On Tuesday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced that security personnel successfully averted a terrorist attack on their station in the Gulistan region of Qila Abdullah.

A group of terrorists attempted to infiltrate the security forces’ position on the night of January 27-28, as reported by the military’s media arm. The perpetrators crashed an explosive-laden truck into the post’s wall to breach it.

The security personnel participated in an intense gunfight with the assailants. All five terrorists, comprising two suicide bombs, were neutralised during the confrontation.

Regrettably, two men of the Pakistan Army attained martyrdom during the operation. The individuals who were martyred have been named as Naik Tahir Khan and Lance Naik Tahir Iqbal.

The offenders of this egregious conduct will be held accountable. The ISPR statement declared, “The sacrifices of our valiant soldiers reinforce our determination to eradicate the menace of terrorism.”

Bannu IBO
An intelligence-driven operation was executed in the Janikhel region of Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, based on information on the presence of terrorists. The operation culminated in the elimination of three terrorists and the wounding of nine more.

The ISPR announced that an operation was in progress to eradicate terrorists. It underscored the will of the military forces to eliminate terrorism from the nation.

Subsequent to both assaults, search operations were initiated throughout the pertinent region to guarantee the protection and safety of people.

On Tuesday, the price of gold in Pakistan experienced a significant decrease, mirroring global market patterns.

The price of 24-karat gold per tola in the local market declined by Rs2,700, reaching a record high of Rs286,400, as reported by the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA).

Similarly, the price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold dropped by Rs2,315, taking it to Rs245,541.

Additionally, the price of gold in Pakistan has declined further.

In the global market, the price of gold decreased by $26 on Tuesday, settling at $2,741 per ounce, with an additional premium of $20.

The price of silver in the local market fell by Rs32 to reach Rs3,363 per tola.

The Supreme Court’s seven-member constitutional bench postponed the hearing on intra-court challenges against the nullification of civilian proceedings in military courts until tomorrow.

Under the leadership of Justice Aminuddin Khan, the bench consists of Justices Shahid Bilal Hassan, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Hassan Azhar Rizvi, Mussarat Hilali, Jamal Mandokhel, and Naeem Akhtar Afghan.

Khawaja Haris, the Defence Ministry’s attorney, described the process for trials and investigations in military courts throughout the hearing.

He told the court that in military trials, charges are made against the accused and then an investigation is carried out. The accused is shown witnesses and given the chance to question them in cross-examination. Haris said, “The kind of transparent investigation conducted in the army cannot be seen anywhere else.”

According to Khawaja Haris, who supported the military court procedures, the accused is asked if he has any objections to a judge at the start of a court martial, and judgements are taken by a majority. Justice Mussarat Hilali asked if a uniformed military commander could be an unbiased judge, saying, “These days, people are also questioning the judges. How is it possible for a uniformed military officer to be an unbiased judge?

Khawaja Haris responded, “Even judges are wearing uniforms,” which caused the courtroom to erupt in laughter. In response, Justice Mandokhel said, “You mean that the black and khaki uniforms are the same? Wouldn’t an impartial body be preferable for implementation, regardless of how good the process is?”

He added that the accused frequently express dissatisfaction with the trials that their accusers have performed.

The counsel for the Defence Ministry briefed the court on the Army Act’s charge-frame procedure and the police FIA. He clarified that following the framing of a charge, the commanding officer carries out an inquiry, which is predicated on the charge. In response to Justice Jamal Mandokhel’s inquiry on whether the charge frame is created during the trial as well, Haris explained that it is distinct and is created during the trial.

Concerning the application of military law to civilians, Justice Mussarat Hilali posed the question, “No matter how strict this law is, will it apply to civilians?” “A charge must be framed; one cannot be considered in violation of the Army Act unless there is an allegation,” Justice Jamal Mandokhel continued.

The bench was suspicious about the fairness of military trials for civilians in spite of these guarantees. Justice Jamal Mandokhel restated, “Wouldn’t it be better to have an independent body for implementation, regardless of how good the procedure is?”

After declaring that the constitutional bench would only consider cases pertaining to military courts tomorrow, Justice Aminuddin Khan adjourned the meeting.