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‘NO LENIENCY OR TALKS WITH MISCREANT’: PM DECLARES ENDGAME OF TERRORISTS Wednesday, 28 August, 2024 I | 22 Safar, 1446
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 52 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
SAYS NATION UNITED FOR ELIMINATION OF g SUCH UNHOLY DESIGNS MEANT TO IMPEDE TERRORISM, VOWING SACRIFICES BEING PROGRESS, CPEC PROJECTS AND RENDERED WILL NEVER BE SQUANDERED UNDERMINE SINO-PAK RELATIONSHIP: PM
Naqvi says terrorists in Balochistan will receive a ‘strong message’ soon
P
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday categorically announced that the government would neither hold any talks nor show any leniency to the terrorists who were poised to disrupt the country’s journey towards progress. “The time has come to eliminate terrorism. The sacrifices being rendered for the cause will never be squandered. We need to move forward with firm resolve. There is no question of any weakness. We are open to talks with those who believe in the supremacy of Pakistan’s constitution and respect its flag. But there can be no leniency or talks with those who are enemies in the guise of friends. This is a clear message. There are no two opinions on this,” the prime minister said addressing the meeting of the federal cabinet chaired by him on Tuesday. The prime minister began his remarks by reiterating the condemnation of the terror incidents held in different parts of the country during the last couple of days killing dozens of citizens and the
officers and personnel of the security forces. The cabinet members also offered Fateha for the victims of terror incidents and Rana Afzaal, the brother of Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, who passed away on Monday. The prime minister said that it was no secret that the terrorists of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from Afghanistan were behind these terrorist attacks. The government has sensitised the Afghan government on the subject and also taken effective actions against them, he added. Referring to the killing of passengers in Balochistan on Monday, he said such incidents could not terrorize the people. “Such unholy designs are just meant to impede the country’s progress, ongoing CPEC projects in Balochistan and undermine the relationship between Pakistan and China,” he remarked. He told the cabinet members that the government had assured to provide allout resources to the armed forces to fight out the terrorists and that the Chief of the Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and the armed forces personnel were de-
QUETTA: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday stated that there was no need for a major operation in Balochistan and assured that the terrorists would soon receive a “clear message,” saying that terrorists operating in the province can be dealt with by a single Station House Officer (SHO). Addressing a press conference in Quetta alongside Balochistan Chief Minister Sardar Sarfraz Bugti, Naqvi emphasised that the purpose of his visit was to demonstrate solidarity with the people of Balochistan and to assure them that the federal government fully supports the provincial leadership. “The federal government is standing firmly behind Chief Minister Bugti, who will have our full backing in whatever decisions he makes,” Mohsin said. He added that while some efforts in Balochistan are visible, much more is happening behind the scenes. Addressing the recent surge in violence, Naqvi expressed deep concern over the incidents, calling them unac-
ceptable. “These acts of terror are intolerable, but they cannot intimidate us. The terrorists will soon receive a strong message,” he asserted. Responding to a journalist's question, Naqvi clarified that the Balochistan government is fully alert and more determined than ever to confront terrorism. He dismissed the need for a large-scale operation, reiterating that the terrorists are only a minor threat. “These terrorists have attacked from hiding. If they had the courage, they would face us directly. Our forces are well-equipped to deal with them, and their elimination will not require extensive operations,” Naqvi explained. Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti highlighted the challenges of securing Balochistan's vast terrain, noting that terrorists often exploit isolated areas to carry out attacks. He assured that the government is actively responding to these threats. Pakistan's Balochistan province has recently seen an uptick in violence, including target killings and militant attacks. STAFF REPORT
termined to purge this scourge. “Inshallah, their nefarious designs will be foiled, provided we identify our enemies and forge unity to eliminate them,” he urged. Calling the recent terror incidents a “moment of reflection”, Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated there was no room for terrorists in the country. He announced that he would visit Balochistan very soon to hold in-depth
deliberations on the situation and decide on immediate measures. Asif urges leaders of Balochistan to take ownership to end menace of terrorism Meanwhile, Minister for Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Tuesday urged the political leaders of Balochistan to take the responsibility and ownership for ending the menace of terrorism in the province.
25 Khawarijs including ringleader eliminated in Tirah valley IBOs: ISPR RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
As many as 25 terrorists including their ringleader Abuzar alias Saddam were killed and 11 others injured in successful intelligence-based operations by security forces in Tirah valley of district Khyber, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday. As per the statement of the military’s media wing, the security forces to tackle the Fitna al Khawarij and its affiliates launched “robust intelligence” operations. “Twenty-five terrorists were neutralized while 11 were injured after security forces conducted “extensive” intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in the Khyber district against the Tehreek-iTaliban Pakistan (TTP) and two of its affiliate groups,” the military’s media affairs wing said on Tuesday. The ISPR A statement said that the operations were based on “robust intelligence” and resulted in major setbacks to Fitna al Khawarij and its affiliates. “During these daring and highly successful IBOs being conducted since 20 August 2024, security forces have so far successfully neutralized twenty-five Khwarij, including Kharji ring leader Abuzar alias Saddam, who has been sent
to hell, while 11 Khawrij have been injured,” the statement said. “However, during the conduct of operations, four brave soldiers, having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat (martyrdom),” it said. The heavy losses inflicted upon Fitna Al Khawarij in these operations were a testament to the valour and commitment of the security forces to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the
country, it added. Earlier this month, the government declared TTP as Fitna al-Khawarij and all other terrorists associated with the group as khariji (outcasts). Speaking during a press conference, ISPR Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that the move was made because the TTP was a “mischief-making group” that was “neither an ideology nor has anything to do with Islam or Pakistan.”
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He had added that security forces and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) conducted 23,622 small and large-scale IBOs in the country this year, out of which 2,045 operations were carried out in the second half of July. President Zardari lauds security forces for successful operation Appreciating the security forces for carrying out a successful operation against the Fitna al Khawarij, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed that the state will continue taking action until the complete eradication of terrorism from the country. “Security forces demonstrated courage and sent the terrorists to hell,” they said and paid tribute to the soldiers who embraced martyrdom during the operations. “We will neither compromise on the peace and order of the country nor hesitate to make any sacrifices for the protection of the motherland,” they said. Police thwart militant attack on Kurram toll plaza checkpoint in Lakki Marwat On the other hand, the police repulsed a late-night attack by militants on a police checkpoint at Kurram Toll Plaza in Lakki Marwat that left one officer injured, while another individual died of a heart attack triggered by the terror of the incident.
President Zardari confers Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) on Chinese Gen Li Qiaoming ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday conferred the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) on General Li Qiaoming, Commander of the Ground Forces of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), in recognition of his distinguished services and significant contributions to enhancing Sino-Pak defense relations. A special investiture ceremony attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, service chiefs, diplomats and parliamentarians was held at Aiwan-eSadr for conferring the award. During the ceremony remarkable leadership of unwavering dedication to service and exceptional professional skills of General Li Qiaoming were recognized. General Li Qiaoming during his career spanning over more than forty years has made significant contributions to the Chinese Military through his diligence, determination, and effectiveness. His steadfast loyalty, exemplary leadership, initiative, and vision earned him widespread admiration and motivated others to reach for the highest levels of accomplishment. In his three decades service to the nation, General Li Qiaoming has been recognized for his exceptional professionalism, remarkable command skills, and dedicated efforts in promoting peace and stability both within China and globally. As a close ally of Pakistan, General Qiaoming has significantly contributed to strengthening PakistanChina military relations through his steadfast commitment and dedication. His substantial contributions have been key in advancing military cooperation between the two friendly nations. His expertise, knowledge, and leadership bring great honor to himself, his military, his nation, and to humanity as a whole. In recognition of his meritorious services, rendered towards enhancing defence cooperation with Pakistan, the president has conferred the award of Nishan-e-Imtian (Military) upon General Li Qiaoming, Commander People Liberation Army, Ground forces, Peoples Republic of China.
China offers counter-terrorism support after deadly Balochistan attacks BEIJING
AGENCIES
China has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan and expressed deep condolences to the victims, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, responding to a question at a daily press briefing, stated, “China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and will continue to firmly support Pakistan in advancing counter-terrorism operations, maintaining social unity and stability, and protecting people’s safety.” The attacks, which occurred on Sunday night, saw terrorists targeting Pakistani security forces and police across multiple locations in Balochistan. The assailants stopped vehicles, killed innocent civilians, and destroyed infrastructure, including roads and railways. “China is willing to further strengthen counter-terrorism and security cooperation with Pakistan to jointly safeguard regional peace and security,” Lin added.
Pakistan targets $4b from Middle Eastern banks by FY26: SBP Governor g
JAMEEL AHMAD DISCUSSES PAKISTAN'S EXTERNAL FINANCING STRATEGY AND MONETARY POLICY OUTLOOK PROFIT
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan is setting its sights on securing up to $4 billion from Middle Eastern commercial banks by the fiscal year 2026 (FY26) as part of its strategy to bridge external financing gaps, according to State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad. Governor Ahmad revealed that Pakistan is also in the “advanced stages” of securing an additional $2 billion in external financing. This funding is crucial for the approval of the $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout program. In July, Pakistan and the IMF reached a staff-level agreement on the loan program, contingent upon approval from the IMF’s executive board and “timely confirmation of necessary financing assurances” from Pakistan’s development and bilateral partners. Governor Ahmad expressed confidence that Pakistan’s gross financing needs will be met smoothly over the next fiscal year and in the medium term. Historically, Pakistan
has relied on longstanding allies like China, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to rollover debt, avoiding a repayment crisis. Ahmad anticipates similar support over the next three years, allowing the government additional time to stabilize its finances. Ahmad also noted that the SBP expects Pakistan’s gross financing needs in the coming years to be lower than the 5.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) projected by the IMF in its May country report. “Pakistan’s external gross financing needs have been on a downward trend in recent years,” he stated. “Given that the IMF’s assessment was based on a higher current account deficit than what materialized in fiscal 2024 and what is now projected for the next few years, we estimate the gross financing needs to GDP ratio to be lower than 5.5%.” Discussing monetary policy, Governor Ahmad highlighted the positive impact of recent interest rate cuts, noting that inflation is slowing, and the current account remains stable despite the rate reductions. Pakistan’s annual consumer price index inflation
dropped to 11.1% in July, down from over 30% in 2023. “The Monetary Policy Committee will review all these developments,” Ahmad said, adding that future interest rate decisions will depend on evolving economic conditions. Pakistan’s central bank has reduced interest rates in two consecutive meetings, bringing them down from a historic high of 22% to 19.5%. The next monetary policy review is scheduled for September 12. While there are market concerns that the government might use the lower interest rates to increase borrowing, Ahmad dismissed this notion, expressing confidence that the government will continue its fiscal consolidation efforts despite the rate cuts. Governor Ahmad, who began his fiveyear term at the helm of Pakistan’s central bank in August 2022, reflected on the challenges of his first year in office. In 2023, Pakistan faced a severe balance of payments crisis, with central bank reserves barely sufficient to cover a month of imports. After eight months of rigorous negotia-
tions on fiscal discipline, the IMF extended a nine-month $3 billion bailout program to Pakistan, providing a much-needed lifeline. “Last year was a significant improvement,” Ahmad said. “Now, from an external account management perspective, everything is under control.” Looking ahead, Ahmad stated that the
central bank will now focus on promoting growth, digitalization, and financial inclusion, emphasizing that these goals are vital for job creation and addressing socioeconomic challenges. However, he reiterated that the bank’s primary mandate is to ensure price and financial stability before shifting its focus to growth.