ML-1 project review to be completed by October 30

Karachi -The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain in Sindh beginning this evening. According to the PMD, the intense low-pressure system that developed over the Bay of Bengal has started to weaken. The system has downgraded from a deep depression to a depression and is currently located near southern Madhya Pradesh, India. Over the next 12 hours, it is expected to weaken further into a low-pressure area. The department said the system is likely to pass near parts of Sindh. Under its influence, monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are entering the upper and central regions of Pakistan while a westerly weather system is also affecting the country’s northern areas. The PMD said that Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sanghar, Hyderabad and surrounding areas are expected to receive intermittent rainfall from this evening or tonight through August 2. In addition, Karachi is likely to experience rain from the evening of August 1 through August 2. Light to moderate rainfall is expected in most parts of the city while some suburban areas may receive heavy showers.

DI Khan/TANK: At least 15 security personnel were martyred and more than 20 others injured after terrorists carried out a devastating suicide attack on the Manjhi Khel Joint Check Post in Tank district on Thursday night, followed by a prolonged gun battle with security forces. According to security and police sources, the attackers rammed an explosives-laden Datsun/Mazda vehicle into the check post at around 9:30 p.m., triggering a massive explosion that caused extensive destruction. The blast was so powerful that several nearby houses were also damaged. Sources said the suicide bombing was immediately followed by an intense exchange of fire between the attackers and security personnel, which continued for several hours. The martyred personnel included two police constables, 12 Pakistan Army soldiers, and one Forest Guard. More than 20 personnel sustained injuries, including six police officials and over two dozen security personnel, who were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Tank for treatment. Police identified the martyred policemen as Constable Bilal Khan and Driver Constable Tala Muhammad. The injured police personnel include Constable Ismatullah Akbari, Constable Jasim Khan, Constable Muhammad Daud, and Constable Pir Ghulam. The explosion completely destroyed seven to eight rooms of the joint check post, causing severe structural damage. Security forces immediately cordoned off the area and launched a comprehensive search and clearance operation. According to security sources, all 15 terrorists involved in the attack were killed during the operation. Sources further claimed that two of the attackers were wearing Pakistan Army-style uniforms. Investigators are collecting evidence to determine the planning and execution of the assault. Initial investigations indicate that the suicide vehicle was carrying approximately 1,500 kilograms of explosives. Sources also revealed that a white Toyota Corolla GLI was allegedly used by the attackers to facilitate movement during the operation. Meanwhile, the funeral prayers of Constable Bilal Khan, Constable Tala Muhammad, and Forest Guard Noor Azam were offered with full state honours at the Tank Police Lines. The funeral was attended by Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed, Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shahab Ali Shah, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Home and Tribal Affairs Tariq Saeed Marwat, Additional IG CTD Jawad Qamar, RPO Dera Ismail Khan Ghulam Mubashir Mekan, Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan Daud Khan, DPO Tank Abdul Samad Khan, Deputy Commissioner Tank Jamshed Khan, senior civil and police officials, relatives of the martyrs, and local elders. Floral wreaths were laid on the coffins, while a smartly turned-out police contingent presented a guard of honour. Special prayers were offered for the departed souls, the speedy recovery of the injured, and lasting peace in the country. Later, the IGP and Chief Secretary visited the injured police personnel at the hospital, appreciated their bravery, and announced financial assistance for the wounded officers. The officials assured them that their concerns would be addressed on a priority basis. Following the attack, the district administration imposed curfew across Tank district due to security concerns, with all entry and exit routes remaining closed. Later, during a joint press conference in Dera Ismail Khan, Special Assistant Tariq Saeed Marwat, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, and IGP Zulfiqar Hameed stressed that terrorism could only be defeated through close cooperation between the government, security institutions, the media, and the public. Tariq Saeed Marwat said the provincial government was utilizing all available resources to eliminate terrorism and restore peace across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the southern districts. He stated that anti state elements would never succeed in their objectives and urged citizens to remain united against terrorism. Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah described the recent terrorist incidents in Tank and other southern districts as a serious challenge but reaffirmed that security agencies were conducting coordinated and intelligence based operations. He emphasized that counter-terrorism is a national responsibility and urged the public to report suspicious activities promptly while refraining from providing any form of support or shelter to terrorists. He also called on the media to practice responsible journalism by avoiding the spread of unverified information and contributing to strengthening the national narrative against terrorism. Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed said close coordination existed among the police, security forces, and intelligence agencies, adding that intelligence based operations were being further strengthened. He announced that the police force was being equipped with modern weapons and enhanced capabilities to effectively counter terrorist threats. The senior officials reiterated their commitment to continue the fight against terrorism until its complete eradication and emphasized that the government, law enforcement agencies, media, and the public must remain united to ensure lasting peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the southern districts.

LAHORE: Chairperson, Department of Film & Broadcasting, University of the Punjab, Prof. Dr. Lubna Zaheer, held an exclusive meeting with Senior Minister Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb. During the meeting, Dr. Lubna Zaheer briefed the Senior Minister on various academic, creative and development projects initiated by the Department of Film & Broadcasting. She highlighted the department’s initiatives to promote film education, nurture young filmmakers, encourage student-led productions and strengthen linkages between academia and the film and media industry. Dr. Lubna appreciated the efforts of the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab and Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, for taking practical steps towards the revival and development of the province’s film and media industry. She particularly acknowledged the government’s focus on creating opportunities for young filmmakers and strengthening the creative sector. Dr. Lubna also apprised the Senior Minister of the department’s ongoing and proposed projects aimed at providing students with modern production facilities, enhancing their professional skills and creating greater opportunities for emerging filmmakers. The two sides exchanged views on the development of Pakistan’s film and media sector and the role of academic institutions in promoting a vibrant and responsible creative industry. On the occasion, Dr. Lubna Zaheer presented her book سیاست سے ہٹ کر to Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.