March 28

The Police arrested Samiullah, the mastermind of the 2007 suicide attack on senior politician Aftab Sherpao during the Eid prayers that killed 67 persons, in Utmanzai town of Charsadda District.

11 Uzbeks were detained during a raid as by FC and intelligence agencies personnel in Nushki District.

A man was arrested on suspicion of having links with a banned outfit in Nushki District.

FC troops recovered 5 kilograms of explosive material from Goth Hazaro area of Sui in Dera Bugti District.

CoAS General Raheel Sharif during a high-level meeting in Rawalpindi ordered intelligence-based operations against terrorists in Punjab and made it clear that these operations will not be “joint actions” as conducted in the past along with the Police and Provincial Intelligence Agencies. The overnight operations, which the army chief is personally monitoring, were conducted by army units, paramilitary Rangers, the ISI and MI personnel. He ordered crackdowns against militants with the focus on finding linkages and perpetrators of the attack. Subsequently the military conducted several raids in Lahore, Faisalabad, Muzaffargarh and other Districts. One of the operations reportedly lasted for over five hours and yielded several arrests.

The US has helped Pakistan in securing its nuclear weapons and materials, US Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation Thomas Countryman said, ahead of the Nuclear Security Summit to be held in Washington on March 30, 2016. "Without question, Pakistan takes very seriously its responsibility to provide security for both nuclear weapons and nuclear materials. As a consequence of the summit process as well as our bilateral co-operation they have taken important steps forward in providing that security," he said.

Hundreds of ST cadres spearheading support for Malik Mumtaz Qadri, a police guard hanged for assassinating Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, demanded Sharia’h in Pakistan and declaration of Qadri as a national martyr. The Tehreek's demands included conversion of Qadri's jail cell into a national heritage site, the execution of blasphemy accused Aasia Bibi in whose support Taseer had stood, guaranteeing that the blasphemy laws will not be amended, and the removal of Ahmadis and other non-Muslims who have occupied key Government positions.

Police registered four separate cases against 501 religious workers, including their leadership, under the ATA for creating terror and violence in society and formally arrested those booked in Rawalpindi District during clashes between workers of religious parties and police on March 27. “Yes, cases have been registered against the protesters, including their leadership who were involved in violence, under Anti-Terrorism Act,” City Police Officer Israr Ahmed Abbasi said.

March 29

Five terrorists were killed and over 600 suspects were arrested in an extensive operation launched by the SFs across the Province following March 27, 2016, suicide attack in Lahore. According to details provided by private TV channels, five terrorists, belonging to a banned militant group, were killed in separate shootouts with during search operations in Rajanpur District and Muzaffargarh District. In addition, 250 suspects were detained in Sialkot District, 200 in Gujranwala, 80 in Faisalabad, 34 in Rahimyar Khan, 18 in Kasur, 10 in Bhakkar, six in Attock and one in Bahawalpur, while several others were also arrested from other Districts of the province.

One of the main leaders of protesters, identified as Pir Muhammad Afzal Qadri, at Islamabad’s D-Chowk has been on the Fourth Schedule of ATA for over a year, yet he made his way to the capital unhindered. Afzal Qadri is the chief of Aalmi Tanzeem Ahl-e Sunnat. Sources in the District Government and Police said that around two months ago authorities had besieged Qadri’s residence and seminary in Mararrian village and stopped him from marching to Lahore to press the Government against executing Malik Mumtaz Qadri, the assassin of former Punjab Governor Salman Taseer.

A Shia Special Security Unit (SSU) commando, identified as Zahid Jaffri (31), who had been doing security duty, at the State Guest House was shot dead in the Kareemabad area of Gulberg Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.  According to DIG of Police (West) Feroz Shah, Jaffri was deployed at the State Guest House where President Mamnoon Hussain would stay during his visit to Karachi.

A gangster belonging to Uzair Baloch gang, identified as Muhammad Ashraf (32), was shot dead by a gangster of Baba Ladla rival group outside his residence on Daryabad Street in Lyari Town. Arshad belonged to Uzair Baloch gang and was killed by a member of Baloch’s rival group run by.

One Arshad (23), was shot at and injured in a firing incident near Sherpao Colony in Landhi Town.

A man, identified as Tanveer (25), was shot at and injured near Naz Plaza on MA Jinnah Road.

The death toll of March 27, 2016, suicide blast in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park of Lahore rose to 74 after two more injured persons succumbed to their injuries. The victims were identified as Anas Ayub (17) and Moshin (18). The 74 dead include 29 children and 10 women 20 Christians.

Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah while addressing a press conference on Lahore claimed that there are no safe havens, organised terrorist networks or any no-go areas in any part of the Province. He said that civil-military agencies were carrying out the operation across the Province under the continuing NAP. He said the military crackdown on terrorist activities in Punjab was a national operation and the country’s entire political leadership, religious parties, opposition and the Government were backing the crackdown. He further said, “As 5,221 people were initially rounded up from different parts of Punjab out of which 5,005 have been released after verification of their documents,” adding, “However, 216 suspects are still under custody for further investigation.” Regarding investigations in the attack, he said that a JIT has been formed to probe the incident, which will be headed by the SSP CTD.

JuA, the breakaway faction of the TTP, warned the Government that the Lahore terror attack was a "message" to the Government about their "arrival" in Punjab. "Also, this is a message to the Pakistani Prime Minister that we have arrived in Punjab," the group's spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan said.

The spokesman even taunted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Twitter. "After the Lahore attack, Nawaz Sharif repeated old words to give himself false assurances," he wrote. "Nawaz Sharif should know that war has reached his doorstep, and God willing the Mujahideen will be the winners in this war."  In a post in Urdu on its Facebook page, the group released the bomber's photo, identifying him as Salahuddin Khorasani. "The Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians in Pakistan have neither converted to Islam nor paying Jizya. Under these circumstances, Christians, Hindus, etc, are not at peace, nor are their places of worship safe," it said.

March 30

At least five terrorists were killed in an encounter with CIA Nawankot Police in LDA Avenue Society of Jubilee Town Chung area in provincial capital Lahore. The CIA claimed to have recovered two Kalashnikovs, three pistols, 10 grenades, 10 time devices and maps from the their possession.  CIA Nawankot Sub Inspector Khalid Farooqi raided a house on information about the presence of terrorists in house where Police cordon off the area. Police said the suspects opened fired on police party and there was an exchange of fire that lasted for one and a half hour.

Two terrorists, identified as Mehmood and Rab Nawaz, convicted by military courts for involvement in attacks on security officials and civilians were executed at a jail in Kohat District. The ISPR in September last year issued the names of nine ‘hardcore terrorists’ whose death sentences had been approved by the Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif. The convicts executed today were among them.

Mehmood belonged to the TTP and was found involved in attacking security personnel in the Province, killing two soldiers and injuring 13 others. Rab Nawaz also belonged to the TTP and was involved in killing of two civilians, processing firearms and abetting attack on military in Peshawar which resulted in death of two soldiers.

Seven houses of alleged militants and their facilitators were razed to the ground by a lashkar from Ahmedzai Wazir tribe in different areas of Wana town in SWA of FATA. The houses of Ghulam Jan and his relatives were demolished in Shalam Dana and those of Toor Hafiz and Wari Khan in Shin Warsak. The houses of Gul Mir in Tiarza and Sattar Khan and his cousin in Samar Bagh were also razed to the ground. The accused terrorists belonged to the Hakimullah and Maulvi Nazir groups of the banned TTP.

According to sources, the decision to demolish the houses was taken by a 120-member jirga after “proofs” of the suspects’ involvement in terrorist activities were obtained through an investigation.

An ATC handed down Muhammad Hussain 18 years and Ahmad Shah alias Mehdi four years imprisonment for possessing explosive materials and unlicensed weapons among other charges.

An alleged terrorist, Muhammad Imran Saeed, was remanded to the Rangers for a 90-day period to interrogate over charges of involvement in target killings and other crimes.

Three suspected terrorists, Usman Naeem, Syed Muhammad Umar alias Talha and Imamuddin, were sent to the central prison on a judicial remand after the court was informed that the accused were activists of a banned terrorist outfit and had carried out terrorist activities.

The US has “a very solid cooperation” on nuclear security with Pakistan and plans to continue this collaboration, said US Under-Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Rose Gottemoeller during the fourth and final Nuclear Security Summit in Washington. She also said that Pakistan now “has quite a mature capability” of defending its nuclear weapons and installations. “We have a very solid cooperation with Pakistan on nuclear security” and the country “has quite a mature capability now”, she said when asked to spell out US concerns on Pakistan’s nuclear program. She pointed out that Pakistan had developed its own Nuclear Security Centre of Excellence in recent years and the US continued to work with the Pakistanis on the nuclear security front.

She, however, identified one cause of concern, the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, but clarified that this concern was not focused on Pakistan alone. “Our concerns regarding the continuing deployment of battlefield nuclear weapons by Pakistan relate to a reality of the situation: When battlefield nuclear weapons are deployed forward, they can represent an enhanced nuclear security threat,” she said. “It’s more difficult to sustain positive control over systems that are deployed forward. We found this lesson ourselves out in Europe during the years of the Cold War.” “Wherever battlefield nuclear weapons exist, they represent particular nuclear security problems,” she said.

March 31

At least five people were killed and several others injured when a blast occurred inside a vehicle on Kashmir Road in Jani Khel area of Lakki Marwat District in KP. DPO Lakki Marwat Ali Akbar said the people were travelling from North Waziristan to Lakki Marwat when a blast occurred in their vehicle. “Initial reports suggest that the bomb was planted on the vehicle,” he said. However, the exact nature of the blast is yet to be ascertained.

The CTD arrested a target killer of banned outfit and recovered arms near Charsadda Bus Terminal in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. CTD sources said that reacting to an intelligence tip-off regarding presence of terrorist, operation was conducted near Charsadda Bus Terminal during which an alleged target killer of banned outfit was arrested. The detainee identified as Shahidullah hailing from Agha Mir Jani locality of Peshawar was involved in attacks on police, incidents of target killings and other crimes. A 9MM pistol was also recovered from his possession.

Two Lyari gangsters were killed in a Police encounter in Moachko area of Baldia Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Police said on a tip-off police launched an action in the area. Over a hundred Police personnel took part in the operation where they used armoured personnel carriers. The accused opened fired at the Police when they entered the area, police said. In the shootout, two Lyari gangsters identified as Shahbaz and Shakeel alias Commando were shot dead. Shahbaz belonged to the Uzair Baloch group while Shakeel belonged to the Baba Ladla group, Police added.

April 1

An ASI, identified as Shakeel, was shot at and injured by unidentified armed assailants the Lasbela bridge located in Lasbela locality in Liaquatabad Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Sindh Rangers conducted a series of raids in different areas of the city and arrested 21 alleged criminals, including 13 terrorists, affiliated with proscribed groups.  A spokesman said weapons were found on those arrested.  According to details, Rangers personnel conducted raids in Saddar Town and Lyari Town and arrested three gangsters involved in extortion and target killings. In other raids in Jahangir Town, Orangi Town and Ranchore Line, five criminals, including target killers and extortionists, affiliated with a notorious militant wing, were arrested.  Elsewhere, Rangers arrested three terrorists of banned outfits in Manghopir area of Gadap Town and Landhi Town.

ATC released seven accused due to the non-availability of evidences against them in a cases pertaining to attack on KPC. The Police submitted the report of 497 (2) CRPC to the administrative judge of ATC stating concrete evidences against the above-mentioned accused. The Police report stated that the witnesses also did not identify the accused persons. While accepting the Police report, the court released all the accused.

Karachi law enforcers in a report identified according to reports, as many as six wings of TTP that are on the verge of being active by establishing 'Special Task Force' to target Police and Rangers personnel. SFs have alerted all the Departments and claimed that TTP has started assigning missions to their workers against security officials. The law enforcers said that a chain of raids is already underway on the identification of arrested terrorists. However, the militants also leveled rare revelations during investigation.

An intelligence agency with the help of local police arrested an alleged terrorist wanted by Karachi Police in acts of terrorism and attacks on security personnel from Bazidkhel area of Kohat District in KP. The District security branch got the information that a wanted terrorist was present in a house in Bazidkhel area. He was hiding since 2012 and declared proclaimed offender by Karachi Police. The alleged terrorist, identified as Mohammad Iqbal was arrested in a raid on the house. He was also wanted to Police in a murder case of Policemen and the Sindh Government had issued his arrest warrants.

An anti-terrorism court remanded a suspected target killer into the CTD custody for 10 days on charges of murdering a former intelligence official. Abdul Latif was a former ISI regional head and was shot dead on March 22 in Hayatabad in the city. Haris Naseem, his nephew who was arrested on March 31, also recorded his statement before special judge Salim Jan Khan and revealed the name of his accomplice. Officials requested the court to remand the suspect into physical custody for interrogation. The judge accepted the plea and handed Naseem over to CTD.

SFs have killed 92 militants, including a key 'commander', and have conducted 417 targeted operations in the province during the last four months, said Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti. “Security forces in the province have also seized more than 10,000 kilograms of explosives and other arms and ammunition,” said Bugti. He added that during the last four months, 22 FC personnel have been killed and 65 others have been injured.

Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri during a session of Balochistan Assembly denied that military operation is being carried out in any part of the Province by the Federal Government and said that SFs under the Provincial Government were only conducting targeted operations wherever required. “The Provincial Government itself is conducting operations against terrorists,” he said.

The State of Human Rights in 2015, an annual report by the HRCP issued, pointed out those provinces continued to use expanded legislative authority under the 18th Constitutional Amendment to enact several important laws, but implementation mechanism lagged behind. The report stated that the parliament made 20 laws, while the president promulgated 12 ordinances during the last year. On the other hand, the provincial legislatures adopted 120 laws with highest legislative output (40) by KP, followed by Sindh (32), Punjab (31) and Balochistan (17). Important legislation included Sindh Commission on the Status of Women Act, Balochistan Prevention and Control of Thalassaemia Act, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Prohibition of Employment of Children Act. Sindh and Punjab adopted laws with regard to employment of physically challenged citizens.

The legislation was also adopted to set up eight universities across Pakistan while laws were enacted to regulate the conduct of local government elections in all the provinces, in the federal capital and in cantonments. The 21st Constitutional Amendment and corresponding amendments to the Army Act 1952 gave military courts jurisdiction to try all persons, including civilians and juveniles, in offences related to terrorism under military tribunals.

Last year, 324 people, most with no links to terrorism, being put to death by the state. Another 8,000 prisoners stayed on death row. The report said there was significant positive change in application and opinion of the judiciary, in cases of blasphemy law. “Dispensation of justice remained protracted with 2,700 cases pending before the Supreme Court and 60,000 each in Lahore and Sindh high courts, and 9,000 cases in Balochistan and 28,487 in Peshawar high court,” it said.

The report revealed a 40 percent decrease in violence as compared to 2014. In 2015, 4,612 people died in violence as compared to 7,622 violence-related deaths last year. Anti-state violence dropped below 2008 levels: 706 militant attacks took place, in which 1,325 people including 619 civilians, 348 security forces personnel, 325 militants and 33 pro-government razakars were killed. HRCP noted killing of 2,108 men and seven women through police encounters across Pakistan.

Punjab reported 382,932 cases of crime in 2015, 6,622 less than 389,554 cases in 2014. Sindh saw a 42 percent reduction in the number of murders in 2015 as compared to 2014. KP and Balochistan witnessed 10 and one percent surge respectively in total crime in 2015 as compared to 2014. The report also stated that five doctors and three lawyers were killed because of their faith. In 2015, 419 persons were awarded the death penalty while 327 death penalty convicts were hanged, making Pakistan one of the highest executing states in the world.

About 1,390 cases of enforced disappearance remained pending with the commission of inquiry. The HRCP data suggested that least 151 cases of disappearances were reported in Balochistan between January and November 2015. Amid reforms, about 65,000 names were removed from the exit control list (ECL) during the last year. In March, some Baloch activists were restricted from travelling to the United States to attend a seminar. Subsequently, Farzana Majeed and Mama Qadeer were removed from the ECL by orders of the Sindh High Court. The report also revealed that attacks on buses and killing and abduction of passengers restricted freedom of movement of certain ethnic and sectarian groups.

April 2

The Inspector General FC Balochistan Major General Sher Afgun said Indian spy agency RAW and Afghan intelligence agencies were involved in militancy and terrorism in the province. Talking to media, he said Indian consulates in Afghanistan are involved in random acts of terrorism in Balochistan. He said security situation has improved in the province as a result of targeted operations. He said the enemy was traced out and defeated due to good interaction and cooperation of people with security forces. He said that peace has been restored and now there is no “No Go Area” in Balochistan.

Police killed four suspected militants in an encounter in Quaidabad area of Bin Qasim Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Malir Senior SSP Rao Anwar said that contingents of Police, acting on a tip-off provided by held suspects, conducted targeted raid on an alleged hideout of the militants. On seeing the Police, the suspects resorted to firing and during exchange of fire, four of them were killed.

Pakistan Rangers Sindh arrested a target killer, identified as Najeeb Alam. A Rangers statement said Najeeb Alam was produced before the Anti-Terrorist Court. The Court sent him for 90 days remand to Rangers for interrogation. The accused during initial interrogation has admitted burning to death lawyers at Tahir Plaza in 2008.

April 3

Since the last phase of Operation Zarb-e-Azb kicked off in February 27, at least 252 militants have been killed and 160 severely injured, while SFs have cleared 640 square kilometres of so far uncontrolled area in Shawal Valley of NWA in FATA, the ISPR said in a statement. Major terrorist hubs in Mana, Gurbaz, Lataka, Inzarkas and Magrotai areas have been cleared of militants, the ISPR said. “The battle to clear the last pocket close to the Pak-Afghan border continues,” it said, adding that all heights over 9,000 feet have been cleared. “Terrorists’ hideouts were destroyed, a cache of arms and ammunition seized and there was virtually no communication infrastructure remaining in the Shawal area once the operation was launched in February this year,” the statement said.

In a joint operation, conducted by Army, Rangers and Police, as many as 25 suspected terrorists, were detained from 34/2L (Balochan wali) village in Okara District and illegal weapons recovered from their possession. The weapons recovered included three Kalashnikoves, 3 8MM rifles, two 303 bore rifles, one 30 bore pistol and 1000 bullets. Besides, five motorcycles and cell phones were also seized.

Feroze Shah, the personal assistant to MQM leader Mohammad Ateeq, his daughter Tasbiha (8), and a city warden, Abid, were killed in a targeted attack while they were travelling in a van that looked like a Police vehicle near Furniture Market in North Karachi Town of Sindh.

Mullah Omar's elder son, Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, has been 'appointed' as the in-charge of Afghan Taliban's 'Military Commission' in 15 of Afghanistan's 34 Provinces, the group said in a statement. The 'Military Commission' is responsible for overseeing all military affairs of the Taliban and is headed by Mullah Ibrahim Sadr. In addition to being handed the key military position, he has also been included in Taliban's top decision-making council, the Rehbari Shura. The Taliban have also inducted Mullah Abdul Manan, Mullah Omar's brother and Yaqoob's uncle, into the leadership council. The statement added that both Yaqoob and Manan had formally assumed their offices at a meeting of Taliban leaders, members of the leadership council and senior 'commanders'.

Unidentified militant shot dead an IDP, identified as Musa Khan, from North Waziristan Agency of FATA in Tanzeem Bazaar within the limits of Basiakhel Police Station in Bannu District.

An IDP, identified as Dure Kamil, was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants while he was on his way home in Jhandokhel area within the limits of Township Police Station in Bannu District.

One 19-year old Nadar Khan was shot dead within the limits of Basiakhel Police Station in Bannu District.

A Policeman, identified as Ali Badshah, was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants while he was on his way to attend his duty near an Imambargah in Bannu District.

Police arrested two alleged militants, identified as Muhammad Zeb and Hairan Zada, and recovered arms and explosives from their possession in Sardaryab area of Charsadda District. Zeb belongs to Mohmand Agency while Hairan Zada is an Afghan national.

Two passengers of Quetta-bound Jaffar Express were killed and five others were injured when a bomb hit at a railway track near Mithri area of Sibi District. "It was an IED which was detonated by a remote control. The blast blew up a major portion of the track," Railway Police said.

Six robbers looted PKR eight million from Dubai Islamic Bank in Meena Bazaar area of Korangi Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. This was Karachi's fifth bank heist this year.

Police detained six suspects during a search operation in Lines Area locality of Jamshed Town. The detained suspects are accused of violent acts during a political party's rally.

Sindh Police chief AD Khowaja decided to empower the CTD to register cases of terrorism incidents at its own three designated Police Stations so as to make the fight against terrorists more effective. Additional Inspector General Sanaullah Abbasi, who heads the CTD, said that the proposal to authorise the CTD to lodge FIRs of terror attacks was floated in the meeting after the Provincial Police Chief was informed that Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were also following the same process. According to the notification issued by IGP Khowaja, all cases pertaining to sabotage activities, including exploding railway tracks, gas pipelines and electricity towers, suicide bombing (except minor cases of cracker attacks) and target killings of law enforcers would be registered at the CTD Police Stations and investigations would be conducted by the heads of the Police Stations.

The first analysis report of the PFSA about the identity of the suspected suicide bomber indicates that Khorasani group - the JuA - an offshoot of TTP, was behind the March 27, 2016, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park attack. The PFSA was engaged by the CTD after a damaged head of the suspected suicide bomber was found at the site of the blast.

"After performing morphological analysis for forensic image comparison it was concluded that the "ear" seen in the questioned photo matches with the "ear" seen in the reference photo", the PFSA's report disclosed, further stating, "The forensic image comparison was inconclusive for other facial features due to extremely damaged condition of facial features in the questioned photograph."

JeM 'chief' Maulana Masood Azhar was allowed to preach extremist ideology at several British mosques during a month-long visit to UK in 1993 on the invitation of Islamist scholars when young Muslims were asked to seek weapons training at terrorist camps in Pakistan, said BBC Investigation report. According the investigation, senior representatives of the Deobandi sect that controls nearly half of Britain's 1,600 mosques, hosted Azhar during the visit in which hundreds of young Muslims were urged to seek weapons training at terrorist camps in Pakistan. During his UK tour - until now kept under wraps - Azhar delivered "sermons on jihad" to large audiences in London, Birmingham, Yorkshire and Lancashire and the message was of hatred for Christians, Jews and Hindus. Witnesses said that large sums of money were donated after each talk.

SFs claimed to have killed 15 militants during a raid in Johan area of Kalat District in Balochistan. Two SFs were injured in the operation. The SFs recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition, and destroyed two sanctuaries used by the militants, said Government spokesperson Anwarul Haq Kakar.

Six TTP militants belonging to belonging to the Ustad Aslam faction were killed in an encounter conducted by CTD near Tallat Park in Kachi Abadi Sherakot area of provincial capital Lahore. A CTD spokesperson said that weapons and explosives were also recovered, including "four to five kilograms of explosives, four detonators, two Kalashnikov rifles, three motorcycles, four pistols, and 97 bullets." He further added that the Police "received information that nine to ten suspects of the banned TTP". "They were planning to attack law enforcement agencies' offices and prominent personalities in Lahore," said the CTD spokesperson.

An ISPR statement said, "Coordinated operations are underway against terrorists, hardened criminals and ferraris by law enforcement agencies including Rangers, Punjab police, CTD, assisted by Pakistan army in southern Punjab". The statement added that the terrorists have fled from different parts of the country as a result of operation Zarb-e-Azb, and have taken refuge in the remote areas of Rohjan and District Rahim Yar Khan. The operation is being looked after by Corp Commander Lahore, Lieutenant General Sadiq Ali, with army troops, Punjab Police, CTD and Rangers participating.

Two Islamic State (IS/ also known as Daesh) militants, as Mohammad Mujahid alias Talha and Abdullah alias Kuna, were killed in a an exchange of fire with the CTD of Police in Gulshan-e-Maymar area of Gadap Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. SSP Junaid Shaikh said that the raid yielded a huge cache of arms and ammunition. The Daish operatives were said to be planning major terror attacks in Karachi. "They were planning attacks on consulates of different countries in Karachi. They also planned targeting shopping malls and sensitive installations," SSP Shaikh said. According to details, Mujahidullah was a key player for Daesh in Karachi and carried a head money of Rs1 million. He was earlier associated with the LeJ and the TTP but he swore allegiance to IS while serving as 'cook' of Daesh leader Jahanzeb in Buner District of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Three people sustained injuries when Lyari gangsters threw an explosive device in Kaghzi Bazaar of Kharadar area in Saddar Town. Shopkeepers said that lately they had been receiving threats for payment of extortion and the incident could be linked with it. An unnamed Police Officer said that gangsters linked with Lyari were involved in the attack. The officer added that one known figure of the Uzair Baloch gang had recently returned from Muscat and was living somewhere in the city though not in Lyari. This gangster had started criminal activities in the old city areas recently "to make their presence felt" after arrest of their ringleader Uzair Baloch, the Police Officer added.

More than two dozen IS-inspired militants have been found operating and planning some major terror attacks in the metropolis, said an officer of the CTD of Police. "There are 25 IS-inspired militants operating in the metropolis. They are planning to target foreign missions, law enforcers and shopping centres," said CTD SSP Junaid Shaikh. When asked about the Federal Minister of Interior Nisar Chaudhry Ali Khan's denial of the presence of IS, the officer said the militants were 'ideologically' linked with the IS and remained in contact with the Middle East-based outfit through social media only. "Previously, these militants belonged to the banned LeJ, TTP and al Qaeda but now they have jumped on the IS or Daesh bandwagon," the officer added.

Three death row prisoners, including two brothers, were hanged till death in Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore. The dead bodies were handed over to their families after completing legal formalities. The hanged persons have been identified as Imran, Nauman and Raheel. Police said Imran and Nauman, two real brothers, had killed one Awais in Islamabad in 1996. They were convicted in 1997.

The third convict had killed a man in Dera Ghazi Khan District.

The GoC Malakand Division Major General Nadir Khan said "The militants have been defeated and durable peace restored in the region after tremendous sacrifices by forces and the people". "The security forces have completed the job of breaking the militants' network and restoration of peace in Malakand," he added.

PAF wants to upgrade its ageing fleet of fighter jets in anticipation of a prolonged battle against militants, although the purchase of fifth-generation planes would only be a last resort, PAF second-in-command Muhammad Ashfaque Arain said in an interview. "Our concern is that we don't know how long these anti-terrorist operations will continue," he said, adding, "We have weakened them (militants) to a great extent, but I don't see an end in the very near future, so all the burden is being shared by the F-16s and its pilots."

SFs repulsed an attack on a checkpost in the Mangora Sar area on the Pak-Afghan border in Kurram Agency of FATA, killing around 18 militants in the subsequent clash. Sources said that a group of 50-60 militants stormed a security checkpost in the Mangora Sar area with heavy arms early in the day. The SF personnel manning the checkpost returned the fire and 18 militants were killed in the ensuing gunbattle. Six militants were also injured in the clash which continued for quite some time. The SFs forced the militants to retreat, leaving behind their weapons and ammunition. However, they said the fleeing militants took along their injured accomplices.

The FDMA will begin the third phase of the return of internally displaced persons to five FATA agencies. An official concerned said that around 84,553 displaced families would go back to their homes in the third phase to be completed by the end of August. He said under the plan, the authority was starting the programme of the IDPs' return to Orakzai Agency from April 11 and that 15,553 families would be facilitated to go back to their homes. The official said 22,000 families would be repatriated to North Waziristan, 30,000 families to South Waziristan, 12,000 families to Kurram and 5,000 families to Khyber Agency.

Three Shias were shot dead in a sectarian attack at the Najaf Imambargah in North Karachi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. SSP Central Investigation Arab Mahar said, "The victims were riding a motorbike and were attacked near Shafiq Mor".

A Policeman was killed while two others - a civilian and a Police official - were injured in a roadside blast in Badhu Samar Bagh area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. SSP, Operations, Abbas Majeed Marwat said initial reports revealed a remote detonator had been used to detonate the device. Faqirabad ASP Waseem Riaz said two policemen were patrolling the area on foot when the device went off. "A policeman was killed," he said. "Another policeman [and a civilian] were injured." he said. Around 500 to 750 grammes of explosives used in attack. The deceased was identified as Saeed, a police constable who hails from Mathra, while the injured civilian was identified as Ihsanullah. Another Policeman sustained minor injuries.

The Peshawar CTD arrested an alleged Afghan terrorist, identified as Ismail, during a search operation in provincial capital Peshawar. CTD said that the suspect was wanted in an IED attack on a cycle rally on January 24, 2016.

Police arrested an alleged arms trafficker and recovered a huge cache of arms from him in Saddar Police Station area of Bannu town in the same District. DSP Inayat Ali Shah said that the Police received information that arms traffickers were planning to smuggle a huge cache of arms to Bannu. The Police, he said, put the security on high alert and established various checkpoints on the entry and exit points. 59 Kalashnikovs, 164 pistols, two repeaters and 48,000 cartridges were recovered from a truck and arrested an arms trafficker.

The LeT founder and JuD chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed has set up a Sharia'h court in provincial capital Lahore to dispense "speedy justice", taking up citizens' complaints and issuing summons carrying a warning of strict action in case of non-compliance. This is the first such parallel judicial system in Pakistan's Punjab province. The JuD claimed the court only offers arbitration and resolves disputes in accordance with the Islamic judicial system, but failed to justify the summons. The court has been established at the organisation's headquarters, Jamia Qadsia, Chauburji, under a Qazi (judge) assisted by Khadmins or court associates. "The complaints are addressed to the chief of the religious organisation who later refers them to the Qazi for further proceedings," the report said.

A low intensity blast caused panic near in Nar Haideran village in Naurang town of Lakki Marwat District in KP. However, no casualties were reported. "The law enforcers also launched search operation in the area but there are no reports about any arrests," said an unnamed official source.

JuD clarified that that it has complete trust in the judicial system of the country and the Arbitrary Council, Darul Qaza Sharia, established by it merely provides arbitration services to consenting parties in the light of the Quran and Sunna. "The arbitrary council is not a parallel court and does not issue any kind of summons or seek money for arbitration," the JuD clarified.

SFs claimed to have killed 34 suspected militants, including a key 'commander' in Kalat District of Balochistan. One SF official was killed while two others sustained injuries during the exchange of fire. Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti in a press conference said "A key militant commander, Abdul Nabi Bangulzai, was also among the dead. Abdul Nabi was involved in the assassination of Balochistan High Court Justice Nawaz Marri in 2000." The operation was launched by personnel of SF and intelligence agencies against elements involved in target killings and bombings in the Johan area of Kalat District. SFs also recovered a large amount of arms and ammunition from the militants, and Bugti added that those killed were also involved in attacking passengers in the Mastung area of the Province.

The CTD and Police, in a joint action, killed at least three militants in Khanewal District of Punjab. The fourth terrorist detonated his explosive vest killing himself on the spot. The Police and CTD, on a tip-off, carried out joint action and exchange of fire took place near Lakhi Tibbi Adda. Two to three others managed to flee taking advantage of the darkness. CTD sources said the terrorists were affiliated to TTP and Al Qaeda and were plotting to target sensitive installations in Multan. The law enforcers recovered suicide jackets, two pistols and automatic rifle from the possession of the militants.

ANP local leader Syed Jamshaid Ali was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Manglore area of Swat District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to Police, two unidentified men approached Jamshaid Ali when he was present at the site of an under-construction school building at Telegram. "One of the attackers met him and the other opened fire, killing him on the spot," said Manglore Station House Officer Fayaz Khan.

Police arrested four AQIS terrorists after a shootout near Jehnagir Park within the limits of Preedy Police Station area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to details, the four terrorists opened fire at a Police mobile near Jehnagir Park. Police chased and arrested them after shootout. Police claimed the arrested terrorists are affiliated with AQIS. Weapons including four SMGs and a motor cycle were recovered from them. Preedy Station House Officer Kamal Naseem said that all four terrorists are educated and residents of Karachi.

Three abductors were killed and one abducted child was rescued in a Police encounter in the Eastern Bypass area of the provincial capital Quetta. The kidnapped boy was identified as Aimal Khan (12). The Quetta Deputy Inspector General of Police, Syed Imtiaz Shah said that the kidnappers had demanded PKR 200,000 as ransom for the release of Aimal. According to details, Police raided a house in the Rind Garh area of Eastern Bypass area. During the raid, the kidnappers opened fire on police, triggering a heavy exchange of gunfire which continued for an hour. "The kidnappers were using an Afghan SIM for calling parents of the kidnapped boy," Shah said, adding that the kidnappers had links with criminals in Afghanistan. The kidnappers killed in the encounter were identified as Ghulam Ahmed, Fazlur Rehman and Shakir.

At least nine terrorists were killed in military air strikes in Barmand area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

An activist of the MQM was shot dead in a target killing incident while he was sitting at a tea hotel in Sector 8/B of North Karachi Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

The CTD announced the arrest of three female suicide bombers near the Lahore Road area in Sargodha District. The officials claimed to have recovered two suicide jackets and three hand grenades from their possession, said to a CTD statement. While conducting a raid in the Bypass Sem Nala area, CTD officials were shot at by two attackers, the statement said, adding that CTD officials fired back in self-defense. The attackers fled and three female suspects were arrested while trying to escape, the CTD added.

The process to repatriate displaced families to SWA in FATA started amid protests by journalists against how they were treated during the recent visit of Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra. The repatriation will continue till May 14, 2016. Officials said that at least 100 families were repatriated to Manzakai, Raghzai and Kat Kai villages on the first day. Around 20 hubs (points) have been set up at the camp for the verification of the displaced families. They added in the first phase, at least 7,348 families will be repatriated to 39 villages of SWA.

Each family was provided PKR 25,000 as well as PKR 10,000 for transportation and other costs. They were also provided with six months of ration to help them settle in their native villages. When contacted, a member of a displaced family Haji Muhammad informed, "Though, I don't know the condition of my house, I am happy to go back after seven years." He added, "We faced a difficult time as IDPs and were living in a rented house. Now, I want to [go back]."

An inquiry Commission, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Anwar Zaheer Jamali, ruled out the involvement of the ISI in the attack on journalist Hamid Mir on April 19, 2014, in Karachi. The 41-page report observed that allegations on ISI's possible involvement in the attack were based on 'suspicions, assumptions or apprehensions'.

After investigating the incident for nine months, the inquiry commission drafted a report which stated that, prima facie, there was a tug of war among some journalists and the ISI, because some media persons had told the commission that the spy agency was unhappy with their reporting. The report also observed that there was a complete failure on the part of law enforcement agencies to investigate the attack. It mentioned that CCTV footage viewed during in-camera proceedings of the commission clearly showed two individuals at Karachi airport behaving in a suspicious manner at the time of Mir's arrival. Despite this, law enforcement agencies were unable to catch actual culprits, it added.

The TTP militants killed DSP Shangla Muhammad Ilyas and injured two police officer's' guards in Sabzi Mandi area of Mingora in Swat District. TTP spokesperson Muhammad Khorasani claimed responsibility for the attack in an email sent to journalists.

Sindh Rangers detained five suspects, including four affiliated with a political party, for 90 days, after informing ATC about their preventive detention for questioning. The Rangers along with its counsel produced the suspects belonging to a political party, Naveed Anwar, Abdullah Mehtab, Nadir and Muhammad Asif alias Dunba, before the administrative judge of ATC amid tight security. The fifth suspect was identified as Muhammad Muneer.

The paramilitary force submitted the papers in the court according to which they have credible information about suspects' involvement in target killings, extortion and offences that comes within the ambit of Anti-Terrorism Act. The court directed the provincial authorities to form a joint investigation team within 15 days for interrogating the suspects. The Rangers will keep the suspects in their custody for the period of 90 days considering legal provision 11 EEEEE (1) of Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

Concerned over reports of an increase in civilian casualties from the Johan area of Kalat District and the Isplingi area of Mastung District allegedly as a result of an operation by Security Forces, chairperson of the HRCP Zohra Yusuf said that the authorities needed to ensure excessive force was not being used, as it would further alienate the people of Balochistan. The recent increase in casualties from these two areas being reported at the Quetta's Civil Hospital has become a cause of concern for the HRCP whose representatives say it is difficult to identify those getting killed in the military operation due to its inaccessibility to rights activists.

Yusuf said that 27 bodies were brought to the Civil Hospital in Quetta over the past few days that she said was alarming. "Since the areas mentioned are inaccessible to journalists and activists, it is difficult to identify the dead. But, according to our activists who spoke to the people in the surrounding areas of Quetta, these are civilian casualties," she added.

At least 10 Policemen and five gangsters were killed while another 25 were taken hostage, leading to the suspension of the operation against the Chhotu Gang in Rajanpur District. It was learnt that two boats carrying 42 Policemen advanced on positions of the dacoits who fired at them. 15 gangsters and four Policemen were injured in the operation. The IGP-led Operation Zarb-e-Aahan (Strike of the dawn) that was launched on April 5, 0216, in the District against the gangsters was suspended till the formulation of a new strategy. Rajanpur DPO Ghulam Mubashir Mekan said around 200 criminals had rendered the 30-kilometre island-like area into a no-go area. They are armed with sophisticated weapons.

Two AQIS terrorists were shot dead in a Police shootout and another was arrested in Barfat Goth area of Gulshan-e-Maymar in Gadap Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The slain terrorists were identified as Abdul Saboor alias Hamad alias Hassan alias Younus and Mohammad Mujtaba alias Rehan alias Aslam alias Kashif alias Abdul Rehman. Their arrested companion was identified as Mohammad Murtaza alias Abu Hurairah.

Raja Umer Khattab, the Chief of the CTD's Anti-Transnational Terrorist Intelligence Group, said that the Police also found an explosives factory and a huge cache of weapons and explosive material at the terrorists' hideout. While searching their hideout, the police came across an underground water tank where 80 kilogrammes of explosives, circuits, ball bearings, bottle bombs, ball bombs, and other material used for preparing bombs were found. Besides, they also found a laptop, memory cards, USBs, jihadist literature, target lists, two motorcycles equipped with improvised explosive devices, two Kalashnikovs, a 9mm pistol, bullets and grenades there.

A bullet-riddled dead body, identified as that of one Zahid (30), was found in within the Memon Goth Police limits in Bin Qasim Town. The victim was a watchman at a PSO petrol pump.

Another unidentified dead body was found in an empty plot situated in Allahwala Town within the Korangi Industrial Area police jurisdiction.

The CoAS General Raheel Sharif while chairing a security meeting at the Corps Headquarters in Karachi said that a terror-free and peaceful Karachi is the ultimate aim of the operation and all efforts must be directed with a focused approach to achieve this objective, reports Daily Times.

At least four more Policemen were killed in the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Aahan in Rajanpur District. The dead bodies came with a threat to kill 24 captive Policemen if safe passage is not provided to leaders of Chotoo gang. The gangsters also handed over four injured Policemen to representatives of Police.

Federal Interior Ministry accorded approval for launching a military operation against the criminals of Rojhan tehsil in Rajanpur District. An unnamed Police official said that an army battalion from Okara and two platoons of the SSG, an independent commando regiment/corps of the army, has been called in to launch a large-scale operation. A strike force with paratroops from Rangers would also take part in the joint operation along with regular policemen and commandos of the force, the official added.

A murder convict, Imtiaz Ahmad, was hanged till death in Haripur Central Prison of Haripur District. Ahmad was convicted in a murder case of a man in 2005. According to jail sources, District and Sessions Judge Mansehra awarded the capital punishment to the convict which was subsequently upheld by the High and Supreme Court.

The Sindh Rangers interrogated senior leader of PPP Abdul Qadir Patel for his alleged involvement in serious crimes and links with criminal gangs operating in Lyari Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Sources said that the interrogation, which continued for over five hours at the Rangers' Karachi headquarters, took place with Lyari PAC chief Uzair Baloch sitting in the same room. After failing to give satisfactory answers to the investigating officer, Patel was transferred to an undisclosed location for further investigation, with sources saying that the PPP leader was expected to be remanded for 90 days in Rangers' custody.

The FO rejected the notion that the peace process between Pakistan and India was suspended, saying it remained engaged with Delhi. "We need to look ahead and not think in terms of foreclosing any options. Both sides are in contact with each other," FO spokesman Nafees Zakaria said. "Dialogue is the best option. Diplomacy is for interaction and engagement between countries," he added.

The Army officially launched a ground and aerial operation, codenamed Zarb-e-Aahan, in Rajanpur District, leading to the surrender of 40 gangsters. The gangsters said that they never wanted to fight against Pakistan Army. Curfew has been imposed in four kilometer area and soldiers have also been assisted with gunship helicopters. Addressing officers at the Central Police Office in Lahore, Punjab IG Mushtaq Sukhera said the Zarb-e-Aahan operation had been launched in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies. "During training sessions, 50,000 rounds were fired and use of mortars and other equipment were demonstrated," the IG said, adding that two retired colonels from the Special Services Group were on board in the operation.

An administrative judge of the ATC accepted a seven-day physical remand request of AQIS, terrorist, Syed Murtaza. Producing the accused before the ATC, an official of the CTD informed the court that he was involved in cases pertaining to possession of explosive materials, illicit weapons, attempted murder and firing at police officials. The court ordered for the accused to be produced in court following expiration of the remand period.

An activist of the MQM, Irfan Sheikh alias Irfan Sindhi, was handed over to the Rangers on a 90-day remand. He was said to be involved in cases of target killings of a number of people, demanding extortion and carrying out kidnappings-for-ransom. The court was also presented with a letter empowering the Rangers to keep anyone suspected of having committed heinous crimes for 90 days. The court endorsed the order and sent the accused on remand.

Defence Secretary Alam Khattak while briefing the Senate Committee on defence told the Parliament that Pakistan received at least USD 13 billion from the US since the September 11, 2001 (also known as 9/11) attacks for logistic and other support in the war against terrorism. Khattak said that his country got "USD 13 billion under the CSF since 9/11", while another USD 200 million is due to be reimbursed by the US.

According to a declassified US Government document obtained by National Security Archive, a non-governmental research institute at George Washington University, a Pakistani intelligence officer paid USD 200,000 to an extremist network to facilitate a suicide bomb attack on CIA operatives on Forward Operating Base Chapman in Khost District of Afghanistan on December 30, 2009. The heavily redacted document suggests that Pakistan's spy agency, the ISI Directorate, and the Haqqani Network were involved in facilitating the attack.

Later, the State Department spokesman John Kirby said, "We have been consistently clear with the highest levels of the Government of Pakistan that it must target all militant groups, including the Haqqani Network, al Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba'. "The government of Pakistan itself has repeatedly said it's not going to discriminate against a terrorist group regardless of their agenda or affiliation," he said.

Pakistan's Foreign Office termed allegations of its involvement in the attack as preposterous, saying the country itself was the biggest victim of terrorism. Pakistan was shocked and saddened when American lives were lost at the Chapman facility in 2009 in an attack later claimed by TTP, a statement said.

The guard of a pro-government Lashkar leader, Bilal Afridi, was killed when a suicide bomber attacked the hujra of Said Jamal in the Kharko Sarhgi area in the Zakhakhel tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA in the night.

The CTD of Police claimed to have arrested two fishermen over their alleged links to the Indian spy agency RAW. Acting on a tip-off, the Police detained Saddam Husain and Mohammed Bachal in the Shah Bander area in Thatta, said CTD Investigation officer Naveed Khowaja. He added that the suspects revealed that they had been persuaded by another Pakistani fisherman, Mohammed Khan, to work for RAW in return for permission to fish in Indian waters and money. The two suspects entered India through Shah Bander and met RAW operatives, Kiran and Arjun, at the Bhuj Police Station. They were provided a camera and tasked to take pictures of sensitive installations of Pakistan Navy and Coast Guards in Thatta and Karachi.

The Levies forces and political administration officials averted a major disaster by defusing improvised explosive devices and rockets that were rigged to blow Usmania Plaza, located in Kurmi Bazaar area of Parachinar in Kurram Agency of FATA.

FC and sensitive agencies in their joint action in Panjgur District arrested a militant 'commander'. Huge arms and ammunition were also recovered from his possession, which included seven LMGs, seven rocket launchers, seven RPG-7, three SMGs, three hand grenades and thousands of bullets. According to sources, arms and ammunition were brought through N-85 Highway to Hoshab.

Security agencies detained six Baloch sardars in Rajanpur District for allegedly backing the Chotu gang and other criminals. The detained sardars were believed to be the 'major facilitators' and listed in the 'Black Book' Punjab Police. Punjab Police Chief Mustaq Ahmed Sukhera said that over 100 facilitators of the Chotu gang had been arrested in Rahim Yar Khan District. He said that a list of Police officers who had allegedly facilitated the notorious criminals had also been prepared and they would face an exemplary punishment if found involved.

Chotu gang released a few of the two dozen hostage Policemen and demanded a safe passage in return for the release of the remaining hostages. However, the details about the Policemen released were not disclosed. According to unnamed official sources, the demand that also included the release of the family of the ringleader of the Chotu gang was rejected and the gangster was given a final warning to surrender along with his accomplices.

The Law enforcement agencies arrested Lyari gangster Riasat Baloch along with his two accomplices from Golimar area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Riasat Baloch was wanted to Police in more than 60 heinous crimes including murder of the Police personnel. Arms were recovered from the possession of the arrestee.

As many as 144 Baloch militants laid down their arms by accepting Government's amnesty scheme in Khuzdar District of Balochistan. Four commanders of different militant organizations were also among the militants to give up arms. "We will fulfill all the promises we have made to the militants who have surrendered," said Commissioner of Kalat District in Balochistan. The government has promised financial assistance to youths who laid down weapons and abandoned violence against the State.

Army helicopter gunships pounded the island hideout of Chotu gang that has been holding 24 hostages on a 10-km (six-mile) long island in the centre of the Indus River in Rajanpur District of Punjab. The operation involving more than 2,000 SFs has been ongoing for two weeks and the Army's push to deploy troops, artillery and helicopter gunships is an unprecedented use of force by the military in Punjab. "We (army) had given the Chotu gang until 2 pm today to surrender but they did not abide by the deadline," said a military official based in the district of Rajanpur where the battle is taking place. "Now there is no option left but a full-scale operation, which has started."

The Army declared operation in Shawal area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA successful and started clearing improvised explosive devices and other unexploded ordnance in the area. The ISPR said in a statement that Army Chief General Raheel Sharif visited the embattled area near the Afghan border and he was briefed by formation commanders about operational gains achieved so far. More than 800 kilometers area has been secured in Shawal and heavy casualties have been inflicted on terrorists since the start of the last phase of Operation Zarb-i-Azb in February, it said. A security official said the ongoing phase of the operation had been accomplished successfully and troops were holding all important locations near the border.

At least two people, including suicide bomber, was killed and 18 others were injured in a suicide attack in the Mardan Excise and Taxation Department located in Cantonment Area on Mall Road in Mardan District. Eyewitnesses saw the attacker walking into the building, the District Police Office (DPO) Faisal Shahzad said, adding that the attacker's suicide vest contained 8-10 kilograms of explosive material.

Members of the Chotu gang released hostage Policemen and surrendered to the Army in Rajanpur District, Police sources said. The Chotu gang, led by Ghulam Rasool, alias Chotu, was given a deadline by the Army to surrender on April 18, 2016, failing which, the Army said it would begin a full-scale operation in the area. A source in the Police Department said that Chotu had demanded safe passage for himself, his family and some loyal accomplices to proceed to Dubai in return of safe release of the captive Policemen.

Terrorists have been driven out of their last bastion in NWA of FATA, the military said, announcing the completion of the final phase of Zarb-e-Azb operation and launching of "combing operations" in areas other than FATA.

The CoAS General Raheel Sharif emphasised on consolidating the gains and resettling the TDPs in their areas to the best of our abilities, the ISPR said in a statement. He called for breaking the nexus between terrorists and their facilitators sitting outside the tribal areas. General Raheel ordered large-scale "combing operations" immediately to seek out terrorists, their sleeper cells and facilitators in areas other than the FATA, and to enhance the reach of the Law Enforcement Agencies. An unnamed senior security official said that large-scale force would be sent to the areas with the presence of terrorists and their facilitators. "This will be applicable to the whole of Pakistan," he added. "The areas not accessible to the Police would be brought under the control."

Seven Police officials guarding polio workers were killed in two separate attacks in Orangi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. DIG West Feroz Shah said that eight gunmen riding four motorcycles carried out the killings in two separate attacks in the neighborhood. "The gunmen first opened fire on three Policemen in the streets of Orangi Town, killing them all," he said, adding: "Later they shot dead four Policemen, who were sitting in a police mobile van" a few streets away.

The Leader of the Chotu gang, Ghulam Rasool, along with 13 gang members has 'surrendered unconditionally to the army', the ISPR announced, bringing to non-violent end the 21-day long operation in the riverine area of Rajanpur District of Punjab. Addressing a press briefing regarding the ongoing operation in Rajanpur area, ISPR Director General Lieutenant General Asim Bajwa said, "The military has successfully completed operation Zarb-i-Ahan." He confirmed that the 24 policemen taken hostage by the Chotu gang had been rescued. "However, the army will not vacate the area until all the miscreant elements are neutralised," Bajwa maintained.

The alliance of the political parties in NWA urged the Government to expedite the return of the displaced tribes and ensure completion of the rehabilitation process before Ramazan. Chairman of the alliance, Malik Akbar Khan representing the represents the Qaumi Watan Party said that the Security Forces had been making tall claims about clearing North Waziristan. However, he said the Government was showing lethargy in the rehabilitation process. He demanded the Government to ensure provision of basic facilities to the affected tribal people before their return to native towns.

The educational institutions and hospitals should be reopened and staff and facilities made available there, he added. The tribesman asked the government to conduct proper survey of the damages caused during the prolonged military operation and substantial compensation should be given to the affected people.

Four TTP terrorists, including their 'commander' Munshi, were killed in a Police encounter at the Super Highway in Malir Town area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to SSP Malir Rao Anwar, on the intelligence information about the presence of the terrorists in the area, Police carried out raid at a house where exchange of fire took place between the Police and terrorists, killing four terrorists. Police also seized weapons and explosives from their possession.

A 16-year-old wounded girl, identified as Marriyum, who sustained injuries during the March 27, 2016, blast in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park of provincial capital Lahore succumbed to her injuries in Jinnah Hospital, raising the death toll to 78. According to hospital sources, several injured persons of the blast are still admitted in different hospitals of the city, of which some are in critical condition and it is feared that the death toll might increase further.

The CTD arrested a terrorist, identified as Alam, from Khwazakhela area of Swat District for kidnapping Policemen. He was involved in kidnapping of five Policemen in 1994 form Swat.

Speaking on adjournment motions regarding the "terrible incident of suicide blast in Gulshan-i-Iqbal Park, Lahore" on March 27, 2016, the Senators called for a full-fledged military operation on militants' hideouts in Punjab. Initiating the debate, PPP parliamentary leader, Saeed Ghani, recalled that before this incident, the Punjab Government had always opposed a military operation, claiming that there were no organised militant groups in the province. He said the incident had proved the existence of terrorist groups in Punjab. He called for a military operation in the province similar to those initiated in Karachi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Another PPP Senator Taj Haider termed the war against terrorism a "battle between extremist and democratic forces." He alleged that the sympathisers of militants were present within the state. "Is it not true that insiders were involved in the attacks on the GHQ and Mehran Base?" he questioned, calling for the removal of such elements from the institutions.

The Special Assistant to KP Chief Minister on Minorities' Affairs MPA Sardar Soran Singh was shot dead in a targeted attack near Pir Baba in Buner District. The District Police Chief Khalid Hamadani said, "Gunmen riding on two motorbikes came in front of the car and started indiscriminate firing, killing minister on the spot".

Four more members of the Chotu gang surrendered to Army in Rajanpur District of Punjab, raising the number of surrendered gangsters to 17. The Army and Police have launched an operation against the gang to clear Kacha Jamal riverine area from the outlaws. Gang leader Ghulam Rasool Chotu and his 12 accomplices had surrendered to the Army two days ago and freed 24 Policemen the gang had taken hostage.

Meanwhile, Chotu and his 12 accomplices had been shifted to Islamabad for interrogation. Sources said intelligence agencies would interrogate Chotu and members of his gang In Islamabad. The Punjab Government has also set up a JIT headed by Atta Muhamamd Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan District Police Officer, to interrogate Chotu.

At least 12 militants were killed and two SF personnel injured in a clash along Pak-Afghan border when unidentified militants attacked a security check post in Baizai area of Mohmand Agency in FATA in the night. The check post came under attack once again April 24-morning, this time with heavy weapons, the officials said. "Both attacks were successfully repulsed. The militants faced heavy casualties," one security official added.

Unidentified armed men shot dead National Party leader Mir Ghulam Hussain Sarpara in the Gardigap area of Mastung District in Balochistan Province. According to Levies Force, Sarpara was fired at by the attackers riding on a motorcycle at his agriculture land in Gardigap area. The assailants managed to escape from the scene.

The SF personnel destroyed more than 30 bunkers and caves during a search operation in Tora Cheena area of Darra Adam Khel District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the night. According to officials, the SFs carried out the day-long operation after getting a tip that militants had turned the region, known as Tora Cheena, into a sanctuary from where they carried out attacks on SFs.

One FC official was killed and another one was injured an IED blast near a FC bomb-disposal unit which was patrolling the Soran area of Baizai in Mohmand Agency. The IED was possibly planted by the militants while they were retreating following the attack on the Baizai security check post.

The JuA, a splinter group of the TTP, claimed responsibility for the attacks on SFs in Baizai area of Mohmand Agency.

Afghanistan officials accused Pakistani forces of shelling a border post in Goshta District of Nangarhar Province and claimed an Afghan soldier was killed in the alleged attack.

The Afghanistan Government asked Pakistan to take practical steps to eradicate terrorism and persuade the Taliban to come to the peace talks, otherwise Kabul will not trust Islamabad. President's Deputy Spokesman Dawa Khan Mina Pal said that Islamabad's role was very essential in combating terror on its soil. "Pakistan's measures to eradicate terrorism are very important. We will not trust Pakistan until it fulfills its commitment," Pal said. The HPC says it sees slim chances of the Taliban joining the peace process and the Afghan government has no expectations that Pakistan will work for peace in the war-torn country.

The Sindh Government decided to extend special powers of Rangers for the next 90 days. The Rangers had asked for the extension of powers on April 21 through a letter to the Sindh Home Department as its policing powers will expire on May 3. The Home Department has sent a summary in this regard to the Chief Minister who is expected to grant the extension.

The CTD arrested three alleged target killers belonging to a political party and seized huge quantity of arms and ammunition from their custody in North Karachi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. SSP-CTD Intelligence Wing, Amir Farooqi said that the Police detained Mudasir Ali, Shafqat Ali and Mohammed Faiz from North Karachi. The Police claimed to have seized one machine gun, two LMGs, three 7-MM rifles, one Kalashnikov and other arms and ammunition from their possession.

Levies personnel recovered three bullet-riddled dead bodies from Hoshab area of Kech District. An unnamed Levies official said that the victims were laborers and were killed in an act of target killing.

The CTD arrested three alleged target killers belonging to a political party and seized huge quantity of arms and ammunition from their custody in North Karachi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. SSP-CTD Intelligence Wing, Amir Farooqi said that the Police detained Mudasir Ali, Shafqat Ali and Mohammed Faiz from North Karachi. The Police claimed to have seized one machine gun, two LMGs, three 7-MM rifles, one Kalashnikov and other arms and ammunition from their possession.

Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani warned that he would lodge a complaint with the UNSC if Pakistan refuses to take military action against Taliban 'commanders' operating from its soil to wage insurgency across Afghanistan. "I want to make it clear that we do not expect Pakistan to bring the Taliban to talks," Ghani said during the joint session of the two houses of the Parliament.

He said that in quadrilateral talks over the past year that involved the US and China, Pakistan had pledged "in writing" to go after Taliban leaders who refuse to join the peace process.

"We want the Pakistanis to fulfill their promises in the quadrilateral and take military action against those who have their centres in Pakistan and whose leaders are in Pakistan based on our security organisations, the intelligence of our international partners, and the words of Pakistan officials," Ghani said, adding, "If we do not see a change, despite our hopes and efforts for regional cooperation, we will be forced to turn to the UNSC and launch serious diplomatic efforts."

Malakand Police claimed that PTI MPA Soran Singh was killed on April 22, 2016, over political rivalry, and the claim made by TTP is false. DIG Malakand Azad Khan said that a fellow PTI leader Baldev Kumar was behind the murder of Soran Singh as he wanted to avenge political rivalry. "Baldev Kumar wanted to contest the election instead of Singh... after failing to get the party ticket, Kumar planned the murder," said DIG Khan. The officer said that Police had arrested six people in connection with the murder, including Baldev, and the assassins hired to kill the PTI lawmaker, and registered cases against them. DIG Khan further said that Anti-Terrorism clauses have been included in the cases as the murder invoked fear among the people of the area and minority community.

According to Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya (JA) annual report released, the year 2015 proved to be yet another taxing year for the Ahmadi community in Pakistan. Over the year, two Ahmadis were killed, the houses of scores of others were set ablaze and a concerted anti-Ahmadiyya campaign continued relentlessly, the report stated. The documents further states that at least 248 Ahmadis have been killed because of their beliefs, 323 have been the victims of attempted murder 27 Ahmadiyya worship places have been demolished 32 have been 16 illegally appropriated 39 graves of Ahmadis have been desecrated and the bodies of 65 have been refused burial in mixed cemeteries to date. JA spokesperson Saleemuddin said the community had been denied permission to hold religious assemblies in Chenabnagar. The JA, he said, was not even allowed to organise sporting events in the Ahmadi-majority town. On the other hand, he said, the community's persecutors were given a veritable free hand. He said they routinely staged mass rallies, spewed venom against Ahmadi stalwarts and incited people to kill members of the community. No action has been taken against such elements, Saleemuddin added.

Pakistan Rangers Sindh claimed to have arrested a target killer associated with the MQM during a search operation in Azizabad area of Gulberg Town in Karachi of Sindh. "Mohammad Kashif alias David, who belongs to the MQM, is a most wanted criminal in multiple targeted killing and terrorism incidents," Rangers official Colonel Faisal said. He said the operation was carried out close to MQM's Nine Zero headquarters. A cache of weapons and ammunition, including Kalashnikovs, LMGs and RPG-7, and Rangers uniforms were recovered from his possession.

An alleged facilitator, identified as Musa, of a 'commander' of the IS in Afghanistan, identified as Abdullah alias Cheeta, was arrested from Regi Lalma area in provincial capital Peshawar. DSP Saifullah said the suspect was wanted by the local Police for various crimes and was arrested during a search operation in Regi Lalma. Musa belonged to an inter-provincial criminal organisation, said the DSP.

Pakistan Rangers Sindh claimed to have arrested a target killer associated with the MQM during a search operation in Azizabad area of Gulberg Town in Karachi of Sindh. "Mohammad Kashif alias David, who belongs to the MQM, is a most wanted criminal in multiple targeted killing and terrorism incidents," Rangers official Colonel Faisal said. He said the operation was carried out close to MQM's Nine Zero headquarters. A cache of weapons and ammunition, including Kalashnikovs, LMGs and RPG-7, and Rangers uniforms were recovered from his possession.

Pakistan FS Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhary accused India of trying to defame Pakistan in international forum by persisting with the listing of JeM 'chief' Maulana Masood Azhar in the UN 1267 Sanctions Committee.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson was quoted as saying that the Azhar block is "in line with Security Council resolutions and the 1267 committee's rules of procedure for China to place a technical hold on the listing ... the committee encourages communication between countries that ask for the listing and countries where individuals or entities covered in the listing come from or live in. We encourage all parties related to the listing of Masood Azhar to have direct communication and work out a solution through serious consultation."

Under the political reconciliation scheme launched in Balochistan, 1,025 militants, belonging to various outfits, have surrendered before the Provincial Government during the past year, said Secretary Home and Tribal Affairs, Akbar Hussain Durrani. Among the surrendered militants are a dozen key militant 'commanders', who have laid down their arms before provincial officials. "Those who surrendered under the reconciliation police were paid a sum of Rs0.5 million," he said.

"A total of 2622 IBOs were carried out during the last year, during which 12,234 criminals and miscreants were arrested," said Durrani, referring to the operations carried out after the implementation of the NAP. The Home Secretary added that 323 criminals and miscreants were killed in skirmishes with security forces, with 72 other injured in the gunfights.

The Lyari gangster Uzair Jan Baloch, leader of the PAC, confessed his involvement in at least 198 murders, according to an unnamed Rangers official. Investigators reveal that Baloch has made several startling disclosures before the joint interrogation team. "Uzair Baloch has so far confessed to the murder of 198 people, directly or indirectly," claimed a Rangers official, adding, "Baloch has also admitted his involvement in politico-ethnic targeted killings, anti-state activities, extortion, kidnapping for ransom, drug peddling and possessing arms and explosives."

Kashif alias David, a target killer associated with the MQM confessed of killing more than 30 people including PML-N leader Zaheer Akram Nadeem and a leader of Bihari Qaumi Movement. Sindh Rangers spokesman, in a statement issued in Karachi, said, "Kashif aka David has confessed to killing more than 30 people." The spokesman said that the accused was part of Ajmal Pahari group since 1995. Later, Kashif, on the directives of MQM Rabitta Committee and Tanzeemi committee, was running a team of assassins since 2005.

At least three people were killed in a landmine explosion in Hamzani village of Sui tehsil in Dera Bugti District of Balochistan. Levies sources said, the incident took place when three people who were traveling on tractor hit the roadside bomb. In the explosion, all the three died on the spot.

Two BRA militants were killed and another was wounded in an operation carried out by SFs after receiving information about their presence by the Intelligence Agency in Prome area of in Panjgur District. Arms and ammunition, including three Kalash­ni­kovs, five 7mm rifles, hundreds of live rounds and two pistols and wireless sets and motorcycles were seized from the camp which was destroyed by SFs.

An ASI of the Phandu Police Station, identified as Qaisar Ali Shah, was shot dead in a targeted attack in Yakatoot area of provincial capital Peshawar.

As many as 11 suicide bombers entered Pakistan from Afghanistan for terrorism some 22 days ago, and two of them blew themselves up in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recently, Intelligence Agency and Police sources said. According to the sources, the bombers were affiliated with Sajna Group of the TTP. The information about them and their entry in the country was gathered by the IB and shared with the authorities concerned, sources added. "They may strike in the Punjab, especially in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Lahore," the sources revealed.

The Lyari gangster Uzair Jan Baloch, leader of the PAC, confessed his involvement in at least 198 murders, according to an unnamed Rangers official. Investigators reveal that Baloch has made several startling disclosures before the joint interrogation team. "Uzair Baloch has so far confessed to the murder of 198 people, directly or indirectly," claimed a Rangers official, adding, "Baloch has also admitted his involvement in politico-ethnic targeted killings, anti-state activities, extortion, kidnapping for ransom, drug peddling and possessing arms and explosives."

Kashif alias David, a target killer associated with the MQM confessed of killing more than 30 people including PML-N leader Zaheer Akram Nadeem and a leader of Bihari Qaumi Movement. Sindh Rangers spokesman, in a statement issued in Karachi, said, "Kashif aka David has confessed to killing more than 30 people." The spokesman said that the accused was part of Ajmal Pahari group since 1995. Later, Kashif, on the directives of MQM Rabitta Committee and Tanzeemi committee, was running a team of assassins since 2005.

The Afghan Taliban confirmed that they have sent a high-level delegation to Islamabad for talks with Pakistani officials, saying they hope the visit will have "fruitful results" and will be "in the interest of both countries". An Afghan Taliban delegation had travelled from its political office in Qatar to hold discussions in the light of "close relations, long border and commercial transactions" between the two neighbouring countries. Diplomatic sources say the Taliban delegation is on an "exploratory discussions" mission as part of Islamabad's efforts to facilitate peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Taliban's political office in the Qatari capital of Doha is solely authorised to hold political talks. "The esteemed leader of the Islamic Emirate (the Taliban) has instructed the delegation to discuss issues relating to Afghan refugees and some problems relating to the Afghan border provinces of Helmand and Nangarhar," reads a statement.

A man, identified as Bahram Khan, and his son, Muhammad Siddique, were killed in a landmine blast in Lehri area of Sibi District.

The CTD arrested a suspected terrorist, identified as Mukhtiar, resident of Dogdara Bazaar in Lower Dir District, for his involvement in an attack on a mosque at Hayagai, in which 33 persons were killed and 10 others were injured.

The CTD also claimed to have arrested another suspected terrorist Noor Khel, resident of Peshawar, from Haripur District. The police claimed to have recovered one hand grenade, one pistol and its rounds from his possession.

National Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz while addressing the Fifth Conference on Interaction and CICA held in Beijing said that the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir must be resolved in accordance with the resolutions of the UNSC and the wishes of the Kashmiri people for durable peace and stability in South Asia.

A report of Dawn said that the number of madrassas (Islamic seminary) in the country, as well as the number of students enrolled in them, has been on the rise. Even though seminary boards offer different reasons for the growing number of students and institutions in the country, the administrators of all five mainstream seminary boards believe that a lack of a clear policy was augmenting negative growth as well. "The Government is not doing anything, but it wants the five boards and the seminaries registered with us to be as perfect as a polished shoe," said Sahibzada Abdul Mustafa Hazarvi, Nazim-e-Ala (President) of the Tanzeem-ul-Madaris Ahl-e-Sunnat, the board for seminaries affiliated with the Barelvi school of thought.

"It was only due to misconduct that Wifaqul Madaris al-Arabia delisted Jamia Hafsa in Islamabad in 2007, in wake of anti-state political activities. But what have the authorities done? The seminary still continues to hold classes, is increasing its branches, enhancing the number of students and even criticises the board for not registering it - this is the writ of Government in Islamabad," Sahibzada Abdul Mustafa exclaimed. He said that there were around 9,000 madrassas affiliated with the Barelvi school of thought, imparting religious education to more than 1.3 million students. He said that there has been an increase of 10 per cent in the number of seminaries and students as compared to the previous year.

The CTD arrested two suspects, identified as Asim and Azhar, on suspicion of having links with the TTP, from Samanabad area of provincial capital Lahore. One of them was an office bearer of a religious party.

The CTD arrested a TTP suspect, identified as Soahil, during a search operation at Shaheenabad Road of Sargodha District. Police also recovered a suicide jacket, a pistol and maps of airbase from his possession.

Three terrorists, involved in killing of tourists at Nanga Parbat base camp in June 2013, were shifted to Islamabad from Gilgit District. Unnamed sources said that the alleged terrorists were brought to the federal capital through flight PK-606.

President Mamnoon Hussain while talking to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra said that the Zarb-e-Azb operation was progressing successfully and would continue till complete elimination of the last terrorist. The President said that the government was committed to bring FATA at par with other areas of the country by completing ongoing development projects and providing socio-economic amenities to improve the standard of life of the people.

Four Lyari-gangsters in a Police encounter in Dalmia area of Mujahid Colony in Liaquatabad Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Gulshan SP Dr. Fahad Ahmed confirmed the incident. Six grenades, one AK-47, one repeater and two pistols were recovered from their possession.

The JIT report has found that PAC leader Uzair Jan Baloch had worked for an Iranian intelligence agency, and it further recommended that he be tried by a military court for 'espionage'. The JIT report signed by representatives of the Sindh Police, Rangers and Intelligence Agencies was sent to the Home Department on April 29, 2016, for "perusal and necessary action". According to the JIT report, Uzair Baloch was involved in "espionage activities by providing secret information regarding army installations and officials to foreign agents (Iranian intelligence officers) which is a violation of the Official Secret Act 1923". The report quoted him as telling the members of the JIT that he fled to Iran after the Rangers launched an operation in Karachi in 2013.

At least 13 people were injured when unidentified assailants threw a hand grenade outside a private guest house in Tehkal Bala area of provincial capital Peshawar. SSP-Operations Abbas Majeed Marwat confirmed the incident. Marwat claimed the two suspected attackers were arrested.

The US Congress is considering a new aid cut to persuade Islamabad to release Dr Shakil Afridi, who is serving a 23-year prison term for allegedly helping the CIA run a fake hepatitis vaccine program in Abbottabad to confirm slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden's presence. According to Congressional sources, a group of Republican and Democratic lawmakers were working on a new measure to use aid cuts to get Dr Afridi out of prison.

The sources further revealed that this year the lawmakers want a more substantial cut to force Pakistan to release Dr Afridi. "I would not be surprised if Congress made a big portion of this [fiscal 2017] aid contingent on the release of Dr Afridi and his family," Congressman Brad Sherman said. Congressman Matt Salmon, who chairs the House Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, also supported the suggestion. Pakistan needed to know that its treatment of Dr Afridi "is the single biggest impediment to members" wanting to support the country, he said.

A man, identified as Abdul Moeen (35), was shot dead by Lyari gangsters in an incident of firing on the Sheedi Village Road at Lea Market in Lyari Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A Police constable, identified as Sher Muhammad, was shot dead by two unidentified armed assailants while he was on duty at Police Lines in Mardan District of KP.

15 people, including three children, were injured in a grenade attack on JuD madrassa, Baitul Mukarrama Al-hadees, in Tehkal area of provincial capital Peshawar. SP Cantonment Peshawar Kashif said that the assailants opened fire and lobbed grenades at the seminary.

CoAS General Raheel Sharif while chairing a meeting of Corps Commanders at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi approved a comprehensive plan to carry out combing operations aimed at pre-empting potential sleeper cells and hideouts of terrorists across the country. The development comes after the military had announced conclusion of the Shawal operation in Shawal Valley of North Waziristan Agency in FATA on April 18, 2016.

The US administration asked Pakistan to "put forward" its "national funds" to buy F-16 fighter jets, because some top American Senators have put a hold on the use of US tax payers' money to subsidize Pakistan's purchase. "While Congress has approved the sale, key members have made clear that they object to using FMF (foreign military financing) to support it. Given Congressional objections, we have told the Pakistanis that they should put forward national funds for that purpose," US State Department spokesman John Kirby said.

The MQM leader Dr Farooq Sattar's coordinator Aftab Ahmed (42), who was under Rangers' 90-day preventive detention, died in provincial capital Karachi. The party alleged extra-judicial killing and demanded for probe in the incident. The pictures and video clips of the dead body revealed wounds that suggest he was brutally tortured to death. Speaking at Ahmed's funeral, Sattar said Ahmed was picked by Rangers from his home in Federal B Area on May 1, 2016, while he was with his family even though there was no case registered against him at any Police Station. However, the paramilitary force maintained that Ahmed died due a heart attack.

Acting on a summary moved by the Sindh Home Department, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah extended powers of paramilitary Rangers in Karachi for another 77 days. The government extended the Rangers' powers with the same mandate, which the force has been enjoying since 2013. The special powers have been extended till July 19, 2016. With these additional powers, Rangers are allowed to seal exit/entry points and conduct searches in all Districts of Karachi.

Four convicts were hanged till death on May 3 in the Kot Lakhpat jail of provincial capital Lahore. The four convicts were identified as Nadim Aslam, Mohammad Ishfaq, Mohammad Arif and Shahzad. They were convicted in the murder of five persons in separate incidents.

Five Police personnel were injured in an IED blast in Eastern Bypass area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Police arrested an alleged militant, identified as Muhammad Shah, in Peuchar area of Matta tehsil in Swat District of KP. Sources said Muhammad Shah was involved in terrorism related cases in Swat.

JuD chief and founder of LeT Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, rejected allegations that his organisation is promoting extremism in Thar area of Badin District by opening seminaries in the poverty stricken region. He said that it was Muslims' responsibility to safeguard holy places of their Hindus brethern. "We will not allow destruction of temples and other holy places of non-Muslims in the country," he warned. He further said that his support for Kashmiri Muslims was unwavering. "We were and are with Kashmiris."

The Federal Government decided to give the status of town and municipal committee to all the tehsils and agency headquarters of the FATA in order to ensure provision of better civic facilities to the people there. The meeting was informed that 23 tehsils and Agency headquarters had been identified to be elevated to town level.

The return process of the displaced families continued on the fourth day as 300 more displaced families returned to their native villages in upper parts of Orakzai Agency. Talking to reporters, Assistant Political Agent Iqbal Wazir said that 300 more families were sent back to their homes in Ismailzai tehsil on fourth day of the return process, which started on April 30.

The CTD killed at least eight suspected militants in an exchange of gunfire at Sharaqpur Road in Sheikhupura city of Sheikhpura District in Punjab. On seeing the law enforcers, the terrorists opened fire on them. In retaliatory fire, eight terrorists were killed and four of their accomplices escaped. Huge quantity of weapons including four Kalashnikovs, as many pistols and six kilograms of explosives were recovered from their possession.

Two men and a woman belonging to a banned sectarian organisation and one personnel of a law enforcement agency were killed in a clash in Pind Ghakhara village in Rawalpindi District.

The LEAs killed three TTP militants during a search operation in Tofkian tehsil of Haripur District in KP. A Policeman was also killed and another injured during the operation.

The LEAs and sensitive agencies personnel arrested 15 outlaws including three terrorists of a banned outfit besides recovering weapons including hand grenades from their possession during separate actions Lines Area and Surjani Town of Karachi.

The Sindh CM Qaim Ali Shah extended the period of stay of the paramilitary Rangers force in the city for another 77 days. The period of stay was extended under Article 147 with the signature of the CM. The Rangers' period of stay was extended as it was set to expire at midnight on May 3.

CoAS General Raheel Sharif confirmed the death sentences of 11 convicts tried by military courts. The 11 hardcore terrorists were involved in committing heinous offences related to terrorism which include killing and kidnapping civilians' attacks on the armed forces and LEAs and destruction of schools and communication infrastructure, ISPR said.

A Revenue Assistant Officer, identified as Anwar Zeb, was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants while he was travelling home on Dalazak Road in provincial capital Peshawar.

MQM worker Aftab Ahmed Hussain (4), who died in the custody of the paramilitary Rangers on May 3, 2016, was subject to torture 'before his death' with around '35 to 40 per cent' of his body bearing bruises, his post-mortem report stated.

HRCP, in its annual report for 2015, launched in Karachi Press Club on May 5 observed that despite a marked decrease in overall violence in the metropolis, "a few steps taken to restore law and order have instead left a broad trail of human rights violations". Expressing concerns over rising cases of extrajudicial killings in the province and the metropolis, HRCP Sindh Vice Chairperson Asad Iqbal Butt observed that the accused must be presented before the courts of law if there were any charges against them, as 'murdering' them extrajudicially would only pave way for anarchy.

Two Shia school teachers, identified as Mukhtiar Hussain and Akhtar Hussain, were shot dead by unidentified militants in a targeted killing incident in Miryali area of DI Khan District of KP.

Two Shia lawyers, identified as Atif Zaidi and Ali Muntazir, were shot dead in a targeted attack on Gird Road in DI Khan District. Police said all the four were victims of target killings and belonged to Shia community.

The KP Police suggested that former KP IGP Fayyaz Toru should be made a member of the Cabinet Committee constituted by the Chief Minister to review the proposed draft of Police Act, 2016.

Unidentified militants killed two people, including Shia religious scholar and rights activist Syed Khurram Zaki and his Shia journalist friend Rao Khalid, in a sectarian attack in North Karachi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. A passer-by, identified as Aslam, sustained injuries in the attack. Both the victims belonged to the Shia community. TTP-Hakeemullah faction, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying Zaki had been targeted for his stance against radical cleric of Lal Masjid Maulana Abdul Aziz.

Frontier Corps recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition from the hideouts of BLA militants during a raid in Kodan area of Kohlu District in Balochistan.

A gangster affiliated with Baba Ladla group, identified as Naqeeb alias Mama, was killed in Police operation in Kalri area of Lyari Town of Karachi in Sindh.

In another Police operation, a gangster affiliated with Uzair Baloch gang, identified as Mustafa, was killed in Napier locality of Lyari Town. SSP City Fida Hussain said that the accused were involved murder, hand grenade attacks and extortion.

At least 12 persons, including two alleged gangsters, were injured in a grenade explosion near the residence of arrested leader of the PAC Uzair Jan Baloch, in Chakiwara area of Lyari Town. City SSP Fida Hussain said that one suspected gangster, identified as Kamran, was carrying a hand grenade in Singulane-5 when it fell from his hand on the road and exploded. He added that Kamran and his accomplice Zohaib Hasan belonged to PAC.

Police arrested six accused, including Lyari gangster Anees and Yasir alias Mama, from various areas of the city.

A 'commander' of the BLA, identified as Ahmed Nawaz, surrendered before the Frontier Constabulary, the civil administration and the local elders in Kharan District of Balochistan. According to FC spokesman Nawaz laid down his arms before the security agencies, wrapped himself in the national flag and sung national anthem.

Four levies personnel, who were kidnapped by militants from Gaishkoor area of provincial capital Quetta on an unspecified date, were recovered from the outskirts of Awaran District. The levies officials were identified as Sher Muhammad, Abdul Malik, Saeed and Allah Bakhsh.

Four persons were killed in a firing incident in Shrengal area of Lower Dir District (KP).

Five personnel of Balochistan Constabulary were injured in a bomb blast, which targeted their mobile van at Eastern bypass area in Quetta (Balochistan).

Two Policemen were killed and five persons, including three Policemen, were injured in an explosion outside the gate of Balochistan University in Quetta (Balochistan).

An IED attached to a bicycle exploded near a government employees’ residential colony in Jamshoro District (Sindh). However, no casualties were reported.   

Three wagons of a goods train overturned and six others derailed when two bombs exploded on a track near Goth Mureed Sipio Railway Crossing in Tandojam area of Hyderabad District. However, no casualties were reported. Hyderabad DIG Khadim Hussain Rind said that a pamphlet written in Sindhi was found at the place, but declined to share its contents.  

Sindh Rangers detained three more suspects, who were involved in killing dozens of people after informing ATC about their preventive detention for questioning. The suspects were identified as Jan Muhammad, Muhammad Asif and Faraz Qureshi. 

Five officials of the paramilitary Rangers force were arrested in connection with the death of Aftab Ahmed – the coordinator of MQM leader Dr Farooq Sattar – under the custody of Sindh Rangers on May 3, 2016.

Ali Haider Gilani, the son of former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who was kidnapped on May 9, 2013, from Multan District, was recovered from Taliban captivity in a joint operation carried out by US and Afghan forces in Ghazni Province of Afghanistan.

US Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan Commander General John Nicholson during a meeting with CoAS General Raheel Sharif at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on acknowledged ‘the far reaching effects’ of operation Zarb-e-Azb in bringing peace and stability in the region.

A dead body of an unidentified man was found in the Gulbahar area of Liaquatabad Town of Karachi (Sindh). Gulbahar SHO Ghulam Asghar Abbasi said that from his appearance the victim looked Baloch. 

Four members of the Tablighi Jama’at (TJ) were shot at and wounded in a sectarian attack while they were preaching in Block-17 of F. B Area in Gulberg Town.  

Police and LEAs arrested three alleged terrorists and seized arms from their custody during a joint action Manghopir area of Gadap Town. The accused were involved in attacks on the security forces. 

PAC leader Uzair Jan Balcoh was sent to prison on judicial remand over charges of possessing illegal arms. 

CTD Malakand Division claimed to have arrested a terrorist, identified as Ibrahim, during a search operation in Buner Usmanabad area of Mingora city in Swat District (KP).

In a targeted killing incident unidentified assailants shot dead a SI of the Traffic Police in Peshawar (KP). A Police official said that two unidentified motorcyclists opened fire on SI, Aftab Khan of the Traffic Police, when he was going for duty on a motorcycle.

CTD claimed to have foiled an attempt by Afghanistan-based militants to carry out a terror act in Shangla and Swat Districts in KP. On a tip off, the CTD raided a hideout in Shangla where several militants had holed up and plotting a major terror attack in coming days. The CTD also recovered 10 kilograms of explosives material from them.

COAS General Raheel Sharif confirmed death sentences awarded to the five hardcore terrorists involved in the May 13, 2015, Safoora Chowrangi bus attack. According to ISPR, the convicts, active members of al Qaeda, were also involved in IED blast near Saleh Masjid, Karachi, and in the killing of a social worker, Sabeen Mahmud.

Several activists of the MQM and Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) were injured in political clashes between the two parties in Hyderabad District (Sindh). Police opened fire into the air to scare away the embattled activists and create a buffer zone between the two sides.

A total of 20,000 Policemen, including 8,000 for Karachi, will be added to the Sindh Police force to sustain peace, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah approved during the apex committee meeting in Karachi. Karachi Corps Commander Lieutenant General Naveed Mukhtar assured Shah that he will make the necessary arrangements to train the new recruits by the Pakistan Army.

US State Department official, Elizabeth Trudeau, during a news briefing in Washington said that the US administration wanted Pakistan to act against the Haqqani Network and some important members of the US Congress are not prepared to support military aid to Pakistan without these specific actions. “Key members of Congress have been clear they’re not prepared to support US military aid to Pakistan absent some specific actions,” she said.

National Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told the Senate that there was deadlock in Pakistan-US relations at the moment due to different reasons but the deal of sale of F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan had not been scrapped yet. “We have told US that Pakistan would not compromise on its nuclear program, have not made any commitment to release Dr Shakeel Afridi and third of its demand about action against Haqqani Network had not been met as it had not provided any concrete evidence against the militant group,” he said while mentioning some of the demands of US.

The Afghan Police claimed to have killed three TTP militants in Narai District of Kunar Province in Afghanistan. TTP militants attacked a base of Afghan SFs in Jangal Bosha area of Narai District on the night of May 12, 2016, Abdul Habib Saidkhel, Police Chief of Kunar Province said. The Police Chief further said that those killed by the SFs belonged to TTP and hailed from the Swat District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

At least four persons, belonging to MQM and MQM-H, sustained injuries during armed clashes between the two groups in Landhi Town of Karachi (Sindh). The clashes began when militant outfit MQM-H attacked the office of the political party MQM in early hours of the morning. Following the incident, MQM activists and members staged a protest against the MQM-H cadres.

State Department Spokesman John Kirby said that US has an important and vital relationship with Pakistan as both the countries have shared threats, concerns and interests in the region. Kirby said ties between the two countries are complicated at times but it is an important relationship that “we continue to work at very, very seriously, and we are going to remain committed to”.

A member of peace committee, identified as Barkat Ali, was killed at Gomal area of Tank District of KP.

ATC administrative judge allowed Police to investigate incarcerated PAC gangster Uzair Jan Baloch in three more cases pertaining to murder and attacking law enforcer, reports. Baloch is currently in jail on judicial remand in an illicit weapons case. In the three new cases he has been accused of murdering two people and attacking police personnel to evade arrest. The judge directed police to furnish a progress report after completing the suspect’s interrogation.

Eight abducted workers, including three from FDA were released on in Dera Ismail Khan District of KP. They were abducted on March 10, 2016 from Toi Khula tehsil in Wana town of South Waziristan Agency in FATA. 

A man, identified as Abdul Ramazan (25), was shot dead by two unidentified armed assailants in a targeted attack in Surjani Town of Gadap Town in Karachi (Sindh).

Sindh Rangers raided sector offices of the MQM in Hyderabad District and arrested three senior party members, including former provincial minister Syed Sohail Mashhadi. The others were identified as Rafique Ajmeri and Raheel Fahim.

In another raid, Police and Rangers in a joint operation detained three alleged terrorists from DHA area within Darakhshan Police limits. The suspects were identified as Muslim Khan, Nadir Ali and Shaukat Ali, and the Police claimed to have recovered three Awan bombs and a rifle from their possession. 

LEAs arrested a suspect, associated with the Uzair Baloch group, from the Bara Board area in Pak Colony Police limits of SITE Town.

Two SHOs were suspended from their posts in an effort to bring all police officials involved in unlawful activities after Uzair Baloch revealed alleged links with them during his interrogation. SHO Shah Faisal Colony Babar Hameed and SHO Brigade Haji Sanaullah were dismissed from their posts after Baloch’s disclosure.

Three Government officials and a contractor were kidnapped from Dasht area of Kech (Turbat) District in Balochistan. According to sources, Fida Ahmed, a Sub-Divisional Offi­cer in the Road and Building Department, and Mohammad Ibrahim and Rahim Jan, sub-engineers of the Irrigation Department, accompanied by contractor Mehboob Dashti, were returning to Turbat after inspecting development projects in a nearby area. When they reached Dasht, unidentified militants intercepted them and took them away.

FC Balochistan seized huge cache of explosives and weapons from the hideout of militants in Shayban area of Dalbandin in Chagai District. Frontier Corps Balochistan spokesman said that the militants had planned to use the explosives against security forces adding that there sabotage plot was timely foiled.

At least four soldiers were injured in a roadside bomb blast in Sandana area, near Nari Baba locality of Bazaar Zakhakhel in Khyber Agency of FATA.

Seven FDA workers kidnapped in South Waziristan Agency were freed a political agent Zafrul Islam said, after Government representatives detained 22 local villagers under “collective responsibility”. “They are safe and sound and now I am taking them to South Waziristan's headquarters, Wana,” Islam said.

Shahbaz Taseer, the son of former slain Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer, who was recovered on March 8, 2016, after being held captive for over four years, said he was with IMU who tortured him badly during captivity. Shahbaz revealed that he was with IMU until the group fought with Afghan Taliban on the dispute over allegiance as IMU did not consider 'Khilafah' established by Afghan Taliban as legitimate and wanted to ally with the IS. "They abducted me from Lahore and took me to Waziristan's Meer Ali area and used to shift my location every month from there," said Shahbaz.

Eight al Qaeda affiliated terrorists were killed during an encounter in Nawabpur village of Multan District of Punjab. A CTD official said that they had information from credible sources that al Qaeda ‘commanders’ Muneeb Javed alias Qandhari, Tayab Nawaz alias Hafiz Abdul Mateen, Muneeb Razaq alias Abdur Rehman and Zeeshan alias Abu Dajana were coming to Multan to hold a meeting in the city suburbs with al Qaeda ‘commander’ Bilal Latif alias Yasir Punjabi and others including two suicide bombers to plan attack on a university in Multan.

A Policeman was killed and 19 others, mostly security personnel, were injured in twin IED blasts in the Mathra area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP.

JUI-F local leader Haji Alam Shah was killed at his residence by unidentified assailants in Paroda tehsil in DI Khan District.

A target killer, identified as Rameez Sheikh alias Faizan, was arrested from Hyderi area of North Nazimabad Town. He confessed for more than 50 murders, including killing some of the Police officers.

A Balochistan Constabulary personnel was killed and four others injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast in Eastern Bypass area of Quetta (Balochistan).

FCB and intelligence agencies foiled a major terror bid and seized a huge cache of weapons, explosives and ammunition during a joint search operation in the Panjgur District.  

At least 20 suspects  were arrested during search operations by Rangers and Police in different areas of Karachi, including Chakiwara area of Lyari Town where three suspects were arrested. SFs recovered weapons, hand grenades from their possession. They were affiliated with the Uzair Baloch-led PAC. 17 others were detained in other areas of the city.

US House of Representatives voted 277 to 147 in favour of a defence policy bill seeking to increase restrictions on military aid for Pakistan unless certain conditions are met. The House, expressing frustration over what they term Islamabad's failure to crack down on the Haqqani Network, passed the USD 602 billion National Defence Authorisation Act 2017 on May 18, 2016. The NDAA will block USD 450 million in aid to Islamabad unless it does more to fight the militant group.

Six militants, including al Qaeda leader Bilal Lateef alias Yasir Punjabi, were shot dead in an encounter with the CTD of Police in Mondka Chowk area of Muzaffargarh District in Punjab.

A source in an Intelligence Agency said that the suspected terrorists were arrested by the Bahawalpur CTD in joint operations with the MI and the ISI from different parts of Punjab and had been in the custody of law enforcement agencies for the past four months.

Three militants were killed after the explosive vest one of them was wearing accidentally exploded on Sufidsang Road within the jurisdiction of Regi Police Station in provincial capital Peshawar (KP).

SFs and Police arrested 24 suspects during a search operation in Jaroba and Spin Khak and Mera Jalozai areas of Nowshera District. DPO Wahid Mehmood said, “About 24 persons were arrested and huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered during the search.”

Two traffic Police Officers, identified as, Shakeel Ahmad and Muhammad Kamran, were shot dead near Aisha Manzil area on MA Jinnah Road in Gulberg Town of Karachi (Sindh).    

A worker of the MQM, identified as Fahad Zaki, was shot dead and another, identified as Kamran, was wounded in targeted attacks in within the limits of the Khokhrapar Police Station in Benazir Sports Ground of Landhi Town in Karachi (Sindh).

Brigadier Shabbir Narejo of the Pakistan Army said that it had cleared the last militant stronghold in the Shawal Valley of North Waziristan Agency of FATA after a three-month long operation. “We have cleared the Shawal valley completely of militants,” said the Brigadier. “There were up to 2,000 trained militants in the valley, but we surprised them by launching the operation in the peak of winter in minus 12 degrees Celsius,” he said, adding that that six soldiers and up to 120 militants died in the fighting.  

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during a groundbreaking ceremony in Gilgit District on May 19 said that the CPEC will bring prosperity to the region and help end extremism and terrorism. 

While acknowledging that Afghan Taliban have not responded positively to the four-nation peace initiative, Islamabad urged Kabul to come with ‘more unified and coherent’ approach in favour of reconciliation, also dispelling the perception that Afghan Taliban were under Pakistan’s thumb.

Provincial Education Department Secretary Education Saboor Kakar that as part of the NAP, Balochistan Government has decided to register all madrassas in the Province with the Education Department. The Provincial Government has constituted a four member High Level Committee to review the registration process and perform legislation for the proposed amendment in the Societies Registration Act.

Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour was killed in a US drone strike in Kuchaki area of Naushki District. According to sources, Mansour entered Pakistan from Iran at Zero Point in Taftan, a town in Chagai District, which shares border with Iran, and hit by US drone while traveling in a rented car to take him to Quetta. The crime scene is identified as Kuchaki in Nushki District. The driver, identified as Muhammad Wali, who also died in the attack, was a civilian who worked for a local rental company.

The son of Provincial Local Government Minister, Sardar Mustafa Khan Tareen, was abducted by unidentified militants from the Cadet College area of Pishin District.

ISPR said that Pakistan has handed over the Angoor Adda check post in South Waziristan Agency of FATA to Afghan Security Forces to strengthen the relations with Afghanistan. DG ISPR General Asim Bajwa tweeted “This gesture will act as a catalyst and is envisioned to bring momentum for establishing peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan Border.”

Three unidentified dead bodies were recovered from an area near Muhammad Khan Colony in Manghopir area of Gadap Town in Karachi (Sindh).

Police arrested two suspects, identified as Amjad Khan and Abbas, in an injured condition, during an operation in Gulshan-e-Shiraz area of Surjani Town in Gadap Town. Police also confiscated weapons from their possession.

In another raid, Police arrested a suspect, identified as Imam Bakhsh, from Madina Colony area in Baldia Town. Bakhsh was a fugitive from the Anti-Terrorism Court.

A Ukrainian national, identified as Katrina (31), allegedly kidnapped in 21013 from Rawalpindi District was recovered by law enforcement officials from the village of Katho in the limits of the Khensar Police Station in Tharparkar District.

Unidentified militants shot dead a FC soldier, identified as Jahangir Khan, in Nar Jaffar area of Bannu District (KP).

US Secretary of State John Kerry said that he notified Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif over the telephone of a US drone strike that 'likely killed' Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Mansour. "Yesterday, the US conducted a precision air strike that targeted Taliban leader Mullah Mansour in a remote area of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Mansour posed a continuing, imminent threat", Kerry said.

A senior leader of the Afghan Taliban, Mullah Abdul Rauf, confirmed that Mansour had been killed in the drone strike. However, a Wall Street Journal report quoted the Taliban officials in Afghanistan as saying that their leader was alive. A member of the Taliban who is close to the militant leadership distributed a message to some associates promising to release an audio message proving Mansour was still alive.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif criticised the drone strike which the US carried out in Balochistan on May 21, 2016, that killed Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour saying that a strong protest had been lodged with the US over the attack.

At least five people were killed when militants opened fire at their vehicle in Mand area of Kech District. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Police averted a bid of terrorism by defusing two low- intensity IED bombs near Police lines in Charsadda District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A Navy tribunal sentenced five officers to death in the September 6, 2014, Karachi Naval Dockyard attack case, Retired Major Saeed Ahmed, father of one of the convicts, identified as Sub-Lieutenant Hammad Ahmed, said. The other four convicts were identified as Irfanullah, Muhammad Hammad, Arsalan Nazeer and Hashim Naseer. Saeed Ahmad said that the five were charged with having links with the IS, mutiny, hatching a conspiracy and carrying weapons in the dockyard. “I wrote a letter to the Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the navy on August 15, 2015, asking him to provide the opportunity of a defence counsel to my son,” he said. “The navy JAG on September 21 replied that the option of defence counsel would be available at the time of trial.”

US President Barack Obama confirmed the death of Afghan Taliban leader Mulla Akhtar Mansour in a US air strike and said American forces would continue to go after threats in Pakistan. “We have removed the leader of an organisation that has continued to plot against and unleash attacks on American and coalition forces, to wage war against the Afghan people, and align itself with extremist groups like Al-Qaeda,” the US president said in a statement issued by the White House. “We will continue taking action against extremist networks that target the United States. We will work on shared objectives with Pakistan, where terrorists that threaten all our nations must be denied safe haven,” he added.

An IED blast killed two Policemen and wounded six others in a roadside attack in the Spiny road area of Quetta, the provincial capital Balochistan, in the evening. A Police contingent patrolling the area was targeted with an IED, police official said. "Four police officials and three passers-by were injured in the blast, which also damaged the police vehicle." The injured were taken to Civil Hospital Quetta, where two police officials succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead.

The US said that it had conveyed to Pakistan that they need to pursue actively terrorist organizations that are using their soil, their territory to find refuge. In a media briefing, Mark Toner, Deputy Spokesman for the US State Department, said, “We have conveyed to the Pakistani government and authorities before that they need to pursue actively terrorist organizations that are using their soil, their territory to find refuge.”

Toner also said, “We’ve also said before that Pakistan is a country that unfortunately knows the effects of terrorism, the tragedy of terrorism. It’s suffered multiple terrorist attacks, mass casualty terrorist attacks, so it understands the stakes here.” The spokesman went on to say that “US has been very clear-eyed and very clear in interaction with Pakistan where we’ve believed that they need to do more to root out terrorists, who find safe haven on some of their territory.”

Three FC personnel, including District Officer Ameer Badshah and two constables, Gul Rehman and Gul Rasool, were killed when three unidentified militants opened fire on their vehicle at Patang Chowk in provincial capital Peshawar. The TTP claimed responsibility for the attack in an email sent to journalists.

Official statistics revealed a slight decrease in terrorist attacks in Peshawar from January 1 to May 18, 2016 as compared to the same period last year. According to the official figures, 46 terrorist incidents were reported in Peshawar till May 18 against 49 in the same period in 2015. The number of IED blasts reduced to eight against 15 in 2015. Also, no suicide attack has been reported as compared to one during the same period last year. However, the number of target killings almost doubled. A total of 18 target killing incidents have been reported in Peshawar during the current year while nine were reported last year.

A member of the Jama’at Ahmadiyya, identified as Dawood Ahmad (55), was shot dead in a targeted attack while he was sitting outside his home in Metroville-Block II area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Gulshan SP Dr Fahad Ahmed said, “It appeared to be an incident of targeted killing.” “Dawood Ahmed was targeted on account of religious hatred. Thirty Ahmadis have been killed in Karachi and not a single murderer has been brought to justice till now, making extremist elements feel encouraged,” said Saleemuddin, a spokesman for the Jamaat Ahmadiyya in a statement.

An alleged terrorist of TTP among four criminals was arrested and arms recovered during a crackdown in an unspecified area of Karachi. Spokesman of Sindh Rangers said that the paramilitary troops conducted operations against wanted criminals in different areas of the metropolis. He said that during separate actions four criminals including a terrorist of banned TTP were arrested besides recovery of weapons from his possession.

Officials interrogating the May 19, 2016, attack on traffic Policemen said that the militant outfit involved in their killing has been identified. Officials said that a 22-member terrorist group linked with a banned organization is said to be behind the killing of Policemen in Karachi. 12 of the militants have been sent to jail, while 10 are still at large. Qari Mohsin is the ameer of this group, which has become active after his release on bail.

Two suspects were arrested after a heavy quantity of arms and ammunition was seized from a car loaded onto a truck being transported to Punjab from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa near the Kotmomin Motorway Interchange in Sargodha District. A police team headed by Kotmomin SDPO Muhammad Riaz stopped the truck and, upon checking the car loaded onto it, recovered two Kalashnikovs, nine repeaters, 70 pistols of 30 bore and 9MM, 2,120 bullets of Kalashnikov, 25,400 of pistol and 1,000 of rifle besides 56 magazines.

Police arrested truck driver Malik Aman of Najna Mansehra and another accused while their two accomplices managed to escape. The arrested driver told police that the ‘innovative method’ of transporting arms and ammunition to Punjab was adopted to dodge the Police. He said the smuggled arms and ammunition were to be used in terror activities in different parts of Punjab.

The spokesman of the Afghan Taliban Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the death of the group's chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour in a US drone strike. In a statement sent to media, the insurgent group said its new leader is Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, a former head of the Taliban's judiciary and one of two Mansour's deputies. It said he was chosen at a meeting of Taliban leaders. Sirajuddin Haqqani, head of Haqqani network blamed for many high-profile bombs attacks in Kabul in recent years, and Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, son of former leader Mullah Mohammad Omar, will serve as deputies.

Haibatullah Akhundzada, in an audio recording vowed that there would be no return to peace talks with the Government. “No, no we will not come to any type of peace talks,” Akhundzada said in the recording. However, the Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid denied issuing the audio message. Two Taliban ‘commanders’ had provided the audio to reporters, saying it was an official statement. One of the ‘commanders’ said that he had received the recording directly from Mujahid, who earlier announced Akhundzada’s elevation. Mujahid later issued an email from his official account denying the movement had issued an audio.

During a meeting with US Ambassador David Hale in Islamabad, the COAS General Raheel Sharif said that drone attacks carried out by the US inside Pakistan were detrimental to bilateral relations. He said that such acts of sovereignty violations were detrimental to relations between both the countries and were counter-productive for the ongoing peace process for regional stability.

The US designated two Pakistan-based and Taliban linked groups, TGG and the JDQ, as “Specially Designated Global Terrorists”. US citizens are forbidden from associating with the TGG and the JDQ. Any assets owned by the groups in places under US jurisdiction will be frozen, and US law enforcement will be authorised to investigate their activity.

According to the US State Department, the TGG is linked to the TTP and is led by Umar Mansoor. The outfit is based in Darra Adamkhel town of Kohat District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The faction, US officials believe, was responsible for the December 16, 2014 massacre at Army Public School in Peshawar. The JDQ is said to be based in Peshawar but to have sworn allegiance to the late leader of the Afghan Taliban, Mullah Omar. According to the State Department, JDQ has alliances with al Qaeda and LeT.

Former Afghan Taliban ‘chief’ Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Mansour was tracked down by US spy agencies when he was visiting his family in Iran. Iran, however, denied that Mansour entered Pakistan from the Islamic Republic. The WSJ report claims that US surveillance drones don't operate in the Iran-Pakistan border area, due to which intercepted communications and other intelligence allowed agencies to track Mansour down and lay a trap for him as he crossed the border into Balochistan in a white Toyota Corolla. Armed drones were sent across the Afghan border to lock on to the car and take down the target, officials told WSJ, before the Taliban leader could reach Quetta. The WSJ said the killing of Mansour in Balochistan was a warning to Pakistan that the US would take action on Pakistani soil without prior notification, if necessary.

US President Barack Obama and State Department Spokesman Mark Toner said that American forces will continue carrying out strikes on Pakistani soil to "remove terrorists who are actively pursuing, planning and directing attacks against US forces," reports Dawn. Toner during a State Department briefing denied having knowledge of where exactly Mullah Mansour was eliminated. "I don’t have any more clarity of where the actual strike took place. What I can say was in that border region. I just can’t say on which side of the border it was," he said.

Expressing grief over the killing of Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Mansour, leader of HIG, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar in statement available with the Afghan Islamic Press said that his ‘party’ is ready to ink agreement with the Taliban.  Hekmatyar urged the Taliban to join hands with him for finding a solution to the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan. “At this critical stage, my advice to Taliban is let us adopted a joint stance and policy on [finding] solution to the crisis in the country, peace, jihad and future of the country. If it is not possible, then let us at least agree on adopting policy to avoid fighting against each other and stop those who are fueling enmity between Taliban and Hezb-e-Islami,” he said.

At least three suspected militants were killed and four others injured during an exchange of fire with SFs personnel near Pak-Afghan border in Shawal valley of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

The bodies of two missing Government officials were found in Turbat District. Five officials of the Irrigation and Communication Department were abducted by unidentified militants in Dasht area of Turbat on May 21, 2016. Three dead bodies have been recovered during a search operation while two other officials are still missing.

The CTD of Police claimed to have foiled a terror attack on a shrine in Bahawalnagar District and arrested three alleged TTP and LeJ terrorists. A CTD spokesman said that the suspects were identified as Muhammad Asif of Khushab District, Muhammad Jamil of Lahore and Muhammad Sadiq of Toba Tek Singh District. He said the police team also recovered three IEDs, arms and ammunition and the shrine was saved from destruction with the help of bomb disposal squad.

In another raid, an alleged terrorist of banned SSP was arrested from Faisalabad District. The CTD spokesman said that after receiving information, a CTD team raided PSO pump near Roshanwali Jhal at Sumundari Road and arrested suspect Shakeel Ahmad Khan. He said police team also recovered 575 grams explosives, 9 feet 6 inches prima cord and 8 electric circuit, detonators from him.

A CTD team arrested two suspects of a banned outfit from Alipur tehsil (revenue unit) in Muzaffargarh District. The CTD personnel found Jehadi literature from their possession.

The SFs conducted raids in Sirband, Hayatabad, Faqeerabad areas of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP, and rounded up 95 suspects including 20 Afghans. Two hand grenades, four pistols and two rifles were recovered from their possession.

The officials of the CTD arrested a militant, identified as Karimullah, a resident of Matta tehsil, from Mingora town of Swat District.  Karimullah was involved in attacks on the security forces and other terrorism related cases in Swat.

SFs freed 98 reformed militants from an interment centre in Swat. The reformed youth, mostly involved in petty crimes, were released from an interment centre established at the PAITHAM. Major General Asif Ghafoor said the reformed people had been imparted various skills to enable them to earn decent livelihood for their families. He hoped the freed people would play a constructive role in the development of the country.

Days after Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour was killed in a US drone strike in Balochistan, Pakistan finally confirmed his death. All indicators confirm that the person killed in the drone strike was Mansour who was travelling on a fake identity when targeted in a drone strike near Nushki District in Balochistan, Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, said during a press briefing. Aziz, however, said DNA reports of Wali Muhammad, the man suspected to be the Taliban leader, will further confirm the killing of Mansour. “His body will be handed over to his family after DNA tests,” the premier’s senior aide said. “Mullah Mansour was not opposed to peace talks,” Aziz further reiterated.

“The death of Mullah Akhtar Mansour in a drone strike on 21 May has added to the complexity of the Afghan conflict,” Aziz said while adding that the drone strike was a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty as well as breach of principles of the United Nations Charter governing the conduct of states. “We have conveyed our serious concern to the United States on this issue, PM’s adviser on foreign affairs said. According to Aziz, the drone strike has undermined the Afghan peace process. Referring to the ongoing peace process, Aziz said, “On May 18, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the US and China agreed that politically negotiated settlement was the most viable to continue to bring Taliban on the table.

The US State Department deputy spokesperson Mark Toner urged Pakistan to cooperate with the Indian authorities to fully investigate Mumbai 2008 (also known as 26/11) terror attacks. He said, “Mumbai attacks were terrible tragedy. We continue to urge the Pakistani government to cooperate with the Indian authorities to fully investigate these attacks. US wants to see justice done and we continue to urge Pakistani cooperation.”

Mark Toner said, “Pakistan needs to address all groups operating on their soil – Taliban groups that are operating on their soil and their territory. We’ve urged them to do so in the past. We continue to urge them to do so and have worked with them on addressing the very real threat on their own soil.”

Two Shias, identified as Malik Asim and Ameer Haider, were killed and another, identified as Hasan, sustained injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at them in Jaffar Tayyar Society of Malir Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. DIG East Dr Kamran Faisal said, “The murder took place using a 9 mm pistol. It seems like a target killing.” MQM spokesperson claimed that Asim was their worker.

An unidentified man was shot dead in Mujahid Colony of Orangi Town. 

A man, identified as Aqeel (22), was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants in Landhi Town.

Two suspects were arrested in injured condition after a shootout at Super Highway.

SFs arrested 15 suspects during a search operation at Old Sabzi Mandi area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town.

Four suspected Afghan terrorists were killed in a clash with SFs in Khwezai tehsil of Mohmand Agency in FATA. "Terrorists attacked a security check post in Khwezai area, which borders Afghanistan," said a security official. The security official added all four terrorists were killed in retaliatory action by SFs.

Three terrorirst were killed during an intelligence-based operation by Rangers in Manghopir area of Gadap Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.  According to details, the suspects were reportedly preparing for terrorist attacks in Karachi and had completed reconnaissance to target Rangers and police locations. The terrorists resorted to firing from their hideout. In retaliatory fire, three suspects were killed. One suicide jacket, a huge amount of ball bearings, explosive material and detonators were found at the hideout.

The CTD arrested two alleged terrorists belonging to Afghanistan from Tehkal area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP, who were projecting a terrorist organisation in the city and are suspected to have been planted by a foreign intelligence agency. The source said the two terrorists had obtained Pakistani computerised national identity cards. The two were living in the area since long and used to distribute literature and videos of a banned militant organisation.

The JuD, the frontal organisation of LeT, held funeral prayers in absentia for the deceased Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. JuD provincial spokesperson Ghazi Inamullah said that the funeral prayers in absentia were offered at Jamia Masjid Khyber Markaz in Peshawar and attended by hundreds of JuD activists and general public.

The NAP informed the security intuitions that banned outfits are still recruiting jihadis who have become a serious internal security threat to Pakistan. “Major banned outfits are still recruiting the students of madrassas to wage Jihad in the Indian-Held Kashmir and Afghanistan. Such non-state actors have become very dangerous for Pakistan,” senior security officials dealing with counter-terrorism warned the Government in a confidential document titled “Proscribed/Jihadi Organizations”. In the secret document, consisting of 111 pages, the CTD, Punjab, revealed that 32 proscribed organizations with nine splinters groups have now become “a nursery of terrorism in Pakistan.”

Banned organizations like Islamic State (Daesh) and HuT are also gaining ground by establishing a special wing in the country where their ‘commanders’ are recruiting militants, reveals the document. Adjacent areas of Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sialkot and some southern Districts of Punjab have now become a breeding ground for these banned outfits, it further revealed.

Two SF personnel were killed in an IED blast in Awaran District in Balochistan. Official sources said that personnel of the FC were checking the Jhaho area in the district to clear it of landmines when an IED exploded near an FC vehicle. Following the blast, armed men opened fire, they added. “Two soldiers of the Frontier Corps lost their lives and three others were seriously wounded in the blast,” a spokesman for the FC said. He also confirmed firing after the blast. The sources said that the FC men were the target of the IED, which was exploded by a remote control.

Bullet-riddled bodies of two more government employees, who had been abducted along with their three colleagues two weeks back from the Dashat area of Kech District, were found in the mountainous Saijee area. Official sources in Gwadar said that the SFs found the bodies and shifted them to a Turbat hospital. The victims were identified as Fida Ahmed and Muhammad Ibrahim. Hospital sources said that they were shot in the head and chest. Earlier, the bodies of three other missing Government officials in Turbat District on May 26.

FC claimed to have killed three suspected militants, including an alleged ‘commander’ of the BRA, and arrested their two accomplices during a search operation in Barkhan District. A spokesman for the FC said that armed militants opened fire on SF personnel when they were searching an area in Barkhan. The FC men returned fire. A heavy exchange of gunfire continued for some hours and when the guns fell silent three militants were killed. “Three militants including a commander of the banned Baloch Republican Army have been killed,” the FC spokesman said, adding that two suspected militants were also arrested and arms and ammunition was also recovered.

Police killed three al Qaeda terrorists in an exchange of fire after raiding their hideout in Gulshan-e-Buner area of Landhi Town in provincial capital Karachi. According to the SSP Malir Rao Anwar, the suspects were involved in attack on Police officials and Security Forces. One of the militants was identified as Riaz Raju, who was wanted over the killing of policemen and murders of Shia Muslims in Karachi, Anwar said. “A huge cache of explosives, suicide jackets, arms and ammunition were recovered from possession of the terrorists,” he added.

Sukkur Police claimed to have arrested two trained facilitators of the TTP, identified as Abdul Jabbar Soomro and Ajmal Awan, and seized hand grenades, suicide jackets and other material from their possession during an operation in the Kutcha area of Bagarji in Sukkur District. Sukkur SSP Amjad Shaikh said that four hand grenades and material for preparing suicide jackets were seized from their possession.

The SFs conducted an operation in Chirangida and Karibai areas of Mansehra District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and seized 20 kilograms of explosive material. According to the ISPR, SFs conducted an operation and also arrested two alleged militants. As many as twenty kilograms of explosive material were recovered from the alleged militants. 

At least 12 people, including three Policemen, were injured in suicide bombing near the City Police Station in Mardan District. According to Mardan RPO Tahir Khan, the bomber was about to target a Police vehicle standing outside the City Police Station at the District Courts Square when two Policemen signaled him to stop. The bomber opened fire on the Policemen, said the official. He said that Policemen returned the fire, which prompted the bomber to explode his suicide vest.

At least three people, including a Chinese national, identified as Finche, were injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast near Steel Town in Gulshan-e-Hadeed area of Bin Qasim Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. SSP Rao Anwar said that a pamphlet written in Sindhi and bearing the name of a group called 'Sindhudesh Revolutionary Party' was recovered from the site of the blast. The pamphlet read [Translation]: "We consider China, rising as a global power, to be an ally of Pakistan, and also consider it an accomplice of the Punjabi Establishment in making Sindh slave to loot its resources, and therefore we accept the responsibility of bomb attack on Chinese in Gulshan-e-Hadeed."

Unidentified militants blew up a portion of a gas pipeline in the Pir Koh area of Dera Bugti District, suspending supply from well No 10 to the Sui gas plant. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

The relatives of a taxi driver, who was killed in the US drone strike targeting Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour in Nushki District, have registered a case against US officials for the killing. “I seek justice in this case. Legal action should be taken against all those US officials responsible for killing my innocent brother in a drone strike near Nushki,” read a statement in the FIR lodged by Muhammad Qasim, the brother of the deceased Muhammad Azam at Nushki Police Station.

The chief of JUI Maulana Samiul Haq said after a DPC meeting in Islamabad, “Those who think that Haibatullah [Akhundzada, the new Afghan Taliban leader] is a mere cleric and a seminary preacher will soon bear witness to his skill as a militant commander”. He further said that the US was to blame for this. “It was America that resorted to violence again the assassination of Mullah Mansour is nothing short of murder,” he added. “The martyrdom of Mullah Mansour will eventually help unite all the Taliban, since everybody will realize that talking peace with the US is futile,” Haq added.

The CTD conducted an operation in the Chaubara area of Layyah District in Punjab and killed six alleged terrorists. As per details, CTD Multan raided the Chaubara area and were involved in an alleged battle with terrorists. In the exchange of fire, six suspected terrorists were killed by the CTD officials. Two pistols, two rifles and two hand grenades were confiscated from the slain terrorists.

Two soldiers embraced martyrdom and three others injured in two different incidents of bomb blasts triggered through remote-controlled devices in Mohmand Agency of FATA. The first incident occurred at Baizai area close to Pak-Afghan border, the IED planted close to a check post exploded, martyring two soldiers of FC. The forces cordoned off the entire area and started combing operation to nab the culprits. In another incident, three soldiers sustained minor wounds as the vehicle of FWO hit a planted IED on Peshawar-Ghalani road in Mohmand Agency.

The Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said body of slain Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Mansour has been handed over to his family. “Family of Taliban leader took his body to other side of the border,” said Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan. “How could we have identified body of Mullah Mansour before DNA test which requires time,” he added. He further said all those who verified travel documents and identity card of Mullah Mansour have been arrested.  “Man who issued ID card to Mullah Mansour in 2002 has also been taken into custody,” he said.

A Police SI, identified as Mukhtihar Mulgani, was shot dead on Sabzal Road in provincial capital Quetta. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

CoAS General Raheel Sharif while speaking to media after President Mamnoon Hussain's address to the Joint Session of the Parliament said that drone attacks were a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty, adding that there was no option of failing in the war against terrorism.  He also said that he had also said it in the past that the current year would be the last for terrorism in Pakistan.  "Terrorists would not be allowed to go back to cleared areas again," said CoAS Sharif. "I have given assurance to the people of FATA that terrorists would not return," he added.

A man was killed and six others were injured during a clash between two rival gangs in Landi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead a retired non-commissioned officer of Pakistan Army, identified as Raj Wali, in the limits of Faqirabad Police Station in provincial capital Peshawar.

The FIA arrested a retired Deputy Superintendent of DC office Killa Abdullah, identified as Sher Ali, who allegedly certified the local certificate for slain Afghan Taliban leader Mulla Akhtar Mansour under the fake identity of Wali Muhammad. Ali was arrested from his home in Khanozai area of the Pishin District. “We have initiated an investigation into the issuance of the certificate,” an FIA official said. Around four government officials have been arrested for issuing the CNIC, passport and local certificate to Mullah Mansoor. The former Deputy Commissioner of the Pishin District, Hafeez Tahir, is also under investigation by FIA authorities.

The CoAS General Raheel Sharif said that intelligence-based raids and combing operations were being intensified as the Operation Zarb-e-Azb enters its final phase. He said, “Zarb-i-Azb is now successfully transiting into final phases”.

The U.S. State Department said that the number of terrorist attacks around the world declined last year for the first time since 2012, and that such attacks were becoming more decentralised and diffuse. Terrorist attacks fell by 13 percent compared with 2014, while fatalities caused by terrorist activity declined by 14 percent, the agency said in its report on global terrorism, which tracks trends in political violence. The State Department's acting coordinator for counterterrorism, Justin Siberell, said the drop was due to fewer attacks in Iraq, Pakistan and Nigeria.

More than 55 percent of attacks attributed to terrorists last year occurred in five countries: Iraq, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Nigeria, he said. Terrorist attacks and deaths increased in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, the Philippines, Syria and Turkey, according to Siberell. "The global terrorist threat continued to evolve rapidly in 2015, becoming increasingly decentralized and diffuse," the report said. "Although terrorist attacks took place in 92 countries in 2015, they were heavily concentrated geographically, as they have been for the past several years." Data compiled by the University of Maryland for the State Department showed there were 11,774 terrorist attacks worldwide during the year, in which more than 28,300 people died and roughly 35,300 others were wounded.

Four suspected militants were killed and two Police personnel sustained injuries in a gun battle between SFs and the militants on Quetta-Mastung road in New Sariab area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, in the evening. The Police sources said that Police personnel signalled to a motorcycle to stop on Quetta-Mastung road near Sheikh Zaid Hospital in New Sariab area of the provincial capital who opened fire at the police van, leaving two personnel injured. The police and other law enforcement agencies chased the armed men and found them in an orchard, where a gun battle took place between the armed men and the law enforcement personnel, the police officials said. The exchange of fire resulted in killing of four militants while two of their accomplices managed to flee the scene.

Home Minister, Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti briefed the legislators during the requisitioned session of the Provincial Assembly about the non-involvement of the state institutions in abduction of people. He further established that banned militant organisations were abducting people to mint money in order to strengthen themselves. He also said that Taliban militants were trying to make their roots in Quetta and added that “our security forces would foil their designs in this regard. The government and security forces are able to deal with kidnappers and militants with.

Unidentified gunmen killed a 65-year-old Ahmadi man in Darul Islam of Attock District in Punjab. The deceased Abdul Hameed Khan, a retired accountant was standing outside his house when two unidentified motorcyclists shot him in his face. Police said that Hameed belonged to the Ahmadi community and was running a pharmacy in the area after his retirement.

The CTD arrested a suspected militant, identified as Tawab Gul, along with explosives near Pishtakhara in provincial capital Peshawar. The CTD defused the explosives the militant was allegedly carrying. Gul ailed from Landikotal in Khyber Agency of FATA.

Three people, including manager of a wine shop, an employee and a security guard, were killed in a targeted attack on Abul Hasan Ispahani Road in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The dead were identified as Tara Chand (manager/40), and two Hera Lal (employee/35), and Shahid Khan (security guard/30). According to Police, Tara Chand had recently received an extortion letter demanding PKR 2.5 million.

An unidentified rickshaw driver was shot dead near the Enquiry Office situated in Nazimabad No. 2 in North Nazimabad Town.

A decomposed dead body of a man, identified as that of Muhammad Waris (35), was found in a water drain opposite the Urdu University in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town. The body was at least three days old and had three bullet wounds while there were some torture marks on the body too.

Pakistan Rangers, Sindh seized a huge cache of heavy weapons during a raid at Inami Ground in Landhi Town. The weapons included a light-machine gun, a G-3 rifle, two .222 rifles, grenade launcher, and hundreds of bullets.

Unidentified militants blew up a portion of the railway track, a two-feet portion of the track, in an IED attack in Kolpur area of Bakhtiarabad in Bolan District of Balochistan.

A local commander of Islamic State (IS, also known as Daesh) was killed in an alleged Police encounter near Nowshehra town of same District in KP in the evening. According to Police, during the encounter a terrorist affiliated to Daesh was killed while three others managed to flee. A suicide vest and two kilogrammes explosives were seized from the possession of the militant.

A school building was partly damaged in a bomb blast in Dera Allah Yar town of Jaffarabad District in Balochistan. According to Police, unidentified miscreants had planted explosive devises in an under constructing school building which went off. The building was partly damaged in the blast. However, no loss of life was reported.

Two workers were killed and other two were injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at them while they were working at Manjho Shori Police Station in Naseerabad District of Balochistan.

Two security guards of pro-government tribal elder Malik Ayaz Khan, identified as Amjad Khan and Siraj Khan, were killed while another, identified as Ibrahim Khan, was injured in an IED attack in Ziarat area of Safi tehsil in Mohmand Agency of FATA. Khan escaped the attack unhurt.

A high-level meeting between the civil and military leadership at the GHQ in Rawalpindi expressed concern over the May 21 US drone strike, saying it was a clear violation of Pakistan's sovereignty affecting mutual trust, and undermined the spirit of the Afghan peace process under the mutually-agreed quadrilateral framework. The meeting resolved to protect the core national interests and effectively counter any negative outside influence.

The principal of University Law College Quetta, identified as Barrister Amanullah Achakzai, was shot dead by unidentified militants on Spiny Road in provincial capital Quetta.

The local administration along with Haleemzai tribal elders demolished over 12 houses of suspected militants during a search operation in Haleemzai tehsil of Mohmand Agency in FATA. According to details, the houses of wanted militants Aman, Aziz, Yasir, Ziarat Shah, Adil Bacha, Adnan, Munsif, Yaseen, Ameen Taj and Pir Zada and Mian Shakir were demolished. The demolition operation was conducted MianGan, Shanikhel, Sami khel, Khwa-jawas and Durbakhel areas of the Agency. An official of the political administration said that they conducted the operation with the help of tribal elders of Haleemzai. They demolished houses of suspected militants with explosive materials.

The SSP-Operations, Abbas Majeed Marwat said that Peshawar has been divided into 58 zones to ensure security of people during Ramazan to avert any untoward incident in the holy month, reports Pakistan Observer. As per the security plan for Ramazan, policemen have been deployed at major Masjid during prayers and Namaz-e- Traveeh.

The SSP said that over 400 Policemen besides Police mobile rider squads would patrol in the city round the clock. All the DSPs have been directed to supervise patrolling. In first of Ramazan, he said, all SPs and DSPs participated in police patrolling in their respective areas. Women police were also deployed in busy markets while Policemen in plain clothes were directed to remain vigilant in the markets.

National Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz while addressing a press conference at the Foreign Office in Islamabad said that the US was a "selfish friend" that always curried favor with Pakistan when self-interest pressed it and left it in the lurch after having its interests served. He said that the growing US-India proximity was a cause of worry for Pakistan. He said if the US could not bring peace in war-torn Afghanistan, why it was expecting Pakistan to do this difficult job within the shortest-possible time.

He termed the May 21, 2016 drone strike in Balochistan unfortunate, saying that the incident had damaged Pakistan's relationship with the US. "The drone strike killing the Afghan Taliban leader Mulla Mansour has not only violated our sovereignty but also damaged the level of trust with the United States," the Adviser said.

About the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US and his efforts for India's inclusion in the NSG, Sartaj said the US tilt towards India would disturb the strategic balance in the region. "We have been constantly reminding the United States to be mindful of maintaining a security balance for peace in the region," he added.

The CIA shot dead a terrorist, identified as Khurram Latif, and rescued an abducted Intelligence Agency officer, Akbar Zaman, during a raid at terrorist hideout in Kahina area of provincial capital Lahore. Two of Latif's accomplices managed to escape. Kalashnikovs, hand grenades and other weapons were recovered from the hideout. Zaman had been abducted two years ago.

Two TTP militants, identified as or Wali alias Talha and Noor Khan, were arrested by the CTD Police in a raid in Orangi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The accused were shifted to their headquarters for investigation during which it was revealed that the arrested men were affiliated with the TTP's Khan Saeed Sajna and Baitullah Mehsud groups.

According to CTD, Noor Khan was the mastermind of money exchange robbery that took place in 2008 within the jurisdiction of the Airport Police Station. The militants had looted about PKR 10.5 million that was later used to fund terrorist activities. Whereas Noor Wali belonged to the Khan Saeed Sajna Group of the TTP and was operating a network of militants in Miranshah town of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

The CoAS General Raheel Sharif, in a meeting with senior US officials during a meeting at General Headquarters raised the demand of targeting TTP militants and their chief Mullah Fazlullah in their hideouts in Afghanistan. Talking to Commander Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan General John Nicholson and US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Olson, General Raheel said, "Pakistan will not allow Indian and Afghan intelligence agencies to foment terrorism in the country".

One suspected militant was killed when he blew himself up during an exchange of fire with SFs in Kakhao area of Zhob District in Balochistan. SFs also arrested two militants during the operation. The spokesperson for FC, Khan Wasey said that a huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the possession of militants, adding that they were planning a major terror activity in the area.

A Pakistani soldier was injured during a cross-border firing incident between Afghan and Pakistani forces at Shamshad Mountain near Torkham border crossing in Khyber Agency of FATA. The forces exchanged fire over the contentious fencing issue. "Afghan Security forces resorted to unprovoked firing on Pakistani side at Torkham Gate. A Pakistani soldier was injured due to Afghan firing," said the ISPR statement.

Police arrested 27 suspects in a search operation in in Gur Mandi, Sukhera Ram, Kalu Ram areas of Peshawar. Police also claimed to have recovered one Kalashnikov, a semi-automatic pistol and dozens of rounds of ammunition during the search.

Police arrested four suspects, including a woman, in a raid in Azam Goth area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town. The suspects were wanted in several cases related to criminal activities.

In another raid, Police conducted a search operation in Boat Basin area of Clifton in Sadar Town and arrested three suspects allegedly involved in street crimes.

16 Pakistani citizens and six SFs were injured in the cross-border firing between Pakistani and Afghan SFs in Bacha Khel and other areas adjacent to Torkham border crossing in Khyber Agency of FATA. A curfew is also in effect between Torkham and Landikotal bazaar as the area falls within range of mortar shells, said security officials. Nearly 200 families were evacuated to Landikotal. The clashes have halted for now, with armoured vehicles standing face-to-face at the border.

Unidentified militants abducted two coalminers, identified as Muhammad Imran and Bakht Nabi, in Killi Juma Khan near Mach area of Bolan District.

Six facilitators of a militant outfit surrendered themselves to the FC at a ceremony in Nushki District. They used to help militants carry out subversive and anti-peace activities in different parts of the province, a spokesman for the FC said.

At least 15 families escaped their hometown over the last few days in Dasht area of Kech District and moved to Karachi (Sindh) because of clashes between Security Forces and insurgents. A majority of them have settled in Orangi Town, Sabzi Mandi and Federal B Area of Gulberg Town. Four of families moved to Hyderabad District and Kotri area of Jamshoro District.

District West Police seized a huge cache of weapons and explosive material during a raid on a hideout of TTP militants in the Manghopir area of Gadap Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Senior Superintendent of Police Pir Mohammed Shah said the raid followed a tip-off that TTP militants were present in their hideouts on the outskirts of District West. A Police team led by SP Syed Ali Asif swooped on the hideout of Ahsanullah Mehsud, ‘commander’ of the TTP in Mir Mohammed Goth. However, the suspects managed to escape from the place, leaving behind a haul of weapons.

Police claimed to have killed five suspects, including four militants and one Afghan Intelligence Agency spy, during an exchange of fire with SFs in Chashma Achozai area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. One constable was injured. The militants had opened fire at a patrolling Police van. Police personnel retaliated and five suspected militants were killed during the exchange of fire. Four of the dead militants were identified as Najeeb, Aijaz, Yousaf and Abdul Khaliq. Police recovered weapons from the compound that included Kalas­hni­­kovs, rocket-launchers, pistols, bombs and explosives.

Three militants were killed and three Policemen injured during a joint operation of SFs and Police in the Totano Bandai area of Kabal tehsil in Swat District of KP in the morning. According to Police, the operation was launched after militants opened fire on a Police van in the area on June13-night, leaving three policemen injured. They were identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector Rafiullah and Constables Azizur Rehman and Jahangir. Soon after the incident, SFs cordoned off the area and started search operation. The militants opened fire seeing SFs and three militants were killed in the retaliatory firing.

The CTD thwarted a major terror bid and recovered two suicide jackets and explosives from an alleged terrorist in Shabqadar area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. CTD official said a search operation was carried out in Shabqadar during which one suspect was rounded up and two suicide jackets, 10 kilograms of explosives, six batteries, two hand-grenades, as many Kalashnikovs and ammunition were recovered from him.

The CTD arrested two facilitators of terrorists, identified as Ejaz-ur-Rehman and Tahir Ullah, during a raid in Shangla town of Same District. Both the accused were allegedly involved in providing logistic support to terrorists.

A bullet-riddled dead body of a man, identified as that of Amjed (28), was found at the Shah Baig Lane in Lyari Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Another dead body, identified as that of Wakeel Zaman (35), was found within the Jackson Police jurisdiction in Kiamari Town.

Sindh Rangers arrested two target killers, affiliated with a banned outfit, during a raid in Orangi Town. The suspects were carrying weapons and ammunition.

Tensions mounted at the Torkham border crossing as exchange of fire between Pakistani and Afghan security forces continued on June 14, resulting in injuries to two more Frontier Corps personnel. Major Jawad Ali Changezi, who was injured in the border violence on June 13, succumbed to his injuries at the CMH in Peshawar. The death of the army officer is likely to ratchet up tension between the two neighbouring countries, who sources said were beefing up troop numbers on either side.

The Pakistan army has moved heavy weaponry and additional troops to the Afghan border June13-night, said Pakistani security officials, who wished not to be identified because they were not authorised to speak to the media. The conflict also prompted bitter recriminations on both sides, with Islamabad and Kabul summoning each other’s diplomats to lodge strong formal complaints. Three people have been killed so far in the clashes that started on June 12, forcing the closure of the main border crossing. A Pakistan army officer and two Afghan policemen were among those killed. At least 18 people from the Pakistani side, many of them civilians, were wounded, while nine Afghans also received injuries in the gunfights. The border is now closed until the tension subsides.

The CoAS General Raheel Sharif said that terrorists will not be allowed to stage a comeback in the tribal regions as he reassured tribesmen that the “army will not go back until the job is fully done”. “Our focus within Fata (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) will now be on more efficient border management to prevent cross-border movement. For enduring stability, IBOs [intelligence-based operations] and combing operations will continue with same vigor across the country,” General Raheel said during a visit to forward locations in North and South Waziristan agencies.

The Army Chief spent the whole day with tribesmen and troops busy in the consolidation phase of Operation Zarb-e-Azb which was launched in mid-June 2014 to indiscriminately flush out local terrorists and their foreign cohorts. The army chief was given a detailed briefing on ongoing operations and rehabilitation work and its effects on the social landscape of the area, according to a statement issued by the ISPR.

President Mamnoon Hussain while talking to MNA Muhammad Nazir Khan said that North Waziristan Agency including Shawal Valley had been completely cleared of terrorists and peace was restored due to sustained operations of the army. The President said that the repatriation and rehabilitation of IDPs was being carried out on priority.

At least one person was injured in an explosion outside the Mardan residence of former Chief Minister of KP Ameer Haider Khan Hoti.

The ISPR DG Lieutenant General Asim Bajwa said that 490 soldiers of the Pakistan Army have died in the line of duty during Operation Zarb-i-Azb and work is still left to do – including improving the border management mechanism with Afghanistan as well as clearing restive pockets in areas of Swat. The ISPR DG Lieutenant General Asim Bajwa was addressing a press conference on the two-year anniversary of Operation Zarb-i-Azb and presented major achievements of the operation so far – listing progress made on various fronts. Bajwa said some 3,600 square kilometres were cleared initially in the operation, which has gone up 4,304 sq km in the FATA and North Waziristan, adding that 992 hideouts have been destroyed thus far, with 253 tons of explosives seized. "There was recruitment going on in North Waziristan, suicide jackets were spreading throughout the country. That has been controlled. There are just the last few pockets remaining in the Shawal valley," said Bajwa.

ISPR DG Lieutenant General Asim Bajwa made it clear that Pakistan would not stop construction of a check-post at the Torkham border crossing, as it was 37 metres inside the Pakistani territory. Bajwa said that AFGHAN government’s objections to the check-post were totally unjustified. He said that ISAF and the Afghan Government were informed before the operation that terrorists might flee to Afghanistan, but they did not man the border to help the Pakistan Army catch or kill the fleeing terrorists. He said that Afghanistan could not take a stand on Torkham because it was in Pakistan. He said that Pakistan would never give up construction of the check-post at Torkham because it was its right.

The US Senate passed its USD 800 million draft of the National Defence Authorisation Bill, including a provision to set up a new fund to reimburse Pakistan for its efforts in the war against terrorism. The Senate version that authorises USD 800 million is called the `Pakistan Security Enhancement Authorisation’. It also fences USD 300 million behind a similar Haqqani Network provision that has existed in the Annual Defence Authorisation Acts since the Fiscal Year 2015.

The proposed reimbursement mechanism for Pakistan replaces the CSF, which was used to reimburse both Afghanistan and Pakistan for their efforts to combat terrorism. While adopting the new provision, the Senate Armed Services Committee used the CSF model to restructure security support for Pakistan. But it focuses specifically on Pakistan’s own security needs instead of tying it to a broader coalition. In doing so, the new provision delinks Pakistan from Afghanistan, by recognising it as a country with its own strategic value for US interests.

While speaking at a the UNHRC meeting in Geneva Pakistan’s permanent representative Tehmina Janjua urged the council to respond to loss of lives, human rights violations and breach of its territorial sovereignty because of drone attacks. According to the press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan pointed out that the drone strikes were also a violation of the UN charter and international law, including human rights and humanitarian law. Pakistan, it said, had been repeatedly saying that the use of armed drones or remotely-piloted aircraft was a breach of human rights, particularly the non-derogable right.

Official sources confirmed the killing of Two TTP militant ‘commanders’, identified as Sher Alam Khan and his deputy Said Mula Khan, were killed in a United States (US) drone strike in Khost Province of Afghanistan. They were heading the TTP in FR Bannu in FATA.

The Counter Terrorism Department with the assistance of Intelligence Agencies arrested a militant ‘commander’, identified as Khaliq Dad, during an operation in Nawakali area of provincial capital Quetta. The Government had placed PKR 1 million as head money. Weapons were also seized from his possession.

JeM handler who gave directions over phone to the terrorists during the attack on the Pathankot airbase has reportedly managed to flee to Afghanistan from Pakistan, said an unnamed official. "The alleged JeM handler who communicated by telephone more than two-dozen times with the terrorists in Pathankot before they carried out the attack on the airbase on January 2, 2016, has managed to cross into Afghan border," a member of the JIT probing the attack said. He said the JeM handler was in the tribal area of Pakistan when he communicated about 18 times with the terrorists. "The law enforcement agencies tried to trace him (in the tribal belt) but there are reports that he managed to escape to Afghanistan," the official said, without disclosing the JeM leader's identity.

During the weekly press briefing in Islamabad, the FO spokesman Nafees Zakaria said that border management was part of Pakistan’s strategy to counter terrorism and the border with Afghanistan would be fenced off while more gates will be constructed. “Other than Torkham, gates would also be installed at other border crossings and there would be no going back in this regard,” Zakaria said.

He said that in future there should be no communication gap between Islamabad and Afghanistan and all issues should be resolved through dialogue, especially since the Afghans were being misguided. Without naming those behind misguiding the Afghans, the spokesman said, “Afghans are being misguided by those not interested to see peace in Afghanistan. We have a very special relationship with Afghanistan and we want to resolve all our issues through dialogue. The objective of this dialogue is that there should be no communication gap in future.”

The National Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said told the National Assembly that Pakistan is not breaching any agreement by constructing a gate on Torkham border and will go on with the project to make effective border management possible. In his policy statement, Aziz claimed that Pakistan had informed the Afghan authorities about its intention to build the gate and the construction work had started back in November 2014. "When Afghan authorities expressed their reservations, we took them into confidence and told them that the gate is constructed inside Pakistani territory," said the Adviser. He said such border management steps will also help both countries in their combined efforts to combat terrorism as "unregulated movement allows infiltration of terrorists and smugglers", adding that all the other border crossings with Afghanistan will also be regulated in near future.

Two children, identified as Ejaz and Ayesha, were killed in a landmine explosion in Goth Eid Muhammad Bugti area of Sohbatpur District.

A local peace force member, identified as Shambani, was killed when he stepped on a landmine while searching for militants in the Loti area of Dera Bugti District. The militants had attacked the tribal force a few days ago and also kidnapped a member while injuring others. The peace force launched a rescue operation when the landmine blast took place.

An unidentified man was killed in an incident of firing in Bihar Colony of Lyari Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A gangster, identified as Tahir alias Killer, was arrested in an injured condition after an exchange of fire with Shahrah-e-Faisal Police during a raid in Rabia City of Shah Faisal Town. Tahir was affiliated with Baba Ladla group and was wanted in more than 45 cases of murder, attempt to murder and extortion.

Law enforcement agencies arrested five suspects during a raid in Block 19 of Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of Gulshan Town.

Police recovered a kidnapped boy, identified Hayan Ali, son of Constable Sadaqat Ali, and arrested the kidnappers, identified as Abdul Mateen and Taj Bibi, near the Mingora bypass in Swat Valley. Hayan was abducted on June 2, 2016, from Saidu Sharif area of Swat District. District Police Officer Muhammad Salim Marwat said that the kidnappers had shifted the boy to Abbottabad, Mansehra and Attock and had been demanding PKR 20 million.

Ruling out Washington’s interference in Afghanistan and Pakistan Torkham border dispute, the State Department spokesman John Kirby said, “We are obviously very concerned by the border clashes, particularly around the Torkham crossing. We want both the sides to ratchet down the violence and begin a dialogue to try to reduce the tension, keep the crossing open, and have it done peaceably”.

“Underlining that the US believes that the right approach is an Afghan-led reconciliation process,” he said and added, “We continue to support Afghan President Ashraf Ghani as he continues to try to get that process back on track. Now what effect the border clashes are having on reconciliation, I don’t know.” “I haven’t seen any practical effect of it to date. These clashes have only just popped up in recent days. But that aside, we still want to see the reconciliation process move forward,” Kirby said.

“We have not taken a mediation role, and we have talked about this before. This is an Afghan-led process. We obviously support it and we want to see it succeed. We have expressed that support privately and publicly,” Kirby said, adding, “But this is President Ghani’s initiative he’s taking it on. We know he wants to get it back on track and we fully support him in that effort, but this is not for the United States mediating between Afghanistan and Pakistan.”

June 20

A homeopathic Ahmadi doctor, identified as Dr Chaudhry Abdul Khaleeq (50), was shot dead in his clinic in the Abul Hasan Isphani area of Sikander Goth in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Malir SSP Rao Anwar confirmed the incident.

Sindh High Court lawyer Awais Ali Shah was abducted when he left the SHC for Clifton in Sadar Town to meet a friend. Awais is the son of Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah.

A Police constable, identified as Gulzar, was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Maqsoodabad within the jurisdiction of Khazana Police Station on the outskirts of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police suspected it was an act of targeted killing since Gulzar. Gulzar was an ex-serviceman hired by the Police in 2008 at Khazana Police Station on a contract basis following his retirement.

Four Police constables were injured in a roadside bomb attack while they were on a foot patrol on Shakarpura Road, within the jurisdiction of Daudzai Police Station in Peshawar. The officers were identified as Tariq, Gul Baz, Mukthiar and Abdur Rahim.

The CTD foiled an attack on a shrine in Uch Sharif area of Bahawalpur District and arrested three LeJ terrorists. The arrested suspects were identified as Javed, Maulvi Asif and Maqsood Ahmad. Two IEDs and two kilograms of explosives were recovered from their possession.

The National Adviser to PM on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said that Afghan refugee camps within Pakistan turned into safe havens for terrorists after the country's armed forces destroyed the militants' infrastructure in tribal areas. In an interview with SAMAA TV, he said the issue of Afghan refugees has become a security issue for Pakistan as these refugee camps have become "safe havens for terrorists" due to unregulated movement. "We have re-established our writ over FATA but if Afghan border remains unregulated, our tribal areas can't stay safe," he said.

June 21

The CTD of Sindh Police killed two suspects in an alleged encounter at Gulshan-e-Maymar area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The CTD had raided a farm house in Karachi after receiving information of the presence of militants. SSP Junaid Shaikh revealed that the activity was carried out at a house. Upon seeing the Police, the suspects opened fire on the law enforcement personnel. Police retaliated by firing upon the suspects as well, killing two of them. The killed suspects were yet to be identified.  

In a separate encounter, Police killed one Lyari Gangster, Allah Bakhsh alias Chachu, in Lyari Town area. According to details, the encounter commenced when police began a search operation in the area and Allah Bakhsh opened fire at them. The suspect was a key suspect of the Lyari gang-war and Police claimed that he had been involved in the killing of 20 persons. 

Police have recovered a suicide jacket from a van and arrested the driver at a petrol pump on Sanghar Road in Nawabshah town of Shaheed Benazir Abad District. The DSP Sakrand Anwar Durrani said that the suicide jacket had five pockets which contained explosive devices. The driver of the van was identified as Ashraf Jatt. DSP Sakrand Anwar Durrani said that the weight of jacket was around three kilogrammes, and it was attached to batteries. The jacked was later defused by the bomb disposal squad.

June 22

Renowned Qawwal (Sufi singer) Amjad Sabri (45) was shot dead in a targeted killing incident in Liaquatabad Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The TTP-Hakimullah Mehsud faction spokesperson Qari Saifullah Mehsud claimed responsibility for the attack. In 2014, Islamabad High Court had issued a notice in a blasphemy case to Amjad Sabri along with two TV channels for the playing of a qawwali during a morning show. The traditional qawwali sung by Amjad Sabri had mentioned religious figures, which was deemed offensive.

Prominent Shia noha khwan (one who recites dirges) Farhan Ali Waris said that he escaped an assassination attempt in Teen Hatti area of Liaquatabad Town in Karachi. Waris said that his car was surrounded by unknown assailants near Teen Hatti. "They were about to open fire but my guard opened fire upon them, forcing them to flee," said Waris. "I was not in the car but the manner in which they surrounded the vehicle makes me think that they thought I was inside," Waris added.

A Civil Secretariat officer, identified as Nawab Safi (34), was shot dead by unidentified militants in a target killing incident while he was coming out of the mosque after Maghrib prayers in Yakatoot area of provincial capital Peshawar. He was the officer of the Provincial Management Service and was presently serving as Section Officer in the Establishment Department. 

SFs defused five live RPG-7 rockets in Akhorwal area of Darra Adam Khel in Kohat District.

The Anti-Terrorism Court indicted six accused in the March 3, 2009, terrorist attack case on the Sri Lankan cricket team. All the suspects pleaded not guilty and decided to contest the case during an in-camera hearing in Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore. The suspects were identified as Obaidullah, Javed Anwar, Ibrahim Khalil, Abdul Wahab, Zubair and Adnan Arshad. The first three suspects are on bail, while others are behind bars. Presiding judge Chaudhry Azam summoned prosecution witnesses on June 30, 2016.

June 23

A Police Sub-Inspector was killed and six other Policemen were injured, in a bomb blast inside a Police Station in Nothal area of Naseerabad District.

US Embassy in Islamabad in a statement posted on the website advised its citizens to remain vigilant and avoid travelling to Quetta due to a “heightened threat in and around the city”. “The Consulate General wishes to advise US citizens about a heightened threat level in the near term affecting Pakistani government and military installations, hotels, and western interests in and around the city of Quetta,” said of statement. “US citizens are reminded that there is an active travel warning for Pakistan issued on April 7, 2016, and the worldwide caution, issued March 3, 2016,” it added.

The CTD produced a militant, identified as Fazlur Rehman, in the Anti-Terrorism Court who for sending three would-be suicide bombers to Peshawar for attack. Rehman hails from Mohmand Agency and is affiliated with a terrorist outfit. Rehman confessed to have committed the crime. The would-be suicide bombers were killed before reaching the target after the vest of one of went off accidently.

Political Agent Khyber Agency Khalid Mehmood said that peace has been restored in militancy-hit areas in Bara and Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency while the Government has launched development projects in health, roads and education sectors. Mehmood said that the top priority of the political administration was to serve the masses in the affected militancy-hit areas. "I directed all the field-officers of the political administration to solve the problems of the tribesmen on their door-step and resolve the issue in days, not months," he added.

During a weekly briefing, the Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria said that Pakistan is hosting more than three million Afghan refugees and some of them have become a security risk for the country because terrorists are using refugee camps as hideouts. He said that the international community and Afghan Government should take steps for repatriation of refugees to their own country.

The DG of the ISPR Asim Saleem Bajwa during an interview with Germany’s Deutsche Welle said that the international community had left Pakistan alone to fight terrorists. “I would say that the international community has not done enough for us,” he said. Bajwa said that Pakistan army was conducting Operation Zarb-e-Azb without preference to any militant organisation. According to him, the Haqqani Network was also being targeted in the operation. “The military has no preferences. We are targeting terrorists from all groups,” he said.

June 24

At least 14 militants died as Afghan Taliban and TTP clashed in Gula Pari area of Sarkano District in Kunar province of Afghanistan. According to Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry, eight fighters from TTP and six Afghan Taliban fighters died in the clashes. Several others on both sides were wounded. The Afghan Taliban denied involvement in the incident when asked, with the group’s spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claiming that the clash was “just some locals fighting over personal matters.” The TTP has yet to respond to the query.

At least three people were killed and 32 others were injured in an IED attack on the Airport Road in provincial capital Quetta. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Three dead bodies, identified as that of Inayatullah, Abdul Waheed and Mohammad Aslam, were recovered from Dasht area of Balnigore in Kech District.

An unidentified dead body was recovered from Cheetkan area of Panjgur District. Some sources alleged that the bodies were of the men who had surrendered themselves to the authorities after denouncing militancy a few months ago. They said the militants had kidnapped them about two months ago and now their bodies had been found.

BRA militant 'commander', identified as Sakhirdar alias Toofan,  along with two of his fighters, surrendered to Frontier Corps in Gwadar District.

BLA ' commander', identified as Ganhoor Khan, surrendered to Security Forces in Kohlu District.

SFs destroyed five militant hideouts during a search operation in Dera Bugti District.

Three TTP militants were shot dead during a raid in Malir Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. SSP Rao Anwar of District Malir said that on seeing the Police approaching, the terrorists opened fire. The Police retaliated and after a brief encounter arrested three suspects in an injured condition. Later, three of the suspects succumbed to their injuries. A Kalashnikov and two pistols were recovered from their possession. SSP Anwar said one terrorist was identified as Iqbal Swati. They were wanted in a number of cases of target killings and kidnappings-for-ransom. 

The paramilitary force seized a huge cache of weapons in Surjani Town area of Gadap Town during a raid. The spokesman for the Sindh Rangers said the arrested suspect belongs to the militant wing of the MQM. During the search of the hideout, a light machinegun, a .22 rifle, 11 sub machineguns, a 7mm rifle, three 30-bore pistols, two 32-bore pistol, a binocular and 12,817 bullets were found and seized.

The SFs repulsed an attack on their check posts in border areas of Nawagai tehsil in Bajaur Agency of FATA by militants from Kunar province of Afghanistan. “At least two militants were injured as security forces successfully repulsed the cross-border attack in several areas of Nawagai in the small hours of Friday,” security officials said.

CoAS, General Raheel Sharif during his visit to National Defence University, in Islamabad emphasised that Pakistan is opposed to using proxies against other countries and will also not allow any other country to use proxies against Pakistan. “Remaining steadfast, and with an enhanced awareness and participation, we as a Nation must pursue our national objective of zero presence of terrorists and total peace at any cost.” he said, adding, “The contours of future war are fast changing. While our enemies are stoking terrorism to demoralise us and destabilize our country, we are united, fully determined and capable of defeating their nefarious designs.”

June 26

Three militants and one soldier killed during a clash in Khwar Pattay village of Malam Jabba area in Swat District of KP. The official sources said the incident occurred during a search operation in Khwar Pattay village. “The security forces and the police imposed a curfew and launched a search operation in Khwar Pattay in Malam Jabba after the forces received information about the presence of militants in the area,” the sources said. During the search, they said, the militants opened fire on the soldiers and killed one of them identified as Javed. The sources said the security forces killed three militants in retaliatory fire.

Unidentified militants lobbed a hand-grenade into a house in Jatti Payan area under Daudzai Police Station in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. The blast damaged the house but did not result in any casualty. There were reports that another explosive device that did not go off was later defused by the bomb disposal unit.

KP Government made a drastic cut in the funds for minorities, allocating a whopping PKR 300 million for the Darul Uloom Haqqania. In the last year’s budgetary allocation made for the Department of Auqaf and Minority Affairs, 52.70% was earmarked for the welfare of minorities in the Annual Development Programme in contrast with 23.49% this year, an examination of the budget documents and discussion with relevant officials reveal. While a disproportionate increase has been registered in funds for Auqaf and a major chunk went to the Darul Uloom Haqqania, the funds reserved for textbooks and fees for deserving students in Christian institutions like convent schools have been reduced. The cuts in allocations for medical grants and dowry fund for minority members are separate from this. This reduction has occurred in the absence of any Minister holding the portfolio of Minority Affairs. Suran Singh, murdered in April 2016, was the last in-charge of this Ministry.

Two shops were destroyed when an explosive device planted in the Kamar Sar bazaar in Loi Mamond tehsil in Bajaur Agency of FATA went off at night. Official sources said that unidentified persons had planted explosives at the Kamar Sar cloth market in Loi Mamond, which went off at 1am. As a result, two shops were completely destroyed while six others were damaged. The political administration officials defused another bomb at the market and arrested the watchman of the bazaar.

CTD arrested two terrorists, identified as Tariq and Esa Khan, from Bhatti Gate area of provincial capital Lahore. In another raid, the CTD officials arrested a terrorist, identified as Ghulam Nabi, from Ravi Road area in Lahore. Explosive material and hate literature were seized from their possession. According to CTD officials the terrorists belonged to Daesh and wanted to target the Government installations.

Pakistan has decided to introduce ‘tougher policy’ for Afghan refugees days before the deadline (June 30) for repatriation of over three million refugees living here since 80s. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif with consultation of Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif will finalise terms of new policy next month a road map for the institutions concerned to send Afghan refugees back to their homeland at all cost. “We’ve decided to review our national policy 2016-17 for Afghan refugees. New tougher policy is ahead with new border management laws,” said SAFRON Lieutenant General (Retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch.

"Badly bruised and isolated" terrorists will go for softer targets for their survival, said CoAS General Raheel Sharif while directing senior security officials to hunt the terrorists and “pre-empt their moves to frustrate their designs,” during a meeting at the Corps Headquarters in Karachi. The Army Chief said that the Karachi operation has brought about a noticeable improvement in the law and order situation of the city. “However as we progress to target the crime and terror syndicate network, we need to keep our focus on actionable human and technical intelligence and totally dismantle their support structure,” he said.

“The operation has now entered a phase where terrorists and their abettors are badly bruised, isolated and hence will go for softer targets so as to find their survival and undermine the society psychologically,” General Raheel said, adding, “We must continue our mission unabated to consolidate and not let anyone reverse our gains”.

Former Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar in an interview with Geo News said that Pakistan cannot "conquer Kashmir through war" and progress on the issue can only me made in an environment of mutual trust with India. "I believe that Pakistan cannot conquer Kashmir through war and if we cannot do that, the option we are left with is dialogue, and dialogue can only proceed with a partner with which we have normal relations and a certain level of mutual trust," Khar said, maintaining that the Kashmir issue can be resolved, "If we continue to talk on the issue, then we will reach somewhere".

Answering a question regarding the military's influence on Pakistan's foreign policy, she said that it is a diplomat's job to carry forward the military's perspective on issues where the military is a relevant stake holder.

Police arrested an outlaw, identified as Riffat Mehmood, during a raid in Bilitang bazaar of Kohat District. Mehmood was wanted to the Provincial Police in various crimes including murder, attempted murder and kidnapping cases, said DSP, Saddar Circle, Hussain Ghulam Bangash.

Police arrested an alleged extortionist, identified as Faizullah, during a raid in Nari Kak and area of Kohat District.

Over two dozens of other suspects were arrested during raids at various areas in Bilitang area of Kohat District. Police also recovered arms from their possession. These search and strike operations were led by SHO of Bilitang Police Station, Muhammad Afzal Awan under National Action Plan.

The CTD arrested two TTP terrorists during a raid in SITE Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The two were Afghan nationals and during the initial investigations, thy confessed their affiliation with the TTP and providing medical treatment to injured terrorists. The CTD has also recovered fake identity cards from their possession.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah while presiding over a special cabinet meeting on the law and order situation in Karachi said “Now, we have to recover the barrister [Ovais Ali Shah] and arrest the killers of Amjad Sabri to regain that confidence and foil terrorists’ nefarious designs,”

IG of Police A.D Khwaja said that the Police have conducted a number of raids and have arrested some suspects. “We still believe that he [Ovais Shah] has been kept in Karachi and with the help of all agencies and using the technology available to us we would recover him safe and sound shortly,” the IG assured. Talking about the killing of Amjad Sabri, the IG said LEAs were very close to his killers. “Police and other agencies are working closely and would give results very soon,” he added.

The Federal Ministry of Interior decided to extend for two years the Anti-Terrorist Act and the Protection of Pakistan Act. The President endorsed these two laws on January 7, 2015. Parliament approved these two laws giving special powers to the Rangers, police and other law enforcers to achieve success in the war against terrorism. A summary for an extension of these two laws has been sent to the Prime Minister. A final approval in this regard will be sought from Parliament. Under the Protection of Pakistan Act, the Rangers, police and law enforcement institutions can shoot terror suspects, keep them in custody for 90 days and put suspect from a certain province on trial anywhere in the country.

At least four Policemen were shot dead in two separate targeted attacks in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Two Policemen, identified as Constable Faiz Muhammad and driver Nameed, were killed when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at the Police vehicle in Quetta. No group claimed responsibility for attack.

Two Policemen, identified as driver Muhammad Ali and guard Muhammad Ayub, were killed when unidentified militants opened fire at a Police mobile van near Hazara Ganj area of Quetta.

The Sindh Rangers claimed to have shot dead two TTP terrorists during an encounter near Khairabad Northern Bypass in Manghopir area of Gadap Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According a spokesman for the Rangers, one of the suspects killed was identified as Akram Mehsud, while the identity of the second man was yet to be ascertained. Police recovered an Improvised Explosive Device, suicide jackets and weapons from their possession.

District Malir and Central Police claimed to have arrested five suspects during a crackdown against criminals in Malir Town. According SSP Rao Anwar Ahmed of the District Malir, investigations regarding target killing and terrorism cases are underway during which an informant tipped him off about members of  “target killers” of a political party. He further said that the accused belonged to a political party’s militant wing and they were involved in the killings of police officers.

Brigadier Ali Khan, a senior army officer who was court-martialled over links with a HuT, was released from Adiala Jail. Khan was awarded five years rigorous imprisonment by the Field General Court (FGCM) in 2012. He was also accused of being involved in a conspiracy to topple the Government, trying to instigate a mutiny within the army and planning an attack on GHQ. The former official has been released less than four years after he was convicted, even though he was facing “serious allegations” which would lead to capital punishment if proven. Since most of the charges levelled against him were not proved in the court-martial proceedings, he was sentenced to five years in prison and was scheduled to be released in August 2017. However, he got the benefit of a remission in his sentence and was released on June 27, 2016.

Out of the 3,028 seminaries in various parts of KP, the Government’s registers have information on only 1,208. The information was shared by officials of Auqaf Department with The Express Tribune. The officials said the Provincial Government, with the help of intelligence and law-enforcement agencies, has also collected information about over 1,800 seminaries that are not registered. These unregistered seminaries were either functioning in mosques or were based on one or two classrooms.

As per official data, the strength of students in registered seminaries is around 300,000, including 6,928 foreigners. Most of these foreigners belong to Afghanistan, but are living is different parts of KP, along with their family members and relatives. The seminaries also house orphans who have lost bread earners of their families in different acts of violence. Many students in the seminaries are also those who belong to low income backgrounds in neglected districts and tribal agencies.

KP Government on June 28 formally advised the Federal Government not to give further extension to Afghan refugees to stay in Pakistan, as their official stay period is going to expire on June 30 (tomorrow). The KP Government has sent its recommendations, saying the province has been suffering a lot because of Afghan refugees and is unable to bear their burden anymore, official sources told The Nation on condition of anonymity.

Four FC personnel were shot dead by unidentified armed assailants on Double Road in provincial capital Quetta. Deputy IG Police Chaudhary Manzoor Sarwar said the incident appeared to be an act of targeted killing. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Rangers shot dead two suspected gangsters during a raid at a building located in Nawa Lane area of Baghdadi in Lyari Town. The two gangsters are yet to be identified but it has been ascertained that they were members of the Wasiullah Lakho gang. Automatic weapons, ammunition and drugs were found from their hideout.

An Intelligence Officer of the Chakiwara Police Station, identified as head constable Perwez, was shot dead while patrolling the area with other Policemen in Maula Madad area of Pathani Mohallah in Lyari Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

The paramilitary force arrested eight criminal suspects, including two target killers affiliated with the MQM militant wing, during raids in Lyari Town, Orangi Town, Shah Faisal Town and Jamshed Town. Weapons and ammunition were seized.

Unidentified militants shot dead a man, identified as Nawaz Khan (45), on Gamal Khurd Road in DI Khan District.

Police arrested 28 suspects, including 15 proclaimed offenders, during a crackdown in Tangi area of Charsadda District. Police said they recovered a machinegun, a Kalashnikov, ammunitions, two kilograms opium and a kilogram of hashish during the raids.

Two former members of peace committee, identified as Khyal Badshah and Fazal Wahid, were injured in an IED attack in Dawizai area of Lower Mohmand Agency in FATA. Badshah is the brother of a political administration official of lower Mohmand Agency and a local tribal elder, Malik Ibrahim, who also confirmed the incident.

Pakistan Government on the request of UNHCR Filippo Grandi, extended the deadline for voluntary repatriation of registered Afghan refugees until December 31, 2016. According to the sources, Grandi had asked the Government to extend the stay of the Afghan refugees in the country for another three years. The Government however told him that it could not host the Afghan refugees for another three years due to security and economic reasons.

Dr Imran Zeb, Chief Commissioner for Refugees said that the Government of Pakistan extended the deadline for the refugees for six months. He said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif approved the extension in the stay of the Afghan refugees. Now, registered Afghan refugees’ PoR card will be renewed for six months.

A Police constable, identified as Farmanullah, was killed and six other civilians were injured in a roadside bomb blast on Pajagi Road in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Exact target of the bomb has not been determined at the moment but the explosion killed a policeman identified as Farmanullah, who was deputed guard of a retired judge and was on his way to duty,” said Wasim Riaz, a senior police official.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a CTD official, identified as Deputy Superintendent of Police Noor Muhammad Khan, on the Diyal Road in Dera Ismail Khan town of same District. Sources said unidentified persons opened fire on Noor Muhammad Khan as soon as he stepped out of a mosque in Khairabad Colony near his residence after the Maghrib prayers.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a Policeman, Shahzeb, near his house after he withdrew money from an automated telling machine in Madina Colony of Peshawar. However, the assailants escaped after killing the cop without touching the money in his pocket.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a member of Afghan Taliban on Nasir Bagh Road in Peshawar. Sources said that the deceased Qari Said Murad was a member of Afghan Taliban’s military commission for eastern Nangarhar province. The deceased was running a local seminary near to his residence. The assailants fled the scene after the crime.

FC forces killed three LeJ militants during a crackdown in provincial capital Quetta. The crackdown was launched following a spate of attacks targeting Security Forces. LeJ had claimed responsibility for killing four Policemen on June 28, 2016, and four FC soldiers on June 29, 2016. “Three terrorists belonging to LeJ have been killed in an armed clash with Frontier Corps and intelligence personnel,” said FC spokesperson Khan Wasey.

The SFs defused three IEDs in Inayat Killay area of Bajaur agency in FATA. Sources said that unidentified miscreants planted three remote controlled bombs at various points on a road in Inayat Killay. The bomb disposal squad defused the IEDs and saved the area from a devastating terror plot. Later, the SFs started a search operation in the adjoining areas and arrested two suspects.

Counterterrorism Department of Police claimed to have arrested a gang of six “foreign-funded sectarian “hitmen” allegedly planning to assassinate religious leaders and scholars during Ramazan (Islamic months of fasting) in Karachi. The Sindh CTD chief, Dr Sanaullah Abbasi, said that this gang had done reconnaissance of 200 people for killing. “They are funded by foreign actors for a proxy war in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi,” said the CTD head. The officer identified the suspects as Mohammed Ali, Syed Sheeraz Ali, Syed Hamid Abbas, Syed Israr Ali, Pervez Husain and Mohammed Mumtaz. “This group has been working as a sleeper cell over the past five years,” said the officer.

Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan acknowledged a spike in street crime in Karachi. However, he claimed a significant decline in terrorism, extortion, targeted killings and kidnapping cases since the launch of the Karachi operation in September 2013. Nisar said that capacity-building of Police personnel was urgently needed, for which authorities had been asked to involve Pakistan Army for recruitments. He said 20,000 Police personnel would be hired — apart from the induction of some 2,000 retired soldiers into the Police force.

A man, identified as Basher, was shot dead by two unidentified armed assailants while he was on his to a local market in Dera Murad Jamali town of Naseerabad District. The assailants fled the scene.

The mutilated body of an unidentified man was found in the Harnai Phatak area of Sibi District in Balochistan. The body, which was almost three days old, was lying at a roadside when a passer-by spotted it and informed the Police.

A ban has been placed on pillion riding and display of weapons in provincial capital Quetta under Section 144 by the Provincial Government’s Home and Tribal Affairs Department. The decision has been taken because of a surge in incidents of targeted killing and terrorism in the city.

Sindh Rangers claimed to have arrested two suspected extortionists from DHA area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to a statement issued by the Rangers, two people belonging to a banned outfit were arrested for extorting people in the name of 'Fitra'. The two suspects, Mohammed Ilyas and Mohammed Yasir, were arrested during a raid.

The White House released a report claiming that US drones killed only 64 to 116 civilians in 473 strikes launched between January 20, 2009 and December 31, 2015. The drone strikes also killed 2,372 to 2,581 combatants during this period, the White House added. The report covers strikes only in areas “outside of active hostilities”, which include Pakistan, Yemen, Libya and Somalia. Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria are not covered because they fall in “areas of active hostilities”. Along with the report, President Barack Obama issued an executive order, requiring annual reporting on civilian deaths in drone strikes and outlining how the administration tries to protect civilians. “Civilian casualties are a tragic and at times unavoidable consequence of the use of force in situations of armed conflict or in the exercise of a state’s inherent right of self-defence,” said President Obama. “The US government shall maintain and promote best practices that reduce the likelihood of civilian casualties, take appropriate steps when such casualties occur, and draw lessons from our operations to further enhance the protection of civilians,” he added. Several independent organisations that have been tracking American drone strikes offer higher casualty numbers than disclosed in the report, ranging from at least 200 to 1,000 deaths. The London-based Bureau of Investigative Journalism has estimated that the drones have killed 492 to 1,100 civilians in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia since 2002.

Unidentified armed assailants killed three SFs personnel in two separate incidents of violence in Mastung District of Balochistan. Two Levies personnel were killed when attackers opened fire at them in Al Falah Road area of Mastung city.

In another incident, armed men opened fire and killed Head Constable Ashfaq Qazi in Killi Sheikhan area of Mastung District. Police described the killings in Mastung as acts of targeted killings.

FC recovered two Kalashnikov, pistols and rounds in Gullgach area of Zhob District in Balochistan. According to FC spokesman, working on a tip off, FC personnel carried out a search operation in the area and recovered two Kalashnikov, two pistols and 2500 rounds from a house.

The Pakistan Rangers vowed that they would take action against elements helping activists of ‘political or militant wings’ infiltrate Government institutions and the ‘ghost employees’ in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, which the paramilitary force suspected might be involved in terrorist activities and lawlessness. A Rangers spokesperson in a statement issued to the media said that a decision to take action against such political activities in institutions and against ghost employees was taken at a recent meeting of the Apex Committee. The supreme body on law and order had decided that there would be no office of any political party or militant wing in any Government institution. In the light of this decision, the Ranges official said that all official institutions should ensure closure of all offices or activities of political or militant wing on their premises. Otherwise, the Rangers warned, legal action would be taken against all responsible people.

A suicide bomber who blew himself up near the United States consulate in Jeddah has been identified as a Pakistani citizen, the Saudi Arabia Interior Ministry said. The Ministry identified the man as 35-year-old Abdullah Gulzar Khan, who worked as a driver in Saudi Arabia. Khan had been living with his wife and her parents in Jeddah for 12 years, the Interior Ministry said in a tweet. Security Officers became suspicious of a man near the parking lot of Dr Suleiman Faqeeh Hospital in Jeddah, which is directly across from the US diplomatic mission. When they moved in to investigate "he blew himself up with a suicide belt inside the hospital parking". Two security officers were slightly injured in the incident.

Four persons were injured in a bomb blast on Sariab road of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. A senior Police official said a bomb went off just as a vehicle of paramilitary force passed by. According to eyewitnesses, the gun shots rang out following the blast. However, the Police said the shots were fired by paramilitary officials. Two motorcycles and four cars were partially damaged.

The CTD foiled a major terror bid, while recovering huge cache of weapons and explosives during a raid in Malir area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The CTD claimed that the alleged terrorists were going to use these weapons to target a shopping centre and installations of intelligence agencies.

Another search operation was conducted in Phuktunabad area of Manghopir. Police rounded up 44 suspects including two foreigners. Similarly, the law enforcement agencies conducted search operations in Shireen Jinnah Colony and Baldia Colony and arrested three suspects and two alleged gamblers.

At least 11 persons including two Police officials sustained severe wounds in a bomb blast in a shop near Toro Chowk in Mardan town of same District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police officials said that 600 kilograms of explosive material was used in the bomb whereas no loss of life has been reported yet.

The CTD foiled a major terror bid, while recovering huge cache of weapons and explosives during a raid in Malir area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The CTD claimed that the alleged terrorists were going to use these weapons to target a shopping centre and installations of intelligence agencies.

Another search operation was conducted in Phuktunabad area of Manghopir. Police rounded up 44 suspects including two foreigners. Similarly, the law enforcement agencies conducted search operations in Shireen Jinnah Colony and Baldia Colony and arrested three suspects and two alleged gamblers.

At least two militants of TTP Swat Chapter were killed in exchange of fire with Police in Manghopir area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. One Police personnel also sustained injuries in the shootout.

Nineteen people, including 12 Pakistani nationals, have been arrested in Saudi Arabia following suicide attacks on July 4, including one near Islam´s second-holiest site in the city of Medina, the Saudi Arabia Interior Ministry said. Seven people are believed to have been killed and two wounded in the Medina attacks, at a mosque in Qatif and in western Jeddah, the economic capital, not far from the US consulate. A 26-year-old Saudi man, Naer Moslem Hammad al-Balawi, who had a "history of drug use" had been identified as the perpetrator of the Medina attack, the Ministry said in a statement. Four people were killed in the Medina explosion near the Prophet´s Mosque, which came as Muslims prepared for this week´s Eid al-Fitr festival marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. The body parts of three people were found after another suicide bombing in the Shiite-populated Gulf city of Qatif, the Ministry said earlier. Two police officers were wounded the Jeddah attack. The US embassy in Riyadh reported no casualties among consulate staff during the attack, which coincided with the US July 4 Independence Day holiday.

The COAS General Raheel Sharif said that all efforts will be committed to ensuring peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border that is the Army's priority. General Raheel Sharif said this on a visit to the forward lines in North and South Waziristan agencies. He spent the first day of Eidul Fitr with troops in the forward positions of the tribal agencies, where the military has been involved in an extensive operation since June 2014. Pak-Afghan relations hold key to regional peace, General Raheel tells US.

General Raheel Sharif said the Nation and its Army had paid a huge price for eliminating terrorists and restoring peace in the country. "We will not let these sacrifices go to waste," he said. "With Fata cleared and terrorists being chased across the country, we are determined not to allow them to return and reverse our gains." He said stability along the Pak-Afghan border remained the army's priority and all efforts would be committed for it. "Border management and dignified repatriation of Afghan refugees are important enablers for lasting peace," he added. "Our efforts for peace in Afghanistan have been acknowledged while we are committed to facilitating the reconciliation process with sincerity, commitment and resolve. We expect Afghanistan's territory is not used against Pakistan," he added further.

The mastermind of the December 16, 2014, Army Public School massacre, identified as Umar Mansour, alias Khalifa Mansour, alias Umar Naray, was killed in a US drone strike in Bandar area of Nangarhar Province in Afghanistan. Two unnamed senior security officials confirmed the killing of Umar Mansour and his accomplice Qari Saifullah in the drone attack. “What we have is pretty credible,” said an officer. There was, however, some confusion over the death of Qari Saifullah. The US State Department had on May 25, 2016, designated Umar Naray a global terrorist, thus clearing the path for his inclusion in the hit-list.

A man, identified as Mehrab Khan, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Qambrani area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. As per reports, Mehrab Khan, a resident of Dera Murad Jamali, was returning home when armed assailants opened fire on him and fled. As a result, he died on the spot.

The Police and FC personnel recovered huge cache of weapons during search operation in Kalli Shahozai area of Quetta. According to sources, SFs conducted door-to-door search operation and confiscated four 9-mm pistols, one 12-bore pistol, five 30-bore pistols and several cartridges. However, no arrest was made while the arms have been handed over to Barori Police.

July 11

Two suspected militants were killed in a remote-controlled IED attack on Dherakai-Pashat road in Salarazai tehsil of the Bajaur Agency in FATA.

July 12

The Kurram Agency PPP President Hamid Hussain Toori was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Parachinar town of Kurram Agency in FATA. The motive behind the target killing is yet to be ascertained as the assassinated leader of the PPP had no enmity with anyone. 

For the last few months, the FATA have been at relative peace. Incidents of violence have seen a noticeable decline with the exception of one region – Mohmand Agency. At least 11 incidents have taken place in the area during May and most of them were related to terrorism. IED planted by the roadside have been a nightmare for locals and law-enforcement agencies. In comparison, the rest of the tribal belt has witnessed a period of calm as such incidents decreased by a whopping 48%. In the more than eight IED attacks in May, three of the devices were defused.

A prayer leader, identified as Maulana Habibur Rehman (42), was shot dead inside Siddiq-e-Akbar Masjid in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of Gulshan Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to DSP Nasir Lodhi, one of the two unidentified armed assailants went inside the office and asked Rehman for a marriage registration form from the office’s window, after which the victim allowed him to come inside. “The man then fired at least twice and one bullet hit the victim’s chest.” Later, the Police arrested a suspect, identified as Mairaj, after the prayer leader’s minor son identified him. 

Rangers officials arrested MQM coordination committee member Izhar Ahmed Khan from Federal B. Area in Gulberg Town.

A poster campaign across Pakistani cities urging CoAS General Raheel Sharif to impose martial law and form a Government of technocrats has been launched. The posters appeared on major thoroughfares in at least 13 cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad, Sargodha and Hyderabad, besides several cantonment areas, urging the general to take over. Move on Pakistan (MoP), a largely unknown political party, claimed the campaign. "Jaane ki baatein ho gayee puraani, khuda ke liye ab ajao (talk of leaving office is old now for God's sake appear on the scene now)," read the posters. 

"Dictatorship is much better than this corrupt government," said Ali Hashmi of MoP that was founded in 2013. "The way General Sharif has dealt with terrorism and corruption, there's no guarantee that the next man would be as effective as him," he said.  While the military's media wing is silent on this, observers suspect the involvement of intelligence agencies. Insiders said that Prime Minister will not extend army chief's term but the campaign in areas with several security checkpoints and Police patrolling is rattling the Government.

There has been a considerable decrease in incidents of terrorism from January to June in KP. IED attacks and firing incidents have also dwindled during this period. This was said by the CTD Additional IGP while addressing a meeting of Police officials at the Central Police Office on July 12. According to a handout issued on the same day, the meeting was chaired by IGP Nasir Khan Durrani. The moot was held to review efforts taken to combat terrorism. During the year, there were 99 terrorism incidents, whereas the number of terrorism incidents reported in 2013, 2014 and 2015 were 281, 292 and 134, respectively. “This revealed a significant decrease of 65% in number of incidents in 2016 as compared to 2013 and a decrease of 26% as compared to 2015,” the document quoted the additional IGP as saying.

July 13

Six al Qaeda militants were killed and two police personnel were injured in an encounter followed by a raid at a hideout in Okara District. The Police had received intelligence reports that militants hiding there were planning attacks on sensitive government sites, including the office of the DPO, said SP Saud Magsi. Police also recovered explosives, detonators, Kalashnikovs and a map of the DPO's office from the militant hideout.

Police arrested ‘commander’ of Arshad Pappu gang, identified as Agha Jami, along with two accomplices during a search operation in Hub area of Lyari Town Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Weapons were seized from their possession.

The SSP operation Abbas Majeed Marwat said that the outgoing year saw a sudden decrease in murders, street crimes, extortion and other crimes in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. SSP operation claimed that in Peshawar in 2015, 221 cases have been registered while in 2016 it reduced to 91 owning to best planning and police operation in the city. According to official figures, more than 675 search and strike operations have been carried out in the urban and rural area of the district during the course of seven months.

July 14

CoAS General Raheel Sharif approved death sentence awarded by the military courts to 12 LeJ and TTP terrorists. The convicts were involved in committing heinous offences related to terrorism, including killing of civilians, attacking armed forces of Pakistan and law enforcement agencies, destruction of schools and communication infrastructure. Three convicts, identified as Muhammad Asif, Shahadat Hussain and Yasin, were active members of LeJ. The other nine convicts, Muhammad Qayyum Bacha, Muhammad Tayyab, Said Akbar, Muhammd Ayaz, Barkat Ali, Azizur Rehman, Hussain Dar, Ishaq, Behram Sher belonged to TTP.

July 15

Campaigners and families, who lost their loved ones in US covert drone strikes in Pakistan, have rejected the figures on drone strike casualties in Pakistan. Shahzad Akbar, a senior lawyer, who is leading a legal battle for the civilians killed in the US drone strikes in Pakistan's tribal regions, says the data collected from the media reports and people on the ground put the civilian death toll at over 3,000 against 116 as claimed by the US. Akbar mentioned a 2013 court's judgment in the Peshawar in which the judge mentioned deaths of 1,490 civilians in the US drone attacks in Waziristan Agency of FATA.

Akbar mentioned at least three US drone strikes that killed many civilians, including nearly 80 children in an attack on a religious school in the Bajaur Agency in October 2006, 60 in an attack on a funeral in South Waziristan Agency in June 2009, and 40 in a drone strike on a Jirga or assembly of tribal elders in North Waziristan Agency in March 2011. "These are just a few of the major US drone strikes which killed hundreds of civilians, including children. So I would say that the latest White House figure of up to 116 civilian casualties is ridiculous and just a political gimmick," said Akbar.

The US probed links between the Government of Saudi Arabia and the 9/11 (September 11, 2001) terror attacks, finding multiple suspicions but no proven ties, documents declassified. Part of a Congressional report that had been kept under wraps for more than a decade showed US intelligence believed that Saudi officials may have had multiple contacts with some of the 9/11 hijackers. Fifteen of the 19 hijackers were Saudi citizens. The findings, however, show no smoking gun for Saudi involvement, but rather an inability to "identify definitively" Saudi links to attacks on US soil and global terror. President Barack Obama decided to declassify the 28 pages.

"While in the United States, some of the 9/11 hijackers were in contact with, and received support or assistance from, individuals who may be connected to the Saudi government," the declassified document said. One individual on the US East Coast, believed to be from the Saudi Interior Ministry, raised suspicions when appearing to fake a seizure during FBI questioning about his links to a hijacker. He was later released from hospital and managed to flee the country before he could be questioned again.

July 17

SFs claimed to have killed a militant during a security operation in Nimargh area of Kalat District in Balochistan. Five suspected militants were also arrested during the operation, said Khan Wasay, spokesperson for the FC. A cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from the possession of the miscreants, added Wasay.

At least seven people, including the head of a pro-government peace committee, identified as Khan Muhammad, were killed and three others were wounded in a remote-controlled IED attack in Doag Dara area of Upper Dir District. Khan Muhammad was the District Chairman of the PPP and another man accompanying him, identified as Adil Khan, was PPP tehsil Councilor Police Official Yar Muhammad claimed that the target of the attack was, Malik Mutabar Khan, the head of another peace committee, who was not present in the vehicle at the time of the explosion. “It was just by chance that Malik Mutabar Khan got off the vehicle at a nearby place before the explosion,” the Police Official said.

Former MPA of the ANP Haji Shoaib Khan was shot dead while he sitting in his hujra in Yarhussain village of Chota tehsil Lahore in Swabi District. TTP claimed responsibility for both the attacks.

CTD arrested a wanted terrorist, identified as Sher Rehman, and recovered two bombs from his possession during snap checking at Ring Road Achini Cross locality in provincial capital Peshawar. Rehman was wanted in several incidents of terrorism, target killings and extortion.

Four LeJ militants, including a ‘commander’ and two would-be bombers, were shot dead in a Police encounter in Sohrab Goth area of Gadap Town in District Malir of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Two police officials suffered injuries in the operation. A huge cache of explosives were recovered, along with two prepared suicide-bomber jackets that were of Afghan make. Two Kalashnikovs, two 9mm pistols, hand grenades and 25 kilograms of explosive materials were also seized. According to SSP Malir Rao, one of the four suspects killed had been identified as Saleh Mohammed Rehmani, a wanted member of the LeJ who was a cousin of under-detention LeJ Ameer Naeem Bukhari. Saleh Mohammed was wanted by the Police in several bombing cases, killing of law enforcers, including Police Officials and also attacks on Shias.

Rangers arrested seven suspects armed with weapons in separate raids conducted in Lyari Town and Baldia Town. Two men said to be involved in targeted killings, extortions while a third associated with a banned group were arrested following a targeted raid. They had also recovered weapons and ammunition from their possession.

Advocate Awais Ali Shah, kidnapped son of Sindh High Court Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah, was recovered after an IBO at Tank District of KP. DG ISPR Lieutenant General Asim Bajwa disclosed Shah's recovery. Three terrorists were also killed during the operation. "Awais Shah, son of Sind Chief Justice, recovered through an IBO from custody of terrorists from near Tank, 3 terrorists killed," read DG Bajwa’s tweeted. Awais was abducted on June 20, 2016, from Clifton area of Saddar Town in Karachi.

The FATA tribunal, comprising chairman Sange Marjan Khan and members Hus­sainzada Khan and Atif Nazir, received the record of the Dr Shakil Afridi case and fixed August 23, 2016, for arguments on his petition challenging the upholding of his conviction by an appellate forum for having links with militant outfits. For the past two years, the petition of Dr Afridi, who was arrested in May 2011 on suspicion of helping the American CIA track down the then al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden has been lingering mostly because of the unavailability of the relevant record. Following repeated noti­ces by the three-member tribunal, which is the third and final judicial forum under the FCR, the record was finally produced by the Tribal Administration of Khyber Agency.

The Sindh Government moved to consolidate its position amid the ongoing debate on its strained relations with the Pakistan Rangers when CM Syed Qaim Ali Shah insisted that the paramilitary force was given powers only to establish peace in Karachi and not to operate in the whole province. He also said that “investigations” were going on to determine whether the paramilitary force had moved beyond its power in the Asad Kharal affair in Larkana. The CM’s stance emerged challenging the paramilitary force’s viewpoint about the powers as Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, Director General Major General Bilal Akbar had asserted only a few days ago that Rangers could move in any part of the province to chase criminals using their special powers given under the defined laws. “One should say that the Rangers are here to assist the police in maintaining law and order,” he said while speaking at a press conference in Larkana. “The Rangers were given powers for four heinous crimes — terrorism, targeted killing, extortion and kidnapping for ransom. They were authorised under certain circumstance to curb these crimes. Furthermore, they were given powers to operate only in Karachi and not in the entire province.”

Earlier, the Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan wrote a letter to the Sindh CM, asking him to extend the policing powers of Rangers in the province. “Unnecessary delay in extension of power to Rangers in Sindh will not only disrupt operation against terrorists but also negatively impact the morale and performance of the civil armed forces,” the minister said. The policing powers of the paramilitary force in Sindh, last extended on May 4 for 77 days, expire on July 21. The deployment of Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, in Karachi is requisitioned under Article 147 of the Constitution and Clause 1 of Sub-section 3 of Section 4 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, authorising the paramilitary force to prevent the commission of terrorist acts or scheduled offences in the notified area for the punishment of terrorists in accordance with the provision of the ATA, 1997.

CTD Police shot dead two militants, identified as Ashraf Joonu and Shaukat Sardar alias Usman alias Azam, belonging to LeJ and AQIS during a raid in their hideout at Shah Latif area of Bin Qasim Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Both the men were wanted in a number of terrorism cases and carried a bounty of PKR 1.5 million each, which was announced by the Sindh Government. During the search of the hideout, the Police found a suicide jacket, explosive material, ball bearings, a Kalashnikov and two 30-bore pistols. SSP Junaid Shaikh said that the men killed several members of the Ahmadi community in Nawabshah District in 2014 and they were also involved in murdering five Shias between 2010 and 2014.

The ongoing Karachi operation came to a halt as the Sindh Government did not recommend that the Federal Government to extend the Rangers’ stay in the Province and its special policing powers in Karachi, reports The News. All the wings of the paramilitary force have been stopped from carrying out raids because of the lack of extension in its powers.

A bomb exploded near Governor House in Gwadar District. However, no casualties were reported.

CM Nawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri, while addressing the students of Punjab educational institutions who were on a visit to Quetta, remarked that as much as 95 percent of terrorism had already been rooted out from Balochistan. The CM said, "Civil and military leadership of Balochistan has the same dream of an educated and peaceful Balochistan," further adding that the joint efforts made by the civil and military had effectively eliminated terrorism from Balochistan by 95 percent. "Remaining five percent terrorism will also be eliminated soon," he added. "(Several) armed men, who had gone to mountains, would have to join mainstream otherwise, they would have to face stern action.

The third phase of the repatriation of IDPs from SWA of FATA displaced due to operation Zarb-e-Azb began. A total of 373 families were returned to their native areas in Sararogha tehsil of SWA on the first day of the process. Political Agent South Waziristan Zafar Islam Khattak and Colonel Imran of the Pakistan Army saw off the IDPs at the camp.

Two TTP-Swat Chapter militants, identified as Hazrat Bilal and Niaz Muhammad, were killed and one SF official was injured during an intelligence-based operation in Karo Darra valley of Upper Dir District. A minor child, identified as Samira (11), was killed in the crossfire. The militants opened fire when the security personnel reached the area and in the retaliatory fire two fleeing militants were killed.

Police arrested four Lyari gangsters, including a Police constable, allegedly involved in target killings of Police officials and workers of political parties, during a raid at a hideout near Adil Bus Stop in Federal B Area of Gulberg Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The arrestees were identified as Police constable Shakir Baloch, and Jabbar Jhengu-affiliated gangsters Ubaidur Rehman, Asghar and Akram Lasi. Police recovered two rifle grenades and two pistols.

Pakistan Rangers issued a statement highlighting the targeted operation conducted by the paramilitary force since 2013. According to the statement, acting under powers bestowed on the paramilitary force under Article-147, the Pakistan Rangers Sindh arrested 533 suspects out of whom 478 suspects were handed over to the Police for processing while 55 suspects were handed over to various law enforcement agencies including FIA, ANF, Pakistan Customs, FC and the Irrigation Department. The paramilitary force detained 127 illegal Afghan nationals, 34 members of banned organizations, 16 members of separatist groups, 4 members belonging to MQM’s militant wing, 18 dacoits, 10 smugglers, 11 poachers, 24 drug dealers and 234 suspects involved in various crimes, the statement added.

Commander Southern Command, Lieutenant General Aamir Riaz while addressing a tribal jirga in Zhob District said that war on terror would continue till the end of last terrorist and called upon tribesmen to play their due role in the efforts being made to make Balochistan, a peaceful province. The jirga was attended by tribal chiefs and elders from Pashtoon and Baloch tribes.

A soldier, identified as Arif, was killed, while two others were wounded when one IEDs exploded when an Army vehicle reached the Bahan area of Kalam tehsil in Swat District of KP at around 2pm. 

A roadside IED exploded at about 11am when a vehicle was passing through the same area. Three people — Ghagra tehsil Nazim Syed Salar Jehan and his two relatives Syed Imad Jehan and Shehzad Niazi — were wounded in the explosion. The sources said that it was not clear whether the nazim was the target of the IED.

Mangal Bagh, the fugitive head of the LI, was killed in a US drone attack on a compound in the mountainous Bandar Khudi Khola area in Nangarhar province of Afghanistan along with his two close aides, intelligence sources said. The sources said Mangal Bagh had reportedly sustained injuries when a drone struck the compound during the small hours. The sources maintained that the LI chief was reportedly provided medical assistance in the Bandar area of Nangarhar, but later succumbed to his injuries. “Two of his close aides were also killed and a third one was injured in the precise drone strike,” the sources claimed.

Sources in the intelligence agencies and among the Taliban confirmed his death. However, the LI denied the reports about the death of its chief. The Government had placed a bounty of PKR 20 million on the head of Mangal Bagh, who for several years was based in the Khyber Agency and ran his private prison and court. He belonged to the Sepah Afridi tribe and hailed from Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency.

Unidentified militants killed JUI-F leader Mufti Ehtishamul Haq and his son in Tump tehsil of Kech District in Balochistan. Levies sources said armed assailants opened fire on the former JUI-F District Chief, killing him on the spot along with his son.

FC personnel conducted search operations and arrested three insurgents from the Khudabadan area of Panjgur District. One sub-machine gun, four magazines, two rifles, two hand grenades and an air gun were recovered from their possession.

FC personnel arrested four insurgents during a search operation in Dadshah area of Barkhan in Kalat District and recovered two SMGs, pistols, rifles and six magazines.

Two persons including an activist of the MQM were gunned down in separate incidents, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Thirty-year-old Muhammad Faisal was shot dead by two men while he was sitting outside his residence, situated in sector 51-C of Korangi town. The men, on a motorcycle, opened indiscriminate fire at him with an automatic weapon. He was taken to the JPMC where he died during treatment.

Twenty-eight-year-old Sajid, son of Abdullah, was shot dead by two unidentified assailants right outside his residence in Orangi Town. He passed away while being taken to the Abbasi Shaheel Hospital. According to officials of the Iqbal Market Police Station, they found empty 9mm bullet casings from the spot.

Dispelling media reports, the Karachi Police Chief Additional IG Mushtaq Mehar said on July 24 that nobody had been arrested in connection with the murder of renowned Qawwal Amjad Sabri yet. A day earlier, TV news channels had reported a suspect had been held in connection with the killing and he had confessed to not only his involvement in the crime, but also disclosed the names of his accomplices. “Several people were detained on the suspicion of their involvement in the murder but they were later released after no evidence was found against them,” Additional IG Karachi Mushtaq Mehar said.

Police arrested 78 suspected persons from various localities of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP, including Hayatabad residential area during a search operation. The authorities also recovered drugs from their possession. According to the Police control, Peshawar Police have arrested 78 suspected persons including 13 suspects wanted in different crime and 35 others who did not possess proper documentation for the residing on rental basis.

At least 60 suspects were arrested during search and strike operations in Matta, Charbagh and Kabal tehsils of Swat District.

KP CM Pervez Khattak said that Police Order 2016 would soon be presented at the provincial assembly for approval, which would empower the Police force in KP. While addressing a gathering at the Armoured Colony No.2 in Hakimabad area, the CM said that his Government is also empowering the Police complaint and public safety commission. He added that the District nazims across the province would now prepare the ACR of the police officials as well as district administration officials to keep an eye on their performance.

Nearly a thousand bullet-ridden corpses have been recovered from various parts of Balochistan in the past six years, official documents revealed, indicating a disturbing sign that the security of the country's largest province is worsening yet again. More than 51 percent mutilated bodies were identified as ethnic Baloch. Official figures continued to reveal shocking figures further as stating that 22 percent dead bodies belonged to Pashtuns while rest of the bullet-ridden corpses either remained unidentified or belong to Punjabis, Afghan refugees or non-Muslims. More than 940 dead bodies were recovered from various Districts of Balochistan whereas Quetta remained the worst-hit district with 346 dead bodies were recovered since 2010, revealed figures prepared by senior officials assigned to swiftly execute the NAP.

The confidential data, also exclusively available with Geo News (ASKKS Programme)/The News, further revealed that over 112 persons were still missing in the province. With these rights violations, official figures further shocked that over 658 innocent people lost their lives in sectarian incidents where total 1, 837 were killed either in target killings or other disputes after 2011 in the province. Over 3, 470 people were injured in terror or sectarian related incidents during this period. SFs, with help of intelligence agencies and operators of newly established IFC recovered over 498 dead bodies of Baloch during this period in the province which already lags behind other provinces in terms of over nine key social indicators.

Around 159 dead bodies of Pashtuns were recovered from various parts of the province while SFs could not identify 175 bullet-ridden corpses as their faces were completely burnt and spoiled. The Police also recovered around 108 dead bodies of other people where some of them were identified as Afghan refugees and Punjabis. The report also revealed that Kalat was the second largest District after Quetta where 268 dead bodies were recovered by law enforcing agencies. After Quetta and Kalat, over 171 dead bodies were recovered in this District by the Police. In terms of worst rights violence, 2011 witnessed recovery of 203 dead bodies, 129 in 2015, 165 in 2014, 168 in 2013, 166 in 2012, 102 in 2010 and 17 bullet-ridden bodies were recovered this year (2016). Official data further revealed that over 2,654 intelligence based operations were conducted by the law enforcement agencies soon after the Army Public School massacre in December 2016.

According to CPLC official report, the criminal activities and street crimes are on the rise despite operation against the criminal elements by the LEAs in the metropolis in past six months. The report said the city witnessed around 233 murders during this period that makes 7/8 killings a day in the metropolis. The CPLC reported that 34 killings were recorded in January and 27 in February this year and the highest killing of 46 people in separate incidents occurred in March this year. There were 29 killings in the month of April and 47 in May while in June around 50 people were killed, the report said. According to the report, about 95 vehicles were stolen from different parts of metropolis while 796 stolen cases were reported to CPLC.

The numbers of snatched motorcycles stood at 1,273 while 10,380 mobile phones were snatched besides 7,900 citizens were deprived of their wallets in street crimes whereas the victims of the criminal activity reported 9,211 cases to CPLC, the report said. According to CPLC, 140 incidents of street crimes and robberies were reported on daily basis in 2014 that further increased in 2015 to 163 incidents which were recorded on daily basis. The CPLC officials said that street crimes, including vehicles snatching, motorcycles and mobile phone theft were on higher side this year. The claims of City Police are declining in number of killings and other criminal activities remained same as these report were not correct, said CPLC.

July 25

The FC arrested four suspects with weapons and narcotics in Kharotabad and Killi Bangulzai areas of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. The team recovered two SMGs and two pistols from their possession.   

Another team of FC raided a place in Zhob District and took two suspects into custody for possessing narcotics. 

Police arrested three suspects and seized weapons from their possession in Pasni, coastal area of Gwadar District. Police recovered weapons and other items which include two Kalashnikovs, repeating rifles, other rifles, satellite phone, laptop, bullets and two vehicles.

The coordinator for the NACTA Ihsan Ghani on July 25 said that a total of 1,808 terrorists had been killed and 5,611 arrested since the NAP was launched in 2015. About 951 of the terrorists were killed in the FATA, 455 in Sindh, 197 in KP, 135 in Punjab, 68 in Balochistan and two in GB, he added. Talking to the media after a monthly meeting of NACTA about the implementation status of 20 points of the NAP, Ihsan Ghani said a majority of the terrorists was arrested in Sindh, KP and FATA, where their number was 1,665, 1,572 and 1,256, respectively. Giving details about the operations under the NAP, he said 122,772 ‘combing operations’ were carried out, while 142,335 suspects were arrested. 

Besides conducting 2,012,765 stop-and-search operations, around 4,230 IBOs were carried out, while 119,794 calls were received at Helpline 1717, he added. The coordinator said some 411 executions had been carried out under the NAP – 380 in Punjab, 18 in Sindh, six in KP, five in Balochistan and two in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Regarding establishment of special trial courts, he said 11 courts had been notified.

July 26

At least two Army personnel were killed when TTP militants opened fire on their vehicle near Parking Plaza in Saddar town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. “They were the soldiers of the security agency who were critically injured,” Karachi Police Chief Mushtaq Mehar said. “One was later martyred,” he said. Later, the injured security personnel succumbed to his wounds in hospital. “We have collected some empty bullet casings of 9mm pistol from the scene, however, further investigations are still underway,” he added. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the deceased personnel were identified as Sepoy Abdul Razzaq and Lance Naik Khadim Hussain.

Ehsanullah Ehsan, the spokesperson for the TTP faction JuA claimed responsibility of the killing. The officers were killed as they were on the Pakistani Taliban faction’s “target list”, Ehsanullah Ehsan said.

Rangers arrested five suspects during an overnight search operation in the Dhobi Ghat and Tauhid Chowk areas of Lines area in Karachi on and recovered weapons from them as well. According to the details, Rangers conducted a house-to-house search operation from where five suspects were arrested along with armaments.

The CTD arrested two IS cadres and recovered explosive material from them a house in Khan Colony of Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab. A CTD spokesman said they received intelligence report about the presence of suspected terrorists who were planning attack on Government installations. The arrested militants were identified as Yaqoob Shah and Abdullah Moavia.

CTD personnel arrested a suspected terrorist and recovered two hand grenades from him in Multan. According to the CTD sources, Jaan Muhammad, allegedly affiliated with IS, who was earlier affiliated with banned Hizb ul Tahrir and Sautul Ummah outfits, was arrested with two hand grenades and IS literature.

CTD arrested another suspect, Naeem Jaan, a member of banned LeJ with explosive material in a raid near Nasarullah Chowk on Head Muhammadwala Road in Multan. They said the suspect was about to target a worship place.

July 27

At least one person was killed while five others were injured in a bomb blast at Sariab road in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. According to the BDS, the bomb was detonated through a remote-controlled device. Over two kilogramme of explosive material was used in the explosive, the BDS added. Sources said that a rickshaw driver who sustained injuries during the blast succumbed to his wounds during treatment at a hospital.

A tribal elder, Mir Bashir Ahmed Bizenjo, was shot dead in Hub town of Lasbela District. Unidentified assailants barged into the house of Mr Bizenjo near Asad Chowk and opened fire on him. He suffered multiple bullet injuries and died while being taken to hospital. He was cousin of former Balochistan Assembly deputy speaker Mir Abdul Qadoos Bizenjo and brother of Awaran District Council Chairman Naseer Ahmed Bizenjo.

The Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Armed Services, John McCain, urged the US, Pakistan and Afghanistan to overcome their differences and get down to the business of fighting terrorists. In an opinion piece published in The Financial Times, Senator McCain argued that without Pakistan’s cooperation, the US mission in Afghanistan would become “immeasurably more difficult”. “The sooner the US, Pakistan and Afghanistan get down to the business of fighting their common terrorist enemies together, no matter where they hide, the better off the nations, the region and the world will be,” he wrote.

After a significant drop in crime rate in the wake of Rangers-led operation in the city, the incidents of kidnapping, gang rape and riots have registered an alarming rise not only in Karachi but also in the rest of Sindh, said data compiled by CTD. The data showed that 557 murders took place between January and July last year while 371 killings were reported during the same period this year, marking a difference of 186 lives. A total of 737 kidnappings took place in the city during last seven months this year as compared to 722 kidnappings during the same period last year, registering an increase of 15 cases. Since these kidnappings did not lead to payment of ransom as per Police’s terminology, the data was silent about the motive of the crime. 

The CTD head, Additional Inspector General of Police Dr Sanaullah Abbasi, told Dawn that most of the victims were women who were kidnapped for a host of reasons. Police had arrested 301 suspects involved in such kidnappings, he said. Police believed the incidents of kidnapping for ransom had dropped significantly as the data revealed that 32 incidents of kidnapping for ransom took place during seven months last year but this year so far, 15 such incidents had been reported. The other disturbing trend the data showed pertained to gang rape, with a total of 21 incidents reported during last seven months this year as compared to eight such incidents during the same period last year, a rise of 13 cases.

The Rangers authorities have revealed that target killers in Karachi are receiving financial assistance from South Africa, Thailand and the United Kingdom. While briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights, the Rangers authorities informed that 7950 operations were conducted across the metropolis since September 2013. Around 6361 suspects were handed over to police and 221 were handed over to FIA and other law enforcement agencies. 1158 suspects were released without registration of the FIR, 1,313 were released on bail while 188 were convicted in various cases. A total of 1,236 alleged terrorists, 848 target killers, 403 extortionists and 143 kidnappers were among those arrested during these raids.

Alleged target killers confessed to targeting 7224 persons in the city, the paramilitary Rangers stated. 1,313 operations were conducted against the MQM, 1,035 against Peoples Aman Committee and 28 operations were carried out against ANP. The Rangers authorities further reported that there was an 80% decline in terror related incidents, 75% in target killings, 85% in extortion cases and 83% reduction in incidents of kidnapping. The report comes a day after two army men, Lance Naik Abdul Razzaq and Sepoy Khadmin Hussain were shot dead when motorcycle gunmen opened fire on their pick-up truck near parking plaza in Saddaq area of Karachi.

July 28

Two unidentified armed assailants hurled a grenade outside the residence of businessman Aga Hashim in Khayaban-e-Badbaan area of Defence Phase VIII within the Darakhshan Police limits of Karachi the provincial capital of Sindh. However, no casualties were reported.

Joint teams of the Sindh Police and Rangers arrested three suspects belonging to MQM during two raids in MQM unit offices in Surjani Town area of Gadap Town and Shah Faisal Colony in Shah Faisal Town. The suspects were identified as Samad, MQM sector in-charge, Imran and Irfan. There were reports that the raids were conducted on information gathered from suspects already under detention, and that all three apprehended men were shifted to an undisclosed location for interrogation.

A vehicle of the SFs was damaged in an IED attack in Qandeel Kas area of Bahrain tehsil in Swat District. However, no casualties were reported.  

According to official Police statistics, at least 1,210 personnel of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have been killed in the war against militancy since 2006. According to the data available, at least 340 personnel have lost their lives in Peshawar during this period. This is followed by Swat where 123 Police officials have died. In Bannu, 120 personnel have lost their lives while 100 others have died in DI Khan till July 21, 2016.

An unnamed Police Official said that Peshawar as a front line district has been bearing the brunt of the war against militancy. According to him, around 50 per cent of terrorist attacks have been taking place in the city for the past several years. “This is evident from the fact that the total number of policemen slain in Peshawar is 340 while many more have been injured,” he said, adding, “Over the years, roadside and suicide attacks at the police were the most favoured means used by terrorists. But these have been replaced with target killings recently.”

The Punjab Home Department directed Punjab Police to take strict action against activists of Hafiz Mohammad Saeed-led JuD. In its directions issued to the Additional Inspector General of Police-Operations Punjab and to Divisional Police Chiefs across the Province, the Home Department asked for details of fundraising by JuD and other proscribed organisations as the activity is against the law. According to the directive, JuD is making efforts to collect funds through Islamic charity, including fitrana, zakat and sadkaats.

July 29

Unidentified Afghanistan-based militants killed two shepherds in Bamburet valley of Chitral District and herded their 300 sheep to their country. The slain shepherds were identified as Noor Ahmed and Khushuli. According to sources, two Kalash shepherds grazing sheep in Ghari were attacked by a group of 30 militants who crossed over to Pakistan from Nuristan Province of Afghanistan. The shepherds reportedly opened fire on the militants, leading to an exchange of fire. However, the shepherds ran out of ammunition and were killed in the cross-fire. The militants abducted the shepherds and herded their sheep to Afghanistan.

At least seven people, including a traffic Police warden, identified as Sajjad Khan, were injured in a remote controlled bomb blast near Charsadda Bus Stand within the jurisdiction of Faqirabad Police Station in provincial capital Peshawar.

Two bullet-riddled dead bodies, identified as that of Mohammad Naveed (28) and Mohammad Latif (42), were found in the Sharak area of Kech District.

A Lyari gangster, identified as Akhter Baloch (35), was killed in a targeted attack while he was sitting outside his relative’s house on Darya Khan Road within the Chakiwara Police limits in Lyari Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An unidentified bullet-riddled dead body of a man was found near the Lyari River within the Mauripur Police limits in Kiamari Town.

People in Neelum valley in PoK took to the streets to protest against rigged elections of July 21, 2016, which was won by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's PML-N party. The PML-N bagged 31 out of the 41 seats up for grabs, while the MC and PPP bagged three seats each. The protesters had to face the Police wrath as they burnt Pakistani flag and raised slogans against the Government.

Widespread protests have been witnessed in major PoK towns, including Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Chinari and Mirpur, after members of the PML-N killed a MC supporter in Muzaffarabad District. Locals allege that the elections in PoK are always fixed in favour of the ruling party in Pakistan. The HRCP confirmed the allegations of corrupt practices, involving money and muscle power.

July 30

A soldier was killed and 15 others, including five Rangers personnel, were wounded in two back-to-back bomb explosions targeting a vehicle of the paramilitary force on Mirokhan Road in Larkana city of Sindh. A remote-controlled bomb weighing half a kilogram and fitted to a bicycle went off when the vehicle drove past it, followed by the explosion of another device hidden in a pile of garbage nearby, said Larkana DIG Abdullah Shaikh. 

Meanwhile, the blasts were claimed by the SRA in pamphlets found by Police at the scene. The pamphlet said the SRA has taken responsibility for the attack. DIG Abdullah Shaikh said Police are investigating the pamphlet but no arrests have been made as yet. "It is premature to say anything at this point in the backdrop of this pamphlet," he said, adding that "responsibility for the blast is certainly claimed through this pamphlet."

July 31

Seven suspected LeJ and the TTP militants were killed during an exchange of fire with CTD personnel near the Parrianwala railway crossing in Sheikhupura District of Punjab. A CTD Punjab spokesman said Sheikhupura Police "received information from a credible source that nine to ten suspects belonging to the TTP and LeJ were present near the Parrianwala railway crossing at around 1am. He claimed they were planning to attack sensitive installations and personnel belonging to law enforcement agencies in the city. Weapons and ammunition were allegedly recovered from the suspects, including 5 kilograms of explosive material, two detonators, three motorcycles, three Kalashnikov rifles, four pistols and 150 bullets.

Pakistan Rangers have arrested 7,950 suspects since the execution of NAP on September 5, 2013 among which 6,361 were handed over to Police and 221 to FIA with evidences, said Pakistan Rangers official Colonel Qaiser. The Rangers also recovered a large amount of weapons and ammunition from the arrested persons. "We have arrested 848 target killers who confessed more than 7,000 killings", said Colonel Qaiser. While giving a detailed briefing to Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, he said that among the arrested persons, 1,236 were terrorists, 848 target killers, and 403 were kidnappers for ransom. He informed that 5,518 were released without registering FIR against them, 1,313 got bail whereas 188 were convicted. The Rangers official further stated that as result of these operations, 80 percent terrorism was reduced in the country while 75 percent target killings were decreased. Besides that extortion, kidnapping for ransom and other crimes were also reduced to significant level, he said.

Two Hazara Shias, identified as Ghulam Nabi and Mohammad Nabi, were killed in a targeted attack near the Government Boys Degree College while they on their way home on Sariab Road of provincial capital Quetta. "Gunmen on a motorcycle stopped the rickshaw and then opened fire on them and fled the scene," Abdullah Jan Afridi, a senior police officer said. Both the victims were labourers in a coalmine.

JuA, the breakaway faction of TTP claimed responsibility for the killing. "The TTP-JuA members fired at two Shias," said spokesperson, Ehsanullah Ehsan.

Two Hazara Shias, identified as Ghulam Nabi and Mohammad Nabi, were killed in a targeted attack near the Government Boys Degree College while they on their way home on Sariab Road of provincial capital Quetta. "Gunmen on a motorcycle stopped the rickshaw and then opened fire on them and fled the scene," Abdullah Jan Afridi, a senior police officer said. Both the victims were labourers in a coalmine.

JuA, the breakaway faction of TTP claimed responsibility for the killing. "The TTP-JuA members fired at two Shias," said spokesperson, Ehsanullah Ehsan.

An IB official, identified as Usman Gul, and a passer-by, identified as Iftikhar, were killed when unidentified militants opened fire at the officer on Wazir Bagh Road in Tauheedabad locality within the limits of Yakatoot Police Station Police Station of provincial capital Peshawar.

The PPP-led Provincial Government decided to keep the arrangement unchanged and stated that the Rangers will enjoy Special Powers for three months to be applicable to Karachi Division. Twelve days after the authority of the paramilitary force to Police the provincial capital expired, CM Syed Murad Ali Shah signed a summary prepared by the Home Department, allowing the Sindh Rangers to continue to conduct raids and arrest criminals in Karachi's six Districts for the next 90 days.

The CM also approved another summary, allowing the Rangers to stay in Sindh for another year.

US commander General John W Nicholson, who commands the US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, while briefing Washington-based journalists at the Pentagon, Virginia said that almost 70 per cent of Daesh or IS fighters in Afghanistan are TTP militants. Nicholson said a "significant proportion, a majority of fighters" with IS in Afghanistan come from Pakistan's Orakzai Agency, over the border from Nangarhar, and are former members of the TTP. He said that many of the fighters were Pakistani Pashtun from Orakzai Agency and had been forced out of Pakistan by the ongoing military offensive, Operation Zarb-e-Azb.

"In the case of the IS fighters in southern Nangarhar, we see that many of them come from the Orakzai Agency, which is south of Nangarhar - actually, south of the Khyber Agency. And they were former members of the TTP, complete with their leadership, who wholesale joined Islamic State, pledged baya (allegiance) to Islamic State and joined them earlier this year," General Nicholson said.

The reconstruction and rehabilitation process of 80 per cent of the 183 schools destroyed by militants in Khyber Agency of FATA has been completed, an Education department official said. Khyber Agency Education Officer Abdur Rashid informed that the terrorists had destroyed 183 schools in the agency, including 153 schools in Bara tehsil alone. These schools included 94 schools that were completely raised to the ground. He said that Government had completed construction work on 80 per cent schools but education department of the agency was yet to take charge of the school and let them open for learning. "However, alternate places have been managed to keep the education activities alive in the area and let students undertake their learning activities," Abdur Rashid added.

Three suspected militants were killed in an exchange of fire with FC personnel during a search operation in Hoshab area of Kech District. The FC personnel destroyed four hideouts of the militants after seizing a huge quantity of arms and ammunition, said FC spokesman Khan Wasey. The weapons seized from the hideouts included four rifles, two sub-machineguns, three shotguns and thousands of rounds. Anti-state literatures were also found in the hideouts.

Three suspected militants were killed in an exchange of fire with FC personnel during a search operation in Hoshab area of Kech District. The FC personnel destroyed four hideouts of the militants after seizing a huge quantity of arms and ammunition, said FC spokesman Khan Wasey. The weapons seized from the hideouts included four rifles, two sub-machineguns, three shotguns and thousands of rounds. Anti-state literatures were also found in the hideouts.

During a meeting chaired by CII Chairman Maulana Muhammad Khan Sheerani, the top Islamic legislative advisory body, called upon the Government to include jihad-related verses of the Holy Quran in the syllabus. According to details, the Federal Education and Professional Training Ministry had finalized the curriculum for public educational institutions, making a strong pitch for all federating units to introduce teaching of the Holy Quran as a compulsory subject from grade 1 to 12. The final draft of the recommendations was submitted to the top religious body for review. However, when the CII took up the matter, it found that the Ministry did not include jihad-related verses in the curriculum, and they demanded that the Government include these verses in the syllabus. "There are 484 jihad-related verses in the Holy Quran, but they were deliberately not included in the syllabus so that students are not taught this (jihad)," CII member Maulana Zahid Qasmi said.

The Federal and Sindh Governments were at loggerheads over the issue of Rangers' Special Powers, with the Centre rejecting the Province's summary restricting policing powers of the paramilitary force to Karachi. The Centre wanted the extension of Rangers' policing powers to the whole of Sindh - an idea not acceptable to the Provincial Government. A source said the summary would be sent back to the Sindh Government with an advice to prepare a fresh summary equipping the Rangers with policing powers for the entire Province.

But the Sindh Government said Islamabad had not officially communicated its rejection of the summary. "We have not sent the summary about Special Powers (of Rangers) to the Federal Government, but we have sent a letter to Islamabad informing it about the government's notification," said a spokesman for the CM House quoting Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.

Five persons, including three SF personnel, were injured in a remote controlled IED blast that hit their vehicle on Spiny Road in provincial capital Quetta.

At least five Afghan militants were killed in an intelligence-based operation by SFs in the border area of Bumburate village of Kalsh valley in Chitral District of KP. "Security forces spotted movement of militants from Afghanistan in the border area of Bumburate village," said security officials. Security forces cordoned off the area and launched a targeted operation in the area to hunt the militants, added the security officials. "Five militants were killed in an exchange of fire, we also recovered heavy weapons from the militants after a search operation in the area," confirmed the officials.

Five people sustained injuries in two bomb blasts at a police check post near the local courts in Charsadda town of same District. The sources said the first blast occurred early in the day and caused no casualty. They added that the employees of the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) were cleaning the nullah near the Police check post after the first explosion when the second blast happened and injured five workers. The injured were identified as Fawad, Haidar Ali, Jan Muhammad, Jan Wali and Javed Islam.

Five persons, including three SF personnel, were injured in a remote controlled IED blast that hit their vehicle on Spiny Road in provincial capital Quetta. The US placed TTP-JuA, a breakaway faction of the TTP, and its leaders on a list of specially designated global terrorists. "The imposition of sanctions by the United States against terrorists is a powerful tool," the State Department said in a statement announcing the designation. "Designations of terrorist individuals and groups expose and isolate organisations and individuals, and result in denial of access to the US financial system. Moreover, designations can assist or complement the law enforcement actions of other US agencies and other governments," it added.

The US State Department announced that the designation automatically imposed on the group and its leaders all sanctions that applied to foreign persons and groups determined to have committed, or posing a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism. Designated entities are also considered a threat to the security of the US and its nationals and to its foreign policy and economy. As a result of these designations, all property subject to US jurisdiction in which JuA has any interest is blocked and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with the group.

The Federal Ministry of Interior issued two notifications on the request of Sindh Government in connection with the powers of Rangers, extending the special policing powers of paramilitary force in Karachi for 90 days, and also extending Rangers deployment in Sindh Province for another year to continue to discharge functions and assist the Sindh Police in the maintenance of law and order within the province.

"Pursuant to the request made by the Home Department, Government of Sindh, dated 1st August, 2016 and in continuation of this Ministry's Notification No.9/1/95-R (Sindh) dated 9th May, 2016 the powers conferred upon Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) in Karachi Division under clause (i) of sub section-3 of section-4 of Anti Terrorism Act, 1997, (XXVII of 1997), are extended for another period of 90 days with effect from 20th July, 2016," said the notification extending the force's special policing powers in Karachi.

The terms of both special policing powers of the Sindh Rangers in Karachi under the Anti-Terrorism Act and the stay of the paramilitary force in the province in aid of civil administration and the police had ended on 19 July, 2016.

Provincial Home Minister Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti during a press conference in Quetta said that the Security Forces arrested six militants believed to be involved in two bomb blasts. He said that the arrests were made during raids jointly conducted by police and personnel of intelligence agencies at two places in the Eastern Bypass and Killi Shabo areas of Quetta. Mr Bugti said the arrested militants belonged to the UBA and added, "They carried out a bomb blast in a bus carrying people of the Sariab area a few months ago, killing 11 people. "Besides, they exploded a bomb fitted to a cycle at Almo Chowk two months ago that left five people dead. They were also involved in other subversive activities."

A Punjab Government Mi-17 helicopter crash-landed in Mati area of Azra District in Logar Province of Afghanistan where Afghan Taliban took the seven people onboard hostage before setting the helicopter on fire. The helicopter was on its way for maintenance to Uzbekistan. The seven people included retired military officers and a Russian navigator. However, conflicting reports from Afghanistan reported that the helicopter belonged to Pakistan military.

Provincial Home Minister Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti during a press conference in Quetta said that the Security Forces arrested six militants believed to be involved in two bomb blasts. He said that the arrests were made during raids jointly conducted by police and personnel of intelligence agencies at two places in the Eastern Bypass and Killi Shabo areas of Quetta. Mr Bugti said the arrested militants belonged to the UBA and added, "They carried out a bomb blast in a bus carrying people of the Sariab area a few months ago, killing 11 people. "Besides, they exploded a bomb fitted to a cycle at Almo Chowk two months ago that left five people dead. They were also involved in other subversive activities."

CTD Police arrested three TTP-Swat Chapter terrorists during an encounter in Manghopir area of Gadap Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The Police said that the accused were involved in a Police encounter and an attack on army soldiers in Waziristan. The Police recovered a suicide jacket, three TT pistols, four hand grenades and two kilograms of ball bearings from their hideout.

The accused were identified as Saif-ur-Rehman alias Buddah, Taj Muhammad alias Salman and Adil. During the initial interrogation, they admitted that they were experts in laying landmines and firing rockets and also recruited youngsters in Karachi and took them to Afghanistan for training. They added that after training, the youths were handed over to various TTP wings, which used them to carry out their fight against with the Pakistan Army and the NATO forces in Afghanistan.

An Oslo court sentenced a Pakistani-origin man Hasan Ahmed (46) to six years in prison for joining the ISIS. Hasan Ahmed, a Norwegian citizen of Pakistani origin, was found guilty of vowing allegiance to ISIS and taking part in ISIS training programmes. Ahmed's son Ishaq was also sentenced to eight years in prison by a Norway court 2015 for joining the jihadist group.

A Pakistani-Italian, Aftab Farooq has been deported from Italy for allegedly plotting to join ISIS in Syria, the Italian Interior Minister Angelino Alfano said. According to reports, Farooq (26), was captain of the Italian youth cricket team and had captained the Italian Under-19 cricket team back in 2009. Farooq had reportedly been living in a town near Milan with his family for 13 years.

Afghan refugees, residing in KP for decades, have appealed to the Government for an extension in their stay in Pakistan. The refugees, citing difficulty in wrapping up their businesses, have stated that six months given earlier is not sufficient. A refugee jirga, addressing a press conference, stated that they were thankful to Pakistan for its hospitality and hosting the refugees for 35 years. "What we want is extension our stay in Pakistan," Habibullah Gulbuddin, son of Hikmatyar Gulbuddin said, adding the situation in Afghanistan was not suitable for their return. Gulbuddin added they were facing difficulties and cannot move freely due to police harassment. "Afghan refugees are heavily invested in their business and thousands of Afghans are studying in Pakistan," elaborated Gulbuddin. He said it is impossible for them to wrap up their businesses over night, which has been established after years of struggle.

The Pentagon will not pay Pakistan USD 300 million in military reimbursements after US Secretary of Defence Ash Carter decided not to tell Congress that Pakistan was taking adequate action against the Haqqani network, Pentagon spokesperson Adam Stump said. Relations between the two countries have been frayed over the past decade, with US officials frustrated by what they term Islamabad's unwillingness to act against extremist groups such as the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network. "The funds could not be released to the Government of Pakistan at this time because the Secretary has not yet certified that Pakistan has taken sufficient action against the Haqqani network," Adam Stump said.

The USD 300 million comes under the CSF, a US Defence Department programme to reimburse allies that have incurred costs in supporting counter-terrorist and counter-insurgency operations. Pakistan is the largest recipient. "This decision does not reduce the significance of the sacrifices that the Pakistani military has undertaken over the last two years," Stump added. According to Pentagon data, about USD 14 billion has already been paid to Pakistan under the CSF since 2002. The decision by the Pentagon is a sign that while it sees some progress by Pakistan in its military operations in North Waziristan, much work remains. Pakistan rejects harbouring militants but says there are limits to how much it can do as it is already fighting multiple extremist groups and is wary of a "blowback" in the form of more terror attacks on its soil.

The US said Pakistan has gone after militant groups selectively, urging Islamabad to eliminate all groups and shut down their safe havens. Responding to a question whether US was satisfied with Pakistan as far as fighting against terrorism, State Department Spokesman Mark Toner said Islamabad has taken and is taking steps to counter terrorist violence, and certainly focusing on those groups that threaten its stability. "They have shut down some of these safe havens. They've restored government control to parts of Pakistan that were used as terrorist safe havens for years," he said. He said "these important steps have contributed to security interests in the region and have come at a cost of Pakistani lives lost.

A 56-year old doctor belonging to the Hindu community, Dr Pireetam Das, was shot dead in the Pak Colony area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. "Dr Pireetam Das was sitting in his clinic located in Hasrat Mohani Colony at midnight when someone attacked him," said Akhtar Farooq, SSP Investigation West. The Police official added the doctor's attendant had gone to buy a mobile card when the doctor was attacked.

As many as 160 suspects have been shot dead in 'encounters' in different Districts of Sindh in just five months - March to July - according to Sindh police statistics. "During the last five months of this year (March to July), a total of 732 encounters took place in various districts of Sindh in which 160 suspects were killed," according to Sindh police statistics which were released to the media by Assistant Inspector General of Police (operations) Arif Aslam Rao on August 7. The police spokesperson clarified that these encounters were led by different Police Stations of different Districts, including Karachi. The official added that suspects killed by the Police's special units like the counterterrorism department were not included in the list. Among the killed suspects, 52 were alleged terrorists, 103 involved in robberies and other crimes, and five were alleged kidnappers.

The Police also claimed to have busted 225 "criminal gangs" through encounters, raids and other actions during the same period. The Police also seized 23 suicide jackets, 120 hand grenades, 12 rocket launchers, 102kg of explosive materials, one anti-aircraft gun, six LMGs/G-3, 366 shot guns/repeaters, 103 MP-5/rifles, 2,681 pistols/revolvers, and 17,983 bullets during the encounters from the custody of terrorists, robbers and kidnappers, according to the police report.

The Supreme commander of the HuM Syed Salahuddin urged Pakistan on August 7 to find a peaceful solution to the ongoing violence in India-held Kashmir. Speaking during a press conference at the JI's headquarters, Idara Noor-i-Haq, in Karachi Salahuddin, who is also the head of the MJC, said that if a peaceful solution is not reached then Pakistan should consider cutting off diplomatic ties with India over the killing of Burhan Muzaffar Wani in Kashmir. The young commander's killing gave "new meaning to the struggle for India-held Kashmir". Salahuddin spoke for the entire duration of the one-hour press conference, with members of the JI, including its Karachi Amir Naeem-ur-Rahman, sitting next to him. The reporters were informed that Salahuddin had come on a short visit to Karachi from Muzaffarabad to "especially speak to the media". Pakistan termed as 'misplaced and self contradictory' the remarks by the US that it was being selective in targeting terrorists and did not go after the groups threatening its neighbours. "We have taken a serious note of the remarks made by the US Department of State's deputy spokesman Mark Toner which are self-contradictory and oblivious of the fact that Pakistan has taken concrete measures to counter terrorism in a phase-wise manner keeping in view Pakistan's national security concerns," the Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said in a statement. Nafees Zakaria said during their recent visit Senator John McCain and other US legislators and congressmen were unanimous in acknowledging the remarkable achievements made by Pakistan in its counterterrorism drive. "They visited Miranshah and observed the situation on ground for themselves," he added, noting that Senator McCain on his return also wrote an article on his experience in Pakistan. The FO spokesperson reiterated that terrorism was more of a concern to Pakistan than its neighbour.

August 8

At least 74 persons were killed and over 100 others wounded in a suicide bombing at the emergency ward of Quetta’s Civil Hospital, where scores of people had gathered to mourn the death of BBA President Bilal Anwar Kasi in a gun attack earlier in the day. Law enforcement officials said that the two attacks were connected and the blast was carried out by a suicide bomber. They said that the body of Kasi, who was shot dead by two armed assailants, was brought to the Civil Hospital and a number of his friends, colleagues and relatives as well as a posse of press photographers and television cameramen also reached there as soon as they got the news. The 55 slain lawyers include BBA’s former President Baz Muhammad Kakar; former Supreme Court Bar Association Vice-President Syed Qahir Shah; Advocate Sangat Jamaldani, son of Jahanzeb Jamaldani, Secretary General, BNP-M; and Advocate Dawood Kasi, son of Former Federal Minister Dr. Abdul Malik Kasi.  Two cameramen — Shahzad Khan and Mehmood Khan— working for Aaj TV and Dawn, respectively, were also killed.

The JuA, a splinter group of the TTP, claimed responsibility for the targeted killing of Advocate Kasi and the subsequent blast. JuA ‘spokesman’ Ehsanullah Ehsan vowed more attacks “until the imposition of an Islamic system in Pakistan”. The IS group also claimed responsibility for the suicide attack, Reuters quoted the IS’s Amaq news agency as saying. “A martyr from the Islamic State detonated his explosive belt at a gathering of justice ministry employees and Pakistani policemen in...Quetta,” the Amaq report said released from Cairo, Egypt.

Following the blast, the CoAS General Raheel Sharif chaired a high-level security meeting and ordered the intelligence agencies to initiate special combing operations to target those involved in terror attacks, said a tweet by ISPR spokesperson. The Army Chief chaired the meeting, with the Balochistan Chief Minister, Provincial Chief Secretary and Commander Southern Command in attendance. ISPR quoted the Army Chief as saying that after their defeat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, terrorists are shifting their focus to Balochistan. The attack is an attempt to undermine the improved security situation of Balochistan, and the effort is specially targeting the CPEC, he said. All resources will be employed to control the situation.

August 9

Two soldiers were killed in an IED explosion in the border area of Nawagai tehsil in Bajaur Agency of FATA. According to officials, Havildars Khurshid and Mushtaq were taking water to their post on mules from a nearby place when an IED planted along the way went off. The bomb was detonated by a remote control.

The top Army Generals believe that the terrorist threat is transforming because of a growing nexus between hostile actors in the neighbourhood and ‘facilitators’ within the country. At a corps commanders’ conference held at the General Headquarters on August 9, the Generals reviewed the threat perception and discussed measures for countering the imminent security challenges. “Participants of the conference were given detailed briefings on ongoing military operations and overall external and internal security situation in the country with particular reference to counterterrorism domain,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

August 10

The FC arrested an alleged militant and his facilitators from Kalat and Killa Abdullah Districts of Balochistan in search operations. According to reports, the FC personnel, acting on a tip, carried out a search operation in Juhan area of Kalat District and apprehended two facilitators of a militant. Meanwhile, the militant was also arrested from Gulistan area of Killa Abdulla District in another operation.

SFs launched a combing operation in Quetta against banned organisations suspected of involvement in terrorist attacks. According to official sources, the operation was carried out in different areas of the provincial capital on the directives of the Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif. Around 500 personnel of the Frontier Corps, over 250 Police personnel and officials of intelligence agencies took part in the crackdown.

August 11

Fourteen people were injured in a roadside blast targeting a vehicle belonging to the ATF accompanying Justice Zahoor Shahwani's vehicle on Zarghon Road of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Justice Zahoor Shahwani is judge of the Federal Shariat Court. The bomb was planted along the side of the road and exploded as the ATF's vehicle passed by. According to rescue officials, 10 civilians and four security officials were injured in the blast.  

As result of combing operation in parts of Rawalpindi District in Punjab, six terrorists inclusive of two most wanted commanders were arrested. According to ISPR, during the operations carried out in Gujar Khan and Kallar Syedan areas, the raiders also recovered arms and ammunition including prepared IEDs.

The political and military leadership has agreed to set up a task force to review the pace of implementation of the NAP. A meeting with PM Nawaz Sharif in the chair continued discussions on implementation of the NAP in a befitting manner on the third consecutive day on August 11. Ongoing counterterrorism operations also came under discussion during the meeting. Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, Federal Ministers Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Ishaq Dar, National Security Adviser Lieutenant-General (Retd) Nasir Janjua and ISI Director General Lieutenant-General Rizwan Akhtar were prominent among those who attended the meeting. The task force will consist of representatives of the Federal and Provincial Governments and heads of security agencies. Task force members will compile a report on implementation of all 26 points of the NAP. Internal and external security threats to the country, regional security issues and activities of anti-Pakistan intelligence agencies came under discussion in detail during the meeting, which continued for almost six hours. It was decided at the meeting that scope of the counterterrorism operations would be expanded to all parts of Pakistan.

The Supreme Court assailed the Sindh Government for not taking proper steps in ensuring maintenance of law and order situation in the provincial capital Karachi. During the proceedings of the Karachi law and order case, the Chief Justice inquired about the status of the CCTV cameras to be placed at different locations in the city. To which the Chief Secretary replied that an amount of rupees ten billion had been allocated for new CCTV cameras. The court responded by stating that the Government had failed to take action hence the Supreme Court had taken up the issue of law and order. "The issue is not allocating funds but also spending them where they are required to be spent," said the Chief Justice. "We want full implementation on the orders of the Karachi law and order case," he added. 

August 12

Four suspected militants were killed in a shootout with SFs in the Kahan area of Kohlu District in Balochistan. The FC action in Kohlu was part of a combing operation in Quetta and other areas of the province launched on the directives of Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif.

The Islamic State (Daesh) leader in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Hafiz Saeed, was killed in July 26 in a strike in the border region between the Afghanistan and Pakistan, a US defence official said. "They got him," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity ahead of any official announcement. Details of the strike were not immediately available, but a US official told the BBC that Saeed was killed in a July 26 drone strike in the Kot District of Nangarhar province. The death of Saeed represents a major setback for the IS group as it tries to establish itself as a serious force in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The SFs arrested four suspected suicide bombers from Shaks area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA and also recovered five suicide bomb vests from them.

As the military launched its first combing operations in Punjab targeting the TTP splinter group JuA, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif publicly vented frustration over the Government’s poor progress on the NAP against terrorism. He said the military’s gains during Operation Zarb-i-Azb were being lost. “The National Action Plan is central to achievements of our objectives and its lack of progress is affecting the consolidation phase of Operation Zarb-i-Azb,” he said at a special security meeting at the General Headquarters. The meeting was attended by ISI Director General Lieutenant General Rizwan Akhtar, 10th Corps Commander Lieutenant General Malik Zafar Iqbal and principal staff officers.

The Commander of Southern Command Lieutenant General Aamir Riaz alleged that India had launched an unconventional war against Pakistan and its agencies were involved in acts of terrorism in the country. He was speaking to journalists at the press club which he visited to offer his condolence over the killing of two cameramen — Mehmood Khan of Dawn and Shehzad Khan of Aaj TV — in August 8’s suicide bombing in Quetta which had claimed the lives of over 74 people. Lieutenant General Riaz alleged that some countries, including India, were behind acts of terrorism in Pakistan and said they were trying to create hurdles for development projects in Balochistan. Some foreign powers and their local agents are against the development of Balochistan and they are hatching conspiracies to achieve their nefarious designs. Some misguided people were playing in the hands of country’s enemies, he added.

August 13

Hundreds of people gathered in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of PoK demanding release of activist Baba Jan. As many as 500 youngsters were earlier arrested following protests against the CPEC during the visit of Pakistani officials. The protesters were also accused of raising anti-Pakistan slogans and demanding that the Pakistan Army leave Gilgit. Protests have been going on in the region for months, fuelled by the raging problem of unemployment among the youth. The protest on August 13 focused on demanding the release of Baba Jan, a member of the AWP of Pakistan. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison and fined PKR 500,000 by the Supreme Court of Appeal on June 8, 2016. 

August 15

Pakistan has formally invited India for talks on IoK dispute that has been the main bone of contention between two neighbours. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry has written a letter to his Indian counterpart and invited him to visit Pakistan for talks on occupied Kashmir. “The Foreign Secretary called in the Indian High Commissioner this afternoon (15 August 2016) and handed over a letter addressed to his Indian counterpart, inviting him to visit Pakistan for talks on Jammu and Kashmir dispute that has been the main bone of contention between India and Pakistan,” according to the foreign office. It said the letter highlights the international obligation of both the countries, India and Pakistan, to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.

The Sindh Police is raising a new unit of 1500 personnel in the CTD that was set up after the initiation of the NAP, the IGP Sindh A.D. Khawaja said. He pointed out that the new unit is aimed at bringing further improvements in the CTD which has performed well so far. The unit will include 500 ASIs who will be inducted through the Sindh Public Service Commission, he added. A separate school is being established for imparting anti terrorism training to selected manpower, the IGP disclosed. The IGP informed that the Provincial Government has allocated Rs. 320 million this year for revamping Sindh Police’s Special Branch.

August 16

The SFs killed at least 15 militants and injured more than a dozen during air strikes carried out in Sattar Killay, Kharaiba and Rajgal – the remote areas of Kuki Khel in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. Official sources said that during the operation, five militant strongholds were destroyed.

An ISPR statement said the operation was launched “to reinforce troop deployment in Rajgal Valley to effectively check and guard against” movement across the porous border in Khyber Agency. The operation targets “movement on high mountains and all-weather passes in Khyber Agency”, the statement said. After security forces’ operations in Khyber Agency, most of the militants, including those affiliated with the TTP and Bara-based LI, had fled and reportedly taken refuge in Tirah.

The JuA, a breakaway faction of TTP who claimed responsibility for the suicide attack of August 8 Quetta hospital, claimed that it had no links with Daesh/Islamic States, whose leadership also said it was behind the attack. JuA, which briefly declared allegiance to Daesh in 2014, said in an audio statement that its fight was solely against the Pakistani State and that linking it to trans-national militant networks was wrong. "We want to make it clear that our movement has no connection to Daesh or al Qaeda," the group's leader, Omar Khalid Khurassani said. "Those in Daesh or al Qaeda or any other Mujahideen movement are our Muslim brothers. But we do not have any organisational link with any of them. With Daesh and al Qaeda we have never had an organisational link before, and even today we have no organisational link with them," Khurassani added.

The LEAs have carried out 122,772 combing operations under NAP while 142,335 suspects were arrested. The LEAs conducted 56,834 combing operations in Punjab, 39,485 in Sindh, 21,087 in KP, 2,935 in Balochistan, 653 in ICT, 996 in GB, 310 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and 472 in FATA. Besides conducting 2,012,765 search operations, around 4,230 IBOs were carried out and 119,794 calls were received at helpline, 1717. NAP is a manifestation of national consensus and the government would ensure its swift implementation to eliminate terrorism and extremism from the country.

As per statistics regarding implementation of NAP since launch of its 20-point agenda, a total of 1,808 terrorists have been killed and 5,611 were arrested. As per reports, about 951 of terrorists were killed in FATA, 455 in Sindh, 197 in KP, 135 in Punjab, 68 in Balochistan and two in Gilgit Baltistan. Majority of terrorists were arrested in Sindh, KP and FATA where their number was 1665, 1572 and 1256 respectively. In order to establish special trial courts, 11 courts have been notified, while funds had been provided for National Counter Terrorism Authority with allotment of premises for it.

COAS General Raheel Sharif confirmed death sentence to another 11 hardcore terrorists. According to the ISPR, the convicts were involved in heinous offences like terrorism and killing of DIG Fayyaz Sumbal and ASI Raza Khan of Balochistan Police and Inspector Kamran Nazir of the ISI in Quetta. Those involved in sectarian killings, kidnapping and slaughtering civilians and personnel of the Frontier Constabulary and murder of Major Abdid Majeed of the Pakistan Army are among the convicts.

The Senate’s Functional Committee on Human Rights rejected a report submitted by Sindh Rangers regarding the human rights violations in Karachi Operation, declaring it “fake and phony”. In the report, prepared by a relatively unknown human rights organisation called “Human Rights Commission on South Asia”, Sindh Rangers were given a clean chit. Sindh Rangers, while referring to the report, claimed that no human rights violations were done by the paramilitary force during ongoing Karachi Operation. “I have tried to find out the whereabouts of the said organisation, however, it has no office in Pakistan,” Senator Farhatullah Babar said during the senate panel meeting. Sindh Rangers has obtained a false report by a dubious NGO in a bid to convince the parliamentary body that “it [Rangers] is not involved in human rights violations while conducting operation in Karachi”, asserted Babar.

August 17

Sindh Rangers arrested two target killers, identified as Kashif Qadir alias Kashif Tinda and Junaid Iqbal alias Bota from Bahadurabad area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The accused have confessed to target killing of lawyers, murder and extortion. They targeted Advocate Sohail Anjum along with his companions on March 17, 2010 at Tipu Sultan Road, Advocate Waheed Qureshi on October 01, 2011 at Tariq Road and also confessed to taking part in May 12, 2007 bloodshed in Karachi, said the spokesman. The Rangers spokesman added that besides killing six activists of Sunni Tehreek, the accused were also involved in forced extortion at Tariq Road and Bahadurabad.

An alleged terrorist was captured and arrested during an operation in the Ferozwala Chowk bridge in Gujranwala city of same District in Punjab. According to CTD sources, the suspected terrorist by the name of Wilayat alias Kashi was affiliated with a terrorist group. Two bombs were recovered from the suspect at the time he was arrested.

August 18

At least 11 militants were killed in a joint aerial and ground operation Babar Kachkol, Toor Sapar and adjoining areas of Khyber Agency in FATA. According to ISPR statement, eight militant hideouts were also destroyed during the operation.

Two employees of a private TV channel were injured after unidentified armed assailants opened fire on them in Quaidabad area of Bin Qasim Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Law enforcement agencies arrested three suspects affiliated with MQM during raids in Jamshed Quarters and Teen Hatti Bridge.

August 19

Levies recovered four bullet-riddled dead bodies from Nimargh area of Kalat District in Balochistan. All the victims had received bullet injuries.

Security Forces claimed to have arrested 27 militants, including nine foreigners, during a combing operation in the Kanak area of Mastung District. Arms and ammunition were also recovered from their possession.

In a sectarian attack, two members of a family of Afghan origin were killed while the female member of the family got injured in a firing incident at a car in Phandu area Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. Maulana Ghulam Hazrat, who was settled in Akora Khattak area of Nowshehra District, was travelling along with his father Sheikh Khwaja Muhammad Hazrat and mother, when unidentified gunmen opened fire at them while they were passing from the Phandu area. The deceased Sheikh Ghulam was well known for his debates condemning the “Wahhabis, Salafis and Ahl e Hadis” sects of Islam, who have the most extreme interpretation of Islam, and distance themselves from their fellow Shiite, Sunni, Brelvi, Hanafis and Sufism Muslim schools of thought.

An Afghan cleric Naseem Khan, a resident of Lond Khwar, was killed inside Abu Hanifia Mosque in Ibrahimabad within the jurisdiction of Khazana Police Station in Mardan District. The attackers were unidentified and they managed to escape after committing the crime.

An Afghan cleric identified as Sheikh Rahimullah, who was a teacher at a seminary, was shot and injured in Dir Colony of Peshawar. Speaking to the Police, Rahimullah said a man visited him and before he left, he pulled out his pistol and shot him. However, the attacker managed to flee the site.

A security official was killed and a civilian was injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast in Salarazai area of Bajaur Agency in FATA.

Two soldiers, identified as Ghulam Yasin and Sajid, were injured when unidentified militants opened fire from across the border at troops in Jungle area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency.

August 20

SFs killed three suspected militants in an exchange of fire during a search operation jointly launched by Police, Frontier Corps and Intelligence Agency in Tartej area of Awaran District in Balochistan. The militants killed were identified as Noor Bakhsh, Shah Murad and Dildar. According to an FC spokesperson, 13 suspects were arrested in the operation launched in Kharotabad area on the outskirts of Quetta and its surrounding areas. He said 24 pistols and two rifles were seized from their possession.

August 21

The chairman of a village council and three other people were killed as unidentified motorcycle bourne assailants opened fire on a car in Shakardarra area of Kohat District in KP. The deceased also included a man and his two young sons, while four people, including two girls, were injured.

Unidentified militants blew up an eight-inch gas pipeline in Dera Bugti District of Balochistan, suspending gas supply from well no.7. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

One person was killed and five others were injured in violent clashes between Police and MQM workers during protests at ARY News office near Zainab Market in Saddar Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Police confirmed that "MQM workers pelted stones at police officials and the ARY office", adding that they also resorted to aerial firing outside the office. ARY News has alleged that the protesters were members of the MQM.

According to TV channels, MQM chief Altaf Hussain in his speech on the same day told protesters "to storm the offices of TV channels". Senior ARY anchor Kashif Abbasi said, "They are Muttahida people. He (Altaf) ordered them to do it and within 10 minutes all this happened." A Samaa DSNG van was also attacked. Additionally, a police van and motorcycle of a traffic police official were reportedly set on fire.

However, eyewitnesses at the Karachi Press Club said Rangers men with their faces covered ransacked the MQM camp in the area and arrested workers of the political party. Alluding to a conspiracy against the MQM, MNA Syed Ali Raza Abidi tweeted, "MQM has been protesting since past 3 years non-violently. Regretfully masked men pre-present at Fawara Chawk created these deplorable scenes." People were protesting peacefully at ARY office against biased media coverage when suddenly police started firing on peaceful protestors, claimed MQM leader Wasay Jalil.

SFs are consolidating their positions after securing key mountainous passes in the Rajgal Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA in what is being described as a major success in the ongoing operation Khyber-III that was launched on August 16, 2016, as part of the military’s efforts to check the movement of terrorists along the porous border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

According to ISPR statement, “Security Forces have occupied passes and are now consolidating their positions up in high mountains in Rajgal.” It further added, “During search in Damo Drub [area] huge cache of arms and ammunition, including improvised explosive devices, were recovered.” At least 40 terrorists have been killed and 21 wounded in air and ground actions since the start of the operation, according to the ISPR. “In the treacherous terrain of Rajgal, 43 terrorist hideouts have also been decimated.”

There has been a 73 per cent decline in US security assistance to Pakistan since 2011, reveal statistics released by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). The report, prepared for the US Congress, covers both military and economic assistance given between 2002 and 2015 as well as those earmarked for fiscal years 2016 and 2017. It also shows a 53 per cent decrease in economic assistance since 2011 when relations between the two countries began to deteriorate. Security aid fell 73 per cent from nearly USD 1.3 billion in 2011 to USD 343 million in 2015. Economic aid had declined from nearly USD 1.2 billion in 2011 to USD 561 million in 2015.

Two cadres of ASWJ, identified as Mufti Kamran (46), and Mufti Ghulam Akbar (50), were killed when unidentified militants opened fire at them inside the Medina Masjid in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A Shia, identified as identified as Qasim Abbas Raza (34), was shot dead in targeted killing incident near the Sughra Imambargah in Korangi Town. 

According to a press release by the paramilitary force, Pakistan Rangers Sindh have arrested 654 target killers affiliated with the MQM’s armed wing since September 4, 2013. Rangers claim the 654 target killers arrested were involved in 81.16 per cent of the total incidents of target killings in the metropolis, which stands at 7,224. The target killers, said to be affiliated with MQM, have confessed to being involved in 5,863 incidents of target killings, read the statement. Out of the total number of target killers arrested, 95 were affiliated with militant wings of other political parties and Lyari gangsters and are said to be involved in 804 incidents of target killings in the metropolis. The number of arrested target killers affiliated with banned outfits stands at 99, are said to be involved in 557 incidents of target killings.

A militant was killed after an exchange of fire with the CTD personnel in Rakh Pabbi village of Gujrat District. According to details, his other accomplices fled, while the one found dead was killed by the firing of his own accomplices. A spokesperson for the CTD said the CTD received information that some militants in a house in Rakh Pabbi village of Gujrat were planning to attack law enforcement agency officials. A CTD team ordered them to turn themselves in but they started indiscriminate firing on them. The team took cover and when firing stopped, one of the militants was found killed by the firing of his own accomplices. Other militants escaped while two hand grenades and other weapons were found at the scene.

CoAS General Raheel Sharif while addressing the troops engaged in combing operations in Kurram Agency said that terrorists and their facilitators are being eliminated due to combing operations of SFs. “As we consolidate gains of emphasis is on rooting out all their sleeper cells and a network of facilitators from Fata and across rest of the country,” General Raheel said. He reiterated that the operations would continue across the board without any discrimination and Pakistan will not allow any terrorist to use its soil for terrorism against any other country.

The US State Department, while removing all ambiguities about its stance on the issue, categorically assured Pakistan that it did not support independence for Balochistan and is committed to Pakistan’s territorial integrity and distanced itself from India’s effort to stir an international controversy over the region. “The US government respects the unity and territorial integrity of Pakistan, and we do not support independence for Balochistan,” said a State Department official in a statement. But the official also expressed US concerns about the human rights situation in the province.  “We do have concerns about the human rights situation there, and have reported that for several years in our Human Rights Report,” the State Department official said, adding, “However, we have consistently urged all parties in Pakistan to work out their differences peaceably and through a valid political process,” the official added.

Elders of tribal areas at a Loya Jirga organised by PTI tribal belt chapter at the Peshawar Press Club urged the Government to take steps for complete abolishment of the Frontier Crime Regulations and merge the FATA into KP. Dost Muhammad Mehsood, PTI chief organiser FATA said that tribesmen had rendered sacrifices for the sake of durable peace in the country and millions of tribal people had become IDPs. He said that there was no need of a referendum on the issue of FATA. He added that more than 75 per cent Pashtun people were living in Hazara division therefore Hazaris should not have any reservation on merging of FATA into KP. "We are Pakistani people according to the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan then why a separate law is imposed on tribal people. If FCR is a good law then why not it implement into the rest of the country" he asked.

Five unidentified dead bodies were recovered from Chattar area of Naseerabad District and were handed over to the family. The bodies were identified as that of Noroz, Mir Hasan, Tariq, Haleem and Kareem Bakhsh.

At least 11 people were injured in a hand grenade attack near a mini bus stand in Awaran District.

In another search operation, two suspects, identified as Ahsanullah and Abdul Kabeer, were arrested from Sariab Road area in provincial capital Quetta.

Elders of tribal areas at a Loya Jirga organised by PTI tribal belt chapter at the Peshawar Press Club urged the Government to take steps for complete abolishment of the Frontier Crime Regulations and merge the FATA into KP. Dost Muhammad Mehsood, PTI chief organiser FATA said that tribesmen had rendered sacrifices for the sake of durable peace in the country and millions of tribal people had become IDPs. He said that there was no need of a referendum on the issue of FATA. He added that more than 75 per cent Pashtun people were living in Hazara division therefore Hazaris should not have any reservation on merging of FATA into KP. "We are Pakistani people according to the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan then why a separate law is imposed on tribal people. If FCR is a good law then why not it implement into the rest of the country" he asked.

At least six Levies personnel were killed and three others were injured in rocket attack targeting their convoy Gurdan area of Jiwani Town in Gwadar District of Balochistan. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Pakistan Rangers Sindh announced a PKR 5 million award for information leading to the arrest of LeJ-Alami chief Syed Safdar. The chief of LJA is “wanted in several acts of terrorism”, said the spokesperson. Safdar operates under various aliases, such as, Khurassani and Mowavia. “If anyone has information about him, he should inform the Rangers through WhatsApp, phone number, email or helpline,” added the spokesperson.

During a detailed news briefing at the Foreign Office, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said that the Government has proposed a plan to replace the FCR in the FATA with a new Tribal Areas Rewaj Act. “Today I met Senate chairperson and speaker of the National Assembly, and now the reforms will be debated in Parliament,” he said. Aziz heads a committee, constituted by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in November 2015, to work out a viable reform package to integrate FATA into the mainstream.

Aziz said that they had devised a five-year transition period so that tribes can work with jirgas and rewaj (cultural dispute resolution) systems. Under the proposed reforms, the existing FCR will be repealed in favour of the jirga and rewaj systems under the new Tribal Areas Rewaj Act – to be introduced in phases in the areas where it is convenient. “You cannot change the customary way of justice easily, so it will continue to function along with the newly introduced justice system,” Aziz said, adding that under the rewaj, people can lodge appeals with the formal justice system.

One FC officer and one militant were killed while three FC personnel were during an exchange of fire in Sariab Road area of provincial capital Quetta. FC Spokesman Khan Wasey stated that security personnel were on routine patrolling close to a railway track when they were attacked by "miscreants". "One security personnel was killed in the attack," the spokesperson informed, adding that one "miscreant" was killed as a result of timely retaliation.

A terror bid was foiled when an eight kilogram of bomb was defused at Bakhtiarabad area of Lehri District. However, the railway track was damaged.

A dead body of a Baloch man, bearing torture marks, was found in Gharib Nawaz Colony of New Karachi Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Another dead body was found near Miskin Para within Manghopir Police limits of Gadap Town.

PTI leader Faisal Vawda escaped an attack on him in Delhi Colony of Baldia Town. "Unknown assailants opened fire on my car upon which my guards retaliated," Vawda said. "Total six bullets were fired at the car," said senior PTI leader Imran Ismail.

Pakistani forces are engaged in a "tsunami of human rights violations" in Balochistan, said Switzerland-based BRP President Brahamdagh Bugti while seeking help from the international community, including India, in Baloch nationalist movement. Brahamdagh Bugti. "Pak forces are engaged in tsunami of human rights violations. We do not want to live with Pakistan anymore," said Bugti as he demanded a referendum of Baloch people under the supervision of the United Nations.

He said that he is ready for a dialogue with the Pakistani Government but insisted that there is no going back on freedom movement.  Use of aerial bombardment, use of gases have become routine, he claimed and added that Balochistan is the world capital of missing people. "We are political people. We want to solve this with peaceful means. But there is no way we are going to be part of the Pakistan any more. We want freedom from Pakistan. We are not fools to try our luck again and again with Pakistan. We are ready to negotiate through peaceful means," Bugti added.

A shopkeeper, identified as Shamshad, was shot dead while he was sleeping outside his shop in Chanda bazaar of Halimzai tehsil in Mohmand Agency of FATA. The accused was identified as Saddam, an off-duty Levies official.

Police arrested three suspected terrorists and recovered a sizeable cache of arms and ammunition from their vehicle in Chilas town of Diamer District. “A team of Diamer Police stopped a white Toyota Corolla at a post in Chilas and recovered one SMG, one shotgun, a M-16 assault rifle and around 850 bullets,” said a security official.

According to SSP Diamer Shoaib Khurram Janbaz, “The arrested individuals are the brother and close relatives of wanted terrorist Mujibur Rehman, and the Government has announced head money of Rs 2 million for his arrest.”  

SFs sealed a seminary in Eastern Bypass area of provincial capital Quetta and took 100 Afghan students into custody. The arrested students were studying in seminary without any valid documents. "A search operation was conducted inside the seminary and the Afghan students were arrested under Foreigners Act," said a security official. SFs also recovered suspicious literature and other material from the seminary.

Balochistan Government claimed to have either eliminated or coerced into surrender the second and third tier leadership of rebel organisations and is now focusing on disassociating their exiled top leaders from the outfit cadres on the ground. According to the official figures, over 600 rebels were killed in 1, 234 combing operations jointly conducted by the law-enforcement agencies in last 13 months.  At least 15 key commanders of banned outfits were also killed.

Around 500 refugee families are returning to Afghanistan every day, said UNHCR spokesman Duniya Aslam Khan. "When refugees return, their identity is verified through the latest IRIS test and then they are issued registration forms," said the spokesman. Every person who leaves is given USD 400 of financial assistance, he said, adding that two centres have been established to facilitate the return of refugees. One located in the Chamkani area of Peshawar, which assists refugees returning from the areas of Sindh, KP, Azad Kashmir and Islamabad. The other is located in Quetta, where refugees from Sindh and Balochistan can establish contact to get a date for their return and complete other formalities.

August 29

At least three people, including a brother of JI’s District councilor and two Policemen, were killed after militants attacked their vehicle in Rabaat Bazar area of Lower Dir District in KP. According to reports, Shad Nawaz remained unhurt in the attack while one assailant was injured in the crossfire. Police said that Shad Nawaz, an active member of the JI, was travelling along with his entourage when heavily armed men opened fire at him. “Three people were first injured and later succumbed to their injuries,” an official said. He identified the victims as Sohail Khan who is brother of JI’s District Council member while two Policemen Fazle Wahab and Zubair Khan.

An official of the Special Branch Police, Iftikhar Khattak, was killed near his house at Chughulpura in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP, when unidentified motorcycle bourne assailants opened fire on him.

A man was killed and another sustained injuries when unidentified motorcyclists fired at them in Raisan area of Hangu District. Sources said that unidentified motorcycle bourne assailants shot and injured Hanif Jan and Muhammad Karim. They were taken to the District Headquarters Hospital in Hangu where Muhammad Karim succumbed to his injuries while Hanif Jan was referred to a hospital in Peshawar due to his precarious condition. Following the incident, the police launched a search operation in the area and arrested 10 suspected persons. The police seized four hand grenades, Kalashnikov, two pistols and ammunition from their possession.

The Peshawar High Court stayed execution of another alleged terrorist who had been awarded death sentence by a military court in the killing of Major Abid Majeed and other terrorism cases. A two-member bench comprising Justice Syed Afsar Shah and Justice Mohammad Ishtiaq Ibrahim suspended the death sentence. It issued a notice to the Federal Government to submit record of the case before September 8. The court suspended the death sentence after Fazal Ghafoor, father of the convict, Fazale Rabbi, hailing from Matta tehsil (revenue unit) of Swat District, filed a review petition in the high court.

August 30

SFs claimed to have foiled a major terror bid during a joint search operation on RCT Main Road in Khuzdar District of Balochistan. According to reports, unidentified terrorists hurled a five kilogramme bomb at the Road in that was defused by the SFs.

The FIA arrested a tribal elder, identified as Malik Mehboob Noorzai, for verifying Afghan Taliban's former ‘chief’ Mullah Akhtar Mansour's CNIC. "Malik Mehboob Noorzai had verified the documents of Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour," said the FIA official. The FIA team conducted the raid and arrested Noorzai from Chaman town in Qilla Abdullah District. "More arrests in connection with Mansour's national identity card and passports are likely to be made," FIA official told.

The CTD foiled a terror bid by arresting militant and recovering explosives from a house on Samana Road in Orakzai Agency of FATA. The arrested militant was identified as Abdul Rehman, a resident of Landikotal tehsil in Khyber Agency. According to sources, the explosives included a locally-made bomb, three kilograms of ball-bearings and hand-grenade. The CTD personnel raided the house after receiving a tip-off about the presence of a suspect along with explosives. Rehman confessed planning attack on Security Forces.

August 31

Police Constable Wajid Khan sustained injuries when an unidentified armed assailant opened fire at a patrolling Police van in cantonment area of Kohat District in KP.

Police arrested a suspected militant, identified as Abdul Samad, and seized two bombs placed under a bridge in Charsadda District.

Rangers Director General Major General Bilal Akbar during a meeting of the Sindh Apex Committee headed by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, informed the participants that 848 target killers involved in 7,224 cases have been arrested since September 4, 2013, out of which 654 suspects are affiliated with MQM. The MQM suspects have confessed to being involved in 5,863 incidents of target killings.

The US State Department spokesman John Kirby said that the Haqqani Network and other terrorist groups that operate inside Pakistan and along the Afghan border are a continued security threat to the entire South Asian region and beyond. “We all recognise the continued security threat that is posed by the Haqqani Network and by other terrorist groups that operate inside Pakistan and along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan,” said Kirby, adding, “The Pentagon is obviously well aware of that, as we are here, and it’s a conversation that we continue to have and will continue to have with our partners in the region. I’m not aware that there’s any dissonance here in terms of the way we’re seeing it”.

Kirby said the US had held “a constant conversation” with its Pakistani partners about the threat posed by the Haqqani and other extremist groups “there in the region and certainly operating inside Pakistan”. And “we make these decisions routinely and they’re based on active, fluid, dynamic conversations that we have with Pakistani leaders,” he added.

September 1

One five kilogram IED along with two hand-grenades was recovered and defused near the Karkhano Market of Peshawar.

Pakistan reopened its border crossing with Afghanistan for routine traffic at 8:00 a.m., after Afghanistan tendered a written apology for the August 18, 2016, incident. The citizens of both the countries welcomed reopening of Bab-e-Dosti Gate. ‘Pakistan zindabad’ slogans were raised at the time of opening. Trade activities resumed after two weeks of suspension. The situation at the border had remained tense as the border had been closed for 14 consecutive days after Afghan citizens staged an anti-Pakistan demonstration on their side and some angry protesters attacked the border gate and burned a Pakistani flag, according to officials in Islamabad.

The Pakistan Army said that the footprints of the militant IS group had been eliminated from Pakistan. “They tried to [sneak] into Pakistan but failed and [were] apprehended,” ISPR Lieutenant General Asim Saleem Bajwa told reporters during a briefing. In all, 309 people had been apprehended thus far, including 25 Afghans and other foreign nationals and 157 “freelancers” and fighters from smaller groups. He said that major terrorist attacks planned by IS acolytes on targets including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign embassies, consulates and their staff, Islamabad airport, prominent public figures, media persons and law enforcement personnel, had been averted. 

“A proactive approach and the efforts of law enforcement agencies have forestalled the threat of Daesh for the time being and the network has been busted. But the threat is not over yet, as their presence in neighbouring Afghan­istan is still [something] we are worried about,” he remarked, referring to the IS by its more popular Arabic acronym. Lieutenant General Bajwa said Daesh was still operating in some parts of eastern Afghanistan and could still try to make ingress into Pakistan.

September 2

At least 13 persons, including four lawyers and three Policemen, were killed and 41 others were injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up near the entrance of District and Sessions Court in Mardan District. The JuA claimed responsibility for the attack. DPO Mardan Faisal Shahzad said that the attacker detonated a hand grenade before exploding his suicide vest.

Two persons, including a civilian and a Levies official, were killed when a group of four terrorists attacked Christian Colony in Warsak Dam area of provincial capital Peshawar. Four terrorists were also killed in the retaliatory fire of SFs. Two FC personnel, a Policeman and two private guards sustained injuries in the attack. JuA claimed responsibility for the attack. According to eyewitnesses, the terrorists detonated at least five explosive devices before opening sporadic firing on the unarmed Christians.

The Police defused two explosive devices in Matta tehsil and Khwazakhela tehsil of Swat District.

An unidentified dead body was found on Mauripur Road near the Quaid-e-Azam Truck Stand in SITE Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A bullet-riddled dead body, identified as that of an alleged criminal Muhammad Aslam (35), was found near Coast Guard Road in Korangi Town. Zaman Town SHO Raheem Khan said that the victim was a criminal.

The paramilitary force seized a huge cache of weapons during raids in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town and Landhi Town. According to Sindh Rangers, paramilitary soldiers conducted an intelligence-based raid on a godown in Gulshan-e-Iqbal and found weapons, including 8mm rifle, Kalashnikovs and sniper rifle’s bullets. Later, the law enforcers recovered weapons, including one light machinegun, five sub-machineguns, a repeater rifle and hundreds of bullets, from Landhi No-4.

Brahamdagh Bugti, the leader of BRP, in an exclusive an interview with Navbharat Times urged India to grant political asylum to the people of Balochistan. "We need political asylum in India," Bugti said, asking the Indian Government to open doors for the Baloch community, which has been protesting against Pakistan's atrocities in the region. "After PM Modi's statement against the atrocities meted out to Baloch people, we see a ray of hope," Bugti added. Citing his sources, Bugti said that the Pakistan Government is using chemical weapons on Baloch people. "Our children are dying. Considering the latest turn of events, the Indian Government should grant asylum to us," he said.

September 3

Police arrested at least 120 suspects during search operation in Christian Colony of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP; and its adjacent areas. Police also seized weapons, including 19 pistols, four guns, three rifles and a Kalashnikov from many suspects.

Police arrested three suspects from Karachi’s Landhi area during a search operation. Upon receiving reports of the presence of suspects in the area, Police conducted a raid and took into custody three suspects. Police disclosed that the suspects were wanted in various illegal activities. Another suspect, who was an accomplice with the three suspects, managed to flee from the law enforcers. Weapons and drugs were recovered from the three arrested suspects. Police also conducted a search operation in Baldia Town’s in Saeedabad area. SP Asif Raza stated that the operation was being carried out at Saeedabad since Police had received credible reports of the presence of criminals in the area. He also said that Police Forces from all Police Stations were involved in the search operation.

September 4

Two personnel of the BDS were killed when two IEDs hit a BDS and local Khasadar force team in Koz Chamarkand area of Safi tehsil in Mohmand Agency of FATA. A security official confirmed that a BDS team of MR 203 Wing was on routine patrol when an IED planted by militants blew up, killing Zarbad Shah Khattak. Another IED exploded in Nawapas area near the Pak-Afghan border. Khasadar force Hawaldar Nabi received critical injuries in the explosion and died on way to hospital. JuA, the splinter group of TTP claimed responsibility of both the attacks.

One security personnel was killed and another injured in a mine blast in Chamar Kand area of Mohmand Agency.

SFs arrested four suspected facilitators from Corona area of Mohmand Agency who were suspected to be involved in the terrorist attack targeting Christian Colony in the Warsak Dam area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP, in the morning of September 2. SFs arrested the accused in a search operation in Corona area as they made headway into investigations on Mardan and Christian Colony attacks. The arrested include Shahid, Aijaz, Ziaur Rehman and Zia.

An unidentified bullet-riddled dead body of a man was found in the Lyari River, within the Gadap City Police limits in Malir Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A gangster, affiliated with the Uzair Baloch gang, identified as Shamo (25) was shot dead by unknown armed assailants in Marwari area of Lyari Town. "The victim was an alleged gangster linked with the Uzair Baloch led gang in Lyari," confirmed SP Lyari Aftab Nizamani. Shamo was involved in extortion.

Under the NAP, geo-tagging of 7,724 madrassas has been completed by Sindh Special Branch and the IT Branch, helping security agencies see the exact location of seminaries and maintain a strict watch on them. According to sources, of the total, 3,110 are in Karachi, 1,290 in Hyderabad, 750 in Mirpurkhas, 1,536 in Sukkur and 1,037 in Larkana Division. The sources said there are 10,030 madrassas in Sindh of which 2,309 madrassas were sealed under different allegations while 1,184 are yet to be registered.

A Policeman was killed while two other persons were wounded in a bomb attack on a police patrol near Aslam Dheri on Pajagi Road of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police officials said unidentified militants had planted explosives in a pressure cooker alongside a road near Aslam Dheri, which went off as a patrolling party onboard a Police vehicle passed through the area. The driver of the patrolling vehicle identified as Naveed Khan, a resident of Shiekh Killay, was killed in the explosion. Two local residents, Sudais (10) and Yousaf (40), sustained minor injuries in the blast. 

Unidentified assailants shot dead a man, Umar Zeb, in Qalagay village of Totano Bandai area in Kabal tehsil of Swat District.  

There has been a marked reduction in terrorist attacks and deaths in Pakistan in 2015, but terrorists seem to have become more lethal as the ratio of deaths per attack has increased, said statistics from a comparative study of the US State Department’s country reports on Terrorism for 2014 and 2015. The statistics also show a greater decrease in the number of people injured in these attacks.

According to the US State Department, there were a total of 1,009 terrorist attacks in Pakistan in 2015, compared to 1,823 in 2014, which is a 45 per cent decrease. The total deaths in the attacks — 1,081 in 2015 compared to 1,761 in 2014 — went down by 39 per cent. The statistics for Pakistan, however, also indicated that the terrorists became more lethal in 2015 compared to the previous year. In 2015, there were 1.10 deaths per attack, compared to 0.99 in 2014.

Two labourers, identified as Javed Ali and Muhammad Asif, were shot dead by unidentified armed assailants while they were sleeping in their camps at Maraw Chowk in Mastung District of Balochistan.

Two Policemen, identified as ASI Abdullah and his constable son, were killed when unidentified militants opened fire at them on Masjid Road in Mastung District.

Unidentified militants opened fire at a levies official in Kandao area of Mastung District, killing him on the spot. No outfit claimed responsibility for the killings.

The CTD Investigation wing claimed to have foiled a terrorist attack on the eve of Eidul Azha by arresting five sectarian terrorists Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The five militants were identified as Syed Amir Hussain Rizvi alias Babar, Zianul Abideen alias Sunny, Faizyab Ali alias Sheraz, Syed Mohsin Hussain alias Talha alias Pagal and Syed Abbas alias Ashar alias Hamza. DIG Arif Hanif said that the arrested militants were involved in sectarian violence in the city. "Besides, they had been involved in various cases of sectarian violence and had completed their homework to carry out targeted killings of religious scholars, leaders and doctors belonging to the rival sect," Hanif claimed, adding, "They had planned to attack their newly selected targets on the eve of Eidul Azha."

Rangers claimed to have arrested three Lyari gangsters during raids in Lyari Town, Keamari Town and Shah Faisal Town. Arms and ammunition were also seized from their possession.

Two bullet-riddled dead bodies of ethnic Baloch were the recovered from storm-water drain on Mauripur Road in Saddar Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The toll of dead bodies from the same spot has reached seven in the last one and a half month. The Baloch, victims were found with their limbs tied with a rope and appeared to be between 30-35 years of age.

The local Police claimed to have arrested 11 terrorists' facilitators, 49 suspects and 30 illegal foreigners during the month of August this year in KP. Sources said that the District Police carried out 30 search and strike operations last month, in which 11 alleged facilitators of terrorists, 49 suspects and 30 illegal Afghan nationals were arrested. The Police also claimed to have recovered arms and ammunitions.

The UNHCR repatriated about 100,000 Afghan refugees to Afghanistan via Torkham border in the ongoing voluntary repatriation programme, said UNCHR spokesperson Qaiser Khan Afridi. "About 100,000 Afghan individuals or more than 20,000 families have been verified at the Voluntary Repatriation Centre in Chamkani so far," he said. A total of 67,057 Afghan refugees had voluntarily repatriated to their homeland, said Afridi.

Speaking during the Defense Day ceremony, CoAS General Raheel Sharif said that despite the successes of Operation Zarb-e-Azb, threats to peace persist. He called for the implementation of the NAP and wide-ranging legal and governance reforms to sustain the military's achievements against terrorists.

Asserting that Pakistan must target all militant groups, including those that target its neighbours, the US State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner said that it is not planning any sanctions against the country for not taking actions against terrorist groups. "Suggestive of any kind of sanctions, we're not there," the Toner said. This was in response to a recent statement by the former US Ambassador to the UN, Zalmay Khalilzad that the US now needs to seriously consider the option of imposing sanctions against Pakistan.

He said, "I don't think we're even at that point". "I mean, we continue to have, conversations with the highest level of the government of Pakistan and our basic point in all these conversations is that Pakistan must target all militant groups, including those that target Pakistan's neighbours and eliminate all safe havens and that is what I was trying to convey to you as well," he added.

Four passers-by sustained injuries in an IED blast in Rustam Bazaar in South Waziristan Agency of FATA. According to official sources, the militants had planted the explosive device near the wall of a medical store. The owner of the medical shop, Naik Muhammad, was the resident of FR Bannu.

Police arrested 60 suspects during search and strike operations in various areas of Bannu District. The Police seized two Kalashnikovs, three rifles, six guns and 22 pistols from their possession.

Shafqat Malik, AIG of the BDS, said that IEDs have become the most common weapon to be used by militants in KP and FATA. Around 70 per cent of terrorist attacks in KP have involved the use of IEDs, he said, informing that 5,228 incidents of IED blasts took place from 2009 to 2015 in the Province. Another 210 cases have already been recorded this year. Malik further suggested, "The government needs to establish an inspectorate to keep a check on factories that are using explosive material for commercial purposes".

A woman was killed when unidentified militants hurled hand grenade and opened fire at the house of a pro-government tribal elder Malik Nasir Khan in Shah Alam Sali area of Michni in Lower Mohmand Agency of FATA. An official of political administration said that the house had also been attacked in the past but the occupants escaped unhurt.

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead the son of a renowned leader, Malik Zebur Rehman, in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency. Four Khasadar officials were also injured in the attack. The security officials arrested four suspects from the area after the incident.

A suspected facilitator, who is believed to have spearheaded an attack on tribal elders in Ambar, was arrested by political administration in Mohmand Agency.

Asad Tareen, the kidnapped son of Provincial Local Government Minister, Sardar Mustafa Khan Tareen, was recovered from Gulistan area of Qilla Abdullah District in Balochistan. Asad was abducted from Pishin District on May 20, 2016. It is not yet clear whether Asad was recovered as a result of a security forces operation or after the payment of ransom.

The CTD arrested a militant, identified as Sardar Ali, in Matta tehsil of Swat District in KP.

At least nine suspected terrorists were killed in air strikes in Kukikhel area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. Military officials said two hideouts were also destroyed in the airstrikes.

At least nine suspected terrorists were killed in air strikes in Kukikhel area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. Military officials said two hideouts were also destroyed in the airstrikes.

A SI, identified as Fazal Subhan, was shot dead when unidentified militants attacked a Police van within the jurisdiction of Kalu Khan Police Station in Swabi District.

One SI, identified as Ibrahim, was shot dead in a target killing incident in Akhunabad area of provincial capital Peshawar.

Unidentified armed militants attacked a Police Station with an explosive device in Shabqadar, tehsil of Charsadda District. According to the police, the device did not hit the police station, but exploded in a nearby irrigation channel.

A terrorism bid was foiled while a militant was arrested while was carrying a four-kilograms of IEDs in Hassan Garhi situated within the jurisdiction of Machni Gate Police Station in Peshawar. The Police believed the militant was trying to enter Peshawar to carry out sabotage activities but was caught red-handed.

A cache of arms and ammunition were recovered during an operation was conducted by Field Intelligence Unit of Frontier Corps in Spin Qabar area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency.

Three terrorists were killed in an exchange of fire with Police in Killi Qambrani, within jurisdiction of Kechi Baig Police Station in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Law enforcement agencies have arrested seven suspected terrorists belonging to ISIS and al Qaida who were hiding in a house at Killi Hazoor Bakhsh area along Pak Afghan border area Chagai District. Arms, ammunition, hatred inciting material and suicide jackets were also recovered from them.

A trader, belonging to the Bohra community, identified as Hakim Feroz, was shot dead while another was injured when unidentified militants opened fire at them in a targeted sectarian attack in North Nazimabad Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. "Bohra community members were standing near Burhan Centre when armed pillion riders opened fire on them and fled," said North Nazimabad SHO Ghulam Asghar Abbasi.

A large quantity of weapons was seized by the Sindh Rangers during an intelligence-driven raid at a hideout in Lyari Town. As per the details, the weapons include are a Light Machine Gun, six Submachine Guns, three 303 rifles, three 7mm rifles, two 44 Bore rifles, five 12 Bore Pump Action and nine 30 bore pistols.

The PoK PM Raja Farooq Haider Khan said that religious seminaries are being registered to stop sectarian conflicts and other extremist practices. He was addressing a briefing by officials of NCTA in Muzaffarabad. Raja Farooq Haider Khan expressed satisfaction over the security and law and order situation in the State. He said that terrorism has caused huge loss to the country but due to the effective policies of PM Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief General Raheel Sharif terrorism incidents have been significantly reduced.

At least eight suspected militants and a SF official were killed during an ongoing combing operation in the mountainous tribal area of Rajanpur District along the border between Punjab and Balochistan. According to military sources, the SFs were carrying out the combing operation in the Gayandari area on the Provincial border. Several 'feraris' (fugitives) were arrested and arms and ammunition were also recovered from them, it said.

Police claimed to foil a terrorism bid in Karachi ahead of Eid-ul-Azha and apprehended three suspects from Madina Colony in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of the city. The arrested persons have been affiliated with TTP and were planning to carry out a terrorist attack ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

Police and CTD carried out joint operation in different parts of Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab and arrested at least 30 suspects.

Police also carried out search operation in Shah Rukan-e-Alam area of Multan District and arrested four suspected persons. Police sources said that arms were also recovered from the arrested suspects.

Two suspects were shot dead by Police in during an encounter in Phuleli and SITE areas of Hyderabad District in Sindh. A SHO was injured in the alleged encounter between the police and suspects.

A TTP terrorist, identified as Wahid alias Saddar Bush, was killed in Police shootout in Ittehad Town of Baldia Town in provincial capital Karachi. SSP West Pir Mohammad Shah said that the Manghopir Police along with Mahee Garri check post in-charge Malik Sarfaraz Awan were checking vehicles on Northern Bypass when they were signaled two men on motorcycle to stop. However, the two lobbed a grenade on the Police van injuring Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Awan. Following this, the Police chased the fleeing terrorists and in a shootout killed one of them while the other escaped.

Pakistan Rangers Sindh claimed to have busted a gang of alleged extortionists by arresting four suspects in Liaquatabad Town while they were extracting bhatta from a sacrificial animal market. "The paramilitary force apprehended four suspects on complaint of the citizens from Bakra Mandi near Liaquatabad Flyover," said the spokesperson. The arrestees were identified as Mohammed Gibran, Fahad, Mohammed Tasleem and Mohammed Akbar. The Rangers seized arms, looted cash and chits of extortion from their custody.

A senior member of the polio eradication campaign, identified as Doctor Zakaullah Khan, was shot dead in a targeted attack in provincial capital Peshawar. JuA, a breakaway faction of the TTP, claimed responsibility for the attack. TTP-JuA spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan while claiming responsibility for the attack in a statement vowed to carry out more attacks.

September 12

At least 13 persons, including five Policemen, were injured as Police foiled two separate suicide blasts during Eid prayers in Khanpur tehsil of Shikarpur District in Sindh. Police sources said four suicide attackers infiltrated Khanpur during Eid prayers. Two of the attackers targeted an Eid prayer ground where one assailant blew himself up, injuring 10 people, two of whom were Policemen. The other attacker fled, Police sources said. Two other attackers targeted an Imambargah but were stopped by Police at the entrance on account of appearing suspicious. One of the attackers blew himself up after he was stopped by guards for a search, whereas the other was arrested, Police added.

At least four Police personnel were injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast in Karakar area of Swat District in KP. According to reports, the blast occurred near a police mobile, which was on a routine patrol. Four personnel were injured in the blast. The Police mobile was partially damaged in the explosion.

At least four suspected persons were arrested by SFs during a search operation in various areas of Golra Police Station in the Federal capital Islamabad. SFs also recovered illegal weapons and alcohol from the possession of arrested persons.

The Punjab Police carried out 402 combing operations during the last three days all over the province and arrested 443 suspects, besides 76 proclaimed offenders. Most of the arrests were made in Faisalabad, Kasur, Lahore, Chinot, Bhakar, Nankana Sahib and Hafizabad. A Senior Police Officer privy to the information said that the combing operations had been launched in all the Districts of the province on the basis of the information from the Police sources about the presence of suspects and criminals. He said the operations were enhanced in the wake of Eidul Azha. “The Punjab Police checked 13,230 people in 402 combing operations during last three days and arrested 443 suspects”, the Police official said adding that the raiding teams also managed to arrest 76 proclaimed offenders wanted in many heinous crimes. During raids, the Police also recovered 139 illegal weapons from the custody of the arrested criminals, he said. Of the total, he said, Faisalabad police arrested 98 suspects and three POs in 46 combing operations carried out in various parts of the District.

Lahore Police conducted 26 combing operations and arrested 31 suspects, Nankana Sahib Police arrested 17 suspects in nine operations, Kasur 75 suspects in 33 operations, Chiniot Police arrested 35 suspects and a PO in five operations, Bhakar Police arrested 28 suspects and four POs in 27 operations, Hafizabad Police 17 suspects and six POs in 32 operations and Sialkot arrested 10 suspects in 14 combing operations. The official further shared that the Mianwali Police conducted six combing operations, Attock four, Mianwali six, Sialkot 14, Mandi Bahauddin 17, Gujranwala eight, Sahiwal, five, Multan, six, Jhang five, Pakpatan seven, and Rajanpur Police carried out three combing operations, making arrest of many suspects and criminals.

September 13

At least two Policemen were killed and 10 others, including five Policemen, were injured in an IED blast near a Police training centre on Sariab Road in provincial capital Quetta. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

September 15

Two persons, identified as Ghullam Rasool Gola and Mehmood Gola, the workers of PPP, were killed when a motorbike hit a landmine planted on the roadside in Puleji area of Naseerabad District in Balochistan. Ghullam Rasool died on the spot while Mehmood succumbed to his injuries on the way to hospital.

The CoAS General Raheel Sharif made it clear that the Army would not leave the FATA without bringing peace, completing rehabilitation and transferring administrative control to an institutionalised mechanism. He was addressing the elders of Bajaur Agency and soldiers during his visit to the area.

Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN Maleeha Lodhi called international community to intervene in Indian atrocities in Kashmir. Pakistan has protested at UNHRC claiming that India have presented wrong figures regarding clashes in Kashmir and it was an act of disgrace to UNHRC.

The United States reminded Pakistan that its struggle with terrorism will not come to an end until it makes a decisive shift in its policy of tolerance towards externally-focused groups. Richard Olson, US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the Barrack Obama administration had also conveyed this message to the Pakistani Government, reminding Islamabad that there could be no peace in the region until these cross-border attacks stopped. Mr. Olson, who was the US ambassador in Islamabad before taking up his current position, also emphasised the need for a constructive relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which he said was essential for bringing peace and stability to the region.

September 16

A suicide bomber killed at least 36 people and wounded more than 37 others as they attended Friday prayers at a mosque in Pekhan Killay area of Anbar tehsil in Mohmand Agency of FATA. JuA, breakaway faction of TTP, claimed responsibility of the attack.

Deputy Chief of Mohmand Agency administration Naveed Akbar said that the bomber came in as Friday prayers were in progress, and blew himself up in the main hall. “The suicide bomber was in a crowded mosque, he shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ (God is greatest) and then there was a huge blast,” Naveed Akbar said.

An unidentified dead body of a young Baloch man was found near the Mauripur Truck Stand area in SITE Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. This is the eighth dead body since the start of August this year.

A suspected militant was killed and another injured in a three-hour long encounter with the SFs during a search operation in Dringen Nullah area of Sui tehsil in Dera Bugti District. Two SFs were also injured in the shootout. The FC spokesperson said that the militants involved in the encounter belonged to BRA. He said that a huge quantity of arms, ammunition and 400 kilograms of explosives, an Improvised-Explosive Device, 40-metre-long fuse cord and 300 meter detonating cord were seized from the hideout, which was later demolished.

Frontier Corps personnel arrested a local leader of the banned BLA from Sheikhri area of Kalat District. The FC spokespersons said that two other militants were arrested from the Sami area of Turbat District, while five others were taken into custody from Buleda area of the same District.

Punjab's CTD arrested four terrorists affiliated Daesh (also known as Islamic State/IS) terror network in provincial capital Lahore. According to official details, the arrested militants were planning to target government buildings and sensitive installations in Lahore. Explosives were also seized from their possession. The suspects were identified as Syed Abdul Alam, Hafeezur Rehman, Nisar Ahmed and Tasawur Ameen. 

September 18

Two men, identified as Muhammad Khan Sajidi and Juma Khan Sajidi, were abducted and killed in Naal Gresha area of Khuzdar District in Balochistan.

A target killer, identified as Nadir, was killed while his accomplice Haleem was arrested during a Police shootout in the Khudabadan area of Panjgur District. DSP Panjgur Allah Bakhsh Baloch said that the Police were on a routine patrol when the two suspects opened fire at them.

Unidentified armed assailants killed an Afghan national, identified as Agha Shireen, in Gul Baghicha area of Chaman town in Qilla Abdullah District.

Three Army personnel were killed when unidentified militants opened fire at their van in Garhi Sohbat Khan area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. The victims were identified as Mohammad Iqbal, Mohammad Farid and Abdur Rehman.

The Punjab Police carried out 402 combing operations during the last three days all over the province and arrested 443 suspects, besides 76 proclaimed offenders. Most of the arrests were made in Faisalabad, Kasur, Lahore, Chinot, Bhakar, Nankana Sahib and Hafizabad. A Senior Police Officer privy to the information said that the combing operations had been launched in all the Districts of the province on the basis of the information from the Police sources about the presence of suspects and criminals. He said the operations were enhanced in the wake of Eidul Azha. "The Punjab Police checked 13,230 people in 402 combing operations during last three days and arrested 443 suspects", the Police official said adding that the raiding teams also managed to arrest 76 proclaimed offenders wanted in many heinous crimes. During raids, the Police also recovered 139 illegal weapons from the custody of the arrested criminals, he said. Of the total, he said, Faisalabad police arrested 98 suspects and three POs in 46 combing operations carried out in various parts of the District.

Lahore Police conducted 26 combing operations and arrested 31 suspects, Nankana Sahib Police arrested 17 suspects in nine operations, Kasur 75 suspects in 33 operations, Chiniot Police arrested 35 suspects and a PO in five operations, Bhakar Police arrested 28 suspects and four POs in 27 operations, Hafizabad Police 17 suspects and six POs in 32 operations and Sialkot arrested 10 suspects in 14 combing operations. The official further shared that the Mianwali Police conducted six combing operations, Attock four, Mianwali six, Sialkot 14, Mandi Bahauddin 17, Gujranwala eight, Sahiwal, five, Multan, six, Jhang five, Pakpatan seven, and Rajanpur Police carried out three combing operations, making arrest of many suspects and criminals.

Punjab's CTD arrested four terrorists affiliated Daesh (also known as Islamic State/IS) terror network in provincial capital Lahore. According to official details, the arrested militants were planning to target government buildings and sensitive installations in Lahore. Explosives were also seized from their possession. The suspects were identified as Syed Abdul Alam, Hafeezur Rehman, Nisar Ahmed and Tasawur Ameen.

Rangers recovered weapons, including sniper rifles, SMGs, explosive materials, bulletproof jackets and G3 guns, from Qasba Aligarh area of Orangi Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to Rangers, the weapons belonged to suspects affiliated with a political party.

CJP Anwar Zaheer Jamali while addressing the ceremony of the New Judicial Year 2016-2017 at Supreme Court in Islamabad said that terrorism is not only generated from foreign elements but also from within the county, adding, "Regrettably, such elements also get internal support to perpetrate their nefarious acts. Unfortunately, some political parties support terror elements for personal interests".

"This court had observed in cases related to worsening law and order situation in Karachi and Balochistan that contact and relations were found between subversive elements and different political and religious parties," said the CJP, adding such issues should immediately be addressed. He added the judiciary and legal community were also being targeted in acts of terrorism in order to threaten this institution entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring justice.

CoAS, General Raheel Sharif, while presiding over the corps commanders conference at the GHQ said that the armed forces of Pakistan are fully prepared to respond to the entire spectrum of direct and indirect threats. The forum had an in-depth review of external and internal security situation and operational preparedness of the Army.

A CTD Police Constable, identified as Shahab Haider (45), was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants in Jamshed Quarters area of Jamshed Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Head Constable, Muhammad Yousuf (40), was shot dead at Korangi Family Quarters in Korangi Town.

Sindh Rangers claimed to have arrested five alleged criminals, including members of banned outfits and one member of the MQM, and also found a cache of weapons during targeted raids in Shah Latif, Malir, Gulberg, Landhi and New Karachi Town.

SFs arrested five alleged facilitators of militants, including three women, and three militants of Afghan origin in two different operations in Tangi and Shabqadar tehsil of Charsadda District in KP. A police official at the Mandani police station confirmed the arrest of three suspected militants, identified as Imdad Ullah, Hashim Khan and Muhammad Nabi, in Mandani area of Tangi tehsil. Moreover, five alleged facilitators of militants were arrested in a raid on a house in Sro Kali area of Shabqadar tehsil.

A militant, identified as Ahmad Ali, was killed in a Police encounter after three unidentified armed assailants reportedly ambushed a Police patrolling van in Belakoroona area within the limits of the City Police Station in Charsadda District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, the Police escaped unhurt in the attack. Two other accomplices escaped. According to sources, SFs arrested three suspected persons in Umarzai area of the District.

The CTD arrested suspected Islamic State (IS/ also known as Daesh) militant, identified as Muhammad Farid, from Qazi Kaley area of provincial capital Peshawar. CTD Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Mian Saeed said that Farid was involved in plotting large-scale terror attacks and target killings. The SSP said Farid was involved in 32 target killings, including the killings of Police officials, in various parts of Peshawar.

According to official reports, the casualty figures have increased despite an overall decline in the number of terrorist attacks in the first nine months of this year across the Province. As many as 146 terrorist attacks took place across the province this year in contrast to 172 last year. The attacks included 52 IED, four suicide and 14 grenade attacks in addition to 76 firing incidents, showing a 26 percent decline in the number of total attacks. A Police Official said that terrorists preferred targeted killings this year as 76 incidents were reported against 66 of last year. "Last year was unusually peaceful for the province because of military operations and a large-scale crackdown against terrorists in the shape of NAP. It is, however, evident now that terrorists have regrouped in Afghanistan and they have devised a strategy to target policemen in such incidents," he said, adding that higher casualty figure was really worrying.

Police arrested five gangsters during raids in Napier, Baghdadi and Kalakot areas of Lyari Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. SSP City Faizullah Karejo said the Police raided hideouts in and arrested five gangsters involved in killings and other crimes. According to details, the Kalakot Police conducted a raid in Nava Lane, Lyari and after an encounter arrested Afzal Shah, a gangster of the Uzair Baloch group. In another raid, the Kalakot Police arrested Owais alias Mulla Owais, the 'commander' of the Baba Ladla gang, after a shootout in Eidgah Lane. He was wanted by the police in number of murder cases and was also an absconder in terrorism cases. The Kalakot and Mauripur police conducted raids in their respective jurisdictions and arrested Hafeez alias Ahmed, a 'commander' of the Uzair Baloch Group.

Sindh Rangers claimed to have seized a huge of amount weapons and ammunition during a raid at a park in the Aziazabad area of Gulberg Town. According to the official statement, an alleged criminal, who belongs to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, revealed information about the presence of the cache of weapons that were buried underground in the park. The seized weapons included hand grenades, rifles, pistols, a huge quantity of bullets and other sophisticated weapons, it added.

Two US lawmakers moved a Bill, titled Pakistan State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation Act, in Congress seeking designation of Pakistan as a 'state sponsor of terrorism'. The Bill was introduced by Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Terrorism Ted Poe and Congressman Dana Rohrabacher. Congressman Poe termed Pakistan an "untrustworthy ally" which he alleged "has also aided and abetted enemies of the US for years".

"From harboring Osama bin Laden to its cosy relationship with the Haqqani Network, there is more than enough evidence to determine whose side Pakistan is on in the War on Terror. And it's not America's," Poe said, adding, "It is time we stop paying Pakistan for its betrayal and designate it for what it is: a state sponsor of terrorism". He added that US President Barack Obama must issue a report within 90 days of passage of the Bill detailing whether or not Pakistan has provided support for 'international terrorism'.

The NBP Vice President Mohammed Sadiq Siddiqui (51) was shot dead while resisting a robbery attempt in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of Gulshan Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Siddiqui had gone to Rado Bakery for routine grocery shopping where two suspects tried to snatch his car, said Gulshan Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr. Fahad Ahmed, adding, "As he offered some resistance, the suspects fired at him and fled the scene along with the snatched vehicle.

Police claimed to have arrested four suspects affiliated with MQM who were allegedly involved in five murders and over 150 robberies in the city during an encounter near St Marry School in the Raheem Shah Colony area of Mominabad in Orangi Town. "We have identified them as Mohammed Amjad alias Babu, Arshad Husain, Mohammed Shakir and Junaid Mehmood alias Jimmy," said Karachi West SSP Pir Mohammad Shah. The police official claimed the held suspects have 'confessed' to their involvement in five murders, including those of Awami National Party workers and over 50 robberies at jewelry shops and 100 incidents of mugging.

Unidentified persons set on fire the house of an IDP, Khan Badshah, in Takhtakai area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. The tribesmen had left the area after the SFs launched operations against the militants in Bara and Tirah valley in 2014.

The elders of the Zaoddin Zakhakhel and Storikhel tribes asked the Government to provide facilities to the displaced persons returning to Tirah valley in Khyber Agency. They said that the infrastructure was destroyed after the SFs launched Operation Khyber-1 in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency after the tribal people vacated their houses. "We left behind everything in our houses when the security forces carried out the military operations against Lashkar-e-Islam (LI) and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Tirah," Hakim Khan Afridi, an elder of the Zaoddin Zakhakhel tribe said.

The CTD arrested an alleged militant in Leganai area in Buner District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and recovered a hand-grenade and pistol from his possession. The sources said the alleged militant was identified as Shaheen Baz, a resident of Khyber Agency in FATA, and had links with the banned militant organisation LI.

SF personnel repulsed two attacks on security checkposts in the Sheikh Baba area of Mohmand Agency and Nawa Pass security post in Bajaur Agency in FATA by suspected militants from across the Pak-Afghan border. SFs repulsed both attacks by retaliating quickly. No casualties were reported on either side of the border. The JuA militant group claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Police thwarted major terror bid by neutralising three Kilogrammes bomb at Bacha Khan square in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. According to Police, one suspected militant was arrested while planting a three Kilogrammes bomb at Bacha Khan square. Police called Bomb Disposal Squad who defused the bomb.

The CoAS General Raheel Sharif confirmed death sentences of seven terrorists, the ISPR statement said. According to the ISPR hardcore terrorists were involved in committing heinous offences related to terrorism including killing of innocent civilians, police officials and armed forces personnel. "They were also involved in sectarian killings. Fire-arms and explosives were also recovered from their possession. These convicts were tried by military court, it said.

The former spokesperson for the TTP, Azam Tariq, has been reportedly killed in Laman area of Paktika province in Afghanistan in air strikes carried out by Afghan and NATO forces. Three other TTP leaders have also been reportedly killed. Zeeshan Haider Mehsud, an advisor of Khan Saeed Sajna group, a splinter group of TTP, confirmed the death of Tariq and his son while fighting Afghan security forces. He added that 10 other militants were killed in the fighting which erupted in Paktika province.

A Police officer was shot dead by unidentified gunmen at a bus stop in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. According to Police sources, the victim identified as Sub-Inspector Muhammad Zafar Wazeer, was on his way to work, when two armed assailants riding a motorcycle opened fire at him and fled from the scene, near Dubai Centre.

The Frontier Corps shot dead a militant, Zafar Bugti, during an operation in Dera Murad Jamali area of Naseerabad District in Balochistan. A huge cache of arms and ammunitions, including five kilogrammes of IED with detonators wires, remote and one SMG was recovered from his possession.

Police conducted a search operation in PIB Colony and Cantonment station's surrounding areas in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, and took into custody 28 suspected persons, in the night.

The SBP instructed all the banks to freeze bank accounts linked with militant organizations and their facilitators. Following the orders of NACTA, the SBP issued instructions to all the banks to freeze accounts of over 2000 individuals listed on the Fourth Schedule of the ATA 1997. The central bank provided information to the banks and financial institutions about terrorists and their facilitators 15 days ago.

A woman councilor of PTI, identified as Zainab Khattak (30), was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants in Khawarai area of Nowshera District in KP. The shooting occurred. Zainab was elected unopposed and also remained polio worker in the area.

September 26

Levies force official, identified as Muhammad Niaz, was shot dead while he was on his way to work in Gichak area of Panjgur District in Balochistan.

A man, identified as Ali Hussain, was shot dead by unidentified militants in Usta Muhammad city of Jaffarabad District.

Unidentified militants abducted a man, identified as Haji Khawas, from Chagai Bazaar area of Chagai District.

FC arrested seven suspects in combing operation in Balgatar area of Turbat District.

SFs arrested two suspects and recovered arms from their possession during a search operation in Degari near Dash area of Mastung District.

One Fazal Manan, the younger brother of Malik Taj Khan, a well-known pro-Government tribal elder, was killed in a roadside bomb blast in the Tarkhoo area of Mamond tehsil in Bajaur Agency of FATA in the evening. Officials quoted eyewitnesses as saying that Fazal Manan along with his driver was walking on the road, when an explosive device placed along the road went off. According to the officials, the bomb was detonated by remote control. Manan died on the spot while his companion, Alam Gul, received serious injuries in the blast.

Pakistani troops deployed at the Salala Post in Mohmand Agency returned fire after coming under attack by suspected militants based in Afghanistan. Official sources said the Pakistani soldiers didn’t suffer any losses or damage to property.

A 12-year old boy, Ishaq, was killed when an explosive device went off in a house in Pishtakhara area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. It was not known nature of the blast but, later bomb disposal experts declared it a hand-grenade which was hurled inside the house and the boy had taken it to his home after mistaking it for a toy.

At least nine people including four Policemen were injured in an IED blast targeting a Police van in Sro area of Shabqadar tehsil in Charsadda District. The TTP claimed responsibility for the attack in an email sent to journalists.

The federal intelligence agencies issued a threat alert to the Provincial Government regarding the terror threat looming particularly on educational institutions in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. It has been learnt that unidentified militants are now again planning to carry out a suicide attack against an Army School in Hayatabad, Peshawar. Militants are planning to attack on an unspecified date, at the time when children will be leaving the school. Ibrahim Nawab and Sher Shah Markets are in the vicinity of the school.

In another threat alert, it has been learnt that Swat chapter of TTP has dispatched an eighteen year terrorist to target an unknown place in KP. According to the sources, the terrorist is brother of terrorist commander Farman Ismail, resident of Galuch, Swat and may target any location in Peshawar, Mardan or Charsadda. The sources said that these details have been shared with the KP Government and other relevant departments and that they have been asked to ensure extreme vigilance and heightened security.

Traffic Police Official, identified as Sub-Inspector Mohammed Arshad, was shot dead in a targeted attack while he was performing his duty near Five Star Chowrangi in North Nazimabad Town of provincial capital Karachi. “This was second targeted killing of a traffic official this year while last year, several traffic officials were gunned down,” said DIG-Traffic Dr. Amir Ahmed Shaikh.

Sukkur Police along with other law enforcement agencies carried out two combing operations from April to September 2016 and arrested eight TTP militants, besides hundred others, said Sukkur SSP Amjad Ahmed Shaikh. The Police recovered two kilograms of explosives, five grenades and as many packets of ball bearings and wires used in the preparation of suicide vests from their possession. During the period, a total of 7,689 suspects were apprehended, of which 198 were taken into custody after proper investigation, he said.  SSP Amjad Ahmed Shaikh further said that religious seminaries throughout the District were also checked, adding, that about 237 of them were registered and 23 were unregistered. Besides this, search operations were also conducted in 53 religious seminaries throughout the district to avert any terrorist activity.

HRW accused Pakistan’s Police of routinely carrying out extra-judicial killings, torture and arbitrary arrests, and called on Islamabad to implement urgent reforms of its under-resourced forces. The findings were contained in a new report based on interviews with more than 30 Police Officers and 50 victims or witnesses of abuse across three of the country´s four provinces.

In addition to noting habitual rights violations including more than 2,000 so-called "encounter" killings in 2015, which are often believed to have been staged the report said Police often found themselves in thrall to powerful individuals who subvert the law for their own purposes. "Pakistan faces grave security challenges that can be best handled by a rights-respecting, accountable police force," said Brad Adams, Asia Director at Human Rights Watch. "Instead, law enforcement has been left to a police force filled with disgruntled, corrupt and tired officers who commit abuses with impunity, making Pakistanis less safe, not more."

September 27

A soldier, identified as Muhammad Rehman (22), was killed during a military action against militants in Wana town of SWA in FATA.

SFs demolished houses of two militants in Kabal tehsil of Swat District in KP. According to sources, the SFs demolished the houses of Gul Malik in Bara Bandai and Musa in Nangolai in Kabal tehsil. The two militants were wanted to the law enforcement agencies for their involvement in terrorism-related incidents.

FC seized a large quantity of arms and ammunition from Panjpai area of provincial capital Quetta. "The forces conducted a raid in Nullah and recovered 1800 kilograms of explosives, 150 IED and other weapons," said FC spokesperson Khan Wasy. Frontier Corps officials added that each IED weighed 20 kilograms. "The terrorists were trying to shift the weapons and explosive materials to interior parts of Balochistan to carry out subversive activities," Wasy said, adding, "security forces conducted the raid on a tip-off."

Two suspects, including a proclaimed offender, who is said to be involved in a number of kidnapping for ransom cases, were arrested by the CIA during a raid in Raees Goth area of Kiamari Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The suspects were identified as Mumtaz Mugheri alias Imtaiz and his accomplice, Sadiq Brohi. Weapons were recovered from their possession. DIG Jameel Ahmed of the CIA Karachi said that Mumtaz was a known criminal and the Sindh Government had announced reward money of PKR 400,000 for his arrest.

September 28

Two Lyari gangsters were killed and eight others arrested during Rangers search operation in Sangoleen area of Lyari town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to the Rangers spokesperson, a raid was conducted by the paramilitary force in Sangoleen area in which an exchange of fire took place between Rangers and members of the Uzair Baloch gang. In the exchange of fire, two persons were killed who were identified as Naeem Lahoti and Zeeshan Ganth. Naeem Lahoti was wanted for the murder of sixty-five persons, demanding extortion money and kidnapping for ransom crimes.

The SF personnel killed a wanted militant commander of a banned outfit, Zafar Bugti, near Notal area of Dera Bugti District in Balochistan. Zafar Bugti was wanted to law enforcers in the murder of six members of a family and other various extremist activities.

Three mortar shells were fired into Panjgur District from across the Iran border by the Iranian Border Guards in the early hours. "Mortar shells fired by Iranian border guards landed in the district of Panjgur," a provincial Government official said. The official added that two of the shells landed near Frontier Corps check post, with the third landing at Killi Karim Dad. No property or human loss was reported in the shelling.

September 29

Two gangsters affiliated with Arshad Pappu gang were shot dead in a joint operation by Rangers and Police in Lasi Mohallah near Mewashah graveyard within Pak Colony Police limits in Pak Colony of SITE Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The gangsters were accused of involvement in the murder of three brothers, whose bullet-riddled bodies were found from Gulbahar and Shershah Police Limits on September 24, 2016. SSP West Pir Muhammad Shah said that the accused were identified as Maula Dad Baloch (30), and Anayat Baloch (25), and had been involved in around 75 cases of targeted killings, kidnappings-for-ransom, extortion and other heinous crimes.

A councilor and his son were shot dead when unidentified arms assailants opened fire at them within the Yar Hussain Police Station jurisdiction in Swabi District.

Abid Abdullah, the executive of Jang Group of newspapers, was freed by his kidnappers in Islamabad. He was abducted by unidentified persons from Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on September 28, 2016. “He arrived safely at the Geo office in Islamabad and is fine,” said an unnamed journalist.

September 30

Six bullet-riddled dead bodies were recovered from a house in Parom area of Panjgur District in Balochistan.

At least one Police Official was killed and another injured when two unidentified armed assailants opened fire upon a Police vehicle in a bid to free prisoners in Baloch Colony area of Jamshed Town in provincial capital Karachi. The prisoners who fled after the attack were identified as Mohammad Imtiaz and Abdul Malik. According to details, the under-trial prisoners were being transported back in a private vehicle after attending court proceedings in an ATC. Assailants also snatched the official weapons of the police officials before fleeing the scene of the incident.

Sindh IG (Additional) Allah Dino Khawaja during a press conference in Hyderabad District said, “From what we have been conveyed through intelligence reports, information elicited from the arrested terrorists and the past incidents [of terrorism], we have declared Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Khairpur, Shikarpur and Jacobabad as sensitive”.  According to the IG, some 60,000 Policemen assisted by the Rangers will be deployed in the Province while army units will remain on standby. “Suicide attacks, roadside bombs or incitement of sectarian clashes are the main security threats [for Muharram],” he explained, adding that the controversial religious figures have been banned from giving sermons during the month.

October 2

An accused, Abdul Maalik Bengali, who had escaped Police custody and was arrested by the Rangers, has now been killed in an encounter in Korangi area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, SSP Korangi Noman Siddiqui said. According to SSP Noman Siddiqui, accused Abdul Maalik Bengali was killed in an encounter when Police party was going to arrest his accomplice Muhammad Imtiaz Rind. Accused Imtiaz Rind and another gunman identified as Faisal Bengali opened fire on police party at the EBM Causeway, ensuing fierce gun battle during which Abdul Maalik was killed, he said. Both the attackers fled the scene, he added. On September 30, Abdul Maalik and his associate Imtiaz Rind had managed to escape after killing a Policeman at the EBM Causeway. Three policemen – two constables and a SIO of the Korangi Industrial Area police – were bringing them back, both accused of involvement in the murder of head constable Yousuf Lodhi on September 20 – from an anti-terrorism court hearing in the SIO’s private vehicle.

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead a woman while she was on her way home near Hub area of Lasbela District in Balochistan.

The BDU defused an explosive device planted near the boundary wall of Akran Durrani Model School and College in Bannu District.

At least four Hazara Shia women were killed and one injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on a bus on Kirani Road near Pud Gali Chowk area of provincial capital Quetta. "The bus was stopped and the women were shot because of their ethnicity," said Provincial Government's spokesman Anwarul Haq Kakar. "It was a public transport bus and had eight women on board, out of which five were hit during the attack," said DIG Operations of Quetta Police.

A tribesman, identified as Shamsul Haq, was killed, while another man, identified as Noor Khan, sustained injuries in an IED blast in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA.

The White House shut down an ongoing petition that sought to designate Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism, saying that it is doing so on suspicion of fraud. In a blurb captioned, 'Closed Petition', the White House announced that the "petition has been archived because it did not meet the signature requirements. It can no longer be signed." The petition had, until October 21, 2016, to gather 100,000 signatures to merit a response from the White House under the rules of the programme that initiated such petitions.

At closure, the petition had 625,723 signatures, but the White House said the page might have included fraudulent signatures. The petition was hosted on a White House web page called "We the People", which is open to all and, therefore, does not enjoy the security that protected government web pages do. The petitioners, mostly US citizens of Indian origin, claimed that the designation was "important to the people of United States of America, India and many other countries which are continuously affected by Pakistan sponsored terrorism".

Three suspected militants were killed during an exchange of fire with FC in Naag area of Turbat District. Five suspects were arrested after the shootout. FC spokesperson Khan Wasey said, "Two camps of miscreants were also abolished by Security Forces and huge quantity of arms and ammunition were recovered from the abolished camps."

Two unidentified armed assailants were killed in retaliatory firing in Eastern Bypass area of provincial capital Quetta.

A huge cache of NATO weapons and ammunition was recovered by Police during a raid on an empty house in the Azizabad area of Gulberg Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The number of weapons included anti-aircraft guns, SMGs, LMGs, sniper rifles, hand grenades and rocket launchers hidden in the water tank of the empty house. Bulletproof jackets and helmets were also recovered during the raid by police.

The raid was conducted after the Police was tipped off by a political worker already in police custody. Karachi police chief Mushtaq Ahmed Mahar termed it the "biggest recovery of arms and ammunition in the history of Karachi". "In light of disclosures made by a detained suspect, big-wigs of a political party provided help in procuring these arms and ammunition," said the AIG Karachi, without naming the party and its leaders.

The civilian Government has informed the military leadership of a growing international isolation of Pakistan and sought consensus on several key actions by the state. As per reports, at least two sets of actions have been agreed. First, ISI DG Gen Rizwan Akhtar, accompanied by National Security Adviser Nasser Janjua, is to travel to each of the four provinces with a message for provincial apex committees and ISI sector commanders. The message: military-led intelligence agencies are not to interfere if law enforcement acts against militant groups that are banned or until now considered off-limits for civilian action. General Akhtar's inter-provincial tour has begun with a visit to Lahore. Second, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed that fresh attempts be made to conclude the Pathankot (Punjab, India) investigation and restart the stalled 26/11 Mumbai (India) terrorist attacks-related trials in a Rawalpindi antiterrorism court.

Unidentified assailants shot and injured a doctor, identified as Professor Asmatullah of Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC), in a targeted attack outside his house in Phase 4 of Hayatabad in provincial capital Peshawar.

The CTD arrested a terrorist affiliated with a banned militant outfit and identified as Muhammad Tariq alias Qari from Charsadda Road in Peshawar.

The Kohat Division administration decided to deploy army troops in Hangu District and put them on standby on Kohat-Hangu Road up to Kurram Agency from 7th to 10th of Muharram to ensure peace and security in the two cities. Also, a jirga of Shia and Sunni elders of Hangu and Kohat agreed to observe peace and harmony during Muharram.

The Kohat Division administration decided to deploy army troops in Hangu District and put them on standby on Kohat-Hangu Road up to Kurram Agency from 7th to 10th of Muharram to ensure peace and security in the two cities. Also, a jirga of Shia and Sunni elders of Hangu and Kohat agreed to observe peace and harmony during Muharram.

FC arrested two suspected members of a banned outfit from Sui area of Dera Bugti District.

In the second raid, FC soldiers arrested two more suspects and seized a cache of weapons and ammunition from them in the Panjgur District.

The FC recovered arms seizures from Sherani area of Zhob District. However, no arrest was reported.

The geo-tagging of religious seminaries in Punjab has been completed by the CTD while the process to separate hardcore elements from the fourth schedulers under the ATA is continuing. Under the geo-tagging, the accurate location of a building, including its latitude, longitude, name and distance are documented. A senior police official said the geo-tagging of seminaries in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Chakwal Districts had been completed with the assistance of the Punjab Information Technology Board.

"Hardly there will be any madrassa [religious seminaries] which has not been passed through the geo-tagging process in Punjab," he said, adding it had become necessary because of the current security situation in the country and the use of young boys by Jihadi outfits for terrorism activities. The official said besides collecting accurate location of the seminaries, the CTD had been collecting the details of students and teachers in addition to the eligibility and qualifications of the teachers.

During a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs held, PML-N lawmaker Rana Muhammad Afzal asked, "Which eggs is Hafiz Saeed laying for us that we are nurturing him?". He also said, "The efficacy of our foreign policy speaks for itself when we couldn't curtail Hafiz Saeed." Hafiz Saeed is the founder of LeT and the chief of JuD.

Two coordinated blasts targeting railway tracks hit near the Rawalpindi-bound Jaffar Express in the Ab-e-Gum area of Bolan District in Balochistan, killing at least six people and leaving 18 others injured. Initial reports suggest that a bomb was planted along the railway track in the Ab-e-Gum area. The second explosion took place in the same area 20 minutes later.

A trustee of an Imambargah and a senior office-bearer of private schools association, Mansoor Zaidi, was shot dead while his son was critically injured in a suspected sectarian attack by unidentified assailants outside their home in Block-8 area of Gulistan-e-Jauhar area in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

The CTD apprehended nine terrorists affiliated to various banned outfits in Karachi. SSP CTD Omer Shahid said in a media briefing that arrested terrorists were involved in attacking Police Stations, political activists and MQM MPA Manzar Imam. Al Qaeda South Asia commander Faizur Rehman alias Abdullah alias Danial and his accomplices were among those apprehended. CTD officials said Faizur Rehman was second in command of al Qaeda South Asia in Karachi. Other militants were affiliated to banned outfit LeJ. Suicide jackets, bombs and other explosives were recovered from the arrested terrorists.

ISPR Director General Lieutenant General Asim Bajwa said there is not a single hideout of the terrorists in Pakistan. In an interview with Chinese news agency, he said Pakistan Army had cleared all areas in North Waziristan and Khyber Agency. "The security forces have killed nearly 3,500 militants and destroyed 992 hideouts," said Bajwa. "I can confirm there is presently no physical hideout of terrorists in Pakistan and areas in North Waziristan including the mountainous Shawal Valley near the Afghan border and Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency have been cleared," he added.

The United States assured Pakistan that it does not want to declare it a state sponsor of terrorism and desires to work with Islamabad "as cooperatively as we can" to eliminate terrorist safe havens from the South Asian region. At a Friday afternoon news briefing, US State Department spokesperson John Kirby also said that the United States had full confidence in Pakistan's capability to protect its nuclear weapons and to prevent terrorists from accessing them. "I have not seen anything specifically about the… bill and obviously we don't," said Mr Kirby when asked if the US government would support a congressional bill and an online petition that seek to label Pakistan a 'terrorist state'. "We're confident that Pakistan has the security controls they need to have in place on their arsenal, and I'd let them speak to that more specifically. I wouldn't get into that," said the US official when asked if Washington believed Pakistan could prevent terrorists from accessing its nukes.

A tribal chief, identified as Sardar Wakeel Ahmed Buledi and his brother, Bahadur Ali Buledi were killed by unidentified gunmen in the Bhag area of Bolan District in Balochistan, Levies officials said. They were on their way to the bazaar in Goth Gamb when their vehicle came under fire. They received multiple injuries and died on the spot. The attackers escaped, said sources. The cause of the attack could not be ascertained. However, Levies officials said the incident could be the result of tribal enmity.

Police arrested two suspected al Qaeda operatives in Sargodha District of Punjab who were allegedly planning attacks during Muharram processions, said police officials. Security officials also claimed that the two had been trained in Afghanistan. Law enforcement officials recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition, which included five hand grenades, 37 RPG rounds, suicide vests, seven Kalashnikov assault rifles, and 695 bullets. "Police has been carrying out raids in various areas of Punjab on the directives of Punjab Inspector-General Mushtaq Ahmed Sukhera to ensure security for the mourners," said Sargodha RPO Zulfiqar Hameed.

Qari Ajmal, the alleged mastermind of the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team at Liberty Chowk in Lahore on March 3, 2009, was reportedly killed during a joint operation by NATO and Afghan forces in Argon area of Paktika province in eastern Afghanistan. According to sources, Ajmal was a commander of LeJ-Punjab Chapter and in the past had been associated with TTP.

Police and CTD officials raided two seminaries and detained five suspects during a joint raid by SITE Police and CTD officials on Madressah Mehmoodia, located near Qureshi Goth in Sukkur District. According to the sources, carried out a search of the rooms where printed literature and personal belongings of teachers and students were kept. It was not known whether the raiding team found any objectionable material but four clerics -Maulvi Hakim Ali Brohi, Hafiz Saddam Hussain Brohi, Hafiz Ishaq Ali and Ghulamullah - were taken into custody. In another raid, the joint team carried out a search of some rooms in Jamia Khulafa-i-Rashideen and arrested one person, Gulsher Junejo. He was also taken away to an undisclosed place for interrogation.

Banners inscribed with slogans in Urdu 'Kuch aur Nahin, Bus Pakistan' (Nothing else, Except Pakistan) and containing the pictures of the CoAS General Raheel Sharif and the two soldiers martyred at the LoC were displayed in provincial capital Karachi. "Move on Pakistan" party had displayed the banners in support of the Army Chief.

KP Home Department issued a high alert on the basis of intelligence reports that banned outfit LeJ-Al Alami (International) is planning to strike the Shia community in Faisalabad District. "They (terrorists) of the banned organization are in need of weapons to carry out attack in Faisalabad", said an official quoting the Home Department. He said the outfit was mainly active in Balochistan and Karachi and its plans to carry out terror attack in Punjab (Faisalabad) raised eyebrows of the law enforcement agencies.

Seven suspected militants were killed in air strikes carried out by Pakistan Air Force jets in the Tirah valley area of Khyber Agency in FATA. Security officials said three hideouts were also destroyed during the airstrikes. The details of the strikes could not be independently verified as access of media personnel is restricted in the region. These areas have also been considered home to religious extremist organizations including Al Qaeda and the TTP.

Brother of Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) leader was shot dead in the Orangi Town area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Police said that Kashif Sagheer (25) was sitting along with some other men in sector 12-C of Orangi Town when four suspects riding on two motorcycles opened fire on him and fled. Police also said that the victim's elder brother, Asif, was a local leader of PSP in Orangi Town.

A bullet-riddled dead body, identified as that of Wali Mohammad, was recovered from a water tank in Sohbatpur District.

A bullet-riddled dead body, identified as that of Wali Mohammad, was recovered from a water tank in Sohbatpur District.

Three suspects were arrested during a raid in Barori area of provincial capital Quetta. Weapons and explosives were recovered from their possession.

Sources in the Afghan Taliban claimed that Pakistani authorities have arrested senior members of the Taliban Supreme council and known Taliban cleric Mullah Ahmadullah Nanay in Satellite Town area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. The sources claimed that Mullah Ahmadullah Nanay was taken in to custody from the seminary of Mullah Abdul Hakim in Satellite Town area. However, the news could not be confirmed with the Pakistani authorities. Mullah Nanay is one of the senior-most members of the 23-member strong Taliban Rahbari Shura. He was also the head of the Dawat-e-Jalb wa Jazb / Auqaf commission of the Afghan Taliban. The commission is responsible for contacting and luring opponents to join the Taliban cause. Mullah Nanay was an ex-Taliban governor in Herat and Mazar-e-Sharif and had also served as the Minister for Public Works during the Taliban era between 1996 and 2001. He was also a close aide of the Taliban commander Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund. Mullah Baradar was also arrested by Pakistani agencies in Karachi in 2010. He was later released in 2013.

More than 10 Shia mourners were injured when armed assailants affiliated with ASWJ opened fire at Ashura procession in Kotli Loharana Mashriqi area of Sialkot District in Punjab. None of the mainstream media outlets reported this incident.

The US State Department urged Pakistan to "shut down access to areas inside their borders to terrorists". State Department spokesperson John Kirby in a press briefing, when asked to comment on recent remarks by JuD chief Hafiz Saeed on Pakistan, responded by saying, "I'm not going to dignify the comments of an avowed terrorist one way or the other," adding, "We continue to work with Pakistan and continue to urge Pakistan to take steps to shut down access to areas inside their borders to terrorists, to terrorist individuals and to terrorist groups."

Eight terrorists, affiliated with al Qaeda and TTP, were killed in a joint encounter by CTD Police and intelligence agencies in Tonmi Road area of Dera Ghazi Khan District in Punjab. The CTD spokesman said that terrorists were planning to carry out attacks in Shujaabad town near Multan on the eve of Ashura (10th day of Muharram).

Eight terrorists, affiliated with al Qaeda and TTP, were killed in a joint encounter by CTD Police and intelligence agencies in Tonmi Road area of Dera Ghazi Khan District in Punjab. The CTD spokesman said that terrorists were planning to carry out attacks in Shujaabad town near Multan on the eve of Ashura (10th day of Muharram).

Four suspected militants were killed in a shootout with Rangers during a raid in an isolated area near the Northern Bypass in Gadap Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. He said Rangers recovered arms and explosives from their hideout.

ASI Shahzad Akhtar was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants while he was travelling in his vehicle in Korangi Town.

An unidentified bullet-riddled dead body of a man was found from a drain in the Gulbahar area of Liaquatabad Town. According to source, the dead body was that of an ethnic Baloch.

Pakistan said that Cyril Almeida, a journalist with Dawn, who reported a rift between the civilian and military leadership, was barred from going abroad to help in a probe into how "inaccurate" details of a crucial security meeting were leaked to the media. Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, while addressing a press conference in Islamabad for the first time since the controversy over Almeida's name being put on ECL erupted, said, "We had no other option but to put his name on the ECL as he was travelling abroad the next day." "Had we not put the central character on the ECL, we would have been blamed for letting him go," he added.

Nisar said the action was taken after the journalist had booked a flight for UAE to leave the country next day after the story was published. The minister alleged that the news was "inaccurate". He said, "Who leaked this inaccurate news? It was published at the behest of someone, and that will be uncovered ... they will be brought to justice. But how can that person be brought to justice, if we allow the journalist to leave the country?" He stated that an ongoing investigation would be completed very soon.

Almeida was barred from leaving the country on October 11, 2016, after he reported a rift between the civilian and military leaderships over the powerful ISI shielding terror groups like the Haqqani Network and LeT that led to Pakistan's international isolation.

Three FC personnel were shot dead in Sabzal Road area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. According to Police sources, suspected militants opened fire at the FC men. Two men died on the spot, whereas the third succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital. The attackers escaped unharmed. There has been no claim of responsibility for the attack.

A Policeman, identified as Munawwar, shot dead by unidentified assailants near Landi Kotal Chowrangi area in North Nazimabad area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Police took into custody nine suspects from the Eidgah colony and Saddar areas of Karachi in the night. Police conducted an operation in the city's Empress Market area, during which an exchange of fire took place between the law enforcement agency and the suspects. Four suspects were taken into custody by police, out of which two were apprehended in wounded condition.

To eliminate the menace of terrorism, all the state institutions are on the same page and there was no discrimination in action against the terrorists, said Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria. The spokesman, in his weekly media briefing, rejected the view about isolation of the country at diplomatic level, saying that geographically Pakistan is an economic hub for other countries. Zakaria said, "Pakistan is not being isolated internationally. All this is propaganda." Pakistan enjoys brotherly relations with all countries, he added.

Further, he said India was using different tactics to divert attention from the issue of Kashmir. "Media campaign against Pakistan and escalating border tension are Indian tactics," he said. "India constantly wants to keep the world under an impression based on lies that do not exist in reality," Spokesman Nafees Zakaria said in response to Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's statement quoting that there was no need to share proofs of surgical strike. He said India's false claim of surgical strike and media campaign against Pakistan had now been clearly exposed. "India is using Afghan soil for terrorist activities in Pakistan," he said and added that Indian leaders have on record accepted that India was spreading terrorism in Pakistan.

Shahbaz Taseer's alleged kidnapper and five other suspected militants were killed in an 'encounter' with a team of the CTD near Sheikhupura Bypass in Sheikhupura District of Punjab in the night. A CTD spokesperson said that they had received information that nine to 10 members of the TTP were present in Sheikhupura, planning an attack on the offices of law enforcement agencies. At around 12:30am, the CTD team raided a house near the Sheikhupura Bypass. "Noticing their presence, the terrorists...tried to flee by a car and two motorcycles." The CTD team chased them up to a branch road where the suspects opened fire at the cops, said the spokesperson. The security personnel retaliated. "When the shootout ended, six of the terrorists were dead and the rest had fled," he said. The CTD seized arms and ammunition, including three Kalashnikov rifles, three pistols, two kilogrammes of explosives, prima cords and a cache of bullets. A senior police official requesting said that the CTD's investigation team had identified one of the deceased as Haji Muhammad alias Pathan, who was accused of being involved in the abduction of Shahbaz Taseer, son of the late Governor Salmaan Taseer.

Deputy Department Spokesperson of the US State Department Mark Toner said that Pakistan had suffered at the hands of terrorists and extremists. In a couple of statements from his press briefing, Toner said that the USA had always laid stress on Pakistan to take action against all militants and terrorist outfits in the country. "We want to help Pakistan in its war against terrorism," he said. "Pakistan should also go after terrorist outfits inside its territory," he said.

Two security personnel were killed and another one was injured in firing from across the Afghan border in Angor Adda area of South Waziristan Agency in FATA. Sources said that unidentified assailants targeted a check-post at Angor Adda from the Birmal area in Paktika province of Afghanistan at 9:46am with light and heavy weapons. Two security personnel, Idrees Khan and Arshad, were killed and Naek Saeed was injured. The deceased belonged to the 56th Punjab Regiment.

FC shot dead two suspects in combing operation in Chathar area of Naseerabad District in Balochistan. The FC spokesman said that they were involved in kidnapping-for-ransom, attacking on security forces, damaging officials building and extortion.

A bomb blast occurred near Salahuddin Levies check post in Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District. However, no casualties were reported. After the incident, the SFs cordoned off the area, carried out search operation and arrested several suspects.

FC recovered huge cache of ammunition, including five kilogrammes of explosive material, three kilogrammes of nut bullets, two detonators and several detonators cards, during a search operation in Sui area of Dera Bugti District.

A boy, identified as Faeaz (13), was killed and 15 others, including women and children, were injured when a bomb was exploded outside Dar-e-Abbas Imambargah in Liaquatabad Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Police arrested seven suspects and detained 47 persons during a search operation in Manghopir area of Gadap Town. TTP-Swat 'commander' Gul Nawab was among the arrested suspects.

The chief of the CTD informed the Sindh High Court that one of the 'facilitators' of the May 13, 2015, Safoora Goth attack, Naeem Sajid, is an al Qaeda operative who is linked to the attack. The CTD in-charge made the revelation in comments submitted to the court in relation to petitions seeking the release of three suspects who were reportedly acquitted of charges of facilitation in the Safoora Goth attack. Sajid is an arms dealer and the serial numbers of the arms and ammunition used in the incident were found from his possession, claimed the CTD chief.

Federal Ministry of Interior moved to extend Rangers' special policing powers in Sindh for a 90-day period. Pursuant to the request made by Sindh's Home Department, the powers of Rangers have been extended under Clause (1) of Sub-Section-3 of Section-4 of Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 (XXVII of 1997). The three-month extension will be effective from October 18, 2016, a spokesperson for the Ministry said. The powers will remain valid between October 17, 2016 and January 18, 2017.

A tribesman, identified as Muhammad Janan, was killed while his friend was injured in a landmine blast in Jaar area of Kurram Agency in FATA.

According to a statement issued by the ISPR, the fourth phase of the return and rehabilitation process of the people displaced from South Waziristan Agency will commence on October 19. The statement further said that 81 villages of Ladha, Makeen, Sararogha, Sarwakai and Tiarza tehsils will be rehabilitated during the phase that will continue till December 6, 2016.

Two civilians were injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at them in Block I area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

The CTD arrested two militants, identified as Muhammad Izhar and Abdul Kabir, for distributing Daesh pamphlets in Palosi area of provincial capital Peshawar. The CTD recovered Daesh pamphlets from the possession of the suspects that contained messages in Urdu and Pashto.

At least 43 BRA militants surrendered themselves to authorities at a ceremony in Dera Bugti District. According to official sources, the militants announced that they had parted ways with Nawabzada Brahamdagh Bugti and decided to join mainstream politics. A spokesperson for the Frontier Corps said that they had vowed to remain loyal to Pakistan and to work for the development of the country. "We have decided to abandon armed struggle and join mainstream politics after Brahamdagh Bugti sought asylum in India," he quoted the men as saying.

Akbar Ali alias Badi, one of the planners of terrorist attack on the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Oct 10, 2009 was killed in an IBO in Gomal area of Tank District in KP. A Peshawar-based senior security official said that SFs surrounded a compound where Akbar Ali was present along with other militants. They were asked to surrender, but instead of turning themselves in they opened fire on security forces," the security official said. "In the ensuing gunfight, Akbar Ali was killed." Akbar Ali was one of the top commanders of the Shura-e-Mujahideen Waziristan and had expertise in training suicide bombers. He was also involved in several attacks on SFs and installations.

The Pakistan Rangers raided a sector of the MQM in Orangi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh and recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition. A statement by the Pakistan Rangers said that they received a tip after which they conducted the raid and recovered the weapons stashed in concealed drawers. The seized weapons include three SMG, three 8mm rifles, four 7mm rifles, a 22-bore rifle, 30-bore rifle, repeaters, three 30-bore pistols, three RPG-7, along with 1,840 G3's bullets, 12,960 SMG's, 8,250 LMG and other weapon's bullets.

The Pakistan Rangers raided a sector of the MQM in Orangi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh and recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition. A statement by the Pakistan Rangers said that they received a tip after which they conducted the raid and recovered the weapons stashed in concealed drawers. The seized weapons include three SMG, three 8mm rifles, four 7mm rifles, a 22-bore rifle, 30-bore rifle, repeaters, three 30-bore pistols, three RPG-7, along with 1,840 G3's bullets, 12,960 SMG's, 8,250 LMG and other weapon's bullets.

In that regard, she said, Pakistan had supported the Russian proposal for a bio-chemical terrorism convention. Participating in a debate on weapons of mass destruction, she said that Pakistan condemned the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, and welcomed milestones that had been achieved in the destruction of Syrian and Libyan chemical weapons. "We remain committed to the full and effective implementation of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC)," she said. "We attach high priority to the convention's provisions relating to international cooperation and assistance as well as peaceful uses of chemical technology," she said.

Unidentified motorcycle bourne assailants shot dead a Police Constable Rahman Ali, a resident of Swabi District, while he was on duty in Parda Bagh area under the precincts of Faqirabad Police Station in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Police conducted a search operation in Ittehad Town area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, in the night and took into custody 20 suspected persons. Ittehad Town remains one of the most dangerous areas for law enforcement personnel. Police have conducted numerous search operations for members of banned militant outfits and taken them into custody.

The UJC chairman Syed Salahuddin asked Pakistan to extend "military support" to Kashmiri freedom fighters to help them accomplish their long-cherished goal of freedom from India. "The festering (Kashmir) issue is not going to resolve through talks or resolutions… Pakistan should militarily support Kashmiris by providing resources to the Mujahideen," said Syed Salahuddin. "If the Mujahideen get military support, not only Kashmir will clinch freedom but the map of the subcontinent will also undergo a change," he added. He, however, declined to elaborate the kind of military support required by the freedom fighters.

Former Corps Commander Mangla Lieutenant General Tariq Hayat Khan said during the operation against Taliban in Swat, a number of deradicalisation centres were established there for the youth. However, he was of the view that without bringing a change in society, such an exercise could not bear fruit. "I used to say that what will be the benefit of the deradicalisation of youngsters because they would be sent back to the society which was already radicalised. It was this radicalisation that people were more close to Osama bin Laden compared to the army," he said.

Five suspects were arrested during search operations in different areas of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Rangers conducted a search operation in Azizabad area and took three suspects into custody. Another search operation was also launched in Pak colony area in which two suspects were arrested. The suspects are identified as Nawaz and Salman.

The CTD arrested four terrorists from Karachi and recovered weapons as well as ammunition from them. The arrestees are Hafiz Noor aka Ghousia, Zakaria aka Muavia, Muzaffar Ashiq aka Kaji, and Moiz. According to details, a raid was conducted by CTD officials in Orangi Town, Korangi and Bilal colony areas. Four hand grenades and six suicide vests were recovered by CTD. SP CTD Junaid Shaikh claimed that the alleged militants were wanted for sectarian killings and had also fought with security forces in tribal areas.

Two Pakistan Coast Guard personnel were killed while two civilians were injured when unidentified armed assailants in Jiwani Bazaar area of Gwadar District in Balochistan. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

PST cadre, identified as Maulana Shaukat Nawaz, was shot dead in Makhan Colony of Haripur District in KP.

Operation Zarb-e-Azb is an example of "war for peace" which is bringing stability and prosperity to Pakistan and the region, said CoAS General Raheel Sharif while addressing the closing ceremony of the first PACES Competition held at Fortress Stadium in Lahore District. "Operation Zarb-e-Azb is an example of 'War for Peace' which is bringing stability and prosperity to Pakistan and the region. Today, our brave men can tell the world with pride that by eliminating terrorist networks from the far reaches of Pak-Afghan border, an environment of peace and prosperity is flourishing," he said.

"This landmark event has brought together participants from 18 leading armies of the world. As a unique competition of its kind, the occasion is an opportunity to promote mutual cooperation and brotherhood. Today, Pakistan stands more integrated with rest of the world than ever before with such events as a fine example," Sharif added.

At least 61 SF personnel were killed, and 164 others were injured as terrorists stormed the New Sariab PTC, some 13 kilometres away from Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, in the night. Three terrorists entered the PTC and headed straight for the hostel where around 700 Police recruits were sleeping. The attack began at around 11:10 pm, with gunfire continuing to ring out at the site for several hours. Major causalities were done by two suicide bombers blew them up. SFs killed two terrorists and rescued 250 cadets who were held as hostages. SFs were able to clear the area after 5 hours and the entry, exit routes were opened for traffic in the morning.

The Hakimullah faction of the TTP claimed responsibility for the attack. "TTP Hakimullah group's Karachi unit was behind the attack," the group said. The Hakimullah group said four of its militants took part in the attack. However, Major General Sher Afghan, chief of the paramilitary Frontier Corps in Balochistan, which led the counter-operation, said the militants belonged to the Al-Alami (The international) faction of the LeJ - which is affiliated with the Pakistani Taliban. "They were in communication with operatives in Afghanistan," he added.

Unidentified militants killed two officials of Pakistan Customs in the Shamsabad area of Mastung District. One customs official was critically wounded in the armed attack. "Armed men opened fire at a customs vehicle in the Shamsabad area of Mastung city," said Captain (Retd) Farraukh Atiq, Deputy Commissioner of Mastung District. The militants escaped from the scene of the attack without facing any resistance.

FC personnel arrested a key terrorist in Tump area of Quetta. According to details, the FC officials raided a hideout in Tump and arrested a key terrorist belonging to a banned outfit. FC officials also seized a cache of ammunition from him including seven RPGs, six rocket launchers, five hand grenades, two pistols and explosive materials.

Two motorcycle bourne militants shot dead Akbar Ali, an Intelligence Sub-Inspector, at a bus stop near his home in Sardaryab area of Charsadda District when he was on his way to work in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. Suhail Khalid, Charsadda District Police Chief said that Akbar Ali was hit by four bullets from the front and was killed on the spot. The attackers used a 9mm pistol and managed to flee the scene. The attack was later claimed by Daesh (the Islamist State, formerly Islamic State of Iraq and al Sham) in a short statement posted on Amaq, its affiliated news agency. "Islamic State fighters have killed a Pakistan intelligence agent in the Sardaryab region... of Pakistan," it said.

A Police Constable deployed for the protection of polio eradication teams was killed in a bomb attack near the Muslim Children Academy school area under Daudzai Police Station on the outskirts of Peshawar. According to the Station House Officer of the Daudzai Police Station, the Superintendent of Police was near the Muslim Children Academy School inspecting security measures when the bomb went off. Police officials confirmed that the deployment was for the protection of polio workers, whose lives are under consistent threat.

The Haqqani network continues to enjoy sanctuary in Pakistan and operates freely from there, John Nicholson - the top US commander in Afghanistan - said. In an interview with The Indian Express, Nicholson said, "We see, on the one hand, a stated aspiration for reconciliation (on the part of the Pakistan government, by bringing the Taliban to the table for peace talks). While on the other, the Haqqanis still enjoy sanctuary and can operate freely from inside Pakistan and this continues to be a concern." Nicholson, however, said he would give the Pakistani Government and the Army great credit for mounting Operation Zarb-e-Azb against terrorists and other insurgents. One consequence of this operation was that several terrorists, including the Pakistani Taliban, were forced to migrate to Afghanistan, thereby allowing the Afghan security forces to target them. "But we haven't seen that with the Haqqanis. They were not forced over (into Afghanistan by the Pakistani operation). The Haqqanis continue to conduct operations from inside Pakistan, against Afghans and the US-led coalition," Nicholson claimed.

Three suspected terrorists were killed in an exchange of fire with Rangers during an intelligence-based operation in Ittehad Town area of Baldia Town in Karachi, THE provincial capital of Sindh. Two Rangers personnel were injured. Police recovered weapons and ammunition.

An unidentified bullet-riddled dead body was found Ehsaanabad area of Sohrab Goth in Gadap Town.

A special meeting held at Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah's House to review the law and order situation in the Province was told that 93 madrassas in Sindh have solid links with terrorist or banned outfits and intelligence agencies have credible information about the activities taking place there. The Chief Minister directed the Police and Rangers to begin an operation against madrassas harboring terrorists. "This kind of attitude will not be accepted," said Shah. "We will not allow anybody to shed blood of innocent people in the name of religion or using a sacred place. This operation will also be targeted and intelligence-based." The operation will be started just after Chehlum.

BDU officer, identified as Zahid, escaped unhurt when an IED bomb he was defusing exploded in Peshawar. The BDU has defused over 6,000 bombs since 2009. "As I was defusing it by placing a stick close to it, someone from within the crowd pressed the button to trigger the explosives," Zahid said.

Islamic State (also known as Daesh) claimed responsibility for October 24, 2016 attack on PTC in provincial capital Quetta that killed 61 persons. The attack was carried out by "Islamic State fighters", the group's Amaq News Agency said.

A polio worker, identified as Fazal Amin, was shot dead by unidentified militants in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA.

At least four suspected terrorists were killed in an exchange of fire with SFs in Hazar Ganji area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, in the night. "Security forces conducted a raid on a compound in the Hazar Ganji area of Quetta," said a police official. The security official added that the terrorists fired upon the SFs, after which the forces retaliated. Three security officials were injured after the terrorists lobbed a hand grenade, said the police official.

Balochistan Government demanded pre-1958 powers under the FCR to curb crimes and prevent acts of terror in the province. "The provincial administration has no legal powers in Balochistan that has become a war zone," Home Secretary Mohammad Akbar told a meeting of the Senate's Functional Committee on Human Rights. Committee members, esp­ecially Senator Dr Jehanzeb Jamaldini of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal, criticised both the federal and provincial governments for their failure to stop acts of terror in the province.

The CTD killed three alleged militants in Karachi during an operation at Korangi causeway in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to details disclosed by CTD SSP Junaid Sheikh, all three militants who were gunned down belonged to banned outfits.

Police also rounded up 53 suspects, among which also included two Afghan nationals in Saddar and Baloch colony areas of Karachi. According to police officials, the operation was conducted in Baloch colony's Junejo Town and Dada Bhai Town as well as other areas. After conducting a thorough search of the area, police officials took into custody thirty-five suspects. Police apprehended the suspects via door to door searches. The suspects were taken to an undisclosed location for further interrogation.

SFs killed four LeJ militants, linked to October 24, 2016, attack on PTC, during an intelligence-based raid in New Sariab area of provincial capital Quetta. "A team of ATF raided the compound and killed four militants after an exchange of gunfire," said Senior Police Official Abdullah Afridi.

A dead body, identified as that of Manzoor, was found in the Baghao area of Barkhan District in Balochistan. According to details, Manzoor had disappeared on October 27, 2016, from Tang Karez area of Baghao.

FC personnel foiled terror bid by defusing two land mines on Sui Road in Dera Bugti District.

FC troops and Police during a combing operation in Pashtoonabad area of provincial capital Quetta detained 10 Afghan nationals. According to the FC spokesman, one Kalashnikov assault rifle and two pistols were also seized from the Afghans.

In another operation, the FC seized three IEDs and mortar rounds in the Hoki Nullah in Dalbandin area of Chagai District.

A school guard was injured when two unidentified armed assailants opened indiscriminate fire while entering a private school in Haroonabad area of Bahawalnagar District in Punjab. However, as heavy contingents of Police reached the site, the assailants escaped. All students were safely evacuated from the school.

Rangers recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition from a house in Musharraf Colony of Baldia Town in provincial capital Karachi. The weapons were hidden under the floor of the and included one G3 rifle, five submachine guns, two 8mm rifles, 14 magazines and 5000 rounds. According to the statement, the weapons were meant to be used for target killings and to conduct terrorism activities in the city.

Sindh IG Allah Dino Khawaja while laying the foundation stone of a private school in Tando Muhammad Khan District ruled out the presence of any network of Daesh in Sindh, stating, "There may be some individuals who are inspired by the group, but there is no organised network." He informed that the seminaries allegedly involved in promoting armed struggle have been identified. "We will take action against them under the National Action Plan," he added.

Two Pakistanis among the eight IS suspects were arrested in Saudi Arabia for plotting killings and a car bombing, said the Ministry of Interior. A Ministry statement said those arrested included Islamic State suspects who had planned killings of security officials in the Shaqra District north of the capital Riyadh. Other militants had planned to attack civilians in the eastern city of Qatif and stage a car bomb attack on a visiting UAE football team at a stadium in the western port city of Jeddah, the statement said.

The statement revealed that the eight arrested suspects included two Pakistanis, a Syrian and a Sudanese. Eight Saudis and a Bahraini were among the suspects still at large, it said.

November 1

The CTD conducted an operation and killed nine alleged militants in Chichoki Mallian area of Sheikhupura District in Sindh. Three accomplices managed to flee. The CTD officials recovered six kilograms of explosive materials, five Kalashnikov rifles and five pistols from their possession.

Two Lyari gangsters, affiliated with Bab Ladla group, identified as Karan Ganfar (30), and Ramesh Prem, were shot at and injured when gangsters of a rival group opened fire at them outside Ramesh’s house located in Marwari Para in Lyari Town of provincial capital Karachi. However, later Karan succumbed to his injuries.

Police arrested four suspects in two different raids in Surjani Town area of Gadap Town and Jamshed Quarters area in Jamshed Town.

An ATC awarded 28 years’ imprisonment to five TTP militants. The five, indentified as Suleman, Najmuddin alias Najibullah, Abdul Jaleel, Imran and Gul Fraz, were arrested after a police encounter in the Kalri Police jurisdiction in 2014. They were found guilty of possessing explosive material and illegal arms, and the court ordered confiscating their movable and immovable properties.

A militant, identified as Noor Mohammad alias Noray, was killed in a clash with SFs in Maki Khel area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA.

Army Major, identified as Major Imran, was killed and six other soldiers were injured in an IED explosion in South Waziristan Agency. According to ISPR, around 490 soldiers and 3,500 militants have been killed so far in FATA in Operation Zarb-e-Azab.

November 2

Four terrorists were killed in a joint operation by intelligence agencies and Frontier Constabulary in Dasht area of Gwadar District. Sources said a huge amount of weapons were recovered from their possession.

A Balochistan Levies official was shot dead in the Wadh area of Khuzdar District. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Rangers and Intelligence Agencies personnel unearthed a huge cache of arms during a search operation in Sakhi Hassan graveyard in North Nazimabad Town of Karachi. Sources disclosed that Rangers had conducted the search operation based on information provided by arrested suspects.

The administration of Malala Government Girls Secondary School, located on Mission Road in Bhimpura area of Sadar Town, has concealed the name of Malala inscribed at the façade of the school building due to threats. The administration told that some suspects have threatened the parents of girl's students to keep them at homes instead of sending to the school. This move has also terrified the students of the school. The enrolment has also decreased after these threats. The school management has informed the concerned authorities about this situation, but Education Department and LEA are not taking any concrete steps for the security of the school.

November 3

A Major of the Pakistan Army, Major Zeeshan Naseem, was shot dead by unidentified assailants, who stormed his residence in Sector I-8/4 in Islamabad, the Federal Capital. Major Zeeshan Naseem’s wife answered the door and found a man standing outside. He pushed her aside and while she tried to intercept him, two more persons entered the house Police quoted the major’s wife as saying. Major Zeeshan Naseem, who was in a nearby room, rushed to the gate after he heard the voice of his wife. One of the men pulled out a pistol and fired on him, the Police added. He suffered a bullet injury in the chest and fell to the floor, bleeding. He was taken to a hospital where he died.

Police took into custody 13 suspects during a search operation in Gulshan-e-Ghazi area of Baldia Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to Police, a search operation was conducted to arrest wanted persons in Gulshan-e-Ghazi area. 

The apex committee decided to launch a crackdown on drug dealers and criminals involved in street crime besides compiling a list of people, particularly seminary students, who have been to Afghanistan, Iran and Syria in recent years. In its 17th meeting held at CM House, the apex committee also decided that the names which had been put on fourth schedule and those of 3,023 proclaimed offenders would be shared with Federal and Provincial agencies to monitor their activities and arrest them. The CM gave a go-ahead for the upgrade of 1,000 CCTV cameras to 12 mega pixel and assured the law enforcement agencies of his support to make Karachi one of the most peaceful cities in the world.

November 4

Six persons, including five associated with the proscribed ASWJ were shot dead in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Three persons, who appeared to be 'religious scholars', were shot dead in the Shafiq Mor area of North Karachi, SSP, Muqadas Haider, said.

Two persons were shot dead near Fatima Bai Hospital in Patel Para area under Jamshed Quarters Police Station in Jamshed Town. An ASWJ spokesman claimed that all the five victims were associated with their group. However, Police officials said they were not affiliated with ASWJ and were part of a Deoband group.

A prayer leader, Shafiq Rehman (30), was shot dead in North Nazimabad area in Karachi of Sindh. Shafiq Rehman was feeding pigeons in Block-H of North Nazimabad when armed pillion riders attacked him, said Hyderi Market, SHO, Zulfiqar Haider. "The victim was a Pesh Imam (prayer leader) of small mosque located at ground floor of multi-storey Al-Hamra apartment in North Nazimabad, however, his association with any religious party could not be ascertained immediately," Zulfiqar added.

Three suspected militants allegedly affiliated with banned terror outfits were arrested during a CTD operation from the Korangi, Orangi and Lyari area. The three suspected militants were identified as Mohammad Aziz, who was affiliated with AQIS, Tauseef Zaheer who was affiliated with LeJ, and Abdul Hafeez who was affiliated with SSP, said the statement released by the CTD.

November 5

Two terrorists and a Policeman were killed in an exchange of fire in Minai area of Swabi District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the night. Official sources said terrorists attacked a Police vehicle in Minai area and managed to flee. "One of them was shot dead and another blew himself up as Police chased after them," the sources said. Police also freed four people, including a minor, believed to be taken hostage by the terrorists. A Policeman was also injured in the exchange of fire who later succumbed to his injuries. A Kalashnikov, two hand grenades and ammunition were also seized in the operation.

SFs killed three suspected militants, who were allegedly involved in passenger train attacks, in an exchange of fire in Bolan District of Balochistan. "All three suspected militants were killed during joint raids of Frontier Corps and security institutions to apprehend the elements involved in attacks on passenger trains," said spokesman FC Khan Wasey. FC official also claimed to have recovered weapons from the possession of militants.

All Pakistan Shia Action Committee Chief Allama Mirza Yusuf Husain was apprehended from his residence in Karachi by Police in the night, a MWM spokesperson said. Husain's residence is attached to Jamia Masjid Noor-i-Iman in Nazimabad where he is a prayer leader, spokesperson added. 

November 6

A former head of a local Aman (Peace) committee was found murdered in Mulazi area of Tank District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Unidentified assailants had kidnapped him two weeks ago. According to the FIR lodged by Sifatullah, a resident of Kiri Wadati, his brother, Habibur Rehman, alias Wata had gone missing two weeks ago. “Rehman’s body was spotted near a tube well outside the village on Sunday by some villagers. His throat had been slit. A letter was found near the body,” the FIR stated. “The letter stated that Rehman had been murdered because he was a spy of the government,” Sifatullah stated in the FIR.

SFs arrested an important leader of a militant outfit who is allegedly involved in the October 24 attack on the Police Training College in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Official sources said that after receiving information about the presence of some militants, security and intelligence personnel launched a search operation in the airport road area of the city and arrested the leader from a house. However, officials did not disclose his name. The SFs personnel seized weapons, computers, army uniforms and Jihadi literature from his possession.

FC personnel arrested six suspected militants in two separate operations conducted in Mastung and Mach Districts. An FC spokesperson said that four of the arrested men belonged to the LeJ. They were arrested during a search operation in the Shamsabad area of Mastung District.

The Secretary general of the ASWJ Taj Hanafi and All Pakistan Shia Action Committee Chief Allama Mirza Yusuf Husain were arrested in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to the Rangers, Hanafi was arrested from Nagan Chowrangi area in the afternoon. An ASWJ spokesman also confirmed that Hanafi, who was to contest the November 24 NA-298 by-polls, had been arrested.

November 7

A soldier died and two others suffered injuries when an Army patrolling jeep drove over a landmine in the Maidan area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. According to officials, a group of soldiers was on a routine patrol in the Maidan area when the landmine exploded. Soldier Jahangir died while Aqeel and Liaqat were injured.

Police arrested dozens of persons in a crackdown on more than 90 seminaries, following a series of sectarian shootings in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Provincial Police Chief AD Khwaja said that the crackdown was aimed at both Sunni and Shiite seminaries. The arrests prompted protests by Shiites in the Malir area of Karachi, where demonstrators blocked a road and were forcibly cleared by Police firing tear gas, rubber bullets and automatic weapons.

Around 202 Baloch separatists belonging to militant organisations surrendered to Provincial Government authorities in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, and pledged their allegiance to the country.  Those who surrendered handed their weapons over to the Government authorities at the Chief Minister (CM) Secretariat and vowed to remain loyal to the country during rest of their life. Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri gave them cash prizes and announced that the Government would provide financial support to their families. The CM said that so-called nationalists leaders abroad were enjoying their lives and had pushed the Baloch youth here to take up arms against the State.

The Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif confirmed death sentences awarded to another nine hardcore terrorists, who were involved in heinous offences related to terrorism including, killing of innocent civilians, slaughtering of levies officials and attacking Armed Forces personnel. These terrorist also include those who fired at a PIA plane landing at Peshawar Airport which resulted in death of a woman and injuries to two other passengers. They were also involved in cutting off hands of four police officials. Fire-arms and explosives were also recovered from their possession. These convicts were tried by military courts.

November 8

Unidentified assailants killed two Policemen in Dera Murad Jamali area of Naseerabad District in Balochistan. “Armed men opened fire at policemen in Dera Murad Jamali area of the District, which killed both personnel on the spot,” said police official. “Policemen were patrolling on motorcycle when they were attacked by armed militants in the area. Deceased policemen were identified as Essa Khan Bugti and Buland Khan Gola,” Police official added.

SFs claimed to have foiled a major bid of terrorism by demolishing four camps of alleged militants in Dera Bugti District. “Two suspected militants along with weapons were arrested during the operation, said Spokesman for (FC) Khan Wasey. “Two alleged militants belonged to an outlawed Baloch militant organisation operating in the area,” Wasey added.

Many educational institutions in Quetta, including Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University and the BUITEMS, remained closed after a high security alert was issued by the Provincial Home Department. Official sources said that the Home Department issued the high alert on November 7 after receiving intelligence information that some suicide attackers, including a young woman, had entered Balochistan from Afghanistan and were planning attacks on educational institutions, especially institutions for women.

The Punjab Home Department issued a notification giving powers to the CTD of Police to keep an eye on the suspects placed under the Fourth Schedule. As per the notification, the CTD will look into all the matters pertaining to the Fourth Schedule of the ATA. There are some 1,600 terror suspects on the list of the Fourth Schedule in Punjab. The Fourth Schedule lists contain names of all known suspects belonging to banned militant or sectarian organisations, who by their disposition could pose a threat to public peace and security. Such suspects have to submit an affidavit to the Government, pledging they would no more be associated with any banned organisation in future or engage in any criminal activity.

November 9

Pakistan Rangers Sindh claimed to have killed three suspected militants in an encounter at Manghopir area on the outskirts of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. “The paramilitary force had conducted an intelligence driven action on suspected hideouts of banned outfit’s hardcore criminals at Manghopir area who were allegedly involved in terrorist activities,” said Rangers spokesperson. "During the raid the suspects, in an attempt to escape, opened fire on law enforcement agencies. In an ensuing exchange of fire between Rangers and the gunmen, three suspects got killed," the spokesperson added. Furthermore, Rangers official claimed that one soldier got injured in the alleged encounter and weapons were also seized from suspects' custody.

The CoAS General Raheel Sharif vowed that law enforcement agencies and the Sindh Government would continue to strive till the “complete restoration of peace for common citizen of Karachi”. General Raheel said this during his visit to the Corps Headquarters Karachi, where attended the ongoing exercise ‘Resilient Response’ of the Southern Command. The Army Chief presided over a security conference after the exercise, which was attended among others by the Karachi corps commander, ISI DG, MI DG, DGMO and the Rangers DG.

November 10

The SFs killed one ‘commander’ of Jundhulla outfit, identified as Arif alias Saqib, during an action in Hub area of Lasbela District in Balochistan in the night. According to sources Arif was mastermind of suicide attacks in Karachi and Balochistan. Huge cache of arms and ammunition was seized during the action.

More than 20 suspects were rounded up and detained at various Police Stations in what was described as a ‘combing’ operation carried out in different villages around the Shahbaz airbase in Jacobabad District of Sindh. Sources said that officers and personnel of the District Police and other law enforcement agencies carried out raids on houses, hotels and other places to apprehend suspects late on November 9-evening and the following day. A house-to-house search was also conducted during the operation, Sources added. 

Rangers claimed to have seized 190 bulletproof jackets during a raid near Azizaabad area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Ranger’s official statement said the raid was conducted on a tip off in Federal B Area where the jackets were found hidden at a house. It said the bulletproof jackets were being used by the “militant wing of MQM”. It said the jackets were used as shields during acts of terrorism. The statement didn’t mention whether any arrest was made during the raid.

Police claimed to have unearthed buried cache of arms in Old Clifton area of Karachi. This was disclosed by IGP AD Khowja during his meeting with Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah today at CM House," said a statement issued. The IG said that the Police excavated a piece of land  near National Bank of Pakistan and recovered huge cache of arms which include 3695 rounds, 61 magazines, 23 rifles different boars, four pistol, 230 rounds and four magazine, according to the statement.

November 11

A Karachi University student and a Policeman were killed while two others critically injured in a fresh wave of target killing in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. 

According to details, the unidentified assailants opened fire at three students from Karachi University, who were riding on their motorcycle in Block 4 of Gulistan-e-Jauhar area under Gulshan Town in Karachi. As a result one student identified as Murtaza died instantly while his colleagues Shahid and Ehsan were crucially injured. “The dead and injured belonged to the Shia community and it appeared to be target killing incident,” said Police official.

A Policeman, identified as Rizwan, was shot dead near Saleem Centre in North Karachi. The deceased Rizwan was stationed at Crime Branch.

The Federal Government banned two more militant outfits, JuA and LeJ - Al-Alami, for their involvement in terrorist activities across the country, an unnamed official of Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs said. Referring to a revised list of banned organisations available on the website of the NACTA, a senior official in Sindh’s security establishment said: “The two organisations were added to the banned outfits’ list on Nov 11.” The updated list on NACTA website shows a total of 63 outfits that have been proscribed by the Federal Government.

November 12

At least 52 persons were killed and 102 others were injured in an explosion at the shrine of Shah Norani in Khuzdar District of Balochistan. "52 people have died and dozens injured in the incident," confirmed Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti. The Minister also hinted towards foreign involvement in the attack. It was not confirmed whether the bombing was a suicide attack or a remote detonation. The explosion took place at the spot where the dhamaal (Sufi ritual) was being performed, within the premises of the shrine. "Every day, around sunset, there is a dhamaal here, and there are large numbers of people who come for this," said Nawaz Ali, the shrine's custodian. At the time of the blast, there were at least 500 people gathered at the spot to view the performance, said Abdul Hakim Lasi, a senior Edhi official in Khuzdar District. The militant Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility for the attack, reported Reuters.

November 15

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead a professor of Government College of Science, identified as Professor Rao Altaf Hussain, in a targeted killing incident in Iqbal Town area of provincial capital Lahore.

CoAS General Raheel Sharif during his visit to North and South Waziristan said that the army has made considerable gains in operations against terrorists and "we have reached close to our objective of total elimination of terrorism from our soil". "We will give a secure and prosperous Pakistan to our future generations," he said. The army chief was given a briefing on the progress of stabilisation operations, return of the TDPs and development work in the FATA. As part of a comprehensive rehab and reconstruction effort, significant rehab projects were commissioned.

November 16

At least five tribesmen, who are members of the peace committee, were shot dead by unidentified militants in the Kamar Khel area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. An official of the political administration said that the targeted persons belonged to Zakha Khel tribe, and were on their way back from Tirah Valley when attacked. The militants managed to flee without being noticed.

At least two suspects were killed and their accomplice managed to flee during an encounter with Police in Kernal Basti area of PIB Colony in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Police seized huge cache of weapons from the possession of the accused.

The CoAS General Raheel Sharif said 11 Indian soldiers were killed on November 14 after Pakistan Army ‘responded to unprovoked firing’. The Pakistan Army suffered the loss of seven soldiers on the day, all casualties were sustained in the Bhimber sector of the LoC. “The Indian army should man up and accept their losses,” said CoAS General Raheel Sharif. He also said that unlike the Indian Army, the Pakistan Army accepts and owns its casualties. General Raheel added that the army should be credited with exemplary teamwork. “The army has given outstanding results while defending the homeland,” added General Raheel Sharif. He also said a message has been conveyed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that aggressive actions will not bear any results.

Pakistan, along with Afghanistan and Syria is among the top five countries most hit by terrorism, The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report said. According to the report, deaths from terrorism in OECD countries increased by 650 per cent last year despite a marked fall globally as Islamic State (IS)and Boko Haram militants suffered military defeats at home but committed more attacks abroad.  

The GTI report said that worldwide there had been 29,376 deaths caused by terrorism in 2015, a drop of 10 per cent and the first fall in four years, as action against militants IS in Iraq and Boko Haram in Nigeria cut the numbers killed there by a third. However, the report said the groups had spread their actions to neighbouring states and regions, causing a huge increase in fatalities among OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) members, most of which are wealthy countries such as the United States and European nations.

November 17

At least two Lyari gangsters were killed during exchange of fire with Rangers in Musharraf Colony of Gadap Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to the spokesman, Rangers carried out action against Lyari gang war suspects on the information provided by accused arrested. On seeing the Rangers personnel, the suspects resorted to fire which was retaliated. In the shootout, two Lyari gang war accused were killed. Two paramilitary personnel also sustained injuries in the encounter. Rangers also seized huge quantity of arms, hand grenades and narcotics during the operation.

A Daesh (Islamic State, IS, previously Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, ISIS) militant shot dead during an encounter in Rawalpindi District of Punjab. According to details, CTD officials were involved in an alleged encounter with terrorists during which a suspected militant was killed. During the exchange of fire, two CTD officials were also injured. The militant, who has been identified as Ahsan Swati, was killed by the firing of his associates. Bullets, pistols, rifles and IEDs were recovered from the suspected slain militant.

A new report by the State Bank (SBP) has said Pakistan’s ‘war on terror’ has cost $118 billion so far. The SBP in its annual report showed that extremist violence cost the country USD 118.3 billion in direct and indirect losses from 2002 to 2016. “Both economic growth and social sector development have been severely hampered by terrorism related incidents,” the report said. Pakistan became a pivotal US ally in the battle against extremism after the Sept 11, 2001 attacks spurred the US invasion of Afghanistan. A Coalition Support Fund was approved by the US to support Pakistan in the war, with an annual release of around USD one billion since 2002. By last year Pakistan had rece­ived a total of USD 14 billion. The SBP said that apart from causing immeasurable human suffering, including casualties and mass displacement, the war had helped drive away foreign investment, stall domestic investment; freeze exports, and slow down trade.

November 19

At least four SF personnel were killed and a civilian was injured in an ambush on Fatima Jinnah Road in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Police sources said unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle opened fire on the SF personnel deployed there resulting in five injuries – four SF personnel (three Frontier Corps personnel and a police constable) and a civilian. All the four SF personnel succumbed to their injuries later.

FC personnel arrested two suspected militants linked to TTP in the industrial town of Hub in Lasbela District.

FC arrested six suspects during a search operation in a bazaar in the Bilangor area of Kech Turbat in Kech District. The arrestees were suspected to have links with the banned terrorist organisation BRA.

The FC seized a huge cache of arms during a raid in Killi Zareenabad area of Dasht Kharan District. The recoveries included 25 kilograms of explosive material, eight hand grenades, three SMGs, four pistols, 350 detonators ball bearing, batteries and other destructive items.

The Police arrested 55 suspects during overnight search and strike operation in Sheikhan village in the Peshawar District of KP. The police also recovered ten pistols, two riffles and Kalashnikov from some of the suspects.

Peshawar Corps Commander Lieutenant General Hidayatur Rehman said that militancy has been successfully eliminated from the FATA. “The Frontier Corps (FC) has played a tremendous role in eliminating militancy in FATA and settled areas of the country and establishing the writ of the government in tribal areas,” Rehman said. He also said that but there are still safe havens for terrorists across the border in Afghanistan and from these safe havens militants have been known to launch attacks in Pakistan.

November 20

The FC arrested three alleged militants during search operations across Balochistan. “A suspect has been taken into custody from Killi Geo area of Quetta city who allegedly has relations with banned militant organisation, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi [LeJ],” a FC spokesman said. He added that FC personnel launched a search operation in Kalat (Kalat District) and arrested a suspected militant from a hotel on National Highway. The official said FC also carried out an operation in Pishin (Pishin District) and arrested a suspect allegedly linked with the TTP.

Three Lyari gangsters were killed in three separate incidents in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. One Yousuf, a Lyari gangster war was killed in an encounter with Police in PIB Colony. A policeman was also wounded during the encounter. Similarly, Police claimed to have killed another Lyari gangster during an exchange of fire in the Mauripur are of Karachi. One policeman was also wounded during the encounter. The Police also claimed to have recovered weapons from the possession of the slain gangster. Further, the Police also retaliated and killed one of the gangsters while his companion managed to escape at an unspecified place in Karachi.

Three MQM members were arrested in Karachi. Two workers of the MQM were apprehended during an overnight targeted operation conducted by paramilitary forces in Shah Faisal Colony. The workers were later shifted to undisclosed location for questioning. Similarly, another worker of the MQM, Nadeem alias Lalu, was taken into custody during a raid conducted near Jinnah Square in Malir. The suspect was later shifted to an undisclosed location for further questioning.

The Secret Service Fund, once considered an integral part of policing, has fallen prey to typical negligence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the decades. An unnamed Policeman said that in the past intelligence gathering was considered a crucial part of policing and therefore sufficient funds were provided to police officers but the situation has changed over the years. “Despite an increase in police budget in recent years we have limited funds,” an unnamed officer said, adding that police should be provided with enough funds to meet its day-to-day operation expenditures and also support other activities like limited intelligence gathering. “Today local residents are afraid to cooperate with police against criminals and militancy. This could be reversed if there are financial rewards for them but unfortunately there is no channel to do so,” he added.

November 21

At least three FCB personnel were killed and seven others were injured in an IED blast targeting their vehicle in Bashirabad area of provincial capital, Peshawar. TTP splinter group JuA claimed responsibility for the attack in an email sent to the media. The deceased have been identified as Hanif Jamal, Yasirullah and Khalid.

A passerby was killed and two SF personnel were injured in bomb attacks in Chaman in Qilla Abdullah District. A bomb was planted under a bridge in Killi Haji Habib in Boghra area when SF vehicles were moving towards the Pak-Afghan border. As a result of explosion one passerby died and two SF personnel were injured.

Unidentified assailants shot at and killed an Afghan national in Shehbaz Town area of Quetta District.

Police arrested over 200 suspected persons during a search operation in the Zaida area of Swabi District. Police said that the suspected persons were arrested on suspicion of their involvement in terrorist activities and weapons were also recovered from them along with other suspicious materials that could be used in terrorism.

November 22

A Khasadar force official sustained injuries in an IED bombing in Safi Tehsil of Mohmand Agency in FATA, official sources said. They said militants had planted the explosives in the fields in the Alingar area of Safi Tehsil. They said the explosives went off as the Khasadar personnel were moving through the fields.

The CTD Bahawalpur arrested a terrorist identified as, Muhammad Yaseen, who had planned to carry out a terrorist activity at an Imambargah in Bahawalpur District. Officials seized 1,700 gram explosives, detonators, ball bearings and other articles of Improvised Explosive Device from his possession.

CoAS General Raheel Sharif confirmed death sentences awarded to another 10 terrorists. These terrorists were involved in heinous offences related to terrorism, including killing of innocent civilians, slaughtering of Captain Jonaid Khan, Captain Najam Riaz Raja, Naik Shahid Rasool and Lance Naik Shakeel Ahmed of SSG. They planned and executed attacks on Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan which resulted in death and injury to several soldiers, an ISPR spokesman said in a statement. They were also involved in destruction of educational institutions and communication infrastructure. Fire-arms and explosives were also recovered from their possession. These convicts were tried by military courts, Director General ISPR said.

PM Nawaz Sharif while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the 9th   International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS)-2016 at the Expo Centre in Karachi claimed that Pakistan has been against the weapons’ race in the region and such a trend should be discouraged. He claimed further that “our weapons of war” are used only to promote peace.

JUI-S Chief Maulana Samiul Haq said the survival of Muslims is linked to the existence of religious seminaries, scholars and jihad. Haq said that the United States of America and its puppets have joined forces against Islam, religious seminaries and scholars to establish their supremacy and force the Muslims to bow before them.

November 23

One Khasadar official was killed in a landmine blast at Karkanai in the Safi tehsil area of Mohmand Agency in FATA. The sources said that suspected militants had planted an explosive device near a checkpoint in Karkanai.

SFs recovered a huge cache of mortar shells during a search operation in central parts of Kurram Agency, official sources said. The SFs launched a search operation in Jamal Mela and Zaya Syeed and recovered mortar shells and other explosive material.

An ATC sentenced five men to death on two counts for their involvement in the burning alive of a Christian couple in Kot Radha Kishan Kot tehsil area of Kasur District in 2014. ATC-I Judge Chaudhry Muhammad Azam also imposed a fine of INR 200,000 on the five men identified as Mehdi Khan, Riaz Kambo, Irfan Shakoor, Muhammad Hanif, and Hafiz Ishtiaq - a local prayer leader - for their involvement in the lynching prior to burning. A challan submitted in court claimed the five men awarded the death penalty goaded a mob by making announcements over a mosque loudspeaker and incited them to violence with incendiary speech. Eight others have also been charged with involvement in the lynching. They have each been sentenced to two years in prison.

A mob of around 400 people lynched Shahzad and Shama, falsely accused of desecrating the Holy Quran in November 2014. The woman was pregnant. The mob tortured the couple before putting them into the kiln's furnace and held hostage people who tried to rescue the couple.

The Hyderabad ATC sentenced two ST activists to death for killing the owner of a burger shop, who had defied their demand of ‘protection money’, in 2014. The activists, Shoaib Attari and Syed Imran, were booked by the A-Section police of Latifabad in an FIR (3/2015) lodged by Amir Khoso, brother of the victim, Mohammad Hassan Khoso, on January 2, 2015. The complainant had stated that his brother owned a burger shop in Unit-11 of Latifabad. He alleged that the accused had demanded extortion money from him and on his refusal, they shot dead him. An unnamed Sunni Tehreek ‘spokesman’ said on November 23 that the convicts were its activists, but added that they had been politically implicated in the case. He said the case had been pursued by the convicts’ family members but now party was coordinating with them to file an appeal in the Sindh High Court.

An ATC court acquitted on November 23 two men accused in the murder case of as many Police officers for lack of evidence. Wasiq Mirza and Farhan have been charged with the murder of Station House Officer of the Sir Syed Police Station inspector Syed Irfan Haider and his friend Sub-Inspector Shahbaz Ali of the New Karachi Police Station, who were gunned down near Anda Mor in North Karachi in October 2013. The ATC-V judge exonerated the accused after recording evidence and final arguments from both sides and ruled that eyewitnesses had not identified them as assailants. The same court had also acquitted another accused Azhar Mehmood in the present case in March 2016 on similar grounds. The FIR was registered under Sections 302 (premeditated murder) and 34 (common intention) of the Pakistan Penal Code read with Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 at the Sir Syed police station.

The Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, claimed to have seized a huge quantity of arms and ammunition on the outskirts of Karachi, where a ‘militant wing’ had stocked the weapons to carry out targeted killings, a Rangers spokesperson said. The paramilitary force conducted the raid on a house in Gadap Town and seized the weapons. The recovered weapons included one light machine gun, one 7MM rifle, one 8MM rifle, two submachine guns, one 9MM pistol, three 30-bore submachine guns, three 12-bore repeaters, three TT pistols, one 32-bore revolver and thousands of bullets. The Rangers official claimed that an ‘active militant wing’ had stored these weapons and ammunition at the hideout. The officer did not identify the wing. “These weapons were supposed to be used for spreading lawlessness and carrying out targeted killings in the metropolis,” said the Rangers statement.

President Mamnoon Hussain called for taking the ongoing operation in Karachi to its logical conclusion without any concession for criminals. The president said the objective of achieving economic stability was possible only after the elimination of terrorism and unrest for which coordination between the people and law enforcement agencies was essential.

The CTD claimed to have arrested a suspected terrorist, Feroz Khan, allegedly involved in October 2009 bomb blast at Khyber Bazaar in the Peshawar area of KP that claimed lives of 60 people. According to CTD, Feroz Khan was also involved in the killing of SP (Rural), Khurshid Khan, in October 2012. He is also suspected of being behind the attack on a police check post in Mashogugar in 2013, and an attack on NATO containers on Peshawar Ring Road. Besides, he was also involved in kidnappings for ransom incidents. CTD took Feroz Khan, resident of Khyber Agency, in custody from Phase-III of Hayatabad. He was shifted to an undisclosed location for interrogation.

November 24

A police constable of the CTD was killed, while an ASI was seriously injured in an ambush by unidentified militants in the Razar tehsil area of Swabi District. The incident took place on the same day DPO Javaid Iqbal was replaced. In his farewell function, he had lauded the contributions of the local people to peace in the region and appreciated the sacrifices rendered by the district police in the fight against terrorists.

A FC soldier was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Panjgur town (Panjgur District). A ‘spokesman’ for the banned Baloch Liberation Front, Sarbaz Baloch, claimed responsibility for the attack.

Parents of children being immunised in a polo vaccination drive in Bannu (Bannu District) shot at a female polio worker after she vaccinated their children. District Police Officer Qasim Ali Khan said that the parents of the children shot at the polio worker as she was leaving their house after vaccinating their children. The parents did not want anti-polio drops to be administered to their child. Polio remains endemic in Pakistan after the TTP banned vaccinations, attacks targeted medical staffers and suspicions lingered about the inoculations.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif termed Kashmir an ‘unfinished agenda' of sub-continent's partition and said that Pakistan would never abandon Kashmiris in their freedom struggle. "The world in general and India in particular should know that the Pakistani nation will never abandon their Kashmiri brethren and will continue to support them in their just and UN-mandated freedom struggle," Nawaz Sharif said.

November 25

Militants blew up a Government primary school for boys in Safi tehsil of Mohmand Agency in the intervening night.  “The school was reconstructed in 2012-13 after it was destroyed in 2009-10 by miscreants,” assistant agency education officer Abdul Sattar Khan said, adding a total of 75 children were enrolled in it. JuA, a breakaway faction of the TTP claimed responsibility for the blast. In a statement issued to media outlets, its ‘spokesman’ Ehsanullah Ehsan said, “Our Mujahideen razed a government school in Koz Chamarkand, and also separately injured a levies man in a mine blast in Pandyali tehsil.” He said such attacks would continue in future too till enforcement of Islamic system in Pakistan. A total of 127 schools have been destroyed in Mohmand Agency – out of which some 64 were located in tehsil Safi.

Two unidentified assailants shot dead the caretaker of an Imambargah and critically injured his 24-year-old son when the duo was en route to the Imambargah in 86/6-R village in Sahiwal District. The deceased was also working as a journalist locally. Farid Town Station House Officer Sajjad Hyder said he feared it was a targeted killing.

A Lyari gangster was shot dead in an ‘encounter’ with the Police in the PIB Colony of Gulshan Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. “The dead was linked with the Lyari gang warfare and was involved in murder and other criminal cases,” said PIB Colony Station House Officer Safdar Mashwani.

Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, claimed to have detained a suspect allegedly belonging to the “Indian spying agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) linked” Muttahida Qaumi Movement-London (MQM-L) from the Shoe Market area of Garden in the Saddar Town of Karachi and seized a large number of arms and huge quantity ammunition. “The arms cache was hidden to carry out killings at behest of the MQM-London leadership,” an unnamed spokesperson for the paramilitary force said. The seized arms and ammunition included two light machine guns, four submachine guns, one 22-bore sniper rifle, three 12-bore repeaters, one 222-bore rifle, three 30-bore Mausers, six 30-bore pistols, one 22-bore pistol and 5,809 rounds of different weapons.

During pre-dawn raids in Hyderabad, Police arrested at least two activists of MQM-London.

Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pervez Khattak stated that unregistered Afghan refugees were causing security problems for the Provincial Government. Pervez Khattak also said that the KP Government has constituted a high level committee to look after the issues of Afghan refugees.

The Senate passed a bill to amend various laws with the objective of strengthening the criminal justice system and enhancing punishments for various offences to effectively curb terrorism and extremism. The bill, proposing amendments to the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 the Police Act, 1861 the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 the Qanoon-i-Shahadat, 1984 and the Protection of Pakistan Act, 2014 (POPA), was moved by Minister of State for Interior Baleeghur Rahman. However, it was pointed out that POPA had lapsed and, therefore, no amendment to it could be introduced. The bill was approved, dropping the proposed amendment to POPA, through a voice vote. The statement of object and reason of the bill says that terrorism, sectarianism and extremism have gripped the entire country and these acts have become the order of the day. The country is passing thorough an extraordinary situation, which requires stringent measures to be taken to curb this menace that has infiltrated society.

November 26

At least four militants were killed in retaliatory fire by the SFs when they (militants) launched a suicide attack on a camp of the Mohmand Rifles Headquarters at Ghalanai in Mohmand Agency of FATA.  Two soldiers of the FC were killed in the attack, Director General of ISPR Asim Bajwa said on Twitter. At least 14 FC men were injured in the attack, security sources said. According to security sources, militants attacked the FC camp inside the agency headquarters at 6:20am [PST]. A heavy exchange of fire ensued between the militants and soldiers, until all attackers were killed.

Unidentified assailants shot dead two security guards of a gas exploration company near the Pasni area of Gwadar District. Levies sources said that the guards were deployed for security of a survey team of CGC. The company was conducting a survey for exploration of natural gas in Pasni. A ‘spokesperson’ of the banned BLA Gohram Baloch claimed responsibility of the attack. Assistant Commissioner Mansoor Gichki said, “The guards killed in the firing belonged to a private security company.”

Two suspected militants of LeJ were killed and another (also from LeJ) was arrested during a gun battle with law enforcement agencies in the Kanak area of Mastung District. “Two militants were killed and another arrested in the clash which lasted for more than one hour,” security officials said. The arrested suspect was involved in incidents of targeted killing in Quetta and Mastung, they added.

Six Pakistanis working for a Polish oil and gas surveying company were abducted near Dera Ismail Khan. The six Geofizyka Krakow workers were taken away from their vehicles on a road near the village of Drazinda, about 80 kilometers from the city of Dera Ismail Khan, two officials with security forces in the area said. A Polish foreign ministry spokeswoman tweeted that there were no Polish citizens in the group and that the Polish embassy in Islamabad is monitoring the situation. No militant group has claimed responsibility for the kidnappings. In 2008, a Polish engineer working for the firm was kidnapped by the TTP militants near the northwestern city of Attock, and beheaded several months later.

SFs carried out joint search and strike operation in Daudzai area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and arrested over 200 suspects. The search operation was carried out in Daman Afghani, Madina Town and Shah Alam area of Daudzai police station. The SFs also recovered weapons from the possession of some of the suspects.

Sindh Rangers detained a political worker affiliated with MQM-L in the wee hours. As per details, the arrest was made after raids conducted by the paramilitary personnel in the areas of Lines Area and Shoe Market. The law enforcement agents have allegedly recovered weapons from the detained activist. 

November 27

A senior traffic police officer, DSP Faiz Ali Shigri, was shot dead while his driver hurt in suspected targeted attack in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of Gulshan Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, in the evening. DSP Shigri was travelling in a chauffeur-driven official vehicle when armed pillion riders attacked him when the vehicle slowed down near Balochistan Sajji House (restaurant).

A member of Ahmadi community, Shaikh Sajid Mehmood, was shot dead in suspected sectarian attack in the Gulzar-i-Hijri area of Gulshan Town in the evening, according to Police and the community official. “This was third such targeting killings in the same vicinity during last several months,” said a spokesperson of Jamaat Ahmadiyya. Previously, Khaleeq and Daud were shot dead down in Gulzar-e-Hijri.

Police’s Counter-Terrorism Department official Raja Umer Khattab said that the killing of DSP Shigri and Ahmadi man were motivated by sectarian considerations. He suspected involvement of the same group behind the both incidents. The CTD official said previously, Al Qaeda targeted people in Gulistan-e-Jauhar whose members later on joined Islamic State but this gang was busted in 2013. He revealed that prior to attack on the DSP Shigri, unknown gunmen had attacked a vehicle of DSP Traffic (Gulberg) Zafar Husain near Samama Shopping Centre in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, however, he remained unhurt.

Karachi Police conducted a raid at Shah Faisal Colony in the Shah Faisal Town and arrested two suspected target killers. The detained suspects were identified as Shah Nawaz and Jameel. According to police sources, they were involved in target killing and linked to a political party.

Terrorism-stricken parts of the FATA require special attention of the government for their development but they appear to be the least priority of the authorities concerned. This is the gist of a special report by a sub-committee of the Senate’s Standing Committee on States and Frontier Regions released on November 25. FATA people were initially tormented by terrorism and now by a step-motherly attitude of the government, the report said.

November 28

Unidentified gunmen shot dead a member of the Levies force in Bakakhel area of Frontier Region Bannu in the FATA. Police said that the masked gunmen opened fire on Havildar Noor Zaman in Bakakhel, Frontier Region Bannu. The accused managed to escape. 

Unidentified gunmen shot dead a retired solider and member of a pro-Government peace committee in Janikhel area. Police said the gunmen fired at Malik Shadir Gul, a retired subedar, when he was on way to a shop in Janikhel area, Frontier Region Bannu, leaving him dead on the spot. The accused managed to escape after committing the crime.

SFs claimed to have killed two suspected militants in an exchange of fire in Sartaf area of Dera Bugti District in Balochistan. Frontier Corps (FC) spokesperson said "Frontier Corps forces launched an operation against miscreants in Sartaf area of Dera Bugti district. Security forces also recovered weapons and explosions from the possession of the miscreants and they were involved in attacks on national institutions in the area."

An ASI was killed while two cops and a passer-by sustained injuries when a car of the newly launched City Police Patrol came under militant attack on the Ring Road of Peshawar, the capital of KP. According to the officials, ASI Asmat Shah, who was heading the City Police Patrol Team No-8, was killed while Constable Fawad and driver Rab Nawaz were critically wounded. An auto-rickshaw driver Samiul Haq, who was passing through the vicinity, was also wounded in the firing. 

The officials of the CTD arrested a suspected militant and seized explosive materials from him near Dera-Madi Road of Dera Ismail Khan city. They said the CTD officials stopped a suspected person for search near Dera-Madi Road and seized two kilograms of explosives, prima card and electric detonator from him. The militant was identified as Faizul Islam, an Afghan national. He was residing in Topi tehsil in Swabi District. The officials registered a case against the accused and shifted him to an undisclosed location.

Police and law enforcement agencies jointly raided houses in Manghopir and Korangi areas of Karachi, the capital of Sindh Province and arrested two suspected militants. On tip-off the Police carried out door to door search operation in Orangi, Manghopir and arrested five terrorists and seized huge cache of ammunitions from their possession. According to the police sources, the two arrested suspects were said to be involved in the murder of a police officer and are affiliated to a militant group headed by Raheem Swati, who is the prime suspect in the murder case of renowned social worker Parveen Rehman. While the other three suspects were wanted to Police in attacks on security forces, ransom targeted killings and other heinous crimes according to the Police. They have been shifted to an undisclosed location for further investigation.

Elders of Utmanzai tribe of NWA while addressing a news conference at Peshawar Press Club demanded of the Government to compensate the affectees of military operation Zarb-e-Azb in Waziristan Agency, and stop construction of destroyed shops in Miranshah as it fear to cause civil war. The tribal elders led by National Youth Organization (NYO) Chairman Mohsin Dawar said that the tribesmen in 2014 on single call of the Government had vacated their home town and migrated to settled areas of the country, whereas some of the families were shifted to neighboring Afghanistan, and didn't made any resistance. He said it was aimed to make the military assault against militants a success and restore durable peace in the region. Flanked by tribal elders belonging to Utmanzai tribe including Malik Ashraf, Malik Shahzada Wazir, Malik Naik Zali, Malik Darwin, and Shaukat Aman, the NYO chairman Mohsin Dawar said that the tribal families were passing through a difficult time owing to lack of proper shelter and other basic facilities.

November 29

SFs killed eight militants and injured scores of others in airstrikes in Koki Khel, a remote area of Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. Sources said that warplanes pounded suspected hideouts of the militants in the Pak-Afghan border area. Two sanctuaries of militants were also destroyed in the air offensive, sources said. The killed militants were stated to be volunteers of the Bara-based defunct organisation LI. However, the casualties could not be independently confirmed due to lack of communication in the area.

CTD officials raided Korangi area of Karachi and arrested a target killer. CTD Civil Lines in a raid in Korangi arrested Asif alias Halaku with arms in his possession. CTD sources told that the alleged target killer is presently said to be affiliated with PSP.

ATC awarded 10-year imprisonment to two extortionists, Adnan and Salman in Karachi. The two men had demanded PR 500,000 from a citizen, Sajid, on April 18. They had threatened to kidnap the man if he refused to pay the extortion money. The accused were arrested and during interrogation, they admitted the crime. As the prosecution proved the charge against them, the ATC awarded 10-year jail to both of them.

The Peshawar High Court stayed the execution of an alleged terrorist who had been awarded death sentence by a military court on account of attacking the personnel of the law-enforcement agencies. A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel and Justice Muhammad Ibrahim Khan suspended the death sentence of the alleged terrorist Nisar Ali. Nisar Ali was a member of TTP and was involved in attacks on the personnel of the SFs and law-enforcers that caused the death of Sepoy Fazal Malik and injuries to several soldiers of the Frontier Constabulary and Police.

November 30

ATC awarded death sentence to a suspected Lyari gangster for killing four family members of Mauripur area in Karachi in 2013. Yaseen Baloch was found guilty of raping two of the family members and later murdering four of them along with other accomplice. However, the court acquitted suspect Wajid Balock over lack of evidence.

The COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa while speaking to troops in North Waziristan during his first visit to field formations after taking over the command of the Pakistan Army said that the war on terror will continue with focused approach to take the military operation to its logical conclusion. He said "We will continue to move ahead of the gains already made so far." Paying tribute to brave tribes, officers and men of the Army, FC, Levies and the Police, General Bajwa vowed that no fleeing terrorist would ever be allowed to return. He said that defense and security of Pakistan against external and internal threats would remain his ultimate objective as the COAS.

December 1

One person was shot dead in Federal B Area’s Block-2 in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Police said that Noman aka Nomi (38), was shot at by armed motorcyclists after he came out of his home to sit in his car. The victim was a car dealer.

Rangers carried out a search operation in Karachi’s Landhi area and recovered a large cache of arms and munitions buried underground. Rangers searched the nullah located near Chiragh hotel and recovered weapons including grenades, Kalashnikovs and several thousands of bullets buried underground. The recovered weapons had been used in different crimes so all the arms have been sent to forensic lab by Rangers for testing.

Police arrested 51 suspects and recovered huge illegal arms from them in Phandu area of Peshawar, the capital of the KP, during the Search and Strike operations. Police said that the area was chosen after the martyrdom of ASI Asmat Ullah in a recent attack on a Police patrol vehicle in Phandu. Police added that the arrested persons could have cause disaster if they were not arrested in time.

December 2

Unidentified gunmen kidnapped three officials of Customs from Balochistan’s Gwadar District. “Gunmen seized the vehicle of customs officials at Zero Point in Pasni tehsil of Gwadar,” said Tufail Baloch, Deputy Commissioner Gwadar. Among those kidnapped was Inspector Abdul Malik, constables Muhammad Yaqoob and Hafeez. Following the kidnapping, security was tightened at all entry and exit points to aid in the recovery of the kidnapped individuals. There has been no claim of responsibility.

LeJ, AQIS and other banned outfit operatives were among 22 suspects arrested by the Sindh Rangers and Police in raids across Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. A Rangers spokesman said 19 suspects were picked up in intelligence-based operations, including two LeJ men, an AQIS operative, two activists of the Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz, six extortionists, four Iranian diesel smugglers, two unregistered Afghans and two street criminals. Weapons, ammunitions, and smuggled Iranian diesel were seized in the raids. All the arrested men were later handed over to Police for further legal action. In another operation in the Surjani Town area, the Sindh Police’s CTD arrested three terrorists associated with a proscribed outfit. As per details, CTD teams conducted a raid on a hideout and after an encounter arrested three terrorists identified as Qari Abid, Qari Nazeer and Zubair Ashfaq. Officials said the men were working for a banned outfit and had been involved in murders, extortion and other crimes. Hand grenades and pistols were recovered from them.

SECP Chairman Zafar Hajazi talking to journalists about the Companies Ordinance 2016 said that SECP will conduct investigations against money laundering, fraud and terror financing. He said the new ordinance was 80 percent a facilitative law. He further said that under the Companies Ordinance 2016, if some company provides false information then it would be considered a criminal offence, with the regulator being able to impose a punishment of one to seven years of imprisonment on the company's director. He mentioned that it would be helpful in addressing illicit financial flows and would help to tackle corruption, money laundering and terrorist financing.

December 3

Two persons were shot dead by unidentified armed men riding a motorcycle in Lond Khor area of Mardan city, headquarters of Mardan District in KP. The incident took place in Lond Khor area where Abid and Saddam Hussain, hailing from Mianwali, were returning after attending a wedding ceremony when unidentified persons intercepted them and opened indiscriminate firing on them.

Police arrested two suspects and recovered illegal weapons from Tangi Sar area in Upper Dir District. The weapons include one LMG, two kalanshinkoves and one mortar Gola.

December 4

12 LI militants killed in air strikes in the Rajgal valley area of Khyber Agency in FATA. According to security sources, Pakistan Air Force jets precisely targeted militant hideouts in Rajgal valley in which 12 militants were killed and several hideouts were destroyed.

December 5

FC personnel killed five militants of LeJ in the village of Huramzai in Pishin District of Balochistan. FC spokesman Khan Wasay told that LeJ works both with IS and AQIS in Pakistan.

Police arrested 12 suspects during search operations and recovered arms and ammunition from their possession in different parts of Peshawar, the capital city of the KP. Police conducted operation against outlaws in the Jurisdictions of Khyber Super Market, Nothia Jadeed, university road and Tehkal-Garib Abad.

The COAS General Qamar Bajwa okayed death execution of four hardcore terrorists. The terrorists include Attaur Rehman, Muhammad Sabir, Farooq Bhatti and Gul Zareen. They were involved in killing of civilians and law enforcers. They planned and executed attacks on Jinnah International Airport Karachi, CID building Karachi, ISI Office Sukkur and convoys of law enforcers. They killed 58 people, including SSP Chaudhry Aslam and injured 226 others, including SSP Farooq Awan. Firearms and explosives were also seized from them. The convicts were tried by military courts.

An ATC sentenced a militant to 19 years in jail. The convict, Saeedus Salam, had been arrested in 2015 by personnel of the Special Investigation Unit. The conviction was based on charges of possessing explosives and illegal weapons.

Two LeJ militants, Asim alias Kapri and Ishaq alias Bobby confessed to killing four Rangers in Ittehad Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The militants, while recording their confessional statements under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code told the Judicial Magistrate (West) that they had killed four Rangers in Ittehad Town. They also admitted they had gunned down two Military Police personnel near the Saddar Parking Plaza on July 19.

December 6

Police claimed to have killed Lyari gang ‘commander’ in an alleged encounter in Gaon Godam area of Lyari Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The gang war ‘commander’ is identified as Bilal alias Bhaiya and he belongs to Uzair Baloch group. Bilal was wanted to Police in murder, attempt to murder and other heinous crimes. Police recovered arms and narcotics from him.

Police arrested 25 suspected persons including nine proclaimed offenders and recovered weapons and narcotics during search operations in various areas of Hangu District in the KP. Talking to reporters, District Police Officer Shah Nazar Khan said that the Police launched search operations in the limits of the City, Saddar and Duaba Police Stations and arrested 25 suspects and nine POs. Police also recovered two Kalashnikov rifles, two pistols, a gun and two kilograms of hashish from them.

An ATC directed the Police to submit the charge sheets of two LeJ militants linked with high-profile murder cases, including that of renowned Qawwal Amjad Sabri, by December 10. Asim alias Capri and Ishaq alias Bobby have been charged with murdering Army, Rangers and Police officials. They are facing more than two dozen cases pertaining to charges of murder and possession of illegal weapons and explosives. The Investigating Officer told the court that the two men had confessed to killing four soldiers of the paramilitary Rangers. He said the judicial magistrate concerned had ordered sending the accused to prison on judicial remand. Upon this the administrative judge told the Investigating Officer to submit the suspects’ charge sheets along with their confessional statements by December 10.

The COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa during a visit to Quetta vowed zero tolerance against terrorism and directed focused operations against terrorists of all kinds in coordination with Intelligence and other law enforcement agencies. Soon after his arrival at Quetta, COAS laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada to acknowledge the sacrifices of all martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country, notably during his predecessor’s operation against terror, Zarb-e-Azb.

December 7

Four militants were killed in an encounter with personnel of CTD in the vicinity of Machike Oil Depot of Sheikhupura District in Punjab. According to details, the CTD team received credible information of 7-8 terrorists are present in the vicinity of Oil Depot and are planning to attack sensitive installations. The team raided their hideout and ordered them to surrender. The terrorists started firing at the team which defended itself. Four militants were killed and three-four terrorists fled the scene, taking advantage of darkness. The terrorists killed in the shootout were affiliated to the proscribed organizations, LeJ and TTP. Three kilograms of explosives with detonators, two Kalashnikovs, two pistols, ammunition and two motorcycles were recovered from the site of encounter.

Police arrested four terrorists after an early morning encounter that took place at village Qazi Patti in tehsil Khanpur of District Shikarpur in Sindh. The arrested terrorists were identified as Qari Sanaullah aka Molvi Zahoor, Rasheed Brohi, Riaz Brohi and Muneer Brohi. Police recovered four TT pistols and a good cache of bullets from their possession.

Police arrested four Lyari gangsters allegedly involved in target killing and extortion activities in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The arrests were made during raids and encounters in parts of troubled Lyari neighborhood including Chakiwara and Kalakot. Police also claim to have recovered weapons from their possession. Police said that the criminals arrested were affiliated with the Wasiullah Lakho and Ayaz Zehri group of Lyari gang.

The Rangers and Frontier Corps arrested five key suspects with arms, ammunition and explosive material from them in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. The suspects were wanted in attacks on Government officials, targeted killings and ransom cases. The security forces recovered eight rocket launchers, eight hand grenades, five mortar bombs, six fuses, four SMGs and explosive material from them.

Maulana Sheerani, Chairman of CII, speaking at a National Conference on the Ideological Status of the Country said that sectarian killings are part of politics not religion. He said “The nation has to decide whether terrorism and sectarian killings are a part of religion or politics. The answer is clear that these killings were part of politics and not religion – let alone speak of Islam.”

December 8

TTP ‘commander’ Fazal Saeed Haqqani and his associate were shot dead in Kurram Agency of FATA. Sources said that one of the security guards of Fazal Saeed Haqqani fired at him outside his house in Parachinar as a result the sources said that Fazal Saeed Haqqani and another militant Sher Zaman were killed on the spot. Idrees Afridi, the security guard who shot dead the two men, managed to escape after the firing.

One militant was killed during an action by the personnel of FC in Lower Kurram Agency on December when suspected terrorists tried to infiltrate into Pakistani territory from the Afghan side. One SMG along with five magazines and 145 rounds, one SMG bandolier and two hand grenades were recovered from the area.

Two persons killed in separate incidents in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Masaud (24) was killed when he received a stray bullet near Karachi Public School in New Karachi. Another man was killed by unidentified armed men in the area of Tariq Road.

Police claimed to have foiled a major terror bid in Orangi Town No.11 of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh and arrested five TTP terrorists. The suspected militants have been identified as Shahzad, Noor Muhammad, Abdul Mannan, Arsalan Khan and Salman Khan. Police also recovered five Kalashnikovs, one kilogram explosive material, half kilogram ball bearings, five hand grenades, one 9mm pistol and bullets.

One person was killed and four others were arrested in an armed encounter with Security Forces in Chatter area of Nasirabad District in Balochistan.

Suspected militants shot dead a Hazara man in Satellite town area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. The deceased was later identified as Ali Khan Hazara. Officials have termed the incident as an act of targeted killing.

An attempt by militants to target the shrine of Pir Ziarat in Sui area of Dera Bugti District was foiled by the SFs by defusing an IED. The locally made IED, weighing about 10 kg, had been planted near the shrine of Pir Ziarat on the outskirts of the Sui town.

A general councilor belonging to the PTI was shot at and injured by assailants within the jurisdiction of the Karachi Company Police Station in Islamabad. PTI claimed that some “suspected terrorists” were involved in mysterious activities along the wall of a government girls’ college in the area. When Mr Zeeshan of Union Council 35 in Sector G-9-1 challenged the suspects, they opened fire at him and fled on their motorbike.

Police arrested two TTP terrorists from different locations of Swat District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to Police, they in a raid arrested an alleged terrorist of TTP Swat, Attaullah, resident of Sambat village. The Police claimed to have recovered anti-government pamphlets from him. In another such action, Rahimabad Police arrested an alleged terrorist of TTP Swat identified as Amir Hussain, a resident of Bilal Colony, Amankot. The Police said he was involved in terrorist activities in 2008.

ATC declared General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf absconder due to his continuous disappearance in the judges' detention case. The Police submitted report with ATC regarding implementation of arrest warrants for the former President. Inspector Yaseen Bhutta informed the court that Musharraf had left the country due to which the warrants couldn't be implemented. However, the counsel for the accused contradicted the statement and said that his client was abroad to get medical treatment. He said Musharraf couldn't attend the proceeding due to security reasons and health problems. Prosecutor Aamir Nadeem requested the court to declare former president absconder due to his disappearance from the court proceedings in the case. Musharraf, who is facing a number of cases including the Abdul Rasheed Ghazi murder case, Benazir Bhutto murder case and high treason case, left for Dubai on March 18, hours after the interior ministry issued a notification, to remove his name from the Exit Control List (ECL). He had already been declared an "absconder" in the Lal Masjid and high treason case and the court had seized his property due to his non-appearance. The judges' detention case was registered by the Secretariat Police Station on August 11, 2009, on the complaint of Advocate Aslam Ghumman, who had sought legal proceedings against the former military ruler for confining 60 judges of the superior courts, for over five months at their homes and restraining them from administering justice.

The COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa said that Pakistan would continue its cooperation with China to eliminate terrorism from the region. He said this during his visit to NCTC, Pabbi and spent his day witnessing concluding sessions of high profile training events. He saw the final day of two months long Pak-China exercise Warrior-4, which was focused on high impact counter terrorism operations both in rural and urban areas using Special Forces of both countries.

December 9

An IED planted in a bicycle went off near the Sindh Agriculture University in Tando Jam town of Hyderabad District in the Sindh province leaving two persons injured including a Sindh Rangers personnel. Officials said that two explosive devices were recovered from the crime scene while a suspect had also been taken into custody.

Rangers conducted a raid and recovered a huge cache of arms from a house in Old Golimar area of Karachi. According to Rangers spokesman, the arms and munitions recovered from the house includes nine SMGs, two repeaters, one 32-bore pistols, 11 9MM pistols, nine 30-bore pistols, one air gun, one 30-bore mouser, 76 hand grenades, a bomb, detonators and at least 5,000 bullets.

CTD of Sindh Police claimed it has arrested a Special Branch officer for leaking sensitive information to suspect militants regarding raids conducted by law enforcement personnel, owing to which the Police failed in apprehending them. CTD SSP Naveed Khowaja told Dawn that the officer, identified as Irfan, worked as a 'locator operator' in the Special Branch.

December 10

The DSP of CTD, Riazul Islam was killed and his son was injured as militants opened fire on them at Charsadda Road under the Faqirabad Police Station in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. Later, the SSP-Operations, Sajjad Khan confirmed that Riazul Islam was killed in a terrorist attack. Following the incident, Police cordoned off the area and began search operation in the vicinity. Meanwhile, TTP has claimed responsibility for the attack on DSP, Riazul Islam.

December 11

One FC personal was injured as an IED detonated in the Shabqadar area near Mohmand Agency in FATA. The convoy was targeted when it was on its way from Mohmand to Peshawar. As soon as it reached Dhando Bridge on main Shabqadar road, explosives planted on the roadside went off, injuring Subedar Najab Ali.

TTP militants have distributed pamphlets in tribal regions of South Waziristan in FATA issuing threats to media persons in the area. The distribution of pamphlets again highlights the dangers to the lives of the tribal journalists and the freedom of expression in South Waziristan, the birthplace of the banned TTP. At least four journalists have been killed only in South Waziristan while two in North Waziristan over the past several years.

CTD Terrorists Intelligence Group in-charge, Raja Umer Khattab said that LeJ-al-Almi is nothing more than an internet entity. He said Syed Safdar Ali, the man who claims he’s the outfit’s chief, is abroad and runs pages on social networking websites merely claiming responsibility for attacks. LeJ-al-Almi is limited to the internet alone and operates only through social media websites without any actual presence on the ground. LeJ-al-Almi was founded by Abid Mehsud, had who formed a splinter group following differences with the LeJ.

Sindh Police proposed to the provincial Government to place 93 seminaries in different cities and Districts under the fourth schedule of the ATA to monitor their ‘affairs’ and ‘other’ activities due to their suspected terror links. The proposal came days after the Sindh Government directed the law enforcement agencies to crack down on drug dealers and seminaries which had links with terrorists or banned outfits. “This move will help us in keeping an eye on these seminaries which are suspected for their links and activities. All these seminaries are marked after their Geotagging across the province and analysis and audit of their finances to trace the source of their funding and spending in line with the National Action Plan initiatives, which requires the database of all madrassas operating across the country. Under this arrangement placing 93 seminaries under fourth schedule we would be able to do our work more confidently,” Additional IG of CTD Sanaullah Abbasi told.

December 12

One minor girl was killed and three others sustained injuries in a roadside blast in Spinwam tehsil of North Waziristan in FATA. Security sources said the IED was planted next to Abakhel School gate which. The children were going to the school to play when the bomb planted outside it went off.

Nine people were injured when suspected militants attacked the office of NP in Turbat District of Balochistan. The attackers lobbed a hand grenade inside the NP office targeting the workers inside. The assailants escaped unhurt from the spot and no one has claimed the attack so far. Security personnel and workers of NP have been frequent targets of attacks in Turbat in the past few years, with several of these orchestrated by Baloch separatists and sectarian outfits.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addressing a Seeratun Nabi conference in Lahore urged religious scholars to help eliminate extremism. Nawaz regretted that 'certain elements' had distorted Islam's image as a religion of peace by spreading anarchy and bloodshed. The premier pointed out that the hideouts of terrorists had been eliminated due the efforts and sacrifices of the national leadership, religious scholars, armed forces and police. He added that it is now the responsibility of religious scholars to reestablish a link between Islam and peace, taking guidance from the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).

The COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa has vowed to break nexus between terrorists in remote areas and their facilitators in urban centers. General Qamar Bajwa said “Nexus between terrorists in remote areas and their facilitators in urban centers will be severed whatever the amount of effort and time”.

December 13

Lahore High Court rejected the appeals of seven militants convicted by military courts in cases of targeted killings. An LHC division bench comprising Justices Shahid Mahmood Abbasi and Shahid Mehmood Sethi dismissed the writ petitions of the seven convicts associated with proscribed organisations after going through the record of the military court’s proceedings and arguments presented in-camera by the Federal Government. The military courts had awarded death penalty to Sabir Shah, Abdul Rauf, Awais Gujjar, Suleman Pathan, Rafiullah and Sheikh Farhan, but the heirs of the convicts challenged their sentences before the LHC.

Kurram Agency tribal elders urged the Government to abolish the FCR and merged the tribal area with KP. Speaking at a press conference, MNA Sajid Hussain Turi along with the local leaders of all the political parties and tribal elders asked the Government to implement the proposed reforms to make an end to the sufferings of the tribes’ people.

December 14

A man identified as Basheer was shot dead near Sindhi hotel in New Karachi area of Karachi.

A 'low-intensity' blast targeted a Chinese engineer's vehicle in the jurisdiction of Patni Police Station in Rohri town of Sukkur District. The engineer remained unhurt in the explosion. "Unknown accused attacked a Chinese engineer's vehicle near Rohri. Rescue teams moved [to the location]," said a police statement.

The Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa assured the people of Karachi that the change of military command would not affect the Karachi operation as more “efforts will be made to consolidate the gains achieved so far” for peace in Karachi, reports Dawn. It was General Bajwa’s first visit to Karachi after taking over the army command last month. He arrived in the morning and went straight to the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah to pay homage to the father of the nation.

December 15

At least three alleged gangsters were killed and two paramilitary troops injured during a shootout in Yousaf Goth area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, in the early morning. Heavy cache of automatic weapons and ammunition was also seized in the operation.

December 16

A would-be suicide bomber on a motorcycle was shot dead by Rangers personnel on Daman-i-Kohsar road in Hyderabad city of Sindh after he lobbed a 'cracker' into a nearby graveyard while fleeing. His accomplice fled the scene of crime. A Rangers vehicle on patrol near the Amani Shah graveyard signalled for two men on a passing motorcycle to stop. The men stopped and one lobbed a 'cracker' into the graveyard. Rangers’ sources said they shot and killed the man who threw the 'cracker' into the graveyard. Upon examination, they found he was wearing a suicide vest. The assailant could not be identified, but Rangers sources claimed he appeared to be in his early 30s. The sources alleged the would-be suicide bomber had intended to target the under-construction Imambargah (Shia place of Worship) nearby.

The COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa confirmed the death sentences of 13 'hardcore terrorists', ISPR press release said. The 13 were involved in heinous offences related to terrorism, including the killing and slaughtering of innocent civilians, officials of law enforcement agencies and the armed forces, ISPR said.

The ISPR statement today said the suspected terrorists were involved in the planning and execution of the Bacha Khan, Parade Lane mosque, Marriott Hotel and World Vision NGO attacks, as well as an attack on an educational institution at Nawagai, Buner. "On the whole, they were involved in killing 325 persons and in causing injuries to 366 others. Firearms and explosives were also recovered from their possession. These convicts were tried by military courts," ISPR said.

December 18

The CTD claimed to have killed five terrorists in the Choti Bala area of Dera Ghazi Khan District in Punjab. The suspects opened fire during CTD raid that was conducted on a tip of about presence of militants in the Choti Bala area. Five of them were killed while four suspects are said to have fled during the exchange of fire. Two of the suspects killed in the operation were identified as Malik Tehseen and Kamran. Arms and explosive material was also recovered in the operation.

December 19

Two persons, riding a motorcycle, were killed by a landline explosion in the Kathan area of Dera Bugti District in Balochistan. Levies sources said unknown miscreants had planted the landmine on the roadside to target people travelling on the road.

A team of houbara bustard hunters from Abu Dhabi, led by Prince Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, came under a gun attack by a group of militants in the Gichk area of Panjgur District. Two vehicles of the convoy were damaged. According to the Tehsildar of the area, personnel of Frontier Corps and other security men retaliated, forcing the attackers to flee. An unnamed ‘spokesman’ for the Balochistan Liberation Front claimed responsibility of the attack.

The chairman of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, retired Justice Javed Iqbal, told a Senate standing committee that only 96 people are missing in Balochistan and the matter has been politicised. The claim surprised the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, and two members from Balochistan – Mir Israrullah Khan Zehri and Dr Jehanzeb Jamadini – rejected Mr Iqbal’s statements. Both senators said a large number of people have disappeared in Balochistan, and are killed and their bodies discarded by agencies. “A few years ago, some people marched from Quetta to Islamabad and claimed almost 17,000 people from Balochistan were missing but they never gave me the list,” Mr Iqbal said.

One militant was killed and three others were arrested when the LEAs foiled major terror bid, said to be planning a suicide attack in University of Karachi and seized huge cache of weapons from their possession at National Highway near Kathore area in Gadap Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Four militants were arrested during the operation but one arrested militant was later killed in exchange fire with personnel of LEAs when he tried to flee from the custody. He was identified as Abdul Amin. The officials also confiscated a truck loaded with 10 kilograms of explosives, 5 kilograms ball bearing and a detonator.

No journalist was murdered in Pakistan “in retaliation for their work” in 2016, a first since 2001, the CPJ study report said. The CPJ, an independent organisation working to promote press freedom worldwide, in its special report said that it “did not identify anyone singled out for murder in Pakistan because of journalist work” — for the first time in 15 years. The organisation classifies murder as “the targeted killing of a journalist, whether premeditated or spontaneous, in direct relation to the journalist's work”. At least 33 journalists have been targeted and killed “in retaliation for their work” since 1992, CPJ further said in its press statement.

December 20

A Baloch person of Pakistani origin, Naveed Baloch, who was an asylum seeker, suspected of ploughing a lorry into a Berlin Christmas market was released for lack of evidence. “The accused, detained over the attack on the Berlin Christmas market on December 19, 2016, was let go on this evening on the orders of the federal prosecutor,” prosecutor’s office said in a statement. “The forensic tests carried out so far did not provide evidence of the accused's presence during the crimes in the cab of the lorry." German authorities had earlier said that the Pakistani asylum seeker may not be the right man, sparking fears the real killer could be on the run.

The Commander Southern Command Lieutenant General Amir Riaz said that 700 personnel of the SFs have been killed while fighting for the “stability of the country”. Riaz added that around 2,000 personnel were also wounded in the province. The commander was speaking at a function organized at the Frontier Corps Headquarters in Quetta. “For the last 10 to 12 years, FC personnel have been fighting against the enemies of Pakistan,” said the senior officer. “You stood firm and defeated the enemy.” Riaz added that some elements in Geneva, Dubai and London were behind acts of terrorism and were involved in the killing of innocent civilians in Balochistan. “Balochistan is part of Pakistan, and will always remain so,” reiterated the commander of southern command.

December 21

PM Nawaz Sharif said that there was no presence of militant Islamic State group (Daesh) in Pakistan and the country has destroyed safe havens and sanctuaries of al Qaeda and the Taliban. The PM was speaking to a delegation of Bosnian parliamentarians. He emphasized on exchange of parliamentary delegations and sharing of their respective expertise.

December 22

The FO dismissed Pentagon’s latest assessment that the Taliban and Haqqani network were freely operating from Pakistan and instead accused Afghanistan of being an epicentre of terrorism in the region. “This is more of a rhetoric than anything else. Afghanistan is infested with most terrorist organisations due to the instability there, which has created space for these terrorist elements,” Foreign Office Spokesman Nafees Zakaria said.

He was reacting to the recent biannual report of the US Department of Defence on security and stability situation in Afghanistan, which had said: “Afghan-oriented militant groups, including Taliban and Haqqani network’s senior leadership, retain freedom of action from safe havens inside Pakistani territory. The United States continues to be clear with Pakistan about steps it should take to improve the security environment and deny safe havens to terrorist and extremist groups.” Mr Zakaria recalled the counterterrorism operations undertaken by Pakistani security forces in the tribal areas, which had restored peace there. But he also acknowledged that a large number of terrorists had moved to Afghanistan after the start of the operations.

December 23

Rangers raided three offices of a known businessman, Anwar Majeed, who is said to be a close friend of former President Asif Ali Zardari, and claimed seizing illegal weapons. The spokesman for the Sindh Rangers said personnel of the force conducted the swoops on intelligence about the presence of weapons and miscreants in two offices on the II Chundrigar Road and at the Hockey Stadium in Karachi. The raids coincided with PPP Co-chairman Zardari's return to the country from Dubai, 18 months after he had abruptly gone abroad. The crackdown led to the detention of five suspects and the seizure of 17 Kalashnikovs, four pistols, 3,225 bullets of different calibers and nine ball bombs. The arms and ammunition had been concealed in secret places in the offices. Some important documents were also seized. Those detained were identified as Shahzad Shahid, Rajab Ali Rajpur, Ajmal Khan, Kamran Munir Asari and Kashif Hussain.

The CoAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa confirmed the death sentences of eight 'hardcore terrorists' tried by military courts, whereas three others were awarded imprisonment, DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor said. The convicts were involved in the Safoora Goth massacre, the Sabeen Mahmud murder case, and other heinous offences related to terrorism, including the killing of innocent civilians, law enforcement personnel and members of the armed forces, ISPR said.

The Federal Ministry of Interior has prepared the draft of a new law, integrating the Protection of Pakistan Act and Anti-Terrorism Act, and has sought opinion of the law ministry on it. The draft will be presented in parliament after the final approval by the Minister. According to the Interior Ministry's spokesperson, the military courts which were originally set up for two years after December 16, 2014 Peshawar APS attack will become permanent courts to deal with cases involving terrorism once the new law is passed.

Police arrested two notorious Lyari gangsters, identified as Abdul Karim and Noman alias Nomi, during a search operation in Kalry area of Lyari town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Sindh Rangers report issued claimed that a total of 446 'target killers' were arrested in 2016, mostly belonging to the 'militant wings' of different political groups. According to the report, which is focused on the ongoing Karachi operation, Sindh Rangers conducted 1,992 operations across the city over the year through which more than 2,847 suspected criminals were taken into custody. A break-up of the numbers shows that of the 446 target killers arrested by the Rangers, 348 belonged to various political groups, 87 had links to Lyari gangs, while 11 were affiliated with different sectarian groups.

The report said 26 criminals involved in kidnapping for ransom were also apprehended, and 13 of their abductees were safely brought back. In the report, the Rangers also claimed that murders and targeted killings in the city hit an all-time low in the year, with 87 people falling victim compared to 199 in the preceding year. About weaponry recovered during the year, the report says that at least 1,845 arms, including machine guns, light machine guns, sub-machine guns, rocket launchers, detonators, pistols/revolvers and explosives, were confiscated in the year. A total of 194,579 rounds of ammunition of different calibres were also recovered, it said.

The CoAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa stated that Pakistan has successfully defeated terrorism and is now in consolidation phase. He was speaking after inspecting a Pakistan-Jordan joint military exercise, "Fajr-ul-Sharq 1", near Attock, according to a statement released by ISPR. 'Fajr-ul-Sharq 1' is a two-week joint counterterrorism training program that seeks to share the experiences of both armies. General Bajwa said that the nature and character of war has changed, with direct conflict now becoming a less preferred means of waging war. "Pakistan's armed forces are fully trained and ready for response to [the] full spectrum [of] threats, [and] our achievements in counter terrorism operations are being taken as successful case studies," he said.

At least two persons were injured in a blast near a mosque in Shafi Town area of Rahim Yar Khan District in Punjab. Rescue officials claimed there were two attackers, a man and a burqa-clad individual. The burqa-clad attacker allegedly blew themselves up while the other fled. Local Police sources told Dawn the burqa-clad attacker was a man who succumbed to his injuries after attempting to carry out a suicide attack. DSP Chaudhry Ashraf also said the explosion was a suicide attack. He said two people were injured in the attack.

One suspected militant was killed and 19 others were arrested during a search operation conducted by SFs in Kohlu District of Balochistan. According to official sources, the FC personnel, acting on a tip-off about the presence of suspected militants in the Jannat Ali area, launched the search operation. During the operation a gun battle ensued, resulting in the death of one suspect and arrest of 19 others. "One militant was killed in the heavy exchange of fire," an FC spokesman said, adding that four submachine guns, two rifles and six motorcycles were recovered from the hideout.