Rawalpindi: The 23rd martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Havaldar Lalak Jan, Nishan-e-Haider, is being observed on Thursday (today). 

In May 1999, Havaldar Lalak Jan was serving in Company Headquarters, while the enemy was preparing for a major attack. He willingly volunteered to fight on the frontline. 

Jan bravely defended his post with a handful of men. On July 07, the enemy constantly engaged his post for the entire day and despite being severely injured, he refused to be evacuated and successfully repulsed the attack, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy.

Despite his wounds, he stayed at his position and fought off the Indian assault. 

Later, Havaldar Jan succumbed to injuries and embraced martyrdom while defending the country. 

Shaheed Lalak Jan was awarded the country's highest award Nishan-e-Haider for the devotion and courage he showed in the Kargil war. 

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated Blue Line and Green Line Metro Bus Service routes in Islamabad on Thursday.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the Prime Minister said that provision of a regular, clean and punctual bus service is a major step of the incumbent government.

He said that launching of Green Line and Blue Line Metro Bus Services particularly in prevailing economic situation of the country is appreciable and important step of the government.  

Shehbaz Sharif directed the concerned authorities to complete all the related facilities of the project including the passenger stations on these routes at the earliest.

The Prime Minister also laid foundation stone of the building of Metro Bus Operation Command and Control Centre.

The Green Line Metro Bus Service will run between Bhara Kahu area to PIMS Hospital Islamabad. The 15.5 kilometres long route will have eight stations.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister announced free-travel for one month in these two Metro Bus Services.  

The Blue Line Metro Bus Service will run between Koral Chowk to PIMS Hospital Islamabad. The 20 kilometres long route will have 13 stations.

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah also addressed the ceremony while Chairman Capital Development Authority Amir Ali Ahmad briefed the participants about salient features of the projects.

North Waziristan: A soldier of the armed forces of Pakistan embraced martyrdom in an exchange of fire with terrorists in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Wednesday.

"Sepoy Waheed Khan, 23, resident of Nowshera having fought gallantly, embraced Shahadat," a brief statement issued by the military's media wing read. 

The ISPR further stated that the sanitisation of the area is being carried out to eliminate the threat of possible terrorists.