**Quetta, Pakistan** – In a significant counter-terrorism success, security forces have apprehended three alleged terrorists in Kharan, Balochistan, following a successful operation today. Additional Secretary Interior Balochistan, Hamza Shafqat, announced the arrests during a joint press conference in Quetta with the Additional Chief Secretary Interior and DIG CTD Balochistan.
Authorities revealed that the arrested individuals are implicated in the murder of Kharan’s City SHO, who was actively pursuing these very terrorists. The DIG CTD Balochistan confirmed that all three suspects would be presented before the court. The Additional Chief Secretary Interior highlighted Balochistan’s extensive counter-terrorism efforts, stating that approximately 700 terrorists have been neutralized and 78,000 intelligence-based operations conducted across the province to maintain peace and stability. He reiterated the provincial government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring security.
**National Developments Across Pakistan:**
**Environmental Crisis & Weather Disruptions:**
Pakistan continues to face severe air quality challenges. Lahore, with an alarming Air Particulate Matter (APM) reading of 337, has been ranked as the second most polluted major city globally. Several other cities are also grappling with highly polluted environments. Concurrently, large parts of Punjab experienced dense fog, leading to the closure of various sections of motorways for traffic.
**Political & Governance Updates:**
* **PML-N’s Amir Muqam** criticized Chief Minister Sohail Afridi for allegedly avoiding discussions on the health crisis plaguing hospitals in his province.
* **Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani** controversially stated that the founder of PTI and his party are echoing the language of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
* **Senior Minister of Punjab, Maryam Aurangzeb**, asserted that every religion is represented without fear in the province, claiming that “occupations” spanning four years have been ended.
* **Bahawalpur Deputy Commissioner Syed Hassan Raza** ordered the suspension of three personnel from the Para Force.
* **Balochistan’s Health Department** announced the successful completion of the first phase of its AI-based attendance system, registering employees across all district headquarters hospitals (DHQs) and medical colleges.
* In **Quetta**, action has been taken against violations of the electoral code of conduct pertaining to the local body elections.
**Economic & International Briefs:**
* The **Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI)** has urged the government to swiftly resolve the ongoing strike by goods transporters.
* **President Asif Ali Zardari** and **Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori** conveyed their profound sorrow and condolences to the Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan following the tragic firing incident at a Sydney beach.
* Local authorities have debunked a social media campaign circulating on Indian and Afghan platforms, labelling it as baseless propaganda against Pakistani youth Sheikh Naveed, who was falsely accused of being an attacker.
**Law and Order Incidents:**
* Police reportedly raided the residence of a suspect, Shamrez, on Thandiani Road. During the operation, the suspect and his accomplices allegedly opened fire on the police.
* A citizen who went missing from Baloch Colony this morning was successfully located in Larkana. A case regarding his disappearance had been registered at Baloch Colony Police Station by his son.
**Other Notable Mentions:**
* **Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif** claimed he was summoned and pressured to condemn a statement made by Nawaz Sharif.
* An ongoing **degree controversy case** is currently being heard by Justice Tariq Jahangiri at the Islamabad High Court.
* A new film project aims to spotlight the vibrant sports culture, traditions, and positive aspects of Lyari.
* In legal and political circles, **Barrister Gohar** confirmed Qazi Anwar Advocate’s nomination from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Salman Akram Raja and Hamid Khan reportedly issued a written order.
* Indian opposition leader **Jairam Ramesh** claimed that India’s “humiliating defeat” at the hands of Pakistan in May was a significant factor in its global embarrassment.
