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27 KILLED, 62 INJURED IN QUETTA RAILWAY STATION SUICIDE BOMBING Sunday, 10 November, 2024 I | 7 Jamadi ul Awwal, 1446
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Commissioner says ‘suicide attack’ primarily targeted law enforcement agencies
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QUETTA
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This is war, we are not dealing with criminals: Naqvi
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STAFF REPORT
T least 27 people were killed and 62 others injured on Saturday in a suicide explosion ripped through the platform of Quetta Railway Station crowded with passengers gathered to board two trains ready to depart, police, local authorities and hospital officials confirmed. According to FIR of the blast registered later in the evening, the blast, which left 27 people dead and injured 62 others, involved a suicide bomber who detonated an explosive device among passengers, the CTD officials reported. Quetta Division Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat said that the blast was a
“suicide attack” primarily targeting the law enforcement agencies. Shafqaat added that gatherings have
Railways Police beefs up security at railway stations nationwide
LAHORE: Pakistan Railways beefed up security across all stations and installations across the country on Saturday following the blast at Quetta Railway Station. According to Inspector General of Railway Police Rao Sardar Ali Khan, a red alert has been issued for security at all railway stations, including those in Karachi. “Additional railway
police personnel have been deployed, and bomb disposal squads (BDS) are now stationed at major stations to screen passengers before trains depart”, he added. The IG Railways Police said that all passengers and their belongings will undergo thorough checks at station entrances, with more walkthrough gates being installed. STAFF REPORT
been banned in the area while bus stations were on high alert, adding that railways have been requested to close the
Militants brought back by Imran behind subversive attacks: Tarar
ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticised former prime minister Imran Khan for “bringing back terrorists who now attack us,” while highlighting the need for unity and self-reliance as envisioned by poet-philosopher Allama Iqbal. Speaking to the media at Iqbal’s mausoleum, Tarar said the message of self-reliance
from Iqbal’s philosophy is essential for the entire Muslim community and serves as a pathway to development and prosperity. Tarar condemned a recent explosion at Quetta’s railway station, vowing to eradicate terrorism. He criticised the PTI founder for bringing back the Taliban, who he claims are now involved in violent activities. STAFF REPORT
Pakistan seeks two-year extension in $3.4bn Chinese debt amid IMF programme PROFIT
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Pakistan has formally requested China to reschedule $3.4 billion in official and guaranteed debt, aiming for a two-year extension on repayments during the period of its International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. The Express Tribune, citing official sources, that this rescheduling is essential to cover the $5 billion external financing gap identified by the IMF when it approved the $7 billion bailout package in September. The debt, primarily owed to the Chinese Export-Import (Exim) Bank, includes both official and State-Owned Enterprise-guaranteed loans. Approximately one-
third of the debt repayments fall under guaranteed loans. Pakistani authorities remain hopeful for support from China, though no formal confirmation has been provided on whether the rescheduling has been approved. This marks Pakistan’s second request for debt rescheduling from the Exim Bank in the past year and a half. In July 2023, then Finance Minister Ishaq Dar announced a similar two-year rescheduling of $2.4 billion in Chinese loans, on which Pakistan has since only been making interest payments. The current $3.4 billion request includes $750 million maturing this fiscal year, which is crucial for meeting IMF’s conditions that the $7 billion programme is fully
funded and that Pakistan’s debt remains sustainable. Of the $5 billion financing gap identified by the IMF, $2.5 billion pertains to the current fiscal year. Although Pakistan assured the IMF of arrangements for this amount, some anticipated borrowings are delayed. Meanwhile, an unscheduled IMF mission is set to visit Pakistan on Monday to assess the country’s economic performance, a move reflecting possible concerns over Pakistan’s adherence to the programme’s terms. Pakistan has also requested a $1.4 billion loan and sought an increase in the Currency Swap Agreement limit to CNY 40 billion ($5.7 billion), an expansion that would provide additional liquidity.
thorities placed the names of PTI leader Malaika Bukhari—who travelled abroad for cancer treatment of her sister —, Shayan Ali, Sadia Fahim, Fahim Gulzar, Maheen Faisal, Sidra Tariq, and others allegedly involved in London protests. The others who have been placed in the PCL included Hiba Tariq, Waqas Chauhan, Mohsin Haider, Zameer Akram, Sardar Taimur, Parvaiz Ali, Rukhsana Kausar, Muhammad Jameel, Mehran Habib, Zawa Ahmad, Rehman Anwar, Muhammad Sadiq, Khadija Kashif, Muhammad Naveed Afzal, Shahzad Qureshi,
Sulaiman Ali Shah and Bilal Anwar. In addition to these individuals, 153 other names have been included in the list. However, passports for the 23 key suspects have been officially revoked. The authorities have also reportedly sent a letter to British officials requesting the extradition of these individuals. If brought to Pakistan, they will be arrested and interrogated. On October 31, the Pakistan High Commission in London had filed a formal complaint with the UK authorities for a probe into the incident.
pressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, which claimed the lives of several civilians, including women and children, and left many others injured. He strongly condemned the “barbaric crime,” calling for justice for those responsible. He underscored Russia’s solidarity with Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, reaffirming Russia’s commitment to close cooperation with Pakistani authorities in combatting extremism and protecting citizens from violent acts. “We are determined to continue
close cooperation with our Pakistani partners against all forms and manifestations of terrorism,” Putin wrote. He expressed Russia’s determination to assist in the fight against such heinous crimes and hoped that the masterminds behind the attack would be appropriately punished. Malaysia PM conveys condolence and sympathies over blast Meanwhile, Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim conveyed his heartfelt condolence and sympathies over the incident.
Passports of 23 expats ‘revoked’ for attack on ex-CJP Isa’s vehicle ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports has placed names of 23 overseas Pakistani in the Passport Control List (PCL) over their alleged involvement in the attack on former CJP Qazi Faez Isa’s vehicle in London. The names of 23 Pakistanis allegedly involved in the London attack on former Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa have been added to the Passport Control List (PCL), according to passport authorities. According to the sources, the au-
Putin, Malaysian PM, UN chief extend condolences to Pakistan following Quetta bombing ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
World leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Malaysian Premier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Turkish foreign minister and British High Commissioner on Saturday conveyed their condolences to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following a devastating terrorist attack at Quetta Railway Station. In a letter, President Putin ex-
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Bugti appeals to nation to ‘treat terrorists as terrorists’
station and suspend train services. Later, he told a private TV channel that besides civilians, “some law enforcement” personnel were also martyred in the bombing. The incident comes a week after a bomb blast near a girl’s school and a hospital in Mastung district that eight people, including five children. The country in general and Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces in particular, have seen alarming rise terrorism-related incidents since the past one year. Provincial health department’s spokesperson Wasim Baig said that the death toll rose to 26 after two people succumbed to their injuries while 62 others were injured in the explosion.
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COAS reaffirms nation’s resolve to eradicate menace of terrorism
RAWALPINDI: General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on Saturday highlighted that terrorism would never be tolerated, reaffirming the nation’s resolve and commitment towards eradicating the menace. The COAS emphasized that this mission would be pursued with full national resolve and collective determination,
said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release on Saturday. Gen Munir reaffirmed the nation’s resolve, commitment to eradicate the menace of terrorism from the country. He underscored that the fight against terrorism required the steadfast support of all Pakistanis, along with the efforts of the military and civil institutions, to secure a peaceful and prosperous future for the country. STAFF REPORT
Providing all possible facilities to diplomatic community top priority: PM ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday visited the “Cascade” Police Service Centre in the Capital’s diplomatic enclave, established to streamline services delivery to the diplomatic community and foreign nationals. The Cascade Service Centre, designed to international standards, is equipped with modern facilities catering to the specific needs of diplomats and foreign residents. “Providing all possible facilities to the diplomatic community is our priority,” the prime minister stated, recognising the service centre as a significant initiative led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Key services offered at the centre include issuance and renewal of driving licenses, character certificates, general police verification, lost item reports, tenant and foreigner registration, and registration for domestic workers, volunteers, and vehicles. Foreign nationals can also access copies of FIRs and other essential police documentation. During the visit, Inspector General of Islamabad Police briefed the prime minister on the centre’s services and its operational focus on serving the diplomatic community. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with Interior Minister Naqvi, were also present at the event. Prime Minister Sharif commended the centre’s establishment, noting it as a “much-needed facility that addresses the evolving demands of modern times.”