Cop injured in encounter with dacoits dies

LAHORE: A Dolphin Squad officer injured on Friday night in an operation against robbers succumbed to his injuries in hospital here on Saturday.

Dolphin Squad officer M Adnan embraced martyrdom. He got injured in Hair area due to firing of robbers. IG Dr Usman Anwar paid rich tribute to the martyred officer. He said Adnan sacrificed his life for protecting the lives and properties of citizens.

The IG assured that the family of martyr Adnan will be provided with best possible welfare. He directed DIG Operations to immediately arrest the culprits involved in the shooting. He directed that the other injured officer, Zafar, be provided with the best medical treatment.

50,500 cases registered against electricity thieves in 6 months

Punjab Police has intensified its crackdown on electricity thieves across the province on the direction of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Punjab Police spokesperson said that more than 50,500 cases have been registered against electricity thieves from January 1 to June 21 across the province. A total of 26,686 suspects involved in electricity theft have been arrested from all districts of the province.

In the provincial capital, 15,533 cases were registered, and more than 15,000 suspects were arrested. Over 30,729 cases of electricity theft have been completely challaned, resulting in penalties and fines for more than 3,600 individuals who caused losses to the national exchequer.

IG Punjab Dr Usman Anwar said that 660 police personnel in each district, including Lahore, are assisting in the ongoing campaign against electricity thieves. He instructed RPOs and DPOs to further intensify the crackdown across the province, emphasising a zero-tolerance policy and impartial actions against those harming the national treasury. IG Punjab directed that performance reports should be sent regularly to the Central Police Office.

Hotel basement catches fire, 8 rescued

A sudden fire erupted in a hotel in Muslim Town here on Saturday, prompting a swift evacuation of at least eight people. The incident occurred in a basement generator room led to an extensive emergency response to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of the occupants.

According to emergency services, a call was received reporting a fire that had broken out in the hotel's basement. Seven rescue emergency vehicles were immediately dispatched to the scene. Firefighters worked diligently to bring the blaze under control, focusing on containing it to the generator area and preventing it from spreading to other parts of the building. During the operation, firefighters successfully rescued eight individuals who were inside the hotel at the time of the fire. Among them, six people received first aid on-site for minor injuries and smoke inhalation.

Two individuals, experiencing severe breathing difficulties due to smoke inhalation, were swiftly transported to Jinnah Hospital for further medical treatment. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that it may have originated from an electrical fault in the basement generator.