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Five suspected separatists killed in counterterrorism operation in southwest Pakistan

Five suspected separatists killed in counterterrorism operation in southwest Pakistan
Policeman stands guard in Quetta, Pakistan, on February 5, 2024. (AFP/File)
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Updated 19 April 2025
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Five suspected separatists killed in counterterrorism operation in southwest Pakistan

Five suspected separatists killed in counterterrorism operation in southwest Pakistan
  • A CTD official says the intelligence-based raid targeted BLA militants in Balochistan’s Duki district
  • Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti praises the action, vows to foil conspiracies to destabilize the province
Updated 19 April 2025
SAADULLAH AKHTER
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QUETTA: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in southwestern Balochistan killed five suspected militants in an intelligence-based operation in the Duki district of the province on Saturday, confirmed one of its officials, as the region continues to witness a spike in separatist violence.
The raid was conducted by CTD Balochistan with support from other law enforcement agencies in the Dhabar area of Duki. According to the CTD official, the slain militants were affiliated with the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group that has frequently targeted security forces and state infrastructure in the province.
“The latest action against militants was carried out on an intelligence basis, and the bodies of the militants were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital Duki,” the CTD official said on condition of anonymity while confirming the number of the dead militants.
The BLA was designated a terrorist organization by the United States in 2019 and has long led a separatist insurgency in the resource-rich region.
Militants affiliated with the group have also attacked Chinese nationals and projects linked to the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Following the raid, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti praised the CTD action, pointing out that the state would continue to confront militancy with full force.
“Every conspiracy to destabilize Balochistan will be foiled,” he said in a statement issued by his office, adding that any facilitators of such armed separatist groups would also be brought to justice.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind described the operation as part of the ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the province.
Balochistan has seen a spike in separatist violence in recent years. Last month, BLA militants hijacked a passenger train in the Bolan district, holding hundreds of passengers hostage for about 36 hours.
Duki, the area where the CTD operation took place, has also been prone to violence. In October last year, at least 21 miners were killed in an attack in the area, where gunmen used rocket launchers and grenades to storm coal mine facilities. Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir vowed this week to defeat separatist groups in Balochistan, saying such elements would never succeed in their efforts to disintegrate the country.
Separatist militants accuse the government and military of exploiting Balochistan’s natural resources, but the authorities maintain the Pakistani state has been investing in infrastructure and development to bring stability and growth to the province.

Topics: militancy in Pakistan KP militancy

Pakistan’s financial regulator alerts firms to cyber risks after conflict with India

Pakistan’s financial regulator alerts firms to cyber risks after conflict with India
Updated 18 sec ago
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Pakistan’s financial regulator alerts firms to cyber risks after conflict with India

Pakistan’s financial regulator alerts firms to cyber risks after conflict with India
  • SECP highlights potential risks including operational disruptions and data loss in its advisory
  • Recent India-Pakistan hostilities featured coordinated cyberattacks for the first time in history
Updated 18 sec ago
Ismail Dilawar

KARACHI: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) on Friday cautioned local companies about heightened cybersecurity risks, days after a brief but intense conflict with India that, for the first time, saw both nations engage in cyber warfare alongside traditional military exchanges.
The recent hostilities, which included missile and artillery fire, also featured the deployment of drones and coordinated cyberattacks, an unprecedented escalation in the long-standing rivalry between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
A ceasefire was brokered and announced on May 10, though the digital threat persists.
“The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued an advisory to all the companies, in light of the recent geopolitical situation and resultant heightened cybersecurity threat alerts, urging companies to adopt cybersecurity best practices,” the regulator said in a statement.
The advisory outlined potential risks such as operational disruptions, data loss and reputational damage, recommending measures including stricter access controls, vulnerability assessments, incident response planning and user awareness training.
During the conflict with India, Pakistan’s economic affairs ministry and the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) reported that their official X accounts had been compromised.
The KPT account briefly posted claims of significant damage from an Indian naval strike before the post was deleted and the agency stated its account had been hacked.
Pakistani officials also acknowledged launching retaliatory cyber operations targeting Indian government and financial websites.
Indian authorities reported over 1.5 million attempted cyber intrusions during the conflict, primarily attributed to Pakistan-based hacker groups.
The SECP’s advisory highlighted the ongoing digital risks in the aftermath of the ceasefire, urging companies to bolster their cybersecurity defenses to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data.

Topics: Pakistan India clash cyber attacks

Pakistan condemns India’s ‘unprovoked’ military action during talks with UK foreign secretary

Pakistan condemns India’s ‘unprovoked’ military action during talks with UK foreign secretary
Updated 16 May 2025
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Pakistan condemns India’s ‘unprovoked’ military action during talks with UK foreign secretary

Pakistan condemns India’s ‘unprovoked’ military action during talks with UK foreign secretary
  • Pakistan plans to phase out key import duties over five years to boost export competitiveness
  • Analysts say the decision is driven by local budget proposals, not tariff pressure from Washington
Updated 16 May 2025
Ismail Dilawar

KARACHI: Pakistan on Friday approved a major reduction in import tariffs as part of its broader effort to revive the economy, boost exports and attract foreign investment, an official statement circulated by the Prime Minister’s office said.
The move comes as Pakistan emerges from a prolonged economic crisis and shifts from restrictive import controls, previously used to protect dwindling foreign currency reserves, toward policies aimed at sustaining growth and attracting investment. With inflation easing and macroeconomic indicators improving, the government is working on tariff reforms to boost industrial productivity.
Pakistani exports, especially in textiles, engineering and pharmaceuticals, rely heavily on imported inputs, making import duties a key factor in export competitiveness. The issue came up for decision during a high-level meeting on the National Tariff Policy, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.
“In line with the government’s economic recovery plan, the prime minister has taken a historic step by approving a gradual but significant reduction in import tariffs,” the statement said, calling it “a key milestone” in achieving economic stability and enabling export-led growth.
Under the approved changes, Pakistan will phase out additional customs duties, currently ranging from two to seven percent, along with regulatory duties, between five and 90 percent, over the next four to five years.
The government will also cap general customs duties at 15 percent, compared to current rates that sometimes exceed 100 percent, and limit tariff slabs to four categories to reduce complexity and ensure a level playing field across industries.
“It’s too early to comment whether the focus of the government is to reduce or abolish these duties on raw materials or finished products,” Shankar Talreja, head of research at Topline Securities, told Arab News.
“If duties are abolished on raw materials, it may generate the desired results of increase in exports,” he added.
Talreja maintained some industries in Pakistan needed these duties to remain in place to continue being viable businesses.
He noted that in the absence of them, Chinese products could inundate the market, which could adversely impact the local industry.
However, the official statement said the policy shift was expected to support the government’s goals of curbing unemployment, containing inflation further and providing dignified employment opportunities, particularly for educated youth.
Rao Aamir Ali, deputy head of research at Arif Habib Limited, said the government’s decision related to the import duties was not in response to the United States’ “reciprocal tariffs.”
“This move is not related to Pakistan’s tariff issue with the US,” he told Arab News.
“It is part of the budget proposals from various industrial sectors seeking reduction in customs duties to cut their input costs,” he added.
Sharif ordered the formation of an implementation committee to oversee the rollout of the tariff reforms during the meeting and reiterated that economic revival remained his administration’s top priority.

Topics: Pakistan UK Ties British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott Pakistan foreign office

Pakistan moves to cut import tariffs in bid to boost exports, attract investment

Pakistan moves to cut import tariffs in bid to boost exports, attract investment
Updated 16 May 2025
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Pakistan moves to cut import tariffs in bid to boost exports, attract investment

Pakistan moves to cut import tariffs in bid to boost exports, attract investment
  • Pakistani exports rely heavily on imported inputs, making import duties important for export competitiveness
  • Government plans to phase out additional customs and regulatory duties in Pakistan in the next five years
Updated 16 May 2025
Ismail Dilawar

KARACHI: Pakistan on Friday approved a major reduction in import tariffs as part of its broader effort to revive the economy, boost exports and attract foreign investment, an official statement circulated by the Prime Minister’s office said.

The move comes as Pakistan emerges from a prolonged economic crisis and shifts from restrictive import controls, previously used to protect dwindling foreign currency reserves, toward policies aimed at sustaining growth and attracting investment. With inflation easing and macroeconomic indicators improving, the government is working on tariff reforms to boost industrial productivity.

Pakistani exports, especially in textiles, engineering and pharmaceuticals, rely heavily on imported inputs, making import duties a key factor in export competitiveness. The issue came up for decision during a high-level meeting on the National Tariff Policy, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.

“In line with the government’s economic recovery plan, the prime minister has taken a historic step by approving a gradual but significant reduction in import tariffs,” the statement said, calling it “a key milestone” in achieving economic stability and enabling export-led growth.

Under the approved changes, Pakistan will phase out additional customs duties, currently ranging from two to seven percent, along with regulatory duties, between five and 90 percent, over the next four to five years.

The government will also cap general customs duties at 15 percent, compared to current rates that sometimes exceed 100 percent, and limit tariff slabs to four categories to reduce complexity and ensure a level playing field across industries.

The policy shift is expected to support the government’s goals of curbing unemployment, containing inflation further and providing dignified employment opportunities, particularly for educated youth.

Sharif also ordered the formation of an implementation committee to oversee the rollout of the tariff reforms and reiterated that economic revival remained his administration’s top priority.

Topics: Karachi port

Pakistan says agreed with India on ‘phased de-escalation’ after last week’s strikes

Pakistan says agreed with India on ‘phased de-escalation’ after last week’s strikes
Updated 16 May 2025
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Pakistan says agreed with India on ‘phased de-escalation’ after last week’s strikes

Pakistan says agreed with India on ‘phased de-escalation’ after last week’s strikes
  • The latest conflict between India and Pakistan had sparked global concerns that it could spiral into a full-blown war
  • Four days of intense drone, missile and artillery strikes left around 70 people, including civilians, dead on both sides
Updated 16 May 2025
KASHIF IMRAN

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has agreed with India for “phased de-escalation” after last week’s military conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors, the Pakistani foreign office said on Friday, adding that military officials from both countries had been in “periodic contacts.”

The latest conflict between India and Pakistan had sparked global concerns that it could spiral into a full-blown war before a ceasefire was announced by United States President Donald Trump. Fighting began when India launched strikes on May 7 against what it called “terrorist camps” in Pakistan following an April attack in Indian-administered Kashmir which killed 26 people.

New Delhi blamed Islamabad for backing the militants it claimed were behind the attack — the deadliest on civilians in Kashmir in decades. Pakistan denies the charge and has demanded a credible, international probe into the assault. Four days of intense drone, missile and artillery exchanges left around 70 people, including dozens of civilians, dead on both sides.

Speaking at a press briefing in Islamabad, Pakistani foreign office spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan said the ceasefire between both nations was achieved through “facilitation of several friendly nations,” reiterating Islamabad’s support for President Trump’s announcement of engaging with Pakistan and India to seek a resolution to the Kashmir dispute.

“I would like to highlight that Directors General of Military Operations of Pakistan and India have maintained periodic contacts since 10th May 2025. Both sides have agreed on a structured mechanism for phased de-escalation,” he said, adding that Pakistan was committed to the ceasefire.

“As a goodwill gesture, Pakistan handed over an Indian Border Security Force constable on May 14, 2025. In return, India released a sepoy of Pakistan Rangers.”

There was no immediate response from New Delhi to Khan’s statement but it came hours after Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should reconsider a one-billion-dollar loan to Pakistan, alleging Islamabad was “funding terror.” Both India and Pakistan, who are members of the International Atomic Energy Agency, have also accused each other of failing to control their nuclear weapons.

“I believe a big portion of the $1 billion coming from IMF will be used for funding terror infrastructure,” Singh told troops at an air force base in western India. “I believe any economic assistance to Pakistan is nothing less than funding terror.”

The IMF last week approved a loan program review for Pakistan, unlocking a $1 billion payment which the state bank said has already been received. A fresh $1.4 billion loan was also approved for Pakistan under the IMF’s climate resilience fund.

Khan said at a time when the international community was actively promoting regional peace and stability, India’s rhetoric reflected a “persistent tendency to distort facts, justify aggression, and cast unwarranted aspersions” on Pakistan’s nuclear assets.

“Pakistan as a responsible state remains committed to the ceasefire and to taking necessary steps toward de-escalation and regional stability,” he said.

“Given India’s belligerent posture, we call upon our international partners to ensure that India honors its commitments and refrains from further aggression. Should India resume hostilities, Pakistan will have no choice but to respond.”

Bitter rivals India and Pakistan have fought three wars, including two over the disputed region of Kashmir, since gaining independence from British rule in 1947. Both claim the Himalayan territory in its entirety but rule it in part.

India has long battled an insurgency on the side it rules by armed separatists fighting for independence or a merger with Pakistan. New Delhi accuses Pakistan of backing the militants, Islamabad says it only offers political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris.

The region has long been described as the “nuclear flashpoint” of South Asia and prompted President Trump last week to offer Washington’s mediation to resolve the issue.

“Pakistan firmly believes in peaceful coexistence. We prioritize dialogue and diplomacy over conflict and confrontation. We have consistently advocated for meaningful engagement and result-oriented dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir,” Khan said.

“A just and peaceful settlement of these disputes remains indispensable for lasting peace in South Asia.”

India has for years insisted Kashmir is a bilateral issue and not allowed any third-party mediation.

Topics: Pakistan India ceasefire

UK, Pakistan foreign ministers meet after India conflict

UK, Pakistan foreign ministers meet after India conflict
Updated 16 May 2025
AFP
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UK, Pakistan foreign ministers meet after India conflict

UK, Pakistan foreign ministers meet after India conflict
  • The conflict between nuclear-armed neighbors India, Pakistan sparked global concerns that it could spiral into a full-blown war
  • Four days of intense drone, missile and artillery exchanges, killed around 70 people, including dozens of civilians, on both sides
Updated 16 May 2025
AFP

ISLAMABAD: UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with his Pakistani counterpart in Islamabad on Friday, a week after the country’s most serious military confrontation with India in decades.

The latest conflict between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan had sparked global concerns that it could spiral into a full-blown war before a ceasefire was announced by United States President Donald Trump.

Lammy was received by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Foreign Office, images broadcast by state television showed.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy (L) in a meeting with  Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, on May 16, 2025. (PMO)

The United Kingdom was among several nations to urge de-escalation after last week’s clashes, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at the time that Britain was “urgently engaging” with both countries.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel Al-Jubeir, separately visited both countries last week offering to mediate.

Fighting began when India launched strikes on May 7 against what it called “terrorist camps” in Pakistan following an April attack in Indian-administered Kashmir which killed 26 people.

New Delhi blamed Islamabad for backing the militants it claimed were behind the attack — the deadliest on civilians in Kashmir in decades. Pakistan denies the charge.

Four days of intense drone, missile and artillery exchanges ensued, leaving around 70 people, including dozens of civilians, dead on both sides.

Both India and Pakistan are members of the International Atomic Energy Agency and have accused each other of failing to control their nuclear weapons.

Topics: UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy Foreign minister Ishaq Dar Pakistan India Ties

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