Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday underscored Pakistan’s strides as a net regional stabiliser contributing to peace and stability in the region and beyond, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The prime minister made the remarks during his address to faculty members and student officers at the Command and Staff College in Quetta on Tuesday.

“The prime minister underscored the importance of military diplomacy and cooperation and the strides made by Pakistan as Net Regional Stabiliser to contribute towards peace, stability and progression in the region and beyond,” said the PMO statement.

PM Shehbaz, referring to Marka-i-Haq, also paid tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces’ historic victory under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

“The enemy falsely perceived itself as stronger than Pakistan. They rejected our sincere offer of dialogue to resolve differences and remove misunderstandings; instead, they chose the path of provocation, violence, and aggression. India did not recognise that Pakistan’s peace offer was never its weakness; it was, in fact, our strength,” said the prime minister during his speech at the military institution, which was broadcast on TV.

Meanwhile, the statement issued by the PMO added that the premier highlighted Pakistan’s responsible conduct and escalation control against India’s unprovoked hubristic aggression, stating that Pakistan’s mature, prudent and just stance was also acknowledged by the international community.

“On the diplomatic front, Pakistan’s narrative was fully vindicated and that of our enemy was debunked and dismissed completely,” the prime minister said.

PM Shehbaz also reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve “to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity against any misadventure at all costs”.

According to the PMO, the premier stated that Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq was continuing with “full resolve” to defend the lives and property of innocent citizens against Afghan-based terrorist proxies, and to inflict punishment on terrorist hideouts and support infrastructure.

“The Afghan government must take meaningful and credible actions against Islamic State Khorasan Province, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, and Balochistan Liberation Army, who use Afghan soil to attack Pakistan,” PM Shehbaz said during his speech to military officers.

During his visit, PM Shehbaz also acknowledged the presence of students from friendly countries at the war college.

He lauded the professionalism, operational preparedness, and sacrifices of the Pakistan armed forces in safeguarding national sovereignty and ensuring peace and stability, the PMO added.

The statement further said that the premier also paid rich tribute to the martyrs and to the unwavering commitment of the armed forces in defence of the motherland.

Speaking on Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of occupied Kashmir and Palestine, the premier said that Islamabad has “consistently advocated the right of the Palestinian people, who have been facing illegal Israeli occupation as well as its brutal oppression”.

“A just and legitimate resolution of the Palestinian issue is the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in accordance with the UN Charter,” he maintained.

PM chairs Apex Committee meeting

PM Shehbaz also chaired a meeting of the provincial Apex Committee of the National Action Plan in Quetta, where he directed the deployment of the Frontier Corps (FC) in Balochistan’s Rakhsan division, the PMO said in a statement.

During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed on the security situation in Balochistan, progress on development projects, planning matters, and other issues.

“The prime minister directed the deployment of the FC in Balochistan’s Rakhshan Division,” the PMO said.

Speaking on the matter, the prime minister said the move would establish a security corridor for the protection of mineral resources in Balochistan, according to the statement.

“The security corridor would include additional wings of the FC, security check-posts on highways, a surveillance grid, border posts, and other measures.”

The premier further said Pakistan was rich in natural resources, especially minerals.

He said providing a secure environment in Balochistan was essential to maintaining the confidence of local and international companies working on mineral-related projects in the country.

The prime minister also appreciated the Balochistan government’s efforts to maintain transparency and merit in appointments within the district administration, the PMO said.

Shehbaz added that modern technology and high-quality training for police and other forces were essential for the complete elimination of terrorism.

“The government of Pakistan is taking various measures to effectively integrate, empower, and engage the youth of Balochistan in positive activities. These measures include increasing educational opportunities, technical and vocational training, provision of employment opportunities, promotion of sports and youth programmes, scholarships, digital skills training, and inclusion of youth in the decision-making process,” the PMO quoted PM Shehbaz as saying.

“Special attention is being given to development projects in the infrastructure, education, health, and communications sectors in Balochistan so that youth can be provided with better facilities and equal opportunities for development. The government is also striving to provide youth with opportunities to play an active role in national development through constructive engagement and effective inclusion,” the prime minister said.

The briefing to Shehbaz stated that all institutions were actively working towards the complete elimination of terrorism. Work was ongoing on youth skills programmes and other welfare projects for young people in Balochistan. It was also noted that not a single polio case had been reported since November 2024.

According to the PMO, the briefing further stated that several healthcare projects, including a cancer institute, dialysis centre, trauma centre, and other similar facilities, had become operational, while work on additional projects was underway.

It added that 99 per cent of schools in Balochistan were currently open and educational activities were continuing. More than 15,000 homes in Balochistan had benefited from the solar energy project, resulting in savings of approximately Rs105 billion so far.

The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Sarfraz Bugti, federal ministers Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Mohsin Naqvi, Attaullah Tarar, Khalid Magsi, Jam Kamal Khan, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, and senior officials of relevant institutions.

Security forces killed 22 India-sponsored terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district, the military’s media affairs wing said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said an area sanitisation operation has been underway since May 17 in North Waziristan’s Shewa general area, “based on credible intelligence leads with respect to the presence of khwarij.”

Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

During the operation, troops “effectively engaged khwarij location and after [an] intense exchange of fire, 22 khwarij belonging to Indian sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij have [been] sent to hell” in the last 24 hours, the ISPR said.

It added that weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorists, who “remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area”.

The ISPR revealed that “evidence further confirms that khwarij coerced and intimidated the local population, forcing their compliance to obtain safe passage using them as human shield”.

“Such deplorable acts are highly condemnable and no justification can rationalise the endangerment of public lives,” the military said.

The sanitisation operation is currently in progress “to eliminate holed up khwarij from the area”, and security forces have effectively cordoned off the area, the ISPR added.

ISPR affirmed that a “relentless counter-terrorism campaign under vision ‘Azm-i-Istehkam’ (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by security forces and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country”.

Terrorism resurgence

There has been a resurgence in terrorism in Pakistan, especially in KP and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021.

Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Taliban administration to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil, particularly those linked to the banned TTP. Officials say those appeals have gone unheeded.

Last week, a major-ranked officer was among five soldiers martyred during an area sanitisation operation in Balochistan’s Barkhan district.

In a subsequent operation launched by security forces, at least three ‘commanders’ of Balochistan-based terrorist groups have been arrested, while 35 of their operatives have been killed, the Balochistan government said.

Due to a resurgence of militancy, especially in KP and Balochistan, where attacks often target security personnel and LEAs, the state has intensified counter-terrorism operations.

Earlier this month, security forces killed five terrorists in two separate engagements in KP’s Tank and Dera Ismail Khan districts. In early April, eight terrorists were killed along the Pak-Afghan border in North Waziristan.

Sindh Inspector General Javed Alam Odho on Tuesday vowed transparency in investigations into drug queenpin Anmol alias Pinky, noting that the probes stretched across multiple “domains”.

Anmol was arrested last week from her apartment in Karachi in connection with the possession of narcotics and an unlicenced weapon. She is in police custody till May 22 in two of the 15 cases active against her, while her judicial remand in other cases extends till May 30.

Responding to media queries at an event held at the Karachi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Sindh police chief said multiple agencies were involved in probing Anmol’s alleged criminal activities.

“There are now different institutions involved […] so there will be transparency, and secondly, each [authority] will work under its domain,” he affirmed.

“You referred to one bank account with Rs30 million, indicating a huge quantum, so you are absolutely correct. We are working on this exact aspect,” IG Odho said in response to a question by a reporter.

He highlighted that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) were among the institutions working to probe crimes unfolding in the investigation process.

The officer explained that the FIA would investigate if the matter pertained to money laundering and the NCCIA would act when it came to the “issue of reaching out to children and students using cyberspace”.

“We have already written to the FIA and included them in our investigation,” the IG said, explaining that the police could not directly obtain details about bank accounts or probe money laundering.

“You are right that this is not just one account; it is our apprehension and hope that many such accounts will be found,” he said, adding that the FIA would also register cases.

Speaking about Anmol allegedly selling drugs using “cyberspace”, the Sindh IG said the NCCIA was now “a part of our team as well”.

Responding to another query, IG Odho acknowledged that many “crimes were migrating” to cyberspace. He cited the example of extortion, noting that culprits sitting abroad were involved as opposed to older methods of making physical threats.

“Similarly, the business of narcotics has transferred to cyberspace as well, and we are working together with NCCIA and FIA on this,” he highlighted.

“Sensitive federal institutions are also with us, so I believe that, God willing, we will get all the information to a great extent,” he added.

Addressing the strict security present with Anmol during her court appearances, he emphasised that the police were keeping several “risks” in mind.

“The nature of her business is such that there is a risk of many names emerging. One risk is that someone can harm her, so [investigations] do not proceed ahead,” he said.

Anmol, during her court appearances, has alleged she was facing pressure from the police “to take names” of politicians and other influential persons.

Odho went on to cite police expertise, according to which suspects facing multiple cases remained “under stress”. “The objective is not only to protect others from them, but also to protect them from themselves,” he said.

At the same time, he stressed, “We have not provided security to her as such; only what was appropriate and needed.”

During his media talk, the Sindh IG also emphasised that the police were “separating” drug users, from whom narcotics were recovered, and suppliers, who were buying drugs in bulk and circulating them ahead.

He said that the latter were “more dangerous because they are also acting as suppliers and have a role in ruining society”.

“We will not let them go under any circumstances,” he vowed.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had constituted a committee on the compressed natural gas (CNG) crisis in the province.

The development comes a day after, in a rare show of unity, the KP government and opposition joined hands over wheat and CNG crises in the province and demanded that the federal government resume wheat supply and withdraw its orders for the closure of CNG stations in the province.

The province has been affected by a CNG crisis since April, with several filling stations shut and millions of citizens struggling for affordable fuel. The situation has also negatively impacted the economic activity in the province.

In a post on the social media platform X on Tuesday, Kundi said, “Thankful to PM Shehbaz for constituting a committee on the critical issue of CNG closure in KP.

“KP is producing nearly 508 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of natural gas against a requirement of around 130 mmcfd, yet our people continue to face unnecessary hardship,” Kundi said.

The governor highlighted that under Article 158 of the Constitution, the province producing natural gas had the “first right and precedence over its usage”. He called for the constitutional rights of the people of KP to be upheld.

He expressed his gratitude to the KP government and “all political parties” for standing united on the issue.

“On matters concerning the rights of KP and the welfare of our people, we must rise above political differences and speak with one voice,” Kundi said.

In a separate statement, Kundi said that KP Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati had called a meeting on the CNG and wheat crises in the province.

“With the joint efforts of the opposition and the provincial government, the prime minister formed a committee on the issue of the CNG shutdown,” the governor said.

He added that a meeting would be held with the committee “very soon”, where the provincial government and opposition representatives would speak to the committee.

Kundi said that the opposition in the province was playing an important role in provincial matters.

“We stand with the government on provincial issues,” he stated. “All rights of the province can be obtained from the federation through negotiations.”

He stressed that there should be a focus on eliminating terrorism and improving governance in the province.

On Monday, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had addressed a press conference alongside Kundi and Leader of the Opposition in the KP Assembly Dr Ibadullah, and said that KP was the largest shareholder in the local gas production but was “mistreated”.

He had also penned a letter to the premier and sought his intervention on an ongoing CNG crisis in the province, warning that the shortage was setting the stage for “widespread agitation” across the province.

Since taking charge as the province’s chief executive in October 2025, CM Afridi has repeatedly accused the Centre of discrimination against KP.

He has accused the federal government of stalling the release of funds allocated to KP, particularly those committed to the merged districts under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.

On May 5, he also announced a pen-down strike, alleging that “the federal government is deliberately discriminating against the province in the NFC Award, electricity and gas”.

Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Tuesday asserted that “propaganda, fake news or externally-sponsored terrorism” could not derail Pakistan’s progress.

The field marshal made the remarks while interacting with officers and troops of formations deployed in Balochistan during his visit to Quetta, according to the military’s media affairs wing.

“The field marshal emphasised that Pakistan’s destined rise cannot be obstructed through propaganda, fake news or externally sponsored terrorism,” Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) quoted him as saying.

“He reiterated that hostile forces attempting to derail Pakistan’s progress through proxies and propaganda will ultimately fail due to the resilience of the state and the unity of its people,” the statement added.

Highlighting the contours of the prevailing security environment, the military chief reaffirmed that the armed forces, with the “steadfast support of the people, remain fully committed to the eradication of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations”.

“Underscoring the importance of sustainable peace and stability in Balochistan, the field marshal highlighted that long-term progress depends upon a people-centric approach, inclusive development and improved governance alongside security efforts,” ISPR stated.

CDF Munir appreciated the ongoing efforts of the Balochistan government, noting it was “focused on public welfare, socio-economic uplift and strengthening the bond between the state and the people of the province”.

The army chief also appreciated the high morale, operational readiness and professional commitment of officers and troops in maintaining peace, stability and the writ of the state in Balochistan.

During his visit, CDF Munir also addressed student officers and faculty members at the Command and Staff College in Quetta.

During his address, the field marshal “appreciated high standards of training, intellectual rigour and professionalism that remain the hallmark” of the college.

“He noted with satisfaction that the graduates of the college have continued to distinguish themselves through their exceptional performance and dedication to the profession,” the statement read.

CDF Munir highlighted the “rapidly transforming character of modern warfare and stressed the importance of remaining abreast with emerging technologies, multi-domain operations, tri-services synergy and future battlefield challenges”.

He advised the officers to “continuously train themselves and their troops to effectively respond to the changing character of war while maintaining [the] highest standards of professionalism, preparedness and operational excellence”, the statement added.

Upon his arrival at Quetta, CDF Munir was received by the Quetta Corps commander.

The military chief has emphasised the importance of equipping with modern technologies on several occasions, including earlier this month.

Addressing a ceremony to commemorate Marka-i-Haq, Field Marshal Munir noted that modern and future wars would “comprise multi-domain operations, in which modern technology, including cyber and electronic warfare, drones, long-range vectors, and artificial intelligence would play a crucial role”.

He listed several steps that have been taken to “further harmonise Pakistan’s armed forces with multi-domain operations”.

Days before that, ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry also highlighted the armed forces’ indigenous military capabilities.

In January this year, while visiting the Bahawalpur Garrison at Khairpur Tamewali (KPT) in Punjab, CDF Munir noted that the armed forces were “undergoing major transformation in multiple domains”.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Quetta on Tuesday for a one-day visit, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail received the prime minister upon his arrival, his office said on a post on the social media platform X.

During the visit, the premier will hold a meeting with the provincial leadership in Quetta and chair a meeting of the provincial apex committee of the National Action Plan, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

PM Shehbaz had also visited Quetta on Jan 18, where he addressed political leaders and announced several development projects worth billions of rupees for the province’s education and infrastructure sectors.

“Be it the soldiers and officials of the army, Rangers personnel, or those of the Levies, and the common man, their sacrifices will be remembered in history,” PM Shehbaz said during his visit.

“Balochistan is a beautiful part of Pakistan, and their demand was valid to an extent,” the premier added, noting that it was “obvious that more resources would be needed given the vast distances within the province”.

Pakistan and nine other countries on Tuesday issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla.

The joint statement by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Turkiye, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Libya, Maldives and Spain was shared by the Foreign Office on the social media platform X.

It said that the ministers “condemn in the strongest terms the renewed Israeli assaults against the Global Sumud Flotilla, a peaceful civilian humanitarian initiative aimed at drawing international attention to the catastrophic humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people”.

“The ministers recall with grave concern the Israeli interventions against previous flotillas in international waters and condemn the continuation of hostile acts targeting civilian vessels and humanitarian activists,” it said.

“Such assaults, including attacks against the vessels and the arbitrary detention of activists, constitute blatant violations of international law and international humanitarian law,” the statement added.

“The ministers express serious concern regarding the safety and security of the civilian participants of the flotilla and call for the immediate release of all detained activists, as well as for full respect for their rights and dignity,” it said.

They also stressed that repeated attacks against peaceful humanitarian initiatives reflected the “continued disregard for international law and freedom of navigation”.

“They call on the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities, ensure the protection of civilians and humanitarian missions, and take concrete steps to end impunity and ensure accountability for these violations,” the statement concluded.

Saad Edhi, the son of prominent social worker Faisal Edhi and the grandson of late philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi, was detained by Israeli forces on Monday along with other members of the Global Sumud Flotilla, after its boats were intercepted in the eastern Mediterranean.

Indonesian newspaper Republika said nine Indonesians were part of the detained group, including two of its journalists.

Fifteen Irish citizens were on the flotilla, including Margaret Connolly, sister of President Catherine Connolly, organisers said.

Earlier on Monday, Israel’s foreign ministry had said on X that it “will not allow any breach of the lawful naval blockade on Gaza”.

Ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla had set sail for a third time on Thursday from southern Turkiye, after earlier attempts to deliver aid to Gaza were intercepted by Israel in international waters.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had condemned the latest attempt to deliver aid to Gaza by sea.

He told the commander of the interception force, “I believe you are doing an extraordinary job … thwarting a malicious scheme designed to break the blockade we have imposed on Hamas terrorists in Gaza,” according to a statement from his office.

“You are carrying this out with outstanding success … and certainly with far less fanfare than our enemies had anticipated,” Netanyahu said.

Israel controls all entry points into Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007.

During the Gaza conflict, the territory has suffered severe shortages of food, medicine and other essential supplies, with Israel at times halting aid deliveries entirely.

A previous flotilla attempt was intercepted last month in international waters off Greece, with most activists expelled to Europe. Former senator Mushtaq Ahmed was among the activists detained by Israel.

---

Additional input from Reuters and AFP

Pakistan on Monday strongly condemned drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and expressed solidarity with the kingdom, a statement from the Foreign Office (FO) said.

In a post on X, Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry reported that three drones were intercepted and destroyed on Monday morning, having originated from Iraqi airspace. The United Arab Emirates condemned the incident earlier today, while Iraq said it is investigating the incident.

In its statement, the FO condemned in the strongest possible terms the drone attacks carried out against Riyadh, noting: “Such attacks constitute a serious violation of the kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and appear to be an attempt to further undermine regional peace and stability.”

It added that the government and the people of Pakistan stand in solidarity with the Saudi government and people, reaffirming their “full and unwavering support for the kingdom’s security, peace and prosperity.”

The incident occurred after strikes on the Barakah nuclear plant in the UAE on Sunday, which were condemned by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with Emirati Industry Minister Dr Sultan Al-Jaber branding the strike a “terrorist attack”.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the drone attack on the UAE, urging all parties to “exercise maximum restraint”.

“We stand in full solidarity with the leadership and the brotherly people of the United Arab Emirates,” he said, urging all parties to “exercise maximum restraint and fulfil their obligations under international law”.

“Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path toward lasting regional peace, stability and de-escalation,” he wrote.