A man was arrested in Lahore for keeping an African lion illegally without a licence after the big cat escaped and ventured into a residential neighbourhood, said wildlife officials on Friday.
The Punjab Wildlife Department, with assistance from local police, carried out the arrest in the Shah Di Khoi area. The lion has since been safely relocated to a secure wildlife facility.
The escape, which occurred a day earlier, caused widespread panic and led to injuries to at least three residents, according to authorities. All victims received medical assistance and are in stable condition.
Lahore Deputy Chief Wildlife Officer Adnan Work confirmed that the individual had not obtained the required permit and had failed to meet safety regulations.
“Keeping wild animals in residential areas poses serious risks and strict action will be taken against such individuals,” he said.
The Wildlife Department has filed a case under the Punjab Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Act. Officials said unauthorised possession of dangerous wild animals is a non-bailable offence, carrying a penalty of up to seven years in prison and a fine of Rs5 million.
Senior Minister for Information and Environment Maryam Aurangzeb condemned the incident and announced a province-wide crackdown on illegal private ownership of exotic animals.
“We cannot allow anyone to jeopardise human lives. Enforcement of wildlife laws is a core part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s environmental protection agenda, and no leniency will be shown,” she said in a statement.
Authorities have urged the public to report illegal possession of lions, tigers, or other exotic wildlife by calling the Wildlife Helpline at 1107.
China has turned Pakistan into a laboratory to test its weapon systems, according to Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff. He further said that China provided real-time intelligence to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and became India’s backdoor adversary.
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The alliance between the two countries is such that China has now become India’s “backdoor adversary” and has turned Pakistan into a live laboratory to test its weapons and military systems, according to Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh, the deputy chief of the Indian Army.
As Turkey also stood with Pakistan in the conflict with India in May, India now essentially faces not one but three adversaries on its Western border, said Singh.
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In the India-Pakistan conflict in May, Pakistan relied heavily on Chinese and Turkish weapons and military systems. Pakistan used China’s PL-15 missiles, J-10 and JF-17 fighter planes, and HQ-9 air defence systems, and Turkey’s drones against India.
“We had one border and two adversaries — actually three. Pakistan was in the front. China was providing all possible support — 81 per cent of the military hardware with Pakistan is Chinese…China is able to test its weapons against other weapons, so it’s like a live lab available to them. Turkey also played an important role in providing the type of support it did,” said Singh at the ‘New Age Military Technologies: Industry Capabilities & Way Forward’ conference on Friday.
India launched Operation Sindoor on the intervening night of May 6-7 in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 people were killed. After India struck nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), Pakistan attacked military and civilian sites across northwestern India. In the four-day conflict, India responded by battering several Pakistani military sites, including airbases, radar sites, and air defence systems.
‘China is acting as backdoor adversary’
With such an axis that Pakistan has forged, India now essentially faces three adversaries on its Western border in the form of Pakistan, China, and Turkey, according to Singh.
As for the role of China, Singh said that it provided real-time support intelligence to Pakistan and this continued even at the negotiations were going on at the level of the directors general of military operations (DGMOs).
“Pakistan was the front face. We had China providing all possible support and it’s no surprise because if you were to look at statistics in the last five years, 81 per cent of the military hardware that Pakistan is getting is all Chinese. And China of course has the good old dictum ‘killed by a borrowed knife’ — the 36 stratagems that China talks about. So, they would rather use the neighbour to cause pain then getting involved in the mudslinging a match on the northern border,” said Singh.
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Even though major population centres were not attacked in the conflict in May, India should be prepared for it for future rounds of conflict.
Outside of Jammu and Kashmir, where civilian sites, including houses and religious places, were struck, attacks on civilian sites were not widely reported. India had said that Pakistan had launched missiles and drones at Amritsar, the holiest city for Sikhs, but those attacks were foiled.
Notably, Singh said that an Israeli Iron Dome-like system cannot work in India because of the size of the country.
“We do not have the luxury like we have been seeing the way Israel has with the Iron Dome and number of other air defense features that they have. We do not have a luxury because our country is vast so and such things cost a lot of money,” said Singh.
More than 5,500 police personnel will be deployed across Karachi on Friday for the security of 8th Muharram processions.
Stringent security measures are being taken across the country, such as army deployment as well as a crackdown on sectarian content and hate mongers, ahead of Ashura (Muharram 10), which will be observed on Sunday.
According to the Karachi police, as many as 829 processions and 5,227 majalis are scheduled to take place during the first 10 days of Muharram.
“Karachi police [are] performing [their] duties at various locations in the city for the security of the 8th Muharram processions,” said a statement from the office of Karachi’s additional inspector general of police.
A total of 5,543 police officers and personnel will be present to monitor and secure the central procession, the statement added.
It continued that apart from senior officers and 4,957 constables and head constables of the Karachi police, 586 NGOs will also be performing duty for the security of the central procession. Expert police snipers will also be deployed alongside the main procession.
“Traffic police officers and personnel have been deployed to maintain traffic flow on main procession routes and crossings, including alternative traffic routes arranged for the 8th Muharram procession, so as to keep the traffic flowing and keep the public safe from any inconvenience,” the statement said.
“The Karachi police are providing complete security to the mourners participating in the 8th Muharram processions.”
The statement urged the public to keep an eye on their surroundings and immediately inform the police on Madadgar 15 of any suspicious or unusual situation.
A day earlier, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said a total of 49,662 police personnel will be deployed across Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas, and Shaheed Benazirabad from 8th Muharram till Ashura to prevent any untoward incident.
He added that 14,546 police personnel would be deployed for security of majalis, while 35,116 to protect Muharram processions. He further said that over 14,000 additional personnel had been assigned to ensure security of all events.
Also on Thursday, the Karachi Traffic Police (KTP) issued a traffic plan for 8-10th Muharram, outlining the procession routes as well as alternative traffic flows.
According to the KTP plan, Muharram processions on all three days will depart from Nishtar Park and culminate at Hussainiya Iraniyan Imam Bargah after following their traditional fixed routes.
Due to security reasons, MA Jinnah Road will remain closed from Guru Mandir to Tower. Additionally, vehicles performing sabeel, niaz or tabarruk were instructed to enter the procession route at Tower/Memon Mosque.
PTI founder Imran Khan pictured after appearing at the Lahore High Court on March 17, 2023. — AFP
Imran not being allowed to speak to his sons, says Aleema.
Jail authorities have “refused” to provide him books as well.
Waqas Akram says preparations complete for nationwide protests.
Aleema Khan, sister of incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, on Friday said the party’s patron-in-chief had directed that the party should begin its movement against the government after the 10th of Muharram.
Speaking to media outside an anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi, she conveyed the PTI founder’s message, stating he said it would be better to establish a “monarchy” instead of implementing the 27th Amendment.
The announcement came days after the Supreme Court denied the party reserved seats for minorities and women in parliament.
On June 27, the SC’s constitutional bench ruled that the PTI was not entitled to reserved seats in the national and provincial assemblies.
Meanwhile, the government has warned the PTI against creating anarchy in the name of protest, emphasising that staging peaceful demonstrations was their constitutional right, but violence could not be permitted.
Aleema said that a plan for the movement has already been prepared, while the PTI founder has urged the masses to “come out for their freedom”. Imran has reiterated his stance that “imprisonment is better than slavery”, she maintained.
Imran’s sister further claimed that her brother was facing harsh conditions in jail, stating that his experience is unimaginable for his opponents.
She claimed that the PTI founder spends 22 hours a day in a cell and is only allowed out for two hours. “All jail facilities for the PTI founder have been terminated,” she alleged, adding that he is not allowed to speak to his children or access books.
In contrast, she drew a comparison with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, whose meals, she said, were delivered from home and who received hundreds of visitors.
She also said that Nawaz and his daughter were kept in “a rest house” with all facilities available.
On the other hand, Aleema said, Imran has not been allowed to speak to his sons for the past six months. “This continued denial is both inhumane and unlawful,” she wrote in a tweet.
Whereas, for the past eight months, as head of the largest political party in Pakistan, Imran has been barred from meeting his party members as well, she said, adding it amounted to denying his constitutional right to political consultation and leadership.
Meanwhile, PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram said his party first postponed the nationwide protests due to the Iran-Israel war, then it delayed it out of respect for Muharram days.
“Preparations of the party’s all provincial presidents are complete,” he said, talking to Geo News.
In the first phase, demonstrations would be held in provinces and districts, the PTI spokesperson said.
To a query, he said the party workers should not be exposed to live bullets.
“When the first bullet was fired, the PTI founder won,” he said.
To another query pertaining to KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s statement that he would carry weapons to the protest, Akram said Gandapur was talking about self-defence. “What the chief minister meant was that everybody has the right to self-defence,” he added.
The PTI spokesperson also said the PTI founder had directed Gandapur to lead the protest.
Three die in Karachi building collapse, several trapped under rubble
According to rescue officials, five injured people have been pulled out from the debris so far
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KARACHI (Dunya News) – A five-storey residential building collapsed in the Lyari area of the mega polis on Friday, leaving several people trapped under the rubble.
According to rescue officials, five injured people have been pulled out from the debris so far. Several others are still believed to be trapped beneath the wreckage, they added.
Rescuers are actively engaged in relief operations.
Rescue agencies, police, and Rangers arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and using heavy machinery to remove the debris in search of people stuck there.
Local residents are also assisting in rescue operations.
Eyewitnesses said that multiple families were living in the building, which was in a dilapidated condition.
Authorities have cordoned off the area and have urged citizens not to obstruct the ongoing rescue operations.
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A five-storey residential building collapsed in Karachi’s Lyari neighbourhood, claiming at least one life and injuring at least five people, rescue officials said on Friday.
All injured persons were shifted to the Trauma Centre at Civil Hospital Karachi, hospital sources confirmed. One person is in critical condition, while the others sustained minor injuries and are receiving treatment.
The collapse occurred in the Baghdadi area of Lyari.
Rescue personnel said five people, including three woman, were initially pulled from the rubble with injuries.
Authorities fear more individuals may be trapped beneath the debris. A rescue operation is ongoing.
Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah has taken the notice of the incident.
This is a developing story, more details to follow…
In a major development aimed at facilitating religious pilgrims, the government of Pakistan has increased weekly flights to Iran from six to fifteen and announced 107 special flights to Iraq for Arbaeen, a significant religious event observed forty days after Ashura.
These measures were finalised during an important meeting of the special task force established to streamline travel for pilgrims to Iran and Iraq.
The meeting was chaired by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and attended by Federal Ministers Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, and Talal Chaudhry, as well as top officials from civil aviation and other relevant departments.
During the briefing by Civil Aviation Authority officials, it was revealed that in addition to the increase in Iran-bound flights, elaborate arrangements have been made to operate 107 special flights for pilgrims travelling to Iraq for Arbaeen.
The task force also reviewed long-term facilitation plans, including the introduction of a ferry service in the near future.
Key security and logistics decisions were made during the session to enhance safety and convenience for pilgrims. A proposal to further increase the number of flights to Iran and Iraq was discussed.
The task force also agreed to reassess the ground travel arrangements for Arbaeen following Ashura to ensure updated security protocols are in place.
Significantly, the government has decided to overhaul the pilgrim management system. From January 1, 2026, the existing “Salar System” will be completely phased out, and only registered group organisers will be authorised to send pilgrims for religious visits abroad. As of now, 1,413 applications for group organiser registration have been received and are under scrutiny.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, while addressing the meeting, emphasised that the safety and well-being of pilgrims remain the government’s top priority. He stressed that in light of the current regional and security situation, every effort must be made to ensure pilgrims are protected from all forms of hardship or illegal exploitation.
The minister directed the FIA and relevant agencies to take robust action to prevent any misuse of pilgrimage arrangements for illegal travel to Iraq. He underscored the importance of strict enforcement and real-time screening to deter unauthorised movements.
The meeting also included participation from the secretaries of the interior, religious affairs, information, and foreign ministries, along with DG FIA, DG Civil Aviation, the Additional Chief Secretary of Balochistan, IG Balochistan, Commissioner Quetta, and other officials who joined the session via Zoom.
At least five people died and seven were injured after a five-storey building collapsed in Karachi’s Lyari area on Friday, officials said.
Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed confirmed to Dawn.com that five people were dead, including a woman, who succumbed to her wounds during treatment.
Four men and three women were wounded and brought to Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK), according to a list of patients shared by Dr Muhammad Sabir Memon, the executive director of CHK’s Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Institute of Trauma.
Five of those wounded had “minor injuries”, Dr Memon told Dawn.com.
Today’s incident comes days after a portion of a building collapsed in the city’s Kharadar area. However, no casualties or injuries were reported.
The Public Account Committee of the Sindh Assembly had directed the provincial government in December to take urgent steps to evacuate over 570 buildings declared “dangerous” by authorities across Karachi.
Rescue efforts were underway at the building situated on Fida Hussain Shaikha Road in Lyari’s Baghdadi neighbourhood, according to a statement from the Baghdadi police.
The eldest casualties were Fatima Babu and Hoor Bai, both aged 55 years, according to the hospital list. The other three deceased were identified as 21-year-old Prantic Arsi, 32-year-old Prem and 35-year-old Waseem Babu.
The injured were listed as 17-year-old Kishna Jumna Das, 25-year-old Rashid Aziz, 29-year-old Mujeeb Ali, 30-year-old Santia Chaitan and Chanda Jumma Lal, 45-year-old Ghulam Hussain, and 50-year-old Yousaf Subhan.
Saad Edhi of the Edhi Foundation told AFP that there could be “at least eight to 10 more people still trapped”, describing it as a “worn-out building”.
Police official Arif Aziz told AFP that up to 100 people had been living in the building.
Sindh’s Rescue 1122, in a statement, said its Urban Search and Rescue team, along with an ambulance and a disaster-response vehicle, had been dispatched to the building’s location “right after it was alerted about the incident”.
The Baghdadi police’s statement also said police and rescue teams were immediately sent to the site as several people were reported to be trapped under the rubble.
“Relief and rescue work is ongoing,” said Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab on X.
In April, a 10-year-old girl died when a three-storey building in Bhains Colony suddenly collapsed, while a man and a woman were pulled alive from the debris.
Roof and building collapses are common across Pakistan, mainly because of poor safety standards and the use of shoddy construction materials.
But Karachi, home to more than 20m, is especially notorious for poor construction, illegal extensions, ageing infrastructure, overcrowding and lax enforcement of building regulations.
Sindh CM seeks report
Taking notice of the incident, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah directed that rescue teams should immediately rescue those trapped under the rubble, while immediate medical assistance should be provided to the injured.
“This is an unfortunate incident; concerned authorities should submit an immediate report,” CM Murad was quoted as saying in a statement by his spokesperson Abdul Rashid Channa.
The statement noted that the chief minister was informed that five wounded people have been rescued from the rubble and rescue operations were still ongoing.
CM Murad also sought details of dilapidated buildings in Karachi from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA).
“Dangerous buildings should be identified immediately and practical steps should be taken to protect citizens,” CM Murad said. “Negligence will not be tolerated; protection of human lives is the top priority.”
Rescue officials at the site of a building collapse in Karachi’s Lyari area on July 4, 2025. — screengrab from video via author
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori expressed his grief over the incident and ordered rescue authorities to conduct “immediate, effective, and coordinated relief operations”.
In a statement, he directed that all available resources be employed to safely rescue those trapped under the rubble, and that “every possible facility” be provided to the affected families.
“Any kind of neglect or carelessness will be intolerable,” Tessori warned.
Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani also took notice of the incident and ordered the top officials of the relevant authorities, including the SBCA, to reach the site of the incident to monitor the rescue efforts.
“A report on the causes of the building collapse and all its reasons should be submitted immediately,” he said in a statement issued by his media consultant, Zubair Memon.
“All obstacles around the building should be removed to speed up the rescue operation,” Ghani added.
This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.
