4 suspected terrorists killed in Karachi's Shah Latif Town as CTD claims foiling terror bid

The Sindh Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Tuesday said it killed four suspected terrorists belonging to the banned Fitna-al-Hindustan group in a successful raid at a house in Karachi's Shah Latif Town. A press release from the department said the raid took place during the night between Monday and Tuesday and resulted in the recovery of heavy weapons, explosives and other dangerous materials. "The raid was conducted based on information provided by detained suspects. However, the operation quickly escalated when the suspects opened fire on the police and launched a grenade attack, triggering an intense exchange of fire." Two policemen were injured, including Head Constable Muhammad Yousuf and Constable Muhammad Junaid. They were immediately transported to Agha Khan Hospital for medical treatment. "In the retaliatory fire, four terrorists were also injured. Despite being taken to the hospital, they later succumbed to their injuries," the CTD press release stated. The CTD promptly cordoned off the area, deploying additional forces to secure the vicinity. A bomb disposal squad was called to handle potential explosives. Upon entering the house, the squad disposed of several explosives safely. The department recovered a significant haul of weapons and explosives, including five hand grenades, one Kalashnikov rifle, a detonator, 70 feet of detonator wire, and 350 kilogrammes of explosive material. The recovered weapons and explosives were safely transported to a secure location. According to the CTD, the suspected terrorists were part of the Bashir Zaib group and had been planning a major terrorist attack. The press release said the department remained vigilant, focusing its efforts on dismantling terrorist networks and ensuring the safety and security of the public. Last month, terrorists belonging to Fitna-al-Hindustan launched attacks in several parts of Balochistan, leaving dozens of civilians dead. The attacks prompted Pakistan’s security forces to launch counterterrorism operations against the terrorists.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/7EOGmxJ

Fast-track property laws notified

The government has formally issued a gazette notification introducing new laws aimed at ending the years-long delays in cases related to the division of property and ancestral inheritance. Certified copies of the new legislation and SOPs have been circulated to district and sessions judges, all revenue department officers, commissioners, deputy commissioners, additional deputy commissioners (revenue), patwar circles and tehsildars to ensure effective implementation. Under the new notification, hearings in property partition cases will now be conducted electronically instead of through traditional paper files. Litigants will be able to access details of their hearings online from home. The time frame for deciding partition cases has been reduced from 180 days to 60 days. If a revenue officer fails to decide a case within 60 days, it will automatically be transferred to the assistant commissioner. Across Punjab, legal heirs will also be able to mutually divide inherited property through a simplified process. To ensure speedy dispute resolution, cases may be referred to a mediation committee. The time limit for filing an appeal has been fixed at 30 days and appellate decisions must also be made within 30 days. Factors causing procedural delays have been eliminated and no appeal will be allowed against interim orders. The government has implemented these changes through amendments to the Punjab Land Revenue Act, 1967. Commenting on the new law, District Bar Association President Tariq Mahmood Sajid Awan said meaningful results would depend on effective implementation. He noted that although the earlier law required decisions within 180 days, cases often dragged on for up to 10 years. While the time frame has now been reduced, its practical impact remains to be seen. Currently, nearly one million cases related to property and ancestral land disputes are pending across Punjab in courts, competent authorities and revenue boards, many of them pending for one to five years. He urged the government to issue immediate orders to dispose of pending cases within 40 days, warning that if old cases continue to linger, new cases may not be taken up for three to four years.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/VZl9dBb

Mohsin Naqvi made more efforts than anyone to secure Imran Khan's release, Gandapur claims

Former Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Monday claimed that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had made more efforts than anyone to secure the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. Imran, 73, has been jailed since August 2023 after convictions he and the PTI call politically motivated. Since his 2022 ouster in a no-confidence vote, he has faced multiple cases, including over state gifts and an unlawful marriage. Some convictions have been suspended or overturned, with appeals pending. He denies wrongdoing. Naqvi has been a frequent subject of criticism from Imran and his party amid their tribulations and challenges. However, during an interview on Nadeem Malik Live on a private broadcaster, Gandapur said: "No one else made the same level of effort. I have said this before, within the party, and now I am saying it on air: Mohsin Naqvi made vigorous efforts to resolve the issue. He made more efforts than anyone else to ensure Imran Khan’s release." Gandapur said that Naqvi had spoken up for Imran even in front of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, which "no one else dared to do". "Naqvi is the only person I have seen who can even get the Field Marshal to engage in a conversation. But I haven’t seen anyone else do that," the former chief minister assed. He further stated that that the PTI was angry with Naqvi for how he had treated the party, "including me, Imran was angry with him, but now I acknowledge Naqvi’s role in attempting to resolve the matter". Gandapur also mentioned that he no longer had any contact with the interior minister and that he did not hold any official position to discuss the matter. Last year, in October, Gandapur resigned as chief minister of K-P following directives from PTI founder. Despite stepping down, Gandapur remained a strong advocate for dialogue regarding Imran’s release. He frequently stressed that any negotiations should only involve those who held genuine decision-making authority, making it clear that Imran would not engage in talks with individuals lacking the necessary mandate. Gandapur was noted to have a more cordial relationship with Naqvi than most others in the PTI.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/5qJI0Lx

Gilani backs parliamentary democracy

Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani met Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) President Dr Tulia Ackson in New York and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to parliamentary democracy, multilateralism, and global cooperation through active engagement with the IPU. He conveyed greetings and appreciated the IPU's role as the global forum of parliaments, a statement received here said on Sunday. Gilani said Pakistan considers IPU an important platform for dialogue, rule of law, inclusive governance, and parliamentary cooperation while highlighting the country's participation in IPU assemblies and committees.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/zrQsgOK

JI stages sit-ins at 10 sites in Karachi against arrest of workers

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) observed a nationwide day of protest on Sunday, on the appeal of its Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman against police violence and the arrest of workers at a protest outside the Sindh Assembly on Saturday. In Karachi, protest sit-ins were staged at 10 major arteries of the city. Sit-ins were staged at Shahrah-e-Pakistan, Super Highway, National Highway, Shahrah-e-Orangi, Shahrah-e-Korangi Crossing, Hub River Road (Sher Shah), Dawood Chowrangi, Lea Market, Shahrah-e-Sher Shah Suri Road, and Johar Mor on Rashid Minhas Road. Addressing protesters at Lasbela Chowk, JI Karachi Ameer Monem Zafar said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is an anti-Karachi party and has become the establishment’s “A-plus team.” Zafar said that the PPP has usurped the rights of Karachi’s citizens and taken control of the city’s institutions and resources. He criticised the government for patronising riverine bandits while registering terrorism cases against those protesting for Karachi’s rights. Read More: Several arrested, injured as Karachi police clash with JI protesters near Sindh Assembly He added that the PPP’s 18-year rule has deprived Karachi’s residents of the right to live, but vowed that resistance and struggle would continue. Meanwhile, a special judicial magistrate (South) handed over 30 JI workers to police on one-day physical remand in a case registered under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). The workers face charges of arson, damaging public and private property, and rioting. JI Karachi Vice Amir and Karachi Metropolitan Corportation (KMC) Opposition Leader Advocate Saifuddin, along with other lawyers and party leaders, appeared before the court during the hearing. Prosecution told the court that the accused were booked for torching property and creating unrest, with terrorism clauses included in the FIR. The magistrate remanded them to police custody for further investigation. JI denounces terrorism charges Advocate Saifuddin strongly criticised the Sindh government for slapping terrorism charges on JI’s peaceful workers, who were arrested during a protest outside the Sindh Assembly. Speaking to media at City Courts, he said the workers were exercising their constitutional right against corruption and Karachi’s worsening civic problems when police launched a brutal crackdown. “It is shameful that terrorism clauses were added to the FIR, while the real terrorism is being carried out by the provincial government itself,” he remarked. According to JI, police used excessive force, including baton charge and heavy shelling, leaving four workers seriously injured. Shelling was also reported at two mosques, one of which caught fire. A firefighter was badly hurt when targeted while trying to extinguish the blaze. Saifuddin demanded immediate release of all detained workers, withdrawal of false cases. Over 300 booked A case had been registered at Aram Bagh police station on Sunday against a JI sit-in held outside the Sindh Assembly on Saturday, naming 34 individuals and 325 unidentified participants. The FIR includes charges of rioting, attempted murder, assault on police, damage to government property, road blockage, obstruction of official duty, violation of Section 144, and provisions of anti-terrorism laws. According to the complaint, senior party leaders — including Sufian Dilawar, Usman Sharif, Faizan and Jawad Shoaib — were overseeing the protest and allegedly inciting the crowd through speeches. Around 300 to 325 participants were present, some reportedly armed with sticks and batons. Police stated that the crowd turned violent and attacked officers, injuring Inspector Raja Masood, Preedy SHO Ayub Mirani, Shah Faisal Khan SHO and Constable Zohaib. Despite warnings and anti-riot measures, protesters allegedly remained aggressive, prompting police to use tear gas to disperse them. Some 30 suspects were arrested while others fled. Police said they recovered five spent 30-bore pistol shells, five 9mm shells, 15 wooden sticks, 35 stones and 79 tear gas shell casings from the scene. A police mobile was also damaged during the unrest.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/MjaOPFT

Aitzaz demands medical bail for Imran

Senior lawyer and former federal minister Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan on Saturday blasted the state of governance and the treatment meted out to incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, alleging deliberate isolation, judicial silence and dangerous political consequences. Addressing a news conference at the Lahore Press Club, Ahsan said the situation unfolding in the country was evident to everyone and termed the reported deterioration of Imran Khan's eyesight deeply troubling. He claimed that the former prime minister had lost 85 per cent vision in one eye and alleged that he had been kept in solitary confinement for the past 60 days to conceal the issue. He said a former prime minister had effectively been cut off from the world and was unable to meet his lawyers or family members. "Where have the judges gone? Where are the courts?" Ahsan asked, adding that it appeared another movement for the restoration of the judiciary might become necessary. Ahsan said he had known Imran for 60 years as a friend and neighbour. He alleged that both the judiciary and parliament were complicit in the present situation and warned that injustice would carry consequences. "It should be remembered that on the Day of Judgment, there will be an eye for an eye." Ahsan said the chief justice should have sought a report the very next day regarding the former premier's health. He maintained that Imran Khan should be granted bail on medical grounds, noting that in other cases, people had left the country on the basis of fabricated medical reports. He demanded that the causes behind the reported loss of eyesight be made public. Calling for political intervention, Ahsan urged President Asif Ali Zardari to play a role in resolving the crisis. He said Zardari was a politician capable of bringing all sides together and said leadership was required to prevent further deterioration of the situation. He said that despite being deprived of his name and party symbol, the PTI founder had secured the highest number of votes. "They took away the PTI's election symbol, yet it received the most votes," he said. Regarding the foreign policy, Ahsan alleged that troops were being sent to Palestine at Trump's behest and claimed such deployments would serve to suppress resistance against Israeli occupation.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/TADjMuv

CDF Munir meets US secretary of state, German leaders on sidelines of Munich Conference

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Staff (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, German leaders, and a number of dignitaries from other countries on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference, the military’s media wing said on Sunday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), CDF Munir visited Germany from February 12 to 14 . During the visit, “he met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and discussed matters of mutual interest, including global and regional security dynamics and counterterrorism cooperation,” it said. He also held talks with German officials, including Alexander Dobrindt, Federal Minister of the Interior; Günter Sautter, Foreign and Security Policy Adviser to the German Chancellor; and General Carsten Breuer, Chief of Defence of the Federal Armed Forces. Read More: CDF Munir discusses regional security dynamics “The meetings focused on contemporary security issues, bilateral defence cooperation and the need for promoting global peace and security through bilateral and multilateral dialogue,” ISPR said. The statement further added that, on the sidelines of the conference, Munir met Admiral Renato Rodrigues de Aguiar Freire, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Brazilian Armed Forces, to discuss bilateral military cooperation. He also held discussions with General Rodolph Haykal, Commander of the Armed Forces of Lebanon, covering regional security developments and measures to enhance defence collaboration. Munich Security Conference The 62nd Munich Security Conference is running from February 13 to 15, 2026 at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof and Rosewood Munich, with MSC Chairman Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger leading discussions among hundreds of global decision-makers and opinion leaders on pressing security challenges. Nearly 50 heads of state and government are attending, including most European leaders and a significant delegation from the German federal government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Read This: Europe calls for US reset at security talks Taking place amid rising global instability, questions over longstanding alliances, and the erosion of the rules-based international order, the conference is addressing critical issues such as European security and defence, the future of the transatlantic relationship, multilateralism, regional conflicts, competing visions of the global order, and the security implications of technological advances.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/tZlV1mU