Eight terrorists killed, two kids martyred in South Waziristan operation: ISPR

RAWALPINDI

Staff RepoRt

Security forces killed eight terrorists during an operation in South Waziristan while two children also embraced martyrdom during exchange of fire, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday.

According to ISPR, the military media wing, the security forces carried out an operation after getting information about the presence of terrorists in Zinghara area of South Waziristan. During intense exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists including mortar fire, eight terrorists were killed, whereas two soldiers sustained injuries, the ISPR said.

Unfortunately, two children also embraced martyrdom during exchange of fire, according to the ISPR.

A few days ago, five terrorists were gunned down by security forces in an operation following an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in North Waziristan’s Datta Khel general area.

According to the military’s media wing, an intelligence-based operation (IBO) – conducted in North and South Waziristan Districts – was followed by a sanitisation of the area by security forces.

“During intense exchange of fire, five more terrorists were killed,” ISPR said.

Meanwhile, Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan of Jamaat-e-Islami in a tweet said: “There are reports of a drone attack on Khadu Khel market in Zinghara area in Ladha Tehsil of South Waziristan, in which two children, aged 5 years were martyred. The security forces should to explain the situation.” In the tweet, the JI senator said: “Drone attacks are unacceptable and will be resisted.”

Staff RepoRt

In a discussion at the Development Cooperation Forum (DFC), Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, emphasised the need for development planning to take into account climate risks, particularly for the most climate-vulnerable countries like Pakistan, which suffered devastating floods last August. He noted the concept of development has evolved to focus not only on economic growth but also on countries’ resilience to climate shocks, which is essential for sustainable infrastructure. Ambassador Akram highlighted that while building development with resilience can be costly, adaptation generally implies sustainable infrastructure, a core aspect of development. However, he warned against the assumption that private sector resources will finance sustainable infrastructure projects, as they require longterm financing with no commercial return. Therefore, public financing is needed. To rebuild in a way that can withstand similar climate phenomena, Ambassador Akram said that Pakistan needed an additional $13.5 billion beyond the $16.5 billion required to repair lost infrastructure, homes, and agricultural land after the massive flooding. He called on donor countries to fulfil their commitments to help developing countries fight the adverse impacts of climate change and urged the United Nations and its country offices to play a significant role in assisting countries in preparing projects and plans to attract financing from international sources.

Sanjrani emphasises Senate’s role in strengthening democracy

ISLAMABAD

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The Senate commemorated its 50th anniversary at a special session held at the Parliament House in Islamabad on Wednesday. Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani presided over the session, which will continue for three days, Radio Pakistan reported. In his opening remarks, the chairman emphasized the important role played by the Upper House in strengthening parliamentary democracy in Pakistan. He announced the commemorative session will feature speeches by former Chairmen and members of the Senate, as well as representatives of various provincial assemblies, chambers of commerce and industries, bar councils, and foreign envoys working in Pakistan. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar also addressed the Senate, stressing the importance of maintaining continuity in the democratic system while ensuring transparent fiscal discipline. He praised the Senate’s role in maintaining unity and solidarity among the provinces and providing equal representation, despite facing challenges. Dar, who also serves as Leader of the House in the Senate, acknowledged the Upper House’s contributions to the quality of legislation as a deliberative chamber with diverse experience. He also highlighted the Senate’s role in forging national unity and cohesion and managing conflicts and disputes among provinces with institutional legitimacy. Former and sitting members of the House presented their perspectives on the Senate’s past accomplishments and future challenges facing Pakistan. As part of the commemorative session, the Chairman Senate conferred honorary shields on all the speakers, including Raja Zafar-ul-Haq, Aitzaz Ahsan, Ilyas Bilour, Jan Jamali, Sehar Kamran, Syed Hidayatullah Shah, Farhatullah Babar, Farah Aqil Shah, Dr Jahanzeb Jalamldini, Abida Azeem, Prince Ahmed Umar Ahmedzai, Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, Maulana Ataur Rehman, Behramand Tangi, Dinesh Kumar, Farooq H. Naek, Hidayatullah Khan, and Faiz Muhammad.

eCp issues schedule for new delimitations in islamabad

ISLAMABAD Staff RepoRt

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday unveiled the schedule of new delimitations for Islamabad local government (LG) polls. According to the ECP schedule, the delimitation process begins for 125 Union Councils (UCs). The commission will establish 750 general wards and 250 women wards in the constituencies. The ECP spokesman said that the delimitation process of Islamabad will be completed by May 18. The regional election commissioner Rawalpindi was given the responsibility of the delimitations. According to the schedule, objections regarding the constituencies will be submitted to the concerned authority comprising of election commissioners of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.