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NATION STANDS BEHIND SECURITY FORCES TO ‘RELENTLESSLY PURSUE’ CULPRITS OF KHUZDAR BUS ATTACK: PM Thursday, 22 May, 2025 | 24 Ziquad, 1446
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ARCHITECTS, ABETTORS, AND ENABLERS OF THIS CRIME WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE, BROUGHT TO JUSTICE: PM
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IT’S NOW TIME NATION DISPLAYS A VERY STRONG RESOLVE TO BRING FIGHT AGAINST FOREIGN-SPONSORED TERRORISM TO ITS LOGICAL AND DECISIVE END: COAS
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QUETTA/RAWALPINDI saleem JaDooN
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated that entire nation “stood resolute behind its armed forces” and “the law enforcement agencies” to “relentlessly pursue” the culprits of the attack on a school bus in Balochistan’s Khuzdar, that left three children among five dead and several others injured. A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), issued after PM Shehbaz Sharif’s daylong visit to Quetta following the incident, quoted the premier as saying, “Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies will relentlessly pursue all those involved in this barbaric act. “The architects, abettors, and enablers of this crime will be held accountable and brought to justice and the truth about India’s cunning role, a real perpetrator of terrorism but feigns as a victim, stands exposed before the world.”
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The statement detailed the incident, claiming the act was carried out by “statesponsored proxies of India (Fitna al-Hindustan)” and added that “dastardly terrorist incidents” were being orchestrated through proxies in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, “deliberately targeting civilians in a futile attempt to destabilise Pakistan”. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir accompanied Pm Shehbaz Sharif during Quetta visit to meet the victims of the attack, the statement added. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and the Quetta Corps commander briefed the Premier, his delegation and Field Marshal Gen Munir about the incident, which led to the “martyrdom of three innocent children and two soldiers”, as well as 53 others injured, including 39 children, eight of whom were in critical condition, the statement added. On the occasion, the participants of the
Three children among five martyred in Khuzdar school bus attack QUETTA
staff RepoRt
Five people, including three schoolchildren, were martyred and 43 others injured in a ‘suicide attack’ targeting a school bus in Khuzdar early Wednesday morning, security and civil officials confirmed. According to the security officials, the suspected bomber rammed an explosiveladen vehicle into the school bus as it drove past Khuzdar’s Zero Point near Rakhshan Hotel. Deputy Commissioner Yasir Iqbal Dashti said that the bus was transporting students to the Army Public School in the Khuzdar cantonment. “The vehicle was laden with more than 30kg of explosives,” the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) claimed. The military’s media wing stated that “three innocent children and two adults
have embraced Shahadat” and multiple children have sustained injuries in the “cowardly and ghastly attack planned and orchestrated by the terrorist state of India and executed by its proxies in Balochistan. The ISPR added that India has unleashed its proxies to spread terror and unrest in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa through such heinous and cowardly acts after miserably failing on the battlefield. Soon after the deadly attack, security forces threw a cordon around the area and launched an investigation. Security was tightened in and around Khuzdar following the bombing, with checkpoints established and patrols intensified to prevent further attacks.
Sino-Pak cooperation not targeted at any third party: Mao Ning BEIJING
staff RepoRt
China and Pakistan are “traditional friends and neighbors,” as the two countries enjoying “very close cooperation” in various fields, but this cooperation is not “targeted at any third party,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday, state media reported. Addressing her regular briefing here, she said that as to the situation between India and Pakistan, Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out during his talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar that China welcomes and supports efforts by India and Pakistan to properly handle their differences through dialogue, achieve a full and lasting ceasefire, and seek fundamental solutions. The spokesperson said that this is in line with the fundamental and longterm interests of both sides and conducive to regional peace and stability, as well as the shared expectation of the international community. “As we stressed more than once, China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role to this end, she added. About China, Afghanistan and Pakistan trilateral meeting held in Beijing, Mao Ning said that the foreign ministers of China, Afghanistan and Pakistan held an informal meeting in Beijing this morning.
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SAYS TRUTH ABOUT INDIA’S CUNNING ROLE, A REAL PERPETRATOR OF TERRORISM BUT FEIGNING AS A VICTIM, STANDS EXPOSED BEFORE WORLD
INDIAN TERROR PROXIES BEING EMPLOYED AS A STATE TOOL BY INDIA TO FOMENT TERRORISM IN PAKISTAN AGAINST SOFT TARGETS, SAYS ISPR
briefing expressed grief over the loss of lives, condemning the “shameful and despicable act”. The statement said that the terrorist groups were “not only being exploited by India as instruments of state policy but also
stand as a stain on the honour and values of the Baloch and Pashtun people, who have long rejected violence and extremism. “India’s reliance on such morally indefensible tactics, particularly the deliberate
ISLAMABAD
ligence agencies. “These elements — acting at the behest of their Indian masters — continue to exploit civilian areas and vulnerable populations as shields to conduct acts of terrorism,” the statement said. The military said such tactics are meant to create rifts between the local population and security forces. Despite the attack, officials said the armed forces remain committed to their mission. “Efforts are ongoing to ensure those responsible for this inhuman act are brought to justice,” the statement added. According to local sources, five people, including a woman, were also injured in the incident which was allegedly caused by ammunition drop by a quad-copter on a house in the Hurmus village of Mir Ali.
India-backed Fitna al-Khwarij behind North Waziristan attack: ISPR staff RepoRt
India-backed Fitna al-Khwarij behind attack in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday, referring to the strike that killed four children and triggered a protest by local tribesmen on Monday. The ISPR in a statement dispelled the claims of the security forces’ involvement in the attack as “entirely baseless” and part of a “coordinated disinformation campaign” aimed at discrediting counterterrorism efforts in the region. “An investigation launched into the incident found that the killings were orchestrated by Fitna alKhwarij, a group Islamabad accuses of being funded and directed by Indian intel-
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NSAs to lead Pakistan-India talks likely to be held in UAE or KSA: PM ISLAMABAD
staff RepoRt
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that peace talks between Pakistan and India could take place in Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the United States acting as a key mediator. “Pakistan’s delegation at the talks would include the National Security Adviser (NSA) –the DirectorGeneral of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)”, the Premier stated while speaking to journalists in Islamabad here on Wednesday. The prime minister firmly stated that Pakistan had not requested a ceasefire during the recent conflict. “Had we done so, the international community would have known,” he asserted. He further said that an agreement was reached during communications between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries that their respective forces would return to pre-war positions. Recalling the fighting in Pasrur, the Prime Minister said that Pakistani forces held their ground despite heavy losses. “Our soldiers stood firm and did not retreat, even when one soldier and eight civilians were martyred at the checkpoint. They fought to the last man and did not abandon their post.” When asked whether Israeli personnel were present in India during the conflict, Shehbaz Sharif said, “There are reports suggesting that Israelis were in India. Israel
provided extensive support to India during the war, but despite that, we emerged victorious.” “The Army Chief led the war on behalf of all armed forces. We prayed and fought—and we won,” he added. PM Shehbaz recounted a late-night phone call from the army chief warning of imminent Indian aggression. “At 2:30 AM, he called me in anger, saying India was preparing to strike. I told him: we have no problem— respond and move forward.” He added, “We gave a powerful reply to a country five times our size in economic and defence capacity. India saw itself as the region’s police officer — we shattered that arrogance. We fought solely to defend our homeland, seeking only the pleasure of God.” The prime minister said he had publicly offered an investigation into the Pahalgam attack during a speech at Kakul Military Academy, stating that Pakistan had no involvement. “The world accepted our position and our neutral offer.” He claimed India initiated the conflict, and in response, Pakistan destroyed six Indian aircraft, downed drones, and even targeted India’s S-400 air defence system. “We could have shot down more planes but exercised restraint.” PM Shehbaz said Pakistan had made full use of Chinese technology during the recent conflict and joked that the country had become a “marketing nation for China” globally. He also praised China for standing firmly with Pakistan and acknowledged the strong support received from Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Azerbaijan.
Nuclear war with India would have global fallout: Bilawal KARACHI
News Desk
PPP Chairman and Bilawal BhuttoZardari has warned that the consequences of a nuclear conflict would not be confined to South Asia, but would have devastating repercussions for the entire world. Speaking to the press after an initial high-level briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bilawal, who has been appointed to lead a diplomatic mission to key global capitals, said Pakistan is launching a concerted diplomatic campaign to counter India’s aggressive narrative and to advocate for dialogue, peace, and regional stability. “The consequences of a nuclear war
would not be limited to India and Pakistan,” Bilawal said. “The entire region, and indeed the world, would suffer. It is essential that the international community understands what is at stake if this escalation continues unchecked.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a senior-level delegation tasked with reaching out to world leaders, international organisations, and strategic partners. The delegation will engage with foreign governments to present Pakistan’s stance in light of India’s recent military actions and accusations. Alongside Bilawal, the delegation includes senior diplomats and parliamentarians: Senator Sherry Rehman, Dr Musadik Malik, Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan, Hina Rabbani Khar, Faisal
Sabzwari, former foreign secretaries Tehmina Janjua and Jalil Abbas Jilani. Bilawal confirmed that the group had received its initial policy briefing covering the ceasefire, the evolving situation in Kashmir, terrorism, and what he called “India’s attack on the Indus Waters Treaty.” He said more briefings would continue over the next few days, followed by visits to major capitals to present Pakistan’s case. The decision comes in the wake of a sharp military escalation earlier this month, when Indian air strikes targeted areas in Pakistani Punjab and Azad Kashmir. The attacks were followed by Pakistan shooting down five Indian jets and a brief but intense series of aerial engagements. A ceasefire was brokered on
May 10 through U.S. intervention, but India has maintained a combative tone since, prompting Islamabad to increase diplomatic outreach. “We are not the aggressors,” Bilawal reiterated. “Pakistan responded in self-defence, and it did so responsibly and proportionately. The world has seen who sought escalation and who sought restraint.” He added that Pakistan’s mission now is to inform the global community of the risks of miscalculation between two nuclear-armed nations, and to press for meaningful engagement to address the root causes of conflict — namely the Kashmir dispute, terrorism, and water security.
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TERMS USE OF TERRORISM AS A STATE POLICY BY INDIAN POLITICAL GOVT REFLECTIVE OF THEIR LOW MORALITY
targeting of children, demands urgent attention from the international community. “The use of terrorism as a tool of foreign policy must be unequivocally condemned and confronted.” It further quoted PM Shehbaz as saying that the entire nation stood resolute behind its armed forces and law enforcement agencies. The statement added that the premier and COAS highlighted that “it’s now time, that the nation displays a very strong resolve similar to the one shown recently against the aggression by India, to bring the fight against foreign-sponsored terrorism to its logical and decisive end.” Earlier, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement saying, “In yet another cowardly and ghastly attack planned and orchestrated by terrorist state of India and executed by its proxies in Balochistan, innocent school-going children’s bus was targeted today in Khuzdar.” It further said that “after having miserably failed in the battlefield, through these most heinous and cowardly such like acts, Indian proxies have been unleashed to spread terror and unrest in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.” The statement said that “Indian terror proxies are being employed as a state tool by India to foment terrorism in Pakistan against soft targets such as innocent children and civilians.” It noted that India had “failed” in Pakistan’s Operation Bunyanum Marsoos during the recent conflict, and its proxies were “being hunted down by military and law enforcement agencies”. “Use of terrorism as a state policy by the Indian political government is abhorrent and reflective of their low morality and disregard of [sic] basic human norms,” the ISPR said. “Planners, abettors and executors of this cowardly Indian-sponsored attack will be hunted down and brought to justice and [the] heinous face of India will be exposed in front of the entire world,” the military vowed. Pakistan Armed Forces, with the support of the brave Pakistani nation, stand “united to uproot Indian-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan in all its manifestations”, the ISPR said.
Field Marshal Gen Munir pays homage to martyrs at GHQ ceremony RAWALPINDI
staff RepoRt
A special guard of honor ceremony was held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Wednesday to honor Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir following his promotion to the highest military rank, said the military’s media wing. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the ceremony was held at Yadgar-eShuhada within GHQ, where Field Marshal Asim Munir laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha in tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Pakistan. General Munir was elevated to the rank of field marshal by the federal government in recognition of his outstanding leadership during recent military clashes with India and the successful execution of “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.” The Prime Minister’s Office acknowledged his exemplary courage and determination in leading the Pakistan Army and coordinating the armed forces’ war strategy comprehensively. Field Marshal Asim Munir dedicated the honor to the entire Pakistani nation and paid tribute to the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and civil veterans for their relentless service and sacrifices. He particularly acknowledged the martyrs, describing them as defenders who stood “like a wall of steel” against India’s unprovoked and unlawful aggression. “This honor is a tribute to the entire Pakistani nation and the valiant men and women of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, particularly the martyrs who stood like a wall of steel against unprovoked, cowardly, and unlawful Indian aggression against Pakistan,” he said. APPOINTMENT OF GEN MUNIR AS FIELD MARSHAL ‘MY DECISION’: PM Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that the decision to promote Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, who led Pakistani armed forces during the recent conflict with India, to the rank of field marshal was his own. During a conversation with senior journalists, the prime minister said that he does consult his elder brother and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif on such crucial decisions. PM Shehbaz asserted that war only results in one party’s victory and the other’s loss and, therefore, cannot be a permanent solution. “Only lasting peace can guarantee a secure future.” Pakistan’s armed forces responded “decisively and resolutely” to India’s unprovoked attacks on multiple Pakistani cities during the night of May 6 and 7, launched a large-scale retaliatory military action named “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos,” and targeted several Indian military targets across multiple regions on May 10. Pakistan downed six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, dozens of drones, and hit hard its 11 bases.