Balochistan Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Deputy Inspector General Aitzaz Goraya said on Thursday that militants were using the platform of the Balochistan Yakjehti Committee (BYC) to induct young people into their networks.

He disclosed the arrest of a Turbat-based suspect and additional detentions of teenagers in a joint press conference with Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat.

“One thing that has surfaced prominently is the role of the BYC. Every man or child who is facilitating or [is involved in] what they call a sharing network or intelligence network […] they are somehow linked to the BYC,” Goraya said, adding that the CTD had arrested Sajid Ahmad alias Shahwaiz, a resident of Turbat, during an operation in Panjgur.

Goraya said the CTD, police and other law-enforcement agencies carried out the operation and recovered a large cache of weapons and explosives from Sajid’s vehicle, including a rocket-propelled grenade, five rockets, two M-16 rifles with 23 magazines and 800 rounds, 20 hand grenades with 22 fuses, 30 C4 explosive slabs, remote controls, 13 UBGL rounds, a compass, helmets and 30 feet of detonating cord.

He said Sajid was travelling from Panjgur towards Turbat when he was apprehended.

He said the suspect had received a Master’s degree in Sociology from the International Islamic University in Islamabad, then worked on contract at Zubaida Jalal Government College for three years, before teaching at the University of Turbat.

Goraya said Sajid had been involved with BLF and BLA and had “remained with BYC and was in constant communication with its leadership”.

Goraya said investigators recovered material through mobile and forensic analysis, including what he described as a list of locations in Turbat such as the CTD complex, routes leading to Turbat Airport, and an under-construction high court building.

“Besides Sajid, we have also arrested three others against whom we are registering FIRs,” Goraya said.

He identified one of them as 18-year-old Sarfaraz, a resident of Kharan, who he said was tasked with conducting a reconnaissance of police and their polio duties and was first made to join BYC and involved in its protests and roadblocks.

Goraya said the person who inducted Sarfaraz into BYC was Jahanzaib alias Mehrbaan, aged 20, who is also in custody.

According to Goraya, Jahanzaib was involved in reconnaissance and transportation, and on one occasion delivered Rs600,000 in extortion money from Quetta, while on another delivered Rs1,000,000 along with medicines.

He said Jahanzaib later inducted 18-year-old Bezan into BYC, after which, Goraya claimed, Bezan joined the BLA. Goraya also said Bezan’s brother, Shafqat Yar, was killed in firing when the Levies force was attacked in Khad Kocha.

Goraya alleged Jahanzaib had been involved in BYC roadblocks in Nushki and Kharan and said he “participated in the BYC’s so-called missing persons protests” and organised who to bring and what to post on social media. “All these are those people and children who were subverted, and their minds were used to take them to the other side and assigned these small tasks,” he said.

Referring to militant outfit “Fitna al-Hindustan”, Goraya said they first use the BYC platform and then move matters forward by using children, adding that there was a “proper network being run that depends on young children, as they are not thoroughly checked when going to schools and colleges”.

The state has designated Balochistan-based terrorists groups as Fitna-al-Hindustan to highlight India’s role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD, JAN 8: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced the resumption of direct flight operations from Lahore to London, marking a major step in restoring its international network after a six-year suspension.

According to a PIA spokesperson, the first flight from Lahore to London will operate on March 30. The inaugural service will be flight PK-757, departing from Lahore for the UK capital. The resumption comes after a six-year gap.

Flights to land at Heathrow Terminal 4

PIA confirmed that all Lahore–London flights will land at Terminal 4 of Heathrow Airport. The spokesperson said London has historically been among the initial and most important international routes in PIA’s network.

The airline views the revival of this route as a key part of rebuilding trust and connectivity with overseas Pakistanis.

Weekly UK flights to increase to seven

With the launch of Lahore–London operations, the total number of Pakistan International Airlines flights to the UK will increase to seven per week. Before the ban, PIA was operating up to 10 weekly flights from Pakistan to London.

The spokesperson added that the number of flights to London will be increased gradually, keeping passenger demand and operational capacity in view. 

PIA has already announced the start of three weekly flights from Islamabad to London. These flights will commence from March 29, one day before the launch of the Lahore route.

Together, the Islamabad and Lahore operations will significantly expand PIA’s UK presence.

Boost for passengers, overseas Pakistanis

The restoration of Lahore–London flights is expected to provide much-needed convenience to travelers, particularly overseas Pakistanis from central Punjab. PIA officials say the move reflects the airline’s phased return to key international destinations.

The airline reiterated its commitment to further expanding its long-haul network as operations stabilize.

ISLAMABAD, JAN 8: JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has warned against attempts to take over religious madrasas and criticized the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), asserting that faith cannot be controlled by worldly powers.

Speaking at a turban-tying ceremony at Madrasa Taalim-ul-Quran in Raja Bazar, Rehman said, “America may currently hold the rule of the world in its hands, but it does not have the power of faith.”

He emphasized that if religious institutions and students are tested, they will become a test for those who try to challenge them.

Defense of madrasas

The JUI-F leader highlighted the role of madrasas in protecting Quranic and Hadith sciences. He recalled that Allama Shabbir Usmani was labeled illiterate by the British, stressing that similar attitudes persist today, where religious knowledge is often undervalued.

Rehman underlined that scholars across schools of thought are united in defending madrasas. He said, “We believe in dialogue and will abide by the law made through consultation, but no kind of cheating will be tolerated.”

Addressing the madrasa students, Rehman added that if they had focused more on working than raising slogans, they could have won the most seats in Punjab, highlighting the importance of dedication alongside faith-based learning.

RAWALPINDI, JAN 8: Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir has reiterated the army’s resolve to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and internal stability, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Thursday.

The statement came as the army chief visited Lahore Garrison to witness a specialised field training exercise showcasing the latest technologies and was given a comprehensive briefing on the formation’s operational preparedness, training standards and key initiatives to enhance combat efficiency.

Stressing on fostering a culture of excellence, discipline, and selfless national service, CDF Munir emphasised on innovation, adaptability to match the dynamic future battlefield, the military’s media wing said.

Field Marshal, the military’s media wing added, inspected sports and recreational facilities being provided to troops, highlighting their importance in maintaining physical fitness, morale, and overall well-being.

Furthermore, the CDF also visited a High Care Centre at CMH Lahore, lauding the efforts of the medical staff and administration in establishing a fully equipped, state-of-the-art healthcare facility.

Addressing the officers, Field Marshal Munir highlighted the Pakistan Army’s zero-tolerance policy towards any threat to national security, reaffirming the institution’s unwavering resolve to confront multifaceted challenges with focus, professionalism and determination.

ISLAMABAD, JAN 8 /DNA/ – Khalil Najmi is internationally recognized for his distinctive medallion portrait art. He shared insights on his artistic journey and the growing international appreciation of medallion portrait art as a medium for preserving history, celebrating identity and fostering dialogue among cultures. Mr. Najmi presented a masterpiece portrait of the father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to the High Commission.  

During the meeting, the High Commissioner underscored the importance of art as a powerful instrument of cultural diplomacy. He appreciated Mr. Najmi’s immense contribution in promoting Pakistan’s artistic heritage through medallion portraiture, a unique form that blends classical technique with contemporary expression.

The discussion highlighted promoting  people-to-people exchanges and projecting Pakistan’s soft image through visual art. He highlighted that artists play a vital role in building bridges among societies. He said that cultural exhibitions, artist exchanges and collaboration with counterpart institutions abroad are key pillars of Pakistan’s public diplomacy initiatives.