PESHAWAR: A massive explosion tore through a mosque in the remote Hilki area of Charmang, near the Afghan border in Pakistan’s Bajaur district, killing more than 30 militants on Thursday, local media reported, citing official sources.
top-politics
Army chief Munir did not seek reconciliation apology over May 9 riots, military says
ISLAMABAD: The military on Thursday dismissed reports that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir had demanded an apology over the May 9, 2023 riots, with a senior official insisting that those responsible for the unrest must be “held accountable” under the law.
Trio of neighbours commit to anti-terror fight, broader cooperation at Afghan-hosted talks
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, China and Afghanistan pledged on Wednesday to step up their joint fight against terrorism and expand cooperation across a range of fields, from trade and transit to health and education, as their foreign ministers gathered in Kabul for high-level talks.
Pakistan army chief rejects talk of presidency bid
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s powerful army chief has dismissed rumours of imminent changes to the country’s presidency or premiership as the handiwork of elements bent on sowing political chaos, insisting he has no ambition for higher office.
Bajaur villagers flee as military steps up anti-militant offensive
ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Pakistan’s restive Bajaur district have ordered residents of 26 villages in Lowi Mamund and War Mamund tehsils to evacuate by 10am on August 16, as security forces escalate a targeted military operation against militants in the rugged mountainous region, officials said on Thursday.
Five policemen killed in militant attacks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
PESHAWAR: Militants killed at least five police officers and injured eight others in coordinated attacks on checkpoints across Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said Thursday.
NA restores 90-day anti-terror detentions powers
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Wednesday approved a contentious amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997, reinstating powers for law enforcement and armed forces to detain suspected individuals for up to three months without charge, a move hailed by the government as vital for national security but condemned by opposition as a threat to fundamental rights.
US, Pakistan strengthen counterterrorism alliance with BLA terror listing, high-level talks
ISLAMABAD: The United States on Tuesday reaffirmed its dedication to combating terrorism in all its manifestations alongside Pakistan, a commitment highlighted by the recent addition of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) to Washington’s Foreign Terrorist Organisation list, as the two nations navigate a period of markedly strengthened bilateral relations.
Pakistan’s charm offensive wins Trump’s ear, irks India: FT
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has mounted a shrewd diplomatic campaign to curry favor with US President Donald Trump, fostering an unforeseen revival in bilateral relations through counterterrorism aid, business overtures and lavish praise, while incensing India with unequal tariffs and rebuffed mediation efforts, the Financial Times reported Monday.
Over a dozen PTI members sentenced to 10 years for May 2023 unrest
ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan on Monday sentenced more than a dozen members of former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party to up to 10 years in prison for their role in violent anti-government riots in May 2023, marking the third such verdict against the party in recent weeks.