SARGODHA: An official of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) allegedly abused and physically assaulted police official Madiha Munawwar, while she was on duty at the BISP centre in Government High School No 2.

Suspect Muhammad Shabbir Jatt from Ghauri Town, Islamabad, was booked under sections 353, 354, and 186 of the Pakistan Penal Code at the Urban Area Police Station.

Meanwhile, a strike call from the BISP Officers Association was withdrawn later.

Families eligible for BISP support reportedly face difficulties, often forced to pay agents for assistance in receiving their installments.

SANDAL EXPRESS: The Pakistan Railways has announced plans to revive the Sandal Express between Sargodha and Multan in the new timetable starting April 15.

Initially, the train will resume under government operations, with privatization proposals under consideration for a later phase.

This train, a cost-effective travel option for residents of Sargodha, Jhang, Salanwali, Shorkot, Kabirwala, Khanewal and Multan, was discontinued over four years ago.

The revival comes under public and political pressure after prolonged delays citing unavailability of coaches.

BAIL: The additional district and sessions court judge has granted interim bail to a man accused of attempting to rape a 17-year-old girl in December 2024.

The accused argued that the case was fabricated to blackmail him. The court has directed the police not to arrest the suspect until further proceedings.

Published in Dawn, January 15th, 2025