Briefs

PTI retracts claim two supporters

killed in clashes with police

ISLAMABAD: Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan and his party late on Tuesday retracted earlier claims that two supporters had been killed in clashes with police in the run-up to a planned "shutdown" of the national capital.

A spokeswoman for Khan's PTI blamed the error on conflicting reports on the ground and an over-reliance on local media. "Our party after scrutinizing the events is confirming that no human life was lost in the conflict," the spokeswoman said in a statement.

Imran himself tweeted late on Tuesday night "Glad to learn no PTI KP worker died" in the clashes, referring to supporters from his political stronghold of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in the northwest. The planned shutdown of the capital has been called off after a Supreme Court decision to investigate a case linked to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, as demanded by Khan's party. —Reuters

Imran is on ‘assignment’, claims Asma

By our correspondent 

LAHORE: Former president of Supreme Court Bar Association Asma Jahangir on Tuesday accused PTI Chairman Imran Khan of being on an ‘assignment’ of some hidden hands. However, she said, those who gave him (Imran) the ‘assignment’ would never let him become prime minister. Asma told media persons at Lahore High Court that Imran was waging war against democracy, not doing politics. There was a time when he wanted to become prime minister under the then military dictator Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf and now he claimed to fight against ‘dynasty’, she added. Asma said accountability of the rulers could not be carried out with the guns. She, however, condemned torture on political workers and asked the government to shun politics of containers.

Former MS Civil Hospital Jacobabad, others held

By our correspondent 

SUKKUR: The anti-corruption police arrested a former medical superintendent of the Civil Hospital of Jacobabad and an education officer in some corruption cases. The Circle Officer of the ACP of Jacobabad, Shaukat Rind, said that Abdul Shakoor Banghlani, education officer, had in October 2016 got demolished the Government Primary School, Rahim Khan Jakhrani, and later allegedly took away the material of the school. He said that they also arrested a former MS of the Civil Hospital of Jacobabad, Dr Shabbir Shaikh, and a clerk, Qurban Burriro, allegedly involved in misappropriation of a million rupees.

Man commits suicide

By our correspondent 

SUKKUR: A man committed suicide in Naushroferoz.    Reports said that Insaf Solangi committed suicide when his estranged wife refused to return home from the house of her father with whom she had been living since she had had a quarrel with her husband. Solangi made a last attempt on Tuesday to persuade his wife to come home, and upon her refusal committed suicide, said some of his relatives.

Five arrested in Mohmand search

By our correspondent

GHALLANAI: The security forces arrested five persons and seized a cache of arms during search operation in various areas in Michini area in Mohmand Agency on Tuesday, official sources said. They said the security forces launched a search operation in Yakkaghund area, Rahim Koroona, Kashi Kor and other areas and arrested five persons for having illegal weapons. The forces seized 303 rifles, several machine guns, seven rifles, 12 guns, pistols and ammunition. The accused were taken to the concerned Levies Post where further investigation was underway.

Woman among three killed in Bannu

By our correspondent

BANNU: Four persons, including a woman, were killed in separate road and firing incidents in the district on Tuesday, official sources said. They said Gul Mina Bibi was on her way in Norang Chowk in the limits of the City Police Station when gunmen fired at her, killing her on the spot. Motive behind the incident was stated to be women’s dispute. Meanwhile, gunmen fired at one Sher Alam in Sarwar Qala, killing him instantly. One Qaiser Khan was on his way home, when a motorcyclist struck him in the limits of the Kaki Police Station. He was killed on the spot. The motorcyclist fled the scene.

Woman shot dead in Nowshera

By our correspondent

NOWSHERA: A woman was shot dead at Gharibabad in Kheshgi Payan on Tuesday, official sources said. Usman Gul reported to the Nowshera Kalan Police Station that he along with his sister Sumera Bibi was on his way to local courts when Mukhtiar Gul, Inzar Gul and Inayat fired on them. As a result, Sumaira Bibi was killed on the spot.

CDA de-seals record of Land Rehabilitation Directorate

Islamabad: On the directions of Islamabad mayor and Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) Sheikh Anser Aziz the record of Land and Rehabilitation Directorate has been de-sealed. The record was sealed following the complaints regarding irregularities in the allotment of plots to the victims of Islamabad. In order to ensure transparency in the procedure of allotment of plots to the victims of Islamabad and discourage fake victims, new SOPs are being introduced which will help resolve genuine issues of victims.

CADD gets control of FMDC, FGH

By our correspondent

Islamabad: The federal government has placed its Federal Medical and Dental College and Federal General Hospital under the administrative control of the Capital Administration and Development Division. Necessary amendments will be made to the Rules of Business 1973 soon for the purpose. Earlier, the two entities located in Chak Shahzad on the outskirts of Islamabad were overseen by the Cabinet Division.

Dry weather to prevail across country

Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Tuesday forecast mainly dry weather for most parts of the country during the next 24 hours. According to the synoptic situation, continental air was prevailing over most parts of the country. The weather would remain dry in most parts of Punjab, KP, Sindh, Balochistan, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during the next 24 hours.

Three injured in Quetta blast

QUETTA: At least three persons suffered injuries in a blast took place at the office of Civil Defence in Balochi Street area of the provincial capital here on Tuesday.The police sources said that the staffers of Civil Defense, Quetta office, Balochi Street, were working at an explosive which went off leaving them injured. Three employees suffered injuries as the explosive exploded  at the Civil Defence office they said. The wounded were identified as Saif, Abdul Bari and Usman. The condition of Saif was critical.