QUETTA: Armed militants attacked a Pakistani security checkpoint on a highway in a remote area of southwestern Balochistan province, killing a soldier before fleeing, the military said Monday.
The overnight attack on the paramilitary Frontier Corps troops took place in the province's Kech district, the military said in a statement. Troops have cordoned off the area and are pursuing “fleeing terrorists," it said. There were no further details.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the assault but previous such attacks have been claimed by separatist groups in Balochistan, where other militants also have a presence. Balochistan has been battling an insurgency for more than a decade by separatists demanding complete autonomy or a larger share of the province’s gas and mineral resources.
Militant raid on security post kills soldier - Pakistan army
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Militant raid on security post kills soldier - Pakistan army
- Armed militants attack Pakistani security checkpoint on highway in a remote area of southwestern Balochistan
- The overnight attack on paramilitary Frontier Corps troops took place in the province's Kech district
Pakistan defeat Japan to qualify for Hockey World Cup after eight years
- The national side was trailing 3-1 in the third quarter and smashed three goals in last nine minutes of the final quarter
- PM Shehbaz Sharif tells Pakistan players ‘you can win the World Cup by playing with same hard work, determination’
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan defeated Japan 4-3 in the semifinal of the FIH Hockey World Cup qualifier in Egypt on Friday, qualifying for this year’s World Cup.
Pakistan’s victory at the Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium has earned them a place in the World Cup after eight years. Belgium and the Netherlands will co-host the tournament in Aug.
The Pakistan hockey team has not qualified for the last three Olympics and were ranked 12th when they last played a World Cup in 2018, despite hockey being the national game of Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday congratulated the Pakistani side for securing a place in the upcoming World Cup, promising his government support to the players.
“You can win the World Cup by playing with the same hard work and determination,” he said in a statement. “The government will provide you with all the facilities. Your full attention should be focused on outstanding performance in the game.”
The national side, led by Ammad Butt, was trailing 3-1 in the third quarter of Friday’s match against Japan, when it smashed three goals in the last nine minutes of the final quarter to clinch victory.
Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari called the win a “message of encouragement for hockey revival in Pakistan.”
“Sports play an important role in promoting national unity, discipline and a healthy society,” he said, stressing the need to promote hockey and football across the country.
Pakistan’s hockey journey is marked by past glory and ongoing efforts to revive the sport. Once a dominant force with three Olympic golds in 1960, 1968 and 1984 along with four World Cups in 1971, 1978, 1982 and 1994, the country was known for its legendary players like Shahbaz Ahmed and Samiullah Khan.
However, poor management, lack of infrastructure and the rise of cricket from the late 1990s led to a decline. The failure to adapt to modern demands, including fitness and artificial turfs also further deepened the crisis.
