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Pakistan News

Six terrorists killed, seven policemen martyred in attack on DI Khan

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Six terrorists

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: At least six terrorists, including a suicide bomber, were killed while seven policemen embraced martyrdom during a terrorist attack on the Police Training School in Dera Ismail Khan on Friday night.

According to DSP Hafiz Muhammad Adnan, the terrorists launched a suicide attack on the Police Training School at around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday night.

Security forces and police personnel swiftly responded, and a joint operation continued late into the night to clear the premises.

The DSP confirmed that all five terrorists, including one suicide bomber, were killed during the exchange of fire, while seven police personnel lost their lives in the line of duty.

The Hospital Director said that 13 injured personnel were brought to the DHQ Trauma Centre for medical treatment.

According to the DG Public Relations Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, around 200 police officers and recruits were successfully rescued during the operation. The training school and the nearby NADRA office were also cleared by the security forces.

On the other hand, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the terrorist attack carried out by Khawarij militants on the Police Training Centre in Dera Ismail Khan and paid rich tribute to the seven police personnel who embraced martyrdom while valiantly resisting the attackers.

Expressing heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the martyrs, the Interior Minister prayed for the early recovery of the injured officials.

“The brave police personnel sacrificed their lives to foil the cowardly attack of the Khawarij terrorists,” Mohsin Naqvi said, lauding their courage and professionalism.

He commended the security forces and police for killing three Khawarij terrorists during the operation and preventing a larger tragedy.

“The police fought with exceptional bravery and thwarted the nefarious designs of the terrorists,” the minister added.

Mohsin Naqvi further said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have rendered unforgettable sacrifices in the nation’s ongoing fight against terrorism.

500 electric buses to hit roads in Karachi, Hyderabad soon

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electric buses

KARACHI: To modernize urban mobility and reduce environmental pollution, the Sindh government has approved the introduction of 500 electric buses across Karachi and Hyderabad..

The decision was made during a meeting of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy Board, chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.

 The meeting was attended by provincial ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon and Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, along with board members and relevant officials.

The PPP Policy Board approved the Peoples Green Transport Project under the Public-Private Partnership mode to introduce a large fleet of electric buses in Karachi and Hyderabad. The Board endorsed the project’s scope, structure and risk matrix, and accepted the amended unsolicited proposal submitted by a private firm, granting it the Right of First Refusal and exemption from the prequalification process. It also authorised the initiation of the investor solicitation process to engage a private partner.

Under the project, 500 electric buses will be deployed in phases along with depots, charging infrastructure, bus shelters, and an automatic fare collection and intelligent transport system. The project, to be executed on a DBFMOT model with a 12-year concession period, is expected to serve over 200,000 passengers daily, integrate with the Green Line BRT, and significantly improve urban mobility. The Board termed the initiative a major step toward clean, modern, and efficient public transport in Sindh.

On the other hand, the meeting also decided to outsource the Radiology and Diagnostic Labs Services of Chandaka Hospital and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC)Karachi.

During the session, the board approved several key projects, including the construction of an elevated expressway from Karachi Port to Qayyumabad, the plantation of riverine forests on 41,000 hectares in Jamshoro and Matiari, and the implementation of a concession agreement for the Science and Technology Park at NED University.

Who is Nobel Peace laureate Maria Corina Machado?

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Maria Corina Machado celebrating Nobel Peace Prize win with Venezuelan supporters.

The Nobel Committee recognized Machado for “her unwavering commitment to non-violent political reform and her courage in the face of persecution.”

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her decades-long struggle to restore democracy, defend human rights, and promote political freedom in Venezuela — a nation suffering under years of authoritarian rule and economic crisis.

Who Is Maria Corina Machado?

Born on October 7, 1967, in Caracas, Maria Corina Machado is a 58-year-old industrial engineer and one of the most influential figures in Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement.

Coming from an upper-class family with deep ties to Venezuela’s industrial sector, she co-founded Súmate, a civil organization promoting electoral transparency. Over the years, she became one of the fiercest critics of the late Hugo Chávez and his successor, President Nicolás Maduro.

Her liberal economic stance — advocating privatization of state enterprises like PDVSA, along with strong social welfare for the poor — made her both a popular and polarizing figure.

Political Persecution and Defiance

Machado’s political journey has been marked by constant threats, arrests, and political bans. In 2023, she won Venezuela’s opposition primary with overwhelming support and was widely seen as the leading challenger to Maduro in the 2024 presidential elections.

However, the government banned her from holding public office, effectively blocking her candidacy. Despite the ban, her campaign inspired mass rallies and renewed hope among opposition supporters.

Facing repeated harassment, Machado went into hiding for safety. She briefly resurfaced to join a protest before Maduro’s controversial inauguration, where she was arrested and later released after international condemnation.

Her Message: “Our Struggle Is Collective”

In her Nobel acceptance message, Machado said the award “belongs to every Venezuelan who refuses to surrender their dignity.”

She emphasized that her mission is to “rebuild democratic institutions, restore economic freedom, and give voice to millions silenced by fear.”

Her campaign slogan — “Vamos con todo” (We go all in) — has become a rallying cry for citizens demanding change.

Global Reactions

World leaders, human rights organizations, and activists worldwide have praised the Nobel Committee’s decision.

  • European Union officials hailed Machado as “a symbol of democratic resistance in Latin America.”
  • Human Rights Watch said the award highlights “the urgent need for global solidarity with Venezuela’s political prisoners.”
  • In Latin America, opposition leaders from Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina celebrated her recognition as a victory for all who fight against authoritarianism.

Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government condemned the award, calling it “a political interference by Western powers.” State media described the decision as “an insult to the sovereignty of Venezuela.”

Why It Matters

Machado’s Nobel win is more than a personal triumph — it’s a political statement that puts Venezuela’s human rights situation back in the global spotlight.

Over the past decade, millions of Venezuelans have fled economic collapse, hyperinflation, and repression. International observers see Machado’s recognition as a turning point that may pressure the Maduro government to open dialogue and allow free elections.

Venezuela’s Human Rights Context

  • Over 7 million Venezuelans have fled the country since 2015 (UNHCR).
  • Inflation peaked at 400% in 2024, according to IMF estimates.
  • The UN Human Rights Office has reported hundreds of cases of arbitrary detention and torture linked to political dissent.
  • The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating alleged crimes against humanity committed by Venezuelan authorities.

A Nobel That Rekindles Hope

Maria Corina Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize marks a rare global acknowledgment of Latin America’s democratic struggles.

For many Venezuelans, it revives faith that their decades-long fight for freedom is not forgotten.

Two high-profile militants eliminated in CTD raid in Bannu

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Bannu

BANNU: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) neutralized two most-wanted militants during an intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district.

According to the CTD, one of the slain terrorists was the mastermind behind the killing of four police personnel. The terrorist, identified as Khalid, was involved in several attacks on CTD and police officials in 2023.

According to the CTD, 2 Kalashnikovs, 6 magazines and 2 hand grenades were recovered from the terrorists’ possession.

A few terrorists’ associates escaped, CTD spokesman CTD said.

Punjab restricts protests and public gatherings province-wide

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Punjab

LAHORE: The Punjab government has enforced Section 144 across the province, restricting public gatherings and the display of firearms for the next ten days.

According to a notification issued by the Home Department, the restrictions have been enforced to maintain law and order in the province. The ban applies to rallies, processions, and sit-ins, which will remain prohibited during this period.

The ongoing notification states that under Section 144, the display of weapons and public gatherings will also be banned in the province.

Meanwhile, the use of loudspeakers besides Azan and Sermon across the province will also be prohibited.

It is to be remembered that Tehreek -e –Labbaik Pakistan has announced a march towards Islamabad today, there were some incidents of clashes between TLP workers and police in different cities of Punjab including Lahore.

Bilawal calls emergency meeting after PML-N remarks

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Bilawal

ISLAMABAD: As tensions escalate between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has called an emergency meeting of senior party leaders to discuss the situation

According to party insiders, the meeting — to be held via Zoom — will be attended by members of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) and senior leadership. The session is expected to finalise the party’s future strategy regarding the PML-N.

Sources further revealed that Bilawal will also brief participants on the PPP leadership’s late-night meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari and the PML-N delegation.

On the other hand, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has convened a meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) at Bilawal House Karachi on October 18, to discuss the country’s political situation and future course of action, according to an official statement.

The meeting comes at a time when relations between PPP and its coalition partner, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), have been strained for several weeks.

The leaders from both parties have engaged in an escalating exchange of accusations, underscoring widening cracks within the ruling alliance.

President Asif Ali Zardari held a late-night meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to review the country’s evolving political situation, as tensions persist between coalition allies PPP and PML-N.

The leaders discussed matters pertaining to the overall security and political situation in the country, as well as recent regional and international developments.

The PPP and the PML-N’s Punjab leadership have been engaged in a war of words for the past many days over issues ranging from flood compensation to water rights in the context of the Cholistan canals project.

Seven militants killed, Major martyred in security operation

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Seven militants

RAWALPINDI: Seven terrorists belonging to the outlawed Khwarij group were killed during a security forces’ operation in the Daraban area of Dera Ismail Khan, the military’s media wing reported on Thursday.

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Security forces conducted an intelligence based operation in general area Daraban, Dera Ismail Khan District, on reported presence of Khwarij belonging to Indian Proxy, Fitna al Khwarij.

During the conduct of operation, due to effective engagement by own troops seven Indian sponsored khwarij were sent to hell.

However, during the intense fire exchange, 30-years old Major Sibtain Haider resident of District Quetta a brave officer who was leading his troops from the front, having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies as well as killing of innocent civilians.

Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored Kharji found in the area, as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian Sponsored Terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave sons further strengthen our resolve.

Zardari, Dar discuss politics amid PPP-PML-N rift

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Zardari

ISLAMABAD: Amid rising friction between the ruling coalition partners, PPP and PML-N, President Asif Ali Zardari met with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday night to deliberate on the prevailing political climate

The leaders discussed matters pertaining to the overall security and political situation in the country, as well as recent regional and international developments, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.

DPM/FM Senator Ishaq Dar, who recently attended the United Nations General Assembly session and held several interactions with foreign dignitaries, briefed the president on his engagements and shared insights on pressing global and regional issues.

The PPP and the PML-N’s Punjab leadership have been engaged in a war of words for the past many days over issues ranging from flood compensation to water rights in the context of the Cholistan canals project.

The PPP, which is in power in Sindh, has been particularly incensed by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s remarks, whose party is also leading the federal government.

Earlier, a post on X by the PPP announced party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s move to call a meeting of the party’s top brass.

“Important decisions regarding national politics will be made in the meeting of the PPP’s central executive committee,“it said.

Former Pakistani senator released after five days in Israeli jail

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Pakistani senator

AMMAN: Former senator Mushtaq Ahmed has released a video statement following his release from Israeli detention, saying he has reached Jordan along with 150 companions.

In a post shared on social media platform X, Mushtaq Ahmed said they were held for five days in Israel’s notorious Negev Desert prison, where they were subjected to harsh treatment.

“Our hands were tied behind our backs, blindfolds were placed over our eyes, and shackles were put on our feet during the detention,” he revealed in the video message.

Former senator Mushtaq Ahmed has detailed the severe mistreatment he and others faced during their detention in Israel, following his release and arrival in Jordan with 150 companions.

In a video message posted on social media platform X, Mushtaq said they were attacked by dogs, threatened with guns, and subjected to brutal torture while held for five days in Israel’s notorious Negev Desert prison. He added that detainees were denied access to air, medicine, and even water, forcing them to stage a three-day hunger strike to press their demands.

Mushtaq Ahmed reaffirmed that the struggle for Palestine’s freedom will continue, pledging efforts to save Gaza, bring perpetrators to justice, and repeatedly break Israel’s blockade.c

Four injured as blast derails Jaffar Express near Shikarpur

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Shikarpur

SHIKARPUR:  Four coaches of the Jaffar Express derailed near Sultan Kot village in Shikarpur on Tuesday following an explosion on the railway track.

According to police, four passengers were injured in the incident and shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

A bomb disposal squad has been called to the site to determine the nature of the explosion and collect evidence from the damaged section of the track.

Police say the railway operation has been temporarily suspended after the blast, while arrangements are being made to send passengers by buses.

According to the DS Railway, repair of the affected track has been started and the track repair can take 8 to 10 hours, but there is no train on the track before 5pm.

On the other hand, Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar has sought a detailed report from the SSP Shikarpur following the explosion on a railway track that caused coaches of the Jaffar Express to derail.

The home minister directed authorities to launch an immediate investigation into the incident and ensure that the terrorists responsible for damaging the railway track are brought to justice at the earliest.

Lanjar emphasized the need to trace the culprits through concrete evidence and thorough investigation and instructed officials to keep him informed of all developments related to the probe.

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah strongly condemned the explosion on the railway track near Kot Sultan that caused several coaches of the Jaffar Express to derail.

According to a spokesperson, the chief minister has sought a detailed report from the Inspector General of Police regarding the incident.

He also directed the Commissioner of Larkana to ensure that the injured passengers receive the best possible medical treatment.

Murad Ali Shah further instructed authorities to dispatch rescue teams immediately to provide timely assistance to the affected passengers.

The police and bomb disposal squad are present at the site and are investigating the nature of the blast, the Sindh police chief confirmed.