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Pak Army kills seven TTP militants in Kurram operation

In a significant operation, Pakistan security forces have eliminated seven militants belonging to the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in the Kurram district.

Acting on intelligence, the security forces launched an operation in the area, resulting in the deaths of seven TTP militants and the injury of five others. A substantial cache of weapons and ammunition was also seized during the operation.

Reportedly, these militants had been terrorizing the region, instilling fear among the residents and extorting money. Those who refused to comply with their demands were reportedly shot.

This operation marks a significant blow to the TTP’s activities in the region, where the group had been actively involved in spreading terror and violence.

Lahore High Court orders police to locate abducted YouTuber Aun Ali Khosa

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has instructed the police to locate the missing YouTuber and artist Aun Ali Khosa by August 20. The court’s directive comes amidst concerns following Khosa’s abduction by unidentified armed men late Wednesday night.

A petition filed by Khosa’s wife, Binish Iqbal, says that her husband is being held unlawfully by law enforcement authorities. The petition raises fears for Khosa’s safety and suggests that he may be a victim of enforced disappearance.

Justice Shahbaz Ali Rizvi, who presided over the petition, has ordered the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore to produce Khosa in court by the specified date.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Lahore, Faisal Kamran, has said that the police had not received any formal complaints regarding Khosa’s abduction. He added that an investigation will be launched once a formal complaint is filed.

Lahore Abduction

The petition details that Khosa, a well-known digital content creator with 137,000 YouTube subscribers, was forcibly taken from his apartment by a dozen police officers and individuals in plain clothes. The armed men reportedly broke down his door, confiscated his phone, laptop, computer system, digital camera and departed in a Fortuner and a Black Revo double-cabin vehicle.

A solicitor who attempted to follow the abductors was manhandled and pushed into a Black Vigo before the vehicles drove away. The solicitor reportedly inquired about the reason for the detention but received no explanation.

On August 15, Khosa’s brother, Ali Sher Khosa, urged the public to pray for his safe return and to raise awareness about the incident. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed concern over the possible connection between the abduction and Khosa’s work as a satirist. Khosa had recently released a song titled “Bill Bill Pakistan” on his YouTube channel, which addressed issues of high electricity bills. The song has since been deleted.

The YouTuber is known for his satirical videos and criticism of the current occupied-government on social media. The HRCP has called for his immediate recovery, highlighting the incident’s troubling implications for freedom of expression in Pakistan.

BNM proclaims Abdul Khaliq a martyr after activist’s killing by Pak Army

The Baloch National Movement (BNM) has condemned the killing of Master Abdul Khaliq, a party member, by the Pak Army. In a statement released to the media, the BNM described Khaliq as a dedicated political activist engaged in social and political work under the party’s directives.

Master Abdul Khaliq, son of Dost Mohammad, was a resident of Cheeri Malar, Awaran. He was officially granted party membership in 2018, in accordance with the BNM constitution. The party highlighted his role as a committed supporter of the Baloch liberation movement and his efforts to assist fellow freedom fighters. As a staunch supporter for the Baloch freedom movement, Master Khaliq consistently stood at the forefront, aiding his comrades in the struggle for liberation.

The BNM reported that Khaliq was shot and killed by Pakistan forces on August 13, 2024, while working in his fields in Malar. The party has labeled him a martyr of the Baloch liberation struggle and paid tribute to his dedication and sacrifice.

Since its forcible annexation of Balochistan in 1948, the Pak Army has consistently employed military force to suppress the Baloch people’s struggle for independence. This oppressive occupation has led to decades of human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and widespread violence against civilians.

Pak Army carries out helicopter operations in Quetta

Pak Army helicopters have continued their flights over the outskirts of Quetta, with ongoing operations reported in the regions of Zargoon, Shaaban, Suresh, Wali Tangai and Tor Shar since Friday.

Local authorities have not yet provided details about the nature or purpose of these flights. Additionally, regional sources have reported that shelling occurred in the area on Saturday. However, there are no available details on the extent of any damage or casualties resulting from the shelling.

The situation remains under observation as local residents and officials await further information from the authorities.

Balochistan, home to several freedom fighter groups, has seen an increase in attacks on the Pakistan Army. These groups have been actively opposing the brutality, oppression of the Pak Army and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have further fuelled discontent.

The frequency of attacks has risen following the Pak Army’s attempt to celebrate August 14 as Independence Day, aiming to project an image of peaceful annexation of Balochistan in 1948—a narrative contested by Baloch community. In response, there have been protests, marches and attacks on Paki establishments to counter this portrayal. The Army’s helicopter activity appears to be an attempt to control the escalating situation caused by the Baloch freedom fighters.

Pak Army opens fire on peaceful protestors in north Waziristan

The Punjabi Pak Army and Frontier Corps (FC) forces have fired upon peaceful protestors in North Waziristan, a region known for its rich deposits of metals and minerals. The incident left several people injured, including two members of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM).

In the Dossali area of North Waziristan, the military and Frontier Corps (FC) detained several locals during the previous night. When residents united in protest on Saturday, demanding the release of those detained, the Punjabi Pak Army reportedly opened fire on the crowd, resulting in numerous injuries.

The incident follows the arrest and subsequent release of many locals, which occurred after intense resistance from the community. North Waziristan has been under increased scrutiny as Marri Petroleum and the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) continue extensive extraction activities. Furthermore, the internet network in the area has also been shut down to facilitate these extraction operations.

The Punjabi Pak Army treats north Waziristan as its private domain due to the region’s abundant natural resources. The Pakistan Army is exploiting the resources of the Pashtun community, using tactics such as shelling and the placement of landmines to instil fear and silence any dissent. Rather than providing security, these actions are an effort to conceal the military’s exploitation of the area.

The Army is fostering terrorist entities within Pakistan and scapegoating the Pashtun community to divert attention from their own actions. The ongoing exploitation of resources in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa highlands is depriving local inhabitants of their rightful ownership.

Kalat DC penalizes officers absent from August 14 celebrations with notices

The Deputy Commissioner of Kalat has issued notices to district officers who failed to attend the August 14 Independence Day celebrations, demanding explanations for their absence. These officials, including engineers and education heads, have been instructed to provide reasons for their absence within three days.

The notice stated that the absence of these officers from the August 14 celebrations could be viewed as a neglect of national duties. The Deputy Commissioner warned that disciplinary action might be taken if satisfactory explanations are not provided.

Copies of the notice have also been sent to higher authorities in Quetta. This move has sparked discussions suggesting that the Baloch community’s absence from the event reflects broader discontent with the Pak Army. On the other hand, August 14 was declared as a Black Day for Pak oppressed communities

The Baloch community’s decision to abstain from the celebrations is a silent protest against the Pakistan Army’s long-standing exploitation of the region. The Baloch people have been vocal about their grievances, challenging the narrative that they are content with the current state of affairs. Instead, their absence is a stand against decades of oppression and the Army’s attempts to portray a false image of unity and satisfaction in occupied-Balochistan.

The notices issued by the Kalat DC are now being viewed by many as evidence of this underlying tension, with the community increasingly refusing to participate in a celebration of a freedom they have never truly experienced.

Nationwide strike by doctors to protest Kolkata doctor’s horrific rape & murder

In response to the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, doctors across India have launched a nationwide strike. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a 24-hour withdrawal of non-emergency health services, starting from 6 a.m. today, to demand justice and improved safety for medical professionals.

While essential services and casualty units will remain operational, routine outpatient departments (OPDs) and elective surgeries have been halted. The strike, endorsed by the IMA, spans all sectors where modern medicine is practiced, underscoring the widespread anger and demand for action within the medical community.

The horrific incident, which occurred over a week ago, has sparked outrage not just within the medical fraternity but across the nation. Protests have erupted in various cities, with medical professionals and women’s groups voicing their concerns over the increasing violence against women and the failure of existing laws to provide adequate deterrence.

The situation remains tense as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) intensifies its probe into the crime. Forensic experts from RG Kar Medical College have been summoned for questioning, and digital mapping of the crime scene is currently underway. The parents of the victim have reportedly provided the CBI with names of individuals they suspect may be involved, further complicating the investigation.

Protests are not limited to Kolkata. Resident doctors in Panaji, Goa, Ahmedabad, and Rajkot have also staged demonstrations, expressing solidarity with their colleagues in Kolkata. The IMA’s five-point demand includes the enactment of stronger legislation to protect doctors and hospitals, declaring hospitals as safe zones, and overhauling the working conditions for resident doctors.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has commented on the situation, emphasizing that this is a nationwide issue that affects all citizens. Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has criticized the state government, holding it accountable for the worsening safety conditions and urging immediate action.

Wazir Jirga orders removal of gas pipeline in Waziristan

The Wazir Jirga has issued a directive demanding the removal of a gas pipeline laid by the Punjabi Pakistan Army, which is being used to siphon gas from Waziristan to supply Punjab. Jirga has mobilized the Wazir Lashkar, comprising 3,000 men, to excavate and dismantle the pipeline. This move is part of ongoing resistance against the exploitation by the Punjabi-Pak military since 1947.

Meanwhile, in response to the systematic abuses by the Pak Army, thousands of residents in North Waziristan took to the streets in a major protest. The demonstration was organized by local leaders from the Utmanzai Jirga, the Pakhtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), and other community groups. The rally was accompanied by a complete shutter-down strike, reflecting widespread solidarity with the victims of the human rights violations.

Protesters voiced their condemnation of the targeted killings and human rights abuses perpetrated by the Punjabi Pak Armed Forces in their region.

This latest development comes amid a long-standing history of tension and conflict between the local Pashtun population and the Punjabi Paki establishment. The issue of military abuses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been a recurring point of contention and protest, with local leaders and activists calling for justice and accountability.

BLA denies role in Panjgur Deputy Commissioner Zakir Baloch’s death

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has categorically denied any involvement in the recent attack on Zakir Baloch, Deputy Commissioner of Panjgur, which resulted in his death. The BLA asserts that Zakir Baloch was never on their list of targets and condemns the attempt of Pak Army and its occupied-govt to link their group to the incident.

In a recent statement, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said that the Pakistan military and occupied-local government of spreading propaganda to falsely associate the BLA with the attack. The group emphasized that it publicly claims responsibility for its actions through official channels, and any incidents not claimed by the BLA should be considered unrelated to their organization.

The BLA condemned the military for its deceitfulness and hypocrisy, contrasting this with the BLA’s commitment to revolutionary ethical standards.

Zakir Baloch’s Death

The attack on Zakir Baloch occurred in the context of discussions about the Baloch Yakjehti Conference (BYC) sit-in in Panjgur. During these discussions, Zakir Baloch said, “I am the representative of the Baloch nation, not the government” and had previously condemned violence and the crackdown on peaceful protesters.

BYC leader Mahrang Baloch has strongly condemned the killing, expressing solidarity with Zakir Baloch’s family. Baloch society mourns the loss of Zakir Baloch, describing the incident as part of a broader trend of violence against Baloch youth. “Our educated youth are being murdered daily, reducing their lives to mere statistics of violence,” Mahrang said.

The statement continued, “The situation has deteriorated to the point where being a Baloch is enough to warrant execution. Balochistan weeps for Deputy Commissioner Zakir Baloch, a true hero whose life was tragically cut short. His dedication to peace and progress will never be forgotten.”

Reports suggest that Zakir Baloch, who had led negotiations with BYC leader Mahrang Baloch, was killed by the Pakistan Army due to his support for addressing Baloch grievances. The incident has further fueled outrage and grief within the Baloch community.

Pak Army-backed assailants shoot & kill student in Kech

In a tragic incident in the Tehsil Bulaida of Kech district, a student was fatally shot by armed assailants on a motorcycle. The victim, identified as Rahim Jan, was attacked while working in his shop at Sahib Khan Bazaar.

Rahim Jan, who was enrolled at Sach School’s Abdul Rahman Bazaar Campus, was known for his active involvement in local social activities. The shooting has shocked the community and drawn widespread condemnation from local residents, who describe the incident as a distressing attack on innocent and impoverished individuals.

Reportedly, the perpetrators are linked to a Pak Army-supported group, which has a troubling history of involvement in various criminal activities and violent incidents in the Bulaida region.

The local community has voiced concerns about the increasing violence and instability in the area, stressing that no one is safe from such acts of aggression.