Sports
KPK
Shandana Gulzar Demands Transparency Over PIMS Hospital Fire, Calls for End to Political Victimization
Shahzad Rasheed
PESHAWAR — August 29, 2026: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Member of the National Assembly Shandana Gulzar Khan has demanded that the federal government immediately disclose complete and verified details of children killed or injured in the recent fire incident at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad.
Addressing a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club alongside lawyer Moazzam Butt, Shandana Gulzar alleged that the actual number of casualties had not been disclosed and claimed that families of more than 50 children affected by the incident were being pressured to remain silent.
She accused the federal health minister and relevant government officials of misleading the public about the incident. She further claimed that 23 doctors had expressed no confidence in the PIMS director and had called for an inquiry into his conduct and performance.
Shandana Gulzar demanded an independent and transparent investigation into the incident, along with the publication of verified casualty figures. She stressed that the families of the affected children had a right to know the truth and deserved justice.
Addressing broader political matters, she alleged that the government was continuing what she described as a campaign of political victimization against PTI leaders and workers. She also criticized alleged restrictions on former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s access to appropriate medical treatment and claimed that court directions concerning his healthcare had not been properly implemented.
She further condemned alleged violence against PTI workers, including an incident in Punjab that she claimed involved a young party worker being set on fire on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal. She called for an end to violence, arbitrary arrests and what she termed extrajudicial actions against political workers.
“Pakistan can only be saved by protecting its people and upholding the Constitution,” Shandana Gulzar said, urging the government to respect constitutional rights and judicial orders.
She concluded by demanding an end to political repression, greater protection for young people, and accountability for anyone found responsible for negligence or wrongdoing in public hospitals.
National
2,628 trees to be planted in memory of Sindh police martyrs
Our Correspondent
Karachi: Inspector General of Sindh launched a special plantation drive in memory of the province’s police martyrs, with 2,628 trees to be planted along Shahrah-e-Bhutto in the coming phases. The campaign was launched by Community Policing Karachi in collaboration with the Rotary Club and the Sindh Forest Department at Shahrah-e-Bhutto (Malir Expressway).
IGP Javed Alam Odho planted a sapling to formally inaugurate the initiative. Under the campaign, 2,628 trees will be planted in phases in memory of the Sindh Police personnel who embraced martyrdom in the line of duty. The initiative seeks to preserve the memory of the fallen personnel while contributing to the city’s efforts to expand its green cover.
Speaking on the occasion, Community Policing Karachi Chief Murad Sohni said launching the plantation campaign in memory of the Sindh Police martyrs was a unique way of paying tribute to the brave personnel who had sacrificed their lives for peace. He said the planting of 2,628 trees in memory of the martyrs would serve as a lasting tribute to their unparalleled sacrifices. He added that 35,000 trees would be planted across Karachi over the course of one year, while arrangements would also be made for their proper maintenance and protection.
IGP Sindh Javed Alam Odho highlighted that Pakistan was among the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change and global warming. “This initiative is particularly close to our hearts because it has been dedicated to the memory of Sindh Police martyrs”. He added tree plantation was not merely an environmental activity but an investment in a safer, healthier and more sustainable future for coming generations he urged citizens and institutions to actively participate in plantation drives.
Karachi Police Chief Azad Khan speaking at the ceremony, said the Sindh Police had the distinction of having made the highest number of sacrifices in the line of duty. He said the department was proud of the sacrifices rendered by its martyrs and would never forget their services. He also appreciated the initiatives undertaken by Community Policing Karachi for public welfare, particularly its work on expanding the city’s CCTV surveillance network and promoting plantation activities.
Meanwhile, Community Policing Karachi and the Sindh Forest Department signed a memorandum of understanding for the plantation and maintenance of 35,000 trees across Karachi. The initiative is a broader effort to improve Karachi’s environment.
