Briefs

Briefs

Militant commander killed, six held in Panjgur operation

QUETTA: Security forces killed a commander of alleged militants and arrested six suspects in a search operation in Blangoor area of Panjgur district on Friday. According to spokesman of the security forces, following on a tip-off the security forces’ personnel carried out a search operation in the area when suspects opened fire at them.

An alleged militant commander - Mullah Rafiq alias Duda - was killed and six others were apprehended in retaliation by security forces. Further investigation was underway.

Trainee pilot, instructor killed as aircraft crashes

FAISALABAD: The chief instructor and a trainee pilot were killed when a small training aircraft crashed at Faisalabad International Airport, on Friday. According to airport manager Anwar Zia, the aircraft crashed soon after it took off from the airport at about 12:30 pm. The plane, owned by a private flying company, crashed due to a technical fault, he said. As a result, Chief Instructor Ahmed Hassan, resident of Islamabad, and trainee pilot Moaaz bin Asad, resident of Chakwal, were killed on the spot. The bodies were shifted to mortuary of Allied Hospital, Anwar Zia added.

Irfanullah Marwat joins PPP

By our correspondent

KARACHI: Former provincial minister and leader of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) Irfanullah Khan Marwat on Friday announced to join the ruling party of Sindh Pakistan People’s Party. Marwat announced to join PPP as he met former president Asif Ali Zardari at the Bilawal House here on Friday.   While talking to the media, Marwat said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had no interest in Sindh, therefore, he thought it would be more suitable to join PPP. He said that his political association with Nawaz Sharif had ended long time ago but he had chosen to remain silent.

Iran hands over 125 deportees to Pakistan

QUETTA: The Iranian security forces have handed over 125 Pakistani nationals to Levies force on Pak-Iran borders in Taftan area of Chaghi district.Levies’ sources said on Friday that these Pakistani nationals had been apprehended from different parts of Iran by Iranian security forces because they were living and working there without valid documents.The Levies’ further added that the deportees would be handed over to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for further interrogation after completing initial inquiry.

Nisar for resolution of visa issues of Afghan citizens

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Ch Nisar directed officials concerned Friday to immediately resolve visa issues of citizens of Afghanistan in Pakistan. He took notice of difficulties being faced by Afghan citizens in Pakistan due to closure of Pak-Afghan border. A statement issued here said as per interior minister’s direction regional passport office, Peshawar, had been authorised to extend visas of Afghan citizens.

Coordination meeting for sixth census held at AADC

RAWALPINDI: Coordination meeting for army’s support during the 6th census was held Friday at the Army Air Defence Command headquarters. AADC Commander Lt-Gen Muhammad Zahid Latif Mirza, secretary Statistics Division, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics chairman and senior civil and military officers attended the meeting, ISPR in a press release said. The participants jointly reviewed preparations for successful conduct of population and housing census and expressed satisfaction over preparations.

Law-enforcers carry out joint mock exercise in Bannu prison

By our correspondent

BANNU: The police and other security forces on Friday carried out a joint mock exercise in Bannu Central Jail. District Police Officer (DPO) Fazal Hamid and military officers were also present. The personnel also practiced the use of smoke bombs in the drill. "Terrorists should keep in mind that both the police and other security forces are ready to foil the designs of the country's enemies," Fazal Hamid said. He said the people should cooperate with the security forces and the police to eliminate terrorism.