On
Naseer
Iran, Israel intensify attacks as war escalates
ting EoIs and
Divestment of
privatization has
on
ongoing privatisation strategy for PIA, which has long been seeking strategic investors for restructuring and financial revival of one of the most lossmaking public entities in the country Last month the government extended the deadline for submitting Expressions of Interest (EoI) from both domestic and international investors who are interested in acquiring a majority stake in PIA ranging from 51% to 100% The new deadline for submissions is June 19 2025 an extension from the original deadline of June 3 2025 However, all other terms and conditions for the privatization process remain unchanged The advertisement issued by the government confirms
June 19, 2025 The terms and conditions for the privatization process remain as initially outlined According to the public notice each EoI must be accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee of $5 000 or Rs 1 4 million In the case of consortia, only one member is required to pay the fee Eligible bidders include legal entities such as companies, firms, and corporate bodies, either individually or as part of a consortium PIA is majority-owned by the government which holds about 96% of the airline s capital through PIA Holding Company Limited (PHCL) A previous attempt to privatise PIA in 2024 failed after the government
16:00
The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) approved eight major development projects worth Rs 25 191 billion on Saturday with an additional project of Rs 10 671 billion recommended to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval The meeting chaired by Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal saw the approval of key projects across various sectors, including energy, education, transportation, and technology The session was attended by senior officials including Awais Manzur Sumra Secretary Planning and representatives from provincial planning boards and federal ministries One of the major projects approved was in the food and agriculture sector, with Rs 990 million allocated to establish the “Speed Breeding Platform for
Development of Climate-Smart Hybrid Crops The project aims to enhance the development of weather-resistant crops using hybrid technology In the higher education sector, the committee approved the “Dr A Q Khan Institute of Materials & Emerging Sciences with an investment of Rs 3 538 billion The institute will be established at Quaid-e-Azam University and will focus on materials science and emerging technologies Technical assistance for the project will be provided by the University of Cambridge For the information technology sector the Digitalization of In-House Processes & Automation of Examination System of Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) project was approved with an allocation of Rs 3 048 billion The project is designed to modernize FPSC’s recruitment process aligning with the government s broader e-governance vision under the Digital Pakistan initiative The committee also approved Rs 3 385 billion for the NILOP – PIEAS
Emerging Technologies Center aiming to enhance Pakistan s technological capabilities to address challenges related to the digital and industrial revolutions A key project in the energy sector, the “16 MW Hydropower Project Nalter-III” in Gilgit-Baltistan was recommended to ECNEC for approval This project worth Rs 10 671 billion aims to improve energy access in the region The project includes a canal construction, sedimentation basin, and a 10 km transmission line to provide muchneeded power to the area In transportation four projects were approved including road expansions in Chitral Loralai and Punjab and a feasibility study for trans-Afghan rail connectivity under the URAAN Pakistan initiative The committee also reviewed the “Action to Strengthen Performance for Inclusive and Responsive Education project funded by the World Bank which aims to transform Islamabad s education system into a model for other provinces
R U M P A D M I N I S T R AT I O N W E I G H S A D D I N G 3 6
O U N T R I E S T O T R AV E L B A N , M E M O S AY S
to ensure the safety of Americans and that foreign nationals follow our laws,” a senior State Department official said, declining to comment on specific internal deliberations and communications The Department of State is committed to protecting our nation and its citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process,”
were the nationals of the country were involved in acts of terrorism in the United States, or antisemitic and anti-American activity
The cable noted that not all of these concerns pertained to every country listed “We are constantly reevaluating policies
A P P Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan s commitment for contributing to the global scientific commons with dignity discipline and determination emphasizing the country s resolve to share its knowledge and expertise on the international stage Addressing the 50th International Nathiagali Summer College (INSC), the minister lauded the platform for fostering scientific exchange, inspiring generations of physicists and strengthening bonds between nations through the universal language of science Nathiagali Summer College is a jewel in Pakistan s scientific crown and a shining testament to our dedication to knowledge, inquiry, and global cooperation, Ahsan Iqbal said, adding that it symbolizes the spirit of international scientific collaboration Reflecting on the transformative power of science and technology he stated Throughout history few forces have reshaped humanity more profoundly from the domestication of crops to the industrial revolution, from electricity to the digital age, and now into the domains of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology Each leap has redefined the way we live think and connect with each other In today s techno-economic era knowledge is power data is currency and innovation is national security, he remarked Those who lead in science will lead the world Those who lag will be left behind ” As the world faces pressing global challenges including climate change the ethical implications of AI pandemics and water scarcity Iqbal underscored the urgent need for critical thinking interdisciplinary research, and ethical innovation We must usher in a new intellectual renaissance one grounded in faith, reason, and responsibility,” he said Highlighting Pakistan’s recent scientific advancements the minister announced the approval of two major initiatives by the Planning Commission The first is the Dr A Q Khan Materials Research Institute, established in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, which will focus on frontier research in advanced materials vital for energy security and high-tech manufacturing Additionally the NILOP–PIEAS Emerging Technologies Center with an investment of Rs 3 385 billion has been approved to build national capacity in Industry 4 0 and 5 0 technologies International communit y should stop Israeli aggression: Daniyal ISLAMABAD A P P Parliamentary Secretary Information and Broadcasting Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry has said that Israel, whose is pursuing a policy of " might is right" that is unacceptable
In response to rising security concerns due to escalating regional tensions Pakistan has officially closed all border crossings with Iran in Gwadar and Panjgur districts Both pedestrian and fuel transport have been suspended until further notice as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety The decision was announced as Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the evacuation of 450 Pakistani pilgrims from Iran, with additional evacuations planned from both Iran and
Official updates from the deputy commissioners of Balochistan indicate that these steps are being taken to protect the public in light of potential instability A statement from the Gwadar Deputy Commissioner confirmed the indefinite closure of the Gabd-Kalato 250 border corridor, advising citizens to stay informed and contact local authorities for guidance Similarly the Panjgur district administration announced the suspension of all movement across the Iranian border including a complete ban on fuel transportation The Panjgur DC highlighted the risk of further instability in the region as the primary reason for the border clo-
sures, urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel The closure adds to the challenges faced by residents in Balochistan, who are already grappling with fuel shortages and heightened security concerns due to ongoing regional tensions Meanwhile Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reiterated the government s commitment to ensuring the safety of Pakistani nationals abroad in a post on X, following Israel’s air offensive on Iran that targeted nuclear facilities and resulted in the deaths of several commanders and scientists The attack has been described as an effort to
Govt to finalise revised power purchase deals with wind power plants in t wo weeks
sources from the Power Division involved in the discussions “Although the talks have been tough and time-consuming, particularly due to concerns raised by the lenders we are optimistic about reaching a deal with the WPPs, the sources said The issues largely revolve around the debt payment terms as the current debt tenure is set at 3-4 years The government aims to extend this period which is expected to provide relief of Rs 0 13 per unit The task force, which includes Power Minister Sardar Awais Khan Leghari, Muhammad Ali (Adviser to the Prime Minister on
in further discussions The official emphasised that while the negotiations have been difficult the authorities remain focused on reaching a fair and transparent resolution in the national interest Pakistan currently operates 36 wind power projects with a cumulative capacity of 1,845 475 MW, primarily located in the Gharo-Jhimpir wind corridor in Sindh Despite this capacity wind power s contribution to the
tional
remains limited due to transmission constraints and operational challenges Of these 36 projects, five were installed under the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
Minister KPK Ali Amin Gandapur keeps calling for protests to keep his party and government s declining reputation alive his protest will also fail like the previous two protests, he is making fun of the people by asking them to take the approval of the province’s budget from the founder PTI
Speaking to “APP” in his chamber at the Parliament House on Monday Engineer Amir Muqam said that the people of KP should be given relief in the provincial budget, so far the Chief Minister is talking about budget approval from the founder PTI, which is a complete joke with the people "the
History has often witnessed the hapless efforts of greater powers to subdue states perceived as lesser powers to establish regional hegemony During this tussle, the lines of morality and transparency become blurred to the point of disappearance The manufacturing of casus belli for war turn out to be no more than dreams of jingoism and destruction of objective reasoning
UN T I L Bunyan-ul-Mursoos the state appeared to be on the path of isolationism due to deteriorating diplomatic relations with its neighbours and benefactors This ailment was exacerbated by the plague of terrorism - sponsored and homegrown Much to the apparent indifference of the government of Pakistan its people stared at an abyss of hopelessness and demoralisation
While loud promises of recovery and prosperity were met with soft to little applause, the polity had grown weary of the economic burden placed by the mismanagement of resources and an increased tax burden to meet the fiscal needs of the state exchequer The four-day war induced a state of euphoria and optimism through a classic David and Goliath scenario which ended in a humiliating retreat on the Indian side with its war cabinet effectively discredited It appears that for all its projection of power and hubris on account of economic progression the Indian state forgot to factor in the resilience and determination of the people and armed forces of Pakistan The uncompromising stance of this glorious Indus civilisation was perfectly encapsulated in a famous interview of President Zia-ul-Haq with John McLaughlin
President Zia was questioned on the nuclear capability of Pakistan and his response left the interviewer and the west frazzled: “freedom has no price we love our freedom and we love our autonomy
Of particular note is the measured and composed response of the Pakistani armed forces which did not allow escalation but rather delivered a decisive strike by painting the sky green Although the downing of the Rafale jets sent shockwaves throughout the world, the performance of the Pakistani Airforce achieved a monumental feat by shattering the illusion of a hegemonic India an indivisible India a greater India or as those across the border dream of calling it – Akhand Bharat The aftermath has been assessed as a truce brokered through the mediation of the American government, marked by a vivid shift in stance by our American counterparts: from neutrality to active brokering of a ceasefire
This episode ended with a celebratory promotion of the now decorated Field Marshal Asim Munir one of two people to attain this prestigious rank in the country s history Critics deem this affair as an affir-
mation of a purported cessation of civilian supremacy,
yet those standing in defiance of the establishment have grossly misread the public mood The PTI and its incarcerated patron-in-chief must realise that constant struggle and a flawed notion of freedom based on ethno-populist sentiment is not and cannot serve the interests of Pakistan As opposed to acting like a fanatical order bent on sowing dissent and hatred into the minds of its voter-base it should focus on ways to conciliate with the government of the day because it is doubtable that Rawalpindi is in any mood to listen to Mr Khan s exhaustive list of grievances
The diplomatic interlude to this ordeal has proved to be relatively successful The flurry of engagements with heads of states in the Caucasus region has delivered a resounding blow in the face of silence from purported allies of India Particularly important was the meeting between Premier Sharif and President Putin which displaced the trust that the Indian government had placed in their historical allies One may suspect that the failure to defend the S-400 missile system or rumours surrounding its destruction on 10 h May may have irritated Moscow India finds itself surrounded by countries which are not willing to submit
crochips are now the driving force behind drones and satellite defence, nations that adopt them the fastest dictate how the world will be organized in the future Pakistan’s demonstrated skill in air cyber electronic and kinetic domains is the result of deliberate modernization not mere chance Specific modernization and planning initiatives contributed to this situation However, relying too heavily on other nations for technology and having scattered policies left India at serious risk Because Pakistan appears set to acquire new J-35 aircraft and will likely upgrade its missiles the existing technology gap is
This war has once more made evident
Today, a unified
and
strategy with
and
Secondly international actors continue to play a role in preventing
before
thresholds are
and
in before any
ton is pushed Many within India and beyond have questioned India’s strategy for controlling strategic narratives through disinformation Now that technology makes images and reports available online so quickly military operations and final
results are complex to conceal Unlike previous crises heavily influenced by U S power, this conflict played out more independently within the region The era of India relying on numerical superiority and Pakistan defaulting to a defensive posture is now being replaced by a strategy and technological edge The aim is to achieve maturity in strategy, combine technology and rely on a flexible deterrence approach suitable for events involving conventional or nuclear weapons Should India launch a new military attack Pakistan is ready with a more capable prepared and strategically agile defence Deterrence remains as effective as before, albeit in a different manner As things change, so do the risks, the way we respond and who is responsible Peace in South Asia will come from being realistic not from clinging to outdated doctrines or engaging in loud political rhetoric The earlier India realizes what this new standard means the better it and the entire region will fare
The writer is affiliated with a government think tank in Islamabad He specializes in strategic affairs and South Asian security dynamics
Back in good light
replaced instead by a scaled-down Dynamic Response Strategy (DRS) that failed to alter the strategic balance which failed to alter its geographical position It is a mix of changing tactics, and now also means that India is more aware of its inability to match Pakistan’s newer military systems Although air-power
MuhaMMad danial ihsan
amidst foreign attack PM Netanyahu s call to liberate the Iranian people fuels this fear however experiences of foreign intervention leading to regime collapse (Iraq, Libya) have created deep suspicion of external meddling among Iranians
4 LONG-TERM LOW-INTENSITY
WAR: If Israel fails to completely destroy Iran s nuclear capabilities
sentiment into state ideology Israel was labeled the “Zionist enemy ”
● 1982: Birth of hezbollah: In response to Israel s invasion of Lebanon the Shia guerrilla group hezbollah was formed with Iran s active support and assistance, later becoming a primary security threat to Israel
● 1983: Devastating Bombings of US & French Barracks in Beirut: Iran-backed attacks killed numerous US and French military personnel dealing a major blow to Western powers
● 1992-94: Attacks on Jewish Targets in Argentina: Devastating bombings targeted the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires (1992) and a Jewish community center (1994) Iran and hezbollah were blamed but denied involvement
● 2002: exposure of Iran s Secret Nuclear Program: After revelations about Tehran s uranium enrichment program, Israel brought it to the global stage, calling for harsh sanctions and potential military action
● 2006: Second Lebanon War: Following the abduction of two Israeli soldiers by hezbollah Israel launched a major military operation in Lebanon The month-long war caused losses on both sides, and Israel failed to eliminate hezbollah ● 2010: Stuxnet Cyber Attack: A sophisticated Stuxnet virus attack targeted Iran’s Natanz enrichment facility widely attributed to Israel and the US setting back Iran s nuclear program
● 2012: Targeted Killings of Iranian Nuclear Scientists: Nuclear scientist Mostafa Ahmadi-
Roshan was killed in a Tehran bombing blamed on Israel ● 2018-Present: Israeli Strikes in Syria: Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes in Syria targeting Iran-backed Shia militias and Iran’s military presence, especially weapon systems supplied by Iran
● 2020: Assassination of General Qasem
Soleimani: Israel welcomed the US drone strike in Baghdad that killed influential IRGC Quds Force commander Qasem
Soleimani Iran retaliated with ballistic missile strikes on US bases in Iraq
● 2021: Assassination of Mohsen
Fakhrizadeh: Iran’s top nuclear scientist and former deputy defense minister was assassinated Iran directly blamed Israel
● 2022: US-Israel Joint Commitment: President Joe Biden and PM Yair Lapid pledged to work jointly to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons
● April 2024: Attack on Iranian embassy Compound in Damascus: An Israeli airstrike on the consular section of Iran s embassy in Damascus Syria killed seven senior IRGC officers While Israel didn t claim responsibility, it was seen as a direct attack on Tehran
● April 2024 (13-19): Cycle of Direct Attacks & Counterattacks: In retaliation for the Damascus attack Iran launched for the first time in history over 100 drones cruise missiles and ballistic missiles directly at Israeli territory (primarily targeting military installations) Israel responded with limited counterstrikes
● October 2024: Retaliation for Killing of hamas & hezbollah Leaders: In revenge for the killings of hamas political bureau chief Ismail haniyeh and hezbollah Secretary-General hassan Nasrallah Iran fired over 180 missiles at Israel Israel responded with airstrikes
J
The June 13th attack is not seen as
other shadow war or proxy conflict Many believe it marks the beginning of a full-scale war (Act of War) Israel s objective was to destroy Iran s nuclear infrastructure and eliminate key figures involved In response to the Tehran strikes Iran not only threatened retaliation but launched a massive drone and missile barrage on Israeli territory under Operation True Promise Three causing casualties and damage in Israel Israel has declared a state of emergency INTERNATIONAL REACTIONS AND QUESTIONS OF INvOLvEMENT: ● R O L E
S (U
C O
E R N: Canada and the UK s Prime Ministers strongly criticized and condemned Israel’s attack Governments and heads of state from Ireland Netherlands Venezuela Turkey and Malaysia criticized the Netanyahu administration s war policies citing Middle east instability Statements were issued by Qatar, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia s foreign ministries Both the UN and eU called on both sides to exercise restraint and return to the path of diplomatic resolution
● M U S L I M W O R L D S TA N
E: Following this attack many Muslim-majority countries from Saudi Arabia and Turkey to the UAe, have been compelled to take a stance against Israel
● I R A N’S A L L I E S: Russia, China, Pakistan South Korea and other Iranian allies have strongly condemned the attack The potential involvement of some of these nuclear powers complicates the situation further
● JORDAN’S DEFENSIvE POSTURE: Amid heightened tensions, Jordan has taken a firm stance to protect its airspace On the morning of June 13, the Jordanian Air Force shot down Iranian drones that likely violated its airspace en route to Israel Jordan has clearly stated it will confront any threat to its sovereignty
Both nations are formidable militarily though their strengths are concentrated in different areas
● M I L I TA RY
On the Global Firepower (GFP) index, Iran ranks 14th and Israel 17th in military strength however, Israel leads in defense spendingits annual budget is approximately $24 4 billion compared to Iran s $9 95 billion
● TROOP NUMBERS: Iran leads in active personnel (approx 1 18 million vs Israel s 670,000) however, Israel has a high capacity for reserve forces and manpower recruitment
● A I R P O W E R: Israel’s military aircraft fleet (612) slightly outnumbers Iran’s (551) Israel also has more fighter jets (341) and trainer aircraft (251) Iran leads in transport aircraft (140 vs 44) Israel s qualitative superiority, especially its F-35 stealth fighters and advanced training/command-control systems, is a significant advantage
● H E L I C O P T E R S: Israel has more helicopters (146) particularly attack helicopters (48 mainly Apaches) compared to Iran s total (129 with only 13 attack helicopters) ● GROUND FORCES: Iran has a massive numerical advantage in armored fighting vehicles (tanks, APCs, IFVs): Tanks (Iran 1,996, Israel 1,370); Armored Vehicles (Iran 65,765, Israel 43 403) however Israel’s tanks (Merkava series) and armored vehicles are technologically superior ● Artillery & Rocket Systems: Iran has numerical superiority in rocket artillery (MLRS: Iran 775, Israel 150) and self-propelled artillery (Iran 580, Israel
E S): Iran firmly believes the US provided backing and consent for the attack President Donald Trump acknowledged prior knowledge of the strike, and US embassy staff and non-essential personnel from military bases in the Middle east were withdrawn in the preceding days however Washington denies direct involvement Israel s envoy Yeshiel Leiter told CNN their conflict is with Iran s rulers, not its people, and their goal is to destroy Iran s nuclear program Questions arise: Why did the US fail to deter Israel from this attack? ● G L O
years past Trump stood for a moment beside his wife, Melania, before Trump campaign regular Lee Greenwood sang God Bless the U S A ” (Trump and Greenwood sell a bible together ) “happy birthday Mr President ” Greenwood said at one point When he was done attendees started singing happy birthday to Trump near the stage even before the speech component the C-SPAN feed gave off a vibe that alternated between military recruitment video and softcore Trump propaganda Video played several times of Trump giving speeches Occasionally a small banner popped up that said: Video courtesy of America 250 The nonprofit America 250, which is helping organize the ongoing publicly-funded campaign celebrating the country’s semiquincentennial, has been taken over by Trump allies and one of his campaign operatives Corporate America did their part Special thanks to our sponsor Lockheed Martin the MC said around 6:30 p m shouting out America s biggest defense contractor The MC later thanked our special sponsor Coinbase,” the cryptocurrency exchange President Trump sure loves crypto - he reported in his financial disclosure Friday that he made $57 million in the final months of 2024 after he and his family launched their own crypto exchange, World Liberty Financial (That was before he launched his own $TRUMP meme coin ) Around 7 p m , the big screens onstage that displayed the American flags turned to logos for UFC the mixed martial arts business Later the MC thanked special sponsor Palantir a contractor hired to help Trump compile data on Americans across federal agencies Military handed out drinks from sponsor Phorm energy - a new drink by Anheuser-Busch and UFC CeO Dana White in the flavor Screamin Freedom Rock music was the soundtrack of the parade, including AC/DC s Thunderstruck, during the War on Terror section There were instrumentals from the heart
650) Iran s ballistic missile program (Shahid Khaibar Shekan etc ) is highly advanced and its ability to strike deep inside Israel with long-range missiles is a key strategic asset
● N AvA L P O W E R: Iran leads in the number of naval vessels (101 vs Israel’s 67) Iran possesses 7 frigates and 21 corvettes/patrol vessels; Israel has no frigates Iran also leads in submarines (19 vs Israel s 5) however Israel s submarines (Dolphin class) are believed capable of carrying nuclear-armed missiles Iran’s IRGCN (Revolutionary Guard Navy) with its unconventional tactics (swarming attacks mines) and coastal defense missile systems is crucial for controlling the Strait of hormuz ● N U C L E A R C A PA B I L I T Y: While not formally acknowledged by Israel, it is globally recognized as a nuclear-armed state (estimated 80-400 warheads) Iran is not officially nuclear-armed and claims its program is peaceful however Western intelligence reports Iran possesses nearly 400kg of uranium enriched to 60% sufficient for nuclear weapons An Israeli source claimed that without Rising Lion, Iran would soon have gained the capability to produce 10 nuclear bombs
● MI S S I L E D E FE N S E: Israel is far ahead of Iran in air defense Its layered defense system – Iron Dome (short-range rockets/artillery shells) David s Sling (medium-range) and Arrow/Arrow 2/Arrow 3 (anti-ballistic missile) – is highly effective, capable of intercepting a large portion of Iranian attacks While Iran’s air defense (Russian S-300, indigenous Bavar-373) is strong it is less effective against Israel’s stealth technology and electronic warfare capabilities
FUTURE SCENARIOS: THE WORLD FA C I N G C ATA S T R O P H E
The current direct clashes point towards extremely dangerous future scenarios:
1 US DRAWN INTO DIRECT WAR: If Iran launches major attacks via its proxy groups (hezbollah Iraqi Shia militias houthis) or directly on US bases, diplomatic missions, or allied nations (Saudi Arabia, UAe) in the Middle east, resulting in US casualties the Trump administration would face pressure to respond militarily This could escalate into a larger more protracted conflict than Iraq or Afghanistan with farreaching global consequences
2 DRAGGING IN GULF STATES: If Iran cannot effectively strike core Israeli targets, it might target Gulf states (especially Saudi Arabia and UAe) perceived as covertly aiding Israel The presence of US bases in these countries would necessitate direct US involvement in their defense Iran and its proxies have previously been implicated in attacks on Saudi oil facilities and emirati civilian targets
3 POLITICAL vACUUM & INTERNAL
UPHEAvAL IN IRAN: If Israeli strikes severely weaken the Islamic regime a major political vacuum could emerge in Iran
Long-simmering public discontent over women s rights, economic crisis, and repression could escalate into civil war or chaos
chief as he conducts a militarized crackdown on immigrants in Los Angeles, California, driving protests At 2 000 locations across the country protesters held a “No Kings” Day to voice their anger toward the president About 20 000 people gathered in downtown Los Angeles, undeterred by law enforcement s use of non-lethal weapons on earlier protests and the president’s
Tand humanitarian crisis between Israel and Iran escalates ARE GLOBAL OIL PRICES POISED TO SURGE? At the upper end, oil prices could spiral to $120 a barrel, according to analysts at Deutsche Bank surpassing the highs reached in the wake of the Ukraine crisis The German
TRUMP EYES IRAN ISRAEL PEACE VIA PUTIN
Pakistan (TTP) in two separate intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) The operations conducted on June 15 and 16 targeted militants allegedly backed by Indian interests according to a statement from the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR) The first operation took place in Peshawar district, where security forces surrounded a militant hideout and engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle Four militants identified as Haris and Baseer among others were killed in the exchange of fire
In a second operation in North Waziristan another terrorist was killed during a brief gunfight The ISPR confirmed that weapons, ammunition, and explosives were recovered from the terrorists, who were believed to have been involved in multiple terrorist activities in the region
Sanitisation operations are currently underway in the affected areas to eliminate any remaining threats
The military has reassured the public that no security personnel were injured during the operations and reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating terrorism in all its forms
JARANWALA
The Punjab Housing Department has approved the establishment of new Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASAs) in ten cities across the province to improve clean drinking water and sewage services The cities include Hafizabad, Jhang, Sialkot, Jhelum, Rahim Yar Khan, Sahiwal, Okara, Bahawalpur Sargodha and Dera Ghazi Khan
The announcement came during an emergency visit by Punjab
Secretary for Housing, Urban Development & Public Health Engineering Noorul Amin Mengal to the WASA headquarters in Faisalabad He chaired a high-level meeting to review ongoing development projects sewerage improvements, and clean water supply initiatives Mengal highlighted the Punjab chief minister ’s commitment to ensuring access to clean water and modern sewerage systems He revealed that projects worth Rs150 billion are currently underway under WASA s supervision To en-
sure transparency and high standards, Quality Assurance Committees and special monitoring cells will oversee all technical aspects of the projects
Mengal also emphasized that any negligence or delays in project execution would not be tolerated, warning that strict action would be taken against those responsible He urged authorities to minimize public disruption during development work by avoiding unnecessary excavations and ensuring quick restoration of affected areas
KARACHI S TA F F R E P O R T
The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has submitted the final challan in the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) regarding the Karachi airport suicide attack case The attack which occurred on October 6 last year, resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals and injuries to several others, including a local citizen, according to the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan The challan reveals that the masterminds behind the attack Commander Bashir Baloch alias Bashir Zaib and Abdul Rehman alias Rehman Gul have been declared absconders The attack also led to the injury of six individuals, including a woman Two individuals, Javed and Gul Nisa, are currently in custody Shah Fahad who carried out the suicide bombing was allegedly radicalized by Bashir Zaib and Rehman Gul Javed is reported to have conducted surveillance of the airport before the
