Pakistan PM didn’t attend single sitting of latest National Assembly session: Report

Islamabad, Feb 11, 2026
Elected lawmakers in Pakistan seem to be detached from their most basic responsibility of attending parliament when the country is grappling with economic recovery and political polarisation. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari did not attend a single sitting during the 23rd session of the National Assembly, a report has highlighted.

According to a latest report by Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) – the first-ever network of civil society networks in Pakistan dedicated to strengthening democracy – on the 23rd session of the National Assembly, 276 out of 332 Members of Pakistan’s National Assembly (MNAs) missed at least one sitting between January 12-22. Furthermore, only 56 members – only 17 per cent – attended all sittings of the National Assembly, an editorial in Pakistan’s leading daily The Express Tribune detailed.

“Chronic absenteeism hollowing out this process makes a mockery of representative democracy. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif did not attend a single sitting. Neither did PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. When those at the apex of power treat parliament as optional, it sends a clear message down the ranks that accountability can wait. The sitting with the highest turnout – 222 MNAs – was a private members’ day when bills of interest were passed,” The Express Tribune stated.

Lawmakers, it appears, are more motivated to be present at assembly when legislation is as per their own interests than when routine governance or executive oversight is at stake. According to the editorial, FAFEN’s call to strengthen the committee system by operationalising Article 66 of the Constitution is timely. Parliamentary committees in the absence of enabling legislation under Article 66(3) remain symbolic and incapable to exercise real oversight

Meanwhile, people watching from the sidelines when asked to tighten their belts have right to expect diligence from the lawmakers they have elected. Continuous absenteeism, particularly by senior leaders and ministers, takes away state’s moral authority to demand sacrifice from its citizens, according to the editorial in The Express Tribune. Pakistan’s parliament must implement strict attendance rules with penalties going beyond token deductions.(Agency)

Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University VC Dr. Pushpinder Singh Gill calls on CM Bhagwant Mann

Patiala, February 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Dr. Pushpinder Singh Gill, Vice Chancellor of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University, today called on the Chief Minister of Punjab, S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, at his office in Chandigarh. The meeting was marked by a detailed and meaningful discussion on the future roadmap for sports development in the state.

The Chief Minister emphasized the pivotal role that sports can play in shaping a progressive and disciplined society. He urged Dr. Gill to spearhead a comprehensive transformation in the sports arena by strengthening grassroots structures, identifying young talent at an early stage and ensuring systematic training and mentorship.

The CM highlighted that greater enrollment of youth in sports activities is essential not only for nurturing champions but also for channelizing their energy in a positive direction, keeping them away from the adverse influences and ill effects prevalent in society.

Reiterating the state government’s firm commitment to revitalizing the sports ecosystem, the Chief Minister assured full support in developing world-class infrastructure, modern training facilities, and scientific coaching methods across Punjab. He underscored the vision of positioning Punjab once again as a leading sports powerhouse, capable of producing athletes who can excel at national and international platforms.

Dr. Pushpinder Singh Gill expressed his sincere gratitude to the Chief Minister for reposing faith in him and entrusting him with this significant responsibility.

He affirmed that he accepts the new assignment as both an honour and a challenge. Assuring complete alignment with the policies and guidelines of the state government, he stated that he would leave no stone unturned in fulfilling the commitments and realizing the shared vision for sports excellence in Punjab.

The Vice Chancellor further conveyed his determination to work collaboratively with stakeholders, coaches, institutions and the sporting community to create a vibrant, inclusive, and performance-driven sports culture in the state. The meeting concluded on a positive note, reflecting a shared resolve to usher in a new era of growth and achievement in Punjab’s sports landscape.

Two Linked To Arms-Trafficking Module Held With 5 Sophisticated Pistols From Amritsar: Gurpreet Singh Bhullar

Amritsar police arrest two in arms trafficking case

Chandigarh/Amritsar, Feb 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to make Punjab gangster free state, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has busted an arms trafficking module with the arrest of two accused persons and recovered five sophisticated pistols from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

Those arrested has been identified as Rohit Arora (25), a resident of Gilwali Gate in Amritsar and Harpreet Singh alias Happy (24), a resident of village Meerakot Kalan in Amritsar. The recovered pistols include three 9MM Glock and two .30 bore pistols.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that from preliminary investigation it has emerged that the accused were in contact with Pakistan-based smugglers through social media platforms. The illegal consignments of arms were being sent via drones and the accused used to further supply these weapons on directions of their handlers, he said.

The DGP said that further investigations is ongoing to establish forward and backward linkages of this illegal arms network.

Sharing operational details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that acting on specific and reliable secret information, police teams carried out a well-planned operation and apprehended accused Rohit Arora, who is an associate of gangster Sonu Kangla. During the search, three pistols were recovered from his possession, including one Glock and two .30 bore pistols, he said.

The CP said that during further interrogation, on the disclosure statement of accused Rohit Arora, another accused Harpreet Singh alias Happy was also arrested with two Glock pistols. Both accused are habitual offenders with previous cases pertaining to snatching on gunpoint, under prisons act, the Arms Act and NDPS Act registered against them, and were involved in narco-arms smuggling to make easy money, he added.

In this regard, a case FIR No. 33 dated 06-02-2026 has been registered under sections 25, 6, 7 and 8 of the Arms Act at Police Station Gate Hakima in Amritsar.

T20 WC: Abhishek discharged from hospital, decision on his participation on match day, says Tilak

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
India batter Tilak Varma said teammate Abhishek Sharma has been discharged from the hospital after being admitted there on Monday due to a stomach infection and a decision on his playing the game against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium will be taken on match day.

IANS had previously reported on Wednesday that Abhishek had been in the hospital since Monday due to a stomach infection and missed the training session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday evening. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate had confirmed in a press conference that Abhishek was down with a stomach bug.

“When we reached Delhi, he (Abhishek) went to the hospital for the examination. I think he was discharged today, and he is doing well. We have got one more day for the game. Hopefully, we will decide by tomorrow how he feels, and we will go with it,” Tilak told reporters in a pre-match press conference on Thursday.

Tilak also said pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is totally fine, and his playing Thursday’s game is dependent on the team management’s decision. “He (Bumrah) is absolutely fine now. He is doing better. As I said, we have got one more day. Hopefully, he will be back in the team. If he is doing better, the team will take a call. I think he will be back tomorrow for the second game.”

Varma further said the side is excited and already prepared for the high-octane clash against Pakistan, to be played at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15. “To be honest, we are very excited to play. We got to know that the match was going to take place the day before yesterday. We are ready to play.

“We are watching how all the other teams are doing. We are watching the bowlers as us batters, while the bowling group is also seeing other batters. The preparation is on, and we are well prepared. We got to know that the match was going to take place two days ago. All the players and team members are ready to play. Now, we are in the match zone, and the planning will start soon,” he concluded.(Agency)

Kerala HC orders continued probe into death of deported Indian citizen

Kochi, Feb 11, 2026
The Kerala High Court on Wednesday refused to close the habeas corpus petition filed in connection with the disappearance and death of Suraj Lama, an Indian citizen deported from Kuwait.

A division bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M.B. Snehalatha directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to continue its probe.

The court said the entire sequence of events, from Lama’s arrival in India to the recovery of his body, must be examined and properly documented.

Lama was deported from Kuwait and sent to Kochi under official orders.

The court noted that he appeared vulnerable and may have had cognitive or other impairments. Despite this, he was cleared by immigration and airport authorities and allowed to leave the airport without assistance.

After a missing complaint was filed, police took him into protective custody and admitted him to Kalamassery Medical College Hospital.

He was later discharged as doctors reportedly found no apparent medical issues.

Subsequently, a body was recovered from Kalamassery.

A forensic report confirmed it was Lama.

The Government Pleader informed the court that an interim post-mortem report dated December 1, 2025, stated that the cause of death could not be determined due to advanced decomposition.

The court observed that the case remains “wide open” as the cause of death is still unknown.

It said the petition cannot be closed merely because the body has been identified.

The bench directed the investigating officer to produce the missing case file and the post-mortem report.

It also asked the SIT, led by the City Police Commissioner or an officer of equivalent rank, to continue the investigation.

The court noted allegations of lapses at multiple stages, including immigration clearance, police handling, and medical care.

It also recorded the petitioner’s claim that the possibility of murder cannot be ruled out.

“We are not investigating the murder. We are investigating the sequence until the body was found,” the court clarified.

The matter has been posted for hearing after three weeks.(Agency)

Two toddlers killed as school bus runs over scooter in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Feb 11, 2026
Two toddlers were killed after a school bus ran over them in Bengaluru’s Thanisandra locality on Wednesday, in an incident that has triggered widespread outrage after CCTV footage surfaced on social media.

The accident occurred near the police quarters area within the limits of the Hennur Traffic Police Station. The deceased have been identified as Varsha (2) and Bhanu (4).

According to police, the children were travelling on a scooter with Naganagouda, a native of Yadgir and a constable in the City Armed Reserve (CAR). He was reportedly on his way to buy milk, accompanied by his daughter Varsha and his elder brother’s daughter Bhanu.

As it was school time, a private school bus was heading to pick up students. On noticing the bus approaching, Naganagouda stopped his scooter to allow it to pass. However, while taking a U-turn, the bus allegedly collided with the stationary two-wheeler. The impact caused the children to fall onto the road, and the rear wheel of the bus ran over them.

The injured children were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, but succumbed to severe injuries and excessive bleeding. Naganagouda sustained minor injuries in the accident.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the bus driver had earlier been involved in a minor collision with an autorickshaw and was allegedly driving in a rash and negligent manner. Police said he reportedly failed to notice the scooter stopped on the road and crashed into it.

“I was going to fetch milk and had travelled about 200 metres. After noticing the school bus approaching, I stopped my vehicle to allow it to pass. I thought the driver would see us. However, he took a turn towards my scooter and hit it. If he had slowed down and stopped the vehicle, our two children would have been alive,” Naganagouda said.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), North Division, visited the spot and conducted an inspection. The Hennur traffic police have taken the school bus driver into custody and are questioning him. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.

The bodies of the two children have been sent to Yelahanka Government Hospital for post-mortem examination. Family members gathered at the hospital, and scenes of grief were witnessed as they mourned the loss of the children.(Agency)

Former Kolkata Police Commissioner’s son falls victim to cyber fraud

Kolkata, Feb 11, 2026
The son of former Kolkata Police Commissioner and current Director of Security Manoj Verma has fallen victim to a cyber crime, police sources said on Wednesday.

It is learnt that he filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Police Station at Lalbazar on February 2, alleging that Rs 30,000 was fraudulently withdrawn from his bank account. Although the incident took place in Delhi, Manoj Verma’s son, Piyush Verma, came to Kolkata to lodge the complaint.

According to the police, he was searching for a flat on rent in Delhi when he made a payment using his UPI ID. Later, he discovered that Rs 30,000 had been debited from his bank account without authorisation.

Subsequently, he filed a complaint with the Lalbazar Cyber Crime Police Station on February 2.

Acting on the complaint, the police arrested one Rakesh Pradhan from Odisha.

During interrogation, Rakesh allegedly told the police that two persons from Delhi had used his bank account. They have been identified as Sanjay and Akshay.

The police are continuing to interrogate Rakesh, who remains in police custody, and are searching for the other individuals allegedly involved in the cyber fraud. An investigation into the matter has been initiated and officials said the case is being treated with utmost seriousness.

Cyber crime has increasingly become a major challenge for the police. In a bid to address the growing number of complaints relating to various types of cyber offences, Kolkata Police have launched a 24-hour cyber crime helpline to facilitate prompt redressal of complaints and queries related to cyber fraud.

On Tuesday, Kolkata Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar inaugurated the helpline at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Lalbazar. The toll-free number 1800-3450066 has been made operational, and citizens can call it at any time of the day or night to seek assistance regarding cyber crimes.(Agency)

Rohit Shetty firing case: Five accused charged under MCOCA

Mumbai, Feb 11, 2026
The 5 accused involved in the Rohit Shetty firing case have been slapped with MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, 1999) as they were produced before special court. On Wednesday, the police custody of the five arrested accused ended, but now the police have imposed MCOCA against all the arrested accused and in such a case, all the accused were presented in the special MCOCA court.

The special court remanded all the five accused in police custody till February 17, 2026. The Mumbai Crime Branch had sought a 15-day custody from the court, but the court did not grant a 15-day custody and sent him to police custody till February 17, 2026. The Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, 1999 (Mah. 30/1999) is a law enacted by the state of Maharashtra in India in 1999 to combat organised crime and terrorism.

The Mumbai Crime Branch said that the culprit Subham Lonkar wanted to spread terror in Mumbai and had told the arrested accused that he had to do something big in Mumbai The arrested accused was in touch with absconding accused Subham Lonkar through a single app and Rs 40,000 was transferred to the account of one of the arrested accused by Subham Lonkar.

A Mumbai Crime Branch official told the court that absconding accused Shubham Lonkar had given three weapons to his brother Praveen Lonkar and that weapon was given to the accused arrested in the Rohit Shetty firing case.

For the uninitiated, five rounds of bullets were fired at filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s Juhu residence. The investigation by the Mumbai Crime Branch revealed that the vehicle used in the firing was sourced from Pune.

The vehicle used in the firing belongs to a man from Pune, who sold it to Aditya Gayki, one of the arrested accused, for Rs 30000 a few days ago.

Later, Aditya Gayki and another accused, Samarth Pomaji, left the vehicle at a pre-decided place in Juhu area of Mumbai. According to the Crime Branch, the people who bought the vehicle and reached Mumbai do not know who the shooter is, later it was Shubham Lonkar who ordered the shooter to pick up the vehicle from where it was left and fire.(Agency)

SC issues notice on bail plea of Tasleem Ahmed in Delhi riots case

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notice on a plea filed by Tasleem Ahmed, an accused in the 2020 city riots “larger conspiracy case”, challenging the Delhi High Court’s order refusing to grant him bail under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

A Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Prasanna B. Varale sought a response from the Delhi Police on Ahmed’s special leave petition (SLP) assailing the September 2, 2025 judgment of the Delhi High Court, which had upheld the trial court’s order rejecting his third regular bail application.

The matter is likely to be listed on April 6, 2026, according to the computer-generated case status reflected on the apex court’s website.

Ahmed has been in judicial custody since June 24, 2020, after being arrested by the Crime Branch in connection with the violence that broke out in North-East Delhi between February 23 and 25, 2020, during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

He is facing charges under various provisions of the IPC, the Arms Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, and Sections 13, 16, 17 and 18 of the UAPA.

According to the prosecution, he was part of a larger conspiracy to incite and orchestrate the riots in areas including Jafrabad, Maujpur, Chand Bagh and Gokulpuri.

Ahmed has contended that he merely opposed the CAA and was arrested on allegations of terrorism.

Apart from him, other accused in the alleged larger conspiracy case include Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Meeran Haider, Gulfisha Fatima, Shifa-ur-Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan, Shadab Ahmed, Athar Khan, Abdul Khalid Saifi and others.

In its detailed judgment, the Delhi High Court had held that bail under Section 43D(5) of the UAPA cannot be granted solely on the ground of delay in trial.

A Bench of Justices Subramonium Prasad and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar observed that “factors such as long incarceration or delay in trial cannot be taken as sole factors for the grant of bail without considering the gravity of the offence or the role played by the accused.”

Rejecting Ahmed’s plea that he had been in custody for over five years without commencement of trial, the Delhi High Court said that the delay in arguments on charge was largely attributable to the accused persons themselves. It recorded that despite directions for day-to-day hearing, counsels for the accused were “not ready to address arguments”, and warned that “any delay will be viewed by the court seriously.”

The Delhi High Court further held that, except in cases of “palpable violation of fundamental rights”, bail under Section 43D(5) of the UAPA cannot be granted merely on the ground of long incarceration, especially when the accused has not pressed arguments on the merits of the case.

Last month, the Supreme Court dismissed the bail pleas of co-accused Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid in the same case, holding that the prosecution material, taken cumulatively, disclosed reasonable grounds for believing that the accusations were prima facie true under Section 43D(5) of the UAPA.

However, the apex court granted bail to five other accused — Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa Ur Rehman, Mohd Saleem Khan and Shadab Ahmed — while declining relief to Imam and Khalid.

The Delhi Police has alleged that several student activists and others were involved in a premeditated conspiracy to incite violence during the February 2020 riots, which left 53 people dead and more than 700 injured, timing the protests to coincide with the visit of then US President Donald Trump in order to attract international attention.(Agency)

Punjab Govt Fully Committed Towards Welfare of Workforce, Including Employees of Forest Dept: Kataruchak

Chandigarh, February 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to undertake every necessary measure aimed at the welfare of its workforce and the forest department employees constitute a very important part of the same.

This was stated today at the forest complex by the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak during marathon meetings with the Forest Rangers and Deputy Forest Rangers Association, Retired Employees Union of the Punjab State Forest Development Corporation Bathinda & Democratic Janglat Mulazam Union, Punjab.

In response to the demand of increasing the promotion quota from forest ranger to PFS, the Minister apprised the forest rangers that as per the restructuring proposal of the department okayed by the Finance Department, the total 44 posts of PFS Cadre (EACF) have been approved. Besides, the restructuring proposal also includes 2 posts of the Law Officer and 6 posts of Legal Assistants to deal with the litigation matters.

Regarding the demand of making direct recruitment to the posts of Forest Ranger and PFS cadre, the Minister said that the matter can be sympathetically considered after notifying the rules in respect of forest rangers and PFS.

While interacting with the retired employees union of the Punjab State Forest Development Corporation, the Minister in reference to the pension issue raised by the union, said that a high level committee has been constituted to study the issue and submit a report.

Apart from this, the Minister also met Democratic Janglat Mulazaam Union, Punjab and lent a patient hearing to their various demands including regularizing the services of adhoc and illiterate workers working with the department from time to time (519 Petitioners/Non-Petitioners).

Among others present on the occasion included the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF) Saurabh Gupta and Chief Wildlife Warden Basanta Raj Kumar.

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