Month: July 2026

Islamabad: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has strongly condemned the terrorist attack in the Ziarat area, describing the assailants as Indian-sponsored militants and reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve to defeat every attempt to undermine peace and stability.

In a statement issued after the attack, the interior minister paid glowing tribute to the nine police personnel who embraced martyrdom while defending the country. He expressed heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families, praying that they be granted strength and patience to bear their loss.

Naqvi said the fallen officers had made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace and national security, adding that such martyrs were “the pride of the nation” whose unparalleled sacrifices could never be forgotten. He stressed that their courage and commitment would remain a lasting source of inspiration.

The interior minister also commended the police for their swift and determined response, praising security personnel for eliminating 15 Indian-sponsored terrorists during the operation. He said the officers had foiled the terrorists’ nefarious designs by laying down their lives in the line of duty, preventing a greater threat to public safety.

Naqvi lauded the police force for bringing the attackers to what he described as their “deserved and exemplary end,” saying the successful operation reflected the professionalism and resolve of Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies.

Reaffirming the state’s commitment to combating terrorism, the interior minister said the nation and its security forces remained united and determined to thwart every conspiracy by Indian-sponsored terrorists aimed at sabotaging peace. He emphasized that such cowardly attacks would not weaken Pakistan’s resolve or derail its efforts to maintain law and order.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Tuesday strongly condemned the terrorist attack on police personnel in Ziarat, describing the incident as deeply tragic and reprehensible.

In a statement posted on X, the minister paid tribute to the police personnel who embraced martyrdom while performing their duty.

“Our brave sons of the soil laid down their lives in the line of duty. The martyrs have set a remarkable example of courage, sacrifice, and dedication,” he said.

Dr Tariq said the sacrifices of the martyrs would never go in vain, adding that the nation would always remember the courage, loyalty, and commitment of its heroes.

He reaffirmed that the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the security forces in the fight against terrorism.

Expressing sympathy with the bereaved families, the minister prayed that Allah Almighty grant the martyrs the highest ranks in the hereafter and bless their families with patience and strength to bear the loss.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to international cooperation on digital transformation.

On the sidelines of Geneva Digital Week and the United Nations Global Dialogue on AI Governance, the minister participated in a series of ministerial-level engagements with senior government officials and United Nations leaders.

According to a news release received here on Tuesday, the minister held bilateral meetings with Amandeep Singh Gill, UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies; Guy Ryder, UN Under-Secretary-General for Policy; Abdullah Alswaha, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology; Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan; Mahmoud Badawi, Egypt’s Deputy Minister for Digital Transformation; Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Adviser to the President of Sri Lanka on the Digital Economy; and Krzysztof Gawkowski, Deputy Prime Minister of Poland.

The meetings focused on expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including artificial intelligence (AI), digital governance, digital public infrastructure, AI sovereignty, cybersecurity, innovation ecosystems, and cross-border technology partnerships.

The discussions also underscored the importance of collaborative policymaking to ensure that digital technologies contribute to inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.

Pakistan continues to actively engage with international partners to exchange best practices, strengthen institutional collaboration, and develop forward-looking policies aimed at positioning the country as a responsible and competitive player in the global digital economy.

The minister also expressed its appreciation to the United Nations for Digital and Emerging Technologies for convening an exceptional edition of Geneva Digital Week.

The event provided a valuable platform for ministers, policymakers, representatives of multilateral institutions, and technology leaders to advance global dialogue and forge partnerships that will help shape the future of digital transformation.

Islamabad: Three detained members of a dacoity gang were injured after their accomplices opened indiscriminate fire on a Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) police raiding team during an operation in the jurisdiction of Noon Police Station, while the police personnel remained unhurt due to bulletproof jackets and protective measures.

An official told reporter on Tuesday that a police raiding team was taking the detained suspects to Sector I-15 for the arrest of their accomplices and recovery of stolen property on their identification when armed gang members hiding in a vacant house opened fire on the team.

The official said the detained suspects, identified as Arslan, Salman and Shahzaib, were injured by bullets fired by their own accomplices during the exchange, while the police team remained safe because of protective gear.

According to the official, the injured suspects were shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, while police launched a search operation to arrest the fleeing attackers.

The official said the arrested suspects had recently injured Constable Saleh Muhammad in firing during a police encounter in the jurisdiction of Noon Police Station and were wanted by Islamabad Police in several cases of armed attacks on police, dacoity, robbery and shop robberies.

Police also recovered two snatched motorcycles, dozens of stolen mobile phones and wallets, along with three pistols and ammunition used in criminal activities.

The official said search operations were continuing to arrest the remaining gang members involved in the attack on the police team and bring them to justice.

Islamabad: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid a heartfelt tribute to Havaldar Lalak Jan on his martyrdom anniversary, describing the decorated soldier as a timeless symbol of courage, patriotism, and sacrifice whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of Pakistanis.

In a statement issued on the occasion, the minister said Havaldar Lalak Jan wrote an immortal chapter of bravery through his unwavering courage and devotion to the nation. He said the Pakistani nation would remain proud of the martyr’s unparalleled sacrifice on the Kargil War front for all time.

Mohsin Naqvi said Havaldar Lalak Jan laid down his life in defence of the country, thwarting the enemy’s hostile designs through exceptional valour. He described Lalak Jan and all other martyrs of the nation as Pakistan’s true guardians and a source of national pride.

The interior minister said the Nishan-e-Haider recipient displayed extraordinary courage and the highest standards of patriotism by advancing to the front lines and standing firm against the enemy under the most difficult circumstances.

He said the sacrifices rendered by the country’s brave soldiers in defence of the homeland were a priceless national asset that could never be forgotten. Quoting a well-known national sentiment, Mohsin Naqvi said, “The death of a martyr is the life of the nation,” adding that heroes like Havaldar Lalak Jan would forever live in the hearts of the people.

Expressing solidarity with the families of the fallen, the minister extended his heartfelt salute to the family of Havaldar Lalak Jan and to the families of all martyrs who sacrificed their loved ones for the country.

Mohsin Naqvi said the nation could never fully repay the debt owed to those who laid down their lives for the peace, security, and sovereignty of Pakistan. He added that the story of Havaldar Lalak Jan’s courage would remain a lasting source of national pride and an enduring part of the country’s history.

He concluded by saying that the illustrious recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider remains a shining symbol of Pakistan’s military honour, national sovereignty, and enduring strength.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism from the country, as the country’s security forces were working tirelessly and the day was not far when the menace would be completely eliminated.

Addressing the federal cabinet at the start of its meeting, the prime minister paid tribute to Pakistan Air Force Group Captain Asim Tariq, who was martyred a few days ago in Islamabad while intervening to stop an assault on a woman. He prayed for the elevation of the martyr’s ranks and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.

The prime minister said the accused had been arrested and would be brought to justice in accordance with the law. He also lauded the sacrifices of the country’s security forces in the fight against terrorism, referring to the recent killing of 15 terrorists in Balochistan. He said the armed forces and law enforcement agencies were continuing operations day and night to restore lasting peace across the country.

The cabinet offered Fateha for the martyrs on the prime minister’s request.

Highlighting his recent foreign engagements, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif referred to his visit to Trkiye, where he attended a comprehensive business conference featuring presentations on the privatization of Pakistan’s power distribution companies, renewable energy, transmission losses, and investment opportunities in the mines and minerals sector.

He said a large number of Turkish investors and business leaders attended the conference and expressed keen interest in Pakistan’s economic potential. The prime minister said extensive preparations by both sides had helped present Pakistan’s investment prospects effectively, including opportunities in the maritime sector and other key areas.

He expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, adding that productive discussions were held with Turkish leadership on expanding collaboration in multiple sectors.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also appreciated the support of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and said both countries remained committed to deepening their longstanding brotherly ties. He expressed optimism that Pakistan-Trkiye relations would continue to grow stronger in the days ahead through enhanced trade, investment and strategic cooperation.