TOBA TEK SINGH: The Thikriwala Police in Faisalabad have registered a murder case against Sidra Saeed Bandesha, who claims to be a candidate for the upcoming election against Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, and her cousin, former MNA Dr Nisar Ahmad Jat.

The FIR, registered under sections 302, 324, 148, and 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code, was lodged based on a complaint by Umar Din from Chak 66 JB Dhandra.

According to the complaint, Umar Din’s deceased son, Amjad Ali, had deposited money with Nanhi Bibi from the same village for a monthly collection. When Amjad went to Nanhi Bibi’s house to retrieve his money, a quarrel ensued between them.

Nanhi sought help from Sidra, who sent her men to kidnap Amjad and bring him to her house. However, due to resistance from Amjad and others, the kidnappers fled, leaving their two motorcycles behind at the scene.

The complaint alleges that Sidra, Nanhi Bibi, and their 10 accomplices later arrived at the scene in cars and on motorcycles, opening indiscriminate fire on Amjad’s shop. As a result, Amjad, along with two others named Rafiq and Ashraf, sustained critical injuries.

Amjad succumbed to his injuries while being shifted to the Allied Hospital, while the other two firing victims were admitted for treatment. The police are conducting raids to arrest the suspects.

RAILWAY: Federal Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq has instructed railway authorities to extend the brief two-minute stoppage of the 41 Up and 42 Down Karakoram Express train at Toba Tek Singh Railway Station for an additional month.

Local PML-N MNA and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, informed reporters that, upon his request, the minister had initially approved a three-month stoppage, which expired on Saturday.

However, the stoppage has now been extended for one more month starting from Sunday.

Chaudhry stated that the train was generating satisfactory profits at this station, and after reviewing the situation for one more month, a permanent stoppage would likely be approved.

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2023