Search operation resumes for seven missing Broad Peak climbers

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to transfer Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to hospital. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Fazlur Rehman described the decision as a positive development. He said the hospital transfer should have been ordered much earlier. The JUI-F chief said the current political situation in the country should be assessed carefully before drawing conclusions. He also called for issues concerning the provinces to be discussed openly rather than reduced to simple political positions. Fazlur Rehman said the opposition had an important responsibility in a parliamentary system. He said opposition parties should identify weaknesses and shortcomings in government policies. He stressed that debates on provincial matters should focus on both principles and practical realities. According to him, political issues require serious discussion instead of being viewed only through the lens of support or opposition. The JUI-F chief also criticised what he described as a tendency in journalism to divide every issue into opposing camps. He said drawing a rigid line between supporting and opposing a position had contributed to worsening national problems. His remarks came after the Supreme Court ordered Imran Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital for medical treatment. The court also directed authorities to facilitate regular meetings between Imran and his family. The ruling has been welcomed by several political figures, including members of the opposition. The court has also ordered the formation of a medical board to assess Imran’s condition and directed that his personal physician be given access.

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti on Friday announced that the provincial government is ready to hold political dialogue with those willing to abandon violence, while making it clear that security operations against armed militant groups will continue until peace is restored. Speaking at the passing-out parade of the Anti-Terrorism Force’s 20th basic training course in Quetta, the chief minister said individuals who surrender and renounce militancy would be given an opportunity to rebuild their lives through a comprehensive rehabilitation programme. Under the government’s reintegration plan, former militants will be offered government employment, educational opportunities for their children and access to healthcare facilities to help them become productive members of society. He said the initiative aims to encourage peaceful participation in the province’s development. However, Bugti warned that those who continue armed activities would face firm action. He said the provincial government, Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, police, Counter Terrorism Department and Anti-Terrorism Force were working together to eliminate terrorism and restore lasting peace across Balochistan. Referring to the recent rise in militant attacks, the chief minister acknowledged that the province’s security challenges had intensified in recent years but expressed confidence that ongoing counterterrorism operations would defeat militant groups. Bugti also urged political leaders to avoid linking political disagreements with acts of terrorism. While criticism of the government was part of the democratic process, he said attacks on the country’s security forces should not be justified or politicised. Addressing the newly graduated ATF personnel, the chief minister praised their commitment to national service and described them as guardians responsible for protecting the people and maintaining peace. He added that the government was reviewing measures to further strengthen the professional training of security personnel to meet emerging security challenges. The chief minister also announced Rs150 million for improving the Anti-Terrorism Force training school’s infrastructure and highlighted recent steps taken to enhance benefits and welfare packages for police personnel and the families of martyred officers, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening law enforcement institutions.