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Express Tribune
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Proxies core driver of India conflict, NA told
The National Assembly was informed on Wednesday over 90,000 people, including civilians, security personnel and law enforcement officials, lost their lives due to terrorism in the country. Responding to a point of order raised by Sunni Ittehad Council MNA Muhammad Iqbal Khan, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said Pakistan has paid a steep price in the war against terror, both in terms of human lives and economic losses, which run into hundreds of billions of dollars. He emphasized that in the aftermath of terrorist attacks, security forces and law enforcement agencies have relentlessly pursued and neutralised the perpetrators to safeguard cities and communities. Addressing concerns over the recent resurgence of terrorist activities, Dr. Tariq raised questions about the underlying causes behind the new wave of violence. He expressed serious concerns about foreign interference, stating that investigations indicate the involvement of Indian-backed proxy groups operating within Pakistan. These groups, he said, are being actively targeted and dismantled by the country's security apparatus. "The core driver of the ongoing conflict with India is the presence of the foreign-sponsored elements. Our forces are engaged in a broader national effort to neutralize such threats," he said. Dr Tariq reiterated the government's commitment to the full implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP), stressing that it is being enforced nationwide. He also highlighted the role of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief minister in Apex Committee, where decisions are taken through consensus and inter-agency coordination. The minister clarified that military and law enforcement operations are not arbitrary but are intelligence-driven, targeting areas where terrorists have established safe havens and are planning attacks. "There is a strong, unified demand from the people of Pakistan to eliminate terrorism in all its forms," the minister said. Afghan refugees Parliamentary Secretary Mukhtar Ahmad Malik informed the National Assembly that approximately 1.3 million Afghan refugees have been repatriated from Pakistan so far. Responding to a question raised by MNA Anjum Aqeel Khan during the National Assembly session, Malik stated that around 3 million Afghan refugees had been residing in Pakistan. Of these, 813,000 held Afghan Citizen Cards (ECC), while 1.3 million possessed Proof of Registration (PoR) cards. He emphasised that under the One Document Regime, Afghan nationals who wish to enter Pakistan for medical treatment, education, or business purposes are welcome, provided they obtain the appropriate visa and carry valid documentation. Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) member Shazia Marri praised the Pakistan armed forces for giving a strong and befitting response to Indian aggression, saying it has made the nation proud. Speaking on a point of order in the National Assembly, she said that Pakistani women stand shoulder to shoulder with the military in the defense of the motherland.
Express Tribune
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Turi, Bangash tribes surrender arms
Security forces display a large cache of arms recovered from terrorists targeted in an operation in Sambaza Sector, Zhob. PHOTO: ISPR The Turi and Bangash tribes voluntarily handed over all types of weapons in their possession to the district administration and law enforcement agencies in Kurram tribal district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday. This development follows the Kohat Agreement, under which both rival factions in the district agreed to surrender their arms and ammunition to the government. A special ceremony was held in Parachinar to mark the occasion. It was attended by the local brigade commander, assistant commissioner, secretary of Anjuman Hussainia, senior security officials, tribal elders, and a large number of local residents. During the event, members of the Bagdi, Lalmay, Borki, Shingak, Harlachi, and Karakhela sub-tribes voluntarily handed over their weapons. This initiative is being widely hailed as a significant step toward establishing lasting peace, restoring mutual trust, and creating a conducive environment for development in the tribal regions. Earlier in January this year, two bunkers were demolished as an initial step toward disarming the warring factions in the troubled district. Under the supervision of the Grand Peace Jirga and local peace committees, security forces demolished the bunkers at Jannat Khan Morcha (Khar Khel) and Jalandhar Morcha (Balish Khel). Kohat Commissioner Muttasim Bilal had consulted the local population regarding the demolition of the bunkers. As per the Apex Committee's decision and the peace agreement, all bunkers will be dismantled. This is considered essential for restoring peace in the area. During the demolition, security forces were stationed in Kurram Balishkhel and Khar Khel. Helicopters conducted aerial surveillance in Kurram Balishkhel. According to the district administration, the demolition of the bunkers will continue until all are removed, as per the government's decision. Under the Apex Committee's directive, weapons are also being collected. Additionally, any violations of the peace agreement will result in action by the government, as stipulated in the accord. Kurram Deputy Commissioner Ashfaq Khan said that according to the peace agreement, all bunkers in the district will be demolished and weapons collected. He said that law enforcement personnel would accompany the teams to the demolition sites. He added that after the security clearance, aid convoys would be dispatched to the region. The Kurram peace agreement, aimed at resolving a century-long conflict in the region, has reportedly led to the recruitment of 400 new personnel and the establishment of additional security measures in January this year. As part of the agreement, new checkpoints will be set up, and two FC platoons will be deployed to bolster security along the region's main roads, Express News reported. Officials said that the new security personnel will focus on safeguarding the Kurram region, which has experienced significant instability.
Express Tribune
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Committee reviews implementation of NAP
Provincial Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Noshirwani on Friday chaired the first meeting of the socio-political committee. The meeting was attended by Additional Home Secretary Zahid Saleem, Finance Secretary Imran Zarkoon and other officials. The social aspects of the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) were discussed in detail in the meeting. On this occasion, a comprehensive review of the points approved by the Apex Committee was taken and various important issues were brought under consideration. Points including the establishment of JRC and JCP and the issues of missing persons, hawala, Indian affairs, Balochistan's integrity security architecture, the mapping of illegal Afghan citizens and future action plan, the divided villages on the Pak-Afghan border and other issues were discussed in the meeting. The meeting stressed that establishment of the socio-political committee was an important step towards promoting sustainable peace, stability and social harmony in Balochistan which would be helpful in making government actions at the local level effective and coordinated. In addition, the 28 points of BISA which include all issues related to sabotage were also reviewed in detail to formulate a comprehensive, effective and all-round policy. At the end of the meeting, it was decided that the committee would hold regular meetings every month to ensure the continuity of implementation of the agreed measures.
Express Tribune
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Hybrid security model approved
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Cabinet approved Rs567.70 million under the Hybrid Security Model for the procurement of various equipment to strengthen the police force. This will enable the police to take full control of security management in Buner and Upper Chitral within 15 days. The cabinet's 28th meeting was held on Tuesday night, presided over by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur. It was attended by cabinet members, Chief secretary, Additional Chief Secretary Home, Senior Member Board of Revenue, Administrative Secretaries and Advocate General. Notably, the Apex Committee had previously decided to implement the Hybrid Security Model (HSM) in six districts: Buner, Swat, Upper Chitral, Mohmand, Khyber and Lakki Marwat. Under the Hybrid Security Model, either the army or the police takes the lead role, with full security responsibilities eventually being handed over to the police. The approved funds will be used to procure arms, ammunition, transport, machinery and other essential assets. The cabinet approved the draft "Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Sentencing (Amendment) Act 2025" Bill which provides for bringing consistency in the decisions/judgments regarding sentencing and better implementation. The amendments clarity, and additions specifically relates to sections 17,18 & 20 of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Sentencing Act, 2021. The variation observed in sentencing for a same crime in provisions where discretion was allowed had necessitated the amendment. The Bill also clarifies the status of the employees of the Council that has hitherto not been defined. The cabinet directed to convene open kachehries with the general public of the area to objectively acquire the views of the stakeholders for detachment of the two villages/mouzas Darshi and Mathokhiel from Tehsil Banda Daud Shah District Karak and attachment thereof with Thall tehsil of District Hangu. Cabinet also sanctioned funds for clearing the liabilities of outsourced hospitals Daggar, Ghiljo, Mamad Gat, Mola Khan Sarai, Toi Khula and Darazinda, RHC Garamchashma and RHC Mastuj. It also approved the establishment of Jawan Markaz in district Karak. Cabinet accorded approval to the appointment of non-official members of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Medical Transplantation Regulatory Authority. Cabinet also approved Rs56.028 million and exemption of tendering process for Ramzan Dastarkhawan for FY 2024-25. Under the scheme during the month of Ramzan free Sahri and Iftaries are provided to all those individuals who are stationed with patients in DHQ and THQ hospitals etc. Cabinet approved amendments to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women (KPCSW) Act, 2016 which aims at strengthening the working of the Commission. The Commission oversees implementation of laws, policies and programs related to women and proposes new measures where there exist gaps. The Cabinet also decided to avail the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) funding of $30 million for Malakand infrastructure project if the federal government provided it as "grant" and not as "loan".
