TOBA TEK SINGH: An alleged robber was killed during an encounter with the Crime Control Department (CCD) near the Sem Nullah bridge of Chak 64 JB in the Airport Police area in Faisalabad late on Tuesday night.

According to the police report, a team of Iqbal Division CCD led by In-charge Ali Ikram Goraya were on their way to arrest suspects when three motorcyclists coming from Chak 65 JB were signalled to stop near Chak 64 JB. However, the police claimed the suspects opened fire on the policemen. After the CCD retaliated, the armed suspects entered an under-construction housing scheme and hid in the nearby crop fields.

On receiving information, Lyallpur Town CCD In-charge Hassan Siddique Cheema also reached the spot along with a team. Police claimed that after half an hour of exchanging fire, the CCD team arrested one armed suspect in injured condition, while his accomplices managed to escape.

The police shifted the injured suspect to the Allied Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Police claimed he was injured by the firing of his two fleeing accomplices.

The deceased was identified as Ghulam Murtaza of Chak 323 JB Trandi of Toba Tek Singh, who had a record of 25 cases of robbery, burglary and police encounters and was involved in incidents of shooting and injuring citizens during robberies in the Samanabad and Saddar Samundari police areas.

MOOT ON DIPLOMACY: The Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF) on Wednesday organised a seminar to examine Pakistan’s evolving role in global diplomacy, with a particular focus on its contributions in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran.

The academic event brought together faculty members, students, and experts in international relations to discuss Pakistan’s strategic position in contemporary geopolitics and its capacity to serve as a diplomatic bridge in international conflicts.

Department of International Relations Chairman Dr Ghulam Mustafa, Prof Dr Rabia Akhtar, Dr Qamar Cheema, Prof Dr Muqarrab Akbar and Prof Dr Muhammad Asim Mahmood emphasised Pakistan’s geopolitical significance and its historical involvement in facilitating major diplomatic developments, including the US-China rapprochement and the US-Taliban peace process.

Speakers noted that Pakistan’s balanced foreign policy and regional influence strengthen its potential role as a mediator in complex international disputes, particularly in fostering dialogue and reducing tensions.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Rauf-i-Azam encouraged students to engage critically with international affairs and global diplomacy. The seminar concluded with a shared understanding of Pakistan’s potential role as a constructive diplomatic actor in an increasingly polarised global environment.

Participants reaffirmed the importance of academic dialogue in shaping informed perspectives on international peace and cooperation.

PROBE: An inquiry committee formed to probe the electrocution of 15 buffaloes in Kot Fazil locality of Nankana Sahib district visited the incident site and met with various officials and the affectees on Wednesday.

The committee was formed by Nankana Sahib Deputy Commissioner Tasleem Akhtar Rao and Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Maheen Fatima was tasked to head the committee. Other members include Livestock Additional Director Dr Faraz Munir Khan, District Emergency Officer Muhammad Akram Panwar, Assistant Commissioner Sana Sharafat and Agriculture Deputy Director Rana Muhammad Arif Shahzad.

The committee members visited the incident site and held meetings with the affected family and Lesco officials, and also collected evidence from the spot.

The inquiry committee will submit its report to the DC.

The incident occurred a few days ago in which 15 buffaloes, bathing in a nearby canal, were suddenly electrocuted when overhead electric wires broke and fell into the canal. All the buffaloes died on the spot due to the electric shock. After a protest by the farmer, his relatives and locals and confirmation in the medical report that the animals were electrocuted, the committee was formed.

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2026