Thai PM Warns Against Military Force on Cambodia Border

Security sources said that armed members of the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) abducted a courier company’s mini-truck along with two people from the Khad Koocha area on July 24. According to the sources, the kidnappers demanded Rs25 million in ransom from the courier company on July 26 and threatened to kill the hostages if the money was not paid. Security sources said the proscribed BLA is involved not only in terrorism but also in criminal activities, including bank robberies, vehicle theft, extortion and kidnapping for ransom. They said such incidents indicate the involvement of criminal networks in activities that can also serve as a source of financing for terrorism. The sources said ordinary Baloch citizens, local traders and peace in Balochistan suffer the most from such activities. They added that such actions are also aimed at creating fear and insecurity among residents and disrupting the peaceful environment in the region.

ISLAMABAD: A joint symposium on “Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building” was held in Islamabad on Wednesday, bringing together senior Pakistani and Chinese officials, diplomats, parliamentarians, academics and representatives of think tanks to discuss China’s approach to political organisation, governance and institutional development. The symposium was organised by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan in collaboration with the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS). Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani attended the event as chief guest. The Chinese delegation included Liu Daxiu, Head of Delegation and First-Class Inspector at the Party Building Research Institute of the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and Zheng Huan, Professor of Party Building at the Central Party School of the CPC Central Committee. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong also addressed the gathering. While adressing, Pakistani and Chinese representatives reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between the two countries, noting that political and institutional exchanges have expanded alongside cooperation in economic, infrastructure and development-related fields. They further added that dialogue between political parties has become an important pillar of the Pakistan-China strategic relationship. Speakers outlined the evolution of Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building, describing it as a doctrine centred on strengthening the Communist Party of China through disciplined leadership, rigorous internal governance, organisational cohesion and ideological development. They said the framework seeks to ensure the Party’s long-term capacity to govern while maintaining accountability, institutional resilience and public trust. CPC’s efforts to curb corruption and maintain discipline, while strengthening the organisation at different levels were also discussed. The recurring theme throughout the symposium was that China’s development should not be viewed solely through the lens of economic growth. Pakistani and Chinese speakers argued that the country’s transformation has also been shaped by strong political organisation, consistent policy implementation and institutional continuity. At the same time, Chinese experts stressed that these experiences were not being presented as a model for direct replication, noting that every country must pursue its own path according to its national circumstances. Participants also reflected on the broader relevance of the CPC’s experience for political parties worldwide, discussing issues such as governance capacity, organisational resilience, leadership development and the ability of institutions to translate policy into tangible results. Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong and IRS President Jauhar Saleem affirmed the importance of sustained engagement between the two countries and welcomed continued exchanges on governance, public policy and institutional development. The symposium concluded with an interactive session in which participants discussed the relevance of Party building, leadership and governance reforms to contemporary political challenges and future Pakistan-China cooperation.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has assured Balochistan of continued federal support to improve security and restore lasting peace in the province. Naqvi visited Quetta on Saturday. He met Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti. The two leaders jointly chaired a high-level meeting on the province’s law and order situation. The meeting reviewed the latest security situation in Balochistan. Officials also discussed ongoing security operations and future plans to deal with terrorism. Chief Minister Bugti briefed the meeting on the challenges facing the province. He also explained the measures being taken to improve security and maintain peace. The meeting decided to further strengthen the Counter-Terrorism Force (CTF) and Balochistan Police. The participants agreed that the professional capabilities of both forces must be improved. The authorities also agreed to speed up decisions aimed at strengthening the provincial police force. The federal government assured Balochistan that it would provide the required resources and support. Naqvi said the federal government would continue to provide every possible assistance to Balochistan. He said restoring peace required immediate and effective implementation of a comprehensive security plan. The interior minister also called for greater use of the experience of former Balochistan police chiefs. He said their expertise could help authorities develop a stronger and more effective security strategy. Naqvi stressed the importance of modern technology in counterterrorism operations. He also highlighted the need for better intelligence and stronger coordination between security institutions. He said the federal and provincial governments were working together to address the security challenges. According to Naqvi, coordinated efforts are essential for establishing lasting peace in the province. Chief Minister Bugti also reaffirmed his government’s determination to fight terrorism. He said the provincial government would remain prepared to respond to threats on every front. Bugti made it clear that the government would not surrender to pressure from terrorists. He said the writ of the state would be established across Balochistan. The chief minister said no space would be allowed for terrorists to operate. He also stressed that security agencies would continue taking steps to protect citizens and public institutions. Bugti said the government’s strategy would not focus only on security operations. He said improving opportunities for young people was equally important. According to the chief minister, education, skills development, employment and positive activities could help young people build better futures. He said promoting merit would help restore the confidence of the province’s youth. He added that young people should receive equal opportunities to succeed. Bugti also highlighted the strong connection between peace and development. He said security, progress and prosperity must move forward together. He said the provincial government would continue working with the federal government to improve law and order. Development projects would also be accelerated across the province. The meeting came as Balochistan continues to face serious security challenges. Several attacks have occurred in the province in recent months. Security forces and law enforcement agencies have increased operations against militant groups. The Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police have also continued joint efforts in affected areas. Officials believe stronger intelligence sharing and better coordination can help prevent future attacks. Modern equipment and improved training are also being considered important parts of the security strategy. The federal and provincial governments have therefore agreed to combine security measures with development initiatives. They say improving employment, education and skills opportunities for young people is essential for long-term stability.

The federal government has decided to launch mandatory hepatitis screening for all government employees in Islamabad. Employees working in federal ministries will also be required to undergo screening. The move is part of the government’s efforts to detect hepatitis cases at an early stage and provide timely treatment. According to sources in the Ministry of Health, the screening will be conducted under the Prime Minister’s Hepatitis Programme. The programme aims to identify people infected with hepatitis and connect them with free diagnostic and treatment facilities. Employees who test positive during the initial screening will be referred for a PCR test. The PCR test will be provided free of cost under the programme. The government will also provide free medicines to patients after completion of the PCR testing process. The initiative is intended to reduce the financial burden on patients and ensure that those diagnosed with hepatitis receive proper treatment. The Prime Minister’s Hepatitis Programme has a total allocation of Rs67 billion. The funds will be used for screening, diagnostic tests, treatment and other measures aimed at controlling the spread of hepatitis. Free hepatitis screening is already being conducted at different locations across Islamabad. The government plans to expand the screening process to federal government employees as part of the wider programme. Sources said more than 50,000 hepatitis screening kits have already been purchased. The kits will be used to screen employees and identify suspected cases. Machinery for PCR testing has also been installed at the National Institutes of Health in Islamabad. The facility will help process tests for people who are found positive during the initial screening. Health authorities are focusing on early diagnosis because many hepatitis patients may not show clear symptoms in the initial stages. Regular screening can help identify infections before they cause serious health complications. The mandatory screening of government employees is therefore being seen as an important step in strengthening hepatitis prevention and treatment efforts in the federal capital.