ISLAMABAD: A 19-year-old cadet of the Pakistan Military Academy, on leave from training in Kakul, was killed by militants on Friday while attending evening prayers at his hometown mosque in northwest Pakistan, according to a statement from the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The incident occurred in Lakki Marwat, a volatile district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, where militants from the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have frequently targeted police precincts and checkpoints, killing several law enforcement personnel.
Pakistan’s western provinces of KP and Balochistan, which share borders with Afghanistan, have seen an increase in militant violence in recent months. While the armed factions operating in these regions pursue distinct political agendas, Pakistani officials assert they collaborate on certain operations.
Islamabad has also accused Afghan authorities of “facilitating” these groups, whose leadership is reportedly based across the border, to launch attacks in its territory. Afghan officials, however, deny these claims, saying that Pakistan’s security issues are an internal matter.
“On 25 October 2024, Khwarij [militants] attacked a Mosque in District Lakki Marwat during Maghrib [evening] Prayers,” the ISPR said in its statement. “Gentleman Cadet Arif Ullah (under training at Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul & on leave at his hometown), was also present there, offering prayers in the same Mosque.”
“As soon as Khwarij started firing, he immediately responded and fought the khwarij bravely,” the statement added. “However, during the incident, Gentleman Cadet Arif Ullah (Age 19 years) embarced Shahadat [martyrdom] sacrificing his life, while saving many innocent lives of worshippers.”
The ISPR said such acts of attacking worshippers in mosques reflected the ideology of the militants.
It also noted that the young cadet’s spirit of sacrifice also showed the dedication of Pakistani security forces who wanted to eliminate militant violence from the country.
Militants kill young army cadet during evening prayers in northwest Pakistan
https://arab.news/yzpt6
Militants kill young army cadet during evening prayers in northwest Pakistan
- Incident occurred when 19-year-old Arif Ullah was visiting his hometown on leave
- Military says the young PMA cadet fought back, saved worshippers during the attack
Pakistan PM invites UAE investment across tech and resource sectors at National Day event
- Shehbaz Sharif says the UAE remains a key economic partner and continues to lend ‘critical support’ to Pakistan
- UAE envoy says both nations have potential for cooperation in renewable energy, AI and economic diversification
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is ready to welcome investment from the United Arab Emirates across emerging technologies and resource sectors, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday, as both countries marked the 54th National Day of the Gulf country in Islamabad.
Speaking at the ceremony attended by senior ministers, diplomats and business leaders, Sharif said the UAE remained a key economic partner for Pakistan and continued to lend “critical support” to the country’s stabilizing economy.
“Pakistan takes great pride in its strategic partnership with the UAE, which continues to deepen across every domain of life,” he said. “With Pakistan’s economy stabilizing, we stand ready to welcome Emirati investment in renewable energy, AI, fintech, agriculture and minerals.”
Sharif praised the UAE’s leadership and recalled his earliest memories of the Gulf nation as “a land that believed in possibilities long before they became realities,” saying the country’s progress under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan commanded “profound admiration.”
UAE Ambassador Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi said the Emirates was committed to strengthening ties with Pakistan in areas including the economy, energy and artificial intelligence.
He said the two countries shared a “deep-rooted friendship built on mutual respect, shared values and a common vision for regional peace and development.”
“We see tremendous potential for collaboration in renewable energy, artificial intelligence, sustainability and economic diversification,” the ambassador said, adding that the UAE aimed to broaden the scope of its economic relations with Pakistan.
The UAE hosts around 1.8 million Pakistani expatriates, one of the country’s largest overseas communities, who Sharif said contributed “tirelessly” to the Gulf state’s development.
Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also joined the UAE ambassador in a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the occasion.
