakistan Petroleum Retailers Association central leader Shoaib Khan formally announced support for the strike. He urged the government to make positive decisions on the retailers’ legitimate demands, adding that petrol pumps would remain closed until those demands are accepted.

Also Read: Federal Cabinet Approves New Daily Pricing Mechanism for Petroleum Products

The All Pakistan Petroleum Retailers Association also announced its full support for the nationwide strike, stating that it would strongly back every protest against what it described as illegal and unethical actions by the government.

The association said it stands with petroleum retailers across Pakistan on the issue of the strike.

In addition, the All Pakistan Petroleum Retailers Association expressed nationwide unity and solidarity and announced its full support for the ongoing protest in favor of the demands.

PTI

PTI Dissident Lawmakers Write to Barrister Gohar, Allege Attempts to Sideline Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD: Dissident members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have written a letter to party Chairman Barrister Gohar, claiming that efforts are being made on various occasions to systematically sideline PTI founder Imran Khan.

In the letter, the dissident lawmakers stated that the provincial assembly’s “Release Movement” has a single-point agenda focused on securing the release of the PTI founder. They urged the party leadership to formulate a strong and comprehensive strategy while making every possible effort for his release.

The lawmakers said that Barrister Gohar had clearly assured them that a meeting with Allama Nasir Abbas, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, and the central party leadership would be arranged soon. However, they stated that they have neither been informed of any progress nor witnessed any practical developments in this regard.

The dissident members requested Barrister Gohar once again to immediately arrange a meeting with Allama Nasir Abbas, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, and the central leadership.

Also Read: Iran Announces Resumption of UAE Flights from July 1 Following Ceasefire Agreement

The PTI dissident lawmakers further claimed that attempts are being made on various occasions to systematically sideline the party founder. They said that although their leader’s photograph was displayed at the opening ceremony of the Premier League event in Peshawar, no introductory or awareness program about him was presented.

They also alleged that the provincial government is deliberately trying to ignore or sideline the PTI founder and has developed unusually close relations with other political parties, particularly the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

The dissident lawmakers further claimed that substantial funds were allocated to opposition parties in the budget, while at a recent cricket stadium event, the Governor and other opposition leaders were given unusual importance and publicity.

Noreen Niazi NCCIA

Noreen Niazi Seeks Name of Complainant in NCCIA Case Through Lawyers

ISLAMABAD: Noreen Niazi, the sister of the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has asked the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to disclose the name of the person who filed the complaint against her.

According to the details, despite being summoned in connection with a controversial statement, Noreen Niazi did not appear before the NCCIA. Following her absence, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has summoned her again on July 27.

Instead of appearing in person, Noreen Niazi submitted her response to the investigating officer through her lawyers. The reply raises several legal objections.

According to the written response, Noreen Niazi’s address is in Lahore, and therefore the Islamabad-based investigating officer does not have the legal jurisdiction over the matter.

Also Read: NCCIA Arrests Two in Lahore, Multan for Anti-State Social Media Posts

Through her lawyers, Noreen Niazi also requested that the authorities disclose the name of the individual who lodged the complaint against her.