Pakistan slams Houthi threats to Saudi Arabia

  The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has ordered the immediate closure of all mines where explosive materials are used, as part of a broader effort to strengthen security and tighten oversight of potentially hazardous substances across the province. According to official directives issued by the Provincial Home Department in Peshawar, all district administrations have been instructed to take immediate action and ensure strict implementation of the government’s orders. The directive emphasizes the need for swift compliance and close coordination among local authorities to enforce the new measures without delay. The Home Department has also directed all districts to prepare and submit comprehensive lists of mines operating within their jurisdictions. These lists will distinguish between mines that use explosives and those that do not. Officials have been instructed to classify all mines using explosive materials under a Red List, indicating that they fall under stricter regulatory scrutiny and are subject to immediate closure or further action. On the other hand, mines extracting soft rock without the use of explosive materials will be placed on a Green List. These mines are considered comparatively safer from a security perspective and may continue operations in accordance with existing regulations, provided they comply with all relevant legal requirements. The department has instructed district administrations to submit both the Green List and the Red List as soon as possible. The reports are expected to provide a clear picture of mining activities across the province and help authorities monitor compliance with the latest directives. In addition to regulating mining operations, the Home Department has ordered strict monitoring of the purchase, sale, transportation, storage, and use of explosive materials. Authorities have also been instructed to closely monitor the movement and use of urea fertilizer, which can potentially be misused in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices if diverted from legitimate agricultural purposes. As part of these measures, all districts have been asked to compile and submit complete district-wise lists of licensed urea dealers. The purpose of collecting this information is to strengthen oversight of the distribution chain and prevent the illegal sale or diversion of urea for unlawful activities. The Home Department has further instructed all relevant officials to submit the required reports and lists without delay. Once these reports are received, the provincial government will review the findings and determine any additional actions that may be necessary. Relevant authorities are expected to take further administrative, regulatory, or legal measures based on the information collected from across the province. The latest directives reflect the KP government’s commitment to enhancing public safety, improving regulatory oversight of mining activities, and preventing the misuse of explosive materials. By introducing a district-wise classification system and increasing surveillance over explosives and urea distribution, the provincial administration aims to strengthen law enforcement efforts and reduce potential security risks associated with unauthorized use of hazardous substances. The implementation of these measures is expected to improve coordination among government departments and ensure greater accountability in the mining and chemical supply sectors across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Pakistan security forces have foiled a suicide attack on a checkpost in South Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing four terrorists, including the suicide bomber, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, terrorists attempted to attack a security forces checkpost by driving an explosives-filled vehicle toward the installation. However, the attack was stopped due to the quick and effective response of security personnel. The ISPR said that the explosives-laden vehicle was engaged and destroyed before it could reach the checkpost, killing the suicide bomber inside. The failed attack caused no damage to the security installation and no casualties were reported among security forces. Following the initial attack attempt, troops engaged other militants who tried to enter the area. According to the statement, three terrorists were forced into a nearby compound and were later killed during a targeted clearance operation carried out by security forces. The military said a sanitisation operation was also launched in the surrounding area to search for any remaining militants and ensure the security of the region. The ISPR reiterated that counter-terrorism operations under the “Azm-i-Istehkam” initiative will continue with full commitment to eliminate terrorism and prevent attacks against the country. The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces and law enforcement agencies to tackle militant threats. The incident comes a day after a terrorist attack on a joint police checkpost in Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa resulted in the deaths of 15 people, including security personnel. Officials said the attack highlighted the continuing security challenges faced by the province. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has witnessed an increase in militant activities over the past year, with security forces conducting frequent operations against armed groups operating in the region. Security officials have stated that intelligence-based operations and targeted actions will continue to counter militant networks and protect civilians and security personnel. The latest operation in South Waziristan reflects the ongoing security efforts aimed at preventing attacks and maintaining stability in areas affected by terrorism.