Entertainment
Punjab moves to ban ‘extremist party’ after violent TLP protests
- Punjab to take action against extremist party inciting violence, hate.
- Punjab govt to include Afghan citizens in tax net.
- Provincial govt proposes stricter laws for illegal weapons.
The Punjab government has decided to approach the Centre to impose a ban on an “extremist party” following the recent wave of violent protests orchestrated by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
At a high-level meeting on law and order, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Lahore, the provincial leadership approved “historic” and “extraordinary” measures.
Without naming any party, the statement issued by the provincial government said those involved in inciting violence, spreading hatred and violating the law will be arrested “immediately”.
It further said that extremist party’s leaders and workers responsible for the deaths of law enforcement agencies’ personnel and involved in damaging public property will be tried in anti-terrorism courts.
The leadership of the party is also expected to be placed on the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, which places strict limits on their movement and activities.
As part of the broader clampdown, the provincial government plans to seize all of the party’s properties and assets, which will be handed over to the Auqaf Department. It’s also moving to ban the group’s posters, banners, and advertisements entirely. Their social media accounts will be shut down, and any associated bank accounts frozen. The statement has also signalled that any misuse of loudspeakers, in violation of the Loudspeaker Act, will be met with tough penalties.
The move comes as part of a broader crackdown aimed at restoring public order and reinforcing the writ of the state and rule of law after recent unrest across the province.
Earlier this week, the law enforcement agencies launched a crackdown on TLP protesters and dismantled their protest camp in Muridke, resulting in violent clashes and dozens of arrests.
According to the senior police official, one station house officer (SHO) on duty was martyred, and 48 police personnel sustained injuries, 17 of whom were wounded by gunfire during the clashes with TLP protesters.
TLP protesters tried marching towards the federal capital despite the ban on public gathering under Section 144, resulting in days of turmoil across
The TLP march also left at least 40 government and private vehicles burnt and several shops set ablaze.
At least three TLP workers and a passerby died in the violent clashes, while reports showed that at least 30 civilians were also wounded.
Inclusion of Afghan citizens in tax net
In the same meeting, the Punjab government has also decided to focus on undocumented Afghan nationals living in the province. It plans to include Afghan citizens in the tax net and start collecting real-time data on those staying illegally.
Meanwhile, a whistleblower system is being introduced to allow people to report illegal residents while keeping their identities confidential.
The government will also carry out targeted operations against unregistered foreigners and their businesses, with deportations to follow under federal guidelines.
Stricter arms laws
Moreover, the provincial government is also coming down hard on those possessing illegal weapons. Citizens have been given one month to register their legal firearms at local service centres. Arms dealers across the province will have their inventories checked, and no new licences will be issued during this time. The province has also asked the federal government to step in and regulate weapons manufacturers and factories.
One of the most significant changes is the stiffening of penalties for possessing illegal weapons. From now on, offenders could face up to 14 years in prison and a fine of up to Rs2 million. The crime will now be considered non-bailable.
Entertainment
Savannah Guthrie visits “Today” studio, says she intends to return to show
Savannah Guthrie stopped by the “Today” show studio to see colleagues on Thursday, NBC News said in a statement shared with CBS News. It was the first time Guthrie had been in the studio since her mother, Nancy Guthrie, disappeared over a month ago.
NBC said that Guthrie plans to eventually return to “Today.” The network did not specify when that might happen.
“Savannah Guthrie stopped by the studio this morning to be with and thank her TODAY colleagues,” the company said. “While she plans to return to the show on air, she remains focused right now supporting her family and working to help bring Nancy home.”
During her visit to Studio 1A, Guthrie embraced staff and crew, according to “Today.” She reportedly thanked her colleagues for “caring about my mom as much as I do,” the show said.
“I wanted you to know that I’m still standing, and I still have hope, and I’m still me,” she said. “And I don’t know what version of me that will be, but it will be.”
Courtesy NBC/Today/Handout via Reuters
“I have every intention of coming back,” Guthrie also said, according to the show. “I don’t know how to come back, but I don’t know how not to. You’re my family. And I would like to try.”
Guthrie’s last appearance on “Today” was January 30, 2026, two days before Nancy was reported missing. Guthrie has spent most of the past month with her siblings and their families in Arizona, where her mother and sister live.
Law enforcement have said they believe the 84-year-old was taken from her Tucson home overnight in the early morning hours of Feb. 1. No suspects or motive have been publicly identified. Law enforcement is continuing to analyze forensic and digital evidence related to the case.
Guthrie has shared search updates on her social media and recently said that while the family understands they may not find Nancy alive, they “still believe in a miracle.” Guthrie has offered a $1 million reward for information about her mother’s disappearance.
Possession of Nancy Guthrie’s home was recently returned to her family, and the FBI moved its command post from Tucson to Phoenix. A law enforcement source told CBS News the investigation was still continuing at full speed and that the move would allow for law enforcement to operate more efficiently for the long-term.
Entertainment
Princess Anne marks milestone moment at UCL with historic Cloisters reopening
Princess Anne carried out another engagement on Thursday at the historic Bloomsbury campus of University College London.
The Princess Royal made a low-key arrival at UCL to meet students, academics and staff who are helping mark a milestone moment in the university’s long history.
The visit centred on the formal reopening of the beautifully restored Wilkins Building Cloisters that forms part of the university’s original 19th-century design.
During her time on campus, Anne spoke with those involved in the restoration project and learned more about how the university is celebrating its landmark anniversary.
Anne attended the event in her role as Chancellor of the University of London.
The last time a British monarch visited the university for such a milestone was nearly a century ago, when King George V and Queen Mary attended celebrations marking UCL’s centenary in 1927.
Earlier, the horse-loving royal was also spotted arriving at the National Equine Forum at One Birdcage Walk in Westminster, a key gathering for experts across the equestrian world.
On March 3, she paid a visit to The Old Department Store, where a once-traditional high street landmark is beginning a new chapter as a bustling community hub.
The royal guest was given a tour of the revitalised building, hearing about the ambitious “High Street Reimagined” vision that aims to transform the historic space into a centre for social enterprise, collaboration, and local innovation.
One of the highlights of the visit saw the Princess Royal explore several of The Grace Network’s social enterprise ventures operating within the space.
Entertainment
Here’s what it plans to do
China has unveiled its ambitious new five-year plan that focuses heavily on artificial intelligence as leaders aim to secure an edge in an intensifying rivalry with the United States.
The five year plan was released at the opening session of the National People’s Congress, calling for sweeping adoption of AI across multiple sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and logistics.
The 141-page blueprint introduces a broad “AI+ action plan” focusing on integrating technology throughout the Chinese economy.
Premier Li Qiang pointed out that technology as a pillar of what China terms “new quality productive forces,” suggesting a stronger emphasis than in earlier policy outlines.
The government made clear that it will pursue “decisive breakthroughs in key core technologies” and seize the “commanding heights” of global innovation.
Major focused fields include quantum computing, 6G telecommunications, humanoid robots, nuclear fusion and brain-computer interfaces.
In the next five years, China aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology specially advanced semiconductors due to rising trade tensions with the U.S.
Beside technology, the government also announced a 7 & increase in defense budget for 2026.
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