Security Forces

Security Forces Kill 17 Terrorists in Intelligence-Based Operations Across Balochistan

Pakistan’s security forces have killed 17 terrorists belonging to the Fatanah Al-Hindustan group during intelligence-based operations across multiple districts of Balochistan.

According to the ISPR, the operations were conducted in Mastung, Nushki, Zahri, Khuzdar, and Kech districts based on credible intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists in these areas.

During the operations, security forces engaged in firefights at various locations, resulting in the elimination of 17 terrorists affiliated with Fatanah Al-Hindustan.

The ISPR further confirmed that weapons, explosive materials, and ready-made improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered from the possession of the slain terrorists, who were involved in multiple terrorist activities in the region.

Clearance and sanitization operations are ongoing in the affected areas to ensure the elimination of any remaining terrorist presence.

The Inter-Services Public Relations emphasized that under the “Azm-e-Istiqamat” (Resolve for Stability) initiative, operations will continue until terrorism is completely eradicated from Pakistan. The statement reaffirmed the commitment to eliminate terrorism sponsored from abroad.

Marco Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Says Iran Still Has Large Drone Fleet

Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iran still possesses a large number of drones, but its navy has been effectively neutralized, and the country’s conventional defense infrastructure has significantly weakened.

Rubio said that the United States is currently engaged in negotiations with Iran, which are in a sensitive phase and could conclude within a few days to a week.

According to Rubio, the US has imposed a blockade only on Iranian naval vessels, and no major country supports Iran in closing the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that possibly only Oman might support Iran on this matter.

He emphasized that the first and fundamental condition in the negotiations is for Iran to declare that it will keep the Strait of Hormuz open and to provide assurances that it will not charge any tolls or fees for passage through this critical waterway.

Rubio also stated that Iran must acknowledge that it does not possess any enriched uranium. Only if Iran agrees to these conditions will the US consider easing sanctions.

He clarified that merely opening the Strait of Hormuz will not be sufficient for sanctions relief; Iran must fully comply with all other agreed-upon conditions.

The US Secretary of State concluded that the results of the ongoing negotiations with Iran are expected soon, but the final outcome will depend on the positions and agreements of both parties.

cockroach-janta-party

Cockroach Janata Party Announces Protest Over Exam Controversies

Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has announced that he will launch a protest movement in India’s capital, New Delhi, on June 6 over exam-related controversies.

According to Indian media reports, Dipke said he would return to India on June 6 and begin a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. He said students’ futures were being affected by various examination controversies in the country and that responsibility must be fixed immediately.

Dipke demanded that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign from his post, accepting responsibility for alleged irregularities in various examinations, including the NEET-UG paper leak, CBSE, CUET and SSC GD.

He claimed that more than 10 million students had been affected by alleged irregularities in the examination system. In a video message, he appealed to students, young people and his supporters to join his protest in Delhi on June 6.

According to Dipke, paper leaks and other controversies have caused severe mental stress among students, wasted the hard work of many young people and, in some tragic cases, led to serious outcomes such as suicide. He said that under such circumstances, identifying those responsible had become unavoidable.

He also claimed that more than 800,000 people had so far signed the demand for the education minister’s resignation, while protests had already been held in several cities, including Lucknow, Jaipur, Delhi and Maharashtra.

Dipke said that if accountability was not ensured despite repeated failures, public trust would be further damaged and students would continue to suffer, while the relevant institutions were avoiding effective action.

He announced that after reaching Delhi, he would contact the authorities for permission to protest at Jantar Mantar, adding that the protest would be completely peaceful and within constitutional limits.

Dipke also said he had received a job offer in the United States, but instead of going abroad, he had decided to return to India and protest.

KP CM Sohail Afridi

Aleema Khan Urges Sohail Afridi to Arrange Meeting With Imran Khan Before Budget Decisions

Aleema Khan, the sister of the Imran Khan, questioned the approval of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa budget and urged party leaders to secure a meeting with the PTI founder before any budget-related decisions are made.

Speaking during a sit-in staged after family members were not allowed to meet the Imran Khan at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Aleema Khan cautioned Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi over the issue of passing the provincial budget.

She said, “Why are you passing the budget? Tell them to arrange my meeting first.” She added that the Imran Khan had also said last year that discussions regarding the budget should be held with him. “Even today, tell them to arrange a meeting with the PTI founder before the budget is presented,” she said.

Aleema Khan further stated that the Imran Khan had been isolated, describing the situation as illegal and unconstitutional.

According to sources, Bushra Bibi was allowed to meet the Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. The meeting took place in the conference room and lasted between 25 and 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, speaking to the media, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said that the Imran Khan had decided from jail to change the chief minister and had nominated him for the position.

“The Imran Khan nominated me as chief minister, and now no power can remove me. I will remain chief minister until a message comes from Adiala Jail,” he said.

Talking to reporters at Main Factory Naka in Rawalpindi, Afridi said that no one other than the PTI founder could bring down the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. He added that all MPAs were united under the banner of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

Commenting on the upcoming federal budget, Afridi said that the public would once again bear the burden of the budget. He claimed that Pakistan’s domestic and external debt had reached Rs97 trillion and that tax collection had fallen short of the target.

He also said that the budget was initially scheduled to be presented on June 5 but would now be presented on June 10.

The chief minister further stated that the budget would eventually be passed through political adjustments, while the country’s trade deficit continued to increase. He said the entire burden of the budget would fall on the public and added that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had already secured cabinet approval for a balanced budget.

NAB

Kohistan Scandal: NAB Hands Over Assets Worth Over Rs6 Billion to KP Government

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has handed over assets worth more than Rs6 billion to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government in the Kohistan financial corruption case.

NAB Chairman Lieutenant General (retd) Nazir Ahmad handed over the assets to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah in Peshawar.

According to NAB, assets worth more than Rs6 billion were transferred to the provincial government in the first phase. The recovered assets include cash, gold, valuable properties and luxury vehicles.

NAB said the return of the assets was made possible as a result of organized and comprehensive investigations. According to the bureau, more than Rs37 billion in government funds were embezzled in the Kohistan financial corruption case.

Speaking on the occasion, the NAB chairman said the complex financial embezzlement was exposed through effective investigations. He also appreciated the performance of NAB Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Director General Farmanullah and the investigation team.

The NAB chairman said the process of further recovery in the Kohistan financial corruption case is continuing. He added that more assets will be transferred to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government after the completion of legal proceedings.

He said public resources are a national trust and every possible step will be taken to protect them.

tax-1

Government Prepares to End Tax Exemptions for Tribal Areas

Federal government is preparing to end tax exemptions for the former tribal areas in the upcoming fiscal year budget following demands by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to further reduce tax concessions and exemptions.

According to sources, the government has decided not to extend various tax relief measures currently available to the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA). As a result, income tax and withholding tax exemptions for these regions may come to an end after June 30, 2026.

Sources said the issue was discussed during ongoing negotiations between Pakistan and the IMF regarding the next fiscal year’s budget. The IMF has reportedly asked Pakistan to further curtail tax exemptions and concessions as part of broader revenue-enhancement measures.

According to sources, reducing tax exemptions and concessions in the upcoming budget is expected to generate nearly Rs40 billion in additional revenue. The federal government has prepared a plan to abolish several tax exemptions after June 30, 2026, in an effort to increase tax collection.

Sources further stated that the income tax exemption for former FATA and PATA regions will expire on June 30, 2026. From July 1, 2026, residents and companies operating in these areas are likely to come under the normal tax regime applicable across the country.

There is also a possibility of a phased increase in sales tax in the tribal areas. In this regard, a proposal is under consideration to raise sales tax on industries in former FATA and PATA from 10 percent to 12 percent. In addition, imported industrial raw materials for these areas may also face a 12 percent sales tax.

According to sources, withholding tax exemptions for FATA and PATA are also likely to end from July 1, 2026.

Sources added that the sales tax exemption on CKD kits for electric vehicles may also be withdrawn from July 1, 2026. Meanwhile, the existing one percent sales tax on locally manufactured or assembled electric vehicles will remain in place until June 30, 2026. Similarly, the concessional sales tax regime for hybrid electric vehicles is also set to expire on June 30, 2026, with no further extension currently expected.

According to sources, the sales tax exemption on electricity supply to tribal areas will remain effective until June 30, 2026. The sales tax exemption on locally manufactured silos is also expected to expire on the same date.

Sources further said that the Climate Support Levy on petroleum products may be doubled from July 1. Under the proposal, the levy could increase from Rs2.5 per litre to Rs5 per litre. More than Rs90 billion is expected to be collected under the Climate Support Levy during the next fiscal year.

dunkies

Pakistan Records Significant Increase in Donkeys and Livestock Population Over the Past Year

Pakistan has recorded a notable increase in the population of donkeys and various other livestock during the past year, according to the latest figures released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The data shows a continuous rise in the numbers of donkeys, buffaloes, goats, sheep, camels, horses and mules across the country.

According to the report, the number of donkeys in Pakistan increased by 113,000 over the past year, taking the total population from 6.047 million to 6.160 million. The upward trend in donkey population has continued steadily and is being linked to the rural economy and the transportation of goods.

The statistics revealed that buffaloes recorded the highest increase among livestock categories, with an addition of 1.417 million animals during the year. As a result, the total buffalo population in the country rose from 47.688 million to 49.105 million.

Similarly, the goat population increased by 2.422 million, pushing the total number from 89.393 million to 91.815 million. The sheep population also recorded an increase of 392,000, reaching 33.511 million.

According to the documents, the camel population increased by 16,000, bringing the total number of camels in the country to 1.193 million. The number of horses rose by 3,000 to 386,000, while the mule population increased by 4,000 to 221,000.

The report further stated that overall livestock numbers in the country increased by 2.249 million during the past year, with the total population rising from 59.711 million to 61.960 million.

Experts believe that the increase in livestock numbers is a positive development for Pakistan’s agriculture and livestock sectors, which play a vital role in the rural economy as well as in milk and meat production and exports.

Achakzai

FIR Registered Against Mahmood Achakzai Over Allegedly Provocative Speech at Chaman

An FIR has been registered against Mahmood Khan Achakzai over an allegedly provocative and controversial speech delivered at a public meeting held in Chaman, a border city of Balochistan, on May 29.

The action has been described as necessary to maintain law and order and reduce tension in the sensitive border region.

According to police sources, the complainant stated in the report that the speech delivered during the public gathering included points that could inflame public emotions and create a negative perception about state institutions. Authorities said such remarks in a sensitive area could be harmful to public order.

Chaman is already facing a delicate situation due to smuggling, border movement, and various social and tribal issues. According to the government’s position, provocative statements in such circumstances could further complicate the situation.

The FIR stated that some remarks made at the gathering appeared to show a soft stance toward armed groups or gave an impression of support for them. State institutions have taken the matter seriously. Officials said support or encouragement for any illegal or armed organization is against the law and could pose risks to peace and security.

The report further said that using harsh or provocative language against state institutions is not only against institutional dignity but may also create division and mistrust among the public.

Law enforcement authorities said freedom of expression is important, but it must be exercised within the limits of law and national security requirements. They said legal action is the responsibility of the state when any statement promotes violence, hatred, or unrest.

Officials said further legal proceedings are being reviewed on the basis of the registered report, while the situation is being continuously monitored to maintain peace and stability in the area.

Karachi Jail

Karachi Central Jail Holds 8,000 Prisoners Despite Capacity of 2,400

All prisons across Sindh are holding inmates beyond their capacity, according to details revealed in official documents and media reports.

The provincial prisons have a total capacity of 14,000 inmates, but around 27,000 prisoners are currently being held across the province.

According to the document, the number of inmates at Karachi Central Jail has also reached a record high. The prison has a capacity of 2,400 inmates, but around 8,000 prisoners are currently being held there.

Similarly, Malir Jail has a capacity of 2,200 prisoners, while around 5,500 inmates are present there.

Media reports said there are 23 prisons in Sindh, all of which are not only full but have now become overcrowded.

Hyderabad Central Jail has a capacity of 1,500 inmates, but around 3,000 prisoners are serving time there.

Larkana Central Jail was built for 650 inmates, but around 1,000 prisoners are currently being held there. The jail in Thatta was designed for 250 inmates, but the number of prisoners there has reached around 950.

The province also has three women’s prisons, located in Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur. The number of women prisoners in these facilities has reached 438, of whom only 68 are convicted.

Among the 27,000 prisoners held in prisons across Sindh, the highest number, 22,600, are under-trial inmates whose cases are pending before courts. The number of convicted prisoners is only around 3,500.

There are also 459 prisoners on death row in Sindh’s prisons.

Pinky

Pinky in Jail, Yet Alleged Cocaine Network Remains Active; Drugs Supplied in Chips Packets

Anmol, also known as Pinky, an alleged cocaine maker arrested by police, is currently in jail, but investigations have revealed that the alleged cocaine-selling operation is still continuing.

According to sources, it has emerged that the Pinky network is allegedly supplying cocaine in papad and chips packets to homes, bungalows and restaurants in Karachi.

During the investigation, it was also found that members of the Pinky network have started sending customers details of a OneZapp account and other online accounts to receive payments.

An audio recording of an alleged cocaine supplier has also surfaced. In the audio, the supplier can be heard giving instructions to a customer, saying, “My rider will give you many chips packets.”

According to the audio, the supplier further says that a packet allegedly containing cocaine will also be inside the chips packets. The customer is also given further instructions regarding delivery and collection.

Sources said the scope of the investigation has been widened in light of the alleged network’s activities and the information that has come forward.