^{Pakistan! 2026} Military says 11 security forces personnel killed in attack on checkpost in northwest Pakistan, Desperation grips Lahore as woman and student attempt suicide in separate incidents, Two Drugs Peddlers Sentenced To Different Terms By Courts In Attock, Two More Witnesses Testify In TikToker Sana Yousaf Murder Case, Four Drug Traffickers Get 42 Years Imprisonment, Pakistan begins Tralai Kalan tragedy compensation payouts, Court issues Aleema Khan’s non-bailable arrest warrant over repeated absence, Pakistani TikTok influencer gang raped in Jacobabad, Deadly explosions in northwest Pakistan kill three wound over 20, What we know so far about Gul Plaza fire in Karachi, Controversial tweets case: Court declines request of defence reissues arrest warrants for Iman Mazari husband, Suspect accused by police of abusing ‘over 100 children’ arrested in Karachi, Lahore TikToker arrested for playing vulgar song on road while making video, Court declares Khadija Shah three others proclaimed offenders in May 9 case, Rawalpindi university student rapes class fellow multiple times on false marriage promise, Karachi quadruple murder suspect apprehended

2026.2.17 Military says 11 security forces personnel killed in attack on checkpost in northwest Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: A militant attack on a joint checkpost of security forces and law enforcement agencies in northwest Pakistan this week killed eleven security personnel and a child, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday, marking the latest in a series of attacks in a region bordering Afghanistan.
Pakistan has witnessed a steady rise in attacks in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, with most violence targeting police and security forces in former tribal districts along the border.
Islamabad says the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant group has reorganized across the frontier and operates from safe havens inside Afghanistan, a charge Kabul rejects, insisting it does not allow its territory to be used against other countries. Pakistan also accuses India of supporting the TTP and Baloch separatist militant outfits, a charge New Delhi has always denied.
Pakistani military’s media wing said the latest attack took place at a joint checkpost for security forces and law enforcement personnel in the northwestern Bajaur district. It added that the attack was carried out by the “Fitna al Khwarij,” a term the military frequently uses to describe the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or Pakistani Taliban group.
“In their desperation, the attackers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall,” the Inter-Services Public Relations, the military’s media wing, said.”Due to blast impact infrastructure at checkpost collapsed, resultantly eleven brave sons of soil rendered the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat [martyrdom].”
The ISPR said militants’ attempts to breach the checkpost security was thwarted by security forces. It said the attack was repelled and in the process, security forces killed 12 militants.
The military said civilian residential buildings within close proximity of the checkpost also suffered “severe destruction” due to the explosion. One girl was killed while seven others, including women and children, were injured in the attack.
The ISPR said security forces were carrying out sanitization operations in the area to hunt down any other militants.
“The sacrifices of our brave soldiers and innocent civilians further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs,” the ISPR vowed.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister’s office condemned the suicide bombing in a statement.
“The martyrdom of security personnel and a child in the terrorist attack is extremely tragic,” the statement said, adding that emergency services had been instructed to speed up rescue efforts.
Districts along Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan, including Bajaur and Bannu, have repeatedly been targeted in bombings and assaults on security checkpoints since a fragile ceasefire between Islamabad and the TTP collapsed in late 2022.
Security forces continue to conduct intelligence-based operations in the region, but patrols and outposts remain frequent targets.

2026.2.17 Pakistani TikTok influencer gang raped in Jacobabad
JACOBABAD – A TikTok influencer, Shaherbano known as Sara, was reportedly gang raped by four men in Jacobabad city of Sindh.
The victim has registered a case against suspects at the Airport Police Station to file a complaint. The suspects have been identified as Akmal Wagho, Molabakhsh Gulwani, Peral Jakhirani, and an unidentified individual.
The victim stated in her complaint that the assailants lured her under the pretext of making a video and, with the use of weapons, held her hostage before allegedly assaulting her.
Police have arrested one of the suspects, Akmal Wagho, while efforts to apprehend the remaining culprits are ongoing.
DNA samples from the victim have been sent to the laboratory for further investigation, and the authorities assure that the remaining suspects will soon be brought to justice.

2026.2.17 Four Drug Traffickers Get 42 Years Imprisonment
Anti-narcotics efforts by Rawalpindi Police resulted in major convictions as four drug traffickers were awarded a combined 42 years’ imprisonment by a courts in separate cases
RAWALPINDI, Anti-narcotics efforts by Rawalpindi Police resulted in major convictions as four drug traffickers were awarded a combined 42 years’ imprisonment by a courts in separate cases.
According to the details, Suleman Fayaz was awarded 14 years in prison along with a Rs.400,000 fine after 5.2kg of charas was recovered from him. He had been arrested by Race Course Police in November 2024.
Raheel received 10 years imprisonment and Rs.125,000 fine in a case registered by Civil Lines Police following the recovery of 2.
2kg of charas in April 2025.
Two other convicts, Tayyab and Hasan Ali were each sentenced to nine years imprisonment with fines of Rs.100,000.
Police had recovered 2.5kg and 1.42kg of charas from their possession in separate operations carried out by Sadar Bairooni and City Police respectively last year.
City Police Officer Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani commended the SSP Investigation and the legal teams for ensuring effective follow-up of the cases, stating that strict action against narcotics networks would continue.

2026.2.16 Court issues Aleema Khan’s non-bailable arrest warrant over repeated absence

RAWALPINDI, An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Monday issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Aleema Khan after she failed to appear for a hearing in a case registered over the November 26 protest.

The court rejected the application filed by the sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, seeking an exemption from attendance, ruling that there was no reasonable justification for her absence.

ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah conducted the hearing.

The judge observed that the trial had already been delayed and noted that witnesses had been required to appear 37 times due to Aleema’s “irresponsibility”.

The court also directed the Rawal superintendent of police (SP) to ensure compliance with the arrest warrant, and adjourned further proceedings in the case until tomorrow.

This is not the first time orders for Aleema’s arrest and production have been issued.

The Rawalpindi ATC has released multiple arrest warrants recently over her repeated absence during the proceedings in the same case.

The most recent was issued on February 2, when her lawyer contended that Aleema would not appear in court until her bank accounts and identity card are unfrozen.

However, the court had directed the police to arrest and present her, while the bank account and identity card could remain blocked

Her computerised national identity card (CNIC) and passport had been blocked by the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) in October last year in compliance with a court order.

The case pertains to the 2024 November 26 protest in the garrison town, in which Aleema and 10 others are facing charges.

On November 26, 2024, PTI supporters entered Islamabad in defiance of a ban on public gatherings and clashed with law enforcement agencies near D-Chowk. Police used teargas to disperse the crowd.

The former ruling party’s three-day protests were abruptly ended after fierce clashes erupted between the law enforcers and the protesters.

The protest was aimed at building pressure on the government to release the PTI founder. The 71-year-old cricketer-turned-politician has been behind bars since August 2023 after he was booked in multiple cases, ranging from corruption to terrorism, since his ouster from power via the opposition’s no-trust motion in April 2022.

2026.2.15 Pakistan begins Tralai Kalan tragedy compensation payouts
ISLAMABAD, The Government of Pakistan has formally commenced the implementation of the relief and compensation package announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the families of the martyrs and those injured in the Tralai Kalan tragedy.
As part of the first phase of disbursement, the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Focal Person, Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi, accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Yasir Nazeer, visited the homes of the martyrs on Sunday to personally hand over compensation cheques worth Rs. 5 million each to the bereaved families. During the visits, prayers were offered for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks, and heartfelt condolences were conveyed to their families.
Sources confirmed that the distribution process for all remaining families of the martyrs, as well as for the injured, will be completed within the coming week to ensure timely financial support.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced a comprehensive compensation package, under which Rs. 5 million would be provided to each family of the martyrs, Rs. 3 million to the critically injured, and Rs. 1 million to those who sustained minor injuries.
The families of the martyrs and other affected residents of Tralai Kalan expressed their appreciation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and the federal government for their prompt response and support during this difficult time.

2026.2.13 Desperation grips Lahore as woman and student attempt suicide in separate incidents
LAHORE: A 40-year-old woman and her five children were rescued after attempting to take their own lives in Lahore on Friday, quoting officials from the city’s Dolphin Police.
Police said the woman, identified as Allah Bakhshi, entered a mosque in the Raiwind area and made her way upstairs before climbing onto the minaret with her children. Residents noticed the alarming scene and quickly alerted authorities.
Dolphin Police reached the site promptly and engaged in negotiations, ultimately convincing the woman to come down safely along with her children. All six were rescued without injury.
During questioning, the woman told officers that crushing financial difficulties and deep frustration over her family’s poverty had driven her to the brink. She and her children were later moved to the Raiwind police station. Authorities confirmed that the family originally belongs to the Shera Kot area of Lahore.
In a separate incident in the provincial capital, a first-semester pharmacy student identified as Fatima attempted suicide by jumping from the fourth floor of a private university building. She was immediately taken to the intensive care unit of a private hospital affiliated with the university.
According to university sources, her brother had dropped her off on campus earlier that morning. The incident reportedly occurred at the same spot where another student had previously tried to take his life.
Following the episode, the university administration sealed all entrances and announced an indefinite suspension of academic activities.
Last month, a student of the same institution, Owais Sultan, died after jumping from the fourth floor of the building. The incident took place on December 19 at around 8:10 am.
A fellow student, Hamza, claimed that Owais had been denied entry to a classroom by a teacher. After sitting outside for some time, he allegedly leapt from the building. Classmates said he had appeared visibly distressed on several occasions and had a short attendance record.
Hamza further alleged that Owais was under intense mental strain due to being barred from sitting examinations and claimed that the university administration exerted additional pressure on students over fees and related matters.

2026.2.10 Two More Witnesses Testify In TikToker Sana Yousaf Murder Case; Hearing Set For Feb 17
The trial in the murder case of TikToker Sana Yousaf moved forward as the session court recorded statements of two more prosecution witnesses, taking the case a step ahead in the evidence stage
ISLAMABAD, The trial in the murder case of TikToker Sana Yousaf moved forward as the session court recorded statements of two more prosecution witnesses, taking the case a step ahead in the evidence stage.
The case is being heard by Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka.
During the hearing, Special Prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain Kyani appeared before the court. The prosecution presented two witnesses, whose statements were formally recorded.
The prosecutor told the court that efforts are being made to complete the recording of all remaining prosecution evidence at the next hearing, except for the investigation officer.
He requested the court to direct defence counsel to conduct cross-examination of the witnesses without delay so that the trial could proceed on schedule.
Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka said that statements of the remaining prosecution witnesses would be recorded at the next hearing. The court issued directions to ensure the continuation of evidence and orderly progress of the case.
After recording the statements, the court adjourned further proceedings of the case until February 17.

2026.1.17 Lahore TikToker arrested for playing vulgar song on road while making video
LAHORE – Police in Lahore have arrested a TikTok user for playing an obscene song at high volume on a main road while filming a video.
The incident occurred on Kasur Road, where the accused, identified as Jaffer, was seen blasting the vulgar song from his vehicle.
The accused, operating under the TikTok ID “Mental Munday,” was apprehended by police, who acted swiftly in taking action.
A case has been registered against him, and authorities have made it clear that they will take strict action against those violating the law.
Police have stated that anyone engaging in such unlawful activities will face serious consequences.
Last year in September, police in Nawab Town arrested car driver for playing music at high volume, citing a violation of the Punjab Sound Systems (Regulation) Act, 2015.
The incident came to public attention after FIR surfaced online, sparking criticism from users who described the action as unnecessary and an infringement on personal privacy.
According to ASI Rahmat Ali, officers had set up a checkpoint on Abdul Sattar Edhi Road to apprehend a wanted criminal. During the operation, they stopped a car playing the Punjabi song “Chanjar Di Pawan Chankar” loudly.
The driver, identified as Danish Ali from Firdaus Market, Gulberg, admitted that he often played loud music while driving, flaunting it as his hobby.
ASI Rahmat Ali stated that the driver had breached Section 6 of the Punjab Sound Systems (Regulation) Act, 2015. The vehicle was seized, and Danish Ali was arrested under the applicable law.

2026.1.17 Suspect accused by police of abusing ‘over 100 children’ arrested in Karachi

Police link seven registered cases over five years to the suspect through forensic review
CCTV and geo-fencing helped trace prime suspect and his accomplice, leading to arrests

ISLAMABAD: Karachi police said on Saturday they arrested a suspect accused of sexually abusing “over 100 children,” describing the case as a major breakthrough in a long-running investigation, while official records examined so far document seven registered cases linked to the accused.

In a statement issued on Friday, the office of the Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) Karachi said the arrest of the suspect and his accomplice was a significant achievement, praising the police for taking action after identifying a pattern across multiple cases reported over several years.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Investigation for Karachi’s East district, Muhammad Usman Sadozai, said police began connecting the cases after receiving a letter from a DNA laboratory detailing seven cases of sexual abuse involving minor boys reported between 2020 and 2025, all allegedly linked to the same perpetrator.

“When we examined the letter further, a clear pattern emerged across all seven cases,” Sadozai told Arab News over the phone, adding that the incidents occurred between 6 p.m. and midnight, mostly on weekends, and involved children being lured to the banks of the Malir River.

Police said CCTV footage and geo-fencing were used to trace the movements of the prime suspect and his accomplice, leading to their arrest. Three of the affected children have identified the suspects, according to investigators.
The victims are aged between 10 and 14, Sadozai said.

While the Additional IGP’s office described the suspect as being involved in the abuse of over 100 children, police records reviewed so far show that seven first information reports (FIRs) have been registered over the past five years at police stations including Sharafi Goth, Zaman Town, Qur’angi Industrial Area, Mehmoodabad and Defense.

All the FIRs invoke Section 377 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deals with “unnatural offenses,” according to an order dated Jan. 6 establishing a special investigation team. Some cases also include additional charges such as kidnapping, criminal intimidation, bodily injury and attempted commission of an offense, reflecting varying levels of severity.

The Additional IGP said the protection of children was a top priority and vowed that those involved in such crimes would face the strictest punishment under the law, announcing commendation certificates and cash rewards for the police team involved.

2026.1.12 Court declares Khadija Shah, three others proclaimed offenders in May 9 case
LAHORE – A Lahore court has declared four absconding accused, including Khadija Shah, daughter of former finance minister Salman Shah, as proclaimed offenders in the May 9 Askari Tower attack case.
According to reports, the proceedings were conducted by Administrative Judge of the Anti-Terrorism Court, Manzar Ali Gul. The court issued permanent arrest warrants for Khadija Shah, Hamza Sohail, Usman Aslam, and Ahmad Marsaleen.
The court also issued non-bailable arrest warrants for the accused Zain-ul-Hassan and initiated proceedings to declare him a proclaimed offender. The accused were not appearing before the court for the main trial in the Askari Tower attack case.
The state prosecutor told the court that Khadija Shah had gone into hiding after being convicted in another May 9 case. He added that Khadija Shah and the other accused were avoiding court appearances out of fear of arrest.
Despite being granted time to appear, they failed to do so, and did not appear even after the issuance of arrest warrants.

2026.1.4 Karachi quadruple murder suspect apprehended

KARACHI – Police on Saturday night claimed to have arrested main suspect in connection with the murder of four people.

On the second day of the New Year, authorities in Karachi had discovered four bodies, including two women, a man, and a child.

The gruesome find was made near Mai Kolachi Phatak, where the bodies were retrieved from a manhole.

The suspect identified as Masroor Hussain has confessed to the quadruple murder, police said, adding the accused was in contact with a woman found murdered among the four people. He told the police he was upset to see the deceased woman making amulets ‘Taviz Ganday’, adding her practice caused him to suffer from severe mental stress.

Fed up with the amulet issue, I killed the woman and her three children, the suspect revealed.

She was identified as Aneela, and stated to be the mother of other three persons whose bodies were found in the manhole. Further investigation was underway.

On Friday, rescue volunteers from Edhi, along with police, extracted the bodies and transferred them to a nearby hospital.

Police Surgeon Dr Samia Syed has confirmed that the bodies of four individuals recovered from a manhole near Mai Kolachi Road showed clear signs of torture, according to initial medico-legal examinations conducted at Dr Ruth K. M. Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi.

Dr Samia said initial autopsies of all four victims have been completed and indicated that the bodies were several days old.

According to preliminary findings, a boy aged approximately 13 to 14 years sustained visible injuries to his head, face, and neck, suggesting torture.

Another victim, a boy believed to be around 10 years old, was found with severe injuries to the neck.

A third victim, a girl aged between 14 and 15 years, also showed signs of torture on her head, face, and neck.