ISLAMABAD: In a forceful rebuke, Pakistan’s top military leaders on Friday lambasted critics of the newly launched Operation Azm-i-Istehkam, accusing them of peddling self-serving agendas and malicious propaganda aimed at undermining counterterrorism efforts. “Forum noted with concern the unwarranted criticism by some quarters and deliberate misrepresentation of the vision, only for furthering their vested interests,” the armed forces’ public affairs wing, …

RAWALPINDI: PTI founder Imran Khan on Friday said that his party would participate in the government’s All Parties Conference (APC) to discuss Operation Azm-i-Istehkam. The reinvigorated and re-energised national counter-terrorism campaign was announced by the Central Apex Committee on the National Action Plan last month. The government vowed to unleash the full force of the country’s military, diplomatic, legislative, and socio-economic …

The Punjab government on Friday requested the deployment of the Pakistan Army and Rangers to assist the provincial police in establishing “peace and order” during the month of Muharram. A statement issued by the Punjab Home Department’s spokesperson said the provincial government had sought the services of 150 contingents of the military and Rangers following the requirements of different districts. …

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday sought replies from the superintendent of Adiala Jail, Punjab home secretary and secretary of defence on a petition filed by former prime minister Imran Khan against meddling of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in the jail administration. IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq heard the petition and, after a preliminary hearing, issued notices to the three government …

ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to convene an All Parties Conference (APC) to address the concerns of political parties regarding Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, sources said on Thursday. According to sources privy to the development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is considering calling the APC upon his return from Kazakhstan, where he travelled to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. PM Shehbaz …

PESHAWAR: Nine terrorists were killed by the security forces in two separate operations in Khyber and Lakki Marwat districts on Monday, the military’s media wing said. A statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Tirah area of Khyber, where seven terrorists, including high-value terrorist commander Najeeb alias Abdur Rehman, and …

WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s envoy to the US, Masood Khan, has urged Washington to provide small arms and modern equipment to the country to ensure the success of Operation Azm-i-Istehkam, a newly approved counter-terrorism initiative. The federal government recently greenlit the reinvigorated national counter-terrorism drive, however, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified that this initiative would not be a large-scale military operation and would …

LAKKI MARWAT/BAJAUR: At least seven security officials, including an army captain, were martyred after an improvised explosive device (IED) targeted their vehicle in Lakki Marwat on Sunday, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police repulsed a pre-dawn ambush at their checkpost in Bajaur. Local officials said the vehicle was on its way to the Kaichi Kamar area when it came under attack near …

LAHORE: Former President Dr Arif Alvi says the army trial of civilians will eventually defame the army at home and abroad. “It is high time to heal the nation and distance itself from spreading bitterness,” he suggested. Speaking to media persons after a visit to the Punjab Assembly and meeting with PTI-backed MPAs on Monday, Dr Alvi said the PTI …

SINGAPORE: Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun delivered a speech on China’s approach to global security on Sunday at the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore. Dong highlighted the concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative in his address. People in the Asia-Pacific are …