9 militants killed in clashes with Pakistani troops in North Waziristan

In this file photograph taken on July 9, 2014 shows Pakistani soldiers patrol during a military operation against Taliban militants, in the main town of Miranshah in North Waziristan. (AFP)
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Updated 26 April 2020
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9 militants killed in clashes with Pakistani troops in North Waziristan

  • Follows crackdown against militants in the area
  • Five security forces also injured in the attack

ISLAMABAD: Nine militants and two soldiers were killed during an Intelligence Based Operation (IBO) in the North Waziristan district of Pakistan on Saturday night, Pakistan army said in a statement released on Sunday.
“Security forces conducted the IBO on credible information about the presence of terrorists in the Khaisura and Dossali areas of North Waziristan district late [on Saturday] night...an exchange of fire took place between terrorists and security forces,” the statement said, adding that five troops were also injured in the process.
During the IBO, the troops also recovered weapons and ammunition from the area.
North Waziristan is one of seven former semi-autonomous tribal regions in Pakistan and was once dubbed the hub of militancy. However, it’s relatively peaceful now following a series of army operations since 2014 to eliminate terrorists.
Last week, militants attacked a Pakistani army security post in North Waziristan, resulting in the deaths of a soldier and five insurgents.


Pakistan assembly speaker warns opposition against anti-state remarks in parliament

Updated 17 January 2026
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Pakistan assembly speaker warns opposition against anti-state remarks in parliament

  • Ayaz Sadiq says criticism of judiciary and armed forces will not be allowed on assembly floor
  • He calls violence during protests unacceptable, vows neutrality as National Assembly speaker

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said on Saturday that opposition lawmakers would not be allowed to speak against Pakistan, the judiciary or the armed forces on the floor of parliament, calling such remarks unacceptable.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to the eastern city of Lahore, Sadiq said parliamentary debate must remain within constitutional and legal limits, while reiterating his commitment to act impartially as speaker.

“No one will be allowed to speak against Pakistan, the judiciary or the armed forces on the floor of the National Assembly,” Sadiq said. “Negative or controversial remarks about judges or the armed forces are unacceptable.”

His comments come amid heightened political tensions after opposition groups held protests in the past, criticizing state institutions and targeting government and military properties.

The speaker said peaceful protest was a democratic right but drew a sharp line at violence and vandalism.

“Protest is the right of every citizen in a democratic society, but it must remain peaceful and within the bounds of the constitution and the law,” he continued, adding that arson, damage to property and the use of sticks or weapons in the name of protest were “unacceptable” and posed a threat to the rule of law.

“No opposition lawmaker will be allowed to speak on the National Assembly floor if they speak against Pakistan,” Sadiq said.

The speaker also noted the country’s economic indicators were gradually improving, citing an increase in foreign exchange reserves, and said Pakistan had further strengthened relations with countries including the United States, China, Russia, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia.