ISLAMABAD, DEC 19: The Foreign Office (FO) on Friday issued a demarche to the Afghan Taliban regime, conveying Pakistan’s grave concern over the continued support and facilitation provided to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) after four Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom during today’s terrorist attack in North Waziristan.

“Pakistan condemns, in the strongest possible terms, today’s terrorist attack carried out by Khwarij belonging to Kharji Gul Bahadur Group on a Pakistan Military camp in North Waziristan District,” the FO spokesperson said in a statement.

The FO said it summoned the Afghan deputy head of mission to convey Pakistan’s strong demarche over the continued support by the Taliban regime to TTP, enabling them to carry out terrorist attacks against the Pakistan military and the civilian population along the Pak-Afghan border and in adjoining areas.

“It was emphasised that the permissive environment enjoyed by the TTP in Afghanistan belies Afghanistan’s international commitments as well as to Pakistan, that it would not allow its soil to be used against any other country, including Pakistan,” it added.

Furthermore, the spokesperson said, Pakistan has demanded a full investigation and decisive action against the perpetrators and facilitators of the terrorist attacks launched against Pakistan from Afghan soil.

“The Afghan Taliban regime has been urged to take immediate, concrete and verifiable measures against all terror groups operating from its territory, including their leadership, and deny the continued use of Afghan soil for terrorism against Pakistan,” it added.

The Afghan Taliban regime has also been categorically informed that Pakistan reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and protect its citizens, and will take all necessary measures to respond to terrorism originating from Afghan soil, the statement concluded.

Attempt to breach camp perimeter foiled: ISPR
Separately, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a statement, confirmed the attack, saying that four Pakistani soldiers were martyred while thwarting a terrorist attack on a security forces camp in the general area of Boya, North Waziristan.

According to the military’s media wing, the attack took place on December 19 when khawarij terrorists belonging to the “Indian proxy group Fitna al Khawarij [TTP] attempted to breach the camp’s perimeter.”

The terrorists’ attempt was foiled by a swift and resolute response from troops. “In their desperation, the attackers rammed an explosive laden vehicle on the outer perimeter wall, resulting in its collapse and considerable damage to adjacent civilian infrastructure including a mosque,” it added.

The explosion also inflicted severe injuries on 15 local civilians, including women and children, and caused damage to nearby homes, the ISPR said, adding that troops engaged the attackers with precision and eliminated all four terrorists during the ensuing exchange of fire.

However, during the intense firefight, four soldiers — Havildar Muhammad Waqas (42) of Kotli, Naik Khanwaiz (38) of Mansehra, Sepoy Sufyan Haider (25) of Vehari, and Sepoy Riffat (32) of Layyah — embraced martyrdom after fighting gallantly.

The military’s media wing added that the attack was planned and orchestrated by Afghanistan-based terrorists, which it said contradicts claims by the Afghan Taliban regime that such groups do not operate from Afghan soil.

Pakistan, ISPR said, expects the Afghan Taliban regime to fulfil its obligations by preventing the use of its territory by khawarij against Pakistan. The statement added that Pakistan reserves the right to pursue and eliminate terrorists, along with their facilitators and affiliates, to ensure the safety and security of its people.

Cross-border terrorism
Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban regime to curb militant groups operating from its soil and carrying out attacks on Pakistani military personnel and civilians.

However, instead of addressing Pakistan’s concerns, Kabul sided with militants in launching an attack on Pakistan’s border posts in October.

The attack, which took place on the night between October 11 and 12, received a befitting response from the Pakistani forces, leading to the killing of over 200 Taliban and affiliated militants.

However, 23 Pakistani soldiers were martyred defending the motherland.

Security forces also conducted “precision strikes” inside Afghanistan, targeting terrorists in Kandahar province and Kabul.

Since then, a Qatar- and Turkiye-mediated ceasefire has been in effect between the two sides.

RAWALPINDI, DEC 19: /DNA/ – In a heinous and cowardly terrorist act, Khwarij belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij attacked security forces camp, in general area Boya, North Waziristan District.

Khwarij attempted to breach the perimeter security, however, their nefarious designs were swiftly foiled by the vigilant and resolute response by own troops. In their desperation, the attackers rammed an explosive laden vehicle on outer perimeter wall, resulting in its collapse and considerable damage to adjacent civilian infrastructure including a mosque. Besides damaging their homes this blatant act of barbarism by khwarij inflicted severe injuries to fifteen local civilians including innocent children and women.

Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, own troops engaged the intruders with precision, resultantly all four khwarij belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Khwarij were sent to hell.

However, during the intense fire exchanges, four brave sons of soil Havildar Muhammad Waqas (age: 42 years, resident of District Kotli), Naik Khanwaiz (age: 38 years, resident of District Mansehra), Sepoy Sufyan Haider (age: 25 years, resident of District Vehari) and Sepoy Riffat (age: 32 years, resident of District Leyyah) having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat.

This hideous act of terrorism, planned and orchestrated by Afghanistan based Khwarij is in contrast to assertions made by Afghan Taliban Regime, claiming non presence of these terrorist groups operating from their soil.

Pakistan expects from Interim Afghan Government to fulfil its obligations and deny use of its soil by Khwarij against Pakistan as the safety and security of people of Pakistan comes first and foremost. Pak reserves the right to hunt these khwarij down and eliminate their facilitators and affiliates to ensure safety of own people.

SHANDONG, DEC 19 /DNA/ – The Pakistan Study Centre at Shandong University was officially inaugurated today by Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, in the presence of Executive Vice President Wu Zhen and faculty members. The Centre marks a new avenue for academic engagement between Pakistan and China, with a focus on deepening mutual understanding through research, dialogue, and educational exchanges, particularly in agriculture and fisheries.

In his remarks, Ambassador Hashmi thanked the university leadership for their strong support in realizing this initiative. He highlighted the growing momentum in Pakistan-China relations across various sectors, particularly education and research. The Ambassador noted that Shandong, renowned worldwide for its innovation and reforms in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, was an ideal location for such an initiative. He emphasized the importance of academic platforms in building long-term people-to-people linkages.

The Centre aims to serve as a hub for promoting Pakistan-focused studies, collaborative research, B2B activities, and student engagement. Shandong University, known for its vibrant academic atmosphere and global perspective, provides a solid base for the Centre’s success.

Prior to the inauguration, Ambassador Hashmi met with the Executive Vice President Wu Zhen of Shandong University to discuss ways to utilize the new Centre for mutually beneficial pursuits in academia, research, particularly in the area of agriculture and fisheries. Ambassador Hashmi was also given a tour of the Shandong University Museum.

ISLAMABAD, DEC 19 /DNA/ – Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan, Mr Salem Mohammed Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.

The President welcomed the newly appointed Ambassador and conveyed best wishes for his tenure, while appreciating the services of his predecessor. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s gratitude for the UAE’s continued support, particularly in economic and infrastructure sectors, and expressed Pakistan’s readiness to host His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on an official visit at mutually convenient dates.

The meeting reviewed the close brotherly relations between Pakistan and the UAE and discussed ways to expand cooperation in political, economic, defence and people-to-people domains.

The President said that the UAE has held a special place for his family since the very establishment of the Emirates, noting that the relationship spans generations, from Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and continues today, with the UAE being home to his daughter. He said this personal bond reflects the depth of trust and affection that underpins Pakistan-UAE relations.

The President added that while the UAE is Pakistan’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and financial cooperation between the two countries remains strong, there is further scope to expand collaboration in investment, energy, the digital economy and infrastructure development.

He also paid tribute to the Pakistani community in the UAE, acknowledging its vital role in contributing to the UAE’s development while serving as a strong bridge between the two countries.

Parliamentary Leader of PPP in the Senate, Senator Sherry Rehman, and Senator Saleem Mandviwala also attended the meeting.

KARACHI, DEC 19 /DNA/ – 37th Convocation of Pakistan Navy Engineering College (PNEC) was held at Bahria Auditorium, Karachi. Chief Minister Sindh, Mr. Syed Murad Ali Shah was the Chief Guest for the occasion.

A total of 353 graduates were awarded degrees, including 4 PhD, 41 MS, and 308 Bachelor’s graduates. The Chief Guest also awarded 39 medals to outstanding position holders, comprising 7 President’s Gold Medals, 4 Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medals, 8 Chancellor’s Silver Medals, 18 Rector’s Gold Medals and 2 Quaid-e-Azam Gold Medals.

Chief Guest, while extending his heartiest felicitations to the graduating students and parents, highlighted that NUST PNEC is providing quality engineers to Pakistan’s evolving industry. He also acknowledged that the foreign students are a testimony to the college’s credentials in the engineering sector.

The convocation was attended by a large number of civil and military dignitaries, as well as the parents of graduating students.

RAWALPINDI, DEC 19 /DNA/ – Passing Out Parade of Trainees Entries No 2306, 2406 and 2412 was held today at PAF Airmen Academy, Korangi. President NASTP Advisory Board was the Chief Guest and was received by Air Officer Commanding, PAF Airmen Academy. A total of 1155 trainees from Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Navy and allied countries successfully completed their training.

Addressing the parade, the Chief Guest highlighted PAF’s professionalism, combat readiness and international recognition. He emphasized that the Academy is imparting modern, future-oriented training in line with the vision of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Air Staff, to meet emerging warfare challenges. He underscored PAF’s operational success and preparedness, including the effective conduct of multi-domain operations.

Trophies were awarded to outstanding performers. Aircraftman Sergeant Ahmed Hussain Arif won the Chief of Air Staff Trophy for Overall Best Performance, Aircraftman Hamza Ali secured the Asghar Khan Trophy, Aircraftman Ahmed Hussain Arif received the Nur Khan Trophy, Academy Sergeant Aircraftman Shafaat Noor clinched the Air Officer Commanding Trophy, while LAC THGND Herath of Sri Lanka was awarded Best Foreign Trainee Trophy.

The Chief Guest congratulated the graduating airmen and their parents and commended the Academy’s staff for their dedication and professionalism.

ISLAMABAD, DEC 19 /DNA/ – President Asif Ali Zardari will undertake an official visit to the Republic of Iraq from 20 to 24 December 2025, at the invitation of President Dr Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid.

The visit aims to further strengthen the longstanding, brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iraq and enhance cooperation across key sectors, including trade, energy and people-to-people exchanges.

UITED NATIONS, Dec 19 (APP/DNA):The United Nations must ensure “non-selective” implementation of its resolutions and uphold international law without exception, a senior Pakistani diplomat said Thursday, as he highlighted Kashmir and Palestine where people have been denied their UN-promised right to self-determination.

“The realization of self-determination is not merely a historical aspiration; it is an enduring obligation,” Ambassador Usman Jadoon, deputy permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the General Assembly marking the International Day Against Colonialism in All its Forms and Manifestations.

Implementation of the 1960 ‘Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples’ and the decolonization agenda , he said, was not confined to Non-Self-Governing Territories alone, It also encompasses peoples living under alien occupation and foreign domination.

“The overarching objective, therefore, remains to ensure that all such peoples are enabled to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination,” Ambassador Jadoon added.

Referring to recent developments in the Middle East, the Pakistani envoy said that lasting peace cannot be achieved through the continued denial and suppression of the legitimate right to self-determination of the Palestinian people.

Similarly, he said, the UN Security Council has, through several resolutions, recognized the legitimate right of self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“A just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains central to the establishment of durable peace in South Asia”.

In conclusion, Ambassador Jadoon called for renewed international resolve to fully and unconditionally eradicate colonialism in all its forms and manifestations.