Two Thai Soldiers Injured in Border Skirmish with Cambodian Forces in Si Sa Ket

The Lahore Metro Bus service will continue operating after a possible shutdown was avoided following talks between the service operator and the Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMTA). The operator, VEDA, had raised financial and other concerns that had created uncertainty over the future of the mass transit service. PMTA General Manager Operations Uzair Shah said the authority was seriously considering VEDA’s demands. He said negotiations were continuing to address the company’s concerns. According to the official, there was no immediate threat to the Metro Bus operation, and commuters would continue to receive transport services as usual. The two sides are expected to hold another round of discussions on Tuesday. The meeting will focus on resolving VEDA’s outstanding demands and finding a workable solution to the issues between the operator and the authority. The development has provided relief to thousands of passengers who rely on the Lahore Metro Bus for daily travel across the city. Officials hope that the ongoing negotiations will lead to an agreement and prevent any disruption to the service in the future.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s evolving security landscape came under close review on Thursday as President Asif Ali Zardari met Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to discuss the country’s law and order situation, with particular attention given to the security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The meeting, held at Bilawal House, focused on the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen internal security and counter terrorism. During the briefing, Naqvi updated the president on the latest developments in both provinces, where security forces continue operations against militant groups and work to maintain peace in sensitive areas. According to officials, the interior minister outlined measures being implemented to improve coordination among security institutions and enhance the country’s counterterrorism strategy. The discussion also covered steps aimed at ensuring stability while addressing emerging security threats. Beyond security matters, the two leaders exchanged views on Pakistan’s current political environment. They discussed the prevailing political situation and reviewed issues considered important for national stability and governance. The meeting also included deliberations on matters of mutual national interest, reflecting the government’s continued focus on balancing security priorities with broader political and administrative challenges. Pakistan has witnessed renewed security concerns in recent months, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where authorities have intensified intelligence-based operations against militant networks. The federal government has repeatedly stressed that restoring peace and strengthening national security remain among its top priorities. Officials said consultations between the presidency and the interior ministry will continue as authorities monitor the security situation and assess further measures needed to safeguard public safety. The discussions underscored the importance of close coordination among state institutions in responding to evolving threats while maintaining political stability across the country.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister and President of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) Abdul Aleem Khan has said the creation of new provinces is a national issue and should not be sacrificed for political interests or expediency. In a statement, Aleem Khan said people across the country wanted new provinces to be created on an administrative basis. He said the IPP would continue raising its voice for the issue at every forum. The federal minister said the prevailing circumstances clearly demanded a new working order across the country. He urged politicians to take ownership of the demand for new provinces while fulfilling their responsibilities. Aleem Khan said political leaders needed to focus on resolving public problems instead of protecting their personal influence and authority. He stressed that the creation of new provinces was a national matter and should not become a victim of political considerations. The IPP president said there was nothing wrong with dividing each of the four existing provinces into four administrative units, if this helped improve governance and addressed public issues. He also expressed support for the creation of South Punjab and Bahawalpur provinces. Aleem Khan said the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party also supported the demand for a Hazara province. He noted that voices were also being raised for new provinces in Punjab and Sindh. He said demands for a Hazara province had been raised in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly since 2010. Aleem Khan welcomed the fact that major political parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were now supporting the creation of a Hazara province. He said the debate over new provinces should be approached as a matter of better administration, public welfare and effective governance rather than narrow political interests.

Police have arrested a female TikToker in connection with the murder case of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Abdullah Tahir. According to police, the suspect allegedly honey-trapped the driver of the slain political leader. She was arrested from Sialkot during an investigation into the case. Police sources said the woman is a resident of Faisalabad. She had allegedly gone into hiding after the murder. Investigators had been searching for her as they traced the people linked to the incident. Officials said the suspected honey-trap is an important part of the investigation. The driver of Abdullah Tahir was allegedly targeted through the woman before the murder. Investigators are also looking into the alleged use of a drone camera in the case. Police are trying to determine who operated the drone and how it may have been used during the planning or execution of the crime. Abdullah Tahir was shot dead in the Ghalib Market area a few days ago. The killing triggered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Police are now questioning the arrested TikToker and examining her alleged links with other suspects. Investigators are also working to establish the motive behind the killing. Authorities are expected to gather further evidence as the investigation continues. Police are also looking into the role of other individuals who may have been involved in the alleged honey-trap operation.