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Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Friday said Pakistan’s security depends on effective governance, stressing that terrorists must either surrender under the Constitution and the law or face continued military action. Speaking at a media briefing in Rawalpindi, the military spokesperson said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s recent remarks about the country’s governance system reflected his personal opinion and declined to comment further. However, he emphasized that good governance remained essential for ensuring national security and long-term stability. The DG ISPR said the National Action Plan continued to enjoy consensus among all major political parties and noted that most of its objectives, including countering extremism, disrupting terror financing and strengthening institutions, relied on strong governance. He added that Pakistan’s growing population made administrative efficiency more important than ever and said citizens had the right to effective governance. Over 40,000 Counterterrorism Operations Conducted Providing an update on security operations, Lt Gen Chaudhry said security forces had carried out 40,348 intelligence-based operations across Pakistan so far in 2026. He said 2,084 confirmed terrorists had been killed during these operations, averaging nearly 194 operations and 10 militant deaths every day. He added that the highest number of operations had been conducted in Balochistan, while 1,971 operations were carried out in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to the military spokesperson, 819 people, including security personnel and civilians, embraced martyrdom during counterterrorism efforts this year, while 28 suicide attacks were recorded nationwide. He also alleged that Afghan nationals were involved in recent terrorist attacks in Tank and Karachi. No Negotiations With Armed Militants The DG ISPR made it clear that there would be no negotiations with armed militant groups. He said militants had only two options: surrender under the Constitution and the law or face continued action by security forces. Explaining the concept of a “hard state,” he said it did not refer to military rule but rather to a country where every individual is equal before the law and all matters are resolved through constitutional and legal mechanisms. Balochistan Facing Coordinated Propaganda Addressing the security situation in Balochistan, Lt Gen Chaudhry said a deliberate campaign was underway to create a false perception that the province was in crisis. He said the Constitution required every citizen to remain loyal to the state and argued that rights should always be accompanied by responsibilities. The DG ISPR alleged that certain elite groups and tribal leaders opposed social progress because they wanted to preserve the existing power structure. He said the state would continue engaging directly with the people of Balochistan instead of those seeking to obstruct development. Highlighting development initiatives, he said Gwadar now had modern healthcare facilities, educational institutions, industrial free zones and major infrastructure projects. He added that Balochistan’s per capita budget allocation exceeded Rs75,000, making it the highest among Pakistan’s provinces. He also said terrorists deliberately targeted labourers, teachers and development projects to slow the province’s progress. Missing Persons and Regional Security On the issue of missing persons, the military spokesperson said the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances had received 10,901 cases, of which 9,372 had already been resolved. He stressed that every reported case required proper identification and verification. The DG ISPR further claimed that following what he described as Pakistan’s success during Operation Marka-e-Haq, hostile elements had shifted their focus toward destabilising Balochistan. He alleged that India and the Afghan Taliban regime shared an agenda of supporting terrorism against Pakistan.

Heavy monsoon rains lashed Lahore on Thursday, causing widespread flooding, traffic disruptions and severe inconvenience for residents. Torrential downpours submerged roads, streets and underpasses, bringing routine life in many parts of the provincial capital to a standstill. According to official data, Lahore received 343 millimetres of rainfall over the past 48 hours. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) warned that the second spell of monsoon rains could increase the risk of urban flooding in different parts of the city. Rainwater accumulated at more than 130 locations, affecting both residential and commercial areas. Several major roads, intersections and low-lying neighbourhoods remained submerged for hours, making it difficult for motorists and pedestrians to move around the city. The worst-hit areas included DHA Phases 1 to 5, where standing water disrupted traffic on several important roads. Water also collected on routes connecting Defence Mor, LUMS Road, Main Boulevard DHA, Watain Chowk and Ghazi Chowk, resulting in long traffic jams and slow vehicle movement. Authorities temporarily closed the Ghazi Underpass and Masjid Chowk Underpass after they were flooded. Traffic police diverted vehicles to alternative routes to prevent accidents and reduce congestion. Waterlogging was also reported in Harbanspura, Mall Road, Cooper Road, Lakshmi Chowk and Chouburji Chowk, where drainage teams continued water removal operations. The heavy rainfall exposed weaknesses in the city’s drainage system as rainwater entered houses in several low-lying areas. Residents complained that they were forced to remove water from their homes themselves because drainage operations were unable to reach many affected neighbourhoods quickly. The rain also damaged road infrastructure. Large sinkholes appeared on Canal Road, Johar Town Main Boulevard, Bhekay Wala Mor and Khayaban-e-Firdousi. Traffic police immediately cordoned off the affected sections, diverted vehicles and called in repair teams to secure the damaged roads. PDMA said rain-related incidents across Punjab have so far claimed 21 lives during the ongoing monsoon season, while 154 people have been injured. Most fatalities resulted from building collapses, while others were caused by lightning strikes, electrocution and drowning. Authorities also reported damage to dozens of houses across the province. Following the latest spell of rain, district administrations were directed to remain on high alert and prepare for possible urban flooding and emergency situations. Officials advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, stay away from electricity poles, exposed wires and weak buildings, and follow official safety instructions. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) activated emergency drainage operations across Lahore. Disposal stations continued operating at full capacity, while dewatering pumps, heavy machinery and additional staff were deployed to remove rainwater from flooded roads and underpasses. Emergency control rooms also monitored conditions around the clock to coordinate the response.