Amir Bahadur Khan Hoti Demands Apology and Calls for Decency in Politics

LAHORE: Awami National Party (ANP) Punjab Provincial General Secretary Amir Bahadur Khan Hoti has strongly condemned the indecent and disrespectful language used by PTI leader Shafi Jan against Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari. He said that political disagreement is the right of every party, but the use of insulting and unethical language against a woman is unacceptable under any circumstances.

He said political workers and leaders must uphold decency, ethics and democratic values. Respect for women is a fundamental part of Pakistan’s social, religious and political traditions, and such language not only damages the political environment but also harms society’s moral values.

Amir Bahadur Khan Hoti demanded that Shafi Jan apologise for his irresponsible remarks. He also urged all political parties to ensure that their workers follow respectful and civilised political conduct.

He said respect for women has always held a central place in Pashtun culture, traditions and history, adding that the use of such language against a woman is unimaginable for any Pashtun.

He expressed concern that the growing use of abusive language and hateful behaviour in national politics had severely damaged the country’s traditional political decency, culture and moral values.

LAHORE: Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdul Kareem has said that immediate action is being taken to curb sexual crimes against women and children on the chief minister’s directives and that 80 per cent of such crimes are committed by the relatives or people known to the victims.

The IGP said this at a ‘Meet the Press’ programme organised by the Lahore Press Club here on Tuesday, flanked by Lahore DIG Investigation Zeeshan Raza, DIG Operations Faisal Kamran and other police officers.

The Punjab police chief said that crime reporters play a vital role in identifying crime, guiding law enforcement agencies and helping improve the policing system, describing them as the “eyes, ears and helpers” of the Punjab Police.

He said there were 800 police stations in Punjab, which are the basic service-delivery mechanism of the police.

Listing the reforms introduced in policing, he cited automated systems, Safe City cameras, virtual women police stations and centres for child safety, body cameras and panic (pink) buttons as examples.

“The purpose of the police is to provide justice to people,” he said, adding that measures are being taken to ensure greater relief to the citizens visiting police stations.

Regarding the Crime Control Department (CCD), the IG said its scope is limited and that serious crimes have “declined significantly because of effective measures.”

Only the cases falling within the CCD’s jurisdiction are being referred to the department, he added.

The IGP said departmental proceedings have already been initiated against police personnel, from constable to senior ranks, over corruption and irregularities. He warned that there would be no leniency in the complaints of corruption, misconduct or abuse of authority by police officials.

He claimed that property-related crimes in Punjab have “almost been eliminated” and that the traffic system has also improved.

He announced that a board for promotion from the rank of sub-inspector to inspector would be convened soon. He said the Elite Orientation Course was meant for officers up to the ASP rank.

On the use of body cameras, Mr Kareem said the chief minister had allocated Rs12 billion for the initiative and that a consignment comprising 1,000 body cameras had arrived, with around 500 expected to be received on Tuesday, while more were on the way.

“Now every police officer deployed at a checkpoint will have a body camera,” he said.

The IG attributed the restoration of peace in the Katcha areas to effective police action and government measures.

He further stated that legislation against illegal weapons is being introduced, and a summary in this regard is in process.

At the conclusion of the programme, the press club president presented a shield to the IGP, who reciprocated the gesture by presenting police souvenirs to the club office-bearers.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2026

Paris ( Imran Y. CHOUDHRY):- On the occasion of the 79th Independence Day of Pakistan, Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch hoisted national flag to the tune of the national anthem at the Embassy of Pakistan, Paris and welcomed distinguished members of the Pakistani community including large number of children.

Messages of the President, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion.
Congratulating all on the Independence Day, the Ambassador said that 14th August was truly auspicious as it brought together the entire nation – in celebration, in paying homage to the Quaid-e-Azam and other leaders of the freedom movement, in remembrance of the supreme sacrifices of our forefathers and drawing inspiration from our glorious past and the tremendous achievements over the decades.

The Government of Pakistan is observing the current year – 2026 – as the “Year of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah” to mark his 150th birth anniversary, she added. The great intellectual vision of Quaid requires the nation to uphold his principles and play its due role in the development and progress of Pakistan. The Ambassador highlighted that Quaid-e-Azam had given the nation three golden principles, faith, unity and discipline and adherence to these principles would lead the nation towards a bright future for the generations to come.
Ambassador Baloch said that as we celebrate our freedom we should remember our Kashmiri and Palestinian brothers and sisters, who have been struggling for over seven decades for their freedom and right to self-determination. She reaffirmed Pakistan’s political and diplomatic support to the people of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine for their legitimate rights.

Ambassador also appreciated the contributions of Pakistani diaspora in France in promoting Pakistan-France relations. She reiterated Embassy’s fully commitment to continue to facilitate Pakistanis based in France.
Later, the Ambassador inaugurated the ‘historic photo exhibition’ based on the life and works of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah at the Embassy. The exhibition showcased a remarkable collection of
archival records and photographs chronicling the visionary leadership and enduring
legacy of the founder of Pakistan. The guests especially the children took a keen interest in the exhibition and raised slogans of Pakistan Zindabad.