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Business Recorder
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Indian-sponsored suicide attack martyrs 13 soldiers in North Waziristan: ISPR
In a devastating attack described by the military as 'Indian-sponsored terrorism,' a suicide bomber targeted a Pakistani security forces convoy in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan, martyring 13 soldiers and injuring three civilians, including two children and a woman. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a strongly worded statement directly blaming India for orchestrating the attack through its alleged proxy, Fitna al Khwarij, labeling it a 'cowardly act' of violence. According to the ISPR, security forces initially intercepted a vehicle-borne suicide bomber attempting to attack the convoy, foiling his plans. However, the assailants then rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into one of the lead military vehicles, causing multiple casualties. The military confirmed that 14 terrorists were later killed in retaliatory operations, with ongoing efforts to eliminate remaining threats in the area. The fallen soldiers included Subedar Zahid Iqbal (age: 45 years, resident of District Karak), Havildar Sohrab Khan (age: 39 years, resident of District Naseerabad), Havildar Mian Yousaf (age: 41 years, resident of District Buner), Naik Khitab Shah (age: 34 years, resident of District Lower Dir), Lance Naik Ismail (age: 32 years, resident of District Naseerabad), Sepoy Rohail (age: 30 years, resident of District Mirpur Khas), Sepoy Muhammad Ramzan (age: 33 years, resident of Dera Ghazi Khan), Sepoy Nawab (age: 30 years, resident of District Quetta), Sepoy Zubair Ahmed (age: 24 years, resident of District Naseerabad), Sepoy Muhammad Sahki (age: 31 years, resident of District Dera Ghazi Khan), Sepoy Hashim Abbasi (age: 20 years, resident of District Abbotabad), Sepoy Muddasir Ejaz (age: 25 years, resident of District Layyah), Sepoy Manzar Ali (age: 23 years, resident of District Mardan). The ISPR emphasized the military's unwavering resolve to eradicate terrorism, stating that such attacks only strengthen Pakistan's commitment to national security.


Business Recorder
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
No interest in holding talks with political parties: DG ISPR
RAWALPINDI: Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry denied any backchannel communication or negotiations with former prime minister Imran Khan. In an interview with a British media outlet, the Pakistan military's spokesperson said, 'The military is not interested in talking to political parties, emphasising that dialogue and political negotiations are the responsibility of politicians.' Recorded on May 18 at the ISPR headquarters, the interview addressed several pressing topics including political instability, relations with neighbouring countries and others. Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif reiterated the military's longstanding position that it operates strictly under the constitutional framework. 'We speak to the state, not to individual political parties,' he said. According to him, the military serves the elected government of the time and should not be dragged into political debates or controversies. Responding to persistent claims about the military's involvement in politics, particularly following the ouster of Imran Khan's government, Gen Sharif blamed political actors for creating and spreading such narratives to mask their own shortcomings. The ISPR chief elaborated on the military's support in civil sectors like health, disaster response, and infrastructure development. He noted the army's key role during the Covid-19 pandemic and in polio vaccination drives. 'We act upon requests by the federal and provincial governments,' he added. On the complex security situation in Balochistan, the army's spokesperson said the region faces hybrid warfare driven by separatist elements and foreign-funded propaganda. He acknowledged the issue of enforced disappearances but stressed that no one has the right to illegally detain citizens. A judicial commission, he noted, is actively working on these cases. Lt Gen Sharif defended Pakistan's approach to media regulations and online monitoring. He pointed to Article 19 of the Constitution, which allows freedom of expression with reasonable restrictions. He also criticised what he described as double standards in global discourse on media freedoms, comparing Pakistan's environment with India's. Regarding Pakistan's security concerns stemming from Afghanistan, Gen Sharif stated that militant sanctuaries across the border continue to pose threats. He confirmed that Pakistan has conducted targeted operations across the border, including the recent Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos on May 10, aimed at neutralising threats. 'A single Pakistani life is more precious than a thousand foreign ones,' he asserted, underlining the military's commitment to protecting national sovereignty and citizen safety.


Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Military not interested in engaging with political parties: DG ISPR
The military has no interest in engaging with political parties and should not be dragged into politics, the chief military spokesperson said in an interview on Friday, stressing that the institution consistently maintained that politics was the domain of elected representatives. In an interview with the BBC Urdu, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry emphasised that the Pakistan Army remained focused on its professional responsibilities. "The army has always been clear that politics is the job of politicians. Whichever party is in power represents the state at that time," he said. "[Army's] allegiance lies with the people of Pakistan, the country's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and their protection," he added. General Chaudhry said baseless rumours and assumptions were often spread against the military for political objectives. "When the Marka-e-Haq came, has the army not fulfilled its responsibilities? Has the nation ever felt the absence of the army?" he asked. He noted that the military had acted in accordance with the directives of elected governments — both at the federal and provincial levels — on several occasions. He rejected the narrative that the people of Balochistan were distancing from the military, terming it an Indian propaganda. "We are the people's army. Balochistan is part of Pakistan, and there is no separation between the two — it is the crown of our nation," he said. Chaudhry added that both federal and provincial governments were working across various sectors to improve the welfare and prosperity of the people of Balochistan.


Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Military has no interest in engaging with political parties: DG ISPR
Listen to article Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said the military has no interest in engaging with political parties and should not be dragged into politics. In an interview with the BBC Urdu, the military spokesperson reiterated that the institution has consistently maintained that politics is the domain of elected representatives. 'The army has always been clear that politics is the job of politicians. Whichever party is in power represents the state at that time,' he said. He said baseless rumours and assumptions were often spread against the military for political objectives. 'When the Marka-e-Haq arrives, has the army not fulfilled its responsibilities? Has the nation ever felt the absence of the army?' he asked. DG ISPR emphasised that the army remains focused on its professional responsibilities, and its allegiance lies with the people of Pakistan, the country's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and their protection. He also noted that the military has acted in accordance with the directives of elected governments — both at the federal and provincial levels — on several occasions. Read More: Only state can declare jihad, not individuals or groups: DG ISPR Commenting on the situation in Balochistan, DG ISPR rejected the narrative that the people of the province are distanced from the military, terming it an Indian propaganda. 'We are the people's army. Balochistan is part of Pakistan, and there is no separation between the two — it is the crown of our nation,' he said. Lt Gen Chaudhry added that both federal and provincial governments are working across various sectors to improve the welfare and prosperity of the people of Balochistan.


Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
11 TTP terrorists killed in S Waziristan IBO
A handout photo of Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah, 37, and Lance Naik Jibran Ullah, 27, who embraced martyrdom during an intelligence-based operation in South Waziristan. Photo: ISPR Listen to article Security forces killed 11 Indian-sponsored terrorists, while two security personnel were martyred, during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the South Waziristan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the military said in a statement on Tuesday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was conducted in the general area of Sararogha in South Waziristan on the reported presence of Indian proxy terrorists from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). "During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the Khwarij location," the statement said, referring to the terrorists belonging to the TTP. "Eleven Indian sponsored Khwarij have been killed and seven got injured by Security Forces," it added. However, during the intense fire exchange, the ISPR said, "a brave officer Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah, who was leading his troops from the front, fought gallantly and paid the ultimate sacrifice along with another brave son of the soil Lance Naik Jibran Ullah". Paying rich tribute to Major Moiz Shaheed, the ISPR said that he was renowned for his courage and daring actions in numerous operations conducted against the Khwarij. According to the statement, a sanitization operation was being conducted to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored Kharji found in the area. "Security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian-Sponsored Terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve." President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the professional capabilities of the officers and personnel of the security forces for successfully carrying out the operation against the terrorists of Fitna Al-Khwarij. They paid tribute to Shaheed Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah and Shaheed Lance Naik Jibranullah, PM Office Media Wing said in a statement. The president lauded the valour of the security forces for eliminating terrorists of Fitna al-Khwarij in the IBO, President Secretariat Media Wing said in a statement. The president and the prime minister prayed for the high ranks of the martyrs and grant of patience for the bereaved families. President Zardari, while praising the bravery and patriotism of the martyred personnel, said that the nation would always remember their sacrifices. The entire nation, including him, was proud of their martyrs and their families, the prime minister said, adding the sacrifices of those who embraced martyrdom for the sake of the be-loved homeland would not go in vain. The president and the prime minister reiterated the resolve to continue the fight against the scourge of terrorism till its complete eradication. The president said that their resolve to eliminate terrorist elements would remain firm. The prime minister also expressed that in their unwavering re-solve to defend the homeland, the entire nation, including him, stood shoulder to shoulder with their armed forces.