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Border clashes with Afghan forces leave 2 Pakistani soldiers dead

Pakistan Army Chief Gen Asim Munir and other top officials carrying coffin of a soldier killed in an attack (File Pic)

Peshawar, Feb 19 (NVI) Pakistan has lost at least 2 soldiers as its forces enaged in cross-border firing and shelling with Afghan border troops at a few places in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

The fatalities among the Pakistani forces have occurred at a border post in Baizai in Mohmand district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa last night, according to reports.

The border forces of the two neighbouring countries have been engaged in cross-border firing and shelling for last three days in of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Baizai area, which is located opposite Kunar Province of Afghanistan.

The heavy shelling and firing has resulted in dislocation of thousands of people living in the border areas of Afghanistan.

For over a year, the forces of Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and Pakistan have been engaging in border clashes intermittently, leading to heightened tensions.

Pakistan has been alleging that the Taliban fighters often cross over from Afghanistan to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to help Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in carrying out terrorism.

According to Pakistan, the Taliban fighters of Afghanistan even cut the border fence to cross over.

The Taliban regime as well as TTP have been denying the allegations.

At the same time, both the Afghan Taliban and TTP maintain that they do not recognise the border, called ‘Durand Line’, calling it imaginary and artificial since it was drawn by the Britishers to divide the people of the same clan and ethnicity — Pashtuns.  (NVI)

Kashmir: 2 IEDs found and destroyed, damage averted

IED found and destroyed in Shopian district of Kashmir today.

Srinagar, Feb 18 (NVI) The nefarous designs of terrorists to cause bloodshed at two separate places in the Kashmir Valley today were aborted by alert security forces.

The terrorists had planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on busy roads in Shopian and Pulwama districts of Kashmir, which were detected and destroyed before they could cause any damage, officials said.

One IED was found on the roadside in Nagbari area of Pulwama district and another in a similar manner at Kashuwa road in Chitragam in Shopian district.

Both the IEDs were recovered during joint search operations by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police on the basis of specific intelligence inputs, the Army said.

“Indian Army remains resolute in its commitment to keep Kashmir terror-free,” said a post by Srinagar-based Chinar Corps. (NVI)

Balochistan: BLF claims to have killed 17 Pakistani soldiers in twin-attack

Baloch Liberation Front (BLF). Representative pic

Quetta, Feb 17 (NVI) Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) has claimed to have killed 17 personnel of occupying Pakistani military in a twin-attack in Balochistan.

BLF fighters carried out an attack on a Pakistani military checkpost between Darya Cham, Matsang and Sohren Koh in the Mand area of Kech on the evening of February 15, the outfit said today.

Using heavy weaponry, the fighters overran the checkpost, eliminating 11 military personnel, BLF spokesman Major Gwahram Baloch said in a statement.

The BLF fighters also took possession of the weapons and other military equipment of the soldiers, he said.

The Pakistani military sent in an 11-vehicle convoy to reinforce the besieged checkpost, the spokesman said.

The enemy convoy was attacked by another unit of the BLF and the firefight, lasting 40 minutes, resulted in the elimination of 6 more Pakistani soldiers, Gwahram Baloch said.

During the attack, the fighters also destroyed two surveillance cameras and a drone camera, he said. (NVI)

Taliban regime building ties with India; likely to post its Ambassador in New Delhi soon

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri with Afghan Foreign Minister in Dubai on January 8, 2025.

Kabul, Feb 15 (NVI) The Taliban regime of Afghanistan and the Indian government are quietly holding discussions and making efforts to strengthen ties and Kabul is expected to nominate its Envoy to New Delhi soon.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson of the Interim Afghan Government, has said that bilateral discussions and efforts are going on with India to strengthen diplomatic representation in both countries.

“We hope to extend our diplomatic presence in New Delhi and India’s in Afghanistan,” he added.

The Taliban regime is believed to have recently shared with India a list of Afghan diplomats proposed to be appointed as the Ambassador in New Delhi, according to The Khorasan Diary portal which quoted “reliable sources” in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan.

Among them, the most likely name is Najib Shaheen, son of Sohail Shaheen, the current Acting Ambassador of Afghanistan in Doha.

Interestingly, the Taliban regime, which in its earlier period of rule between 1996 and 2001 was animostic towards India, has been forging friendly ties with the country this time.

A few months back, the Taliban regime hosted Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the Ministerial level and the two sides discussed how India could continue to provide humanitarian and other assistance to Afghanistan.

It was the first high-level engagement between the two sides since the Islamist organisation, actually known as Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, grabbed power in Kabul in August 2021 after the then elected government of President Ashraf Ghani fell.

The growing closeness between India and the Taliban regime of Afghanistan has caused great unease and unhappiness in Pakistan, which always considered the Islamist organisation IEA as its proxy which could be patronised. (NVI)

Pakistan: Up to 18 soldiers killed & injured in attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters (File Pic)

Peshawar, Feb 15 (NVI) In a big blow to the Pakistan Army, up to 18 of its personnel, including a Captain, were reportedly killed or injured in an attack by Islamist rebels in North Waziristan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province today.

The casualties took place after the fighters of Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, an affiliate of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), ambushed a convoy of the Pakistan Army in Tapi area of Miranshah in North Waziristan this morning, according to reports.

As per sources close to the Islamist group, at least 10 soldiers, including a Captain Ashraf Choudhry, were killed and 8 others injured.

The Pakistani military confirmed the death of only 4 soldiers.

Going by the track record, Pakistani military mostly hides the number of actual casualties suffered in such incidents.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani military killed a newly-appointed shadow Governor of TTP Saqib Gandapur, along with 8 others, in an operation, involving military gunships, in Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. (NVI)

Jammu and Kashmir: 3 Govt employees sacked for terror links

Terminated

Srinagar, Feb 15 (NVI) Three employees of the Jammu and Kashmir Government, including a jailed policeman, were dismissed from service today for their alleged links with terrorism, making them join 70 other people who were punished in such a manner.

The Administration of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, headed by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, terminated the employment of police constable Firdous Ahmad Bhat, teacher Mohammad Ashraf Bhat and orderly in the Forest Department Nisar Ahmad Khan, officials said.

The Lt Governor invoked Article 311 (2) (c) of the Constitution to terminate the services of the three employees after investigation by law enforcement and intelligence agencies clearly established their terror links, the officials said.

Over the last 3 years, the Lt Governor has sacked around 70 employees of the Jammu and Kashmir government for having links with terrorism or terrorists.

The dismissed policeman Firdous Ahmad Bhat is already lodged in Kot Bhalwal Jail in Jammu since May last year after being arrested for links with Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror outfit.

Initially appointed as a Special Police Officer (SPO) in 2005, he was promoted as a Constable in 2011 and posted at a sensitive position of Electronic Surveillance Unit in the J&K Police.

However, he was clandestinely working for LeT and got exposed when two terrorists — Waseem Shah and Adnan Beigh — were arrested in Anantnag with a pistol and a hand grenade as they were planning to attack non-local civilians and tourists, the officials said.

His interrogation allegedly unveiled his sinister design and led to the recovery of a sizable quantity of arms including pistols, ammunition and explosives from his residential quarter in Police Housing Colony in Srinagar and a newly-constructed house in Mattan, Anantnag.

Investigators also allegedly recovered from his residence 3 kgs of charas which was sent by Pakistan-based LeT terrorist Sajid Jutt alias Saifullah and dropped by a drone in Samba border district of Jammu a few days earlier, according to the officials.

Investigations allegedly also revealed that besides Jutt, he was working for Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Khursheed Dar and LeT terrorist Hamza Bhai and Abu Zarar.

Firdous used his police constable cover allegedly to transport arms, ammunition and explosives for terrorists, the officials said.

He not only provided classified information about the movement of security forces but also guided terror attacks, they said.

The dismissed constable was also found allegedly involved in an attack on a police party in 2020 which led to the killing of sub-inspector Ashraf Bhat and an attack on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on May 18 last year that left two persons injured.

The officials said he was also involved in radicalising and luring the youth to join terror ranks besides using terrorists to blackmail government officials including his colleagues and businessmen.

Ashraf Bhat, a resident of Reasi who was appointed as ‘Rehbar-e-Taleem’ Teacher in 2008 and regularised in June 2013, was allegedly affiliated with LeT, the officials said.

For many years his activities were undetected but eventually came to light in 2022 and he was arrested and currently lodged in district jail, Reasi, the officials said.

During the course of investigation, it was revealed that Bhat’s handler was the most wanted LeT terrorist Mohd Qasim, who is based in Pakistan.

LeT found him to be very useful because as a teacher Bhat was best placed to radicalise youth and carry out terror activities.

He helped LeT to raise finances for terror activities and coordinated transport of arms, ammunition and explosives, they said.

Nisar Ahmad Khan joined the Forest Department in 1996 as a helper and was currently posted as an orderly at the Forest Range Office, Verinag (Anantnag).

He was allegedly found working for Hizbul Mujahideen, the officials said.

They said his links with the outfit first came to light in the year 2000 when a landmine blast in Anantnag killed the then power minister Ghulam Hasan Bhat and two policemen.

Khan and another accused had provided logistical support to the terrorists to carry out the attack.

He also helped in smuggling RDX used in the blast, the officials said, adding he was arrested, chargesheeted but later acquitted in 2006 due to witnesses backtracking, intimidating environment inside and outside the courts.

However, despite his acquittal in 2006, Khan continued his work for the terror group and his role was once again exposed in 2016 when he played a central role during the valley’s unrest following the killing of Hizbul terrorist Burhan Wani, the officials said.

They said he also mobilised mobs and youth for stone pelting and arranged weapons to attack security forces and is named in four FIRs.

After the killing of another terrorist Yawar Nisar Wagay in 2017, he once again played a key role in organising violent protests and was subsequently detained under the Public Safety Act for eight months. (NVI)

Modi ends US visit after significant outcomes in trade, defence & nuclear fields

PM Modi meeting US President Donald Trump

New Delhi, Feb 14 (NVI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight concluded his two-day visit to the US where he held detained talks with President Donald Trump on a range of issues including bilateral trade, defence, nuclear cooperation and fight against terrorism.

Here are the key takeaways from the talks:

Trade:

Prime Minister Modi and President Trump announced a framework to strengthen both sides economically and set a bilateral trade target of 500 billion dollars for 2030.

They also announced US-India COMPACT, which will deepen every aspect of bilateral partnership and friendship.

Trump acknowledged India’s recent reductions to tariffs that limit US access to the Indian markets as a symbol of good faith. He flagged the $100 billion US trade deficit and steps to reduce it.

We want a level playing field and we can easily make up that deficit with the sale of oil and gas, Trump said.

The two countries will work together to help build one of the greatest trade routes in history. India to Israel to Italy to the US will be connected by ports, railways and undersea cables.

India and the US will take their bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. A trade deal is being worked on that will increase India’s coal and gas trade with US, energy infrastructure, increasing small nuclear power plant infra and improve joint production and joint transfer of technology.

I-MEC and I2U2 economic corridor and connectivity infrastructure.

New Indian consulates in Los Angeles and Boston will be opened.

American universities will open offshore campuses in India.

Defence:

Starting this year, the US will increase military sales to India. Trump paved the way to sell India the advanced F-35 stealth fighters.

Crucial to strengthen the QUAD and maintain peace, prosperity and tranquility in the Indo-Pacific, Trump said.

India and the US will be working together like never before to fight the radical Islamist threat all over the world, the US president said.

Autonomous Industry System Alliance to be prepared which is a blueprint to strengthen defence cooperation, Modi said.

We will work together to ensure peace, and tranquility in the Indo-Pacific region; QUAD will work closely on this, said the Indian prime minister.

Trump approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, one of the plotters of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks to face trial in India.

Tech:

India and US will work together on advancements in the fields of AI, semiconductors, quantum, biotech and technology.

India is reforming its laws to welcome US nuclear energy. Advanced technologies, AI will be developed jointly by India and the US.

Through TRUST — Transforming Relationships Utilising Strategic Technology — strong supply chains to be built for critical minerals, advanced materials, pharmaceuticals.

India and US will also work together for recovery and processing initiatives of lithium and rare earths.

ISRO and NASA will collaborate to launch NISAR satellite on an Indian spacecraft. (NVI)

Indian Army says border ceasefire with Pakistan ‘intact’ despite ‘minor incidents’

MHA
Indian Army on patrolling somewhere in Jammu and Kashmir (File Pic)

Jammu, Feb 13 (NVI): The Indian Army today said the border ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, which started from February 2021, remains “intact” despite “stray incidents” of cross-LoC firing and a recent explosion caused by a suspected IED.

“The ceasefire on the LoC is intact and continues to be observed as per the understanding between both the armies (of India and Pakistan),” the Army said in a post on social media platform X.

“The situation remains stable and being closely monitored. Indian Army maintains high state of alertness and is dominating the LoC,” it said.

Yesterday, the Pakistani side had resorted to firing across the LoC in Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch in Jammu. The effective retaliatory firing by the Indian side is believed to have resulted in casualties among the Pakistani soldiers.

The exchange of fire was said to be brief.

Earlier, two days back, an IED, suspectedly planted by terrorists or Pakistani army men from across, exploded near the fencing close to the LoC in Akhnoor sector of Jammu, killing two Indian soldiers, including a Captain, who were patrolling the area.

“Tension due to some stray incidents of cross-LoC firing and a suspected IED blast on one of our ptls (patrols) on the LoC is being dealt with through the established mechanism. No exchange of fire of heavy-calibre weapons has taken place. Minor incidents are not unprecedented along the LoC,” the Indian Army said.

“Concerns have been raised to the Pakistan Army at the appropriate level,” it added.

The ceasefire along the LoC and International Border came into effect from February 24, 2021, after a mutual understanding between the armies of India and Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Singh held again a security review meeting today in Srinagar, a day after holding a similar meeting in Jammu.

Senior officers of J&K Police, intelligence agencies, CAPFs and the Army attended the meeting where Sinha is reported to have given clear directions to the security forces to ensure zero infiltration and zero tolerance for terrorism. (NVI)

Balochistan: BLA says it killed 7 Pakistani soldiers, injured 4

Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOQ) of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

Quetta (Pakistan-occupied Balochistan), Feb 13 (NVI) Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed to have killed 7 personnel of Pakistan Army and injured 4 in multiple attacks in various areas of Balochistan over last two days.

The freedom-seeking outfit said its fighters targeted the occupying Pakistan army and their supply vehicles in three separate attacks in Panjgur, Mastung and Kech.

The freedom fighters ambushed and attacked a foot patrol party of the Pakistan army, comprising 13 men, in Tump area of Kech on the night of February 11-12, BLA spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said in a statement.

The freedom fighters opened fire on the enemy with automatic weapons and grenade launchers, killing 7 personnel of the Pakistan army on the spot and injuring at least 4 others.

In another attack, BLA freedom fighters targeted Pakistani army personnel at Alizai Bypass in Mastung when when they were heading towards their camp yesterday afternoon.

In yet another attack, BLA freedom fighters targeted vehicles carrying supplies to the occupying Pakistan army in the Prom Daz area of Panjgur on February 10.

As a result of the attack, both vehicles were destroyed and the drivers were released after being warned. (NVI)

J&K: Security forces directed to crush terrorism in intensified manner

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha

Srinagar, Feb 12 (NVI) Against the backdrop of intermittent terror attacks, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir got a fresh directive today to crush the menace in an intensified manner.

The directive was issued as Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha held a high-level meeting to review the security situation in the Union Territory, just a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired such a meeting in New Delhi.

Terrorism has been substantially contained in Jammu and Kashmir for several months now but terrorists strike intermittently to cause bloodshed.

Only yesterday, two Army men, including a Captain, were killed when an IED planted by terrorists exploded near the border fence close to the Line of Control (LoC) in Akhnoor sector of Jammu.

Prior to this, some terrorists recently killed a retired Army man and injured his two close relatives in a targeted attack in Kulgam district of Kashmir.

During the meeting chaired by Sinha, Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Nalin Prabhat gave a briefing about the prevailing security scenario and the measures put in place to counter the various security challenges like counter insurgency, terrorist recruitment and protection of minorities.

IGP Kashmir also gave a detailed presentation highlighting the challenges and the achievements of the Kashmir Zone and strategic foresight for the future, an official spokesman said.

The Lieutenant Governor directed the senior police officials and head of its various wings to work in close synergy with each other and intensify the efforts to crush terrorism and those aiding and abetting terrorists, the spokesman said.

He said a 360-degree approach against terrorism is critical to enhance the capability and performance in all dimensions of security challenges and asked the police officials to strictly follow the policy of property attachment in terror and narco-terror cases.

The Lieutenant Governor directed the officials to devise a result-oriented strategy to identify and neutralize foreign terrorists active in the Kashmir valley.

He called for systematic attention to terror ecosystem, which is providing support to adversarial forces and terrorists.

“You must follow zero tolerance policy to tackle terrorism. I have given J&K Police and Security Forces free hand to neutralise terror ecosystem operating in the shadows. Those supporting and financing terrorism will have to pay a very heavy price,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

“I have full faith in your valour, effective, focused measures and better institutional arrangements to make Jammu Kashmir terror-free. Improved intelligence generation, coordination and precision in anti-terror operations are vital to meet the future security challenges,” Sinha said.

The meeting also discussed the challenges of disinformation and propaganda and directed the officials to take firm action against those involved.

“Strict action must be taken against the elements exploiting cyber space to carry out their disruptive activities and disinformation campaign. We must aggressively counter fundamentalist and extremist ideas and take action as per the law,” the Lieutenant Governor said. (NVI)

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