Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa clarifies no new military operation taking place in province

Update Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa clarifies no new military operation taking place in province
People protest for peace a day after the suicide attack by militants on an army enclave in Bannu, on July 16, 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 25 July 2024
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Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa clarifies no new military operation taking place in province

Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa clarifies no new military operation taking place in province
  • KP chief minister chairs apex committee with senior civil, military officials in northwestern Pakistan 
  • Pakistan’s government last month announced new anti-terror campaign against militants in country

PESHAWAR: The government in northwestern Pakistan clarified on Thursday that authorities would not carry out any fresh anti-terror military operation in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, saying that police and its counter-terrorism department would instead take action against militants in the area. 

The statement was issued after the KP government held an apex committee meeting on Thursday to discuss the situation in Bannu district, where two people were killed in a shooting incident targeting a large rally demanding peace last Friday, amid a surge in militant violence in the area.

In June, the country’s top national security forum announced the “Operation Azm-e-Istehkam,” or Resolve for Stability, campaign after a meeting of the Central Apex Committee on the National Action Plan (NAP) that was attended by senior military leaders and top government officials from all provinces, including the PTI-backed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

The announcement had been met with criticism, as Pakistan’s opposition parties accused the government of not taking them on board regarding the decision. However, Pakistan’s military spokesman Lt. Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry clarified that the campaign was not meant to be a full-scale military operation but would invigorate the ones that are already taking place in the country. 

“Military institutions have clearly said about the operation that there is no such thing, hence no operation is taking place in the province,” a joint statement from the KP government after the meeting said. 

The apex committee meeting was chaired by Gandapur and included senior civil and military officials, apart from some leaders of the group that has organized the Bannu sit-in protests since the shooting incident last Friday. 

It said that police and the counter-terrorism department of the KP government would take action against local militants. 

However, the statement said it wasn’t possible to take action in some areas without the Pakistan Army’s help due to their geographical location and closeness to the border areas. 

“In such a situation, action will be taken as per the situation till the capacity of the CTD and other institutions is at par with the security forces,” the statement said. 

The apex committee said that police and CTD’s capabilities were being enhanced by increasing their number of personnel, armored vehicles and firearms. 

“Terrorists are condemnable in every form and indiscriminatory action will be taken against them,” the statement warned. 

The committee said that the judiciary would be requested to hold a judicial inquiry into the Bannu shooting incident, a demand that had been put forward by Pakistan’s opposition alliance and Bannu protesters. 

“Meanwhile, the government will hold its own inquiry and identify the persons responsible,” it added. 

The committee said every individual had the right to protest peacefully. However, it said it was also imperative for everyone to abide by the law and refrain from lawlessness and violence. 


One killed, 10 wounded in grenade attack on pro-army rally in Pakistan

One killed, 10 wounded in grenade attack on pro-army rally in Pakistan
Updated 32 sec ago
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One killed, 10 wounded in grenade attack on pro-army rally in Pakistan

One killed, 10 wounded in grenade attack on pro-army rally in Pakistan
  • About 150 people in cars, motorcycles in Quetta were celebrating Pakistan's retaliatory strikes against India
  • No group immediately claimed responsibility but suspicion is likely to fall on separatist Baloch Liberation Army

QUETTA: A suspected militant on a motorcycle threw a hand grenade at participants of a pro-army rally in southwestern Pakistan on Wednesday, killing at least one person and wounding 10 others, police and hospital officials said.

The attack occurred in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, said local police chief Mohammad Malghani.

He said about 150 people in cars and on motorcycles were heading to a hockey ground in the city for a government-organized event to celebrate the military’s recent retaliatory strikes inside India when the man threw a grenade at them.

Wasim Baig, a spokesman at the Civil Hospital, said at least two of those wounded were in critical condition.

No group immediately claimed responsibility, but suspicion is likely to fall on the Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist group that has waged a years-long insurgency in the province.

Pro-army rallies have been held across Pakistan since Sunday, when the United States brokered a cease-fire between Pakistan and India, which were engaged in one of their most serious confrontations in decades.


Pakistan resolves to enhance UAE ties into ‘mutually beneficial economic partnership’

Pakistan resolves to enhance UAE ties into ‘mutually beneficial economic partnership’
Updated 9 min 54 sec ago
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Pakistan resolves to enhance UAE ties into ‘mutually beneficial economic partnership’

Pakistan resolves to enhance UAE ties into ‘mutually beneficial economic partnership’
  • Shehbaz Sharif speaks to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan
  • Pakistan PM thanks UAE for playing constructive role to defuse South Asia tensions

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed his country’s resolve to strengthen Pakistan’s ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) into a “mutually beneficial economic partnership,” his office said in a statement.

Sharif’s government has moved closer to the UAE in recent months in its efforts to attract international investment and ensure stability for Pakistan’s fragile $350 billion economy.

In January last year, Pakistan and the UAE signed multiple agreements worth more than $3 billion for cooperation in railways, economic zones and infrastructure, a Pakistani official said.

Sharif spoke to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan over the telephone, the Pakistani Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said. He noted “with great satisfaction” that bilateral cooperation between the two countries was progressing, especially in the areas of economy and investment.

“He [Sharif] renewed his strong resolve to transform the existing Pakistan-UAE ties into a mutually beneficial economic partnership,” the statement said.

Both leaders discussed Pakistan’s recent tensions with India which triggered an armed conflict between the two nations recently.

India and Pakistan pounded each other with missiles, drones, and artillery fire last week. The conflict erupted when India fired missiles into Pakistan last Wednesday after weeks of tensions over an attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir on Apr 22. New Delhi blamed the attack on Pakistan, while Islamabad denied involvement.

US President Donald Trump announced Washington had brokered a ceasefire between the two states on Saturday after Pakistan launched retaliatory strikes.

“During their warm and cordial conversation, the Prime Minister conveyed profound gratitude for UAE’s diplomatic efforts and constructive role to defuse the recent crisis in South Asia,” the PMO said.

“He added the UAE had always stood by Pakistan, through thick and thin.”

Sharif’s office said he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to uphold the ceasefire understanding, as well as its resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.

“The UAE President welcomed the ceasefire understanding, while appreciating Pakistan’s efforts for peace,” the PMO said.

Separately, Sharif also spoke to UN chief Antonio Guterres to thank him for his efforts to defuse tensions in South Asia, the PMO said.

The UAE holds immense importance for Pakistan, given that it is Islamabad’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States, and a major source of foreign investment, valued at over $10 billion in the last 20 years, according to the UAE foreign ministry.

It is also home to more than a million Pakistani expatriates. Policymakers in Pakistan consider the UAE an optimal export destination due to its geographical proximity, which minimizes transportation and freight costs while facilitating commercial transactions.


Pakistan says willing to work with India, global partners to counter ‘terrorism’

Pakistan says willing to work with India, global partners to counter ‘terrorism’
Updated 14 May 2025
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Pakistan says willing to work with India, global partners to counter ‘terrorism’

Pakistan says willing to work with India, global partners to counter ‘terrorism’
  • Islamabad has always denied New Delhi's allegations it supports militants who launch attacks against it
  • Disputed Kashmir territory has been the root cause of conflict between India and Pakistan since 1947

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday said Islamabad was willing to work with New Delhi and global partners to counter "terrorism," as his country's fragile ceasefire with India continues to hold after last week's armed conflict.

India fired missiles into what it says were "terrorist" camps in Pakistan last Wednesday, stoking tensions between the two neighbors. India targeted Pakistani cities in Azad Kashmir and Punjab after weeks of tensions over an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22. New Delhi blamed the attack on Pakistan, while Islamabad denied involvement.

Pakistan said it downed five Indian fighter jets last Wednesday and conducted retaliatory strikes on Saturday. Hours later, US President Donald Trump announced both sides had agreed to a ceasefire brokered by Washington.

India accuses Pakistan of sheltering militants that launch attacks on its soil, especially in the part of the disputed Kashmir territory that New Delhi administers. Pakistan denies the allegations and urges Delhi to give Kashmiris the right to self-determination.

"I think we can work together because if they [Indian authorities] are so allergic not to work together against this [terrorism] menace, we can have two, three more partners," Dar, who also serves as Pakistan's deputy prime minister, told BBC News Hindi.

https://x.com/BBCHindi/status/1922288613078806945

Dar did not elaborate on which countries he meant when he said "partners."

"Global partners to deal with it," the minister added.

He pointed out that Pakistan had suffered from militant attacks and was a "frontline ally" in the so-called War on Terror.

"We have lost 90,000 people but then it takes two to tango," he continued. "We have to work together to eliminate the menace of terrorism."

Kashmir has been the root cause of conflicts between India and Pakistan since both countries gained independence from British rule in 1947.

India and Pakistan have fought two out of three wars over Kashmir. Both countries claim the Himalayan region in full but administer only parts of it.

India accuses Pakistan of arming and funding separatist militants in Kashmir. Islamabad denies the allegations and says it only provides moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris.


Saudi crown prince hopes India-Pakistan ceasefire restores ‘calm’ between neighbors

Saudi crown prince hopes India-Pakistan ceasefire restores ‘calm’ between neighbors
Updated 14 May 2025
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Saudi crown prince hopes India-Pakistan ceasefire restores ‘calm’ between neighbors

Saudi crown prince hopes India-Pakistan ceasefire restores ‘calm’ between neighbors
  • India and Pakistan exchanged missiles, drone attacks and artillery fire last week before agreeing to ceasefire
  • Saudi Arabia was one of several countries that defused tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday hoped the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan would contain escalation and “restore calm” between the two neighbors, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Pakistan has credited Saudi Arabia and several other nations for playing a constructive role in defusing its tensions with India last week after fighting erupted between the two. US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that Washington had brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, calming fears of an all-out war between the nuclear-armed states.

The Saudi crown prince welcomed the ceasefire during his opening address at the GCC-USA summit in Riyadh on Wednesday, which was held in Trump’s presence.

“We welcome the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India and hope that it will contain escalation and restore calm between the two countries,” the crown prince said as per the SPA.

The Saudi crown prince said the Kingdom aimed to work with Trump and GCC countries to de-escalate tensions in the region, end the war in Gaza and seek a “lasting and comprehensive solution” to the Palestinian cause.

“Our objective is to ensure security and peace for the peoples of the region,” he said. “We reiterate our support for all endeavors aimed at resolving crises and halting conflicts through peaceful means.”

The fragile ceasefire has temporarily halted hostilities with India and Pakistan trading blame for the conflict.

The flare-up between Pakistan and India, one of the most serious in recent years, followed a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir last month and escalated into missile strikes, drone attacks and cross-border fire over the past week.

India and Pakistan claim the Kashmir region in full but administer only parts of it. Both countries, bitter rivals, have fought two out of three wars over Kashmir since securing independence from British colonial India in 1947.


Pakistani official says 1.3 million Afghans repatriated since November 2023

Pakistani official says 1.3 million Afghans repatriated since November 2023
Updated 14 May 2025
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Pakistani official says 1.3 million Afghans repatriated since November 2023

Pakistani official says 1.3 million Afghans repatriated since November 2023
  • Pakistan launched deportation drive in November 2023 against foreigners residing illegally in country amid militancy surge
  • Pakistan has hosted over 2.8 million Afghan refugees who crossed the border during 40 years of conflict in their homeland

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani authorities have repatriated approximately 1.3 million Afghan refugees in a deportation drive launched since November 2023, Parliamentary Secretary Mukhtar Ahmad Malik said on Wednesday, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported.

Pakistan launched a repatriation drive of foreign citizens that began in November 2023, with thousands of Afghan nationals expelled since. The government initially said it was first focusing on expelling foreigners with no legal documentation and other categories, such as Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) — a document launched in 2017 to grant temporary legal status to Afghan refugees — would be included later.

Earlier this year, the country’s interior ministry asked all “illegal foreigners” and ACC holders to leave the country before Mar. 31, warning that they would otherwise be deported from April 1. Authorities subsequently started deporting thousands of Afghan nationals from all parts of the country.

“Parliamentary Secretary Mukhtar Ahmad Malik informed the National Assembly on Wednesday that approximately 1.3 million Afghan refugees have been repatriated from Pakistan so far,” APP reported.

Responding to a question raised by lawmaker Anjum Aqeel Khan during a parliamentary session, Malik said around 3 million Afghan refugees were residing in Pakistan.

“Of these, 813,000 hold Afghan Citizen Cards (ECC) while 1.3 million possess Proof of Registration (PoR) cards,” he was quoted as saying.

He emphasized that Afghan nationals who wish to enter Pakistan for medical treatment, education, or business purposes are welcome to do so provided they obtain a Pakistani visa and carry valid documentation with them.

In total, Pakistan has hosted over 2.8 million Afghan refugees who crossed the border during 40 years of conflict in their homeland.

The deportation drive was launched in November 2023 after Islamabad witnessed a surge in suicide attacks and militancy that it blamed on Afghan nationals, without providing evidence.

Local and international rights organizations have accused Pakistani authorities of harassing Afghan nationals while forcefully repatriating them. The same has been accused by the Afghan Taliban, who have called on Islamabad to allow its nationals to return to their homeland with dignity.

Islamabad denies the harassment allegations and says it is ensuring Afghan nationals are deported with dignity.