In partnership with
Profit
‘WON’T SURRENDER EVEN FOR A SECOND,’ BUGTI VOWS RELENTLESS FIGHT AS 145 TERRORISTS KILLED Monday, 2 February, 2026 | 13 Sha’ban, 1447
g
CM BUGTI SAYS 145 TERRORISTS NEUTRALIZED IN 40 HOURS DURING COMBING OPERATIONS ACROSS PROVINCE WITH 17 SECURITY PERSONNEL AND 31 CIVILIANS MARTYRED
WE WILL FIGHT THIS WAR FOR 1,000 YEARS… NO INCH OF PAKISTAN WILL BE SURRENDERED,’ VOW BALOCHISTAN CM
B g
QUETTA
staff report
ALOCHISTAN Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Sunday reaffirmed the government’s unwavering resolve to fight terrorism, confirming that 145 terrorists were killed in 40 hours after the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) launched coordinated attacks across 12 locations in the province. “We will fight this war for 1,000 years… this country is ours… and this is our motherland,” Bugti declared at a press conference, emphasizing that the government would not surrender even for a second. During the attacks, 17 security personnel and 31 civilians, including women and children, embraced martyrdom. The terrorists, affiliated with Indiasponsored Fitna al-Hindustan, carried out attacks targeting civilians in Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar, and Pasni. Bugti revealed that terrorists in Gwadar martyred five women and three children from Khuzdar. Criticizing hostile elements attempting to destabilize Pakistan at India’s behest, the CM questioned the BLA’s legitimacy as a political entity, calling its ideology one imposed through violence. “They can destabilize, but they cannot take a single inch of our country,” he
Global condemnation pours in over Balochistan terror attacks ISLAMABAD
staff report
Saudi Arabia, the United States, Türkiye, Qatar, and France on Sunday strongly condemned the recent wave of coordinated terrorist attacks in Balochistan, expressing solidarity with the government and people of Pakistan following assaults that killed civilians and security personnel across multiple districts. Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, cited his country’s firm rejection of all acts of terrorism and extremism, emphasizing the Kingdom’s support for Pakistan’s security forces responding to the violence. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strongly condemns the attacks carried out by separatist elements in various said, declaring that perpetrators would not escape and the land would be turned into hell for terrorists. CM Bugti praised security forces for eliminating over 1,500 militants last year and conducting 58,000 intelligence-led operations across Balochistan.
areas of Pakistan’s Balochistan province,” he said in a social media statement. The Pakistan military’s media wing (ISPR) confirmed that its forces had neutralized 92 militants, including three suicide bombers, while repelling coordinated attacks targeting civilians and law enforcement personnel in Quetta, Gwadar, Mastung, Kharan, Panjgur, and Harnai. Operations on Friday alone accounted for 41 militants killed in Panjgur and Harnai, bringing the total militant deaths over the past two days to 133. Tragically, 18 civilians—including women and children—were killed in attacks on laborer families in Gwadar and Kharan, while 15 security personnel lost their lives during clearance operations and armed standoffs.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03 He said authorities had received prior intelligence on the attacks and launched preemptive operations, which thwarted terrorists’ plans to penetrate the Red Zone. Nushki has now been completely cleared, he added. The CM stressed that only small, in-
Pakistan, 7 Muslim nations warn Israeli ceasefire violations undermining Gaza peace efforts g
Rs 50.00 | Vol XVI No 209 | 48 Pages | Karachi Edition
PAKISTAN, EGYPT, KSA, QATAR AND TURKIYE AMONG EIGHT COUNTRIES WARN ATTACKS RISK DERAILING TRUMP PEACE PLAN’S SECOND PHASE ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan, along with seven other Muslim-majority countries, on Sunday strongly condemned Israel’s repeated violations of the ceasefire in Gaza, warning that such actions risk derailing efforts to restore stability at a critical juncture when regional and international stakeholders are collectively working to advance the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan. The eight countries — Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates — had worked closely with the Trump administration last year on a plan aimed at ending Israel’s genocide and military invasion of Gaza. Implementation of the plan began in October 2025, resulting in a ceasefire in Gaza more than two years after the onslaught began. However, Israel has repeatedly violated the truce since then, carrying out fresh strikes across the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the second phase of Trump’s plan, which shifts focus from ceasefire enforcement to demilitarisation, technocratic governance and reconstruction. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the
eight countries said they strongly condemned Israel’s repeated ceasefire violations, noting that these attacks “have resulted in the killing and injuring of more than a thousand Palestinians”. “These actions risk escalating tensions and undermining efforts aimed at consolidating calm and restoring stability, at a time when regional and international parties are working collectively to advance the second phase of President Donald Trump’s peace plan and to implement the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803,” the statement said. The foreign ministers stressed that the continued violations constitute a direct threat to the political process, hampering efforts to create conditions necessary for transitioning Gaza toward a more stable phase, both in security and humanitarian terms. They emphasized the urgent need for full commitment to ensuring the success of the second phase of President Trump’s peace plan, calling on all parties to fully uphold their responsibilities during this critical period. The statement urged all sides to exercise utmost restraint, preserve and sustain the ceasefire, and refrain from actions that could undermine the ongoing process, while creating favourable conditions for early recovery and reconstruction.
Team Pakistan cleared for T20 World Cup 2026, barred from facing India on Feb 15
ISLAMABAD
staff report
Amid a week of uncertainty, the government of Pakistan on Sunday cleared the air by approving the national cricket team’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, while barring the team from playing its sole group-stage match against arch-rivals India on February 15. “The government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan cricket team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026; however, the Pakistan cricket team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India,” a statement posted on the government’s official X account said. The announcement follows a meeting on Monday between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister
Shehbaz Sharif, amid mounting speculation that Pakistan might boycott the tournament after Bangladesh withdrew over safety concerns related to political tensions with India. During the meeting, Naqvi briefed the Prime Minister on the “International Cricket Council (ICC) matter” and indicated that a final decision would be taken either on Friday or next Monday. The decision comes after the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland on January 24, following Dhaka’s refusal to tour India. The ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to move their matches to tournament co-host Sri Lanka, citing logistical challenges so close to the tournament start on February 7. Hours before the ICC announcement, Naqvi had said that Bangladesh was being treated unfairly and that Pakistan’s participation in the tournament had not yet been finalized. SELECTIVE PARTICIPATION SPARKS ICC CONCERNS Following Pakistan’s decision to play all matches except the one against India, the ICC expressed concern over “selective participation.” “While the ICC awaits official communication from the PCB, this position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event, where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms,” the ICC said.
telligence-driven operations were conducted, dispelling perceptions of largescale force. He reiterated that the government engages people through dialogue and jirgas and remains committed to leading Balochistan toward peace while countering India’s proxy networks. He highlighted attempts by militants to target Safe City cameras and announced plans to install CCTV surveillance in eight cities. “Our soldiers confronted the terrorists in the Red Zone, preventing their vehicle from ramming its target,” Bugti said, announcing a high state award for an injured officer for bravery. Rejecting claims linking terrorism solely to deprivation, Bugti noted that militants deliberately merge with civilians, making operations highly sensitive. “We could have used heavy firepower but refrained to avoid civilian casualties,” he said, citing the killing of a Baloch family in Gwadar as an example of terrorists turning local populations into fuel for violence. Bugti revealed that Afghan nationals were operating alongside terrorists and Afghan war weapons are openly circulating in the market. “All kinds of weapons have been used. Today, Bashir Zeb, Rehman Gul, and Allah Nazar are present in Afghanistan,” he said, emphasizing that terrorists have no nationality or tribal identity.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
IN TODAY’S ISSUE
ATTENTION Some readers have complained that they are not getting the magazine with their newspaper copy. Please call or WhatsApp us at the following number to register a complaint. Contact: 0307-7338168
Federal, provincial govts, political parties stand united against terrorism: Ministers irfan.farooq@pakistantoday.com.pk
LAHORE/SIALKOT/FAISALABAD
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry strongly condemned the terrorists attacks in Balochistan and commended the security forces for exhibiting exceptional professionalism in defending the province. Over 145 terrorists were killed, while 17 security personnel and 18 civilians were martyred during operations to neutralize the “coordinated attacks at 12 targeted locations.”Talking to the media, Attaullah Tarar lauded the efforts of the Pakistan Army, security forces, police, and the Balochistan government. “Our security forces are fully alert, and their preparedness is remarkable,” he said. He added that, by the grace of Allah, Balochistan remained safe from major damage, crediting the country’s forces for defeating the attackers. Tarar highlighted India’s backing of Fitna-al-Hindustan, noting the consistent narrative in Indian media regarding Balochistan. He confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is fully aware of the situation and is committed to eliminating terrorism. INDIA-BLA NEXUS EXPOSED Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described the attacks as coordinated and deliberate, aimed at compensating for the losses suffered by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and its affiliated organizations over the past year. Speaking from Sialkot, he said the attacks reflected a clear nexus between India and the BLA, which operates as a proxy of the Indian state. He explained that the attacks were intended to destabilize Pakistan, targeting civilians at a time when the country is recovering from two years of economic hardship.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03