security forces intensify
| |

Security forces intensify K-P anti-terror operatio…

Security forces have stepped up intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the Azm-e-Istehkam campaign, targeting militant hideouts and disrupting terrorist networks in several areas over the past two months, according to security sources.

Officials said one of the major operations was carried out in the Khatti Killi area of North Waziristan, where security forces raided suspected militant hideouts following intelligence reports. During the operation, several terrorists were killed after an exchange of fire, while others sustained injuries and managed to flee.

Security sources said troops recovered a large cache of weapons, ammunition and communication equipment from the militants’ hideouts. The recovered material is expected to assist investigators in tracing the activities and support networks of militant groups operating in the region.

According to officials, the operations specifically targeted members of Fitna al-Khawarij, the term used by the state for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Authorities said the campaign was conducted with great care to protect civilians and prevent damage to local communities.

Security officials emphasised that the ongoing operations are aimed at eliminating terrorist threats, restoring law and order, and ensuring lasting peace across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They reaffirmed that intelligence-led operations would continue until militant networks are dismantled and terrorism is eradicated.

The latest operations are part of the broader Azm-e-Istehkam strategy launched to strengthen counterterrorism efforts nationwide. The campaign focuses on targeted intelligence operations against militant groups while enhancing the security of vulnerable areas.

Last week, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said security forces had carried out more than 40,000 intelligence-based operations across Pakistan so far this year, with a significant number conducted in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said nearly 194 intelligence-based operations are being conducted daily across the country. According to the military spokesperson, security forces have eliminated more than 2,000 terrorists during 2026, reflecting the intensified pace of counterterrorism operations.

Similar Posts

  • Cambodia Repatriates 162 Detained Thais via Chanthaburi Border

    SIEM REAP/CHANTHABURI – Cambodian authorities on Saturday facilitated the return of 162 Thai nationals who had been detained in Siem Reap province, handing them over to Thai officials at the Ban Laem border checkpoint in Pong Nam Ron district, Chanthaburi. Cambodia Blocks Return of Thais at Poipet Border Crossing Indefinitely The group arrived on the […]

  • Thai Labour Ministry Orders Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Foreign Workers

    BANGKOK — The Labour Ministry has ordered a sweeping nationwide crackdown on illegal foreign workers following a high-profile raid on a childcare facility in Koh Phangan that resulted in the arrest of nine Thai and foreign suspects. Moroccan and Myanmar Nationals Arrested for Illegal Work at Phuket Restaurant Labour Minister Julapun Amornvivat said on Friday, […]

  • |

    PSX opens higher as KSE-100 index gains over 500 points

    KARACHI: Buying activity dominated trading at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Thursday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index rising more than 500 points during the early session. At around 9:45am, the benchmark index was trading at 180,864.26 points, recording an increase of 553.05 points, or 0.31%, from the previous close. The positive trend reflected renewed investor interest in several major sectors. Strong activity was witnessed in cement, commercial banking, fertiliser, oil marketing companies (OMCs) and power generation stocks. Several index-heavy companies also contributed to the upward movement. HUBCO, Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC), MCB Bank, National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) and United Bank Limited (UBL) were among the stocks trading in positive territory during the early hours. The latest gains come after the stock market staged a recovery in the previous session. On Wednesday, the PSX rebounded as investors returned to buying after two consecutive sessions of profit-taking. Market sentiment also improved toward the end of Wednesday’s trading session following reports regarding an extension of the US-Iran ceasefire, which helped ease some concerns among investors about geopolitical developments and their potential impact on regional markets. The KSE-100 Index ultimately closed Wednesday’s session at 180,311.22 points. Global markets provide positive cues The positive momentum at the domestic bourse was also supported by a broadly upbeat trend in Asian equity markets. Asian stocks advanced on Thursday after fresh US inflation data broadly matched market expectations. The figures reduced some expectations of an immediate tightening move by the US Federal Reserve and provided support to investor sentiment. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.97%, while South Korea’s benchmark market climbed sharply, gaining 4.4%. Japan’s Nikkei index also advanced 1.86%. US stock futures remained relatively stable, with S&P 500 E-mini futures up 0.02% during the Asian trading session. US inflation remains in focus According to data released on Wednesday, US consumer prices increased by 0.1% in July, broadly matching economists’ expectations. The modest increase in consumer prices has lowered expectations of an immediate interest-rate hike by the Federal Reserve. Market participants are closely monitoring inflation figures as they assess the central bank’s next policy move. According to CME Group’s FedWatch tool, financial markets were pricing in around a 40% probability of a rate hike next month, down from approximately 54% a week earlier. Oil prices remain near $80 Meanwhile, international oil prices remained close to the $80-per-barrel level, as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran remained unresolved. Developments in oil prices remain important for Pakistan’s economy and financial markets because changes in global crude prices can influence the country’s import bill, inflation outlook, exchange-rate pressures and corporate earnings. Investors at the PSX are expected to closely monitor both domestic economic developments and international market cues as trading progresses on Thursday.

  • | | |

    Kangana Ranaut clarifies ‘Cockroach’ and ‘Gu…

    Indian actress and BJP Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut has clarified her controversial remarks involving the words “cockroach” and “gutter” after facing strong criticism on social media. Kangana said her comments were not directed at the entire younger generation. Instead, she claimed that she was referring to specific individuals and certain women while discussing social issues and the importance of responsibility alongside personal freedom. Her earlier remarks triggered a significant reaction online after she criticized the way some young Hindu women expressed their freedom. In that context, she reportedly used the phrase “Generation Gutter,” leading critics to accuse her of making a sweeping statement about young people. Speaking to Indian news agency ANI, Kangana explained that her comments were made in the context of protests at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. She stressed that she was not making a general statement about all young people. According to Kangana, she had specifically referred to certain people or some women, and it was therefore unfair to interpret her comments as an attack on the entire younger generation. She also addressed her controversial reference to a “cockroach.” Kangana argued that if someone describes themselves as a cockroach, saying that cockroaches come from a gutter should not be considered offensive. The actress said that she does not consider herself a cockroach. If someone told her that she lived in a gutter, she would reject the claim. However, she questioned why the reference would be considered offensive if a person themselves used the term “cockroach” to describe their identity or behavior. Kangana further rejected the interpretation that she had compared all young people to a gutter. She said that discussing problems such as drug use, betting, gambling or dark-web activities among a particular section of young people does not mean that the entire younger generation should be viewed in the same way. She questioned why comments about a specific group or certain women were being presented as a generalized criticism of all young people. The clarification comes amid continuing debate over the responsibilities that accompany personal freedom, particularly among young people. Kangana maintained that her intention was to highlight certain behaviors and social problems rather than criticize an entire generation. The controversy has once again drawn attention to Kangana’s outspoken public statements, which frequently generate strong reactions online and in political and entertainment circles. By clarifying her comments, the actress has sought to distance herself from the interpretation that she was labeling the entire younger generation as “gutter” or making a blanket criticism of young people.

  • Border Clashes Escalate as Cambodian Rockets Strike Surin’s Ta Kwai Area

    SURIN – Sustained fighting erupted along the Thai-Cambodian border in Surin province on Monday, marked by Cambodian rocket fire targeting strategic high ground. According to informed border sources, the attack commenced around 6:06 a.m., with rockets fired from BM-21 launchers exploding near the historic Ta Kwai temple ruins and Hill 350. Thai forces immediately returned […]

  • | | |

    AJK polling extended amid disruptions and security…

    Polling in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections was extended by one hour on Monday. Voting in Bhimber, Mirpur and Kotli continued until 6pm. The extension was announced as several polling stations faced disruptions and complaints. Political parties also raised concerns about alleged interference and security issues during the voting process. The first phase of the AJK elections covers all 13 constituencies of Mirpur Division. The division includes four seats in Mirpur, three in Bhimber and six in Kotli. More than 1.4 million registered voters are eligible to cast their votes in the first phase. Election authorities established 2,454 polling stations and 3,701 polling booths across the division. Around 22,000 election officials were assigned duties to manage the polling process. Security was also increased at polling stations across the region. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) raised several complaints during the day. PPP AJK Election Cell in-charge Sardar Abdul Shakoor called on the Election Commission to take immediate notice of disruptions at polling stations. Polling at Station 108 in LA-13 Kotli-VI was reportedly suspended for around two hours. Shakoor said the interruption was affecting voters and preventing them from exercising their right to vote. He demanded that polling be restored immediately. He also called for an investigation into the reasons behind the suspension. The PPP also alleged interference at several polling stations in LA-8 Raj Mahal and LA-12 Charhoi. The party claimed that some PML-N supporters were attempting to influence the polling process. The allegations included the presence of armed individuals near some polling stations. The PPP demanded stronger security arrangements to protect voters, polling staff and election material. Another serious incident was reported in LA-9 Nikyal. A PPP worker was killed during an incident that the party linked to alleged intimidation and the display of weapons. PPP officials identified the deceased as 35-year-old Mukhtar Younus. The party demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the incident. Shakoor alleged that weapons had been displayed in the area before polling day. He claimed that timely action by the authorities could have prevented the situation from worsening. The PPP also accused the federal government of interfering in the AJK elections. PPP Secretary General Nadeem Afzal Chan demanded that federal officials and government machinery remain neutral during the electoral process. He said political parties should be allowed to compete without outside interference. Chan also raised concerns over alleged use of state resources during the election campaign. He called for development announcements and other government activities that could influence voters to be stopped during the election period. The PPP has established an election monitoring cell in Islamabad. Senior party leaders are monitoring polling-related complaints through the cell. The monitoring team is also maintaining contact with election officials, district administrations, candidates and party representatives. The PPP said the purpose of the cell was to monitor the election process and report any violations. Meanwhile, the Election Commission took action against two presiding officers in Kotli. The officials were accused of failing to report to their assigned polling stations. They allegedly went to a private residence instead. An FIR was registered against both officials. They were arrested and later suspended from service. Election authorities said strict action would be taken against officials who violate election rules. They also warned that negligence and irregularities in the polling process would not be tolerated. Security remained a major focus during polling. Authorities declared 1,965 polling stations sensitive or highly sensitive. More than 19,000 security personnel were deployed across Mirpur Division. The force included around 17,000 police personnel. Around 2,100 Army personnel were also kept on standby. They could be deployed as a backup force if the security situation deteriorated. Despite the complaints and isolated incidents, polling continued at most stations. In LA-1 Dadyal, voting began in a peaceful atmosphere. Security arrangements were strengthened around all polling stations in the constituency. More than 105,000 voters are registered in Dadyal. The constituency has 139 polling stations and 234 polling booths. The first phase of the elections is being held under a revised schedule. Polling in Muzaffarabad Division and the 12 refugee constituencies is scheduled for August 2. The final phase will be held in Poonch Division on August 10. A total of 288 candidates are contesting the 13 seats in Mirpur Division. Election authorities have urged candidates, workers and voters to maintain peace and follow the electoral code of conduct.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *