GOVT TO PROVIDE ICT TRAINING TO 300,000 YOUTH IN COLL ABORATION WITH HUAWEI: PM
g PM SHEHBAZ REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO EQUIP YOUTH WITH MODERN SKILLS, ENHANCE THEIR DIGITAL CAPABILITIES
g NOTES ICT TRAINING PROGRAM WILL NOT ONLY BOOST IT EXPORTS BUT ALSO CREATE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the government will integrate women associated with cottage industries and small businesses into the Small and
Bar rister Aqeel hints at updating banned outfits’ list with US help
to be updated and I am sure that the State Department will update their own lists as well, Aqeel said We will share information with them there is intelligence sharing and based on our list they will update their lists about banned Pakistani organisations as well the minister stated If any individuals maintain links with these organisations, their entry may be denied, and their visas may be revoked ” Responding to a question the minister reiterated that ordinary Pakistanis will not be denied entry to the US I do not believe there will be any blanket ban or restriction on Pakistani nationals travelling to the US,” he stated On Friday, the Punjab home department released a list of 84 proscribed organisations urging the citizens to refrain from give charity and donations to these banned organizations and and Providing any kind of assistance to banned organisations is
groups needs
a crime under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 the Punjab government statement said, adding that the law would punish those assisting banned organisations involved in terrorism and anti-state activities
The statement also emphasised the importance of ensuring that donations reach legitimate beneficiaries and do not end up supporting terrorism or criminal activities Details of registered organizations can be found on the Charity Commission s website The statement also encouraged citizens to report fraudulent or suspicious activities including those involving organizations that may be funding terrorism, state anti-activities, or personal gains
Complaints can be lodged with the Punjab Interior Department and individuals can report fundraising activities by banned organizations through toll-free numbers 080011111, or helpline numbers 04299214871 and 042-99214872
training programmes and reaffirmed that low-cost loans would be made available to female entrepreneurs under the Youth Loan Scheme
During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed on Smeda’s initiatives for the development of micro small and medium enterprises
PAKISTAN’S ENERGY SECTOR SEES $5B INVESTMENT BOOST
ISLAMABAD N e w s D e s k
Pakistan is taking bold steps to position cryptocurrency as a vital strategic asset as part of its ongoing efforts to reshape the digital financial landscape, according to an adviser to the country s finance minister This initiative follows Islamabad’s recent plans to formalize regulations around digital assets in the near future Last month Pakistan
vide justifications for the decision
In its ruling the court encouraged this approach as a best practice to prevent challenges in the procurement process It clarified that the right to freedom of trade or business under the Constitution is not absolute and is subject to legal restrictions which must be reasonable The court added that it is competent to review such restrictions based on reasonableness
The court found no evidence suggesting that the tenders or any specific tender were tailored to favour a particular contractor It noted that a large number of contractors were eligible to participate in the tenders indicating that no favouritism or limitations on competition were evident
M o N i to R i N g D e s k The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed all procuring agencies in Punjab to publish the procurement details for the annual development plan within one month from the beginning of the fiscal year The court issued this order while hearing a petition filed by M/s G P Enterprises and others, challenging the Lahore Municipal Corporation (MCL) for combining different types of work in a single procurement project The court emphasized that procuring agencies should consider splitting large projects during the planning stage If they choose to group them together in a single contract during tendering they must pro-
were deprived of the opportunity to participate in the procurement due to the MCL s failure to split the tender into smaller lots However, the court ruled that this was not grounds for discrimination, as the petitioners had not contested the contractor categorization system or applicable rules
The MCL explained that the procurement was part of a special initiative by the Punjab government to improve the city s amenities, which justified not splitting the projects The court found this position supported by the documents presented
The petitions were disposed of and the court directed the office to send a copy of the judgment to the Managing Director of the Punjab Procurement Regulatory Authority for compliance L H C o rd e r s p ro
The petitioners argued that they
n s a s t h e y d i d w i t h Australia, she added China in 2020 introduced a series of tariffs bans and other restrictions on key Australian exports including barley wine beef coal lobster and timber in retaliation to Canberra calling for a COVID origins probe Beijing did not begin lifting the bans until 2023, one year after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ousted Scott Morrison who had called for the inquiry C h i n a h i t s b a c k a t C a n a d a w i t h a g r i t a r i f f s
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in August that Ottawa was imposing the levies to counter what he called China’s intentional state-directed policy of over-capacity, following the lead of the United States and European Union both of which have also applied import levies to Chinese-made EVs In response China in September launched an anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola imports More than half of Canada’s canola exports go to China and the trade was worth $3 7 billion in 2023 according to the Canola Council of Canada The investigation on Canadian canola is still ongoing That canola was not included in the list of tariffs this time might also be a gesture to leave room for negotiations,” said Rosa Wang an analyst with agricultural consultancy JCI
on Chinese goods over fentanyl flows Canada s measures seriously violate World Trade Organisation rules constitute a typical act of protectionism and are discriminatory measures that severely harm China’s legitimate rights and interests,” the commerce ministry said in a statement China will apply a 100% tariff to just over $1 billion of Canadian rapeseed oil oil cakes and pea imports and a 25% duty on $1 6 billion worth of Canadian aquatic products and pork The timing may serve as a warning shot, said Dan Wang, China director at Eurasia Group in Singapore “By striking now China reminds Canada of the cost of aligning too closely with American trade policy China s delayed response (to Ottawa s October tariffs) likely reflects both capacity constraints and strategic signalling,” she added “The commerce ministry is stretched thin juggling trade disputes with the US and European Union Canada, a lower priority, had to wait its turn ” The Canadian embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment
Beijing could also be hoping that a change in government in Ottawa makes it more amenable Canada’s next national election must be held by October 20 China is Canada’s second-largest trading partner trailing far behind the United States Canada exported $47 billion worth of goods to the world s second-largest economy in 2024, according to Chinese customs data “To be honest I don’t understand why they are doing this one at all ” said Even Pay agriculture analyst at Trivium China I expect Beijing will use the election and change of leader as an opportun i t y t o r e s e t r e l a t i
17 FIRs filed against drivers for over-speeding on Motor way
Mirwaiz of Kashmir Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has strongly condemned the remarks made by a BJP member in the so called state legislative assembly regarding the martyrs of July 13, 1931, said a report received here from across the Line of Control (LoC) Taking to social media platform X Mirwaiz expressed his outrage over the comments asserting that any attempt to malign the memory of these martyrs would be firmly resisted, the report said Strongly condemn the outrageous remarks by a member of India’s fascist and hardliner ruling BJP member in “assembly” with regard to the Kashmiri martyrs of 13th July 1931 who were killed in cold blood for standing up for the rights and dignity of the oppressed people of Jammu and Kashmir These martyrs the valiant sons of the soil revered by one and all in J&K are part of our collective memory of the great sacrifices rendered by the people of Kashmir for their rights, and any attempt to malign them will be firmly resisted,” he posted on X the report added
a lens of economic self-interest Reports suggest he tied future US aid to a staggering $500 billion deal involving Ukraine s rare earth minerals This underscores his foreign policy philosophy: prioritize economic gains over ideological commitments For Zelenskyy, Trump’s proposition presents a
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France and Germany weary of relying on Washington have been increasingly advocating for an independent European security framework If such a structure materializes it could significantly reduce US influence over Europe s defence policies Beyond the battlefield, the economic fallout from the war and US policies has hit Europe hard Sanctions on Russia coupled with an ongoing energy crisis have pushed Germany into economic distress Rising inflation slowing industrial output, and the resurgence of far-right movements are leaving European governments struggling to maintain stability The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party in Germany, for example has gained traction fuelled by growing frustration over economic hardships and prolonged geopolitical uncertainty As the USA shifts toward a transactional foreign policy, China and Russia are capitalizing on the opportunity to expand their influence Russia continues to maintain a stronghold in Ukraine while China deepens its trade and military ties with countries eager to reduce their de-
IN order to understand the extent of gap between what is needed in terms of climate finance and what is currently being offered overall, the Third report of the independent high-level expert group [IHLEG] on climate finance’ pointed out ‘External finance from all sources, international public and private along with others will need to cover $1 trillion per year of the total investment need by 2030 and around $1 3 trillion by 2035 We argue that cross-border private finance can meet about half of these needs given the changing nature of investment opportunities This would imply a 15- to 18-fold increase on current levels financing from MDBs needs to triple by 2030 Bilateral climate finance from advanced economies which currently amounts to $43 billion per year needs to double or more given the central role that it plays in building trust and financing the most difficult needs This means there is a huge gap between what is being provided, and what needs to
age Fund was launched at COP28 with an initial $700 million in commitments Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) are increasingly supporting debt swaps The Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), World Bank and other official sector lenders are including natural disaster clauses across a range of new and existing loan agreements
intensity of climate change related catastrophes– floods in Pakistan in 2022, or recent wildfires in Los Angeles, for instance– the extent of commitments fall a lot shared then what is needed To quote the ‘Bridgetown Initiative’ endeavour related document– a very worthwhile endeavour
For instance , provision of climate finance related assistance by IMF through the ÂResilience and Sustainability FacilityÊ (RSF)– which is being financed through RST– comes as loans, for all the three groups of countries– groups A, B, and C Instead, assistance should have been provided as grant, and no surcharg e– which is a Âjunk feeÊ charg ed as fines on late interest payments on loans– should have been charg ed This is because countries that are being provided the RSF are developing countries, many of which are challeng ed with little fiscal space , and high debt distress
pendence on the West On the other hand Europe trying to create a self reliant identity out of uncertainty filled US policies This growing alliance is accelerating the emergence of a multipolar world one where power is no longer concentrated in Washington alone Amid this global reshuffle, India has emerged as a key player With its rapidly growing economy and strategic geographical position, with both the West and the Russia-China bloc vying for stronger ties with New Delhi
The USA and Europe seek to deepen economic and military partnerships with India while Russia is keen to maintain its historic ties Meanwhile, China despite its complex relationship with India remains a crucial economic partner, with bilateral trade surpassing $100 billion
However neutrality may not be a sustainable position for India in the long run With Trump in the White House his administration is likely to keep increasing pressure on India to take a definitive stance, forcing New Delhi to carefully navigate its alliances
The Trump-Zelenskyy meeting reaffirmed a growing reality the post-Cold War era of
American unipolarity is fading With U S foreign policy becoming increasingly transactional European allies exploring alternative defense structures and the Russia-China alliance strengthening global power dynamics are undergoing a seismic shift Perhaps most significantly, Trump s approach is upending long-standing expectations of U S leadership His unpredictability has left allies uneasy, pushing them to consider greater independence from Washington If Europe successfully establishes itself as a geopolitical bloc separate from the USA it could redefine global alliances in ways unseen since the Cold War India, too, will face growing pressure to clarify its position As Trump pushes for more rigid global alignments, New Delhi may find its balancing act harder to maintain The next few years will likely be defined by shifting alliances economic competition and strategic recalibrations ushering in a world order far different from the one we ve known
The writer is Deputy Director, Students & Alumni Affairs Sukkur IBA University Sukkur
India, too, will face growing pressure to clarify its position. As Trump pushes for more rigid global alignments, New Delhi may find its balancing act harder to maintain. The next few years will likely be defined by shifting alliances, economic competition, and strategic recalibrations ushering in a world order far different from the one weÊve known.
Reser ves retreat
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growth through increased public spending By investing in infrastructure and public services the government aims to create a conducive environment for economic activity and job creation In tandem with fiscal policy, China will exercise a moderately loose monetary policy to support economic growth Plans to cut required reserve ratios and interest rates when appropriate will provide
As the world grapples with economic shifts and g eopolitical tensions, ChinaÊs ability to innovate and adapt will determine whether it meets or exceeds its ambitious targ ets With a solid foundation laid in 2024 and a forward-looking strategy for 2025, China is poised to remain a key driver of global economic expansion The resilience demonstrated over the past year, coupled with a vision for the future , reaffirms ChinaÊs status as an economic powerhouse , shaping the next phase of global development
Is the Camp David peace at risk?
In Washington, Israel’s new ambassador, Yechiel Leiter, openly accused Egypt of violating the peace treaty
In Jordan, Israeli intelligence is closely monitoring the possibility that Islamic radicals, emboldened by the success in Syria, could attempt to seize power
AIsrael can tolerate Inside the Jewish state, the situation has become a growing concern for residents near the Egyptian border Communities in the area have reported seeing an increase in Egyptian military activity spotting troop movements on the other side of the fence and hearing frequent explosions Senior IDF officials have acknowledged the buildup but have attempted to downplay concerns, saying there is no intelligence indicating that Egypt has hostile intentions toward Israel On both sides of the border there are elements eager to stoke tensions Israeli intelligence has tracked a rise in Hebrew-language threats from Egyptian social media accounts, warning of destruction if Jerusalem provokes Cairo
At the same time, in Israel, there is increasing talk about the long-term risks if Egypt’s government were to collapse
side from tales and speculation on the subject related to the John F Kennedy era, Americans haven t paid much attention to the influence of organized crime on presidential politics The subject occasionally comes up in a movie or novel, but not much in real life But such ties are real and boy are the tales fascinating Washington communications executive turned author Eric Dezenhall tells some of
however, remains unexplained Officials in Cairo claim it is defensive, a reaction to Israel’s movements but some in Israel fear it could be part of a larger strategic shift Despite the heightened rhetoric security coordination between Jerusalem and Cairo has continued The two countries are still cooperating on ceasefire and hostage negotiations with Hamas and the management of the Rafah border crossing But at a political level the tone has changed In Washington Israel’s new ambassador Yechiel Leiter openly accused Egypt of violating the peace treaty claiming that military bases in Sinai had been expanded beyond what the Camp
TRUMP S GAZA PLAN: The situation deteriorated further after US President Donald Trump unveiled his plan for Gaza and his demands that Egypt and Jordan take in Gaza s two million residents Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi canceled a planned visit to Washington and Egyptian officials warned that any reduction in American military aid could jeopardize the peace treaty with Israel Political considerations on both sides are making de-escalation even more difficult Egyptian leaders have avoided making any public declarations rejecting the possibility of conflict Not because they want war but because they do not want to be seen as bowing to Trump or to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both of whom are deeply unpopular in Egypt In Israel, the IDF does not currently view a military conflict with Egypt as an immediate threat, but the October 7 attacks have forced a reassessment of how they need to take every potential threat more seriously than in the past For now Israel s more immediate security concerns remain to the North In Syria the IDF is maintaining positions and recently warned it would strike if the new government in Damascus targets the country’s Druze population Meanwhile, in Jordan, Israeli intelligence is closely monitoring the possibility that Islamic radicals emboldened by the success in Syria could attempt to seize power If Jordan were to fall Israel would find itself facing a hostile front along its eastern border for the first time since 1967 The coming weeks will be critical For nearly half a century, Israel and Egypt have benefited from the peace forged at Camp David So far both Netanyahu and Sisi have remained largely silent on the growing tensions That silence is a mistake A clear statement from both leaders could calm the situation, reaffirm the importance of the treaty, and send a message that neither side is interested in al-
cannot get enough books about presidents or mobsters Cool idea to weave the two together Eric Dezenhall: Both are very American fantasies The presidency is the symbol of having made it to the top The mob is all about getting away with things, being unrestrained the ultimate freedom and a colorful way to make it to the bottom One thing I particularly appreciate about Wiseguys and the White House is how in addition to being a fascinating bunch of stories it’s also a primer on what the mob is and what it is not I grew up around it These guys were everywhere Everybody had a neighbor, a relative, a family friend that was attached to the rackets somehow Al Martino who played Johnny Fontane in “The Godfather ” lived down the street The actual Gambinos lived in the neighborhood There s a difference between being in a world and being of that world I lived in that community but wasn t a criminal Why was everybody so scared of these guys that were always nice to me and other kids?
Of course, underworld intrigue and the world of politics are recurring themes throughout your oeuvre, both fiction and nonfiction due to your experience with both Does this one represent some sort of culmination for you? Was there some particular inspiration?
I was shocked when my boss in the White House said something about how the mob runs the country I thought, “They do?” I’ve spent decades looking for the answer I am amazed by the power our culture assigns to gangsters spies lawyers and spin doctors which is why I write about all this
And no the mob doesn t run the country but at times they had a lot of power and were very useful to powerful people Wiseguys nails down those details
One of the chapters here deals with Franklin D Roosevelt’s enlistment of leading mobsters of the era to combat an intense wave of Hitler s U-boat attacks in waters off the East Coast of the U S in 1942 which was a core subject of one of your historical novels 2011’s “The Devil Himself” did researching and writing that inspire broader research into the subject which became “Wiseguys and the White House”?
I had known members of Meyer Lansky’s family since forever and had access to his private records Meyer very much wanted to tell his side of the story of his life how he considered himself a patriot but I couldn t find a way into it After 9/11, I became interested in what Americans would be willing to do to deal with terrorists I decided to tell what Meyer and his partner Charles “Lucky” Luciano did with the Navy to keep the New York docks safe from sabotage harass Nazi
DR IMRAN KHALID
Syrian leader Ahmed Sharaa called for peace after hundreds were killed in coastal areas in the worst communal violence since the fall of Bashar al-Assad The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based war monitor, said on Saturday more than 1 000 people had been killed in the two days of fighting in the Mediterranean coastal region in some of the worst violence for years in a 13-year-old civil conflict
We have to preserve national unity and domestic peace, we can live together,” Sharaa, the interim president said as clashes continued between forces linked to the new Islamist rulers and fighters from Assad s Alawite sect Rest assured about Syria, this country has the characteristics for survival,” Sharaa said in a circulated video speaking at a mosque in his childhood neighbourhood of Mazzah in Damascus What is currently happening in Syria is within the expected challenges Assad was overthrown last December after decades of dynastic rule by his family marked by severe repression and a devastating civil war
Syrian security sources said at
least 200 of their members were killed in the clashes with former army personnel owing allegiance to Assad after coordinated attacks and ambushes on their forces that were waged on Thursday
The attacks spiralled into revenge killings when thousands of armed supporters of Syria’s new leaders from across the country descended to the coastal areas to support beleaguered forces of the new administration
The authorities blamed summary executions of dozens of youths and deadly raids on homes in villages and towns inhabited by Syria s once-ruling minority on unruly armed militias who came to help the security forces and have long blamed Assad s supporters
US-Hamas meeting ‘very helpful’, US envoy Boehler says
WASHINGTON A G E N C I E S
President Donald Trump s envoy Adam Boehler says direct US meetings with Hamas on the release of captives in Gaza were extremely helpful Al Jazeera reports He did not rule out additional encounters with the Palestinian group Boehler said in an interview on the NBC News programme ‘Meet the Press’ that he believes something could “come together on Gaza within weeks but did not elaborate Hamas says it may release US-Israeli hostage as part of talks to end Gaza conflict Hamas told US officials it is open to releasing American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander as part of talks to end the fighting in Gaza
senior Hamas official Taher AlNono said, Reuters reports citing Hamas Al-Aqsa TV outlet
Several meetings had taken place between leaders of the Palestinian group Hamas and US hostage affairs envoy Adam Boehler Taher Al-Nono the political advisor of the Hamas chief confirmed to Reuters
Father of Israeli captive says ‘no answers’ after Netanyahu meeting Hagai Angrest whose 22year-old soldier son Matan remains in Hamas s captivity in Gaza has said he received no assurances from the Israeli government about his son s return, Al Jazeera reports “We didn’t get answers about if and when Matan will be released Angrest told Israeli
media If my son does not come out of Gaza, every Israeli mother will know when she sends her son to the army that he will not return if he falls into captivity ” Hamas released a video on Friday showing Matan is still alive Al Jazeera added Damaged dialysis unit in north Gaza reopens The only facility providing life-saving dialysis for children in northern Gaza is working again after being attacked by the Israeli military Al Jazeera reports Dr Nabil Ayad head of the nephrology department at AlRantisi Hospital for Children, said before Israel’s offensive on Gaza, the dialysis unit operated 14 machines and provided treatment to 45 Palestinian children
CM MARYAM DIRECTS AUTHORITIES TO AMEND
L ABOUR L AWS FOR WORKERS’ WELFARE
g PUNJAB CM APPROVES TWO MAJOR HEALTHC ARE PROJECTS – A 200- BED C ARDIOLOGY CENTER IN L AHORE AND 50- BED SOCIAL SECURITY HOSPITAL
Magsi Nasir Rajput Zafar Rajput and Azhar Luchi
Sindh Govt Spokesperson visits PPRP houses in Ghotki GHOTKI
S TA F F R E P O R T Spokesperson for Government of Sindh Sukhdev Assardas Hemnani visited village Azeem Menak in Ghotki where he met the beneficiaries of Peoples Poverty Reduction Programme (PPRP) Celebrating women’s day with PPRP beneficiaries, Hemnani inaugurated newly-built houses and a mega scheme of Village Improvement Programme under which the model village has been developed by women-led community using the grant of up to Rs10 million Addressing media, Sukhdev Hemnani stated that Sindh government is working on poverty alleviation through the People’s Poverty Reduction Programme (PPRP) a transformative initiative that has uplifted up to 1 5 million families from below the poverty line across 24 districts of Sindh
LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T President Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party & Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has stated that the economic development and strength of Pakistan is the guarantee for our survival He emphasized that a progressing Pakistan is the voice of the 240 million people and In Sha Allah Pakistan is now on the path to stability Federal Minister Abdul Aleem
Khan made these remarks in a meeting with Members of the Punjab Assembly in Lahore He said that the growing importance of Pakistan on the global level is a positive development and in future our country will continue to gain recognition in the international community Federal Minister further said that strengthening the economy brings numerous positive outcomes including relief for the common man a reduction in inflation and other favorable economic indica-
tors all of which are made possible by a stable economy In his conversation President Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party Abdul Aleem Khan stressed that making the country safe and eliminating terrorism is a top priority To achieve this noble goal every patriotic citizen stands shoulder to shoulder with national institutions and Pak Army with sincere respect ensuring the further strengthening of Pakistan's defense, he added Abdul Aleem Khan was called on by Members of the Punjab Assembly including MPA & Vice Chairmen PHA Ghazali Saleem Butt and Ghazanfar Abbas Cheena They discussed the current national and political situation as well as developmental matters Federal Minister assured the Members of his full support Member of the Punjab Assembly Ghazali Saleem Butt consulted with the Federal Minister about the ongoing development projects in NA-117 and PP-146
Rana Tanveer direc ts timely sale of stored wheat before arrival of new crop
LAHORE S TA F F R E P O R T Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has directed the Pakistan Agricultural Storage & Services Corporation (PASSCO) to ensure the timely sale of stored wheat before the arrival of the new crop This step aims to prevent potential losses and maintain national food security He issued these directives while presiding over a high-level meeting at the PASSCO headquarters on Saturday The meeting was attended by Secretary National Food Security, Waseem Ajmal PASSCO Managing Director Sarfraz Durrani General Manager Field Waqas Alam General Manager HR Sharjeel
Najm-ul-Masood General Manager Finance Muhammad Qadeer and other senior officials The primary agenda of the meeting was to review wheat reserves, management strategies, and the selling process to avoid any future crises PASSCO officials briefed the Federal Minister on various organizational matters and progress related to wheat sales
KURRAM DBA SEEKS PRESIDENT’S HELP AS PARACHINAR ROAD CLOSURE ENTERS 154TH DAY
Tragically the letter stated that an estimated 300 patients majority of whom children and suffering from cancer heart diseases and diabetes, have either lost lives or are the death bed due to the inability to access timely medical care
sit-in outside the Press Club has entered its 40th day showing a significant turnout with the demands for a complete peace among others in the region Immediate Reopening of the TullParachinar Road
ment said the provincial cabinet strongly condemned the attack while stressing the government s commitment to restoring peace in the region “The KP chief minister has directed the authorities to take strict action against the miscreants responsible for disturbing the peace Barrister Saif said adding that during the cabinet meeting the overall security situation in Kurram was thoroughly reviewed Through a grand jirga, agreements have been reached between the conflicting parties and efforts to rebuild
Prolonged
bunkers in accordance with the KP apex committee s orders
However despite the peace agreement, there have been repeated attacks on convoys and vehicles, including a targeted attack on Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud and Assistant Commissioner Saeed Manan Boshehra
“The closure has forced the shutdown of educational institutions severely impacting the studies of students the letter read
It also highlighted the economic devastation, citing that the local economy has been crippled, with markets shuttered and trade paralyzed While most government offices continue to function in Parachinar the District Judiciary is an exception further exacerbating the challenges faced by the community
The Bar Association implored the President to intervene by issuing immediate orders to the relevant authorities to reopen the road, improve the law and order situation and ensure the presence of judges and judicial staff in Parachinar Citizens Protest and Demands On the other hand frustration and desperation have spilled onto the streets of Parachinar, where a citizens protest
The primary demand is the immediate lifting of the blockade to restore access to essential goods and services
The protesters are also calling for an immediate relief package to support the families of those who have suffered due to the road closure, including those who have lost loved ones Earlier on Feb 17 an aid convoy travelling from Thull to Kurram was attacked near the Ochit area of Lower Kurram leaving one security person dead and a truck driver among injured The convoy, consisting of 64 vehicles, was en route to Kurram district when unidentified assailants opened fire Following the attack officials decided to turn the convoy back to Hangu as a precautionary measure Reacting to the incident Adviser to the KP Chief Minister on Information, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, in a state-
Punjab Police on Sunday successfully repelled a second terrorist attack in as many days targeting a border checkpost between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) It marked the third major incursion attempt frustrated this week
According to a police spokesperson a group of 20 to 25 heavily armed terrorists launched an attack on the Lashani border checkpost in Taunsa Sharif, using rocket launchers and advanced weapons
However, Punjab Police officers swiftly retaliated forcing the attackers into retreat Reports indicate significant casualties among the terrorists
The police spokesperson revealed that thermal imaging cameras played a crucial role in early detection, helping security forces counter the attack in time
RPO Dera Ghazi Khan and Capt (R) Sajjad Hassan Khan personally commanded the operation while DG Khan DPO Syed Ali led the Quick Response Force (QRF) teams for an
immediate counteraction
Kurram has been wracked by violence for decades but over 150 people have been killed in a fresh round of fighting which started in November last year when two separate convoys travelling under police escort were ambushed, leaving 40 people dead Last month terrorists ambushed a convoy of 35 vehicles
A search operation is now underway in the border region to hunt down fthe leeing terrorists DPO Syed Ali declared that these cowardly terrorist attacks will never shake the determination of Punjab Police RPO Sajjad Hassan Khan reiterated that the morale of the police force is high and all terrorist offensives will be crushed with full force Punjab IG Dr Usman vowed that no terrorist would be allowed to infiltrate Punjab, stressing that officers will stand firm to protect the public at any cost
With three major attacks thwarted in a week Punjab Police remains on high alert along the KPK border, determined to eliminate terrorist threats before they can strike again Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi paid a high tribute to the police for foiling the terrorists attack at the Punjab-KP border checkpost Security on High Alert Across Punjab Meanwhile, in view of the high
security alert across the Punjab province the law enforcement agencies have conducted a total of 436 search and sweep operations besides eight mock exercises during the last 24 hours, Punjab IG Police Dr Usman Anwar said On the directives of Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar security has been put on high alert across the province in light of the current national situation Intelligence-based search and sweep operations and mock exercises are being carried out throughout the province” said the spokesperson for the Punjab Police adding that 436 search and sweep operations and 8 mock exercises have been conducted across Punjab During these operations, 38 proclaimed offenders involved in serious crimes and 123 suspicious individuals were arrested Law enforcement recovered 2 Kalashnikovs 12 rifles 20 handguns and hundreds of bullets from the suspects Additionally 43 kg charas, 2 kg of heroin, and 560 grams of ice were also seized, along with other narcotics
Punjab, KP PDMA s aler t depar tments to heav y rain till March 16th
avoid visiting hilly areas during this period due to possible safety risks The Punjab s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Sunday issued a high alert for heavy
While
To
and for ensuring animal safety and well-being
He said these measures aim to minimize risks and facilitate prompt responses to any situations that may arise Meanwhile the Meteorological Department predicted that a system of westerly winds will enter the northern regions of the country tomorrow, with the system persisting until March 16 Chitral, Murree, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir are expected to experience rain from March 9 through March 16 it said in a rain advisory issued on Sunday
The authorities have specifically advised