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QUETTA: Security forces have killed 15 terrorists during a series of intelligence-based operations conducted across several districts of Balochistan, security sources said on Sunday. The operations were carried out under the ongoing Operation Rad-ul-Fitna-3, targeting militant networks in Mastung, Bolan, Washuk, Awaran, Sibi, Khuzdar, Harnai and Noshki. According to security sources, the operations were launched following intelligence about the presence and movement of militants in the targeted areas. A significant quantity of weapons and ammunition was also recovered during the actions. Officials said the operations dealt a major blow to militant networks and disrupted their ability to move and operate across parts of the province. Security forces, they added, remain committed to continuing intelligence-driven operations until terrorist activity is eliminated. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces for what he described as successful operations against militant groups. He commended the personnel for their professionalism and said the government would continue supporting efforts to counter terrorism. The latest operations come amid heightened security concerns in Balochistan, where militant attacks have targeted both civilians and security installations. Security forces have continued intensified operations in the province following a series of deadly attacks. Earlier, security forces reported killing 12 militants during intelligence-based operations in the Washuk and Mastung districts. Authorities have also launched joint operations involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police following recent attacks on security personnel and civilians. Pakistan has witnessed a significant rise in militant violence in recent years, with Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa remaining among the most affected regions. Security agencies say intelligence-led operations will continue as part of broader efforts to prevent further attacks and dismantle militant networks.

LAHORE: Punjab University has strongly denied allegations recently levelled by two former female athletes, describing the claims as part of a coordinated campaign aimed at damaging the institution’s reputation during its ongoing admissions season. According to university spokesperson Dr. Khurram Shehzad, Punjab University has witnessed an unprecedented response to admissions this year, with more than 85,000 applications received for various academic programmes by July 31. The university also recorded its highest-ever participation in the entry test, while the application deadline remains August 4. He claimed that the institution’s success had prompted certain groups to launch what he termed a deliberate propaganda campaign. The spokesperson said the controversy involving the two former sports students stemmed from disciplinary issues rather than the serious allegations circulated on social media. He maintained that the matter originated after a dispute between members of the girls’ sports hostel and disagreements related to team selection. According to the university, the students were involved in repeated altercations with fellow athletes, prompting the hostel administration to initiate an inquiry. Pending the outcome of the investigation, the students concerned were instructed to vacate the hostel. However, the university alleged that they refused to comply and later became involved in another confrontation, after which police were called following an emergency complaint. The incidents led the hostel inquiry committee to hold emergency meetings and ultimately order the closure of the girls’ sports hostel. The university further stated that one of the former athletes was not selected for the baseball team because of disciplinary concerns rather than sporting performance. It alleged that she later threatened to leave the university if she was not included in the squad and voluntarily applied to withdraw her original academic documents. During the document collection process, the university claims she, along with another former student and several others, attempted to pressure the administration by threatening to release a video portraying an alleged suicide attempt if their demands were not met. Punjab University said both students voluntarily collected their academic documents and left the institution. It also claimed that one of them subsequently joined another university’s sports team while Punjab University went on to win the championship without her. The university said it possesses evidence supporting its position and confirmed that faculty members, staff, and female students from the Department of Sports have submitted a formal complaint to the cybercrime authorities against the two former athletes and individuals allegedly involved in what it described as an organised campaign against the institution. The administration condemned attempts to use former students for what it called vested interests and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the university’s reputation through legal channels

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of violating the election code of conduct ahead of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. Speaking at a press conference after a Sindh cabinet meeting in Karachi, Memon claimed that the ruling party was using its government position to influence the electoral process. During the briefing, Memon also announced that the Sindh cabinet had approved a six-month extension of the health insurance program for employees of the Governor House and Chief Minister House. He added that travel allowances for government employees from Grade 1 to Grade 16 had also been increased. Commenting on the recent heavy rainfall, the provincial minister said several districts in Punjab had been severely affected. He claimed that recent rains resulted in casualties in both Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and criticized what he described as limited media attention to the situation. Turning to the political situation, Memon alleged that senior leaders of the federal and Punjab governments were focused on campaigning in Azad Kashmir instead of addressing public issues. He expressed confidence that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would secure a convincing victory in the upcoming AJK elections. The minister also criticized what he described as governments formed through “manufactured mandates,” saying that true political legitimacy comes through public support. He reiterated that the PPP is not part of the federal coalition government and said the party had only extended support to strengthen the democratic process. Memon further alleged that infrastructure development has been concentrated in Punjab while Sindh has not received similar attention, particularly in the construction of major motorways. His remarks drew criticism from Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari, who defended the Punjab government’s development record and rejected the allegations. She argued that provincial resources are being spent on the welfare of Punjab’s residents and questioned the Sindh government’s own performance. Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique also responded, saying critics should first examine the condition of their own provinces. He defended Punjab’s drainage system, claiming rainwater in Lahore is cleared within hours, unlike in parts of Sindh where waterlogging often persists for days. The exchange of statements highlights the growing political rivalry between the PPP and PML-N as campaigning for the AJK elections intensifies.