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Pakistan Reopens Torkham for Afghan Returns as Smog Emergency, Meter Drive and Graft Probe Advance

Authorities are juggling border controls, anti‑corruption actions and power‑sector reforms during a hazardous pollution spell in Lahore.

Overview

  • Officials in Khyber said the Torkham crossing reopened at 7 a.m. for Afghan citizens returning to their country, with two‑way trade still suspended after the Oct. 20 closure.
  • The FIA told a Lahore court it has recovered more than Rs42.5 million from six NCCIA officers accused in a bribery case, secured a three‑day remand extension and opened inquiries into alleged assets beyond means.
  • The Power Division launched a nationwide smart‑meter rollout for DISCOs, targeting most single‑phase users and capping meter prices at roughly Rs15,000, while auditors separately sought LESCO’s AMI procurement records exceeding Rs5 billion.
  • Lahore recorded hazardous air quality with AQI readings reported above 700 in hotspots; the Safe City Authority flagged over 6,000 pollution violations in October and ticketed more than 2,500 smoke‑emitting vehicles while reporting stubble‑burning sites.
  • Rawalpindi police said 163 Afghan nationals were detained and 16 landlords arrested in a crackdown on undocumented residents, and former PTI figures announced planned meetings with PML‑N ministers and JUI‑F as PTI’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi remained under care at PKLI for a possible operation.