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Top military, political leadership agree to joint action against terrorism

Top military

PESHAWAR: A high-level meeting on law and order was held at the Corps Headquarters in Peshawar, attended by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, and the Corps Commander Peshawar.

According to sources, military and political leadership agreed to adopt a unified approach in the fight against terrorism.

The discussions between Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and other stakeholders were reported to be cordial.

The meeting also decided to implement the provincial government’s administrative framework in Malakand Division as a model for effective governance and security management.

Sources revealed that Chief Minister Afridi and his cabinet spent three hours at the Corps Headquarters, including a lunch session attended by the federal minister and other participants.

During the lunch, the Chief Minister and Mohsin Naqvi held close discussions and exchanged greetings with other officials.

The security meeting focused on strategies for ensuring permanent peace in the province, with an emphasis on adopting collective measures to improve the situation in tribal districts.

Pakistan beat USA by 32 runs in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Pakistan beat USA

COLOMBO: Pakistan registered their second consecutive victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, defeating the United States by 32 runs in a Group A match played in Colombo.

After winning the toss, the USA opted to field first, inviting Pakistan to bat. Pakistan posted a competitive total of 190 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs, with Sahibzada Farhan top-scoring with an impressive 73.

In reply, the United States could manage 158 runs for eight wickets in 20 overs, falling short of the target. Pakistan’s win also helped them avenge their defeat against the USA in 2024.

Pakistan made one change to their playing XI for the match, bringing in Usman Tariq in place of Salman Mirza.

Pakistan’s innings got off to a solid start as openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan put together a 54-run partnership. Saim Ayub was dismissed for 19, while captain Salman Ali Agha departed cheaply for just one run.

Farhan then added valuable runs alongside Babar Azam, completing his half-century with confident stroke play. Babar scored 46 off 32 balls before being dismissed, while Farhan’s innings came to an end at 73. Shadab Khan also made a quick impact, scoring 30 runs off just 12 deliveries.

For the USA, Shadley van Schalkwyk was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan had defeated the Netherlands by three wickets in a thrilling encounter, while the USA had suffered a loss against India.

Sindh bans photography in girls’ colleges to protect students’ privacy

Sindh bans

KARACHI: The Sindh government has imposed a ban on photography in government girls’ colleges across the province to prevent the misuse of students’ images on social media.

According to official details, the Sindh College Education Department has issued a formal notification directing principals of government girls’ colleges to strictly enforce the ban on taking photographs of students within college premises.

The measure aims to curb the unauthorised sharing and circulation of students’ images on social media platforms. The decision follows an advisory issued by the Special Secretary for Colleges, after which the Regional Director of College Education Karachi formally informed all government colleges through official correspondence.

Officials said the step was taken in response to multiple complaints regarding the misuse of photographs taken on college campuses. The ban has been introduced to safeguard the privacy, dignity and security of female students.

The Special Secretary noted that in several cases, unauthorised photographs of female teachers and students were secretly taken and shared on platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp and other digital media.

Following the directive, college principals and staff have been instructed to ensure strict compliance. Regional Director College Education Karachi, Professor Qazi Irshad, warned that disciplinary action would be taken against principals and staff found violating the ban.

It is worth mentioning that earlier the Punjab government had also imposed restrictions on the use of mobile phones by teachers and students in schools, directing district education officers to ensure strict implementation of the policy.

Pakistan to invest $1bn in Artificial Intelligence sector by 2030

Pakistan to invest

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the federal government will invest $1 billion in Pakistan’s artificial intelligence (AI) sector by 2030, aiming to build a future-ready digital economy and empower the country’s youth.

Addressing the inaugural session of Indus AI Week, the prime minister said the investment would be used to develop a strong and inclusive AI ecosystem across the country.

He revealed that AI will be introduced into the curriculum of all federally run schools, while 1,000 fully funded PhD scholarships in artificial intelligence will be offered nationwide by 2030.

In a major skills initiative, the prime minister also announced the launch of a nationwide programme to train one million non-IT professionals in AI-related skills, with the goal of improving productivity and enhancing livelihoods across various sectors.

“We are recovering lost revenues through technology and equipping our young men and women with quality skills in agriculture, commerce and trade,” Shehbaz Sharif said.

Highlighting ongoing digital reforms, the prime minister referred to initiatives such as the laptop distribution programme for high-achieving students in Punjab, establishment of e-libraries in remote areas, introduction of e-stamp papers, and digitisation of land records in collaboration with the World Bank, which he said had helped reduce corruption.

He also noted that Pakistan’s first Safe City project and first IT university were established in Lahore. “We have learned from the past, and today Pakistan is ready to join the global community in AI-driven transformation,” he added.

Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja said Indus AI Week aims to strengthen collaboration between universities, government institutions and international technology companies, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to a digital revolution.

 She added that the Pakistan Digital Authority is preparing a nationwide digital master plan to guide future transformation.

Meanwhile, Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal said the world has entered an era where intelligence itself has become a key factor of production, with nations now competing on ideas, talent, data and technology rather than traditional commodities.

He described artificial intelligence as a greater disruptor than electricity or the internet, noting that Pakistan’s engagement with technology began more than two decades ago through early IT policies, the establishment of NADRA, and sustained investment in advanced human capital.

Pakistan to play India in T20 World Cup after Sri Lanka President’s appeal

Pakistan to play

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to play its scheduled ICC T20 World Cup match against India on February 15.

According to sources, both Pakistan and India will participate in the T20 World Cup fixture as per the original schedule.

The decision comes following a request from the President of Sri Lanka, after which Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved holding the match against India.

In a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara, the Sri Lankan President requested that Pakistan play its scheduled T20 World Cup match against India in Sri Lanka.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, President Kumara emphasized the importance of the match and requested Pakistan’s participation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the sentiments, recalling Sri Lanka’s strong support for Pakistan during challenging times, including ensuring cricket continued in Pakistan.

The Prime Minister also noted Sri Lanka’s recent commendable gesture of not canceling their team’s tour of Pakistan, calling it an unforgettable action.

PM Shehbaz Sharif informed the Sri Lankan President that Pakistan would finalize its decision regarding the Pakistan-India match after consultations and provide updates accordingly.

President Kumara highlighted that even during times of terrorism, Pakistan supported Sri Lankan cricket and prioritized the long-standing bilateral relations by continuing cricket tours in Sri Lanka despite security challenges.

On the other hand,  Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally requested Pakistan to participate in the scheduled T20 World Cup match against India on February 15.

The request comes amid ongoing preparations for the tournament, emphasizing the importance of honoring the original match schedule to ensure a smooth and competitive event.

Afghan mastermind behind Islamabad suicide attack arrested: security sources

Afghan mastermind

ISLAMABAD: Authorities have arrested the Afghan mastermind behind the suicide bombing in Islamabad, security sources confirmed.

The attacker, linked to the banned ISIS organization, carried out the deadly attack in the suburban area of Tarlai Kalan, killing 33 people and injuring over 150 others at Imam Bargah and Khadijah-ul-Kubra Mosque.

According to officials, significant progress was made in the investigation through coordinated intelligence and law enforcement operations in Peshawar and Nowshera, resulting in the capture of four facilitators who aided the suicide bomber.

Security sources stated that the operations were carried out using both technical surveillance and human intelligence, leading to the identification and arrest of the key Afghan orchestrator.

The Islamabad attack has been described as one of the deadliest in recent years, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by terrorist networks in the region.

Authorities have made significant progress in the investigation of the suicide bombing at an Imam Bargah in Islamabad, police sources confirmed.

A raid conducted at the attacker’s home in Peshawar led to the arrest of two brothers, a brother-in-law, and a woman connected to the suspect. Investigators recovered the suicide bomber’s identity card at the blast site, which identified him as Yasir, with a permanent address in Abbas Colony, Shirojangi Charsadda Road, Peshawar, and a current residence in Ganj Mohalla, Qazian, Peshawar.

Authorities revealed that the attacker had spent five months in Afghanistan, where he received training in weapons handling and suicide bombing techniques.

Police have launched additional raids in Peshawar and Nowshera to track down the bomber’s network and accomplices, while the investigation continues into all aspects of the incident, including contacts and facilitators linked to the attack.

Officials said that further critical evidence is expected during the investigation, which will shed more light on the background of the terrorist act in Islamabad.

Meanwhile, one more injured person has succumbed to wounds from the suicide bombing at Khadijah-ul-Kubra Mosque and Imam Bargah in Tarlai, Islamabad, raising the death toll to 33, hospital sources confirmed.

According to hospital officials, the bodies of all 33 victims have been handed over to their families. Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) received 149 casualties from the blast, including 28 deceased and 121 injured.

After overnight medical treatment, 64 injured patients remain at PIMS, with 20 in critical condition and 9 in the ICU. Injuries are being treated in Surgical Ward 1 and Surgical Ward 4, while 13 other patients are under care at Polyclinic Hospital.

The attack, which occurred yesterday in Tarlai, Islamabad, targeted the Imam Bargah and Khadijah-ul-Kubra Mosque, leaving the community in shock and prompting ongoing investigations.

India-sponsored Daesh affiliate behind Islamabad attack in custody, confirms Naqvi

India-sponsored

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has accused India of secretly running terror networks within Pakistan, supplying funding and operational targets to proscribed militant groups.

Addressing a press conference in the federal capital, Naqvi claimed that India is financing and directing groups such as Daesh and the Taliban, while several terrorist factions are being operated from Afghan territory. “I am stating this with absolute clarity: all funding and targeting of proscribed organizations is being done by India,” he said, adding that India has placed these groups on the frontlines while remaining hidden in the background.

The interior minister further alleged that although the world may remain silent today, a time will come when every country will name India as a sponsor of terrorism. He said India has increased its budget threefold since May, and Pakistani authorities are fully aware of these developments.

Naqvi stated that after failing to achieve its objectives through conventional means, India has now resorted to indirect warfare. “No matter how much India increases its budget, even tenfold, we will defeat them,” he asserted, adding that Pakistan is effectively in a state of war, whether in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or Balochistan.

Referring to recent security operations, the interior minister said that terrorist attacks in Balochistan were effectively countered, and emphasized the need to further strengthen community intelligence. He noted that timely actions by intelligence agencies had foiled several major terror plots.

Mohsin Naqvi revealed that a total of four terrorists have been arrested, and said more details would be shared in the coming days. He also confirmed that the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has been declared a globally banned organization.

Concluding his remarks, the interior minister said that terrorism is a regional threat and urged the international community to raise its voice. “The world must realize who will suffer if this war spreads further,” he warned, adding that in the coming days, the Deputy Prime Minister is expected to brief stakeholders on the situation.

“We are fighting a war against terrorism and bearing the cost in the form of our own martyrs,” Naqvi said, reiterating Pakistan’s resolve to continue counterterrorism efforts.

Maryam Nawaz cancels Basant events following deadly blast

Maryam Nawaz

ISLAMABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced the cancellation of all her scheduled Basant-related activities for tomorrow following a deadly suicide bombing in the federal capital.

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Maryam Nawaz said that the mega Basant show at Liberty Square has also been called off in light of the tragic incident.

She emphasized that it is crucial for the nation to remain united against “Khawarij and their facilitators,” adding that no mercy will be shown to terrorists and no compromise will be made on Pakistan’s defense.

The attack took place during Friday prayers at Masjid and Imambargah Khadijat-ul-Kubra in Tralai, a suburban area of Islamabad. According to initial reports, around 32 people have been martyred while more than 169 sustained injuries.

Government sources confirmed that the suicide bomber has been identified, stating that he had received terrorist training in Afghanistan and had traveled there multiple times.

Massive third-degree blaze erupts at plastic factory in Landhi

Massive

KARACHI: A massive fire that erupted at a plastic factory in the Landhi Export Processing Zone has been declared a third-degree blaze.

According to officials, the fire has engulfed a large portion of the factory’s first floor and spread to a nearby warehouse.

Authorities warned that the blaze has also begun advancing toward a third factory in the area. As a precaution, people inside that facility were safely evacuated, while continuous water spraying operations are underway to contain the fire and prevent further spread.

The Karachi Fire Brigade is battling the blaze with at least 10 fire engines, supported by water bowsers and snorkels.

However, traffic congestion in the industrial area caused delays for some firefighting vehicles, complicating rescue and containment efforts.

To ensure smooth operations, authorities are working to clear access routes within the Landhi Export Processing Zone.

Sindh Inspector General of Police has directed the SSP Malir and SP Traffic to reach the scene, manage traffic flow, and ensure security in the affected area.

Sindh Rangers personnel also reached the site shortly after the incident and joined the firefighting and rescue operations.

 Additional Rangers have been deployed around the affected buildings to assist emergency teams, regulate traffic, and secure the premises. A Rangers spokesperson said that saving lives and preventing the fire from spreading further remain the top priorities.

Emergency arrangements were also made at water hydrants in Landhi and Sherpao. The Karachi Water Corporation ensured an uninterrupted water supply, while additional water tankers were deployed and will remain operational until the fire is fully brought under control.

So far, no casualties have been reported. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.

Sindh Chief Minister has taken notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the Commissioner Karachi.

Emergency directives have been issued to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and fire services to ensure coordinated response efforts.

Authorities have also ordered a comprehensive inquiry and instructed relevant departments to provide immediate assistance to affected workers and their families.

Security forces kill 24 terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IBOs

Security forces

RAWALPINDI: Security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa successfully neutralized 24 terrorists during two separate operations on February 4 and 5, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The militants, affiliated with Indian-backed proxy group Fitna al-Khawarij, were targeted in coordinated actions in the Orakzai and Khyber districts.

In Orakzai, security forces conducted an operation based on intelligence reports, striking militant hideouts. During intense gunfights, 14 terrorists were killed.

In a separate operation in Khyber district, 10 more terrorists were killed following an exchange of fire with security personnel.

The ISPR confirmed that search operations continue against other Indian-supported militants in the region. The clearance operations aim to eliminate all remaining terrorist elements, ensuring long-term stability.

The operations are part of the Pakistan Army’s anti-terrorism campaign “Vision Azm-e-Istiqamat”, reflecting a decisive crackdown on Indian-backed terrorism across the province.