Pakistani PM vows to continue ‘war against terrorism’ as five soldiers killed in IED blast 

A Pakistani soldier stands guard near the Line of Control, de facto border between India and Pakistan at Salohi village in Poonch district of Pakistan-administered Kashmir on April 26, 2021. (AFP/File)
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Updated 22 June 2024
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Pakistani PM vows to continue ‘war against terrorism’ as five soldiers killed in IED blast 

  • IED blast targeted vehicle carrying security forces in Kurram district in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
  • 65 police officials killed, 86 wounded in 237 incidents of terrorism in the province in the past five months

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday his government would continue its “war on terrorism” as five Pakistani soldiers were killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in northwestern Pakistan.

The IED blast targeted a vehicle carrying security forces personnel in Kurram district in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, the Pakistan army’s media wing said in a statement, amid a rise in terror attacks mostly by the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, an ally of the Afghan Taliban but a separate group, which has stepped up its assaults in the region since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021. Pakistan says the TTP uses Afghan soil for attacks in Pakistan, a charge that Kabul denies. 

“The entire nation pays tribute to the martyrs and stands united against terrorism,” Sharif said after the latest attack, vowing to “continue the war against the menace till its complete elimination.”

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant attacks in recent years, predominantly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In January 2023 militants killed at least 101 people, mostly police officers, when a suicide bomber disguised as a policeman attacked a mosque in the northwestern city of Peshawar.

Earlier this month, the counter-terrorism department (CTD) of police in Peshawar issued a report, saying 65 police officials were killed while another 86 were wounded in 237 incidents of terrorism in the province in the past five months. It said police had killed 117 militants and arrested 299 others in a series of operations.

Pakistani authorities often say Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers are giving shelter to TTP fighters across the unruly border. The Afghan Taliban government insists it doesn’t allow anyone to use Afghan soil for violence in any country. The TTP has also said it was not using Afghan soil for targeting troops in Pakistan.
 


Amid militancy surge, sale of toy guns, firecrackers banned in Peshawar ahead of Eid 

Updated 55 min 8 sec ago
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Amid militancy surge, sale of toy guns, firecrackers banned in Peshawar ahead of Eid 

  • Peshawar district administration imposes ban for 30 days, warns violators will face legal action 
  • Peshawar district administration imposes ban for 30 days, warns violators will face legal action 

ISLAMABAD: The administration in Pakistan’s northwestern Peshawar district recently banned the sale of toy guns and firecrackers for a period of 30 days to discourage “militant tendency” among children and foster a peaceful atmosphere ahead of Eid-Al-Fitr 2025, an official notification said. 

Children playing with toy guns and firecrackers on public holidays such as Eid is a common sight in Pakistan. The district administration in Peshawar bans traders from selling toy guns every year before Eid holidays to discourage gun culture in the country.

In a notification dated Mar. 15, Peshawar’s Deputy Commissioner Sarmad Saleem Akram announced he was imposing a ban on the sale of toy guns and firecrackers effectively immediately for 30 days under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. 

“I, deputy commissioner Peshawar, in exercise of powers conferred on me u/s 144 Cr.PC, do hereby order and impose ban on sale of toy guns and fire crackers etc within the limits of district Peshawar,” the notification said. 

“And whereas, to discourage nurturing of militant tendency and to maintain peaceful atmosphere of the district during Eid-Al-Fitr 2025, it is imperative to curb the menace.”

The notification said authorities would take action against anyone violating the ban, including shopkeepers and customers. 

The development takes place as Pakistan witnesses a surge in militant attacks in its western provinces bordering Afghanistan, especially the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. Islamabad accuses the government in Kabul of sheltering militants and facilitating cross-border attacks, a claim Afghanistan strongly denies. 


Pakistan revives Rajian-11 heavy oil well with advanced artificial lift technology

Updated 17 March 2025
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Pakistan revives Rajian-11 heavy oil well with advanced artificial lift technology

  • Rajian-11 was suspended since 2020 due to formation challenges, expected to produce 1,000 barrels of oil a day
  • ESP systems are common and efficient way to lift oil and gas from wells that are too deep, have low pressure for natural flow

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has revived production at heavy oil well Rajian-11 by installing an advanced air lift system, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said on Monday.

Extending to 3,774 meters, work at Rajian-11 had been suspended since 2020 due to formation challenges, the company’s filing on PSX said last week. 

The oil field is located in District Chakwal and fully owned and operated by OGDCL under Gujar Khan E.L. It was discovered in August 1994 and has remained a key asset in the company’s portfolio.

Crude oil production in Pakistan increased to 64 BBL/D/1K (barrels of crude oil per day per 1,000) in November 2024 from 62 BBL/D/1K in October of 2024. Crude oil production in Pakistan averaged 68.67 BBL/D/1K from 1993 until 2024, reaching an all time high of 97.00 BBL/D/1K in December of 2016 and a record low of 50.00 BBL/D/1K in April of 1999, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

“OGDCL has started oil production from the Rajian-11 heavy oil well located in Chakwal district,” Radio Pakistan reported. 

“Rajian-11 heavy oil well had been inactive since 2020 but it has been reactivated with the help of an advanced artificial lift system,” the broadcaster added, referring to the installation of an Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP).

The well is expected to produce one thousand barrels of oil per day.

ESP systems are a common and efficient way to lift oil and gas from wells that are too deep or have low pressure for natural flow. A submersible electric motor is placed at the bottom of the well, and it drives a multistage centrifugal pump that lifts the fluids. ESPs are suitable for wells with low bottomhole pressure, low gas/oil ratio, high water cut, and low API gravity fluids.

“This achievement underscores OGDCL’s commitment to maximizing hydrocarbon recovery and operational efficiency, reinforcing its position as a leader in Pakistan’s energy sector,” OGDCL’s PSX filing said. 

“The Company successfully completed the well with an ESP in Tobra, Jutana, and Sakesar formations, restoring production to 1,000 barrels per day (BPD) of oil.”


Every attempt for peace with Pakistan met with ‘hostility, betrayal,’ says Modi

Updated 17 March 2025
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Every attempt for peace with Pakistan met with ‘hostility, betrayal,’ says Modi

  • In podcast with American computer scientist Lex Fridman, Modi hopes Pakistan chooses “path of peace“
  • Indian premier praises US President Trump, says he seems “far more prepared than before” in second term

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said US President Donald Trump was ‘far more prepared’ for his second term, furnished with a clear roadmap, speaking in a podcast interview weeks ahead of reciprocal tariffs planned by Washington.
India is among the trading partners set to face the tariffs from April, which threaten to cause distress to its exporters in industries from automobiles to agriculture.
After Modi and Trump met last month, the two nations agreed to resolve tariff rows and work on the first segment of a deal by the fall of 2025, aiming to reach two-way trade of $500 billion by 2030.
“This time, he seems far more prepared than before,” Modi said in a podcast with American computer scientist and podcaster Lex Fridman released on Sunday, referring to Trump’s second term, which began in January.
“He has a clear roadmap in his mind with well-defined steps, each one designed to lead him toward his goals,” he added.
During the discussion, which ran more than three hours, Modi spoke on issues from diplomacy and artificial intelligence to his early life, in a conversation Fridman called one of the most “powerful” of his life.
Modi praised Trump for his graciousness and humility, underscoring a strong bond between the leaders.
“His (Trump’s) reflection showed his ‘America First’ spirit, just as I believe in nation first. I stand for India first, and that’s why we connect so well,” Modi said.

INDIA’S NEIGHBOURS

India’s relations with neighbor China improved last year after striking a milestone pact to lower military tension on their Himalayan border following talks between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russia.
“Slowly but surely, trust, enthusiasm, and energy will return,” Modi said during the podcast, as the two countries work to restore relations to their state before a military border skirmish in 2020.
“But of course, it will take some time, since there’s been a five-year gap,” he said, adding that the focus of the two nations was to ensure their differences “do not turn into disputes.”
On ties with archfoe Pakistan, Modi expressed hope for peaceful relations.
“Every noble attempt at fostering peace was met with hostility and betrayal,” he said, adding, “we sincerely hope that wisdom prevails upon them and they choose the path of peace.”
The foreign ministries of China and Pakistan did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.
 


Pakistan approves joint venture between state logistics corporation, UAE ports giant DP World

Updated 17 March 2025
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Pakistan approves joint venture between state logistics corporation, UAE ports giant DP World

  • State-owned NLC to hold 60% equity stake in venture with DP World holding remaining 40%, says state media 
  • Venture aims to enhance Pakistan’s road freight logistics sector by leveraging NLC’s expertise, DP World’s supply chain solutions

ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) recently approved a pre-merger application to establish a joint venture between the state-owned National Logistics Corporation (NLC) and the United Arab Emirates’ DP World to enhance and modernize the South Asian country’s logistics sector, state-run media reported. 

DP World, which operates in over 75 countries and specializes in port operations, terminal management and logistics services, is involved heavily in improving Pakistan’s logistics sector. As per an agreement signed in January 2024, DP World will carry out infrastructure improvement at Qasim International Container Terminal, Pakistan’s leading trade gateway.

It is also involved in the Karachi Freight Corridor, an infrastructure project in Pakistan aimed at improving the movement of freight from the port city to various parts of the country.

“The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved the pre-merger application for the establishment of a joint venture between National Logistics Corporation (NLC) and DP World Logistics FZE (DWLF),” state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Sunday. 

It said that the investment, facilitated by Pakistan’s top investment body Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), aims to enhance the country’s logistics and freight industry while ensuring fair competition in the market.

The state-run media said the transaction involves NLC acquiring a 60 percent equity stake in the joint venture and DWLF holding the remaining 40 percent.

“The venture aims to enhance Pakistan’s road freight logistics sector by leveraging NLC’s domestic expertise and DP World’s global supply chain solutions,” APP said. 

The CCP determined that the transaction does not result in a “substantial lessening of competition” or the creation of a dominant market position, adding that its analysis concluded that the market remains competitive with multiple players ensuring continued competition despite the merger.

“The joint venture highlights Pakistan’s growing appeal for foreign investment in logistics,” APP said. “It is expected to improve infrastructure, lower transport costs, and boost Pakistan’s trade competitiveness in the region.”

The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States, and a major source of foreign investment, valued at over $10 billion in the last 20 years, according to the UAE foreign ministry. It is also home to more than a million Pakistani expatriates.

In January last year, Pakistan and the UAE signed multiple agreements worth more than $3 billion for cooperation in railways, economic zones and infrastructure.


Authorities impose curfew in two districts in Pakistan’s northwest over ‘security concerns’

Updated 17 March 2025
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Authorities impose curfew in two districts in Pakistan’s northwest over ‘security concerns’

  • Pakistan has struggled to contain a surge in militancy in its northwest since a fragile truce between the Pakistani Taliban and Islamabad broke down in 2022
  • The Pakistani Taliban and other groups have frequently targeted security forces and law enforcers, besides kidnappings of government officials in the region

ISLAMABAD: The local administration has imposed a curfew in various areas of northwestern Pakistani districts of South Waziristan and Tank on Monday, March 17, the offices of the deputy commissioners in both districts said, citing “security concerns.”

Pakistan has struggled to contain a surge in militancy in KP since a fragile truce between the Pakistani Taliban, or the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Islamabad broke down in November 2022. The TTP and other militant groups have frequently targeted security forces convoys and check-posts, besides targeted killings and kidnappings of law enforcers and government officials in recent months.

On the request of the law enforcement agencies, there will be a complete curfew from 6am to 6pm on the main road from Court Fort, Manzai, Khairgi, Kari Wam to Jandola, according to a notification issued from the Tank deputy commissioner’s office. However, the road from Court Fort, Gomal, Gardawi to Wana will remain open for all types of traffic.

Similarly, the South Waziristan deputy commissioner’s office said there will be a complete curfew from 6am to 6pm on the Zalai to Cadet College Wana road and Tanai to Sarokai-Jandola road. The Wana-Angoor Adda road and Wana-Tank road will remain open, it clarified.

“The general public is requested to cooperate with security forces during the curfew,” the South Waziristan deputy commissioner’s office said in a notification, without specifying the nature of security concerns in the region.

Earlier this month, a paramilitary troop and 12 militants were killed in a gunbattle in the Tank district after the militants carried out a suicide attack at the Frontier Constabulary (FC) headquarters, a police official with direct knowledge of the development said. The attack took place in the Jandola tehsil.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but authorities suspected the Pakistani Taliban of involvement in it.

Similarly, the South Waziristan district, which borders Afghanistan, has also been site of increased militant activities. On March 14, a blast tore through a mosque in the district, injuring a religious party leader and three others, according to police.

Last month, Pakistani security forces killed 30 militants during an intelligence-based operation in the Sararogha area of South Waziristan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing, said, days after unidentified men kidnapped a traders’ union president and two Pakistan Customs officials in the district. South Waziristan district had been a stronghold of the TTP before successive military operations drove the militants out of the region more than a decade ago.

Pakistan says the takeover of Kabul by the Afghan Taliban in 2021 has emboldened the TTP as it is able to operate out of and launch attacks from safe havens in neighboring Afghanistan. Kabul denies the allegation.