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Pakistan
Statement:2013
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Date
Incidents
January - 2 
Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar in an interview published on January 2 has denied having any links with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), condemning the TTP’s strategy of blowing up schools and blocking girls’ education, reports Dawn. Hekmatyar, a former Prime Minister who leads Afghanistan’s
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Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar in an interview published on January 2 has denied having any links with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), condemning the TTP’s strategy of blowing up schools and blocking girls’ education, reports Dawn. Hekmatyar, a former Prime Minister who leads Afghanistan’s second largest militant group Hizb-i-Islami, told Britain’s Daily Telegraph newspaper that he was against the blowing up of schools and educational institutions “not only in Afghanistan and Pakistan but elsewhere in the world.” “I don’t think that a devoted Mujahid could be involved in such things,” said Hekmatyar, accusing ‘foreign intelligence agencies’ of being involved in such attacks. The TTP’s blocking of girls’ schooling was thrown into the spotlight in October 2012 by its attempted murder of 15-year-old education campaigner Malala Yusufzai on her school bus. Hekmatyar indicated that Hizb-i-Islami, notorious for its bloody siege of Kabul in the 1990s, has softened some of its hardline Islamist policies which included banning women from education.
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January - 2 
Although the Army Generals will discuss the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) ‘peace offers’ at a corps commanders’ meeting to be in Islamabad, they want the political leadership to formulate a response to the militants’ suggestion for a ceasefire, reports Dawn. “It is for the government to decide
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Although the Army Generals will discuss the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) ‘peace offers’ at a corps commanders’ meeting to be in Islamabad, they want the political leadership to formulate a response to the militants’ suggestion for a ceasefire, reports Dawn. “It is for the government to decide whether or not to hold dialogue with the militants. We are continuing with our operations geared towards eliminating terrorism,” a senior military officer said. He said that although the offer was yet to be fully dissected it could be a tactical move by the militant outfit given its timing and the conditions that had been set. “Political leaders should capitalise on the situation,” he said and referred to pressure on the terrorist group generated by the Army’s counter-terrorism operations. Militant leaders in back-to-back statements sent to the media last week offered a ceasefire if the government ‘adopted Shariat after changing the Constitution, revised foreign policy and ended its engagement with the war on terror in Afghanistan’.
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January - 3 
A Pakistan judicial commission, appointed 18 months ago, on January 3 submitted findings from its investigation into how slain al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden lived in the country undetected for years until his killing by US Special Forces on May 1-2, 2012, officials said, according to Daily Times. T
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A Pakistan judicial commission, appointed 18 months ago, on January 3 submitted findings from its investigation into how slain al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden lived in the country undetected for years until his killing by US Special Forces on May 1-2, 2012, officials said, according to Daily Times. The commission’s chairman, Justice (retired) Javed Iqbal, submitted the report to Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, a statement from Ashraf’s office said. Pakistani officials say Ashraf will decide whether to keep the report classified or make it public, but observers have said they expect little of substance to be revealed. The Pakistani Government set up the five-member panel after US Navy SEALs killed Laden without informing Islamabad until afterwards.
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January - 3 
Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said on January 3 that the Government generally preferred holding talks with militants to launching military operation against them because negotiations were the preferred mode of dispute resolution, according to Dawn. “We even held talks with Sufi Mohammad, de
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Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said on January 3 that the Government generally preferred holding talks with militants to launching military operation against them because negotiations were the preferred mode of dispute resolution, according to Dawn. “We even held talks with Sufi Mohammad, despite opposition from many quarters. It is our policy to resolve issues through negotiations, but if needed we will carry out military operations,” Kaira remarked. He said the government’s anti-terrorism policy was in place and the forces concerned, including intelligence agencies, were working on the approved strategy. “We are fighting, taking territories back from them. Many hardened militants have been killed and the success is visible too,” Kaira said. “But we need to understand that we are not dealing with just four dacoits or a small gang of outlaws.” He said religious extremism was the outcome of a particular mindset and criticised the media for “being soft on those who were supporting extremists”. “It is you people who should come forward and highlight those who are giving them the leverage, even providing them with flagged cars,” Kaira added.
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January - 3 
Pakistan is working with the United States (US) to facilitate an Afghan-owned and -led reconciliation process, said Pakistan’s Ambassador to US Sherry Rehman while also assuring American lawmakers that Islamabad is equally determined to fight terrorists inside its borders, Dawn reported on January 4
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Pakistan is working with the United States (US) to facilitate an Afghan-owned and -led reconciliation process, said Pakistan’s Ambassador to US Sherry Rehman while also assuring American lawmakers that Islamabad is equally determined to fight terrorists inside its borders, Dawn reported on January 4. In an article in The Hill newspaper, which is distributed among US lawmakers, the Pakistani ambassador assured the lawmakers that Pakistan was on their side as they try to make an important security and political transition in Afghanistan. Underlining Pakistan’s efforts to fight terrorism at home, the ambassador noted that in an historic joint session, the Pakistan’s parliament had adopted unanimously a resolution condemning terrorism. She said Pakistan was also deeply aware of concern of members of the Congress about US casualties in Afghanistan attributed to improvised explosive devices (IEDs). She pointed out that the situation in Pakistan’s parliament was similar as the country also had suffered 15,851 IED-related deaths. This was 43 per cent of all casualties over the past four years. “We identify with the US on this issue,” she said while noting that only one-tenth of 1 per cent of calcium ammonium nitrate produced in Pakistan as fertiliser was allegedly smuggled across the border into Afghanistan. Pakistan was effectively monitoring 99.9 per cent of its production, while still waiting for a matching interdiction on the other side, she said. “Nevertheless, we are still determined to keep our shoulder to this wheel and stop that leakage too,” she added.
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January - 3 
Testimonies of 50 of the 294 witnesses recorded in the past four days by the one-man judicial commission, headed by Justice Shehzado Sheikh, inquiring into the July 3-11, 2007, operation that killed 103 people, including family members of Maulana Abdul Aziz, head cleric of the mosque, teachers and s
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Testimonies of 50 of the 294 witnesses recorded in the past four days by the one-man judicial commission, headed by Justice Shehzado Sheikh, inquiring into the July 3-11, 2007, operation that killed 103 people, including family members of Maulana Abdul Aziz, head cleric of the mosque, teachers and students of the seminaries and 10 security personnel, revealed that the top clerics of the Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) in Islamabad and several key functionaries of Jamia Hafsa and Jamia Faridia, the two seminaries attached to it, were either not present in the mosque or had left it before the military launched its final assault on July 10, 2007, Dawn reported on January 4. Asiya Hameed, a teacher of Jamia Hafsa and custodian of the record of the girl’s seminary, was among the 16 witnesses who recorded their statements with the commission on January 3. “Since I was not in the madrassa during the operation, I don’t know the exact details,” she said when asked by Justice Shehzado Sheikh of the Federal Shariat Court, whether she had the record of the girls who were on rolls, or went missing during the operation. She said her uncle had taken her away from the mosque complex, where the girl’s seminary operated, on July 3, 2007, the day the operation began. When she rejoined Jamia Hafsa, she said, she did not find the record, which security agencies might have taken away. Maulana Aziz, who also acted as principal of Jamia Faridia located in Sector E-7, had similarly told the commission in his testimony on December 31 that he could not compile the record of the students killed or went missing in the operation as he was arrested when he came out of the mosque on July 4, 2007, the day after the army laid siege to the mosque.
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January - 4 
Daily Times adds that Pakistan condemning the latest drone attacks in Waziristan said the attacks were illegal, counterproductive, unacceptable and violation of its territorial integrity. “Pakistan wants to resolve the issue of drone attacks through bilateral talks with the United States,” said Moaz
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Daily Times adds that Pakistan condemning the latest drone attacks in Waziristan said the attacks were illegal, counterproductive, unacceptable and violation of its territorial integrity. “Pakistan wants to resolve the issue of drone attacks through bilateral talks with the United States,” said Moazzam Ali Khan.
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January - 4 
Federal Minister of Interior A Rehman Malik on January 4 said that mobile phones are now a weapon of terrorism, reported Dawn. The Minister said, “Mobile phones are now a weapon of terrorism as all improvised bombings were conducted through them.” The minister suggested that legislation should be do
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Federal Minister of Interior A Rehman Malik on January 4 said that mobile phones are now a weapon of terrorism, reported Dawn. The Minister said, “Mobile phones are now a weapon of terrorism as all improvised bombings were conducted through them.” The minister suggested that legislation should be done to ban illegal mobile phone SIMs sell as it has become a weapon of committing terror, adding the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has been written a letter in this regard. He said that suspension of mobile phone services helped avoiding blasts. The minister added that mobile phone services were suspended in different cities on Chehlum of Imam Hussain after taking all the provinces into confidence. In another context he said that around 90 per cent Afghan refugees are living in Katchi Abadis (slums) and despite repeated warnings, they have not yet left the country. “Anyone who violates the law would be apprehended. Most of the handlers of suicide bombings were found in Katchi Abadis,” he said.
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January - 4 
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif, talking to lawmakers from Balochistan, on January 4 said that instead of finding a peaceful and lasting solution to the Balochistan issue, the Ayub Khan, Julfikar Ali Bhutto and Pervez Musharraf regime went for military action and that has aggravated the si
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Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif, talking to lawmakers from Balochistan, on January 4 said that instead of finding a peaceful and lasting solution to the Balochistan issue, the Ayub Khan, Julfikar Ali Bhutto and Pervez Musharraf regime went for military action and that has aggravated the situation in the Province, reports The News. He said that the Balochistan issue is very important for the whole country and a policy should be evolved with a consensus to end deprivations of the province. He said the resolution of the Balochistan issue was in democracy.
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January - 4 
The Pakistani Government cannot verify reports suggesting that Maulvi Nazir Wazir, also known as Mullah Nazir, was killed in a US drone strike, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Moazzam Khan on January 4, according to The Express Tribune. The spokesperson strongly condemned the drone strikes in the
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The Pakistani Government cannot verify reports suggesting that Maulvi Nazir Wazir, also known as Mullah Nazir, was killed in a US drone strike, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Moazzam Khan on January 4, according to The Express Tribune. The spokesperson strongly condemned the drone strikes in the country’s tribal belt saying, “We strongly condemn drone attacks as they are in violation of Pakistan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.” In another context he said that Pakistan and Afghanistan were making efforts to hold an Ulema Conference in January in Kabul to help advance the peace process in the war-torn country. The spokesperson confirmed that Pakistan had so far released 26 Afghan Taliban at the request of Kabul. However, he did not provide further details whether those released were still in Pakistan or reached Afghanistan.
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January - 4 
Prime Minister (PM) Raja Pervez Ashraf on January 4 said that Pakistan needs to redesign and redefine its military doctrine, according to Daily Times. The PM urged national security institutions to further improve intelligence gathering and establish effective coordination among civil and military i
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Prime Minister (PM) Raja Pervez Ashraf on January 4 said that Pakistan needs to redesign and redefine its military doctrine, according to Daily Times. The PM urged national security institutions to further improve intelligence gathering and establish effective coordination among civil and military institutions to comprehensively tackle terrorism. “The threats to Pakistan’s national security stem mainly from non-state actors who were targeting the state’s symbols and institutions in a bid to impose their agenda,” Raja added.
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January - 5 
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain said on January 5 that the strength of militants has increased so alarmingly that now, they can reach anywhere they want to carry out their activities, reports Dawn. “The time has come to take the final decision on whether to hold dialogu
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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain said on January 5 that the strength of militants has increased so alarmingly that now, they can reach anywhere they want to carry out their activities, reports Dawn. “The time has come to take the final decision on whether to hold dialogue with militants or to begin a meaningful operation against them,” the Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain told the provincial assembly on a point of order about the recent acts of militancy, especially the killing of seven aid workers, including six women, in Swabi. Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain said a lot had been spoken in condemnation of militant attacks and therefore, it was direly needed to take militancy to its logical end. He said there were two options with the Government either to hold dialogue with militants and if it was not possible, then the second option was intensive operation against them. All political parties and security agencies should get together to make an effective strategy before the Government held dialogue with militants or went for operation against them, adds Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain.
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January - 7 
Federal Investigating Agency (FIA) has indicated to Indian officials that they have a water-tight case against Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) ‘commander’ Zakir-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and 28 other accused in November 26, 2008, (26/11) Mumbai terrorist attacks, Hindustan Times reported on January 8. The FIA has matc
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Federal Investigating Agency (FIA) has indicated to Indian officials that they have a water-tight case against Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) ‘commander’ Zakir-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and 28 other accused in November 26, 2008, (26/11) Mumbai terrorist attacks, Hindustan Times reported on January 8. The FIA has matched the voices of terrorists Abu Al Qama and Zarar Shah with the samples of the communication intercepts between Karachi-based LeT handlers and the Mumbai attackers which were provided by India. Sources said Pakistan authorities had discreetly shared their findings with Indian Home Ministry official Dharmendra Sharma, who had stayed back in Islamabad for two more days after three of his colleagues returned to New Delhi, on December 24, 2012. The FIA officials told Sharma that they were confident of convicting Lakhvi, but still had to find evidence against LeT chief Hafiz Mohammed Saeed.
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January - 7 
Federal Minister of Interior Rehman Malik had said on January 7, “TTP has threatened to attack the long march. But we will not stop the long march and (we will) provide them full security.” Qadri leads the Tehreek-e-Minhajul Quran, which has a network of religious and educational institutions.
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Federal Minister of Interior Rehman Malik had said on January 7, “TTP has threatened to attack the long march. But we will not stop the long march and (we will) provide them full security.” Qadri leads the Tehreek-e-Minhajul Quran, which has a network of religious and educational institutions.
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January - 8 
The Federal Interior Ministry says it has intercepted a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) phone call in which the terrorists are planning an attack on Dr Tahirul Qadri’s long march to be held in Islamabad on January 14, Daily Times on January 9 reported. The ministry said in a press release that the
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The Federal Interior Ministry says it has intercepted a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) phone call in which the terrorists are planning an attack on Dr Tahirul Qadri’s long march to be held in Islamabad on January 14, Daily Times on January 9 reported. The ministry said in a press release that the caller used Miranshah (headquarter of the North Waziristan Agency in FATA)-based Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) landline. The threat alert was received from a credible intelligence source, the press release said. The release further said the TTP’s statement is an effort to mislead Tahirul Qadri in particular and public in general. “The government does not believe in the fake representative of the TTP and will continue to take protective measures for the long march.”
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January - 8 
TTP ‘spokesman’ Ehsanullah Ehsan had denied that the group had threatened to attack the protest. “This is not true. We have not issued any threat to attack the long march. We have no comments for the long march,” he had said.
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TTP ‘spokesman’ Ehsanullah Ehsan had denied that the group had threatened to attack the protest. “This is not true. We have not issued any threat to attack the long march. We have no comments for the long march,” he had said.
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January - 10 
The Government’s persistent failure to protect the minority Shia community from sectarian attacks by Sunni militant groups, is reprehensible and amounts to complicity in the slaughter of Pakistani citizens, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on January 10, reports The Express Tribune. “The government sho
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The Government’s persistent failure to protect the minority Shia community from sectarian attacks by Sunni militant groups, is reprehensible and amounts to complicity in the slaughter of Pakistani citizens, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on January 10, reports The Express Tribune. “The government should immediately hold accountable those responsible for ordering and participating in deadly attacks targeting the Shia across Pakistan and particularly the Hazara Shia in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province. 2012 was the bloodiest year for Pakistan’s Shia community in living memory and if this latest attack [January 10 attacks] is any indication, 2013 has started on an even more dismal note,” said Ali Dayan Hasan, Pakistan director at HRW. “As Shia community members continue to be slaughtered in cold blood, the callousness and indifference of authorities offers a damning indictment of the state, its military and security agencies,” he added. In 2012, well over 400 members of the Shia population were killed in targeted attacks. Over 120 of these were killed in Balochistan Province, the vast majority from the Hazara Shia community. Similar attacks targeting the Shia population have taken place repeatedly over the last year [2012] in Balochistan, Karachi (Sindh), predominantly Shia populated areas of Gilgit Baltistan in the northern areas, and in Pakistan’s tribal areas, HRW said. “Pakistan’s tolerance for religious extremists is not just destroying lives and alienating entire communities, it is destroying Pakistani society across the board,” said Hasan.
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January - 11 
Balochistan Governor Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi expressed his displeasure over the deteriorating law and order situation in the Province. “We have lost the right to govern,” Magsi said.
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Balochistan Governor Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi expressed his displeasure over the deteriorating law and order situation in the Province. “We have lost the right to govern,” Magsi said.
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January - 11 
The Balochistan Government once against gave the Police powers to the Frontier Corps (FC) to maintain law and order in the Province. A notification issued here stated that the FC was given Police powers for one month in Quetta to maintain law and order. According to the notification, the FC would ac
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The Balochistan Government once against gave the Police powers to the Frontier Corps (FC) to maintain law and order in the Province. A notification issued here stated that the FC was given Police powers for one month in Quetta to maintain law and order. According to the notification, the FC would act under the supervision of the civil administration and would follow the restrictions and conditions laid down in the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898. Previously, the Government had withdrawn the Police powers from the FC on December 3, 2012.
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January - 11 
US President Barack Obama said on January 11 that it would be very hard to imagine stability and peace in the region if Pakistan and Afghanistan did not come to some agreement, reports Dawn. At a White House news conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Obama also acknowledged that he had seen
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US President Barack Obama said on January 11 that it would be very hard to imagine stability and peace in the region if Pakistan and Afghanistan did not come to some agreement, reports Dawn. At a White House news conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Obama also acknowledged that he had seen “a greater awareness (of this issue) on the part of the Pakistani government”. “We welcome the recent steps,” said Obama in an indirect reference to Pakistan’s decision to release Taliban leaders in its custody for enabling them to attend peace talks with the Afghan government. President Obama also noted that Pakistan and other regional states had a role in the Afghan peace process and that “a strong and secure Afghanistan is in the interest of the entire region”.
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January - 12 
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on January 12 said that they would cease their occasional attacks on the Army in their stronghold of North Waziristan Agency (FATA) and concentrate attacks on NATO forces in Afghanistan instead – an announcement possibly designed to head off divisions in the insu
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The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on January 12 said that they would cease their occasional attacks on the Army in their stronghold of North Waziristan Agency (FATA) and concentrate attacks on NATO forces in Afghanistan instead – an announcement possibly designed to head off divisions in the insurgency, reports Daily Times. The ceasefire does not apply to the rest of the country, where there are often fierce clashes between the TTP and security agencies. Thousands of soldiers are stationed in North Waziristan. There have been occasional clashes there between the soldiers and TTP, but a leaflet issued by TTP ‘Chief’ Hakimullah Mehsud ordered those to stop. A senior commander confirmed the pamphlet’s veracity. “O Mujahideen brothers! As you know, the Pakistani and Afghan Taliban under the leadership of Mullah Muhammad Omar Mujahid are engaged in jihad against the crusaders and infidels, and are supporters of each others in the ongoing holy war,” the pamphlet said.
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January - 18 
The United State (US) supports democratic Government in Pakistan rather than any specific political party or person‚ including Tahirul Qadri, US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson said on January 18, reports The Express Tribune. He further said that the US would like to see free and fair elections
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The United State (US) supports democratic Government in Pakistan rather than any specific political party or person‚ including Tahirul Qadri, US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson said on January 18, reports The Express Tribune. He further said that the US would like to see free and fair elections in Pakistan.
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January - 20 
Quetta (provincial capital of Balochistan) Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) of Mir Zubair Mehmood on January 20 confirmed that three senior Police officials arrested by Frontier Corps (FC) were involved in kidnapping of a resident of Dalbandin for ransom, reports Daily Times. Addressing a press co
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Quetta (provincial capital of Balochistan) Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) of Mir Zubair Mehmood on January 20 confirmed that three senior Police officials arrested by Frontier Corps (FC) were involved in kidnapping of a resident of Dalbandin for ransom, reports Daily Times. Addressing a press conference, Mir Zubair said, “The three officers, including Superintendent of Police (SP) and two Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of CID Police Quetta and three other personnel have been suspended from service and an FIR has been registered against them for kidnapping Abdul Quddoos, a resident of Dalbandin, headquarters of Chagai district, for ransom.” He said that CID Police Quetta abducted Abdul Quddoos on January 16 and later demanded ransom from his family. He said that an FC team raided the CID office, recovered the abducted person and arrested the police officials. “The FC has handed over the arrested police officials and three other personnel to the Quetta Police and a case against the all accused has been registered with Bijli Ghar Police Station Quetta,” the CCPO said. He said that the Home Department had issued a notification for setting up a committee to conduct inquiry into the involvement of CID Police officials in kidnapping a person for ransom. He said that the committee would work under his supervision.
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January - 20 
The Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah said one or two target killings in a big city like Karachi was not an issue, reports The News. However, he claimed the situation will become normal. Talking to the media at the Sukkur airport, he said the situation in Karachi is not as bad as portrayed by
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The Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah said one or two target killings in a big city like Karachi was not an issue, reports The News. However, he claimed the situation will become normal. Talking to the media at the Sukkur airport, he said the situation in Karachi is not as bad as portrayed by the media. He pointed out that other murders in Karachi were on the rise over different other issues.
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January - 20 
The United States (US) Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson on January 20 said the US would extend all the necessary assistance and equipment to help law enforcement agencies to check incidents of suicide attacks and bomb blasts, reports The News. He said the US highly values its relations with Paki
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The United States (US) Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson on January 20 said the US would extend all the necessary assistance and equipment to help law enforcement agencies to check incidents of suicide attacks and bomb blasts, reports The News. He said the US highly values its relations with Pakistan, adding that they acknowledge the sacrifices made by Pakistan during war on terrorism. The ambassador had meeting with Federal Minister of Interior Rehman Malik and exchanged views on bilateral relations and security situation, particularly in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
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January - 21 
ANP President Asfandyar Wali Khan, on January 21, said his party supports peace talks with the militants because this is a national issue and the nation should unite for such negotiations. The ANP will convene an All Parties Conference to formulate a joint national strategy to deal with the menace o
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ANP President Asfandyar Wali Khan, on January 21, said his party supports peace talks with the militants because this is a national issue and the nation should unite for such negotiations. The ANP will convene an All Parties Conference to formulate a joint national strategy to deal with the menace of terrorism, Asfandyar told participants at a ceremony commemorating the deaths of ANP leaders Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Bacha Khan) and Khan Abdul Wali Khan. Bacha Khan died in 1988, followed by his son Wali Khan in 2006.
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January - 21 
A Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) working group held a meeting on January 21 at Army General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, Central Asia Online reported quoting Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release. Delegates from the Afghan National Army, the International Security As
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A Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) working group held a meeting on January 21 at Army General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, Central Asia Online reported quoting Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release. Delegates from the Afghan National Army, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Pakistani Army participated, the statement said. The participants discussed measures to counter the IED threat faced by civilians and Security Forces on both sides of the Pakistani-Afghan border. The working group resolved to advance work already done to counter the IED threat.
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January - 22 
Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, on January 22, told the Senate that the issue of drone attacks would be taken up with US Ambassador to Pakistan, Richard Olson, and also with Barrack Obama administration in Washington, reports Daily Times. During a policy statement in the Senate, the Foreign Mini
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Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, on January 22, told the Senate that the issue of drone attacks would be taken up with US Ambassador to Pakistan, Richard Olson, and also with Barrack Obama administration in Washington, reports Daily Times. During a policy statement in the Senate, the Foreign Minister said drone attacks were a violation of Pakistan’s territorial integrity, adding that the Government was not oblivious to the challenges confronting the country. Khar’s statement on US drones came in the wake of the Obama administration’s finalising of a rule book for targeted killings which would not apply to Pakistan, enabling the CIA to freely conduct direct drone strikes in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Khar said all international organisations, including the United Nation (UN), European Union (EU), and US think tanks also termed drone attacks as unlawful and counterproductive.
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January - 22 
Peace talks with Pakistani militants will take place before this year's general elections, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain said on January 22, reports Central Asia Online. The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will be part of th
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Peace talks with Pakistani militants will take place before this year's general elections, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain said on January 22, reports Central Asia Online. The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will be part of the peace process with the militants, he said, adding that participants will chalk out a joint peace strategy at the All Parties Conference for the Awami National Party (ANP) to convey. "We are trying to initiate peace talks with the extremists at the earliest," Iftikhar added.
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January - 22 
The Provincial Government has set up a new force for conducting operations against elements involved in cases of terrorism, target killing and kidnapping for ransom, Dawn reported on January 23. “The special force will initially comprise 300 personnel,” Provincial Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durr
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The Provincial Government has set up a new force for conducting operations against elements involved in cases of terrorism, target killing and kidnapping for ransom, Dawn reported on January 23. “The special force will initially comprise 300 personnel,” Provincial Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani said while presiding over a meeting of the divisional commissioners and senior officials in Quetta on January 22. Mr Durrani said the force would help stop terrorist activities, target killings and kidnapping for ransom in the province. He said the government had also decided to organise Levies Force on modern lines and its personnel would be given special training and equipped with latest weapons to fight terrorists and other criminals in a better way.
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January - 23 
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), on January 23, said the United Nation bodies and the United States should stop the “BJP-sponsored state terrorism in Kashmir,” otherwise the TTP has the ability to strike inside Indian-administered Kashmir, reports Dawn. Speaking to Dawn, the TTP ‘spokesman’ Ehs
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The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), on January 23, said the United Nation bodies and the United States should stop the “BJP-sponsored state terrorism in Kashmir,” otherwise the TTP has the ability to strike inside Indian-administered Kashmir, reports Dawn. Speaking to Dawn, the TTP ‘spokesman’ Ehsanullah Ehsan said that the Indian Home Minister’s statement regarding BJP-backed terrors camps is an open confession that Hindu extremists are being patronized under the State’s authority for killing innocent Kashmiri Muslims. “The US and UN should also order drone strikes and coalition troops invasion, to target these terror camps, which are mentioned by the Indian minister of fanning Hindu terrorism,” said Ehsan. “If the US and the UN could not take care of the State-sponsored-terrorism in Kashmir and the BJP/RSS terrorism against Muslims in India, then TTP has the ability to strike and take care of it.” To a query, Ehsan declared the present jihad in Indian-administered Kashmir as “merely a drama” and talked about a “practical jihad” for freedom of the Kashmiri Muslims. About launching attacks on the BJB and RSS terror camps, the TTP spokesman said, “Soon everyone will realise how much ability they (TTP) have and how they are going to strike both, Indian State terrorism centres and the Hindu terrorist organisations.”
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January - 24 
The armed forces of Pakistan are prepared to defend country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Kahlid Shamim Wynne on January 24, reports Daily Times. The CJCSC was visiting the ongoing ‘Exercise Saffron Bandit 2012-13’ at an operat
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The armed forces of Pakistan are prepared to defend country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Kahlid Shamim Wynne on January 24, reports Daily Times. The CJCSC was visiting the ongoing ‘Exercise Saffron Bandit 2012-13’ at an operational base of the Pakistan Air Force. Chief of Air Staff Tahir Rafique Butt also participated in the exercise. General Wynne said the prevailing complex global geo-political environment and regional situation is not only unique but also more challenging, since Pakistan faces both internal and external threats. “Readiness and war preparedness have attained enhanced significance in the current scenario. PAF is a potent and frontline element of the national security and, through the highest levels of professionalism, it will always come up to the expectations of the nation,” he added.
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January - 24 
The United Nation’s (UN) envoy on counter-terrorism and human rights launched an investigation on January 24 into the impact of drone strikes on civilians, aimed at securing accountability for attacks going “badly wrong”, reports Dawn. Ben Emmerson, a British lawyer and United Nations special Rappor
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The United Nation’s (UN) envoy on counter-terrorism and human rights launched an investigation on January 24 into the impact of drone strikes on civilians, aimed at securing accountability for attacks going “badly wrong”, reports Dawn. Ben Emmerson, a British lawyer and United Nations special Rapporteur, said the huge expansion in the technology behind unmanned planes, and consequently their increasing use, required a new legal framework. “The plain fact is that this technology is here to stay, and its use in theatres of conflict is a reality with which the world must contend,” he told reporters in London. “It is therefore imperative that appropriate legal and operational structures are urgently put in place to regulate its use in a manner that complies with the requirements of international law.” CIA drone attacks in Pakistan have killed up to 3,461 people since 2004, according to Britain’s Bureau of Investigative Journalism, up to 891 of them civilians including 176 children. The UN envoy’s investigation will focus on 25 case studies of attacks in Pakistan as well as Afghanistan, the Palestinian territories, Somalia and Yemen.
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January - 24 
The United States (US) Senator John Kerry, President Barack Obama’s nominee for secretary of State, said during his confirmation hearing on January 24 that cutting US aid to Pakistan, would be a “dramatic, draconian and sledge-hammer” measure, reports Dawn. Senator Kerry also said that Pakistan’s ro
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The United States (US) Senator John Kerry, President Barack Obama’s nominee for secretary of State, said during his confirmation hearing on January 24 that cutting US aid to Pakistan, would be a “dramatic, draconian and sledge-hammer” measure, reports Dawn. Senator Kerry also said that Pakistan’s role in leading the US to Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad had not been sufficiently appreciated. In his first appearance before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in his new role, Mr Kerry told the senators he foresaw a “more rapid” transition in Afghanistan, allowing an accelerated withdrawal of US troops before the 2014 deadline. But the senator, who headed the committee before his nomination, assured the Afghans that America’s counter-terrorism mission in their country would continue beyond 2014.
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January - 26 
Refuting Pakistan’s claim, Lieutenant General (retired) Shahid Aziz, who was then heading Intelligence Inter-Services-Intelligence’s (ISI) Analysis Wing, said that there were no mujahideen (‘freedom fighters’) but only regular soldiers who took part in the 1999 Kargil conflict, reports Daily Excelsi
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Refuting Pakistan’s claim, Lieutenant General (retired) Shahid Aziz, who was then heading Intelligence Inter-Services-Intelligence’s (ISI) Analysis Wing, said that there were no mujahideen (‘freedom fighters’) but only regular soldiers who took part in the 1999 Kargil conflict, reports Daily Excelsior on January 27. In his article in Pakistan daily The Nation early this month titled ‘Putting our children in line of fire’, he wrote, "There were no mujahideen, only taped wireless messages, which fooled no one. Our soldiers were made to occupy barren ridges, with hand held weapons and ammunition." He further said that the intrusion was clearly intended to dominate the supply line to Siachen and force the Indians to pull out. "To say that occupying empty spaces along the Line of Control was not a violation of any agreement and came under the purview of the local commander is astounding. This area was with the Indians as a result of Shimla Agreement, and there had been no major violation of the Line of Control (LoC) since 1971", he added.
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January - 28 
Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC) has announced to hold a ‘peace march’ in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, on March 3, reports The News. DPC Chairman Maulana Samiul Haq, after the summit meeting of the DPC parties, on January 28 said the DPC wanted peace all over the country, including Karachi
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Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC) has announced to hold a ‘peace march’ in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, on March 3, reports The News. DPC Chairman Maulana Samiul Haq, after the summit meeting of the DPC parties, on January 28 said the DPC wanted peace all over the country, including Karachi, and it had held an All Parties Conference in Karachi for the restoration of peace. Those who attended the meeting included Jama'at-ud-Da'awa (JuD) chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed. He also said that the DPC was an alliance of parties having public representation and it must be taken into confidence for the nomination of the Prime Minister and about the interim set up. He said the nomination of someone who defied "Two Nation Theory" and the Pakistan ideology as interim Prime Minister would be strongly resisted.
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January - 30 
Federal Minister of Interior Rehman Malik on January 30 said three banned organisation are responsible of target killings and law and order situation in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, reports Dawn. Speaking in the Senate in response to a point of order by Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Se
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Federal Minister of Interior Rehman Malik on January 30 said three banned organisation are responsible of target killings and law and order situation in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, reports Dawn. Speaking in the Senate in response to a point of order by Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Senator Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, the Interior Minister said Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) are terrorizing people in Karachi. “It is not Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as a whole involved in Karachi killings. But, these are the splinter groups,” he said. The Minister also claimed that Ehsanullah Ehsan is not a TTP ‘spokesman’. “He is nobody but these are the hawks in these organisations who are inflicting terror on innocent people,” he remarked. Rehman Malik explained that those busy in Karachi are different extremist factions and mentioned that when the Interior Ministry warned of an attack on long march of Dr Tahirul Qadri, the same Ehsanullah Ehsan withdrew his statement. But, after killing of MQM leader Manzar Imam, he claimed the responsibility as a spokesperson of the TTP. But, it is evident that he is not working for TTP but for somebody else, said the Minister. He said internal and external groups are involved in Karachi situation and killers are paid PKR 80,000 to PKR 90,000 for each killing. “I have asked the intelligence agencies to enhance monitoring as well as security. I have asked the agencies that when they get any information, they should apprehend the suspects and take preventive action.”
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January - 30 
The United States reassured Islamabad on January 30 that it would not abandon Pakistan after the drawdown of coalition forces from Afghanistan completes in 2014, reports Dawn. “My core message today is that the US is committed to a cooperative and long-term partnership with Pakistan — far broader th
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The United States reassured Islamabad on January 30 that it would not abandon Pakistan after the drawdown of coalition forces from Afghanistan completes in 2014, reports Dawn. “My core message today is that the US is committed to a cooperative and long-term partnership with Pakistan — far broader than any one issue, and centred on areas of mutual interest,” US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson said at the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad. He made it clear that Washington’s ties with Islamabad were not linked to “commitments and responsibilities in Afghanistan” and that it was too simplistic to look at the Pakistan-US relationship just from the Afghan prism. But still there was a lot of emphasis in Mr Olson’s speech on the need for Islamabad to extend unreserved support for reconciliation in Afghanistan, while reiterating that Pakistan can be an equal partner in the process in a manner that safeguards its interests. The envoy made a reference to continuing distrust in the relations in spite of some improvements.
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February - 1 
The United States (US) will have to keep up an open-ended drone war against al Qaeda militants in Pakistan and elsewhere to prevent another terror attack on America, Defence Secretary Leon Panetta said on February 1, reports Dawn. The assassination of al Qaeda figures in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia
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The United States (US) will have to keep up an open-ended drone war against al Qaeda militants in Pakistan and elsewhere to prevent another terror attack on America, Defence Secretary Leon Panetta said on February 1, reports Dawn. The assassination of al Qaeda figures in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia with unmanned, robotic aircraft has provoked widespread criticism from human rights groups and some US allies, but Panetta said the US campaign has been effective. Asked if the CIA “targeted killings” should be curtailed in coming years, Panetta told AFP in an interview that there was still a need to continue the drone strikes more than a decade since the attacks of September 11, 2001. “I think it depends on the nature of the threat that we’re confronting. We are in a war. We’re in a war on terrorism and we’ve been in that war since 9/11. “The whole purpose of our operations were aimed at those who attacked this country and killed 3,000 innocent people in New York as well as 200 people here at the Pentagon,” added Panetta.
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February - 3 
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on February 3 expressed its willingness to hold talks with the Government, but on two conditions — release of its seven leaders and guarantees by leaders of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam–Fazal (JUI-F) and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) to make
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The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on February 3 expressed its willingness to hold talks with the Government, but on two conditions — release of its seven leaders and guarantees by leaders of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam–Fazal (JUI-F) and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) to make the exercise fruitful, reports Dawn. “The release of Muslim Khan, Maulvi Omar and five other TTP leaders is a prerequisite for talks, while former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Syed Munawar Hasan should be the guarantors,” TTP ‘spokesman’ Ehsanullah Ehsan said in a video message released in Peshawar. He said the release of Muslim Khan and Maulvi Omar was essential because they would be TTP’s main negotiators. He did not disclose the names of five other leaders the TTP wanted to be released. Ehsanullah Ehsan said the TTP responded positively to an offer for talks, but the Government was not serious. The TTP, he added, was serious but wanted its two demands met before any talks. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain welcomed the TTP’s offer and said the Government was ready to discuss all issues if peace talks began. “We have offered talks. Let us initiate dialogue and then all conditions can be discussed, including release of the Taliban prisoners,” he said, adding that the TTP should not rely only on Muslim Khan and Maulvi Omar because they had other people who could represent them in dialogue with the Government.
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February - 4 
The leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan on February 4 said that they would work to reach a peace deal within six months, while throwing their weight behind moves for the Afghan Taliban to open an office in Doha (Qatar), reports Daily Times. Following talks hosted by British Prime Minister David Came
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The leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan on February 4 said that they would work to reach a peace deal within six months, while throwing their weight behind moves for the Afghan Taliban to open an office in Doha (Qatar), reports Daily Times. Following talks hosted by British Prime Minister David Cameron, Afghan President Hamid Karzai and his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari urged the Islamists to join the reconciliation process in Afghanistan. “All sides agreed on the urgency of this work and committed themselves to take all necessary measures to achieve the goal of a peace settlement over the next six months,” they said in a joint statement issued by Cameron’s office. “They supported the opening of an office in Doha for the purpose of negotiations between the Afghan Taliban and the High Peace Council of Afghanistan as part of an Afghan-led peace process,” the statement said. The joint statement also said that the Afghan and Pakistani leaders had agreed arrangements to “strengthen co-ordination” of the release of Taliban detainees from Pakistani custody. Afghan peace negotiators welcomed Pakistan’s release of dozens of Taliban prisoners in recent months, a move they believe could help bring militants to the negotiating table.
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February - 4 
Underlining that Pakistan and India are standing at the 'crossroads of history', Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on February 4 said the bilateral peace process should be 'uninterrupted' so that it can produce results, reports Indian Express. Ashraf made the remarks while chairing a session of the
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Underlining that Pakistan and India are standing at the 'crossroads of history', Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on February 4 said the bilateral peace process should be 'uninterrupted' so that it can produce results, reports Indian Express. Ashraf made the remarks while chairing a session of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Council that was held at the Prime Minister's Secretariat in Islamabad. Pakistan had demonstrated 'seriousness of purpose and sincerity' in resuming the dialogue with India, he added. In his opening remarks, he said that "Pakistan and India stand at the crossroads of history". Islamabad feels that the bilateral dialogue 'should be uninterrupted as it is important to sustain this process to make it result-oriented', he added further. Ashraf said Pakistan had conveyed to India that it "seeks friendly, cooperative and good neighbourly relations".
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February - 5 
The Prime Minister (PM) Raja Pervez Ashraf, while terming the Kashmir dispute a human rights issue, on February 5 reiterated Pakistan’s stance that it should be resolved in accordance with the UN resolutions, reports Daily Times. Addressing a function in connection with the Kashmir Solidarity Day, h
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The Prime Minister (PM) Raja Pervez Ashraf, while terming the Kashmir dispute a human rights issue, on February 5 reiterated Pakistan’s stance that it should be resolved in accordance with the UN resolutions, reports Daily Times. Addressing a function in connection with the Kashmir Solidarity Day, he said that plebiscite is the right way to give the Kashmiris their right to self-determination. The PM said the Kashmir issue is a human rights issue and urged the world community to play its role for its resolution. He said, unfortunately, India has demonstrated intransigence for resolution of the Kashmir dispute. He said India is ruling Kashmir with brute force and termed the dispute dangerous for peace in the region and the world. Raja said Kashmiris are waging a struggle for their right of self-determination and this struggle is intensifying day by day. PM said the objective to observe Kashmir Solidarity Day is to express solidarity with our Kashmiri brethren for their right to self-determination.
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February - 5 February - 6
Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States Sherry Rehman, referring to continued drone strikes in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), on February 5 urged the Barrack Obama administration not to cross “red line”, reports Dawn. Rehman said that drones strikes were “a clear violation of our sov
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Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States Sherry Rehman, referring to continued drone strikes in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), on February 5 urged the Barrack Obama administration not to cross “red line”, reports Dawn. Rehman said that drones strikes were “a clear violation of our sovereignty and a violation of international law” that threatened stable relations between the two Governments. She rejected persistent media reports that Pakistan tacitly approved the strikes while denouncing them publicly as untrue. “Let me assure you that since we have been in Government, there has been no quiet complicity, no question of wink and nod,” she said. Meanwhile, the White House on February 6 (today) said that US drone strikes on potential terrorist targets were ‘legal,’ ‘ethical’ and ‘wise’ and would continue. “These strikes are legal, they are ethical and they are wise,” White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told a briefing in Washington. “The US government takes great care in deciding to pursue an Al Qaeda terrorist, to ensure precision and to avoid loss of innocent life.” Mr Carney rejected the media criticism of the US drone policy, the day after a Department of Justice memo leaked the conditions in which it viewed drone strikes targeted at American citizens abroad as legal.
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February - 6 
The Pakistani Defence Ministry, on February 6, told the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Defence that militants have attacked 16 defence installations since 2009, reports Central Asia Online. A quick response force has been deployed on all four sides of sensitive installations across the co
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The Pakistani Defence Ministry, on February 6, told the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Defence that militants have attacked 16 defence installations since 2009, reports Central Asia Online. A quick response force has been deployed on all four sides of sensitive installations across the country to avert additional assaults, Asif Yaseen Malik, Defence Secretary, told the committee.
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February - 7 
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Human Rights Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, on February 7, raised concerns on the US policy of drone attacks in the tribal area of Pakistan in a meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, Micheal Posner, reports The News. He said tha
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Adviser to the Prime Minister on Human Rights Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, on February 7, raised concerns on the US policy of drone attacks in the tribal area of Pakistan in a meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, Micheal Posner, reports The News. He said that these attacks are not only counterproductive, but also cause loss of lives of innocent people. He discussed variety of issues relating to human rights with the US assistant secretary. The adviser briefed him about initiatives taken by the present Government to improve the human rights situation in Pakistan.
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February - 16 
Provincial home secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani also said, “We fear more casualties. We have announced an emergency in hospitals.” Durrani said the bomb was planted near the pillar of a building in a bazaar. “The building collapsed due to the intensity of the bomb, some people have been trapped ins
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Provincial home secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani also said, “We fear more casualties. We have announced an emergency in hospitals.” Durrani said the bomb was planted near the pillar of a building in a bazaar. “The building collapsed due to the intensity of the bomb, some people have been trapped inside,” he said.
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February - 19 
Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik said on February 19 that Hazara-dominated areas in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan should be given the status of “red zone” to ensure security of the community, reports Daily Times. He said, “The localities in Quetta having popul
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Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik said on February 19 that Hazara-dominated areas in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan should be given the status of “red zone” to ensure security of the community, reports Daily Times. He said, “The localities in Quetta having population of ethnic Hazara Shia community would have to be declared as red zone in order to maintain security of the community”. He said that red zones of Islamabad and Lahore have been known for their containers and Police pickets, but security of people necessitated these arrangements. He said security measures would be taken for the protection of the Hazara community of Quetta on the lines of those taken in Islamabad.
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February - 19 
The Central Information Secretary of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), Aasia Ishaq, said on February 19 that Balochistan should immediately be handed over to army, while the Government should also resign, reports Daily Times. “The problems cannot be resolved through transfer of some administrative
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The Central Information Secretary of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), Aasia Ishaq, said on February 19 that Balochistan should immediately be handed over to army, while the Government should also resign, reports Daily Times. “The problems cannot be resolved through transfer of some administrative officials as the situation in the country has turned worst. If Government does not take notice of terrorism in Balochistan, then it will spread across the country,” she said in a statement. She said that APML Chief General (retd) Pervez Musharraf during his rule had taken effective steps against terrorists who could not get chance to rise after which people were feeling secure. The APML leader said: “Now the terrorists are committing heinous crimes without any fear due to inefficiency and ineffective policies of the present rulers.”
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February - 20 
Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on February 20 while stressing the dire need of inter-faith harmony in the country, urged leaders of all faiths and religions to stand united and strive for peace and security, reports The News. Addressing a conference organised by the Ministry of National Harmony
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Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on February 20 while stressing the dire need of inter-faith harmony in the country, urged leaders of all faiths and religions to stand united and strive for peace and security, reports The News. Addressing a conference organised by the Ministry of National Harmony aimed at creating greater understanding amongst people of different faiths, the PM referred to the recent incidents of terrorism in which a large number of people were killed and said “lets come out of this perpetual sense of fear that haunts us all, and where no place is safe anymore.” He referred to the Hazaras as brothers and patriotic Pakistanis and said the entire nation felt deeply saddened over the plight they underwent in the recent attacks. “There can be no justification for the murder of the innocent. How can we justify the killing of a child, women or a man who is trying to earn a living?” he regretted. He said no one should take law into their own hands as it creates lawlessness and chaos in the society. He said it was the responsibility of the government to ensure law and order and was also the obligation of every citizen to abide by the law and clearly understand his responsibilities and obligations.
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February - 22 
President Asif Ali Zardari on February 22 called for unity and harmony among the people to address the challenges of extremism and terrorism and stressed that war was no solution to terrorism, reports Daily Times. Addressing the concluding session of the national conference on interfaith harmony, ti
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President Asif Ali Zardari on February 22 called for unity and harmony among the people to address the challenges of extremism and terrorism and stressed that war was no solution to terrorism, reports Daily Times. Addressing the concluding session of the national conference on interfaith harmony, titled “Living together with diversity – Interfaith and inter-cultural dialogue”, which was organised by the Ministry of National Harmony at the Presidency, Zardari said there was a need to adopt the approach of peace and reconciliation to eliminate the menace of extremism and terrorism. Among others the session was attended by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. The president said he had been pleading with the world that the way the issue of terrorism was being addressed would not lead to success. “We believe in tolerant Islam and have to counter those who believe in hate, with peaceful efforts,” he stated. Referring to the fight against terror in Afghanistan, the President said more than three decades of war in the country could not bring peace and Pakistan was the worst affected by turmoil in Afghanistan. He said there was a time when no one in Pakistan could think of blowing themselves up as a bomber, as Islam was against suicide
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March - 1 
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Engineer Shaukatullah said on March 1 that the Governor’s House would work as a liaison office between the jirga (tribal council of elders) set up to hold peace talks with the militants, and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leadership, reports Daily Times. Briefi
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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Engineer Shaukatullah said on March 1 that the Governor’s House would work as a liaison office between the jirga (tribal council of elders) set up to hold peace talks with the militants, and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leadership, reports Daily Times. Briefing media persons along with Governor Shaukatullah after chairing a meeting of the 87-member grand tribal jirga at the Governor’s House, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that the formation of an authoritative grand tribal jirga gave the message to the world community that serious peace initiatives are underway to bring durable peace in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and KP by holding talks with the militant leadership.
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March - 4 
Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik said on March 4 that Punjabi Taliban were behind the attack in Abbas town of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh, reports Daily Times. The minister said that the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) had its headquarters in Punjab and claimed that the
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Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik said on March 4 that Punjabi Taliban were behind the attack in Abbas town of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh, reports Daily Times. The minister said that the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) had its headquarters in Punjab and claimed that the province’s ruling party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), was in an electoral alliance with the banned organisation. Malik said that the same group of terrorists was involved in the Quetta and Karachi attacks. He said that terrorism would be eliminated from the country only if action was taken against terrorists in Punjab. He added that terrorist forces wanted to delay the upcoming general election.
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March - 5 
The Afghan National Security Council (ANSC) has strongly recommended that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) should be declared a terrorist entity on March 5, reports The Times of India. The strongly-worded official Afghan reaction will affect outside efforts to stitch an agreement between Afghan
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The Afghan National Security Council (ANSC) has strongly recommended that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) should be declared a terrorist entity on March 5, reports The Times of India. The strongly-worded official Afghan reaction will affect outside efforts to stitch an agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan on bringing the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) into Government. On March 3, Rehmatullah Nabil, Afghanistan's deputy National Security Adviser (NSA) was quoted as saying in an interview, "The interesting question is why is a terrorist blacklisted but the person who issues the Fatwa for them [to act] or who provides havens to them not blacklisted?" He added, "Against these people, organizations at a global scale should unite. People of Afghanistan and the government of Afghanistan will continue their voice of peace, but unfortunately there is not much hope from Pakistan's side and therefore we should be more united, more mobilized, and not be deceived by them." This was the most public outburst from the Afghan Government after the chief of the Pakistan Ulema Council Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi declared that the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan was "legitimate".
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March - 11 
The ‘chief’ operational commander of the al Qaeda linked Punjabi Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Asmatullah Muawiya has warned that India is set to become a major target of terrorist attacks once again, especially after the Allied Forces withdraw from Afghanistan on March 11, reports Kashmir Watch
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The ‘chief’ operational commander of the al Qaeda linked Punjabi Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Asmatullah Muawiya has warned that India is set to become a major target of terrorist attacks once again, especially after the Allied Forces withdraw from Afghanistan on March 11, reports Kashmir Watch. Muawiya’s statement has been released on an al-Qaeda and TTP-linked jehadi website - Jamia Hafsa Urdu Forum – in which he has also praised two terrorists – Ajmal Kasab of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Afzal Guru of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) who had been sent to the gallows in recent months by the Indian Government for their roles in the November 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack and the December 12, 2001 fidayeen attack on the Indian Parliament in Delhi. Muawiya’s latest threat of terrorist attacks in India comes two months after he made a conditional ceasefire offer to the Pakistan Government which envisaged an end to Islamabad’s participation in the Afghanistan war and the reshaping of the Constitution and foreign policy according to the Quran and Sunnah. The ceasefire offer was made through a letter which was later endorsed by the TTP spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan, saying it had the full backing of the TTP leadership.
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March - 11 
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on March 11, warned the Government of a severe backlash if it continues making claims of having broken the back of the militants in operations in different parts of the countries northwest, reports The Times of India. A statement issued by the TTP made a veiled r
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The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on March 11, warned the Government of a severe backlash if it continues making claims of having broken the back of the militants in operations in different parts of the countries northwest, reports The Times of India. A statement issued by the TTP made a veiled reference to Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik's remarks that the Government had the militants in a corner thanks to its counter-terrorism strategy and rejected demands for a ceasefire ahead of any peace talks. Malik also said that the people should unite to root out terrorism as Pakistan was moving towards "durable peace". The TTP said people calling on the militants to declare a ceasefire should seek an end to air strikes in Pakistan's tribal areas. "Have those asking us to take serious steps ever called for a halt to the bombing of tribal regions by the Pakistan Air Force and American drones," said the statement issued by TTP spokesman Ihsanullah Ihsan. "We had offered peace talks in the national interest but secular elements did not like our serious offer and they have started making non-serious demands," Ihsan said. Certain elements were describing the Taliban's offer of talks as a sign of weakness, he said. "Such remarks can force us into making a fearsome response," he said. The TTP statement further called on the Government to act quickly on its offer for talks as time was running out. The militants have made several offers for talks to the Government but TTP ‘chief’ Hakimullah Meshud has made it clear that his fighters will not disarm. The Government has insisted that the militants should lay down arms and declare a truce before any talks.
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March - 15 
The United States has violated Pakistan’s sovereignty and shattered tribal structures with unmanned drone strikes in its counterterrorism operations near the Afghan border, a UN human rights investigator said in a statement on March 15, reports Daily Times. UN special rapporteur on human rights and
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The United States has violated Pakistan’s sovereignty and shattered tribal structures with unmanned drone strikes in its counterterrorism operations near the Afghan border, a UN human rights investigator said in a statement on March 15, reports Daily Times. UN special rapporteur on human rights and counterterrorism, Ben Emmerson, visited Pakistan for three days this week as part of his investigation into the civilian impact of the use of drones and other forms of targeted killings. “As a matter of international law, the US drone campaign in Pakistan is being conducted without the consent of the elected representatives of the people, or the legitimate Government of the State,” Emmerson said in a statement issued by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva. “It involves the use of force on the territory of another state without its consent and is therefore a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty,” he said. Emmerson said in January he would investigate 25 drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, Afghanistan and the Palestinian territories. He is expected to present his final report to the UN General Assembly in October.
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March - 17 
Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary said that only those people who are found guilty of blasphemy through due process should be punished, not the entire communities, The Express Tribune reported on March 18. The Chief Justice was heading a bench hearing the Joseph Colony suo motu case. During
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Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary said that only those people who are found guilty of blasphemy through due process should be punished, not the entire communities, The Express Tribune reported on March 18. The Chief Justice was heading a bench hearing the Joseph Colony suo motu case. During the hearing, the Inspector General (IG) Police of Punjab presented a report revealing that the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore did not visit the site at the time of the incident. The Chief Justice said that the affected people are still living in camps and every officer is trying to cover up the incident. More than 160 houses of Christians living in the Joseph Colony were torched by an angry mob on March 9, 2013, over alleged blasphemous remarks against Prophet Muhammad by Sawan Masih, a 28-year-old Christian sanitation worker.
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March - 18 
Citing what they believe to be the non-serious attitude of the Security Forces (SFs) and Government, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) announced on March 18 that it was postponing the peace talks, reports The Express Tribune. In an eight minute video released by the TTP from an undisclosed locati
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Citing what they believe to be the non-serious attitude of the Security Forces (SFs) and Government, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) announced on March 18 that it was postponing the peace talks, reports The Express Tribune. In an eight minute video released by the TTP from an undisclosed location, its ‘spokesperson’ Ehsanullah Ehsan claimed that the SFs and Government are not serious about the peace dialogue, which is why the TTP have decided to postpone the peace talks. With masked armed men standing behind him, the TTP ‘spokesperson’ further demanded that the people not participate in the public gatherings and rallies of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Awami national Party (ANP), claiming both of these parties are on the TTP’s (hit) list.
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March - 19 
Talking to reporters from an undisclosed location, the deputy head of AI, Ezatullah, said that his organisation was intact and would fight from Zakhakhel and Orakzai Agency to defeat the invaders in Maidan. He asked the displaced people to avoid registration in camps which, he said, was insulting, s
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Talking to reporters from an undisclosed location, the deputy head of AI, Ezatullah, said that his organisation was intact and would fight from Zakhakhel and Orakzai Agency to defeat the invaders in Maidan. He asked the displaced people to avoid registration in camps which, he said, was insulting, saying that the AI volunteers would make all possible efforts for their restoration and return.
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March - 22 
Frontier Corps (FC) Inspector General (IG), Major General Obaidullah Khan Khatak, said that concrete measures put in place by the Government and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) have resulted in the reduction of militancy in Balochistan, reports Daily Times. “The recent indicators have shown tangible
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Frontier Corps (FC) Inspector General (IG), Major General Obaidullah Khan Khatak, said that concrete measures put in place by the Government and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) have resulted in the reduction of militancy in Balochistan, reports Daily Times. “The recent indicators have shown tangible decline in the subversive activities across the province,” said FC IG while talking to media persons at the FC headquarters. Commending the formation of the caretaker setup with unanimity after the dissolution of provincial assembly, he hoped that the situation would improve optimistically in Balochistan once the general elections are completed and the next democratically elected Government assumes office.
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March - 26 
Terror threat emanating from Pakistan remains a danger to Britain’s national security, the head of Britain’s counter-terrorism strategy Charles Farr said in an interview to The News on March 27. In an exclusive interview, Charles Farr, Director General of the Office of Security and Counter-Terrorism
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Terror threat emanating from Pakistan remains a danger to Britain’s national security, the head of Britain’s counter-terrorism strategy Charles Farr said in an interview to The News on March 27. In an exclusive interview, Charles Farr, Director General of the Office of Security and Counter-Terrorism, said that the threat from Pakistan mainly comes from the tribal areas along the Afghan border. He said that although al Qaida is weakened and depleted in numbers and capability, it continues to operate from this region and still has the capability to conduct terrorist attacks in the UK and other countries. Farr said that Britain was getting cooperation from all Pakistani agencies “in the investigation for terrorism going back to 07/07 and even before that”. He revealed that threat to Britain from Pakistan-based militant groups comes not only from al Qaida but lots of groups including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Lashkar-e-Toiba and banned militant organisations inducing from “some settled areas of Karachi”. “We have to worry about these groups particularly in this country. So many people in this country have contacts in Pakistan. Al Qaida is not finished; Al-Zawahiri is out there too. We also have significant domestic threat to deal with also. We are clearly concerned about the level of threat.” Charles Farr said that Britons continue to travel to Af-Pak border areas to join al Qaida and other militant groups to receive training. Some of these Britons, he said, stay in Pakistan and fight and some return to the UK, radicalised and prepared to strike.
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March - 27 
Former President of Pakistan, General (retired) Pervez Musharraf on March 27 said that he was proud of the Kargil (Kargil District of Jammu and Kashmir) operation and blamed political class for squandering away a military victory, reports The Hindu. At a press conference in Karachi (provincial capit
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Former President of Pakistan, General (retired) Pervez Musharraf on March 27 said that he was proud of the Kargil (Kargil District of Jammu and Kashmir) operation and blamed political class for squandering away a military victory, reports The Hindu. At a press conference in Karachi (provincial capital of Sindh), after his return, he asserted, “A military victory was turned into a political defeat.”
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March - 27 
The Federal Ministry of Interior, on March 27, warned of a massive terrorist threat in the coming elections, reports Dawn. A presentation made during a meeting between officials of the Ministry and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to discuss security issues revealed that the Jundallah, in coord
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The Federal Ministry of Interior, on March 27, warned of a massive terrorist threat in the coming elections, reports Dawn. A presentation made during a meeting between officials of the Ministry and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to discuss security issues revealed that the Jundallah, in coordination with Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), was planning to carry out large-scale terrorist attacks in Balochistan, with Nushki and Quetta as their particular targets. Intelligence reports suggest that attacks on Government and semi-Government buildings, installations and personnel of Security Forces (SFs) were also possible. A participant of the meeting said that the meeting had been informed that the Balochistan Republican Army (BRA) was also planning to carry out attacks by improvised explosive device (IED) in Dera Bugti, Naseerabad and Jaffarabad. Usman Saifullah Kurd, a ‘commander’ of the Balochistan faction of the LeJ, was planning terrorist attacks in Islamabad. The meeting was also informed that the recent fighting among militants of the TTP, LI and pro-Government Ansar-ul-Islam (AI) from January 25 to March 18 might pose serious problem not only in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), but also in Peshawar and other settled Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan is considering deployment of armed forces in at least half of the polling stations in KP and the FATA over security concerns, said Provincial Election Commissioner Sono Khan Baloch. Mr Baloch said that a high-level meeting was held in Peshawar two days ago to examine the security situation in the province and tribal areas, especially sensitive areas. He said the meeting was attended by the Provincial Home Secretary, the Provincial Police Officer (PPO), the Additional Chief Secretary FATA and others. He added that for the time being, ECP had been planning to depute personnel of armed forces in at least half of the polling stations.
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March - 28 
Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) said that Sindh caretaker Government should focus on law and order situation in the province. A statement issued by the PIMA said caretaker Chief Minster should take strict measures to overcome lawlessness, terrorism and extortion and especially crimes aga
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Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) said that Sindh caretaker Government should focus on law and order situation in the province. A statement issued by the PIMA said caretaker Chief Minster should take strict measures to overcome lawlessness, terrorism and extortion and especially crimes against doctors like abducting, killing and extortion. The PIMA reminded that at least 40 doctors were killed in the five-year tenure of the previous regime, but no culprit was arrested.
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March - 29 
“Terrorism is my only worry which can disturb smooth run-up to the general elections,” Punjab’s caretaker Chief Minister Najam Sethi said on March 29, adding that otherwise things were very much under control, reports Dawn. “In the complete absence of counter-terrorism force, my only worry at the mo
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“Terrorism is my only worry which can disturb smooth run-up to the general elections,” Punjab’s caretaker Chief Minister Najam Sethi said on March 29, adding that otherwise things were very much under control, reports Dawn. “In the complete absence of counter-terrorism force, my only worry at the moment is how to protect politicians and their election rallies from terrorists who have already threatened to strike with full force. The very thought gives me sleepless nights,” said Mr Sethi while talking to media personnel at the Punjab House. “In Punjab, I have one police officer of the rank of DIG who heads the provincial counter-terrorism department, and his job is only to pass on terrorism threats with absolutely no clue how to confront them. This is a serious issue,” said the caretaker chief minister. He said terrorists needed only five to six individuals willing to die to create panic, but to stop them the country required a fully trained manpower force.
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March - 31 
Balochistan National Party (BNP) President Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal on March 31 expressed his deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Balochistan, pointing out that political workers were being killed ruthlessly to keep them out of campaigning, reports Daily Times. The Electio
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Balochistan National Party (BNP) President Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal on March 31 expressed his deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Balochistan, pointing out that political workers were being killed ruthlessly to keep them out of campaigning, reports Daily Times. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is insisting on the Baloch parliamentarians to take part in the next parliamentary election, which the ECP secretary, Ishtiaq Ahmed, said will be held on time. Mengal claimed that since his appearance before the court in September last year nothing has changed. He said that Balochistan’s people had received 60 mutilated bodies; 70 had died in targeted killings and another 100 had disappeared. He said neither the ECP nor the caretaker Governments could resolve the reservations of the Baloch politicians, as the military operations and human rights violations continue unabated all over Balochistan. Mengal opined that 85% of the problems are due to the involvement of establishment, and the weak caretakers have no capacity to assert their authority.
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April - 1 
Former President and Chief of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), General (retired) Pervez Musharraf, expressed on April 1 his desire that the General elections should be held under the supervision of Army, reports Dawn. “I have always stated that the polls should be held under the supervision of arm
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Former President and Chief of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML), General (retired) Pervez Musharraf, expressed on April 1 his desire that the General elections should be held under the supervision of Army, reports Dawn. “I have always stated that the polls should be held under the supervision of army. Otherwise there will be law and order problem. And then the polls will not be fair and transparent,” said Musharraf. The former president said he had been facing serious threats, but at the same time expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by the caretaker Government for his security.
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April - 3 
Caretaker Interior Minister Malik Habib said on April 3 that Balochistan was top priority and that army should be deployed in areas inhabited by the Hazara community, The Express Tribune reported. “Good officers should be deployed. I have heard that some upright officers were sidelined and I am look
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Caretaker Interior Minister Malik Habib said on April 3 that Balochistan was top priority and that army should be deployed in areas inhabited by the Hazara community, The Express Tribune reported. “Good officers should be deployed. I have heard that some upright officers were sidelined and I am looking into this”, he added. The caretaker minister said he would sidetrack those security officers who were political or integrity wise controversial or were irregular appointments. “Free and fair elections can only happen if we provide a good security environment.”
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April - 4 
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Quetta on April 4 and said his force will “fully back” any solution to the problems of the restive province that are within the country’s constitution, reports Daily Times. “The army will fully back any solution under the constituti
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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Quetta on April 4 and said his force will “fully back” any solution to the problems of the restive province that are within the country’s constitution, reports Daily Times. “The army will fully back any solution under the constitution of Pakistan,” he stressed. He assured the provincial leadership that the army would wholeheartedly welcome all-inclusive elections.
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April - 4 
The Governor Shaukatullah Khan on April 4 said the Government had not contacted militants for holding peaceful elections in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), reports The News. Speaking at a grand jirga (tribal council) during a visit to the Landikotal tehsil (revenue unit) of Khyber Agency
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The Governor Shaukatullah Khan on April 4 said the Government had not contacted militants for holding peaceful elections in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), reports The News. Speaking at a grand jirga (tribal council) during a visit to the Landikotal tehsil (revenue unit) of Khyber Agency, he said the Government would utilize all resources to conduct free and fair elections in the tribal region. “There have been no talks with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for elections in the tribal areas,” Shaukatullah said. However, he said the Government would welcome any steps taken by tribal jirga for restoration of peace in the FATA.
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April - 7 
Sardar Akhtar Mengal, the President of the Balochistan National Party (BNP), on April 7 said, in a huge party gathering at the Hockey Stadium of Pakistan Railways adjacent to the Governor’s House and the Civil Secretariat in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan after retur
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Sardar Akhtar Mengal, the President of the Balochistan National Party (BNP), on April 7 said, in a huge party gathering at the Hockey Stadium of Pakistan Railways adjacent to the Governor’s House and the Civil Secretariat in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan after returning from his four-year-long self-imposed exile, “the huge gathering spoke volumes about the defeat of the enemy who had been using ruthless power to subdue the Baloch.” He categorically declared that with the consultation of the party leaders and workers, the BNP could review its decision of participating in the next elections if the missing persons are not recovered and the dumping of mutilated bodies continues. “BNP is very much present on the ground and it had emerged stronger during these days. No power on earth can wipe out the BNP from politics,” he added. He disclosed that intruders were sent in the party by the Establishment in order to destroy the BNP but they failed. “We had not seen any form of development in Balochistan during the so-called democratic Government. Instead, we have seen dead bodies of our youth thrown in the open, including the late Habib Jalib, a former Secretary-General of the BNP, who was gunned down by the death squad in the broad daylight,” “There is no place in Balochistan where mutilated bodies of the missing Baloch youths are not thrown,” Sardar Akhtar Mengal told his audience.
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April - 7 
The security sources said that at least 30 soldiers and nearly 100 militants have been killed in fierce fighting over the past four days following a ground offensive launched by the Army, reports The News. Military officials speaking on condition of anonymity said that the air force has also conduct
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The security sources said that at least 30 soldiers and nearly 100 militants have been killed in fierce fighting over the past four days following a ground offensive launched by the Army, reports The News. Military officials speaking on condition of anonymity said that the air force has also conducted heavy bombing during the offensive. The officials claimed that the Army has successfully seized control of a large portion of the valley from the TTP and their ally, LI. The claims could not be independently verified.
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April - 9 
The Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), which was responsible for the Mumbai terrorist attack and other high-profile terrorist attacks in India over the past several years, remains one of the most potent terror group in South Asia, Admiral Samuel Locklear, the commander of the US Pacific Command (PACOM), told la
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The Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), which was responsible for the Mumbai terrorist attack and other high-profile terrorist attacks in India over the past several years, remains one of the most potent terror group in South Asia, Admiral Samuel Locklear, the commander of the US Pacific Command (PACOM), told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing on April 9, reports Zee News. "Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) remains one, if not the most operationally capable terrorist groups through all of South Asia," Admiral Samuel Locklear said. "LeT was responsible for the November 2008 attack in Mumbai, India that killed over 160 people, including six Americans, and has supported or executed a number of other attacks in South Asia in recent years," he said. Beyond the direct impact of these attacks, there is a significant danger that another major terrorist attack could destabilise the "fragile peace" between India and Pakistan, Locklear told the Senators days after a report released by a US Army said that LeT continues to recruit the best and the brightest in Pakistan and are focused on Kashmir. "Should the perpetrators of such an attack be linked back to Pakistan - as was the case in the 2008 attack - the Indian government may face domestic pressure to respond and the resulting spiral of escalation could be rapid. For those reasons, and more importantly to protect innocent lives, we and our partners in the US Government engage regularly with the Indians and Pakistanis to avert such a crisis," he said in his prepared remarks.
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April - 9 
The military authorities on April 9 said that they had launched a major military operation against the militants in the remote Tirah Valley of the Khyber Agency in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in which 110 militants and 23 soldiers had been killed, reports The News. “After their expuls
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The military authorities on April 9 said that they had launched a major military operation against the militants in the remote Tirah Valley of the Khyber Agency in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in which 110 militants and 23 soldiers had been killed, reports The News. “After their expulsion from the rest of the tribal areas as a result of military operations, the militants had gathered in Tirah Valley of the Khyber tribal region to continue terrorist acts in the country. “A major military operation was launched against the militants four days ago to dismantle their sanctuaries. In the four days of fighting, 110 militants and 23 Pakistan Army soldiers have been killed and dozens of militants injured,” a senior military official told The News. Pleading anonymity, he said fierce fighting was still going on in the valley between the Security Forces and militants to wrest control of the area. The official said the valley had not been cleared of the militants yet, though jet fighters and gunship helicopters had pounded the positions of militants.
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April - 10 
The United States (US) assistance to Pakistan has helped in reducing the conditions that foment extremism in the country, US secretary of state John Kerry said, on April 10, reports The Times of India. "Our economic and military assistance to Pakistan helps reduce the conditions that enable extremis
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The United States (US) assistance to Pakistan has helped in reducing the conditions that foment extremism in the country, US secretary of state John Kerry said, on April 10, reports The Times of India. "Our economic and military assistance to Pakistan helps reduce the conditions that enable extremism and its calling card - terrorism - to disrupt and destroy," said John Kerry in an eight-page budget letter to the US Congress. "We are helping Pakistan to continue its development as a responsible and responsive international partner. For Pakistan we request USD 1.3 billion in financial year 2014 to fund civil and military assistance along with supporting the existing diplomatic platform," Kerry said. According to a State Department fact sheet, the budgetary provisions for Pakistan includes programs that increase stability, strengthens democratic institutions and helps in countering violent extremism.
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April - 12 
Former Federal Minister and Awami National Party (ANP) leader Ghulam Ahmad Bilour on April 12 called on the election commission to provide security to ANP leaders receiving death threats in KP, reports The Express Tribune. Addressing reporters at the press club, he said the KP’s caretaker Government
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Former Federal Minister and Awami National Party (ANP) leader Ghulam Ahmad Bilour on April 12 called on the election commission to provide security to ANP leaders receiving death threats in KP, reports The Express Tribune. Addressing reporters at the press club, he said the KP’s caretaker Government has provided very basic security to leaders of the ANP, and said these ordinary arrangements are not enough to avoid potential attacks. According to Bilour, it is unfair that former President General Pervez Musharraf was provided with adequate security by the caretaker Government upon his arrival in Pakistan, whereas democratic leaders are left at the mercy of God.
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April - 12 
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on April 12 announced supporting the anti-polio drives on a condition that such campaigns were not used by the United States as a cover for espionage, reports Daily Times. The TTP militants also placed the condition that their apprehensions about the vaccination
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The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on April 12 announced supporting the anti-polio drives on a condition that such campaigns were not used by the United States as a cover for espionage, reports Daily Times. The TTP militants also placed the condition that their apprehensions about the vaccination campaigns being ‘un-Islamic’ be removed. “If they can convince us that these polio drops are Islamic and the spy agencies are not using it to kill our fighters, we would have no objection to any vaccination drive which is in the public interest,” TTP ‘spokesman’, Ehsanullah Ehsan said while talking to private news channel via telephone from an undisclosed location. Referring to the Abbottabad incident which led to the capture of Osama bin Laden, Ehsan said vaccination drives were being used by the CIA to hunt down its ‘Mujahideen’ (freedom fighters). “Our opposition and suspicion to the vaccination drives have been increased manifold after the Abbottabad incident,” he said. He further denied any involvement in previous attacks on polio workers. “We are not involved in attack on the polio teams and the threats given to them. We do have reservations against the drive but we are not attacking them,” added Ehsanullah. “Our strategy is very clear. We will not attack any public welfare institution and non-military installations,” he added further.
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April - 17 
President Asif Ali Zardari on April 17, paid tribute to a Kashmiri separatist executed in India for plotting to attack the Indian parliament on December 13, 2001, and called his hanging an abuse of judicial process, reports Daily Times. Muhammad Afzal Guru was hanged in New Delhi on February 9, 2013
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President Asif Ali Zardari on April 17, paid tribute to a Kashmiri separatist executed in India for plotting to attack the Indian parliament on December 13, 2001, and called his hanging an abuse of judicial process, reports Daily Times. Muhammad Afzal Guru was hanged in New Delhi on February 9, 2013, for his alleged involvement in a deadly attack on the Indian parliament. Zardari said “force and oppression” would not silence calls for self-determination in Kashmir, where a separatist conflict has claimed an estimated 100,000 lives over the last 20 years. “The hanging of Afzal Guru through abuse of judicial process has further angered the Kashmiris,” he said in comments. He praised Guru by quoting a verse written by the Urdu language poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz. “The dignity and esteem with which a person heads towards the place of execution is immortal. On contrary, the life is but a transitory phase,” he said.
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April - 25 
The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan has refuted the contents of a report carried by The News stating that some of the JI candidates who are contesting in the elections from Punjab were listed on the 4th schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 for their alleged involvement in terrorist activities, on A
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The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan has refuted the contents of a report carried by The News stating that some of the JI candidates who are contesting in the elections from Punjab were listed on the 4th schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 for their alleged involvement in terrorist activities, on April 25. A JI spokesman Anwar Niazi has clarified that none of the JI candidate contesting the polls has any such charges against him and no JI candidate is contesting election from PP-38, PP-255 and NA-177.
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April - 29 
At least 15,000 troops from the Army and Frontier Corps (FC) are deploying to sensitive Districts in Balochistan for the May 11 General Election, Balochistan Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani said on April 29, reports Central Asia Online. The sensitive Districts include Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar, K
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At least 15,000 troops from the Army and Frontier Corps (FC) are deploying to sensitive Districts in Balochistan for the May 11 General Election, Balochistan Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani said on April 29, reports Central Asia Online. The sensitive Districts include Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar, Kharan, Turbat, Panjgur, Gwadar and Nushki, he said.
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April - 30 
Against the backdrop of a spate of attacks on election meetings and campaign offices ahead of the May 11 polls, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Hakimullah Mehsud said on April 30 that his group is focussed on ending the country's democratic system. The TTP aim is to "end the democratic system
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Against the backdrop of a spate of attacks on election meetings and campaign offices ahead of the May 11 polls, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Hakimullah Mehsud said on April 30 that his group is focussed on ending the country's democratic system. The TTP aim is to "end the democratic system", Mehsud said in a letter to the media. As part of this campaign, the group will hinder elections in the country, he said.
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April - 30 
Former Federal Minister of Interior Rehman Malik on April 30 said a conspiracy is afoot to break the country by bringing in a pro-Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Prime Minister (PM), reports The Express Tribune. Speaking at a joint press conference with Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)’s Farooq Satta
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Former Federal Minister of Interior Rehman Malik on April 30 said a conspiracy is afoot to break the country by bringing in a pro-Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Prime Minister (PM), reports The Express Tribune. Speaking at a joint press conference with Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)’s Farooq Sattar and Awami National Party (ANP)’s Shahi Syed at MQM headquarters Nine-Zero in Azizabad, a sub-division of Federal B. Area, of Karachi, he, while referring to the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), said “The public wants to know your agreement with the Taliban.” “I had been told that the upcoming elections would be against terrorists. The election is in fact against the anti-Taliban parties,” Malik added. He said that the parties campaigning on the symbol of bat and tiger are actually supporting the Taliban, but they should remember that their parties only exist if the country remains.
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April - 30 
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said on April 30 that General Elections would be held in the country on May 11 and emphasised that the future of the country depends on their fair conduct, reports Daily Times. “We must not harbour any suspicions or misgivings about it,” he
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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said on April 30 that General Elections would be held in the country on May 11 and emphasised that the future of the country depends on their fair conduct, reports Daily Times. “We must not harbour any suspicions or misgivings about it,” he said while addressing the participants of the “Yaum-e-Shuhada” (Martyrs Day) ceremony at the GHQ. He said this indeed was a golden opportunity, which could usher in an era of true democratic values in the country. The COAS said that in his opinion, it is not merely retribution but awareness and participation of the masses that can truly end this “game of hide and seek between democracy and dictatorship”. “If we succeed in rising above all ethnic, linguistic and sectarian biases to vote solely on the basis of honesty, sincerity, merit and competence, there would be no reason to fear dictatorship or to grudge the inadequacies of our present democratic system,” he added. Gen Kayani said that the nation’s salvation resides in transforming the government into a true platform of public representation. “This would come to pass once the construct of public representation in Pakistan is oriented towards affording primacy and precedence to larger public interest over personal interests.” “Otherwise, may it be democracy or dictatorship; governance would continue to remain a means of self aggrandisement and that of plundering national wealth and resources,” he added. He assured that armed forces stand committed to wholeheartedly assist and support in the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections, to the best of their capabilities and remaining within the confines of the constitution. He also assured that this support shall solely be aimed at strengthening democracy and rule of law in the country. General Kayani said that like every Pakistani, Pakistan Army, in its humble capacity, has endeavoured to strengthen democracy in the last five years, with the hope that the next elections would steer the country towards betterment. Now, once the destination is in sight and the nation must not err in accomplishing its responsibilities towards the election process, he added. “We must never forget that success of any system resides in coming up to the aspirations of the masses,” he said.
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April - 30 
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) on April 30 alleged the both Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) had assured the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that if voted to power they would support the militants, reports Dawn. PPP Lahore chapter (women wing) President F
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The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) on April 30 alleged the both Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) had assured the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that if voted to power they would support the militants, reports Dawn. PPP Lahore chapter (women wing) President Faiza Malik said efforts were being made to push the party to wall while the PML-N and PTI were campaigning openly as they were the supporters of the Taliban. “Both parties have assured the Taliban that they will extend full support to them after coming to power,” Ms Malik said while addressing a party workers’ meeting in Lahore. She said the PPP would continue fighting the war against terrorists and would not succumb to militancy. PPP central Punjab president Manzoor Wattoo said the silence of Nawaz and Shahbaz over the TTP terrorist activities against the PPP, the ANP and the MQM testified they had ‘a soft corner’ for the militants. In a statement, he said the people would not let the terrorists and their patrons hijack their country come what may. “The people will reject them and their supporters on May 11,” he said. Wattoo condemned what he called apparent endorsing of the genocide of the PPP, ANP and MQM workers and candidates by Nawaz. “It seems the PML-N is in collusion with terrorists and wants to come to power by using the TTP as a springboard,” he said.
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May - 1 
PTI Chairman Imran Khan has said that after coming into power his party would end military operations in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of the country, saying bullet is not the solution to any problem. Speaking at a public rally, he said that the PTI would transform the country into
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PTI Chairman Imran Khan has said that after coming into power his party would end military operations in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of the country, saying bullet is not the solution to any problem. Speaking at a public rally, he said that the PTI would transform the country into a welfare state where justice would be dispensed without any discrimination. He said local bodies’ polls would be held in the country as soon as possible. “We would not allocate development funds to any MNA or MPA, but the problems would be resolved through local bodies,” Imran added.
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May - 2 
Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman Maulana Tahir Ashrafi, taking a taut position again on the ‘Fatwa on sanctity of vote as Islamic duty of every Muslim; male and female’ has challenged the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who are declaring the practice of democratic right of vote in Pakistan as
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Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman Maulana Tahir Ashrafi, taking a taut position again on the ‘Fatwa on sanctity of vote as Islamic duty of every Muslim; male and female’ has challenged the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who are declaring the practice of democratic right of vote in Pakistan as a sin and holding terror attacks in response, for an open debate, Daily Times reported on May 3. Addressing a huge press conference at the Lahore Press Club, the PUC chairman called the TTP for holding a debate with him anywhere and anytime, and to give him a chance to explain the real teaching of Sharia (Islamic ideology) about the sanctity of vote with references from the Holy Quran and Sunnah. In support of his religious stance, Maulana Ashrafi said that casting vote is mandatory in the Islamic Sharia having three aspects – first, it would be used as a testimony; second, as a council; and third, as an advise. He said that no Muslim, man or women, could avoid it under any circumstances, so stopping the people to use their right to vote was not according to Islam. He also highlighted the issue of TTP barring women to use their right to vote as ‘wrong’ and ‘itself a sin’. He said that it was necessary for women voters that they should be provided an opportunity to cast their votes in separate polling stations, where only female polling staffs were deputed.
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May - 6 
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack on the JUI-F rally and said Munir Orakzai was the target. It added that the JUI-F party activists weren’t a target. TTP ‘spokesman’ Ehsanullah Ehsan said they had been trying for long to locate and kill Munir Orakzai as he ha
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The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack on the JUI-F rally and said Munir Orakzai was the target. It added that the JUI-F party activists weren’t a target. TTP ‘spokesman’ Ehsanullah Ehsan said they had been trying for long to locate and kill Munir Orakzai as he had remained an active member of the coalition Government of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Awami National Party (ANP). TTP ‘chief’ Hakimullah Mehsud had mentioned Munir Orakzai’s name in a videotape released in the past by his organisation. In the video, Hakimullah Masood is seen personally shooting dead former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) official Colonel Ameer Sultan, commonly known as Colonel Imam, while accusing Munir Orakzai of selling the Arab fighters to the US.
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May - 7 
Religious parties in Gilgit and Diamer Districts, including the Ahle Sunnat Waljamat (ASWJ) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), on May 7 called for a new and ‘acceptable’ governing system for the region, terming the existing Gilgit Baltistan (GB) Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009 ‘biased’, reports Ex
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Religious parties in Gilgit and Diamer Districts, including the Ahle Sunnat Waljamat (ASWJ) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), on May 7 called for a new and ‘acceptable’ governing system for the region, terming the existing Gilgit Baltistan (GB) Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009 ‘biased’, reports Express Tribune. “The existing governance system is unacceptable to us as it has deprived us of our rights,” ASWJ GB chief Qazi Nisar Ahmed told journalists in Gilgit. He accused Chief Minister Mehdi Shah for being biased in favour of a particular sect. “Families of the Sunnis killed were paid Rs 100,000 each while others killed in similar instances were paid Rs 2 million each,” he alleged. GB JI chief Abdul Sami said the strike was meant to protest the 2009 Order and draw the attention of whoever forms the new government following the elections on May 11. A ‘token strike’ was called by parties to register their reservations against the order promulgated by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government in 2009. Under the order, elections were held in GB for the first time in history and a Chief Minister and Governor were elected and the PPP became the ruling party. GB was made a de facto province but not under the Constitution. During the strike, protesters carried banners and dispersed peacefully later. However, in a precautionary move all educational institutions, markets, cellular services and the Karakoram Highway remained closed on the Government’s orders. Qazi Nisar Ahmed condemned the mobile phone restriction, arguing it was a non-violent ‘token strike’ against the self-governance order.
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May - 12 
The Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) renounced the results of the election on various polling stations and demanded the ECP either recounts the votes or conduct a new election. Speaking at a press conference, BNP-M Vice President Sajjid Tareen, PB-5 candidate Akhter Hussain Langov, PB-4 can
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The Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) renounced the results of the election on various polling stations and demanded the ECP either recounts the votes or conduct a new election. Speaking at a press conference, BNP-M Vice President Sajjid Tareen, PB-5 candidate Akhter Hussain Langov, PB-4 candidate Ahmed Nawaz Baloch and a large number of party workers renounced the election results. “All the forces deployed for so-called security of polling stations were utilised to turn the majority of our votes into a minority,” Sajjid Tareen said, adding that the BNP-M was punished for its policies and the six-point agenda that it had put before the CJP for putting an end to the atrocities perpetrated against the people of Balochistan.
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May - 13 
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said on May 1 in an interview with British daily Telegraph, that former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was not assassinated by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), reports The Express Tribune.
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The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said on May 1 in an interview with British daily Telegraph, that former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was not assassinated by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), reports The Express Tribune.
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May - 15 
The incoming Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, said this week that the Taliban’s offer for dialogue would be taken seriously. The TTP had also offered ‘conditional dialogue’ to the previous ruling coalition in February only to withdraw it after they did not receive a ‘positive’ response.
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The incoming Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, said this week that the Taliban’s offer for dialogue would be taken seriously. The TTP had also offered ‘conditional dialogue’ to the previous ruling coalition in February only to withdraw it after they did not receive a ‘positive’ response.
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May - 15 
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on May 15 said that they do not rule out a ‘ceasefire’ if the new Government ‘shows seriousness’ to their dialogue offer, reports The Express Tribune. TTP ‘spokesman’ Ehsanullah Ehsan says if the incoming Government takes their talks offer seriously, his group wi
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The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on May 15 said that they do not rule out a ‘ceasefire’ if the new Government ‘shows seriousness’ to their dialogue offer, reports The Express Tribune. TTP ‘spokesman’ Ehsanullah Ehsan says if the incoming Government takes their talks offer seriously, his group will also come up with a positive response. “If they [the new government] takes our dialogue offer seriously and makes some progress, then we could also stop attacks,” Ehsan told The Express Tribune by the phone from undisclosed location. “We have seen Nawaz Sharif’s reported remarks and respect his statement about our dialogue offer,” Ehsan said. “I would reiterate that we are serious in our dialogue offer but the outgoing rulers had adopted a non-serious approach,” he added. “The TTP does not declare a ceasefire now and any such decision would depend on the new government’s approach.” The TTP spokesman further said, “I cannot say now that we are stopping attacks but there could be a possibility of stopping attacks as a goodwill gesture once the new government takes some serious steps.”
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May - 16 
A United State (US) senior Defence Department official said on May 16 that the Pentagon sees no need to change the broad Congressional authorisation under which the military conducts lethal drone strikes against terrorist targets and estimated that the war with al Qaeda could continue for up to two
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A United State (US) senior Defence Department official said on May 16 that the Pentagon sees no need to change the broad Congressional authorisation under which the military conducts lethal drone strikes against terrorist targets and estimated that the war with al Qaeda could continue for up to two decades, said a report published in The Washington Post, reports The News. “At this point, we’re comfortable with the AUMF as it is currently structured,” Assistant Defence Secretary Michael Sheehan said of the Authorization for the Use of Military Force passed by Congress in 2001. “Right now … it serves its purpose,” he said. “In my judgement,” Sheehan said in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, “this is going to go on for quite a while, yes, beyond the second term of the president. … I think it’s at least 10 to 20 years.”
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May - 16 
Accepting defeat in the General Elections 2013, Awami National Party (ANP) chief, Asfandyar Wali Khan claimed his party’s anti-terrorism slogan was the main reason behind their defeat, reports Daily Times. Asfandyar Wali Khan said that despite their reservations over the general elections, the party
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Accepting defeat in the General Elections 2013, Awami National Party (ANP) chief, Asfandyar Wali Khan claimed his party’s anti-terrorism slogan was the main reason behind their defeat, reports Daily Times. Asfandyar Wali Khan said that despite their reservations over the general elections, the party accepts the results. Khan vowed to reclaim the mandate, which, according to him, was snatched by “terrorists” in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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May - 18 
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is luring more women to become suicide bombers, the Central Asia Online reported on May 18. The number of incidents involving female suicide bombers is rising, officials say. "Terrorists are exploiting psychologically fragile women, motivating them to execute att
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The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is luring more women to become suicide bombers, the Central Asia Online reported on May 18. The number of incidents involving female suicide bombers is rising, officials say. "Terrorists are exploiting psychologically fragile women, motivating them to execute attacks in the name of religion," said Muhammad Ali Babakhel, a Deputy Inspector General of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Police.
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May - 20 
Contrary to the military’s stand on the war against terrorism, Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif considers dialogue with militants as the best option to restore peace in the country, Dawn reported on May 21. “Forty thousand precious lives have so far been lost and the national
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Contrary to the military’s stand on the war against terrorism, Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif considers dialogue with militants as the best option to restore peace in the country, Dawn reported on May 21. “Forty thousand precious lives have so far been lost and the national economy is suffering a loss of billions of dollars (in the war against terrorism). Why should not (we) sit for a dialogue to restore peace,” the chief executive of the incoming government told his party’s legislators-elect at a ceremony in Lahore on May 20. “Is it a bad option?” he asked and then answered himself: “It is the best available option.” He said gun was not a solution to any problem, adding that the Taliban’s offer for dialogue should be taken seriously. Every option should be explored to bring an end to the ongoing carnage in Karachi and tribal areas, he suggested.
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May - 20 
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed alarm over escalating confrontation and violence in Karachi and appealed all sides to act in a rational manner and focus on resolving the litany of challenges facing the country, reports The News. In a statement issued, the Commission said the
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Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed alarm over escalating confrontation and violence in Karachi and appealed all sides to act in a rational manner and focus on resolving the litany of challenges facing the country, reports The News. In a statement issued, the Commission said the HRCP was appalled by the spike in tensions in Karachi and the murder of a senior politician belonging to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). We reiterate the hope that many matters that emerge out of elections will be resolved rationally and in a non-violent manner and without flaring up emotions.
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May - 21 
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf nominee for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Ministers slot Pervez Khattak on May 21 said the next Provincial Government to be led by his party had the capability to curb lawlessness and put the province on path of development, reports Dawn. He was speaking during a meeting here at
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Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf nominee for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Ministers slot Pervez Khattak on May 21 said the next Provincial Government to be led by his party had the capability to curb lawlessness and put the province on path of development, reports Dawn. He was speaking during a meeting here at the Officers’ Mess, where independent MPA-elect Imran Khan Mohmand announced to join PTI. Mr Khattak told participants that PTI had formulated a doable plan to for durable peace in the province.
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May - 22 
Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) ‘chief’ Sardar Akhtar Mengal said that had the establishment not stolen the mandate of his party it would have won at least 12 seats of the Balochistan Assembly in the recent elections, reports Dawn. The BNP-M has won two seats each in the national and provi
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Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) ‘chief’ Sardar Akhtar Mengal said that had the establishment not stolen the mandate of his party it would have won at least 12 seats of the Balochistan Assembly in the recent elections, reports Dawn. The BNP-M has won two seats each in the national and provincial assemblies. Speaking to the BNP-M workers and supporters who came to Wadh town of Khuzdar District from different parts of the province, he said people had reposed confidence in the party, giving ‘mandate’ to it.
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May - 22 
Deputy Inspector General of Police Malakand Division, Abdullah Khan, said a contingent of 50 Policemen belonging to Swat, Buner, Upper and Lower Dir Districts have successfully completed a month-long special anti-terrorism training organised by Pakistan Army at Papapanr in Swat District. He said tha
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Deputy Inspector General of Police Malakand Division, Abdullah Khan, said a contingent of 50 Policemen belonging to Swat, Buner, Upper and Lower Dir Districts have successfully completed a month-long special anti-terrorism training organised by Pakistan Army at Papapanr in Swat District. He said that objective of the training was to boost up the morale of Police and enhance their professional capabilities.
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May - 22 
PTI MPA-elect Shaukat Yousafzai said the new KP Government would provide all-out support to the Federal Government of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) for restoring peace in the country. The PTI leader said that pro-US policies of the previous government resulted in law and order situation in the coun
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PTI MPA-elect Shaukat Yousafzai said the new KP Government would provide all-out support to the Federal Government of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) for restoring peace in the country. The PTI leader said that pro-US policies of the previous government resulted in law and order situation in the country, particularly in the FATA and KP, adding the Awami National Party (ANP) failed to eliminate terrorism and extremism from the province despite making tall claims.
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May - 22 
The Member of National Assembly (MNA)-elect from NA-47, Darra Adamkhel, Qaiser Jamal Afridi has said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will approach the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Security Forces to reopen and rebuild educational institutions in tribal areas and KP. He said that people o
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The Member of National Assembly (MNA)-elect from NA-47, Darra Adamkhel, Qaiser Jamal Afridi has said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will approach the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Security Forces to reopen and rebuild educational institutions in tribal areas and KP. He said that people of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), in particular, had suffered a lot during the ongoing wave of terrorism.
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May - 22 
The United States (US) ambassador to Pakistan, Richard Olson, on May 22, said holding dialogue with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is prerogative of Pakistani Government, reports Daily Times. Terming recent general elections as big success of Pakistani nation in which democratic forces emerged as
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The United States (US) ambassador to Pakistan, Richard Olson, on May 22, said holding dialogue with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is prerogative of Pakistani Government, reports Daily Times. Terming recent general elections as big success of Pakistani nation in which democratic forces emerged as victorious he said a historic turnout was witnessed in the elections, which reflects that the people have confidence in democracy. He said these elections proved to be a defeat for those who are against democratic values and holding of elections.
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May - 23 
The Chinese Premier Li Keqiang praised Pakistan’s strategy against terror while wrapping up his two-day official visit to Pakistan on May 23 after promising a deeper and more comprehensive strategic engagement and a closer coordination for security and stability in Afghanistan, reports Dawn. China “
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The Chinese Premier Li Keqiang praised Pakistan’s strategy against terror while wrapping up his two-day official visit to Pakistan on May 23 after promising a deeper and more comprehensive strategic engagement and a closer coordination for security and stability in Afghanistan, reports Dawn. China “reiterates that it respects the anti-terrorism strategy developed and implemented by the Pakistani side in light of its own conditions. …China expresses its appreciation and continued willingness to help Pakistan build up counter-terrorism capacity”, the joint statement read. China had in the past reservations over the presence of East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM — a rebel Chinese group) in Pakistan. During Premier Li’s visit the Pakistani leadership recommitted to “continuous, active collaboration with and assistance to China in combating terrorist forces including the ETIM”. ETIM was declared a common threat for Pakistan and China.
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May - 23 
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on May 23 welcomed Prime Minister-designate Nawaz Sharif’s call for peace talks made to it on May 19, saying the offer would be discussed among the top leadership and a proper reply would be given in due course of time, reports The News. The TTP ‘spokesperson’, E
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The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on May 23 welcomed Prime Minister-designate Nawaz Sharif’s call for peace talks made to it on May 19, saying the offer would be discussed among the top leadership and a proper reply would be given in due course of time, reports The News. The TTP ‘spokesperson’, Ehsanullah Ehsan, said that the offer for the peace talks made by Sharif was a positive sign and that the militant organisation was devising a strategy for the course of action to be taken in response to the peace talk offers. Earlier, it may be recalled, the TTP had itself made a similar offer to the incoming Government in Islamabad that it was ready to make peace with the new Government provided it was taken positively.
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May - 23 
The United States (US) President Barack Obama on May 23 outlined plans to limit the use of US drone strikes against extremists abroad and took steps aimed at breaking a deadlock on closing the Guantanamo Bay military prison, reports Dawn. Obama said the United States would only use drone strikes whe
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The United States (US) President Barack Obama on May 23 outlined plans to limit the use of US drone strikes against extremists abroad and took steps aimed at breaking a deadlock on closing the Guantanamo Bay military prison, reports Dawn. Obama said the United States would only use drone strikes when a threat was imminent, a nuanced change from the previous policy of launching strikes against a significant threat.
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May - 24 
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif on May 24 told the United State (US) Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson that the time had come for the US to respect Pakistan’s sovereignty, reports The News. During a meeting with the US envoy, the PML-N chief said Pakistan offered more
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Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif on May 24 told the United State (US) Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson that the time had come for the US to respect Pakistan’s sovereignty, reports The News. During a meeting with the US envoy, the PML-N chief said Pakistan offered more sacrifices than others in the war on terror. Therefore, the sacrifices of Pakistanis should be respected in the world. He said the Pakistani nation wants trade, not aid, from America. He said the Pak-US relations should be based on equality and the US should respect the sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan.
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May - 29 
Pakistan expressed serious concern over the drone attack, saying that it violated its national sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law. A Foreign Office spokesman, in a statement, said, “The government of Pakistan has expressed serious concerns over the US drone attack that occurred
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Pakistan expressed serious concern over the drone attack, saying that it violated its national sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law. A Foreign Office spokesman, in a statement, said, “The government of Pakistan has expressed serious concerns over the US drone attack that occurred in North Waziristan on May 29.” “The Government of Pakistan has consistently maintained that the drone strikes are counter-productive, entail loss of innocent civilian lives, have human rights and humanitarian implications and violate the principles of national sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law.”
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June - 3 
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on June 3 expressed serious concerns over what it said enforced disappearances and killing of its workers and demanded of the authorities to take notice of the situation, reports The News. MQM’s senior leader Haider Abbas Rizvi demanded of the President, incoming P
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The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) on June 3 expressed serious concerns over what it said enforced disappearances and killing of its workers and demanded of the authorities to take notice of the situation, reports The News. MQM’s senior leader Haider Abbas Rizvi demanded of the President, incoming Prime Minister and Sindh governor to take notice of the situation.
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June - 4 
The Election Commission (EC) lifted ban on the display of arms in federal capital and all four provinces of the country on June 4, reports Daily Times. In a letter written to the Ministry of Interior secretary, Punjab Government Chief Secretary, Sindh Government Chief Secretary, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa G
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The Election Commission (EC) lifted ban on the display of arms in federal capital and all four provinces of the country on June 4, reports Daily Times. In a letter written to the Ministry of Interior secretary, Punjab Government Chief Secretary, Sindh Government Chief Secretary, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government Chief Secretary and Balochistan Government Chief Secretary, stated that EC had imposed ban on carriage and display of all kinds of weapons and fire arms during the general election. Since the election process has completed in the country, the EC of Pakistan has been pleased to withdraw the aforesaid ban with immediate effect.
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June - 6 
Deputy Convener of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, on June 6 officially said it was unfortunate that Sindh Government is making no marked efforts to counter terrorism, reports Daily Times. Speaking at a press conference, Siddiqui said that party workers were bearing the brun
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Deputy Convener of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, on June 6 officially said it was unfortunate that Sindh Government is making no marked efforts to counter terrorism, reports Daily Times. Speaking at a press conference, Siddiqui said that party workers were bearing the brunt of increasing terrorism in Karachi city. “Eight of our workers are missing and we have no idea where they are,” he said. He implored the Government and the Chief Justice to take notice of missing party workers. He claimed that Lyari town of Karachi is no longer in control of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), but has become the hub of criminals. He asked the Sindh Government to stop supporting Peoples’ Aman Committee (PAC) which he claimed was responsible for the killing of MQM party workers. Siddiqui said that the country is running on the revenues generated from Karachi, and if it is left at the mercy of criminals, it will be disastrous for the whole country. The rise in extremism and target killings could lead to the situation of 1971, he added.
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June - 7 
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) General Secretary Shaukat Yousafzai on June 7 said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government has decided to withdraw army from Malakand region, including Swat, gradually enabling the civil administration to take full control of the Provincially Administered Tri
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Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) General Secretary Shaukat Yousafzai on June 7 said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government has decided to withdraw army from Malakand region, including Swat, gradually enabling the civil administration to take full control of the Provincially Administered Tribal Areas. He further said the withdrawal would be gradual and army would hand over control to civilians in areas where security situation was completely normal now.
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June - 9 
Federal Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid on June 9 said that drone attacks are against the independence and sovereignty of the country, reports Daily Times. To a question regarding the strong protest by the Government on the latest drone strike, the information minister said in a Pakistan Radio p
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Federal Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid on June 9 said that drone attacks are against the independence and sovereignty of the country, reports Daily Times. To a question regarding the strong protest by the Government on the latest drone strike, the information minister said in a Pakistan Radio programme that if the former military ruler had allowed the United State (US) Government to conduct drone strikes inside the country, it was not legal, as he was not a legitimate ruler .“We will have to talk with Americans and inform them of our reservations on these strikes, as the people have strong sentiments against these.” He said that political parties, institutions, intelligentsia and the people of Pakistan had become mature now, and they would focus on common issues, inclining terrorism, extremism, energy crisis, shortage of clean water, education, health and other facilities.
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June - 11 
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on June 11 directed Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch to initiate a process of reconciliation with estranged Baloch elements, reports Daily Times. He asked the Chief Minister to convey his desire for their participation in the national mainstream. The Prime
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Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on June 11 directed Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch to initiate a process of reconciliation with estranged Baloch elements, reports Daily Times. He asked the Chief Minister to convey his desire for their participation in the national mainstream. The Prime Minister was talking to Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch who called on him at the Prime Minister’s Office. The Prime Minister expressed the resolve of his Government to usher in a new era in Balochistan and work for removal of the past bitterness. He said that his Government wanted to start a new era of everlasting love and affection in the province.
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June - 12 
Government on June 12 announced a hefty 15 percent hike in its defence budget to PKR 627 billion, compared with PKR 545 billion (about 5.82 billion dollars ) provided in the fiscal year ending on June 30, reports The Times of India. The allocation for the three defence services amounted to 15.7% of
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Government on June 12 announced a hefty 15 percent hike in its defence budget to PKR 627 billion, compared with PKR 545 billion (about 5.82 billion dollars ) provided in the fiscal year ending on June 30, reports The Times of India. The allocation for the three defence services amounted to 15.7% of the federal budget of PKR 3.99 trillion for fiscal 2013-14, according to official budget documents presented in Parliament. The army got the lion's share of the outlay with PKR 301.54 billion. The air force was allocated PKR 131.18 billion while the navy got PKR 62.80 billion. The documents further showed that the Government had allocated PKR 2,300 million for the defence production division in the public sector development programme for 2013-14. Of this, PKR 2,246.30 million has been allocated for installing a ship lift, transfer system and associated machinery and equipment to provide docking and repair facilities for surface ships, submarines and commercial vessels at Karachi port.
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June - 14 
Chief Minister Balochistan Abdul Malik Baloch on June 14 said his Government would take all stakeholders, including the opposition, into confidence in resolving the issues confronting Balochistan, reports Dawn. He said other priorities of his Government would include restoration of peace, putting Ba
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Chief Minister Balochistan Abdul Malik Baloch on June 14 said his Government would take all stakeholders, including the opposition, into confidence in resolving the issues confronting Balochistan, reports Dawn. He said other priorities of his Government would include restoration of peace, putting Balochistan back on the track of progress, reviving the province’s economy, providing employment opportunities to the jobless youth and improving health and education sectors. He added that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had assured him of extending full cooperation. Chief Minister Baloch said the challenges his Government was facing included violation of human rights, including the ‘missing’ persons’ issue, surfacing of bullet-riddled bodies of political workers, sectarian violence and restoration of peace in the province.
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June - 16 
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on June 16 said they will not change their decision of withdrawing an offer of peace talks to the Government because they are still mourning the killing of their Deputy ‘chief’, Waliur Rehman, in a United State (US) drone strike, reports The Times of India. "We
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The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on June 16 said they will not change their decision of withdrawing an offer of peace talks to the Government because they are still mourning the killing of their Deputy ‘chief’, Waliur Rehman, in a United State (US) drone strike, reports The Times of India. "We are still in a state of shock at the martyrdom of our deputy chief and there is no change in our decision of not talking to the government," TTP spokesman Ihsanullah Ihsan said."We had offered dialogue and wanted to talk to everyone, but the political government has no power and the powerful establishment has never shown seriousness for a peace dialogue," Ihsan said on phone from an undisclosed location. The TTP withdrew its offer of dialogue with the new Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Government a day after Ihsan confirmed on May 30 that Rehman was killed with six other militants in a US drone strike in North Waziristan Agency (FATA). At the time, Ihsan had alleged Pakistan was cooperating with the US in drone attacks, an allegation he reiterated when he was asked if the TTP is willing to talk to the PML-N Government.
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June - 17 
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed on June 17, said that militant activities within Pakistan cannot be considered a part of 'jihad' and asked terrorists to desist from carrying out attacks in the country, reports The Times of India. "Militant activities in Pakistan do not fall in the category
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Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed on June 17, said that militant activities within Pakistan cannot be considered a part of 'jihad' and asked terrorists to desist from carrying out attacks in the country, reports The Times of India. "Militant activities in Pakistan do not fall in the category of jihad. I appeal to all jihadi organizations not to carry out attacks inside Pakistan as it is not jihad (holy war). America and India are taking benefit from their activities," Saeed alleged in a statement. Saeed, the 2008 Mumbai attacks mastermind who heads the Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), issued the statement after the banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) carried out attacks in the south-western province of Balochistan. Saaed claimed the US, India and the West were hatching a conspiracy against Pakistan. "They want infighting among different schools of thought to achieve their vested interest," Saeed claimed.
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June - 18 
Pakistan is working on a new policy to stop the United State (US) drone strikes, which are a contravention of the country's sovereignty and counter-productive for the campaign against terrorism, advisor to Prime Minister on foreign affairs and national security, Sartaj Aziz said on June 18, reports
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Pakistan is working on a new policy to stop the United State (US) drone strikes, which are a contravention of the country's sovereignty and counter-productive for the campaign against terrorism, advisor to Prime Minister on foreign affairs and national security, Sartaj Aziz said on June 18, reports The Times of India. A new policy is being evolved to stop drone attacks and Pakistan is hopeful that it will succeed in ending the campaign by the spy planes, added Sartaj Aziz. Pakistan has already conveyed its 'serious concerns' over drone strikes to the US and it will continue to raise the issue at all forums, he said. Pakistan has adopted a clear policy on drone strikes' which are 'counter-productive' in countering terrorism and a contravention of the country's sovereignty and integrity, he said. Giving details of drone strikes within Pakistani territory, Aziz said 115 attacks were carried out in 2010, 62 in 2011 and 45 in 2012. 13 attacks have been carried out so far this year, he said. One drone attack was carried out after the current government assumed office. "Instead of pursuing a policy of threat' we need to resolve this issue through talks," said Aziz.
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June - 20 
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on June 20 said the army would maintain its presence in South Waziristan Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) until the local people were satisfied with the law and order situation, reports Daily Times. General Kayani appealed t
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Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on June 20 said the army would maintain its presence in South Waziristan Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) until the local people were satisfied with the law and order situation, reports Daily Times. General Kayani appealed to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the war-ravaged South Waziristan Agency to return to their areas, assuring them military support.
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June - 22 
Pakistan has raised a 25,000-strong special force and put in place extensive measures to protect and manage its strategic assets, including its nuclear arsenal, Federal Minister of Finance Ishaq Dar said on June 22, according to The Times of India. "A special security force of 25,000 personnel, who
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Pakistan has raised a 25,000-strong special force and put in place extensive measures to protect and manage its strategic assets, including its nuclear arsenal, Federal Minister of Finance Ishaq Dar said on June 22, according to The Times of India. "A special security force of 25,000 personnel, who have been specially trained and provided sophisticated weapons, has been deployed to protect (the nuclear assets)," Dar told the National Assembly. Pakistan has raised a special response force, a special escort force and a marine force to protect and guard its strategic assets, he said without giving details. The Force has been equipped with the latest equipment and the personnel are fully prepared for "mobility on the ground or in the air", he added further.
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June - 25 
Former Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) chairwomen Asma Jahangir on June 25 said that if the role of security agencies in Balochistan did not change, it would be disastrous for the democracy, reports Daily Times. A team of HRCP members, comprising Asma Jahangir, Justice Malik Saeed Hassan,
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Former Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) chairwomen Asma Jahangir on June 25 said that if the role of security agencies in Balochistan did not change, it would be disastrous for the democracy, reports Daily Times. A team of HRCP members, comprising Asma Jahangir, Justice Malik Saeed Hassan, journalist Kamran Shafi, cultural critic and human rights activist Ghazi Salahuddin, researcher Nazish Brohi and HRCP editor Rafia Asim arrived in the province a few days earlier where they met with officials, members of political parties, lawyers, members of the press, ethnic and religious minority groups and NGOs in the wake of sad incidents of attack on Sardar Bahadur Khan (SBK) Women University, BMC complex and Ziarat.
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June - 25 
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on June 25 claimed that the Government of Pakistan does not have the authority to hold talks, reports Daily Times. TTP ‘spokesman’ Ehsanullah Ehsan has said that if the group sees that the elected Government is able to take a stand against the country’s intellige
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The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on June 25 claimed that the Government of Pakistan does not have the authority to hold talks, reports Daily Times. TTP ‘spokesman’ Ehsanullah Ehsan has said that if the group sees that the elected Government is able to take a stand against the country’s intelligence agencies, only then will the option of talks be considered. Commenting on the offer to resume peace talks with the newly elected Pakistani government led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the spokesman said the TTP is closely monitoring the policies and activities of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and PML-N in the Centre. He also said that the TTP supports peace negotiations between the US and the Afghan Taliban, a week after the Afghan insurgent leaders opened a political office in Qatar. Ehsanullah Ehsan said that the organisation had vowed allegiance to Mullah Omar and that any decision taken by the Afghan Taliban chief would be accepted. "We accept all decisions taken by Afghan Taliban as we are their part,” he claimed. In a separate interview with Dawn, Ehsan said that situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan are totally different from each other and administratively, the US-Taliban talks would not affect the situation of TTP in Pakistan. He also said that the TTP leadership considers Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Muhammad Omar as their supreme commander and has taken an oath of jihad on his hand. “TTP fighters are always ready to obey Omar’s commands,” he said. Ehsan accused the media of doing negative propaganda against the Taliban to spread mistrust among its members. He said that some groups in the guise of Afghan Taliban tried to attack the TTP but the interference of Afghan Taliban on the demand of TTP foiled the conspiracy against the latter.
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June - 26 
Gilgit Inspector General Usman Zakria on June 26 claimed that 15 terrorists involved in the killing of foreign tourists at Nanga Parbat base camp had been identified, reports Daily Times. He said the terrorists belonged to banned organisations – 10 of whom were from Diamer, three from Kohistan and t
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Gilgit Inspector General Usman Zakria on June 26 claimed that 15 terrorists involved in the killing of foreign tourists at Nanga Parbat base camp had been identified, reports Daily Times. He said the terrorists belonged to banned organisations – 10 of whom were from Diamer, three from Kohistan and two from Mansehra. The chief secretary said that terrorists were present in batches along the mountainous regions. Zakria said Majeed, the mastermind of the attack on foreign tourists, belongs to Chalas. Attackers dressed in Police uniforms stormed a base camp at the foot of Nanga Parbat, shooting dead 10 foreign climbers and a Pakistani guide at point-blank range on June 23.
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June - 26 
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif after attending the Punjab Assembly session on June 26 said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will shortly convene an All-Party Conference (APC) to devise a joint line of action to tackle the menace of terrorism, reports Dawn. “Terrorism is an old problem and not
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Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif after attending the Punjab Assembly session on June 26 said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will shortly convene an All-Party Conference (APC) to devise a joint line of action to tackle the menace of terrorism, reports Dawn. “Terrorism is an old problem and not a new phenomenon, and the Prime Minister and the Interior Minister are taking steps to resolve the issue. Besides, the Prime Minister is also going to invite political leaders soon to devise a national policy to counter terrorism,” he said. About the treason case against former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf, the Chief Minister said the case did not relate to Oct 12, 1999, and rather a result of suo motu notice taken by the Supreme Court regarding the arrest of judges on Musharraf’s orders. He said Nawaz had no vindictive intention against anyone.
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June - 27 
Disappointed over Pakistan's slow pace of trial in 26/11 terror attack case, a top American Congressman Ed Royce, chairman of the powerful House Foreign Relations Committee has demanded that the seven suspects, including Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) operational commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, be handed ove
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Disappointed over Pakistan's slow pace of trial in 26/11 terror attack case, a top American Congressman Ed Royce, chairman of the powerful House Foreign Relations Committee has demanded that the seven suspects, including Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) operational commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, be handed over to the International Criminal Court (ICC), on June 27, reports The Times of India. "There are seven individuals that need to be brought to justice (for their role in the 26/ 11 attack case)," said Congressman. "If Pakistan cannot try them, turn them over to ICC for crimes against humanity, for what they did in their collusion, in their culpability for what happened," he said. The seven Pakistani suspects have been charged with planning, financing and executing the attacks that killed 166 people in Mumbai in November 2008. A Rawalpindi-based Anti Terrorism Court (ATC) had been handling the case since 2009 though the judge has been changed five times. Addressing a select group of Indian-Americans at a Congressional reception at the Capitol Hill organized by the American India Public Affairs Committee, Royce said both India and the United States are facing challenges from terrorism. Royce said some $100 million has been traced going from the Gulf States to Pakistan's 600 Deobandi schools; which, according to him, are factories of radicalism. "Ethnic cleansing is going out in Pakistan today those who are speaking against it," he said, alleging that the population of Hindus in Pakistan has now dropped to 1.5%, against 25% at the time of independence.
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June - 27 
Meanwhile, while assuring a fair trial to the former army chief, the AGP told the bench that the Government wants to advance the due process for the sanctity of the constitution and it was not a vendetta against Musharraf. The bench hearing the case of high treason against Musharraf and others noted
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Meanwhile, while assuring a fair trial to the former army chief, the AGP told the bench that the Government wants to advance the due process for the sanctity of the constitution and it was not a vendetta against Musharraf. The bench hearing the case of high treason against Musharraf and others noted that it is the case of first impression and it’s the first time in the country’s history that petitions have been filed under Article 6 of the constitution.
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June - 27 
The Government is reluctant to give a specific date about the completion of special Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) team’s investigations against former President General Pervez Musharraf for imposing emergency on November 3, 2007, reports Daily Times. Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Munir A M
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The Government is reluctant to give a specific date about the completion of special Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) team’s investigations against former President General Pervez Musharraf for imposing emergency on November 3, 2007, reports Daily Times. Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Munir A Malik on June 27 told a three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja, that giving a specific time would be a speculation. On the other hand, counsel for the petitioners has expressed concern over the government’s hesitation to give a timeframe for the completion of FIA’s investigation. They demanded that the Government should first constitute special court in this matter.
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July - 1 
Sindh Rangers spokesman said that Saqib alias Boxer, who was killed on June 28, 2013, had been involved in many serious crimes including killings, abduction-for-ransom and extortion, and the Rangers did not execute him as a specific target but he was killed as a result of exchange of fire during a s
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Sindh Rangers spokesman said that Saqib alias Boxer, who was killed on June 28, 2013, had been involved in many serious crimes including killings, abduction-for-ransom and extortion, and the Rangers did not execute him as a specific target but he was killed as a result of exchange of fire during a search operation carried out in Nayabad neighbourhood of Lyari town, as a routine action to maintain law and order. The Rangers team was fired upon by the accused. “The Rangers returned the fire and as a result one of the accused was killed. He was later identified as Saqib alias Boxer,” he added.
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July - 2 
Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch has assured the Shia Hazara community that his Government will fulfil its responsibility to protect their lives and property and eradicate terrorism, reports Dawn.
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Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch has assured the Shia Hazara community that his Government will fulfil its responsibility to protect their lives and property and eradicate terrorism, reports Dawn.
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July - 2 
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on July 2 said that he has directed the Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA), including the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Intelligence Bureau (IB), to treat June 30 bombing in the Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan, as a test case and catch
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Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on July 2 said that he has directed the Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA), including the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Intelligence Bureau (IB), to treat June 30 bombing in the Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan, as a test case and catch the culprits, reports Daily Times. He stated, “This (attacks) is neither acceptable for the provincial government nor for the federal government.” Assuring Balochistan CM Abdul Malik all possible support from the Federal Government, including the best Police officers in the country, Nawaz expressed his determination to combat terrorism. “If we keep fighting them in such a determined manner, we will manage to end terrorism”, the PM added.
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July - 3 
As a measure to beef up security in the wake of recent wave of terrorism in the country, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Lahore Muhammad Tahir Rai on July 3 said 30 percent additional force had been deployed for the security of judges and courts, including Lahore High Court, sessions c
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As a measure to beef up security in the wake of recent wave of terrorism in the country, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Lahore Muhammad Tahir Rai on July 3 said 30 percent additional force had been deployed for the security of judges and courts, including Lahore High Court, sessions courts and civil courts, reports Daily Times. Additional patrolling by Police would ensure the security of courts and judges, he added.
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July - 4 
Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said on July 4 that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is taking action against former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf in treason case under Article 6 of the Constitution, reported The News. The Interior Minister said he would keep t
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Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said on July 4 that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is taking action against former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf in treason case under Article 6 of the Constitution, reported The News. The Interior Minister said he would keep the media informed about any progress made in this regard.
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July - 4 
Pakistan’s new Government has ended a moratorium on executions, an official said on July 4, reports Daily Times. “The new government has decided to deal with all cases of execution on merit,” said Interior Ministry spokesman Umer Hameed, adding, “The Government has given clear instructions to see al
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Pakistan’s new Government has ended a moratorium on executions, an official said on July 4, reports Daily Times. “The new government has decided to deal with all cases of execution on merit,” said Interior Ministry spokesman Umer Hameed, adding, “The Government has given clear instructions to see all such cases on a case-by-case basis and there will be no general amnesty for the convicts waiting for execution”. The Interior Ministry spokesman further said that up to 450 convicts are awaiting execution and their cases will be examined. The Government will show sympathy towards convicts who fall into a “special category” such as women and the elderly, he added. Under the previous Government led by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), no one except a soldier convicted by court martial was put to death since 2008. A Presidential order imposing a moratorium on the death penalty, issued in 2008, expired on June 30, 2013. In Pakistan, all executions must be approved by the President.
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July - 5 
A three-member bench, headed by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja on July 5 expressed dissatisfaction over the competency and effectiveness of the Commission on missing persons regarding handling cases, reports Daily Times. The bench said that the Commission was not handling cases effectively; therefore, all
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A three-member bench, headed by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja on July 5 expressed dissatisfaction over the competency and effectiveness of the Commission on missing persons regarding handling cases, reports Daily Times. The bench said that the Commission was not handling cases effectively; therefore, all cases were being heard at the Supreme Court. Justice Khawaja further said that the Police had powers but unfortunately they were not using those powers practically. The court directed the Rawalpindi Superintendent of Police (SP) to take action against the Inspector of an Intelligence Agency, Amir.
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July - 5 
The Foreign Office (FO) on July 5 said that Pakistan will take up the issue of drone strikes with United States (US) Secretary of State John Kerry during his upcoming visit to Pakistan later this month (July, 2013), reports Daily Times. FO spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, giving details of the visit
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The Foreign Office (FO) on July 5 said that Pakistan will take up the issue of drone strikes with United States (US) Secretary of State John Kerry during his upcoming visit to Pakistan later this month (July, 2013), reports Daily Times. FO spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, giving details of the visit of John Kerry in his weekly press briefing, said that drone strikes were a breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty and a violation of international laws and human rights, besides being counter-productive in fight against terrorism. He said that the issue would also be discussed in the forthcoming contacts with US. He said that Kerry would visit Pakistan towards the end of this month to discuss bilateral relations, situation in the region and other subjects of mutual interest. He said the exact dates and agenda of the visit were being finalised by the two countries. The spokesman, while commenting on the Afghan Army Chief’s statement accusing Pakistan of controlling Taliban, said Pakistan was sincere in its efforts to see peace and stability in Afghanistan. “The best route to achieve peace and stability is robust reconciliation process, for which Pakistan is willing to extend every possible help,” he said. He further said that the Foreign Secretary Shahryar Ahmad Khan was in India to conduct Track-II diplomacy that has always been part of the overall peace process with India, complementing and supporting efforts for peace wherever possible.
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July - 7 
President of Baloch National Party (BNP) Sardar Akhtar Mengal on July 7 admitted to the presence of “death squads sponsored by Pakistan’s neighbours and foreign powers,” reports The Express Tribune. In an exclusive interview with the daily, Mengal also condemned the deadly violence perpetrated by Ba
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President of Baloch National Party (BNP) Sardar Akhtar Mengal on July 7 admitted to the presence of “death squads sponsored by Pakistan’s neighbours and foreign powers,” reports The Express Tribune. In an exclusive interview with the daily, Mengal also condemned the deadly violence perpetrated by Baloch separatists in the province. A medley of separatist groups – especially Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch Republican Army (BRA) have upped their insurgency ante since the killing of Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) chief Nawab Akbar Bugti in a military operation in 2006. Further, he acknowledged that Baloch insurgents have been targeting non-Baloch settlers, mainly those from Punjab, in Balochistan. “However, some Government officials also want the settlers to flee the province and sell their properties at throw-away prices,” he added. It is perhaps the first time that Mengal has openly condemned the activities of Baloch insurgents — not easy to do since his younger brother Javed Mengal and two of his nephews – Nooruddin Mengal and Bhawal Mengal – are also allegedly involved in insurgency. Mengal reiterated that the six-point formula he had spelt out before the May 11 elections to stabilise the situation in Balochistan was still workable. “My six-point formula is within the parameters of the Constitution,” he said, adding, “We are willing for a debate with anyone who thinks my six points are against the interest of Pakistan.”
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July - 7 
The year 2013 is emerging as the deadliest one in decades for the Law-Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) in Karachi as in the first six months of 2013 more than 100 Policemen and Rangers personnel have been killed in different parts of the city amid growing violence and worsening law and order, said an off
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The year 2013 is emerging as the deadliest one in decades for the Law-Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) in Karachi as in the first six months of 2013 more than 100 Policemen and Rangers personnel have been killed in different parts of the city amid growing violence and worsening law and order, said an official on July 7, reports Dawn. “A total of 93 Policemen have been killed this year in the first six months [January to June 2013],” said an official citing a number of casualties of Karachi Police. “The victims ranked from constable to a Deputy Superintendent of Police and almost all of them have been targeted for their professional association. Hardly there would be a Policeman or two, who had some personal issues that cost him his life as otherwise most of the Policemen were killed while performing their duties in all five Districts of the city — south, east, west, central and Malir,” added the official. The official said that in the first six months of 2012, a total of 44 Policemen were killed in Karachi. This year posed a more serious threat to personnel of the key LEA as compared to the previous years. The official said that since 2000, over 420 Police officials had been shot dead in several parts of the city. He, however, said the killings of Policemen registered an unprecedented increase in 2011 and the figures crossed the 100 mark in 2012. Talking to Dawn, the Sindh Police Chief agreed to the statement that the situation was getting bad to worse, saying that “policing in Karachi means facing several threats simultaneously”. “Definitely the threat level is much higher if you compare it with the past few years,” said Sindh police Inspector General Shahid Nadeem Baloch. However, experts see the police casualties in other way as well saying that the higher number of attacks against LEAs personnel suggested their proactive approach against criminals and suspected militants which in return resulted in organised assaults. “Apart from conventional crimes, the Police are now handling the terrorism threat as well,” said Ahmed Chinoy, the chief of the Citizen Police-Liaison Committee (CPLC).
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July - 9 
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, while talking to a delegation of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), led by its President Sardar Akhtar Mengal, in Islamabad, on July 9 expressed the Government’s resolve to confront all groups indulging in violence in Balochistan to restore peac
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Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, while talking to a delegation of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), led by its President Sardar Akhtar Mengal, in Islamabad, on July 9 expressed the Government’s resolve to confront all groups indulging in violence in Balochistan to restore peace, reports Dawn. Chaudhry Nisar said that the difficult conditions prevailing in Balochistan called for joint efforts by all political forces in the province to extricate it out of the crisis. He said that the Government would support all political forces in their efforts to resolve different issues through consensus and dialogue. He said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was committed to empowering the people of Balochistan and that was the reason that despite being in majority in the Provincial Assembly, it had allowed the National Party to head the provincial coalition.
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July - 9 
Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) ‘President’ Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan on July 9 urged the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Government not to neglect the Kashmir issue while fostering trade relations with India, reports Dawn. Addressing a gathering at the Lahore High Court Bar Association, Khan
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Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) ‘President’ Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan on July 9 urged the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Government not to neglect the Kashmir issue while fostering trade relations with India, reports Dawn. Addressing a gathering at the Lahore High Court Bar Association, Khan said the Kashmiris did not want to “defeat” India but desired the right of expression and freedom. He said India should implement the United Nations (UN) resolutions on Kashmir. He said the case of Kashmir should be fought on every forum to take it to its logical end.
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July - 12 
The Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Police claimed to have arrested a TTP militant, identified as Kochi Khan, allegedly involved in the assassination of Awami National Party’s (ANP) candidate Sadiq Zaman for the May 2013 National Assembly Elections and a few Policemen, from Gulshan-e-Sikande
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The Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Police claimed to have arrested a TTP militant, identified as Kochi Khan, allegedly involved in the assassination of Awami National Party’s (ANP) candidate Sadiq Zaman for the May 2013 National Assembly Elections and a few Policemen, from Gulshan-e-Sikanderabad area of Kiamari Town, reported Dawn. CID SSP Raja Umar Khattab said that the suspect, originally hailing from Mohmand Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), belonged to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). “Khan along with his accomplices Ajab Gul and Mushtaq killed ANP candidate Sadiq Zaman and his son Aimal Khattak four months ago when they were coming out of a mosque after offering Friday prayers in Bilal Colony of Korangi Town,” said SSP Khattab. The suspect also confessed to his involvement in the killings of four policemen in different parts of the city, he added.
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July - 15 
The Supreme Court on July 15 said that it would not allow any parallel judicial system for the trial of persons who are detained in internment centres, reports Daily Times. Heading the three-member bench on missing persons’ case, Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry told Additional A
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The Supreme Court on July 15 said that it would not allow any parallel judicial system for the trial of persons who are detained in internment centres, reports Daily Times. Heading the three-member bench on missing persons’ case, Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry told Additional Attorney General of Pakistan Tariq Khosa that under Article 10 of the constitution, no parallel judicial system could be run in the country. About hearing of the matters related to the internment centres’ detainees, the court said that a tribunal should be headed by a senior judge as no other person (military officer) would be allowed to play the role of judiciary. “Tell your government that now it is high time to legislate regarding these issues,” the Chief Justice told the AAG. “If somebody has committed a crime then he should be dealt in accordance with law. Do not ruin their families,” Justice Iftikhar observed. The State is responsible for security and protection of its citizens, the Chief Justice said and added that the court would not tolerate enforced disappearances of people. Justice Iftikhar said that people should not be picked up without evidence and kept in detention centres unlawfully. He said that the Supreme Court’s Human Rights Cell was receiving a large number of applications against Army and Rangers every day about enforced disappearances. Justice Jawwad said that 514 persons have been kept in seven internment centres in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said the court wanted the Government to itself resolve the missing persons’ issue. Meanwhile, the court directed the home secretaries of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and the Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA) to submit the complete record of the detenues and the periodical report prepared by the review board. The court also said it wanted to examine whether the detainees are being treated as per the regulations and if the law is being adhered. The chief justice said that executive should take steps to extend federal laws to FATA and PATA.
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July - 16 
The Chhattisgarh Government on July 16 said that over 1,100 people, including Security Forces (SFs), have lost their lives in Maoist violence in the State in the past six years, with the highest causalities of 392 being reported in Bijapur District, reports Zee News. In a written reply to a question
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The Chhattisgarh Government on July 16 said that over 1,100 people, including Security Forces (SFs), have lost their lives in Maoist violence in the State in the past six years, with the highest causalities of 392 being reported in Bijapur District, reports Zee News. In a written reply to a question by Congress legislator Kuldeep Singh Juneja in the State Assembly, State Home Minister Nankiram Kanwar said, "Total 3,089 Naxal incidents took place in the State from January 2008 till June 20 this year (2013). In these incidents, 1,181 people, including 696 civilians, 233 Policemen and 252 paramilitary troopers were killed." Figures tabled in the House showed that the highest number of causalities were witnessed in Bijapur, where a total of 392 people including 284 civilians, 70 Policemen and 38 paramilitary forces lost their lives in 934 Maoist incidents that took place between 2008-June 2013. After Bijapur, Dantewada saw second highest causalities numbering 305 followed by Kanker (119), Narayanpur (110), Rajnandgaon (84), Bastar (81), Sukma (30), Dhamtari (18), Gariyaband (14), Balrampur (8) and Kondagaon (7). Balod and Balodabazar Districts saw four causalities each, Mahsamund two while Raigarh, Jashpur and Sarguja witnessed one death each.
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July - 16 
The Chief of Jama’at-ud-Dawa (JuD) and founder of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) Hafiz Muhammad Saeed on July 16 said that we would have to pave the ways for unity of the Ummah (Muslim community) and we would have to leave behind the sectarianism for welfare of the Ummah, reports Sananews.net. While addressi
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The Chief of Jama’at-ud-Dawa (JuD) and founder of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) Hafiz Muhammad Saeed on July 16 said that we would have to pave the ways for unity of the Ummah (Muslim community) and we would have to leave behind the sectarianism for welfare of the Ummah, reports Sananews.net. While addressing the iftar party (to open the fast during the Islamic month of Ramadan) held at local hotel at the Bosan Road Multan city of Multan District in Punjab, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed said that the sacrifices of the Kashmiris are the ‘evidence’ of the notion that the India would not be able to keep on its illegal occupation on the Kashmir. He said that it is shameful for the precursors of the humanity that Security Council and human rights organizations are silent on the massacre of the innocent Muslims in Burma.
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July - 17 
Appearing before the Supreme Court on July 17, Inspector General (IG) of Sindh Police informed the court that the issue in Lyari (Lyari Town of Karachi, Karachi District) was not politically motivated nor was it a clash between different communities rather it was a tussle between two rival gangs in
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Appearing before the Supreme Court on July 17, Inspector General (IG) of Sindh Police informed the court that the issue in Lyari (Lyari Town of Karachi, Karachi District) was not politically motivated nor was it a clash between different communities rather it was a tussle between two rival gangs in the locality, reported Dawn. He suggested the establishment of check posts on the rooftops on the residence of the Katchi community members in order to ensure the provision of security. The Supreme Court was hearing over Karachi unrest case. During the apex court's hearing held at its Karachi registry, Justice Amir Hani Muslim, inquired about the root cause of the Lyari issue, further questioning if the issue was politically motivated. Justice Khilji Arif Hussain remarked that the law and order situation in Lyari had deteriorated a while ago and not just a month ago. Few members of the Katchi communits, including women, staged a protest outside the Karachi registry of the Supreme Court where the hearing over the Karachi unrest was underway. The protesters demanded that the court take special notice of the law and order situation in Karachi.
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July - 17 
Despite a new Government in place, the situation in Balochistan has turned worse, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said on July 17, reports The Express Tribune. The Chief Justice made this comment while hearing the Balochistan law and order case. Then apex court bench observed that the forme
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Despite a new Government in place, the situation in Balochistan has turned worse, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said on July 17, reports The Express Tribune. The Chief Justice made this comment while hearing the Balochistan law and order case. Then apex court bench observed that the former Government failed to protect the people of the province and everyone hoped the new government will change things for better, however, the situation has not improved. The Chief Justice further lamented zero progress in the missing persons’ case. Commenting on the sectarian violence in the province, Chief Justice Chaudhry said only one community is being targeted by the extremists. He added that the militants are strengthening because of the Government’s soft stance. Chief Secretary of Balochistan – who appeared before the court today – admitted that the situation in Balochistan has turned worse but assured that the Police were more active than before and have been raiding and arresting suspects. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-Nawaz) Government is planning to replace its predecessor’s flagship programme for Balochistan with a new policy after it failed to resolve the festering problems of the troubled province. “We intend to introduce a new policy … We believe a vibrant economic policy can heal the wounds of the people of the violence-wrecked province,” Minister for States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) Lieutenant-General (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch said. The previous Pakistan People’s Party-led Government had introduced the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan (AHB) package with much fanfare in 2009 as part of its efforts to stabilise the situation in the province. The wide-ranging package – which was aimed at eliminating the sense of deprivation among the people – comprised six constitutional, five political, 16 administrative and 34 economic proposals. However, the Government could implement just 43 of the 61 proposals by the end of its five-year constitutional tenure. The new Balochistan policy will focus on the 18 non-implemented proposals of the AHB package, officials preparing the draft said. Its prime focus, according to them, will be Balochistan’s share in gas royalties from the Iran-Pakistan pipeline agreement – under the USD 1.4 billion pact, Islamabad intends to import 750mmcfd of gas from Tehran. The new policy will allocate a third (250mmcfd) of the gas imported under the agreement to Balochistan.
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July - 17 
The United Kingdom on July 17 announced to work in partnership with Pakistan for developing strategies to tackle the ‘critical’ challenges of terrorism and energy crisis, reports Daily Times. British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs William Hague paid tribute to the Pakistani
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The United Kingdom on July 17 announced to work in partnership with Pakistan for developing strategies to tackle the ‘critical’ challenges of terrorism and energy crisis, reports Daily Times. British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs William Hague paid tribute to the Pakistani people for their ‘considerable’ sacrifices in the war against terrorism. “The people of Pakistan have rejected terrorism and extremism,” he said and added that his country was ready to provide Pakistan with expertise to help it develop a national strategy against terrorism.
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July - 18 
In a written statement to the Senate Armed Services Committee on July 18, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey said that the US cannot defeat al Qaeda without Pakistan’s support, reports Dawn. He also emphasised the need to help Pakistan stabilise as instability in this key S
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In a written statement to the Senate Armed Services Committee on July 18, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey said that the US cannot defeat al Qaeda without Pakistan’s support, reports Dawn. He also emphasised the need to help Pakistan stabilise as instability in this key South Asian state would hurt the entire region. “Our strategic and national security goals remain to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al Qaeda and to prevent the return of safe havens in Afghanistan and Pakistan,” he wrote. “This would not be possible without Pakistani support.” Explaining the need for continued US engagement with the country, General Dempsey said: “We also have an interest in a stable Pakistan and the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and technology.” The General also said that the two countries were now moving towards a more focused and issue-related relationship instead of a more generalised friendship they had in the recent past. “On the security front, we have a more limited relationship than in the past, but I believe it is a pragmatic and constructive approach,” he said. He further wrote that Pakistan’s cooperation on counter-terrorism had not always met US expectations.
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July - 19 
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations Masood Khan on July 19 said Pakistan needs to convince the Americans to cease drone attacks as part of their drawdown from Afghanistan and to revisit their military doctrine that justifies use of armed drones, reports Dawn. “What is required is more intens
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Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations Masood Khan on July 19 said Pakistan needs to convince the Americans to cease drone attacks as part of their drawdown from Afghanistan and to revisit their military doctrine that justifies use of armed drones, reports Dawn. “What is required is more intense, results-based engagement with the United States,” the veteran diplomat said in an interview with Dawn. Mr Khan said: “Our legal arguments are sound and compelling. Armed drones violate Pakistan’s sovereignty. Their use infringes the principles of distinction and proportionality recognised by international humanitarian law, as applicable to asymmetrical conflicts. There is also geographical is junction between the location of drone strikes and primary battlefields.
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July - 21 
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz said on July 21 that we have contacts with Taliban but don’t control them, reports Daily Times. “We have some contacts with the Taliban because of the past but we don’t control them,” he told the news conference. He s
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Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz said on July 21 that we have contacts with Taliban but don’t control them, reports Daily Times. “We have some contacts with the Taliban because of the past but we don’t control them,” he told the news conference. He said Pakistan had eased the movement of Taliban negotiators and released 26 Taliban detainees at the request of the Afghan Government. “In the future, if to this extent we are requested, we can play the same role but in appropriate time and in consultation with other interested parties,” he said. Sartaj Aziz visited Kabul to hold talks with Afghan leadership and assured that Pakistan would extend its full support and cooperation in holding intra-Afghan talks for peace and stability in Afghanistan. Sartaj Aziz had earlier said that Pakistan is prepared in principle to release more Afghan Taliban from its jails, including former Taliban ‘deputy’ leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, but at the “appropriate time”. Pakistan wants to have “a good and positive relationship with Afghanistan,” Aziz told The Wall Street Journal on July 18. He said that Mullah Baradar was “included in the list of who might be released” but “timing and the modalities have to be worked out.”
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July - 22 
Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan during his first visit to Karachi on July 22 said that he has not talked about imposition of Governor’s rule in Sindh, reports Daily Times. He added that the Federal Government, however, cannot ignore the deteriorating law and order situation in K
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Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan during his first visit to Karachi on July 22 said that he has not talked about imposition of Governor’s rule in Sindh, reports Daily Times. He added that the Federal Government, however, cannot ignore the deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi.
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July - 22 
The Intelligence Agencies on July 22 expressed fears of terror attacks targeting officials of Land and Revenue Department, and Anti-Encroachment Cell in Karachi, reports Daily Times. The report further pointed out that four areas of Karachi District - Malir Town, Gadap Town, Bin Qasim Town and Surja
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The Intelligence Agencies on July 22 expressed fears of terror attacks targeting officials of Land and Revenue Department, and Anti-Encroachment Cell in Karachi, reports Daily Times. The report further pointed out that four areas of Karachi District - Malir Town, Gadap Town, Bin Qasim Town and Surjani area - were infested with militant outfits.
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July - 23 
Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif said on July 26 that the drone strikes should immediately be stopped, reports The News. The PM was talking to US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson, who called on him at the PM’s office. The PM Also said that he would support any initiative for peace in Afghanistan
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Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif said on July 26 that the drone strikes should immediately be stopped, reports The News. The PM was talking to US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson, who called on him at the PM’s office. The PM Also said that he would support any initiative for peace in Afghanistan.
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July - 23 
The United States (US) Department of State on July 23 said that Pakistan is an important partner in supporting a secure and stable Afghanistan, which is vital to the security of the region, reports The News. "Pakistan’s own security and stability is tied to a successful outcome in Afghanistan and an
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The United States (US) Department of State on July 23 said that Pakistan is an important partner in supporting a secure and stable Afghanistan, which is vital to the security of the region, reports The News. "Pakistan’s own security and stability is tied to a successful outcome in Afghanistan and any steps that continue to build the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan, in our view, is very important", the State Department’s spokesperson Jen Psaki said.
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July - 23 
US officials stressed armed drones will continue to patrol Pakistan’s tribal belt and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) will maintain significant presence in Kabul, the Afghan Capital, The Express Tribune reports on July 24. A fleet of armed drones are expected to continue to patrol the tribal b
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US officials stressed armed drones will continue to patrol Pakistan’s tribal belt and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) will maintain significant presence in Kabul, the Afghan Capital, The Express Tribune reports on July 24. A fleet of armed drones are expected to continue to patrol the tribal belt and the CIA station in Kabul will remain among CIA’s largest in the world, the report said.
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July - 25 
Pakistan said on July 25 it wants positive engagement with Afghanistan for peace, security and stability in the region, reports Daily Times. Foreign Office (FO) spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said Pakistan has exercised maximum restraint to the Afghan allegations on different occasions. “We will con
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Pakistan said on July 25 it wants positive engagement with Afghanistan for peace, security and stability in the region, reports Daily Times. Foreign Office (FO) spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said Pakistan has exercised maximum restraint to the Afghan allegations on different occasions. “We will continue to do that in future as well as we are sincere in seeking a peaceful settlement of Afghan issue,” he said.
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July - 29 
The Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch on July 29 announced that the Provincial Government will hold talks with armed groups after Eid for which a Parliamentary Committee of the Assembly will be formed, reports Daily Times. He said that he had ordered removal of all “un-necessary check
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The Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch on July 29 announced that the Provincial Government will hold talks with armed groups after Eid for which a Parliamentary Committee of the Assembly will be formed, reports Daily Times. He said that he had ordered removal of all “un-necessary check posts” of the Security Forces throughout Balochistan, providing relief to the people, adding, that the check posts are responsible for increase in crime and violence instead of checking it.
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July - 30 
A drone strike in Shawal valley of North Waziristan Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on July 28 killed three al Qaeda operatives who ran a training camp in neighbouring Afghanistan to prepare militants for attacks, including July 29’s jail break in Dera Ismail Khan, Daily Times q
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A drone strike in Shawal valley of North Waziristan Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on July 28 killed three al Qaeda operatives who ran a training camp in neighbouring Afghanistan to prepare militants for attacks, including July 29’s jail break in Dera Ismail Khan, Daily Times quoting an unnamed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ‘commander’ reported on July 31. The ‘commander’ said that those killed in the strike included three al Qaeda training experts who had crossed the border from Afghanistan to look at ways of setting up a similar camp on Pakistani territory. The TTP source identified the three as Abu Rashid from Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Ilyas Kuwaiti from Kuwait and Muhammad Sajid Yamani from Yemen.
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July - 31 
KP Revenue Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur on July 31 declared the Dera Ismail Khan Jailbreak incident an act of cowardice on part of local police and said tough action would be taken against those responsible for the debacle. “Police officers and constables had hidden in sewer lines when militants
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KP Revenue Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur on July 31 declared the Dera Ismail Khan Jailbreak incident an act of cowardice on part of local police and said tough action would be taken against those responsible for the debacle. “Police officers and constables had hidden in sewer lines when militants attacked the Dera Ismail Khan central prison. Our head hangs in shame,” Ali Amin Gandapur told a news conference. He said militants succeeded in carrying out their task without resistance for more than 45 minutes due to cowardice on part of Police. Mr Gandapur said the main gate of the prison had been built by the British and it was not something that could have been blown up. “But the irony is that our own officials opened the gate to militants to welcome them. The entire force had disappeared instead of confronting militants,” he said.
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July - 31 
The Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch on July 31 announced to hold dialogue with all militant groups, reports Dawn. Speaking in the Balochistan Assembly over worsening law and order in the province, Dr Baloch said a high powered committee comprising members of the assembly would be fo
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The Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch on July 31 announced to hold dialogue with all militant groups, reports Dawn. Speaking in the Balochistan Assembly over worsening law and order in the province, Dr Baloch said a high powered committee comprising members of the assembly would be formed to hold dialogue with all militant groups operating in Balochistan. “Formal negotiations would be initiated soon after Eid-ul-Fitra,” he announced in the house. Dr Baloch said use of force has not produced any positive result and emphasised on political solution to all issues of the province.
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August - 1 
During a meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on August 1 said that stopping the drone strikes would motivate militants to give up their jihad narrative, reports The Express Tribune. He said that bringing an end to the drone strikes wo
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During a meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on August 1 said that stopping the drone strikes would motivate militants to give up their jihad narrative, reports The Express Tribune. He said that bringing an end to the drone strikes would allow the militants to own their land and stop them from carrying out attacks. He explained that the continued US drone strikes were counterproductive as they not only cost civilian lives but also fuel terrorism.
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August - 1 
In another notification issued on August 1, the Police Chief suspended DSP City Dera Ismail Khan Salahuddin Kundi and three Station House Officers (SHOs) i.e. SHO City Haroon Khan, SHO Cantonment Mohammad Nawaz and SHO Dera Town Saifur Rehman over negligence and failure to fulfil duty. A statement i
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In another notification issued on August 1, the Police Chief suspended DSP City Dera Ismail Khan Salahuddin Kundi and three Station House Officers (SHOs) i.e. SHO City Haroon Khan, SHO Cantonment Mohammad Nawaz and SHO Dera Town Saifur Rehman over negligence and failure to fulfil duty. A statement issued by the Central Police Office (CPO) office here said the IGP during his visit to the Dera Ismail Khan Central Jail the other day had suspended SP Elite Force, DSP Elite Force and 25 constables of the Elite Force for not responding to the attack. Until now, the police officers and personnel suspended in the case include two SPs, three DSPs, three inspectors and 25 constables.
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August - 1 
Indian Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh said on August 1 that India is looking to have peaceful and cooperative relations with Pakistan, reports The Times of India. "Naturally, this presupposes an environment free of violence and terror," she said. "There is a new government in Pakistan now. We will
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Indian Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh said on August 1 that India is looking to have peaceful and cooperative relations with Pakistan, reports The Times of India. "Naturally, this presupposes an environment free of violence and terror," she said. "There is a new government in Pakistan now. We will be picking up the threads from where we left off with the old government," Singh added.
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August - 1 
Mushtaq Jadoon, the commissioner of Dera Ismail Khan, told The News on August 1 that more than 30 known militants who escaped from the Central Prison Dera Ismail Khan on July 29 night as a result of the jailbreak included those involved in terrorist attacks, sectarian violence and kidnappings for r
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Mushtaq Jadoon, the commissioner of Dera Ismail Khan, told The News on August 1 that more than 30 known militants who escaped from the Central Prison Dera Ismail Khan on July 29 night as a result of the jailbreak included those involved in terrorist attacks, sectarian violence and kidnappings for ransom. The militants who got away from the prison included Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ‘commanders’ Abdul Hakim, Abdur Rasheed, Haji Ilyas and Mamoor. One Walid Akbar, who allegedly had a hand in the bombings on Ashura procession of 2012 in Dera Ismail Khan in which 25 people were killed, also escaped from the prison. He is said to be member of a sectarian organisation linked to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The commissioner said that 127 among the escaped prisoners had been convicted and 126 were under trial.
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August - 1 
President Asif Ali Zardari on August 1 called upon the international community, especially the United States (US), to step forward and prepare a ‘Marshall Plan’ for Pakistan for strategic economic stability and advancement of the country’s development agenda, reports Daily Times. The President said
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President Asif Ali Zardari on August 1 called upon the international community, especially the United States (US), to step forward and prepare a ‘Marshall Plan’ for Pakistan for strategic economic stability and advancement of the country’s development agenda, reports Daily Times. The President said this during his one-on-one and delegation-level meetings with US Secretary of State John Kerry at the Presidency. The President said that the people of Pakistan have suffered greatly as a result of the ongoing fight against militancy and terrorism and there was need for the international community to give its people the peace dividend by way of massive economic assistance, energy development and greater market access. Spokesperson to the President, Senator Farhatullah Babar, while briefing about the meetings, said that Secretary Kerry congratulated the president on the peaceful and democratic transfer of civilian power in the country and appreciated his overseeing various phases of the smooth transition.
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August - 1 
States (US) Secretary of State John Kerry while making a remark in an interview with Pakistan state television on August 1 suggested that US drone strikes targeting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and al Qaeda operatives in Pakistan could end “very soon”, reports Daily Times. It is the first ti
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States (US) Secretary of State John Kerry while making a remark in an interview with Pakistan state television on August 1 suggested that US drone strikes targeting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and al Qaeda operatives in Pakistan could end “very soon”, reports Daily Times. It is the first time that such a senior US official has indicated that there could be a definitive end to the programme, which the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has in the past called an effective counter-terrorism weapon. When asked by the interviewer whether Islamabad could expect an end to the strikes, Kerry said replied, “I think the program will end as we have eliminated most of the threat and continue to eliminate it.” Asked if a timeline was envisaged for ending the strikes, Kerry said, “Well, I do. And I think the US President has a very real timeline and we hope it’s going to be very, very soon.
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August - 1 
The Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan James Dobbins will continue the dialogue with Pakistani leaders as Secretary of State John Kerry wraps up a key visit to the country, says the State Department on August 1, reports Dawn. A State Department spokesperson, Marie Harf, told a b
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The Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan James Dobbins will continue the dialogue with Pakistani leaders as Secretary of State John Kerry wraps up a key visit to the country, says the State Department on August 1, reports Dawn. A State Department spokesperson, Marie Harf, told a briefing that Ambassador Dobbins was already in the region for meeting Afghan and Pakistani leaders. Before joining Secretary Kerry in Islamabad, Ambassador Dobbins was in Kabul where he met Afghan President Hamid Karzai. His discussions in the region include “Afghanistan’s coming economic and political transitions, including the 2014 elections, as well as, of course, reconciliation and other topics of regional interest,” Ms Harf said.
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August - 2 
Former Interior Minister and a leader of the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) Mian Zahid Sarfaraz during a news conference on August 2 claimed that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has assured the United States (US) that General (retired) Pervez Musharraf will soon be released and allowed to go abroad,
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Former Interior Minister and a leader of the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) Mian Zahid Sarfaraz during a news conference on August 2 claimed that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has assured the United States (US) that General (retired) Pervez Musharraf will soon be released and allowed to go abroad, reports Dawn. Sarfaraz, who is chief organiser of the Musharraf-led APML, said the US never left its supporters in trouble and just like Raymond Davis, who shot dead two people in Lahore District of Punjab, both General Musharraf and Doctor Afridi, who is accused of helping the US in tracing Osama bin Laden, would soon be allowed to go abroad. He further added that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had no courage to seek General Musharraf’s trial under Article 6 of the Constitution.
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August - 2 
The United States (US) State Department, on August 2, said that no timeline could be provided to end drone attacks, reports Daily Times. Briefing the newsmen in Washington, State Department spokeswoman, Marie Harf said that US has made significant progress against core al Qaeda by using drones as co
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The United States (US) State Department, on August 2, said that no timeline could be provided to end drone attacks, reports Daily Times. Briefing the newsmen in Washington, State Department spokeswoman, Marie Harf said that US has made significant progress against core al Qaeda by using drones as counterterrorism tools, “but that as we make that progress the need to use these tools will, of course, be reduced”. She said that Secretary of State John Kerry has reinforced the changes that US expects to take place in the programme over time, but there is no exact timeline to provide. “Obviously, a lot of this is driven by the situation on the ground,” she said. Further, she said that “The goal here is, of course, that as we have success against al Qaeda - which we’ve talked about a lot the success we’ve had in this region of the world against core al Qaeda - that the tool will obviously - we need to use this tactic less going forward, and that’s what the secretary was referencing”. “I have no exact timeline to provide. Again, the secretary was making the point that we have made, as we’ve talked about, significant progress against core al Qaeda in this region, and that we will continue to do so - that they are a shadow of what they once were, and I think he was reinforcing that point,” she maintained.
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August - 4 
Security in Islamabad, the Federal Capital, was put on red alert on August 4 after intelligence reports that terrorists could attack Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Headquarters, reported The News. According to sources, PAF, Pakistan Navy, and Islamabad Police commandoes mounted a joint search operation in
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Security in Islamabad, the Federal Capital, was put on red alert on August 4 after intelligence reports that terrorists could attack Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Headquarters, reported The News. According to sources, PAF, Pakistan Navy, and Islamabad Police commandoes mounted a joint search operation in Margallah Hills detaining several suspects. According to sources, the Security Forces (SF) would remain deployed on the Hills till further orders. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations, Dr Rizwan told Geo News that certain intelligence alerts including a warning regarding a possible terrorist attack on PAF Headquarters prompted these special security measures. “Also this thick security blanket has been laid over the Capital to head off any untoward incident ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr most probably falling on August 9, 2013," he added.
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August - 5 
Security agencies are investigating possible al Qaeda involvement in the Dera Ismail Khan Jailbreak, reports Daily Times. “Involvement of al Qaeda is one the factors that we cannot rule out at the moment,” one official said on condition of anonymity. He said “such attacks are always carried out with
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Security agencies are investigating possible al Qaeda involvement in the Dera Ismail Khan Jailbreak, reports Daily Times. “Involvement of al Qaeda is one the factors that we cannot rule out at the moment,” one official said on condition of anonymity. He said “such attacks are always carried out with involvement of two type of groups, one which plans and the other which executes”. The Interpol said on August 5 that it suspected al Qaeda was involved in the raid and in other prison breaks in eight countries, including Iraq and Libya. Al Qaeda and TTP have close ties and the link was under scrutiny in the jailbreak probe.
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August - 6 
42 terror training camps are operating in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) and nearly 270 militants have entered into Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) from across the border through Line of Control (LoC) in the last three years, says Minister of State for Home RPN Singh in Lok Sabha on August 6,
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42 terror training camps are operating in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) and nearly 270 militants have entered into Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) from across the border through Line of Control (LoC) in the last three years, says Minister of State for Home RPN Singh in Lok Sabha on August 6, reports Kashmir Times. RPN Singh said there were 1000 attempts of infiltration by militants from Pakistan and PoK through the LoC between 2010-12. Singh informed Lok Sabha that 160 militants were killed by Security Forces (SFs) while trying to infiltrate while 570 others went back to the other side of the border due to strict vigil by SFs. However, he said, 95 terrorists could infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir in 2010, 52 could infiltrate in 2011 and 121 could infiltrate in 2012. The Minister said J&K has been facing Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, spearheaded by Pakistani intelligence agency Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) for more than 20 years. "The reason for increase in terror attacks is due to stepping up of the attack on security forces planned by the militant groups in the aftermath of Afzal Guru's execution in February 2013," RPN Singh told Lok Sabha in a written reply on August 6, reports Times of India. Giving statistics, Singh said that in 2012, there were 50 incidents of encounters between militants and Security Forces in J&K in which 15 security personnel were killed and 65 were injured. In 2013 (up to July 28), there were 16 incidents of encounters in which 35 security personnel were killed 29 were injured. However, the casualties were not merely the result of the belligerence of militants; there were also security lapses. "In most of the cases of casualties, the laxity and non-adherence to standard operating procedures by SFs have also been evident," Singh said. The figures show that in just seven months of this year, casualty on the side of SFs had more than doubled. Sources said this was also due to an increased thrust from Pakistan on infiltration across the border which grew by close to 80% this year.
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August - 6 
A Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group on August 6 claimed of holding Ali Haider Gilani, the abducted son of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, reports Daily Times. “The son of former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani is with us and doing well,” the Al-Mansoor Brigade ‘spokesman’ Abu Yazeed Mansu
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A Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group on August 6 claimed of holding Ali Haider Gilani, the abducted son of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, reports Daily Times. “The son of former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani is with us and doing well,” the Al-Mansoor Brigade ‘spokesman’ Abu Yazeed Mansur told a journalist on phone in Hangu. The junior Gilani is “well” and the group would release his video after Eid. Ali Haider Gilani was taken away from a political rally from their hometown Multan on May 9. The phone call was apparently made from Afghanistan as the number it was made from had the country’s code.
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August - 6 
Around 250 to 300 militants are waiting on the other side of Line of Control (LoC) to cross into Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) reported Daily Bhaskar on August 7. As many as 42 launch pads have been set up on the Pakistani side of LoC to facilitate the infiltration of the militants into the
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Around 250 to 300 militants are waiting on the other side of Line of Control (LoC) to cross into Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) reported Daily Bhaskar on August 7. As many as 42 launch pads have been set up on the Pakistani side of LoC to facilitate the infiltration of the militants into the Indian side. “Terror infrastructure is intact (on the Pakistani side of the line of control),” said Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 15 corps. Official figures reveal 53 militants, including 34 from Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), 18 from Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), and one from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), were killed by the Security Forces (SFs) in 2012 in the Valley. In the first six months of 2013, 19 terrorists have been killed in the Valley alone. Similarly, 12 civilians were killed in entire 2012 while 14 civilians have died across Kashmir Valley in the first six months of 2013. According to official figures 264 terrorists attempted infiltration from across the LoC in 2012, compared to 247 in 2011. There was sharp rise in successful infiltration by Pakistani militants. Around 121 terrorists entered into Jammu and Kashmir in 2012 as compared to 52 in 2011. “There are number of terrorist camps and launch pads (across the LoC)... We have an efficient Intelligence network,” said Lt Gen Singh. Counter infiltration grid of the army on the Line of Control (LoC) has foiled 17 infiltration bids this year. “A total of 13 hardcore Pakistan trained terrorists were killed. The numbers of such attempts have doubled this year in comparison to the corresponding period last year,” said an Army officer in Jammu. Despite foiling the large number of infiltration bids the number of active militants in J&K stands at 250 to 300 militants. Around 12 militants and a soldier were killed in one of the biggest operations on the LoC and hinterland in the Kupwara district last week. Pakistan army’s desperation is also evident by the fact that there has been substantial increase in the number of ceasefire violations this year. “There have been 57 ceasefire violations this year which is almost 80% more than 2012,” said the officer.
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August - 6 
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on August 6 claimed responsibility of killing three security personnel including a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP-Diamer), Muhammad Hilal, and two Army officers, identified as Colonel Ghulam Mustafa and Captain Ashfaq Aziz, at Rohni in the Chilas area of Gilgit
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Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on August 6 claimed responsibility of killing three security personnel including a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP-Diamer), Muhammad Hilal, and two Army officers, identified as Colonel Ghulam Mustafa and Captain Ashfaq Aziz, at Rohni in the Chilas area of Gilgit Baltistan, reports Daily Times. These security officials were investigating June 23 Nanga Parbat massacre of foreign climbers. Diamer SSP Hilal Ahmad was returning from the DC House along with Colonel Ghulam Mustafa and Captain Ashfaq Aziz when unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle. “Though no major arrests have been made so far related to the June 23 shooting of foreigners, these officials were investigating the killings of foreigners,” an unnamed senior security official said. According to the TTP spokesperson, the outfit’s subsidiary group Janood-e-Hafsa is behind the attack.
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August - 6 
The Afghan Taliban's reclusive leader, Mullah Omar, on August 6 said his group was willing to start peace negotiations, even as he urged more attacks — including insider shootings by Government security forces — on foreign troops, reports Pakistan Today. In a wide-ranging emailed message, he blamed
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The Afghan Taliban's reclusive leader, Mullah Omar, on August 6 said his group was willing to start peace negotiations, even as he urged more attacks — including insider shootings by Government security forces — on foreign troops, reports Pakistan Today. In a wide-ranging emailed message, he blamed America and the Afghanistan Government for the derailment of talks two months ago. He also called Afghans to boycott next year's presidential elections, describing them as being manipulated by the United States. In a message issued ahead of the Eidul Fitra holiday marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the one-eyed chief of the Afghan insurgency urged the Army and Police turn their guns on Foreign Forces, Government officials and the Afghan troops who are cooperating with the US-led coalition forces.
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August - 7 
The United States on August 7 said that the core of al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan is on the path to defeat, reports Daily Times. While briefing newsmen in Washington State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said that the US has achieved a great deal of success against al Qaeda core in Afghanist
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The United States on August 7 said that the core of al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan is on the path to defeat, reports Daily Times. While briefing newsmen in Washington State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said that the US has achieved a great deal of success against al Qaeda core in Afghanistan and Pakistan. “We have taken a number of steps to really decimate that group's leadership, including, of course, most importantly, Osama bin Laden. The focus, however, had shifted to the Middle East where first on that list is always al Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula,” she added.
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August - 8 
According to a government review evidence has been found that Pakistan is still running 22 training camps to train terrorists for India-centric operations, Hindustan Times reports on August 9. “It was the most comprehensive exercise taken in the last five years involving inputs from around two dozen
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According to a government review evidence has been found that Pakistan is still running 22 training camps to train terrorists for India-centric operations, Hindustan Times reports on August 9. “It was the most comprehensive exercise taken in the last five years involving inputs from around two dozen intelligence and investigation agencies, military and paramilitary forces,” said a security official who did not want to be identified. Most of these terror camps are in and around Manshera of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan. Some of them are in neighbouring Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). “In the last review, it was found that Pakistan security establishment was running around 40 terror camps but they were not organised. Whenever Pakistani intelligence agency ISI and its terror progenies like Lashkar-e-Taiba or Hizbul Mujahideen found 15 to 20 recruits, they would house them in a room anywhere in the PoK and start training them. But now, the camps are more organised and run in a systematic manner with more resources at their disposal,” said the official.
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August - 8 
In an acknowledgement of Pakistan’s concerns over India’s presence in Afghanistan, US Special Representative James Dobbins on August 8 said Islamabad’s fears are “not groundless”, reports The News. The US diplomat, in an interview with the BBC Urdu Service in Washington, recognised the cross-border
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In an acknowledgement of Pakistan’s concerns over India’s presence in Afghanistan, US Special Representative James Dobbins on August 8 said Islamabad’s fears are “not groundless”, reports The News. The US diplomat, in an interview with the BBC Urdu Service in Washington, recognised the cross-border infiltration of hostile elements into Pakistan from the Afghan side. “The dominant infiltration of militants is from Pakistan into Afghanistan, but we recognise that there is some infiltration of hostile militants from the other direction as well. So Pakistan’s concerns aren’t groundless. “They are simply, in our judgment, somewhat exaggerated,” Dobbins said. Islamabad has long voiced its concerns about the Indian moves to establish consulates in Afghanistan’s cities Jalalabad and Kandahar, close to Pakistani western border. Dobbins, though, said the Indian presence in Afghan cities was minuscule and claimed it was “perfectly reasonable” because of their economic and cultural ties. He called for Pakistan-Afghan-US collaboration to address the cross-border issue. “We believe that Pakistan, Afghanistan and the US need to collaborate much more closely to deal with this threat of cross-border infiltration.”
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August - 8 
Peshawar Corps Commander Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani August 8 announced that Security Forces (SFs), along with the help of tribesmen, had eliminated militants from Bajaur Agency (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) and that the region's borders have now been secured. Rabbani was addressing so
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Peshawar Corps Commander Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani August 8 announced that Security Forces (SFs), along with the help of tribesmen, had eliminated militants from Bajaur Agency (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) and that the region's borders have now been secured. Rabbani was addressing soldiers during a visit to the border areas of Nawagai tehsil (revenue unit) and thanked them and the locals for restoring the Government's writ, adding that the residents of the agency were the "most loyal" and "peace loving" of the country.
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August - 9 
Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif on August 9 reiterated his firm resolve to overcome terrorism through effective measures, reports Daily Times. The Prime Minister said the Government inherited a number of challenges from the previous regime; however, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had sincere
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Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif on August 9 reiterated his firm resolve to overcome terrorism through effective measures, reports Daily Times. The Prime Minister said the Government inherited a number of challenges from the previous regime; however, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had sincere intention to bring the country out of crises so that the masses could get relief from the menace of terrorism, lawlessness, energy crisis and poor economy. “The nation will see such a great day very soon when Pakistan will not only get its way towards prosperity but also become an economic power in the region,” Nawaz said.
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August - 9 
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is ready to hold talks with the Government but on certain conditions, said TTP ‘spokesperson’ Shahidullah Shahid on August 9 while speaking to The Express Tribune. Shahidullah Shahid said if the Government gives a guarantee of putting forward ideal religious and inte
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Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is ready to hold talks with the Government but on certain conditions, said TTP ‘spokesperson’ Shahidullah Shahid on August 9 while speaking to The Express Tribune. Shahidullah Shahid said if the Government gives a guarantee of putting forward ideal religious and intellectual leaders, the TTP would be interested in holding talks. For this purpose the ‘spokesperson’ recommended the names of Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazal (JUI-F) group Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Syed Munawar Hasan, Jamaat-e-Islami’s fourth elected Ameer. The spokesperson also demanded for a fatwa to be given against killings of Muslims in Myanmar and Syria.
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August - 10 
Balochistan Chief Minister (CM) Dr Abdul Malik Baloch on August 10 vowed that the Government would not bow down to the terrorists and continue fight them until their elimination, reports Daily Times. The CM said the Government was aware of the threats and was ready to take the terrorists head on. “W
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Balochistan Chief Minister (CM) Dr Abdul Malik Baloch on August 10 vowed that the Government would not bow down to the terrorists and continue fight them until their elimination, reports Daily Times. The CM said the Government was aware of the threats and was ready to take the terrorists head on. “We are not scared of them at all and will fight them until the last bullet,” he said. He said the terrorists would not be allowed to reign in Quetta, which was the identity of the province.
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August - 11 
Shahryar Khan, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s Special Envoy to India, on August 11 said that present laws in Pakistan will have to be changed in order to 'nab' Lashkar-e-Toiba founder and JuD chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, according to The Times of India. "The previous government wanted to take
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Shahryar Khan, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s Special Envoy to India, on August 11 said that present laws in Pakistan will have to be changed in order to 'nab' Lashkar-e-Toiba founder and JuD chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, according to The Times of India. "The previous government wanted to take action against the Lashkar-e-Taiba founder but we never had sufficient evidence that would stand up against him in the court of law. The man's credentials are well known and to catch him and pin him in court, we need credible evidence." He further said, "It is not possible to nab him with the present legal system in Pakistan. The solution therefore is to have stronger laws in Pakistan." Moreover, Khan has retracted his candid admission that Dawood Ibrahim has been living in Pakistan. He thus said on August 10, "I have never, even when I was in the foreign ministry or now known where Dawood Ibrahim lives. I am only reflecting what the Pakistani press has been saying about the gentleman…The ministry of interior would have probably known but the foreign ministry does not. I have no idea whether he is in Pakistan or if he ever has been there.” On August 9 he had said, “Dawood was in Pakistan but I believe he was chased out of Pakistan. If he is in Pakistan, he should be hounded and arrested. We cannot allow such gangsters to operate from the country,” Khan had said.
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August - 11 
The Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on August 11 said the Federal Government would provide a 15,000 strong Security Force equipped with the latest skills and weapons to the Balochistan Government. Nisar said that the so-called war on terrorism had been imposed on Pakistan and no
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The Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on August 11 said the Federal Government would provide a 15,000 strong Security Force equipped with the latest skills and weapons to the Balochistan Government. Nisar said that the so-called war on terrorism had been imposed on Pakistan and now it was the Government’s responsibility to secure Quetta by purging it of all kinds of weapons. He said the Federal Government stood by the Balochistan Government to defeat terrorists and expressed the hope that the law and order situation would soon improve in the province.
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August - 12 
The Ramazan performance report presented to Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Shahid Nadeem Baloch on August 12 stated that the Sindh Police neutralized as many as 88 gangs of criminals in Sindh during the month of Ramazan, reports Daily Times. A Police spokesman said that between Ramazan 1 an
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The Ramazan performance report presented to Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Shahid Nadeem Baloch on August 12 stated that the Sindh Police neutralized as many as 88 gangs of criminals in Sindh during the month of Ramazan, reports Daily Times. A Police spokesman said that between Ramazan 1 and 29 (July 9 to August 8), there were 244 Police encounters in the province and 88 gangs of criminals were busted. In all, 18 dacoits and four terrorists were killed and 2,296 arrests were made during the period. Some 10 kilograms of explosive, 25 detonators, 12 hand grenades, four devices, a suicide jacket, 637 pistols, 17 rifles, 64 shotguns, 30 SMGs, one LMG and 11,578 rounds were recovered from the possession of the accused.
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August - 13 
During a meeting in Lahore to review the law and order situation of Punjab, Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif said on August 13 that a special force would be constituted to protect foreigners, reports Dawn. Following a briefing by the Inspector General of Police Punjab, Aftab Sultan, on the current
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During a meeting in Lahore to review the law and order situation of Punjab, Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif said on August 13 that a special force would be constituted to protect foreigners, reports Dawn. Following a briefing by the Inspector General of Police Punjab, Aftab Sultan, on the current security situation of the province, Shahbaz said law enforcement was a top priority of his Government. The CM asked Police and law enforcement agencies to remain alert in case of any untoward incident. Given the recent rise in terrorism, he ordered the recruitment of 4,000 constables in the Police force.
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August - 13 
The Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on August 13 said, “We will leave it to the political parties to decide whether we should hold talks with militants, use force against them or adopt a mix of tact and might”, reports Dawn. The “war against terror” was thrust upon the nation by
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The Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on August 13 said, “We will leave it to the political parties to decide whether we should hold talks with militants, use force against them or adopt a mix of tact and might”, reports Dawn. The “war against terror” was thrust upon the nation by a dictator, but saving Pakistan from death and destruction had now become “our war”, said Federal Minister of Interior, adding that a strategy against militants would be thrashed out at a Multi-Party Conference (MPC) later this month. The consensus developed at the MPC would be implemented in letter and spirit. He also said that a counter-terrorism rapid deployment force with 500 personnel in the beginning and 2,000 ultimately would be raised.
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August - 13 
The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on August 13 categorically stated that drones should be used only for collection of information in accordance with the international laws, reports Daily Times. Speaking at the inauguration of International Centre for Peace and Stability at the Nationa
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The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on August 13 categorically stated that drones should be used only for collection of information in accordance with the international laws, reports Daily Times. Speaking at the inauguration of International Centre for Peace and Stability at the National University of Science and Technology, the UN Secretary General said every effort should be made to avoid civilian casualties in the use of armed drones. On Pakistan’s contribution to UN’s peacekeeping missions, Ban Ki-moon said the history of the world body’s peacekeeping efforts was incomplete without mentioning Pakistan’s immense contribution for peace and security. “Pakistan’s engagement with the United Nations has been crucial in carrying out wider peacekeeping across the globe,” he said. Further, Ban Ki-moon lauded the services of Pakistan’s over 8,000 “finest men and women soldiers” deputed as UN peacekeepers in different parts of the world including Liberia, Western Sahara and Ivory Coast. He said the sacrifices of 136 Pakistani peacekeepers could not be ignored who lost their lives during the country’s 50-year affiliation with the UN peacekeeping. Ban Ki-moon said an incident in one part of the world could affect the rest of the globe and termed the training of troops as a strategic investment in peacekeeping.
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August - 14 
While addressing a meeting in Lahore District on August 14, the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) founder and Jama’at-ud-Dawa (JuD) ‘chief’ Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, who is wanted in India for the November 26, 2008, Mumbai terror attacks (also known as 26/11), said that he was not a terrorist, and asked for an inde
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While addressing a meeting in Lahore District on August 14, the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) founder and Jama’at-ud-Dawa (JuD) ‘chief’ Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, who is wanted in India for the November 26, 2008, Mumbai terror attacks (also known as 26/11), said that he was not a terrorist, and asked for an independent probe by judges from India and Pakistan to find out whether he was guilty, reports The Times of India. "You (India) are continuously calling me a terrorist. But I am not a terrorist, and if you are not satisfied, an independent judicial commission comprising senior lawyers and judges from India and Pakistan should investigate whether I am guilty," said Saeed.
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August - 15 
On August 15, a special anti-target killing wing was established in the District Security Branch (DSB) – an Intelligence Department of the Police which comes directly under the control of the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO), reports The Express Tribune. “Dozens of people were being killed in targ
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On August 15, a special anti-target killing wing was established in the District Security Branch (DSB) – an Intelligence Department of the Police which comes directly under the control of the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO), reports The Express Tribune. “Dozens of people were being killed in target killing incidents every year, but there was an increase in such attacks this year, which is why a special anti-target killing wing has been established in the DSB,” an unnamed Police Official said. “DSB is considered the eyes and ears of DIGs, who send their diaries regarding crimes and other activities directly to police high-ups,” he explained, adding the wing will help Police reach the culprits behind these killings. “This is the first step in the right direction and will yield positive results in the coming days,” the official added.
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August - 16 
The Frontier Corps (FC) Inspector General (IG) Major General Ghayur Mehmood Khan on August 16 termed Mohmand Agency the most peaceful region of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), reports The Express Tribune. The IG said peace has been restored in Mohmand with the sacrifices rendered by
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The Frontier Corps (FC) Inspector General (IG) Major General Ghayur Mehmood Khan on August 16 termed Mohmand Agency the most peaceful region of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), reports The Express Tribune. The IG said peace has been restored in Mohmand with the sacrifices rendered by Security Forces (SFs) and tribal elders. “Mohmand Agency is cleared of militants and the nation cannot forget their sacrifices,” he said. According to IG Ghayur, about 170 FC officials have died while 500 have sustained injuries along with hundreds of tribal elders. He claimed militants who escaped following military operations have now taken refuge across the border in Afghanistan and try to infiltrate into Pakistan to sabotage peace. “They (militants) will not succeed in their vested aims,” he pledged, adding “security forces and tribal elders are cautious of their surroundings and determined to maintain the writ of the state.”
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August - 18 
Pakistan on August 18 ordered a temporary stay of executions following objections from the President Asif Ali Zardari and rights groups, days before they were due to resume executions after a five-year moratorium, reports Dawn. “In due deference to the wish of the President, it has been desired that
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Pakistan on August 18 ordered a temporary stay of executions following objections from the President Asif Ali Zardari and rights groups, days before they were due to resume executions after a five-year moratorium, reports Dawn. “In due deference to the wish of the President, it has been desired that all executions of death sentences may be held in abeyance till the discussion takes place,” a statement said. Pakistan had intended to hang two convicted killers from Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) this week in Sukkur District of Sindh. On June 6, 2013, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had scrapped the moratorium on the death penalty in a bid to crack down on criminals and militants in the country.
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August - 19 
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on August 19 said that Kashmir is a “national issue and the jugular vein of Pakistan”, reports The Times of India. He said its resolution is as dear to him as other Pakistanis. Referring to his desire to forge good relations with India, Sharif said both countries should
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Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on August 19 said that Kashmir is a “national issue and the jugular vein of Pakistan”, reports The Times of India. He said its resolution is as dear to him as other Pakistanis. Referring to his desire to forge good relations with India, Sharif said both countries should realise that "instead of wasting their energies and resources on wars, they should wage war against poverty, ignorance and disease". He also called for dialogue with extremists to end bloodshed, reports The News. "This policy of reconciliation is not confined just to political parties. I take a step forward and invite for dialogue all those elements who have unfortunately adopted the path of extremism." "I want an end to terrorism whether it is through dialogue and reconciliation, or through full use of force," he added.
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August - 20 
Defence Minister A K Antony in reply to a written query in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) said on August 20 that as many as 54 defence personnel, including a Border Security Force (BSF) trooper, missing since the 1965 and 1971 wars are believed to be in the custody of Pakistan, reports Da
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Defence Minister A K Antony in reply to a written query in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) said on August 20 that as many as 54 defence personnel, including a Border Security Force (BSF) trooper, missing since the 1965 and 1971 wars are believed to be in the custody of Pakistan, reports Daily Excelsior. He said, “Fifty four missing defence personnel of 1965 and 1971 wars (including one from BSF) are believed to be in the custody in Pakistan.” He said the Government has repeatedly been taking up the matter with the Pakistan Government but “it does not acknowledge presence of any such personnel in its custody”. Antony said a delegation of 14 relatives of missing defence personnel also visited 10 jails in Pakistan during June 1-June 14 in 2007. The delegation, however, could not conclusively confirm the physical presence of any missing defence personnel, he said.
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August - 20 
Welcoming the August 20 US designation of a Pakistani madrassa (Islamic Seminary), Ganj Madrassa, officially known as Jamia Taleem-ul-Quran-Wal-Hadith Madrassa of Peshawar (provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-KP), as a terrorist organization supporting the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), al-Qaida and Ta
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Welcoming the August 20 US designation of a Pakistani madrassa (Islamic Seminary), Ganj Madrassa, officially known as Jamia Taleem-ul-Quran-Wal-Hadith Madrassa of Peshawar (provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-KP), as a terrorist organization supporting the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), al-Qaida and Taliban, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson said that India has long maintained that terror networks in Pakistan needed to be dismantled, reports The Times of India. "It merely underscores our long-held position that there exists a terrorist network and support framework in that region that needs to be targeted and dismantled," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson said.
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August - 20 
An unidentified man was shot dead in the Gulshan-e-Bahar area of Orangi Town on August 20, reports The News.
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An unidentified man was shot dead in the Gulshan-e-Bahar area of Orangi Town on August 20, reports The News.
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August - 21 
Police officers of the four provinces and Gilgit Baltistan told the Senate Standing Committee on Interior on August 21 that the crime was becoming organised as various criminal groups had associated themselves with terrorist organisations like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch Liberati
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Police officers of the four provinces and Gilgit Baltistan told the Senate Standing Committee on Interior on August 21 that the crime was becoming organised as various criminal groups had associated themselves with terrorist organisations like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). “We are heading for a situation like Mexico where drug lords and street criminals are operating like a corporate firm,” said a senior official of the National Police Bureau. “The more serious problem in Pakistan is that terrorists and anti-state elements are getting aligned with all kinds of criminals.” Senator Shahi Syed of the Awami National Party alleged that terrorist organisations like the TTP and BLA operated with the help of local criminals in Lyari and other parts of Karachi. “It may look odd but we have seen it. If you catch a small fish involved in crime his backing comes from the TTP whose field operators in Karachi are criminals belonging to Waziristan or Afghanistan,” he said. Shahi Syed even accused personnel of Intelligence Agencies, Rangers and Police of conniving with criminals. He cited an example that persons belonging to a terror outfit came to the forefront after complaints were lodged to the officers of an Intelligence Agency against some criminals. The Committee’s Chairman Senator Talha Mehmood suggested that Police should use strong-handed techniques to curb the crime rather than waiting for the outcome of court cases against criminals. “The number of known gangs involved in murders, kidnappings-for-ransom, car lifting and other criminal activities has been increasing. The general impression is that police cannot even touch these criminals,” he regretted.
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August - 22 
Punjab Chapter of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on August 22 welcomed a call for dialogue by Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif with extremists, reports The News. PM Nawaz Sharif made the offer to extremists on August 19, 2013. "We welcome the offer of talks by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif," TTP Pun
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Punjab Chapter of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on August 22 welcomed a call for dialogue by Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif with extremists, reports The News. PM Nawaz Sharif made the offer to extremists on August 19, 2013. "We welcome the offer of talks by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif," TTP Punjab ‘chief’ Ismatullah Muawiya said in a statement distributed in Wana town of South Waziristan Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). "The Prime Minister has shown maturity with his talks offer and he has also strengthened the desire for peace by staying executions," Muawiya said.
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