Pakistan climb to 12th in latest FIH world rankings


Islamabad: Pakistan have moved up one place to 12th in the latest International Hockey Federation (FIH) world rankings, earning 2,544.54 ranking points.



According to a spokesman for the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), the improvement reflects the national team’s impressive performances and consistent efforts in recent international tournaments. As a result of Pakistan’s rise, South Africa have slipped to 13th place, while Malaysia are now ranked 14th.



The PHF spokesman said the national team’s immediate target is to break back into the world’s top 10. “With the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 approaching, where Pakistan have been placed in Pool D alongside India, England and Wales, the nation expects strong performances from the team.



The players are working tirelessly, and this improvement in the world rankings will further boost their confidence ahead of the World Cup,” the spokesman added.



State opens its door for those who want to give up arms and join national mainstream: CM Bugti


Quetta: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti on Friday said that the state is keeping its doors open for those who want to give up arms and join the national mainstream and there is a comprehensive plan for their rehabilitation, education, employment and social integration.



He said that the blood of the brave security forces would not go in vain for the stability of the state. Under an organized conspiracy, where on the one hand, terrorist incidents occur to destabilize the state, the blame is also placed on the state and propaganda is being spread to spread chaos.



He expressed these views while addressing the passing out parade of the 20th training course at the Anti-Terrorist Force (ATF) Training School in Quetta.



Inspector General of Police Balochistan Muhammad Tahir Khan and Commandant ATF Asad Khan also addressed the ceremony, while earlier, ATF personnel presented a brilliant demonstration of professional training, combat skills and operational capabilities in counter-terrorism.



He said that the youth are being pushed towards a futile war, every conspiracy to destabilize Balochistan and Pakistan would be foiled, those who want to divide the country live in a fool’s paradise, the state could not back down even an inch against terrorism.



He urged political parties not to link terrorism with politics because at this time the state would not need politics but stability of the state, national unity and solidarity of the people.



Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that Balochistan Police, ATF, CTD and Special Operations Wing are playing a frontline role in the war against terrorism and the government is shaping these forces into a stronger, more modern and effective striking force.



He said that these forces would be provided with modern weapons, equipment, training and all necessary resources so that they could effectively eradicate the scourge of terrorism.



He paid special tribute to the three women constables who joined the ATF and said that the daughters of Balochistan are moving forward alongside their brothers for peace, rule of law and defense of the homeland, which is a source of pride for the entire society and a beacon for other young women.



Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that the sacrifices of the martyrs in the war against terrorism are the nation’s capital and their sacred blood would never go in vain.



He said that terrorist elements wanted to halt Balochistan from its journey of development, education and prosperity, but with the unity of the government, security forces and the people, all their nefarious intentions would be thwarted.



The Chief Minister urged to political parties not to sacrifice a national issue like terrorism for political differences.



He said that the police and security personnel who serve in extreme heat, cold and difficult conditions to protect the homeland are heroes of the entire nation, linking their sacrifices with politics is against the national interest.



He said that the Baloch youth have been pushed into a futile war which has only brought them unrest, backwardness, deprivation of education and development opportunities.



The Chief Minister made it clear that if someone wants to impose his ideology at the power of a gun, he would not succeed, saying that the government, Balochistan Police and law enforcement agencies will never surrender in the face of terrorism, violence and brutality and would not retreat even an inch in this war.



Mir Sarfraz announced that the salaries and benefits of ATF, CTD and SOW personnel would be increased, while the Balochistan government could also take the responsibility of providing further assistance to the families of the martyrs and supporting the children.



He also announced a grant of Rs. 150 million for the improvement of the infrastructure of the ATF Training School, an increase in the basic salaries of trainers and a review of feeding charges, and said that the government will provide all possible resources to increase the capacity of the police force and provide them with modern facilities.



The Chief Minister, while congratulating the passing-out soldiers, expressed the hope that they would perform their duties with complete honesty, professionalism and bravery to protect the people, the province and the national flag without fear and danger and play their effective role in ensuring the establishment of peace in the war against terrorism.



CM Bugti announces financial assistance of Rs 500,000 each for families of deceased miners in Surranj incident: Rind


Quetta: Assistant to Chief Minister Balochistan for Information and Political Affairs, Shahid Rind on Friday said that Balochistan Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti has announced a financial assistance of Rs 500,000 each for the families of the miners who died in the tragic coal mine accident here in Surranj area.



Shahid Rind said that all necessary arrangements had been completed to transport the bodies of the deceased miners to their native areas in a dignified manner and to provide all facilities to the affected families.



He said that teams of the Mines and Minerals Department, Provincial Disaster Management Authority ( PDMA) Rescue 1122 and other relevant agencies were engaged in rescue and relief activities with full vigilance at the accident site and all relevant agencies were continuously monitoring the situation through mutual communication.



Shahid Rind said that the Balochistan government shared the grief of the bereaved families over this tragic incident and all possible support and facilities would be provided to the affected families. He said that Balochistan Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti has directed the concerned authorities not to make any negligence in the relief activities and to ensure immediate assistance to the affected families.



According to the authorities, the rescue teams were using all possible resources to search for the remaining miners trapped in the mine and the rescue operations were being continuously monitored.



Murree administration lays out roadmap for ‘Model Village’ programme


Murree: Additional Deputy Commissioner General (ADCG) Murree, Kamran Sagheer chaired a strategic meeting on Friday to implement the provincial government’s “Model Village” initiative aimed at upgrading rural infrastructure across the district.



Addressing department heads during themeeting, Kamran Sagheer saod that the programme focuses on transforming rural settlements into self-sustaining, modern hubs by providing equitable development, upgraded civic amenities, and direct service delivery to residents.



He directed the relevant departments to strengthen inter-agency coordination, maintain strict financial transparency, and adhere to rigid timelines.



Field officers were urged to address localized rural grievances promptly to ensure the initiative’s benefits reach eligible beneficiaries directly.



No flour shortage in Punjab, supply continues uninterrupted: official


Lahore: The supply of flour across the province is continuing uninterrupted and there is no shortage of flour in the market.



A spokesperson for the Food Safety and Consumer Protection Department said this here on Friday: “Certain elements are spreading false rumours to mislead the public.”



The Punjab government was continuously and closely monitoring the situation to ensure the uninterrupted supply of quality flour to the public, spokesperson said and sharing the latest figures, he stated that after grinding government wheat, flour mills in Punjab supplied 109,799 bags of 10-kg flour to the market at a price of Rs 1,100 per bag. In addition, after purchasing wheat from the private sector and milling it, 396,196 bags of 10-kg flour were supplied across all districts of Punjab. Likewise, 78,996 bags of 20-kg flour were also supplied.



The spokesperson further said that a total of 663,987 bags of 10-kg flour have been supplied across all districts of the province, which clearly demonstrates that all flour mills in Punjab were operating normally and flour production was continuing without interruption.



The spokesperson said that all necessary and effective measures were being taken to maintain the flour supply chain, and no disruption in the supply of flour to the public would be allowed.



He also made it clear that strict legal action would be taken against hoarders, profiteers without any discrimination and no leniency would be shown towards them.



ATC acquits PTI Senator Azam Swati in Oct 4 protest funding case


Islamabad: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday acquitted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Azam Swati in a case related to the alleged financing of the October 4 protest, citing a lack of evidence.



ATC Judge, Tahir Abbas Sipra announced the verdict during the hearing, observing that the prosecution had failed to produce any evidence linking the senator to the alleged offence.



Addressing Azam Swati in the courtroom, the judge remarked that not a single prosecution witness had testified against him. He further noted that although the prosecution had alleged financial support for the protest, it had failed to produce even a single bank account or financial record to substantiate the claim.



The court also observed that Azam Swati was already in jail when the case was registered against him.



Judge Sipra clarified that Swati’s acquittal would not affect the proceedings against the remaining accused, as their trial would continue separately and the nature of the allegations against them was different.



The court subsequently acquitted Azam Swati for want of evidence. The case had been registered against the PTI senator at Noon Police Station.