GILGIT: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has been made operational in Gilgit-Balt­istan and a dedicated CTD police station has been formally established in Gilgit.

In a statement, GB Police said the CTD had begun work with 250 officers and personnel, while recruitment for another 600 posts would be completed during the current year to strengthen the unit’s capacity.

The statement said assistance would be sought from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for basic training and professional skills development of CTD personnel in GB.

SSP Tanveerul Hassan has been appointed head of CTD Gilgit-Baltistan. All counterterrorism-rela­ted FIRs registered so far have been transferred to the CTD police station in Gilgit.

Mr Hassan said the CTD had four wings, including investigation, intelligence and operations, and would handle terrorism-related cases across the region.

He said the case relating to Thursday’s attack on a Frontier Works Organi­sation (FWO) vehicle in the Tangir valley of Diamer had been registered with the CTD.

The federal government had approved the establishment of a CTD unit in Gilgit-Baltistan in September last year, authorising the creation of 613 new posts to combat terrorism and violent incidents, particularly along the strategic Karakoram Highway (KKH).

However, federal and regional officials were facing funding challenges, with recurring expenditure for the new posts placed on the resource-strapped Gilgit-Baltistan governm­ent and uplift funds for construction deferred until the next fiscal year.

A Central Development Working Party (CDWP) meeting on July 25, 2025, reviewed the GB government-sponsored project, titled “Raising of CTD police in GB”, estimated to cost over Rs1.5 billion. The initiative followed a directive by the prime minister to establish the CTD in GB within six months.

According to official documents, the project aims to enhance the capacity of GB Police by addressing “critical gaps in human and technical resources” to enable effective responses to terrorist incidents and comprehensive investigations. The Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and States and Frontier Regions is to sponsor the project.

The Ministry of Planning had cited “reduced fiscal space in PSDP” and a “substantial” existing financial commitment to GB as reasons for delays.

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2026

UNITED NATIONS: The 15-member United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Friday condemned the suicide bombing at an imambargah in Islamabad in the “strongest terms”.

On February 6, a suicide bomber had ripped through the Friday congregation at the Imambargah Qasr-i-Khadijatul Kubra on the outskirts of Islamabad. At least 38 people were killed in the incident and more than 150 were injured.

In a press statement issued by UNSC President James Kariuki, the 15-member body described the February 6 attack as a “heinous and cowardly suicide bombing terrorist attack”.

The UNSC expressed “its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and the people of Pakistan” and wished “a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured”.

Reaffirming its long-standing position, the UNSC said that “terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security”.

The statement further stated that UNSC members stressed the need to ensure accountability, underlining “the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice”.

They urged all states to cooperate actively with Pakistan “in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions”.

Last week, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had also strongly condemned the attack.

“The secretary general reiterates that attacks against civilians and places of worship are unacceptable,” his spokesperson said, stressing that those responsible “must be identified and brought to justice”.

LONDON: Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe apologised on Thursday for his “choice of language” after saying the “UK has been colonised by immigrants”.

The billionaire businessman, founder and chairman of the Ineos chemicals company, made the remarks in a television interview in which he suggested “huge levels of immigration” to the UK had harmed the economy.

But following calls for Ratcliffe to apologise, including from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the 73-year-old said: “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern, but it is important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.

“My comments were made while answering questions about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, where I was discussing the importance of economic growth, jobs, skills and manufacturing in the UK.”

UK PM Starmer had called for an apology after tycoon claimed ‘UK being colonised by immigrants’

Monaco-based Ratcliffe added: “My intention was to stress that governments must manage migration alongside investment in skills, industry and jobs so that long-term prosperity is shared by everyone.

“It is critical that we maintain an open debate on the challenges facing the UK.”

‘Inflammatory and divisive’

A spokesman for Starmer reacted by saying: “The Prime Minister asked for an apology, and one’s been issued, and it’s absolutely right that Jim Ratcliffe has apologised for that language.”

He added: “There should be a serious debate about immigration, but the Prime Minister believes in a Britain built for all.” Nevertheless, finance minister Rachel Reeves insisted the government would still support Ratcliffe’s businesses in Britain, including the Grangemouth oil refinery in Scotland.

“What Jim Ratcliffe said was unacceptable. It was disgusting, frankly, and he should apologise for his remarks, but I’m not going to let what Jim Ratcliffe has said determine the future of jobs in Scotland,” said Reeves.

Ratcliffe told Sky News on Wednesday: “You can’t have an economy with nine million people on benefits and huge levels of immigrants coming in. I mean, the UK is being colonised. It’s costing too much money.The UK has been colonised by immigrants.”

Ratcliffe’s comments could lead to a possible disciplinary charge of “bringing the game into disrepute” by England’s governing Football Association.

During his Sky interview, Ratcliffe, who said his “unpopular” decisions at Old Trafford were now bearing fruit following United’s recent on-field resurgence, cited erroneous statistics that the UK population was 58 million in 2020 and that “now it’s 70m”.

Population estimates by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the country’s population was in fact 67m in mid-2020 and just under 70 million in mid-2024.

Hours later, Starmer urged Ratcliffe to apologise for the “offensive and wrong” comments, with Kick it Out, a UK-based body seeking to counter racism in football, reacting strongly to the “disgraceful and deeply divise” remarks on Thursday.

“In addition to the inaccurate figures mentioned, it’s worth reminding him that Manchester United has a diverse fan base and plays in a city whose cultural history has been enriched by immigrants,” Kick It Out said in a statement.

“This type of language and leadership has no place in English football, and we believe most fans will feel the same.”

Several United supporters’ groups did criticise the comments while the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said that while calling for immigration curbs was “one thing”, portraying those who arrived in Britain “as a hostile invading force is quite another”.

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Rejecting all objections from workers’ unions, the Ministry of Privatisation has issued a speaking order for the completion of the process for the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

In a detailed decision under directives of the Lahore High Court, Privatisation Secretary Hammad Hashmi wrote that the entire process leading to the privatisation of the national flag carrier was completed under the law, and none of the objections raised by the workers’ union “Peoples’ Unity’ and others had any legal standing.

“None of the allegations raised by the petitioners/objectors establishes any constitutional violation, statutory breach, arbitrariness, mala fide, or infringement of fundamental rights. The privatisation of PIACL has been undertaken within the bounds of constitutional authority, statutory mandate, and settled principles governing the privatisation process under the privatisation laws and regulations. These petitions are dismissed,” he wrote, effectively closing all disputes.

Ministry rejects workers’ objections, cites compliance with law

On Jan 23, the Lahore High Court had ordered the petitioners to appear before the privatisation secretary who was required to hear them out and issue a speaking order.

The secretary rejected the objection that privatisation should have been placed before the Council of Common Interest as required under Article 154 of the constitution, saying the CCI approval was already in the field, given its inclusion in the sale list. “The transaction squarely falls within the executive authority of the Federation under Article 173 of the constitution, which expressly empowers the Federal Government to dispose of its property and to make contracts,” the order held.

Mr Hashmi also rejected the objection regarding a violation of Section 3(3) of the PIAC Conversion Act 2016, saying the said section was removed by Parliament through an amendment in 2023. The privatisation process, having been initiated after the removal of the statutory restriction, was, therefore, fully compliant with the prevailing legal framework.

The secretary also rejected the allegation of undervaluation of PIA’s international and domestic slots. The objectors had claimed a Rs270bn value for international slots and Rs19bn for domestic slots. However, the secretary noted that these assertions were unsupported by any credible material, independent valuation report, or admissible evidence. Bald figures stated in pleadings, without substantiation, cannot form the basis for judicial interference in a commercial transaction.

Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Former chief of army staff Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa has been admitted to a military hospital after sustaining injuries in a fall at his home, according to an informed source.

Bajwa slipped at his residence and suffered multiple injuries, according to initial information. He was moved to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) for treatment and was reported to be in stable condition.

He was admitted to the hospital’s intensive care unit, though the extent of his injuries was not immediately clear.

It is not known exactly when or how the fall occurred. His family could not be reached for comment.

Bajwa, 65, served as the 10th chief of army staff from Nov 29, 2016, to Nov 29, 2022, with an extension in his tenure granted in 2019.

Since retiring in late 2022, Bajwa has largely stayed out of the public eye.

President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday appreciated efforts for easing tensions and promoting regional peace, warning that any military escalation involving Iran could destabilise the Gulf region, South Asia and Western Asia.

He said this while addressing a ceremony hosted by the Iranian embassy in Islamabad on the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

“Any instability involving Iran, or any attempt to resolve issues through military means, carries grave risks. Such actions could … undermine global peace, and cause serious harm to the global economy. The stakes are far too high for confrontation,” Zardari said.

He further stated that Pakistan opposed unilateral sanctions and coercive measures, including against Iran, and believed that “peaceful engagement best serves regional and global security”.

“Pakistan welcomes efforts aimed at easing tensions and encourages continued dialogue among relevant parties in a constructive spirit, with the objective of promoting peace and stability in the region,” he added.

Earlier, the president requested the participants of the ceremony to observe one minute of silence in the memory of victims of the recent blast in Islamabad, and the tragedies in Iran.

“Let’s pray that wars never come to us,” he said.

Referring to ongoing conflicts, terrorism, external interference and unresolved regional flashpoints in the region, the president said Pakistan firmly believed that such challenges could not be addressed through force or unilateral actions.

He also emphasised that Pakistan and Iran shared responsibilities as neighbouring countries and remained committed to cooperating on border management, counter-terrorism and “turning the shared frontier into a zone of cooperation, lawful trade and development”.

The president stressed that Pakistan valued balanced relations globally and was ready to play a constructive role in promoting restraint, dialogue and regional peace.

He extended his warm congratulations to the leadership and people of Iran.

“May our partnership continue to grow, and may our region move towards security, stability and shared prosperity,” he said.

The president added Pakistan and Iran were not just neighbours, but also “civilisational partners”.

“Our shared border reflects centuries of interaction, coexistence and mutual respect,” he stated. “Our relationship is rooted in faith, history and enduring cultural bonds that continue to shape our region.”

He noted that the Persian language and its great literary tradition had profoundly influenced Pakistan’s intellectual life, adding that for hundreds of years, it was the official language of some of the regions that were now a part of Pakistan.

“Its influence remains deeply embedded in our national consciousness. Pakistan’s national anthem itself reflects the deep imprint of the Persian language on our collective identity,” he stated.

The president remembered Sachal Sarmast, a renowned 18th-century poet in Sindh, on the occasion, saying that composed poetry in Persian, which reflected “a shared spiritual and philosophical space”.

“Poets and thinkers such as Rumi, Hafiz, Saadi and Ferdowsi are widely respected in Pakistan, while Iqbal, who wrote much of his work in Persian, remains a shared symbol of dignity and renewal for both our societies,” he added.

In his welcome address, Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam said that despite facing various external pressures and challenges, Iran had made remarkable progress in key sectors, including technology, defence, science and the economy.

He noted that the Iranian nation had “consistently demonstrated resilience and self-reliance”, turning challenges into opportunities and continuing its journey of development with determination.

Moghadam said that Iran did “not seek war and believes in resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy”. However, he made it clear that if a war broke out, Iran would “fully retaliate in defence of its sovereignty”.

The ambassador appreciated the government and people of Pakistan for their support, particularly during “Israeli aggression against Iran”.