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50 KILLED AS MULTIPLE TERROR ATTACKS ROCK BALOCHISTAN; 21 TERRORISTS KILLED Tuesday, 27 August, 2024 I | 21 Safar, 1446
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 51 I 8 Pages I Lahore Edition
ISPR SAYS 21 TERRORISTS KILLED; 14 PERSONNEL g 38 KILLED IN ATTACKS ACROSS MARTYRED IN CLEARANCE OPERATIONS PROVINCE, SAYS BALOCHISTAN CM g 23 PASSENGERS KILLED IN MUSAKHAIL AFTER IDENTITY CHECK; BLA CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY g
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QUETTA/ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
EADLY violence, including multiple attacks across Balochistan claimed over 50 deaths, including 23 passengers in Musakhail while in response, security forces killed 21 terrorists and injured several others. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti said that 38 innocent lives were claimed by terrorists, including the 23 bus passengers in Musakhail, while the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed in a press release that 14 security personnel, including four law enforcement officials, were martyred during clearance operations that resulted in the killing of the 21 terrorists. The terror incidents, including explosions and grenade attacks were reported in different cities of the province, including Sibbi, Panjgur, Mastung, Tur-
bat, Bela, and Quetta, with terrorists blowing up a railway track in Bolan. Eleven people, including four Levies personnel, were killed in Kalat. As the day progressed, it emerged that six bodies were discovered in Bolan.
The military issued a statement later in the day, saying that 21 terrorists had been killed, while 14 security personnel, including four from law enforcement agencies, were martyred during clearance operations. It remains unclear if the death
NORTH WAZIRISTAN: At least four died and 10 others injured as an explosion occurred in tehsil Razmak bazar in North Waziristan on Monday. As per details, the district administration said that the blast occurred when explosives placed on a motorcycle exploded, killing four on the spot. Police officials said that the injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals. Earlier in the day, at least 38 people, including police and Levies per-
sonnel, were martyred in different gun attack incidents in Balochistan’s Kalat, Musakhel and Bolan districts. 8 people, Balochistan Levies personnel, were martyred in different incidents in Kalat district on Sunday night, said police. Meanwhile, unidentified gunmen shot dead gunned down Umer Sherani, a close aide of Chairman National Democratic Movement (NDM) Mohsin Dawar. STAFF REPORT
QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Monday declared that terrorism incidents in the province was not an ethnic conflict, rather an act of terrorism, stating that they were not disgruntled (naraaz) Balochs, but terrorists who killed Pakistanis. “Balochs did not kill Punjabis, but terrorists are behind this inhumane act.” In a press conference held in Quetta on Monday, Bugti announced that checkpoints would be reinstated
Four killed, 10 injured in Razmak explosion
toll among security forces includes the four Levies personnel martyred in Kalat. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that the government had a “good idea” of who orchestrated these attacks and who was responsible. “They have carried out all these attacks in a single day in a clear and well-thought-out manner,” Naqvi asserted. Attackers ransacked a police station in Suntsar, Gwadar, seizing official weapons. Armed men also took personnel hostage at Levies Thana Khadkocha and engaged in firefights with law enforcement in Kalat. “Four Levies sepoys — Ahsanullah, Ali Akbar, Rehmatullah, and Nasibullah — were among those martyred in the clashes, while police sub-inspector Huzoor Baksh, a tribal elder, and two civilians were also among those who lost their lives,” Superintendent of Police (SP) Dostain Dashti said.
Terrorists, not Balochs behind killings of Punjabis: CM Bugti
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across Balochistan to maintain law and order. Dismissing any influence from propaganda, he categorically declared that the government would not tolerate any challenge to the state's authority, and would protect its citizens at all costs. Bugti urged those sympathising with the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) to leave their government jobs and openly support the group if they chose to. STAFF REPORT
PM, Commander Ground Forces of PLA China discuss bilateral ties, defence relations COAS reiterates how much Pakistan values brotherly relations with China RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
Commander of the Ground Forces of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China, General Li Qiaoming called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif here on Monday. The prime minister extended a warm welcome to General Li and underscored that Pakistan and China are All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners and trusted friends. PM Shehaz Sharif highlighted that the deep-rooted ties between the two nations enjoy broad public, political, and institutional support in Pakistan, making them indispensable for the progress and development of both countries. Expressing satisfaction at the deepening military-to-military exchanges, he noted that the defense and strategic ties between Pakistan and China are vital for peace and stability in the region as these
relations form the foundation of their bilateral relationship. In his remarks, General Li affirmed that China, as an iron brother, strategic partner, and reliable friend, places the highest priority on its relationship with Pakistan. The PLA commander expressed China’s desire to elevate their bilateral friendship to new levels of cooperation and collaboration. Recognizing the role of Pakistan’s armed forces in promoting regional peace and stability and combating terrorism, General Li reiterated the PLA’s commitment to further expanding its cooperation with Pakistan to enhance the capacity building of the two armed forces. The two sides focused on various aspects of the Pakistan-China friendship, particularly the bilateral defense and strategic partnership. Earlier, PLA Commander General Li Qiaoming visited the General Headquarters where he held a meeting with Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir. The meeting offered a forum for in-
Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir on Monday welcomed General Li Qiaoming, Commander of the People’s Liberation Army Ground Forces, at General Headquarters. According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting between the two military leaders provided a forum for in-depth talks on issues of shared interest, regional security, military training, and ways to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation. Gen Asim Munir thanked the dignitary and reiterated how much Pakistan values its brotherly relations with China. The COAS underscored the robust relations between the Pakistan Army and the People’s Liberation Army, highlighting the ongoing bilateral military cooperation as a testament to the enduring brotherhood between the two nations. The visiting dignitary expressed admiration for Pakistan’s concerted efforts in combating terrorism and extremism, acknowledging the unwavering professionalism and ded-
depth discussions on matters of mutual interest, regional security, military training, and strategies to improve bilateral defense cooperation, according to a statement from the ISPR. Gen Asim Munir thanked the dignitary and reiterated how much Pakistan
ication of the Pakistan Army. COAS General Syed Asim Munir expressed his gratitude to the dignitary, reiterating that Pakistan deeply cherishes its fraternal ties with China. Earlier, upon arrival at the General Headquarters, General Li Qiaoming paid respects at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada by laying a floral wreath, and was presented with a guard of honor by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Army, in a ceremonial display of respect and hospitality. On the other hand, Commander of the Ground Forces of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China, General Li Qiaoming called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif here on Monday. The prime minister extended a warm welcome to General Li and underscored that Pakistan and China are All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners and trusted friends. PM Shehaz Sharif highlighted that the deep-rooted ties between the two nations enjoy broad public, political, and institutional support in Pakistan, making them indispensable for the progress and development of both countries.
values its brotherly relations with China. Earlier, in a formal show of deference and hospitality, General Li Qiaoming arrived at the General Headquarters, laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada, and received a guard of honour by a wellgroomed Pakistan Army detachment.
Talk with establishment ‘if any’ only in national interest: Imran RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Monday categorically stated that he has no contact with the establishment, clarifying that any future discussions will be conducted only if it was in the nation’s interest. During an informal talks to the media after a court hearing at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail regarding the £190m case, the former prime minister highlighted the critical need for robust institutions in Pakistan. “Only sheep and goats can be controlled with sticks, not humans. What they are doing is suicide,” the PTI founder stated. Imran expressed his belief that the actions being taken by the authorities are detrimental to the country’s stability. Imran also commented on his current conditions in jail, noting the harsh treatment he is receiving, stating, “I have been placed in a room like an oven, yet I seek no relief.” He expressed concerns about the living conditions of his wife, Bushra Bibi, saying that rats have infested her room, even falling from the ceiling as she prays. Additionally, Imran criticised the leadership of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), questioning the qualifications of Mohsin Naqvi, who he claims was appointed despite being implicated in a 2008 NAB case. Imran reiterated his stance that if anything happens to him, the responsibility will lie with the DG ISI and the Army Chief.
ECP set to hear PTI intra-party case today ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will take up the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) intra-party election case for hearing on Tuesday (tomorrow). According to the ECP agenda, a five-member bench, headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Raja Sultan, will hear the PTI’s intra-party election case on August 23. PTI’s new counsel Aziz Bhandari will appear before the ECP. Earlier, the ECP delisted the PTI intra-party election case at least for two times due to the unavailability of a bench. The case was initially scheduled to be heard on May 30 but the ECP delisted the same due to the unavailability of a bench. The hearing was rescheduled for June 6 and the notices were issued to PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and spokesman Raoof Hassan to appear before it. In May, the ECP raised further objections to PTI intra-party elections, questioning the party’s status after ‘losing organisational structure’. On December 22, 2023, the ECP stripped the PTI of its election symbol due to irregularities in its intraparty elections. The Supreme Court later upheld the ECP order, forcing the party to field its candidates as independents in the Feb 8 general elections. After the general elections, the party once again conducted its intra-party elections on March 3. The party now demands that the ECP issue its notification. However, the ECP has once again raised objections to the new party polls and sent a two-page questionnaire to the Imran-founded party. The electoral watchdog questioned the current “status” of the PTI as a political party, noting that the party did not hold intra-party elections within five years, in accordance with Section 208(1). “Hence, it lost its organisational structure on lapsing of five years,” it stated. The ECP also questioned why not to start the delisting process of the former ruling party’s registration and imposing a fine for not holding timely intra-party elections. Section 208(5) reads, “Where a political party fails to conduct intra-party elections as per given time frame in their constitution, a showcause notice shall be issued to such political party and if the party fails to comply, then the Commission shall impose fine which may extend to Rs200,000 but shall not be less than Rs100,000.”
PIA reports Rs75b loss in 2023 as privatisation process advances. Why would anyone want to acquire it? g
TOTAL LIABILITIES OF NATIONAL CARRIER HAVE BALLOONED TO RS825B, BUT AS PART OF PRIVATISATION PROCESS, THESE LIABILITIES WILL BE SHIFTED PROFIT
GHULAM ABBAS
In the midst of a contentious privatisation process, Pakistan International Airlines has reported a loss of over Rs 75 billion for the year 2023. The total liabilities of the airline have ballooned to Rs 825 billion while total assets are valued at Rs 161 billion. The loss comes at a time when a number of bidders are looking to acquire PIA. In the initial qualification statements, eight dif-
ferent consortiums stepped up to the plate. The leaders of these eight consortiums are Fly Jinnah, Air Blue, Arif Habib, Gerry’s International, Sardar Ashraf D Baluch Builders, Gerry’s International, YB Holdings, Pak Ethanol, and Blue World City. Of these eight, through the initial vetting process, Sardar Ashraf D Baluch Builders and Gerry’s International have been disqualified from the bidding process for different reasons. Of the remaining ones, the consortium led by Fly Jinnah, Pak Ethanol, and YB
Holdings are the top runners, but Air Blue, Blue World City, and Arif Habib are still very much in the running. What you have here for all intents and purposes is a battle between different Pakistani airlines vying to get control of PIA, with some secondary players in the background also throwing their hat in the ring. On the one hand you have Fly Jinnah, which has Is it still an attractive proposition? So why exactly are all these bidders lining up to acquire an airline with so many li-
abilities? PIA is a negative equity company. Negative shareholder equity is a chilling scenario where a company’s liabilities to its investors eclipse the worth of its assets. In layman’s terms, when a company’s mountain of debt towers over the aggregate value of its assets, even after a complete liquidation, it is branded with the ominous label of negative equity. The fiscal abyss that PIA finds itself in has only yawned wider with time. PIA’s losses are so staggering that it is hard to wrap one’s mind around them. PIA’s
cash flows are in a state of chaos. A retrospective glance at PIA’s cash flows from 2017 to June 2023 paints a grim picture. PIA only managed to keep its head above water for a fleeting one and a half years. The remaining five years saw PIA grappling with negative cash flows from its operating activities. In layman’s terms, PIA was bleeding money from its core airline operations. So, how has it managed to stay afloat? The lifeline has been debt. During the aforementioned period, it was only in the first six months of 2023 that PIA managed to repay more loans than it borrowed. That’s not to say it didn’t borrow. It did.
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