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Express Tribune
13-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Illegal gun trade escapes crackdown
In Punjab, illegal arms smuggling has become a norm, raising serious concerns over the efficiency of law enforcement agencies regarding their ability to curb this activity. Even though large numbers of illegal arms are seized, many are later declared legal on paper. Furthermore, serial numbers are also changed to mask the origins of these weapons. The lack of strict enforcement has contributed to the growing scale of this business, prompting many citizens to keep weapons for their own protection. A resident of Lahore, Muhammad Usman, shared that his line of work required him to regularly collect cash from Shah Alam Market and transport it either to the bank or to his home. 'Due to the security risks involved, I sometimes carry a legally licensed firearm for protection. Thieves and bandits often use smuggled or stolen firearms to carry out crimes. When illegal firearms are seized, the forensic laboratory documents the unique markings of bullets fired from those weapons,' said Usman. According to data obtained by the Express Tribune from the police, in the first three months of 2025, 2,535 illegal weapons were seized in Sheikhupura, 2,393 illegal weapons were seized in Lahore, 1,388 illegal weapons were seized in Gujranwala, 897 in Rawalpindi, 1,455 in Sargodha, 1,546 in Faisalabad, 1,027 in Multan, 753 in Sahiwal, 833 in DG Khan, and 561 in Bahawalpur, against which cases have been registered. Reportedly, weapons are smuggled into Punjab from Dara Adam Khel in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). AIG Police Monitoring Punjab, Khalid Mahmood, stated that the police had launched a province-wide crackdown against smuggling, with a large-scale arms seizure operation currently underway. 'Whenever the police receive information, weapons are confiscated from the location and formal cases are registered against the accused,' said Mahmood. On the other hand, police sources anonymously revealed that many individuals in certain areas were known to possess illegal weapons. 'Law enforcement is aware of who owns these arms or is involved in their illegal trade. However, if they receive pressure from higher authorities, they take action; otherwise, the matter is often settled quietly,' confessed an official. It has been revealed that these dealers often collude with others to obtain fake licenses for the weapons. Furthermore, they plan and coordinate the smuggling of illegal arms in vehicles, sometimes hiding them in vegetable or cargo trucks during transportation. Alarmingly, if a customer requests, weapons are even delivered alongside their families to avoid suspicion. A TikToker known as Bobby Malik was reportedly selling illegal weapons under the name of Al-Islam Arms using forged documents. Similarly, the arms dealership of Haji Zarwali Khan in Bhaati Gate, Lahore was sealed and its license suspended after it was found that a sales agent was illegally operating under the same license. Other suspended arms dealers include, Mian Khalid & Company, Katchehri Bazaar, Faisalabad, Chakwal Armory, Commercial Market, Talagang Road, Chakwal, Sarhad Arms, Marhaba Plaza, District Attock, Javad & Company, Katchehri Bazaar, Faisalabad. Previously, the Home Department took strict action against 19 fake arms dealers. Punjab Home Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal stated that selling weapons based on bogus licenses was a serious crime, and all those involved will be brought to justice. 'Under the Punjab Arms Rules 2023, the department is re-verifying the licenses of all arms dealers across the province. So far, 386 arms dealers have been issued computerized arms business licenses after verification. A zero-tolerance policy is being implemented against bogus arms licenses and fake dealers,' said Mengal. According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department, any arms transactions with these fake dealers are illegal and legal action will be taken against those involved. The department has instructed that these sealed arms dealer shops are to remain closed until further notice.
Express Tribune
12-06-2025
- Express Tribune
African lion seized after abuse video goes viral
Punjab Wildlife officials raided the residence of the well-known TikToker Khurram Gujjar in Lahore and recovered the African lion. PHOTO: EXPRESS The Punjab Wildlife Department has seized an African lion and registered a case against an accused seen in a viral video harassing the animal. The video, widely circulated on social media, showed a man identified as Muhammad Usman, keeping an African male lion illegally and engaging in abusive behaviour toward the animal. Following directives from the Chief Wildlife Ranger, a team of Punjab Wildlife Rangers from Gujranwala, in coordination with Sadar Police Station, launched a raid to recover the animal. Wildlife Deputy Chief Ranger Sheikh Muhammad Zahid, the suspect escaped during the operation by blending into a crowd of onlookers. However, authorities successfully took the adult African lion into custody. The lion has been relocated to the Adil Wildlife Breeding Farm pending further legal proceedings. A case has been registered against Muhammad Usman under provisions of the Punjab Wildlife Act of 1974 as well as Sections 186 (obstructing public servants in discharge of duty) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Express Tribune
09-06-2025
- Express Tribune
African lion rescued after abuse video circulates on TikTok
Listen to article A viral video on social media platform TikTok showing the abuse of an African male lion has prompted swift action by the Punjab Wildlife Department. Officials have seized the lion, while the suspect remains at large. In the widely circulated video, a young man, identified as Muhammad Usman, son of Muhammad Shahid, can be seen illegally keeping and harassing an African male lion in an urban area. READ MORE: Bear rescued from abuse, illegal captivity Acting under a zero-tolerance policy, the Punjab Wildlife Rangers in Gujranwala, under instructions from the Chief Wildlife Ranger, conducted a raid in collaboration with the local police from Sadar Police Station, Gujranwala. According to Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Gujranwala, Sheikh Muhammad Zahid, the suspect managed to escape by blending into a crowd of onlookers during the operation. However, the authorities successfully took an adult African male lion into custody. The Punjab Wildlife Department has registered a case against Muhammad Usman under relevant sections of the Wildlife Act of 1974 and Sections 186 and 506 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Pending the outcome of the case, the confiscated lion has been transferred to Adil Wildlife Breeding Farm. Wildlife Department officials emphasised that illegally keeping wildlife and subjecting animals to harassment in urban settings is intolerable. They reiterated their commitment to continuing strict enforcement actions against such violations. The latest confiscation followed an earlier incident in Gujranwala, where two African lions were taken into custody after a TikTok video went viral showing them being paraded through a residential neighbourhood alongside automatic firearms. In the footage, a man identified as Luqman—known online as "Loha"—was seen walking a chained lion in the Batala Sharam Singh area, raising concerns about both public safety and animal welfare. READ MORE: Man injured in lion attack while filming TikTok video Responding to the incident, Deputy Director Wildlife Rangers Gujranwala Region Sheikh Zahid Iqbal had ordered immediate action. A team led by Senior Wildlife Ranger Muhammad Umair traced the lions to a private farmhouse, where they were being kept without any legal permits or documentation under the Punjab Wildlife Act. Wildlife officials confirmed that no valid registration had been submitted for the animals, leading to their removal by the authorities.
Business Recorder
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
JUI leader hails armed forces
KARACHI: Qari Muhammad Usman, Deputy Amir of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) Sindh, hailed the Pakistan Armed Forces' 'Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos' as a historic and decisive strike against India, crushing its 'nefarious designs.' He praised the Pakistan Air Force for its professionalism and bravery, stating that the operation silenced India's provocations and shook its defenses. He affirmed JUI's unwavering support, with its workers ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the military on all fronts. He condemned India's aggression, likening it to Israel's actions and accusing both of conspiring against the Muslim world. Declaring national unity, he vowed that Pakistan would defeat India militarily, diplomatically, and ideologically. The JUI leader concluded by honouring the armed forces predicting a future where Pakistan's flag flies over Delhi. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Sindh chapters of JI, JUI condemn Indian aggression
KARACHI: Chief Jamaat-e-Islami Sindh, Kashif Saeed Sheikh, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Sindh Vice Chief, Qari Muhammad Usman, on Wednesday strongly condemned the latest wave of Indian aggression, particularly targeting civilian populations and religious sites under the cover of darkness. Kashif Saeed Sheikh stated that the cowardly enemy once again resorted to attacking mosques and civilian areas, where the name of Allah is proclaimed, exposing India's lowly and cowardly mindset. He praised the Pakistan Army for its befitting response, saying it restored national pride and stood as a symbol of courage and professionalism. He urged the government to call an immediate all-parties conference to foster unity in the face of rising threats and stressed that the entire nation should be prepared with the spirit of jihad under the army's motto of faith, jihad, and piety. Sheikh declared that the liberation of Kashmir — which he termed Pakistan's jugular vein — has become inevitable. He expressed solidarity with the families of martyrs, assuring that their blood would not be shed in vain, and India would be made accountable for each drop. He instructed party workers from Karachi to Kashmore to prepare as national volunteers and directed Alkhidmat Foundation to activate its disaster management units. He also called for the government to introduce compulsory military training through a presidential ordinance, citing examples from countries like Israel and Singapore. Meanwhile, JUI's Qari Muhammad Usman condemned India's targeting of civilian populations as a continuation of its unethical and inhumane legacy of oppression and fear. He termed the attack a violation of international laws and norms, asserting that such cowardly tactics cannot shake Pakistan's national unity. Usman praised the Pakistan Armed Forces for their immediate, robust, and effective response to Indian aggression, highlighting their bravery, skill, and unwavering commitment to the country's defense. He reaffirmed that the entire nation stands firmly with its armed forces like a wall of steel. Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives, he offered condolences to the families of the martyrs, prayed for the swift recovery of the injured, and stressed that the whole nation shares their grief. Qari Usman concluded by stating that Pakistan has always emerged with honour and, God willing will continue to do so. He emphasized that no matter how cunning the enemy's plans, the nation's faith, determination, and unity will continue to thwart every scheme. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
