DERA GHAZI KHAN: A wanted terrorist linked with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Bilal Khosa alias Basheer, was killed in a late-night `encounter’ near Chak Ladan, within the jurisdiction of Kala police station.

The incident occurred at 12:55am [Sunday night] when armed suspects hiding in bushes opened indiscriminate fire on a police patrol vehicle.

Police responded with strategic counter fire, resulting in the death of one assailant, later identified as Bilal Khosa.

His accomplices managed to flee, and a search operation is currently underway.

Khosa was wanted in several high-profile cases, including attempted murder, robbery, terrorism, and double homicide. He had also been nominated in two FIRs registered by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Dera Ghazi Khan: FIR No. 07/25: Sections 324, 353, 148, 149, 440, 427 PPC; 3/4 Explosives Act; 7 ATA 1997 and FIR No. 10/25: Sections 302, 324, 353, 148, 149, 440, 427 PPC; 3/4 Explosives Act; 7 ATA 1997.

Intelligence sources confirmed his direct involvement in the plotting and execution of targeted attacks on police and intelligence personnel.

In 2021, following the deaths of his brother and a close relative in police encounters, Khosa joined TTP and escalated his militant activities.

District Police Officer Syed Ali lauded the police for their bravery and operational success.

The Punjab police described the killing it’s major success as the “most wanted terrorist involved in terrorism, targeted killings of police personnel, and heinous crimes, was killed during an exchange of fire,” says an official announcement.

It said Bilal Khosa was affiliated with the TTP (Fitna al-Khawarij).

PROBE: An inquiry committee has been constituted by Deputy Commissioner Usman Khalid to investigate the death of a labourer who was killed while working on a machine at a textile mill.

The incident, which occurred a few days ago, involved a labourer from Muzaffargarh, who reportedly became trapped in a running machine that cut his body in two. He was a newlywed at the time of the accident.

The deceased’s family has demanded justice and financial compensation. Sources allege that the mill administration sent the mutilated body home without proper medical dressing or covering, causing outrage among locals and the family.

Deputy Commissioner Usman Khalid confirmed that a formal probe has been launched to fix responsibility.

Published in Dawn, August 5th, 2025