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54 terrorists killed, 42 martyred as Balochistan attacks crushed: dG isPr Thursday, 9 July, 2026 | 23 Muharram, 1448
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DG LT-GEN CHAUDHRY SAYS THREE MAJOR TERRORIST ATTACKS SINCE JULY 5 LEAVE FOUR CIVILIANS, 27 POLICEMEN AND 11 SOLDIERS MARTYRED
SAYS SECURITY FORCES ELIMINATE 54 MILITANTS AS GROUND AND AERIAL OPERATIONS CONTINUE ACROSS MULTIPLE AREAS
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BLAMES INDIA-BACKED PROXIES, SAYING AFGHAN TERRITORY USED AS OPERATIONAL BASE FOR ATTACKS
SAYS HOSTAGE SITUATION IN ZIARAT DELAYED USE OF AIR POWER AS FORCES ENCIRCLED TERRORISTS WITH CAUTION
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head rolls as Balochistan orders ProBe into deadly Ziarat Police-Post attack QUETTA
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RAWALPINDI
saleem Jadoon
NTER-SERVICES Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Wednesday said security forces had neutralised 54 terrorists while 42 people — including four civilians, 27 policemen and 11 security personnel — embraced martyrdom in three major terrorist attacks and the ensuing counterterrorism operations carried out across Balochistan over the past four days since July 5. Addressing a press briefing in Rawalpindi, the DG ISPR said the three
major incidents included an armed attack on the outskirts of Quetta on July 5, an assault on a police post in Ziarat on July 6, and an ambush on an army convoy in Bela on Wednesday. Providing details of the incidents, Lt Gen Chaudhry said 42 people had laid down their lives while defending the country, whereas 54 terrorists had been confirmed killed in the operations, according to the latest update. “So, in the three major operations that I told you about, initially four civilians, and then police and army jawaans were martyred, so our total martyrs are 42,” he stated.
Pakistan, russia agree to deepen security partnership with new interior ministries' mou
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The Balochistan government on Wednesday suspended the Ziarat Superintendent of Police (SP) and constituted a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the deadly terrorist attack on the Mangi Dam police post, which claimed the lives of nine policemen, as authorities moved to determine responsibility, assess security lapses and strengthen the protection of critical installations across the province. On the night between Monday and Tuesday, at least nine police officials, including two station house officers (SHOs), were martyred in the terrorist assault on the Mangi Dam police post. A subsequent clearance operation killed 15 alleged terrorists. Adviser to the Balochistan Chief Minister on Media and Political Affairs Shahid Rind confirmed the suspension of the Ziarat SP, saying the provincial government had issued a notification in this regard. Separately, the provincial govern-
ISLAMABAD
Pakistan and Russia on Wednesday agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between their respective interior ministries to institutionalise and broaden bilateral cooperation in counter-narcotics, counterterrorism, cybercrime prevention and joint police training, while reaffirming their commitment to closer coordination against regional and transnational security threats. The understanding was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Alexandrovich Kolokoltsev at the United Nations Headquarters on the sidelines of the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit 2026 (UNCOPS), according to a statement issued by the Interior Ministry. The two ministers held detailed discussions on the prevailing regional security situation and explored ways to deepen collaboration in counter-narcotics, counterterrorism, cybercrime prevention and joint police training exercises. They also exchanged views on developing a coordinated strategy to counter terrorist networks operating in the region, particularly in Afghanistan. Reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, both sides agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between their respective interior ministries to institutionalise and expand cooperation on key security issues. The ministers also reviewed progress on decisions taken during their previous meeting, the statement said. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi invited his Russian counterpart to visit Pakistan, underscoring Islamabad's commitment to expanding engagement with Moscow and enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
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ment also constituted a four-member inquiry committee to probe the incident. According to a notification issued on July 7, the committee has been tasked with establishing the “complete sequence of events leading to, during and after the terrorist attack”. The committee will also ascertain the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident and evaluate the deployment, preparedness, response, command, control and coordination of all concerned law enforcement and security agencies. It will further investigate whether there was any “negligence, dereliction of duty, operational lapse, failure of command and control, lack of coordination or cowardice” on the part of law enforcement officials. The committee has also been directed to assess whether the existing “standard operating procedures (SOPs) and security arrangements for the protection of the installation were adequate and properly implemented”.
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Pakistan urges US-Iran restraint as Middle East tensions spiral despite Islamabad peace accord ISLAMABAD
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 104 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
Pakistan on Wednesday voiced deep concern over the rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East and urged the US and Iran to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any further military escalation after the two sides exchanged overnight strikes, with Washington intensifying attacks and Tehran launching retaliatory strikes, while US President Donald Trump declared that the ceasefire was effectively over and warned that the United States would hit Iran “hard”. In a statement, the Foreign Office (FO) stressed that “a renewed conflict is in no one’s interest”. “Pakistan calls on all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from any actions that may further undermine regional peace and stability. There is no alternative to continued engagement, dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a shared goal of peace in the region,” the statement said. “Pakistan urges all sides to uphold their respective commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which remains an enduring foundation for understanding, mutual respect and shared prosperity for the region and beyond.” The statement came as renewed efforts to end the Middle East conflict suffered a major setback following intensified fighting triggered by Iranian attacks on vessels in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
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dar, saudi envoy reaffirm Push for diPlomacy and Peace ISLAMABAD
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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday held talks with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Malki on the evolving regional situation following the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), as both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing dialogue, diplomacy and closer Pakistan-Saudi Arabia cooperation while also reviewing preparations for the upcoming OIC Ministerial Conference on Women and Pakistan's polio eradication efforts. According to the Foreign Office (FO), Dar met the Saudi envoy to exchange views on the latest regional developments in the wake of the recent Islamabad MoU. During the meeting, both sides underscored the need to advance joint efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and diplomacy to strengthen regional peace and stability, the FO spokesperson said in a post on X.
Pm calls clean, affordable energy cornerstone of national energy strategy ISLAMABAD
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday declared the promotion of clean, affordable and sustainable energy a cornerstone of Pakistan's national energy strategy, describing the proposed 100megawatt solar power project for Gilgit-Baltistan as a gift from the federal government to the people of the region and directing authorities to ensure its timely completion with complete transparency. Chairing a review meeting on the proposed 100MW solar power project for Gilgit-Baltistan, the prime minister instructed the Power Division to complete the installation within the stipulated timeframe and emphasised that the procurement process must remain fully transparent, with all payments to be made only after third-party validation, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Addressing the meeting, the prime minister said the promotion of solar energy was a key component of the government's vision for environment-friendly, clean, affordable and sustainable energy. “The Power Division should fulfill its responsibility regarding the installation and timely completion of the 100 MW solar project,” he emphasised. PM Shehbaz also directed the authorities to ensure complete transparency in the procurement process, reiterating that all payments should be released only after thirdparty validation. The meeting was briefed on the progress of the Gilgit-Baltistan Solar Energy Project. Officials informed the meeting that under the project, 18MW solar systems, along with battery storage, would be installed on the rooftops of 499 government buildings by December 2026. The meeting was further informed that the PC-1 of the 82MW utility-scale solar project had been submitted to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for approval. Once completed, the 82MW project is expected to benefit around 1.3 million people, improve the quality of electricity services across Gilgit-Baltistan and help eliminate loadshedding in the region. The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Power Sardar Owais Leghari, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani and senior government officials. PM PAYS TRIBUTE TO FATIMA JINNAH: Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to Madr-e-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah on the occasion of her 59th death anniversary, acknowledging her invaluable contributions to the Pakistan Movement and the country's nation-building process. In his message, the prime minister said the entire nation paid homage to Fatima Jinnah for her outstanding national and political services, describing her role in the struggle for Pakistan's independence as a lasting source of pride in the country's history, according to a PM Office Media Wing press release. The prime minister said that by standing shoulder to shoulder with Quaide-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Fatima Jinnah demonstrated unwavering commitment, courage and exemplary dedication throughout the Pakistan Movement. He observed that her relentless efforts and fearless leadership remained a treasured national legacy. The prime minister said Fatima Jinnah continued to inspire younger generations, particularly women, by symbolising resilience, selfless public service and steadfast commitment to national objectives despite difficult circumstances. “She proved that women could play an effective and constructive role in achieving national goals,” he added. Highlighting the contributions of women during the Pakistan Movement, the prime minister said people from all walks of life had rendered historic sacrifices, while Madr-e-Millat provided exemplary leadership and representation for women.
Pakistan, China to deepen counterterrorism, security cooperation NEW YORK
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Pakistan and China have agreed to expand coordination on counterterrorism and broader internal security issues after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met his Chinese counterpart Ling Zhifeng at the United Nations Headquarters, according to state-run PTV. The two sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in security and efforts against terrorism. During the meeting, they also stressed closer work on border
management, curbing illegal immigration and combating drugs. The ministers additionally decided on joint steps to stop assistance and funding for terrorism. The talks also covered the protection of Chinese nationals in Pakistan, visa facilitation and the promotion of public relations. In a separate meeting at the UN Headquarters, Naqvi and Sri Lankan Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala agreed to increase coordination against narcotics and expand cooperation in police training, according to state-run Radio Pakistan.
The two ministers also agreed to enhance collaboration to curb illegal immigration and prevent travel on forged passports. Radio Pakistan said the meeting also included discussion on a possible memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation against criminal networks and money laundering. The two sides agreed to set up a joint working group to further improve cooperation between the interior ministries of Pakistan and Sri Lanka, while Naqvi and Wijepala also agreed to resolve visa-related issues on a priority basis.
Field Marshal Munir vows to crush cross-border terrorism with 'full might of state' ISLAMABAD
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Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Wednesday declared that Pakistan's armed forces remained fully alert to statesponsored attempts by hostile intelligence agencies to destabilise the country, vowing that terrorism emanating from across the border would be defeated with the "full might of the state" and that no proxy network would be allowed to threaten Pakistan's peace, security or economic progress.
In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the CDF reaffirmed that the armed forces remained fully aware of state-sponsored efforts by hostile intelligence agencies to undermine Pakistan's stability and reiterated that such proxy networks would not be allowed to compromise the country's internal security or economic prosperity. Field Marshal Munir made the remarks at the National Defence University (NDU) in Islamabad during his address to graduating officers of the National Security and War Course, comprising participants from all services.
Earlier in the day, ISPR Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry held a press briefing and said four civilians, 27 policemen and 11 security personnel had been martyred, while 54 terrorists had been killed in attacks and subsequent operations in Balochistan since July 5. “Efforts of such proxies and networks, which operate under the tutelage of hostile intelligence agencies, are futile and will not be allowed to undermine Pakistan’s internal security and economic prosperity,” the military’s media wing quoted the CDF as saying. In his address, the army chief also highlighted the changing nature of warfare and
stressed the importance of strategic clarity and institutional professionalism in dealing with complex security challenges. He praised institutions such as the NDU for preparing future military and civilian leaders capable of addressing hybrid, conventional and sub-conventional threats with foresight, confidence and resolve. The CDF further said the Pakistan Armed Forces were adapting their operational and development strategies in line with the evolving character of warfare.
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