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ISRAelI STRIkeS kIll 61 PAleSTInIAnS AS Un PURSUeS AnTI-PolIo vAccInATIon Sunday, 8 September, 2024 I | 3 Rabi ul Awwal, 1446
ISRAELI MILITARY CLAIMS STRIKE TARGETED A HAMAS COMMAND CENTRE INSIDE COMPOUND
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GAZA’S CIVIL DEFENCE AGENCY SAYS ISRAELI AIR STRIKE TARGETED SCHOOL-TURNED-SHELTER FOR DISPLACED PALESTINIANS
AGENCIES
SRAELI military strikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 61 Palestinians in the space of 24 hours, local medics said on Saturday, as Israeli forces battled Hamas-led fighters in the territory, Reuters reports. An Israeli air strike on the Halima al-Sa’diyya school compound serving as a shelter for displaced people in the Jabalia urban refugee camp killed at least eight people and wounded 15 others, medics said. The Israeli military claimed the strike had targeted a Hamas command centre inside the compound. It accused Hamas of repeatedly exploiting civilians and civilian infrastructure for military purposes, an allegation Hamas denies. Five more people were killed in a strike on a house in Gaza City. The armed wings of the Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Fatah groups said they had fought Israeli troops in Gaza City, in central areas and in the south with antitank rockets and mortars, and in some incidents detonated bombs to target tanks and other army vehicles. Gaza civil defence says 3 killed in Is-
raeli strike on school Gaza’s civil defence agency said an Israeli air strike targeting a schoolturned-shelter for displaced Palestinians has killed at least three people, while the military reported it struck a Hamas command centre, AFP reports. “Three martyrs and more than 20 wounded people were retrieved after an Israeli warplane fired two missiles at a prayer room and a classroom at the Amr
Pakistan proud of Air Force’s courage, dedication, say national leaders on Air Force Day ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Ibn al-Aas School, where refugees were sheltering in the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood in northern Gaza City,” Mahmud Bassal, spokesman for the civil defence agency, told AFP. The Israeli military said it conducted a “precise strike” at the school. The strike targeted “terrorists who were operating inside a Hamas command and control centre… embedded inside a compound that previously served as Amr Ibn al-Aas
school,” the military said in a statement. Autopsy of Turkish-American activist shows she was killed by sniper’s bullet to the head: Nablus governor An autopsy report of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a Turkish-American activist, has confirmed she was killed by an Israeli sniper’s bullet to the head, Anadolu reports quoting Nablus governor Ghassan Daghlas. In a statement to Anadolu, Daghlas said the autopsy results indicated Eygi’s cause of death was a gunshot wound inflicted by a sniper, specifically targeting her head. Eygi had been rushed to a nearby hospital where she was declared dead upon arrival. He said the examination was conducted late on Friday night at the Forensic Medicine Institute, An-Najah National University in Nablus. According to Turkish Foreign Ministry sources, information about Eygi’s death was shared with the Turkish consulate in Jerusalem. The sources indicated that Eygi may have been intentionally targeted by an Israeli sniper using live ammunition rather than rubber bullets. The Israeli military has yet to comment on the specifics of the incident or the findings of the autopsy.
Four suicide bombers killed as security forces foil terrorist attack in Mohmand agency RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
National leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zaradri, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Saturday said the entire nation is proud of Pakistan Air Force and paid glowing tribute to the PAF’s brave soldiers for thwarting the enemy’s malicious ambitions this day (September 7) in 1965. On Air Force Day in their separate messages, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi honoured the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for its courageous role in the 1965 war and its enduring legacy. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the PAF’s brave soldiers for thwarting the enemy’s malicious ambitions. In his message, Sharif highlighted the events of 7 September 1965, when the PAF demonstrated remarkable bravery and resilience despite being outnumbered. He noted that M.M. Alam’s extraordinary achievement of downing five enemy aircraft in a single minute was a significant blow to the enemy’s arrogance. He offered his salute to the PAF martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the homeland and expressed the nation’s pride in their sacrifices. The premier described 7 September 1965 as a “shining chapter” in the history of the Pakistan Air Force, highlighting the professionalism and courage of its officers. In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari paid glowing tribute to the PAF soldiers for “unforgettable” sacrifices to defend the skies of the motherland. He said the Shaheen of the Pakistan Air Force made history by defending the country against the enemy which ten time bigger in numerical strengthen and resources. Like Maryam Nawaz in her message, paid tribute to M.M. Alam, recalling his historic achievement of destroying five enemy aircraft in under a minute. She praised the legendary Pilot M.M. Alam for his extraordinary feat of downing five Indian aircraft within a minute, marking a world record that remains unmatched in aerial warfare. Maryam Nawaz also lauded the heroic legacy of Rashid Minhas Shaheed, who embodied bravery, courage, and honour, further solidifying the air force’s stature. The Punjab Chief Minister stressed that the exemplary role of the PAF during the 1965 war would be etched in history in golden words, with the nation forever proud of the air force’s remarkable skills and steadfast bravery. “Their contribution to safeguarding the country’s airspace will be remembered with great pride,” she said, underscoring the pivotal role played by PAF officers in maintaining national security.
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Security forces successfully thwarted a significant attack on the Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters in Mohmand district, KhyberPakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing said on Saturday. The assault was carried out by a group of four suicide bombers affiliated with the extremist group Fitna al-Khawarij, according to the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR). The militants attempted to breach the FC headquarters in the early hours of Friday but were swiftly neutralised by the security personnel. “The attempt to enter the camp was effectively thwarted by our forces, and all four suicide bombers were killed before they could inflict any damage,” ISPR stated. The successful operation prevented what could have been a devastating attack. Following the thwarted attack, a sanitisation operation is underway to ensure no other terrorists remain in the area. The ISPR affirmed the forces’ continued vigilance and commitment to eliminating terrorism from the country. “Our security forces stand
valiant, demonstrating sheer determination and resolve in their mission,” the military’s media wing added. In a separate incident, five terrorists were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces at the Surkhab
refugee camp in Pishin district. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) reported that a substantial cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the terrorists’ hideout.
RAWALPINDI
terrorists, who were involved in numerous attacks on security forces and civilians,” the ISPR said. A sanitization operation is ongoing to clear the area of any remaining threats. “Pakistan’s security forces, alongside the nation, are committed to thwarting any attempts to destabilize peace, stability, and progress in Balochistan,” the military added. Earlier on August 30, the security forces killed at least five terrorists of a banned militant group and injured three others in intelligencebased operations in multiple districts in Balochistan following a flare-up of violence and a string attacks in different areas of the province on August 26.
Two terrorists neutralised in Kalat IBO: ISPR STAFF REPORT
Two terrorists were killed in a fire exchange with the security forces during an intelligencebased operation (IBO) conducted in Balochistan’s Kalat district, the military confirmed on Saturday. A statement from the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the IBO was conducted following the reported presence of terrorists last night. The troops surrounded and engaged terrorists’ location, and sent two terrorists to hell, it added. “Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were recovered from the
Salman Akram Raja appointed PTI’s new secretary general ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
PTI leader Salman Akram Raja has been appointed as the new secretary general of the Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI), replacing Omar Ayub after the party’s founder accepted Ayub’s resignation. In response to the leadership change, PTI leader Hammad Azhar congratulated Raja, expressing confidence in his abilities. “Congratulations to Salman Akram Raja. I have no doubt that he will also perform brilliantly,” Azhar said in a social media post. Earlier, Omar Ayub shared the news of his resignation on social media, stating that former Prime Minister Imran Khan had accepted his letter of resignation, which was submitted on September 4. He mentioned that Senator Shibli Faraz, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, conveyed his resignation during a meeting with Khan. In his statement, Ayub explained that balancing the roles of Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, PTI Secretary General, handling legal matters, and managing constituency issues had become an overwhelming workload. However, he reassured supporters that he would continue to serve as a dedicated PTI worker.
President signs bill restricting public gatherings in Islamabad ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
President Asif Ali Zardari has signed the Public Order and Peaceful Assembly Bill 2024 into law after it was passed by both the Senate and National Assembly, banning unauthorised public gatherings in the capital. Following the president’s approval, the law introduces penalties for holding gatherings without permission in Islamabad, with violators facing up to three years in prison and fines. Repeat offenders could be sentenced to up to 10 years in jail. The government pushed the bill through the Senate two days ago and the National Assembly yesterday, despite strong opposition criticism. Opponents allege the law was passed to prevent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from holding its rally scheduled for tomorrow in Islamabad. The PTI rally has been relocated to a ground near Sangjani Cattle Market, 200 metres from the original venue of Paswal Road. The Islamabad district administration has issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the event, and PTI leaders, including Barrister Gohar, Omer Ayub, and Asad Qaiser, have begun preparations. However, Islamabad Police intercepted the rally’s equipment, including the DJ system last night. Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has stated that the party will hold a peaceful rally, not a long march or sit-in, and urged authorities to avoid creating any hurdles. Speaking to the media after visiting the rally site with party leaders, Barrister Gohar said, “Our rally will be peaceful, and we have an NOC. No obstacles should be placed in our way.”
Imran seeks acquittal in £190 million case after SC reinstated NAB Law amends RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Saturday sought acquittal in the £190 million case after the Supreme Court’s verdict in the NAB amendments case. During the hearing of the case in Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, the PTI founder filed a petition seeking acquittal from the case that accused both Khan and his wife of causing billions of rupees loss to the national exchequer. The former prime minister’s lawyer told the court that the £190 million case was no longer valid after the verdict as all the cabinet decisions are protected in
NAB amendments. “The question that arises here is whether the accountability court has jurisdiction in this case or not after the NAB amendments,” the NAB prosecutor said. He further said if the court has jurisdiction in the case, then the acquittal plea can be heard. At this, the counsel for Imran Khan said they have not challenged the jurisdiction of the court. He added that it is the discretion of the court to decide its jurisdiction. The accountability court then adjourned the hearing on Khan’s acquittal plea till September 10. The PTI founder filed the plea after Supreme Court’s decision on Friday accepting intra-court appeals
filed against the September 15, 2023, majority judgement striking down the amendments to the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO). A five-member bench of the SC, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faiz Isa, accepted the intra-court appeals filed by the federal and provincial governments against the September 15 judgement. Announcing the verdict, the apex court remarked that the PTI founder could not prove that NAB amendments were unconstitutional. The verdict was reserved on June 6 on multiple appeals against the apex court’s September 15 verdict which was announced by then-CJP Umar Ata Bandial.
Govt renegotiating contracts with IPPS to control ‘unsustainable’ tariffs, says power minister g
THERE IS A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING ON BOTH SIDES THAT STATUS QUO CAN'T BE MAINTAINED; EXISTING PRICE STRUCTURE OF ELECTRICITY IS NOT SUSTAINABLE, AWAIS LEGHARI PROFIT
REUTERS
Pakistan is renegotiating contracts with independent power producers to rein in “unsustainable” electricity tariffs, the head of the power ministry said, as households and businesses buckle under soaring energy costs. Rising power tariffs have stirred social unrest and shuttered industries in the $350 billion economy, which has contracted twice in recent years as inflation hit record highs. “The existing price structure of power in this country is not sustainable,” Awais Leghari, a federal minister heading Pakistan’s Power Division, told Reuters in an
interview on Friday. He said discussions were underway between power producers and the government because “there is a clear understanding on both sides that the status quo can’t be maintained.” Leghari stressed that all stakeholders would have to “give in to a certain point” – though without compromising completely on business sustainability – and this would have to be done “as soon as possible”. Faced with chronic shortages a decade ago, Pakistan approved dozens of private projects by independent power producers (IPPs), financed mostly by foreign lenders. The incentivised deals included high guaranteed returns and commitments to even
pay for unused power. However, a sustained economic crisis has slashed power consumption, leaving the country with excess capacity that it needs to pay for. Short of funds, the government has built those fixed costs and capacity payments into consumer bills, sparking protests by domestic users and industrial associations. Four sources in the power sector told Reuters changes to contracts demanded included slashing guaranteed returns, capping dollar rates and moving away from paying for unused power. The sources requested anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media. On Saturday, a local media outlet said in a report citing sources that 24 conditions
have been proposed for the transition of capacity-based model to take-and-pay model. However, Leghari told Reuters that no new draft agreements or specific demands had been officially sent to power companies and said the government would not force them to sign new watered-down contracts. “We would sit and talk to them in a civil and professional manner,” he said, adding that the government has always maintained contractual obligations to investors, both foreign and local. He said contract revisions would be by “mutual consent” Energy sector viability was the focus of a critical staff-level pact in May with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $7
billion bailout. The IMF’s staff report stressed the need to revisit power deals. Pakistan has already initiated talks on reprofiling power sector debt owed to China as well as negotiations on structural reforms, but progress has been slow. Pakistan has also committed to stop power sector subsidies. Leghari said current rates were not affordable for domestic or commercial consumers and this was hurting growth because power prices were no longer regionally competitive, putting critical exports at a disadvantage. He said the aim was to bring tariffs down to 9 US cents per unit for commercial users from about 28 cents currently.