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Four India-backed terrorists killed in Kalat IBO: ISPR

ISPR

RAWALPINDI: Four terrorists were killed as security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Kalat district of Balochistan, the military’s media wing ISPR said on Tuesday.

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted an intelligence based operation in Kalat District of Balochistan, on reported presence of terrorists belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Hindustan.

During the conduct of operation, own forces effectively engaged the terrorists’ location, and after an intense fire exchange, four Indian sponsored terrorists were sent to hell.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.

Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored terrorist found in the area. Relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision “Azm e Istehkam” (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.

Pakistan, Japan sign agreement to improve child healthcare in South Punjab

Pakistan

Islamabad: The Government of Pakistan and Japan have signed a grant agreement aimed at enhancing child healthcare services, particularly in southern Punjab.

According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Japanese government will provide financial assistance for improving pediatric healthcare in the region.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will extend a grant of 2.91 billion Japanese yen, equivalent to approximately USD 18.62 million.

Under the project, the Children’s Hospital and Institute of Child Health (ICH) Multan will be upgraded to strengthen medical facilities. ICH Multan, the largest tertiary care children’s hospital in the region, will receive improved healthcare infrastructure to ensure more effective and quality services for children.

The Exchange of Notes was signed on behalf of Pakistan by Secretary Economic Affairs Muhammad Hamir Karim, while Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi signed on behalf of the Government of Japan.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Muhammad Hamir Karim expressed appreciation for the valuable support of the Japanese government and people, assuring full facilitation to ensure the successful implementation of the project.

 He added that Pakistan looks forward to further strengthening meaningful cooperation between the two countries.

Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to close collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of deepening friendly relations and bilateral cooperation in the health sector.

Pakistan, Indonesia discuss expanding bilateral defence cooperation

Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Field Marshal Asim Munir on Monday held a meeting with Indonesia’s Defence Minister, Lieutenant General (Retd) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, at General Headquarters (GHQ), where both sides discussed avenues for enhancing bilateral defence cooperation.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting focused on exploring new areas to strengthen defence collaboration between Pakistan and Indonesia. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global security developments.

Both sides underscored the importance of Pakistan–Indonesia defence industrial cooperation and emphasized the need to further strengthen institutional linkages between the two countries. The significance of enhanced training collaboration was also highlighted during the discussion.

The Indonesian Defence Minister lauded the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He also expressed Indonesia’s desire to further broaden defence relations with Pakistan.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening sustainable defence ties with Indonesia, based on shared values and common strategic interests.

IED attacks in Tank and Lakki Marwat kill 7, injure 3 police officers

IED attacks in Tank

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: At least seven people, including six police officers and one civilian, were killed in separate IED attacks on police in Tank and Lakki Marwat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while three other police personnel were injured.

In the first incident, an explosive device targeted a police armored personnel carrier (APC) in the Gomal area of Tank, approximately 25 kilometers from Kotwali.

The blast completely destroyed the vehicle. Initial reports confirmed that six police officers, including Station House Officer (SHO) Ishaq Ahmed Khan, ASI Sher Aslam Khan, driver Abdul Majeed, Arshad Ali, Hazrat Ali, and Ihsanullah, were killed.

A civilian bystander, whose identity is yet to be confirmed, also lost his life, bringing the total death toll to seven. Rescue 1122 teams were dispatched to the site, transferring the injured and deceased to nearby hospitals.

The second attack occurred near Darra Tang in the jurisdiction of Lakki Marwat’s Saddar Police Station, where an IED exploded, injuring SHO Razaq Khan and two other police officers.

The explosive device was reportedly placed near the Darra Tang bridge. District Police Officer (DPO) Lakki Marwat was on his routine patrol in the area at the time and was reportedly expected to pass through the same route.

Authorities noted that the area had witnessed another incident recently, in which an unknown armed group abducted a local lawyer.

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, has called for an immediate report from senior officials regarding the Tank attack. He expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured officers.

In his statement, the Governor said, “Our brave personnel sacrificed their lives protecting the citizens’ lives and property. We take pride in our martyrs. The acts of terrorism, backed by external forces, will not weaken our resolve. The provincial government must remain vigilant and take concrete measures to ensure the security and peace of the province.”

Pakistan, Bangladesh launch scholarship program for 500 students

Pakistan

KARACHI: Pakistan and Bangladesh have reached an educational agreement, under which 500 Bangladeshi students will be enrolled in Pakistani universities in the first phase of the program.

According to sources from the Higher Education Commission (HEC), students will be placed across various universities in multiple cities. The scholarship program, named after Allama Iqbal, will allow Bangladeshi students to pursue fully funded undergraduate programs in Pakistan.

HEC sources added that a large number of Bangladeshi students participated in entry tests conducted under the HEC framework. The exams were held in Chattogram, Dhaka, and Rajshahi.

The sources noted that Bangladeshi students warmly welcomed Pakistani officials during the testing process and took photographs with them, reflecting strong goodwill and enthusiasm for the educational collaboration.

Pakistan Navy conducts successful trial of LY-80 air defence missile

Pakistan Navy

KARACHI: Pakistan Navy demonstrated its operational readiness and combat preparedness through a comprehensive exercise in the North Arabian Sea, showcasing both conventional and unmanned capabilities, as per dictates of evolving naval warfare.

The exercise included the successful live firing of LY-80(N) Surface to Air Missile (SAM) from Vertical Launching System at extended range, validating the long-range capabilities of Pakistan Navy’s modern air defence systems. LY-80(N) SAM successfully engaged and neutralized an aerial target, demonstrating Pakistan Navy’s robust air defence capabilities.

The exercise also featured the successful engagement of surface targets using Loitering Munition (LM), demonstrating Pakistan Navy’s precision strike capabilities. Loitering Munition (LM) successfully engaged and destroyed surface targets, showcasing its effectiveness in modern naval warfare.

Successful open-sea trials of Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) were also conducted, marking a significant leap in autonomous naval technology.

The trials validated the platform’s ability to combine high-speed performance with mission-critical durability. Key capabilities demonstrated include extreme maneuverability, precision navigation and weather resilience. USV offers a low-risk, high-impact solution with the stealth of a tactical interceptor.

Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Abdul Munib, witnessed the exercise, which showcased Pakistan Navy’s ability to employ advanced systems.

Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, commended officers and men of Pakistan Navy for their professionalism and operational competence. He reaffirmed Pakistan Navy’s resolve to ensure seaward defence of Pakistan and safeguard national maritime interests under all circumstances.

Pakistan’s overseas workforce exceeds 700,000 in 2025: Official Data

Pakistan’s overseas

ISLAMABAD: More than 762,000 Pakistanis moved overseas for employment in 2025, including 18,352 highly educated professionals, according to official data released by the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment.

The bureau reported that 762,499 Pakistanis sought jobs abroad in 2025, marking an increase from 727,381 in 2024.

Professional Breakdown

According to the data, those who left Pakistan for overseas employment in 2025 included:

5,659 accountants

10,503 cooks

3,795 doctors

5,946 engineers

1,640 nurses

1,725 teachers

163,718 drivers

6,475 electricians

In addition, 465,138 laborers, 5,700 masons, 12,703 technicians, 11,777 managers, 2,306 plumbers, and 2,027 waiters also secured foreign employment.

Skill Levels

The bureau categorized overseas workers as follows:

18,352 highly educated individuals

13,657 highly skilled workers

222,171 skilled workers

42,257 semi-skilled workers

466,062 unskilled workers

Top Destination Countries

Saudi Arabia remained the top destination, receiving 530,256 Pakistani workers, followed by:

Qatar: 68,376

United Arab Emirates: 52,664

Bahrain: 37,726

Kuwait: 6,590

South Korea: 39

Among Western and European destinations:

United States: 1,005

United Kingdom: 4,355

Germany: 984

Italy: 813

Other notable destinations included China (2,230), Japan (2,210), and Romania (1,109).

Officials say the data highlights Pakistan’s continued reliance on overseas employment as a major source of livelihood and foreign remittances.

PM Shahbaz orders high-loss electricity feeders to shift to solar energy

PM Shahbaz orders

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed that high-loss electricity feeders be transitioned to solar energy, aiming to reduce losses and ensure a reliable power supply.

During a review meeting on ongoing reforms in the energy sector, the Prime Minister emphasized that feeders with higher losses should be converted to solar power with the support of provincial governments. He noted that this initiative would decrease financial losses and provide continuous electricity to affected areas.

The Prime Minister also instructed that pilot projects be launched immediately in high-loss feeders under PESCO and K-Electric (KESCO).

In addition, Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has instructed all relevant authorities to prepare a more effective and beneficial Ramadan package, surpassing last year’s efforts.

During a review meeting on third-party validation of the proposed federal government Ramadan package and last year’s package, PM Shahbaz Sharif praised the report issued by an independent audit agency for confirming the transparency of last year’s initiative.

Speaking at the meeting, the Prime Minister said that the government had established a transparent system to provide essential food items at subsidized rates to low-income citizens through the Ramadan package.

He noted that the decades-old utility stores system, which had been prone to financial irregularities, mismanagement, and exploitation of the poor, had been replaced with a fully transparent mechanism under the federal government.

PM Shehbaz blames neighboring countries for threats to Pakistan’s security

PM Shehbaz blames

Quetta: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the war against terrorism is still ongoing and will continue until its complete eradication, stressing that extremist elements are receiving support from neighboring countries.

Addressing a meeting in Quetta, the prime minister stated that the federal government remains fully committed to working with the Balochistan government to ensure the province’s development, stability, and public welfare.

Reiterating his resolve, PM Shehbaz said all available resources would be utilized to address Balochistan’s challenges, complete development projects, and provide relief to the people. He emphasized that peace and prosperity in Balochistan are vital for the overall progress of Pakistan.

The prime minister praised the Balochistan government for its efforts to promote development, improve law and order, strengthen political harmony, and effectively resolve public complaints registered through the Prime Minister’s Complaint Cell.

He noted that terrorism has created difficulties in Balochistan similar to those faced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding that the government will not rest until terrorism is eliminated. Referring to recent security operations, he said the enemy had been taught a lesson in the “Battle for Truth” that would not be forgotten.

Earlier, Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan briefed the prime minister on reforms undertaken across various sectors, progress on development projects, and key initiatives in education, healthcare, governance, and public service delivery.

It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Quetta earlier today on a one-day official visit.

COAS meets Bangladesh Air chief to strengthen defence cooperation

COAS meets

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Air Staff, Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics and avenues for enhancing bilateral defence and military cooperation were discussed.

 Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening professional collaboration, training exchanges and defence ties between the Armed Forces of Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces and appreciated their contributions towards regional peace and stability. The COAS & CDF reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to fostering enduring defence relations with Bangladesh.

The meeting concluded reflecting the longstanding and strong bonds between the two brotherly countries.