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In a significant development, Pakistan’s security forces have successfully eliminated 9 terrorists affiliated with the Pakhtunistan branch of the Khawarij movement in two separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement, the operations were conducted on December 19 in Dir and Bannu districts. The security forces effectively targeted the hideouts of the Khawarij movement, which has been responsible for attacks on security forces, law enforcement agencies, and innocent civilians.
The ISPR statement revealed that 4 Khawarij terrorists were killed in a fierce exchange of gunfire in Dir, while 5 others were eliminated in a firefight with security forces in Bannu district. The terrorists were armed with weapons and explosives, which were seized by the security forces.
Experts on national security and defense analysis have urged the Afghan government to reassess its stance on Pakistan, suggesting that it shift its approach to address the growing threat of terrorism emanating from the region.
The ISPR statement emphasized that the clearance operations will continue to eliminate any potential Khawarij presence in the region, with a focus on dismantling foreign-backed terrorism. The security forces and law enforcement agencies will maintain their efforts to counter the threat of terrorism, the statement added.
In other news, a statement from the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Bhashar Bhutto Zardari, highlighted the importance of improving education standards, emphasizing that the youth are the future of the country. Chief Justice Nisar Ali Khan criticized the government’s handling of the case against Vice-Chancellor of Karachi University, Professor Khalid Iraqi, and Registrar Professor Imran, who were accused of contempt of court. The police reported that a firing incident occurred in Khanpur Mehr, resulting in fatalities and injuries.
Meanwhile, dense fog affected traffic flow on motorways and highways in Multan, Faisalabad, Kamalia, and surrounding areas. The SSP stated that a bomb disposal squad was summoned to the site of the incident to recover arms and explosives. Rockets were feared to have been deployed by the dacoits, who were subsequently neutralized.
In a separate incident, a light drizzle was reported in Abbottabad and Galiyat, while heavy rain lashed the lower-lying areas, including the district headquarters, on the night of December 19. The Islamabad International Airport was ranked 3rd globally in terms of quality.
Chief Meteorologist of Sindh, Amir Hyder, predicted a drop in temperatures in Karachi, with no chance of rain in the next 10 days. Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of General Staff, returned from a visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman.
A fatal accident occurred on Super Highway, resulting in damage to an SHO’s vehicle. A collision between an oil tanker and a bus in Tafitain resulted in the deaths of 9 people and injured 10 others. The Chief of Army Staff, General Sahil Afridi, announced that the opposition alliance will stand with the government to restore an independent judiciary and media. A joint operation by Rangers and Police in Ghottki resulted in the killing of 2 dacoits.
In a separate incident, a collision between an oil tanker and a bus in Tafitain resulted in the deaths of 9 people and injured 10 others. Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf stated that the close cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey’s navies is a symbol of their shared bilateral partnership. The country’s import capacity has exceeded three months, which was previously only two weeks in February 2023.
