ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday lauded police and the counterterrorism department (CTD) in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province for killing nine militants during a counterterror operation, Sharif’s office said in a statement.

As per the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), police and CTD officials in the northwestern Lower Dir district killed nine militants belonging to the Pakistani Taliban or the Tehreek-e-Taliban.

The TTP has claimed responsibility for some of the deadliest attacks in northwestern Pakistan in recent years. Their attacks have increased since November 2022, when a fragile truce between the state and the militants broke down.

“CTD and police officers and personnel are working day and night to protect our beloved homeland from the evil intentions of the Khawarij,” Sharif was quoted as saying by his office.

Pakistan’s government and military frequently use the term “khawarij” to describe TTP militants.

“The entire nation, including myself, is proud of our brave officers and personnel,” Sharif added.

Local media quoted SSP Upper Dir Syed Muhammad Bilal as saying that two civilians lost their lives while 10 police, CTD personnel sustained injuries during the operation.

Sharif expressed sorrow over the loss of civilian lives in the operation and prayed for patience and strength for the families of the victims.

“He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the personnel injured in the operation and directed that they be provided with the best possible medical care,” the PMO said.

Pakistan has frequently blamed Afghanistan for not taking action against the TTP and other militant groups it alleges operate from the country.

Kabul has denied the allegations and urged Pakistan to solve its security challenges itself. Pakistan’s accusations have strained its ties with Afghanistan in recent months.

Surging militant attacks in recent years have become a headache for Islamabad. Pakistan was recognized as the world’s second-most affected country by militant violence in 2024, with deaths rising 45 percent to 1,081, according to the Global Terrorism Index 2025.

ISLAMABAD: Interior Ministry Mohsin Naqvi launched Pakistan’s largest nursery in Islamabad, spread over 50 acres of land and set to house over one million plants on Tuesday, state-run media reported, saying the move aimed to combat smog and promote greenery. 

The prevalence of smog is a recurring problem in Pakistan’s major cities during winter season every year. Smog is caused by pollution triggered by a mix of vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, crop burning and weather conditions. It reduces visibility and leads to respiratory illnesses among people. 

The World Health Organization ranks Pakistan among the worst air quality levels globally. Pakistan hopes the plants and trees at the nursery will help curb pollution by absorbing particulate matter from the environment. 

Naqvi visited the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Model Nursery to inspect the development progress, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Tuesday.

“An international-standard, state-of-the-art model nursery is being developed in Islamabad,” APP quoted the interior minister as saying. “It will not only meet the horticultural needs of the city’s residents but also play a vital role in enhancing Islamabad’s environment.”

During the visit, Naqvi lauded the efforts of Azerbaijan’s horticulture experts who are assisting with the project, the state-run media said. 

The nursery will also comprise a flower shop, training institute and a rainwater harvesting pond to collect and store rainwater runoff that can be used for irrigation purposes, APP reported. 

Officials briefed Naqvi on the installation of “modern and controlled ventilation greenhouses” designed to create an ideal environment for plant growth. The minister was also told that 25,000 free plants have been distributed during the ongoing monsoon season so far.

Pakistan is one of the worst-affected nations due to climate change, despite contributing only 1 percent to global greenhouse gas emissions. Deadly monsoon floods have killed nearly 800 people in the country since late June, as per official figures.