410 smoky vehicles fined in drive to check smog

LAHORE : In an effort to curb the growing issue of smog, authorities have launched an intensified crackdown on pollution-causing vehicles in the city.

In a single day, over 410 vehicles emitting excessive smoke were fined more than Rs800,000, according to Lahore Traffic Police spokesperson.

In addition to smoke-emitting vehicles, 219 vehicles transporting materials like sand and soil without proper coverings were also fined. These uncovered vehicles contribute significantly to airborne dust and particulate pollution, further aggravating the city's air quality issues. To enhance enforcement, the Traffic Police, the Environment Protection Department, and the Mines Department have formed six joint teams to monitor and penalise vehicles that violate environmental regulations.

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Ammara Athar emphasised that tractor trolleys operating without adequate safety measures, including water spray systems or tarpaulins to prevent dust dispersal, will not be allowed on roads.

In line with this directive, CTO Athar has also ordered an increased mobilisation of anti-encroachment teams to ensure stricter enforcement and awareness across the city.

Man held for harassing woman

Acting promptly on 15 emergency call, Mustafa Town Police arrested a suspect accused of harassing a woman at a bus stop.

The suspect, identified as Majid Mashooq, allegedly approached and harassed the woman as she waited alone at the Canal View Society bus stop on Canal Road.

The police spokesperson stated that the suspect began making inappropriate gestures upon seeing the woman alone.

When the woman raised an alarm, Majid attempted to flee the scene. However, police conducted an intelligence-based operation and successfully apprehended the suspect shortly after the incident. A case has been registered against Majid.

670 grams heroin seized from Sharjah-bound passenger

Our correspondent

LAHORE

The Airport Security Force (ASF) has seized 670 grams of brown heroin from a Sharjah-bound passenger at the Allama Iqbal International Airport on Wednesday.

According to details, ASF staff flagged the luggage of passenger M Naeem on a Sharjah-bound flight after detecting narcotics hidden within the luggage. The drugs were skillfully concealed within the inner layers of the bag. However, 670 grams of brown heroin detected after a thorough search by the ASF personnel, successfully foiling an attempted smuggling bid.

The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) officials also confirmed the presence of 20 drug-filled capsules in the stomach of suspect following a screening. After an initial investigation, the suspect along with the seized narcotics was handed over to the ANF for further legal proceedings.

Fraudster arrested

Yakki Gate Investigation Police arrested a suspect involved in defrauding citizens by posing as a doctor and promising them jobs in exchange for large sums of money. The suspect, identified as Naveed, was apprehended following an intelligence-led operation that combined modern technology with human intelligence.

Naveed had fabricated official-looking documents, including fake waiting cards and stamps, to deceive his victims. During questioning, the suspect confessed to multiple instances of similar fraud, in which he acquired cash and valuable items under the guise of securing employment for unsuspecting citizens.

Four killed on roads

At least four people died, whereas 1,331 were injured in 1,231 accidents in all 37 districts of Punjab during the last 24 hours. Out of these, 543 people with serious injuries were shifted to different hospitals, while 788 victims with minor injuries were treated at the incident site by Rescue Medical Teams.

3,662 search operations conducted

Police conducted 3,662 search operations this year to uphold law and order. These operations involved checking over 108,000 houses, more than 63,000 tenants, and approximately 256,000 individuals. A police spokesman confirmed that over 254,000 individuals were cleared after verification, while legal actions were initiated against 1,967 people for various offenses.

Among those, 526 individuals faced action under the Tenancy Act, and 423 proclaimed offenders were apprehended. The police registered 189 cases for drug possession, detained 162 individuals under Section 55/109 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, filed 267 cases related to illegal weapons, and 133 cases for alcohol consumption.

To maintain peace, police inspected 128 hotels, 36 guesthouses, 89 hostels, 30 bus stations, 46 warehouses and factories, 7,408 shops, and 68 mosques and religious seminaries. CCPO Bilal Siddique Kamyana emphasised the need to continue daily search operations against lawbreakers and urged supervisory officers to personally oversee these efforts.

Cop wins two medals in US

Lahore police Constable Asim Raza has earned international recognition by winning two silver medals for Pakistan at the World Fitness Championship, held in Las Vegas, USA.

Competing in the 80-kg bodybuilding category, Constable Raza represented Pakistan among athletes from 42 countries, including the United States, India, Germany, Mexico, and Australia.

In a ceremony to honour Raza’s achievement, SP Headquarters Ahmed Zunair Cheema congratulated him and presented certificates of appreciation for his efforts in raising Pakistan’s flag on the global stage.

The World Fitness Championship was organised by the World Fitness Federation, USA, showcasing elite talent from around the globe in bodybuilding and fitness.