50,000 scholarship cards announced for Pakistani youth

A high-level delegation from Somalia, led by Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, met Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi to discuss bilateral defence cooperation and regional security. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, the evolving regional security environment and ways to strengthen defence and military cooperation between Pakistan and Somalia. Both sides emphasised the importance of expanding military-to-military relations and enhancing cooperation in training and capacity-building initiatives to address shared security challenges. They also discussed the need for closer collaboration to promote peace and stability in the region. During the meeting, the Somali defence minister acknowledged Pakistan’s continued support for Somalia and praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces in contributing to regional peace and security. Field Marshal Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Somalia in strengthening its security institutions and enhancing defence capabilities. He said Pakistan values its longstanding relationship with Somalia and remains committed to deepening bilateral cooperation in the defence sector. The meeting reflects the growing defence ties between the two countries and their shared commitment to enhancing security cooperation and addressing common regional challenges.

A terrorist was killed during a joint intelligence-based operation in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police said on Monday. The operation was carried out by district police, the Counter-Terrorism Department, the Quick Response Force and security forces. The operation took place in the Miryan area after intelligence reports indicated the presence of suspected terrorists. Security personnel conducted searches in Khani Kalay, Barakzai and nearby areas. The areas fall within the jurisdiction of Miryan police station. An exchange of fire took place during the operation. One unidentified terrorist was killed. Police said the identity of the deceased was being established. A Kalashnikov was recovered from the scene. Three magazines and a bandolier were also found in the possession of the killed terrorist. Security personnel later conducted search operations in surrounding areas. Several suspected individuals were detained for questioning. Bannu District Police Officer Captain (retd) Muhammad Furqan Bilal praised the personnel who participated in the operation. He described the security and police personnel fighting terrorism as the country’s real heroes. The DPO said intelligence-based operations would continue across Bannu. He said the objective was to eliminate terrorism and crime from the district. He also urged local residents to cooperate with law-enforcement agencies. Citizens were asked to report suspicious individuals and activities to police. The latest operation is part of intensified security efforts in Bannu. The district has witnessed several terrorist incidents and counterterrorism operations in recent months. On July 20, another joint intelligence-based operation was conducted in Bannu. Police said one suspected terrorist was killed and eight others were detained during that operation. The operation involved district police, the Elite Force, CTD personnel and Pakistan Army troops. Security forces had also established checkpoints and cordoned off the area during the operation. Police said the killed suspect was allegedly attempting to plant an improvised explosive device. A Kalashnikov, magazines and ammunition were recovered. Security concerns in Bannu have increased following several attacks targeting police and security installations. On July 15, terrorists attacked the Miryan police station using an explosives-laden vehicle. A prolonged exchange of fire followed the attack. Six police officers and four civilians were injured in the incident. The attackers also damaged a bridge leading to the police station. Authorities believed the move was intended to slow the arrival of reinforcements. The wider security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has remained challenging. Balochistan has also witnessed an increase in militant activity. Security forces have responded with intelligence-based operations against suspected militant networks. Authorities have repeatedly stressed the need for public cooperation to counter terrorism. Officials have also raised concerns about militant groups operating from across the Afghan border. The latest operation in Bannu reflects the continued efforts of law-enforcement and security agencies to prevent further attacks.

The Lahore Metro Bus service will continue operating after a possible shutdown was avoided following talks between the service operator and the Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMTA). The operator, VEDA, had raised financial and other concerns that had created uncertainty over the future of the mass transit service. PMTA General Manager Operations Uzair Shah said the authority was seriously considering VEDA’s demands. He said negotiations were continuing to address the company’s concerns. According to the official, there was no immediate threat to the Metro Bus operation, and commuters would continue to receive transport services as usual. The two sides are expected to hold another round of discussions on Tuesday. The meeting will focus on resolving VEDA’s outstanding demands and finding a workable solution to the issues between the operator and the authority. The development has provided relief to thousands of passengers who rely on the Lahore Metro Bus for daily travel across the city. Officials hope that the ongoing negotiations will lead to an agreement and prevent any disruption to the service in the future.

The Balochistan government has approved the implementation of a large-scale non-formal education programme aimed at bringing 1.8 million out-of-school children back into the education system. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by the provincial chief secretary, where officials reviewed plans to expand access to education for children who have been unable to attend formal schools due to various social and economic challenges. Under the initiative, children who have missed out on formal education will be provided with alternative learning opportunities through a structured non-formal education system. The programme is designed to help them continue their studies and improve literacy across the province. Officials said the project will be implemented over the next five years. For the current fiscal year, the provincial government has allocated Rs8 billion to launch and support the initiative. The chief secretary said the programme will operate under the supervision of the Social Welfare Department, which will oversee its implementation and ensure educational services reach children in underserved communities. Special priority will be given to children between the ages of 9 and 16, a group considered most vulnerable to dropping out of school or never enrolling in formal education. The initiative is expected to expand educational access, reduce the number of out-of-school children, and improve learning opportunities for thousands of young people across Balochistan.