SECURITY
Intelligence-Based Operation in Mastung
Mastung: Security forces killed 12 hardcore terrorists during an Intelligence-Based Operation carried out in the Splinji area of Mastung district. The security forces through this operation foiled a major act of terrorism in Balochistan, said Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media affairs wing of the armed forces. Terrorists were hiding inside a cave for planning, coordination and execution of terrorist activities in Balochistan. Eight security personnel, including two officers, were injured in the intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted over the past two days. Dawn , The News , The Express Tribune
Two Killed in an Incident of Target Killing
Quetta: Unidentified armed men opened fire and killed a Hazara man and woman. Police said the attackers opened fire and killed a man and woman belonging to Hazara community as they were riding a motorcycle in Spini Road area of Quetta. Police called this incident an act of targeted killing. The News
Several Militants Killed, Hideouts Destroyed in Airstrikes in Tirah Valley
Khyber Agency: At least seven militants were killed and their hideouts were destroyed as Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jets pounded several militant’s hideouts in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency. PAF aircraft carried out airstrikes in Pak Dara, Narai Nao, Sprei and Khairba Rajgal areas of Tirah in which several suspected militants were killed. Several militant’s hideouts were also destroyed in the bombing. Radio TNN, Akhbar-e-Khyber
Search Operation at Torkham
Khyber Agency: The security forces carried out search operations in Torkham Bazaar, Bacha Mena Kalli and other surrounding areas after receiving information that some suspected persons aboard in the containers could cross the border into Pakistan. However, no arrests were reported during the search operation. Radio TNN, Akhbar-e-Khyber
Torkham Border Briefly Closed over Security Threats
Pakistan closed the Torkham border crossing for few hours over security threats and reopened the crossing after search operation in the area. Security sources said that after receiving information that some suspected persons aboard in the containers could cross the border into Pakistan, the border crossing was closed for all kind of movement. Radio TNN, Dawn
POLITICAL
PTI Seeks Senate Debate on Delay in FATA Reforms
The opposition members belonging to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are set to move an adjourn motion in the Senate, seeking a debate on the government’s move to delay the much-awaited FATA reforms in the upper house of Parliament. However, federal minister for SAFRON rejected the allegations that the government was backtracking from its commitments on FATA Reforms and delaying the process to appease its allies. Dawn, Akhbar-e-Khyber
SOCIO-ECONOMIC
Sindh Likely to Unveil Rs1 Trillion Budget Today
Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah is set to present a record over Rs1 trillion budget for the financial year 2017-18 in the Sindh Assembly session scheduled to be held today. Sources in the provincial government told Dawn that no new tax would be imposed in the next budget, which would have a deficit of Rs12-16 billion. The News , Dawn
Schools Destroyed during Military Operation in Central Kurram still Remain in Ruins
The six schools destroyed during military operation against militants in Torghar area of Central Kurram Agency are still in ruins and need serious attention of the concerned authorities to avoid the future of the area children from devastation. Abdul Khaliq Pathan, a local social activist said that the education system had worsened in the area. Hundreds of children remained deprived of education due to the destroyed schools in the area, he maintained. Radio TNN
Kurram People Seek Opening of Pak-Afghan Border
The people of Kurram Agency are facing numerous difficulties due to closure of Pak-Afghan border since February 16. According to political admonition, the border has been closed for trade and other activities due to security concerns. People suffered losses of millions of rupees due to closure of the border. Radio TNN
97% TDPS of North, South Waziristan Agencies Returned to their Native Areas
Ninety-seven percent TDPs of North and South Waziristan agencies have returned to their native areas. According to FATA Disaster Management Authority, the remaining TDPs will be sent back to their homes within next three months. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has handed over relief goods to FATA Disaster Management Authority for distribution among TDPs of North and South Waziristan agencies. Khyber News
Government to Promote Agriculture Sector in FATA
Federal government is taking concrete steps for promotion of agriculture sector in FATA. Four agriculture centers are being established in South and North Waziristan Agencies at a cost of over Rs four hundred million by 2019. Khyber News, Akhbar-e-Khyber
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Rehman Malik asks PM to Play Role for Peace between Saudi Arabia, Iran
Islamabad: Former interior minister Senator Rehman Malik has written a letter to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif urging him to play his role in mediation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran on an urgent basis. In his letter, Malik writes, “It is highly important to mention here that Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is our trusted old friend and Iran too is our Muslim neighbour. Tension between both countries will subsequently create a wedge among Muslim world; hence, it is high time for Pakistan to take initiative to get the tension defused between the two Muslim countries.” The News
