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18 SOLDIERS MARTYRED, 23 TERRORISTS KILLED IN KALAT, HARNAI OPERATIONS
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Sunday, 2 February, 2025 I 3 Shaban ul Moazzam, 1446
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SANITISATION OPERATIONS CONDUCTED IN BALOCHISTAN ENSUING ‘HEINOUS ACT OF TERRORISM’ IN KALAT DISTRICT: ISPR
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OUTLAWED BLA CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY FOR KALAT TERROR ATTACK
the peace, stability and progress of the provinces and “such sacrifices of brave soldiers” further strengthened their resolve. In a follow-up statement, the ISPR said that in the backdrop of the “heinous act of terrorism” in Kalat district, multiple santisation operations were being conducted by the security forces throughout the province. It said one such operation was conducted in Harnai district today where “troops effectively engaged the terrorists
as a result of which 11 terrorists were sent to hell. Multiple terrorist hideouts were also busted.” The ISPR added that thus far a total of 23 terrorists were “sent to hell” in different operations in Balochistan in last 24 hours. “The sanitisation operations will continue until perpetrators and facilitators of the heinous and cowardly act are brought to justice.” It added that the security forces of
Pakistan, “in step with the nation, are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from Balochistan and Pakistan”. The banned Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the Kalat attack, according to AFP. President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Kalat district in a statement on X, expressing “deep sorrow and regret” over the martyrdom of security personnel. He paid tribute to the soldiers for taking timely action against terrorists and sacrificing their lives for the country, praising their bravery. “Terrorist elements want to disrupt peace in Balochistan,” he said, adding that security forces would continue their operations to “suppress elements hostile to the country”. Condemning the attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the entire nation was determined to thwart the evil intentions of terrorists and paid tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.
RAWALPINDI
proxies of their foreign masters who have mastered the art of displaying double standards of hunting with the hunter and running with the hare are well known to us,” COAS Munir said during a visit to the province on Saturday. “No matter what these so-called ‘frenemies’ may do, you will surely be defeated by the resilience of our proud nation and its Armed Forces Inshallah. For the defence of our motherland and
its people, we will definitely retaliate and ‘hunt you down’, whenever required and wherever you may be,” he said. It is to be noted that 18 Frontier Corps personnel were martyred during the Kalat security operation on the intervening night of January 31 and February 1 against terrorists who were trying to set up roadblocks in the area to target civilian vehicles. At least 12 terrorists were also killed in the operation.
RAWALPINDI/QUETTA STAFF REPORT
IGHTEEN soldiers were martyred, and 23 terrorists were killed in various sanitisation operations in Balochistan conducted in the backdrop of the “heinous act of terrorism” in Kalat district, the military’s media affairs wing said on Saturday. In a press release issued on Saturday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that 11 militants were killed in an operation in Harnai district on Friday, while 12 others died in the initial clash overnight in Kalat district. It added that on the night between January 31 and February 1, terrorists attempted to establish roadblocks in the general area of Mangocher in Kalat district. “On behest of inimical and hostile forces, this cowardly act of terrorism was aimed at disrupting the peaceful environment of Balochistan by targeting mainly the innocent civilians,” the statement said. It said that security forces and law enforcement agencies were immediately mobilised, “who successfully thwarted the evil design of terrorists and sent twelve terrorists to hell, ensuring security and protection of the local populace”. However, the ISPR said that 18 soldiers “made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom” during the conduct of operations, adding that sanitisation operations were being conducted and the “perpetrators, facilitators and abettors of this heinous and cowardly act, will be brought to justice”. It said the security forces remained determined to thwart attempts at sabotaging
COAS reiterates pledge to defeat so-called ‘frenemies’ after Kalat attack STAFF REPORT
Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir on Saturday reiterated the armed forces pledge to defeat terrorist proxies, whom he termed ‘frenemies’ after the martyrdom of 18 paramilitary personnel in Kalat terror attack and ensuing sanitization operation in Balochistan’s Harnai. “Those who are acting as terrorist
Jirga concludes with vow to implement Kurram peace agreement KOHAT/ PESHAWEAR STAFF REPORT
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The Kurram peace jirga concluded with an announcement to implement the peace agreement while the policeman martyred in a firing incident a day earlier in Upper Kurram tehsil was laid to rest on Saturday. According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barrister Saif, committees comprising representatives from both sides would be formed to ensure compliance with the agreement. He emphasized that the next jirga session would be scheduled after further consultation. Addressing the root causes of the conflict, he remarked, “The Kurram issue stems from deep-seated hatred. We have strayed from Islamic teachings and are only harming ourselves. The jirga will only succeed if we eradicate hatred.” He urged all stakeholders to reflect on past mistakes, asserting that taking human lives is unforgivable. “We are killing our children and women. No external force is involved—this enmity is of our own making,” he lamented. Barrister Saif also highlighted the role of social media in exacerbating tensions, stating that while the nation welcomed the peace agreement, certain elements were hell bent on disrupting stability. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Secretary underscored the collective responsibility of both the government and local elders in maintaining peace. “Peace is in everyone’s interest, and both parties must cooperate with the government in restoring stability. While an operation remains an option, it would have widespread consequences. Those responsible for the recent attack on the Assistant Commissioner are enemies of peace and must be brought to justice, regardless of their affiliations,” he stated. Funeral prayer held for martyred policeman Funeral prayer held on Saturday morning for a policeman martyred in a firing incident a day earlier in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Upper Kurram tehsil.
President approves high court judges’ transfer despite resistance from five IHC judges ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday approved the transfer of a Lahore High Court (LHC) judge, along with two others, to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) a day after a letter by five judges of the federal capital’s court expressed concern about such a move. A notification by the Ministry of Law and Justice said President Zardari approved the transfers of LHC’s Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar, the Sindh High Court’s (SHC) Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro and the Balochistan High Court’s Justice Muhammad Asif to the IHC under clause (1) of Article 200 of the Constitution.
Article 200 of the Constitution says: “The president may transfer a judge of a high court from one high court to another high court, but no judge shall be so transferred except with his consent and after consultation by the president with the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) and the chief justice of both the high courts.” The development comes a day after five of the 10 IHC judges formally opposed Justice Dogar’s transfer, warning that his elevation as the IHC chief justice would violate constitutional procedures and judicial norms. The letter — signed by Justices Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Babar Sattar, Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan and Saman Rafat Imtiaz — was ad-
dressed to CJP Yahya Afridi, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq, LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum and SHC Chief Justice Mohammad Shafi Siddiqui and raised serious concerns over the possible transfer. Interestingly, while the names of Justice Miangul Aurangzeb and Justice Arbab Tahir were also included in the letter, it did not bear their signatures. The letter came amid speculation that Justice Dogar could be appointed as the next IHC chief justice, as current Chief Justice Aamer Farooq is expected to be elevated to the Supreme Court, with the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) set to finalise appointments on Feb 10. The JCP will pick eight judges from five high courts.
Hamid Khan expresses dismay over selection of Chief Justice of Pakistan LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Senator Hamid Khan has expressed discontent over the appointment of the Chief Justice, stating that his chosen Chief Justice is Justice Mansoor Ali Shah. The remarks were made during lawyers convention held at the Lahore High Court Bar. The convention was organized under the theme “Impact of the 26th Amendment on the Judiciary”. He also accused certain individuals within the Supreme Court of siding with the establishment. Several prominent legal figures attended the event, including Senator Hamid Khan, Lahore High Court Bar President Asad Manzoor Butt, and Lahore Bar President Mubashar Rehman. Former High Court Bar Presidents Ahmed Owais, Shafqat Chauhan, and Ishtiaq A Khan, along with former Vice President Rabbiya Bajwa and other legal experts from across the country, also participated. Addressing the convention, PTI leader Hamid Khan declared that the lawyers’ movement against the 26th Amendment had commenced and would ultimately overturn the amendment. He emphasized that their struggle was gaining momentum, and legal organizations had filed petitions against the amendment, demanding that a full bench of 16 judges hear the case. He criticized the Supreme Court, asserting that certain individuals within the judiciary were supporting the establishment. “The Chief Justice’s acceptance of the position has greatly disappointed us. For us, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah is the rightful Chief Justice,” he said. He also vowed to resist any attempts to fill the Supreme Court with politically motivated appointments. Hamid Khan further argued that the 26th Amendment was passed without proper parliamentary awareness. “This is not a parliament; it is merely a numbers game. Even the Prime Minister and the Minister of Law were unaware of the amendment’s details. This is a government formed through Form 47,” he remarked, referring to alleged electoral irregularities. He accused Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa of enabling horse-trading and defended the decision under Article 63-A, claiming it was entirely justified. He also revealed that on the day of the amendment’s passage, a senator had been brought in while undergoing dialysis, and another senator’s son had allegedly been abducted to force her to vote. PTI’s legal representative asserted that the amendment was unconstitutional and that the current government was merely a puppet administration. “Everyone knows we have been defeated. Negotiations with thieves are simply not possible,” he stated. Meanwhile, President of Insaf Lawyers, Ishtiaq A. Khan, also addressed the convention, accusing a certain group of holding bar councils hostage and appointing judges of their choice to establish control over the judiciary. He called for judges to take a stand against the unconstitutional amendment. He further stated that lawyers would continue their movement until the illegitimate amendment was repealed. “We demand that the pre-26th Amendment full court hear this case,” he concluded. The convention marked a strong stance by the legal fraternity against the 26th Amendment, signaling further legal and political battles ahead.
Amid PTI objections, JCP approves appointment of 10 additional judges for PHC ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) on Saturday approved 10 additional judges for the Peshawar High Court (PHC). The JCP meeting held with Chief Justice Yahya Afridi in the chair, reviewed 40 candidates before finalizing
the appointments. Those approved for appointment as additional judges, include District and Sessions judges – Farah Jamshed and Inamullah, as well as Qazi Jawad, Mudassar Amir, and Abdul Fayaz. Additionally, Salahuddin, Sadiq Ali, Tariq Afridi, Sabit Ali, and Aurangzeb Khan were also approved for appointment as additional judges.
During the meeting, PHC Chief Justice Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim reportedly advocated for the appointment of a tenth judge. Despite objections raised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members, including Barrister Gohar, Ali Zafar, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Law Minister, the commission approved the appointments by majority vote. The development comes a day after
the Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges wrote a letter to the president, the prime minister, the Chief Justice of Pakistan and chief justices of all high courts, expressing their concerns over attempts to appoint the IHC CJ from other high courts. The letter also suggested that one of the three senior most IHC judges should be made the IHC CJ.
PTI to observe Black Day on Feb 8 against ‘election rigging’ SWABI
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser has announced that the party will observe February 8 as a Black Day, marking a significant protest against what they call the rigging of the 2018 elections. In a media statement, Qaiser said that on this day, PTI supporters from across the country would gather for a major rally in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The rally, he said, would serve as a demonstration of the people’s desire to make decisions for Pakistan, emphasizing that the “real mandate” of PTI had been forcibly taken from them. Qaiser condemned the election results, reiterating that despite the majority of people voting in favor of PTI and its leadership, the party’s
rights were “robbed overnight.” He accused the government of suppressing the will of the people, calling it a dark day in Pakistan’s history. PTI chairman Imran Khan has previously announced the Swabi rally and called for protests in other cities as well, emphasizing that the demonstration would highlight the widespread dissatisfaction with the election process and the perceived injustice that took place. Qaiser highlighted that the election was conducted in the name of Imran Khan, with the party leader being immensely popular among the people. He reiterated that PTI workers would protest in solidarity, voicing their opposition to what they believe was election rigging. Barrister Gohar, the chairman of PTI, also spoke out about the failed negotiations between the govern-
ment and PTI. In an interview in Abbottabad, Gohar criticized the government for its lack of seriousness in the negotiations, claiming that it was the government that had closed the door to talks, not PTI. He explained that PTI’s demands were clear: the release of political prisoners and the formation of a commission to investigate election rigging. Despite a month of negotiations, Gohar said no progress was made, and the government had not shared any written proposals. The Black Day protest on February 8 is a direct challenge to the government’s handling of the situation and a call for accountability regarding the elections. PTI’s leadership and workers remain steadfast in their resolve to seek justice and ensure that the people’s will is respected.
Naqvi advises PTI against protest, warning of ‘state action’ LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday warned against state action if it resorted to hold its planned protest on February 8, saying that the state will take necessary action if the party went ahead with its planned protest. “The government will request Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to reconsider its planned protest on February 8, but if the party refuses, the state will take necessary action,” Mohsin Naqvi was quoted by
media telling journalists during his visit to the Mega Passport Center on Peco Road in Lahore. In response to a question, the Interior Minister recalled that a similar request was made to PTI on November 26, and another request will be made ahead of the February 8 protest. “If they still refuse, then the state will be compelled to intervene,” he added. Naqvi further stated that the backlog of passport applications had been resolved a month ago, and in collaboration with the National
Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), 14 new passport offices are being established across the country, with three additional centers opening in Lahore, and the Shimla Pahari center has also been upgraded to meet growing demand. Addressing the issue of passport authority, Naqvi expressed his commitment to its swift establishment, emphasizing that creating a dedicated body would streamline passport issuance processes. “We have already discussed this with the Prime Minister, and the plan is in motion,” he said.