Nationwide petrol pump shutdown announced

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces killed 32 terrorists during two intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan over the past 24 hours, the military’s media wing said on Wednesday, describing the raids as part of an intensified campaign against militant groups operating in the country. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 24 militants were killed during a series of targeted operations in Khyber district, while another eight were eliminated in separate operations in Nushki district of Balochistan. The operations were launched following recent terrorist attacks in both provinces and were carried out to dismantle militant networks and their support infrastructure. The military said security forces conducted multiple intelligence-driven raids in Khyber during the night of July 28–29, successfully engaging terrorist hideouts and neutralising militants identified as members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to by the state as Fitna al-Khawarij. In Balochistan’s Nushki district, security personnel launched coordinated operations against militants linked to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), referred to officially as Fitna al-Hindustan. After an intense exchange of fire, eight militants were killed, while weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices were recovered and destroyed. The ISPR said clearance operations were continuing in both regions to ensure that any remaining militants or facilitators were eliminated. It reaffirmed that Pakistan’s nationwide counterterrorism campaign under the Azm-e-Istehkam strategy would continue with full force to eradicate terrorism and restore lasting peace. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for the successful operations, commending their professionalism and determination. He reiterated the government’s resolve to continue the fight against terrorism until the threat is completely eliminated, adding that the nation stands united with the armed forces in defending the country’s security. The operations come amid a renewed surge in terrorist violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Just a day earlier, separate attacks in Balochistan claimed the lives of a deputy superintendent of police and two others, while labourers were abducted and several vehicles were set ablaze. International reports have also highlighted the growing security challenge. Recent United Nations assessments noted an increase in attacks by the TTP and BLA, with concerns over improved coordination among militant groups and access to advanced weapons through cross-border networks. Pakistan has continued to intensify intelligence-based operations to curb the escalating threat and dismantle terrorist infrastructure across the country.

Lahore’s old city is going through a major change under a heritage revival plan, and the project has now been placed directly under the leadership of Pakistan Muslim League-(N) leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. According to a recent notification issued by the Punjab government’s Local Government and Community Development Department, Nawaz Sharif has been made chairman of the newly formed board of the Lahore Heritage Area Revival project, also known as (LHAR) and patron-in-chief of the Punjab Walled Cities and Heritage Areas Authority (PWCHAA) Earlier, Nawaz Sharif only held the position of chief patron of the project. This meant he could give advice but had no formal powers. Under the new rules, the project’s legal structure has been changed, and a proper board has been formed. This board is now headed directly by the three-time former prime minister. The notification was published in the Punjab Gazette on July 23. It was issued under Section 8-A of the Punjab Walled Cities and Heritage Areas Authority Act 2012. The notification was approved by the governor of Punjab. With this change, the Lahore Heritage Area Revival Board has been formally established. The board now has full executive and administrative powers. Officials say this step was taken to remove bureaucratic delays in restoring the city’s historic fabric. The heritage revival areas cover Mughal, Sikh and colonial-era sites. Details of the ongoing work will be shared soon. Several government departments are working together on the project. These include the Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency, known as TEPA, C&W and PWCHAA. TEPA is handling infrastructure work, such as building basements and parking. The PWCHAA is handling the restoration of old buildings. A major part of the plan is to turn old city streets into pedestrian zones. This includes the route from New Anarkali to Paan Gali in Lohari. It also includes Bora Bazaar, which has Bakshi Market inside it. Another walking route will run from Kacheri Chowk to Anarkali and then onward to Neela Gumbad. To name a few. Many buildings along these routes are old. All of them are being restored as part of the project. One of the biggest parts of the plan is a new public space called Neela Gumbad Square, where a two-floor underground parking garage is being built; it will become a place for families to walk and gather. Fountains and seating areas will be added. The Parks and Horticulture Authority will help plant trees and grass in the area. Other nearby heritage sites are also being restored. These include Ewing Hall and the first Bank of India building. The mosque near Neela Gumbad is also being renovated, while some roads nearby will be closed for traffic. LHAR spokesperson also responded to earlier criticism in media reports, where past reports only mentioned TEPA, even though other departments were also doing important work on the ground. The project now has a monitoring cell in place to track progress and check timely completion. The spokesperson further said that shopkeepers near Neela Gumbad were paid compensation a year before their shops were relocated. The officials had collected data on each shop’s daily business and income before deciding how much compensation to give; this was done so shopkeepers would not lose their livelihood during construction. With Nawaz Sharif now in the driving seat and his past records of completing mega projects on time, officials believe the project will move forward faster. The government says the goal is to restore Lahore’s historic buildings and streets while creating new public spaces for residents and visitors.