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Saturday, 15 March, 2025 I 14 Ramazan, 1446
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 249 I 8 Pages I Lahore Edition
MILITARY VOWS TO CHALLENGE TERRORISTS, THEIR ENABLERS BOTH INSIDE, OUTSIDE PAKISTAN
DG ISPR SAYS INDIA IS MAIN SPONSOR OF TERRORISM IN BALOCHISTAN, TERMING JAFAR EXPRESS INCIDENT CONTINUATION OF INDIA’S TERRORIST MENTALITY g HE LINKS ATTACK TO ONGOING REGIONAL INSTABILITY, POINTING TO AFGHANISTAN AS A SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR TERRORIST ACTIVITIES IN PAKISTAN
INDIAN OUTLETS SPREAD FAKE VIDEOS AND CONTENT THAT MISREPRESENTED TERRORISTS' ACTION: LT-GEN CHAUDHRY g THIS IS NOT ABOUT BALOCH IDENTITY OR RIGHTS; IT IS ABOUT TERRORISM, AND THEY WILL BE TREATED AS THEY DESERVE: BUGTI
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ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
IRECTOR General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif on Friday said that India is the main sponsor of terrorism in Balochistan and termed Jafar Express hijacking continuation of India’s terrorist mentality, reaffirming the commitment to hunt down terrorists, their enablers and facilitators both inside and outside Pakistan. “Terrorists will be dealt with as they deserve, as those who drag innocent people out of buses and slaughter them, a group that divides people by ethnicity, have no connection to Baloch ethnicity or Islam”, DG ISPR stated during a presser conducted alongside Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti. “We will deal with them as they deserve. We will take them on, their facilitators, their abettors, whether inside Pakistan or outside Pakistan,” he said while responding question. The presser comes days after attack on Jaffar Express on Tuesday afternoon when terrorists of outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) ambushed and hijacked the Peshawar-bound train with 440 passengers onboard. Subsequently, security forces launched a two-day operation, concluding on Wednesday evening. Lt-Gen Chaudhry confirmed that all 33 terrorists were neutralised, but no hostages were harmed in the final phase of rescue operation. The DG ISPR maintained that India was the main sponsor of terrorism in Balochistan, elaborating on that the terrorists had used Afghan and foreign weapons in the recent incident and pre-
vious attacks. “We must understand that in this terrorist incident in Balochistan, and others before, the main sponsor is your eastern neighbour (India),” he asserted. Lt-Gen Chaudhry criticised the Indian media for spreading propaganda about the incident, saying Indian media outlets circulated AI-generated videos and broadcast content that misrepresented the terrorists' actions. The DG ISPR said a “nexus” was working amid the situation to give legitimacy to the terrorists and their narrative. Showing various clips of Indian officials and personalities discussing efforts to destabilise Balochistan, the DG ISPR said the Jaffar Express attack was a “continuation of the same policy”. According to DG ISPR, the attack began when the train was halted by an improvised explosive device (IED) at approximately 1pm in a mountainous area.
LHC orders electric vehicle charging facilities at fuel stations LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday ordered to ensure availability of electric vehicle charging facilities at all fuel stations for tackling smog issue. As per details, Justice Shahid Karim of the Lahore High Court expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of effective measures during a hearing on pleas related to smog and environmental pollution. The court declared a water emergency due to the deteriorating water situation and directed the installation of water meters. The LHC also ordered the Lahore Development Authority to introduce a tax relief policy for eco-friendly buildings. PHA was ordered to restore canal water and submit a report in the next hearing. LDA and DHA were also directed to establish at least one Miyawaki forest in each sector. The court emphasized that the government must introduce an incentive plan to convert petrol-run rickshaws to electric ones. Expressing displeasure over WASA’s poor performance, Justice Shahid Karim remarked that there has been no significant progress in the installation of water meters. The court adjourned the hearing on various petitions related to smog control until March 21.
Prior to this, militants had attacked a Frontier Corps (FC) checkpost, killing three soldiers. "The BLA militants were positioned in multiple groups, including on the surrounding hills," he explained. "They took passengers hostage, separating women and children inside the train while escorting the remaining hostages to various locations outside." The military spokesperson also revealed that on the evening of March 11, a group of hostages was released under the pretext of ethnicity, further fueling tensions and division. He described the rescue operation that ensued, detailing how security forces surrounded the area on March 12, engaging in a firefight with the militants. Some hostages were able to escape during the exchange. He emphasized that, remarkably, not a single hostage was killed during the operation, which he hailed as one
of the most successful counter-terrorism operations in recent years. "This was the most successful hostage rescue operation in global history, considering the terrain and presence of suicide bombers in the area," he remarked. "Despite the challenges, our forces executed the mission with precision and minimal casualties." He also linked the attack to ongoing regional instability, specifically pointing to Afghanistan as a source of support for terrorist activities in Pakistan as he noted that many of the assailants were linked to Afghan-trained militants, suggesting that the masterminds behind such attacks were based near Pakistan’s northern border. DG ISPR further claimed that terrorist operations in the region were backed by Afghanistan, especially after the withdrawal of foreign forces, which left behind equipment such as night-vision devices that are now in the hands of militants. He also highlighted the growing issue of narcotics and smuggling, with Afghanistan's involvement facilitating these illegal activities. He accused India of being the primary sponsor of the violence in Balochistan, linking the ongoing unrest to the influence of Indian intelligence services. He stated that the Jaffer Express incident was part of India’s ongoing terrorist mindset. "The main sponsor of terrorism in Balochistan and in past incidents is our eastern neighbor. The Jaffer Express attack is a continuation of India’s terrorist mentality," Sharif said. He further elaborated on the broader narrative surrounding the attack, accusing Indian media of leading a coordinated information warfare campaign in support of the BLA.
PTI’s Ayub blasts govt for attempting to ‘hush up’ Jaffar Express tragedy LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub on Friday expressed serious concerns over the lack of discussion in the National Assembly on the hijacking of Jaffar Express in Balochistan. Speaking to the media during his appearance at the Anti-Terrorism Court, Ayub condemned the government’s failure to address these critical issues in the legislature. He also criticized remarks made by Khawaja Asif against Asad Qaiser and other political figures. The PTI leader strongly condemned the tragic attack in Balochistan, emphasizing the sacrifice of soldiers and officers who defend the nation. “Our soldiers and officers are sacrificing their blood day and night for the defense of the country, and we pay tribute to the martyrs,” he commended, adding that his thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in the
attack. He reiterated his previous warnings about the situation in Balochistan, stating that he had raised concerns about the region several months ago. The PTI leader also touched on the issue of illegal petrol smuggling in Balochistan, revealing that an estimated Rs500 billion
worth of petrol enters Pakistan from Iran. He suggested that such large-scale smuggling could be facilitating the movement of terrorists under its cover. In response to a question about his political colleagues, Ayub expressed a desire to meet with PTI leaders imprisoned in Kot Lakhpat Jail, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, and Shah Mehmood Qureshi. His legal team has been instructed to apply for permission to facilitate these meetings in court. Meanwhile, the Anti-Terrorism Court extended Ayub’s interim bail in connection with the May 9 cases, which include the Jinnah House arson, Askari Tower attack, and Shadman police station arson, until April 8. The court had initially extended his bail until today, but the hearing was delayed due to the absence of Judge Manzar Ali Gul. Ayub and other PTI leaders face charges of rebellion and inciting arson and violence during the May 9 protests.
PM reaffirms commitment to supporting businessmen in increasing investment, exports ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Friday reaffirmed the government commitment to extend all kinds of support to businessmen for bringing in investment and enhancing exports to achieve sustainable economic progress. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was talking to a delegation of prominent businessmen here on Friday. He directed that a comprehensive scheme should be introduced for long-term investment in Pakistan. The prime minister said a committee had been formed regarding an export facilitation scheme to support exporters, adding the committee would soon present its draft of recommendations for approval. He noted that with the grace of Allah and due to the efforts of his economic team, after gaining stability, the economy was moving speedily on the path of progress.
Everyone has to work together for the progress of the country‘s economy, he continued. The prime minister said resolution of issues of the business community was a top priority, adding the government was taking all possible steps to facilitate the business community. The business community was being facilitated after the digitalization of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and other reforms, he remarked. The prime minister said clearance time of containers at ports had decreased substantially with the introduction of Faceless Custom Clearance System. He said training of youth was being ensured to provide the best manpower for the industries. We are further integrating the system by bringing all the institutions of professional training under one umbrella, he informed. Members of the delegation appreciated the efforts of the prime minister’s economic team. They said the country led by the prime minister was moving towards progress after
gaining economic stability. The participants lauded the government for earning income through new revenue sources and enhancing the national treasury. They appreciated the Uraan Pakistan programme and the roadmap of economic progress initiated under it. They said that the prime minister’s initiatives to provide professional skills to youth and for progress of agriculture and industry particularly sending of 1000 students to China for advanced training were appreciable. They were of the view that for the first time there was seriousness at the government level for resolution of problems of the business community. The business leaders thanked the prime minister for including the business community in the consultation process especially during the budget formulation. They paid tribute to the prime minister for leading efforts to increase revenue and bring down inflation. Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Rana
Punjab CTD lassoes TTP-linked suicide bomber in Lahore LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
The Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on Friday claimed to have arrested a suicide bomber affiliated with the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) near Burki Road, while another injured terrorist managed to flee.According to a CTD spokesperson, the intelligence-based operation was carried out to capture the militants. The CTD team engaged in a fierce exchange of fire with the terrorists, during which one suicide bomber was apprehended, while his injured accomplice managed to escape the scene.The arrested bomber has been identified as Hafiz Shams, a resident of Balochistan, who is linked to the TTP. Authorities recovered a suicide jacket, safety fuse wire, and explosives from his possession.Upon receiving information about the terrorists, senior police officers arrived at the scene, and CTD teams immediately cordoned off the nearby areas of Burki to conduct a search operation.The CTD spokesperson also revealed that the terrorists had completed plans for a major attack on Lahore. However, thanks to the timely operation, the city was spared from a large-scale disaster.A case has been registered, and further investigations are underway.
LHC seeks Interior Ministry report on functioning of X LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday sought a report from the Ministry of Interior on the use of X as it heard a petition against the ban on the social media platform. Access to X has been disrupted since February 17, 2024 when former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Chattha accused the chief election commissioner and a top Supreme Court judge of being involved in rigging the February 8 general elections. Rights bodies and journalists’ organisations have condemned the muzzling of social media, while internet service providers have also lamented losses due to disruptions. The United States had also called on Pakistan to lift restrictions on social media platforms. Friday’s hearing was taken up by a threemember bench headed by Chief Justice Alia Neelam, who heard the petitions of journalist Shakir Mahmood and others. The federal government, the Ministry of Law, the Ministry of Information and others had been made parties in the petitions. At the outset of the hearing, the court sought a report from the Ministry of Interior on the functioning of X. The court also sought to know how the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) worked. Additionally, the LHC summoned the relevant PTA officer along with the record. “It should be revealed which government institutions are using X despite the ban,” Justice Neelum said. “It should also be told whether the status of X is legal or illegal.” She said that all parties are obliged to file a response in the court. Deputy Attorney General Asad Bajwa told the court that the PTA had banned X on the instructions of the interior ministry. To this, Justice Neelum said the interior ministry should inform the court about the current status of X.
Tanvir Hussain, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzaib, Attaullah Tarar, Hanif Abbasi, Sardar Awais Khan Leghari, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Ali Pervaiz Malik,
Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiyani, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, Coordinator to Prime Minister Rana Ihsaan Afzal and officials concerned attended the meeting. The businessmen gave suggestions for the resolution of their problems. The prime minister directed the relevant ministries and secretaries to hold consultations with the business leaders and present a policy strategy based on their recommendations.