Current Final

Tag: ISPR

  • CIA chief meets Gen Bajwa, evolving situation in Afghanistan discussed

    CIA chief meets Gen Bajwa, evolving situation in Afghanistan discussed

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa along with Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt-Gen Faiz Hameed held a meeting with Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Joseph Burns.

    During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security, and the current situation in Afghanistan were discussed, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

    “It was reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to cooperating with its international partners for peace in the region and ensuring a stable and prosperous future for [the] Afghan people,” the ISPR said.

    The CIA chief appreciated Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan, including the successful evacuation operation, efforts for regional stability, and pledged to play a role for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels.

  • Taliban will not let Afghan soil be used against any other country: DG ISPR

    Taliban will not let Afghan soil be used against any other country: DG ISPR

    Director General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj-Gen Babar Iftikhar on Friday, during a press conference in Rawalpindi, said that the Taliban have said they will not let Afghan soil be used against any other country and “we have to take them at their word”.

    The military spokesperson said Pakistan had already taken the necessary measures to guard the border and ensure security in the country, as the situation in war-torn Afghanistan moves at a rapid pace.

    Maj-Gen Iftikhar elaborated that Pakistan had reached out to Afghanistan on multiple occasions to formalise border mechanisms, as it was felt that was the answer to the instability existing along the Pak-Afghan border.

    “The political and military leadership in Pakistan had the foresight that something like this (Taliban takeover in Afghanistan) could happen. So, despite whatever has happened on that side (Afghanistan), the situation on the Pak-Afghan border is normal and under control.”

    “This does not mean nothing can happen but we are prepared and won’t be caught unaware,” he added.

    Pakistan had apprehensions that the situation would unfold in the way that it did and there could be a “spillover”, which is why it took the steps it did, he elaborated.

    So far, 113 flights — both military and commercial — have landed in Pakistan from Afghanistan, he added.

    “While we were involved in this war on terror during the last two decades, we have had three major escalations on the eastern border. At the peak of this period, there were more than 90 terrorist incidents taking place in a year in Pakistan.”

    “After two decades, we can say we have fought off the menace of terrorism very well with the whole-of-nation approach. All these operations are the epitome of insurmountable spirit and supreme sacrifice of the whole nation’s efforts.”

    Responding to another question, DG ISPR said there was no military-to-military contact with other countries for now. However, reports of India using wild animals to attack and conduct surveillance along the Line of Control (LoC) were “concerning”, he said.

    “I hope the world holds them responsible for stooping so low. We are aware of those surveillance means and taking our measures to counter that.”

    Replying to another question, he said that while there was “always a fear of a civil war” taking place in Afghanistan, the situation is volatile and nothing can be said about it as of now.

    “However, right now, there is no civil war in Afghanistan,” he said.

    He said that Pakistan is “hoping for the best” in terms of normalisation of the situation in Afghanistan but would not like to “speculate anything”.

  • Cloudburst causes flood in Islamabad: Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat

    A cloudburst in Islamabad has caused flooding in different areas.

    https://twitter.com/IslamabadiNews/status/1420230380918083589?s=20

    Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Muhammed Hamza Shafqaat wrote in a Tweet, “Cloudburst in Islamabad has caused flooding in various areas. Teams are clearing nullahs/roads. Hopefully we will be able to clear everything in an hour”.

    Later, the DC Tweeted that the Islamabad roads have been cleared for traffic.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan Army troops also helped the local government after the high flood in Nullah Lai.

    “Heavy rains caused high water level in Nullah Lai and water accumulation in E 11. Army troops are busy in assisting civil administration in rescue & relief efforts . Contingencies plans in place to meet any flood situation,” Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement.

  • ISPR confirms abductions at mobile tower site in Kurram Tribal District

    ISPR confirms abductions at mobile tower site in Kurram Tribal District

    On June 26, 2021, more than 16 labourers, working at a mobile tower site in Kurram Tribal District, were abducted by unknown terrorists, said a statement released by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

    On June 27, 10 out of 16 labourers were released and the body of one labourer was found. To rescue the remaining abducted labourers, security forces launched a series of Intelligence Based Operations on highly inhospitable terrain under extreme weather conditions, read the statement.

    Terrorists were continuously tracked and pursued.

    In an Intelligence Based Operation on July 13, 2021, three terrorists were killed and Captain Basit Ali and Sepoy Hazrat Bilal were killed during the rescue operation.

    Security forces continued the pursuit and on July 15, 2021, during another exchange of fire, successfully rescued five abducted labourers. The operation is still underway to apprehend/eliminate the remaining terrorists.

    “Security Forces are consistently endeavouring to ensure the security and well being of our innocent civilians who have been wholeheartedly supporting the security forces in fighting the menace of terrorism,” stated the ISPR.

    Earlier, there were speculations that telecom workers were held hostage by the alleged Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Khorasan Province (ISKP) leader in the region.

  • Terrorist involved in murder of four women killed in Waziristan operation: ISPR

    The security forces have killed a key militant leader who was involved in the killing of four women aid workers in North Waziristan, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement on Tuesday.

    Commander of militant outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Hassan alias Sajna was killed in a security operation in the restive district near the Afghan border, the army said.

    The statement said Sajna was involved in the Monday morning killing of four aid workers associated with a local women’s skills development program in Mirali, a town in North Waziristan.

    Security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Mirali and killed militant commander Sajna of the TTP’s Hafiz Gul Bahadur group during an exchange of fire, it was quoted by Anadolu Agency as saying.

    Bahadur, who is believed to have been operating from Afghanistan, is leading his own militant group within the TTP.

    Sajna, the statement said, remained involved in terrorist activities against the security forces and civilians, including “bomb blasts, kidnapping for ransom, target killings, and extortion,” in addition to the recruitment of terrorists.

    North Waziristan — once dubbed the heartland of militancy — is one of seven former semi-autonomous tribal regions in Pakistan where the army has carried out a series of operations since 2014 to eliminate the TTP network.

    Successive operations have pushed the TTP towards neighboring Afghanistan and Islamabad claims the terrorist network has now set up bases across the border to attack Pakistani security forces.

  • Four soldiers martyred in Waziristan attack

    Four soldiers were martyred in an attack on security forces post in Makeen area of South Waziristan late Thursday night, the military’s media wing said on Friday.

    In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that troops killed four alleged militants in retaliation.

    During the exchange of fire, four soldiers had embraced martyrdom, including Lance Naik Imran Ali, Sepoy Atif Jahangir, Sepoy Anees-ur-Rehman and Sepoy Aziz, the ISPR said, adding that “area sanitisation” was in progress following the attack.

    President Dr Arif Alvi condemned the terrorist attack and expressed grief over the martyrdom of army personnel. He expressed his condolences to the grieving families and prayed for their strength.

    Last month, security forces had conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Nargosa area of South Waziristan, killing two terrorists and injuring one, all of whom were reportedly a part of the proscribed terrorist cell, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) Sajna group.

    “Security forces conducted an IBO in Nargosa area of South Waziristan district,” the military’s media wing had said at the time, adding that all three had been active members of the TTP and experts at making improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

  • Army honours MMA fighter who defeated Indian opponent in 56 seconds

    Ahmed Mujtaba, who defeated India’s Rahul Raju in only 56 seconds in the first round of the mixed martial arts (MMA) competition ONE Championship, called on Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar.

    The chief military spokesperson presented him with a shield in honour of his achievement.

    In a tweet, Mujtaba said, “I am humbled by the encouragement and support. I request our youth to have faith in Allah & follow the principles of hard work and commitment.”

    Pakistan and India had earlier clashed in the championship in November 2019. Raju had won that match by submitting Pakistan’s Furqan Cheema in the second round.

  • VIDEO: ISPR’s new documentary highlights security forces’ role in development of remote areas

    VIDEO: ISPR’s new documentary highlights security forces’ role in development of remote areas

    The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has released its documentary titled ‘Chiragh-e-Rah: Beacons on the Path of Glory’ that highlights the role played by the country’s security forces in the socio-economic development of Pakistan’s remote areas.

    According to the military’s media wing, the documentary underlines the role played by Pakistani security forces in the socio-economic development of remote areas along the western borders.

    The security forces measured the threats and countered the nefarious designs head-on with a comprehensive strategy. The essence was to achieve enduring peace reinforced with a population-centric and community-driven developmental approach, through stabilisation of the western zone by defeating insurgency; concurrent mainstreaming and education of youth to make them useful members of the society, read an Instagram post by the ISPR.

    “Having addressed the menace of fear, terrorism and uncertainty, a new era of development and progress has been launched with the assistance of the government,” it read.

    “May it be:
    • Communication infrastructure like roads, tunnels and bridges to connect these remote areas to main cities.
    • Establishment of modern and progressive education system for the youth of the area.
    • Women empowerment initiatives.
    • Providing basic health facilities, provision of clean drinking water
    • Encouraging economic activities through promoting local industries
    • Mineral resources and tourism, providing sports grounds and other facilities for healthy and positive activities and to promote local talent
    • Restoration of law and order, establishing writ of the government.
    The documentary highlights that; the day is not far when these areas will be at par and in pace with other developed parts of the country.”

    WATCH VIDEO:

    What do you think of the new ISPR project? Let The Current know in the comments…

  • Asif Ghafoor among six major generals promoted to rank of lieutenant general

    Asif Ghafoor among six major generals promoted to rank of lieutenant general

    Six major generals have been promoted to the rank of lieutenant general, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has announced.

    In a tweet, the military’s media wing said those promoted included Maj Gen Akhtar Nawaz , Maj Gen Sardar Hassan Azhar Hayat, Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, Maj Gen Salman Fayyaz Ghani, Maj Gen Sarfraz Ali and Maj Gen Muhammad Ali.

    Asif Ghafoor, who is among the most prominent recipients of the promotion, has previously served as the ISPR director general. He was appointed to the post in December 2016, replacing Lt Gen Asim Bajwa as the military’s spokesperson.

    Reacting to the news, Federal Minster for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry said it was an hounour to serve in the highest ranks of the army.

    “Serving in the highest ranks of #PakArmy is an honour. Many congratulations to all very well deserved officers for the honours bestowed upon them and best wishes,” he tweeted.

  • ‘Notification rejected’: Nawaz refuses to trust army probe

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif has refused to accept an inquiry report pertaining to the involvement of the Rangers and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officials in the arrest of Capt (r) Safdar, saying the report shied away from naming the “real culprits”.

    In a tweet, the former prime minister, who has been in s self-imposed exile in London for almost a year now for medical reasons, termed the report as a “cover-up”.

    “Inquiry report on Karachi incident is a cover-up scapegoating juniors and shielding the real culprits. Report “Rejected”,” the ousted premier tweeted.

    It may be noted here that only Nawaz Sharif from the PML-N has commented on the inquiry report.

    As for the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), its spokesperson Mian Iftikhar Hussain termed the development in the inquiry “a victory of the democratic forces”. The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, also welcomed the report.

    In a statement on Tuesday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had said that the court of inquiry constituted to redress the grievances of the Sindh IG, on the orders of COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, had been completed.

    “The court of inquiry has established that on the night of Oct 18/Oct 19, officers from Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) and ISI sector Headquarters Karachi were considerably seized with the fall out of the desecration of Mazare Quaid [Jinnah’s mausoleum],” read a statement issued by the military’s media wing.

    “They were under increasing public pressure to ensure prompt action as per the law. Assessing the response of police authorities against this developing yet volatile situation to be slow and wanting, in a charged environment, the concerned officers decided to act, rather overzealously,” the ISPR statement had said.

    “They were indeed experienced enough to have acted more prudently and could have avoided creating an unwarranted situation that led to the misunderstanding between the two state institutions.

    “Based on the recommendations of the court of inquiry, it has been decided to remove the concerned officers from their current assignments for further departmental proceedings and disposal at GHQ,” the statement had added.

    KARACHI INCIDENT:

    Last month, the ISPR had said the army chief had taken notice of and ordered an immediate inquiry into the “Karachi incident”, Dawn reported.

    At the time, the ISPR did not specify which incident it was referring to. However, the statement came minutes after PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called on Gen Bajwa and ISI Director General (DG) Faiz Hameed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest of the PML-N leader, who was in Karachi for an anti-government rally of the joint opposition.

    On October 19, Safdar, who was staying at a hotel with his wife, PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz, was arrested for “violating the sanctity of Jinnah’s mausoleum” by raising political slogans at the venue, surrounded by hundreds of party workers.

    Following Safdar’s arrest, a purported voice message by PML-N leader and former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair was shared by a journalist in which Zubair alleged that the IG was kidnapped and forced to register the FIR [First Information Report] against Maryam, her husband Safdar and 200 others for violating the sanctity of the tomb.

    In the audio clip circulating on Twitter, Zubair said that Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah confirmed to him that police were pressured into making the arrest. “When they [police] refused to do that, Rangers kidnapped [the IGP],” Zubair had said.

    Maryam had also alleged that the Sindh police chief was forcibly “taken to the sector commander’s office and asked to sign on the arrest orders”.

    The statement by the military’s media wing comes days after PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif said that the inquiry into the “alleged abduction” of the Sindh IG and additional IG, and the “storming of Maryam’s room” had not been made public despite Gen Bajwa’s “personal assurance”.