Latest news with #Jaish-e-Mohammad
India.com
4 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Shehbaz Sharif Denies Use Of Nuclear Weapons During Conflict With India, Says Paks Nuke Not For Aggression
New Delhi: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday categorically rejected suggestions of a potential nuclear exchange with India during the recent military standoff, asserting that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is intended solely for peaceful purposes and national defence. Speaking to a gathering of Pakistani students in Islamabad, Sharif addressed concerns about the use of nuclear weapons amid the four-day military escalation triggered by the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, India, which claimed 26 civilian lives. In response to the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, a major military offensive targeting terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian armed forces conducted strikes on May 7, hitting nine terror sites, including locations in Bahawalpur, reportedly a stronghold of the Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist group. Sharif confirmed that 55 Pakistani citizens lost their lives during the Indian strikes, but emphasized that Pakistan had responded 'with full might.' However, he ruled out any consideration of nuclear retaliation. "Pakistan's nuclear programme is designed for peaceful purposes and national self-defence. It is not intended for aggression,' he reiterated. The Prime Minister also addressed swirling rumors of a brewing power struggle within the country's top leadership. Dismissing speculation that President Asif Ali Zardari might be forced to resign and that Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir was eyeing the presidency, Sharif called such claims "baseless." 'Field Marshal Asim Munir has never shown any interest in becoming the president, and there is no such plan under consideration,' Sharif told The News in a separate interview. The comments come amid heightened political tension and a recent surge in military activity, raising international concerns about regional stability in South Asia. Sharif's remarks appear aimed at both reassuring the public and signaling restraint to the global community.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
‘Not for aggression': Shehbaz Sharif denies use of nuclear weapons during India-Pak conflict
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday dismissed the notion of a nuclear exchange during the recent conflict with India, saying his country's nuclear programme was meant for 'peaceful purposes and self-defence'. Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif says the country's nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes and national defence.(REUTERS File) Sharif made the comments while addressing a group of Pakistani students in Islamabad. Recalling the four-day military confrontation, Sharif said 55 Pakistanis were killed during the Indian military strikes. However, he claimed that Pakistan had responded with 'full might' during the escalation. When asked about the possibility of using nuclear weapons, Sharif said, 'Pakistan's nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes and national defence, not for aggression.' India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. As part of Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces carried out strikes on May 7, targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including Bahawalpur, a known stronghold of the Jaish-e-Mohammad terror outfit. The strikes were in retaliation for the Pahalgam massacre, in which 26 civilians were killed. Sharif denies rumours of Zardari stepping down Sharif also dismissed rumours that Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari may be forced to step down and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir aspired to assume the presidency, Sharif said such claims were 'mere speculations'. 'Field Marshal Asim Munir has never expressed any desire to become the president, nor is there any such plan in the offing,' he told The News on Friday. Sharif added that he, Zardari and Munir shared a relationship built on mutual respect. The clarification followed interior minister Mohsin Naqvi's statement on X on Thursday, in which he denounced the 'malicious campaign' targeting Zardari, Sharif, and Munir. 'We are fully aware of who is behind the malicious campaign,' said Naqvi, who is considered close to the top military leadership. 'I have categorically stated there has been no discussion, nor does any such idea exist, about the president being asked to resign or the COAS aspiring to assume the presidency,' he added. Naqvi also alleged the involvement of hostile foreign elements in fuelling the campaign and said, 'To those involved in this narrative, do whatever you wish in collaboration with hostile foreign agencies. As for us, we will do whatever is necessary to make Pakistan strong again, InshAllah.' Munir was appointed as army chief in 2022 for a three-year tenure, which was later extended to five years by the government. With PTI inputs
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Around 50 Pak terrorists active in Jammu
Around 40 to 50 terrorists, largely Pakistanis, were active in Jammu region and the Army has intensified anti-terror operations to neutralize them at the earliest, said officials familiar with the development. While an unprecedented security grid had been put in place for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, around 50 Pakistani terrorists were active across eight districts of Jammu, said defence sources. (PTI file photo/for representation only) While an unprecedented security grid had been put in place for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, around 50 Pakistani terrorists were active across eight districts of Jammu, said defence sources. They said districts like Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri and Poonch had the presence of Pakistani terrorists. 'They belong to Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Toiba terror outfits. We have intensified anti-terror operations and are not giving them any breather,' they added. Sources also confided that survival of these terrorists in the upper reaches was not possible without local support. On June 7, a terrorist guide was captured along the LoC in Rajouri district. Mohammed Arif Ahmed, of Datote in Nikiyal area of Kotli district in PoK, was captured by troops near forward Hajura post in Gambhir area of Rajouri district. He was leading a group of four Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists into the Indian side when he was overpowered and arrested by alert army troops.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Forces hunt for scores of fugitive ultras active in Pir Panjal, Jammu division
JAMMU: Security forces are conducting intensive search operations in the south of Pir Panjal and the hilly hinterlands of Jammu division to track around 40-50 fugitive terrorists — affiliated with multiple proscribed outfits — active in the region, officials said. 'Approximately 30 Jaish-e-Mohammad ultras are active in Udhampur , Reasi, Doda, and Kishtwar districts, while around 15-20 are active in Rajouri and Poonch districts. A majority of them — about 80-85% — are Pakistani nationals,' said an official, citing intelligence assessments and ground reports. 'A series of counter-terror operations are underway in the districts of Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar (hinterlands), Doda and Basantgarh axis (upper reaches of Udhampur-Kathua belt),' the official said, adding that these exercises are mostly based on intelligence inputs from security agencies and sometimes tip-offs by locals. A multi-tier strategy remains in place to assist the operations. These include air surveillance to track terrorists; anti-drone strategy to check air-dropped consignments; additional deployment of troops in higher reaches of strategic areas, and intensified night operations using night vision devices and other equipment, officials said. The security grid in specific areas has been fortified, with reinforcements positioned across sensitive and hyper-sensitive locations — especially in the higher reaches — which serve as terrorist hideouts. 'Routes used by terrorists to enter Kashmir Valley have been plugged. Preventive measures are in place to block infiltration attempts,' said an official. Ground-based intelligence from locals plays a vital role in guiding troop movements during such operations.
Hindustan Times
04-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Police nabs two terror associates in Tral
Police on Thursday claimed to have arrested two terrorist associates in Tral south Kashmir along with explosives and ammunition. The arrested were identified as Umer Mohi-ud-Din Bhat of Nader Tral and Shakeel Ahmad Sheikh of Kuchmulla Tral. (File) The terrorists were held during a joint operation in Wagad Tral and recovered explosive substance, ammunition from their possession, police added. The arrested were identified as Umer Mohi-ud-Din Bhat of Nader Tral and Shakeel Ahmad Sheikh of Kuchmulla Tral. 'During search, explosive substance, ammunition including two hand grenades, 59 live rounds of AK-47, 1 AK 47 Magzine and incriminating material was recovered. Both the arrested terrorist associates were involved in providing logistics support and transportation of arms and ammunition to the active terrorists of proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad in Tral and Awantipora areas of police district Awantipora,' police spokesperson said adding that a case under relevant sections of law have been registered in PS Tral and investigation has been initiated.
