Day: July 19, 2026

Rawalpindi: Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Saturday reaffirmed that the Pakistan Army and the people of Balochistan stand united and would defeat every conspiracy aimed at destabilising Pakistan.

Addressing more than 4,000 students from 18 cities participating in the ISPR Summer Camp, the Chief Minister said Pakistan was established to endure and no hostile design against the country would succeed.

Emphasizing the close bond between the province and the federation, Bugti said Pakistan and Balochistan are inseparable, expressing confidence that the province would continue its journey towards lasting peace and stability.

Referring to the security situation in Balochistan, he said terrorists had brutally martyred many brave residents of the province because they refused to support their agenda. The terrorists had also targeted the Mangi Dam project, describing it as a vital source of water supply for the people of Balochistan, he said.

The CM said terrorism and violence can never be justifi
ed under any circumstances and reiterated the government’s resolve to eliminate the menace through the collective efforts of the security forces and the people.

Regarding the recent attack on police, he said the force that went to provide reinforcement also came under attack. A judicial commission had been constituted and all facts would be brought before the nation, he said.

Sarfraz Bugti said some political leaders spread misleading propaganda against the state during the Quetta sit-in despite Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claiming responsibility for the attack. Such narratives were part of an organized conspiracy to mislead the youth and weaken the state, he said.

Referring to Pakistan’s recent conflict with India, he said Pakistan, under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, gave a strong response to Indian aggression.

He said the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces during Marka-e-Haq, while terrorists fighting at India’s behest witnessed the fate of their mast
erminds during the operation.

The CM said Afghan territory was being used for terrorist activities against Pakistan. He said that militant groups operating against Pakistan were receiving support from India’s intelligence agency.

Expressing optimism about the future, Sarfraz Bugti said the country’s future is bright and that every citizen would one day be able to live freely without fear.

Dera ismail khan: The district administration continued its anti-encroachment campaign in Dera Ismail Khan and reclaimed 10 marlas of state land during an operation conducted in Thaheemabad and Falakabad near Bannu Adda.

The operation was carried out on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Dr. Muhammad Hamid Siddiq.

According to the district administration, temporary encroachments established on government land were removed during the operation. Goods displayed outside shops, illegal sheds, ramps, roadside platforms, tandoors and other structures erected within the right of way were dismantled.

The reclaimed land is estimated to have a market value of around Rs23 million.

The administration said that several shopkeepers voluntarily removed their encroachments in compliance with official directives, while the remaining illegal structures were removed by the enforcement teams on the spot.

Speaking on the occasion, Assistant Commissioner Dr. Muhammad Hamid Siddiq said the district administration would continue indiscriminate action to protect state land, restore public thoroughfares and eliminate encroachments from the city.

He urged traders and residents to voluntarily remove illegal encroachments and cooperate with the administration to help make the city cleaner, safer, more organized and accessible for the public.

Sargodha: One person was killed while five sustained multiple injuries in a collision between three vehicles near Bhera Interchange on the M-2 motorway on Saturday,officials said.

According to Rescue 1122 sources,the accident involved two milk-carrying vehicles and an Elite Force patrolling vehicle.

The collision occurred due to a technical fault,resulting on the spot death of Ahmed,a resident of Dinga Bonga.

The injured,identified as Muhammad Ramzan,Muhammad Subhan,Shujaat Khan,Naveed and Muhammad Ashraf, Rescue 1122 reached the spot,shifted the body and injured to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Bhera for medical treatment.

Further investigation was underway.

Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Suhail Afridi chaired a meeting of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Committee here Saturday granted approval for construction of the Dir Motorway under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

During the meeting, Chief Minister directed the relevant authorities to immediately initiate the land acquisition process for the motorway project. He also instructed officials to establish clear timelines to ensure timely execution and completion of the project.

To accelerate the implementation of development projects, the CM directed concerned departments to propose necessary amendments to existing Public-Private Partnership framework.

The meeting was told that 29-kilometre Dir Motorway will extend from the Chakdara Interchange to Baroon in Lower Dir district and completed with an estimated cost of Rs69 billion.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister described the Dir Motorway as a landmark project and a major gift for the people of the Malakand Division. He said the motorway would significantly reduce travel time, fuel consumption and transportation costs providing substantial relief to commuters.

He added that the motorway would play a vital role in promoting tourism and strengthening the local economy by improving access to the remote tourist destinations of the Malakand Division.

The meeting also reviewed the progress on the Peshawar-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway and Swat Motorway Phase-II.

Wana: Security forces foiled a major terrorist plot in a timely intelligence-based operation, destroying an explosives-laden vehicle before it could be used in a suicide attack.

According to security sources, the operation was carried out in the Ghwakhwa area of Wana in South Waziristan Lower. The vehicle was packed with explosives intended for a major terrorist attack, they said.

As a result of the operation, the explosives-laden vehicle and a motorcycle were destroyed. One khariji terrorist was killed, while five others were injured, the security sources said.

During the operation, security forces demonstrated a high degree of professionalism, ensuring the safety of innocent civilians and protecting their lives and property, the sources added.

Security sources said the forces had kept the suicide vehicle under surveillance for three consecutive days and engaged it only after it had moved away from populated areas, minimizing the risk of civilian casualties.

Security sources said the successful operation reflects the unwavering resolve and operational readiness of the security forces.

Bahawalpur: Principal University College of Conventional Medicine, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), Dr. Muhammad Asif represented Pakistan and IUB at several international academic and scientific events in China, highlighting opportunities for cooperation in traditional medicine research.

According to an IUB press release, Dr. Asif participated in the 1st World Congress of Artificial Intelligence in Traditional Chinese Medicine held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, where experts, researchers and academic leaders from 28 countries and regions attended.

During his visit, he also delivered a keynote lecture at Anhui University of Chinese Medicine on ‘Research in Medicinal Plants and China-Pakistan Collaboration’, highlighting Pakistan’s medicinal plant resources and the importance of joint research in traditional medicine and natural product development.

He emphasized that collaboration between Pakistan and China could contribute to innovative healthcare solutions through the integration of traditional knowledge and modern scientific approaches.