In partnership with
Profit
Wednesday, 20 May, 2026 | 3 ZilHaj, 1447
Rs 50.00 | Vol XVII No 55 | 48 Pages | Islamabad Edition
PM ORDERS SECURITY CORRIDOR FOR BALOCHISTAN MINERAL BELT, DEPLOYS FC IN RAKHSHAN DIVISION g
g
PREMIER SHEHBAZ CHAIRS APEX g STRESSES INVESTOR CONFIDENCE FOR SAINDAK, COMMITTEE MEETING TO REKO DIQ MINERAL PROJECTS, SAYING SECURITY REVIEW SECURITY STRATEGY CORRIDOR TO INCLUDE FC WINGS, CHECKPOINTS, UNDER NATIONAL ACTION PLAN SURVEILLANCE GRID AND BORDER POSTS
SAYS SECURE ENVIRONMENT KEY FOR UNLOCKING BALOCHISTAN’S MINERAL POTENTIAL, HIGHLIGHTING FOCUS PLACED ON YOUTH UPLIFT THROUGH EDUCATION, SKILLS
P
QUETTA
g
RAKHSHAN DIVISION IN BALOCHISTAN HOME TO MULTI BILLION-DOLLAR COPPER-GOLD PROJECTS OF REO DIQ, SAINDAK
Operation Ghazab lil-Haq continues with full resolve, says Shehbaz
SALEEM JADOON
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to deploy paramilitary troops as part of the establishment of a dedicated security corridor aimed at safeguarding mineral resources in Balochistan’s Rakhshan Division and ensuring the protection of critical mineral assets. Chairing a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee of the National Action Plan during his day-long visit to Quetta, the prime minister instructed the deployment of the Frontier Corps (FC) in the Rakhshan Division, saying the move would form the backbone of a comprehensive security corridor for mineral protection, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, and federal ministers Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Mohsin Naqvi, Attaullah Tarar, Khalid Magsi, Jam Kamal Khan, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, along with senior civil and military officials. The prime minister said Pakistan is endowed with vast natural resources, particularly minerals, adding that ensuring a secure environment in Balochistan is essential to maintain investor confidence—
QUETTA
ASAD NIZAMI
both local and international—in mineral exploration and development projects. He said the proposed security corridor would include additional FC wings, security check-posts along highways, a surveillance grid, border posts and other integrated security measures to ensure uninterrupted protection of mineral assets. Balochistan’s Rakhshan Division hosts major copper and gold reserves, including the Saindak and Reko Diq projects, with the federal government seeking to attract international investment in the region’s mining and exploration sector over the years. Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Quetta for the day-long visit, during which he met provincial leadership and reviewed the overall se-
curity situation. He appreciated the Balochistan government’s efforts to promote transparency and merit in administrative appointments, according to the PMO. The prime minister stressed that modern technology and advanced training for police and security forces were essential for the complete elimination of terrorism. He also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to integrate and empower the youth of Balochistan through expanded educational opportunities, technical and vocational training, employment initiatives, sports and youth programmes, scholarships, digital skills development, and greater participation in decision-making processes.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
Dar underscores push to expand Pakistan’s engagement with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Iran ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday said Pakistan places high importance on its fraternal relations with Saudi Arabia and remains committed to further expanding cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, energy, and human resource development. According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO), the deputy prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq on the sidelines of the Regional Envoys’ Conference in Islamabad. During the meeting, FM Dar appreciated the longstanding and brotherly Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations and underscored the need to sustain the positive momentum in bilateral engagement by further deepening cooperation in multiple sectors, including trade, investment, energy, and human resource development. He also stressed the importance of continued engagement with the
Pakistani community in the Kingdom, noting their constructive role in strengthening bilateral ties and contributing to the socio-economic development of both countries. Dar also meets Pakistan envoy to UAE Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also met Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Shafqat Ali Khan on the sidelines of the same conference. In a separate statement, the Foreign Office said the deputy prime minister emphasised the need to further expand bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE across diverse sectors and to reinforce strong diplomatic and economic relations. He also highlighted the positive contribution of the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE and directed that additional measures be taken for their welfare and facilitation. Dar further called for strengthening people-to-people linkages between the two countries. Pakistan, Iran to deepen cooperation in key areas Earlier in the day, Pakistan
reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relations with Iran as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Ambassador-designate to Iran Imran Ahmed Siddiqui ahead of his posting to Tehran. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the deputy prime minister recalled the deeprooted historical, cultural, and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Iran and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation in all areas, particularly trade, connectivity, people-to-people exchanges, and regional collaboration. He stressed the importance of maintaining positive momentum in bilateral engagement through close coordination and mutual understanding. Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace, dialogue, and stability, expressing confidence that the ambassador-designate would contribute effectively to further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two countries. He extended his best wishes for success in his new assignment.
CDF Asim Munir rejects impact of external terror, propaganda QUETTA
STAFF REPORT
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir said on Tuesday that propaganda, fake news and externally backed terrorism would not be able to hinder Pakistan’s progress, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The military’s media wing said the field marshal made the remarks during an interaction with officers and troops of formations deployed in Balochistan during his visit to Quetta. ISPR said he discussed the prevailing security situation and reaffirmed the armed forces’ resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms with the support of the public. According to the statement, the military chief said hostile elements seeking to slow Pakistan’s progress through proxies and propaganda would not succeed because of the state’s re-
silience and the unity of the people. “The field marshal emphasised that Pakistan’s destined rise cannot be obstructed through propaganda, fake news or externally sponsored terrorism,” he was quoted as saying in the ISPR statement. ISPR said Field Marshal Munir also stressed that durable peace and stability in Balochistan required a people-centred approach, inclusive development and better governance alongside security measures. The statement added that he appreciated
the efforts of the Balochistan government, saying it was focused on public welfare, socio-economic uplift and strengthening ties between the state and the people of the province. Visit to Command and Staff College During the Quetta visit, the field marshal also addressed student officers and faculty members at the Command and Staff College. ISPR said he praised the institution’s training standards, intellectual rigour and professionalism, describing these as defining features of the college. The statement said he expressed satisfaction that the college’s graduates had continued to distinguish themselves through strong performance and commitment to their profession. Field Marshal Munir also spoke about the changing nature of warfare, highlighting the need to stay updated on emerging technologies, multi-domain operations, tri-services coordination and future battlefield challenges, according to ISPR.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was continuing with full resolve to protect the lives and property of citizens, while targeting terrorist hideouts and support infrastructure linked to what he described as Afghan Taliban regimebased proxies. The prime minister made the remarks during a visit to the Command and Staff College in Quetta, where he addressed faculty members and student officers. He was accompanied by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti. On arrival at the college, he was received by Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
22 India-backed terrorists killed in North Waziristan operation: ISPR RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Security forces killed at least 22 India-sponsored terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij during an intense exchange of fire in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday, as Pakistan’s counter-terrorism campaign under Operation Azm-i-Istehkam continues at full pace against terrorists networks operating along border regions. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said a sanitisation operation had been underway since May 17 in the Shewa general area of North Waziristan after “credible intelligence reports regarding the presence of khwarij in the area.” The military said troops “effectively engaged the terrorists’ hideout” during the operation and, after a fierce exchange of fire over the past 24 hours, “22 khwarij belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij have been sent to hell.” The state has designated the term “Fitna al-Khawarij” for terrorists affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). According to the ISPR, a cache of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the slain militants, who had allegedly remained involved in numerous terrorist activities in the region. The military’s media wing further said evidence gathered during the operation confirmed that the terrorists had coerced and intimidated local residents, forcing them to provide safe passage and using civilians as human shields. “Such deplorable acts are highly condemnable and no justification can rationalise the endangerment of public lives,” the statement said.