Date

Incidents

At least three people were killed and 30 injured in a suicide attack targeting Shia pilgrims in Akhtarabad area of Balochistan's provincial capital Quetta. Police said a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the bus carrying Shia pilgrims who were coming from Iran to Quetta.

PTI protests that had blocked the NATO supplies has almost come to an unannounced end. The party has wound up four out of five protest camps set up in Nowshera, Dera Ismail Khan and Kohat Districts and at Peshawar Motorway Toll Plaza. The Imran Khan's party officially denies it and insists it is as committed as it was in disallowing NATO supplies through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, ground reality at the site of the lone sit-in is not what Khan claims.

The Special Court constituted to try former President General Pervez Musharraf for treason ordered him to appear for the hearing of the case on January 3, 2013. The bench initiated the hearing without Musharraf's presence and while ordering for his production in court also warned of issuing a ruling in case he failed to appear in the court for the next hearing.

The authorities concerned decided to further enhance security for Musharraf as he could not appear before the Special Court after a kilogram of explosive material was recovered and defused near his Chak Shahzad farmhouse residence in Islamabad. Around 1600 police and Rangers personnel would provide security to him from his farmhouse resident to Special Court on January 2, 2013.

Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan asked 'some' TTP factions opposing the peace process to grow out of their mindset and respond positively to the gestures of both the Government and the entire political leadership of the country. Expressing the Government's resolve to establish peace in the affected areas through talks with the TTP during a meeting with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman who called on him, the Minister said that the Government was sincerely pursuing the path of dialogue. "It is incumbent upon the other side to react positively," Nisar said.

MWM and SIC opposed the proposed talks between the Government and TTP. SIC Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza, MWM Secretary for Political Affairs Syed Nasir Abbas Sherazi and Voice of Shuhada-e-Pakistan spokesperson Senator Faisal Raza Abidi expressed their opposition to the talks while addressing a joint press conference at the MWM office. The MWM and SIC central leadership claimed that they would not allow the Government to hold talks with the terrorists at the cost of the Constitution.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that he planned to strengthen the NSC and make it an institutionalised forum with the power to take relevant decisions. In the past, he said, stakeholders spoke differently, but now everyone should come and speak at this forum and then implement decisions taken there. He said that the Government was moving in accordance with decisions taken by an all-party conference about a peace initiative. The best option is to achieve peace through talks. But "when we start dialogue, drones derail everything", he added.

Three alleged gangsters, identified as Attaullah (35), Adil Khattak (30) and Hamid alias Mota (36), were shot dead during an ambush by a rival group in Ibrahim Hyderi's Ilyas Goth area in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Two alleged militants of the TTP were killed in an encounter with the Rangers in Manghopir. An unnamed Rangers official claimed that both the suspects were affiliated with the Wali-ur-Rehman group of the TTP. "One of them was their explosives expert."

Two dead bodies were found near the Tonga stand on Tannery Road in Lyari Town.

One person identified as Tahir Siddiqui (28), was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Naseerabad on Sharea Pakistan.

A Policeman, identified as Azizul Allah, was killed and three others were injured in a remote-controlled blast in the Tank town of Tank District.

A girl's school was partially damaged in an explosion in the Dhub Banda area of Charsadda city in Charsadda District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A doctor, identified as Dr Ahmad Zia, was abducted by unidentified militants in the Peshawar.

SFs foiled a terrorism bid by recovering and defusing an anti-tank mine concealed in a handcart in the Sakarosare area of Taal tehsil in the Hangu city of Hangu District.

Pakistan Army carried out search operation for more than 16 hours in the Peshawar Central Prison after receiving information that some militants had passed on suicide jackets to TTP prisoners in the jail.

Two ASWJ cadres, including Secretary General Mufti Muneer Muavia and his colleague Qari Asad Mehmood were killed in an attack in Islamabad.

IHC directed the Government to provide a bulletproof car to former SC Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, saying even those who violated the Constitution were being given foolproof security. Justice Shoukat Siddiqui of the IHC issued the directive while hearing a plea filed by former Rawalpindi High Court Bar Association President Sheikh Ahsanuddin for providing security to justice Chaudhry.

IGFC Balochistan Major General Mohammad Ejaz Shahid said that 60 to 70 Farari camps, or insurgent camps, were operating in the province. However, he added that it was difficult to crack down on these camps because they keep changing location according to the weather.

At least three Shia men were killed and four others were injured in an incident of firing by armed assailants Maskan Chowrangi in Gulshan-i-Iqbal area of Karachi.

Two brothers, also seminary students, identified as Abid Mavia (25) and Sajid Mavia (28), were shot dead by unidentified assailants on Rashid Minhas Road within the jurisdiction of Jauharabad Police Station.

Two Policemen were killed and another was injured in an armed attack within the precincts of Peerabad locality in Orangi Town.

A Policeman, identified as Mohsin (37), was shot dead in Shahnawaz Shar Goth area within the precincts of Sacchal Police Station in Gulshan Town.

An unidentified person was killed by unidentified assailants in Pak Colony area of SITE Town.

A peanut seller, identified as Syed (40) was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Hyderi area of North Nazimabad Town.

An unidentified dead body of was found dead from Link Road of Gulshan-e-Hadeed within the remits of Shah Latif Police Station.

Two persons were killed and nine others were injured in a blast in Bakhtiarabad area of Sibi town of the same District. The bomb was attached to a motorcycle and detonated by remote control.

Four persons, including the advisor to the Balochistan Chief Minister Majid Abro, were injured in bomb attacks in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Quetta Police Chief Abdul Razaq Cheema claimed that Police has arrested four UBA militants and seized a huge cache of bomb-making material from their possession in Bakra Mandi area of Quetta. CCPO Cheema said that the accused have confessed of carrying out 15 terrorists acts in 2012-13 in which 12 persons were killed and dozens others were injured.

Unidentified armed assailants hurled a hand grenade at the shop of ANP leader Abdul Razzak Buneri and also opened fire in Madina Colony of Baldia Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, killing two Policemen identified as Abdul Raheem and Khan Muhammad.

Two persons, identified as Ameer Bukhsh (65) and Shafi Muhammad (60), were shot dead and another was injured in Mawach Goth in the precincts of Mochko Police Station.

A senior worker of the PTI, identified as Qari Jaffar, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in SITE Town.

A worker of the PML-F, identified as Nazar Shaikh, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Surjani area of Gadap Town.

A prayer leader of Masjid-e-Khizrul Islam was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Baldia Town.

A factory owner, Muhammad Iqbal, was shot dead while he was on his way on a car in Qasba Colony of SITE Town.

A person, identified as Muneeb Ahmad was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Ashfaq Colony of Kiamari Town.

One Asif, who had sustained injuries during an attack on a police van in Pirabad locality, succumbed to the injuries.

Rangers and Police claimed to have arrested over two and a half dozen suspects during separate targeted raids and operation across the Karachi.

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the targeted operation in Karachi will continue till the elimination of criminals and terrorists.

LEAs recovered three dead bodies from Killi Maryam in Qamarud Din Karez area of Zhob District in Balochistan.

The house of a Policeman was partially damaged when it was targeted with an IED in the limits of Kaki Police Station of Bannu District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Police recovered explosives in the limits of Mandani Police Station of Charsadda District.

According to PIPS Security Report 2013, A downward trend in the number of overall incidents of violence, which had started in 2010 and continued in the two subsequent years, could not persist in 2013. According to the report, militant, nationalist insurgent and violent sectarian groups carried out a total of 1,717 terrorist attacks across Pakistan in 2013, claiming the lives of 2,451 people and causing injuries to another 5,438.

The President of the MWM Rajanpur District, identified as Doctor Azhar Hussain (59), was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants in a sectarian attack at his residence in the District. Hussain was a doctor by profession.

At least nine persons, including three suspected militants and three children, were killed and several others were wounded in a bomb blast targeting the house of tribal elder Hakeem Khan Akakhel in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA.

A passerby, identified as Hussain Turi, was injured in roadside bomb explosion in Pewar area of Kurram Agency. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Two people, including a woman, were killed while Police constable Farzand Ali and FC official Gula Khan were injured when unidentified militants opened fire at them in a market in Matani area of Peshawar in KP.

Frontier Constabulary official, identified as Wahid Mir, was killed and three other FC personnel were injured during a routine patrol in a roadside bomb explosion in Regi Lalma Housing Scheme area in Peshawar. “Being close to Khyber Agency, the area provides militants a golden opportunity to escape to the tribal areas safely after such attacks,” said a Police official.

A Police constable, identified as Manfarullah, was shot dead outside City Hospital on Kohat Road in Peshawar.

A teenage boy, identified as Aitazaz Hassan (14), was killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up outside a Government school Ibrahimzai area of Hangu District.

An activist of the MQM, identified as Shahid Sheikh, was killed in a targeted attack on M.A. Jinnah Road near Jama Masjid in Jamshed Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Unidentified militants attacked the office of LDA at Civic Centre in Gulshan Town and set the office furniture on fire.

Law enforces during their ongoing drive against criminals and gangsters claimed to have arrested 94 suspects during separate targeted raids and operations across Karachi. In the first incident, Karachi Police claimed to have detained around 69 suspects during 73 raids and three encounters in different parts of the city.  In addition, Pakistan Rangers Sindh claimed to have arrested 25 criminals during separate targeted raids conducted in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town, Korangi Town, Landhi Town, New Karachi Town, Gadap Town, North Nazimabad Town and other areas.

Pakistan Rangers, Sindh prepared an elaborate security plan to meet any eventuality during the forthcoming Chup Tazia and 12th Rabi-ul-Awal celebrations.  

Security Agencies claimed that they have arrested a key suspect, identified as Rahim Khan, from Federal Capital Islamabad for his involvement in the June 22, 2013 Nanga Parbat attack on 10 foreigners in Diamer District of Gilgit Baltistan.

A Policeman was injured when armed assailants hurled a hand grenade at Satellite Town Police Station in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan.  

Terming reports about presence of Afghan Taliban as baseless and far from reality, Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti said that there is no Taliban Shura in Quetta. “No sign of Afghan Taliban factor in the province,” he said, adding that foreign hands were involved in the prevailing unrest in Balochistan. The Home Minister’s statement has come two days after the foreign press reported the killing of two Taliban leaders in Quetta.  “I have no information about the killing of Taliban leaders,” Bugti said.

The Special Court trying Pervez Musharraf again exempted him from personal appearance for a day and summoned a medical certificate from the AFIC. Pervez Musharraf failed to appear before the special court for the fourth time in a row.  Special Prosecutor Muhammad Akram Sheikh, stressing the court to issue non-bailable arrest warrants, said the accused was flouting the orders of the august court.PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain presented himself for trial under Article 6 of the constitution for having supported Musharraf’s decision to proclaim the state of emergency on November 3, 2007.

At least six dead bodies were found near the Sufi shrine of shrine of Ayub Shah Bukhari in Gulshan-e-Maymar area of Gadap Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.  Two of the victims were beheaded, while the rest had their throats slit, said a Policeman. The Police found a bloodstained knife and note, written by TTP, which read, “Stop visiting shrines — from the Pakistani Taliban”. “People visiting shrines will meet the same fate,” the note read.  

Two security guards, identified as Muhammad Shafiq (40) and Dilshad Ansari (27), posted at United Bank Limited in Korangi Town were killed, while three people, including Branch Manager, cashier and another employee sustained injuries when six masked robbers opened fire at them and looted around PKR 1.7 million.

An unidentified Police Officer was killed in firing incident in Pak Colony area of SITE Town.

Another unidentified man was shot dead in Quaidabad area of Bin Qasim Town.

An unidentified dead body was recovered near Malir checkpost in Malir Town.

Police arrested a target killer from Musharraf Colony in Baldia Town and recovered two Kalashnikovs, two hand-grenades and two home-made bombs from his possession. Police alleged that the arrested suspect was wanted in the killings of 28 people and that he hailed from a political party.

A FC official and a Policeman were killed while one FC sustained injuries during an exchange of fire in Chatkan Bazaar of Panjgur District.

Unidentified militants shot dead a former Naib Nazim of Union Council Shahdara, identified as Shah Zaman, at his shop in Mingora city of Swat District in KP.

A proclaimed offender, identified as Aalam Khan, was killed in Musazai village while 45 suspects were arrested in a search operation conducted within the jurisdiction of Badhaber and Bhanamari Police Stations in Peshawar.

A grocery shop was destroyed in an explosion near the house of levies official Major Rekhmeen at Bahadur Bandha in Hangu District. However, no casualties were reported.  Rekhmeen said that he had not been threatened by anyone, but militant groups kept on issuing warnings to Security Force officials to quit their jobs immediately or face the consequences.  

A low-intensity bomb blast occurred in front of the house of Dr Razaullah in Saro Village of Shabqadar tehsil in Charsadda District. However, no casualty was reported.

The NAB got 14 days physical remand of two accused after arresting them for alleged involvement in the multi-billion scam concerning the procurement of weapons and vehicles for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police.  The NAB officials produced Raza Ali Khan, said to be related to former Chief Minister Ameer Haider Hoti, and the latter’s un-notified special adviser on police affairs Niaz Ali Shah, and sought their 14 days physical remand.   The NAB special prosecutor Lajbar Khan informed the bench that the accused had played a vital role in the scam.

At least seven people were injured in an explosion in Sadda Bazaar of lower Kurram Agency in FATA.

Saudi Arabia made it clear that it has nothing to do with former President General Pervez Musharraf’s high treason case and Riyadh does not want to interfere in internal matters of Pakistan. Saudi Foeign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal denied he had brought any message for the Pakistan Government with regard to Musharraf’s trial. “Musharraf’s trial is an internal matter of Pakistan,” Prince Saud said.

The US Department of State declared Qari Saifullah, a Quetta-based Taliban ‘commander’, a specially designated global terrorist. Qari Saifullah is the Taliban’s shadow ‘deputy governor’ and an operational ‘commander’ in Zabul province of Afghanistan, but the designation identifies him as a resident of Quetta.

Pakistan is planning to enlist Saudi Arabia’s help in brokering a peace deal with the TTP in its quest for peace in the long term. According to the initial report,  when Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al Faisal meets Pakistani officials during his two-day visit beginning on January 6, 2013, one of the key agenda items would be to explore the possibility of Riyadh’s role in the Government’s peacemaking efforts. Both JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman as well as Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, who is known as the father of the Afghan Taliban, are considered close to the Saudi rulers, and are intensifying efforts to bring the TTP to the negotiating table as most of the militants have studied at their seminaries.

At least 10 militants and three SFs were killed when militants attacked Green Ridge check post in Ladha subdivision South Waziristan Agency of FATA. The military claimed “inflicting heavy casualties to the militants.”

Lyari remained tensed as Lyari gangster Abdul Jabbar alias Jabbar Jhengu and his companion Abdul Ghani were killed in a road accident in the Bella area of Balochistan on January 7, 2014. However, Jhengu’s comrades claimed that they do not believe he was killed in a road accident. “Jhengu’s killing was pre-planned,” one of his associates said, adding, “The law enforcers are behind his killing. They abducted him and then killed them in this way.”

Police released sketches of two suspects it believes were involved in the January 7, 2014 slaughter of six men at a shrine in Gulshan-e-Maymar area of Gadap Town.

HRCP strongly condemned the killing of six men at a shrine in Karachi and demanded meaningful steps to put an end to killing of citizens by the extremists. HRCP Chairperson Zohra Yusuf said in a statement that the brutal killing of six young devotees in Karachi apparently for visiting a shrine was a proof that staying alive in Pakistan today was a privilege reserved for those who unthinkingly and without question comply with the whims of cold-blooded killers who are religious fanatics.            

At least one Policeman was killed and another was injured when unidentified militants opened fire on two Policemen deputed at a checkpost on Canal Road in University Town of provincial capital Peshawar.

SHO of Bhana Mari Police Station, identified as Hameed Khan, and two of his bodyguards were injured when unidentified militants opened fire on their vehicle within the limit of Paharipura Police Station in Peshawar.

LeJ claimed responsibility for the January 6, 2014 suicide blast in Ibrahimzai area of Hangu District. Ibrahimzai is a Shia-dominated area of Hangu District.

A College Professor and a Shia religious leader, identified as Nazir Hussain Imrani, was shot at and critically injured by unidentified assailants in a targeted sectarian attack in Dhoke Kashmirian area of Rawalpindi District. Imrani was an imam of Qasr-e-Sajjad Imambargah in Iqbal Town and a Professor at Government Hashmat Ali College.

A source in Balochistan Home and Tribal Affairs Department said that the Commission on enforced disappearances has received 209 cases of missing Baloch political workers from Balochistan. He said that 61 missing persons have been recovered and 24 mutilated dead bodies found in different parts of Balochistan up till now.  He said 44 cases of missing persons were disposed off following lack of required documents. Apart from this, 144 cases of missing persons were under trial before Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz during a book launch at the Institute of Strategic Study in Islamabad said that America is fighting the “wrong war with wrong methods against the wrong people”. Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan has been protesting against the drone attacks at all levels, as these are un-productive and violate Pakistan’s sovereignty.

CID of Karachi Police claimed killing a trio of TTP militants in Manghopir area of Gadap Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. "The Policemen, who busted a terrorist hideout in Manghopir area, following a promising lead, were met with heavy armed resistance", said Chaudhry Aslam, a senior CID official.  

Three Policemen, CID SP Chaudhry Aslam Khan was killed and 10 others were injured when a suicide bomber smashed his car into Aslam’s convoy near Essa Nagri at the Lyari Expressway. Two others were identified as Farhan (27) and Kamran (34). TTP claimed responsibility for the attack. TTP Mohmand Chapter ‘spokesperson’, Sajjad Mohmand said that the group has carried out a “successful” attack to take revenge for several Taliban members killed by the Police.

AIG of Police Sindh Shahid Hayat said that targeted operation against the anti-social elements would continue to maintain peace in Karachi.

PTI Chief Imran Khan reiterated his stance of negotiating with TTP following the killing of SP CID Chaudhry Aslam Khan in Karachi, which was claimed by the terrorist group. While condemning the attack he said that prevailing violence and killings in the country would not end without pulling out from ‘someone else’s war’. “Dialogue is a better option than fighting against Taliban.” “At least those (Taliban) groups which are ready to negotiate peace should be contacted for talks,” he said.

The three-judge Special Court led by Justice Faisal Arab in a hard-hitting order summoned former President General Pervez Musharraf on January 16, 2014. Musharraf had been excused from court three times for health reasons.

Three TTP militants were killed in an alleged Police encounter within the jurisdiction of Mauripur Police Station in Musharraf Colony of Baldia Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The dead were identified as Mirza Ali (45), allegedly the TTP Amir for Ittehad Town; Sher Muhammad (35), allegedly the TTP Amir for Landhi Town, and Amanullah (22).

Three people, including prayer leader Maulana Iqrar and two students of the seminary, identified as Salahuddin (16), and Naseer (17), were injured in a bomb blast at the rooftop of Jannat Masjid (mosque) in Gulshan-e-Ghazi area of Al-Falah Society in Malir Town.  

Two people, including ANP leader Aziz Khan, was injured when his house in Future Colony of Quaidabad area in Bin Qasim Town was attacked with a hand grenade. Quaidabad Police said that Khan blamed extortionists for the attack as he failed to pay an amount of PKR 5 million. 

Two Police Officers were injured when unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade at a Police mobile in Karachi. The Police retaliated and injure done of the attackers.

An alleged suicide bomber who detonated his explosive-laden vehicle to target SP CID Chauhdry Aslam on January 9, 2013, was identified as Naeemullah (26), a resident of Banaras Colony in SITE Town.

Unidentified militants shot dead two workers at Ghazi Shah Baba Shrine in Mardan District of KP.

One militant was killed when unidentified militants attacked the Manzoor Shaheed checkpost in the limits of Badbher Police Station near Matani area in Peshawar. The militant was killed in retaliatory firing by the Security Forces.

Two passengers were killed when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at a passenger van in the Dukki tehsil of Loralai District of Balochistan.  No outfit claimed of responsibility for the attack.

Unidentified militants blew up a gas pipeline in Dera Murad Jamali area of Naseerabad District suspending gas supply to many districts.

Abductors released the eight coalminers abducted from Harnai District on December 25, 2013. Sajjad Gul Kakar, a levies official, said, "Miners are back and they are safe.” He, however, declined to comment on the ransom amount paid to the kidnappers for release of the coal miners.

Hearing the high treason case against former President General Pervez Musharraf, the Special Court stated that the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) is applicable in this matter. The applicability of CrPC will allow the court to issue an arrest warrant against the accused (Musharraf) over his non-appearance before it. One member of the defence team said that Musharraf would not appear before the court on January 16, 2014 and another medical report might be furnished regarding his inability to appear before the court.  

The Government’s non-compliance of its December 10, 2013 order to produce 35 missing persons, led the Supreme Court to order the Secretary to the Prime Minister Javed Aslam to bring the matter into the notice of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.   In its December 10 order, the apex court said the army authorities had taken away 35 internees from the Malakand internment centre, but only seven of them were produced before the court. It ordered action against the authorities concerned in the case involving non-compliance of the verdict.  The court directed the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister to submit by January 17, 2014 their replies explaining reasons why the December 10, 2013 judgment had not been complied with.

Anti-Terrorism Court-II adjourned the hearing of March 16, 2014, Arshad Pappu murder case till January 29, 2014 after investigation officer failed to produce witnesses in the court. All accused nominated in the murder cases of Arshad Pappu were produced in an APC before ATC-II Judge under tight security.

Five persons, including three Policemen and two security guards were killed in an IED blast targeting the convoy of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s senior aide Amir Muqam in Shangla District of KP. Muqam was unhurt.

Unidentified militants opened fire on ANP leader Mian Mushtaq’s vehicle in Badhpir area of Peshawar, killing three people including him.

Unidentified militants opened fire in Dashti Bazaar area of Turbat District in Balochistan and killed two people.  Imam Bakhsh, a police officer said, "Both victims were dead on the spot".  

Unidentified militants shot dead a levies constable, identified as Murad Bakhsh, in Mand Soro area of Kech District. The militants took away the weapon of the constable after killing him.

Armed militants snatched weapons from levies personnel in Panjgur District.  A levies official, on condition of anonymity, said that more than two dozen armed militants stormed a check post and snatched weapons from levies men.  "I have no information about the exact number of levies men," he said, adding that the levies men did not resist the attackers.  The militants managed to escape after the attack and there was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Police and ATF conducted a raid at the private jail of JUI-F member and former Provincial Minister Education and Member of Balochistan Assembly, Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran and rescued seven abducted people, including two women and three children in Barkhan District.  Police also arrested six suspects and recovered arms and ammunition from their possession.

A gangster, identified as Mulla Nisar, was killed in clashes between rival groups and hand grenade attack in Jhat Pat market, Rangewara and Kalakot areas of Lyari Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An unidentified dead body was recovered from Mewashah graveyard in SITE Town. The victim was subjected to torture before killed.

Law enforcers arrested 160 suspects, including members of banned outfit, target killers and gangsters in the ongoing-targeted operation across the city.

Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan stated that negotiations with the TTP were the Government’s top priority and serious efforts are being made in this regard, but warned that the militants unwilling to hold talks will be dealt with sternly. The Interior Minister called upon the Taliban factions opposing the peace process to grow out of their mindset and respond positively to the gestures of the Government. “I urge Taliban groups who are refusing to hold dialogue that the path of Islam is the path of welfare and peace, and not of bullet,” Nisar said. He said that both talks and military operation against the Taliban are difficult tasks, as they are not a party or force which is in front of us.

A tortured and bullet-riddled dead body of a boy (10) was found in Turbat District. According to sources, the victim’s elder brother is a campaigner for the Baloch separatist movement. A BSO-A spokesperson accused Security Agencies of being behind the incident. However, Security Agencies denied charges of their involvement in any illegal detention or dumping of bodies.

Two suspected gangsters were shot dead and four others were wounded when unidentified militants opened fire at two gangsters near Zonal office within the jurisdiction of Chakiwara Police Station in Lyari Town. Tension prevailed in Lyari Town.

A woman, identified as Gulshan Bibi, was shot dead for her alleged links with Baba Ladla group in Shah Baig Lane within the precincts of Baghdadi Police Station in Lyari Town. She is accused of being an informer for Baba Ladla group.     

A Police Inspector, identified as Mohammad Iqbal alias Bijju, was shot dead at his son's hardware shop in MPR Colony within the limits of Orangi Town Police Station in Orangi Town. According to officials, the Iqbal was involved in investigating extortion cases.

Four people were injured at Jumma Shah Plot when gangsters of two rival groups fired RPGs in Lyari Town. Routine and commercial activities were suspended in Lyari following the cross firing. The Rangers were unable to curtail firing. 

Police arrested 29 suspects during raids in different areas of the city and confiscated weapons, stolen goods and drugs. Under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Kiamari, 29 suspected criminals were arrested in Shershah, Mauripur, Machchar Colony, Sultanabad, Mawach Goth areas of Karachi. 

A large quantity of anti-Pakistan literature as well as maps of a separate Balochistan were recovered during a raid of Attashad Degree College in Turbat District. A Baloch student had reportedly taken over a hostel in the college and a FC spokesperson claimed he was brainwashing students to conduct acts of terrorism in the country.

The recovered material included separatist leaflets, banners and posters. The books include Nehru and Gandhi’s biographies as well as books about Baloch separation. The books were printed in Karachi and neighbouring countries. The FC had conducted the raid after receiving a tip about the operation. No arrests were made and the student in question fled before the FC arrived.

In Swabi District, an official of the intelligence agencies, Amjad, was shot dead in Swabi bus stand area where he was on duty.

BDS thwarted an attempt of terrorism by defusing a 20kg bomb planted in congested Bana Mari area of Peshawar. According to BDS official Shafqat Malik, passers-by spotted the explosive device in Bana Mari area and informed Police.

A remote-controlled explosion occurred in Sulemankhel area of Badbher area in Peshawar where the funeral prayer of slain ANP leader Mian Mushtaq Ahmed was scheduled to be held, leaving one Policeman injured. 

The BDU thwarted an attempt of terrorism by defusing a 20 kilogram of bomb planted in the Bana Mari area of Peshawar.

The NASC on Interior and Narcotics Control approved a draft of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance 2013, with some members expressing reservations and writing dissenting notes. The Committee, however, did not approve the Protection of Pakistan Ordinance 2013 which was termed by some members ‘a black law’ and similar to the Indian law called Protection of Terrorism Act (POTA) 2002.

Some members of the committee, including Arif Alvi of the PTI and Nabeel Gabol of MQM, strongly opposed the PPO 2013 and wrote dissenting notes on the ATO 2013. “Under the proposed PPO bill presented by the Government no-one can raise his/her voice against any act of the Government,” said Mr Gabol. 

“The main objective of discussing the Anti-terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance, 2013, bill was to take effective measures to protect life and property of the people in the face of increasing acts of terrorism in the country,” the head of the committee MNA Rana Shamim Ahmed Khan said.

The KP Assembly unanimously passed a resolution asking the Federal Government to direct the Federal Minister of Interior to give the assembly a briefing about measures and progress on policy aimed at eradication of terrorism in the country. The resolution was jointly moved by MPA both from treasury and opposition benches.

According to a report, titled, ‘Drone Wars Pakistan: Analysis,’  compiled by the think tank New America Foundation, at least 370 US drone strikes have occurred in Pakistan since 2004. The report also gives a breakdown of the number of casualties of the drone strikes. The year in which the most number of people who were killed in the strikes is 2010. There is a downward trend of the drone strikes since 2010. The total number of people who were killed in these strikes is between 2,080-3,428 people. Of these, 1,623-2,787 are reportedly militants and 258 – 307 civilians. The highest number of drone strikes occurred in North Waziristan Agency (267 out of the 370).

The report further states that there were fewer number of drone strikes during former US President George W Bush’s term, as compared to the current administration of President Barack Obama. The number of strikes for 2013 is 26.

Police found four unidentified men's bodies near a riverbank in the Amagarh area of Nowshera District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Unidentified militants shot the four and dumped their bodies in the Amagarh area, Police said.

One Policeman was killed whereas another sustained injury when an explosion took place in Regi Model Town area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP.

A bomb explosion took place near a Police van, injuring seven Policemen on Rohri road near the Kolachi tehsil area of Dera Ismail Khan District. The bomb was remotely detonated. The SHO of Kolachi Police Station was among those injured in the blast.

The Federal Ministry of Interior informed Sindh Government that MQM leaders are on the hit list of terrorists and, therefore, appropriate security measures should be made. A special communiqué sent to Sindh Government, the Federal Ministry of Interior has expressed fear that extremist might target MQM leaders.

The Director General Rangers Major General Rizwan Akhter expressed concern over the news circulating in the media regarding high-level postings in the Police department, and said that the Rangers wanted that present Police setup in the city should continue for a year.

Two Policemen were shot dead in a firing incident near Police post situated at Gulberg area within the limits of Yousuf Plaza Police Station in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Police said the incident took place when unidentified armed riders arrived at the Police post and opened fire on the cops.

The law enforcement personnel also killed two alleged gangsters during an encounter in Lyari area.

A traffic police warden was gunned down near Matric Board office within the jurisdiction of North Nazimabad Police Station. Police said that unidentified armed men riding on two motorbikes waylaid their target, Mehmood Raza, son of Manaan halaak and shot him dead.

Lyari remain tensed as an armed clash occurred between rival groups of gangsters of the area. Two gangsters were killed in a joint encounter of police and rangers in the same locality. Police sources said that the clash started at Jhat Phat Market, Lyari between the members of Baba Ladla Group and defunct PAC over the dispute of extortion money collection from vendors of the area.

Police and Rangers conducted a targeted operation against criminals involved in the clash, where gangsters group resorted to fire on the law enforcers’ vans near Khada Market area. In retaliation by the LEAs, two gangsters were killed in the alleged joint encounter while three were apprehended in the operation.

Police conducted another raid at the CHK and arrested injured gangsters and shifted them to an undisclosed location.

The decomposed bodies of a young boy and a girl were found from a water tank of empty plot Sector 16-A, Orangi Town within the vicinity of Pakistan Bazaar Police Station.

A bullet-riddled body of a man was found from garbage dump in Gulistan Society within the limits of Chakiwara Police Station in Lyari Town.

The Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar vowed to continue the targeted operation in Karachi against criminals. At a meeting with members of the KCCI, he shrugged off the rumours about halting the operation in Karachi.

Three suspected militants were killed while five others arrested by the SFs during a search operation in Zaidi area of Khuzdar District in Balochistan. Deputy Commissioner Syed Abdul Waheed Shah said that the security forces and Levies force had been conducting a joint search operation in Zaidi area when armed men opened fire on them.

Supreme Court directed the Government of Balochistan to ensure security to the doctors’ community in the province. A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Justice Nasir ul Mulk and comprising Justice Saqib Nisar and Justice Ameer Hani Muslim heard the Balochistan law and order situation and missing persons’ case. The court directed Nasruallah Baloch, Chairman Voice of Missing Persons, Balochistan to appear before the court on the next date of hearing, stating as to whether he wanted to proceed further with the instant case or not. 

The Balochistan Government has approached all political forces in the province for an all parties’ conference which is likely to be held at the end of January in Quetta, a provincial Government spokesperson said. The APC was scheduled to be held in December, 2013 but could not take place due to the local Government elections in the province.

At least two volunteers of Amn committee lost their lives in a bomb blast in Zakhakhel Bazaar of Landi Kotal tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA.

The PM Nawaz Sharif said it was not imperative that only the Government will hold talks with the TTP, and it will welcome Imran Khan, Maulana Samiul Haq, Munawar Hassan and others if they can make progress in this regard. Speaking to Saleem Safi, the host of the Geo News programme ‘Jirga’, which is to be telecast today (January 16), the PM said he will contact other leaders, including Imran Khan, over the issue of talks with the TTP.

PM Nawaz Sharif, during his visit to Swat, approved in principle and announced a brigade-level cantonment for Swat and Malakand. The PM gave the approval during a briefing given to him. He also lauded the role played by the Pakistan Army in restoring peace and stability in the area.

At least ten people were killed and more than 60 others were injured in the evening when a bomb exploded at a Tablighi Markaz (religious centre) on Pajaggi Road in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Eyewitnesses said the bomb exploded at Tablighi Markaz run by the Tableeghi Jamaat, just before Maghrib prayers.

Bomb disposal experts defused a bomb planted outside a Tablighi Markaz mosque in Nowshera, around the same time the bomb exploded in the Peshawar.

Eight Policemen sustained injuries in two blasts in Daowat area of Chakisar tehsil in Shangla District.

Police defused four hand-grenades in Mustaffaabad forests area under Gomal University Police Station in Dera Ismail Khan town of same District. Sources said unidentified persons had planted four hand grenades in bucket in Mustaffaabad forests area.

Two Policemen, identified as Head Constable Mohammad Javed (40), and Constable Asif Khan (30), were killed and two persons, including Constable Saleem (28), and a passerby, identified as Khano Ada (40), were injured in an armed attacked on the Police van near Shafiq Mor within the jurisdiction of New Karachi Police Station in Gulberg Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A man, identified as Syed Junaid Akhtar (43), was shot dead on Manghopir Road within the precincts of SITE-A Police Station in SITE Town.

An officer of a spy agency, identified as Captain Ehtesham Haider, was injured in a targeted armed attack near Jauhar roundabout within the limits of Shahrah-e-Faisal Police Station in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town.                                     

Police claimed to have arrested around 85 suspects during 94 separate targeted raids and seven encounters conducted across the city. According to Sindh Police spokesman, those detained include 25 absconders, 19 drug peddlers, four robbers, one terrorist, two target killers and two extortionists, while 27 have been arrested for possession of illicit weapons.

A Khasadar Force personnel killed while two others injured in a bomb blast near the vehicle of Khasadar Force in Zakhakhel area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA.

PM Nawaz Sharif directed the authorities that the Karachi operation should continue at all costs till the restoration of peace in the city. While talking to the Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan at the PM House, Nawaz Sharif observed that the targeted operation in Karachi was fruitful in restoring peace in Karachi.

The Government will provide resources needed for continuation of the operation and next phase would be conducted in accordance to the plan. It is understood that the two have also discussed the situation arising due to difference of opinion between the civil administration and authorities carrying out the operation.

Pakistani media professionals are vowing to maintain a free press in the face of the TTP's recent threats against them, and the country is calling for broad support of the media, given their key role in the war against terrorism. "Several journalists have lost their lives for the truth," KP Inspector General of Police Nasir Khan Durrani said.

"The media have to convey a true picture to the masses," Peshawar-based senior journalist and Khyber Union of Journalists (KhUJ) President Nisar Mehmood told Central Asia Online. "No doubt journalists, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa [KP] and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas [FATA], are facing death threats, but still we have to depict a true picture of society and convey the truth," he said.

Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan while addressing 170 senior civil and military officers participating in the National Security and War Course at the National Defence University in Islamabad said that the National Security Policy was in final stages of formation which will help the Government in effectively combating militancy and eradicating extremism in Pakistan.

The Minister said that enemy of the country was vague and divided, adding that the security policy is proactive in nature which will address the problems being faced by Pakistan. He said the new security policy will have three components covert, strategic, and operational.

The Interior Minister said that the Government has again started the process of dialogue with the militants. He said the Government wants a durable solution to eradicate terrorism from the country and the use of force will only be the last resort.

Three people, including Mufti Usman Yar, the Secretary General of JUI-S, were killed when unidentified militants opened fire on a car near Awami Markaz in Shahra-e-Faisal Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The other two killed were his driver and a personal guard.

TTP militants killed three Express News staffers, including a technician, guard and driver, by opening fire on a DSNG vehicle near Matric Board Office in North Nazimabad Town. TTP Karachi Chapter ‘spokesman’ Sajjad Mohmand claimed responsibility for the attack.

A roadside vendor, identified as Shafi Muhammad (50), was shot dead in a targeted attack near Fancy Bakery on Tannery Road in Lyari Town.

A “wanted criminal”, identified as Ashraf Khan, was shot dead near the Paposh Nagar graveyard in Nazimabad Town. Investigators claimed Khan was affiliated with a political party and was wanted by the police in a number of cases. 

Security was put on high alert at Central Jail in view of the risk of terrorist attack. According to the Police, heavy contingent of Police and Rangers have been deployed at the jail while the roads around the jail have been closed for traffic.

A report by the HRCP stated that the year 2013 was the deadliest one for Karachi so far with as many as 3,251 fatalities. The city has seen a sharp increase in killings in the past few years with 1,981 people killed in 2010, 2,382 killed in 2011 and 3,105 killed in 2012. Of the entire year, August was the bloodiest month with 334 killings or deaths.

Four people were killed and 65 others were injured when Khushaal Khan Khattak Express passenger train carrying around 400 passengers derailed following a bomb explosion on its tracks in Omar Kot area of Rojhan sub-district in Rajanpur District. The train was en route to Karachi in Sindh from Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. BRA claimed responsibility for the attack.

PTI chief Imran Khan expressed his reluctance to hold peace talks with TTP saying he lacks authority to do so. Speaking at a press conference, Khan said he cannot hold talks with TTP as neither his party is in power at the centre nor he has any authority over the services.

Three persons were killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on a car carrying ASWJ leader at Noori Gate in Sargodha area of same District. According to Police, the incident occurred at Noori Gate in Sargodha when ASWJ Deputy Chief of Punjab chapter Maulana Abdul Hameed Khalid along with others was on his way from Bhakkar District to attend the hearing at an anti-terrorism court in Sargodha.

A man who was injured during a shooting incident in the Gulbahar area of Liaquatabad Town succumbed to his injuries.

Six people were injured in a hand grenade attack in the Khadda market area of Lyari Town.

Two persons were killed and another was injured when unidentified assailants opened fire at a car showroom on GT Road in Shaidu area of Nowshera District.

A bomb planted by unidentified militants at an unpaved road to target FC troopers supplying rations at check posts went off in the Landikotal tehsil of Khyber Agency. No loss of life was reported.

The Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Dost Muhammad Khan said that despite the complexity of missing person’s cases, the Government, through court orders, has ensured at least 1,270 of them reached their homes. Another 1,086 have been identified at notified internment centres in KP and the FATA. Some 3,033 people have been traced to various locations in the region.

Justice Khan said that the Human Rights Directorate set up by him for those who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, has received more than 9,000 cases so far. Of these 7,000 were decided instantly, with the aggrieved getting justice in less than 72 hours.

At least 20 soldiers were killed and another 30 were injured when a bomb ripped through a military convoy in the Bannu Town (Bannu District) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at 8:45 am. “A vehicle-borne improvised explosive device caused the blast,” a senior military official said. The convoy was about to leave for the Razmak town in North Waziristan Agency of FATA when the blast hit one of the civilian vehicles hired to move troops. The TTP ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid claiming responsibility, said, “It was part of our fight against a secular system. We will carry out more such attacks in future.” He added that the TTP were seeking revenge for the deaths of their former ‘chief’ Hakimullah Mehsud and ‘deputy chief’ Waliur Rehman – both killed in US drone attacks.

A Police Constable, identified as Noman Ahmed (26), was killed while two passers-by and an ASI, identified as Sohail, were injured in an armed attack targeting the Police van near Dow Medical College in the Arambagh area of Saddar Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An unidentified dead body of an old man was found from Mureed Jhokiyo Goth, within the jurisdiction of Steel Town Police Station area in Malir Town.

Rangers claimed to have detained at least 20 suspects belonging to TTP during a targeted raid conducted at Kunwari Colony area of Manghopir in the Gadap Town. The third phase of the operation is against banned outfits' militants, target killers, terrorists, extortionists and others criminals. Kunwari Colony area of Manghopir is said to be a stronghold of TTP, and a number of TTP militants operate from there to carry out terror activities across the city.

Two FC officials were injured when an IED went off at a roadside in the Ghari Gal area of Mamond tehsil in the Bajaur Agency of FATA. Political administration official from Mamond, Abdul Haseeb Khan, said he was informed by a tribesman around 12:30pm about a canister spotted on the roadside in Ghari Gal area of Mamond.

Two people, including the driver and cleaner of a NATO container carrying equipment for troops in Afghanistan, were injured when unidentified militants opened fire at the NATO container in the Choto area of Mastung District. No outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack.

TTP ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid said that TTP were ready for a “meaningful dialogue”. However, the militant group asked the Government to “prove its authority and sincerity with dialogue process”. In a letter issued to the media on January 19 the TTP also said, “TTP wants to give clear-cut message to people of Pakistan that our war is for implementation of Sharia’h and we will never give up principles of Sharia’h.”

Chairman of PTI, Imran Khan, held Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, responsible for the terrorist attacks on Security Forces of Pakistan, and said, "Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman or Sami-ul-Haq alone cannot get the Taliban peace talks off the ground. The Prime Minister should take the lead in this regard”. He said that if he were the Prime Minister he would be spearheading the peace talks. "Had I been Nawaz Sharif, I would have taken the charge long ago", said Khan.

Army helicopters pounded several militant hideouts in Mir Ali area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA killing at least 24 persons and injuring 15 others. Fear and panic gripped the area after the overnight blitz after which locals began to migrate out of the volatile area to safer places.

A TTP suicide bomber killed 13 persons, including eight soldiers and three children, and wounded 29 others in Royal Artillery Bazaar close to General Headquarters in Rawalpindi District. An Army statement said, "13 persons including eight security forces personnel, three schoolchildren and two civilians embraced shahadat while 29 were injured in this cowardly act of terror." TTP 'spokesman' Shahidullah Shahid claimed responsibility for the attack as payback for a deadly military raid on the Lal Masjid in Islamabad in 2007. "It was carried by one of our suicide bombers to take revenge for the Red Mosque massacre," he said, adding, "We will continue our struggle against the secular system."

Police arrested four suspected TTP militants during a raid in a house located in Tarnol area of Islamabad and seized a huge quantity of explosives from them. Police also seized more than 130 kilogram of explosives. The terrorists were shifted them to an undisclosed location for interrogation.

At least two persons were killed when a roadside remote-controlled explosion occurred in Loni area of Kolachi tehsil in Dera Ismail Khan District of KP. The deceased persons were identified as Zainullah and Shamsur Rahman. Following the explosion, a tip-off was received regarding more bombs in the area. The BDS team personnel reached the site of explosion and defused four bombs. Meanwhile, security personnel cordoned off the area and a probe into the incident went underway.

Unidentified assailants killed a Shia Muslim scholar Allama Alim Al-Musvi who was walking to the mosque in Kissa Khwani market of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. "Two gunmen opened fire on the scholar and escaped in the narrow streets when he came out of his house and walked towards the mosque," local Police official Fazal Jan said. Al-Musvi was a locally respected scholar and used to deliver sermons at special Shia gatherings, he added.

The death toll in January 19's attack on a military convoy in the Bannu Town (Bannu District) at 8:45 am rose to 26 as six more soldiers succumbed to their injuries at hospitals. 20 soldiers were killed and another 30 were injured when a bomb ripped through a military convoy as their convoy was about to leave for the Razmak town in North Waziristan Agency of FATA.

At least two persons were reportedly injured when an explosion took place in Kala Dher area of Charsadda District. According to the police, explosive materials were concealed in a pile of gravel at a roadside on Mardan Road which blew up, creating a loud explosion. Police said two cars were passing by at the time of explosion and the intensity of the blast smashed their windows.

Two persons, identified as Aqil Shah and Kamil Khan, were arrested by Anti-Terrorist Squad from Mattani area of Peshawar and taken to an undisclosed location for further investigation. Official sources said that they were detained because of their alleged links with militants. "These people have been arrested for their alleged links with militants and it is not the first time members from their families were picked up," said an official. "Previously, Shah's father and brother were arrested by Security Forces. They were released after eight months of captivity."

A house was partially damaged when a rocket was fired in its direction in Masho Khel village of Peshawar in the night. Police said the artillery rocket was fired from several kilometers away near Khyber Agency in FATA. It struck Murad Khan's house and damaged the boundary wall. Police said no loss of life was reported.

Three unidentified dead bodies were found near Baba Wilayat Shah Shrine located within the vicinity of Sharafi Goth Police Station in Baldia Town. Police said the victims were first kidnapped.

A worker of PPP, identified as Noor Khan (32), was shot dead in MPR Colony of Orangi Town.

A man, identified as Mohammad Saleem (35), was shot dead in Daryabad area within the precincts of Kalri Police Station in Lyari Town. Police said the deceased had no affiliation with any political party or gang.

An ASI, identified as Kamran Naqvi (40), was shot dead in Chakra within the jurisdiction of Zaman Town Police Station in Korangi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

One official was wounded when unidentified militants hurled a cracker on a Ranger's vehicle in Nusrat Bhutto Colony of Manghopir in North Nazimabad Town. Later, Rangers launched a grand targeted operation in Manghopir locality and detained around 20 suspects, which included four TTP militants.

At least three armed bandits robbed PKR 270,000 from a branch of private bank in Gol Market area of North Nazimabad Town. Police, while quoting initial investigation, said that they suspect the involvement of security guards and a cashier in the bank heist. "We are sure the guards and one of the cashiers helped robbers to loot the booty from the bank," claimed SHO Ejaz Lodhi.

Unidentified militants blew up a 16-inch diameter gas pipeline in Pir Koh area of Dera Bugti District.

A clear divide between the liberal and conservative elements was witnessed in the Senate during a debate on two major attacks on SFs by the TTP over the past two days and functioning of the Council of Islamic Ideology. Senators from the PPP, ANP and the MQM lashed out at the Government for its inaction and asked it to order an Army operation against TTP in the wake of terror attacks on SFs in Bannu and Rawalpindi.

Pakistan expressed disappointment over the Consolidated Appropriations Bill 2014 approved by the US Congress, which links USD 33 million in assistance to Doctor Shakil Afridi's detention. According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Government said that Dr Afridi's case was sub-judice and that he remains entitled to due process under the law.

The Consolidated Appropriations Bill 2014, approved by US Congress, was signed into law by US President Barack Obama on January 17, 2014. As an omnibus legislation, it contains respective Appropriation Bills for all Government Departments, including the Department of Defence and the Department of State. The State Department will now undertake the process of making allocations, including those for Pakistan.

At least 24 Shia pilgrims returning from Iran were killed and 40 others were injured in a bomb attack targeting their bus in the Khusak area of Kanak in Mastung District. Local Government official Shafqat Shahwani said that 51 passengers had been on board at the time of the blast and that nine passengers were still unaccounted for.

Three abductors were killed while three people, including a Police Official, one ATF official and one passerby, were injured in an operation near Sariab Road in Quetta. CCPO Abdul Razzak Cheema said, "We don't know who the kidnappers are as yet, investigation is still ongoing on."

At least 12 suspected militants were killed when fighter jets bombed their hideouts in the Inzar Kor area of Kukikhel in Khyber Agency of FATA. A security official claimed that four militant hideouts were flattened in the blitz.

Six Police officers and a 13-year-old student were killed and nine others injured in a bomb blast near a police mobile in Sardheri Bazaar of Charsadda Town (Charsadda District) in KP. There were eight police officers in the mobile at the time of the blast. The Police officers were on their way to provide security to a polio team. The explosive material was planted in a bicycle which exploded when the Police mobile passed by it.

One polio campaigner was killed when unidentified motorcycle-bourne assailants opened fire in Sher Garh area of Mansehra (Mansehra District).

Feeling the growing pressure from the sympathisers of those affected by the crippling polio disease, the TTP has officially distanced itself from some of the recent attacks on polio vaccinators in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Karachi, saying it has nothing to do with these killings. TTP 'spokesperson' Ehsanullah Ehsan said that the militant outfit was "in principle" not targeting polio workers.

Three anti-polio workers were shot dead when unidentified militants opened fire on them in Qayyumabad area of Korangi Town. The attacks came just days after the World Health Organisation warned that Peshawar was the world's "largest reservoir" of the polio virus.

Two alleged gangsters, identified as Jan Mohammad alias Janu and Jawad alias Current, were killed during an encounter with the Police near Phool Chowk area of Kharadar in Saddar Town.

ASWJ leader Maulana Zarin escaped an attack by unidentified militants in Labour Colony of Landhi Town.

Rangers recovered a hostage, identified as Qamar Mehmood, during a raid in Kunwari Colony of Manghopir area in Gadap Town and arrested at least nine suspects. Qamar was abducted on January 20, 2014 from Kati Pahari area in Orangi Town.

Law enforcers claimed to have arrested around 126 criminals during separate targeted raids and operations conducted across Karachi. In the first raid, Pakistan Rangers Sindh arrested around 19 suspects, including gangsters and militants, during separate targeted raids conducted in Kunwari Colony, Sherpao Colony, Federal B Area, Rozi Goth, Mehmodabad, Manghopir, Kalakot, Gul Goth, Khokrapar and Bahadarabad. Weapons of different calibres were also recovered from their custody.

On the direction of military officials the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board decided to permanently close the RA Bazaar Road, where several military installations, including GHQ, National Logistics Cell (NLC), Canteen Stores Department (CSD) head office, Military Intelligence office and residences of military officers, are located, while security was also put on high alert in the twin cities.

In 2012 on the direction of military authorities RCB had closed this link road for public traffic but due to resistance it was compelled to take back its decision. RCB Cantonment Executive Officer Rana Manzoor Ahmad Khan said that due to the prevailing law and order situation and threat of terror attacks the road has been closed. He said public would not have to face any inconvenience as there are alternative roads for traffic.

SFs are also trying to ensure the safety of various installations in Islamabad, like the Diplomatic Enclave, Parliament House, and have sought the assistance of other Law Enforcement Agencies in this regard. SSP Islamabad Muhammad Rizwan directed all SPs, SDPOs and SHOs to ensure strict checking at all entry and exit points and keep a close watch on suspicious persons.

The National Assembly's Standing Committee on Interior approved the PPO Bill. A meeting of the Committee, presided over by its chairman Rana Shamin Ahmed, approved the bill with majority votes. Some of the members gave dissenting notes, saying the bill, presented by the Government to enable it to effectively tackle the issue of terrorism, could be misused against innocent people and political parties.

The ordinance empowers Police and Security Agencies to arrest anybody on the basis of 'credible' information that he/she is involved in anti-state activities, terrorism and treason. However, the term 'credible information' has not been defined in the bill. The PPO allows anybody to file an appeal in the Supreme Court within 15 days of his arrest.

The PPO protects victims of terrorism, assault, kidnapping-for-ransom, personnel of armed forces and law enforcement agencies, parliamentarians, media persons, members of judiciary and executives, important personalities, foreign officials and visitors, official guests, tourists, internationally protected persons, social welfare workers, health personnel, aid workers and volunteers but it does not provide protection to witnesses in terrorism cases.

SFs claimed to have killed about 32 militants in Tora Waila, Darota area of Kukikhel in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. Unconfirmed reports said that the 'chief' of the TTP Orakzai Chapter, Hafiz Saeed, was among those killed in the strikes.

Security officials on January 22 confirmed that the leader of the TTP's Supreme Shura, Asmat Shaheen Bittani, and 'master trainer' of suicide bombers, Wali Mohammad, as well as dozens of foreign fighters were amongst those killed in air strikes in NWA on the night of January 20, 2014. A senior security official said that that most of those killed in the offensive were foreign fighters, including 33 Uzbeks and 3 Germans.

Soon after the military operation Maulana Sami-ul-Haq who has close ties to the Taliban said that he would no longer act as a government-backed peace broker with the militants after airstrikes killed 40 people in a tribal District.

At least five people, including a woman, identified as Raquiya (35), her son and a relative, were killed and several others were injured in a grenade attack during a clash between gangsters near Juna Masjid in Zikri Mohalla of Lyari Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Four unidentified dead bodies were found an empty plot near Link Road, within the jurisdiction of Memon Goth Police Station in Bin Qasim Town. SHO Naeem Khan said all the four victims were clad in shalwar kameez, and appeared to be young while one of them was believed to be in his 50s, he added.

SI of Police, identified as Nazeer Khaskheli, was killed in a targeted attack near Shama Shopping Centre in Shah Faisal Colony of Shah Faisal Town.

An unidentified man was shot dead and several people, including women and children were reportedly injured because of firing in Lyari Town.

A man, identified Bashir Ishaq (40), was shot dead in Rabbani Mohalla in Frontier Colony within the precincts of Peerabad Police Station in SITE Town. Police said the deceased was hailing from Swat and had arrived in a city a couple of days ago.

A old man, identified as Azad Gul (60), was killed and a rickshaw driver, identified as Hameed Gul (24), was injured in an armed attack in Gulshan-e-Bunair area within the vicinity of Quaidabad Police Station in Landhi Town. Police said the deceased hailed from Bajaur Agency and lived in Gulshan-e-Buner area.

A man, identified as Zar Lal (30), was shot dead in Siddiq-e-Akbar Colony within the limits of Iqbal Market Police Station in Orangi Town.

A suspected gangster was killed in an incident of firing within the limits of Chakiwara Police Station in Jhat Pat market of Lyari Town. An extra contingent of law enforcers including Police and Rangers was unable to control the situation and to take any reliable action against the gangster groups.

A Lyari gangster, identified as Behram, affiliated with Waliullah Lakho group was killed in an alleged encounter during a targeted operation conducted by Police and Rangers at Super Highway. Police officer said that the encounter took place when they along with the Rangers conducted a joint raid on a tip-off about criminal's hideout.

In the same area, SIU Police claimed to have killed an alleged criminal, identified as Gulab Jatoi, during an encounter. According to SIU officials, the raid was conducted on a tip-off at the criminals' hideaway near Super Highway.

At least eight persons, including seven Levies personnel and one militant were killed, while ten others, including a Spanish tourist, were injured when a militant kidnapping bid was foiled in Darin Garh area of Koshak in Mastung District.

A militant and a Levies official were killed during an operation launched by SFs, including Police, Levies and Frontier Corps in Darin Garh area.

Armed militants torched one NATO container carrying equipment in the Western Bypass area of Quetta. A police official who requested anonymity said that the militants opened fire at the NATO container which was on its way from Kandahar in Afghanistan to Port Qasim in Karachi (Sindh). However, the driver and cleaner managed to escape unhurt.

Unidentified militants opened fire at an anti-polio team in Bukhari Muhalla area of Sibi District. However, no casualties were reported. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for either of the attacks.

A cleric, identified as Maulana Qazi Azizullah Athar, was shot dead in front of Committee Bagh near DHQ Hospital in FR Tank.

A Sikh, identified as Bhagwan Singh, was shot dead by unidentified militants while he was on his way home in Tangi Bazaar area of Charsadda District. Tangi Police Official Noorullah said that Singh owned a medicine shop in the bazaar for many years and had no dispute with anyone.

Two people, including an anti-polio lady health supervisor and her driver were injured when unidentified militants attacked the anti-polio team in Bahal area of Bhakkar District.

The Sabzi Mandi Police claimed to have arrested two extortionists, identified as Asif Khan and Dost Muhammad, and recovered extorted money from them. A police team headed by Industrial Area SP Muhammad Hassan Iqbal arrested both of them for extorting money from traders.

FC IG Major General Ejaz Shahid while briefing the Senate's Standing Committee said that 360 paramilitary personnel were martyred in Balochistan since 2007. IG FC said those fighting with Security Forces should not be called as 'enraged elements' but as 'militants'. Major General Ejaz Shahid said the FC arrested a politician from Quetta and recovered 1.5 tones of explosive material.

He further warned the Government that lack of equipment and scarcity of funds may deal a devastating blow to his force's fight against separatists in Balochistan. "We are struggling to establish the writ of the government along Balochistan's western border. We are quite far away from even playing the national anthem in state-run schools in Panjgur, Turbat [Kech] and adjacent cities in Makran Division," he said.

At least six persons were killed and eight injured when a bomb exploded in a vehicle at a car workshop near Scheme Chowk area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP.

BDS defused a five-kilogram bomb planted near an under-construction flyover on Charsadda road of Peshawar. A Police source said that the BDS was called in after information of a bomb was received.

The driver of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre ambulance service, identified as Muhammad Ali (30), was killed and the patient in the ambulance, identified as Waseem Abbas, suffered gunshots in a targeted attack near the Federal Urdu University in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town campus in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A Bohra community member, identified as Mufasil Zohaib (35), was shot dead at his stationery shop at Jhatpat Market in Lyari Town.

Two Policemen, identified as Constables Rab Nawaz (35), and Abdul Hafeez (28), were injured when an IED exploded near a mobile van of the Jamshed Quarters Police Station in Lasbela Morr of Jamshed Town. BDS officials said that the IED had been hidden in the ground.

Two Policemen, identified as Constables Rab Nawaz (35), and Abdul Hafeez (28), were injured when an IED exploded near a mobile van of the Jamshed Quarters Police Station in Lasbela Morr of Jamshed Town. BDS officials said that the IED had been hidden in the ground.

Karachi Police and personnel from the CID arrested 93 suspects during raids conducted in different areas of the city on June 23. According to a statement issued, Police arrested 93 suspects, including 25 absconders and three robbers, during 104 raids and eight encounters.

A court in Rawalpindi sentenced a self-proclaimed prophet to death on January 23 after convicting him of blasphemy. Additional District and Sessions judge Naveed Iqbal also imposed a fine of PKR 1 million on Mohammad Asghar, a 65-year-old British national.

The section reads: "Whoever by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation or by any imputation, innuendo, or insinuation, directly or indirectly, defiles the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, shall be punished with death or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine."

After killing thousands of members of various state organs, as well as others, the violent TTP has decided to extend its war by declaring the country's media as "party" to the conflict. For the first time since its inception in 2005, the outfit has not only issued a fatwa (religious edict) against the media but has also prepared a media hit-list - a copy of which is available with Dawn.

"Murjif is someone who engages in propaganda against Muslims during a war between Islam and disbelief," explains Sheikh Khalid Haqqani, 'deputy chief' of the TTP and one of the main authors of this fatwa. "Muqatil is someone who incites disbelievers and their allies to act against Muslims while the third category includes those who corrupt Muslim society through different means such as replacing the Islamic ideology with secular ideologies." "The media has continuously been lying about us and about our objectives," Haqqani added.

The Government has decided in principle to launch a military operation against anti-State groups and the PM will announce the operation in the next session of parliament. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting, chaired by PM Nawaz Sharif, on internal security following a wave of deadly bombings in the country.

President Mamnoon Hussain has summoned the National Assembly's eighth session on January 27. According to officials, the Government is likely to promulgate the Protection of Pakistan (Amendment) Ordinance 2014 and debate options for dealing with the threat of militancy.

US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard G Olson said that United States will be supportive of Pakistan whatever course of action it takes against the Taliban and other terrorist groups. Olson said it was the internal matter of Pakistan whether to take military action against the Taliban or to hold peace talks with them.

Officials used a secret counterterrorism fund to buy wedding gifts, luxury carpets and gold jewellery for relatives of Ministers and visiting dignitaries, according to documents seen by AFP. The revelations cast a spotlight on high-level corruption in Pakistan as the impoverished but nuclear-armed country battles a surge in Taliban violence. The NCMC received some 425 million rupees (USD 4.3 million) from Government coffers from 2009-2013, according to files obtained by Umar Cheema, an investigative journalist for Daily News, and seen by AFP. During that time the Federal Minister of Interior was headed by Rehman Malik, a flamboyant loyalist of former President Asif Ali Zardari's PPP.

Many of the documents deal with payments to intelligence sources, routine maintenance of vehicles and overtime for employees. But the files also include receipts for gifts for US and British embassy officials, as well as flowers and sweets for journalists. One receipt for 70,000 rupees (USD 700) is itemized as a "Pair of wrist watches for marriage of nephew of minister for interior".

Islamabad ATC, hearing the case of seven men, including LeT 'commander' Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, charged with involvement in the Mumbai attacks has adjourned the hearing till January 29. According to court sources, a banker of Muslim Commercial Bank Gujranwala District, some 80 km from Lahore, testified in the Islamabad anti-terrorism court on January 22 declaring that one of the accused had made transactions.

A three-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja suggested setting up of a fund for assisting the needy whose near and dear ones have gone missing and they appear in courts regularly to pursue their cases.

The suggestion came during the proceedings of a missing person's case instituted on the application of one Saadia Bibi whose husband Khawar Mehmood went missing from Fort Abbas in Bahawalnagar District of Punjab on June 26, 2013.

Pakistan ruled out the possibility of releasing Doctor Shakil Afridi, who had helped the CIA in tracking down slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden at the request of the US. "There is no possibility of Dr Shakil Afridi's release at the US' request. The matter is sub judice," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tasnim Aslam. Her reaction came in response to a recent move by US Congress withholding USD33 million aid for Pakistan until the release of Afridi. "If the courts exonerate him, that would be a different matter. But he has been convicted and the review process is taking place," she said.

In response to a question, Tasnim said that Pakistan might raise the issue of linking aid with Afridi's release at the upcoming ministerial level strategic dialogue scheduled to take place in Washington next week. "This issue [of Afridi] could be taken up in the context of the linkage that has been made between the allocation of USD33 million with Dr Shakil Afridi's detention," she said.

A spokesman of the Government said that Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, the head of JUI-S, had not been given any "specific mission" by the Government regarding measures to address the issue of terrorism. He said, "Instead, he was asked in general to use his good offices and cooperation in this regard". He dispelled the impression created by the Maulana that the Government had not paid heed to him. "Even three weeks after the meeting, he did not inform (the Government) about any progress," the spokesman added.

The Prime Minister's House also clarified that the Government had not tasked the JUI-S chief with initiating dialogue process with TTP. The statement issued by the Prime Minister's House denied that the prime minister had assigned the Maulana any task to initiate dialogue with Taliban militants.

Sami-ul-Haq on January 22, 2014 announced that he was dissociating himself from the proposed peace talks between TTP and the Government, saying the Centre was not serious in holding dialogue. He said that the Prime Minister had assigned him the task of initiating talks with Taliban and the process of dialogue had begun on January 1, 2014.

District President of PPP, identified as Mujeebur Rehman (50), was shot dead in a targeted attack near Banaras Chowk in Peerabad locality of Orangi Town in provincial capital Karachi.

A torture-marked unidentified dead body of a man was found from Supper Highway within the limits of Gadap City Police Station in Gadap Town. Police while quoting initial investigation said that unidentified assailants kidnapped the victim and later threw his body after torturing him to death.

Lyari gangster, identified as Akbar Baloch alias Dada, was killed in retaliatory firing during encounter with law enforcers in Nawlane area of Kalakot in Lyari Town. However, the remaining suspects managed to escape. Police claimed to have recovered a Kalashnikov and hand grenade from his possession. According to SHO Shahjahan Baloch the gangster was wanted in 26 cases including target killings of Policemen, extortion and kidnapping-for-ransom.

A Policeman, identified as Kashif, and three passersby were injured when unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade at Civic Centre within the vicinity of Aziz Bhatti Police Station in Guslahn-e-Iqbal Town.

At least 23 crackers attacks were reported in different parts of the province, including Hyderabad, Dadu, Larkana, Jamshoro and Karachi Districts soon after the Sindh's nationalist party, JSMM, gave a strike call across Sindh for January 25, 2014 (today) against the recent statement of MQM Chief Altaf Hussain over partition of Sindh. At least seven attacks were carried out in Hyderabad, eight in Jamshoro, three in Dadu, two in Matiari District and three in Karachi. However, no injuries were reported in any of the attacks.

The Hyderabad and Jamshoro Police claimed to have arrested four suspects of JSMM. According to Hyderabad SSP Syed Irfan Bahadur, a party activist Kamran Bughio was arrested along with a cracker and a pamphlet. Jamshoro SSP Syed Wasee Hyder also claimed that three suspects had been arrested - two from Jamshoro's Kotri town and the third one, Mukhtiar laghari, from Sehwan.

A District Security Branch official, identified as Muhammad Sabir, was shot dead by unidentified assailants while he was travelling on Swabi-Mardan Road in Swabi District.

A Medical Officer at Gandaf Basic Health Unit, identified as Doctor Yar Muhammad, was shot dead by unidentified militants at his private clinic in Topi Bazaar of Swabi District.

The office of the Expanded Programme for Immunisation and three rooms of a dental block in the District Headquarters Hospital were destroyed in a bomb explosion in Swabi District. The Police believe that unidentified militants detonated the bomb which was kept inside the DHQ hospital.

PDMA chief Tahir Orakzai said that at least six thousand families have moved out of North Waziristan Agency of FATA after the Government forces began retaliating to the recent militant attacks on national security installations.

At least six people were injured when a bomb targeting the van of FC exploded near a petrol pump on Sariab Road in Quetta, provincial capital of Balochistan. According to the sources, the SFs vehicle remained undamaged while glasses of nearby shops smashed as a result of the blast.

SFs detained at least 25 suspects during a full scale operation in Kanak and Derringer areas of Mastung District. The operation was by SFs, which included personnel from the FC, Police, the ATF, Levies and recruits from Balochistan Constabulary.

Officials said that Pakistan suspended buses carrying Shia Muslim pilgrims from travelling through Balochistan Province to neighbouring Iran due to security concerns. "We have temporarily suspended the movement of buses on the highway until the security situation improves," a senior official of the Provincial Government said.

A high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and attended by Army Chief General Raheel Sharif and other senior officials discussed and decided that the Government is all set to launch a ground offensive in North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

One official, who asked to remain anonymous, disclosed that there was a 'greater realisation' among all stakeholders that certain groups will never enter into dialogue and will have to be dealt with the use of force. Sources said the decision to initiate a ground offensive in March is believed to be taken on account of the challenge posed by the harsh winter in North Waziristan to security personnel operating in the Agency.

"We [the army] have the capacity and the will to eliminate all such groups which are not willing to reconcile," said the official. One retired officer, who is still closely connected with the security establishment, said the Haqqanis by now probably understand that the operation in North Waziristan is inevitable. "The Haqqanis have strongholds in Afghanistan's three provinces and they will definitely move out of North Waziristan before the start of any operation," the retired Army Officer said.

The US Secretary of Defence signed an authorisation for the payment of USD 352 million to Pakistan under Coalition Support Fund.

US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson‚ during his meeting with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad‚ said the Congress has been notified and the amount is expected to be released to Pakistan by February 6, 2014.

At least 12 persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Unidentified assailants, riding motorcycles, attacked a Police van near Afaq House in Landhi town with a hand grenade and opened fire on the other. The attacks left six Policemen injured who later succumbed to the injuries at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.

A worker of the PPP and a boy were shot dead near Sindhi Hotel in the Liaquatabad Police Station.

An ASI, identified as Sabir Ali, was shot dead in Taiser Town in the jurisdiction of Surjani Town Police Station.

An activist of MQM was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Orangi Town.

Two dead bodies were found from near Rasbella Bridge in the Gulbahar Police Station.

Four militants were killed and seven others arrested by the Balochistan FC during a search operation in Shabood area of Panjgur District. A huge cache of weapons, abducted children and weapons were also recovered from the custody of militants.

Around 25 dead bodies were found buried in the Totak area of Khuzdar District in Balochistan. Digging is under way to locate more bodies, according to Deputy Commissioner Abdul Waheed Shah. He said that the bodies were dumped in different areas.

Two bullet-riddled bodies of two men were found in Basima area of Washuk District. Bodies were shifted to the hospital for autopsy and identification," Levies officials said, adding that the victims were 25 to 30 years old.

A gas pipeline was blown up in Dera Bugti District disrupting the gas-supply to the Sui plant from well number 15 in Pir Koh gas field. A Levies official said that unidentified miscreants had planted an explosive device on the 16 inch-diameter pipeline in Pir Koh gas field.

Six children were killed and one injured while playing with a hand grenade in Babar Mela area of Hangu town (Hangu District) in KP. The children, aged seven to 12, were playing near their house in the town of Hangu when the grenade exploded, local Police Chief Iftikhar Ahmed said.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a member of the peace body at Rang Mohalla area of Swat District. The sources said the member, Salman Khan, was on his way home when unidentified assailants opened fire on him at Rang Mohalla, killing him on the spot.

Also in the Swat District, Police arrested three militants and recovered arms from them in the Barikot tehsil. Sources said that after receiving information, a Police party of the Barikot Police Station raided some houses at Kota Abuha village and arrested three militants identified as Asghar Khan, Fazal Rabi and Akbar Ali.

Two unidentified militants shot dead a Policeman standing guard outside a Hindu temple in Jhanda Bazar area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP, and fled the scene on a motorcycle.

Unidentified assailants hurled a hand-grenade into a house at Wanda Khaliq Shah in the limits of Bandkoorai Police Station in Dera Ismail Khan town of same District. However, it caused no casualty.

The Police arrested 11 suspected persons in a search operation in Dera Ismail Khan town. The sources said a Police team led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Sadiq Hussain Baloch launched a search operation at Dera town and arrested 11 suspected persons, whose identity could not be ascertained. The Police recovered arms, including two guns, pistol and several cartridges, from their possession.

The anti-polio campaign in KP has been postponed due to security concerns, officials said. According to reports, the campaign, which was postponed after attacks on polio worker, will start from next Sunday (February 2).

Following serious threats to the immunisation workers, around 3,500 Policemen will be deployed during coming campaign in Peshawar as part of unprecedented security to be provided to the volunteers. "There will be 3,000 to 3,500 Policemen deployed during each immunisation campaign," CCPO Ijaz Ahmad said.

Two suspected persons were shot dead by Kotwali CIA in an alleged encounter in the Shadbagh area of Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab.

At least 82 suspects were arrested during the continuing targeted action in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. According to officials, Police conducted a raid in different parts of Landhi after the killing of six police officials in the area and arrested 26 suspects.

The Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah said that Pakistan Protection Ordinance is to curb the terrorists and to control the miscreants who believe in creating chaos and fear among the masses through crackers and hand grenades.

The TTP 'spokesman' Shahidullah Shahid said that it once again offers 'serious' and 'meaningful' dialogue to the Government. The TTP, however, demanded that the Government ensure a "conducive environment" for talks. In a statement, TTP 'spokesman' Shahidullah Shahid expressed TTP's desire to hold "serious and meaningful talks" with the Government.

The President Mamnoon Hussain said the Army is fully ready for an operation against the terrorists, and only awaiting a green signal from the Government. Talking to a senior journalist, the President regretted obduracy on TTP's part which, he said, had hampered the Government's sincere efforts for dialogue.

KP CM Pervez Khattak said his party would oppose a military operation if the Government failed to implement the resolution of the All-Party Conference regarding talks with militants.

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has called upon the Government to stop using force against militants and hold negotiations for restoring peace in the country. Addressing a large public meeting in Hashtnagri on the G.T. Road on January 26, the Maulana said his party set up a Fata jirga which could play an effective role if all other efforts for peace in KP and the tribal region failed.

Thousands of people have fled their homes in North Waziristan Agency of FATA fearing a military offensive against Taliban insurgents is imminent, residents and officials said. Residents said some 1,500 families or about 13,000 people left their villages around the towns of Mir Ali and Miranshah, to migrate to relatively safe areas outside the tribal areas in Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Peshawar.

A Policeman was killed and four others were injured when an explosion targeted a Police vehicle in the Gomal area of Tank District in KP. Tank Police Control said the Police mobile van was targeted with a remote controlled IED and the vehicle was badly damaged. SHO Gomal Police Station Jameel Khan was killed by the explosion, officials said. Police said the injured Policemen were Shafiullah, Asmatullah, Irfan, and driver Allauddin.

Unidentified militants attacked the house of Senator Saleh Shah Qureshi of the JUI-F in Gomal area. However, there was no loss of life.

The bodies of three persons were found in Badhaber area on the outskirts of Peshawar, the capital of KP. Police officials said the victims were affiliated with Mian Mushtaq, an ANP leader who was gunned down in the same locality a couple of weeks ago.

The officials warned that the TTP may be planning attacks on tourists in Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. "The Interior Ministry has officially informed Gilgit-Baltistan that the Pakistani Taliban can strike the region," a senior official of the Gilgit Baltistan administration said on condition of anonymity.

Two brothers affiliated with PTI, identified as Mohammad Ibrahim and Mohammad Riaz, were shot dead during a robbery in Qasba Colony within the precincts of Peerabad Police Station in SITE Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An alleged criminal, identified as Tahir Mehmood Khokhar alias Pappu, was killed while two Rangers personnel, identified as Rashid and Zaheer, and two passersby, Abu Zar and Altaf were wounded during an encounter in their hideout in Karnal Basti area of Old Sabzi Mandi within the limits of PIB Colony Police Station in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town.

A former assistant producer at Samaa TV, identified as Syed Mohammad Arif Rizvi, was picked up by Rangers on January 20, 2014, and his family is still looking for his whereabouts.

Law enforcers claimed to have detained around 101 criminals during 98 raids and eleven encounters across Karachi. According to the officials nine dacoits, 36 suspects under Arm Ordinance, seven under Narcotics Act, 12 absconders and 35 others criminals were among the detainees. Weapons and drugs were also recovered from their possession.

A Policeman was killed and four others were injured when an explosion targeted a Police vehicle in the Gomal area of Tank District in KP. Tank Police Control said the Police mobile van was targeted with a remote controlled IED and the vehicle was badly damaged. SHO Gomal Police Station Jameel Khan was killed by the explosion, officials said. Police said the injured Policemen were Shafiullah, Asmatullah, Irfan, and driver Allauddin.

Unidentified militants attacked the house of Senator Saleh Shah Qureshi of the JUI-F in Gomal area. However, there was no loss of life.

The bodies of three persons were found in Badhaber area on the outskirts of Peshawar, the capital of KP. Police officials said the victims were affiliated with Mian Mushtaq, an ANP leader who was gunned down in the same locality a couple of weeks ago. Sources said that some unidentified persons, dressed up in security personnel uniforms, had picked the three men from their homes. The men were later found shot dead with their hands and feet tied with ropes.

The Rawalpindi Police claimed to have arrested 34 Afghan nationals under Section 14 of the Foreign Act during search operations, while 12 other suspects were also arrested. According to a Rawalpindi Police Spokesman, the search operations were conducted on the special directives of RPO, Akhtar Umar Hayat against Afghan nationals residing illegally in the city. The operations were conducted in different areas of the city under the supervision of Senior Superintendent Police (operations).

The officials warned that the TTP may be planning attacks on tourists in Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. "The Interior Ministry has officially informed Gilgit-Baltistan that the Pakistani Taliban can strike the region," a senior official of the Gilgit Baltistan administration said on condition of anonymity. "The Interior Ministry has warned of suicide bombings and attacks on tourists in the region." Another official, also speaking anonymously, confirmed the warning. Police in Gilgit Baltistan said they were not aware of any specific threat by the Pakistani Taliban but were remaining vigilant. "We have enhanced security as part of a routine exercise, keeping in mind the latest bout of violence throughout the country," the Deputy Chief of Gilgit Baltistan Police, Sher Ali said.

In the trial of former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf, the prosecution rejected Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology's medical report as hypothetical, inconclusive and unsatisfactory. "The report contains conjectures and hypothetical situations, which are inapplicable to the accused and as such do not deserve a serious consideration," said the prosecution in its written objection.

It said the Special Court had directed the constitution of a medical board comprising senior doctors of the AFIC to verify Musharraf's state of health in light of his continuous non-appearance before this Special court. "The instant medical report, with respect to any outcomes, is virtually a duplication of the previous medical report dated January 7, 2014. The findings of the medical report are inconclusive and deliberately vague," it said.

It further said that the court did not gain anything from this second medical report. "Rather the time of the court had recklessly been wasted at the cost of the reputation of a premier institution of cardiac disease," it added. "Even if the accused needs medical supervision that does not render him unable to make attendance before this Special Court and it is now manifest that the accused is prolonging stay in hospital in order to evade the judicial process," it added.

Federal Minister for Interior, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan apprised the National Assembly that the Government was decisively consulting all stakeholders including the politicians and security agencies to heed afresh offer of dialogue from TTP. "As the nation seemed to be forging unity on the issue of terrorism, they once again showed willingness for dialogue. We will have to decide as how to move forward. But for this, we should set aside our political motives and associations," he said.

The PTI Chief Imran Khan extended support to the Government on countering terrorism but demanded repeatedly to take all political forces in the country into confidence on the progress. "I second the stance of Chaudhry Nisar. His sincerity to resolve the issue is above board. Terrorism has been swelling over last nine years and it is a complicated issue," he said in National Assembly in response to the Interior Minister's speech.

TTP 'spokesman' Shahidullah Shahid stressed the need for taking serious steps instead of indulging in politics of allegations and deceit. In a statement, the TTP spokesman warned that the country could descend into severe chaos in case wars continued to be waged against tribes. He regretted that similar to the previous regimes the incumbent Government also used the option of negotiations as a weapon for war.

PM Nawaz Sharif said that we have to rebuild the image of Pakistan as a peace-loving country and this can be achieved only through hard work and combined efforts of all the stakeholders, including parliamentarians, civil society, executive, judiciary and defence forces. Prime Minister Nawaz said that the Government would take every possible step to bring peace and stability in the country to save the future generations. "Without eliminating terrorism and extremism, we cannot place Pakistan on fast track of development," the PM said.

PM Nawaz Sharif said that we have to rebuild the image of Pakistan as a peace-loving country and this can be achieved only through hard work and combined efforts of all the stakeholders, including parliamentarians, civil society, executive, judiciary and defence forces. Prime Minister Nawaz said that the Government would take every possible step to bring peace and stability in the country to save the future generations. "Without eliminating terrorism and extremism, we cannot place Pakistan on fast track of development," the PM said.

US Secretary of State John Kerry told Pakistan it had the potential to become a future economic tiger as he backed reforms and inclusion of women and minorities. The US and Pakistan were meeting for the first time since October 2010 for their "strategic dialogue."

Police defused a half-kilogram bomb in the Bhana Mari area of Peshawar, provincial capital of KP. According to the Police, the bomb was installed near the Ghazi Baba shrine next to a house. The BDS said a timer was fitted with the bomb.

A woman was killed and her two daughters were injured when two landmine explosions occurred in the Sarsarang area of Upper Kurram Agency of FATA.

Thousands of villagers have fled their homes in North Waziristan Agency, fearing a major military operation by armed forces after they said dozens of people had been killed in air strikes targeting Taliban militants on January 21, 2014. Fearing another offensive by armed forces, a wave of refugees left the region to take shelter in schools, private homes and veterinary clinics in areas FR Bannu and FR Dera Ismail Khan on the edge of the tribal belt.

Police killed a suspect, who was allegedly involved in murders and extortion, during an encounter at Sukhia Ground in Old Sabzi mandi area of Jamshed Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Rangers' personnel conducted a targeted operation in different areas of Karachi and arrested 29 suspects, including Lyari gang-war elements and criminals affiliated with political groups as well as members of defunct groups involved in heinous crimes.

Police defused a half-kilogram bomb in the Bhana Mari area of Peshawar, provincial capital of KP. According to the Police, the bomb was installed near the Ghazi Baba shrine next to a house. The BDS said a timer was fitted with the bomb.

Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani said that it was clear from the Supreme Court's July 31, 2009, verdict that the constitution was violated by imposition of emergency on November 3, 2007. A 14-member larger Supreme Court bench, headed by the Chief Justice, was hearing the review petition filed by former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf against the Supreme Court verdict which maintained the sacking of superior court judges and other actions taken by him, under imposition of emergency, null and void.

People like the late al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden do not die but stay alive in the hearts of people, stated JeI Ameer Syed Munawar Hasan in Islamabad. Hasan added that death of the al Qaeda leader was considered a big victory for 60 per cent of the countries around the world, but the US is afraid that bin Laden will come back alive after the withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan.

PM Nawaz Sharif during a meeting with COAS General Raheel Sharif said that no decision on launching an offensive in NWA FATA would be taken without consensus of all stakeholders and any such decision would be taken in the best national interest. Sources said the Prime Minister exchanged views with the COAS on matters of national security, future course of action over dialogue with the Taliban, Karachi operation, missing persons and other issues. Nawaz Sharif said, "Cancer of terrorism needs to be treated before it eats up our country". He said that no concession would be given to those who challenge the writ of the state and are creating lawlessness in the country.

JUI-S chief Maulana Sami-ul-Haq opposed a military operation against the Taliban and said the government "does not seem serious for dialogue with the Taliban". A military operation never resolves problems but it multiplies them, he said. He said that dialogue with the Taliban was the only way to restore peace in the country, adding that Nawaz Sharif has apparently been stopped from holding talks with the TTP.

Unidentified militants killed a journalist, Bakht Taj Yousafzai, affiliated with a Mardan District Newspaper, in Bakhshali village of Mardan District. Yousafzai was abducted while he was travelling to a pharmacy. Police found his body dumped near a canal in the village.

Unidentified persons fired two rockets at the Miran Sugar Mills in Dera Ismail Khan town (Dera Ismail Khan District) in the night. Sources said that unidentified persons had been demanding extortion money from the owner. It was reportedly the second attack at the sugar mills.

The KP Government approved two draft ordinances to check the movement of suspected militants, according to an official statement. In view of the repeated incidents of terrorism in the province, the provincial Government has laid down certain rules for guests in hotels and in private residences, the statement said.

Five persons were killed in simultaneous attacks in the North Nazimabad Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Two Rangers and the security guard of a nearby telephone exchange were killed while two passersby were wounded when a suicide bomber blew himself up outside the main entrance of the Headquarters of Pakistan Rangers Sacchal Wing.

A bomb, planted by the roadside under the Nazimabad No 7 flyover, exploded but resulted in no casualties. However, 15 minutes later, as Rangers and Police personnel were collecting evidence from the site, the second bomb exploded. One Ranger was killed while four other Rangers, a Policeman, rescue worker and bystander were injured in the blast.

TTP 'spokesman' Shahidullah Shahid claimed responsibility for the attacks.

At least 16 people, including a local leader of the ANP, were injured in a series of three explosions that took place in the Mohammadpur area of Qasba Colony in SITE Town. Police sources said that Mohammad Ali, a local ANP, appeared to have been the target of the attack and that the incident seemed to be a result of personal enmity. However, other angles are to be investigated.

Orangi Town Pilot Project's head on research and training, Saleem Alimuddin, was injured after his car came under a bomb attack in the Peerabad area of Orangi Town. He was returning home from his office when unidentified militants hurled a low intensity IED at his car near Pashtun Bazaar in Peerabad. This was the third attack on officials associated with the OPP.

Shia leader and a member of the Jamia Ali Akbar Trust, identified as Ghulam Mustafa, was shot dead by unidentified militants near his house in the Khanpur area of Rahim Yar Khan District. He was accompanied by his friend Kafayatullah, who remained unharmed. The incident was followed by several protest rallies organised by members of the Shia community.

Unidentified militants killed a journalist, Bakht Taj Yousafzai, affiliated with a Mardan District Newspaper, in Bakhshali village of Mardan District. Yousafzai was abducted while he was travelling to a pharmacy. Police found his body dumped near a canal in the village.

Unidentified persons fired two rockets at the Miran Sugar Mills in Dera Ismail Khan town (Dera Ismail Khan District) in the night. Sources said that unidentified persons had been demanding extortion money from the owner. It was reportedly the second attack at the sugar mills.

The KP Government approved two draft ordinances to check the movement of suspected militants, according to an official statement. In view of the repeated incidents of terrorism in the province, the provincial Government has laid down certain rules for guests in hotels and in private residences, the statement said. Chief Minister Pervez Khattak signed the KP Hotel Restriction (security) Ordinance 2014 and KP Rent Restriction (security) Ordinance 2014 and sent them to Governor Shaukatullah Khan for formal issuance and promulgation.

Militants blew up two gas pipelines in the Pir Koh area and near the Loti gas field in Dera Bugti District, suspending gas supply from well no 41 and 3 respectively. BRA claimed responsibilities for the attacks.

Balochistan High Court gave an order allowing JWP's provincial chief Shahzain Bugti to go to Dera Bugti. "The Government of Dr Abdul Malik Baloch had ordered law-enforcement agencies to provide foolproof security to the convoy and allow it to enter Dera Bugti safely," a senior official said.

The administration of an oil refinery in Rawalpindi District of Punjab has received a threatening letter from terrorist outfit demanding USD five million as Bhatta, the intelligence agency sources said. The terrorists asked the administration of the oil refinery to pay the amount within three days otherwise the refinery would be blown up, the sources maintained.

Sharifuddin Pirzada, former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf's leading counsel in the review petition against the Supreme Court's July 31, 2009, judgment, said that ex-Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry's hostility towards Musharraf influenced July 31, 2009, judgment against Musharraf. "There was hostility between General Musharraf and former Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry. The judge who influenced others was chief justice Chaudhry," he added.

PM Nawaz Sharif announced a new four-member non-political team to help Government in its efforts for peace with TTP. "Entire nation will stand by Government if it decides to eliminate terrorists by force, I know it. However, we want to give peace another chance since offer of talks has come from the other side," the PM told the National Assembly. The committee announced by the PM comprises his Adviser on National Affairs Irfan Siddiqui, Major (retired) Aamir, senior journalist Rahimullah Yousafzai and former ambassador to Afghanistan Rustam Shah Mohmand - two journalists, one former intelligence man and a former diplomat.

Welcoming Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's decision to form a four-member committee for talks, TTP 'spokesperson' Shahidullah Shahid said that the peace can be achieved if dialogue is carried out in every sense of the word, avoiding blame games and politics of deception. He reiterated that the TTP had always wanted to resolve disputes through dialogue.

US President Barack Obama has declared that he has imposed "prudent limits" on the use of drones that target militants in Pakistan's tribal areas. Obama linked the use of drones to America's efforts to "actively and aggressively pursue terrorist networks" but said that the time had come for reviewing the policies that began after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the US soil. He also outlined his plan to wind down the war in Afghanistan by removing most troops and completing the mission by the end of this year.

A BBC report named two men allegedly involved in senior MQM leader Imran Farooq's murder on September 16, 2010. The report revealed information about their stay in the UK. The British media also claimed that the UK prosecutors have demanded of the Pakistani Government to trace the men. However, later, news channels reported that Karachi City Police Chief Shahid Hayat said the Police do not have any record of the arrest of the two suspects.

Two persons, Rashid (11) and Tufail (20), were shot dead at Urmar area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP. Police said unknown motorcyclists opened fire on Rashid and Tufail, when they were going for treatment to a private clinic at Urmar area.

A Policeman, Head Constable Muhammad Tahir, who had sustained injuries in an attack in Khazana area of Peshawar on January 29, succumbed to his injuries.

Two unidentified men were killed in an incident of firing on Superhighway in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Caretaker, identified as Akbar Hussain (30) of an Imambargah, was shot dead when unidentified militants opened fire at him in Ajmer Nagri area of North Karachi in New Karachi Town.

One Mansoor Ali, was killed when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at him in Gulshan-e-Bihar Colony area of Orangi Town.

Unidentified assailants shot dead an unidentified man at Northern Bypass in Manghopir area of Gadap Town.

Two children were killed when a toy bomb they were playing with accidently exploded in the Zakhakhel Bazaar area of Landikotal tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA.

Two persons, Rashid (11) and Tufail (20), were shot dead at Urmar area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP. Police said unknown motorcyclists opened fire on Rashid and Tufail, when they were going for treatment to a private clinic at Urmar area.

A Policeman, Head Constable Muhammad Tahir, who had sustained injuries in an attack in Khazana area of Peshawar on January 29, succumbed to his injuries.

A house was partially damaged in an explosion at Mohallah Sakligaranwali in Dera Ismail Khan town. However, it caused no loss of life. Lodging a case with the City Police Station, owner of the house, Yasir Abbas said unidentified persons were demanding PKR three million through telephone. "I flatly refused to pay the extortion and the accused triggered an explosion beside my house when I woke up for Fajr (Morning) prayer," he added.

A person was killed and 12 others were injured when a bomb explosion occurred destroying a pickup truck at a petrol pump in Naseerabad District. "A pickup was waiting in a queue for its turn to fill petrol at a pump when suddenly a bomb exploded in it," local Police Official Jan Muhammad said.

Unidentified militants shot dead a worker, identified as Bakht Muhammad of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, while he was on his way to home with his colleague on the Bypass Road area of Qilla Abdullah District. However, his friend remained unhurt.

Geo News received a video of January 22, 2014 attack on Levies force, escorting Spanish cyclist in Darin Garh area of Mastung District. The video shows Levies personnel engaged in firing with militants. It also shows occurring of the blast during the attack.

PM Nawaz Sharif directed the authorities to form a committee for initiating reconciliation process and negotiations with disgruntled Baloch nationalists. He said the committee should be constituted in consultation with the political leadership of Balochistan to initiate peace dialogue with the nationalists as part of the reconciliation process. He said that both civil and military leadership would play a joint role and evolve a comprehensive strategy to restore peace in Balochistan. He also underlined the need for offering job opportunities to angry Baloch youth, besides launching mega development projects to remove the sense of deprivation among people.

The Supreme Court rejected former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf's review petition against its July 31, 2009 judgment which had declared the November 3, 2007 emergency and Provisional Constitutional Order unconstitutional. Dismissing Musharraf's review petition, a 14-member larger bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, said that the reasons of the short order would be recorded later as the court finds that the review petition filed by Musharraf is time-barred and the precedents extinguishable.

The Government told the National Assembly that Pakistan's armed forces would not lower their guard against terrorism and would continue their "high alert" despite a new move for dialogue with Taliban militants. The assurance came from Minister of State for Interior Mohammad Balighur Rehman who said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's announcement of giving the militants "another chance" to a peaceful settlement did not mean that "our forces will become negligent of their mission" and "move back". "That will not happen" and the forces would maintain their "high alert", he said.

Nawaz Sharif gave guidelines for holding negotiations to the four-member committee formed to facilitate talks with TTP militants. The first meeting of the committee, chaired by Sharif, discussed in detail the framework and strategy for the talks. Nawaz Sharif had only one precondition for talks, that there should be no terrorist attacks during negotiations.

TTP 'spokesman' Shahidullah Shahid said that their objective is enforcement of Sharia'h in the country. He said what mattered was enforcement of Sharia'h, "whether through peace or war". He expressed satisfaction over the formation of a four-member team by the Government for talks. He said that a session of the central Shura of the TTP had been in progress since January 29, 2014, on the Government's offer.

PM Nawaz Sharif urged the civil and military leadership to devise a joint strategy to ensure durable peace in Balochistan. During his visit to Corps Headquarters in Quetta Cantonment, he said SFs were playing a commendable role for securing peace and tranquility in the province. He called upon the military and civil leadership to adopt a collective approach in this regard.

CoAS, General Raheel Sharif, Balochistan CM Abdul Malik Baloch, Balochistan Governor Mohammad Khan Achakzai, Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Federal Minister for SAFRON General (retired) Abdul Qadir Baloch were present on the occasion. Southern Command Commander Lieutenant General Nasser Khan Janjua gave a detailed briefing to the prime minister on the overall law and order situation in Balochistan.

Nawaz laid a wreath at the Yadgaar-e-Shuhada to acknowledge the contribution of the martyrs of Army, FC and Police. Addressing the provincial assembly members, he said, "The federal government has already allocated funds amounting to PKR 8 billion for completion of Gwadar-Rato Dero and Khuzdar-Naag highways," he said, adding that work on these projects would be launched soon and completed within a year.

CoAS General Raheel Sharif said that the Pakistan Army would provide maximum assistance in enhancing the capacity of Balochistan Police to ensure peace in the province. General Sharif said another three courses would be run by the Pakistan Army this year for Police and Balochistan Constabulary. Southern Command Commander Lieutenant General Nasir Khan Janjua and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.

Earlier in 2013, Pakistan Army provided 5,000 weapons and 500,000 rounds of ammunition to Balochistan Police besides imparting training to 200 policemen to enhance their capacity in anti-terrorism. The trained force now comprises Anti-Terrorist Force Balochistan, which has displayed good performance in the last few months after the training.

Newly appointed British High Commissioner to Pakistan Philip Barton described terrorism a big challenge for Pakistan and pledged to work jointly with the militancy-torn country to cope with the challenge. The British envoy also pointed at 'weak' judicial system in Pakistan which is often exploited by the terrorist elements to skip the clutches of law. "We are helping Pakistan to make its judicial system effective so that arrested terrorists get convicted," Barton commented. He also outlined his agenda during the expected three-year stay in Pakistan.

Unidentified assailants killed one person, identified as Professor Azhar Ali Zaidi and injured his wife near the Aysha Manzil area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Unknown persons fatally shot ASI, Manzoor in Orangi Town.

Assailants also killed Maulana Akbar Hussain, a prayer leader, in the Manghopir area, and Ikram, a rickshaw driver, near in Orangi Town-12.

The driver of a NATO oil tanker, Syed Nabi Shah, was shot dead by unidentified assailants riding on motorcycles at Bhirya on the Indus Highway in Sukkur town (Sukkur District).

A local leader of ANP, Noor Mohammad, survived a bomb attack in SITE area.

Two people were injured when unidentified persons threw explosives on a Police mobile, busy near Sohrab Goth within the limits of Federal B Industrial Area.

Two people were injured when unidentified persons threw explosives on a Police mobile, busy near Sohrab Goth within the limits of Federal B Industrial Area.

Around 150 people lost their lives in Karachi, due to violence in January, 2014. Karachi remained unstable due to targeted operation with political and religious killings of different people and bomb attacks by extremists and extortionists.

Three FC personnel were killed and four others sustained injuries in a roadside IED explosion near Awaran town (Awaran District) of Balochistan. "The FC vehicle was on a routine patrol from Awaran to Lasbela on the national highway when it was hit by an IED planted by miscreants," Frontier Corps Spokesperson Mohammed Wasay said. The BLF claimed responsibility for the attack.

Two children were killed when a mortar shell went off in Tabay area of Zakhakhel Bazaar in Landikotal tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA.

The political administration during a search operation recovered four abducted persons, identified as Haji Sabz Ali, Syed Zaman, Rogh Muhammad and Qari Shad and arrested two alleged abductors in Prang Ghar area in Mohmand Agency.

Four militants were killed in an encounter with the Police during a search operation in Yar Hussain area of Swabi District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police also claimed to have recovered weapons and explosives after the encounter.

Two Policemen were injured when unidentified motorcycle-mounted attackers hurled a hand grenade at the main gate of Peerabad Police Station located in Orangi Town of Karachi (Karachi District). According to officials, unknown miscreants riding on two motorbikes lobbed a hand grenade at the gate of the Police Station and fled the scene after abandoning their vehicles and weapons.

Police officials in the Federal Capital Islamabad confirmed to have received a bailable arrest warrant for former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf and said the warrant might be served on February 3. A Special Court constituted to try Musharraf for high treason had issued a warrant on January 31, 2014. The court had also ordered the Islamabad Police to submit a compliance report to the court on February 7, 2014. Since the start of the trial, Musharraf has not appeared before the court. The proceedings against him started in December 2013.

Inspector General of Islamabad Police Sikandar Hayat said that Police have received the bailable arrest warrant from the court. Hayat said a Police officer from the force will now serve the warrant to Musharraf. "He will be given two options: either to be arrested or to submit a surety bond for his bail," the Police Chief said. The bond set by the Special Court for Musharraf's pre-arrest bail is PKR 2.5 million.

At least five persons were killed and 30 others injured in the night when unidentified attackers hurled two grenades at Picture House cinema on Cinema Road near Qissa Khwani Bazaar in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP. Police said the attack on the Picture House cinema took place as some 90 people were watching a late night show of the film 'Ziddi Pakhtun'. "At least four people have been killed and 31 injured.

SFs arrested two militants, Zakirullah and Faiz, during a raid in Mardan town (Mardan District). The officials said the raid was conducted on confirmed intelligence reports that the suspected terrorists were planning suicide attacks inside Mardan. Suicide jackets and explosives were recovered from the possession of arrested militants.

A woman, identified as Zulekha (25r), was killed and a man, identified as Sohail (30), was injured during an armed clash between two rival groups in Moosa Lane area of Baghdadi in Lyari Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A man, identified Mohammad Tanveer (26), was shot dead within the jurisdiction of Mominabad Police Station in Orangi Town. SHO Ahmed Butt said that the victim was a factory worker and hailed from Mansehra District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Pakistan Rangers Sindh claimed to have detained around 23 suspects including suspected militants and gangsters during a targeted operation in Gulshan-e-Ghazi area of Baldia Town. Rangers also recovered weapons from their possession.

The 18-inch-diameter pipeline, supplying gas to Uch power plant, was blown up in Allawariya village of Dera Murad Jamali in Naseerabad District, suspending gas supply to Uch power plant.

Thousands of IDPs, including women and children, who had migrated to Sindh and Punjab because of a military operation in Dera Bugti nine years ago, are waiting at Doli check post and Kashmore District for the Government permission to return home. Having started their journey back home on January 17, 2014 they were stopped at Kashmore District on January 18, 2014. Security officials said they could move ahead only after getting themselves registered.

A massive rally organised in PoK by the banned outfit JeM led by Masood Azhar "raises questions about the state's policy towards militancy", a media report said. About 10,000 people attended the rally organised in PoK capital Muzaffarabad by JeM to launch a book authored by Mohammad Afzal Guru, who was executed on February 9, 2013, for his role in the December 31, 2001, attack on the Indian parliament.

TTP offered to provide security and protection to members of the negotiating committees in areas under its control. In a statement issued to the media TTP 'spokesman' Shahidullah Shahid said the political Shura of Taliban would guide the five-member committee nominated by it. He said that Taliban sincerely wanted peace talks with the Government.

The committee comprises Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, PTI chairman Imran Khan, Lal Masjid Khateeb Maulana Abdul Aziz, Jama'at-e-Islami's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief Prof Muhammad Ibrahim and former MPA Mufti Kifayatullah of the JUI-F.

Federal Minister for Interior Nisar Ali Khan termed Taliban's announcement of dialogue committee a positive development, but said it still needs to be explained what is the mandate and powers of the committee and to what extent the Taliban would follow its decisions. In a statement, the Minister said that there were still some issues which needed to be explained before the dialogue starts formally.

A soldier of the FC, identified as Shana Gul, was shot dead by unidentified motorcyclists in Ghundi area in the Jamrud tehsil of the Khyber Agency in FATA in the night. The sources said that Shana Gul was going home after buying grocery from a local shop when unidentified motorcyclists opened fire on him, leaving him dead.

A four-year-old boy was reported abducted from Samanabad area of Lahore District. Police said that the kidnappers have demanded PKR 500,000 from the family of the child. The father of the abducted boy Shakeel Siddiqui said that his son was playing in front of the house when he was kidnapped.

Four Police Officers were killed when unidentified militants attacked their vehicle in Ibrahim Hyderi area of Bin Qasim Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Two suspected TTP militants were shot dead in an encounter in Allahu Akbar Colony of Baldia Town. 

The Anti-Terrorist Wing of CID arrested LeJ militant, identified as Nadeem Iqbal, from North Karachi Town. ATW Chief Mohammed Fayyaz Khan said that the CID Police came under fire in North Karachi and after a shootout Iqbal was arrested.

CID published the picture of the most wanted TTP militant, Azizullah alias Shamzai. According to CID officials, Azizullah is involved in more than 30 cases of target killings of Policemen and bomb attacks. The officials also said that they have been raiding different areas for the arrest of Shamzai and his companions Qari Shakir and Waqeel. CID has also appealed to the Provincial Government to set reward money for the arrest of Shamzai.

Three soldiers were injured in a roadside blast at Kharsar area in Ladha subdivision in South Waziristan Agency. The sources said that a convoy of the SFs was on its way to Asman Manza when an explosive device planted by unidentified militants on the roadside at Kharsar went off and caused injuries to three soldiers.

No loss of life was reported in two roadside bomb attacks on the SFs’ convoys in different parts of North Waziristan Agency. The sources said that unidentified miscreants had planted explosives along the roadside in Khar Qamar area in Dattakhel tehsil and another on the Miranshah-Dattakhel road.

The SFs also defused a roadside bomb in Mir Ali tehsil of North Waziristan Agency.

The political administration of Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency placed a ban on display of weapons in Jamrud Bazaar and directed tribesmen to form a committee to curb law and order. Addressing Kokikhel, Mullagori and Jhandakhel tribesmen at Jamrud Jirga Hall, Khyber Agency Political Agent Shahab Ali Shah said the ban is unprecedented in the tribal areas, but was a necessity as Government officials were relentlessly being targeted in the sub-division despite tribes’ assurances of ensuring peace in their areas.

Former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf was served with an arrest warrant at the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology in Rawalpindi District of Punjab, two days after they were issued by a Special Court, formed for his trial. A Special Court constituted to try Musharraf for high treason had issued a warrant, carrying a bail bond of PKR 2.5 million.

The expenditure on his security has crossed the PKR100 million thresholds in just nine months. Over 400 Police and Rangers personnel are guarding him. Police sources say that the extraordinary security given to a single person has taken a heavy toll on the overall performance of the Islamabad Police, which is facing an acute shortage of security staff.

PTI Chairperson Imran Khan will not formally be a part of the TTP peace talks, the party’s Core Committee decided.  However, Rustam Shah Mohmand will represent PTI in the talks. Though Imran Khan won’t be a part of the talks, it was announced that the KP Government will provide full cooperation in carrying out the talks peacefully.

JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that JUI-F will not be part of negotiations with the TTP. JUI-F will support the Government’s effort to establish peace, and if the Government wants the party’s cooperation they will cooperate depending on the need and the situation, he said in his press conference. 

TTP regretted the decision of Imran Khan and JUI-F leader Mufti Kifayatullah to disassociate themselves from the five-member committee it had nominated for talks with the Government. TTP ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid said over phone from an unspecified location, “We regret the decision of PTI and JUI leaderships about distancing their representatives from the proposed peace talks.”

TTP ‘spokesman’ said that two more names of senior journalist Orya Maqbool Jan and Investigation Editor, The News International, Ansar Abbasi are likely to be finalized soon for its committee tasked to hold talks with the four-member Government-appointed panel, reported The News. He said the names are still being reviewed for nomination.                                            

To this, Ansar Abbasi said he had never had any contact with the Taliban over his becoming part of the talk process. However, he said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had sought his advice in connection with the dialogue and also offered him to join the Government-appointed panel.

PM Nawaz Sharif expressed optimism about the outcome of peace talks with the TTP. “I will personally supervise the talks process, while Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali will assist me,” said the. He added, “It is my utmost desire that the committees formed by the government and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan make headway in the talks.”

President Mamnoon Hussain expressed the hope that dialogue with TTP would start soon as the entire nation was looking towards holding of successful and meaningful talks to ensure lasting peace and security in the country.

Federal Minister of Information Pervaiz Rasheed said that no conditions have so far been set by TTP. Rasheed said both sides have expressed good intentions about talks and hoped that as a result of this Pakistan would become a safe and secure place. He said the PM was overseeing the process of peace and dialogue himself.

The PM Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief General Raheel Sharif exchanged views on the security situation and peace talks with militants. The meeting took place as the teams nominated by the Government and the TTP prepared for the talks.

Federal Minister of Interior, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan told the American Ambassador to Pakistan, Richard Olson that Pakistan’s interests in regional security in the post-2014 scenario must be respected. In a statement the Minister and the American Ambassador discussed issues pertaining to bilateral relations with particular reference to the security situation in the region and review of the recently concluded strategic dialogue.

At least nine people were killed and over 40, including children and women, were injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up at a restaurant in the Koocha Risaldar area of Qissa Khawani Bazaar in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. 

Unidentified militants shot dead the Provincial President of a Shia organization, Tehreek-Nifaz-e-Fiqah Jafria (TNFJ-Mousavi Group), Syed Asghar Ali Shah (75), in a targeted attack in the Donga Gali near Kohati locality Peshawar.

Two unidentified militants shot dead one Kashif Ali Shah near a local market in the limits of the Cantonment Area in Bannu District.

Unidentified militants shot dead one Naseem Gul in the limits of Domail Police Station in Bannu District.

Two blasts were carried out near Miran Sugar Mills in the Dera Ismail Khan District. However, no casualties were reported.   

Government Primary School in Kanr Colony in the Shabqadar tehsil (revenue unit) of Charsadda District was blown up. However, no casualties were reported.

A Government Girls Primary School at Norar village in the limits of Miryan Police Station in Bannu District was blown up. However, no casualties were reported.

Three unidentified armed assailants opened fire at a Police check post in the Juhi area of Dadu in Sukkur District, killing one Police Officer, identified as Younus Shahani, and injuring another. The incident took place when there were three Police officers on duty at the checkpoint.

A bomb blast on a railway track, ten kilometers outside Ghagar Phatak of provincial capital Sind, Karachi (Karachi District), derailed at least 10 bogeys of the Shalimar Night Coach Express leaving one child dead and at least 20 people injured. A passenger said that they were travelling to Lahore (Punjab) from Karachi.

In an exchange of fire, Rangers killed a suspect in the Mujahid Colony area of North Nazimabad Town in Karachi District. According to officials, two suspects on a motorcycle, who were signalled to stop by Rangers personnel positioned at a nearby check post, started firing at the check post. In retaliation, Rangers personnel also fired, killing one suspect on the spot while his companion managed to escape.

A man, identified as Zulfiqar Jafer, was injured in a ball bomb hurled by unidentified militants on Manghopir Road within the precincts of Orangi Town Police Station. The injured person was receiving threats from extortionists, said Police, adding that assailants attacked on him over refusal to pay the extortion money.

Unidentified militants lobbed a cracker bomb at an oil shop in Qasba Colony area within the jurisdiction of Peerabad Police Station in Orangi Town. However, no casualties were reported in the attack. Police said that the incident occurred over refusal to pay extortion money, however further investigations are underway.

Two persons, identified as Syed Wajid Hussain and Syed Iftikhar Hussain, sustained injuries in a bomb blast in Ali Shari area of Kurram Agency in FATA.

A 12-year-old boy, identified as Syed Razi Shah, was injured in an explosion in Ali Shari area of Kurram Agency.

Pakistan’s former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf “intends” to appear before a Special Court set to try him for high treason, his spokesman Raza Bukhari said, after speculation he could escape trial by going abroad for medical treatment.

According to the press statement, Musharraf wrote on the bail bond “I do not recognize the authority of this special treason court, but I am complying for the greater good of the rule of law.” He said, “It is extremely relevant to note the formation, composition, jurisdiction, impartiality, independence and lawful authority of the special treason court is itself under question and under review in superior courts of Pakistan.”

Former United Kingdom Independence Party Commonwealth spokesperson Mujeebur Rehman Bhutto (35) admitted to being the leader of a kidnapping gang in Pakistan. He confessed to being the ‘boss’ of the gang in order to avoid the risk of being deported to Pakistan and being given the death penalty. He made his confession in 2005 at a UK court and was given a seven-year-sentence.

The planned peace talks with TTP stumbled as they began, with Government negotiators missing a preliminary meeting citing doubts over the militants’ team. Teams representing the Taliban and Government had been due to gather in Islamabad at 2:00 p.m. on February 4 to chart a “roadmap” for talks. But the Government delegation did not show up.

The head of the TTP team, Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, accused the Government of not taking the talks seriously. “Today it has been exposed how serious the Government is about talks,” Haq said, adding, “They are making a joke of talks and joking with the nation. On one side they are saying they are talking to the Taliban and on the other side they are making joke of these talks.”

The TTP’s ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid said that Haq and his two colleagues had their blessing. “The three-member committee is final now and we have our full confidence in it to hold talks,” he said.

A local Taliban ‘commander’, Shafiq, and three of his bodyguards were killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on their vehicle on Miranshah-Mir Ali road in the Pir Kallay area of NWA in FATA. Further details regarding the incident were not available as the access of media in the region is restricted due to security worries and Government restrictions.

Four tribesmen were killed by unidentified militants in the Norak area of Mir Ali tehsil in NWA. An official of the political administration said the incident occurred around 6:30pm when four tribesmen, whose identity could not be ascertained, were sitting at a roadside near their houses in Norak.

A JeM militant, identified as Mast Gul, who escaped after Charari Sharief gunfight near Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir in 1995, was seen with TTP militant at a press conference in North Waziristan Agency of FATA, according to The Hindu. Not long after JeM ‘chief’ Maulana Masood Azhar addressed a rally in Muzaffarabad (Pakistan occupied Kashmir) by telephone, Mast Gul, surfaced at the press conference.

Police claimed to have killed an alleged criminal, identified as Javed alias Bakri, during an encounter in New Karachi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Police also claimed to have recovered a TT pistol and motorbike from his possession.

ASWJ President of District Malir Mohyuddin Shah was injured in a firing incident in the Landhi area of Landhi Town. 

Police claimed to have recovered weapons from Taiser Town near Northern Bypass within the limits of Surjani Police Station in Malir Town. According to Police officials the recovery was made when locals informed Police about some abandoned bags in the area.

BRA claimed responsibility for the February 4, 2014, bomb explosion targeting Lahore-bound Shalimar Express at the main railway track near Karachi. BRA ‘spokesman’ Sarbaz Baloch informed the media in Quetta, “It was a reaction to the killing of political activists and dumping their bodies in Tootak area of Khuzdar District.”

A suspected TTP ‘commander’, identified as Shakir Bhittani along with an Aman committee member, Wahid Jan, were killed during a clash in Kari Hyder Khel village of Tank District in KP in the night. A SF official was also injured in the incident. SFs and Aman committee members carried out a joint raid on the house of Bhittani, who opened fire after seeing his house surrounded. A firefight ensued in which Bhittani and Wahid Jan, were killed. Bhittani was said to be associated with the Bahawal Khan Bhittani faction of TTP, linked with the Haqqani network.

A revenue official, Sohail Ahmad, was allegedly abducted by unidentified militants in Rodi Khel area of Tank District in the night.

A TTP militant, Mufti Hasaan Swati, claiming to be the Peshawar District ‘chief’ of the outfit has accepted responsibility for February 4-evening’s suicide attack at a restaurant in the Koocha Risaldar area of Qissa Khawani Bazaar in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. Mufti Hasaan Swati said that the bombing had been carried out to avenge an attack on a seminary in Rawalpindi in November 2013.

The TTP’s ‘central spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid had earlier stated that his group had nothing to do with the attack. Nine people were killed and over 40, including children and women, were injured in this sectarian attack.

There is no chance of peace in Pakistan until the Government embraces Sharia and US-led forces withdraw completely from Afghanistan, said negotiators representing TTP. Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, the head of the TTP’s three-man talks team, said there could be “no peace” in the region while there were still US troops across the border.

Another TTP negotiator Maulana Abdul Aziz, said, “Without Sharia law, the Taliban won’t accept (the talks) even one percent. If some factions accept it, then the others won’t accept it. Their real agenda is Sharia. All secular courts based on the common law system be abolished. I don’t think the Government will accept this but they should, because war isn’t the way forward.” 

The head of the caretaker committee of the TTP, Qari Shakil, said that the roads were too hazardous and a helicopter should be used to protect the dialogue committee from any danger. "I do not want any force to harm them on their way or any kind of delay to take place in the holding of dialogue", he said.

The committees constituted by the Government and Taliban agreed to hold talks within 72 hours in Islamabad and the clauses for the talks would be finalized. The Government sources revealed that both sides would give a written guarantee that they would not resort to any kind of violence against each other until something conclusive comes out of the peace process.

PM Nawaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s firm support to the people of J&K in their ‘legitimate struggle’ for their inalienable right to self-determination. Addressing the legislative assembly of Pakistan occupied Kashmir on Kashmir Solidarity Day, he stated, “The peaceful people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to suffer. Not only the right to self-determination is being denied to them but they are also being subjected to the worst kind of human rights abuses, violence and suppression.

The United States has cut back sharply on drone strikes in Pakistan after the Islamabad Government asked for restraint while it seeks peace talks with the TTP. The Washington Post quoted a US official as saying, “That’s what they asked for, and we didn’t tell them no.”

A man, identified as Anwar Ali, was shot dead in Frontier Colony within the jurisdiction of Peerabad Police Station in SITE Town. 

One unidentified bullet-riddled dead body was found within the vicinity of Zaman Town Police Station. 

Another bullet-riddled dead body was found from within the limits of Jackson Police Station.                         

BDS defused a bomb at the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board Head Office in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town. 

BDS defused a bomb in the SITE area. The SITE area bomb was found in a bottle on a footpath near Habib Bank Chowrangi. According to BDS, 10 kilograms of explosives were used in the bomb.                       

Pakistan Rangers Sindh during search operation in Garden East Lyari Nazimabad Usmanabad Quaidabad and Paposh Nagar areas arrested 12 suspects. According to the Rangers sources a criminal identified as Irfan Baloch was also arrested from Lyari Town.

A gas pipeline was blown in Dera Allahyar area of Jaffarabad District, disrupting gas supply to Sohbatpur.

The Obama administration, under pressure from Congress to act against Pakistan-based insurgents blamed for fuelling violence in Afghanistan, moved on January 5 to freeze the assets of three suspected members linked to the Haqqani Network.

US citizens are also barred from doing business with the three men. “Today’s action underscores our resolve to continue targeting any potential means of support for the Haqqanis,” David Cohen, a senior Treasury official, said in the statement.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasneem Aslam, said Pakistan wants complete halt of US drone attacks instead decrease in the frequency. She said Pakistan’s stance on drone attacks is they are unacceptable, kill innocent people and violate the country’s sovereignty.

The Government and TTP committees, in their first meeting, expressed the resolve to continue dialogue and vowed that the violent acts of the recent past would not hamper the peace process. The Government-nominated committee consists of Irfan Siddiqui, Rahimullah Yousafzai, Rustam Shah Mohmand and Major (retired) Amir, while Maulana Samiul Haq-chief of JUI-S Maulana Abdul Aziz-chief cleric of Lal Masjid and Ibrahim are members of the committee announced by the TTP.

Addressing a joint press conference at KP House, Irfan Siddiqui and Maulana Samiul Haq said the committees agreed that both sides should stop giving statements against each other and the process of talks should not be long, as the nation is hoping for good news.

The US designated LeJ ‘chief’ Malik Ishaq in its list of most wanted international terrorists. “The Department of State has designated Malik Ishaq as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224,” said a statement issued by the US State Department. The US Government also decided to keep his outfit on the international terrorist organisation list.

American citizens and companies are now prohibited for engaging in transactions with Ishaq after the announcement. The US authorities can now act in freezing all his financial assets and properties in the US as well, said the statement. “The Department took these actions in consultation with the Departments of Justice and Treasury,” the press release added.

At least 15 persons were injured when unidentified militants opened fire at two passenger buses in Kashmore District. According to details, the militants had attacked the buses with the intention of looting the passengers.

BDS defused a two kilogram bomb planted outside the house of a local leader of the ANP in the Baldia Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Four hundred Rangers personnel of the ATS during a targeted operation arrested many suspects from the Hasan Noman Colony in Sohrab Goth area of Gadap Town. According to the Rangers spokesman, in the operation the entry and exit routes were sealed off. The spokesman added that during the operation, a huge quantity of arms and drugs were also recovered from the possession of the suspects.

Five officials were injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up during a search operation jointly launched by Police and Intelligence Agencies in Khanewal District. Two of his accomplices were also arrested. According to reports, three alleged militants opened fire and hurled a hand grenade as law enforcers tried to stop a car. One of them traveling in the car blew himself up, injuring five officials.

The Special Court trying former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf for treason has given him until February 18, 2014 to appear before the court or a non-bailable arrest warrant could be issued against him. On January 31, 2014 the three-judge court headed by Justice Faisal Arab had issued a bailable warrant for Musharraf’s arrest due to his persistent reluctance to face the treason charges and ordered him to appear on February 7, 2014.

Justice Faisal granted Musharraf 10 more days on the personal assurance of Anwar Mansoor, one of the members of the defence team, who assured the bench that his client would appear on February 18.

TTP said that the negotiations with the Government will be aimed at imposing Sharia in the country. Shahidullah Shahid, the central ‘spokesman’ for the TTP, told media from an undisclosed location that they had fought for Sharia. He said that had any other law except Sharia been acceptable to TTP, they would not have waged war.

Maulana Abdul Aziz, one of the TTP intermediaries, has refused to attend future meetings with Government negotiators until the implementation of Sharia law is on the agenda. “I’ll remain part of this [Taliban intermediary] committee — but, yes, I will not sit for future talks until my demands are met,” Aziz told journalists in Islamabad on February 7 after a meeting of his Shura in Lal Masjid.

PTI Chairperson Imran Khan told Bloomberg that the peace negotiations between the Government and the TTP will probably fail and a resulting military operation would lead to more violence.

The Sindh Assembly passed the Sindh Emergency Procurement Bill, 2014 on a temporary basis for the period of one year, allowing law enforcers to bypass normal authorities in emergency situations. The Sindh Emergency Procurement Bill, 2014 was not on the order of the day however; during the proceedings Sindh Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Sikandar Mandhro moved supplementary agenda and sought permission from the chair to table the Sindh Emergency Procurement Bill, 2014 for urgent introduction and consideration.

MQM lawmakers supported the spirit of the bill, but they also demanded some means of ensuring transparency in emergency procurement for Police and other law enforcing agencies. It was also suggested to form a committee of MPAs to ensure transparency and fair deal in this regard.

Three persons were killed and several others injured in a fresh spate of violence in different areas of Karachi city. Police said unidentified gunmen shot dead a person in Baghdadi area of Lyari. Further, a body, wrapped in a gunny bag, was also recovered from Lee Market. Police said that the deceased was kidnapped and then killed, adding that his body was dumped in Lee Market. In a separate incident, rescue personnel also found the body of a newborn in Korangi area. Security personnel also arrested 23 suspects, including two foreigners, during a search operation and recovered weapons and drugs.

Firing incidents continued across Karachi resulting in injuries to more than 10 persons. Rangers arrested eight suspects, including two foreigners, and recovered weapons from them during a search operation in Patel Para. The arrested suspects included six members of Lyari gang war.

The shrine of a popular Sufi poet of Balochistan, Mast Twakali, was set on fire by unidentified militants in Mawand area of Kohlu District. However, no casualties were reported. Kohlu’s Deputy Commissioner Ejaz Haider said that after the incident Levies personnel launched a search operation in Tomboo tehsil of Kohlu District and took five suspects into custody.

As many as 79 Police Officers and troopers were killed in the wake of the ongoing operation against criminals and terrorists in Karachi. In September 2013, when the operation was launched, 15 Police men were killed and further 12 were killed in October, 11 each in November and December, 25 in January 2014 while during February until now, 5 died at the hands of the outlaws and terrorists. In a report, submitted by the Police Department to Inspector General of Police, Sindh, Shahid Nadeem Baloch, on the performance of Karachi District Police and CID, it was said that during this period 10,254 raids and 804 encounters, a total of 131 miscreants were killed while 15,671 were arrested.

Unidentified armed militants attacked the house of a pro-government tribal elder, Gazeen Khan Bugti, killing him and eight members of his family, including three women, three children and two adult males, in Dera Bugti District. Provincial Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti said that the members of the peace committee retaliated and killed two of the attackers and wounded three others. The Minister said that it was BRA that had attacked Khan’s house.

Unidentified militants set a NATO container-carrying truck on fire while it was on its way from Karachi (Sindh) to Chaman town in Qilla Abdullah District, killing two persons, including the driver of the vehicle in Sibi District. The firing also caused the truck to catch fire which partially damaged the container.

Unidentified militants opened fire on a Quetta-bound private container in Dhadar area of Bolan District, killing two people, including the driver Shamsullah and another man, identified as Lal Muhammad.

At least nine people, including an infant, were killed and 10 others were injured when unidentified militants opened fire on a shrine of Meharban Ali Shah alias Jalali Baba in Saeedabad area of Baldia Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Police said the attackers also hurled a grenade before firing at the people with automatic weapons.

A prayer leader, identified as Nadeem Qadri (38), was shot dead in a targeted attack while he was returning after evening prayer at a mosque in Raees Amrohi Colony in Orangi Town.

BRA militant outfit bombed three main gas pipelines in Rahim Yar Khan District, killing a woman. "In a major terror hit, BLA blew up three major gas arteries late on Sunday night in Yousafabad area, which sparked so big a fire that it engulfed the populated area located nearby", officials said.

According to sources, the pipelines, carrying highly inflammable methane also called natural gas, burst into a massive ball of fire after the blasts. "The blasts triggered an inferno that covered the nearby fields, while Basti Afzal Hamid Khumbara was evacuated immediately", the sources added. The rescue sources say a woman was killed in the blaze.

The BDS defused a remote-controlled IED planted near Chatochok in Pishtakhara village in Sarband area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. AIG of Peshawar's BDS, Shafqat Malik, said that information was received of a suspicious item on the roadside in Chatochok.

The “political Shura” and negotiations committee of the TTP met at an undisclosed location in North Waziristan Agency for the second consecutive day and produced as many as fifteen demands to be put forward to the Government’s negotiation committee. TTP Shura had been meeting since February 8 under its Deputy Ameer, Sheikh Khalid Haqqani. Professor Muhammad Ibrahim Khan and Maulana Yousuf Shah who are in Waziristan for a meeting with the TTP Shura are likely to convey these points to the committee formed by the Government for mediation.

The TTP commanders and the members of their committee formed to holds talks with the Government kept changing the venue of their meeting amid continued flights of unmanned US drones in the tribal area. The committee members had reached North Waziristan in a military helicopter to apprise the TTP’s political Shura of the demands put forth by the committee representing the Government.

The Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that any external attempt to sabotage the dialogue process will be considered as hostility against Pakistan. According to sources, the Interior Minister was speaking to Maulana Samiul Haq, leader of the TTP committee for peace talks.

Amidst the ongoing unrest in the country, the Government is all set to place administrative control of the premier counter-terrorism body under its newly established National Security Division (NSD) in an effort to stem the tide of violence. Senior officials familiar with the development told The Express Tribune that the counter-terrorism Rapid Deployment Force will also function along with the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA) under the NSD.

Four women were killed and three others were injured in a suicide blast near a house in the Essa Khel Garhi area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP.

Unidentified motorcyclists shot dead three school teachers in the Kach Banda area of Hangu District when they were on their way home following school duty. 

Unidentified assailants shot dead a former US consulate employee, Faisal Saeed, in Peshawar.

Three people were killed in the Malir Town of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.  Police said that two extortionists came to the meat market at Malir 15 and demanded money from a shopkeeper, who refused to pay and instead opened fire on the extortionists. During the exchange of fire from both sides, an extortionist died on the spot while two passers-by, identified as Karim and Haji Noor Mohammad, were also killed in the incident. The other extortionist fled from the incident site.  

One Abdul Samad Tabani (35) was killed when unidentified armed extortionists opened fire at a rickshaw at the mobile market in Saddar Town. 

Unidentified armed assailants opened fire in Khada Market of Lyari Town, killing one Raheel (25). 

Unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade in the Sher Shah area of Kiamari Town, injuring two people, identified as Fahim and Jan Mohammad.

A man, identified as Ali (35), was shot at and injured by unidentified armed assailants in the Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town. 

Police claimed to have arrested 61 accused, including eight absconders and an extortionist, and recovered arms and drugs from their possession during 82 raids.

At least 19 FC personnel were injured when a bomb exploded while their vehicles passed through the Sibi and Tali areas of Sibi District. “An IED was used to target the convoy and it was detonated with remote control,” the sources said. Azad Baloch, a spokesman for BLA claiming responsibility for the attack said that 10 security personnel had been killed and 17 injured in the attack, but FC and Provincial Government sources denied the BLA claim.

Six soldiers and one officer were injured in two acts of terrorism in the Dattakhel area of NWA in FATA. Sources said that an improvised explosive device exploded near a military truck in Dattakhel near Afghan border, injuring six soldiers. The truck, part of a convoy, was destroyed in the blast. 

Three personnel of Khasadar Force escorting polio workers were injured when an improvised explosive device planted by suspected militants along a road went off in the Khugakhel area of Landi Kotal tehsil (revenue unit) in Khyber Agency. The Khasadar team later defused an explosive device in the same area. 

Militants opened fire at a security picket in the Khar Kamar area of Dattakhel subdivision. One officer was injured. 

An anti-drone campaigner, Kareem Khan, from North Waziristan Agency of FATA, has “disappeared” from Rawalpindi District in Punjab on February 5, 2014, days before he was due to testify before European Parliaments, his lawyer Shahzad Akbar said, accusing the country's Intelligence Agencies of illegal kidnapping.

Kareem Khan’s brother and teenage son were killed in a drone attack in December 2009.

The TTP sees no urgency to reach an agreement with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s Government, Maulana Abdul Aziz, one of the three negotiators representing the TTP, said. In an interview at his Islamabad seminary, where some 1,300 female students are studying, Aziz said, “You should know that at the moment they (TTP) have at least 400 to 500 female suicide bombers in Waziristan and other tribal areas”.

The political Shura of the TTP said that it gave a “positive response” to the Government’s list of demands, which had been handed over to it by the Taliban team during a meeting at an undisclosed location in North Waziristan Agency of FATA.

Parliamentarians in the Senate strongly reacted to the TTP’s stance of not holding peace talks under the constitution of Pakistan. Opposition senators claimed that it was decided that there would be no terrorist activities during peace negotiations but the recent incidents clearly revealed that “third forces” are involved in such acts.

At least 13 persons were killed and 19 others injured when three back-to-back explosions occurred inside Shama Cinema in Bacha Khan Chowk area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP. CCPO, Ejaz Ahmed said three grenades were used and up to 80 people were in the cinema at the time of the explosions. The blast at the cinema came 11 days after a similar attack at Picture House Cinema situated in Kabuli Bazaar area of Peshawar.

Nine persons were killed after unidentified assailants attacked a house by opening fire and hurling hand grenades in Badhaber area of Peshawar. 

Three suspected militants were killed in an explosion in the Bacha Khan locality of Kolachi area in Dera Ismail Khan District. The suspects were reportedly planting explosive material on the side of a road when the explosives accidentally detonated, killing all of them on the spot.

A Policeman was killed and another was injured when a polio immunisation team was attacked in Purwa tehsil of Dera Ismail Khan District. The two Policemen were assigned to provide security to the vaccination team working in Purwa tehsil. 

SFs arrested key local militant ‘commander’ Umarzada alias Dildar from the Galiga area of Matta tehsil in Swat District. 13 detonators and 15 cartridges were recovered from Dildar’s possession. The militant commander’s father Bacha Gul was already in Police custody.

SFs arrested 27 suspects and recovered arms and ammunition from their possession along with a vehicle with forged documents from Sarband area of Peshawar.

Two alleged criminals, identified as Atif (20), and Akram (25), were shot dead in an encounter with Rangers in Nawa Lane area of Lyari Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An unidentified man was killed by unidentified armed assailants near Gazi Town graveyard in Malir Town.

Unidentified militants opened fire in Bihar Colony area of Lyari Town.

MQM accused Police of extra-judicial killings. MQM’s Haider Abbas Rizvi claimed that a party worker, Muhammad Adil, died of Police torture on February 10, 2014, adding that 45 other workers are still missing. “We don’t know where are they, no one knows about them. Police is involved in torturing and disappearance of our workers,” he accused.

The Islamabad High Court referred to the District and Sessions judge of Islamabad a case relating to registration of a FIR against CIA Station Chief Jonathan Banks over the death of two tribesmen in a US drone attack in 2009.  The directive was issued by Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of the IHC on a petition filed by Karim Khan, a native of NWA in FATA.

Khan has been allegedly picked up by security agencies from Rawalpindi District of Punjab. He was making preparations to go to Brussels (Belgium) to narrate his ordeal before the European Parliament on February 15, 2014. A petition against the disappearance of Khan has been filed by his brother-in-law in the Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi bench. Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan will take up the petition on February 12.

The committees, formed by the Government and the TTP to broker a peace pact between the two sides, held an informal meeting at an undisclosed location in Islamabad. During the meeting, agenda for February 12, 2014’s formal meeting was discussed, said a press release issued after the meeting. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Affairs, Irfan Siddqui, who is coordinator of the Government committee, said that response from the TTP Political Shura over the Government’s conditions was ‘satisfactory.’

JUI-S Chief Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, who is a member of the committee nominated by the TTP, said that Taliban’s demands were placed in front of Government negotiators, adding that attempts at a ceasefire would be made in the first stage of dialogue. The meeting was held after Professor Ibrahim and Maulana Yousuf Shah returned from North Waziristan Agency after meeting with the TTP’s political Shura and receiving their response regarding the demands of the Government.

US Ambassador Richard Olson in a meeting with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar revealed that the US has released second tranche of USD 352 million out of a total of USD 1.4 billion CSF that Pakistan is budgeted to receive during the current fiscal year. According to Finance Ministry, the Ambassador assured the Financial Minister that the remaining amount will be disbursed soon. The money that the country spends on defense and logistics while rendering services in global war against terrorism is later on disbursed by the US under the CSF.

US released the second tranche after Pakistan repaid 27th installment of USD147 million to IMF as per the arranged programme. The releases were on account of expenses that Pakistan incurred during the period of January-March 2013. For the current fiscal year, Pakistan has budgeted USD 1.4 billion on account of CSF disbursements.

Two unidentified dead bodies bearing torture marks were recovered from Memon Goth area of Malir Town.

Two suspects were killed in an exchange of fire between Police personnel and Lyari gangsters in Salar Goth area of Malir Town. Police also recovered two hand grenades from their possession.

Rangers arrested 41 suspects during a targeted operation in Pathan Colony area of SITE Town.

At least 40 medical practitioners of Karachi have received threatening emails from certain extortion mafias demanding hefty protection money, claimed Dr. Idrees Adhi, President of the Pakistan Medical Association Karachi Chapter. “Our community is under immense pressure. We are frightened because of threats against the backdrop of the killing of some of our colleagues in the recent past,” said Dr. Adhi.

TTP announced an ‘armed struggle’ against an indigenous tribe-Kalash and Ismaili Shias in Chitral Valley of Chitral District, calling on Sunnis to support their cause in a video released. A charitable organisation headed by the Aga Khan, the Ismailis’ spiritual leader, is singled out for condemnation. “The Aga Khan Foundation is running 16 schools and 16 colleges and hostels where young men and women are given free education and brainwashed to keep them away from Islam,” the narrator says.

The narrator warns the Kalash, who are thought to number only 3,500, to convert to Islam or face death. “By the grace of Allah, an increasing number of people from the Kalash tribe are embracing Islam and we want to make it clear to the Kalash tribe that they will be eliminated along with their protectors, the Western agents if they don’t embrace Islam,” he says. The video also accuses international NGOs of creating an “Israel” like state in Chitral by attempting to protect the Kalash culture and take people away from Islam, and vows to foil their plans.

A report by the Committee to Protect Journalists said that at least five journalists were reported to be killed for their work in Pakistan in 2013. According to the report, Pakistan was ranked as the fourth most dangerous country, behind countries such as Syria, Iraq and Egypt in terms of journalists killed. Earlier in 2012, seven journalists were killed for their work in Pakistan.

At least 13 Policemen were killed and 58 others were injured in a suicide blast targeting a bus carrying 50 Police officers near the gate of Razzakabad Police Training Center in Shah Latif Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. TTP claimed responsibility for the suicide attack Claiming responsibility for the “revenge” attack, the TTP said the suicide bombing was in retaliation for the killing of their militants by Law-Enforcement Agencies in Karachi, Swabi (Swabi District of KP) and Peshawar (provincial capital of KP).

TTP ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid said, “We carried out the attack against the Police because they are killing our people”. “Our defensive war will continue until an agreement is reached on a ceasefire” between negotiation teams representing the Government and the Taliban.

At least four suspected militants were killed during an operation conducted by SFs in Chap Garh area of Dera Bugti District. Moreover, weapons, ammunition and bombs to blow up railway tracks were also recovered from their possession.

Gunmen in Tump town of Kech District snatched the Deputy Commissioner and the Assistant Commissioner of Kech District after overpowering their subordinates. According to Provincial Home Secretary, Adil Gilani, gunmen overpowered at least 18 staff and security personnel accompanying the two officials and ordered the convoy to follow them. No group has so far claimed responsibility of the incident.

The Police claimed to have foiled a major terror bid and arrested two suspected militants, identified as Daud Khan of Mardan District (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and Hassan Khan alias Lehsan of Bajaur Agency (FATA) during a raid at a house in Ittefaq Colony in Tarnol area of Islamabad. The Police team also recovered explosives, detonators and detonating cord from them.

Irfan Siddiqui, coordinator of the committee formed by the Government to hold talks with the TTP, said that they had told the Taliban committee through a letter that terror activities will adversely affect the atmosphere needed for negotiations. Earlier, the Taliban committee complained that they had not received the letter sent by the Government committee. However, the letter was faxed to the Taliban committee and Maulana Yousuf Shah had received it.

TTP’s political Shura agreed to directly meet the Government talks committee in Islamabad on February 14, 2014. Sources said the Government negotiators would meet the Shura either at the end of this week or at the start of next week. The meeting will most likely be held in North Waziristan Agency of FATA but the exact location is not known as yet. The main agenda will likely be regarding a ceasefire which the TTP and Government Committees said was important as any activity from either side could potentially harm peace efforts.

Four people were injured when a suicide bomber attacked the patrolling vehicle of Rangers’ Sector Commander, Brigadier Basit, in Qayyumabad area of Korangi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

CID arrested three suspects, identified as Junaid Alam, Armaan and Hassan, belonging to of al Qaeda affiliated outfit Ashaab. The CID also recovered explosive material and a large quantity of ammunition from their possession. CID anti-terrorism cell in-charge, Raja Umar Khattab said that the suspects were active at the University of Karachi and other private universities of Karachi from where the group recruits religiously-inclined students. The group, whose chief is currently in Waziristan, carries out its activities in Karachi, Khattab said, adding that the arrested men did not employ mobile phones in their operations.

The team of six persons that went for the rescue of two senior government officials, who were earlier kidnapped on February 13, 2014 by unidentified militants from Tump town of Kech District, were also abducted from Gomazai in Turbat District. The recovery team was headed by Assistant Commissioner, Dasht Naeem Ghichki and comprised two Tehsildar and three Levies’ personnel. BLF had claimed responsibility for the February 13 incident.

The Balochistan Government contacted BLF to secure the release of its abducted officers. “Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch wants to avoid an operation by Security Forces,” Provincial Government Spokesperson Jan Buledi said. “Our priority is to secure the release of the kidnapped officials through peaceful negotiations,” he said, adding, “The use of force will be the last option.”

Pakistan anti-drone campaigner, Karim Khan, who had disappeared from Rawalpindi District on February 5, 2014 was rescued. Karim Khan whose brother and teenage son were killed in a December 2009 drone attack had disappeared days before he was due to testify before European parliamentarians.

The Government and TTP negotiators, expressed concern over a wave of deadly attacks in the country, agreeing that both militants and SFs should refrain from actions which undermine ongoing peace efforts. “Both the committees expressed deep grief and regret over anti-peace activities and declared that such incidents would have a negative impact on the peace efforts,” a joint statement said after Government and Taliban committees meeting.

“Referring to the recent incident in Karachi, the Government committee adopted the stance that it would become difficult to continue the peace talks when anti-peace activities continue,” it said. “Therefore the Taliban must be asked to make an announcement that they are stopping all kinds of anti-peace activities and implementation of this announcement should be ensured,” the statement quoted the Government side as saying. It said that the Taliban committee “agreed” to the demand and asked the Government to also make an announcement that it will not take any action which would create unrest. “For lasting peace no side should use force,” the statement quoted the Taliban side as saying.

The Taliban committee and TTP ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid made telephonic contact during the meeting of committees. According to reports, the Taliban committee apprised Shahidullah of the demand of Government committee for ceasefire.  Shahidullah also said he would apprise the Taliban Shura (council) of this demand and would get back to the committee.

Five persons were killed when unidentified militants opened fire at a van near Dattakhel town in North Waziristan Agency in the night. According to reports, the five persons whose identity could not be ascertained were going to Shawal from Dattakhel when gunmen opened fire on their van near Dattakhel bazaar.

Four persons, including a supporter of the MQM, were killed in different parts of Karachi city (Karachi District). A young man identified as Arif Hanif (30), who had gone missing a couple of days back, was found shot dead in Manghopir. He was blindfolded and trussed up before being killed. The MQM, in a statement issued to the media later, claimed that he was their supporter. Meanwhile, two unidentified young men who looked Pashtuns were found shot dead in Memon Goth. Four spent bullet casings fired from 9mm pistol were also found at the crime-scene. The Memon Goth Police said the victims, in their mid-20s, had long beards. Separately, a vendor identified as Tanveer (50) was gunned down by assailants in Ranchhore Line Area. Police said that Tanveer was returning home with a pushcart when assailants attacked him and fled.

At least five people were injured in two successive bomb blasts near Mominabad Police Station in Orangi Town. According to Police sources, the first attack was by a hand grenade hurled at a street vendor near the police station while the second explosion which occurred within a few minutes was by a bomb planted at a taxi-stand.

Unidentified militants blew up a Government high school in Tora Warai area of Hangu District. According to Police, explosive material was planted in three classrooms of the school which went off with a loud noise.  The attack also left the school's watchman injured.

Unidentified persons attacked an Imambargah in Kuchi bazaar area of old Peshawar city with a hand grenade, damaging the place. No loss of life was reported, but caretaker of the Imambargah was wounded in the attack.

The TTP claimed to have killed 23 FC personnel kidnapped in June 14, 2010 from Shoonkri Post of Mohmand Agency in FATA. According to reports, the TTP Mohmand Agency ‘spokesman’, Omar Khurasani said that the kidnapped FC personnel were killed as revenge because the Government was continuously killing their men in different parts of the country, including Karachi, Peshawar and Swabi. He said if the Government does not stop killing the TTP supporters, they would also continue to kill Security Forces’ personnel.

After the TTP claim, it was decided that the Government committee and TTP negotiators will not be meeting on February 17. Senior journalist Rahimullah Yousafzai, who is one of the members of the Government committee, said it was necessary to discuss the killings with the Government before the state committee meets TTP negotiators. TTP also confirmed that the meeting, which was scheduled to take place at 11am today, will not be held.

At least six people, including four children, were killed and more than 35 were injured when two coaches of the Peshawar-bound Khushhal Khan Khattak Express derailed after a bomb attack on the tracks near a canal in Thull town of Jacobabad District.

Rangers shot dead five alleged terrorists in shootouts near Afghan Basti in Sohrab Goth area of Gadap Town and in Ittehad Town of Baldia Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. A Rangers spokesperson said that two terrorists attacked a vehicle of the Paramilitary Force on Super Highway near Afghan Basti. In the ensuing gun battle, Rangers killed the two militants.

The Paramilitary Force conducted a search operation in Mohammad Khan Colony, Ittehad Town, during which they were attacked. The terrorist fired gunshots at the soldiers and also attacked with a grenade injuring one of them. Three terrorists were killed in the encounter.

Baba Ladla group gangsters shot dead gangster Anees Memon (24), who was affiliated with the Uzair Baloch gang in the Kameela stop locality in Lyari Town.

An unidentified Uzair Balcoh gangster was found in the bushes near the Mewa Shah graveyard in Pak Colony area of SITE Town. According to residents of the locality, gangsters from the Baba Ladla group had brought the victim to the locality on a motorcycle and then shot him dead.

One Kamran Baloch (34), was shot dead by unidentified gangsters while he was passing through Jhat Pat Market in Lyari Town. Police said the victim was affiliated with the Uzair Baloch gang and was also related to notorious gangster Rehman Dakait.

One Taj Muhammad (60), was shot dead outside his house in Umer Marvi Goth area of Shah Latif Town. 

An unidentified dead body of a man was found in Gulshan-e-Buner area of Landhi Town.

Rangers arrested 21 suspected criminals in raids conducted in several parts of the city, including Baghdadi, Chakiwara and Noor Muhammad Goth.  The paramilitary force seized 54 weapons in the raids.

A local tribal elder, identified as Bashir Ahmed Zarakzai, and a minor girl, identified as Robina, were killed and six others were injured in an exchange of fire at the house of Sardar Inayatullah Zehri in Zehri Ghat village in Khuzdar District.  According to the FC sources, the raid was carried out to capture some criminals. A tribal elder of Zehri, Mir Batay Khan Zarakzai, alleged that Security Forces, supported by some tribal elders, had attacked the house of Sardar Inayatullah Zehri, adding that innocent people were killed and injured in the firing.

A bomb killed at least one Policeman and wounded another during a vaccination campaign for polio and other diseases among children in Budhni area on the outskirts of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “The police team was being deployed in Budhni area before the start of the campaign when a remote controlled bomb exploded near their van, killing one police official and wounding another one,” local senior administration official Zaheerul Islam said. According to the World Health Organisation, Pakistan recorded 91 cases of polio last year, up from 58 in 2012. The World Health Organisation has warned that Peshawar was the world’s “largest reservoir” of polio.

The TTP sought written assurances from the Government regarding end to actions against the Taliban, prior to any ceasefire. Sources close to the official committee have disclosed that the TTP has serious reservations over Government’s actions against the TTP in all major cities of the country. The group has sought written guarantees from the Pakistan Army, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Federal Minister Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and has warned that it would not stop its actions unless actions against it are stopped.

TTP political shura has decided in principle to hold a ceasefire and the announcement in this regard is expected in the next 24 hours. According to sources, TTP political shura held a meeting on February 16 to deliberate on the Government’s demand for the ceasefire. In the meeting, sources said, the Taliban shura agreed to observe a ceasefire, which is expected to be declared within the next 24 hours. The sources further said that the TTP Shura has demanded withdrawal of Army from North Waziristan besides release of their non-combatant companions.

Terrorist outfits in Pakistan like the TTP are increasingly using social media networks, including Twitter and Facebook to spread their propaganda and as a means of intimidation.  A number of Twitter accounts allegedly managed by members of the banned TTP have emerged, on which they post messages and engage in dialogue with their followers. Facebook pages are used to upload statements and videos. 

A former Minister of the Afghan Taliban, Mullah Abdul Raqeeb, who was in favour of peace talks with the Kabul Government, was shot dead in Nasir Bagh Road of Tehkal in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP. He was a commander during the Afghan jihad against the Soviets and a minister for refugee affairs during the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. In Peshawar, he taught at his own seminary, Madrassa Munbahul Uloom located on Nasir Bagh Road in Tehkal.

13 children were among 15 persons injured in an explosion outside a private school in Dhab area of Karak District. Police said the explosive material was placed outside the private school's gate in Dhab.

An explosion in a three-star hotel in Namak Mandi area of Karak Town left its guard, Allah Baksh injured. The blast occurred on the first floor of hotel near the lobby.

An alleged militant, Jalat Khan was arrested in Kurrum Par area in the limits of Dadiwala Police Station in Lakki Marwat District. The Police had been after the militant for various cases since 1988.

Two employees of a media house, identified as driver Abdus Sattar and guard Rasool Bux, were injured Nawa-e-Waqt Group when two unidentified militants hurled a hand-made bomb at the gate of The Business Recorder office near Guru Mandir Chowrangi in Jamshed Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Another home-made bomb was hurled at the office of the Nawa-e-Waqt Group on M.A Jinnah Road in Jamshed Town.

A soldier, Mehrab, was killed in an attack by unidentified militants on a SFs checkpost in Ladha area of South Waziristan Agency in the night around 11:00pm.

Six members of an anti-polio team were abducted by unidentified militants in the Pang area of the FR Tank in FATA. Assistant Political Agent, FR Tank, Khalid Mehmood Marwat, said the team, including Dr Khandad, in-charge of the Union Council Siddiqullah, driver Kalim, three Levies personnel, Lance Naik Daulat Khan, Sepoy Amanullah and Sepoy Minhas. He said the team members were kidnapped at 3 pm when they were on their way back after finishing the task.

The peace talks with TTP broke down following execution of 23 FC soldiers by Mohmand Agency Chapter of TTP. The four-member government negotiating committee cancelled a scheduled visit to Akora Khattak for a meeting with the TTP committee.

The 'spokesman' of the TTP Shahidullah Shahid said that the Taliban in Mohmand Agency might have avenged the killing of their colleagues. Shahid said custodial killings could further complicate the dialogue process. He alleged that 23 people who were in Government custody had been killed over the past three days 16 in Nowshera District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and seven in Karachi (Sindh).

A letter posted on the social media, by 'chief' of Mohmand Agency chapter of TTP, Umar Khalid Khurasani claimed that the soldiers had been slain to avenge what he called killing of their fighters in custody in several parts of the country. The security official rejected the claim by TTP, termed the allegation unfounded and baseless.

Umar Khalid Khurasani, is a journalist-turned-jihadi 'commander' whose declared objectives as a staunch follower of Osama bin Laden are to overthrow the Government of Pakistan, impose Sharia, seize nuclear weapons and wage jihad until the Caliphate is established, reported The News quoting journalist Amir Mir.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the killing of FC by terrorists and termed it a "heinous and brutal" act. He said the incident would have a negative impact on the talks process, initiated for a peaceful resolution of the issue.

Army described the killing of 23 FC soldiers, a "blatant" and "highly provocative" act of terrorism. "The martyrdom of security officials is a blatant act of terrorism. It's highly condemnable and provocative," a security official said on condition of anonymity.

The Opposition leader in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah on February 17 said it is high time to take a firm decision regarding the talks with the Taliban because they are continuously attacking citizens, civilians and damaging public installations. Shah criticised the Taliban for continuously attacking security personnel despite being in dialogue with the Government.

The Barrack Obama administration is making contingency plans to use air bases in Central Asia to conduct drone missile attacks in northwest Pakistan in case the US is forced to withdraw all forces from Afghanistan at the end of 2014. A report in the Los Angeles Times by Ken Dilanian said even if alternative bases are secured, the officials said, the CIA's capability to gather sufficient intelligence to find al Qaeda operatives and quickly launch drone missiles at specific targets in Pakistan's mountainous tribal region will be greatly diminished if the spy agency loses its drone bases in Afghanistan.

According to current and former officers, CIA analysts operating from fortified outposts near the Pakistani border evaluate electronic intelligence, while case officers meet sources who help them identify targets. They pay people to place GPS trackers on cars or buildings to help guide the drone-launched missiles.

Police recovered four dead bodies from Surjani Town area of Gadap Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Three of the victims were identified as Sami-ul-Haq, Hafeez, and Muhammad Faisal, while the fourth dead body could not be identified. All four were affiliated with an unspecified banned outfit.

Two people were shot dead by unidentified armed assailants in Orangi Town.

A man was shot dead in Gulistan-e-Johar area of Gulshan Town.

An unidentified man was shot dead by militants in Mehran Town area of Korangi Town.

An unidentified bullet-riddled dead body was found in Shah Faisal Town.

Rangers and Police arrested 23 suspects during targeted operations in various areas, including Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Dhobi Ghat, Faqeer Goth, Kausar Town, Frontier Colony, Qayumabad, Gulshan-e-Buner, Shanti Nagar and Lyari Town. According to a Rangers spokesman, a large amount of arms and ammunition was also recovered from the suspects.

An ATC remanded in Police custody two TTP militants, identified as Muhammad Kashif and Muhammad Irfan, over charges of demanding extortion and issuing life threats. They were remanded in Police custody till March 4, 2014. The Taliban-linked accused face charges of demanding extortion of PKR 200,000 from a woman and threatening to kill her son in case she failed to pay the money.

An Army Major, Jahanzaib, and three militants were killed in an exchange of fire in FR Peshawar of FATA. "(The) exchange of fire continues," the ISPR said in a statement.

Unidentified militants on a motorcycle fired on a vehicle being used by French aid organisation Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development at Jarma near Kohat town of same District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, injuring the driver. There were two staff members, both Pakistanis, in the vehicle.

Former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf was not indicted despite his appearance in the Special Court for the hearing of treason case. Instead, the Special Court issued a short order stating that the former President would face indictment upon his second appearance in court and that he would soon be ordered to appear in court again. The hearing was postponed till February 19, 2014 (today). Musharraf's advocate Ahmed Raza Kasuri stated that a decision will be made on February 21, 2014, about whether Musharraf should be tried by a military court or a civil court.

The coordinator of TTP-appointed negotiation committee, Yousuf Shah, cautioned that there could be a surge in acts of violence in case peace negotiations were not held. "The Government committee does not appear to be serious in holding the talks," he said, adding, 'the violent acts may witness a surge in case the dialogue was not held'. "If the Government and Taliban committees remained at distance, it could lead to an increase in the acts of terror," he cautioned.

The TTP claimed that it is serious about peace talks with the Government. TTP 'spokesman' Shahidullah Shahid said the Taliban leadership was in constant contact with all factions on the issue of ceasefire and a decision in this respect would be taken soon. He said all Taliban factions unanimously backed the dialogue process and there would be no problem in implementing TTP's decisions, including the issue of ceasefire, claiming the TTP practised Sharia'h and any decision endorsed by the chief of the Tehreek was final and obligatory for all factions to abide by.

PM Nawaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the Government's committee formed to hold talks with negotiators representing the TTP, during which the committee expressed its inability to carry forward peace talks. The committee said the talks could not progress without any solid steps and also asked the TTP to unconditionally cease all violent activities without any delay.

The Government mediators demanded a ceasefire from the Taliban before they resumed peace talks as another two soldiers were killed in separate attacks.

A bomb blast targeting the residence of former KP Minister Haji Javed in Javed Town in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP, was reported. However, no casualty was reported.

Two people were killed and two others were injured when a 36-inch gas pipeline of the Qadirpur gas field exploded in the Mir Kosh area of Ghotki District. The deceased were identified as security guards of the gas pipeline.

An IED bomb was defused by the BDS near Naurus Chowrangi in SITE Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Police claimed to have arrested 93 suspects in 81 raids and recovered arms and narcotics from their possession. According to a Karachi Police report, a total of 93 criminals were arrested during raids and six encounters in various areas of the city. One accused was held in a murder case, one in extortion case, three in kidnapping-for-ransom cases, four for their involvement in robberies, 15 under the Arms Ordinance, 19 under the Narcotics Act, and 34 in miscellaneous cases, said a Police spokesman.

The VMBP head, Mama Qadeer Baloch, and his Long March from Quetta (Balochistan) to Islamabad (Punjab) has been threatened. Mama Qadeer has received a threatening telephone call from an unlisted number informing him of the decision to prevent the marchers from entering Rawalpindi and Islamabad and warning them that they will not be allowed to present their demands to the UN.

The march was undertaken to demand accountability for the 18000 missing persons from Balochistan, which VMBP organisation has documented.

Islamabad is under severe threat of terrorism from TTP, LeJ and al Qaeda, a report of the Interior Ministry presented in the Standing Committee of National Assembly on Interior revealed. According to the report, Islamabad is the most dangerous city as the "sleeper cell" of banned TTP, LeJ and al Qaeda are posing a grave threat to the security of the city. In Punjab, LeJ and TTP were the most dangerous groups and in Sindh, the presence of LeJ, al Qaeda militants and target killers was reported.

About the security situation in PoK, the Interior Ministry said certain evidences have 'proved' that India was involved in the deteriorating law and order situation in the region. It revealed that illegal weapons and terrorists were penetrating Pakistan through its western and eastern borders.

At least 460 people have been killed in terrorist attacks across the country since the Government held an APC on September 10, 2013, to mull ways and means to end bloodshed in the country, an unnamed security official said. "The dead include 308 civilians, 114 military personnel and 38 Policemen," the official said. He said that some 1,264 people were injured in the terrorist attacks by TTP in the same period. "The injured include 684 civilians, 531 military personnel and 49 Policemen," he added.

The TTP offered to observe a ceasefire to allow the resumption of stalled peace talks provided Security Forces stop killing and arresting them. "We are ready for the ceasefire if the government assures us that bodies of our colleagues will not be found in gunny bags and they will not be killed in encounters and arrested in raids," TTP 'spokesman' Shahidullah Shahid said. "The Government has killed more than 60 TTP cadres since the start of the peace talks, in Karachi and the rest of Pakistan, under a secret operation codenamed Operation Root Out," Shahid said. "The killings of soldiers in Mohmand were in response to the onslaught on TTP cadres by Security Forces during the talks between Government and TTP committees," he added.

Government mediators suspended negotiations on February 17 just weeks after they were announced following weekend claims by a TTP faction that it killed 23 kidnapped FC soldiers. The mediators set a ceasefire as a precondition for another round of talks. The reconciliation effort was launched on January 29.

Government mediators suspended negotiations on February 17 just weeks after they were announced following weekend claims by a TTP faction that it killed 23 kidnapped FC soldiers. The mediators set a ceasefire as a precondition for another round of talks. The reconciliation effort was launched on January 29.

The US said that it would continue its security assistance to Pakistan in order to keep bilateral relations on "solid footing". The commitment was conveyed by US CentCom Commander General Lloyd J. Austin III to his Pakistani interlocutors. The CentCom commander was quoted by the Defence Ministry as having told the defence secretary that "continued support in training, education and CSF will act as tools necessary to keep relations on solid footing".

According to the US Embassy, in his meetings General Austin "reaffirmed the importance of the US-Pakistani security relationship to regional stability and agreed to continue to work together in order to build a stronger partnership and further common objectives". He told the defence secretary that US viewed Pakistan as a "vital partner for regional security" and praised Pakistan's role in facilitating the drawdown of US and ISAF forces from Afghanistan.

At least 35 militants were killed as fighter jets targeted suspected insurgent hideouts in Dattakhel, Shawal and Mir Ali tehsils (revenue unit) of the North Waziristan Agency of FATA. The bombardment comes a day after TTP said a ceasefire can be negotiated upon if the Army stopped targeting its members. Other military sources said that the in second attack, militants involved in the Peshawar cinema blast (February 10) and killing of an Army officer (February 18) in frontier region Peshawar two days ago were targeted in their hideouts situated in Khyber Agency. Around seven militants were killed. IED making factories and prepared explosives were also destroyed in the strikes.

After being convinced by the top Army leadership, PM Nawaz Sharif gave a go ahead for the airstrikes. High level civil military consultations continued for three days which culminated on these strikes. Army Chief, General Raheel Sharif and intelligence heads briefed the PM over rapid developments in the tribal areas and also shared images of militant hideouts procured through their own spy drones. Authorisation of the PM was sought for more strikes at other locations, which according to the sources has been granted.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Pervaiz Rasheed, on February 20 said the TTP in unequivocal terms commented "If you talk with us, we will respond with greater enthusiasm. But, if you would strike once, we would strike twice". Pervaiz Rasheed said in a statement, soon after the Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhary Nisar announced that PM Nawaz Sharif in consultation with the military leadership has linked the peace talks to a halt to the bloodshed.

Referring to the talks with the TTP, Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhary Nisar said, "Dialogue and violence cannot take place side by side. The military has been asked to retaliate in self-defence, which is their right. This [self-defence] is the right of the armed forces, which cannot be taken away from them," he said. Members of the government's peace committee were also consulted in this regard, the interior minister added. "We have burnt the midnight oil," he said, explaining how the Government had worked overtime on how to resolve the issue.

JeI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief and member of the TTP talks committee Mohammad Ibrahim on February 20 condemned the shelling in North Waziristan Agency and Khyber Agency and described it as an action against innocent citizens. In a statement issued by the JeI, he said that the air strikes would further complicate the situation, adding that the ultimate sufferers would be the innocent people because random firing and shelling could never prove useful for restoration of peace.

Earlier on February 19, TTP granted the authority to JUI-S Chief Maulana Samiul Haq decide on ceasefire between the Government and the TTP. Haq is heading the TTP intermediary committee. The JUI-S central information secretary said that if there was a consensus between the Government peace talks committee and Haq, then a ceasefire can be announced between the two sides.

Eight persons, including seven BLF militants and one pro-Government militia member belonging to Baloch Musala Difa Army were killed while two others were injured in a gun battle between the two in Bessema area of Washuk District. "Two armed groups opened fire at each other in the Bessema area of Washuk," Washuk Deputy Commissioner Qadir Baksh Purkani said, confirming the fatalities.

Two women were killed and another injured by militants on suspicion of indulging in immoral activity at Loralai Bazaar in Loralai town of Loralai District. The incident follows the stoning of a couple in the same area on February 15, 2014 after a cleric issued a fatwa against them on suspicion of having illicit relations.

A boy was killed in an IED blast during the preparation of the Sibi Mela near the Mir Chakar-e-Azam Stadium in Sibi District. Sibi Deputy Commissioner, Sohailur Rehman Baloch said it was an IED blast and refuted media reports that it was a suicide bombing. However, DSP Ali Nawaz said that the boy was a suicide bomber who entered into the Sibi festival hall and blew himself up missing his intended target. "The strength of blast blew body pieces of suicide bomber into the air", the DSP said.

A railway track was blown up in an IED attack in Mangoli area of Dera Murad Jamali in Naseerabad District.

A 220kV power pylon supplying electricity to districts in Punjab was blown up in Sohbatpur District. No outfit claimed responsibility for the blasts.

Unidentified militants opened indiscriminate fire on the car of Israr, a doctor, killing him and four others in the car on the spot in MPR Colony of Orangi Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The other four victims were identified as, Razimullah (40), Jamsheed Khan (30), Iqbal Hussain (37), and Sajjad (12). ANP spokesman Abdul Malik said that Israr, Razimullah and Jamsheed were his party workers and belonged to ANP MPR Colony ward. Following the incident, at least 67 suspects, including foreigners, were arrested by the Police during a targeted operation in different areas of Karachi on February 21 (today), reported Dawn.

Two unidentified tortured dead bodies of were found from Northern Bypass on Link Road in Baldia Town.

An unidentified man was shot dead in Qaimkhani Colony of Baldia Town.

Acting on tip of a Federal Intelligence Agency and the CID Sindh Police foiled a terror attack by arresting three suspects, identified as Humayun, Saeed Ayub and Umar Farooq alias Faridullah from Mauripur area of Kiamari Town. CID officials claimed Faridullah was an expert in preparing explosive laden vehicles for carrying out terror activities. Police also seized a 100 kilogram explosion-laden vehicle from the area reportedly prepared for targeting a key political or Police figure.

28 suspects were arrested during an operation in the Sharafi Goth area of Bin Qasim Town.

Five suspects were arrested by the Police after raids in Clifton area of Saddar Town and Azizabad area of Gulberg Town.

Police arrested an alleged target killer, extortionist and gang-war suspect Amir arf Marchi from the Malir Town. He belonged to the Wasiullah Lakho group.

A survey by Geo News team has revealed that many Government-run schools in Karachi face illegal occupation of mafias. These mafias have not only occupied the school premises but converted them into retail shops, factories or razed the school buildings and built new residential apartments. The land of these schools is worth billions of rupees. The Provincial Department of Education colluded with the land grabbers and put many schools under the control of illegal occupiers.

The Police claimed the arrest of the alleged mastermind of the blasts at the Shama Cinema in the Bacha Khan Chowk area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP, on February 11, 2013, which killed 14 people. SSP (Operations), Najeebur Rehman said they arrested Hasan alias Israr, resident of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency in FATA, who was presently living at a place near the Bakhsho Bridge on Charsadda Road in Peshawar. He said Hasan was the mastermind of the attack on Shama Cinema and was injured in the incident.

The Police claimed the arrest of the alleged mastermind of the blasts at the Shama Cinema in the Bacha Khan Chowk area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP, on February 11, 2013, which killed 14 people. SSP (Operations), Najeebur Rehman said they arrested Hasan alias Israr, resident of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency in FATA, who was presently living at a place near the Bakhsho Bridge on Charsadda Road in Peshawar. He said Hasan was the mastermind of the attack on Shama Cinema and was injured in the incident.

Security has been increased at the Charsadda Sub-Jail (Charsadda District) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid fears of militant attacks on the detention facility. According to the reports, 97 Police and FC personnel equipped with automatic weapons have been deployed for the security while APCs have also been called in. The local administration has also made security arrangements at the Government buildings near the prison.

AAG Tariq Khokhar told the Supreme Court that another missing man Khawar Mehmood had reached home. Three others have been found detained in different internment centres, the Supreme Court was informed. The total number of people whose whereabouts have been traced during the week stands at five. According to a Punjab Police investigation report, Mehmood was allegedly picked up by the personnel of Intelligence Agencies on June 26, 2013 from a distribution company in Fortabbas area of Bahawalnagar District. The ISI and the MI had rejected the allegation and said he had never been in their custody.

His younger brother Amir Mehmood, an activist of LeT, was earlier arrested by intelligence agencies, convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. Later the Peshawar High Court acquitted Amir and since then he and his wife have been missing.

The Special Court, constituted to try former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf on high treason charges, will announce on February 21 whether it will hear the case or will he be tried by a military court under Army Act. Musharraf who appeared before the Special Court in the last hearing on February 18, 2014 avoided indictment on the request of his legal team, pleading that the jurisdiction of the Special Court should be decided first and the case be referred to a military court.

The court in its order ruled that they will first decide the application challenging the jurisdiction of this court before further proceedings. The court adjourned the hearing till February 21, ruling that the decision on the two applications, including jurisdiction of the court as well as transferring the trial to a military court, will be announced on February 21, 2014.

Sartaj Aziz, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's adviser on foreign affairs, assured India that Islamabad was looking at expediting the November 26, 2008 (26/11) Mumbai (Maharashtra) terror attacks trial and that the whole process could be brought to an end in the next two months. Sartaj, who met Indian Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid during the SAARC Foreign Ministers' conference in Male (Maldives), also discussed various aspects of India-Pakistan ties, including NDMA for Indian goods, cross-LoC trade, the visa regime and observations of the Judicial Commission for Prisoners were also discussed during the meeting, sources said.

India in 2013 handed over five key documents running into nearly 600 pages for use in the trial so that prosecutors could proceed against the accused. The documents include a certified copy of the Indian Supreme Court's judgement on the case, depositions by two doctors -who conducted the autopsy of the nine slain terrorists- and the chief investigating officer who probed the case.

Unidentified militants hurled two cracker bombs near a house located in Jamshed Colony area of Jamshed Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. However, no casualties were reported.

The BDS defused a ten-kilogramme bomb on a railway track near Kot Mithun in Rajanpur District. Reportedly the target of the attack was a Khushal Khan Khattak Express train that was due to pass over this track.

The Special Court, constituted for trial of former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf under Article 6 (the High Treason Act) of the Constitution, summoned him on March 11, 2014 and rejected his counsel's appeal to shift the case to military court. The court also rejected the plea regarding jurisdiction of the Special Court, saying that it had complete authority to try Musharraf for high treason. The three-member bench, headed by Justice Faisal Arab, resumed hearing of the case and remarked that only the Special Court was entitled to hear the treason case, on the grounds that Musharraf retired in 2007 and he is not part of the army now so the case could not be proceeded under the Army Act. The court also observed that the Army Act of 1977 was declared null and void in 1981 by the courts therefore, under the law only the Special Court is subjected to hear the case of high treason against Musharraf, under Article 6.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made it clear that the Government is ready to hold dialogue only with those who have respect for the Constitution and integrity of the country. "We are ready for talks for stability and peace in Pakistan but let me make it clear we are willing to hold a dialogue only with those who have regard for the Constitution and integrity of the country..." he said.

Rahimullah Yousafzai, a member of Government's committee, said that the Taliban, during the talks, did not abnegate the Constitution and had agreed to hold talks within the framework of the Constitution. He said that the Taliban later changed their view and expressed will to hold negotiation in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah. However, Yousafzai said that talks were not halted over the issue of the constitution or Quran and Sharia'h.

The TTP refused to announce a ceasefire, calling on the Government to do so first. TTP 'spokesman' Shahidullah Shahid said a ceasefire cannot be announced as the Government has been fighting against the Taliban. "We have been waging war for several years," Shahid said. "If the Government cannot negotiate a ceasefire, how can talks be held with a handful of people" Shahid questioned.

He said, "Our doors are open for talks… [but] the government needs to stop killing our comrades," the TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid said in a joint news conference, alongside TTP South Waziristan Chapter leader Azam Tariq Mehsud, adding, "Since the Government started the war against us, it should declare ceasefire before asking us to do so."

A Grand jirga was organised in the wake of TTP threats to Ismaili and Kalash tribe at Bumborat in Kalash Valley of Chitral District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The meeting was presided over by Commandant Chitral Scouts Colonel Naeem Iqbal and was attended by Deputy Commissioner Chitral, Muhammad Shoaib Jadoon, District Police Officer Ghulam Hussain and Major Murtaza as well as elites from Kalash, Ismaili and Sunni Muslim communities.

In a 50-minute long video released on February 2 on the TTP media wing's website, the militants had announced an "armed struggle" against the Kalash and Ismaili Muslims. The narrator warned the Kalash, who are thought to number only 3,500, to convert to Islam or face death.

The CoAS General Raheel Sharif maintained his force was ready to counter any internal or external threat. "Let there be no doubt that Pakistan's armed force are battle hardened and fully capable to counter any internal or external threat posed to the integrity and sovereignty of our beloved country," the Army commented.

General Raheel recounted successes of the security forces in various operations against Taliban wherein several affected areas were cleared of the terrorists. "With the help of local population and support of the entire nation, security forces cleared vast areas," the Army chief said, and added that efforts and determination of all troops and law enforcement agencies were commendable. "We are fully prepared to confront any challenge in future as well," the Army chief reaffirmed.

At least nine suspected militants were killed when SFs carried out shelling on their hideouts in Thall tehsil (revenue unit) of Hangu District. "Gunship helicopters engaged the hideouts after confirmed reports of the terrorists' presence," a security official said.

Three people, including local QWP leader Adalat Khan, were killed and two others were injured in a remote-controlled explosion targeting his car in Gokand area of Buner District. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack. A local intelligence official said that Khan had supported an anti-Taliban village militia in 2009.

Unidentified gunman shot dead a Shia leader and administrator of an Imambargah, Sher Muhammad Tori, at Gari Nawaz Khan in Kohat.

A militant was killed in Juma Khan Village of Nasir Bagh area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP, when the explosive device he was planting at a nullah accidentally went off in the morning. Police said the man was initially mistaken to be a suicide bomber because his body was reduced to pieces. However, upon inspection of the site by the BDU, no evidence of a suicide vest was found.

The main gate of a contractor's house was damaged in a low-intensity blast in Garhi Qamaruddin on Kohat Road of Peshawar. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported in the attack.

Police have arrested 10 suspects during a targeted operation in Kanwari Colony area of Manghopir, in Gadap Town. SSP West Irfan Baloch said the operation was being carried out on a tip off about presence of criminal elements in the area. As many 100 policemen were taking part in the operation. Entry and exit points of the locality were sealed during the search.

The ISPR dismissed TTP's allegations of Security forces having the custody of women and children of TTP members. Rejecting the allegations levelled by the TTP, ISPR spokesperson said that these allegations against security forces are unsubstantiated and false, further stating that it was a baseless propaganda by the TTP.

At least 38 militants, including key commanders, were killed in early morning air strikes the Ghaibi Nika area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. Six hideouts were also destroyed. Security sources said that fighter jets bombed the hideouts as well as landmine-making factories in the Ghaibi Nika area where mostly militants from LI group are based. Factories and several stockpiles of explosives were also destroyed in the blitz.

A Government official, Sadif Hussain Tori, a technician at a Government veterinary hospital, was abducted by unidentified militants from Alizai tehsil of Kurram Agency. Sadif Hussain Tori was on his way home when militants intercepted his vehicle and abducted him.

The residents near the Pak-Afghan border have started migrating to safer places in fear of a possible military operation in NWA. People from Seegi, Ghulam Khan, Mandi and Datta Khel tehsil are leaving their homes. People belonging to Mir Ali are also shifting to Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Karak and Peshawar of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to persisting fears of a widespread bloodshed between militants and Pakistan Army.

Amidst growing chatter of a military operation in NWA, security sources on February said the task of purging the area of all violent groups could be over in a "matter of weeks." "It would take the military four to six weeks to clear the agency of fighters," security sources said, insisting that it was not difficult for Pakistan Army to re-establish the writ of the Government in NWA. The officials also quashed the impression that the operation had only 40% chance of success, as claimed by some politicians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

At least 13 persons - among them a woman and a child - were killed and 14 others wounded in a bomb blast at the main gate of Usterzai Suzuki Stand on Hangu Road near Peshawar Chowk of Kohat town (Kohat District) in KP. The bomb which was remotely triggered was concealed in an empty crate placed near a passenger van with six persons on board. BDS official Akbar Khan told journalists that it was an improvised explosive device and weighed around five kilogrammes. Several vehicles were also damaged in the blast which took place near where key Government buildings, including Police Club, Cantonment Police Station, Girls Degree College and C&W Office, are situated.

Three unidentified men were killed and two others were injured in a firing incident in Jhatpat Market area of Lyari Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A man, identified as Ali Yar (50),was killed and two others, identified as Ishaq (8) and Muhammad Shahid (35), were injured in a firing incident at a mosque in Peerabad area of Orangi Town. According to Police, a suspect, Waheed, was arrested after the shootout.

A man, identified as Ameer Khan (50), was found dead in Gulshan-e-Hadeed area of Bin Qasim Town.

An unidentified man was killed in a firing incident on Super Highway near New Vegetable Market.

A man, identified as Naseer (28), was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants in Banaras area of SITE Town.

One Nasir (35), was shot and injured by unidentified militants on Jamshed Road in Jamshed Town.

One Shah Nawaz (40), was injured in a firing incident by unidentified armed assailants in Nusrat Bhutto Colony of North Nazimabad Town.

One Zia (36), was injured in a firing incident in Baldia Town.

Rangers arrested 25 suspects during targeted operations in different parts of the city and recovered 42 weapons. The suspects were arrested from Bhittaiabad, Mehran Town, Bilal Colony, Gulzar Colony, Model Town, Baloch Goth, Mianwali Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Shah Faisal Town.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan will resume hearing of Karachi law and order case on February 24. The Sindh Government, the Rangers, Police and Intelligence Agencies, the PTA and the FBR will present their reports about their performance in improving the law and order situation in the metropolis in the light of Supreme Court orders issued in the last hearing on November 29, 2013.

At least five alleged militants were killed during an exchange of fire with SFs in Turbat District. A police officer, who requested anonymity, said that armed militants attacked the convoy of FC in Chah-e-Sar area of Turbat. He said the FC personnel quickly retaliated and five militants were killed on the spot. The officer stated that the FC recovered weapons from the possession of militants. He said that there were no reports of fatalities on the part of the FC.

A landmine blast killed one woman and injured seven others in Dera Bugti District. A Levies Official said on the condition of anonymity that a pick up carrying eight people, including seven women and a male, for a wedding party hit a landmine Zain Koh area of in Dera Bugti. "When the vehicle hit the land mine, there was huge blast, killing one woman on the spot", he said. No outfit claimed responsibility for the blast.

Journalists threatened to lay siege of the National Assembly and all Provincial Assemblies, if political parties failed to put forward legislation protecting the lives and jobs of media men in Pakistan before March 20, 2014. The announcement was made by PFUJ, Afzal Butt while addressing a seminar with regard to threats made against the media. According to Balochistan Union of Journalists more than 30 journalists were killed in the insurgency-hit province during the last seven years. "We will mount pressure on the rulers to protect the media in Balochistan."

Asmatullah Shaheen Bhittani, a senior 'commander' of TTP and supporter of peace talks with the Government, was killed along with his three colleagues in Darga Mandi village near Miranshah in North Waziristan Agency. TTP sources said Asmatullah Shaheen was coming to Miranshah in a car along with three other militants when another vehicle coming from the border area with Afghanistan overtook them and armed men sitting in it opened fire from AK-47 (Kalashnikov) assault rifles at them.

Two unidentified dead bodies bearing torture marks were recovered from Pak Colony near Rexer Bridge in SITE Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An unidentified man, associated with an unspecified religious party, was killed in firing incident in Chishti Nagar of Orangi Town.

An unidentified man succumbed to his injuries after being shot by unidentified armed assailants in Orangi Town.

The Karachi ATC sentenced three accused, identified as Shujaat Ali, Shehzad Memon and Mohammad Farhan, to death for the kidnapping and murder of trader Muhammad Nawaz in 2010. They had demanded PKR 10 million in ransom and killed Nawaz despite receiving the ransom from the Nawaz's family.

A suicide bomb attack outside the Iranian consulate in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killed two FC soldiers and injured ten others. The bombing took place in the upmarket University Town area of the city, where many non-government organisations are also based.

BLF militants abducted a polio worker and three Levies personnel after an armed attack on the convoy of the Deputy Commissioner of Awaran Rasheed Baloch while he was returning home after supervising an anti-polio campaign in Gishik area of Awaran District.

The SC while hearing a case related to the implementation of Supreme Court's earlier order (in 2013) over Karachi's law and order situation expressed its dissatisfaction over a report submitted by the Karachi Police and chided jail officials for installing jammers around the Central jail premises which has caused inconvenience to residents of the surrounding areas. The bench also sought a report from revenue officials by February 26, 2014 pertaining to the recovery of encroached lands in the city.

During the hearing held at the Supreme Court's Karachi Registry, AIG Karachi, Shahid Hayat, submitted before the bench a report over the performance of Police, according to which 13,000 suspects were arrested since September, 2013. The report further said that charge-sheets against 175 accused were filed in Anti-Terrorism Courts whereas charge-sheets against more than 7,000 arrested persons had been filed in Sessions Courts.

Pakistani fighter jets and gunship helicopters bombarded hideouts of TTP militants in the North and South Waziristan Agencies of FATA killing at least 30 militants. "The death toll from the air strikes has risen to 30," a security official told, updating the earlier death toll of 27. "Fifteen were killed in the South Waziristan side of the border, while 15 were killed in North Waziristan." The attacks were the fourth in a series of air strikes by the PAF since February 20.

Two unidentified men were shot dead in the Mominabad area of Iqbal Market Orangi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An unidentified man was killed in a shooting incident near Ath Chowk in Lyari Town.

An unidentified dead body of a man bearing torture marks was found in the Alam Pride area of North Karachi Town.

The ATC-III remanded two TTP militants, identified as Sajid Hussain and Meraj, until March 4, 2014 to Police custody in extortion case. According to the prosecution, the suspects demanded PKR 1500,000 protection money from Mohammad Akram, a trader, and extended him threats of killing in case of non-payment. The accused were arrested during a raid conducted by the Police on February 24, 2014.

The Sindh Rangers arrested 11 suspects during targeted raids in MPR Colony of Orangi Town. The Rangers also recovered 43 types of weapons including, submachine guns and mixed ammunition.

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead a man, identified as Saleh Mohammad, in the precincts of Satellite Town Police Station in Eastern Bypass area of Quetta.

Three Levies personnel and a polio worker who were abducted on February 24, 2014, from Gishik area in Awaran District were set free on the night.

Five rockets were fired in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP, around midnight, from an undisclosed location. Police said two rockets landed inside Bacha Khan International Airport, but no damage was reported. The three other rockets hit Tehkal, Regi Model Town and University Town. However, no casualty was reported.

Three militants were arrested near Swabi Interchange in Swabi District who were attempting to target Security Forces' personnel. Official sources said three militants were preparing to launch an ambush on a Police official.

An explosion was reported at KP Chief Minister House in the Cantonment area of Peshawar, capital of the provincial, in the evening. The exact nature of the explosion has not been determined. BDS has been called to the scene. So far there have been no reports of injury or death.

Official sources disclosed that a major attack on Central Jail at Peshawar was planned to free key TTP prisoners kept there. Sources have confirmed that a group of five suicide bombers with an explosive-laden Toyota Corolla Car were dispatched to Peshawar to target Central Jail Peshawar in order to free TTP inmates held in captivity.

A man, identified as Sajawal, sustained injuries when an explosive device detonated outside the house of one Jahangir Khan, in the Ratta Amral area of Rawalpindi District. Ratta Amral Police SHO Chaudhry Zulfiaqar said that between 100 and 150 grams of explosives was used in the blast, which was later confirmed by the BDS.

An un-named security official said that Iranian border guards fired mortar shells in the Peshak area of Panjgur District. However, no casualties were reported.

Bannu, Kohat, Peshawar, Swabi and Mardan could face terrorist attacks the Police is now on high alert, said IGP Nasir Khan Durrani. According to a handout issued from the CPO, the IGP shared that KP's Police lost 79 personnel to terrorism in last six months and remains to be the most vulnerable target due to the nature of its duty.

The former administrator of Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Mir Ali was abducted from North Waziristan Agency of FATA while he was heading home in Hisokhel from work in the evening.

DIG Police, Hyderabad Sanaullah Abbasi suspended 23 Police officials in Hyderabad District, working within jurisdictions of various SHOs and SDPOs, because of their suspected involvement in extortion-related activities. The 23 Police officials were previously posted in AVCC Hyderabad.

They were allegedly involved in extortion in their respective remits in entire Hyderabad Range and were directed to report to SSP, Matiari Amjad Shaikh with immediate effect. The order said that they should remain confined to Police Lines till finalisation of the inquiry pending against them.

The TTP claimed that its popularity is on the rise in Pakistan. "An ever increasing number of Pakistanis are joining hands with us adding more and more firepower to our jihadist capabilities. The graph of our popularity is going north", Shahidullah Shahid, the TTP 'spokesman' said in a statement.

TTP 'committee member' Maulana Sami-ul-Haq conveyed some of the committee's requests to TTP's political Shura, the coordinator of the Taliban committee Maulana Yousaf Shah said. A member of the Government's four-member negotiating committee Rustam Shah Mohmand confirmed that on February 24, 2014 Government negotiators had an 'informal' meeting with the TTP intermediaries in the presence of Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.

At least 50 Barelvi school of thought groups at a multi-party conference held under the banner of Tahaffuz Namoos-i-Risalat Mahaz in Lahore District in Punjab demanded the Government to declare extremists as well as their supporters, whether political or religious, as enemies of the state and traitors.

The Government presented National Security Policy in the National Assembly with the aim of military retaliation against any violence and attack from the TTP militants in the future. Federal Minister of Interior Nisar Ali Khan, however, did not announce a full-fledged military operation against the militants.

The country's top civil and military leadership met to discuss the possibility of a military operation in the North Waziristan Agency of FATA. An official statement said that "they discussed matters relating to national defence and security". However, sources familiar with the high-level huddle disclosed that discussions were focused on 'evaluating' various aspects of a possible military operation against militants in North Waziristan, following the breakdown of the Government's peace initiative.

The Washington Post reports that the Pakistani Government is on the verge of launching a major military offensive in the North Waziristan. The Washington Post noted that recent brutal TTP attacks and the apparent failure of peace talks with the militants forced Pakistan to opt for the operation. "It could be any day," a senior Pakistani official told the newspaper, adding that the plans had been shared with senior US officials.

Two persons, including the administrator of a seminary Qari Ali Hassan and his son were shot dead outside a seminary located at Abul Hassan Isphahani Road in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Two unidentified people were killed when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on a car in Hussainabad area of Malir Town.

A Shia scholar, identified as Allama Taqi Hadi Naqvi, was shot dead in an incident of target killing near board office located in North Nazimabad Town.

An unidentified man was killed and another injured when militants opened fire on a vehicle near Gharibabad Underpass in Malir Town.

Police arrested three accused during an operation in Garden area of Saddar Town. Police also recovered arms and hashish from their possession.

Police arrested 20 suspects during targeted operation in Saeedabad, Gulshan-e-Ghazi and Ittehad Town areas of Baldia Town.

An Afghan Government official, identified as Sardar Mohammad, was shot dead on Roghani Road area of Chamant town in Qilla Abdullah District. According to sources, Mohammad was an important official and was considered a close associate of Afghan commander Abdul Raziq Khan, the in-charge of Spin Buldak District, the first Afghan District after zero point at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Unidentified armed assailants barged into the house one Kahir Mohammad in Etihad Colony of Quetta and killed his son Abdul Zahir.

Unidentified militants killed a man, identified as Ghulam Nabi, in Mastung District.

At least three militants were killed and three others were injured in an exchange of fire between security officials and militants in Shalobar area of Khyber Agency of FATA.

Several suspected militants were feared dead on morning when helicopter gunships attacked their hideouts in the mountainous area of Zarkani Luni and adjoining areas in FR Dera Ismail Khan bordering South Waziristan Agency. However, there was no formal confirmation of the shelling from the administration.

Three BLA militants were arrested from the Rojhan sub-District of Rajanpur District. It was reported that the militants admitted to being involved in February 16, 2014 Khushal Khan Khattak Express blast in Jacobabad District of Sindh. Six kilogrammes of explosive material were also recovered from their possession.

The PTI, which has been staging sit-ins to block the NATO supply to Afghanistan in protest against covert US drone strikes in the country, announced an end to its campaign. The decision of the PTI came after a local court ruled on February 25, 2013 that no private individual has a right to block or check vehicles on roads. "Given PTI's commitment to rule of law and respect for the senior judiciary, the Party will end its blockade of NATO supplies," said a statement issued by the party.

"The Core Committee felt that the pressure of the blockade had already resulted in a shift in the Obama Administration's drone policy and as a result drones had been stopped for the present," it added.

Pakistan expressed the hope that Afghanistan, as per international understanding and bilateral understanding, would not allow any terrorists fleeing from tribal areas to take refuge on its territory. Foreign Office Spokesperson, Tasnim Aslam said military action against terrorists is in progress on this side and Pakistan expects the Afghan Government and those managing security in Afghanistan to fulfil their responsibility in this regard.

About terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan, he said, "We have raised our concern with the countries concerned and hope they would take it seriously." The spokesperson said Pakistan has repeatedly emphasised the need for better border management.

Federal Minister for Interior, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that if the peace dialogue with the TTP fails the Government will use other options to establish durable peace. Nisar said that the Government was in contact with some militant groups, as talks with the main TTP faction remained stalled.

Three officials of the FIA presented evidence in an ATC of financial transactions done by LeT operative Younus Anjum, one of the seven suspects charged with planning and financing the Mumbai (Maharashtra) November 26, 2008 (26/11) attacks. Anjum was arrested in Lahore District of Punjab in 2009.

Two senior workers of the MQM, identified as Khalid Matin (45), and Hamid Ayub (55), were shot dead when they walked out of a mosque after offering Friday prayers at Gol Market in North Nazimabad Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. A beggar, identified as Abdul Aziz, was also injured in the incident.

In a sectarian attack, a salesman, identified as Manzar Ahmed (55), working at a sanitary shop was killed while another salesman Imran was wounded within the limits of Rizvia Police Station in Petal Wali Gali in Liaquatabad Town. SHO Hassan Haider said that the victims were attacked on sectarian grounds.

Unidentified militants blew up an 18-inch diameter gas pipeline in Abdal Raheem Bajarani village in Kandhkot city of Kashmore District, suspending gas supply to Karachi and other cities of Sindh.

Police claimed to have arrested three gangsters and recovered arms from their possession during an operation in SITE Town.

Nine persons, including six Policemen and one ASI Muhammad Anwar Ali, were injured when an unidentified militant hurled a hand grenade at their van in Sanawan area of Kot Addu area in Muzaffargarh District.

According to the details given by DPO Ghazi Salahuddin, a Police team from the Chobara Police Station in Layyah District had come to the rural area of Kot Addu to arrest a kidnapper Qayyum. He along with his accomplice was arrested and was being taken by the Police in their van when it came under attack.

The relatives of Balochistan's missing persons, led by Abdul Qadeer Baloch (72) under the banner of VBMP, reached the end of their protest march from Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan to Islamabad. Qadeer started his long march with some families of missing persons from Quetta on October 27, 2013. He is to present a petition to UN officials in Islamabad and meet foreign diplomats to raise awareness of their cause.

Promising minimum possible collateral damage, the Government said that surgical airstrikes against hideouts of militants will continue in FATA. No military operation was going on in FATA and only targeted action was being carried out.

About 20,000 people, mostly women and children, have been displaced during the Army operation against the TTP in North Waziristan Agency of FATA and the United Nations is ready to help them. UN Secretary General's Spokesman Martin Nesriky told reporters at a briefing.

12 Security Force personals (Khyber Khasadar Force), who were providing security to a polio team, were killed in two separate blasts in the Lashora area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. A child was also killed in the firing by the militants after the blasts.

Three FC personnel were killed and six others wounded in a remotely controlled IED blast along RCD Highway in Sorab area of Kalat District.

Officials said that they had rescued 11 kidnapped foreigners including eight Iranians, two Tunisians and one Yemeni national from Turbat District. Iranian security officials confirmed that their kidnapped border guards were among those recovered. They had been abducted on February 5, 2013 from Sistan-Balochistan border.

At least 10 militants were killed during an exchange of fire in Darinjan and Rustam Bazar areas of Sui tehsil in Dera Bugti District. FC Spokesman Khan Wasay said "Forces quickly responded and 10 militants were killed on the spot." He said that the forces also recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition from their possession.

Unidentified militant blew up an 18-inch Sui gas pipeline in Dera Murad Jamali area of Naseerabad District, disrupting gas supply to Quetta and various other areas of the province.

In response to the militant attack on a polio team in the Lashora area of Jamrud tehsil in FATA which left at least 13 persons dead on March 1, Security Forces launched an assault on March 2-morning on militant hideouts in Kalanga and surrounding areas of Bara tehsil and killed five militants. Security sources confirmed that gunship helicopters struck the Ayubi Markaz of Mullah Tamanchey involved in the attack on polio workers.

At least two people were killed and two others were injured in an incident of firing between two rival Lyari gangsters in Ali Muhammad area of Lyari Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Markets and business outlets were also reportedly closed. As soon as the Rangers personnel reached the area, the assailants hurled grenades on the forces. The Rangers arrested three injured criminals after retaliating to their firing.

An unidentified man was shot dead in Maripur area of Kiamari Town.

Another unidentified dead body of a man was found from Maripur.

An unidentified dead body of a man was found from Khuda Ki Basti in Surjani Town area of Gadap Town.

Police claimed to have arrested three gangsters and recovered arms from their possession during an operation in SITE Town.

ATC in Shikarpur District convicted six suspects of murdering Geo News reporter Wali Khan Babar on January 13, 2011, and handed out death sentences to two and life imprisonment to four others. Faisal Mehmood, Mohammed Ali Rizvi, Mohammad Shahrukh Khan, Syed Tahir Naveed Shah were sentenced to life imprisonment. Mohammed Shakeel was acquitted. Two of the accused were sentenced to death in absentia as they were never caught.

ATC in Shikarpur District convicted six suspects of murdering Geo News reporter Wali Khan Babar on January 13, 2011, and handed out death sentences to two and life imprisonment to four others. Faisal Mehmood, Mohammed Ali Rizvi, Mohammad Shahrukh Khan, Syed Tahir Naveed Shah were sentenced to life imprisonment. Mohammed Shakeel was acquitted. Two of the accused were sentenced to death in absentia as they were never caught.

The TTP announced a month-long 'unconditional' ceasefire, a move that would help resumption of suspended peace dialogue. "Following a positive response from the Government, an appeal from religious scholars, in honour of the representative committee and in the greater interest of Islam and Pakistan, we have decided not to carry out any activities for one month," TTP 'central spokesman' Shahidullah Shahid said in a statement.

Federal Government announced to suspend airstrikes in the tribal areas that have left more than 100 terrorists dead so far. The Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan said Government considered TTP's announcement of ceasefire as a positive development.

Hafiz Gul Bahadur, a militant leader of Gul Bahadur Faction based in NWA, distanced himself from peace talks. His 'spokesman' Ahmadullah Ahmadi said in a statement that the peace agreement signed in 2006 by the Government and local TTP was still intact, although its certain clauses had been violated. The deal was renewed in 2008.

At least 11 people, including Additional District and Sessions Judge Rafaqat Awan, a woman lawyer, and a Policeman, were killed and 25 others were injured when militants attacked the courthouse complex in Islamabad. According to details, the militants sprayed bullets at everyone, hurled hand grenades and later exploded their suicide vests. TTP 'spokesman' Shahidullah Shahid while distancing itself from the attack said, "We have already declared a ceasefire and we strictly adhere to our deal with the Government. Our colleagues in the organisation also cannot violate this agreement". He further suggested that some Mujahideen groups or agencies could be involved in the terrorist activity.

The 'spokesman' of Ahrar-ul-Hind (AH), a splinter group of TTP, Asad Mansoor claiming responsibility for the attack alleged that judicial system in the country was 'un-Islamic' and that they would continue their 'struggle' till enforcement of Sharia'h law. He further said, "We we are an independent group and have no links with TTP. We were a part of TTP earlier but now we operate independently".+

Two SF personnel were killed and seven others were injured when a remote-controlled IED targeted a SFs' vehicle at Sadukhel area of Landi Kotal tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. According to sources, a convoy of FC personnel was travelling from Landi Kotal tehsil to Jamrud.

The members of eight tribes from Orakzai Agency held a Grand Jirga to welcome the announcement of a ceasefire from the TTP. They demanded the TTP should also include tribal elders in its negotiation committee. The jirga was led by tribal elder Malik Hafiz Habib Noor, Malik Jan and Malik Muhammad Rahman.

The HRCP expressed concern over Government's refusal to allow right activists and media personnel to visit Totak area where human bodies were found in unconventional graves. "Concerns and apprehensions of human rights organisations and civil society have increased after the discovery of mass graves in Totak and denial to these institutions to visit Totak and quake-hit areas of Awaran," the meeting of the HRCP Presided over by its Balochistan Chapter Chairman Tahir Hussain Khan observed.

The VBMP long march participants reached the UN country office in Islamabad to present a memorandum. VBMP leader Mama Qadeer Baloch said they now planned to return home after presenting their plea to UN. "... This is our last resort," he said, adding, "Where are these missing people? We fail to believe the Government. We have failed to get answers from them. The positive response from the UN gave us hope."

The senior officials briefed Parliamentary party leaders about the law and order situation and said 39 militant outfits were operating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while 20 other groups functioning in the garb of TTP were involved in extortion, kidnapping for ransom and other criminal activities. IGP Nasir Durrani and Home and Tribal Affairs Secretary Akhtar Ali Shah briefed political leadership about the Provincial Government's counter terrorism strategy.

The US Principal Deputy Special Representative on Afghanistan and Pakistan Beth Jones said that however Pakistan chooses to deal with the issue of militancy - through negotiations or the use of force - it remains an 'internal' issue and the United States is primarily concerned with curbing the menace of terrorism in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. Jones, who is also her country's ambassador to Pakistan, said Washington is 'supportive of the Pakistani Government's efforts in counter-terrorism'. When asked how Washington views the dialogue with the TTP, Jones said the US 'does not take sides'. Jones said, "We are very much in support of counter-terrorism."

Two persons were killed when unidentified gunmen attacked four vehicles carrying NATO supplies for Afghanistan in the Jamrud area of Khyber Agency in FATA. "The four containers were on their way to Afghanistan when four gunmen riding two motorbikes opened fire at them in Jamrud, killing two helpers and wounding one driver and one helper," a senior local administration official, Jehangir Azam Wazir, said.

Balochistan Union of Journalists staged protest demonstration against the killing of Ibrar Tanoli, a photographer of Reuters, and demanded of the Government to nominate a judge for heading the Judicial Commission to probe into the murder of more than 30 newsmen in the Province.

An explosion occurred on a railway track near Maachi Goth area in Rahim Yar Khan District. However, no casualties were reported.

Police released sketches of two accused involved in the March 3, 2014 attack on the Court Complex in F-8 area of Islamabad. According to the details given by the Police, both the attackers, who are 18 to 22 years of age, had beard. One attacker had curly hair while another was wearing a cap, Police said.

A terror alert was issued in Rawalpindi District on March 4 after intelligence report warned that there was a possibility of a massive attack in the city within 48 hours. The sources said that the Intelligence Agencies have warned Law Enforcement Agencies against potential terrorist strikes in Rawalpindi in the next 48 hours. They further said that intelligence reports have stated that a terrorist group is expected to launch a massive terrorist attack at Rawalpindi within two days. It is feared that groups linked to defunct organisations have devised a plan to carry out terror strikes in parts of Rawalpindi after Islamabad.

Police arrested a suspected target killer, identified as Roshan alias Bengali, from Ibrahim Hyderi area of Bin Qasim Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to Police, the suspect has political links. The Sukhan Police Station DSP said the suspect has confessed to five instances of target killing and about 20 extortion and robbery cases.

Police authorities admitted that no clue has been found so far in the high-profile murder case of Perween Rehman and no arrests had been made in the murder cases of the Orangi Pilot Project Director and PTI Sindh Chapter Vice President Zahra Shahid Hussain. Perween Rehman was killed in Qasba Colony area of SITE Town on March 13, 2013, while Zahra Hussain was shot dead in Defence area of Saddar Town on May 18, 2013.

PM Nawaz Sharif said that a durable and permanent peace was the top priority of the Government for which all-out efforts would be continued. The PM stated this while talking to members of the Government's negotiating committee, which called on him at the PM's House. The meeting was attended by Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Affairs Irfan Siddiqui, Major (retd) Mohammad Amir, Rustum Shah Mohmand and Rahimullah Yusufzai. Earlier, a meeting of the Government negotiating committee was held. The committee reviewed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan's ceasefire announcement and attacks in Khyber Agency and Islamabad.

The TTP invited Government peace negotiators to visit the Waziristan Agency for a 'direct sitting' with them, a TTP member said. A member of the Government's four-member negotiating team also confirmed the invitation, saying the trip would materialise if 'progress' was made in talks with the TTP intermediaries. "We've formally invited the government negotiators and will welcome them whenever they want to meet us," a TTP member said.

Six FC soldiers were killed and eight others sustained injuries when an IED detonated through a remote control targeted a SF's convoy near Warmagal area in Hangu District of KP. Military sources confirmed that a SFs' convoy was travelling from Hangu to Kurram Agency in FATA when it was targeted near Warmagal area. The sources said the vehicle was also damaged in the attack.

A Policeman was killed by firing of unknown motorcyclists in Yakatoot area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP.

A person was killed in a grenade attack in Prang area of Charsadda town (Charsadda District). Police said the victim was collecting sand when a grenade concealed in a pile of sand went off and killed him.

District West and Central DIG Javed Odho revealed that the two suspected target killers who were killed in an encounter with the Police on March 3, 2014, were also involved in the attacks on the office of Express Media Group. "The cross-matching of ballistics reports has confirmed the two suspects were involved in the first two attacks on Express Media group last year," he said. The suspects were identified as members of SMP, an outfit believed to be involved in over 300 target killings. DIG Odho said that Police investigators had confirmed that the suspects were involved in 17 target killing cases and the majority of their targets had been Policemen.

Two bullet riddle dead bodies in gunny sacks were recovered from the Shah Kas area in Jamrud tehsil.

Two Sui gas pipelines were blown up, suspending gas supply to the plant from the wells, in Loti and Pirkoh area of Dera Bugti District.

During a discussion jointly organised by SDP) and IHI in Islamabad, the participants of the long march from Balochistan made the demand for the recovery of missing persons, expressing disappointment over the response of the Government and the Courts.

Mama Qadeer Baloch, who started the long march under the VBMP banner from Quetta on October 27, 2013 and reached Islamabad on February 28, 2014, revealed that they were being threatened to end their campaign. However, they have decided to continue their journey. The march also included people from Karachi and Hyderabad Districts of Sindh Province in search of their missing relatives.

Special Court lawyers representing former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf in the high-treason case claimed that they have been threatened with beheading and have called for a new venue for the trial. Musharraf's counsel Ahmed Raza Kasuri while presenting the threatening letter, allegedly sent by the TTP, to the Special Court, said that the defence team feared for its safety and wanted the trial to be shifted to another location. "We cannot go ahead with this case in these conditions," he said, before reading out aloud from the letter.

The two-page handwritten letter, addressed to lawyers Kasuri, Sharifuddin Pirzada and Anwar Mansoor Khan, read: "Dear Sirs, we request that the three of you stop representing Musharraf otherwise we will destroy your children and behead all of you." It accused Musharraf of handing over hundreds of Muslims to the United States, "earning billions of dollars and becoming the richest person in the world". "You should stop representing him or be prepared for war…He is an infidel, hypocrite, and… he must be hanged," the letter added. The letter was signed by the 'people of South and North Waziristan' but its authenticity could not be verified.

The Government and TTP negotiators resumed peace talks and said they were ready to move to a decisive "second phase" even as a militant attack killed six military personnel in Hangu District of KP. A joint statement read out after the meeting in Akora Khattak, 50 kilometers east of Peshawar that the talks had entered a "crucial stage". Lead Government negotiator Irfan Siddiqui told they had made "satisfactory" progress. "We are now launching the second phase of the dialogue after completion of the first one, which focused on mutual consultations," he said. "The second phase will be of decision-making and we have to make important and far-reaching decisions."

The Chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council, Hafiz Mohammad Tahir Ashrafi, asked the TTP leadership to identify the renegade groups. Ashrafi said the suggestion would help Government differentiate between those who want to negotiate and those who didn't. "The simple policy should be to talk with those who want to hold talks and go for operation against those who do not want to talk with the government," Hafiz Ashrafi said.

The leader of Opposition, Khursheed Shah while addressing the National Assembly said that it was dangerous to include a serving Army official in the peace negotiations. He stated that the inclusion of such an official in the peace talks will have serious consequences if the negotiations failed. The Government was considering reconstituting its four-member negotiating committee in a bid to make the nascent peace process more 'effective and result-oriented'.

The 'Chief' of the PAC, Uzair Jan Baloch reached Europe to take up Lyari issues during his meetings with different delegations. Uzair is worried about the current state of Lyari and wants to go back to his people, said Habib Jan, the convenor of Friends of Lyari International, after he met Uzair. "I advised him not to go to Pakistan now," Habib added. Habib had managed to escape Pakistan during the launch of the April 2012 operation in Lyari. Uzair fled the country in July 2013 soon after the court issued arrest warrants against him for being involved in the murder of Lyari gangster Arshad Pappu.

Habib was reluctant to share whether or not Uzair was in London. "We met outside of London," he said, denying that Uzair was living with him. Habib explained that Uzair was in Europe to meet human rights organisations in different countries, adding that the issue in Lyari was very critical. "We are going to decide very soon the future of the Pakistan People's Party in Lyari," he said. "We will ask Javed Nagori, Sania Baloch and Shah Jahan Baloch to resign as the voters are not satisfied with their representatives. Lyari is burning again," he said. A close aide of Uzair, back in Pakistan, said, "Uzair will be in London soon and is in a comfortable position now". "It is better for him to be in a safer country. I hope Habib and Uzair will do something for the people of Lyari."

An ASI, identified as Naseer Ahmed, was shot dead in a targeted attack at Nushki bazaar in Nushki District.

An unidentified man was shot dead in firing incident in Haji Camp area of Lyari Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Three people were injured when unidentified assailants hurled hand grenade near Lyari General Hospital area in Lyari Town.

The Rangers arrested five suspected militants during operations in Atta-u-Rehman Goth area of Landhi.

The death toll in the terrorist attack on an Islamabad District court on March 3 rose after a survivor died from his injuries, bringing the death toll to 12. Chaudhry Maqsood Ahmed (50) was among 29 injured victims died at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences.

Kurram Agency Political Agent, Riaz Khan Mehsud and three other officers sustained injuries when their vehicle was hit by an IED near Torghar in Thall area of Hangu District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Hangu District Police Officer Iftikhar Khan said that the condition of the political agent and other officers is out of danger and they are stable. Police said Mehsud, Alizai Assistant Political Agent Akbar Khan and Tehsildar Fazal Qadar and Naeem Khan were coming from Parachinar to Hangu when their vehicle was targeted.

Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan revealed that Additional Sessions Judge Rafaqat Ahmed Awan, who was believed to be killed by terrorists in the gun-and-suicide attack at the Islamabad District Courts premises on March 3, 2014, was accidentally hit by the bullets of his own guard. The guard himself confessed to the incident and witnesses also recorded their statement.

Talking about the Government's counterterrorism strategy, the Interior Minister said that specialised counterterrorism equipment worth USD 12 million is being imported from China. Similarly‚ 65 vehicles to defuse IEDs are being imported and 1,600 security cameras are also being installed in Islamabad.

Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan announced that direct peace negotiations would be held with TTP to make the process result-oriented. He said the Government's target is to start direct negotiations from next week. He said a new Government negotiating team is being constituted which will also have one representative of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government, as the province has been bearing the brunt of terrorism. The Minister said the Committee would contact the other side to make parameters of the dialogue absolutely clear so as to remove the misconception that the talks are taking place at the expense of the constitution or from a weaker position.

The Interior Minister said that the desired objectives were achieved through precision strikes and the Government position would continue to be the same in case any terrorism activity by the militants. He told the House that the Government has asked the TTP to condemn the Islamabad attack and help identify the perpetrators. Nisar said that majority of the militant groups have supported negotiations as the only way to maintain peace in the country. He said Parliament would be taken into confidence as and when a positive development takes place with regards to the talks with the TTP.

Al Qaeda continues to operate from FATA, Commander of the USCentral Command General Lloyd J. Austin said on March 6 in his testimony before House Armed Services Committee while adding that the long-lasting tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir are a threat to regional stability. "Long-standing tensions between Pakistan and India also threaten regional stability as both states have substantial military forces arrayed along their borders and the disputed Kashmir LoC," General Austin said.

He said that the US faced a host of challenges in Pakistan that have long hindered the efforts of the Pakistan Government to fight terrorism and America's ability to provide needed assistance. "Central to Pakistan's struggles is its poor economy and burgeoning 'youth bulge'. Given these conditions, radicalism is on the rise in settled areas and threatens increased militant activity and insurgency in parts of Pakistan where the sway of the state traditionally has been the strongest," he said, adding, "At the same time, terrorist attacks and ethno-sectarian violence threaten the Government's tenuous control over some areas. Further compounding these internal challenges are Pakistan's strained relationships with its neighbours".

Pakistan said that while it would facilitate reconciliatory talks in Afghanistan, it clarified that it was playing no role behind the scenes. The Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam Khan said that the reconciliation process has to be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. "We will give whatever assistance Afghanistan requests us for and whatever we can possibly do," he said.

She pointed out that Pakistan was not involved behind the scenes. "Behind the scene, we are not involved," she clarified. Asked about securing the Western border with Afghanistan about the post-2014 scenario, the spokesperson said it is not clear what will happen beyond 2014 but Pakistan hoped to see reconciliation efforts that would stabilise the country. "Whether there will be a draw down or complete withdrawal. Elections are going to take place, hopefully peaceful elections," she said.

She further added, "We do not want to see and it is our hope as well there will be no civil war in Afghanistan which would have very serious impact on Pakistan. We are in contact with the Afghan authorities as well for better management of our border. Our Secretary Interior was in Afghanistan and he had very useful discussions and both are working on initiatives that would ensure that our border is managed and monitored better."

Four persons, two of them brothers, were shot dead in Lyari area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh, in the night. Kalakot Police said Rizwan alias Sunni was gunned down in Gul Mohammed Lane. Later, a body stuffed in a gunny bag was found in Sarbazi Mohalla. The deceased was identified as Waqas Baloch, brother of Rizwan. A Police official said there were reports that Rizwan had 'sympathies' with the Uzair Baloch group. Subsequently, gunmen resorted to heavy firing on Mirza Adam Khan Road, leaving two people dead and injuring two others, including a passerby Policeman, Imran Beg.

The BDS prevented a terrorist attack by defusing a two kilogramme bomb planted alongside the road in Orangi Town.

The Model Town Police of Lahore and personnel of an intelligence agency arrested a terrorist from a house near Soay Aasil and seized explosives from his custody. Police raided a house in cooperation with the officials of intelligence and arrested the alleged terrorist, Sarfraz. Police seized six bags of detonators, 10 rolls of detonator wire and seven bags of TNT.

The Supreme Court directed the Balochistan Government to submit a reply with explanation about prosecution and trial of arrested FC officials in a civil or a military court. The two-member bench comprising Justice Amir Hani Muslim and Justice Athar Saeed resumed hearing of the case about law and order situation in the province and mass graves found in Khuzdar Disrict. During the course of proceedings, the court was informed that Shahid Hamid, the counsel for the Balochistan Government, could not appear because of illness.

A full-scale military operation against the TTP in the tribal areas near the Afghanistan border can be launched as early as this month in case of violation of ceasefire by the militants, Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif said. The Minister told "It will not take months now. We'll have to march in the month of March. If there is a ceasefire, it has to be complete. Without that, we just can't afford to have talks with the Taliban. We won't just take this lying down." "If we are attacked, the state is attacked, civilians are attacked, military personnel are attacked, we will retaliate. We will retaliate in kind", he added.

Asif said that dialogue would be held only with the factions of the TTP who wanted peace in the country. He said the Government would hold consultation with all political parties and stakeholders before taking any "hard step" against the elements disturbing the peace process.

The joint opposition in the Senate accused the Federal Minister of Interior for defending the TTP and calling them 'not anti-state' elements. The matter became intensive when PPP's Raza Rabbani pointed out that the autopsy report of the judge martyred in Islamabad court massacre had indicated the bullets entering and exiting his body were either of a Kalashnikov or SMG Ironically, the guard had a pistol in his hands, he said. He said the statement of Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan that the judge was hit by bullets of his guard came when the joint investigation team was busy in probing the incident.

The Army nullified the talk of its involvement in peace talks with militants as its top brass reportedly observed that holding the dialogue was a Government initiative. The 170th corps commanders' conference took place as the Government prepared for the second stage of the dialogue with militants in which it is planning to open a direct channel with the TTP from next week. The conference took a comprehensive review of the prevalent internal and external security situation of the country and weighed options in the peace talks with the TTP. Media had speculated that the Government wanted Army representation in the team that would negotiate with leaders of TTP.

A total of 1,710 people have been killed in sectarian strife across the country since 2008, the Federal Interior Ministry said in a written reply to a question in the Senate. The figures covering all provinces and collated year-wise from 2008 to February 15, 2014 seem to be missing a number of high profile killings, according to opposition members in the upper house. Pakistan People's Party's Senator, Sughra Imam, who had filed the question and other members from opposition benches protested against what they called 'misleading and incomplete' reply.

According to government's figures, Balochistan remained the worst hit province with 675 sectarian killings, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 431, Sindh 204, Punjab 146 and FATA with 194 sectarian killings recorded during the mentioned period. Around 100 people became victims of sectarian violence in Gilgit-Baltistan while five in the national capital territory Islamabad.

Unidentified militants opened fire near Vita Chowrangi and shot dead two unidentified people and injured two others in Korangi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Police and Rangers conducted targeted operations in several areas of the city during which police claimed to have arrested 66 suspects whereas Rangers officials claimed the arrest of 15 suspects. A large number of weapons and ammunition was recovered from their possession.

More than PKR15 million were looted from 10 banks across the city during three months of 2014. According to a data available from police sources, four bank robberies were reported in January, three in February and three in first nine days of March. On January 7, armed men looted PKR 1.8 million from a bank in Awami Colony, Korangi and killed two guards on resistance. A bank heist was reported on February 20, 2014, in North Karachi. The armed men looted PKR 350,000 from that bank. March proved to be a more fruitful month for the looters as three banks were looted within a span of nine days in the month. The first incident was reported within the limits of Garden Police Station where PKR 1.5 million was looted in a day light bank heist.

Two people, including a local leader of the BNP, who was also the chief of the trader's community, Attaullah Muhammadzai, and his bodyguard, were shot dead on Chakar Khan Road in Khuzdar District.

An unidentified man was shot dead on in Fatima Jinnah Road in Quetta.

A seven year old girl was killed and two others were injured in a landmine blast in Koh area of Dera Bugti District.

Unidentified militants blew up a bridge on National Highway near Mach area of Bolan District, cutting off the land-link between Punjab and Balochistan.

Provincial Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti said that Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch is in contact with some of the 'angry Baloch leaders' for initiating a process of dialogue to resolve issues faced by the Province. He said that the Federal Government and Balochistan Assembly had empowered the Chief Minister to approach Baloch insurgent leaders and work out a process of dialogue for reconciliation. He said the Chief Minister had contacted some of the leaders and was trying to bring them to the negotiating table.

Worried over perceived threat posed by the national security policy to seminaries, the secretary general of Wifaq-ul-Madaris Al-Arabia, Maulana Hanif Jalandhari, has said no compromise will be made over the independence of madrassas. He announced that rallies would be organised across the country to protect the independence of madrassas and spread awareness about the syllabus being taught there. Maulana Jalandhari said that the syllabus met the requirements of modern age and had nothing to do with extremism and terrorism. Announcing the schedule of the rallies, he said the first public meeting would be held in Multan on March 20, the second in Karachi on March 23, the third in Quetta on March 25 and the fourth in Peshawar on March 27. These would be followed by rallies in Muzaffarabad and Gilgit whose dates would be announced later. "The final public gathering will be held in Islamabad on April 24.

The Federal Government is quietly pushing for peace deals with individual militant groups after some members of its peace committee have concluded that reaching an 'all inclusive agreement' with the TTP may not be possible. At least two members of the committee, who wished not to be named, told The Express Tribune that they expect the Government to reach an understanding only with parts of the TTP.

Five people were found dead in the Brohi Mohalla area of Mawach Goth area in Baldia Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The victims were relatives of a suspected gangster, Lala Orangi-wala, one of the main characters of a gang led by Noor Mohammed alias Baba Ladla, said City SSP Faisal Bashir Memon. They were allegedly killed by the Sheraz Comrade Group, which was supposed to be a rival gang of the Ladla group, he added. The SSP said that so far they had not found any criminal record of the victims. The complainant Munir told the Police that his brothers, Ismail and Shoaib, as well as their maternal uncle, Taj Mohammed, were boxers who played for different Government and non-governmental organisations in the city. The Police investigators linked the five killings with the ongoing gang warfare in Lyari.

Lyari, which is the hub of footballers in the country, is losing of its athletes to the Government’s inability to control the unrest. “We are losing our best sportsmen to violence,” complained Ali Akbar Shah, a national boxer, adding, “The Government should have to play its role to safeguard the country’s future.”

With the increase in weapons and crime in Karachi, the concerned citizens took to the streets, demanding de-weaponisation and the depoliticising of the Police. The protest was organised by the Citizens Trust against Crime (CTAC) in which members of varying segments of society, including retired army officials, members of human rights organisations, politicians and students urged action against the deteriorating law and order situation.

Daily Times in its six months report on crime in Karachi stated that despite the claims of arresting over 17,000 criminals during six months in the ongoing targeted operations of paramilitary force, security agencies were unable to stop the proportional increase in terrorism, where some 928 people were killed during September 5, 2013 to March 4, 2014. In a recent issued crime statistics, law enforcement agencies in last couple of months conducted 1,002 raids excluding 848 encounters held, whereas, the security agencies claimed to arrest 17,743 criminals while killed 135 in encounters. Police conducted 11,002 raids in various localities of the city.

Head Constable, identified as Manzoor Ahmed, was shot dead on Sariab Road in Quetta (Quetta District). SP Imran Qureshi said that unidentified militants opened fire at the vehicle of head constable Manzoor Ahmed on Sariab Road, killing him on the spot. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Information Secretary of the ASWJ Rawalpindi Chapter, Mohammad Sohail Muavia, was killed and two of his companions, identified as Ammanullah and Nasir, were injured when unidentified militants opened fire at the car of Mufti Tanveer, Rawalpindi President of ASWJ, near Zia mosque in Sharkial area of Islamabad.

A woman, identified as Palwasha Khan, and claiming to be the mother of a suicide bomber who blew himself up during the attack on Islamabad District Court on March 3, 2014, revealed on March 10 that her son Fidaullah went missing on January 9, 2014, and was involved in the attack. A report was also lodged with the Iqbal Town Police Station in Lahore District about Fidaullah’s disappearance. She further revealed that the mastermind of the court attack owned a restaurant. 

A three-day anti-polio drive started across the FATA except in North and South Waziristan Agencies and parts of adjoining FR Bannu due to a TTP ban. The drive targets about 713,051 children below five years of age. Meanwhile, in Mohmand Agency, the campaign will begin on March 11, while it was deferred till March 17 in Khyber Agency due to an ongoing Army action against militants there.  Secretary social sector FATA Captain (retired) Sardar Mohammad Abbas inaugurated the campaign by administering oral polio vaccine to children at the FATA Secretariat.

According to a press release, the vaccinators will not visit the areas where militants had banned drops due to threats. A total of 2,324 mobile, 245 fixed and 72 transit teams comprising volunteers and vaccinators would administer drops to targeted children in the tribal areas under strict security arrangements, said the press release. FATA recorded 24 polio cases of the nationwide 27 cases in 2014. Of them, 21 are from North Waziristan and one from South Waziristan while three children are from whole of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In 2013, FATA accounted for 67 polio cases of the total 93 recorded in Pakistan. North Waziristan again recorded the highest number of 36 cases followed by Khyber with 20 and South Waziristan one, as children couldn’t be vaccinated due to a ban slapped by TTP in June 2012.

TTP and al Qaeda terrorists have planned an assassination attempt on former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf, the Interior Ministry said in a letter sent to the Home Secretary Punjab, the Islamabad Police Chief, the Chief Commissioner and other officials. In the letter, the Interior Ministry warns that terrorists affiliated with the TTP and al Qaeda have planned to target Pervez Musharraf in the near future. According to the letter, the ministry warns that the attackers have planned to assassinate Musharraf inside or outside the Court.

The Special Court formed to conduct treason trial against Musharraf is likely to indict him on March 11. Musharraf’s lawyer Ahmed Raza Kasuri said that his client will not appear before the Court. However, prosecution said that a request would be moved for issuance of non-bailable arrest warrants against the accused if he didn’t appear before the Court.

The two member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk gave the Federal Government time until March 14, 2014, to present suspected HM militant Tasif Ali and adjourned the hearing of the case to the said date. The bench heard the case relating to the disappearance of Tasif, believed to be a HM activist who went missing on November 23, 2012. AAG Shah Khawar said the accused was present in the ‘operational’ area.

The Supreme Court bench had taken up the case on the application of Abida Malik, wife of Tasif Ali alias Danish. Her application had accused a serving Military Intelligence officer, Major Ali Ahsan, earlier known as Major Haider, for allegedly being behind the enforced disappearance of her husband whose immediate production before the court has been sought.

Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said on March 10 that no Army representative will be included in the new committee for talks with the TTP. He, however, added that the armed force backed the panel, which he said would be announced within two to three days. He said that the committee will consist of three or four bureaucrats to hold direct talks with the TTP. The minister clarified that the Army at no stage had expressed concerns over the talk committee or negotiation process. “Army’s behaviour has always been positive,” he said and added that Maulana Samiul Haq’s committee will move forward the process.

A MQM activist, identified as Itrat Hussain Rizvi, succumbed to his injuries after he was shot at by unidentified armed assailants at a video shop in North Karachi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. He was injured on March 9, 2014, and was a member of MQM Unit 173.

Unidentified armed assailants killed one person, identified as Manir (30) on March 11 in Lasbela Colony of Baldia Town.

A man, identified as Nisar Ahmed (30), was shot dead by unidentified militants in Rehri Goth area of Landhi Town.

Two alleged gangsters associated with the Shakeel Badhshah group of the Uzair Baloch gang, identified as Saddam and Faisal Baloch, were killed in a joint raid by the Police and Rangers in Lyari Town.

A gangster, identified as Nasir Baloch, allegedly involved in the abduction and murder of three Lyari boxers and two of their family members on March 10, 2014, was killed in an alleged encounter with the Police.

Another gangster, identified as Nazeer, was killed during a Police raid at Ali Mohammad Mohalla of Lyari Town. Though Police officials believe Sheraz Comrade to be the mastermind behind the killings, they have no evidence to link him directly to the incident as he has not been seen in the area for the last six months. “Two of the nominated suspects have been killed so far by Police in separate encounters while the remaining will be killed or arrested soon,” said DSP Sohail Afzal.

At least eight suspects were arrested during targeted raids conducted by Rangers.

Two persons, including one FC soldier, were killed as a result of firing by unknown motorcyclists within the limit of the Hoyad Police Station in Janikhel area of Bannu District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to Police, the two persons, who were brothers, sustained severe injuries when they were fired. The victims were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in a critical condition where they succumbed to their injuries.

Two Policemen escorting a polio vaccination team for security, were shot dead in Garo Ahmed area of Dera Ismail Khan District. The two cops were returning to their homes after performing their duties when they were targeted by unknown assailants in Garo Ahmed area, killing the two on the spot.

Two people were killed and three others were injured when unidentified militants opened fire in Pedrak area of Turbat District.

The Army assured the Government its full support on the talks with the TTP. This assurance was held out in a meeting that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chaired to review national security. According to sources, the dialogue process with the TTP was discussed during the meeting. The military leadership provided assurance that the decisions of the government would be implemented. The meeting was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and ISI Director General Lieutenant General Zaheerul Islam. Earlier, the Prime Minister held a one-on-one meeting with the Army Chief General Raheel Sharif and Nisar Ali Khan briefed the prime minister during the meeting.  

TTP’s Mohmand Agency chapter 'chief' Umar Khalid Khurasani vowed to abide by the ceasefire negotiated between the Government and TTP despite the outfit’s claim of killing 23 FC soldiers. Peace talks had reached a deadlock after the killing of the soldiers. In a written statement to the media, Khurasani said the outfit did not have any plan to attack former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf or anyone else for that instance. He also said the militant outfit was obeying ceasefire as negotiated by the central leadership of the TTP. He said security and intelligence agencies were misguiding people. “We abide by ceasefire and have no plan to attack Musharraf or anyone else,” said Khurasani.

At least 19 civilians, including 10 women and four children, were killed and more than 50 others were injured in gang war clashes among rival gangsters, Uzair Baloch, Ghaffar Zikri and Baba Ladla in Gahribshah locality of Lyari Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Violence triggered after the March 10, 2014, killing of five relatives of Baba Ladla. However, violence continued on March 12 after the killing of a brother of Ghaffar Zikri, the head honcho of another powerful gang allied with the Baba Ladla group, in an alleged encounter with the law enforcers. According to details, the two gangs suspected that their rival, Uzair Baloch, the head of the PAC, was behind these killings.

Gangsters from Baba Ladla and Ghaffar Zikri groups, armed with RPGs and automatic weapons, decided to avenge the deaths of their cadres, said the insiders. “They mounted the attack after reaching the Rangiwara locality, the stronghold of Baba Ladla group, on Gahribshah, the bastion of the Uzair Baloch group,” said one of the insiders. “However, stiff resistance checked their march and the two sides rained bullets and rockets on each other from a distance.” Most of the casualties were caused when shoppers in the busy Jhatpat Market, which serves as a buffer between Rangiwara and Gahribshah, were caught up in the cross-fire. “Jhatpat Market is a Line of Control between the two gangs,” said another insider. “Innocent shoppers and traders in Jhatpat Market had fell victim to the gang war,” he added.

The Rangers claimed to have killed at least nine suspects and arrested 56 others in Lyari after the clash. According to sources the suspects killed by Rangers were affiliated with Baba Ladla group.

Sindh Chief Minister, Qaim Ali Shah during a meeting with members of KCCI and Karachi SITE Association said that the Sindh Government was successfully heading towards strengthening the Sindh Police with latest weapons, vehicles and equipments and controlling the crime rate in Karachi. He said during the target operation Karachi Police killed 180 harden criminals in encounters. Shah said the Sindh government was working on the plan to strengthen the Sindh Police more and it was engaged in negotiations with the companies in America and other European countries to get the explosive/metal detecting latest equipment in addition to 100 APC vehicles more than 500 Police mobile and other deterrence for Sindh Police.

Unidentified assailants shot dead four people, including three militants, in Miranshah Bazaar of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. “Several gunmen opened fire on a vehicle in Miranshah Bazaar, killing four people,” a senior security official said. He said the gunmen also fired rockets at the vehicle, adding “those killed in the attack included three militants and a passerby”.

Balochistan FC arrested nine suspects and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including four sub machine guns, two MMGs, 10 hand grenades, 10 magazines and a large number of rounds, during a raid at Kirani Road area in Quetta.

Islamabad Police claimed to have arrested three Afghan nationals who were residing illegally in Islamabad. Police recovered parts of stolen bikes and weapons from their possession, a Police Spokesman said.  Following orders from senior officials of the Islamabad Police, patrolling and security measures have been enhanced in the city.

The three-member Special Court bench, headed by Justice Faisal Arab of the Sindh High Court, that is trying former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf for high treason, summoned the head of the Intelligence Agency that reportedly informed the Interior Ministry about the possibility of an attack on him. The bench remarked that Justice Arab had witnessed some documents which stated that not only the accused but the courtroom and the lawyers were also under threat of an attack. He said that some documents were presented to him in which the Interior Ministry was the complainant.

Justice Arab said that the courtroom, prosecution head and the defence counsel were also threatened. Tariq Hassan, a member of the prosecution team said that the TTP has denied a plan to attack Musharraf and said it has not threatened him. The court directed the intelligence agency’s head to appear before the court on the next hearing and adjourned the proceedings till March 13, 2014.

The KP Government informed the Supreme Court that any Afghan Taliban incursion into Pakistani territory from the Afghan Province of Nuristan to force the Kalash in Chitral District to convert to Islam was almost impossible because the Pakistan Army was regularly patrolling the border. In reply to a suo motu notice taken by the Supreme Court on February 20, 2014, KP Advocate General Abdul Latif Yousafzai submitted a two-page report explaining that the army and other Law Enforcement Agencies were regularly keeping a strict vigil through 16 check posts from Arandu to Lutkoh areas. They were ready to counter any attempt by the Taliban, the report said. Moreover, the border with Nuristan is inaccessible and presently snowbound.

The Malakand Commissioner visited Chitral District on February 21, 2014, and held a meeting with the Kalash community in Bumburet Valley, the report said, adding that the threat issued by the Taliban was nothing new. The video clip issuing warning to the Kalash to convert to Islam, which was cited by the local and international media, had not been circulated among the people of Chitral, the report claimed.  It said the administration and the army had taken steps to beef up security in the area.

Funding will not be an issue if the Government decides to go for a military operation because terrorism has to be eradicated from the country, regardless of the cost, says Finance Minister, Ishaq Dar. “Funding is no issue to get this nation, this country and the people out of this menace but we want to give peace a last chance. We cannot tolerate this (terrorism) to continue,” he said. He said all institutions of the state, military or civilian agreed with the Prime Minister that they would have to work hard to cope with the security challenge and to solve economic and energy problems. He said the Government had not yet taken a decision about a military operation in Waziristan because it wanted to give peace process a chance before opting for an operation, the cost of which would depend on its extent and scope.

The Government announced its four-member reconstituted committee for holding negotiations with the TTP. According to official sources the committee’s members are: Ports and Shipping Secretary Habibullah Khattak, who will head the committee, while the other three members are FATA Additional Secretary Arbab Arif, Rustam Shah Mohmand and Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister Fawwad Hassan Fawwad. The sources further said that the Government committee will hold direct talks with the TTP and it will also visit North Waziristan Agency for this purpose. The newly formed committee will resume the negotiations process in the next few days. 

TTP negotiating committee met Federal Minister of Interior, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and discussed progress in the peace talks and the future strategy. Chaudhry Nisar said the Government was seriously pursuing the dialogue process with the TTP and it had already taken a decision to set up a new committee for the purpose. He said the Government would welcome those militants who desired peace, but action would be taken against those who wanted to sabotage the peace process.

In a meeting between Maulana Samiul Haq and Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, it was decided that TTP committee, during its visit, will pave way for a visit by the newly formed Government panel to hold formal talks with the militants. Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that the Government will provide helicopter to the TTP committee.

The Government and the Army both saw the TTP as an existential threat to their State and were committed to dealing with it, the commander of US and international forces in Afghanistan informed Congress. General Joseph Dunford also told the Senate Armed Services Committee that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was committed to talks with the TTP but it’s not clear if conditions were right for a constructive engagement with the TTP.

At a hearing on the current situation in Afghanistan, General Dunford said the US military could wait till August for a bilateral security agreement with Kabul after which it would start preparing for a withdrawal from that country, if a pact was not signed. During the hearing, Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen asked the general to explain how the situation in Pakistan could affect what happens in Afghanistan. “I find it difficult to envision success in the region without cooperation of Pakistan and without an effective relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan,” General Dunford said.

“I believe that Pakistan also recognises the existential threat of extremism to their own security, and they also recognise that it’s not in their best interest to have anything other than a stable, secure and unified Afghanistan.” He noted that since August, Pakistani and Afghan rulers had met four times, indicating that Prime Minister Sharif had “come to a new resolve” to improve the relationship with the neighbouring country. This cooperation focused on two areas: to have a common definition of extremism and cooperate on dealing with it and to come up with a broader border management framework that would address the political, economic and security issues between the two countries, he added.

No Pakistani civilians were killed by US drones in 2013, said UN Investigator Ben Emmerson while presenting his latest report on drone strikes to the UNHRC in Geneva. “I am pleased to be able to report a very significant de-escalation in the use of armed drones by the United States in… Pakistan,” said Ben. The total number of recorded strikes in 2013 was down to 27 from a peak of 128 in 2010, he said, adding, “But perhaps most significantly, for the first time in nine years there were no reports of civilian casualties during 2013 in the FATA area of Pakistan,” he added.

Last May, US President Barack Obama raised the bar for launching attacks. But despite the change of tack in Pakistan, Emmerson said that the picture in Afghanistan and Yemen was “much bleaker”. Citing a report by the UN Mission in Afghanistan, he said that there was a threefold increase in drone-related civilian casualties between 2012 and 2013. A total of 45 Afghan civilians died in drone strikes in 2013, he said, adding, “And the picture in Yemen remains cause for serious concern. The frequency of armed drone strikes appears to have intensified, particularly during the closing months of 2013, with a sharp escalation in the number of reported civilian casualties,” Emmerson informed.

Two gangsters affiliated with Baba Ladla group, identified as Asif Niazi and Imran Niazi, were killed in an exchange of fire with the Rangers in Lyari Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The Police said that Asif Niazi was brother-in-law of Baba Ladla and was booked for his involvement in a grenade attack in Jhat Pat Market on March 12, 2014.

Sindh Chief Minister, Qaim Ali Shah directed the heads of Sindh Police and Rangers to prepare a comprehensive contingency plan for conducting a specific surgical operation with full force to root out gangsters from Lyari. He said that any delay in this action would cause a negative impact on the achievements made during the ongoing targeted operation in Karachi. “Enough is enough! The government will not tolerate killing of innocent people,” the Chief Minister said.

Five people, including four children and a woman, were wounded in a bomb blast outside their house at Ghandi village near Jamrud town in Khyber Agency of FATA.

The ISI confirmed the seriousness of the threats that former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf’s lawyers claim he is facing. A representative of the ISI said that it had intercepted a phone call on the night of March 12, 2014, which confirmed that Musharraf was susceptible to attack. They cautioned that there was a clear and present danger from militants who were looking to target Musharraf’s convoy somewhere along the route between the AFIC and the court’s premises. According to sources, “an official informed the judges about phone calls, reports and technical analysis which revealed that al Qaeda is planning to target Musharraf”.

A three-member bench of the Special Court headed by Justice Faisal Arab upheld its order to produce Musharraf before the court so that the Court can indict him in the high treason case for abrogating the Constitution while issuing proclamation of emergency on November 3, 2007, reports The News. Justice Fisal Arab ruled that the order pertaining to production of the accused on March 14, 2014 remained intact.

A member of Musharraf’s legal team Chaudhry Faisal Hussain said, “We fail to understand why the court is in hurry to indict our client, even after security agencies have admitted that he is facing a serious security threat from within and outside”.

Adviser to Prime Minister on National Affairs, Irfan Siddiqui said that the talks had entered a crucial stage and the-two member Taliban talks committee would give a report about its talks with the Taliban leadership after its return from Miranshah in North Waziristan Agency of FATA within two days. He said that after the report from the Taliban committee, a decision would be taken on how to take forward the talks process. Irfan Siddiqui said after the report it would be clear whether the Taliban would hold direct or indirect talks. The Taliban would make some demands and some demands would come from the Government, he explained.

Before arriving in Miranshah, the TTP negotiating committee met Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali on March 12, 2014, to discuss the future strategy for peace talks. Irfan Siddiqui said the first stage of establishing contact with the Taliban had been completed despite various hurdles.

US Marine Corps and current Commander of the ISAF and U.S. Forces Afghanistan (USFOR-A), Major General Joseph Dunford said that allied and Afghan forces are putting a greater focus on the Haqqani Network, which has threatened to disrupt Afghanistan’s Presidential elections scheduled for April 2014. He said that the effort includes a move by the US to "crank up the heat" on the group’s financing and freedom of movement.

Dunford said that Haqqani militants have been more active in the past few months. The US has repeatedly pressed Pakistani authorities to move more aggressively against the militants, who are based in North Waziristan Agency of FATA and routinely conduct attacks against US and coalition troops.

At least 11 persons were killed and 45 others injured in a suicide attack targeting Police in Sarband area of Peshawar (Peshawar Disrict), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. DSP-city Banaras Khan said the blast appeared to have targeted Police mobile van and was carried out by a suicide bomber. Superintendent of Police Faisal Kamran said that due to the sensitive nature of the area, which is situated on the border of the tribal areas, Police personnel were using APC to conduct routine patrolling when they were targeted by the suicide bomber who was on foot. According to Shafqat Malik, AIG of the BDS, at least eight kilograms of explosives were used in the blast. According to Reuters, TTP splinter group Ahrar- ul-Hind (AH) claimed responsibility for the attack. “We claim both Peshawar and Quetta attacks," said its 'chief' Umar Qasmi. “We don't abide by these talks and will continue to stage attacks", he added.

The TTP negotiators said that the TTP leadership was ready to hold direct talks with the Government and condemned the terrorist incidents in Quetta (Balochistan) and Peshawar calling them a conspiracy being hatched to derail the peace process. “The TTP strongly condemns the Peshawar and Quetta blasts,” said TTP ‘central spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid. “We have no connection to these attacks because we are observing a ceasefire.”

At least 10 persons, including nine civilians and one SF, were killed and 35 others were injured in a bomb explosion targeting FC vehicle at Science College Chowk area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. A Police Official, who requested anonymity, said that target of the blast was FC vehicle that narrowly escaped the attack. 

TTP distanced itself from the attack. However, its splinter group Ahrar-ul-Hind (AH) claimed responsibility for the attack. “We claim both Peshawar and Quetta attacks,” AH ‘chief’ Umar Qasmi said, adding, “We don't abide by these talks and will continue to stage attacks.”

A part of the 16-inch diameter pipeline was blown up in Pir Koh gas field area of Dera Bugti District, suspending supply to the purification plant. BLA claimed responsibility for the blast.

An unidentified man was killed when armed assailants opened fire at Yusuf Goth in Saeedabad area of Baldia Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An unidentified dead body was found from Garden area of Saddar Town.

Unidentified dead body was found at Rheri Goth area in Landhi Town.

One person was injured when unidentified assailants opened fire at Shah Faisal Colony of Shah Faisal Town.

An unidentified man was injured when militants opened fire in Sohrab Goth area of Gadap Town.

Five suspects, including a Lyari gangster, identified as Saddam Shahikh, were arrested from Bukhari Muhalla area of Thatta District. According to SSP Haseeb Baig, they were all wanted for committing crimes in Karachi.

Rangers personnel produced a suspect, identified as Abdul Razzaq, before an ATC-III Judge amid tight security. The paramilitary force had information about his alleged involvement in target killing, extortion and other criminal activities. According to Rangers, Razzaq belonged to a political party and was arrested during a raid from Garden area of Saddar Town.

A Special Court hearing the treason case against former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf ordered him to appear in person on March 31, 2014 or face arrest. “It is further directed that the (arrest) warrant would be executed early in the morning of March 31, if the accused refuses to appear before this court on his own volition,” the three member panel headed by Justice Faisal Arab said. The Court was due to indict Musharraf on March 14, 2014 over his 2007 imposition of emergency rule, but Musharraf’s lawyers said he was unable to appear because of the threats to his life.

‘Missing’ suspected HM militant Tasif Ali has now been traced. AAG Shah Khawar told a three-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk, “I am directed to refer the pending adjudication in the Supreme Court and to submit that Tasif Ali was apprehended on March 5, 2014, and has been interned at Internment Centre, Lakki Marwat, under Action (in Aid of Civil Powers) Regulations 2011.” The letter was written by legal director of the defence ministry and addressed to the AAG.

The custody of Tasif Ali alias Danish was not being acknowledged by any of the Intelligence Agencies. The court ordered the authorities concerned to make arrangements for a meeting between Ali, his wife Abida Malik and father-in-law within a week. The case will be taken up again on March 20, 2014. “Now that his whereabouts have been traced, we will pursue his case in the relevant court of law,” retired Colonel Inam-ur-Rahiem, the counsel for Abida Malik said.  He also wondered how a man of Kashmiri origin arrested in Rawalpindi District of Punjab could be detained in an internment centre in Lakki Marwat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 

Ali went missing on November 23, 2012, and was allegedly picked up by Major Ahsan, who was then Captain and posted at the MI-918, Mangla Cantonment in Punjab Province. The matter was reported to the Sadiqabad Police Station on December 5, 2012, and later was heard by the Lahore High Court on March 19, 2013.

While chairing a high-level meeting to review the law and order situation in Karachi, provincial capital of Sindh, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that the operation in Karachi will continue and that he would himself monitor it. “Karachi operation will continue. The sacrifices rendered by our security agencies are invaluable. Karachi operation is not a routine issue for the government and I will regularly monitor and supervise operation and will help the provincial government in resolving their issues,” the Prime Minister said. He directed that the ban on recruitment in the Civil Armed Forces be lifted. On the recommendation of Rangers Director General, Prime Minister Nawaz directed that in order to ensure merit and transparency, army recruitment centres be engaged to facilitate recruitment in Police. “Recruitment should be purely on merit, without any favouritism,” he said.

He directed the Sindh Government to expedite the establishment of isolated high security prisons in Sindh for internment of terrorists. The meeting agreed in principle that additional Police Stations would be established in Lyari Town of Karachi. The Prime Minister directed the Interior Ministry to expedite the blocking of illegal mobile phone SIMs and use of biometrics system for issuance of SIMs in the future. He also asked the Sindh Government and Rangers to take action against land mafia, which is illegal occupation of state lands. He said Police and Rangers should use new anti-terrorism laws to combat terrorism, extortion and land-grabbing.

Prime Minister’s Advisor on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said that the US had not stopped drone attacks in tribal areas as part of any reconciliation between the two countries. He said that the US had not stopped the drone attacks as a facility for Pakistan to hold talks with TTP. He said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during his visit to US had told President Barack Obama about ineffectiveness of drone attacks. “Although the US has not announced formally to stop drone attacks and it will not do so, it seems Barrack Obama has understood Pakistan views on use of unmanned aircraft”, he added.

The US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher called on the Government to stop Pakistan’s aid as “Islamabad is not a US ally”. In his address at the US House of Representatives, the Congressman said that Pakistan’s aid should immediately be stopped as the US funds were used against Washington or its friends in Afghanistan. Reacting to Secretary of State John Kerry’s appeal for financial aid for Islamabad, Rohrabacher dubbed Pakistan’s war against militants as bogus and a ploy to receive US dollars. He was quoted by US media as saying that behaviour of Pakistan’s military establishment had not been friendly with regard to US interests.

Uighur militants hiding in Pakistan are gearing up for retribution against China to avenge the deaths of their comrades in Beijing’s crackdown on a separatist movement. In an interview to Reuters, Abdullah Mansour, leader of the rebel Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP), said it was his holy duty to fight the Chinese. “The fight against China is our Islamic responsibility and we have to fulfil it,” he said from an undisclosed location. “China is not only our enemy, but it is the enemy of all Muslims … We have plans for many attacks in China,” he said, adding. “We have a message to China that East Turkestan people and other Muslims have woken up. They cannot suppress us and Islam any more. Muslims will take revenge.”

According to Afghan Taliban sources, there are reports of about 250 Uighur militants in Afghanistan’s Nuristan and Kunar Provinces. “They live here with us but are always concerned about their people and mission in China. They are nice people, good Muslims and the best fighters,” a senior Taliban ‘commander’ said. He added that Uighur militants were not fond of guns and resorted mostly to knives and daggers. “The Chinese militants in the tribal areas are mostly clerics and fighters. They have their families here and are mostly focused on Afghanistan,” said one TTP 'commander'.

Karachi ATC-III extended remand of an accused, identified as Shahid Bikik, to Police custody till 18 March 2014 for his involvement in a bomb attack case on former President Asif Ali Zardari’s security guard on July 10, 2013. Police had arrested Bikik from on February 11, 2014.

SFs arrested two suspected militant ‘commanders’ on Grand Trunk Road in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. The arrested militants belong to a Khyber Agency (FATA) terror outfit.

March 16

The Federal Interior Ministry approved a new security plan for Islamabad, giving Rangers the responsibility for providing additional security. The plan, which calls for the Rangers and Police to conduct joint patrols, should be visible by April 15, 2014 said Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan. Nisar ordered various reforms to implement the strategy, such as recruiting retired army veterans to join the Police and giving Police better training.

March 17

A Policeman and his father were shot dead by unidentified assailants at Gara Mehraban in the limits of Chodwan Police Station in Dera Ismail Khan District of KP. Sources said that Constable Delawar Gandapur along with his father Rehmatullah Gandapur was on his way home on his bike when unidentified assailants opened fire on them in Gara Mehrban.

Two unidentified dead bodies bearing torture marks were recovered from two different locations in the Pir Koh area of Dera Bugti District. According to Levies personnel, the victims had been subjected to torture before being killed.

An ATC Judge, Justice Tariq Anwer Kasi, issued arrest warrants for former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf’s guarantors, Mumtaz Hussain and Nazeer Ahmed, during the hearing of the August 26, 2006, murder case of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti. However, Musharraf, the prime accused, remained absent during the hearing. “Prime accused Musharraf had never appeared before the court,” court observed while issuing the arrest warrants. The hearing was adjourned till April 7, 2014.

The TTP asked the Government to earmark a “free peace zone” where militant leaders could come without any fear for holding peace talks with the Government committee. Talking to BBC Urdu in Akora Khattak, head of TTP negotiators’ committee Maulana Samiul Haq said FCB and other law-enforcement agencies had set up checkposts in many areas, leaving the TTP unable to move about freely.

TTP negotiating committee member Professor Muhammad Ibrahim said that the TTP’s list of 300 women and children prisoners has been given to Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan. He cautioned that the release of women and child prisoners can be the biggest issue in the dialogue process. He said the TTP have provided a 300-person list of women and children of TTP members who are assumed to be in the custody of law enforcement agencies. Prof Ibrahim said that most of these women and children belong to the tribal areas and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The spokesman of the TTP, Shahidullah Shahid, said that the Security Forces had established hundreds of secret detention cells in FATA, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He said that they had handed over a list of their non-combatant prisoners to the TTP negotiation committee. Shahidullah Shahid said that confirming the names in the list was the responsibility of the government. He said that the TTP would give another list with more names of the detainees once progress was made in the peace talks.

Shahidullah Shahid said that Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was unaware of the persons held in detention by security agencies. He said that if the Defence Minister was unaware about the location of detention centres in the country, then how he could be informed about the number of people being held at such facilities. Khawaja Asif earlier on March 16 had rejected a major demand of the TTP — release of non-combatants – saying there were no women and children in the custody of Security Forces.

The Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah called on the TTP to provide evidence of incarceration of women and children. Sanaullah says if there are any prisoners they will be released, and that this issue will not be allowed to become the reason for a deadlock in the talks.

KP CM Pervez Khattak announced a raise in the salaries of the provincial Police. The CM said he is proud of provincial police, as hundreds of Policemen have sacrificed their lives for the security of the people, and they remain steadfast. He announced incentives and measures for improvement in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police. The CM affirmed that recruitments in the Police department would be done on merit. He said that all the Police system will be computerised. CM Khattak said that to make patrolling and vigilance better, PKR 50 million have released for the purchase of sniffer dogs. He stressed upon making model Police stations and asked Policemen to serve the masses well.

The Washington Post report said that with the war in Afghanistan winding down the US may dispose USD 7 billion in military equipment by handing it over to Pakistan. According to WP, the potential move could be, "part of an effort by the Pentagon to unload excess military supplies to US allies at no cost". Pentagon leaders have said it would potentially cost more than USD100, 000 per vehicle to ship MRAP vehicles back to the US. The report said that discussions on this issue have been taking place over several months between American and Pakistani officials.

One motive for this potential transaction is that the US does not want to pay to ship out leftover military hardware from the conflict in neighboring Afghanistan. The Washington Post report states that although a final decision on this issue has not been taken, Pakistan has particular interest in acquiring the US Army’s MRAP vehicles. The MRAP vehicles could be used by Pakistan's military in its fight against TTP militants within its tribal areas bordering Afghanistan. The Washington Post report describes the MRAP as, "the backbone of the US military’s vehicle fleet in Afghanistan...designed to protect American troops from explosive devices".

March 18

11 villagers who were abducted earlier on March 15 from Mashokhel village, on the outskirt of Peshawar, were released by the captors following the intervention of a local jirga (tribal council of elders). Nasir Khan, the Khyber Agency assistant political agent, confirmed the tribesmen’s release. “They have been handed over to the jirga,” he said.

Bajaur Levies Force defused an IED planted along a road in Kharyan area of Nawagai tehsil in Bajaur Agency. The officials said that the personnel of the BDS rushed to the site after receiving information from the locals, and the bomb was safely defused.

The Balochistan Government extended special powers granted to the FC for another two months. According to an announcement by the Provincial Home Secretary Syed Asadur Rehman Gilani, the paramilitary force will continue to exercise police powers for two more months to maintain law and order in the province. The FC was first given the powers to carry out raids and detain and interrogate suspects in January 2012 after the provincial coalition Government led by Nawab Aslam Raisani was sent home and Governor rule was imposed in Balochistan on the demand of Hazara Shia community.

The Registrar Office of the Islamabad High Court returned the petition of former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf that he had filed before the court, seeking his trial in high treason case under Army Act. The registrar office held that since the Special Court, seized with his high treason trial, has rejected the identical petition for transferring the high treason case to the military court therefore being the appellate forum such petition could only be filed in the Supreme Court.  The three member bench of the Special Court headed by Justice Faisal Arab of Sindh High Court had rejected the plea for transferring the high treason case to the military court on February 21, 2014. In its ruling, the Special Court said: “the offences under the High Treason (Punishment) Act, 1973 are exclusively triable by the Special Court established under the Criminal Law Amendment (Special Court) Act, 1976 as its Section 3 (2) ousts the jurisdiction of all other courts.”

The Supreme Court gave the deadline until March 19 to the Federal and KP Governments for the recovery of missing persons, failing which notices will be issued to the Prime Minister, KP Governor and Chief Minister for the recovery of 35 missing persons. A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja, heard the case of 35 missing persons of the Malakand Interment Centre. During the hearing, the court observed that 34 hearings had been conducted in the case but the authorities concerned had made no progress. Attorney General Salman Butt sought an adjournment in the case, saying that they would show some progress in the matter. Meanwhile, the court adjourned the hearing till today. The Attorney General informed the court the Government had constituted a one-man commission, headed by Justice (retired) Mian Muhammad Ajmal, to trace out the missing persons. He appraised the court that the inquiry would be completed within a month, while funds would be provided to the families of missing persons.

Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that the political and military leadership has held a detailed discussion on the Internal Security Policy. The Minister said the leadership was informed about the dialogue with the TTP and the participants expressed their confidence in the process. He said that the political and military leadership are on the same page on issues of national security. He added that the Internal Security Policy would be implemented according to the set timelines. Nisar said the leadership focused on issues of capacity building of Security Forces and increasing coordination among 26 intelligence agencies working in the country. A joint intelligence directorate would be set up to coordinate activities of the intelligence agencies, he added. The minister said the objective of all the efforts was to make Pakistan secure.

PM Nawaz Sharif has directed immediate establishment of a National Intelligence Directorate (NID) under the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) to pool national and provincial intelligence resources. The PM also approved establishment of a Rapid Response Force at the Federal and Provincial levels, having highly trained and skilled manpower. Sharif also directed fast-track establishment of high security prisons in all provinces. He directed the provinces to utilise the options available in the Protection of Pakistan Ordinance, saying this law had made electronic evidence admissible, allowed video link trial with provision for transfer of trials and prisoners to other provinces, and preventive detention of enemy aliens.

Nawaz Sharif asked the TTP to deal with the militant groups opposing the Federal Government’s peace dialogue with them.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervaiz Rashid said the Government committee will contact the agencies concerned about the list of prisoners given by the TTP and then a reply would come up about their fate. He said the committee would collect information on the list of prisoners handed over by the TTP and then the TTP and the media would be informed about the response. To another query about the possibility of action against the TTP in the Punjab, Rashid said this issue was being confronted by the entire Pakistan and not a particular province.

Head of the TTP dialogue committee Maulana Samiul Haq said the Army is with us for the success of talks and the TTP have not yet put up their demands. He said both TTP and Government committees are in contact to mark out a “peace zone” for the sake of continuation of talks. “Both committees are likely to reach an agreement on a peaceful location for continuation of talks,” Haq said. He added both committees are likely to meet in the next 48 hours to discuss certain things.

He expressed concern over statement of Defence Minister Khawaja Asif that no women and children are in custody of the country’s armed forces, as claimed by TTP. Haq urged both sides to avoid such statements which may vitiate conducive atmosphere for talks. He said there is no formal announcement from the Government to reject any demand of TTP. “We are hearing a lot through media that TTP demands have been rejected but it’s not true,” he said. Asked should military operation be carried out against militants if talks fail, he strongly opposed the option of military operation and said it should never be launched and efforts should be made to revive the dialogue.

March 19

At least six persons were killed in the morning when a mortar shell exploded in a house in the Shawal tehsil of the North Waziristan Agency in FATA. The dead in the incident included four women, a man and a child.

A NATO container was destroyed in rocket attack by unidentified militants in Shagai area of the Khyber Agency in FATA. No casualties were reported in the incident.

Three mutilated dead bodies which were recovered 20 days ago from Nooriabad area near Super Highway that lies between Karachi and Hyderabad Districts were identified as that of the workers of the MQM. The victims who were abducted from different parts of Karachi were identified as Yawar Abbas, Shamshad Haider and Farooq. According to details, Abbas was kidnapped from PIB Colony in Gulshan Town in November 2013, followed by Shamshad, and Farooq who went missing since January 2014.

Senior MQM leader Farooq Sattar said that the Government must fulfil its responsibility of recovering missing workers of the party. He said that the writ of the state and Government was not visible in Karachi. The senior MQM leader mentioned the recovery of three MQM workers' mutilated dead bodies from Nooriabad and Hyderabad.

An ATC-III ordered to release a suspect, Shahid Bikik, for his involvement in a bomb attack case on former President Asif Ali Zardari’s security guard Bilal Sheikh and three others on July 10, 2013. The Police produced the suspect in court and also submitted a report that the suspect may be released under Section 169 (release of accused when evidence deficient) of the CrPC as no evidence was found against him. In addition, the JIT report also declared him clear which forced the Police to file report under section 169 of the CrPC, said the court sources.

An IED planted by unidentified assailants killed a man and injured two others in Gul Bacha Mohala near Sirki gate in Shah Qabool area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A bomb was neutralised outside Express News Peshawar Bureau Chief Jamshed Baghwan’s house in Murshidabad area of Peshawar, in the night. Bhagwan had travelled out of the city and when returned home around 11 pm he found a suspicious bag placed outside his house. Bhagwan called Police and BDS. Police said that the device weighed around two kilogram and it had been placed just outside the main gate of the house in ghee tin.

A cement factory van was blown up in a remote controlled bomb attack and a Police mobile passing nearby was also damaged in Nowshera town of same District. No casualties were reported in the incident.

The Federal Government decided to register a case against Army officials allegedly involved in the illegal removal of 35 undeclared inmates from an internment centre in Malakand Agency of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. When a three-judge bench headed by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja resumed the hearing, AGP Salman Aslam Butt came to the rostrum and said that he wanted to make one submission. “It was the KP Government’s responsibility to lodge an FIR – but since it hasn’t done that, the Federal Government has decided to register the FIR today (March 19) in view of the Supreme Court’s judgment,” AGP Butt submitted. “This is a significant development. Now, there will be no immunity for anyone,” Justice Khawaja said in his remarks.

On November 26, 2013, the Malakand jail superintendent had submitted before the Supreme Court that army authorities, through Naib Subedar Amanullah Baig, had taken away 35 internees on February 4, 2012.

The Government and TTP shortlisted two venues for face-to-face talks. The possible venues for the maiden meeting between Government negotiators and the TTP include the little-known Shaktu area in South Waziristan Agency and FR Bannu. But given the TTP’s reservations over the Government-suggested venue, the first meeting is likely to take place in the Shaktu area, said a source privy to the development. The venues were shortlisted during a meeting of the Government’s reconfigured negotiating committee chaired by Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, who also consulted the TTP’s chief intermediary Maulana Samiul Haq.

The KP Government launched a project to provide digital arms licences to overcome the use of fake licences. KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak inaugurated the project at the Home and Tribal Affairs Department in Peshawar (provincial capital of KP). Speaking on the occasion, Mr Khattak expressed the hope that the computerised arms licences would help check corruption and use of fake licences. “Now the people instead of waiting for months will receive arms’ licences in a few days, while sale and purchase of both arms and cartridges will also be simplified and legalised,” he said. 

According to The New York Times, ISI Chief Lieutenant General Ahmed Shuja Pasha knew where the slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was hiding. The Newspaper states that a Pakistani official stated that US had direct evidence about the ISI Chief knowing Bin Laden’s presence in Abbottabad at the time. “He knew of Osama’s whereabouts, yes,” the official said. According to an inside source of the paper, there was a special desk for the Bin Laden case at the ISI. The desk worked independently and was led by an officer who did not report to any higher authorities.

The New York Times also reported that the Pakistan Government was providing a haven to the Taliban. Further, it alleged that former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf was involved in the conspiracy to remove former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto from power.

Slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden claimed responsibility for masterminding September 11, 2001 (also known as 9/11) attacks on the night of the incident, his son-in-law Suleiman Abu Ghaith (48) said as he testified at his federal trial in New York city on terror charges. Abu Ghaith, who married bin Laden's daughter Fatima, recounted a meeting with Laden in an Afghanistan cave complex on the night of September 11, 2001. “Did you learn what happened? We are the ones who did it,” Bin Laden declared, according to Abu Ghaith.

Abu Ghaith also denied trying to recruit people for al Qaeda, as prosecutors have alleged. “There is no one recruiting, but Osama Bin Laden. My intention was not recruiting anyone,” he said. And, asked by his lawyer if he ever wanted to kill Americans, he responded “No.” “My intention was to deliver a message I believed in,” he said.

Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan while meeting United Kingdom High Commissioner to Afghanistan Richard Stagg said that the international community should come up with an integrated and coherent policy regarding Afghanistan in the post-2014 scenario. The Minister added that the situation in Afghanistan is complex and calls for thorough debate among members of the international community. Nisar said Afghanistan will be undergoing massive transformation during 2014, adding that the solutions to the problems being faced by the country must come from within. He reiterated that Pakistan is maintaining a non-partisan policy in regional matters.

March 20

A former SHO Anwar Jaffri was killed and his driver was injured, in an incident of firing in Korangi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A Policeman, identified as Mehboob, was killed and another Policeman Farooq was injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at them at the signal stop in Orangi Town.

A man, identified as Mushtaq, was killed in firing by unidentified armed assailants in Korangi Town.

An unidentified dead body of a man was found from bushes in Jam Goth area of Malir Town.

Two persons, identified as Saqib and Adnan, were injured in an alleged retaliatory firing by Rangers in SITE Town. According to Rangers official, both the men opened fire on Rangers personnel first. DG Rangers formed a committee to probe the incident. The committee will submit a report by March 21, 2014. A Rangers Spokesman said that those personnel who were involved in the shooting would remain in detention until completion of the inquiry.

Five robbers looted a bank in Federal B area near Gul Plaza in Gulberg Town. According to Police, robbers entered Habib Bank Limited, Gul Plaza branch after its closing time. They looted PKR eight million and decamped with booty to unknown destination after swift operation. DIG West, Javed Alam Odho said that security guards were involved in the robbery.

A Lahore High Court division bench headed by Justice Shahid Hameed Dar granted bail to Malik Ishaq, the leader of LeJ, in two cases where he is accused of delivering provocative speeches. The division bench granted the bail subject to furnishing two bail bonds of PKR 200,000 each. Ishaq’s counsel said such FIRs were registered on applications of aggrieved parties, but in this case the Police registered FIRs on its own to victimise him over his religious views. He said Ishaq was detained in April 2013 under the Maintenance of Public Order and arrested in June under these FIRs. He asked the court to grant him bail.

Investigation Police Officer said that they had lodged two cases against Ishaq, who was accused on August 8, 2012 and February 2, 2013 for making provocative speeches at public gatherings. He added the petitioner had tried to spread hatred and to create unrest in the area.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered federal authorities to appoint permanent IGP Sindh within 24 hours. Three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Tassaduq Hussain Jilani showed grave concern over non-appointment of permanent IGP Sindh and said that they were shocked that Province had no permanent IGP since February 20, 2014. The bench directed secretary establishment division to appoint a regular IG in Province and issue notification in this regard within 24 hours.

The DG Rangers Sindh Major General Rizwan Akhtar on March 18 said that the power granted to the Rangers was a mere ‘piece of paper’. He said that the power of the paramilitary force, granted after a suo moto notice of the Supreme Court on August 24, 2011 does not hold any significance due to lack of proper proceedings, the criminals held in raids by the force are handed over to the Police who later let them go. He further said that Lyari was not the only area rife with criminal elements, adding that Karachi has various areas where the law and order situation resembled that of Lyari.

Tassaduq Hussain Jilani said that he was shocked that DG Rangers Sindh had complained that he had limited powers. He said that DG Rangers statement gave an impression that Law Enforcement Agencies were not on same page. Major Ishfaq, Law Officer of the Rangers told the court that Rangers had no power of investigation. He said that it was proposed to set up five stations in each District of Karachi for investigating the criminals but neither station was set up nor they were provided with investigation powers. He added that during the past six month, 517 people arrested by the Rangers were released by local courts. The bench directed DG Rangers to submit a report within 3 days, highlighting their reservations regarding their limited powers. 

An appellate forum under the FCR directed the Political Agent of Khyber Agency in FATA to prepare a case against Shakil Afridi over his involvement in anti-state activities in collusion with CIA, for further proceedings before the competent court. The direction has been issued in the detailed verdict on the appeal of Shakil against his conviction for involvement in anti-state activities by supporting the Bara-based LI. The details of the verdict given by the FCR Commissioner, who upheld Shakil’s conviction by an APA over links with a proscribed organisation in Bara, Khyber Agency, were released on March 20.

“(The) Political Agent Khyber (Agency) is directed to further adduce the evidence in consultation with the concerned Intelligence Agencies and prepare a case against the appellant, both under Federal and Provincial laws, for further proceedings in the competent court of law,” Commissioner Captain (retired) Munir Azam wrote in the verdict.

Earlier on March 15, Munir Azam announced his decision to reduce Afridi’s sentence by 10 years. “The tribunal has reduced the 33 year imprisonment to 23 years and also reduced the fine of PKR 320,000 to PKR 220,000” defence lawyer Samiullah Afridi said. However, Samiullah said that he would appeal against the decision as he wanted to have a new trial, as stipulated by the authorities in August 2013. “We will appeal against this decision, because it is unjust,” Samiullah said.

Political parties of Balochistan demanded of the Federal Government to include the name of the abducted ANP leader Arabab Zahir Kasi in exchange of prisoners' list with the TTP. They urged upon Islamabad to help the Provincial Government in an unhurt recovery of Kasi. “Arbab Zahir Kasi has been shifted to a region where Balochistan Government has no writ,” Nawab Sanaullah Zehri, the PML-N Provincial President said. He hinted that abductors might have shifted the ANP leader to Waziristan area bordering Afghanistan after kidnapping him from Quetta. “We have also formed a committee, which will seek TTP's help to release Arbab Kasi,” said Zehri.  Kasi was abducted on October 23, 2013, from Patel Road area of Quetta. His family has received telephone calls of kidnappers demanding heavy ransom for his release.

The CM of Balochistan Malik Baloch announced the formation of a STF to arrest culprits involved in the murder of journalists in the Province. Over 30 journalists were killed in the Province during the last seven years, according to the Balochistan Union of Journalists. “I order the formation of a task force to bring the killers of journalists to the book,” the Chief Minister assured the protesting journalists outside the Assembly. However, the President of Balochistan Union of Journalists Irfan Saeed said “Despite repeated assurances, the killers of journalists are still at large”.

The Balochistan Assembly, chaired by the Deputy Speaker Mir Qaddus Bizenjo, adopted four resolutions with its members discussing issues like job quota for locals in private companies. Of these, a joint resolution seeking allocation of 70 per cent job quota for local youths in private industrial units and other companies was tabled by Sardar Saleh Muhammad Bhootani. The quota would serve to ease the unemployment crisis in the Province, said the resolution. 

The venue for face-to-face talks between the Government and the TTP will be finalised within the next 24 hours, the coordinator of the TTP intermediary committee Maulana Yousaf Shah said. “The [Government and TTP] committees have achieved their goal of persuading the sides to meet at a jointly-agreed venue, which will be announced within the next 24 hours,” he said. Shah also said the TTP was still awaiting a reply from the Federal Ministry of Interior over the list of ‘non-combatant’ TTP prisoners it had handed to the Government. Terming their release a crucial step for moving the peace process forward, he said the move would help build the TTP’s confidence.

Responding to a question, he rejected the impression that the TTP were demanding the enforcement of Shariah (Islamic Law) all over Pakistan. “The Taliban have made no such demand… it has been constructed by the media,” he said, adding that the ‘demands’ moved by the militant group were ‘suggestions, not conditions’. At the same time, however, the TTP intermediary said the enforcement of Shariah in the country was already mandated by the Constitution and was a part of several political parties’ manifestos.

The Foreign Office revealed that there were at least five Pakistanis who were being detained at US’ Guantanamo Base in Cuba. During the weekly briefing, the Foreign Office Spokesperson, Tasnim Aslam Khan revealed that a two member delegation that had visited the facility in August 2006, had found six Pakistanis among the 164 people detained at the facility. Khan added that the Pakistani mission in Washington had in 2011 sought consular access to these detainees. One of the six detainees had been released, but five still remain in detention. The five Pakistanis detained in Guantanamo Bay include Saifullah Piracha, Majid Khan, Ghulam Ahmed Rabban, Muhammad Ahmed Rabbani and Ammar Ali Balochi.

PM Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan was not sending its military troops to other countries. The PM dismissed the impression that some countries have asked Pakistan’s Armed Forces for operations on their land. PM said the recent visits of the leadership of brotherly countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait, were testimony of their friendship and must not be linked with such assumptions. 

March 21

Two JSQM leaders, identified as spokesperson Maqsood Qureshi and Salman Wadho, were killed in a targeted attack near Bhiria city in Naushehro Feroze District. Wadho was the Secretary General of Latif Sangat - the literary wing of JSQM. After the attack, the assailants set the vehicle on fire and escaped from the scene. The killing has triggered widespread unrest in many towns and cities of Sindh, with business activity coming to a halt.

Sources said that the MQM has decided to join the PPP Government in Sindh. The sources said that the Government had offered five Ministries to the MQM. They said that both the parties had agreed four days ago that two Advisors will also be appointed from MQM besides five Ministers.

An Afghan doctor, Haji Daud Jan, was abducted by four armed persons from Phase IV area of Hayatabad in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP. Local Police said that Haji Daud Jan had locked himself in his car after armed men intercepted him. The gunmen, however, broke the car window before hauling the doctor into their own vehicle. This is the second kidnapping incident of the week as an Afghan paediatrician disappeared from Board Bazaar, except an FIR was not lodged in the latter case because Police wrote it off as a ‘disappearance’.

Senior bureaucrat Dr Amjad Shahid Afridi was feared to have been abducted after his car was found abandoned at the Chach interchange that lies between the Swabi and Burhan interchanges on the motorway in Peshawar. Police said Dr Afridi was staying at the shahi mehman khana, a government-run guest house in Peshawar, following his transfer from Islamabad to Peshawar. Dr Afridi has held the positions of KP’s Secretary Education and Provincial Secretary for Information Technology.

A resolution moved by the ruling PTI for creating a new Hazara Province was adopted with majority vote by the KP Assembly. However, opposition MPAs belonging to PPP, ANP and QWP opposed the resolution calling it a conspiracy to divide the Province. Sardar Idrees of PTI tabled the resolution which was subsequently adopted by the house by majority vote. The resolution read that the Provincial Assembly should request federal government to pass a bill for National Assembly for creation of new units including Hazara within the ambit of Constitution with the objective of easing administrative affairs.

A three-member bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja, directed relevant authorities to submit a report within 30 days on the Malakand missing persons’ case which concerns the disappearance of 35 people from an internment centre in Malakand division of KP.  During the hearing of the case, Advocate General KP, Abdul Latif Yousafzai submitted a copy of the FIR registered against Naib Subedar Amanullah in the Supreme Court.

The bench was due to rule on the case concerning the unaccounted persons from the list of 35 missing men on March 21 but it postponed the order to March 22, 2014 (today) following a disclosure by the KP Government that no formal FIR had been registered. The court had then directed the Provincial Government to ascertain the situation on the ground and inform the court. The bench directed authorities to submit a copy of the charge sheet to the apex court once the investigation was completed. 

Lawyers for former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf called for his treason trial to be suspended because they claim the Government is colluding with elements of the judiciary to “fix and manipulate” the proceedings. The legal team said it based its claim on “leaked secret communication” from an unnamed source in the office of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. In a statement issued in London, the lawyers called for an “immediate and unconditional suspension of the Special Court and a comprehensive investigation” into their claims.

The lawyers said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has “manipulated the Pakistani legal process and used unlawful influence on the... judiciary to bring a barrage of unsubstantiated charges” against Musharraf, his long-time political rival. They gave no specific details of their new claims, but said they had submitted them to the office of UN Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay. Musharraf's lawyers have already written to the UN urging it to intervene to stop what they call a “show trial”, claiming Sharif has handpicked the three judges hearing the case.

Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that preliminary but formal direct talks between the Government committee and the TTP would take place during the next few days. “All initial homework and consultations have been completed for the first direct contact with the TTP,” he informed, adding “some forces still want to sabotage the dialogue process by way of terrorist activities”. Addressing a news conference after chairing a meeting of NADRA board, the Interior Minister said that there had been progress in the TTP-Government talks, which have entered a sensitive stage. Direct mediation between the two sides would take place shortly.

One of the members of the Government’s first committee formed to negotiate peace with the TTP, Major (retired) Amir said that Army are the real stakeholders on the matter and their leadership should decide the future course of the dialogue for achieving better results. He added that the Army should be on the driving seat in the peace process because they are not only “affected but also capable.” Amir said that after the formation of new Government committee, the previous one has been dissolved as it was an uphill task to keep it going due to continuous attention of the media on its members.

March 22

Three gangsters associated with the Faisal Pathan group of Lyari were killed in an encounter with Police and Rangers in Aath Chowk area within the remits of Kalakot Police Station in Lyari Town. The gangsters were identified as Bilal, alias Bilawal, Abid and Akbar, alias Seti. Officials claimed they had recovered radio sets, hand grenades and weapons from their possession.

DSP Agha Jameel, who was active during the infamous 1992 Operation Clean-up and also nominated in the Murtaza Bhutto murder case, was at a restaurant near Sharfabad Chowrangi when he was shot at, said the New Town Police official. He was taken to a private hospital, where he expired. Police said a passerby, Faizan (10), was also killed and his mother injured in the incident.

A Police Constable, identified as Naeemuddin (40), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Korangi town.

A Shopkeeper, identified as Shujaat Hussain (24), was shot dead and his friend Taufiq was injured in Rizvia Society of Liaquatabad Town.

A person, identified as Haroon Raees (30), was shot dead in Sector 11-L in North Karachi.

A person, identified as Ghulam Shabir (31), was shot dead on Mirza Adam Khan Road in Gulistan Colony of Lyari town.

Three dead bodies were found in different parts of the Karachi. A body was found in the Mewa Shah graveyard of Pak Colony another in Slaughter House of Lyari area and a person, identified as Jawad Hassan’s body in Lyari River of Sher Shah area.

Police arrested a gangster belonging to Uzair Jan Baloch gang, identified as Hussain, alias Abuzar, after an exchange of fire with the Police on Mirza Adam Khan Road within the limits of Chakiwarha Police Station in Lyari Town.

The MQM and the PPP announced a formation of a coalition Government in Sindh as five ministries are likely to be handed over to the MQM. According to sources, the Ministries of Health, Information Technology, Auqaf, Industries and Commerce are likely to be offered to the MQM. Two advisers will also be appointed from the MQM. The names of the potential ministers have been sent to MQM chief Altaf Hussain for approval.

March 23

At least five militants were killed and eight others were arrested during a search operation by SFs in Turbat District. An un-named official said that SFs launched a search operation in the Pidrak area of Turbat that led to an exchange of fire between militants and SFs. "The forces quickly responded and killed five militants during the exchange of fire,” he added. He further stated that eight suspects were arrested up from the same area and are being interrogated by the security personnel. 

Two dead bodies of ASI of Police who had been abducted on an unspecified date were found from two different areas of Sanda and Chow-Burji in Lahore District.  According to Police sources, both the Policemen were associated with the Anti Car Lifting Cell (ACLC).

Two members of Sikh community, Savendar Singh and Anand Singh, who were abducted from Dera Ismail Khan on February 11, have been released and have reached their home in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. Anand Singh said he and Savender were running their herbal medicine business in Dera Ismail Khan when they were abducted on gunpoint by masked gunmen riding motorbikes. He said the kidnappers shifted them to an unknown place later.

National Assembly opposition leader Syed Khursheed Shah demanded Altaf Hussain to withdraw his statement in which he invited the Army to take over the reign of power and said that Altaf’s statement was unconstitutional and PPP, which is a democratic party, would not take MQM in the Government of Sindh because of the MQM’s track record of inviting Army to run the affairs of the country.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced that his Government is working day and night for peace and would be holding direct talks with the TTP, and the process would kick-start in a day or two. “The country needs peace to put economy on the right track,” he stressed. Nawaz opined terrorism in the country was a result of wrong policies of the past. “Even those countries who were lagging behind Pakistan in development have taken a lead, as we are engulfed in terrorism,” he added. “For the last 10-15 years not a single considerable developmental project was launched in any part of the country,” he regretted. Sharif noted that the economy has lately shown signs of improvement, and exports are on the rise.

The Jama’at-e-Islami (JeI) during the celebration of Pakistan Day at the Tahaffuz-e-Pakistan (Security of Pakistan) Convention in Nishtar Park of Jamshed Town in Karachi demanded for an ‘Islamic Pakistan’. “Despite a myriad of experiments involving democracy and dictatorships during the last 65 years, we have failed to honour our pledge to God and the people for the creation of an Islamic state,” said JeI Chief Syed Munawar Hasan as he addressed the participants.

Chief of the party’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and a key player in the Taliban negotiating team, Muhammad Ibrahim said that those calling for a military operation against the Taliban wanted to destabilise the country. “Their demands are against the national consensus and all political parties want to initiate peace talks with the Taliban,” he said.

Number of civilian’s deaths from US drone attacks in Pakistan is far bigger than Washington admits, Russian media said. In a documentary on US drones, the Russian media said over 3000 people half of them civilians have been killed in 350 aerial strikes in Pakistan. The Russian media called US term ‘Signature Strikes’ as worrying since in this procedure suspects are killed in US drone attacks without any substantial evidence. They said the US drone attacks are tantamount to war crimes and sheer violation of international laws.

March 24

A female polio vaccinator, Salma Farooqui (30), who was abducted from her house in Gulozai village in the suburbs of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP in the night of March 23 had been killed. Her bullet-riddled and severely tortured body was found in a field in the morning of March 24. Salma Farooqui played an active role in the ‘Sehat Ka Insaf’ anti-polio campaign recently launched by the KP Government despite having been threatened by some callers for doing so. 

The bullet riddled body of a man, Faisal Imran Masih (60), who had been abducted by unidentified assailants from Akora Khattak on March 21, was found in Kaka Sahib area of Nowshera District in the evening.

Peshawar has topped the list with respect to cases of kidnapping for ransom in the province. In 2013, alone, more than 70 people were reportedly kidnapped for ransom from the city, according to Police records. After the abduction of Federal Secretary Amjad Shahid Afridi from Peshawar on March 21 it’s clear that this is the city of choice for kidnappers, said a high-ranking Police official. Out of the 70 abducted, 48 were recovered. It is not clear, however, if they were recovered by the Police or released by their captors after ransom was exchanged.

At least three persons were injured in a blast in the Landi Kotal Bazaar of the Khyber Agency in FATA. According to Khasadar officials, the injured in the attack were the members of a religious group named as Tawheed ul Islam.

The Islamabad High Court summoned the DG of the ISI, Lieutenant General Zaheerul Islam, in a missing person case. Justice Riaz Ahmed Khan directed the ISI chief to appear before the court next week in response to a petition filed by Parveen Bibi, the spouse of Mohammad Arif, who went missing in February 2014.

According to details, Arif, who owned two branches of ‘Dar-i-Arqam’ School in Iqbal Town and Dhamial Camp of Rawalpindi, was a resident of Peshawar Road in Rawalpindi Cantonment, and went to Khushab District (in Punjab) along with three others, Ishtiaq Ahmed Aasi, the Secretary General of the Pakistan Railways Mazdoor Union, Dr Uzair and Hafiz Rauf to condole the death of a friend.

Former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf filed a petition challenging the Special Court’s February 21, 2014 decision of going ahead with the high treason trial against him instead of referring it to a military court.  The Special Court, headed by Justice Faisal Arab of the Sindh High Court, had dismissed Musharraf’s application seeking trial by a military court under the Pakistan Army Act 1952. 

The petition in the Supreme Court was filed by Musharraf’s lawyers Sharifuddin Pirzada, Dr Khalid Ranjha, Anwar Mansoor Khan and Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif.  The court has been asked to accept the plea and declare the February 21 judgment of the Special Court constituted under the Criminal Law Amendment (Special Courts) Act, 1976 as illegal and unlawful. The Special Court should be directed not to proceed with the trial, it said.

In his petition, Musharraf contended that at the time of proclaiming the emergency on November 3, 2007, he was serving as a regular member of the armed forces and that the alleged offense of high treason attributed to him was to be tried only under the PAA 1952, a law also framed by Parliament as much as the High Treason Punishment Act 1973 and the Special Courts Act 1976.

The Government negotiators and the TTP Political Shura (Advisory Council) will not meet face-to-face on March 25, 2014 due to bad weather conditions. TTP intermediary Mohammad Ibrahim confirmed that the meeting was delayed. Officials had said on March 24, 2014 that the first face-to-face meeting between the committee and TTP members was expected to take place on March 25 at an undisclosed location.

Afghanistan accused ISI of staging the attack, adds Reuters. The NSC, which is chaired by Afghan President Hamid Karzai, also alleged that a Pakistani diplomat was seen scoping out the corridors of the Serena Hotel ahead of the March 20, 2014 night raid. “Another information of the NDS shows that earlier when one Pakistani diplomat entered the Kabul-Serena hotel to use its sport club, he filmed the corridors of the hotel which the hotel staff raised objections to,” it added.

March 25

A man, identified as Abdul Aziz (35), was shot dead in Photo Lane area of Lyari Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead another man, identified as Yaseen (44), in Korangi Crossing of Korangi Town.

A man, identified as Younis (60), was shot dead near Electronics Market in Baldia Town.

Two abductees kidnapped by a Policeman, who was deployed at Special Investigation Unit, were released and the accused Policeman was arrested near Jinnah Mausoleum in Jamshed Town. The abductees were kidnapped on March 24, 2014. The Police mobile and weapons used in the kidnapping were also recovered from his possession.

At least 13 suspects were arrested and weapons were recovered from their possession during raids conducted by Rangers personnel in Mohammad Khan Colony and Ittehad Town of Baldia Town.

Police booked seven suspects, including MQM Zonal Committee member Farhan Ali Shaikh, for killing JSQM cadre, Manzoor Channa on March 21, 2014. However, the MQM District Chapter strongly condemned the registration of the FIR against Shaikh.

AIGP, Karachi range, Shahid Hayat said “1,500 more phones were snatched in the city when compared with the corresponding period before the operation”. He said that mobile snatching is on the rise in Karachi and the situation could improve if supply was curtailed and those individuals selling the phones were arrested. He further said that the targeted operation had brought the number of homicides in the city down, which would further decrease by 50 per cent at the end of 2014.

Police arrested two extortionists from the limit of Pishtakhara Police Station in Peshawar, provincial capital of KP. They hailed from Hangu District of the Province. Police said that both of them were brothers and the SIM used for demanding extortion money was also recovered from their possession.

The Supreme Court was informed that the Federal Government wanted two serving military officers, Major Moheen and Major Saif, tried under the Pakistan Army Act (PAA) 1952 for their alleged involvement in enforced disappearances of Baloch people.

An unnamed ISI Brigadier, during a session of the National Assembly’s (NA) Standing Committee on Defence on March 25, briefed the Parliamentarians on NISP and asked lawmakers to formulate strong laws to defeat terrorism. The official said that sectarian terrorist organisations were posing a renewed threat to the country’s peace.

The MNA and PML-N member Shaikh Rohail Asghar said that the briefing was satisfactory. “Problems and grey areas have been pinpointed in the meeting, which is a good sign. We hope this would be a productive addition in our efforts for the elimination of terrorism,” he said.

The unnamed sources in the National Assembly Defence Committee said that the ISI official said strong laws were required so that the missing persons’ issue was resolved. “Missing persons are those people who are involved in heinous kinds of terror activities,” sources quoted the Brigadier as saying.

The Pakistan Education Atlas (PEA) 2013, launched by State Minister for Education, Trainings and Standards in Higher Education Balighur Rehman, reported that for the last few years Pakistan’s adult literacy rate has stagnated at 58 per cent as almost half the country’s adult population is unable to read or write.

During the launch, Rehman reiterated the Government’s pledge to improve education in the country. He said that even though education has been devolved to Provinces, they ‘have agreed to the Constitution of a National Curriculum Commission to bring the education system on the same page across Pakistan’. In addition, the WFP Representative and Country Director in Pakistan Lola Castro said that the WFP had contributed to the report as it wished to ‘support and promote this important educational undertaking’ in the country.

Members of the State-Committee for peace talks with the TTP have left for NWA in FATA. The Government’s representatives include Habibullah Khan Khattak, Arbab Muhammad Arif, Fawad Hassan Fawad and Rustam Shah. However, the location of the meeting with the Taliban Shura has been kept a secret. 

March 26

A two-member bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justice Amir Hani Muslim and Justice Mushir Alam, while hearing the cases on the law and order situation in Balochistan, missing persons and the Khuzdar mass grave case observed that Balochistan Chief Secretary was visiting the US while people in the province were dying.

The court directed the Balochistan Chief Secretary to hold a meeting on his return from the US and adjourned the hearing for two weeks.

Direct peace talks were held between the Government and the TTP in Orakzai Agency of FATA. The talks were mainly focused on an extension in the ceasefire and release of non-combatant detainees. The face-to-face meeting lasting seven hours was held in the Bilandkhel area in Spin Thall in the Orakzai Agency near the boundary with North Waziristan and the Kurram Agencies.

The four Government negotiators led by Secretary Ports and Shipping Habibullah Khan Khattak and the three TTP negotiations committee members headed by Maulana Samiul Haq were first flown in two separate helicopters to Thall town in Hangu District and then driven in vehicles to Bilandkhel in Orakzai Agency.

The TTP-nominated negotiators Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, who is provincial head of the Jamaat-e-Islami, and Maulana Yousaf Shah, who is an aide to Maulana Samiul Haq and is coordinator of the committee, also attended the talks. The TTP Shura was represented in the talks by Qari Shakil, who belongs to Mohmand Agency, Azam Tariq, who is from the Mehsud tribe in South Waziristan, Qari Bashir, Hussain, who is a pharmacist and cleric, and a fifth person whose name could not be ascertained. Maulana Yousaf Shah and Prof Ibrahim had earlier said that Maulana Zakir too would be representing the TTP Shura, but it wasn’t clear if he attended the meeting.

Dozens of militants, including some mid-level planners, have travelled to Syria from Pakistan in recent months in what American intelligence and counterterrorism officials’ fear is an effort to lay the foundation for future strikes against Europe and the United States. “We are concerned about the use of Syrian territory by the al Qaeda organisation to recruit individuals and develop the capability to be able not just to carry out attacks inside of Syria, but also to use Syria as a launching pad,” John O Brennan, the CIA Director.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, on March 26 announced that in order to ensure safety of Policemen in Karachi, the Karachi Police, according to the Sindh Emergency Procurement Bill, 2014, will purchase security related equipments, including 300 bombproof APCs, bullet-proof vans and jackets, worth PKR 8 billion.

The Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on March 26 informed the National Assembly that Punjab recorded the highest number of kidnapping-for-ransom cases that were registered over the past one year among all Provinces and territories.

Referring to the abduction and killing of one of the five Iranian guards the Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasneem Aslam on March 26 said, “Our investigations have neither corroborated nor established the entry into or presence within Pakistani territory of the Iranian border guards”. Her comments followed remarks by Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Marzieh Afkham that her Government considered Pakistani Government responsible for the safety of the kidnapped guards.

According to details, five Iranian border guards were abducted on February 6, 2014 from Pakistan-Iran border by an Iranian militant group Jaish al-Adl which is accused of having sanctuaries in Pakistan’s Balochistan Province. The outfit claimed to have killed one of the guards, identified as Jamshid Danaeefar. The Iranian Foreign Ministry called for immediate capture of the terrorists and their extradition to Iran.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and demanded “serious and swift action” by Pakistan to secure the release of the soldiers. “We expect to hear good news in this regard,” he said, while calling for “joint action by both countries against terrorists.” To this, Nawaz Sharif said the issue was of “utmost importance” to his Government and that he was “prepared to boost action to free the soldiers.

March 27

A Policeman guarding the polio team workers was killed when unidentified militants attacked the team in Nasirabad area of Loralai District. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Sardar Sanaullah Zehrion, PML-N Parliamentary leader made an announcement that the Balochistan Government is setting up the Shuhada Foundation to assist the families of security personnel killed in the war against terror.

NDS personnel of Afghanistan arrested a key 'commander' of the TTP in Kamdish District of Nuristan Province. TTP ‘commander’ Muftauddin alias Mansoor, a resident of Chitral District, Pakistan, was sent to target the April 5, 2014 Afghanistan polls.

The KP Police Department blacklisted an arms supply firm, M/S Majeed and Sons for its involvement in a major scam concerning supply of substandard weapons, ammunition and other gadgets to the Police force. Through the tender, he said, the firm had got the contract. Later, allegations of embezzlement in the procurement of different items started surfacing in media and thus the NAB KP, conducted investigation into the matter. The major supplier during procurement in 2008-09, he said, was Arshad Majeed, the owner of the firm. He was arrested by NAB and during investigation he not only admitted to his involvement in malpractices, but also entered into an agreement for voluntary return of the embezzled amount.

The talks between Government and the TTP have hit a stalemate and unless some quick decisions are taken, it will be difficult to prolong the ceasefire. The ceasefire is to expire on March 31. According to an insider, the TTP has set two conditions for continuation of the peace talks. One is the creation of a demilitarised peace zone in mountainous Shaktoi in South Waziristan Agency of FATA, to allow freedom of movement and two, the release of non-combatants.

The insider said the five-member militants’ committee sought written guarantees before they could commit to an extension in the month-long ceasefire. “For nearly seven hours, we talked to them about the destruction wrought by over a decade of violence, the loss of lives and property and displacement of people. We said ‘let bygones be bygones, let’s bury the hatchet and make a new beginning’,” the insider said.

He described the situation as a stalemate, adding it was now for the federal government to reply.  He said that militants had handed them over a list of 250 non-combatants. The list includes names of women, children and the elderly. The military has already denied they have women, children and the elderly in their custody. “We told them we will investigate the matter,” the insider said. The militants’ committee also handed the committee representing the state a list of some seven hundred combatants for a possible release.

The Chairman of PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in a message on the micro blogging site Twitter, said that he had received a threat letter from LeJ and would hold Punjab Government responsible in case of an attack on him. He further said that the threat was not just for him but for all PPP leaders, the Government of Sindh and officers of Police and Rangers.

Taking notice of the tweet, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif directed the IG Punjab Police to contact Bilawal and launch a swift probe into the incident.

Justice Faisal Arab of the Special Court trying former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf for high treason case ‘quit’ the trial over accusations of bias by the defence team. Justice Arab remarked, “If someone thinks that we are demonstrating partiality then we too are not interested in hearing of the case,” adding, “I did not say that Pervez Musharraf does not intend to come to court. I had said Musharraf could not appear in the court due to security concerns. The court also accepted security threats being faced by the accused. He was granted exemption after his plea for security threats was accepted. Issuance of non-bailable arrest warrants is not matter of joke.”

He further said, “If there is any objection over the court’s order then it can be rectified. If you think the court is not neutral then we too don’t have any interest in the case.” He announced, “There is no shortage of judges in the country and I cannot hear the case further.”

A Lahore High Court division bench adjourned the hearing of an appeal moved by a Christian woman, Asia Bibi (45), against her death sentence on blasphemy charges till April 14, 2014, due to unavailability of complainant Mullah Qari Muhammad Salam’s counsel. According to details, Salam accused Bibi of speaking against Prophet Muhammmad on June 14, 2009 and subsequently the Nankana Police registered a blasphemy case against her.  Later, a Sessions Court had handed down death penalty to her on November 8, 2010. Her appeal was filed with the LHC on November 11, 2010.

March 28

Two alleged gangsters, identified as Arshad and Abdullah, were killed in a joint encounter by Rangers and Police in Baghdadi area of Lyari Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Two unidentified dead bodies were found packed in gunny bags near Bagh-e-Korangi in Korangi Town.

A member of an unspecified political party, identified as Anwar (40), was killed in firing incident near Allah Wala Town in North Karachi Town.

A man, identified as Abdul Waheed (30), was killed in an incident of firing by unidentified armed assailants in North Nazimabad Town.

An attempt by unidentified criminals to run away with the pulled out ATM machine of a private bank was foiled near NIPA Chowrangi in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Gulshan Town. According to details, the accused successfully pulled out an ATM machine of a private bank and were about run away with the machine, when the guard of the bank foiled their attempt by switching on the siren causing panic among the accused who threw the machine on the road and fled away.

Three armed assailants entered the temple belonging to the Hindu scheduled-caste community and desecrated it in Latifabad area of Hyderabad District. The men prayed for two minutes and then broke Hanuman’s idol before setting the temple on fire. This temple is located in the same compound as the more popular temple of Kali Mata. “They asked me to let them in because they wanted to pray,” said Darshan, a student of class five, who has been looking after the temple for the last five months. “But, once they entered, they broke the idol, sprayed kerosene oil and set everything ablaze.”

MQM’s senior leader Saleem Shahzad, soon after his suspension from the party for an indefinite period, said that that several elements within the party were involved in extortion, killings and smuggling.  “The party leadership knew I have decided to resign from the basic membership,” Shahzad said while reacting to news of his suspension in London. “There is a corrupt lobby in the Muttahida which is against the ideological workers…These elements are involved in extortion, murder, smuggling and other illegal activities,” he said.

The driver of NATO oil container was killed and his companion was injured when unidentified militants set ablaze the tanker in Bypass area of Dhadar tehsil in Bolan District. An un-named levies official said that the militants escaped from the spot after torching the container.  No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

The driver of Express News anchor Raza Rumi was killed while he was injured in a targeted attack on his car near the Express News office in Raja Market of Lahore District. Soon after the incident Rumi said that although he had not received any direct threats, he was reportedly on the hit-list of some extremist groups. Eleven bullet casings were recovered from the crime scene, the CCPO said.

The Punjab Union of Journalists announced that it would hold a protest in front of the Punjab Assembly on March 29, 2014 (today).  “We [journalists] will continue to speak the truth and not back down,” Rumi said, adding “Politicians will not benefit from remaining quiet while journalists are muzzled…these bullets will target them tomorrow if they do not take notice today.” He further said, “There will be no security or governance left in Pakistan.”

The Supreme Court Registrar returned a petition of Shah Jan Khan, saying the petitioner was not an aggrieved party in the proceedings of the Special Court set up for treason trial of former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf.  “The petitioner (Shah Jan Khan) is not an aggrieved party and, therefore, cannot file the petition in the matter,” the Supreme Court Registrar said while rejecting the petition. Shah Jan Khan, the petitioner, had requested the Supreme Court to summon judges of the Special Court, Musharraf’s lawyers and the media to clear their position about proceedings on Musharraf’s treason case.

On March 27, 2014, unusual rising of the three-judge Special Court sparked rumours that the court had been dissolved and it’s Chief Judge, Justice Faisal Arab, had refused to proceed with the case.  But the court later clarified in its order that it had risen only for the day and said it would take up the case on March 31, 2014 as scheduled to frame charges against Musharraf for imposing the 2007 emergency.

TTP negotiating committee member and JeI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Muhammad Ibrahim said that there was no deadlock in the dialogue process. He said that the TTP and Government had not refused demands put forward by each side, adding that confidence will increase if prisoners were released. 

Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan convened a meeting of the committees representing the Government and the TTP. Informed sources said the meeting would discuss the future course of action and was expected to be followed soon by another round of direct talks between the Government Committee and the TTP Shura.

An un-named official source said that the first round of direct talks was held at an undisclosed location in FATA and the second might take place at some other place. He said ‘reasonable’ demands of the TTP would be considered and efforts would be made to take the peace process to its logical conclusion. Sources confirmed that the TTP had sought release of hundreds of their prisoners and said “they will be asked to soften their position”, indicating that a rigid position on the issue would not be acceptable.

Police force of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is ready to respond to any security threat in case peace negotiations with the TTP fail, said KP IGP, Nasir Durrani. He said that the Police force in the Province possessed the capabilities to spring to action if needed and face any sudden blowback if peace talks were to fail.

Highlighting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s security concerns compared to the rest of the country, Durrani said that his Police force knew how to tackle militancy and ensure the safety of its people. He said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is different from the rest of the country when it comes to law and order. According to him, the Province faced three major security threats – militancy, kidnapping-for-ransom and extortion, which were “interlinked”.

Prime Minister’s Advisor on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz said that the US has not formally announced to stop drone attacks in Pakistan. He said that Nawaz Shahrif had told President Barack Obama that the drones were causing damage instead of any benefit. However, the US officials had not informed Pakistan about as to how long the drone attacks would not be launched, he said.

The UN called on all states to ensure that the use of armed drones complies with international law, backing a proposal from Pakistan seen as taking aim at the US. The Council "urges all states to ensure that any measures employed to counter terrorism, including the use of remotely piloted aircraft or armed drones, comply with their obligations under international law...in particular the principles of precaution, distinction and proportionality".

Pakistan’s Ambassador Zamir Akram while talking to the UNHRC said, "The purpose of this resolution is not to shame or name anyone, as we are against this approach,” adding, "It is about supporting a principle." The Resolution was adopted by a vote of 27 states in favour to six against, with 14 abstentions. The United States, Britain and France voted against.

KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak inaugurated the Provincial headquarters of Rescue 1122 Emergency Service situated on Sher Shah Suri Road in Cantonment area of Provincial capital Peshawar. Spokesperson of the emergency service said the building was completed by the C&W Department at the cost of PKR150 million, which was taken from the funds of Rescue 1122 allotted to it by the Provincial Government. The project was approved by the ANP Government in 2011.

“The emergency service has become one of the exemplary service providers of the Province,” said the Chief Minister, adding, the service will be expanded to other areas of the Province like Dera Ismail Khan, Swat and Abbottabad Districts. Currently, Rescue 1122 is active in Peshawar and Mardan Districts.

The IMF, while reviewing Pakistan’s performance under a USD 6.7 billion bailout loan package, on March 28 said in its report that Pakistan’s key economic indicators were showing modest improvement but warned that militancy and crime could threaten growth and investment. “For the fiscal year 2014-15, growth is forecast to accelerate to about 3.7 percent, and will continue to accelerate in the medium term,” the report said, adding, “Security conditions in Pakistan remain difficult with significant terrorist activity, as well as sectarian violence and urban criminal activity, which could depress investment and growth.”

The report was prepared after the IMF team met Pakistan’s Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and other officials in Dubai during a meeting from February 1 to 9, 2014, to discuss the economic performance, approval and release of the USD 550 million third installment of the loan. The meeting was held outside Pakistan because of security worries, the fund said. The State Bank of Pakistan spokesman confirmed that USD 550 million had been transferred from the IMF to bring foreign exchange reserves USD 9.1 billion.

The IMF confirmed its recent forecast of 3.1 percent growth this year, which was revised up from an earlier 2.8 percent. “The overall economic situation in Pakistan is gradually improving,” said Jeffrey Franks, the IMF Mission Chief for Pakistan, adding, “That 3.1 percent may still be a bit on the conservative side, so we see indicators of growth that are relatively strong considering the fiscal adjustment that has taken place.”

March 29

A bomb blast targeting a vehicle carrying SFs killed a minor girl and injured 15 others on the outskirts of Quetta city in Balochistan province. Militants targeted the vehicle of FC through an IED on Quetta's Sariab road area. The militants planted the IED in a rickshaw parked on the road. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. However, Police suspect that Baloch militants operating in the area carried out the attack.

Unidentified militants disguised in SFs’ uniforms attacked the Pasni radar-post in Mekran Belt near Gwadar town (Gwadar District), killing a Balochistan Constabulary official and injuring another. An official in the province’s home and tribal affairs department, who requested anonymity owing to sensitivity of the matter, told a private television channel that eight militants stormed inside the Pasni radar post and killed personnel deployed there. “The militants took eight security personnel hostage,” he said, adding that the insurgents killed one of them for offering resistance.

The Police have arrested a suspected suicide bomber during search operation in Kohat District of the KP. Police officials were searching vehicles at a check point in Nasrat Khel area of Kohat District when they arrested a suspected suicide bomber, Amjad Ali and recovered explosive material and a suicide vest from him. The bomb disposal unit was called in which successfully defused the suicide jacket containing 13 kg of explosives, ball bearings, prima-card and two MV2 fuses.

March 30

Three more dead bodies were recovered from a mass grave in Totak area of Khuzdar District. The mass grave was discovered on January 25. So far, 16 dead bodies have been recovered from the grave. Two dead bodies were identified by their relatives, whereas the remaining corpses are yet to be identified.

At least two persons, identified as Zafar Ali and Liaquat Ali were killed and three sustained injuries as some unidentified assailants opened fire in the morning at Gomal Bazar Sekotkhadaq in Tank District of KP.  Police said that five persons were on way back to their home located at Gomal Bazar Sekotkhadaq after attending a wedding ceremony, when unidentified assailants targeting them opened fire.

A suspected militant was killed in an encounter with the Police in the limits of Ghauriwala Police Station in Bannu District. Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Sanaullah Khan said that the encounter took place in the limits of Ghauriwala Police Station, where the cops had put up barricade for checking vehicles and people. He said the cops manning the barrier signalled a motorcyclist to stop, but he opened fire on the Policemen and sped away. He said the cops from the Ghauriwala and Mandan police stations chased the fleeing militant, who fell from the bike during the mayhem. “The attacker sustained injuries during the fall, but hurled two hand-grenades at the approaching cops, who remained unhurt,” the official said, adding that the militant then blew himself up.

12 persons sustained injuries when unidentified persons hurled a hand-grenade at a workshop in Bara Qadeem in the limits of Sarband Police Station in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP. The condition of one of them was stated to be critical.

Unidentified militants hurled a hand-grenade at a shrine in Kulachi tehsil in Dera Ismail Khan District. The people were preparing meal at the langar or free food in connection with the Urs in Atal Sharif when the incident happened. Unidentified motorcyclists lobbed a hand-grenade into the building. However, no loss of life occurred in the blast.

A house suffered partial damage in an explosion in Bagota area of Hangu District. The sources said unidentified persons had planted an explosive device near the house of Sajidullah in Bagota, which went off early in the day causing partial damage to the building. However, it caused no loss of life.

A convoy of SFs escaped two explosions caused by remote-controlled devices on the Miranshah-Dattakhel Road in NWA of FATA. However, the blasts caused no human or property losses as the convoy of the SFs had passed the targeted area shortly before the explosions.

PM Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said the talks with the TTP are moving forward in the right direction and the nation will soon be given good news. The PM hoped that the dialogue process with the TTP would bring about the desired results. He said that development of the country was connected with peace, which would be restored at all costs. The PM directed the Punjab Chief Minister to improve the law and order situation of the province, adding that it was the first priority of the Government.

Maulana Tahir Ashrafi, chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, claimed that the TTP had suggested to the Government to set up a judicial commission to ascertain facts about detention of what it called non-combatants. “This is one of the recommendations of TTP that there should be a judicial commission on the issue of TTP prisoners,” Maulana Ashrafi said. He said the TTP had made the suggestion during their first meeting with Government negotiators in tribal areas last week.

TTP’s negotiating committee member, Mohammad Ibrahim, said on March 30 that the TTP had expressed willingness to release some high-profile people as a goodwill gesture. Ibrahim did not rule out release of Ali Musa, Shahbaz Taseer and Ajmal Khan, the former vice-chancellor of Islamia College University, Peshawar. He criticised the PPP, MQM and ANP for their stance on the ongoing talks between the Government and the TTP and claimed that these parties did not want the process to succeed so that a situation arose for a military operation in North Waziristan. He said these parties advocated use of force to solve problems in tribal areas, though such actions had always proved to be an exercise in futility in the past.

The rising incidents of cross-border terrorism by some Pakistan-based militant groups not only in Afghanistan and India but also in Iran and China, are increasingly bringing Islamabad into conflict with most of its neighbouring states. Pakistan’s Tribal Areas are being blamed for harbouring non-state actors by almost all its neighbours, with Delhi, Kabul, Tehran and Beijing expressing concern about the links between global terrorism and sanctuaries located in the lawless regions of the FATA.

March 31

Two passengers of the Akbar Bugti Express were killed and 10 others were injured when unidentified armed assailants attacked the train with two rockets in the Bolan District. The attackers fired two rockets which hit the bogies of the train, said officials of the Pakistan Railways. The FC and Railways Police personnel retaliated.

A dead body was found in the Totak area of Khuzdar District.

Unidentified militant shot dead a lady polio worker, Fehmida Yasmin, in Sukari Zabita Khan in the limits of the Cantonment Police Station in Bannu town (Bannu District) KP. Yasmin, who had been privately hired for the anti-polio campaign, was on her way to a house to administer anti-polio drops to children when an unidentified militant opened fire on her. She died on the spot. The accused managed to escape from the scene.

Anti-Terrorism Court convicted a Police Constable, Syed Ali Badshah and sentenced him to life imprisonment with fine of PKR 100, 000 in a case of firing at a procession, on November 22, 2013, which had left nine persons injured. The procession was part of demonstrations staged across KP against sectarian violence on the occasion of Ashura in Rawalpindi.

A driver, Syed Ajmal Hussain, was critically injured in a roadside blast in Parachinar, headquarters of Kurram Agency, in FATA. Sources said that Syed Ajmal Hussain was going to his village in a vehicle when a roadside explosive device planted by suspected militants near a checkpoint went off.

Pakistan has released 1,801 Indian prisoners including 74 civil and 1727 fishermen during the last five years, following the successful negotiations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials said. Around 100 Indian prisoners were released in the year 2009, 474 in 2010, 118 in 2011, 706 in 2012, and 403 in 2013. The official said on the other side India has released 725 Pakistani prisoners from 2009 to 2013 including four in 2009, 293 in 2010, 231 in 2011, 131 in 2012 and 66 in 2013.Replying to a question, he said under various agreements, 72 Pakistani prisoners (42 from Sri Lanka and 32 from Thailand) have been transferred back to Pakistan.

The HRCP expressed alarm over a number of developments, including the assault on journalist Raza Rumi and attacks on temples in Sindh, and termed the same a new wave of intolerance. According to a press statement issued, “HRCP has grave concerns over a number of recent incidents, including an attack on Raza Rumi in Lahore, a spate of assaults at Hindu temples, the most recent one being in Hyderabad, and the death sentence for Sawan Masih.”

The members of the TTP are said to be divided over an extension in the one-month ceasefire that expired. “There are differences among various factions of the TTP on an extension in the ceasefire it had announced on March 1. Some of the factions are in favour of extending it as long as the peace talks are under way with the Government. Others want to resume the attacks and seek revenge for the crackdown on Taliban militants and torture on their prisoners in Sindh province,” a senior leader and Shura member of the TTP said.

TTP sources claimed that the PPP and the MQM in Sindh are engaged in making alliance in a bid to thwart peace talks. The TTP sources said that during their one-month ceasefire Sindh Government continued to arrest TTP activists and tortured them in prison.

The Federal Government may set free during the current week around half a dozen TTP prisoners against whom there is lack of strong evidence of having been involved in terrorism. A source, who was present in March 29, 2014, joint meeting of the Government committee and TTP intermediaries, chaired by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, said, “Six to ten such detained persons are likely to be released in the first phase.”

The HuT has once again started its activities in Islamabad, with its cadres distributing pamphlets among the citizens asking them to support the outfit for the establishment of caliphate in the country. In one of its pamphlets written in Urdu, the HuT requested the people of Pakistan to ask their relatives serving in the armed forces to help the organisation achieve its mission so that the US “meets its doom in the region.”

April 1

At least two torture bearing dead bodies of MQM activists, identified as that of Sanaullah and Masrur, were recovered from Ghagar Phatak near National Highway in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to Police sources, they were abducted from Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town and then tortured to death.

A seminary student, identified as Muhammad Ahsan (25), was shot dead and another student, identified as Saad (24), was injured when two unidentified armed assailants wearing surgical masks opened fire on them in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town.

At least four persons were injured in two separate explosions in Karachi. The first incident took place near NIPA Chowrangi area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal town where bomb went off that left one person injured. Police said that the militants tried to enter an identified seminary, however, the guard succeeded to stop them after which militants left the bomb outside the seminary and managed to flee.

Two unidentified persons were injured in a firing incident in Sharafi Goth area of Landhi Town.

A bomb exploded outside a Mosque in Gulshan-e-Hadeed area, leaving two children injured.

The dead body of an Iranian national, identified as Mohtaj Ubair, was found hanging from a tree in the Mashkail town of Kharan District. Balochistan Levies personnel found a piece of paper from the body that read “death to the informer of Iran”.

According to official sources the number of dead bodies found from a mass grave in Totak area of Khuzdar District reached 17. Balochistan Home Secretary Asad ur Rehman Gailani said that during last two days four bodies were recovered from the mass grave in Totak area of Khuzdar. "They are yet to be identified," Gailani stated.

The Commander of the Southern Command, Lieutenant General Nasser Khan Janjua said that the process to resolve the Balochistan issue through talks is under way and the Army has been cooperating with the Provincial Government in its efforts to restore peace. He said steps had been taken to end unrest because development of the province was linked to peace.

An allegedly gangster, identified as Rambel Khan, was shot dead in an encounter with the Police during an operation in Mattani area, on the outskirts of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP. At around 6 am Police started a search operation in several villages including Mattani, Adezai, Zakhel and Yousaf Khel. Around nine people were arrested on suspicion and are being interrogated.

The PPP called upon the Punjab Government to take action against ‘150 sleeper cells’ of the LeJ in the Province. Fawad Chaudhry, the media adviser of PPP Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the party had taken serious notice of a threatening letter sent by the LeJ to Bilawal Bhutto. Ali Sufian who claimed to be a 'spokesperson' of LeJ threatened in the letter that his group would kill the Bilawal for his hostile stance against militants.

Fawad Chaudhry said: “The LJ was involved in the attack on Bilawal Bhutto’s security guards in Karachi and we believe that members of this group were hiding in Punjab.” He further said that the presence of ‘150 sleeper cells’ of LeJ had been disclosed by the Federal Ministry for Interior.

PPP Punjab’s Information Secretary Raja Amer accused the Punjab Government of having close links with the LeJ and, therefore, not interested in acting against the banned group. He accused Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah of working as the mouthpiece of the LeJ.

The COAS General Raheel Sharif and ISI DG Lieutenant General Zaheerul Islam Janjua paid a visit to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to discuss former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf’s possible exit from Pakistan. There are speculations that Musharraf is likely to leave the country, as the GHQ reportedly presses the Government to pave way for the ex-general’s safe exit from Pakistan given that he has been indicted in the high treason case.

According to sources, the majority of PML-N leaders opposed removing Musharraf’s name from the ECL, arguing that punishing him would ensure that there would be “no future violations of the constitution”. The PML-N leaders reportedly said that allowing Musharraf to leave the country would be perceived as a covert and controversial deal and it would be difficult for the Government to defend this move.

According to an unnamed Federal Minister the Government is planning to allow safe passage to Musharraf out of Pakistan on “humanitarian grounds” after direct possible diplomatic intervention from the Saudi Arabian authorities as a part of a covert deal. “The modalities are being given final touches,” he said.

The senators demanded with one voice that the issue of polio vaccination be included in the agenda for talks between the Government and the TTP. Members from all parties unanimously adopted a resolution, moved by PPP Shazia Marri to make Pakistan a polio-free country. Members of religious parties called for harsher punishments for those who create hindrance in achieving this milestone. Marri termed the surge in polio cases ‘alarming’, particularly from the FATA. She said 96 polio cases have been reported in the last six months out of which, 89 emerged in FATA.

The Government has claimed a modest increase in the boys’ and girls’ literacy rate in the FATA. “Literacy rate for girls stands at a modest 10.5 per cent compared to 36.66 per cent for boys despite considerable expenditure incurred by the FATA Secretariat to improve education statistics in the area,” said a handout while quoting an official document. Earlier, the girls’ and boys’ literacy rate was three per cent and 29.51 per cent respectively.

According to the handout, Kurram Agency tops other tribal agencies in the girls’ enrolment as 21.3 per cent girls have been enrolled there followed by Khyber Agency with 16.13 per cent such enrolment. Giving agency-wise breakup of the girls’ enrolment, the handout said the FATA Education Atlas 2011-12 reported that the proportion of girls enrolled in educational institutions stood at 7.5 per cent in South Waziristan, 4.26 per cent in North Waziristan Agency, 21.03 per cent in Kurram Agency, 4.7 per cent in Bajaur Agency, 5.72 per cent in Mohmand Agency, 5.15 per cent in Orakzai Agency and 16.13 per cent in Khyber Agency.

The proportion stands at 5.88 per cent in FR Dera Ismail Khan, 1.81 per cent in FR Lakki Marwat, 2.28 per cent in FR Tank, 1.07 per cent in FR Bannu, 24.09 per cent in FR Kohat and 16.66 per cent in FR Peshawar. According to the handout, around 124,424 girls are enrolled in 1,551 primary schools, 19,614 girls in 158 middle schools, 13,837 girls in 42 high schools and 1,134 girls in five higher secondary schools in FATA. It said the recent militant activities and poor law and order situation in tribal areas had badly hampered the girls’ education in the region but the government was taking steps to provide education across FATA.

April 2

Unidentified militants opened fire at a car and killed three people and injured two women inside it in Satellite Town area of Quetta. SP Sariab, Imran Qureshi said, "The victims are yet to be identified".  No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Two unidentified dead bodies were recovered from Mianwali Colony in Manghopir area of Gadap Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to Police, the victims had been tortured before being shot dead.

Police arrested the salesman of Al Badar Bookshop, identified as Khuda Bakhsh, and seized ‘objectionable’ material, including books, during a raid at the store in Gwadar District. “Police raided the bookshop after receiving information about objectionable books and other material kept there,” District Police Officer Pervez Umrani said. According to details, the Policemen also confiscated two books on Balochistan’s history, Lala Hatu Ram’s ‘Tareekh-e-Balochistan’ and Dr Shah Mohammad Marri’s ‘Baloch’.

Police arrested the owner of a CD shop and also seized a number of CDs from the shop located on Airport Road in Quetta.

The Judicial Tribunal tasked to investigate the discovery of 17 dead bodies from mass graves in Tutak area of Khuzdar District is expected to produce its findings within a month. The Tribunal, headed by Balochistan High Court Judge Justice Noor Mohammed Meskanzai, sought eight more weeks on February 28, 2014, as it wanted to record the statements. “The extension of eight weeks will help the tribunal to record the statements of maximum number of people,” Home Secretary Balochistan Asad Gilani said.

Spokesperson of Balochistan Government Jan Mohammed Buleidai said, “High Court judge is investigating this case and we hope that responsible will be brought to justice.” The DNA tests of 13 dead bodies are yet to be submitted to the tribunal. Officials have only identified one body as that of Naseer Ahmed through a piece of paper recovered from the body. All the bodies were decomposed beyond recognition.

In response to the former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf’s request for removal of his name from the Exit Control List, the ruling PML-N, after two days consultation with party members and military leadership, refused to give Pervez Musharraf a safe passage. “The Federal Government is unable to accede to your requests in public interest,” according to a statement released by the Federal Ministry for Interior, adding, “The requests have been considered on the basis of record pronouncements of the superior courts on the cited subject and pending criminal cases in the various courts.”

Ahmed Raza Kasuri, counsel of Musharraf, claimed that an attempt had been made to lure his client with a secret deal to stay away from the country for a period of five years. “President Pervez Musharraf was offered to sign a 5-year bond and not return (till the date of its expiration),” Ahmed Raza Kasuri said. However, he went on to say that his client, Musharraf had turned down the deal of secret agreement. 

Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid refuted Ahmed Raza Kasuri's claim that the Government attempted to lure Pervez Musharraf with a secret deal to stay away from the country for a period of five years. "Ahmed Raza Kasuri tried to gain attention of former military ruler General (retired) Pervez Musharraf by telling a lie," Rashid claimed. The minister further said that the Government made no offer to Musharraf, claiming that the former President ousted Kasuri from his defence counsel team that is why he lied to gain Musharraf’s attention.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a meeting with UK National Security Advisor Kim Darroch in Islamabad assured that its soil will not be used against Afghanistan and that it supports the democratic process in Afghanistan. He said, “Our soil will not be used against Afghanistan and we support the democratic process in Afghanistan”.

Prime Minister Nawaz said that Pakistan believed in policy of non-interference, especially with regards to Afghanistan. “In order to tackle the issue of terrorism we have evolved consensus, amongst all the stakeholders, for dialogue,” he said, adding that that Pakistan do not wish to fall into arms race and want peace and stability in the region.

In his meeting with Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Sir Darroch said that the British Government is committed to provide more support to Pakistan in all fields, particularly countering terrorism. Talking about post 2014-Afghanitsan, Nisar said the two neighbouring countries have to work together, with the support of the international community, to ensure peace and stability in the post-2014 Afghanistan. Nisar said that Pakistan has adopted a holistic regional approach by following a non-partisan policy in Afghanistan as well as improving relations with India.

Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif during his meeting with Sir Darroch said that both political and armed forces’ leadership was on the same page over all matters including the internal security situation of the country. He said, “This unanimity is proving as our strength and will help bring us out of our problems”. He said that violence in any form was undesirable and Government was privy to it, adding, “We want to give peace a chance.”

Citing security reason, the DG of the ISI Lieutenant-General Zaheer-ul-Islam did not appear before the Islamabad High Court in a missing person case. The IHC, however, disposed off the matter after the spy agency denied the custody of the missing man.  Justice Riaz Ahmed Khan of the IHC on March 24, 2014 had directed the DG ISI, Zaheerul Islam, to personally appear before the court in a petition filed by Parveen Bibi, the spouse of Mohammad Arif, who was picked up from December 17, 2013 from Khushab District in Punjab Provicne.  Before being picked up, Mohammad Arif, a former activist of JeI, was running a printing press and private schools in Rawalpindi District.

DG ISI, in an affidavit submitted to the IHC, denied the custody of the missing men. AAG Tariq Mehmood Khokar submitted an application on behalf of the ISI seeking exemption of the DG from appearance. In the application the spy agency contended: “For operational security and secrecy reasons his (DG ISI) whereabouts are kept classified.”  The application also stated that the “DG ISI is not in Islamabad on the date fixed for the hearing of the matter. It further said that the DG of the spy agency was not “the relevant officer in the matter in question”.

Justice Khan expressed annoyance over the lethargy of the spy agency in dealing with the court.  He said: “It was not our desire to summon the DG ISI but the conduct of the dealing officials was tantamount to making a mockery of the courts.”  “A person files the petition for the recovery of his relative and the dealing official instead of submitting report suggests the court for adjourning the proceedings for 6 weeks” he said. “It was an insult for the judiciary” he added.  However, Colonel Fayyaz, Deputy Director Legal of the ISI tendered an apology before the court. 

TTP ‘commander’ in Mohmand Agency, Khalid Omar Khurasani said that the TTP has not announced an extension in the ceasefire and that the war will start again. In a statement, Khalid Khurasani claimed that the Government had breached its promise during the period of ceasefire and held the state, military and political parties responsible for ‘the losses suffered’. He said all the influential sections of the society are in favour of the persistence of war. On Pakistan cricket team’s recent defeat against Bangladesh in World Twenty20, he said ‘Allah has always let this nation cry without a break’. 

TTP ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid said that TTP has not extended a month-long ceasefire but are still open to pursuing peace talks with the Islamabad Government. He accused the government of continuing to kill Taliban during the ceasefire, especially in Karachi. “We gave this list and names of our civilian prisoners as a test case and wanted to see if the Government was serious,” one commander said, adding, “But we felt that the Government is either powerless or not serious in talks.” However, Government negotiators were not available to comment on whether talks would continue.

The authorities in South Waziristan Agency of FATA have released 16 members of the TTP as a ‘goodwill gesture’. An unnamed TTP leader said that they “are frustrated at the Government’s inaction” over their two demands but the group would not carry out big attacks despite the end of ceasefire. “We will not carry out any big attacks as our intermediaries are still engaged in talks with the Government,” he said, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media on TTP’s behalf. He confirmed the Taliban were seeking a secure place in South Waziristan that was previously under their control.

A member of TTP Political Shura Azam Tariq said that the statements of TTP ‘spokesperson’ Shahidullah Shahid and Mohmand Agency ‘commander’ Khalid Khurasani regarding ceasefire do not reflect the stance of the whole outfit. Tariq said that the statements of Taliban leader on the matter of ceasefire are their personal opinions and media would be informed about the TTP's stance soon.

Iran said that the five border guards kidnapped by militants are in good health, disputing a report that one of them had been killed. The guards were abducted by Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) militants while patrolling the frontier with Pakistan on February 6, 2014. “The kidnapped Iranian border guards are safe there is no verified information to substantiate the terrorists’ claim of murder of one of the kidnapped soldiers,” official news agency IRNA quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Ebrahim Rahimpour as saying on April 2.

April 3

A 10-year-old boy was killed and four others were injured when an explosive apparently hidden inside a toy they were playing with detonated in Khaki, a suburb of Nowshera town (Nowshera District), of KP. The boy who was killed in the blast was Afghan.

In a bid to help restore peace and end sectarian violence in Hangu District, a jirga of Sunni and Shia was convened at the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Malik Farman, Zaheer Hussain, Rahmat Hussain and Maulana Abdul Sattar, Rahim Umar and Noor Khan represented the two sects at the office of Deputy Commissioner Syed Ahmad Jan and discussed multiple issues regarding law and order.

Former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf narrowly escaped an assassination attempt as a bomb exploded shortly before his convoy was due to pass. Musharraf was on his way to Chak Shahzad farmhouse in Islamabad from the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology, where he has been staying since January 2, 2014. “Four kilogrammes of explosive material planted in a pipeline under a bridge exploded around 20 minutes before the former President was supposed to cross the spot,” said senior Police Official Liaqat Niazi. 

At least 23 mortar shells fired from Afghanistan fell into North Waziristan Agency of FATA. The mortar shells landed into Ghulam Khan and Bagi Dar areas of North Waziristan. No casualties or loss of life was reported due to the targeted areas being uninhabited.

Police seized a vehicle loaded with a huge cache of arms and ammunition, including 7 Kalashnikovs, 7 repeaters, 17 pistols and thousands of bullets, from Naseerabad area in Rawalpindi District.

At least 19 non-combatant TTP prisoners have been released by the Government. However, there was confusion on the release of the non-combatant TTP prisoners, as the PM’s Secretariat initially denied that it ordered the release of any prisoner, apparently due to massive pressure from the military establishment. The PM Secretariat, however, retracted this statement later following a meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan. It said Sharif had indeed ordered the release of the non-combatant TTP members.

The TTP had reportedly handed a list of prisoners to the government demanding their release, during different rounds of the peace talks. On the other hand, the military establishment is opposed to the release of TTP prisoners, both combatants and non-combatants, due to their alleged involvement in terror attacks across the country. The prisoners were released in phases. “Three prisoners were released on March 21, five on March 25 and 11 on March 28,” Federal Interior Ministry sources confided. The Interior Ministry Spokesman confirmed that all the prisoners belonged to the Mehsud tribe. Sources said that in the coming days about another 100 non-combatant detainees would also be released.

The newly appointed chief of JI Sirajul Haq said that the next stage of peace talks with the TTP should be held in Islamabad. “Maulana Samiul Haq, 80-year-old man, cannot be expected to go into the mountains to negotiate,” he said, adding that if the Federal Government could not arrange for this, the KP Government could facilitate the talks.

The proceeding in the November 26, 2008 Mumbai terror attacks case (26/11) has come to a standstill as the special judge of the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), Atiqur Rehman, has expressed his inability to conduct the trial of seven Pakistani suspects in the Adiala Jail of Rawalpindi District of Punjab due to security reasons. Sources close to the proceedings revealed that since March 3, 2014, when terrorists attacked the District Courts in Islamabad, there has been no progress on the trial with the ATC unable to complete the cross examination of even a single witness. The ATC judge demanded that the Federal Government should deploy Rangers for his security. However, the Government has not done anything for his security so far.

Advocate Raja Rizwan Abbasi, who is representing the accused Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and other suspects, when contacted, confirmed that there was no progress on the case for about a month.  He said the Federal Government was responsible for the delay as the ATC judge had refused to conduct the jail trial of the accused persons because of security reasons. “Had the Federal Government provided the requisite security to the judge, the proceedings would not have been delayed,” he added. However, Advocate Mohammad Azhar Chaudhry, the special prosecutor of the FIA said the prosecution was trying to complete the trial as early as possible.

Former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf began consulting his legal team to adopt a future strategy after the Federal Government said that it was ‘unable’ to remove his name from the Exit Control List. “He met Anwar Mansoor Khan and he would meet another senior lawyer of his team Dr. Khalid Ranjha on April 4, 2014 morning to discuss the future strategy about his case,” one official said.

Advocate Shah Jahan moved a petition in the Supreme Court requesting to remove his name from ECL. He should be allowed to visit Dubai to see his ailing mother in the interest of justice, the petitioner, advocate Shah Jahan, submitted. The lawyer is not associated with the former general’s legal team.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Pervaiz Rasheed on April 3 brushed aside reports as unfounded of Government’s consultations with COAS in connection with Pervez Musharraf’s application for removal of his name from the ECL list.

Non-vaccination of children in the FATA could spoil the anti-polio initiative in KP. The immunisation of children through Sehat Ka Insaf programme can’t protect children against poliovirus for long as far as children in FATA would stay without oral polio vaccine. Two new cases, one each from North Waziristan Agency and Bannu, were recorded on April 2, bringing the total number of nationwide cases to 41. This also worried the authorities in KP, who are carrying out immunisation campaigns.

According to the National Institute of Health, Islamabad, Pakistan had recorded only six polio cases till this date in 2013 against 41 this year, which reflects an increase of 900 per cent. Children in KP will remain at risk of polio despite immunisation till the Government makes arrangements to administer OPV to children in North Waziristan and Khyber Agency. The rapid increase in polio cases in 2014 poses a serious challenge to the health authorities and the UN agencies engaged in immunisation campaigns.  Of the country’s total tally so far this year (2014), FATA has 33 polio cases, KP six and Sindh one.

Two serving officers, Major Tariq Malik and Brigadier Riaz Ali Qazi, submitted separate applications along with affidavits before the LHC Rawalpindi Bench seeking exemption for ISI DG Lieutenant-General Zaheerul Islam and MI DG Major-General Sarfraz Sattar from appearing in person in the court proceedings of a missing person case on April 7, 2014.  The LHC had on March 19, 2014 issued summons for ISI DG and MI DG along with the chief of the IB and the Punjab IG during the hearing of the case of Khan Badshah’s enforced disappearance. Later, on March 27, 2014, the bench directed the defence secretary to ensure the spy chiefs appeared in court.

April 4

Heavy clashes were reported among the TTP and Afghan Taliban militants in Paktika province of Afghanistan. Afghan intelligence, NDS, officials said that the incident took place when a group of TTP militants were looking to storm the election sites in Paktika province. However Afghan Taliban militants opposed them which erupted heavy gun battle between the two sides.  Defence Ministry spokesman General Zahir Azimi said at least three TTP militants were killed along with an Afghan Taliban militant during the clashes. Several TTP militants were forced to flee the area and return back to the other side of the Durand line.

Rangers claimed to have arrested three alleged target killers from Musa Lane area of Lyari Town. According to Rangers sources the accused were affiliated with PAC.

A local court in Toba Tek Singh District sentenced a Christian couple, identified as Shafqat Maseeh and Shagufta Maseeh, to death for blasphemy and fined them PKR 100,000 each. According to details, the Maseeh’s were arrested on July 25, 2013, under Section 295C on the charge of sending blasphemous text messages to the complainants, shopkeeper Malik Mohammad Hussain and Gojra tehsil bar’s former President Anwar Mansoor Goraya. The couple confessed to have sent the messages.

A total of 5,573 acts of terror across the country have cost the lives of 8484 people, including ten foreigners, during the last four years, disclosed the Government in the National Assembly. Also among the terror victims are 185 children, the Federal Ministry of Interior told the Lower House of Parliament in a written reply to the queries of PPP Dr Nafeesa Shah.

The province-wise breakup of terror acts revealed that Balochistan was most affected, leading with 3098 acts of terrorism followed by 1499 in KP and FATA with 648 incidents. In number of human loss, FATA topped the list where 3240 persons lost their lives in these terrorism acts followed by KP with 2311 human lives losses and 1985 in Balochistan. The number of persons killed in Punjab stood at 643 and in Sindh the number was 313.The most tragic figures came about the children in these terrorists attacks that came to 185 in last five years based on the data received from KP, Islamabad, PoK and Gilgit Baltistan.

The Government also informed the House that 60 proscribed organizations are being kept under watch and its cadre enlisted under Schedule IV of Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) are being strictly monitored.

The Pakistan-Afghanistan border at ‘Friendship Gate’ in Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District was closed, a day before the Afghan Presidential elections are scheduled to take place, reported Dawn while quoting an unnamed official. An official of the FC, a para-military force said that the border was completely closed by the border forces of the two countries.  He said the major reason behind closure of the border was to avert any untoward incident on the eve of Afghan polls. "The border will remain closed on April 5, 2014(Saturday)," he said.

According to details, personnel of paramilitary troops were deployed on the Pakistani side of the border to maintain order on the eve of historic Afghan elections.  Similarly, the Afghan border force has also strengthened security to ensure peace on the eve of polls.  "

A directive by the Punjab Government issued on March 31, 2014, to enhance security for minorities’ places of worship has resulted in SHOs passing the responsibility by issuing a long list of measures to be taken by the administrations of temples and churches. After a recent directive issued by the Home Department for the security of minorities’ places of worship, Christian and Hindu worshippers complained that no steps had been taken on ground.

According to a notice issued by various SHOs to temples and churches of Rawalpindi District, the administrations have been asked to take nine steps for their protection. These include, the installation of CCTV cameras, storing one month’s footage, securing the place with barbed wire, eight-foot high boundary walls, setting up a police post on the roof, proper lighting and hiring security guards from a registered company which is verified by the Police. Entry gates and barriers should be installed as well. Also, the Police should be informed before the start of a ceremony so that they can make security arrangements.

The representatives of minorities said that the provision of security is the responsibility of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). “ETPB is the guardian of all temples and it is their responsibility to provide funds for security requirements,” said Hindu-Sikh Social Welfare Council President Jag Mohan Arora.

In 2010, we received the same notice and we informed the Police as well as EPTB officials, but the latter paid no heed despite repeated requests and visits, he added. “We are in the habit of lamenting after a tragedy occurs but who cares.” One Ashok Chand asked, “We cannot even arrange sufficient funds for religious ceremonies, how can we set aside such a huge sum to implement these steps?

Former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf will approach SHC against the Federal Government’s decision to reject his application seeking removal of his name from the Exit Control List, said sources privy to the matter. According to sources, Musharraf’s legal team has decided to file a petition in SHC against the Federal Ministry for Interior’s refusal seeking an explanation. The petition in this regard will be moved in the next few days. They further revealed that Musharraf’s legal aides are reluctant to directly approach the Supreme Court and therefore have decided to first submit an application in the High Court.

“The (legal) team is still undecided whether to file the petition in Islamabad High Court (IHC) or SHC since most of the members believe that the IHC’s behaviour has been hostile with their client in the past and they should challenge the Federal Government’s decision in SHC,” the sources added. The Interior Ministry, while responding to Musharraf’s request on April 2, 2014, had refused to remove his name from the ECL.

Pakistan ranks among the least religiously diverse countries in a religiously diverse Asian region according to the Religious Diversity Index published by the Pew Research Centre on April 5, reports The Express Tribune. The 10-point index, which ranks each country by its level of religious diversity, is divided into four ranges, “very high”, “high”, “moderate”, and “low”. Pakistan ranked among the 136 “low diversity” countries, the largest range on the index indicating that most countries in the world are not religiously diverse.

According to the data, Pakistan had the 23rd largest proportional Muslim population at 96.4%, smaller than immediate neighbours Afghanistan and Iran, but larger than Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. Pakistan had a Religious Diversity Index score of 0.8 ranking. It featured an overwhelming Muslim population of 96.4%. Hindus constituted largest religious minority with 1.9% of the population with Christians a close second comprising 1.6% of the population. Others including, Buddhists, Jews, and those belong to ‘folk religions’ comprised at least 0.1 per cent of the population each.

Of the 232 countries in the study, Singapore with a population of more than 5 million had the highest score on the Religious Diversity Index. About a third of Singapore’s population is Buddhist (34%), while 18% are Christian, 16% are religiously unaffiliated, 14% are Muslim, 5% are Hindu and less than 1% are Jewish. Interestingly, the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) did not rank very high on the overall index with both countries falling in the “moderate” diversity range.

The Geo News got hold of a letter from the TTP addressed to the newly elected Amir of JI Maulana Sirajul Haq which stresses that an armed struggle is a must to enforce an Islamic system in the country, reports The News. “Our destination is the same but the difference is in the modus operandi to achieve it,” said the letter from TTP Mohmand Agency head Umer Khalid Khurasani addressed to JI Amir. It further said ‘it is hoped that you (Sirajul Haq) would carry forward the mission of Syed Munawar Hassan without making any compromise’.

The TTP extended the ceasefire until April 10, the outfit's spokesman Shahidullah Shahid said in a statement, adding that the TTP shura would be meeting after the 10th to decide a future course of action. The extension comes a day after the interior ministry announced that it had released 19 non-combatants TTP as a goodwill gesture for bolstering the peace process with the TTP. In a statement issued to the media, Shahid said the group was awaiting the Government's reply on its demands. Shahid said the TTP shura has extended the deadline and would sit after April 10 to decide about the future of talks. 

PM Nawaz Sharif met his national security team on April 4 to discuss steps to be taken for the dialogue process with the TTP. Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Director General of ISI Lieutenant General Zaheerul Islam and PM’s Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi attended the meeting held at the PM’s residence. According to an unnamed PM Office official “the Government has a set of parameters against which it is measuring the progress in the talks’ initiative. The meeting took stock of the situation”. “The meeting was updated about the next steps that the Government would be taking to keep the process continuing,” the official added.

The release of 19 ‘non-combatant but criminal’ members of the TTP may draw fault lines between the relations of Army establishment and the ruling civilian Government vis-à-vis peace dialogue with the TTP. The matter, security insiders said, was taken up at a meeting chaired by PM Nawaz Sharif on April 3 to review security situation in the country that was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, ISI Director General Lieutenant General Zaheerul Islam, Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and PM’s Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi. The military command is said to have conveyed to the PM its reservations regarding the release of the TTP prisoners.

April 5

At least four people were injured when unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade at a shop in Osta Mohammad tehsil of Jaffarabad District. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack. A Police Official, Muhammad Ayub suspected that Baloch separatists could be behind the attack.

April 6

Two TTP militants, identified as Abdullah and Zikaria, were killed in an alleged Police encounter in Sohrab Goth area of Gadap Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Police also recovered weapons from their possession.

A suspected gangster, identified as Mullah Nazir, was shot dead in a Police encounter in Kiamari Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to SSP South Nasir Aftab, Police also recovered two hand grenades and other weapons from his possession.

Unidentified assailants hurled a hand grenade at the house of Jamshed Baghwan, the Express News Bureau Chief of Peshawar, in the Murshidabad neighbourhood of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, at around 6:25am. The main gate of the house was damaged in the attack which happened just over two weeks after an explosive device was found and subsequently defused by the BDS near Baghwan’s house on March 19.

SFs foiled a terror attack to blow up a gas pipeline in Bhong of Rahim Yar Khan District by arresting three BRA militants. Intelligence Agencies had informed the Police about the threat beforehand and the area was monitored for suspicious activity. According to details, four BRA militants arrived in the area on April 6 with advanced weapons and explosive material with the alleged intention to damage the pipeline. However, the Police thwarted their attempt and arrested three of the suspects while one managed to escape.

PM Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan would not only help and support Afghanistan strengthen democracy but would also work in collaboration with the new leadership in that country to bring peace and tranquility in the region. Sharif congratulated Afghan President Hamid Karzai and the people of Afghanistan on successfully holding and completing the election process for the President’s office. He said that the Afghan people’s effort to make decisions through the ballot boxes reflects their determination and keen interest in adopting a democratic culture. “Participation in the democratic process by the Afghan people would play a significant role in bringing peace and stability in the region,” Nawaz emphasised.

The authorities started repatriating people of Ali Sherzai tribe to their native area in the Kurram Agency of FATA. Kurram Agency political agent Riaz Mahsud said that 55,000 tribal people had been displaced in June 2010 following a military operation to cleanse the area of militants. He said, “So far 7,500 people have been sent to their area and the rest would be repatriated over the next couple of weeks...We intend to complete the process by April 24”. He added the returnees were being provided free transportation and food for six months, although the area had been cleared of militants. It was because of hectic efforts made by the FATA administration that PKR five million had been arranged for the purpose.

The Government is considering setting up a special panel to investigate the cases of ‘non-combatant TTP prisoners’ amid reports that the military leadership is reluctant to support the release of such inmates. “A group or committee may be set up to investigate the cases of those in detention,” an official privy to developments said. He added that the proposal has been discussed but a final decision on the matter has yet to be taken. However, a TTP intermediary also confirmed the development. “The proposal to set up a committee to exclusively deal with the issue of non-combatants is among several suggestions under consideration,” said Muhammad Ibrahim. “But no decision has been taken so far in this regard,” he added.

TTP launched its ‘official’ website hosting videos, a magazine, and its leaders’ interviews and statements, a news release issued by Umar Media, the 'information and publication wing' of the TTP. Umar Media has sponsored the website, which would serve as the central information portal of the outfit. “Statements, videos, announcements and magazine released by the TTP will be available on the website,” the news release said. It added that Umar Media was the only authorised body to issue messages and statements of the TTP.

The website carries e-mail addresses of 'central spokesman' of TTP Shahidullah Shahid and other sections. The website contains the TTP flag, verses from the Holy Quran, statements and videos containing sectarian, hate and propaganda material, especially against Security Forces, a message of TTP ‘deputy’ Sheikh Khalid Haqqani for the people of Balochistan, and pictures of slain TTP 'chief' Hakimullah Mehsud and his successor and current 'chief' Maulvi Fazlullah.

Iranian Parliament approved the Tehran-Islamabad enhanced Security Cooperation Act, intended to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in combating terrorist groups operating in border areas. The Iranian Parliament approved general terms of the Bill with 187 votes in favour, 14 against and six abstentions. It had earlier been adopted by the Iranian cabinet and submitted to Parliament on March 31, 2013. The bill contains working methods, costs and other issues.

Four Iranian soldiers abducted by Jaish-al-Adl (Army of Justice) militants on February 6, 2014, returned home after being held for two months. A spokesperson for FC in Balochistan on April 5 rejected the notion that the kidnapped Iranian guards were present on Pakistani soil, reports The Express Tribune. He further said that the guards were released inside Iran after mediation by an elder of the Shah Bakhsh tribe. “They have not been released in Pakistan. We don’t know where they were kept or released. We have no indication that these Iranian border guards were kept in Pakistan,” said Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam.

According to details, on April 4, 2014, it was reported that the Iranian border guards captured by Jaish-al-Adl militants were freed. According to a media report, only four of the five abducted guards were handed over to Iranian officials in Pakistan alive. They were accompanied by the body of the fifth, which the rebels had executed. “The soldiers were handed over some hours ago by the small terrorist group Jaish-al-Adl to Iranian representatives in Pakistan,” said the Fars News Agency (FNA), quoting an unnamed security official. However, Pakistani officials could not confirm the release.

FC claimed to have killed more than 30 militants in Parodh area of Kalat District. Khan Wasey, the FC Spokesman said that the forces launched an operation against militants in Kalat District's Parodh area.

The FC Spokesman claimed that the targeted militants were involved in recent attacks on passenger trains, SFs and other vital installations in different parts of the province.

Political and religious leaders urged the committees representing the Government and the Taliban in peace talks to include the name of ANP leader Arbab Zahir Kasi in the list of people TTP Shura is being asked to release. They said that Zahir Kasi should not be ignored when the Government and the TTP exchanged captives. Kasi was kidnapped from Quetta on October 23, 2013.

An ATC in Quetta ordered former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf to appear before it on April 21, 2014, in a case relating to the August 26, 2006, murder of Baloch nationalist leader Nawab Akbar Bugti. ATC Quetta 1 Judge Tariq Ahmed Kasi directed Musharraf to appear before the court otherwise his bail would be cancelled.

At least four TTP militants, including a local 'commander' of the Hakimullah Mehsud group, identified as Kashed Khan Mehsud were killed and another was injured in Shaktoi area of South Waziristan Agency in FATA.

The official sources stated that unidentified militants attacked a car in the Shaktoi area, killing four people and injuring another.

Unidentified armed assailants attacked the house of Special Public Prosecutor, Advocate Abdul Maroof, the prosecutor in the Wali Khan Babar murder case, in Akhtar Colony of Jamshed Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

The Lahore High Court Rawalpindi bench ordered Punjab IG of Police Khan Baig to submit a report on the whereabouts of Khan Badshah, a missing person and resident of Waziristan, by April 23, 2014. When the hearing started in the court of Justice Ibadur Rahman, petitioner's counsel Sardar Taufiq Asif expressed dissatisfaction over the failure of the spymasters to appear in person and brought the issue to the court's notice.

Deputy Attorney General Tariq Khokhar replied that a commission is already working on missing persons' case. The court, however, questioned the status of the commission and asked under which law the commission was set up and to what extent it can implement its decisions.

The 'official' website, UmarMedia.com, launched by the TTP on April 5 was taken down. According to investigation into the domain's registered records on April 7 revealed that the website was hosted by a company from Punjab. The owner of the company, said that he had no idea who the client was.

The website is now inaccessible and shows a '404 - Not Found' error. The public DNS records which were updated on April 6, 2014, shortly before the website went down now list an inactive phone number and an address, most likely fake, from Buffer Zone in Karachi.

The National Assembly passed Protection of Pakistan Amendment Bill 2014 amid strong protest from the opposition benches. The Protection of Pakistan Bill 2014 also contains provisions from the 2013 Bill. It states that Special Courts will be established for disposing of cases against terrorists while JITs will undertake probe into the terror-related cases. Under the new Bill, a person declared convict by a court could be kept in any prison of the country.

PPP leader, Aitzaz Ahsan called upon the TTP militants to set free Ali Haider Gilani, the abducted son of former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, and slain Punjab Governor Salman Taseer's son Shahbaz Taseer. "I don't think the ongoing negotiations with the Taliban will yield a positive result," he said, adding, that the Taliban should also release the non-combatants. Ali Haider Gilani was abducted on May 9, 2013, while Shahbaz Taseer was kidnapped by TTP on August 26, 2011.

At least 17 people, including a woman and five children, were killed and 44 others were wounded when a passenger train, Jaffar Express was bombed at Sibi Railway Station in Sibi District. The UBA claimed responsibility for the attack on the train which was en route from Quetta to Rawalpindi District in Punjab.

A complete shutter-down strike was observed in parts of Balochistan on April 8 in response to a strike called by the BNF protesting the military operation in Kalat District on April 7, 2014. A BNF spokesperson said that SFs had launched the operation against locals after suffering a defeat 'at the hands of the BLA in Kalat and Nushki Districts'.

BLA 'spokesperson' Mirak Baloch said his armed men brought down a gunship helicopter in Kalat and killed several SFs personnel in response to the operation. "After facing tough resistance, the SFs carried out shelling on the local population and targeted innocent Baloch people," Mirak said. He claimed that none of the BLA's members were killed in the operation. A BRA 'spokesperson' also issued a similar statement.

At least 14 TTP militants were killed in clashes between two factions of the militant outfit in South Waziristan Agency of FATA. According to Police and militant sources, a total of 34 people have been killed since fighting broke out April 6, 2014 in South Waziristan Agency between supporters of Khan Said Sajna and followers of the slain leader Hakimullah Mehsud.

According to militant sources, the differences emerged after Khan Said Sajna, a senior 'commander', was rejected for leadership of the TTP umbrella group, after its former leader Hakimullah Mehsud was killed in a US drone strike on November 1, 2013.

"At least 12 people have been killed in a firefight between militant groups in the Shaktai area of South Waziristan. The fighting still goes on," added a security official in Miranshah town of North Waziristan Agency. Sources from both militant groups confirmed the clashes and death toll.

An unnamed senior TTP 'commander' said that efforts were being made to resolve differences between the Sajna and Hakimullah Mehsud groups but the former refused to reach any agreement. "There are always differences among the people. There are fights also, some people fight for money, some for other interests", he added.

A gangster affiliated with a Lyari group, identified as Navid Baloch alias Nazir, was arrested from Garden area of Saddar Town. The Police claimed to have seized a hand grenade and pistol from his possession.

Elsewhere in the Town, another gangster from Lyari, identified as Danish, was arrested from Mithadar area. The Police said that the accused was involved in various crimes.

At least 24 low intensity bomb blasts hit different cities of Sindh as JSMM announced a strike for April 9, 2014 against Protection of Pakistan Ordinance Bill and the March 21, 2014, killing of JSQM leader Maqsood Qureshi.

According to reports, hand-grenade explosions took place in Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana, Nowshero Feroz and other Districts. SSP Hyderabad, Pir Farid Jan Sarhindi said that Police and Rangers had arrested 13 suspected cadres of a nationalist party after attacks. However, no outfit has so far claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade near shops at Zamzama market in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. However, no casualties were reported in the attack.

PTI announced it will challenge the PPO Bill that was passed in the National Assembly on April 7, 2014, in the Supreme Court. The law permits the SFs to shoot suspects on sight, detain them at secret locations for up to 90 days and carry out raids without search warrants. The SFs can also carry out secret trials.

The opposition termed the Bill as regressive and extra-constitutional. "This law will turn Pakistan into a Police State," said PTI Vice Chairperson Shah Mehmood Qureshi. "We have decided to take this law to court and challenge its anti-human rights stance." Qureshi said, adding that his party had the support of the JeI and the MQM. The main opposition, the PPP, also led protests against the law in the National Assembly.

TTP said that it is a matter of concern that the Government is delaying on TTP's three key demands while the Taliban are seriously holding a ceasefire. The TTP has called for the establishment of a 'peace zone', release of 'non-combatant prisoners' and an end to crackdown against Taliban members across the country, TTP 'spokesperson' Shahidullah Shahid said in a two-page letter addressed to the media on April 8, 2014.

"We handed over a list of our non-combatant prisoners to the Government [negotiating] committee but still no prisoner has been released while statements of Government negotiators and senior officials on 'peace zone' show a lack of confidence among Government Departments," he said.

The coordinator of TTP's intermediary committee, Maulana Yousaf Shah, appealed to both the TTP and the Government to extend the ceasefire for an indefinite period for fruitful dialogue. He said the committee has succeeded in the first two phases of peace initiative - the coordination stage and the face-to-face meeting.

"In the last meeting, the Government assured us that it'll release Taliban non-combatants before the second round of face-to-face talks," Shah said. "[But] the 19 prisoners the Government freed didn't figure on the list provided by the TTP.

Secret Agencies have alerted the Police that militants opposed to the Government and TTP peace talks are planning terrorist activities in Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta, Police and Interior Ministry Officials said. They did not know when the militants would strike, but the officials said that a new group Ansar-ul-Hind would claim responsibility for the attacks.

At least 23 people were killed and many others were injured in a bomb explosion at Pir Wadhai area near Sabzi Mandi locality in Islamabad. Police said that the explosives were planted in a guava box, which at the time of auction exploded, killing and injuring many people. The guava boxes were brought from market places in Punjab, including, Burewala city in Vehari District and Arifwala tehsil in Pakpattan District.

TTP 'spokesperson' Shahidullah Shahid condemned the blast and said that it was haram and illegal to attack innocent people in public places. Later, Police arrested a suspect from the location of the blast. Earlier, on April 3, secret agencies had alerted the Police that militants opposed to the Government-TTP peace talks are planning terrorist activities in Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta. The ceasefire will end on April 10, 2014.

Nine more Persons were killed in a fourth day of fighting between two feuding factions of the TTP in South Waziristan Agency of FATA. A total of 43 people have now died in clashes which erupted on April 6 between supporters of Khan Said Sajna and followers of the late Hakimullah Mehsud group. Both factions are part of the TTP umbrella group, which has been waging a bloody seven-year insurgency against the State.

Unidentified militants killed three unidentified students of an Islamic seminary near Continental Bakery in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A Shia doctor, identified as Haider Raza, was shot dead while another man accompanying him was injured when unidentified militants opened fire at his car in front of Darul Sehat Hospital in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town.

An attempt of terrorism in Karachi was foiled when a bomb planted in busy commercial area of city was defused. According to details, a major disaster was prevented in the metropolis when a 14-kilogramme bomb was recovered and defused at Khalid Bin Waleed Road in PECHC Block 6.

A lawyer, Syed Waqar Shah (42), was killed when unidentified militants opened fire at his car in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town. Police said Waqar was en route to the court from his house. He was the Vice President of PML-N Lawyers' Wing.

An unidentified man was shot dead by armed assailants in Block 7 area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town.

An unidentified man was shot dead by armed assailants in Block 7 area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town.

One Aqeel (25) was shot and injured when unidentified militants opened fire on him near Meera Naka Bridge in Lyari Town.

Unidentified militants killed the driver of a NATO container near Jamrud Bypass in Jamrud town of Khyber Agency in FATA while it was carrying supplies for NATO troops stationed in Afghanistan. Ali Sher, a local administration official, confirmed the incident. A convoy of seven oil tankers was on its way to Afghanistan, according to security officials.

Two children were injured in a low intensity bomb blast that occurred near the residence of JeI MPA Saeed Gul in Dir Colony within the jurisdiction of Chamkani Police Station in Peshawar. Police said that the target was MPA Gul's neighbour Syed Qayum Shah.

The detailed order of former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf's review petition of the July 31, 2009 judgment released by the Supreme Court, maintains that the judgment under review does not stand vitiated by any bias or error in law to warrant review.

Defending its July 31, 2009 ruling, the Chief Justice in his 45 pages judgment said that the July 31, 2009 judgment has narrated with a measure of dismay the frequent constitutional deviations in the country. "The spirit which underpins the judgment is a strong realisation that we should not remain trapped by mistakes in history and turn a new leaf towards constitutionalism and the rule of law."

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari warned that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif may himself one day become a victim of the PPO if it is passed in its current form. The anti-terror law gives comprehensive powers to Security Agencies to infringe the fundamental rights of the citizens guaranteed under the Constitution.

MQM also criticised the legislation, tabling a resolution in the Sindh Assembly against it. "The MQM rejects the Protection of Pakistan Ordinance. We will continue to protest against this black law as long as our workers are alive," said MQM Chief Altaf Hussain.

The PML-N Government argues that the legislation is necessary to curb the rising terrorism and militancy across the country. The Bill was passed late on April 7, 2014.

PTI Chairman Imran Khan said, "Impose martial law if you want destruction in Pakistan". He said that martial law would be destructive for Pakistan, adding that martial law is imposed for a brief period in a country in the wake of problems but in reality the military coup aggravates the problems.

The TTP's ceasefire of 40 days which it announced to initiate peace talks with the Government expired on April 10. The TTP had declared ceasefire on March 1, 2014, after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced to hold talks with the militant outfit in a bid to establish peace in the country.

Pakistan said that peace talks with the TTP were its "internal matter" and dismissed the allegations of the Afghan Military Commander Major General Muhammad Sharif Yaftali about cross-border export of terrorism from Pakistan to Afghanistan and the adverse implications of the peace parleys on Afghanistan.

Earlier on April 9, Afghan National Army's Commander Major General Muhammad Sharif said during his visit to a military base in Paktia Province of Afghanistan that Taliban militants in Pakistan have established an increasingly close relationship with insurgents from across the border in Afghanistan, supplying them with explosives and well-trained fighters.

Tasneem Aslam Khan further said that Pakistan was looking forward to resuming the stalled peace talks with India. So far, India has been reluctant to resume the full spectrum of dialogue linking the process with Pakistan successfully prosecuting the suspects of the Mumbai 2008 (also known as 26/11) terror attacks.

At least 10 militants were killed in the ongoing infighting in the TTP in Shawal tehsil of Miranshah in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. A local security official said that fighting erupted in the night of April 11 when militants belonging to Wali-ur-Rahman Group ambushed a vehicle carrying members of the Hakimullah Group close to the border of North and South Waziristan.

Several militants (unspecified numbers) were killed in infighting between two factions of TTP in South Waziristan Agency. The cause of clash is said to be over interference in matters inside one another's domains. The fighters from both sides have been launching attacks in the areas of Shawal, Shaktoi, Makin and Tank with heavy ammunition and artillery in an attempt to destroy one another's sanctuaries.

According to independent sources, at least 43 militants from both factions have been killed in clashes which erupted on April 6, 2014 in South Waziristan Agency and later escalated to neighbouring North Waziristan Agency and Tank District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Three Haqqani Network militants were killed and two wounded when a vehicle hit a roadside bomb in the Dattakhel area of North Waziristan Agency. A local security official said that the dead belonged to the Haqqani Network and were en route to Dattakhel in a four-wheeler when an IED exploded. A source identified one of the dead victims as Sher Amanullah, a 'commander' of the Haqqani Network based in North Waziristan Agency.

A Shia lawyer, identified as Advocate Syed Ghulam Haider (52), was shot dead in Martin Quarters on Martin Road in Jamshed Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to the Police, Haider was attending a majlis at Shah Najaf Imambargah (Shia place of commemoration), on Martin Road, when two unidentified armed assailants opened fire at his car, killing him on the spot.

At least 17 people were injured in an IED blast targeting a shop located in a market in Pakistan Chowk area of Lahore District. The shop that was attacked provides home appliances and other goods on installments. The shop's owner later revealed that he had been receiving threats for not paying extortion money.

CCPO Lahore said that it is premature to say anything and they are investigating the matter. The BDS said that the blast was caused by the detonation of an IED that contained between 200-400 grams of explosives.

CoAS General Raheel Sharif during his visit to the Sonmiani firing Ranges near Karachi said that due to the multidimensional threats faced by the country, the military needed to have a "high state of preparedness at all times". According to a statement from the ISPR, the Army Chief had gone to view the Air Defence Firing Exercise. Full range of air defence weapons including Guns and surface to air missiles were used in the exercise.

Appreciating the professionalism and standards of the participating units, General Sharif emphasised that highest standards of training and professionalism must remain the military's hallmark to accomplish the given mission.

Appreciating the professionalism and standards of the participating units, General Sharif emphasised that highest standards of training and professionalism must remain the military's hallmark to accomplish the given mission.

According to sources, the Taliban were not satisfied with the negotiations and that some TTP 'commanders'' had reservations over what they perceived as the Government's 'non-serious' attitude to the dialogue. They are said to be insisting on calling off ceasefire. The TTP have presented two conditions for further progress. The first is an immediate release of non-combatant prisoners and the second calls for declaration of a "peace zone" for talks in tribal area where militants can freely move about.

Locals said that drones kept hovering over the sky in different areas of Ghulam Khan, Dattakhel, Shawal, Miranshah, Mir Ali and Razmak tehsils of the Agency. They said that the drones first appeared early in the morning and continued to operate till late in the night.

Two bus passengers belonging to Shia Hazara community were killed in an incident of target killing on Sariab Road in Quetta. SP Imran Qureshi said that militants singled out two members of Hazara community from a passenger bus and opened fire on them from a very close range. "The incident as an act of targeted killing," said Qureshi, adding, the passenger bus was preparing to leave for Karachi when intercepted by militants. Police said, "It is an act of sectarian terrorism".

An alleged gangster affiliated with Sheraz Comrade group, identified as Arshad, was killed during a joint raid conducted by the Police and the Rangers in Kalakot area of Lyari Town in Karachi.

According to HRCP Vice Chairperson Tahir Hussain Khan, nearly 30,000 members of the Hazara community have migrated in the last five years from Balochistan to other parts of the country. Khan said that the flow of migration increased as nearly 1,000 members of the Hazara community have been killed in targeted attacks since 2009. Members of the Hazara community leaving Quetta and other parts of the province comprise businessmen, highly educated workers and senior government officials, amongst others, he added. While discussing sectarian violence in the Province, Khan warned, "This conflict can turn into a civil war if it is not addressed properly at this stage."

Khan, who is also the President of HRCP's Balochistan Chapter, added that more than 10,000 Hindus have also fled the province as abductions-for-ransom have become routine over the last three years here.

At least five TTP militants, including a key commander, were killed in Darra Adam Khel area of Kohat District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Intelligence sources said that five militant were killed in Darra Adam Khel's border area with FR Peshawar adding that further details regarding the incident were not available. The slain TTP commander was identified as Jangraiz, according to intelligence sources.

At least three suspects, identified as Amjad Farooqui, Shahid Qadri and Shakeel Qadri, were killed when two unidentified militants opened fire at a car near Gulfam Sweet in Cant Bazaar area on Drigh Road within the limits of Shahrah-e-Faisal Police Station in Shah Faisal Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Police claimed that Farooqui was associated with ASWJ, while the other two were the members of ST.

A shopkeeper, identified as Badaruddin (50), was shot dead in New Karachi Town.

A security guard, identified as Shah Fahad, was found dead near Safoora roundabout in Guslhan-e-Iqbal Town.

Unidentified armed assailants shot and injured a man, identified as Abdul Shakoor (45), on Northern Bypass in Surjani Town.

Two bullet-riddled dead bodies, identified as that of Fareed and Mohammad Saleem, were found in Mand area of Turbat District. According to Police, Saleem was kidnapped before being shot dead.

A terror attack was averted when a small bomb planted in the Fruit Mandi of Quetta failed to explode. A senior Police Official said that the IED was concealed in tomato crates. "Only the fuse of the IED went off causing panic and stampede in the market," SP Mohammad Jaffar said.

BDS officials said the bomb weighed around two kilogrammes. "There have been no casualties because the IED did not explode," a BDS official said. However, no outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Nearly 108 tribesmen from Khyber, Kurram and Orakzai agencies, who were kidnapped on April 12 from Haider Kandao Drugs Fair in Khyber Agency of FATA by unidentified militants, were set free. 15 tribesmen belonging to the Qamber Khel tribe from Tirah Valley, who have been associated with AI in the past, have yet to be released.

Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that the Government had held consultations with the Army over the issue of freeing TTP prisoners. He said that the Government wanted the immediate release of non-combatants held captive by the TTP and added that the TTP had not demanded the release of militant's and neither would they be freed. He said that the release of combatant prisoners would take place at a later stage, adding that the holding of talks with the Taliban, which had entered its third stage, was a difficult task. Nisar said that there was no deadlock between the Taliban and the Government and it had been decided earlier only that the next round of talks would take place after April 13, 2014.

The Government acknowledged that there were certain misunderstandings between it and the Army, but the issue was never as serious as depicted by the media. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that coordination and harmony between the Government and the armed forces in the past ten months has been historically the best ever. He further said that both the institutions were on the same page on national affairs. He also said that the Government and military were in agreement on the issue of talks with the TTP.

Dispelling the impression that the army was not happy with the release of Taliban prisoners, Nisar said: "Let me tell you, the release of non-combatant prisoners was not possible without the consent of the military. All 19 prisoners were released from army's internment centre. Can it be possible to free people from army's custody without its assent?" Nisar asked while promising that 13 more non-combatant Taliban prisoners will be released soon. He, however, said that their release will not come before the next direct talks between the Government and Taliban representatives.

A woman was injured when unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade at the residence of a local PML-N leader Shakeel Durrani in Khuzdar District.

Afghan SFs killed two Pakistani nationals who had mistakenly entered into Afghanistan near Badini area of Qilla Saifullah District. A Levies official said that two shepherds had mistakenly slipped into Afghanistan from Badini. The Afghan SFs deployed at the border opened unprovoked fire without any warning killing the two shepherds on the spot. However, a levies officer, who was negotiating the return of the dead bodies said, "Afghan forces claim that the victims were Taliban insurgents". Home Secretary Balochistan, Syed Asad Gilani said, "I have ordered inquiry into the incident".

At least two people were injured when unidentified militants attacked a NATO supply convoy on the Pakistan-Afghanistan Highway in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. According to official sources, militants fired two rockets on the trucks and used heavy machine guns and rifles to target the supply convoy. Security Forces and militants also exchanged gunfire for half an hour following which the militants managed to flee.

At least two people were injured when unidentified militants attacked a NATO supply convoy on the Pakistan-Afghanistan Highway in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. According to official sources, militants fired two rockets on the trucks and used heavy machine guns and rifles to target the supply convoy. Security Forces and militants also exchanged gunfire for half an hour following which the militants managed to flee.

A pamphlet attributed to the Afghan Taliban and distributed in parts of North Waziristan Agency on April 14 confirmed serious differences among the TTP factions and the infighting which has left a number of militants killed on both sides. The Pashto language Pamphlet, with letter head of Afghan Taliban's 'chief' Mullah Umar, has not only mentioned the conflict among the Mehsud Taliban groups which forms major part of TTP but also appealed to the local tribesmen to pray and resolve the conflict.

The pamphlet also appealed to the Taliban groups to play their role in defusing the tension and stopping the infighting between Hakimullah Mehsud group led by Shehryar Mehsud and Khan Said Sajna group, affiliated earlier to Wali-ur-Rehman Mehsud group. The authenticity of the letter, however, could not be verified from the Afghan Taliban.

A report by the HRCP revealed that between January and March 2014, around 71 men have been killed in Police encounters while 44 were killed by paramilitary soldiers in provincial capital Karachi. According to the report, the ongoing targeted operation in Karachi has led to a sharp rise in incidents of Police encounters as 115 suspects have so far been killed by LEAs in the last three months. It is reported to be a significant rise from 2013 where around 189 suspects were killed over 12 months. In 2012, around 118 suspects were killed by Police and paramilitary soldiers.

HRCP Chairperson Zohra Yusuf feared that if the Protection of Pakistan Ordinance is enforced, it will result in an increase of Police encounters and extrajudicial killings. "Initially, the LEAs did not have the permission to open fire," she said, adding, "Now if this law comes in, they can shoot over suspicions. It will legalise such killings and the situation may get worse."

The Shura of the TTP met at an unknown location in North Waziristan Agency of FATA to discuss the fate of the peace talks and the extension in ceasefire. According to sources, key Taliban leaders, including peace committee head Qari Shakeel and Azam Tariq, attended the meeting while the TTP's 'deputy Ameer' Khalid Haqqani chaired it. The key issues being discussed during the meeting were the extension of ceasefire and the exchange of non-combatants. Apart from these, infighting among two rival TTP factions was also on the agenda.

In a statement issued on April 13, 2014, TTP 'spokesman' Shahidullah Shahid said that the differences and clashes between the two groups had been blown out of proportion in the media, adding that these were not of much importance. He had also said that the various groups of the TTP were united and on one page when it came to talks with the Government. However, independent as well as intelligence sources said that the delay over the ceasefire issue was due to internal strife within TTP ranks.

At least two unidentified persons were killed and a child was injured when unidentified militants opened fire at a barber shop on Sariab Road in Quetta, provincial capital of Balochistan. Imran Qureshi, the SP said that the victims belonged to Punjab and were working on Sariab Road for a long time. "This was an act of targeted killing," the SP added.

Unidentified militants blew up a 16-inch diameter gas pipeline in Pir Koh area of Dera Bugti District, suspending gas supply to the Sui plant from five pipelines. An official of the Levies personnel said that militants planted explosives in the pipeline of wells number 12, 15, 21, 23 and 29 in Dera Bugti. The explosive device was detonated via remote control, thereby damaging the pipeline and suspending gas supply from the wells to the Sui plant.

A SF official was injured when an IED exploded on Ghulam Khan Road near Saidgee checkpost near Miranshah, the headquarters of North Waziristan Agency of FATA. Security personnel cordoned off the area and started looking for the suspects. The search continued for about 30 minutes during helicopter gunships attacked suspected militant hideouts.

No group claimed responsibility for the blast which took place at a time when the Shura of the TTP was meeting to decide the future of peace talks. A Taliban leader said it appeared that some unscrupulous elements were trying to create a misunderstanding between the SFs and the Taliban to derail the peace process.

Gunship helicopters of the Pakistan Army pounded the hideouts of militants in the mountain ranges of Shankrabi in FR Peshawar. "These are highly wooded mountains where there is no human habitation and militants have hideouts in these ranges," said an official of the political administration. "We can see them bombing their targets in these hills but can't say anything about the militant casualties," said a local elder, adding that in some areas large contingents of the Army had taken positions on mountain tops but there was no attack by foot soldiers. There is no official word from the ISPR about the operation.

A leader of the TTP Karachi Chapter, Haji Dawood, said that a delegation of senior Taliban 'commanders' would soon visit Afghanistan to meet TTP chief Maulana Fazlullah to seek his directive about the infighting between the Mehsud Taliban groups. He said the Shura took the decision after three days of deliberations. He said the infighting between the groups of Sheryar Mehsud and Khan Said alias Sajna was an urgent issue for the Shura which decided to refer the matter to Maulana Fazlullah. He said the delegation would put forward opinions of both groups and the decision of the TTP 'chief' would be acceptable to them.

According to Police, a pamphlet, with letter head of LI 'chief' Lutfullah, was distributed in Pahari Pura's Manzoor Colony, a Shia populated neighbourhood of Peshawar, threatening them to vacate the area in the next 10 days. The residents of the area were warned of serious consequences failing to follow the militants warning. The threatening pamphlet said that the militant outfit's Shura (council) has decided to act against the colony, without elaborating what caused to offend it. Police said that they have launched an investigation to ascertain the pamphlet's authenticity. They said Police contingent has been increased with more patrolling in the area.

Governor of KP Sardar Mehtab Khan Abbasi, affiliated with the PML-N, during his oath taking on April 15 said that there is no harm in granting amnesty to militants if they submit to the Constitution. He said that people involved in militancy had become hostage to the situation and their families were facing severe hardship. Many of them might be fed up with the situations, but were not able to find a way out, he added. "I think the Government should grant a general pardon," the Governor suggested.

Unidentified assailants blew up a 16-inch gas pipeline near Karundi town in Khairpur District, disrupting gas supply in several areas of Sindh.

The two judge bench in the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk, during the hearing of the Balochistan target killing case directed the Defence Ministry to submit a report on the steps taken by military authorities for the trial of army officials involved in the Baloch 'missing' persons' cases. It asked the Deputy Attorney General Sajid Bhatti whether the Army has started any proceedings against the officials allegedly involved in enforced disappearances. Bhatti submitted that they have not received any kind of information from the Defence Ministry in this regard.

According to details, the Balochistan Government has agreed to refer 14 'missing' persons' cases to the Army for the trial of Frontier Corps and Intelligence Agency officials under the Army Act. Advocate General of Balochistan Nazimuddin Baloch submitted a report on behalf of the Chief Secretary of the province Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad regarding the 'missing' persons' issue. The detailed report suggests that as regards the prosecution of army officers, the Provincial Government suggests that the officers be tried under Pakistan Army Act.

According to a new documentary, titled Drone, the US Air Force pilots, and not CIA operatives, carry out drone strikes in Pakistan. The documentary reveals that US Air Force pilots at Creech Air Force Base, around 75 kilometers from Las Vegas, are carrying out drone attacks for the CIA. "The CIA might be the customer but the air force has always flown it," Brandon Bryant, one of the pilots who appear in the documentary said.

The documentary confirms the claim made in an earlier documentary on the subject that despite all technological and human assets, there's a lot of room for error in the strikes. Thousands of people have been killed in the drone strikes, including many children. "This calls into question the credibility of the kill-list methodology" as the vast majority of strikes in Pakistan were "against people whose identities the government doesn't know", the documentary revealed. The US media pointed out that "the revelation that US Air Force pilots were carrying out targeted drone strikes in Pakistan at the behest of the CIA, once again brought into question the legality of the largest targeted killing programme in history".

Pakistan's former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf said that he imposed the November 3, 2007 emergency on the advice of the then Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, after consultation with civil and military aides and that not in his discretion. In a statement issued through his lawyers, Musharraf claimed, "imposition of emergency by the Army Chief was merely a legal understanding of Ibrahim Satti and he was not asked to submit that before the top court on behalf of his client".

Ibrahim Satti, one of the lawyers from the legal panel of Musharraf, submitted a clarification with the Supreme Court, backing off from his earlier contention that his client had imposed the emergency in his personal discretion. Satti prayed the court to make his clarification a part of record.

In the case of 35 persons, who went missing from Army's internment centre in Malakand Fort of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Federal Government submitted a statement in the Supreme Court suggesting that the main accused, a junior Army officer, identified as Naib Subedar Amanullah Baig, would be court martial under the Pakistan Army Act (PAA) 1952. Deputy Attorney General Waqas Dar submitted a one-page statement on behalf of the Defence Ministry, informing the court that the main accused was a serving member of the Armed forces and subject to punishment under the PAA.

In accordance with the court's directions, the statement explained, the Malakand District Coordination Officer was approached to settle the criminal case against the soldier, registered at the Malakand Levy Post. Jurisdiction over the accused was then shifted to army authorities for investigation and trial under the Army Act.

Justice Khawaja observed, "This amounts to closing the case". "Could Amanullah move the missing persons from the internment centre without approval," he asked, adding that the court had heard a similar case of one Tasif Ali alias Danish. There, the judge said, it was held that civilian authorities have a right to investigate the matter once an FIR is registered. Justice Khawaja said the court would seek assistance from Attorney General Salman Aslam Butt in deciding the matter and adjourned the case to next week.

The Chairman of the Organising Committee of the BNP-M, Jehanzeb Jamaldini, said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has failed to honour his commitment to resolve the Balochistan issue according to the wishes of Baloch people. He said that BNP-M leader Sardar Akhtar Mengal and the Prime Minister had discussed the Balochistan issue at a meeting and the PM had assured Mengal that the issue would be resolved in a political and peaceful way.

Jamaldini regretted that during the nine months of the PML-N Government, no change had been witnessed in conditions prevailing in the province. Rather, he said, the situation had deteriorated. He said they had expected that Sharif and Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch would resolve the Balochistan issue but their performance had caused disappointment. He said if the federal and provincial governments could not satisfy the BNP-M leadership, how they could engage militants in negotiations.

He further said that "hidden" elements wanted to isolate the BNP-M, adding that party workers were being harassed and attacked in different areas of the Province. "Recently some activists have been killed in targeted attacks in Khuzdar, Panjgur and Naseerabad areas."

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif met former President Asif Ali Zardari and agreed to review the controversial Protection of Pakistan Ordinance (PPO) along with other anti-terrorism laws after taking the parties in parliament on board. The law, which has generated much debate and attracted considerable criticism, has been passed by the National Assembly and presented in the upper house, where it does not stand much chance because the PML-N does not have a majority in the Senate. The opposition parties in the Senate, including the PPP, ANP and PML-Q, have made it clear they will not let the bill pass in its current form.

The TTP said they would not extend a ceasefire called to help peace negotiations with the Government, but insisted they were still committed to the talks process. The TTP announced a one-month ceasefire at the start of March as the Government sought a negotiated end to their bloody seven-year insurgency. The TTP extended the ceasefire to April 10, but complained there had been "complete silence" from the Government since then and hinted that the military was trying to thwart talks. "TTP's central shura has unanimously agreed not to extend the ceasefire...However, the talk's process will continue with complete sincerity and seriousness, and whenever a clear development comes from the Government side, the TTP will not hesitate to respond with a serious move", the group said in a statement. Inside sources familiar with the developments told Daily Times that the decision to not extend the ceasefire was taken in a bid to win over the anti-dialogue camp of TTP led by Shehryar Mehsud which had been recently caught in a bloody feud with a pro-dialogue camp led by Khan Said Sajna, another TTP leader of Mehsud origin.

The owners of cinema halls in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have increased security around cinema halls on the advice of Police and District administration. The security has been strengthened as suicide attacks in two different cinema halls located in heart of the Peshawar city deserted the cinema halls. The owners have installed close circuit cameras walk through gates and deployed private security guards in and around the cinema halls that have restored the confidence of visitors.

FIA suspects a significant role was played by Zahid Hamid, the incumbent Minister for science and technology, and at least two dozen other top officials and political aides of former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in the imposition of emergency rule in 2007. The FIA has mentioned this in a preliminary report and sought permission from the Government to expand its probe to others possibly involved in the case. However, the Government is yet to respond to the FIA's request. "Other than Pervez Musharraf, the FIA wants to question Shaukat Aziz's top aides who played a direct or indirect role in the imposition of emergency rule in November 2007," the FIA's preliminary report stated. The FIA panel concluded that Zahid Hamid was allegedly involved in preparing a draft of the declaration which was presented to Aziz's cabinet.

The Special Court trying former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf for high treason was told by the prosecutor, Akram Sheikh, that "there are no co-accused" in the matter nor has any evidence been found to this effect. He said the matter was investigated and material for prosecution was available only against Musharraf hence the complaint was filed against him. Sheikh said that the FIA "found evidences only against the former President" regarding proclamation of November 2007 emergency.

While submitting his written answer to the Special Court, the chief prosecutor said that in accordance with the law "the person signing a document is solely responsible for the act", and in this matter the FIA found no documentary evidences or summary signed by the then Prime Minister regarding the imposition of emergency in November 2007.

He further submitted that "no record of the cabinet's approval was found" and if Musharraf was advised by someone to impose emergency in 2007, then he should inform the court. Sheikh said it was the responsibility of the accused to provide evidences to verify the claim regarding the involvement of abettors or facilitators during imposition of emergency. The chief prosecutor said that implicating someone without any evidence was unconstitutional and against the fundamental right of a fair trial. The court adjourned the hearing of the treason case to April 24, 2014, and said that the decision regarding the appointment of the prosecutor would be announced on April 18, 2014.

According to CPJ's 2014 Global Impunity Index, Pakistan showed a modest improvement with the conviction of six men for the assassination of Geo News Journalist Wali Khan Babar on January 13, 2011. CPJ while referring to Wali Khan Babar's case, noted that Pakistan has shown improvement with regard to punishing the culprits responsible for slaying journalist and moved to 9th place on Impunity Index Rating, where it had ranked 8th last year.

The report highlighted that despite six people being convicted in the case, justice is far from complete as two convicts are still at large and mastermind of the killing is yet to be identified. The report also mentions that during the trial, five more people linked to the case were also murdered including witnesses, informants, and investigators. The conviction seems to have had scant impact on those who are targeting the media in Pakistan.

A man, identified as Sabir (45), was killed and another man, Muhammed Ali (20), was injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on them in Nazimabad Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Larkana Police arrested a few suspects and recovered 10,900 Kalashnikov bullets buried under a mosque in Golo Khan Chandio village within the limits of Mahi Makool Police Station in Qamber Shahdadkot area of Larkana District on the night of April 16. However, the main suspect Shahnawaz Chandio escaped long before Police came and left behind 10,900 Kalashnikov bullets hidden in the debris of a demolished mosque near his house.

Sindh Government decided to put PKR100 million as head money on PAC leader Uzair Baloch and Baba Ladla. The Government has also decided to get the red warrants issued for the criminals from Interpol.

A Police Constable, identified as Muhammad Amil, was injured when unidentified militants opened fire at a Police van in Hangu District. According to Saddar Police SHO Abid Khan, a Police team was patrolling the area to check on security arrangements for a polio drive when unidentified militants ambushed them at Barabaskhel Bridge in the morning.

Following the incident, Police and Security Forces launched a search operation in the area and arrested 15 suspects. A large cache of weapons were also recovered from their possession.

Unidentified militants opened fire at a polio team in Ghareza area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. However, no casualty was reported. Later, the political administration imposed a ban on motorcycle riding across the tehsil and residents were warned of strict action in case of non-compliance.

Militants launched a major attack on a SFs' fort in the Landikotal area of the Khyber Agency. The attack came one day after TTP revoked its 40-day-long ceasefire. Official sources said that the militants had fired bullet rounds and mortars from the adjoining mountains at a weapons depot situated inside the fort that is controlled by the SFs. The residents heard several explosions caused by the exchange of fire between the militants and the SFs. Some of the locals added that they had seen flames rising high from the fort.

According to sources, some unspecified numbers of suicide bombers were reported to be among the attackers. The SFs also returned the fire and targeted the militants' positions with mortars and artillery rounds. The extent of material damage and the number of casualties could not be ascertained due to a lack of access to the area. No official version of the incident has been issued so far.

In response to TTP's decision to not extend the ceasefire, the Government after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on National Security decided to 'slow down' the dialogue process and adopt the 'wait and see' policy. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The committee decided that dialogue with militants would only be held if held peacefully without terror attacks launched by the TTP, otherwise force would be used. This was confirmed by an unnamed high ranking official.

Head of TTP negotiation committee, Maulana Sami-ul-Haq termed delays and arguments as part and parcel of talk process and those efforts were afoot for an extension in ceasefire and achieving progress in other issues. In a statement, Haq urged the TTP and Government to observe patience and magnanimity in the prevailing circumstances, as 'ups and downs, arguments and delays are a usual phenomenon for dialogue processes.

TTP intermediary Muhammad Ibrahim said that the peace talks will not be successful without a ceasefire. Muhammad Ibrahim said that they will contact the Government regarding the TTP concerns which have come forward through the media. He reiterated that they will meet the TTP leadership to persuade them to extend the ceasefire.

A Pakistani immigrant, identified as Mohammad Hassan Khalid (20), who was convicted of US terror charges was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to taking part in a plan to kill a Swedish artist. Khalid, who committed the crime when he was 15 and has been in custody for three years for his role in the "Jihad Jane" conspiracy, will receive credit for that time and serve an additional two years in prison to finish his sentence, said the sentencing judge, Petrese Tucker, of US District Court in Philadelphia.

He was arrested in 2011 on charges that he provided material support to terrorists working with a suburban Philadelphia housewife who went by the nickname Jihad Jane. Her real name is Colleen LaRose. Prosecutors had asked for a stiff sentence for Khalid, arguing that his translations of extremist propaganda helped explain violent ideologies to potential recruits on the Internet.

According to details, LaRose admitted to following orders in 2009 from alleged al Qaeda operatives. She travelled to Ireland that fall to meet an Algerian, Ali Damache, who she believed would train her. The plot was not carried out and Damache is fighting extradition from Ireland to the US on terror charges. Prosecutors said Khalid helped Damache recruit others and helped LaRose destroy evidence. Officials said Khalid "worked tirelessly" with two other American men now serving long prison terms on terror charges in other failed plots, Emerson Begolly and Reed Stanley Berry. Prosecutors say he helped them translate violent jihad videos from Urdu to English.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education informed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly that at least 160 primary and middle schools had been closed down across the province due to lawlessness, natural disaster, unavailability of teachers and land disputes. The Provincial Government admitted that 13 primary and middle schools for boys and girls had been shut down on the outskirts of Peshawar due to militancy.

According to the details, 28 schools have been closed down in Battagram, 14 in Charsadda, 24 in Kohistan, 15 in Hangu, 15 in Dera Ismail Khan, three in Swabi and two in Tank. It said 39 schools had been shut down in Swat since 2010 when flash floods played havoc with the area, while two more schools had been abandoned due to militancy in the District.

Opposition MPA Mufti Syed Janan, said figures provided by the Department were incorrect. He said that 47 schools had been declared dysfunctional in Peshawar only due to militancy and shortage of teachers. Further, he pointed out that the Department had submitted written reply to the Assembly Secretariat in February, 2013, in which 385 schools, including 295 for girls, were declared dysfunctional in the Province. Janan demanded action against officials for producing wrong data about schools. The Education Department came under fire for providing wrong information about schools to the Assembly and its poor performance.

Pakistan warned the Haqqani Network and the Afghan Taliban not to co-operate with the TTP. The warning was prompted by the alleged growing co-operation among the Afghan Taliban, the Haqqani Network and the TTP. The TTP already have admitted their financial support from the Afghan Taliban, TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid said.

At least three seminary students were shot dead at Sakhi Hasan Chowrangi in North Nazimabad Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to sources, unidentified armed assailants opened fire on them while they were coming out of a mosque after Friday prayers.

Two trussed-up bodies of missing MQM workers, identified as Mohammad Ali and Syed Kashif Bukhari alias Qasim Ali, were recovered from Qayyumabad area near Korangi Creek in Korangi Town. Both victims belonged to Orangi Town. MQM leader Faisal Sabzwari said that they had been missing for the last four months.

Police officials said that two local workers of the UN, identified as Sami Nawaz and Farrukh Saleem, have gone missing from Gulshan-e-Maymar area of Gadap Town. According to initial reports both UN officials are residents of Hyderabad District who were visiting Karachi for leisure. Police said that their mobile phones are switched off which implies that they have been abducted. They Police and CPLC are looking into the incident.

In addition, three people, including two political activists, were taken away by unidentified men in plain clothes from Shah Faisal Colony in Shah Faisal Town to an undisclosed location.

One soldier was killed and two others were injured as militants attacked an Army vehicle on Frontier road in Aziz Market, on the outskirts of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP.

Federal Government handed over control of KP Province's polio drive to the Army. The campaign has been handed over to the Army per the directive of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. Previously, medics, the KP Government and KP Police handled the effort. Representatives of the World Health Organisation, the Federal Government and KP met to co-ordinate details of the campaign at Army General Headquarters. They focused on the security of polio teams in troubled areas.

The recurring polio cases in North Waziristan and no vaccination there since 2012 has prompted the Pakistan Army to extend a helping hand to the Government in eradication of the deadly poliovirus from North and South Waziristan agencies and Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency. The Army personnel will provide security to health workers to ensure administration of oral polio vaccine to children in the militancy-stricken areas of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

CCPO Chaudhry Shafiq on April 18 said that Police have arrested six LeJ suspects, including the mastermind behind the March 28, 2014, attack on Express News anchorperson Raza Rumirom Lahore District, the provincial capital of Punjab. According to details, the mastermind of Express News attack, identified as Abdul Rauf Gujar, belongs to LeJ and was a resident of Badami Bagh area of Lahore. Shafiq said that the six suspects were involved in assassination attempts on various political and religious persons, adding that they were also involved terrorism, kidnapping and dealing drugs.

The Police statement said, "These cruel criminals are involved in these heinous crimes by pretending to be a religious group, including crimes like murder, attempted murder, kidnapping-for-ransom, illegal armament and drugs,". The statement further said that "Gujar, who is the main hitman in the killings, came to this direction through LeJ leader Malik Ishaq".

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while addressing the Cabinet Meeting in Islamabad said that USD 1.6 billion will be spent on different development projects in Balochistan, with Gwadar being developed as a model city. The Prime Minister said that the development in Balochistan was a priority for the Government and development plans to put the most neglected Province on road to progress, "were being implemented expeditiously." He said that Gwadar was being developed as a model city and a socio-economic package has been planned for it, adding that Gwadar Airport and Sea Port were being developed on modern lines. He told the Cabinet that USD 1.6 billion will be spent on these projects and added that he himself will monitor these projects.

The Government is planning a fresh round of talks with TTP negotiators at the weekend, Federal Interior Ministry official said, despite the militants' refusal to extend a ceasefire called to help peace efforts. Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said in a statement that he has called a meeting with the TTP's talks committee on April 19 to decide how to proceed. He said only dialogue could overcome reservations and objections, but warned there was little chance of progress without a ceasefire. "If Taliban have certain objections, we also have reservations," he said, adding the government pushed forward the peace process against serious logjams. "(But) I don't think the talks process will move forward in the absence of a ceasefire," said Khan, who has been an ardent supporter of the talks. He will meet the TTP's three-man talks committee, led by Maulana Samiul Haq. Members of the Government negotiating team are also likely to attend Saturday's talks, a senior official said.

Cautioning the Government that certain forces may take advantage of its decision to call off the ceasefire, the TTP said that it will not be responsible for any attacks on public places. At the same time, however, the group said it reserved the right to act in 'self defence'. "I want to caution the government… some forces may carry out attacks on public places while taking advantage of our refusal to extend the ceasefire," TTP 'spokesman' Shahidullah Shahid said. "The Taliban will not be responsible for attacks on public places… [but] we have the right to launch attacks in self defence," he added.

JI Amir Sirajul Haq says the Government should give serious consideration to the TTP demands if it does not want more bloodshed in the country. He said the TTP were simply demanding a peace zone for talks where there was no danger of attack and the release of about 300 non-combatants. He said there was no harm in accepting these demands for freeing the country from terrorism.

PML-N Senator Mushahidullah Khan said that the Government will opt for tit-for-tat response if the TTP carry out their activities. He said that the Government would not let anybody to challenge its writ.

At least four people, including a Police officer and a 14-year-old girl, were killed in separate incidents of violence in Quetta.

Militants shot dead a Police officer and critically injured his son in Sariab road area. Imran Qureshi, the SP said two militants on a motorcycle sprayed bullets at the vehicle of ASI Police Kudratullah. He said the son of the ASI suffered serious wounds as a result of the attack.

In another incident of targeted killing armed men gunned down an Afghan national in the Satellite Town area. Police said two gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire at an Afghan national and killed him on the spot.

Two people were killed in a firing incident in the city's Kasi road area. Armed men opened fire at a house in Kasi road area and killed the two people including a 14-year old girl. "This was an act of tribal dispute," said a Police official.

A passer-by died after he stepped on a landmine planted by unidentified people in Pelough area of Dera Bugti District. "He sustained splinter wounds and died at the state-run hospital," a local official said, reports The Tribune.

A four-inch diameter gas pipeline was blown up in Sibi, suspending gas supply to Khajak Town which is the second largest village in the District.

Unknown gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on Hamid Mir in Karachi, Sindh province, injuring the senior reporter and television anchorperson. The incident took place on Sharae Faisal near Natha Khan area when the gunmen opened fire on his vehicle around 5:30 pm. The journalist was on his way to his office from the airport when he was attacked. "Four gunmen riding on motorbikes started firing at the car near Karsaz (around six kilometers from Jinnah International Airport) when Mir's car was passing through, he received three bullets in the lower parts of his body," said senior Police official Peer Muhammad Shah.

Three unidentified militants were killed in an exchange of fire with FC troops in Tasp area of Panjgur District in Balochistan. According to an FC Spokesman, the miscreants fired on an FC patrol party in Tasp area of Panjgur. As the forces retaliated, the militants left three motorcycles on the spot and entered a hideout. An exchange of fire took place, during which three miscreants were killed and their bodies were recovered. A few other militants were injured and managed to flee.

Unidentified militants attacked the house of slain ANP leader Mian Mushtaq in the Mashokhel area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to locals, the attackers also destroyed his hujra (guest-house) situated in the Mashokhel area of the city, and abducted two of his cousins, Mian Bashir and Abdul Baqi.

PM Nawaz Sharif ordered a judicial inquiry into the attack on senior journalist and Geo news anchorperson Hamid Mir. In this regard, the PM decided to constitute a three-member judicial commission to probe the murder attempt on Hamid Mir. A formal request would be sent to the Chief Justice of Pakistan to nominate three members of the commission.

The Government also announced a reward of PKR 10 million for any information leading to the arrest of the culprits. Meanwhile, journalists and civil society members held countrywide protest demonstrations against the attack on Hamid Mir and demanded of the Government to take immediate measures to provide protection to journalists.

Five Policemen and a civilian were killed in an attack at Zangli checkpost on Kohat-Peshawar road in Badhaber area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP. Unidentified militants fired at a Police van at Zangli checkpost leaving two Policemen injured. When more Policemen arrived there, militants attacked them too, killing five Policemen, including a Sub-Inspector, and a passer-by. Bullets also hit an ambulance, leaving two people injured.

The CPLC and AVCC rescued two abducted UNICEF employees after four days of captivity from the outskirts of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Unidentified persons kidnapped Sami Nawaz and Farrukh Saleem on April 17 from Gulshan-e-Maymar area.

PM Nawaz Sharif presided over a meeting on law and order and the ongoing operation against terrorists in Karachi. According to a brief statement issued after the meeting, the PM was briefed on the situation by Additional Inspector General Shahid Hayat Khan and Sindh Rangers Director General Major General Rizwan Akhtar. But sources said the meeting mainly focused on progress in investigation into the attack on senior journalist and Geo News anchorperson Hamid Mir.

Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights asked the Government to devise a strict policy against terrorism ensuring safety of citizens, especially journalists. The committee, which met with Senator Afrasiab Khattak in the chair, condemned the attack on anchorperson Hamid Mir.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak announced that women Police desks would be established at all 500 Police Stations of the province to facilitate the province's female population. Khattak announced the establishment of Model Police Stations at Gulbahar, Faqirabad and University Town areas under a pilot project which would be later extended to other Police Stations across the province.

Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif has earmarked funds for modern resources, such as forensic laboratories, in the province, which prove the government's commitment to dealing with terrorists. The Punjab government has detained and prosecuted about 700 militants involved in sectarian violence over the last six months. In 2013, law-enforcement agencies in the province registered nearly 3,500 cases on charges of misusing loud speakers, delivering hate speeches, disseminating incendiary material and trying to cause divisions among different segments of society.

The information was released by the DGPR Punjab in response to a story carried in Dawn, calling attention to the presence of proscribed organizations' sleeper cells in and around Lahore and the provincial Government's lukewarm response to these developments. Referring to the arrest of a group of militants involved in high-profile attacks, including last month's attempt to assassinate TV anchor Raza Rumi, the statement claimed, "All terrorists involved in high-profile sectarian attacks committed in Punjab have been arrested, including sectarian target killers in Lahore." "Sectarian attacks reported in cities such as Chakwal, Bhakkar, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad were successfully investigated and the perpetrators arrested over the course of the past few months. "By keeping these terrorists off the street, incidents of sectarian (violence) in Punjab have also been significantly reduced," it said.

The Member of TTP talks committee Professor Muhammad Ibrahim has held the Government responsible for deadlock in peace talks, saying that delay in release of non-combatant TTP prisoners gave rise to the crisis. He said that as per announcement Government's committee for peace talks hasn't yet held meeting with TTP committee due to which the deadlock emerged.

At least four persons, including a Policeman, were killed and 30 others injured in an explosion near a Police vehicle in Farooq Azam chowk of tehsil Bazaar in Charsadda town (Charsadda District) of KP. District Police Officer Charsadda, Shafiullah Khan said that the explosive material was planted in a motorcycle and the Police mobile van was the primary target, adding that the dead also included a shopkeeper.

Eight persons, including two Balochistan Frontier Corps personnel, were injured in a bomb explosion on the Mall Road of Chaman town in Qilla Abdullah District of Balochistan. District Police Officer Abdul Sattar Khan said that unidentified militants had planted an explosive device on a motorcycle which exploded as FC patrolling vehicles went past.

The Police arrested several injured people from Peshawar hospitals in connection with the killing of their personnel in a militant attack in Badbher area on the outskirts of the provincial capital of KP. Sources in local Police said all suspects had bullets injuries and belonged to Khyber Agency of FATA.

KP Police seek authority from the Federal Government to carry out operations in the tribal areas outside the province. The long boundary from Bajaur Agency up to South Waziristan Agency poses a serious problem for the settled towns of KP. Anybody can enter the settled areas and launch a terrorist attack, but Police pursuing them have to stop when they reach the tribal belt, the FATA, KP IGP Nasir Khan Durrani said.

The Peshawar High Court summoned the Secretary Defence and Secretary Interior in the missing persons' cases on May 14 to explain the non-compliance of the court orders in the enforced disappearance cases. A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel and Justice Ikramullah Khan directed the two Federal Secretaries to appear in person in the court.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Pervez Khattak warned that the "third unseen power" can take benefit of the suspension of peace negotiations and end of ceasefire between the Government and TTP. Though he did not mention the "third unseen power", he referred to the recent terrorist incidents in the country in this respect.

Balochistan CM Abdul Malik Baloch conceded that there are law and order problems in Panjgur, Kech and Kacchi Districts and said that the Government is taking measures to curb the lawlessness. He was speaking during a session of the Balochistan Assembly.

The Federal Ministry of Interior told the sub-committee of the PAC that 50 per cent of arms licenses were yet not verified in Pakistan and it is expected the process of verification would be completed by next month. The sub-committee took up audit par as relating to Interior Ministry for fiscal year 2009-10 as the AGP revealed that PKR 551.510 million related to arms licences was not reconciled with the Government receipt.

During the examination of the audit para, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed observed that all the weapons in the country are illegal as not a single weapon license was attested. The officials of the Ministry told the sub-committee that the Government imposed a ban on issuance of weapons license in 2002 and since then around 126,000 license forms were printed and 71,000 license booklets were also issued, 35,000 of which were verified.

Pakistan imposed a travel ban on Afghan Taliban 'operational commander' Qari Saifullah Al-Tokhi. Authorities suspect the Afghan national of hiding in areas bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan. He is the Afghan Taliban's shadow deputy governor and operational commander in Zabul Province. He is responsible for roadside bombings and suicide attacks, according to an April 11 Ministry of Foreign Affairs notification. The UN's al Qaida and Taliban Sanctions Committee asked the Government to impose the restrictions on Saifullah and freeze his assets found in Pakistan.

The KP Police Department blacklisted four firms in connection with supply of substandard weapons, ammunition and other gadgets to the Police force. The KP Police have carried out the procurement of weapons, ammunition and other gadgets for operational policing in 2008 and 2009 through tender. Besides the firm M/S Majeed and sons which is already blacklisted, the name of its other sister firms have also surfaced. They included M/S Shayan-e-Sarhad Enterprises, Peshawar, M/S Al Moiz Trading Cooperation Peshawar, M/S Shahid Traders Peshawar and M/S Shaheer Trading Company Peshawar, said an official communiqué.

Two dead bodies were discovered in Mewashah Graveyard near Malang Darbar whereas another body was discovered from a river below the Lasbela Bridge. All three were first kidnapped and later tortured, however, none of the bodies have been identified yet, Police sources said.

One person was also shot dead in Mianwali Colony of Manghopir area.

Dead body of a woman bearing torture marks was also found in a gunnysack in Rashidabad area of North Karachi.

An assistant professor was kidnapped from the limits of Obaro Police Station in Sukkur District. Police said that at the National Highway in Obaro unidentified assailants intercepted the car of Assistant Prof Younis Jatt and abducted him, his driver Ghulam Mustafa Kazi and Nazir Ahmed. Police said that the kidnappers later freed Ghulam Mustafa Kazi and Nazir Ahmed.

Unidentified assailants shot dead two persons, identified as Muhammad Ayub and Muhammad Asif, in Bulaida area of Turbat District in Balochistan. The victims were on way home when armed assailants riding a motorbike opened fire on them and fled from the scene. As a result, they died on the spot after receiving multiple bullets wounds.

Unidentified militants blew up a 16-inch diameter gas pipeline in Pir Koh area of Dera Bugti District. Spokesman for the Levies force said that unidentified militants attached explosive devices with the gas pipeline and blew it up. The gas supply was suspended to some areas after the blast.

The death toll in the April 22 bomb blast in the Charsadda town (Charsadda) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa increased to four when another injured person, Zahirullah, of Fazlabad locality, succumbed to his injuries. Two civilians and a Policeman were killed in the attack on a Police van.

The Senate was informed by the Federal Ministry of Interior that the sectarian violence had claimed at least 2,090 lives over past five years, with militancy hit FATA on top with 867 killings. The figures were revealed in a written reply from the Federal Ministry of Interior during the question hour. Balochistan, which has seen deadly attacks on the resident Shia Hazara community, witnessed 737 killings. Sindh, where a number of doctors, professors religious leaders belonging to their sect have been targeted in recent years, 252 were killed over sectarian differences between January 2008-January 2009. Punjab, which saw some of the worst riots in the country last year following a clash of two groups in Rawalpindi on Ashura that resulted in a curfew, 104 people were killed in sectarian violence over five years. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed 22 killing. Gilgit-Baltistan, which has belied its largely peaceful outlook with incidents of sectarian violence, saw 103 people falling victim to sectarian violence. Five people lost their lives in Islamabad in sectarian attacks.

Legislators were surprised when the Government informed the Senate that only 15 religious seminaries received financial aid from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar. PPP Senator Syed Sughra Imam was unhappy over the 'incomplete information' provided to the House by the Federal Ministry of Interior about the number of seminaries that received aid from abroad. She had also sought data about clerics, teachers and curriculum development and training being supported by foreign Islamic states. She protested that the question was extremely important and had been already deferred twice still information was incomplete and claimed according to estimates there were more than 12,000 seminaries in Punjab alone.

The senator lamented the Government that it shared information about only 15 seminaries and other part of the question was overlooked. In response to volley of questions by Senator Sughra, State Minister Muhammad Balighur Rehman told the House that details had been obtained from the State Bank of Pakistan and clarified that preparation of curriculum was not the job of his Ministry. However, the Minister said under the National Security Policy, a mechanism to monitor the seminaries had also been prepared. The question was deferred.

Thirty-seven militants were killed and more than a dozen injured in air strikes by the PAF fighter aircraft in Bara and Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency of FATA. The sources said fighter aircraft bombarded the suspected positions of TTP in Wache Wanay, Sra Vela, Dwatoi and Tordarra in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency. The jets also targeted some hideouts of the TTP in Spera Dam area of Bara tehsil (revenue unit). 10 hideouts of militants were destroyed in the bombardment. The official sources said the dead militants belonged to Orakzai Agency and Darra Adamkhel of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

At least seven members of a family were killed and seven others injured in firing incident in Yar Hussain area of Swabi District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police said unidentified assailants open fire on a vehicle, resulting the death of seven people and injuries to seven others. Police said all the dead and injured belong to one family and were going to Peshawar airport to see off a relative.

Four persons including a senior Policeman Inspector Shafiq Tanoli were killed in a suicide attack in Old Sabzi Mandi area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, in the morning. According to DSP Nasir Lodhi, Inspector Shafiq Tanoli was killed along with his friend when a blast occurred in old vegetable market near his house when he was sitting inside a shop. Shafiq Tanoli was the SHO of Mawach Goth and was demoted and suspended from his post after he allegedly raided a house at Sea View in Defence area illegally. Shafiq Tanoli joined the Police force in 1989. He was also associated with the CID for some time and also had a role in the arrest of Arshad Pappu. Tanoli was also involved in the investigation of the Wali Khan Babar murder case and had previously escaped attempt on his life at least seven times before. He had been attacked twice in Pak Colony, twice in Mauripur, once each in Liaquatabad, Sachal and Old Sabzi Mandi.

Unidentified militants fired a rocket at and then opened fire on a Police mobile in Chhattar area of Dera Murad Jamali town in Nasirabad District of Balochistan, leaving four Police personnel dead. Police said that the personnel in a Police mobile were on patrolling duty on Chhattar road when militants attacked their vehicle.

The intermediaries of TTP have been told that 13 TTP prisoners who were to be released have been handed over to the Government by the Army for the purpose. "However, they will be freed only after knowing how and when the Taliban would reciprocate," a source quoted the Government side as telling the TTP representatives led by Maulana Samiul Haq, who held a session with Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on April 23.

The central Shura of JI appealed to the TTP not only to extend ceasefire but also make a categorical announcement that they would not take any unlawful step till the conclusion of talks. According to a press release, the JI central consultative body which met at Mansoora with its new Ameer Sirajul Haq, in the chair, urged the Government and the law enforcement institutions to release the non-militants in their custody and take other necessary measures that could make the talks result-oriented, and avoid such steps which could hinder the progress in talks.

Sectarian killings rose by more than a fifth in Pakistan in 2013, HRCP said on April 24, warning of an alarming increase in violence against religious minorities. HRCP said 687 people were killed in more than 200 sectarian attacks last year, a rise of 22 per cent on 2012, while 1,319 people were injured, a 46 per cent rise on 2012. The HRCP warned that ongoing peace talks between the Government and the TTP could make minorities even more vulnerable. Violence against Shias, who make up around 20 per cent of the population, has been growing in recent years, much of it led by extremist sectarian groups such as LeJ. The country's small Christian, Hindu and Ahmadi communities also suffer discrimination and occasional outbursts of violence.

As the Government team prepares for another meeting with the TTP, many of the foreign militants based in and around NWA of FATA feel they are facing an uncertain future and are not only seeking assurances from their hosts but are also weighing options for moving out to others places, like Afghanistan and Syria, to continue their 'jihad'. This emerged during a series of interviews conducted by Dawn correspondent mainly around NWA, on getting exclusive access to various groups and to some of the most wanted fugitives in the country.

A bomb explosion took place on the Chaudhry Khalique-uz-Zaman Road in Gizri area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, leaving six persons, including a woman, dead and 30 others injured. Police said the explosion was caused by an IED and suspected the involvement of LeJ. Inspector General of Police, Sindh, Iqbal Mehmood, said that the bomb blast took place in a rickshaw and the intended target seemed to be a bus of worshippers coming from an Imambargah.

PM Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that the Balochistan people faced huge excesses in the past but it would not happen now. He termed democracy a self-regulated system of accountability and said the democratic norms were flourishing in the country. He said the Government wanted to ensure economic and political independence of the people and vowed to eliminate unemployment, inflation, illiteracy and sense of insecurity from the country. "Pakistan free from these evils is our goal," the PM said.

Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that the one-sided media trial of the Army and ISI should end. Nisar said it was the Federal Government's constitutional and legal responsibility to protect the dignity of the Pakistan Army and intelligence agencies, and there should be no ambiguity or fallacy in that respect. The Minister said media should show responsibility regarding sensitive issues.

The Government confirmed that it had received a video message of Ali Haider Gilani the abducted son of former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and that Ali Haider Gilani's abductors are not TTP militants. Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that the abductors had demanded PKR 500 million for the release of Ali Haider Gilani after an earlier demand of PKR two billion. Nisar said Ali Haider could be seen in the video bound by chains. According to Nisar, Ali Haider Gilani said in the video that his abductors were not affiliated with the TTP and his family was not taking serious steps for his release. Ali Haider Gilani further says in the video that if measures are not taken for his release within one month he will be killed. Ali was earlier kidnapped from Multan (Punjab) on May 9, 2013 from outside a PPP office.

Four persons were killed in different incidents of violence in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Shahnawaz (35), son of Ibrahim, was killed by unidentified armed motorcyclists in Malir 15. Maula Bux (44), son of Muhammad Ramzan, was shot and killed by unidentified armed men in Zia Colony of Orangi Town. A 35-year-old, Gul Nawab, son of Mir Ahmed, was killed by unidentified armed motorcyclist in Nata Khan Goth. Separately, a man was found dead near Kati Pahari area of Orangi Town. The identity of the body could not be ascertained.

Four people were injured in a grenade attack in Lyari town of Karachi. According to local Police, unidentified men hurled grenades near Gabol Park, injuring four people. Rescue teams rushed to the scene soon after the incident and moved the injured to the Civil Hospital. Police also reached and started investigation.

At least three soldiers were killed and three others sustained injuries in an IED explosion in the Bobar area of South Waziristan Agency in FATA. "At least three security forces personnel, including an officer embraced shahadat (martyrdom) and three others sustained critical injuries after an improvised explosive device planted by terrorists along the road went off," the military said in a statement.

One TuI peace committee member was killed and three others were injured in a bomb blast in Zakhakhel area of Landi Kotal tehsil in Khyber Agency. Official sources say that the vehicle of TuI peace committee activists was targeted in Zakhakhel area destroying the vehicle completely. The peace committee holds LI militant group responsible for the attack.

After threats from the LI, scores of Afghan and Zakhakhel tribesmen from Bara area of Khyber Agency started shifting to safer places. Tribal and the official sources confirmed that the Mangal Bagh-led LI had warned Afghan refugees and the Zakhakhel Shinwari tribes, a sub-tribe of the Afridi's, living in the area to announce allegiance to the Lashkar or leave Bara where the banned group is still known to have stronghold. Most of these people were settled in Akakhel, Sipah, Malikdinkhel and Shalobar areas in Khyber region who were given the deadline of April 27, 4 pm to take either of the options as their decision.

A Police Constable, Siraj Gul, was killed while another constable, Akhtar Ali, injured when unidentified militant attacked them near Bakhshu Pul area under the jurisdiction of Khazana Police Station in Peshawar, the provincial capital of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. SSP-Operations, Najibur Rehman said that both Policemen were fired upon while eating out near Bakhshu Pul area. Rehman lamented that Police personnel are deployed at spots where they can become easy target of the terrorists due to lack of protective gear including helmet and bullet-proof jackets.

A key 'commander' of TTP, Hakimullah alias Matti, was killed during an encounter in the Kulachi area of Peshawar. Sources said Hakimullah was one of the masterminds behind the Dera Ismail Khan jailbreak of July 30, 2014. Acting District Police Officer Sadiq Baloch said that the house of Hakimullah in Rohri village of Kulachi tehsil was raided on a tip-off. Baloch said Matti opened fire on the Police, injuring an Elite Force official. The encounter, Baloch said, was continued for 30 minutes.

One person was killed and two others were injured when unidentified assailants opened fire at a house in Daudzai area Peshawar.

Militants threw explosive material in front of the house of a C&W official in Peshawar. The bomb disposal squad said that 500 grams of explosives material was used in the blast, which damaged the house.

Militants fired two rockets from an area near the airport in Peshawar which exploded within the airport limits. No injuries or damage were reported in the incident.

Security Forces recovered two plastic canisters, containing 30 kilograms of explosives each, and a suicide vests near Wadpaga Police checkpost in Shapur area of in Chamkani area Peshawar.

Two suspects were arrested and huge quantity of arms and ammunition was recovered from a pick up on Ramak Road in Dera Ismail Khan town of same District. Police claimed to have seized pistols, five Kalashnikov rifles and 25,000 rounds of bullets.

Police foiled a terror bid by recovering arms and ammunitions including a suicide jacket from a house in Shabqadar area of Charsadda District. The recovered weapons include a large quantity of explosives, seven rocket launchers and two fuel tanks of motorcycles. According to Police, the owner of the house is wanted in different terrorism-related cases.

Two people were arrested for possessing a huge amount of explosives and illegal weapons from Boni area of Chitral District.

The Federal Government directed the PTA to curtail the operations of Afghan cellular phones in FATA and parts of KP because of security issues. Informed sources said that more than 40,000 SIMs of Afghan mobile telephone companies were operating inside Pakistani territory and using international roaming services. Apart from this, the SIMs also works on their local Afghan networks in certain regions of FATA which are close to the Afghan border. It was revealed that the Afghan SIMs have been used in many kidnapping-for-ransom cases in Pakistan.

"PTA has been directed to curtail these operations," said Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, adding, "During December 2013, around 17,000 Afghan SIMs were recovered by FIA after a raid on an illegal VoIP set-up in Peshawar". He confirmed that Afghan cellular SIMs were being used inside Pakistani territory and were suspected of being used in serious crimes such as extortion threats, illegal VoIP activity and by terrorist networks for communication.

DGPR Punjab informed that the Punjab Government has detained and prosecuted about 700 militants involved in sectarian violence over the last six months. In 2013, Law-Enforcement Agencies in the Province registered nearly 3,500 cases on charges of misusing loud speakers, delivering hate speeches, disseminating incendiary material and trying to cause divisions among different segments of society.

The DGPR statement claimed, "All terrorists involved in high-profile sectarian attacks committed in Punjab have been arrested, including sectarian target killers in Lahore." It further stated, "Sectarian aIf the Government enforced Sharia'h in accordance with the Constitution, the TTP would abide by the Constitution, claimed member of the Taliban peace committee and Provincial Chief of JeI Muhammad Ibrahim Khan in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He refuted the view that one cannot negotiate with a group that does not recognise the Constitution.

ttacks reported in cities such as Chakwal, Bhakkar, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad were successfully investigated and the perpetrators arrested over the course of the past few months. By keeping these terrorists off the street, incidents of sectarian (violence) in Punjab have also been significantly reduced."

An unnamed senior official of the Punjab Police said that tracking down and arresting the proclaimed offenders involved in sectarian crimes was primarily the job of DPOs. "In almost every meeting on the state of law and order in the Province chaired by the Punjab Inspector General the arrest of those wanted for sectarian violence topped the agenda," he said. However, because of religious sensitivities around these incidents and the attackers' links to various religious organisations, Police always encounter resistance when pursuing such criminals. There is a need to proceed with caution in all such cases because these people have sympathisers among powerful politicians, which also affects the ability of the Police to do its job, he added.

If the Government enforced Sharia'h in accordance with the Constitution, the TTP would abide by the Constitution, claimed member of the Taliban peace committee and Provincial Chief of JeI Muhammad Ibrahim Khan in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He refuted the view that one cannot negotiate with a group that does not recognise the Constitution.

He further said that formal talks between the Government and the TTP are yet to start. He said that the negotiation process was under way but formal talks had not started yet which had caused a deadlock. Both the government and the Taliban were responsible for the stalemate, he added.

Three seminary students were killed and nine others were injured in a hand grenade attack that occurred inside the Jamia Masjid-wa-Madrassa Islamia Tahiria seminary located in Frontier Colony of Orangi Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Police said that the bomb was not hurled from outside but was in someone's possession inside the seminary. According to details, a student, identified as Salman (11), had brought grenade inside the classroom in a paper bag. The grenade exploded while he was playing with it, killing him and two other classmates, identified as Omar Khan (12) and Zahid Zada, (14).

Two gangsters, identified as Bilal and Sajjad, were killed during an exchange of fire between the Rangers and criminals in Lyari Town.

Six persons were injured when a NATO container was attacked by unidentified militants on the Pak-Afghan Highway in the Khyber Agency. The two nearby vehicles were also damaged as a result of the incident.

At least four people were injured when unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade at the house of a polio health worker, identified as Nazia, in Sro Kalay area of Shabqadar tehsil in Charsadda District. All four injured were family members. Nazia's husband Falaknaz told the Police that Nazia could be the target of the attack as she works at Ekka Ghund Hospital as a polio worker.

A bomb explosion occurred outside the residence of a local businessman in Guldara area on Kohat Road in provincial capital Peshawar. However, no casualties were reported.

Several protestors were injured when Police resorted to baton-charge and tear gassing of demonstrators protesting over the missing persons issue at D-Chowk in Islamabad. The protesters were attempting to approach the Parliament house in Islamabad's Red Zone area.

Several protestors were injured when Police resorted to baton-charge and tear gassing of demonstrators protesting over the missing persons issue at D-Chowk in Islamabad. The protesters were attempting to approach the Parliament house in Islamabad's Red Zone area.

Taking notice of the incident, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ordered the authorities concerned to release the detained protesters at the earliest. He said protesting peacefully was every citizen's fundamental right which cannot be taken away from them. He also ordered the authorities to look into the incident and punish the culprits of manhandling rights activists and journalists with an iron hand.

During a meeting of Government functionaries and Army high command, including CoAS General Raheel Sharif and ISI Director General Lieutenant General Zaheerul Islam, in Islamabad Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that dialogue and violence cannot go hand in hand. The meeting expressed the resolve to continue with dialogue with the TTP with a "concise agenda" under "well-defined parameters".

Nawaz Sharif lauded the role and efforts of the ISI in protecting the country and ensuring its defence. An official at the Interior Ministry revealed that the Prime Minister said that the Government was determined to carry on talks with the Taliban, but any violent activity would be paid in the same coin and that the talks without a ceasefire would not be possible.

According to official sources, the Federal Minister for Interior, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said, "It is high time to make talks with the TTP successful." There was consensus among the participants of the meeting that the dialogue process with the Taliban should have a concise agenda and dialogue should take place under well-defined parameters.

KP Governor Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan during his first visit after assuming his office to Sadda in Kurram Agency of FATA said that repatriation of all internally displaced tribal families will be his top priority for normalisation of the region. "Whether it is a single family or in hundreds, it is a humanitarian problem and we are fully conscious of the difficulties with which they are faced," he said.

The Governor said the day was not far away when they all would be able to live normal life in their homes. "It will also be my utmost effort to ensure equal treatment to all the affected people of Kurram Agency as far as provision of compensation is concerned," he said, adding, "It is the earnest desire of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif too to witness the people of FATA living normal life. I am here to evaluate the situation on ground".

According to unnamed TTP sources, many TTP militants, fearing that a military offensive will finally be launched, have vacated the areas surrounding Mir Ali and Miranshah towns of NWA in FATA and shifted towards the border with Afghanistan and into the Afghan Provinces where anti-Pakistan elements are strong.

"Around 6,000 militants, including locals, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Chechen and Turkmens, shifted towards the border with Afghanistan and into the Afghan provinces of Paktia, Paktika, Khost, Nuristan and Kunar," sources said, adding that nearly 400 fighters have left for jihad in Syria.

The unnamed sources also said that expectations of the militant leaders of talks succeeding are too low. Although the 'commanders' of the TTP have not formally refused to call off the dialogue, but they are convinced that it would lead nowhere, and finally a military operation will be imposed on them, the sources said.

One of the key state-nominated negotiators, former ISI official Major Muhammad Amir, quit the dialogue process, giving a blow to the dialogue process. Amir sidelined himself from the talks, saying that some members of the Taliban committee were exploiting the process for their own political interests.

Three militants were killed and two FC officials injured in an encounter in Khujal Khel area of Landikotal tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. A SFs official said that after receiving intelligence reports, an operation was carried out around midnight in Khujal Khel when SFs came under fire. A cache of explosives was also recovered from the militants' hideout. According to the official, the slain militants were wanted for the attack in April, 2014 on the Landikotal cantonment.

Army helicopters and artillery attacked militants' hideouts in the Bobar area of South Waziristan Agency. According to sources, three helicopters carried out the attack on the hideouts from 3 pm to 4 pm. However, SFs did not confirm the attack till late April 28-midnight. Sources said SFs also used artillery to shell the area from Mir Ali and Sara Rogha camps at 6 pm. No casualty was reported from the remote area where the media has no access. Tribal people said several hideouts had been destroyed by the shelling.

The death toll of the April 28, 2014, hand grenade blast that occurred in a seminary in Orangi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh rose to four as one more victim, identified as Ismail (11), succumbed to his injuries. Earlier it was reported that three students were killed and nine others were injured.

At least six persons were injured when an IED exploded in Sarozi of Doaba in Hangu District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the afternoon. Thall DSP Ashraf Khan said a high-intensity bomb was spotted by a pedestrian in Sarozi after which Police rushed to the site, cordoning it off. However, BDU had not reached when the device exploded and injured pedestrians.

At least six persons were injured when an IED exploded in Sarozi of Doaba in Hangu District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the afternoon. Thall DSP Ashraf Khan said a high-intensity bomb was spotted by a pedestrian in Sarozi after which Police rushed to the site, cordoning it off. However, BDU had not reached when the device exploded and injured pedestrians.

ATC Quetta, Judge Justice Anwar Kasi had dismissed Musharraf's application for exemption from appearing in person, after which the petitioner had approached Balochistan High Court. ATC Quetta had issued five orders to Musharraf to appear in the case, but he is yet to make an appearance. The charge sheet in the case been submitted but a trial is yet to begin as Pervez Musharraf has never appeared in court to hear the charges.

PM Nawaz Sharif said that stability of Pakistan would be protected and expressed the hope that the dialogue process with the TTP would yield positive results. He said the dialogue process was started with sincerity as it was good for the country's stability. "If peace is established through talks and the lawlessness and carnage are controlled, then it is a good thing," said PM.

PM Nawaz Sharif said that stability of Pakistan would be protected and expressed the hope that the dialogue process with the TTP would yield positive results. He said the dialogue process was started with sincerity as it was good for the country's stability. "If peace is established through talks and the lawlessness and carnage are controlled, then it is a good thing," said PM.

It further states that the violence is not limited to killings, many more journalists have escaped assassination attempts or been threatened, harassed, abducted or tortured. The threat by the militant groups, including the TTP, spreads from Karachi (Sindh) to KP and the tribal areas. In those conflict-ridden regions as well as Balochistan, these groups and ethnic Baloch armed groups openly threaten reporters with death and attack them.

The report describes how the Pakistani authorities have almost completely failed to stem human rights abuses against media workers or to bring those responsible to account. "The government has promised to improve the dire situation for journalists, including by establishing a public prosecutor tasked with investigating attacks against journalists. But few concrete steps have been taken," said David Griffiths, Amnesty International's Deputy Asia-Pacific Director.

Griffiths added, "The range of threats means that journalists are placed in an impossible position, where virtually every story could put them at risk of reprisal from several sides. It also has a chilling effect on freedom of expression and is increasingly leading to self-censorship".

Four unidentified dead bodies were found from Memon Goth area in Gadap Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to the Police, the victims had been shot dead.

An unidentified dead body bearing torture marks was also recovered from Zaman Town area of Korangi Town.

An unidentified man was killed in a firing incident in Data Nagar of Orangi Town.

An unidentified Policeman was shot dead near Sindh Government Hospital in Korangi Town.

Six persons abducted during a vaccination drive on February 17, 2014, from Peeng area of FR Tank in FATA were set free. An official of FR Tank's political administration said that Khan Dad Dawar, a polio circle officer, and his colleague Sadiq Khan were kidnapped during a vaccination drive along with their driver and three levies personnel providing security.

TTP claims that SFs have launched an operation in South Waziristan Agency and fighting has been ongoing for the last two days. "The security forces are using helicopter gunships and heavy artillery to target TTP positions in the Bobar area," TTP Political Shura member Azam Tariq Mehsud told journalists by the phone from an undisclosed location.

A petition seeking the recovery of a missing person, identified as Hafiz Iqrar Abbasi, who went missing on April 14, 2014, from the suburbs of Islamabad, was filed in the Islamabad High Court. Iqrar Abbasi, a local leader of ASWJ, was the Chairman of Iqra School System, and a prayer leader at Jamia Masjid Bilal situated in the Jinnah Town suburb of Islamabad.

The petition for Abbasi's recovery alleged that certain officials from secret agencies picked him up from Rawat while he was on way home. "His cell phone was last traced to Sihala," said Abdul Rehman, the petitioner and Iqrar's elder brother. Sihala is a heavily Policed area which also houses a Police training college.

According to the petition, Iqrar has been kept somewhere in the jurisdiction of Sihala Police Station. The petitioner said a FIR in this regard had been lodged with the Police Station but his whereabouts were still not known. The petition requested the court to direct the respondents, Interior and Defence Secretaries and IG Islamabad Police, to produce Iqrar Abbasi before the Court and subsequently order them to release him from unlawful custody.

The prosecution team in the high treason case filed an application before the Special Court for commencement of the trial against former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf. The prosecution alleged that Musharraf was trying to delay the trial and he had filed 21 applications since December 2013 to linger the matter.

It appeared from the conduct of the accused that his interest was in delaying the commencement of the evidence stage and ultimately frustrating culmination of the trial, it said. The application said it was a settled proposition that an accused in a case should be punished or acquitted expeditiously.

The British Prime Minister, David Cameron described Pakistan's enemy as his enemy and that Pakistan's progress is in the interest of the world. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who is on a three-day official visit to the United Kingdom on the invitation of Prime Minister David Cameron had a meeting with his British counterpart here at 10 Downing Street and discussed matters of bilateral interest, the regional situation as well as other issues of international importance.

The CoAS General Raheel Sharif said militants to surrender or get ready for operation. He reaffirmed support of the Armed Forces to any efforts for restoration of peace in country, but warned that the security institution is fully capable to crush 'rebels of the state' if they fail to surrender unconditionally and express allegiance to law and constitution of the country.

According to sources in civil and military intelligence agencies, seminaries operating inside the capital are reportedly assisting TTP with the collection of extortion and ransom money by arranging deals between militants and their victims. The sources also revealed that the seminaries are providing courier services to the TTP by arranging for the money to be transported to pre-determined locations easily accessible for TTP militants.

Intelligence officials said that an analysis of the calls made in cases of extortion and ransom demands revealed that most of them came from Miranshah in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. While citing instances the officials said that the role of the religious seminaries in collecting extortion for the TTP was established and action against them has been suggested.

Groups such as the Haqqani Network and the Afghan Taliban continued to find 'safe haven' in Pakistani territory in 2013, the US State Department claimed in its Annual Global Report on Terrorism that it submitted to the Congress. It accused Pakistani authorities of not taking "significant military or law enforcement action against these groups."

The report claimed that that al Qaeda's core group in Afghanistan and Pakistan has been "seriously degraded", but the group's global leadership continues to operate from safe haven in the region. Despite its struggles to communicate effectively with affiliate groups outside of South Asia, al Qaeda continued to maintain ties with other organisations in the region, such as TTP and the Haqqani Network. These alliances continued to provide the group with additional resources and capabilities.

An influential pro-Government tribal elder, Malik Qader Khan, and his two guards were killed in an attack near Miranshah in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. Officials said one of the attackers was also killed in retaliatory fire by Qader Khan's gunmen. Officials said Qader Khan was travelling from Miranshah to Bannu when assailants in a non-customs paid car opened fire on his vehicle at the Chashma Bridge on the main Miranshah-Bannu road.

Two schools, one girls primary school while the other one was for boys, were blown up in the Drwazgai area of Mohmand Agency. However, no loss of life was reported in the assault. The school building was damaged as a result of the blast.

Two bullet-riddled dead bodies, identified as that of Adil Ayath Issazai and Mohammed Imdad Issazai, were found in Besima area of Washuk District. According to hospital sources, "The bodies bore bullet wounds and multiple marks of torture".

Another tortured dead body, identified as that of Fazalur Rehman, was found dumped in Kehkan area of Turbat District. The victim went missing on the night of April 30, 2014.

A dead body, identified as that of Mujeebullah Abdul Rasheed, was found from Muslim Bagh area of Qilla Saifullah District.

Militants blown up a girls' primary school in the Saro Kalley area of Charsadda District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. No loss of life was reported in the assault on the school.

Police arrested six suspects, including two extortionists, and confiscated PKR 225,000 cash from their possession during a raid within the remits of Sir Syed Police Station in North Nazimabad Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Police arrested two alleged target killers and recovered a G-3 rifle, hand grenade and other ammunition from their possession after an encounter within Risala Police remits in Saddar Town. The accused were involved in murder, attempt to murder and other heinous crimes, said Police.

The MQM is reported to observe mourning day on May 2 against the killing of four of its workers whose dead bodies were found from Memon Goth area in Gadap Town on April 30, 2014. The victims were identified as Sameed, Ali Haider, Faizan and Salman Qureshi. MQM Spokesman Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui claimed that all four were party workers and were arrested by Rangers and Police from the Country Tower and Gulshan-e-Maymar area on April 13, 2014. He alleged that they were brutally tortured to death.

TTP said that "talks and war cannot go together" and that they are ready to face any situation. "The government on one hand says it wants the dialogue but on the other it has adopted the policy of threats," said TTP 'spokesperson' Shahidullah Shahid. Shahid alleged that operations were being intensified against the TTP across the country.

CoAS General Raheel Sharif while addressing the Youm-e-Shuhada at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi District of Punjab said that Kashmir is the "jugular vein" of Pakistan and the issue should be resolved in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiris and in line with UNSC resolutions for lasting peace in the region.

The Commander of the US CENTCOM General Lloyd Austin met CoAS General Raheel Sharif for discussions on Afghanistan and bilateral military-to-military cooperation with special emphasis on regional security. However, no details about the Sharif-Austin meeting were given, but a source privy to the agenda said that the two were to discuss on the post-2014 situation, particularly in the context of the Afghan-US Bilateral Security Agreement, the size of the residual force in Afghanistan and the retrograde movement of equipment.

KP IGP, Nasir Khan Durrani said that a specialised combat unit, based on the pattern of Pakistan Army's SSG and the US Marines, would be set up in the province by the end of 2014. The Nasir Khan Durrani said that an elite Anti-Terrorist Force comprising 1,050 elite commandoes had been set up while the combat unit would be set up for anti-terror operations.

KP IGP, Nasir Khan Durrani said that a specialised combat unit, based on the pattern of Pakistan Army's SSG and the US Marines, would be set up in the province by the end of 2014. The Nasir Khan Durrani said that an elite Anti-Terrorist Force comprising 1,050 elite commandoes had been set up while the combat unit would be set up for anti-terror operations.

Drone attacks have stopped since the peace negotiations with the TTP started, said JUI-S Chief Maulana Samiul Haq while addressing a tribal jirga in Peshawar. Haq, who is also heading the TTP intermediary committee, stated that US President Barack Obama supported the peace talks while on the other hand Pakistani politicians and anchors, instead of encouraging them, were showing resistance. Haq remarked that every time they start "the car" of the negotiations a "breaker" comes in front of it.

Three people, identified as Haqdar Khan Niazi, Sultan Khan Niazi and Yousuf Khan Niazi, were killed in a clash between two groups, following a protest call by the MQM against extra-judicial killings of its party members, at Daryaabad area of Lyari Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Fear and tension gripped the area after the clash.

Two unidentified dead bodies were found within the jurisdiction of the Mauripur Police Station in Musharraf Colony area of Baldia Town.

Police claimed to have arrested two extortionists, identified as Ishaq and Bakhtiar, during a raid in Gizri area of Saddar Town. Both extortionists had sought extortion from a local trader through means of intimidation, said CPLC chief Ahmed Chenoi.

A convoy of SF, comprising 25 vehicles, escaped a landmine blast in Naag area of Washuk District. The convoy was going to Panjgur District from Washuk when one of the vehicles narrowly escaped the landmine explosion. The vehicle was partially damaged but no casualty was reported.

A convoy of SF, comprising 25 vehicles, escaped a landmine blast in Naag area of Washuk District. The convoy was going to Panjgur District from Washuk when one of the vehicles narrowly escaped the landmine explosion. The vehicle was partially damaged but no casualty was reported.

An IED planted along the outer wall of Panhwar Sinari Police Station in Jaffarabad District was defused by Police. BDS official said the IED was packed with around 9 kilogram of explosives.

Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, during a ceremony held at NADRA headquarters in Islamabad, lashed out at all those involved in criticising the Government's peace talks with the TTP, saying the dialogue process cannot move forward amid "needless rhetoric,". He dispelled the notion of a deadlock in peace talks with the TTP.

Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, during a ceremony held at NADRA headquarters in Islamabad, lashed out at all those involved in criticising the Government's peace talks with the TTP, saying the dialogue process cannot move forward amid "needless rhetoric,". He dispelled the notion of a deadlock in peace talks with the TTP.

The TTP negotiating committee, Maulana Sami-ul-Haq hinted that the next round of direct talks would be held on May 5, 2014.

According to officials in the Police, the recent grouping within the TTP may help the Government and SFs to deal with the militants but it has created more trouble for businessmen in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The sources said that the businessmen had paid extortions to the TTP but a few days later they again received calls for payment of more money. The second calls, they added, came even though middlemen of the militants had given assurances that the businessmen would not be threatened.

The officials said the TTP groups worked under Shehryar Mehsud and Khan Said alias Sajna. The differences among them cropped up in the run-up to the selection of the successor to Hakimullah Mehsud who was killed in a US drone attack in 2013. An official of the capital Police said that now the TTP groups were separately approaching businessmen to pay them extortion.

A few days back the owner of a food outlet in the city received a telephone call demanding extortion equal to the amount he had already paid, he added. The businessman told the Police that he approached the middleman operating from the capital city as he had assured him that no one would harm him after he made the payment. However, when the businessman told the middleman about the call after the payment of extortion, the latter sought time to probe the matter.

A local TTP 'commander', Irfan Mehsud, and six other militants were killed in a fighting with SFs in the Babor Mountains of Ladha sub-division in South Waziristan Agency of FATA. Irfan Mehsud is said to be the son of Azam Tariq Mehsud, a key member of the Political Shura of the TTP. He is also said to be the 'spokesperson' of TTP's South Waziristan chapter.

Two tribesmen were injured when an IED was blown up using a remote control in Sadda area of Kurram Agency. An official of the political administration said the IED, planted on a roadside, exploded near Sadda Bazaar, injuring two tribesmen who were on their way to the market.

A lawyer, identified as Mohammad Idris and his driver Noman Shah were killed in Karachi's Orangi Town. Member of MQM's Rabita Committee Saif Yar Khan said that the driver was a MQM worker. Khan also requested the Chief Minister and Governor of Sindh to take immediate measures to stop such killings. He further stated that members of the MQM were being targeted continuously.

Two people, including a school principal and his son were killed in firing near Metroville SITE graveyard in SITE Town of Karachi.

An unidentified man was shot dead near Anda Mor in North Karachi in New Karachi Town.

An alleged extortionist was also killed in a Police encounter in Baldia Town. Police claimed to have arrested 15 suspects, including six criminals during raids in Baldia Town and Orangi Town. CPLC personnel arrested two extortionists after receiving information of the criminals present in the area. CPLC Chief Ahmad Chinoy said the extortionists had demanded PKR 1 million from a person living in Gizri area.

One FC official was killed and another was injured in a bomb explosion in Dhadar area of Bolan District. Khan Wasey, a spokesman for the FC, said that a SF vehicle was on routine patrolling when it was attacked in Bolan's Dhadar area in the morning. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack. However, Wasey said he suspected that the attack was the work of Baloch separatists operating in the area.

Firing from Afghanistan side of border killed one Pakistani security person at the Pak-Afghan border area near Bajaur Agency, statement issued by the ISPR said. It was not clear whether the cross-border firing was conducted by Afghan security personnel or militants.

SFs, along with officials of the Kurram Levies and BDU helped defuse 22 bombs in Dama Khwaro area near Badama check post in Alizai tehsil of Kurram Agency. The BDU unit safely removed the explosive devices and defused them at the bank of Kurram River nearby. According to BDU officials, 15 of the planted bombs were landmines, five were remote-controlled devices and two were connected to a device which was ready to blow up when it was neutralised.

SFs recovered 40 suicide vests at the Torkham border which were being smuggled into Pakistan from Afghanistan. Official sources said the suicide jackets did not contain any explosives, but were being transported to Pakistan with the intention of being used for suicide missions. The sources said that this was going to be done with the aid of local operators who were to fill the jackets with explosives.

Rangers arrested at least 10 suspects involved in extortion and other crimes from different areas of Karachi. According to the Rangers' spokesman, the three arrested extortionists belong to political party. The suspects were shifted to undisclosed location for further interrogation.

The member of the TTP negotiating committee Yousuf Shah said the TTP has given a list of 765 'non-combatant' prisoners they want to be released. He said dialogue was the only solution to the problem. However, he said, there were some obstacles which needed to be removed for the success of the peace process.

The JI provincial chief and member of TTP negotiation committee Prof Mohammad Ibrahim said that there were a lot of hurdles in holding direct dialogue between the Government and TTP. However, the negotiation committee would continue its struggle to assist both the sides to achieve the objective of restoration of peace, he added.

A businessman, identified as Rashid Wasim, received threatening calls from extortionists asking him to pay PKR 40 million in Mohanpura area of Rawalpindi District. Wasim owns a factory in the industrial area of Islamabad and complained to the Ganjmandi Police that since March 19, 2014, his family has received three calls by TTP militants. The complaint said the caller threatened him that his family members would be kidnapped and killed if he failed to pay the money. Wasim claimed that the threatening calls were made from Waziristan.

FC personnel claimed to have killed at least 10 militants during an operation in Panjgur District. Tree FC soldiers were injured in the exchange of fire. FC spokesman, Khan Wasey confirmed the incident. Khan said that the FC also destroyed three suspected militant hideouts and two vehicles. He said the forces initially faced resistance from the militants who were hiding in the mountains adding that the exchange of fire between the Security Forces and militants continued for more than two hours. "The dead militants belong to a banned Baloch militant group", he said. 

The militants belonged to LeB and BLF. According to details, the operation took place after Latif Johar, a member of the separatist BSO-A, went on a hunger strike 11 days ago to demand the release of the group’s chairman and more than 100 detained members.

A retired army officer, identified as Rasool Khan, was shot dead by unidentified militants at Kanwari Colony in Manghopir area of Gadap Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Unidentified armed assailants opened fire and killed a man in Liaquatabad Town.

A dead body, identified as that of Gujjar Khan, was found at City Railway Station Colony within the limits of Mithadar Police Station in Saddar Town.

Two people, identified as identified as Akbar and Wajihuddin and affiliated with a political party were shot at and injured near Shah Faisal intersection in Orangi Town. SSP Orangi Town said that later the Police conducted raids in Pakistan Bazaar area of Orangi Town and arrested an accused, identified as Noor Alam alias Munna, who was involved in attacking them. The Police also recovered arms from his possession.

A man, identified as Ateeq (20), was shot at and injured in Northern Bypass area near Janjal Goth within limits of Gulshan-e-Maymar Police Station in Saddar Town.

A US citizen was arrested while carrying ammunition in an Islamabad-bound flight at Jinnah International Airport. The ammunition included 15 bullets of 9 millimeters along with a magazine. According to SP Rao Anwar the bullets recovered from the US citizen would be checked whether they were the same being used in killings in Karachi. Anwar said the possibility of even flight hijacking could not be ruled out.

Two people, including the driver, identified as Tariq, and the cleaner Rehman Ali, of a NATO truck carrying goods for the NATO forces in Afghanistan were killed and two others were injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on the vehicles near Wazir Dhand area in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. There were reports that two truckers were also missing after the attack and were feared to have been kidnapped by the militants.

FDMA Director General Arshad Khan said that they would start rehabilitation process of 7,706 IDPs of Bagh Maidan area of Tirah valley from May 7, 2014. He said that some 3, 42,000 people belonging to the Khyber Agency were displaced and of them 1, 65, 000 IDPs were rehabilitated and the remaining would also return home gradually.

He said the people would be provided ration for six months and on their return they would get non-food items and shelter kits. The IDPs, he said, were supposed to return earlier but rains and dilapidated roads were main hurdle in their return. The government would also pay PKR 25,000 to each family in addition to house subsidy after disaster assessment, he said. He added the remaining IDPs would also return homes till July 2014 as the situation improved.

A militant was killed in a clash with SFs during a search operation launched on the in Banjot, Sar Sarday and Azbaka areas of Mingora town in Swat District. Two other injured militants escaped. According to official sources, “A group of around 25 militants had been spotted in the mountains and the forces launched search operation to arrest them”. Also, the Police arrested 30 suspects during the search operation launched at the junction of Swat, Buner and Shangla Districts.

Unidentified militants blew up a 500 KV Tarbela Sheikh Mohammadi transmission line in Badbher area of Peshawar. However, no casualties were reported. NTDCL said that five towers were destroyed in the area, including three towers of Sheikh Muhammdi transmission line which created a short fall of 150 megawatts to the national grid. 

Rawalpindi Police busted a gang of criminals and arrested four members of the gang getting extortion from top businessmen of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad impersonating themselves as leaders of TTP. RPO Akhtar Umar Hayat Lalika said that the gangsters used to make telephone calls to businessmen after conducting detailed recce and pressurized them to provide them extortion, threatening that they were TTP leaders and would kill or kidnap their children if they failed to fulfill the demands.

A businessman, identified as Haji Naeem, was arrested from Rawalpindi District on the charge of helping a group of TTP militants in extorting money from traders and other wealthy people in the city. RPO Omer Akhtar Hayat Laleka said that Naeem, a hosiery trader and a resident of Mohanpura locality, had also staged a kidnapping-for-ransom drama a couple of days ago. The RPO said after the police tracked down the suspect, he confessed to working as an informer for the TTP. “He used to provide the TTP group in Waziristan mobile phone numbers of wealthy people and businessmen. Later, the group members would call victims to extort money from them,” RPO Laleka said.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, while talking to BBC Urdu, said that he is still hopeful that talks with the TTP can succeed, despite the militants ending a ceasefire, and that talks offered the “best option” of ending the country’s long conflict. He said that he believed his talks strategy could “bring peace without any further bloodshed”. “If we can make this process somehow successful, I think it will be the best option.”

He said the militants had to respect the constitution and lay down their arms. “This of course is the number one condition that has to be met,” he said, adding, “We are making progress on these issues. Let us see if the next round of meetings is successful and we can find a way to make headway in the talks we are holding with each other.”

He further said that some elements were not happy with the ceasefire with the TTP, adding that such elements “were not our friends”. He said that such elements opposed peace and wanted to destabilise the talks’ process. He said the same elements were involved in the Islamabad fruit market blast. “We are trying to identify these elements.”

TTP intermediary and JeI Provincial Chief Muhammad Ibrahim said in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s provincial capital Peshawar, “TTP should not act as a hurdle in permanent peace”. He said that the negotiation committee will urge the Taliban to cooperate with the Government and not act as an obstacle to the objective of restoration of peace.

The two member Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, headed by retired Justice Javed Iqbal and appointed by the Supreme Court claimed that it had resolved 27 missing person cases last month, saying that most of these persons were found detained at various “internment centres” in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The figures released by the Commission revealed that the number of missing persons had been increasing constantly, 1,846 cases had come to light since January 1, 2011, the day the commission started its work. The Commission said there were 138 missing person cases pending before it on January 1, 2011, and since then it had received 1,846 new cases, bringing the total to 1,984.

According to the list of traced persons, six are detained at an internment centre in Lakki Marwat District, four in Kohat and five in two internment centres in Swat Valley, from where most of the persons have gone missing. Six persons have returned home on their own while one named Hafiz Hassan Akbar is in “judicial custody”.  It is also not clear whether these centres are being run by the military or civilian authorities. There is also no answer to two key questions — who had picked them up and who disclosed their whereabouts. The Commission reiterated its “commitment and determination to make all-out efforts to trace the missing persons”.

At least 13 militants were killed as infighting between rival TTP groups restarted in Shawal tehsil of North Waziristan Agency of FATA. Official and tribal sources confirmed that clashes started between Shehryar Mehsud and Khan Said alias Sajna. According to official sources, the infighting between the two groups has claimed more than 50 lives during the last few weeks. Sources said that the death toll is likely to rise.

According to details, the rival factions have accused each other of grabbing power in order to control South Waziristan’s Mehsud tribal area. Sajna had been considered the right hand man of Waliur Rehman, whereas Shehryar was a confidant of Hakimullah Mehsud. Their slain leaders were reportedly at loggerheads after the death of TTP founder Baitullah Mehsud.

Two people belonging to TI group were killed, while three others sustained injuries when a remote controlled device exploded in the Zakhakhel Bazaar of Landikotal in Khyber Agency. 

Two militants belonging to TTP Punjab chapter were killed and one person was injured when a bomb exploded in Miranshah bazaar of North Waziristan Agency. Intelligence sources confirmed the identity of the victims.

SFs killed seven militants in Banjot area of Swat District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after an attack left two soldiers injured on May 5. It was a search operation using sniffer dogs to reach the people who carried out the improvised explosive device attack on May 5, wounding two soldiers. “Heavy weapons were used after the terrorists challenged the soldiers,” the sources added, saying that a house-to-house search was launched after the IED attack, using sniffer dogs.

KP would be setting up Pakistan’s first high security prison having three-layered security besides establishing high security zones in six sensitive jails of the north-western province housing more than 1,000 terrorists and high profile prisoners like Dr Shakil Afridi. The authorities have also announced to form a special prison force which would guard the province’s sensitive jails while a plan has also been initiated to establish a separate prison for FATA to keep tribal prisoners as well as a women jail for female folk.

Advisor to the Chief Minister on Jails Malik Qasim Khan, speaking to the media, said that the prison force of 850 personnel, equipped with latest gadgets and equipment, would be responsible for jail security. To a query about shifting alleged CIA operator Dr Shakil Afridi, he said that KP has approached the Federal Government as Dr Afridi was convicted in a federal crime, adding that so far Islamabad has not responded to the request.

Two people, identified as Moiz Ullah Khan and Irtaza Jaffri, were shot dead in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town on Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A man, identified as Aziz Bakhsh was killed and his brother, identified as Bilal Bakhsh, was injured in an incident of firing in Pak Colony area of SITE Town.

An unidentified man was shot dead while another person sustained injuries when armed assailants opened fire in Malir Town.

An unidentified dead body was recovered from Mehmoodabad area of Jamshed Town.

Another dead body of a woman was recovered from Sohrab Goth of Gadap Town.

An unidentified dead body was recovered from Orangi Town.

Three people, including two constables and ASI Farooq, were injured in when unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade targeting patrolling Police mobile in Surjani Town area of Gadap Town.

Two explosions occurred targeting oil tankers in Kiamari Oil Field while another blast occurred in Gulbai area of Orangi Town. 

US officials said that the US national arrested at Karachi airport on May 5, 2014, for carrying ammunition in his bag is a FBI agent. He appeared in court on charges that he had violated anti-terrorism laws that prohibit the carrying of weapons or ammunition on a commercial flight. A judge ordered that the agent be detained until May 10, 2014, so security officials can investigate the matter.

The US officials in Washington confirmed that the agent, who is assigned to the FBI Miami Field Office, was in Pakistan on temporary duty. They requested that the agent’s name be withheld, citing the sensitivity of the situation. Meghan Gregonis, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, said U.S. officials are working to resolve the matter.

Five militants were killed and three injured as clashes between two factions of TTP continued in Shawal area of NWA in FATA. As reported earlier, 13 militants were killed in the fighting that erupted between the groups led by Shehryar Khan and Khan Said alias Sajna in Shawal, a mountainous area near Afghan border on May 6. The militants killed on May 6 were from the Shehryar group. Rockets and mortars were used in the fighting.

A militant was killed when a bomb he was attempting to plant at Shalobar peace committee’s compound in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency exploded prematurely.

A FC official was shot dead and another injured when unidentified motorcycle borne assailants opened fire on then at Ashna Market in Ghundai area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency.

The main gate of the residence of Saeed Torkhel was destroyed in an explosion around 3am in Ghreza area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency. The explosion also damaged the boundary wall.

The second phase of repatriating displaced people of Tirah Valley began as FDMA has sent back 301 families. Over the next 33 days, more than 7,000 families are expected to return to their homes in the valley in Khyber Agency. FDMA Director General Arshad Khan said that the second phase started from Jarma Camp in Kohat and 1,343 individuals have been repatriated. Khan said returning families were provided with PKR 25,000 in cash and their travelling costs were taken care of by the authority. Furthermore, they were provided with standardised non-food item kits, hygiene kits, vaccines for children and other child protection and nutrition services.

Two people, identified as Yasir (35) and Haroon (30) were killed when unidentified militants opened fire on them near Kalapul in Jamshed Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. SSP Faisal Bashir Memon said that patrolling Police returned fire on the attackers, injuring one of them while others managed to flee.

An unidentified man was killed when armed assailants opened fire on him near Purana Truck Adda in Mauripur area of Kiamari Town.

A man, identified as Kamran Shah (36), was killed when unidentified militants opened fire on him in Bilal Colony of Korangi Town.

A man, identified as Allah Rakha (40), was injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on him near Junejo Jamaat Khana in North Karachi Town.

An unidentified man was shot at and injured near Ausaf Training centre North Karachi Town.

A man, identified as Altaf (25), was injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on him in Buffer Zone area of North Nazimabad Town.

One Babar (18) was injured in firing by unidentified militants near Dr Ziauddin Hospital in Shireen Jinnah Colony of Clifton in Saddar Town.

A man, identified as Zahid (22), was injured when unidentified militants opened fire on him in Saifi Lane area of Lyari Town.

The BDS defused a magnetic bomb in a controlled explosion at the Kiamari Oil terminal of Karachi. The bomb contained one kilogram of explosives and ball bearings and it was aimed at creating more fatalities, BDS official Mustafa said.

Human Rights Advocate Rashid Rehman Khan was shot dead and his two lawyer friends, identified as Nadeem Parwaz and Afzal, were injured by unidentified militants inside his office at Kachehri Chowk in Multan District. Advocate Khan was a coordinator for the HRCP. He was defending a Bahauddin Zakariya University lecturer Junaid Hafeez, accused of blasphemy and had complained that he had been receiving threats on his life.

A FC official was killed and three others were wounded when militants fired rocket propelled grenades and opened fire at their convoy in the Sunt Sar area of Gwadar District. The militants escaped after a brief exchange of fire. “The Baloch militants belonged to the banned BLF,” said an unnamed security official in Gwadar.

A group of militants, identifying themselves as Tanzeem-ul-Islami-ul-Furqan (TIF), based in Panjgur District, threatened 23 English Language Learning Centres to shut down and stop imparting co-education and teaching in English, which they say is ‘Haram (prohibited) in Islam’. Masked militants barged into one language centre and threatened the teachers and the young male and female students. “Co-education and learning English language is Haram,” they told the teachers, according to one instructor who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The militants destroyed the school’s furniture and tore textbooks during the incident.

At least four persons, including a child, were injured in an explosion at Mina Bazar in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. BDS, AIG Shafqat Malik said that three hundred grams of explosives was used in a timer device. The Station House Officer of Kotwali Police Station Ihsan Marwat said the bomb was planted to target a cold drinks shop.

Peshawar Police and SFs conducted a joint operation in Badbher Salman Khel Sheikh Mohammad Mashogagar and Kagawala areas of Peshawar and arrested 21 suspects with weapons. A Police contingent headed by SP-Rural, Rahim Shah, backed by SFs conducted search operations.

Irfan Siddiqui, Prime Minister’s Special Adviser on National Affairs, said that it’ll be difficult for the Government to pursue peace talks, if the TTP do not take immediate and concrete steps for taking the dialogue process forward. “The government is facing public pressure on the issue. People are now demanding results of the [peace] process,” said Siddiqui. He added that protracted talks did not augur well for the process. “We had made it clear in the beginning [of the process] that we would try to take the process to a logical conclusion as soon as possible because this sensitive matter cannot continue for an indefinite period,” said Siddiqui, who was the coordinator of the first four-member negotiating committee formed by the premier to make peace with the TTP.

An IED exploded killing at least nine FC personnel and injuring several others near the Miranshah road in Ghulam Khan Tehsil of NWA of FATA. The IED was planted on the roadside which was detonated as the SF convoy came near the Miranshah road. A statement issued by the ISPR confirmed that at least nine SF personnel were killed and several others were critically injured.

A roadside bomb was defused by the BDS in Khyber Agency. According to the sources, the bomb was targeted at the polio team.

Within hours of the killing of nine FC soldiers, CoAS General Raheel Sharif and PM Nawaz Sharif held a meeting to discuss the security situation. Officials said the Army Chief conveyed his decision to the PM about the likely response from the military. A senior military official said that the Army would respond to the provocation by militants as “terrorism and peace talks cannot go hand in hand...The attack is a clear act of provocation and is a serious blow to the peace process. This will have serious repercussions." He added, “Naturally there will be a response from our side. We will go after those who are responsible for the terrorist attacks". The Army is likely to launch ‘massive air strikes’ in the militant strongholds in retaliation for the roadside blast.

At least two people were killed and 16 others were injured in an explosion near a NADRA office on Double Road in provincial capital Quetta. So far, no outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Two children were injured when they touched a bomb planted on a roadside in Muslim Ittehad Colony area of Quetta.

The FBI agent who was arrested on May 5, 2014, from Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh for trying to carry ammunition in an Islamabad-bound flight was released from a Karachi Police Station after District and Sessions Judge Malir granted him bail against surety bonds of PKR 1 million. Police officer Rao Anwaar said the court had directed the man to submit a surety bond of PKR one million (USD 9,800) for his bail.

PM Nawaz Sharif and CoAS General Raheel Sharif stressed that irrespective of whether peace talks are held or not, violence and bloodshed by militants must stop. General Sharif said that the recent attacks on the SFs are not likely to stop unless some hostile groups of the TTP are neutralised. Amid no let-up in the terror attacks, the military establishment has reportedly told Nawaz Sharif that the use of force against the miscreants has become unavoidable. “The policy of inaction costs us dearly,” said an intelligence insider while quoting the CoAS in the briefing to the Prime Minister, adding, “Soon, there would be a change (in policy), a visible one”.

The Prime Minister and the Army Chief shared unanimity in the view that the terrorists would not be allowed to keep striking with impunity. “Peace talks or no peace talks. Bloodshed has to stop,” the intelligence insider said while disclosing the meeting’s agenda. The source said that certain TTP factions were against the peace talks. “They need to be neutralised even if the peace talks are to be proceeded ahead,” the source said.

TTP 'chief' Mullah Fazlullah sacked Khan Said alias Sajna as Ameer of SWA (FATA). Umar Khurasani would command the movement in both North and South Waziristan Agencies. Hakimullah Mehsud’s group 'spokesman' Daud Mehsud said that TTP’s 'vice-Ameer' Shaikh Khalid Haqqani has been made Ameer of South Waziristan Agency. Daud Mehsud said that they respect decisions taken by the Mullah Fazlullah.

At least four people were injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast in Goth Muhammad Usman area of Jaffarabad District. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack. 

BDS defused two hand grenades in Muslim Ittehad Colony of Quetta.

US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns during his meeting with the civil and military leadership to discuss regional security situation and exchange views on matters of bilateral interest said that Pakistani should “destroy terrorist sanctuaries located in North Waziristan and complete the operation before installation of the new political administration in Kabul”.

During the meeting the Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, reiterated Pakistan’s support for the democratic process in Afghanistan and stressed that smooth security and economic transitions were also fundamental for stability in Afghanistan and the region.

Karachi Police Chief Shahid Hayyat said that militant wings of political parties are present in Karachi. He said that the Supreme Court had also mentioned involvement of political parties in terrorism.

A NATO container was charred and two were damaged by unidentified militants at Hawaldari checkpost in Sur Kamar area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency.  According to officials, masked men on motorcycles and a car opened fire at the containers hardly 100 metres from Hawaldari checkpost, manned by Khasadar and Levies personnel, on the Peshawar-Torkham highway. The drivers and cleaners of the three vehicles ran away, while the attackers took away one of the containers and set it on fire. The two other vehicles were damaged.

A man was killed when unidentified gunmen opened fire in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town.

One tortured dead body was found near Radio Station in Quaidabad area of Bin Qasim Town.

Another tortured dead body was found near Gulshan City in Quaidabad area of Bin Qasim Town.

Two unidentified people were killed in two separate incidents in unspecified areas of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead a man, identified as Shahbaz Khan, at Masan Chowk in Kiamari Town.

An unidentified man was found dead in Gulshan-e-Zia area of Orangi Town.

A suicide attack targeting internally displaced persons from the Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA killed at least five persons and injured 14 others in the Arbab Niaz Stadium of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP. The bomber was believed to have been targeting a group of refugees from Tirah Valley who had gone to a government-run camp in the Arbab Niaz Stadium to fill out paperwork ahead of their journey home. The suicide bomber first opened fire at the Police guarding the registration point for the IDPs from Tirah Valley before blowing himself up. “It was a suicide attack,” Police official Najeebur Rehman said adding that around 10 kilograms of explosives were used. Senior Police official Faisal Mukhtar said the bomber blew himself up near a small mosque inside the stadium and the dead included one Khasadar (Tribal Policeman) personnel. The blast caused one of mosque’s walls to fall down. 

At least four persons were injured in an explosion in Kohati Gate area of Peshawar. According to SP-City Faisal Mukhtar, the IED exploded outside the house of a local trader. 

Town Levies personnel were killed when unidentified militants opened fire at a Levies check post in Khuzdar District. The militants reportedly fled from the scene taking away with them the weapons of the slain security personnel.

At least 19 persons, including Police personnel, were injured in a hand-held bomb blast targeting a Police checkpost at Chakar Khan Road area in Khuzdar District. “The militants sped away on their motorcycle after the attack,” said Police Official Majeed Marri. No outfit claimed responsibility for the blast. However, Police suspected that Baloch separatists could be behind the attack.

A pro-Government peace committee was shot dead one of its opponents on May 10 over suspicions that he was a spy in Landi Kotal tehsil of Khyber Agency FATA. According to sources, volunteers of the TI group kidnapped Miraj and Waris a few days ago on suspicion of their involvement in two explosions and secretly working for LI. The sources said that Waris was shot dead after he ‘confessed to his crimes’. The fate of Miraj was not known, but according to the sources, a shura of TI had ordered his killing too. 

A roadside bomb killed one paramilitary trooper and injured four others in the Kitkoot area of Bajaur Agency. The officials said the vehicle used by the paramilitary troops was on a routine patrol when hit by the blast.

At least four security personnel were injured in a remote controlled IED attack on a Security Forces vehicle near Khajuri checkpost on Mir Ali Road in North Waziristan Agency. Official sources confirmed that the vehicle was targeted with a remote controlled bomb injuring four personnel.

A senior leader and member of the TTP Political Shura, Azam Tariq Mehsud, said that his group is still serious in pursuing peace talks with the Government which, according to a TTP intermediary, is maintaining a ‘surprising silence’ on the matter. “The date and venue for a second face-to-face meeting will be decided only when the Government and the Army come on the same page,” Azam Tariq Mehsud said. However, he claimed that the Army was not serious in pursuing peace talks. “The use of military force has failed to restore peace [in the troubled areas] because peace comes through dialogue. And when peace prevails, the country will automatically come on the road to progress and development,” he said. He added that the TTP was serious in pursuing peace talks. “We are constantly in touch with the TTP even though the government is keeping mum on the issue,” he added.

Samiullah Afirdi, the legal counsel of the alleged US spy, Doctor Shakil Afridi who had led the Navy Seal to the compound of slain al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad District of KP, has quit citing security threats to his life and undue pressure from the US on Pakistan to release Afridi, thus manipulating the courts proceedings.

During the hearing, Samiullah Afridi said that they were fighting the case in the court of law but undue pressure from US on Pakistan is an indirect interference in the courts proceedings and that is the main reason he decided to quit. “The pressure tactics by the US on Pakistani Government for extra judicial release of Dr Shakil Afridi was impacting the Pakistani courts, though I do not consider the FCR laws humane and we are fighting for amendments, but still the case has to be left to the courts for decision,” he added

He further said that he had decided to fight Dr Shakil’s case on humanitarian grounds but since then he and his family was being threatened from different quarters so it was no more possible for him to continue and that’s why he decided to quit. “The threats are very real, and they are coming for the last almost two years but the last few days remained very difficult for me and family so there was no option but to quit,” he said.

Two Shia workers of the MQM, identified as Gauhar Ali Abidi and Syed Rizwan, were shot dead in North Karachi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. DSP Altaf Hussain said both men were Shia and suspect it was a targeted attack.

A Shia Pakistan Navy officer, identified as Ghulam Akbar, was shot dead near Karasaz Market in Shara-e-Faisal area of Shah Faisal Town. Akbar belonged to Jhang District of Punjab and was working as a cook in the Pakistan Navy. Police sources said that the incident appeared to be sectarian motivated.

A grocery shop owner, identified as Imran, was killed while two others, identified as Pervez and Afzal, were injured when unidentified armed assailants shot at them within the jurisdiction of the Al-Falah Police Station in Shah Faisal Town. They also set his shop on fire.

A suspected militant, identified as Imran, was found dead in Sohrab Goth area of Gadap Town. SHO Muhammad Shoaib said that a hand grenade, pistol and bullets were also found with the body.

One soldier was killed when a water fetching party of the SFs reached near Whol Top area along the Pak-Afghan border in Mohmand Agency of FATA where it struck a landmine.

An Afghan National Army official was arrested near the Pak-Afghan Torkham border in Khyber Agency after he crossed into Pakistan without any valid documentation. SFs shifted him to jail for further investigation.

In a bid to reconcile the two warring factions of TTP, the group's central leadership appointed Khalid Sheikh Haqqani as the new 'interim chief' of the SWA. A source within TTP said the move aims at ending the ongoing conflict between TTP Hakimullah group led by Shehryar Mehsud and Waliur Rahman group led by Khan Syed alias Sajna. According to the source, the TTP 'central chief' Fazlullah has send Khalid Sheikh Haqqani as the new interim chief and directed both Sajna and Shehryar to come to the negotiating table to resolve the issue. The source further said Haqqani had taken over and the main shura of the TTP would now decide about the new chief for South Waziristan. He said a new chief, to be appointed within two months, will be accepted by both the groups. "Fazlullah has warned members of both the groups that if any member acted against the other group, he would have to face severe consequences," he added. However, Sajna's spokesperson Azam Tariq refuted the report and said no one was appointed as chief of SWA.

The WHO contested Pakistan's claim that UN agencies were used in the CIA's fake vaccination campaign in Abbottabad District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province in 2011 to track down slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. The public health arm of the UN took exception to the statement by FM Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam during a weekly news briefing on May 8, 2014, and insisted that the world body had nothing to do with the Shakil Afridi controversy. The foreign office Spokeswoman had claimed that Pakistan's efforts to eradicate the poliovirus were undermined by the fake vaccination campaign in which some UN agencies were also used.

In a statement issued in Islamabad, WHO officials said that the UN has formally objected to Islamabad's contention, following which it immediately received assurances that the statement made by the FM Spokesperson was categorically incorrect and made in error. "WHO welcomes this clarification by the Government and trusts that the erroneous statement will be fully retracted," it stated. The WHO reaffirms its position that all health programmes, including immunisation campaigns, must be used only for protecting and promoting health. "WHO continues to categorically deplore the use of health interventions for any other reason and reiterates that there is absolutely no connection whatsoever between WHO and the 'fake vaccination campaign' conducted by Dr Afridi," read the statement.

At least five militants were killed and three others were injured as rival TTP militants, belonging to Shehryar Mehsud and Khan "Sajna" Said factions, clashed in Shawal area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

A senior leader of the group revealed that Khan Said alias Sajna refused to accept his dismissal as head of the militant group's South Waziristan Chapter. "Sajna was removed last week through a special order by the respected Ameer," a Taliban leader said on the condition of anonymity, adding, "The Taliban leadership council had also endorsed the decision," he added.

Safi peace committee leader Subidar Safi's nephew Jahangir Khan was killed and his driver was injured in an IED blast in Safi tehsil of Mohmand Agency. TTP Mohmand Agency Chapter spokesperson Omar Khurasani claimed responsibility for the attack. Later, a search operation was launched and 20 suspects were arrested.

Unidentified militants shot dead two teachers, identified as Shamim Badshah and Liaqat Ali Khan, near the Government High School in Chasma Jaat area of Hangu District. Protesters blocked the Hangu-Kohat Road near Alizai to protest the killing of Liaqat Ali who was a member of the Shia community.

Two unidentified dead bodies bearing torture marks were recovered in gunny bags dumped in drainage in Hayatabad area of Peshawar.

A former Union Counselor of ANP and present member of ANP's District Organising Committee in Peshawar, Anwarul Haq, was shot dead by unidentified militants while he was in his shop in Kohati area of Peshawar.

Unidentified militants blew up a Shia mosque in an Imambargah (Shia place of commemoration) of Hazrat Ali in Bafa village of Mansehra District. However, no casualty was reported.

Doctor Manzoor Memon (45), the medico-legal officer (MLO) at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC), and his driver, Ashiq (40), were shot dead in Delhi Colony area of Orangi Town in provincial capital Karachi.

A Police constable was killed and 13 others, including ASI Adam Ali Khushak sustained injuries in a sectarian clash between two groups within the limits of City Police Station in Hyderabad District. Police said that two groups opened fire after quarrel during a procession, taken out in connection with birth anniversary of Shia Imam Hazrat Ali.

BDS defused 25 kilogram of bomb found at a bus-stop in Saeedabad area of Baldia Town in Karachi. According to the Police, if the bomb exploded it would have caused massive destruction.

Karachi's Lyari gangster Noor Mohammed, also known as Baba Ladla, was reportedly killed by Iranian border guards near the Pakistan-Iran border. "Baba Ladla was crossing the border when Iranian border guards opened fire at him. He received three bullet wounds and had died on the spot," source across the border said, adding that the guards had opened fire after Baba Ladla's car failed to stop for routine security check. His body is currently in the custody of Iranian border guards. Some sources said the incident took place at the international border crossing point Border 250 near Chahbahar, while other sources put the location at Mund Bullo. However, officials in Gawadar District said they did not know about the incident, nor had any Iranian officials approached them.

Police recovered five foreign nationals during a search operation in Turbat District. DPO Bashir Brohi said that a Police party conducted a raid in Overseas Colony in Turbat and recovered five foreigners. The foreign nationals include three Tanzanians, one Nigerian and one Kenyan. "The foreigners were chained inside a room in an abandoned house," Brohi added.

He further stated that two foreign nationals were abducted in 2012, two in 2013 and one was kidnapped in 2014, most probably from Karachi District of Sindh Province. "We are also interrogating the recovered foreign nationals," he said, adding that it was being probed as to how they had entered into Pakistan.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Tassaduq Hussain Jillani while chairing a three member bench in a suo motu case over September 22, 2013 Peshawar Church bombing and rights of minorities remarked that according to Pakistan Penal Code's Article 295, offence against any religion comes under the blasphemy law while expressing annoyance for non-registration of cases against culprits involved in setting Hindu temples ablaze in Sindh.

The Chief Justice directed the minorities' representatives to submit a report that indicates sections where the material has been used to abuse the minorities and identify areas where law enforcing agencies failed to secure their lives and property. Justice Jillani said that the court would share grievances of the minorities, hinting establishment of a new force to safeguard the minority communities.

PML-N MNA Dr Ramesh Kumar apprised the court that during last two months six untoward incidents happened with the Hindu community where their temples were set ablaze and their religion was not properly honored and miscreants were not brought to book. He said that four of the incidents come under the blasphemy law.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while chairing a high-level meeting over the law and order situation in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, stressed that the operation being conducted in Karachi to cleanse it of criminal elements should be continued and be above politics. The Prime Minister said that terrorists and criminals should be brought to justice without any political prejudice. "We started the operation in Karachi with the agreement of all political parties and stakeholders," he said, adding, "Being the economic hub of the country, Karachi holds special significance for me." "We want cooperation of all stakeholders in Karachi and I see no one who will not want to improve the law and order situation of Karachi, therefore, a joint solution is the only option," he added.

Nawaz emphasised upon the capacity-building of the Sindh Police and appreciated acquisition of services of retired Army personnel for maintaining law and order in Karachi. He said it was very natural that there will be retaliation from extremists and terrorists, but the Government is prepared for that, and all possible support will be provided to LEAs to counter the retaliation.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that state-of-the art equipment was being provided to the LEAs and revealed that about seven hundred thousand illegal mobile SIMs have been cancelled. He further said that "once the 3G mobile technology is in place, we will further carry out a crackdown against illegal SIMs."

FIA has "irrefutable proof" that former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf illegally declared a state of emergency in 2007, according to a 237-page report it released. Musharraf now faces a high treason trial over the declaration. The report quotes former Governor of Punjab, Khalid Maqbool and a former Attorney General, Malik Muhammad Qayyum as saying they had not been consulted by Musharraf before he declared the emergency on November 3, 2007.

The report also quotes former Cabinet Secretary Masoom Alam Rizvi as saying Aziz never gave any advice to Musharraf about declaring a state of emergency. The report said investigators believe that there is "irrefutable proof and concrete documentary evidence" that Musharraf illegally declared the state of emergency. It also accused him of taking the decision "for his ulterior motives."

The court adjourned the hearing until May 22, 2014.

The KP Police recommended the Home and Tribal Affairs Department to put head money on key terrorist commanders. Nine known militant outfits are operating in the province, KP Inspector General of Police Nasir Khan Durrani told that investigators during the past six months have detected about 150 militants operating just in Peshawar. The Police recommended placing about 430 terrorists, including key TTP, LI and other militant leaders who had been charged under the Anti-Terrorist Act on the head money list, he said. "The Police submitted the request about a month ago and are awaiting proper notification," he said. Once the Home Department approves the list, authorities will disclose the names. "It will help in [their] trials, and the rate of conviction of militants will definitely increase," he stated.

Militants have carried out 3,275 attacks of various magnitudes across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the last nine years, killing 2,794 civilians and 1,381 security personnel, ASP Sohaib Ashraf said. It is impossible to calculate the financial and infrastructural losses incurred, ASP Sohaib Ashraf at the Peshawar Central Police office said. This period of instability has driven foreign direct investment and capital out of the province, Sohaib Ashraf said.

Bakht Rawan, a member of the reconciliation committee was shot dead by unidentified assailants on Kas Road in Mingora town of Swat District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the evening. DPO Sher Akbar Khan said that Rawan was on returning home after visiting a market when two assailants riding a motorcycle shot at him.

At least 19 people, including a child, were injured bomb in a motorcycle bomb near a restaurant on the College Road in Rawalpindi District. However, no loss of life was reported.

At least 19 people, including a child, were injured bomb in a motorcycle bomb near a restaurant on the College Road in Rawalpindi District. However, no loss of life was reported.

LEAs claimed to have arrested a doctor from Bhimbher Road near Qadir Colony in Gujrat District on the suspicion of having links with the recently captured militants belonging to a network of the outlawed outfits. The LEAs had picked up a doctor who practices at his private clinic along on the basis of clues given by other arrested suspects. The law enforcers are quizzing the arrested men who had been found involved in targeted killings during the last six months of 2013.

Due to threats and intimidation, all private educational institutions have remained closed for the past eight days in Panjgur District. Earlier on May 7, 2014, the private schools were shut down in the aftermath of threats by a newly surfaced militant outfit TIF. It had threatened to target private educational institutions, especially the English Learning Centers imparting co-education in Panjgur. "For the first time, we have heard about this militant organisation," a Police Officer said on condition of anonymity.

Haji Islam Baloch, a legislator from the ruling National Party, said that under a pre-planned conspiracy, children of Panjgur were being deprived of education. "They are destroying the future of our young generation," Baloch lamented during the session of the Balochistan Assembly on May 14 2014. An office bearer of the Panjgur Private Schools Association said, "We strongly condemn fanaticism and stand for a tolerant society." There were protesters who demanded that the Government provide security for male and female students studying in educational institutions.

Rangers Director-General Major General Rizwan Akhtar and various other senior Police Officers devised a strategy for the next phase of the ongoing operation in Karachi. It was decided that the next phase of the operation will focus on door-to-door searches that will be conducted in sensitive areas of the city. "Each DPO will be asked to provide the latest details of the criminals wanted by the Police in his areas," said one of the Police Officers. Rangers' spokesperson revealed that the modus operandi of the next phase of the operation was discussed in detail. "We have also finalized the targets and will begin the next phase of the operation shortly," he said.

The list of sensitive areas was also discussed in the meeting. Lyari Town, Orangi Town, Sohrab Goth and Manghopir areas in Gadap Town, Landhi Town, Malir Town, Korangi Town, Shah Faisal Colony in Shah Faisal Town and Federal B Area of Gulberg Town were among the areas that were earmarked for the door-to-door operation. A police official reiterated that no specific area, group or party will be targeted. Rather, the operation will only be against the suspects involved in targeted killings, extortion, kidnappings and other criminal activities, claimed the Police.

Two unidentified dead bodies, bearing torture marks, were found in Memon Society of Lyari Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to Police sources, the victims were first kidnapped and then tortured to death.

An unidentified man was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants near Gulbai Chowrangi in Sher Shah area of Kiamari Town.

Rangers and Police killed one terrorist, identified as Mohammad Hussain, and injured his accomplice during joint search operation in Mianwali Colony within the limits of Peerabad Police Station in Orangi Town.

Police conducted a search operation near Kati Pahari area within the limits of Manghopir Police Station in Orangi Town and arrested 22 suspected criminals. According to SSP West, five pistols were recovered from the possession of arrested suspects.

A Sindh Rangers Spokesman said that the force had arrested over 2,295 suspects during the operation against criminal elements in the past seven months. He said that during the operation, which started on September 5, 2013, Rangers conducted 2370 raids and arrested 2,295 suspects, including, 12 terrorists, 142 target killers, 102 extortionists and 27 kidnappers. He further said that 4102 weapons were recovered from their possession.

Iranian border guards killed one Pakistani national and injured another near the Pakistan-Iran border in Panjgur District. Commissioner Mekran Division, Fateh Bhangar said that Iranian border guards had opened fire on Pakistani territory. "The Iranians resorted to unprovoked firing, killing one Pakistani national and injuring another," Bhangar said. The victims were identified as local Pakistani tribesmen. The border was temporarily closed after the incident.

A teenager shot dead an Ahmadi man, identified as Khalil Ahmad, over blasphemy inside Sharaqpur Police Station in Sharaqpur tehsil (revenue unit) of Sheikhupura District. According to details given by Saleem ud Din, the spokesman of Ahmadi community, the victim, Khalil Ahmad, and three others had asked a shopkeeper in their village to remove inflammatory stickers denouncing their community. In retaliation, the shopkeeper filed blasphemy charges against the four men on May 12, 2014. Ahmad was in Police custody when the teenage boy walked in, asked to see him, and shot him dead. "They told us the person who shot Khalil is just a boy," Saleem ud Din said, adding, "The hate campaign carried out against us is going on and on and on."

Police claimed to have busted a network of terrorists-cum-target killers associated with the TTP and LeJ from Lahore District. The Police arrested eight terrorists and seized a huge quantity of explosives, suicide jackets, laptops and illegal weapons from their possession.

Police claimed to have busted a network of terrorists-cum-target killers associated with the TTP and LeJ from Lahore District. The Police arrested eight terrorists and seized a huge quantity of explosives, suicide jackets, laptops and illegal weapons from their possession.

At least eight persons, including three Policemen were injured, when a bomb strapped on to a motorcycle exploded in Mandan Chowk area of Bannu town (Bannu District) in KP. DSP-Headquarters Sanaullah Khan said that the incident occurred while a City Police van was patrolling on Railway Road and when it reached the main square, Mandan Chowk, one of the Policemen spotted a motorbike suspiciously parked in a corner. DSP Khan said they went to check on the motorcycle and just then the bomb went off, leaving eight people injured.

The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances has so far disposed of 657 of a total of 1,948 complaints about missing persons, the Peshawar High Court was told on May 15. Additional Attorney General Syed Attique Shah told Chief Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel and Justice Malik Manzoor Hussain that 209 people had filed complaints with the two-member commission in Islamabad last month. He said several applicants had filed petitions with the commission, the Supreme Court and the Peshawar High Court simultaneously. The bench asked Syed Attique Shah to produce a detailed report on the enforced disappearance cases pending with different forums simultaneously to ensure early disposal.

Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that the Government wanted to make next round of talks with the TTP meaningful and result-oriented. Addressing a news conference, he said any progress towards next round of direct talks with the TTP, was expected to be made in few days. The Minister said the Government's broader agenda was focused on restoration of peace in the country. Nisar said he wanted that the next meeting of the TTP-Government committees should be decisive and both sides should put their agendas on the table. He said the Government was not responsible for the delay in the dialogue process, as it had been decided during the last two rounds that TTP would convey the date and venue of the next round.

The chief of his own faction of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam and head of TTP negotiation committee Maulana Samiul Haq on May 14-night said that the negotiation process between the Government and TTP has been suspended for the time being. He said that some powerful elements were trying to derail the peace process to pave the way for operation in tribal areas. The JUI-S chief said that operation was no solution to any problem. He said that negotiation was the only way for restoration of peace in the country. He added that bringing the Government and TTP to negotiation table was their great success.

According to the figures released by the Karachi Police to share their 'performance' from September 5, 2013 to May 5, 2014, at least 360 suspects have been killed by the LEA during the operation in Karachi since September 5, 2013. It stated that at least 60 Policemen were killed in the line of duty. They were mostly targeted when they were on patrol though a few were killed in encounters with militants, bandits, gangsters and other criminals. The figures showed a total of 1,277 'encounters' leading to the arrest of some 1,000 'heinous crime' suspects and killing of 253 others. Suspects shot dead by paramilitary Rangers numbered 115. The suspects were wanted in 'heinous crimes' from murders to 'terrorism acts' and kidnapping-for ransom-to extortion.

"The situation describes police strategy," said the Spokesman for the Karachi Police when asked about the reasons behind an unprecedented surge in deadly encounters which left 253 suspects dead. "The current leadership of the Karachi and Sindh Police has focused more on training and capacity building of the serving Policemen, considering the challenges and ongoing targeted operation, which has resulted in better firing skills and much better reaction time of our Policemen challenging the criminals," he said. "There is no shoot-at-sight order. The number of killings in encounters rose only because criminals face much stronger and quicker reaction from the Police party whenever they challenge it. The encounters were also held in the past but a sluggish response from the police party helped suspects to escape unhurt," he added.

While the Police 'performance' has brought down the number of killings on sectarian, ethnic and political grounds to a large extent, it has raised questions about the growing number of deadly encounters drawing criticism from human rights activists. Zohra Yusuf of the HRCP said that such a high figure of killings in 'encounters' acknowledged by the LEAs was highly alarming. The killings also confirmed our worst fears over the Karachi operation, she said.

Seven people were killed and one teenager was injured in separate incidents of violence in Karachi. Four unidentified men, aged 25, 35, 30 and 40, were killed when some armed men opened fire on them in Khamesa Goth, New Karachi. Separately, two unknown people, aged 20 and 25, were shot dead by unidentified armed men near Singo Lane in Lyari. Meanwhile, a four-day-old mutilated body of a man, Ijaz (30) was found near Filter Plant in Steel Mill area. In another incident, a teenager identified as Rashid (17) was injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on him near Siddiqui Autos in Hijrat Colony.

An unidentified man was shot dead in an incident of firing in Hussainabad area of Federal B Area of Gulberg Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A dead body, identified as that of Roshan Marri (14), was found from Birohi Goth within the limits of Manghopir Police Station in Gadap Town.

Another bullet-riddled unidentified dead body of man was found near a graveyard at Qaddafi Town in Landhi Town. According to the Police, the man was first kidnapped and later shot dead.

One Khasadar Force personnel was killed and five others were injured in two landmine blasts at Safi Tehsil of Mohmand Agency in FATA.

Seven persons were injured in a roadside explosion in Rashakai area of Khar Tehsil of Bajaur Agency.

The Khushal Khan Khattak Express escaped a blast that blew up the railway track in Rojhan Mazari Tehsil of Rajanpur District. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

The of 'chief' of TTP Mullah Fazlullah called upon the Government, the Armed forces and the Intelligence agents to akin to the TTP will have to accept writ of Allah Almighty. In a video message released by the TTP Chapter of Darra Adam Khel, the TTP 'chief' did not comment over the peace talks with the Government. He had however been opposed to the talks in the past. His statement came out at a time when there is a deadlock of peace talks between the Government and the TTP. Talking to BBC, 'spokesperson' of the TTP Darra Adam Khel chapter also claimed the seven minutes video message is a fresh statement of TTP 'chief'. In the video, Mullah Fazlullah was welcomed by armed militants when he came down from a mountainous area and he recorded his message. Mullah Fazlullah asked his suicide bombers to be ready against tanks and artilleries of inimical forces. Those who have received this message should disseminate to other suicide bombers who are not in a direct contact. He vowed enforcement of Shariah and will continue his efforts in this connection.

TTP central shura refused to endorse Mullah Fazlullah's verdict about the sacking of senior militant 'commander', Khan Said alias Sajna, in South Waziristan as some TTP leaders feeling it may further divide the group. "After some meetings, the shura finally refused to endorse Mullah Fazlullah's decision. Mullah Fazlullah behaved like a dictator. First he made a decision and then asked the shura to endorse it. Under the rules, the Ameer can ask the shura for advice before making important decisions. But in this case, he made the decision and then asked the shura to endorse it," said a senior member of the TTP shura. "Most of the senior commanders of the TTP are not happy with Mullah Fazlullah for this and some other decisions and are now supporting Khan Said," the TTP leader said. He feared that there were strong indications that 'commander' Khan Said may form his own faction separate from the TTP.

Two Shia men, identified as Shaukat Sherazi (45) and Qaiser Hussain (50) were killed when unknown armed assailants opened fire on them at Mithadar near Sherazia Imambargah (Shia place of commemoration) in Saddar Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. SP City Sheraz Nazir said that Shaukat Sherazi was the caretaker of the Imambargah and also a member of JAP South Wing. Qaisar was Sherazi's guest.

A Shia man, identified as Mohsin Agha (50), was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants near Dakkhana bus stop in Liaquatabad Town.

A man, identified as Farhan Afzal (40), was shot dead by unidentified militants at Mianwali Colony within the limits of Manghopir Police Station in Gadap Town.

Unidentified armed militants shot dead an unidentified teenager boy near Baradari in North Karachi Town.

Paramilitary Forces and Police detained several suspected criminals during search operations in different areas of Karachi. According to Rangers Spokesperson, a high profile criminal Jaan Alam was arrested in a targeted operation at Labour Colony area of Landhi Town. Alam was affiliated with a political party and was wanted by the Police in several criminal activities. Also, two suspects along with several others were arrested during search operations by Rangers in Metroville area of Gulshan Town and Orangi Town. More than 300 personnel of Paramilitary Forces took part in the operation. They sealed off entry and exit points of the areas during the operations and started house-to-house search.

The Federal Government has sent back red warrant summaries of various most-wanted Lyari gang-war criminals, including Uzair Baloch and Baba Ladla, to the Sindh Government over having objections due to incomplete records. Pakistan's Ministry of Interior returned the Sindh Government's requests for issuance of red-warrants of at least 83 most-wanted criminals including Uzair Baloch, Noor Muhammad alias Baba Ladla and Taj Muhammad alias Taju.

A Chinese tourist, identified as Hong Xu Dong, travelling from Lahore to Balochistan via Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been kidnapped from Darban area of Dera Ismail Khan District. Sources said that Dong was travelling from Lahore to Quetta when he went missing near Garah Mehmood area of Darban. The Security Forces have recovered a cycle from Garah Mehmood and launched a search operation in the area.

FC and Balochistan Police intercepted a truck carrying a stockpile of weapons and ammunition during a raid in Jungle Pir Alizai area of Qila Abdullah District. The security personnel impounded the truck and seized its illicit cargo. According to the FC, Police and Security Forces in a joint search operation recovered 100 SMGs, three G-3 pistols, 136 single-barrel shot guns and one Kalashnikov, telescopes, and thousands of bullets.

The FC Balochistan said that credible intelligence has led them to conclude that Afghan intelligence, NDS is supporting miscreants in Balochistan. "After receiving information from the Intelligence Fusion Cell that a huge quantity of arms and ammunitions are being smuggled to Balochistan from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the FC and Police carried out successful raids near bordering areas," Balochistan Home Minister Sarfraz Bugti said.

Thousands of people took to the streets in Panjgur District to protest against the attacks on private schools which remained closed for the fifth consecutive day. More than four thousand people were estimated to have joined in demonstrations-including women, children, teachers and activists of BNP-Mengal and BNP-Awami. The protesters were carrying placards inscribed with slogans in support of their demands, primarily seeking security for the private schools.

Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch advised insurgent groups to 'revisit their approach' in order to lessen the sufferings of their brethren. "Historically, insurgency has given the Baloch people nothing save death and destruction and triggered forced migrations. This 12-year-long insurgency has destroyed the economy and disrupted social services in Balochistan," said Malik.

Jurors in the New York trial of British hate preacher Abu Hamza aka Mustafa Kamel Mustafa found him guilty of kidnapping and terrorism offenses. The former Imam of the north London Finsbury Park mosque, showed no reaction to the verdict, which carries a possible life sentence. He is to be sentenced on September 9, 2014. The charges against him pre-dated the 9/11 attacks on New York and were over the 1998 abduction of 16 Western tourists in Yemen, four of whom were killed in a military rescue operation. He was also accused of trying to set up a terrorist training camp in the United States in 1999, and of promoting "violent jihad" on a global scale. The jury deliberated for 12 hours over two days before reaching a verdict, after a four-week trial in which Abu Hamza took the stand for three days of testimony in his own defense.

An ATC in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan granted exemption to former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf, from appearing in court for the hearing of Nawab Akbar Bugti murder case while ordering him to appear in court for the next hearing adjourned until June 16, 2014. Musharraf is on bail in the case. This is the sixth time that the Court has ordered for his appearance in court, but he has remained absent from all hearings despite assurance provided by his guarantors.

Two of the co-accused in the case, former Federal Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao and former Provincial Interior Minister Shoaib Nausherwani appeared in the hearing. Both submitted their requests for their acquittal from the Bugti case. The ATC issued notices to the relevant authorities.

The IHC issued notices to Information Secretary, PEMRA Chairman, ARY Chief Executive, anchors Mubashir Lucman, Nida Yasir, Shaista Lodhi, Amjad Sabri Qawwal, poet Aqeel Mohsin Naqvi, the CII and Cable Operators Association of Pakistan Chairman in connection with the Geo TV blasphemy case. A single-member bench of Jusice Noorul Haq Qureshi issued the notices while hearing the blasphemy petition filed by Shuhada Foundation's lawyer Tariq Asad.

The HRCP in a statement issued voiced "concern over a malicious campaign seeking to close down a media channel and called for unity among media ranks" demanding that the present situation be de-escalated to protect media freedom and reduce risks for journalists. The Commission said, "HRCP can no longer stay silent on the malicious campaign unleashed against Geo and the manner in which pressure is being brought to bear to close down the channel." Further, the HRCP statement added, "Irrespective of what HRCP or anyone else might think about Geo's editorial judgment, instigating people to come out on the street following charges of blasphemy is an extremely dangerous trend."

FBI Agent Joel Cox left for Dubai after the Malir Judicial Magistrate Court dropped the case. Joel Cox's lawyer told the court that his client was on special mission in Pakistan and he was permitted to keep arms with him. A special letter of the US Embassy was also presented in the court in this regard. The court ordered for verification of the letter from Interior Ministry and later on certification from the Sindh Home Department, the court dismissed the case.

KP Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak wants the Federal Government to convene another APC if it is unable to implement the unanimous decision of giving peace a chance through talks with the TTP. "The APC had authorised the Government to hold dialogue with the TTP. If for some reason it is unable to act in accordance with the decision, it should gather all the political parties to discuss the options it has been left with," Khattak said.

KP Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak wants the Federal Government to convene another APC if it is unable to implement the unanimous decision of giving peace a chance through talks with the TTP. "The APC had authorised the Government to hold dialogue with the TTP. If for some reason it is unable to act in accordance with the decision, it should gather all the political parties to discuss the options it has been left with," Khattak said.

Two persons, identified as Mohammad Ali (35), and Aleemuddin (38), were shot dead in a sectarian attack in Hasan Noman Colony of Sohrab Goth area in Gadap Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Ali was the activist of ASWJ while Aleemuddin was the supporter. ASWJ 'spokesperson' Umar Mauviya confirmed their affiliation.

Two cadres of ST, identified as Amanul Haq and Aminul Haq, were shot dead on sectarian grounds in Orangi Town.

A Shia man, identified as Syed Hassan Zaidi, was shot dead when unidentified militants opened fire at his car in Korangi Town.

An unidentified dead body of a man was found from Surjani Town in Gadap Town.

An unidentified woman was killed amid firing in Bihar Colony of Lyari Town.

A passer-by was killed during a shoot-out between rival Lyari gangsters in Lyari Town.

An unidentified man was injured when he was hit by a stray bullet at his home near Gole Market in North Nazimabad Town.

Rangers arrested three alleged militants of the TTP in a raid conducted in the Quaidabad area of Bin Qasim Town.

Over 150 private schools in Orangi Town and SITE Town will remain closed on May 21 to protest the growing threats of extortion in the area. The members of the All Private Schools' Orangi Town and SITE association will hold a demonstration at Bab-e-Khyber in Metroville along with school owners and parents to pressurise the Government into providing security. The Islamia Public School in Metroville's Block 3 has been closed since May 3, 2014, after the school owners, Pervez Alavi, and his son Zahid, were killed inside the school despite the payment of more than half the extortion money. The extortionists had demanded PKR 600,000. Pervez had paid them PKR 400,000 in two installments and they had come to collect the third installment on that day. When Pervez failed to give them the money, they barged into his office and shot him and his son dead.

One man was killed and another was injured in a landmine blast on Sui-Dera Bugti Road in Dera Bugti District. According to the levies sources, some unidentified militants had planted a landmine on the Road.

Police shot dead a suspected militant at the main gate of Shah Mansoor Police Lines in Swabi town (Swabi District) in KP. Police sources said that the suspected attacker opened fire at the main gate, injuring one Policeman on guard at the gate. The Police personnel retaliated, killing the attacker on spot. Swabi District Police Officer Sajjad Khan said that the attacker was carrying a pistol and ammunition but was not wearing a suicide vest.

A school was slightly damaged in an IED attack situated on Ring Road area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. The IED was planted near the school's boundary wall. The bomb disposal squad cleared the school after conducting a search operation and no casualties were reported.

A faction of the TTP claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of a Chinese tourist, identified as Hong Xu Dong, from Daraban area of Dera Ismail Khan District on may 19.

A division bench of the Sindh High Court headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar heard the arguments of the AGP Salman Aslam Butt on May 20 regarding maintainability of the petition, filed by General (retired) Pervez Musharraf against the restriction on his travelling out of the country with regard to jurisdiction of the SHC. The AGP contested that the High Court had not territorial jurisdiction to hear the matter as Musharraf's name was placed on the ECL on the orders of the Supreme Court. It was stated that Musharraf should approach the Supreme Court to get his name withdrawn from the ECL.

Musharraf's counsel Barrister Farogh Nasim while forwarding his arguments said that order regarding placing his client's name on the ECL was against 'principles of natural justice' as no show-cause notice, as required by the law, was issued to his client. He said that earlier on April 8, 2013, the Supreme Court had issued directions to the Federal Government for placing the name of petitioner on ECL but later, final order of the apex court did not maintain the condition of ECL. Barrister Farogh was of the view that the trial court was competent to impose any restriction on movement of the petitioner if it considered necessary. Since the court had not barred the petitioner from traveling out of the country, any restriction by the Government on his movement was "sheer violation of the fundamental rights," he added.

The KP Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan set up another FATA FRC to frame strategic objectives for the volatile tribal areas for the next 25 years. The five-member commission comprising retired civil and military officers, a former provincial minister and a serving civil officer has been asked to produce a comprehensive report within 10 months. The successive Governors had formed several commissions and task forces for the purpose but administrative and legal reforms are missing in FATA. Former Chief Secretary Ejaz Qureshi has been appointed Chairman of the FRC, whose other members are Lieutenant-General (retired) Syed Sabahat Hussain, former bureaucrat Mir Laiq Shah, former Provincial Minister Mossarat Qadeem, who runs an NGO, and Additional Secretary to the Governor Muddassir Riaz Malik.

The commission may corporate another member with the approval of the Governor, said a notification. The body will submit short and long term reforms initiatives to the governor for his approval. Mandate of the FRC is to formulate and propose strategic objectives, strategic policies and action plans which will be submitted to the Governor for approval. The FRC will overview the implementation of the reform initiatives and propose "mid-course corrections" as and when required. The commission has been given 18 Terms of Reference (ToRs) and will develop strategic and detailed action plans for realizing strategic objectives of reforms agenda in different sectors including economic in FATA.

JUI-F Senator Hafiz Hamdullah alleged that there is an "Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) within the ISI" which is involved in kidnapping and killings of innocent people across Pakistan. He also said that the ISI was behind the incidents of missing persons and mass graves in Balochistan.

At least 60 militants including foreign fighters were killed when Air Force warplanes bombarded militant hideouts in Mir Ali and other areas of North Waziristan Agency in FATA in the early hours.

At least 15 persons including, 11 militants and SF personnel were killed during a clash in Mir Ali area.

Following massive airstrikes, TTP militants met at an undisclosed location to reconsider a non-aggression treaty with the Government. Ahmadullah Ahmadi , a 'spokesman' of Hafiz Gul Bahadur group of TTP condemned the airstrikes and said the group "cannot remain silent over bombardment on people," calling it a clear atrocity on the civilians. He said that the Shura has convened this important meeting to assess the situation and hinted that the peace accord with the Government might get revoked. The spokesman warned that the Government would be responsible for any destruction in case it did not stop the military offensive.

Six people, including a government school teacher, were shot dead when unidentified militants entered the residence of a school teacher, identified as Master Hameed, and opened fire at his five relatives in Dasht area of Turbat District.

The owner of a roadside hotel, identified as Mohammed Hussain, was killed when unidentified militants fired a rocket targeting FC camp in Oshab area near Turbat District. Later, SFs launched a search operation in the area.

Police killed two gangsters belonging to Sheraz Comrade Group during a raid in Jodia Bazar at Prethan Square in Kharadar area of Saddar Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. When Police party reached the site the accused opened fire and later in retaliatory firing the two accused were shot dead. Police claimed to have recovered weapons and hand grenade from their possession.

Police shot dead two unidentified criminals near Lyari Expressway in Garden area. According to Police, four accused including two gangsters of Lyari gang war have been killed in two separate Police encounters. SSP AVCC Nasir Aftab said a Police party on searching for criminals encountered the alleged highwaymen on Lyari Expressway. The suspects seeing Police party opened fire on them, Police in retaliation opened fire and killed them, he said.

A man, identified as Muhammad Tariq (35), was shot dead by unidentified militants near Alhamd Medical Store in Dastagir Block 16 area of Federal B Area in Gulberg Town.

At least five people were injured in an explosion near the Rangers Headquarters in North Nazimabad Town.

A blast ripped through an office of a courier company in Guru Mandir area of Saddar Town. However, no casualties were reported.

Rangers detained several suspects during a raid in Maria Apartment Block 3 near Nagan Chowrangi.

Prosecution lawyers asked the ATC trying the seven accused in the 26/11 (November 26, 2008) Mumbai (Maharashtra) attacks case to increase their security saying JuD activists had been threatening them and the witnesses. The lawyers along with Chief Prosecutor Chaudhry Azhar submitted an application in the ATC in Rawalpindi informing it that "We and the witnesses have been receiving threats from the JuD activists who want us to stop representing and pursuing the case, respectively". In the application they alleged that a JuD activist was present in every court hearing in the courtroom and hurled threats at the witnesses outside the courtroom. Court sources further told PTI that the prosecution chief also submitted in the court a cellphone number from which the prosecution lawyers have been receiving threats from a JuD activist. The court adjourned the hearing till May 28.

The annual report by the Jama'at Ahmadiyya, issued, stated that the situation for Ahmadis deteriorated over the past year as seven Ahmadis were killed and 16 faced murder attacks. According to the Report, in 2013, there was increase in fabricated news stories against Ahmadis published in the Urdu press.

The Report said that Ahmadis had faced political, social and legal discrimination since the promulgation of the ordinance against them in 1984. It said 237 Ahmadis had been killed since the ordinance had been passed and 193 attempted murders had taken place. It said as many as 27 places of worship had been demolished, 31 had been sealed by the authorities and 16 others had been illegally appropriated. It further said that as many as 37 bodies of Ahmadis had been exhumed after burial, and the burial of 61 bodies in common cemeteries had been denied. The report also called attention to widely distributed literature that promoted the social and financial boycott of Ahmadis and incited violence against them.

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead two people, identified as Zulfiqar (40) and Shakir (35), near La Rosh Restaurant in North Nazimabad Town of Karachi, the Provincial capital of Sindh.

Two suspects were killed in Police encounter near Cheal Chowk in Lyari Town. According to the Police, the suspects opened fire when Police stopped their vehicle during snap checking in Lyari. As a result Police retaliated and opened fire on them. The Police claimed to have recovered arms from their possession.

Unidentified militants shot dead one person, identified as Ibrahim (40) near Dhobi Ghat area in Lyari Town.

Armed assailants shot dead an unidentified man near Ijtimagah Road in Manghopir area of Gadap Town.

A man, identified as Athar (35), sustained injuries when unidentified militants opened fire on him near Old Muzaffarabad Colony in Landhi Town.

A unit in-charge of ASWJ, identified as Nasir Abbasi, was killed while another person, identified as Ishtiaq, was injured when unidentified militants opened fire on them in Shamsabad area of Rawalpindi District. Police said Abbasi and Ishtiaq were going home on a motorcycle after attending a seminar organised by ASWJ Rawalpindi Chapter at Sangam Marriage Hall.

Several hideouts of militants in Machis Camp, Kharwani and Mir Ali areas of NWA in FATA were neutralized as troops, backed by artillery and helicopter gunships, resumed their retaliatory action against TTP militants for the second consecutive day. The latest action came a day after air strikes and ground fighting killed at least 71 suspected militants and four security officials in the same area. Thousands of people have started fleeing towards Bannu in the wake of the attack, local residents and officials said. However, it was not clear how many people were killed in May 22's assaults.

LEAs arrested an arms smuggler and seized a huge cache of arms, including 100 pistols, 10 rifles and 5000 rounds, from his truck during routine checking in provincial capital of Balochistan, Quetta. The identity of the accused was not disclosed who had been taken to some unknown location for interrogation.

The Special Court, on the request of former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf's legal team, ordered the prosecution team in his high treason trial to provide the missing FIA investigation report and all relevant documents regarding the treason trial to the accused till May 23, 2014.

The defence lawyer had earlier complained that the papers and record already handed over was incomplete. Earlier on May 14, 2014, the prosecution on the court's direction provided copies of all the material pertaining to the investigation done by the FIA regarding the November 2007 emergency to Musharraf's lawyer. During the proceeding of the case Musharraf's lawyer Shaukat Hyat submitted an application in the court and asked for the provision of relevant documents, including the minutes of the 44th session of the National Assembly, list of members of the then cabinet (Shaukat Aziz and cabinet), list of Advisers and Attorneys General of the Federal Government and the list of Provincial Governors.

Pakistan said it wants uninterrupted and uninterruptible dialogue process with India to resolve all the issues, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir. Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam, said, "Pakistan will bring all outstanding issues on the table with India if any meeting of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif takes place at anytime with Narendra Modi." The Spokesperson said Pakistan had expectations that India will come forward for the resumption of meaningful and constructive composite dialogue process, so that both the countries could focus on sustainable peace and development of the region.

Fearing a backlash from TTP in Islamabad, the PML-N Government decided to use both the SFs and the Police on high alert to maintain peace in the capital- Islamabad as well as other parts of the country. Sources in SFs informed that an operation of sorts had been started with air strikes on the militant hideouts on May 21, 2014.

Federal Minister for Information Pervez Rashid confirmed that an operation had been launched against the militants. "Security Forces will carry out their operation where the life of the citizens is in danger." Asked whether talks between the Government and the TTP had failed, the Minister replied, "We will talk with those who are ready for it and the operation is being launched against those who are not ready to come to the negotiating table."

In reply to another question regarding the deployment of army in Islamabad in view of the possible reaction from the TTP, Rashid did not deny the reports. He said, "It is the duty of the Government to protect the citizens not only in Islamabad but also across the country. Such arrangements are part of the Government's precautionary measures."

The KP's new anti-terrorist force, the Special Combat Unit, began training. KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak in April 2014 announced the formation of the new force during a ceremony in Attock. "We are going to raise a force that will operate exclusively in extraordinary situations," he said. The KP Police set up SCU to counter terror attacks and handle extraordinary hostage situations, officials said. More than 1,000 Elite Force personnel applied for the 150 slots. The commandos will go through a specially designed training course to prepare them for the toughest challenges.

Four suspected militants were killed and several others were injured when SFs intensified military action in the Machis Camp area of North Waziristan Agency. The SFs neutralized militant bases in the area while artillery and jet fighters struck another insurgent base in Sokhel Wazir. Later, the SFs arrested five militants from the Machis Camp area. The death toll rose to 79 since the operation began on May 21, 2014. At least 75 militants and four SFs have been killed so far.

In the first ever conviction in a missing person case in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Magistrate Zafarullah Mohmand sentenced Peshawar SHO Arshad Khan to three years imprisonment after he was found guilty of taking Khairur Rehman into custody on February 9, 2009, which led to his enforced disappearance. Soon after conviction, the SHO filed appeal with the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Kaleem Arshad, who admitted the appeal to the hearing and suspended his conviction under Section 426 of the CrPC. The convict was arrested on August 29, 2013, in the case after his pre-arrest bail was dismissed by the Peshawar District Judge. Later, he was set free on bail by the Peshawar High Court.

Provincial Assembly Speaker Asad Qaisar said that the Provincial Government will allocate 70 per cent of the new educational institutions to be opened in the Province to girls in order to improve female education. He said that the Provincial Government wanted to provide modern education to girls and create job opportunities for them to address their economic necessities.

At least eight militants, including a 'commander' and two SF personnel were killed in the evening, in a clash in Landi Kotal tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA, after a security vehicle was ambushed by the militants. "Two soldiers embraced shahadat (martyrdom) and three others injured this evening in an exchange of fire with terrorists in Landikotal, Khyber," said an Pakistan Army's ISPR, statement issued to media. "Eight terrorists including one of their commanders were killed in exchange of fire," it added. Pakistani military sources said that the FC vehicle was targeted near Hamza Baba Chowk by militants, killing two personnel and injuring the third. The SFs repulsed the attack killing eight attackers including a commander. A militant was arrested in wounded condition.

At least six SF personnel were killed and three injured in an IED blast in Mohmand Agency. The blast took place in the Shati Kandao area of Pandyali tehsil of the agency. Confirming the explosion, political administration official and security forces sources said that an IED, planted on the roadside, exploded when a vehicle of the SFs was passing by.

As many as eight officials of Balochistan Levies were killed and three others injured as unidentified assailants attacked Jauhar check-post along Quetta-Karachi Highway in Wadh tehsil of Khuzdar District in Balochistan. According to Wadh assistant commissioner, unidentified armed assailants attacked with heavy weapons the Jauhar post of Levies in the area, leaving eight officials killed and three injured. The assailants escaped after the attack.

An eight-year-old boy was killed while 12 others including five children were wounded in back-to-back explosions near Jafria Imambargah in Qasba Colony within the limits of Pirabad Police Station in Orangi Town of Karachi in the night. SHO Fasiuz Zaman said the first two explosions were caused by hand grenades thrown by motorcyclists near the Imambargah while the third was an IED. Zaman said the victims of the blast were residents of Orangi Town and were on their way to a wedding function on a bus when the blast took place. The Bomb Disposal Squad experts said that the IED contained around half a kilogramme of explosives, including ball bearings, and was hidden in a garbage dump.

Five militants were killed in a clash with SFs in the Manro Jangal area near the Pak-Afghan border in Bajaur Agency of FATA. The sources said the militants operating from Afghanistan fired at a check-post of security forces in Manro Jangal and caused injuries to five security personnel. The sources said the soldiers manning the checkpost returned the fire and killed five militants, including three 'commanders'.

The CIA has been bombing Pakistan's domestic buildings more than any other targets over the past decade of the drone war launched by the US, the Russia Today news channel reported while quoting a latest research by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism. "Almost two thirds, or over 60 percent, of all US drone strikes in Pakistan targeted domestic buildings," the channel reported with reference to the joint research conducted by the BIJ, a London-based non-profit news group, along with the Forensic Architecture, a research unit based at Goldsmiths University, London, and Situ Research in New York.

The authors of the paper analysed thousands of media reports, witness testimonies and field investigations to obtain the data on drone strikes in the FATA of Pakistan. According to the study, at least 132 houses have been destroyed in more than 380 strikes over the past decade with at least 222 civilians being among the 1,500 or more people killed. "On average, 6.2 people and 0.9 reported civilians died per strike on domestic buildings," the paper said, adding that these numbers may be conservative because the Bureau "has found the deaths of women are dramatically underreported." The seclusion of women and children in the country which orders them to spend more time indoors make them more vulnerable to drone strikes, according to the BIJ's 'Naming the Dead' project.

Five dead bodies were discovered in Uthmanzai area in the Pandyali tehsil of the Mohmand Agency in FATA. The bodies were discovered in the Uthmanzai area where a recent surprise attack on the SFs left six soldiers dead on May 24. All of the deceased appeared to have been shot dead, however, this could not be independently verified, official sources added. The area is under curfew and the bodies could not be identified as a result. 

Panicked by the ongoing military action in North Waziristan Agency, the tribal people have preferred to take refuge in neighbouring Afghanistan instead of shifting to settled areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to reports, many families have migrated to Khost and Paktika provinces of Afghanistan from different areas of the volatile tribal region. Eid Mohammad Khan, a local tribesman, said that many foreigners also moved to Afghanistan from Waziristan before the launch of military action.

Three dead bodies were recovered from Surjani Town area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, in the morning. According to sources, the bodies were found dumped near Northern By-pass in Surjani Town. The deceased were shot to death by unidentified assailants. 

Three Lyari gangsters were shot dead in an encounter in Ittehad Town area of Karachi. The Police said that the suspects opened fire on Police mobile party and were killed when the law enforcers returned fire while three of their accomplice managed to flee. Two motorcycles, two hand grenades and three pistols were recovered from the possession of the slain gangsters. 

One person was shot dead near a hospital near Chowrangi in Landhi Town of Karachi.

Unidentified militants shot dead a US-based Ahmadi doctor, identified as Mehdi Ali (50), outside the Ahmadi graveyard in Chenab Nagar (also known as Rabwah) city of Chiniot District.

At least six militants were killed and seven others sustained injuries in a fierce clash between rival factions of TTP at Taunda Darra in Shawal tehsil of NWA in FATA. The Hakimullah faction is led by Shehryar Mehsud while the Wali-ur-Rahman Group is under Khan Said alias Sajna.

The leader of TTP splinter group, Abid Muchar, is still alive, Police said. Police had earlier claimed that Muchar was killed in an encounter with SFs. Police stated that he managed escape from the Peerabad area of Orangi Town in Karachi District of Sindh and was injured at the time he was fleeing.

The Abid Muchar group was behind the attack that killed Inspector Shafiq Tanoli in Old Sabzi Mandi area of Jamshed Town in Karachi on April 24, 2014. The SIU said that Muchar, the leader of the group was originally from Waziristan area in FATA and moves around in Karachi and keeps changing his residence mostly in the area of Sohrab Goth area of Gadap Town.

The Federal Ministry of Interior sent a security alert to the Government of Gilgit Baltistan warning that terrorists may target the region’s Ismaili community and foreign tourists. “A terrorist organisation is planning to carry out a vehicle-borne suicide attack at a prominent venue in Gilgit,” reads the statement which has been addressed to Gilgit Baltistan’s IGP and Chief Secretary, adding, “The likely targets are the Ismaili community or foreigners staying in the city.” The letter adds that the attack has been planned by an outfit based in Miranshah town of North Waziristan Agency in FATA with instructions to suspects in Gilgit to undertake the task.

Following the alert, security has been tightened in the city with Law Enforcement Agencies are checking people entering GB. “We are keeping a close watch on the situation and the security plan for the region is being revisited daily,” said Home Secretary Attaur Rahman, adding that security has also been beefed up along the Karakoram Highway to ensure safe passage.

US forces will complete their withdrawal from Afghanistan by the end of 2016, completing 15 years after the September 11, 2001 attacks, said US President Barack Obama. "We will only sustain a military presence after 2014 if the Afghan Government signs the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA)," said General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, adding, "Assuming a BSA is signed, at the beginning of 2015, we will have 9,800 US service members in different parts of the country, together with our NATO allies and other partners."

Talking about Pakistan’s response on the decision, Dempsey while referring to Pakistan's General Rashad Mahmood said, "My Pakistani counterpart, the first words out his mouth was that he was deeply relieved. He too felt that the certainty was important, not only for Afghanistan but for the region." Pakistan and Afghan military chiefs expressed appreciation and relief at the decision to keep thousands of US forces in the country in 2015 and into 2016, ending months of uncertainty.

The CoAS General Raheel Sharif during his visit to the headquarters of two infantry divisions in North and South Waziristan Agencies of FATA emphasized that the whole nation has rejected the misplaced ideology of the terrorists, ‘who have clearly lost their cause already and are being marginalised’, a press release issued by the ISPR said. The army chief reiterated the ‘whole hearted support for tribal brethren’ during his visit to the all important field formations of army, close to the area where it has been engaged in targeted crackdown in the recent days.

British Police investigating the September 16, 2010, murder of the founding member of MQM, Imran Farooq in Edgware, London, named two Pakistani men, identified as Moshin Ali Syed (29) and Muhammad Kashif Khan Kamran (34), who they want to trace in connection with the killing and are living in Pakistan. The two men left Britain hours after the murder, said Scotland Yard Police Headquarters in a statement. According to the detectives Syed was in Britain from February 2010 and Khan Kamran came to Britain in early September 2010. “The two men are believed to be in Pakistan at this time and officers continue to liaise with Pakistani authorities,” said the Scotland Yard. They also released the pictures of the two men.

Faisal Sabzwari, a senior MQM leader, insisted that they knew nothing of Syed or Kamran. “We don’t know about the existence of those two men whose pictures have been released,” Sabzwari said, adding, “They are not members of the MQM or any of its affiliate groups.”

Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai said that Taliban ‘chief’ Mullah Omar is hiding in Pakistan. Karzai didn't rule out the possibility that the terrorist is under protection in Pakistan. He also added that Taliban could be involved in May 23, 2014 attack on the Indian Consulate in Herat Province of Afghanistan.

Three ‘commanders’ of the Lyari gang war, Abdul Waheed alias Pappu (32), Zubair Baloch alias Bhaiyya and Arif Patni (30), were shot dead in an alleged encounter with the Police and Rangers near Gabol Park area within the limits of the Kalakot Police Station in Lyari Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The Police and Rangers conducted a raid in the area after they received a tip-off. SHO Haji Sanaullah said that when they reached the alleged gangsters opened fire at them. The Police retaliated and as a result, the gangsters were killed. Police said that they were associated with Ustad Taju, Mullah Nisar and Omar Kutchi groups and were involved in murder, kidnapping-for-ransom and extortion cases.

Another Lyari gangster was killed during an encounter at City Railway Colony within the limits of Mithadar Police Station in Saddar Town. The Police officials claimed that two gangsters from Lyari were busy mugging pedestrians when the on-duty Policemen tried to intercept them. This led to an exchange of fire in which a suspect was killed, while the other managed to escape.

A Police Constable, identified as Shahid Shah, was shot dead near Matric Board Office in North Nazimabad Town.

An unidentified man was killed when armed assailants opened fire in Mominabad area of Orangi Town.

The AIG (Karachi) Ghulam Qadir Thebo on May 28 directed DIG to present reports on illegal activities and all other reports regarding different crimes and cases which had reached to their logical end during the current year. He also directed to take action in collaboration with CPLC to ensure safety and security of business community and other related personalities at Districts level. Whereas, SHOs must ensure coordination with anti-extortion cell, AVCC and other specialized units, he added.

Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan during a meeting with Sindh Rangers DG Major General Rizwan Akhtar gave a clear indication that the Government was ready to up the ante in Karachi with operations against extortionists, target killers and organised crime. Saying that the Karachi operation was “heading in the right direction”, Chaudhry Nisar said it was time to raise the level, and expand the scope, of the action. “The momentum achieved over the past few months must not be allowed to diminish,” he said.

Unidentified militants abducted five children belonging to Hindu community from Dera Allah Yar area of Jaffarabad District. Syed Zafar Ali Shah, the Deputy Commissioner Jaffarabad said that the children were coming back from school when they were abducted by the militants near Dera Allah Yar and are suspected to have shifted all five of them to Ratodero area of Larkana District in Sindh Province. “The age of the children is five to 10,” said Syed Ashfaq Ahmed, the DPO Jaffarabad. No outfit claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.

Law Enforcement Agencies arrested three suspects after registration of FIR against a tribal elder, identified as Mir Shafiq-ur-Rehman Mengal, and 100 others in connection with the killing of eight Levies personnel on May 25, 2014 in Wadh area of Khuzdar District. “Law Enforcement Agencies have arrested three suspects, including an injured man, in connection with the deadly attack on Levies check-post,” Balochistan Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani said.

The Mehsud group ‘spokesperson’ Azam Tariq announced its separation from the TTP under the leadership of Ameer Khalid Mehsud. He said that the group has decided to break away from the TTP as under the current system of the TTP, extortion and burglaries were being carried out. He said that the group tried to stay united but failed due to various conspiracies.

US President Barack Obama made it clear that he will continue to authorize CIA-operated drone strikes and covert operations abroad to capture terrorists based on "actionable intelligence", moves that are controversial in countries like Pakistan. Obama said there still would be times when America must go alone "when necessary to protect ourselves."

He reiterated his administration's policy unveiled in May 2013 that no drone strike should occur unless there is "a near certainty" that no civilians will be harmed. "But as I said last year, in taking direct action, we must uphold standards that reflect our values. That means taking strikes only when we face a continuing, imminent threat, and only where there is near certainty of no civilian casualties. For our actions should meet a simple test: we must not create more enemies than we take off the battlefield," Obama added. 

Four persons including Levies Force official were killed in a sectarian attack as militants attacked a convoy of Sipah Tribe, a predominant Shia clan returning from a funeral in Lal Pura area of Orakzai Agency in FATA. Tehsildar Lower Orakzai Agency, Sher Bahadar Khan said that a terrorist has also been gunned down while at least five others managed to escape the site.

Three security officials were killed while two others were injured in an IED explosion in Seen Tanga Towda Chena area of Frontier Region Bannu in the morning. The security officials were patrolling in the area when an IED device planted by unknown militants went off at around 10:30am. The deceased security officials were identified as Nasir Ali, Jaffar and Frontier Crops official Muzafar while the injured include Captain Obaid and Sepoy Safarash. 

Three soldiers were killed and another two wounded in a roadside IED blast near Miranshah in North Waziristan Agency. The incident took place when a patrolling team was inspecting the Bannu-Miranshah road to build a military check post when they stepped on an IED.

Two unidentified men aged between 30 and 35 were killed when unidentified militants opened fire on them in Gulshan-e-Iqbal of Gulshan Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead two unidentified persons in Sachal Goth near Mosamiat in Gulshan Town.

A man, identified as Faran Qureshi (30), was killed and another Imran (35) was injuried when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on them in Jamshed Quarters in Jamshed Town.

A Police Constable, identified as Muhammed Pervaiz Abbasi (55), was shot dead by unidentified militants near Pakistan Masjid in Ramswami Ranchorr Line within Eidgah Police Station jurisdiction in Saddar Town.

Police found a 10-day-old unidentified mutilated dead body in Rehmanabad area of Surjani Town in Gadap Town.

Two people, identified as Khawar (25) and Sikandar Ali (30), were injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on them in Liaquatabad Underpass in Liaquatabad Town.

SSP (SIU) Muhammad Farooq Awan claimed to have busted an inter-provincial gang of criminals and arrested three criminals, identified as Aftab Dahar alias Ustad, Zahiruddin and Anwar Domki, from Gulshan-e-Maymar area of Gadap Town. He said arrested accused were involved in 15 cases of crimes in Sindh and 12 cases in Punjab including kidnapping-for-ransom.

Rawalpindi ATC acquitted LeJ ‘chief’ Malik Ishaq in three cases relating to terrorism. Judge Rana Masood Akhtar issued acquittal orders for Ishaq in the cases, saying the evidence against Ishaq was not sufficient for further proceedings. The case had been registered against Ishaq at Police Stations in Hazro town of Attock District and Talagang town of Chakwal District in Punjab and he was also previously arrested over charges relating hate-speech and inciting violence.

The dead body of a central leader of the JSMM, Munir Choliani, was found lying by the road on the outskirts of Shahdadkot in Qamber-Shahdadkot District of Sindh. A shutter-down strike was observed in Warah and Naseerabad towns in the interior of Sindh against the murder of Munir Choliani, who was kidnapped along with his wife, daughter and driver on May 29 while he was travelling to Sehwan. His wife and daughter were released by the kidnappers later. 

At least 10-12 unidentified militants, carrying Kalashnikovs, and pistols, set a van carrying the copies of The News to Islamabad on fire after creating panic among the people at Committee Chowk in Rawalpindi. The people who witnessed the scene confirmed that the assailants were carrying lethal weapons and acted as professional fighters. “Their delivery was not like normal citizens or agitators but they seemed trained people,” the witnesses said.

The COAS General Raheel Sharif said that Pakistan Army, in unison with other services, is fully prepared to deter and defeat any aggression across the entire spectrum of threat, a press release issued by the ISPR said. The COAS said that Pakistan Army has the unique accomplishment of having been employed on various fronts against two different types of threats - conventional and sub-conventional - for the last over one decade and is respected for its achievements and sacrifices the world over. General Raheel exhorted the need for future leadership to remain abreast with the latest global and regional developments and focus on their professional grooming.

The TTP North Waziristan chapter led by Hafiz Gul Bahadar formally revoked the peace accord with the Government, a pamphlet distributed by the group in the area said. The faction, as the pamphlet sent to media by Bahadur’s ‘spokesman’ Ahmadullah Ahmadi said, is now preparing to fight against what it said was the Security Forces’ planned operation, giving locals time until June 10, 2014 to leave the area and move to safety. The pamphlet distributed on May 30 read that the Government had broken the peace accord with the North Waziristan TTP by launching air strikes with a full-fledged operation being planned for the tribal region. “The shura Mujahideen has decided not to tolerate this aggression anymore and has opted to fight and defend Waziristan,” the pamphlet added.

At least 16 militants were killed as SFs backed by gunship helicopters thwarted a cross border militant attack on a checkpost situated on Nao Top in Bajaur Agency. During the gun battle and airstrikes, one soldier was killed and two were critically injured.

The attack came a day after the Shura Mujahideen Waziristan group, led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur, in North Waziristan Agency asked local residents to move to safe locations close to the Afghan border to avoid being caught in crossfire in the event of a military operation in the area. A pamphlet issued by the group alleged that the Government had practically revoked an agreement with them without making any announcement to the effect, by attacking ‘innocent people’ and destroying property. “We continued to tolerate this repression but now it has exceeded limits,” the pamphlet had alleged.

An unidentified man was killed when armed assailants opened fire near a hotel in Khamosh Colony area of Gulbahar in Liaquatabad Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An unidentified headless body was found from near a mosque in Garden area in Saddar Town.

Four persons were injured in an explosion that occurred near the Muhammad Khan Police checkpost in Baldia Town. Police said that the explosive material was planted in a donkey-cart.

Unidentified militants abducted PML-N MPA Rana Jameel Hasan from near Pindi Bhattian city in Hafizabad District. Hasan had gone there to attend a funeral and he was kidnapped along with his wife, who was later ped at a petrol pump, at gunpoint. The kidnapping took place on Friday around 10:30pm. According to sources, the kidnappers have demanded PKR 50 million from the MPA’s wife.

Two men, indentified as Abdul Ghaffar (35), and Hafeezuddin (27), were killed when unknown armed assailants opened fire on them near Karela Morr in New Karachi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A man, identified as Khadim Hussain (40), was killed while two others, identified as Asif (35) and Atiq (40), were injured in a hand grenade attack at a shop near Tariq Road in Bahria Town near Saddar Town.

A security guard was shot at and injured by unidentified armed assailants in Korangi 3 area within the limits of Awami Police Station in Korangi Town. 

The driver and guard of a Deputy Commissioner were injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at his car near Nasir Jump in Korangi Town. The Deputy Commissioner escaped unhurt.

At least ten persons, including seven TTP militants, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Seven TTP militants were found shot in the head in an execution style near a graveyard in Manghopir area.

A Government employee from Shia community, identified as Syed Ahmed Ali Zaidi (35), was shot dead in an apparent sectarian attack on a newly-constructed bridge on Sharea Pakistan near Dak Khana in Liaquatabad area. Police said the murder appeared to be sectarian in nature.

A trader from Shia community, identified as Sajid Ali Jafri (38), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Bangoria Goth of Azizabad area. Police said the murder seemed to be motivated by sectarianism.

A SI, identified as Muhammad Saleem (40), was shot dead near Bilal Chowrangi in Korangi Industrial Area.

Two soldiers were injured in a roadside blast in Dawezai area in Pandyali tehsil of Mohmand Agency in FATA. The sources said the SFs were carrying out a search operation in Shish Mahal Mamazi in Dawezai when landmines planted on the roadside went off. As a result, two soldiers Shoaib Khan and Mustafa sustained injuries.

The Police arrested 10 militants from various areas of Islamabad city (Islamabad District), the National capital city of Pakistan and recovered weapons from their possession.

During the last 13 years, the direct and indirect cost incurred by Pakistan on the War on Terror and the losses due to terrorist attacks amounted to USD 102.51 billion, which is equivalent to PKR 8,264.4 billion. This includes a loss of USD 24.86 billion in over two years, a Government document revealed. The Economic Survey 2013-14 reveals that Pakistan suffered economic loss of USD 28459.89 million from January 2011 to March 2013. The figures jointly compiled by the Ministries of Finance, Foreign Affairs and Interior, and incorporated in the survey suggest that of the USD 102.51 billion loss, USD 23.77 billion loss was reported in 2010-11, USD 13.56 billion in 2009-10, USD 11.98 billion in 2011-12 and USD 9.97 billion in 2012-13.

Eight persons were killed and seven others, including a woman and two children sustained injuries, in a roadside bomb explosion in Khumasa area in Kurram Agency of FATA. Assistant Political Agent Maqsoodul Hassan said that a van carrying passengers was heading to Parachinar from central parts of Kurram Agency when it hit an IED in Khumasa area. The dead included Janan, Taj Muhammad, Sanaullah, Said Imran, Abid Rehman, Abdul Qayyum, Said Anwar and Ibrahim.

Two Rangers personnel were killed while five others were injured in an attack by unidentified militants in Bhittai Colony of Kashmore town (Kashmore District) in Sindh. Police sources said that assailants opened fire at a convoy of Rangers when it was on a routine patrol in Bhittai Colony. The assailants managed to flee after the Rangers fired in retaliation.

An unidentified man (30) was killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on him near Nagan Masjid in Slaughter House area of Lyari town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A youth, Imran (25), son of Iqbal, was killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on him in Baldia Town.

A man, Waseem Niazi (30), son of Abdul Ghafoor Niazi, was killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on him near Ayub School in Baghdadi Mira Naka area of Lyari town.

Hafiz Nasrullah (28), son of Izzat Gul, was killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on him near Darpan Bazaar in Patel Para.

A man, Shehzad Karim (35), son of Haji Mian Guldad, was killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on him on Bijli Nagar Road in Metroville of Orangi Town.

A youth, Muheed (20), son of Mushtaq Ahmed, received bullet injuries when unidentified assailants opened fire on him near Fawara Chowk in Garden area.

Two men, Anwar (45), son of Ismail, and Hanif (55), son of Yousuf, were injured when unidentified assailants opened fire on him near Godhra Stop in New Karachi.

A woman, Shazia (32), daughter of Ahmed Ali, was injured when unidentified assailants opened fire on her near Fatima College on Jamshed Road No 3 in Jamshed Town.

A man, Umer (25), son of Pervaiz, was injured when unidentified assailants opened fire in Natha Khan area.

A man, Abdullah (30), son of Nawab Khan, was shot injured by unidentified assailants in Valeeka, Site Area.

A Policeman and a security guard were killed in an attack on the Kohat Road near City Hospital in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Reports said the attackers first killed the guard and then shot dead the constable when he tried to chase the assailants. The slain were identified as Constable Mohammad Ali and Irfan.

Armed motorcyclists opened fire on two traffic police sergeants, Sabz Ali and Rasheed, in Bhanamari Chowk on the Kohat Road in Peshawar. The two, however, remained unharmed. The attackers escaped the scene.

One of the two cops wounded in attack in Hayatabad area of Peshawar in the night of June 2 succumbed to injuries at the hospital.

The officials of the intelligence agencies said that mostly the Afghan nationals were behind the extortion and target-killings in Peshawar. Briefing a meeting held in the Home Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, an official of the Special Branch said security situation was quite discouraging due to sporadic terrorist activities in various parts of the province, particularly in the provincial metropolis. He said die hard criminals had joined terrorist groups and carrying out terrorist activities to disturb the peaceful environment. An official of the Intelligence Bureau said FR Peshawar, Bara and Qambarkhel were the potential threat to Peshawar.

10 militants were killed while at least 50 suspects were taken into custody when SFs launched an operation in Jani Bheeri village of Kashmore District in Sindh to arrest the militants who had killed two Rangers and wounded seven others, including a Rangers Colonel, near the Bhittai Colony Road in the limits of the Tangwani Police Station in Kandhkot town on June 3.

Police rescued five abducted persons from Shikarpur town (Shikarpur District). SSP Shikarpur, Javed Sonharo Jiskani said Police after a successful raid recovered Farman Leghari, Bilawal, Ramwzan Kakepoto, Noor Muhammad Mahar and Waheed Leghari. Four of the victims had been kidnapped from Ghotki District by unidentified persons while one of them was abducted from the limits of Hyderabad 20 days ago.

Five persons, including two Pakistan Army Officers, were killed and two soldiers sustained injuries when a suicide bomber targeted an Army vehicle at the Qutbal railway crossing near Fatehjang, some 28 kilometers from Tarnol, in Rawalpindi District of Punjab. Director General of ISPR, Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa in a message said two military officers, Colonel Zahir Shah and Colonel Arshad and three civilians were killed when a suicide bomber hit their twin cabin vehicle. The TTP has claimed responsibility for the suicide attack. The TTP 'spokesman' Shahidullah Shahid said the attack was the reaction to the killing of imprisoned TTP militants. He said a week before, seven TTP cadres were killed in Karachi.

Four soldiers were killed and four others sustained injuries when Afghanistan-based militants carried out suicide attack targeting SFs’ check posts on Manro Zangal and Makha Top in the Mamond tehsil of Bajaur Agency in FATA. The sources said the militants attacked the check posts in Manro Zangal and Makha Top with heavy weaponry at 4am.

The SFs foiled a sabotage bid and defused a 40 kilogrammes IED, planted beside a railway track near Duzan Railway Station area of Bolan District in Balochistan.

Senior journalist and anchorperson Salim Safi while speaking in The News programme ‘Aaj Kamran Khan Kay Sath’, said differences among the TTP had not reduced their fighting power.

Security Forces killed at least 30 militants during a search operation in Dera Bugti District of Balochistan. During a press conference, Provincial Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti said that security personnel conducted raids in different areas of Dera Bugti. He said one SF personnel was killed and eight others were injured during an exchange of fire with militants."Security personnel also faced resistance from the miscreants," Bugti added.

A suspected militant and his purported accomplice were killed while four others were injured in an explosion outside the Al-Mustafa Mosque near Katti Pahari area of Orangi Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, in the evening. Body of the suspected militant who was riding an IED-fitted motorbike was recovered from the incident site, while his purported accomplice injured in the incidents, died later.

An unidentified man (30), was killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on him near Nagan Masjid in Slaughter House area of Lyari.

A youth, Imran (25), son of Iqbal, was killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on him in Baldia Town.

A man, Waseem Niazi (30), son of Abdul Ghafoor Niazi, was killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on him near Ayub School in Baghdadi Mira Naka area of Lyari.

Hafiz Nasrullah (28), son of Izzat Gul, was killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on him near Darpan Bazaar in Patel Para.

A man, Shehzad Karim (35), son of Haji Mian Guldad, was killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on him on Bijli Nagar Road in Metroville area of Orangi Town.

A youth, Muheed (20), son of Mushtaq Ahmed, received bullet injuries when unidentified assailants opened fire on him near Fawwara Chowk in Garden town.

Two men, Anwar (45), son of Ismail, and Hanif (55), son of Yousuf, were injured when unidentified assailants opened fire on him near Godhra Stop in New Karachi.

A woman, Shazia (32), daughter of Ahmed Ali, was injured when unidentified assailants opened fire on her near Fatima College on Jamshed Road No 3 in Jamshed Town.

A man, Umer (25), son of Pervaiz, was injured when unidentified assailants opened fire in Natha Khan area.

A man, Abdullah (30), son of Nawab Khan, was shot injured by unidentified assailants in Valeeka, Site Area.

A senior ‘commander’ of TTP, Ashiqullah Mehsud along with two other militants, was killed in the armed clash of two groups of TTP in Mir Ali area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. The sources said that Ashiqullah was sitting with some members of the TTP when he was assaulted by the unidentified assailants who escaped in a car after firing. Mehsud was considered the master trainer of suicide bombing after Qari Hussain Mehsud who was the top expert and the inventor of suicide blasts.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a FATA Secretariat employee, identified as Ehsanullah, while he was travelling with his driver, who was also killed in Dir Colony of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Police rescued three kidnapped persons, including a woman, in two raids in Peshawar. In the first raid, an official said the Police recovered Malik Haroon and his father Malik Habibullah. The official said the father and son were kidnapped on April 20, 2014 from Haripur. In the second raid, City Police had recovered Hina, wife of Dr Haroon, who was kidnapped from the limits of Pishtakhara Police Station on June 4.

The TTP said that they will now use force to reciprocate any attack launched by the Government. A senior TTP leader said that the outfit was interested in carrying the peace talks forward. “If the Government wants to negotiate with seriousness, sincerity and will, we’re still ready for talks. But, we will respond to attacks with further attacks,” he remarked.

Fresh clashes between the TTP and a breakaway faction killed at least seven militants in the Wacha Mela area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. “The fresh clashes left seven militants dead, five of them belonging to Hakimullah group,” a local intelligence official said.

A landmine explosion in the Nawagai area of Bajaur Agency left one security official dead and two others injured on the morning. The explosion occurred near the vehicle of the security officials, which was reportedly the target of the attack.

A Policeman was gunned down and another was injured by two unidentified assailants riding a motorbike on Fatima Jinnah Road near SP Chowk under Makki Shah Police Station in Hyderabad town (Hyderabad District) of Sindh in the night. Both the Policemen, identified as Riaz Ahmed Awan son of Kalai Khan and Aijaz Tanoli son of Ali Asghar Khan, were shifted to the Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad where one Policeman succumbed to his injuries, while another was being treated.

An ASI, Taj Mehmood (40), son of Bakht Rehman was killed when he was standing near his house and unidentified bike riders opened fire on him at Frontier Colony near Metroville in Orangi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

One Muhammad Jabbir (30), son of Shakoor Ahmed, was killed when unidentified assailants men open fire on him in New Karachi Industrial area.

Chaman Haider (50), son of Amin Haider, was shot dead when unidentified armed men opened fire on him near Lal Flats in Gulistan-e-Johar.

A man 30 years old man was killed by unidentified assailants in Shah Latif Town. The identity of the victim could not be ascertained yet.

A man was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Malir Naddi area of Malir town. The identity of the victim could not be ascertained till last reports.

Ameer Rehman (45), son of Ashraf Khan, was shot at and injured by unidentified assailants in Banaras area of Orangi Town.

One woman, Shama (35), daughter of Abdul Rehman, was injured when a stray bullet hit her in her house in Mohammedi Goth area of Machhar Colony.

Two dead bodies were recovered from Jhwan area of Kalat District in Balochistan. Kalat’s Assistant Commissioner Sultan Bugti said some passersby spotted the bodies and informed the Balochistan Levies. “We recovered a computerised national identity card from one of the bodies, which made it possible to identify one of the slain men as Khaliq Dad, a resident of Karachi, but the other person has not been identified as yet,” Sultan Bugti said. He said the security personnel recovered two small notes from their bodies in which the BLA and UBA claimed responsibility for the killings.

A bullet-riddled body of a teacher was found in Pedarak area of Kech District. Some people of the area spotted a body and informed the paramilitary force. The cause of his death could not be ascertained.

Police arrested a militant, who was trying to enter Bannu District in the guise of an IDP in Bannu Town (Bannu District) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. DPO Abdur Rasheed Khan said that acting on a tip-off the Police party started searching the vehicles heading to Bannu District from North Waziristan Agency of FATA. Police stopped one of the vehicles (KB-7691) and after thorough search recovered two American guns, two repeater guns, two hand-grenades, several pistols, hundreds of cartridges and three kilograms of hashish. The Police arrested one Naseerullah, who was travelling along with the IDPs, the DPO said, adding, the arms were being shifted to either Karachi or Punjab.

The Senate was informed that the Government would use force against those factions of the TTP which had adopted the path of violence instead of coming to the negotiating table. “The Government’s policy is very clear. Those interested in holding dialogue will be welcomed but those resorting to violence will be taken to task,” Senator Raja Zafarul Haq informed the Senate. Responding to points of order raised by PPP’s Mian Raza Rabbani and ANP’s Afrasiab Khatak during the brief proceedings, he said there were three to four dozen groups within the TTP and they took their own decisions.

Five persons were shot dead while three others were injured in separate incidents in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. A person named Sajjad (32) was seriously injured when unidentified militants opened fire on him at Khyber Chowk in Tauhidi Mohalla in Ittehad Town area within the limits of Mochko Police Station in Karachi. He was taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital where he succumbed to injuries during treatment.

A person identified as Yousuf (55) was shot dead by unidentified militants near Garden Signal in Garden area. The body was shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi for medico-legal formalities.

A youth, Ali aged 25, was shot dead by unidentified militants near Jinnah Square in Malir. The body was taken to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center for an autopsy.

A person named Fazal Hussain Zaidi (50) was shot dead by unidentified militants at his residential area. The body was shifted to ASH for postmortem examination.

Another person, Raheel (30), was shot dead near Sindhi Hotel in Liaquatabad. The body was shifted to ASH for an autopsy.

Three youths were injured in a shootout by unidentified militants near Crown Cinema on Mauripur Road. The injured were taken to CHK for medical treatment.

Two soldiers were killed in separate bomb blasts in Bara Kamangara area and also near a Pakistani post on Pak-Afghan border respectively in Bajaur Agency of FATA.

As many as 23 Shia pilgrims were killed and many injured in bomb explosions and firing in Taftan tehsil of Chaghai District in Balochistan. The attackers barged into the Al-Murtaza hotel and Hashmi hotel located in Taftan minutes after the pilgrims arrived at the hotels. They hurled hand grenades and opened indiscriminate fire with modern weapons killing 23 persons on the spot.

10 BLA militants were killed in an operation by the FC in the Kandiari area of Dera Bugti District. Three hideouts of the militants have also been destroyed. The SFs also recovered explosives, IEDs and landmines from the possession of militants. According to the IG FC, the militants were involved in attacks on Sui-gas installations and the railway track.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a man in the Sariab area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, in the morning. 

Unidentified militants torched a tanker carrying fuel for NATO troops near Dera Allahyar in Jaffarabad District. The tanker caught fire after firing. However, the driver and cleaner managed to escape unhurt from the spot.

At least 33 persons, including 14 SFs, 10 militants and nine civilians, were killed during a clash when TTP militants attacked the old terminal of Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Authorities said all 10 militants had been killed and that the bodies of 14 victims, including security personnel and four airport workers, had been identified at the city´s main hospital. TTP accepted the responsibility of the attack. Officials said the gunmen entered from two sides of the airport the terminal used for the hajj pilgrimage, and an engineering section close to an old terminal that is no longer in use - at around 11:00 pm on June 8. After the attack was quelled, a bomb disposal expert was seen walking from the site carrying a suicide vest and a bag full of hand grenades."Seven terrorists were killed by the security forces while three blew themselves up," Rizwan Akhter, Director General of Sindh Rangers said.

Militants, some dressed in Army uniform, clashed with the airport´s security forces that were backed by Police, paramilitary squads and elite commandos. Smoke was seen billowing from the airport as fires raged close to planes parked on the runway. A senior intelligence official said it appeared the militants had aimed to hijack a plane that passengers were boarding at the main terminal, but that when they were repelled they went on the rampage. "The passenger plane at Jinnah terminal was their target and when they failed to reach there they destroyed two private terminals in frustration," he commented.

A pro-government peace committee member, Malik Inayat Khan was killed in a roadside blast in Ambar tehsil of Mohmand Agency in FATA. Sources said Malik Inayat Khan, was on way to the bazaar in Ambar tehsil when his bike was targeted with an IED. While he was killed, another person sustained injuries in the explosion. The TTP, Mohmand chapter, claimed responsibility for the blast.

Two target killers were killed during a Police encounter at Mattani Bazaar of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. SHO Mattani Police Station, Fazle Wahid confirmed that four militants opened fired on Police personnel after which they counterattacked the militants, killing two suspects on the spot and injuring the other two. Six passersby including a woman were also injured in the incident.

Police and Security Forces conducted a search operation and arrested four suspects in Mattani and surrounding areas. Police also recovered hand grenades and weapons from their possession.

Sindh CM Syed Qaim Ali Shah said that the timeframe to end the operation against criminals in Karachi could not be given and it could continue for the indefinite period. He said that the operation was moving ahead positively and had started giving dividends. CM further said that the Provincial Government would do its utmost to provide the people of the province with maximum relief. He said that the ‘targeted’ operation would also be extended to other parts of the province.

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Khan Bugti said that talks were not possible with those who challenged Government’s writ and took up arms, but dialogue would be held with those who lay down their arms. He said that the Federal Government was cooperating for the establishment of peace in the Province. He added that solid steps were being taken for establishing peace in Balochistan. He said that a foreign hand was behind terrorism in Balochistan while there were 34 terrorist camps in the neighbouring country where terrorists were being given training and sent to Balochistan.

At least three Paramilitary soldiers and a child were killed and many others injured in a suicide attack near Boya checkpost on Datta Khel road in NWA. ISPR confirmed that at least four people including three soldiers and a child were killed in the vehicle bound suicide attack on the security checkpost. A statement issued to the media further said that at least 12 people including two women have also been injured in the blast.

Hafiz Gul Bahadur group of TTP in NWA extended cease-fire till June 20, 2014. Following massive airstrikes by Pakistani jet fighters that killed at least 60 militants in NWA in May, TTP commanders met to reconsider a non-aggression treaty with the Government. The TTP group later warned the tribesmen to flee the area by June 10 and also warned to take up arms against the Pakistani SFs. The statement came days after tribal elders from NWA were asked by Governor of KP, Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan Abbasi and Corps Commander Peshawar Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani to oust foreign militants from their area.

Earlier, NWA tribal elders on June 6 agreed to help the Government evict foreign fighters from their agency within 15 days. The agreement is being hailed as a triumph for KP authorities, with officials expressing their determination to crush terrorism with the local tribes' help. "We will stand by the tribes to restore the writ of the state and rehabilitate ... the agency as we did in Swat and the rest of FATA," Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani said at the June 6 meeting. A 59-member tribal delegation, led by Atmanzai Wazir, assured KP Governor of the tribal elders' commitment to restore peace in the agency.

Two brothers from Shia community, identified as Nazeer Ali and Basheer Ali, were killed by unidentified assailants in Nazimabad area of Karachi.

One Policeman, identified as Hasnat Hussain (30), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Bijli Nagar area of Orangi Town.

A Policeman, identified as Faiz Muhammad, was on his way to work when two men on a motorcycle opened fire on him near the Abdullah College roundabout in North Nazimabad.

At least two personnel, identified as Jan Mohammad and trooper Saleem Kakar of the FC were killed and five others were injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast in Awaran District. FC Spokesperson Khan Wasey said that the bomb hit an FC convoy that was moving from Awaran to Mashkey area. No group had claimed responsibility for the attack.

The death toll on June 8 suicide attacks in Taftan town located at the Pakistan-Iran border in Chaghai District rose to 30. Earlier reported, 23 Shia pilgrims were killed and many injured in bomb explosions and firing in Taftan.

As many as 21 suspected persons were arrested during a search operation in areas close to the Bacha Khan International Airport that falls in the limits of the Pishtakhara and Badaber Police Stations in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Police said a search and strike operation was carried out in the limits of the Pishtakhara Police Station while another was conducted in the jurisdiction of the Badaber Police Station.

25 militants were killed and another 15 wounded in air strikes by fighter aircraft in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA.

The Governor of KP Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan Abbasi announced a PKR 3.5 billion uplift package for the Tirah Valley, which had remained out of the administrative writ of the Government since the establishment of Pakistan. The Governor visited the valley which had been a safe haven for militant outfits. The Governor said it is time for action, adding that no one should be allowed to challenge the writ of the Government and vowed to end terrorism with the support of tribesmen.

TTP Shura asked foreign militants and supporters of the TTP to either live peacefully or leave North Waziristan Agency. The Shura, headed by 'commander' Hafiz Gul Bahadur, which met at an unspecified location, gave the ultimatum in view of a 15-day deadline recently given by the Government to elders of Uthmanzai tribe to flush miscreants, including foreigners, out of the area or face action. The Shura had held a meeting with a tribal jirga led by Haji Sher Mohammad on June 9.

At least two Levies personnel were killed when unidentified militant open fired at the Khawar checkpost in Malakand District of KP. The Levies personnel were targeted when they were performing their duty at the Khawar checkpost.

Two unidentified militant attacked the residence of Attaullah Khan Mehsud who is a member of peace committee in Dera Ismail Khan town of same District. According to Police sources, the assailants were killed in the incident whereas Attaullah Khan escaped unhurt from the attack.

The militants fired rockets and hurled hand grenades at the IDPs camp in Togh Serai Muhammad Khwaja area of Hangu District. However, it caused no loss of life.

The security of the Bacha Khan International Airport and other important installations all over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been enhanced after the reports of second attack at the Karachi airport. The Home and Tribal Affairs Department directed all the administrative officers to boost security at the airports and other important installations in the wake of the second reported attack on the airport in Karachi. Secretary Home and Tribal Affairs Department Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, through a communiqué, directed the officials concerned to alert the commandos all over the province. He said special arrangements be made for the security of the airports, railway stations, bus stands and public places.

At least seven more bodies were recovered from Karachi airport. At least 24 persons including 10 militants, seven Security personnel and civilian each were killed during a clash when TTP militants attacked the old terminal of Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on June 8. According to sources, the deceased were employees of a private cargo company.

Around three to four gunmen mounted a fresh attack on a security check post near the ASF Girls’ Hostel outside the Jinnah International Airport in Bhitai Abad locality of Pehlwan Goth area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, a day after 32 persons were killed after an all-night battle on June 8-9 with militants who besieged Karachi airport’s old terminal. No casualties were reported in the latest incident. Flight operations at the Karachi airport were suspended for at least an hour and all incoming flights were diverted to other airports. Attackers managed to flee as a heavy contingent of SF reached ASF camp number 2. A massive joint operation was launched near the ASF headquarters while troops were also called out for assistance.

The TTP claimed responsibility for the second attack near the Karachi airport. A Twitter account allegedly operated by Omar Khurasani of TTP Mohmand Agency chapter tweeted claiming that the group carried out the second attack.

A FIR of June 8-attack on Karachi’s international airport was registered against TTP. The FIR was registered in Airport Police Station under the Anti-Terrorism Act, nominating the top brass of the banned militant outfit including its 'spokesman' Shahidullah Shahid.

The Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan told the NA that the country was in a state of war and six security alerts were issued to the Sindh Government. The Minister said the Sindh government was sent a security alert in March specifically mentioning that the entry gates of old airport, from where the terrorists entered, were vulnerable but no measures were taken to make them secure. Syed Naveed Qamar of the PPP, however, clarified that security of airports was the responsibility of the ASF and not of the Provincial Government.

NACTA said that Karachi attack is actually a failure of intelligence agencies responsible for keeping an eye on terrorists and terrorist activities. The sources said that the LEAs, after failure of intelligence agencies, faced hard time to intercept the raiders and to counter the act of terrorism at such a big scale.“After the Karachi attack, the intelligence agencies have indicated Karachi-type attacks, specifically at Islamabad and Cantonment areas of the major cities. But, they didn’t mention the mechanism of terrorism, however, they asked the federal capital and provincial authorities to strengthen safety measures,” the sources maintained.

The military and national security aides presented options to PM Nawaz Sharif for responding to TTP terror attacks across the country. Those who attended the meeting included Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, CoAS General Raheel Sharif, Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Ishfaq Nadeem Ahmad and head of counter-intelligence at ISI Major General Nasir Dilawar Shah. A brief statement issued by the PM’s Office said: “Matters relating to internal and regional security, including FATA, Karachi and Balochistan were discussed.”

Six suspected militants were killed in the US drone attack in the area considered a stronghold for the al Qaeda-linked Haqqani network in Dargah Mandi village in NWA. “Four of them were Uzbeks and two were Punjabi Taliban,” said an intelligence official in Miranshah. Officials said militants had parked their pick-up truck against the outer wall of the compound. “Both compound and truck were completely destroyed. Local informers told us that both are still on fire,” he added.

A pro-Government tribal elder and chief of peace committee, Malak Juma Gul and his son were killed and two others wounded when suspected militants opened fire on them when they were offering prayers in a mosque in Kitkoot area of Mamond tehsil in the Bajaur Agency in the evening. Political administration officials confirmed the incident and said that Gul and his son were killed on the spot while two other worshipers Shakirullah and Samiullah were injured.

A little known al Qaeda Taliban Tanzeem claimed killing 25 NATO soldiers in Afghanistan. Talking to reporters by phone from an undisclosed location, Yousaf Raza Mujahid, 'chief' of the al Qaeda-Taliban Tanzeem, Mohmand and Bajaur chapter, said that his group had killed 25 NATO soldiers to avenge the killing of 11 militants in a prison in Afghanistan. They were killed in the border area in Afghanistan adjacent to Bajaur Agency. He warned Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to stop actions against the Taliban or else revenge attacks would launched against them.

The Khyber Agency-based, LI, asked owners and principals of private schools in Bara to make Quran recitation compulsory for students and adopt uniform education system. On the call of LI 'commander' Qandahar Zakhakhel, around 300 teachers, principals and owners of the private schools gathered in Mandi Kas area of Bara, the sources added. Addressing the gathering, Zakhakhel said the LI had received complaints of overcharging by private schools. He also asked the management of private schools to adopt uniform system of education and reduce their fees. He said reciting the holy Quran should be atop the schools’ curricula.

Two Policemen were killed in an armed attack within the precincts of Mominabad Police Station in Orangi Town. According to Police, unidentified armed men opened fire on a Police vehicle, injuring the two. The injured were taken to a hospital where they succumb to their injuries. The assailants managed to flee after the attacks. 

The mutilated body of an unidentified woman was found on Sachal Goth Road.

A youth, Inzimam (22), son of Tariq, resident of Korangi, was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Mushtaq Hotel in Awami Colony of Korangi.

A man, Ismail (30), was shot dead near Nala Stop on Mauripur Road in Shamsi Muhalla.

A seven-day-old body of an old man, Raesal, son of Koral, resident of Mehmoodabad, was found from a closed shop in Mehmoodabad No 2. 

Sindh Home Secretary Niaz Ali Abbasi said that six point SOP has been issued to ensure foolproof security of important places and vital installations. Addressing a press conference, he said that the SOP was required to be adopted by all the vital installations, Federal or Provincial, in consultation with the District administration and law enforcement agencies at the earliest.

Unidentified militants ambushed a car of local pro-government militia member in the Kooza Bandi village of Swat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing three people including a Police Guard.

One FC soldier, identified as Nasrullah Mehsud was killed in firing on the gate of FC Fort Shabqadar in Charsadda District. DPO Shafiullah Khan confirmed that two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle opened fire on Mehsud deployed on the main gate of the fort on Matta Road.

A US drone fired eight missiles in Dandy Darpakhel area of NWA that killed at least 10 militants while four others were wounded. According to locals, at least four different compounds and a pick-up truck were targeted in the second drone attack.

Over 6,000 people from Ahmedzai Wazir and other clans have taken refuge in Khost province of Afghanistan’s in the aftermath of the recent targeted military action, suggesting the NWA tribesmen consider the neighbouring country safer than their own. “Keeping in view the long stay and plight of thousands of IDPs of FATA in and off relief camps, I have made my mind to take my family to Afghanistan instead of keeping them in grimy tents in the adjacent Bannu District,” said a tribal elder from Miranshah. Several families have already crossed over to Afghanistan due to uncertainty. Afghan official says 6,642 reach Khost from NWA, ready to welcome more IDPs from other tribal agencies, including South Waziristan, Orakzai, Kurram and Khyber, have been living in awful conditions in and off camps for seven years. Over 160,000 displaced families from FATA have been registered in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The TTP North Waziristan chapter chief Hafiz Gul Bahadur has already asked the local residents to move to areas close to Afghan border instead of proceeding to relief camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. When contacted, an official of the Afghan Government confirmed the arrival of 6,642 people, including 1,492 children from North Waziristan Agency in Khost province, where, he said, basic facilities have been provided to them.

The chief of JeI-F, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, said that the decision to launch a full-fledged operation in NWA had been taken and feared that action would start soon. He expressed dismay that all his efforts for bringing peace in the country had gone down the drain. He said that he had been extremely disappointed with the situation in the country.

The English translation of Ajmal Kasab’s statement was submitted in a Pakistani Anti-Terrorism Court conducting the trial of the seven accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attack that had claimed 166 lives.

The Intelligence agencies and the NCMC of the Federal Government have warned the Sindh government of more deadly attacks on the pattern of Karachi International Airport attack in the coming days, advising law enforcing agencies to tighten the security at certain important places. Although, no specific target or timing of the possible terrorist activity was given by the Federal authorities to the Sindh Government but they were warned that terrorists on ‘suicide mission’ were planning to take hostages at certain important places or installations and create fear and panic among the citizens.

A senior security official who survived the June 8 terrorist attack on Karachi Jinnah International Airport has revealed that arms for the attack had been smuggled inside the airport a day earlier and some insiders were helping the attackers.

The terrorists wanted to attack the main terminal, damage any aircraft or hijack it with passengers but these designs were foiled, the official said on condition of anonymity.

Karachi-based industrialists have asked Pakistani Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and other high-ranking officials to carry out operations against terrorists in Karachi's industrial areas to protect them from threats and extortion. The businessmen's forum, Voice of Karachi Industrialists, made the appeal. It claimed that terrorists and militants are extorting huge sums of money and threatening business owners and their workers with dire consequences for non-compliance.

Two top Government officials told Reuters that the two drone strikes on June 11-12 in North Waziristan Agency of FATA were carried out as a coordinated “joint Pakistan-US operation”. A Reuters report said: “Two top government officials said Pakistan had given the Americans ‘express approval’ for the latest strikes — the first time Pakistan has admitted to such cooperation.” “Baseless” was the one word comment when a correspondent for The News contacted the Foreign Office after Reuters released this report. “The attacks were launched with the express approval of the Pakistan Government and Army,” said a top Government official, requesting not to be named as he was not authorised to discuss the issue with the media.

The FO spokesperson Tasnim Aslam did not confirm the pre-dawn strikes in North Waziristan as drone attacks, but said that Pakistan’s position on drones is clear. During a briefing of the Foreign Office, she said that the facts surrounding the attack are being determined. “The nature of the attacks is being ascertained,” she said, without clarifying whether the strike was carried out by a US drone or Pakistani military machinery. “Pakistan’s position on drone attacks is clear.”

A 35-year-old Head Constable Mohammed Aslam was shot dead by unidentified assailants on motorcycle in Sector-11-E near a telephone exchange in Orangi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. “It was a targeted attack carried out by militants of banned outfits,” said Karachi West SSP Irfan Baloch. He added that the Police had carried out a targeted operation against militants in Orangi Town and in retaliation they were targeting Policemen. During the past one week, five Policemen had been shot dead in the Mominabad and Pirabad Police Station areas, added the SSP.

Kareem Jan (28), son of Abdul Samad, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Pak Colony.

Aslam (50), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in No-04 area of Orangi Town.

A man was killed by unidentified assailants near Edhi Ambulance Centre in No 13 area of Orangi Town.

The dead body of a man, Asif (55), son of Hussain, was found from a house at Mehmoodabad in Junejo Town.

Four persons, including a woman and a child, were injured by motorcycle borne unidentified assailants in Lyari.

Unidentified assailants opened indiscriminate firing in the Sawkano area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing a Policeman, identified as Farooq deployed on the security of a mosque.

A man, identified as Jamshed, was shot dead in front of a mosque in the Gulbahar area of Peshawar.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a shopkeeper in Faqir Abad area of Peshawar.

Unidentified assailants opened indiscriminate firing and injured two Policemen in Badaber area of Peshawar.

Three persons were injured in incidents of firing in Mathra and Pishtakhara areas of Peshawar.

At least one Policeman was killed and two FC men were injured when an explosion occurred in Salarzai area of Bajaur Agency in FATA. The explosive material was planted along a roadside which blew up resulting in casualties.

One peace committee member, identified as Rafiq Khan Orakzai was killed in an explosion apparently due to a remote controlled blast in Bara Qamberabad area of Khyber Agency in Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

SFs and militants clashed in Bakarabad area of the Khyber Agency during a search operation. No further report was available.

Curfew has been imposed on main Pak-Afghan Highway from Jamrud to Torkham apparently due to a cleanup operation launched by SFs. The military sources said that SFs were carrying out sanitization of the area along Jamrud - Torkham Road in Khyber Agency that was why curfew has been imposed and it would remain closed until 5 pm.

A PML-N leader, identified as Mohammad Alam, was shot dead in the early hours when unidentified assailants opened fire at him in Khuzdar District of Balochistan.

The Washington has launched renewed efforts to pressurize Pakistan for a military operation in NWA and now much depends on the Pakistani civilian and military top leadership to respond to the demand, which would have an extremely seriously fallout for Pakistan. The recent move by US Congress to link military assistance to Pakistan in the next fiscal year with military operations in North Waziristan is seen as a frustrated effort by Washington to do what Pakistan has been successfully resisting for the last several years. Although, neither the Government nor the military has as yet shown any reaction on this move from the US, the PTI chief Imran Khan has strongly condemned this and called it a US effort to bribe Pakistan to launch military operation in NWA.

Reiterating his party’s stance on peace talks with militants, PTI Chief Imran Khan said that an offensive in North Waziristan would unite militant forces against the Pakistani state. "Conducting such a military operation when most of the groups in NWA want talks is suicidal," Imran said in a statement, adding that most groups in North Waziristan desire peace talks with the Government.

The elders of the Uthmanzai Wazir tribe and a militants’ council plan to meet at Miranshah in NWA on June 14 to discuss a 15-day deadline given by the Government to local tribes for flushing out militants from the area. According to sources, a jirga led by Haji Sher Mohammad and TTP NWA chapter 'chief' Hafiz Gul Bahadur will meet at an undisclosed place to discuss the situation amidst an exodus of non-combatants from the area during the past couple of days. The Government had given the 15-day deadline to a jirga which visited Peshawar on June 6 and met the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor and Peshawar Corps Commander.

Foreign militants are quietly slipping away from NWA ahead of military operation. The exodus began in late May after Pakistani air strikes, AFP reported locals as saying, but it has been hastened by the recent Karachi airport attack. As pressure builds for a fuller response to the airport assault, residents and officials in NWA's main town of Miranshah said the majority of foreign and local fighters had already left. "Most of them have gone deep into the mountains toward the Afghan border," a senior security official told AFP.

The Security of Balochistan’s prisons have been increased to avoid any untoward incident. Inspector General of Balochistan Prisons Bashir Bangulzai said additional personnel of law enforcement agencies had been deployed at and around all six jails of the province. “On the directives of the Home Department, a new security plan has been chalked out for the jails,” he said. He noted that the Central Jail Mach, District Jail Quetta, Central Jail Gadani and Central Jail, Khuzdar, have been declared sensitive where security men equipped with the latest weapons are on high alert. “We have requested the deployment of the Frontier Corps outside the Mach jail from the provincial government,” he said, adding that the response from the Home Department is awaited in this connection. About the number of prisoners in Balochistan, the IG said that there are over 300 hardened criminals in the jails while other inmates numbered over 3,000.

Handery Masieh, member of the Balochistan Assembly and Balochistan National Party leader, was killed by his guard in the Nawan Killi area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Jan Muhammad Buledi, the spokesperson of Balochistan Government, said that Masieh’s security guard opened fire on him outside his residence as a result of which he suffered serious bullet wounds. “Masieh succumbed to his injuries in the hospital,” Buledi added. “Yes this was an act of targeted killing”, he said. Buledi stated that initially the accused opened fire at the nephew of Masieh who is also injured in the incident. “Then the accused opened indiscriminate firing at the slain legislator,” the spokesman stated.

Three mortar shells were fired from Afghanistan which fell in Lowai Shalman area of the Landikotal tehsil of the Khyber Agency near the Pak-Afghan border. No casualty has been reported in the incident.

At least 105 militants were killed in NWA of FATA as Pakistan Army lunched aerial as well as ground offensive during the operation Zarb-e-Azb (sharp and cutting).

The Pakistan Army on June 15 launched a comprehensive operation against foreign and local terrorists who were hiding in sanctuaries in NWA. “The operation had been named Zarb-e-Azb,” said an ISPR) statement. “Using North Waziristan as a base, these terrorists had waged a war against the state of Pakistan and had been disrupting our national life in all its dimensions, stunting our economic growth and causing enormous loss of life and property… They had also paralysed life within the agency and had perpetually terrorized the entire peace loving and patriotic local population,” the ISPR statement quoted DG ISPR Major General Asim Bajwa as saying.

The commencement of the military operation was welcomed by most major political parties and PM Nawaz Sharif is expected to take Parliament into confidence over the operation on June 16. According to sources in the PM Office, Sharif will be attending Monday’s session at the National Assembly, where he is expected to make a policy statement over Operation Zarb-e-Azb.

The TTP said they will give a tough reply to the operation. In a statement, the TTP ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid said they were keeping an account of the ‘dozens of innocent people’ killed in Sunday’s (June 15) military strikes. Shahid said they had not closed the doors of dialogue with the Government and were still ready for meaningful talks. However, he insisted that the Government should adopt a serious approach to revive the process.

Fresh clashes between rival factions of TTP left seven dead in the Shawal tehsil of NWA in FATA. Two persons were also injured in the militant infighting. Officials and tribals confirmed that the clashes erupted between Shehryar Mehsud and Khan Said alias Sajna. Over the last two months, the infighting within TTP factions has left over 100 dead and many injured.

The brother of a militant ‘commander’, who was kidnapped a few days ago, was found dead near a petrol pump in the Akakhel area of Khyber Agency. The sources said that Khyal Mohammad, who was the brother of ‘commander’ of TI, had been reportedly kidnapped by another militant group a few days back. His throat-slit body was found with a note, saying those who didn’t back Kandahar, a local ‘commander’ of the LI, would meet the same fate. 

The volunteers of Lashkar and Security Forces launched a search operation in Nakhtar, Lagharai, Katkot, Ghakhi, Khorchai, Tarkho, Gawati and other border villages in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur Agency.

One gangster, identified as Ghaffar Niazi the ‘commander’ of Sheraz Comrade Gang was killed while two others sustained injuries in an exchange of fire between the Police and a gang in the Musa Lane and Baghdadi areas of Lyari in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

The Police received information about the presence of gangsters belonging to the Sheraz Comrade group, which is one of the gangs involved in Lyari gang war, in these areas. When the Police reached the sites, the suspects opened fire at the Police. In retaliatory firing, one gangster was killed while two others were injured critically. The deceased was identified as Ghaffar Niazi who is one of the main ‘commanders’ of the Sheraz Comrade gang.

Sindh Government said that it had done its home work to face any possible backlash from the militants and stop free flow of IDPs or militants in their guise from the tribal badlands after the Operation Zarb-e-Azb was launched in North Waziristan Agency. “We were already on alert for terrorist attacks after the carnage on Karachi airport, but now after the launching of the operation we are extra alert and vigilant,” said Sharfuddin Memon, adviser to the Chief Minister on Home Affairs. He said all sensitive installations had been doubly protected and the intelligence network had been further consolidated to check any possible violent reaction against the military operation.

The MQM Chief Altaf Hussain said that they must accept that Pakistan has become home to terrorists from all over the world who are now entrenched in cities as well as in tribal areas of Pakistan, mounting attacks on Pakistanis as well as others. Altaf Hussain called on civilian and military leadership to stop the charade of talks with the terrorist groups and launch military strikes against those who are challenging the writ of the state through audacious attacks on Pakistani national installations. “What have we achieved during 8 months of talks with the TTP and allies? The terrorists have used this time to train further, amass more weapons to kill more Pakistanis. They have attacked without a care and have hit every installation they wanted as seen during attack at the Karachi airport,” said Altaf calling for action against militants without any further delay.

At least 140 militants were killed in NWA of FATA as Pakistan Army lunched aerial as well as ground offensive during the Operation Zarb-e-Azb (sharp and cutting).

27 militants were killed in fresh bombings by jet fighters that targeted militant hideouts in Shawal area of NWA in FATA. At least six militant hideouts were destroyed in the attack.  

Six soldiers were killed while 3 others were injured due to IED explosion between Afghan border and Ghulam khan in NWA.  

Seven militants were killed in exchange of fire when trying to flee from cordoned off area in NWA. Two soldiers were also killed.

Three militants were killed by SFs while the militants were laying IEDs in the area close to Miranshah. One soldier was also sustained injuries. 

PM Nawaz Sharif, during a speech delivered in the National Assembly justified Government's decision to initiate a full-scale operation in NWA and said that Operation Zarb-e-Azb would continue until terrorism is eliminated from the country.

The COAS, General Raheel Sharif reiterated that all terrorists along with their sanctuaries will be eliminated without any discrimination. “The operation is not targeted against our valiant tribes of NWA but against those terrorists who are holed up in the agency and have picked up arms against the state of Pakistan,” the Army Chief said during his visit to the Corps Headquarters in Peshawar of KP.

Opposition legislators in the Upper House of Parliament on June 16 extended full support to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the military operation in NWA. But they asked for special arrangements for the IDPs of the areas concerned. “The opposition supports the military operation launched in NWA and stands fully behind the government,” opposition leader Aitzaz Ahsan told the House after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s address to the Senate over the start of a full-fledged military operation in NWA. The entire House supported the military operation.

At least eight persons including two women were killed when unidentified militants barged into a house and opened indiscriminate fire in the Hangu town (Hangu District) in KP. Motive behind the killings and identities of the deceased were yet to be ascertained.

Unidentified persons hurled a hand-grenade in a house in Hayatabad Phase-V in which five people were injured in Peshawar of KP.

The MQM Parliamentary leader, Muhammad Farooq Sattar Peerwani, claimed that TTP control 25 percent of Karachi (the provincial capital of Sindh) and warned that, if immediate steps are not taken, the commercial hub of the country could slip into a bigger crisis. “Taliban are running a state within the state,” he said. Peerwani further stated that militants and their sympathisers had made transactions of around PKR 1.25 billion in various banks of Karachi, but the state was not paying any heed to this important issue. “We require a national counterterrorism policy and coordination among the agencies and community,” he added.

At least 25 foreign and local terrorists were killed in aerial strikes in Hasokhel area of NWA in FATA. Six militants’ hideouts including a training camp and an IED factory were destroyed. An ISPR statement said the operation is progressing as per plan. The cordon around all terrorists’ hideouts including in the town of Mir Ali and Miranshah has been further tightened and reinforced.

The NACTA Act was passed in March 2013 but not a single meeting of the authority’s high-powered Board of Governors, headed by the Prime Minister and comprising all the key Government players including spymasters, has been held as yet. With terrorism haunting the country, NACTA direly needs a push from its board of Governors to take major counter-terrorism policy decisions besides ensuring close coordination of agencies and improving the capacity of law enforcing agencies to check the terror attacks.

15 militants were killed in Zartatangi mountain heights in the east of Miranshah by Army gunship. It was one of the main communication centers of terrorists.

Eight Uzbek militants were killed around Miranshah while planting IEDs on the road Miranshah-Mir Ali.

Cordoned off in areas housing terrorists in NWA continues. Continuous terrorists attempt to flee from area have been foiled.

Six militants were killed in a US drone strike in the early hours in Dargah Mandi village of Miranshah tehsil in NWA. Intelligence sources said six missiles fired by a drone hit a compound and a vehicle in Dargah Mandi village. The identities of those killed in the strikes have not yet been ascertained.

The SFs took control of border areas of Mamond tehsil in Bajaur Agency hoisting Pakistani flag in the areas after almost a decade. Official sources said that the SFs have set up posts in the border areas while locals have also expressed their support for the Army.

The KP CM Pervez Khattak said the province had received 70,000 people displaced by the military operation in North Waziristan Agency. He said his Government had released PKR 350 million, the Federal Government PKR 500 million and the FATA Disaster Management Authority PKR 100 million for handling the crisis of displacement. Khattak also said the Government had pitched 1,000 tents in FR Bannu and provided electricity, water and other facilities. He said intelligence agencies warned that keeping IDPs in schools would not be safe that led the Government to set up tent camps, but he hastened to say that his administration was ready to open schools for displaced people if the need was felt. 

The Balochistan Government deployed more Frontier Corps troops in the area connecting the province with South Waziristan to check the influx of people fleeing North Waziristan where the military has launched an operation against militants. A meeting held at Quetta, provincial capital of Balochistan and presided over by CM Malik Baloch discussed the possibility of terrorist attacks in the province and measures to cope with the threat. It revised a security plan for the provincial capital and other towns in the province.

Police during a search operation in Peshawar neutralised a gang of extortionists and arrested its five members and recovered three IEDs from them, said SSP Operations Peshawar, Najibur Rahman Bugvi. The SSP said the group was involved in making calls for extortion and bombing houses of those who refused to pay up.

Law Enforcing agencies killed a TTP 'commander', identified as Zohair alias Salman and rounded up a number of TTP militants during separate operations in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Zohair was killed in an encounter with Police and Rangers during a joint operation, carried out in the Mauripur area of the city on a tip-off. Two hand grenades and a Kalashnikov were also recovered from his possession. The deceased 'commander' was said to be associated with the TTP’s Maulvi Khalid group.

“He was involved in killing of around 15 army and FC personnel in North Waziristan. He was also involved in kidnapping for ransom and extortion,” the Rangers Spokesperson claimed. Law enforcers claim also to have recovered from him a hit-list comprising names of several political leaders including MQM Farooq Sattar and Hyder Abbas Rizvi, ANP’s Bashir Jan and PPP Faisal Raza Abidi.

Over one dozen suspects including TTP militants were also arrested during an operation conducted by Rangers in Kunwari Colony of Karachi’s Manghopir area. The Rangers Spokesperson claimed that a huge cache of weapons were also recovered from their possession. The suspects were shifted to undisclosed location for further questioning.

At least 12 militants, including foreigners, were killed when the Army’s Cobra gunship helicopters pounded three militant hideouts in Qutub Khel area on the outskirts of Miranshah, administrative headquarters NWA. It was an integrated action by cobra gunships, artillery and snipers. While the Operation Zarb-e-Azb progresses as per plan, militants inside cordoned area are making desperate attempts to flee from area. 6 attempts were foiled last night. Three locals who did not have any identity proof were apprehended while trying to flee from the cordon.

Around 164,000 IDPs who fled from the conflict zone of NWA reached Bannu in KP. While a top Government official confirmed the arrival of 164,000 refugees in Bannu, political sources in FATA said that several thousand residents of NWA have opted to leave for Afghanistan’s province of Khost in search of shelter. According to eye witnesses, refugees arriving in Bannu are greeted by a plethora of problems ranging from lack of transport to shortage of food and medicine and rude attitude of law enforcing agencies. “Several thousand vehicles carrying displaced people could be seen crawling from Mir Ali to Bannu. The journey which normally takes one and half hour is taking 12 to 15 hours today owing to crowded roads and increased number of check-posts,” said Liaqat Ali, a local resident of Bannu.

At least five persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Two persons, identified as, Sameer (30), and an unidentified person, aged 35, were shot dead near Malik Bakery in Nanakwara area of Lyari Town.

A person, identified as Farhan (20), was shot dead by unidentified assailant near Supermarket in Liaquatabad.

A person Saeed Ahmed (40) was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Tibet Center in Saddar town.

Suspected militants Imran alias Umar Qari was killed in an encounter with Rangers in Baldia Town.

Two persons Mehrab (10) and Arshi (43) were shot and injured by unidentified assailants in Daryabad area of Lyari Town.

Five suspected criminals were also arrested during raids in Ramswami area.

Two persons were killed in a suicide attack on the residence of Adezai peace Lashkar’s chief Farmanullah Khan in Adezai area on the outskirts of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. In addition, five others were also injured in the incident. Farmanullah Khan confirmed the incident saying two people including the suicide bomber died in the attack on his hujra. "Suicide bomber entered my hujra and exploded himself," he added. Farmanullah took over as the chief of Adezai Peace Committee after the death of his elder brother Dilawar Khan who had survived a number of attacks on his life as well.

Shamsul Islam, the son of JUI-F Senator Saleh Shah, was shot dead on Wana road in Tank District of KP. Shamsul Islam was on his way to the South Waziristan Agency when he was attacked.

Pashto singer Gulnaz alias Muskan was killed in the Gulburg area of Peshawar. Police said unidentified assailants entered the Gunaz's house and shot her dead. The singer originally hails from Par Hoti area of Mardan District of KP.

The KP CM Pervez Khattak inaugurated KP's first school of investigation, at Hayatabad in Peshawar. The school will train KP Police officers to conduct investigations along scientific lines to help convict perpetrators.  

Pakistan sought extradition of TTP 'chief' Mullah Fazlullah from Afghanistan and dismantlement of the militant outfit’s longstanding hideouts in Kunar and Nuristan Provinces. The request for the extradition was made by Mahmood Khan Achakzai on behalf of the Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif in a meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Kabul on June 18, said a well-informed Government official in Islamabad. Meanwhile, the foreign office confirmed that Achakzai visited Afghanistan as a special envoy of the Prime Minister to seek Kabul’s cooperation in eliminating terrorism.

At least three persons including, two TTP 'commanders' were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Rangers’ killed two TTP commanders, identified as Abid 'chotu' and Fakhruddin Mehsud in the Manghopir area of Karachi.

A person, identified as Abdul Hannan (60) was shot dead by unidentified assailant near Jamali Gothon area on Superhighway.

Two Rangers’ Nasir Ali (32) and Najam (30) were shot and injured in an encounter with criminals in Sultanabad in Manghopir.

Environmental Tribunal Judge, identified as Sakhi Sultan, was killed in a firing incident in Jinnah Town area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

A traffic Police Official, Sub-Inspector, Sattar Khan, was shot dead by motorcycle bourne unidentified assailants on the Pajaggi Road area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP.

The Peshawar Police successfully repulsed an attack on a Police mobile van in the jurisdiction of Khazana Police Station and arrested one of the attackers in injured condition. ASP Sohaib Ashraf said that the Police van came under attack while it was on routine patrol in the area. Police said the attack was carried out by three armed men. CCPO Ijaz Ahmad said Police responded promptly and arrested an attacker in injured condition while two others managed to escape.

At least 52 persons were injured in an IED explosion during Urs (the annual religious congregation at the shrine) celebrations at Darbar Nangay Shah Pir Badshah in Pind Parian area in the jurisdiction of Shahzad Town Police Station of Islamabad, the federal capital. According to BDS the IED was planted underneath the internal wall of the tomb.

232 militants and eight SFs personnel were killed since the start of Operation Zarb-e-Azb. SFs have destroyed 20 militant hideouts, including two major terrorist communication centres and a bomb-making factory.

The number of civilians fleeing an expected ground offensive passed 200,000. Nearly 150,000 people have left NWA on the Afghan border this week after the military launched a long-awaited assault against militant’s hideouts.

Yet another amendment to the US Defence appropriations bill was offered asking the lawmakers to stop any and all financial assistance to Pakistan. The amendment argued by Congressman Dana Rohrabacher states that Pakistan’s Government had undermined efforts to counter terrorism. “It is a farce to believe that our aid, sometimes deceptively labeled as ‘reimbursements,’ is buying Pakistan’s cooperation in hunting down terrorists,” the introduction to the amendment said. Defending the amendment, its supporter accused that Pakistan’s establishment sheltered Osama bin Laden, and continued to jail Dr Shakeel Afridi, who helped the CIA locate bin Laden. They criticised weak human rights situation in the country as well, adding that US money was not buying the required cooperation.

“Pakistan is not an ally, and any money we send them only strengthens their ability to act against us and against Afghanistan as we withdraw our military. We cannot buy friendship of a government whose strategic interests are not aligned with ours,” the statement issued by the office of Congressman Rohrabacher said.

Out of more than 400 large US military drones that have crashed in major accidents around the world since 2001, Pakistan has accounted for six of them, a year-long The Washington Post investigation report said. More than half of those accidents occurred in Afghanistan and Iraq. Almost a quarter happened in the US. That figure is almost equivalent to the number of major crashes incurred by the Air Force’s fleet of fighter jets and attack planes during the same period, even though the drones flew far fewer missions and hours, according to Air Force safety statistics.

The military divided the major accidents into two categories of severity, based on the amount of damage inflicted to the aircraft or other property. (There are three other categories for more minor accidents.) According to the records, 194 drones fell into the first category - Class A accidents that destroyed the aircraft or caused, under current standards, at least USD 2 million in damage.

At least 20 militants were killed in targeted strikes by jet aircrafts in Hassu Khel in NWA. Three militant hideouts were destroyed in the attacks.

10 militants were killed and six others injured in air strikes in Malikdinkhel area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency in the early morning. Official sources said that the militants had occupied a Government school in Malikdinkhel area which was targeted by the gunship helicopters in an attempt to destroy it.

The teams of Pakistan Rangers and the Islamabad Police conducted a joint search operation in the Tarnol area of National capital, Islamabad and arrested 51 suspected persons, including 22 Afghan nationals. On the direction of Islamabad SSP Muhammad Ali Nekokara, a search operation was conducted in Tarnol by the teams of Pakistan Rangers and the Islamabad Police. The operation was supervised by SP – Saddar - Muhammad Ilyas, SDPO Saddar, SDPO Ramna, all SHOs of the Saddar Zone Police Stations, and Pakistan Rangers.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan directed Police and security agencies to gear up their resources to fully secure twin cities Rawalpindi-Islamabad and its residents in wake of the Zarb-i-Azb operation against militants in North Waziristan. The Minister said this while chairing a meeting to review the security situation of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

10 militants and two soldiers were killed during an exchange of fire while militants were trying to flee cordoned off area in Spinwam of NWA in the night.

At least nine persons, including three TTP militants, were killed in separate incidents of violence and target killing in different areas of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Police killed three militants affiliated with the TTP in the ongoing operation against militants in different parts of Sohrab Goth, including Pioneer Homes, Deluxe Town and Afghan Basti. Police arrested around a dozen suspected persons, including five foreign nationals. Police also claim to have recovered around 15 kilogrammes of explosive material, four hand grenades and a large cache of ammunition.

An unidentified person was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Qalandaria Chowk in North Nazimabad.

One 22-year-old youth, was killed unidentified assailants in Surjani Town Sector 36-B. 

A 50-yearold woman, Shahmin, was shot dead near Sindh Qatar Hospital Chowrangi in Orangi Town.

A tortured body of a woman was found from Malir Nadi near Qayyumabad area.

A youth, Shah Nawaz Khan (22), resident of Orangi Town, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Raja Tanveer Colony area of Ittehad Town.

A youth, Manzoor (22) was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Abul Hassan Asphani Road in Teachers Society area Gulistan-e-Johar.

One Akram (22), son of Shahi Taj, was shot at in the Pir Colony area of Orangi Town. 

A man, Anwar (25), was shot at by unidentified assailants in Orangi Town No 13. 

An unidentified man, aged 30, was shot at by unidentified assailants near Metro Shopping Center in Safari Park area.

A girl, Kulsoom (10), was injured when unidentified assailants opened fire on her near Paracha graveyard in Kati Pahari area in Orangi Town.

Over 100 ulema from various schools of thought declared Operation Arab-e-Azb, the ongoing military operation against terrorists and militants in NWA, as Jihad. The meeting of ulema, which was organised by the Sunni Ulema Board, in its decree referring to the verse No 33 of Surah-e-Almaidah of the holy Quran, which says: “Crushing of the attempts to disrupt peaceful atmosphere in a Muslim state is jihad.” The decree said the nation was bound to support the ongoing operation in North Waziristan Agency and the people opposing the operation were rebels as per Islamic Shariah. It added that the state had the right to deal rebels with iron hands as the militants had murdered hundreds of innocent people and targeted various schools, shrines, hospitals, and innocent people. Islam, it said, did not allow individual jihad.

A total of 31,264 families, or 394,319 individuals, have been registered at the Registration Point of PDMA at Saidgai checkpost in Bannu District of KP. The IDPs have also brought along with them a large number of livestock. According to chief secretary of the Control Room at the PDMA the number of displaced persons of North Waziristan Agency has reached 31,264 families or 394,319 individuals. Furthermore, in Bannu District, a relief camp has been established which would work under the PDMA and will support the district administration in the relief activities. The Provincial Government has released PKR 349 million to PDMA for establishment of camps in Bannu city, however, in the wake of the ongoing military operation, a decision was taken by the Federal Government to establish camps inside frontier regions which fall within the jurisdiction of FATA administration.

The PTI chairman Imran Khan said the military should temporarily halt bombardments in areas of North Waziristan Agency where the civilian population has not been evacuated. “The operation should not be conducted in villagers where women and children are present as they are currently stranded,” Imran said. He also said that according to information available with the party, militancy will spread to areas bordering Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the wake of the operation and that the police and security should be beefed up. He urged the Federal Government to meet with the Provincial Government and chalk out a plan to facilitate the influx of IDPs as well as growing security concerns.

At least 15 militants were killed in the air strikes on eight hideouts in Mir Ali area of NWA in FATA in the early hours. The ISPR statement said tunnels were spotted in the area that came under attack by the aircraft. However, it didn't mention the name of the village or the area in Mir Ali.

The Government so far registered 435,429 IDPs affected due to the ongoing operation in NWA with the help of the NADRA. According to the latest official data available on June 23, the Government registered 35,381 families including 114,596 males, 137,301 females and 183,532 children. Consistent to the earlier instructions, Government assigned the task to the SAFRON to make necessary rehabilitation arrangement of IDPs. However, this time the government decided to engage the NDMA too in the process which is in line with the mandate of the organisation. Upon instructions the NDMA now engaged with the Ministry of SAFRON, Federally Administrative Tribal Areas Disaster Management Authority, Provincial Disaster Management Authority of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Army, Civil Administration and other partners to coordinate and implement the plan for efficient management of all IDPs' issues.

At least 14 persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Karachi Police claimed to have killed seven criminals during the last 24 hours, in which 65 more criminals were also arrested in 80 different raids. According to Karachi CPO report, Police conducted 80 raids in different areas of the city and arrested 65 criminals including proclaimed offenders and absconders. The police also claimed recovering 25 handguns, six hand grenades, drugs and liquor from the arrested accused.

One person, identified as Saeed Gul (40), was shot dead by unidentified assailant near Qasba Morr area in Orangi Town.

A girl Nazia (18) was killed by unidentified assailants in Lines Area of Saddar town.

A person was killed by unidentified assailants near Babar Weight Balance Scale in Surjani Town.

Sindh Rangers arrested two alleged militants of TTP and recovered a motorcycle laden with explosive material and IED from them in Muslimabad Colony.

One person was killed by unidentified assailants at Fida Mohammad near the FC Qilla on the Pak-Afghan Road in Qilla Abdullah District.

The house of the Member of National Assembly from NA-16 Khayal Zaman Orakzai in Phase-2 area of Hayatabad in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP, was attacked with hand grenade. The building was slightly damaged but did not cause any casualty.

The house of one Attiqur Rahman was also attacked with hand grenade in Khushal Town in the limits of Bhanamari Police Station. No casualty was reported.

An Iraqi style IED was defused in Hayatabad while a hand grenade was defused in Naguman.

One sabotage bid was foiled by defusing explosives in Itwar Bazaar Chowk in Hayatabad.

Another 14 kilograms remote control IED was defused in the jurisdiction of Saro Police Station in Charsadda town (Charsadda District).

KP Police has been directed to launch crackdown on the hideouts of militants across the province after identifying their hubs and vulnerable places. "We have no other option but to win this war at all costs. The tempo of the ongoing search and strike operation must be reflected in the Police action against the terrorists in the settled areas," stressed the IGP Nasir Khan Durrani. He termed the ongoing military operation in North Waziristan as a matter of survival of the country.

The prominent cleric Tahirul Qadri landed in Pakistan after his plane was diverted from the capital Islamabad where his supporters clashed with Police amid Government concerns about the return of a man who describes himself as a revolutionary. Tahirul Qadri, a Pakistani preacher turned political activist who usually lives Canada, is a divisive figure in Pakistan where he made headlines in 2013 when he led mass rallies against the previous Government. The plane carrying Qadri circled above Benazir Bhutto International Airport near Islamabad for an hour and a half before it was diverted to Lahore. "We want no corruption, we want no terrorism in our country," Qadri said adding that "We want total transparency of institutions."

At least 47 militants were killed and about 23 hideouts were destroyed in the ongoing operation by SFs in Khyber Agency and NWA of FATA. Military sources said the hideouts of TTP militants were targeted in the aerial strikes in NWA as part of Zarb-e-Azb operation, whereas the hideouts of LI militants were separately targeted in Khyber Agency. The terrorists' death toll in the ongoing military action so far is said to have crossed 300.

Three persons, including two soldiers and one civilian were killed in a suicide bombing in NWA.

On June 24, the Government sent a letter requesting the humanitarian community to extend humanitarian assistance to the newly displaced IDPs from NWA, in addition to the already displaced 930,000 people. According to the OCHA update, the Federal Government has announced USD five million, the KP Government USD 3.5 million and the Punjab Government USD five million for IDPs support. The donors have committed USD 14.5 million in support of the over 455,000 people displaced from NWA as of June 25.

Four dead bodies were recovered from Baldia Town area. Nine MM shells were also discovered near the bodies. The victims could not be identified.

Four dead bodies were recovered from Baldia Town area. Nine MM shells were also discovered near the bodies. The victims could not be identified.

A TTP militant 'commander', identified as Jamshaid Ali, was killed in a shootout with the Manghopir Police in Kunwari Colony. Around 16 suspects were also arrested on suspicions of having links with militants.

A suspected TTP militant, identified as Merajuddin alias Hafiz (30) was killed in a joint Police-Rangers raid in the Musharraf Colony.

LEA foiled a potential terrorism bid by defusing an explosive device on Quetta-Sibi highway in the outskirts of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. According to Levies sources, the remote-controlled device contained some 15 kilogram of explosive material.

Karachi leads the rest of Pakistan in terms of the number of cases being heard at its ATCs With more than 17,000 cases only from 2014 pending at the five functional ATCs, the number is at least 50 times higher than other provinces, especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which has the lowest number. According to the figures obtained from prosecution departments of all the four provinces, out of the 17,000 cases in Sindh, around 11,000 are only from Karachi.

The fighter aircraft PAF continued pounding hideouts of alleged militants in the Mir Ali subdivision of NWA in FATA, killing 13 militants. The aircraft had struck five sanctuaries of militants in Mir Ali, where the militants were still hiding, despite the fact that local residents had already vacated their houses and villages.

12 militants surrendered to the SFs in NWA. The identities of the surrendered militants are yet to be disclosed by SFs.

At least eight persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. A MQM worker, identified as Abdul Razzaq (45), was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Bilal Colony in Bangali Para area of Korangi town.

A person, identified as Nawaz (45), was shot dead near Urdu Chowk in Orangi Town.

A person was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Kunwari Colony of Orangi Town.

A person, identified as Syed Saeed Shah (45), was killed and another, Muhammed Asif (30), was injured when unidentified assailants opened fire on them on Chundrigar road.

An unidentified man, aged 30, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Janjal Goth area of Gulshan-e-Meymar.

A person, Bilal (28) was shot dead on Khyaban-e-Rumi road in Defence Housing Authority.

An unidentified person, aged 23, was shot dead by unidentified assailants on Netti Jetti Bridge in Keamari.

A dead body of an unidentified man, aged 35, was found near Jawedan Factory in Manghopir.

Four persons were injured when motorcycle bourne unidentified assailants threw a grenade at a Police picket in the Sadiqabad area of Rawalpindi town of Rawalpindi District in Punjab. Four injured persons were identified as Atiq (21), Nabeel (22), Nasir (27) and Ajab (65). The injured were reported to be in stable condition. The attackers however, managed to escape from the scene.

The US added LeT affiliates, including the JuD, its frontal organization, to its list of designated terror organisations and slapped sanctions against two LeT leaders. The State Department has amended LeT's designations to add the aliases: Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Al-Anfal Trust, Tehrik-e-Hurmat-e-Rasool and Tehrik-e-Tahafuz Qibla Awwal, an official statement said. Simultaneously, the Department of Treasury targeted the financial and leadership networks of LeT by designating Nazir Ahmad Chaudhry (Ahmad) and Muhammad Hussein Gill as SDGTs. Ahmad and Gill are being designated for acting for or on behalf of LeT. Treasury and the Department of State have designated 22 individuals and four entities associated with LeT. "In targeting LeT leadership, on Wednesday's action demonstrates our unrelenting commitment to combating terrorism by disrupting terrorist groups' financial activities," said the Under Secretary of Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence David S Cohen. "We will continue to target LeT's financial foundation to disrupt and impede its violent activities," he added.

At least eight persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Two suspected militants were killed by Sindh Police in Madina Colony of New Karachi. According to the sources, a huge cache of arms and ammunition were also recovered from the possession of the suspects.

One person was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Sohrab Goth area.

A person was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Malir town.

One person was shot dead in Federal B area near Hussainabad, where as another person was killed in Orangi Town due to firing.

One suspected militant was killed in a Police encounter while he was caught looting the citizens in Sohrab Goth's Al-Asif Square.

A dead body stuffed in a gunny sack was recovered from Landhi town.

Five suspects belonging to a banned militant outfit were arrested in Gulshan-i-Buner area.

At least five militants were killed and six hideouts were destroyed as the Pakistan Army continued its assault in the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb in NWA of FATA.

Four militants and three khasadar officials were killed in a clash between SFs and militants in the Sur Qamar area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency.

Unidentified militants fired on a PIA plane as it was landing at the Bacha Khan International Airport of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP, in the night, killing a woman and injuring two others, including a crew member. PIA flight PK-756 with 178 passengers and crew members on board was travelling from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. "Unknown gunmen fired a volley of bullets at the airplane when it was preparing to land at the airport," SP Cantonment Faisal Kamran said. "The gunmen fired at the airplane from outside the airport vicinity," he said, quashing speculation that the airport might have been attacked. The PIA official added that the plane was attacked while flying at low altitude near Landi Akhum Ahmad area. He added that the plane was damaged in the attack.

The initial investigation to the attack revealed the involvement of banned TTP Shahid group in the incident. According to the contents of the report prepared by the Police authorities, foreign made M-16 gun was used by the TTP terrorists to fire on the PIA flight. The investigating team has found 24 spent shells of the foreign made gun from Mashu Khel and Suleman Khel areas of Peshawar during the post attack search in the adjoining areas.

Another source said that the Tariq Geedar group of the TTP was behind the attack. The source said the group was based in Darra Adamkhel and was headed by one Khalfa. "We have some important leads," claimed an official. He said that the roof of a school in Sulemankhel, an area near Peshawar, was used for targeting the Airbus when it was landing at the Bacha Khan International Airport.

Army troops have been deployed in Torghar District of Hazara division in KP to thwart movement of militants. "Yes, the Army has been deployed to restrict the entry of militants from neighbouring Malakand division into Hazara through Torghar, which borders Swat and Shangla," said Akhtar Hayat Khan Gandapur, the DIG, Hazara Range.

The Chief Justice of Peshawar High Court, Mazhar Alam Miankhel, asked the security agencies to release all those against whom no charges could be proved. Hearing the cases of 51 missing persons, he expressed concern over the replies of intelligence agencies working under the Ministries of Defence and Interior and stressed that innocent people should not languish in prisons for years. "We are receiving stereotype replies from the agencies. The court will summon complete ground check record in the missing persons' case if the ministries concerned and agencies don't cooperate with the courts," the Chief Justice said.

President Mamnoon Hussain said the Government and Armed Forces are fully determined for the complete elimination of terrorism from the country and the whole nation stands united to support the action against terrorist elements. "Despite enormity of challenges, the nation and Armed forces have stood together and made invaluable sacrifices for the country," the President said.

Terming the Operation Zarb-e-Azb as war for the survival of Pakistan, the Pakistan Army on June 26 pledged to tackle all terrorists, including the Haqqani Network. DG of ISPR Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa said 327 hardcore terrorists had been killed while 45 hideouts of terrorists were destroyed in the North Waziristan Agency during the ongoing operation launched on June 15. He said 19 terrorists surrendered before the security personnel. He also said 10 soldiers laid down their lives while seven were injured in the line of duty.

The UNHCR Bo Schack said that thousands of displaced Pakistanis arrived in Afghanistan from NWA needing urgent humanitarian assistance. The military operation has forced about 65,000 individuals from 9,200 families to seek refuge in Khost Province, living there with their relatives and friends, while a number of others are inhabiting makeshift camps in Gurboz District, Bo Schack said, adding that more than 2,000 families travelled to Paktika Province.

Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to launch indiscriminate action against the terrorists on both sides of the border. This was decided during a meeting of Rangin Rahimi Dafdar Spanta, Afghan National Security Adviser, with Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif at the PM House. Matters relating to mutual and bilateral interest came under discussion.

Pakistan asked Afghanistan to take necessary measures on its side of the border to stop the fleeing terrorists from NWA from finding sanctuary on the Afghan soil. FO Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam, in her weekly briefing said that the purpose of the visit of special envoy Mahmood Khan Achakzai to Kabul was to seek Afghanistan cooperation in the management of the border. She said the visit of Afghan National Security Adviser Spanta was also aimed at taking the discussion forward on the matter. The Spokesperson recalled that Pakistan had taken extraordinary measures, including restriction of movement and deployment of additional troops on the border, when presidential elections took place in Afghanistan.

11 militants were killed when PAF Jet aircrafts targeted six confirmed militants' hideouts on the outskirts of Mir Ali in NWA of FATA in the evening.

TTP 'commander' of Miranshah, Commander Umer was killed by Security Forces on the outskirts of Miranshah in the night.

One prominent al Qaeda 'commander' has been arrested while trying to flee from surrounded area in NWA. Initial interrogation shows him as an explosive, IED, suicide belt expert.

Three militants were arrested by Security Forces while they were trying to escape from war hit zone of FATA to Punjab by crossing Indus River near Mianwali. All crossing places along the River are currently manned to seal any escape for the militants.

The SFs arrested two suspects and seized a huge cache of weapons during the search operation in various areas of Hangu Districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Three machine guns, seven SGP-9 machine guns, 98 rocket shells, two rocket launchers, 10 sophisticated machine guns, 10 detonators, explosive materials used in IEDs, five suicide vests, huge quantity of explosives, six masks, hundreds of hand grenades and thousands of cartridges had been recovered from their possession.

Pledging full support to the IDPs from NWA, PM Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that new houses would be constructed on the return of the IDPs. Addressing the IDPs in the Bakkakhel area in Frontier Region Bannu, he said, "If required, billions would be spent for the rehabilitation of the NWA's displaced persons."

Seven militants were killed when militant's concentrations were targeted by integrated fire of Artillery, Tanks and Heavy weapons outside Miranshah in North Waziristan Agency in the early morning.

A Government Primary School for girls was blown up in Ekka Ghund Tehsil of Mohmand Agency. However, no causality was reported.

Three persons were killed and one other injured in separate incidents of violence in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Two bullet-riddled bodies of unidentified men, aged 22 and 30, were recovered near Mono-technical Institute in Korangi No 4.

An unidentified man, aged 20, was shot dead by unknown assailants beneath Nipa Bridge.

A man named Sameer (30) was seriously injured due to bullets fired on him by unidentified gunmen near Brookes Chowrangi in Korangi Industrial Area.

A blast took place outside the office of a private courier company at Raza Square near Malir Courts. However, no casualties were reported. A BDS official said that one-kilogramme explosive was used in the blast.

A Government Primary School for girls was blown up in Shabqadar Tehsil of Charsadda District. However, no causality was reported.

Unknown militants kidnapped five men in the Kachai area en-route to Hangu in a private vehicle. The kidnapped persons are identified as Abdul Rauf, Qadim Khan, Mehmood, Faizullah and Muhammad Usman.

Four persons were killed after a passenger van came under a fire attack in the suburban area of Kohat District in KP. Two terrorists opened fire on the pickup van en route to Khyber Agency from Kohat at Kuchai Zera Road, killing four persons and hurting three kids and two women of a family.

An independent candidate of 2013 General Elections from the constituency NA-198, Akhtar Abbasi was killed at Regent Colony in Sukkur city of Sukkur District. He died of a bullet injury in his head. Police said that some unknown persons shot dead Abbasi, who had participated in the General Elections-2013 as an independent candidate.

Police arrested two persons while stopping a truck on a check post at Lahore's entry point in Shahdara Town. When searched, at least 40 bags of explosive material were recovered from the vehicle. Police arrested truck driver and cleaner belonging to northern areas of Pakistan.

Police arrested 12 terrorists from an un-disclosed location while they were entering Punjab from Attock city near Peshawar through a van. Police said the terrorist, hailing from KP, were entering Punjab with a major terror plot. Police recovered suicide vests, bomb-making material, automatic weapons and huge quantity of explosives from the terrorists.

Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said that the operation in North Waziristan will be continued till complete elimination of terrorists.

June 30

The ISPR statement said that 15 militants were killed in exchange of fire with the troops during house-to-house search operation in Miranshah, the headquarters of NWA, of FATA. The Army's infantry troops and SSG conducted door-to-door searches in Miranshah town to ensure that the civilian population had evacuated the area. Troops have recovered underground tunnels and IEDs making factories inside the so far cleared area. Three soldiers got injured in exchange of fire.

Artillery, tanks and other heavy weapons were used in the action against militants. Since start of Operation Zarb-e-Azb on 15 June, 376 militants have been killed while 19 have surrendered to the SFs. 61 militant Hideouts have been destroyed in the operation during last 15 days. 17 Soldiers have died in the ongoing Operation.

One criminal was killed and 78 criminals were arrested by Karachi Police in 77 different raids in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Judicial Magistrate, Ziarat Jam Saka Dashti was abducted by militants near Saranan area of Pishin District.

The Senate, controlled by the opposition, passed the Protection of Pakistan Bill in view of the ongoing military operation against terrorists, releasing considerable pressure on the Government. The Bill provides for protection against waging of war against Pakistan and prevention of acts threatening the security of Pakistan. It was unanimously passed by the Senate Standing Committee on Interior last week and was approved by the Senate.

July 1

Two security officers were killed and another injured when unidentified militants ambushed a security convoy near Ippi village in Mir Ali tehsil of NWA in FATA. The security convoy was travelling from a Khajuri check-post to Miranshah. The attackers managed to escape.

Army unearthed landmines manufacturing factory in Miranshah during ground operation. At least 225 cylinders filled with explosive material weighing from 80 to 100 kilogram have also been seized from the factory. One hundred and fifty incomplete cylinders meant for manufacturing landmines, 10 anti-tank landmines, 700 pipes filled with explosive material, and equipment for physical training and welding were also seized.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that several TTP ‘commanders’ were entrapped in the NWA. “They are locked in the security forces trap and they don’t know where to go,” the Minister said, adding that the security commanders were regularly updating Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Operation Zarb-e-Azb’s progress. “There would be a remarkable improvement in the security environment once the terrorists are wiped out from the NWA. They (TTP) have to pay for what they have done to the people of Pakistan.”

The monthly security report of the Conflict Monitoring Centre (CMC) said that militants’ activities have drastically decreased after the launch of Operation Zarb-e-Azb, not only in FATA/KP but also in Balochistan. According to the CMC statistics, SFs conducted 127 actions across Pakistan (including those conducted under the NWA operation) in which 517 suspected militants were killed, 25 others injured and 1,167 suspects arrested. Severity of the security forces’ actions can be gauged from the fact that the number of deaths has witnessed an almost 189pc increase as compared to the previous month. Over 251 pc increase in the number of arrests clearly suggests that security forces have also tightened the noose around the neck of the militants in various parts of the country and arrested many of their operatives as well as supporters while making an effective use of intelligence.

Two traffic Policemen, including an ASI, were killed in a firing incident in Orangi Town of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. The victims were identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector Abdul Karim and Head Constable Rashid Yousuf.

A Hindu trader, identified as Bhagwan Das, was killed by unidentified assailants in Khuzdar District.

Assigning political ownership to the ongoing military Operation ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ in the NWA to weed out terrorists from the soil of Pakistan, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stated that Pakistan will enforce its writ in the tribal areas. He stated afterwards that the decision pertaining to the Operation ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ was taken after careful deliberations and weighing all options. He further said that all the foreign fighters and local terrorists would be wiped out without any exception and no sanctuary would be spared by the Armed Forces.

Prime Minister Nawaz is personally committed to the operation. He vowed that “as the full-fledged offensive has now started, victory and ultimate success is the only option now.” “We have planned for the extensive development of tribal areas after the successful operation,” assured the Prime Minister.

Pakistan asked the Afghanistan Government to either eliminate TTP ‘chief’ Mullah Fazlullah or extradite him to Pakistan. ISPR DG Major General Asim Bajwa said that the Army will eliminate Fazlullah whenever he comes to Pakistan. Bajwa urged Afghanistan to do more to track down Fazlullah, who took over the TTP leadership in 2013 after previous 'chief' Hakimullah Mehsud was killed by a US drone. “This is something we have been crying hoarse – this has been raised at every level,” he said. “The leader of the TTP, Mullah Fazlullah is sitting across the border in Kunar or Nuristan and Afghanistan needs to do something about it.”

Bajwa further said that terrorists of all hues and colors are being killed in the military operation in NWA. Ruling out any discrimination in the operation against terrorists in NWA, Pakistan on July1 made it clear that it will never allow anyone to use its territory against any other country.

The bombing of houses, rocket attacks, extortion calls and the target killings are taking place all over the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa particularly in the provincial capital of Peshawar in the absence of proactive policing. Peshawar has been under attack from extortionists, target killers and kidnappers for the last many months. Robbers and street criminals are taking advantage of the situation as the Police force seems to be struggling hard against extortionists and militants, mostly carrying out attacks from the tribal areas or the adjacent settled towns. Houses of people are being bombed almost every day after they either fail or refuse to pay extortion money. Some of the gangs involved in these crimes were neutralised but the major ones are yet to be eliminated. The provincial Police have sent a detailed report to the Interior Minister and have pointed out that a key militant group was behind most of the extortion cases.

July 2

10 militants were killed when military helicopters pounded militant’s compounds as part of the Operation Zarb-e-Azb in the Khar Warsak area, 12 kilometers north of Miranshah, the main town in NWA of FATA. Nearly 500,000 people have fled the offensive in NWA, which is aimed at wiping out longstanding militant strongholds in the area, which borders Afghanistan.

Army claims that three more IED making factories with large quantity of explosives, anti-tank mines, a suicide bomber training center, a media facility and a rocket cache were recovered from the cleared area in NWA during the military offensive. A spokesman for the ISPR said that Operation was progressing successfully as planned as six IEDs attached with four computers in a ready position were also recovered from a private hotel in the area. “Forces are making swift progress in NWA as forces are hitting and shelling militant hubs and hide outs,” he said. Sources said sniffer dogs are also being used in the cleared areas to find hidden explosives.

Former DG ISPR Major General (retired) Athar Abbas demanded that the military should give access to the media to such areas which have been ‘cleared’ by the troops, reports Dawn.

At least eight persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Four militants were killed in a Police encounter near Northern Bypass of Aliabad area. A senior Police official confirmed that four militants were killed by the Police in an encounter. He said that the slain militants were affiliated with the TTP.

An unidentified person was killed by unidentified assailants at Gareeb Shah Road in Lyari.

One person, identified as Syed Mohsin Ali, was killed by unidentified assailants near Water Pump at Federal B area.

A person, identified as Habib Ullah (24), was killed by unidentified assailants in Malir. According to Police, Habib Ullah was the member of religious organization, while further investigation is underway. However spokesman of ASWJ said that deceased was the member of their organisation and resident of Daud Goth Malir.

A dead body was recovered from Frontier Colony of Pirabad area.

Rangers and Police arrested at least 55 criminals including four militants during joint operations in different areas of the city. According to Police, search operation was carried out in different areas including New Karachi, Lyari, Bhense Colony and Mochko.

The house and car of the Bureau Chief of the Express News, Jamshed Baghwan, were damaged in an explosion in Murshidabad locality on the Kohat Road in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This is the third bomb attack on the house of Jamshed Baghwan over the past few months. The bomb disposal unit experts had defused the explosives in the first attack while the second one damaged the main gate and a portion of the house.

The National Assembly passed the Protection of Pakistan Bill 2014, which allows the Police to shoot down a suspect, arrest them without warrant or keep them in custody for 60 days. The Bill was earlier passed by the Senate on June 30. The majority approved it in the NA. However, the JI opposed the legislation while the PTI abstained from voting. The Bill would become an Act of Parliament once it is signed by the President. It will remain in force for two years after it comes into force.

Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif said that terrorists will be chased and eliminated in all parts of the country. Khawaja Asif said civilian and military leaders were on the same page regarding the ongoing operation in the NWA. “The operation will continue till the elimination of last terrorist. The Parliament, Government and the military are on the same page,” said the Minister. 

Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that the military operation in NWA should not be made controversial. The Minister said the Army was fighting the war against terrorism to secure the future of Pakistan and unnecessary comments on the decision of the military leadership could create confusion and make the situation tense.

July 3

Six bullet-riddled dead bodies were recovered from the Hurmaz village in Mir Ali area of NWA in FATA. Official sources said unidentified assailants had shot dead six persons and placed their bodies on a road in the Hurmaz village.                    

Unidentified militants fired six rockets at the camp of the Security Forces in Mir Ali on the night. The rockets were reportedly fired from somewhere in Spalga but didn’t cause any loss.

Two persons were killed as a result of firing in Tasap area of Panjgur District in Balochistan. One of the victims was identified as Ilyas son of Muhammad Islam resident of Tasap, the official said, adding that the motive behind the killing could not be ascertained. 

Balochistan Home and Tribal Affairs Department sources said that over 800 bodies were found in Balochistan during last three-and-a-half years, with most of them being found in Quetta, Khuzdar and Makran belt. The sources said that 466 victims were identified as ethnic Baloch, 123 as Pashtuns, and 107 from other ethnicities. Meanwhile, 107 bodies remained unidentified. Of the 466 Baloch killed in the Province, most were political workers while the remaining were killed in incidents of targeted killings, tribal disputes, domestic violence etc, the Home Department sources explained.

One person was killed while another one was injured in a firing incident in Sultanabad area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. 

A SI posted at the Bin Qasim Police Station, identified as Abdur Rasheed Sarki (40), was killed by unidentified assailants near Marvi Goth in Shah Latif Town.

Rangers killed gang-war suspect Suhail Dada in an encounter near City Station who turned out to be PPP leader Irfan Durrani’s brother. Rangers also recovered weapons from his possession. Police said that suspect was wanted in over a hundred cases including murder, kidnapping for ransom and extortion. 

A bomb was defused by the Bomb Disposal Squad in Manghopir area. The bomb contained 10 kilograms of explosives and was planted in a box outside a marble factory.

More than 40 groups of banned TTP are active in Karachi and involved in extortion of one to two billion rupees daily in addition to other terrorist activities. According to report, Taliban are the top most extortionists in Karachi these days and they are acting as financiers of their mother organization in FATA.

Three alleged militants were arrested in Saeedabad area of Charsadda District in KP. Police also recovered five kilograms of explosives, one rocket launcher, one Kalashnikov and two pistols from them.  

Police claimed to have arrested a second suspect involved in an attack on a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) aircraft at Peshawar Airport on June 24. According to Police, Security Forces and Police jointly carried out a raid in Suleman Khel area of Peshawar and arrested Waliullah, a 'militant commander' of Dara Adam Khel and associated with Shahid Group working under the umbrella of TTP. Earlier on July 2, Police had also arrested a 'militant commander' of Shahid group, Ali Haider for his alleged involvement in the plane attack.

According to data collected by Police, the incidents of targeted killings have increased by 30.3 per cent in KP during the current year (2014). It said that 129 cases of targeted killings were recorded during the current as compared to 99 incidents of the last year. Similarly, rockets attacks have also increased by 450 per cent as about 22 rockets landed in parts of the province during 2014 as compared to four rocket attacks during the previous year. 

The Intelligence agencies have warned of a potential terrorist attack in Islamabad during the holy month of Ramazan. According to the report, around 10 to 12 terrorists have entered the capital city, which can carry out terrorism activities and bomb attacks in the twin cities. Strict security arrangements have been made by the Police on the entrance points while search operations have been started in villages of Tarnol, Doray Village, Sara-e-Harboza, Ittefaq Colony and several surrounding areas.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervaiz Rashid said the historic passage of the Protection of Pakistan Bill (PPB) would help eliminate terrorism, violence and sectarianism in Pakistan. The Minister felicitated the nation, parliamentary leaders of parties in Senate and the National Assembly, lauding their acumen for the smooth passage of the bill. He said the Parliament had proved that the nation was united against terrorism and extremism. He said that the unanimous passage of the bill from Senate, despite Government's insufficient numerical strength there, showed the seriousness and maturity of political parties' regarding the issues of national importance.

July 4

At least six persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Two suspected terrorists were killed and three others were injured when an IED they were carrying exploded in a motorcycle accident on New Preedy Street in Sadda.

Two persons were killed by unidentified assailants in Landhi area within the remit of Sukhan Police Station. Police identified the deceased as Momin Khan (30) and Mirza (28).

A Constable of the Sindh Police, identified as Allah Dino (35), was shot dead by unidentified assailants within the remit of Gulshan-e-Maymar Police Station.

A dead body was found inside a gunny bag lying near the Shershah Bridge Kiamari Town.

Two polio vaccinators were injured in Shah Latif town in Khairpur District. According to Police, unknown attackers beat up the members of the polio vaccination team with sticks.

A local PML-N District leader was killed by unidentified assailants in Kalat District.

A militant was killed in an encounter with Police in Shinkiari area, a Union Council of Mansehra District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. DSP Malik Ayaz said that the militant, Muhammad Siraj, was killed and his two aides managed to escape after an exchange of fire.

About 40 percent area of Miranshah, the main town of the NWA in FATA, has been cleared from terrorists during the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb. A military official told that 40 percent area had been cleared in Miranshah. However, he did not give any deadline for the completion of the ground operation in the area. The Army is facing some firing incidents, rocket attacks and explosives, but so far it has not faced any major resistance during the operation.

July 5

At least five suspected militants were killed and five militant hideouts were destroyed as jet fighters pounded parts of the NWA in FATA. Most of the militants killed in the strikes were reportedly Uzbeks.

July 6

At least three Policemen were killed and two others were injured by unidentified assailants in Latifabad area of Hyderabad city of Hyderabad District.

Two ASWJ activists, identified as Qari Abdullah Raheem (30) and Nawaz Khan (35), were shot dead near old Sabzi Mandi area.

A Tablighi Jamaat activist, identified as Khurram Shahzad (35), was killed in Sujrani Town.

Muhammad Saleem (30) was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Mobina Town.

An unidentified person was shot dead in Korangi Town.

The BDS defused a bomb weighing one kilogram near a mosque situated in Frontier Colony in Rabbani Mohalla within the limits of Pirabad Police Station.

Hundreds of TTP militants rushed to disguise themselves, cut hair and beards to escape operation in NWA of FATA. Azam Khan was one of the top barbers in Miranshah town said his business boomed in the month leading up to the Army assault as the militants sought to shed their distinctive long-haired, bearded look. “I have trimmed the hair and beards of more than 700 local and Uzbek militants ahead of the security forces’ operation,” he said while.

Even Uzbeks and Tajiks with little knowledge of the local language came to him asking him to shave their beards to nothing so they could go to Islamabad. “Knowing little Pashto, they used to utter four words: ‘mulgari (friend), machine, zero, Islamabad’,” added Azam Khan.

At least four persons including two Policemen were killed in two different incidents of firing in Quetta. Two persons were killed by unidentified assailants at a tailor's shop in Killi Bangulzai area of Quetta. There was no claim of responsibility for the attack.

Two Policemen were killed by unidentified assailants in Kuchlak area of Quetta.

At least three suspected militants were shot dead in an encounter in Pak Colony area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Two suspected militants affiliated with the TTP were killed in a Police encounter in Baldia Town area.

At least two persons were injured when unidentified assailants opened fire on them near Qudsia Masjid in Nazimabad area.

During the three weeks of Operation 'Zarb-e-Azb' by SFs in the NWA, 400 terrorists were killed, while 20 soldiers of Pakistan Army were also killed, Defence Minister Khwaja Asif. In an interview to The Wall Street Journal, Defence Minister Khwaja Asif said that he could not give a time-frame for ending the operation. He added that they would not rest till the elimination of every terrorist from the country. Khwaja Asif added that they would try to complete the operation as soon as possible.

Khwaja Asif said that "We will eliminate all sorts of terrorists from our area without any exception. If there are exceptions made, then the purpose of this operation will be defeated. It has to be without making any differentiation between our Taliban and their Taliban, or good Taliban and bad Taliban." About the past Afghan and US allegations, Khawaja Asif insisted that Pakistan had changed its policy.

Army Chief General Raheel Sharif said terrorists will be chased till their total elimination. He told the troops in North Waziristan to "eliminate all local and foreign terrorists and their sanctuaries" in the tribal region. Sharif visited the troops on the frontlines for the first time since the launch of a major offensive against the terrorist groups in North Waziristan. Talking to the troops in the middle of the operation in Miranshah, the headquarters of NWA, General Raheel lauded them for their courage, dedication and high state of morale and expressed his satisfaction over the progress achieved so far since the start of the operation.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government sought PKR 10 billion from the Federal Government to cope with the urgent health and food requirements of the families displaced from North Waziristan as a result of the military Operation Zarb-e-Azb. Provincial Minister for Revenue and Estate Affairs and focal person of the Provincial Government for the IDPs from North Waziristan Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur said that the Provincial Government had been forced to face an unprecedented load of IDPs.

He said the provincial authorities had provided relief in shape of cash and food to over 70 percent of the IDPs who have shifted to the southern Districts of the province. He admitted that there were difficulties for the provincial authorities at the outset of the exodus of the IDPs as the verification and other matters without a proper mechanism in place was an uphill task. He said around 0.7 million IDPs from North Waziristan were lodged in different districts with main thrust in Bannu where around over 0.5 million of them have been provided shelter.

He added that 10 percent of the IDPs have been provided shelter in Dera Ismail Khan, 10 percent in Karak, 15 percent in Lakki Marwat and around four percent have settled in Hangu. The Provincial Government has already started distribution of relief package of PKR 8,000 to each IDP family from today - PKR 3,000 as house rent and PKR 5000 for food items. He opposed the timing of Zarb-e-Azb.

At least 13 militants were killed when the Air Force fighter jets pounded seven suspected hideouts of militants in the Degan village of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. The ISPR issued a brief statement to the media about the latest air strikes in the Degan village, which had been attacked earlier as well. The press release didn't provide further details about the air strikes and the identity of the slain militants. Degan is located in the Dattakhel tehsil, near the Afghan border, and is considered a stronghold of the North Waziristan based Hafiz Gul Bahadur group.

The Government has so far registered around 751,986 IDPs moved out from North Waziristan Agency due to the ongoing operation against terrorists. Final figures would be available after the verification from NADRA to cut any duplication depriving the deserving IDPs of their plight. Besides Bannu District, Internally Displaced Persons from NWA have moved to Dera Ismail Khan District, Lakki Marwat District, Karak District, Hangu District while seven percent moved to areas all over the country.

NADRA had established four registration points including Sports Complex Bannu, Government College Mamash Khel, Teacher training Institute Ghoria Wala and Durrani college. Four mobile vans are also providing registration facilities to IDPs. Two distribution points have also been established at Dera Ismail Khan and Lakki Marwat. Around 82 families consisting of 575 individuals entered Kurram Agency via Khost Afghanistan from North Waziristan Agency. Around 736 families consisting of 9,440 individual IDPs of NWA have passed District Kohat and migrate to other districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. Around 2791 IDPs individuals have arrived in Karak District and accommodated. Around 772 families have reached District Hangu via Kurram Bridge Thall out of which 402 families have migrated to other Districts while 370 families have been accommodated in Hangu District.

At least four persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Three unidentified persons, aged between 30 and 35, were shot dead by unknown assailants in SITE Area.

A dead body, identified as Javed, was found in a drain in Ibrahim Hyderi area of Korangi Town.

At least two militants, identified as Saim Ali and Fahim, belonged to Al Qaeda linked Ahmed Farooq group, were killed in a "shootout" between a Police party and the suspected militants in the Alipur town of Muzaffargarh District.

A suspected militant, identified as Saudullah (40), was arrested from a private airline landing at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab.

The Anti-Violent Crime Cell and the CPLC said that six abductors were killed in shootouts in joint raids in different areas of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Six abductees were also rescued during the operation.

Six persons, including a Policeman and a 'gang war' accused were killed and several others were injured in separate incidents. In one of the incidents, an accused of gang war was killed in an alleged Police encounter in Lyari. In another incident, Muhammad Ali Jan, an Assistant Sub-Inspector, was killed in shoot out by an unidentified assailant in Shah Latif Town at National Highway. A man was killed in firing in Gulshan-e-Jamali area of the metropolis. In yet another incident of firing in Creek Chowk of Lyari one person was killed. The Police recovered a riddled body from the seashore.

Two persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Orangi town and F B Area. Bashir Ahmed (35), was critically injured by firing of unidentified gunmen riding a motorcycle near Kakar Hotel, in sector 4-F of Orangi town. He died later. A young man identified as Mudassir Hussain (23) was shot dead by robbers near Rehmat Bakery in Block 18 of FB Area.

Firing incidents continued in different areas of the city during which more than a dozen persons sustained injuries.

At least 11 militants were killed when Air Force jets pounded militant hideouts in the Zoi Darasaidgi and Shawal tehsil areas of NWA in FATA. Three militant hideouts were also destroyed in the aerial bombardment.

At least two Policemen were killed in a firing incident within the remit of Chamkani Police Station in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to Police, a Police mobile was on routine patrol when it was fired upon by unidentified motorcyclists near Waheed checkpoint. Subsequently, three Policemen sustained severe injuries. Police resorted to retaliatory firing as a result of which one of the assailants was killed. However, the other attacker succeeded in escaping. The injured Policemen were shifted to a hospital but two of the wounded succumbed to their injuries on the way.

A member of the peace committee, identified as Khanzeb alias Sahib, was shot dead in Shakar Darra area of Matta tehsil in Swat District. The assailants managed to escape after committing the crime.

Police took three women into custody after defusing three explosive devices from a house in Pajagi Road area of Peshawar. However, the house owner, Ilyas, a suspected militant accused of involvement in a recent attack on a junior immigration officer, escaped.

Unidentified persons allegedly kidnapped a boy from outside his house in Dub area. Azaz Ahmad (17) was present outside his residence when four gunmen bundled him into a vehicle and drove away.

The Pakistan Railways to deploy commandos on trains which will soon be seen on all Railways trains. The Government released PKR one billion to the Railways Ministry to strengthen security at railway stations and on trains. A total of 54 newly recruited commandos will carry out the task after completing their training. Pakistan Railways will also recruit more retired army commandos for the purpose and equip them with weapons and other essential instruments to protect passengers.

More than 800,000 people have fled in the Operation Zarb-e-Azb against the TTP in NWA of FATA, FDMA officials said. Tens of thousands of families have left the North Waziristan tribal area for the nearby town of Bannu. Hundreds more have moved further afield to the towns of Lakki Marwat, Karak and Dera Ismail Khan since the attacks began in mid-June. Officials from the FDMA said they were checking registrations for duplicates, meaning the figure may come down. The military is using troops, tanks and jets in NWA and has vowed to wipe out strongholds which insurgents have used to mount countless deadly attacks in recent years. "Some 833,274 people or 66,726 migrating families from North Waziristan were registered in cities of Bannu and Peshawar until Tuesday evening," Arshad Khan, FDMA Director General said. Khan said 361,459 of the displaced were children and 248,633 women.

While Pakistan has not made a fresh request to the UN and the rest of the international community for the provision of assistance to the IDPs of NWA, it has requested the world body to extend its ongoing operations in the north-west to facilitate the IDPs. In this regard, the SAFRON has written a letter to the OCHA, requesting the UN humanitarian agency to extend its humanitarian assistance already being provided to the 930,000 IDPs of the previous emergencies to the NWA IDPs, it has been learnt. Responding to the request, the UN has extended its humanitarian operations for the NWA IDPs, with three UN agencies WFP, WHO and UNHCR mainly engaged in the provision of humanitarian assistance to the IDPs in Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat and other parts.

PM Nawaz Sharif said that on the completion of the Operation Zarb-e-Azb, there will be peace in the country. Talking to the COAS General Raheel Sharif, who called on the PM at the PM House, Nawaz Sharif said: "Insha'Allah, this operation will be instrumental in bringing peace and security to Pakistan."

The ISPR Director Major General Asim Bajwa and Operation Commander Major General Zafar Khan said that the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb has forced locals and militants to flee, leaving the town and one of the major bases for the militants, deserted. He said that as many as 400 terrorists have been killed while 130 have been injured in the operation so far. Over 2,000 IEDs were found from the 11 IED factories discovered by the military. Major General Bajwa said they had also discovered the underground tunnels that the militants had constructed in the area. At least one of the tunnels made by the militants was a kilometer long.

Six unidentified militants were killed in a US drone missile strike in Doga Madakhel village of Dattakhel tehsil in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. "The drone fired four missiles and hit a mud-built house in the Doga Madakhel village of Dattakhel tehsil. Six people, all believed to be militants, were killed in the drone attack," a security official said.

Six unidentified militants were killed in a US drone missile strike in Doga Madakhel village of Dattakhel tehsil in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. "The drone fired four missiles and hit a mud-built house in the Doga Madakhel village of Dattakhel tehsil. Six people, all believed to be militants, were killed in the drone attack," a security official said.

At least four persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A shopkeeper, identified as Asif Ali (40), was shot dead in a suspected sectarian attack in the Empress Market area of Saddar Town.

Three dead bodies were recovered from Afshani Gali of Lyari area.

At least 31,336 alleged criminals were arrested in several targeted operations conducted by Police and Rangers since September 2013. According to a media report acting Inspector General Sindh Police Hyder Jamali presented the report at a high-level meeting of law enforcement agencies. Jamali chairing the meeting also looked at the efficiency of the ongoing operation in Karachi that has been underway for the past 10 months. According to the report, in 1,627 Police operations, some 1,586 suspected of involved in dacoity, 336 in extortionists, 83 abductors, 7,155 fugitives and 590 wanted in murder cases, were arrested. The SFs also recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition from the possession of the arrested, which included 1,026 explosive materials, 264 arms and ammunition and a huge quantity of drugs and narcotics. Forces had managed to seize 643 hand grenades, 3 light machine guns, 186 sub-machine guns, 7,201 pistols, 116 rifles and 125 shot guns from the possession from those arrested. Some 392 suspected of criminal activity were killed in encounters that occurred in the metropolis during the stipulated time period.

The entire business community asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to deploy the Army in the Karachi and shut down all prepaid SIMs to control the law and order situation.

Four persons were injured when a bomb planted on a motorbike exploded in the limits of City Police Station in Bannu town (Bannu District) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The sources said that Maroof Khan, Noor Sali Khan, Niamatullah and Latifullah sustained injuries when a remote-controlled bomb planted on a motorcycle parked near the vehicle of Khasadar Force on Railway road went off at about 9:45am.

The Director General of ISPR Major General Asim Bajwa said that the tribesmen of North Waziristan Agency will never allow the terrorists to return to the area. On his Twitter account, he said the state too will never allow the terrorists to return to North Waziristan.

A person and his son were shot dead by unidentified assailants in Kalat town of Kalat District. The victims were identified as Raheem Bakhsh and Sanaullah.

A person and his son were shot dead by unidentified assailants in Kalat town of Kalat District. The victims were identified as Raheem Bakhsh and Sanaullah.

Two motorcycle-bourne unidentified assailants killed a man and his son in Hassan Town on Kakul Road in Abbottabad town of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The sources said that one Ghulam Mustafa Sherazi and his son Waseem Sherazi were leaving home for a local Imambargah for offering Friday prayers when they were gunned down. It was learnt that Ghulam Mustafa Sherazi, who hailed from Sahiwal District in Punjab, belonged to the Shia community and had been residing in Abbottabad for 14 years. Police sources said Waseem Sherazi came out of his home in his car accompanied by his father when the armed men opened indiscriminate fire on them with sophisticated weapons. They died on the spot. The wife of Ghulam Mustafa Sherazi was standing at main gate of her house when the incident took place.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police launched the School of Intelligence in Abbottabad to impart training to the cops on intelligence gathering. An official statement said the training would increase the efficiency of police intelligence personnel working in the Counter-Terrorism Department, Special Branch and respective district security branches. "The KP police have established the School of Intelligence from its own resources and it would be headed by a director who will look after the administration and training affairs," said the communiqué. Colonel (retd) Ishtiaq Warraich has been appointed as the first director of the school, it added.

Two gangsters were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Lyari gang war accused Rashid alias Mullah (40) was killed in Police and Rangers encounter in Kalri area of Lyari town.

A gang war accused Malik Mushtaque (30) was killed in encounter with Police and Rangers in Kalakot area of Lyari town.

Unidentified militants set ablaze three vehicles of the Frontier Works Organisation in the Shagaye area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency. Official sources said the vehicles set alight were meant for a road construction project in the agency. Sources added that two vehicles were completely destroyed while one was partially damaged.

The Gilgit Baltistan Inspector General of Police Mohammad Saleem Bhatti said that Police had information that a group of terrorists linked to the banned TTP was present in Diamer District, and a search operation to arrest them had been intensified. He said that the group had kept contacts with the TTP in South and North Waziristan Agencies. He informed that two members of the group had taken shelter in North Waziristan Agency.

President Mamnoon Hussain signed the Protection of Pakistan Bill 2014 into a law. The new law, which HRW says violates Pakistan's international legal obligations, is tough on terror and doubles the maximum sentence for terror offences to 20 years. It also allows security forces to hold suspects for up to 60 days without disclosing their whereabouts or allegations against them. The PPB will be applicable for the next two years. The National Assembly passed the bill on July 2, two days after it was unanimously passed in the Senate.

Army captured a top TTP ‘commander’, Adnan Rashid, in the Wana area of South Waziristan Agency. Adnan Rashid was living with his family in the mountainous region bordering Afghanistan, the officials said. He was injured in a shootout during his arrest.

Militants attacked a security checkpost along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Mamond area of Bajaur Agency in FATA in the early hours, killing three Security Force personnel including a captain. Official sources say that militants from across the border in Kunar province of Afghanistan attacked the security check-post. The attack also injured two other persons.

At least 13 militants were killed when Army jets and artillery pounded alleged militant hideouts in Mosaki area, 25 kilometers (15 miles) east of Miranshah, the main town of NWA in FATA. Six terrorist hideouts and a huge ammunition cache were destroyed and at least 13 militants, most of them Uzbeks, were killed, a security official said.

The Government is assisting IDPs under a comprehensive plan to ensure their better look after at the camps and their rehabilitation in NWA when Operation Zarb-e-Azb is over. According to the official data, the Federal Government has so far released around PKR 8 billion for the IDPs while PKR 358.236 million has already been distributed among 29,853 families. So far, 929,859 IDPs belonging to 80,302 families have been registered. The Federal Government also announced the donation of one-day salary of its employees to the IDPs amounting to 200 million rupees. An agreement has been signed between a cellular company and the Fata Disaster Management Authority for further distribution of cash among the IDPs in a transparent and efficient manner.

Militants distributed a pamphlet in parts of Khyber Agency warning the Khasadar Force, security personnel and Government officials to give up their jobs or else they would be targeted. According to locals, the pamphlet was distributed by Jaish-i-Khorasan outfit.

At least seven persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Two Lyari gang-war criminals, identified as Asim Dada and Dadu Memon, were killed in an encounter in Lyari area. SSP Shiraz Nazir said that in a joint encounter of Police and Rangers, two Lyari gang-war members were shot dead.

A person, identified as Nadeem (30), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Ilyas Goth area within the limits of Ibrahim Haidry Police Station.

An unidentified person was shot dead at Memon Goth in Malir town.

A dead body was found near the shrine of Juman Shah in Quaidabad area.

A dead body was found in Korangi area.

An abductor was killed and another was arrested while their one cohort managed to escape during Police operation in Maripur area of Kiamari Town.

Syed Salahuddin, the 'chairman' of the United Jihad Council, asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to take the feelings of Kashmiris into account and avoid showing "unilateral tilt" towards his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, reports Dawn.

Salahuddin at a gathering in Muzaffarabad District of PoK said to Sharif, "You should not take any decision against our will we will never accept any such decision." Salahuddin also said Kashmiris would welcome "any force" that would help them eject Indian soldiers from their soil. "If al Qaeda, Taliban or any other organisation or country extends a helping hand to the oppressed Kashmiris, we will welcome it," he said. He said Indian army had let loose a reign of terror in Kashmir and 6,000 unmarked graves, daily killings, molestation of womenfolk and incidents of arson bore testimony to it. "We do not have any say at any international forum. In such a situation, we are left with no choice but to greet anyone and everyone that can help us overthrow our enemy."

Tehreek-e-Khilafat, a Pakistan-based militant outfit, has become the first militant outfit in the South Asia region to break ranks from al Qaeda and declare its allegiance to the Islamic State that has seized power across Iraq and Syria. Foreign media reports said the outfit, which has claimed responsibility for a string of attacks in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, has pledged allegiance to IS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and vowed to raise the Islamic State's flag in South Asia. "We are praying from the Almighty Allah to give us chance in our lives to see the expansion of Islamic State boundaries towards the Sub-Continent and Khorasan region in order to hoist the flag of Islamic State here," the group said. The group is believed to be the first outfit beyond the Middle East to have offered support to Islamic State.

At least nine persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. ASI, Yousuf (45) was shot dead by unidentified assailants at Zia Colony in Korangi Town. 

A person Meer Ali (43) was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Port Qasim area. 

Rashid (25) was shot dead by unidentified assailants at Johar Chowk in Orangi Town. 

A person, identified as Basheer (35), was shot dead by unidentified assailants at Memon Goth in Malir Town. 

An alleged criminal, identified as Noor Mohammad (40), was killed in an encounter in Surjani Town. 

An alleged criminal was killed and his accomplice seriously injured in shootout with Police in Orangi Town. Arms were also recovered from the possession of the accused. 

Another alleged criminal was killed in an encounter with Police at Link Road within the limits of Steel Town Police Station. 

A dead body was found from Mandi area in Keamari Town. 

A dead body was found from Northern Bypass in Baldia Town. 

A Policeman, identified as Salahuddin (35), was shot and injured at Ali Garh in Orangi Town.

Fighter jets struck militant hideouts around the Mir Ali tehsil of NWA in FATA in the earlier hours of killing five militants. Official sources said that a number of terrorist sanctuaries were destroyed in the raids and also stated that a huge quantity of arms and ammunition has been destroyed in the strikes. They added that at least five bases have been destroyed.

The Policemen repulsed an attack by three target killers at a picket on the Kohat Road in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and killed one of them. “The attack was carried out by three armed men, who were riding a motorcycle, during the Iftar time,” said SP at the Central Police Office, Sohaib Ashraf.

A session court of Punjab handed down the death sentence and imposed a fine of PKR 100,000 on a blasphemy accused after charges were proved against him. The accused, Zulfikar, was arrested while writing blasphemous remarks on the walls of Afghan Park in Lahore's Islampura area in 2008.

At least 91 Police officials and nine Rangers personnel have been killed so far in 2014. The report stated that 25 Police officials were killed in January, 19 in February, four in March, seven in April, nine in May, 19 in June and eight in the first half of July. Most of the Police officials were targeted in the West Zone. According to sources, members of a banned outfit target Police officials in the area.

Sindh Government admitted in the Sindh High Court that despite hectic efforts, Law Enforcement Agencies could not track down the network of a large number of terrorists who shifted to Karachi after various operations in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Sindh Advocate General Abdul Fatah Malik made this statement in a report submitted to SHC division bench which was hearing half-a-dozen identical petitions against the extra-judicial killings of MQM activists during the ongoing operation in Karachi.

Punjab CM Mian Shahbaz Sharif said that fight against terrorists will continue till elimination of the last militant in the country. Addressing a tribal jirga of North Waziristan Agency at Bannu, he said that disaster in North Waziristan would be turned into an opportunity that would lay foundation for economic revolution in the tribal areas.

Shahbaz Sharif said that after Operation Zarb-e-Azb, the IDPs from NWA should not consider themselves abandoned as the Government would utilise all available resources to help them. He added that the Government could start health and education programmes and create job opportunities after defeating the terrorists across the country. 

The Director General FDMA Arshad Khan said that the authority has been actively supporting the IDPs from the very outset. Talking to a private news channel, he said that free transport was provided to those who were unable to travel on foot. He said that they distributed about 400 million rupees among some 30,000 displaced families.

Political and military authorities have decided to launch a targeted operation in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur Agency in FATA. The decision has been taken in view of intelligence reports that militants are present in the area, according to the Assistant Political Agent of Nawagai subdivision, Shah Naseem Khan. Another official, however, said that the decision to launch a targeted operation was prompted by July 11 killing of three security personnel in a cross border attack claimed by the TTP.

11 militants and five soldiers were killed and eight others were injured in two separate encounters with the militants in the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb in NWA. In an exchange of fire with terrorists in and around the Mir Ali area, two soldiers, including an officer Captain Akash Rabbani, were killed and two others sustained injuries. Four terrorists were also killed in the exchange of fire.

The military have already announced that they had taken control of two major towns, Mir Ali and Miranshah, and expelled the militants from these areas without facing any major resistance.

A woman was killed and four other persons injured in a hand grenade attack on a house in the Sheikh Baba area of Safi tehsil in Mohmand Agency.  

The DG of FDMA Arshad Khan has been removed from his position for failing to provide adequate facilities to IDPs. The DG has been removed from his post in light of numerous complaints from IDPs regarding inadequate facilities and poor living conditions in the camps set up for them. 

Three family members were shot dead when unidentified assailants barged into a house and killed Iqbal Shah, his wife and daughter in Yakatoot area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A Police Constable, identified as Adnan, deployed at the residence of Deputy Commandant of FRP, Gul Wali Mohmand, in Gulbahar No 3 area of Peshawar was killed when unidentified militants opened fire.

An unidentified militant was shot dead during an encounter with Police in Bhana Mari area on Kohat Road. Officials said two motorcycle bourne unidentified militants attacked the check post. Police in return killed an attacker while his accomplice managed to flee.

At least five suspected militants were shot dead by Law Enforcement Agencies in an encounter in Gulshan-i-Buner area of Malir Town in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah said that militants and criminals were better trained and had more weapons than the law enforcement agencies.

SF killed 35 militants who were trying to escape from the remote mountainous Shawal Valley in NWA of FATA. Security official said those killed in air strikes by the Pakistan Air Force jet fighters included members from the TTP, Uzbeks, Chechens and Arabs.

At least 20 suspected militants were killed when US drone fired missiles on a compound in Saidgai area of Dattakhel in NWA.

The CoAS General Raheel Sharif briefed PM Nawaz Sharif on the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb. Speaking on the occasion, PM said the Government would provide all resources for the resettlement and rehabilitation of the IDPs, according to a statement issued by the PM House.

At least six persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Two unidentified persons, aged 30 and 40, were shot dead and three others, aged 30, 35 and 40, were shot and injured by unidentified assailants near Abbas Imambargah in Gulistan-e-Johar.

Two unidentified men were shot dead by unidentified assailants on Superhighway in Jamali Goth.

An unidentified person was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Lyari.

The dead body of an unidentified man, aged 40, was recovered near Boat Basin of Clifton area.

A person, identified as Faizullah (25), was shot and injured by unidentified assailants near Khattak Chowk in Bilal Colony of Korangi Town.

SFs foiled a major terrorist attack and defused three kilograms of explosives material planted on the roadside in Bogi area of Dera Bugti District and arrested six suspected militants.

SFs arrested more than 500 suspected terrorists belonging to banned outfits from across the country, including the Federal capital Islamabad. An official of the Federal Ministry of Interior said the detainees would be treated under the newly introduced PPA 2014. The arrests have been made against the backdrop of the ongoing military operation Zarb-e-Azb in NWA to curb the likely backlash from the militants.

At least eight persons were killed and three others were injured in two consecutive explosions in Dorri Banda area of Hangu town of Hangu District. Officials said that the incident took place when a roadside bomb hit a passenger vehicle. No group or militant organisation has claimed responsibility for the attack.

At least seven suspected militants were killed and one trooper was killed and five others were injured in an armed clash between SFs and suspected militants during a search operation in a compound situated in Raiwind Road area of Lahore city (Lahore District).

At least seven persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Two persons were shot dead and one other was injured by unidentified assailants at DHA Morr near Akhtar Colony.

Two persons, Qadri Hassan Waheed (30) and Sami Qadri (25) were shot dead by unidentified assailants outside Lal Flats in Ghulistan-e-Johar.

A person, identified as Abdul Aziz (18), was killed by unidentified assailants at Joghi Morr in Cattle Colony of Landhi.

An eight day old dead body was found near Rexser flyover.

Four day old dead body of a man was found near Pakistan Chowk.

Saleem Badshah (25), was shot and injured at Awami Colony in Korangi near Chowrangi area.

A Policeman, identified as Ikhtiyar (32), was injured by unidentified assailants in Quaidabad.

Kamran (40) was shot and injured by unidentified assailants in North Karachi.

An alleged member of Lyari gang, identified as Bilal Sheikh, was killed in an encounter within the jurisdiction of Airport Police Station in Hyderabad city (Hyderabad District). His accomplice received bullet wounds and was also arrested.

At least eight paramilitary soldiers were killed and three others were injured as militants mounted an assault on a FC check-post at Ghundi area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. The sources said that four militants were also killed when the forces returned fire while three others were arrested.

At least six persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Muhammad Saad (28) was shot dead by unidentified assailants at Johar Morr in Gulistan-e-Johar. 

A person, identified as Hashim Raza (45), was killed by unidentified assailants near Labour Square Gate No-1 in Landhi. 

Muhammad Baseer (41) was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Naseerabad area. 

A person, Zia Masood (24) was killed by unidentified assailant in North Nazimabad near Landikotal Chowrangi.

The bodies of two persons aged around 32, were found from ICI flyover and traffic license office Nazimabad.

Four persons were killed in firing outside a mosque as they came out after offering the Friday prayers in the area of Satellite Town in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

One FC personnel was injured when the FC convoy he was travelling in came under attack at on Mastung road, the outskirts of Quetta. 

A convoy of Pakistan Navy was attacked by unidentified assailants in the Dasht area of Kech District.

Unidentified assailants shot dead two cadres of ASWJ, the frontal organisation of SSP, identified as Raja Saifullah and Mohammad Aslam, on Chakri Road in Rawalpindi city (in Rawalpindi District) of Punjab. The attackers however managed to escape.

A roadside bomb in the Bagh area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killed one Policeman and wounded three others.

A suspected militant was injured in an exchange of fire with Police in the limits of Jabbar Police Station in Mardan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police sources said that a Police party headed by ASI Yasar Khan signaled two suspected motorcyclists to stop at Gaddar Chowk.

Three Policemen and a passerby were killed and three others were injured when unidentified militants attacked a Police party in Pishtakhara area on the outskirts of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Superintendent of Police (SP, Cantonment) Muhammad Faisal confirmed the incident.

A US drone strike targeting a TTP compound killed 11 militants in Mada Khel suburb of Dattakhel town in NWA of FATA. "The drone fired eight missiles on the compound around 2:00am (2100 GMT) on Saturday killing eleven members of the Punjabi faction of the TTP," a senior security official said. The official said the dead included two "important" ‘commanders’ of the TTP, but he refused to reveal their identities.

28 local and foreign militants were killed in air strikes when fighter aircraft hit hideouts in the Shawal Valley of NWA in FATA. The fighter aircraft pounded six separate hideouts of the militants in the forest-covered Shawal Valley, a mountainous area that divides NWA and South Waziristan.

Unidentified assailants shot dead two Khasadar personnel in Shahkas area in Jamrud tehsil of the Khyber Agency. The sources said Havaldar Wahab and Khasadar Gul Rahman were on their way in a car in Charmari Road in Shahkas area when unidentified assailants opened fire on them, leaving both dead on the spot.

A total of 92,702 families displaced from NWA have been registered as the FDMA closed the registration process on July 15, an official said. Addressing a press conference, FDMA’s Director General Abid Majeed said the NADRA had verified 49,857 families and an amount of PKR 759 million had been distributed among the IDPs so far while PKR 1226 million were transferred to Askari Bank Limited for the electronic payment through Zong SIMs.

At least six persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. A man was killed in Sector 11 area of Orangi Town when he was targeted by unidentified assailants. Separately, a man identified as Zia Mehsood was gunned down near Karachi Medical and Dental College. An activist of Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen was killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on a shop in PIB Colony. According to reports, three other persons were killed separately in Landhi, Gulistan-e-Jauhar and Baldia Town areas of the city.

At least three persons, including one FC personnel were killed and 27 others, including five FC personnel, were injured when IED attached to a motorcycle exploded in Seerat Chowk area of Khuzdar town (Khuzdar District) in Balochistan. A Police official, Muhammad Anwar, said that the target of the explosion was the FC vehicle. The FC vehicle was slightly damaged and most of the victims were civilians.

Two security guards of the industrial estate in Hayatabad area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, were shot dead after unidentified militants apparently mistook them for Policemen. “The security guards were performing duty at a barrier between Hayatabad and the Industrial Estate when they were attacked,” SP (Cantonment), Mohammad Faisal Kamran said.

At least four persons, including three Policemen, were killed in different incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Two Policemen, Niaz Ahmed (47) and Habib Durani (45), were shot dead by unidentified assailants in Quaidabad area.

Unidentified assailants killed a Sub Inspector (SI) Muhammad Rafiq on July 20 near Shah Bhattia Hall in Lyari area while he was returning from his duty.

A person, identified as Qutubuddin (55), was shot dead and two others, Nawab (40) and Kareem (38), were injured when unidentified assailants opened fire on them at Islamia Colony No-1 in Qasba Colony.

Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah said that people from Swat valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province were involved in deteriorating law and order in Karachi. Qaim Ali Shah said, “Several IDPs of Swat refused to return to their homes after the end of military operation even they were asked to do so. He said these people are involved in deteriorating law and order in the port city”.

The al Qaeda has confirmed that the US drone strikes had killed six of its leaders in the Doga Madakhel area of Dattakhel tehsil of NWA in FATA. Those killed included Mustafa Abu Yazid, chief ‘operational commander' of al Qaeda and a close aide of Osama bin Laden, who had claimed responsibility for the 2007 murder of Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan assured the United States that Islamabad was addressing the threat of terrorism through Operation Zarb-e-Azb which will ensure that there is no discrimination or distinction between the several terrorist groups in NWA. Voices have been raised in Washington that the army here is giving a safe passage to the Haqqani Network.

On the other hand, Pakistan sought the US intervention to stop the infiltration of militants into its territory from the Afghanistan. The US intervention was sought during a meeting between James Dobbins and Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz at the Foreign Office.

KP Police authorities are adding armour to many of their vehicles. "Presently, the Peshawar Police … have seven armoured personnel carriers (APCs) used for patrolling and operations and two bullet-proof cars for officers," Peshawar Capital City Police Officer Ijaz Ahmad. The KP Police decided to fortify its operational vehicles by installing steel sheets in the same way the army has done.

At least three persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A tailor, identified as Sakhi Dad (40) was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Garam Chashma situated in the Manghopir area.

A dead body, identified as that of one Fida Hussain Solangi (60), was found inside a school in Ferozabad area.

The dead body of a woman, identified as Farhat Zafar (30), was found near Madrassah Al-Arabia in Awami Colony.

Rangers rescued a trader, allegedly kidnapped by a TTP militant, in an operation near Al-Asif Square in Sohrab Goth.

Minister for SAFRON Lieutenant General (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch admitted that the Government has failed to mobilise the public to facilitate and support the influx of IDPs. “I accept this as my failure,” he said. He later clarified that he meant that the Government has failed to mobilise the public as was done during the 2005 earthquake and the 2010 epic flood, but this does not mean the government lacks resources. The number of IDPs according to the report has crossed one million mark.

Baloch also said that terrorist sanctuaries in interior parts of the country will be dismantled after the conclusion of the military operation in FATA.

The US Embassy announced an additional contribution of USD 9.3 million to help the Government meet the health, water, sanitation, and livelihood needs of the IDPs from the FATA. This new funding brings the total US contribution benefiting the IDPs from North Waziristan to USD 17.3 million, said a press release issued from the US Embassy. The US had announced USD 8 million in food assistance for the IDPs on June 26, 2014.

At least 20 militants were killed and their hideouts were destroyed when fighter jets pounded sanctuaries in the mountainous Shawal Valley of NWA in FATA. According to military officials, local and foreign militants had established sanctuaries in the Shawal Valley.

A soldier was killed and two others were injured in an IED blast in Baizai tehsil of Mohmand Agency.

Two brothers identified as Fareed Khan and Waheed Khan, were injured in a blast in Manzari Cheena area in Baizai tehsil.

SFs arrested five suspected militants and seized weapons from them in a search operation in the Bara tehsil area of Khyber Agency.

SFs seized an ammunition factory, stockpile of arms, IEDs and foreign currency during a search operation at the Mir Ali bazaar as part of the on-going Operation Zarb-e-Azb. So far, troops have found six IED factories in Miranshah, ISPR said. 

Six people were killed and many others were injured in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Two youths, Liaquat (25) and Moeen (25), were shot dead by unknown assailants near Fancy Bakery, Liaqat Chowk, in Gulbahar area.

A woman, Huma (35), was killed and her husband, Bilal, aged 45, and son, Hassan (17), were injured when unidentified armed men opened fire on their car in Karimabad.

A youth, Mohammad Hussain (25), son of Mohammad Younis, was shot dead by unidentified armed men in Phool Patti area, Lyari.

A man, Abdul Malik (34), was killed and two others, Syed Muhammed Hussain Rizvi (34) and Hafeezul Rehman (30), were injured when unidentified armed men opened fire on them near Jahangirabad.

An advocate, Syed Mubarak Raza Kazmi (52), was killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on his car in Block 13, D-2, Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

A youth, Atif (24), son of Gulzar, was shot and injured by unidentified armed men in Bhains Colony.

A Police Constable deployed at the house of a judge was killed while a DSP along with his gunman and driver was injured in an attack by TTP militants on Frontier Road in Badaber Village of Peshawar in KP.

The Police foiled a terror bid after arresting militants with an explosive-laden vehicle in Rawalpindi city of Rawalpindi District. Rawalpindi Police Spokesperson informed that the Police was on high alert and special checking of the vehicles is underway on all the entry and exit points of the city.

A senior ‘commander’ of the TTP, Amir Salam, was among five militants killed in the night in a blast at a compound in Out Mela area of Orakzai Agency in FATA. 

Two soldiers were killed after an IED blew up near their vehicle close to the Pak-Afghan border in the Ghulam Khan area of NWA. 

The senior members of TTP rejected media reports about the capture of bomb-maker and suicide bombers’ trainer Adnan Rasheed by the SFs. A section of the media had earlier reported that he was the first high-profile militant commander captured during the ongoing military offensive in North Waziristan on June 15.

A Police Constable, identified as Aleem Khan, was shot dead and another officer injured when motorcycle bourne unidentified militants opened fire on them while they are guarding the Shah Qabool shrine in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Former Sindh IG, Iqbal Mehmood Khan proposed and developed the new security unit, which officials established on July 8, 2014. Iqbal said, "I want to develop a strong but independent intelligence unit in the Police to monitor the areas where the Federal Government regularly needs assistance. The wing will be headed by a superintendent of police and comprise between 50 and 60 personnel.

MQM Chief Altaf Hussain said that the Federal and Provincial Governments have left the people of Karachi at the mercy of ruthless militants. Altaf Hussain said the law and order situation is worse in the city and the number of target killing, kidnapping for ransom, extortion and street crime incidents have increased, which is raising questions on the role of the Federal and Provincial Governments for providing security to people of Karachi.

Three terrorists were killed and two others were arrested in an injured condition in a joint operation by the Police and Rangers near the Ijtima Gah Road in the Manghopir area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. SSP Irfan Baloch said, “The killed militants belonged to the banned TTP and were planning to carry out attacks against the law enforcing agencies and other targets in Karachi.”

Two people were killed and five others were injured in different violence incidents in Karachi. A man was found dead from a storm-water drain near Decent Garden in Gulistan-e-Jauhar. An unidentified six-day-old body of a man was found from Lyari Expressway in Lyari. Four people, Kaneez Zehra (20), Sheharbano (15), Hameeda (22) and Iqbal (23), were injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on a bus on Shahrah-e-Faisal near Fine House.

Two butchers were killed in a landmine explosion in the Kulachi tehsil of Dera Ismail Khan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The victims were, identified as Irfanullah and Abdul Majeed.

Unidentified militants blew up an under construction Police post in the limits of Ghari Kapura Police Station in Mardan District. However, no casualty was reported.

Two Police Constables, identified as Munir Ahmed and Naseebullah, were killed by unidentified assailants on Sariab Road in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

A farmer was killed and four others were injured when a mortar shell exploded at Sarwani Banglow village near Rangpur town in Khushab District of Punjab. Five farmers – Qasim Chandio, Muhammad Akram, Iqbal, Ramzan and Muhammad Qasim - were working in the field when they recovered a mortar shell from the depth of earth.

The security of the Federal Capital Islamabad will be handed over to the Army, Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar said. The Army will take control of Islamabad’s security from August 1 for three months under Article 245 which states that the Army can be called in to assist civilian administration in heightening security arrangements.

The Federal Minister for SAFRON Lieutenant General (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch revealed that the military operation in NWA, Operation Zarb-e-Azb, will be concluded within two weeks while the action in tribal areas will be completed within a month since the troops engaged in yet another small adjoining area of FATA.

Little known militant group Ahrar-ul-Hind, which had defected from the TTP during its efforts to pursue peace talks with the Government earlier this year, announced that senior TTP leaders have joined its ranks. The information could not be verified from the TTP. In a statement issued to this correspondent, Ahrar-ul-Hind ‘spokesperson’ Asad Mansoor said, the group has "a well organised structure now and some founder TTP commanders and close aides of Amir Baitullah Mehsud are its members."

At least seven persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. An ASI Mohammad Ali and a Lady Police Constable Kiran, posted at Women Police, were killed by unidentified assailants in Firduos Shoping Centre of Sarafa Market.

Two persons, Moulana Haroon and Moulana Hafeez were killed and two others were injured when unidentified assailants opened fire on a Fitra donation stall at Masjid Ibrahin in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town.

Waheeduddin (30) was shot dead while Mohammad Nisar Nasir (50) was injured when unknown armed persons opened fire on their car near Garam Chashma in Manghopir area.

Haider Ali (35) was shot dead by armed men at Naziamabad area.

A political worker, Nazir Ahmed was killed by unidentified assailants in Orangi Town.

Eight militants were killed during ground Army operation in NWA of FATA. According to reports, five hideouts of the militants were also destroyed in various areas of Mir Ali sub-division. The troops have now started advancing towards Khushali and Hasokhel area of Mir Ali to flush out terrorists.

A passenger coach driver, identified as Aziz Khan Ghaljay was killed in an IED explosion at a roadside in the Mirokas area of Kurram Agency. The passengers onboard, however, remained unhurt.

At least seven persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Two Rangers personnel, identified as Sanaullah (30) and Saif-ur-Rehman (30), were killed when unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle sprayed bullets on them in Landhi area. Two passers-by, identified as Ayesha Riaz (12) and Nisar (35), also suffered bullet wounds in the incident. However, Ayesha succumbed to her injuries later.

Two militants associated with the TTP were shot dead in an encounter with the LEAs in Frontier Colony in the jurisdiction of Peerabad Police Station.

Two TTP militants were killed in an encounter with the LEA in Musharraf Colony in the jurisdiction of Mauripur Police Station.

LEAs arrested at least five suspects during a door-to-door search operation in Frontier Colony and Musharraf Colony and claimed to have seized Kalashnikovs, 20 kilograms of explosive materials with detonators, 25 hand grenades and TT pistols from them.

Two people were gunned down on link Badini Road area of Sariab while a bullet-riddled body was recovered from Kuchlak in Quetta.

One person was killed and at least 13 people were injured in a bomb explosion at the Sharah-e-Iqbal (Kandahari Bazaar) locality of Quetta. Police said “It was an IED and planted near an open sewage line passing in front of a shoe shop.”

SFs recovered 10 kilogram of explosives from a house in the Dera Bugti town of Quetta. Acting on a tip off, the SFs raided at a house and seized the explosive devices along with detonators and fuse in Bugti Colony.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that the Operation Zarb-e-Azb will continue till the achievement of its objectives. He said the operation has been launched for the elimination of terrorists and the armed forces of the country will clear NWA in FATA of the terrorists. He further said that the success of armed forces in the Mir Ali town is the reflection of their strong will and determination.

A Spokesman for ISPR claimed that 70 percent of Mir Ali town in NWA and its neighbouring villages have been cleared by the SFs. The spokesman said “Operation Zarb-i-Azb continues to achieve its objectives and is progressing well in North Waziristan.” The spokesman further claimed that a total of 570 terrorists have been killed since the start of Zarb-i-Azb operation, 98 terrorist hideouts and 30 an IED factories, three ammunition making factories and a number of suicide bomber training centres were destroyed during the operation.

An angry mob killed two young girls and a woman when they set fire to a number of Ahmadi homes in Arafat Colony of Gujranwala District. The mob set fire to the homes after hearing accusations that an Ahmadi youth had posted a blasphemous picture on Facebook. Later, Police on July 28 registered a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act against 550 people for the attack. The case was registered on the application of Munir Ahmad, who belonged to a non-Muslim minority community.

A woman was killed and her son as well as three SF personnel were injured in a cross firing incident during a search operation in Timergara area of Lower Dir District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Official sources said SFs were conducting a search operation in Timergara when residents of the house of local property dealer, Israruddin opened fire on them during a raid. Subsequently, three security personnel were injured during the cross firing whereas Israruddin's wife was killed and his son sustained injuries.

Suspected militants beheaded a trooper, Attaullah, who was on leave, in Shingari area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. The sources said local tribesmen recovered the beheaded body of Attaullah, in the seasonal stream in Shingari area.

At least seven persons were injured in a blast targeting a bus in the Garisha area of Khuzdar District. However, there was no claim of responsibility for the attack.

A passenger train escaped a bomb explosion in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. SP Imran Qureshi said that the bomb went off in Mosa Colony, damaging the railway track prior to the arrival of Quetta Express. Qureshi said that two persons were injured in the blast. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. However, Police suspect Baloch separatists to be behind the incident.

The provinces can summon military troops under Article 245 of the Constitution to meet an emergency situation and for maintenance of law and order, the Federal Ministry of Interior said in a letter. Federal Interior Ministry, in an advisory to the provinces, said that a province would have to bear the expenses during the deployment of troops in that federating unit. The provinces will also be responsible for the arrangements for deployment of military, the ministry further said. The provinces can summon the required strength of the military for assistance to the civil administration, which will be decided with mutual consultation, the advisory added.

One person, identified as Ahsan Manzoor, was shot dead near Muhammad Ali Shaheed Chowk in Al-Falah area of Malir Town in Karachi of Sindh.

Two persons, identified as Zakir Hussain and Ghulam Hussain, were killed by unidentified assailants in Sabzal road area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. The victims belonged to the Shia Hazara community. The banned outfit Jaesh-ul-Islam (JuI) has claimed responsibility for the killings.

At least seven militants were killed and nine others were injured as a Pakistan Army check post was attacked in Lower Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The check post is located between the Ankalsar and Tarpaman areas of Lower Dir. According to the sources, 70 to 80 militants attacked the check post in the cross-border attack at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Militants were forced to flee after the Pakistan Army retaliated, military sources said.

At least four persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. One person was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Bihar Colony of Lyari Town.

One person was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Shah Faisal Colony of Lyari Town.

One person was shot dead in Sheesh Mahal area of Liaquatabad Town. The victim's attacker was later arrested and weapons were seized from his possession.

A dead body was found near Polytechnic Institute in Korangi Town.

Four persons were injured in an explosion that took place in a car near Musarrat Cinema in Nazimabad area. Police suspect that the explosive materials were present in the car.

Sindh Rangers conducted a targeted operation in Jamali Goth area and arrested seven militants. The Rangers had launched the targeted action upon receiving a tip-off. A huge cache of arms and ammunition, including mortars, were recovered from the possession of those arrested.

The Police Constable deputed at the Korangi Industrial Area Police Station in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh, was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Chamra Chowrangi area. The victim was identified as Abdur Razzaq Ishaque.

Special Investigation Unit arrested 33 criminals and recovered heavy ammunition including cracker bombs and Kalashnikovs in different area of the city. The operation was carried out under the supervision and directives of SSP-SIU Farooq Awan.

One Saifullah Malikdinkhel was shot dead when unidentified assailants opened fire on him at Nullah Yousaf Talab in Khyber Agency of FATA. He suffered severe injuries and was shifted to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The beheaded body of one of the two persons, who had been kidnapped a few days ago, was found in Orakzai Agency. Two persons had been kidnapped by unknown people from Kacha Pakka area for ransom some time back. They added that the kidnappers had slaughtered Rahib Ali for not paying ransom and dumped his body at Tanbi area of Orakzai.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a FC soldier, Naik Shehnaz Gul of Platoon No 418 Dosli, FATA, at Lon-Bacha Abad on the Link Road in Dera Ismail Khan town (Dera Ismail Khan District) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Naik Shehnaz Gul was returning to Loni checkpost after dropping his colleague Zaman Khan at his home in Kulachi. The attackers escaped from the scene after killing Naik Shehnaz Gul and took along his motor bike, cash and other items.

Three persons, including a woman, were killed in Panjgur District of Balochistan Province. According to reports, unidentified armed men barged into a house in Prom tehsil of Panjgur District and killed two men, identified as Anwar Baloch, Firdos and a woman.

Two persons including a child were killed in a firing incident in Pashtunabad area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Police told that unidentified gunmen opened fire at a rickshaw and killed its driver. A child playing in the street was also killed when a stray bullet him.

Two militants were killed and another sustained injuries in a clash between two groups in Akakhel area of Bara subdivision in Khyber Agency of FATA. The sources said the militants affiliated with Abdul Wali and Ghulchakai-led groups exchanged gunfire. A militant belonging to Abdul Wali Group was killed on the spot while two militants from each group were wounded. One of the injured militants succumbed to his injuries later.

One security official was killed when militants attacked a Security Forces' check post in border area of Ghakhai pass in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur Agency. According to ISPR, a group of militants entered Pakistani territory from Afghanistan's Kunar province and attacked the border post in Ghakhai pass area. The assault was carried out using heavy weaponry, killing one FC official.

An alleged gangster was killed and another injured during separate raids conducted by the Rangers and Police in Lyari of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Police said that they and Rangers personnel conducted a raid at Cheel Chowk in Lyari where unknown criminals opened fire on them and in retaliatory fire, a criminal was killed. Police claimed that the killed man was member of Lyari gang war.

Police claimed that a Lyari gang war accused Saad alias Baba (20), son of Abdullah, was injured during an encounter with them and Rangers at Nawa Lane area of Lyari. The accused was arrested in injured condition. Arms and one hand grenade were also recovered from the possession injured accused.

In charge of Counter Terrorism and Financial Crime Investigation Unit, CID, Sindh Police, Raja Umar Khatab claimed to have arrested six kidnappers. He further said that the arrested criminals had confessed to their involvement in over 50 activities of kidnapping for ransom and extortions from different areas of Karachi including North Karachi, Bafarzone, SITE area, and Lyari.

Three suspected militants were killed during the ongoing Zarb-e-Azb operation in the Mir Ali tehsil of NWA in FATA. According to official sources, a huge quantity of arms was also recovered from the killed militants.

At least five persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A person, identified as Aamir Azhar (45), was shot dead by unidentified assailants at Sakhi Hassan area in Chowrangi.

Maulana Mohammad Faisal (35), was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Pakistan Masjid in Ranchore Line area.

An activist of a political party was killed and another was injured at Majeed Colony in Landhi Town.

Nadeem (30) was shot dead by unidentified assailants along with Mirza Adan Khan Road in Lyari.

A gangster, identified as Nabeel (24), was killed an encounter in Lyari. SSP City Shiraz Nazir said that on a tip-off, a Police party conducted a targeted raid at Kalakot in Lyari, where criminals opened fire on them. In retaliatory firing, one criminal of Lyari gangwar was killed.

A person, identified as Imran Maseeh (21), was injured in a firing by unidentified assailants near Mianwali Colony.

A person, identified as Iqbal (50), was shot and injured by unidentified assailants at Old Vegetable Market.

Saddam Ali (40) was injured by unidentified assailants at Gaddafi Town in Landhi. A local leader of PML-N was shot dead in his home on the outskirts of Khuzdar town in Khuzdar District.

A commander of peace force Ajab Khan Shambani Bugti was killed in a landmine blast near Dera Bugti town of Dera Bugti District.

Unidentified armed motorcyclists attacked Levies force personnel identified as Muhammad Ejaz in Tump area of Turbat as he was returning home after routine duty. He sustained bullet wounds and breathed his last on the spot.

Unidentified armed men opened fire and killed Muhammad Ramzan in Dasht Mughalzai of District Kalat and fled.

Seven Uzbek militants and two soldiers were killed during the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb in Data Khel area of NWA of FATA. The soldiers were identified as Subedar Mashkoor and Lans Naik Zaheer.

During search operation an IED-making factory has been destroyed in Mir Ali and nearby places as well as 75 rockets and suicide vests were recovered. Operation Zarb-e-Azb in NWA is being continued successfully as Mir Ali, Miranshah, Boya, Degan and Baka Khel have been cleared of militants, ISPR reported.

The majority of Government schools and colleges formally reopened in Bajaur Agency after a gap of one and a half months. However, several educational institutions continue to be closed with their teachers absenting themselves from duty. All government and private schools and colleges in the agency were closed in June for security reasons.

A Christian school principal, identified as Haji Ishaq, was shot dead in a firing incident in Baldia Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A man, identified as Faqeer Mohammad (38), was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants on Street No. 4 in New Muzaffarabad area of Landhi Town.

An unidentified man was shot dead near Mewashah Road in Lyari Town.

A ST cadre, identified as Mohammad Rais (35), was beaten to death by unidentified assailants while he was sitting outside his house in Rashi Ghat area of Hyderabad District. Soon after his death armed men fired into the air and forced traders to shut their businesses at some places in the city.

Two people, identified as Shahzeb (25), and Farooque Naeem (30), were injured in firing incident near Baldia Jungle School in Baldia Town.

One Ghazanfar (30) was injured in an incident of firing near Shafeeque Mor in New Karachi Town.

An explosion on Muddhi road of Kulachi area in Dera Ismail Khan town (Dera Ismail Khan District) of KP killed former provincial election candidate for KP and PTI member Faqir Jamshed and two others. The explosion occurred near the vehicle in which Jamshed was travelling. The former candidate was travelling from the Kulachi tehsil towards the town of Dera Ismail Khan when the roadside bomb exploded, killing Jamshed and his two companions. The other two killed with Jamshed were his guards.

Unidentified militants targeted a SFs vehicle with an IED on Barawal Road in Sorbatt area of Upper Dir District. Fortunately, the officials escaped unhurt. A law-enforcement official said that a vehicle of the 21-Brigade Dir was on Barawal Road when an IED planted nearby exploded. He added the officials onboard remained unhurt, but the vehicle was damaged. Following the blast, a search operation was launched in the area and 12 suspects were arrested.

KP BDS averted a terror plot by defusing a 35kg bomb planted alongside the road in the Saboney area of Shangla District.

The Khuzdar Press Club was closed after unidentified people issued threats to local reporters. An official of the Khuzdar administration said that the club's office-bearers had decided to close the facility after receiving threats over the past two weeks. He said journalists associated with different media groups had stopped working.

At least 30 militants were killed in airstrikes carried out by fighter jets in Dattakhel, Marsikhel and Kamsham areas of NWA in FATA. ISPR stated that six terrorist hideouts were destroyed in the airstrike.

At least 30 militants were killed in airstrikes carried out by fighter jets in Dattakhel, Marsikhel and Kamsham areas of NWA in FATA. ISPR stated that six terrorist hideouts were destroyed in the airstrike.

During a search operation Rangers arrested a target killer, identified as Noor Muhammad, from Northern Bypass area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Police investigations revealed that the target killer was involved in killing 23 people, including political opponents and Police officials. According to the Ranger's spokesperson, 94 Police officials and nine Rangers have been killed during the last six months.

Judge Bashir Ahmed Khoso of the ATC remanded two suspects, identified as Shamshad Ali and Ahmed Yasir, in Police custody till August 12, 2014, for their alleged involvement in unlicensed weapons and explosive substance cases. Both the suspects are political activists. Earlier, on August 4, Rangers raided a house in PIB Colony Gulshan Town, near the house of MQM leader Farooq Sattar and arrested the suspects.

The Sindh Cabinet expressed satisfaction over the achievements made by the Sindh Police and Paramilitary Rangers under the targeted operation against extremists, hit men, extortionists and kidnappers in Karachi and decided to further expedite the action against criminals with greater force. It decided to further strengthen checkpoints at all entry and exist points in the Province on roads and railway stations to avoid any possible entry of terrorists in the Province. The cabinet gave approval for recruitment of over 10,000 Policemen in Sindh Police this year and they would be trained by Pakistan Army Officers.

TTP in a message titled, "The global war of ideologies and the behaviour of media", sent to media advocacy groups across the world, including to the "heads and members of organisations working for the rights of media members around the world," warned the Pakistani media that if they did not stop criticising the mujahedeen (holy warriors), they will be attacked and "no crying and sobbing" will prevent the holy warriors from punishing journalists.

The KP Government directed the law enforcement agencies to prepare a comprehensive security plan for the Independence Day (August 14) celebrations across the province. The Home and Tribal Affairs Department said that sanctity of the Independence Day merited a high degree of vigilance to thwart the evil designs of extremists to sabotage the festivities. It was stated that terrorists had focused on targeting public places and gatherings to create uncertainty and fear.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Department has asked the IDPs, taking shelter in the buildings of the Government schools, to vacate the schools till August 10 as academic activities would resume from September 1. The students would start coming to their schools from September 1 at the end of three-month summer vacations, said an official in the District Education office at Bannu. However, he said that the deadline set for the IDPs to vacate the schools was August 20.

At least six suspected militants were killed and two others were injured when a drone fired two missiles in a house in a village in Dattakhel area of NWA in FATA. The intelligence sources add that the militants killed were foreigners.

Three militants, including two LI militants and one TI militant were killed as the two rival militant outfits clashed in Zakhakhel area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency. Three LI militants were captured by TI militants. The two LI militants were identified as Aqeel and Baghi.

One Sikh shopkeeper, identified as Jagmohan Singh, was killed and two of his friends, one identified as Paramjit, were injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at them at Khushal Bazaar in Hashtnagri area of provincial capital Peshawar. According to a witness, there was only one attacker who was wearing a mask and had a pistol in his hand.

A bronze trader was injured when unidentified extortionists opened fire at his shop situated on Lawrence Road in Jamshed Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to details, the trader had received an extortion slip during the month of Ramazan and had failed to pay the amount.

A hand grenade was lobbed at the residence of a trader in Hyderi Market area of North Nazimabad Town. However, there was no loss of life reported in the incident. According to Police sources, the attack was carried out to threaten the trader into paying extortion money.

Armed abductors barged in to the house of BNP-M member Mullah Yousuf and kidnapped four people, identified as Mohammad Musa, Khair Bakhsh, Rasheed and Sabir, at gun point in Kolanch area of Pasni town in Gwadar District. Yousuf was elected member of the District Council in the local government elections held in December 2013.

Unidentified militants kidnapped two people, identified as Muhammad Azim and his driver, after intercepting his vehicle in Jusak area of Turbat District.

At least seven militants and two security personnel were killed and more than 20 others were injured in an operation in Turbat District after unidentified militants opened fire at a SFs convoy in the same area. Home Minister of Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti confirmed that seven militants were killed and more than 20 injured in the clashes, adding that weapons were also recovered from the possession of militants. SFs launched an operation in the area in the aftermath of attack at forces' convoy by militants in Nasirabad area of the District.

Unidentified militants opened fire and killed a Balochistan Constabulary officer, identified as Aziz Ahmed, near the Governor House in GPO Chowk in Quetta, provincial capital of Balochistan.

At least 12 persons, including two Police Officials, were injured when an IED exploded near the Deputy Commissioner Office on Mall Road in Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District.

Private schools and language centres in Panjgur District which were closed in mid May 2014 because of threats from an unknown religious organisation have reopened after the Government assured them of providing protection to them against such threats. "All the 23 private English medium schools and language centres started functioning from August 6, 2014 in the entire Panjgur District," a senior official of the local administration said, adding that all possible protection would be provided to teachers and students of these institutions.

Two people, including the former President of District Chapter of PTI, identified as Taufiq Ali Hoti, and another member of the same party, identified as Arif, were shot dead by unidentified militants near the zoo in Garden neighbourhood of Saddar Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A Police Official, identified as Sajjad, was killed in a firing incident in Kati Pahari area of Orangi Town.

An unidentified dead body was recovered from Steel Town close to Gulshan-e-Hadeed area of Bin Qasim Town.

A Policeman, identified as Farhan Baig, was shot dead at point blank distance in Latifabad city of Hyderabad District. Baig was a jail department's Policemen and the gunman of Hyderabad DIG prisons, Muzaffar Ali Siddiqui. He was on his way to DIG's prison to perform his duty and was intercepted by four unidentified militants near Ayesha Masjid unit-6 Latifabad on main road.

Three people, identified as Farooq (25), Abdul Wahab (28), and Tariq (32) were injured when unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade in Sango Lane area of Lyari Town in Karachi District.

One Muqadar Ali (28), was shot at and injured in firing incident near Nadeem Medical in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town.

Karachi Police and CIA in the joint operation raided different parts of the city and arrested two accused involved in terrorism case and 16 suspects involved in illegal weapons cases.

The Government of Pakistan condemned the August 6, 2014, US drone strike that took place in Dattakhel area of NWA in FATA. According to a Foreign Office statement, Pakistan regards such strikes as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. "These strikes also have a negative impact on the Government's efforts to bring peace and stability in Pakistan and the region. We therefore expect immediate cessation of such strikes," the statement said.

The Baloch National Voice accused SFs and intelligence personnel of abducting two of its workers, identified as Ohran Marri and Nadir Marri, during a raid on their houses in New Kahan area of Quetta.

At least 22 mortars fired from Paktia Province in Afghanistan landed in different parts of Dattakhel tehsil of NWA in FATA. However, no loss of life was reported.

The residents of Ediak in NWA refused to evacuate over the imminent military offensive against militants in the area. The refusal comes two days after the administration served notices on hundreds of the residents of Razmak, Spinwam, Shewa, Shawal, Eidek and adjoining areas of the tribal agency to shift to Bannu without delay. They were even offered free transport for Bannu. The elders of tribesmen called a jirga to decide about the future course of action. The participants unanimously decided not to vacate their homes but said they would continue to be in contact with the administration on the matter.

Four companies of Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) were deployed at vital security points of the city after the Provincial Government requisitioned it to cope with law and order situation in the provincial capital Lahore. A Police source said that up to four companies comprising 160 personnel took their positions at sensitive government buildings and establishments. He said the Rangers had been put at the disposal of Lahore Police for future line of action.

Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed in Islamabad over 'security concerns' ahead of planned rallies by the Chiefs of the PTI and PAT in the capital A notification in this regard has been issued by the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad. Section 144 bans a gathering of more than four people at one place for rallies and protests and also bans carrying weapons.

A Shia man, identified as Syed Kazim Shah (60), and his daughter, identified as Aroosa, was killed, while his wife and another daughter sustained injuries in a sectarian attack outside his home in Khuda Ki Basti area of Surjani Town in Gadap Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. His wife was identified as Naeema and daughter as Rida (9). SSP Irfan Baloch said that Kazim had received threat from a sectarian organisation.

A milk shop owner, identified as Jamil Ahmed, was shot dead at his milk shop located in Block 17 within the limits of the Samanabad Police Station in Gulberg Town.

A Police Officer, identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Hameed Khattak (34), who was shot at and injured on August 9, 2014, near Khyber Hotel within the limits of the SITE-A Section Police Station in Baldia Town succumbed to his injuries.

A cadre of ASWJ, identified as Farazuddin, was shot dead in a targeted attack near Jhanda Chowk in Liaquatabad within the limits of the Super Market Police Station in Liaquatabad Town.

Law enforcers claimed to have arrested 33 suspects in separate raids across the city. Rangers conducted a targeted raid in Bund Murad Goth, Manghopir area of Gadap Town, based on an intelligence report, and arrested two TTP militants. The Rangers spokesperson claimed that the personnel also seized weapons from their possession, including four hand grenades, six rockets and ten detonators.

Rangers arrested two suspects allegedly involved in extortion at Nayabad area of Lyari Town. The Rangers spokesperson said that the raid was conducted in response to a complaint, adding that the two suspects were arrested when they came to collect extortion money. The spokesperson also claimed that the personnel seized weapons and extorted money from their possession.

An alleged extortionist was arrested during a targeted raid in Khadda Market of Lyari Town. The Rangers spokesperson said that the raid was conducted acting on the information provided by the already arrested culprits, adding that a huge cache of illegal weapons including automatic rifles were also seized.

In a targeted operation in Landhi Town, the Rangers arrested nine suspects allegedly involved in extortion, target killings and other crimes. Weapons of various calibres, including SMGs, 7mm rifles, grenades, repeaters and pistols were also seized.

Two people, including a woman, identified as Rehana Bibi, and a boy, identified as Inzimam Khudabaksh Baloch (11), were killed after being caught in crossfire between militants and Security Forces (SFs) in Kharan District. According to Balochistan Levies official, a group of armed militants opened fire at FC check post on Quetta Road near Sheikh Masjid in Kharan District, sparking retaliatory fire. SFs launched a search operation in the area following the attack.

Two unidentified decomposed dead bodies were found dumped in Mandrani area of Sui in Dera Bugti District. According to Levies officials, the victims were shot after being tortured and their identities could not be determined till the filing of this report.

Despite the first reported case of polio in over a year in Balochistan surfacing in July 2014, the Government postponed its immunisation drive in parts of the province since it cannot provide security. A three day anti-polio drive scheduled for provincial capital Quetta and Pishin District from August 11 to August 13, 2014 has been postponed.

At least three militants were killed in a joint operation carried out by the Security Forces and peace militia in Sonai Darra Barawal area of Upper Dir District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. During a media briefing, ISPR spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Aqeel Ahmad showed the bodies of the militants, who were killed in the pre-dawn raid targeting a peace militia member's house.

The Sabzi Mandi Police arrested 15 suspects during a raid on Eastern Oil Company located in Islamabad and recovered arms and explosives, including 10 pistols, four guns, three triple-two rifles, explosives, and thousands of bullets, from their possession.

Three people travelling in a motor rickshaw sustained injuries when a bomb exploded on Maal Road in Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District. Police said that unknown men had planted an explosive device in a motorcycle and parked it on the Road near a market.

At least three people were injured in an IED blast near Sarozai area of Doaba in Hangu District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to the Police, a passenger van en-route to Peshawar from Hangu when it hit a homemade IED planted roadside in Sarozai area. SHO of Doaba Police Station, Aainullah Khan said that three people were injured in the blast and added that the bomb might have been planted to target Security Forces or Police.

Police and BDS foiled a bid to blow up the local tribal elder’s residence in the Mohallah Khudrianwala in Tank town (Tank District). The Police on getting information reached the scene along with the BDS that defused the bomb.

The COAS General Raheel Sharif said that the Operation Zarb-e-Azb would reach its logical end and it would succeed with the help and support of the valiant nation. He said the Army would not allow the terrorists to return and regroup in the country. He expressed these views while chairing the corps commander’s conference. The meeting expressed the resolve that the terrorists would not be allowed to regroup and return and nor would they be allowed any space across the country. Presiding over the conference here at the General Headquarters, COAS General Raheel Sharif expressed complete satisfaction at the progress made in the operation so far. He paid rich tributes to the courage shown and sacrifices rendered by the troops during the ongoing operation.

The National Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution to condemn the “brutal” killings of religious minorities and to reject all forms of discrimination against them in the country on the occasion of National Minorities Day. The resolution, tabled by Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Yousaf, urged the Government to take concrete steps to establish and maintain interfaith harmony in order to safeguard fundamental rights of minority communities as enshrined in the constitution.

PPP Shazia Marri said that non-Muslims were feeling severe sense of insecurity in the country. She called for holding accountability of those committing crimes against non-Muslims. She said that lip service would not serve the purpose, as Pakistan did not belong to Muslims only but that it was also a country of non-Muslims living here.

Ghazanfar Ali Kazmi, the SHO of Preedy Police Station, was shot dead in Garden area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, in the night. According to Police, unidentified assailants attacked him near Anklesaria Hospital when he was going in his private car to his home in Garden Police headquarters. He was taken to the Civil Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead. The victim had taken part in the 1992 operation against criminals in Karachi.

ASI Jamil (45) was shot dead and two passersby injured in an attack at Gul Ahmed Chowrangi in Quaidabad area of Karachi. According to Police, ASI Jamil was sitting with his friends near his home at Gul Ahmed Chowrangi when motorcycle bourne unidentified assailants opened fire on him and fled.

One doctor, identified as Amir Mehdi (56) was shot dead in a sectarian attack in Landhi area of Karachi in the evening. Amir Mehdi was sitting at his ‘Rifah-i-Aam Clinic’ in Landhi-2 when two assailants riding on a motorcycle emerged there, fired shots and rode away. The doctor and his compounder brother, Nihal Ali, suffered bullet wounds. Amir Mehdi later succumbed to his injuries.

40-year-old Abbas Haider Zaidi was travelling in a car when four assailants riding two motorcycles intercepted him at the Kamal petrol pump near Bara Board in the Pak Colony area and fired at him. Police said it’s a sectarian attack.

Unidentified assailants shot dead three brothers, including a Constable, near Yarak area of Dera Ismail Khan town (Dera Ismail Khan District) in KP in the night. Two persons were also injured in the incident. Police said that the assailants were riding motorcycles, adding that the victims were identified as Sadullah, Constable at the City Police Station, and his brothers- Ali Rehman and Faizullah. The injured were named Hakim Jan and Yousaf. The dead and the injured belonged to Wanda Abu village.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a member of the peace body in Koz Sherpalam village of Matta tehsil in Swat District. The sources said the member of the Peace Committee, Sahibzada, was standing on roadside in Koz Sherpalam village when occupants of a car opened fire on him, killing him on the spot.

Unidentified militants blew off a private school in Achini area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP.  However, the explosion did not cause any casualty.

At least 22 persons were injured when a bomb went off near a market in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. “The bomb was detonated with a timer and was planted near a small roadside stall, Quetta Police Chief Abdul Razzak Cheema said.

A FC official was killed and another was injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast close to a SF vehicle that was on routine patrol near Sharifabad Chowk in Hazarganji area of provincial capital Quetta.

A tribal elder, Malik Abdul Hakeem, survived a roadside bombing in Gulu Shah area of Khar tehsil in Bajaur Agency of FATA. Malik Abdul Hakeem was driving in the Gulu Shah area when an IED detonated near his vehicle. However, he remains unhurt in the incident.

The Chief of the Army Staff General Raheel Sharif said that the Army will try to complete the Operation Zarb-e-Azb in NWA soon. The Army Chief said that the event was good sign for national solidarity.

Pakistan rejected Afghan Government’s allegation that Pakistani forces had launched an attacked in a border District of eastern Kunar province. Top Afghan security adviser Rangin Dadfar Spanta said that the country’s security forces have “repulsed attack by Pakistani forces” in eastern Kunar province this week. Spanta told the meeting of Council of Ministers, presided over by Afghan President Hamid Karzai on August 11 that, “Pakistani forces have increased rockets fire on Afghanistan’s border areas,” Afghan state news agency Bakhtar reported.

At least 12 militants, wearing suicide vests and armed with RPGs and automatic weapons were killed and 11 SFs were injured in an 11-hour gun battle near Khalid Aviation Airbase and Samungli Airbase in Quetta. The SFs also detained five suspects in a search operation conducted in connection with the attack targeting the Samungli airbase.

TTP Ghalib Mehsud faction claimed responsibility for the attack on the Airbases in Quetta. Ghalib Mehsud is the leader of Fidayeen-e-Islam which is the suicide wing of TTP. Commander Southern Command, Lieutenant General Nasir Khan Janjua said, "They all seemed to be foreign nationals." SP Imran Qureshi Police said, "All dead terrorists seem to be Uzbeks.” The Balochistan Government has decided to conduct DNA tests of all 12 terrorists killed.

TTP spokesperson Azam Tariq said that the attack was in retaliation for Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. Speaking to the media via telephone, he said the attacks on both airbases were carried out by militants from different groups, including Khalid Mehsud alias Sajna’s Ishtehadi Group, Umar Khalid Khorasani’s Afia Brigade and IMU suicide bombers under TTP Commander Salar Mehsud. “The Government initiated the drama of peace talks and later held the Taliban responsible for its failure,” the TTP spokesperson said. “In fact, it was the government’s plan to initiate military action and displace tribesmen.”

One FC official was killed and another was injured after their patrolling vehicle was bombed with an IED in the Sariab area of Quetta. “An FC man was killed, while another is critically wounded,” senior Police Officer Imran Qureshi said.

At least four suspected militants were killed when SFs opened fire on an explosives-laden vehicle in the Fort Slope area of Bara tehsil in the Khyber Agency of FATA. SFs signalled a suspicious vehicle which was approaching their base, directing it to stop but opened fire on it after the vehicle failed to accord with the directive. The vehicle was completely destroyed in the incident. Suspects killed in the attack were reported to be affiliated with the Gangriz Group of the TTP.

Maulvi Halim Khan has replaced militant ‘commander’ Hafiz Gul Bahadar as the chief of Shura Mujahideen NWA. According to the sources, the decision, taken in a meeting of the group’s Shura, has been supported by both the TTP and the Afghan Taliban, though none of them has issued a formal statement to declare support for Maulvi Halim Khan.

Two men, identified as Iftikhar (40), and Faizan (45), were shot dead near KDA flats in Surjani Town area of Gadap Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A man, identified as Syed Badshah (35), was shot at and injured at Mansehra Colony in Landhi Town. 

A man, identified as Salman (30), received bullet injuries when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on him at Korangi Crossing near Shamim Masjid in Clifton Cantonment of Saddar Town.

The COAS General Raheel Sharif said SFs should continue to remain vigilant and soon they would eliminate the scourge of terrorism from the country forever. The COAS praised the valour of SFs, who successfully foiled terrorist bid to attack PAF and Army Aviation Base in Quetta. General Raheel Sharif said that after Operation Zarb-e-Azb, terrorists were on the run and making desperate attempts to cause damage to Pakistan.

A man, identified as Farhan (30), was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants near Sindhi Hotel in Liaquatabad Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An unidentified man was found dead from Yousaf Goth area in Baldia Town. Police also recovered three empty bullet shells at the crime scene.

A man, identified as Muhammad Haseen (40), was killed by unidentified armed assailants near the Sunday Market in Baldia Town.

An unidentified man was shot dead in Manghopir area of Gadap Town.

Unidentified militants shot dead a Policeman, identified as Wakeel, in Baldia Town.

A man, identified as Samiullah (22), was shot at and injured near the Alfalah Society in Malir Town.

A bomb weighing 10 kilograms was defused near Bakra Peri in Orangi Town. SSP West, Irfan Baloch said that according to the initial investigation report, the bomb was planted in a rundown rickshaw to target the Security Forces vehicles.

Over a dozen teenagers who were being trained by militants in NWA of FATA returned to their native village of Sheikhan on the outskirts of the provincial capital Peshawar, on instruction from their ‘trainers’. While their families are delighted to see them, a fear lingers that the mindset of these boys may have been changed forever. Elders told The Express Tribune that around 25 boys, aged between 14 and 18, were taken from the village over the last five months, leaving their families in a state of despair. Half returned after the start of the military operation in NWA.

Two people, identified as Jaffer (40) and Kashif (45), were shot dead in Kati Pahari area on North Nazimabad-Orangi Link Road in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

The IDPs from NWA of FATA refused to vacate schools in Bannu District. Hundreds of IDPs sheltering in schools demonstrated outside the Bannu Press Club to demand the withdrawal of the deadline. Holding placards and shouting slogans, they said they won't vacate schools until they were provided with shelter at some other place. The protesters also demanded their early repatriation saying the army claimed to have cleared most North Waziristan of militants.

The administration had asked IDPs occupying school buildings in the District to shift to camps in Bakkakhel by August 20, 2014, saying these educational institutions will resume classes on September 1, 2014 after summer vacations. Earlier, August 10, 2014, was the deadline for the purpose. Currently, 7,322 IDPs have taken shelter at 313 government schools for girls in the District and 16,522 at 531 government schools for boys. Overall, the district has 685 government schools for girls and 747 for boys.

At least 48 suspected militants were killed, seven hideouts, nine vehicles and several motorcycles were destroyed in fresh air strikes carried out by fighter jets and Cobra gunship helicopters in the Khyber and North Waziristan Agencies of FATA. The ISPR press release said that the airstrikes were carried out in the Kukikhel area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency in which 18 suspected militants and seven suspected hideouts were destroyed. Later, 30 more suspected militants were killed, nine vehicles and several motorcycles belonging to suspected militants were destroyed in fresh strikes carried out by Cobra gunship helicopters in NWA.

Six persons were killed when a remote-controlled explosive device went off in the Tangi area of Salarzai tehsil in Bajaur Agency. The deceased include three female teachers, two children and a driver. The explosive material was planted along a roadside in the Tangi area which exploded when the school van was passing through it.

Two Policemen, identified as Head Constable, Azhar Abbas and Constable, Azam, were shot dead by unidentified militants while on duty at Dakkhana near Gul Ahmed Textile Mills in Quaidabad area of Bin Qasim Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Quaidabad Police SHO, Amanullah Marwat claimed that it was a targeted attack. He said that the assailants also stole the Police Officers official weapons.

Another Head Constable Tahir Mehmood (46) was shot dead within the limits of Ittehad Town Police Station in Shanti Nagar area of Baldia Town. Police officials believe that the Police are being targeted in retaliation to the ongoing military operation in NWA of FATA.

A Quran teacher and a member of JeI, identified as Qari Muhammad Ishaq, was shot dead in his house within the limits of the Surjani Town Police Station in Gadap Town.

The Judicial Commission, headed by Justice Noor Muhammad Maskanzai of the Balochistan High Court, formed to probe the 13 mass graves discovered in Totak area of Khuzdar District on January 27, 2014, absolved the Armed Forces and Intelligence Agencies of responsibility in the case. Chief Minister Malik Baloch had established the Commission to conduct an inquiry into the mass graves on February 1, 2014.

The report said, "No one has recorded any statement against the Armed Forces and Security Agencies." It further stated, "No evidence of involvement of Intelligence Agencies has been found in connection with the mass graves." The Commission recorded the statements of 57 individuals in connection with the case but stated that only witness number 38 had recorded statements against intelligence agencies but that could not be verified.

The Commission, however, mentioned that it was the core responsibility of the administration to protect the lives and properties of the people, and that the recovery of mass graves was the result of negligence on part of the civil administration. "There has to be no private check posts in the area," the report recommended, asking the Provincial Government to step up efforts to ensure rule of law in the region.

However, the VBMP has rejected the report and termed it an effort to conceal facts. "Security Agencies are involved in killing and dumping of people in Balochistan," Chairman VBMP Nasrullah Baloch said.

Operational and administrative measures implemented by the KP Police have improved the province's security situation, KP IGP Nasir Khan Durrani said. KP has been mostly peaceful for the last few months. Unlike the last few years, Police recorded only a few major terrorist attacks during the first seven months of 2014 and militants failed to commit a major attack during the holy month of Ramadan and during Eid ul Fitr.

The measures are paying off as violence is falling, according to reports kept by the Police. Terrorist attacks between July 2012 and June 2013 totaled 456, Peshawar SP Sohaib Ashraf said. That number fell to 401 the following year. Police reported 25 suicide bombings in KP in July 2012-June 2013. That number fell to eight in the next cycle. The number of IED bombings also decreased from 321 to 237. Casualties dropped from 380 to 310. However, two categories saw higher numbers: rocket attacks (22, up from 4) and targeted killings (129, up from 99).

Two Constables, identified as Khurshid and Majeed, were shot dead while patrolling on Sakran Road in the industrial town of Hub in provincial capital Quetta. "The Police personnel were targeted when they were on official duty," said a senior Police Officer, Zia Man-dokhel.

FC personnel foiled a terror bid during raids in Quetta and Chagai District. In the first raid, a huge cache of arms and ammunition that was dumped underground in a compound was recovered during the operation in Quetta. Home Minister, Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti said that the SFs had received a tip off regarding the presence of arms and ammunition and conducted operations in the two areas.

In the second raid, FC personnel arrested three suspects in an operation conducted at a house in Faisal Colony of Dalbandin area in Chagai District. The suspects were accused of dumping weapons to carry out terrorist activities in several areas of the Province. Arms and ammunition seized by SFs included anti-tank mines, rockets, hand grenades, detonators and other weapons.

One man, identified as Qasim (38), was shot dead near the Asghar Ali Shah Stadium in North Nazimabad Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

The BDU defused a home-made explosive device recovered in the Chamkani area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. Assistant Inspector General of Police and BDU in-charge Shafqat Malik said the bomb, which was fixed in a pressure cooker and weighed 10 kilograms, was placed in the jurisdiction of Chamkani Police Station.

BDU defused an IED planted by unidentified militants near the residence of a QWP leader, Sher Bahadur Khan in Umarzai area of Charsadda District. A Police official said they were informed of a suspicious gas cylinder lying near the house of Khan after which they rushed to the site and called in the BDU to decommission the explosive device. Police said the militants had planted the remote-controlled IED inside the cylinder.

A bomb was defused outside a house near Qazi pump in Hangu town (Hangu District). BDU in-charge Asadullah said the bomb was planted by unidentified militants outside the residence of Anwar Asghar. Asad added they were informed about the device, at around 6 am, which weighed around one kilogram.

Bannu Police foiled a terror bid and defused a remote-controlled bomb planted along Jani Khel Road.

KP Home and Tribal Affairs Department has set up a complaint cell, particularly for those receiving extortion demands and threatening calls. Many victims fear lodging complaints against influential offenders, but the cell will protect their identities, the press release said. The first centre opened in Peshawar, but the centres gradually will spread to other Districts, Home and Tribal Affairs Secretary Syed Akhtar Ali Shah said.

Two drivers, identified as Juma Khan and Mohammad Ayaz, were killed and two cleaners, identified as Zabit Khan and Moin Khan, were injured when Jaish-e-Khorasan (JeK) militants attacked the oil tankers at Sur Kamar area in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. JeK 'spokesman' told the reporters over phone that its `fighters' had carried out the attack.

The FATA Tribunal directed the Political Agent of Khyber Agency to produce record of Shakil Afridi's trial and conviction for links with LI. Shakil has moved the tribunal against the upholding of his conviction by an appellate forum of the FCR Commissioner. The Tribunal fixed the next hearing into the petition for September 18, 2014, after directing the political agent to produce the record of the case.

The two-member bench of Justice Malik Manzoor Hussain and Justice Ikramullah Khan at the Peshawar High Court issued a show-cause notice to KP's Secretary for Home and Tribal Affairs as he failed to submit a report in a missing persons' case. He was ordered to appear before the court on September 23, 2014. The bench was informed by Advocate Mohib Jan that Intelligence Agencies, with the help of the Police, allegedly picked up Musafar and Arif from Haji Camp in Peshawar on July 25, 2011.

In the petition, the family accused ASP Muhammad Faisal of picking up the two men. It said Musafar was a truck driver, and Arif his assistant, a cleaner neither had any links with a militant organisation. The counsel for the petitioner stated on June 24, 2014, relatives of the two missing men were informed that both were being kept at an internment centre in Kohat District of the Province. Early in July, Musafar's body was handed over to his family without any information about the cause of death. Arif is still being detained at the centre.

In a separate case, the same bench issued a notice to Kohat internment centre in charge. The court was informed by Advocate Gul Nazir that six family members of his client, Naek Muhammad Shah, were allegedly picked up by Intelligence Agencies in 2012. They included Barkat Shah, Tahir Shah, Bakhtawar Shah, Ismail Shah, Hazrat Shah, and Nazar Shah. Nazir said the bodies of Barkat, Tahir and Bakhtawar were handed over to the family, while the remaining people were still at Kohat internment centre. The court issued a notice to the in charge of the internment centre to submit a comprehensive report on the three missing persons.

The US offered a total USD 30 million in return for information on key leaders of the Haqqani Network that is blamed for numerous attacks in Afghanistan. "The Department has authorised rewards of up to USD 5 million each for information leading to the location of Aziz Haqqani, Khalil al-Rahman Haqqani, Yahya Haqqani, and Abdul Rauf Zakir," the State Department said in a statement. It also increased its previous reward offer of up to USD 5 million for information on the group's leader, Sirajuddin Haqqani, to up to USD 10 million. This brings Haqqani into the same group as the likes of Afghan Taliban 'commander' Mullah Omar and JuD 'chief' Hafiz Saeed.

The State Department said, "The group is allied with al Qaeda and the Afghan Taliban and cooperates with other terrorist organisations in the region." It said that the Haqqani network was "the most lethal insurgent group" targeting the US-led NATO coalition and Afghan personnel in Afghanistan.

FC claimed to have killed 16 militants during an operation in Dasht area of Turbat District. Khan Wasey, the spokesman for FC said that SFs launched an operation against miscreants in Dasht, adding, "At least 12 militants were killed in armed clashes." Later, four more suspected militants were killed in the exchange of fire. "Gun battle is ongoing in Dasht since afternoon," a levies official said on condition of anonymity.

A paramilitary soldier, identified as Naik Mohabat Khan, was killed in an exchange of fire with militants who entered from Afghanistan into Muslim Bagh town in Qilla Saifullah District. "Around 70 to 80 armed men, smugglers and militants, tried to enter Pakistan from Afghanistan near Muslim Bagh in Qila Saifullah. FC personnel, primarily responsible for guarding border, tried to stop them when they opened fire," said Khan Wasay. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

At least two people, identified as Muhammad Javed (30) and Fateh Muhammad (30), were killed and two others, identified as Zahid, 35 and Akbar (32), were injured when unidentified militants opened fire at them within the limits of Malir City Police Station in Malir Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Two people, identified as Nasreen (40), and her husband Mubarak (45), were shot dead at Shah Faisal Muhallah in Orangi Town.

One Khaliq Ahmed (40) was killed by unidentified armed assailants in Orangi Town.

A man, identified as Suiraj Uddin (50), was shot dead by unidentified militants near Total Pump along Super Highway in Sohrab Goth area of Gadap Town.

A PAF official, identified as Abubakar (35), was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants near Robi Cinema in Baldia Town.

A man, identified as Saeed Hussain (31), was injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on him near Metroville site area.

A man, identified as Dawood (18), was shot at and injured near Urdu Chowk in Orangi Town.

One Saqib (30) was injured when unidentified armed assailants fired shot at him near Model Colony in Malir Town.

One Ali Akbar (40) was shot and injured in Sohrab Goth area of Gadap Town.

LI militants killed a tribesman, identified as Nek Mohammad, for spying on the outfit in Speen Drand locality of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency. According to details, the man was shot dead and then his body was displayed in an open area for several hours before being handed over to his family.

The khasadar force recovered the dead body of a man, identified as Salim Khan, dumped in a house in Pump House locality near Ghundi in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency. The officials said that the man belonged to Sikanderkhel sub-tribe of Kukikhel.

Later in the same Agency, the administration sealed at least 90 shops of Turkhel tribesmen over failure to check militant attacks on NATO vehicles in Sur Kamar area of Jamrud tehsil.

The elders of NWA in FATA warned that they will march on Islamabad and observe a protest sit-in outside Parliament if they are forced to vacate school buildings before August 30 according to the Government's decision. NWA Peace Committee Chief Haji Sher Mohammad told a press conference at Peshawar Press Club that about one million people had been displaced due to military operation in the tribal agency, but the Federal Government had failed to provide them adequate shelter in KP.

Malik Noor Rehman said that almost 25,000 displaced families had been accommodated in various Government schools in, but now they had received a notice to vacate the schools before August 30. He said that it was a great injustice with IDPs and they could not tolerate it. He said that FDMA had set up a helpline to solve the problems being faced by IDPs, but there was no one to respond to the callers.

Female health workers won't take part in the three-day anti-polio drive starting across Bajaur Agency of FATA from August 25 due to security reasons. This was informed by field supervisor medical officer Dr Inayatur Rehman while talking to reporters on August 22. He informed that 694 teams had been formed to vaccinate 223,286 children in the agency during the anti-polio drive.

Determined to fight terrorism and violence, a jirga of the Salarzai tribe from Bajaur Agency vowed to continue denying shelter to militants. The jirga reiterated its stance against militancy to Political Agent Syed Abdul Jabbar Shah and Commandant of Bajaur Scouts Colonel Amir Ali.

Thirteen people were killed in different incidents of violence in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Six people were killed when unidentified armed men opened fire on Malik Agha Hotel along Super Highway. The identities of the victims could not be ascertained yet.

Three persons were killed when unidentified armed men opened fire near Nasir Jump in Korangi within the limits of Zaman Town Police Station. Police said that unidentified armed bike riders opened fire on the Nazar Shah Shrine near Nasir Jump area. As a result three persons Zakir Hussain Shah (50), Nawaz (45) and Younus (35) were dead.

Two persons, Shakeel (35) and Asif (28) were shot dead by unidentified armed men at Drigh Road along Shahrah-e-Faisal.

In an incident of firing, unidentified armed men at Bilal Colony in Korangi gunned down a man.

Paramilitary Force Rangers claimed to have killed an alleged gangster of the Lyari gang war in an encounter at Asfahani Gali in Lyari. According to rangers spokesman, "Rangers personnel conducted a targeted raid on a tip-off in Asfahani Gali, Lyari where criminals opened fire on them, in the retaliatory firing a notorious gangster Umair alias Saddam alias Bablu, was killed."

A youth, Umer (22) was injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire in Junejo Colony, Sohrab Goth.

Mehtab (50) was injured when unidentified assailants opened fire in Rashidabad, Baldia Town.

Five militants were killed and three others were injured in a clash with a tribal militia in Dana Khola area of Lower Orakzai Agency in FATA. The Officials said that the local peace militia and militants exchanged fire because militants attacked villagers residing in the area. According to sources, the militants belonged to Momin Khan Group of Darra Adamkhel Chapter of TTP.

A former spokesman of the Lashkar-e-Islam (LI), Zar Khan, was killed in Sipah area of Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA.

Police and the Bomb Disposal Squad personnel foiled an attempt to attack a government installation by defusing an IED planted in a rickshaw near a transmitter of Radio Pakistan in Musa Colony area on Sariab Road in provincial capital Quetta.

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead two people, identified as Muhammad Shakeel (45) and Muhammad Asif (30) near Sadaqat Colony in Shah Faisal Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An unidentified man was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Eight Chowk in Lyari Town.

Two men, identified as Muhammad Saeed (25) and Muhammad Adnan (22) were injured when unidentified armed assailants fired at them in New Karachi Town.

A man identified as Ghulam Mustafa (24) was shot and injured near Petrol Pump in Gulbai area of Baldia Town.

Paramilitary Force claimed to have arrested two criminals during a targeted raid in Moosa Colony of Gulberg Town.

The political administration of Bajaur Agency thwarted a terrorist bid and arrested two suspected militants. Assistant Political Agent Sohail Ahmad said levies officials stopped a car near the Pak-Afghan border at Zalam check post and recovered explosives from the vehicle. He added that 200-metre cables used in remote-controlled bombs, 800 fuses and 200 kilogrammes of explosive were recovered from the militants. Ahmad said the vehicle was impounded and the two men in the car were shifted to an undisclosed location for further investigation.

Two militants involved in an attack on a Police team, among other terrorist acts, were arrested in Kaki Police Station area of Bannu District in KP. SHO Mashal Khan said they received an intelligence report about the whereabouts of two militants, Muhammad Qasim alias Abu Hamza, and his accomplice Zar Ali, residents of Kaki. The two are said to be involved in an attack on the police in 2007 and other murder cases.

At least six suspected militants were killed during a search operation conducted by Police in Sohrab Goth area of Gadap Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. During the operation, the militants opened fire on the Police contingent. The Police repulsed the attack that led to an exchange of fire during which the militants used heavy arms and ammunition.

The provincial authorities did not grant sanction in the cases pertaining to explosive substances. Police have sent many letters on different occasions to the Home Department, seeking permission as required under Section 7 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, for trial of 33 cases pending before the Anti-Terrorism Courts in Karachi. However, instead of granting permission, the Home Department sought wide-ranging details about these cases for what it said to determine whether the accused were hardened criminals or otherwise.

A truck driver and a cleaner were killed as unidentified assailants attacked a tanker near Wazir Dhand area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. The tanker was transporting goods for NATO forces deployed in Afghanistan. 

A 'commander' of the TTP was killed and two others were injured in a remote-controlled IED blast in the Mehrban Kalley area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency. Official sources said that the TTP 'commander' who was popularly known as Khabare was the target of the blast. 

Two levies personnel were injured in a hand grenade attack on a check post in Parsh area of Khar tehsil in Bajaur Agency. The political administration launched a search operation after the incident but no arrests were made.

Khyber Agency MNA Alhaj Shahji Gul Afridi claimed that a pamphlet supposedly issued by the TTP Darra Adam Khel chapter, warning Kukikhel tribesmen not to meet him was fake as it bore no signature or stamp. The pamphlet, circulated in Jamrud, warned of attacks against Afridi and told tribesmen to stop meeting him.

At least one person was killed and 15 others were injured in a hand grenade explosion at a hotel on Prince Road in the provincial capital Quetta. Razaq Cheema, the CCPO Quetta said that all victims in the blast were civilians who had gathered in the hotel for breakfast. No outfit claimed of responsibility for the attack. 

At least three people were injured when an IED planted inside the bathroom exploded inside coach number 8 of the Quetta-Rawalpindi passenger train Jaffar Express at Sibi Railway Station in Sibi District. Three people were reportedly injured in the blast but were discharged after getting first aid. However, no loss of life was reported. The 'spokesperson' of BRA Sarbaz Baloch called Quetta Press Club and claimed the responsibility for the attack.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a local ANP leader, Walayat Shah, in Tarnab area of Charsadda District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A man, identified as Abdul Khaliq, was shot dead in a firing incident on the Lyari Expressway within the limits of the Soldier Bazaar Police Station in Jamshed Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An alleged gangster identified as Shoaib, was killed and three others managed to escape during an encounter with the Police in Chakiwara area of Lyari Town. SSP Sheeraz Nazeer said that he was involved in several targeted killings, kidnappings and extortion cases.

Another gangster associated with the Jabbar Jhengu group, identified as Taj Muhammad alias Sunny, was killed during an exchange of fire with the Rangers in Lyari Town.

Three target killers associated with a political party, identified as Sarfaraz alias Nikka, Wasim Khan and Shahid Wazir, were arrested during separate raids in Landhi Town. According to the Rangers spokesperson, the suspects were involved in various target killing cases.

The political administration of the Khyber Agency made public a list of 70 wanted militants who the authorities say were involved in terrorist activities in the Agency. The administration officials confirmed that the list of wanted militants was prepared and that it had been made public at the political authorities' offices in Jamrud tehsil of the Agency.

The sources further said that the move was intended at motivating the locals to help arrest these elements who may be involved in militancy and other criminal activities. The tribal elders have also been warned to hand over the suspected militants nominated in the list to the administration and failing to do so would attract strict action against their tribes under collective responsibility laws.

The tribal elders of North Waziristan Agency demanded the Government to give a time frame for return of IDPs to their ancestral areas. “Whether we are going to go home after two days or two years, we are ready to sacrifice for our country but we should be given a date so we know when we are going home,” said Nisar Khan, a tribal elder who is also President of North Waziristan Mutasireen (affected) Committee.

A woman was wounded when militants blew up the shrine of Sufi saint Sheikh Taqi Baba in Mastung District. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

At least 29 shops were destroyed when an explosive device planted by unidentified militants exploded in China Market of Timergara Bazaar in Lower Dir District. However, no casualties were reported as the market was closed at that time. Timergara SHO Roshanzada said the device was planted in a pressure cooker adding that a search operation was under way to arrest the militants. The Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) said that 10 kilograms of explosives were used in the device.

At least 78 suspects were during an operation by Pishtakhara and Sarband Police in provincial capital Peshawar. Police officials said that the operation was meant to establish the writ of the Government in the areas. “The operation was conducted in several villages of both Police Stations, where female police officers and the BDU also assisted us,” said a Pishtakhara Police Official, adding that the suspects had been taken for interrogation and FIRs registered against them.

Gulbahar Police registered an FIR against unidentified extortionists who are demanding PKR 30 million from the Chief Executive of Khyber Tea and Food Company and Qaumi Watan Party leader, Jan Alam Paracha.

The Vice-Chancellor of Islamia College University Peshawar Professor Ajmal Khan, who was abducted on September 8, 2010, from Peshawar in KP was recovered by SFs during the ongoing Zarb-e-Azb operation in NWA. He is the cousin of ANP leader Asfandyar Wali Khan. TTP had claimed responsibility for the abduction and had demanded PKR 500 million as ransom in addition to release of dozens of militants held in various jails of KP.

Key 'commanders' belonging to the outlawed TTP announced the formation of a new group by the name of TTP-Jama'at-ul-Ahrar, with Maulana Qasim Khurasani as the new Ameer and also comprising of other 'commanders'. Former TTP 'spokesperson' Ehsanullah Ehsan, who has been nominated as the 'spokesman' for the splinter group, mostly comprising the Mohmand Agency TTP Chapter said from an undisclosed location that the new group was not willing to take sides in the current political tussle in Islamabad as they only wanted the Shariah system to prevail in the country.

Two Policemen, Khurram (40) and Junaid Akram (38), were shot dead and another pedestrian, Saddam (14), was injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at them at Naggan Roundabout in New Karachi Town of the provincial capital Karachi.

One Sub-Inspector, identified as Sahib Dino (50), was shot dead at Matkay Wali Pulia in Korangi Town.

A Shia doctor, identified as Dr. Naseem Hussain Jaffri (50), was shot dead by unidentified militants in Korangi Town.

An assistant producer, identified as Nadir Ali Shah (42), was shot dead in Korangi Town. Shah worked for private TV channel, Jaag.

A man, identified as Abdullah (35), was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants in Orangi Town.

A man, identified as Hafiz Mehboob Shah (45), was killed by unidentified militants at Bilal Roundabout in Korangi Town.

A man, identified as Muhammad Zahid (50), was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants at Qasba Colony in Orangi Town.

An unidentified man was shot dead by near Ghreeb Shah Shrine in Lyari Town.

The CPLC, Karachi, the CIA and a Sukkur-Shikarpur-Kashmore Police force rescued a private engineer, identified as Mansoor Soomro, from the captivity of three gangs of kidnappers who were demanding PKR 5 billion for his release in Sukkur District. Soomro was abducted in the Defence area of Saddar Town in Karachi District on June 3, 2014. His father is a business man in Karachi.

Sukkur Range DIG Jawed Alam Odho, along with Sukkur SSP Tanveer Hussain Tunio, said that the hostage was got freed safely without payment of any ransom. He described the kidnapping as the biggest ever case of its kind in Sindh in terms of the amount of ransom.

Seven criminals involved in extortion and other crimes were arrested during search operations by Rangers in different areas, including Muhammad Nagar, Liaquatabad, FC area, Kala bridge Lyari and adjoining areas of Karachi.

A senior militant commander, Waleed Akbar, associated with TTP and the LeJ was killed and one of his accomplices injured during a Police encounter in the Hari Mor area of Prova tehsil in Dera Ismail Khan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The commander was killed in the encounter that ensued when militants attacked DPO Sadiq Baloch in the Chodwan area of Prova tehsil following which Police repulsed the attack.

Akbar had several charges on him, including planning suicide attacks on funeral processions and law enforcement agencies' personnel. The TTP commander was also allegedly involved in the killing of Shia community leaders and police personnel during the Ashura bombing near a Muharram procession in Dera Ismail Khan on November 25, 2012.

The chairperson Defence of Human Rights Amna Janjua has alleged that 91 missing persons have been killed in the detentions centres across KP. Addressing a press conference in the National Press Club, she claimed that an individual, Hammad Amir, was killed in Kohat detention centre. She said there were 43 detention centres in the KP province, where around 2,000 people were imprisoned.

Despite the continuing process of voluntary repatriation of Afghans, the number of registered refugees in Pakistan is growing steadily as approximately 50,000 children are born to refugee families every year. The UN refugee agency said that the NADRA would register some 150,000 children born to the registered parents in past five years and issue birth certificates to over 330,000 Afghan children below the age of 18. UNHCR spokesperson Dunya Islam Khan said that around 182,000 refugee children who had reached the age of five would get their separate Proof of Registration (PoR) cards by the end of the year.

Unidentified militants torched a private school in Panjgur District and threatened to close down all the 23 private schools if the co-education system continued in the region. The militants entered the school, which was closed due to a strike, and doused petrol and set the principal’s office on fire. “A group called Tanzeem-ul-Islam-ul-Furqan had been threatening us. The group had also beaten up the driver of the school van and harassed two students,” said Major Hussain, the school’s principal.

He added that the DPO Panjgur Samiullah Soomro informed them that close aides of these groups had been arrested and Police made progress in investigation.  “The DPO said the incident was a reaction to the arrest of the close aides of the miscreants,” informed Major. He further informed that he received a threatening call on August 14, 2014, asking why the school did not organise a special function on the eve of Independence Day.

The Pentagon has said Pakistan continues to be a safe haven for terrorists. “Extremists and the safe haven pose a challenge and the sanctuary that they continue to enjoy in Pakistan,” Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby said. He, however, added that “the Pakistani military has taken action against some of those extremist threats inside their own country. They’ve conducted operations not too long ago, just this summer.”

A man, identified as Abdul Qayum (23), was shot dead while Haji Adam (25) was injured in a firing incident near Memon Society at Kharadar Market in Saddar Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A man, identified as Shah Rasool (28), was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants near Qabar Chowk in SITE Town. Police said that he hailed from Buner District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Unidentified militants shot dead one Asif (36) at Mir Jam Goth in Malir Town.

An unidentified man shot dead near Boat Basin in Clifton area of Saddar Town.

Two people, identified as Haris (7) and Naseer Ahmed (40), were injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on them at Essa Goth in Malir Town.

A man, identified as Abdullah (20), was injured in a firing incident near Nazimabad No. 2 in North Nazimabad Town.

One Qaid Johar (49) was injured when a stray bullet hit him near Dolmen Mall at Hyderi in North Nazimabad Town.

Two injured suspects, identified as Shakeel Ahmed (35) and Mohammad Shafi (30), were arrested in during an encounter at Tipu Sultan Signal in Shahrah-e-Faisal area of Shah Faisal Town. The police recovered 2 TT pistols from their possession.

Senior journalist and Secretary General of BUJ Irshad Mastoi, trainee reporter Abdul Rasul and an accountant Mohammed Younus of a news agency were shot dead in Kabir Building near Jinnah Road in Quetta. According to SHO Bijli Road Police Station, Hashim Shah, two militants barged into the office of the news distribution agency Online News and opened fire at the people inside.

Three SFs personnel were injured when militants attacked a SF convoy that was guarding gas fields in Harnai District.

Two unidentified militants opened fire on three NATO tankers near Mastung Bazar in Mastung District. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Two security personnel were injured when their vehicle was targeted in a remote-controlled IED blast near Elbow Kandaow area of Mohmand Agency in FATA.

Unidentified militants opened fire on worshippers at a shrine in Awaran District of Balochistan, killing at least six persons and wounding seven others. The attack came at a shrine of the Zikri community in the Awaran District. “Three gunmen came on two motorbikes and fired at the worshippers, praying at sunset. “At least six people have been killed and seven others are injured,” Akbar Harifal, the senior administration official in the area said.

Three missing Baloch men, two of them said to be related, were found shot dead on the outskirts of Malir town of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Two bodies were found behind the bushes by the roadside near Jam Goth, according to Memon Goth SHO Azam Hayat. Both bodies, each with a single bullet wound in the head, were wrapped up in a blanket and a bedspread. Another victim with a single gunshot wound in the head was spotted in the Malir riverbed in Shah Latif Town, said Shah Latif SHO Arshad Awan. The victims were identified as Rafiq (28), Ismail (30), and Pervez Saleem (35). An examination of the crime scene showed they had been kidnapped and gunned down somewhere else before their bodies were dumped there, said SHO Hayat. He added that no spent bullet casings were found at the crime scene.

An official of the Sindh government, Nadeem Ahmed (43) was gunned down in Shah Faisal Colony. Nadeem Ahmed, a grade-16 officer, was going to office in the secretariat building on a motorbike when he was targeted, said Shah Faisal SHO Abdul Khaliq.

Police Constable, Lutfullah (45), was gunned down near Al Asif Square in the Sohrab Goth area. Lutfullah, was going to his workplace in Sohrab Goth on a motorbike when he came under attack. Five Policemen have been killed during the past three days in Karachi, according to the officials. With the latest incident, the number of Policemen killed in the city this year (2014) has raised to 116.

The COAS General Raheel Sharif vowed that with such high quality, professional and skilled troops, all terrorists would be rooted out from their hideouts even from the most treacherous and far-off areas. He made these remarks while talking to the SSG troops after witnessing a joint Field Training Exercise of Pakistan and Chinese Special Forces at the headquarters of the SSG, near Cherat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The COAS commended their outstanding performance in the war against terror, particularly in the Operation Zarb-e-Azb.

Army stepped into the political crisis by talking to two protesting organizations but delivered a snub to the beleaguered Government which had claimed that it had not sought military's mediation. Army Chief General Raheel Sharif talked to PTI chief Imran Khan and cleric Tahir-ul- Qadri of the PAT in the presence of Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar.

Hours after General Sharif's mediation, the protesters and the Government were trading charges on who was responsible for Army's mediation. PM Sharif told the National Assembly that "neither had I asked army nor the armed forces sought a role in the present political crisis". Sharif sought to scotch media reports that it was he who had "requested" the Army to come to his rescue, saying that he approved the military chief's meeting with the two opposition leaders after they had requested it. Both Qadri and Khan contested Sharif's statement.

Contradicting Sharif's statement, Army spokesman Major General Asim Bajwa tweeted, "COAS (chief of army staff) was asked by the govt to play facilitative role for resolution of current impasse, in yesterday's meeting, at #PM House."

In a bid to save face, Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar claimed that it was the PM who had approved Army's role. "The statement released by the ISPR (Inter Services Public Relations) first came to me," Nisar said. "ISPR's statement is echoing the government's view," he said. Explaining the government's decision of engaging the army, he said "We asked who the protesting parties trusted to which they said they trusted the army...on this the government gave the army the responsibility to facilitate the process within the constitutional and legal ambit."

At least 32 militants were killed when SFs targeted the suspected hideouts of militants as a part of Operation Zarb-e-Azb in NWA of FATA. The ISPR spokesman said that the Army aviation gunship helicopters targeted the suspected hideouts of miscreants in different areas of the tribal areas.

A private container’s driver was shot dead and a cleaner was injured by unidentified assailants on the National Highway in Dera Murad Jamali area of Nasirabad District.

At least 12 militants and one FC official were killed in exchange of fire in Gomazai area of Turbat District in Balochistan. An FC spokesperson said the security personnel, on secret information, launched a search operation in Gomazai area of Turbat. The militants present in the area offered resistance which led to exchange of fire.

An official of the Khassadar Force, identified as Hamidullah was killed and five others sustained injuries when a group of unidentified militants opened indiscriminate fire on a Khassadar check post in the Jamrud subdivision of Khyber Agency.

Three protesters were killed and around 534 others injured as violent clashes between PTI and PAT activists and personnel of the law-enforcement agencies continued in the ‘Red Zone’ of Islamabad, the National capital, till the evening. Around 249 injured persons, including 36 women and five children, were brought to PIMS, while Polyclinic received over 275 injured persons, including 51 women, 11 children and 54 Policemen.

A cargo plane escaped attack just before landing at the Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar in the night. “The plane carrying NATO cargo has landed safely at the airport for refueling as per schedule. It was hit with a single bullet. The location from where it might have been fired is being confirmed,” SSP Peshawar Najibur Rahman said. An official confirmed they were carrying out a search operation in the limits of the Badaber Police Station.

The ‘chief’ of TTP Mullah Fazlullah claimed that three TTP prisoners were released in exchange for Vice Chancellor of Islamia College Professor Ajmal Khan. Fazlullah, delivering a speech to his followers at the alleged reunion of the three released TTP prisoners, claimed that "our colleagues are back with us without any legal formalities or signatures". He further said that other prisoners would also be released soon. Pakistani authorities have not responded to the TTP's claims of the prisoner swap so far.

The TTP ‘chief’ Maulana Fazlullah said that launching an attack on Islamabad won’t be a difficult task for his fighters after having observed how unarmed protestors were able to lay siege to the seat of power in the federal capital and paralyse the Government. “About 30,000 people have besieged the capital of Pakistan for the last two weeks and the Government is unable to deal with them,” he said in an audio clip received by The News. He said, “Taliban fighters could easily seize the Parliament House as our numbers are far bigger than these people and we are well-equipped with sophisticated arms.”

PM Nawaz Sharif said that he would not in any case resign from the position of the Chief Executive of the country. PM Nawaz Sharif said he would not succumb to the pressure of a few thousand people who have made the capital hostage. The premier ignored the advice of close aides to remain at his residence in Lahore in view of the increased tension in Islamabad’s ‘Red Zone’ and returned to the Capital on August 31 afternoon to take stock of the developing situation.

Earlier on August 30, Sharif said that a few thousand people could not hold hostage the mandate given by millions of people to the. Government. He said, “Few thousand people have gathered in Islamabad and are asking the government, with the mandate by millions of people, to wind up, dissolve assemblies and hold fresh elections. Is not it a step against democracy,” he told a private TV channel.

The Afghanistan President, Hamid Karzai told the Pakistani refugee elders from the NWA during a meeting in Kabul, capital city of Afghanistan that they should consider Afghanistan as their home. “You are living in your own home and you would live as an owner here,” Karzai reportedly told the elders. The Afghan Islamic Press quoted a press release issued by the President’s office as saying that he hoped peace would be restored in the region and the people would start living a peaceful life.

While reaffirming support to democracy, the Corps Commanders Conference reviewed with serious concern the existing political crisis and the violent turn it has taken, and called for its political resolution. The conference, presided over by COAS, General Raheel Sharif, held at General Headquarters, observed that further use of force would only aggravate the problem.

At least two Policemen were killed when unidentified assailants opened fire at them in the Bakra Mandi area of Malir Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Both the officials were performing their duties when they were attacked in the Bakra Mandi. The tally of Policemen killed in this year has reached 127.

A person, identified as Farzana (35), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Malir Bakra Piri area.

Akbar Ali (30) was shot dead by unidentified assailants in MPR Colony of Orangi Town.

Temoor (20) was killed in firing by unidentified assailants near Mujahid Crown area of Orangi Town.

Mueen (20) was injured by firing of unidentified assailants in Machhar Colony.

Another person, Yousuf (40) was injured by firing of unidentified assailants near Burhani Hospital in Arambagh area.

Rioters of the PAT and PTI got hold of the state buildings, including the Parliament House, PM’s House, Pakistan Secretariat and state-run PTV News with PTV headquarters by gate crashing in Islamabad, the national capital city of Pakistan. The rioters staged a sit-in in front of the PM House in the presence of SFs after multiple clashes between the violent aggressors and the Police.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan remarked that it would not play the role of a mediator and will decide the case after examining the facts as it directed the lawyers of PAT and PTI to submit proposals regarding the solution to on-going political standoff after consulting leadership till September 2.

PM Nawaz Sharif and COAS General Raheel Sharif exchanged concerns over internal security situation arising out of sit-ins by PTI and PAT. Reports said that during the meeting internal security situation, among other issues, came under discussion. Both civilian and military leadership also discussed ways and means to resolve the prevailing political impasse.

The Defence Secretary Lieutenant General (retired) Alam Khattak said that Security Forces were conducting Operation Zarb-e-Azb in NWA of FATA to cleanse terrorism. “It is an across the board operation which is targeting all terror groups,” he said. He said that Pakistan had an important place in the region and its Armed Forces were playing a key role in stopping the spillover of war in Afghanistan. “We are the affectees of terrorism, yet not only fighting it, but protecting the region,” he added.

The FDMA has asked the Federal Government to give it PKR 1.5 billion to cater for IDPs of NWA. According to the relevant officials, the authority requires funds to distribute cash to IDPs and fulfil their basic needs during the current month. The Federal Government had announced payment of PKR 12,000 monthly assistance to every IDP family of NWA. Only the families, whose cases are okayed by the National Database and Registration Authority are getting cash assistance. Until now, the NADRA has verified 55,183 families. The FDMA had initially registered a total of 95,830 displaced families.

Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif said the Government was in the process of constituting a negotiation team that will engage PTI chief Imran Khan and PAT leader Tahirul Qadri tonight. In a statement, he said the talk’s team will have representation from all the political parties. “The negotiation team will contact Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri tonight,” Khawaja Asif said. Earlier, six rounds of talks held between the Government appointed panels and the protesting parties – PTI and PAT – remained inconclusive.

Making startling disclosures, the President of PTI Javed Hashmi quoted the PTI chief Imran Khan as saying ‘the badge bearers’ wanted the PTI protesters to move along with PAT leader Tahirul Qadri. The disgruntled PTI President while talking to media representatives outside the Parliament House, maintained: “Imran Khan said we can’t move forward without the army.” “Imran Khan also said that all the matters had been decided and there will be elections in September,” Javed Hashmi claimed, adding, it appeared as if everything had been planned in advance.

Javed Hashmi said he is still the President of PTI, as Imran Khan did not follow the provisions of the ‘constitution’ in sacking him. “Imran Khan should have gone through the party’s constitution first.” Making one disclosures after another, he said that Imran Khan did not even have regard for the Constitution of Pakistan. The PTI President said Imran Khan is driven by whims and that he maligned the Supreme Court of Pakistan. He said the PTI’s core committee had warned Imran Khan to beware of Awami Muslim League (AML) leader Shaikh Rasheed. Hashmi said he would even sacrifice his life for upholding the sanctity of the Parliament, Supreme Court and other institutions of the country.

The ISPR categorically rejected the assertions that the Army and ISI were backing PTI or PAT in any way in the current political standoff. A statement released by the ISPR rejected the assertions being made and added that the “Army is an apolitical institution” that has “expressed its unequivocal support for democracy” on numerous occasions. The press release concludes, that “it is unfortunate that [the] Army is dragged into such controversies.”

At least three persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Raja Amanullah (40), a MQM activist and an employee of the defunct Karachi Development Authority, was shot dead by unidentified assailants on Ghaus Pak Road in Korangi Town.

An MQM activist, identified as Aqeel Abbas (45), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Hassan Colony of Gulbahar area.

A Hindu businessman, identified as Raja Chawla (55), was shot dead near Zamzama Park in Clifton area.

Some armed religious fanatics of a hitherto unknown Al Jihad organisation set a private English medium school on fire in Turbat area of the Kech District. They also left pamphlets with the name of Al Jihad in the school and in the area, warning the people of Balnigore to desist from sending their children to English medium schools to study English or risk unspecified repercussions.

Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan’s said in Parliament that nearly 1,500 trained militants, belonging to militant outfits, are among the participants of the sit-ins organized by the PTI and PAT. The Interior Minister did not name the terrorist group. However, these elements are part of Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri’s ‘revolutionaries’ and not Imran Khan’s crowd, dreaming to have a ‘new Pakistan’. “They are armed with axes, wooden batons, nails, hammers, cutters and slingshots. This is not protest but rebellion against the State of Pakistan” he added.

PTI Chairman Imran Khan claimed that the PTI was wrongly being accused of having been “launched by the army” and following its dictates. He said this was nothing more than a cruel allegation to undermine the long and tedious political struggle he and his party had gone through. “I will rather prefer to die if I fail, as I have vowed either it will be liberty or death,” he told his party supporters.

A member of the Sikh community was stabbed to death inside his shop in Shaheedan Bazaar of Mardan Town (Mardan District) in KP. Gagan Singh, son of Aamarjeet Singh, told the Police that he was at the family-owned cosmetics shop until 2 pm, when his father came to work and sent him home. When Gagan returned at 5pm, he found the shop’s shutters pulled halfway down. His father was missing. Gagan said he went to the shop’s adjacent warehouse, where he found his father’s body.

Police rescued a kidnapped cardiologist from Gulabad area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP, and detained one of the suspected kidnappers. Miscreants on August 31 abducted Dr. Muhammad Asghar on Warsak Road while he was going home, Peshawar SSP Operations Najeeb-ur-Rehman Bagvi said.

A grenade attack on a check-post in Karachi, (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh injured at least four Policemen. Police said that two unidentified miscreants on a motorcycle hurled a hand grenade at the check-post under the Nursery Bridge on Shahrah-e-Faisal Road.

The ISIS is trying to expand its influence in Pakistan, with pamphlets titled 'Fatah' (victory) in Pashto and Dari languages being distributed in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and border provinces of Afghanistan, seeking support for jihad.

The United States State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said Pakistan’s May 2013 elections was free and fair, there has been no change in its position on the polls. The spokesperson said the United States was closely watching the situation in Pakistan, in the face of marches in Islamabad. “As I understand, in Pakistan, the protests have died down and things have calmed a bit in the streets.” She added, “I also want to make clear that our (US) embassy is fully open there in Islamabad. I know there was confusion about that yesterday.”

A press release by the ISPR said that 910 militants had been killed in the operation Zarb-e-Azb that was launched in NWA of FATA on June 15. ISPR stated that since the start of operation 82 soldiers had embraced martyrdom in the entire country in the fight against terrorism and another 269 were injured. The 82 martyred soldiers include 42 in NWA, 23 in rest of FATA other than NWA and 17 in the remaining parts of the country, including Balochistan and Karachi.

The ISPR said 88 kilometers long road, Khajuri-Mir Ali-Miranshah-Dattakhel, and the Gharyom-Jhallar road had been cleared. It stated that the SFs had cleared five town including Miranshah, Mir Ali, Dattakhel, Boya and Degan, which were considered the strongholds of terrorists. As many as 27 factories making IEDs and rocket and ammunition factories had also been destroyed, it stated. It said a huge cache of arms and ammunition, communication equipment and other logistics facilities used by terrorists had been destroyed, uprooting their ability to attack as a coherent force. It said that 2,274 Intelligence-led coordinated counter terrorism operations had been carried out throughout the country to forestall any blowback of the operation.

With regard to the relief work for the IDPs, the press release said that about 19,376 tons ration had been distributed among 97,570 IDP families at six relief distribution points in Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Tank. The ISPR said about 113,209 patients including 32,979 females had been treated at field medical hospitals established by the Army Medical Corps at Khalifa Gul Nawaz Hospital in Bannu. It stated that about 32,226 cattle had been treated whereas 73,338 cattle and 12,9141 poultry had been vaccinated.

The Jamaat al-Ahrar, the new faction of the TTP, has claimed that only 30 fighters were killed so far in the ongoing operation Zarb-e-Azb by the Pakistan Army in NWA. In a statement sent to the media, the Jamaat al-Ahrar ‘spokesman’ Ehsanullah Ehsan said the SFs’ claim of killing 910 militants was baseless and unfounded. He said the media had been presenting one-sided reports to the people without confirming these from independent sources. He claimed that some five dozens civilians had been killed during the shelling on the populated areas in NWA.

Unidentified militants shot dead a BNP leader, Eid Muhammad, near Pak Quran Chowk, an intersection in Sarawan area of Panjgur town (Panjgur District) in Balochistan. Police said Muhammad shopped at a market and was on his way home when the assailants on a motorcycle opened fire on him near Pak Quran Chowk. The attackers managed to flee from the scene.

PM Nawaz Sharif said that he appreciates the efforts of the opposition-held jirga to resolve the political crisis and said that he was ready to for a give and take in order o resolve the ongoing crisis. The Government wants more time to legislate laws for electoral reforms and thinks PTI’s demand to complete the whole process by a legal experts committee which is to come to being through a presidential ordinance will be an exercise in haste, the secret Government’s reply to PTI’s draft proposal says. The Government also wants the PTI to be more specific on the terms of reference as well as the ambit of investigation (number of National Assembly constituencies) that the proposed Supreme Court Commission will undertake under an agreement with the PTI, Daily Times has learnt reliably. The PTI wants the Supreme Court Commission as well as the election reforms to be completed within 30 days.

The strife in the ranks of TTP escalated on September 4 as its 'chief' Maulana Fazlullah and his shura expelled the Mohmand Agency chapter 'chief' Omar Khalid Khurasani and terminated his membership for indiscipline and for patronizing ‘suspicious’ militants groups such as Ahrar ul Hind and Junood Khorasan. Omar Khalid Khurasani, whose real name is Abdul Wali, reacted through his aide and spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan, who said Maulana Fazlullah and some of his men having vested interest had been expelled from the TTP.

Ehsan is now spokesman of TTP Jamaat al-Ahrar, which was recently launched by Khurasani and other 'commanders' after accusing Fazlullah of failing to run TTP as a disciplined organisation due to lack of leadership qualities. The TTP statement was issued by its ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid, who said Fazlullah had endorsed the shura decision to sack Khurasani as the head of the TTP Mohmand Agency chapter for aligning with a suspicious organization like Ahrar ul Hind and patronizing Junood Khorasan inside the Afghan Taliban movement to harm its shadow government of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The statement charged Khurasani and his men of conspiring to create differences in TTP and weaken its cause.

At least six persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Two MQM activists, identified as Syed Yasir and Ahmed were killed by unidentified assailants in Humaira Town of Model Colony.

A person, identified as Syed Mohsin Raza (50), a member of the Shia community, was killed by unidentified assailants in Federal B Area in Gulberg Town.

Syed Kashif Hussain (35), a member of the Shia community, was shot dead at his electronics shop in Nazimabad No-1 of Rizvia area.

A suspected gangster, identified as Amanullah (25), was shot dead in Nawa Lane area of Kalakot.

A dead body was found in Old Sabzi Mandi area.

AIGP claimed that the East and West Zone Police have arrested eight criminals including five target killers involved in the killing of Policemen and sectarian violence in the Karachi.

A bomb went off near a Motorway Police car in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan, leaving the vehicle badly damaged. However, no causality was reported.

Punjabi Taliban 'chief' Ismatullah Muawiya on September 5 said it would abandon insurgent activity inside the country and redirects its energies towards Afghanistan. Muawiya said the faction will operate in Afghanistan under the guidance of Mullah Omar, the spiritual leader of Afghan Taliban, while its activities in Pakistan will be confined to preaching Islam. Punjabi Taliban is an influential militant faction of the TTP.

One person, identified as Amjad, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Washbod area of Panjgur District.

A prominent Shia leader, identified as Allama Ali Akbar Kumaili and his guard were shot dead by unidentified assailants near Bhangoria Goth in Azizabad area of Karachi.

Imran Khan claimed massive poll rigging in Balochistan and revealed that incumbent CM Abdul Malik, General Abdul Qadir and former PM Zafarullah Jamali were elected through “match fixing” and ballot stuffing. Imran said “those responsible for this pre-planned poll rigging” were PM Nawaz Sharif, former Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry and journalist Najam Sethi.

PAT head Allama Tahirul Qadri threatened, to declare a war against rulers if marchers were not provided with justice. “If we declare a war, whoever comes in front of us will be swept away,” Qadri said while addressing the participants of sit-in here on Sunday. “We will continue this struggle for rights even at the cost of our lives,” he said. The PAT chief warned that if these unarmed protesters became ‘hungry lions’, nobody would be spared from their wrath. He rejected foreign media reports that people were brought to the sit-in on rent. Not a single person was paid for joining the Inqalab march, he stated.

Three unidentified militants were killed and four others arrested when Pakistan Navy's security personnel foiled an attempt by unidentified militants who tried to target Pakistan Navy (PN) Dockyard in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. During their engagement with the terrorists, one Navy official was martyred while an officer and six sailors sustained injuries. During these raids, large quantity of arms and ammunition was also recovered. No material loss has taken place, said the spokesperson, adding the area was cleared for normal activities the same day.

An Army Brigadier and two other persons were killed, and six others were injured when unidentified assailants stormed Darbar Astana Fazal Shrine in Sargodha Cantt area of Sargodha town (Sargodha District) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the evening and opened fire.

Three militants belonging to the banned TTP (Swat group), were killed in an ‘encounter’ with Police in Site area of Karachi in Sindh. Police conducted a raid in Metroville on a tip that militants were present in the area.

At least three militants were killed and three security personnel were injured in an armed clash in Ahmedwal area of Noushki District.

Two militants were killed and five others sustained injuries in a clash with the members of pro-Government peace committee in Milward area of Akkakhel in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. The sources said on receiving information that a group of militants were hiding at a place in Milward area, the armed members of the peace body besieged it, triggering an exchange of fire. The sources said two militants identified as ‘commander’ Siddique and Parrak were killed in the exchange of fire while Saeed, Noor Gulab, Luqman, Kimya Gul and Kimya Khan were wounded.

The IDPs from NWA threatened to march on Islamabad if they were not repatriated within a week. Speaking at a press conference at Bannu, the tribal elders including Sherpao Mahsud of Tehrik-e-Mahsud Qabaail, Tribal Students Society, Bannu University, president Asmatullah Wazir, Malik Khalid Khan, Muhamamd Raza Dawar, Malik Noora Jan Mahsud, Tehseen Dawar and Rahimullah said that the tribal people had always stood by the Government and the Pakistan Army through thick and thin.

A 28-year-old Sikh man, Harjeet Singh, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Nauthia Bazaar area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Harjeet Singh, who owns a grocery shop, was attacked by motorcycle-borne assailants outside his shop in the Nauthia Bazaar.

Eight mortar shells were found in Koza Bandai in Kabal tehsil in Swat District. The sources said one Shah Zamin was working in his field when he found the mortar shells.

Police foiled a terror plot by seizing a suicide jacket and bomb-making material during a raid at a house in the Zafarabad colony of Dera Ismail Khan town (Dera Ismail Khan District). According to Police, the raid was conducted on a tip-off that member of a terrorist group named Numan Adil Gandapur had set up a factory for making explosives in the house at the Zafarabad colony and also possessed illegal weapons.

The building of Geo News once again came under attack from activists of the PAT and PTI when the staffs of Geo, Jang and The News were busy in their work in Islamabad, federal capital of Pakistan.

PM Nawaz Sharif asked the nation “to take notice of those elements who are staging sit-ins and creating hurdles in the path of national progress and prosperity”. Talking to people gathered during his visit to flood-affected areas of Sialkot in Punjab, the PM said that “It is your duty and the duty of nation to take notice of such elements who cannot tolerate their progress and they should not allow anyone to stage sit-ins”.

The 11^th round of ongoing dialogue between Government and PTI ended on September 7 with positive note to hold another round on September 8 with a claim that the meaningful dialogue has started to bring the country out of the existing political impasse. The PTI team comprises Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Jehangir Tarin while Government’s delegation consists of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Zahid Hamid.

Army killed 10 militants, destroyed an explosives cache and five vehicles in fresh air strikes as part of Operation Zarb-e-Azb in Boya Degan area of NWA in FATA. "The Army Aviation gunship helicopters struck in the area ahead of Boya Degan in North Waziristan.

A Government-run school for girls was blown up in Kamangara area of Nawagai tehsil in Bajaur Agency.

Federal Government, which had promised unconditional support to people displaced by the ongoing military operation Zarb-e-Azb in NWA, has not released a single penny to enable provision of medical relief to people who have been dislodged from their homes and hearths in the wake of the military operation.

European Union has agreed to provide five million Euros for the welfare of IDPs of NWA. The Radio Pakistan quoted the FATA Disaster Management Authority officials that the EU will undertake a number of welfare projects for the IDPs in collaboration with the World Food Programme, World Health Organisation, International Committee of the Red Cross and Pakistan Red Crescent Society. The main focus will be on providing shelter, food, drinking water and healthcare to the IDPs.

A 24-inch diameter gas pipeline was blown up in Lunda Nullah area of Pir Koh area in Dera Bugti District of Balochistan that suspended gas supply to the main Sui plant from the Pir Koh purification plant. According to Dera Bugti Police, unidentified militants planted explosives to the main gas pipeline in Lunda Nullah area, about three kilometers from the Dera Bugti Police Station, which exploded.

Six militants, a civilian and a soldier were killed in the ongoing operation Zarb-e-Azb in Datta Khel area of NWA of FATA. According to the ISPR, clearance operation would continue in the village and end soon once all militants would be flushed out.

Finance Minister, Ishaq Dar approved release of PKR 1.059 billion for the IDPs who had to flee their homes as a result of operation Zarb-e-Azb in NWA. "Rehabilitation of the displaced people is the top priority of our Government and we have a firm commitment to restore the normal life of the people who have been supporting the government in its struggle against terrorism," Ishaq Dar said. "Our government has so far released a total of PKR 2.8 billion to FATA Disaster Management Authority in four tranches," he said.

At least four persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A person, identified as Zubair, and his son were shot dead by unidentified assailants near Cheel Chowk in Lyari area.

One person was shot dead near University Road in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal area.

An unidentified person was shot dead in Orangi Town.

The TTP claimed responsibility for the September 6 attack on the Naval Dockyard in Karachi that killed one Pakistani naval officer and wounded seven other personnel.

According to recent Police reports, Karachi Police have killed at least 477 criminals, including militants, during the 2013. Since July 1, 2014, 195 criminals have been killed in 5,174 raids conducted across the Sindh province. Some 1,238 suspects have been arrested. Comparing the number of killings in August 2013 with August 2014, the figure has come down from the over 275 to around 150, which shows a considerable reduction. Similarly in July 2013, 246 were killed while in July 2014 such deaths were 48.

A high-level inquiry committee recommended severe punishment and dismissal of 58 officers and officials of the civil and Police administrations after holding them responsible for July 29 jailbreak in Dera Ismail Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). In its nine-page report submitted to the administration department, the committee also recommended departmental inquiry against 97 Policemen deployed inside the jail.

Sixty-five terrorists were killed and five terrorist hideouts destroyed in air strikes by the PAF jets in the NW) of FATA. ISPR said that the military first carried out air strikes early on September 10 in the Dattakhel area of NWA, killing 35 terrorists and later targeted a village in the Shawal Valley, killing another 30. The PAF jets carried out precision strikes after getting credible intelligence about the presence of militants there.

The COAS General Raheel Sharif said that the Operation Zarb-e-Azb would continue till the elimination of last terrorist. He emphasised that terrorists would be pursued even in the remotest areas and all their sanctuaries would be taken out during the Operation Zarb-e-Azb.

Unidentified militants killed a member of the Levies Force, identified as Nawab escorting an anti-polio team in Damadola area in Mamond tehsil in Bajaur Agency. The sources said the attack took place on the last day of a three-day anti-polio campaign in Bajaur Agency. The immunisation drive continued after the attack under stringent security.

At least six persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Eminent religious scholar, Maulana Masood Baig, son-in-law of renowned scholar and head of Jamia Binoria Mufti Naeem, an international Deobandi Islamic educational institute, was shot dead in Hyderi locality of North Nazimabad area. According to reports, four suspected militants on two motorcycles stopped his vehicle near Hyderi Market when he was heading home from Karachi University and fired at it indiscriminately. Baig died on the spot while his driver was injured.

Two persons, identified as Ghulam Hyder (26) and Shabbir Hussain (50), were killed by unidentified assailants at Irani Camp in Orangi Town.

A person was shot dead near Liaquat Market of Malir Town.

A person, identified as Yasir, was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Islam Chowk in Orangi Town.

A dead body was found from Orangi Town.

Police banned pillion (shared motorcycle) riding in Karachi to reduce the growing incidence of targeted killings in the city.

The FC started digging 480-Kilometre-long trenches along the border with Afghanistan in order to curb incursions across this border into Pakistan. Colonel Faheem Babar, Commandant Qila Saifullah Scouts said, "We want to check incursions of terrorists and smugglers into Pakistan and the trenches will help control the situation along the Afghan border."

According to the FC, there is no 'frequent route' along the 1,270-kilometre-long Pak-Afghan border which also includes the rough terrain of mountains. Terrorists and smugglers often take advantage of these infrequent routes to enter Pakistan illegally. "They easily smuggle goods into Pakistan without paying taxes and custom duties," an FC official said.

Two persons were killed in separate incidents of targeted killings in Orangi Town of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

A militant who had escaped from Swat was killed in the Police operation in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Unidentified gunmen opened fire at Akram aka Shahji in Ghaziabad area of Orangi leaving him dead on the spot.

Armed men shot dead another man at Rehmat Chowk of Baldia Town within a span of one hour from the first killing.

Paramilitary Rangers arrested five suspects in raids conducted in Sharafi Goth, Zaman Town and Karnal Basti areas with hand grenades and other munitions.

Police also conducted raids in Khuda Ki Basti in which 20 accused were arrested, which were transferred to undisclosed place for interrogation.

Al Qaeda's new South Asia branch claimed responsibility for a weekend raid on a Karachi naval yard that left a sailor and three attacker's dead, saying former military officers had helped in the attack. It is the first attack claimed by the terror network's new wing, whose creation was announced by chief Ayman Al-Zawahiri.

Unidentified militants shot dead a peace committee member in the Tank Bazaar of Tank Town (Tank District) of KP. According to reports, the militants ambushed the peace body committee as he came out of his house near Tank Bazaar. He died on the spot while the militants fled from the scene.

One militant was killed and another sustained injury during an encounter with the Police near the Mashogagar Police post in the limits of Badaber Police Station in Peshawar, the provincial KP. Police said a group of militants opened fire on the APC of police and mobile van near the Mashogagar Police post. Police repulsed the attack and killed one of the militants identified as Qaiser. Another militant sustained injuries.

A soldier was killed in exchange of fire with unidentified militants in Charbagh tehsil (revenue unit) of Swat District in the night. The sources said unidentified militants stormed the house of Hazrat Rehman in Salanda village at night in which he and his daughter Rabia Bibi sustained injuries.

Unidentified militants blew up a railway track in the Bala Nari area of Bolan District in Balochistan. According to the official sources, the militants had planted explosives close, which resulted in blowing up of two-foot track. The train service was suspended temporarily following the blast.

A head of a Seminary, identified as Maulvi Sadiq Khan (65), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Sandal Bar Police Limits of Faisalabad city (Faisalabad District).

The District administration slapped Section 144 in Islamabad, the federal capital and banned pillion riding for seven days after Intelligence Agencies reported that the PTI and PAT sit-ins in the Red Zone face a serious terror threat. Highly-placed sources said that Intelligence Agencies had informed the Federal Ministry of Interior that five to six Khyber Agency-based militants were attending the twin sit-ins and were looking for an opportunity to strike.

Teams comprising the Islamabad Police and paramilitary forces launched a campaign to arrest pillion riders. Sources in the district administration disclosed that the ban was imposed to arrest the violent activists of PAT and PTI. They said the bike riding activists would be arrested within a week and their bikes impounded.

Police killed a LI 'commander' while apprehended an injured accomplice after an encounter in Badhaber area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police said the killed and injured were involved in attack on DSP Abid Abdul Rehman. The DSP and his driver were wounded during an attacked on Frontier Road on July 22, 2014.

The BDU defused a 20-kilogram IED, which was planted on a roadside in Shero Jhangai in the limits of Khazana Police Station in Peshawar.

MQM Chief Altaf Hussain said that if any MQM worker or leader was involved in sectarian killings, he should be hanged in public but if the allegation could not be proved, then those leveling such baseless allegations should be hanged instead.

A Police Sub Inspector, identified as Tariq Mehmood, was killed by unidentified assailants in the Batapur Police Limits in Lahore.

Three cadres of Amr Bil Maroof Wa Nahi Anil Munkar sustained injuries in a roadside blast in Bar Qambarkhel in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. The sources said that the cadres, identified as Reshad, Haroon and Mumtaz, were on their way to a village in a car when an explosive device planted on roadside went off in Bar Qambarkhel.

Three watchmen of a market sustained injuries when unidentified assailants lobbed a hand-grenade into a room in Anjani Bazaar area of Orakzai Agency. Sources said Suleman, Gul Khan and Nadir Khan were sitting in a room in Anjani Bazaar when unidentified assailants persons hurled a hand- grenade into the room around 5am early in the morning. As a result, the sources said, all the three watchmen sustained critical wounds in the attack.

A grid station was attacked with an IED in Kalaya in Orakzai Agency. Source said a shopping bag containing four kilogram of explosives had been placed near the main entrance to the grid station.

Security Forces raided a house near Landikotal College in Landikotal town of Khyber Agency and arrested four terrorists. According to security officials, during the raid, they also seized a suicide jacket.

The Army emphatically stated that it was not the "scriptwriter" of the PTI and PAT protest marches. ISPR DG Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa said that the Army supports constitution and democracy and has nothing to do with the present political situation in the country. "Army has no role or involvement in the situation and assumptions and speculations in this connection are regrettable," Bajwa said while answering questions by media persons at a briefing on September 12.

To a question he rejected reports of differences within the Army and said that it was united and cohesive institution under the command of Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif. "Issues are frankly discussed and debated in the army but the final decision is made by the army chief," he added.

About security and safety of important buildings in the Red Zone, he informed the media that the army was tasked with providing security to five buildings in Islamabad and PTV was not included in the list. He added that when the army was summoned it was successful in evacuating the attackers from the PTV building. To yet another question, he said, "While we are only supposed to look after the physical security of the Parliament building, we also ensured the safe and secure evacuation of parliamentarians. This we did as protesters had encamped themselves in the parliament lawn."

At least three persons including one FC personnel were killed and 22 others were injured in a remote controlled bomb explosion in Satellite Town area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Two persons were injured as NATO container was attacked by militants in Bypass area of Chaman in Qilla Abdullah District. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

Unidentified militants killed a Khasadar force personnel along with his wife in Shalobar Qamberabad of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency. Official sources said the Khasadar personnel was going out of his house in Shalobar Qamberabad when the assault left him and his wife dead on the spot.

A homeopathic health practitioner, identified as Khalid Hussain (52), was shot dead by unidentified assailants at his clinic in North Karachi.

TTP Punjab Chapter (also known as Punjabi Taliban) leader Asmatullah Muawiya announced that it will be ceasing its militant activity in Pakistan and would limit its militant activity to Afghanistan. According to Muawiya the decision was taken after consultations. He also urged other groups of TTP to stop their militant activity in Pakistan.

At least three militants and a civilian were killed and another sustained injuries in cross-fire erupted after attack on the convoy of the SFs in Dogra area in Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency in FATA.

Three FC personnel were killed and two others were injured in a rocket attack at Spinwam area of NWA. Sources said that militants fired 20 rockets at an FC fort due to which three FC personnel were killed and two others were injured.

A prayer leader of the FC was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Nasir Bagh area of Hayatabad in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to the Police, Maulana Qari Javed Afridi, a resident of Mullagori, Khyber Agency, was shot dead on his way home from Ghundai Pump House.

A TTP 'commander', Salim Shah Je, was killed by the Police, while his accomplice was injured in Kulachi tehsil of Dera Ismail Khan District. It was stated Salim Shah Je was the right-hand man of TTP Kulachi 'commander' Amir Jan Malang.

A supporter of the ASWJ, identified as Malik Fayyaz (50), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Baldia Town of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

The head of a local Shia organisation, identified as Mohsin Raza, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Latifabad Locality of Hyderabad city (Hyderabad District).

An alleged militant was shot dead while another was injured in an encounter on Manghopir Road of Karachi.

SFs arrested three Navy officials involved in an attack at West Wharf Naval dockyard in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, from the Lak Pass area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. A security official, who requested anonymity, said that acting on intelligence reports, SFs conducted raids in the outskirts of Quetta and picked up three suspects.

Karachi Dockyard attackers planned to hijack Navy frigate PNS Zulfiqar in their attempt on West Wharf on September 6. According to informed sources, the attack was carried out entirely by serving Navy personnel, along with Owais Jakharani, a former Navy cadet who could have been given access inside without too much trouble. "It seems the intention was to hijack PNS Zulfiqar [a frigate purchased from China and inducted in July 2009]," said one of these sources.

Naval Commandos of PNS Iqbal rushed to the scene and a gunbattle ensued. One naval officer was killed and seven others were injured. Two or three of the attackers were shot dead, one of them being Jakharani, who the Police claimed had drowned. Four attackers who had taken refuge in one of the ship's compartments were locked in and later captured.

According to another source, no fewer than 17 more individuals, all Navy personnel, including the three arrested from Quetta in Balochistan while reportedly trying to make their way to Afghanistan have been rounded up based on information extracted from those apprehended. It is believed the suspects are currently being interrogated at one of the military's interrogation centres.

Al Qaeda's South Asia branch on September 11 had claimed responsibility for the September 6 raid on the West Wharf Naval dockyard in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, that left a sailor and three attacker's dead. A statement in Urdu from the group sent to AFP claimed that the target of the raid was a "US supply ship" and said the dead attackers included former Pakistan Navy officers. Al Qaeda said the officers quit their jobs and joined the militants after becoming radicalised.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had voiced concerns while addressing Parliament on September 10, saying: "We cannot rule out the inside help in this attack because without it the miscreants could not breach security. The operation near Karachi shore was an attack by al Qaeda in the subcontinent."

It is the first attack claimed by the terror network's new wing, whose creation was announced by 'Chief' Ayman al Zawahiri on September 3. The claims, made on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in New York, will likely add to concerns about extremist infiltration of the Pakistani military's ranks after the TTP, who also claimed to be behind the attack, said they received inside help.

Two brothers of a senior Policeman were killed and another sustained injuries when militants attacked his house in Rora village in the limits of University Police Station in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. The sources said a group of militants affiliated with a banned outfit forced their entry into the house of Saifur Rehman, Station House Officer (SHO) at Kulachi Police Station, at 10 pm and fired at his brothers identified as Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Ismail and Asghar Khan.

TTP rejected Asmatullah Muawiya's statement on cessation of militancy in Pakistan. TTP 'commander' Abu Baseer, termed Muawiya to have been a wrong choice stating that Muawiya had presented himself as a Mujahid (warrior), alluding that he was not. Baseer in his statement said that Asmatullah Muawiya was and remains to be an ISI spy.

Military air strikes killed at least 15 suspected militants in the NWA of FATA. A statement released by the ISPR said that Army Aviation combat helicopters in precise attack strikes in Tabai area of NWA also destroyed 10 explosive-laden vehicles. Five terrorist hideouts were also destroyed in the action.

Police in Ghoryan District of Herat Province claimed to have killed five Quetta Shura militants during a clash. The Provincial Police Chief General Abdul Baqi Behsudi said that the militants were involved in drug trafficking and the Police recovered 320 kilogram of opium from their possession.

Three militants, a suicide bomber among them, and a Policeman were killed in a fierce clash which followed an attack on Thall Police Station in Hangu District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to Police, 30 to 40 militants using heavy weapons and grenades stormed the Police Station at about 5:45am. A Policeman was killed and four others were injured. Police fired back and a suicide bomber who had failed to enter the police station because of stiff police resistance blew himself up after having been injured. The Ansarul Mujahideen, wing of the outlawed TTP, which operates in Hangu, Thall and Kohat, has claimed responsibility for the attack on Thall Police Station.

A member of the peace body was killed by unidentified gunmen in the Kabal tehsil of the Swat District. The sources said that the member of the peace committee and schoolteacher Zahir Shah was on his way to the Government High School in Kabal when unidentified gunmen shot him dead near the Defence Ground.

The FC (Balochistan) IG Major General Ejaz Shahid urged for cooperation among the LEA’s to be improved in order to achieve ‘durable’ peace in Balochistan. Shahid said that every institution needs to play its role adequately. “FC will always be there to help the civil administration in any part of the province,” he added.

According to the report, he was reviewing the law and order situation and possible spill over of terrorists to Zhob District of Balochistan in the wake of Operation Zarb-e-Azb in NWA of FATA.

At least 20 militants and four SF personnel of the Tochi Scouts Wing of the paramilitary FC were killed and another sustained injuries when Afghanistan-based militants attacked the Dandi Kach checkpost in Spinwam tehsil in NWA of FATA. Sources said that some 700 Afghanistan-based militants stormed the Dandi Kach checkpost near the Afghan border at around 6:20am and killed four soldiers manning the picket. The slain soldiers were identified as Lance Naik Hamid Akbar from Kohat, Lance Naik Abid Jan from Charsadda, Lance Naik Sajid from Kohat and Abdul Rahman.

SFs claimed to have killed 23 militants in air strikes by the PAF jet fighters in the Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency. The ISPR press release said that the jet fighters pounded the positions of militants in Dwa Toi, Tor Darra and Wacha Wano areas in Tirah Valley. It said about 23 militants were killed and five others injured in the bombardment. Three hideouts and two ammunition dumps were also destroyed in Tor Darra and Kukikhel areas during the bombardment. Official sources said the dead and injured militants were affiliated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group.

About 12 unidentified militants attacked a pro-government tribal leader, Malik Khaista Gul's house at midnight in Babi Khel area of Ghallanai tehsil in Mohmand Agency. Militants lobbed a hand grenade and also fired rocket shells at his house, a political administrator said. The tribal leader’s guards put up resistance and an exchange of fire ensued. Khaista Gul’s 12-year-old grandson was injured and the house partially damaged. Another grandson of Khaista Gul had been killed by an unidentified militant in 2013.

In Safi tehsil, marble mine owner and tribal leader Malik Bakhtpoor was attacked in a similar manner. A hand grenade was lobbed inside his house at night but no casualties or damage to property was reported.

A former counsellor and his son were shot dead near a hotel in Sabri Chowk area of Orangi Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An unidentified dead body was recovered from Memon Goth area of Gadap Town.

Another unidentified dead body was recovered from Zaman Town locality of Korangi Town.

An unidentified dead body of a woman was recovered from Gulbahar area of Liaquatabad Town.

CID arrested five LeJ militants during raid in the SITE Town. The CID also recovered weapons from their possession.

At least four personnel of Levies and Balochistan Constabulary were injured in a clash with militants in Naal area of Khuzdar District. Later, the Levies authorities claimed they seized two vehicles and 25 sub-machineguns after the clash.

Police officials in Sardheri area of Charsadda District in KP arrested two suspects and recovered a large quantity of ammunition. According to a Sardheri Police official, the Police stopped a car and found dynamite, 40 detonators and 90 safety fuses inside. Two suspects, Maroof Shah and Haji Haya Khan, were arrested.

PM Nawaz Sharif said the Government was trying its best to ensure the early repatriation of the IDPs of NWA so that they could start afresh in an atmosphere of peace and stability. The PM held a meeting with a large Jirga delegation from the NWA, led by Maulana Fazlur Rahman, at the PM House. Nawaz said the brave people of the tribal areas, especially those belonging to NWA, had given great sacrifices for long-term peace in Pakistan for which the entire Pakistani nation was proud of them. He said NWA would soon be cleared and expressed confidence that permanent peace would be restored in the area.

A preliminary report on the naval dockyard attack in Karachi on September 6, 2014, revealed that the TTP’s Sindh Chapter was involved in the attack. The report said that TTP's Sindh Chapter had penetrated into various departments of the Provincial Government. It further stated that at least 21 suspects, including 14 servicemen, were also taken into custody. Three Government employees were arrested from Larkana District and two from Jamshoro District of Sindh.

According to the probe report, the attackers intended to destroy the navy workshop and other key installations in the vicinity. It added that timely action by the Naval commandos had foiled the attempted terror attack.

Pakistan Government announced a financial embargo on six al Qaeda militants, identified as Abdul Rahman Muhammad Zafir Al-Dabidi, Abdul Mohsen Abdullah, Abu Muhammad Al Adnani, Hajjaj Bin Fahd Al-Ajmi, Hamid Al-Ali and Said Arif. The Securities and Exchanges Commission issued the order, telling financial companies and stock exchanges to bar the militants from access to the country's financial system. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also ordered immigration authorities to keep the six from entering Pakistan.

Pakistan rejected Afghanistan’s accusations regarding involvement of Pakistani intelligence agencies in terrorism across the border. “We express our dismay at the latest allegations levelled in the statements issued by Afghanistan’s National Security Council and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Repeated attempts by the Afghan side to implicate Pakistan’s intelligence institutions in terrorist activities are both unfounded and counter-productive,” FO said in a statement. “It has been stressed by us, time and again, that Pakistan remains committed to disallowing its territory to be used against any country. We would not allow anyone to breach Pakistan’s laws in this regard or to undermine our goals of fostering friendly and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries,” it said.

“At the same time, we believe that the threat of terrorism is best addressed through mutual cooperation,” the statement added. The Foreign Office said, “Pakistan’s firm resolve to combat this menace, without any distinction or discrimination, is concretely manifested in the ongoing military operation Zarb-e-Azb. It is imperative that complementary actions are taken by the Afghan authorities on their side of the border. Elimination of terrorist sanctuaries and handing over of TTP elements that have taken refuge in Afghanistan are the first important step s in that direction,” the FO said.

PAF airstrikes destroyed five militant hideouts and killed at least 40 suspected militants as part of the on-going Operation Zarb-e-Azb in the Kiza Madakhel, Datta Khel and Ezark areas of Datta Khel tehsil in NAW of FATA.

Police claimed to have killed seven TTP’s militants and arrested one in injured condition in a raid conducted following firing and a blast in Afghan Basti near Sohrab Goth in Gadap Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Speaking to media representatives, SSP, Malir Rao Anwar said the TTP militants belonged to Waliur Rehman faction. Two other militants managed to escape.

A Shia man, Ali Haider who is an employee of Central Prison in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP was shot dead by unidentified assailants in an incident of sectarian violence in Sarki area under Shah Qabool Police Station in Peshawar.

Al Qaeda's South Asia wing claimed responsibility for hijacking a Pakistani naval ship, PNS Zulfiqar, and trying to use it to fire rockets at US vessels in the Arabian Sea. The SITE monitoring service quoted its 'spokesman', Usama Mahmoud, as saying a group of militants had succeeded in seizing control of the PNS Zulfiqar and tried to use it to attack nearby US vessels. "These mujahidin [holy warriors] had taken control of the Pakistani ship, and they were advancing towards the American fleet when the Pakistani army stopped them," he said.

"As a result, the mujahidin, the lions of Allah and benefactors of the Ummah (community), sacrificed their lives for Allah, and the Pakistani soldiers spoiled their hereafter by giving up their lives in defence of the enemies of the Ummah, the Americans," he added.

Al Qaeda announced the formation of the new group on September 4, 2014 with its 'chief', Ayman al-Zawahri, promising to spread Islamic rule and "raise the flag of jihad" across South Asia, home to more than 400 million Muslims.

At least 23 militants were killed in fresh airstrikes on militant hideouts in Ismail Khel and Zerom areas of NWA in FATA. A statement issued by ISPR said that Pakistan Army in an aerial action targeted militant hideouts in Zerom and Ismail Khel area, killing at least 23 militants. These claims, however, could not be independently verified as journalists have limited access to the restive tribal agency.

The IDPs of NWA alleged that Police and customs officials had been impounding their vehicles on refusal to pay bribes at different checkpoints. “Police in different Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have impounded our 21 vehicles in the name of checking,” said tribal elder Malik Zafarullah Wazir. He further claimed that the Security Forces had already provided them the NOC for use of NCP vehicles till their stay in the camps, but the Police and customs officials were teasing them for obvious reason to pay them money.

An activist of JeI, identified as Ashraf Salam, was shot dead and two others, Akhter Ansari and Salman Matin, were injured while they were sitting near the JeI office in sector-7-D of Surjani Town area in Gadap Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

The Dean of Islamic Studies at Karachi University, Professor Shakeel Auj was shot dead over blasphemy charges at Baitul Mukarram Masjid in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town. According to his colleague, Auj had been receiving threats following complaints that his teaching was too liberal.

A man, identified as, Ibrahim (22), was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants near Niazi Chowk in Lyari Town.

An unidentified man was shot dead in an incident of firing in Mohammad Ali Mohallah of Lyari Town.

A Lyari Gang War Ghaffar Zikri Group gangster, identified as Naseer Gul (20), was shot dead in a joint encounter by Police and Rangers at Eido Lane in Lyari Town. Police recovered 1 pistol (9mm) with 10 rounds from his possession.

A security official was killed in a remote-controlled bomb blast targeting SFs vehicle in Shapuk area of Kech District. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

An unnamed Police ASI was shot dead by unidentified militants in the Double Road area of Quetta, provincial capital of Balochistan.

SFs claimed to have foiled a terror bid by seizing 250 kilogram of explosives during a raid in Hazarganji area of Quetta. An unnamed security official said that the explosives and other weapons were dumped into a valley and were recovered following intelligence reports.

KP authorities will soon shift militants from various prisons from around the province to a new high-security prison in Mardan town (Mardan District). "Final touches are being made, after which prisoners will be shifted to its cells," KP Home and Tribal Affairs Secretary Akhtar Ali Shah said. Authorities are withholding specific dates for the completion of the prison's construction and the transfer of prisoners for security reasons, but the completion and transfers are expected to take place this month, Shah said.

The KP Government started construction on the high-level facility after two major jailbreaks in Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan Districts. The PKR 1.78 billion (USD 17.3 million) prison features a three-layered wall and more support for guards in the form of closed-circuit TV cameras, alarms, watch towers and isolation rooms. As an added security measure, the outer wall surrounding the facility is made of bomb-proof material. Workers also built an 18-foot-wide road to facilitate round-the-clock patrols. And the prison will have a solar power system to prevent any blackouts. It'll be able to hold 3,000 inmates, most in a barracks, though the prison has 127 cells set aside for high-profile prisoners.

The KP Government has introduced a number of other initiatives to improve the security at prisons. Last year it announced plans to form an 800-strong security force focusing on prisons. "The special force will be responsible for the security of the prisons all over the province," Malik Qasim, an advisor to the KP government on prisons, said. "They will be provided with the latest gadgets and sophisticated ammunition." Workers are setting up high-security zones at five other sensitive prisons in Timergara, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat and Karak to segregate hard-core militants from the other inmates, KPIG of Prisons Kifayatullah Khan said recently.

Militants have assassinated about 20 members of various peace committees in Swat District in 2014. Militants also killed five Policemen and 15 civilians whom they targeted. Sher Shah Khan, president of the Awami National Party's Swat chapter and a former member of the Parliamentary Assembly, condemned the slayings. The assassination of the peace committee members will have grave repercussions on the law-and-order situation in Swat, which is returning to normality after years of chaos resulting from Taliban misrule, he said.

Two persons identified as Sunny (22) and Ashraf (30), were killed and one another, Akhtar Ansari, was injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire their car in Surjani Town area of Gadap Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The victims were workers of a religious-political party.

One Nadeem Abbas (30), was shot dead by unidentified militants in North Karachi Town.

Police shot dead Lyari gangster, Makhdoom alias Don, in an encounter near Do Darya in Seaview area of Clifton Town in Saddar Town. Anti-Violent Crime Cell SSP Nasir Aftab said that the deceased belonged to a Lyari gang.

A man, identified as Sultan (25), was injured in a firing incident by unidentified armed assailants near Soorti Factory in Bhains Colony of Bin Qasim Town.

Karachi SITE Police claimed to have recovered a huge cache of explosive material, including seven IED containing total 50 kilograms of explosives, two dynamites, five crackers and three rifles, near a graveyard. The recovery was done after a lead provided by suspected militants who were arrested in the city some days ago.

At least three LI militants were killed in a remote-controlled blast in the Sipah area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. The militants were travelling in their vehicle when they passed the area where they were hit by an IED planted along a roadside. The vehicle was of LI ‘commander’ Shams who was not present in it at the time of the explosion.

A woman was killed and three others — a woman, a man and a child — were injured when unidentified militants opened fire at a vehicle in Janikhel area of Bannu District in the KP. SHO Janikhel Police Station Imran Aslam confirmed the firing incident and added that an investigation was underway into the motives and circumstances surrounding it.

KP Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan said that phased return of 6,000 internally displaced families of Bar Qambar Khel area of Khyber Agency in FATA to their homes would start from September 23. According to a handout issued, the Governor said that 11,265 IDPs had already returned to their homes in different areas of Khyber Agency which had been cleared of militants. He said the government was utilising all means to ensure return of the affected families to their homes at the earliest.

The JuD, the frontal organisation of LeT resurfaced in the World Wide Web and launched its websites www.jamatdawa.org and www.jamatdawa.net hosted from a server in the USA. However, this is not the first time when JuD has managed a return to the World Wide Web as in the past the banned outfit has changed its identity, floated various charity organisations and tweaked names to launch websites.  

Police sources said, Hafiz Mohammed Saeed, the JuD ‘chief’, along with Zafar Iqbal and Abdullah Yusuf Azam had joined hands to form a charitable organisation under the name Markaz al-Dawa Wal Irshad (MDI) (The Centre for Religious Learning and Propagation) in 1986, and soon floated a website under the name www.markazdawa.org. However, after the 9/11 attack, the United States of America mounted pressure on Pakistan to dismantle its terror network, imposed sanctions on MDI, and ensured that the organization, which acted as a front for LeT, shut down its website.

However, US could do little when MDI shifted the entire content of its website to another online portal named www.dawacenter.org. The website remained active till Saeed re-christened his organization as Jamat-ud-Dawa in 2001 and launched a website in Urdu and English under the name www.jamatuddawa.org, added police sources.

The site voiced the opinion of JuD’s senior leadership, including head of JuD’s department of political affairs, Hafiz Abd-ur-Rahman Makki, as well as Maulana Ameer Hamza, Yahya Mujahid, Hafiz Abd-ur-Raoof, Hafiz Khalid Waleed, and Abdullah Muntazir till Mumbai 26/11 terrorist attack in 2008. Soon after the attack, the United National Security Council once again declared JuD to be front of LeT, the terrorist wing that plotted the Mumbai terror attack, and levied sanctions on the outfit.

At least 13 people, including two children and a woman, were wounded when an IED that was fitted to a cycle exploded outside the Khilji Mutton restaurant on Samungali Road in Punj Fitti area of Quetta. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Three people, identified as Imran, Naveed and Sajid, were shot dead and another injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at people present in a hotel located in Federal-B Area of Hussainabad in Malir Town of the provincial capital Karachi. 

Two gangsters, identified as Aziz alias Chwani, and Zakir alias David, were killed and four others were arrested in an encounter conducted by Rangers in Musharraf Colony of Baldia Town and Rangiwara locality in Lyari Town. Rangers' spokesperson said that the killed gangsters were affiliated with Mullah Nasir of Uzair Baloch group of Lyari gang war. He said that they were involved in various target killings, kidnapping, extortions and other crimes. Rangers also recovered weapons from their possession.  

IGP Ghulam Hyder Jamali directed the concerned officials to devise contingency plan for the security of permitted cattle markets in the city and in other parts of the province. He instructed the Police officials to maintain close liaison with other Law Enforcement Agencies. Jamali ordered to carry out survey of all the ways leading to super highway cattle market by concerned police stations and to ensure effective targeted actions in crime affected areas.

The deputy caretaker of Taleem-ul-Quran seminary, identified as Mufti Amanullah (34), was shot dead while his student, identified as Mehmood (18), sustained injuries in a targeted attack near the high security Qasim aviation base on Dhamyal Road in Rawalpindi District. RPO Akhtar Umar Hayat Laleka said it was a targeted killing. Some protesters also set on fire an imambargah (Shia place of commemoration) in the old tyre market near the Taleem-ul-Quran Madrasa in Raja Bazaar area of the District. 

The dead of a man, identified as Amir Ahmed alias Samandar Khan, was found from the rooftop of the Imambargah. However, his association with the Imambargah could not be ascertained. According to the details, Khan operated was owned a tandoor shop in the vicinity of the Imambargah.

District Leader of JUI-F Maulana Sher Alam Farooqi was killed in Tor Gundai area in Hangu District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. JUI-F Information Secretary Jalil Jan said that armed militants opened fire on Farooqi outside his residence. He died on the spot. Farooqi graduated from Haqqania Madrassa and was the Deputy Emir of Thall tehsil in Hangu District.

Police arrested key militant commander Gul Manan who is allegedly involved in a number of terrorists activities from Adezai area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Three Kalashnikov, rifles and hand grenades were recovered from his possession. Superintendent of Police Shakir Bangash said that Manan is being questioned and interrogated so that more information is extracted from him.

The TTP said that one of its senior commanders Mohammad Hasan was killed in a recent clash with Army during Operation Zarb-i-Azb in NWA of FATA. In a statement issued by TTP ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid said Hasan, who hailed from Kabul, was killed in clashes in Boya area of NWA. The statement added that Hasan had recently been released from an Afghan prison and had "reunited with his comrades" in Pakistan.

Pakistan welcomed the agreement signed by the two presidential candidates in Afghanistan regarding the establishment of a government of national unity. Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement, “Consistent with our support for a peaceful democratic transition, we regard the signing of this agreement as a positive development. “ The spokesperson said this outcome has been possible due to the wise and sagacious leadership of Dr Ashraf Ghani and Dr Abdullah Abdullah.

September 22

At least 23 militants were killed in shelling by jet fighters and gunship helicopters in the Bangidar area in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. Ten explosive stores and several terrorist hideouts were also destroyed in the action.

Two SFs were killed and another injured when an IED planted along the roadside exploded in the FR Bannu.

Two bullet-riddled dead bodies were found in a deserted place in Ashrafabad area of Baizai sub-division of Mohmand Agency.

At least 11 people were killed during an armed clash between two rival militant outfits in Bal Gitar area of Turbat District in Balochistan. An unnamed security official said that armed militants attacked the convoy of Yaqoob Balgatheri, a militant 'commander' in the Bil Gitar area of Hoshap, killing him and 10 others in the attack. "The assailants belonged to a defunct Baloch separatist group," added the security official.

Three dead bodies were found in Wadh tehsil of Khuzdar District. One of the victims was identified as Aziz Mengal, while the other two are yet to be identified.

Three militants were shot dead and four others arrested by Security Forces in the Lop area of Wadh in Khuzdar District. “FC killed three militants and arrested four belonging to LeB and banned UBA,” said the FC spokesperson.

Unidentified persons abducted five persons, including an official of the Revenue Department, from the Maro area of Dera Bugti District.

Three Policemen, identified as Shahid Umar, Rehman and Khurram Shahzad and a teenager, Ismail were killed when militants fired at a Police van near a roadside security check post in Qazi Pump area of Hangu District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa The 'spokesman' of TTP, Shahidullah Shahid, claimed responsibility for the attack.

An explosive device weighing about three kilograms, planted by suspected militants near the house of Muhammad Jalil in Lakhti Banda of Hangu, exploded. However, there was no loss of life in the incident. 

An unidentified man was shot dead in Korangi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

The CoAS, General Raheel Sharif called on PM Nawaz Sharif and exchanged views on Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. The Army said the SFs have cleared some 90 per cent of areas of the militants in major towns in the region, including its headquarters Miranshah and Mir Ali.

September 23

At least 19 militants were killed in aerial strikes on militant hideouts in the Dandi Kachkol, Ghulam Khan, Gurbaz, Mana, Pasht Ziarat areas of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

A bomb planted near the house of one Naimatullah by unidentified militants was defused by the bomb disposal unit in Wazir Dhand area of Khyber Agency.

At least 27 persons, including six wanted militants, were arrested in a targeted search operation in the Lashora and Wanu Mela areas of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency.      

Five persons, including a woman and a soldier, were killed while 25 others sustained injuries when a suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden car into a convoy of FC on the Shershah Suri Road near the Peshawar Press Club in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. FC Deputy Inspector General, Brigadier Khalid Javed, was the prime target of the suicide attack. However, he survived the attack but was wounded.  TTP claimed responsibility for the suicide attack. The TTP 'spokesman' Shahidullah Shahid said the attack on the SF convoy was a reaction to the Operation Zarb-e-Azb.

A doctor from the Ahmadi community, identified as Mubashar Ahmad Khosa, was shot dead in Mali Colony of Mirpurkhas District of Sindh.

CID in-charge, Raja Umar Khattab, claimed to have killed a militant, identified as Bhaloo, during a raid in the Katti Pahari area of Orangi Town in Karachi District. Khattab said that two of Bhaloo’s aides were arrested and a huge cache of arms were also recovered during a raid in the area. The official further added that the CID officials came under hand grenade attack during the raid at Bhaloo's hideout.

AIG, Karachi, Ghulam Qadir Thebo said that five target killers involved in various killings had been arrested in the city. AIG said that 200 target killers had been killed in targeted operations in Karachi.

Levies personnel found two bullet-riddled dead bodies in the Pidark area of Turbat District of Balochistan. The victims remain unidentified.

According to sources in Balochistan Home and Tribal Affairs Department, more than 50 bodies were recovered in Quetta and other towns of Balochistan during this year (2014). However, Baloch nationalists contradict the official figure and claim that the number of bodies recovered was more than what was being quoted by the home department.

September 24

At least 13 militants were killed in air strikes by the PAF jets in the Surkas, Dwatoi and Gharbay Kandao areas of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. Local sources said an Uzbek ‘commander’ was among those killed in the air strikes. The targeted areas were inhabited by the Kukikhel tribe.

10 Uzbek militants were killed when a US drone hit a vehicle in the Lowra Mandai area of Dattakhel tehsil in North Waziristan Agency. Government condemned the drone strike. “The government of Pakistan condemns the incident of US drone strike that took place in Dattakhel, North Waziristan on Wednesday, 24 September 2014,” a statement from Foreign Office said.

SFs recovered arms and explosives from the Ashkhel mountain Range in Landikotal tehsil of Khyber Agency.

A man, identified as Muhammad Kashif (30), was shot dead by unidentified militants near Bhains Colony in Bin Qasim Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An unidentified man was shot dead by some unidentified armed assailants near Gate No. 6 at Truck Terminal in the Mauripur area of Kiamari Town. 

A dead body, identified as that of Soomro (45), bearing severe tortured marks, was recovered near Hub River within the Hamdard University jurisdiction.

A suspect was killed during a Police encounter in the Mauripur area of Kiamari Town. However, his accomplice managed to escape.

Two persons, identified as Zakir (46) and Osman (40), were shot at and injured at Mazedar Food Street at Anda Mor in North Karachi Town. 

One Afzal (30) was shot at and injured by unidentified armed assailants near Dhobi Ghat in Usmanabad area of Lyari Town.

An unnamed security official revealed that FC and personnel of the anti-terrorists force in a joint raid recovered 800 hand grenades, 200 kilogram of explosives, 13 RPG launcher, electric detonators from Al Gilani Road area of Quetta. “We foiled a major bid of terror. Forces found weapons dumped in a water tank near the residence of JWP leader Nawabzada Shah Zain Bugti,” CCPO Abdul Razzaq Cheema said.

Peshawar Corps Commander Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani called for action against terrorist groups in southern Punjab and Balochistan, saying the ‘successful’ Zarb-e-Azb operation was not enough to end the terrorist threat in the country. “Terrorism cannot be eliminated without intelligence-based operations throughout the country – particularly in Southern Punjab and Sindh,” he said. He called for greater focus of these operations in Southern Punjab and Balochistan and a stronger political backing for these actions.

September 25

Police recovered three mutilated dead bodies from Rakhshan Nadi and Washbud areas of Panjgur District in Balochistan. A Police Officer Murad Buledi said, “All victims have received multiple bullets.”

Two persons, identified Abdul Ghaffoor (60) and Kaleemullah (30), were killed and at least seven others were injured, in a bomb blast targeting chief of the CID SIU, Farooq Awan, in Gizri locality of Clifton Cantonment in Saddar Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Awan escaped unhurt. It was the third attempt on his life.

There were some sources that pointed towards the Abid Mucchar group of the TTP, while CID pointed at Jundullah's involvement in the attack.

Police arrested at least one suspect involved in the murder of PTI leader Zahra Shahid Hussain who was killed on May 18, 2013. "We have arrested one suspect, while there are others who will soon be arrested," said Karachi Police Chief Ghulam Qadir Thebo.

A Policeman shot at two prisoners in Adial Jail of Rawalpindi District, killing Christian pastor Zafar Bhatti, who was accused of blasphemy and wounding Briton Muhammad Asghar (70), who is condemned to death on the same charge. Zafar Bhatti later succumbed to his injuries. Bhatti, worked to protect the human rights of the country's Christian minority, and was on trial after he was accused in 2012 of sending blasphemous text messages.

Punjab Rangers announced the arrest of a suspected terrorist, identified as Taj Ali, near Chesham Barrage in Lahore District of Punjab and recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition. Ali hails from Bannu District of KP.

SF took into custody four persons from a house during a search operation in the Landi Kotal area of Khyber Agency in FATA. During the raid, a huge cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from the possession of the suspects.

Additional Secretary Ministry of Interior, Mukhtar Ali Khan, told the SSC on Interior that KP issued nearly 79,256 arms licenses having countrywide validity over the past one year. The committee chairman, Talha Mehmood, accused the KP Government of concealing facts and claimed that it had issued licenses for prohibited bore.

British Police arrested nine suspects, including leading a radical preacher of Pakistani descent, Anjem Choudary (47), in London on suspicion of links with the banned extremist group Al-Muhajiroun. Anjem said that he does not "feel sorry" for British hostage Alan Henning, who is being held by Islamic State (IS) militants, because he is not a Muslim, and has called IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi the "prince of believers".

September 26

A man, identified as Mohammad Sadiq (35), was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants near Tahir Villa in Aisha Manzil area of Gulberg Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An unidentified militant, was shot dead by Police in the Pak Colony area of SITE Town. Police said that unidentified militants opened fire on Pak Colony Police mobile when it was patrolling in the area. In retaliatory firing by Police one of them got killed. Another of the militant managed to escape.

An unidentified bullet riddled dead body of a man was found from Bhawan Shah Mazar near Memon Goth in Malir Town.

A boy, identified as Sharif (17), was shot at and injured near Firdaus Market in Liaquatabad Town.

Two activists of an anti-Taliban peace committee were killed and another seriously injured in an IED blast in the Dawezai area of Pandyali tehsil of Mohmand Agency in FATA. JuA claimed responsibility for the attack. The 'spokesman' of JuA Ehsanullah Ehsan said that they have targeted the peace committee members for fighting and spying against Taliban. He said that such attacks on ‘pro-government paid people’ would continue as they were enemies of Taliban.

The four suspected militants killed in the Fort Slope area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency on August 14, 2014, were identified as TTP and LI militants. While three of them were identified as TTP 'commanders', Jamil alias Jangrez, Shahid and Balage, another one was identified as LI 'commander', Raid Khan.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told the UNGA that a veil cannot be drawn over the core issue of Kashmir. He stated, "Our support and advocacy of the right to self- determination of the people of J&K is our historic commitment and a duty, as a party to the Kashmir dispute. More than six decades ago, the UN had passed resolutions to hold a plebiscite in J&K. The people of J&K are still waiting for the fulfilment of that promise. We cannot draw a veil on the issue of Kashmir, until it is addressed in accordance with the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir."  

CoAS General Raheel Sharif visited troops deployed in forward localities along the LoC near Jhelum and reiterated that any provocation along the LoC will be responded effectively.

The PTI Government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa decided in principle to remove ‘objectionable material’ from the textbooks of local primary schools in their attempt to please their coalition partner, JeI. An unnamed senior official of the Education Department said that JeI leaders had voiced reservations about the printing of pictures of minor girls without dupatta, Christmas cake and a Cross emblem on an ambulance instead of Crescent, the mention of good morning instead of Assalam-u-Alaikum, and presence of some other ‘objectionable’ stuff in textbooks for primary schools.

September 27

SFs thwarted militants attack on a check-post in Jamrud Bazaar in Khyber Agency of the FATA and killed at least six militants in retaliatory fire. The SFs have launched search operation in the area.

An unidentified man was killed when unidentified armed assailants opened fire in Faqeer Colony area of Orangi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Meanwhile, a body bearing torture marks was recovered from Kiamari gate no.1 in Kiamari Town.

A drowned dead body of a woman was recovered from Kiamari Town.

Separately, another body of a man, identified as Syed Akhtar Manzoor was recovered from Yusuf Plaza in Federal B Area of Gulberg Town.

An unidentified man was injured in firing incident that occurred in Ancholi in Federal B Area of Gulberg Town.

Another was injured in North Nazimabad Town.

At least two persons were killed and 15 others injured when an explosion occurred in Sibi town in Sibi District of Balochistan.

September 28

At least 15 terrorists were killed in air strikes by SFs in the ongoing Zarb-e-Azb operation in Shawal area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

US drone strike killed four suspected militants, including two Arab militants, in a compound in Wana area of South Waziristan Agency. 

TTP militants shot dead the leader of Qaumi Lashkar, Gul Akbar, and injured his driver, Noudiyar, in Dara area of Salarzai tehsil of Bajaur Agency. TTP 'spokesperson' Shahidullah Shahid claimed responsibility for the attack.

At least eight people were killed and 10 others, including two girls were injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast targeting Muhammad Khawjah's IDPs camp in Togh Sarray area of Hangu District in KP. 

At least 85 militants belonging to the Bugti tribe surrendered themselves to law-enforcement personnel in Sui area of Dera Bugti District in Balochistan. Khan Wasey, spokesman for the Frontier Corps, Balochistan, said in a statement that the men belonged to various Bugti clans living in Sui area of the District. They had been involved in attacks on SF and national installations in Dera Bugti and other areas of the Province.

Five militants were killed and four others were injured in a blast that occurred at the Lashkar-e-Islam base in Kandao area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA.

Two SFs were injured in a roadside remote-controlled IED blast in Spinwam area of North Waziristan Agency.

Two people, identified as, Zeeshan (32), and Saqib, were killed and their cousin, Faisal, was injured in a firing incident near Samanabad FB Area of Gulberg Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.  

An unidentified dead body of a man was found in Ittehad Town area of Baldia Town.

An unidentified man was injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at him in Baldia Town.

Unidentified militants opened fire at one Amin (30), injuring him critically near Meetha Chowrangi in Korangi Town.

One Shehan Shah (21), was shot and injured by unidentified armed assailants near Sher Muhammad Village Mauripur area of Kiamari Town.

Faizan (25), was injured by unidentified armed assailants in Korangi Town.

Colonel Tahir Mehmood of the Sindh Rangers told the Senate Standing Committee on Interior Affairs that over two thousand criminals have been arrested in the Rangers-led operation in Karachi.  According to sources, the report claimed that suspects arrested included those belonging to the TTP, the PAC, the MQM, ANP, and hundreds belonging to banned outfits.

373 raids were carried out on MQM offices in which 560 MQM workers were arrested and a large cache of weapons was recovered. 18 raids were carried out on offices of the ANP in which 40 people were arrested and 21 weapons were recovered, he said. 396 raids were carried out against the PAC, in which 539 suspects were arrested and 591 weapons were recovered. 403 raids were conducted against the TTP, in which 760 terrorists were arrested and a large cache of weapons and explosives was recovered. 159 raids were carried out against other banned outfits, in which 352 suspects were arrested and 463 weapons were recovered.

A Policeman, identified as Abdul Raheem, was shot dead near Kuchlak area of Quetta.

The detention of the chief of anti-Shia outfit LeJ, Malik Ishaq, who masterminded the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in March 2009, was extended on September 25 for further three months by Pakistani authorities citing “big risk” to the law and order situation during the coming month of Muharram (first month of the Islamic calendar that is marked as a mourning period for the Shia community).

A fresh murder and terrorism case was slapped on Nawaz Sharif and 10 others, including his brother and Ministers, over the death of three protestors during anti-government demonstrations in August 2014, the third criminal case filed against the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

One unidentified dead body was recovered from Rexor Bridge in the Pak Colony area of SITE Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Unidentified dead body was recovered from near the railway tracks in the Kala Pul area of the city.

CID DSP, Chaudhry Safdar, narrowly escaped a gun attack on his vehicle near Lyari expressway in the Garden area of Saddar Town.

Two people, identified as Arif (50) and Javed (30), were injured in a firing incident in Malir Town.

An unidentified man was shot and injured by unidentified armed assailants near Millennium Mall in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town.

Four alleged extortionists were arrested red handed by a team of SIU from SITE area.

Sindh Police claimed to have arrested four suspected target killers who were allegedly involved in incidents of killing in East and Central Districts of the city.

Three people were injured when a polio team was attacked in Gujranwala District.

A gas pipeline was blown up in the Zain Bugti area of Dera Bugti District, suspending gas supply from Well No. 10 to the Sui plant in the area. BRA claimed responsibility for the attack, and its spokesperson vowed to continue targeting gas pipelines and Security Forces in the District.

US Treasury Department added three Pakistani nationals associated with HuM and LeT. According to an announcement updating the Treasury Department’s list for Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) the three individuals added to the SDN list include HuM founder Fazlur Rehman Khalil, Muhammad Naeem Sheikh linked to LeT and Umair Naeem Sheikh linked to Abdul Hameed Shahabuddin. The Abdul Hameed Shahabuddin group has also been sanctioned.

Former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf approached the Supreme Court to adjourn the appeal filed against the Sindh High Court’s (SHC) decision to remove his name from the Exit Control List (ECL).

Four people including two teenage boys were killed and ten others injured when unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade at a barber shop near the Sirki Kalan area on Double Road in Quetta.

Two people were injured when unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade at a photographer's shop on Sariab Road.

A female school teacher, identified as Honey, was killed and two children were injured when a hand-grenade was hurled on Askari Public School and College located in the Shabqadar tehsil (revenue unit) of Peshawar.

A polio team was attacked in the Khanpur area of Rahim Yar Khan District.

Unidentified militants shot dead two persons in Sufaid Dheri area in Peshawar.

At least 15 militants were killed in jet strikes in the Jamrud and Bara areas in Khyber Agency of FATA.

At least seven persons were killed and eleven others were injured due to an explosion in a passenger coach in Bazid Khel area on Kohat Road in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Three suspected militants were killed and four others, including a key commander, were arrested in a clash with SFs during combing operation in Wali Noor Jan Khel area of Bannu Frontier Region.

An ASI, identified as Asif Mehmood, was shot dead by unidentified militants near Wazir Bagh area under Yakatoot Police Station in Peshawar.

At least three persons were killed and several others injured when an explosion ripped through a passenger van on Aalam Bridge on Karakoram Highway, near Haramosh area in Gilgit-Baltistan.

At least three persons were killed and six others were injured in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Two extortionists were killed during encounter with Police in rice godown area in Gulshan-e-Maymar.

A person, identified as Muddasir (28), was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Kamran Chorangi near Jauhar Morr in Gulistan-e-Johar.

Four persons were injured in a hand grenade attack by unidentified assailants in Gharib Shah Shrine of Sadirbar Lanes.

A person, identified as Pervez (25), was shot and injured by unidentified assailants in Lyari.

A person, identified as Shahid, was shot and injured by unidentified assailants in SITE area.

At least 29 suspects were arrested by Police and SFs from the Killi Kirani area and Ethiad Colony of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan in connection with hand grenade attacks on shops in Quetta on October 1, 2014 that killed four people and wounded over a dozen others.

A peace committee member, identified as Ashraf Khan, who was also a local leader of the ANP, was shot dead in Matta tehsil (revenue unit) of Swat District.

Five persons of Hazara Shia community were killed and dozens injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up in Hazara Town in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan, where people were shopping for Eid.

A PPP activist, identified as Abdul Qadir Baloch, was shot dead in Madhu Goth near NIPA Chowrangi under Gulistan-i-Jauhar Police Station in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

 A young man, identified as Rahmat Ali, was killed in Manghopir area of Karachi (Karachi District), apparently on sectarian grounds.

Rangers in a search operation in Banaras Colony arrested 11 suspects with weapons.

TTP declared allegiance to IS and ordered militants across the region to help the Middle Eastern jihadist group (religious war groups) in its campaign to set up a global Islamic caliphate.

Police killed seven members of the banned TTP in an encounter in the Sohrab Goth area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

The personnel of the Sectarian Cell of the CID gunned down two members of TTP, including Mufti Jawed, Karachi Naib Ameer (Deputy Chief).

At least five militants were killed in a US drone strike in Shawal area of South Waziristan Agency in FATA.

Three dead bodies were found in Jhal Magsi District.

Unidentified assailants gunned down a local journalist, Yaqoob Shahzad, while he was sitting in a showroom in Hafizabad District of Punjab Province.

At least eight militants were killed and four others were injured in a US drone strike in Bari Mail area of Shawal Valley in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. It was the fourth drone strike in last two weeks in the tribal belt.

At least three persons were killed and two others were injured in a firing incident in Zehri area of Khuzdar District. Levies officials said that it was not yet confirmed whether the attack was an incident of targeted killing or the result of a tribal dispute.

One person was killed and two others were injured by unidentified assailants at a seminary situated in Multani Mohalla area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

One person was killed and another was injured by unidentified assailants at Bilal Masjid in Quetta.

Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel Sharif announced that 14,000 youths will be inducted into the Army from tribal region of Waziristan over the next five years.

At least three militants were killed and five others were injured in a US drone strike in Madakhel Kunar Sar area of Dattakhel tehsil in NWA of FATA.

At least two persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. An activist of the ASWJ, identified as Maulana Masood, was killed by unidentified assailants in Hyderi area of North Nazimabad.

A JUI-F activist, identified as Maulana Sajidullah, was shot dead in Peerabad Muslim Colony.

PIPS reported that 212 persons were killed in 2013 in 132 sectarian-related attacks in Pakistan, mostly in Karachi.

One person was killed by unidentified assailants in New Karachi Area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Malik Baloch said that he cannot rule out the presence of ISIS militants in the province.

Regarding missing persons' issue, the Chief Minister said that his Government was determined and its top priority was to recover the missing persons. He, however, admitted that so far “no considerable progress has been made with regard to missing persons.”

At least five persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A SI of the Sindh Police, identified as Haider Bhatti, and a drug peddler, identified as Attaullah, were killed in an armed attack near Katti Pahari area.

Two dead bodies, identified as Inayatullah (22) and Shams-ul-Arfeen (25), were found near Northern Bypass within the remit of Gulshan-e-Maymar Police Station.

A dead body was found from a pumping station in Ayub Goth.

Mauripur Police claimed to have arrested 22 accused including alleged target killers, terrorists and street criminals, and recovered hand grenade and others weapons from their possession.

At least four suspected militants were killed and three others were injured in a US drone strike in Dattakhel area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

At least three persons, including a polio worker, were killed in a blast in Alemgar area of Safi tehsil in Mohmand Agency of FATA. Official sources said that suspected militants had planted the IED in front of the house of a local named Taj Gul, killing one of his sons Sakhi Gul and his nephew Maskeen on the spot while his other son Muhammad Agul, who is a Union Council polio worker, was left injured. The administration officials said the injured polio worker was shifted to Camp Hospital in Muhammad Gat where he succumbed to his wounds.

Six persons, including a pro-government tribal chief, were injured in Ghakhi area of Salarzai tehsil in Bajaur Agency when a vehicle was attacked by militants via a remote-controlled bomb. No group or individual has claimed responsibility the attack.

A roadside bomb exploded near a Police vehicle on Mastung Road in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. No one was hurt in the explosion.

Three suspected militants and a security official were killed in an exchange of fire between SFs and militants during a search operation in Prang Dara area of Haleemzai tehsil in Mohmand Agency of FATA.

One person, identified as Baa Khan, was killed and another, identified as Mashal Khan, was injured in an IED blast in Landi Noor Village of Wana Town in South Waziristan Agency.

At least nine persons were injured in four consecutive blasts in Lyari area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

At least four suspected militants, including a local Taliban ‘commander’, were killed in yet another US drone strike in the Shawal tehsil of NWA in FATA, raising the toll from a series of attacks this week to 29. Intelligence sources said that a US drone fired two missiles at a vehicle in Maraga area of Shawal tehsil in which the four suspected militants, including the Taliban ‘commander’, identified as Mustafa, belonging to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur faction of TTP, have died in the strike.

An unidentified person was killed and another injured when a roadside IED went off on Dolat Moosa road in the Sipah area of Orakzai Agency in FATA. Sources said that a car was also damaged in the explosion.

According to ISPR, 11 militants were killed in the airstrikes and two hideouts were also destroyed in the Bangidar area of NWA in FATA.

At least 10 militants were killed in the Kukikhel area of Khyber Agency. Three hideouts were also destroyed.

Three militants were killed and one soldier was reported injured during a search operation in Khadang area of Charbagh tehsil in Swat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Militants killed a peace committee member by indiscriminate firing, in Charbagh tehsil. According to Police, armed men entered the house of Ayub Khan, a member of the local peace committee and fired at him indiscriminately, killing him.

The Ministry for Interior Affairs expressed fear of suicide attack at the PPP rally to be held on October 18 at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. The ministry has issued a statement saying a suicide bomber has entered in Karachi aiming to attack PPP Patron-in-Chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari during the October 18 rally.

A rally organised by the JuD condemned what it described as unprovoked Indian firing along the working boundary and the LoC and called upon the Pakistan Government to declare jihad against India.

Zohra Yusuf, the chairperson of the HRCP said that Balochistan has been made a fertile place for armed religious extremists under a plan and as a result about 300,000 Shias, Zikris, and Hindus have migrated to other areas of the country. She expressed concern over the migration of Shias, Zikris, settlers and Hindus due to lack of security in Balochistan.

A Police constable and a woman were killed in a firing incident in Badhaber area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.  According to initial details, the victims were in a car when an unidentified assailant fired at them for reasons not known yet. The constable was reportedly travelling from his village to his Police Station.

A major jailbreak plan was thwarted by the Rangers when they arrested eight militants who had nearly completed digging a tunnel to the barracks inside the central prison from an adjacent house to free their high-profile jailed accomplices in Ghausia Colony of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Meanwhile, One target killer accused of 14 murders was arrested by Karachi Police in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area.

At least three persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A person, identified as Abdullah (18), was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Gul Ahmed cloth shop in Landhi area.

A lady, identified as Shakeela (30), was killed by unidentified assailants in Baldia Town.

A dead body, identified as Hashim (40), was found from the shrine of Samandari Baba of Bhens Colony.

A Police Constable Wazir Ahemd (36), was shot and injured by unidentified Assailants near his house at Sector-36/A Taiser Town.

Ali (22), Attaullah (23), and Raj Muhammad (28), were injured by unidentified assailants near Hashmi Public School of Pathan colony in SITE area.

At least two militants including a suicide bomber were killed by SFs in Doaba area of Hangu District. Official sources said that SFs conducted operation against extremists in Doaba area. A suicide bomber was between two militants killed in the operation while several militants were reported injured. The extremists also offered strong resistance but the security personnel remained unhurt.

Seven people were killed and 17 others sustained injuries when a suicide bomber blew himself up at a Jirga of the Zakhakhel Amn Lashkar in the Pir Mela area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. The sources said the Jirga of the Zakhakhel Amn Lashkar was taking place in the main bazaar when a suicide bomber arrived there and detonated the explosives strapped to his body. Five persons were killed on the spot and 19 others sustained injuries in the explosion. Two of the injured later succumbed to their injuries, raising the death toll to seven. Members of the Zakhakhel Amn Lashkar said four of the dead, including a child, belonged to the Zakhakhel tribe while three came from the Shalobar tribe. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

A volunteer of a peace committee was killed and another sustained injuries as militants attacked a post in Qandaharo area of Safi tehsil in Mohmand Agency. Sources said that the alleged militants attacked the post of the volunteers of the peace committee in Qandaharo area in Safi tehsil with automatic weapons. As a result, the sources said, a volunteer Sajid Khan was killed while Irshad Ali sustained injuries. The attackers managed to escape after the incident.

Four soldiers were injured in a bomb blast in Warsak area of North Waziristan Agency. The blast occurred when a forces vehicle was passing through Warsak.

A bomb went off at a shrine of Sheikh Abdul Qadoos in the limits of Pishtakhara Police Station in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. No casualty was reported in the blast.

Police arrested seven suspected persons, including two militants, during a search operation in Gul Bagh Killay area of Hangu District. Sources said a search operation was launched in Gul Bagh Killay after the Police was tipped off about the presence of militants in the area. During the search operation, the Police arrested Saeed and Fazal Shah and five other suspects. The Police also recovered three Kalashnikovs, hand-grenades and several rounds during the search.

Militants attacked a Police check-post in Gharibabad area of Kalat Town in Kalat District. However, personnel inside the check-post remained unhurt.

An investigation team of Karachi East Police arrested the owner of a house that was used in the Jail Tunnel case from Ghausia Colony of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A major jailbreak plan was thwarted by the Rangers on October 13 when they arrested eight militants who had nearly completed digging a tunnel to the barracks inside the central prison from an adjacent house to free their high-profile jailed accomplices in Ghausia Colony.

Police arrested the key suspect behind the deadly June 2013 bombing which killed nine people and injured senior Sindh High Court judge Justice Maqbool Baqar from in Afghan Basti near Sohrab Goth. The TTP had claimed attacking the senior SHC judge for his "anti-Taliban and anti-Mujahideen decisions".

Six top ‘commanders’ of the TTP, including ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid, have announced their allegiance to Abu Bakar Al-Baghdadi of the Islamic State and an allegiance statement was also issued in this regard. Shahidullah Shahid in the statement said he along with five TTP District chiefs have announced their allegiance to IS, also known as Daish, and would be their lead fighters in Pakistan. The statement did not elaborate on the stance of the six on Mullah Omar, chief of the Afghan Taliban widely regarded by militant groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan as the Amir ul Momineen (leader of the faithful).

“I am confirming my allegiance to Amir ul Momineen Abu Bakar Al-Baghdadi and would abide by all his decisions, whatever is the order, and whatsoever the circumstances, I shall be loyal to him and obey his orders,” Shahidullah Shahid said in a statement issued in Arabic and Urdu. Shahidullah said he along with TTP Amir for Orakzai Agency Saeed Khan, TTP’s Kurram Agency chapter chief Daulat Khan, Fateh Gul Zaman, who heads TTP in Khyber Agency, TTP’s Peshawar Amir Mufti Hassan and TTP’s Hangu chief Khalid Mansoor, was announcing allegiance to Abu Bakar Al-Baghdadi Al Qureshi Al-Hussaini. Shahidullah further said that the statement was on his and the five commanders’ behalf and had nothing to do with TTP.

Twenty-one militants were killed and several others sustained injuries when jet fighters pounded their hideouts in the Tirah Valley and Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. The ISPR said the jet fighters pounded the militant’s hideouts in Akakhel, Sipah, Kamarkhel and Akakhel Zawa areas of the Khyber Agency, destroying five hideouts.

SFs recovered arms, ammunition, and body of a suspected militant who was killed last week during a clash with the forces in Sahib Cheena area of Halimzai tehsil in Mohmand Agency.

A soldier sustained injuries while defusing a roadside bomb in Safi tehsil. The sources said militants had planted explosives at the roadside near the Said Khan Kor where the SFs were conducting a search operation.

One person was injured when unidentified motorcyclists hurled a hand-grenade into a medical store in Sikandarpurah area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A police official said that the motorcyclists hurled hand grenade at Imperial Medical Store owned by Fayyaz.

SFs arrested 20 suspected persons during a search operation in Charbagh Bazaar of Charbagh tehsil in Swat District.

JuA, a splinter group of TTP has released video of a renegade Army doctor, asking military officers and soldiers to join Taliban. Sitting beside JuA ‘spokesman’ Ehsanullah Ehsan in the video, the man with black beard and wearing black turban is introducing himself as Capt Dr Tariq Ali who claimed to have served in Frontier Corps Balochistan, 80 Brigade Siachen, and various places in Punjab. He cited posting in Waziristan the reason for leaving the Army. He said in fluent English that he had spent two tenures in North and South Waziristan agencies and refused order of the Second in Command official when he was asked to go for the third time. “I refused to obey the orders of 2-IC (Officer Second in Command) and a few days later I took a flight to London,” he said. He is critical of the media and blames it for spreading a bad image of Taliban. He called upon officers to join Mujahideen for the enforcement of Shariah and Islamic system.

Simultaneously, he said he used to call non-Muslims to Islam. “Allah blessed me with the passion of Jihad. I left Britain with an intention to go to Iraq and join Islamic State, but I was arrested on the way and sent to prison in Croatia,” said Dr Tariq. Then he was deported to Pakistan and initially he faced some difficulties in the beginning. Later he joined JA. “May be it was the will of Allah that I should join the Mujahideen of Khorasan instead of Iraq and Syria,” he said. There was no independent confirmation of the doctor’s claim.

A high-level security meeting of the civil and military leadership on October 16 decided to chase and eliminate terrorists in every nook and corner of the country. The meeting, which was held here at the PM House, was chaired by PM Nawaz Sharif where the regional and domestic security situation was discussed threadbare. The PM expressed satisfaction over the achievements by the valiant armed forces in the Operation Zarb-e-Azb, which is believed to be in the final phase.

Eight militants and a soldier were killed as SFs launched the “Operation Khyber-1” in the Akakhel area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. The sources said three hideouts of the militants were also destroyed in the operation.

A FC official was killed and three others were injured when Iranian border forces opened fire across Pakistan border in the Mand town of Ketch District in Balochistan.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani said that Provincial Government has allocated PKR 1,000 million for the improvement of the Police department performance.

Two Dir Scouts officials were killed and two others injured when their vehicle struck an IED in Salarzai tehsil of Bajaur Agency.

At least 37 militants were killed and 50 others, including important ‘commanders’, were surrendered to the SFs in operation Khyber-I, which successfully continued for the third consecutive day in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. SFs have launched military operation Khyber-I in the Agency to eliminate militants amid Zarb-e-Azb operation in North Waziristan.

At least eight Punjabi poultry farm labourers were found dead in the Sakran area of Hub tehsil in Lasbela District. Police sources said that unknown armed men had kidnapped nine labourers from a poultry farm in Sakran on October 18 and killed eight of them after checking their identity cards.

The CIA drones strikes in Pakistan have killed as many as 2,379 people since 2004, but only 84 of the victims have been named al Qaeda militants. On October 11, the US carried out its 400th drone strike in northwest Pakistan since its strikes started there in 2004. In almost a decade, 2,379 people have been killed.  “Only 704 of the 2,379 dead have been identified, and only 295 of these were reported to be members of some kind of armed group,” the UK-based Bureau of Investigative Journalism found out.

Four bullet-riddled bodies were recovered from Akakhel area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA.

Unidentified militants abducted a FC soldier from Akakhel area of Bara in Khyber Agency. The official had come home on leave from Karachi.

A group of 80 militants renounced insurgency and laid down their weapons. The group, led by ‘commander’ Haji Faqeer, was associated with LI and was active in the Shalobar area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah said that notorious militants have been apprehended by the LEAs during the ongoing targeted operation against criminals in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh and he will soon publicly reveal the evidence as well as the party and community affiliations of the arrested criminals.

While declaring that Mullah Fazlullah remains loyal to the Ameer of the Afghan Taliban Mullah Mohammad Omar, the TTP has said in a baffling announcement that “Shahidullah Shahid had been replaced as the TTP ‘spokesman’ long ago and another brother will be named later to replace him”. Shahidullah Shahid had abandoned the TTP on October 15, 2014 along with five other TTP leaders while pledging allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) led by Abu Bakar Al Baghdadi, the self-proclaimed Caliph.

The move came as a major setback not only for Mullah Fazlullah but also for Mullah Mohammad Omar and Dr Ayman Al Zawahiri. But Mullah Fazlullah, the fugitive TTP Ameer, took five days to manage the issuance of a confusing statement on his behalf, denying that the group’s spokesman had defected to the Islamic State, adding that Shahidullah Shahid is merely a nom de guerre (fictitious name) that is shared by every TTP spokesman. The statement added that the person who defected in Shahidullah Shahid’s name [and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State] to is no longer a member of TTP. 

The TTP statement, which was released and produced by the Long War Journal, then claimed: “Long ago, another brother had replaced Sheikh Maqbool as the TTP spokesman. But we did not announce that due to our policy. Sheikh Maqbool, who previously served as the group’s spokesman, defected under the name of Shahidullah Shahid, although he had no right to do so as he was replaced long ago by another brother who will be named at a later date”. However, one wonders as to why the TTP leadership is still not making public the name of the incumbent group spokesman if he has already been appointed.

The bewildering TTP statement added: “We want to make it clear that Sheikh Maqbool is not Shahidullah Shahid and he is not our spokesman anymore.” Strangely, the TTP statement is also silent about five more TTP commanders who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State along with Sheikh Maqbool including Saeed Khan, the TTP chief in Orakzai Agency Hafiz Quran Dolat, the TTP chief in Kurram Agency Gul Zaman, the TTP chief in the Khyber Agency Mufti Hassan, the TTP chief in Peshawar and Khalid Mansoor, the TTP chief in Hangu.

The PAF fighter jets blitzed suspected terrorist hideouts in Madakhel, Dattakhel and Shawal Valley of North Waziristan Agency in the FATA and reportedly killed 30 militants, including a TTP ‘commander’ Daud Wazir, and injured dozen others. Sources said that ‘commander’ Daud was a resident of Doga Madakhel and was an important commander of Hafiz Gul Bahadur faction of TTP.

A man was killed when a mortar shell fired from Afghanistan hit a house in Charmang Babra area of Nawagai tehsil in Bajaur Agency. The sources said that two mortar shells were fired from Kunar province of Afghanistan and one of the shells hit a house in Charmang Babra and killed one local, identified as Sher Ali. 

Three security forces personnel were injured in Ghakhi area in Bajaur Agency when unidentified militants opened fire from across the border in Afghanistan.

A tribal elder Malik Muhammad Jamal was on his way home from the mosque when an explosive device planted by militants went off in Salarzai tehsil of Bajaur Agency. He sustained critical injuries.

Militants had threatened to target polio teams participating in the ongoing polio drive. Pamphlets were distributed in different areas of Bajaur Agency warning the tribesmen of dire consequences for continuing the anti-polio campaign.

The US designated Khan Said Sajna, the deputy leader of TTP, a global terrorist. The designation list also includes Ramzi Mawafi, a former physician of al Qaeda ‘chief’ Osama bin Laden. Both have been designated under an executive order targeting terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism. The consequences of these designations include a prohibition against US persons engaging in transactions with Said and Mawafi, and the freezing of all property and interests of Said and Mawafi in the United States, or come within the United States or the possession or control of US persons. The US Treasury Department, which keeps a record of these designations, also deleted some key al Qaeda and Taliban leaders from the list, as they are believed dead.

Two security personnel were killed and three others injured in a rocket attack by the militants on a fort in Dattakhel area of NWA in FATA. Official sources said that the militants fired five rockets on the SFs camp and the SF responded to the attack with fire.

Two children died as a mortar shell hit a house in the Sipah area of Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency.

Three persons were injured when a remote-controlled blast targeted a polio team in Dabara area of Mamond tehsil in Bajaur Agency. The injured included two Levies personnel on security duty and a driver.

Unidentified militants abducted six persons from Rodnejo area of Kalat District in Balochistan. The militants seized the men while they were heading home in the Rodnejo area.

Nine members of the Hazara community were shot dead in sectarian target killings in different parts of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. Eight of them were killed in a single incident, which took place early in the morning in the Hazarganji area. The men were gunned down by unidentified militants as they were about to leave the area’s vegetable market. “The five masked men boarded the bus in which the victims were seated, forced the driver off, and shot them,” Sariab SSP Imran Qureshi said. “They killed one man outside the bus and the others inside it before fleeing on their motorcycles,” he said. “Eight men were killed and another one was wounded in the sectarian attack,” confirmed Quetta CCPO Abdul Razzaq Cheema. “All of them had come from Hazara Town to buy vegetables for their shops,” he said. An hour after the Hazarganji killings, armed men on a motorbike shot dead another member of the Hazara community in Kirani Road area.

One person was killed and 22 injured in suicide blast targeting JUI-F Maulana Fazlur Rahman on Meckangi Road of Quetta, moments after he ended his address at a rally in Sadiq Shaheed football ground. The JUI-F chief remained unhurt as he claimed to be the target of the suicide bombing. “My car was damaged but we remained unhurt as my car was bullet-proof,” Fazl told reporters after the blast. This attack was the third attempt on Maulana Fazlur Rahman.

Two persons were killed while another 12 were injured in an explosion on Qambarani road of Quetta.

Six militants, two civilians and a soldier were killed in fresh clashes during Operation Khyber-1 in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. The militants killed in clashes were reported to be affiliated with LI. The sources said unidentified militants opened fire on a soldier with sniper gun in the Aziz Market in Akakhel area, leaving him dead on the spot. Two soldiers sustained injuries in a roadside blast in the Seyal Khan Killay in Akakhel, the sources added.

Two persons were killed and another was injured when SFs fired at them in Seyal Khan Killay. It was learnt that the soldiers mistook them for militants.

Two persons were wounded when a mortar shell hit a vehicle carrying the displaced persons in the Alamgudar area. The injured Sawab Khan and Alam belonged to the Qambarkhel tribe.

According to reports, more than 50 terrorists have been killed in Bara and Tirah Valley during the seven days of Operation Khyber-1. Moreover, a total of 6,000 families have moved to safer places.

During the quarter of a century between 1989 and 2014, more than 4,900 Pakistani citizens have perished in around 3,000 incidents of sectarian violence and close to 9,500 have sustained injuries, The News research said. Approximately 525 Pakistanis had lost lives in 128 incidents of sectarian violence during 2013, 509 people had died unnaturally in 57 such incidents during 2010, as many as 507 humans (in 173 incidents) were made to travel towards their eternal abodes during 2012 because of their religious beliefs and 441 citizens had succumbed to this mode of terrorism in 341 incidents during 2007.

More than 160 Pakistanis have fallen victim to the monster of sectarianism in well over five dozen incidents till date during the ongoing 2014. Following Wednesday’s unsuccessful suicide attack aimed at killing the JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Quetta, it is hence worthwhile to peek into the chronology and timeline of anti-state violence, sectarian killings, election-related feuds, tribal shootings, ethnicity and terrorism etc in Balochistan during the last 11 odd years.

Research reveals at least 125 major incidents have rocked this unfortunate province since June 8, 2003, or the day when some 11 police trainees hailing from the Hazara Shia branch were shot dead at Quetta’s Sariab Road. While many residents of Balochistan have lost lives since 2003 after their vehicles had unfortunately hit land mines, even schools, hospitals, mosques and courts have not been spared by the merciless terrorists.

Rangers killed two Lyari gangsters, identified as Farooq and Samad, during a raid in Lyari area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Both were members of a Lyari gang and were allegedly involved in 16 target killing.

Authorities seized an explosive-laden vehicle meant for a terror attack at Landi Kotal Bazaar of Khyber Agency in FATA. The vehicle contained 250 kilogrammes of explosives and the bomb would have been devastating if detonated, security officials said.

The DG of ISPR, Major General Asim Bajwa said that Operation Zarb-e-Azb is going well, adding that 1100 militants have been killed so far. Moreover, Bajwa said that the operation does not have a specific timeline and will end once all militants are eliminated. Addressing the issue of the IDPs, Bajwa said that the army is working towards making a ‘comprehensive plan’ to rehabilitate them.

Three Lyari gangsters, identified as Hanif Nagori alias Kela, Sameer Baloch and Balach Sindhi, were killed during two raids jointly conducted by Rangers and Police in areas along Tughlaq Khan Road and Adam Khan Road in Lyari Town. A number of other suspects were arrested. The Police also seized huge cache of arms, ammunition and explosives from their possession.

The dead body of a criminal, identified as that of Shahjehan Baloch alias Ayaz (30), was found in Baldia Town. “We believe he was killed after being kidnapped by a rival gang from his residential area in Madina Colony,” said an official at the Baldia Town Police Station.

Balochistan Police Department constituted three teams headed by two senior officers to probe the recent acts of terrorism in the capital. CCPO Quetta, Razzaq Cheema formed investigation teams headed by SSP Asad Raza and SSP Operations Aitzaz Goraya, to probe the recent incidents in Quetta. According to a senior police officer, the CCPO entrusted the task of investigation to both officers and directed them to submit reports as early as possible.

SFs foiled a major terrorism plot when they seized a huge cache of arms and explosives during a raid at a house in Kanak area of Mastung District. An unnamed official said that a suspect was arrested during the raid and was shifted to an undisclosed location for interrogation.  He further said that the intelligence suggested that the explosive material and weapons were being brought to Quetta to carry out terrorism activities during the holy month of Muharram.

Nine militants, belonging to TTP and al Qaeda were killed in a Police encounter, targeting their hideout near National Highway in Mian Khan Goth area of Shah Faisal Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. However, over half a dozen militants, including their ring-leader, identified as Irshadullah Waziri, managed to escape during the exchange of fire. “Waziri is an expert in making vehicle-borne VBIED.” He is also TTP’s Sindh Chapter Chief, added Rao.

Police claimed to have killed the militants plotting to conduct terrorist activities during Muharram processions.  An extra contingent of Police headed by Malir SSP Rao Anwar led the raid and claimed to have killed nine TTP militants. “The raid turned into a fierce gun battle between the Police and the militants as the Police came under heavy fire during the raid,” said DSP Qamar Ahmed.

Unidentified militants opened fire at a vehicle and killed two civilians near Pakistan-Iran border town of Mashkail in Washuk District. According to Levies officials, "The pick-up was loaded with Iranian diesel and petrol and caught fire. Both persons inside the vehicle were burnt to death". No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Three illegal injured Afghan nationals were arrested by Balochistan Levies personnel in Zhob District. According to details, “A pickup was on its way to Dera Ismail Khan District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province when it was stopped by security personnel near a check post in Zhob. Upon search, Police found three Afghan nationals injured with bullet wounds,” Zhob Deputy Commissioner Nazir Mohammed Kethran said.

CCPO Quetta, Razaq Cheema while addressing a press conference said that 71 pickets manned by 525 Policemen were established in Quetta during Muharram. He said a ban was also imposed on pillion riding from 7th to 10th Muharram.

The Punjab Government banned the entry of 158 religious leaders, including 62 from the Deoband school of thought, 65 from Shia community and 31 from the Barelvi sect, in the Rawalpindi Division belonging to the Districts of Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum during Muharram. Besides, gagging orders have also been issued against 76 clerics to avoid sectarian violence. The Government had received reports from the Special Branch that these clerics would disturb peace and harmony in the Rawalpindi Division.

Federal Government directed Provincial Governments to make adequate security measures to prevent any untoward incident during Muharram and also sought army’s assistance to maintain law and order.

Islamabad Police decided to ensure elaborated security arrangements on the eve of Muharram and a total of 5,000 security personnel would be deputed to guard various gatherings in the city. According to details, Islamabad Police has finalized comprehensive security arrangements for the processions and religious gatherings during Muharram and have decided to launch combing as well as search operations in various slum areas of the city including Afghan habitats, to ensure foolproof security.

Foolproof security arrangements were finalised to cope with any untoward incident in the Provincial Capital Lahore during the month of Muharram. Lahore Capital City Police Officer Muhammad Ameen Vance said that a modern network of close circuit TV had been installed at all important routes of the Zuljinah (horse procession) besides walk-through gates at all processions and Majalis (gathering). He said video would also be made during the main procession passing through different areas.

Pakistani officials claim to have found evidence of ‘new sanctuaries’ set up by the TTP and its affiliates in the Afghanistan territory near the border with North Waziristan Agency. A senior security official said that the new sanctuaries have been established to create difficulties for Pakistan’s military and disrupt Operation Zarb-e-Azb in the troubled agency. “It is a worrying development that the TTP is regrouping close to the border right under the nose of the Afghan security forces,” said the official, who did not wish to be named.

When asked, the official did not rule out the possibility of ‘tacit support’ from Afghan security agencies for the new TTP sanctuaries. Despite repeated requests, Afghan authorities have done little to dislodge militants from their side of the Durand Line, he added. ‘The lack of action from Afghan authorities has encouraged the terrorists to carve out new sanctuaries.” Pakistan has long urged Afghanistan to eliminate what it calls ‘safe havens’ of the TTP in northeastern Afghan provinces of Kunar and Nuristan. Fugitive TTP chief Mullah Fazlullah is also believed to be hiding in those areas. Islamabad has sought Fazlullah’s extradition from Afghanistan, but Kabul is not forthcoming to such a demand.

A Mehsud tribal jirga, likely to be headed by the father-in-law of the slain TTP leader Baitullah Mehsud, will negotiate for peace talks between the TTP’s Mehsud faction led by Khan Said ‘Sajna’ and the Government. Well placed sources confirmed that the jirga will comprise of eleven key Mehsud tribal elders and that a consensus has been reached on its name. The sources also said that a secret meeting was held on October 25 by the Mehsud tribal jirga in Tank, where they agreed to negotiate between the government and the Mehsud Taliban. Khan Said became TTP deputy leader following the death of Wali-ur-Rehman in May 2013.

TTP warned villagers in Pasani under the jurisdiction of Mattani Police Station in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to stop shaving their beards and listening to music. In pamphlets pasted on the exterior of a mosque, militants also threatened thieves with dire consequences if they fail to stop their activities. Locals said that two pamphlets were pasted on the wall during the wee hours of the night which they saw in the morning. The literature was in Pashto and was quoting an unnamed TTP commander.

A journalist associated with Dawn, identified as Hafeezullah Sherani, was picked up from his residence around 3:00 a.m. in the morning and beaten up by Quetta Police. Sherani said police constables hit his face and tore off his clothes. No comment of police high ups was available and telephone calls to CCPO Quetta Razzaq Cheema went unanswered despite several attempts. “They didn’t even tell me why they came to pick me up and why they resorted to torturing me in front of my family members,” Sherani said. “Seven policemen led by ASI Shahzad used their weapons to hit my face without listening to anything I had to say,” he added.

Chief Minister Dr. Malik Baloch said that some elements want to impose their agenda on the people through the use of force and that he had no information about the presence of ISIS in the Province. However, he said that there are fundamentalists whose approach is similar to that of ISIS.  The Chief Minister termed past policies of rulers as the underlying reason behind the unrest in Balochistan, plagued by growing sectarianism and violent attacks by Baloch separatists.

At least 33 militants were killed when jets and helicopter gunships attacked suspected militant hideouts in Dattakhel and Gharlamai Districts of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. “In two different aerial engagements in North Waziristan today, nine terrorist hideouts were destroyed killing a total of 33 terrorists,” a military statement said. Local security officials said the militants killed in the Dattakhel area were mostly Uzbeks and others belonged to the Haqqani Network.

At least nine FC soldiers were injured when militants targeted a Security Forces vehicle with an IED in Charmang tehsil of Bajaur Agency.

Unidentified militants blew up Government Primary School, Sultan Khel, in Akakhel area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency. However, no casualties were reported.

Three dead bodies of ‘missing’ Baloch activists, two of them belonging to the Marri tribe, were found in Abdullah Goth area of Baldia Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to the VBMP, one of the deceased was Amal Marri who had been taken away with his two brothers Ali Jan and Mohammed Umer from Hub Chowki in Balochistan’s provincial capital Quetta a couple of years ago.

An ASI Rahim was killed and a constable Nadeem was injured when unidentified militants targeted a Police van in North Karachi area of Karachi.

Police arrested 40 suspected persons during a search operation in the New Karachi and Godhra areas.

Police recovered two charred dead bodies, identified as that of Sabzal Reki and Abdul Rauf, from a car in the Maskhail area of Washuk District. Police said that the victims were shot dead before their bodies were set on fire.

A kidnapper and an abductee, identified as Juma Khan, were killed after a group of people resisting the kidnapping opened fire on the six armed abductors in the Dasht-e-Laila area of Mashkail town in Washuk District.

A journalist associated with Dawn, identified as Hafeezullah Sherani, was picked up from his residence around 3:00 a.m. in the morning and beaten up by Quetta Police. Sherani said police constables hit his face and tore off his clothes. No comment of police high ups was available and telephone calls to CCPO Quetta Razzaq Cheema went unanswered despite several attempts.

Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch said that alongside other parts of the region Balochistan is facing sectarian terrorism, extremism and insurgency but his Government is taking all possible steps to solve these problems. He said that with the capacity building of Police and other provincial forces, the Government had succeeded to improve law and order in the Province.

Chief Minister Dr. Malik Baloch said that some elements want to impose their agenda on the people through the use of force and that he had no information about the presence of ISIS in the Province. However, he said that there are fundamentalists whose approach is similar to that of ISIS.  The Chief Minister termed past policies of rulers as the underlying reason behind the unrest in Balochistan, plagued by growing sectarianism and violent attacks by Baloch separatists.

A nine-month-old girl died and eight people suffered injuries in an explosion caused by a hand grenade hurled outside an Imambargah in the Federal B area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh, in the night. The blast occurred when a Muharram congregation of women was underway at around 9pm. Unidentified militants come from the Karimabad side who hurled an explosive device from a newly built flyover.

Unidentified militants shot dead a former Swat peace committee member, 70-year-old Saadullah Khan, in Sher Palam village in Swat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Khan served as a peace committee member in 2009-2010 when the Pakistani Army was fighting militants as part of Operation Rah-e-Rast.

The driver of a NATO container was injured in an ambush near Samungli in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. According to Police, a Karachi-bound container from Afghanistan was on its way when assailants opened fire on it and fled. Driver Muhammad Kashif received injuries.

SFs arrested four suspected militants during a raid from undisclosed location of Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab. The detained militants are members of a banned outfit and planned to attack Muharram processions.

Lahore District Police have appointed 1,751 Policemen for the security during Muharram. All Police Stations would be responsible for the security of the processions to be taken out in their respective areas. 251 Policemen would perform duty with 11 processions while 1,600 Policemen would perform duty on the routes of the processions and at Majalis of 4^th Muharram. As many as seven processions fall in Category ‘A’ and four in Category ‘B’, the Police sources added.

Four Imambargah (Shia place of worship) have been declared sensitive in the Gujranwala District of Punjab. They include Imambargah Gulistan Market, Imambargah Sajjad and Imambargah Rasoolnagar. The security of the four Imambargahs has been further beefed up to avoid any untoward incident.

Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan called for a permanent end to US drone attacks which he said was ‘a difficult element’ in relations between Islamabad and Washington. “It is important that the US understands Pakistan’s viewpoint,” he said while talking to US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Dan Feldman.

At least 21 terrorists and eight soldiers were killed during a ‘clearance operation’ codenamed Khyber-I in the Spin Qamar area of Khyber Agency in FATA. “Twenty-one terrorists were killed and several others injured during a major clearance operation in Khyber Agency by Security Forces on Wednesday,” the ISPR said in a statement.

SFs claimed to have arrested nine suspects in connection with the kidnapping and killing of eight Punjabi labourers in Sakran town of Hub tehsil in Lasbela District on October 19, 2014. According to officials, the suspects were detained during an operation launched by police and personnel of other law-enforcement agencies in Sakran and adjoining areas.

BNP-M leader Lal Jan Baloch went missing from Uthal area of Lasbela District. “Lal Jan was present on his farmland in Uthal when Security Forces whisked him away along with two of his farm labourers,” BNP-M’s acting chief organiser Dr. Janzeb Jamaldini alleged.

The CID Police chief Saqib Ismail Memon claimed to have arrested four suspects belonging to al Qaeda and the TTP accused of providing logistical support, funds and weapons to the attackers involved in the June 8, 2014, Karachi airport attack. The suspects were identified as Sarmad Siddiqi, Nadeem, alias Burger alias Mullah, Asif Zaheer and Master Essa. They are accused of arranging accommodation in Shah Faisal Colony for the militants.

CID official Raja Umer Khattab said that suspect Zaheer was arrested in the 2002 Sheraton bomb blast case in which French technicians working on a submarine project were targeted. He said he remained in prison for eight years and became a close friend of Ahmed Omar Saeed Shaikh, alias Shaikh Omar, who was convicted of kidnapping and killing US journalist Daniel Pearl.

The Government extended Section 144 imposed in Rawalpindi District for two more days with immediate effect due to security concerns and terrorism threats in the District. According to DCO Rawalpindi Sajid Zafar Daal, Section 144 has been imposed in the entire District for the next 48 hours during which pillion riding will also remain banned. Gathering of more than five persons, display of weapons, use of loud speaker and pillion riding are prohibited under Section 144.

Government of Punjab banned pillion riding on 9^th and 10^th Muharram in the provincial capital Lahore to ensure law and order.

The ISPR DG Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa said that the hideouts of terrorists would be targeted where found and intelligence-based operations would continue without any discrimination. He said that operations Zarb-e-Azb and Khyber-I are successfully underway in North Waziristan Agency and Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency. He said while over 1,100 terrorists have been killed in Zarb-e-Azb, 44 terrorists have been eliminated and 100 surrendered to Security Forces in Operation Khyber-I.

He added that though the Pakistan Government had sought the cooperation of Afghan Government in countering terrorism from the region “we are not receiving as much support as we required from the Afghan Government”.

At least 20 militants were killed and five militant hideouts were destroyed during targeted aerial strikes by fighter jets in Akakhel, Tirah and other areas of the Khyber Agency in FATA. The ISPR, in a statement said that the fighter aircraft struck militant hideouts as part of ongoing Khyber Operation-1. The details, however, could not be verified as access for journalists is restricted in the area.

A US drone strike killed at least seven militants, including the important ‘commander’ of the Haqqani network, Abdullah Haqqani, in Nargas village of Birmal area in SWA. “At least seven militants were killed in the drone strike,” an intelligence official based in Wana said, adding that the dead included four foreigners and Abdullah Haqqani. “Abdullah Haqqani (the commander) was responsible for sending suicide bombers to Afghanistan”.

Foreign office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said that out of the total 67,120 people who migrated to Afghanistan since the launch of operation Zarb-e-Azb in NWA, 38,000 have returned. Aslam told journalists that 3 million Afghan refugees are currently in the country and Pakistan would like to see them return to their country willingly and in a respectful manner adding that the understanding with UNHCR on the matter is expiring in 2015.

Three persons, including two Lyari gangsters and a Rangers official, identified as Syed Asghar Shah, were killed and another Ranger official, identified as Abdur Rahim, was injured during an encounter with the ‘criminals’ in the Nawa Lane area of Lyari Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The two gangsters were members of the Uzair Baloch group and were identified as Sarwar Baloch alias Commando and his accomplice Owais Baloch.

A man, identified as Javeed (25), was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants at Murtaza Chowrangi in the Sarafi Goth area of Landhi Town.

An auto parts dealer, identified as Mehboob Rehmani (50), was killed by unidentified militants near Noorani Kabab in the Shahrah-e-Quaideen area of Jamshed Town.

One Jan Muhammad (40) was shot dead in the Qasba Islamia Colony of SITE Town.

ASI Sartaj (48), was killed by unidentified armed assailants in the Gushan-e-Iqbal area near NIPA Chowrangi in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town.

One Abdul Rauf (35), was injured by a stray bullet in Korangi Town.

Around 3,500 boy scouts aged between 11 years to 25 years have been deployed across Karachi to assist police and Rangers for security of mourners in particular and public in general till Ashura.

During a review meeting regarding law and order situation in Central Police Office in Karachi, the IGP Sindh Ghulam Hyder Jamali was informed that due to targeted police actions, 572 criminals, dacoits, terrorists were killed in different encounters, whereas 16,986 have been arrested, from September 5, 2013, to October 29, 2014. The detail of the total arrested revealed that 1233 target killers, 342 terrorists, 424 extortionists, 95 kidnappers and 15892 other criminals were arrested. The report further disclosed that as much as 10156 arms and ammunition were recovered from the possession of the criminals and terrorists. The report further added that during the current year (2014) a total of 170 police personnel were killed while fighting against the crimes.

SFs escaped a bomb blast that occurred in the Shalkot area of Quetta. However, no casualty was reported.

FC foiled a terror bid, ahead of Muharram processions by seizing a huge cache of arms and ammunition during a search operation from Gulistan tehsil of Qila Abdullah District. FC personnel recovered 4,000 kilograms of explosive material, 31 small machineguns and arrested an Afghan national, identified as Mohammed Aslam.

Central leader and ex-MNA of the BNP Sardar Abdul Rauf Mengal appealed to the Supreme Court and Balochistan High Court to take suo motu notice of the kidnapping of people and dumping of mutilated bodies in Balochistan. He said that in the past 18 months 162 mutilated bodies had been found and 218 people were killed in targeted attacks. About 3,000 people were still missing.

Police claimed to have killed three TTP militants in an encounter in Sohrab Goth area of Gadap Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.  SSP Malir, Rao Anwar said that a suicide bomber and amir of TTP Karachi Chapter Sultan were killed in the shootout. The Police recovered heavy arms, detonators and suicide vest during the encounter.

Three of their accomplices who were planning to attack the main procession during Ashura were arrested. “These militants were definitely busy preparing for an attack on the main procession at Tibet Centre during Ashura,” SSP Anwar said. One of the escaped militants was identified as TTP’s local ‘commander’ Qari Noorullah.

Quoting a report prepared by the intelligence agencies, Sindh Home Secretary Dr Niaz Ali Abbasi said the militants are planning on using vehicles belonging to the media, welfare and rescue organisations, such as Police vans, ambulances, fire trucks and oil tankers, for deadly attacks. In a press statement issued on Friday, Abbasi urged the Police and Rangers to monitor such vehicles thoroughly. “The terrorists have planned to hit explosives-laden vehicles to majalis (gathering) and processions,” he said, asking the traffic police to keep an eye on such vehicles.

Two people were killed when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on them Bangali Para area of Korangi Town.

A security guard Sohail (28), resident of Punjab Colony, was shot dead by unidentified persons in Khayaban-e-Mujahid, Defence Housing Authority.

One Nazeer Baloch (45), who is said to be a former union councilor and a resident of Lyari, was gunned down by unidentified accused on Brohi Chowk, Lyari.

The beheaded body of a woman aged about 25 was found from Broke Pump, Sohrab Goth.

A Policeman sustained injuries in a grenade attack on a Police Station in Chakiwara area of Lyari Town.

Two Policemen were injured when unidentified militants targeted a Police van near Nagan Chowrangi.

A Policeman and a volunteer were injured in a grenade attack on a Police mobile at NIPA Chowrangi area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town. The officials were performing security duty at an Imambargah.

Unidentified youth aged about 25, was shot and injured by unknown accused near Indus Plaza, Sohrab Goth.

A five year old baby Rooma, daughter of Abdul Rehman, resident of Baldia, was shot and injured by firing of unidentified accused in Baldia Yousuf Goth.

SSP Usman Bajwa while speaking at a press conference at CID Office in Garden area of Saddar Town claimed to that two TTP militants, identified as Jamshed Khan alias Khutki and Mohammad Abid alias Abdullah, who were involved in the 2007 Karsaz attack were arrested near Manzil petrol pump along the National Highway within the limits of Shah Latif Police Station in Bin Qasim Town. He said a target killer, identified as Junaid Zaidi, was also arrested. Further, SSP Bajwa said that the accused have made important disclosures about the attack at Benazir Bhutto’s rally that took place on October 18, 2007and a suicide attack on former President Asif Ali Zardari’s security official Bilal Sheikh.

Pakistan’s Intelligence Agencies warned the Government about possible terror attacks by TTP on specific targets in Karachi during the holy month of Muharram.

Three unidentified bullet-riddled dead bodies were found in Khanozai tehsil of Pishin District. “The victims have received multiple bullets from close range,” said a levies official.

Speaking at a press conference in London, MQM chief Altaf Hussain said that Islamic State (IS) militants are bigger threat to Pakistan than Taliban and al Qaeda. He said that Pakistan was facing a devastating threat in the shape of IS, citing sudden appearance of its flags in the country specifically from southern Punjab to Islamabad.

Pakistan Army’s DMO reportedly asked Afghan National Army DMO to enhance cross-border surveillance on their side of the international border in order to stop unauthorized cross-border movement ahead of Ashura. The demand was made in the backdrop of the purportedly unchecked movement of ‘suspicious’ elements who were allegedly crossing the border and tried to make unauthorised entries from Torkham to Pakistani side of the border but were intercepted by Pakistani officials.

According to the official, the said persons were not stopped by the ANA Afghan Border Police and the immigration authorities from leaving Afghanistan and allowing them to make unauthorised entry into the Pakistani territory. “Strangely, nobody stopped them and that rings alarm bells for us.” The security official said that the people in question were detained by the Pakistani security officials for interrogation.

Pakistan handed over 29 Afghan nationals, apprehended during Operation Zarb-e-Azb from different areas of North Waziristan Agency in FATA, to Afghanistan as ‘goodwill gesture’. The Afghan nationals were in custody of Pakistani security forces and were handed over to Afghan authorities at Ghulamkhan on Pak-Afghan border, said a statement issued by the ISPR.

At least 20 militants and six personnel of SFs were killed and three others were injured in an attack against a check post in Lower Orakzai Agency of FATA. The militants attacked the Zwan security checkpost, killing six SFs.

A soldier of Bajaur Levies forces was killed and another was injured in an IED explosion while they were on routine patrolling in Qamar Sar area of Mamond tehsil in Bajaur Agency.

Eight persons kidnapped in Orakzai Agency four months ago were safely released by their captors on October 30in Orakzai Agency. The Political Agent of the Agency Zubair Khan said that these people were abducted when they were travelling through the Marai area of the region.

Sixty one persons, including three Rangers officials, were killed and over 150 received injuries when a suicide bomber blew himself up at the third Rangers checkpost, around 500 yards away from the Wagah international border in Punjab. The DG Rangers (Punjab), Major General Tahir Javed Khan, confirmed that a suicide bomber had carried out the attack who was trying to enter the parade venue at the border crossing. DIG, Operations, Dr Haider Ashraf said the crime scene implied that the suicide bomber was carrying around 15 kilograms of explosives and a bag. He ruled out the impression of the use of an explosive device, saying the blast created only a one-inch crater.

Three militant outfits claimed the responsibility of the attack. The Jundallah group was the first to take responsibility. It was followed by the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, the breakaway faction of the TTP) The JuA ‘spokesman’, Ehsanullah Ehsan, claimed a suicide bomber Hanifullah carried out the Wagah attack. “It was a suicide attack and the target were the Pakistani security forces protecting the Shia community,” he said. “We learnt that a so-called militant organisation Jundallah has claimed responsibility but it’s not true. This is not the same Jundallah engaged in targeting the Shia community in Iran. This is a fake group that doesn’t even have a single suicide bomber,” the spokesman insisted. And finally, a group introducing itself as the TTP’s Mahar Mehsud faction phoned reporters to claim responsibility for the attack. 

The Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that the Ministry of Interior had issued a warning of a suicide bombing in Lahore and an investigation would be initiated against those who had not taken the necessary steps to avert this tragedy, reports The News. He directed the police and other security agencies to show a high level of alertness on Ashura day. He said that after the Lahore incident, the Army had been called out in 54 cities as around 33,000 SFs personnel had been deployed in different towns and cities to ensure law and order.

Five LI militants and a soldier were killed in a clash during the Operation Khyber-1 in the Akakhel area of Khyber Agency in FATA.

Five militants were killed when SFs pounded their hideouts in the Shireen Darra mountains of Orakzai Agency with heavy weapons. Sources said the militants fired 10 rockets from the mountain peaks in Shireen Darra and one of the shells landed close to the Levies Force check post adjacent to the Headquarters Chowk. A civilian identified as Din Gul died and four Levies soldiers sustained injuries in the attack. SFs killed five militants in retaliatory fire.

Three civilians, including two women, were killed and five others sustained injuries when mortar shells fired from unknown location hit houses in the Daroadda area in Akakhel of Khyber Agency.

One person was killed in another firing incident in Alamgudar area of Akakhel. Sources said Muhammad Ali along his friend was on his way home from Alamgudar when unidentified people fired at them, killing Muhammad Ali on the spot while his friend sustained injuries.

Two persons, including personnel of Khasadar Force, were killed and three others, including a child, also sustained injuries when two mortars landed in Kalaya town of Orakzai Agency.

One eight-year-old girl named Beena was killed when she stepped on an IEDs near a rainwater nullah in Badnikhel area of Tank District in KP.

A man was killed when a mortar shell landed at a house in the Sheikhan village under the limits of the Badaber Police Station in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP. 

Police claimed to have arrested nine militants during a search operation in the limits of Badaber and Matani Police Stations in Peshawar. The arrested militants were said to be involved in several attacks.

The personnel of AEC of the CID, Sindh, foiled a terror bid and arrested five cadres of the banned LeJ including a bomber in Kanwari Colony of Manghopir area in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. During the search of their hideout, the Police recovered 60 kilograms of explosives, IED concealed in a motorcycle, 10 ball bombs, four Kalashnikovs, six locally-made bombs, five TT pistols and hundreds of bullets.

Cellular phone service will remain suspended in Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur Districts on Muharram 9 and 10 November due to security reasons.

According to Punjab Home Department, as many as 25,463 civilians and security personnel have been killed in terrorist attacks from 2003 to October 19, 2014 across the country. Punjab Interior Ministry data revealed that in 2014 (till October 19) a total of 1,809 people were killed including 1,369 civilians and 440 security personnel. Data revealed that in 2003, a total of 164 people were killed which included 140 civilians and 24 security personnel. In 2004, 619 people were killed including 435 civilians and 184 security personnel, in 2005 about 511 people were killed including 430 civilians and 81 security personnel.

Data showed that 933 people were killed in 2006 out of which 608 were civilians and 325 were security personnel, in 2007, as many as 2119 people were killed which included 1,522 civilians and 597 security personnel and in 2008, 2,809 were killed out of which 2,155 were civilians and 654 security personnel. Data further showed that 3,315 people were killed in 2009 out of which 2,324 were civilians and 991 were security personnel. It said 2,265 people were killed in 2010 which included 1,796 civilians and 469 security personnel while in 2011 some 3,503 people were targeted which included 2,738 civilians and 765 security personnel.

As many as 3,739 people were killed in 2012 which included 3007 civilians and 732 security personnel while in 2013 some 3677 people were killed out of which 3001 were civilians and 676 security personnel.

According to the information gathered by Pakistani security agencies, Jundallah, which has claimed responsibility for the bloody attack at Wagah border post, is one of the dozen-plus anti-Shia franchises of the TTP, that operate under different names in different parts of the country including Tehrik-e-Islami, Lashkar-e-Muhammadi, Lashkar-e-Islami, Mehdi Militia, Hezbollah, Kharooj, Tawheed Brigade, Al Mukhtar Group, Punjabi Mujahideen, Asian Tigers, Jundul Hafsa and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al-Alami and the profiles of most of its cadres is their past association with the JI and the IJT.

Five bodies were found in the Manghopir area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. The bodies were recovered from bushes near the Northern Bypass and could not be immediately identified. According to Edhi Foundation, the deceased were kidnapped, tortured and then shot to death. Considered a no-go area for security forces, Manghopir is notorious for harbouring militants.

Unidentified assailants shot dead Sardarzada Wali Khan Mengal, the son of tribal chief, Sardar Asif Mengal in Nushki bazaar in Nushki town of same District in Balochistan. According to the Levies Force, unidentified assailants attacked and opened fire at the vehicle of Sardarzada Wali Khan Mengal, leaving him injured. Later, Wali Khan Mengal succumbed to the injuries at hospital.

The National Counter Terrorism Authority issued two threat alerts that the TTP groups (Jandullah and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar) were planning to carry out terrorist attacks on Muharram 10 processions in Karachi (Sindh), Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) as well as the shrine of Bibi Pak Daman and the railway station in Lahore (Punjab).

Security Forces and BDS foiled two more terror plots near the Wagah border parking area by defusing IED near the site of November 2’s suicide terrorist attack. The BDS also recovered a 10-kg suicide jacket from the fields during a search operation. Sources said that at least twelve suspected people were arrested from the areas around the incident place and were sent to an undisclosed location for interrogation.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervez Rasheed said that no terrorist activity could weaken the high morale of Pakistani nation. He said slogan of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ (Long Live Pakistan) at Wagah border is evidence that no terrorist could suppress the patriotism. “No doubt, the loss of innocent lives was big at Wagah border but such terrorist activity cannot suppress our national enthusiasm or morale.” “Zarb-e-Azb operation to eliminate terrorism was continuing with success and this is the victory that suicide attacks have decreased as compared to the past,” he added.

US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson said that his country remains steadfast in its commitment to the people of Pakistan in their efforts to counter terrorism, uphold the rule of law, and build a peaceful future for themselves and their children.

At least five suspected militants were killed and eight others were injured as SFs targeted militant hideouts in the Drewand, Aarinam Wanra, and Zor kaley areas of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. According to sources, the SFs destroyed four militant hideouts that belonged to the LI.

Two SFs and two TI peace committee volunteers were killed in two consecutive bomb blasts in Paindi Cheena area of Zakhakhel in Landikotal tehsil of Khyber Agency.

A Christian couple has reportedly been burnt to death in a brick kiln over blasphemy charges in Kot Radha Kishan city of Kasur District. The couple was accused of desecrating the holy Quran, however, some news reports contradicted the allegation by claiming that there was some dispute between Shahzad and Shama, the couple and the kiln owner.

The HRCP had also reported an increase in attacks on minorities and mentioned 2013 as one of the darkest years for the Christian community in Pakistan. The incident in Kot Radha Kishan appears to be another outcome of blasphemy law, which has already resulted in many innocent deaths in the past. The Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER) had condemned the murder of the couple.

The death toll in the November 2 suicide attack at Wagah Border has reached 61 with the death of one Shahid Mahmood (40), a resident of Hafizabad, who had been severely injured in the suicide bomb attack.

A Joint Investigation Team is probing into the blast as per the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. CCPO Lahore confirmed the arrest of two terrorists belonging to a banned outfit suspected to be involved in planning a number of attacks at the Wagah Border.

‘Spokesman’ of the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, one of the three outfits which have claimed responsibility for the November 2 suicide attack at the Wagah border crossing, Ehsanullah Ehsan, while claiming  the responsibility sent out a sinister warning: India is in its sights too. In a message posted on Twitter, Ehsan said, “This attack was a message to the Governments on both sides of the border. If we can carry out an attack on this side, then we can attack the other side too.” In another tweet, Ehsan claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the “killer of hundreds of Muslims” and that his group would “take the revenge of innocent people of Kashmir and Gujrat (sic)”.

In a blunt assessment of terrorist safe havens in Pakistan, the Pentagon told the US Congress that the country is using militant groups as proxies to counter the superior Indian military. "Afghan - and India - focused militants continue to operate from Pakistan territory to the detriment of Afghan and regional stability. Pakistan uses these proxy forces to hedge against the loss of influence in Afghanistan and to counter India's superior military," the Pentagon told the Congress in its latest six-monthly report on the current situation in Afghanistan.

At least 10 LI militants were killed when SFs pounded their hideout in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA.

Two mourners, identified as Mir Ahmed Khan and Ghulam Akbar, were killed and 28 others were injured when militants fired rockets at Ashura (10th day of Muharram) procession that was taken out from an Imambargah (Shia place of commemoration) in Merazai area of Lower Orakzai Agency.

10 suspected militants have been arrested during a search operation by security forces in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency.

30 militants, including LI 'commanders' surrendered to the authorities in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency. They said that 'commander' Kandahar, the chief of his own militant group of Zakhakhel tribe, had surrendered along with dozens of his companions in the Agency. The sources said that commander Kandahar and his companions laid down arms and vowed not to challenge the writ of the state.

At least three people, identified as Inayat Baloch, Ijaz Baloch and Shakoor Baloch, and associated with PPP, were killed and another injured when unidentified militants opened fire in Lyari Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. PPP Karachi Division President Abdul Qadir Patel confirmed that all the three deceased were affiliated with his party.

Three unidentified armed assailants shot dead a local journalist, identified as Jeewan Arain, in Khairpur District. According to reports, Arain was on his way to Gambat city of the District from Khohra with a friend on a motorcycle when armed assailants intercepted his bike on Link Road and shot him dead.

Unidentified militants killed one Adnan (25) was killed in Gulzar Hijri area near Sohrab Goth in Gadap Town of Karachi District.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz summoned US Ambassador Richard Olson to the Foreign Ministry and clearly told the envoy that the recent comments in a report by the US Department of Defence against Pakistan were not only “unwarranted” but “unsubstantiated allegations”. The Foreign Office has said that the allegations were leveled without any evidence and the facts were mutilated.

On November 3, 2014, the US Department of Defence sent a report to Congress under the title “Progress Towards Security and Stability in Afghanistan,” in which it was alleged that terrorist “sanctuaries” inside Pakistan were operating against Afghanistan and India. “Afghan and Indian-focused militants continue to operate from Pakistan territory to the detriment of Afghan and regional stability. Pakistan uses these proxy forces to hedge against the loss of influence in Afghanistan and to counter India’s superior military,” the report, which is an assessment of the current situation in Afghanistan, claimed.

Sartaj Aziz did not mince his words and was quoted by the spokesperson at the Foreign Office as saying, “The Government of Pakistan takes serious exception to comments contained in the report,” which interestingly also notes Pakistan’s cooperation with the US in areas of mutual interest. However, the same report also points to unsubstantiated allegations of the existence of terrorist “sanctuaries” or that proxy forces are operating from this country against Afghanistan and India.

One Policeman and a militant were killed in an exchange of fire after militants’ attack a Police van in Mashogagar area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The deceased militant was identified as Amir after the police recovered an identity card from his possession. “We have also recovered weapons from the killed militant,” the Police official said.

Police foiled a major terrorism bid as it defused explosives weighing six kilogrammes in the area adjacent to Ring Road under Pishtakhara Police Station of Peshawar.

A Police officer Mukhtar Ahmed revealed that a Shia man, identified as Syed Tufail Hyder, was killed by Police Officer Sarfraz Naveed in police custody on grounds of blasphemy in Gujrat city of the same District. Hyder was detained on November 5, 2014, following a street fight. Ahmed said that Naveed killed Hyder with an axe, gave himself up and said he did it because Hyder allegedly repeatedly insulted companions of the Prophet during questioning.

Two Policemen were injured after their Police mobile was bombed in Asiabad village of Tump area in Kech District of Balochistan. According to a Turbat Levies official, “The IED was planted by unidentified men and was detonated through a remote controller when the vehicle reached Asiabad”. The injured personnel were identified as constables Mohammed Arif and Mohammed Asif.

The COAS, General Raheel Sharif, said that Pakistan and Afghanistan must jointly cope with the menace of terrorism as terrorism is the common enemy of the two countries. He said that the elimination of terrorists was in the best interest of both the countries and the entire region.

A top US general in command of international forces in Afghanistan said that Pakistan’s ongoing military operation in North Waziristan Agency has helped disrupt the Haqqani network’s ability to launch attacks on Afghan territory. Lieutenant General Joseph Anderson, a senior commander for US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, noted in a Pentagon-hosted video briefing from Afghanistan on Wednesday that the Haqqani network is now fractured like the Taliban.

Accusing Washington and Kabul of lack of cooperation in its ongoing drive against terrorism, Islamabad said it does not “object to any countries presence in Afghanistan”. It has also rejected any conditionality on Pak- India dialogue on Kashmir. “At the time of when Operation Zarb-e-Azb began, the Afghans and the Americans were asked to take corresponding action on other side of the border, who may flee. You would have seen the briefings by DG ISPR, confirming the unfortunate fact that we did not receive cooperation which we expected and which would have been in the interest of making safe not only Pakistan but also Afghanistan,” Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam told the journalists in weekly briefing.

Seven peace volunteers were killed and two injured in twin bomb attacks on peace militia volunteers in the Safi tehsil of Mohmand Agency in FATA. The first IED planted by the roadside was detonated when two volunteers of a peace committee drove past on a motorcycle in the Chinari area. The volunteers, identified as Mussawar and Nazeer were critically wounded. When the injured were being shifted to a nearby coach, a second IED went off, killing Mussawar, Nazeer and five others, including coach driver Akhtar Gul, Muswair Vilayat Khan and Ali Saeed. Mussawar, Nazeer are said to be relatives of peace committee leader Darya Khan. The Jamaatul Ahrar fraction of TTP claimed responsibility for the attack.

Six suspected militants were killed and 10 others injured when jet fighters pounded Akakhel and Sepah areas of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency. The sources said the jet fighters targeted hideouts of the militants affiliated with the Mangal Bagh-led LI and the TTP in which two of their hideouts were also destroyed.

A passenger van hit an explosive device in which four persons including the driver, Ali Muhammad, Akhtar Gul, Qahar and Wilayat were killed on the spot at Ghallanai area of Mohmand Agency. Two other persons Nawaz and Aqeel Said were wounded in the blast.

Dead bodies of 17 militants were recovered from the Spin Qabar area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. However, these claims could not be independently verified as journalists have limited access to the restive tribal agency.

One militant was killed and four others arrested during a search operation conducted by SFs in the Mamond tehsil of Bajaur Agency. The SFs also seized large cache arms and ammunition during the search operation.

Two children, identified as Abdul Majeed (7) and Nabila (6), were injured in a landmine blast outside the residence of a Balochi folk singer Sabz Ali Bugti in Dera Bugti District. An unnamed police official said that Majeed was Ali's son and Nabila was his niece.

FC foiled a major terror bid by seizing an explosive-laden motorcycle in Pat Feeder area of Sui tehsil in Dera Bugti District. FC spokesman Khan Wasey said that unidentified militants had planted 19 kilogram of explosives in a motorcycle and parked it near the Pat Feeder canal. He said the FC foiled the terror bid by timely defusing it in the light of intelligence reports.

Balochistan Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani admitted an increase in wall-chalking with slogans in support of militant group Islamic State (IS) but denied claims of the presence of its militants on ground in the Province. “The letter regarding the activity of IS was routine information of officers which had been passed to the Federal Government. There was nothing serious about IS in Balochistan,” Durrani said, referring to media reports that the Provincial Government has conveyed a report to the Federal Government and Law Enforcement Agencies warning of increased footprints of IS in the Province.

At least 27 militants were killed while two soldiers also died as SFs carried out aerial strikes in Akakhel and Tirah areas of Khyber Agency in FATA. Ten militants’ hideouts and an ammunition depot were also destroyed, an ISPR statement said, adding that those killed included a key militant commander and two suicide bombers.

With SFs targeting hideouts of LI in Khyber Agency, TTP ‘chief’ Maulvi Fazalullah announced his group will cooperate with the LI. “Some of the TTP fighters have already been dispatched to Khyber Agency and others should wait for further instructions. They should arm themselves and start physical and spiritual preparations,” said Fazalullah.

With the Operation Khyber-1 against the LI in Khyber Agency completing its three weeks, the number of displaced families from both Tirah and Bara has reached 34,054. According to the FDMA data released on Friday, 245,482 people, including 136,713 children and 55,229 women, moved out of Akkakhel, Sipah, Akkakhel and Kamarkhel areas of Tirah and Bara during the last three weeks. The FDMA had established four registration points for the dislocated Bara and Tirah families soon after the start of the Khyber One operation.

The CoAS General Raheel Sharif opened a key road in the South Waziristan Agency that will facilitate trade with neighbouring Afghanistan. The Central Trade Corridor (CTC) is a strategic road link to facilitate trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan and will directly and indirectly help revive the local economy in the country’s tribal regions and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Amy said. An international standard, 705-km-long road network through the southern parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA, the CTC is being built by army engineers and funded by friendly countries, an Army statement said.

A Lyari gang war criminal, identified as Khalil alias Lalu (20), was killed in a Police encounter at Faqeer Mohammad Road in Nawa Lane area of Lyari Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. One TT pistol with 5 rounds was recovered from his possession.

A man, identified as Liaqat (45), was killed by unidentified armed assailants at Korangi crossing in Allah Wala Town area of Korangi Town.

An unidentified dead body was found on Raxor Bridge in the limit of Pak Colony in SITE Town.

A man, identified as Hamid (25), was shot and injured by unidentified armed assailants in Gulshan-e-Noor area of Surjani Town in Gadap Town.

Gulshan-e-Iqbal Police led by SHO Inspector Shabbir Ahmed Awan arrested six suspects, including a target killer, dacoits and alleged street criminals, and recovered arms from their possession. The Police party raided five different sites and arrested in one of the raids an alleged target killer, identified as Tariq alias Khayal and recovered a pistol from his possession. In other raids, five suspects allegedly belonging to street criminal groups were also arrested.

The IG Sindh Ghulam Haider Jamali directed his force to devise a foolproof security plan to protect the health workers during the polio campaign that is due to restart on November 15, 2014. He said that all available resources should be used while a bigger number of security personnel and special commandos should be deployed in high-risk areas.

One militant was killed and four SF personnel were injured in a clash in the Chakdara area of Lower Dir District in KP. According to sources, the militant — who was a suicide bomber — blew himself up when he was rounded up for a security check. Four security personnel also sustained injuries.

A blast outside the house of a lawmaker of PTI in Hazar Khwani area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP, in the evening left his daughter injured.

A house was partially damaged in Hayatabad when a rocket, fired from unspecified location, hit it.

Police foiled two sabotage attempts by defusing two bombs in different areas of Peshawar. According to an official, a five-kilogram improvised explosive device was planted at Jamander graveyard at Faqirabad village in the limits of Badbher Police Station, however, police defused it. Another bomb planted in agricultural fields in Pishtakhara was also defused by bomb disposal unit.

At least four militants and two soldiers were killed in an exchange of fire during clearance operation near the Afghan border in Gharlamai area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

Two persons were killed and two others were injured in two separate IED blasts that took place in the Narai Baba area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency. According to official sources, the first blast occurred near a peace committee post and left one person dead, who was said to be a peace volunteer of Tauheedul Islam. Two other TI activists also sustained injuries in the explosion. In the second explosion, another peace committee volunteer was killed.

Three key ‘commanders’ of LI surrendered to authorities after laying down their arms. Official sources say that the newly appointed ‘spokesman’ of the LI Saifullah Saif, Commander Ilyas and Commander Wajid announced that they were leaving the LI and have surrendered. Saifullah Saif belongs to the Qambar Khel tribe, Ilyas to Sipah area, while Commander Wajid is from the Malik Din Khel tribe.

Khyber Agency Political Agent Shahab Ali Shah said that the security of militants who surrendered during Operation Khyber-I is the Government’s responsibility. While addressing a news conference at Khyber House, Shah said the Government would provide security to militants and members of banned outfits who surrendered.

The JuA fraction of TTP confirmed the death of one of its key ‘commanders’ in latest air strikes in Khyber Agency. JuA ‘spokesperson’ Ehsanullah Ehsan said their commander Abu Jandal was killed in the bombing on November 9. “Abu Jandal belonged to Mohmand Agency and had been operating from Khyber agency,” said Ehsan. “Yesterday on 9/11/14, enemy indiscriminately bombed the area and as a result Commander Abu Jandal of TTP Jamaatul Ahrar embraced shahadat,” Ehsan said in a statement.

At least two Police Officers were killed and another was injured in a grenade attack targeting their police mobile in Gul Plaza Market on M.A. Jinnah Road in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to details, one Police Official was killed and two others were injured. Later one of them succumbed to his injuries. The mobile van caught fire after the attack.

A school van driver, identified as Imran (44), was shot dead by two unidentified armed assailants near Time Square in Surjani Town area of Gadap Town.

An unidentified man was shot dead near Chakiwara in Lyari Town.

A man, identified as Uzair (25), was shot at and injured near Khan Hospital in Baldia Town.

A girl, identified as Maria (18), was injured after being hit by a stray bullet in Ayesha Manzil area of Gulberg Town.

Two Police Constables, identified as Muhammad Waheed and Qamar Shah, were killed and two others, identified as Adeel and Yasir, were injured when unidentified militants opened fire on them while they were stationed outside an Imambargah within the limits of Sadiqabad Police Station in Rawalpindi District. A passer-by, identified as Muhammad Rizwan, was also injured in the attack. According to Police, the armed assailants tried to attack Shia mourners during a congregation at Rizvia Hall in Sadiqabad.

A dead body, identified as that of Rasheed Cheema (36), was found from his house located near Naya Muhala in Bara Market area of Rawalpindi District. The victim was PPP Punjab Additional Secretary Haji Salim Cheema's son. DSP Sardar Babar Mumtaz said that the body bore torture marks and appeared to be two days old.

Scanning and checking in residential localities in and around eight Central Jails of Punjab and its internal and external security, which contain prisoners involved in terrorism and sectarianism cases, has recently been done by Police and jail officials on the orders of the Punjab Government. The exercise has been done after the Karachi Central Jail break plot in October 2014. Seven of the eight jails include, Kot Lakhpat jail (Lahore), Faisalabad jail, Mianwali jail, Adiala jail (Rawalpindi), Sahiwal jail, Multan jail and Bahawalpur jail. A senior jail official said that around 200 prisoners belonging to different militant organizations had been languishing in these Central Jails.

An ATC in Quetta rejecting a medical report of former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf ordered him to appear before the court in the next hearing of the case over the murder of Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Bugti on August 26, 2006. The court rejected the medical report of the former President and asked his lawyer to ensure his presence in the next hearing. Judge of the ATC in his remarks warned that bail of the former President would be cancelled if he failed to appear before the court on December 10, 2014.

Pakistan's security agencies have warned the Government about the increasing threat from the (Islamic State) ISIS militant group. A classified report by the Provincial Government of Balochistan conveyed to the Federal Government and law enforcement agencies warning of increased footprints of the Middle Eastern terrorist group, also known by its Arabic acronym of "Daish".

The Dawn reported on its website that the 'secret information report' dated October 31 states that ISIS has claimed to have recruited a massive 10,000 to 12,000 followers from the Hangu District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kurram Agency of FATA. "It has been reliably learnt that Daish has offered some elements of LeJ and ASWJ to join hands in Pakistan. Daish has also formed a 10-member Strategic Planning Wing," the report from the Home and Tribal Affairs Department of Balochistan said.