Govt should say goodbye to war on terror: Imran Khan
Saleem Mehsud
ISLAMABAD, Dec 22: The Pakistan Tehrek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Thursday claimed that the government was in talks with the banned Tehrek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and an end to the suicide attacks inside Pakistan was the proof that negotiations were underway.
Imran said that Pakistani government should say goodbye to the war on terror, hold talks with the Taliban and also ask the Americans in strong terms that government will not tolerate US interference in the affairs of the country.
“When I was saying that use of military against its own citizens would heighten the situation and would not bear fruits rather matters should be solved by holding talks then he was named as Taliban Khan but now the US generals were also supporting his sayings because Joe Biden in an interview with News Week said that Taliban were not enemies of US,” Imran said.
To a question, Imran said that PTI witnessed surge during the last six months as people’s in large number were joining his party, adding that if candidates of the ruling parties were joining PTI which has no power and presentation then they should be given credit because they were joining PTI to follow the ideology of PTI and also to bring change in the country.
When asked that PTI conferred important position to Shah Mehmood Qureshi without holding party election and also if PTI would follow candidate based politics or will follow true spirit of democracy, Imran said that Shah Mehmood was not involved in any financial corruption and was given the important position in PTI because he was eligible, adding that PTI will not follow the candidate based politics rather party would hold proper democratic rules in order to boost genuine leadership.
He said that change of party was not something very bad because activists of PTI have also joined other parties and also Quaid-e-Azam had changed his party. He said that people were joining PTI to bring change in the country and will follow the ideology of the party because human being can adopt right path at any movement of life.
“The committee of PTI for the nomination of candidates will not give tickets to corrupt people,” the PTI chief reiterated.
Replying to a question when asked if the PTI was in understanding with the MQM for holding Karachi rally on December 25, Imran said that his party was not siding anyone rather it want to unite people of all factions living in Karachi and have challenged the dwellers of Karachi that whether you want to live in peace or not. Imran said PTI want to unite all the factions in Karachi in order to bring peace in the mega city where businesses could flourish, made an end to criminal activities which in return will ensure jobs to the poor masses.
When asked that Musharraf was also due next month in the country and whether PTI will allow him to join the party, he rejected the rumours, and said he admitted that he made a wrong decision by supporting Musharraf’s referendum.
Responding to a question that whether PTI will punish Musharraf for abrogating the constitution of Pakistan, Imran said that everyone involved in wrongdoings should be dealt according to the rule of law, adding that his party would uphold the rule of law in the country.
When asked the PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif was also in Karachi where PTI was going to hold rally whether his presence would make any hindrance for the PTI to play on Karachi pitch properly, Imran said that PTI’s tsunami could not be stopped by any force because people were demanding change and only PTI was the ray of hope for the masses.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
TTP spokesman, Commander deny reports of talks with govt
TTP spokesman, Commander deny reports of talks with govt
-- US administration keenly looking into reports of Pak-TTP talks
Saleem Mehsud
PESHAWAR, Dec 11 : Denying the reports that Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was in talks with the government of Pakistan to conclude peace deal in the tribal areas, both spokesman for Pakistani Taliban and another commander of TTP (Bajaur chapter) on Sunday rejected the media reports, saying that until enforcement of Sharia in the entire country talks with the government of Pakistan were impossible.
Talking to foreign media TTP spokesman Eshanullah Eshan rejected the claims made by Maulvi Faqir, saying that TTP was not in talks with the government.
He also denied the reports made by some unnamed officials and commanders that Taliban were negotiating peace deal with the government, saying that such reports were not valid rather baseless.
Meanwhile, Maulana Daduallah also rejected the claim of Taliban’s talks with the government, saying that Maulvi Faqir was contacting the government in personal capacity.
Earlier, talking to the BBC from undisclosed location, Dadullah termed TTP leader Maulvi Faqir claim about the talks as his personal act, saying the TTP has not initiated any talks with the government. “Maulvi Faqir was holding talks with government individually,” the commander said.
Maulvi Faqir, is deputy TTP chief and an important commander of Bajaur based Taliban, Saturday confirmed talks with the government. He has also noted progress in the talks, which resulted into the release of 145 Taliban prisoners and a ceasefire by the Taliban.
While, Maulana Dadullah, claiming to be chief of TTP Bajaur, said that TTP as a whole did not believe in talks with Pakistani government until Sharia is implemented.
“I am personally against talks with Pakistan, war with the government of Pakistan will continue till the enforcement of Sharia in the entire country,” the commander reiterated.
Commenting on the conflicting statements, Rahimullah Yousafzai, Afghan affairs expert, said that apparently it was revealed that TTP has been divided into groups in Bajaur and Dadullah was claiming to be the chief of TTP Amarat in Bajaur. He further said that some of the Taliban factions were contacted for talks by the government but government has not directly talked to them rather tribal elders and Ulema had played role of interlocution.
“According to my view Taliban were contacted for talks both in Bajaur and in South Waziristan but yet no progress has been made,” Rahimullah said.
Meanwhile, the BBC reported that there was a strong internal grouping in the TTP’s ranks, with Mullah Dadullah being one of strong contenders for his personal fiefdom of Pakistan chapter.
Dadullah’s denial highlighted the possibility of some factions within the TTP. Sources said the TTP may be in contact with the government through elders of tribal areas, but Pakistani government might have refused any direct talks with them.
On the other hand, after reports emerged of peace negotiations between the Pakistani Taliban and Pakistan government, the US said that they would not like to see recent gains made by the Pakistani military against the TTP to be lost.
White House spokesperson Caitlin Hayden on Saturday said that the White House had seen reports of the TTP entering into negotiations with Pakistan, however, she added, they “do not appear definitive at this point.”
-- US administration keenly looking into reports of Pak-TTP talks
Saleem Mehsud
PESHAWAR, Dec 11 : Denying the reports that Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was in talks with the government of Pakistan to conclude peace deal in the tribal areas, both spokesman for Pakistani Taliban and another commander of TTP (Bajaur chapter) on Sunday rejected the media reports, saying that until enforcement of Sharia in the entire country talks with the government of Pakistan were impossible.
Talking to foreign media TTP spokesman Eshanullah Eshan rejected the claims made by Maulvi Faqir, saying that TTP was not in talks with the government.
He also denied the reports made by some unnamed officials and commanders that Taliban were negotiating peace deal with the government, saying that such reports were not valid rather baseless.
Meanwhile, Maulana Daduallah also rejected the claim of Taliban’s talks with the government, saying that Maulvi Faqir was contacting the government in personal capacity.
Earlier, talking to the BBC from undisclosed location, Dadullah termed TTP leader Maulvi Faqir claim about the talks as his personal act, saying the TTP has not initiated any talks with the government. “Maulvi Faqir was holding talks with government individually,” the commander said.
Maulvi Faqir, is deputy TTP chief and an important commander of Bajaur based Taliban, Saturday confirmed talks with the government. He has also noted progress in the talks, which resulted into the release of 145 Taliban prisoners and a ceasefire by the Taliban.
While, Maulana Dadullah, claiming to be chief of TTP Bajaur, said that TTP as a whole did not believe in talks with Pakistani government until Sharia is implemented.
“I am personally against talks with Pakistan, war with the government of Pakistan will continue till the enforcement of Sharia in the entire country,” the commander reiterated.
Commenting on the conflicting statements, Rahimullah Yousafzai, Afghan affairs expert, said that apparently it was revealed that TTP has been divided into groups in Bajaur and Dadullah was claiming to be the chief of TTP Amarat in Bajaur. He further said that some of the Taliban factions were contacted for talks by the government but government has not directly talked to them rather tribal elders and Ulema had played role of interlocution.
“According to my view Taliban were contacted for talks both in Bajaur and in South Waziristan but yet no progress has been made,” Rahimullah said.
Meanwhile, the BBC reported that there was a strong internal grouping in the TTP’s ranks, with Mullah Dadullah being one of strong contenders for his personal fiefdom of Pakistan chapter.
Dadullah’s denial highlighted the possibility of some factions within the TTP. Sources said the TTP may be in contact with the government through elders of tribal areas, but Pakistani government might have refused any direct talks with them.
On the other hand, after reports emerged of peace negotiations between the Pakistani Taliban and Pakistan government, the US said that they would not like to see recent gains made by the Pakistani military against the TTP to be lost.
White House spokesperson Caitlin Hayden on Saturday said that the White House had seen reports of the TTP entering into negotiations with Pakistan, however, she added, they “do not appear definitive at this point.”
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Cadet college to be functional in SWA soon: APA
Cadet college to be functional in SWA soon: APA
Saleem Mehsud
TANK, Dec 10 : Assistant Political Agent (APA) South Waziristan Agency (SWA), Hameed Ullah Khan has said that major role in various projects including education, communication, health and rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of SWA was of Pakistan Army while political administration was also participating and providing assistance to the armed forces in limited scale.
In an interview, Hameed said that political administration and Pakistan Army in collaboration were utilizing all the available facilities at hand to provide relief and basic facilities to the IDPs of Mehsud tribe. He said that by the joint efforts of armed forces and political administration the IDPs were sent to 30-40 villages of SWA and the IDPs were living peaceful life.
“Two cadet colleges will be constructed in SWA in order to provide better education to the tribesmen,” Hameed said, adding that “Mehsud Cadet College” will be functional in the next few months which will impart quality education to the locals. He said that facilitation card was given to all those returning to SWA through which they will get relief funds being announced for them in order to assist their families.
When quizzed to show role of political administration in SWA’s development and other issues related to security of the area, he said that role of political administration was very limited in every field, saying that political administration was assisting the armed forces to great extent in their effort of establishing peace in SWA and also in developmental projects.
Replying to a question regarding re-construction of the destroyed homes in SWA, the APA said that political administration in collaboration with the UNHCR were giving Rs8,000 to each family and also material of one room to the IDPs, adding that reports about registration of animals were fabricated.
When asked that most of SWA area was not yet opened for locals and tribesmen were waiting for the last three years to enter their hometown, he said that work was underway in some areas without mentioning the nature of work, saying that after completion of work then with the consultation of the Mehsud elders, migration of IDPs will be initiated.
Lauding the role of army in the development of SWA, Hameed said that security forces were focusing on the health, communication and education sectors in SWA’s territory inhabited by the Mehsud tribe in order to bring the deprived tribal area at par with the other parts of the country and also to make it one of the developed areas of the country.
Commenting on the question that armed forces were pushing the IDPs in SWA not to told their officers and other high ups during their visits to SWA about the difficulties being faced by them, Hameed said that armed forces stationed in SWA were extending help and assistance to the locals to the extent what was possible for them.
The APA when asked that some of the IDPs complained that officials concerned at the registration centre were even registering their animals, he replied that it was not true, adding that government was doing registration of boys below the age of 12.
It is pertinent to be mentioned here that some of the IDPs on the condition not to mention their names complained that some of their family members were living in damaged houses in SWA and the government was not giving relief to them. They said that only the non-governmental organizations were providing them rations and some construction material, adding that locals were facing numerous difficulties.
They said that entry into SWA and travelling from SWA towards the settled districts was very time consuming and tough because locals have to go through several army check-points, adding that only those tribesmen who have registration card can make an entry into SWA while the others having Pakistani ID card were not allowed to enter the tribal area.
Saleem Mehsud
TANK, Dec 10 : Assistant Political Agent (APA) South Waziristan Agency (SWA), Hameed Ullah Khan has said that major role in various projects including education, communication, health and rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of SWA was of Pakistan Army while political administration was also participating and providing assistance to the armed forces in limited scale.
In an interview, Hameed said that political administration and Pakistan Army in collaboration were utilizing all the available facilities at hand to provide relief and basic facilities to the IDPs of Mehsud tribe. He said that by the joint efforts of armed forces and political administration the IDPs were sent to 30-40 villages of SWA and the IDPs were living peaceful life.
“Two cadet colleges will be constructed in SWA in order to provide better education to the tribesmen,” Hameed said, adding that “Mehsud Cadet College” will be functional in the next few months which will impart quality education to the locals. He said that facilitation card was given to all those returning to SWA through which they will get relief funds being announced for them in order to assist their families.
When quizzed to show role of political administration in SWA’s development and other issues related to security of the area, he said that role of political administration was very limited in every field, saying that political administration was assisting the armed forces to great extent in their effort of establishing peace in SWA and also in developmental projects.
Replying to a question regarding re-construction of the destroyed homes in SWA, the APA said that political administration in collaboration with the UNHCR were giving Rs8,000 to each family and also material of one room to the IDPs, adding that reports about registration of animals were fabricated.
When asked that most of SWA area was not yet opened for locals and tribesmen were waiting for the last three years to enter their hometown, he said that work was underway in some areas without mentioning the nature of work, saying that after completion of work then with the consultation of the Mehsud elders, migration of IDPs will be initiated.
Lauding the role of army in the development of SWA, Hameed said that security forces were focusing on the health, communication and education sectors in SWA’s territory inhabited by the Mehsud tribe in order to bring the deprived tribal area at par with the other parts of the country and also to make it one of the developed areas of the country.
Commenting on the question that armed forces were pushing the IDPs in SWA not to told their officers and other high ups during their visits to SWA about the difficulties being faced by them, Hameed said that armed forces stationed in SWA were extending help and assistance to the locals to the extent what was possible for them.
The APA when asked that some of the IDPs complained that officials concerned at the registration centre were even registering their animals, he replied that it was not true, adding that government was doing registration of boys below the age of 12.
It is pertinent to be mentioned here that some of the IDPs on the condition not to mention their names complained that some of their family members were living in damaged houses in SWA and the government was not giving relief to them. They said that only the non-governmental organizations were providing them rations and some construction material, adding that locals were facing numerous difficulties.
They said that entry into SWA and travelling from SWA towards the settled districts was very time consuming and tough because locals have to go through several army check-points, adding that only those tribesmen who have registration card can make an entry into SWA while the others having Pakistani ID card were not allowed to enter the tribal area.
Monday, December 5, 2011
NATO gave information about far away location from Salala about attack: ISPR
NATO gave information about far away location from Salala about attack: ISPR
By Saleem Mehsud
ISLAMABAD, Dec 03: Rejecting the Nato claim that Pakistan army was informed in advance about the area of operation, Army spokesman Major General Athar Abbas has said that location informed by NATO with reference to its operation ahead of its attack on check post was far away from Salala but NATO forces attacked Salala check post.
Athar Abbas said that targeting Salala check post by NATO helicopters when NATO was already been informed about its first attack about this post was beyond comprehension.
Talking to a private TV channel DG ISPR, Maj Gen Athar Abbas said no treaty existed between Pakistan and NATO forces for launching joint operation or moving to each others areas.
"However border coordination centres were functioning on borders and when any operation is conducted at any place near the borders then information in advance is given in this respect, he pointed out".
DG ISPR said that Nato officials has asked border coordination centre that Nato forces would conduct operation in Gorapria area of Afghanistan about which Pakistani forces said that no army deployment existed on Goraprai area on the Pak-Afghan border but the Nato forces conducted operation in Salala area which was far away from the area mentioned by Nato forces for clearance.
He said the border coordination centres were installed at four separate spots at the Pak-Afghan border in order to inform officials of both countries about operation and presence of army deployment on either side of the border in wake of any operation and it was also decided that forces of both the countries would not entered into territory of other country. Border between both the countries will be considered Red Line, DG ISPR mentioned.
He said Pakistani authorities informed NATO that its check post had been shelled but NATO helicopters came back and again targeted our check post which was beyond comprehension, he said.
When the Nato forces conducted operation in Salala area and killed 24 security forces personnel then a female Major appointed at coordination centre regretted that she made mistake by telling Pakistani coordination centre wrong area.
By Saleem Mehsud
ISLAMABAD, Dec 03: Rejecting the Nato claim that Pakistan army was informed in advance about the area of operation, Army spokesman Major General Athar Abbas has said that location informed by NATO with reference to its operation ahead of its attack on check post was far away from Salala but NATO forces attacked Salala check post.
Athar Abbas said that targeting Salala check post by NATO helicopters when NATO was already been informed about its first attack about this post was beyond comprehension.
Talking to a private TV channel DG ISPR, Maj Gen Athar Abbas said no treaty existed between Pakistan and NATO forces for launching joint operation or moving to each others areas.
"However border coordination centres were functioning on borders and when any operation is conducted at any place near the borders then information in advance is given in this respect, he pointed out".
DG ISPR said that Nato officials has asked border coordination centre that Nato forces would conduct operation in Gorapria area of Afghanistan about which Pakistani forces said that no army deployment existed on Goraprai area on the Pak-Afghan border but the Nato forces conducted operation in Salala area which was far away from the area mentioned by Nato forces for clearance.
He said the border coordination centres were installed at four separate spots at the Pak-Afghan border in order to inform officials of both countries about operation and presence of army deployment on either side of the border in wake of any operation and it was also decided that forces of both the countries would not entered into territory of other country. Border between both the countries will be considered Red Line, DG ISPR mentioned.
He said Pakistani authorities informed NATO that its check post had been shelled but NATO helicopters came back and again targeted our check post which was beyond comprehension, he said.
When the Nato forces conducted operation in Salala area and killed 24 security forces personnel then a female Major appointed at coordination centre regretted that she made mistake by telling Pakistani coordination centre wrong area.
Monday, November 28, 2011
NATO attack could lead to grave repercussions: Athar
By Saleem Mehsud
ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 : The Pakistan Army while expressing its disgust over NATO attacks in the Mohmand Agency in which 24 security forces personnel were martyred, has said that mere NATO’s apologies were neither enough nor acceptable and warned that the action can lead to serious consequences.
“Our future plans of action and decision over the issue of cross-border attack would be formulated jointly by the civil and military leadership of the country,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said.
Athar said that mere NATO’s regret over the martyrdom of 24 security forces personnel was not enough.
He said that such incidents have happened in past that killed 72 soldiers and injured more than 250 troops in the last three years.
“The Saturday action of US led NATO forces in the Pak-Afghan bordering area can lead to utterly grave repercussions,” the ISPR spokesman warned.
He also denied reports that NATO forces in Afghanistan came under fire before launching a cross-border attack that led to the killing of 24 Pakistani soldiers.
“This is not true. They are making up excuses. What are their losses, casualties?” Earlier a report, citing Afghan and Western officials, had said that fire from a Pakistani military outpost into Afghanistan prompted the air strikes.
The military spokesman said the Pakistani troops at two border posts were the victims of unprovoked aggression. He said the attack lasted almost two hours and that commanders had contacted NATO counterparts while it was going on, asking “they get this fire to cease, but somehow it continued.”
In an interview on Sunday with British newspaper the Guardian, Athar Abbas said he did not believe ISAF or Afghan forces received fire from the Pakistani side. “I cannot rule out the possibility that this was a deliberate attack by ISAF,” said Abbas. “If ISAF was receiving fire, then they must tell us what their losses were.”
Pakistani army officials said the posts that were attacked were about 300 metres into Pakistani territory. ISAF officers, however, maintain that the border in that area is disputed.
Abbas told the Guardian that the firing lasted for over an hour, and that ISAF made “no attempt” to contact the Pakistani side. “This was a totally unprovoked attack. There are no safe havens or hideouts left there [for militants] in Mohmand,” he said.
“This was a visible, well-made post, on top of ridges, made of concrete. Militants don’t operate from mountaintops, from concrete structures.”
But a report in Monday’s Wall Street Journal — denied by Islamabad — said the NATO jets and helicopters responded to firing from a Pakistani post on the ill-defined Afghan border.
The article, which followed a similar report by the Guardian, cited three Afghan officials and one Western official as saying the air raid was called in to shield allied forces targeting Taliban fighters.
NATO and Afghan forces “were fired on from a Pakistani army base”, the unnamed Western official told the Wall Street Journal. “It was a defensive action.”
An early Saturday morning attack by NATO helicopters killed at least 24 security personnel and injured 12 soldiers on a Pakistani check post in Salala, which is located in the Tehsil Bayzai area of Mohmand Agency on the Pak-Afghan border.
The United States has been told by Pakistan’s military leadership to evacuate a logistically key airbase it operates in Balochistan – Shamsi Airbase – within 15 days. In addition, Pakistan’s fury was driven home with an official statement that it will shut down NATO supply routes operating through its territory – something that has happened for the first time, though supply routes have previously been temporarily blocked unofficially following similar attacks.
By Saleem Mehsud
ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 : The Pakistan Army while expressing its disgust over NATO attacks in the Mohmand Agency in which 24 security forces personnel were martyred, has said that mere NATO’s apologies were neither enough nor acceptable and warned that the action can lead to serious consequences.
“Our future plans of action and decision over the issue of cross-border attack would be formulated jointly by the civil and military leadership of the country,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said.
Athar said that mere NATO’s regret over the martyrdom of 24 security forces personnel was not enough.
He said that such incidents have happened in past that killed 72 soldiers and injured more than 250 troops in the last three years.
“The Saturday action of US led NATO forces in the Pak-Afghan bordering area can lead to utterly grave repercussions,” the ISPR spokesman warned.
He also denied reports that NATO forces in Afghanistan came under fire before launching a cross-border attack that led to the killing of 24 Pakistani soldiers.
“This is not true. They are making up excuses. What are their losses, casualties?” Earlier a report, citing Afghan and Western officials, had said that fire from a Pakistani military outpost into Afghanistan prompted the air strikes.
The military spokesman said the Pakistani troops at two border posts were the victims of unprovoked aggression. He said the attack lasted almost two hours and that commanders had contacted NATO counterparts while it was going on, asking “they get this fire to cease, but somehow it continued.”
In an interview on Sunday with British newspaper the Guardian, Athar Abbas said he did not believe ISAF or Afghan forces received fire from the Pakistani side. “I cannot rule out the possibility that this was a deliberate attack by ISAF,” said Abbas. “If ISAF was receiving fire, then they must tell us what their losses were.”
Pakistani army officials said the posts that were attacked were about 300 metres into Pakistani territory. ISAF officers, however, maintain that the border in that area is disputed.
Abbas told the Guardian that the firing lasted for over an hour, and that ISAF made “no attempt” to contact the Pakistani side. “This was a totally unprovoked attack. There are no safe havens or hideouts left there [for militants] in Mohmand,” he said.
“This was a visible, well-made post, on top of ridges, made of concrete. Militants don’t operate from mountaintops, from concrete structures.”
But a report in Monday’s Wall Street Journal — denied by Islamabad — said the NATO jets and helicopters responded to firing from a Pakistani post on the ill-defined Afghan border.
The article, which followed a similar report by the Guardian, cited three Afghan officials and one Western official as saying the air raid was called in to shield allied forces targeting Taliban fighters.
NATO and Afghan forces “were fired on from a Pakistani army base”, the unnamed Western official told the Wall Street Journal. “It was a defensive action.”
An early Saturday morning attack by NATO helicopters killed at least 24 security personnel and injured 12 soldiers on a Pakistani check post in Salala, which is located in the Tehsil Bayzai area of Mohmand Agency on the Pak-Afghan border.
The United States has been told by Pakistan’s military leadership to evacuate a logistically key airbase it operates in Balochistan – Shamsi Airbase – within 15 days. In addition, Pakistan’s fury was driven home with an official statement that it will shut down NATO supply routes operating through its territory – something that has happened for the first time, though supply routes have previously been temporarily blocked unofficially following similar attacks.
Mehsud elders in grand Jirga condemn Mohmand attack, demanded inquiry into barbaric incident
Mehsud elders in grand Jirga condemn Mohmand attack, demanded inquiry into barbaric incident
By Saleem Mehsud
TANK, Nov 28 : Elders of Mehsud tribe in grand jirga condemned the US-led Nato forces attack on the Pakistani troops in Mohmand Agency and demanded international inquiry of the barbaric incident on Monday.
Sources said that elders of Mehsud tribe in large number including Malik Karamat, Malik Sakhi Jan, Malik Bahadur, Malik Hashim and others strongly condemned the Nato attack in which 24 soldiers were martyred.
“We the Mehsud tribesmen will stand side by side of the Pakistan Army and will fight alongside the Pakistani troops against any enemy of our country,” the elders in their separate speeches vowed.
They further said that such attacks were considered attacks on the solidarity and sovereignty of the country which were not acceptable at any cost and demanded inquiry of the incident on international level.
“Pakistan suffered great losses in fight against terror after 9/11 and now their sacrifices are gifted with such attacks by the foreign troops stationed in Afghanistan,” the elders lamented.
Reiterating support of tribesmen to the Pakistan Army, they said that tribal will assist and fight shoulder by shoulder alongside the Pakistan Army against any enemy of the country and will not allow the enemies to practice their nefarious designs in Pakistan.
It is pertinent to be mentioned here that military operation against the insurgents in South Waziristan Agency was stepped up in March 2009, since then families of Mehsud tribe were displaced. Some of the families were repatriated to their home towns by the government where they were disheartened to see their flattened homes, reacting that re-construction of destroyed homes was not easy for them without the support of government and demanded relief from the government but yet no considerable work was done by government in this regard.
By Saleem Mehsud
TANK, Nov 28 : Elders of Mehsud tribe in grand jirga condemned the US-led Nato forces attack on the Pakistani troops in Mohmand Agency and demanded international inquiry of the barbaric incident on Monday.
Sources said that elders of Mehsud tribe in large number including Malik Karamat, Malik Sakhi Jan, Malik Bahadur, Malik Hashim and others strongly condemned the Nato attack in which 24 soldiers were martyred.
“We the Mehsud tribesmen will stand side by side of the Pakistan Army and will fight alongside the Pakistani troops against any enemy of our country,” the elders in their separate speeches vowed.
They further said that such attacks were considered attacks on the solidarity and sovereignty of the country which were not acceptable at any cost and demanded inquiry of the incident on international level.
“Pakistan suffered great losses in fight against terror after 9/11 and now their sacrifices are gifted with such attacks by the foreign troops stationed in Afghanistan,” the elders lamented.
Reiterating support of tribesmen to the Pakistan Army, they said that tribal will assist and fight shoulder by shoulder alongside the Pakistan Army against any enemy of the country and will not allow the enemies to practice their nefarious designs in Pakistan.
It is pertinent to be mentioned here that military operation against the insurgents in South Waziristan Agency was stepped up in March 2009, since then families of Mehsud tribe were displaced. Some of the families were repatriated to their home towns by the government where they were disheartened to see their flattened homes, reacting that re-construction of destroyed homes was not easy for them without the support of government and demanded relief from the government but yet no considerable work was done by government in this regard.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Election rigging would lead to civil disobedience: Imran warns
Election rigging would lead to civil disobedience: Imran warns
By Saleem Mehsud
LAHORE, Nov 24: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Thursday warned of civil disobedience if next elections were not held free and fair, saying that ruling N-league was trying to halt rallies of PTI.
Replying to questions in live calls from audience over a private TV channel, Imran said that people would come to the streets and bloody reaction couldn’t be ruled out if the next elections were not conducted in a free and fair manner , adding that doors of supreme court would be knocked to achieve supervision of the court in this regard.
“Only fair and free elections would decide fate of the country because masses would not accept and endure fake voting lists and voters,” the PTI chief stressed.
He said that upon coming to power, the PTI would introduce a uniform education system – one education system for all. He said the current education system is making the rich richer and the poor poorer. He said the schools should be under the village council of elders.
The PTI chief also said that the police should be purged from political influence. He said political meddling is the biggest ill afflicting the police department. The entire prevailing police system requires changes because the system was introduced by the foreigners for slaves while independent countries have no such police system, Imran said.
When asked by audience that Pakistan is a poor country having meager economy how PTI would steer the country out of challenges, Imran said that Pakistan is the richest country in Asia, adding that we have to eliminate corruption from the country and must bring big fishes to the tax net then country would make progress with rapid strides.
“If PTI was mandated to rule the country then we will give the best economic team because there are Pakistanis who were running private airlines and other companies in foreign countries and they would be too willing to work for the betterment of their own country but the only condition is to eliminate corruption and also give chance to honest people to lead the country,” Imran added.
Khan said that N-League was putting hurdles in the way of PTI and not allowing PTI of hold rally in Rajanpur. He said that PTI was following democratic norms and rules in holding rallies and warned that N-League not to challenge street power of PTI.
Talking about the Muslim world, Imran said that most of Muslim countries were run by dictators who could easily be puppet in the hands of foreigners, adding that democracy is the solution of unity among the Muslim countries.
He said that PTI has clear agenda about US drones in the tribal region, adding that I participated in a walk along with representatives of Reprive, UK based organization, and also would raise the issue in the international court of justice. He said that US drone strikes were counter-productive and innocent people were being killed in the strikes.
Imran said that he will declare his assets in a press conference and the whole nation will be made aware of my assets, adding that Karachi rally of PTI would be successful.
By Saleem Mehsud
LAHORE, Nov 24: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Thursday warned of civil disobedience if next elections were not held free and fair, saying that ruling N-league was trying to halt rallies of PTI.
Replying to questions in live calls from audience over a private TV channel, Imran said that people would come to the streets and bloody reaction couldn’t be ruled out if the next elections were not conducted in a free and fair manner , adding that doors of supreme court would be knocked to achieve supervision of the court in this regard.
“Only fair and free elections would decide fate of the country because masses would not accept and endure fake voting lists and voters,” the PTI chief stressed.
He said that upon coming to power, the PTI would introduce a uniform education system – one education system for all. He said the current education system is making the rich richer and the poor poorer. He said the schools should be under the village council of elders.
The PTI chief also said that the police should be purged from political influence. He said political meddling is the biggest ill afflicting the police department. The entire prevailing police system requires changes because the system was introduced by the foreigners for slaves while independent countries have no such police system, Imran said.
When asked by audience that Pakistan is a poor country having meager economy how PTI would steer the country out of challenges, Imran said that Pakistan is the richest country in Asia, adding that we have to eliminate corruption from the country and must bring big fishes to the tax net then country would make progress with rapid strides.
“If PTI was mandated to rule the country then we will give the best economic team because there are Pakistanis who were running private airlines and other companies in foreign countries and they would be too willing to work for the betterment of their own country but the only condition is to eliminate corruption and also give chance to honest people to lead the country,” Imran added.
Khan said that N-League was putting hurdles in the way of PTI and not allowing PTI of hold rally in Rajanpur. He said that PTI was following democratic norms and rules in holding rallies and warned that N-League not to challenge street power of PTI.
Talking about the Muslim world, Imran said that most of Muslim countries were run by dictators who could easily be puppet in the hands of foreigners, adding that democracy is the solution of unity among the Muslim countries.
He said that PTI has clear agenda about US drones in the tribal region, adding that I participated in a walk along with representatives of Reprive, UK based organization, and also would raise the issue in the international court of justice. He said that US drone strikes were counter-productive and innocent people were being killed in the strikes.
Imran said that he will declare his assets in a press conference and the whole nation will be made aware of my assets, adding that Karachi rally of PTI would be successful.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
TTP denies negotiations, ceasefire with Pakistan govt
TTP denies negotiations, ceasefire, claim responsibility of DIK police station attack
By Saleem Mehsud
PESHAWAR, Nov 23: The spokesman for banned Tahreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Ehsanullah Eshan on Wednesday denied reports of a ceasefire when the militant group attacked Pakistani policemen and killed two policemen, injuring seven others.
The spokesman said that the TTP was not negotiating peace deal with the government of Pakistan, adding that media was indulged in publishing fabricated material about the TTP and government talks.
Eshan further said that Taliban claimed responsibility of attack on the police station in Dera Ismail Khan which is obvious indication that TTP has not abandoned attacking targets in Pakistan.
The foreign media on Tuesday reported that a senior commander of the militant group, on the condition of anonymity, had said that the ceasefire had been in place for the past month and that TTP has abandoned attacks inside Pakistan from October.
On Wednesday an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and another policeman were killed and seven others police personnel injured when militants carrying rocket propelled grenades and other heavy arms attacked a police station in the Draband in Dera Ismail Khan.
Sources said that the attack took place at around 4:40am on Wednesday when a huge explosion was heard near the police station building.
“There were about 8-10 armed men that attacked the police station with rockets, one of our officials was killed while five others were injured,” District Police Officer (DPO) Sohail Khalid told private TV channel. However, DPO ruled out the possibility of any prior information of the attack.
“It was an attack by militants, most probably from the tribal belt,” he said. The ASI who was killed was identified as Akram. SHO Zulfiqar and other police personnel were shifted to a hospital in DI Khan City where they were treated.
The police station received considerable damage with bullet holes in the walls. Sources said the militants took away the arms present in the building at the time.
By Saleem Mehsud
PESHAWAR, Nov 23: The spokesman for banned Tahreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Ehsanullah Eshan on Wednesday denied reports of a ceasefire when the militant group attacked Pakistani policemen and killed two policemen, injuring seven others.
The spokesman said that the TTP was not negotiating peace deal with the government of Pakistan, adding that media was indulged in publishing fabricated material about the TTP and government talks.
Eshan further said that Taliban claimed responsibility of attack on the police station in Dera Ismail Khan which is obvious indication that TTP has not abandoned attacking targets in Pakistan.
The foreign media on Tuesday reported that a senior commander of the militant group, on the condition of anonymity, had said that the ceasefire had been in place for the past month and that TTP has abandoned attacks inside Pakistan from October.
On Wednesday an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and another policeman were killed and seven others police personnel injured when militants carrying rocket propelled grenades and other heavy arms attacked a police station in the Draband in Dera Ismail Khan.
Sources said that the attack took place at around 4:40am on Wednesday when a huge explosion was heard near the police station building.
“There were about 8-10 armed men that attacked the police station with rockets, one of our officials was killed while five others were injured,” District Police Officer (DPO) Sohail Khalid told private TV channel. However, DPO ruled out the possibility of any prior information of the attack.
“It was an attack by militants, most probably from the tribal belt,” he said. The ASI who was killed was identified as Akram. SHO Zulfiqar and other police personnel were shifted to a hospital in DI Khan City where they were treated.
The police station received considerable damage with bullet holes in the walls. Sources said the militants took away the arms present in the building at the time.
Two policemen killed in DIKhan attack, TTP claims responsibility
Two policemen killed in DIKhan attack, TTP claims responsibility
By Saleem Mehsud
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Nov 23: Two policemen were killed and seven others injured when armed militants ambushed Draban Police Station with rockets and grenades before dawn on Wednesday.
Police said that assault came in Darbaan Kalan area of D I Khan, a flashpoint for sectarian violence in the northwest as Taliban commanders claimed to have begun initial peace talks with Pakistani authorities.
Police said that around 10-12 militants came to the said police station in a vehicle and motorcycle, attacked the main gate with rocket launcher and then barged into the police station. The armed insurgents opened fire and hurled hand grenades inside the police station.
Police said that taking advantage of the darkness miscreants fled in the same vehicles from the spot. The injured police personnel were shifted to district headquarter hospital while police cordoned off the area and launched search operation. However, no arrest was yet made in the case.
“Some of the attackers were speaking Persian language,” police said.
The Tehrek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesman, Ehsanullah Ehsan claimed responsibility of the attack on the police station in DIKhan, saying that TTP strongly denied the reports that the group agreed to a cease fire or was in talks with the government.
Denying media report, TTP spokesman said that ceasefire with Pakistan was not announced through any channel.
A senior Pakistani Taliban commander said Monday the group agreed to a cease-fire a month ago to encourage nascent peace talks with the government. He spoke on condition of anonymity because of issue’s sensitivity.
It is pertinent to be mentioned here that ISPR also Tuesday denied reports about peace negotiations with the TTP, saying that media reports were baseless.
By Saleem Mehsud
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Nov 23: Two policemen were killed and seven others injured when armed militants ambushed Draban Police Station with rockets and grenades before dawn on Wednesday.
Police said that assault came in Darbaan Kalan area of D I Khan, a flashpoint for sectarian violence in the northwest as Taliban commanders claimed to have begun initial peace talks with Pakistani authorities.
Police said that around 10-12 militants came to the said police station in a vehicle and motorcycle, attacked the main gate with rocket launcher and then barged into the police station. The armed insurgents opened fire and hurled hand grenades inside the police station.
Police said that taking advantage of the darkness miscreants fled in the same vehicles from the spot. The injured police personnel were shifted to district headquarter hospital while police cordoned off the area and launched search operation. However, no arrest was yet made in the case.
“Some of the attackers were speaking Persian language,” police said.
The Tehrek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesman, Ehsanullah Ehsan claimed responsibility of the attack on the police station in DIKhan, saying that TTP strongly denied the reports that the group agreed to a cease fire or was in talks with the government.
Denying media report, TTP spokesman said that ceasefire with Pakistan was not announced through any channel.
A senior Pakistani Taliban commander said Monday the group agreed to a cease-fire a month ago to encourage nascent peace talks with the government. He spoke on condition of anonymity because of issue’s sensitivity.
It is pertinent to be mentioned here that ISPR also Tuesday denied reports about peace negotiations with the TTP, saying that media reports were baseless.
PTI will sue UK newspaper over alleged story against Imran Khan
President Zardari will be responsible if memo scandal proved true: Imran Khan
---- PTI will sue UK newspaper over alleged story against Imran Khan
By Saleem Mehsud
LAHORE, Nov 23: Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday demanded judicial inquiry of the memo scandal, saying that President Asif Ali Zardari would be responsible if the scam proved genuine.
Imran Khan was talking to the media at Lahore airport on his arrival from UK.
When asked about the story of Sunday Times regarding his meeting with US Ambassador Cameron Munter along with ISI Chief Ahmad Shuja Pasha, he said that he will go to court against the UK newspaper that published a baseless story about his secret meeting. Not like the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) that has not reacted to the story of Financial Times, Imran Khan said that PTI would sue the UK newspaper in court if they did not retract.
“We have written a letter to The Sunday Times. We have clearly told them if they do not retract their report we will take action against them,” he warned.
Imran confirmed that he met with US Ambassador Cameron Munter at his own residence at least six months ago when the US ambassador was holding meeting with various politicians and also met with the ISI chief one and a half years ago and the agenda of that meeting was US drone strikes in the tribal region but did not meet him later on.
“Every matter is very clear from the Wikileaks which said that Pakistani politicians say something in their meetings with the US politicians and diplomats and made public other statements but one politician of Pakistan said the same during his meeting with the US politicians and to the Pakistani public,” the PTI chairman said.
When quizzed that politicians were blaming PTI of getting support from the premier intelligence agency of Pakistan, Imran Khan said that both Zardari and Nawaz Sharif did nothing for the masses instead of giving them the gift of price hike, loadshedding of gas and electricity, unemployment and numerous other problems which has left the country at the verge of bankruptcy so the masses by themselves were demanding change and joining PTI, the only political party which is against the prevailing corrupt system.
Commenting about the PML-N, the PTI chairman said that the party is the product of secret agencies and that PML-N and PPP are afraid of PTI tsunami. He said that both PPP and PML-N were destroying the country because leaders of both the political parties were involved in money laundering and both have assets in foreign countries.
Reacting to the PML-N rally in Faisalabad, Imran said that PML-N should wait for PTI rally on December 25 in Karachi in which they will see real enthusiasm and real supporters, adding that MPAs of PML-N were boarding supporters from various areas in buses to made PML-N rally successful and spend huge amount from the national exchequer. The PTI chief said that the N-League in order to avoid scrupulous spending of bringing people from other areas to the Gujranwala rally, abandoned the rally on the pretext of security reasons.
Replying to a question regarding talks with the Taliban, Imran said that dialogue was the only solution of terrorism and not military operation. He said that military was conducting operations against the militants in the tribal areas for the last seven years and similarly Nato and US were fighting insurgency in Afghanistan since 10 years but fruitful results were not achieved.
“First when I spoke about holding talks with the Taliban which is the only solution to the war on terror then I was blamed for the move but know world has acknowledged that only talks with the Taliban can bring peace in the region,” Imran Khan said, adding, “we have destroyed our country by indulging our forces in the war on terror.”
Reacting to the decision by Pakistani ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani to resign from his office after meeting with top executives of the state, the PTI chief termed Haqqani’s decision as right and demanded to inquire the scam by judicial commission because people did not trust parliamentary commission.
---- PTI will sue UK newspaper over alleged story against Imran Khan
By Saleem Mehsud
LAHORE, Nov 23: Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday demanded judicial inquiry of the memo scandal, saying that President Asif Ali Zardari would be responsible if the scam proved genuine.
Imran Khan was talking to the media at Lahore airport on his arrival from UK.
When asked about the story of Sunday Times regarding his meeting with US Ambassador Cameron Munter along with ISI Chief Ahmad Shuja Pasha, he said that he will go to court against the UK newspaper that published a baseless story about his secret meeting. Not like the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) that has not reacted to the story of Financial Times, Imran Khan said that PTI would sue the UK newspaper in court if they did not retract.
“We have written a letter to The Sunday Times. We have clearly told them if they do not retract their report we will take action against them,” he warned.
Imran confirmed that he met with US Ambassador Cameron Munter at his own residence at least six months ago when the US ambassador was holding meeting with various politicians and also met with the ISI chief one and a half years ago and the agenda of that meeting was US drone strikes in the tribal region but did not meet him later on.
“Every matter is very clear from the Wikileaks which said that Pakistani politicians say something in their meetings with the US politicians and diplomats and made public other statements but one politician of Pakistan said the same during his meeting with the US politicians and to the Pakistani public,” the PTI chairman said.
When quizzed that politicians were blaming PTI of getting support from the premier intelligence agency of Pakistan, Imran Khan said that both Zardari and Nawaz Sharif did nothing for the masses instead of giving them the gift of price hike, loadshedding of gas and electricity, unemployment and numerous other problems which has left the country at the verge of bankruptcy so the masses by themselves were demanding change and joining PTI, the only political party which is against the prevailing corrupt system.
Commenting about the PML-N, the PTI chairman said that the party is the product of secret agencies and that PML-N and PPP are afraid of PTI tsunami. He said that both PPP and PML-N were destroying the country because leaders of both the political parties were involved in money laundering and both have assets in foreign countries.
Reacting to the PML-N rally in Faisalabad, Imran said that PML-N should wait for PTI rally on December 25 in Karachi in which they will see real enthusiasm and real supporters, adding that MPAs of PML-N were boarding supporters from various areas in buses to made PML-N rally successful and spend huge amount from the national exchequer. The PTI chief said that the N-League in order to avoid scrupulous spending of bringing people from other areas to the Gujranwala rally, abandoned the rally on the pretext of security reasons.
Replying to a question regarding talks with the Taliban, Imran said that dialogue was the only solution of terrorism and not military operation. He said that military was conducting operations against the militants in the tribal areas for the last seven years and similarly Nato and US were fighting insurgency in Afghanistan since 10 years but fruitful results were not achieved.
“First when I spoke about holding talks with the Taliban which is the only solution to the war on terror then I was blamed for the move but know world has acknowledged that only talks with the Taliban can bring peace in the region,” Imran Khan said, adding, “we have destroyed our country by indulging our forces in the war on terror.”
Reacting to the decision by Pakistani ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani to resign from his office after meeting with top executives of the state, the PTI chief termed Haqqani’s decision as right and demanded to inquire the scam by judicial commission because people did not trust parliamentary commission.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Unofficial negotiations in progress with Taliban: Rehman Malik
Unofficial negotiations in progress with Taliban: Rehman Malik
By Saleem Mehsud
ISLAMABAD, Nov 22: Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said that government was not directly holding talks with the Taliban, however some messages have been sent by Taliban, which should be reviewed by all the stakeholders.
The minister was responding to different questions raised after inaugurating a ceremony where 50 new Mobile Registration Vans (MRVs) have been added in the fleet of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to facilitate population in remote areas.
Rehman Malik said, “Few days back we also received a message from Taliban for talks and yes we also offered them. We are happy they have realized that killing of innocent people is wrong and the only way forward is the path of peace.” The minister said he cannot say much on this national issue and added all the stakeholders would sit together to find the amicable solution.
He said that delegation of Afghan investigators will arrive in Pakistan to probe the killing of ex-Afghan President Professor Burhanuddin Rabbani, adding that government would extend required assistance to the investigators.
“95 percent process of elders’ registration has been completed by NADRA successfully, and motorcycle service was launched to facilitate the people in far flung areas in order to get registered themselves,” he said.
Malik said that entire working of NADRA was done in the guidelines of President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari in the last three and a half years, saying that statistical record of the population was important because on the analysis of record polices were constituted. He said that issuing of visas to the foreigners would also be handed over to NADRA in order to keep record of the visitors.
Expressing the role of NADRA in eliminating terrorism from the society, he said that NADRA has cancelled several fake ID cards and numerous SIMS were blocked on the data provided by the NADRA, adding that NADRA was helping intelligence agencies to a great extent in getting information about the militants.
Replying to the queries of journalists regarding the memo scam, Malik said that the issue was under investigation and anyone found involved in the scam would be punished, adding that very soon everything will be clear.
He said that Ambassador Husain Haqqani’s name was not put on the ECL because the issue is under investigation and if Haqqani was found involved in the memo scandal then he will face the music.
Talking about the law and order situation in Balochistan, Rehman Malik said that some militant groups were indulged in terror activities in the province and warned that strict action would be taken against them.
Rehman Malik was accompanied by Senator Salahuddin, Chairman NADRA, Ali Irshad Hakeem and Deputy Chairman Tariq Malik.
By Saleem Mehsud
ISLAMABAD, Nov 22: Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said that government was not directly holding talks with the Taliban, however some messages have been sent by Taliban, which should be reviewed by all the stakeholders.
The minister was responding to different questions raised after inaugurating a ceremony where 50 new Mobile Registration Vans (MRVs) have been added in the fleet of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to facilitate population in remote areas.
Rehman Malik said, “Few days back we also received a message from Taliban for talks and yes we also offered them. We are happy they have realized that killing of innocent people is wrong and the only way forward is the path of peace.” The minister said he cannot say much on this national issue and added all the stakeholders would sit together to find the amicable solution.
He said that delegation of Afghan investigators will arrive in Pakistan to probe the killing of ex-Afghan President Professor Burhanuddin Rabbani, adding that government would extend required assistance to the investigators.
“95 percent process of elders’ registration has been completed by NADRA successfully, and motorcycle service was launched to facilitate the people in far flung areas in order to get registered themselves,” he said.
Malik said that entire working of NADRA was done in the guidelines of President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari in the last three and a half years, saying that statistical record of the population was important because on the analysis of record polices were constituted. He said that issuing of visas to the foreigners would also be handed over to NADRA in order to keep record of the visitors.
Expressing the role of NADRA in eliminating terrorism from the society, he said that NADRA has cancelled several fake ID cards and numerous SIMS were blocked on the data provided by the NADRA, adding that NADRA was helping intelligence agencies to a great extent in getting information about the militants.
Replying to the queries of journalists regarding the memo scam, Malik said that the issue was under investigation and anyone found involved in the scam would be punished, adding that very soon everything will be clear.
He said that Ambassador Husain Haqqani’s name was not put on the ECL because the issue is under investigation and if Haqqani was found involved in the memo scandal then he will face the music.
Talking about the law and order situation in Balochistan, Rehman Malik said that some militant groups were indulged in terror activities in the province and warned that strict action would be taken against them.
Rehman Malik was accompanied by Senator Salahuddin, Chairman NADRA, Ali Irshad Hakeem and Deputy Chairman Tariq Malik.
NWA Taliban commander asks locals to distance from military engineers
NWA Taliban commander asks locals to distance from military engineers
By Saleem Mehsud
MIRANSHAH, Nov 22: Taliban Commander Hafiz Gul Bahadur based in North Waziristan Agency (NWA) on Tuesday warned the locals to distance themselves and not to work with the armed forces engineers who were working on the construction of Bannu-Mirali Road.
“Taliban fighters will not intervene and disrupt work of the army engineers working on the project,” the pamphlet distributed among the locals in NWA’s Mirali and Miranshah said.
The commander warned that locals will be blamed as spies and will be killed under the same charges if they continue to work alongside the military engineers on the construction of road or found involved in providing heavy machinery.
Endorsing NWA Taliban deal with the Pakistan government, Gul Bahadur said that they will not create any hurdle in the work of armed forces while constructing the road.
In the pamphlet armed forces were accused of recruiting locals for spying, saying that locals will be responsible for any loss if they did not comply.
Sources in NWA told INP that the message of the local Taliban commander was a matter of real concern for those working alongside the armed forces and have invested in the project.
In 2005 the Pakistani military began operations within North Waziristan Agency (NWA), tribal region considered by the US as hub of the al-Qaeda affiliated militants fighting the Nato forces in Afghanistan, to pursue foreign, mainly al-Qaeda, militants fleeing from South Waziristan. They met resistance from militant groups led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur, among others.
In September 2006, Gul Bahadur negotiated a peace deal with the Pakistani military in which he agreed to expel all foreign militants, such as al-Qaeda and Uzbek militants, from Pakistani soil.
It is pertinent to be mentioned here that Bannu-Mirali Road is used for travelling by large number of vehicles and government has initiated its re-construction to broaden the road in to lessen travelling hurdles.
By Saleem Mehsud
MIRANSHAH, Nov 22: Taliban Commander Hafiz Gul Bahadur based in North Waziristan Agency (NWA) on Tuesday warned the locals to distance themselves and not to work with the armed forces engineers who were working on the construction of Bannu-Mirali Road.
“Taliban fighters will not intervene and disrupt work of the army engineers working on the project,” the pamphlet distributed among the locals in NWA’s Mirali and Miranshah said.
The commander warned that locals will be blamed as spies and will be killed under the same charges if they continue to work alongside the military engineers on the construction of road or found involved in providing heavy machinery.
Endorsing NWA Taliban deal with the Pakistan government, Gul Bahadur said that they will not create any hurdle in the work of armed forces while constructing the road.
In the pamphlet armed forces were accused of recruiting locals for spying, saying that locals will be responsible for any loss if they did not comply.
Sources in NWA told INP that the message of the local Taliban commander was a matter of real concern for those working alongside the armed forces and have invested in the project.
In 2005 the Pakistani military began operations within North Waziristan Agency (NWA), tribal region considered by the US as hub of the al-Qaeda affiliated militants fighting the Nato forces in Afghanistan, to pursue foreign, mainly al-Qaeda, militants fleeing from South Waziristan. They met resistance from militant groups led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur, among others.
In September 2006, Gul Bahadur negotiated a peace deal with the Pakistani military in which he agreed to expel all foreign militants, such as al-Qaeda and Uzbek militants, from Pakistani soil.
It is pertinent to be mentioned here that Bannu-Mirali Road is used for travelling by large number of vehicles and government has initiated its re-construction to broaden the road in to lessen travelling hurdles.
Monday, November 21, 2011
TTP indulged in peace talks with govt: Report
TTP indulged in peace talks with govt: Report
By Saleem Mehsud
PESHAWAR, Nov 21: The banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is holding peace talks with the government focused on South Waziristan Agency (SWA) where military operation against the Taliban fighters loyal to slain chief of the TTP Baitullah Mehsud was stepped up in 2009.
According to private TV channel reports, TTP and government trying to strike peace deal focusing only on SWA and TTP according to reports forwarded many conditions to the government in which the major condition was release of their detained accomplices from the custody of Pakistani jails and secret cells.
TTP, led by Commander Hakimullah Mehsud, is considered to be the major threat to the country at large. The banned organization has claimed several attacks including suicide, remote control blasts, target killing, kidnapping and clashes with the security forces in the entire tribal belt bordering Afghanistan.
“A tribal elder and mediator confirmed the reports about talks between the government and TTP and termed the talks as difficult,” private TV channel reported without mentioning name of the mediator due to sensitivity of the matter.
Similarly, the TTP unnamed commander also confirmed the reports, saying that talks are focused on the South Waziristan region and could be expanded to try to reach a comprehensive deal.
It is pertinent to mention here that TTP was declared as terrorist organisation by the US administration and it was also predicted that US will not be friendly to the developments between the Pakistani government and TTP, organization of Pakistani Taliban.
Last month, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said that his administration is ready to start talks with all factions of the Taliban, including the Haqqani network.
For the first time, the prime minister provided details about how the talks would be conducted. “We will not ask them to disarm before the negotiations since this is against the tribal culture. However, the political agents [government administrators in the tribal regions] will ask them to decommission themselves,” he said.
While vigorously rejecting the offer of peace talks on Eid, the TTP Chief Hakimullah Mehsud declared that war with the state of Pakistan would continue, primarily because it is siding with "the forces of the infidel" - a reference to the United States and it allies.
The US State Department's Rewards for Justice Program is offering a prize of up to US$5 million for information leading directly to the apprehension or conviction, in any country, of Mehsud.
The TTP that Mehsud heads is an umbrella organization of small and big Islamic militant groups based in the FATA. It was formed in North Waziristan on December 12, 2007, when an assembly of 40 senior Pakistani jihadi leaders commanding a pooled force of about 40,000 gathered in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa province, and decided to come together under a single banner led by Baitullah Mehsud, who was killed in a US drone attack in August 2009.
However, instead of launching a full-scale military offensive in North Waziristan to dismantle the vast infrastructure of the TTP, the Pakistani establishment is offering peace talks, not only to the Taliban but to other militant groups. This comes amid concerns expressed by international terrorism experts that such moves are unwise and bound to produce another fiasco, besides further eroding the authority of the Pakistan state.
By Saleem Mehsud
PESHAWAR, Nov 21: The banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is holding peace talks with the government focused on South Waziristan Agency (SWA) where military operation against the Taliban fighters loyal to slain chief of the TTP Baitullah Mehsud was stepped up in 2009.
According to private TV channel reports, TTP and government trying to strike peace deal focusing only on SWA and TTP according to reports forwarded many conditions to the government in which the major condition was release of their detained accomplices from the custody of Pakistani jails and secret cells.
TTP, led by Commander Hakimullah Mehsud, is considered to be the major threat to the country at large. The banned organization has claimed several attacks including suicide, remote control blasts, target killing, kidnapping and clashes with the security forces in the entire tribal belt bordering Afghanistan.
“A tribal elder and mediator confirmed the reports about talks between the government and TTP and termed the talks as difficult,” private TV channel reported without mentioning name of the mediator due to sensitivity of the matter.
Similarly, the TTP unnamed commander also confirmed the reports, saying that talks are focused on the South Waziristan region and could be expanded to try to reach a comprehensive deal.
It is pertinent to mention here that TTP was declared as terrorist organisation by the US administration and it was also predicted that US will not be friendly to the developments between the Pakistani government and TTP, organization of Pakistani Taliban.
Last month, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said that his administration is ready to start talks with all factions of the Taliban, including the Haqqani network.
For the first time, the prime minister provided details about how the talks would be conducted. “We will not ask them to disarm before the negotiations since this is against the tribal culture. However, the political agents [government administrators in the tribal regions] will ask them to decommission themselves,” he said.
While vigorously rejecting the offer of peace talks on Eid, the TTP Chief Hakimullah Mehsud declared that war with the state of Pakistan would continue, primarily because it is siding with "the forces of the infidel" - a reference to the United States and it allies.
The US State Department's Rewards for Justice Program is offering a prize of up to US$5 million for information leading directly to the apprehension or conviction, in any country, of Mehsud.
The TTP that Mehsud heads is an umbrella organization of small and big Islamic militant groups based in the FATA. It was formed in North Waziristan on December 12, 2007, when an assembly of 40 senior Pakistani jihadi leaders commanding a pooled force of about 40,000 gathered in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa province, and decided to come together under a single banner led by Baitullah Mehsud, who was killed in a US drone attack in August 2009.
However, instead of launching a full-scale military offensive in North Waziristan to dismantle the vast infrastructure of the TTP, the Pakistani establishment is offering peace talks, not only to the Taliban but to other militant groups. This comes amid concerns expressed by international terrorism experts that such moves are unwise and bound to produce another fiasco, besides further eroding the authority of the Pakistan state.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Army Major, 26 militants killed in Kurram, Darra Adamkhel clash
By Saleem Mehsud
PESHAWAR, Nov 16: A Pakistan Army Major was killed when about 60 militants attacked the Marazan checkpost in the Central Kurram Agency late Tuesday night in a bid to revolt against the military offensive carried out in the region earlier. The deceased was identified as Major Sikandar.
More than 20 militants were reportedly killed and nine hideouts were destroyed when the security forces retaliated.
“The militants were hiding in nearby mountains and opened fire on the convoy which was followed by firing rockets. Security forces retaliated the attack and killed 20 militants. One of our major succumbed to his wounds,” the official sources said.
The area was declared “clear” by the security forces previously; however, incidents of violence have regularly been reported from there.
The information about the clash could not vein across due to the fact that the area is isolated from other areas and communication is very low.
In a separate incident, officials confirmed a second attack from militants in the Shadala area of Ghaljo, where rockets were fired to target a convoy.
“The second attack happened in the same manner like the one in the Kurram Agency. The militants were hiding and they targeted the convoy. The attack was retaliated and four militants were killed. One of our soldiers sustained minor injuries and is out of danger now,” the officials confirmed.
Similarly, up to six militants were killed and several others injured in security forces operation launched against insurgents in Khartang area of Darra Adamkhel on Wednesday.
Official sources said that security forces launched the operation against the insurgents and pounded hideouts of militants with heavy artillery, killing six militants and injuries were inflicted on many others.
“Seven hideouts of the militants were also destroyed in the fresh bombing” officials claimed, adding that insurgents were on the run due to intensive fire and presence of heavy troops.
Earlier, a policeman was killed while another was injured when a remote-controlled explosion took place near a police checkpost in the Shabqadar tehsil of Charsadda.
Police officials added that the checkpost was situated on a main road, linking Mohmand Agency with Charsadda and Peshawar. Meanwhile, the funeral prayers of the slain policeman were held with senior police officials, including Peshawar City Police Officer (CPO) in attendance. The areas close to the tribal region have often been the target of violence.
By Saleem Mehsud
PESHAWAR, Nov 16: A Pakistan Army Major was killed when about 60 militants attacked the Marazan checkpost in the Central Kurram Agency late Tuesday night in a bid to revolt against the military offensive carried out in the region earlier. The deceased was identified as Major Sikandar.
More than 20 militants were reportedly killed and nine hideouts were destroyed when the security forces retaliated.
“The militants were hiding in nearby mountains and opened fire on the convoy which was followed by firing rockets. Security forces retaliated the attack and killed 20 militants. One of our major succumbed to his wounds,” the official sources said.
The area was declared “clear” by the security forces previously; however, incidents of violence have regularly been reported from there.
The information about the clash could not vein across due to the fact that the area is isolated from other areas and communication is very low.
In a separate incident, officials confirmed a second attack from militants in the Shadala area of Ghaljo, where rockets were fired to target a convoy.
“The second attack happened in the same manner like the one in the Kurram Agency. The militants were hiding and they targeted the convoy. The attack was retaliated and four militants were killed. One of our soldiers sustained minor injuries and is out of danger now,” the officials confirmed.
Similarly, up to six militants were killed and several others injured in security forces operation launched against insurgents in Khartang area of Darra Adamkhel on Wednesday.
Official sources said that security forces launched the operation against the insurgents and pounded hideouts of militants with heavy artillery, killing six militants and injuries were inflicted on many others.
“Seven hideouts of the militants were also destroyed in the fresh bombing” officials claimed, adding that insurgents were on the run due to intensive fire and presence of heavy troops.
Earlier, a policeman was killed while another was injured when a remote-controlled explosion took place near a police checkpost in the Shabqadar tehsil of Charsadda.
Police officials added that the checkpost was situated on a main road, linking Mohmand Agency with Charsadda and Peshawar. Meanwhile, the funeral prayers of the slain policeman were held with senior police officials, including Peshawar City Police Officer (CPO) in attendance. The areas close to the tribal region have often been the target of violence.
18 killed in SWA drone strike; Imran condemns attack
By Saleem Mehsud
MAKIN, Nov 16: Up to 18 people suspected to be affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed in US drone strike in the Bobar area of Sararogha tehsil in South Waziristan Agency on Wednesday, official sources said.
Local officials said that the territory belongs to the Mehsud tribe. The official added that about 25 TTP militants were reported to have been hiding in the area.
Taliban sources confirmed that there were two militant training centers in the area run by Commander Abdul Salam and Commander Mukhlis Yar both loyal to TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud.
TTP has a stronghold in the Saktoi area which is located between South Waziristan and North Waziristan and has hardly any link or communication from outside. “Around five US drones carried out the attack,” official sources said.
About six missiles were fired at a compound while some media channels reported that 10 to 14 missiles were fired, killing 18 people. Sources in the area said that the number of casualties is expected to rise. The area is far-flung and deep in the mountains and it’s difficult in getting complete information of the incident.
The Pakistani military conducted a large ground offensive against the Pakistani Taliban in South Waziristan in 2009, but militants remain in the area and periodic attacks still occur.
Earlier on Tuesday night, militants attacked an army checkpoint in the Ladha area of South Waziristan with rockets, killing one soldier and wounding another, intelligence officials said. The area where the drone strikes occurred is very remote and has not yet been cleared by the military, said the intelligence officials.
It is pertinent to be mentioned here that slain commander of TTP Taj Gul Mehsud was also targeted by the US drone strike in the same area of South Waziristan Agency (SWA) some days back along with 20 other Taliban fighters loyal to fugitive chief Hakimullah Mehsud.
Although, drone strikes were rarely reported from the Mehsud tribe dominated area because of tuff terrain of the volatile valley which create difficulty for outsiders/spies to locate militants who usually plant electronic chips with the vehicle and hideouts of the militants to guide US drones, however, previously, attacks of this intensity have taken place in South Waziristan and have aimed high profile militant commanders.
In a statement issued by the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) secretariat, Imran Khan strongly condemned US drone strike in SWA and killing of 18 people, adding that US drone attacks were in violation of resolutions unanimously passed by the parliament and all political parties of the country against US drone attacks.
He said that the drone attacks had once again exposed double standards of the government which has completely failed to stop the strikes which claim innocent lives. Imran Khan said that the government was supporting the US for killing its own people by firing missiles through drones which was the violation of sovereignty and autonomy of Pakistan.
PTI chairman said that his party would stop US drone attacks after coming into power because it was the responsibility of the government to provide security to its citizens and ensure sovereignty of the country.
By Saleem Mehsud
MAKIN, Nov 16: Up to 18 people suspected to be affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed in US drone strike in the Bobar area of Sararogha tehsil in South Waziristan Agency on Wednesday, official sources said.
Local officials said that the territory belongs to the Mehsud tribe. The official added that about 25 TTP militants were reported to have been hiding in the area.
Taliban sources confirmed that there were two militant training centers in the area run by Commander Abdul Salam and Commander Mukhlis Yar both loyal to TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud.
TTP has a stronghold in the Saktoi area which is located between South Waziristan and North Waziristan and has hardly any link or communication from outside. “Around five US drones carried out the attack,” official sources said.
About six missiles were fired at a compound while some media channels reported that 10 to 14 missiles were fired, killing 18 people. Sources in the area said that the number of casualties is expected to rise. The area is far-flung and deep in the mountains and it’s difficult in getting complete information of the incident.
The Pakistani military conducted a large ground offensive against the Pakistani Taliban in South Waziristan in 2009, but militants remain in the area and periodic attacks still occur.
Earlier on Tuesday night, militants attacked an army checkpoint in the Ladha area of South Waziristan with rockets, killing one soldier and wounding another, intelligence officials said. The area where the drone strikes occurred is very remote and has not yet been cleared by the military, said the intelligence officials.
It is pertinent to be mentioned here that slain commander of TTP Taj Gul Mehsud was also targeted by the US drone strike in the same area of South Waziristan Agency (SWA) some days back along with 20 other Taliban fighters loyal to fugitive chief Hakimullah Mehsud.
Although, drone strikes were rarely reported from the Mehsud tribe dominated area because of tuff terrain of the volatile valley which create difficulty for outsiders/spies to locate militants who usually plant electronic chips with the vehicle and hideouts of the militants to guide US drones, however, previously, attacks of this intensity have taken place in South Waziristan and have aimed high profile militant commanders.
In a statement issued by the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) secretariat, Imran Khan strongly condemned US drone strike in SWA and killing of 18 people, adding that US drone attacks were in violation of resolutions unanimously passed by the parliament and all political parties of the country against US drone attacks.
He said that the drone attacks had once again exposed double standards of the government which has completely failed to stop the strikes which claim innocent lives. Imran Khan said that the government was supporting the US for killing its own people by firing missiles through drones which was the violation of sovereignty and autonomy of Pakistan.
PTI chairman said that his party would stop US drone attacks after coming into power because it was the responsibility of the government to provide security to its citizens and ensure sovereignty of the country.
militancy ----Spy chase
militancy
Spy chase
(Published in The News on Sunday)
On September 7, 2011, the Taliban Shura of North Waziristan headed by Hafiz Gul Bahadur disowned a militant organisation Lashkar-e-Khorasan (also known as Ittehad Mujahideen-e-Khorasan) active in North Waziristan Agency (NWA). “We want to inform the people of North Waziristan that we failed to bring this organisation on the right path and we have nothing to do with this group,” the Shura members stated in the pamphlet that was distributed in Meeran Shah and Mir Ali bazaars. It was signed by all the members of the Shura, including Hafiz Gul Bahadur, who is considered the most influential militant commander in NWA having several thousand fighters at his disposal.
Exactly after a week, the Lashkar reacted to Gul Bahadur’s announcement and issued a statement warning people that it will not abandon “its objectives at any cost and will not spare anyone trying to create hurdles in their way”.
The reaction of Lashkar, which is a very small group as compared to Bahadur’s, is surprising for most of the analysts who understand the dynamics of militancy in NWA. It is for the first time that a small group in the area has challenged the authority of Bahadur and his Shura in the area. Even the Haqqani network and the TTP commanders in the area try to maintain cordial relations with Bahadur, despite the fact that he has signed a peace deal with the government of Pakistan back in 2006 which is still intact.
Interestingly, Lashkar-e-Khorasan was established late last year by the Taliban leadership in North Waziristan, including some commanders of the Bahadur group to counter spying. Its main job is to hunt down the tribesmen spying for the CIA’s drone campaign.
The Lashkar was first established as a loose network, but within a short span of time it has become an organised unit that is working on counter-intelligence lines. “It collects information about and eliminates CIA spies, agents of the government and people who are on the payroll of the Pakistan army or hatch conspiracies against Mujahideen,” says a Taliban associate in North Waziristan.
He says the total strength of Lashkar fighters is not more than 300. “They are highly-trained and hence lethal. Only a few people, even among Taliban ranks, know the exact structure of the group. Its fighters keep their faces masked whenever they come out of their hideouts. They also wear a black uniform with word Khorasan written on it. They travel on vehicles with tinted windows. They do not reveal their identity even when they capture and kill a spy in public. So far the group has killed more than 250 suspect spies in NWA.”
He adds that since early this year, the group has killed more than 35 car mechanics. “After drones started attacking vehicles of militant commanders in the area, they found out that some car mechanics, while repairing vehicles of militants, place electronics chips that guide drones to its targets.”
The executions are occasionally carried out in public in a brutal fashion. Most of such executions take place around Mir Ali area, preceded by a sermon by the head of the Lashkar warning people to not put their faith and life at risk for money. Then the ‘blamed spy’ is tied with belts of explosives, called ‘ground drones’, and detonated in front of the locals.
“They gun down or slaughter suspect spies and dump the bodies on roadsides. A letter is usually tied to the body,” informs a resident of NWA. According to him, in May this year, they abducted a young man belonging to influential Mosakey tribe under suspicion of being a spy and killed him. “He was a very nice man. He was a graduate and ran a private business in Mir Ali bazaar. So the locals in Mir Ali bazaar protested against his killing by blocking the road. We fear them most because they don’t have faces and most of the Lashkar operatives are not local,” he tells TNS.
Majority of those killed by the Lashkar belong to local tribes of NWA or people settled there. “So far, it has killed only one spy belonging to the Mehsud tribe. They do not spare a suspect. Its fighters have killed even some very influential people of the area, including commanders among their ranks. It is true that locals are concerned about the group’s activities,” says a Taliban commander who belongs to the Mehsud tribe.
“Lashkar is ultra-radical and ultra-violent, but I do not think it is strong enough to challenge the authority of Hafiz Gul Bahadur in the area. The politics of pamphlet is an eyewash. A group cannot operate in NWA without the Bahadur group’s nod. In fact, the brutal activities of the Lashkar, especially violent public execution of suspect spies, put a lot of pressure on Bahadur, so the best way for him to satisfy the locals was to disown it,” Peshawar-based senior analyst Ismail Khan tells TNS.
Former secretary Fata, Brig (retd) Mehmood Shah, believes that the Bahadur group concentrates only on Afghan jihad and that is the reason why it has disowned the Lashkar. “There are many different groups operating from Mir Ali area of North Waziristan and the Lashkar is one of them. It is a very lethal group and gets most of the support from local Dawar tribe and Punjabis settled in the area,” he tells TNS. “Hafiz Gul Bahadur is against all these groups and wants to eliminate them as well. But if he will start fighting these groups in the area, it will shift his focus from the Afghan jihad.”
Independent analysts, who have understanding of the Lashkar doings, confirm that its fighters are highly-skilled and technologically updated. Haq Nawaz, a Peshawar-based senior journalist, says: “Some of those who were abducted by these people and later released have told me that most of the investigators and judges of this group look like Egyptians. When one of the suspected spies denied all charges in front of its investigators, they ran the footage on a projector of his meeting with a person who is considered a lynchpin between local informers and CIA. I don’t think announcement by Gul Bahadur disowning the group is more than a tactic to get the support of local people who dislike the Lashkar’s activities. The group may be renamed to pacify public anger,” Nawaz believes.
It seems true as a local in NWA informs TNS that he has seen a pamphlet a few days back in the Mir Ali bazaar from a new militant organistaion — Saif-ul-Furqan — warning spies of dire consequences.
— Addittional reporting by Saleem Mehsud
Spy chase
(Published in The News on Sunday)
On September 7, 2011, the Taliban Shura of North Waziristan headed by Hafiz Gul Bahadur disowned a militant organisation Lashkar-e-Khorasan (also known as Ittehad Mujahideen-e-Khorasan) active in North Waziristan Agency (NWA). “We want to inform the people of North Waziristan that we failed to bring this organisation on the right path and we have nothing to do with this group,” the Shura members stated in the pamphlet that was distributed in Meeran Shah and Mir Ali bazaars. It was signed by all the members of the Shura, including Hafiz Gul Bahadur, who is considered the most influential militant commander in NWA having several thousand fighters at his disposal.
Exactly after a week, the Lashkar reacted to Gul Bahadur’s announcement and issued a statement warning people that it will not abandon “its objectives at any cost and will not spare anyone trying to create hurdles in their way”.
The reaction of Lashkar, which is a very small group as compared to Bahadur’s, is surprising for most of the analysts who understand the dynamics of militancy in NWA. It is for the first time that a small group in the area has challenged the authority of Bahadur and his Shura in the area. Even the Haqqani network and the TTP commanders in the area try to maintain cordial relations with Bahadur, despite the fact that he has signed a peace deal with the government of Pakistan back in 2006 which is still intact.
Interestingly, Lashkar-e-Khorasan was established late last year by the Taliban leadership in North Waziristan, including some commanders of the Bahadur group to counter spying. Its main job is to hunt down the tribesmen spying for the CIA’s drone campaign.
The Lashkar was first established as a loose network, but within a short span of time it has become an organised unit that is working on counter-intelligence lines. “It collects information about and eliminates CIA spies, agents of the government and people who are on the payroll of the Pakistan army or hatch conspiracies against Mujahideen,” says a Taliban associate in North Waziristan.
He says the total strength of Lashkar fighters is not more than 300. “They are highly-trained and hence lethal. Only a few people, even among Taliban ranks, know the exact structure of the group. Its fighters keep their faces masked whenever they come out of their hideouts. They also wear a black uniform with word Khorasan written on it. They travel on vehicles with tinted windows. They do not reveal their identity even when they capture and kill a spy in public. So far the group has killed more than 250 suspect spies in NWA.”
He adds that since early this year, the group has killed more than 35 car mechanics. “After drones started attacking vehicles of militant commanders in the area, they found out that some car mechanics, while repairing vehicles of militants, place electronics chips that guide drones to its targets.”
The executions are occasionally carried out in public in a brutal fashion. Most of such executions take place around Mir Ali area, preceded by a sermon by the head of the Lashkar warning people to not put their faith and life at risk for money. Then the ‘blamed spy’ is tied with belts of explosives, called ‘ground drones’, and detonated in front of the locals.
“They gun down or slaughter suspect spies and dump the bodies on roadsides. A letter is usually tied to the body,” informs a resident of NWA. According to him, in May this year, they abducted a young man belonging to influential Mosakey tribe under suspicion of being a spy and killed him. “He was a very nice man. He was a graduate and ran a private business in Mir Ali bazaar. So the locals in Mir Ali bazaar protested against his killing by blocking the road. We fear them most because they don’t have faces and most of the Lashkar operatives are not local,” he tells TNS.
Majority of those killed by the Lashkar belong to local tribes of NWA or people settled there. “So far, it has killed only one spy belonging to the Mehsud tribe. They do not spare a suspect. Its fighters have killed even some very influential people of the area, including commanders among their ranks. It is true that locals are concerned about the group’s activities,” says a Taliban commander who belongs to the Mehsud tribe.
“Lashkar is ultra-radical and ultra-violent, but I do not think it is strong enough to challenge the authority of Hafiz Gul Bahadur in the area. The politics of pamphlet is an eyewash. A group cannot operate in NWA without the Bahadur group’s nod. In fact, the brutal activities of the Lashkar, especially violent public execution of suspect spies, put a lot of pressure on Bahadur, so the best way for him to satisfy the locals was to disown it,” Peshawar-based senior analyst Ismail Khan tells TNS.
Former secretary Fata, Brig (retd) Mehmood Shah, believes that the Bahadur group concentrates only on Afghan jihad and that is the reason why it has disowned the Lashkar. “There are many different groups operating from Mir Ali area of North Waziristan and the Lashkar is one of them. It is a very lethal group and gets most of the support from local Dawar tribe and Punjabis settled in the area,” he tells TNS. “Hafiz Gul Bahadur is against all these groups and wants to eliminate them as well. But if he will start fighting these groups in the area, it will shift his focus from the Afghan jihad.”
Independent analysts, who have understanding of the Lashkar doings, confirm that its fighters are highly-skilled and technologically updated. Haq Nawaz, a Peshawar-based senior journalist, says: “Some of those who were abducted by these people and later released have told me that most of the investigators and judges of this group look like Egyptians. When one of the suspected spies denied all charges in front of its investigators, they ran the footage on a projector of his meeting with a person who is considered a lynchpin between local informers and CIA. I don’t think announcement by Gul Bahadur disowning the group is more than a tactic to get the support of local people who dislike the Lashkar’s activities. The group may be renamed to pacify public anger,” Nawaz believes.
It seems true as a local in NWA informs TNS that he has seen a pamphlet a few days back in the Mir Ali bazaar from a new militant organistaion — Saif-ul-Furqan — warning spies of dire consequences.
— Addittional reporting by Saleem Mehsud
Thursday, November 3, 2011
US drones kill senior member of Pakistan Taleban
By Aoun Sahi
The US has killed a senior member of the Pakistani Taleban famous for harrying fuel convoys destined for NATO troops in Afghanistan.
Taj Gul Mehsud was killed with his brother and around ten other foot-soldiers of the Tehrik-i-Taleban (TTP) in a drone attack late on Thursday, a spokesman for the group confirmed to The Times.
The remotely-fired missile hit the fighters’ hideout in an abandoned house in Sarina close to Smal Bobar in Sararogha said local people.
Drone strikes are relatively rare in South Waziristan which dominated by the Mehsud tribe mostly because of the lack of reliable intelligence on the ground.
Taj Gul, a close and most trusted all of the TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud will be a serious blow to the group which attacks targets on both sides of Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan, said analysts.
Earlier on Thursday at least five senior commanders of another Taleban group were also killed in the region suggesting that the US is further stepping up the tempo of its drone operations expanding into new areas.
The fighters were under the command of Maulvi Nazir one of the most influential Taleban commanders whose fighters regularly attack Nato forces. Unlike other Taleban commanders, however, his fighters do not attack Pakistani targets.
With additional reporting by Saleem Mehsud.
The US has killed a senior member of the Pakistani Taleban famous for harrying fuel convoys destined for NATO troops in Afghanistan.
Taj Gul Mehsud was killed with his brother and around ten other foot-soldiers of the Tehrik-i-Taleban (TTP) in a drone attack late on Thursday, a spokesman for the group confirmed to The Times.
The remotely-fired missile hit the fighters’ hideout in an abandoned house in Sarina close to Smal Bobar in Sararogha said local people.
Drone strikes are relatively rare in South Waziristan which dominated by the Mehsud tribe mostly because of the lack of reliable intelligence on the ground.
Taj Gul, a close and most trusted all of the TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud will be a serious blow to the group which attacks targets on both sides of Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan, said analysts.
Earlier on Thursday at least five senior commanders of another Taleban group were also killed in the region suggesting that the US is further stepping up the tempo of its drone operations expanding into new areas.
The fighters were under the command of Maulvi Nazir one of the most influential Taleban commanders whose fighters regularly attack Nato forces. Unlike other Taleban commanders, however, his fighters do not attack Pakistani targets.
With additional reporting by Saleem Mehsud.
Taleban spy-catchers murder mechanics suspected of guiding American drones
Francis Elliott in Delhi, Aoun Sahi in Islamabad and Saleem Mehsud in Peshawar
November 3 2011 12:01AM
Car mechanics suspected of fitting electronic chips that guide US drones to Taleban vehicles in northwest Pakistan are being murdered by a squad of spy-catchers. Dozens have been killed in the tribal areas of Pakistan since the formation of the insurgents’ counterintelligence unit late last year, which is believed to have been responsible for the deaths of about 250 people it suspects of passing information on insurgent leaders to the US.
The counter-intelligence unit calls itself Lashkar-e-Khorasan (Army of the Khorasan), a reference to an Islamic prophesy that an army from a town in modern-day Iran of that name will conquer the world. Mechanics were targeted after the US, which never officially acknowledges its drone campaign in Pakistan, stepped up its remotely-fired missile attacks on moving vehicles early this year, a Taleban source said.
Insurgents now assign a fighter to watch over any vehicle while it is under repair, according to one mechanic who says he survived a recent abduction and violent interrogation. Marjan Khan said that he had been snatched from his home in June by masked men.
“I was kept in solitary confinement for three months. They investigated and tortured me almost every day,” he said. “They blamed me for spying for the US as one of their cars which was brought to our workshop for some work was later hit by a drone, killing some of their very important leaders.”
Mr Khan’s hand was broken during torture but he was released after the squad concluded that he was innocent. Others fare less well. The squad stages public executions of “spies” and disseminates video footage as a warning to others.
One video shows suspected spies wearing belts of explosives, which were detonated remotely. “The squad calls these their ‘ground drones’,” said a local resident. The video is believed to have been shot in April near Miran Shah in North Waziristan, the tribal area that borders Afghanistan and is preceded by a lengthy denunciation by a group of masked fighters who identify themselves as members of Lashkar-e-Khorasan to a crowd of about 200 villagers.
Six mechanics were beheaded in January after a spate of drone attacks on insurgents’ vehicles which had been recently repaired by their workshop.
A senior Pakistan security official said it was believed that the spy-catcher squad is made up mainly of militants from Punjab and Central Asia rather than local tribesmen. Although widely feared, there are signs that the squad may have over-reached itself in recent weeks. Its activities were disowned by Hafiz Gul Bahadur, the most powerful militant commander in North Waziristan.
A Taleban commander in the region said that the unit’s total strength is about 300 fighters. “Their chief is replaced every two months and it is mandatory for them to keep their faces masked all the time and wear a black uniform. Even locals are unaware of their identities,” he said.
Haq Nawaz, a Peshawar-based journalist, said that the unit’s fighters, some of whom appear to be from Egypt, were highly skilled and technologically up to date.
“Their main job is to capture and kill spies but they are also involved in high-level kidnapping,” he said. “It seems the group is directly controlled by Arabs with support from the Haqqani network, Tehrik-i-Taleban [Pakistan Taleban] and Hafiz Gul Bahadur.”
November 3 2011 12:01AM
Car mechanics suspected of fitting electronic chips that guide US drones to Taleban vehicles in northwest Pakistan are being murdered by a squad of spy-catchers. Dozens have been killed in the tribal areas of Pakistan since the formation of the insurgents’ counterintelligence unit late last year, which is believed to have been responsible for the deaths of about 250 people it suspects of passing information on insurgent leaders to the US.
The counter-intelligence unit calls itself Lashkar-e-Khorasan (Army of the Khorasan), a reference to an Islamic prophesy that an army from a town in modern-day Iran of that name will conquer the world. Mechanics were targeted after the US, which never officially acknowledges its drone campaign in Pakistan, stepped up its remotely-fired missile attacks on moving vehicles early this year, a Taleban source said.
Insurgents now assign a fighter to watch over any vehicle while it is under repair, according to one mechanic who says he survived a recent abduction and violent interrogation. Marjan Khan said that he had been snatched from his home in June by masked men.
“I was kept in solitary confinement for three months. They investigated and tortured me almost every day,” he said. “They blamed me for spying for the US as one of their cars which was brought to our workshop for some work was later hit by a drone, killing some of their very important leaders.”
Mr Khan’s hand was broken during torture but he was released after the squad concluded that he was innocent. Others fare less well. The squad stages public executions of “spies” and disseminates video footage as a warning to others.
One video shows suspected spies wearing belts of explosives, which were detonated remotely. “The squad calls these their ‘ground drones’,” said a local resident. The video is believed to have been shot in April near Miran Shah in North Waziristan, the tribal area that borders Afghanistan and is preceded by a lengthy denunciation by a group of masked fighters who identify themselves as members of Lashkar-e-Khorasan to a crowd of about 200 villagers.
Six mechanics were beheaded in January after a spate of drone attacks on insurgents’ vehicles which had been recently repaired by their workshop.
A senior Pakistan security official said it was believed that the spy-catcher squad is made up mainly of militants from Punjab and Central Asia rather than local tribesmen. Although widely feared, there are signs that the squad may have over-reached itself in recent weeks. Its activities were disowned by Hafiz Gul Bahadur, the most powerful militant commander in North Waziristan.
A Taleban commander in the region said that the unit’s total strength is about 300 fighters. “Their chief is replaced every two months and it is mandatory for them to keep their faces masked all the time and wear a black uniform. Even locals are unaware of their identities,” he said.
Haq Nawaz, a Peshawar-based journalist, said that the unit’s fighters, some of whom appear to be from Egypt, were highly skilled and technologically up to date.
“Their main job is to capture and kill spies but they are also involved in high-level kidnapping,” he said. “It seems the group is directly controlled by Arabs with support from the Haqqani network, Tehrik-i-Taleban [Pakistan Taleban] and Hafiz Gul Bahadur.”
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Ex-Anti-Taliban peace committee chief killed along with friend in Tank
Ex-Anti-Taliban peace committee chief killed along with friend in Tank
---- 3 soldiers injured in roadside bombing
By Saleem Mehsud
TANK, Oct 26: Former chief of anti-Taliban Tank Peace Committee, Shahabuddin Burki was gunned down along with his friend late Tuesday night in congested Civil Line Muhallah of the city, while three security personnel were injured in a roadside bombing in the city in a separate incident on Wednesday.
Police said that Shahabuddin Burki, loyal to slain commander Qari Zainuddin anti-Taliban group, was sleeping with his friend in Civil Line Muhallah of Tank city along with his friend identified as Asmatullah Mehsud s/o Ghulam Rasool when they both were shot dead by their friend with a pistol. The culprit managed to flee the scene after committing the dual murder.
Police immediately imposed curfew in the city and extra contingents of police were deployed on all the entry and exit points of the city.
Ghulam Rasool, father of the deceased Asmatullah, told INP that Shahabuddin came to his home for stay along with a friend whose identity was not known to him. During mid-night the third friend opened indiscriminate fire at both the deceased when they were sleeping and managed his escape along with the pistol, Ghulam Rasool said. He said that family members immediately rushed to the guest room where they found both the deceased laying in a pool of blood. They were immediately rushed to a hospital where they were pronounced dead.
Similarly, two days ago, unknown gunmen opened indiscriminate fire at former elder of the Peace Committee Haji Ghulam Ayaz along with another man Adab Khan in Sheikh Uttar area adjacent to the Tank city.
It is pertinent to be mentioned here that Qari Zainuddin was killed in Dera Ismail Khan by a foot fighter loyal to the founder of Tehrek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) slain commander Baitullah Mehsud when his pro-government group was active against the TTP affiliated members in both Tank and DI Khan and also have killed their several members especially Qari Hussain, the master trainer of suicide bombers.
The killing of peace committee members sparked panic among the members of the committee among whom most were loyal to Qari Zainuddin group which was especially constituted by the government in 2009 to counter TTP foot fighters in Tank and DI Khan in order to establish peace.
In yet another incident in the same city, three security personnel were wounded when a remote-controlled roadside bomb detonated next to an army vehicle on the outskirts of the town, local military officials said.
Police and security forces cordoned off the entire area and launched a search operation. However, no arrests were made.
---- 3 soldiers injured in roadside bombing
By Saleem Mehsud
TANK, Oct 26: Former chief of anti-Taliban Tank Peace Committee, Shahabuddin Burki was gunned down along with his friend late Tuesday night in congested Civil Line Muhallah of the city, while three security personnel were injured in a roadside bombing in the city in a separate incident on Wednesday.
Police said that Shahabuddin Burki, loyal to slain commander Qari Zainuddin anti-Taliban group, was sleeping with his friend in Civil Line Muhallah of Tank city along with his friend identified as Asmatullah Mehsud s/o Ghulam Rasool when they both were shot dead by their friend with a pistol. The culprit managed to flee the scene after committing the dual murder.
Police immediately imposed curfew in the city and extra contingents of police were deployed on all the entry and exit points of the city.
Ghulam Rasool, father of the deceased Asmatullah, told INP that Shahabuddin came to his home for stay along with a friend whose identity was not known to him. During mid-night the third friend opened indiscriminate fire at both the deceased when they were sleeping and managed his escape along with the pistol, Ghulam Rasool said. He said that family members immediately rushed to the guest room where they found both the deceased laying in a pool of blood. They were immediately rushed to a hospital where they were pronounced dead.
Similarly, two days ago, unknown gunmen opened indiscriminate fire at former elder of the Peace Committee Haji Ghulam Ayaz along with another man Adab Khan in Sheikh Uttar area adjacent to the Tank city.
It is pertinent to be mentioned here that Qari Zainuddin was killed in Dera Ismail Khan by a foot fighter loyal to the founder of Tehrek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) slain commander Baitullah Mehsud when his pro-government group was active against the TTP affiliated members in both Tank and DI Khan and also have killed their several members especially Qari Hussain, the master trainer of suicide bombers.
The killing of peace committee members sparked panic among the members of the committee among whom most were loyal to Qari Zainuddin group which was especially constituted by the government in 2009 to counter TTP foot fighters in Tank and DI Khan in order to establish peace.
In yet another incident in the same city, three security personnel were wounded when a remote-controlled roadside bomb detonated next to an army vehicle on the outskirts of the town, local military officials said.
Police and security forces cordoned off the entire area and launched a search operation. However, no arrests were made.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Fazlullah vows to renew insurgency in Pakistan
By Saleem Mehsud
PESHAWAR, Oct 21 : At the time when US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is visiting Pakistan to convey tough message to high-ups for eliminating the sanctuaries of Taliban on this side of the border, the fugitive head of Swat Taliban Maulvi Fazlullah sent a fresh call of waging war against Pakistan on Friday.
The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Swat chapter chief Fazlullah also known as Mullah Radio has made his hiding base in Nooristan and Kunar areas of Afghanistan after being forced to flee by the security forces in 2009 Swat operation. TTP commander has been blamed for launching cross-border attacks in Bajaur, Mohmand and Upper Dir areas, killing several security forces personnel and innocent people living in the border area.
Replying to the questions being sent by the foreign media, the Maulvi through his subordinate told that insurgency would return to Pakistan as the country is under fresh of US pressure. He said that whenever US exert pressure on Pakistan the high-ups automatically turn down the weapons against the insurgents and offer them to hold peace talks, adding that the TTP no longer trusts the peace initiatives of the Pakistani government.
He said that Shariah must be implemented in Malakand division as they sacrificed their lives, properties to achieve Shariah implementation in the entire country.
Army spokesman Major-General Athar Abbas during his earlier message asked the Afghan authorities to hunt down both Maulvi Fazlullah and Maulvi Faqir hiding in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Nooristan provinces, saying that US led forces in Afghanistan were not conducting operations against the fugitive Taliban commanders who were patronizing cross-border attacks.
In the meeting of All Parties Conference (APC) held in Islamabad after the US maligned Pakistan’s image by blaming its intelligence agency of supporting the Haqqani Network in the tribal regions, it was proposed to hold talks with all the insurgents in order to achieve peace in the tribal region.
But Fazlullah replying to the question regarding peace with Pakistan said that whenever Pakistan improve its relations with US then Pakistan forget its promises and become more harsh and cruel. “We know these tricks of the Pakistani rulers and do not trust their promises,” Fazlullah said.
By Saleem Mehsud
PESHAWAR, Oct 21 : At the time when US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is visiting Pakistan to convey tough message to high-ups for eliminating the sanctuaries of Taliban on this side of the border, the fugitive head of Swat Taliban Maulvi Fazlullah sent a fresh call of waging war against Pakistan on Friday.
The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Swat chapter chief Fazlullah also known as Mullah Radio has made his hiding base in Nooristan and Kunar areas of Afghanistan after being forced to flee by the security forces in 2009 Swat operation. TTP commander has been blamed for launching cross-border attacks in Bajaur, Mohmand and Upper Dir areas, killing several security forces personnel and innocent people living in the border area.
Replying to the questions being sent by the foreign media, the Maulvi through his subordinate told that insurgency would return to Pakistan as the country is under fresh of US pressure. He said that whenever US exert pressure on Pakistan the high-ups automatically turn down the weapons against the insurgents and offer them to hold peace talks, adding that the TTP no longer trusts the peace initiatives of the Pakistani government.
He said that Shariah must be implemented in Malakand division as they sacrificed their lives, properties to achieve Shariah implementation in the entire country.
Army spokesman Major-General Athar Abbas during his earlier message asked the Afghan authorities to hunt down both Maulvi Fazlullah and Maulvi Faqir hiding in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Nooristan provinces, saying that US led forces in Afghanistan were not conducting operations against the fugitive Taliban commanders who were patronizing cross-border attacks.
In the meeting of All Parties Conference (APC) held in Islamabad after the US maligned Pakistan’s image by blaming its intelligence agency of supporting the Haqqani Network in the tribal regions, it was proposed to hold talks with all the insurgents in order to achieve peace in the tribal region.
But Fazlullah replying to the question regarding peace with Pakistan said that whenever Pakistan improve its relations with US then Pakistan forget its promises and become more harsh and cruel. “We know these tricks of the Pakistani rulers and do not trust their promises,” Fazlullah said.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Balochistan route turned out to be most dangerous for NATO supplies
Balochistan route turned out to be most dangerous for NATO supplies
By Saleem Mehsud
QUETTA, Oct 20 : The Balochistan route being used for Nato supplies in Afghanistan through Chaman border has been declared most dangerous after an estimated 112 attacks on the Nato tankers during which 254 vehicles were burnt and 50 people killed in the last three years.
The attacks caused damages of billion of dollars on the resources of the Nato forces stationed in Afghanistan in addition to the death of innocent Pakistani drivers.
Official sources said that two routes leading to the Chaman border were being used for the Nato supplies i.e. one through Qalat division and the other Bolan from Karachi port. In 2009, Nato supplies were kicked off through the two routes for the Nato forces stationed in Afghanistan.
“At least 254 Nato tankers were torched, 50 drivers and cleaners of the Nato tankers were killed, 36 sustained injuries in 112 attacks launched by insurgents in ten districts of Balochistan during three years,” official sources told this agency.
Most of the attacks on the Nato tankers were reported from Qalat division where some 90 Nato tankers were set ablaze in more then 60 terror attacks inflicting losses of millions of dollars on the Nato resources.
The Nato tankers were attacked eleven times in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, in which 42 tankers were torched.
It is pertinent to be mentioned here that most of the criminals involved in the attacks on Nato supplies remained at large as very few number of them could be detained.
By Saleem Mehsud
QUETTA, Oct 20 : The Balochistan route being used for Nato supplies in Afghanistan through Chaman border has been declared most dangerous after an estimated 112 attacks on the Nato tankers during which 254 vehicles were burnt and 50 people killed in the last three years.
The attacks caused damages of billion of dollars on the resources of the Nato forces stationed in Afghanistan in addition to the death of innocent Pakistani drivers.
Official sources said that two routes leading to the Chaman border were being used for the Nato supplies i.e. one through Qalat division and the other Bolan from Karachi port. In 2009, Nato supplies were kicked off through the two routes for the Nato forces stationed in Afghanistan.
“At least 254 Nato tankers were torched, 50 drivers and cleaners of the Nato tankers were killed, 36 sustained injuries in 112 attacks launched by insurgents in ten districts of Balochistan during three years,” official sources told this agency.
Most of the attacks on the Nato tankers were reported from Qalat division where some 90 Nato tankers were set ablaze in more then 60 terror attacks inflicting losses of millions of dollars on the Nato resources.
The Nato tankers were attacked eleven times in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, in which 42 tankers were torched.
It is pertinent to be mentioned here that most of the criminals involved in the attacks on Nato supplies remained at large as very few number of them could be detained.
US surge on NWA border possibly aimed at offensive; US launched cross-border attacks 12 times since 2002
US surge on NWA border possibly aimed at offensive; US launched cross-border attacks 12 times since 2002
By Saleem Mehsud
ISLAMABAD, Oct 20 : The abrupt deployment of US troops in large number along with heavy artillery, helicopter gunships and sealing the Pak-Afghan border near North Waziristan Agency (NWA) on October 17 sends alarming sign of escalating tension between the US and Pakistan as US troops during the last 10 years have illegally entered 12 times into Pakistan’s territory and launched offensives.
According to details, since 2002, the US troops have entered into Pakistan’s territory 12 times, killing security forces, innocent tribals living in the rugged region, exchanged heavy fire with Pakistani forces in the bordering area besides launching numerous drone strikes in the tribal belt especially in NWA, considered as hub of the militants associated with al-Qaeda and Haqqani Network blamed by US for killing Nato forces in Afghanistan.
Reports said on Thursday, on December 29, 2002, US troops entered into Angoor Adda area of South Waziristan Agency (SWA) while Pakistani soldiers opened fire on them which triggered heavy fire and Nato helicopters shelled the area.
On April, 2, 2005, some 80 US troops traveled in five trucks into Lowara Mandi area of NWA, launched house to house search operation which lasted for two hours and then went back to Afghanistan without facing any resistance from indigenous forces. In 2006, Nato helicopters again entered into the same area which came under the fire of security forces and local tribals, forcing them back to Afghanistan.
In 2011, February 11, exchange of heavy fire occurred between bordering forces when US troops attempted to enter into NWA. On 14th May 2007, US troops entered into Tari Mangal tribal region which were attacked by Pakistani security forces and in the ensuing battle three US soldiers sustained injuries in which one succumbed to injuries in a Germany Hospital.
September, 03, 2008, Nato helicopters entered into Musanika area of SWA, dropped US soldiers besides killing 20 innocent tribals including six women and eight children in shelling. US soldiers searched houses in the area for several hours and then went back to their bases in Afghanistan.
On 15th September, 2008, and also on September 21, 2008, US troops entered into both Waziristans but were force backed by the firing of the locals and security forces. On 25th September 2008, exchange of artillery fire was reported between US and Pakistani troops in Tanai area in which soldiers on both sides sustained injuries. On 30th September 2010, Nato helicopters entered into Kurram Agency and shelled a check-post manned by security forces, killing three soldiers.
On May 02, 2011, Abbottabad operation was carried out by US Special Forces, killing the founder of al-Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden which raised tension between US and Pakistan to its peak. On 17th May 2011, US troops once again attempted to cross the border to make its way to Dattakhel area of NWA, but firing of Pakistani security forces did not allow them to accomplish their mission.
Besides launching ground attacks and drone strikes in Pakistan’s territory, US troops are reportedly helping and assisting the fugitive Taliban Commanders, Maulvi Faqir and Maulana Fazlullah who were hiding in the Kunar province of Afghanistan. US troops have assisted the insurgents in launching more then seven attacks on the security forces and innocent tribal in the regions.
The October 17, 2011 move of the US troops to the Afghan area bordering Pakistan's insurgent-infested North Waziristan tribal region along with heavy artillery, helicopter gunships and sealing the border were signs of US possible ground offensive in NWA.
Similarly, Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani while briefing the parliament’s defence committee members admitted that he did not rule out the possibility of a US ground offensive in North Waziristan, but warned that Washington will think ‘ten times’ before launching such an attack.
Kayani said that the ongoing build-up of Afghan and International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) troops along the Pak-Afghan border is a tactic to intensify that pressure.
General Kayani’s statement came hours after senior Afghan defence officials said the country’s security forces and their Nato allies have launched a new push against the Haqqani network.
By Saleem Mehsud
ISLAMABAD, Oct 20 : The abrupt deployment of US troops in large number along with heavy artillery, helicopter gunships and sealing the Pak-Afghan border near North Waziristan Agency (NWA) on October 17 sends alarming sign of escalating tension between the US and Pakistan as US troops during the last 10 years have illegally entered 12 times into Pakistan’s territory and launched offensives.
According to details, since 2002, the US troops have entered into Pakistan’s territory 12 times, killing security forces, innocent tribals living in the rugged region, exchanged heavy fire with Pakistani forces in the bordering area besides launching numerous drone strikes in the tribal belt especially in NWA, considered as hub of the militants associated with al-Qaeda and Haqqani Network blamed by US for killing Nato forces in Afghanistan.
Reports said on Thursday, on December 29, 2002, US troops entered into Angoor Adda area of South Waziristan Agency (SWA) while Pakistani soldiers opened fire on them which triggered heavy fire and Nato helicopters shelled the area.
On April, 2, 2005, some 80 US troops traveled in five trucks into Lowara Mandi area of NWA, launched house to house search operation which lasted for two hours and then went back to Afghanistan without facing any resistance from indigenous forces. In 2006, Nato helicopters again entered into the same area which came under the fire of security forces and local tribals, forcing them back to Afghanistan.
In 2011, February 11, exchange of heavy fire occurred between bordering forces when US troops attempted to enter into NWA. On 14th May 2007, US troops entered into Tari Mangal tribal region which were attacked by Pakistani security forces and in the ensuing battle three US soldiers sustained injuries in which one succumbed to injuries in a Germany Hospital.
September, 03, 2008, Nato helicopters entered into Musanika area of SWA, dropped US soldiers besides killing 20 innocent tribals including six women and eight children in shelling. US soldiers searched houses in the area for several hours and then went back to their bases in Afghanistan.
On 15th September, 2008, and also on September 21, 2008, US troops entered into both Waziristans but were force backed by the firing of the locals and security forces. On 25th September 2008, exchange of artillery fire was reported between US and Pakistani troops in Tanai area in which soldiers on both sides sustained injuries. On 30th September 2010, Nato helicopters entered into Kurram Agency and shelled a check-post manned by security forces, killing three soldiers.
On May 02, 2011, Abbottabad operation was carried out by US Special Forces, killing the founder of al-Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden which raised tension between US and Pakistan to its peak. On 17th May 2011, US troops once again attempted to cross the border to make its way to Dattakhel area of NWA, but firing of Pakistani security forces did not allow them to accomplish their mission.
Besides launching ground attacks and drone strikes in Pakistan’s territory, US troops are reportedly helping and assisting the fugitive Taliban Commanders, Maulvi Faqir and Maulana Fazlullah who were hiding in the Kunar province of Afghanistan. US troops have assisted the insurgents in launching more then seven attacks on the security forces and innocent tribal in the regions.
The October 17, 2011 move of the US troops to the Afghan area bordering Pakistan's insurgent-infested North Waziristan tribal region along with heavy artillery, helicopter gunships and sealing the border were signs of US possible ground offensive in NWA.
Similarly, Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani while briefing the parliament’s defence committee members admitted that he did not rule out the possibility of a US ground offensive in North Waziristan, but warned that Washington will think ‘ten times’ before launching such an attack.
Kayani said that the ongoing build-up of Afghan and International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) troops along the Pak-Afghan border is a tactic to intensify that pressure.
General Kayani’s statement came hours after senior Afghan defence officials said the country’s security forces and their Nato allies have launched a new push against the Haqqani network.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Powerful lobby working for direct induction of 200 people into OMG
Powerful lobby working for direct induction of 200 people into OMG
By Saleem Mehsud
ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 : A powerful lobby has been working for making partial and direct induction of their blue-eyed people into the Office Management Group (OMG) and a list of around 200 people was being compiled by the lobbyists, which was lying on the prime minister’s table for final approval.
The prime minister would sign the list of selected officers compiled by the powerful lobby at any movement which would pave the way for appointment of more incompetent officers and administrators in the government’s key department and would halt the way of competent and eligible officers.
Sources in the PM Secretariat told INP that the powerful lobby has made structural changes into OMG constitution for direct induction into the lucrative posts and the whole process of inducting 200 people will be accomplished by doing injustice to the CSS officers.
The OMG department, which basically deals with the implementation and formulation of various state policies, induction into the group was blocked twice from 7th common to 17th common through Central Superior Services (CSS) exams because politicians and dictators have made mass direct induction into the group by bringing ineligible and incompetent officers merely on political basis.
“Dictators have also directly inducted officers from autonomous bodies like various corporations which were against the rules of induction into the group,” sources said.
The government in 1973 had introduced CSS exams in order to bring competent officers to serve the state and the masses and at the time provision of lateral entry was also included into the rules of occupational groups according to which government could directly appoint officers in order to fill vacant post because of scarcity of educated and literate people in 70s era.
Unfortunately, politicians and dictators have utilized the lateral entry provision for their interests and made numerous direct inductions especially in OMG which has halted the way of CSS officers who were not willing to join the group because of presence of incompetent bosses.
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) led coalition government has been blamed repeatedly by the opposition vehemently for prevailing rampant corruption in each government department and by signing the list of 200 officers compiled by the powerful lobby the move would further mar the image of major political party and also the essence of merit would be affected by this decision.
Government should stop the lateral entry into the OMG and should induct only CSS officers in order to do justice with the competent youth who go through competitive exams. Lateral entry, 1973 phenomena, is no more required because Pakistan has plenty of literate and educated people at present and government could utilise their energies in better way despite bringing incompetent and ineligible officers to OMG.
Similarly, OMG is dealing with policies and serious matters of the state so incompetent and ineligible officers would not be able to deliver in better way in the situation while the country has been facing several challenges -- both internal and external.
By Saleem Mehsud
ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 : A powerful lobby has been working for making partial and direct induction of their blue-eyed people into the Office Management Group (OMG) and a list of around 200 people was being compiled by the lobbyists, which was lying on the prime minister’s table for final approval.
The prime minister would sign the list of selected officers compiled by the powerful lobby at any movement which would pave the way for appointment of more incompetent officers and administrators in the government’s key department and would halt the way of competent and eligible officers.
Sources in the PM Secretariat told INP that the powerful lobby has made structural changes into OMG constitution for direct induction into the lucrative posts and the whole process of inducting 200 people will be accomplished by doing injustice to the CSS officers.
The OMG department, which basically deals with the implementation and formulation of various state policies, induction into the group was blocked twice from 7th common to 17th common through Central Superior Services (CSS) exams because politicians and dictators have made mass direct induction into the group by bringing ineligible and incompetent officers merely on political basis.
“Dictators have also directly inducted officers from autonomous bodies like various corporations which were against the rules of induction into the group,” sources said.
The government in 1973 had introduced CSS exams in order to bring competent officers to serve the state and the masses and at the time provision of lateral entry was also included into the rules of occupational groups according to which government could directly appoint officers in order to fill vacant post because of scarcity of educated and literate people in 70s era.
Unfortunately, politicians and dictators have utilized the lateral entry provision for their interests and made numerous direct inductions especially in OMG which has halted the way of CSS officers who were not willing to join the group because of presence of incompetent bosses.
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) led coalition government has been blamed repeatedly by the opposition vehemently for prevailing rampant corruption in each government department and by signing the list of 200 officers compiled by the powerful lobby the move would further mar the image of major political party and also the essence of merit would be affected by this decision.
Government should stop the lateral entry into the OMG and should induct only CSS officers in order to do justice with the competent youth who go through competitive exams. Lateral entry, 1973 phenomena, is no more required because Pakistan has plenty of literate and educated people at present and government could utilise their energies in better way despite bringing incompetent and ineligible officers to OMG.
Similarly, OMG is dealing with policies and serious matters of the state so incompetent and ineligible officers would not be able to deliver in better way in the situation while the country has been facing several challenges -- both internal and external.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
1232 Mehsud families returning to SWA complain of severe hardships, Mehsud Maliks demand permission to media to their areas
1232 Mehsud families returning to SWA complain of severe hardships, Mehsud Maliks demand permission to media to their areas
By Saleem Mehsud
TANK, July 02: Around 1232 internally displaced families returned to the places of their origin in South Waziristan till Saturday as the political administration and the Pak Army assisted their return after restoration of peace in the Mahsud-inhibited areas of South Waziristan Agency after military operation Rah-e-Nejat.
Official sources said that returnees included residents of Srarogha, Ghanra Hibatkhel, Hanrai Tangi, Kotkai, Murghiband, Spinkai Raghzai and the surrounding areas in South Waziristan Agency, the previous strong hold of Mehsud Taliban loyal to slain Taliban Commander Baitullah Mehsud who was killed in 2009 US drone strike.
But the returnees are facing immense difficulties back to their native areas. Some of the repatriated families who had visited their hometown in the early repatriation phase launched by the government informed on condition of anonymity that government officials were claiming to have facilitated the locals but these claims were not true.
Malik Janez Ishangi said that foreign funded local NGO was giving ration to the locals and single tent to each family. “Government has not yet fulfilled the promise of giving Rs 25,000 in cash to each family,” the Malik of Mehsud tribe remarked.
Malik Mirbat Khan said that we were returning to flattened homes which were completely destroyed in the military operation and government did not provide any compensation for reconstruction of the destroyed houses which the locals are unable to rebuild.
Mirbat Khan said that health facilities were equal to none, adding that only one doctor for few hours come to Kotakai area with few tablets and syrups which were inadequate to meet the demands of the patients.
The entire area has no medical store, the Malik hailing from Kotkai complained and said that schools buildings were completely destroyed and government has not yet reopened even a single school for the children in the terror hit area. “Our area has nothing for the youth jobs which the government claimed to have created for the locals,” the Malik added.
Another local identified as Sikander said that everyone repatriated to the native town was busy in separating stones, mud and material of roofs of their destroyed houses and waiting for the government relief to start reconstruction of their destroyed houses.
Without mentioning name of the Pak-Army officer in Kotkai area, Sikandar told that army officer called all the locals of Kotkai for a meeting and informed them that at the moment government has not disbursed any amount for the reconstruction of the houses and locals have to wait.
The tribal elders and locals of the SWA have demanded the government to allow media to the area in order to give true picture of the insurgent-hit SWA as that would enable the government to see the devastation and extend the much needed assistance for the poor IDPs who suffered immensely for the national cause.
On the other hand local officials said that a high-tech computer laboratory has been set up with the help of Pak-Army and political administration while various opportunities are being created to generate jobs for the returnees.
The latest phase of the IDPs repatriation to South Waziristan was launched on June 28 and ended on Saturday, July 2, 2011.
The displaced families were provided free transport and were provided security by the 55-Brigrade of the Pakistan Army along with the assistance of the Political Administration South Waziristan.
Talking to reporters, the officials of the political administration said the mobile hospital arrangement has been made for the IDPs in the area with the help of the Governor’s Secretariat and the facility was well-equipped to provide effective treatment to the ailing people.
They added that the medical staffs including lady doctors and paramedics have been deployed with the mobile hospital to provide medical cover to the repatriated families in South Waziristan.
By Saleem Mehsud
TANK, July 02: Around 1232 internally displaced families returned to the places of their origin in South Waziristan till Saturday as the political administration and the Pak Army assisted their return after restoration of peace in the Mahsud-inhibited areas of South Waziristan Agency after military operation Rah-e-Nejat.
Official sources said that returnees included residents of Srarogha, Ghanra Hibatkhel, Hanrai Tangi, Kotkai, Murghiband, Spinkai Raghzai and the surrounding areas in South Waziristan Agency, the previous strong hold of Mehsud Taliban loyal to slain Taliban Commander Baitullah Mehsud who was killed in 2009 US drone strike.
But the returnees are facing immense difficulties back to their native areas. Some of the repatriated families who had visited their hometown in the early repatriation phase launched by the government informed on condition of anonymity that government officials were claiming to have facilitated the locals but these claims were not true.
Malik Janez Ishangi said that foreign funded local NGO was giving ration to the locals and single tent to each family. “Government has not yet fulfilled the promise of giving Rs 25,000 in cash to each family,” the Malik of Mehsud tribe remarked.
Malik Mirbat Khan said that we were returning to flattened homes which were completely destroyed in the military operation and government did not provide any compensation for reconstruction of the destroyed houses which the locals are unable to rebuild.
Mirbat Khan said that health facilities were equal to none, adding that only one doctor for few hours come to Kotakai area with few tablets and syrups which were inadequate to meet the demands of the patients.
The entire area has no medical store, the Malik hailing from Kotkai complained and said that schools buildings were completely destroyed and government has not yet reopened even a single school for the children in the terror hit area. “Our area has nothing for the youth jobs which the government claimed to have created for the locals,” the Malik added.
Another local identified as Sikander said that everyone repatriated to the native town was busy in separating stones, mud and material of roofs of their destroyed houses and waiting for the government relief to start reconstruction of their destroyed houses.
Without mentioning name of the Pak-Army officer in Kotkai area, Sikandar told that army officer called all the locals of Kotkai for a meeting and informed them that at the moment government has not disbursed any amount for the reconstruction of the houses and locals have to wait.
The tribal elders and locals of the SWA have demanded the government to allow media to the area in order to give true picture of the insurgent-hit SWA as that would enable the government to see the devastation and extend the much needed assistance for the poor IDPs who suffered immensely for the national cause.
On the other hand local officials said that a high-tech computer laboratory has been set up with the help of Pak-Army and political administration while various opportunities are being created to generate jobs for the returnees.
The latest phase of the IDPs repatriation to South Waziristan was launched on June 28 and ended on Saturday, July 2, 2011.
The displaced families were provided free transport and were provided security by the 55-Brigrade of the Pakistan Army along with the assistance of the Political Administration South Waziristan.
Talking to reporters, the officials of the political administration said the mobile hospital arrangement has been made for the IDPs in the area with the help of the Governor’s Secretariat and the facility was well-equipped to provide effective treatment to the ailing people.
They added that the medical staffs including lady doctors and paramedics have been deployed with the mobile hospital to provide medical cover to the repatriated families in South Waziristan.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Journalist, doctor unveiling facts of Kharotabad incident tortured by cops in Quetta
Journalist, doctor unveiling facts of Kharotabad incident tortured by cops in Quetta
By Saleem Mehsud
QUETTA, June 15: Committing unlawful acts seem to be the loving job of our law enforcement agencies whose prime duty is to provide security to citizens, instead they were subjecting those to torture who were unveiling their illegal acts.
The law enforcement agencies high-handedness for torturing and killing citizens has been reported routinely on media but security personnel were not bounding themselves to the law of the state. After committing the crime of killing unarmed foreigners, this time security personnel have tortured the police surgeon and a journalist who have unveiled facts in the Kharotabad incident.
The tribunal formed by the provincial government to investigate the killing of five foreigners, who were killed last month by the security forces at Kharotabad, headed by Justice Mohammad Hashim Khan Kakar of Balochistan High Court has summoned Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Quetta. The tribunal resumed investigation of the Kharotabad incident on Tuesday.
The Kharotabad incident, which left question mark over the performance of our security forces who killed on May 17 five unarmed foreigners was an issue of great concern for the entire nation and the incident was made public with the help of media persons who did on the spot coverage of the incident.
The INP photojournalist Jamal Tarkai who covered the Kharotabad incident was arrested and tortured by police personnel.
Talking to a private TV channel, Jamal Tarkai said that he had been terrorised for uncovering the facts of the Kharotabad incident and now he is fed-up with his life, being living in the suffocated environment.
On the other hand, a police surgeon, Dr Baqir Shah, who had conducted the post-mortem of five foreigners killed last month in Kharotabad area by security forces was beaten up and injured by unknown assailants here at Prince Road Hotel on Monday night.
When Dr Baqir Shah was attacked he was taking dinner at a hotel.
He alleged that he was beaten up by policemen who came in at least 10 vehicles and were saying “he is the man who recorded statement against us, beat him.”
“I was punished by police for telling the truth about the killing of five foreigners,” he told a private TV channel, adding that he can identify those police personnel who tortured him.
By Saleem Mehsud
QUETTA, June 15: Committing unlawful acts seem to be the loving job of our law enforcement agencies whose prime duty is to provide security to citizens, instead they were subjecting those to torture who were unveiling their illegal acts.
The law enforcement agencies high-handedness for torturing and killing citizens has been reported routinely on media but security personnel were not bounding themselves to the law of the state. After committing the crime of killing unarmed foreigners, this time security personnel have tortured the police surgeon and a journalist who have unveiled facts in the Kharotabad incident.
The tribunal formed by the provincial government to investigate the killing of five foreigners, who were killed last month by the security forces at Kharotabad, headed by Justice Mohammad Hashim Khan Kakar of Balochistan High Court has summoned Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Quetta. The tribunal resumed investigation of the Kharotabad incident on Tuesday.
The Kharotabad incident, which left question mark over the performance of our security forces who killed on May 17 five unarmed foreigners was an issue of great concern for the entire nation and the incident was made public with the help of media persons who did on the spot coverage of the incident.
The INP photojournalist Jamal Tarkai who covered the Kharotabad incident was arrested and tortured by police personnel.
Talking to a private TV channel, Jamal Tarkai said that he had been terrorised for uncovering the facts of the Kharotabad incident and now he is fed-up with his life, being living in the suffocated environment.
On the other hand, a police surgeon, Dr Baqir Shah, who had conducted the post-mortem of five foreigners killed last month in Kharotabad area by security forces was beaten up and injured by unknown assailants here at Prince Road Hotel on Monday night.
When Dr Baqir Shah was attacked he was taking dinner at a hotel.
He alleged that he was beaten up by policemen who came in at least 10 vehicles and were saying “he is the man who recorded statement against us, beat him.”
“I was punished by police for telling the truth about the killing of five foreigners,” he told a private TV channel, adding that he can identify those police personnel who tortured him.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Taliban leader Ilyas Kashmiri killed in drone strike ---- HUJI confirms death reports of Kashmiri
Taliban leader Ilyas Kashmiri killed in drone strike
---- HUJI confirms death reports of Kashmiri
By Saleem Mehsud
WANA, June 04: The chief of Harkatul Jihad al-Islami (HUJI) Ilyas Kashmiri was reportedly killed in the latest US drone strike which targeted a suspected compound in Ghwakhwa area of South Waziristan Agency (SWA) on Friday night.
The HUJI has confirmed the death of Ilyas Kashmiri through private TV channel. On the other hand, denying media reports about the killing of Ilyas Kashmiri, Taliban said that he was alive and safe.
Official sources said that US drone fired three missiles on a suspected compound in Ghwakhwa area, 10 kilometres west of Wana, the headquarters of SWA, killing nine suspected militants and inflicted injuries on three others.
Names of four victims killed in the latest US drone strike in SWA were Farooq, Ibrahim, Amir Ahmad and Usman, official sources said.
Later unconfirmed reports claimed that Ilyas Kashmiri, the mastermind of attack on PNS Mehran naval base in Karachi, was also believed to be among those targeted in the compound in the latest US drone strike in SWA.
“Kashmiri arrived at Thattai area some 30 minutes before the US drone strike,” a private TV channel report said quoting locals. Locals who have claimed to have recovered the bodies of those killed in the drone strike told a foreign channel on condition of anonymity that Taliban fighters were seeping tea in a garden when the US drones targeted them. Ilyas Kashmiri was among the deceased. Another source said that the deceased were buried in a local graveyard.
Pakistani officials did not confirm the killing of Ilyas Kashmiri, saying that officials have not received evidences about the death of Kashmiri.
Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani addressing a gathering in Multan was quizzed by media persons about the killing of Kashmiri in the US drone strike in Wana, he said that he has no information about the death of Kashmiri.
Kashmiri was the chief of the HUJI, an organisation affiliated with al Qaeda. He is widely believed to have masterminded the attack on the PNS Mehran naval base in Karachi.
Foreign media claimed quoting local sources that Kashmiri came to SWA 10 days earlier from Khyber Agency and was killed in the US drone strike. Official sources further said that those killed in the attack were believed to be militants from Punjab.
The US recently gave Pakistan time till July the month when NATO and allied forces will begin withdrawing from Afghanistan to launch a military offensive in North Waziristan tribal region and to capture five most wanted al Qaeda and Taliban leaders, including Kashmiri.
This is not the first that there have been reports of Kashmiri's death in a drone strike.
He was reported killed in an attack by a US spy plane in North Waziristan in September 2009 but re-emerged a month later to give an interview to Syed Saleem Shahzad, the journalist who was recently abducted and murdered in Pakistan.
Defense analysts were of the view that only official confirmation in the killing of Ilyas Kashmiri was not enough till the Taliban fighters or the al-Qaeda did not confirm the death of Kashmiri.
The United States has offered a reward of up to $5 million for information on Mohammad Ilyas Kashmiri.
Indian investigators believe that suspected LeT operatives David Headley and Tahhawur Hussain Rana, who allegedly helped plan the Mumbai terror attacks were reporting to the 313 Brigade, headed by Kashmiri.
On March 2, 2006, HUJI launched a suicide bombing against the US consulate in Karachi which killed four people including US diplomat David Foy and injured 48 others.
In January 2010, a US federal grand jury indicted Kashmiri for terrorism-related offenses in connection with a terrorist plot to attack the Jyllands-Posten newspaper in Denmark.
On August 6, 2010, the US treasury secretary designated Kashmiri a specially designated global terrorist and the US secretary of state designated HUJI as a foreign terrorist organization.
Kashmiri was born in 1964 in Azad Kashmir. He has lost sight in one eye and often wears aviator-style sunglasses. He was also expected to be the future leader of al-Qaeda, the successor of slain al-Qaeda founder Osama Bin Laden who was killed on May 02 in Abbottabad operation by the US Special Forces.
---- HUJI confirms death reports of Kashmiri
By Saleem Mehsud
WANA, June 04: The chief of Harkatul Jihad al-Islami (HUJI) Ilyas Kashmiri was reportedly killed in the latest US drone strike which targeted a suspected compound in Ghwakhwa area of South Waziristan Agency (SWA) on Friday night.
The HUJI has confirmed the death of Ilyas Kashmiri through private TV channel. On the other hand, denying media reports about the killing of Ilyas Kashmiri, Taliban said that he was alive and safe.
Official sources said that US drone fired three missiles on a suspected compound in Ghwakhwa area, 10 kilometres west of Wana, the headquarters of SWA, killing nine suspected militants and inflicted injuries on three others.
Names of four victims killed in the latest US drone strike in SWA were Farooq, Ibrahim, Amir Ahmad and Usman, official sources said.
Later unconfirmed reports claimed that Ilyas Kashmiri, the mastermind of attack on PNS Mehran naval base in Karachi, was also believed to be among those targeted in the compound in the latest US drone strike in SWA.
“Kashmiri arrived at Thattai area some 30 minutes before the US drone strike,” a private TV channel report said quoting locals. Locals who have claimed to have recovered the bodies of those killed in the drone strike told a foreign channel on condition of anonymity that Taliban fighters were seeping tea in a garden when the US drones targeted them. Ilyas Kashmiri was among the deceased. Another source said that the deceased were buried in a local graveyard.
Pakistani officials did not confirm the killing of Ilyas Kashmiri, saying that officials have not received evidences about the death of Kashmiri.
Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani addressing a gathering in Multan was quizzed by media persons about the killing of Kashmiri in the US drone strike in Wana, he said that he has no information about the death of Kashmiri.
Kashmiri was the chief of the HUJI, an organisation affiliated with al Qaeda. He is widely believed to have masterminded the attack on the PNS Mehran naval base in Karachi.
Foreign media claimed quoting local sources that Kashmiri came to SWA 10 days earlier from Khyber Agency and was killed in the US drone strike. Official sources further said that those killed in the attack were believed to be militants from Punjab.
The US recently gave Pakistan time till July the month when NATO and allied forces will begin withdrawing from Afghanistan to launch a military offensive in North Waziristan tribal region and to capture five most wanted al Qaeda and Taliban leaders, including Kashmiri.
This is not the first that there have been reports of Kashmiri's death in a drone strike.
He was reported killed in an attack by a US spy plane in North Waziristan in September 2009 but re-emerged a month later to give an interview to Syed Saleem Shahzad, the journalist who was recently abducted and murdered in Pakistan.
Defense analysts were of the view that only official confirmation in the killing of Ilyas Kashmiri was not enough till the Taliban fighters or the al-Qaeda did not confirm the death of Kashmiri.
The United States has offered a reward of up to $5 million for information on Mohammad Ilyas Kashmiri.
Indian investigators believe that suspected LeT operatives David Headley and Tahhawur Hussain Rana, who allegedly helped plan the Mumbai terror attacks were reporting to the 313 Brigade, headed by Kashmiri.
On March 2, 2006, HUJI launched a suicide bombing against the US consulate in Karachi which killed four people including US diplomat David Foy and injured 48 others.
In January 2010, a US federal grand jury indicted Kashmiri for terrorism-related offenses in connection with a terrorist plot to attack the Jyllands-Posten newspaper in Denmark.
On August 6, 2010, the US treasury secretary designated Kashmiri a specially designated global terrorist and the US secretary of state designated HUJI as a foreign terrorist organization.
Kashmiri was born in 1964 in Azad Kashmir. He has lost sight in one eye and often wears aviator-style sunglasses. He was also expected to be the future leader of al-Qaeda, the successor of slain al-Qaeda founder Osama Bin Laden who was killed on May 02 in Abbottabad operation by the US Special Forces.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Drone strikes continue despite Pakistan warnings; latest strike kills 25, injures 21 in NWA
Drone strikes continue despite Pakistan warnings; latest strike kills 25, injures 21 in NWA
By Saleem Mehsud
MIRANSHAH, April 22 : A day after the Pakistan’s army chief warned Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, that drone attacks were counterproductive, US predator drones targeted a suspected militant compound in Hassankhel village of tehsil Spinwam, killing at least 25 including two women and three children and injuring 21 others on Friday.
Official sources said that the U.S. drones fired five missiles at a home in Yeshkhula area of village Hassankhel, the bordering village of the tribal area of North Waziristan Agency (NWA), in which at least 25 people loyal to Taliban Commander Hafiz Gul Bahadur, the pro-government NWA Taliban chief, including two to three foreigners were killed.
Soon after the attack the local Taliban fighters cordoned off the entire area and kicked off rescue activities. However, exact identities of the victims were not immediately clear, but NWA hosts militant factions accused of targeting Western forces in neighboring Afghanistan.
“The death toll as a result of drone strike may rise as some of the injured were in critical condition,” local sources said, adding that the house was completely destroyed in the attack.
The Taliban fighters were not letting the locals to the spot to participate in the rescue activities. The injured were said to have been shifted to Agency Headquarters Hospital Miranshah for treatment.
The incident sparked fear among the locals when they heard about causalities of the locals while about a dozen drones were flying over the targeted area. Responding to the Mid-March drone attack in which about 40 innocent tribesmen attending a Jirga were killed, the NWA Taliban Commander Hafiz Gul warned the government of Pakistan to play effective role in stopping the drone attacks in the tribal areas otherwise, he would end the peace deal with the Pakistani government.
During a visit to Islamabad on Wednesday, Adm. Mike Mullen had accused Pakistan's military-run spy service of maintaining links with the Haqqani network, a major Afghan Taliban faction. The Haqqani network is considered one of the most lethal forces battling U.S. and NATO troops in eastern Afghanistan.
Pakistan's military-run Inter-Services Intelligence spy agency has had links to the network's leaders that date back to the 1980s Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, when the group was also supported by Washington. But after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Pakistan has insisted it has cut those ties.
Still, many analysts and U.S. officials suspect Islamabad may be trying to maintain its links to the Haqqanis so that it can use them as a means of retaining influence in Afghanistan — and keeping a bulwark against archrival India — after the Americans leave.
Pakistan has long denounced the drone-fired missile strikes as violations of its sovereignty, but it is widely believed to secretly cooperate with at least some of the attacks. But in mid-March, Kayani issued a rare statement denouncing one such attack after it killed nearly 40 people. A U.S. official said the target was justified, but Kayani said dozens of innocent tribesmen died. The incident of killing dozens of innocent tribesmen had angered the Pakistani leaders.
That strike came the day after the American CIA contractor Raymond Davis was freed after compensation was paid to the families of the victims. Throughout the affair, Pakistan refused to take a stand on whether Davis had diplomatic immunity from prosecution as the U.S. embassy claimed. Pakistan-U.S. relations sunk to new lows this year after an American CIA contractor in January shot and killed two Pakistanis he said were trying to rob him.
By Saleem Mehsud
MIRANSHAH, April 22 : A day after the Pakistan’s army chief warned Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, that drone attacks were counterproductive, US predator drones targeted a suspected militant compound in Hassankhel village of tehsil Spinwam, killing at least 25 including two women and three children and injuring 21 others on Friday.
Official sources said that the U.S. drones fired five missiles at a home in Yeshkhula area of village Hassankhel, the bordering village of the tribal area of North Waziristan Agency (NWA), in which at least 25 people loyal to Taliban Commander Hafiz Gul Bahadur, the pro-government NWA Taliban chief, including two to three foreigners were killed.
Soon after the attack the local Taliban fighters cordoned off the entire area and kicked off rescue activities. However, exact identities of the victims were not immediately clear, but NWA hosts militant factions accused of targeting Western forces in neighboring Afghanistan.
“The death toll as a result of drone strike may rise as some of the injured were in critical condition,” local sources said, adding that the house was completely destroyed in the attack.
The Taliban fighters were not letting the locals to the spot to participate in the rescue activities. The injured were said to have been shifted to Agency Headquarters Hospital Miranshah for treatment.
The incident sparked fear among the locals when they heard about causalities of the locals while about a dozen drones were flying over the targeted area. Responding to the Mid-March drone attack in which about 40 innocent tribesmen attending a Jirga were killed, the NWA Taliban Commander Hafiz Gul warned the government of Pakistan to play effective role in stopping the drone attacks in the tribal areas otherwise, he would end the peace deal with the Pakistani government.
During a visit to Islamabad on Wednesday, Adm. Mike Mullen had accused Pakistan's military-run spy service of maintaining links with the Haqqani network, a major Afghan Taliban faction. The Haqqani network is considered one of the most lethal forces battling U.S. and NATO troops in eastern Afghanistan.
Pakistan's military-run Inter-Services Intelligence spy agency has had links to the network's leaders that date back to the 1980s Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, when the group was also supported by Washington. But after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Pakistan has insisted it has cut those ties.
Still, many analysts and U.S. officials suspect Islamabad may be trying to maintain its links to the Haqqanis so that it can use them as a means of retaining influence in Afghanistan — and keeping a bulwark against archrival India — after the Americans leave.
Pakistan has long denounced the drone-fired missile strikes as violations of its sovereignty, but it is widely believed to secretly cooperate with at least some of the attacks. But in mid-March, Kayani issued a rare statement denouncing one such attack after it killed nearly 40 people. A U.S. official said the target was justified, but Kayani said dozens of innocent tribesmen died. The incident of killing dozens of innocent tribesmen had angered the Pakistani leaders.
That strike came the day after the American CIA contractor Raymond Davis was freed after compensation was paid to the families of the victims. Throughout the affair, Pakistan refused to take a stand on whether Davis had diplomatic immunity from prosecution as the U.S. embassy claimed. Pakistan-U.S. relations sunk to new lows this year after an American CIA contractor in January shot and killed two Pakistanis he said were trying to rob him.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Khyber, Bajaur, Mohmand IDPs repatriation process will continue till May 20 ----- IDPs reluctant to go back due to bad security situation in tribal ar
Khyber, Bajaur, Mohmand IDPs repatriation process will continue till May 20
----- IDPs reluctant to go back due to bad security situation in tribal areas
By Saleem Mehsud
PESHAWAR, April 14 : Around one lakh Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of Khyber, Bajaur and Mohmand tribal agencies who had deserted their hometowns due to military operation against militancy in tribal areas, are unwilling to return to their native areas due to poor security situation.
The repatriation process which was started on 11th April will continue till 20th May. The IDP families going back to their areas were given Rs25,000 cash each and free travelling facility, whereas the World Food Programme (WFP) will provide ration for at least two years to the IDPs in their hometowns.
Sources said that only 25 families repatriated to their areas on the first day of repatriation process on 11th April because law and order situation in Khyber Agency was still grave and operation against the militants in Mohmand Agency is underway. Keeping in view the latest developments the IDPs were reluctant to go back to their native villages.
The in-charge of Jalozai Camp, Allahdad Khan talking to INP said that IDPs were complaining about the non-availability of basic requirements of life and on the other hand they were reluctant to go back to their homes. He asked the government not to force the IDPs to the leave the camp because situation of uncertainty was still prevailing in the tribal areas where Taliban fighters and armed forces were still at war.
The FATA National Disaster Management Cell Director General (DG) Irshad Khan said that 14,000 families had been registered in the Jalozai Camp among whom 8,000 were hailing from Bajaur Agency, 2,000 from Khyber Agency and 4,000 from Mohmand Agency. The DG said that over 50,000 families of IDPs were living with their relatives in the suburbs of Peshawar.
He added that during initial repatriation process the IDPs returning to their homes will be given Rs25,000 as relief package to each family while Rs400,000 will be given to each family whose homes were completely destroyed in the operation and Rs60,000 each to the owners of partially damaged houses.
“The process of tribesmen migration from hometowns was initiated in 2008 and according to unofficial reports still in Jalozai Camp and Benazir Complex at least one Lakh IDPs were dwelling and many of them were not yet registered,” the DG added.
On the other hand, people were fleeing Khyber Agency who had taken refuge in the Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency due to the bad security as two rival groups from the last two weeks were attacking each others’ targets with heavy weaponry and the locals had to flee the area.
In the same way, in FR Kohat over 50,000 people had migrated to Kohat from Jawakai area lying nearby the tribal area, and considered stronghold of militants.
The refugees of Jawakai area said that they were receiving threats from the local militants and also several missiles fired from unknown location had hit their compounds which inflicted huge damages on them so they had no option but to flee the area.
----- IDPs reluctant to go back due to bad security situation in tribal areas
By Saleem Mehsud
PESHAWAR, April 14 : Around one lakh Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of Khyber, Bajaur and Mohmand tribal agencies who had deserted their hometowns due to military operation against militancy in tribal areas, are unwilling to return to their native areas due to poor security situation.
The repatriation process which was started on 11th April will continue till 20th May. The IDP families going back to their areas were given Rs25,000 cash each and free travelling facility, whereas the World Food Programme (WFP) will provide ration for at least two years to the IDPs in their hometowns.
Sources said that only 25 families repatriated to their areas on the first day of repatriation process on 11th April because law and order situation in Khyber Agency was still grave and operation against the militants in Mohmand Agency is underway. Keeping in view the latest developments the IDPs were reluctant to go back to their native villages.
The in-charge of Jalozai Camp, Allahdad Khan talking to INP said that IDPs were complaining about the non-availability of basic requirements of life and on the other hand they were reluctant to go back to their homes. He asked the government not to force the IDPs to the leave the camp because situation of uncertainty was still prevailing in the tribal areas where Taliban fighters and armed forces were still at war.
The FATA National Disaster Management Cell Director General (DG) Irshad Khan said that 14,000 families had been registered in the Jalozai Camp among whom 8,000 were hailing from Bajaur Agency, 2,000 from Khyber Agency and 4,000 from Mohmand Agency. The DG said that over 50,000 families of IDPs were living with their relatives in the suburbs of Peshawar.
He added that during initial repatriation process the IDPs returning to their homes will be given Rs25,000 as relief package to each family while Rs400,000 will be given to each family whose homes were completely destroyed in the operation and Rs60,000 each to the owners of partially damaged houses.
“The process of tribesmen migration from hometowns was initiated in 2008 and according to unofficial reports still in Jalozai Camp and Benazir Complex at least one Lakh IDPs were dwelling and many of them were not yet registered,” the DG added.
On the other hand, people were fleeing Khyber Agency who had taken refuge in the Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency due to the bad security as two rival groups from the last two weeks were attacking each others’ targets with heavy weaponry and the locals had to flee the area.
In the same way, in FR Kohat over 50,000 people had migrated to Kohat from Jawakai area lying nearby the tribal area, and considered stronghold of militants.
The refugees of Jawakai area said that they were receiving threats from the local militants and also several missiles fired from unknown location had hit their compounds which inflicted huge damages on them so they had no option but to flee the area.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
TTP claims Umer as their bomber, says many suicide bombers training camps running
TTP claims Umer as their bomber, says many suicide bombers training camps running
By Saleem Mehsud
MIRALI, April 13 : The banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesman Shakirullah Shakir Mehsud on Wednesday claimed that the detained suicide bomber Umer Fidai was their trained bomber and also confessed that scores of suicide training camps were being run by the TTP in the tribal areas.
Talking to INP from unknown location, the spokesman for Qari Hussain, the master trainer of the suicide bombers, about whom vague reports of his death were run by media, endorsed the statement of Umer Fidai that around 350 suicide bombers were getting training in Mirali. He said the TTP has other several suicide training camps in the bordering areas in which scores of suicide bombers were getting training.
“A large number of our trained-suicide bombers had been sent on attacking missions to different areas and they will attack their targets on the specified time,” the spokesman confirmed.
He said the TTP fighters have engaged the Pakistani army in a fierce battle in the South Waziristan Agency (SWA) from where reports of causalities were not made public by the media due to ban on the Taliban viewpoint imposed by the government.
He claimed that the TTP suicide bombers were know getting high quality training in the training camps and were able to achieve targets efficiently.
Shakirullah Shakir said that the Taliban’s fight against Pakistan will continue till the imposition of Islamic law in the country.
A few days back, talking to foreign media, the TTP spokesman Eshanullah Eshan had claimed responsibility for both the attacks -- Sahki Sarwar shrine and DIG house attack in Quetta -- saying that the TTP’s attacks will continue in the region until Pakistan did not withdraw its support to the Nato forces in Afghanistan and end cruelty on the Taliban fighters in their custody.
It is pertinent to mentioned here that detained Umer Fidai who was rounded up in Dera Ghazi Khan in injured condition from the shrine where scores of devotees were killed had sought apology from the nation especially from the shrine victims and also asked the under-training suicide bombers to leave the training as their training was un-Islamic.
Sources said that Umer Fidai was admitted to ICU of Nishter Hospital in Multan and is in critical condition.
By Saleem Mehsud
MIRALI, April 13 : The banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesman Shakirullah Shakir Mehsud on Wednesday claimed that the detained suicide bomber Umer Fidai was their trained bomber and also confessed that scores of suicide training camps were being run by the TTP in the tribal areas.
Talking to INP from unknown location, the spokesman for Qari Hussain, the master trainer of the suicide bombers, about whom vague reports of his death were run by media, endorsed the statement of Umer Fidai that around 350 suicide bombers were getting training in Mirali. He said the TTP has other several suicide training camps in the bordering areas in which scores of suicide bombers were getting training.
“A large number of our trained-suicide bombers had been sent on attacking missions to different areas and they will attack their targets on the specified time,” the spokesman confirmed.
He said the TTP fighters have engaged the Pakistani army in a fierce battle in the South Waziristan Agency (SWA) from where reports of causalities were not made public by the media due to ban on the Taliban viewpoint imposed by the government.
He claimed that the TTP suicide bombers were know getting high quality training in the training camps and were able to achieve targets efficiently.
Shakirullah Shakir said that the Taliban’s fight against Pakistan will continue till the imposition of Islamic law in the country.
A few days back, talking to foreign media, the TTP spokesman Eshanullah Eshan had claimed responsibility for both the attacks -- Sahki Sarwar shrine and DIG house attack in Quetta -- saying that the TTP’s attacks will continue in the region until Pakistan did not withdraw its support to the Nato forces in Afghanistan and end cruelty on the Taliban fighters in their custody.
It is pertinent to mentioned here that detained Umer Fidai who was rounded up in Dera Ghazi Khan in injured condition from the shrine where scores of devotees were killed had sought apology from the nation especially from the shrine victims and also asked the under-training suicide bombers to leave the training as their training was un-Islamic.
Sources said that Umer Fidai was admitted to ICU of Nishter Hospital in Multan and is in critical condition.
6 suspected militants killed, 2 injured in SWA drone attack
6 suspected militants killed, 2 injured in SWA drone attack
By Saleem Mehsud
WANA, April 13 : Six suspected militants were killed and two others sustained injuries in three US unmanned predator drone strikes which targeted two vehicles and a motorcycle in separate attacks in Baghar area of Angoor Adda in South Waziristan Agency (SWA) on Wednesday.
Official sources said that the drones fired six missiles in which a pick up van a car and a motorcycle were targeted in Baghar area, 14 kilometres from Pak-Afghan border in Wana, the headquarters of SWA and inhabited by Wazir tribe, killing six suspected militants and injuring two others.
Locals rushed to the targeted spot and retrieved the bodies and the injured. However, identities of the deceased were not yet ascertained. The injured were shifted to the Angoor Adda hospital.
The political administration has confirmed the killing of the suspected militants and destroying of vehicles and bike in the drone strikes.
It was the first drone strike reported in Pakistan since March 17, when 39 people, mostly civilians, died in Dattakhel drone attack that further shook the fragile alliance between Pakistan and the United States in the war on militants.
This was the first US drone strike in the tribal belt of Pakistan which is considered by the US as stronghold and breeding place of the militants after Pakistani intelligence chief General Shuja Pasha returned home on Monday night after holding important meeting with the CIA chief Leon Panetta.
Sources said that Taliban Commander Maulvi Nazir Wazir hold influence over the area where the drone strike targeted suspected militants and is on good terms with the Pakistani government.
Maulvi Nazir is not the member of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) headed by Hakimullah Mehsud, successor of TTP former chief Baitullah Mehsud, and rather had concluded peace deal with the government.
Two years earlier, Maulvi Nazir had waged war against Uzbeks and Chechen fighters along with the armed forces in Wana and forced them to leave the area of Wazir tribe which earned bad name for him in the Taliban quarters. The fleeing militants were given refuge by the TTP slain chief Baitullah in SWA’s Mehsud tribe area.
It is pertinent to be mentioned here that SWA is inhabited by two major tribes -- Mehsud and Wazir. In SWA the Mehsud tribe occupies large territory of the tribal region and greater in number as compared to Wazir tribe there area was still abandoned as Mehsud tribesmen had deserted their native town due to military operation initiated against militants loyal to TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud last year while the Wazir tribesmen were living in Wana.
By Saleem Mehsud
WANA, April 13 : Six suspected militants were killed and two others sustained injuries in three US unmanned predator drone strikes which targeted two vehicles and a motorcycle in separate attacks in Baghar area of Angoor Adda in South Waziristan Agency (SWA) on Wednesday.
Official sources said that the drones fired six missiles in which a pick up van a car and a motorcycle were targeted in Baghar area, 14 kilometres from Pak-Afghan border in Wana, the headquarters of SWA and inhabited by Wazir tribe, killing six suspected militants and injuring two others.
Locals rushed to the targeted spot and retrieved the bodies and the injured. However, identities of the deceased were not yet ascertained. The injured were shifted to the Angoor Adda hospital.
The political administration has confirmed the killing of the suspected militants and destroying of vehicles and bike in the drone strikes.
It was the first drone strike reported in Pakistan since March 17, when 39 people, mostly civilians, died in Dattakhel drone attack that further shook the fragile alliance between Pakistan and the United States in the war on militants.
This was the first US drone strike in the tribal belt of Pakistan which is considered by the US as stronghold and breeding place of the militants after Pakistani intelligence chief General Shuja Pasha returned home on Monday night after holding important meeting with the CIA chief Leon Panetta.
Sources said that Taliban Commander Maulvi Nazir Wazir hold influence over the area where the drone strike targeted suspected militants and is on good terms with the Pakistani government.
Maulvi Nazir is not the member of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) headed by Hakimullah Mehsud, successor of TTP former chief Baitullah Mehsud, and rather had concluded peace deal with the government.
Two years earlier, Maulvi Nazir had waged war against Uzbeks and Chechen fighters along with the armed forces in Wana and forced them to leave the area of Wazir tribe which earned bad name for him in the Taliban quarters. The fleeing militants were given refuge by the TTP slain chief Baitullah in SWA’s Mehsud tribe area.
It is pertinent to be mentioned here that SWA is inhabited by two major tribes -- Mehsud and Wazir. In SWA the Mehsud tribe occupies large territory of the tribal region and greater in number as compared to Wazir tribe there area was still abandoned as Mehsud tribesmen had deserted their native town due to military operation initiated against militants loyal to TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud last year while the Wazir tribesmen were living in Wana.
Friday, April 8, 2011
350 suicide bomber including Arabs, Uzbeks getting suicide training in Mirali: detained suicide bomber Umar
350 suicide bomber including Arabs, Uzbeks getting suicide training in Mirali: detained suicide bomber Umar
---10 suicide bombers sent to Punjab on 27th March from Mirali
By Saleem Mehsud
DERA GHAZI KHAN, April 08 : Umer, the injured suicide bomber, who was caught alive from inside the Sakhi Sarwar Shrine in Dera Ghazi Khan a few days ago, has claimed that up to 350 suicide bombers are being trained in tehsil Mirali of North Waziristan Agency (NWA).
“Me and Usman were brought to launch attack on the Sakhi Sarwar Shrine,” the Fidai admitted and said that around 10 suicide bombers had been sent to the settled districts of Pakistan on 27th March, among whom four of us were brought to Dera Ismail Khan in the first shift of transferring suicide bombers.
Talking to private TV channel the detained injured suicide bomber identified as Umar Fidai, student of ninth class and hailing form Essakhel town of Mirali said Arabs, Uzbeks, Punjabis and Tajiks are amongst militants in the area.
I was student of Essakhel Noor Public School where one day in the front of our school Taliban Ameer Qari Zafar asked me to join Taliban in the war against infidels, Umar added. He said that for six months he was given the suicide training and then sent for suicide attack.
Umar said that he had two sisters and mother in the Essakhel town of Mirali while his uncle was a dumper driver, adding that his other uncle was serving in the armed forces of Pakistan.
Fidai said his mission was to attack the shrine half an hour after the first wave of attacks so that people gathered at the site could be targeted. He claimed a man known as Sangeen Khan travels from Waziristan to Afghanistan and picks out targets for the bombers. He also claimed that a man known as Naeem alias Zairali indoctrinates the bombers.
The Fidai confirmed that he and Usman, who blew himself up during attack on the Sakhi Sarwar Shrine, were sent to target those who were praying and begging for demands from the dead and buried people. The Fidai added that Qari Zafar had allured him for the suicide attack on shrine and greeted us that you will won Heaven by targeting people praying before the tombs.
I had pressed the pin of the suicide vest on exact time of the blast but my vest failed to explode when people were busy in shifting injured from the spot after which he was targeted by police personnel in his arm, the suicide bomber confessed.
He regretted and sought apology from the people who were targeted in the attack, saying that they were Muslim while our trainer informed us that you were going to attack the infidels in the shrine.
“I asked the entire under-training suicide bombers to left the training as they were getting the training of committing suicide rather than training of Fidaiee,” the detained suicide attacker informed.
The injured suicide attacker was sent to jail on judicial remand from the hospital where he had received initial treatment.
---10 suicide bombers sent to Punjab on 27th March from Mirali
By Saleem Mehsud
DERA GHAZI KHAN, April 08 : Umer, the injured suicide bomber, who was caught alive from inside the Sakhi Sarwar Shrine in Dera Ghazi Khan a few days ago, has claimed that up to 350 suicide bombers are being trained in tehsil Mirali of North Waziristan Agency (NWA).
“Me and Usman were brought to launch attack on the Sakhi Sarwar Shrine,” the Fidai admitted and said that around 10 suicide bombers had been sent to the settled districts of Pakistan on 27th March, among whom four of us were brought to Dera Ismail Khan in the first shift of transferring suicide bombers.
Talking to private TV channel the detained injured suicide bomber identified as Umar Fidai, student of ninth class and hailing form Essakhel town of Mirali said Arabs, Uzbeks, Punjabis and Tajiks are amongst militants in the area.
I was student of Essakhel Noor Public School where one day in the front of our school Taliban Ameer Qari Zafar asked me to join Taliban in the war against infidels, Umar added. He said that for six months he was given the suicide training and then sent for suicide attack.
Umar said that he had two sisters and mother in the Essakhel town of Mirali while his uncle was a dumper driver, adding that his other uncle was serving in the armed forces of Pakistan.
Fidai said his mission was to attack the shrine half an hour after the first wave of attacks so that people gathered at the site could be targeted. He claimed a man known as Sangeen Khan travels from Waziristan to Afghanistan and picks out targets for the bombers. He also claimed that a man known as Naeem alias Zairali indoctrinates the bombers.
The Fidai confirmed that he and Usman, who blew himself up during attack on the Sakhi Sarwar Shrine, were sent to target those who were praying and begging for demands from the dead and buried people. The Fidai added that Qari Zafar had allured him for the suicide attack on shrine and greeted us that you will won Heaven by targeting people praying before the tombs.
I had pressed the pin of the suicide vest on exact time of the blast but my vest failed to explode when people were busy in shifting injured from the spot after which he was targeted by police personnel in his arm, the suicide bomber confessed.
He regretted and sought apology from the people who were targeted in the attack, saying that they were Muslim while our trainer informed us that you were going to attack the infidels in the shrine.
“I asked the entire under-training suicide bombers to left the training as they were getting the training of committing suicide rather than training of Fidaiee,” the detained suicide attacker informed.
The injured suicide attacker was sent to jail on judicial remand from the hospital where he had received initial treatment.
DIG Balochistan escapes life attempt in suicide attack, one cop killed, 13 injured, 8 vehicles destroyed in Quetta blast
DIG Balochistan escapes life attempt in suicide attack, one cop killed, 13 injured, 8 vehicles destroyed in Quetta blast
By Saleem Mehsud
QUETTA, April 07 : A suicide bomber Thursday rammed an explosive laden vehicle into Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of Police, Wazir Khan Nasir’s residence situated in Police Line Quetta in a high security zone on Gulistan Road, killing one police personnel and injuring 13 others including DIG, his son and daughter.
According to CCPO Quetta Police, Daud Junejo, the suicide attacker first opened fire at the security personnel deployed at the entrance of the targeted house and then blew up his explosive-laden car, killing the guard at the gate. He said DIG Wazir Khan Nasir was slightly wounded in the attack. “This was a suicide attack in which 200 kilogram explosive material was used,” the CCPO confirmed.
He said that Wazir Khan Nasir had received threats from unknown people and in todays’ suicide attack he was the target. “Four motor-shells were also recovered from the spot that were defused by the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) personnel which did not explode in the blast,” the CCPO said, adding that motor-shell explosion could have inflicted great damage but the shell failed to explode.
Bomb disposal squad and police personnel collected evidences from the spot and also body parts of the suicide attacker were recovered from the spot which will be sent for DNA test for investigation.
Police personnel soon cordoned off the entire area and shifted the injured including women, passers-by and school children to Civil Hospital Quetta for treatment. Three of the injured were stated to be in critical condition.
Injured children of DIG Wazir Khan were identified as Zubair and Laiba who were also admitted in the hospital for treatment but their condition was stable.
House of the DIG was completely destroyed while eight vehicles and one motorcycle were also destroyed in the suicide attack. Window panes of the nearby buildings and houses were also destroyed because the blast was very powerful.
Sound of the suicide blast was heard at miles distance from the site of the blast which created panic and fear among the locals. They wondered that how an attack in high security zone was carried out. Sources said that big claims of police that security had been heightened in the city but the attack in high-security zone showed inefficiency of the law enforcement agencies to halt insurgent activities.
No one has yet claimed responsibility of the attack but official sources said that DIG Wazir Khan had played key role in counter-insurgency activities and in arresting the activists of separatists groups in the province.
Balochistan has long been the scene of a low-level insurgency by nationalists who say their movement is aimed at getting a greater share of profits from natural resources like natural gas extracted from Balochistan province.
In yet another incident, police personnel on a tip off raided a house in Khroatabad area of Quetta city and seized explosive material, 20 detonators and fuses, a remote control battery, three walkie talkie sets and remote control system.
A suspected person identified as Mohammad Yousaf was also rounded up during the raid. “Such material of violence could be used in terrorist activities,” the police said.
By Saleem Mehsud
QUETTA, April 07 : A suicide bomber Thursday rammed an explosive laden vehicle into Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of Police, Wazir Khan Nasir’s residence situated in Police Line Quetta in a high security zone on Gulistan Road, killing one police personnel and injuring 13 others including DIG, his son and daughter.
According to CCPO Quetta Police, Daud Junejo, the suicide attacker first opened fire at the security personnel deployed at the entrance of the targeted house and then blew up his explosive-laden car, killing the guard at the gate. He said DIG Wazir Khan Nasir was slightly wounded in the attack. “This was a suicide attack in which 200 kilogram explosive material was used,” the CCPO confirmed.
He said that Wazir Khan Nasir had received threats from unknown people and in todays’ suicide attack he was the target. “Four motor-shells were also recovered from the spot that were defused by the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) personnel which did not explode in the blast,” the CCPO said, adding that motor-shell explosion could have inflicted great damage but the shell failed to explode.
Bomb disposal squad and police personnel collected evidences from the spot and also body parts of the suicide attacker were recovered from the spot which will be sent for DNA test for investigation.
Police personnel soon cordoned off the entire area and shifted the injured including women, passers-by and school children to Civil Hospital Quetta for treatment. Three of the injured were stated to be in critical condition.
Injured children of DIG Wazir Khan were identified as Zubair and Laiba who were also admitted in the hospital for treatment but their condition was stable.
House of the DIG was completely destroyed while eight vehicles and one motorcycle were also destroyed in the suicide attack. Window panes of the nearby buildings and houses were also destroyed because the blast was very powerful.
Sound of the suicide blast was heard at miles distance from the site of the blast which created panic and fear among the locals. They wondered that how an attack in high security zone was carried out. Sources said that big claims of police that security had been heightened in the city but the attack in high-security zone showed inefficiency of the law enforcement agencies to halt insurgent activities.
No one has yet claimed responsibility of the attack but official sources said that DIG Wazir Khan had played key role in counter-insurgency activities and in arresting the activists of separatists groups in the province.
Balochistan has long been the scene of a low-level insurgency by nationalists who say their movement is aimed at getting a greater share of profits from natural resources like natural gas extracted from Balochistan province.
In yet another incident, police personnel on a tip off raided a house in Khroatabad area of Quetta city and seized explosive material, 20 detonators and fuses, a remote control battery, three walkie talkie sets and remote control system.
A suspected person identified as Mohammad Yousaf was also rounded up during the raid. “Such material of violence could be used in terrorist activities,” the police said.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)