Karachi crime remains high in July

Army captain martyred, seven militants killed in Hangu operation A Pakistan Army captain was martyred during an intelligence-based operation in Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while security forces killed seven militants, according to the military’s media wing. The operation was carried out on August 7 after security agencies received information about the presence of militants in the area. Security forces launched the raid after confirming the reported militant presence. Troops engaged the militants at their hideout. Seven militants were killed during the exchange of fire. Captain Hamza Akram, 27, was also martyred during the operation. He belonged to Narowal district. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Captain Hamza was leading his troops from the front. He continued pursuing the militants during the firefight and lost his life while performing his duty. Security forces recovered weapons and ammunition from the militants’ possession. The military said the killed militants were involved in attacks against security personnel and law enforcement agencies. They were also linked to attacks targeting civilians. A clearance operation was launched after the main engagement. Security personnel searched the surrounding area to ensure that no militants remained there. Three militants killed in Mastung operation In a separate operation in Balochistan, security forces killed three militants in Mastung district. The operation was conducted in the Kambela and Asimabad areas as part of Operation Rad-ul-Fitna-3. Security forces carried out an extensive search and clearance operation across an area of around 68 square kilometres. Three militants were killed during the operation. The bodies of two of the militants were recovered. Four other militants were injured, including a key commander identified as Shaukat Mama, according to security sources. Security personnel also detained 12 suspects for questioning during the operation. Militant hideouts were dismantled during the clearance activity. Security forces also removed flags associated with the militant group from the cleared areas. The latest operations come amid continued security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Both provinces have witnessed a significant number of militant attacks in recent years. Security forces have intensified intelligence-based operations to target militant networks, their hideouts and support structures.

Thousands of mourners across Pakistan observed the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala on Tuesday, with religious processions and gatherings taking place under extensive security arrangements in major cities. Authorities deployed thousands of police personnel, installed surveillance systems and implemented strict traffic and security measures to ensure the peaceful observance of the occasion. In Karachi, the central Chehlum procession began from Nishtar Park after a religious gathering. The procession is following its traditional route under a comprehensive security plan. More than 5,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed along the route, while roads leading to the procession have been sealed with containers. Senior police officials visited the route to review security arrangements and monitor the deployment. The city administration urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, follow traffic advisories and use alternate routes to avoid inconvenience. In Lahore, the main Chehlum procession started from Haveli Alif Shah inside Delhi Gate and is proceeding along its traditional route before concluding at Karbala Gamay Shah. More than 10,000 police personnel have been assigned to provide security. Roads and streets connected to the procession route have been secured with barriers and barbed wire, while surveillance is being carried out through CCTV cameras, drones and sniper deployment on high-rise buildings. Officials said 43 Smart Safe City centres across Punjab are monitoring processions in real time. In Lahore alone, more than 800 surveillance cameras are being used to monitor processions, religious gatherings and other sensitive locations. Additional portable smart cameras have also been installed to strengthen security. In Rawalpindi, the central Chehlum procession commenced from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain under heightened security, with police and other law enforcement agencies deployed throughout the route. In Quetta, two major processions were taken out from Alamdar Road and Hazara Town to commemorate the martyrs of Karbala. More than 1,700 police personnel, supported by the Frontier Corps (FC), have been deployed to maintain law and order. Authorities sealed procession routes and intensified security checks at entry and exit points. CCTV cameras are monitoring the routes, while a Quick Response Force has been stationed at multiple locations to respond to any emergency. As part of the security measures, mobile phone and internet services have been temporarily suspended in several areas of Quetta. Across the country, law enforcement agencies remain on high alert to ensure the peaceful conclusion of Chehlum processions. Authorities have appealed to the public to cooperate with security personnel and follow official instructions to help maintain peace and public safety during the religious observance.