Babar Dogar

Rough seas continue to hinder Pakistani naval and maritime teams searching the Arabian Sea for the five crew members of a K2 Airways cargo plane that reported navigation problems before disappearing southwest of Karachi. Wreckage was recovered, but the fuselage and crew remain missing in waters estimated at 3,000 meters deep. Officials say debris is widely scattered due to winds and currents, complicating the search. The prime minister has ordered full use of resources, while families maintain hope. Radar data shows the aircraft sharply changed course and descended before contact was lost.

Fourteen children were buried in Lahore after a tutoring center’s roof collapsed, leaving eight others injured. Police arrested the building owner and another individual as they investigate suspected negligence related to construction on the aging structure. Grief among residents has escalated into anger, with calls for accountability from families and neighbors who helped in rescue efforts. Building collapses remain common in Pakistan due to weak enforcement of construction standards.

A roof collapse at an under‑construction tutoring centre in Lahore killed 14 children and injured several others, prompting arrests of the centre’s owner and another individual. Authorities attributed the disaster to poor construction quality amid widespread neglect of building standards in Pakistan. Rescue efforts involved officials and local residents searching through debris, while grief and anger spread through the community. Residents demanded strict action against those responsible, and national leaders issued condolences and called for improved safety measures.

Lahore revived the Basant kite‑flying festival for the first time in nearly 20 years under strict safety rules following past fatalities caused by dangerous kite strings. Authorities mandated protective measures for motorcyclists and declared a public holiday to reduce risks, while warning that violations could lead to fines or imprisonment. The decision, approved by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, brought vibrant celebrations across the city as residents welcomed the festival’s return.

Clashes between Pakistan police and Tehreek‑e‑Labbaik Pakistan supporters during a pro‑Palestinian march left one police officer dead and dozens injured. Demonstrators attempted to advance from Lahore toward Islamabad, removing roadblocks and engaging in violent confrontations. TLP reported casualties among its supporters and released videos showing burning vehicles. Party leader Saad Rizvi, wounded during the unrest, called for security forces to stop firing while expressing readiness to negotiate. The protesters aimed to rally outside the U.S. Embassy, which had issued a security alert before the march. Government officials criticized the violence as the march continued despite heavy security measures.

Police in Lahore arrested more than 100 supporters of the Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan after violent clashes erupted over plans for a pro‑Palestinian march to Islamabad without official permission. Officers used tear gas and rubber bullets as protesters attempted to breach barricades, while authorities reported injured and missing personnel and damaged vehicles. The TLP claimed hundreds more arrests than acknowledged by officials. With thousands participating in the march, authorities blocked major routes, suspended mobile internet in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and shut schools and transport services, leaving Lahore residents describing the city as effectively under lockdown.

Clashes broke out in Lahore as police attempted to stop a large Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan march heading toward Islamabad for a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside the U.S. Embassy. Police used batons and tear gas while protesters threw stones, leading to disruptions, school closures, and road blockages across the city. The government restricted mobile internet in Islamabad and deployed shipping containers to prevent access. TLP claimed casualties among its supporters, while officials argued the group had not secured permission for the rally amid criticism of the government's heavy-handed response.

Record flooding in Pakistan’s Punjab displaced 2.6 million people, damaged 2.5 million acres of farmland and killed 118, with many returnees discovering destroyed homes and crops. Authorities say the flooding, fueled by monsoon rains and water from India, is the province’s worst on record and have promised compensation as surveys begin to assess damage. Survivors across multiple districts describe severe losses and limited aid, while officials report receding waters moving toward Sindh, recalling the country’s catastrophic 2022 monsoon season.

Floodwaters threatening Jalalpur Pirwala in Punjab began receding, easing concerns for its residents, while rising water forced evacuations in Shujaabad and Liaquatpur. Heavy rains and dam releases from India have inundated thousands of villages across Punjab, displacing millions and causing widespread damage. Provincial authorities deployed rescue teams and emergency supplies, with senior officials overseeing relief operations. Survivors reported shortages of basic goods and reliance on government support, while new flood surges moved toward Sindh, an area previously devastated by flooding in 2022.

A rescue boat evacuating flood victims capsized on the Indus River in Punjab, killing nine people as strong currents overturned the vessel carrying 20 passengers. Additional bodies were recovered over two days by rescue teams, including army divers. A similar incident days earlier compounded the crisis in Jalalpur Pirwala, where river overflows and upstream water releases displaced tens of thousands. Officials faced complaints about insufficient evacuation resources and price gouging by private boat operators, prompting directives for police oversight and expanded rescue support. Provincial authorities deployed boats, helicopters, and relief services, as widespread flooding across Punjab displaced more than two million people and caused dozens of deaths amid unusually heavy monsoon rains and releases from Indian dams.

More than 25,000 residents were evacuated from Jalalpur Pirwala in Pakistan’s Punjab province as rising river levels threatened severe flooding. Rescue efforts intensified after a boat capsized over the weekend, killing five people. Officials report that over 4 million people across Punjab have been affected and more than 2 million displaced since late August, with only a small portion residing in official relief camps. Evacuations are being supported by troops, police, drones, and helicopters, while monsoon flooding across Pakistan has caused more than 900 deaths since June. Downstream Sindh province is also relocating residents as floodwaters move toward the Indus River.

Severe flooding in Pakistan’s Punjab province has forced more than 500,000 people to evacuate in the past day, bringing total displacement to 1.8 million and affecting 3.8 million residents. Rivers swollen by monsoon rains and water released from Indian dams have inundated districts including Muzaffargarh and Multan. Authorities describe the situation as the worst flooding in Punjab’s history, with military and rescue teams conducting large-scale relief operations and temporary shelters set up for displaced families.

Severe flooding in Pakistan’s Punjab province has displaced more than half a million people in the past day, raising the total displaced since last month to 1.8 million. Floodwaters from swollen rivers have inundated thousands of villages, prompting mass evacuations and large-scale rescue efforts involving provincial authorities and the military. Displaced families have taken shelter in government tents as charities provide food assistance. India has issued multiple alerts about potential cross‑border flooding, while further monsoon rains threaten to push waters into the Indus River and endanger communities in Sindh. The disaster is the worst in Punjab since 2022, when climate‑driven floods caused extensive casualties across Pakistan.

Nearly 300,000 people were evacuated from flood-hit areas of Pakistan’s Punjab within 48 hours after India issued new flood alerts, bringing total displacement to 1.3 million since last month. Floodwaters submerged multiple districts as authorities used boats, drones and military assistance in one of the region’s largest rescue efforts. Key rivers are in high flood due to heavy rain and upstream releases from India. Millions have been affected and thousands are in relief camps, though many residents report inadequate aid. Punjab’s chief minister visited affected areas, while some districts saw damage to cultural sites such as the Guru Nanak shrine. The flooding is the worst since 2022 when Pakistan experienced severe climate-driven devastation.

Severe monsoon flooding in Pakistan’s Punjab province prompted large‑scale rescue operations using drones to locate stranded residents, leading to the evacuation of more than 700,000 people and the relocation of over 500,000 livestock. Heavy rains and water released from rivers in India caused widespread inundation across multiple districts, leaving many displaced families without adequate shelter or supplies. Officials warned of further rainfall and potential major flooding along the Indus River, while national rain‑related deaths since late June rose to at least 854.

Record monsoon flooding in Pakistan’s Punjab province has affected around two million people as river levels reach unprecedented highs, intensified by global warming and heavy rains. Authorities are conducting evacuations and converting public facilities into rescue camps, while Pakistan’s foreign ministry is gathering information on India’s release of water into downstream regions. India had previously warned of potential cross‑border flooding amid the first diplomatic contact between the neighbours since May. Above‑average monsoon rainfall and widespread destruction have contributed to significant casualties and ongoing concerns about agricultural and food insecurity.

Severe flooding in Pakistan’s Punjab province displaced hundreds of thousands of residents after heavy rains and water releases from Indian dams, leaving many without food, medical care, or government assistance. Relief efforts continue as officials report deaths, widespread destruction, and increasing health problems among stranded communities. Charities have deployed medical camps while authorities assess damage, promise compensation, and warn of further risks amid ongoing fears of additional flooding in Sindh and Indian‑controlled Kashmir.

Large-scale evacuations were carried out in eastern Pakistan after India released water from overflowing dams, prompting flood warnings along the Sutlej River. Pakistani authorities reported relocating more than 100,000 people from Punjab districts as heavy monsoon rains intensified flooding risks across the region. The alert was delivered through diplomatic channels rather than the suspended Indus Waters Commission, reflecting ongoing tensions between the two countries following violence in Kashmir. Seasonal rains have caused significant casualties across Pakistan and Indian-administered Kashmir, with climate change cited as a key factor in the worsening monsoon impacts.

More than 6,500 Sikh pilgrims from India visited Pakistan for Vaisakhi celebrations under a special cross‑border pilgrimage arrangement. The main ceremony took place in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak. Visitors reported warm welcomes despite initial safety concerns. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the festival’s themes of unity and renewal.

A culinary school in Lahore has launched a free six‑month training program for transgender students, offering an alternative to begging, dancing and sex work amid widespread discrimination and limited employment opportunities. Participants describe newfound hope despite financial hardship and uncertainty about job prospects. The initiative is supported by school leadership seeking government assistance for visas and employment pathways, while community leaders caution that entrenched societal bias and Pakistan’s tight job market may hinder graduates’ futures.

Punjab declared a health emergency in response to severe smog that has sickened nearly two million people, prompting the closure of schools, early restaurant shutdowns, and lockdowns in Lahore and Multan. Air quality levels in Lahore exceeded hazardous thresholds, with pollution linked to traffic, construction, industrial activity, and crop burning. Officials expect incoming rain and wind to improve conditions, while medical experts warn that preventive measures are needed ahead of future smog seasons.

Air pollution in Pakistan’s Punjab province has caused an estimated 1.8 million people to seek medical treatment for respiratory problems and eye irritation over the past month, prompting authorities to close schools, parks, and museums as smog levels reach hazardous levels. Lahore and other districts remain heavily affected, with Multan recording an air quality index near 700. Officials report widespread disregard for mandatory mask rules while considering artificial rainfall to mitigate pollution. The U.N. children’s agency has warned that 11 million children in the province face significant health risks from the persistent smog.

Authorities in eastern Pakistan closed schools, parks, zoos, museums and other public spaces across 18 districts of Punjab as hazardous smog reduced visibility and drove air quality readings to record levels. Lahore, the worst affected, experienced pollution readings surpassing 600 and previously even 1,100, prompting restrictions on markets and public gatherings. Officials urged residents to remain indoors and wear masks, while charities warned that millions of children would lose access to education during the closures. Government representatives expressed hope for improvement in the coming days while acknowledging tens of thousands of pollution-related illnesses.

Police used tear gas and batons to disperse students protesting an alleged on‑campus rape in Pakistan, leading to unrest across multiple cities. Demonstrators in Rawalpindi burned property and blocked roads, while earlier clashes in Gujrat resulted in a security guard’s death. Authorities and the victim’s family denied the assault, but rising anger reflects concerns over widespread underreported sexual violence. Rights groups criticized poor institutional handling of such cases, and recent unrelated rape reports have heightened public frustration.

An ambush by heavily armed bandits in Punjab’s Rahim Yar Khan district killed at least twelve police officers and injured eight. Police reported killing a bandit leader linked to the attack and vowed to continue operations in the area’s riverine hideouts. Senior officials condemned the assault, describing the officers as martyrs, while authorities noted that monsoon-flooded terrain contributed to the vulnerability of the police convoy.

Gunmen using rocket‑propelled grenades ambushed a police convoy in Punjab’s Rahim Yar Khan district, killing 11 officers and injuring seven others during an operation against regional bandits. Authorities said the attackers were likely robbers rather than militants. Senior Pakistani leaders condemned the attack, ordered action against the perpetrators and called for medical care for the wounded. The assault followed an earlier shooting on a school van in Punjab that left two children dead.

Pakistani authorities arrested Farhan Asif for allegedly spreading false information online that contributed to riots across the United Kingdom following a stabbing attack. Police and federal investigators accuse Asif of running the Channel3 Now account and reposting fabricated claims that misidentified the attacker as a recently arrived Muslim asylum-seeker. The misinformation fueled violence, including an attack on a mosque, and led to more than 1,000 arrests in the UK. Asif faces charges of cyber terrorism, with investigators seeking additional time for questioning and emphasizing the broader need for fact‑checking by online content creators.

Internet speeds across Pakistan have dropped significantly, disrupting businesses and medical services, while officials deny claims that a national firewall is responsible. Technology companies warn of major economic losses and criticize the government for a lack of transparency. The information minister attributes the slowdown partly to VPN usage and says authorities are investigating, though many users reject this explanation. The disruptions come amid an already tense political climate marked by ongoing restrictions and widespread online activism.

Record monsoon rainfall in Lahore flooded streets, disrupted traffic, and entered hospital wards and homes, leaving at least one person dead. Some areas saw 353 millimeters of rain, breaking a decades-old record as drainage systems were overwhelmed. Islamabad and other regions were also hit, with authorities warning of potential flash floods and landslides. The rains come as Pakistan continues recovering from the devastating 2022 floods, with scientists attributing the unusually heavy monsoon activity to climate change.

Mariam Nawaz was elected as Punjab’s first female chief minister with unanimous support after opposition lawmakers boycotted the vote. Her victory follows parliamentary elections in which the PML-N became the largest party, helped by reserved seats and support from independents. The party is forming a coalition with the PPP, positioning Shehbaz Sharif to return as prime minister. The Sharif family’s dominance in politics and Nawaz’s rise have renewed discussions of nepotism, though her leadership grew during her father Nawaz Sharif’s period abroad.

A Pakistani court ordered five siblings of Sara Sharif, a 10-year-old girl found dead in Woking, to be placed in a child protection center after police located them at a family home in Jhelum. The children had traveled to Pakistan with Sara’s father, stepmother and uncle, all sought by British authorities in connection with her death. Interpol yellow notices aided the search, and police have detained several relatives as part of efforts to pressure the suspects to surrender.

Imran Khan agreed to allow police to search his Lahore home for suspects accused of involvement in violent protests triggered by his recent arrest. Facing numerous legal cases, he appeared before an anti-terrorism court, which granted him temporary protection from arrest. Khan condemned the unrest that resulted in deaths and widespread damage, while police continued arresting suspects linked to the violence. The political standoff has intensified Pakistan’s ongoing political instability and economic challenges.

Police maintained a siege around Imran Khan’s Lahore residence as a deadline approached for him to surrender suspects allegedly involved in violent protests following his recent arrest. Authorities reported more than 3,400 arrests and warned of further action, while critics objected to plans to try civilians in military courts. Khan, facing numerous legal cases, was expected to ignore an anti-corruption summons and address supporters as tensions persisted between his followers and security forces.

A Pakistani court granted former Prime Minister Imran Khan a weeklong bail in two terrorism cases, providing temporary protection from arrest as he faces multiple legal challenges. The charges stem from allegations of inciting violence during recent clashes between his supporters and police, as well as a past incident involving verbal threats toward a judge. Khan and his party claim the cases are politically motivated by the government of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. Hundreds of Khan’s supporters have been arrested following recent unrest, and he continues to allege threats to his life after surviving a shooting attack in November.

Police raided Imran Khan’s residence in Lahore, arresting 30 supporters after clashes involving stones, petrol bombs, and gunfire from the roof. Authorities said they were clearing blockades set up by Khan’s party and found weapons and improvised materials inside the property. Officers used tear gas to disperse crowds as they pursued supporters through the surrounding neighborhood. Khan was en route to Islamabad after his arrest warrant was suspended, reiterating claims that the government intended to detain him and condemning the raid. He faces graft charges and multiple other cases following his 2022 ouster, while his allegations of a conspiracy involving Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the United States have been denied by both.

A Pakistani court extended a temporary halt to the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan following violent clashes between his supporters and police in Lahore. The Lahore High Court ordered police to delay the arrest and encouraged negotiations, though security forces remained deployed. In Islamabad, Khan’s lawyers sought suspension of arrest warrants tied to allegations that he illegally sold state gifts and hid assets. Judges questioned Khan’s resistance to arrest and indicated he could avoid detention by surrendering. Khan signaled willingness to appear in court on March 18 while criticizing the police action around his home.

Police attempts to arrest Imran Khan on graft charges triggered sustained clashes with his supporters in Lahore and other major Pakistani cities. Security forces used tear gas while demonstrators responded with stones and batons, leaving numerous police and supporters injured. Khan maintains that the charges, including allegations of selling state gifts and avoiding court appearances, are politically motivated. His party sought suspension of the arrest warrant as he warned of threats to his safety and encouraged supporters to continue resisting.

Police in Lahore used water cannons, tear gas, and baton charges to disperse supporters of Imran Khan after authorities banned rallies in the city. Dozens of Khan’s supporters were arrested as his party attempted to launch an election campaign ahead of provincial polls. Government officials said the rally defied restrictions, while Khan and his party condemned the police response and accused authorities and the military of targeting him politically. The clashes occurred amid an ongoing power struggle between Khan and the government, with Khan facing numerous legal cases and continuing to push for early national elections.

Supporters of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan defied a ban on rallies in Lahore, urging police to arrest them as part of Khan’s campaign to pressure the government into calling early elections. Police declined to detain demonstrators despite their attempts to enter a police van. Government officials dismissed the campaign as a political stunt, noting that Khan himself holds preemptive bail. Senior figures from Khan’s party attempted symbolic arrests, while political tensions continue following Khan’s disqualification from office and his party’s dissolution of two provincial assemblies in an unsuccessful bid to force early national elections.

Police arrested at least 50 suspects after a mob stormed a police station in Pakistan’s Punjab province and lynched a man accused of blasphemy before attempting to burn his body. The victim, Waris, had previously been jailed on a blasphemy charge and was again accused of desecrating the Quran. Reinforcements arrived too late to prevent the killing. Authorities dismissed two police officials for negligence, and further arrests are underway. Rights groups highlight longstanding concerns that blasphemy allegations are often used to target minorities and settle personal disputes.

Imran Khan announced his protest march toward Islamabad will resume following his recovery from gunshot wounds sustained in an attack during the rally in Wazirabad. He reiterated demands for an investigation and accused senior government and military figures of orchestrating the shooting, accusations denied by officials. The march aims to pressure the government to call early elections, and rising tensions have heightened concerns over Pakistan's political instability.

A Channel 5 journalist, Sadaf Naeem, died after falling from a container truck during a political march led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan in Punjab. Both Khan and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed condolences, and officials committed to supporting Naeem’s family. The march, involving thousands of Khan’s supporters traveling toward Islamabad to demand early elections, poses a potential challenge to the government and carries risk of unrest.

Imran Khan launched a large protest march from Lahore to Islamabad demanding early elections after his removal from office, which he claims was a U.S.-backed conspiracy denied by both Washington and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. The procession, expected to grow in size, follows recent flooding crises and Khan’s disqualification from public office by the Election Commission, a ruling he is challenging in court. Authorities have increased security in the capital as the military warns against attempts to destabilize the country.

A Lahore High Court report sharply criticises senior Pakistan police officers for inadequate preparation and poor performance during the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka cricket team, citing failures in command and readiness. The document, intended for submission to the International Cricket Council, identifies more than a dozen officials and highlights shortcomings in security leadership. The ICC has yet to receive the report and has previously recommended enhanced security standards following its own investigation.

Two suicide bombers attacked the Data Darbar shrine in Lahore, killing at least 35 people and injuring 175. The explosions occurred in crowded areas of the shrine, causing severe damage and sparking protests over security failures. Officials reported that Islamist militants who oppose Sufi practices are suspected, though no group claimed responsibility. The attack follows a series of major militant assaults in Lahore, reflecting growing coordination between Taliban fighters and Punjab-based extremist groups and ongoing criticism of the government’s inability to curb militancy.

Coordinated bombings in Lahore and Peshawar killed 46 people and injured around 100 as militants responded to a military offensive against Taliban strongholds near the Afghan border. Two explosions devastated Lahore’s Moon Market, while a suicide attack targeted a courthouse in Peshawar. The attacks intensified pressure on Pakistan’s government amid rising political uncertainty surrounding President Asif Ali Zardari, whose legal protections were under Supreme Court review. Lahore’s strategic importance and recent militant incidents highlighted the widening reach of insurgent violence across Pakistan.

Coordinated militant attacks in Lahore and a suicide bombing in Kohat killed 31 people as Pakistani security forces confronted increasingly organized Taliban-linked groups expanding operations into Punjab. Government officials vowed to continue plans for a major offensive in South Waziristan, while U.S. pressure and American missile strikes in tribal regions added to tensions. The violence paralyzed Lahore, highlighted growing insurgent cooperation across Pakistan, and contributed to mass civilian displacement from conflict zones.

Nawaz Sharif defied a house‑arrest order and joined a convoy heading toward an anti‑government rally as Pakistani authorities attempted to block large‑scale protests planned by opposition parties and lawyers. Police detained supporters, erected roadblocks and used tear gas as clashes erupted in Lahore. The confrontation stems from the Supreme Court’s ruling disqualifying the Sharif brothers and President Zardari’s move to dismiss their provincial government, escalating a political crisis that concerns Washington amid ongoing militant activity and attacks on NATO supply routes. Despite US pressure for compromise, the opposition continues to demand judicial reforms and the reinstatement of dismissed judges.