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NAQVI, BUGTI REVIEW QUETTA ATTACK, VOW ACTION AGAINST TERRORISM Monday, 11 November, 2024 I | 8 Jamadi ul Awwal, 1446
Interior Minister outlines plan, including resources provision to bolster Balochistan’s counterterrorism capabilities
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QUETTA
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CM Bugti reaffirm pledge to continue fight against terrorism and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice
STAFF REPORT
ALOCHISTAN’S Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a critical meeting on Sunday to review the aftermath of the suicide bombing at Quetta Railway Station, which left 27 people dead and 62 others injured. The explosion, which occurred on Saturday morning, targeted a crowded platform as passengers were boarding two trains ready to depart for Chaman and Peshawar. It primarily struck civilians, although several law enforcement officers were also among the casualties. The blast has been attributed to a suicide bomber who detonated an explosive device among the crowd. The attack, which came a week after another deadly bombing in Mastung, was claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Authorities have con-
firmed that the blast caused significant casualties, with both civilians and members of security forces, particularly army personnel, among the dead. Following the bombing, the provincial government of Balochistan, with the support of federal authorities, sprang into action. The provincial health department rushed medical teams to treat the injured, with the Quetta Trauma Centre becoming the focal point for medical care. The emergency was declared in hospi-
Train operations from Quetta suspended for four days LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Railways announced on Sunday the suspension of all train operations from Quetta for the next four days due to security concerns and to ensure the safety of passengers. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Aamir Ali Baloch confirmed that services would resume once security clearance was granted. Baloch emphasized the collaborative efforts between Pakistan Railways, the
Balochistan government, and security agencies, which had made it possible to maintain a connection between Quetta and the rest of the country. He assured the public that despite the suspension, the department’s commitment to serving the masses remains unshaken. In the wake of the incident, 50 injured persons are currently being treated at a trauma center, with medical teams from Pakistan Railways providing necessary care.
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tals across the city, and efforts were made to provide blood donations to those in critical condition. Balochistan’s Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar was present at the Quetta Trauma Centre to monitor the situation and oversee medical operations. In response to the bombing, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the terrorist attack, describing it as an attack on innocent civilians. He expressed his resolve to continue the fight against terrorism and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
QUETTA
STAFF REPORT
The banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) on Sunday shared the image and profile of Muhammad Rafiq Bezanjo, the suicide bomber responsible for the deadly blast at Quetta Railway Station on Saturday. The terrorist, who detonated himself among passengers preparing to board the Jaffar Express, is depicted in a photo released on social media
ISLAMABAD
Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Leghari announced a major restructuring initiative for the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) apparently to streamline operations within the power sector. As part of this transformation, the NTDC will be divided into three distinct entities, each assigned to enhance efficiency and address longstanding challenges such as project delays, cost overruns, and transparency issues. On Saturday, in a press conference, Power Minister Leghari explained that the restructuring aims to streamline operations, improve governance, and provide relief to consumers through lowered electricity prices. “Electricity has been made more affordable for both industrial
and domestic users, reflecting our commitment to easing financial burdens on the public,” he noted. He attributed the high costs of electricity in part to delays in completing transmission line projects, emphasizing that these inefficiencies have hindered the sector’s growth for years. “NTDC has faced significant challenges due to mismanagement in the past, but the government is implementing reforms to address these issues and elevate sector performance,” Leghari stated. The reforms seek to establish a competitive electricity market, increase transparency, and enhance accountability, ultimately benefiting consumers. Under the new structure, NTDC will be divided into three entities: National Grid Company of Pakistan (NGCP): This new company will be responsible for ensuring the reliable and efficient
transmission of electricity across Pakistan, managing the technical aspects of the national grid. Energy Infrastructure Development and Management Company (EIDMC): EIDMC will focus on developmental activities, including the planning, execution, and completion of transmission infrastructure projects. It will also work to attract private investment in Pakistan’s power sector, accelerating the completion of critical infrastructure projects. Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO): ISMO will establish a competitive electricity market, allowing consumers to choose electricity suppliers other than distribution companies. This open market will enable consumers to benefit from a range of suppliers, fostering competition and improving service quality.
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Pakistan steamrolls Aussies to notch up rare ODI series sweep
PERTH STAFF REPORT
Completing a remarkable revival, Pakistan claimed a rare series triumph in Australia after a comprehensive eight-wicket victory on a bouncy Optus Stadium surface in the third and final ODI. Having lost a heartbreaker in the opener at the MCG, Pakistan rebounded brilliantly with almost flawless performances in Adelaide and Perth to completely overwhelm world champions Australia, who have plenty of question marks ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. It was Pakistan’s first series victory in Australia since 2002 and a result made more in-
credible given white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten quit just a week before the tour amid well-worn Pakistani turmoil. But Pakistan appeared galvanised under Jason Gillespie, their Australian Test coach who is filling the shoes of Kirsten, and were ignited by a rampant four-pronged attack that routed a shorthanded Australia without their Test stars for 140 in just 31.5 overs. There were no infamous wobbles for Pakistan, who romped home in the 27th over. Australia capped a sluggish series with a sloppy performance in the field. Opener Saim Ayub had an early reprieve, while Adam Zampa spilt a sitter at deep square leg to reprieve
Abdullah Shafique as Australia faced the humiliating prospect of a first ever 10-wicket ODI loss at home. But Lance Morris, who showcased his trademark pace by hitting speeds in the mid-140 kph, at least saved Australia from an unwanted place in the record books with the wickets of Shafique and Ayub in the 18th over. Lance Morris dismissed the two openers in one over. Interim captain Josh Inglis opted not to use Morris until the 15th over with all-rounder Marcus Stoinis surprisingly given the new ball alongside Spencer Johnson. Skipper Mohammed Rizwan and Babar Azam, his predecessor, were nerveless with a flurry of boundaries to complete a match that finished two hours ahead of the scheduled close time. It completed a memorable first series in charge for Rizwan, who had no hesitation to bowl first and his decision was vindicated. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah claimed three wickets apiece, while in-form Haris Rauf finished with 2 for 24 as his sheer speed once again shook up the batters.
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10 Khawarij killed, 8 injured in three IBOs across North Waziristan RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
carrying an M4 rifle, made in the USA, and other American-made military gear. A forensic examination of the picture confirms that the M4 rifle, the uniform, the ammunition jacket, and cap worn by Bezanjo are all US-manufactured. These items are commonly available in Afghanistan and are sold in exchange for US dollars.
Ten terrorists were killed and eight others injured in fire exchange with security forces during three separate operations conducted in different areas of North Waziristan district, the military’s media wing said on Sunday. According to a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the security forces conducted an intelligence based operation in the Spinwam area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan District. “During the conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged khawarij’s location and after intense fire exchange, two Khawarij were sent to hell. In the second incident, the ISPR said that a group of khawarij were attempting to infiltrate Pakistan-Afghanistan border when they were intercepted by security forces in the same area of North Waziristan. “Own troops effectively engaged and thwarted their attempt to infiltrate,” the statement said. “Two khawarij were ‘sent to hell’, while two others were injured.” A sanitisation operation was being conducted to eliminate any other Khawarij found in the area, it added. Security forces earlier killed six terrorists and injured six others during another intelligence-based operation (IBO) in North Waziristan’s Spinwam area, the ISPR said in a separate statement released on Sunday morning. Per the statement, security forces conducted the IBO upon the “reported presence” of terrorists. “Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from killed Khwarij who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces as well as killing of innocent civilians,” the ISPR said. PRESIDENT, PM COMMEND SECURITY FORCES President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the security forces for conducting the IBO in North Waziristan, according to state-run Radio Pakistan. Zardari commended the bravery of the security forces and appreciated their professionalism, according to Radio Pakistan. He also reiterated national resolve to completely eliminate terrorism. PM Shehbaz also praised the security forces for their successful operation. “We will continue to fight against the spectre of terrorism till its complete eradication from the country,” Radio Pakistan quoted him as saying. Yesterday, at least 26 persons were killed and more than 40 were injured including women and children in an explosion at Quetta railway station’s platform.
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Bugti also criticized the silence of some human rights activists, urging them to speak out against the violence and recognize the efforts being made to tackle terrorism. He emphasized that the government would leave no stone unturned in eradicating terrorism in Balochistan. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, while visiting Quetta, reaffirmed the federal government’s support in combating terrorism and restoring peace in the province. He promised all-out assistance in addressing the security challenges and strengthening the law enforcement agencies to effectively respond to such attacks. The Interior Minister stated that the federal government would prioritize providing resources to Balochistan to bolster the province’s counterterrorism capabilities. During a high-level meeting on the law and order situation in Balochistan, Naqvi and Bugti discussed the immediate measures taken to curb terrorism and enhance security.
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BLA shares image of Quetta bomber armed with US-made weapons
Government divides NTDC into three entities: Leghari AHMAD AHMADANI
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