Balochistan entered new era of development, prosperity and investment: Kakar


Quetta: Vice Chairman of the Balochistan Board of Investment and Trade (BBoIT), Bilal Khan Kakar on Friday said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti, the province has entered a new era of development, prosperity, and investment.



Speaking to members of the business community at his office, Kakar said that isolated incidents should not overshadow the broad-based development initiatives, investment promotion efforts, and economic reforms currently underway across the province.



He stated that the present provincial government has taken effective measures to restore investor confidence, create a business-friendly environment, and promote industrial and commercial activities. These initiatives, he said, are already producing encouraging results and strengthening the province’s economic outlook.



Highlighting Balochistan’s investment potential, the Vice Chairman noted that the province’s abundant natural resources, strategic geographical location, and diverse investment opportunities make it an attractive destination for both domestic and international investors.



He added that the provincial government is committed to providing every possible facilitation to encourage investment and ensure a conducive business climate.



Kakar reaffirmed BBoIT’s commitment to facilitating investors through its one-window services and providing comprehensive support to businesses at every stage of the investment process.



On the occasion, representatives of the business community appreciated the efforts of the Balochistan Board of Investment and Trade in promoting investment across the province, they also reaffirmed the private sector’s commitment to working closely with the government to accelerate economic growth, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to the sustainable development of Balochistan



CM Bugti urges unity against terrorist propaganda; assures support for martyrs’ families


Quetta: Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti has warned that while terrorists are engaged in violence, unrest, and the killing of innocent citizens, they are simultaneously spreading misleading propaganda by blaming the state and its institutions for these crimes.



He urged the patriotic people of Balochistan not to fall prey to such narratives and instead stand shoulder to shoulder with state institutions for national unity, peace, and stability.



Sarfraz Bugti made these remarks during a meeting with participants of the ongoing sit-in near BA Mall and the families of martyrs. Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Senator Manzoor Ahmed Kakar, Commissioner Quetta Division Shahzaib Kakar, and other senior officials were also present.



The Chief Minister said he had been in constant contact with the sit-in committee from the very beginning and worked tirelessly for a peaceful, dignified, and lasting resolution.



He emphasized his longstanding relationship of mutual respect with the affected families and elders, assuring them of continued support.



He stressed that the same state institutions being maligned are sacrificing their lives daily for the protection of the people. He cited the example of soldiers martyred in Lasbela, noting they were sons, husbands, and family breadwinners who gave their lives for the peace of Balochistan and Pakistan.



Highlighting international conspiracies against Pakistan, Bugti said one plot seeks to destabilize the country through terrorism and violence, while another aims to blame state institutions for these crimes to mislead the public. He urged citizens to remain vigilant against false narratives and avoid participating in any campaign designed to weaken national institutions.



He announced that the families of martyrs will receive financial compensation, government jobs, and complete educational support for their children.



He added that important decisions taken during the Balochistan Apex Committee meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, will be fully implemented. As Chief Minister and head of the Bugti tribe, he pledged to honor all commitments made to the families.



Advisor to the Chief Minister on Information and Political Affairs, Shahid Rind, confirmed that negotiations with the sit-in committee were successful. Following Bugti’s assurances, the committee and the families of martyrs announced the end of their protest.



Operation Shaaban: Security forces kill 13 more khwarij terrorists


Quetta: Security forces killed 13 more khwarij terrorists during the past 24 hours as the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC), and Balochistan Police continued Operation Shaaban following the terrorist attack on Mangi Dam Police Station.



Security sources said the total number of terrorists killed during Operation Shaaban has risen to 39. Of these, 26 terrorists belonging to Fitna al Khwarij were killed during operations conducted on July 6 and 7, while the remaining 13 were eliminated over the past 24 hours.



They said multiple ground and aerial operations against Fitna al Khwarij are continuing in the area.



In a separate development, security forces successfully repulsed a terrorist attack on a police station in the Zaidi area of Khuzdar.



The security sources said Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps troops killed eight terrorists in a swift counter-operation, while another five to six terrorists were eliminated in helicopter gunship operations.



Since July 5, security forces have killed a total of 75 terrorists in Operation Shaaban and other intelligence-based operations, the sources added.



PDMA issues urgent alert for windstorms and heavy rain in various districts


Quetta: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority has issued an urgent weather advisory placing several upper and central districts of Balochistan on high alert ahead of an incoming weather system.



According to latest forecasts from the Pakistan Meteorological Department Islamabad and the Regional Meteorological Centre Quetta, moist currents from the Arabian Sea are continuously penetrating the upper regions of the country. Additionally, a western wave is expected to approach these northern parts over the weekend, triggering a significant shift in regional weather patterns.



Under the influence of this intensifying weather system, isolated rain, heavy windstorms, and thundershowers are predicted to sweep across the north and northeastern parts of the province.



The official directive has been sent to the Deputy Commissioners and Chairmen of the District Disaster Management Authorities in Zhob, Sherani, Kohlu, Duki, Harnai, Loralai, Barkhan, Musakhail, Khuzdar, Dera Bugti, and their surrounding areas, warning them to brace for turbulent weather from July 11 through July 12.



Provincial authorities have warned that the strong windstorms and intense thunderstorms pose a direct threat to infrastructure, with the potential to damage weak structures such as electric poles, billboards, and solar panels. Isolated lightning strikes are also expected throughout the forecast period, prompting officials to issue strict safety guidelines. While the incoming rain is expected to bring much-needed relief by causing the prevailing hot and humid conditions to subside, it also brings localized risks.



In light of these hazards, the general public is strongly advised to remain in safe, secure locations and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rains and windstorms. Furthermore, farmers across the affected districts have been urged to carefully manage their livestock and crop activities in alignment with the latest meteorological updates to minimize agricultural losses.



All concerned district authorities have been strictly instructed to remain highly vigilant and take all necessary precautionary measures to handle any emergencies.



To ensure seamless coordination, the disaster management authority has mandated that Daily Situation Reports and continuous weather updates be shared directly with the Provincial Emergency Operation Center throughout the duration of the weather event.