Pakistan says two army commandos killed, at least 15 injured retaking police center from militants

Security officials guard a blocked road leading to a counter-terrorism center after security forces starting to clear the compound seized earlier by Pakistani Taliban militants in Bannu, a northern district in the Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022. (Photo courtesy: AP)
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Updated 20 December 2022
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Pakistan says two army commandos killed, at least 15 injured retaking police center from militants

  • Counterterrorism facility was seized two days ago by Taliban militants who overpowered guards and took hostages
  • Defense minister says Army’s Special Service Group launched the operation, all ‘terrorists’ inside compound killed

BANNU/MARDAN: Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on Tuesday all militants who had seized a counterterrorism interrogation center two days ago had been eliminated in an operation to retake the facility in which two military commandos had been killed and at least 15 were wounded.

The counterterrorism department [CTD] facility was seized on Sunday by Pakistani Taliban (TTP) militants who overpowered guards, seized arms and took hostages. On Monday, a spokesperson for the provincial Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government said authorities had opened talks with militants inside the CTD center but an operation to take back the facility, located in a military cantonment, was launched early on Tuesday afternoon.

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, Defense Minister Asif said the operation was launched by the Pakistan Army’s Special Service Group (SSG).

“Ten to fifteen of our SSG commandos, including one officer, were injured. Besides this, there have been two martyrdoms. And all hostages have been freed,” he said. “All terrorists have been killed in this operation and today the whole compound of CTD was cleared by 230pm.”

Asif called the hostage situation an “utter failure” of the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and added: “Ultimately our armed forces had to get hostages freed, killed the militants and give sacrifices.”

Releasing its own statement, the TTP said the army had not been able to enter the compound, adding that the group would release more details later.

A statement from the army’s media wing, ISPR, said the operation “is going to be completed soon.”

Earlier, an interior ministry official for the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had confirmed to Arab News that the operation had been completed.

“Job is done,” Babar Khan Swati, an adviser at the KP home department said. “The operation has been completed and all terrorists have been eliminated,” he added, declining to share figures of those killed and wounded.

A senior military official who declined to be named said the “fight is over but the clearing operation is still ongoing.”

Video footage shared by an Arab News witness in the early afternoon showed plumes of smoke rising from the vicinity of the Bannu military cantonment. Residents reported hearing firing and loud explosions.

The government announced a “medical emergency” at hospitals in Bannu city, while schools and other educational facilities remained closed on Tuesday. Barricades were placed on all roads leading up to the military cantonment and the area was completely sealed off to the public and media. The Internet has been shut down for at least two days in the city.

Residents Arab News spoke with expressed fear over the standoff.

Noor Aslam, village secretary of the union council Mombati Barakzai, said life had come to a standstill in the city.

“Due to mobile phones, all business here has stopped,” he said. “We can’t meet anyone or speak to them.”

“We don’t know when this situation will end,” he said. “I only know that people are worried.”

“DON’T SURRENDER BEFORE THE ENEMY”

In a statement released on Monday, the TTP said detainees linked to the group had taken “several military officers and jail staff” hostage at the CTD facility. The group demanded safe passage for its members to Pakistan’s tribal regions of North and South Waziristan.

In a video statement released on Tuesday, TTP chief Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud advised militants inside the CTD center not to “surrender before the enemy under any circumstances.”

“Once (you) have shown honor, sacrifice your life but don’t dishonor the fighters in front of the enemy,” he said in his message. “They [Pakistan government and military] have always deceived us in and out of the jails, [and] have broken their pledge so don’t be deceived by them.”

The TTP, which has stepped up attacks since it announced the end of an Afghan Taliban-brokered cease-fire with the government last month, has long used violence in a bid to take over Pakistan and enforce its own harsh brand of Islam.

The TTP’s siege of the CTD center on Sunday came on the same day four Pakistani police officers were killed and another four critically wounded when suspected militants attacked a police station in Lakki Marwat district in the country’s northwest.

On Monday, a suicide bombing killed at least two passersby and a soldier in the northwestern region of North Waziristan. On Tuesday, the TTP said in a statement it had attacked a police station in Wana city in South Waziristan and killed two policemen and captured weapons but police said only one officer had been wounded.

- Rehmat Mehsud contributed reporting from Peshawar.


Political leaders meet in Pakistan’s northwest after deadly clashes at gathering by ‘banned’ Pashtun rights group

Updated 5 sec ago
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Political leaders meet in Pakistan’s northwest after deadly clashes at gathering by ‘banned’ Pashtun rights group

  • The gathering was called by Chief Minister Gandapur after shooting at Pashtun Tahafuz Movement members
  • PTM was banned by the federal authorities for alleged anti-state activities but plans to hold a national jirga

PESHAWAR: Representatives of Pakistan’s major political parties met at the Chief Minister’s House in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday to discuss a shooting incident that left three people dead at a gathering organized by a recently banned Pashtun rights movement accused of promoting anti-state rhetoric and targeting Pakistani embassies abroad.
The jirga, a traditional assembly in Pashtun communities used to resolve disputes and make decisions on social and political matters, was called by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and included Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.
According to a statement circulated by the provincial authorities, the meeting focused on “the unfortunate incident in Khyber district yesterday,” where a clash broke out between police and members of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), resulting in three deaths and 10 injuries.
PTM, which has long advocated against extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of Pashtuns and other ethnic minorities in Pakistan, was recently designated as a “proscribed” organization by the federal government due to its alleged links to militant factions, a charge denied by its leadership. The group plans to hold a national jirga on Friday despite the government’s imposed restrictions.
“The purpose of the jirga is to find a peaceful solution to the conflict through dialogue and mutual understanding,” Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, KP administration’s spokesperson, said in a statement.
“The jirga has given Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur full authority to resolve the conflict through dialogue and understanding,” he added.
Saif expressed hope to find suitable solution to the problem soon.
“The jirga members are in contact with both parties, and, God willing, discussions will begin tonight,” he continued.
He maintained the KP government was aware of its constitutional and legal responsibilities, adding that protecting the state of Pakistan and upholding the dignity of the Constitution were its top priorities.
“Establishing peace in the province is not only our responsibility but also our duty,” he said. “We are following a zero-tolerance policy on any issue that affects law and order.”
While the KP administration did not say how it planned to deal with PTM’s gathering amid the ban imposed by the government, Mohsin Dawar, a former lawmaker from North Waziristan who was previously affiliated with PTM, said it was agreed to allow the gathering.
“Participated in the meeting called by the Chief Minister on PTM’s Pashtuns National Jarga,” he said in a social media post. “We demanded from all the political parties in the meeting to allow PTM’s Jarga to be held. Our demand has been accepted and the federal and provincial govts will allow the Jarga tomorrow.”


Security forces kill four militants in Pakistan’s northwest

Updated 10 October 2024
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Security forces kill four militants in Pakistan’s northwest

  • Militants were killed in two separate operations carried out in Bannu and North Waziristan
  • Weapons and ammunition were recovered from militants who were involved in several crimes

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces have killed four militants in two separate operations in the country’s northwest, according to the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on Thursday.
The country has witnessed a surge in militant attacks in the tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province since a fragile ceasefire broke down between the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the government in November 2022.
Pakistan has frequently said the TTP leadership is based in Afghanistan and gets assistance from the administration in Kabul, though Afghan authorities deny the claim.
“On 9-10 October 2024, four Khwarij [TTP militants] were killed in two separate operations conducted by Security Forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” the ISPR said.
On October 9, an intelligence-based operation was carried out in the general area of Janikhel in Bannu district in which two militants were killed.
In another operation, conducted in the general area Hassan Khel in North Waziristan on October 10, Pakistani troops effectively engaged a militant hideout and in ensuing exchange of fire two more militants lost their lives.
“Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from killed khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces as well as abductions and target killing of innocent civilians,” the ISPR added.
It said the “sanitization of the area” was being carried out to eliminate any other militant found in the territory.


Pakistan, Saudi Arabia ink multiple agreements valuing $2 billion

Updated 34 min 34 sec ago
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Pakistan, Saudi Arabia ink multiple agreements valuing $2 billion

  • Saudi investment minister is heading a large business delegation on three-day visit to Islamabad
  • Saudi visit comes as Pakistan seeks foreign investments to navigate tricky path to economic recovery

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif witnessed the signing of over $2 billion in agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between Saudi and Pakistani businesses on Thursday, calling the ceremony a precursor to many future partnerships.
The event took place as Sharif welcomed Saudi Investment Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih at the PM House, describing his visit as an “important milestone” in the economic relations between the two countries.
The Saudi minister brought a large delegation of businessmen representing various economic sectors, including energy, mining, agriculture, tourism and industry, a day earlier, with the aim of finalizing 27 business-to-business deals and MoUs.
The visit took place at a time when Pakistan is seeking to strengthen trade and investment ties with friendly nations, particularly the kingdom, whose leadership reaffirmed its commitment this year to expedite a $5 billion investment package for the South Asian country.
“Today’s ceremony will lead to many more such events in times to come if we are sincere to the cause,” Sharif told the gathering, referring to Pakistan’s commitment to implementing these agreements and turning the MoUs into lucrative business deals.
He assured the Saudi delegation of his government’s full cooperation, saying he would not allow any impediments to thwart the business cooperation between the two countries.
The prime minister said Pakistan’s relations with the kingdom were firmly rooted in history and that both countries had stood by each other through thick and thin.
“Saudi Arabia has always supported Pakistan, whether after floods or earthquakes,” he continued. “This is not only friendship. This is true brotherhood, which we must transform into a relationship of economic development, cooperation and promoting our investments.”
Earlier, the prime minister told the Saudi minister that his visit was “an important milestone in strengthening investment ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, setting the stage for greater collaboration in sectors of mutual interest.”
The prime minister pointed out that Al-Falih’s trip to Pakistan was the third high-level Saudi delegation to visit the country in the last six months, calling it a testament to the growing momentum in the bilateral relationship.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, expressing readiness to strengthen defense ties, including support for the kingdom’s Vision 2030, which seeks to develop indigenous defense and security capabilities.
According to the PM Office, the Saudi minister reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to increasing its investment portfolio in Pakistan, particularly in mining, agriculture, food security and infrastructure development.
He further said the signing of 27 agreements and MoUs was just the beginning of the journey.


Triple centurion Brook happy to break Dad’s club record

Updated 52 min 10 sec ago
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Triple centurion Brook happy to break Dad’s club record

  • 25-year-old smashed a career best 317 that, coupled with Joe Root’s 262, helped visitors pile 823-7
  • With a big 267-run lead over Pakistan in first innings, England then caught the home team napping at 152-6

MULTAN, Pakistan: England’s rising batting star Harry Brook said he was delighted he had finally eclipsed his father’s highest club score, when he hit a triple hundred against Pakistan in Multan on Thursday.

The 25-year-old smashed a career best 317 that, coupled with Joe Root’s 262, helped visitors pile 823-7 declared — fourth highest total in all Test cricket — England’s third best.

With a big 267-run lead over Pakistan in the first innings, England then caught the home team napping at 152-6. At close, Pakistan still needed 115 to avoid an innings defeat on the final day Friday.

Brook said his father’s highest score was the target.

“I just wanted to get past my dad’s high score 210,” said Brook of his father David’s score in a club match for Burnley in 2001.

Brook had missed a chance of surpassing dad’s best when he scored 186 against New Zealand at Wellington last year.

“I said that to you guys before, I was pretty happy when I got past his score, to be honest.”

Brook said he was satisfied to contribute in team’s strong position.

“I am lost for words, to be honest, I’m just happy that the team’s in a in a strong position to win the game tomorrow morning. It’s an incredible thing.”

Brook and Root enjoyed a run feast on a flat Multan stadium pitch, adding a big 454 for the fourth wicket, England’s highest partnership in Tests.

It eclipsed the 411-run fourth-wicket partnership by Peter May and Colin Cowdrey against the West Indies at Birmingham in 1957.

“It was wonderful batting with Rooty,” said Brook. “We spoke about the game moving forward and going out there after lunch to try and put the foot down and get a decent lead.”

“It makes you feel so comfortable when you’re watching him at the other end, he makes the game look so easy, and he’s playing the ball so late and making the balls look slow.”

Brook completed his triple century with a boundary off part-timer Saim Ayub, reaching the mark off 310 balls before he top-edged a sweep off the same bowler and was caught by Shan Masood.

Brook cracked 29 fours and three sixes in his 439-minute stay at the crease.

It was Brook’s sixth Test century and his fourth against Pakistan following his three in as many Tests when England routed Pakistan 3-0 in 2022.


Imran Khan’s party petitions Pakistani court against ban on jail meetings with ex-premier

Updated 10 October 2024
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Imran Khan’s party petitions Pakistani court against ban on jail meetings with ex-premier

  • Khan’s close aide says the former prime minister has been kept in solitary confinement since October 6
  • PTI’s petition comes after Punjab administration banned meetings in Adiala Jail, citing security reasons

KARACHI: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has filed a petition with the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to challenge the “illegal and unacceptable” ban on meetings with him in jail, said the ex-premier’s close aide on Thursday, expressing concerns that Khan has been kept in solitary confinement since October 6.
The development comes just days after Punjab’s provincial administration imposed restrictions on meetings with inmates at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where Khan is imprisoned on multiple charges.
A letter issued by the Punjab government called for strict security measures at the prison, citing security concerns following a threat alert issued by the police counterterrorism department on October 6.
The restrictions on meetings with Khan followed clashes between law enforcement personnel and PTI supporters who wanted to stage a large protest in Islamabad last weekend, seeking the release of their leader, with scores of people flocking to the capital chiefly from the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
“We have filed a petition in IHC against the illegal ban of all meetings with Imran Khan,” Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, a former federal minister and the ex-premier’s aide, announced in a social media post. “From his legal team to family all have are not allowed to meet him for the next 10 odd days. This is completely illegal and unacceptable.”
“It’s obvious the ban has been placed so a lot [of] oppressive action can be taken and his voice is not heard,” he added.

In another post, Bukhari raised concern over Khan’s life and demanded the authorities allow the former premier’s only sister who has not been imprisoned to see him at the earliest.
“Apparently, he is being kept in complete solitary [confinement] and has not seen daylight since 6th of October,” he added. “Naturally during such frictional times with the government & establishment we are worried for his life.”


The PTI petition submitted in the court by Salman Akram Raja, a prominent lawyer and the party’s secretary general, said the “blanket ban” over Khan’s meetings with his family had also affected other Adiala prisoners.
It said that there was a concern that Khan and his wife, who is also in jail on corruption charges, were kept in “inhuman conditions in death cells” with all their basic facilities withdrawn including regular visits by doctors.
Khan, jailed since August last year, was ousted from the PM’s office in 2022 in a parliamentary vote of no confidence after what is widely believed to be a falling out with Pakistan’s powerful military, which denies being involved in politics.
Since his removal, Khan and his party have waged an unprecedented campaign of defiance against the military.