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### Counter-Terrorism Campaign Intensifies
Security forces conducted a targeted intelligence-based operation in the Kalachi area of Dera Ismail Khan (D.I. Khan) following reports of the presence of Indian-backed terrorist proxies. A fierce exchange of fire resulted in the elimination of seven hostile elements.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that during the encounter, Naik Yasir Khan embraced martyrdom. Significant caches of weapons and ammunition were recovered from the neutralized terrorists, who were involved in numerous prior acts of terrorism. A comprehensive clearance operation remains underway to eliminate any remaining foreign-sponsored elements in the region. The ISPR reiterated the nation’s unwavering commitment to completely eradicate the scourge of foreign-backed terrorism, affirming that the counter-terrorism campaign by security and law enforcement agencies will continue with full force.
### National Politics, Diplomacy, and Governance
**Presidential Engagements:** President Asif Ali Zardari administered the oath of office to Zafar Hijazi as the Federal Tax Ombudsman in Islamabad. Separately, the President met with Maryam Madiha Aftab, the newly designated Pakistani Ambassador to Ireland, stressing the importance of enhancing economic partnerships between Pakistan and Ireland.
**Provincial Governance and Law:**
* Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, visited Central Jail Peshawar and announced a special two-month remission for prisoners.
* Chief Minister Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti, raised serious concerns over the escalating drought conditions in the province, announcing that comprehensive planning is being executed to mitigate the crisis.
* The Peshawar High Court received an application seeking the removal of Provincial Minister Amjad Ali’s name from the Exit Control List (ECL) and the Provincial National Identity List (PNIL).
* Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Usman Haider was suspended following his arrest on charges related to the alleged murder of his wife and daughter.
**Sindh Assembly Resolutions:** The Sindh Assembly session saw the presentation of two key resolutions: one calling for the modernization of the provincial fire brigade system, and another paying tribute to the sacrifices made by Pakistani Armed Forces and the Bihari community during the 1971 East Pakistan tragedy.
### Diplomatic and Investment Focus
The newly appointed Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Pakistan, Salem Mohammed Alzaabi, visited the Sindh Governor House. In his meeting with Governor Kamran Tessori, discussions focused on strengthening bilateral Pakistan-UAE relations, boosting investment opportunities, and reviewing matters of mutual interest.
### Security Incidents and Recoveries
**Abduction Recovery:** All 14 passengers who were abducted from a bus traveling from Sadiqabad to Quetta have been successfully recovered by law enforcement agencies.
**Infrastructure Attacks:** A railway track near Humayun in the Shikarpur area was damaged by an explosion.
**Urban Crime:** Additional Inspector General (AIG) Karachi, Javed Alam Odho, chaired a meeting to finalize security arrangements for the upcoming Christmas period. Meanwhile, the Gulshan-e-Hadeed area of Karachi reported two separate incidents of robbery at superstores committed by two different suspects over a 48-hour period.
### Civil Society and International Reaction
**HRCP Condemnation:** The Human Rights Council of Pakistan (HRCP) strongly reacted to the incident involving Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who allegedly pulled the veil of a Muslim female doctor during a public event.
**Activism:** Delegations from the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Aaeen-e-Pakistan (Movement for the Protection of the Constitution of Pakistan) visited the offices of Jamaat-e-Islami and later held a meeting with Qaumi Watan Party chief Aftab Sherpao in Islamabad.
**Australian Attack Hero:** Muhammad Fateh, the father of the civilian who bravely tackled an assailant at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, credited his son’s swift action with saving dozens of innocent lives. Indian police issued a statement regarding Sajid Akram, a suspect in a terrorism case linked to Bondi Beach.
### Miscellaneous News
* A fire broke out at a CNG station in Nowshera.
* Renowned Bollywood actor Anupam Kher reported an “interesting experience” after traveling by train from Varanasi to Khajuraho after missing his connecting flight.
* The family of Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo confirmed his passing.
