Fawad urges Imran Khan’s immediate hospital tran…

Security forces have intensified intelligence-based operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past two months, resulting in the killing of multiple militants and the destruction of several militant hideouts, according to security sources. The operations were conducted under Operation 11 Gurj, which is aimed at dismantling militant networks and preventing terrorist activities in the province. During the campaign, security forces carried out a series of targeted raids based on intelligence reports in different districts. According to the sources, several militants were killed during these operations, while their hideouts were successfully destroyed. The forces also apprehended a number of suspected facilitators believed to have been providing logistical and operational support to militant groups. Security personnel recovered a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and other military equipment during the raids. Officials said the seized material was intended to be used in future terrorist attacks. One of the major operations was conducted in the Shakro area of Bajaur district, where security forces targeted militant hideouts after receiving credible intelligence. Reports indicated that several militants were killed, while others sustained injuries during the operation. The forces also located and destroyed multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) found in the area. Officials said eliminating these explosives helped prevent potential attacks and improved the safety of local residents. Ground troops, supported by quadcopter surveillance, were used throughout the operations to identify militant positions and monitor movements before launching precise strikes. Security officials said the use of modern surveillance technology enhanced the effectiveness of the operations and reduced risks to security personnel. According to security sources, the operations form part of an ongoing campaign to eliminate militant infrastructure, disrupt terrorist networks and strengthen peace and stability across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Authorities reiterated that intelligence-based operations will continue until all militant elements are dismantled and the security situation is fully brought under control.

Independence Day celebrations were held across Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday, with political leaders, judges and government officials highlighting national unity, development, democracy and the sacrifices made for Pakistan. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in her Independence Day message, said the occasion was a day for the younger generation to renew its commitment to the country’s future. She said she wanted to see young people equipped with books, pens and laptops, stressing that genuine development would only be achieved when no section of society was left behind. Lahore High Court Chief Justice Justice Aalia Neelum, addressing a flag-hoisting ceremony, said love for the homeland was part of faith. She said every citizen had a responsibility to work tirelessly for the country’s progress and added that the Punjab judiciary was striving to ensure the effective delivery of justice. Independence Day celebrations were also held at King Edward Medical University in Lahore. Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique attended the ceremony as chief guest, cut the Independence Day cake and led prayers for the country’s security and prosperity. He said every citizen must play a role in Pakistan’s development. A flag-hoisting ceremony was also organised at the Sports Board Punjab. The secretary sports, director general sports and other officials and employees attended the event. The national flag was hoisted and participants observed a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Pakistan. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said Independence Day should also serve as an opportunity to reflect on the objectives and sacrifices behind the creation of Pakistan. He said the country was established in 1947 on the principles of unity, discipline and firm faith, but 79 years later the nation had still not fully achieved national cohesion. Fazlur Rehman called for overcoming regional, linguistic and group-based divisions and urged people to move forward as one Pakistani nation. He said the objectives of Pakistan’s creation included an Islamic system, a prosperous economy and stable democracy. Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said Pakistan was created on the basis of the Two-Nation Theory but the country had yet to fully realise the objectives for which it was established. He criticised successive governments for making people’s lives difficult and said the implementation of the Quran and Sunnah was essential to achieving Pakistan’s true destination. In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi hoisted the national flag at Governor House. Iran’s Consul General Ali Banafsheh Khah also attended the ceremony. Prayers were offered for Pakistan’s development, prosperity and stability, while Kundi and the Iranian consul general jointly cut the cake marking the country’s 79th Independence Day. K-P Adviser on Finance Muzammil Aslam said the province had witnessed significant improvements and called for greater efforts to strengthen the region. He said the provincial government had faced serious financial difficulties when it took office but the situation had subsequently improved. Aslam said officials should set clear targets for what they wanted to achieve before the next Independence Day. He also stressed the need for collective efforts to eliminate terrorism from the province. K-P Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah said the objectives behind the creation of Pakistan would be fulfilled. He said the people would not hesitate to make sacrifices for the country and would continue working towards its progress and stability. Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja also congratulated the nation on Independence Day. She paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives defending the country and described the armed forces as guarantors of peace and development. She said Pakistan’s growing international standing reflected the efforts of its political and military leadership. According to her, Pakistan is increasingly recognised globally for its commitment to peace, development, defence and its vision of a digital future.

QUETTA: The Balochistan Transport Department has confirmed that the inauguration of the People’s Train service between Sariab and Kuchlak has been postponed. Balochistan Transport Secretary Hayat Kakar said seven stations have been established along the 32-kilometre route between Sariab and Kuchlak to facilitate the new train service. He said the inauguration was delayed because the specially prepared train coaches have not yet reached Quetta. The launch ceremony had been scheduled to take place at Quetta Railway Station on August 14. According to Kakar, the coaches for the People’s Train have been prepared at the Carriage Factory in Islamabad. However, their arrival in Quetta has been delayed. He said the provincial government, federal government and Pakistan Railways would consult each other before announcing a new date for the inauguration. The Balochistan Transport Department said the People’s Train project has been completed at an estimated cost of Rs4 billion. The new service is expected to improve public transport connectivity between Sariab and Kuchlak and provide an additional commuting option for residents along the route.