ISLAMABAD: Amid an uptick in militant attacks in Pakistan, authorities in Punjab have approved the use of electronic tracking devices to monitor individuals listed under the country’s Fourth Schedule as security risks, the provincial home department said on Thursday.
The Fourth Schedule of Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act includes the names of individuals suspected of involvement in militant or sectarian violence. Those placed on the list are subjected to intense scrutiny and movement restrictions.
Under the new policy, GPS-enabled tracking bands will be attached to these individuals, allowing round-the-clock monitoring of their movements.
“This is a major decision aimed at enhancing surveillance using globally recognized practices,” the Punjab Home Department said in a statement, adding that new devices equipped with advanced micro-tracking chips would also be imported.
The devices will be distributed among the province’s key security agencies, including the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Crime Control Department and the Parole Department.
According to the statement, a high-level meeting chaired by Punjab Home Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal approved the deployment of 1,500 tracking devices in the first phase.
Of these, 900 will be allocated to the CTD, 500 to the Crime Control Department and 100 to the Parole Department.
The decision follows expert recommendations advocating continuous surveillance of high-risk individuals and the adoption of internationally accepted tools for law enforcement and counterterrorism.
The development comes amid a surge in militant attacks in Pakistan. While such violence has largely remained confined to the two western provinces bordering Afghanistan, Punjab, the country’s most populous region, also remains vulnerable, with militants in the past targeting cities like Lahore and Rawalpindi.
Punjab to track listed extremists with GPS devices amid rising militant violence in Pakistan
https://arab.news/phwpd
Punjab to track listed extremists with GPS devices amid rising militant violence in Pakistan
- The province’s home department has approved the deployment of 1,500 tracking devices in the first phase
- The decision will help enable round-the-clock surveillance of Fourth Schedule individuals with tracking bands
Pakistan observes ‘Day of Gratitude’ today to celebrate ‘befitting response’ to Indian military
- Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire with India on Saturday after both sides exchanged missile, drone attacks
- Shehbaz Sharif urges nation, particularly religious scholars, to offer special prayers for those killed in conflict
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the nation would mark today, Sunday, as a “Day of Gratitude” to recognize the “befitting response” it had delivered to the Indian military following a shaky ceasefire agreement between Islamabad and New Delhi that took after days of conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
United States President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that Washington had brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan following intense missile and drone exchanges, which began after a gun attack in Pahalgam, a tourist resort in Indian-administered Kashmir, that killed 26 people, in April.
India blamed Pakistan for the incident despite Islamabad’s rejection of the allegation, and launched retaliatory strikes on what it called “terrorist infrastructure.” It also took other retaliatory actions, including the suspension of a decades-old river water sharing treaty with lower riparian Pakistan.
The ceasefire announcement came after the Pakistan military said early on Saturday it had launched retaliatory strikes against India, accusing it of attacking three bases in Pakistan with missiles. Pakistan’s military said it had targeted multiple bases in India in response, including a missile storage site in India’s north.
“Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has announced to observe ‘Youm-e-Tashakkur’ across the country today [Sunday] for giving a befitting response to Indian aggression and the success of ‘Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos,’” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
The state media said the day would be observed to offer gratitude to god, pay tribute to the Pakistani armed forces for their “unmatched bravery” and appreciate the nation’s resilience.
Sharif appealed to the nation, particularly religious scholars, to offer voluntary prayers for the people who had been martyred in the attacks.
“Shehbaz Sharif expressed the resolve that the sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces will never be forgotten, as the nation stands shoulder to shoulder with them,” Radio Pakistan said.
SHARIF HOPES TO RESOLVE OUTSTANDING ISSUES
In his address to the nation on Saturday night, the Pakistani prime minister hoped Islamabad’s ceasefire with New Delhi would pave the way for both countries to resolve longstanding issues.
“We firmly believe that all outstanding issues, including the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir and the distribution of water resources, should be resolved through peaceful dialogue in accordance with the principles of justice,” he said.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had announced that the two countries’ military operations chiefs had spoken to each other and agreed that all fighting would stop at 5 p.m. Indian time (1130 GMT) on Saturday, without using the word “ceasefire.” The MO chiefs would next speak on May 12, he added.
Within hours, however, India accused Islamabad of violating the ceasefire by targeting Srinagar city in Kashmir.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Ata Tarar denied the allegation, saying people in his country were celebrating the end of the conflict and the government remained committed to the agreement.
The foreign office of Pakistan also maintained the country remained committed to the “faithful implementation” of the ceasefire.
“Notwithstanding the violations being committed by India in some areas, our forces are handling the situation with responsibility and restraint,” it said in a statement.
Pakistan’s religious affairs minister commends Saudi Hajj arrangements during Makkah visit
- Sardar Yousaf urges Pakistani pilgrims to follow Saudi guidelines for a smooth Hajj experience
- He visits Pakistan’s Hajj Medical Mission and camps in Mina to review facilities for pilgrims
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Saturday praised Saudi authorities for the arrangements made for this year’s Hajj pilgrims, describing the facilities as comfortable and well-managed.
The remarks came during his visit to Makkah, where he met officials and inspected facilities for Pakistani pilgrims, including medical services and accommodation in Mina.
“The arrangements made by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the guests of Allah Almighty are truly commendable,” the Associated Press of Pakistan quoted Yousaf as saying.
“We appreciate the efforts to ensure comfort, safety and well-being of all pilgrims,” he added.
The minister urged Pakistani pilgrims to fully comply with the rules and guidelines issued by Saudi authorities, stressing they were designed to facilitate a smooth pilgrimage experience.
Yousaf also toured the Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission and received a briefing on the facilities available for pilgrims.
He later made a surprise visit to Mina camps managed by the Saudi company Al Rajhi, expressing satisfaction with services such as air-conditioned tents, sofa-cum-beds and dedicated storage spaces.
The minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to providing high-quality services to its pilgrims and emphasized that no lapses in care would be tolerated.
Hajj is expected to take place between June 4 and 9 this year. Pakistan launched special Hajj flights on April 29 and has since transported thousands of pilgrims to Madinah.
Pakistan PM says ceasefire with India offers chance to resolve Kashmir, water issues
- Shehbaz Sharif thanks President Trump, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for de-escalation efforts
- Pakistan’s foreign office denies allegations of ceasefire violation, says Islamabad implementing the deal
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday Pakistan had agreed to a ceasefire with India in the hope that it would open the door to resolving longstanding disputes between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, including the Kashmir conflict and the division of river waters.
His remarks came hours after the United States helped broker a ceasefire between the two South Asian rivals following intense missile and drone exchanges, which began after a gun attack in Pahalgam, a tourist resort in Indian-administered Kashmir, that killed 26 people.
India blamed Pakistan for the incident despite Islamabad’s rejection of the allegation, and launched retaliatory strikes on what it called “terrorist infrastructure.” It also took other retaliatory actions, including suspension of a decades-old river water sharing treaty with lower riparian Pakistan.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said both countries had agreed to a ceasefire and would begin talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral venue.
“As a responsible state, we have responded positively to the ceasefire proposal in the interest of global and regional peace, and for the millions of people living in the region,” Sharif said in a televised address to the nation.
“We firmly believe that all outstanding issues, including the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir and the distribution of water resources, should be resolved through peaceful dialogue in accordance with the principles of justice,” he added.
Earlier in the day, the Indian foreign secretary said the two countries’ military operations chiefs had spoken to each other and agreed that all fighting would stop at 5 p.m. Indian time (1130 GMT), without using the word “ceasefire.” The MO chiefs would next speak on May 12, he added.
Within hours, however, India accused Islamabad of violating the ceasefire by targeting Srinagar city in Kashmir.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Ata Tarar denied the allegation, saying people in his country were celebrating the end of the conflict and the government remained committed to the agreement.
The foreign office of Pakistan also maintained the country remained committed to the “faithful implementation” of the ceasefire.
“Notwithstanding the violations being committed by India in some areas, our forces are handling the situation with responsibility and restraint,” it said in a statement.
“We believe that any issues in smooth implementation of the ceasefire should be addressed through communication at appropriate levels,” it continued. “The troops on ground should also exercise restraint.”
Pakistan’s Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry told Arab News, “the response would be harsh” if India defied the ceasefire agreement.
Meanwhile, the prime minister said in his address that India had used the Pahalgam incident “as a pretext” to impose war on Pakistan.
“In its arrogance, the enemy made a failed attempt to violate our borders,” he said. “We decided to respond to the enemy in the language it understands best.”
Sharif also thanked US President Donald Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed for their role in helping de-escalate the situation.
Saudi Arabia, other nations welcome news of India-Pakistan ceasefire
- Pakistan appreciates Saudi Arabia’s positive role in promoting regional peace and stability
- Western powers say ‘dialogue is key,’ hoping both sides to respect the ceasefire agreement
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia, China, the United Arab Emirates, and several other countries on Saturday welcomed the ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India, following a week of military escalation that raised fears of a full-blown war between the two South Asian neighbors.
The ceasefire, brokered with US support after missile and drone exchanges between the nuclear-armed neighbors, has drawn a wave of diplomatic endorsements after many countries called for restraint and renewed dialogue.
Pakistan has credited the international community for playing a constructive role in defusing tensions, while also emphasizing its own measured response to what it described as Indian aggression.
“Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, received a call from the Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel Aljubeir @AdelAljubeir, who welcomed the ceasefire understanding between
Pakistan and India,” Pakistan’s foreign office said in a post on social media platform X.
“DPM appreciated Saudi Arabia’s positive and constructive role in promoting peace & security in South Asia,” it added.
Dar also spoke with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, briefing him on the regional situation following Indian attacks and Islamabad’s “carefully calibrated response.”
According to Pakistan’s foreign office, Wang acknowledged Pakistan’s restraint and described its actions as responsible under challenging circumstances.
China reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and pledged continued coordination.
The UAE also expressed support for the ceasefire.
In a separate call, UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed welcomed the development, and Dar commended the Gulf state’s diplomatic engagement in fostering regional peace.
Germany’s foreign office described the ceasefire as a “first, important step out of the escalation spiral” and stressed the importance of dialogue.
“Dialogue is key,” it said. “The German government has been in contact with both sides in the past days.”
Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, said she had spoken with both Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers and called the truce a “vital step toward de-escalation.”
“All efforts must be made to ensure it is respected,” she wrote on X, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to peace, stability and counter-terrorism in the region.
The flare-up between Pakistan and India, one of the most serious in recent years, followed a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir last month and escalated into missile strikes, drone attacks and cross-border fire over the past week.
The ceasefire, announced Saturday, has temporarily halted hostilities, with both sides trading blame for the conflict.
Pakistan, China, Afghanistan vow cooperation on security and economy at Kabul meeting
- Representatives of the three countries met under a trilateral mechanism launched in 2017
- They discussed the forthcoming foreign ministers’ conference expected to take place in Kabul
PESHAWAR: A trilateral meeting hosted by Afghanistan in Kabul on Saturday focused on economic and security outlook of the region, according to Pakistan’s special envoy Mohammad Sadiq, as the participants pledged to deepen cooperation in various fields.
The meeting marked the latest round of talks under the trilateral dialogue mechanism between Afghanistan, China and Pakistan that was launched in 2017 to promote political trust, counterterrorism coordination and economic integration.
Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, hosted the talks, which also included China’s special envoy Yue Xiaoyong.
“The first meeting of the Pakistan-China-Afghanistan trilateral in Kabul today... provided the occasion for convergence of views on economic and security cooperation as well as regional stability,” Sadiq, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, said in a post on social media platform X.
All three sides reviewed progress on commitments made during the last dialogue and agreed to convene the sixth round of foreign ministers’ meeting in Kabul at a future date, according to a report published by Afghanistan’s Ariana News.
The officials also discussed broader preparations for an upcoming meeting of foreign ministers from Afghanistan’s neighboring countries, and reaffirmed their intention to expand political and economic engagement.
Muttaqi highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral and trilateral ties, while the Chinese and Pakistani envoys reiterated their commitment to good-neighborly relations based on mutual respect and non-interference.
China and Pakistan are among the few countries to maintain ongoing engagement with the Taliban-led government in Kabul, though neither formally recognizes it.
Both Beijing and Islamabad have called for stability in Afghanistan to enable cross-border connectivity and curb the threat of militant spillover.
