UN recognition strengthens Pakistan’s football diplomacy and global social impact

The Balochistan government has approved the implementation of a large-scale non-formal education programme aimed at bringing 1.8 million out-of-school children back into the education system. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by the provincial chief secretary, where officials reviewed plans to expand access to education for children who have been unable to attend formal schools due to various social and economic challenges. Under the initiative, children who have missed out on formal education will be provided with alternative learning opportunities through a structured non-formal education system. The programme is designed to help them continue their studies and improve literacy across the province. Officials said the project will be implemented over the next five years. For the current fiscal year, the provincial government has allocated Rs8 billion to launch and support the initiative. The chief secretary said the programme will operate under the supervision of the Social Welfare Department, which will oversee its implementation and ensure educational services reach children in underserved communities. Special priority will be given to children between the ages of 9 and 16, a group considered most vulnerable to dropping out of school or never enrolling in formal education. The initiative is expected to expand educational access, reduce the number of out-of-school children, and improve learning opportunities for thousands of young people across Balochistan.

TANK: At least 14 security personnel were martyred and 27 others injured in a major suicide attack on the Manjhi Khel Joint Check Post in Tank district after terrorists rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the facility late Thursday night, triggering a massive blast. According to security and police sources, the powerful explosion caused extensive destruction to the check post, completely demolishing seven to eight rooms and damaging nearby houses. Shortly after the blast, an intense exchange of gunfire erupted between the attackers and security forces and continued for a considerable period. Sources said all attackers were killed during the ensuing security operation. A clearance and search operation remains underway as authorities continue removing debris and recovering bodies. The martyred personnel reportedly include two police officials, seven members of the security forces, and one Forest Guard. Among the police personnel who embraced martyrdom were Constable Bilal and driver Tala Muhammad. The injured include four police officials Constable Ismatullah Akbari, Constable Jasim, Constable Muhammad Dawood, and Constable Pir Ghulam along with other security personnel. All the wounded were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital, Tank, for medical treatment. According to sources, two of the attackers were wearing uniforms resembling those of the Pakistan Army in an apparent attempt to deceive security personnel. Preliminary information suggests the suicide attack was carried out using a Datsun/Mazda vehicle loaded with approximately 1,500 kilograms of explosives. Sources also claimed that a white Toyota Corolla GLi was used by the attackers, apparently to facilitate their movement after the explosion. Following the attack, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a large scale search and clearance operation. Officials are collecting evidence to determine the full circumstances of the attack. However, an official statement confirming the casualty figures and operational details is still awaited. Meanwhile, the funeral prayers for the martyred personnel are expected to be attended by Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Zulfiqar Hameed and Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Syed Shahab Ali Shah. In response to the security situation, the district administration has imposed a district-wide curfew in Tank from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with all entry and exit routes to the city closed until further notice. Authorities have urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and avoid unnecessary travel during the curfew.