QUETTA: Eight jawans of the Dir Scouts were killed today [May 18] when they were ambushed by Marri guerrillas at Tandori near Sibi. The Scouts, according to an official Press note, were on their normal patrol duty … when they were shot at ruthlessly without any provocation. Each one of the jawans sustained at least 15 to 20 bullets. …

The Press note issued by the Baluchistan Government … said Marri guerrillas were armed and equipped with modern sophisticated weapons given by foreign enemies who have been pouring in arms and money in Baluchistan … since the dismissal of NAP Government. The NAP-trained guerrillas have stepped up their sabotage activities for the separation of Baluchistan from Pakistan. It may be mentioned that 100 of Levies raised by the NAP regime had deserted with their arms from Quetta alone, to their hideouts. — News agencies

[Meanwhile, as reported by Our Staff Reporter from Karachi,] Chaudhri Khaliquz­zaman, the veteran Muslim League leader, died at his residence in Karachi yesterday [May 18] morning after prolonged illness during which he remained in a state of coma for several weeks. He was laid to rest in Mewa Shah graveyard yesterday afternoon.

Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2023