Security Forces foil infiltration attempt on Pak-Afghan border, 5 khwarij killed

Rawalpindi: The Security Forces killed five khwarij terrorist while successfully thwarted infiltration attempt by a group of khwarij on Saturday night in general area Sambaza, Zhob district.

'On night 18/19 January, movement of a group of khwarij, who were trying to infiltrate through Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was picked up by the security forces in general area Sambaza, Zhob District. Own troops effectively engaged and thwarted their attempt to infiltrate. Resultantly, five Khwarij were sent to hell,' said a news release issued by Inter Public Relations (ISPR).

'Pakistan has consistently been asking Interim Afghan Government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border. Interim Afghan Government is expected to fulfill its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by Khwarij for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan,' it further said.

Security Forces of Pakistan remain committed to secure its borders and eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country.

Pakistan beat West Indies by 127 runs in first test

Multan: In a thrilling encounter, Pakistan secured a commanding 127-run victory over the West Indies in the first Test match in Multan, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Chasing a target of 251, the West Indies were bowled out for just 123 runs, due to a stellar performance by Pakistan's spinners. Sajid Khan was the star of the show with five wickets, while Abrar Ahmed and Noman Ali claimed four and one wickets, respectively. For the visitors, Alick Athanaze stood tall with a resilient 55 runs, but his efforts were not enough to save his team from defeat. Resuming their second innings at 109/3, Pakistan struggled to build momentum. Saud Shakeel departed early without adding to his overnight score, falling for just two runs. Wickets tumbled quickly as Mohammad Rizwan (2), Kamran Ghulam (27), and Salman Ali Agha (14) failed to contribute significantly. Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 157 runs, setting a 251-run target for the visitors.

West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican wreaked havoc, taking an impressive seven wickets, while Gudakesh Motie picked up one while two Pakistani players were run out. The West Indies began their chase under pressure, losing their first wicket at just 16 runs when skipper Kraigg Brathwaite was dismissed by Sajid Khan. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals as the visitors struggled to handle the Pakistani spin attack. Keacy Carty (6), Kavem Hodge (0), and Justin Greaves (9) failed to make an impact, while Tevin Imlach (14) and Kevin Sinclair (10) offered brief resistance. Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican were both dismissed without scoring, leaving Alick Athanaze as the lone fighter with his valiant 55-run effort. Earlier in the match, Pakistan managed 230 runs in their first innings, with West Indies collapsing for just 137 in response. The early lead proved crucial as the hosts dominated the second innings. With this convincing win, Pakistan showcased their dominance, particularly through th eir spinners. The victory also gives them momentum heading into the second Test of the series, as they look to secure a clean sweep.

AJK constitution didn’t allow any law contrary to the Holy Quran and Hadith: AJK President

Mirpur (ajk): Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Barrister Chaudhry has said that the constitution of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) did not allow any law contrary to the Holy Quran and Sunnah.

Acknowledging the Islamic Ideology Council's crucial role, the President said that despite its limitations and challenges, the Council had been fulfilling its constitutional duties in the best possible way by bringing existing laws in conformity with Islamic teachings and by promoting Islamic values in the society, said an official handout issued by AJK government.

The AJK President expressed these views while addressing an extraordinary meeting of the Islamic Ideology Council of AJK held in the state metropolis on Thursday under the chairmanship of Chief Justice of Azad Jammu Kashmir, Justice Raja Saeed Akram Khan, the handout added.

It continued that besides other members of the council, the AJK President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry attended the meeting as a special guest.

Addressing the meeting, Barrister Sultan said "the Council has not only been providing guidance to the government as per the Islamic shari'ah but also playing a key role in promoting inter-religious harmony in the state", he remarked.

The credit for elimination of sectarianism in the state, he said, went to the Chairman and members of the council.

He also appreciated the members of the council for their knowledge and deep understanding of religion.

The AJK president said that following the thirteenth amendment in Act 1974, the council has been given the same constitutional status as the Council of Islamic Ideology of Pakistan.

Stressing the need for promoting inter-religious harmony, the president regrettably noted that the menace of mutual discord, lack of unity and consensus and above all sectarianism and its adverse effects had damaged to Muslim cause.

He said that there was a dire need to bring scholars of all sects together to evolve broader consensus and unity, adding "I hope that the Council of Islamic Ideology will continue to play its pivotal role in this regard".

Barrister Chaudhry on the occasion assured the members of the council that he would play his due role in resolving all issues with the Islamic body including provision of space for office and honorarium for the members.

Chief Justice of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Justice Raja Saeed Akram Khan, who is also Chairman of the Council, thanked the president for attending the session.

Referring to the Interim Constitution Act 1974, justice Khan said that under the act Islam had been declared as the State religion.

"As per the Act no legislation against the Islamic law and teachings can be made or shall be applicable in the State", he added.

He said that the Islamic Ideology Council was established in 1978 so that the government in the light of its recommendations could legislate in accordance with the teachings of Islam and take practical steps to establish an Islamic society.

The meeting was attended among others by members of the Council including Maulana Sahibzada Pir Muhammad Habib-ur-Rehman Mehboobi, Maulana Saeed Yousuf, Maulana Mufti Muhammad Hussain Chishti, Maulana Muhammad Altaf Hussain Saifi, Maulana Mufti Muhammad Arif, Maulana Qari Muhammad Azam Arif and Mufti Kifayat Hussain Naqvi.

Meeting reviews public safety measures at Tanda Dam

Kohat: An important meeting on Friday here chaired by Deputy Commissioner Kohat Abdul Akram Chitrali reviewed safety measures and public facilities at Tanda Dam.

The meeting was attended by the district administration, Irrigation Department Kohat Engineer Naveedullah Khattak, representatives of Kohat Police, Rescue 1122 and the departments concerned. The purpose of the meeting was to further improve the security arrangements at Tanda Dam, ensuring public convenience and formulating a comprehensive strategy to deal with potential threats in a timely manner.

Deputy Commissioner Kohat directed all the departments concerned to ensure high standards of safety and security at the dam and take immediate steps to provide a safe and comfortable environment to the public. He also directed for ensuring readiness and availability of rescue

Services, besides launching a campaign to create awareness among the public.

At the end of the meeting, all the institutions assured that top priority would be given to the safety of the people at the dam, convenience and implementation of needed measures.

Motorcar sports event ‘KP Sports Fest’ tomorrow

Peshawar: Directorate General of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will organize a major motorcar sports event 'KP Sports Fest' (Autocross) on Saturday, January 18 at the Peshawar Sports Complex.

The main objective of organizing this event is to promote motorcar's sports in the province and in the same continuation a similar activity of automotive car show was also organized last month, said a press release issued here on Friday.

The said event is being organized according to the vision of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and these sports activities are being organized with continuously under the leadership of Provincial Sports Minister Syed Fakhar Jahan and the officials of the Sports Department are fully focussing on the promotion of sports.

Directorate of Sports is also going to organize another such big event in the name of Dera Jaat Motorcar Rally in April this year. Famous motorcar riders of the country will participate in the event.

Bowlers to sustain pressure on Pakistani batters, says Jayden Seales

Multan: West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales showcased a stellar performance on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan, claiming three critical wickets and keeping the hosts on the back foot.

Holding a press conference after the day's play at Multan Cricket Stadium, Seales highlighted his bowling strategy, the importance of the toss and his approach to thriving in spin-dominated conditions.

'I figured Babar Azam was watching my hand a bit, so I tried to deceive him, and it worked,' said Seales, reflecting on his approach to getting Babar's wicket. He lauded the collective effort of the West Indies bowling unit and emphasized the need to sustain the pressure on Pakistan in the coming days.

To a question about the toss, Seales admitted it played a significant role in the day's proceedings. 'The toss was important because of the way the pitch looked,' he said, adding that while the fast bowlers dominated early on, he expects spinners to have a greater impact as the game progresses. 'It may reverse swing at some point, but I still think the spinners will dominate moving forward.'

He said that bowling in Asian conditions, typically known for favoring spinners, presents a unique challenge for pacers. He said that as a fast bowler in these conditions, you always want to make a big impact and he wanted to be in the game and get key wickets. He attributed his success to maintaining pressure and capitalizing on the new ball, which swung early due to the cold conditions in Multan. Despite dismissing star players like Babar Azam and Shan Masood, Seales denied feeling any pressure. 'In international cricket, you expect the players to be good, so you have to back yourself and match up skill for skill,' he said.

Discussing the pitch, he revealed insights from the training sessions. 'The ball did a little bit when it was new, so it was about putting the ball in the right areas adding that cold conditions this afternoon worked in their favour,' he noted.