BANNU/SWAT: A terrorist attack on the Chatkekal police post near Jarogo Waterfall in Upper Swat was foiled after police personnel mounted a strong counterattack late on Sunday night, District Police Officer (DPO) Mushtaq Ahmad said.
According to police, more than 12 terrorists surrounded the post and opened fire from all sides. The police personnel deployed at the post immediately retaliated with effective gunfire, forcing the attackers to retreat and flee the area.
Initial reports suggest that two terrorists were injured in the exchange of fire. Security personnel have intensified surveillance in the area, while further details are being ascertained.
The DPO praised the personnel deployed at the post for their prompt response and bravery, saying Swat police remained at the forefront of the fight against terrorism.
“Such cowardly attacks cannot demoralise Swat Police. Our personnel know how to respond effectively to terrorist attacks,” he said.
The attempted attack came a week after a suicide bombing near the Kabal Police Station in Swat district claimed 17 lives, including seven policemen.
The blast took place while a protest against lawlessness was under way at the adjoining Kabal Chowk.
On Friday, thousands of people from across Swat district gathered at Nishat Chowk in Mingora to condemn the suicide bombing and to reaffirm their commitment to peace in the valley.
Security personnel and law enforcers have been coming under attack in KP, which continues to face terrorism.
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies’ (PICSS), security personnel deaths in KP, excluding merged districts, increased from 12 in June to 38 in July and terrorist deaths from 37 to 108, reflecting a rise by 192pc.
But civilian deaths fell from 26 to seven, a decline by 73pc. One peace committee member was also killed.
One terrorist killed, several suspects held in Bannu
Separately, one terrorist was killed and several suspects were taken into custody during a joint intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Bannu’s Miryan area, according to a press release issued by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).
The operation was conducted on the directives of KP Inspector General (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed under the supervision of Bannu DPO Capt (retd) Mohammad Furqan Bilal in Khanni Kala, Barkazai and adjoining areas.
The CTD said an exchange of fire took place between law-enforcement personnel and terrorists, resulting in the killing of an unidentified terrorist. The body was taken into custody and the identification process was initiated.
“A Kalashnikov, three magazines and a bandolier were recovered from the slain terrorist”, it said.
Several suspects were also detained during search and raid operations in the area, while further investigation was under way.
The DPO praised the participating personnel for the successful operation and said IBOs would be intensified to make Bannu a peaceful place and eliminate terrorism and crime.
He also urged residents to cooperate with law-enforcement agencies and immediately report any suspicious activity or persons to the police, according to the CTD.
Bannu district has been the scene of repeated security incidents in recent months, with both civilians and local security forces coming under attack amid a broader surge in militant violence.
This has prompted targeted counterterrorism operations by police and security forces.
Last month, security forces killed 24 terrorists in Bannu district and its adjoining areas, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. Police later said another terrorist was killed as an operation continued for the third day.
On July 23, security officials said the number of suspected militants killed during the operation had risen to 48.
ISLAMABAD: Senate sub-committee for Interior on Monday ordered investigation of the alleged tax theft of staggering Rs 1120 billion.
A session of the Senate body chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro while ordering the probe of alleged tax theft also directed for immediate transfer of the inquiry to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Chairman committee directed a thorough investigation of all brands of cigarettes and companies while ordering the FIA to complete its inquiry withing two months to submit report.
Senator Saifullah Abro said that the FBR won’t probe thus the FIA will inquire into the matter.
The committee also directed for initiating action against the factories importing under quota.
The Senate standing committee for interior, last week discussed the issue of a consignment of smuggled cigarettes seized by the Customs department.
Member Customs told the meeting that the customs officials have taken all trucks in custody. “We had informed the Motorways Police about the trucks carrying cigarettes consignment”, official said. “We had prior information about the smuggling of cigarettes”.
Senator Talha Mehmood said that the matter not belonging to the Customs jurisdiction.” It is likely the smuggled cigarettes arrive from Afghanistan,” Customs official said.
“Pak-Afghan border has been closed, how could the consignment come from Afghanistan,” Senator Talha questioned.
“If it was a smuggled consignment, how it entered in Pakistan,” Senator Talha further questioned. “It is not the Customs’ case, it is a sales issue,” he remarked.
“FBI should inquire, why the news report run against the senator along with statements from the FBR and the motorway police,” committee’s chairman said.
The FIA should take an immediate action, he said while demanding the report mentioning the name of the senator who own these cigarettes.
The Bald Range fire had burned more than 33,000 acres and remained out of control on Sunday, officials said. About 20,000 people were ordered to evacuate.
The traditional ways of cultivating the peppers may not survive the challenges of climate change and soaring costs, so Pakistani farmers are trying to adapt.
Officials told platforms to verify children’s ages using government-issued documents, like identity cards. But the companies have balked, apparently over privacy concerns.
Francisco de la Torre, the mayor of Málaga, is credited with turning the once drab port into a culture and tech hub. Critics say he’s also destroyed the city’s soul.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the security environment by reducing the cost, skill, and time required to conduct harmful operations. Tools once limited to states can now be used by non-state actors for propaganda, cyber operations, surveillance, and deception. This matters for Pakistan because the country...
