Pakistan’s military has ruled from behind the curtain for decades. But under Field Marshal Asim Munir, that curtain is disappearing, and the backlash is growing. For nearly eight decades, Pakistan’s military has been more than an army. It has been the institution that could make governments, break governments, and, at times, become the government. But something is changing. The aura of untouchability is being challenged, and increasingly, the voices doing it are coming from within Pakistan itself. Maulana Fazlur Rehman, one of Pakistan’s most influential religious-political figures, has openly challenged Asim Munir, telling the army chief that if he wants to do politics, he should take off his uniform and face the voters.&nbsp;And just this week, Fazlur Rehman invoked the trauma of 1971, warning against repeating the mistakes that preceded the breakup of Pakistan. That is significant. Because Pakistan has seen this story before. Ayub Khan seized power. Yahya Khan inherited military rule, and presided over the catastrophe of 1971 and the creation of Bangladesh. Zia-ul-Haq turned another coup into more than a decade of military dictatorship.&nbsp;And Pervez Musharraf once again brought the army directly into politics after his 1999 coup. Different generals. Different eras.But the same fundamental problem: when the military stops protecting the state and starts defining the state. Today, Asim Munir occupies an extraordinary position. Constitutional changes have made him Chief of Defence Forces, placing the army, navy and air force under a unified command. New legislation has further expanded his authority over military operations and senior personnel. Critics say Pakistan is moving closer to a system where military power is no longer simply influential, it is constitutionally entrenched.&nbsp;And that is precisely why the backlash matters. From political opposition to regional grievances, challenges are emerging against an establishment that has spent decades presenting itself as the ultimate guardian of Pakistan. The irony is difficult to ignore.Pakistan has long portrayed India as its existential enemy. Yet India, despite its own enormous political, ethnic and security challenges, has maintained civilian political supremacy over its armed forces.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-pakistan-s-military-aura-finally-cracking-1787676968788/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-pakistan-s-military-aura-finally-cracking-1787676968788/embed</a>&nbsp;For many Pakistanis, that contrast raises an uncomfortable question: If the “enemy state” can preserve its constitutional order without generals ruling the country, why must Pakistan repeatedly return to military dominance? Perhaps this is why the current moment matters beyond Asim Munir himself. Because the real battle is not simply between one General and his critics.It is over whether Pakistan can finally separate the power of the military from the identity of the nation.&nbsp;So, the verdict: Asim Munir may command Pakistan’s most powerful institution. He may have more formal authority than any recent army chief. But history offers a warning: Generals can command soldiers. They can influence governments. They can even rewrite institutions. What they cannot manufacture indefinitely is public consent. And if Pakistan’s most powerful voices are finally beginning to challenge the uniform, the real question is no longer whether Munir controls Pakistan. It is how long Pakistan will allow the uniform to define it.&nbsp;Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Asim Munir’s expanding military authority faces growing opposition in Pakistan, reviving fears of military dominance, civilian unrest, and a repeat of history

Pakistan’s military has ruled from behind the curtain for decades. But under Field Marshal Asim Munir, that curtain is disappearing, and the backlash is growing. For nearly eight decades, Pakistan’s military has been more than an army. It has been the institution that could make governments, break governments, and, at times, become the government. But something is changing. The aura of untouchability is being challenged, and increasingly, the voices doing it are coming from within Pakistan itself. Maulana Fazlur Rehman, one of Pakistan’s most influential religious-political figures, has openly challenged Asim Munir, telling the army chief that if he wants to do politics, he should take off his uniform and face the voters. And just this week, Fazlur Rehman invoked the trauma of 1971, warning against repeating the mistakes that preceded the breakup of Pakistan. That is significant. Because Pakistan has seen this story before. Ayub Khan seized power. Yahya Khan inherited military rule, and presided over the catastrophe of 1971 and the creation of Bangladesh. Zia-ul-Haq turned another coup into more than a decade of military dictatorship. And Pervez Musharraf once again brought the army directly into politics after his 1999 coup. Different generals. Different eras. But the same fundamental problem: when the military stops protecting the state and starts defining the state. Today, Asim Munir occupies an extraordinary position. Constitutional changes have made him Chief of Defence Forces, placing the army, navy and air force under a unified command. New legislation has further expanded his authority over military operations and senior personnel. Critics say Pakistan is moving closer to a system where military power is no longer simply influential, it is constitutionally entrenched. And that is precisely why the backlash matters. From political opposition to regional grievances, challenges are emerging against an establishment that has spent decades presenting itself as the ultimate guardian of Pakistan. The irony is difficult to ignore. Pakistan has long portrayed India as its existential enemy. Yet India, despite its own enormous political, ethnic and security challenges, has maintained civilian political supremacy over its armed forces. https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-pakistan-s-military-aura-finally-cracking-1787676968788/embed For many Pakistanis, that contrast raises an uncomfortable question: If the “enemy state” can preserve its constitutional order without generals ruling the country, why must Pakistan repeatedly return to military dominance? Perhaps this is why the current moment matters beyond Asim Munir himself. Because the real battle is not simply between one General and his critics. It is over whether Pakistan can finally separate the power of the military from the identity of the nation. So, the verdict: Asim Munir may command Pakistan’s most powerful institution. He may have more formal authority than any recent army chief. But history offers a warning: Generals can command soldiers. They can influence governments. They can even rewrite institutions. What they cannot manufacture indefinitely is public consent. And if Pakistan’s most powerful voices are finally beginning to challenge the uniform, the real question is no longer whether Munir controls Pakistan. It is how long Pakistan will allow the uniform to define it. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Pakistan’s military power faces growing backlash as Asim Munir expands his authority, raising questions about civilian rule, democracy, and the country’s future

The Verdict | When generals rule: Why Asim Munir’s rise has Pakistan asking hard questions

Pakistan has deployed three companies of its army in Rawalpindi for six months to undertake "sensitive security duties", according to an official order issued by the country’s Interior Ministry. The deployment comes at the request of the Punjab home department, based on a letter dated July 22, 2026. Three companies of the Pakistan Army will be deployed in the city under Article 245 of the Pakistani Constitution, according to which the armed forces are allowed to assist the civil administration in maintaining security, reported Pakistan Observer.&nbsp;A notification has been issued by the Ministry of Interior in this regard. "The federal government, exercising the powers conferred under Article 245 of the Constitution of Pakistan, is pleased to authorise the deployment of three companies of the Pakistan Army for sensitive security duties in Rawalpindi," read the notification issued by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control on Friday.<h2>What are the possible reasons for such deployment?</h2>The deployment will help strengthen security at sensitive areas and key roads. It will help the district administration in dealing with any untoward situation and help maintain a secure environment in the city. Speculation is also rife over a further elevation and expanded powers for Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. It also comes as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters announced that they will march towards Islamabad on September 27 if "justice" is not provided to the party's founding chairman and incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province Chief Minister Suhail Afridi has announced. ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigerian-navy-disrupts-crude-oil-theft-operation-recovers-93-000-litres-in-bonny-1787399410204">Nigerian Navy disrupts crude oil theft operation, recovers 93,000 litres in Bonny</a>&nbsp;However, the government is yet to specify any particular incident, threat or security challenge that led to deployment of the Pakistani army. The move comes days after a man allegedly linked to former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party opened fire at security forces in Rawalpindi. He was killed in retaliatory firing.&nbsp;Notably, Rawalpindi is home to the Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters (GHQ), the military’s top command centre. The city is also a key military and administrative centre. The deployment of three companies of the Pakistan Army has been authorised for six months.

Notably, Rawalpindi is home to the Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters (GHQ), the military’s top command centre. The city is also a key military and administrative centre.

Pakistan has deployed three companies of its army in Rawalpindi for six months to undertake "sensitive security duties", according to an official order issued by the country’s Interior Ministry. The deployment comes at the request of the Punjab home department, based on a letter dated July 22, 2026. Three companies of the Pakistan Army will be deployed in the city under Article 245 of the Pakistani Constitution, according to which the armed forces are allowed to assist the civil administration in maintaining security, reported Pakistan Observer. A notification has been issued by the Ministry of Interior in this regard. "The federal government, exercising the powers conferred under Article 245 of the Constitution of Pakistan, is pleased to authorise the deployment of three companies of the Pakistan Army for sensitive security duties in Rawalpindi," read the notification issued by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control on Friday. What are the possible reasons for such deployment? The deployment will help strengthen security at sensitive areas and key roads. It will help the district administration in dealing with any untoward situation and help maintain a secure environment in the city. Speculation is also rife over a further elevation and expanded powers for Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. It also comes as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters announced that they will march towards Islamabad on September 27 if "justice" is not provided to the party's founding chairman and incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province Chief Minister Suhail Afridi has announced. ALSO READ: Nigerian Navy disrupts crude oil theft operation, recovers 93,000 litres in Bonny However, the government is yet to specify any particular incident, threat or security challenge that led to deployment of the Pakistani army. The move comes days after a man allegedly linked to former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party opened fire at security forces in Rawalpindi. He was killed in retaliatory firing. Notably, Rawalpindi is home to the Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters (GHQ), the military’s top command centre. The city is also a key military and administrative centre. The deployment of three companies of the Pakistan Army has been authorised for six months.

Notably, Rawalpindi is home to the Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters (GHQ), the military’s top command centre. The city is also a key military and administrative centre.

Pakistan facing security threats? 3 Army units deployed in Rawalpindi for six months

Pakistan’s parliament has granted Army Chief Asim Munir sweeping powers and total control over all military operations, senior officers and personnel matters, including the authority to retire, discharge or retain personnel and even alter the prescribed retirement limits.The parliament passed the new military laws on Thursday that bestow upon Munir full control over the defence services.The new law establishes Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ), with Munir serving as the supreme commander of the three armed services.&nbsp;Pakistan’s National Assembly on Thursday passed the Defence Forces of Pakistan Act, 2026, and amendments to the National Command Authority Act, 2010, amid an Opposition walkout.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-trump-s-economic-terrorism-irgc-warns-of-using-more-precise-and-destructive-weapons-1787234880288">Iran slams Trump’s ‘economic terrorism’; IRGC warns of using ‘more precise and destructive’ weapons</a>&nbsp;The Defence Forces of Pakistan Act 2026 formally places the country’s Army, Navy and Air Force under a single command structure headed by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.&nbsp;The legislation aims to put the new military hierarchy created by the constitutional changes into a legal framework. The new structure places Munir at the top of Pakistan’s unified military command.&nbsp;The draft says the CDF “shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as are necessary for multi-domain integration, operational cohesion, coordination and oversight of all matters which have joint, tri-services and strategic implications for the Armed Forces and national security of Pakistan”.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-trump-s-economic-terrorism-irgc-warns-of-using-more-precise-and-destructive-weapons-1787234880288">Iran slams Trump’s ‘economic terrorism’; IRGC warns of using ‘more precise and destructive’ weapons</a>&nbsp;According to the draft, the CDF can “retire, release, accept, or reject resignation of, or discharge from service, or retain in service, or relax age, or service limit of retirement” of personnel covered by the armed forces laws, subject to the exclusions specified in the legislation.&nbsp;Moreover, the framework also allows the Pakistan government to assign additional responsibilities to the CDF.“Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the CDF may exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as the Federal Government may prescribe,” the draft states.&nbsp;This provision gives government the scope to expand the CDF’s responsibilities beyond those specifically listed in the legislation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-gets-miffed-by-us-ambassador-sergio-gor-s-j-k-important-part-of-india-remark-issues-demarche-1787157507821">Pakistan gets miffed by US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘J&amp;K important part of India’ remark, issues demarche</a>&nbsp;It also provides for executive directions and changes to rules and regulations to ensure that the new command structure can operate effectively.&nbsp;<h2>Munir now also Pak PM’s ‘principal military advisor’</h2>&nbsp;The Defence Forces Headquarters would be under the CDF, who would serve as the Prime Minister’s “principal military adviser” on national security, defence and matters concerning the armed forces.He would also be “responsible” to the federal government for matters involving command and control. The President is given a significant role in resolving difficulties or inconsistencies that may emerge while implementing the new framework.<h2>New nuclear command structure</h2>The restructuring is not limited to the conventional military command. The 27th Constitutional Amendment created the position of Commander of the National Strategic Command (CNSC), a four-star post responsible for the operational integration of Pakistan’s strategic forces.Last month, Gen Syed Aamer Raza was promoted from lieutenant general and appointed as the first CNSC.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-prepared-to-defend-all-allies-after-reports-of-iran-mulling-attacks-on-us-targets-in-europe-1787141867863">NATO ‘prepared to defend all allies,‘ says official after reports of Iran mulling attacks on US targets in Europe</a>&nbsp;The Prime Minister’s Office called the amendments “a necessary process” following the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif presented the legislation in the National Assembly, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also present in the house.&nbsp;The measures significantly expand the statutory role of the CDF, an office created only last year after the 27th Constitutional Amendment Act.&nbsp;The massive concentration of these powers in the hands of the army chief is particularly significant for a country that has witnessed military rule for long.

The Defence Forces of Pakistan Act 2026 formally places the country’s Army, Navy and Air Force under a single command structure headed by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. Munir now has full control as the supreme commander of the three armed services.

Pakistan’s parliament has granted Army Chief Asim Munir sweeping powers and total control over all military operations, senior officers and personnel matters, including the authority to retire, discharge or retain personnel and even alter the prescribed retirement limits. The parliament passed the new military laws on Thursday that bestow upon Munir full control over the defence services. The new law establishes Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ), with Munir serving as the supreme commander of the three armed services. Pakistan’s National Assembly on Thursday passed the Defence Forces of Pakistan Act, 2026, and amendments to the National Command Authority Act, 2010, amid an Opposition walkout. Also Read: Iran slams Trump’s ‘economic terrorism’; IRGC warns of using ‘more precise and destructive’ weapons The Defence Forces of Pakistan Act 2026 formally places the country’s Army, Navy and Air Force under a single command structure headed by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. The legislation aims to put the new military hierarchy created by the constitutional changes into a legal framework. The new structure places Munir at the top of Pakistan’s unified military command. The draft says the CDF “shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as are necessary for multi-domain integration, operational cohesion, coordination and oversight of all matters which have joint, tri-services and strategic implications for the Armed Forces and national security of Pakistan”. Also Read: Iran slams Trump’s ‘economic terrorism’; IRGC warns of using ‘more precise and destructive’ weapons According to the draft, the CDF can “retire, release, accept, or reject resignation of, or discharge from service, or retain in service, or relax age, or service limit of retirement” of personnel covered by the armed forces laws, subject to the exclusions specified in the legislation. Moreover, the framework also allows the Pakistan government to assign additional responsibilities to the CDF. “Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the CDF may exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as the Federal Government may prescribe,” the draft states. This provision gives government the scope to expand the CDF’s responsibilities beyond those specifically listed in the legislation. Also Read: Pakistan gets miffed by US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘J&K important part of India’ remark, issues demarche It also provides for executive directions and changes to rules and regulations to ensure that the new command structure can operate effectively. Munir now also Pak PM’s ‘principal military advisor’ The Defence Forces Headquarters would be under the CDF, who would serve as the Prime Minister’s “principal military adviser” on national security, defence and matters concerning the armed forces. He would also be “responsible” to the federal government for matters involving command and control. The President is given a significant role in resolving difficulties or inconsistencies that may emerge while implementing the new framework. New nuclear command structure The restructuring is not limited to the conventional military command. The 27th Constitutional Amendment created the position of Commander of the National Strategic Command (CNSC), a four-star post responsible for the operational integration of Pakistan’s strategic forces. Last month, Gen Syed Aamer Raza was promoted from lieutenant general and appointed as the first CNSC. Also Read: NATO ‘prepared to defend all allies,‘ says official after reports of Iran mulling attacks on US targets in Europe The Prime Minister’s Office called the amendments “a necessary process” following the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif presented the legislation in the National Assembly, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also present in the house. The measures significantly expand the statutory role of the CDF, an office created only last year after the 27th Constitutional Amendment Act. The massive concentration of these powers in the hands of the army chief is particularly significant for a country that has witnessed military rule for long.

The Defence Forces of Pakistan Act 2026 formally places the country’s Army, Navy and Air Force under a single command structure headed by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. Munir now has full control as the supreme commander of the three armed services.

Pakistan’s new military law gives Asim Munir sweeping powers; he can now hire, fire, retire forces

Pakistan’s Balochistan province is facing a fresh wave of security tensions, with the Baloch Liberation Army claiming attacks against Pakistani military personnel while Pakistan’s military has reported operations against militants.

The crisis has expanded beyond battlefield clashes. An explosion damaged a major gas transmission pipeline, disrupting supplies to several areas, while seven miners working for a private copper mining company were reportedly abducted by armed men.

Baloch activists have also alleged that Pakistani fighter jets carried out strikes in the Surab region, claiming civilian casualties. These allegations have not been independently verified, while Pakistan’s military has presented a different account of the reported deaths.

Pakistan’s Balochistan Crisis Escalates | Rebel Attacks, Civilian Deaths And Pipeline Blast

The security situation in Balochistan is escalating as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claims to have carried out 38 operations across the province in eight days.

According to the claims cited in the report, the attacks targeted Pakistani military convoys, armoured vehicles, camps and patrols, along with police posts, trade routes, bridges, railway infrastructure and commercial vehicles. The BLA has also claimed casualties among Pakistani security personnel and the seizure of military equipment.

Pakistani authorities have not independently verified all of the BLA's claims.

The latest developments come amid reports of intensified clashes between Baloch militants and Pakistani security forces. The report also cites allegations of Pakistani airstrikes in Balochistan that reportedly killed civilians, including women and children.

Balochistan Conflict Escalates: BLA Claims 38 Attacks Against Pakistan Forces

Tensions continue to escalate in Balochistan as prominent activist Mir Yar Baloch claims Pakistan has lost control over 85% of the province. The activist says Baloch nationalist groups now control key natural resources, including gas fields, coal mines, and mineral reserves, while calling on the international community to recognize Balochistan's independence. The developments come amid rising violence in the province, where Pakistan's military has reported deadly clashes with Baloch insurgent groups. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for several high-profile attacks in recent months, highlighting the growing security crisis.


Balochistan independence movement grows | Activist claims Pak has lost control over 85% territory

Singapore's former envoy and veteran diplomat Bilahari Kausikan has said that Pakistan’s recent diplomatic gains and bonhomie with Washington will not address the economic crisis of the country, which he called “a state teetering on the brink of failure”. Replying to a question from a Pakistani reporter at a global forum, he said that Pakistan’s problem is not India, but rather its own politicians and the military.&nbsp;Kausikan, a former ambassador-at-large in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, said Pakistan may have repaired its global image by mediating the US-Iran interim peace agreement but has done little to repair the crisis within.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-all-extremely-pained-and-angered-rss-says-ram-temple-trust-must-rectify-all-shortcomings-1783074551640">‘We are all extremely pained and angered’: RSS says Ram Temple trust must rectify all shortcomings</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;If Pakistan does not fix its problems, it will always be on the brink of state failure. Everyone is worried about it because you have nuclear weapons. If Pakistan did not have nuclear weapons, no one would care,&quot; says former Singapore Ambassador Bilahari Kausikan…&mdash; GeoPanda (@Geotactix) <a href="https://x.com/Geotactix/status/2072937749645238663?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Referring to Islamabad’s efforts in the US-Iran war mediation, the veteran diplomat said, “I’ll be very blunt. Pakistan was very agile and very successful in taking advantage of a diplomatic opportunity, and that has gone some way to rehabilitate Pakistan diplomatically in the eyes of the US, anyway.”&nbsp;“But you know, that doesn’t feed the Pakistani people,” he said wryly while indicating its deep economic crisis.He further said that the current global attention towards Pakistan is purely driven by international anxiety.The Pakistani government has repeatedly prided itself on its geopolitical achievements linked to its efforts in bringing the US-Iran military conflict to a halt.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-avenge-the-blood-of-ali-khamenei-iran-army-ahead-of-state-funeral-of-former-supreme-leader-1783084776018">'We will avenge the blood of Ali Khamenei': Iran army ahead of state funeral of former supreme leader</a><h2>‘Pakistan’s problem is not India or Afghanistan’</h2>&nbsp;When a Pakistani journalist at the conference suggested that much of Islamabad’s troubles stem from its borders with India and Afghanistan, the veteran diplomat junked Pakistan’s old game of playing the victim card.“You cannot blame location on everything. That’s an excuse,” Kausikan said, adding that Pakistan’s crisis is of its own making by its politicians, whom he called a “waste of time”, and the military.“Pakistan has been mismanaged terribly since the beginning. I don’t see any solution. Its politicians are a waste of time, all of them, regardless of parties, and the military is a big part of the problem,” he said.Pakistan has been directly governed by its military for nearly half of its history.&nbsp;<h2>‘State teetering on the brink of failure’</h2>&nbsp;When asked by a journalist where Pakistan could be in the next five years, Kausikan described it as “a state teetering on the brink of failure” and said that the recent diplomatic gains would not change the country’s structural problems or significantly improve its ties with the United States.&nbsp;“The diplomatic success doesn’t change that fundamental reality,” he said.&nbsp;Pakistan continues to face a severe economic crisis and remains dependent on financial assistance and bailouts from international institutions like the World Bank and the IMF to manage its debt.

When asked where Pakistan could be in the next five years, former envoy Bilahari Kausikan described it as “a state teetering on the brink of failure” and said that the recent diplomatic gains would not change the country’s structural problems or significantly improve its ties with the US.

Singapore's former envoy and veteran diplomat Bilahari Kausikan has said that Pakistan’s recent diplomatic gains and bonhomie with Washington will not address the economic crisis of the country, which he called “a state teetering on the brink of failure”. Replying to a question from a Pakistani reporter at a global forum, he said that Pakistan’s problem is not India, but rather its own politicians and the military. Kausikan, a former ambassador-at-large in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, said Pakistan may have repaired its global image by mediating the US-Iran interim peace agreement but has done little to repair the crisis within. Also Read: ‘We are all extremely pained and angered’: RSS says Ram Temple trust must rectify all shortcomings

When asked where Pakistan could be in the next five years, former envoy Bilahari Kausikan described it as “a state teetering on the brink of failure” and said that the recent diplomatic gains would not change the country’s structural problems or significantly improve its ties with the US.

‘Pakistan’s politicians and military, not India, big part of its problems,’ says Singapore’s ex-envoy

Pakistan has approved a significant increase in salaries and allowances for its armed forces despite the country's ongoing economic crisis, according to intelligence sources cited by India Today.&nbsp;The report said Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir has cleared a salary hike of around 25 per cent for soldiers and officers. The revised package includes a 25 per cent increase in the ad hoc relief allowance, while the disturbance allowance has reportedly been tripled. Several other benefits, including cash in lieu, uniform allowance and batman allowance, have also been doubled.&nbsp;The decision comes months after India's Operation Sindoor in May 2025, which was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. During the operation, India targeted military and terror-linked infrastructure inside Pakistan.&nbsp;According to intelligence inputs cited by India Today, the revised pay package is part of a wider effort by Pakistan's military to improve troop morale, strengthen welfare measures and enhance operational readiness following the setbacks suffered during the conflict.&nbsp;The salary increase is expected to add to Pakistan's defence expenditure at a time when the country continues to face mounting debt, high inflation and reliance on external financial assistance.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-hikes-passport-fee-to-rs-2-500-for-new-applications-tatkal-charge-to-rs-5-000-from-july-1-1782417650483">Govt hikes passport fee to Rs 2,500 for new applications, Tatkal charge to Rs 5,000 from July 1</a>&nbsp;The move follows Pakistan's decision to significantly raise defence spending for the 2026 to 2027 financial year. The government has allocated PKR 3,000 billion, equivalent to INR 1.03 trillion, as part of a federal budget of PKR 18,771 billion.&nbsp;Presenting the budget in the National Assembly, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the increase was made in view of the current regional situation.&nbsp;"The government has made a significant increase in the defence budget," Aurangzeb said.&nbsp;The new allocation marks a 17.6 per cent increase from last year's defence budget of PKR 2,550 billion. The previous budget had also recorded a substantial rise over the year before.

Earlier on June 12, Pakistan announced a 17.6 per cent increase in its defence budget for the 2026 to 2027 financial year, allocating PKR 3,000 billion, equivalent to INR 1.03 trillion.

Pakistan has approved a significant increase in salaries and allowances for its armed forces despite the country's ongoing economic crisis, according to intelligence sources cited by India Today. The report said Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir has cleared a salary hike of around 25 per cent for soldiers and officers. The revised package includes a 25 per cent increase in the ad hoc relief allowance, while the disturbance allowance has reportedly been tripled. Several other benefits, including cash in lieu, uniform allowance and batman allowance, have also been doubled. The decision comes months after India's Operation Sindoor in May 2025, which was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. During the operation, India targeted military and terror-linked infrastructure inside Pakistan. According to intelligence inputs cited by India Today, the revised pay package is part of a wider effort by Pakistan's military to improve troop morale, strengthen welfare measures and enhance operational readiness following the setbacks suffered during the conflict. The salary increase is expected to add to Pakistan's defence expenditure at a time when the country continues to face mounting debt, high inflation and reliance on external financial assistance. Also Read: Govt hikes passport fee to Rs 2,500 for new applications, Tatkal charge to Rs 5,000 from July 1 The move follows Pakistan's decision to significantly raise defence spending for the 2026 to 2027 financial year. The government has allocated PKR 3,000 billion, equivalent to INR 1.03 trillion, as part of a federal budget of PKR 18,771 billion. Presenting the budget in the National Assembly, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the increase was made in view of the current regional situation. "The government has made a significant increase in the defence budget," Aurangzeb said. The new allocation marks a 17.6 per cent increase from last year's defence budget of PKR 2,550 billion. The previous budget had also recorded a substantial rise over the year before.

Earlier on June 12, Pakistan announced a 17.6 per cent increase in its defence budget for the 2026 to 2027 financial year, allocating PKR 3,000 billion, equivalent to INR 1.03 trillion.

Pakistan Army approves 25% pay hike to lift troop morale after Op Sindoor: Report

Violence-ridden Pakistan witnessed a sharp 73 per cent rise in conflict-related deaths this year, with security forces, civilians and militants suffering heavy casualties in ongoing violence, a Pakistan-based think tank said. The report highlights that the attacks have intensified in scale and frequency in 2025, with militant strikes soaring to the highest level since 2014, with an increased use of suicide bombings and small armed drones.&nbsp;According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), combat-related deaths in 2025 surged by 73% to 3,387, up from 1,950 in 2024. The toll included 2,115 militants, 664 security personnel, 580 civilians and 28 members of pro-government peace committees, the think tank said in a press release.&nbsp;The think tank underlined that this year has been particularly bloody for Pakistani security forces. According to PICSS data, 664 security personnel died in 2025, a steep rise of 26 per cent compared to 528 in 2024. The year recorded the highest armed forces deaths since 2011, when 677 armed forces personnel lost their lives. The civilian deaths in the conflicts also rose by 24 per cent to 580 in 2025, compared to 468 last year, recording the highest civilian toll since 2015, when 642 civilians were killed.&nbsp;As per PICSS statistics, over 1,063 militant strikes took place this year, registering a 17 per cent uptick from 908 in the previous year, and the highest annual total since 2014, when 1,609 militant attacks were recorded. The think tank observed a growing trend in the use of small drones, including quadcopters, with 33 such incidents recorded in 2025, alongside increased deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles by security forces.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-spiralling-debt-crisis-pakistan-to-sell-1bn-fauji-foundation-stake-to-uae-pakistan-economy-pakistan-economic-crisis-pakistan-army-1766918849837">Amid spiralling debt crisis, Pakistan to sell $1bn Fauji Foundation stake to UAE</a>&nbsp;The report also suggests an intensified and brutal crackdown launched by the Pakistani Armed Forces, with a rise of 122 per cent in militant deaths to 1,063 deaths in 2025, against 951 militants killed in 2024.&nbsp;The Pakistani Armed Forces are often criticised by human rights organisations for their kidnapping, killing of dissenters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The PICSS data also backs these claims as Pakistan arrested 497 individuals on suspicion of militant activities, marking a Substantial rise of 83 per cent from 272 in 2024.&nbsp;

This year has been particularly bloody for Pakistani security forces, with 664 personnel killed in 2025, a steep rise of 26 per cent compared with 528 in 2024.

Violence-ridden Pakistan witnessed a sharp 73 per cent rise in conflict-related deaths this year, with security forces, civilians and militants suffering heavy casualties in ongoing violence, a Pakistan-based think tank said. The report highlights that the attacks have intensified in scale and frequency in 2025, with militant strikes soaring to the highest level since 2014, with an increased use of suicide bombings and small armed drones. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), combat-related deaths in 2025 surged by 73% to 3,387, up from 1,950 in 2024. The toll included 2,115 militants, 664 security personnel, 580 civilians and 28 members of pro-government peace committees, the think tank said in a press release. The think tank underlined that this year has been particularly bloody for Pakistani security forces. According to PICSS data, 664 security personnel died in 2025, a steep rise of 26 per cent compared to 528 in 2024. The year recorded the highest armed forces deaths since 2011, when 677 armed forces personnel lost their lives. The civilian deaths in the conflicts also rose by 24 per cent to 580 in 2025, compared to 468 last year, recording the highest civilian toll since 2015, when 642 civilians were killed. As per PICSS statistics, over 1,063 militant strikes took place this year, registering a 17 per cent uptick from 908 in the previous year, and the highest annual total since 2014, when 1,609 militant attacks were recorded. The think tank observed a growing trend in the use of small drones, including quadcopters, with 33 such incidents recorded in 2025, alongside increased deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles by security forces. Also Read: Amid spiralling debt crisis, Pakistan to sell $1bn Fauji Foundation stake to UAE The report also suggests an intensified and brutal crackdown launched by the Pakistani Armed Forces, with a rise of 122 per cent in militant deaths to 1,063 deaths in 2025, against 951 militants killed in 2024. The Pakistani Armed Forces are often criticised by human rights organisations for their kidnapping, killing of dissenters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The PICSS data also backs these claims as Pakistan arrested 497 individuals on suspicion of militant activities, marking a Substantial rise of 83 per cent from 272 in 2024.

This year has been particularly bloody for Pakistani security forces, with 664 personnel killed in 2025, a steep rise of 26 per cent compared with 528 in 2024.

Pakistan on brink: Conflict and terror-related deaths rise 73% in 2025, report says

Amid a raging debt crisis, Pakistan decided to sell a stake worth $1 billion in Fauji Foundation to the United Arab Emirates, along with a rollover possibility of debt worth $2 billion by the Gulf country. The deal is expected to provide much-needed respite to the cash-strapped country, &nbsp;looking to manage its current account deficit to meet conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout package. Fauji Foundation, the multibillion-dollar conglomerate, one of the biggest in the country, was founded and run by the Pakistan Army.&nbsp;Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday emphasised that if the deal with the UAE to acquire these stakes goes through, it will settle a liability of around $1 billion on March 31.&nbsp;“We are currently engaged with the UAE…regarding the rollover of $1 billion a few weeks ago. They will be acquiring some shares, and our liability will be eliminated. The shares are of the Fauji Foundation Group. After extensive meetings by the committee, it is taking the lead. We hope that this transaction will be completed by 31 March,” Dar said.&nbsp;According to the official data, Pakistan's total external debt stood at $91.8 billion till June 2025, while its total pubic debt adds up to approximately $286.8 billion. The size of Pakistan's economy is estimated at around $410 billion according to the IMF.&nbsp;Islamabad has raised nearly $12 billion via bilateral loans in recent years to keep the country floating. Dar accused previous governments of inaction on IMF programmes, which allowed Pakistan to arrive in such a situation.&nbsp;“I was right to say that Pakistan would not have taken $12 billion from the begging bowl if it had acted on the IMF programme. We would not have been able to balance our accounts, and the IMF was not willing to come on board. I am grateful that the UAE is also involved. I recognise their co-operation. Saudi Arabia provided $5 billion in support during this period. China supported $4 billion via a state-to-state deposit, and the UAE supported $3 billion,” said Dar. These announcements concerning the stake sale and a potential rollover of the $2 billion loan came after a meeting in Islamabad between Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was on his second visit to the South Asian country in 2025. Pakistan is currently receiving IMF support under two programmes, a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and a Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) worth about $1.3 billion, underscoring its continued reliance on international financial assistance.&nbsp;This support is part of a long-standing pattern. Since 1958, Pakistan has entered into 23 IMF programmes, repeatedly turning to the global lender to stabilise its economy. Despite successive bailouts, the South Asian nation has remained trapped in a cycle of balance-of-payments crises and recurring fiscal stress, prompting repeated IMF interventions over the decades.&nbsp;

Pakistan’s total external debt stood at $91.8 billion as of June 2025, while the International Monetary Fund estimates the size of the country’s economy at around $410 billion.

Amid a raging debt crisis, Pakistan decided to sell a stake worth $1 billion in Fauji Foundation to the United Arab Emirates, along with a rollover possibility of debt worth $2 billion by the Gulf country. The deal is expected to provide much-needed respite to the cash-strapped country, looking to manage its current account deficit to meet conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout package. Fauji Foundation, the multibillion-dollar conglomerate, one of the biggest in the country, was founded and run by the Pakistan Army. Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday emphasised that if the deal with the UAE to acquire these stakes goes through, it will settle a liability of around $1 billion on March 31. “We are currently engaged with the UAE…regarding the rollover of $1 billion a few weeks ago. They will be acquiring some shares, and our liability will be eliminated. The shares are of the Fauji Foundation Group. After extensive meetings by the committee, it is taking the lead. We hope that this transaction will be completed by 31 March,” Dar said. According to the official data, Pakistan's total external debt stood at $91.8 billion till June 2025, while its total pubic debt adds up to approximately $286.8 billion. The size of Pakistan's economy is estimated at around $410 billion according to the IMF. Islamabad has raised nearly $12 billion via bilateral loans in recent years to keep the country floating. Dar accused previous governments of inaction on IMF programmes, which allowed Pakistan to arrive in such a situation. “I was right to say that Pakistan would not have taken $12 billion from the begging bowl if it had acted on the IMF programme. We would not have been able to balance our accounts, and the IMF was not willing to come on board. I am grateful that the UAE is also involved. I recognise their co-operation. Saudi Arabia provided $5 billion in support during this period. China supported $4 billion via a state-to-state deposit, and the UAE supported $3 billion,” said Dar. These announcements concerning the stake sale and a potential rollover of the $2 billion loan came after a meeting in Islamabad between Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was on his second visit to the South Asian country in 2025. Pakistan is currently receiving IMF support under two programmes, a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and a Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) worth about $1.3 billion, underscoring its continued reliance on international financial assistance. This support is part of a long-standing pattern. Since 1958, Pakistan has entered into 23 IMF programmes, repeatedly turning to the global lender to stabilise its economy. Despite successive bailouts, the South Asian nation has remained trapped in a cycle of balance-of-payments crises and recurring fiscal stress, prompting repeated IMF interventions over the decades.

Pakistan’s total external debt stood at $91.8 billion as of June 2025, while the International Monetary Fund estimates the size of the country’s economy at around $410 billion.

Amid spiralling debt crisis, Pakistan to sell $1bn Fauji Foundation stake to UAE

Pakistan is witnessing one of the biggest exoduses of skilled professionals in its history as thousands of doctors, engineers and accountants are leaving the country in recent years, adding to the economic woes of an already cash-strapped nation. The talent exodus is attributed to the reigning economic crisis and political instability marked by periods of sporadic violence.&nbsp;The concerns highlighted in a recent report published by the government revealed that as many as 5,000 doctors, 11,000 engineers and 13,000 accountants have left the country in the past two years.&nbsp;Data released by Pakistan’s Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment points to a troubling trend. In 2024 alone, more than 7.27 lakh Pakistanis registered for overseas employment, while in 2025, up to November, nearly 6.87 lakh people have already done so. The numbers contrast Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir's claims tried to give a positive spin to the disturbing trend by describing the mass migration as "brain gain" Former Pakistani senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar put the data in perspective and called out Munir's lofty rhetoric in a social media post, "Fix politics to fix the economy! Pakistan is also the 4th largest freelancing hub and with internet shutdowns causing losses of $1.62 billion, has put 2.37 million freelancing jobs at risk," Khokhar posted on X.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/700-kmph-in-two-seconds-chinese-train-smashes-world-speed-record-high-speed-rail-network-trains-maglev-trains-bullet-train-1766842697186">Watch | 700 kmph in two seconds: Chinese train smashes world speed record</a>&nbsp;The latest immigration data triggered a wave of sharp reaction and sarcasm over Munir's rhetoric. Many users pointed to remarks made by the army chief during a speech to expatriates in the United States.&nbsp;Pakistanis underline the irony, saying how losing skilled professionals could ever be called a gain, with several users questioning renewed censorship and lack of freedom and an atmosphere of fear that gripped the country after Asim Munir took over as de facto leader of the country.&nbsp;

Pakistan has lost thousands of doctors, engineers and accountants over the past two years, according to official data, undermining Munir's claims that overseas migration represents a ‘brain gain’.

Pakistan is witnessing one of the biggest exoduses of skilled professionals in its history as thousands of doctors, engineers and accountants are leaving the country in recent years, adding to the economic woes of an already cash-strapped nation. The talent exodus is attributed to the reigning economic crisis and political instability marked by periods of sporadic violence. The concerns highlighted in a recent report published by the government revealed that as many as 5,000 doctors, 11,000 engineers and 13,000 accountants have left the country in the past two years. Data released by Pakistan’s Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment points to a troubling trend. In 2024 alone, more than 7.27 lakh Pakistanis registered for overseas employment, while in 2025, up to November, nearly 6.87 lakh people have already done so. The numbers contrast Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir's claims tried to give a positive spin to the disturbing trend by describing the mass migration as "brain gain" Former Pakistani senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar put the data in perspective and called out Munir's lofty rhetoric in a social media post, "Fix politics to fix the economy! Pakistan is also the 4th largest freelancing hub and with internet shutdowns causing losses of $1.62 billion, has put 2.37 million freelancing jobs at risk," Khokhar posted on X. Also Read: Watch | 700 kmph in two seconds: Chinese train smashes world speed record The latest immigration data triggered a wave of sharp reaction and sarcasm over Munir's rhetoric. Many users pointed to remarks made by the army chief during a speech to expatriates in the United States. Pakistanis underline the irony, saying how losing skilled professionals could ever be called a gain, with several users questioning renewed censorship and lack of freedom and an atmosphere of fear that gripped the country after Asim Munir took over as de facto leader of the country.

Pakistan has lost thousands of doctors, engineers and accountants over the past two years, according to official data, undermining Munir's claims that overseas migration represents a ‘brain gain’.

Pakistanis mock Asim Munir’s ‘brain gain’ claim as 5,000 doctors, 11,000 engineers exit country

Pakistan has reportedly concluded a massive arms deal with Libya to sell military equipment worth $4 billion to the Libyan National Army, including fighter jets, trainer aircraft and other military hardware, according to Islamabad officials. One of the largest ever arms export agreements for Pakistan was negotiated during a meeting between Pakistan's military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir and the deputy commander of the LNA in Benghazi. The agreement comes despite the United Nations' embargo on Libya.&nbsp;According to reports, the agreement constitutes the export of JF-17 multirole fighter jets co-developed with China, Super Mushak trainer aircraft, and other land, sea, and air equipment.&nbsp;The deal is likely to come under international scrutiny as Libya has been under a United Nations arms embargo since 2011, imposed after the uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. The embargo requires prior UN approval for any transfer of weapons, military equipment, or related assistance to Libyan actors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/punches-fly-in-turkish-parliament-during-heated-budget-showdown-violence-brawl-between-mps-altercations-1766403712264">Watch | Punches fly in Turkish parliament during heated budget showdown</a>&nbsp;However, a UN panel of experts said in a December 2024 report that the embargo remains largely ineffective. The panel noted that several foreign states have openly provided arms, training, and military support to rival forces in both eastern and western Libya, undermining international efforts to stabilise the conflict-hit country.

Pakistan struck a $4 billion arms export deal with war-torn Libya to supply military equipment, including JF-17 multirole aircraft, along with other defence hardware.

Pakistan has reportedly concluded a massive arms deal with Libya to sell military equipment worth $4 billion to the Libyan National Army, including fighter jets, trainer aircraft and other military hardware, according to Islamabad officials. One of the largest ever arms export agreements for Pakistan was negotiated during a meeting between Pakistan's military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir and the deputy commander of the LNA in Benghazi. The agreement comes despite the United Nations' embargo on Libya. According to reports, the agreement constitutes the export of JF-17 multirole fighter jets co-developed with China, Super Mushak trainer aircraft, and other land, sea, and air equipment. The deal is likely to come under international scrutiny as Libya has been under a United Nations arms embargo since 2011, imposed after the uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. The embargo requires prior UN approval for any transfer of weapons, military equipment, or related assistance to Libyan actors. Also Read: Watch | Punches fly in Turkish parliament during heated budget showdown However, a UN panel of experts said in a December 2024 report that the embargo remains largely ineffective. The panel noted that several foreign states have openly provided arms, training, and military support to rival forces in both eastern and western Libya, undermining international efforts to stabilise the conflict-hit country.

Pakistan struck a $4 billion arms export deal with war-torn Libya to supply military equipment, including JF-17 multirole aircraft, along with other defence hardware.

Pakistan signs major $4 billion arms export deal with Libyan force: Report

India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed charges against seven accused, including the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its proxy, The Resistance Front (TRF), in connection with the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The 1,597-page chargesheet, submitted to a special NIA court in Jammu on Monday, details what the agency describes as "Pakistan’s conspiracy" in the attack. It accuses LeT/TRF as an organisation of planning, facilitating and executing the terror attack, which involved "religion-based targeted killings by the Pak-sponsored terrorists".&nbsp;"The chargesheet, which details Pakistan’s conspiracy, roles of the accused, and supporting evidence in the case, has charged the banned LeT/TRF as a legal entity for its role in planning, facilitating, and executing the Pahalgam attack," an NIA statement said. "The attack, which involved religion-based targeted killings by the Pak-sponsored terrorists, left 25 tourists and one local civilian dead."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bondi-beach-terror-attack-it-made-me-feel-sick-that-i-when-a-sydney-bricklayer-realised-his-former-co-worker-was-the-shooter-1765797016271">Bondi Beach terror attack: 'It made me feel sick that I...': When a Sydney bricklayer realised his former co-worker was the shooter</a>&nbsp;The chargesheet names Pakistani handler Sajid Jatt as an accused, along with three Pakistani terrorists killed by security forces in July during Operation Mahadev in Dachigam's forests near Srinagar. They are identified as Faisal Jatt (alias Suleman Shah), Habeeb Tahir (alias Jibran), and Hamza Afghani. All accused, including the outlawed LeT/TRF, face charges under India's Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, including waging war against India.&nbsp;Two local men, Parvaiz Ahmad and Bashir Ahmad Jothatd , arrested in June for harbouring the terrorists, have also been chargesheeted. During interrogation, they "disclosed the identities of the three armed terrorists involved in the attack, and had also confirmed that they were Pakistani nationals affiliated to the proscribed LeT terror outfit", the NIA said. The agency said its eight-month "meticulous scientific probe" traced the conspiracy to Pakistan, "which has been unabatedly sponsoring terrorism against India.". Further investigation continues.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bondi-beach-shooting-rabbi-who-commemorated-26-11-victims-killed-in-terror-attack-1765805727755">Bondi Beach Shooting: Rabbi, who commemorated 26/11 victims, killed in terror attack</a>&nbsp;The attack on 22 April in Baisaran meadow shocked India, targeting mainly Hindu tourists in a popular Kashmir tourist spot. Security forces later eliminated the perpetrators in a joint operation, recovering evidence linking them to LeT. The chargesheet shows support by Pakistan for cross-border terrorism. India responded to the terror attack with strikes on terror camps deep inside Pakistani territory, under operation Sindoor.

Pakistan's role in sponsoring Kashmir terror attack highlighted in Indian chargesheet.

India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed charges against seven accused, including the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its proxy, The Resistance Front (TRF), in connection with the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The 1,597-page chargesheet, submitted to a special NIA court in Jammu on Monday, details what the agency describes as "Pakistan’s conspiracy" in the attack. It accuses LeT/TRF as an organisation of planning, facilitating and executing the terror attack, which involved "religion-based targeted killings by the Pak-sponsored terrorists". "The chargesheet, which details Pakistan’s conspiracy, roles of the accused, and supporting evidence in the case, has charged the banned LeT/TRF as a legal entity for its role in planning, facilitating, and executing the Pahalgam attack," an NIA statement said. "The attack, which involved religion-based targeted killings by the Pak-sponsored terrorists, left 25 tourists and one local civilian dead." Also Read: Bondi Beach terror attack: 'It made me feel sick that I...': When a Sydney bricklayer realised his former co-worker was the shooter The chargesheet names Pakistani handler Sajid Jatt as an accused, along with three Pakistani terrorists killed by security forces in July during Operation Mahadev in Dachigam's forests near Srinagar. They are identified as Faisal Jatt (alias Suleman Shah), Habeeb Tahir (alias Jibran), and Hamza Afghani. All accused, including the outlawed LeT/TRF, face charges under India's Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, including waging war against India. Two local men, Parvaiz Ahmad and Bashir Ahmad Jothatd , arrested in June for harbouring the terrorists, have also been chargesheeted. During interrogation, they "disclosed the identities of the three armed terrorists involved in the attack, and had also confirmed that they were Pakistani nationals affiliated to the proscribed LeT terror outfit", the NIA said. The agency said its eight-month "meticulous scientific probe" traced the conspiracy to Pakistan, "which has been unabatedly sponsoring terrorism against India.". Further investigation continues. Also Read: Bondi Beach Shooting: Rabbi, who commemorated 26/11 victims, killed in terror attack The attack on 22 April in Baisaran meadow shocked India, targeting mainly Hindu tourists in a popular Kashmir tourist spot. Security forces later eliminated the perpetrators in a joint operation, recovering evidence linking them to LeT. The chargesheet shows support by Pakistan for cross-border terrorism. India responded to the terror attack with strikes on terror camps deep inside Pakistani territory, under operation Sindoor.

Pakistan's role in sponsoring Kashmir terror attack highlighted in Indian chargesheet.

India charges Pakistan-based terrorists over deadly Pahalgam tourist attack

Pakistani Army's spokesperson Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry came under extreme backlash after a social media claim that he winked at a female journalist during a press briefing. A video was circulated on social media, sparking accusations of “unprofessional conduct". The clip, which went viral on X, showed the journalist questioning Chaudhry about former Prime Minister Imran Khan, referencing allegations that he is being labelled a “national security threat," “anti-state," and acting “at the hands of Delhi."&nbsp;Chaudhry responded by adding, “And add a fourth point, he is also a zehni mareez (mental patient)," before winking at the journalist, a gesture that immediately triggered outrage online.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">The person who sexually harassed the female journalist with his eyes during a press conference is none other than Pakistan Army&#39;s DG ISPR Ahmed Sharif Chaudhary. Sexual violence against women is common in Pakistan. Wherever they go in the world, they do not abandon their culture. <a href="https://t.co/Dlzk7t8UO6">pic.twitter.com/Dlzk7t8UO6</a>&mdash; Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealBababanaras/status/1998318619411792058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-revenge-virologist-who-claimed-covid-was-developed-in-wuhan-says-beijing-is-using-her-family-to-lure-her-back-from-us-1765204872566">China wants REVENGE? Virologist, who claimed coronavirus was developed in Wuhan, says Beijing is using her family to 'lure' her back from US</a>&nbsp;Social media users called the act a “new low" for the military’s media wing. One internet user wrote, “Ahmed (Not) Sharif Chaudhary" in response to the video.“A DG ISPR answering a woman journalist with a wink? That’s the burial of professionalism. Press conference tha ya sasta flirting?" wrote another.&nbsp;WION can not independently verify the authenticity of the video.&nbsp;This came days after Chaudhry accused Khan of crafting a narrative that poses a direct threat to national security. He extended the remarks during a press conference that was held after the inauguration of the Chief of Defence Forces Headquarters. Chaudhry repeatedly slammed the former Pak PM. He said so while holding an old post on X Khan as evidence of what he called a deliberate attempt to “build a narrative against the Pakistan Armed Forces”.&nbsp;“This mentally ill person tweeted to build a narrative against the Pakistan Armed Forces,” the DG ISPR said. “Imran Khan’s narrative has become a national security threat," he added. Chaudhry did not take Khan's name but said that the former PM was driven by personal ambition rather than constitutional obligations.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-white-house-has-recieved-report-on-macron-s-plan-to-assassinate-me-candace-owens-another-big-claim-as-her-show-goes-off-air-1764165691510">‘White House has received report on Macron’s plan to assassinate me’: Candace Owens’ ANOTHER BIG CLAIM as her show goes off air</a>&nbsp;“A person thinks that if it’s not him, then it’s nothing. He has become a threat to national security,” he stated. “He thinks that without me, there is nothing," he said. Chaudhry also questioned how Khan, who remained incarcerated, was able to meet individuals and allegedly craft anti-state narratives from prison. “Which law is it under which a prisoner is met, and he crafts a narrative against the state and the armed forces of Pakistan?” he asked.

The clip, which went viral on X, showed the journalist questioning Chaudhry about former Prime Minister Imran Khan, referencing allegations that he is being labelled a national security threat.

Pakistani Army's spokesperson Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry came under extreme backlash after a social media claim that he winked at a female journalist during a press briefing. A video was circulated on social media, sparking accusations of “unprofessional conduct". The clip, which went viral on X, showed the journalist questioning Chaudhry about former Prime Minister Imran Khan, referencing allegations that he is being labelled a “national security threat," “anti-state," and acting “at the hands of Delhi." Chaudhry responded by adding, “And add a fourth point, he is also a zehni mareez (mental patient)," before winking at the journalist, a gesture that immediately triggered outrage online.

&nbsp;The clip, which went viral on X, showed the journalist questioning Chaudhry about former Prime Minister Imran Khan, referencing allegations that he is being labelled a “national security threat".&nbsp;

Did Pakistan Army spokesperson wink at female journalist? Netizens react to viral video

Pakistan security forces killed 30 militants in several operations near its border with Afghanistan in the last few days, AFP reported, quoting the Pakistan Army. Twenty-three militants were killed in raids in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Wednesday, and were related to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or its affiliated groups, the military said in a statement. It also accused India of supporting them in orchestrating strikes inside the country, a claim that New Delhi has rejected.&nbsp;These operations were carried out less than a week after a deadly suicide bombing outside Islamabad's G-11 district court, killing at least 12 people and injuring over 30.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-extends-ban-on-indian-flights-issues-fresh-notam-till-december-24-operation-sindoor-india-pakistan-tensions-imaran-khan-1763635579849">Pakistan extends ban on Indian flights, issues fresh NOTAM till December 24</a>&nbsp;In a follow-up statement, the military said it killed seven militants in three separate operations in Mohmand, Lakki Marwat and Tank districts in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on November 18-19. "Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country," the military stated.&nbsp;Islamabad has repeatedly accused Afghanistan’s Taliban government of sheltering terrorists, particularly members of the TTP, who are blamed for numerous deadly attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul has denied the charges, insisting that Pakistan’s internal security is not Afghanistan’s responsibility.&nbsp;The relation between Islamabad and Afghanistan took a steep downturn in recent times, and the dispute over the Durand Line results in periodic skirmishes between the two countries. Mass deportations of Afghan nationals, who were living in Pakistan for decades, also further strained relations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-nabs-four-ttp-militants-linked-to-afghan-cell-in-connection-with-suicide-bombing-in-islamabad-court-terror-pakistan-naqvi-1763142225412">Pakistan nabs four TTP militants linked to Afghan cell in connection with suicide bombing in Islamabad court</a>&nbsp;The Istanbul peace talks, after deadly border clashes in October, which killed over 70 people on both sides, have ended without any agreement, with the sides trading blame for the breakdown in negotiations to restore tranquillity at the Durand line and uphold the fragile ceasefire.&nbsp;&nbsp;

These operations were carried out less than a week after a deadly suicide bombing outside Islamabad's G-11 district court, killing at least 12 people and injuring over 30.

Pakistan security forces killed 30 militants in several operations near its border with Afghanistan in the last few days, AFP reported, quoting the Pakistan Army. Twenty-three militants were killed in raids in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Wednesday, and were related to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or its affiliated groups, the military said in a statement. It also accused India of supporting them in orchestrating strikes inside the country, a claim that New Delhi has rejected. These operations were carried out less than a week after a deadly suicide bombing outside Islamabad's G-11 district court, killing at least 12 people and injuring over 30. Also Read: Pakistan extends ban on Indian flights, issues fresh NOTAM till December 24 In a follow-up statement, the military said it killed seven militants in three separate operations in Mohmand, Lakki Marwat and Tank districts in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on November 18-19. "Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country," the military stated. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Afghanistan’s Taliban government of sheltering terrorists, particularly members of the TTP, who are blamed for numerous deadly attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul has denied the charges, insisting that Pakistan’s internal security is not Afghanistan’s responsibility. The relation between Islamabad and Afghanistan took a steep downturn in recent times, and the dispute over the Durand Line results in periodic skirmishes between the two countries. Mass deportations of Afghan nationals, who were living in Pakistan for decades, also further strained relations. Also Read: Pakistan nabs four TTP militants linked to Afghan cell in connection with suicide bombing in Islamabad court The Istanbul peace talks, after deadly border clashes in October, which killed over 70 people on both sides, have ended without any agreement, with the sides trading blame for the breakdown in negotiations to restore tranquillity at the Durand line and uphold the fragile ceasefire.

These operations were carried out less than a week after a deadly suicide bombing outside Islamabad's G-11 district court, killing at least 12 people and injuring over 30.

Pakistan Army kills 30 militants near Afghan border days after Islamabad court blast

These forces are not just about manpower , they symbolise power projection, deterrence, and the enduring tensions that define Asia’s geopolitics.

These forces are not just about manpower , they symbolise power projection, deterrence, and the enduring tensions that define Asia’s geopolitics.

The top 6 Asian countries with largest military forces

Months after India's Operation Sindoor destroyed Pakistan's Nur Khan air base in Chaklala, Rawalpindi, reports suggest that Islamabad is rebuilding it. While Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China, Pakistan Field Marshal General Asim Munir visited Chaklala, where reconstruction has begun. Reports shared several satellite images to show that rebuilding is underway on the heavily damaged site. Specialised military trucks that could integrate air and ground assets with communication systems were reportedly seen in the images. These specialised military trucks, walls and nearby structures were taken down by India; however, new images show similar construction on the site. The Nur Khan Base is operated by the No. 12 VIP Squadron of the Pakistan Air Force.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/the-story-of-indian-strikes-on-pakistan-militarys-nerve-center-nur-khan-airbase-9063816">The story of Indian strikes on Pakistan military's nerve center</a>&nbsp;The Indian Defence Forces had disclosed after Operation Sindoor that the Nur Khan Airbase, located in Rawalpindi, was one of the key military installations targeted during their retaliatory strikes against Pakistan. These strikes were launched in response to a series of drone and missile attacks carried out by Pakistan on several Indian bordering states, after India hit terror infrastructure inside Pakistan. India had struck terror sites in Pakistan-based terror group The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 civilians. In its strike, India also conducted coordinated airstrikes on multiple other Pakistani military bases to weaken Pakistan’s operational capabilities and send a strong message of deterrence. These targeted bases included Rafiqui, Murid, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian — all strategically important military sites housing critical infrastructure and personnel. The airbases at Skardu, Bholari, Jacobabad, and Sargodha were reported to have suffered extensive damage from the strikes. Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-admission-after-operation-sindoor-pm-shehbaz-sharif-says-india-hit-airbases-including-rawalpindi-with-brahmos-before-pak-could-act-1748526800515">Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif says India hit airbases including Rawalpindi with BrahMos before Pak could act</a><h2>Pakistan's confession about detroyed Nur Khan base</h2>Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif admitted that India's BrahMos missile hit many areas inside Pakistan, including Rawalpindi air base, in the early hours of May 10. This statement came even as Pakistan's military, led by Army Chief Asim Munir — now promoted to Field Marshal — claimed victory after heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. It also punctured Pakistan's own narrative that it attempted to show when Pakistani PM visited Pasrur Cantonment in Sialkot. &nbsp;to show that Indian strikes did not damage the Pakistani airbases. The visit to Sialkot was also termed as a copycat move as it came a day after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Adampur airbase with the S-400 air defence system in the background.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharif-copies-pm-modis-adampur-visit-goes-to-sialkot-air-base-9069143">Another copycat move: Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif copies PM Modi's Adampur visit, goes to Sialkot air base</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

India’s Operation Sindoor destroyed Pakistan’s Nur Khan Air Base in Chaklala in May this year. Now, satellite images reveal reconstruction efforts are underway. Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir visited the site. 

Months after India's Operation Sindoor destroyed Pakistan's Nur Khan air base in Chaklala, Rawalpindi, reports suggest that Islamabad is rebuilding it. While Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China, Pakistan Field Marshal General Asim Munir visited Chaklala, where reconstruction has begun. Reports shared several satellite images to show that rebuilding is underway on the heavily damaged site. Specialised military trucks that could integrate air and ground assets with communication systems were reportedly seen in the images. These specialised military trucks, walls and nearby structures were taken down by India; however, new images show similar construction on the site. The Nur Khan Base is operated by the No. 12 VIP Squadron of the Pakistan Air Force. Read More | The story of Indian strikes on Pakistan military's nerve center The Indian Defence Forces had disclosed after Operation Sindoor that the Nur Khan Airbase, located in Rawalpindi, was one of the key military installations targeted during their retaliatory strikes against Pakistan. These strikes were launched in response to a series of drone and missile attacks carried out by Pakistan on several Indian bordering states, after India hit terror infrastructure inside Pakistan. India had struck terror sites in Pakistan-based terror group The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 civilians. In its strike, India also conducted coordinated airstrikes on multiple other Pakistani military bases to weaken Pakistan’s operational capabilities and send a strong message of deterrence. These targeted bases included Rafiqui, Murid, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian — all strategically important military sites housing critical infrastructure and personnel. The airbases at Skardu, Bholari, Jacobabad, and Sargodha were reported to have suffered extensive damage from the strikes. Read More | Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif says India hit airbases including Rawalpindi with BrahMos before Pak could act Pakistan's confession about detroyed Nur Khan base Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif admitted that India's BrahMos missile hit many areas inside Pakistan, including Rawalpindi air base, in the early hours of May 10. This statement came even as Pakistan's military, led by Army Chief Asim Munir — now promoted to Field Marshal — claimed victory after heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. It also punctured Pakistan's own narrative that it attempted to show when Pakistani PM visited Pasrur Cantonment in Sialkot. to show that Indian strikes did not damage the Pakistani airbases. The visit to Sialkot was also termed as a copycat move as it came a day after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Adampur airbase with the S-400 air defence system in the background. Read More | Another copycat move: Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif copies PM Modi's Adampur visit, goes to Sialkot air base

India’s Operation Sindoor destroyed Pakistan’s Nur Khan Air Base in Chaklala in May this year. Now, satellite images reveal reconstruction efforts are underway. Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir visited the site.&nbsp;

What is Pakistan doing at Nur Khan air base months after India destroyed it during Operation Sindoor

The links of Pakistan army, with terrorists has never been a secret. During 'Operation Sindoor', the photos of top Pakistan officers attending the funeral of these terrorists had gone viral, exposing the decades-old nexus between Pakistan's army and terrorists. However, fresh revelations point to links between the father of Pakistan&rsquo;s Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, and al-Qaeda.
<h2>Who is Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry?</h2>
Lt Choudhry is the voice of the military before the world, but beneath the polished briefings lies a disturbing family history&mdash;his father, Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood, who was a nuclear scientist is linked directly to Osama bin Laden news agency PTI reported citing officials in New Delhi.&nbsp;
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-world-war-2-to-napoleonic-wars-7-of-historys-bloodiest-conflicts-that-claimed-millions-of-lives-9055259">'From World War 2 to Napoleonic Wars': 7 of history&rsquo;s bloodiest conflicts that claimed millions of lives</a>
Lt Gen Chaudhry serves as the head of ISPR which is the media wing of the Pakistani armed forces. Appointed in 2022 by Army Chief General Asim Munir, he has emerged as the key spokesperson during periods of military tension, particularly with India.&nbsp;
As per the United Nations documents, Chaudhry's father, Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood, born in Amritsar, was known to have met the late al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Currently 85 years old, Mahmood lives in Islamabad.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/f-22-f-35-su-57-rafale-and-more-check-out-the-worlds-top-6-stealth-combat-aircraft-9054887">F-22, F-35, Su-57, Rafale, and more: Check out the world&rsquo;s top 6 stealth combat aircraft</a>
Bashiruddin Mahmood began his career at the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) in the 1960s and played a vital role in Pakistan&rsquo;s nuclear programme. He worked on facilities including the Kahuta Research Labs and the Khushab complex. After retirement, Bashiruddhin, &nbsp;co-founded Ummah Tameer-e-Nau (UTN) in 1999, an NGO to support humanitarian causes in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan before the US invasion in 2001.
<h2>Meetings With Osama bin Laden&nbsp;</h2>
According to reports, in 2001, Mahmood met with al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden and Taliban leader Mullah Omar in Afghanistan. He is alleged to have provided insights into the infrastructure necessary for a nuclear weapons programme with bin Laden. These meetings raised red flags across US intelligence agencies.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indo-pak-war-why-is-ins-vikrant-known-as-indias-sea-fortress-9054543">Indo-Pak war: Why INS Vikrant is considered India's 'sea fortress'</a>
On 24 December 2001, the United Nations officially listed Mahmood as a terrorist for aiding al-Qaida.&nbsp;
US intelligence, which tracked bin Laden's meetings after the deadly 9/11 attacks, freaked out when they saw Laden had met with a prominent Pakistani nuclear scientist. In an interrogation by the CIA and the FBI, Mahmoud claimed that he had only discussed humanitarian issues such as food, health and education with Laden. He was eventually released, although was put on an exit control list by Pakistan.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/operation-sindoor-how-much-fuel-does-a-rafale-jet-burn-per-hour-during-a-mission-9054444">Operation Sindoor: How much fuel does a Rafale jet burn per hour during a mission</a>
Chaudhry's father was also known for unconventional scientific views. His post-retirement work centered on using supernatural beings 'djinns' to generate electricity.&nbsp;
As Pakistan claims to be a victim of terrorism, its military&rsquo;s leadership structure reveals deep-rooted links to jihadist figures and this is one such example.&nbsp;

Fresh revelations point to links between the father of Pakistan’s Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, and al-Qaeda.

The links of Pakistan army, with terrorists has never been a secret. During 'Operation Sindoor', the photos of top Pakistan officers attending the funeral of these terrorists had gone viral, exposing the decades-old nexus between Pakistan's army and terrorists. However, fresh revelations point to links between the father of Pakistan’s Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, and al-Qaeda. Who is Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry? Lt Choudhry is the voice of the military before the world, but beneath the polished briefings lies a disturbing family history—his father, Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood, who was a nuclear scientist is linked directly to Osama bin Laden news agency PTI reported citing officials in New Delhi. Also Read: 'From World War 2 to Napoleonic Wars': 7 of history’s bloodiest conflicts that claimed millions of lives Lt Gen Chaudhry serves as the head of ISPR which is the media wing of the Pakistani armed forces. Appointed in 2022 by Army Chief General Asim Munir, he has emerged as the key spokesperson during periods of military tension, particularly with India. As per the United Nations documents, Chaudhry's father, Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood, born in Amritsar, was known to have met the late al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Currently 85 years old, Mahmood lives in Islamabad. Also Read: F-22, F-35, Su-57, Rafale, and more: Check out the world’s top 6 stealth combat aircraft Bashiruddin Mahmood began his career at the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) in the 1960s and played a vital role in Pakistan’s nuclear programme. He worked on facilities including the Kahuta Research Labs and the Khushab complex. After retirement, Bashiruddhin, co-founded Ummah Tameer-e-Nau (UTN) in 1999, an NGO to support humanitarian causes in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan before the US invasion in 2001. Meetings With Osama bin Laden According to reports, in 2001, Mahmood met with al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden and Taliban leader Mullah Omar in Afghanistan. He is alleged to have provided insights into the infrastructure necessary for a nuclear weapons programme with bin Laden. These meetings raised red flags across US intelligence agencies. Also Read: Indo-Pak war: Why INS Vikrant is considered India's 'sea fortress' On 24 December 2001, the United Nations officially listed Mahmood as a terrorist for aiding al-Qaida. US intelligence, which tracked bin Laden's meetings after the deadly 9/11 attacks, freaked out when they saw Laden had met with a prominent Pakistani nuclear scientist. In an interrogation by the CIA and the FBI, Mahmoud claimed that he had only discussed humanitarian issues such as food, health and education with Laden. He was eventually released, although was put on an exit control list by Pakistan. Also Read: Operation Sindoor: How much fuel does a Rafale jet burn per hour during a mission Chaudhry's father was also known for unconventional scientific views. His post-retirement work centered on using supernatural beings 'djinns' to generate electricity. As Pakistan claims to be a victim of terrorism, its military’s leadership structure reveals deep-rooted links to jihadist figures and this is one such example.

Pakistan’s ISPR chief is son of a nuclear scientist linked to Osama Bin Laden: Report

The Indian Army and Air Force actively employed the Barak-8 surface-to-air missile system alongside S-400 Triumph systems, Akash missiles, and DRDO's anti-drone technologies to neutralise incoming threats.

Operation Sindoor: What is the 'Barak-8 Missile System' used by Indian Army to thwart Pakistan’s offensive

Another attack on the Pakistan army. BLA claimed responsibility and stated that 9 security personnel were among 11 killed in the operation against the Pakistan army. Watch this report for more updates!

Breaking: Pakistan: 9 security personnel among 11 killed in Balochistan attack

In another sign of the warming up of ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, top army officials from both sides met on Tuesday (Jan 14) at the Joint Staff Headquarters (JSHQ) in Rawalpindi.
Pakistan Army&rsquo;s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that Lieutenant General S M Kamr-ul-Hassan, the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh, and General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), vowed to deepen their bilateral defence cooperation.
The Bangladeshi official also met General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan.
Officials from both sides reaffirmed their commitment to protect their ties from &lsquo;external disruptions&rsquo; and to promote regional peace.
Notably, the Bangladeshi army official expressed his &lsquo;deep admiration&rsquo; for Pakistan Army&rsquo;s &lsquo;fight against terrorism&rsquo; and their &lsquo;professionalism.&rsquo;
This comes as Pakistan&rsquo;s neighbours Afghanistan and India have accused Islamabad in recent days of providing safe haven to ISIS terrorists.
Abbas Stanekzai, the Taliban's deputy foreign minister, last week claimed that the Pakistani Army was providing training to ISIS fighters.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/come-and-join-us-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-tells-pok-residents-to-leave-pakistan-for-india-756887">'Come and join us': Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tells PoK residents to leave Pakistan for India</a>
The ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh have grown stronger following the ouster of deposed PM Sheikh Hasina in August last year. The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, has already eased the visa process for Pakistanis.
<h2>Pakistan-Bangladesh MoU on rice export</h2>
Meanwhile, the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) and the Directorate General of Food of Bangladesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for export of rice from Pakistan to Bangladesh, reported Chinese media Xinhua.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-couldve-offered-pakistan-more-money-than-imf-aid-if-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-763070">'India could've offered Pakistan more money than IMF aid if...': Defence minister Rajnath Singh</a>
Syed Rafeo Bashir Shah, Chairman of TCP, and Md Abdul Khaleque, director general of the Directorate General of Food of Bangladesh, reportedly signed the agreement on Tuesday in Dhaka.
(With inputs from agencies)

South Asia | Bangladesh | Pakistan: Bangladeshi army official expressed his ‘deep admiration’ for Pakistan Army’s ‘fight against terrorism’ and their ‘professionalism.’

In another sign of the warming up of ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, top army officials from both sides met on Tuesday (Jan 14) at the Joint Staff Headquarters (JSHQ) in Rawalpindi. Pakistan Army’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that Lieutenant General S M Kamr-ul-Hassan, the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh, and General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), vowed to deepen their bilateral defence cooperation. The Bangladeshi official also met General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan. Officials from both sides reaffirmed their commitment to protect their ties from ‘external disruptions’ and to promote regional peace. Notably, the Bangladeshi army official expressed his ‘deep admiration’ for Pakistan Army’s ‘fight against terrorism’ and their ‘professionalism.’ This comes as Pakistan’s neighbours Afghanistan and India have accused Islamabad in recent days of providing safe haven to ISIS terrorists. Abbas Stanekzai, the Taliban's deputy foreign minister, last week claimed that the Pakistani Army was providing training to ISIS fighters. Also read: 'Come and join us': Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tells PoK residents to leave Pakistan for India The ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh have grown stronger following the ouster of deposed PM Sheikh Hasina in August last year. The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, has already eased the visa process for Pakistanis. Pakistan-Bangladesh MoU on rice export Meanwhile, the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) and the Directorate General of Food of Bangladesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for export of rice from Pakistan to Bangladesh, reported Chinese media Xinhua. Also read: 'India could've offered Pakistan more money than IMF aid if...': Defence minister Rajnath Singh Syed Rafeo Bashir Shah, Chairman of TCP, and Md Abdul Khaleque, director general of the Directorate General of Food of Bangladesh, reportedly signed the agreement on Tuesday in Dhaka. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh army official praises Pakistan for ‘fight against terror’ in high-level meet

Edited by: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/author/vikrant-singh" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Vikrant Singh</a>
Islamabad | At least one Pakistani soldier has died during clashes with Afghan Taliban forces amidst heightened tensions along the de-facto border, a source in Islamabad said Saturday (Dec 28). The clashes took place overnight as militants linked to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) tried entering Pakistan near Kurram and North Waziristan points, the source claimed.
The clashes continued through the early hours of Saturday where Afghan Taliban forces and TTP militants opened fire on Pakistani soldiers using heavy weaponry along the frontier between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan and Khost province in Afghanistan.
The source added that Pakistani retaliation resulted in &ldquo;heavy losses&rdquo; on the Afghan side, claiming that &ldquo;13 TTP and Afghan Taliban soldiers were killed and many were injured due to effective counter-fire by Pakistani military.&rdquo;
Sources in Afghanistan&rsquo;s Taliban-run defence ministry confirmed to WION about the killing of at least three soldiers while reporting injuries to nine others.
At least three soldiers sustained injuries in the battle, the Pakistani source said. News agency AFP reported citing sources that seven Pak soldiers were wounded in the exchange of fire.
<h2>Timeline of escalation</h2>
The fresh escalation comes after Afghanistan&rsquo;s Taliban authorities earlier this week accused Pakistan of killing 46 people, mainly women and children, in air strikes near the border. Sources in Pakistan said the strikes were launched &nbsp;targeting &ldquo;terrorist hideouts&rdquo;; however, Islamabad has not confirmed it carried out the cross-border attack.
Tensions between the two nations are on the rise since Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021. The Pakistani military had earlier carried out strikes in Afghanistan&rsquo;s border areas in March this year, killing eight civilians, as claimed by Taliban authorities.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-launches-strike-at-pakistan-islamabad-retaliates-sources-8572924">Afghanistan Taliban forces launch strike at Pakistan; Islamabad retaliates: Sources</a>
Pakistan&rsquo;s fresh strike on TTP militants came after Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed raids on an army outpost earlier this month, which resulted in the death of 16 Pak soldiers.
&ldquo;We desire good ties with them (Kabul) but TTP should be stopped from killing our innocent people,&rdquo; Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a cabinet address Friday.
&ldquo;This is our red line,&rdquo; he added.

South Asia | The clashes continued through the early hours of Saturday where Afghan Taliban forces and TTP militants opened fire on Pakistani soldiers using heavy weaponry.

Edited by: Vikrant Singh Islamabad | At least one Pakistani soldier has died during clashes with Afghan Taliban forces amidst heightened tensions along the de-facto border, a source in Islamabad said Saturday (Dec 28). The clashes took place overnight as militants linked to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) tried entering Pakistan near Kurram and North Waziristan points, the source claimed. The clashes continued through the early hours of Saturday where Afghan Taliban forces and TTP militants opened fire on Pakistani soldiers using heavy weaponry along the frontier between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan and Khost province in Afghanistan. The source added that Pakistani retaliation resulted in “heavy losses” on the Afghan side, claiming that “13 TTP and Afghan Taliban soldiers were killed and many were injured due to effective counter-fire by Pakistani military.” Sources in Afghanistan’s Taliban-run defence ministry confirmed to WION about the killing of at least three soldiers while reporting injuries to nine others. At least three soldiers sustained injuries in the battle, the Pakistani source said. News agency AFP reported citing sources that seven Pak soldiers were wounded in the exchange of fire. Timeline of escalation The fresh escalation comes after Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities earlier this week accused Pakistan of killing 46 people, mainly women and children, in air strikes near the border. Sources in Pakistan said the strikes were launched targeting “terrorist hideouts”; however, Islamabad has not confirmed it carried out the cross-border attack. Tensions between the two nations are on the rise since Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021. The Pakistani military had earlier carried out strikes in Afghanistan’s border areas in March this year, killing eight civilians, as claimed by Taliban authorities. Also read: Afghanistan Taliban forces launch strike at Pakistan; Islamabad retaliates: Sources Pakistan’s fresh strike on TTP militants came after Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed raids on an army outpost earlier this month, which resulted in the death of 16 Pak soldiers. “We desire good ties with them (Kabul) but TTP should be stopped from killing our innocent people,” Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a cabinet address Friday. “This is our red line,” he added.

One Pakistani, Three Taliban soldiers dead amid clashes along border

New Delhi, India
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday (Dec 16) alleged that the photograph of the Pakistan Army surrendering in front of the Indian Army in the 1971 war has been removed from the Army hedquarters.
During the Parliament winter session, Priyanka Gandhi, in her Zero Hour reference, said that the picture was removed on Monday, which also happens to be Vijay Diwas. 
"Today, that picture has been removed from the Army headquarters where the Pakistan Army is surrendering before the Indian Army," she said.
She further recalled the role of soldiers and martyrs who fought the war between India and Pakistan in 1971. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-carries-palestine-emblazoned-bag-in-parliament-stirs-controversy-784334">Also read: Priyanka Gandhi carries 'Palestine' emblazoned bag in Parliament, stirs controversy</a>
Gandhi added, “I want to salute the brave soldiers who fought for us in the war of 1971. Whatever was happening in Bangladesh, no one was listening to the voice of the people of Bangladesh, our Bengali brothers and sisters. Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister at that time, I want to salute her. She showed courage in the most difficult situations and showed such leadership that made the country victorious.”
Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on December 16 to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. The war also resulted in the liberation of Bangladesh.
<h2>Attacks on minorities in Bangladesh</h2>
The Congress MP stressed the need to raise their voice against the atrocities committed against the Hindu and Christian minorities in Bangladesh. 
Watch | Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's Maiden Speech In Lok Sabha | World News | WION
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“The government should raise its voice against the atrocities committed against the Hindu and Christian minorities in Bangladesh, it should hold talks with them and take their support,” the Wayanad MP said.
<h2>Gandhi's 'Palestine' emblazoned bag</h2>
The Congress MP also landed at the centre of a controversy when she carried a bag with "Palestine" emblazoned on it inside the Parliament to express her support for Palestinians. 
Congress's general secretary has been known to raise her voice against the actions of Israel in Gaza and show her solidarity with Palestinians.
Priyanka Gandhi was seen carrying a handbag that had the word "Palestine" and Palestinian emblems like a watermelon emblazoned on it. The watermelon is seen as a symbol of Palestinian solidarity.
(With inputs from agencies)

During the Parliament winter session, Priyanka Gandhi, in her Zero Hour reference, said that the picture was removed on Monday, which also happens to be Vijay Diwas. 



New Delhi, India Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday (Dec 16) alleged that the photograph of the Pakistan Army surrendering in front of the Indian Army in the 1971 war has been removed from the Army hedquarters. During the Parliament winter session, Priyanka Gandhi, in her Zero Hour reference, said that the picture was removed on Monday, which also happens to be Vijay Diwas. "Today, that picture has been removed from the Army headquarters where the Pakistan Army is surrendering before the Indian Army," she said. She further recalled the role of soldiers and martyrs who fought the war between India and Pakistan in 1971. Also read: Priyanka Gandhi carries 'Palestine' emblazoned bag in Parliament, stirs controversy Gandhi added, “I want to salute the brave soldiers who fought for us in the war of 1971. Whatever was happening in Bangladesh, no one was listening to the voice of the people of Bangladesh, our Bengali brothers and sisters. Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister at that time, I want to salute her. She showed courage in the most difficult situations and showed such leadership that made the country victorious.” Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on December 16 to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. The war also resulted in the liberation of Bangladesh. Attacks on minorities in Bangladesh The Congress MP stressed the need to raise their voice against the atrocities committed against the Hindu and Christian minorities in Bangladesh. Watch | Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's Maiden Speech In Lok Sabha | World News | WION × “The government should raise its voice against the atrocities committed against the Hindu and Christian minorities in Bangladesh, it should hold talks with them and take their support,” the Wayanad MP said. Gandhi's 'Palestine' emblazoned bag The Congress MP also landed at the centre of a controversy when she carried a bag with "Palestine" emblazoned on it inside the Parliament to express her support for Palestinians. Congress's general secretary has been known to raise her voice against the actions of Israel in Gaza and show her solidarity with Palestinians. Priyanka Gandhi was seen carrying a handbag that had the word "Palestine" and Palestinian emblems like a watermelon emblazoned on it. The watermelon is seen as a symbol of Palestinian solidarity. (With inputs from agencies)

Photo of Pakistan surrendering before India removed from Army headquarters: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday (Dec 16) alleged that the photograph of the Pakistan Army surrendering in front of the Indian Army in the 1971 war has been removed from the Army hedquarters.

During the Parliament winter session, Priyanka Gandhi, in her Zero Hour reference, said that the picture was removed on Monday, which also happens to be Vijay Diwas.&nbsp;

"Today, that picture has been removed from the Army headquarters where the Pakistan Army is surrendering before the Indian Army," she said.

She further recalled the role of soldiers and martyrs who fought the war between India and Pakistan in 1971.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-carries-palestine-emblazoned-bag-in-parliament-stirs-controversy-784334">Also read:&nbsp;Priyanka Gandhi carries 'Palestine' emblazoned bag in Parliament, stirs controversy</a>

Gandhi added, “I want to salute the brave soldiers who fought for us in the war of 1971. Whatever was happening in Bangladesh, no one was listening to the voice of the people of Bangladesh, our Bengali brothers and sisters. Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister at that time, I want to salute her. She showed courage in the most difficult situations and showed such leadership that made the country victorious.”

Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on December 16 to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. The war also resulted in the liberation of Bangladesh.

<h2>Attacks on minorities in Bangladesh</h2>

The Congress MP stressed the need to raise their voice against the atrocities committed against the Hindu and Christian minorities in Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's Maiden Speech In Lok Sabha | World News | WION

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“The government should raise its voice against the atrocities committed against the Hindu and Christian minorities in Bangladesh, it should hold talks with them and take their support,” the Wayanad MP said.

<h2>Gandhi's 'Palestine' emblazoned bag</h2>

The Congress MP also landed at the centre of a controversy when she carried a bag with "Palestine" emblazoned on it inside the Parliament to express her support for Palestinians.&nbsp;

Congress's general secretary has been known to raise her voice against the actions of Israel in Gaza and show her solidarity with Palestinians.

Priyanka Gandhi was seen carrying a handbag that had the word "Palestine" and Palestinian emblems like a watermelon emblazoned on it. The watermelon is seen as a symbol of Palestinian solidarity.

(With inputs from agencies)

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday (Dec 16) alleged that the photograph of the Pakistan Army surrendering in front of the Indian Army in the 1971 war has been removed from the Army hedquarters.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday (Dec 16) alleged that the photograph of the Pakistan Army surrendering in front of the Indian Army in the 1971 war has been removed from the Army hedquarters. During the Parliament winter session, Priyanka Gandhi, in her Zero Hour reference, said that the picture was removed on Monday, which also happens to be Vijay Diwas. "Today, that picture has been removed from the Army headquarters where the Pakistan Army is surrendering before the Indian Army," she said. She further recalled the role of soldiers and martyrs who fought the war between India and Pakistan in 1971. Also read: Priyanka Gandhi carries 'Palestine' emblazoned bag in Parliament, stirs controversy Gandhi added, “I want to salute the brave soldiers who fought for us in the war of 1971. Whatever was happening in Bangladesh, no one was listening to the voice of the people of Bangladesh, our Bengali brothers and sisters. Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister at that time, I want to salute her. She showed courage in the most difficult situations and showed such leadership that made the country victorious.” Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on December 16 to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. The war also resulted in the liberation of Bangladesh. Attacks on minorities in Bangladesh The Congress MP stressed the need to raise their voice against the atrocities committed against the Hindu and Christian minorities in Bangladesh. Watch | Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's Maiden Speech In Lok Sabha | World News | WION × “The government should raise its voice against the atrocities committed against the Hindu and Christian minorities in Bangladesh, it should hold talks with them and take their support,” the Wayanad MP said. Gandhi's 'Palestine' emblazoned bag The Congress MP also landed at the centre of a controversy when she carried a bag with "Palestine" emblazoned on it inside the Parliament to express her support for Palestinians. Congress's general secretary has been known to raise her voice against the actions of Israel in Gaza and show her solidarity with Palestinians. Priyanka Gandhi was seen carrying a handbag that had the word "Palestine" and Palestinian emblems like a watermelon emblazoned on it. The watermelon is seen as a symbol of Palestinian solidarity. (With inputs from agencies)

US presidential election winner Donald Trump on Wednesday (Nov. 13) tapped 43-year-old former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as the new Director of National Intelligence (DNI). While declaring Gabbard’s nomination, Trump described her as a “proud Republican” with a “fearless spirit.”

“As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties - She is now a proud Republican!” Trump said. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our intelligence community, championing our constitutional rights and securing peace through strength,” he added.

Gabbard is mistakenly believed to be one sharing Indian heritage, but she doesn’t have any direct link to the South Asian country.

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Hindus &amp; religious minorities in Bangladesh continue to be targeted &amp; persecuted, as they have been since 1971 when the Pakistani army systematically murdered, raped &amp; drove from their homes millions of Bengali Hindus because of their religion &amp; ethnicity. <a href="https://t.co/4DVWibzrkT">pic.twitter.com/4DVWibzrkT</a>
— Tulsi Gabbard 🌺 (@TulsiGabbard) <a href="https://twitter.com/TulsiGabbard/status/1377962769861943297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Being an army veteran herself, she has long voiced her strong opposition to the US Army’s overseas deployment.

Watch:&nbsp;US: Trump Names Marco Rubio as Secretary of State in New Cabinet, Who Is He?

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As the first Hindu Congresswoman in the US, she has grabbed headlines in the past for condemning violence against Hindus in nations like Pakistan and Bangladesh.

<h2>Tulsi: A voice for Hindus in the Trump administration</h2>

Tulsi is named after a sacred plant in Hinduism. She is a lifelong vegetarian and a proud Hindu, whose US-born mother embraced Hinduism and raised her children in the tradition.

In 2021, she moved a resolution in the US Congress over violence against Hindus in Bangladesh following repeated atrocities and even called for action against the Pakistan Army for its violence against Hindus in 1971, when erstwhile East Pakistan gained independence and was proclaimed as Bangladesh. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiX08Co3NuJAxWNsFYBHfPML_0QxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-secured-hold-on-govt-republicans-win-enough-seats-to-control-the-us-house-776018" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/a-secured-hold-on-govt-republicans-win-enough-seats-to-control-the-us-house-776018&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiX08Co3NuJAxWNsFYBHfPML_0QxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">A secured hold on govt: Republicans win enough seats to control the US House</a>

During the 1971 violence, the Pakistani Army launched targeted attacks on Bengali Hindus after driving them out from their homes. The resolution by Gabbard mentioned that more than 2-3 million people were killed in the violence.

In 2017, Tulsi was elected as the co-chair of the India Caucus of the House of Representatives.&nbsp;Following that, she highlighted Pakistan’s role in fuelling terrorism in India’s Kashmir and also in Afghanistan.

(With inputs from agencies)

US presidential election winner Donald Trump on Wednesday (Nov. 13) tapped 43-year-old former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as the new Director of National Intelligence (DNI).

US presidential election winner Donald Trump on Wednesday (Nov. 13) tapped 43-year-old former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as the new Director of National Intelligence (DNI). While declaring Gabbard’s nomination, Trump described her as a “proud Republican” with a “fearless spirit.” “As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties - She is now a proud Republican!” Trump said. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our intelligence community, championing our constitutional rights and securing peace through strength,” he added. Gabbard is mistakenly believed to be one sharing Indian heritage, but she doesn’t have any direct link to the South Asian country. Hindus & religious minorities in Bangladesh continue to be targeted & persecuted, as they have been since 1971 when the Pakistani army systematically murdered, raped & drove from their homes millions of Bengali Hindus because of their religion & ethnicity. pic.twitter.com/4DVWibzrkT — Tulsi Gabbard 🌺 (@TulsiGabbard) April 2, 2021 × Being an army veteran herself, she has long voiced her strong opposition to the US Army’s overseas deployment. Watch: US: Trump Names Marco Rubio as Secretary of State in New Cabinet, Who Is He? × As the first Hindu Congresswoman in the US, she has grabbed headlines in the past for condemning violence against Hindus in nations like Pakistan and Bangladesh. Tulsi: A voice for Hindus in the Trump administration Tulsi is named after a sacred plant in Hinduism. She is a lifelong vegetarian and a proud Hindu, whose US-born mother embraced Hinduism and raised her children in the tradition. In 2021, she moved a resolution in the US Congress over violence against Hindus in Bangladesh following repeated atrocities and even called for action against the Pakistan Army for its violence against Hindus in 1971, when erstwhile East Pakistan gained independence and was proclaimed as Bangladesh. Also read: A secured hold on govt: Republicans win enough seats to control the US House During the 1971 violence, the Pakistani Army launched targeted attacks on Bengali Hindus after driving them out from their homes. The resolution by Gabbard mentioned that more than 2-3 million people were killed in the violence. In 2017, Tulsi was elected as the co-chair of the India Caucus of the House of Representatives. Following that, she highlighted Pakistan’s role in fuelling terrorism in India’s Kashmir and also in Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies)

When Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick for US intelligence head, blasted Pak for violence against Hindus

The results of Pakistan elections 2024 indicate that if free and fair elections had been held, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) under Imran Khan would have come to power, but this was not to the liking of the establishment/deep state (Pakistan Army). It therefore skilfully played its cards well in advance by severing the identity of PTI and disqualifying Imran Khan, forcing PTI members to contest independently to ensure that they do not get the reserved seat quota for women and minority candidates and do not reach a position to form the government in spite of semblance of free and fair election. As the results poured in with PTI-backed independents galloping towards majority, some tweaking was allegedly done by establishment to keep them below the threshold level needed to come to power. PTI supporters seem to be protesting in large numbers. &nbsp; &nbsp;

In 2024 elections, the establishment smartly played the game differently to ensure that every stakeholder remains well below the threshold level of claiming simple majority to form the government. This gives opportunity to the establishment to stack numbers for chosen prime minister from behind the scene, thus selecting a puppet PM who can be projected as an elected PM globally, but one who can be displaced by the establishment. The current political scene has been masterminded so that no civilian leader of Pakistan can challenge the power of the Army.

<h2>Why Pakistani army remains the power centre in Pakistan?</h2>

Pakistan is used to being governed by its army since its existence. Out of 77 years of its independence, Pakistan army has ruled the country directly for significant time and for the remaining period it has ruled through a 'selected' PM.&nbsp;

One of the major reasons has been that with repeated wars since its independence, Pakistan army has been able to sell the narrative that India is its biggest existential threat and army is the only establishment that can save it from such a threat. And so all levers of power must remain with it. The ‘India threat theory’ became more pronounced and convincing to public after humiliating defeat in the 1971 war against India, resulting the country losing East Pakistan as liberated sovereign Bangladesh. Even when not ruling the country directly, the army has always maintained the over-riding authority over nation’s defence, internal security, foreign affairs and more recently over its economy. This will not change in future.

The army’s narrative was backed by exposing corruption of all the politicians at opportune moments as most politicians repeatedly proved their corrupt credentials in public eye, making them unreliable to hold real power. Although army generals are no less corrupt but they have been able to control their own exposure to public, due to absolute hold over all the concerned agencies and establishments, including judiciary.&nbsp;

<h2>Why did Pakistan army dump&nbsp;Imran Khan?</h2>

During last election Imran Khan appeared to be the candidate 'selected' by the army. Once he challenged it over some of the issues, the clash started. This ultimately led to PTI supporters actually attacking a few army establishments. The deep state thereafter has been trying out various alternatives to keep him out of power, even if it amounts to dry-cleaning Nawaz Sharif of all his previous wrong doings and pushing him as viable option. The Pakistan army is trying to ensure that it doesn’t face any challenge from politicians.&nbsp;

The only challenge which the army faces is from terrorist organisations like the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP), the Baluchistan Liberation Army. Such groups in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan are actively attacking the Pakistan army, and this situation will not alter regardless of the outcome of the elections/political settlement. The election doesn’t bring any hope for improvement of internal security situation.

<h2>Possible political outcome&nbsp;</h2>

With a hung parliament, despite PTI-backed independent candidates and supporters claiming victory, the PML(N)’s claim of being the largest political party, may well facilitate&nbsp;mustering of the required numbers by encouraging the other political parties and some independents to join. The recent statement of Pakistan army chief indicates a guideline for political parties to get together to form the government. There may be some adjustments, permutations and a combination of power-sharing among the parties concerned, but a weak democratic government at the mercy of the Pakistan army will emerge to face an unprecedented economic and political crisis.

In case the puppet regime fails to resolve the crisis, becomes unpopular or follows the narrative uncomfortable to the army (like improving relations with India or hindering smooth operations of terrorists), the army will have a popular leader like Imran Khan in reserve. One whose image can easily be dry-cleaned (as has been done in case of Nawaz Sharif) and be reinstated through non confidence motion at appropriate time. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Why USA and China ignore democratic backsliding in Pakistan?</h2>

Pakistan's strategic location and it’s control over some of the terrorist groups is still important for United States, in case it has to launch any operation against any terror organisation like Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. USA has supported dictatorship in Pakistan historically to suit its strategic aims in Af-Pak Region and it is used to dealing with Pakistan army directly, closing its eyes to sham democratic credentials of Pakistan. The non-committal statements from US State Department indicate that whichever is the party in power, US will work with it as it knows that finally it will deal with the army/establishment, which will not change. China too needs the strategic space in Pakistan for its China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and finds the army a useful tool as nuisance creator to India through proxy war. Both, USA and China, do not see any political leadership stable enough for long-term engagement and prefer to work with Pakistan army, whom they see as relatively reliable. Pakistan army will continue to ignore international criticism about its treatment to PTI and Imran Khan, with support of P5 member like China.

<h2>How Does it Impact India?</h2>

The biggest hindrance to peaceful engagement between India and Pakistan is the latter's support to the terror groups against India and its proxy war in Kashmir. All these are part of deliberate strategy of Pakistan army. Strained relations with India increase&nbsp;its relevance in public perception, giving it an excuse to retain all levers of power. The election results and possible political outcome does not change the pivotal role of Pakistan army in any of these matters. In view of that the election outcome does not bring any hope of better relations between India and Pakistan, unless the dire economic and internal situation in Pakistan forces the army to change its stance towards India. Irrespective of the outcome of government formation, Pakistan is likely to remain politically and economically unstable, which is not a good news for the region.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

The results of Pakistan elections 2024 indicate that if free and fair elections had been held, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) under Imran Khan would have come to power, but this was not to the liking of the establishment/deep state (Pakistan Army).

The results of Pakistan elections 2024 indicate that if free and fair elections had been held, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) under Imran Khan would have come to power, but this was not to the liking of the establishment/deep state (Pakistan Army). It therefore skilfully played its cards well in advance by severing the identity of PTI and disqualifying Imran Khan, forcing PTI members to contest independently to ensure that they do not get the reserved seat quota for women and minority candidates and do not reach a position to form the government in spite of semblance of free and fair election. As the results poured in with PTI-backed independents galloping towards majority, some tweaking was allegedly done by establishment to keep them below the threshold level needed to come to power. PTI supporters seem to be protesting in large numbers. In 2024 elections, the establishment smartly played the game differently to ensure that every stakeholder remains well below the threshold level of claiming simple majority to form the government. This gives opportunity to the establishment to stack numbers for chosen prime minister from behind the scene, thus selecting a puppet PM who can be projected as an elected PM globally, but one who can be displaced by the establishment. The current political scene has been masterminded so that no civilian leader of Pakistan can challenge the power of the Army. Why Pakistani army remains the power centre in Pakistan? Pakistan is used to being governed by its army since its existence. Out of 77 years of its independence, Pakistan army has ruled the country directly for significant time and for the remaining period it has ruled through a 'selected' PM. One of the major reasons has been that with repeated wars since its independence, Pakistan army has been able to sell the narrative that India is its biggest existential threat and army is the only establishment that can save it from such a threat. And so all levers of power must remain with it. The ‘India threat theory’ became more pronounced and convincing to public after humiliating defeat in the 1971 war against India, resulting the country losing East Pakistan as liberated sovereign Bangladesh. Even when not ruling the country directly, the army has always maintained the over-riding authority over nation’s defence, internal security, foreign affairs and more recently over its economy. This will not change in future. The army’s narrative was backed by exposing corruption of all the politicians at opportune moments as most politicians repeatedly proved their corrupt credentials in public eye, making them unreliable to hold real power. Although army generals are no less corrupt but they have been able to control their own exposure to public, due to absolute hold over all the concerned agencies and establishments, including judiciary. Why did Pakistan army dump Imran Khan? During last election Imran Khan appeared to be the candidate 'selected' by the army. Once he challenged it over some of the issues, the clash started. This ultimately led to PTI supporters actually attacking a few army establishments. The deep state thereafter has been trying out various alternatives to keep him out of power, even if it amounts to dry-cleaning Nawaz Sharif of all his previous wrong doings and pushing him as viable option. The Pakistan army is trying to ensure that it doesn’t face any challenge from politicians. The only challenge which the army faces is from terrorist organisations like the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP), the Baluchistan Liberation Army. Such groups in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan are actively attacking the Pakistan army, and this situation will not alter regardless of the outcome of the elections/political settlement. The election doesn’t bring any hope for improvement of internal security situation. Possible political outcome With a hung parliament, despite PTI-backed independent candidates and supporters claiming victory, the PML(N)’s claim of being the largest political party, may well facilitate mustering of the required numbers by encouraging the other political parties and some independents to join. The recent statement of Pakistan army chief indicates a guideline for political parties to get together to form the government. There may be some adjustments, permutations and a combination of power-sharing among the parties concerned, but a weak democratic government at the mercy of the Pakistan army will emerge to face an unprecedented economic and political crisis. In case the puppet regime fails to resolve the crisis, becomes unpopular or follows the narrative uncomfortable to the army (like improving relations with India or hindering smooth operations of terrorists), the army will have a popular leader like Imran Khan in reserve. One whose image can easily be dry-cleaned (as has been done in case of Nawaz Sharif) and be reinstated through non confidence motion at appropriate time. Why USA and China ignore democratic backsliding in Pakistan? Pakistan's strategic location and it’s control over some of the terrorist groups is still important for United States, in case it has to launch any operation against any terror organisation like Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. USA has supported dictatorship in Pakistan historically to suit its strategic aims in Af-Pak Region and it is used to dealing with Pakistan army directly, closing its eyes to sham democratic credentials of Pakistan. The non-committal statements from US State Department indicate that whichever is the party in power, US will work with it as it knows that finally it will deal with the army/establishment, which will not change. China too needs the strategic space in Pakistan for its China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and finds the army a useful tool as nuisance creator to India through proxy war. Both, USA and China, do not see any political leadership stable enough for long-term engagement and prefer to work with Pakistan army, whom they see as relatively reliable. Pakistan army will continue to ignore international criticism about its treatment to PTI and Imran Khan, with support of P5 member like China. How Does it Impact India? The biggest hindrance to peaceful engagement between India and Pakistan is the latter's support to the terror groups against India and its proxy war in Kashmir. All these are part of deliberate strategy of Pakistan army. Strained relations with India increase its relevance in public perception, giving it an excuse to retain all levers of power. The election results and possible political outcome does not change the pivotal role of Pakistan army in any of these matters. In view of that the election outcome does not bring any hope of better relations between India and Pakistan, unless the dire economic and internal situation in Pakistan forces the army to change its stance towards India. Irrespective of the outcome of government formation, Pakistan is likely to remain politically and economically unstable, which is not a good news for the region. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Pakistan elections 2024: Army modifies methodology of selecting PM

The biggest separatist assault of the decade on Pakistani assets in Balochistan has killed at least 50 members of Pakistani armed forces while 10 others are injured, WION has learnt from sources on the ground.&nbsp;

On Monday (Aug 26), a 'coordinated' spree of separatist attacks on police stations, railway lines, and vehicles on highways rocked Balochistan, a restive region bordering Iran and Afghanistan. Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) had claimed responsibility for the attacks in email to various media groups in and beyond Pakistan.&nbsp;

The BLA is the biggest of several ethnic insurgent groups that have battled the central government for decades, saying it unfairly exploits Balochistan's gas and mineral resources. It seeks the expulsion of China and independence for the province.

Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan police attacked by rocket: 12 policemen killed in ambush

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Armed separatists in Balochistan along with the BLA have fought a decades-long ethnic insurgency to demand the secession of the resource-rich southwestern province.

Balochistan is home to several major China-led projects, including a strategic port and a gold and copper mine.

<h2>Balochistan separatist attacks: Casualty figures</h2>

Apart from 50 members of the Pakistani army, a local policeman was killed during Monday's attack while one other was injured. &nbsp;

WION has learnt that a total of four levies were killed and six levies were injured.&nbsp;

A total of 33 vehicles were torched and the Pakistani forces killed 13 "miscreants".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/balochistan-23-punjab-passengers-offloaded-from-bus-and-shot-dead-753321">Pakistan: 'Coordinated' separatist attacks kill over 50; Baloch Liberation Army takes responsibility</a>

The maximum number of armed personnel were killed in Lasbella, a coastal town about 700 km south of the provincial capital Quetta. In Lasbella, 40 members of Pakistani armed personnel were killed and 10 others were injured.&nbsp;

In Kachhi, ten members of Pakistani armed personnel were killed.&nbsp;

A maximum number of civilians were killed in Mushakhel, where separatists offloaded a bus and targeted citizens hailing from Pakistan's Punjab province. A total of 23 citizens were killed in this attack and two were injured.&nbsp;

<h2>Balochistan separatist attacks: What does it mean?</h2>

Balochistan's Gwadar is the culmination of the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, part of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) opposed by armed and unarmed Baloch leaders.&nbsp;

A number of projects are under construction as part of the Special Economic Zones.&nbsp;

At least a dozen Chinese engineers have been killed in attacks in recent years which Pakistan has blamed on militant entities purportedly based out of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

In May 2024, Pakistani authorities said they arrested 11 Islamist militants who were involved in the suicide bombing that killed five Chinese engineers in March.&nbsp;

The latest surge in militancy, although largely symptomatic of festering separatism in Balochistan, is also influenced against Chinese presence in the region.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti strongly condemned Monday's incidents and expressed condolences to the families of those who died in the acts.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Chief Minister Bugti said, "The terrorists and their facilitators will not be able to escape an exemplary end."

Besides, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed that security forces would retaliate and bring those responsible to justice.

Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said, "The terrorists showed brutality by targeting innocent passengers near Musakhail. The terrorists and their facilitators will not be able to escape an exemplary end."

(With inputs from agencies)

The biggest separatist assault of the decade on Pakistani assets in Balochistan has killed at least 50 members of Pakistani armed forces while 10 others are injured, WION has learnt from sources on the ground.

The biggest separatist assault of the decade on Pakistani assets in Balochistan has killed at least 50 members of Pakistani armed forces while 10 others are injured, WION has learnt from sources on the ground. On Monday (Aug 26), a 'coordinated' spree of separatist attacks on police stations, railway lines, and vehicles on highways rocked Balochistan, a restive region bordering Iran and Afghanistan. Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) had claimed responsibility for the attacks in email to various media groups in and beyond Pakistan. The BLA is the biggest of several ethnic insurgent groups that have battled the central government for decades, saying it unfairly exploits Balochistan's gas and mineral resources. It seeks the expulsion of China and independence for the province. Also watch | Pakistan police attacked by rocket: 12 policemen killed in ambush × Armed separatists in Balochistan along with the BLA have fought a decades-long ethnic insurgency to demand the secession of the resource-rich southwestern province. Balochistan is home to several major China-led projects, including a strategic port and a gold and copper mine. Balochistan separatist attacks: Casualty figures Apart from 50 members of the Pakistani army, a local policeman was killed during Monday's attack while one other was injured. WION has learnt that a total of four levies were killed and six levies were injured. A total of 33 vehicles were torched and the Pakistani forces killed 13 "miscreants". Also read | Pakistan: 'Coordinated' separatist attacks kill over 50; Baloch Liberation Army takes responsibility The maximum number of armed personnel were killed in Lasbella, a coastal town about 700 km south of the provincial capital Quetta. In Lasbella, 40 members of Pakistani armed personnel were killed and 10 others were injured. In Kachhi, ten members of Pakistani armed personnel were killed. A maximum number of civilians were killed in Mushakhel, where separatists offloaded a bus and targeted citizens hailing from Pakistan's Punjab province. A total of 23 citizens were killed in this attack and two were injured. Balochistan separatist attacks: What does it mean? Balochistan's Gwadar is the culmination of the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, part of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) opposed by armed and unarmed Baloch leaders. A number of projects are under construction as part of the Special Economic Zones. At least a dozen Chinese engineers have been killed in attacks in recent years which Pakistan has blamed on militant entities purportedly based out of Afghanistan. In May 2024, Pakistani authorities said they arrested 11 Islamist militants who were involved in the suicide bombing that killed five Chinese engineers in March. The latest surge in militancy, although largely symptomatic of festering separatism in Balochistan, is also influenced against Chinese presence in the region. Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti strongly condemned Monday's incidents and expressed condolences to the families of those who died in the acts. Chief Minister Bugti said, "The terrorists and their facilitators will not be able to escape an exemplary end." Besides, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed that security forces would retaliate and bring those responsible to justice. Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said, "The terrorists showed brutality by targeting innocent passengers near Musakhail. The terrorists and their facilitators will not be able to escape an exemplary end." (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Army hit hard as Balochistan separatists kill its 50 members

The Pakistani military on Tuesday conducted the successful training launch of its surface-to-surface ballistic missile Shaheen-II, the army said.

“The training launch was aimed at training of troops, validating various technical parameters and performance evaluation of different sub-systems incorporated for improved accuracy and enhanced survivability,” the army said in a statement.

The military provided no further technical information.

The training launch was witnessed by senior officers from the Strategic Plans Division, Army Strategic Forces Command, scientists and engineers of strategic organisations.

The Director General Strategic Plans Division appreciated the technical prowess, dedication and commitment of scientists who contributed towards this achievement.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and services chiefs congratulated the scientists and engineers on the achievement.

In May, Pakistan conducted a successful training launch of the Fateh-II Guided Rocket System, having a range of 400 kilometres.&nbsp;

The Pakistani military on Tuesday conducted the successful training launch of its surface-to-surface ballistic missile Shaheen-II, the army said. “The training launch was aimed at training of troops, validating various technical parameters and performance evaluation of different sub-systems incorporated for improved accuracy and enhanced survivability,” the army said in a statement.

The Pakistani military on Tuesday conducted the successful training launch of its surface-to-surface ballistic missile Shaheen-II, the army said. “The training launch was aimed at training of troops, validating various technical parameters and performance evaluation of different sub-systems incorporated for improved accuracy and enhanced survivability,” the army said in a statement. The military provided no further technical information. The training launch was witnessed by senior officers from the Strategic Plans Division, Army Strategic Forces Command, scientists and engineers of strategic organisations. The Director General Strategic Plans Division appreciated the technical prowess, dedication and commitment of scientists who contributed towards this achievement. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and services chiefs congratulated the scientists and engineers on the achievement. In May, Pakistan conducted a successful training launch of the Fateh-II Guided Rocket System, having a range of 400 kilometres.

Pakistan conducts successful training launch of surface-to-surface ballistic missile

Pakistan military has enlisted thousands of serving officers in its clandestine programme to launch targeted online attacks on judges, journalists and activists it views as political enemies, according to a report in Dropsite. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Pakistan's&nbsp;Inter-Services Public Relations Department (ISPR) launched the programme known as&nbsp;“Army Agahi Network,” or Army Awareness Network (AAN) last year under which military officers create fake social media profiles to push pro-military messages.&nbsp;

ISPR designates those going against the state institutions and personalities on social media as 'digital terrorists' who are then subjected to&nbsp;defamatory accusations and threats. Supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) fare high in the list of 'digital terrorists'.&nbsp;

Officers in the AAN receive approved messages from their superiors and then share those messages on social media under their aliases.

"We are being given instructions by our superiors to spread political posts despite knowing that this is a violation of our oath of office and the constitution," one of the sources was quoted as saying by the publication.

"People are being made to post against members of the judiciary and civil society. We are becoming involved in political fights that are harming the army's image."

Earlier this year, Pakistan blocked access to social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter), citing national concerns. 'Since the ban on X, ISPR has issued new directives, urging its officers to focus their attention on Facebook and launch online attacks.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-general-elections-2024-mobile-phone-services-suspended-across-pakistan-as-voting-begins-688082" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan general elections 2024: Mobile phone services suspended across Pakistan as voting begins</a>

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<h2>Pakistan develops its WhatsApp alternative&nbsp;</h2>

In August last year, the then-IT minister, Syed Aminul Haque announced plans to develop a WhatsApp alternative for the federal government officers.&nbsp;Pakistani authorities had been on the fence about WhatsApp and the security the Meta-owned platform provides after nearly two dozen federal officials were targeted by Pegasus, a spyware developed by the Israeli cybersecurity firm NSO, in 2019.

Fast forward to August this year and the app, known as 'Beep', is in the final stages of its trial.&nbsp;According to reports, the Pakistani government is now planning to roll out the application for all its employees within the next 45 days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/internet-services-in-pakistan-restored-after-hours-long-nationwide-disruption-681982" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;Internet services in Pakistan restored after hours-long nationwide disruption</a>

Shaza Fatima Khwaja, the state minister for information technology and telecommunication, said 'Beep' would help ensure “data privacy and protection” in government communications.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan military has enlisted thousands of serving officers in its clandestine programme to launch targeted online attacks on judges, journalists and activists it views as political enemies, according to a report in Dropsite.

Pakistan military has enlisted thousands of serving officers in its clandestine programme to launch targeted online attacks on judges, journalists and activists it views as political enemies, according to a report in Dropsite. Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations Department (ISPR) launched the programme known as “Army Agahi Network,” or Army Awareness Network (AAN) last year under which military officers create fake social media profiles to push pro-military messages. ISPR designates those going against the state institutions and personalities on social media as 'digital terrorists' who are then subjected to defamatory accusations and threats. Supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) fare high in the list of 'digital terrorists'. Officers in the AAN receive approved messages from their superiors and then share those messages on social media under their aliases. "We are being given instructions by our superiors to spread political posts despite knowing that this is a violation of our oath of office and the constitution," one of the sources was quoted as saying by the publication. "People are being made to post against members of the judiciary and civil society. We are becoming involved in political fights that are harming the army's image." Earlier this year, Pakistan blocked access to social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter), citing national concerns. 'Since the ban on X, ISPR has issued new directives, urging its officers to focus their attention on Facebook and launch online attacks. Watch | Pakistan general elections 2024: Mobile phone services suspended across Pakistan as voting begins Pakistan develops its WhatsApp alternative In August last year, the then-IT minister, Syed Aminul Haque announced plans to develop a WhatsApp alternative for the federal government officers. Pakistani authorities had been on the fence about WhatsApp and the security the Meta-owned platform provides after nearly two dozen federal officials were targeted by Pegasus, a spyware developed by the Israeli cybersecurity firm NSO, in 2019. Fast forward to August this year and the app, known as 'Beep', is in the final stages of its trial. According to reports, the Pakistani government is now planning to roll out the application for all its employees within the next 45 days. Also read | Internet services in Pakistan restored after hours-long nationwide disruption Shaza Fatima Khwaja, the state minister for information technology and telecommunication, said 'Beep' would help ensure “data privacy and protection” in government communications. (With inputs from agencies)

Revealed! Pakistan Army's secret programme to target dissenters on social media

With the rise in terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir recently, the former Director General of the Police of Jammu and Kashmir, S P Vaid has made a revelation and claimed that over 600 SSG (Special Service Group) commandos from the Pakistan Army have been earmarked while some of them have already infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir and are carrying out terror attacks.

There have been dozens of terror attacks in the Union Territory in the last three months. The recent gunfight took place near the Line of Control in North Kashmir's Kupwara district, where one Pakistani intruder was killed and a huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from his possession.&nbsp;

Reports suggest that he was a commando of SSG of the Pakistan Army, which is considered to be the most highly-trained armed force in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-terrorists-are-shifting-gears-with-focus-on-jammu-as-hotbed-of-terror-742092">India: How terrorists are shifting gears with focus on Jammu as hotbed of terror</a>

Officials in the security forces had said that in Kupwara the whole operation was carried out by the Border Action Team (BAT) and was done at the behest of the Pakistan Army.&nbsp;

''Adil Rehmani, GoC, SSG Commandos Pakistan Army has been organising and directing the infiltrators in Jammu and Kashmir. Over 600 SSG Commandos from the Pakistan Army have been earmarked and a large number of them have already sneaked into Jammu and Kashmir,&nbsp;and some are still trying to infiltrate. It is an act of war, and the motive behind this is to engage 15 and 16 corps of the Indian Army fully in the coveted war. There is one Lieutenant Colonel Shahid Saleem who has already reportedly infiltrated in Jammu and Kashmir. He has activated all the sleeper cells. Two more battalions are ready to sneak into this part of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a covert war and India's response should be swift,'' said S P Vaid, Former DGP, Jammu Kashmir Police.

Not only the former DGP SP Vaid,&nbsp;but activist Amjad Ayub Mirza, had also made the same claims on social media.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Kashmir: Unprecedented heatwave | Water crisis deepens

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Mirza is an author, broadcaster, and human rights activist based in the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

He posted on X saying, ''Allegedly SSG General Officer Commanding (GOC) Maj General Adil Rehmani is conducting the attacks in Jammu region. 2. ⁠one whole SSG battalion is said to have infiltrated that means at least 600 commandos are in Kupwara region and elsewhere. 3. ⁠local jihadi sleeper cells are active and assisting in SSG movement inside Indian territory. 4. ⁠Lt Col. Shahid Saleem Janjua is right now in the Indian territory of Jammu commanding the attacks. 5. ⁠their focus is to engage Indian army’s 15 Corps. 6. ⁠two more battalions of SSG are in Muzaffarabad ready to enter Indian territory via Jammu and Kashmir.''

Jammu and Kashmir Police had already acknowledged that there are around 70-80 foreign terrorists present in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

If the recent reports are to be believed, the numbers are much higher. And not only in Jammu regions Poonch, Kishtwar, Kathua, and Doda districts but also in the Northern Part of Kashmir Valley such as Kupwara, Handwara, and Bandipora. This means that security forces have a huge task at hand in the coming months and they will have to be alert.&nbsp;

These terrorists carrying out attacks in Jammu and Kashmir are highly trained and laced with the latest weaponry, like M4 and Chinese A56 Assault Rifles. It indicates&nbsp;that the weapons that were left by the US army in Afghanistan have now reached Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

One of the most important aspects is that these terrorists are not using traceable technology such as phones, etc. These terrorists are using ultraset and radio frequency messenger that cannot be intercepted for communication and have no sim card. These terrorists also very rarely visit villages and use Over Ground Workers.&nbsp;

With the rise in terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir recently, the former Director General of the Police of Jammu and Kashmir, S P Vaid has made a revelation and claimed that over 600 SSG (Special Service Group) commandos from the Pakistan Army have been earmarked while some of them have already infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir and are carrying out terror attacks.

With the rise in terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir recently, the former Director General of the Police of Jammu and Kashmir, S P Vaid has made a revelation and claimed that over 600 SSG (Special Service Group) commandos from the Pakistan Army have been earmarked while some of them have already infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir and are carrying out terror attacks. There have been dozens of terror attacks in the Union Territory in the last three months. The recent gunfight took place near the Line of Control in North Kashmir's Kupwara district, where one Pakistani intruder was killed and a huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from his possession. Reports suggest that he was a commando of SSG of the Pakistan Army, which is considered to be the most highly-trained armed force in Pakistan. Also read | India: How terrorists are shifting gears with focus on Jammu as hotbed of terror Officials in the security forces had said that in Kupwara the whole operation was carried out by the Border Action Team (BAT) and was done at the behest of the Pakistan Army. ''Adil Rehmani, GoC, SSG Commandos Pakistan Army has been organising and directing the infiltrators in Jammu and Kashmir. Over 600 SSG Commandos from the Pakistan Army have been earmarked and a large number of them have already sneaked into Jammu and Kashmir, and some are still trying to infiltrate. It is an act of war, and the motive behind this is to engage 15 and 16 corps of the Indian Army fully in the coveted war. There is one Lieutenant Colonel Shahid Saleem who has already reportedly infiltrated in Jammu and Kashmir. He has activated all the sleeper cells. Two more battalions are ready to sneak into this part of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a covert war and India's response should be swift,'' said S P Vaid, Former DGP, Jammu Kashmir Police. Not only the former DGP SP Vaid, but activist Amjad Ayub Mirza, had also made the same claims on social media. Also watch | Kashmir: Unprecedented heatwave | Water crisis deepens × Mirza is an author, broadcaster, and human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. He posted on X saying, ''Allegedly SSG General Officer Commanding (GOC) Maj General Adil Rehmani is conducting the attacks in Jammu region. 2. ⁠one whole SSG battalion is said to have infiltrated that means at least 600 commandos are in Kupwara region and elsewhere. 3. ⁠local jihadi sleeper cells are active and assisting in SSG movement inside Indian territory. 4. ⁠Lt Col. Shahid Saleem Janjua is right now in the Indian territory of Jammu commanding the attacks. 5. ⁠their focus is to engage Indian army’s 15 Corps. 6. ⁠two more battalions of SSG are in Muzaffarabad ready to enter Indian territory via Jammu and Kashmir.'' Jammu and Kashmir Police had already acknowledged that there are around 70-80 foreign terrorists present in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. If the recent reports are to be believed, the numbers are much higher. And not only in Jammu regions Poonch, Kishtwar, Kathua, and Doda districts but also in the Northern Part of Kashmir Valley such as Kupwara, Handwara, and Bandipora. This means that security forces have a huge task at hand in the coming months and they will have to be alert. These terrorists carrying out attacks in Jammu and Kashmir are highly trained and laced with the latest weaponry, like M4 and Chinese A56 Assault Rifles. It indicates that the weapons that were left by the US army in Afghanistan have now reached Jammu and Kashmir. One of the most important aspects is that these terrorists are not using traceable technology such as phones, etc. These terrorists are using ultraset and radio frequency messenger that cannot be intercepted for communication and have no sim card. These terrorists also very rarely visit villages and use Over Ground Workers.

Pakistan Army’s SSG commandos behind Jammu, Kupwara terror attacks: Former top police official

In Pakistan, a high drama unfolded between the military and police officials in the Punjab province. The incident has shocked the world which took place in Bahawalnagar which is 400 kms away from Lahore.

High drama unfolds in Pakistan's Punjab province, Pak Army storms police station in Bahawalnagar

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