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SEVEN SOLDIERS MARTYRED, 6 TERRORISTS KILLED IN KALAT CHECKPOST ATTACK Sunday, 17 November, 2024 I | 14 Jamadi ul Awwal, 1446
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Four terrorists also injured and subsequently held during intense fire exchange: ISPR
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RAWALPINDI
PM Shehbaz, Mohsin Naqvi condemn attack, emphasizing such violent acts can’t dent govt’s commitment to Balochistan’s progress and prosperity
STAFF REPORT
EVEN soldiers were martyred and six terrorists were sent to hell during fire exchange following terrorists’ attempted attack, targeting a security checkpost in Balochistan’s Kalat, according to the military’s media wing on Saturday. A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), stated: “On night 15/16 November 2024, terrorists attempted to attack a security forces’ post in general area Shah-e-Mardan of Kalat District.” “Own troops fought gallantly as a result of which six terrorists were sent to hell, while four terrorists were injured. However, during intense exchange of fire, seven brave sons of soil, having fought gallantly, embraced shahadat,” it said. “Sanitization operation is being carried out to eliminate any terrorist found in the area,” the ISPR said. Security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan, and
such sacrifices of our soldiers further strengthen our resolve, it added. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the terrorist attack on security checkpost in Shah-e-Mardan area of Kalat District and expressed sorrows over the martyrdom of brave soldiers. In a statement issued here, the Prime Minister expressed his condolences, praying for the martyrs to be granted a
higher status in heaven. He extended his sympathies to the grieving families affected by the tragedy. Shehbaz also directed the provision of the best medical care for the injured and instructed that immediate action be taken against the culprits, ensuring they face exemplary punishment. “The elements spreading chaos and unrest in Balochistan are enemies of the
people and the province’s development,” the Prime Minister said, emphasizing that such acts of violence would not deter the government’s commitment to the region’s progress and prosperity. The Prime Minister reiterated the nation’s determination to thwart the malicious agendas of the country’s enemies and reaffirmed that the fight against terrorism would continue until its complete eradication from Pakistan. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the attack on the checkpost in Kalat, offering tribute to the martyred personnel. He expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. Naqvi emphasised that the martyred personnel had attained the highest honour of martyrdom, and their sacrifices for peace would be remembered forever. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also condemned the terrorist incident in Kalat, expressing sorrow over the loss of precious lives. She extended her condolences to the grieving families and wished a swift recovery to the injured.
IMF urges Pakistan to reduce state intervention in economy, enhance competition g
Karachi restaurant targeted in gunfire and grenade attack KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 131 I 8 Pages I Karachi Edition
In the early hours of Saturday, four unidentified gunmen opened fire on a restaurant in Karachi’s Orangi Town and threw a hand grenade before fleeing the scene. Fortunately, the grenade did not detonate, and a bomb disposal unit successfully rendered it safe, according to local police. The incident occurred at around 4:15 am near Frontier Morr, a busy area in Orangi Town. Following the gunfire, the assailants tossed the grenade at the closed restaurant and escaped on two motorcycles, said police sources. The restaurant’s owner, who lives on an upper floor, reported the incident to police after hearing the gunfire. Police arrived, securing the area and called in bomb disposal squad. The BDS successfully disarmed the grenade. Investigators recovered three spent bullet casings at the scene, and initial inquiries suggest that the attack may have been intended to create panic in the neighbourhood. The restaurant owner noted that the establishment typically closes at midnight. He shared that he had previously received extortion threats in 2022. A suspect connected to those threats was arrested but was released after a year in custody. Police officers, including SHO Mominabad Shahbaz Yousuf, said that the assailants wore helmets to obscure their identities. CCTV footage from the area is currently under review, and police are intensifying efforts to track down the attackers.
Structural energy reforms and constructive efforts critical to restore sector’s viability, says IMF mission chief At the end of the visit, the IMF Pakistan mission chief said that strong program implementation can create a more prosperous and more inclusive Pakistan, improving living standards for all Pakistanis. “We had constructive discussions with the authorities on their economic policy and reform efforts to reduce vulnerabilities and lay the basis for stronger and sustainable growth,” Mr Porter said. IMF mission chief said that both sides agreed with the need to continue prudent fiscal and monetary policies, revenue mobilization from untapped tax bases, while transferring greater social and development responsibilities to provinces.
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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged that Pakistan should take steps to decrease state intervention in the economy and enhance competition, which will help foster the development of a dynamic private sector. An IMF mission led by Mr. Nathan Porter concluded a staff visit to Pakistan from November 12 to 15, 2024. During the visit, the IMF team met with senior officials from federal and provincial governments and the State Bank, as well as representatives from the private sector.
In addition, structural energy reforms and constructive efforts are critical to restore the sector’s viability. “We are encouraged by the authorities’ reaffirmed commitment to the economic reforms supported by the 2024 Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The next mission associated with the first EFF review is expected in the first quarter of 2025,” the statement added. IMF said that staff visits are a standard practice for countries with semi-annual program reviews and aim to engage with the authorities and other stakeholders on the country’s economic developments and policies and the status of planned reforms.
ATC puts off indictment of Imran, 124 others for a third time ‘GHQ ATTACK CASE’
RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Rawalpindi on Saturday delayed for a third time the indictment of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and 124 others in the GHQ attack case. The ATC Rawalpindi conducted proceedings of GHQ attack case related to the May 9 violence, wherein lawyers for Sheikh Rashid
Ahmed, Amjad Khan Niazi, Omar Tanveer Butt, Waqas Qayyum, Major Tahir Sadiq, Omar Ayub, and others completed their arguments before Judge Amjad Ali Shah. During the proceedings, the prosecution raised an objection regarding lawyers presenting arguments without having any official power of attorney. Public Prosecutor Zahid Shah argued that 102 lawyers for the accused had not yet filed their power
of attorney documents. He requested that the court appoint a state counsel to represent the case of the accused. Additionally, lawyers representing Shireen Mazari and Shakeel Niazi completed their arguments, after which the prosecution presented their case. The court directed government lawyers to present arguments regarding the acquittal petitions of Sheikh Rashid, Shireen Mazari, Amjad Niazi, and others today.
Qureshi takes dig at fellow PTI leaders for ignoring imprisoned party leaders RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Saturday took a dig at his fellow party leaders, saying if time allows the leadership of PTI to come to Kot Lakhpat Jail, they should come and see him. “I would urge party leadership including Barrister Gohar, Umar Ayub, Salman Akram, Waqas Akram to come to Kot Lakhpat Jail if time permits them. Yasmin Rashid, Mahmood Rashid, Sarfraz Cheema are also imprisoned in Lahore Jail for a long time. Listen to our point of view. I have 40 years of political experience and will give them good advice. PTI leadership is doing a good job but they may also listen to our point of view. We pay tribute to the struggle of our party leadership,” PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi said while talking to the media representatives after appearing in the court. He also paid tribute to the struggle of Bushra Bibi, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan. Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that the like-minded political parties should be brought on a platform on common points. Instead of criticizing Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Bilawal Bhutto should call the Central Executive Committee meeting and join the democratic forces in the country. Today Supreme Court, High Court Judges are suffering from severe pressure, he asserted. He further said that all like-minded political parties should coordinate on common national issues. “Bushra Bibi has bravely served jail time. The nation has expectations from the judiciary. Like-minded parties should be united for a strong Pakistan. Let Bilawal Bhutto decide where he should stand. All democratic forces now have to decide where they stand,” he concluded.
Nawaz Sharif dismisses PTI’s call for protest on Nov 24 as ‘false propaganda’ LONDON
STAFF REPORT
Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif on Saturday described the call for protest on November 24 an attempt to destabilise the country, dismissing the protest as “false propaganda” and labelling organisers as “liars.” “Those behind the call for protest will ever succeed,” PML-N President Nawaz Sharif stated while talking to the media outside Avenfield House before leaving for Pakistan along with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and others left for Pakistan on Saturday. Dr Adnan and Junaid Safdar have also been accompanying with them. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan has called for a march on Islamabad on November 24. Imran’s sister, Aleema Khan, stated that he has issued a final call, addressing every supporter to take to the streets across Pakistan. After meeting with her brother at Adiala Jail, she spoke to the media outside the facility. According to Aleema, Imran said, “On February 8, you brought about a revolution, and you took to the streets to exercise your constitutional right. You took power away from the elite and became powerful. But on February 9, the entire mandate was stolen.” She added that Imran expressed frustration over the alleged theft of votes, claiming they were handed over to a select few. Talking to the media, the PML-N president declared, “We would bring improvement if our government not interrupted”. “PTI did nothing except bringing disrepute to Pakistan,” he said. “What didn’t commit by the PTI’s founder against us in collaboration with Qamar Bajwa and Faiz Hameed,” he questioned. “An elected prime minister was removed from office with the connivance of the judiciary,” Nawaz Sharif said. “We have suffered worst atrocities and victimization,” he added. Nawaz Sharif had arrived in UK on October 26 and later after two days, left for the US.
Dozens congressmen push President Biden to ‘advocate for immediate release of Imran’ WASHINGTON AGENCIES
Dozens of US lawmakers have called on President Joe Biden to advocate for the immediate release of former prime minister Imran Khan and all other political prisoners in the country and ensure their safety in line with the findings of the UN Working Group report. In a letter to outgoing President Biden, as many as 46 members of the Congress on Friday urged him to take steps to act on the provisions of “H. Res. 901”, which was passed by the US House of Representatives by an overwhelming majority in June this year. Pakistan had denounced the resolution, saying it “stems from an incomplete understanding of the political situation and electoral process in Pakistan”. Sharing the letter on its official X handle today, the PTI said: “46 members of the US House of Representatives, including members from both the Republican and Democratic parties, have written a letter to President Joe Biden calling for urgent action
for the release of Imran Khan.” It further said that the letter, jointly led by Susan Wild and John James, criticises the role of the US Ambassador Donald Blome and his failure to “incorporate the concerns of the Pakistani American community in its work including meaningfully advocating for the release of political prisoners, the restoration of human rights, or respect for democratic principles.” US lawmakers urge President Biden to advocate for immediate release of Imran Khan In their letter to the president, the US lawmakers, while referring to the provision of H. Res. 901, said that the legislation brought together Democrats and Republicans in support of a change in US policy — focusing on escalating human rights violations and erosion of civil liberties in Pakistan in the aftermath of the “flawed” February 2024 elections. “These elections were characterised by widespread irregularities, electoral fraud, and state-led suppression of the country’s leading party, PTI — including disenfran-
chising the party in the leadup to the vote, as well as reversing precinct-level results, which showed an overwhelming victory for PTI-associated independent candidates.” Since the elections, the situation has worsened — with “rampant curbs” on civil liberties, particularly on freedom of expression, read the letter. The US lawmakers also expressed their disappointment over “use of mass arrests, arbitrary detention, and the implementation of a de facto firewall against social media platforms, with reports of broader efforts to slow internet access speeds”. The lawmakers said a focal point of their concern is the unlawful detention of former prime minister Imran Khan — who has been incarcerated since August last year in multiple cases ranging from corruption to terrorism — “widely perceived to be Pakistan’s most popular political figure”. Many activists associated with the PTI, including senior party leaders such as Yasmin Rashid and Shah Mehmood Qureshi, have been in detention for over a year, it
added. The lawmakers said: “Given these alarming developments, we believe a change
of approach at the US Embassy in Islamabad is urgently needed.” The lawmakers further said that they
LONDON
cerns about the potential use of military courts to try civilians, including Imran Khan. Such courts can lack transparency and independent scrutiny, making it difficult to assess compliance with international standards.” “We have no recent indications from the Pakistani authorities that they intend to try Imran Khan in a military court, but my officials continue to monitor the situation closely,” he added. Bukhari had arranged a letter for the UK government from 20 MPs from all parties, a month ago. It had raised concerns about the changes in judiciary and the passage of 26th Amendment.
No indication Imran Khan faces military trial: UK foreign secretary AGENCIES
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has said that there are no recent indications from the Pakistani authorities that they intend to try former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in a military court. The UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs said this in his response to Kim Johnson MP’s letter which he wrote to the British government on request of Zulfi Bukhari, Khan’s adviser on international affairs. Lammy MP said: “I have raised con-