Pakistan Timeline - 2013

Date

Incidents

At least four persons were killed and more than 50 others injured when an IED planted in a parked motorcycle exploded near Ayesha Manzil within the precincts of Gulberg Police Station in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.  The remotely-controlled bomb hit the locality after a joint public gathering of the MQM and Tehreek-e-Minhajul Quran concluded. The victims were identified as Talib Hussain, Rehan Ullah, Tayyab and Hashim.  

One Abdul Razzaq Baloch (55) was shot dead by unidentified assailants near SalmanHeights situated in Gulbahar Police Station of Karachi in Sindh.

ASI, Faiz Ahmed (51), was shot dead by unidentified assailants near the Habib Bank roundabout in the SITE-A Police Jurisdiction in Karachi. 

Imran Baloch (28) was shot dead near Muslimabad in Old Golimar of Pak Colony Police Station in Karachi. 

Shahab Khan (32) was shot dead near Nayabad in Shershah Police Station in Karachi. Police said that it was a target killing incident.

Aslam (40) was killed in Sector 11-1/2, OrangiTown, in Mominabad Police Jurisdiction in Karachi. 

Riaz (26), was shot dead near a restaurant in Gulshan-e-Iqbal’s Block 10-A in the Sharea Faisal Police Limits in Karachi. Police said Riaz was a security guard at the Indus Security Company.

Bakhtiar Alam (30) was shot dead in Gulshan-e-Iqbal’s Block-11 in Karachi. 

Ashraf (25) was shot dead in Gulistan-i-Jauhar Police Station in Karachi.  

An IED was defused in Orangi Town. Police said a suspicious parcel was found near the Orangi Town Police Station. After the discovery of the parcel, the BDU was called for help. The BDU team defused the IED, which contained two and a half kilograms of explosives. The IED was connected with four battery cells and circuits. 

At least three fishermen, identified as Sikandar, Akhtar and Sheri Jan, were shot dead while one Shafiq was injured by unidentified armed assailants in the Pasni town of Gwadar District in Balochistan. 

An officer of the Balochistan Government, Saifuddin Baloch and his driver, were killed and another man was injured when their car was sprayed with bullets in the Besima area of Kharan District in Balochistan. 

The warden of Machh jail, Mohammad Ali, who belonged to the Hazara community, was shot dead in Machh bazaar of Bolan District in Balochistan. 

Unknown armed assailants shot dead   a man, identified as Dost Muhammad, in Manguchar Bazaar area of Kalat District in Balochistan.  

A truck driver, Allahyar was injured in an attack on National Highway near Dasht area of Mastung District in Balochistan. According to Levies Force, a Quetta-bound truck, carrying medicines from Karachi, was on its way when unidentified assailants riding a motorbike opened fire on it.

Seven persons, including six women, working for a NGO, were shot dead at Sher Afzal Kalley area in Swabi District of KP. An employee for Support with Working Solutions (SWWS) organisation, working on health and education, told that the van was on its way from a centre of the NGO when the gunmen ambushed it at Sher Afzal Kalley. The driver of the vehicle carrying the local NGO staff was wounded critically, District Police Officer Abdur Rashid said.

Police foiled a terrorism bid in the Sarband area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP by defusing a 70-kilogramme bomb. The bomb was planted in a drum outside a tribal elder’s house in the semi-tribal village of Keena Bala. The Bomb Disposal Squad neutralised the bomb. 

Unidentified militants exploded two home-made explosive devices at boys’ primary school at Dallokhel village in Lakki Marwatof KP, damaging a portion of its boundary wall. An official said that the bombs weighed 2.5 kilogrammes each and the watchman who was present in the school building remained unhurt.

In another such incident the same night, unidentified assailants attacked a house with a hand grenade in Abakhel village.

Sub-Divisional Education Officer Rehmatullah Khan asked the heads of primary schools to ensure presence of watchmen in their respective schools during night time. The instructions to this effect have been delivered to headmasters in Meenakhel, Tajazai, Serai Gambila, Tattarkhel, Gandi Khankhel and Kala Manjiwala circles.

Two girl students of a seminary were killed and five others injured when a mortar shell landed outside the institution in Akkakhel area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA.

A civilian worker of the FWO was killed and four security men were seriously injured when the vehicle they were travelling in was hit by a remote-controlled bomb near Matches Camp in Miranshah of NWA in FATA. 

The house of an anti-polio worker was partially damaged in a blast apparently carried out by militants at Vermando Mela in Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency FATA.

The Pakistani Army establishment’s decision to join hands with the US in its war against terror has made the country suffer 896 deadly incidents of suicide bombings in the past 11 years which have killed 5,243 innocent people and injured 11,221 others between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2012. Statistically speaking, the staggering death toll (of 5,243) means that the human bombs were able to kill 476 people every year on average and 40 people each month since 2002. Likewise, Pakistan suffered an average 81 suicide bombings every year and seven attacks a month over the past eleven years. Pakistan had experienced only one suicide bombing before 9/11 when the Egyptian Embassy in Islamabad was targeted. However, over the next 11 years between January 2002 and December 2012, the human bombs let loose a reign of terror in almost every nook and cranny of the country, killing over 5,000 people in almost 900 suicide attacks.

At least six persons, including two Police guards, were killed in separate incidents of violence in various parts of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

According to Police, two twin brothers were targeted on Shah Abdul Latif Bhattai road in Karachiwhen they were on the way to University of Karachi for B.Com examination. SHO Jan Khan Niazi said the victims were the residents of Bihar Colony.

Two Police guards lost their lives when they offered resistance during a robbery bid near BanarasBridge within the jurisdiction of Pirabad Police StationKarachi. SHO Faryad Hussain said the deceased, who were identified as Rizwan and Naeem, were Police guards.

The brother of one MQM activist, Rameez (20), son of Mohiuddin, was targeted near Usmania Hotel within the precincts of Jamsheed Quarters Police Station Karachi. SHO Inayatullah Marwat said Rameez was the brother of an MQM activist and might have been killed on the similar ground.

Another man was shot dead near Habib Bank Chowrangi when he was travelling on a flyover in a car within the jurisdiction of SITE-A Police Station Karachi.

At least two suspected militants were killed and six others injured in an overnight operation by Security Forces in Miranshah of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. According to an official, curfew had been imposed in the area indefinitely.

Five students received minor injuries slightly when an explosive device went off at University of Peshawar in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. About one kilogram of explosives were used in the blast occurred in the conference hall of Institute of Islamic and Arabic Studies, UoP, Campus Police Station SHO Saidullah Afirdi said.

Dera Ismail Khan Police of KP busted the network involved in two bomb attacks on Ashura processions and arrested four top members of the group, a Senior Police Official said. DIG of Police, Dera Ismail Khan, Qazi Jamilur Rahman told reporters that four persons associated with the LeJ and the TTP were arrested and suicide jackets, detonators and explosives and ammunition recovered from their hideouts. Nine people were killed and 26 others wounded in a blast in Thoya Fazil on the ninth of Muharram. The next day another bomb went off in Commissionary Bazaar killing seven people and injuring over 138 others.

A single-member Peshawar High Court bench directed the KP Provincial Government to raise money from philanthropists for safe release of eight Water and Power Development Authority workers abducted over four months back. The WAPDA workers were abducted by militants on August 15 when they were on the way to Tank District from the dam site in South Waziristan Agency of FATA. The abductors have demanded PKR 150 million ransom. At the same time, the court asked the families of the abductees not to protest, observing that the act may threaten the life of their members. While issuing these directions, Chief Justice Dost Mohammad Khan gave another week to the Government for the safe recovery of the WAPDA workers associated with Gomal Zam dam project, and adjourned hearing to January 10.

A 16-inch-diameter gas pipeline was blown up in the Pir Koh area of Dera Bugti District in Balochistan, suspending supply to a purification plant in the area. According to reports, explosives were planted underneath the main supply line in the Pir Koh area. However, no casualty was reported.

Unidentified militants abducted a trader from Panjgur District in Balochistan. Police said that Ijaz Ahmad was on his way home when militants abducted him and moved to an undisclosed location.

The TTP militants abducted seven soldiers from a bus from Jand area of Punjab. The soldiers were travelling between Army headquarters in Rawalpindi and their stations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when they were taken off their bus in Jand The militants took the seven soldiers and let go a sweeper on the bus with them, one military official said. The gunmen were wearing military uniforms. TTP ‘commander’ Tariq Afridi, who has forces in the area, was not available for comment and no TTP ‘spokesman’ returned calls seeking comment.

Mobile phone services were suspended in several cities and Districts of the country, in line with the Government’s security plan for Chehlum announced a day earlier. The services of all cell phone companies would resume at 11pm on January 3. The cities and towns where the service were blocked included Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Multan, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, Hyderabad, Dera Ismail Khan and Bannu. The service was suspended in 18 Districts of Punjab, nine in Balochistan and six each in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Federal Ministry of Interior had announced that the services of v-ptcl and other wireless phone services will also be suspended in sensitive areas of the country including Karachi, Lahore and Quetta.

A special meeting held at the Election Commission of Pakistan to discuss security-related issues for General Elections came to the conclusion that the army would be deployed at sensitive polling stations only. The ECP in principle decided to allow candidates to bring along armed private security guards to polling stations.

Although the Army Generals will discuss the TTP’s ‘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. “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.

Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar in an interview published has denied having any links with the TTP, condemning the TTP’s strategy of blowing up schools and blocking girls’ education. 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.

In what appears to be a paradigm shift in its decades-old policy, Pakistan Army described home-grown militancy as the “biggest threat” to national security. According to the new Army Doctrine, ongoing activities of Taliban militants in the restive tribal regions and unabated terrorist attacks on Government installations in major cities are posing a real threat to Pakistan’s security.

A senior military official confirmed to The Express Tribune that a new chapter has been added to the Army Doctrine that would now also include threats posed by sub-conventional warfare.

The past five years have been difficult for Balochistan according to statistics revealed by the Home Department. Violence in the province has claimed over 2,100 lives and left 3,845 injured in over 3,232 incidents of bomb blasts and rocket attacks in this period. Amidst rising sectarian strife and targeted killings, the government’s inability to deal with the situation appears more jarring than ever. Throughout the province, sectarian killings remain the biggest challenge. From 2008 to 2012, 758 members of the Shia community were killed in 478 incidents. Of these, 338 victims belonged to the Hazara community, indicating that Hazaras remain the prime targets of these aggressions.

The province has become a base for a decade-long insurgency as well as a killing field for various sects. LeJ allegedly keeps targeting Shias throughout Balochistan. Accordingly, officials have beefed up safety measures from Quetta to Taftan and are even planning to hold meetings with Iranian authorities to discuss possible arrangements to facilitate the movement of Hazaras from Marriabad to HazaraTown and Hazar Ganji.

The findings also uncover staggering ‘kill and dump’ statistics. Around 570 dead bodies have been found strewn throughout the province, with 370 of the victims belonging to the Baloch community and 89 to the Pashtun community. The rest remain unidentified to this day. Further still, over 402 non-Baloch have been killed in 498 incidents, and over 486 injured in multiple attacks.

Not surprisingly, security personnel have also suffered great losses. As many as 340 Frontier Corps personnel and 380 Policemen have lost their lives in the line of duty, and 508 security officials in total have been left wounded.

Analysts say that despite the staggering figures, the Provincial Government is yet to review regulations pertaining to the movement of pilgrims under the Travel Agency Act of 1976. In one instance, police decided to refer the investigation of ‘sensitive cases’ to the Crime Investigation Department after the arrest of alleged terrorist Sher Dil of LeJ, also known as Babu, in a bid to curb violence in Balochistan.

Taliban leader Maulvi Nazir was among 10 Taliban militants killed in a US-operated drone strike in the South Waziristan Agency of FATA. The drone targeted the Taliban leader’s moving convoy. “Maulvi Nazir was on his way to Wana from Birmal when the convoy was hit in Sarkundi area (in Birmal tehsil), killing him and nine others,” officials sources said.

Maulvi Nazir is the second top Taliban leader to be killed in a drone strike after Baitullah Mehsud, who was chief of the TTP when he was killed in 2009. Maulvi Nazir had ‘earned fame’ in spring 2007 when he led a successful uprising against foreign militants in Ahmedzai Wazir-held areas, ousting Uzbek militants along with their local supporters. He linked administration of polio vaccination to cessation of drone strikes and no polio drive could be launched in Ahmedzai Wazir areas since the ban in June 2012.

Security agencies warned the Government of likely backlash from the supporters of Maulvi Nazir. “There may be backlash from a Taliban group and the federal government should direct all provincial capitals to increase vigilance against any threat,” security officials spoke on condition of anonymity.

The Pentagon (US) welcomed reports that Maluvi Nazir was killed in a drone strike, saying his death would represent a “major development.” Pentagon spokesman George Little did not confirm the reports of the killing, but said, “If the reports are true, then this would be a significant blow, and would be very helpful not just to the United States but also to our Pakistani partners.”

Nazir was killed along with his five guards when a missile hit his vehicle while he was going to Wana from Birmal on January 2. Maulvi Nazir’s key aide Rata Khan was among the other militants killed when the vehicle was attacked near Angoor Adda on the Afghan border, the official said. Nazir had survived a suicide bombing in November 29, 2012.

Nazir’s group quickly appointed his close aide Bawal Khan as a replacement, according to one of his aides. But a Reuters report named the successor as Salahuddin Ayubi.

In NWA, six militants, a close associate of the TTP’s chief Hakimullah Mehsud among them, were killed in a drone attack in Mir Ali tehsil. According to sources, unmanned aircraft fired two missiles at about 9am on a car carrying Shah Faisal and other militants in Mubarak Shahi, some 20 kilometers east of Miranshah. Two others killed in the attack were identified as Israr and Lateef.

Local authorities said that a second drone strike targeted other militants, including TTP ‘commander’ Faisal Khan and two Uzbek militants in Mir Ali region of NWA on January 2.

Helicopter gunships pounded several areas in NWA, killing three people, including a woman, and injuring four others. Dozens of families fled the area after several houses were damaged by shelling on Matches Camp in Miranshah. Militants were suspected to be hiding in the areas. The administration imposed a curfew in the region for the second day and launched a search operation after a security man and a civilian were killed and four personnel injured in a roadside bomb attack on a vehicle of the Frontier Works Organization.

A Government school was blown up in Mashokhel village ofNWA in the night. Police officials in the area said the militants bombed the school by placing explosives at the building of the Government High School Mashokhel located the jurisdiction of the Badaber Police Station. The explosion was triggered with a remote-controlled device that destroyed three rooms and caused cracks in other parts of the building.

The bullet-riddled body of a local mosque’s prayer leader was found in the Shahmansoor Mountains of Swabi District of KP. The prayer leader, Naseebullah alias Zarbat Khan, belonged to Orakzai Agency of FATA and he went missing after he offered Asr prayer in his mosque.

Unidentified assailants opened fire and injured a local trader, Abdul Rahim, in the Pashtoonabad area of Quetta, the Provincial capital of Balochistan. Police said that unidentified armed motorcyclists came at the shop of Abdul Rahim.

Unidentified armed assailants abducted spiritual leader Mualana Wali Muhammad from the SatelliteTown area of Quetta in the morning. According to Police, Wali Muhammad was on his way home after offering Fajar prayers when gunmen took him away.

One person, identified as Aslam Zia, was injured when two motorcyclists opened fire at a majlis held in a house at Wahdat Colony, a few metres from the local Police Station, in Taxila (Taxila District) of Punjab and fled away. The majlis was held in connection with the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain.

A suspected Pakistani al Qaeda operative, Abid Naseer, accused of planning attacks in the US, Britain and Norway was on January 3 extradited to the US, the Interior Ministry in London announced. Metropolitan Police officers escorted Naseer from Belmarsh Prison to London’s LutonAirport where he was taken into custody by US authorities.

The 26-year-old is wanted by the US authorities over allegations that he provided material support to al Qaeda and conspired to use explosives. He was named as a suspect in an alleged transatlantic plot directed by Pakistan-based al Qaeda groups.

Naseer was originally arrested in Britain along with 10 other Pakistani men in 2009 over a suspected bomb plot. But they were released without charge after prosecutors said there was not enough evidence, and ordered to be deported. An immigration judge subsequently ruled that despite Naseer being “an al Qaeda operative who posed and still poses a serious threat”, he could not be returned to Pakistan as his safety could not be guaranteed. In July 2010, Naseer was arrested again on a US arrest warrant. In January 2012, a judge approved Naseer’s extradition to the US. He appealed to the European Court of Human Rights but his case was thrown out in December.

Twenty militants were killed and 12 others sustained injuries in air strikes carried out by Army warplanes in the Kukikhel area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. The sources said that fighter jet bombed the sanctuaries of the TTP in Dwatoy and Bragat areas, killing 20 militants and causing injuries to 12 others. The official sources said that ‘commander’ Abdul Wali alias Umar Khalid, designated head of TTP for Tirah valley, was also present in Dwatoy at the time of the attack. Some reports suggested that he was among the dead. However, it couldn’t be verified from independent sources or the TTP due to lack of communication facilities in the Tirah Valley. 

The Kukikhel part of the Tirah valley fell to the TTP a few months back after the militant group defeated the Kukikhel Afridi tribal lashkar. The sources said that the Commander Tariq Afridi-led faction of TTP having bases in the valley had claimed responsibility for the assassination of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Senior Minister Bashir Bilour in Peshawar and also for the killing of 22 kidnapped members of the Levies force in Frontier Region Peshawar. Sources said that TTP cadres had celebrated the death of Bashir Bilour by resorting to festive firing for two hours in Dwatoy and surrounding areas. The fresh airstrikes conducted by the SFs might be a reaction to the assassination of Bashir Bilour and the deaths of 22 Levies personnel.

Seven more bullet-riddled bodies were recovered near Sarobi village area on Miranshah-Razmak road in NWA in FATA. The sources said unknown people after killing the seven men placed their bodies near Sarobi village. The residents of Sarobi village went there and saw the seven bodies, but they were not able to recognise them. The villagers said all the seven men were shot dead. They said some of the bodies had several marks of bullet injuries. It was second time bullet-riddled bodies were recovered in the volatile tribal region during the past few days. Nine bullet-riddled bodies were recovered a few days ago from Mir Ali subdivision.

A jirga of Haleemzai tribe in Mohmand Agency of FATA decided at Ghallanai to strengthen the local peace committees to protect Government properties in the area. The jirga, held at the hujra of local peace committee leader Malik Mohammad Ali Haleemzai at Sangar village, extended cooperation to SFs and political administration in maintenance of peace in the tribal region.

Twelve people lost their lives while several sustained injuries in different incidents of firing and violence in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Unidentified assailants, riding two motorcycles, opened fire on a car near Essa Nagri locality killing Akhtar Hussain and Naveedul Haq and injuring Ashfaq. The victims were reported to be transporters.

A dead-body was recovered in a gunny bag on M. A. Jinnah Road near Radio Pakistan office in Karachi. The body was later identified of a young man who was kidnapped earlier.

A man was killed by unknown miscreants near Samama Shopping Centre on University Road while a man, identified as Sajid, was killed by gunmen who opened fire on his shop in Rizvia Society of Karachi.

A man was gunned down in Korangi while special branch’s police inspector Abdul Rasheed was killed in Gulbahar of Karachi.

Two people were killed in separate incidents of firing in Maripur Road and Baldia Town areas of Karachi while three dead-bodies wrapped in gunny bags were recovered from Baldia Town, Netty Jetty Brigde and Sher Shah neighbourhoods.

The CID police arrested three suspects, wanted for murders and kidnappings for ransom, and recovered weapons from possession when they carried out raids in Surjani Town and New Karachi areas of Karachi.

A Karachi District Education Officer was also kidnapped along with his car in the metropolis.

Two persons were killed and one another injured in a bomb explosion in Badhaber area on the outskirts of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). A local cricketer Ijaz Khan along with his friend Aman was returning from the playground after a match when they were hit by the powerful bomb. Police said that a bomb had been planted along an electricity pylon in Gul Khan Forest area of Badhaber. The explosion also damaged the electricity pylon suspending electricity supply to the area. A rocket had landed in the same Gul Khan area earlier on Friday but did not cause any damage.

A man, suspected of involvement in the January 1 murder of seven aid workers in Swabi District of KP, was killed in an exchange of gunfire with Police. The suspect, who had holed up in a house in the Gar area of Swabi District, was among the gunmen who killed the seven workers, Swabi District Police Officer Abdur Rashid Khan was quoted as saying. His companion, a suspected accomplice, escaped, officials said.  Khan said that a motorcycle and a pistol that was used in the killing had been recovered from the suspected terrorists.

The militants also stormed a security post in Mera Matani area of Peshawar in KP in the evening. The alert Police commandos and Frontier Constabulary personnel resisted the attack. The exchange of fire continued for some time before the attackers escaped. No casualty was reported in the attack.

Explosives planted at the building of a private school in Hassan Garhi of Peshawar went off. The explosion was heard in many parts of the provincial capital. However, no casualty was reported in the blast that slightly damaged the boundary wall of the school.

Unidentified militants blew up a house in the Kaingar village of Bannu District in KP. Luckily, no loss to human life took place. However, the house was badly damaged by the powerful explosion.

Three person sustained injuries in a blast in the limits of Miryan Police StationBannu District. The sources said a blast outside the hujra, of one Qalandar Khan injured him and also Sher Dawar and Izzat Khan. The Sources said that it could not be ascertained whether it was a hand-grenade attack or explosives were planted outside the hujra. 

Four explosions destroyed the under-construction District Jail in Rehmanabad area of Hangu District of KP. Talking to reporters, DPO Dr Mian Saeed Ahmed said that militants had placed explosives inside the under-construction jail building in Rehmanabad and triggered the explosions around midnight. The BDU officials said that 35 kilograms of explosives had been used in the four blasts. ‘Spokesman’ for the TTP, Darra Adamkhel chapter, Muhammad, claimed responsibility for blowing up the under-construction prison.

Police arrested two brothers in Baffa area of Mansehra District in KP over allegedly threatening a lady health worker of dire consequences for administering anti-polio drops to children in their village. The FIR was lodged on the written complaint of lady health worker Shabnam Bibi. In her application addressed to the district health officer, she stated that Shamsur Rehman and his brother Saifur Rehman threatened her of dire consequences during the anti-polio drive in December 2012.

SFs arrested a militant ‘commander’ of LI during a search operation in Jalozai campof Mansehra District. The sources said that the SFs sealed the phase-I in “S” sector at the camp and launched a search operation at 11am. During the operation, Abdul Haq was arrested and taken to an undisclosed location for interrogation.

Two brothers, one of them a prayer leader, were shot at in the Sariab Road area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Police sources said that unidentified armed motorcyclists opened indiscriminate fire on the brothers, leaving them injured. The attackers managed to escape. The police said that the injured, identified as Maulana Israr Ahmed and Akhlaq Ahmed, reached the crime scene and shifted the injured to the Civil Hospital.

Pakistan is providing paramilitary and Police support to polio vaccinations being resumed discreetly in the northwest after a series of attacks on medical workers. UN agencies suspended work on a nationwide campaign to inoculate children against the highly infectious disease after nine health workers were murdered in a string of attacks in the northwest and Karachi in December. Pakistan is one of only three countries in the world where polio is endemic, but efforts to stamp out the disease have been hampered by resistance from the TTP, who have banned vaccination teams from some areas, and distrust. 

A Pakistan judicial commission, appointed 18 months ago, 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. 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.

A senior militant ‘commander’ Salahuddin Ayubi’ has been appointed to succeed Mullah Nazir group, who was killed in a drone attack on January 3. Two of his deputies were killed with him, but a close associate and militant ‘commander’ who goes by the name Salahuddin Ayubi has been anointed his successor, Pakistani intelligence officials said.

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 Foreign Office spokesman Moazzam Ali Khan in the weekly briefing.

Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif, talking to lawmakers from Balochistan, 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.

Balochistan National Conference, which concluded at the Punjab University, adopted a unanimous resolution holding the Federal Government responsible for the current situation of the Province.

Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said that the Government generally preferred holding talks with militants to launching military operation against them because negotiations were the preferred mode of dispute resolution

He said the government’s anti-terrorism policy was in place and the forces concerned, including intelligence agencies, were working on the approved strategy.

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.

Pakistan is working with the 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.

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 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.

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.

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. “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.

PM Raja Pervez Ashraf said that Pakistan needs to redesign and redefine its military doctrine. The PM urged national security institutions to further improve intelligence gathering and establish effective coordination among civil and military institutions to comprehensively tackle terrorism.

Federal Minister of Interior A Rehman Malik said that mobile phones are now a weapon of terrorism. The Minister said, “Mobile phones are now a weapon of terrorism as all improvised bombings were conducted through them.”

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.

Unidentified militants opened fire and killed four passengers and injured 10 others travelling in Jaffar Express near Kohsar area of Kachhi in Bolan District of Balochistan. Official sources in the Pakistan Railways said that Jaffar Express was on its way to Quetta from Rawalpindi when it was attacked by the unidentified militants in the mountainous area of Bolan.

At least 17 persons, all believed to be suspected militants, were killed and eight others sustained injuries in three separate US drone attacks in the mountainous Babar area of Ladha subdivision in South Waziristan Agency of FATA. According to sources, the drones fired 10 missiles and hit three different compounds of militants located in the remote mountainous Babar area. The compounds were reportedly inhabited by the militants affiliated with Hakimullah Mehsud’s TTP and cadres of the Punjabi TTP chapter leader Qari Imran. A cousin of the TTP ‘chief’ Hakimullah Mehsud, Wali Mohammad Toofan, was among the killed militants. Toofan had been recently elevated to head TTP’s ‘Fidayee wing’ (Suicide wing) after its leader Qari Hussain died in a drone strike. 

Ten militants killed and several others were injured when fighter planes shelled in the militants’ stronghold of Arghanjoo in Mamozai area in Orakzai Agency. Witnesses said that the planes came into action at around 10am and carried out intense shelling on four houses, razing them to the ground. The dead belonged to Uthmankhel, Ferozkhel and Mamozai areas. 

Six persons, including a woman, were killed when unidentified assailants ambushed a car in Dargai area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency. The sources said that the car was heading to Jamrud Bazaar from Chapri village when armed assailants ambushed it and killed two people and injured four others. All the victims of the shooting belonged to Kukikhel tribe.

An explosive device went off near the hujra of an official of a NGO in Arakh area of Razar tehsil in Swabi District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The sources said that unidentified persons had planted two bombs near the main gate of the hujra of Fazal Muhammad in Arakh area and triggered the explosion. The blast damaged the main gate and boundary walls of the structure but didn’t cause any casualty. The sources added the personnel of the BDU recovered a second bomb and defused it.

Six rockets were fired at Bannu cantonment (Bannu District) from an unspecified direction. However, no loss of life or property was reported. The local Police officials said that five of the rockets fell in an open area, while one hit a residential colony of the Irrigation Department.  

The chairman of UJC and ‘supreme commander’ of Hizbul Mujahideen, Syed Salahuddin said those calling for settlement of the Kashmir issue through peaceful means were in fact deceiving the innocent Kashmiris, adding that an armed struggle was the only way to resolve the dispute. Salahuddin said that experience of the past 65 years should convince anyone that only a strong and target-oriented armed struggle across Indian-held Kashmir could win freedom.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain said that the strength of militants has increased so alarmingly that now, they can reach anywhere they want to carry out their activities. “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.

At least 255 lives were lost in 40 strikes by the CIA-operated drones while 54 people sustained injuries in various parts of North Waziristan Agency in FATA in 2012. The US drones carried out at least 40 strikes in North Waziristan and fired 123 missiles at various targets. Along with some known foreign and local militants, innocent tribal people including women and children were also killed in these attacks. Another 54 persons, mostly women and children up to 15 years of age, were injured in the drone attacks. Most of the injured were maimed for life.

At least two security personnel were killed and another one injured in an IED explosion near Albo security check post in Margano Jalaa area of Khwezai tehsil, some 40 kilometres west of Ghalanai, the main town of Mohmand Agency. Assistant Political Agent for Khwezai, Ghazi Nawaz, confirmed that two security personnel were killed and one was injured in the blast. 

Tribal elder Malik Amir Nawaz Khan escaped a remote controlled bomb blast at Kassai area of Haleemzai tehsil. Officials said that Malik Amir Nawaz was going to Sangar village to attend a jirga when the blast occurred. He escaped unhurt.   

In Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency, Army jetfighters targeted militant hideouts. Sources said that the hideouts were pounded in Khurma Tung area of Akkakhel in Khyber Agency. Two hideouts were destroyed while militants escaped unhurt as they had vacated the place before the aerial bombing.

SFs arrested four suspected militants during a search operation in Ghundi area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency.

Eight persons were killed in Karachi (Karachi District), Provincial capital of Sindh. In an incident of sectarian violence, a person and his minor daughter were killed while his wife and other daughter sustained injuries near Ayesha Manzil within the limits of Gulberg Police Station. Asghar Ilyas (40) and his two-year-old daughter Zainab were shot dead, while his wife Farzana and another minor daughter Dua injured near Ayesha Manzil. Police said that the family was on its way to home when unidentified assailants opened fire on them. According to Police, the victims belonged to ASWJ.

Another sectarian killing took place in Block 13-D of Gulshan-e-Iqbal within the precincts of Gulshan-e- Iqbal Police Station in Karachi. Police said Ali Raza Naqvi (26), was going on a motorbike along with his friend Raees when armed men shot him dead near railway track. 

Armed assailants shot dead a man on his way to home within Soldier Bazaar Police Station. Police said Murtaza Alvani was on his way to home when unidentified assailants targeted him near Bara Board. 

A truck driver was killed near Northern Bypass within the precincts of Manghopir Police Station. Arif (21) was going to a poultry farm on truck when unidentified assailants intercepted his vehicle and shot him dead. 

The bullet-riddled body of a man was found from Chanasir Goth within the jurisdiction of Mehmoodabad Police Station. 

The dead body of an abducted person was found from bushes in Toori Bangash Colony within the limits of Iqbal Market Police Station. Unidentified assailants kidnapped the man and shot him dead. Police said the person could not be identified yet. 

A prayer leader of Deoband community, Maulana Shaukat, succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Police said that unidentified assailants targeted him in new Karachi Sect 5-E within the limits of Bilal Colony Police Station on 31 December, 2012. 

Pakistani Rangers arrested two suspected members of a banned outfit during a search of Lyari area. The Rangers raided many houses throughout Lyari acting on a tip. They arrested two suspects wanted in connection with various cases. The authorities didn't identify the banned group or specify the cases that the suspects are linked to. The Rangers recovered illegal arms, drugs and stolen vehicles from the suspects.

Three militants and a Police Officer were killed and a Constable was injured in separate incidents of firing in Lakki Marwat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to official sources, a Police team headed by DPO Mohammad Idrees Khan surrounded a house in Abakhel village after a tip that militants were hiding there. Militants opened fire when Police entered the house, killing the SHO Mohammad Ismail and injuring a Constable of the elite force, Zahid Ali. Two militants died when Police retaliated. 

Two suspected militants on a motorbike attacked a patrol party of Ghaznikhel Police when they signalled them to stop near Balkhi Koroona area. Police opened fire, killing one of the attackers. The other suspect was arrested and seven grenades, four Kalashnikovs and live rounds were recovered from his possession. 

Militants made a serious threat to the Government against re-starting anti-polio campaign by planting a bomb weighing three kilograms in a health centre in the Rashidabad area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The bomb was, however, detected and defused. They also found a piece of paper with a message for the Government and senior health department authorities. “The letter carried a message, apparently from the militants, for the government authorities.”

One Abdullah was killed and three persons — Ehsan Reza, Arif Hussain and Latif — were seriously injured when the car they were travelling in came under fire on Spiny Road in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. The victims belonged to the Hazara community and Police described the incident as a sectarian attack. 

An engineer was killed while three other persons, including a Police official, sustained injuries in an explosion on Sariab Road. According to Police, the deceased has been identified as Nazir Ahmed Qambarani, sub engineer of Balochistan Development Authority, and the injured as Abdul Salam Bangulzai, Sajjad Ahmed Raisani and Assistant Sub Inspector of Police Aftab Ahmad Parkani. 

A hand-grenade was hurled into a tea shop on Sariab Road in which two people were wounded. 

A bomb exploded in a ground near Jan Mohammad road in which a man and a woman were injured.

Two unidentified armed motorcyclists shot dead vice-president of the SSP, Muhammad Shakeel, near Kot Pindi Das area of Sheikhupura town of same District in Punjab. According to Police, the Muhammad Shakeel had been on his way to Lahore when unknown motorcyclists opened fire on him near Kot Pindi Das.

Hearing a petition by Senator Haji Adeel for reviewing the progress on the judgement on Karachi (Sindh) law and order passed by the Supreme Court in October 2011, the court directed the Sindh Chief Secretary and Advocate General to submit a comprehensive reply by January 22 with regard to implementation of its orders.

During the hearing, the court expressed its concern to know that Karachi Police is controlled and run by a gambler, Wasim Beater, and postings and promotions of Police Officers are made on his recommendations. Sindh IGP Fayyaz Leghari, Chief Secretary Raja Muhammad Abbas and Additional Chief Secretary Wasim Ahmed expressed their ignorance on the issue. But Hyderabad DIG Sannaullah Abbasi and Sindh Additional IG Bashir Memon admitted before the court in the presence of their seniors that Wasim Beater is a junior Police Officer and run a ‘gambling den’ in Karachi and have great influence in the Police Department.

Six persons were killed and five others sustained injuries in three different firing incidents in Balochistan. According to Levies officials, unidentified armed assailants fired indiscriminately at two tankers carrying LPG in Shiehkwasil area in Mastung District. Three people were killed and another was injured in the firing. “The deceased and injured were residents of Punjab,” Levies officials said.

Two people were killed and another was wounded in Pishin (Pishin District). Levies sources said that a vehicle was passing through Pishin Bypass area when armed assailants opened fire on the vehicle killing one person and two injuring two others.

Levies force said a person was shot dead by unidentified assailants. However, the incident site was not mentioned.  

One person was wounded in a bomb blast on Raisani Road in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. “The blast damaged electricity pole and smashed windowpanes of nearby buildings,” a police official said, adding that three to four kilogrammes of explosives were used in the blast. According to Police sources, the explosive device was fixed with an electricity pylon at Raisani Road, yards away from Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani’s family residence.

Unidentified assailants shot dead within the remit of Soldier Bazaar Police Station in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

One Imran Abbas, a resident of Kashmir colony, was shot dead in Nomish Chowrangi area.

Elsewhere in the District, unidentified assailants riding a motorbike opened fire at the house of one Safdar, belonging to the SSP, injuring Safdar and his friend, Qayoom. Subsequently, irate people set a bus on fire in Golimar area. Sectarian tension gripped the entire locality amid aerial firing that injured three boys.

Two armed groups clashed at Rabia City apartment, leaving one person injured. Police and Rangers later arrested some eight suspects from the incident site.

At least eight militants were killed and four others injured when US drones fired missiles struck militant compounds in the villages of Haider Khel and Hisokhel, some 25 kilometres east of Miranshah, the main town in the North Waziristan Agency of FATA. “US drones fired missiles on two militant compounds. At least eight militants have been killed,” a security official in Miranshah said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The two attacks occurred within an hour, with four militants killed in each compound, the official added. Legal lobby group Reprieve estimates that up to nearly 900 civilians were among the 2,621 to 3,442 people killed by drones in Pakistan since 2004.

A member of a peace committee was killed and another injured in an explosion in Bokhar, remote area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. Unidentified assailants had planted the bomb near the road that exploded, killing a member of peace committee, Imran, and injured another person, identified as Noor Muhammad.

Three Policemen were injured when unidentified assailants lobbed a hand grenade at them in the Swabi District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Policemen were on routine patrolling in the Swabi bazaar (market) when the attack happened.

FIA has indicated to Indian officials that they have a water-tight case against LeT ‘commander’ Zakir-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and 28 other accused in November 26, 2008, (26/11) Mumbai terrorist attacks. 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.

The Federal Interior Ministry says it has intercepted a 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. The ministry said in a press release that the caller used Miranshah (headquarter of the North Waziristan Agency in FATA)-based 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.”

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.

Federal Minister of Interior Rehman Malik had said, “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.

The annual report by the PIPS, released on January 4, stated that 5,047 people were killed and another 5,688 were injured in 2,217 attacks in 2012. Comparatively, in 2011, there were 2,895 such attacks and 7,107 consequent fatalities.

Karachi, Quetta, Kurram Agency and Gilgit were the hardest hit, witnessing more than 85 percent of all terrorist incidents in 2012, while the TTP emerged as a major actor responsible for the prevalent instability. Balochistan remained the focal point of nationalist insurgency and sectarian violence, witnessing 474 terrorist attacks, the highest for any region. The TTP-infested and militancy-hit KP and FATA remained second and third most volatile regions, with 456 and 388 terrorist attacks reported, respectively. Meanwhile, 187 terrorist attacks were reported in Karachi and 28 in other parts of Sindh 26 in Gilgit-Baltistan 17 in Punjab and one in Islamabad.

The country witnessed a 53 percent increase in sectarian violence. Non-sectarian attacks, on the other hand, decreased by 20 percent. The number of suicide attacks across the country fell by 27 percent.

The US drone strikes and the consequent killings also recorded a 40 percent decrease. The number of cross-border attacks and clashes decreased from 84 in 2011 to 79 in 2012. However, the casualties in these attacks increased by 25 percent. “Most of the cross-border attacks and clashes (70%) were reported from Pakistan’s western border with Afghanistan, including attacks reportedly carried out by militants of the TTP’s Swat chapter hiding in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Nuristan provinces,” said the PIPS report.

Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, saw its deadliest year in two decades in 2012, with around 2,000 persons killed in violence linked to ethnic and political tensions. According to the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee, 2,124 people were killed in Karachi in 2012, the worst year since records began nearly 20 years ago. The HRCP says 1,800 people died in targeted killings in the first nine months of 2012. In 2011, it put the number at 1,000, which was then the deadliest in 16 years. Police insist killings related to ethnic and sectarian disputes accounted for only 20 percent of the murders, but rights activists say a shortage of law enforcement officers is part of the problem. “Karachi is becoming a city where controlling violence is becoming increasingly difficult because of an insufficient police force, which is less than 30,000 for around 18 million people,” says Zohra Yusuf, HRCP chairwoman.

Karachi, a business centre with a population of 18 million, accounts for 20 percent of GDP, 57 percent of tax revenue and elects 33 lawmakers to the Federal Parliament. Karachi has all the ingredients of an explosive cocktail – gang warfare, land grabbings, drugs, extremism, political rivalries, ethnic tensions, extreme poverty and a mushrooming population owing to migration.

An Intelligence Agency Official was shot dead by unidentified militants in the Kharotabad area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Abdul Aziz, a worker of the BNP- M, was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants at the Eastern Bypass. The party sources said that deceased was a nephew of the former BNP-M general secretary Habib Jalib.

A person was killed by unidentified assailants in front of Madrassah Darul Uloom, Sariab Road. 

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead a trader, identified as Manzoor Shah, near Sirat Chowk of Khuzdar town (Khuzdar District). 

A dead body was found in Mand area of Kech town (Kech District). The deceased was identified as Abdul Sattar. 

Unidentified militants attacked the office of the Election Commission of Pakistan on Chattan Road of Panjgur town (Panjgur District) with hand grenades. A Police source said that nobody was present in the office when the attack was carried out and nobody got hurt. No group had claimed responsibility for the grenade attack.

At least three persons, including a school Principal, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Syed Ali Haider (55), the owner of the Lal Qilla Grammar School and also the Principal of the same institute was shot dead by two armed assailants outside his residence in Sector 11/A of North Karachi in the Sir Syed Town Police area. 

Mahmood Ahmed Barkati (87), a Hakeem and former Union Council Nazim was shot dead by two unidentified assailants, who barged into his clinic near the Taleem-e-Bagh situated in the FB Area. Apart from being a Hakeem, the victim was a noted writer and had authored more than 24 books. He also wrote some 500 columns in different newspapers. Barkati, the Police confirmed, was also a former UC Nazim from the Jamaat-e-Islami.

Syed Muhammad Shakeel (35), an MQM activist, was killed near Sector 11-1/2 of Orangi Town in the Iqbal Market Police Jurisdiction. 

CID Police arrested five suspected TTP militants from a slum area in Ittehad Town of Karachi. The CID team recovered a four-wheeler bike for special people that contained around 60 kilogrammes of explosives, two pressure cookers, nine cricket balls laden with explosives, 25 kilogrammes of explosives, and five hand grenades, four Kalashnikovs, five pistols and ammunition. Sheikh informed media that the arrested TTP militants were involved in various cases of terrorism and crimes in the metropolis.

The dead body of a Sikh man, who was abducted by militants over a month ago after accusing him of acting as a “spy” for a rival group, was recovered from Zakhakhel Bazaar in Khyber Agency. Unidentified militants abducted Mohinder Singh from his shop in Tabbai village on November 20. 

Three security men - a khasadar, Khan Akbar, and two personnel of Mehsud Scouts — Naib Subedar Ashraf and Sepoy Asad — were injured when unidentified militants ambush a convoy of SFs in Muslim Dhand area of Bara. The convoy was on its way to Levies centre in Shahkas when it was attacked. 

Four children were injured when a mortar shell fell on the house of Askar Khan Malikdinkhel in Sur Kas area of Bar Qambarkhel. 

SFs with the help of Shalobar Peace Committee arrested four suspected militants during a raid in Nawgazee Baba area. The arrested men, Mohammad Jan, Khuga Jan, Marjan Khan, Jerman Khan and Zar Mohammad, were accused of having contacts with a Bara-based militant outfit. 

Unidentified militants abducted four watchmen at Jandola bazaar in the FR Tank. The sources said watchmen Sultan Khan, Attaullah Khan Bhittani, Shaukat Khan Bhittani and Samiullah were abducted from a private market in Jandola Bazaar.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a Shia doctor associated with the ruling PPP in the Dabgari area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Riaz Hussain was president of the PPP branch in Kurram Agency (FATA). He was killed as he left his clinic in the Dabgari area and police suggested it was a targeted, sectarian killing. 

Two cellular phone shops were blown up by unidentified militants at a market on Dera Road in Bannu town (Bannu District). Sources said that unidentified persons planted improvised explosive devices near the shops of Zubair and Karimullah in a market at Taji Kallay Bus Stand that went off one after another at 1am, destroying both the shops.

The release of another dozen Afghan Taliban prisoners by Pakistan is on the cards, a move aimed at boosting the Afghan reconciliation process that has been ‘sluggish’ hitherto due to a lack of interest shown in it by the Mullah Omar-led Taliban. Pakistan released eight Taliban prisoners in December 2012, including former Afghan Taliban Justice Minister Mullah Nooruddin Turabi. Prior to that in September 2012, as many as 18 Afghan Taliban detainees were set free by the Pakistani Government during the visit of Afghan High Peace Council’s delegation to Islamabad led by Salahuddin Rabbani, son of former Afghanistan President and the council’s first chief, late Professor Burhabuddin Rabbani. The release of Afghan Taliban prisoners by Islamabad is seen as a key step that would help persuade the Afghan Taliban leadership to sit for negotiations with the Afghan Government. Pakistan is seen as a key player in the ongoing global efforts aimed at bringing about peace in Afghanistan, as the US-led foreign troops stationed there plan to depart the war-torn country in 2014.

The high-ranking TTP leader Wali Ur Rehman has made a rare video appearance pledging to send fighters to Kashmir and wage a struggle for the implementation of Sharia rule in India. "The practical struggle for a Sharia system that we are carrying out in Pakistan, the same way we will continue it in Kashmir, and the same way we will implement the Sharia system in India too. And this is the only solution for people's problems," Rehman reportedly said. The translation was provided by the MEMRI, a Washington-based think tank. Rehman, against whom the US has announced a USD five million (PKR 27 crore) reward over his involvement in the murder of seven CIA officials in Afghanistan in December 2009, is believed to have appeared on video along with TTP ‘chief’ Hakimullah Mehsud. The two militant leaders have spoken for the first time about their ambitions transcending beyond the Af-Pak border to Kashmir and the US as well.

Punjab Counterterrorism Department report said that there is a threat of a suicide attack on the long march of Dr Tahirul Qadri on January 14, 2013. The feared attack has been planned by a Jihadi group – Ghazi Fidayee Force – under the leadership of Saifullah Baqi of Abbottabad. According to a report of the Department, Yar Bakht Khan of Hango, Ahmad of Charssada and Alam Khan have been assigned the task of a suicide attack. 

After a trial spread over 14 months and conducted in an uneasy environment, Additional District and Sessions Judge Raja Pervez Akhtar jailed a blasphemy accused, Ghulam Ali Asghar for 10 years and imposed a fine of PKR 200, 000. Convict Ghulam Ali Asghar, a resident of Chinji village in Talagang tehsil was booked on Nov 17, 2011, on a charge of blaspheming the Holy Prophet (PBUH) by misquoting a Hadith in Punjabi language.  

At least 82 persons were killed and over 200 persons were injured in two separate bomb blasts in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. At least 70 people were killed and over 160 injured in an attack targeting Shias at Alamdar Road in Quetta late in the evening. A suicide bomber blew himself up inside a snooker club on Alamdar Road, which has two Shia prayer halls and a sizeable population of Shia Hazaras. Another blast took place outside the snooker club 10 minutes later. The twin blasts resulted in the death of as many as 70 people on the spot, most of them from the Hazrara Shia community. DSP, Mujahid Hussain, SHO, Zafar Ali, Samaa cameraman Imran Sheikh, a reporter of the same channel, Saifur Rehman, and four Edhi volunteers were among those killed.

Police experts said that more than 125 kilograms of explosives were used in the blasts. "It was the largest ever bomb to have hit the city," said an unnamed senior Police Official.

A powerful bomb went off under a SF vehicle at the busy Bacha Khan Chowk. Twelve persons were killed and over 40 others injured.

At least 30 members of the Tableeghi Jamaat were killed and more than 70 were injured in a suicide blast inside the Tableeghi Markaz located on the Takhta Band Road in Mingora city, the headquarters of Swat District of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Some Police Officials initially claimed that the blast was caused by a gas cylinder but DIG Malakand Akhtar Hayat later confirmed that it was a terrorist act.

At least seven militants were killed when SF pounded the hills of Darra Admakhel town of Kohat District with artillery shelling.

At least 16 persons, including two activists of the PPP, a supporter of the MQM and eight labourers, were shot dead in separate incidents in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Eight labourers were shot dead by unidentified armed assailants while they were asleep near the Gabol Market in Quetta Town. Victims are identified as Hubbar Khan (25), Ghulamullah (30), Sattar (25), Gul Samad, Naeem (25), Javed, Muhammad Jan and Nazeer.

Maulana Basheer (45), a MQM activist, was shot dead   by two armed assailants near Lucky Star in the Saddar Police Limits. 

PPP activists, identified as Abdul Ghani (25) and Naeem (25), were shot dead near Anda Morr in the Sir Syed Police Limits.

Mirza Akhter Baig (30) was shot dead by armed assailants in the Gulberg Police Jurisdiction near Water Pump Chowrangi.

Javed Soomro (22) was shot dead near the Mauripur truck stand in the Kalri Police Limits by unidentified armed assailants.

Khurrum (40) was shot dead near Nazimabad Chowrangi in Gulbahar Police area.

A 25-year-old man was shot dead In the Mauripur Police area.

The bullet-riddled body of a young man, stuffed in a gunny bag, was found from a drain near ICI Bridge in Baghdadi police limits. Police said that the victim was abducted, who later killed him and threw his body in the drain.

An explosive device resembling a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG-6) spotted in Rabia City, Gulistan-i-Jauhar, was safely defused.

At least six militants were killed in US drones attack in Heso Khel village on the edge of Mir Ali town, around 35 kilometers east of Miranshah town of North Waziristan Agency of FATA. It was the fifth American drone strike reported in Pakistan in a week. Pakistani security officials said US drones fired four missiles – two at a house and another two at a nearby motorbike, killing four militants in the house and two on the bike.

The death toll in January 10 twin blasts near a snooker club at Alamdar Road in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, increased to 105. As reported earlier, 70 persons were killed in the blasts. 

Two blats occurred at around 8.50pm, one inside a snooker club and the other outside in a car, within a 10-minute gap in a Shia-Hazara community dominated neighbourhood, killing 105 people and wounding 169. The dead included 25 rescue workers, nine Police officers and three journalists. The building housing the club was razed in the blast.

A suicide bomber blew himself up inside the snooker club. Bomb disposal squad officers said an estimated six to seven kilograms of explosives were used by the suicide bomber. As police, rescuers and media persons rushed to the site, another bomb fixed to a vehicle parked nearby went off. An estimated 100 kilograms of explosives were used in the second blast.

The LeJ, claimed responsibility for the attacks. In calls made to local journalists, LeJ spokesmen Bakar Saddiq said the first blast was carried out by a suicide bomber and the second was a bomb planted in a car that was triggered by remote control.

The United Baloch Army, a separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack on Security Forces at Bacha Khan Chowk in Quetta that took place around 3.50pm, prior to the twin blasts at Alamdar Road. An estimated 25 kilograms of explosives were used in the bomb. As many as 13 vehicles were destroyed in the blast. The explosion also caused damage to nearby shops, offices and homes.

A complete shutter-down strike was observed in the Quetta to condemn the bombings on the call of the Anjuman-e-Tajiran Balochistan, endorsed by nearly all politico-nationalists parties.

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.

The Balochistan Government once against gave the Police powers to the 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.

Two drivers were killed and 10 NATO containers were damaged when several rockets attacks were carried out on a terminal near Hazara Ganji, on the outskirts of Quetta. According to Police, unidentified armed men fired four rockets targeting NATO containers which were en route to Kandahar (Afghanistan) from Karachi (Sindh) and were temporary parked at the terminal. “Two drivers, identified as Abid and Waheed Shah, received multiple wounds in the attack and died,” a Police official said, adding that the assailants also opened indiscriminate fire that lasted for about half an hour.

Unidentified assailants attacked Maulana Haseebullah Madni, a leader of the JUI-S, a religio-political party near Gillani Railway Station in Block 13-D/2 of Gulshan-e-Iqbal in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh, injuring him and eight others and killing his security guard.  While the assailants were firing on the JUI-S leader’s car, a private school’s van carrying children was passing nearby and its driver, Imdad, was struck by a bullet. The driver lost control of the vehicle and rammed it into a wall. Five children, aged between five and 10 years, suffered injuries. Police said that it was the third attack on Madni. Gulshan-e-Iqbal SHO Rana Haseeb said that the assailants had used Kalashnikovs and 9mm pistols. “Police found over 70 empty bullet shells at the scene,” he added.

A Sunni Tehreek cadre, 20-year-old Muhammad Ali, was shot dead near New Preedy Street in Lines Area. The Brigade Police said Ali was riding his motorcycle, when two assailants, also on a two-wheeler, shot him dead.

A 21-year-old Islam Ahmed was killed and his brother wounded in Sector 15/G of Surjani Town.

In Machar Colony in Sohrab Goth, assailaints shot dead 22-year-old Behram Khan.

The decomposed body of an unidentified 30-year-old man was found trussed up and stuffed inside a gunny bag at Khajji Ground in Rizvia Society.

Police arrested 40 people in connection with the January 10 bomb blast at a Tablighi Jamaat centre in Takhtaband area of Mingora area of Swat District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Suprintednet of Police (SP, Investigation) Irshad told Dawn that five kilogrammes explosive device was used in the blast. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. As reported earlier, 30 people were killed in the blast.

LeT founder and JuD chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed warned New Delhi of an escalation in violence in Jammu and Kashmir. He was giving an interview to Reuters.

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, HRW said. “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.

Around 4000 personnel of the FC deployed in KP to help the Police in maintaining peace in the province are reaching Islamabad Capital Territory for deployment during the long march of the Tehreek Minhaj-ul-Quran scheduled for January 14. Sources said the federal government directed the commandant of FC to immediately withdraw 4200 personnel assisting the KP Police and multi-national companies in the province for deployment in Islamabad during Tahirul Qadri’s long march.

US President Barack Obama said that it would be very hard to imagine stability and peace in the region if Pakistan and Afghanistan did not come to some agreement. 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”.

One soldier, Amir Khan, was injured critically when militants fired at a checkpost in Ajali Nadi area of Shalobar in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency.

Two children received injuries when a mortar shell fell on the house of Hikmat Khan near Aziz Market of Akkakhel area while in Mandi Kas area one Hazratullah was injured in a similar incident.

In the same locality, two rooms of a private school were badly damaged when a mortar shell hit it. An overhead water tank at the house of Malik Waris Khan, a Former Minister of State, was also damaged when it was hit by a stray mortar shell. 

Militants blew up a Government school for girls in Hanji Ayub Kallay in Spin Qabar area in the night. The explosion destroyed the school building and caused damage to two nearby houses.

LI warned Zakhakhel tribe to either provide it with volunteers or leave the area. Sources said that LI militants distributed pamphlets and made announcements through loudspeakers in Shalobar area, asking Zakhakhel to send them volunteers or leave the area.

A blast killed a child and injured another person in Brewery road area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan in the night. Wazir Khan Nasar, the Deputy Inspector General said that the militants planted an improvised explosive device near an internet cafe in Brewery road area. “The blast killed a passerby child and injured another person,” he said. Nasar said the blast caused damage to the internet cafe and other nearby shops.

Unidentified assailants shot dead in-charge nurse of the District Headquarter Hospital at a bus stop in Hakeemabad area of Nowshera in same District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Officials said the nurse Farzana Kawsar, wife of Sajjawal Khan of Hakeemabad, was waiting for office vehicle at the bus stop when unidentified assailants opened fire on her.

The TTP said that they would cease their occasional attacks on the Army in their stronghold of FATA and concentrate attacks on NATO forces in Afghanistan instead – an announcement possibly designed to head off divisions in the insurgency. 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.

A roadside bomb killed as many as 14 soldiers and injured 21 others in Dosali village, 50 kilometres south of Miranshah, in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. A ‘spokesman’ for the Mujahideen Ansar, a group dominated by Uzbek fighters, claimed responsibility and said that the attack was retaliation for the Army's complicity in drone strikes. The group is allied to TTP. A senior military official said all the soldiers killed were in one truck and those injured were in vehicles behind it.

A soldier was killed when a shell fired by the militants hit a security checkpost in the Nala area of Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency. The killed soldier was identified as Sepoy Rehmat Hussain. Following the attack, SFs shelled the suspected positions of militants in various areas of Bara.

One person was killed and eight others were injured when a blast struck a passenger coach in Khwar Killay area near Sadda town in Kurram Agency of FATA. A passenger coach, carrying around two dozen passengers, was travelling from Peshawar to Parachinar when it was struck by a remotely detonated IED. 

At least two persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.  A person was killed by unidentified armed assailants near a shop situated in Kharadar area within the limits of Kharadar Police Station. Police informed that the identity of the victim could not be ascertained yet, however, he seemed to be around 20-year-old, belonging to the Memon community.

An elderly man was stabbed to death in Nazimabad No-1 area within the limits of Nazimabad Police Station.

Police and the BDS foiled a terrorism bid by defusing a powerful IED weighing two kilogrammes on Manghopir Road within the precincts of Pirabad Police Station. SHO Shahid Khan said that unidentified militants first threw a low intensity hand grenade in the area, however, no loss occurred.  He informed that during the checking of the blast site, the Police personnel found a suspicious stuff near the site. The BDS experts rushed to the scene and successfully defused the IED attached with a remote control.

Three security personnel were injured when their vehicle came under a bomb attack in Shabqadar area of Charsadda District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The vehicle was passing the Qala Shah Baig area when a remote-controlled bomb planted on the road hit it. Three security personnel and a passer-by were injured. The security personnel were identified as Asif, Asim and Ashar Mahmood.

The Federal Government of Pakistan accepted to the demands of Quetta bombing victims and protesters across the country and announced to impose Governor’s rule in Balochistan, effective from January 14.

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf announced in principal to invoke Article 234 of the constitution and impose Governor’s rule in the province, as demanded by the bereaved families and political and social circles. He assured the protesters that the Federal Government would fully cooperate with the Governor.

He said that false cases registered against members of the Shia community would also be withdrawn.

Three khasadar personnel, captured by militants during a clash in Kohikhel area of Shalobar in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA, were beheaded. At least seven khasadar personnel were injured during clashes. The fighting erupted in the evening after militants attacked three security posts in Kohikhel. The attackers reportedly forced security personnel to retreat from two posts and captured arms and ammunition.

At least two persons, including a Policeman, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.  A Policeman, identified as Ghulam Shabbir (52) was killed by unidentified armed assailants inside his house situated in Jamali Goth of Sohrab Goth area within the precincts of Sohrab Goth Police Station.

A man, Zahid (29), was shot dead in Orangi Town within the limits of Iqbal market Police Station.

At least eight persons were injured in an IED blast, weighing one kilogram, at a mini mart at petrol station located in Kahayan-e-Ittehad in DHA Phase-VI within the limit of Gizri Police Station.

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead a man, identified as Faqir Muhammad, in Nasirabad town of same District in Balochistan.

Unidentified armed assailants injured a man, identified as Rehmatullah near the Western Bypass of Quetta.

Hearing the Balochistan target killings case, the Supreme Court observed that it never wanted the dismissal of the Balochistan Assembly and that there is a difference between legislative business and authority of executive. The Court sought the notification dismissing the Provincial Government and imposing Governor’s rule in the province.

Seven soldiers and four militants were killed in fighting between banned LI and SFs in Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. The sources said that dozens of militants of LI attacked the newly-established three security posts manned by personnel of FC, Pakistan Army and Khasadar Force in Arjaleen Adey, Machine Dhand and Mashomanu Adeera in Shalobar area of Bara. Following the attack, the SFs shelled the suspected positions of militants in different areas of Bara from nearby bases. Two helicopters shelled the suspected hideouts of militants in Shalobar and Nala area but no casualties were reported. The sources said that dozens of suspected persons were also arrested by SFs in Sepah and Shalobar area of Bara.

13 bullet-riddled bodies of local people belonging to three families were also found in Alamgudar and Dogra areas of Bara populated by Sepah Afridi tribe. No group or individual claimed responsibility for the killings.

197 Pakistani militants surrendered to the Army in the year 2012 in Bajaur Agency. Political Agent Syed Abdul Jabbar Shah commented, "During the past five years, more than 6,000 militants have surrendered to the government”. He further added that ex-militants who surrendered have denounced terrorism and joined mainstream society. Peace committees and the general public has been instrumental in forcing militants to lay down arms, he further said.

Five Policemen, identified as DSP, in CID, Naseem Baloch, Constable Tahir, Constable Noor Ahmad, Constable Mohsin Ali and Constable Abdul Whaid were killed in a remote-controlled blast in Bonistan area of Panjgur District. A Police official, Atiqur Rehman, said that a Police vehicle was patrolling in the Bonistan area when the remote-controlled device went off.

A Policeman, identified as Muhammad Naeem, was injured in an explosion in Bakra Mandi area of Eastern bypass, on the outskirts Quetta, the Provincial Capital of Balochistan.

At least three Police personnel were injured in a bomb explosion in Chaman area of Qilla Abdullah District, a boarding area with Afghanistan.

At least five persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi, the Provincial Capital of Sindh. A person, identified as Asghar Ali Shah (30), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Sector 7/C in the Surjani Town Police Jurisdiction. Victim belonged to Shia community and he was an organiser of a mourning procession. Police said that it was a sectarian killing.

Abdul Quyyum (25), a hotel employee, was shot dead in Sector 4/A of North Karachi in the Sir Syed Town Police Station.

Atta-ur-Rehman (40) was shot dead and Shabeer was shot injured by unidentified assailants at a hotel near Qalandri Chowk situated in Sakhi Hassan in the Shahra-e-Noorjehan Police area.

The dead body of Noor-ul-Hassan (25) was found near Maser Goth, Lyari, in the Baghdadi Police Limits.

The dead body of Syed Hassan Raza (25), stuffed in a gunny bag, was recovered near a local hotel in the Baghdadi in Napier Police Limits.

At least five persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Ibne Hassan (50) was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants outside his residence near Ghousia Market in Muhammadi Dara, just opposite Naeem Hospital, in Malir-15 in the Saudabad Police Limits. According to SHO, Saudabad Hassan Haider, the man was production manager in General Tyres and he belonged to the Shia community. Police said that it was a sectarian killing.

A person, identified as Noor Kabeer Bengali (45), was shot dead outside his residence in Muhammadi Colony in the Docks Police Limits.

Muhammad Ayub (40) was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Haroonabad in Baldia Town in the SITE-B Police Jurisdiction.

Umer Katchi (20) was shot dead near KMC Workshop in Ranchore Lane in the Eidgah Police Jurisdiction.

The dead body of an unidentified man, stuffed in a gunny bag, was recovered from Baghdadi area in the Napier Police Limits.

LI militants attacked the house of a FC trooper Shabir in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA and killed his father Abdul Jalil and four brothers. An FC official said that Shabir was not at home at the time of the attack.

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead an Afghan prayer leader, identified as Abdul Malik, in the Banda Shiekh Ismail area of Akbarpura in Nowshera District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 

The house of an official of the IB was partially damaged in an explosion in Bannu District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The sources said that the explosive device was planted near the main entrance of the house. 

The building of Government Middle School was partially damaged when an Explosive Device planted by unidentified militants went off in Shahdand area of Loundkhor in Mardan District, but no causalities were reported.

Unidentified armed assailants abducted a man, identified as Mir Hassan, from the Usta Muhammad area of Jaffarabad District.

Militants attacked a FC check post with rockets in Panjgur District. No loss of life was reported. No group claimed responsibility for the incident.

At least eight persons, including MQM MPA, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

The MQM MPA, Syed Manzar Imam, was killed along with three of his guards by six unidentified assailants in Orangi Town. The TTP ‘spokesman’ Ehsanullah Ehsan, in a statement from an undisclosed place, claimed the responsibility for the attack on the MPA. The group also claimed responsibility for attack on MQM’s rally in Karachi on January 1, 2013, which killed four persons and injured 50 others.

A man, identified as Arshad Hussain (27), was killed in Sikandar Goth within the limits of Sachal Police Station.

Muhammad Hussain (24) was killed and Noor (27) was injured in an armed attack near Brooks Chowrangi in Korangi within the jurisdiction of Korangi Industrial Area Police Station.

Rahmat Ali (37) was killed near Rehmania Masjid located in sector 3 in Korangi within the jurisdiction of Zaman Town Police Station.

Unidentified militants shot dead a man, identified as Hafiz Talha (21), in Bhattai Colony within the jurisdiction of Ibrahim Hyderi Police Station. 

Two seminary students, Identified as Mohammad Haris and Mohammad Akhtar, were injured in an attack by assailants in a Gulshan-e-Iqbal locality near Mochi Mor.

At least five persons, including two women and two children, were killed and nine others were injured when helicopter gunships shelled targets in Mir Ali tehsil of North Waziristan Agency of FATA. Sources said the helicopter gunships attacked targets in Hassamkhel, Haiderkhel, Inzar, Aipee and Khushal Toorikhel villages in Mir Ali. Several houses were destroyed in the shelling. According to the sources, the shelling was in retaliation to a remote-controlled bomb attack on security personnel.

Unidentified militants blew up a CD shop at Chowki Mamraiz area of Nowshera District.

US District Judge handed Pakistani Canadian Tahawwur Rana a 14 year jail term for providing material support to LeT and for conspiring to provide material support for a plot involving attacks on the office of Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten. The sentencing includes an additional five years of supervised release. According to a statement issued by the US Attorney’s office in Chicago, the Judge said, “This certainly was a dastardly plot.”

At least six persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Two brothers, identified as Mohammad Irshad and Mohammad Akhlaq, cadre of ASWJ, were killed on Lasbela Bridge.

A religious scholar, Mohammad Ajmal of the Alami Majlis Khatam-e-Nabuwat, and another man associated with the Majlis were killed on M.A. Jinnah Road.

An unidentified man was killed in the old Karachi area.

The dead body of an unidentified man, stuffed in a gunny bag, was recovered near Sohrab Hospital in Urdu Bazar in the Aram Bagh Police Limits.

Armed assailants shot dead the principal of a private school, identified as Ikram Mengal, along with his five-year old son, in Kharan District.

The FC killed BLA ‘commander’ Rashid Shahwani and his companion Shahjahan during a targeted operation against militants in Mastung District. FC personnel recovered a large number of weapons and explosive material during the operation.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home Department has approved a plan to renovate 274 Police mobile vans turning them into bullet-proof vehicles in the wake of security situation.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government proposed amendments to the relevant laws to protect the identity of judges, prosecutors and witnesses in terrorism related cases. The proposal has been sent to the Federal Government in writing, according to provincial Home Secretary Azam Khan.

The US supports democratic Government in Pakistan rather than any specific political party or person‚ including Tahirul Qadri, US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson said. He further said that the US would like to see free and fair elections in Pakistan.

Armed assailants on a motorcycle opened fire on a rickshaw in Sariab Road of Quetta (Quetta District), killing its occupants, the driver and a woman passenger, on the spot. The driver of the rickshaw was identified as Mula Dad, whereas the identity of the women could not be ascertained.

Two brothers were killed in a land mine explosion near Khameesa Khan Bugti Village of Quetta. According to the Police, the deceased were identified as Khameesa Khan and Essa Khan.

Three unidentified militants entered a house in Kot Azam Village in Tank District and killed two persons. According to the SFs, three men, wearing uniform, entered the house of Ramzan and Rehman in the Kot Azam Village and shot them dead before fleeing the scene.

A girl’s primary school was blown up by unidentified militants in Badabher, a suburban area of the Peshawar city. According to the details, miscreants planted explosives near the main gate of the school which is situated in Mashoo Khel Village and detonated it with a remote control. Two rooms of the school were damaged completely, while the blast also affected some other sections of the school’s building.

Unidentified assailants killed two Police constables who were deputed at a Police post in Khanote area of Jamshoro District. The slain Policemen were identified as Abdul Majeed Pitafi and Sahib Khan Macchi. The unidentified attackers also took away rifles and mobile phones of the constables.

President Barrack Obama administration is nearing completion of a detailed counterterrorism manual that is designed to establish clear rules for targeted-killing operations but leaves open a major exemption for the CIA’s campaign of drone strikes in Pakistan, The Washington Post quoting unnamed US officials reported. The carve-out would allow the CIA to continue pounding al Qaeda and Taliban targets for a year or more before the agency is forced to comply with more stringent rules spelled out in a classified document that officials have described as a counterterrorism “playbook.”

At least five volunteers of Aman Lashkar sustained injuries when a bomb exploded in the Shalobar area of Khyber Agency in FATA. An IED was planted on a roadside which exploded. However, no loss of life was reported.

A local leader of ANP, Muhammad Din Shah Afridi, narrowly escaped a murderous attack carried out by exploding IED through a remote control that left at least four persons injured at Khyber Chowk in Ittehad Town area within the limits of Mochko Police Station in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Police said that the explosive devise went off when a vehicle bearing registration No ASE-386 passed from the blast site. As a result, four persons, Abdul Rehman, Kamran and Hussain travelling in a car with the ANP leader, and a passerby Imran received injuries.

The Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah said one or two target killings in a big city like Karachi was not an issue. 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.

Police arrested four militants following exchange of fire in Sarband area on the outskirts of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to the sources, the encounter took place when the militants opened fire at Police near Riaz Shaheed checkpoint. Police retaliation injured one attacker. Police arrested the injured attacker and the other four militants.

The US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson 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. 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 FATA.

Quetta (provincial capital of Balochistan) CCPO of Mir Zubair Mehmood confirmed that three senior Police officials arrested by FC were involved in kidnapping of a resident of Dalbandin for ransom. Addressing a press conference, Mir Zubair said, “The three officers, including SP and two 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.”

Two security personnel were killed and 11 others injured when a landmine exploded during a search operation in Kanra village under Pandyali tehsil of Mohmand Agency in FATA. SFs with the help of Khasadars and volunteers of a peace Lashkar were conducting the search operation in Kanra village, when the landmine planted by militants went off. Lance Naik Abdul Mehmood and Ziaullah were killed and five security personnel, four Khasadars and two volunteers were injured. 

One Frontier Constabulary personnel was killed and another received injuries when militants fired at their vehicle in Zakhakhel Bazaar area in Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency. Officials said that a group of security men was attacked by militants when they were fetching water from a natural spring in the area. 

Unidentified militants blew up a Government school in Merikhel village of Akkakhel in Bara. The explosion caused damage to a major portion of the school structure, one of the oldest Government buildings in the area.

SFs recovered two bullet-riddled bodies from the Pir Koh area of Dera Bugti District in Balochistan. The deceased were identified as Bahian and Raza Muhammad. They were shot dead and dumped in a deserted place. 

The FC recovered explosive materials from the Notal area of Nasirabad District and arrested a person. The recovery includes 10 kilogramme bomb and four kilogrammes of explosives. 

FC personnel recovered a bomb and explosives from Goth Ghulam Kathore area of Sibi District.

Unidentified militants abducted a Sikh businessman for ransom from Quaidabad area of Peshawar (Peshawar District) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Rakbir Singh, a shopkeeper in Hayatabad market, was kidnapped outside his house in the Quaidabad area.

Hearing Adiala Jail missing prisoners’ case, Supreme Court Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary observed that the intelligence agencies do not have authority to keep anyone in their custody for an indefinite period, and warned the ISI and MI that law would take its course if they were found guilty.

A C-IED working group held a meeting at GHQ in Rawalpindi, a ISPR press release said. Delegates from the Afghan National Army, the 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.

At least 11 persons, including a Policeman and a medical superintendent of the Sindh Government Hospital, were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

A medical superintendent of the Sindh Government Hospital, New Karachi, was killed at UP Morr. Police official said that the victim, Dr Hassan Alam, was heading towards his house in his car when two armed men intercepted his vehicle and shot at him, killing him on the spot. 

A man was killed in Malir. According to Police, the 23-year-old victim was shot dead while on his bike.

One person was killed near the Northern Bypass in Khairabad. Police said that the victim, Muhammad Jameel (53), was returning home after his shift in a factory situated in Manghopir area when armed riders shot him dead and escaped.

A man was killed in Orangi town. According to Police, the identity of the victim could not be ascertained. 

A tortured bullet-riddled body of a man was found from Old Haji Camp area. Police said that unidentified men abducted the victim, severely tortured him and then shot him dead. They later threw the body at an abandoned place. They said that the identity of the victim could not be ascertained. 

A 40-year-old Policeman was shot dead near Siddique-e-Akbar Mosque in Nagan Chowrangi, whereas a man was killed in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. The victim was shot at by two armed pillion riders while he was in his car. 

A man was killed near his shop situated along Police training centre Saeedabad within the jurisdiction of Saeedabad Police Station. According to Police, the victim, Ghulam Asghar was shot outside his shop.

Dead bodies of two men were found from Dalda Mor of Baldia Town within the limits of SITE-B Police station. Police said that the identity of the victims was yet to be ascertained. Police said that the bodies were trussed up and bore torture marks.

Another dead body of a man was found form Memon Goth.

In a sectarian related attack, one doctor, Dr Shah Nawaz Ali, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in his cantonment area clinic on Liaquat Street in Saddar Bazaar of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The apparent reason for the killing was that Dr Ali belonged to Shia sect, local residents added. Earlier this month, Dr Riaz Hussain Shah was shot dead in Dabgari area on January 9.

An explosive device, planted near a CD shop at Bacha Khan Chowk on Charssada Road, exploded damaging three shops. However, no casualty was reported. According to Police, the target of the blast was a CD shop.

Unidentified militants exploded explosive devices planted under two school buses near Chota Lahore in Swabi District. However, no casualty was reported. According to a Police spokesman, the explosive devices, concealed in ghee tins, were planted under the buses parked outside Quaid-e-Azam International Model School.

A two-member bench of Peshawar High Court took exception to the killing of two ‘missing persons’ and summoned Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Police Officer along with several other officials, directing them to explain as to why they failed to trace out the culprits involved in the incidents.

Four personnel of the FC were seriously injured when unidentified militants attacked a convoy of the Security Forces on the Thall-Mir Ali Road in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. Sources said a convoy of the Thall Scouts, a wing of the FC, was on its way to Spinwam in Mir Ali subdivision from Thall subdivision in the Hangu District (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) when it was targeted through an IED.

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. “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.

Peace talks with Pakistani militants will take place before this year's general elections, KP Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain said. The PPP and 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 ANP to convey. "We are trying to initiate peace talks with the extremists at the earliest," Iftikhar added.

ANP President Asfandyar Wali Khan, 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.

Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar 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. 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.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary observed that the Taliban were not a phenomenon that could not be controlled by the Government. A three-member bench of the apex court, comprising, Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed heard the Karachi law and order situation case. The court directed Sindh Advocate General Fateh Muhammad Malik to ensure the arrest of the killers of MQM MPA Manzar Imam by February 6 and submit a compliance report before it. The court also sought from the Sindh police a reply about the release of Ajmal Pahari.

In the aftermath of 9/11, the number of foreign students studying in the madrassas of Punjab had dropped sharply but about 450 are still on their rolls and causing a bit of worry to the Punjab Police. A recent field survey of the madrassas by the Special Branch of the provincial Police revealed that 289 of them are, technically, staying illegally in the country. An overwhelming majority of them, 275, were found lodged in the madrassas in Lahore.

Seven militants were killed and four others were injured in a blast in Jandary Killay in Orakzai Agency of FATA.  The sources said that the militants had been using the abandoned house as hideout in Jandary Killay area. Unidentified persons, the sources added, had placed explosive device at the house, which went off at 10 am, leaving seven militants dead and four others injured. The sources said that the house comprising four rooms was destroyed in the blast.

Militants dumped the mutilated body of a purported Afghan spy accused of collaborating on US drone strikes that killed Mullah Nazir on January 2. The body of the man, identified as Asmatullah Kharoti, was found in Wana, the main town of the South Waziristan Agency, which borders Afghanistan.

Four pro-Government tribesmen from a militia were shot dead in the hujra of a local person at Gul Bagh village on the suburbs of the provincial metropolis Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar (Peshawar District). Police was told that the tribesmen were asleep inside a room in his hujra when unidentified assailants killed them. A source said that the deceased belonged to Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA but they had shifted recently to Badhaber area of Peshawar owing to lawlessness in the tribal region. They were identified as Khan Bahadur, Zaryab Gul, Jangrez and Abad.

Unidentified assailants shot dead two Afghan clerics at a mosque in Kata Kani area of Hangu city in same District on in the night. Sources said that the mosque attack occurred in Kata Kani area, where the Afghan refugees had been living for past several months. Those killed were identified as Maulana Zahir and Maulana Mohammad Yousuf. One person was injured in the attack.

Five mortars were fired targeting headquarters of FC in Hayatabad residential area of Peshawar. These rockets, however, caused no loss of life nor did any damage to public property, sources said.

Hayatabad Police seized a vehicle loaded with weapons and ammunitions. During search of the vehicle, Police recovered 115 pistols, 16 Kalashnikov rifles and thousands of rounds. “Two persons were arrested on charges of smuggling weapons,” Hayatabad Police said.

Twin blasts in Charsadda town in the District, on the occasion of the death anniversaries of Khudai Khidmatgar Khan Abdul Ghaffar and ANP leader Khan Abdul Wali Khan created panic. The first blast took place at 4 pm near the Motorway Interchange, 10 minutes after the motorcade of leaders of ANP led by its provincial chief Senator Afrasiab Khattak crossed the area. Police said a remote-controlled bomb planted by unidentified men along the road between a CNG station and the Motorway Interchange exploded, but it caused no casualties or damage to property. The second blast took place at 11 am when an explosive device planted in a shopping bag and placed in the garbage dump in front of Zakat office on Mardan road went off just before the arrival of the bomb disposal squad to defuse it.

A Government-run Kablay Marzay primary school was blown up by unidentified men in Battagram area of Shabqadar in the middle of the night.  No casualties were reported.

Two persons, including an activist of MQM, were shot dead in separate incidents of violence in the Provincial metropolis of Sindh, Karachi (Karachi District).

The worker of MQM was shot dead at Chuna Bhatti in Ranchorline within the limits of Eidgah Police Station. An official said that two unidentified pillion riders opened fire at a tyre puncher shop, resultantly, 24-year-old Ameer Ali, son of Iftikhar Ali, received multiple bullet wounds and died on the spot.

A man was shot dead outside his house in new Muzaffarabad Colony within the jurisdiction of Quaidabad Police Station. SHO Amanullah Marwat said that 30-year-old Jamil Zada alias Lune, son of Shirin Zada, was sitting outside his house when two armed riders accosted him and opened fire. The SHO said that victim was the father of two children and hailed form Swat.

A cleric belonging to JUI-F, Mufti Rehmatullah, was shot dead in Kakar colony of Quetta (Quetta District) in Balochistan. Unidentified assailants on a motorcycle opened fire at Mufti Rehmatullah, the prayer leader of a local mosque, leaving him seriously injured. Police took the cleric to hospital where he died. Mufti Rehmatullah was prayer leader of Mian Khan Mosque in Kakar colony and a leader of JUI-F.

At least 10 suspects were rounded up by FC in targeted operations in Killi Kamalo, Sariab, Hudda and other parts of Quetta.

Security personnel recovered a landmine weighing about five kilograms in Ormara of Gwadar District and called in the Bomb Disposal Squad which defused it.

Security personnel stopped a suspicious vehicle at Gadang check post located on Quetta-Chaman highway and seized an explosive device weighing 20 kilograms. However, no arrest was made in this connection.

Police defused an anti-tank mine near Police residential quarters on the outskirts of Khuzdar, averting a major tragedy. DIG Khuzdar Range Fasihuddin said unidentified militants had planted the mine in the Khatan area to blow up the Police quarters. After receiving a tip-off, he said, the Police and bomb disposal squad defused the mine containing 18 kilograms of explosives. No arrest was reported and security beefed up in and around Khuzdar town.

A local leader of ASWJ, Qari Mohammad Saeed, was killed by unidentified assailant in Talagang area of Chakwal District in Punjab. Qari Mohammad Saeed, the prayer leader of a local mosque, was attacked by an unidentified assailant when he came out of Ayesha Siddiqua Masjid on Mianwali road after Maghrib prayers.

The TTP 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. 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 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police busted 12 networks of terrorists and rounded up 459 militants and killed 52 others during 2012, a Police communiqué said. It said that during the last 12 months 21 cases of suicide bombings were registered in different parts of the province. At least 21 Policemen were killed and 45 others sustained injuries in these attacks. Similarly, the statement said 386 cases of explosive recovery, missile attacks and blasts at CD and barber shops were registered in which 54 policemen lost lives and 147 were injured, the communiqué said. “One suicide bomber was held, five suicide jackets, 33,036 hand-grenades/dynamites, 6,576 kilogram explosives, 31,416 metre prima chord, 497 rocket shells and 988 metre safety fuses were recovered,” it added. During 2012, a total of 171 Police encounters took place in which 11 Policemen were killed and 14 more injured, the communiqué said, adding, some 48 dacoits were killed and 21 injured in these clashes. Police also recovered 4,715 rifles and light machine guns, 8,702 shotguns, 36,420 pistols, 4,923 Kalashnikov rifles, 2,356 Kalakov, 327 hand-grenades, 51 Stengun and machinegun, 33 bombs and 2019,594 cartridges were recovered.

Two blasts in a span of several minutes left four persons, a DSP and an ASI among them, dead and 12 others, five of them Policemen, injured in the Sherpao Colony of the Landhi area in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. According to Police, a rather low-intensity bomb exploded in a garbage dump and when police officers, ambulance, rescue services’ personnel and local people gathered there to help the injured and investigate the incident, the second explosion took place and it caused most of the casualties. The second blast destroyed three ambulances and damaged a police van. Quaidabad DSP Kamal Khan Mangan and ASI Akbar Hussain died on the spot. The other two victims were identified as Fazal Khan, a private security guard, and passerby Saeedur Rehman. Among the 12 injured, five were Policemen, including the Quaidabad SHO and the others were staff of rescue services and a few passersby. DIG East Zone Aleem Jafri said that both bombs had been detonated by cell-phones, adding that around one kilogram of explosives had been used in the first blast and three kilograms, laced with ball-bearing and nails, in the second.

An activist of ANP, identified as Haji Muhammad Khan, was killed at his shop in Faqeera Goth behind Al-Asif Square within the precincts of Sohrab Goth Police Station. An official said that two unidentified armed pillion riders emerged at the mobile shop, Ibrahim Communications, and open indiscriminate fire.

Militants rained more mortar shells on Peshawar on the second consecutive day as four shells landed in Hayatabad. Sources said four mortar shells, fired from Shalobar area in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA, landed in Phase-VI, Hayatabad, injuring two children.

The armed forces of Pakistan are prepared to defend country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, said CJCSC General Kahlid Shamim Wynne. 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.

The Attorney General Irfan Qadir informed the Supreme Court that around 700 persons were in the custody of the security agencies and those people were arrested in connection with the ‘war on terror’. He said this while appearing before a three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary, which took up the case of prisoners of Adiala Jail.

The UN envoy on counter-terrorism and human rights launched an investigation into the impact of drone strikes on civilians, aimed at securing accountability for attacks going “badly wrong”. 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 US Senator John Kerry, President Barack Obama’s nominee for secretary of state, said during his confirmation hearing that cutting US aid to Pakistan, would be a “dramatic, draconian and sledge-hammer” measure. Senator Kerry also said that Pakistan’s role in leading the US to Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad had not been sufficiently appreciated.

At least four people, including a DSP and two Policemen, were killed in an IED blast in Bakhtawar Goth, New Muzaffarabad Colony in Karachi (Karachi District), provincial capital of Sindh. Moreover, another explosion occurred in Kachra Kundi, without any casualty.

A man was killed and two others were injured in a hand grenade attack in Mushki Para, Manghopir within the limits of Manghopir Police Station.

Jet fighters bombarded suspected positions of the TTP in the Kukikhel area of Tirah valley in the night, killing nine people, including six militants.

At least 31 persons were killed when Tariq Afridi faction of TTP militants attacked AI, a pro-Government militants group, in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. About 300 Tariq Afridi faction of TTP militants, armed with mortars and RPGs, launched the overnight assault in the Maiden area of Tirah Valley, a maze of valleys on a route from Afghanistan to Peshawar. The AI cadres retaliated, killing 15 TTP militants and capturing eight others, while three villagers, including an elderly woman, were killed in crossfire. TTP militants also killed 13 AI cadres.

As many as 12 persons, including two Policemen and two political workers, were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Two Policemen, Akhtar Shahza (45), and Abdul Aziz (52), were gunned down in Vita Chowrangi of Korangi Town.

Sharafat Ali (25) affiliated with MQM was killed and his brother injured in an armed attack at Jamshed Quarters within the limits of Jamshed Quarters Police Station.

Another activist of MQM, Shabbir Ahmed (27) was killed in Islam Nagar, Orangi Town within the limits of Orangi Town Police Station.

Noorul Bashar (28), affiliated with ASWJ, was shot dead and his two companions, Maulana Saleemullah and Shoaib, were injured in Orangi Town within the jurisdiction of Orangi Police Station.

Waqar Ahmed (25), a sympathizer of ASWJ, was killed in Orangi Town within the limits of Pakistan Bazaar police station.

The bullet-riddled body of a cadre of ST was found near Saddar parking plaza within the jurisdiction of Brigade Police Station. The victim was later identified as Sajid (24).

A man was killed in Block 19, FB Area within the jurisdiction of Samanabad Police Station. According to Police, Yousuf (23) was killed by armed riders.

A man was shot dead on Abul Hassan Ispanhi Road within the limits of Mobina Town Police Station.

The body of a man was found near Abdullahabad, Surjani within jurisdiction of Surjani Town Police Station.

The body of another man was found from Northern Bypass within the limits of Surjani Police Station. Police said that the deceased was identified as Adnan Akram.

Another shot dead man was found from Bakra Piri, Malir Town. The deceased was identified as Asif.

The death toll in the ongoing fighting between Tariq Afridi faction of the TTP) and pro-Government militant group AI in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency in FATA climbed to 71. The violence began in Tirah valley three days ago after cadres of the Tariq Afridi faction, who operate in Khyber Agency, captured a building belonging to AI. "The Ansar-ul-Islam group re-took their centre after intense fighting. A senior security official confirmed the approximate death toll and said fighting was ongoing. The area is cut off to journalists and aid workers so it was not possible to confirm the death toll independently. As reported earlier, least 31 persons were killed when TTP militants attacked AI militants on January 26.

A roadside bomb, apparently planted to target a convoy of the Security Forces on Kohat-Hangu road in Utman Khel area in Orakzai Agency, went off. However, the explosion caused no damage or casualty. 

At least three members of a members of pro-government tribal militia, including one of its ‘commanders’, were killed and four others were abducted when Baloch insurgents attacked their camp in Tilli Mat area of Dera Bugti District in Balochistan. According to Balochistan Levies sources, dozens of armed insurgents assaulted the post of the tribal militia post in the Tilli Mat area, killing at least three of its members. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

A Government centre housing the offices of NADRA and Benazir Income Support Programme was targeted with an IED in the border town of Chaman in Qilla Abdullah District. According to Levies sources, the IED in a fertiliser bag was planted along the wall of the centre near the FC Headquarters. However, no loss of life was reported in the blast.

Militants fired rockets at FC checkposts in Dolwai area of Barkhan District and Kahan area of Kohlu District. No casualty was reported.

The BDS defused an IED planted in a bicycle in Sariab area of the provincial capital, Quetta.

A patrol party of the Motorway Police escaped unhurt in a roadside blast in Nowshera town of same District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Deputy Superintendent of Motorway Police Sajjad Sial said they were on a routine patrol on the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway near Marhati Banda when they saw a man with a briefcase.

Pakistan is still a major destination for radicalised Muslims bent on a life of jihad, despite hundreds of US drone strikes, the death of al Qaeda Osama bin Laden and the fracturing of al Qaeda. New battlegrounds have sprung up in Africa and the Middle East, but the number of foreign recruits smuggled into the north western tribal belt is increasing and they come from more diverse countries. Since the 1980s jihad to expel Soviet troops from Afghanistan, Muslim fighters from all over the world have lived and trained on the Afghan-Pakistan border, moulded into al Qaeda and a host of spin-off militant networks.

President of Karachi Electronics and Small Traders Association, Muhammad Irfan, who was shot and injured in the night of January 24, died of his wounds in the night. He was attacked by assailants near Abdullah College.

With 10 more deaths, the death toll in the fighting between Tariq Afridi faction of the TTP and pro-Government militant group AI in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency in FATA climbed to 81. As reported earlier, 71 persons had died till January 27 in the clashes that erupted on January 25. Due to the volatile situation, thousands of families have been displaced.

13 suspected militants were killed and 16 others were injured when Army warplanes targeted TTP hideouts in Arghanjoo and Mir Qalamkhel area in Mamozai tehsil of Orakzai Agency. Six militant camps and an explosive-laden vehicle were reportedly destroyed in the bombardment. The military offensive during the past few months has cleared Orakzai Agency of up to 90% of its militant presence, security officials said.

At least 16 persons were killed across Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

ST activists Riazuddin, 25, his elder brother Farhanuddin, 35, and friend Kamranuddin, 30, suffered bullet wounds when unidentified assailants opened fire at them near the Khudadad Colony on Kashmir Road. Riaz and Kamran died later. The deceased victims and the injured were all activists of the ST. Another activist ST, Khalid Qadri, 27, was shot dead and a minor child was injured in sector 11-J area of New Karachi.

35-year-old ASWJ activist Maulana Khalid Saeed was shot dead by unidentified assailants outside his residence near Bilal Colony in the Korangi Industrial Area Police limits. He hailed from Hazara.

14-year-old Waseem, an activist of the MQM, was shot dead by unidentified assailants near the Able Chowk in the Kazi Bazar in the Kharadar Police jurisdiction.

Doctor Abdul Rasheed, 45, was shot dead in Korangi.

In Baldia Town Police limits, Mohammad Akbar, 26, was shot dead by unidentified assailants. According to the police, the victim was targeted. They added that the gunmen arrived at the scene, asked the victim his name and then shot him dead.

Forty-year-old Muhammad Bukhsh was shot dead by assailants while he was going towards his residence in the Sohrab Goth Police jurisdiction.

A person was shot dead in Teen Hathi in Lyari.

A man Riaz, 25, was killed and two others were injured in an attack near PSO fuel station within the jurisdiction of Jamshed Quarters Police Station. Another man, identified as Owais, 20, was killed near Sabeel Wali Masjid located in Gurumandir Roundabout within the limits of Soldier Bazaar Police Station.

The bullet-riddled body of Muhammad Asif, 25, was found in the D-1 Area of Landhi 89. The deceased was a worker of Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation (KKF) and an activist of the MQM.

A dead body was found near Dua Hotel in Maripur Road. The victim appeared to be Urdu speaking. Members of Lyari gang are suspected to be involved in the killing. The body of another man, aged about 30, was found near Pakistan Chowk within the limits of Mithadar Police Station. An official said the victim appeared to be Urdu speaking.

The body of a man was found behind Al Asif Square within the jurisdiction of Sohrab Goth Police Station.

In the Ayub Goth area, two cars and four motorcycles were burnt in an attack on a Police check-post. Following the incident, an exchange of fire took place and the attackers fled. According to Police, over a dozen people were arrested in connection with the attack on the check-post.

Officials of an intelligence agency arrested a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant from Sohrab Goth area. According to sources, on a tip-off, officials of secret agency raided at a hotel in Sohrab Goth and arrested Alam Sher Mehsud.

Two personnel of the PAF were among three persons killed in Pasni in Gwadar District. Station House Officer Imam Baloch said that the PAF personnel were shopping at the Zareen Markeet when armed assailants opened indiscriminate fire on them. Resultantly, three people, including two PAF personnel and a shopkeeper, were killed, while a PAF official sustained bullet injuries.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a man, identified as Muhammad Jamal, at Al-Faisal Chowk in Khuzdar District.

A blast in a shop in the Sarband, a suburb of Peshawar, had panicked Policemen deployed at the nearby checkpost in the night. In the early report Police said the explosion was caused by a gas cylinder, later, the experts from bomb disposal unit said it was caused by explosives.

Police arrested two suspected militants and recovered a huge quantity of explosives and weapons during a raid on a depot on Ring Road in Peshawar. The arms and explosives were hidden underground, Ismail Khan, Assistant Superintendent of Police for the Gul Bahar area, said. The cache included 116 kilograms of explosives, thousands of bullets, rocket-propelled grenades, 25 mortar shells and 80 hand grenades.

DPC has announced to hold a 'peace march' in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, on March 3. 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 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.

At least 24 militants were killed when Army warplanes bombed militant positions in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. Officials said the planes attacked targets in Dwa Thoe, Bara Gatt, Wocha Wona and Nakai areas where TTP and LI have their bases or hideouts. Sources said that stores of food and arms were destroyed. A statement issued by Security Forces said militant hideouts were busted during the 24-hour target operation and 24 terrorists, some of them belonging to the TTP and LI, were killed.

At least five persons, including a Policeman, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. The General Secretary of Bengali Action Committee, identified as Ghayasuddin (52), was shot dead by two unidentified armed assailants in Sector-33, Korangi town within the limits of Korangi Police Station.

A man, Amir Baig was killed outside his house near Marhaba Hall, 4-D area of Surjani town within the precincts of Surjani town Police Station.

A man, identified as Shahid (30) was killed in Lal Masjid located in Matin Quarters within the limits of Pir Ilahi Buksh Police Station.

A Policeman, Zulfiqar was killed and two others, Ghulam Nazuk and Arshad Mehmood were injured in an armed attack at Sohrab Goth Police Station. According to Police sources, the Police arrested at least seven militants from Jamali Goth in connection with their alleged involvement in attack at Police check post, wherein the culprits damaged its infrastructure and torched six vehicles, including a Police mobile.

A hand grenade attack injured four persons in Hangorabad area of Lyari.

An IED bomb, carrying 2.5 kilogram's explosive, was found from outside the house of a prominent industrialist in Khayaban-e-Shaheen within the precincts of Darakshan Police Station.

Unidentified militants shot dead Policeman escorting a polio vaccination team in Kala, a village in Swabi District of KP. The team was heading to a nearby village after vaccinating children in Kala, when two armed motorcyclists shot at them and fled the area, Police said. "The team, after finishing the campaign in Kala, was heading towards a nearby village when three men armed with Kalashnikovs appeared from sugarcane fields and opened fire," District Police Officer Swabi Abdul Rasheed Khan said.

A man was killed and three others sustained injuries in a blast in Acheeni Mera near Al-Hamra Township in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. Unidentified militants had planted explosives in fields in Acheeni that went off, killing one tribesman, Sardar, hailing from Zakhakhel area in Bara tehsil of FATA and injuring Gul Shah, Fazal and another person, who couldn't be identified. Some reports said the bomb had been planted near a gambling den and the militants had reportedly warned of target it. However, the police didn't confirm this version.

Unidentified militants lobbed hand grenade on Baamkhel Police check-post in Swabi District. However, no causality was reported. According to details, unknown miscreants riding a motorcycle hurled a hand grenade on Police check-post in Baamkhel area. A car parked near the post was damaged while the Policemen on duty remained unhurt.

Two Police constables, identified as Ali Dad Hazara and Shamir Baloch, were shot dead on Sabzal road of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. A little-known militant outfit, Jaish-ul-Islam (JuI), claimed responsibility for the attack. Police said that it appeared to be a sectarian attack.

At least nine persons were killed in separate incidents across Balochistan. Four persons were shot dead in Dera Bugti District. Dera Bugti Tehsildar Bahram Khan Bugti said that unidentified assailants fired on four people in Nok Tarani area near Pir Koh, killing them on the spot.

A man, identified as Abdul Kareem Khilji, was shot dead on Sariab Road near Tariq Hospital of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Another person, identified as Ghulam Qadir Zehri, was shot dead in main Khuzdar bazaar of Khuzdar District.

Three bullet-riddled bodies were found in between the mountains at Eastern Bypass in the proximity of Bussa Mandi in Quetta. "They were shot in the head and look like Afghans," Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Bahsir Ahmed Brahvi said, and added that their hands and feet were tied. He said the bodies appeared to be three days old. The deceased could not be identified.

SFs seized cache of explosives from a car at Balili check post in the outskirts of Quetta. 400 detonators, an explosive wire, a 200-meter roll, one explosive piece of cotton weighing 125 kilograms and 1500 kilograms of ball bearings were recovered.

Eight persons, including two MQM workers, were shot dead in separate acts of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

A bomb blast killed three suspected militants in Karachi as they were carrying out preparations for an attack at Indus Plaza on Al-Asif Square. The suspected militants were attempting to put the bomb in the trunk of a taxi when it went off, Senior Police Officer Aleem Jafri said.

Just before the explosion a hand grenade was hurled at a Police van few metres away from the same place.

A MQM activist was shot dead outside his house in Aleemabad area within the limits of Malir City Police Station in Malir. The deceased was the resident of the same area and affiliated with MQM Unit 79.

Another MQM worker, Raheel (27), son of Zafar, was shot dead in Baldia Town within the jurisdiction of Saeedabad Police Station. Police said Raheel was associated with the MQM Unit 113, and was employed at a private factory.

A ST cadre was abducted and subsequently shot dead in Jamshed Quarters area within the remit of Jamshed Quarters Police Station. Police said Adnan Baloch (28), a resident of the said area, was a motor mechanic by profession.

A young man, Aswat (26), son of Rizwanul Haq, was shot dead and his brother injured in North Nazimabad within the precincts of Hyderi Police Station.

A man, Mukhtiar, 35, son of Hameed, was shot dead in Shah Faisal No-1 within the limits of Shah Faisal Police Station.

Six members of a family were killed when a mortar fell on the house of one Ghani Gul in Sponrhai area of Kukikhel in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. Meanwhile, SFs said that curfew would be imposed in the entire Bara subdivision of Khyber Agency from January 31 morning. They made announcements through loudspeakers in most parts of Bara, advising local people to remain inside their houses till next order. The SFs didn't cite any reason for imposition of the indefinite curfew in the entire Bara.

Three soldiers were injured when unidentified militants attacked a military convoy with an IED on Bannu-Miranshah road in Miranshah town NWA. The IED planted on the main road went off when the military convoy was passing through the area. A military vehicle was damaged and three soldiers sustained injuries in the blast.

10 mortar shells fired from across the border in Afghanistan landed in Loli Faqeeran village of Ghulam Khan Area in NWA.

The Police arrested a militant, Asif Naveed, during a raid on a house in Kumharnwala in the limits of City Police Station in Dera Ismail Khan town of the same District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and recovered explosives from his possession. The recovery includes a suicide jacket, 15 kilograms of explosives and a pistol.

The KP Home and Tribal Affairs Department announced team for carrying out inspection of the arms and ammunition manufacturers and dealers as well as licence branches of Bannu division. An official statement said the team would be carrying out inspection of arms manufacturing and dealership units in first week of February. The inspection team will furnish reports along with its recommendations to the competent authority by February 11, 2013.

Federal Minister of Interior Rehman Malik said three banned organisation are responsible of target killings and law and order situation in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Speaking in the Senate in response to a point of order by MQM Senator Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, the Interior Minister said LeJ, JeM and TTP are terrorizing people in Karachi.

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."

The United States reassured Islamabad that it would not abandon Pakistan after the drawdown of coalition forces from Afghanistan completes in 2014. "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.

Twelve militants, including two peace committee members, were killed and six militants were injured in clashes in various parts of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency in FATA. The AI claimed it had gained control of 16 TTP centres at Mamozai near Tirah.

Eight volunteers of a peace committee were killed when a mortar shell went off accidentally in a bunker used by volunteers of the Kamarkhel peace committee at Takhtakai when ammunitions were being shifted to another base. Kamarkhel is a neutral tribe and doesn't want to indulge in fighting but recently it has taken up arms to keep Takhtakai from the influence of any militant group. LI has been carrying out sporadic attacks on the Kamarkhel tribesmen to take control of the important location to which the Kamarkhel volunteers are offering resistance. AI wants to push back fighters of LI from Takhtakai area because it is close to Bagh Maidan, the headquarters of AI.

In a clash with Kamarkhel volunteers in the area LI 'commander' Mehar Gul was killed and four of his associates were injured as fierce fighting continued in Takhtakai.

A bomb blast killed two polio vaccination workers in Mali Khel village in Kurram Agency. There has been no claim of responsibility for the killings. "The two-men team was visiting Mali Khel village in upper Kurram tribal region when an improvised explosive device planted along the roadside went off, killing them on the spot," Jawad Ali, in- charge of the campaign in Kurram Agency said.

At least 14 persons, including three clerics, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Three clerics of the Deoband school of thought, identified as Mufti Abdul Majeed Dinpuri (50), Mufti Muhammad Saleh (40) and Ehsan Ali Shah (29) were shot dead within the precincts of Tipu Sultan Police Station.

Three dead bodies stuffed in gunny bags were found dumped at Haq Bahu Chowk in Qaim Khani Colony in a Baldia Town.

The two dead bodies, identified as Haroon Baloch and Raza Sheikh were found near Northern Bypass within the remit of the Surjani Town Police Station.

An ex-president of Markazi Tanzeem-e-Aza, Iqbal Masood (46) was killed by two armed assailants in Landhi town.

A man belonging to the Tablighi Jamaat was killed while another was injured in an armed attack near KDA Chowrangi.

The dead body of an unidentified young man was found near the Askari Park on University Road within the remit of the PIB Colony Police Station.

An unidentified young man was shot dead in Timber Market in Lyari.

The body of a young man, identified as Nawaz Ali, was found within the remit of the Pak Colony Police Station.

The dead body of a young man was found in the Habib Ground within the remit of the Landhi Police Station.

An ex-president of Markazi Tanzeem-e-Aza, Iqbal Masood (46) was killed by two armed assailants in Landhi town.

A man belonging to the Tablighi Jamaat was killed while another was injured in an armed attack near KDA Chowrangi.

The dead body of an unidentified young man was found near the Askari Park on University Road within the remit of the PIB Colony Police Station.

An unidentified young man was shot dead in Timber Market in Lyari.

The body of a young man, identified as Nawaz Ali, was found within the remit of the Pak Colony Police Station.

Unidentified armed assailants abducted four Karachi-based NGO workers in the Maripur area.

Legislators in the Upper House strongly reacted to the killing of Mufti Abdul Majeed Deenpuri and his other two companions in Karachi and walked out of the Senate, claiming that the Government failed to ensure safety of people and their properties. Senators belonging to the JUI-F, ANP, PML-N, PML-Q, BNP-A and MQM staged the walkout in protest. BNP-A Senator Kalsoom Parveen held a separate walkout against the imposition of the Governor's rule in Balochistan and vowed to continue the token walkout until the rule ends.

At least six militants and a 'commander' of the BLA were killed and several others were arrested by the FC in a targeted operation in the Mangochar area of Kalat District.

At least six militants and a 'commander' of the BLA were killed and several others were arrested by the FC in a targeted operation in the Mangochar area of Kalat District.

A man, Abdul Rasheed, a barber, was killed and another was injured when armed assailants opened fire at a barber's shop on Jail road in Huda area of Quetta (Quetta Districts), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

At least 10 persons were injured in a low-intensity bomb blast targeting a Police mobile van in the Firdus area under limits of Hashtnagri Police Station in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to Police, the vehicle was on routine patrol on the GT Road near Jinnah Park. The Police vehicle narrowly escaped the explosion, while six other vehicles were partially damaged.

Twenty-eight Shia persons were killed and 46 others injured when a suicide bomber struck outside a mosque just after the Friday prayers in Pat Bazaar in Hangu Town of same District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The officials of the BDU confirmed that it was a suicide attack. "We have recovered the head and legs of the suicide bomber from the spot. Also, a mechanical trigger was recovered from there," AIG of the BDU Shafqat Malik said. He added that around six kilograms of explosives along with pellets were used in the blast to cause more casualties. Hangu has a mixed population of Sunnis and Shias and there has been occasional sectarian strife in the city and also Hangu District. The situation in the adjoining Orakzai and Kurram tribal agencies of FATA also has an impact on Hangu.

A Police patrol narrowly escaped an explosion in the morning in Shinwari Town in Paharipura area of provincial capital, Peshawar. An official of Paharipura Police Station said an explosive device fitted to a timer and planted by a road went off at around 6am shortly after a Police patrol van passed by. The explosive device weighed around 500 grammes and was packed in a canister.

Unidentified militants hurled two explosives into the Badaber Police Station in the night, which didn't go off. Police called the BDU experts who neutralised the explosives.

SFs neutralised a mortar shell in Shadheri area under the Kabal tehsil of Swat District. This was the fifth mortar shell found in the area.

Eleven members of the Kamarkhel Peace Committee were killed as clashes with LI militants intensified in the Lakai Sar, Madai and Tor Lagad areas of Takhtakai in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. The day-long clashes left 11 peace committee members dead and several others injured. However, the peace committee members were able to keep the LI men at bay. The LI men torched a number of houses they had captured in parts of the Takhtakai areas and made bunkers in others.

Six militants were killed when a mortar shell fired by NATO and Afghan troops from across the border hit a bunker in Zeba Ghar area near Angoor Adda, some 60km from Wana, in South Waziristan Agency. Sources said 30 shells had been fired from Macha Dad camp across the border in Afghanistan. One shell hit the bunker, killing six militants and injuring three others. They belonged to Maulvi Nazir fraction of TTP.

The bullet-riddled body of a militant was found in Jandola area of FR Tank. He was identified as Hikmat Bittani, a member of the group headed by 'Commander' Turkistan.

SFs arrested a would-be bomber along with his handler and recovered explosive material during a check-up at Yakaghund Checkpost in Mohmand Agency. The sources said acting on a tip-off, the personnel of the Mohmand Rifles stopped a passenger coach on Yakaghund Checkpost. On thorough search, the law-enforcement agencies arrested a would-be suicide and his

At least six persons, including two MQM activists killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A joint in-charge of MQM, Nayyar (23), was shot dead in sector 11/1-2, Orangi Town near Rehmat Chowk within the jurisdiction of Pakistan Bazaar Police Station.

A bank employee affiliated with labour wing of MQM, Mudassir (32), was killed while other, Wajahat Hussain (35) was injured in an armed attack at Sohrab Goth Bridge within the precincts of Yusuf Plaza Police Station.

A man, identified as Syed Ali Mehdi Zaidi (35), was shot dead in Liaquatabad, Dakkhana.

A man, identified as Syed Ali Hasan Naqvi (48), was shot dead near Bismillah Bakery in Korangi within the remit of the Awami Colony Police Station.

A man, Mohammad Yasir (22), was killed in the Ranchhore Line area within the remit of the Nabi Bakhsh Police Station. A PPP statement said that the victim was a son of a senior party worker, Farooq Ghanchi.

The body of an unidentified man was found in the Bin Qasim area within the remit of the Sukkan Police Station.

Police and Rangers arrested at least 20 suspected militants from Orangi Town, Baldia Town and Chanesar Goth.

Two FC personnel were injured when a convoy of a Qatari royal dignitary came under attack in Mirani dam area of Kech District. Gwaram Baloch, a spokesman for the BLF, claimed responsibility for the attack and said that FC personnel were its target and not the royal family's convoy.

A partial wheel jams and shutter-down strike was observed in different towns and cities of Balochistan on the call of JUI-F and National Awami Party-Awami against the imposition of Governor's rule in the province. According to the details, the sacked coalition parties BNP-A and JUI-F resented the Governor's rule in Balochistan and called a shutter-down and wheel jam strike across all districts of the province.

The 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. 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.

The HRW accused the Government of having failed to act against abuses committed by security and intelligence agencies which are letting extremist groups to attack religious minorities. "The authorities did little to address attacks against journalists and human rights defenders, and committed serious abuses in counter-terrorism operations," the HRW said in a report.

Thirty six persons were killed when TTP suicide bombers attacked an Army camp in Sarai Naurang area of Lakki Marwat District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 13 soldiers and 12 militants were killed. Eleven civilians were also killed after a suicide bomber entered a house in a nearby residential colony and blew himself up. Eleven security personnel were wounded in the assault, officials said. The Sarai Naurang town is a business hub of Lakki Marwat district, about 160kms south of Peshawar. Claiming responsibility for the attack, TTP 'spokesman' Ehsanullah Ehsan said it was carried out to avenge the killing of two Taliban commanders - Toofani and Faisal - in a US drone attack in January. "We had sent only four fighters on the mission," he told journalists by phone from an unknown location, intending to contradict the Government's claim that 12 militants lost their lives during the gunfight.

Seven persons lost their lives in different incidents of targeted killing in different areas of across Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A Shia man, identified as Sarwar Hussain (38), was killed by unidentified assailats on Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai road in Agra Taj within the limits of Kalri Police Station.

A man, Asgar Ali, (29), was killed by suspected members of Lyari gang near Dadex factory, Manghopir within the limits of Manghopir Police Station.

A bullet ridden body of a man, Shaikh Iftikhar (42), was found from Rexer Line within the jurisdiction of Solider Bazaar Police Station.

A tortured body of a person identified as 32-year-old Shahid stuffed in gunny bag was found from Mewa Shah Graveyard within the remit of Pak Colony Police Station.

Unidentified persons opened fire and killed a man, identified as Malik Saeed (26), and injured another person, identified as Rabnawaz, (29), in Shahnawaz Bhutto Colony within the jurisdiction of Khuwaja Ajmair Nagri Police Station.

Unidentified persons opened fire and killed two men, identified as Abdul Aleem, (28) and Waheed Shahani, (30), in Faqeera Goth, Sohrab Goth within the limits of Sohrab Goth Police Station.

A person, identified as Manzoor, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Essa Nagri on Brewery Road of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

A person, identified as Haji Allah Bakhsh, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Turbat town (Turbat District).

The FC recovered explosive materials rigged to a bicycle on the main Sariab Road in Quetta.

Two low-intensity explosions took place, causing partial damage to a house and damage to a shop in Hangu town of same District. But no loss of life was reported. According to Police sources, one explosion took place near a house on Warasta Road, partially damaging a house. The second explosion took place in a vegetable market where an explosive device was planted near a shop, which was damaged. According to the Bomb Disposal Squad, half a kilogramme explosive material was used in each of the blast.

Police arrested 10 suspects from different areas of Mauripur in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. DIG West Javed Odho informed the media that five of the suspects were taken into custody from the Raees Goth area and five from Hub River Road.

The TTP expressed its willingness to hold talks with the Government, but on two conditions - release of its seven leaders and guarantees by leaders of PML-N, JUI-F and JI to make the exercise fruitful. "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.

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.

At least three persons, including an ASWJ cadre, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A cadre of the ASWJ, identified as Umair Yasir (25), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Sector 5 C-4 of North Karachi.

Armed assailants shot dead a private university student, identified as, Malik Zaman (25) near the KMC Ground in Eidgah area.

A shopkeeper, identified as Yasir Ahmed (35), was shot dead in Bara Market within the jurisdiction of the Khawaja Ajmer Nagri Police Station. The victim belonged to the Deoband school of thought.

An office of the ANP was attacked with a hand grenade by unidentified assailants at PS-128 in Future Colony of Landhi town. However, no causality was reported in the incident.

2.5 kilogram's IED blast hit Hawkes Bay road near Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP) petrol pump within the precincts of Maripur Police Station. No causality was reported.

A person was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Pasni town of Gwadar District.

Assailants opened fire at the Jail Road of Sibi District, killing one person, who was identified as Ali Jan.

A Police constable, Sajjad, was killed when two motorcycle bourne unidentified assailants opened fire on him on the Kohat Road near Ring Road Chowk in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The BDU defused an IED, weighing 10 kilogram, planted on the rooftop of a filling station on the Frontier road.

Security officials arrested a terrorism suspect and recovered a cache amount of arms and ammunition during a raid in Shani Khel area under Halemzai tehsil in Mohmand Agency of FATA. During a press conference, Commandant Mohmand Rifles, Colonel Mushtaq Ahmad said a joint operation was conducted by Levies, Khasadars and Mohmand Rifles in Shani Khel. The raid was conducted at the house of Ijaz the alleged mastermind of suicide attack in Yakaghund on January 31.

Underlining that Pakistan and India are standing at the 'crossroads of history', Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf said the bilateral peace process should be 'uninterrupted' so that it can produce results. 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.

The leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan 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). 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.

The JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, welcoming the peace-talks offer by TTP, said that the Government and Army leadership should authorise tribal jirgas to negotiate. The TTP signalled its willingness to enter peace negotiations with the Government if three senior politicians - PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif, the JUI-F chief and Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Syed Munawar Hasan - would act as guarantors.

A person, identified as Imam Baksh, was killed and another, identified as Abdul Waheed, was injured by unidentified assailants in Turbat town (Turbat District).

Unidentified assailants abducted three school teachers of the Government Workers' Welfare School in Khuzdar town (Khuzdar District). The victims were identified as, Jameel Ahmed, Liaquat Ali and Syed Shahmir Shah.

Unidentified assailants hurled two hand grenades at PAF Base Faisal situated along main Shahra-e-Faisal area within the precincts of Shahra-e-Faisal Police Station in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A passer-by was injured in the attack.

Police and Rangers arrested 16 people in separate operations in different parts of Karachi. Rangers raided drug dens in Moach Goth and arrested three suspects for alleged extortion and running the dens. Rangers recovered an undisclosed number of weapons. Police in an operation in Clifton arrested 13 suspects.

Sindh Government created a list of more than 100 most-wanted militants accused of terrorising the city, and ordered their arrest. The list identifies TTP militants and members of ethnic groups and political parties involved in the on-going killings, extortions and abducting for ransom in Karachi, says Waqar Mehdi, spokesman for Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah.

many as 73 persons were killed across the country in 43 incidents of violence during the last week while another 20 were injured and one was kidnapped, the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) report said. The statistics were released in a weekly monitoring report prepared by the FAFEN that collected data from January 26 to February 1, 2013. This week, target killings claimed the most lives, with 25 persons being gunned down in Karachi alone.

As the authorities contemplate officially declaring the troubled Tirah Valley area of Khyber Agency "war-hit zone", more than 2,500 families have been forced to evacuate amid deadly clashes between militant outfits. Outfits including the TTP, AI, LI and the pro-Government peace militia of Qambarkhel have been fighting a bloody turf war in Khyber Agency for 12 days.

Despite repeated attempts, no official of the FATA Disaster Management Authority responded to calls for their comments on the crisis. An official of the PDMA said, however, that after the political agent declares an area war-affected, the Fata authority will send the provincial authority a letter to distribute food and provide other facilities.

The Federal Minister of Railways Ghulam Ahmed Bilour said that they fear militants would increase their activities during elections. Bilour, who lost his younger brother, Bashir Bilour, to a suicide bombing attack in Peshawar (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) on December 22, 2012, urged all political parties to join hands to cope with the terror threats.

The PM Raja Pervez Ashraf, while terming the Kashmir dispute a human rights issue, reiterated Pakistan's stance that it should be resolved in accordance with the UN resolutions. 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.

Pakistan's ambassador to the United States Sherry Rehman, referring to continued drone strikes in FATA, urged the Barrack Obama administration not to cross "red line". 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.

At least 10 militants were killed and several others were injured when jet fighters pounded their hideouts in the TTP stronghold of Mamozai town in Orakzai Agency of FATA. Sources said that the jets targeted militant positions in Arghanjo and Lando Qamar areas and destroyed four hideouts.

Five persons were killed after six missiles hit a house in Tehsil Spain Wam of North Waziristan Agency.

At least four persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. A cadre of ASWJ, identified as Ayaz, was killed on Khalid Bin Waled Road within the precincts of Ferozabad Police Station.

A person, identified as Aleem Pervez (40), was shot dead and two brothers, Aun Raza and Ali Raza, were injured by unidentified assailants in Bohrapir area within the precincts of Risala Police Station.

A dead body packed in a gunny bag was found from Banaras Flyover within limits of Pirabad Police Station.

An alleged member of PAC, identified as Afzal (25), was shot dead in Gulshan-e-Iqbal within the limits of Sachal Police Station.

Police arrested 177 accused from different part of Karachi on February 5 and 6. Police said that those arrested included 109 absconders and proclaimed offenders. As many as 57 pistols, two SMGs, one rifle, two hand grenades, nine mobile phones and cash were recovered from the accused.

Unidentified militants attacked the Malangi Police check-post in Nowshera town of same District in KP, prompting an exchange of fire between them and security personnel, District Police Officer Muhammad Hussain said. No casualties were reported, and the militants managed to escape.

The TTP and the IMU joined hands to form a special unit of deadly fidayeen attackers called "Ansar- Al- Aseer" (supporters of prisoners) whose prime mission would be to secure freedom for the imprisoned militants by carrying out jail break fidayeen operations all over Pakistan.

Adnan Rasheed, a dangerous militant and the mastermind of an assassination attempt on Pervez Musharraf, appointed the chief operational commander of the lethal fidayeen unit. Adnan himself was freed in an unprecedented jailbreak operation which was conducted on April 15, 2012 when around 200 TTP militants armed with guns, grenades and rockets attacked the high-security Central Jail in Bannu District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and released 384 prisoners.

The White House 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 Pakistani Defence Ministry, told the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Defence that militants have attacked 16 defence installations since 2009. 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.

At least 14 persons, including two Policemen, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Two brothers, identified as Rashid and his younger brother Kashif were killed inside their shop in Madni Colony of Maripur. The victims belonged to Punjab and had received extortion slips.

A cadre of the ASWJ, Dr Abid Baig (56), was killed inside his clinic in North Nazimabad.

A Policeman was killed by unidentified assailants near Khyber Chowk of Ittehad town.

A man was shot dead outside his house in Golimar. In another incident, a paan shop owner was killed inside his shop in the same area.

An employee of a shipping company was killed at Albela Chowk in Soldier Bazaar. Also, a man was shot dead by the unidentified assailants in North Karachi.

A month-old beheaded body of a man was found from bushes near Port Qasim area.

The dead body of a man was found near dairy farm in Malir. Also, two dead bodies, stuffed in gunny bags were found near Zoological Garden.

A Policeman was killed and five other persons, including two Police, were injured in a bomb attack targeting a Police van in Orangi town.

A man identified as Syed Zahid Ali Jafri (35), who was injured on February 5, 2013 in a sectarian attack in Lines Area died during treatment.

SFs killed 12 militants in an air raid on militant hideouts in the Mamozai are of Orakzai Agency in FATA. According to sources, five hideouts were destroyed in the attack.

Police killed three suspected militants who attacked a Police van near Yar Hussain village in Swabi District of KP.

Nearly 24 LI militants invaded a house in Mera Balarzai, near Badhaber Police Station, in the provincial capital of KP, Peshawar, and abducted five men in the night. The LI militants fled after taking Lobia Gul, his sons Irfan and Hazrat Hussain, and their guests Ibad Khan and Noor Hussain, residents said. The abducted men belong to Zaka Khel Afridi tribe from Bara of Khyber Agency (FATA), but were living in Mera Balarzai since the past few years.

A person was injured in an IED blast on Archar Road in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Advising the Government to take the TTP peace-talks offer seriously, PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif said that they should immediately start the process. The TTP expressed its willingness to enter peace negotiations on February 4 with the Government if three senior politicians - Nawaz, the JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Jamaat-e-Islami amir Syed Munawar Hasan - would act as guarantors.

Federal Minister of Interior Rehman Malik claimed Nawaz had refused to be an insurer. Criticising the Government for being unreliable, Nawaz said hardly anyone would agree to act as a guarantor for the process. Calling for result-oriented negotiations, the PML-N chief said the country is in need of peace.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Human Rights Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, 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.

A bomb blast killed 16 persons and injured 27 others in Kalaya, the capital of the Orakzai Agency in FATA. A journalist and one paramilitary personnel were among the dead, said Assistant Political Agent Fazal-i-Qadir. The bomb targeted people from the pro-government Feroz Khel tribe, who have shops in the market, he said. The bomb was planted near the DVD and mobile shop surrounded by small kiosks selling tea and other edibles, he added further.

Following the attack, nine militants were killed after jets bombed militants' hideout in Upper tehsil.

Seven militants were killed and six others injured when the US drones fired six missiles and pounded two separate mud-built houses in Babar area of Ladha subdivision in South Waziristan Agency.

At least two FC personnel, identified as Mohammad Ishaq and Azad Khan, were killed and four were injured in a rocket attack in Shand area of Mand in Turbat District.

A dead body was found in Loop Sherani area of Dera Bugti District.

At least three persons, including a cadre of ASWJ, killed in separate incidents in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. A cadre of ASWJ, identified as Imran Ahmed (37), was killed near Nagan Chowrangi area within the jurisdiction of New Karachi Police Station.

A pushcart vendor, identified as Raheel Shehzad (32), was killed by unidentified assailants near Taj Complex on MA Jinnah Road within the precincts of Brigade Police Station.

Mian Mohammad Tariq (55), the senior advocate of the Sindh High Court, was shot dead in Gulistan-e-Jauhar town.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a senior Shia lawyer, Malik Jarrar Hussain, in the Gulbahar area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Unidentified motorcyclists intercepted Malik's car and shot him after he dropped off his children at school. Malik died en route to the hospital.

The LEA arrested four suspected militants from Saggian Bridge of Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab.

Four persons including a Shia man were killed in separate acts of violence in Karachi. Unidentified armed pillion riders killed Syed Qamar Raza Naqvi (32) belonging to Shia sect near his house in Golimar area within the precincts of Rizvia Police Station.

One Syed Abid Hussain (37) was killed by armed riders in Ramswami area within the limits of Nabi Bux Police Station. The motive behind the killing was yet to be ascertained.

A strangulated body of Ghausia seminary student was found from T ground in FB area within the limits of Jauharabad Police Station. The victim was identified as Ahmed Raza Qadri (21). Police said that unidentified culprits first kidnapped Raza and strangled to death and later they threw the body in the ground.

A stray bullet killed a girl inside her house in Islamia Colony, Orangi Town within the limits of Pirabad Police Station. Zahida Khatoon (14), daughter of Syed Nazir, was sitting inside her house with other family members when suddenly a stray bullet hit in her forehead, resultantly, she died on the spot.

A tractor driver named Naeem Baraich, was killed in an IED explosion that took place near a Police Station in Kuchlak Town near Quetta (Quetta District), the province of Balochistan. Police said that unidentified persons had planted the IED weighing five to six kilogrammes in a car parked outside the Kuchlak Police Station.

During a raid on two LeT training camps in Sindh, "huge quantity" of incriminating items including details about the distribution of weapons to the Mumbai attacks'' terrorists were found, a court conducting the trial of seven men charged with involvement in 2008 attacks was told on February 9. Deputy Director Faqir Muhammad and Inspector Khalid Awan of the FIA provided details of items found in the LeT camps when they were cross-examined by defence lawyers during proceedings conducted by anti-terrorism court Judge Chaudhary Habib-ur-Rehman at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

After the in-camera hearing, FIA Special Prosecutor Chaudhary Zulfiqar Ali told PTI that Muhammad and Awan were "very important witnesses". During the cross-examination, the witnesses said they raided two LeT training camps at Yousaf Goth in Landhi area of Karachi and Mirpur Sakro area in Thatta District.

At least five persons were killed and six persons injured in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A father and his son belonging to Shia community, identified as Syed Anjum Abbas (51) and Syed Asif Abbas (27), were killed near Mehtab Chowk in Rais Amrohi Colony within the precincts of Iqbal Market Police Station.

One Nasir (25) was killed near his house in Khokhrapar within the jurisdiction of Khokhrapar Police Station.

An unidentified person was shot dead in the Manghopir area.

The dead body of an unidentified young man, stuffed in a gunny bag was found in the Hussainabad area within the remit of the Azizabad Police Station.

A man and his son were injured by unidentified assailants in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area. The victim son was identified as Ahsan Zaidi, said to be the chairman of a labour body affiliated with the PPP.

A person, identified as Kanam, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Tump, a town close to Pak-Iran border in Kech District.

Noor Muhammad was going to a bus stop in Kalat of Bolan District when some assailants riding a motorcycle opened fire, killing him on the spot.

One Mumtaz Ali was killed in Sunni Shoran area of Bolan District.

Two traders, identified as Sardar Muhammad and Nazar Mohammad, were abducted from the eastern bypass area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Zakria Kurd was abducted from Khuzdar-Karachi road area of Khuzdar District.

At least seven persons, including a woman and a child, were injured in rocket attacks in Khudadad road, Pir Abul Khair road and Quaidabad areas of Quetta with brief intervals. United Baloch Army's 'spokesman' Murid Baloch claimed the responsibility for the attacks.

Four persons were injured in a blast in the Kuchlak area. Police officials claimed that the blast was a suicide attack.

A grenade attack on Police in evening left four officers injured on GT Road in the Nishterabad area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. A police mobile vehicle was also reported to have caught fire after the grenades were launched, according to eyewitness reports.

An explosion in Badaber at the outskirts of Peshawar damaged the shrine of Akhwan Salaq Baba. The explosives were planted beside the shrine's wall, and it was damaged in the blast.

The Police averted a terrorism attempt by defusing two powerful bombs near Pando Chowk in the limits of Chamkani Police Station. According to the Police, the hand grenade bombs were concealed in shopping bags and placed near Pando Chowk on the Ring Road.

The law enforcement personnel recovered uniforms of the national armies of Pakistan and Afghanistan in Lower Dir, and arrested four suspects. The raid and arrests were made in Samar Bagh area of Lower Dir district, a stronghold of pro-Taliban cleric Maulana Sufi Muhammad, the official sources said while speaking on condition of anonymity.

KP's new Governor, Engineer Shaukatullah, said that talks with TTP would start in coming months and days and he would make them a success. These assuring words followed the oath-taking ceremony to install the new Governor from Bajaur Agency, replacing Barrister Masood Kausar.

The TTP is neither serious nor sincere about peace talks with the Government, Federal Minister of Interior Rehman Malik said. The Minister''s remarks came after TTP spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan offered "conditional" talks and called for the release of two former spokesmen' Maulvi Said Umer and Muslim Khan. The Ehsanullah Ehsan said the two will lead the TTP negotiation team. Malik said the TTP''s offer for dialogue was "suspicious" and that Ehsan has no credibility.

Some of the Afghan Taliban officials and militants freed by Pakistan to help bring peace in Afghanistan have rejoined their colleagues in waging war against Western troops and the Afghan Government, according to Washington Post report.

At least 12 persons, including two Policemen, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Three persons were killed and three others were injured in an armed attack at Haji Allah Buksh Welfare office within the limits of Ahsanabad Police Station.

An ASI of Police, identified as ASI Zulfiqar Ali (39), was killed during patrolling in Sherpao Colony within the jurisdiction of Quaidabad Police Station.

A Policeman, identified as Syed Mukhtar (33), was killed near his house in Gulbahar area within the precincts of Gulbahar Police Station.

A cleric of Deoband school of thought, identified as Qari Muhammad Asim (40), was killed near University of Karachi within the precincts of Sachal Police Station. ASWJ spokesman Maulana Saeed Akbar Farooqi said that the deceased was a sympathiser of his organisation.

A man, identified as Abdul Qadeer, was killed and another was injured in Garden area within the limits of Garden Police Station.

A man, identified as Ali Hassan (33), was shot dead in Lee Market area within the limits of Bhagdadi Police Station.

Two dead bodies were found from a garbage dumping point in Abbas town of Abul Hasan Isphani Road.

A dead body, identified as Hazrat Umer (30), was found from Eidgah Ground in Bin Qasim area.

Another dead body of a man was found from Lyari River within the vicinity of Sher Shah Police Station.

Two cadre of the banned TTP, identified as Khalid Mehsud and Abdul Rehman Meshud, were arrested near Javedan Cement Factory in Manghopir area. The Police seized 10 kilograms of explosives, four grenades, two pistols, five feet of detonating wire and hundreds of bullets.

At least five AI militants were killed and four others were injured in clashes with TTP in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency in FATA.

Four persons were killed and another was injured when unidentified persons opened fire on them in Palai area in Malakand Agency. The sources said that Jehanzeb, Amir Bahadur, Sardar Hussain, Hukamdad and Bahadur Said were returning from mountains after collecting fuel wood when unidentified persons opened fire on them.

Suspected militants shot dead a doctor, identified as Dr Tehseenullah, inside his clinic in Sardar Ahmed Jan Colony on Charsadda Road of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP. Two medical practitioners killed in the city over the last few weeks.

A heavy amount of explosive material and illegal weapons recovered from the house of a banned outfit's member in Madina Colony of Dera Ismail Khan District. According to details, acting on a tip-off Cantt Police raided the house of Ahsan alias Sana Baloch and recovered two magnet bombs with remotes, two electric detonators with batteries, 65 shrapnels, ball bearings, two Kalashnikovs, one 30-bore pistol and 50 cartridges.

At least 18 senior members of two religious-political groups were arrested up as the Police launched a crackdown to arrest suspects involved in targeted killing incidents. SSP Operations Imran Shahid confirmed the raids but said eight persons were arrested. "Raids have been conducted to arrest suspects behind the targeted killings," the SSP told.

A source said that those arrested included leaders of the ASWJ as well as elders of the Shia community. Some of those arrested during the raids were identified as Usman Farooqi, Irshad Haideri, Siddiqullah, Shah Faisal, Jan Farooqi, Aurangzeb Farooqi, Mohammad Gul, Nasrullah, Sajid, Sajjad and Jamal who were held during raids in different parts of the city. The raids started in the morning. Heavy contingents of Peshawar Police as well as commandoes of the Elite Police Force participated in the raids.

The FC seized 30 rocket launchers, 12 hand grenades and 2,000 SMG rounds from a vehicle coming from Afghanistan in Gulistan area of Qilla Abdullah District.

50 Afghan nationals were arrested in Quetta and Nushki during a crackdown launched by Police and other LEA against unregistered refugees. "We have arrested 28 refugees living in the suburbs of Quetta," a senior administration official told, adding that 22 refugees were taken into custody in Nushki district. They have been booked under relevant sections of the Foreigners ACT.

Eight militants were killed and 15 others received injuries as the militants of TTP and AI clashed in Bhuttan area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. The renewed clashes, which started on February 11, continued on February 12 without any letup. Sources said that TTP launched a fresh offensive against AI in Bhuttan area and inflicted losses on it. AI claimed that it had strengthened its hold over two important bunkers in Dwa Stanai area and recaptured Rocket Sangar. Both sides used heavy weapons against each other.

At least two laboures, identified as Ghulam Nabi Magsi and Ahmed Ali Sheikh, were killed and other, identified as Mohammad Hussain, was injured by unidentified assailants in Nal area of Khuzdar District.

A couple, identified as Allah Bakhsh and his wife Nasima were shot dead in their house in Akram Colony of Hub area in Lasbela District.

Two persons were killed when unidentified assailants ambushed their jeep in Washuk area of Washuk District. The names of the deceased could not be ascertained.

At least five suspects, including a foreigner, were arrested by a LEA and weapons were recovered from them during a search operation on Smuggli Road of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. The recovered weapons and ammunition include a 9mm pistol, 20 magazines, 21 pistol rounds, a 12-bore repeater, three Kalashnikovs, 260 Kalashnikov rounds, 8 bandoliers, one digger, an SMG butt, and a satellite phone SIM.

At least five persons, including an activist of MQM, were killed in separate acts of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. An MQM activist affiliated with KMOC, identified as Azmatullah Bengali (34), was killed near his house in Nasir Jump of Korangi within the precincts of Zaman Town Police Station.

A commuter Essa Khan (37) was killed near Russian Embassy located in Block 4, Clifton within the limits of Boat Basin Police Station.

Two men, identified as Idress Ali and Haji NizamUddin, were shot dead in Golimar area within the limits of Rizvia Police Station.

A man, identified as Juma Din (32), was killed in Mujahid Colony ground within the limits of Mominabad Police Station.

The dead body was found from Sect L-1 of Surjani town within the vicinity of Surjani Town Police Station.

Police said that they suspected involvement of the TTP in February 11-night's blast in an area of the Defence Housing Authority. The explosion along Korangi Road, near the KPT flyover, that left a Policeman injured.

The Government Postgraduate Degree College in Mardan town of same District of KP was rocked by a mild intensity bomb in afternoon. However, no casualty was reported. According to Police, the bomb which weighed five kilogrammes was placed in the veranda of the Physics Department on the second storey of the college building and exploded with a big bang, damaging the windowpanes of two classrooms.

The BDU official neutralised an explosive device in Sangarh locality of Hangu town of same District. The sources said that unidentified persons had planted explosives to the house of a trader Nadim in Sangarh area, which was spotted by locals. Two kilograms of explosives were fitted to a remote-control device.

A man was killed when an improvised explosive device went off in a house in Behzadi Chakarkot area of Kohat.

The Army is considering creation of a Counter-IEDs force within its ranks to deal with what it called the "cheapest assassins," an ISPR statement said. Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Rashad Mahmood chaired an inter-agency meeting in Rawalpindi where conferees discussed ways to control the movement of explosives and calcium ammonium nitrate fertiliser from regional and extra-regional countries, the statement added. Pakistan has been the top victim of IEDs with 33,150 explosions during the past 10 years killing at least 11,250 people, according to the ISPR.

The on-going infighting between the TTP and AI killed 19 more militants from both sides in Drey Stani area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. Of those 19, 13 were TTP militants and six were affiliated with AI.

A volunteer of a peace committee was killed and more than a dozen houses were set ablaze by militants in Sheen Qamar area of Bara tehsil.

In Barkai area of Storikhel, militants torched the residential compound of a local elder, Malik Almas Khan Storikhel.

Two migrant workers, from Hyderabad (Sindh), identified as Ahmed and Babul, were killed and another was injured by unidentified assailants while they were busy with construction work on a private bank in Naal area of Khuzdar District.

Two brothers, identified as Allah Bakhsh and Khuda Bakhsh were abducted and killed in Pasni town of Gwadar District.

A person, identified as Ghulam Sarwar, was shot dead in Gul Abad area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Unidentified militants blew up a primary school for girls in Taja Koroona Shero village under Katlang Police Station in Mardan District.

Unidentified assailants hurled a tennis ball filled with explosives at the shop in Landhi town of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

An ATC indicted eight terrorists in the abducting and murder case of neurosurgeon Dr Aftab Qureshi.

Pakistani Court Orders ATC to conduct daily hearings in the 2007 Benazir Bhutto assassination case and to conclude the trial within three months.

The political agent of North Waziristan Agency of FATA submitted complete report of casualties caused by the drone attacks from 2008 to 2012 to the PHC through Deputy Attorney General M Iqbal Mohmand that claimed that around 894 persons, including 48 foreigners, 35 women and 24 children, were killed in the US drone attacks in during the last five years. According to the report, the US drones conducted 147 attacks on various locations in North Waziristan from 2008 to 2012.

At least 11 persons, including three FC personnel, two Policemen and one Levies man, were killed and over 23 persons were injured as a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into a security post in Spin Thall area of Hangu District.

Police and LEA repulsed a terrorist attack on Miryan Police Station of Bannu District, killing five suicide bombers while another blew himself up. TTP claimed responsibility for the attack on Miryan police station.

An explosion in the village of Hassanzo in Orakzai Agency of FATA killed seven people and wounded 13. In a second attack in the same place, a van carrying civilians was hit by a blast which killed two people and wounded 10.

Three persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Vice President and Joint Sectary of Shershah Scrap Market, identified as Shakeel (71) and Iftikhar (74), were killed over extortion issue near Pankha Hotel of Shershah area within the precincts of SITE-B Police Station.

The dead body was found from Kalri ground within the limits of Kalri Police Station.

Police found two dead bodies, identified as Anis Gichki and Amanullah in the industrial town of Hub in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Three persons, including two brothers, Jamshed and Sajjad and an Elite Force official Hassan Naeem, were killed while a Policeman was injured during a raid in Katarian area of Rawalpindi (Rawalpindi District).

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Adam Thomson said that Pakistan army is "already making a contribution to Pakistan's democratic transition" and has worked "quite very hard over the last five years to ensure that Pakistan's political institutions are the decision-makers".

At least 10 persons killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

A dead body, identified as Muhammad Asghar (33) and an injured person, identified as Nadeem (30) were found from near Darul Uloom of Korangi within the precincts of Awami Colony Police Station.

A dead body of MQM-H worker, identified as Junaid Khan (28) was found from Ismail Goth Graveyard Road within the vicinity of Sharafi Goth Police Station.

An industrialist narrowly escaped while his security guard was killed in an armed attack in Korangi area within the limits of Awami Colony Police Station.

A Policeman, identified as Basheer Ahmed (49), was shot dead at Singar Chowrangi within the jurisdiction of Awami Colony Police Station.

A Shia man was killed on sectarian attack at Baloch Goth of Orangi Town within the precincts of Orangi Town Police Station.

A labourer, identified as Samiullah Khan (25) was killed near Valika Chowrangi within the limits of SITE Police Station.

Two brothers, identified as Bakhtzada (30) and Sahibzada (28), were shot dead inside their slippers shop situated at Mehran Town of Korangi area within limits of Korangi Industrial Area Police Station.

Chicken shop owner Rashid (37) was killed while another was injured in an armed attack in Korangi area within the jurisdiction of Awami Colony Police Station.

A dead was found form a nullah within the jurisdiction of Sarjani Town Police Station.

A remote-controlled bomb targeting Shias killed 84 people including women and children and wounded more than 200 in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Wazir Khan Nasir, senior Police officer in Quetta said. "It was a sectarian attack; the Shia community was the target.

Provincial home secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani 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.

A spokesman for the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), Abubakar Siddique, told reporters by phone that "Our suicide bomber carried out the blast and the Shia community in Hazara Town was the target."

A terrorist was killed and six others were arrested following a clash with SFs in Bannu District in Khyber Paktunkhwa.

As many as 11 persons were killed in separate incidents of violence and target killing in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Four persons were killed near their houses in Kharadar area within the precincts of Kharadar Police Station.

A man was killed in Sarjani Town within the limits of Sarjani Police Station.

Two shot dead bodies of Katchi men were found from Shah Latif Raod within the precincts of Bhagdadi Police Station in Lyari.

A body packed in a gunny bag was found near Maripur Road within the vicinity of Shershah Police Station.

The bullet riddle dead body of a person was found from Malir within the jurisdiction of Saudabad Police Station.

The bullet-riddled body of a man was recovered from Landhi area within the limits of Landhi Police Station.

A bullet-riddled body of a young man was found near Malir River within the limits of Shah Latif Police Station.

10 militants were killed when the jetfighters pounded their hideouts in Jandary Killay, Mir Qalamkhel and others adjoining localities in the TTP-controlled Mamozai tehsil (revenue unit) area in Orakzai Agency of FATA. "Ten militants were killed and four of their hideouts were destroyed in the shelling," an official claimed.

Four soldiers were injured in a bomb explosion in Razmak Town of North Waziristan Agency.

Faiz Muhammad Khan, a community Police constable and brother of Adezai Aman Lashkar's leader Waqif Khan, was shot dead in the crowded Matani market of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP.

A Government high school for boys was destroyed in an explosion which also partially damaged an adjacent house in Masho Khel area in the night.

The KP Government informed the Peshawar High Court that provincial authorities recently moved about 100 detainees to internment centres. The suspects had been in army custody since it arrested them in the Swat and Malakand Districts during the 2009 counter-insurgency offensive.

A joint team of Police and intelligence agencies arrested five cadres of Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) including Saad Jagrani, Head of HuT's Central Contact Committee during the raid on a banquet hall at Kurri Road near Shakrial in Rawalpindi town (Rawalpindi District) of Punjab.

A recent video released by the TTP, eulogizing two 'martyred' white Jihadis (holy warriors) from the US and UK, confirms that despite the ruthless US drone campaign, Waziristan areas continues to be a major destination for the white Jihadis from western nations who are being recruited and trained in terrorism by al Qaeda-linked TTP who want to effectively strike in the heart of the west.

At least eight persons, including four ASWJ cadres, were killed and three persons injured in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. An ASWJ cadre, identified as Haji Fayyaz (42), was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Farooq-e-Azam Chowk in Surjani town within the precincts of Sarjani Police Station. During the protests that followed, unidentified assailants attacked and injured five men, including three ASWJ cadres, outside Jamia Masjid Subhani in Burhan Bazaar of Patel Para. The three ASWJ activists, identified as Abdul Raheem (35), Shahrum (28) and Raju (25), died of injuries later.

A man, Muhammad Rafiq (35), was killed in Naval Colony of Saeedabad within the limits of Saeedabad Police Station.

Two dead bodies, identified as Maqbool Baloch and Akhter Rind, were found from the bushes near Northern Bypass within the limits of Sarjani Police Station.

Aman was killed and three others were injured in an armed attack in Gulzar Colony within the limits of Korangi industrial area Police Station.

A homemade bomb went off near the FTC flyover, where a number of Shia community members had been protesting against the Quetta carnage (February 16, 2013). No casualties were reported.

A handmade bomb was lobbed at the house of ANP’s ward president Mohammed Hussain in Banaras Colony of Peerabad Police Station.

Four Security Force personnel and one civilian were killed while eight persons, including a senior government official, were injured when two suicide bombers attacked the Khyber House, office-cum-residence of Khyber Agency’s political agent in the Cantonment area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a head constable of the Special Brach at Akakhel area of Gar village in the limits of Zaida Police Station in Swabi District. The sources said that Arshad Iqbal was heading to office on his motorbike when the attackers sprayed him with bullets at Akakhel, killing him on the spot.

In a sectarian attack, the Lahore General Hospital Ophthalmology Department head Professor Dr Ali Haider and his son were shot dead by two unidentified assailants in the Gulberg area of Lahore city (Lahore District), the provincial capital of Punjab.

At least two target killers were shot dead in a shootout that reportedly took place between them and Police in Hub area of Lasbela District. The Police team signaled three suspected persons to stop near Lasbela Rest House and they opened fire at the Police.

Unidentified militants blew up three electricity towers in Kohlu town (Kohlu District).

Unidentified militants attacked a convoy of vehicles carrying military equipment bound for NATO operations in Afghanistan, killing two persons, in Landi Kotal town in the Khyber Agency of FATA.

SFs killed four suspected militants and arrested seven others accused of killing Shias, including an alleged mastermind of a bomb attack that killed 89 persons in Hazara town of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Levies personnel foiled an abducting bid and during exchange of firing one abductor were killed while three others were arrested in Khuzdar town (Khuzdar District).

FC recovered two dead bodies from the outskirts of Khuzdar town.

Levies personnel found two dead bodies in Ferozabad area of Khuzdar. 

Unidentified assailants shot dead a man, identified as Muhammad Naseem in Guldar Baghicha area of Chaman.

The Pakistan Railways Police arrested three Afghan nationals, including Abdul Rehman, Abdul Samad and Abdul Jameel and recovered explosive devices from their possession after checking in Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District.

At least 10 persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Ashad Pervez (50) was shot dead while Kashif was injured near the Bhains Colony in the Shah Latif Police Limits.

Aijaz Sidduiqi (60), a MQM supporter, was shot dead in the K-Area of Landhi 36-B.

Tauqeer Ashrafi was shot dead while Tariq was injured as both men were sitting on the streets of their own neighbourhood of Al-Khizra Society of Gulshan-e-Bihar. Investigators termed the murder of Tauqeer Ashrafi as a target killing and confirmed that the victim was a member of the MQM’s Markazi Ulema Committee from Pakistan Bazaar.

In the Nazimabad area, Asim Jaffrey, an MQM activist, was shot dead in the Gol Market of the Nazimabad Police Limits. 

While Shias were protesting across the city against the devastating Quetta blast, members of the community continued to fall victim to assassins. Syed Safdar Ali Kazmi (25), one of the people who had become to attend the sit-in at Star Gate, was on his way back home from the demonstration when unidentified assailants shot him dead.

Four shopkeepers, three of them brothers, were sprayed with bullets and killed, while the same numbers of their colleagues were injured when armed men opened fire at a mobile phone market of Quaidabad.

A labourer, Ghulam Rasool Jalbani, was shot dead on the Ayub Goth Road of Karachi.

A Police constable, Azmat Khan, was killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on a Police check-post at Gulo Dheri in the limits of Charssada Police Station in Charsadda District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 

APA of Landi Kotal (Khyber Agency, FATA), Khalid Mumtaz Kundi, who was injured in the February 18’s twin suicide blasts on Khyber House in Peshawar, succumbed to his injuries, raising the death toll to seven. Sources said that the APA had received multiple injuries in the suicide bombings.

A vehicle carrying NATO supplies to Afghanistan was partially damaged when a bomb planted at a roadside went off at Teddy Bazaar in Jamrud tehsil (revenue unit) of Khyber Agency in FATA.

Another bomb planted nearby was successfully defused by the BDS. Following the incident, Khasadar personnel reached the site and launched a search operation during which they found another bomb weighing eight kilogrammes.

A senior ‘commander’ of TTP, Maulvi Faqir Mohammad, was arrested by Afghan intelligence personnel from an unspecified area along Af-Pak border when he was trying to cross into Pakistan border from Nangrahar province of Afghanistan. Reports from Afghanistan said Afghan intelligence agencies had captured Maulvi Faqir, who was deputy to TTP ‘chief’ Hakimullah Mehsud until 2011, and his four aides.

Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik said 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. 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”.

The Central Information Secretary of APML, Aasia Ishaq, said that Balochistan should immediately be handed over to army, while the Government should also resign. “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.

The LeJ warned the Government to immediately shift its under-trial militants from the high-security ATF Jail in Quetta, Cantonment to the Central Jail Hudda in the Quetta or get ready to face yet another suicide assault by its Fidayeen attackers – this time targeting the ATF prison.

The spokesman further said, “The Mujahideen of the LeJ will continue to kill Shias regardless of the imposition of the Governor’s rule or the deployment of the Army. We will protect the honor of Islamic Caliphs by sacrificing each and every one of us.

A glance at the chronology and timeline of anti-State violence, sectarian killings, tribal shootings, ethnicity and terrorism etc in Balochistan during the last 10 years reveals at least 112 major incidents have rocked this province since June 8, 2003, the day when some 11 Hazara Shia Police trainees were shot dead at Sariab Road of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Innumerable NATO oil tankers have been torched during this decade-long period under review and various guest Chinese engineers have been shot dead. A good number of sitting chief ministers and ministers (like late Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Yousaf, recently ousted Chief Minister Nawab Muhammad Aslam Khan Raisani, still sitting Governor Nawab Zulfiqar Magsi, Balochistan’s ex-provincial Finance Minister Asim Ali Kurd and the Punjab-born Balochistan Education Minister Shafiq Ahmed Khan etc) were also targeted with absolute ease.

Nine militants were killed and several others injured in shelling and bombing by military jets in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. Security sources said that three suspected militant hideouts were bombarded. A huge cache of arms and ammunition was also destroyed in the operation.

At least eight terrorists were killed in air strikes in Upper tehsil of Orakzai Agency.

At least four persons, including an activist of PPP, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A PPP activist, identified as Bilal (23), was found dead near Old Sabzi Mandi within the precincts of PIB Colony Police Station.

A dead body of a man was found from Maripur Road within the limits of Kalri Police Station.

Another body packed in gunny bag was found from Jam Goth within the jurisdiction of Memon Goth Police Station.

Grandson of Gaddi Nasheen (caretaker) of Qambar Dargah was killed and 10 people, including Sain Hussain Shah, and another of his grandson were injured in a remote-controlled bomb explosion at a religious gathering at the Goth Ahmad Din Brohi area of Jacobabad District.

Two passers-by were injured in a grenade attack on an area office of the MQM in Sector 5-A-3 area within the remit of the Khawaja Ajmer Nagri Police Station of North Karachi.

Sindh provincial authorities extended for three months the additional powers given to Rangers in the wake of targeted killings in the Karachi during the past month. Authorities gave the Rangers additional powers last year, allowing them to control violence and make arrests. The Sindh Home Ministry issued the extension.

Unidentified motorcycle borne assailants shot dead two persons, including a key commander of a former peace committee, Gul Muhammad Shah, on Bannu Road in Tank town of same District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Gul Muhammad Shah was killed on the spot while two other persons, identified as Muhammad Tariq and Zar Janan, sustained severe injuries.

The Law Enforcement personnel and Levies Force arrested 30 Afghan nationals under the Foreigners Act in Qilla Abdullah District. The Levies Force said that the Afghans were trying to enter Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan without legal travelling documents. They were handed over to the FIA for interrogation.

Senior LeJ leader Ghulam Rasool was arrested under the maintenance of public order and shifted to the Bahawalnagar jail (Bahawalnagar District).

Maavia Azam, a leader of ASWJ was arrested in Jhang area (Jhang District) under the MPO.

The move came in wake of attacks on Hazara Shia in Balochistan for which the LeJ had claimed responsibility. The Supreme Court also took suo moto notice of the incident and asked the Federal Government to act against those responsible.

Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf 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. 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.

The Pakistani Parliament passed the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) enabling authorities to confiscate the assets of terrorists and their financiers. The bill requires Presidential approval to become law.

Two persons were killed and 17 others injured in a bomb blast in a mobile phone shop in Khushal Market in old Hashtnagri area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a soldier of Frontier Constabulary and his cousin in Davil Galli area of Darband in Nowshera District. Sources said that FC soldier Mohammad Shabir and his cousin Sajid Wali were on their way to Larri village in Darband when the attackers opened indiscriminate firing on them.

The Police neutralised explosive devices, which were placed near the girls’ school at Bangashkhel village in the limits of Mandan Police Station in Mardan District. The recovery includes four explosive devices and nine hand grenades.

Intelligence reports said that 12 suicide bombers have entered the city to target certain places, Police and official. Police and other law enforcing agencies stepped up security checks in Peshawar after the reports. It is not clear what the targets of these bombers are.

KP Government has reconstructed 70% of militancy-hit schools in the province, Education Minister Sardar Hussain Babak said. Militants destroyed or damaged more than 3,000 KP schools in recent years. However, with domestic and international financial assistance, KP has rebuilt or repaired 70% of them, he said. "The remaining restoration work will be completed within a year," he added.

Unidentified assailants killed a person, identified as Mehrab Bakhsh, in Killi Mubarak area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Two dead bodies were found in Mithari area of Sibi District.

The Tehsildar (Revenue Administrative Officer) of Dhadar (Bolan District), Qazi Pervez escaped unhurt but three Levies’ personnel guarding him were injured when a roadside bomb exploded when he was on his way to Sanni Shroon area in Bolan District.

One civilian was killed when hit by a mortar shell in Takhtakai area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency of FATA.

SFs arrested over 200 suspected persons during a search operation in various areas of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency. The sources said that the SFs carried out search operation in Gudmalang, Droadda and Baazgarah areas and arrested more than 200 suspected persons and shifted them to nearby Fort Salop FC base for investigation.

Police arrested three suspected members of the TTP in the Orangi town area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.  They also recovered drugs and arms during the raid.

At least two suspected militants were killed and four others were arrested during a pre-dawn operation carried out at Nawan Kili area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. FC official said that FC team conducted a raid besieging a house in the Nawan Kili.

The Police recovered and defused an IED in the Satellite town of Quetta.

Islamabad demanded Kabul to hand over all TTP terrorists including Maulvi Faqir Muhammad who have been engaged in anti-state activities in Pakistan. Foreign Office spokesman Moazzam Ahmad Khan told that Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar talked to her Afghan counterpart Zalmay Rassoul on telephone.

At least 10 persons, including three ASWJ cadres, a PML-N activist, two Policemen and a supporter of the MQM were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Maulana Dil Faraz Muawiya (33) and Abu Bakr (25) were shot dead near the Sidduiqe Sons Chowarngi in SITE. According to Maulana Akber Saeed, spokesman of the ASWJ, Maulana Muawiya was a leader of the ASWJ while Abu Bakar served as an activist.

ASWJ cadre Naveed-ul-Rehman was shot dead outside his residence, while fellow party cadres Owais and Sohail were injured in the Gaama Gali of Rizvia Society.

A person, identified as Maqsood (40), a PML-N worker was shot dead in the Khawaja Ajmer Nagri (KAN) Police Limits in North Karachi.

Kashif (28), an activist of MQM, was shot dead outside his house in Sector-5D of New Karachi.

Sattar (40), the chauffer of a factory owner, was shot dead near the Singer Chowrangi in the Awami Colony Police Limits.

Police constable Iftekhar shot dead by unidentified assailants in the SITE-A Police Limits while he was returning home from duty.

Police constable Naeem Baloch was shot dead near the Jaweedan Factory in Manghopir.

A person was shot dead by unidentified assailants on Lane No-3 of Jamshed Road in the Jamshed Quarters Police Station. The victim was moved to the Jinnah Hospital and died from a single bullet wound to the chest.

A person, identified as Syed Faiz Hussain Zaidi, was shot dead and another man was injured near Kati Pahari area.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a lawyer in the limits of Paharipura Police Station of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police said that the lawyer was on way to his home when unidentified assailants opened firing on him. He was public prosecutor in Peshawar and belonged to Charsadda District.

The vehicular traffic was disrupted in Haleemzai tehsil of Mohmand Agency in FATA when an improvised explosive device went off on Barokehl-Sultankhel Road.

Police said that they arrested the leader of LeJ, Malik Ishaq,  in the  Rahim Yar Khan town of same District in connection with sectarian attacks in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan that have killed nearly 200 people in 2013. The LeJ claimed responsibility for both attack in Quetta.

Intelligence Agencies warned Law Enforcers of a possible second attack on the Hazara community in Quetta, the Supreme Court informed. A three-judge bench was hearing a suo motu case on the devastating February 16, 2013 attack, which killed at least 89 people. The judges expressed satisfaction with reports from the ISI and IB, and sought the Government’s response to the incident.

Heading the bench, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said, “After going through the reports, we are to believe that the agencies performed their duties and shared intelligence with law enforcers in Quetta, indicating the likelihood of another terror attack on the community on the occasion of the Chehlum of the persons [who were killed] at Alamdar Road on January 10, 2013.”

President Asif Ali Zardari 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. 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.

Six people including a mosque cleric were shot dead in separate incidents of violence in different areas of Karachi, provincial capital of Sindh.

A trader belonging to Bohra community, identified as Mubasshir Hussain, was killed at his shop at Tooba Apartment near Gol Masjid, Defense Phase-I within the precincts of Defence Police Station.

A man was shot dead in Ghaziabad, Manghopir within the limits of Manghopir Police Station. SHO Ashfaq Baloch said that unidentified armed riders shot dead a man and escaped.

The cleric, (identified as Qari Muhammad Ameen) of Bilal Mosque, affiliated with ASWJ was killed in Bhittai Colony near Korangi crossing. The sources said Ameen left Bilal Mosque for some work when armed pillion riders opened targeted fire on him as a result, he received critical bullet wounds and died on the spot.

Pakhtun Student Federation Sindh general secretary, identified as Dr. Painda Khan, was killed at his homeopathic clinic in Madina Basti near Frontier Morr within the limits of Pirabad Police Station.

Two unidentified men were shot dead in Sector 24, Korangi within the jurisdiction of Korangi Police Station. An official said that the identities of the victims were yet to be ascertained.

At least six labourers working on the Makran Coastal Highway, which links the area to Karachi, were lined up and shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Shadi Kaur area of Gwadar District. All the victims belonged to Zhob District.

Fifteen militants and two security personnel were killed in shelling by warplanes on the TTP positions and an encounter between the LI and SFs in Tirah Valley and Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. Sources said the jet fighters bombarded the positions of TTP in Sorkas, Sra Vella and Dwatoy in Kukikhel area in Tirah. At least, 10 militants were killed and eight injured in the air strikes. A vehicle and five sanctuaries of the militants were also destroyed in the aerial attack. 

SFs encountered with the LI militants in Nala area during a search operation in various areas of Bara subdivision including Mandikas, Bachi Nehar and Yousaf Talab As a result of crossfire, five militants and two security personnel were killed while 10 soldiers and six militants were injured. SFs were backed by two helicopters, which shelled militants’ positions in Nala. The forces also blew up an empty double cabin pick-up truck left behind by the militants. A car was seized while two suspects were arrested by the SFs and shifted to Fort Salop FC camp for interrogation.

FC personnel killed two suspected militants and arrested five others in a targeted operation near the Gulistan area of Qilla Abdullah District. The SF personnel seized rocket launchers, hand grenades, Kalashnikov rifles and explosives from the arrested accused.

At least three persons were killed in separate acts of violence in the Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A trader, identified as Anwar Muhammad (29), was killed at his shop under NIPA Bridge within the limits of Aziz Bhatti Police Station. 

A person, identified as Shaikh Mohsin Shetti (32), was killed near Parda Park in Nazimabad within the jurisdiction of Gulbahar Police Station. 

The dead body was found from Khamosh Colony of Gulbahar within the jurisdiction of Gulbahar Police Station. The victim was identified as 29-year-old Shakeel Ahemd. He was the resident of Lyari.

A Police head constable was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Yakatut area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in the morning. Head Constable Farman Khan, residence of Tauheed Abad, was going for Fajr when some unidentified assailants raiding a motorbike opened indiscriminate fire upon him, killing Farman Khan on the spot. He was a head constable in CID‎.

ASWJ central information secretary Maulana Aurangzeb Farooqui, who  survived a life attempt in December 26, 2012 in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh and Bahawalpur chapter chief Rao Javed Iqbal alleged that more than 400 cadres of defunct LeJ were arrested in Police crackdown on February 23, night throughout Punjab.

Federal Minister of Interior Rehman Malik revealed that two groups of LeJ were operating in the Pakistan under the leadership of Malik Ishaq and Maulana Ludhianvi. Talking to the media in Sahiwal (Punjab), Malik said that all provinces needed to take action against terrorism.

Talking to the media in Jahanian (Punjab), the minister said that ‘enemies’ were working to destabilise the country. He said that the TTP started talking about having a dialogue after become weak. “The government will form a strong team to have a dialogue with them,” he said.

At least seven TTP terrorists were killed when SFs pounded Kukikhel area of Tirah Valley in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA.

One FC trooper was killed and six others were injured in a blast at Fort Slope Camp in Khajoori area in Bara tehsil.

In the same Agency, Khasadar Force defused an explosive device planted along the roadside In Jamrud area.

At least eight persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Two persons were killed and 10 others were injured in a bomb blast at Shah Lakhi Ghulam shrine in Shikarpur District.

A person, identified as Ikhlaq (39), was killed near his house in Kunwari Colony within the precinct of Pirabad Police Station.

A dead body was found from Ghulam Hussian Weighbridge of Musharaf Colony within the precincts of Maripur Police Station.

A person, identified as Mufti Muhammad Abdullah (36), was killed near Faqeer Colony within the limits of Mominabad Police Station.

A man, identified as Asad (21), was killed by unidentified assailants near PIDC area within the limits of Civil Line Police Station.

A body packed in a gunny bag was found near Muslim Nagar of Sector 11 in Orangi Town within the jurisdiction of Pakistan Bazaar Police Station.

A dead body was found near Kaghzi Bazaar of Kharadar within the limits of Kharadar Police Station.

The FC killed two suspected terrorists and arrested five others in an operation in Gulistan area of the Qila Abdullah District. Five suspects were arrested and an unspecified quantity of rocket launchers, hand-grenades, AK-47 rifles and explosives were recovered.

Unidentified militants abducted an owner of petrol pump Waheed Zaman in Kohlu District.

Suspected militants blew up a Government primary school in Badhber area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Police said that 195 suspected militants were arrested during a special campaign in Districts of Peshawar, Charsadda and Nowshera.

Federal Minister of Interior Rehman Malik appealed to Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry to summon Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and ask him why he didn’t take any action against the LeJ. Malik claimed that Shahbaz asked the TTP to stop terrorism in Punjab as he and the TTP share a ‘common agenda’.

At least four persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

A person, identified as Muhammad Imran (32), a cadre of ASWJ, was killed near Shahabuddin Market opposite Saddar Parking Plaza within the precincts of Brigade Police Station.

A ST cadre, identified as Muhammad Majid (40), was killed outside Sobraj Hospital within the jurisdiction of Aram Bagh Police Station. 

A trader, identified as Khalid Hussain (30), was killed in sector 4-B of Sarjani town within the jurisdiction of Sarjani Police Station.

The dead body was found from a graveyard in Saeedabad of Baldia town within the precincts of Saeedabad Police Station.

A hand grenade was hurled at a local office of the MQM near Lucky Star in the Saddar area. However, no loss of life was reported.

The CID of Police arrested a TTP militant, identified as Behrooz Khan Mehmand, in a targeted raid in Malir town. SSP CID operations, Fayyaz Khan, informed that Behrooz Khan Mehmand had been extorting traders and sending the ransom money to Mohmand agency of FATA to strengthen his outfit financially.

A Policeman was shot dead while protecting a polio vaccination team at Ghalla Dher on the outskirts of Mardan town of same District.

Three journalists survived attempt on their lives as they were fired at outside the Swat Press Club in Mingora, the headquterer of Swat District.

The TTP and foreign elements are involved in subversive activities in Karachi, Federal State Minister for Interior Imtiaz Safdar Warraich told the National Assembly.

The Federal Government introduced an anti-terrorism bill to the National Assembly that would bar the re-formation of banned outfits under new names. The bill also seeks to bar courts from granting bail to terror suspects who are charged with crimes punishable by death penalty, life imprisonment or sentences longer than 10 years.

At least six persons, including a cousin of a Former PM Mir Zafar Ullah Khan Jamali, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Ameer Ullah Jamali (58), a cousin of a Former PM Mir Zafar Ullah Khan Jamali was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants at block 15 Gulistan-e-Jauhar within the precincts of Gulistan-e-Jauhar Police Station. 

A person, identified as Shabbir Ahmed (34), a cadre of ASWJ, was killed at A B Saniya Lines Bazaar within the limits of Brigade Police Station.

A Shia man, identified as Wajid Ali (46), was killed near Baba Morr of North Karachi within the precincts of Khawaja Ajmer Nagri Police Station.

A cadre of JeM, identified as Khalid Hussain (32), was shot dead near Mustafa Cottage in sector L-1, Sajani town within the jurisdiction of Sarjani Police Station.

A Security Guard Ashraf Khan (43) was shot dead and a customer was injured at a Haleem shop in Block-18, FB Area within the precincts of Samnabad Police Station.

The dead body was found from bushes near Raees Goth within the limits of Maripur Police Station.

Unidentified militants hurled two hand grenades at Shah Faisal Police Station and Baloch Colony areas, respectively.

Unidentified assailants shot dead two brothers on Ghundi Road in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA.

A journalist Malik Mumtaz Khan was shot dead in Miranshah town of North Waziristan Agency.

The Senate was informed that a majority of suicide attacks in the country took place in KP and that Punjab was particularly vulnerable to crimes against property. In reply to a question put by Senator Colonel (retd) Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, Interior Minister Rehman Malik told the house that 57 suicide attacks took place in KP from 2010 to 2012.

Balochistan FC Inspector General Major General Obaidullah Khan said that some elements want to divide the people of Balochistan on ethnic, religious and sectarian grounds.

At least eight militants were killed and 12 suffered injuries as jet fighters pounded militant hideouts in Jendri and Shah Wali villages of Mamozai tehsil in Orakzai Agency of FATA.

Unidentified militants blew up two primary and two middle schools in the Kandharoo area of Safi tehsil in Mohmand Agency.  

At least four persons were killed in separate incidents in Sindh province.

A person, identified as Syed Danish Abbas Zaidi (30), affiliated with Shia Ulema Council (SUC), was killed outside his house located in Ancholi Block 20 of FB Area within the precincts of Samnabad Police Station in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

A person, identified as Akhtar Gabol (28), affiliated with Muttahida Organising Committee was killed near his house in Faqeera Goth of Sohrab Goth area within the remit of Sohrab Goth Police Station.

A dead body of a man was found from Sultanabad area of Manghopir within the limits of Manghopir Police Station.

An ASI, Abdul Rasheed Samoon, was shot dead at the Guddu Police Station in Kashmore District.

The Balochistan Levies recovered three dead bodies from Gazba Road area on Chaman bypass in Qilla Abdullah District. The deceased were identified as Hayat Khan, Haji Ata Wali and Mehmood.

The BDU personnel diffused an eight kilogram of IED planted by militants under a bridge at Sarokhel in the limits of Doaba Police Station in Hangu District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

At least 813 Police personnel have lost their lives in terrorist activities in KP since 2007, citing KP Police Department records. The deadliest year was 2009, when 201 Policemen were killed. The report showed that 108 Policemen were killed in 2007, 167 in 2008, 99 in 2012, 142 in 2011, 86 in 2012 and 10 so far this year. Another 1,772 Police personnel have been injured since 2007, according to the records.

The Government is moving to import 10 advanced explosive scanner vehicles. The mobile scanning vans will cost PKR 10 billion (US $101.9m) and will be able to trace explosive materials to prevent terrorism.

At least four persons, including activists of the JUI-F and the MQM, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Qari Abdul Razzaq (40), an activist of the JUI-F, was shot dead at Hussainiya Madressah in Mansoor Nagar.

Armed assailants shot dead an MQM activist, Shafqat (35), in Orangi Town. 

A trader of garments was shot dead near Liberty Chowk of Tariq Road in Ferozeabad area.

The dead body of a man was found near Sattar Kabari Shop of Sonaar Bazaar in Kharadar area within the limits of Kharadar Police Station.

Four persons were injured in two grenade attacks in Laurence Road and Shershah areas. The first attack occurred when armed men lobbed a grenade at Shafee Iron Works on Laurence Road in Naipier Police area. The explosion caused injuries to three workers Naeem, Sikander and Adnan.

 Another hand grenade was lobbed at a petrol pump near Gulbai crossing in Shershah Division. The attack caused injuries to pump manager Peelaj. 

Sindh Police arrested four suspected target killers affiliated with Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen, from Gulbahar and Rizvia Society and recovered weapons from their possession.

Unidentified assailants killed a Shia trader and injured another at a shop in Kochi Bazaar in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Unidentified militants blew up the Government Primary School for Boys at Wanda Zerhan area in the limits of Lakki Police Station in Lakki Marwat District.

A local journalist, identified as Mehmood Ahmed Afridi, President of the Kalat Press Club, was shot dead by unidentified assailants near the main bus stop of Kalat city (Kalat District).

Awais Shiekh, the lawyer of Sarabjit Singh who is on death row in a Pakistani prison, received a death threat from the banned TTP for pursuing the case of the Indian national.

Pakistani authorities issued a list of 109 "most wanted" terrorists, including LeJ militant Mati-ur-Rehman who was accused of involvement in a suicide attack on former premier Shaukat Aziz.

KP Governor Engineer Shaukatullah said 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 TTP leadership.

At least 12 persons, including activists of the MWM and the ASWJ, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Three people affiliated with MWM were gunned down at Sabri chowk under Iqbal Market police Station. The deceased were later identified as Ali Nawaz (25), Ali Husnian (27) and Hashim Hussain.

A man affiliated with ASWJ, Nadeem Mavia (28), was shot dead in Green Town within the limits of Shah Faisal Police Station. 

Three dead bodies were recovered from Musharraf Colony, Hawksbay Road and Mawach Goth areas within the limits of Maripur Police Station.

Another body of man was found form Graveyard in C Area, Liaquatabad within the jurisdiction of Super Market Police Station. 

According to police, unidentified armed pillion riders abducted a man and shot him multiple times and threw the body.

Another dead body of a man was found near Baitul Mukkaram Masjid, Block 16, and Gulshan-e-Iqbal within the jurisdiction of Aziz Bhatti Police Station.

A man was killed near his house in Ayub Mor within the limits of Khawaja Ajmiar Nagri Police Station. The deceased was identified as Ali (32).

52-year-old Mian Sahibzada was killed near a bus stop of intercity bus service in Quaidabad area within the precincts of Quaidabad Police Station.

Two mobile shops were blown up at Mian Mandi Market in the Halemzai tehsil of the Mohmand Agency in the night. Two shops owned by Israr and Adnan were destroyed in the explosion.

At least 48 persons were killed and another 70 were injured in a huge explosion that ripped through a Shia-majority neighbourhood in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Three relatives of Sindh Assembly Deputy Speaker Shehla Raza and several women and children were among the victims. Worshippers were offering Maghribain prayers at an Imambargah (Shia place of worship) in Abbas town when the bomb went off.

Three persons including a Police head constable, a motorway Police officer and a cashier were shot dead by unidentified assailants at a motorway Police kiosk on the Superhighway.

Ten militants were killed in an operation by SFs at Lando Qamar, Arghanjoo and Adamkhel areas of the Orakzai Agency in FATA. Two hideouts of the militants were also destroyed.

Seven militants, a ‘commander’ among them, were killed when PAF jets targeted their hideouts in Sandana and Speen Dhand areas of Sipah area in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency. Independent and official sources said the seven militants belonged to the LI.

SFs had pounded LI positions with heavy artillery in Ghaibi Neeka area of Bara tehsil, injuring a man and a minor girl. The artillery shelling being carried out since March 1 damaged a number of houses and a mosque.

In Shalobar area of Bara, a lieutenant of Mehsud Scouts was injured when unidentified assailants opened fire at him. Security officials said the incident took place during a search operation.

There was no loss of life in a roadside blast in the Mamond tehsil of the Bajaur Agency. Source said that unidentified militants had planted explosive device on the roadside in Damadola which went off without causing any human loss.

During last two months at least 236 Police encounters were held in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh and 53 gangs of criminals were busted, said a report of the performance of Karachi zonal Police.

At least seven persons killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

A person, identified as Asif (27), was shot dead in Sector 89 of Landhi area within the jurisdiction of Sharafi Goth Police Station.

A person identified as Kashan (35), was killed outside his house near Mosmiyat Chowrnagi area within the jurisdiction of Gulistan-e-Jauhar Police Station.

A man Farooq (55) was shot dead in Landhi area within the limits of Landhi Police Station.

A dead body of Ameen (60) was found form Kaghazi Bazaar in Kharadar area within the limits of Kharadar Police Station. .

A body stuffed in a gunny bag was found from Raees Goth area within Maripur Police Station.

Two dead bodies were found form the bushes near Golden Farmhouse in Malir area within the limits of Malir Police Station.

LEA recovered a suicide jacket and hand grenade during a search operation in Domail area of the Bannu District in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Qari Asad Irfan, the District president of ASWJ, and a cadre, Moreed Hussain were arrested in Chakwal area (Chakwal District) and sent to the Jhelum prison.

CJP, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has taken suo motu notice of the March3, 2013 bomb blast in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh that killed at least 48 people and injured 150. The CJP directed the advocate general and the Sindh provincial Police officer to furnish a comprehensive report on the incident.

Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik said that Punjabi Taliban were behind the attack in Abbas town of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. The minister said that the LeJ had its headquarters in Punjab and claimed that the province’s ruling party, the 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.

Activists of JUI-S along with tribal leaders held a protest outside the Peshawar Press Club against increasing drone strikes in Waziristan of FATA. JUI-S leader and former legislator, Ikramullah Shahid said that nine drone attacks occurred during Pervez Musharraf’s regime from 2002 to 2008, whereas 230 drone strikes have been carried out in Waziristan during the current Government’s tenure, killing more than 3,500 innocent people.

At least three persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

 A person, identified as Anwar (25), was killed by unidentified assailants near Christian Colony of Shah Faisal area within the jurisdiction of Shah Faisal Police Station.

A person, identified as Abdul Shakoor (52), was shot dead near his house at Jadoon Chowk within the jurisdiction of Docks Police Station.

A dead body of a 32-year-old man was found under the Natha Khan Bridge.

Two militants threw a hand grenade at a shop of Metroville area in SITE-A Police Limits. As a result, two passers-by sustained minor injuries.

Two militants threw a hand grenade at a Rangers mobile in Mominabad Police Jurisdiction.

Two officials of Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, identified as, Hawaldars Muneer Ahmed Bhutto and Aijaz Ahmed Baloch, performing security duty in Nazimabad area are reportedly missing.

Unidentified militants shot dead a tailor, Ghulam Farid in the Gandaw area of Jhal Magsi District.

Unidentified assailants abducted an ANP member, Malik Sultan Tareen from Bostan area of Pishin District. Tareen, who was elected on PB-22 Harnai area of Sibi District seat of Balochistan Assembly, was former minister for prisons.

Unidentified assailants abducted a man from Bancha area of Kalat District.

SFs arrested 56 Afghan nationals while they were travelling from Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan to Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh without legal documents.

A bomb blast injured a polio lady health worker, identified as Sameea Zaib in the Jamrud Civil Hospital of Jamrud District in Khyber Agency of FATA.

Police defused two IED bombs at Maiamzai area in the vicinity of Matni Police Station in suburbs of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik claimed that four militants, who had suspected been involved in the Abbas town tragedy, were arrested. Out of the four militants, three belong to the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), while one is associated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The Senate passed with majority, the Anti-Terrorism Amendment Bill 2013, which would enable the Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) to take effective action against financiers of terrorism in the country. It now needs to be signed by President Asif Ali Zardari to become law.

 At least six persons, including two activists of MQM were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

An MQM activist, identified as Rashid Khan (35), was killed near his house in Sector 36-B of Landhi area within the precinct of Landhi Police Station.

Bial (29) was killed and another was injured near Sector 29 of Korangi town within the jurisdiction of Sharafi Goth Police Station.

An employee of a garment factory, identified as Qadir Hussain (53), was killed near his house in Sector 48-C of Korangi town within the limits of Zaman Town police station.

A man, identified as Mohammad Ali Bhatti (45), was shot dead near Jauhar Complex within the limits of Sachal Police Station.

The bullet-riddled body of an MQM worker was found from Samu Goth near Malir River within the remit of Memon Goth Police Station.

The dead body of a man was found from Bottle Wali Gali in Kharadar within the jurisdiction of Kharadar Police Station.

Pakistan Rangers conducted a targeted operation at Bhakar Goth situated behind Abbas town and claimed to have arrested at least eight suspected militants, including four Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) men and recovered huge cache of weapons from their possession.

Nine militants were killed in a clash with SFs in Mondan area of Mamozai in upper Orakzai Agency of FATA.

Five soldiers were injured in an IED explosion in Frontier Region (FR) Bannu,.

Separately, one person was injured in a blast in the Jamrud tehsil (revenue unit) of the Khyber Agency.

Unidentified assailants tortured a polio worker in Landikotal town and warned him and others involved in the anti-polio campaign to quit the campaign or be ready to be killed.

The ‘operational commander’ of the TTP, Qari Basit, and an unidentified foreigner were arrested by personnel of intelligence agencies in Kheshgi town of Nowshera District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Senate ‘unanimously’ passed the Twenty-Fourth Constitutional Amendment Bill 2013 to create new province of Junoobi Punjab amid walkout by PML-N. JUI-F did not take part in the proceedings. Law Minister Farooq Naik termed it a historic day while the PML-N branded it a black day in the history of Pakistan.

SC observed that the Sindh Government has failed to protect the lives of the people, which is evident from its indifferent attitude towards the Abbas Town blast victims. The court ordered the removal of the IG Sindh, DIG East, SSP Malir and concerned officers from their respective posts for their failure in preventing the blast and providing assistance to the affected families.

The ANSC has strongly recommended that the ISI should be declared a terrorist entity on March 3. Rehmatullah Nabil, Afghanistan's deputy 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".

At least 12 militants were killed and several others were injured during an operation by the SFs in different areas of Orakzai Agency of FATA.

Four militants were killed and six others were injured in renewed clashes between TTP and AI in Theerak Sangar and Zeerhak Kandaw areas of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency.

At least six persons, including an ANP worker, were killed in separate incidents of target killings in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh on.

A local leader of ANP, identified as Mujahideen Khan Afridi (52), was shot dead, while two passersby were injured near Umer Faooq Mosque.

A labourer, Muhammad Javed (42), was killed in Gulshan-e-Ghazi area of Baldia town.

A person, identified as Aleem Raja (40), was killed outside his home in Khokhrapar area.

Two dead bodies, identified as Maqbool (22) and Iftikhar (24), were found form an abandoned place in Khairabad area near Northern bypass.

A dead body of an abducted man, identified as Abdul Sattar (35), was found from Rexer Lane in Lyari area.

Pakistan Rangers Sindh conducted a targeted operation and hunt-down of killers of two rangers’ personnel in Lyari area and claimed to have arrested at least eight suspected Lyari gang war members from Moosa Lane, Baghdadi, Aat Chowk, Cheel Chawk and Phoolpatti lane.

A person, identified as Haji Luqman, was killed and another was injuried by unidentified assailants on Adalat Raod in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Unidentified armed assailants opened fire in Jam colony of Hub District and killed a person identified as Khuda Bakhsh.

Unidentified militants planted a bomb near Bab-e-Dosti in Chaman District which exploded with a loud bang.

A Government primary school was partially damaged in a blast in Katlang area of Mardan District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

An under-construction building was damaged in a bomb explosion in Nowshera area (Nowshera District). Government Officials said that Police found another bomb there and defused it safely.

Army ‘chief’ Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani conveyed to President Asif Ali Zardari the military’s concerns over the rapidly deteriorating law and order and called for urgent steps to deal with the situation. Soon after a corps commanders’ conference, where the military’s top brass reviewed the internal security situation, the army ‘chief’ met President Zardari to communicate the disquiet among his commanders about the security situation spiralling out of control.

At least 20 militants and a volunteer of peace Lashkar TI were killed in a joint operation carried out by SFs and Zakhakhel tribal Lashkar against the banned LI in various areas of the Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. Three hideouts of militants were also destroyed in the military offensive.

Five militants of TTP and three from AI were killed in clashes in Khwajalee Tambu area of Tirah valley.

Three persons were shot dead and another was injured by unidentified assailants in Garigal village of Mamond tehsil in Bajaur Agency.

At least two persons, including an activist of MQM were killed in separate acts of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh

An activist of MQM, identified as Irshad (33), was killed inside his shop situated at Sector 5J of New Karachi within the precincts of Korangi Industrial Area Police Station.

A man, identified as Waqar Naseem (43), was killed near Faiuji Fertilizer hospital of Shah Faisal Colony within the limits of Shah Fasial Police Station.

FC personnel recovered a huge cache of weapons and explosives during a search operation in Dashat area of Mastung District. FC officials told that seven suspected militants had been taken into custody.

The Lowe House of parliament, National Assembly passed a key legislation to establish The National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA) to integrate and synergies the anti-terrorism and counter-extremism efforts in the country. The Bill notes that the establishment of this authority is necessary in view of nature and magnitude of terrorists’ threat, and it would present strategic policy options to the Government for consideration and implementation by the stakeholders after scientifically studying the phenomenon of extremism and terrorism in historic and professional perspective. NACTA will play a pivotal role in coordinating with the entire LEA in taking effective actions against those who carry out acts of terrorism and extremism. It will also prepare a comprehensive national counter-terrorism and counter-extremism strategies.  

At least six people were killed and 30 others injured in a remote-controlled blast inside Jamia Hanfia Chishtia Mosque in Meena Bazaar of Peshawar, Provincial Capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Hundreds of angry protesters turned into arsonists, attacking around 160 houses and 80 shops of Christians just a day after allegations of blasphemy were leveled against a man in a predominantly Christian colony of the Badami Bagh area of Lahore (Lahore District), the provincial capital of Punjab.

At least five persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

A person, identified as Muhammad Mushtaq (34), was killed near Hill Park area within the limits of Mehmodabad Police Station.

Two dead bodies were found from bushes near Steel town within the jurisdiction of Steel town Police Station. The victims were identified as Abdul Rehman (40) and Zahid Hussain (35).

Two dead bodies were found from Manghopir area within the limits of Manghopir Police Station. The victims were identified as Omer Daraz and Kashif.

A US drone strike killed two suspected militants in Degan village of Dattakhel tehsil of North Waziristan Agency of FATA.

A ten-year-old boy was killed and another was injured in a blast at the Asrafkhel link road in Landikotal town of Khyber Agency. During the site inspection, another bomb that was planted near the blast site was recovered and was disposed off by the BDS, sources said. A massive search operation was launched in the area and twenty suspected tribesmen were arrested and sent to the cantonment for interrogation, according to sources.

Two persons were injured when a pickup truck was targeted with an explosive device planted by unidentified militants on roadside near Parao Chinar in lower Kurram Agency.

Hundreds of Christians protesting the burning of their homes by a Muslim mob over alleged blasphemous remarks made against the Islam's Prophet Muhammad clashed with Police in eastern and southern Pakistan. Around 150 people arrested for setting dozens of Christian houses on fire in Lahore (Lahore District), the provincial capital of Punjab after a non-Muslim was accused of making offensive comments about the prophet, Police said. Christians across the country rallied against the incident, but the main demonstrations were in Lahore, the southern port city of Karachi, the capital, Islamabad, and the adjoining city of Rawalpindi. Police said that the protesters damaged several vehicles, uprooted a fence along the road and burned an electricity generator. Seven Policemen were injured when the protesters pelted them with stones, he added. The Police, who used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd, arrested six protesters.

Sindh IG Police, Ghulam Shabbir Shaikh finalised an urgent security plan for all churches, missionary schools and Christian residential colonies in the province.

Three soldiers, including an officer, were killed in a roadside blast in Dogar area of Kurram Agency in FATA.

Two Persons, a father and son were killed, while a dozen were injured when a remote controlled IED went off in Khurramabad, within Landhi Police Station of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Five persons were abducted at gunpoint from Turbat town of Kech District.

The ATC, Judge Irfan Saeed granted four-day physical remand of 14 nominated accused involved in the Joseph Colony arson attack.

Meanwhile, the same court sent 21 accused, involved in the same attack, on judicial remand for their identification parade.

The 'chief' operational commander of the al Qaeda linked Punjabi 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.

The TTP 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. 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".

Nine persons, including three Policemen, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Two Policemen, identified as Javed and Imran, were shot dead at Defence Garden of Phase 2 Defence Housing Authority (DHA) area within the jurisdiction of Defence Police Station.

An activist of MQM, identified as Ejaz Hussain Jaffery (39), was killed at Nazimabad area.

An MQM activist, identified as Shafqat Ali, was shot dead in Landhi Police Remits.

A SI Abid Hussain was killed near the Anu Bahi Park of Nazimabad area within the Nazimabad Police Remits.

Mohammed Asghar (22) was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Darul Aloom of Korangi in the Sharafi Goth area.

The dead body of Muhammad Asghar (25) was found from Link Road Sharafi Goth, reports Daily Times.

The dead bodies of two unidentified men were found near Malir Naddi in Beli Bagh.

A blast damaged a van parked outside a filling station at the main University road of Karachi. However, no casualties were reported after the blast occurred.

At least 31 suspects, including alleged members of a banned outfit involved in Landhi bomb blast (March 11), have been arrested during separate targeted operations and raids carried out by LEA in different areas of the Karachi. Rangers' sources said that TTP militants were also included among those arrested.

Quetta District Election Commissioner Ziaullah Qasmi was killed by unidentified assailants in Chandni Chowk area of Quetta (Quetta District), the Provincial capital of Balochistan.

Dead bodies of two persons, identified as Baz Khan and Sikandar, were found in the Machh District. A banned outfit operating in Balochistan claimed the responsibility for the killing, on a piece of paper found near one of the bodies.

Three persons including a man and his son were killed and 19 people, two of them Policemen, were injured as a bomb triggered by a remote control exploded in Bannu bazaar (Bannu District).

A Bomb Disposal officer was killed on the outskirts of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while defusing a roadside bomb.

Six persons were injured in a blast just 60 metres from the home of Mian Iftikhar Hussain, the information minister for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pabbi town.

Several tribal families have crossed over into Afghanistan owing to excessive artillery shelling by the SFs and aerial bombing in parts of Tirah valley of Khyber Agency in FATA.Source said that the people, who were migrating to Afghanistan from Tirah, belonged to Sipah, Malikdinkhel, Akkakhel, Qambarkhel and Kukikhel areas of Khyber Agency.

Pakistan Rangers, Sindh claimed to have arrested at least 896 suspects, 104 target killers and 39 extortionists and recovered over 782 weapons from their possession from January till March 12, 2013.

16 militants were killed and 12 others were injured in fresh clashes between TTP and AI in Maidan area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency of FATA, tribal sources said.

The Director of the Orangi Pilot Project, Parveen Rehman, 56, was shot dead near the Banaras Bridge in the Peerabad Police Remits of Karachi (Karachi Districts), the provincial capital of Sindh.

One Mohammad Abid Baloch was killed near Madina Bakery at Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Road in Kalri Police Limits in the afternoon. The Station House officer Chand Khan Niazi said that two groups of Lyari gang war were exchanging fire when Abid Baloch was caught in the crossfire and died.

In Awami Colony area, one Noorul Islam was shot dead near Darul Uloom in Korangi. Police said that the murder seems to be a part of target killing.

The body of one Iqbal, stuffed in a gunny bag and bearing torture marks, was found lying on the main road in Soldier Bazaar No-2 area.

The bullet-riddled body of another man was found from Chawala Market in Rizvia Police Limits.

Bullet-riddled body was found from Kagzi Bazaar in Kharadar area. The dead was reportedly abducted and later tortured to death.

The body of a teenaged boy Mohammed Hassan (14) was recovered from bushes near Railway Store in Civil Lines Police Limits. He was of Afghan origin.

Three TTP Hakimullah Mehsud group militants were arrested along with a huge cache of weapons, said the CID. The militants worked in Karachi under Shehzad Rehman Mehsud's command. The accused were involved in extortion, kidnappings for ransom and target killings, and were assigned targets by Shehzad Mehsud. The extortion and ransom money was sent to their 'commander' Jiyaad Yaar in Waziristan (FATA). The accused admitted that they were going to carry out a suicide attack in Karachi, for which they were awaiting Jiyaad Yaar to specify a target.

Unidentified gunmen abducted two women tourists, from the Czech Republic, in Chaghi District, officials said, Local government officials said the women entered the province from Iran as tourists and were abducted from an area some 550 kilometres west of Quetta, the provincial town of Balochistan.

Four people were abducted in Mand area of Turbat District, Levies sources said.

Police arrested around a dozen children, some as young as 10, suspected of being used to plant bombs for separatist militants, officers said. The arrests were made in raids over the past 24 hours, Quetta Police Chief Mir Zubair Mahmood said while presenting the children at a news conference in Quetta. A member of the Baloch militant organisation, United Baloch Army, Abdul Nabi Bungulzai had lured the children, who came from poor families, to leave packages containing home-made bombs in markets, dustbins and on routes used by police and security forces, Mahmood added.

The Supreme Court observed that the Punjab Police failed to protect the lives and properties of the inhabitants of Joseph Colony in Lahore, the capital city of Punjab. Hearing the suo moto case of the burning of Christian houses at Joseph Colony in Badami Bagh area of Lahore, the court in its interim order ruled that Inspector General Police Punjab had failed in providing security to 220 homes.

The preliminary report of fact-finding mission of HRCP to the Joseph Colony in Badami Bagh has held the Police and the provincial administration squarely responsible for the horrible affair.

The Senate unanimously passed the Anti-Terrorism (Second Amendment) Bill 2013. The second amendment bill, which aims to counter terrorism, is an enhanced and rigorous version of the one passed by the National Assembly earlier. Some of the key features showed that the bill envisages dealing more strictly with the elements posing danger to national security.

Twenty militants were killed and another 20 injured as fighting between the TTP and AI outfit continued in the Qambarkhel area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA.

Three Persons were killed and six others were injured in an explosion in the Landhi area of New Muzaffarabad Colony within the Quaidabad Police Station.

A JI activist was killed and two others were injured in North Karachi within the limit of Surjani town Police Station.

One Irshad (40), an activist of MQM, was killed near the Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation Centre in Babar Market.

Nadeem (36), an activist of SeM, was killed while another was injured in Sector 7-D within the Surjani Police Station.

The dead body of one Muhammad Nazeer (27) was found near a telephone exchange on Hashim Raza Zaidi Road of Malir town.

A dead body packed in gunny bag was found near Madras society in Sachal area.

Dead bodies of two brothers Abdullah (29) and Wahid (24) were discovered from Malir River in the jurisdiction of Khokhrapar Police Station.

Police shot dead a militant 'commander' suspected over the killing of a prominent woman development worker Parveen Rehman (56).

Police arrested another six TTP militants from Karachi and seized heavy explosives and weapons. "Those arrested included Bashir Ullah, who was a mastermind of the deadly bombing in Abbas Town neighbourhood," senior Police official Shahid Hayat said.

Pakistan Rangers Sindh claimed to have arrested 27 suspects, including members of banned outfits, and recovered weapons form their possession from Mehran town, Korangi, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Jamshed Quarter areas. According to Rangers sources, three alleged cadres of the LeJ and TTP were among the detainees.

Sindh Police said 156 officials and personnel of Karachi Police were killed during encounters with criminals and terrorists' attacks beginning January 2012 to date. The victims were one SP, one DSP, four inspectors, 14 SI, 21 ASI, 24 head constables and 91 constables. The report also shows that 37 Police officers and personnel were killed and 85 others injured in Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur and Larkana during the same year.

Two ethnic Punjabis were shot dead by unidentified assailants at Qandeel Chowk in Gwadar city (Gwadar District).

Hundreds of men, women and elderly people staged a strong protest demonstration outside the Quetta Press Club of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan, against the arrest of 11 children being portrayed as paid workers of banned outfit UBA by the LEA.

The National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution against the February 9, 2013, hanging of Afzal Guru (in New Delhi's Tihar Jail), convicted in December 13, 2001, attack on Indian Parliament and called upon the UN and the international community to help Kashmiris and get their right to self-determination.The resolution demanded that the body of Afzal Guru be handed over to his family members for proper burial and also called upon the Indian Government to lift the curfew in Jammu and Kashmir.

Nawab Aslam Raisani led coalition government now stands restored in Balochistan as a two-month term of Governor Rule imposed in the province expired at 12:00am. According to sources, Governor Balochistan, Nawab Zulfiqar Magsi, has held a meeting with the Aslam Raisani to hash over the situation after the end of Governor Rule and the reinstatement of his government.

Three persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

A person, identified as Akram (53), a vegetable vendor, was killed by unidentified assailants inside his shop situated in Landhi area.

A dead body of a man, identified as Muhammad Waseem (26), was found near Naad-e-Ali bus stop of Malir town.

An unidentified body of a man was recovered from a metal box at platform no 7/8 Cantonment Station.

Pakistan Rangers claimed to have arrested about three dozen suspects including cadres of TTP and alleged target killer in separate raids in the Karachi. They also claimed to have recovered a torture cell from Yousuf Goth, an area of Baldia town.

A tower of a cellular company was partially damaged in the blast in Togh Sarai area of Hangu District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The BDU defused an improvised explosive device in a crowded bazaar near Lakki Gate in Bannu town of same District.

An ATC sent 13 suspects nominated in the Badami Bagh tragedy to jail on a 14-day judicial remand.

Three British Muslims, including a convert to Islam pleaded guilty in court to travelling to Pakistan for terror training. Richard Dart (29), Imran Mahmood (21) and Jahangir Alom (26), appeared by video-link before a judge at the Old Bailey's central criminal court in London of England.

A security guard working at a private bus terminal in the jurisdiction of Pirwadhai Police Station in Rawalpindi in the province of Punjab has been shot dead.

At least five security personnel were severely injured in a remote-controlled blast in the Miranshah area of North Waziristan in FATA.

Seven persons, including three MQM activists and two Policemen were killed in separate incidents in Sindh province.

Three activist of the MQM were shot dead and another was injured by unidentified assailants on a sector office of MQM in SITE area of Hyderabad city (Hyderabad District).

Two Policemen, identified as Constables Raja Khan (32) and Zoheb Khan (27) were killed in the SITE area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Abdul Ghafoor (35) was killed in New Sabzi Mandi on the Super Highway.

A dead body, identified as Kamran, was found under the Miran Naka Bridge in Shershah area.

The key suspect of the murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl, Qari Abdul Hayye alias Asadullah, a former chief of Sindh chapter of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), was arrested in a covert operation by Rangers from Mobina town.

Unidentified motorcycle bourne assailants shot dead two Afghan nationals in the limits of Shabqadar Police Station in Charsadda town of same District in KP.

Meanwhile, four CD shops were damaged in a suspected militant attack in Matani area on the outskirts of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP.

Suspected militants blew up a gas pipeline near Goth Peeru Bugti area of Jaffarabad District.

LEA arrested 26 Afghan nationals under foreign act in Nokundi area of Chagai District.

Ten militants were killed and six others injured when jetfighters pounded their hideouts in Chappar area of Mamozai tehsil in Orakzai Agency of FATA.

Unidentified militants bombed two Government primary schools in Safi tehsil of Mohmand Agency.

Seven persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Principal of a college, a campaigner of sectarian harmony, Prof Sibt-e-Jafar Zaidi, was shot dead. The killing came as a shock to the Shia community, his students and educationists.

A soldier, identified as Imran Ali (30), was shot dead near Frontier Mor within the remits of the Orangi town Police Station.

Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Zakir Hussain was shot dead by unidentified assailants near the PNS Shifa hospital of Pak Jamhooria Colony area.

Shahrukh (22), owner of a tyre puncture shop, was in the Ghas Mandi area.

Owner of a tyre puncture shop, identified as Mohammad Danish was shot dead near Baloch Hotel in the Liaquatabad area.

A dead body was found near Jungle School in Machhar Colony. The victim was identified as Zeeshan aka Moon, a fish seller and resident of Machhar Colony.

A suspected cadre of the TTP was killed and other was arrested in "a Police encounter" in the Manghopir area.

A Policeman and three civilians were killed and 49 persons, including a woman additional district and session's judge, were injured in a suicide attack in a judicial complex in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Two suicide bombers entered the complex and one of them blew himself up in the courtroom of Additional District and Sessions Judge Kalsoom Zaman while the second was gunned down by police. TTP 'spokesman' Ehsanullah Ehsan said it was in revenge "for the failure of the country's judiciary to defend jailed Pakistani scientist Dr Aafia Siddiqui" in the US.

An unidentified assailant shot dead a Shia lawyer and injured his assistant seriously on Dalazak Road in Peshawar.

Meanwhile, a cell-phone shop was blown up in Karbogha Sharif of Doaba area in Hangu District.

A bomb exploded near Levies Force office in Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District. No loss of life was reported.

Unidentified assailants abducted a man, identified as Gohar Khan from Sui area of Dera Bugti District.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has become the first province in the country to set up a Strategy and Analysis Wing (SAW) with an aim to coordinate efforts at combating crime and terrorism, analysing data and making use of digital and internet data to achieve its objectives.

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. TTP 'spokesperson' further demanded that the people not participate in the public gatherings and rallies of the PPP, MQM and ANP, claiming both of these parties are on the TTP's (hit) list.

The Senate Standing Committee on National Harmony asked the Government to arrest those involved in the Badami Bagh incident on March 9, 2013, in which about 200 houses of Christian community were set on fire.

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.

Forty six militants, including an Uzbek 'commander', were killed in twin suicide attacks on the TTP in the headquarters of the AI in Bagh area of Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA.

TTP and LI occupied the Maidan area, the stronghold of pro-Government AI, in Tirah Valley.

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.

One security personnel suffered injuries when militants attacked a checkpost in Sadiqabad area in Bajaur Agency.

Nine persons, including Doctor and Army soldier were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Assistant professor of medicine in Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Dr Asad Usman, was killed along with his guard near Matric Board Office within the precincts of Nazimabad Police Station.

Two persons identified as Ejaz (25) and Shafi alias Bhaiya (30), were killed and one Yaseen Hussain was injured by unidentified assailants in Al Badar society.

Malik Iftikhar (43) was killed inside his house of Shah Faisal area within the precincts of Shah Faisal Police Station.

A surveyor of Pak Arab refinery, identified as Mansoor Zaki (42), was killed near Malir Naddi of Sharafi Goth Police Station.

The educationist, writer, scholar and lawyer Sibt-e-Jaffer, who was shot dead on March 18, 2013, was laid to rest at Wadi-e-Hussain after his funeral prayers at Ancholi Imambargah. When procession reached Rashid Minhas Road and University Road, some participants opened indiscriminate firing on passersby resulting in the death of Akram Masih and Hidayatullah.

Some unidentified persons attacked the Police vehicle deployed for the procession route security in Ancholi, and snatched a sub-machinegun from the Police constable.

A planted bomb went off in a vehicle near Saifi College situated in Block H and S, North Nazimabad area, claiming the life of deputy general manager of KESC along with injuring three passers-by.

A person, identified as Abdul Manan, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Shahwani Mohala in New Sariab area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

A person was killed by unidentified assailants who later dumped his body in open fields in Rojan Jamali area of Jaffarabad District.

A man was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Dhadar area of Kachi District.

Unidentified assailants killed a soldier of FC, Qadir Khan, and injured two Policemen in Shabqadar area of Charsadda town of same District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Unidentified militants targeted the residence of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly member Babar Khan in the Shabqadar area. A militant-planted bomb exploded overnight outside the house of the Qaumi Watan Party-affiliated provincial MP. He was at home at the time but no casualties were reported.

Two IEDs planted near the main gate of a private se school went off with a bang in Batgram area. As a result the gate and boundary wall of the school were destroyed while other parts of the school were partially damaged.

SFs launched a massive search in the rural Peshawar and adjacent semi-tribal area a day after the suicide attack on the Judicial Complex in the provincial capital. Dozens of suspects were arrested during the drive and shifted to an unknown place.

At least nine persons, including two MQM activists were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

A person, identified as Faisal (29), an active worker of MQM, was shot dead by unidentified assailants outside his shop on Ramswami Road.

A MQM activist, identified as Farasat Mirza (35), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Gulbahar area.

A Shia man, identified as Imran Haider Naqvi (25), was shot dead near Hyderi Imambargah of Lasbela area.

A Police informer Noor Muhammad (45) was killed on Mirza Adam Khan Road in Lyari area.

A person, identified as Khaild (27), was shot dead near his house in sector 7-A of Sarjani town.

Pakistan Rangers Sindh conducted a raid in Musharraf Colony and arrested 15 suspected militants. Police said that 34 weapons of different calibres were recovered including SMGs, rifles, shotguns, pistols and ammunition.

SFs arrested about 60 suspects in connection with the March 18, 2013, suicide attack on judicial complex in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Police recovered weapons and drugs from a truck at a check post on Hangu Road of same District. The seizure included 25 Kalashnikovs and 125 chargers, two shot guns and three rifles besides nine kilograms of hashish and opium.

Submitting a progress report regarding the missing persons, DIG CID Balochistan told the Supreme Court that six army officers are involved in the abduction of missing persons in Balochistan.

Police recovered 10 bags of 1698 dynamite bombs loaded on a truck and arrested the smugglers on Grand Trunk road near Khairabad Chowk in Khairabad town of Mianwali District.

At least 17 persons were killed and 34 others injured in a car bomb explosion in the Jalozai camp for IDPs in Nowshera District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Two young girls were killed when an explosive device, they were playing with, went off in a house in Sakhakot area of Malakand District.

SFs arrested at least 11 suspects and recovered explosives and other items used in bomb making during a search operation in Safi tehsil of Mohmand Agency of FATA. SFs recovered at least 100 kilograms of explosives and other item used in bomb making.

A cracker blast damaged the railway track near Bin Qasim area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Police arrested three alleged terrorists of TTP and LeJ after a brief shootout at Manghopir Road in Karachi.

Meanwhile, a report submitted to Supreme Court said that around 208 target killers and 238 extortionists belonging to political parties and banned outfits were arrested from Karachi.

Police and Rangers invited the ire of the Supreme Court by submitting contradictory statements about 'no-go areas' in Lyari. While Rangers' claim that there was no no-go area in Lyari, the DIG Shahid Hayat submitted that Police and Rangers could not enter the crime-infested locality despite all efforts. The court, which was hearing the case relating to implementation of its judgment, also expressed concern and annoyance over reports about the killing of alleged gangster Arshad Pappu and others and mutilation of their bodies in Lyari by their rivals.

Police foiled a bid to blow up a railway bridge on the Quetta-Sibi railway track near Link Badini area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Responding to stinging criticism worldwide, the White House is working to shift control of the Central Intelligence Agency's lethal drone programme to the military, The Wall Street Journal said. The move on the drone programme that redefines the widely contested campaign that targets suspected terrorists in countries like Pakistan and Yemen was corroborated by the US officials. A United Nations investigator declared after a secret research trip to the country that the attacks violated Pakistan's sovereignty.

Four militants were killed when US drone fired two missiles on a house in Dattakhel tehsil of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

Ten persons, including two children, were killed and 37 others were injured when a bomb planted on a motorcycle-rickshaw went off at a crowded bazaar in Dera Allahyar town in the Jaffarabad District.

A gas pipeline was blown up near Go-pat area in the Dera Bugti District. The banned BRA group claimed responsibility for the attack.

FC IG, Major General Obaidullah Khan Khatak, said that concrete measures put in place by the Government and LEA has resulted in the reduction of militancy in Balochistan.

Two activists of the MQM were shot dead in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

An MQM activist, identified as Muhammad Ibrar (33), was killed by unidentified assailants near Rehmat Chowk in Orangi town.

An MQM activist, Muhammad Ismail (25), was killed by unidentified assailants in New Karachi area.

Fifteen suspected gangsters wanted by the Police in a number of target killing and extortion cases were arrested by Rangers in a raid in Mehmodabad area in the wee hours. During the search of their hideout, the Rangers also recovered 25 weapons, including Kalashnikovs, sub-machine guns, repeaters, MP-5, pistols, silencers, Police uniforms and a large quantity of ammunition. Sources said that during the search operation, the Rangers arrested a policeman who was present at the hideout of militants.

A Police team of South Range raided the Lyari town and arrested 20 suspects, including some wanted criminals and also recovered arms from their possession. Police also recovered weapons from their possession.

An armed clash left a militant killed and a security man injured in Dro Adda area of Akkakhel in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. Officials said that SFs clashed with a group of militants when the latter attacked a security checkpost in Dro Adda area. In the firing exchange, a militant was killed and a soldier received injuries.

Unidentified militants blew up a Government school in Meeri Khel area of Akkakhel. Official sources said that militants blew up the girl's school in Misri chowk by planting a huge quantity of explosives inside the building.

Unidentified persons opened fire on a NATO container at Wazir Dhand locality of Jamrud tehsil. Local officials said that a cleaner of the vehicle received minor injuries in the attack.

Prospective candidates of political parties in Hangu District have so far restricted their election meetings to hujras, while some of them have been demanding that elections should be held under the supervision of Army in this volatile District due to threat of TTP attacks.

Pakistani prosecutors approached a court seeking voice samples of seven men, including LeT commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, charged with involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Special prosecutor, Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali of the FIA filed an application that was admitted for regular hearing by the Islamabad High Court on March 21. A two-judge bench issued notices to the seven suspects, asking them to respond to the FIA's application seeking their voice samples.

A suicide bomber rammed a water tanker bomb at a military check post, killing 17 SFs, one civilian and injured 25 others near Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan Agency, in FATA.

SFs arrested 13 suspects and recovered huge cache of arms and ammunition during a search operation in Mohmand area of Mohmand Agency.

The TTP has set up a special death squad to target former President General (retd) Pervez Musharraf upon his arrival, who is expected to land in Karachi on March 24, says a militant video released on March 23. The TTP has also called upon the Baloch insurgents to join hands with the militant outfit to wage a joint-war for implementing Shariah laws in the country.

A shop owner, identified as Mohammed Luqman (40), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Gujjar Chowk area of Manzoor Colony in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. In the meantime, a mobile van of Baloch Colony Police Station spotted the fleeing suspects and challenged them. Upon seeing the Police, the suspects opened fire and an encounter ensued following which one of the gunmen was arrested in injured condition, while his accomplice fled from the scene.

Personnel of the Sindh Rangers raided the Northern Bypass area in Manghopir and recovered a prepared suicide Jacket, three detonator cords, 16 detonator fuses and a magazine of a 9mm pistol, while some suspected terrorists escaped the paramilitary force.

Personnel of the Sindh Police Department raided the Banaras area and arrested two cadres of TTP.

A Levies official, identified as Ishaq, was killed by unidentified assailants in Gwadar city of same District.

An explosive device went off near the house of former MPA Babar Ali Mohmand in Shabqadar tehsil of Charsadda District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Four persons, including two Police constables killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Police constable Ghulam Nabi Baloch was killed by unidentified assailants in Sultanabad area of Manghopir.

Police constable Nadir Ali was killed by unidentified assailants in Bilal Colony of Korangi industrial area.

A businessman, identified as Ali Akber (40), was shot dead near Cable Chowrangi in SITE-B area.

A businessman, identified as Kamran, was abducted from Jodia Bazar. The abductors initially demanded PKR five million as ransom. The family waited for the abductors to call them again for fixing a collection point, but they never did. Instead, the Sharea Noor Jehan Police called them and informed them about recovering Kamran’s body from inside his car parked in Block L of North Nazimabad. 

LEA, Sindh Rangers and Police - conducted targeted raids in several areas of the Karachi and arrested 65 suspects along with recovering huge cache of weapons.

Two security personnel were killed in a remote-controlled blast in Damadola area of Mamond tehsil in Bajaur Agency of FATA.

More than fifty thousand families have migrated from the Tirah Valley. The Tirah Valley has now become an abode of TTP and LI after they have jointly pushed out the armed fighters affiliated with AI, which is led by Mehboobul Haq.

The candidates for a National Assembly seat in Bara have demanded of the authorities to postpone the upcoming general elections in NA-46 constituency owing to threats from a militant outfit and inability of political administration to devise a foolproof security plan for electioneering.

The Jalozai refugee camp administration has chalked out a new security plan with the help of the DPO for the safety of internally displaced persons (IDPs). The plan includes setting up three security barriers and deploying more police personnel. The UNHCR postponed the registration of IDPs from Tirah Valley at the camp on March 22 following a deadly blast that killed at least 17 people, including a female social worker, and injured 28 others.

The Supreme Court has sought complete report from the FATA secretary regarding the losses of human lives due to terrorist attacks in FATA and PATA since April 12, 2008 to date.

A low intensity bomb exploded outside the office of a local advertisement company on Dorra Road within the jurisdiction of Banamari Police Station in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The SSGC 18-inch IRBP that had been attacked on March 16 and 22 was blown up for the third time at around 10.30pm at the same point in the Pat Feeder area of Dera Bugti District.

SFs arrested nine militants for their suspected involvement in abducting for ransom activities and destroyed six hideouts during a search operation in various areas of the Sibi District.Police said eight motorcycles, a double-barrel gun and one binocular were seized during the action.

Akhtar Mengal, the leader of the BNP-M landed in Karachi amid pressure from Baloch militants and exiled nationalists, calling on him to boycott the 2013 elections. The warning came as election campaigning kicked-off in Balochistan. Dr Allah Nazar Baloch, commander of BLF warned all the politicians to boycott the elections arguing that “elections are to suppress the voice and demands of Baloch people and nothing else.”

Meanwhile, BLA and other militant groups have threatened to launch a fresh wave of violence during the run-off to the general elections and have urged voters to boycott the poll in Balochistan.

Two persons were killed in separate incidents of firing in Khuzdar and Jaffarabad Districts of Balochistan.

Unidentified armed assailants fired at a shop located on Sardar Munir Mengal Road of Khuzdar and killed Abdul Ghaffar.

A person was shot dead in Usta Muhammad town of Jaffarabad district.

Security Forces killed four Afghan-based militants as the troops repulsed a cross border attack on a security check-point in Nawagal tehsil.

A senior Federal Government official was shot dead, in what Police said was an incident of sectarian killing in the Gulbahar area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Unidentified gunmen opened fire on a WAPDA vehicle carrying Town-2 SDO Khawaja Imran in the Gulbahar area,” a Police official said. Gulbahar Police said the WAPDA official was targeted because he belonged to Shia sect.

Separately, a tribesman was shot dead and a taxi driver injured in an attack at Dabgari area.

Two persons were injured in an explosion near Yunus Park in Peshawar. The blast reportedly took place outside an arms dealer shop. The building above the arms dealer’s shop, houses the Peoples Labour office for Peshawar, an office affiliated with the PPP.

A small intensity explosive device went off near the house of PPP leader Akbar Khan Mohmand on Shami Road. Police said that no one had been injured and only a section of the wall had been damaged.

A leader of the STP, Qambar Shahdadkot District President Abdul Aziz Mastoi, was killed in a firing attack in the limits of City Police Station of Qambar Shahdadkot.

Pakistani Rangers arrested numerous suspected Lyari gang war participants during operations in Karachi on two consecutive date of March 26-27. Authorities arrested 30 suspects in raids in the Usmanabad, Jumma Goth, Malir, Kharadar, Khadda Market, Old Golimar, Hazara Colony and Sabzi Mandi areas.

Unidentified militants blew up a filling station in Sadda Bazaar of Kurram Agency in FATA. The sources said unidentified militants placed a bag near the manager’s room at the filling station owned by Gul Manan in Sadda Bazaar.

The political administration in Landi Kotal of Khyber Agency has imposed a ban on display of arms and use of indecent language during the election campaign. The decision was taken during a meeting in Landi Kotal that was attended by all the candidates contesting elections from NA-45 constituency of Khyber Agency and Assistant Political Agent Dr Azmat Wazir.

The City Police foiled a massive terrorism plan in Balochistan and seized a truck full of explosives during a search operation at Nawabi Gate near Kuchlak in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Militants have killed more than 49,000 of their countrymen since 9/11, the SC of Pakistan learned. Militants at one point held 24% of the FATA and 37% of Swat (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), but effective military operations restored the Government's writ, Raja Irshad, a lawyer for the Security Forces, told a three-member SC bench. The bench was hearing a petition challenging the Actions (in Aid of Civil Power) Regulation, 2011.

More than 9000 persons including military, paramilitary and Police officials along with members of Government-backed tribal Aman Lashkars (peace militia) have been killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA during the last five years.  The report said that a total of 235 suicide attacks, 9,257 rocket attacks and 4,256 bomb explosions have taken place in KP and FATA since 2008.

Among the fatalities, 5,152 were civilians, 1,489 army officials, 675 Frontier Corps, while 1,717 belonged to the Police force. In targeted attacks, 243 people belonging to Lashkars were killed and 275 were injured, while 995 schools and 35 colleges were also destroyed in the last five years. The agencies’ report cited 475 major and 135 small raids while 6000 search operations by the security forces in which, it said, 3,051 militants were killed. Militancy in the region was at its peak during 2007 and 2008. However, actions taken by the law enforcement agencies had restrained the militants’ strength, it added.

The Federal Ministry of Interior warned of a massive terrorist threat in the coming elections. A presentation made during a meeting between officials of the Ministry and ECP to discuss security issues revealed that the Jundallah, in coordination with LeJ and TTP, was planning to carry out large-scale terrorist attacks in Balochistan, with Nushki and Quetta as their particular targets.

A participant of the meeting said that the meeting had been informed that the BRA was also planning to carry out attacks by 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.

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.

Nobody was held responsible for the operation of Lal Masjid as the commission submitted its report to the Supreme Court. Over 200 people recorded their statements before the Lal Masjid Commission.

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. He revealed that threat to Britain from Pakistan-based militant groups comes not only from al Qaida but lots of groups including TTP, Lashkar-e-Toiba and banned militant organisations inducing from “some settled areas of Karachi”.

As many as 633 missing persons, including 279 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, remain to be traced, according to a report submitted in the Supreme Court. Of the remaining missing persons, 148 are from Punjab, while 100 are from Sindh, 48 from Balochistan, 26 from FATA, 20 from Islamabad Capital Territory, 11 from Azad Kashmir and one from Gilgit Baltistan. The commission also reported that it was handed over 138 cases of missing persons in December 2010 and, so far, it has received 873 new cases of missing persons from all over the country. The total number of cases they have handled thus far is 1,011. Out of these, the commission has traced 316 persons and deleted 47 names from the list, due to lack of details. Another 15 names were omitted because of other reasons.

A remote-controlled bomb killing two security personnel patrolling Damadola village of Bajaur Agency, near the border with Afghanistan.

The political administration along with the jirga members destroyed the houses of four militants in the Halemzai tehsil of the Mohmand Agency.

Four persons, including an MQM worker, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

 An MQM activist, Muhammad Hanif alias Gaddafi alias Puppy, was killed by unidentified assailants in Mirchi Gali of Jodia Bazar area.

Saleem Memon (50), a clerk in the Sindh Food Department, was killed in Kaghazi Bazar of Kharadar area.

A dead body was recovered from Essa Nagri area.

A dead body was recovered from the Northern Bypass of Surjani town.

Two Police officers posted in Lyari area were dismissed from service for their relations with criminal elements. Inspector Javed Baloch and SI Chand Niazi posted at the Chakiwara and the Kalri Police stations respectively had been put under suspension after the killing of ‘gangster’ Arshad Pappu on March 17, 2013.

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.

A person, identified as Muhammad Azeem, was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Sariab area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

LEA arrested 160 Afghan nationals under the Foreigners Act in Nokundi area of Chaghai District.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a senior lawyer, identified as Chaudhry Aslam of the Supreme Court, near Fauji Foundation Hospital of Rawalpindi.

Police neutralised three IEDs in the limits of Matani and Badaber Police Stations in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

BDS foiled a terrorist attempt and defused a 5-kg bomb placed beneath a bridge on Dera Ismail Khan Road of same District.

12 persons, including four security personnel, were killed and 35 others were injured in a suicide bomber attacked on the vehicle of Commandant of Frontier Constabulary in the province Abdul Majeed Marwat in the high-security cantonment area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.TTP spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan made phone calls to media offices in Peshawar to accept responsibility for the attack. “We targeted the FC (commandant) for operations against the Taliban and tribal people.”

Twelve militants were killed during operation by the SFs in Mamoonzai area of Orakzai Agency in FATA. Three militants’ hideouts have also been destroyed in the shelling.

Four soldiers were injuried in a roadside blast in Sheedano Dhand area of lower Kurram Agency.

11 persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Two Karachi Metropolitan Corporation city wardens were killed and another was injured in an attack near the Matric Board office in North Nazimabad.

A trader, identified as Maulana Zafar (50), was shot dead by unidentified assailants at Kareem Centre in Preedy area.

Sub-Inspector Manzoor Elahi (45) was shot dead on Mauripur Road, near Shenwari Hotel in Kalri area.

An activist of a Sindhi nationalist party, identified as Abdul Hameed alias Sindhi Baba (50), was killed near Mudassir Masjid in Mehran town of Korangi Industrial area.

A Hindu man, identified as Mohan Lal (25), was shot dead at Sariya Gali in Napier area.

An estate agent, identified as Mohammad Saleem (35), was shot dead in Haryana Colony.

A tabla player, identified as Mohammad Ramzan (28), was shot dead in the UP Morr area of New Karachi.

A watchman, identified as Sher Khan, was shot dead outside a house opposite Disco Bakery in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area. One of his attackers was also killed in the incident.

A person, identified as Kamran Hussain, a member of the Shia community, was shot dead in a sectarian attack outside Ayaz Medical Store at Phool Gali of Rizvia area.

Rangers arrested 36 suspected terrorists belonging to banned outfits and recovered weapons and explosives in three raids from Machar Colony of Sohrab Goth area. Seventy-four weapons of different calibres, including LMGs, Kalashnikovs, grenades, launchers, repeaters, shotguns, rockets and improvised explosive devices were seized.

JI Gujranwala District ‘chief’ Bilal Qudrat Butt was injured when unidentified assailants opened fire on his car at Qila Didar Singh town of Gujranwala District.

RPO Ghulam Rasool Zahid denied Rahim Yar Khan District is the headquarters of the TTP as claimed by former interior minister Rehman Malik.

“Terrorism is my only worry which can disturb smooth run-up to the general elections,” Punjab’s caretaker Chief Minister Najam Sethi said. Adding that otherwise things were very much under control.

One civilian killed and eight others including students injured when an unidentified motorcyclist hurled a hand grenade and resorted to firing at a school in Ittehad Town of Karachi (Karachi), the provincial capital of Sindh.

The dead bodies of three persons, who were abducted last week, were found in the limits of Doaba Police Station in Hangu District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Two persons killed and seven others were injured, among them an election candidate, in a bomb attack on a motorcade in the Janikhel area of Bannu District. The TTP claimed responsibility for the attack. Calling from an undisclosed location, TTP spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan told journalists that Mr Wazir was attacked because he was part of the ANP Government for five years. The TTP threatened more attacks against the ANP. “We are against ANP. We have directed our associates in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to target ANP election rallies and all its leaders,” Ehsan said.

A Policeman, identified as Havaldar Mahmoodul Hassan, was injured when unidentified assailants attacked a Police patrolling party in Jungle Khel area of Kohat District.

Unidentified militants targeted a Government-run girl’s school in Bannu city with explosives, however no causality was reported.

A man sustained injuries when a hand grenade went off in Amandarra area in Malakand Agency of FATA.

Two FC personnel were injured, when a remote-controlled bomb planted in Qambrani road of Sariab area of Quetta (Quetta), the provincial capital of Balochistan went off.

Unidentified assailants abducted a man, identified as Haji Sultan from Girdi Jungal area of Chaghai District.

The SIU of Police killed three suspected abductors in an encounter near Northern Bypass area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Two Kalashnikovs, two hand grenades and a pistol were recovered from their possession, Police claimed.

Sindh Rangers arrested 25 suspects including an electrician of Nawa-e-Waqt group, Muhammad Rehan during a targeted raid in Rangar Mohalla in Baldia town. According to Rangers spokesman, about 60 weapons of different calibers including sub machineguns, MP-5 and large quantity of ammunition were also recovered.

BNP President Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal 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.

A Pakistani Anti-Terrorism Court conducting the trial of seven men charged with involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, issued summons to six witnesses for selling a boat and other equipment to the accused.

The Lahore High Court has been told by a senior law officer not to rule in favour of giving official legal assistance to JuD and LeT founder Hafiz Saeed in a case filed against him in the US, as doing so would strengthen the hand of the Indian Government.

Five NATO containers were set ablaze on the National Highway near Kambari bridge area of Bolan District. Bolan Deputy Commissioner Sayeed Waheed Shah said that a convoy of 40 NATO containers was en route to Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh from Chaman area of Qilla Abdullah District when unidentified assailants on two motorcycles opened indiscriminate fire on it.

The Anti Extremism Cell of CID Police arrested four militants of a TTP and recovered a huge cache of ammunition and a list of political leaders, who were their potential targets in Hijrat Colony area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Meanwhile, a large number of people belonging to the Shia community took to the streets and blocked main Numaish Chowrangi, bemoaning that Police and SFs detained their supporters during the last few days and shifted them to undisclosed locations. The protest was organised by APSAC.

The latest Pakistan-Afghanistan cross-border shelling incidents and continuing Afghan Taliban infiltration dominated the meeting between Army 'chief' Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and the new commander of the ISAF, Gen Joseph Dunford as the two commanders' explored ways to strengthen their border coordination mechanisms.

'Chief' of APML, retired general Pervez Musharraf, expressed his desire that the elections should be held under the supervision of army. 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.

Around 43,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in Maidan area of Tirah valley of Khyber Agency of FATA over the past two weeks because of escalation of hostilities between militant groups in the tribal region, the UN Office for OCHA said. According to figures released by the FDMA, around 10 per cent of the IDPs have taken refuge in Kurram Agency and the rest in Hangu, Kohat, Nowshera and Peshawar Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Five WAPDA employees, including a SDO, and three community Police personnel were found dead in fields near Sheikh Muhammadi area in Badhaber, a suburb of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, after a militant attack on a grid station. During the attack, the militants fired seven rockets at a 500 kilowatt grid station in Sheikh Muhammadi, causing it to catch fire. An official of the BDS, Abdul Haq, said 14 bombs of five kilograms each had been planted to blow up the offices and the grid station. "Thirteen bombs exploded while one was defused by the bomb disposal unit," he said.

Unidentified assailants killed a man, Syed Zulqarnain Haider (24), on Daora Road under Pando Police Station.

One Laiq Hussain of Parachinar (Kurram Agency of FATA) escaped unhurt when unidentified motorcyclists opened fire on his car near Motorway Bridge.

Unidentified militants blew up a cellular phone company tower with explosives in Darsamand area of Hangu District.

Security Forces arrested a militant, known for his expertise in making of IED, along with his few other accomplices from Samanth area located east of Michni in Peshawar.

Six persons, including one PPP election candidate, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

The first casualty of the upcoming elections, a covering candidate of the PPP on the PS-95 of Orangi town seat, identified as Adnan Qualeti (28) was shot dead in a targeted attack near Qatar Masjid in Orangi town.

An MQM activist, Asif Ansari (32) was shot dead while his colleague was injured at a barber shop on Jinnah Road of Pak Colony.

An MQM activist, identified as Abdul Hafeez, was shot dead in Sector 7C of Orangi town.

A Shia, identified as Syed Ashraf Hussain Zaidi (59), was shot dead at his general store in Malir area.

A contractor, Arshad Mehmood, was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Padar Ground in Keamari area.

An unidentified person was shot dead near Bantwa Gali on Lea Market Road.

Sindh Rangers continued their operation against militants in different parts of the Karachi and arrested 12 suspects during door-to-door search operation. As many as 12 suspects were arrested from Noorani Basti while arms were also recovered from their possession, the sources said. Similarly, Rangers also arrested 12 suspected people from Qasba Colony and its adjoining areas.

Levies Force arrested 31 illegal Afghan immigrants, including 11 women and four children, in Chaman border of Qilla Abdullah District.

Some of the political parties, like the ANP and PPP-P, are finding it hard to hold big gatherings for electioneering in FATA due to serious threats. These parties are even unable to held corner meetings due to strong hold of non-state actors in FATA.

At least five persons, including four paramilitary soldiers and a local leader of ANP, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Four paramilitary soldiers were killed and three others were injured in a bomb blast near paramilitary complex of Korangi area. The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the attack.

A local leader of the ANP, identified as Barkat Ali, was killed by unidentified assailants in Pirabad area of Orangi town.

The CID of Police arrested two suspected cadres of LeJ and recovered a bomb, 10kg explosives material, hand grenades, two TT pistol and five detonators and arms during a search operation at Noor Garden, Sector-D area of Surjani town.

IGP Sindh, Shahid Nadeem Baloch has claimed there was no 'no-go area' in the city, regardless of his admission that Police had been facing resistance in some areas during search operations. The IGP said there were few areas where police were facing resistance, but he hoped those areas would be cleared soon.

After the Supreme Court concluded hearing of suo motu notice of March 9, 2013, Lahore Badami Bagh mob attack, at least five persons were injured in a fresh Muslim-Christian clash in Francisi Colony of Gujranwala city of same District.

Former AG Balochistan, Salahuddin Mengal, was abducted from the remit of Sariab Police Station of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Caretaker Interior Minister Malik Habib said that Balochistan was top priority and that army should be deployed in areas inhabited by the Hazara community. "Good officers should be deployed. I have heard that some upright officers were sidelined and I am looking into this", he added.

Secretary General, JI, Liaqat Baloch demands for an immediate end to the military operations in tribal areas to enable the tribal people exercise their right of vote in a free and peaceful atmosphere.

According to a survey by the British Council a majority of respondents - 38 percent - said Islamic Sharia would be the best system for Pakistan while 32 percent backed military rule and only 29 percent favoured democracy.

Eight militants were killed when Army fighter jets bombed suspected militant positions in the Kotkhel area of Orakzai Agency in FATA.

Three militants were killed and some of their hideouts destroyed when fighter jets bombed their positions in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency. Sources said air sorties were conducted at the Ghaibi Neeka area of Sipah and the Nakai area of Malikdinkhel which targeted hideouts of the TTP and LI. Two LI cadres and one TTP cadre were killed in the bombing.

Four militants were killed and five others sustained injuries when militants across the border attacked Bhittai checkpost in Shabak area of Alizai sector in Kurram Agency. Two soldiers were also injured in the attack.

One person was killed and four others were injured in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

An unidentified person was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Bakhtawar Park in Lyari area.

Four persons, including an activist of MQM, were injured in a firing incident at a Machinery Shop near KMC workshop of Ranchore line.

SIU arrested two militants for their alleged involvement in abducting for ransom. The Police also recovered cash and two TT pistols from them.

Rejecting the report of the Sindh Police and Rangers, the Supreme Court has directed that no-go areas in the Karachi should be eliminated within seven days. A five-member larger bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry gave the direction during hearing of the Karachi law and order case.

An excise inspector, identified as Barkat Ali, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Killi Qambrani area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

The Governor Shaukatullah Khan said the Government had not contacted militants for holding peaceful elections in FATA. Speaking at a grand jirga (tribal council) during a visit to the Landikotal tehsil 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 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.

COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Quetta and held meetings with Balochistan Governor Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi and Caretaker Chief Minister Nawab Ghous Baksh Barozai. The security situation and smooth conduct of the upcoming General Elections were discussed in the meetings. General Kayani emphasised the need for participation by all political parties in the May elections. Amidst growing criticism of the role of the military and security agencies in Balochistan, General Kayani said his force will "fully back" any solution to the problems of the restive province that are within the country's constitution. "The army will fully back any solution under the constitution of Pakistan," he added.

A total of 2,050 persons were killed and another 3,822 were injured in over 1,500 terrorist attacks across Pakistan in 2012, according to a report issued by HRCP. According to the report, over 100 Shia Hazaras were killed in Balochistan province alone during 2012. At least 2,284 persons died in ethnic, sectarian and political violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh during the period.

At least 14 militants, four soldiers and three pro-government volunteers were killed in clashes ensued after the Security Forces launched search operation against the LI in Akkakhel area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency of FATA. Similarly, backed by the TI, a group of pro-government local militia, the SFs moved from Sheenkamer and Sorghar area, populated by Zakhakhel Afridi tribe, into Akkakhel area where they exchanged heavy fire with the fighters of LI.

Five persons, including an activist of MQM were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

An activist of MQM, identified as Mohammad Dilawar Khan (35) alias Khan Sahab, was shot dead in Gabol colony of Orangi town.

A person, identified as Shahid (22), was shot dead in Bismillah Colony of Mawach Goth area within the precincts of Mochko Police Station.

Dead bodies of a man and a woman were found near from Edhi graveyard within the remits of Mawach Goth Police Station.

A TTP militant, identified as Naimatullah Mehsud, was killed in a shootout with Rangers in the Lasi Goth of Sohrab Goth area.

Police and Rangers arrested at least 78 suspects along with a huge cache of arms in different targeted raids in the Karachi.

Rangers managed to detain at least 23 suspects, including members of banned outfits, and recovered a large amount of weapons from their possession. At least 500 Rangers personnel participated in the operation.

In Chanesar Goth area of Quaidabad, Rangers arrested at least 18 suspects and recovered three TT pistols from their possession.

At least 55 suspects were taken into custody by the Police during targeted operations in Sikander Goth area of Sacchal and Chanisar Goth area of Mehmodabad.

One person was killed and four others including three minors were injured when three mortar rounds fired from unknown direction, landed in phase-VI Hayatabad area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Unidentified militants targeted a Police van with a remote-controlled device in the Ghaziabad area of Kohat town in same District but failed to inflict any causality.

A shopkeeper sustained injuries when an IED planted by unidentified militants near a mobile-phone shop went off in the limits of Ghauriwala Police Station in Bannu District.

No casualty was reported as two bombs went off near a Police checkpost in Matani and another in Khazana area of Peshawar. There was no casualty was the policemen had not yet arrived at the spot for duty.

The CoAS General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani met with the CEC Justice (retired) Fakhruddin G Ebrahim. According to a press release issued by ECP, the two discussed security arrangements pertaining to the general elections. During the meeting in Islamabad, General Kayani assured the CEC that the Army fully supported the efforts being made by the election commission to hold free, fair and credible elections in the country and that all possible assistance will be extended to create an environment conducive to achieve this objective.

The Mullah Nazir faction of TTP assured aspiring candidates that the insurgents would not interfere with the election process in the South Waziristan Agency of FATA. The assurance was made by Mullah Nazir Group 'chief' Salahuddin Ayubi, locally known as Bahawal Khan, in a meeting with over 50 candidates contesting NA-41 (Tribal Area-VI, South Waziristan) or their representatives in Wana, the main town in South Waziristan Agency.

Though he assured the candidates that his group would not interfere in the voting process, he attached some stringent conditions for trouble-free balloting in the constituency. Firstly, the candidates will have to stage public rallies in an open place outside Rustam Bazaar, the main market in the area, due to security concerns. Secondly, candidates with no popular vote bank should better not contest the elections. Thirdly, the candidates have to avoid indecent criticism of their rivals in their speeches. Fourthly, the candidates of three parties - PPP, MQM and ANP - were told about the security threats they might face in the region.

For the second time in six months, the US has issued a waiver for sale of major defence equipment to Pakistan likely to be worth USD 2 billion, citing national security interests. The waiver issued by the then Deputy Secretary of States, Thomas Nides, on February 15 would pave the way for some major defence equipment sales to Pakistan.

KP authorities have declared 1,913 polling stations "more sensitive" and 3,213 polling stations "sensitive," Voters will use the polling stations in the May 11 General Election.

While the secular ANP and a number of religious parties seem set to vie for Pakhtun votes in Karachi (Karachi), the provincial capital of Sindh in the upcoming elections, the balance seems to be tilted in favour of the Fazlur Rehman-led JUI-F, which adheres to the puritan Deoband school of thought, analysts say. Former governor Sindh Lt Gen (retd) Moinuddin Haider is of the view that the election prospects of the Pakhtun nationalist ANP appear bleak in Karachi as its workers and leaders remain on the hit-list of the TTP, who adheres to the Deoband school of thought. The TTP and other militant groups have expanded their network in Karachi, especially in the Pashtun-dominated suburban neighborhoods, and have forced the ANP to wind up their operations.

A hand grenade was lobbed at the office of the EC in Nushki District of Balochistan. However, no casualty was reported in the attack.

Personnel of the law enforcing agencies arrested at least 14 suspects during different targeted operations in Karachi (Provincial capital of Sindh. Ranger's officials apprehended at least nine suspects, including an extortionist and drug peddlers in Sheerin Jinnah Colony. Rangers' spokesman said that they also recovered weapons of 14 different types of calibers.

CID arrested three suspects Naimat, Saeed and Mohammad Umar and recovered 3 TT pistols during targeted raids in Machar Colony and Sohrab Goth.

Similarly, SIU detained two suspects Zubair and Rasheed and recovered 2 TT pistols from their possession during targeted operations in Maripur.

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court conducting the trial of seven men charged with involvement in the 26/ 11 Mumbai attacks issued summons to a senior investigator even as six prosecution witnesses failed to appear before the judge. Prosecutors described Hussain as an "important witness" in the case against the seven accused, including LeT commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi.

Ten militants were killed and five soldiers injured during the clashes between SFs and LI militant in remote areas of Akkakhel in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency in FATA.

Seven militants were killed when SFs targeted their hideouts with gunship helicopters in Gowak and Mithari areas of Orakzai Agency.

Two tribesmen were killed when their motorcycle struck against a landmine planted along a road in Mir Ali subdivision of North Waziristan Agency.

The business centres remained closed and traffic was off the roads owing to imposition of curfew in North Waziristan Agency. The local people said that the curfew was imposed after an attack on Esha checkpost.

Elsewhere, the SFs repulsed an attack by militants at Nargas checkpost in the outskirts of Bara town. Officials said that militants used rocket launchers, but no one was hurt in the attack.

Eight persons, including a Shia community member, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Syed Jaffar Zaidi (40), a businessman and a Shia community member, was killed in Lane 7 of Muhammad Mustafa Colony.

A person, identified as Jawed (25), was killed by unidentified assailants in Sector 11E of Orangi town.

Rehman Elahi (45), a labourer, was killed by unidentified assailants in New Sabzi Mandi area of the Sohrab Goth Police Station.

Sajjad (20), a private company's employee, was killed in Hashim Goth of Sharafi Goth Police Station.

Samad Khan (30) was killed in FBR Colony of the Peerabad Police Station.

A suspected militant was killed while another militant was arrested after an encounter with the Gulshan-e-Maymar Police.

A dead body of a man was found from near New Sabzi Mandi, Super Highway within the premises of Sohrab Goth police station. Police officials said that victim was identified as Abdul Rehman (45), a resident of Janjal Goth.

A dead body of a man was found from bushes near northern bypass. Police officials said victim could not be identified as yet.

The CID arrested two militants during a targeted raid in Kalakot, Lyari, who were allegedly involved in the Lyari gang war speaking at a press conference, SSP CID Fayaz Khan said his team conducted a raid on a tip-off and arrested two suspects Ghulam Haider alias Haidry and Ghulam Mustafa alias Gullu and also recovered rocket launcher, two kalashankovs, a TT pistol and other arms from their possession.

Unidentified militants blown up an 18-inch diameter gas pipeline in Naseerabad District of Balochistan.

Sardar Akhtar Mengal, the President of the 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." "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.

A compact disc shop was blown up in the main bazaar of Hangu town in the same District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, no human loss was reported in the blast.

Meanwhile, four PESCO employees were safely recovered after they were abducted by the militants on Shiekh Muhammadi Grid Station in Peshawar few days ago on April 2.

The TTP described democracy as a "system of the infidels" and said it was striving for the establishment of Shariah in the country. "Democracy is the system of the infidels. We want the enforcement of Shariah in Pakistan and the Islamic countries," TTP 'chief' Hakimullah Mehsud said in his latest videotape. He said the TTP didn't believe in democracy and wanted the establishment of Shariah. "If we believed in democracy, we would enter the political arena," he remarked. The TTP chief believed the "infidels" wanted to divide the Muslims in the name of democracy. "We want the implementation of Shariah, which can only be enforced through waging Jihad. A time will come that the Muslims will establish Caliphate on the surface of earth," he said.

While US Navy seals in 2011 killed most-wanted terrorist Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan in an operation led by its external intelligence agency CIA, it has spared Islamabad-sponsored terrorist camps that wage war against India. US media on Sunday reported that Pakistan's ISI and CIA made a secret pact to facilitate drone strikes against selective terrorist targets. Citing excerpts of a soon-to-be released book, American media said Pakistan gave access to US drone strikes on condition they would not target nuclear facilities and terrorist camps where Kashmiri militants underwent training for attacks against India.

Thirteen soldiers and an unspecified number of militants were killed during heavy fighting between troops and militants at a flashpoint near the Afghan border in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA. The clashes signalled a fresh military push in the Tirah valley, where the military has been targeting TTP and LI. 

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. 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. 

Security Forces claimed to have killed eight militants and five others were injured in shelling through gunship helicopters in Gorak area of Orakzai Agency.

A DSP, identified as Amir Mohammad Dashti, was shot dead along with his official guard in targeted killing near Golimar chowk on main Sabzal road of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

Four persons were injured in a bomb blast near an office of the NADRA in Kharan District.

Security Forces allegedly abducted another seven innocent Baloch people including five activists of BRP from different areas of Balochistan.

Sardar Akhtar Mengal, ‘chief’ of the BNP-M, has urged the chief election commissioner to take notice of threats faced by his party’s workers in various areas of the province and said their free movement is necessary for transparent polls.

A dead body was found in the bushes near Muraqba Hall of the Surjani town in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

IED planted in a rickshaw was defused by the BDU near Do Minute Chowrangi of North Karachi area.

LEA arrested at least 86 suspects in different targeted raids and operations across city.

Rangers’ officials said around 20 were nabbed during a raid in Nistherabad area of Model colony. According to Rangers spokesman, 40 weapons of different types were also recovered. While in another raid by Rangers, around five suspects were arrested during a targeted operation in Quaid-e-Azam Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal area, and North Karachi area.

West Zone Police arrested 39 suspects during targeted raids in different parts of Karachi. According to police officials, 1600grams drugs, 285grams heroine, cash, mobile phones and other looted valuables were recovered.

ACLC arrested at least 22 suspects and recovered 14 motorcycles and two TT pistols from their possession.

A powerful blast has been reported outside the residence of former senator Nasir Khan Afridi in Hayatabad Phase-II area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Rockets fired by unidentified militants hit the house of Raz Gul in Saeedabad area. Sources said that a rocket landed in a graveyard while another hit an open plot.

The military authorities said that they had launched a major military operation against the militants in the remote Tirah Valley of the Khyber Agency in FATA in which 110 militants and 23 soldiers had been killed.

A ten-year-old boy was critically injured when he picked up a toy bomb in Alamgudar area of Bara tehsil.

House of a local resident in Shalobar area was badly damaged when a stray mortar fell on the house. Sources said the mortar fired by unidentified men landed at the house of Haji Mohammad Salim, general secretary of Khyber Union, a local political organisation.

Mangal Bagh, the ‘chief’ of LI has become supreme leader of both the LI and TTP for the Khyber Agency. “The decision to elevate Mangal Bagh to the status of supreme commander for Khyber Agency was taken at a joint Shura (council) of TTP and LI ‘commanders’,” highly placed Government officials said.

SHO of the Preedy Police Station, identified as Agha Asadullah (37), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Murshid Bazaar of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. 

A head constable of the AEC of the CID was injured in the Gulbahar area.

LEA arrested 57 suspects during different targeted raids in the Karachi. According to details, Rangers conducted the targeted operation in different areas including Sherpao Colony, Patel Para, Jehangir Road and Baloch Para in which 24 people were arrested and arms and ammunitions also recovered from their possession.

Police officials said they arrested 33 suspects in targeted operations in Patel Para and Jahangir Road, Baloch Para. The women wing of Police also participated in the operation.

Suspected militants fired seven mortar shells from the FATA area on Hayatabad area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, injuring 22 people and damaging several houses and vehicles.

A CD centre and two nearby shops were damaged in the busy Mian Iqbal Chowk (Stadium Chowk) in cantonment area. Police said unidentified militants had planted explosives with the CD shop owned by one Khairullah that went off at around 5:30 am.

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, told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing. “LeT remains one, if not the most operationally capable terrorist groups through all of South Asia," Admiral Samuel Locklear said.

Nine militants were killed and two security personnel injured in a gunbattle in Kago Qamar village of Dabori area in Orakzai Agency in FATA. Sources said a group of militants launched a two-pronged attack on a security post in Kago Qamar village.

Six persons, including two Policemen and PPP activist, killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Constables Zahid Ahmed and Khalid Mehmood were shot dead by unidentified assailants near Shershah Chowk of SITE-B Police Precincts.

Two persons, identified as Hassan (20) and Saeed (22), were shot dead in Korangi area.

An activist of PPP Shoaib (32) was shot dead by two unidentified assailants in Yousuf Goth of Surjani town.

A property dealer, Sheikh Rasheed (40), was shot dead in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal area.

Crime Investigation Department’s counter-terrorism unit arrested a commander of the banned TTP and recovered a huge cache of weapons during a raid in Sohrab Goth.

The ongoing drive against criminals and terrorists in the Karachi has revealed the sense of inadequacy among LEAs, who are eradicating roadside barriers from lanes and localities in different areas and keeping Police Stations and Rangers headquarters under strict security vigilance.

Law enforcers claimed to have detained around 368 criminals in last seven days, but fail to stop the killing, robberies, extortion and other criminal activities so far.

Two children were killed in a grenade attack in the coastal township of Pasni in Gwadar District. No group had claimed responsibility for the attack.

Meanwhile, an 18-inch-diametre gas pipeline was blown up in the Sui area of Dera Bugti District.

A Policeman was shot dead and another was injured while escorting a polio vaccination team in Mosam Koruna area in Mardan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The polio campaigner remained safe in the attack, according to the Police.

Police recovered two bodies from Agra road in Shabqadar area under Prang Police Station of Charsadda District.

19 persons, including nine soldiers, seven militants and two volunteers of TI, a pro-Government armed group, were killed during heavy fighting between troops and militants at a flashpoint near the Afghan border in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA.Sources said that SFs and volunteers of TI, moved forward into Sipah area and took control of LI strongholds of Sandana and Sheikhmal Khel after heavy fighting which left nine soldiers and seven militants dead. Twelve militants were injured.

A person, identified as Haris Khan was killed in a landmine blast in Manatu area of central Kurram Agency.

12 persons, including an MQM candidate for the National Assembly and the Sindh Assembly, killed in separate incidents in Sindh.

Two unidentified assailants shot dead Fakhrul Islam (46), an MQM candidate for NA-221 and PS-47 in Hyderabad city (Hyderabad District). The TTP claimed responsibility for Fakhrul Islam’s murder.

Three city wardens were killed in targeted attacked in Soldier Bazar of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Two persons were shot dead in Khamiso Goth area of Basheer Chowk within the precincts of New Karachi Industrial area Police Station.

A person was shot dead at Super Highway within the limits of Sohrab Goth Police Station.

A person identified as Akram (30), was killed within the premises of Mominabad Police Station.

An activist of MQM, identified as Sheraz (38), was shot dead and another was injured by unidentified assailants near Piyala Hotel within the remits of Gulberg Police Station.

A dead body was found in a gunny bag within the jurisdiction of Kharadar Police Station. Another dead body of a person was found from Nusrat Bhutto Colony.

A person, identified as Farooq Shah was found dead near Shah Faisal within the limits of Awami Colony Police Station.

LEAs arrested around 37 militants in different targeted raids and operations in the Karachi. According to details, Rangers claimed the arrest of 15 suspects during targeted operation in different parts of the city including Lyari, Rabia City, Mashki Para, Mangopir, PNT Colony and Block-9, Clifton. Rangers’ spokesman said weapons of 13 different types were also recovered from their possession.

CID claimed to have captured two suspects, Abdul Majeed and Gulzar Ali, and recovered two TT pistols from their custody. CID officials said during an initial course of investigation the suspects confessed collecting extortion money from around 50 people.

Police claimed to have arrested around 18 suspects in targeted operation in Itehad town area of Baldia Town. Police officials said they recovered a pressure cooker bomb, four bombs concealed in a tennis ball and eight TT pistols from their possession.

Risala police also claimed arresting a suspect, Faisal alias Taya, and recovered a TT pistol and extortion slip from his custody. Aram Bagh Police also arrested a miscreant involved in extortion collection. Police officials said the suspect had been threatening a trader for three days for want of extortion money.

Unidentified militants shot dead a Policeman and injured his colleague in Mardan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A leader of ANP and former provincial minister Arbab Ayub Jan escaped a bomb attack, however, three persons sustained injuries in the blast in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Meanwhile, a blast in Matani hospital on the suburbs of Peshawar caused panic among the people of the area. A Police source said that the blast damaged windowpanes and walls of the hospital; however, it didn’t cause any loss of life.

The US assistance to Pakistan has helped in reducing the conditions that foment extremism in the country, US secretary of state John Kerry said."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.

Three persons, including a Policeman, were killed and three Policemen received bullet injuries in an encounter at Shagai Road in the limits of Cantonment Police Station in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Three persons, including a woman, were shot dead and four others sustained injuries at Shifa Market in Thall tehsil of Hangu District.

ANP candidates Rehmanullah and his son Ameer Rehman survived attempt on life while a party worker was injured in a grenade attack on them at Shewa graveyard in Sheikh Jana area of Swabi District.

Four persons, who hired a taxi for Peshawar, were abducted and their vehicle found abandoned near Lado Ustarzai in Kohat District.

Four persons, including an ANP activist, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

An ANP activist, identified as Bismillah Jan (50), was killed by unidentified assailants near Jamshed Petrol Pump in MPR Colony of Peerabad area.

A person, identified as Rashid (20), was killed and two others were injured by unidentified assailants in Pipri Sindh Goth of Bin Qasim area.

A Shia scholar, Allama Ghazanfar Ali (70), was shot dead in Turi Bangash Colony of Nazimabad.

A person, identified as Habibullah (30), was shot dead in Gulshan-e-Ameen area within the limits of Sohrab Goth Police Station.

A Police officer was arrested over his links to banned militant outfits. The officials of his own cell arrested Rana Ishrat, who was posted to one of the specialised unit of the Sindh Police, Anti Violent Crime Cell (AVCC). According to sources in AVCC, it was first revealed when the officials of the intelligence agency informed AVCC officials about the involvement of the accused in the target killing of his colleague, ASI Faiz Mohammad who was shot dead in an act of target killing in SITE area on January 1, 2013.

Master mind of March 3, 2013, Abbas Town blast was among the four alleged militants of TTP arrested by CID during targeted raids at Kati Pahari and Sultanabad area.

A bomb weighing one-and-a -half kilogrammes was found near a mosque in the Garden area. A team of the BDS rushed to the spot upon receiving information and successfully defused it. The bomb was planted in a cycle parked outside the mosque.

LEAs carry out search and detention operation to arrest 101 suspects in different targeted raids conducted in various parts of the Karachi.

According to surfaced details, rangers claim to arrest around 35 suspects during separate targeted raids. About five suspects were taken into custody during operation conducted in old city area.

CID claims to have detained two suspects Ayaz and Arsalan and recovered 2 TT pistol and a hand grenade from their custody during targeted operation in Old Sabzi Mandi area.

West zone Police claimed to have arrested at least 64 suspects in different targeted operations in various parts of the Karachi.

An official of the Balochistan Constabulary was shot dead in Sariab Road area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

The house of a local candidate of the ANP, Munaf Afridi, was attacked in a remote area of Khyber Agency that borders Afghanistan, in FATA. However, there was no casualty reported.

After two attacks on election candidates in KP and assassination of a contestant in Hyderabad, Sindh, contenders would now be allowed to keep five civilian bodyguards with licensed arms during the polls campaign.

Former Federal Minister and ANP leader Ghulam Ahmad Bilour called on the election commission to provide security to ANP leaders receiving death threats in KP. 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.

The Government has established the NACTA, a dedicated body mandated to create state policies on countering terrorism."The authority would be an independent body answerable directly to the Prime Minister," the Federal Ministry of Interior said in a statement.

A total of 10,082 youth from Balochistan have joined the Pakistan Army as officers and soldiers during the last three years, authoritative sources have revealed. COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani had allotted 10,000 vacancies for the youth of Balochistan in the army during the years 2009-2011 and announced an additional 5,000 vacancies for 2012

The TTP announced supporting the anti-polio drives on a condition that such campaigns were not used by the United States as a cover for espionage. The TTP militants also placed the condition that their apprehensions about the vaccination campaigns being ‘un-Islamic’ be removed.

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 has been increased manifold after the Abbottabad incident,” he said. He further denied any involvement in previous attacks on polio workers.

In an interview this week in Islamabad (Federal capital of Pakistan), CNN said former President General Pervez Musharraf insisted Pakistan’s Government signed off on strikes “only on a few occasions, when a target was absolutely isolated and no chance of collateral damage”, Still, his admission that Pakistani leaders agreed to even a limited number of strikes runs counter to their repeated denunciations of a programme they long claimed the United States was operating without their approval.

Nine persons were killed in a bomb blast in a bus passing through the Matani area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

SFs have killed seven militants in the ongoing military operation in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency in the FATA. Two important hideouts of militants have been busted and areas of Kata Kanrai and Sniper Morcha in Sipah area have also been captured.

Four militants were killed by a US drone strike in the Manzarkhel area of Dattakhel town, 35 kilometres west of Miranshah, the main town of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

The driver of a NATO container was killed and his assistant received injuries in an attack near Teddi Bazaar in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency.

Three persons, including a retired employee of the District Government, his son and a servant were killed by unidentified assailants in Goth Shadi Khan locality of Bala Narri area of Bolan District. 

A bomb fitted on a motorbike was recovered near checkpost in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border area of Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District. BDS personnel defused them.

BRP and Baloch Republican Student Organisation held a rally in Quetta Press Club (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan, asking the Baloch people to boycott the elections.

Two persons, including TTP militant killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A person, identified as Karam Ilahi (35), was shot dead in New Karachi area within the limits of New Karachi Industrial area Police Station. Police said that the victim was a rickshaw driver and a Police informer.

An alleged mastermind behind the March 3, 2013, Abbas town bomb blast, who was already in CID custody, was killed in a Police shootout with militants in Surjani area. According to CID officials, Aslam Mehsud was killed in a shootout while the officials were carrying out a targeted operation in the location identified by the detainee.

Two persons and a child were injured in a firing incident at Bagh-e-Hilara area. Police said that unidentified militants shot at the funeral procession of Babar Qadri, affiliated with ST.

A village defence committee member and local Awami National Party leader, Mukarram Shah, was killed in a remote-controlled roadside blast in the Manglawar area of Swat District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. TTP claimed the responsibility for the attack. In telephone calls to media offices, TTP ‘spokesman’ Ehsanullah Ehsan said his men had carried out the attack. He gave no reason for this killing.

Syed Masoom Shah, ANP candidate for PK-21 in Charsadda Town of the same District, received minor injuries while three others received injuries in a bomb attack in Katozai area of Shabqadar. According to details, a convoy of Masoom Shah was passing through Katozai area of Shabqadar when the attack was carried out. The driver of the vehicle was also injured in the incident. Police said that Masoom Shah was going home after attending a public meeting in Katozai village.

Security Forces foiled terror attempts by recovering two bombs, planted inside two separate motorbikes, in Bannu town of same District.

BDS personnel averted a possible terrorism bid by defusing a bomb planted in the under-construction house of Muhmmad Naeem Khan, the candidate of PPP for NA-13, in Swabi Town of same District.

Nine militants and a soldier were killed in a clash between the SFs and militants in Dabori area of Orakzai Agency in the FATA.

A member of the TI, also known as Zakhakhel tribal lashkar (militia), was killed in a bomb explosion inside a bunker in Dari area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency.

A mortar shell fired from unknown location fell on a cloth making factory in Alamgudar area of the Bara tehsil.

Unidentified assailants killed two political activists and injured three others on Rampur Road in the Paharpur town of Dera Ismail Khan District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A bomb blast killed a local leader of ANP in the village of Banjot in Swat District, the fourth such attack targeting members of secular-learning parties during their campaigns for next month's parliamentary election.

The residence of a woman civil judge was partially damaged in a blast in Shabqadar area in Charsadda District. However, no casualty was reported.

Police along with the BDS thwarted a terrorist bid by defusing two high-intensity bombs in the limits of Hawaid Police Station in Bannu District.

Two persons, including a Policeman, were killed and two others were injured in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

An ASI, identified as Syed Murtaza Hussain (40), was shot dead in a targeted attack at Shamsi area within the jurisdiction of Pakistan Bazaar Police Station. Police said the victim belonged to Shia community.

A man affiliated with special branch of Police was injured in an attack by unidentified assailants near Block-J of North Nazimabad area within the remits of North Nazimabad Police Station.

A traffic sergeant, identified as Ghulam Mustafa, was injured by unidentified assailants at traffic Police post within the limits of Surjani town Police Station. 

A dead body was found near the airport area.

One person, identified as Abdul Ahad, was injured by unidentified assailants in the Gari Nadi area of Turbat District.

A delegation of Afghanistan Army officials, headed by Afghan National Army DGMO Major General Afzal Aman visited the General Headquarters and met Pakistan Army DGMO Major General Ashfaq Nadeem Ahmed for talks on border coordination with Pakistani officers. According to an ISPR press release, all ongoing cross-border coordination issues, including the border post construction in Mohmand Agency, were discussed and amicably resolved.

Pakistani officials, human rights activists and parents condemned the militants' tactic of "hiring" poor children to transport explosives, conduct acts of terrorism and even carry out bombings. This effort to "paralyse the nation" by targeting the upcoming generation of Pakistanis must stop, they said.

Eleven militants and a soldier were killed in clashes at Kago Kamar locality of Dabori area in Orakzai Agency of FATA.

Nine soldiers were killed and eight others injured in a suicide attack on a military vehicle and nearby roadside checkpoint in the Saidgai area of North Waziristan Agency.

Six militants were killed and five others received injuries during a clash with SFs when dozens of militants attacked the Shan Khel Kore checkpost near Mohammad Ali Chowk in Akkakhel of Khyber Agency.

A minor girl was injured when a mortar shell fell on a house in Sanzal Khel area of Akkakhel.

Thousands of persons fled the Akkakhel area and shifted to different localities of Peshawar after receiving threats from banned militant group LI of Khyber Agency.

16 persons, including SHO, were killed and more than 35 were injured when a suicide bomber targeted the senior ANP leader Ghulam Ahmad Bilour and his nephew Haroon Bilour in Mundabheri area of Yakatut in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The TTP claimed responsibility for the attack.

Two militants were killed and seven persons, including four Policemen, injured in exchange of fire near FC Fort on Wana Road in Tank town of same District.

Five persons, including an MQM activist and a Policeman, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Akram Gujjar (35), an MQM activist, was killed by unidentified assailants in PIB Colony.

A Police constable, Javaid Iqbal (45), was killed near Marhaba Lawn of Korangi industrial area.

Bakht Zareen (55) was shot dead at a teashop in Qayyumabad area.

A ST activist, Owais Qadri, was shot dead on Jahangir Road in the Soldier Bazaar Police Limits.

A dead body was recovered from near the Golden Marble House on the Bara Board Road.

Unidentified militant blew up a gas pipeline near Maripur Road in Kiamari town.

The Supreme Court told that at least 71 target killers who were arrested by the Karachi Police but never charged for the heinous offences rather booked for minor crimes have been released on bail. After going through JIT reports, a five-member special bench of the apex court, headed by ‘Chief’ Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, gave 24 hours to the Sindh law enforcement agencies to arrest the people whose names have been divulged in the JIT reports and directed them to register FIRs against them and submit a report.

Four persons were killed when an election convoy of PML-N’s Balochistan leader Sardar Sanaullah Zehri came under a bomb attack in Anjira area of Khuzdar District.Sardar Zehri survived the attack but his son, brother and nephew and a guard were killed. At least 25 persons were injured. The BLA claimed responsibility for the bomb attack. 

Police and Levies Force recovered explosives from the Gandawa area of Jhal Magsi District. Acting on a tip-off, Police and Levies Force, along with a BDS team, reached the site and defused an explosive device weighing around three kilogrammes.

The safe havens to terrorists in Pakistan pose a great challenge to peace and stability in Afghanistan, even as ANSF has been making significant progress in war against terrorism, US General Joseph Dunford, the commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, said.

An election tribunal rejected the nomination papers of Former President General Pervez Musharraf from the only constituency where his eligibility to contest May 11 polls was accepted earlier.

Nine militants, including five foreigners, were killed in a US drone attack in Bobar Samal area of South Waziristan Agency of FATA.

One person was killed and 20 others were injured when the Pakistani army and Afghan Taliban militants exchanged fire near the Afghanistan border in Miranshah District.

Three persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Teenage boy Ali Raza (18) was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Jamshed Quarters area of Jamshed Quarters Police Limits.

Kaleem alias Commando, was shot dead in Daata Nagar of Orangi town. Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Zahid Siddiqi said that Kaleem was sleeping in his house when some militants broke inside and shot him. Kaleem was on parole, the SDPO added.

A dead body was found near Taqwa Masjid in Sector 3 of Sultanabad area of Manghopir town.

Two persons, including a minor, sustained injuries when an IED planted by militants went off near the vehicle of the ANP local leader Farooq Khan in Shadheri area of Charsadda District.

Two persons were injured in a hand grenade attack at the residence of a BNP-A leader Azeem Braich in Kharan District.

Pakistan’s Former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf was back in court, to have his bail extended over allegations that he conspired to murder opposition leader Benazir Bhutto in 2007. “The court has extended General Musharraf’s bail until April 24,” one of his lawyers, Afshan Adil said.

President Asif Ali Zardari 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. 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.

At least five persons, including an MQM activist, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

 An MQM worker, identified as Mohammad Faisal Khan, was shot dead in Mehmodabad area.

A person, identified as Syed Hasnain Mehdi, was shot dead in Urdu Nagar of Malir area.

Dead bodies of three young men stuffed in gunny bags were found in Kharadar area.

Four persons were killed when gunship helicopters pounded residential areas and suspected militant positions in Mir Ali sub-division of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. The sources said that four people were killed in the shelling and eight others injured.

A lady health worker was injured when some unidentified assailants attacked a polio team at Nasirabad town of Rawalpindi District.

Two unidentified assailants hurled a hand grenade at an election camp office of a political party in the Sariab area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.No loss of life was reported.

A petition has been filed at the ATC, seeking the summoning of former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf, a key accused in the Nawab Akbar Bugti murder case. Jamil Bugti, son of slain Nawab Akbar Bugti filed the petition.

Five militants were killed in retaliatory action by Security Forces (SFs) when militants try to ambush security personnel in the Dabori area of Orakzai Agency in FATA.Three security personnel were injured in the attack.

Four persons were killed and eight others injured in a rocket attack on an election rally in Wana town of South Waziristan Agency.Unidentified militants fired four rockets at a rally for independent National Assembly (NA) candidate Malik Naseerullah Khan, who is running to represent NA-41, South Waziristan. Naseerullah narrowly escaped without any injury. The TTP threatened anybody who holds or attends election rallies in and around Wana Bazaar, and two days ago the militants "fined" Naseerullah for defying them.

Unidentified militants blew up a 22 inch diameter gas pipeline in the Faiz Muhammad Goth area of Rajanpur District in Punjab, depriving several areas of the province of gas.

A bomb disguised to resemble a toy killed a woman and her two nieces in the Korya area of the Buner city in same District of KP.

Militants attacked a polio vaccination team in Gomal village of Tank District, injuring two Levies personnel guarding the workers vaccinating children.

Police thwarted an attempt to blow up the Mardan Press Club by defusing a 15 kilogrammes explosive device near the building.

The KP caretaker Government called for the immediate return of all FC troops deployed in other parts of the country to strengthen security for provincial election activities. The Government decided to deploy about 80,000 troops at sensitive polling stations across the province.

The Police SIU foiled an alleged bid to terrorise the election campaign by recovering a cache of weapons and ammunition in the New Chali area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.They recovered weapons included four Kalashnikovs and a large number of bullets, Senior Superintendent of Police Farooq Awan said. Militants planned to use the weapons to attack election activities, Farooq said.

Police arrested former President General Pervez Musharraf to face allegations he overstepped his powers while in office, marking a dramatic break with a political culture in which military rulers have remained untouchable.

Seven people including two workers of a political party were gunned down in the metropolis in Karachi. Two activists of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) were shot dead in separate attacks of targeted killings. The first activist was shot dead near Kaghzi Bazaar within the jurisdiction of Kharadar Police station. Another worker of MQM was killed near Gujjar Nala within the remits of Gulbahar Police station. Also, unidentified assailants critically wounded 30-year-old Iqbal, while he was standing at his Dabbu Club.

A rickshaw driver was gunned down within the remits of Pirabad Police station.

A man was shot dead while three others injured in a firing incident near Machar Colony.

An unidentified young man was shot dead in Ranchore Line within the premises of Nabi Baksh Police station.

A bullet-riddled body of an unidentified man was found in Sector 48-F, Korangi within the limits of Zaman Town Police station.

A man was found near Telephone Exchange within the premises of Garden Police station.

A female suicide bomber blew herself up outside a hospital in a lawless tribal area of northwest Pakistan and killed at least four people and wounded four others, officials said. The attack took place in Khar, the main town of Bajaur in FATA bordering Afghanistan.TTP take the responsibility of the attack.

A roadside bomb targeting a military convoy killed four Army soldiers and injured four more in Mir Ali town of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

Two activists of ANP were killed by unidentified assailants at the party’s rally in Karbala area of Pishin District. The deceased were ANP Unit’s President Mustafa Agha and an activist Naqeebullah. Another activist was injured in the incident.

A low-intensity blast took place near a rally being organized by the NP in Turbat city of the same District. However, no causality was reported.

14 persons were injured in a grenade attack at election office of MQM in Kharadar locality of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Police found mortar bombs from a graveyard in New Muzaffarabad Colony. Police SHO Shabbir Hussain said the BDS was called immideiately and they defused the bombs. 

The BDU neutralised a 10 kilogram of bomb planted on roadside in Bazidkhel village in south of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP.

Law-Enforcement Agencies once again started arresting former militants in Swat and other parts of the Malakand Division, fearing that those militants freed earlier could sabotage the May 11 General election.

The Attock District Police, on the direction of secret agencies, have reviewed the security plan to keep a check on entry of terrorists from the bordering Districts of KP.

In the wake of recent militant attacks on politicians and campaign rallies, the KP caretaker Government is addressing political parties' concerns by announcing the deployment of Army Quick Response Forces to provide security at polling places May 10-12.

At least three persons, including an activist of the MQM and two Policemen were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A Policeman, identified as Javed Awan, was shot dead and three others were injured by unidentified assailants in the Lasbela area.

A Policeman, identified as Ali Ahmed, was killed and his associate was injured in Korangi area.

An activist of the MQM, Arshad Siddiqui (40), was shot dead on Karsaz Road.

The TTP execute an Afghan in the Kari Kot village, about 10 kilometers south west of Rustam Bazaar, in Wana town of South Waziristan Agency in FATA. Mai-u-din, belonging to the Zedran tribe of Afghanistan, was brought handcuffed into an open place near the small bazaar of Kari Kot. The militants then shot him dead in front of the public. Mai-u-Din was 'arrested' by the local TTP about a week back.

At least five persons, including two Levies personnel, were injured in a bomb blast in Chaman area of Qilla Abdullah District.

A convoy carrying BNP-A leader Mir Asadullah Baloch was hit by a bomb in Panjgur area of same District. The convoy was passing through the area when a roadside bomb detonated just as the vehicle passed, Levies sources said. Mir and his associates escaped unhurt even though two of the vehicles were damaged in the blast, the sources added.

A student leader was injured when unidentified assailants hurled two grenades into an election camp of the ANP in Maneri town in Swabi District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the evening. Sources said that about 13 ANP workers were sitting in Hujra of Nadeem Khan, which is being used as the election office of the party, when the grenade attack took place. Osama, president of Pakhtun Students Federation, the student wing of ANP, was injured.

At least five persons, including a FC trooper, were killed and over 30 others were injured in a suicide attack at a check post near Alamdar Road, an area in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. The blast damaged several buildings, shops and vehicles.

The attacker's truck was packed with an estimated 80 kilograms of explosives. The suicide attacker detonated his explosives-laden truck when he was stopped by FC personnel at a check post. Officials said the bomber wanted to target Abdul Khaliq Hazara, a top leader of the Hazara Democratic Party.

Three other blasts were also reported from Quetta. Bombs went off in an open field at Jinnah town, Gawalmandi chowk and an intersection at Gurdat Singh Road. Six persons were injured at Gawalmandi Chowk. LeJ claimed responsibility for all the attacks.

At least three persons were killed and 30 others injured in a huge explosion near an election office of the MQM in Chowrangi area of the Taimuria Police Remits in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. SSP Raja Umer Khattab of Counter Terrorism Wing (CTW) said that it was an IED. He said it seems that the attack was conducted by the TTP. However, the involvement of other groups shall also be investigated.

LEAs arrested about two-dozen suspected militants during separate targeted raids and operations in the Karachi. Rangers detained 15 suspects and recovered 13 weapons of different calibers in targeted operations in Sohrab Goth, Kati Pahari and Banaras.

Police arrested half a dozen suspects in targeted raids in different parts of Korangi. Police said that five TT pistols and hundreds of rounds of ammunitions were recovered from their possession.

Five vehicles were destroyed and three others damaged in a blast near a car showroom on the University Road near Tehkal area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The blast destroyed five vehicles and damaged three others.

The BDU neutralised an IED planted near a graveyard in Matani.

Police neutralised a major terror bid by recovering an explosives-loaded vehicle which was parked near the Chak Shahzad farmhouse of former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf in Islamabad, the federal capital of Nation. The BDS defused the bomb after which the vehicle was shifted to Shehzad town Police Station.

The ATC has ordered inclusion of Pervez Musharraf in the investigation into Benazir Bhutto assassination case in Rawalpindi city (Rawalpindi District) of Punjab. Musharraf appeared before the court in relation to the case and made three requests, including unfreezing of his assets and bank accounts.

At least four persons, including two Policemen and a former activist of the MQM, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. ASI Gul Muhammad was shot dead and Head Constable Umer Khan was injured by unidentified assailants near New Sabzi Mandi in Sohrab Goth.

Imranullah Qureshi (35), a former activist of the MQM, was killed North Karachi.

Head Constable Atiq Khan (48) was killed by unidentified assailants near Sultanabad Morr in Manghopir.

A Policeman died while his colleague and a passer-by were injured in a bomb blast in Judbah, the headquarters of Torghar District in KP. According to the Police, unidentified persons detonated a remote-controlled device concealed in sand near the River Indus area.

Two persons, including a woman, injured in a bomb blast near Sarki Gate area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. The blast reportedly took place outside a house.

A toy bomb explosion in Swat left six persons injured. The injured include three women and a seven-month old child.

The former MPA and candidate for PK-67 Israrullah Khan Gandapur escaped unhurt in a roadside blast in Parori area of Dera Ismail Khan District. The sources said that Israrullah Khan Gandapur along with his supporters was on his way home after attending an election rally at Parori.

Abu Ubaidah Abdullah Al Adam, the 'intelligence and internal security chief' of the terrorist group, has was on April 17 in a drone attack in Datta Khel area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. Even though al Qaeda has not yet issued an official 'martyrdom' statement about the death of Abu Ubaidah Al Adam, there are credible reports in the Western media to suggest that he was killed in an April 17 US drone attack. Two of his close aides - Al Wathiq Billah and Sanafi Al Nasr - have tweeted that Abu Ubaida has been killed in an American drone strike in Pakistan.

A Palestinian national, who was in fact raised in Saudi Arabia, Al Adam had replaced Mohammad Khalil Hasan Al Hakaymah alias Abu Jehad Al Misri, the former 'intelligence chief' of the terrorist group, who was killed in a US drone strike on November 1, 2008, in NWA.

At least 16 persons, including two Policemen, were injured in three separate blasts in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. 13 persons, including a child, were injured in a blast in Satellite town. Bomb disposal personnel said that around one kilogram explosive had been used.

Two Policemen were injured in a blast in the Sariab Road area. Officials said that the explosives had been detonated by a remote control near the Kechi Baig Police Station when a Police van arrived there.

An explosive device planted on road went off at Jadoon Chowk on New Jan Muhammad Road. One person was injured in the blast.

Unidentified militants blew up gas pipeline of 24-inch diameter with explosive material in Rashidugun area of Larkana city (Larkana District) in Punjab.

At least six persons were killed while around thirteen persons were injured when a high intensity bomb shattered the election office of MQM located in Nusrat Bhutto Colony of North Nazimabad area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. TTP 'spokesman' Ehsanullah Ehsan has reportedly claimed the responsibility for the blast.

An activist of MQM, identified as Arshan Awan was shot dead in a targeted attacked at Safora Goth within the precincts of Gulistan-e-Juhar Police Station.

A worker of PML-N, identified as Raja Anees, was shot dead in Model Colony within the jurisdiction of Model Colony Police Station.

A soldier of the Rangers was killed in an attack on a checkpoint outside the Rangers officers mess in Latifabad area of Hyderabad city of same District.

The AEC of CID arrested eight suspected terrorists, including four of TTP near Ghani Chowrangi in SITE-A Police Limits of Karachi. The suspects were involved in a number of target killing incidents as well as bomb blasts. The Police also claimed to have recovered 50 kilograms explosive material, nine TT pistols and nine hand grenades from their possession.

Rangers and Police arrested around five-dozen suspects during separate raids and operations in the Karachi. According to details, around 500 Rangers personnel participated in the targeted operations in Sohrab Goth's Faqeera Goth and Shahfaisal's Green Town, and detained several suspects and recovered large amount of weapons from their possession.

Two Policemen and four militants, one of them an Iranian national, were killed in an encounter in Barbara area of Banda Daud Shah tehsil of Karak District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police said that another four Policemen were injured in the clash and two injured militants were arrested.

The security agencies freed 13 more missing persons picked up on suspicion of having links with the militant outfits, while body of one missing person was found in Mardan District, the Peshawar High Court was told. A two-member bench comprising PHC Chief Justice Dost Muhammad Khan and Justice Rohul Amin disposed of cases of 13 missing persons after their lawyers and family members informed the court that the detainees have been freed by the security agencies and they have returned home safely.

The counter-terrorism strategies proposed in the mainstream political parties' election manifestos do not represent what it would really take to restore peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA, according to experts. The issue appears to be quite low on their priority list with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz proposing its plan for taking on "Militancy and terrorism" in chapter 13 of its 14-chaptered election manifesto and Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians declaring it its sixth priority out of a list of seven point election programme.

A person, identified as Riaz Hussain, was killed by unidentified assailants in Wahdat colony of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

A person was killed another was injured in Awaran District. The body and the injured were shifted to a hospital, where they were identified as Ibrahim and Khuda Bakhsh, respectively.

A constable was killed and two others were injured by unidentified assailants in Loralai District.

A political worker was killed while another was injured when unidentified militants attacked an electoral office of the PPP in Nushki area of same District. No group claimed the responsibility of the attack.

A tribesman died and three others were injured when a roadside landmine exploded near the Sports Complex in Parachinar, the headquarters of Kurram Agency, in FATA. According to the political administration, the blast took place when a tractor-trolley hit a landmine.

Former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf was, formally arrested over the murder case of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Musharraf will remain in his villa on the edge of Islamabad (Federal Capital) where he is already under a two-week house arrest over his decision to sack judges when he imposed emergency rule in November 2007. "Today FIA formally arrested General Musharraf in the Benazir Bhutto case," prosecution lawyer Chaudhry Azhar told AFP by telephone. During the interrogation, the former President was asked why Benazir Bhutto was not provided security upon her return to Pakistan.

The banned TTP has distributed pamphlets in several Pakistani cities, including Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh warning people not to participate in next month's landmark general election.

Religious scholars and the members of the All Pakistan Ulema Council have issued a 40-page edict, which declares the non-casting of vote a sin, saying that casting vote is compulsory under Islamic injunctions.

The 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.

At least 11 persons, including a minor, were killed and 45 others were injured in a bomb blast at an election gathering of the ANP in Orangi town of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. TTP 'spokesman' Ehsanullah Ehsan claimed responsibility for the blast.

An ANP election candidate was attacked in the Old Muzaffarabad Colony of Landhi town. Police said Abdul Rehman was on his way to an election event when his vehicle was attacked. The ANP leader survived the attack unhurt, however, two children who were passing by received minor injuries.

The Rangers personnel arrested 28 suspects, including activists of political parties, during different raids. Rangers conducted search operations in Orangi Town, Bin Qasim and Rabia City in Gulistan-e-Jauhar.

At least six persons, including a Levies official, were critically injured when the convoy of JUI-F candidate for PB-30, Haji Muhammad Hashim Shahwani, came under attack in Mach area of Kachi District. Haji Muhammad Hashim Shahwani remained unhurt in the incident.

Unidentified militant blew up a Government school in Khwaja Muhammad area in Hangu District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Two rooms of the school were destroyed while the remaining portion of the school's building was damaged. The number of the schools destroyed by the militants in the area has reached 11.

Unidentified persons hurled a hand-grenade inside a house in Dhoda area Kohat District, causing minor damage but no casualties.

A bomb was defused by the BDS in Bannu town of same District. Bannu City Police official Miranshah Khan said at around 8am a pedestrian informed Police about a suspicious polythene bag lying near the boundary wall of Boys Government High School No 1.

A 15 kilogrammes bomb was defused in Shabqadar tehsil of Charsadda. Police official Zaman Khan said they received a tip-off about a bomb planted near Shabqadar Bazaar.

Further, a low-intensity bomb weighing two kilogrammes planted by the roadside in Sreekh area of Battagram was also defused by the BDS.

A bomb allegedly planted to target ANP activists in Mardan was successfully defused by the BDS late in the April 25 night. Par Hoti Police official Fazal Rabi said they were patrolling Sikandray area when they found an abandoned motorcycle parked at the roadside in Sarai Koruna where activists of ANP were convening a meeting for their election campaign.

A bomb planted near the house of a bank manager in Amirabad area of Charsadda town of same District exploded, damaging its boundary wall. Mandani Police official Rajab Ali said a huge explosion occurred near Khursheed Khan's house at around 5:45pm. BDS said two kilogrammes of explosives were used in the bomb.

The intelligence agencies have warned that the TTP have made plans to abduct former President General Pervez Musharraf, who is currently being held at his private residence here after being arrested in several criminal cases. The intelligence agencies have issued an advisory that the TTP might attempt to abduct Musharraf while he is being taken from his farmhouse to court.

Three British nationals, including the ringleader of a terror cell trained in Pakistan have been jailed for masterminding a plot to set off up to eight bombs in the UK that could have been more devastating than the 9/11 in the US and the July 7 attacks. The three men had raised an estimated 39,000 pounds for terror training and to fund the UK attacks. The money was raised through street collections in Birmingham, under the false pretence of raising money for Muslim charities.

At least six people, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), were killed while a religious cleric was injured in separate acts of violence across the Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Leader of Jaffria Alliance Maulana Baqar Zaidi was injured while his Police guard ASI Syed Qasim Jaffry was killed near Gujjar Nala, Liaquatabad within the remits of Supermarket Police Station.

An alleged target killer affiliated with Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) was shot dead near Ali Basti within the precincts of Rizvia Police Station. The deceased is identified as Hassan Kashmiri. Police said that the deceased was nominated in various cases of target killings.

Another man was gunned down in Pukhtoonabad area within the jurisdiction of Manghopir Police Station. Police said that the deceased, Ghulam Abbas, resident of the same area, was working at his shop when armed pillion riders shot him dead and managed to escape.

A man was shot dead in Orangi Town within the premises of Pakistan Bazaar Police Station. The victim, Tariq Jivan, was on his way when unknown armed men targeted him and managed to flee.

A man shot was dead in Korangi area within the remits of Zaman Town Police Station. The victim Mohammad Akram was at home when unidentified culprits barged in and shot him dead.

A bullet-riddled body of man was found from the bushes near Sector 11-A, New Karachi within the remits of New Karachi Industrial Area Police Station.

Three persons were killed and 40 others injured in TTP's three bomb attacks on two political parties MQM and PPP in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

As the Afghan Taliban announced the launching of annual spring offensive against the US-led Allied Forces in Afghanistan, this year the TTP has also joined them. The TTP has released a significant video which shows the TTP fighters belonging to the "Saad bin Abi Waqas Front" [which is named after a TTP commander] already carrying out military and suicide operations against the ISAF Forces in Logar province of Afghanistan.

On the other hand, however, the TTP 'chief' Hakimullah Mehsud has released a 67-minute Pashto-language videocassette titled, "The Caravan of Truth" which has been posted on Jamia Hafsa Urdu Forum. The footage shows undated ambushes, mortar strikes and raids being carried out by the TTP fighters against the ISAF forces.

Five supporters of independent candidate Syed Noor Akbar for NA-39 (Orakzai Agency in FATA) seat were killed when his election office was targeted with bomb in the Kacha Pakka area of Kohat Town in same District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in the morning. The TTP 'spokesman' Ehsanullah Ehsan claimed responsibility for the Kohat blast and vowed to carry out more attacks.

Three persons were killed and 26 others injured in bomb attack on the elections office of independent candidate Nasir Khan Afridi for NA-46 seat was targeted on Charsadda Road in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP.

Two persons, including a seven-year-old, were killed in the attack, while 16 others were injured in a remote-controlled blast took place when people were leaving after attending the election rally of ANP candidate Ameer Rehman in the PK-32 constituency in Swabi town of same District. Sources said that the bomb exploded as Ameer Rehman drove past in a convoy of dozens of vehicles.

At least six persons, including an ANP leader and a Policeman, were killed while nine others were injured in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A Policeman, identified as Police constable Fida Hussain (32), and a person, Umar Hussain (35), were shot dead by unidentified assailants in Sultanabad within the jurisdiction of Manghopir Police Station.

Two persons, identified as Nasir and Kamran, were shot dead and two others were injured in an election rally in Liaquatabad area within the premises of Liaquatabad Police Station.

A person, identified as Fayyaz Muneer was shot dead and his friend Naseem Islam was injured when a firing incident took place in Essa Nagri within the remits of PIB Police Station.

General sectary of ANP, Ghazi Gul (35), was shot dead in a targeted attack in Musharraf Colony within the precincts of Mochko Police Station.

Six persons were injured in an election rally at Model Colony Turn in the remits of Model Colony Police Station.

Police arrested 25 suspected militants in different targeted raids and operations, huge cache of weapons and ammunitions were also recovered in these search operations conducted in various localities of Orangi town.

A boy was killed and five others were injured in a blast on Sariab Road of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. The electoral procession of Shams Mengal, an independent candidate for PB-5 Quetta seat, was the target. Police sources said that unidentified assailant had planted a bomb on a bicycle in Faizabad area of Sariab, where the electoral procession of the Shams Mengal was underway. The TTP claimed responsibility for blast.

The house of a leader of JUI-F was attacked with a hand-grenade in Panjgur District. The house was partly damaged.

The motorcade of the chairman of Jamoot Qaumi Movement (JQM), escaped unhurt in a rocket attack in Chattar area of Nasirabad District. "Three vehicles were damaged in the attack," Police officials said.

At least 10 persons, including two Afghan diplomats and a journalist, were killed and over 60 others sustained injuries in a suicide attack on the University Road in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Those killed in the blast included the Afghan consulate's Business Attache, Qazi Hilal, and an official of its refugee section, Mohammad Idrees. Qazi Hilal was son of the former deputy leader of Hezb-i-Islami and Afghanistan's Former Minister for Justice and Communications, Qazi Amin Waqad. A journalist, Arif Shafi, was also among those killed, while another journalist Gohar Ali's daughter, Ayesha Ali, was wounded.

One person was killed and two others sustained injuries in an attack on the ANP office in Nowshera town of same District. Unidentified assailants attacked the election office of the ANP candidate for PK-13, killing one of his security guards and injuring two other persons. The slain guard was identified as Johar Ali (19), while the injured party workers included Shahid Khan and Adalat Khan. The attackers escaped after the attack. Two vehicles parked in the hujra (meeting place) were also damaged in the incident.

A passerby was killed and 20 others sustained injures when ANP candidate for PK-17, Muhammad Ahmad Khan, was attacked with a remote controlled bomb in Sar Dheri of Charsadda town of same District. Khan escaped unhurt. Bomb disposal Unit officials said two kilogram explosive was used in the explosion.

The hujra and a nearby mosque were partially damaged when a bomb planted by militants exploded near the house of the ANP leader Khan Daraz Khan in Hajyanoo Koroona in Ghundo village in the limits of Katlang Police Station in Mardan District.

Two unidentified motorcyclists attacked the vehicular procession of JUI-S candidate for NA-15 Karak and JUI-S Deputy General Secretary Maulana Shah Abdul Aziz in Jangrezi area of Banda Daud shah tehsil of Karak District. It was learnt that both the candidates and their workers remained unhurt in the attack.

Two assailants opened fire on the hujra of former JUI-F MPA and now independent candidate for PK-41 Karak-I Malik Qasim Khan in Khojaki area of Takht-e-Nusrati on the Indus Highway.

A Government boys' school was blown up with four bombs in the wee hours in Bannu town of same District. According to Police, four back-to-back bombs exploded in the school, completely damaging the school building. No casualty was reported.

Unidentified persons hurled a hand-grenade at the Bannu woollen Mills on Dera Ismail Khan Road in Bannu town of same District in the night. Official sources said that the main entrance to the mills was partially damaged but caused no casualty.

At least five persons, including a Policeman, were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A Police Sub-Inspector, identified as Sadru Abro (48), was shot dead and his daughter was injured in a targeted attack in Orangi town within the premises of Iqbal Market Police Station.

A person, identified as Akbar (30), was shot dead in Ilyas Goth area within the remits of Ibrahim Hyderi Police Station.

A person, identified as Syed Mohammad Hafeez (25), was shot dead within the jurisdiction of Rizvia Police Station.

A watchman, identified as Mehmood Aslam Khan (40), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Pakhtoonabad area within the precincts of Manghopir Police Station.

An unidentified person was shot and killed near Ibrahim Ali Bhai School in Orangi town.

Two persons were injured in a low-intensity blast, close to metrological office near Safora Chowrangi in Gulistan-e-Jauhar. Police said that unidentified assailants threw a cracker near metrological department that injured two pedestrians, Mohammad Hanif and Anwar.

Terrorists blew up the railway tracks near Seitharija railway station in Khairpur area of same District.

LEAs arrested over 50 suspects during various targeted raids and operations in different parts of the Karachi. According to details, Police arrested about two dozen suspects during targeted raids in various localities of Sohrab Goth including Jangal Goth, Faqira Goth, Lasi Goth and Al-Asif Square.

15 more suspects were taken into custody during targeted raids in other parts of Karachi a huge cache of weapons was also recovered from their possession.

Rangers conducted targeted raids in Haroonabad, Musharraf Colony, Qayyumabad, Sher Khan Colony, Greek Maripur and Masroor Colony, Falaknaz Plaza, Karnal Basti, Gulistan Society, Millat Town and Chanesar Goth, and arrested about 24 suspects. According to Rangers' spokesperson, three ball bombs, a metal detector, two hand grenades, a wireless set and about 20 weapons of different calibres were also recovered.

At least 10 more suspects were taken into custody during targeted raids in Musharraf Colony area of Maripur. According to Police, at least six hand grenades, AK-47 rifle and five TT pistols were also recovered from criminals' possession. In more raids, CID of Sindh Police claimed to have arrested three alleged target killers.

Nine alleged TTP militants were arrested in separate rages in Karachi. According to reports, Rangers claimed to have arrested eight militants of the TTP during a raid in the Maripur area. Sources privy to the arrests said that "tennis balls bombs" and a huge cache of arms were recovered from the arrested militants.

The dead bodies of three missing SF personnel were found in Adamkot area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. Suspected militants had abducted the three troopers from a checkpost in Wacha Bibi area of Dattakhel tehsil in North Waziristan in the night of April 26 and shifted them to an undisclosed location.

A driver was killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on a NATO container in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency. Security officials said that the assailants opened fire on the container coming from Afghanistan, killing the driver.

At least 15,000 troops from the Army and FC are deploying to sensitive Districts in Balochistan for the May 11 General Election, Balochistan Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani said. The sensitive Districts include Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar, Kharan, Turbat, Panjgur, Gwadar and Nushki, he said.

A TTP cadre was arrested while pasting the group's pamphlets in the Multan Press Club of Multan city of same District. According to media reports, two members of the TTP were busy pasting pamphlets in the press club, carrying directives for the people to stay away from the upcoming election. The press club management informed the Police, who arrested one of the cadres, identified as Usman Ghani, a university student.

At least 11 persons, including activists of the MQM, the PPP and the ST, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Two persons, identified as Haji Guddu (45) and Muhammad Niaz, were shot dead and three others were injured near Noorani Mosque located in Lyari within the precincts of Kalri Police Station. Lyari SP Najam Tareen said PPP leaders and members were at the party's election office in Agra Taj Colony when eight to 10 motorcyclists opened fire on them.

A dead body was found from the Mewa Shah graveyard in Pak Colony. The victim was identified as Zahid alias Bhola, a resident of Sector 5J of New Karachi. Police were investigating the murder when they received information from the Shershah area that a man's body was found on the Miran Naka Road. The victim was identified as Zahid's friend Azeem, a resident of New Karachi, who was abducted along with his friend, tortured and then shot dead. Investigators said Zahid and Azeem were members of the MQM belonging to the party's New Karachi sector.

Aftab Ahmed was shot dead by unidentified assailants outside his house in Khuda Ki Basti of Surjani town. Investigators said the victim was an activist of the MQM.

Faraz Qadri, an activist of ST was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Power House in North Karachi.

A person, identified as Ghulam Muhammad Katchi was killed near Bacho Farm in Memon Goth area.

An unidentified person was shot dead by unidentified assailants at Do Rasta area in Manghopir.

A chemical shop owner, Qadir Hussain (40), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Juna market of Kharadar area.

Rashid Hussain (25) was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Orangi town. However, Javed Mehsud, who was wounded in a firing incident in Manghopir locality on April 29, succumbed to his injuries during treatment at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.

An independent candidate, Abdul Fateh Magsi, was shot dead along with his three supporters while two others were injured in Jhal Magsi area of same District. Abdul Fateh Magsi had submitted his nomination papers as an independent candidate from PB-32 Jhal Magsi. No group has claimed responsibility for the killing of Abdul Fateh Magsi.

Militants blew up 18-inch diameter gas pipeline in Malagzara area of Dera Bugti District.

The BDS neutralised an IED in Badhaber area on the outskirts of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. According to Police, the personnel of BDS were called in after an explosive filled pot with a mobile device attached was spotted by the locals in Badhaber.

Former President General Pervez Musharraf's plans to stage a political comeback were virtually sealed after the Peshawar high court banned him from contesting polls for life while another court remanded him in judicial custody till three days after the May 11 parliamentary polls. The high court's ruling came on an appeal by the former President who had challenged the rejection of his nomination papers for the national assembly seat in the north-western hill-station of Chitral.

An ATC in Rawalpindi sent him to a two-week judicial remand in the Benazir Bhutto assassination case. The court fixed the next date of hearing on May 14, three days after the polls. Bhutto was killed in a deadly bomb and gun attack in December 2007 after addressing an election rally in Rawalpindi's Liaquat Bagh.

The court gave permission to the Balochistan Police to question Musharraf in the case relating to the killing of Baloch nationalist leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti. Bugti was killed in a military offensive in the mountainous Dera Bugti region in southwest in August 2006 when Musharraf was President and Army chief.

Former Federal Minister of Interior Rehman Malik said a conspiracy is afoot to break the country by bringing in a pro-TTP PM. Speaking at a joint press conference with MQM's Farooq Sattar and 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 PML-N and 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.

The PPP alleged the both PML-N and PTI had assured the TTP that if voted to power they would support the militants. 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.

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.

Against the backdrop of a spate of attacks on election meetings and campaign offices ahead of the May 11 polls, TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud said 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.

The COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said 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. "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.

"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.

"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.

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.

At least eight persons, including a Navy sailor, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Two watchmen of Chitargo School, identified as Chamman Ali and Hafizullah, were shot dead and other Mohsin was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Sultanabad area within the limits of Manghopir Police Station.

An owner of meat shop, Waqas Sattar (25) and a passerby Haji Hassan (35) were shot dead in MPR Colony within the premises of Orangi Town Police Station.

A Navy Sailor, identified as Zahid Iqbal (28), was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Bakra Hotel within the remits of Kharadar Police Station.

A dead body was found near Phool Chowk in Kharadar Police Jurisdiction. Police said that deceased was identified as Waqas (22), resident of Napier Road, left for his home from work place when unidentified militants abducted him and later threw his body.

A dead body was found from Lyari River within remits of Rizvia Police Station. Another body was found near the bushes of Taiser town within the precincts of Surjani town Police Station.

Eight activists of the MQM were injured in an attack on their election office in Bombay Bazar in the Mithadar Police Precincts. Police said the motorcyclists had also lobbed a hand grenade at the MQM office, but no one was injured as a result of the explosion.

Police and Rangers, in a joint operation, arrested about two dozen suspects including political workers during a targeted operation conducted near Bilawal House in Boat Basin area. According to Police, the operation was jointly conducted in collaboration with the Rangers near Bilawal House Chowrangi against the criminal elements.

At least eight militants were killed as jet fighters pounded their hideouts in Dabori area of Orakzai Agency in FATA. Police said the bombing resulted in the destruction of four militant hideouts and the killing of eight militants.

Two security officials were injured as a result of cross-border firing from Afghanistan at a security checkpost in Mohmand Agency.

A candidate of the Qaumi Watan Party, Akbar Khan, who is running for a National Assembly seat (NA 40, North Waziristan Agency), was abducted from an area near Mir Ali of North Waziristan Agency.

The BDU official's defused two bombs planted to target two election contestants in the limits of Mathra Police Station of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The PTI Chairman Imran Khan said in an interview with British daily Telegraph, that former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was not assassinated by the TTP.

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.

At least three persons, including a PPP activist were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A person affiliated with PPP, identified as Nadeem Ahmed, was shot dead and another was injured by unidentified assailants in North Karachi within the jurisdiction of Khwaja Ajmair Nagri Police Station.

A person was shot dead in Baldia town within the remits of Baldia town Police Station. Police officials said that deceased identified as Abdul Rehman was standing near his residence when pillion armed riders targeted him and managed to escaped from the scene.

A dead body of a missing person from Balochistan was found near Northern Bypass within the premises of Surjani Police Station. The body was identified as Naseebuallah, who hailed from Dashti Bazaar of Turbat District in Balochistan.

Eight persons were injured in a low-intensity explosion near the MQM sector office located near Fresco Chowk, Burns Road. It was the 42nd attack on electioneering since April 11, 2013. Including bombings and armed assaults, has claimed more than 70 lives, including two contesting candidates, and left over 350 injured in Karachi.

Two schools designated as polling stations for the May 11 elections were blown up in the Nasirabad District. Police sources said that an IED planted in a Government middle school in Tahir Kot area was detonated on May1 and a primary school was blown up on May 2 in a nearby village in Chatter tehsil.

Pakistan Ulema Council 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 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.

A senior prosecutor handling the 26/11 Mumbai attack case and Benazir Bhutto assassination case was shot and killed by unidentified assailants in the busy commercial area of Karachi Company in Islamabad, the federal capital nation. Assailants riding a motorcycle fired at the car of FIA prosecutor Chaudhry Zulfizar Ali in the busy commercial area of Karachi Company at 7.30am.

At least six persons, including an ANP candidate, was killed in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A lawyer, Shakeel Ahmed Jan Bangash, was killed and his father Ali Ahmed Jan was injured by unidentified assailants in a targeted attack at ICI Bridge of Baghdadi area.

An ANP candidate, Sadiq Zaman Khattak, was shot dead along with his four-year-old son by TTP militants in Bilal Colony of Korangi area. The 'spokesperson' of the TTP Ehsanullah Ehsan claimed the responsibility of killing the ANP candidate.

A Police constable, identified as Aurangzeb (40), was killed near Bilal Chowrangi of Korangi area.

An activist of the MQM, identified as Rizwan Adil alias Hashoo, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Paposh Nagar.

A dead body of an unidentified person was found from the bushes in Gabol Goth area.

The AEC of the CID arrested at least five alleged TTP cadres in Kati Pahari area. During the raid, Police recovered 75 kilogrammes of explosives, two pressure cooker bombs, six tennis ball bombs, remote control, detonating cord, detonator, four hand grenades, a Kalashnikov, a .22 rifle, two TT pistols and a 9mm pistol.

Four militants and one security official were killed during a clash when militants tried to ambush a security checkpost in Ladha area of South Waziristan Agency in FATA.

A ST leader, Khurram Qadri, was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Food Street of Tibi City of Sialkot District.

Peshawar-bound Quetta Express train escaped a rocket attack by unidentified assailants in Mach Railway Station of same District. However, the rockets landed in an open area causing no loss.

Two suspected terrorists, picked up by intelligence agencies from Butkhela area of Malakand District in KP in 2009 and 2010, were produced before the Supreme Court. A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry had ordered the KP Government on May 2, to produce the two before the court.

A report, 'Press Freedom Report', released by PPF said that at least six journalists have been killed in the line of duty in Pakistan during first four months of 2013, Two of them were purposely targeted and murdered because of their work while remaining four were killed in suicide blasts. The report said that 54 journalists were killed in the country during the period of Jan 2002 to Apr 2013.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Engineer Shaukatullah approved the long-awaited compensation policy for the terrorism-affected people of FATA. Apart from the introduction of financial assistance criteria for the heirs of martyrs, the policy has also determined the compensation amount to help those whose vehicles, houses, shops, plaza, petrol pumps and CNG stations have been destroyed and animals killed.

According to the details, all Government employees in FATA will get equal treatment and incentives which are already being granted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to compensate the real heirs of those who embrace martyrdom, a communiqué said. Apart from this, in FATA Rs 6,000 will be paid for each sheep and goat killed in both natural calamities and terrorism-related incidents, while Rs 20,000 will be provided for each cow, buffalo, horse, donkey and camel lost.

At least eight militants were killed and three hideouts destroyed in Security Forces' action against militants in Upper tehsil, including Qismat Sanga and Sheen Qamar, of Orakzai Agency in FATA.

A local tribal leader Haider Khan was shot dead after unidentified militants barged into his house in the Sanober area of Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency.

A landmine blast was reported in Baizrot area of Orakzai Agency, but no loss of life was reported.

At least three persons were killed and 35 others, including Rangers personnel and children, were injured when two consecutive blasts jolted a MQM office near the MQM head office Nine Zero in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh, in the evening. TTP 'spokesman' Ehsanullah Ehsan has reportedly claimed responsibility for the blasts.

A bullet-riddled body was recovered in a deserted area of Spain Karez, in the outskirts of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. The victim could not be identified.

Unidentified militants planted explosives under the 18-inch diameter gas pipeline in Pat Feeder area of Jaffarabad District that damaged a large portion of the pipeline. Gas supply to different areas was suspended following the incident. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The SFs destroyed two militant hideouts and killed 16 militants after heavy overnight fighting at a flashpoint near the Afghan border in the Tirah Valley in the Khyber Agency of FATA in which two soldiers also died. The fighting took place in the wake of a fresh military push in the Tirah Valley where the military has been targeting TTP and LI militants.

Two SFs personnel were killed and three others, among them a captain, injured when their convoy was hit by a bomb blast on the Razmak-Esha road at Kam Sarobi area near Razmak town of NWA. The deceased were identified as sepoys Ehsanullah and Tahir and the injured as Captain Sultan Ayaz, Subedar Sarwar and Sepoy Atif.

The main entrance to the house and adjacent hujra of PTI for NA-40 NWA were damaged in a blast caused by an IED in Mir Ali. Family members of the PTI candidate Engineer Abdul Qayyum Khan said that unidentified persons had planed an IED near the main entrance to his house and hujra at Haiderkhel village in Mir Ali subdivision.

Four persons were killed when the convoy of Sardar Sarfaraz Khan Domki and Mir Dostain Khan Domki, grandsons of late Nawab Bugti, contesting elections for national and provincial assembly seats, comes under bomb attack in Tali area of Sibi District. The candidates remained safe but their two security guards were killed. Two attackers were also killed in an exchange of fire soon after the blast.

Two activists of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Nazaryati) were injured in a hand grenade attack on an election campaign office of the party at Killi Deba area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

As many as nine persons were injured as the offices of PML-N and National Party were attacked in different parts of Balochistan. Local Police sources said unidentified men attacked the office of PML-N candidate from NA 271 Kharan cum Panjgur General (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch with a hand grenade in Kharan town. The explosion left five PML-N workers present in the office injured besides damaging the electoral office.

Militants lobbed a hand grenade at the electoral office of a National Party candidate in Mach town of Bolan District leaving three party workers injured.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a man on the Circular Road in Quetta. According to Police, the victim identified as Asad Ali was on way home when armed assailants riding a motorbike opened fire on him and fled. He succumbed to his injuries while being shifted to the hospital.

A boy's high school was blown up in the Killi Sahibzada area of Nushki District. The building was partially damaged and no casualties were reported.

Police arrested at least 30 suspects during a targeted search operation and recovered arms from their possession in Kali Gio area under Sariab Police Station in Quetta.

At least two activists of PTI and as many Police constables were injured when an improvised explosive device planted on a roadside went off when a PTI procession was passing from there to attend a public meeting in Gharibabad area of Takhbai tehsil in Mardan District of KP.

A bomb planted to target a candidate of the ANP for PK-8 was defused in Khidrakhel village in the jurisdiction of Khazana Police Station in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP.

The Karachi Police and CID arrested 15,658 accused and recovered 13487 weapons and different explosive materials from their possession during different raids from January 1 to April 30, 2013. This was informed to IGP Sindh Shahid Nadeem Baloch in a four-month Police performance report.

Twenty-three persons were killed and more than 70 others injured in a blast at the election rally of JUI-F candidates at a Madrassa in Sewak village in Kurram Agency of FATA. Along with the local tribesmen, two bodyguards of the JUI-F candidate from NA-38, Munir Orakzai, and six of his close relatives were also injured in the blast.

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 PPP, MQM and ANP. TTP ‘chief’ Hakimullah Mehsud had mentioned Munir Orakzai’s name in a videotape released in the past by his organisation.

Afghan forces attacked a border checkpost in Mohmand Agency, injuring four Pakistani soldiers. Security sources said the Gursal checkpost was attacked at around 9am with rockets, mortars and other heavy weapons. Pakistani forces retaliated and the exchange of fire lasted over two hours. This was a second attack from across the border in a week. Two Pakistani troops were injured when Afghan forces attacked the Gursal and two other checkposts four days ago.

A dead body, identified as Adam Khan, was found in the Jhal Magsi area of same District.

SFs foiled a terrorism bid as they arrested two terrorists and recovered 100 kilograms explosives from their possession during a raid in Kuchlak area in the suburb of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Militants blew up a portion of railway track in Sariab area of Quetta. No loss of life was reported.

A PPP worker was injured when a remote controlled bomb planted near the office of a party candidate in Mirzai area of Shabqadar in Charssada District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, went off. The bomb was planted near the office of PPP candidate for PK-22 Haji Asadullah Khan in Mirzai area. The PPP worker identified as Shahid sustained injuries. The BDU personnel said about four kilograms explosive was used in the bomb. 

Two workers of ANP were injured when unidentified assailants opened fire on them in Chengolai area of Swat District. ANP workers Nasruallah and Shah Farooq were returning home from Khwazakhela bazaar in their car when unknown armed men ambushed the vehicle just a few yards from their village. 

Dara Adam Khel chapter of TTP warned the teachers to boycott the polling process “in order to avoid punishment”. The warning has been issued through pamphlets distributed in various schools, residences of teachers in different areas of Peshawar, like Sarband, Salman Khel, Masho Khel and some areas located in Badbher. Local found the pamphlets and informed the Police, who gathered the letters for investigation and to determine who distributed them. According to the letter, TTP Dara Adam Khel has announced that “we are against those people who are working for democracy and these people are the enemies of the Islam who want to destabilise our country and Islam through democracy”. Through the pamphlet, the TTP has also demanded that people support the TTP, through money or participation in jihad and reject the election. The TTP also warned the teachers and citizens that they should not participate in election work.

Rangers arrested 13 suspects during different targeted raids and operations in the Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. On a tip-off, Rangers raided Marine Drive Apartments near Bilawal House, and arrested three suspects, recovering 10 different types of weapons from their custody.

At least 12 persons were killed and 35 others were injured in a remote-controlled blast when a candidate of the Fazlur Rehman led JUI-F was conducting his election campaign in Doaba Town of Hangu District. DPO Sajjad Khan said militants had parked an explosive-laden motorcycle in the main bazaar and triggered the explosion when the JUI-F candidate Mufti Syed Jannan along with his supporters reached there to meet the shopkeepers and seek votes.

Five persons, including PPP leader Muhammad Zahir Shah Khan, were killed in a remote-controlled bomb blast near the Babagam village in Maidan area of Lower Dir District.

One person was killed and three others were injured when unidentified assailants opened fire at the cavalcade of AJIP ‘chief’ Shahram Khan Tarakai near Baja village in Swabi District. Police sources said Shahram Khan and his supporters were on their way back after addressing a rally in Baja village when unidentified assailants opened fire. “The AJIP ‘chief’ remained unhurt in the attack but one of his supporters was killed on the spot,” said a Police official.

JI leader, identified as Malik Bahram Khan, an election candidate for PK-93 Upper Dir-III, and three other companions of him were injured in a remote-controlled bomb attack in Akhagram area of Upper Dir District. None claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Two activists of MQM, identified as Anis Ilyas and Qasim Muzaffar, were shot dead and one other, identified as Jalal Saeed, was injured in an attack on the party’s office in Juma Himayati Goth area of Korangi town in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Police arrested the Karachi ‘chief’ of LeJ, Qari Shafi Ansari, during a raid at Hub River Road. Police also claimed to have recovered two hand grenades, one rifle, one 8mm pistol and TT pistols from his possession. The Police said Ansari is allegedly involved in number of sectarian killings and was made ameer of Karachi chapter of the group after the arrest of Hafiz Qasim Rasheed. Ansari was earlier arrested in 2001 but set free in 2008.

Police arrested a suspected TTP militant involved in a number of bank robberies and extortion cases. CID, Operations Wing SSP Mohammed Fayyaz Khan said following a tip-off, his team raided a hideout in the Korangi Industrial Area and after a shoot-out arrested Imran alias Kami. During interrogation, Imran revealed that he was a member of the TTP. He and his associates were involved in the robbery at the Soneri Bank branch in Soldier Bazaar on December 13, 2011, in which they had walked away with PKR 5.2 million. They had also robbed PKR 6.8 million from the UBL Bank branch in Naval Colony. They had looted PKR 1.8 million from the Bank Al-Islami branch near Lasbela Chowk. Imran further disclosed that he was trained in Waziristan Agency of FATA and also involved in attacks on military and intelligence personnel. He was instructed by his commander in Waziristan to rob banks in Karachi in order to generate funds for his organisation.

Unidentified armed assailants abducted three persons from Tump area of Turbat District. According to Levies Force, Muhammad Jan, Muhammad Ibrahim and Wahid Aziz were on their way home when armed assailants took them away to an unidentified location at gunpoint near Mand area.

Three activists of MQM, identified as Qasim Saeed, Anis Ilyas and Bilal Ahmed, were shot dead and one other, identified as Muhammad Hussain was injured by unidentified assailants in Jumma Goth area within the premises of Ibrahim Hydri Police Station of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Two MQM activists, identified as Muhammad Ali and Muhammad Aslam were shot dead and three others were injured near the Liberty roundabout in Hyderabad city of same District.

Two cadres of the banned TTP were shot dead by their colleagues in Mianwali Colony of Karachi.

A person, identified as Qari Hakim was shot dead in Super Market within the remits of Sohrab Goth Police Station.

A person, identified as Kashif Soomro (20), was shot dead near Crown cinema of Mauripur road. Police suspected that Lyari gangsters were behind the incident.

A Policeman, identified as Dilawar Khan, was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants in Frontier Colony within the remits of Pirabad Police Station.

A dead body in a gunny bag, identified as Fayyaz Haqnawaz, was found near Ghani Chowrangi area within the jurisdiction of SITE-B Police Station.

Another dead body of a man was found near Lyari express way of Yasinabad area within the limits of Jauharabad Police Station.

At least 23 persons were injured in a bomb attack in Mehboobabad area.

18 persons were injured in an IED blast near Sitara Bakery of Mehmoodabad area.

Rangers arrested around three dozen militants during different targeted raids and operations across the Karachi. According to details, Rangers’ officials said that the raids were conducted in various parts of the city including Badia Town, Miran Naka, Machar Colony, Kimari, Model Colony, Itehad Town, Frontier Colony, Kunwari Colony, Orangi, Safora Chowrangi, Pahar Gunj and Sajan Goth. Spokesman of Rangers further said that the arrests were made during door-to-door search operation. Large number of Rangers personnel participated in the operation while the entire localities were cordoned off during the operation hours, he said. He also stated that 52 weapons of different calibers including SMGs, Rifles and mixed ammunitions were also recovered from the possession.

Police arrested three TTP targeted killers and recovered suicide jackets and explosives from Zeal Pak Colony of Hyderabad city of same District. Militants confessed to killing of MQM candidate Fakhr-ul-Islam on April 11, 2013, in Hyderabad.

Two Policemen, a woman and a suicide bomber were killed and another militant arrested with a suicide vest during an encounter in Rasheed Garhi area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to an official, terrorists hurled grenades at Police when they launched an operation in the locality. Elite Force personnel Misbahullah of Mian Gujar and Wahab Ali of Mashogagar of Badbher were killed and a woman and a child injured. The Police official said an injured intending suicide bomber had been arrested and he had identified himself as Saadat Khan. City Police Chief Liaquat Ali Khan told reporters that another suicide bomber had blown himself up in a house, killing a woman. He said the militant had forced his way into the building after attacking Police, but detonated his suicide vest after police surrounded the house.

A policeman and two women were killed and 27 others injured as a suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden car into Domail Police Station in Bannu city of same District at 5:00am. Officials said the bomber drove the car through the densely populated area before hitting the Police Station, destroying the building and several nearby houses and shops. Police constable Rehmanullah and two women were killed and 27, mostly children and women, suffered injuries in the attack. The bomb disposal unit personnel said 400kg explosives were used in the explosion, which created an eight feet deep crater.

Two persons were killed and 18 others, including a Policeman, women and some children, injured in a remote-controlled blast in Jani Chowk of Hangu Bazaar in Hangu District. Police said the bomb was planted in a handcart parked on Railway Road in Hangu Bazaar. Police Sub-Inspector and platoon commander Ahmad Hussain was among the injured.

Five persons, including three Policemen, were injured in a hand grenade attack in Dera Ismail Khan City of same District. Police said unidentified persons hurled a hand grenade partially damaging part of the house injuring two persons. Police rushed to the place but when they reached there, a roadside improvised explosive device exploded destroying their van and injuring Police Constables Mohammad Timur and Inayatullah and driver Gulam Fareed.

At least nine militants were killed and their three hideouts destroyed in an operation by SFs in Mamozai and surrounding areas of Orakzai Agency in FATA. According to details, SFs engaged the suspected militants in Mamozai and surrounding areas with heavy artillery fire. In SFs’ bombing three hideouts were destroyed resulting in the death of nine militants injury to several others. Sources said that death toll may rise further as many militants were reported buried under the rubble of destroyed hideouts.

A security official was killed and another injured in a landmine explosion in Shahidano Dhand area of Parachinar in Kurram Agency. Local officials said the two security personnel were on routine patrol in the area when a landmine planted by militants on a village track exploded, killing one of them and injuring the other.

SFs freed 13 persons in Kalaya of Orakzai Agency who were abducted by militants from Peshawar January 31, 2012. The hostages included three WAPDA workers, nine labourers and a Policeman. Sohail Ahmed, one of the freed WAPDA workers, said he and his co-workers were working at a 132kV grid station in the Gula Khan Bagh area of Badhaber when about 30 armed militants abducted them and took them to the Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency. The militants tortured them and forced them to work as slave labour, he added.

At least 14 persons were injured in two hand grenades attack by unidentified assailants at a hotel near eastern bypass area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Unidentified militants fired rockets at the FC checkpost in Kohlu District. No causality or injury was reported.

Militants abducted five personnel of the Levies force after blowing up their post in Johaan area of Kalat District. Militants entered the building of Police post and placed explosive devices there and detonated them. “The building was blown up by the powerful explosion,” sources said, adding that attackers took away five Levies personnel.

Religious parties in Gilgit and Diamer Districts, including the ASWJ and JI, called for a new and ‘acceptable’ governing system for the region, terming the existing GB Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009 ‘biased’. “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 Rs2 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 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.

At least six persons including three Policemen were killed and more than 10 others injured in a remote controlled blast near a Police van in Sarmal Nusratkhail area in Torghar town of same District. According to Police, militants detonated a remote-controlled device concealed in sand near the River Indus. A police party was deployed to check the passengers of ferries moving from Judbah to Darband and other parts of Hazara when the blast occurred.

Unidentified militants lobbed a hand grenade inside the building, the meeting place of an Awami National Party leader, Haider Ali, in Katlang area of Mardan District. An official of the Katlang Police said that around 12:30am, an explosion was heard at the ANP leader’s meeting place, while a car and motorbike parked inside were damaged as a result. None were killed or injured.

The ANP party’s election office was partially destroyed when explosives planted by unidentified militants went off in the Bhalola area of Charsadda District. Official said that unidentified militants had planted a remote-controlled bomb at the election office of ANP leader Asfandyar Wali Khan, which exploded and destroyed the front of the office that is situated in Bhalola Bazaar. No human loss was reported.

A bomb planted at the main gate of an ANP election office in Yar Hussain village of Swabi District went off, partially destroying the structure. No one was reported injured or killed. 

An internally displaced person was killed and six others were injured when a bomb planted at the office of NA-41’s candidate exploded in Mir Ali tehsil of North Waziristan Agency. An official of the political administration in Mir Ali said that around 3:00pm a huge explosion occurred in Mir Ali Bazaar.

A boy was killed and four others injured when an explosive device went off inside a playground in Rashkai area of Bajaur Agency. Local residents and officials said the blast occurred during the final of a cricket tournament.

Former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s son, Ali Haider Gilani (27), was abducted by unidentified assailants on the outskirts of Multan city of same District. Officials said his secretary and a bodyguard were killed and four persons were injured. “People came on a motorbike. They also had a car with them and they opened fire and abducted Yousaf Raza Gilani’s son Ali Haider in a black Honda,” Police officer Khurram Shakur told reporters. There was no claim of responsibility for the abduction. Yousaf Raza Gilani alleged that the PML-N has abducted his son. “The election is a national obligation and we will not boycott,” he said. “Kidnapping of my son following killing of his secretary in a firing attack is a horrific incident,” he added.  

Three Karachi targeted killers were killed by Lahore and Karachi Police in a joint operation in the Satukatla area of Lahore District. Police said that two Policemen also lost their lives during operation.

A Balochistan Constabulary operative was killed while six others were injured when the election rally of PML-N candidate Akber Askani came under attack in the Mand area of Kech District. An official of the Balochistan Levies, Nasir Ali, told that the PML-N candidate of PB-50, Akber Askani, was on his way to campaign for elections when unidentified assailants opened indiscriminate fire on his cavalcade. The BLF claimed responsibility for the attack.

A primary school was blown up in Ghot Raisani area of Dhadar in Bolan District. Levies sources said that militants planted explosive material at the primary school designated as a polling station.  

Two other schools designated as polling stations were blown up in Jaffarabad District. A third school was blown up in the Chah Sar area of Turbat District.

The AEC of the CID arrested five suspected TTP militants, for their alleged involvement in extortion, near the Manghopir Road situated in the Peerabad Police precincts. CID officials said they recovered two Kalashnikovs, five hand grenades and three TT pistols from their possession.  

The Peshawar High Court ordered that drones entering Pakistani airspace be shot down. In its detailed verdict about drone attacks, the court has said they constitute a violation of international law and the basic human rights and also violate the territorial sovereignty of Pakistan. The court directed the Government to stop drone strikes and contact the IWCT over the issue. A two-member bench of the PHC headed by Chief Justice Dost Muhammad heard the case against the CIA-led drone strikes in Pakistan. Justice Dost Muhammad said drone attacks should be declared a war crime and issued wide-ranging directives to the Federal Government and Security Forces to ensure halt to such attacks and that included the raising of the issue at the UN Security Council and the General Assembly.

“The drone strikes carried out in the tribal areas (FATA), particularly North and South Waziristan, by CIA and the US authorities, are blatant violation of basic human rights and are against the UN Charter, the UN General Assembly resolution adopted unanimously, the provision of Geneva Conventions and thus, it is held to be a war crime cognizable by the International Court of Justice or Special Tribunal for War Crimes constituted or to be constituted by the UNO for this purpose,” the court ruled.

Nine militants and three soldiers were killed in a gunfight in Parachamkani area of Kurram Agency in FATA. According to official sources, militants launched an attack on SFs in Mohammad Top area early in the morning, killing three soldiers and injuring four others. The assault was followed by a heavy exchange of fire between the two sides in which nine militants were killed and eight wounded, the sources added. Locals said militants had also abducted four persons. “More than 1,000 families have left their houses due to disturbance in Parachamkani,” said a source at the office of the assistant political agent of central Kurram. The official said 500 families comprising 20,000 individuals had been informally registered with the administration and a large number of displaced people had gone to live with their relatives.

Four persons were killed and 21 others injured in a bomb blast occurred at the Khwaja Jan Chowk in Miranshah bazaar of North Waziristan Agency near the election offices of candidates for the NA-40 seat. Sources said the explosive device placed on a motorcycle parked near the offices was detonated by remote control at about 10am. The election offices belong to the candidates of PML-N, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam. Another, blast took place in Gora Qabristan on the Miranshah-Bannu road.

Five persons sustained injuries in a blast in Uthmankhel bazaar in the Orakzai Agency. The sources said unidentified persons had placed explosives in the grocery store of Zar Maluk in Uthmankhel bazaar, which went off at 5pm.

The SFs recovered two roadside bombs in Ferozkhel area. 

The LI asked the people to stay away from the polling stations and threatened to impose fine amounting to PKR 50,000 on those who take part in the polling. In a leaflet circulated in Akkakhel area of Bara tehsil, the LI also threatened “to chop off the thumb” of those who cast their ballots. Tribal sources said the leaflets had been pasted on the walls of shops, mosques and houses in Sanzalkhel, Madakhel and Merikhel areas in Akkakhel. 

Two workers of ANP were killed in a series of bomb blasts which also damaged a polling station and three election offices in Swabi town of same District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Three people were injured in the blasts. One blast took place at the MCB Chowk in Yar Hussain bazaar near the election office of an ANP candidate for provincial assembly seat PK-33. Two people killed in this blast were identified as Farman Ali and Arbab Ali. Police said an improvised explosive device had been placed near the election office. Officials said two other blasts occurred in Swabi Khas, damaging election offices of two ANP candidates for provincial assembly seats PK-32 (Swabi-II) and PK-31 (Swabi-I). No one was injured. Sources said explosive devices had been placed in guest houses of candidates Itibar Khan and Safdar Khan. The fourth blast damaged a Government school building where a polling station had been set up. School’s watchman Sher Azam was injured in the blast.

In their bid to sabotage the May 11 polls, the TTP and other militant outfits are likely to target the leaders of political parties, foreign election observers, polling staff and journalists. The militant groups are carrying out their plans with the backing of foreign countries. Caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso and the Federal Cabinet have been informed of these threats by intelligence agencies. According to documents available with The Express Tribune, Premier Khoso and the cabinet were warned about the threats during a cabinet meeting held on May 4 at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat.

TTP and HT, in their persistent campaign of violence and extremism against Pakistan's May 11 general election, are following an un-Islamic path of sin, according to religious leaders of Pakistan Ulema Council. In an effort to persuade people not to give in to terrorist threats, the PUC's recent fatwa declared voting a religious obligation.

TTP Shura has allowed women voters from South Waziristan Agency area dominated by Ahmedzai Wazirs to exercise their franchise provided that proper purdah arrangements are made at polling stations. The 120-member peace committee comprising TTP commanders, and ulema and elders of Ahmedzai Wazir tribe announced a code of conduct for elections in Wana, South Waziristan Agency’s administrative headquarters, before Friday prayer.

The Army has deployed over 75,000 troops across the country and 5,000 troops for ‘most sensitive’ polling stations to strengthen security for the General Election. A military official said that security cameras had been installed where necessary. APCs will be used in most sensitive areas as and when required and aerial surveillance of these areas will also be conducted. Army’s sniffer dogs have been made available for security duties.

At least 15 persons were killed and 20 others were injured when unidentified assailants attacked the convoy of the candidate of PB-28 Syed Khadim Hussain’s nephew in Naseerabad District. The assailants fired several rockets hitting the passenger bus, which was on its way back to drop the supporters, after the polling. Reports suggested that the assailants had taken positions on Naseerabad road and the attackers fired several rockets at the bus as it approached them at around 10:30pm. 

Atleast 14 people were killed and 61 others injured in three separate bomb blasts in Karachi, provincial capital of Sindh. According to details, at least 11 people were killed while 45 others were wounded in a blast that occurred near ANP office situated at Dawood Chali locality of Quaidabad. Police officials said the bomb was planted in a rickshaw parked near the election office of ANP, targeting its party leader Amanullah Mehsud. However after the explosion Mehsud remained safe.

Another bomb exploded in a bus in Mianwali Colony area of Pirabad that left one person dead and wounded five. DSP Zahid Hussain said that bomb was concealed in a metal box that was laid on front seat of a bus. He said the bomb was exploded through IED, which also contained nut bolts and balls bearing weighing around one kilogram. DSP Hussain further said the bus carried ANP workers and they were the main target of terrorists.

Two Rangers personnel were killed and eleven others including six Rangers personnel wounded in a suicide bomb attack on their vehicle at Islami Colony locality of Manghopir.

Armed riders hurled hand grenades in various localities of Karachi city including Orangi Town, Baldia Town and Garden. Police said unknown armed riders threw hand grenades and fled the scene.

Balochistan Inspector General of Police Mushtaq Sukhera narrowly escaped a suicide attack in the high security zone on Zarghoon Road in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan that killed at least six persons and injured 46 others. IGP Sukhera had just entered his residence on Zarghoon Road when a suicide bomber in a vehicle laden with explosives blew themselves up outside. “At least two policemen, three paramilitary soldiers and one passerby were killed outside the inspector general’s residence and 46 others were wounded,” Home Secretary Akbar Durrani said. The windowpanes of several government premises and other buildings, including that of media organisations, were smashed in the blast. The four-story building of Quetta Press Club was also damaged, while a journalist sitting inside the press club received injuries.

Two persons died in a landmine explosion in Goth Manzoor Jan area of Naseerabad District. According to Police, the victims, identified as Allah Dino and Leemo Khan, were on their way home on a motorbike when they hit a roadside landmine that went off. As a result, both of them died on the spot.

Six rockets were fired in different areas of the provincial capital Quetta in the Sunday night. Police sources said that unidentified militants fired rockets from the mountains which landed in different areas of the metropolis. One of the rockets landed in a ground near a checkpost causing no damage to life.

Unidentified militants fired two rockets targeting a Security Force check post in Chatkan area of Panjgur District. Local Levies sources said the rockets fired from surrounding mountains, landed in ground near the check post causing no damage to life.

The 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.

At least 16 persons were killed in a blast that ripped through a passenger bus in Miranshah town of North Waziristan Agency of FATA. The nature of the blast could not be ascertained immediately.

Seven persons, including political activists and an ASWJ cadre, were killed in separate incidents of violence across Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Two activists of the MQM, Adeel and Anees, were shot dead and another, Kamran, was injured near Daata Chowk in Sector-11½, Orangi Town. Iqbal Market SHO Amjad Kiyani said two men riding a motorcycle opened fire on them and escaped. Adeel and Anees were shot several times with 9mm pistols.

Two PML-N supporters were killed and another injured in an attack near Malir No 9 in Khokhrapar. Model Colony Police said 20-year-old Ishaq, 18-year-old Hamza and an unidentified man in his 20s were returning home from a party rally at night when some men shot them.

An ASWJ cadre was shot dead near Sakhi Hassan Chowrangi in North Nazimabad. SSP Central Amir Farooqi said 32-year-old Abdul Wahid, a resident of Sector-11½, Orangi Town, was attacked by two men riding a motorcycle in the afternoon. Wahid was shot eight times with 9mm pistols.

A senior member of the Daawat-e-Islami, Akeel Ahmed, was shot dead near Five Star Chowrangi in North Nazimabad. Akeel Ahmed, a resident of Gulbahar, was on his way towards Five Star Chowrangi with his son at night when two men on a motorcycle intercepted his vehicle and shot him. Ahmed had suffered multiple bullet wounds.

A man was shot dead in the Mannu Goth area of PIB Colony. New Town Sub-Divisional Police Officer Nasir Lodhi said Shafi Mohammad, a member of a criminal group, was shot dead by two unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle in the afternoon.

Two Policemen were killed and eight other persons were wounded in two separate attacks in Badaber area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in the night. Police said a patrolling party of the Badaber Police Station was on a routine duty when two IEDs planted on the roadside in Malikhel area was triggered with a remote-control. An assistant sub-inspector Amjad Kamal and a Constable Sohail Khan were killed in the twin blasts while four constables and two civilians were wounded in the attack.

Two Policemen were injured in an exchange of fire with alleged militants in Sheikh Mohammadi village. Police said the attackers wanted to kidnap the polling staff and polling agents from the women polling station in the area who were busy in counting votes.

At least four persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A Philanthropist and social activist Abdul Waheed, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at his medical store in Islamia Colony of Manghopir area. The suspects also injured his one-year-old daughter Pareesha and his elder brother Naseeb Taj.

A person, identified as Shahbaz, was killed by unidentified assailants near KMDC located in North Nazimabad town within the jurisdiction of Taimoria Police Station.

Waseem (27), a trainee Police constable, was killed near Saeedabad Police training centre of Baldia town.

An ASI, Syed Maqbool Shah, was killed in Farid Colony of Mominabad area.

One more person injured in the May 12 Zarghoon Road (Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan) suicide blast, died raising the death toll to eight. At least seven persons were killed and 68 others injured, many of them critically, in the blast targeting Inspector General of Police Mushtaq Ahmed Sukhaira on May 12.

At least six persons, including JI and MQM activists were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. An MQM activist, identified as Muhammad Azam (35), was shot dead by unidentified assailants near his home in Bengali Para in Bilal Colony of Korangi town.

A worker of the JI, identified as Yunus (40), was shot dead and other Asghar was injured by unidentified assailants in Lyari area.

A person, identified as Muzzamil Ghani, was shot dead in Lyari area.

Two dead bodies of two brothers, Shoaib (25) and Adnan (27), were found in Mauripur Road of Mohammadi Colony.

A dead body of Wilayat Hussain (35) was found in Abul Chowk of Kaghzi Bazaar in Kharadar area.

CID arrested the chief of TTP Karachi chapter, Ameer Sahab, during targeted operation in Kemari and also recovered weapons including four hand grenades, 30-bore pistol, two repeaters and mixed ammunitions from his custody. The officials said the accused was involved in target killings and other cases of crime.

Chairman of APNA Sardar Arif Shahid was killed by two unidentified assailants in Rawalpindi city of same District. His party, Jammu & Kashmir National Liberation Conference has announced three-day mourning across PoK.

Police arrested alleged TTP ‘commander’ and target killer Abid aka Charger and two other militants during a raid on a house in the Bahadur Banda area of Hangu District in KP. Hand grenades and other weapons were recovered from the possession of the arrested militants, District Police Officer Hangu Sajjad Khan said.

The IMU acknowledged perpetrating the May 12 suicide bombing attack on Zarghoon Road in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan, reports Central Asia Online. At least eight persons, mostly Police and SFs, were killed in the suicide bombing, which targeted Balochistan IGP Mushtaq Sukhera. However, he had escaped unhurt.

A cadre of the ASWJ and also an activist of the Muttahida Deeni Mahaz (MDM) Election Committee for PS-128 Landhi, Hafiz Mohammad Sajjad, was shot dead by unidentified assailants near the Usman Ghani mosque at Vita Chowrangi in the Korangi Industrial Area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. ASWJ ‘spokesman’ Maulana Akbar Saeed Farooqi accused the MQM of orchestrating the murder and said that the MDM member had been threatened on May 11 when he had resisted rigging and violence against voters during the elections. ASWJ cadres claimed that the funeral prayers were also attacked and two of their party workers were injured, while six others were abducted.

The Government has formally declared 29 villages in Parachamkani area of Kurram Agency in FATA a conflict zone, where, officials say, Security Forces are gearing up for action against militants. An official source in FATA Secretariat told Dawn that the office of the FATA secretary (law and order) on May 13 had notified 29 villages of Parachamkani as a conflict zone and that notification had been issued to all authorities concerned. 

The FDMA in collaboration with the United Nations aid agencies is planning to begin registration of around 5,000 internally displaced families from May 16. Officials said around 6,000 more families would be dislocated from the area in the next few days and the relevant authorities had requested the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to intimate its partners to make all necessary arrangements to provide relief to displaced families.

A man detained by intelligence agencies since 2011 told the IHC on May 15 that over 500 terror suspects had been kept in an internment centre in Lakki Marwat town of same District in KP. Rana Amir, who went missing in 2011, also was detained at the centre. This was confirmed by a Defence Ministry Official who told the court on May 2 to ask the KP Government to produce him before it. On the directive of Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, the Interior Ministry and the KP Government produced Amir during the hearing of a petition filed by his wife Rashida Amir.

Responding to the court’s questions, Amir said that intelligence personnel had picked him up from his dairy farm in Rahim Yar Khan on February 10, 2011. According to him, the agencies initially kept him in solitary confinement for five months somewhere in Bahawalpur. From there he was taken to Lahore and Peshawar and subsequently to Lakki Marwat. He told the court that the Lakki Marwat centre housed more than 500 suspects in about 20 barracks.

The TTP said that they do not rule out a ‘ceasefire’ if the new Government ‘shows seriousness’ to their dialogue offer. 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.

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.

Three soldiers and two civilians were killed while six others sustained injuries in a bomb attack followed by firing on a Security Forces’ convoy on the Kohat Road near Sra Khawra area of Matani in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in the night. Officials said a convoy of the Army was on its way from Kohat to Peshawar when it came under a bomb attack, followed by intense firing near Sra Khawra in Matani. Three soldiers and two unidentified persons were killed in the blast and firing, while six others were injured.

The member of Damghar peace committee and PML-N leader Shah Dawran and his guard were shot dead by unidentified assailants in Mingora Bazaar of Swat District. Police said Dawran and his guard, Amanullah of special police force, were bound for home in Damghar from Mingora in a car and when they reached Green Chowk, armed men opened fire on them killing the two on the spot.

Unidentified assailants killed the driver of a NATO trailer and injured his helper on Ring Road in limits of Pishtakhara Police Station in Peshawar. Injured Akbar Ali told local police, “We had just returned from Afghanistan on a US vehicle and were on the way to Haji Camp that unidentified gunmen opened fire on us on Ring Road.” The helper said driver Basharat Ali, of Faisalabad, suffered bullet injures and died.

Police arrested six kidnappers and recovered an activist of the PML-N from their captivity in Misri Banda village of Nowshera District. Senior Superintendent of Police Waqar Ahmed said the Police launched an operation in Khurram Koroona in Misri Banda for the recovery of Abdul Wahab, the PML-N senior vice-president for the provincial assembly constituency, PK-5 in Nowshera District.

Accepting defeat in the General Elections 2013, ANP chief, Asfandyar Wali Khan claimed his party’s anti-terrorism slogan was the main reason behind their defeat. 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.

Unidentified assailants opened fire on NATO supply truck passing through Peshawar near the Afghan border, in the Jamrud area of Khyber Agency in FATA. “Two gunmen on a motorcycle fired at a NATO truck and killed its driver,” local official Asmatullah Wazir said.

LEA carried out targeted operations across the Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh, and detained 31 suspects including six militants of banned terrorist outfits. According to details, Rangers’ official said the raids were conducted in Itehad town, Banaras Chowk and Liaquatabad. Police also claimed to have recovered huge caches of weapons.

Police arrested four suspected target killers and recovered arms as well as hand grenades from their possession in Mauripur area. The Police said a special team conducted raids of the Grex area of Hawkesbay and arrested Danish, Mehtab, Amir and Sheraz. They said the suspects were involved in target killings and were believed to be affiliated with a political party. Four TT pistols and four hand grenades were taken from their possession.

LEA arrested three persons, who were involved in selling explosives to banned-militant outfits, from Pishin town of same District. According to sources, the three arrested persons carried license to sell explosives to mining companies. The sources said that instead of selling explosives to the mining companies, they were selling it to militants. The Police also recovered 500 kilograms of explosives from their custody.

Twenty-one persons were killed and around 120 others sustained injuries in separate bomb blasts during the Friday prayer at two mosques in Baz Darra village in Palai Union Council of Malakand District in KP. Local sources said unidentified militants had planted explosives inside Bar Jumat mosque in Baz Darra and triggered the explosion when the faithful were offering the Friday prayer at 1:25pm. “Everyone headed towards the mosque after hearing the blast. Those offering prayers at the Koz Jumat mosque also left the prayers to take part in rescue activities,” an eyewitness said. When they were leaving the mosque, the explosives placed inside the Koz Jumat mosque also went off. 

Two security persons were killed while another injured when terrorists opened indiscriminate firing on a security caravan in Matani area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. 

Four Policemen were injured when terrorists targeted a Police vehicle which was on a routine patrolling in the Maryam Zai.

At least seven persons, including activists of JI and MQM, were killed in targeted attacks across Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A former union councillor associated with the JI, Mohammed Abid, was shot dead near the Sindh Sports Board Complex in Nazimabad area.

An activist of the MQM, identified as Abdul Jabber, was shot dead by unidentified assailants outside his house in Ghaziabad of Pakistan Bazaar in Orangi town.

A cadre of the MQM- Haqiqi, Gulzar Qureshi (34), was shot dead near Noorani Mohalla in Agra Taj Colony.

One Dilshad (35) was killed by unidentified assailants at his meat shop in Soldier Bazaar.

A Baloch man, Abdul Rashid Baloch, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Saudabad.

The dead body, stuffed in a gunny bag, was found near the Kalapul of Mehmoodabad Police Station.

Ahmed Ramzan (45) was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Muslimabad D1 area of Khokhrapar.

Four persons were injured by four unidentified assailants near Bashir Chowk situated in Pukhtoonabad.

A central leader of the JuD, Khalid Bashir (42), was found dead in Sheikhupura area of Lahore city of same District. JuD’s Ameer (chief) Hamza told that Bashir was abducted by some unidentified militants two days ago.

Police recovered a bag containing 16 kilogram explosives in Loralai area of Loralai District. The BDS took possession of the bag and diffused the explosive.

A US senior Defence Department official said 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.

The TTP is luring more women to become suicide bombers. 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 KP Police.

At least two persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. One person was shot dead and a television reporter was injured by unidentified assailants on Napier Road near Denso Hall of Kharadar Police Station.

A dead body, identified as Abdul Kalam of was found in Brohi Goth area. Police believed the victim was abducted, tortured and then shot dead.

At least two persons were injured in a remote-controlled blast near the house of a tribal elder in Dera Allahyar area of Jaffarabad District. Police sources told that unidentified militants planted an IED near the house of a local tribal elder, and detonated it.

Two persons were killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on their car in Khal area of Lower Dir District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Six children suffered injuries as unknown miscreants hurled a hand grenade in the house of Raz Mohammad Khan in Kachkot Asad Khan village of Surani area in Bannu District. The injured children were identified as Osman, Aiman, Yousaf Khan, Asad Yar Khan, Irfan and Hajra.

A Police patrol party escaped a roadside explosion in the jurisdiction of cantonment Police Station. The bomb was attached to a bike along the roadside in Azad Mandi area. The bomb exploded few minutes after the Police party passed the area. However, no loss of life or property was reported in the incident.

Two dead bodies, identified as Shahzeb and his brother Shah Noor, were found in Murgaap area of Kech Districts of Balochistan. Police said that both the boys were in their 20s and were brutally tortured and subjected to electric shocks. They were abducted on March 11 from Turbat area of Kech District, said the sources.

A dead body, identified as that of Naseer Ahmed, was found from Zinda Pir Road area of Khuzdar District.

At least three persons, including PTI leader Zahrah Shahid Husain, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. PTI leader Zahrah Shahid Husain was killed by unidentified assailants in Defence Phase-IV.

Two unidentified dead bodies were found in Manghopir area.

Police arrested four alleged members of TTP during a targeted raid in Ganna Mandi area of Sohrab Goth. The suspects have been identified as Anar Khan, Ameer Khan, Sal Mohammad and Naimatullah.

Around 934 persons, including 90 Policemen and Rangers personnel and 844 members of political parties, were killed in the Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh, in the first four months of the 2013. 535 persons have fallen victim to incidents of target killing and around 569 unclaimed bullet-riddled bodies have been recovered.

Statistics from the HRCP indicate the year 2012 recorded 104 cases of sectarian killings. A majority of those targeted belonged to the Shia community, although in the consequent tit-for-tat cycle of violence Sunnis have been victimised too.

At least six persons, including activists of the MQM and the STPP, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

An MQM activist, Mohammed Jamal, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Yaqoobabad area of Orangi town.

An activist of the STPP, identified as Mohammed Qasim (35), was shot dead near Mosmiyat Chowrangi in Mobina town.

A person was shot dead and another was injured in an attack near Gulbahar Chowrangi.

Owner of a cell phone shop, Junaid, was killed by unidentified assailants in Paposh Nagar.

A person, identified as Yaqoob Ali (33), was shot dead near Denso Hall in Mithadar area.

A garment factory worker, Mehtab (35), was killed in C-Area of Khokharapar. Police investigators said Mehtab was a supporter of a political party.

Sindh provincial leader of ANP survived a grenade attack outside his residence in Landhi area.

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.

Two persons, identified as Abdul Razaq Bangulzai and Abdul Raziq Hotizai, were killed by unidentified assailants in Mastung town of same District.

Two Policemen arrested for allegedly having links with a militants outfit. DIG Fayyaz Ahmed Sumbal said that ASI Yahya and Constable Mohammad Karim had been taken into custody a few days ago and they had confessed to having links with the militants outfit.

One Levies personnel was killed when an anti-polio vaccination team was fired upon by unidentified persons in Mamond tehsil in Bajaur Agency of FATA.

A member of the BDS was injured in a roadside bomb explosion in Manzai area of South Waziristan Agency.

Lashkar-e-Islam (LI) militants torched houses of several peace activists and pro-Government elders in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a worker of peace committee Saifur Rehman near Tablighi mosque in Tank town of same District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Contrary to the military’s stand on the war against terrorism, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif considers dialogue with militants as the best option to restore peace in the country.

Two security personnel were killed and four others injured when unidentified militants blew up an electricity tower in Dargai area of South Waziristan Agency in FATA. 

In the Batkhela area of Dargai, unidentified assailants shot dead a prayer leader. Sources said that the assailants entered the mosque in Dargai in the night and opened fire on its prayer leader Habibullah (33), killing him on the spot.

Militants attacked a polio team and destroyed vaccines during an immunisation campaign in Darra Adamkhel area of Kohat District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

SFs foiled a terrorism bid by seizing an explosives-laden vehicle, and arrested an accused in Saranan area of Pishin District.

Former Advocate General Balochistan Salahuddin Mengal was recovered in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

PTI nominee for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Ministers slot Pervez Khattak 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.

PTI has sought the help of an elderly pro-Taliban cleric to initiate peace talks with the militants, a party leader Shaukat Yusufzai. PTI approached Samiul Haq, nicknamed the “Father of the Taliban”, after emerging from elections as the largest party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

US drone strikes in Pakistan have a “minimal” impact on militants’ recruitment a Brussels-based think tank ICG report said. ICG report added however the missile strikes in Pakistan’s tribal areas were not a long-term solution to militancy and urged Washington to be more open about the clandestine campaign.

Four persons, including an MQM activist, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

The dead body of an MQM activist, identified as Shakeel Ahmed, was recovered from Chishti Nagar area of Orangi Iqbal Market.

A person, identified as Abbas Haider (23), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Liaquat Chowk.

A person belonging to Christian community, Daniyal Masih, was shot dead near Ashraful Madaris within Gulistan-e-Jauhar Police remits.

A dead body was found within the limits of Napier Police Station. Police stated that unidentified assailants abducted the victim and later dumped his body.

West Zone Police arrested a militant, identified as Qari Muhammad Ali, from Sultanabad area of Manghopir, after heavy exchange of fire and recovered a suicide vest, a pressure-cooker bomb, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and a 9mm pistol from his possession. Police claimed that the arrested terrorist was affiliated with the TTP.

The Interior Ministry has conveyed to the Sindh Government that there is serious threat to the life of PTI ‘chief’ Imran Khan, and advised it to ensure special security arrangements for him when he visits Karachi.

A tractor driver was injured when his vehicle hit a landmine in Turbat area of same District.

Unidentified militants abducted two persons from Dhadar area of Bolan District. 

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. He said people had reposed confidence in the party, giving ‘mandate’ to it.

Unidentified militants abducted four doctors from the Ghazni Khel Police Station jurisdiction of Lakki Marwat District in KP.

Two suspected militants were arrested and a cache of explosives recovered during a raid in Kharmato area in Kohat District.

MNA-elect from NA-47, Darra Adamkhel, Qaiser Jamal Afridi has said that PTI will approach the TTP and Security Forces to reopen and rebuild educational institutions in tribal areas and KP.

Further, 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.

PTI MPA-elect Shaukat Yousafzai said the new KP Government would provide all-out support to the Federal Government of PML-N for restoring peace in the country.

A businessman, Hanif, who is also father-in-law of a PTI leader, Sadaqat Abbasi, has been receiving threats from suspected TTP militants, who have been demanding PKR 100 million to help them in their ‘noble cause of Jihad’.

PML-N chief and prime minister-designate Nawaz Sharif’s talks offer to the TTP was challenged in the Peshawar High Court. A freelance journalist Shahid Orakzai filed a writ petition in which he called the Prime Minister-designate’s talk’s offer before taking oath of his office an unlawful and unconstitutional.

US ambassador to Pakistan, Richard Olson, said holding dialogue with TTP is prerogative of Pakistani Government. 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.

20 militants and four security personnel, an army captain among them, were killed in a clash in the Zara Mella area of Parachamkani in Kurram Agency of FATA.

Two personnel of Levies Force were injured in a militant attack on a checkpost in Yousafabad area of Khar tehsil in Bajaur Agency.

As many as 13 persons, including 12 Balochistan Constabulary (BC) personnel, were killed and 17 others sustained injuries in an explosion caused by a bomb rigged to a rickshaw near Link Badini Road in the proximity of Bhossa Mandi on Eastern Bypass in Quetta (Quetta District), the capital of Balochistan.

Six persons, including five women, were killed and two others sustained injuries in a firing incident on Noorpur Road, an area of Bakra Mandi in Sibi District.

Unidentified assailants lobbed a hand grenade at a shop on Sariab Road of Quetta, killing its owner.

Eight persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

 A TTP cadre was shot dead while another injured when unidentified assailants sprayed bullets at a tea stall in Qasba Colony.

A man, identified as Mohammad Hussain (55), was shot dead at Fawara Chowk within the limits of Garden Police Station.

One Ibrahim (32) was shot dead in Agra Taj Colony within the precincts of Kalri Police Station.

A man was shot dead near Dhobi Gath Parking Plaza. Police said armed assailants on a motorcycle, killed victim, Syed Fahim Shah (30).  

One man was shot dead by armed riders in the remits of Site-A Police Station. The victim was identified as Rizwan Mubashir. 

Two bullet-riddled bodies were found on Dera Shareef Goth Link Road

A three-day-old body of a man was found from Mewashah graveyard.

Three militants belonging to the Tariq Afridi faction of TTP was killed when military planes pounded their hideouts in Khwangi area of Darra Adamkhel in Kohat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

ATC awarded life imprisonment to a doctor of the Peshawar Central Prison and head constable of regular Police on charges of helping two under-trial TTP ‘commanders’ escape from the Police custody and killing of three Policemen in a militant attack.

Two TTP ‘commanders’ from Darra Adamkhel, Nadeem Abbas and Zakeem Shah, fled after a group of militants shot dead three Policemen, identified Muhammad Tariq, Jafar and Raees, who had taken them to a local hospital for treatment..

SSP leader Malik Ishaq, who was under custody of the law enforcing agencies, was released from Chohang Jail of Lahore.

The Chinese Premier Li Keqiang praised Pakistan’s strategy against terror while wrapping up his two-day official visit to Pakistan after promising a deeper and more comprehensive strategic engagement and a closer coordination for security and stability in Afghanistan. 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”.

US President Barack Obama 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. 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.

TTP 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. 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.

Six Policemen were killed and a District Police Officer (DPO) and his guard were injured when militants attacked their vehicles with rockets on the Indus Highway in Mattani area of Darra Adamkhel District.

Three persons were killed in a suicide attack, targeting Hazi Hayatullah, leader of Afghan religious outfits Jamatul Dawa Alquran and Sunnah, on Pajagi Road in Saeedabad area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

One NATO driver was killed and one of the helpers was injured when unidentified assailants opened fire on a convoy of NATO containers at Shagai area, 20 kilometres (12 miles) southeast of Landi Kotal District.

Police arrested six militants, including a woman, and seized IED, hand grenades and a suicide jacket during raid on a house at Tarnab Farm on the outskirts of Peshawar.

Four persons, including two militants, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Two suspected militants were killed in a Police encounter in Pakhtunabad area as they were escaping after shooting a man dead. Police suspect the slain militants, identified as Toor Khan and Khan Muhammad Mehsud, could be linked with TTP or its associated militant groups.

A dead body of a young Hindu person, identified as Ramesh, was found along Shah Latif Bhittai Road in the Agra Taj area.

Three children were injured in a hand grenade attack at a school in Orangi town.

A person, identified as Abdul Salam, was killed in a hand grenade attack at a CD shop near Awami Petrol Pump of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Unidentified assailants hurled a hand grenade at the vehicle of SFs in the Tump area of Turbat District, which left two security personnel injured.

PML-N President Nawaz Sharif on told the US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson that the time had come for the US to respect Pakistan’s sovereignty. 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.

Militants killed seven Police personnel in KP. The target of the attack was top Police Officer Dilawar Bangash, however he survived with minor injuries. Bangash was heading from Peshawar to Kohat near the lawless tribal region when the attack occurred.

Four people, including a Policeman, were killed in separate acts of targeted attacks in Karachi city.

A Police constable, Iqbal Hafeez, (32), was shot dead in a targeted attack in Manghopir area of Karachi city while unidentified armed riders killed Abdul Rauf, a private security guard in Manghopir while he was on his way to home.

One Sikandar Anwar (23) was shot dead inside his sanitary shop within Surjani Police remits.

Owner of the goods transport, Fateh Mohammad (26) was shot dead and Abdul Malik wounded, when unidentified culprits opened indiscriminate firing on them in Baldia Town No 2.

The trial of seven Pakistani suspects, including LeT ‘commander’ Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, charged with involvement in the November 26, 2008 (26/11) Mumbai (Maharashtra, India) terror attacks was adjourned till June 1 as the government is yet to appoint a chief prosecutor to handle the case.

Seven persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Amir Farooqi alias Ali (32), a member of the MQM, was shot dead by four unidentified assailants outside his house in Block-A of North Nazimabad.

Separately, an activist of the ASWJ, identified as Doctor Hanif (40), was shot dead, while his wife was injured by unidentified assailants near Rimsha Morr in New Karachi area.

Shaukat Ali Chandio (35) was shot dead in the Sherpao Colony of Quaidabad.

A body of one Mohammed Tariq Jameel (20) was found lying near the Airports Security Force (ASF) ground in the Airport Police remits.

Two dead bodies of unidentified persons were found lying in some bushes near Konkar Nadi in the Gadap City Police limits.

An unidentified fisherman was killed in the crossfire between two Lyari gangster groups in the Machar Colony near Saddam Chowk.

LEA arrested two militants near the Super Highway Toll Plaza, while weapons and grenades were also recovered from their possession.

Two SF personnel were injured in a militants attacked on a security checkpost in Janikhel tehsil of Bannu District.

Separately, SFs defused a bomb in Karboga Sharif area of Hangu District.

The TTP issued a fresh threat to assassinate former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf, currently detained in his palatial farmhouse in Islamabad, over a string of high-profile cases.

The HRSP in its special report on the general election observes that the elections have marked a referendum against extremism. The nation has rejected fundamentalism and upheld freedom of thought.

At least five Policemen, including a DSP, Khan Bahadar, were killed in a roadside bomb blast in the Poran subdivision of Shangla District.

At least four persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A Shia person, identified as Haider Abbas (35) was shot dead by unidentified assailants near the Nishan-e-Haider Chowk. A passerby named Jumma also suffered bullet wounds in the attack.

A tutor was killed, while another man was injured when two unidentified assailants opened fire at them outside the Thanvi Masjid in the Lines Area after Maghrib prayers.

Haji Ali Murad (40) was shot dead near the Rasheedabad Market in the Baldia town.

Muhammad Saleem was killed by unidentified assailants near Kharadar General Hospital in the Baghdadi area.

A senior official of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, identified as Munawar Imam, was injured in an armed attack on Kashmir Road.

Nearly half a tonne explosives was seized by the Rangers acting on the information provided by three suspects said to be associated with a banned militant outfit. The Rangers first picked up the three militants associated with a banned outfit. Initial findings of the investigations led to the fact that they had stocked 450 kilos of explosives in a PECHS block 2 houses. Later, the paramilitary soldiers seized the explosives.

The BDS averted a possible bid of terrorism by defusing a bomb at Doaba in Orakzai Agency of FATA. Assadullah, in charge BDS, said officials of BDS rushed to the spot and found a roadside bomb concealed in a tin of vegetable oil. The officials diffused it successfully. The bomb was of 10 Kg.

The Chelmsford Magistrates Court of UK was informed that taxi driver Tayyab Subhani (30) and restaurant worker Mohammed Safdar (41) not only tried to barge into the cockpit of a Pakistan Airlines plane but also shouted threats that "crew and passengers would be killed and the aircraft blown up before landing."

Chief Justice of LHC, Umar Ata Bandial deferred the hearing of a petition moved by JuD 'chief', Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, till September 24, seeking direction from the Federal Government over the issue of defending the JuD 'chief' before a US Court, which issued summons to him, former ISI chiefs and other officials on a law suit filed by relatives of US nationals killed in Mumbai attacks (26/11).

The Army and Paramilitary Forces killed 14 militants and destroyed their three hideouts located in Parachamkani, a central subdivision of Kurram Agency in FATA.

A soldier was injured after militant ambushed a vehicle of Khyber Rifles near Landi Kotal bazaar in Khyber Agency.

At least ten persons, including a lawyer and his two sons, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A lawyer, identified as Kausar Saqlain and his two sons aged 12 and 15, were shot dead in a suspected sectarian attack.

A worker of the Muttahida Organising Committee, identified as Rashid, was shot dead in Noorani Basti within the limits of Zaman town Police Station.

An employee of a private Internet Service Provider, Taimur Rizvi (25), was shot dead under the Zaman town Police remits.

A bookshop owner was shot dead in Orangi town. Police officials said that the victim, identified as Saeed Baig, was at his shop when unidentified assailants fired at him indiscriminately, killing him on the spot.

A teashop owner, identified as Zar Wali (40), was shot dead in C-1 area within Super Market Police remits.

A man was shot dead in Orangi town. Police officials said that Faisal Imam (30) ran a beauty parlor and a cosmetic shop within his house.

A woman was found dead near from ICI Bridge on Maripur within the premises of Docks Police Station.

The dead body of a man stuffed in a gunny bag was found from near a hotel on Maripur Road within the limits of Kalri Police Station.

At least three persons were killed and 14 others were injured when a bomb attached to a motorcycle exploded in the Imamia Colony in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The explosives were planted in a motorcycle detonated by remote control. Most of the people living in the area belonged to the Shia community which appeared to be the target of the attack.

A member of Mingora Peace Committee was killed and six others were injured when a roadside bomb went off. The incident took place in the Beshbanar area of Swat District where the vehicle of a local member of the peace committee, Jaja Mian, was attacked with a bomb. As a result, Barkat Ali, the son of Jaja Mian, was killed on the spot and six others were hurt.

Unidentified assailants killed a lady worker, administering anti-polio drops in Peshawar suburbs and wounded another, while the WHO announced temporary suspension of the campaign.

The house of a private school's owner was partially damaged in the blast of an explosive device in Shabqadar area of Charsadda District. The device was planted at the main gate of the house of Atta Muhammad. The blast left the gate and a car parked close at hand destroyed. However, no damage to human life was reported.

Security personal, identified as Qadir Jan, was killed and another Muhammad Asharaf, was injured in an ambush on Levies check-post in Khuzdar area of Kech District. The local administration found three bodies lying in desolated areas in the same District. Police said that two bodies were found from the Pasni Cross, while another body was found from Josak Bazaar.

The Supreme Court was petitioned for issuance of a declaration that no person, civil or military, can engage in any contact or negotiation with any TTP, an act that is forbidden by Article 256. Freelance journalist Shahid Orakzai filed the petition under Article 184(3) of the constitution, nominating as respondents the JCSS through its chairman and DG of ISI. He requested the court to instruct the DG, ISI to identify the persons who are in contact with the TTP and their mode of communication.

An American think tank warned the Pakistani authorities that if they fail to confront the growing influence of TTP in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh, the militant network will weaken the city's overall security and stability.

The Army and Paramilitary Forces killed 15 militants and destroyed their five hideouts located in Parachamkani area of Kurram Agency in FATA.

A US drone strike killed the deputy 'chief' of the TTP Waliur Rehman, the number two in the TTP, along with at least five other militants in Chashma village near Miranshah town of North Waziristan agency.

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."

At least eight persons, including three MQM activists, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Sarfaraz Ahmed, an MQM activist, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Gol Market of Nazimabad area.

Unidentified assailants killed an MQM activist, identified as Syed Fasahat (28) in Sindhi Muslim Society near KMC Market.

Mohammed Saleem, an MQM activist, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in New Karachi.

A person identified as Niaz Mohammed (70), was shot dead in the Lalabad area. Investigators believed that was also a targeted attack.

A watchman, Majeed Gul, was shot dead by two unidentified assailants in Bengali Market of Awami Colony.

Armed assailants killed an estate agent in the Nazimabad area. The Police said the deceased was identified as Rizwan Khan.

Dead body of an unidentified young person was found from Korangi area. Police said the deceased was killed with a bullet to the head, but could not be identified as he carried no identification documents.

Dead body, identified as Amin (35), was found in the 5-F area of New Karachi Industrial Area.

Dr Ahsan Hussain (35) and his daughter, Laila (11), were shot injured by unidentified assailants near the Nusrat Bhutto Colony Morr in Peerabad.

Lance Naek Saleem and Sepoy Fayyaz were shot injured in an armed attack while they were patrolling in the Awan and Kunwari colonies.

Unidentified militants attacked an anti-polio team with stones in Tal area of Hangu District, injuring a staff member.

Police averted a bid of terrorism in the restive Badaber area on the outskirt of the Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by defusing a powerful bomb.

At least 18 militants were killed and several others were injured when Pakistani jets bombed militant hideouts in Tabay area of central Kurram Agency in FATA.

A ten year old boy was killed and three others of his family were injured in a landmine blast in Loti area of Dera Bugti District.

A prayer leader, identified as Mullah Mohammad Hassan, was killed by unidentified assailants in Turbat city of same District.

Mohammad Anwar was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Khuzdar city of same District.

A person, identified as Abdullah, was shot dead in Badezai area of Zhob District.

LEAs foiled a possible terrorist bid and arrested four suspects while seizing huge cache of weapons, including mines, rocket launchers, seven hand grenades, rifles, pistols, search lights and cash from their custody in Sherani District.

At least two TTP militants were killed by Rangers during an encounter in Kunwari Colony of Pirabad area, of Karachi (provincial capital of Sindh). The officials recovered hand grenades, pistols and a motorcycle from their possession and claimed that the suspects belonged to the Zawail group of TTP, who were also involved in killing of Policemen.

Three Policemen were injured in a grenade attack near Baloch Colony Bridge within the remits of Tipu Sultan Police Station.

TTP confirmed that their second-in-command Wali-ur-Rehman was killed in a US drone strike. TTP 'spokesman' Ehsanullah Ehsan also announced that the offer to hold talks with the incoming Pakistani Government was also being withdrawn.

At least 34 militants and three SFs were killed in gunfight in an area between the tribal Districts of Kurram and Khyber in FATA.

Two people were gunned down while dead bodies of two others were recovered in Karachi city. A worker of MQM was shot dead in a targeted attack at Sachal Goth within the limits of Sachal Police Station. The deceased identified as Ghulam Haider (35) worked at a petrol pump as a security guard.

A man was gunned down at Shah Faisal Chowk in Orangi Town within the jurisdiction of Pakistan Bazaar Police Station. The victim, Asif Akbar (24) was shot and killed by two armed riders

Police recovered an unidentified body of a young man from Lines Area. Officials said that the victim was shot multiple times and initial investigation suggests he was killed after being kidnapped. Another young man was found dead near Lal Masjid in Gulbahar area.

A man was killed when a powerful bomb exploded in Peshawar city, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The incident occurred in Masogujar village where a bomb planted by the roadside exploded with a huge bang. As a result, a passerby, identified as Nadeem Khan, was killed instantly.

A soldier was killed and three others were injured when militants attacked military vehicles in Jani Khel area of Bannu District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. SFs later surrounded the area to conduct search operation against militants loyal to Taliban and Al Qaeda.

At least 23 suspected militants and two soldiers were killed after clashes in Bara Chamkani area of the Kurram Agency in FATA. Five soldiers were also injured during the shootout with militants. SFs cordoned off the area after the clash.

Unknown armed men gunned down two people in Sariab area of Quetta in Balochistan. The unidentified armed men riding a bike opened indiscriminate fire at two people, leaving them dead. The assailants managed to escape from the scene. The deceased were identified as Nazir Ahmed and Muhammad Din.

JUP General Secretary, Daud Mustafai was brutally murdered while three others were seriously injured in a firing incident at Pindsultani village of Attock Dostrict in Panjab. Daud along with his fellows was trying to evacuate a piece of land of a poor woman occupied by land mafia when some unknown assailants opened fire on them. Daud died on the spot while his brother Abdul Rauf, Umer Farooq, Ahmad and an unidentified person received bullet injuries.

Militants killed the principal of a Government High School in Pastawana in the outskirt of Peshawar city. Local residents said that dozens of heavily armed militants entered the house of principal Haji Rehman and opened fire, killing him on the spot.

At least nine people were killed in separate acts of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Three youth, including two activists of the ST were shot dead in an armed attack by unidentified assailants in Shah Faisal colony.

A JeI worker was shot dead outside his residence in Sector 7-D in Surjani locality. The deceased was identified as Hanif Ansari (55).

A youth, identified as Mohammad Rafiq (24), was shot dead and his two brothers, Majeed and Kareem were wounded in Hassan Panwar Goth within Shah Latif Police Station.

A butcher, identified as Mohammad Hanif, was killed inside his house within Sukhan Police remits.

Bodies of two men were found near Pakistan Hotel in Gadap City area. Police officials said hands and legs of the victims were tied with ropes and initial investigation suggested that they were shot multiple times.

A 17-year-old youth was found dead from Shaban Goth in Malir City. Police said the victim was kidnapped on June 1.

Two militants were killed and another two captured during an operation carried out by SFs in Tump area of Turbat District. The operation had been carried out in an area close to the border with Iran because of 'increasing terrorist activities' there. In the heavy exchange of fire between militants and SFs, two armed men were killed and two others arrested.

Unidentified armed men opened indiscriminate firing at Agriculture colony in Pasni town of Gwadar District killing one man, identified as Barkat Ali, on the spot and seriously wounding Aneel. Aneel died later.

A man was shot dead in Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District. The deceased was identified as Janan.

Unidentified people hurled hand grenades on two containers in Dasht area of Mastung District. However, no loss of life and damage to containers was reported. The containers were heading towards Karachi from Afghanistan via Quetta.

Two brothers were shot dead in Daoo village near Khairpur city of Khairpur District. The attackers opened fire at the brothers, identified as 30-year-old Ashfaque Ahmed and 38-year-old Irshad Ahmed, killing them on the spot.

Two SFs were injured in a remote-controlled IED attack in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. Unidentified miscreants targeted a vehicle of SFs with an IED near the Esha checkpost in Miranshah, which damaged the vehicle and injured two soldiers.

Two SFs were killed and two others sustained injuries in a remote controlled bomb blast in Mastung District.

In Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, two people were shot dead in two separate firing incidents. Unidentified armed assailants opened fire at Sirki Road of Quetta and killed one man, identified as Sultan.

Armed assailants shot dead a man, identified as Muhammad Iqbal, at Chashma Achozai, in the outskirts of Quetta.

PTI MPA of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Fareed Khan, was shot dead in his home District of Hangu. MPA Fareed Khan was fired at by a motorcyclist in Gunjanabad area of Hangu city and he died on the spot.

A bullet-riddled body of a man was found near from Lyari River within the remits of Rizvia Police Station in Karachi city (Karachi District).

The Pakistan Army started war games codenamed Azm-i-Nau (New Resolve) IV to update its readiness strategy for dealing with the complex security threat environment.

MQM 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. MQM's senior leader Haider Abbas Rizvi demanded of the President, incoming Prime Minister and Sindh governor to take notice of the situation.

At least eight people were killed in separate incidents of violence in different parts of Karachi city (Karachi District).

An activist of MQM was killed in a targeted attack in Musharraf Colony within the remits of Maripur Police Station. Mohammad Babar was called outside his home by culprits where they killed him.

Mohammad Nadeem was shot dead at Love Lane area within the remits of Solder Bazaar Police Station.

Tahir Shah was shot dead near Star Gate within the jurisdiction of Air Port Police Station.

Waseem Musharraf was shot dead in Bhutto Chowk within the limits of Nipper Police Station.

A body of a man was found near from Gullbai Bridge within the premises of Shershah Police Station. The deceased was identified as Sikander Ali Baloch.

A missing person from Balochistan was found dead from Gulshan-e-Mazdoor. The deceased was identified as Zahir Anwar resident of Panjgor in Balochistan.

Another body was found near form Meteorological Office within the remits Sachal Police Station. Police said unidentified assailants kidnapped the victim, Azmat Murad, from somewhere and later dumped his body.

Police found a body of a woman from Kaniz Fatima Society. They said the culprits shot her twice and dumped her body at the place.

Two persons belonging to Bajaur and Mohmand Agencies in FATA were shot dead by two unidentified gunmen in the busy Taj Mehal market of Rawalpindi. The deceased were identified as Yaquoob Khan and Ajmair Khan.

Unidentified persons shot dead a watchman at the archaeological site of Aziz Dheri in Swabi District. The deceased identified as Ishaq Ali belonging to Police Department. Ali was on a routine duty at the site when two unidentified motorcyclists opened fire on him. He was killed on the spot.

In Karak District, Police foiled a sabotage attempt by seizing an explosive-laden truck and arresting two suspected persons at Mansoor Garh checkpost. The arrestees were identified as Afzal Rehman and Niaz Mohammad, residents of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

EC lifted ban on the display of arms in federal capital and all four provinces of the country. 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.

PHC Chief Justice Dost Mohammad Khan observed that in the present security situation and after the passage of 18th Amendment, law and order was provincial subject and the Act dealing with the Frontier Constabulary was apparently now a dead law. Heading a two-member bench the PHC Chief Justice observed that now it was up to the AG for Pakistan to come and assist the court on what grounds the Frontier Constabulary could be deployed in rest of the country apart from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Three persons, including a woman, were killed in Jaffarabad District in separate incidents. Unidentified armed assailants opened fire in Goth Alladad of Dera Allahyar city in Jaffarabad District, killing two people, including a woman. The deceased were identified as Imam Khatoon and Zafarullah.

An accused, namely Dada, was killed after exchange of fire between security personnel and armed assailants in RD 238 area of Jaffarabad District.

One person was shot dead while three others sustained bullet wounds in Ferozabad District. Armed motorcyclists opened indiscriminate firing on inmates sitting at a restaurant in Delhi Mercantile Society of Ferozabad District.

Tehsildar (revenue official) Abdul Karim Bugti and Naib (deputy) Tehsildar Bahadur Khan Khosa of Jaffarabad District in Balochistan, who were going back to Jaffarabad from Karachi, the Provincial capital of Sindh, went missing in Sultankot area of Shikarpur District. When contacted, Jaffarabad Deputy Commissioner Syed Zafar Ali Shah said that both officers had gone to Karachi for medical treatment and went missing while travelling back to Jaffarabad.

Two armed motorcyclists shot dead a man and injured another when they were returning home after hearing a case in the court of Mardan District. The victim, identified as Ansar Ali Shah, along with his maternal uncle Madin-ul-Haq had came to the court to appear in a case.

Coalition partners in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government submitted a resolution against drone strikes in the country's Tribal Areas. The PTI, QWP and JI jointly drafted the resolution, which is likely to be taken up during the budget session of the House later this month.

Police Department has abandoned 48 check posts across the province following the directives of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak. According to the Police, some of the check posts have been abandoned completely while some of them have been changed into mobile ones.

PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif was sworn in as Prime Minister for the third term. Some 244 members of the total 320 present in the Lower House of the Parliament endorsed Nawaz Sharif for the next chief executive of the country, before he took oath of his office from President Asif Ali Zardari. Sharif also called for an end to American drone strikes in tribal areas.

Four people were shot dead in separate incidents of violence while two dead bodies were also recovered from Karachi city (Karachi District).

Two men were shot dead in Delhi Mercantile Society within the precincts of Ferozabad Police Station. The victims were identified as Sheikh Muneer (50) and Abdul Rehman (52).

A man was shot dead and two others wounded near Tower area within the premises of Mithadar Police Station.

A tailor, Sikander Bhura (52), was shot dead in Jama Cloth market within the limits of Aram Bagh Police Station.

An unidentified body was found within the remits of Pak Colony Police Station. Police said that culprits kidnapped the victim and later threw his body after killing him.

A dead body was found near Abbas Mor within the remits of Gulshan-e-Maymar Police Station. Police said that unidentified assailants abducted the victim and later dumped his body at the place.

Five persons, including two militants, were killed and 15 SFs, including an officer, injured in a clash with suspected members of a banned outfit in Kharoatabad area in Quetta (Quetta District). Police backed by personnel of FC raided Kharotabad area of provincial capital following a tip-off that some members of a banned outfit were present in a house. When SFs surrounded the house and asked the accused to surrender, the accused attacked SFs with hand grenades, rockets and heavy weapons. SFs fired back in retaliation due to which five people, including two accused, two women and a child, who were inside the house, were killed.

Police and another LEA defused a bomb which had been planted under a bridge near Cadet College in Mastung District.

A roadside bomb attack targeting Police in Peshawar, the Provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa killed two officers and wounded three others. The IED exploded when the officers were on a routine patrol in the Daudzai suburb of Peshawar, killing two of them on spot.

A Pakistani court allowed the trial of former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf for sacking and detaining dozens of judges in 2007 to be conducted at his farmhouse in the suburb of Chak Shahzad in Islamabad that has been declared a "sub-jail".

Deputy Convener of MQM, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui officially said it was unfortunate that Sindh Government is making no marked efforts to counter terrorism. He claimed that Lyari town of Karachi is no longer in control of PPP, but has become the hub of criminals. He asked the Sindh Government to stop supporting PAC which he claimed was responsible for the killing of MQM party workers.

A US drone strike killed seven militants at Shokhel village of North Waziristan District in FATA. The missiles hit a compound in the village that is known as a stronghold of Taliban and Al Qaeda-linked militants. The US drone fired two missiles targeting the militant compound.

Armed militants opened fire on a NATO container and killed its driver at Chaman, the capital of Qilla Abdullah District in Balochistan.

A female anti-polio worker who was injured in an attack by armed assailants on May 28 in Badhaber area on the outskirts of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa lost her battle for life. Sumbal Bibi, who had sustained bullet injuries in an attack by miscreants, succumbed to her wounds.

PTI General Secretary Shaukat Yousafzai 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.

At least four people sustained injuries in Karachi (Karachi District) in separate incidents of violence. Unidentified men opened fire on Banaras Bridge, injuring two persons. One of them was identified as Bashi (25), while the identity of the 30-year-old second injured was not ascertained.

20-year-old Shahzeb, was wounded near Abul Hassan Ispahani Road after firing from unidentified men.

A 25-year-old man was injured near Lyari Expressway in Surjani Town. He was identified as Bilal.

Four people including political workers and a cop were shot dead in targeted attacks across Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Three activists of ANP were killed and another injured at Lasbela Chowk.

A Police Sub-Inspector, Sher Mohammad (52), was shot dead in Qasba Colony under Pirabad Police Station.

Members of the BNP-M belonging to Mastung District advised their party's newly elected members of national and provincial assemblies to resign from their seats in protest against the alleged rigging in May 11 elections.

35 militants were killed and 15 others injured by SFs during operations in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA.

Three soldiers were killed and four others were injured in bomb attacks on military convoys in North Waziristan Agency

Unidentified militants attacked a roadside security checkpoint with rocket-propelled grenades on the Razmak-Miranshah road and killed three soldiers and injured another one.

11 persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Three Policemen were killed by unidentified assailants in Patel Para area.

A man and a girl, identified as Dua (8), were killed and eight others were injured when militants threw a hand grenade near Gabol Park in Lyari area.

A person was killed and two others were injured by unidentified assailants at Hussain Hazara Goth of Gulshan-e-Iqbal area.

A person, identified as Naddem Ahmed, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Kharadar area.

Two dead bodies were recovered from Bihar Colony area of Lyari town. Another dead body was found from Garden's Dhobi Ghat area.

A dead body was found near Altaf Nagar in Korangi crossing area.

Five dead bodies were recovered from different parts of Balochistan. According to Levies sources, three bullet-riddled bodies were found in Johan area of Kalat District.

Police recovered two dead bodies from Irrigation Colony area of Khuzdar town of same District. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Federal Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said that drone attacks are against the independence and sovereignty of the country. "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.

The PTI-led coalition Government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is about to formally demand that the centre should withdraw army from Swat and Malakand in a phased manner because it believes it to be an important step for establishing peace in the province and adjacent tribal areas.

Six persons were killed when militants attacked three NATO containers in Shagai area of Jamrud tehsil of the Khyber Agency in FATA. Jaish-e-Osama, a militant outfit, claimed responsibility for the attack.

A shopkeeper, identified as Abdul Waheed, was killed by unidentified assailants in Kharan Bazaar area of Kharan District.

The PTI submitted a resolution against drone attacks in the NA, terming them a blatant violation of the country's sovereignty and urging the Government to respond militarily against such strikes. The copy of resolution indicates that drone attacks conducted earlier by the American CIA and now by the Pentagon through direct missiles fired on Pakistani territory are a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty.

At least two persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A person belonging to Ahmedi community, identified as Hamid Sami (45), was shot dead and his son Osama (18) and a companion Salman Zaman (48) were injured in a targeted attack in Soldier Bazaar locality of Gulshan-e-Iqbal area.

A person affiliated with Muhajir Qaumi Movement Haqaqi (MQM-H), identified as Noman (33), was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Shama Shopping Mall located in Shah Faisal Colony.

Police recovered a bomb from Bohri compound in Chakiwara area of Lyari. Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) successfully defused it.

A Balochistan National Party- Mangal (BNP-M) worker Haji Ali Akbar Mosyani was killed in Arbab Complex area in Khuzdar city of same District.

Unidentified assailants killed former tehsil President of BNP-M Javid Baranzai on Sultan Ibrahim Road in Khuzdar city.

A Shia doctor, identified as Dr Shakir Hussain, was injured and his gunman was killed when militants in Police uniform tried to abduct him near Syed Anwar Medical Plaza of Dabgari Gardens in the jurisdiction of East Cantonment Police Station in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif directed Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch to initiate a process of reconciliation with estranged Baloch elements. He asked the Chief Minister to convey his desire for their participation in the national mainstream.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police are capable of maintaining law and order situation in Swat and other Districts of the Malakand division if the Security Forces (SFs) are withdrawn from the region, says provincial Police 'chief' Ihsan Ghani.

A United States (US) lawmaker, Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, said he will move an amendment to the National Defence Authorization Act to prohibit military aid to Pakistan until it releases the doctor who had helped the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) track al Qaida 'chief' Osama bin Laden.

At least seven persons, including two activists of the MQM and a Police Constable, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. An MQM activist, identified as Muslim Noor Ahmed (30) alias Kallu Banarsi, was shot dead near the Sindh Government Qatar Hospital in Sector 8 of Orangi Town.

Muhammad Hussain Basharat alias Sami (25), an MQM activist, was shot dead by unidentified assailants near the General Post Office around Bilal Chowrangi in Korangi Industrial Area.

Police constable Ashfaq, was shot dead by an unidentified assailant near the Sher Shah Bridge on the Mauripur Road. Investigators said Ashfaq belonged to the Sindh Reserve Police and was currently posted at the Kharadar Police Station.

One Muzammil Irshad Ahmed (30) was killed in the Shahrah-e-Noorjahan Police precincts.

A person was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Maymar Goth.

A dead body, identified as that of Shams-ul-Haq (45), was recovered from the Punjab Chowrangi area.

A person was killed in a blast near Khyber Chowk in Baldia Town.

A dead body of an unidentified person was found along the Sakaran Road of Hub city in Lasbela District.

Another body, identified as that of one Mir Gul, was found in the Gazgai Chowk in Khuzdar city (Khuzdar District).Unidentified assailants abducted a food controller, Faiz Muhammad, at gunpoint at Ward No. 2 area of Dera Murad Jamali of Naseerabad District.

Unidentified assailants abducted a food controller, Faiz Muhammad, at gunpoint at Ward No. 2 area of Dera Murad Jamali of Naseerabad District.

Two persons, including a Policeman, were killed in a firing incident on Dora Road in the limits of Bala Mani Police Station of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

An army officer, identified as Lieutenant Colonel Sajid, was killed in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast in the Maidan area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency of FATA.

Government 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. 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.

At least 12 persons, including two Policemen and an MQM activist were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

A Policeman, identified as Rizwan Hayder Jagirani and his friend, identified as Najam Ali Qazi, were shot dead by unidentified assailants at Chakra Goth area.

An activist of MQM was found dead from the bushes near a link road in the remits of Steel Town Police Station. Police officials said that deceased, Muhammad Asif Majeed, was abducted by unidentified assailants, who tortured and killed him before dumping his body.

A Policeman, identified as Enayat Solangi, was shot dead at superhighway within the remits of Sachal Police Station.

A cadre of SSP, identified as Shafiq Aka Baba was killed and his friend, identified as Saeedur Rehman, was injured near Disilva Town.

A person belonging to Shia community, identified as Ali Abbas, was shot dead in Aleemabad area.

A person Noorul Haq (34) was shot dead in Haroonabad within the limits of Pak Colony Police Station.

An unidentified person was shot dead in Taiser Town within the remits Surjani Town Police Station.

Mirza Gull was shot dead at Qasba colony within the jurisdiction of Pirabad Police Station. Officials said the victim was on way his home when unidentified assailants shot him twice on his chest and managed to flee from the scene.

Two dead bodies were found near Northern Bypass within the remits of Gulshan-e-Maymar Police Station. Police said that deceased were identified as Kamran, and Abdullah.

A dead body of an unidentified person was found from a Church at Bheempora area within the jurisdiction of Risala Police Station.

A Policeman, identified as Nawar Khan, was injured when suspected militants opened fire near Dobian Chowk of Yar Hussain bazaar in Swabi District.

At least five persons, including three doctors, were abducted while travelling from Loralai District towards the Zhob District.

Former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf has been formally arrested by a Balochistan Police team in the Akbar Bugti murder case. Subsequently, an Anti-Terrorist Court (ATC) ordered a two-week judicial remand of the former army 'chief'. Musharraf will remain at his farmhouse for the duration of the remand.

Foreign office (FO) spokesperson Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said Pakistan had emphatically conveyed to the US its concerns over drone strikes. The FO said there was across-the-board political consensus in Pakistan that drone attacks in its tribal areas should be stopped.

A guard, identified as Muhammad Umar, was killed by unidentified assailants in Kali Ismail area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

A person, identified as Deedar Ali was killed by unidentified assailants in Faizabad area.

Militants blew up a gas pipeline near Mach town of Bolan District. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

FC arrested a suspected militant and recovered two suicide jackets from his possession in Chaman area of Qila Abdullah District.

FC recovered 15 kilograms of explosives in Sui tehsil (revenue unit) of Dera Bugti District. FC sources said no arrests were made during the operation as the inmates fled the house before the arrival of forces.

At least two persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. An activist of the MQM, identified as Shahrukh Karim (18), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Sacchal area.

A Policeman, identified as Constable Naveed (35), was shot dead near Ali Baba Chowrangi in Boat Basin.

Police officials successfully averted a threat by having a 10-kilogram remote controlled explosive defused in Kishan Garh of Mattani area in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The explosive device, planted along the roadside, was aimed at causing damage to the Paramilitary Forces who were also present in the area. The device after being spotted was defused by the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) who reached the site immediately.

Chief Minister Balochistan Abdul Malik Baloch said his Government would take all stakeholders, including the opposition, into confidence in resolving the issues confronting Balochistan. 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.

At least 24 people, including 14 female students, four nurses and at least three FC personnel along with Quetta Deputy Commissioner, identified as Abdul Mansor Khan and two others were killed and 27 injured when unidentified terrorists blew up a bus of Sardar Bahadur Khan (SBK) Women University, followed by another blast inside the Bolan Medical College hospital in Quetta (provincial capital of Balochistan).

Five people were killed in separate acts of violence in Karachi (provincial capital of Sindh Province). One Police man was killed and 11 injured in two consecutive blasts at Kati Pahari of Qasba Colony in Karachi city. Police said the first explosion was a ball bomb which was thrown by an armed motorcyclist. Then when the Police personnel reached the spot to help the injured the second bomb exploded claiming at least one Police constable's life and injuring several others.

An employee of a private bank was shot dead at Preedy Street. Brigade Police Station officials said that the deceased Usman was on his way when unidentified armed motorcyclists shot him dead.

A man was shot dead near Bantwa Hospital within the limits of Baghdadi Police Station. The dead, Khalid Mehmood was on his way when an unidentified armed rider killed him.

A labourer, identified as Chanzaib Zahoor was shot dead in Musharraf Colony in Mochko area. Police said Zahoor was scheduled to collect money from someone when unidentified persons shot and killed him.

Armed men in Sacchal locality gunned down a young man, identified as Ovais Ahmed a resident of North Karachi over unexplained reasons.

Two dead bodies were found separately from Saeedabad and Surjani localities.

Three persons, including an armed guard and driver of the former Governor and Member of National Assembly (MNA) of Pakistan Mir Khalid Magsi were abducted from the Dasht area of Mastung District.

A colonial era heritage building, where Pakistan's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, spent his last days at Ziarat in northwestern Balochistan province, was burnt to ground after separatist militants fired rockets and grenades at it. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said the BLA was responsible for the attack and that the separatist group had replaced the Pakistan flag with its own.

The trial of seven Pakistanis, including LeT commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, charged with involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, was shifted from a court in Rawalpindi (Punjab) to a new ATC Islamabad.

At least ten persons, including a MQM activist and a 'commander' of TTP were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Two friends were shot dead and three others were injured by unidentified assailants near Murtaza Chowrangi in Landhi area. The victims were identified as Ashiq Allah Dino and Yousuf Abdul Samad, and the injured as Ghulam Mustafa, his brother, Ghulam Rasool and Syed Salim.

An additional SHO of the Darakshan Police Station was injured and his brother and a friend were killed in an act of targeted killing in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area.

A worker of MQM, identified as Haider Ghani, was killed outside his residence in sector 5/E, New Karachi.

A transporter, Amjad Sultan, was shot dead outside his residence in Musharraf Colony.

The dead body a labourer, identified as Dalil Bakhsh, was recovered from Saudabad area.

A dead body was found in SITE area. Police said the victim was tortured to death and it seemed he was killed after being abducted.

A local 'commander' of the TTP was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Peerabad. Sher Alam Mehsud (40), the TTP deputy commander of Kunwari Colony, was sitting outside his house when two assailants on a motorcycle came across and fired a volley of bullets at him. The victim was shot five times in the head and chest and died on the spot.

An alleged Police informant, identified as Sher Alam aka Shera (48), was killed by the TTP in Manghopir area,.

Three security personnel of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) were injured in a grenade attack outside Faisal Air Base main entrance on Karsaz area.

Two male polio workers were shot dead by unidentified assailants in Gadoon town of Swabi District.

A Police official, identified as Karamatullah, was killed and one other was injuried by unidentified assailants in Gulbahar area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Three Policemen were injured by unidentified assailants in Badaber area.

Seven persons, including three personnel of FC, three Policemen and a woman, were injured when militants attacked a Police post in Mashogagar area on the outskirts of Peshawar.

At least three Policemen were killed when militants attacked a checkpost in the Muslim Bagh area of Qilla Saifullah District.

Intelligence officials revealed that a female suicide bomber carried out the first attack on a bus carrying students of Sardar Bahadur Khan Women's University earlier on June 15. Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) claimed responsibility for the bomb blasts.

The TTP  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 US drone strike.

Three persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

A supporter of a religious party, identified as Asif Nawaz (32), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Banaras area.

The dead bodies of unidentified person were found from Rexer Nadi in the Pak Colony Police Limits.

Another dead body was recovered from a drain in the limits of the Rizvia Police Station.

A suspected militant was killed in an encounter with Police on Shewa-Parmuli Road in Swabi District.

Lawyers in Lahore observed a strike to condemn June 15, attacks on Ziarat Residency, a women university’s bus and the Bolan Medical Complex in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

LeT founder Hafiz Saeed 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. "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.

The June 15, 2013 twin suicide attacks in Quetta (Quetta), the provincial capital of Balochistan targeting a bus of female students and a hospital that killed 25 people were carried out by the LeJ to avenge the June 6, 2013 killing of five people [including two militants, their wives and a child] by the Security Forces (SFs) during a raid in the Khrotabad area of Quetta.

The newly appointed AGP, Munir A Malik, has decided to seek written instructions from the Federal Government about the pending petitions seeking trial of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf under Article 6 of the constitution which deals with high treason.

35 persons, including a newly-elected MPA Imran Mohmand, were killed and over 57 others were injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up at a funeral prayer in Shah Zaman Qala village of Shergarh town in Mardan District. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Seven militants were killed and several others were injured in a clash between two militant groups in Bosti Khel area Darra Adam Khel town of Kohat District. The Bosti Khel area of Darra Adam Khel is considered to be a stronghold of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Arif Afridi, a cousin of Tariq Afridi, the Taliban leader in Khyber Agency (FATA) and Darra Adamkhel, controls it.

Six persons, including MQM and PPP workers, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

An activist of the MQM, identified as Waseem Siddiq (38), was shot dead in a targeted attack in Agra Taj Colony of Lyari area within the jurisdiction of Kalri Police Station.

A political worker affiliated with the PPP, identified as Ashiq Hussain (38), was shot dead in Musharraf Colony within the limits of Maripur Police Station.

Shaukat Ali was shot dead, while Shahzad was injured in an act of target killing in Usmanabad area within the jurisdiction of Garden Police Station.

A person, identified as Shahjahan aka Badshah Khan was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Lashkari Village of Garden area.

Kamran Saeed (28) was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Liaquatabad area.

A dead body was found from Jahangirabad area of Rizvi Society.

Two personnel of Khasadar Force were killed in an attack on a checkpost near Mirali Town in North Waziristan Agency of FATA.

The Government of Punjab province has allocated millions of rupees in its budget for fiscal 2013-14 for the largest centre of the JuD, considered a front for the banned LeT. Besides a grant-in-aid of over PKR 61 million for the JuD centre known as 'Markaz-e-Taiba', the provincial Government has allocated PKR 350 million for setting up a 'Knowledge Park' at the centre and other development initiatives.

Six SF personnel were killed and three others injured when a convoy of the forces came under attack in Sra Khawra area of Matani town in outskirts of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP. The sources said four of the militants were also shot dead when the SF personnel retaliated.

Peshawar, a Policeman and two civilians were injured in an explosion that took place in Gulbahar Police Station on GT Road.

Five persons, including a MQM activist, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Shahzad Sattar (30), an MQM activist, was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Shehzad Chowki in Orangi Town.

A school van driver, Imran Rizvi (35), was killed by unidentified assailants in Sector 5C/2 of Khwaja Ajmer Nagri. Central District Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amir Farooqi said the victim was a member of the Shia community.

A rickshaw driver Irfan was killed by unidentified assailants at a market on the G Allana Road.

A dead body, identified as that of one Farhan, was found in the Docks Police precincts.

An unidentified dead body was found in the bushes of Mianwali Colony.

Unidentified assailants opened fire on a NATO container in Dasht area of Mastung District. However, no loss of life was reported.

Pakistan is working on a new policy to stop the 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.

12 persons, including three Policemen and two activists of the MQM, killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

Two Police personnel, identified as Head Constable Aftab and Constable Mushtaq Muhammad Khalid, were killed by unidentified assailants on the Gulbai Bridge in the limits of the SITE B Police Station.

Rashid (40) was killed by unidentified assailants in Kharadar near the Kutyana Memon Hospital in the limits of the Baghdadi Police Station.

An activist of MQM Kaleem alias Commando was shot dead at Islam Chowk in Orangi town.

MQM activist, Irshad alias Sunny (25), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Gandhi Nagar area of Ghas Mandi.

An activist of Pakistan Sunni Tehreek (ST), Khalid Rajput (30), was shot dead in sector 5L of North Karachi.

Also, unidentified people threw the bullet-riddled body of an unidentified man near Jinnah Bridge in the limits of the Docks Police Station.

Two dead bodies, identified as father and son, were found from a garbage dump in the Ram Swami area. Garden Police said the bodies of Abdul Wahid (50) and his son Muhammad Iqbal (21) were packed in a gunny bag.

Another body of an unidentified person was found near a drain in Lyari. He had been badly tortured and later shot dead. The Kalri Police said the deceased was abducted and later killed after being subjected to brutal torture.

The body of another person, identified as Noor Hasan (23), was recovered from some bushes near the Nadir Hospital on Super Highway.

A person, identified as Altaf (18), was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Jauhar Morr. Police said the victim was a resident of Gulistan-e-Jauhar Block-19 and the owner of a mobile communication shop.

A militant was killed and two others were injured in exchange of fire with Police in Secretary Pul area, of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA.

After fierce clashes with the militants, the SFs have managed to clear the Maidan area of Tirah valley in Khyber agency. According to ISPR, Maidan area of the valley has been completely cleared. It further said that Pakistani flag has been hoisted at Bagh Markaz of Tirah Valley.

The house of a local Baloch poet Mubarak Qazi was attacked with hand grenades in Pasni town of Gwadar District. Qazi remained safe as he was not at home however his wife was injured.

A Government primary school building destroyed in a blast in Karbogha of Doaba area in Hangu District.  However, no one was injured in the blast.

A Judicial Commission probing the brutal murder in a jail attack on Indian national Sarabjit Singh in KotLakhpat jail has so far recorded the statements of 38 witnesses. The Inspector General of Prisons of Punjab province and the Superintendent of Kot Lakhpat jail among others have testified before the Lahore High Court.

The military operation and anti-Baloch policies of Pakistan and its forces continue unabated in Balochistan, said a statement issued by the BRP.

COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said the army would maintain its presence in South Waziristan Agency of FATA until the local people were satisfied with the law and order situation. General Kayani appealed to the IDPs from the war-ravaged South Waziristan Agency to return to their areas, assuring them military support.

15 Shia persons were killed and 25 others were injured in a suicide attack at an Imambargah in largely Shia area of Gulshan Colony on the edge of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Nine persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A MQM legislator, identified as Sajid Qureshi (50) and his son, identified as Ovais (26), were shot dead by unidentified assailants outside a mosque in North Nazimabad locality. TTP claimed responsibility for the attack.

A seminary leader affiliated with Jamia Farooqia, identified as Molana Yasir Qureshi (42), was shot dead within the remits of Shah Faisal Police Station.

A worker of ASWJ, identified as Kamran (35), was shot dead within the jurisdiction of Mobina Town Police Station.

A person, identified as Mohammad Altaf (42), was shot dead at Keamari area within the remits of Jackson Police Station.

A person, identified as Nadeem Sharif, was shot dead and his friend was injured within the remits of Nappier Police Station.

A person, Shakeel Ahmed (35), was shot dead by unidentified assailants, while he was standing outside his home in Urdu Bazaar.

A dead body was found from Lasbela Riverbed within the remits of Rizvia Police Station. Officials said that the deceased, Wasif, resident of Lines Area went to Lyari for some work, where armed men abducted him.

An unidentified dead body was found from Akbar Road within the limits of Shershah Police Station.

Two members of the peace committee were killed and two Levies Force personnel were injuries when the militants attacked a checkpost in Khar, headquarters of Bajaur Agency of FATA.

A Government primary school was blown up in Pandialai tehsil of Mohmand Agency. Officials said militants had planted explosives to the building of Khan Wali Kor School. They said that the number of schools destroyed in militant activities in the agency had risen to 118.

An alleged suicide bomber was killed in a mysterious explosion in Bandat Musazai area of Killa Saifullah District. “It is yet to be confirmed that whether explosives planted in motorcycle went off or mistakenly he blew himself up,” Police said.

Two dead bodies were found from Zehri area in Khuzdar District.

Two terrorists and one ASI of Police were killed during an encounter at Ambela Phari area in Buner District.

A bomb explosion killed two volunteers of Peace Lashkar, a Pakistani pro-Government militia at Chamarkand town in Bajaur Agency of the FATA. They were killed when an IED went off near them while they were inspecting the site of an earlier IED blast.

10 foreign tourists-cum-mountaineer were among 11 persons killed, when militants wearing paramilitary uniforms attacked a base camp of Nanga Parbat mountain range in Bonar area of Diamer District in Gilgit Baltistan region of PoK. One Pakistani woman guide was also killed in the incident.

TTP ‘spokesperson’ Ehsanullah Ehsan while claiming the responsibility said that killing was revenge against the US drone attacks and killing of TTP ‘deputy chief’ Waliur Rehman Mehsud.

Six militants were killed during an operation by SFs in Matt area of Sui in Dera Bugti District.

Separately, unidentified assailants targeted a Levies vehicle with small arms, killing the driver and injuring two Levies personnel in Basima tehsil (revenue unit) in Washuk District.

A person, identified as Abdul Razaq, was killed by unidentified assailants in the Eastern Bypass area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

A person, identified as Haji Omer, was shot dead in Satellite town area.

Five persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A teashop owner associated with the JI, identified as Mohammed Arif (35), was shot dead in Sector-7 D of Surjani town.

A former Police SI was shot dead near the Sohrab Goth Bridge in Sacchal area.

In a separate incident, a person, identified as Abdul Whaeed, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Dawood Goth area of Malir town.

A person, identified as Ghulam Abbas (32), was killed by unidentified assailants near Waheed Shaheed Chowk in Faqeer Colony of Mominabad area.

A person, identified as Munir Ahmed, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Napier area.

An activist of the MQM was arrested after an encounter on June 22, reports Dawn. The A-Section Police also arrested several MQM activists after registering terrorism-related cases against 17 suspects.

One trooper was killed and two others injured in a militant attack in Khawa Khawar area of Bannu District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to the officials, the killing took place when a SFs’ vehicle was targeted with a remote-controlled bomb in Khawa Khawar area.

One person was killed and five others sustained injuries in a car explosion in Sadda town of Kurram Agency in FATA. “Unknown persons had fixed explosives to the car, which exploded near the Karkhano checkpost when they were on their way back home,” official sources added.

The Government welcomed the prospects of talks between the United States and Afghan Taliban and expressed the hope that the initiative would lead to peace and stability in the region. “The Nawaz Sharif government firmly believes that dialogue and reconciliation are the only way forward in bringing permanent peace to the region,” Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said during a meeting with US Ambassador Richard Olson at the Interior Ministry.

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. "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.

According to the CPLC, abduction-for-ransom ‘industry’ is booming in Karachi as this industry has generated huge money at the cost of life and peace in metropolis. The data available to the sources in CPLC says that within few months, from January to June 2013, about 74 such cases have been registered. In year 2012, there were 132 such cases registered at various Police Stations of the city.

At least seven persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A person, identified as Raja Nadeem Abbass (40), was killed by unidentified assailants near Gulshan Chowrangi in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area. The Gulshan-e-Iqbal Police said the victim was a PPP activist and a resident of Federal B Area.

A person, identified as Abdur Razzaq alias Raju Kutchhi (28), was shot dead near Babu Hotel on Ghausia Road. Police said the victim was supporter of the KRC.

A businessman, identified as Sheikh Muhammad Masood, was killed by unidentified assailants near the Defence Police Station.

A person, identified as Bakhti Anwar (40), was killed by unidentified assailants in Muslimabad Colony.

An alleged target killer of Policemen was killed in an encounter with West zone Police in Haroonabad area of Site-B.

Dead body of a person, identified as Afzal Shah (22), was found near a storm-water drain in Memon Goth.

A dead body was recovered from the bushes in Quetta town in Karachi.

Rangers arrested around 22 suspects in separate targeted raids and operations across various parts of the Karachi. Rangers' personnel said they conducted targeted raids and operations in areas including Landhi, Shah Faisal Colony, Northern Bypass, Safora Chowk, Nusrat Bhutto Colony, Nazimabad, Ahsanabad, North Karachi and Machar Colony and captured around 22 suspects. The officials also claimed to have recovered 36 weapons of different calibers from their possession.

Suspected militants shot dead Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Amanullah Khan and his driver on Dalazak Road in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The incident took place at about 8:30pm.

A villager died when explosives planted in a mosque in Tirayee Payan village went off in the wee hours.

The FC arrested three militants and recovered 2,000 kilogrammes of explosives at a checkpost in Hazar Ganji area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Thirty-five suspects have been arrested by the GB Police, in case related to the killing of 10 foreign tourists and their Pakistani guide at point blank range at a base camp of Nanga Parbat mountain range from nearby areas in the Diamer District.

Shehzad Ahmed Shigri, a GB Government spokesman informed that trekking expeditions leading to Nanga Parbat were also suspended with effect from June 24. Local and foreign tourists are evacuated from the mountains range.

The PTI Chairman Imran Khan demanded of the Federal Government devise a national policy for countering terrorism in the country suggesting that Pakistan should separate itself from the US led war on terror. While addressing a press conference on his first visit after his party formed government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, he said the Federal Government should call a meeting, which should be briefed by the army chief.

At least two persons were killed and 10 other sustained severe injuries when unidentified arms assailants opened indiscriminate firing on tribal peace lashkar in the RD 238 area of Dera Bugti District. The attackers managed to escape from the incident site.

A blast took place near the house of one Hakim Khan in Wazirdhand in Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA in the night. The explosion caused a minor damage to the building.

The Islamabad Police arrested two TTP militants involved in the killing of newly-elected Member of the Provincial Assembly [MPA, KP], Farid Khan of the PTI, who was shot dead in Hangu (Hangu District) with his driver on June 3, 2013. The suspects, during the preliminary questioning, disclosed that they had killed, slaughtered or tortured 36 people to death.

Farid had won the PK-42 (Hangu-I) seat as an independent candidate and had then joined PTI. He was shot dead near his residence close to Singair village, when unidentified armed men opened fire at his vehicle. Police said his driver and guard also sustained injuries in the attack. According to details, the CIA received information that a group of terrorists was hiding in Tarnol area.

The FIA submitted a challan against former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf in the ATC-I, declaring him prime accused in Former Premier Benazir Bhutto murder case.

The charge sheet also contained the statements of four witnesses, including that of the US journalist as well as Benazir Bhutto's own statement, in which she had said that Musharraf and three others be held responsible if she was assassinated.

Pervez Musharraf, who is also facing charges in connection with the murder of Nawab Akbab Bugti in 2006 and 2007 judges case, is currently under 'house arrest' at his farmhouse turned jail at Chak Shahzad on the outskirts of Islamabad.

Former HRCP chairwomen Asma Jahangir said that if the role of security agencies in Balochistan did not change, it would be disastrous for the democracy.

The TTP claimed that the Government of Pakistan does not have the authority to hold talks. 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.

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.

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.

A bomb attack targeting a Sindh High Court judge killed at least 10 persons, including two Rangers personnel, six Policemen and the driver of the judge's car, and injured 15 others, including the judge, near Burns Road in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. The intended target of the terrorists was senior Sindh High Court judge Justice Maqbool Baqar, who was on his way to the court along with an escort of four Rangers personnel on two motorbikes and two Police vehicles. The convoy was near Burns Road when the powerful bomb exploded. However, Justice Baqar did not suffer any major wound.

TTP 'spokesman' Ehsanullah Ehsan claimed the responsibility of the attack, saying they detonated the bomb remotely. "We attacked the judge in Karachi as he was taking decisions against Shariah and he was harmful for Mujahideen,'' he said. Ehsan further said that the judge was targeted for what he said were "anti-Taliban and anti-Mujahideen decisions", and that the group would continue to target judiciary.

One FC trooper was killed while three sustained injuries when militants targeted an FC convoy with a roadside bomb in the Mashkay area of Awaran District in Balochistan.

Unidentified assailants abducted eight members of Tablighi Jamaat at gunpoint from a mosque in the Jhao area of Awaran. The victims were from Peshawar and Bannu Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Hayatabad SHO Mera Jan was shot dead in an attack by unidentified assailants at Karkhano checkpost near Peshawar's (Peshawar District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) border with Khyber Agency in FATA. Mira Jan was on routine patrol along the main Pakistan-Afghanistan highway when his vehicle came under gunfire near an Afghan market, a Police official said.

Gilgit Inspector General Usman Zakria claimed that 15 terrorists involved in the killing of foreign tourists at Nanga Parbat base camp had been identified. 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.

Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch held politicians and bureaucrats equally responsible for "destroying all government institutions in the province" and called for making joint efforts to "restore" the institutions.

Welcoming the initiation of Doha peace process, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman reiterated his desire that the Pakistan Government should also hold talks with TTP to bring peace and stability in the region. "The use of force does not work all the time and in all situations," said the JUI-F chief.

At least three persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. An unidentified person was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Mehfil-i-Musatafa Imambargah in Kalri.

A person was shot dead near Makki mosque in Bihar Colony.

A businessman, identified as Sheikh Naveed (50), was shot dead in the Karsaz area.

Sindh Assembly with consensus passed a resolution that Sindh Government must take effective measures to curb terrorism and arrest perpetrators of the bomb attack on Justice Maqbool Baqar's convoy on June 26 morning, in which nine persons were killed and many others, including the senior puisne judge of the Sindh High Court, were injured, on June 26.

At least two persons were killed and another was injured when a bomb went off in Kuchlak tehsil in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. Police said a militant was planting an IED near a mosque in village Killi Kateer on the Quetta-Chaman highway when it exploded.

Two persons were injured in an attack on NATO containers in the Dasht area of Kharan District. Levies sources said that unidentified assailants opened indiscriminate fire on two containers passing through the area, injuring the drivers and setting ablaze the trucks.

The SFs killed two militants after an encounter of nine hours in Yousafabad locality of Mingora city in Swat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The encounter began at 8pm on June 26 and ended at around 5:30am.

Unidentified militants fired rockets on a cement factory on Bannu-DI Khan Road in Lakki Marwat District. However, the attack didn't cause any damage to human life or property.

The BDS of Frontier Corps destroyed an IED near Landi Khel area of Akhorwal in Darra Adam Khel of Kohat District. Officials said that militants had planted a 12kg IED to target the SFs.

Clashes between the TTP and other militant groups erupted in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border region as hundreds of fighters attacked TTP bases situated in Kunar and Nangarhar province of Afghanistan. TTP sources said hundreds of militants comprising LeT, AI, 'Mohmand force' and other local militias were part of a joint attack on Pakistani Taliban positions in Afghanistan.

LeT 'spokesperson' Mahmud Gaznavi rejected the allegations that the group was involved in the clashes. Gaznavi said that the LeT is operational only in Kashmir and has nothing to do with the TTP or the Afghan Taliban.

The Government is reluctant to give a specific date about the completion of special FIA team's investigations against former President General Pervez Musharraf for imposing emergency on November 3, 2007. Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Munir A Malik told a three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja, that giving a specific time would be a speculation.

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.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif after attending the Punjab Assembly session said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will shortly convene an All-Party Conference to devise a joint line of action to tackle the menace of terrorism.

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.

At least three persons, including a woman were killed and 18 others were injured, when dozens of Lyari gangsters carried out an armed massacre in streets of Kharadar area in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. SHO, Kharadar Idrees Bangash said that motive behind the incident was extortion, but sources in Police said that Lyari gangsters reached there to abduct a man Aziz Baloch, on failure they resorted to indiscriminate firing.

Sindh High Court asked Interior Ministry to put details of MQM-H Chairman Afaq Ahmed's involvement in terrorist activates on record, in order to substantiate putting his name on ECL. Headed by Justice Ahmed Ali M Sheikh the ministry has been given a last chance to substantiate its claim.

A girl was killed while six others were injured when a toy bomb went off at Lapakai village of Maidan area in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in FATA.

Local and international humanitarian organisations suspended work at the Jalozai refugee camp for IDPs, 35 kilometres southeast of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after intelligence agencies issued a warning about a bomb attack at the place.

Officials from the PDMA told that LEA informed camp management on June 25 that militants had planned to carry out an attack, specifically to target large gatherings.

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 LeT operational commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, be handed over to the ICC.

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 ATC had been handling the case since 2009 though the judge has been changed five times.

Addressing a 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.

At least five persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A person, identified as Murad Baloch, was killed and other person, identified as Ahsan Abdur Rauf, was injured by unidentified assailants at a milk shop near Mosamiyat Chowrangi on University Road.

A person, identified as Muhammad Hayat (22), was shot dead by unidentified assailants near the water filter plant in Gulshan-e-Maymar area.

A Rangers officer identified as Imran Masih (25) was shot dead near Nagan Chowrangi.

Two dead bodies were found near the Karbala ground of Landhi area. The victims were identified as Tahir Riaz (30) and Farhan Nasir (16).

Three dead bodies were recovered from the Eastern bypass area of Quetta (Quetta District) the provincial capital of Balochistan.

The militants blew up two schools, Government Primary School Kotka Nasruallah and Government Primary School Matiullah in Paharkhel Pakka in the limits of Ghaznikhel Police Station in Lakki Marwat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

At least 28 persons were killed and 60 others injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up near an Imambargah in Aliabad area of Hazara Town in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. The victims belong to Shia Hazara community. According to CCPO, the suicide bomber detonated the explosive strapped to his body when he was stopped from entering the premises of the Imambargah Abu Talib.

Muttahida Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM) has announced three-day mourning across the country while Hazara Democratic Party (HDP) has called a shutter-down strike in Quetta.

Three persons were shot dead by unidentified militants when they opened fire on passenger buses in Kaka Heer and Darra Kahala areas of Wadh Tehsil of Khuzdar District.

Two persons were shot dead by unidentified assailants in Kubdani Mohalla area of Kharan city in Kharan District. The victims belong to Sindh province.

Two persons were killed and one was injured in Killa Abdullah town of same District.

At least 18 civilians were killed and 46 injured in a car bomb attack on a convoy of the Frontier Corps in Badbher area on the outskirts of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Almost all the victims were poor vendors selling fruits, vegetables and corn cobs while the others were passersby and commuters.

Police defused two rocket shells in Lodhikhel area in Hangu District. The bomb disposal unit in-charge, Asadullah, said that acting on a tip-off, a contingent of Police and bomb disposal unit reached the spot and defused the rocket shells placed by militants.

An explosion killed four volunteers of an Amn Lashkar and three soldiers in Miranshah of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. 15 volunteers and 12 soldiers were also received injuries.

At least five persons, including a worker of the MQM and a Policeman, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. An MQM worker Abdul Sattar (35) was killed by unidentified assailants outside his home near Sindhi Hotel within the remit of the New Karachi Industrial Area Police Station.

A Head Constable of the Sindh Reserve Police was abducted, tortured and shot dead in Pak Colony.A person, identified as Asif Saleem (24), was shot dead in New Karachi area.

A person, identified as Asif Saleem (24), was shot dead in New Karachi area.

A dead body of Zahid Shah (32), stuffed in a gunny bag, was found along the Lyari River in the Raxer Lane area.

An unidentified dead body was found in the Khokhrapar area.

Police arrested five cadre of the TTP in a search operation in Peerabad area. Police recovered two Kalashnikovs, a rifle, two TT pistols, a 9MM pistol, three brick bombs, six ball bombs, a walkie-talkie, three kilograms nut-bolts, explosive materials, a snatched highroof and a stolen motorcycle. Police said the arrested suspects belong to TTP's Bhalu group and they were identified as Ismail, Meraj, Ali Bahudar, Shahid and Samiullah.

PTI Chairman Imran Khan called for formulation of a policy by the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in consultation with the COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and PTI to deal with terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Addressing a convention of the party, Imran Khan said there are different forms of terrorism in FATA, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Karachi and Balochistan, which will have to be dealt with through different means.

In 2013, till June, around 273 persons were abducted from various parts of the Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh and their bodies were later found dumped in gunny bags. The recovered bodies carried marks of severe torture before they were being shot, tortured to such extent that many of them are still lying unidentified in morgues.

Four militants, 76 bandits and 19 abductors were killed in 1,382 Police encounters in Sindh from January 1 to June 27, 2013. According to a report sent to IGP Sindh Shahid Baloch, it was mentioned that during the aforementioned period, overall 24,385 accused were arrested including 2,213 proclaimed offenders, 15,138 absconders, 73 abductors, 66 terrorists and 5,699 dacoits.

JuD chief and the founder of LeT Hafiz Muhammad Saeed warned the Pakistan Government that it should not buy electricity from India. India is producing electricity on Pakistani rivers and offering the same to us to buy. Don't our rulers understand this basic point?" Saeed asked while addressing an 'Ummat Conference' at Sheikhupura in Sheikhupura District. "There is no need to beg India," he asserted.

His warning came days after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif directed his Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif to visit India to address the severe energy crisis facing the country."

At least seven persons, including three ST cadres, were shot dead in separate incidents of targeted killing in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

One ST cadre, identified as Junaid Sultan (22), was shot dead at Sector 5-F in New Karachi area. Separately, a local leader of ST, identified as Farooq (35), was shot dead in Block-2 in Baldia Town.  Another ST cadre, identified as Aslam Qadri, was shot dead at Sector 11-F in New Karachi area within the remits of New Karachi Police Station. A ST spokesman said that four ST cadres have been shot dead in separate incidents of targeted killing in last two days.

A rickshaw driver, identified as Zubair, was shot dead near Jona Masjid within the limits of Baghdadi Police Station.

A dead body of a man, identified as that of Javed Khan, was found near a graveyard at Indus Plaza within the remits of Soharab Goth Police Station. Police said that the deceased was affiliated with a criminal group and unidentified assailants had first abducted him and later dumped his body after shooting him multiple times.

Another dead body of a man, identified as that of Imran alias Kawa, was found at Dee Silva Town within the remits of Shahreh-e-Noor Jahan Police Station. Police said he had been abducted before being killed.

A bullet-riddled dead body of a man, identified as Imran, was found near from Dua Hotel within the remits of Kalri Police Station.

Unidentified assailants opened fire in Lyari area, spreading panic among the residents of the locality. According to reports, the armed assailants resorted to firing and roamed freely in Kalri, Mandra Muhalla, Ahmed Shah Bokhari Road, Bihar Colony and other areas of the neighbourhood with Police and Rangers missing.

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.

At least three labourers, identified as Noor Muhammad, Jabar and Gul Muhammad, were shot dead when unidentified armed militants opened fire them in Khan Kot area of Naseerabad District.

Police recovered a dead body, identified as that of one Abdullah (27), from Dera Allayar Bypass in Jaffarabad District. According to details, the deceased belonged to Orangi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Unidentified armed militants abducted a Section Officer of the Home Department, identified as Syed Manzoor Shah Bukhari, from Sariab Road in Quetta while he was heading towards Sariab Mill. No further report is available about the abducted person.

Two Police constables were shot dead at Ring Road in the Pishtakhara Police Station jurisdiction of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police said that members of the Special Police Forces Constable Osman and Constable Subhanullah were on duty on Ring Road when terrorists riding a motorcycle attacked them.

The AGP Munir A. Malik submitted before the Supreme Court that the issue of missing persons is the legacy of dictatorial regimes and might take decades to be completely solved. Malik said that taking cue from the past it seems that investigation in the matters related to the forced disappearances was very difficult.

Justice Jawwad asked the top law officer when would the trial of internment centres’ detainees start, while Justice Khilji Arif Hussain questioned how long would these people be detained in internment centres. The AGP appeared before a three-member bench of the apex court headed by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja in the missing persons’ case.

After having been accused by Afghanistan of pushing a power-sharing formula involving the Taliban, the FO defended Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan and said it always tried to make a positive contribution. “Pakistan wants to see a peaceful, united, prosperous and stable Afghanistan. To that end Pakistan has been making constructive contributions,” FO spokesman Aizaz Chaudhry said.

At least 17 suspected militants were killed and two others injured by a US drone which attacked a house in Sirai Darpakhel area near Miranshah in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. Intelligence sources confirmed the death toll, adding that a key militant leader had been targeted whose identity was not known as yet.

A member of Tawheed ul Islam, a pro-government peace militia, was killed in a landmine blast in Zakhakhel Bazaar area of Khyber Agency. Khyber administration officials said the volunteers were on a routine patrol when two of them stepped over a landmine planted along a track. One volunteer was killed on the spot while the other received critical injuries.                                                       

Unidentified assailants shot dead a pro-government tribal elder at Badan area in Mamond tehsil in Bajaur Agency. Malik Gul Farosh Khan, a local peace committee member, was on his way home when he was ambushed at Badan area.

A woman was killed when an explosive device planted in a field went off in border area of Kitkoot. Local officials said the woman (40) was working in the fields when the blast occurred.

The return of thousands of IDPs from Mohammad Khwaja relief camp in Hangu (Hangu District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) to Chaper Perozkhel area in Orakzai Agency was postponed at the eleventh hour over threats of terrorist attacks. FATA Disaster Management Authority had made preparations for the return of over 26,000 IDPs to Chaper Perozkhel area from Tuesday (July 2). The next date for the IDPs’ return will be announced later on, according to the relevant officials.

At least six FC personnel were killed and seven others injured when militants attacked the Kishan Ganga check-post near FR, Jina Kor, in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP. Moreover, Police confirmed the incident and said that militants also kidnapped two Security Force personnel. 

Police recovered huge cache of arms and ammunition during various raids in different areas of the Hangu city (Hangu District) and arrested 31 proclaimed offenders wanted in various cases of heinous nature.

The PTI openly came forward to justify acts of terrorism in provincial assembly on July 1 when one of its Ministers instead of condemning the suicide attack by militants in Peshawar tried to rationalise it.

At least three people, including an activist of MQM, were shot dead in firing incidents in Lyari area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to Police details, the firing was a result of the failure of a ‘truce’ between the KRC and the PAC, recently arranged by officials of Law-Enforcement Agencies and District Administration.

An activist of MQM, identified as Muhammad Shahzad (25), was shot dead and two others, identified as Shakeel Ahmed and Naseem Ahmed, were wounded at a bus stop near the Tooba mosque in Orangi Town, said the Iqbal Market Police.

A woman, identified as Amna, was shot dead in Bihar Colony, the Chakiwara Police said. “Five more persons sustained bullet wounds in Mandra Para and other localities,” said the Chakiwara Police official. Militants also threw a hand grenade in the locality but so far no casualty has been reported.

One Usman Ghani (40) was shot dead when two groups resorted to firing near Naval Flats in Kalri area, said in-charge SHO of Kalri Wazir Muhammad. Ghani was affiliated with KRC.

In the same locality one person was also shot at and wounded in the firing.

A resident of Agra Taj said that for the past three days, they had been made hostage by armed militants. He said there was such heavy firing in the area that his nephew, a tailor, could not travel even half a kilometre to reach his home.

SFs claimed to have arrested another suspect in connection with the killing foreign tourists in Diamer District on June 23, 2013. His arrest came a day after another suspect, a worker of Water and Power Department, was arrested from Chilas town, the capital of Diamer. The suspect belongs to a 16-memebr terrorist gang allegedly involved in the Diamer attack. He was arrested while he was on duty. SFs have so far arrested three suspects and all are the locals.

The BNP-M accused the Government, Intelligence agencies and Khuzdar administration of harassing the people of Wadh town of Khuzdar District The party appealed to the traders to observe a strike on July 4, and requested the transporters not to bring to the roads their buses and coaches on July 5, to support the party’s blockade of the highways. Leaders and activists of the BNP staged a demonstration outside the press club in protest against the killing of three persons in Wadh area on June 29, 2013.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that he has directed the LEA, including the ISI and IB, to treat June 30 bombing in the Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan, as a test case and catch the culprits. He stated, “This (attacks) is neither acceptable for the provincial government nor for the federal government.”

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.

The number of reported civilian deaths caused by the CIA’s drone campaign in Pakistan is at an all-time low, a report by The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) said. According to the data mentioned in the report, the number of drone strikes conducted under Obama’s administration stands at 318, while the total number of strikes carried out since 2004 is 370. These hundreds of strikes in Pakistan’s tribal region killed at least 2,500 people, 400 of whom are said to be civilians. The report stated that around 200 children lost their lives in drone attacks. The campaign carried out with the help of unmanned aircraft left around 1,100 injured.

There is said to be a steep decline in the number of US drone strikes in Pakistan strikes are now at their lowest level since early 2008. The average number of people being killed in each drone strike has fallen sharply too, an analysis of the Bureau’s data shows. On average, four people now die in each attack – just a third of the rate in the first six months of 2010.

Former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf, one of main accused in the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in 2007, failed to appear before an ATC, which took strong exception and ordered his physical presence on July 9, 2013.

At least three people, including a woman, identified as Zulekha Aslam (50), Abdul Latif (25) and Akhter Ahmed (50), were killed in an exchange of gunfire between two groups in Lyari and other old city areas of provincial capital of Sindh, Karachi (Karachi District).

Two suspected extortionists, identified as Shahid alias Cheena and Nazeer alias Khan were killed in an encounter in Pirabad area. The Police received a tip-off that four extortionists were to visit the Pakhtun Bazaar near Banaras to collect extortion money from shopkeepers, said Orangi SP Chaudhry Asad Ali, adding, a Police party in a van posted in the area caught the suspects, who fired at the Police.

An activist of the MQM, identified as Awal Yasin (40), was shot dead in Orangi Town while was travelling in a rickshaw.

A schoolteacher, identified as Asadullah (27), was shot dead near the Saddar parking plaza while he was passing through the area on a motorbike. Brigade SHO Javed Sikandar said that Asadullah used to teach Quran to students of Iqra School at Clifton Branch and hailed from Rahim Yar Khan District of Punjab.

An unidentified man, said to be in his early 50s, was shot dead in Khuda ki Basti.

A constable of the CID of Police, identified as Mohammad Anwar, was shot dead in a targeted attack in SITE. The Police said that Mohammad Anwar along with his son was passing through the Habib Chowrangi area in a car when militants fired at him and sped away.

An unidentified dead body of young man was found outside a bank branch on Nawab Mohabat Khanji Road in Lea Market, said an official at the Baghdadi Police Station.

Another dead body of a man, identified as that of Ghulam Hussain (50), was found in a ground near Indus Plaza. 

A roadside blast planted on an under-construction road outside the residence of a PPP Member of MPA Sohrab Sarki wounded four children in Jacobabad District.

The SITE-A Police SHO Tufail Ahmed claimed to have detained four extortionists identified as Mohammad Ahmed, Abdul Qadir, Samdam and Amirullah who had come to extort money from a factory owner at Bhawani Chali.

Security administration sat with leaders of the ruling party to resolve the crisis and find out ways for peace in Karachi. Though the authorities and leaders of the PPP were reluctant to confirm the meeting, sources close to the recent development said PPP Karachi division President Abdul Qadir Patel with other senior members of the party met senior Police and Rangers officers at the Central Police Office.

A person, identified as Sabir Ali, was killed by unidentified assailants in Tali area of Sibi District.

A girl was shot dead in Kuchlak town near Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Dead body of an unidentified person was found from the Satellite Town of Quetta.

A person, identified as Muhammad Hassan, was abducted by unidentified assailants from Turbat District.

Police arrested six suspected militants from a hospital in the Zarghoon Road area of Quetta. Those arrested included two injured men who were under treatment at the hospital. Sources said that Police and personnel of the Anti-Terrorism Force raided the private hospital on a tip-off and arrested the suspects.

Levies personnel defused a bomb and arrested two suspects in Dhadar area of Bolan District. The bomb had been planted on the railway track linking Quetta with other parts of the country.

The FC seized a huge cache of weapons and arrested two militants from the Kuchlak area.

Death toll of the Hazara Town (Quetta) suicide blast on June 30 has risen to 31 after another injured woman succumbed to her injuries at a hospital.

Unidentified assailants opened fire on two anti-polio workers in Badarshi area in the Nowshera District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Constable Roohullah reported to the Cantonment Police Station that the FC personnel, Abdullah was assigned duty with a polio team, comprising two female workers, Najma Bibi and Naila Bibi.

BDS personnel defused a bomb while another explosive device went off near a hujra in a Chota Lahor tehsil in Swabi District. Chota Lahor City Police officials said the bombs were planted near the house and hujra of one Sajjad Khan in Sheikh Dheri village.

Peshawar High Court was informed that the Federal Government had released PKR 500,000 for payment of compensation to an old woman, whose only son was allegedly picked up by intelligence agencies being killed and dumped by the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway.

The ruling PTI and its coalition partners backtracked on their statements to table a resolution in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly against the US drone strikes in tribal areas as the budget session was prorogued. PTI and its allies, including Jamaat-i-Islami, Qaumi Watan Party and Awami Jamhoori Ittehad Pakistan, had submitted a joint resolution against the drone attacks to the assembly secretariat before the start of the budget session.

As a measure to beef up security in the wake of recent wave of terrorism in the country, the DIG Operations Lahore Muhammad Tahir Rai said 30 percent additional force had been deployed for the security of judges and courts, including Lahore High Court, sessions courts and civil courts. Additional patrolling by Police would ensure the security of courts and judges, he added.

Government rejected remarks from the Afghan Army ‘chief’ Sher Mohammad Karimi that Pakistan 'controls' the Taliban. “The allegations that Pakistan 'controls' the Taliban and has 'unleashed' them on Afghanistan have no basis. We reject them categorically,” the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan said in a statement.

Karimi accused Pakistan of closing down madrassa schools that serve as incubators of extremism and as a result had “unleashed” the Taliban on Afghanistan today. He said “the Taliban are under their control” and Pakistan could do far more to promote a nascent peace process. He claimed that Pakistan could end the 12-year conflict in Afghanistan within weeks if it was really committed to peace.

Following the July 3, 2012, drone strike in NWA of FATA targeting the Haqqani Network, the TTP reiterated its earlier stance that civilian Government had little or no reply to the American drone strikes and therefore there is no use of talking with it. TTP spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan announced that the TTP would take revenge, blaming Pakistani authorities for sharing information with the American CIA on presence of militant leaders.

It was second strike in NWA in two days targeting the Haqqani Network. The TTP claimed that none of the Taliban leaders was killed in the attack which claimed 18 lives. TTP had earlier withdrawn their talk offer after May 29, 2013, missiles attack in SWA of FATA in which TTP’s ‘deputy chief’ Waliur Rehman Mehsud was killed.

TTP said that its militants have increased attacks on SFs to avenge the killing of the Wali-ur-Rehman Mehsud. TTP spokesperson claimed responsibility for the attack on a check post on July 2 that killed six Frontier Constabulary personnel in Urmar area of FR Peshawar, as part of their plan to take revenge. He also claimed injuring 10 more FC personnel but avoided comments on reports that several security men are missing. “We will keep on targeting the security forces during the revenge attacks,” he added.

The US Government has requested USD 1.16 billion for aid to Pakistan in the 2014 financial year — almost half of the USD 2.6 billion it spent in 2012 and a quarter of the USD 4.5 billion it spent in 2010, says a report released. The military aid also goes down to USD 397 million from over USD 1.2 billion in 2010. The cuts, however, may not have a major impact on the Pakistani economy as the country received an estimated USD 12.8 billion from July 2012 to May 2013.

The Obama administration is also seeking USD 765.7 million (and USD 252.2 million in Overseas Contingency Operations funds) within the Economic Support Fund (ESF) for energy assistance, economic growth and agriculture, education, health, and cross-cutting issues such as supporting gender equality, human rights, better governance, and political participation. In the Foreign Military Financing, USD 300 million for Pakistan would enhance the counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism capabilities of its Security Forces, and would encourage US-Pakistan military-to-military engagement, the report said.

At least five Security Force personnel were killed and three others injured in a suicide attack on Bowia check post in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. According to the security officials, the suicide bomber crashed an explosive-laden vehicle into the security check post leaving five security officials dead.

Four persons, including three women, sustained injuries when the rockets fired by militants from Kunar province of Afghanistan hit a house in Kaga village in the Mamond tehsil in the Bajaur Agency. The injured were identified as Muhammad, Zarfari Bibi, Yasin Bibi and Ruqiya Bibi.

Government Primary School for Girls in Sirki Kot area of Wana in South Waziristan Agency was blown up by unidentified militants at 3.30am. Explosive devices had been planted in the verandah of the school.

Two TTP militants were killed in an encounter with the SFs in Sheikh Nala area of the Matani Police Station in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. An ASI was killed and one FC personnel was also injured in the encounter with the militants.

The house of a local activist of the ANP was partially damaged in an explosion at Station Koroona in the limits of City Police Station in Charsadda town (Charsadda) District. The sources said explosive device planted by unidentified persons near the house of Qasim Ali Khan went off early in the day.

Unidentified militants attacked a truck carrying NATO supplies from Karachi (Sindh) to Afghanistan, killing the driver and injuring his two helpers on the Quetta (Balochistan)-Karachi National Highway in Wadh area of Khuzdar District.

The residents of Lyari area in Karachi protested against continuous violence and targeted killings in the neighbourhood and set two trailers ablaze amidst continued firing and hurling of hand grenades for the fifth consecutive day. Agitated protesters set ablaze two trailers in Lyari at the protest spot to vent their anger against unrest and relentless targeted killings.

Anjuman-e-Tajiran President Saleem Hussain Vohra and office-bearers of other trade bodies from across the District expressed grave concern over the rising wave of street crime and extortion in the commercial areas of Hyderabad District, warning that they will take to the streets if their long-standing demand for better policing remains unmet.

The Gilgit Baltistan Police claimed that they have arrested yet another accused, believed to be involved in the killing of 10 foreign tourists and their Pakistani cook at Nanga Parbat base camp in Bonar area of Diamer District region of PoK.

As reported earlier, Inspector General of Police, Gilgit Baltistan, Usman Zakria on June 26 had claimed that 15 terrorists involved in the killing of foreign tourists at Nanga Parbat base camp had been identified. He said the terrorists belonged to banned organisations – 10 of whom were from Diamer, three from Kohistan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and two from Mansehra (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa).

Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that the FIA is taking action against former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf in treason case under Article 6 of the Constitution. The Interior Minister said he would keep the media informed about any progress made in this regard.

The Supreme Court hinted at constituting a commission of civil society members, including DHR Chairperson Amina Masood Janjua, for visits of internment centres where missing persons are being held, to examine their condition.  Heading the three-member bench of the apex court, Justice Jawwad S Khawaja on July 4 observed that the court was awaiting Government’s action over the internment centres, but it would also form a commission for visit of every internment centre.

In March 2013, the Federal Government had admitted before the Supreme Court that 700 suspected terrorists were in its custody under internment regulations known as Action in Aid of Civil Power Regulations 2011. These internment centres are located in FATA and PATA.

The KP Provincial Government suggested that Afghan refugees should be equally distributed among four provinces. Responding to the State and Frontier Region (Safron) Ministry’s draft policy recommendations for Afghan refugees beyond 2013, the Provincial Government has made two proposals for the ‘sustainable’ repatriation of 1.6 million registered Afghan refugees from Pakistan, an official source said.

The KP government also opposed extending Afghan refugees’ stay in the country and suggested that should the need arose, registered Afghans be equally distributed among four provinces instead of burdening one federating unit.

Pakistan’s new Government has ended a moratorium on executions, an official said. “The new government has decided to deal with all cases of executions 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 executions”.

Under the previous Government led by the 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.

At least six people, belonging to KRC, were killed and 18 others were wounded on sixth consecutive day of violence in Lyari area of Karachi (Provincial capital of Sindh). Gunfight, rocket attacks, grenades, crackers, mortar shells were hurled on Katchi dominated areas, including Mandara Mohalla, Rahimabad, Al-Falah Road, Hungorabad, Gul Mohammad, Suleman Azad Road, Jumma Baloch Road, Ghausia Masjid Road and Taj Masjid Road.

Violence erupted following the June 28, 2013 killing of Lyari gangster Saqib alias Boxer by Rangers in an encounter in Lyari. Four of the deceased were identified as Shoaib Katchi, Iqbal Shah Katchi and Qasim Katchi. However one, Shakeel Katchi, was allegedly killed by Rangers.

KRC leader Hussain Katchi said that gangsters wanted to capture Karachi Port Trust to extend their extortion activities, especially from the goods transporters passing through the Maripur Road and to get access to the weapons in NATO containers. KRC leader Haji Adam said, "The situation of Lyari is worse than that of Waziristan," adding, “miscreants were free to operate in the area.”

Rangers arrested at least 11 suspects, including a suicide bomber, and seized a huge amount of arms, few motorcycles, a monitor, mobile phones and threatening pamphlets during a search operation in Manghopir area. One of the pamphlets warned women against visiting marketplaces.

According to initial investigations, the suicide bomber had reached Karachi from North Waziristan Agency of FATA on July 5, 2013.  Sources said that they belong to TTP; however, Rangers spokesman did not confirm their affiliations with the TTP.

The reason behind the violence in Lyari stems from the extortion collected on containers passing through Mauripur Road everyday where the gangsters collect PKR 5,000 per container. At least 250 to 300 trailers enter or leave the Karachi Port, sources said. 

The MQM strongly condemned terrorist activities of gangsters of PAC in Lyari, and accused people at the helm of affairs in Sindh and some leaders of the ruling PPP of openly patronising them. The Coordination Committee of the party alleged that although gangsters were forcibly extorting money from traders, industrialists and shopkeepers of the city, it seemed that there was no authority which could apprehend them.

Four persons, including Afghan security officers, were killed and 10 others sustained injuries in a suicide attack near Pakistan-Afghanistan border close to Bab-e-Dosti pass in Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District.

Tight security arrangements were made in the provincial capital Quetta. Heavy contingent of law enforcement personnel including FC, Police and Balochistan Constabulary were deployed on all important city arteries, mosques, government installations and entry and exit routes.

Two persons were killed and three others injured when unidentified assailants opened fire on a passenger van at Bara town of Khyber Agency in FATA. According to political administration, the passenger van was heading towards Akakhel from Bara. The slain persons were identified as Mohammad Khan and Juma Dar, while Abdul Matin, Zar Khan and Noor Said sustain injuries. 

Scores of suspects were arrested as the Police and Security Forces’ joint search and clean-up operation in FR Peshawar entered its second consecutive day. SFs have imposed a curfew in Sambi Khel area of FR Peshawar and no one is allowed to leave their homes.

The operation began early July 4-morning with hundreds of troops along with helicopter gunships and heavy police contingents entering Sambi Khel area from Matani. Later in the day, a gunfight erupted between two militants and both Army and Police personnel.

A Policeman was shot dead by an unidentified assailant in a targeted attack in Umeedabad area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP. Officials said that a constable of the Pishtakhara Police Station was performing duty outside a church in Umeedabad area when an unidentified masked assailant opened firing on him.

The KP Chief Minister, Pervez Khattak, in a letter to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, urged to frame a national policy against terrorism. Pervez Khattak who is also prominent leader of PTI demanded to call special session to form a national policy against terrorism in the country.

A three-member bench, headed by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja expressed dissatisfaction over the competency and effectiveness of the Commission on missing persons regarding handling cases. The bench said that the Commission was not handling cases effectively therefore, all cases were being heard at the Supreme Court.

The FO said that Pakistan will take up the issue of drone strikes with US Secretary of State John Kerry during his upcoming visit to Pakistan later this month (July, 2013). 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 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.

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.

Explosives concealed in a polythene bag went off inside a restaurant on the busy Food Street of the Old Anarkali area of Lahore city, killing at least four people and injuring 47 others.

A bomb planted by militants went off in a Government Girls Primary School damaging the wall & gate of the school at Miryan area in Bannu District. No loss of life was reported.

At least five people were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh in a sign of resurgence of violence in old city areas after one day lull that was followed by a high-level meeting presided over by President Asif Ali Zardari at the Bilawal House on law and order in the city.

Two men, identified as Mohammad Waseem (20), and Zakir Ghafoor (30), were found dead before being kidnapped from Kalri area. The militants after kidnapping brought them to Agra Taj Colony near Naval Flats outside Attock General Store, said Station House Officer of Kalri Haji Sanaullah.

An unidentified bullet-riddled dead body of a young man was found in Baghdadi, according to a police officer at the Baghdadi Police Station. The victim had been abducted before being dumped. 

An unidentified man was shot dead while he was standing at a bus stop near Do Minute Chowrangi in New Karachi area.  However, according to sources in Edhi Foundation who shifted his dead body to the hospital identified the victim as one Taha (35).                                          

Police said that a man was shot dead while three others sustained bullet wounds in Orangi Town.

Unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade at a house on Kansi Road in Quetta, injuring two women.

Unidentified militants attacked two NATO containers with heavy artillery in Dhadar town of Bolan District. The containers caught fire and were reduced to ashes. However, no casualty was reported in the incident. 

Police arrested 14 Afghan nationals under the Foreign Act near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District. According to Police, the Afghan nationals were arrested for not possessing proper entry documents to Pakistan. Further investigation is underway.

The death toll of July 6, 2013 bomb blast that occurred at Old Anarkali area in Lahore District reached five.  

Armed gangsters belonging to Chhoto Mazari group resorted to rocket attacks and injured three Police constables and held hostage nine Police officials of two check posts in the riverside of the Indus in Rajanpur District. Retired Police Inspector Muhammad Azam Khan told Dawn that his nephew, Constable Ghulam Yaseen who was deployed at one of the posts, told him through his cell phone that he with eight others had been held hostage by a gang.

Police arrested more than 80 suspects for interrogation, but without any significant breakthrough in investigation. However, a Police official told Dawn that a group, calling itself BLT, led by Meeran Baloch, had claimed responsibility for the attack in phone calls made to the Balochistan media and police.

Police arrested two militants for attacking a polio worker in Sahiwal District.  Police said the polio worker, 23, who was assigned to the anti-polio vaccination in Chichawatni, visited the house of Ziaullah Jutt to administer vaccine with a colleague. When Jutt entered the room, he began to hit her.

The Police beefed up security arrangements across Lahore after reports indicating more attacks. Sources confirmed that Intelligence Agencies had once again forwarded their reports to the authorities concerned, passing information about the presence of terrorists in the city and expressing fear that follow-up attacks might take place.

A ‘commander’ of the Haqqani network and an al Qaeda operative were among the 17 persons killed in drone strike in Sirai Darpakhel area near Miranshah in North Waziristan Agency of FATA.

An offshoot group associated with TTP has come to the fore to avenge the killings in Waziristan by drone attacks. Hitherto known as “Ansarul Mujahideen”, the group has claimed responsibility for attack on Bovia Check post and vowed to make life difficult for the United States and its friends in return for drone attacks.

Abu Baseer said the US and its friends must know that we have hundreds of suicide Fidayeen and they would make life difficult for them.  He said they respect independent journalists but nowadays majority of channels and journalists were supporting US in return for a few dollars.

Police arrested five militants during a search operation in Nawazikhel, Malakhel, Sherikhel, Ghazikhel, Tabbi Murad and Wazir Kallay localities of Darra Pezu in Lakki Marwat District of KP.  An official said that the operation was launched after they got information that militants had entered the District to carry out subversive acts.

A Grand Jirga was held by Bar Qamber Khel tribe from Khyber Agency to devise plans for the repatriation of IDPs after the military operation in Tirah Valley. This was done under the supervision of former MNA Hamidullah Jan in Bagh-e-Naran area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP.

The Supreme Court will hearing an appeal against the grant of bail to former President General Pervez Musharraf by the Islamabad High Court in a case regarding the 2007 detention of dozens of judges. Petitioner Advocate Chaudhry Muhammad Aslam Ghuman challenged the IHC’s June 11 order for granting bail to Musharraf and dropping terrorism charges against him.

The Government will soon formally request the United States to transfer drone technology as part of the diplomatic efforts seeking an end to the stalemate over the CIA-led campaign in FATA. A senior Government official, who is engaged with the US on the subject, said that preliminary discussions between the two countries to find alternatives to drone use have already started.

According to the official, however, the new administration is confident its efforts will yield a ‘positive outcome’. The Government is upbeat due to the fact that unlike the previous administration it does not have any secret understanding with the US on drone use, he added.

The year 2013 is emerging as the deadliest one in decades for the 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.

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.

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.

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. 

President of BNP Sardar Akhtar Mengal admitted to the presence of “death squads sponsored by Pakistan’s neighbours and foreign powers”. 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 BLA and BRA has upped their insurgency ante since the killing of JWP chief Nawab Akbar Bugti in a military operation in 2006.

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.

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.”

At least 15 persons, including five workers of the MQM, a cadre of ST and a Police Inspector, were killed. The neighbourhoods of New Karachi, North Karachi, Surjani and Orangi towns were tense after the target killing of MQM joint unit in-charge, Izhar Hussain, on the night of July 7, 2013 in Khwaja Ajmer Nagri Police remits.  In the aftermath of the incident, armed militants opened fire at a grocery shop in Surjani town, where they killed a PST worker, identified as Zahid Qadri, and wounded another worker, Mehmood Qadri. 

In the same incident during an exchange of fire an member of MQM, identified as Imran, was also killed. ST spokesperson Fahim Shaikh claimed that Imran was a target killer. He was trying to flee with his accomplice after opening fire when a bullet fired by the deceased ST worker hit him. The ST spokesman, while talking to the daily, blamed the MQM for the killing of its worker.

ASI Ejaz Khokhar and an MQM worker, Kamran Ahmed, were killed and another MQM worker, Saqib, suffered injuries in Sector 5-L, New Karachi while they were sitting at a shop. Bilal Colony SHO Changaiz Khan said that it is yet to be ascertained if the MQM workers were the target or the Police officer. 

Two more MQM workers, Yasin and Majid, were killed and another, Adnan, was injured when armed assailants resorted to indiscriminate fire at the Dabbu club in the Kati Pahari area of Orangi Town. 

Three unidentified dead bodies were found from PIB Colony, Napier and Pak Colony. Police said the victims were shot multiple times after being severely tortured. 

Three more unidentified people were killed in Surjani and Korangi’s Zaman Town.

Two unidentified men were killed in Malir.

An unidentified man was shot dead in Baldia.

With the surge in violence in Lyari area over the past few days, several families have left the strife-torn locality and taken refuge in Badin and Thatta Districts of the province. In Badin District most families are staying at various shrines and some have been taken in by their relatives.

In Thatta, Kutchhi families, including women and children, staged a protest and sit-in in front of the Dhabeji Press Club. The protesters, who had arrived in Thatta from the Kalri, Agra Taj Colony and Shah Latif Colony areas in Lyari said they had been residing in Lyari for a long time but owing to violence between powerful rival groups they were compelled to leave their homes and properties and take refuge with their relatives in Thatta District.

At least eight people were killed and 11 others were injured when a suicide bomber while targeting tribal elder Malik Habibullah Khan drove his motorcycle into the car of the tribal elder in the Torha Warhai area of Doaba Bazaar in Hangu city of Hangu District. At the time of the explosion, Malik Habibullah was not in the vehicle but his brother Malik Abdullah and two cousins were killed.

DSP Shaukat Ali Shah confirmed that the bomber wanted to target Malik Habibullah who has been actively involved in counter-insurgency efforts in the region. He had been receiving threats from militants based in Kurram and Orakzai Agencies of FATA. 

Two officials of BDS, identified as ASI Alamgir Shah and constable Mohammad Junaid were killed when they were trying to defuse an IED in Jamalabad locality of Swabi District. The explosive device was planted outside the main gate of a Government school for boys.

Three persons, including a woman and a child, were injured in a hand grenade attack on a house in Muhammadzai area of Kohat District.

The driver of a private container injured when it was attacked in the Dasht area of Mastung District.

At least a convoy of three NATO containers was set ablaze in Western Bypass area of Quetta. One of the containers caught fire and was burnt to ashes whereas two others were partially damaged. However, no loss of life was reported.

After getting no response about the verification of 84 missing persons allegedly detained in internment centres under regulations known as Action in Aid of Civil Power Regulations 2011, the three-member bench Supreme Court headed by Justice Jawad S Khawaja sought the names of commandants, who are the in charge of these centre.

It is to be noted that the court on July 2, 2013 sought the verification of 84 disappeared persons list, allegedly detained in internment centres. The bench directed the DAG for Pakistan to submit the names of internment centres along with their Commandants on July 9, saying it was very discourteous for the court that they could not obtain the verification of these disappeared persons from internment centres after the passage of six days. 

During the hearing on July 8, DAG Ali Zai told the bench that the CIED had submitted a list of unverified list of missing persons, who are detained. After the court’s refusal not to entertain unverified list, DAG requested the bench to give sometime for receiving verification of these 84 persons from internment centres.

Progress of the FIA’s probe into former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s murder stands frozen as Police refuse to produce the key accused, former General (retired) Pervez Musharraf, to court in view of security threats, and nominated witnesses are shying away from the case.

Witnesses such as former Director General of the IB Brigadier (retired) Ejaz Shah, former spokesperson of the Foreign Office Brigadier (retired) Javed Iqbal Cheema and former Interior Secretary Syed Kamal Shah, all of whom have been nominated in the challan, refuse to testify against their former boss General Pervez Musharraf. Former DIG Saud Aziz, who rounded up five accused in the case, was himself accused of murder by the FIA during the PPP Government. The five accused had confessed to their involvement in the former Prime Minister’s murder on the instructions of TTP commander Baitullah Mehsud.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry has refused himself from the bench hearing an appeal against post-arrest bail granted to General Pervez Musharraf by the IHC in a case relating to detention of judges after the proclamation of emergency on November 3, 2007.

On June 11, the IHC had granted bail to the former President on a surety bond of PKR 500,000. A division bench of the High Court held that there was no record to determine Musharraf’s role in placing over 60 judges in detention. Ghumman filed the petition in the Apex Court, challenging the IHC’s order of granting bail to Musharraf after removing terrorism from the charge-sheet and requesting the Apex Court to set aside the decision and order his arrest.

The arrest of an al Qaeda militant, Khalid Bin Attash, from Karachi (Sindh) in 2002 was the first major breakthrough in the hunt for al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the findings of the Abbottabad Commission tasked to investigate the presence of the al Qaeda chief in the country said.

The Commission found that after Khalid Bin Attash's arrest, he identified Abu Ahmed Ali Kuwaiti as bin Laden's right hand man and courier, and led the Americans to bin Laden. Kuwait's intelligence service was unable to provide any details about the man and the CIA had provided four phone numbers to Pakistan between 2009 to November 2010 without any details as to who they were searching for during the hunt for Kuwaiti. The numbers mostly remained off. The ISI kept the CIA in the loop "without knowing the context and to whom these numbers belonged". 

Kuwaiti, who had helped buy land and construct a compound using fake documents to hide in Pakistan's Abbottabad town, had been with bin Laden's family when it moved to Karachi in 2001. He stayed with them when his boss joined them when they moved to Peshawar a year later. They then moved to Haripur District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before shifting to the scenic town of Swat before eventually settling in Abbottabad. The al Qaeda chief was eventually killed there in unilateral US raid near a premier army training facility in May 2011. 

The commission, formed after the US raid, had submitted its 700-page report earlier this year. The report is yet to be made public.  The commission found that Khalid Sheikh Mohammad, identified as the principal architect of the 9/11 attacks, had visited bin Laden in Peshawar. They were forced to shift to Haripur, where they stayed till 2005, after Khalid Sheikh was arrested from Rawalpindi District of Punjab. Kuwaiti planned the family's escape to Abbottabad and supervised the construction of bin Laden's compound after buying the land for it.  The compound had three complexes. Kuwaiti lived in its annexe with his family. Bin Laden occupied two top floors along with his family. 

The commission has pointed out the various violations in the construction of the compound that remained unchecked. "...the fort type construction remained unnoticed by cantonment board, Police, Intelligence Agencies and the locals. The occupants also remained unchecked for non-payment of property tax since 2005," read the Commission's report.

At least 21 people, including 10 women and a child, were wounded when three to four ‘rifle grenades’ were fired at an office of PAC in Zikri Mohalla of Lyari in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The Police suspected that the PAC’s rival gang led by Ghaffar Zikri was involved in the attacks. All victims were passersby. According to Baghdadi Police Officer Muhammad Khan,

There is something common between Lyari residents and its gangsters – piercing walls to find their way. The residents broke their walls to escape the violence and the gangsters dug holes to penetrate into Katchi neighbourhoods. The gangsters started entering these areas from a white building that was adjacent to the neighbourhood in which they had support.

A Police post was attacked with hand grenades by suspected militants in Bamkhel area of Swabi District in the night. However, no loss of life or property was reported. Officials said this was the second attack on the Police post in Bamkhel. The assailants managed to escape after the incident. 

Bomb disposal squad personnel defused two bombs planted by unidentified persons at a religious seminary, Shah Mansoor Madrassah. 

SFs launched a search operation to arrest a suspected militant in Godara area in the limits of Rahimabad Police Station in Mingora Town of Swat District. However, he managed to escape. 

The relatives of the abducted employees of the Gomal Zam Dam Project staged protest to seek early recovery of their loved ones. Holding banners, placards and a variety of bracelets, the protesters including women and children, gathered at Peshawar Press Club and chanted slogans against the Government for its failure to secure safe release of the employees.

The Supreme Court was told that the Punjab Government had decided to initiate legal proceedings against Army officers, including an ISI brigadier, in the missing persons’ case. During the hearing of the missing persons’ case, Punjab Additional Advocate General Faisal Malik told the three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja, that there is no need for further investigation in this matter and the Provincial Government has decided to submit challan against the nominated persons in the light of statements of Dr Imran Munir and former Rawalpindi CPO Rao Iqbal.  

Upon this, Justice Ejaz Ahmad asked who would be tried and whether anyone was nominated in the challan. The AAG replied that according to Imran Munir’s statement, which he had given before a JIT on December 5, 2009, he had seen missing person Masood Janjua in Westridge area of Rawalpindi, while he was illegally in the custody of ISI’s Brigadier Mansoor Saeed Sheikh during the period from July 28, 2006 and second week of March 2007. He said that the challan would be submitted in this matter according to the available evidence. 

The Supreme Court was informed that 514 people were under detention in five internment centres set up in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the Action in Aid of Civil Power Regulations 2011 which allows the civil Government to confine persons accused of terrorism. A three-judge bench headed by Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja which had taken up cases of missing persons ordered the Attorney General’s office to inform it on July 10 about details and the status of pending cases of disappeared persons provided by Amina Masood Janjua, a campaigner for missing persons’ cause, and the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances.

The ATC directed the Police officials to shift former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf, the prime accused in former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto murder case, to the Adiala Jail if he is not produced before it on the next hearing of the case on July 30, 2013. ATC-I Special Judge Chaudhry Habib-ur-Rehman had summoned Musharraf following the submission of a challan by the FIA on June 25, 2013, in which he (Musharraf) had been declared the main accused in the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. It is the second time that the Police officials, citing security concerns, have failed to produce Musharraf in the court, which is hearing the high-profile case for the last five years.

FIA’s Deputy Director Khalid Rasool had presented the charge sheet in the court against Musharraf and listed him as the main accused in the light of a statement recorded by American journalist Mark Siegel. While becoming the witness in the case, Mark Siegel in his statement to the FIA’s investigation team had revealed that Benazir was disturbed after receiving a phone call from Musharraf in his (Siegel’s) presence on September 25, 2007.

The Frontier Corps Inspector General Major General Ghayyur Mehmud claimed that all internally displaced families of Tirah will soon return to their homes as Security Forces have cleared the valley of militants. He was speaking at the opening ceremony of cultural and heritage centre at the Khyber Rifles Mess in Landi Kotal.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, while talking to a delegation of the BNP-M, led by its President Sardar Akhtar Mengal, in Islamabad, expressed the Government’s resolve to confront all groups indulging in violence in Balochistan to restore peace. 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. 

Pakistan had reached an understanding with the US on drone strikes targeting militants, according to leaked remarks from a former Intelligence Chief Ahmad Shuja Pasha. Ahmed Shuja Pasha, who headed Pakistan’s premier ISI Agency at the time of bin Laden’s killing in 2011, told investigators that drone strikes had their uses.

Pakistan publicly condemns US missile attacks on TTP and al Qaeda operatives as a violation of its sovereignty, but the new revelations are the latest sign of double-dealing in private. The revelations come in findings of a Pakistani investigation into how al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden evaded detection for nearly a decade, which were published by the Al-Jazeera news network.

The Abbottabad Commission has called for strengthening democratic control of state institutions and civilian oversight over so far unaccountable security and Intelligence Agencies if a national embarrassment like the one caused by the US raid of May 1-2, 2011, is to be avoided. 

While it is said that the Commission concluded that it was a collective failure at all levels of the Government and a series of incidents of negligence and poor policy culminated in the May1-2 incident, the report appeared to be quite categorical about whom it found to be responsible as it noted: “The failure was primarily an intelligence-security failure that was rooted in political irresponsibility and military exercise of authority and influence in policy and administrative areas for which it neither had constitutional or legal authority, nor the necessary expertise and competence.” 

At another point in an oblique reference to the military and its spy agencies, it said systemic failure in the country was a “concrete outcome and product of acts of commission and omission of specific individuals and institutions, who usurp responsibilities that are not theirs”. 

The TTP sacked their ‘spokesman’ Ehsanullah Ehsan for making remarks that angered their Afghan allies. The TTP announced the dismissal of Ehsanullah Ehsan - an outspoken and prominent figure close to TTP's top brass - in a pamphlet distributed by militants in North Waziristan Agency on the Afghan border.

Ehsan was replaced by Sheikh Maqbool, a man who is considered close to the Afghan Taliban and has spent much of his time since 2007 in Afghanistan. But Ehsan’s sacking could also signal yet another chink in the armour of the TTP itself, which last month lost its second-in-command, Waliur Rehman, in a US drone strike in North Waziristan Agency.

PoK ‘President’ Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan urged the PML-N Government not to neglect the Kashmir issue while fostering trade relations with India. 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 UN resolutions on Kashmir.

The chief security officer of President Asif Ali Zardari since 2008, Bilal Sheikh, and two others, including his driver Irfan Sheikh and a fruit vendor Abdul Rehman, was killed while over a dozen others were wounded in a suicide attack near Guru Mandir in Jamshed Town of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. The incident took place when Bilal Sheikh along with his security guards was on his way home in Gulbahar from Bilawal House at Clifton in Saddar Town in a bullet-proof double-cabin vehicle. 

SSP Raja Umar Khattab said that initial investigation showed that it was a suicide blast. Khattab further said that the attacker had been chasing the convoy and struck when it stopped and Sheikh was getting out of the car to buy fruits. “It seems that the suicide attacker walked up to Bilal Shaikh’s vehicle and blew himself up outside the front passenger seat of the vehicle where Shaikh was seated,” said Khattab. The head of the suspect bomber was found from a house at the crime site. 

No militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

Bilal Shaikh had survived three attacks in the past. Lyari gangsters, including Shahid Bikkik and Ahsan Mohajir, were blamed for the last attack on May 28, 2011 at Firdous Colony in Liaquatabad Town.

At least two thousand more residents of Lyari have moved to Badin and Thatta Districts due to ongoing gang wars and violent incidents in the area. The migrants affected by deteriorating law and order situation of Lyari said that there houses are being attacked with hand grenades and bullets.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a constable on Mulyano Killay Road near Jalaroona area under the Hoti Police Station in Mardan District of KP.  Sources said constables Mohammad Tariq and Amjad Akbar, members of the Police Rider Squad, were performing duty on Mulyano Killay Road when three unidentified assailants opened firing on them. Constable Mohammad Tariq died on the spot while his colleague Amjad Akbar escaped unhurt in the firing. Local sources said the accused also took away the motorbike and weapon from the slain constable. 

A doctor remained unhurt when his car was blown up in a blast at Khyber Medical Centre, Dabgari Garden in Peshawar, provincial capital of KP, in the evening. An official said that the vehicle of Dr Siraj, skin specialist, was parked at the parking lot of the centre where the explosion took place.

At least one person, suspected to be a chief of a banned outfit, was killed, while two of his accomplices were arrested and a huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered in a search operation jointly conducted by FC and ATF in Dasht area of Mastung District. According to the DIG Investigation, Fayaz Sumbal, SFs conducted a targeted operation in the area of Dasht following a tip-off, adding that the suspects opened fire on the SFs during the operation.

Unidentified militants demolished the house of a member of peace committee and took away all the household items in Sanzalkhel area of Akkakhel in Khyber Agency of FATA.

Unidentified militants failed to blow up the house of a spiritual healer Pir Abdus Sattar Khattak in Naya Mohallah area of Rawalpindi. The BDS, however, defused over half-a-kilogram device, wrapped in a polythene bag, and cleared the area, Police said.

The US Navy SEALs were able to sneak into Pakistan covertly to kill al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden because of Pakistani military's obsession with India and advanced American stealth technology, the report of the Abbottabad Commission said.

The former Pakistan ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani rejected the Abbottabad Commission’s suggestion that as ambassador he issued visas without authorisation or was responsible for CIA agents coming into Pakistan in large numbers.

At least seven people were killed, including an Afghan security guard, and 10 others, including four FC personnel, sustained injuries in a suicide attack in Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District bordering Afghanistan. A suicide bomber wanted to enter the bordering town of Chaman through the Friendship Gate Baab-e-Dosti) at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border from Afghanistan when SFs, finding him suspicious, stopped him at the gate. On being caught, the suicide bomber blew him up killing seven people, including an Afghan security guard and three Pakistani and three Afghani civilians. Immediately after the attack the border was closed for all goods, people and vehicles. NATO supplies were also suspended due to the closure of the border.

At least three members of the Aman Lashkar were found dead in the Gazki Nullah area of Sui in Dera Bugti District. Sources said that the deceased members had been abducted on June 26, 2013 from Sui.                              

Unidentified militants shot dead a college professor, identified as Abdul Razzaq, and injured another one Abdul Hakeem who was travelling with him on Chakar Khan Road in Khuzdar District. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Unidentified militants opened indiscriminate fire on a shop located on Chandi Road of Mastung District and shot dead one Ghulam Haider.

Militants abducted a person, identified as Muhammad Siddiq, from Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District.

Balochistan Levies rescued two abducted labourers, identified as Abdul Wali and Zainuddin, from the Muslim Bagh area of Qila Saifullah District.

Two persons were killed and five others sustained injuries in a remote-controlled blast outside a mosque in the Kacha Pakka area of Kohat Town (Kohat District) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

CID claimed to have arrested six operatives of LeJ from Qazafi Chowk area in Orangi Town of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh, for their alleged involvement in the June 21, 2013, killing of MQM MPA Sajid Qureshi and 25 others in a sectarian attack in North Nazimabad Town.

The suspects were identified as Talha Bin Badar alias Wikky, Muhammad Asim alias Capri, Kazim Ali Shah, Muhammad Farhan, Obaidur Rehman and Muhammad Shahab alias Chota. One of the suspects, Kazim was a constable in the Sindh Police Department. 

A large number of people left their homes in violence-hit Lyari area with one group calling the migration a ‘desperate measure’ by community people to save their lives and the other describing it as a ‘political move’ after the recent thaw in relations between the two parties representing as many different communities of the city’s oldest neighbourhood.

Vice Chair of the all-Parliamentary group Lord Avebury called on the United Kingdom to help Pakistan in reforming its security and intelligence agencies to make them fit for purpose in order for them to act against banned terrorists groups, involved in killings of Shia Muslims. Lord Avebury summoned an emergency meeting in British Parliament in view of the ongoing relentless killings of the Shia Muslims.

The Supreme Court observed that the Federal and Provincial Governments must ensure the implementation of law as well as court judgments for preventing a parallel system of justice by holding Jirgas (tribal council) in violation of the law. A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and comprising Justice Ijaz Ahmed Chaudhry and Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed, heard a suo moto case of Rajanpur wherein a 10-member Jirga awarded severe punishment to a person after he could not prove himself innocent.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during his visit to ISI headquarters urged to increase civil-military cooperation for eradication of terrorism. Annihilation of terrorism is the top most priority of the Government, he added. He apprised the intelligence officials over National Security and counter-terrorism policies of the PML-N Government.

This was PM Sharif’s first visit to the ISI headquarters after assuming the office of Prime Minister.

A 'court' stayed the removal of Ehsanullah Ehsan as ‘central spokesman’ of TTP for another 45 days, says a signed order by the 'court' in the FATA bordering Afghanistan. The Dar-ul Qaza court of the TTP has issued a ‘stay order’ against the decision until members of the ‘central council’ appear for a hearing, says the leaflet, a copy of which is available with Dawn.

On July 9, a pamphlet by the TTP central council had announced the removal of Ehsan — a prominent figure close to the TTP’s top brass — for making remarks that angered the Afghan Taliban and raised the danger of divisions between the two militant organisations.

An unidentified dead body was found from Old Haji Camp in Saddar Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Police said that unidentified militants abducted the victim and later dumped his body after shooting him multiple times.

Three bomb blasts were reported in Hyderabad city of Hyderabad District. However, no casualty took place. According to details, the office of a SSP was targeted in the first blast. Later, two more explosions occurred on a railway track in Hussainabad area, suspending train service between Karachi and Peshawar (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) for a while.

Police arrested six accused and recovered weapons during a search operation in Mauripur area of Kiamari Town.

The CID of Police claimed to have arrested a TTP militant, identified as Kochi Khan, allegedly involved in the assassination of ANP’s candidate Sadiq Zaman for the May 2013 National Assembly Elections and a few Policemen, from Gulshan-e-Sikanderabad area of Kiamari Town. CID SSP Raja Umar Khattab said that the suspect, originally hailing from Mohmand Agency of FATA, belonged to TTP.

In another raid, the CID Police arrested another suspect, identified as Amin Bugti, on charges of being involved in supplying arms to Lyari gangsters and a political party.

The IDPs, mostly the Kutchi community members, of Lyari who are currently living in a deserted place in Badin District are facing immense hardships. Mostly women and children, these IDPs have been forced by violence and gang warfare in Lyari to take shelter elsewhere, leaving behind their homes and properties. The traumatic Lyari IDPs have been made to take refuge in the graveyard of Dargah Shah Gahiro in the hope that this would be safe haven for them. But after a passage of few days, they found themselves forlorn and forgotten as no Government official or NGO visited them.                                                          

The Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah set up a five-member committee comprising three provincial ministers, Doctor Sikander Mandhro, Jam Mehtab Dahar, Ali Mardan Shah, and PPP-Sindh Secretary General Taj Haider and Rashid Rabbani for rehabilitation of affected Kutchhi families, who had left their homes for Badin and Thatta Districts following days of violence in Lyari.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a former IB official at Dhaki Nalbandi under Khan Raziq Police Station in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. An official said the deceased, Arif, was former IB assistant director.

Police arrested two persons suspected to be involved in DSP Amanullah Khan and his driver’s murder on July 8.

Balochistan Chief Minister’s spokesman and National Party Information Secretary Jan Muhammad Buleidi’s nephew, identified as Chiragh, a Levies soldier, was shot dead in Mehnaz area of Kech District.

Justice Noorul Haq of the IHC ordered Police to register a murder case against former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf over the killing of Ghazi Abdul Rasheed during the 2007 military operation in Lal Masjid (Red Mosque). Justice Noorul Haq issued the order on a petition filed by Haroon Rasheed, son of Ghazi Abdul Rashid, through his counsel Tariq Asad, against the murder of his father and grandmother during the operation. The complainant said Lal Masjid Commission report reveals that Musharraf had ordered the operation, in which his father was killed.

Musharraf’s counsel Ilyas Siddiqui said that since Musharraf has served as President and Army Chief, he enjoys immunity in a criminal case.

Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of the IHC disposed of a petition filed for the recovery of a missing person, Qazi Muhammad Ibrahim, with the direction to Margalla Police to trace him and submit a compliance report. The judge directed SHO Margalla Tanveer Abbasi to make personal efforts for the recovery of the missing man. Justice Siddiqui also directed the SHO to inform the court whether the man was in custody of any Intelligence Agency or had been kidnapped-for-ransom.

Qazi Mohammad Ibrahim went missing on June 12, 2013, after leaving his residence to visit his new house at PWD Colony in Islamabad. The petition for his recovery was filed by his mother Aamira Riaz Qazi.  She nominated Directors General ISI, IB, the FIA, the Secretary Interior, IGP Islamabad and SHO Margalla as respondents.

A BBC report said that TTP have set up a base in Syria to assess "the needs of the jihad". Citing a Taliban operative, the BBC reported that the base was set up with the assistance of ex-Afghan fighters of Middle Eastern origin who have moved to Syria in recent years. At least 12 experts in warfare and information technology had gone to Syria in the last two months, the Taliban operative told BBC. The Pakistani Government has not yet commented on the issue.

Malala Yusufzai, in a speech to the United Nations on her first public appearance since being shot at and injured by the TTP on October 12, 2012, vowed on July 12 not to be silenced by terrorists. “They thought that the bullet would silence us, but they failed. The terrorists thought that they would change my aims and stop my ambitions, but nothing changed in my life, except this: weakness, fear and hopelessness died.

At least two militants of foreign origin were killed in a US drone strike in Mosaki village near Mir Ali town of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. “The two men, probably foreigners, were passing through Mosaki village in Mir Ali subdivision when the drone fired two missiles and hit them,” a Government official in Mir Ali said.

Pakistan Air Force jet fighters struck the militants hideous in Akakhel area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA destroying at least three of their secret bases while seven militants were killed and injured many others. Senior military official confirmed that air strikes had taken place “somewhere between Orakzai and Khyber”.

Two persons killed in US drone attack in Mosaki village near Mir Ali town of North Waziristan Agency, were identified as two militants of foreign origin. “The two men, probably Arab nationals, were passing through Mosaki village when the drone fired two missiles and hit them,” said the official. Their identities were not clear. Another security source said they were foreign militants of Turkmen origin.

Police arrested 11 suspected persons and destroyed six hideouts of the militants in the Frontier Region Peshawar. Talking to reporters, Deputy Superintendent of Police Izhar Khan said that Elite Police Force and Nowshera Police launched midnight operation in Jaroba, Sheikh Babar Baba forest, Jabba Khushk, Jabba Tar and other areas. He said that the Police also raided the hideouts of two proclaimed offenders Shamsul Qamar and Mamraiz. He said the Police arrested Fahad, Salar, Zulfiqar, Namdar Mamraiz and recovered a cache arms and ammunition from the hideouts.

Mullah Nazir faction of TTP banned the use of "tight or thin" clothes both for men and women in the holy month of Ramzan and warned of one month imprisonment for not fasting in SWA.  The Ramzan code of conduct guidelines was issued in a pamphlet after the Mullah Nazir Taliban Group held a Shura (council) meeting in Wana headquarters of SWA.

Police recovered a dead body, identified as that of Abdul Hameed, from Turbat District. The victim had been killed by unidentified militants who later dumped his body.

Haji Gulzar Awan, a resident of Westridge-1 in Rawalpindi District, who had contested 2013 election from NA-57 on PPP ticket, has been receiving extortion threats allegedly from the TTP who are demanding PKR 50 million from him.  Awan complained to the Police that he had received three long interval threat calls from extortionists who also threatened of abducting him if he failed to meet their demand.

When a senior police official was contacted, he said Haji Gulzar Awan, after receiving extortion calls, went to the SSP Israr Ahmed Abbasi and informed the Police that the caller, who spoke Pashto, identified himself as a member of the TTP and demanded ransom. He added that he had received three similar phone calls so far.

Earlier, Raja Hanif Abbasi, a wealthy businessman from Murree, had also received extortion and life threats allegedly from the TTP, which demanded PKR100 million from him, Police said.

Bans by TTP leaders and a lack of access to certain areas have made it near impossible to make the country polio-free. Information shared with The Express Tribune reflects 17 of 20 or 85% of polio cases reported across the country were due to the above-mentioned reasons, especially in KP and the FATA. Most of these reasons are interrelated.

At least four people belonging to the Shia community were killed when unidentified militants opened fire on Raza Hussain’s vehicle on Masjid Road area of Quetta. Two passers-by were also seriously wounded.

The CCPO said that there is shortage of Police personnel and that Police officials cannot be deployed for every individual. The other three deceased were identified as Ali Raza, Idress and Raza Muhammad while Syed Faizul Haq and Taqi Muhammad were injured. 

In an effort to rein in lawlessness in Balochistan, the Government has decided to revamp the entire structure of all Law Enforcement Agencies active in the province while planning to double personnel strength to meet security challenges.  

In his directives, issued through Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Nawaz has asked the corps commandant Frontier Corps, inspector general of police and the chief secretary of Balochistan to come up with solid recommendations meant to rid the troubled province of militancy and sectarianism.

In its preliminary findings the Balochistan Home Department has recommended an increase of 15,000 to 20,000 new personnel in Police, 10,000 to 15,000 in Levies force personnel and similarly 15,000 to 20,000 in the Frontier Corps, a senior Balochistan Police Official said.

Two people were killed and four others including two Rangers personnel were wounded in separate incidents of violence in Karachi.

A man, identified as Shaukat Ali (40) was shot dead within the limits of Baghdai Police Station on G Alana Road. 

Two Rangers personnel, identified as Mohammad Azam and Mohammad Naeem, were wounded within the remits of Sacchal Police Station on Abul Hassan Ispahani Road in Gulshan Town.  

Two men, identified as Akhter Ali (23) and Haroon (8), were wounded within the premises of Pirabad Police Station in Pathan Colony of SITE Town.               

Unidentified militants threw a cracker on a shop in Karimabad locality of Gulberg Town, triggering panic among people. However, the device caused no damage to life or property.

Punjab Police finally managed to recover eight Policemen, who were abducted by a group of robbers from the kacha area of Rajanpur District, after having successful negotiations with the kidnappers.

On the night of July 14, 2013, the bandits released three civilians kidnapped months earlier for a reduced ransom of PKR two million, after talks between MPA Sardar Atif Mazari – representing the Government – and Ataullah, alias Patt Umrani, an ally of Chotu Mazari.

A detailed report issued by HRCP stated that ethnic, sectarian and politically-linked violence has taken 1,726 lives in Karachi from January to June 2013, which is around 45 percent higher compared to 1,215 deaths during the same period in 2012.

HRCP noted that in each of the six months in 2013, the killings were much higher than the corresponding period last year with June being the most violent. As many as 291 people were killed in January 2013, compared to 153 in January 2012 - 271 in February compared to 149 in February 2012 - 311 in March 2013 and 182 in March 2012 - 262 in April this year and 258 in April 2012 - 278 in May this year compared to 244 in May last year and 313 was the death toll in June 2013 compared to 229 in June 2012. Though the number of fatalities in violence was by no means small in the previous year, in 2013 the number never dipped below 250 in any month from January to June 2013.

The initial report prepared by the Provincial Government’s Committee on the migration of Kutchi community submitted to Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah states that the war over extortion and political motives has caused the recent spell of violence in Lyari that has forced many members of the Kutchi community to flee to parts of rural Sindh.

The members of the committee visited Badin and Thatta to hold meetings with the IDPs living in camps. “We have started consulting various stakeholders and recorded statements of elected representatives, politicians, notables and social workers of the area. The initial findings point towards a ‘bhatta mafia’ and political motives as the reason behind the unrest,” a member of the committee said.

“We will continue recording the statements of different stakeholders and present the final report to the CM within a couple of days.” There were, however, contradictory statements by the committee members on the number of IDPs who took shelter in Thatta and Badin Districts. PPP leader Taj Haider informed the media that around 3,000 people had been displaced.

Taking note of a report filed by the Rangers Director General Rizwan Akhtar, which proposed that the Police force be depoliticised, political parties’ militant wings should be disbanded, no-go areas be eliminated and a campaign be launched to deweaponise the city the three-member bench of the Supreme Court raised their concern that if law enforcers merely kept filing reports, who would eliminate the no-go areas and militant wings of the political parties in the city.

The bench of Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, Justice Khilji Arif Hussain and Justice Amir Hani Muslim, resumed the follow-up hearing of the Karachi violence suo motu case and observed that despite the law enforcers’ undertaking to improve law and order in April, nothing had changed over the last three months.

The Supreme Court said that it would not allow any parallel judicial system for the trial of persons who are detained in internment centres. 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.

“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.

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.

The ATC issued orders to produce former President General (retd) Pervez Musharraf before it in the Nawab Akbar Bugti assassination. The judge, Muhammad Ismail, also rejected an investigation report about former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and former Dera Bugti District Coordination Officer Samad Lasi and ordered Crime Branch Team to again produce the report in court at the next date of hearing.

After the refusal of Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, another Supreme Court judge, Justice Nasirul Mulk, has recused from the hearing of the appeal against Islamabad High Court’s decision to grant bail to Pervez Musharraf in the case of detention of judges of superior judiciary after promulgation of emergency in November 2007.

Two unidentified armed assailants shot dead an MQM supporter, identified as Mohammed Naeem (32), in Sector-1 D of Orangi Town of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.                                                

A man, identified as Kashif (27), was found dead at Birzerta Lines in Saddar Town a few yards away from the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.                                            

A man, identified as Nisar, was shot dead near a house in Bhittai Abad area of Korangi Town. 

A man, identified as Musa Khan (26), was killed at Faqeera Goth area of Sohrab Goth in Gadap Town. 

One Muhammad Danish (20), was shot dead at Mohajir Camp in Baldia Town.

A Rangers official killed a taxi driver, later identified as Murad, in front of his four-year-old son, as he reportedly did not stop his taxi, despite the Rangers’ signal to do so near his residence in Gulistan-e-Jauhar locality of Gulshan Town.

The AEC of CID claimed to have arrested three suspects, identified as Ateeb, Zeeshan and Mohammed Faizan, allegedly involved in over one dozen cases of target killings. AEC officials said that CID personnel conducted targeted raid at criminal hideout on a tip-off in Buffer Zone locality in North Nazimabad Town.

Police in Karachi claimed that during an operation in Surjani area of Gadap Town they have arrested Bashir Leghari, the mastermind behind the June 26, 2013, bombing targeting the convoy of senior Sindh High Court judge Justice Maqbool Baqar.

Justice Baqar, a member of the Shia community, was said to be on the hit-list of religious militants, including the LeJ and TTP. A spokesman for TTP had claimed responsibility for the attack on the senior judge, claiming he was targeted due to his “anti-Taliban and anti-Mujahideen decisions”.

Three persons, including religious scholar Maulvi Mohibullah, were shot dead on Khuda’ay Dad Road in the provincial capital Quetta (Quetta District). Police sources said that Maulvi Mohibullah, his brother Amanullah and a colleague were sitting at a shop on Khuda’ay Dad Road when unidentified militants on a bike opened indiscriminate fire at them, leaving them dead and three others injured.  

Unidentified militants blew up a gas pipeline of 12-inch diameter in Jetani near Mach town in Bolan District disrupting gas supply to several areas.                     

Police arrested two suspects and recovered bomb-making material from their possession from a village in Kuchlak tehsil of Quetta. Police said that a patrolling Police team, on a tip-off, raided a house in village Killi Landi of Kuchlak and arrested two suspects.

A Police Sub-Inspector was shot dead in Qissa Khwani Bazaar of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Sub-Inspector Gharibullah of Khan Raziq Police Station was on duty when unidentified assailants on motorcycle opened fire on him.

A committee on peace dispelling the impression that two communities are fighting with each other in Lyari in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh, claimed that a ‘third force’ is conspiring infighting between Baloch and Katchi communities in Lyari.

The ECP announced that Presidential elections would be held on August 6 and result would be announced on August 7. According to a notification, the ECP has fixed programme for receipt of nomination papers (to be filed at different places), scrutiny of nomination papers, withdrawal of candidature, publication of the list of validly nominated candidates and about the polling day and the places of polling.

The Chief of JuD and founder of 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.

The TTP rejected the report that they were sending cadres to Syria, saying some have gone there independently but the movement’s focus remained in Pakistan. TTP sources said some militants, mainly Arabs and Central Asians, had gone to fight the forces of President Bashar al Assad, but a senior leader dismissed reports of them setting up camps in Syria.

Since the uprising against Assad began in March 2011, foreign jihadists have flocked to Syria, where disparate rebel groups are seeking his downfall.

Two members of a peace committee were killed and six injured in exchange of fire in Tirah valley area of Landi Kotal tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA.

Unidentified militants shot dead Malik Yarzaman Khan, a member of Salarzai Peace Committee, in Singery area of Salarzai tehsil in Bajaur Agency.

A cadre of an unspecified outfit was killed by a volunteer of a local peace committee in Nawgazee Bara area of Shalobar in Bara tehsil.

A security official, identified as Ahmed Khan, and a militant, identified as Amanullah, were killed and two others sustained injuries in an exchange of fire during a raid conducted by Law Enforcement Agencies, including the Anti-Terrorist Force, Balochistan Levies and Police at a house in Gulistan tehsil (revenue unit) of Qilla Abdullah District. 

A member of a defunct peace committee was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Omar Adda locality of Tank District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

An explosion took place in a bus in Paharipura area of Peshawar ([Peshawar District) near the Motorway exchange. The blast occurred inside an inter-city bus travelling between Abbottabad and Peshawar.

Another blast had occurred earlier outside a house near Scheme chowk on Kohat road Peshawar. Police sources that a home-made explosive device was used in the blast and that there no human casualties in the incident.

Police recovered a huge quantity of explosives and related material and also arrested one suspected terrorist during a raid conducted in Federal H colony in Hassan Garhi area.

Hafiz Bashir Leghari, the prime suspect in connection with the June 26, 2013, attack on Justice Maqbool Baqar that killed 10 persons, who was arrested from Surjani area of Gulshan Town in Karachi District on July 16, 2013, succumbed to his injuries. 

The ASWJ claimed the Police raid on 60-year-old Hafiz Bashir Leghari’s home was regrettable. “In order to hide their own failure, the Police have termed him the mastermind of the attack on Justice Maqbool Baqar,” said ASWJ spokesman Maulana Akbar Saeed Farooqi in a press statement, adding that he was a local social leader, chairman of the Deoband action committee and businessman.

A foreign student of Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET), identified as Muhammad, was abducted by unidentified militants from Hyderabad District. According to details Muhammad along with his friend Yousuf was coming from Jamshoro District to Qasimabad in Hyderabad District when unidentified militants travelling in a car intercepted them and abducted both of them. Later, the accused released Yousuf.

It was reported that the Sindh Government’s efforts to make Lyari area in Karachi safe for the Kutchhi residents of the area seem to be failing as 250 more of them left the troubled area in three buses destined for Badin District. Usman Kutchhi, the spokesperson for the KRC, said the 250 migrants would reach the central shelter camp in Badin.

Ayla Musharraf, daughter of former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf, is reportedly facing threats to her life according to a notification provided by the Home Department to the Government of Sindh.

Despite a new Government in place, the situation in Balochistan has turned worse, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said. 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.

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.

The 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.

The previous Pakistan People’s Party-led Government had introduced the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package with much fanfare in 2009 as part of its efforts to stabilise the situation in the province.

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.

Appearing before the Supreme Court, 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.

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.

Few members of the Katchi community, 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.

The United States needs to hammer out a new drone deal with Pakistan as the Nawaz Sharif Government is unlikely to continue the current policy of plausible deniability, says US think-tank Council on Foreign Relations report.  The report by Daniel Markey, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, Washington, says that the new deal will have to be sensitive to Pakistan’s concerns and objectives.

The United Kingdom announced to work in partnership with Pakistan for developing strategies to tackle the ‘critical’ challenges of terrorism and energy crisis. 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.

A NATO aircraft infiltrated Pakistan’s airspace and flew around for duration of five to six minutes. They were in breach of Pakistan’s laws. However, military sources contradicted the news saying that no such incident had occurred.

In an open letter released the senior ‘commander’ of TTP, Adnan Rasheed, wrote to Malala Yusufzai, accusing her of “smearing” them and urging her to return home and join a madrassa. Adnan Rasheed, who is a former air force member turned TTP cadre, said he personally wished the attack had not happened, but accused her of running a “smearing campaign” against the militants.

The letter, written in English, was sent to reporters in northwest Pakistan and its authenticity confirmed to AFP by a senior Taliban cadre who is a close associate of Rasheed. He accused Malala of seeking to promote an education system begun by the British colonialists to produce “Asians in blood but English in taste” and said students should study Islam and not what it called the “satanic or secular curriculum”. “I advise you to come back home, adopt the Islamic and Pashtun culture, join any female Islamic madrassa near your home town, study and learn the book of Allah, use your pen for Islam and plight of Muslim ummah (community),” Rasheed wrote.

At least seven people, including two Policemen and two ANP workers, were shot dead in separate incidents of targeted killing across Karachi (Karachi District).

 Two workers of ANP, identified as Mukamal Ali Shah and Fareed, were shot dead near their residence on Qaimkhani Road in Orangi Town.

A Police constable, identified as Ghayasuddin, was killed while his partner Saleem was wounded when unidentified armed assailants shot at them near Furniture Market in Karimabad area of Gulberg Town.

A Policeman, identified as ASI Ghulam Mustafa, was shot dead in Sindhi Muslim Society by armed assailants.

A seminary leader, Maulana Kalimullah (34), was shot dead at Khamosh Colony in Liaquatabad Town.

A man, identified as Shakeel-ul-Khair, was shot dead at Bilal Colony in Korangi Town. Korangi Industrial Area Police suspects that the motive behind his killing was extortion.

A body of a gangster, identified as Amjad Baloch, was found near Mirza Adam Khan Road in Lyari Town. Chakiwara Police said that abductors tortured and shot him multiple times before throwing his body.

Two accused, identified as Maviya Laghari, son of alleged mastermind Bashir Laghari, and Abu Bakar, in the June 26, 2013, attack on Sindh High Court senior judge Justice Maqbool Baqar, recorded their statement about their planning of the attack and the names of other accomplices.

Three members of anti-militants peace committee were killed when a remote controlled bomb went off in Badan area of Mamond tehsil in Bajaur Agency of FATA. Local people and officials said that two peace volunteers were also injured in the blast.

Two soldiers were killed and four others received injuries when militants attacked them in Kamar area. Sources said that militants attacked a vehicle of the SFs with automatic weapons when the Dir Scouts soldiers were patrolling the area in the night.

Police arrested 26 persons, including 10 proclaimed offenders, in a search operation targeting several villages under Matani Police Station in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The operation in the jurisdiction of the Matani Police Station was launched around 3am and ended at 9am.

In the last 18 months, 203 incidents of sectarian violence in Pakistan resulted in 1,800 casualties, including 717 deaths, of which 635 were Shia, disclosed a detailed Fact Sheet issued by USCIRF.

The report stated that while Shias are more at risk of becoming victims of suicide bombings and targeted shootings, the already poor religious freedom environment for Hindus, Christians, and Ahmadis continued to deteriorate, with a number violent incidents occurring against members of these communities.

Since January 2012, the Shia community was attacked 77 times, killing 635 members and injuring 834. They also suffered 18 incidents of bomb blasts and 46 times witnessed targeted shootings.  Christians, the second biggest religious community of Pakistan, were attacked 37 times in which 11 Christians were killed and 36 injured.

The done strikes of US face broad opposition around the world and are unpopular across the globe, say Washington based The Pew Research Centre report. The Pew Research Centre conducted a survey on the issue in 39 countries, out of which 31 countries disapprove of US drone attacks against extremist groups in places such as Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia.

A report of the IB said that at least three abductors were killed and two Policemen were injured in a fire fight, while a Hindu girl, identified as Mahi Suchdev (3), was recovered during a raid at a hideout in Neelam Colony of Clifton in Saddar Town of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Mahi was abducted from Valika Hospital in SITE Town for a ransom of PKR 50 million.

A worker of the PPP, identified as Amanullah (45), was shot dead and his son Kashan (14) was injured in Orangi Town. 

A worker of the ANP was shot dead within the limits of Bin Qasim Police Station in Naseerabad area of Gulberg Town.           

A PAC cadre, identified as Ghulam Hussain Baloch (40), was shot dead within the remits of Shahrah-e-Faisal Police Station at Block 15-A of Gulistan-e-Jauhar in Gulshan Town.

Another suspected criminal, identified as Bilal alias Mullah, died in Police custody. According to details, Rangers and Police took Bilal in custody along with three others during a raid in Ali Town at Sikander Goth in Gulshan Town on July 17, 2013.

It was reported that due to illness Bilal was taken to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment however, medical report suggests that the deceased was tortured about 36 hours before he was brought to the hospital.

According to reports submitted by the civilian spy agency to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif the IB arrested a ‘death squad’ Chief of LeJ, Masoom Billah from Afra Garden in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of Gulshan Town in Karachi District of Sindh.

It further claims that Billah’s arrest was a major breakthrough in the case as he was not only the plotter of the June 26, 2013 attack on Justice Baqar but was also the chief of the LeJ’s secret ‘death squad’.

At least six militants were killed and five others injured in SFs’ operation in Akkakhel area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. The SFs conducted operation against militants by gunship helicopters.

Two FC personnel were killed in a roadside IED blast in Akkakhel area. According to FC officials, the patrolling party was hit by a roadside IED in the area, killing two FC personnel on the spot.

NATO aircrafts continued violation of Pakistani airspace, third time in a week. SFs sources said NATO fighter jets entered Torkham border area and continued flight for 10 minutes. It was third time NATO aircrafts entered Pakistani areas in three days. 

A pamphlet highlighting punishments and orders for the month of Ramazan was issued by the TTP in Wana area of South Waziristan Agency. The pamphlet states the orders and punishments were unanimously decided upon in a Shura meeting of the Mullah Nazir faction of TTP.

The Islamabad Koral Police and the traffic Police arrested four abductors and recovered a vehicle, two pistols and ammunition from their possession from Muhammad Ali Park area of Lahore.

An intelligence report sent to the Provincial Government said that despite being put on the ATA 1997 watch list, 40 individuals having links to outlawed outfits are working in different Government departments in the Rawalpindi Division, comprising the Districts of Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal and Rawalpindi.

In a written statement to the Senate Armed Services Committee, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey said that the US cannot defeat al Qaeda without Pakistan’s support. He also emphasised the need to help Pakistan stabilise as instability in this key South Asian state would hurt the entire region.

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. 

A handful of clerics directed the people of Karak District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to not allow their women from going to the markets without being accompanied by a male family member, claiming it was ‘un-Islamic’ for females to venture out alone.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations Masood Khan 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.

At least 28 militants and six SFs were killed during clashes in Khyber Agency in the FATA. 

SFs killed 10 militants in Akkakhel area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency and destroyed their two hideouts. Two SFs were also killed during the clashes.

18 militants were killed during fighting in Khurmatang area of Bara tehsil in Khyber Agency where PAF fighter jets pounded militant compounds and razed two hideouts to the ground. Four SFs were also killed during the battle.

Two bomb blasts occurred within an hour of each other in separate areas of Karachi (Karachi District) killing three persons and wounding at least half a dozen people. 

The first explosion targeted Metropolitan Commissioner Matanat Ali Khan when he along with his security guards was on his way to his office. They were near Essa Nagri when a bomb went off, inuring Khan and four others.

The second explosion happened on the third floor of a residential apartment in Patel Para area. The apartment is owned by a Policeman where terrorists were assembling an explosive device when it accidentally exploded.

At least two ANP activists were killed while several others injured in an explosion that took outside the party’s office in Gulshan-e-Buner area of Landhi Town in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

The death toll in the July 20, 2013, bomb blast at Patel Para in Jamshed Town of Karachi increased to three. The deceased were identified as Muhammad Subhan (35), Muhammad Naeem (34), and Matinuddin (34).

Two persons were injured when an explosion took place near a mosque in Sikandarpurah area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A blast in Yakatoot area damaged the house of a cosmetic dealer. However, no casualty was reported.

Four unidentified armed assailants set ablaze two oil tankers in Dasht area of Mastung District. However, no casualty was reported.

FC claimed to have foiled a major terror bid by arresting a militant and seizing a huge quantity of arms and explosives during a raid conducted at a house in Eastern Bypass area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

The FC and Police personnel arrested 28 suspects during another security operation conducted in the Geo area of Quetta. Fayyaz Sumbal, the DIG Police, said that SFs recovered weapons and explosive materials from the suspects during the operation.

The FC arrested 12 suspected militants, including three foreigners, from the Murgha Kibzai area of Zhob District. Sources in FC said a large quantity of arms and ammunition were recovered from their possession. 

Law enforcement personnel held 15 Afghan national under the foreign act at Mian Ghundi check post near Hazar Ganji area of Quetta.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz said that we have contacts with Taliban but don’t control them. “We have some contacts with the Taliban because of the past but we don’t control them,” he told the news conference.

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”.

According to an Iranian TV report, the US has offered Pakistan to sign a prisoner swap agreement for the extradition of Dr Aafia Siddiqui. The agreement states that Aafia will have to stay imprisoned in Pakistan for the number of years she was sentenced to in the US.

Aafia was sentenced to 86 years in jail on September 23, 2010, after she was found guilty on seven counts, including attempted murder. She is currently being held at an American maximum security prison in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Government has agreed to reveal names of all detainees in internment centres run by the country’s Intelligence Agencies. At the same time, during a high-level meeting on July 18, 2013 at the AGP’s office in Islamabad, a mechanism a mechanism was agreed upon allowing the relatives of ‘missing persons’ to meet their loved-ones in these detention centres.

July 22

At least three bullet-riddled dead bodies, identified as those of Ameer Hamza, Khawand Bakash and Abdul Gaffar, were found from Sui area of Dera Bugti District. According to the sources the victims went missing a month ago from Dera Murad Jamali area of Naseerabad District.

Two Shia Hazaras were killed when unidentified militants opened fire at a taxi on Shahrah-e-Iqbal Road in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. No outfit has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

At least two persons were killed and four others were injured in an IED blast close to a mosque adjacent to the Immigration and Custom offices near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in the Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District.

At least three persons, including two women and a child, were injured in a hand grenade attack at a house in the Taugh area of Kohat town (Kohat District) in KP. 

An explosion took place near a mosque in the Afghan Colony area under Faqirabad Police Station of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP.  However, no casualty was reported in the attack.

The JuD ‘chief’ Hafiz Mohammad Saeed opposed back door diplomacy, composite dialogue sans Kashmir, and electricity trade between Pakistan and India. He said that he doesn’t oppose negotiations but it should not be at the cost of ‘national honour’. He was addressing an Iftar dinner at Dialdas club in Hyderabad in Sindh.

The Intelligence Agencies expressed fears of terror attacks targeting officials of Land and Revenue Department, and Anti-Encroachment Cell in Karachi. 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.                   

Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan during his first visit to Karachi said that he has not talked about imposition of Governor’s rule in Sindh. He added that the Federal Government, however, cannot ignore the deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi.

July 23

A man, identified as Abdul Ghani (23), was shot dead within the remits of Saeedabad Police Station in Sector-4 of Baldia Town in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. 

A man, identified as Khadim Hussain, was shot dead within the limits of Malir Cantt Police Station in the Saadi Town area of Gulshan Town.                                                                                                       

Police found a body on Mirza Adam Khan Road in the Lyari Town. Initial investigation by the Police revealed that the victim was abducted before being killed.

Another body was found within the limits of Baldia Town Police Station near Northern Bypass in Baldia Town.

Anti-Terrorism Court III headed by Ghulam Mustafa Memon declared PAC leader Uzair Jan Baloch and eight other suspects as absconders in the Lyari gangster Arshad Pappu murder case, and ordered the confiscation of their moveable and immovable properties.

A man, identified as Aslam Masieh, was killed in a landmine explosion while repairing damaged towers of 132 KV and 22 KV in the Machh area of Bolan District.

Unidentified militants opened fire at a shop on Moti Ram Road in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Sindh, killing one person and injuring another inside the shop.                                                                                                   

An unidentified man was shot dead at Sariab Road area in Quetta when armed assailants opened fire on him.

Militants set ablaze a NATO container in the Dhadar area of Bolan District while it was on its way back from Afghanistan after supplying equipment to NATO troops. However, no casualty was reported.       

Quetta Police defused a remote-controlled bomb planted on the roadside near the Chandani Chowk area of Quetta.

Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) and Young Doctors’ Association (YDA) organised a protest march from Civil Hospital Quetta to the Press Club, to protest the kidnapping of five people, including three doctors, from Loralai District on June 11, 2013.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a member of a peace committee, Shahi Rehman, at Sandheri in the Kabal tehsil (revenue unit) area of Swat District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The assailants killed Rehman when he came out of his house.

Police seized a truck full of sophisticated weapons and thousands of bullets and arrested two LeJ militants Ameer Khan, the driver and one Jahanzeb, from Super Highway in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

The vehicle was coming to Karachi from Swabi District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The arrested suspects confessed that the weapons were to be used for terrorist attacks in Ramazan, most probably at the Youm-e-Ali procession celebrated by the Shia community.

Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel of PHC observed that bodies of missing persons were found when the courts put pressure on the intelligence agencies for their safe release. The PHC senior judge passed these remarks after Additional Advocate General Malik Mujtaba informed a division bench during hearing into the missing persons’ cases that a few days back body of another missing person Sardar Ali was found in the Karak District. The division bench comprising Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel and Justice Musarrat Hilali was hearing the case of 248 missing persons.

The Supreme Court was informed that Punjab Police had received arrest warrants from Rawalpindi Civil Judge Irfan Naseem Tarar for the arrest of an ISI Brigadier, Mansoor Saeed Sheikh, allegedly involved in enforced disappearance of Amna Masood Janjua’s husband.

The US Department of State said that Pakistan is an important partner in supporting a secure and stable Afghanistan, which is vital to the security of the region. "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.

July 24

Suicide bombers and armed militants mounted an attack on the local office of ISI in high security zone of Sukkur Barrage Colony in Sukkur town of Sukkur District, sparking a shootout that killed eight persons, including four terrorists, three ISI officials and a civilian, and injured 50 others. Four terrorists, armed with hand grenades, suicide vests and assault rifles, launched the attack. DIG Javed Alam Odho said that a suicide bomber first blew himself up in front of a Police building and then a second bomber drove his explosive-laden vehicle into the main gate of the ISI office. “Other terrorists started firing and throwing hand grenades at the Police,” he added.

The target of the attack was ISI official Major Zeeshan, who had important documents containing details of terrorists. Major Zeeshan was also killed in the attack. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. 

Two men, identified as Akbar Ali (35) and Syed Waris (30), were shot dead within the remits of SITE-A Police Station near Walika Hospital in the SITE Town of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

An activist of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM), identified as Tanvir Ali (32), was shot dead at Mauripur Road in the Kiamari Town.                       

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead another man, identified as Ahsan Abbas (22), in the Saeedullah Goth area of Baldia Town.

A suspected criminal, identified as Shahid Ramzan, was shot dead outside his house in the Orangi Town.                          

The SITE-Association of Industry is worried about rising incidents of extortion, robbery and threats and is trying to put together a special Security Force, which will have ‘legal cover’ to patrol the industrial estate. The move comes after failed attempts by successive Governments to curb criminal activities through Police and Paramilitary Forces, which have not helped in developing confidence in the country’s largest cluster of factories.

The Federal Government finally decided to launch targeted action against extortionists and target killers in Karachi. The Government has decided to take indiscriminate action against target killers on the basis of intelligence sharing. However, a final decision will be taken after taking all stakeholders including political parties and cabinet onboard.

The body of Ali Ahmed Bizenjo, the younger brother of BNP-A leader Sardar Aziz Bizenjo, was found near a drain in Trubat District.   Unidentified armed assailants had abducted Ali Ahmed in the night of July 23 from Pidark area of Turbat District.

An unidentified man was killed and two others received injuries in a firing incident in the Surab area of Kalat District.

The FC during a raid conducted on intelligence shared by local security agencies in the Gulistan area of Qilla Abdullah District arrested an arms smuggler and seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition, including five SMGs, three LMGs, four RPG-7 along with its 25 rounds, one 12.7 rifle, 15,100 rounds of different rifles and 90 kilograms of explosive material, from his possession.      

Police arrested a teenage suicide bomber, Fazal Shah, and his accomplice in the Maqsoodabad area under Khazana Police Station of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP. Fazal Shah, a resident of Qandharo in the Mohmand Agency of FATA, was wearing a suicide vest. His accomplice was identified as Zain Shah, a resident of Bara in the Khyber Agency of FATA. One TT pistol and 10 gun cartridges were recovered from the accused and their motorcycle was impounded.

The Badhaber Police along with the FC repulsed an attack by the militants at the Sheen Drang check post, on the border of Akkakhel area in the Khyber Agency, in Peshawar. A gunfight between the militants and the Security Forces that lasted for an hour forced the militants to retreat.

The KP Police has established women complaint units in 56 Police Stations across the province where 116 lady constables have been deployed. “The units have been established upon the directives of KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak. Eventually, such units will be set up in all Police Stations,” an unnamed Police official said.

Lahore Investigation Police arrested a suspect for allegedly demanding extortion money from local traders in the Lahore District. The traders in different areas of Lahore had lodged several complaints with the Police about threatening phone calls they had been receiving for the past many days. Tracing a phone call, the Police arrested a suspect, identified as Abdullah, a resident of Gujranwala District, who had made a threatening call to one Imran, a trader of Badami Bagh Market, and demanded PKR 2.5 million three days ago.

The Election Commission of Pakistan issued a new schedule for the Presidential Elections following orders of the Supreme Court to hold polls on July 30, 2013.  The new President will be sworn in after the tenure of President Asif Ali Zardari expires on September 8, 2013. Earlier it was reported that the Presidential Elections would take place on August 6, 2013.

The US embassy in Islamabad denied reports of a prisoner swap deal with Pakistan involving Dr Aafia Siddiqui and Dr Shakil Afridi. “No, the United States Government is not in discussions with the Government of Pakistan on a prisoner exchange or transfer involving Dr. Aafia Siddiqi,” said Meghan Gregonis, a spokesman for the US embassy.

US officials stressed armed drones will continue to patrol Pakistan’s tribal belt and the CIA will maintain significant presence in Kabul, the Afghan Capital. 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.

July 25

The dead bodies of 20 suspected militants were recovered from the Khurmatang area of Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in the FATA.  Assistant Political Agent Bara Tehsil Nasir Khan said that the suspected militants were killed in the Khurmatang area of Bara on the border of Frontier Region Dara Adamkhel. Codenamed Khyber-2, the operation involving helicopter gunships and Frontier Corps ground troops was launched against the TTP hideouts in the Zawa and Khurmatang areas of Akkakhel in Bara on July 19.

One child was killed and five others were injured in the night when a mortar shell appearing to be a toy exploded in the Nasirabad Kausar area of Khar in Bajaur Agency when the children were playing with it.

Unidentified militants shot dead four persons, including three tribesmen and a Levies constable, near the Gazgi Chowki area of Khuzdar District. Muhammad Ali, a Levies official, said that militants, who had already taken up positions on a roadside, opened fire on a vehicle carrying Levies officials. Levies personnel retaliated, but the assailants managed to flee into nearby mountains.               

A PML-N leader Mir Abdul Qadir Zarakzai was shot dead in the Zehri area of Khuzdar District.                   

A man, identified as Azamatullah, was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants in the Killi Shamovi Hazaraganji area of Quetta (Quetta District).                                                                                                               

Protesters blocked the main national highway connecting Quetta to Karachi (Sindh) against the abduction of one Agha Hafeez Shah.

The displaced Bugti tribesmen returned to their hometown of Dera Bugti after about eight years. Fifty vehicles carrying the tribesmen led by Nawabzada Gohram Bugti, a grandson of Akbar Bugti, left Dera Allahyar in Jaffarabad District for Dera Bugti after having been cleared by Federal and Provincial Governments.

Four assailants riding two motorcycles ambushed a senior Police officer, killing his driver and security guard, in the Gulbahar area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Deputy Commandant of Frontier Reserve Police Gul Wali Khan was the target of the attack. 

At least four Police trainees were shot at and injured by unidentified armed assailants at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Elite Police Training Center in the Razzakabad area of Bin Qasim Town in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

The BDS defused a remote-controlled bomb recovered from the the Jamia Binoria seminary in SITE Town. A chit of the TTP was attached with the bomb which claimed that the bomb was a ‘gift’ from them.

The IGP Shahid Nadeem Baloch directed the Sindh Police for pro-active policing and coordination with Intelligence Agencies for information sharing.

A TTP ‘commander’ claimed responsibility for the July 24, 2013, attack on the Sukkur office of the ISI, which killed eight persons. The ‘commander’, on the condition of anonymity, said that the TTP faction based in the Mohmand Agency of FATA and the Taliban Chapter of Punjab (Punjabi Taliban) had launched the combined attack on the ISI  

Disputing the claim, the Jundallah faction of the TTP claimed responsibility for the same attack. Ahmed Marwat the ‘spokesman’ of Jundallah claimed that the attack was revenge for the death of TTP ‘deputy chief’ Wali-ur-Rehman Mehsud, who was killed in a US drone strike in North Waziristan Agency of FATA on May 29, 2013.

A recently-constituted task force on missing people will hold its first meeting.  The task force is mandated to formulate a national policy on the missing people, monitor the progress and coordinate efforts of all the stakeholders working on the issue.

The issue of missing people came to light in 2006 and the Supreme Court took suo motu notice in a case involving the disappearance of Masood Janjua and others. In 2010, a Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances headed by a former judge of the Supreme Court was constituted and it submitted its report on December 31, 2010. 

The Supreme Court was informed that the Federal Government had instructed the Balochistan Government to proceed against another ISI brigadier who was allegedly involved in enforced disappearance of a citizen, Ali Ahmad Bangalzai.

Pakistan said it wants positive engagement with Afghanistan for peace, security and stability in the region. FO spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said Pakistan has exercised maximum restraint to the Afghan allegations on different occasions.

July 26

At least 48 persons were killed and 100 others were injured in a coordinated twin suicide attacks at Parachinar in the Kurram Agency of FATA. Suicide bombers on motorcycles blew themselves up within a minute of each other outside an Imambargah in Parachinar bazaar.

Two persons were killed and seven others were injured in an IED attack targeting a double-cabin pickup vehicle in the Kharpati area of Kurram Agency. 

A child was killed and four others were injured when a mortar shell exploded in the Kosar village of Khar tehsil in Bajaur Agency.

At least nine persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. An activist of the MQM, identified as Ghulam Rasool (38), was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Kala Pull within the remits of Defence Police Station. 

An elderly spiritual faith healer, identified as Riffatullah aka Matkewala, was shot dead inside his astana (gathering) situated near Ghausia Masjid in the Orangi Town within the limits of Pirabad Police Station. 

A woman, identified as Zubaida Bibi, was shot dead and her daughter, Sania, was injured near Al-Falah Road in the Lyari Town. 

A person, identified as Mohammad Faizan (28), was found dead at Block-13 within the limits of Shahrah-e-Faisal Police Station. Police officials also found a chit along with his body stating that the dead body ‘is a gift for MQM by ANP. 

A person was killed and two others were injured by unidentified assailants near Rabia City apartments in the Gulistan-e-Jauhar Town. 

A person, identified as Javed Ashraf (32), was shot dead at M.A. Jinnah Road within the limits of Preedy Police Station.

An unidentified person was killed in a firing incident near Qazzafi Chowk in the Orangi Town.

An unidentified person was found dead from a garbage pile at Kunwari Colony within the jurisdiction of Manghopir Police Station.

Another person was found dead near Afghan Chowk within the limits of Gulshan-e-Maymar Police Station.

Police arrested eight suspects, including six TTP cadres, from the Scheme-33 area of Janjal Goth.

Twelve suspects were arrested during a search operation carried out by Security Force personnel in the Satellite Town of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. The suspects were allegedly involved in kidnappings for ransom and targeted killings and they supported banned religious and other organisations, the sources said, adding that they were involved in a number of cases.

Police arrested two alleged terrorists from the Al Saba Chowk area of Gilgit Town (Gilgit District) and recovered a bomb. SSP Ali Zia claimed that the two suspected terrorists wanted to attack a mosque. During interrogation, they both confessed that they belonged to Gilgit and received ‘training’ in the South Waziristan Agency of FATA.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that the drone strikes should immediately be stopped. 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.

July 27

At least seven Pakistan Coast Guards personnel were killed and as many sustained injuries, in an attack by unidentified armed militants, in a checkpost located in Sundsar area of Gwadar District.

SFs killed at least six terrorists, during an attack by terrorists, at a check post Speen Tal area near in Hangu. According to FC, four FC officials were also injured in the attack.

Terrorists attacked a check post of SFs in Matani area of Peshawar. A civilian was killed and four others sustained injuries when a mortar shell hit a house during the fight.

July 28

Eight militants were killed when a US drone fired two missiles at a house in the Shawal valley of the North Waziristan Agency in FATA. Tribal sources said the drone hit a three-room structure where some militants, were having an Iftar dinner. There was also speculation that four of the slain people were foreign fighters.

One person died and two injured in a bomb blast in Pawar Tungi area of Parachinar in Kurram Agency. According to the political administration of the area, a vehicles travelling to Pawar Tungi from Parachinar in Upper Kurram near Pak-Afghan border was severely damaged by the roadside bomb blast.

Residents of Parachinar held a protest against July 26’s bomb blast in which 60 persons lost their lives and 180 were injured.

The residents of Hazara Town in Quetta killed an alleged suicide bomber. CCPO Quetta, Mir Zubair Mehmood said that a suspected suicide bomber travelling on foot was killed by residents of Hazara Town shortly while he was approaching a mosque. Mehmood said a suicide jacket and a hand grenade were recovered from his possession. “A major terrorist attack was averted,” CCPO claimed.

Unidentified militants blew up a portion of railway tracks in Musa Colony area on Sariab Road in Quetta, temporarily shutting down the railway-link between the Province and the rest of the country. However, no loss of life was reported.

An official of the Quetta Afghan Consulate, Muhammad Hashim, was abducted from Satellite Town area of Quetta.  

At least four Policemen were injured in a grenade attack by unidentified militants on a Police van in the Hashtnagri area under the jurisdiction of Yakatut Police Station in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Police official failed to arrest the leader of PAC, Uzair Baloch, as he was able to flee from his house in Lyari area of Lyari Town in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. According to MPA Javed Nagori, a Police Officer had warned Baloch of the raid before it took place.

At least 11 persons, including five Policemen, four prisoners and two private security guards, were killed and nine others were injured when the TTP militants, disguised as Policemen, stormed the Central Prison at Dera Ismail Khan (Dera Ismail Khan District) in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The militants carried out 25 explosions during the course of the attack. 247 inmates managed to escape during the attack. Later, curfew was imposed in the area as a search operation was launched to arrest the escaped prisoners.

TTP ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid claiming responsibility for the attack said that around 100 militants, including a number of suicide bombers, took part in the attack. He said the TTP has achieved its targets and their operation was successful.

According to details, the prison houses TTP militants and militants from other sectarian outfits. Intelligence reports suggest that there were at least 45 high profile militants in the jail but there is no official confirmation about the exact number. An intelligence official, on condition of anonymity, said that the militants were shouting ''God is great'' and ''Long live the Taliban.''

A worker of a private company, identified as Abdul Rehman (35), was shot dead near Guru Mandir Chowrangi, within the limits of Jamshed Quarters Police Station, in the Jamshed Town area of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.                    

A man, identified as Abdul Sattar (40), was killed near Dua Hotel on Mauripur Road, within the limits of Kalri Police Station, in the Kiamari Town.

A Head Constable, identified as Zafar Iqbal, was shot dead at the Old Muzaffarabad Colony, within the limits of Landhi Police Station, in the Landhi Town.

An arms dealer, identified as Tanvir Siddiqui (20), was shot dead by a rival group in Swat Colony, within remits of Baldia Police Station, in the Baldia Town. 

Two unidentified dead bodies were found within the remits of SITE-B Police Station in the Baldia Town. Police said that the victims were first abducted and later killed and dumped at an abandoned place. 

A special Anti-Terrorist Court sent LeJ militants Masoom Billa alias Abu Bakar and Muhammad Muawiya, who were arrested in relation to the June 26, 2013, bomb blast targeting Sindh High Court's Justice Maqbool Baqar, on judicial remand until August 9, 2013.

At least four suspected militants were killed and two security officials were injured during a raid conducted by Police and other Law Enforcement Agencies near Eastern bypass area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Heavy cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the possession of the suspects.

Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch announced that the Provincial Government will hold talks with armed groups after Eid for which a Parliamentary Committee of the Assembly will be formed. 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.

A FC soldier sustained injuries when militants attacked a security post at Khuga Khel in the Landikotal area of Khyber Agency in FATA. Sources said that the militants, equipped with rocket launchers and other weapons, attacked the FC post.

Reacting to a TTP pamphlet asking men to stop wearing tight clothing, Sher Muhammad Khan, head of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan's KP chapter, said The TTP have no right to dictate to others in such a way. "It is the prime duty of the government, not the militants, to implement laws," he said.

Four TTP militants responsible for the July 12, 2012, attack on a jail in the Rasool Park area of Ichra in the Lahore District that killed at least 10 jail personnel were arrested by the Lahore CIA officials. The four suspects were identified as, Karamat Ali, Zulfikar Alim, Sohail and Abdul Hafeez.

Eight militants and two SF personnel were killed during clashes between militants and the SFs in the Darra Adamkhel area of Kohat District in KP. Military sources said that about 60 militants attacked a check post of the SFs at Sur Gar Range. The SFs retaliated and in the ensuing clashes eight militants and two SFs died, while the rest of the militants managed to escape.

According to media reports the death toll in the July 29 Dera Ismail Khan Prison attack has reached to 24, including 12 Policeman, four prisoners (Sajid, Juma Malang, Akhtar Abbas and Aslam), a bakery watchman Aslam, a passerby Mohammad Nasim and one unidentified person. Police claimed of killing five attackers. Earlier, it was reported that 11 persons were killed in the attack. While accepting responsibility for the attack, the TTP ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid said, “Some 150 Taliban, including 60 suicide bombers, attacked the Central Prison and managed to free about 300 prisoners”, reports The Express Tribune. However, different media sources reported that around 250 prisoners had managed to escape during the attack.

Referring to the incident, KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak on July 30 said, “No prior intelligence regarding this incident was shared”.

Two suspected extortionists, identified as Qasim Ali (23) and Qadir alias Siraj (25), were shot dead by unidentified armed assailants near Khadda Chowk in the Gharibabad area of Malir Town in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. Malir City Police said that the Police suspected the involvement of the victims in extortions because they found a slip in the victim’s pocket on which some names and amount were written.                                                

A man, identified as Abdul Lateef (22), was shot dead in the Bihar Colony area of Lyari Town. Police suspects Lyari gangster’s involvement in the killing.

A man, identified as Ahmed Buksh, was shot dead within the vicinity of Nappier Police Station in the Ghans Mandi area of Lyari Town.                               

A cadre of the ST, identified as Raheed Siraj, was shot dead and his friend Imran Shaukat was wounded when unidentified assailants shot at them within the remits of Bilal Colony Police Station in New Karachi Town.

Two unidentified dead bodies were found within the vicinity of Malir Memon Goth Police Station in the Juma Goth area of Bin Qasim Town.

Another unidentified dead body was found near Dua Hotel situated on the Mauripur Road in Keamari Town. Police said that the victim was abducted before being tortured and killed.

An unidentified dead body of a man was found near Mira Naka flyover in the Keamari Town.

A blast occurred in the Azizabad area of Gulberg Town in the night. No casualty was reported from the blast site.

The Law Enforcers claimed to have arrested an unspecified number of suspected militants and recovered huge cache of explosives from them during targeted operations in the Patel Para and Lines areas of Jamshed Town. They claimed that the explosives were to be used to sabotage the spiritual procession of Youm-e-Ali scheduled for July 31.

Rangers claimed that they have neutralized a terrorist hideout and recovered a huge cache of explosives during a targeted raid in the Korangi Town of Karachi. The Rangers claimed that the explosives were to be used to sabotage Youm-e-Ali procession in the area.

Rangers detained at least five TTP militants and recovered suicide jackets and arms during targeted operations in the Muzaffarabad area of Landhi Town.  Rangers told that the militants were involved in attacks on polio vaccination workers in the Landhi area.

Two unidentified militants shot dead a Police constable, identified as Muhammad Shah, who was guarding a polio vaccination team in the Killi Haiderzai area of Yaro tehsil in Pishin District.

Police on July 25 claimed to have arrested a terrorist, identified as Junaid Khan, who was planning to stage a sectarian attack by targeting a mosque in Gilgit District. SSP Mohammad Ali Zia said, “Junaid Khan was on his way to an Imambargah to attack it with a Russian hand-grenade when he was intercepted by agencies and taken to an investigation centre”.

Mobile phone services are scheduled to be suspended in Lahore District of Punjab and Karachi District of Sindh, on account of Youm-e-Ali procession. Cellular services will be suspended from 4:00pm to 8:00pm in Lahore, while Karachi will suffer a prolonged closure from 6:00am to 8:00pm.

In its latest fact-finding report, titled, ‘Extra-judicial acts by Rangers in Karachi’, the HRCP called the Paramilitary Force an agent of fear, instead of an agent of security. In its report, the HRCP took up 11 recent cases of abduction, extra-judicial killings and torture allegedly by the Rangers.

Two rival groups in the Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency have entered a secret deal for what they call restoration of peace in the Tirah and Bara-Kajorai areas of Khyber Agency in FATA. Sources privy to the clandestine negotiations between Amr Bil Maroof wa Nahi Anil Munkir and Khujalkhel sub-tribe of Bar Qambarkhel said that both the groups agreed on a verbal peace deal.

Mamnoon Hussain, a veteran politician and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s trusted ally, was elected as the 12th President of Pakistan in a vote by legislators. Hussain defeated his rival Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf candidate Justice (retired) Wajihuddin with a huge margin of 355 votes in a one-to-one contest after opposition PPP boycotted the Presidential election as a mark of protest against its rescheduling by the Supreme Court on a petition of the ruling PML-N.

Four suspected militants were killed during an operation by SFs in Bakra Peri area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. Two personnel of the Anti Terrorists Force were also said to be injured during the operation.

A Hindu trader was shot injured by unidentified assailants on Chakar Khan Road in Khuzdar Town (Khuzdar District). Munawar Lal was standing near the road when armed motorcyclists opened fire on him and fled from the scene.

Unidentified assailants abducted Bolan Medical College Hospital Assistant Prof Dr Muhammad Ahmed from Airport road in Quetta. Police sources said that the doctor was on his way when the armed men intercepted his vehicle at gunpoint and took him away to an undisclosed location.

Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch announced to hold dialogue with all militant groups. 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.

Two Rangers personnel were injured when a blast hit their vehicle in Manghopir area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. According to SP Orangi Chaudhry Asad, the Rangers mobile was on regular patrol when it was targeted by an IED in Manghopir area. The injured personnel were identified as Sub-inspector Khalil and Naik Shakoor.

Police rearrested 47 prisoners who escaped during a TTP attack on the Dera Ismail Khan jail on July 29. The prisoners were held with some handing themselves in and others caught in a Police search operation, Aamir Khan Khattak, a senior government official in Dera Ismail Khan City, said.

Authorities had suspended a SP and 27 other security personnel for alleged negligence during the July 29 Dera Ismail Khan Central Prison attack.

The investigating authorities of Dera Ismail Khan jailbreak have concluded that the brazen assault was masterminded by Adnan Rasheed, the mastermind of an assassination attempt on Pervez Musharraf, who himself was freed in a jailbreak operation conducted on April 15, 2012. The investigating authorities further believe that the prison attackers were led by Adnan Rasheed being the chief operational commander of a special unit of fidayeen (suicide attackers) belonging to the TTP and the IMU. Both the Waziristan-based jehadi groups have already joined hands to form the jehadi unit called “Ansar Al Aseer” (supporters of prisoners) whose prime aim is to secure freedom for the imprisoned jihadis by carrying out jailbreak operations across Pakistan.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government formed a high-level investigative committee to probe the Dera Ismail Khan Jailbreak. The PTI media cell, which has circulated the Government orders, said the committee, headed by senior member of Board of Revenue Waqar Ayub, will also comprise Special Secretary Home and Tribal Affairs Syed Alamgir Shah, Additional Inspector General (Special Branch) KP Syed Akhtar Ali Shah and the nominee of 11 Corps Headquarters Peshawar.

Dawn has obtained the list of 253 freed prisoners compiled by the jail authorities submitted to the Government. Earlier, different media sources speculated an estimated 250 prisoners escaped during the jail break.

The son of Water and Power Ministry Deputy Secretary Zafar Mehmood was abducted in Islamabad. The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of PKR 3 million (USD 29,400) ransom for the release of Mehmood's son.

Hearing the case of missing persons, the Supreme Court directed the Rawalpindi Police to proceed against Military Intelligence (MI) Major Haider in accordance with law. A three-member bench of the court, headed by CJP Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, was hearing an application by Abida Malik whose husband Tasif Ali went missing on November 23, 2011, from the Sadiqabad Police precincts in Rawalpindi.

On the other hand, Ibrahim Satti, the counsel for MI, raised objection to the court’s order, and said that Police have no jurisdiction to proceed against any serving Army Officer under the Army Act, 1952. He also made it clear that the army would not hand over its officer to Police. But Justice Jawwad S Khawaja told the lawyer that the MI could not probe the matter itself as only Police had the authority to investigate the Army Officer.

A drone strike in Shawal valley of North Waziristan Agency of 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, an unnamed TTP ‘commander’ said.

At least three people were shot dead and six others injured in an incident of firing in Jodia Bazaar of Saddar Town in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. Soon after the incident the market was shut down. According to Kharadar SHO Azam Khan, “criminals belonging to Sheraz Comrade and Amin Buledi group opened fire on the Joint Sector in-charge of MQM Shakeel Shako, who was seriously injured and later died at the hospital”.

An MQM activist, identified as Syed Farhan Kazmi (28) alias Antenna, was killed and his companion Hammad and a passerby named Mustafa were injured when unidentified assailants opened fire on them near Jauhar Chowrangi in Gulshan Town.

A head constable of the Sohrab Goth Police Station, identified as Qasim Zakir Hussain (35), was killed and two others, including ASI Pervez and a Policeman, identified as Latif, were injured when two unidentified armed assailants intercepted a Police mobile and shot at them near the Akakhel service station in Faqira Goth area of Gadap Town.

SI Ashfaq Karamat, who worked as an accountant at the SSP office, was shot at and killed by unidentified assailants near Godown Chowrangi in Korangi Industrial Area of Korangi Town.

An unidentified dead body of a man was found within Pak Colony Police precincts near the Mewa Shah graveyard in SITE Town. Police said the victim was subjected to torture and then shot dead.

The SHO of Daudzai Police Station and his driver were killed when unidentified militants ambushed their vehicle on Aryana Road on the outskirts of Peshawar, (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A suspected militant was killed and two others arrested when Police conducted a raid in Badaber area of Peshawar. According to Police, the arrested persons were wanted in several cases.

Mushtaq Jadoon, the commissioner of Dera Ismail Khan, said 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 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 TTP. The commissioner said that 127 among the escaped prisoners had been convicted and 126 were under trial.

KP Revenue Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur 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.

The Police Chief suspended DSP City Dera Ismail Khan Salahuddin Kundi and three 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 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.

According to TTP sources Shahbaz Taseer, the son of slain Governor of Punjab Salman Taseer, was killed in a drone attack in Shawal valley of the North Waziristan Agency in FATA in 2012. Shahbaz Taseer was abducted from Lahore District of Punjab on August 26, 2011.

They further claimed that Shahbaz was buried in the Shawal area on the same day and the Jirga that was making efforts to get Shahbaz released also returned to their hometown in sheer disappointment. The sources confirmed that the TTP are now shifting the abductees to the areas where chances of drone attacks are at higher possibility to use them as human shields.

Unidentified militants opened fire at two oil tankers that were carrying fuel for the Pakistan Air Force at Kiri Dor in Mastung District. As a result, one of the tankers caught fire, while oil spilled out from the second tanker.

President Asif Ali Zardari called upon the international community, especially the US, to step forward and prepare a ‘Marshall Plan’ for Pakistan for strategic economic stability and advancement of the country’s development agenda. The President said this during his one-on-one and delegation-level meetings with US Secretary of State John Kerry at the Presidency.

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. A State Department spokesperson, Marie Harf, told a briefing that Ambassador Dobbins was already in the region for meeting Afghan and Pakistani leaders.

US Secretary of State John Kerry while making a remark in an interview with Pakistan state television suggested that US drone strikes targeting the TTP and al Qaeda operatives in Pakistan could end “very soon”.

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.

During a meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry, the PTI Chairman Imran Khan said that stopping the drone strikes would motivate militants to give up their jihad narrative. 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.

The London-based Bureau of Investigative Journalism said that its field investigation in Pakistan’s tribal areas appears to confirm that the CIA 2012 briefly revived the controversial tactic of deliberately targeting rescuers at the scene of a previous drone strike. It said the tactic has previously been labelled a possible war crime by two UN investigators.

Congressional aides have previously been reported as describing to the Los Angeles Times reviewing a CIA video showing Abu Yahya al-Libi alone being killed. But the Bureau’s field research appears to confirm what others reported at the time - that al-Libi’s death was part of a sequence of strikes on the same location that killed up to 16 people.

If correct, that would indicate that Congressional aides were not shown crucial additional video material. The CIA has rejected the charge. Spokesman Edward Price told the Bureau, ‘The CIA takes its commitment to Congressional oversight with the utmost seriousness. The Agency provides accurate and timely information consistent with our obligation to the oversight Committees. Any accusation alleging otherwise is baseless.’

At least four Policemen, identified as Zulfiqar, Afza and Ghulam Shabbir and Sarwar, were shot dead by unidentified militants near a bridge located at Bagh-e-Korangi area in Shah Faisal Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. The Policemen were on routine snap checking procedure when they were attacked.

The guard of Kharadar Police Station Chief, identified as Gul Khan (60), was shot dead during an exchange of fire near the paper market in Saddar Town.

An ATC issued black warrants for the execution of LeJ militants identified as Attaullah alias Qasim and Mohammad Azam alias Sharif, in the killing of a Shia doctor Ali Raza Peerani on sectarian grounds in June 2001 in Soldier Bazaar of Jamshed Town.

Karachi Police claimed to have arrested 48 accused, including two absconders, and recovered arms from their possession from different parts of the District. In about 51 raids, Police authorities recovered at least 21 different types of firearms.

Six unidentified militants shot dead Shia Council’s Divisional President Sheikh Manzoor Hussain and his younger son Haider Ali while they were leaving their house located at Umar Block in Abbasia Town of Rahim Yar Khan District.  

Security at the Benazir International Airport in Islamabad was been beefed amid intelligence reports of a of a possible terror attack.

The Balochistan Government deployed FCB commandos to all 11 jails in the province.  The additional forces took up posts inside and outside the prison. The Ministry is also reviewing the records of 145 dangerous prisoners, according to media reports.                                           

The provincial Interior Ministry took the step after militants, on July 29, 2013, attacked Dera Ismail Khan Central Prison in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Political Administration in militancy-hit Bara area of Khyber Agency in FATA decided to reopen several roads in Bara subdivision, almost four years after they were initially shut down in the wake of a military offensive against extremist militants.

The US State Department said that no timeline could be provided to end drone attacks. 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”.

The US issued a global travel alert because of an al Qaida terrorist threat. The State Department says the potential for terrorism is particularly strong in the Middle East and North Africa. It says an attack could occur or come from the Arabian Peninsula.

The SFs and CID Police in a joint operation arrested an operations commander of TTP, identified as Mufti Rehmat, and nine other suspected militants in Nowshera town (Nowshera District) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Chief of ASWJ, Karachi Chapter, Maulana Aurangzeb Farooqui, survived an assassination attempt when his motorcade was attacked on Abul Hasan Isphahani Road near Abbas Town in the Gulshan Town area of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. Attackers fled after the exchange of fire with the security guards of the ASWJ leader. However, no casualty was reported.

Unidentified militants blew up a Government girls’ primary school in the Rashkai area of Khar tehsil in the Bajaur Agency of FATA in the night. Though the school building was completely destroyed, no casualty was reported in the explosion.

Following terror alert, security has been intensified in Gilgit Baltistan, including the Ramazan Bazaar in the Garhi Bagh area of Gilgit city. The Government decided to close Ramazan Bazaar as local security agencies as well as reports from the Interior Ministry suggested militants were planning to target GB. SSP Ali Zia said that Law Enforcement Agencies had launched an operation to arrest suspects believed to have entered Gilgit Baltistan after being trained in Miranshah town of North Waziristan Agency in FATA to carry out terrorist attacks.

Security in Islamabad, the Federal Capital, was put on red alert after intelligence reports that terrorists could attack PAF Headquarters. According to sources, PAF, Pakistan Navy, and Islamabad Police commandoes mounted a joint search operation in Margalla Hills detaining several suspects. According to sources, the SF would remain deployed on the Hills till further orders.

SSP Operations, Dr Rizwan said that certain intelligence alerts including a warning regarding a possible terrorist attack on PAF Headquarters prompted these special security measures.

Interpol sounded a global terror alert advising its members to increase their vigilance against terror attacks. According to the Security Agency, the alert comes following a series of jailbreaks across nine countries, including Iraq, Libya and Pakistan. The agency has advised increased vigilance in August, 2013 which marks the anniversary of terror acts in Mumbai (India), Gluboky (Russia), Jakarta (Indonesia) and the 15th anniversary of the US Embassy bombings in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.

Former Interior Minister and a leader of the APML Mian Zahid Sarfaraz during a news conference 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.

At least three passengers, including a 10 year old child, were killed and several others were wounded when a bomb exploded in the Karachi-bound Shalimar Express that was coming from Lahore District in Punjab near Toba Tek Singh District. The Railways Minister Saad Rafique blamed the attack on the "extortion mafia". He stated that the Shalimar Express operator had been receiving threatening telephone calls from extortionists.

The militants attacked two tankers that were coming from Sibi District to Quetta (Quetta District) carrying fuel for PAF, in Bolan District and killed a security guard while injured another. One tanker was partially damaged whereas another was safe. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

At least eight passengers were abducted from a moving bus in the Mach area of Bolan District. According to levies sources, the bodies of the passengers were found near mountains.

Four power pylons of 220KV and 132KV were blown up in the Aab-e-gum area of Mach in the Bolan District in the night. No group claimed responsibility of the attack.

Police claimed to have foiled a major bid of terrorism by seizing an explosive-laden auto rickshaw in Quetta. DIG Police Operations, Fayyaz Sumbal, said that Policemen were on routine patrolling when they spotted an explosive-laden rickshaw that carried 150 kilogram of explosives.

A pro-Government tribal elder was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Masozai area of Kurram Agency in FATA. Khan was also a member of the village defence committee and took part in a number of assaults against militants.

Peshawar Police arrested a TTP Punjab chapter 'commander' reportedly involved in the July 29 Dera Ismail Khan Jailbreak incident. According to official sources, the arrestee, identified as Mujahid Ahmed alias Faqeer Baba, was in injured condition. The suspect has revealed that planning of the jailbreak was carried out in South Waziristan Agency (FATA).

Spy agencies have warned against potential militant attacks on headquarters of Pakistan Navy, Air force and on the Parliament House. The report pointed out a recorded conversation of a TTP 'commander', mentioned as Waleed bin Talib, in which Talib was talking about achieving bigger goals than the July 29 Dera Ismail Khan jailbreak.

Security agencies are investigating possible al Qaeda involvement in the Dera Ismail Khan Jailbreak. "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 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.

At least 14 persons, including three security personnel, were killed in an attack by BLA militants on five passenger buses in Machh area of Bolan District in Balochistan. The buses were on their way from Quetta to Punjab when 200 militants intercepted them in Machh and kidnapped the passengers. The militants killed 13 passengers after inspecting their NICs. The bodies were later recovered from the mountainous area of Bolan.

A dead body was recovered from Killi Gishkory in Mian Gundi on the outskirts of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. The deceased was later identified as Saadullah, a resident of Jacobabad.

Three persons including two children were killed and another one injured in an explosion at Goth Pervaiz Domki near Jahan Bukhshpur area of Kashmore District.

Police shot dead an alleged target killer, identified as Zohaib Rehman, during encounter near Ghazi Kanta in the industrial area of Sohrab Goth. Rehman hailed from South Waziristan Agency of FATA.

Three explosions took place in two different areas of Karachi city. The first two blasts happened within minutes of each other in the Defence area, while the third was in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. The blasts in Defence took place on Khayaban-e-Muslim and Khayaban-e-Rahat. SP, Clifton area, Sarfaraz Nawaz said that a young man who had parked a motorcycle near the site of the blast in Khayaban-e-Muslim was taken into custody.

Unidentified militants blew up a three-foot portion of the railway track in Khudaabad Railways gate near Tando Adam town of Shaheed Benazir Abad District. Police sources said that militants placed explosive materials on the track of Shalimar Express. A three-foot portion of the track was damaged when the miscreants detonated the explosives. However, the train was saved from any loss.

At least three persons, including a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP-Diamer), Muhammad Hilal, and two Army officers, identified as Colonel Ghulam Mustafa and Captain Ashfaq Aziz, were killed as unidentified militants attacked their convoy at Rohni in the Chilas area of Gilgit Baltistan.

A hand-grenade was lobbed into the house of a senator from Khyber Agency of FATA in Hayatabad area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, no explosion was reported in the incident. The Police said unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade at the house of Senator Haji Khan from Khyber Agency soon after Iftar. However, the attackers managed to escape.

There was no casualty in an explosion took place near a sweet shop in Darra Pezu bazaar of Lakki Marwat town (Lakki Marwat District).

The residents of the Lashora village in Bajaur Agency of FATA foiled a bid to blow up an under-construction school. The sources said the militants hurled a hand-grenade into an under-construction government school for boys in the Lashora village at night.

Investigating authorities traced another case of extortion and arrested two persons from the Punjab Housing Society of Lahore (Lahore District), the provincial capital of Punjab, who demanded PKR two million from a doctor in the name of TTP. The arrestees were identified as Munawar and Haider, the residents of Kohat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They demanded money from Dr Shahzad Ahmad, who runs a hospital in Nishtar Colony. The callers introduced them as the 'extortionists' belonging to the TTP (Ehsanullah Ehsan Group) and demanded PKR two million from the doctor on August 1.

The US blacklisted Bahawal Khan, the new leader of Mullah Nazir Group. The State Department announced that it had added Bahawal Khan's name to its list of specially designated global terrorists. Bahawal Khan is reported to be aged 34 and an illiterate former bus driver.

Army troops were deployed at prisons across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Central Jail Peshawar where Dr Shakil Afridi and important Taliban militants are imprisoned. The deployment came in the back of TTP attack on the Dera Ismail Khan jail on July 29. Haripur jail in northern Hazara division is also under threat and the military has taken responsibility to guard it against attacks from militant groups, said senior Government officials. The current arrangement is for a short period of time and the Army's deployment aims at strengthening security measures.

Army troops were deployed at prisons across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Central Jail Peshawar where Dr Shakil Afridi and important Taliban militants are imprisoned. The deployment came in the back of TTP attack on the Dera Ismail Khan jail on July 29. Haripur jail in northern Hazara division is also under threat and the military has taken responsibility to guard it against attacks from militant groups, said senior Government officials. The current arrangement is for a short period of time and the Army's deployment aims at strengthening security measures.

TTP claimed responsibility of killing three security personnel including a 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. 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.

A TTP group claimed of holding Ali Haider Gilani, the abducted son of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani. "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 Afghan Taliban's reclusive leader, Mullah Omar, 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. In a wide-ranging emailed message, he blamed America and the Afghanistan Government for the derailment of talks two months ago.

At least 11 persons were killed and 26 others were injured when a bomb went off outside a packed football ground in the Lyari area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh, in the early morning. Prominent Lyari resident and MPA Sania Naz claimed that blast occurred when footballers and the crowd were leaving ground after the Ramazan Football Tournament came to an end. The apparent target of the blast was Provincial Minister for Kutchi Abadis and Spatial Development Javed Nagori. He was also the chief guest at tournament and was reportedly injured in the blast.

A woman and two children were killed and 21 others sustained injuries when explosives planted in a shopping centre exploded in Mastung town (Mastung District) of Balochistan.

A Balochi language singer was gunned down in Turbat area of Kech District. According to Police, unidentified assailants entered the house of Kachkul Bhar on Panjgur Road area and opened fire. As a result, he was killed on the spot.

A Balochi language singer was gunned down in Turbat area of Kech District. According to Police, unidentified assailants entered the house of Kachkul Bhar on Panjgur Road area and opened fire. As a result, he was killed on the spot.

BDS defused two hand grenades found in the Khazana area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. A Noor Colony resident identified as Mehboob found them outside his house and called the BDS.

Three bombs recovered from three different places at Miryan in Bannu District in the morning. Police said that one of the bombs was planted at a school, another at Sardar Yusuf Khan's 'Hujra' (sitting room) and the third one beside a road. Bomb disposal squad has defused all three bombs safely, Police said.

Camouflaged under different names, a number of banned militant organisations are operating in Karachi with impunity - ravenously pocketing Zakat and other Ramazan-related charities in the country's financial hub. The banned al-Rasheed Trust and Al-Akhtar Trust and the charity wings of even JeM and LeT are openly collecting donations in Karachi.

The KP Police Chief Ihsan Ghani directed senior officials to adopt foolproof security measures to ensure law and order during the last days of Ramazan and pre-empt all terrorist activities. These directives were given to all DIG and DPO throughout the province in a circular issued from the Central Police Office, according to a statement.

The United States said that the core of al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan is on the path to defeat. 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.

Thirty eight persons, including 21 Police officials, were killed and 40 others were injured in a suicide blast at a funeral in the Police Lines of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. The DIG, Operation, Fayyaz Ahmed Sumbal, was among those who lost their lives in the blast. The attack was carried out at the Police headquarters in Quetta. SP Headquarters Mehrullah, DSP in-charge Shamsur Rehman, SP Traffic Mohammad Anwer Khilji, Inspector Shakeel Akbar and five personnel of the ATF were killed while others sustained injuries in the attack.

The SHO of City Police Station, Mohibullah, was shot dead and six others sustained injuries when militants opened indiscriminate fire on a Police van in Killi Almo area of Quetta. SHO Mohibullah, along with four of his children and two other Policemen, had left his residence in a Police van when it came under fire in Killi Almo area.

TTP claimed the responsibility for the killing of SHO Mohibullah and suicide attack on Police Lines. "We killed the station-house officer and then we targeted the funeral to kill the other officers," TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid said. Police said the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber.

Unidentified militants attacked the Levies checkpost in Palai Cherat area of Batkhela tehsil in Malakand District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, no casualty was reported in the attack. The Levies personnel guarding the checkpost returned the fire, forcing the gunmen to escape from the area.

Police arrested three alleged TTP militants attempting to force a citizen to pay them in Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab. The arrested persons, identified as Akram, Munawar and Haider, threatened to kill Dr. Shehzad in the name of the TTP if he didn't pay PKR two million (USD 19,550) per month.

Peshawar Corps Commander Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani announced that SFs, along with the help of tribesmen, had eliminated militants from Bajaur Agency (FATA) and that the region's borders have now been secured.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif discussed the law and order situation in the country with Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan and directed him to present the final draft of a counter-terrorism strategy on August 13.

The US Government ordered the evacuation of non-essential staff from its consulate in Lahore due to the threat of attack, with the State Department also warning US citizens not to travel to Pakistan. "The Department of State ordered this drawdown due to specific threats concerning the U.S. consulate in Lahore," said a travel warning posted on the Department of State's website.

In an acknowledgement of Pakistan's concerns over India's presence in Afghanistan, US Special Representative James Dobbins said Islamabad's fears are "not groundless". 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.

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.

A major terrorism attempt was foiled when a suicide bomber was shot dead at Imambargah (Shia place of worship) in Bara Kahu village, on the outskirt of Islamabad, the Federal capital of Pakistan.

130 people lost their lives during the Holy month of Ramazan in Karachi city because of target killing or abduction. People who lost their lives include 105 'innocent' people, 13 Police personnel, seven workers of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), three workers of Awami National Party (ANP), one worker of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and one of Pakistan Sunni Tehreek.

TTP is ready to hold talks with the Government but on certain conditions, said TTP 'spokesperson' Shahidullah Shahid. 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.

PM Nawaz Sharif reiterated his firm resolves to overcome terrorism through effective measures. The Prime Minister said the Government inherited a number of challenges from the previous regime. However, 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.

10 persons were killed and many others were injured during the Eidul Fitr prayers on Eastern bypass area of Quetta. According to sources, the incident occurred when unidentified men opened fire on former Provincial Minister, Ali Madad Jattak during Eid prayers, which killed eight persons, however Minister remained safe.

Balochistan CM Dr Abdul Malik Baloch vowed that the Government would not bow down to the terrorists and continue fight them until their elimination. The CM said the Government was aware of the threats and was ready to take the terrorists head on.

The Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry took suo motu notice of the violence in Balochistan and summoned the top officials of the province. The chief justice took the notice on a note of the registrar on the recent incidents of terrorism that occurred in Balochistan and caused death of several innocent citizens as well as personnel of law enforcement agencies, said a press release issued by the Supreme Court.

SFs shot dead six militants in the Machh area of Bolan District. These militants were involved in the killing of 14 persons, including three security force personnel, on August 6.

Two suspected militants were killed during a clash between FC personnel and militants in the Ispalangi area of Mastung District. Weapons, detonators and mobile SIMs were recovered from the possession of the deceased militants.

At least one person was killed and three others were injured when a vehicle struck a landmine at Dera Murad Jamali in Nasirabad District. Police said that a family was on its way to Chattar when their vehicle hit a landmine planted on the road.

A tribal leader, Zara Khan, was killed while his two security guards sustained injuries in a roadside bomb blast in the Dera Bugti area of Dera Bugti District.

A school student was among two people killed in the mine blasts in different villages of the Kurram Agency in FATA. The sources said the first incident was reported from Shakh village where a car carrying three people hit an anti-personnel mine planted by unidentified militants. One student was killed while another two persons sustained injuries. The second mine blast occurred in the border village of Pewaar. The victim was identified as 55 year-old shepherd, Asghar Ali. The third terror act was witnessed in the Baghdi village where the victim stepped on a mine planted on the boundary of Dilasa village.

Unidentified militants beheaded a Policeman in the Janglekhel area of Kohat District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and torched his motorcycle. The sources said that the beheaded body of Suleman was found in Janglekhel.

Police shot dead a militant, identified as Muhammad Khan (20), a resident of Bannu, in the Matani area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Muhammad Khan, a resident of Bannu was reportedly coming from Kohat to Peshawar.

Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan 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.

A man was shot dead and about a dozen people, including Zahid Ladla, brother of Baba Ladla, who is a cadre of the PAC, were wounded during a clash between two rival groups of gangsters within the remits of Chakiwara Police Station in the Agra Taj Colony area of Lyari Town in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Two unidentified dead bodies, identified as that of Ubaid and Sajjad, packed in gunny bags were recovered from Pehlwan Goth area of Gulistan-e-Jauhar in the Gulshan Town. According to details the two men were abducted on August 11, 2013.

A person, identified as Amjad (23), was found dead within the limits of Kharadar Police Station near Abal Chowk in Lyari Town. Amjad went missing since August 10, 2013. Police suspects Lyari gangsters involvement in the killing.                                                                          

Another unidentified dead body bearing torture marks was found in the Kharadar area of Lyari Town.

A dead body was recovered from the Naval Colony in the Baldia Town.

A dead body of a woman was found in the Baghdadi area of Lyari Town.

An unidentified dead body was recovered from Gulshan-e-Zia area of Orangi Town.

Karachi Police arrested an Indian suspect, identified as Shah Alam, from Baghdadi area of Lyari Town and recovered Indian passport and Pakistan National Identity Card from his possession.

The Ramazan performance report presented to Sindh IGP Shahid Nadeem Baloch stated that the Sindh Police neutralized as many as 88 gangs of criminals in Sindh during the month of Ramazan. 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.

SFs killed at least four unidentified militants and arrested 10 others during an operation in the Pir Ghaib area of Bolan District in Balochistan. The FC recovered arms, including, 22 kilograms of explosives, two Kalashnikovs, four magazines and a remote control during the operation. 

Senior Police Official Bashir Ahmed Brohi said that “at least two people were killed and a pedestrian was wounded when a bomb planted on a bicycle exploded on a roadside in Quetta.                                       

Levies Force claimed to have recovered a dead body, identified as that of one Muhammad Dawood, from Shahrag tehsil of Harnai District.

Unidentified armed militants hurled a hand grenade at the residence of one Anayatullah Khilji on Kansi Road in Quetta. Police said that the house was partially damaged.

FC and Police carried out a joint operation and arrested 33 suspects from the Marri Camp area of Western Bypass in Quetta.

The residence of a journalist, Zafar Wazir, was destroyed when a bomb planted by unidentified militants exploded in the Dabkot area of Wana, headquarters of South Waziristan Agency in FATA.  The official informed unidentified militants had planted a high-intensity bomb outside

The BDS personnel defused a half-kilogram explosive device in the Hayatabad area of Peshawar in KP. SHO Riaz Ali Shah said the homemade bomb was planted in an empty plot along the road near the Hayatabad Police Station. 

A bomb was defused near a Police check post in the limits of the Saro Kalley Police Station in Shabqadar town of Charsadda District.

Security has been put on high alert in the Tank District after TTP threats of targeting the Government properties, including DPO office. Official sources said that the TTP militants had threatened a week ago to rob banks and set abalze the DPO office.

Unidentified militants opened fire at a passenger vehicle in Danyor area of Gilgit District in Gilgit Baltistan. However, all seven passengers onboard escaped unhurt.

The Punjab Chapter of TTP warned the PML-N Government of dire consequences if it carries on with its plan of executing some convicts on death row. In a pamphlet distributed in Southern Punjab and South and North Waziristan Agencies of FATA, the TTP said that the Government will be considered at war with them if it goes on to execute their ‘colleagues’ currently serving jail terms and are on death row.

The Election Commission of Pakistan declared 1,657 polling stations “highly sensitive” for August 22 by-elections, and granted presiding officers powers of magistrate of first class to hold summary trial of the offenders on the polling day. According to the polling scheme, polling would be held at 7,622 stations for 16 National Assembly and 26 Provincial Assembly seats and some 1,657 polling stations have been declared “highly sensitive”.

At least two people belonging to the Ismaili community were killed and 42 others were injured when unidentified militants hurled two hand grenade attacks on in different localities of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. The first attack took place at Agha Khan Jama’at Khana located within the remits of Azizabad Police Station in the Karimabad area of Gulberg Town.

In the second attack, two people were injured when militants hurled a hand grenade at Ismaili Jama’at Khana in Metroville area of SITE Town. Karachi City Police Chief Ghulam Qadir Thebo said that the TTP and LeJ nexus was suspected to be responsible for the attacks, because similar threats had been issued by them last year.

A Lyari gangster, identified as Muneer, was killed within the remits of Pak Colony Police Station near Mohammadi Mosque situated in Jahanabad area of SITE Town.

A Lyari gangster affiliated Arshad Pappu group, identified as Mir Mohammad Baloch (25), was shot dead within the jurisdiction of Shah Lateef Town Police Station in Saleh Mohammad Goth area of Bin Qasim Town.

At least 12 hand-grenade explosions took place in different Districts across the province, including Hyderabad, Larkana, Dadu and Mehrabpur city of Naushahro Firoze Districts of Sindh.

SFs claimed to have killed six militants in Dhadar area of Bolan District during an operation. An official of the FC, on condition of anonymity said that SFs have launched an operation against the militants and there was heavy exchange of fire between the militants and forces for more than an hour. He said six militants were killed and two FC personnel also suffered wounds during the operation.

Several explosions occurred in Khuzdar, Turbat, Kharan Districts and other towns of the province on the eve of Independence Day celebration.

A criminal, identified as Akhar Nawaz, who had escaped from Dera Ismail Khan Central Prison during jail break by the TTP on July 29, 2013, was re-arrested in Bhakkar District of Punjab. A senior Police official in DI Khan said that Nawaz, who was sentenced for murders, attempted murders, thefts, robberies and other crimes, had escaped from the jail during the attack. 

SFs assisted by Police arrested seven suspects during a search operation in Zafar Abad Colony, Gali Bagh Wali, Dinpur and Dera Bypass Road in Dera Ismail Khan District of KP on a tip-off about the presence of prisoners who had escaped during the jail break attack and recovered 0.7million Afghani along with six AK-47s, 21 pistols, 10 double barrel guns and a sniper rifle from their possession. 

Islamabad’s new counter-terrorism policy, titled National Counter Terrorism and Extremism Policy 2013, seeks to dismantle all terrorist outfits and their networks through wide-ranging reforms in the education system, police, judiciary and foreign policy. According to the draft available the five-layered counter-terror policy seeks to dismantle, contain, prevent, educate and re-integrate.

The Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan 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”. 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 later this month.

During a meeting in Lahore to review the law and order situation of Punjab, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif that a special force would be constituted to protect foreigners. Given the recent rise in terrorism, he ordered the recruitment of 4,000 constables in the Police force.

Despite threats by the Punjab Chapter of TTP, the Government has decided to carry out the execution of the three LeJ prisoners and the death penalty for the first batch of terrorists belonging to the outfit will be implemented next week in the Sukkur Central Prison. The three LeJ terrorists are Attaullah, to be executed on August 20, Mohammad Azam on August 21 and Jalal on August 22.

The PTI submitted a resolution against drone attacks in the Punjab Assembly secretariat. The resolution, submitted by MPA Mian Aslam Iqbal stressed that drone attacks – which have increased in recent years – were an attack on Pakistan’s sovereignty and led to a number of civilian casualties. The resolution moreover said that the Federal Government should convey to the US that such attacks on Pakistani soil were unacceptable.

The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon while speaking at the inauguration of International Centre for Peace and Stability at the National University of Science and Technology categorically stated that drones should be used only for collection of information in accordance with the international laws. The UN Secretary General said every effort should be made to avoid civilian casualties in the use of armed drones.

A cadre each of the BNM and BSO-A were killed in an encounter with SFs at a checkpost in the Turbat District of Balochistan. According to an FC official, the militants attacked a checkpost of FC near Turbat by rockets. After the attack FC personnel raided a house in the Absar area of the District, but armed militants present in the house opened fire on them. The personnel returned fire and killed two of them.  However, the FC’s claim was rejected by BNF Information Secretary Abdul Manan Baloch who claimed that the slain activists were innocent civilians.

While addressing a meeting in Lahore District of Punjab, the LeT founder and JuD ‘chief’ Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, who is wanted in India for the November 26, 2008, Mumbai terror attacks, 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.  "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.

A DSP, Qasim Ghauri, and an ASI of Police, Aslam, were killed while the SHO Haider Zaidi and two other constables were injured during a six-hour-long operation to arrest a gang of extortionists in the Gulshan Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. The operation was carried out against gangster Zamin Shah Chandio. In retaliation the Police killed Zamin Chandio, along with his three accomplices Ilahi Bux Chachar, Ardillo and Sunbul Ahmed.

 According to Police details, Chandio had refused to pay bribe to the Gulistan-e-Jauhar Police Station and allegedly assaulted its Police Constable, Waseem.  DIG Tahir Naveed, who was supervising the entire operation, criticised the Policemen occupying lower ranks in the Department. “Some black sheep of the Police Department were involved in giving permission to some criminals to run their illegal activities in the area,” he pointed out, adding that these Policemen had allowed gambling dens, land grabbing and extortions to take place under their patronage. “These same elements were involved in the Police encounter.”

However, the leader of Jeay Sindh Tehreek, an offshoot of JSQM, Habib Jatoi admitted that the deceased were their party activists and the Police shot them dead in a fake encounter.

An activist of PPP, identified as Rasheed Muneer, was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants near Al-Falah Chowk in the SITE Town.                                                                               

A man, identified as Shujaat Ahmed, was shot dead in the Abdullahabad area of Surjani Town.

The body of a man, identified as Irfan Aslam, was found from Agra Taj Colony in the Lyari Town.  

The bullet riddled dead body of a PAC cadre, identified as Kamran Baloch, was found from Al-Falah Road in the SITE Town.

ATC declared nine accused, including PAC leader Uzair Baloch, Baba Ladla and Habib Jan Baloch as absconders, and reissued non-bailable arrest warrants for the accused in the March 16, 2013, murder case of Lyari gangster Arshad Pappu.

Levies Forces found a dead body, identified as that of one Ahmed Din, from Surab area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan.

SFs found an unidentified dead body from the Uthal area of Lasbela District.

Dead body of a boy (8), identified as Muhammad Umer, was found from Hub area in Lasbela District.

Law Enforcement personnel detained 28 Afghan nationals under the Foreign Act during checking at Mian Ghundi checkpost area of the provincial capital Quetta. Later, the arrested Afghan nationals were handed over to the Police for further interrogation.

Holding Islamabad in terror for six hours an armed man, identified as Muhammad Sikandar, along with his wife and two children, opened fire in the high-security Red Zone of Islamabad, demanding the imposition of Sharia’h in Pakistan. He was later shot and wounded by Police during a standoff in the capital city. The SFs arrested him on the directives of Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar.

The ATC sent five suspects arrested in connection with the August 9, 2013, suicide attack on Bara Kahu mosque in Islamabad on a three-day physical remand on Police request.

Rejecting Rawalpindi Police’s investigation report about the recovery of a missing person, the two-member bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Ijaz Ahmad Chaudhry directed the city’s SP-Investigation to interrogate accused officials of Intelligence Agencies in the matter related to the forced disappearance of Zaheer Muzaffar, who has been missing from Rawalpindi since February 2011.

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 CCPO. “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.

Unidentified militants attacked Rawalpindi-bound passenger train, Jaffar Express, with rockets in the Dozan area near Mach in Bolan District of Balochistan, killing at least two persons and injuring 32 others.

SFs killed at least eight armed militants during a search operation in mountains of Mach and Kolpur areas.

At least two people, identified as Jaffer (30) and Shamshad (40), were killed and six others were injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire near Punjabi Club in the Kharadar area of Saddar Town in the Karachi District.                                                                                                                

The Karachi Police shot dead a TTP militant, identified as Sher Khan, during an encounter in the Manghopir area of Gadap Town. Police also claimed to have recovered explosives and firearms from his possession.

A female staff, identified as Raheela Zohair, and a security guard, Mir Ali, were injured when four unidentified militants on motorcycles opened fire at the Express Media office located at Korangi Road in Karachi District.

Five persons were injured in a firing incident at Machchar Colony of Docks area in the Kiamari Town.

One person sustained injuries in a firing incident in the Agra Taj Colony of Lyari Town.                

Another person was injured in a firing incident in the Malir Town.

Unidentified militants ambushed the vehicle of PPP MPA Sania Naz Baloch near Dubai Chowk in the Lyari Town. However, Sania escaped unhurt.

ANP leader Najma Haneef Jadoon was shot dead by unidentified militants inside her house at Phase I in the Hayatabad area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP.  Soon after the incident, police launched a search operation in the area and arrested some suspects.

The Multan CIA Police arrested a gang of abductors accused of abducting people by offering them drugged food. Police said the gang had abducted 20 people over the last few months. Initial investigations revealed that the gang had been active in two Districts and the leader of the gang had been identified as Muhammad Asif.

Benazir International Airport in Islamabad has been sealed and security has been tightened after receiving reports of terror threat. Security has been beefed up at the airport and commandos have been deployed to avert any untoward situation.

Islamabad Police registered a case against Sikandar at Kohsar Police Station under Section 6 of the ATA. His wife, Kanwal, was also named in the FIR.

The FC IG Major General Ghayur Mehmood Khan termed Mohmand Agency the most peaceful region of the FATA. “Mohmand Agency is cleared of militants and the nation cannot forget their sacrifices,” he said.

Unidentified armed riders killed a former unit in charge of MQM, identified as Sadiq Rafiq, in Ali market area of Lyari Town in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. Police suspects that Lyari gangster group was involved in the incident.

Armed riders killed a man, identified as Mohammad Israr, within the jurisdiction of SITE-B Police Station.

A suspected extortionist was killed in a firing by traders in Paper Market on Tayebjee Road in Saddar Town. Police stated that two extortionists had come to collect extortion money from a trader of plastic items, when another trader intercepted them and opened fire.

A bullet ridden body of an unidentified young man was found near Banaras flyover in SITE Town. Police said that the victim was first abducted and later killed.

FC personnel killed two suspected militants, during a search operation, in Dozan area of Bolan District in Balochistan.

Former Senator belonging to JUI, Ismail Buledi, escaped an assassination attempt in Turbat District. While he escaped unhurt in the incident, his nephew who was accompanying him was injured in the attack.

Balochistan FC officials recovered five grenades, a pistol and 26 bullets from two unidentified persons in Mastung District.

An activist of MQM, identified as Mohammed Amjad (32), was shot dead near Haroon Shopping Centre in Bufferzone area of North Nazimabad Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A rickshaw driver, identified as Imran (25), was shot dead near the Nishan-e-Haider Chowk at Rizvia Society in Liaquatabad Town.

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead one Deen Muhammad (35), near Nullah Stop in Machhar Colony of Kiamari Town.

An unidentified boy, appearing to be 18 or 19 years old, was shot dead in Sultanabad area of Liaquatabad Town.

A bullet-riddled dead body of a man, stuffed in a gunny bag, was found in Chakiwara area of Lyari Town. Chakiwara SHO Naseerudin Shah said that the victim looked like a member of the Kutchhi community.

Armed assailants shot dead an alleged criminal, Jameel Baloch (25), belonging to Arshad Pappu Lyari gang near Manzil Petrol Pump in Shafi Mohammed Baloch Goth area of Shah Latif Town in Bin Qasim Town.

At least one soldier was killed and two others were injured when two militants opened fire on a checkpoint of the paramilitary FC at Sariab Road in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. FC forces retaliated, killing one of the suspects.

Unidentified assailants killed a tribal elder, identified as Ajab Khan, at Damadola area of Mamond tehsil of Bajaur Agency in FATA.

Pakistan on ordered a temporary stay of executions following objections from the President Asif Ali Zardari and rights groups, days before they were due to resume after a five-year moratorium. The Government announced that executions, which had been scheduled to begin this week, would be stayed temporarily following objections from outgoing President Zardari. The stay would last until Zardari returns from abroad to discuss the matter with Sharif, a statement said.

In a new push to revive peace process in Afghanistan, officials said that on the request of the Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s administration Pakistan may release another batch of Afghan Taliban prisoners. A Government official, on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the release of more Taliban prisoners would be on the agenda of talks during the upcoming visit of President Karzai and the members of the Afghan High Peace Council to Pakistan.

Levis Forces arrested two suspects, identified as Bakht Zaman and Haider Zaman, and averted a bid of arms smuggling by recovering 40 mortar shells from a vehicle on Alizai Road in Lower Kurram Agency of FATA. Administration also arrested two persons on the spot.

Two people, identified Naseem Arif Siddiqui (45), and his uncle Pervez Ali (63) were shot dead within the jurisdiction of Taimuria Police Station near Masjid-e-Al Huda in Orangi Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. Arif was a member of Tablighi Jama'at.

A worker of the MQM, identified as Rizwan (32), was shot dead, while two others, Nawab and Saqib, wounded within the limits of Garden Police Station in Hassan Lashkari Village of Saddar Town.

A cadre belonging to ST, identified as Mohammad Faisal alias Shani (30), was shot dead within the limits of Eidgah Police Station in Ramswami area of Saddar Town.

A man, identified as Victor Masih (21), was killed within the vicinity of Nippier Police Station on Siddiq Wahab Road in New Karachi Town.

ATC II issued notices to the Judge Advocate General branch of the GHQ of Pakistan Army, for information about two military officials, Colonel Abdul Malik and Major Ashraf, who served in Pakistan Rangers, Sindh and had recovered a Government officer, Jameel Ahmed Baloch, abducted allegedly by MQM-H in 2001. The court summoned them for September 9, 2013, to record their statements in the kidnapping-for-ransom case against MQM-H chief Afaq Ahmed WHO has been charged with abetting the May 2001 abduction of the complainant, Jameel Ahmed Baloch, the then Sub-Divisional Officer of Karachi Development Authority in Korangi, for ransom.

At least two Policemen, Sabz Ali Khan and Jawad Khan, were killed and another, identified as Saddam Hussain, was injured when unidentified assailants opened fire targeting Police checkpost on Jahangir Road in Swabi District of KP.

Police recovered a dead body, identified as that of Abdul Rehman, from Gulistan Road area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan.

An independent NA member Jamshed Dasti was injured in an armed attack targeting him during his visit to address a rally in Sanawan locality of Muzaffargarh District. Before he could address the rally two unidentified assailants attacked Dasti with sharp objects and rest of their accomplices pelted stone on him. At least six of the attackers were detained by people who had gathered to listen to Dasti, but four of their accomplices managed to escape.

An Additional District and Sessions Judge in Lahore District framed charges against four Black Arrow Printing Press employees, identified as Moeed Ayaz, Asmatullah, Razaullah and Ghulamullah, under the blasphemy laws for allegedly publishing blasphemous literature and summoned witnesses for September 14, 2013. They were arrested on January 7, 2013, as they loaded a small truck with books and CDs.

ATC granted Kanwal, wife of Sikandar who had held Islamabad hostage for hours on August 15, 2013, a seven-day physical remand. Earlier, the duty magistrate had issued a one-day transit remand for Kanwal.

Quetta ATC expressed its displeasure over non-production of (retired) General Pervez Musharraf before the court in August 26, 2006 Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti's murder case and ordered him to be produced before the court in the next hearing scheduled for September 10, 2013. The court once again issued arrest warrants of other accused in Nawab Bugti's murder case, including former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and former Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani and former Dera Bugti DCO Abdul Samad Lashi.

The Sindh Assembly finally passed the Sindh Local Government Bill 2013 with a majority of votes, despite opposition from the MQM. Soon after, Provincial Law Minister Doctor Sikandar Mandhro moved the bill, MQM members stood up and asked the Assembly Speaker, Agha Siraj Durrani, about copies of the bill, which were not provided to a majority of the MPAs. This triggered an altercation among members of both the former coalition partners.

The Bill suggests that Karachi may be given the status of Metropolitan Corporation. It would be divided in five District Municipal Corporations (DMCs) while one District Council would be formed which would comprise of the sub-urban areas of the city. The draft states that DMCs will also be set up in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas and Larkana Districts. Moreover, town and municipal committees are to be formed in rest of the Districts to manage local government affairs.

MQM chief Altaf Hussain while rejecting the Bill during a telephonic speech said that the PPP wanted rural-Urban and Sindh-non-Sindhi division in the province with the approval of the bill, which he said was tantamount to imposing British Raj.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his first televised address to the nation since taking office after winning elections in May 2013, called for dialogue with extremists to end bloodshed. He also warned that his Government would use force to stamp out militancy from the country. "Wisdom demands that we follow a path where we minimise the loss of innocent lives," said Sharif. He campaigned for a historic third term as premier by offering peace talks to TTP and the leaders of outfits that have links with al Qaeda.

"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." But Sharif said dialogue was not the only option. "I want an end to terrorism whether it is through dialogue and reconciliation, or through full use of force," he added.

Describing Kashmir as the "jugular vein" of his country, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said India and Pakistan should join hands to tackle poverty and disease instead of wasting their resources on wars. He said that Kashmir is a "national issue and the jugular vein of Pakistan" and its resolution is as dear to him as other Pakistanis.

A man, identified as Azmat, was killed when armed assailants opened fire on him in the Korangi Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An unidentified man was shot dead in the Gulshan-e-Bahar area of Orangi Town.

Unidentified armed assailants opened fire and shot dead a cadre of the ST, identified as Faisal Qadri, in the Martin Quarters area of Jamshed Town.

Three dead bodies bearing bullet wounds were recovered from Malir Town.

Police recovered two dead bodies of Baloch missing persons from Surjani Town area in the Gadap Town. A hand written slip was also found with the bodies with their names, Ramzan Baloch (45) and Ghafoor Baloch written on it.

SSP Central Amir Farooqi said that unidentified militants opened fire on a vehicle and injured a man who later succumbed to his injuries in the North Nazimabad Town.

Sindh Government ordered to increase security of 29 high profile personalities, including Police Officers and a High Court Judge. According to sources, Justice Maqbool Baqar, who recently survived bomb attack, was on the top of terrorists' hit list.

Sindh Government imposed a ban on carrying weapons and cancelled all the permits in this regard as part of security arrangements for the by-polls scheduled in the province on August 22, 2013. The ban has been imposed for three days and would be applicable from August 21 to 23, 2013.

Security Agencies raided an alleged technical hub of al Qaeda in Lahore District and arrested 13 suspected terrorists, including seven women. The alleged tech hub was being used to trace phone numbers of influential and affluent people across the country in order to make phone calls for extortion and kidnapping-for-ransom, an unnamed official said.

According to a survey carried out by the Provincial Government, as many as 267 terrorists are imprisoned in the Punjab out of which 17 are locked up at Bahawalpur Central Jail. It says that Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi District, Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore District, Multan Central Jail in Multan District and Dera Ghazi Khan Jail in DG Khan District have been declared 'sensitive' and Rangers personnel have been deployed there.

The FC arrested 10 suspects and seized a huge quantity of explosives, including remote control bombs and other material used in making explosives from go-down in Satellite Town area of Quetta in Balochistan. Colonel Maqbool of the Commandant Ghaza band Scout, a wing of the FC, said they recovered over 100,000 kilograms of explosive material that included 2,800 kilograms of sulphur; 15,000 kilograms aluminum powder and 80 drums of acid.

Intelligence Agency uncovered a plot to abduct Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif from his residence in the Jati Umra town of Raiwind in Lahore District. The conspiracy was unearthed after a militant of the TTP Punjab Chapter, identified as Muhammad Usman, arrested on suspicion, revealed they had completed their reconnaissance and had chalked out a plan to abduct the Chief Minister. During the course of investigation Usman revealed that Ubaid alias Qari Muhammad Imran Group and Aslam Yasin alias Osama Group, 'commanders' of Punjabi Taliban, had planned to abduct Shahbaz Sharif to release their accomplices detained in high-profile cases of terrorism in different jails of the country, particularly in Punjab. 'Commander' Ubaid and Aslam Yasin were based at Miranshah in the North Waziristan Agency of FATA, and had also links with the al Qaeda; sources quoted Usman as telling investigators.

Rawalpindi Special ATC Judge Chaudhry Habibur Rahman while hearing the December 2007 murder case of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto indicted the former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf. "He was charged with murder, criminal conspiracy for murder and facilitation for murder," public prosecutor Chaudhry Azhar said at the ATC in Rawalpindi hearing the case. However, Pervez Musharraf denied the charges and the case has been adjourned until August 27, 2013.

The US Treasury set economic sanctions on a madrassa in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP, for acting as training and recruiting base for al Qaeda, Taliban and the LeT. The Treasury said that the Taleem-ul Quran Ganj Madrassa in Peshawar was being used as training and recruiting base by these militant groups. The head of the madrassa, Fazeel-a-Tul Shaykh Abu Mohammed Ameen Al-Peshawari, known as Shaykh Aminullah, has been a US and United Nations-designated terrorist since 2009, for his support for al Qaeda and the Taliban.

Reacting to the ban imposed by the US, the administration of the madrassa said they feel the sanctions are "unjustified and uncalled for". An administrative council member of the madrassa, who wished not to be named, said that Aminullah was just a teacher at the madrassa and had left it almost eight months ago. There was no information about him after he was put on the wanted list in November 2012, he added.

An officer in ANF, identified as Zahoor Ahmed Kiyani (46), belonging to the Ahmadiyya community, along with his neighbour, Noorul Wahid, were shot dead in Mujahid Colony within the jurisdiction of Orangi Town Police Station in Liaquatabad Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh, Ahmadiyya community spokesperson Saleemuddin said that Kiyani was killed on sectarian basis.

A man, identified as Yousuf (40), and a teenager, Ata-ur-Rehman, were killed, while a child, identified as Sajid (9), was wounded near Malik Agha Hotel at Super Highway within the limits of Sohrab Goth Police Station in Gadap Town. Initial investigation suggests that the militants belonging to the Wali-ur-Rehman group of the TTP opened indiscriminate firing to create panic and fear in the area.

PTI activist, Muzaffar Bangash (21), was killed in the Pehlwan Goth area of Gulshan Town. PTI workers claimed that Bangash was part of the party and that he had been registered as the party's polling agent for NA-254.

A poultry shop owner, identified as Rana Arshad (40), was shot dead in the Korangi Industrial Area of Korangi Town.

A man was shot dead within the limits of Saeedabad Police Station in the Baldia Town.

Another man, identified as Omer Ali (21), was shot dead near Ghausia Masjid in the Bilal Colony within the limits of Korangi Industrial Area in Korangi Town.

An unidentified man was shot dead in Furniture Market within the limits of Pirabad Police Station in Orangi Town.

Two dead bodies, identified as that of Haji Abdul Razzak (50) and Pathan Khan (35), were found from Band Murad Goth within the limits of Surjani Town Police Station in Gadap Town.

An unidentified dead body of a man was found from Ganna Market near Super Highway within the limits of Sohrab Goth Police Station in Gadap Town.

Another unidentified dead body of a man was found near Super Highway within the limits of Sohrab Goth Police Station in Gadap Town.

Over 30 female vaccinators who were to inoculate children with booster drops against polio were targeted in an armed attack by six assailants in the Gulshan-e-Maymar area of Gadap Town. The vaccinators took shelter in a nearby school as Policemen guarding them returned fire and managed to arrest one of the attackers. The arrestee was identified as TTP militant, Ameer Wais (20).

At least two people were killed and 10 others were injured when a remote-controlled explosive device planted on a motorcycle parked near the ticket booth of the Railway Station exploded in the Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District of Balochistan.

At least two people were killed and 10 others were injured when a remote-controlled explosive device planted on a motorcycle parked near the ticket booth of the Railway Station exploded in the Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District of Balochistan.

Former nazim of Jehangira Town in Swabi District and a leader of the PTI from Nowshera District, Mumlikat Khan, was shot dead by unidentified militants in Nowshera District of KP.

The TTP warned women of Hangu District in KP not to take part in by-election otherwise they will be abducted and killed. The polling will be held for one seat of KP Assembly, PF-42 Hangu-1. The threat by the TTP was conveyed through leaflets found by people in Hangu bazaar.

DIG of Police, Kohat region, Ishtiaq Marwat, said that army has been deployed in the area because a militant attack cannot be ruled out during polling in Hangu.

Police officers of the four provinces and Gilgit Baltistan told the Senate Standing Committee on Interior that the crime was becoming organised as various criminal groups had associated themselves with terrorist organisations like the TTP and 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 ANP alleged said that terrorist organisations like the TTP and BLA operated with the help of local criminals in Lyari and other parts of Karachi.

The Pakistani Intelligence Agency, ISI, had informed the Federal Ministry of Interior about al Qaeda's plan to kill former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto seven days before the attack. A copy of the letter has been procured. The Interior Ministry forwarded the letter to Police and concerned security departments. Despite the forewarning, Bhutto was assassinated on December 27, 2007 after a rally in Rawalpindi District of Punjab.

A pro-al Qaeda 'commander' of TTP, identified as Ghulam Jan, his uncle, Juma Khan, and three of his close aides Mir Gul, Asmatullah and Kharote were killed in roadside bomb explosion targeting his vehicle in Birmal tehsil in South Waziristan Agency of FATA. Jan was believed to be harbouring foreign Uzebk, Tajik and Central Asian militants and was earlier in 2007 ousted from the area by the pro-government Mullah Nazir group.

Two people, including an army trooper, were killed, while at least 15 others, including 10 soldiers, were injured in a bomb attack targeting an army truck near Rangers Headquarters in the Korangi area of Korangi Town in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. TTP spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan reportedly claimed responsibility for the blast.

A Shia doctor, identified as Doctor Ghazanfar Ali Zaidi (58), was killed in a sectarian attack near Dak-khana in Shahrah-i-Altaf Brelvi area of Liaquatabad Town. "Dr Zaidi's murder was a clear case of sectarianism," said SSP Central Amir Farooqui.

A dead body of a missing journalist, identified as that of Haji Abdul Razzaq Baloch, was found dumped on the outskirts of Karachi. Razzaq, an ethnic Baloch, was a sub editor at the daily Tawar (Voice), a Balochi-language daily, who went missing in March 2013 from Lyari Town.

A dead body of a missing journalist, identified as that of Haji Abdul Razzaq Baloch, was found dumped on the outskirts of Karachi. Razzaq, an ethnic Baloch, was a sub editor at the daily Tawar (Voice), a Balochi-language daily, who went missing in March 2013 from Lyari Town.

A dead body of a missing journalist, identified as that of Haji Abdul Razzaq Baloch, was found dumped on the outskirts of Karachi. Razzaq, an ethnic Baloch, was a sub editor at the daily Tawar (Voice), a Balochi-language daily, who went missing in March 2013 from Lyari Town.

A leader of PPP Quetta and former Quetta nazim Mir Maqbool Lehri was detained in explosives recovery case in Quetta.

At least 12 militants were arrested and heavy ammunitions, including seven hand grenades, a landmine and six Kalashnikovs, were seized in an operation carried out by SFs in Kandu Kalay area of Hangu District of KP.

KP Police arrested 275 suspects during search operations across the Province and recovered heavy ammunition, explosives and drugs. A Police spokesman said that Police teams seized 26 AK-47 rifles, 13 Kalashnikov rifles, 61 other rifles, 444 pistols, 4,872 bullets, 200 grams of explosive material, 23 kilogramme of hashish and 40 bottles of liquor.

Punjab Chapter of TTP welcomed a call for dialogue by PM Nawaz Sharif with extremists. 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 FATA.

A clash between ASWJ and members of Shias community killed at 11 people in Kotla Jam area of Bhakkar District in Punjab. As per Police official Abdullah Khan, people were killed on both sides. The conflict started when one of the ASWJ cadres was shot dead by unidentified assailants while he was closing his shop during a rally in the area.

A fugitive militant with PKR 500,000 as bounty on his head, identified as Atique, was killed in an exchange of fire with the Police in Sabzazar Colony of Lahore District.

Reports on absence of women from by-polls were received from Mianwali and Mandi Bahauddin Districts.

After receiving the inquiry report from a Chakwal Sessions Judge, a three-member bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, directed the ISI through the Defence Ministry to produce two missing brothers, Umer Hayat and Umer Bakht, on September 28, 2013. A Chakwal District and Sessions Judge told the Supreme Court that the two brothers were picked up by the ISI on April 5, 2010, from Chakwal District of Punjab.

Two PPP activists, identified as Muhammad Naseem (48), Farman Aftab (28), were shot dead while they were having tea at Essa Hotel in Orangi Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Three dead bodies identified as that of Abdul Razzak (28), Mohammad Aslam (25), and Irfan Ali, (28), were found stuffed in gunny bags from Hub River Road within the limits of Mochko Police Station in Baldia Town.

Another dead body stuffed in gunny bag was found near Kashti Chowk in Baghdadi within the limits of Napier Police Station in Lyari Town.

SITE Police also found an unidentified dead body of a youth near the Dalda Morr in Sher Shah Village Kiamari Town. Police said the victim was tortured before being shot dead.

The HRCP raised concern on continued dumping of mutilated dead bodies of missing Baloch men in Karachi and demanded that the killers should be brought to justice. In a statement the Commission noted "with great dismay and strongly condemned the fact that there had been no let up in the discovery of dead bodies of missing persons." It added, "While the discovery of mutilated dead bodies is unfortunately hardly unusual in Karachi, it is a matter of grave concern that in recent months bodies of men who had gone missing in Balochistan have increasingly been found dumped in Karachi with chits bearing their names left in their pockets for identification.

An unidentified bullet-riddled dead body was recovered from Killi Chashma area of Kalat District of Balochistan.

The volunteers of peace committees in the suburban areas of Peshawar tightened security in their respective localities after receiving threatening telephone calls from militants. Adezai Qaumi Lashkar chief Fazal Malik, when contacted, said that peace volunteers were already active but now militants were threatening them to attack the village. "I have personally received several calls from Bilal, a militant, who belongs to Adezai village and has recently shifted to Afghanistan.

As many as 60 ex-militants on August 23 completed a three-month professional training course in different trades at the Mashal institute in Swat District. The graduates of the programme took an oath on the occasion to live peacefully after they had returned to their homes. The total number of ex-militants who have been rehabilitated at the Mashal institute reached 1,189.

Women voters were absent from the polling stations in some parts of the KP because they were barred from polling either as a result of a ban imposed or an understanding between the contesting candidates that women voters should not be allowed to come out for voting on the pretext of social or cultural norms. The reports of women being barred from the polling process were received from various polling stations in Nowshera and Lakki Marwat Districts of the Province.

PM Nawaz Sharif while talking to The Telegraph stressed the need for having cordial relations with India, as well as holding peace talks with the TTP. PM Nawaz said that he has made it clear that he sees his election victory as a mandate for peace with India. He said, "There will be progress and there has to be progress... If we have to prosper, there has to be progress on this," adding, "We didn't have any India-bashing slogans in the elections. We don't believe in such slogans. There have been such slogans in the past - 10 years ago, 20 years ago, 30 years ago - but not now. In fact, I very clearly spoke about good relations with India even before the elections were happening."

He also said that his Government would produce a new national security strategy in the next few weeks, and that the emphasis will shift away from force and towards negotiation with the TTP. "Of course we're fighting each other," he said. "I believe that there may be no harm in exploring the other option of having dialogue with them if they're at all serious, and if we find them serious enough - and if we think that talks can yield positive results."

A person, identified as Kamran (25), was killed while four others were injured during armed clashes between two rival groups in Lyari Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A former member of JeI, identified as Zafar Iqbal (55), was killed by unidentified assailants in Liaquatabad Town.

A person, identified as Rizwan Memon, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at Mosamiyat Chowrangi in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of Gulshan Town.

A man identified as Rana (30), was shot dead in Yousuf Goth of Baldia Town.

A man identified as Rana (30), was shot dead in Yousuf Goth of Baldia Town.

A man identified as Rana (30), was shot dead in Yousuf Goth of Baldia Town.

An unidentified dead body was found near Kati Pahari within the remits of Pirabad Police Station in Orangi Town

An unidentified dead body was found near Kati Pahari within the remits of Pirabad Police Station in Orangi Town

Body of a person identified as Shahrukh Soomro was found near Lee Market of Lyari Town.

Another dead body was recovered from Saddam Chowk in Baldia Town.

Pak Colony Police recovered dead body of another abducted man, identified as Muhammad Naeem from Lyari riverbed in Lyari Town.

BNF gave a call for shutter down and wheel-jam strike across the province against recovery of decomposed body of journalist Abdul Razzaq Baloch and other missing persons from Karachi (Sindh).

Two TTP militants of Orakzai Agency Chapter, identified as Bilal alias Umaray and Habib Gul, were killed and 14 others were arrested during a clash with the Police and SFs at Al-Sher Mohalla in Hangu District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Maulana Akbar Saeed Farooqi, spokesperson for ASWJ, succumbed to his injuries after getting injured in an armed attack near Safari Park in Gulshan Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A rickshaw driver, identified as Nadir Hussain (33), was shot dead in the Korangi area within the remits of Awami Colony Police Station in Korangi Town.

An unidentified person was shot dead near Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of Chowrangi within the Sacchal Police Station in Gulshan Town.

MQM worker, identified as Muhammad Asif, was shot dead near Shahi Darbar Hall in Baldia Town.

Two MQM workers, identified as Raheel Jabbar (26) and Tahir Munna, were found dead from Ibrahim Hyderi area of Korangi Town.

A body was found within the limits of Shahrah-e-Faisal Police Station.

Police found a body from Baldia Town.

Two workers of ANP survived a grenade attack in the Shirin Jinnah Colony area of Kiamari Town.

A Head Constable, identified as Khiar Muhammad, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at Char Mori in Sibi District of Balochistan.

An 18 inch diameter gas pipe line was blown up by militants in the Pirkoh gas field area of Dera Bugti District.

Four unidentified militants opened fire at an oil tanker that was going from Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan to Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh and then set it on fire in the Dasht area of Mastung District.

SFs arrested a suspect and seized 12 tonnes of explosives during a raid in the Shakas area of Jamrud tehsil in the Khyber Agency of FATA.

Three soldiers and a civilian were injured when an explosion took place while transporting the explosives.

The ‘spokesman’ for the Hakimullah Mehsud-led TTP, Shahidullah Shahid, claimed that the head of the Punjabi Taliban faction, Asmatullah Muawiya, has been stripped of his leadership for welcoming the Government’s peace talk offer. He said that the Taliban central Shura had taken ‘serious notice’ of Asmatullah Muawiya’s recent statement as he was not authorised to respond to the Government’s offer for talks.

However, Muawiya responded that the TTP Shura did not have the capacity to remove him because the Punjabi Taliban is a separate group. He said his group has its own decision-making body to decide leadership and other matters.

A Police constable, identified as Sher Bahadur, was killed and another, identified as Muhammad Bilal, was injured when unidentified militants ambushed their vehicle in Sakwar area of Gilgit Baltistan. They were on their way to the Police training centre.

A civilian, identified as Sakhi, was shot dead in the same area after half an hour of the killing of the Policemen. “Obviously the attacks on the Policemen and the civilian were sectarian,” said SSP Ali Zia, adding “this violence seems to be part of the recent wave that has gripped the country.”

A man, identified as Qamar Sajjad (55), was shot dead in a sectarian attack on University Road within the remits of Aziz Bhatti Police Station in Gulshan Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An activist of PPP, identified as Alam Khan Sawati (33), was shot dead, and his brother, Bareen Khan, was wounded when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at them near a general store in Bilal Colony of Korangi Town.

A Police constable, Chaudhary Sajjad (35), was shot dead near Qatar Hospital within the jurisdiction of Orangi Town Police Station in Orangi Town. According to Police, Sajjad hailed from Punjab.

Over a dozen people were injured when unidentified armed gangsters fired around 25 rockets and resorted to indiscriminate firing targeting Kuttchi community areas on Suleman Azad Road in Agra Taj Colony of Lyari Town. Police said the violence broke out after two groups clashed with each other over a row involving jurisdiction of their areas. Normality returned to Lyari after law enforcers in the area were given shoot-at-sight orders.

A worker of MQM, identified as Qaiser Mukhtar, was shot dead in Shah Faisal Colony of Shah Faisal Town.

A man, identified as Rameez, was shot dead and two others, Mohsin and Shoaib, were wounded in Dastagir area within the limits of Jauharabad Police Station in Gulberg Town.

An owner of a bus stand, identified as Raja Ameer, was shot dead near Manzil Pump within the limits of Shah Latif Police Station in Bin Qasim Town.

An unidentified dead body of a man was found in Kalakot area of Lyari Town. Police said that the victim was first kidnapped and later his bullet riddled body was dumped.

Another unidentified dead body of a man was found from Mirza Adam Khan Road in Lyari Town. Police said that the victim had been kidnapped before being tortured to death.

Police arrested a suspect who was involved in planting bombs and defused at least three bombs in different parts of Jacobabad city of Jacobabad District. Police said that the accused was arrested from Balochistan province.

Intelligence Agencies warned of possible terror activities in Sukkur District. According to their report, a group of terrorists from FATA have entered Sukkur and have plans to carry out terror acts in the city.

Unidentified armed assailants killed a psychologist, identified as Farhana Mahmood, and his patient, Sardar Ayub, in Agha Khan Health Services Office in Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A two-member special bench of the PHC, comprising of Chief Justice Dost Mohammad Khan and Justice Manzoor ordered re-polling at those polling stations in Nowshera (NA-5) and Lakki Marwat (NA-27 ) constituencies where women were barred from casting their votes during the by-polls held last week.

A strike was announced by the ASWJ Gilgit Baltistan Chapter to protest the killing of the Constable Bahadur in August 25, 2013 sectarian attack in Gilgit.

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead a man, identified as Wali Khan, in Killi Walla area of Zhob District in Balochistan.

Three rockets were fired by unidentified militants on a check post of SFs in Mewand area of Kohlu District. However no casualty was reported.

Unidentified militants blew up two wells of natural gas in Pir Koh area of Dera Bugti District.

Balochistan Government is looking for support and help of the Central Government to bring an end to growing sectarian violence in Quetta. Well informed circles in the NP and PkMAP confirmed that following a strong debate in Islamabad in recent days, the two ruling parties of Balochistan – NP and PkMAP – agreed to launch massive crackdown on LeJ and SSP in Quetta and its adjoining areas but PML-N leaders from Balochistan as well as from centre were reluctant to go against the LeJ.

The Government informed the National Assembly that 339 drone attacks had been recorded in the country since 2004, according to findings of a number of unofficial organisations which followed America’s policy to use drones worldwide. A written answer submitted to the house in response to a question said that 400 civilians had died in the tribal belt as a result of the attacks. There was no mention of the number of terrorists killed.

To a flurry of questions in which members sought a clarification whether the government had any underhand understanding with the US Government to allow the use of drones in the tribal areas, Minister of State Khurram Dastagir Khan categorical answer was ‘no’. He said the Government hadn’t found any written agreement between Pakistan and the US on the use of drones, but it could be safely assumed that the previous two Governments led by the PML-Q and PPP had silently agreed, hence they never forcefully raised the issue.

The IGP revealed that the gunman Sikandar responsible for the August 15, 2013 Islamabad standoff demanding imposition of Sharia’h had links with a banned militant outfit. The IG told a press conference that Sikandar had been operating with militant groups in foreign countries, including Dubai, for the last five years. He said that the gunman had been helping terrorist outfits carry out their activities. He acted as their handler and facilitator, the IG added. According to details given by the IG, Sikandar underwent combat training in 1996 after which he started raising funds for the banned organisation in Dubai. Sikandar received militant training in PoK.

A Bench of the SC, consisting of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Jawad S Khwaja and Justice Azmat Saeed, hearing the cases of missing persons in Quetta Registry, observed that FC and other Security Agencies are not cooperating with the court for the early and safe recovery of missing persons. The court also said it could issue arrest warrants of those involved in forced disappearances, extra-judicial arrest and detention if the authorities concerned did not cooperate in production of missing persons before the SC.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai during his visit to Islamabad urged Pakistan to help arrange peace talks between his Government and the Afghan Taliban. He said Afghanistan expected Pakistan to provide “opportunities or a platform for talks between the Afghan High Peace Council” – Kabul’s official negotiators – and the Taliban. “We hope with this on top of our agenda we can move forward in bringing stability and peace to both countries,” he said.

Three people, identified as Muhammad Abbas, Saleem, and Arsalan were killed in separate incidents in unspecified areas of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.

MQM chief Altaf Hussain said that Karachi should be handed over to the army to contain the ongoing wave of violence in the District. The MQM chief asked military to act “indiscriminately” against all groups involved in terrorist activities. He said the city has become a “safe haven” for terrorists while law and order situation is going from bad to worse with the passage of time.

Soon after Altaf Hussain’s statement, MQM called upon the Government to invoke Article 245 of the Constitution for handling the prevailing law and order situation in the city. “The situation in Karachi is worsening. Criminals are being patronised and the situation has gone beyond control,” claimed Dr Farooq Sattar, MQM’s Parliamentary leader in Lower House of the Parliament. Article 245 of the Constitution says, “The Armed Forces shall, under the directions of the Federal Government, defend Pakistan against external aggression or threat of war, and, subject to law, act in aid of civil power when called upon to do so.”

While addressing press conference, the Pakistan Sikh Council head Sardar Ramesh Singh called on the Government and the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take notice of growing incidents of desecration of their holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, in various parts of Sindh. Singh said that so far five incidents have occurred which forced him to bring it to the Government’s notice.

At least four TTP militants and two soldiers were killed while nine soldiers were injured when the militants attacked on a SFs camp in Sara Rogh area of South Waziristan Agency in FATA. Security personnel engaged in retaliatory firing killing three attackers whereas the fourth militant detonated a suicide vest that he was wearing. TTP spokesperson Shaidullah Shahid claimed responsibility for the attack.

According to Police, unidentified militants opened fire at Kechi Baigh area of Sariab locality in Balochistan’s provincial capital Quetta, killing a man, identified as Saeed Ahmed.

A truck driver of a Punjab bound truck was killed and two other occupants were wounded in Darjan area Bolan District.

SFs arrested two abductors and recovered three kidnapped persons during a search operation in Manzari area of Pishin District.

The SC gave the FC, Police and Intelligence Agencies two weeks to recover the missing persons. The Attorney General said that immediate action will be taken to solve the missing persons’ case. Those FC personnel whose names will be raised in this case will be investigated by the CID.

Pakistan said that Afghan Taliban militants are unwilling to talk to Karzai Government and its peace negotiators at least for now. The statement came after Afghan President Hamid Karzai concluded a two-day visit to Pakistan that was focused on efforts to encourage Taliban to come to the negotiating table. Pakistan's Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said the Taliban are not willing to talk to Afghan Government or Afghan High Peace Council.

The formal trial of former President General Pervez Musharraf on charges of involvement in the December 27, 2007, murder of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto began today. "The trial began with the Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi recording evidence of a witness," state prosecutor Chaudhry Azhar said. He said four witnesses were summoned but only one turned up to testify.

Four people, including a political activist Farhan Sheikh, who was the target of the attack, were shot dead on Fariya Street in Kharadar area of Saddar Town in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. Kharadar Sub-Divisional Police Officer Iftekhar Ahmed Lodhi said that some unidentified armed assailants fired gunshots, killing Farhan, Arif, Arsalan, and Abbas. Two other people were also injured in the firing. “Apparently, the actual target was Farhan Sheikh, while the other victims just fell victim to random firing,” the Police Officer said. 

Two dead bodies, identified as that of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation employee Pervez Masih and Awais, were found at the Mewa Shah graveyard in SITE Town.  The two men were missing since the night of August 27, 2013. 

Another dead body, identified as that of Mohammad Ramzan Khaskheli, was found along the bank of Lyari River in Pak Colony area of SITE Town.

A trader was shot dead by two unidentified armed assailants near Bismillah Hotel in Pak Colony area of SITE Town.

In a sectarian attack, the owner of United Book Shop, identified as Akhtar Hussain (40), was killed at Urdu Bazaar in Nazimabad area of Liaquatabad Town.  Police investigators believe that as the victim was a member of the Shia community, the murder could be sectarian in nature.                                               

A rickshaw driver, identified as Mohammad Sadiq (35), was shot dead in Sector 19-D, Baldia Town. Sadiq had arrived in the city from Mansehra Division in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Two unidentified armed assailant shot dead a man, identified as Abdul Kalaam, on Jamia Millia Road in Al-Falah area of Shah Faisal Town while he was returning home in Orangi Town after playing a hockey match in the area.

A garment factory employee, identified as Kashi (35), was shot dead in Allahwala Town area of Korangi Town. Korangi Industrial Area Police said that Kashif was a supporter of a political party and that this could be the reason behind his killing.

A Police constable, identified as Pervez Akhtar (45), was shot dead at near a filling station in Metroville area of SITE Town. Following the incident, SITE-A SHO Muhammad Tufail and the head clerk of the Police Station were suspended, as the DIG found the Police Station’s staff to be negligent in maintaining law and order in the locality. 

Regardless of various notices being taken by the Supreme Court as well other Government authorities, Lyari is one place where violence does not seem to end.  Apart from routine killings and attacks, residents who left the area in the month of Ramazan to find shelter in safe localities within Sindh, were also welcomed with hostility by rival ethnic groups upon their arrival. Till date, at least 30,000 people have migrated from strife-torn Lyari to coastal areas of Badin and Thatta Districts.

The Doaba Police on a tip-off raided a house in Sarokhel area of Hangu District and arrested three militants, identified as Israfeel, Mujibur Rehman and Siddiqullah, while they were making bombs.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan underlined the need for carrying out a targeted operation in Karachi under the supervision of Sindh Government. Addressing a press conference, he dispelled the impression of army’s “stretched operation” across Karachi, saying that criminals and their hideouts have already been identified and what needed was having a consensus for the operation.

Speaking to members of MQM Rabita Committee in Karachi and showing some reservations on Government proposed ‘apolitical targeted operation’ in Karachi, MQM chief Altaf Hussain said an operation conducted with honesty and aimed at restoring peace will be welcomed by the party.

Mamnoon Hussain, the President-elect of Pakistan, during a gathering at Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Karachi said that most heinous crimes take place in Sindh, particularly in its port city Karachi. Mamnoon Hussain ruled out the progress of country’s economy without fixing the order in Karachi.

The SC was told that militant wings of political parties were active in Karachi. Summoned by the Court, Sindh Rangers DG Rizwan Akhtar blamed the unrest on armed wings of political parties, which he said were on a killing spree. He said it was necessary to eliminate these for peace in the city. Akhtar told the court that the Rangers had limited powers. They could arrest criminals, but not investigate the crimes properly. He added that those arrested were soon bailed out of prison.

Chief Minister Balochistan, Doctor Abdul Malik Baloch during a debate over deteriorating law and order situation during Balochistan Assembly session revealed that worsening law and order situation in different parts of the province has deprived around 70,000 children from education. He said mass migration and worsening law and order situation in sensitive parts of the province deprived children from schooling.

Most of the Baloch dominated areas in Balochistan were “no go” areas, he said. “Right from the Sariab road area of Quetta to Mand in Turbat District, nobody feels safe to go there,” he told the House. “Even Taliban style judgments are being issued in different parts of Balochistan,” he informed the Provincial Assembly members, who were passionately listening to the leader of the house. Doctor Baloch revealed that 78 gangs involved in kidnapping and other subversive activities were operating in Quetta alone.

Security Agencies agreed to hand over to Police, those uniformed officers who have been allegedly involved in abduction of citizens in Balochistan. A three-member SC bench, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, heard the Balochistan law and order situation and missing persons’ cases at the Quetta Registry and issued a written judgment.

AAG Shah Khawar informed the Court that the FC IG had agreed to hand over to the CID those personnel who wereallegedly involved in forced disappearances and were to be interrogated. “An FC official, Abdul Waheed, is required to be investigated in the case of Mehrullah Khilji and Major Saif is required in another case for interrogation by the Police,” the order mentioned.

KP Inspector General Police Prisons, Zakar Hussain Afridi during his visit to DI Khan Central prison said that besides providing basic facilities, modern weapons will also be given to staff in prisons across the province in order to ensure an event like the DI Khan jailbreak does not occur again. He said authorities have started working on installing jammers and hidden cameras in the prison. “Steps are being taken to prevent the use of drugs and mobile phones inside the jail. All internal affairs are being strictly monitored.”

A three-member Turkish Police delegation met with Punjab IGP Khan Baig at the Lahore Police Office train Punjab Policemen in counter-terrorism and security measures. The delegation is part of a programme for mutual cooperation between the Punjab and Turkish Governments. A formal agreement in this regard will be signed in September 2013. The delegation will observe policing patterns across the Punjab and devise a strategy to fight terrorism in the province. They will also help improve the Punjab police’s capacity.

Two activists of MQM, identified as Naushad Kursheed and Arshad Hussain, were shot dead near Chamcha Hotel within the precincts of Orangi Town Police Station in Orangi Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A cleric, identified as Ahmed Nadeem Farooqi, was shot dead inside a mosque on Jamshed Road within the limits of Jamshed Quarter Police Station in Jamshed Town.

A Lyari gangster, identified as Nayab Ahmad, was also shot dead in Malir area of Malir Town.

A man, identified as Muhammad Ali, was shot dead while another, identified as Javaid Ibrahim, was wounded when suspected Lyari gangsters opened fire on them near Manan Palace within the jurisdiction of Kharader Police Station. Police said that Lyari gangsters were behind the killing.

The dead body of a man, identified as Sehbaz Abdul Rehman, a student of Lyari Degree College, was found from Fida Hussain Shaikha Road, Bihar Colony, within the limits of Kalri Police Station in Lyari Town. Police said that the victim was abducted on August 28, 2013, and later his bullet-riddled body was dumped in Bihar Colony.

An unidentified dead body of a man was found near Kashti Chowk in Lyari Town.

Police arrested several suspects, including political party activists, during a crackdown in different areas of Karachi. SSP City Tariq Dharijo said that several suspects were arrested during raids in Kharadar and Meetha dar areas of Saddar Town. He said that drugs and arms were also seized during the raids.

Police said that four suspects were arrested in Usmanabad area of Garden in Saddar Town and weapons were also recovered from them. According to reports, Police also conducted raids in Shah Latif Town and Landhi Town, arresting three political activists.

At least two people were killed and one child was injured when an explosion occurred in Turbat District of Balochistan.

Armed tribal men opened fire on a man, identified as Ghulam Rasool, killing him on the spot in Killi Risaldar area of Quetta.

An unidentified militant was killed and eight others injured in an operation launched by SFs in Sangan area of Sibi District and Macch area of Bolan District. Sources said that SFs took action after the reports of presence of extremists involved in attacks on passenger buses and trains in the area.

Two unidentified militants killed a former ASI, Raza Khan, who was nominated in the May 17, 2011 killing of Chechen nationals, in Kharotabad area of Quetta. A Police Official, Muhammad Aslam, said that Khan was sacked from his job after an investigation conducted by the Police Department.  Chechen nationals were killed on May 17, 2011 for allegedly possessing suicide jackets and other arms and ammunition.

Unidentified militants abducted a religious leader, identified as Syed Ahmad Shah, in Kalat District.

Official sources said that on August 29 alleged abductors released a doctor, identified as Doctor Ahmed, and businessman, Ishaq Mughal, after taking heavy ransom from their families, in Quetta. Ishaq is the owner of Madina Iron Store.

The tribesmen of Orakzai Agency in FATA abducted eight people from Ublan Afghan refugee camp in Kohat District for trespassing on their area. Police said that the kidnapped persons had entered the area of Bezote tribe of Orakzai Agency to collect stones for construction of houses. Four of the kidnapped men were identified as Basharullah, Qismatullah, Sawab Khan and Raeed Khan. The names of remaining four men could not be ascertained.  The Bezote tribe had banned entry of shepherds and labourers for taking soil, stones and wood from their area.

Elders in Sheikhan village in Peshawar received their third letter in less than two months, warning them to either kill a local woman accused of ‘ill character’ or hand her over to LI. The letters were sent to an Afghan prayer leader and directly addressed village elders, blaming the woman for immoral behaviour. Militants have asked villagers to hand over the married woman if they cannot kill her, saying LI will ‘take care of her.’ Reshma said her only crime is answering the door when her husband, who is a government employee, is away at work.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, who headed a five-member SC bench, while hearing the Karachi law and order suo motu implementation case at the SC’s Karachi Registry said that weapons in large quantities were being smuggled in through the Karachi port and supplied throughout the country, including Balochistan. Citing media reports, he said around 19,000 containers carrying weapons for NATO and US forces fighting in neighbouring Afghanistan had gone missing.

The Chief Justice remarked that there was an ongoing turf war between different groups in the city and the Federal Government had not given any input to the Provincial Government during last two years to normalise the situation. The bench directed the attorney general and advocate general of Sindh to seek instructions from federal and provincial governments to ensure protection of citizens’ lives. The bench will take up the case again on August 30, 2013 at the Karachi Registry.

The Attorney-General Munir Malik in a report submitted to the hearing uncovered the existence of yet another shadowy group, ‘Muhajir Republican Army’ that is believed to be sowing trouble and is responsible for the shock-and-awe situation in the city. He laid bare the role of the so-called ‘Muhajir Republican Army’.  The report suggested legal action against the group if and when its members are identified. “All-out efforts are required to identify the members of the Muhajir Republican Army and action taken against them under the law,” it said.

The Interior Ministry wrote in the report that Karachi is confronted with multi-dimensional threats. Besides other forms of organised crime, major threats are terrorism, targeted murders, sectarian and ethnic killings. “Over time, criminal gangs have matured into formidable syndicates which have developed alliances with terrorist cells,” the Ministry claimed, adding, “unfortunately; they have also developed political patronage.”

A consensus was reached on dealing with the security situation in Karachi after the PPP, ANP, JeI, JUF-F MQM supported Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan’s call for a targeted operation in the city.

Pakistan termed the recent visit of Afghan President Hamid Karzai as successful and said that it had assured Kabul of continuing help and assistance for success of the reconciliation and peace process. Foreign Office spokesman Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry, in his weekly press briefing said, “Pakistan has taken a principled stance of fully supporting the Afghan peace and reconciliation process and these sentiments were shared with President Karzai by the Pakistani leadership during his recent visit to Pakistan,” adding, “Pakistan also supported the Doha talks.” He said Pakistan further believes that the Afghans themselves should lead the reconciliation process. 

Pakistan overturned a 33-year jail term handed down to Doctor Shakil Afridi, who helped CIA agents find Osama bin Laden, a decision which may result in a new trial. Senior judicial official Sahibzada Mohammad Anees overturned the ruling on the grounds that another official had exceeded his authority when handing down last year's sentence. "The assistant political agent ... did not have the authority to award 33 years imprisonment to Doctor Shakil Afridi," said a written judgment. "The assistant political agent played the role of a magistrate for which he was not authorised."

Two men, identified as Hasibur Rehman and Mohammed Akhtar, were shot dead near Allah Waris Chowk in Pakistan Bazaar area of Orangi Town in Karachi District, provincial capital of Sindh. 

An activist of MQM, identified as Mazhar alias Bhola (35), was shot dead in Gulshan-e-Bihar area of Orangi Town.

Another MQM activist, identified as Mohammad Ejaz (23), was shot dead near Ghausia Chowk in Mominabad area of Orangi Town. 

A labourer, identified as Naseeb Zada, was killed in Qasba Colony in Peerabad area of SITE Town. Peerabad SHO Abdul Moeed said, “Policemen patrolling the area in a van saw the incident and chased the fleeing attackers.” “After a shootout, the Police arrested one of them, identified as Wali Jaan, while the other escaped.” 

For the third day in a row, the BDS defused a bomb in Sohrab Goth area of Gadap Town. The first bomb one was found from ‘Budh Bazaar’ on main Rashid Minhas Road in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Gulshan Town on August 28, 2013. Two others were found on Super Highway near Ganna Market within the limits of Sohrab Goth Police Station in Gadap Town on August 29, 2013.

In a fresh crackdown against criminals, Karachi Police arrested 135 suspects, including 42 alleged illegal immigrants, during 106 raids conducted in different parts of the city. Seven illegal immigrants from Afghanistan were arrested during a Police raid in Civil Lines in Saddar Town.       

Two alleged criminals were arrested during a police encounter near Guru Mandir within Jamshed Quarters Police limits in Jamshed Town.

A child was killed and many others sustained injuries in a bomb blast near the Western Bypass in Balochistan’s provincial capital Quetta. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

IG Punjab Police Khan Baig said that the TTP and other militant outfits operating in FATA and Waziristan Agency had their offshoots and members in Punjab province. The IG said that presence of al Qaeda in Punjab was low as compare to the TTP.

“Unofficial talks between the Government side and TTP are in progress,” Information Minister Pervez Rashid said. He said the Government was exploring all options to restore lasting peace in the country and was in contact with Taliban at different levels. “I cannot say with which group of Taliban we are holding talks because today we are talking with two groups and if another group wants to join we will welcome it too,” he said.

A senior Taliban leader confirmed that initial contacts between the militants and the Government had been made. He told the BBC Urdu Service that the talks encompassing a wide range of issues including prevention of sectarian violence and snapping of ties with al Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi LeJ had been held.

Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah ordered the LEA to concentrate their efforts on putting terrorists, target killers, extortionists, and other criminals behind bars without taking their political affiliations, if any, into account. “A criminal should always be treated like a criminal and brought to justice without any discrimination,” he said. However, following the MQM and the ANP’s outrage over the arrest of their activists and supporters in “large number”, the provincial chief executive has directed the IGP to immediately set free those detained people who are not wanted in a criminal case and are not involved in any illegal activity.

The SC while taking notice of smuggling of arms, ammunition and other contraband items in the country through sea ports, directed the Chief Collector of Customs, DG Coast Guards, and DG Maritime Security Agency to hold a joint meeting and submit their report in this regard. The five member bench, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, expressed dissatisfaction over the report submitted by the Chief Collector, Customs highlighting the difficulties being faced by his Department in preventing the smuggling of arms, ammunition and other contraband items in the country.

The MQM chief Altaf Hussain called the idea of a ‘Muhajir Republican Army’ another malicious gaffe after the so-called ‘Jinnahpur’ conspiracy. Attorney-General Munir A Malik on August 29, 2013 used the term ‘Muhajir Republican Army’ for a shadowy group he believed to be involved in spreading violence in Karachi, in a report submitted for the Karachi law and order case. The MQM chief called upon the Chief Justice to launch an impartial investigation regarding the mischief-makers behind this ‘army’.

A fleet of satellites aimed dozens of receivers watched over Pakistan to collect "critical" information that prepared the ground for the May 1-2, 2011 US Navy SEALs raid that killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Top-secret documents provided to The Washington Post by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden, make brief references to the bin Laden operation. The disclosures about the hunt for the founder of al Qaeda are contained in classified documents that detail the fiscal 2013 "black budget" for US Intelligence Agencies, including the NSA and the CIA.

Also playing a role in the search for bin Laden was an arm of the NSA known as the Tailored Access Operations (TAO) group. TAO "implants" enabled the NSA to collect intelligence from mobile phones that were used by al Qaeda operatives and other "persons of interest" in the hunt for bin Laden.

At least 10 militants, including two ‘commanders’ were killed in Dokob area of Mand in Kech District of Balochistan. The incident happened when a FC convoy on routine patrolling was ambushed by unidentified militants in the area. Soon after the incident, FC launched search operation and recovered a large quantity of weapons and explosive.

A homeopathic doctor, identified as Dr Syed Tahir Hussain, was shot dead in Khurramabad area of Landhi Town in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. Police said that Tahir belonged to Ahmadi community.

A trustee of Salman-e-Farsi Imambargah, identified as Bostaan Ali, was shot dead at Turi Bangash Colony in Orangi Town.

Armed assailants took a young man to Mewa Shah Graveyard in SITE Town and shot him dead.

Two men were shot dead, while another wounded at Bismillah Market within Korangi Industrial Area of Korangi Town. The victims were identified as Shahnawaz, Khan Mohammad and Mohammad Yousuf.

One Muhammad Jafar, a mechanic shop owner succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. Police said Jafar was wounded in Soldier Bazaar area of Jamshed Town on August 25, 2013.

A man, identified as Shahid (25), was shot dead on Rashid Minhas Road in Gulshan Town.

A US drone killed at least four militants in a missile strike targeting a compound in Heso Khel village of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

Unidentified militants killed Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) leader Razaullah and injured his driver, Momin, in Lakki Marwat District of Khyber Pakhtunhwa.

Acting on Intelligence reports, Police on seized an explosive-laden vehicle in Barakahu area of Islamabad. The sources said that 130 kilogram of explosives was fitted in the cylinder and widows of the vehicle. The sources said that owner of the house was also taken into custody during the raid. According to Security Agencies, the vehicle was to be used in a suicide attack possibly on one of military installations in the country.

Police arrested two TTP militants, Hammad Adil and Muhammad Tanveer, allegedly involved in the March 2, 2011 killing of former Minister for Minorities' affairs Shahbaz Bhatti, from their hideout in Phulgran area of Islamabad. They were arrested with the help from Intelligence Agencies and a car laden with explosives was also seized from their possession, claimed media reports.  These two were suspected of planning the attack on Bhatti with the help of another accomplice Omer Abdullah.

During the interrogation, Adil told the Police that he planned to murder Bhatti as he had spoken about amending the blasphemy laws and supported 'blasphemers'. He also revealed told the Police that he was preparing for another terror attack on a major installation.  A suicide bomber was on his way from the tribal areas to Islamabad to drive and hit the explosives-laden vehicle (found during the raid) into a key target in the capital city, the report said.

At least nine soldiers were killed and as many injured in a bomb attack on a military convoy in the Boya area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. Ansarul Mujahideen claimed responsibility for the attack.

TTP militants raided the house of sacked TTP Punjab chapter ‘chief’ Asmatullah Muawiya in the suburbs of Miranshah.

Suspected militants fired a rocket at Gosh check post on Miranshah-Mir Ali Road. The rocket damaged the check post but did not cause any casualties, a security official said.

At least three persons were killed and several others sustained injuries when unidentified assailants fired on a musical event in Adam Khel area of Lakki Marwat District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a member of the local peace committee, Akbar Ali Khan, in Daroshkhel area of Matta tehsil in Swat District.

A senior employee of the KESC, identified as Muhammad Riazuddin (40), was shot dead near Disco Morr in Orangi Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A man, identified as Samiullah (40) was shot dead and his nephew, Abdul Saboor, was injured in Jahanabad area of Pak Colony in SITE Town. Samiullah was a member of the Magsi clan.

An unidentified suspected cadre of an unspecified outfit was shot dead near Shaheen School in Sultanabad locality of Manghopir area in Gadap Town.

An unidentified dead body of a man was recovered from a gunny bag near Askari Park in the Old Sabzi Mandi locality of Jamshed Town. Police said that unidentified militants had kidnapped the man, tortured him and then shot him dead before dumping his body.

A Police spy, identified as Rehan, was injured in a firing incident near Banaras Chowk in Orangi Town.

Karachi Police arrested several foreigners in a raid conducted in Afghan Basti area of Sohrab Goth in Gadap Town. Karachi The raid enraged the residents of the area who protested the act by coming onto the Super Highway and blocking the road by burning tyres.

An official of the Airport Security Force, identified as Bashir Bhatti, was shot dead in Dalbandin area of Chaghai District in Balochistan.

Unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade at the Quetta residence of BNP chief Akhtar Mengal. There were no reports of the damage caused by the grenade explosion. However, Mengal said that the attack had failed in its purpose of frightening him.

The BDS defused an 18-kilogramme bomb that was planted in a Tirah Mel residential area in of Mastung District.

Three suspects were arrested and illegal weapons were recovered during a search operation by the Frontier Corps near Jangal Pir Alizai area in Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District. A huge quantity of arms and explosives was recovered from their possession.

The abducted official of the Afghan Consulate in Quetta, Muhammad Hashim Ibrat, reached his home. Armed militants abducted the diplomat on July 28, 2013 from Satellite Town area of Quetta when he was on his way to office from home. However, an official of the Consulate, who requested anonymity, said that some important Taliban leaders were set free as result of Ibrat's release. “Taliban leaders were set free from Kandahar,” he claimed.

Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch warned that he would not allow security check posts to be used for collecting extortion money in the province. Speaking at a meeting in Gwadar District where he was informed about difficulties faced by Police in training on modern lines, he said there were reports that check posts set up by Police and other Security Forces in Makran and other areas of the province had been forcing people travelling by bus or private vehicles on national highways and other roads to pay money.

While addressing a press conference Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that Pakistan is not holding talks with TTP at the moment. He said the decision to talk with the TTP would be taken during the APC after taking political parties into confidence. He said it would be pre-mature to say that talks have gone underway between the Government and Taliban.

An activist of MQM, identified as Imran, was shot dead in Orangi Town.

A man, identified as Javed Hussain Baloch, was shot dead on Baldia No-4 Road in the Lasi Para area of Madina Colony in New Karachi Town.

A Sub-Inspector, identified as Piyaru Khan (45), was shot dead near Banaras Chowk in the Peerabad area of SITE Town. SHO Abdul Moeed said that Khan was posted at the Peerabad Police Station for the past 15 years. Police said Khan had participated in the operation in Karachi in the late 90s and was posted in District Central at that time.          

A supporter of ASWJ, identified as Arman (35), was shot dead near Khaleel Market at Islam Chowk in Orangi Town. ASWJ spokesperson Umer Muawiya said Arman was a supporter of his party.

A man, identified as Ghulam Din (40), was shot dead near Garam Chashma in the Manghopir area of Gadap Town. SHO Aslam Joya said Ghulam Din was a supporter of a religious party.

A dead body of a man was found under the ICI Bridge in Keamari Town. Station House Officer Madad Ali Zardari said, “Doctors have told us that the victim’s neck was broken and he was tortured to death”. “There was nothing found on the body that can help us identify him,” he added.

The office of the BBC in Karachi was closed down after it received threats from an ethnic political party in the city. Since the last eight to nine days the staff members of the BBC instead of working in the office have confined themselves to their houses and are working from there, sources further said.

ATC again issued non-bailable arrest warrants against PAC leader Uzair Baloch, Baba Ladla and Taj Muhammad alias Taju in triple-murder case, including that of Lyari gangster Arshad Pappu. During proceedings, the investigating officer sought time for arresting the accused and giving an advertisement in newspapers.  The ATC adjourned the hearing till September 12, 2013.

Militants abducted two boys from Suleiman Khel village, on the suburbs of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in the night. Around a dozen militants entered Suleiman Khel, barged into a guesthouse and whisked away four boys. Two of them were later released while the other two, identified as Sohail and Sadaqat, remain in captivity.

Police registered murder charges against former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf in connection with the death of a radical cleric, Abdul Rashid Ghazi, during the siege of Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) in July 2007. Radical cleric Abdul Rashid Ghazi was one of more than 100 people killed after troops stormed the Red Mosque in Islamabad on July 10, 2007.

The BNP-M President Sardar Akhtar Mengal claimed that operations have been intensified in Balochistan to suppress the voice of Baloch people clamoring for their rights. Addressing a news conference at Quetta (provincial capital of Balochistan), Mengal said, “Operations have been intensified to stop Baloch people from seeking their legitimate national rights.” He described the action as ‘genocide’ of the Baloch people.

The former Balochistan chief minister reiterated his earlier stance that he wanted to take Balochistan out of death and destruction, and seek an end to enforced disappearances and dumping of mutilated bodies at public places. “We decided to participate in the democratic process and field our candidates in a difficult situation,” Mengal said, but expressed reservations over the election results, stating that election results had been tampered with and changed, converting victory of the party into defeat.

The PTI led Government in KP province is set to “restore violent jihadist content in school textbooks”. KP Information Minister Shah Farman told a news conference on August 21 that the Government will "rectify" what it calls "holes and mistakes" in textbooks published by the previous Government led by the ANP. 

According to sources, after ANP came to power in the province in 2008, education officials removed Quranic verses preaching jihad or holy war and illustrations depicting weapons or violence. Chapters covering Islamist figures and ideology were replaced with lessons on local poets, philosophers or the region's Pashtun identity. These drastic changes were introduced by the ANP in textbooks used from the first to 12th grade in public schools.

Police claimed to have killed two terrorists in an encounter in the Peerabad area of SITE Town in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to Superintendent of Police (SP), Orangi Town, Chaudhry Asad, weapons and hand grenade were also recovered from their possession. He said that the terrorists were affiliated with a banned organization.

An ASI, identified as Malik Shamshad (38), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Orangi Town of Karachi District. He was serving as the Intelligence Officer at Pakistan Bazaar Police Station.

A prayer leader of Mehtab Masjid, identified as Qari Siraj (35), was shot dead in Soldier Bazaar area of Jamshed Town.

A supporter of the PPP, identified as Naeem, was shot dead in Orangi Town.   

Unidentified assailants shot dead one Abdul Hameed in the Boat Basin area near Minister Quarters in Clifton area of Saddar Town.

Unidentified militants shot dead a man, identified as Zahid Brohi (25), in Jehanabad area of Pak Colony in SITE Town.  

A Shia driver at National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), identified as Zaheer Hussain (45), was shot dead near Jauhar Complex on University Road in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town of Gulshan Town.

In Lyari Town, the dead body a man belonging to Kutchhi community, identified as Usman Hassan, was found within the limits of Docks Police Station.

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead a man, identified as Mohammed Rehan (40), in Jamshed Quarters area of Jamshed Town.

An unidentified man was shot dead near Kashti Masjid in Garden area of Saddar Town.

Police claimed to have arrested a TTP militant, identified as Pir Mehsud, during a raid in Khameso Goth area of Sohrab Goth locality in Gadap Town. SHO Sohrab Goth Naeem Khan said that the accused is a security guard of Ali Machine Tool factory, hailing from Waziristan, and had been living in New Karachi Town for the past six years.

Two people, identified as Sada Bakhsh and Ali Hasan, were injured in a landmine blast in Sohbat Pur area of Jaffarabad District. 

A truck driver was injured when unidentified militants attacked a Karachi-bound NATO container on National Highway near Mastung District.

Nishtar Colony Police of Lahore (Lahore District, the provincial capital of Punjab) arrested a woman allegedly for proclaiming herself ‘prophet’ and booked her under blasphemy charges. Model Town SP (Operations) Tariq Aziz said Salma alias Fatima (40), principal of a private school and wife of Tanveer, a resident of Bahadarabad, started distributing pamphlets in the neighbourhood around 6am allegedly inscribed with blasphemous remarks and proclaiming herself ‘prophet’.

Jail authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan said that extraordinary security measures have been put in place to avoid any untoward incident as eight prisoners were shifted from Gilgit prison to Ghizer jail. Inspector General (Prisons) Wasil Khan said that law-enforcement agencies deployed around the jail and Policemen have also been placed at the disposal of jail authorities to ensure that the inmates live in a peaceful atmosphere.

Pakistan said it was committed to the objectives of disarmament and non-proliferation. Commenting on a story published in The Washington Post, Foreign Office spokesman Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry said as a nuclear weapons state, Pakistan's policy was characterized by restraint and responsibility.

A CPLC official said that the CPLC received 1,024 extortion complaints from traders in the first eight months of 2013 in comparison with 590 last year – almost double in number. He said, “There was a 100 percent increase in extortion complaints this year,” adding, “These figures are alarming considering that many traders and other citizens don’t lodge their complaints.”

The AIGP Ghulam Qadir Thebo during a meeting of senior Police Officers to review the law and order situation of Karachi held at Central Police Office was briefed by officials about the eight month Police performance report in detail. The report said total 25,500 accused have been arrested since January 2013 in 15,748 raids conducted in different areas of the city. In 915 Police encounters three bandits, four terrorists, 22 kidnapers, one extortionist were among 98 accused killed, while 530 criminals were arrested red-handed. The report said 608 gangs were also busted by Police in the eight month. 

The AIG Ghulam Qadir further said that at least 119 Police Officers and personnel have become victims of targeted attacks in Karachi this year alone. He stated that a number of people in Karachi were using weapons for illegal activities, adding that the Police was continually carrying out raids across the District without any regard for political affiliations of suspected individuals.

Former Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik while addressing the media in Karachi said, “I invented the term ‘targeted’ operation,” said Malik, adding that an “operation needs to be carried out in south Punjab and Quetta.”

He said that militant groups like LeJ needed to be targeted at their “roots” and if the Federal Government wants to make any efforts towards curbing terrorism, they should consider its basic parameters.

A Federal Cabinet Member said that the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has “decided in principle” to launch a targeted operation against criminals, target killers and extortionists in Karachi this month. It is a Hobson’s choice, which is a ‘choice’ with only one option, he said.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will take all political parties into confidence by the end of this week, he said. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, after meeting the heads of all civilian Intelligence Agencies, also requested the Prime Minister to give his final nod to Law-Enforcement Agencies for launching an operation in Karachi, a senior official of the Interior Ministry said.                                                                                        

“The premier will announce the proposed plan for the targeted operation in Karachi today (Wednesday)”, he said. According to the proposed plan prepared by Sindh Home Department, the operation will most probably be launched in Lyari Town and Sohrab Goth area of Gadap Town– the most sensitive areas declared by the Agencies, said the official. Then it will be expanded to Manghopir area of Gadap Town, Orangi Town, Korangi Town, Landhi Town, Ranchore Lines in Saddar Town and Ittehad Town in Baldia Town.

The NCMC, a subsidiary department of the Interior Ministry, in its report recommended both the Federal as well as the Provincial Government to cleanse the city. The report further revealed that several TTP factions and al Qaeda elements have moved to Karachi. Such factions are penetrating deeper into the city every passing day, it claims.

Al Qaeda’s leaders have set up cells of engineers to try to shoot down, disable or hijack US drones. The al Qaeda leadership is “hoping to exploit the technological vulnerabilities of a weapons system that has inflicted huge losses against the terrorist network,” The Washington Post said online.

As many as 14 people, including a naval officer and one Rangers personnel, were killed in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. 

Navy officer, Captain Muhammad Nadeem (45), was shot dead and his wife wounded near National Stadium within the jurisdiction of Shahrah-e-Faisal Police Station in Saddar Town.

Four persons, including one Rangers personnel, were killed in firing at Shah Baig Lane in the remit of Baghdadi Police Station in Lyari Town. The official was identified as Sohil (23).

A 22-years-old Ayaz, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at Chanesar Goth in the Mehmoodabad area of Jamsheed Town. He was associated with a religious party.

A 26-years-old man, Imran, was shot dead in firing by unidentified armed assailants in the Shah Faisal Colony No 3 within the precincts of Shah Faisal Colony Police Station.

A 45-years-old man, Ejaz, was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Frontier Colony Mor (roundabout) within the remit of Mominabad Police Station in Orangi Town. A Police Constable deputed at the Governor’s House was also gunned down in the same locality late night. 

A political activist was shot dead in Orangi Town, within the jurisdiction of Iqbal Market Police Station. The victim was identified as Sheikh Babar alias Shakil Mota (40). 

Four other people lost their lives in different parts of Karachi.

Police recovered body of man, identified as Muhammad Ramzan, from Baghbana area of Khuzdar District in the night. According to Police, unidentified assailants had abducted Ramzan from Anjeera area of Khuzdar a month ago.

Three persons, including two children, were injured in a grenade attack at Bilal Madrassah located at Mir Gahi Khan Chowk in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

CIA neutralised a group of extortionists, which identified itself as Baloch Killer Group, from the Killi Mubarak area of Quetta, said DIG (Investigation) Syed Mubin. Mubin said the Baloch Killer Group was collecting extortion by threatening people on the phone.

Citizens opened fire on six terrorists and killed one of them while they caught another and handed him over to Police in the Haji Anwar Khel area of Bannu Town (Bannu District) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to Police, the watchful residents of Haji Anwar Khel area signalled six suspected men to stop.

The Federal Cabinet gave approval for an operation by Rangers against criminal elements in Karachi (provincial capital of Sindh). The operation will be led by the Rangers, while Police will assist the paramilitary force. This was decided at a special meeting of the Federal Cabinet at the Governor’s House under the chairmanship of PM Nawaz Sharif.

During the briefing to PM on prevailing law and order situation in Karachi, Director General of Sindh Rangers, Major General Rizwan Akhtar came hard on Police saying the law enforcement force cannot be trusted with intelligence sharing. The DG Rangers also apprised the PM about ‘indirect political pressures’ on the paramilitary force preventing it from realising their responsibilities fully. He also indicated presence of criminal elements among the political parties’ ranks in the port city.

PM Nawaz Sharif pointed out that some 450 accused who were involved in heinous crimes, were moving freely and action would be taken against them. He said that a team was working as to what amendments in laws could be introduced for the provision of speedy justice, and for this, the input of the judiciary would also be sought.

Army cleared Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency of FATA of the TTP militants and restored the Government’s writ after a successful operation that killed 104 militants and injured 64 others. At least eight soldiers, including an officer, were lost during the operation. Operational Commander Major General Humayun Aziz said the militants have fled to Afghanistan to avoid arrest or being killed by the forces. Foreign militants of Uzbek origin have also been killed in the operation that continued for 22 days, starting on May 28 and culminating on June 20, he added. The operation was conducted in 99 villages of Maidan and Bagh. The militants have burnt 90 percent of houses in both the areas, he said, adding that initially Army had reports of the presence of 1,000 to 1,500 militants in these areas but during the course of fighting they were found to be no more than 500.

Major General Humayun Aziz further said that TTP militants associated with different outfits from Swat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Bajaur, Mohmand and Orakzai agencies of FATA had taken shelter in these areas. The militants had occupied hilltops in the area and continued to fire at the forces from their positions which have now been captured. General Aziz said that 40,000 persons were dislocated due to operation in Tirah valley.

All public and private schools at Miranshah in North Waziristan Agency of FATA have reopened after successful negotiations between the TTP and local administration. As per media reports, students have started going to school again after a gap of four months and 20 days. Local TTP had imposed the ban on children going to school after a blast occurred on a checkpost in Miranshah on May 12, 2013.

Overland oil shipments to NATO troops in Afghanistan resumed through Pakistan under tighter security after a five-month suspension due to attacks. Pakistani contractors had stopped driving oil supplies from the port of Karachi (Sindh) on the Arabian Sea to the Torkham crossing on the Afghan border due to frequent attacks on their vehicles.

Four oil tankers crossed the border into Afghanistan, a senior Pakistani official said. He said it was the first delivery since March. Paramilitary Frontier Corps troops also escorted the tankers to the border, Afridi said.

The Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz assured the international community that Pakistan was committed to working with Afghanistan and regional and international partners to promote the common goals of peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.

Army’s counter-militancy operations in restive tribal areas would remain unaffected by the talk of Government’s impending dialogue with the TTP and its affiliated militant groups. The Army top brass met at the General Headquarters and discussed, among other issues, the Government’s planned dialogue with militants, upcoming crackdown on criminal elements in Karachi (provincial capital of Sindh), situation on the Line of Control and recent media disclosure that the US had intensified spying on the country’s nuclear programme.

The Supreme Court dismissed an appeal against the drone attacks in the tribal areas saying that judicial involvement in the matters relating to the drone hits might contravene the Constitution. A two-member bench of the apex court comprising Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jilani and Justice Amir Hani Muslim dismissed the appeal and ruled that the issues, raised in the petition filed by Wukala Mahaz Barai Tahafuz Dastoor, were neither justiciable nor they fell within the judicial domain for interference under Article 199 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. 

In its Intra Court Appeal against the decision of the Lahore High Court, the Wukala Mahaz had prayed that the respondent Federation be directed to command the Armed Forces of Pakistan to defend Pakistan against the external aggression currently carried out by the American forces, which are in occupation of Afghanistan, under the NATO cover.

The TTP again denied initiating any kind of talks with the Government. The TTP ‘spokesman’, Shahidullah Shahid, told a private news channel from an undisclosed location that the TTP also supported reconciliation and some Ulema had also contacted the TTP for peace talks.

The Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that extortionists should be dealt with an iron hand and an effective strategy should also be evolved for elimination of street crimes. He said that modern technology should be benefitted for curbing crimes and the process of computerising all police stations should be completed at the earliest.

The US State Department said that Pakistan has a professional and dedicated Security Force that fully understands the importance of nuclear security. In a statement issued, the Department’s spokesperson Jen Psaki also welcomed Pakistan’s reiteration of its commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation. “We welcome Pakistan’s statement yesterday that it is fully committed to the objectives of disarmament and non-proliferation,” Ms Psaki said.

Three TTP militants were killed during an exchange of fire with personnel from the CID in the Mauripur area of Kiamari Town in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh

An activist of MQM, Unit 169, identified as Sohail Arshad, was shot dead on Nishtar Road in Jamshed Town. He was abducted from the Gujjar Nullah locality of Liaquatabad Town on September 4.

A cadre of a criminal gang, identified as Hafeezullah Muhammad, who was out on bail, was killed outside his house in the Shah Faisal Colony of Shah Faisal Town. 

An explosion occurred near a religious building in the Rizvia area of North Nazimabad Town.

Police conducted at least 94 raids in various localities of Karachi and arrested about 130 suspects during 24 hours. The officials also claimed to have recovered huge caches of weapons, ammunition, drugs, and six tennis ball bombs from the possession of suspects.

According to Levies sources, an unidentified man was killed in a landmine blast in Jaffarabad District. Levies sources said that unidentified militants had planted a landmine that exploded when a passer-by stepped on it.

Eleven persons, including seven primary schoolgirls, were injured in bomb blast outside a girls' school in the Bannu town of Bannu District in KP. The bomb went off when the children walked into a street lined with fabric shops after the closure of the school.

Two persons sustained injuries when unidentified assailants on a motorbike fired at a NATO supply truck near Karkhano market in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. 

Two successive hand grenade attacks on Police were reported in the Kutchery area of Dera Ismail Khan. The first grenade was lobbed near the residence of SSP Investigations, while the second grenade was hurled at his office. No casualty was reported in the first attack, while the second grenade failed to explode. 

The BDS also defused a 12-kilogram explosive device, connected to a cell phone, at Kutchery Chowk, which is at a short distance from the DPO’s office.

At least seven alleged terrorists were arrested during a raid by Intelligence Agencies at residential apartments in the Liaquatabad area of Lahore District. They also seized huge cache of explosives and four suicide jackets from their possession.

Police arrested alleged ‘mastermind’ of the June 23, 2013, Nanga Parbat massacre, identified as Qaribullah alias Hassan, and his accomplice, identified as Mohammad Nabi alias Qari Hasnain, from a house in Thak valley of Chilas town in Diamer District.  Chilas SP Jahangir Khan led a team that arrested both the accused. “It was a sudden raid and hence, there was no resistance, no exchange of fire as the men were unarmed,” he said. “Qaribullah is a member of the TTP,” confirmed Mohammad Naveed, a Senior Police Official in Diamer.

Unidentified militants shot dead seven people and injured two others in the Jasoki area of Gujrat District. 

BDS defused five anti-tank landmines which were recovered by Police during a special search operation in Bajwat villages of Sialkot District. According to Police officials, the anti-tank landmines were Indian made and they reached here with recent floodwater from India.

At least six suspected militants were killed in a US drone attack in the Ghulam Khan tehsil of North Waziristan Agency in FATA in the wee hours. According to sources, the US drone targeting a house located in the area fired two missiles.

At least six people were killed and one more was injured after unidentified militants opened fire on a car near Gulzar Chowk in Matani area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP.

Five persons, including three Policemen and two civilians, were injured in a blast targeting Hashtnagri Police Station in Peshawar. According to SP Ismail Karak, the explosive device was planted on a motorcycle parked right next to the Police Station building.

City Police thwarted an attempt of terrorism by arresting a suspect and seizing explosive devices and arms from a flying coach within the limit of Badabar Police Station in Peshawar. According to details, on a tip off about smuggling of explosive devices from tribal areas to Peshawar for subversive activities, the Badabar Police Station made blockade at Sefan security check post and spotted a suspected flying coach.

A leader of the ANP Syed Lal Dervesh (40) was shot dead by extortionists belonging to TTP in Sector 4-E of Orangi Town in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. “Lal Dervesh was the owner of a car showroom, Al-Dervesh Motors, located near Banaras Chowk,” Peerabad SHO Abdul Moeed said.

An ANP official said that TTP militants who were operating in the area were trying to extort money from Lal Dervesh, who was the former President of the ANP Frontier Colony Ward. Another ANP official claimed that the TTP were demanding PKR 15 million from Lal Dervesh and he was negotiating with them.

A Police constable, identified as Rehan Azeem (30), was shot dead outside the Madadgar-15 Hyderi office, near Hyderi Market in North Nazimabad Town.

An unidentified dead body of a man was found near Machar Colony railway crossing in Keamari Town.

BDS experts detonated a hand grenade found in the Kharadar area of Saddar Town. It was a misfired Russian-made hand grenade and could have exploded any moment.”

Journalist Ali K. Chishti, a correspondent of Friday Times accused Police of picking him up and thrashing him on August 30, 2013 in the PECHS area of Jamshed Town. He said he was intercepted by some half a dozen Policemen minutes after he had left his office with driver. He said he ‘suspected some people’ of being behind the incident. However, he did not mention any name.

Chishti said the people in civvies threatened him and asked him to leave the city within 24 hours and refrain from reporting the matter to anyone. They also abused Friday Times editor Najam Sethi, he added.

The Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan had a follow-up discussion with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the fluid security situation in Karachi where the paramilitary Rangers is poised to launch a surgical operation against extortionists, target-killers and other criminals.

The second-in-command of the Haqqani Network, Mullah Sangeen Zadran (45), was among those killed in the September 6, 2013 US drone attack in North Waziristan Agency of FATA.  While talking to the media, a local security official confirmed Zadran was killed in the drone strike along with five other suspected militants. Seven others, he added, were injured in the attack.

Zadran, hailed from the Zadran tribe in Paktika province of Afghanistan. He was a popular leader among militants and played an influential role in bringing different banned outfits, including the TTP, al Qaeda and the Afghan Taliban, together. In August 2011, the US State Department added Zadran to its list of designated global terrorists.

Unidentified militants fired more than two-dozen rockets on a Pakistan Army cantonment in Sui and nearby check posts in Dera Bugti District when the Army Chief Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch visited the area. According to local sources, several blasts took place inside the cantonment during the attack.

FCB defused a 5 kilogram of explosive material found in a suspicious bag placed alongside the road on the spot of Tili, which 10-kilometer away from Dera Bugti District. While taking immediate action, FC recovered the explosive material and defused it.

FC personnel raided a place in Jungle Piralizai area of Qilla Abdullah District and seized a huge quantity of explosive material and ammunition. The weapons seized included five tones of explosives, two tones of potassium chloride, six bundles of prama-cards, 200 detonators, 10 bundles of wire, 10 kilogram of prepared explosives, anti-personnel mines, one AK-47 rifle and its rounds. The sources said that the weapons had been kept there for carrying out sabotage activities.

FC personnel detained an unspecified number of suspects and seized arms, ammunition and some documents from his possession during a raid against extortionists in Killi Goharabad area of Quetta. The seized items included fake national identity cards, fake passports and some other important documents.

LeT founder and JuD Chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, who has USD 10 million US bounty on his head, appeared openly at a rally in Islamabad on September 6, denouncing India as a ‘terrorist state’ as more than 10,000 of his supporters chanted for “holy war” against India. 

Hamid Gul, a former chief of the ISI told the crowd, “They should know there are a lot of people here who are waiting for the conquest of India. It will be our privilege to take part in this war.”

Anti-Shia and anti-Government rally was held by ASWJ cadres in Lahore District. Thousands of ASWJ cadres joined a procession at the Lower Mall in Lahore District and held a conference on the road after several activists were arrested from Nasser Bagh, the scheduled venue for the conference. The party had scheduled a Difa-e-Sahaba and Difa-e-Pakistan Conference at Nasser Bagh. However, a Police contingent had been deployed outside the venue to stop them from entering.

The Police arrested nearly 200 activists at Istanbul Chowk. Policemen in civilian clothes and uniforms stopped many bearded men and asked them if they were ASWJ members. The ASWJ then took out a procession from Out Fall Road and Ravi Road to the Lower Mall near Government College University.

Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani denied the perception that a military operation is underway in Balochistan. He said that the troops are in barracks and not a single soldier is engaged in army operation in the province.  Kayani said that Pakistan’s defence lies in the strong and prosperous Balochistan.

The Army Chief noted that Balochistan is rich in natural resources and the only need is to utilise these for the people’s welfare. Pakistan Army, he affirmed, is fully committed to extend all possible assistance to the Provincial Government to eradicate poverty and control lawlessness.

Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch said that although Balochistan was passing through a critical juncture, it was the Government’s resolve to steer the province out of the crisis. “I appeal to all warring tribes and disgruntled Baloch who left Dera Bugti to set aside their differences and play their role in the province’s development,” Chief Minister said.

Pakistan assured the IMF to grant Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India and move towards eliminating the negative list on trade with the neighbour as part of its overall trade policy. 

Earlier on August 12, 2013, Finance Minister Dar said in a television talk show on that the MFN status for India was not under consideration. “There is no immediate consideration to grant MFN status to India. There is need to normalise relations on a number of issues,” he said.

Unidentified assailants on motorbikes killed a person identified as Zeeshan, (30), was shot dead near Rabia City, Gulistan-e-Jauhar in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Unidentified armed riders opened fire and killed a vegetable vender Sher Khan (18), in Qasba Colony in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. 

Two alleged Lyari gangsters were killed during an armed clash between rival groups in Lyari in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. The clash between two rival groups resulted in killing of two Lyari gangsters Abdul Sattar alias Pera and Siraj alias Ali alias Jalil Commando.

Police foiled a terror bid in Islamabad by defusing explosives and arresting five accused, including two women, and recovering a huge amount of explosive material from their possession from a house located in Khayaban-e Kashmir-area of Islamabad.

Pakistan freed a group of seven Afghan Taliban militants in an attempt to improve its relations with the South Asian neighbour, but risked angering Afghanistan by not handing them over directly to the Kabul authorities. According to reports both Karzai and the US want Pakistan to hand the insurgents directly to the Afghan authorities, but a group of seven Taliban was simply allowed to walk out of their cells into Pakistan.

“In order to further facilitate the Afghan reconciliation process, Pakistan is releasing seven Taliban detainees,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. A Ministry spokesman separately said all seven, including a senior commander called Mansoor Dadullah, were freed. Asked if they had been handed over to the Afghan authorities or were just released in Pakistan, the spokesman said, “Just released.”

Information and Broadcasting Minister Pervaiz Rashid while talking to media rejected the impression that the army opposes dialogue with the TTP and added all the institutions would be duty bound to implement whatever the policy and decisions were taken by the Government. He said that there was no difference of opinion between the Government and Army as far as dialogue with the TTP was concerned.

The Islamabad Police conducted a raid in the Khayabaan-e-Kashmir area of Islamabad and arrested three nephews of the Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DEM) founder-chairperson Syed Asiya Andrabi for terror links. Andrabi confirmed the raids by the Pakistan Police and told The Hindu that Dr Syed Mujahid Gilani, Syed Irtiyaz-un-Nabi Gilani (sons of her sister Syed Rehana Andrabi and Dr Syed Mushtaq Gilani) and Syed Mohammad Shoaib Andrabi [son of her brother Syed Zial-ul-Haq Andrabi] had been arrested after police raided her sister’s house Islamabad.

An official at the Tarnol Police Station in the Islamabad Capital Territory said that Shoaib was caught with a cache of arms and ammunition but did not confirm the presence of “remote controlled spy planes”.  The youth has been remanded in Police custody till September 11, 2013 (today) when he will be produced in a civil court.

Clashes between the peace committee and militants in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA killed five committee members while militants have abducted several others.

A militant was killed and two security officials injured in a fire fight and bomb blast in Kalingar SFs check post in Miranshah, headquarters of the North Waziristan Agency. More than six militants attacked Kalingar security forces check post. One militant was killed while his accomplices escaped, a security forces official said.

SFs spotted a bomb planted on Miranshah-Ghulam Khan Road and called the BDS to defuse it. During defusing process, the bomb detonated and severely injured two security personnel.

After the explosion, SFs backed by gunship helicopters launched a search operation on the outskirts of Miranshah however, no one was arrested. During their patrol on Datta Khel-Miranshah Road, SFs discovered another IED near Amin check post which was successfully defused.

Five tribesmen were abducted by unidentified militants in Para Chamkani of Kurram Agency. The tribesmen were chopping trees when the incident is said to have taken place. Central Kurram APA Naeem Khan said the five men had gone to the mountainous area to cut wood September 6 evening and were abducted by militants on the way back.

Two people were killed and eight injured in an explosion that took place near a grid station on Sariab Road in Quetta.

Four persons, including two children, were injured in a landmine blast at RD 298 in Pat Feeder area of Dera Murad Jamali in Naseerabad District. Local Levies sources said the injured had been identified as Abid, Amir, Abdul Rahim and Marian.

A man, identified as Abdul Salam (25), was shot dead was sitting outside his house in Jehanabad area of SITE Town in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.

At least 150 suspects were arrested during the ongoing-targeted operation in various parts of Karachi. According to Sindh Police spokesman, around 99 raids were conducted in parts of the city and the Police arrested 143 criminals including 27 absconders, 38 under arms ordinance, 13 under narcotics ordinance and remaining others in various other criminal activities. Moreover, 38 illicit arms and weapons were also recovered from their possession.

The Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that the decision to approve a Rangers-led operation in Karachi has started to bear fruits. Commenting on the situation in Karachi, Nisar said several extortionists and target killers had been arrested during targeted operations in the city.

Police foiled a major terrorism bid at a park adjacent to Lahore Railway Station as it recovered and defused bomb weighing 3 kilogram.

Law Enforcement Agencies arrested four alleged terrorists and recovered explosive material from Model Town and Liaquatabad areas of Lahore District. The alleged terrorists were arrested on information of the earlier arrested seven terrorists.

All major political parties will meet in Islamabad on September 9 to evolve a consensus on how to tackle the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism in the country. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is expected to make a ‘big announcement’ on talks with homegrown Taliban at the APC.

According to him, the Government has decided to model the NACTA after the US Department of Homeland Security – which was created in response to the 9/11 (September 11, 2001) terrorist attacks. “From now on, NACTA’s primary responsibility will be to devise policies to safeguard the country’s territory and respond to militant and terrorist activities [within its borders],” he added.

A US magazine Foreign Policy has termed Karachi “the most dangerous megacity” in the world. In a piece on Karachi’s role in the global trade of methamphetamine — an illegal psychostimulant – Foreign Policy cited a murder rate of 12.3 per 100, 000 residents, “some 25 percent higher than any other major city”. Commenting on the recent pace of change in Karachi, the report stated, “From 2000 to 2010, Karachi’s population grew more than 80 percent.

September 9

Militants beheaded three members of a peace committee and abducted four other members in the Landi Kotal area of Khyber Agency in FATA. “Late at night, many militants stormed the office of a peace committee while its members were asleep. The peace committee members could not even retaliate,” said an official of the political administration. Two of the beheaded bodies were found after the incident in Qamberabad Shalobar. Those who were killed were identified as Zakaria, Najmi, and Shahid.

A leader of the Bara Aman Lashkar was killed from the Jalozai Camp by unidentified militants. The leader, Mirza, was returning to Jalozai internally displaced peoples’ camp from market when unidentified motorcyclists opened fire at him.

SFs killed two would-be suicide bombers as TTP militants attacked the office of DPO, judicial lock ups and lower courts in Kohat town (Kohat District) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A Policeman was also killed while 13 other persons, including three security officials, were injured in the attack inside the military cantonment area.

Two persons were killed and as many injured when unidentified assailants broke into a house and opened fire in the Shabqadar area of Charsadda town (Charsadda District).

Unidentified militants blew up a mobile shop with explosive materials in the Sardheri area of Charsadda. The shop, owned by one Azizur Rehman, was damaged in the explosion.

Due to fear of militants’ attack and lack of security, lawyers of Dr Shakil Afridi submitted an application in the court of the political agent of Khyber Agency requesting him to conduct his trial at the Central Prison Peshawar.

Rangers arrested four Lyari Gang extortionists during operations at Safoora Goth and Lashari Goth in the Malir Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.  The rangers confiscated uniforms of the Police and Rangers, bullet proof vests, explosives and other weapons during the operation. 

Rangers and Police continued targeted operation and arrested 16 suspects during raid in the Ancholi area of Gulberg Town.

Police arrested nine suspects, involved in street crime and extortion, from Shah Latif Town in Bin Qasim Town.

Two accused, involved in the murder of Police personnel, were arrested from Zaman Town area in Korangi Town. 

Ghotki Police has failed to recover two abducted Hindu boys, identified as Nishal and Haresh, who were kidnapped while they were returning from school near Qadirpur area of Ghotki District on September 2, 2013.

During a debate on the law and order situation in Karachi at a Sindh Assembly Session, the lawmakers suggested that more powers should be given to Rangers to curb the deteriorating law and order situation, at the same time, the Police force should not be demoralised as it could work better than the Paramilitary Force if depoliticised.

An APC chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and attended by the Army and intelligence chiefs as well as leaders of all major political parties on how to tackle growing terrorism, agreed on initiating peace talks with “all stakeholders”. The APC concluded after adopting a consensus resolution to overcome the ‘national security crisis’ besetting Pakistan.

TTP spokesman, Shahidullah Shahid, said, “We welcome the unanimous resolution passed by the APC and will be positive in our response. We consider it is a good omen”. “Unanimous stance of all the stakeholders in today’s APC Statement is a positive sign but the Government will have to take more sincere steps,” the TTP ‘Political Commission’ member, Ehsanullah Ehsan said.

The central leadership of the TTP claimed that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has sent a letter to the TTP about a possible peace dialogue and the TTP has replied to it. Whereas the correspondence has been confirmed, the contents of both the letters are yet to be known.

September 10

Two people belonging to Bohra community, identified as Mustansar Al (38) and his son Mustunisa (8), were shot dead in a targeted sectarian attack near Tayyaba Bakery at UP Morr in New Karachi Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Two Police Constables, identified as Mohammad Ali and Arif, were killed when unidentified assailants opened fire on a Police van near Landikotal Chowrangi in North Nazimabad Town.

A Shia scholar, identified as Syed Raza Rizvi (45), was shot dead in a sectarian attack outside his house in Gol Market area of Nazimabad Town. SSP Central Amir Farooqi said that Rizvi was the Chairman of the Noorul Imaan Masjid in Nazimabad.

An ex-unit in-charge of the MQM, identified as Rasheed alias Negro (40), was shot dead at Ali Ahmed Hotel in Orangi Town.

A man, identified as Baksh Ali, succumbed to his injuries caused during a landmine explosion in Sohbatpur District.

A trader, identified as Haji Rah Muhammad Achakzai, was abducted by unidentified militants from National Highway in Killa Saifullah District.

FC personnel detained 11 Afghan nationals in Quetta (Quetta District). During the routine checking in Old Mian Gundi area of the city, 11 Afghans travelling in Dalbandin-bound passenger coach were arrested.

FC started checking a coach that was heading to Pishin District from Hazar Gunji area in Quetta and arrested 14 Afghan national who were trying to illegally enter without possessing any document in Pakistan territory.

An ATC sentenced two people, Azhar Hussain and Shaukat Hussain alias Major, to death on September 10 on charges of assassinating DSP Muhammad Ibrahim in Gilgit on January 4, 2012. The ATC Judge Raja Shahbaz Khan also handed down a 10-year imprisonment sentence to the offenders, residents of Barmas and Khomer respectively.

DSP Ibrahim, a resident of Astore valley, was killed in front of his house in the Nagral area while returning home from office late night. He had been posted in the investigative wing of the Gilgit Baltistan Police and was working on cases involving sectarian killings.

Pakistan decided to release Afghan Taliban’s former ‘second-in-command’ Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar to help kick-start the stalled peace and reconciliation process in neighbouring Afghanistan.  “In principle, we have agreed to release him. The timing is being discussed. It should be very soon …I think within this month,” Sartaj Aziz, the PM’s Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs, told Reuters in an interview.

A senior Pakistani official said that Mullah Baradar’s possible release was the result of months of painstaking discussions among Pakistan, Afghanistan and the US. Although in principle the decision has been taken to free Mullah Baradar, modalities were being worked out.

PPP leader Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah said the Government should hold result-oriented dialogue with the TTP to curb terrorism and restore peace in the country. He said, “There are two types of Taliban: Afghan and Pakistani. It is easy to negotiate with the Afghan Taliban as compared to the Pakistani, because there are around 59 groups operating in the country”.

Shah, the leader of opposition in the National Assembly, said the PPP Government had brought Sufi Muhammad to the negotiating table for 13 times, but all efforts went in vain as many agreements reached in the talks were not even adhered to by the Taliban themselves.

Former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf filed a petition before the ATC in Quetta (Quetta District, Balochistan) seeking exemption from personal appearance in connection with the August 26, 2006, Akbar Bugti murder case. The court has adjourned the hearing till September 30, 2013.

September 11

Two watchmen of Classis Apartment, identified as Jamshed (27) and Gul Khan (32), were shot dead within the remits of Shahrah-e-Faisal police station in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of Gulshan Town. As per police officials, the victims hailed from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, and were targeted by unidentified armed assailants.

Former MQM MPA Nadeem Hashmi was arrested during a raid at his residence. According to the reports, Hashmi was arrested during a raid at his residence.

Police arrested four extortionists after an exchange of fire took place while arms and ammunition were also seized from their possession from the vicinity of Mochko Police Station in Baldia Town. The extortionists were identified as Siraj Billa, Zakir Murad, Abdul Hameed and Salman.                          

Police along with intelligence officials arrested three suspects and recovered four imported launchers along with rockets during a raid conducted at arms shop, namely ‘Guns & Accessories’ in Zamzama locality of Clifton in Saddar Town.

Police detained over 176 criminals after separate targeted raids and operations across the city. Karachi Police claim to have apprehended 156 alleged criminals in targeted raids across the city including Mochko, Jahangir Road, Sukhan, Baghdadi, Sharafi Goth, Kalakot and other parts of the metropolis.

Rangers officials detained over 20 criminals from targeted search from Federal B Area Block-14, Shah Faisal Colony, Malir, Korangi, PNT Colony, North Karachi, Saddar Town, Risala Compound, Al-Karam Square, Liaquatabad, and Rabia City. Weapons were recovered from the custody of detainees.

Rangers conducted a raid at the office of political party at Nasir Colony, and arrested four party workers.

At least 20 alleged target killers were arrested from Apsara Apartments in Liaquatabad Town.

A joint team of Law Enforcement Agencies, including Police and FC, defused a bomb that weighed 2 kilogrammes and was planted near a private bank in Archer Road area in Quetta.

Police recovered and defused a landmine weighing about 10 kilogrammes near the Police Station in Goth Nibi Dost Kanrani area of Sohbatpur District.

Police claimed to have averted a terrorism bid by defusing a bomb planted in Government Middle School in Katlang area of Mardan District in KP. The BDS recovered a bomb, two detonators and a safety fuse from the bag. The bomb was later defused by BDS.

Police recovered a huge cache of weapons being transported from the FATA to in Phandou area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP and arrested the offender. Police intercepted a suspected vehicle near a checkpost in Phandou area and recovered 23 pistols and thousands of cartridges from its secret cavities.

SFs arrested two suspected terrorists during a crackdown Kohat Tunnel area of Kohat Town (Kohat District) and recovered weapons, detonators and explosive material from their possession.

Police repulsed a militant attack on a security check-post at Saro Kallay village in Charsadda District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to the Police, militants, equipped with automatic weapons and rocket launchers, attacked the Saro Kallay checkpost manned by the Police at about 11:45pm.

KP Assembly passed a bill to regulate explosives in the province. According to the new law, the Government would establish an inspectorate of explosives under the Chief Inspector and issue licenses. Those found guilty of illegally manufacturing explosives would be fined up to INR 15 million (USD 143,000) while those transporting illegal explosive would face an INR 1.25 million (USD 12,000) penalty. Illegally selling explosives carries an INR one million (USD 9,500) fine. The sale of explosives to buyers younger than 18 is banned.

An Intelligence Agency detained seven al Qaeda militants from Punjab University Campus in Lahore District. The militants include al Qaeda’s suicide squad, their local handler and two of their technical collaborators. Out of seven al Qaeda members, four have taken special Jihadi training in Miranshah, headquarters of North Waziristan Agency in FATA, while the other three are also experts in different fields with five having expertise in information technology/communication, IED, diploma associate engineer in automobile technology and media coordination.

A senior serving Intelligence Agency officer, who also led operations in which wanted al Qaeda figures Ahmad Khalfan Ghalani and Naeem Noor Khan alias Abu Talha were arrested, said that JeI has been directly and indirectly involved in providing accommodation to al Qaeda operatives in Pakistan.

Khalid Sheikh Mohammad, supposedly No 3 in the al-Qaeda hierarchy was arrested in March 2004, from the house of a women’s wing leader of the JeI in Rawalpindi District, while another al Qaeda leader Abu Zubaida was arrested in the same year from Faisalabad District, and was given shelter by JuD and LeT.

SFs and the TTP swapped prisoners in SWA of FATA as a ‘confidence-building measure’ ahead of formal peace negotiations. According to sources, six TTP prisoners were handed over in exchange for two security personnel in Shoyee Khel area of Shawal in SWA. The sources identified the released militants as Ismail of Momi Karama, Suhail of Karama, Pirzada of Barond Moli Khan Srai and Ayaz and Farmanullah of Delai area.

ISPR denied the report. An official said no swap of prisoners had taken place and the report in this regard was just a rumour.

Unidentified persons killed a school watchman in Halimzai tehsil of Mohmand Agency in the night. The sources said watchman Usman Khan, brother of local journalist Noor Muhammad Mohmand, was on duty at the Government Primary School in Malik Ajan Killay when unidentified persons forced their entry into the school at night and shot him dead.

Additional Attorney General Tariq Khokhar told a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry that missing person Masood Janjua and one Faisal Faraz were killed in an attack by al Qaeda in South Waziristan Agency of FATA. The court was further informed that there were evidences that the deceased

He said that a former Inter Services Intelligence top officer had, in his statement before the inquiry commission probing the missing persons’ case, said that Masood Janjua had links with al Qaeda and had been killed in an attack in Waziristan. Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry directed the AAG to present credible evidences to prove this claim.

Khokhar told the three-member bench that according to a statement of former Deputy ISI DG Major General (retired) Nusrat Naeem, which he gave on 30 June, 2011, Masood Janjua and Faisal Faraz were in contact with a Pakistani named Tariq, who was working with the US as an agent of CIA.

Amina Janjua, who is also chairperson of the Defence of Human Rights, rejected General Naeem’s statement.

PM Nawaz Sharif and COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani held a meeting to discuss the post-APC situation wherein they discussed implementation of the APC resolution and deliberated upon national security matters with special focus on talks with TTP, the Prime Minister’s media office said.

It was the Prime Minister’s note that JUI-F chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman could be taken aboard as a facilitator to begin the talks. The Army Chief, however, noted that all prominent religious leaders should be consulted, particularly those having close contacts with Taliban leadership, adding that the Intelligence Agencies were ready to facilitate in this regard.

Punjab University Vice-Chancellor Professor Doctor Mujahid Kamran has claimed in his book, titled, ‘9/11 and The New World Order’ that the families of al Qaeda leaders, including Ayman-al-Zawahiri and some members of slain leader Osama Bin Laden family, were shifted to Central Asia through NATO airplanes to destabilise the region.

The PU VC said that American researchers had proved that al Qaeda was an asset to CIA. He said that America’s Centre for Public Integrity had revealed that the US rulers, including George Bush, Condoleezza Rice and Dick Cheney, made up 1,000 lies just to impose war on Iraq.

The Home and Tribal Affairs Department of Balochistan revealed that 592 mutilated dead bodies have been found in the last three years from different parts of the province. According to documents obtained by Dawn, Police and other law enforcers have found 592 bullet-riddled bodies since 2010 to September 2013.

Besides mutilated dead bodies, the document revealed that 132 cases of missing persons were pending before the Supreme Court and the CIED, headed by Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal. Eight new cases of missing persons have been registered with the provincial home and tribal affairs department.

September 12

Unidentified assailants abducted and killed three labourers who hailed from Punjab at a stone-crushing plant at Santsar, around 70 kilometres north of the Gwadar port, in Gwadar District of Balochistan.

Unidentified assailants killed two persons in Panjgur District. According to Police, Hafiz Abdul Tahir and Hafiz Abdul Zahir were on their way to a shop in a car in Panjgur when assailants opened indiscriminate fire on them. Both the deceased were Hafizul Quran and their father belonged to a religious party.

Unidentified assailants killed a man and injured his son in Musa Colony on Sariab Road of Quetta (Quetta), the provincial capital of Balochistan. 

Where the PML-N Government prepares to initiate a dialogue with the TTP, the Balochistan Government is also doing the spadework to start talks with the estranged Baloch elements. The ruling party, headed by Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik, has had two-day deliberations early this week one full day was devoted to a discussion on how to proceed with the talk option with the angry Baloch elements.

In an ongoing wave of targeted killings, two more persons were killed in separate incidents across the Provincial capital of Sindh, Karachi (Karachi District). A man, identified as Syed Shahid Ali Zaidi (42), was shot dead in Orangi Town within the remits of Iqbal Market Police Station. 

An unidentified young man was gunned down in Gutter Baghicha within the jurisdiction of Pak Colony Police Station. Police said unidentified assailants riding a motorbike took the victim at the Said place and later shot him dead. 

ATC sent MQM sector in charge and former Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Nadeem Hashmi on a seven-day physical remand. Hashmi was arrested late on September 10 over his suspected involvement in the murder of two Policemen – Muhammad Ali and Arif – in Hyderi locality.

CID Police claimed to have held a target killer, while LEAs apprehended around 198 suspects during separate targeted raids and operations across Karachi. Police team of CID investigation Civil Lines raided Ghani Chowrangi area of SITE-B, from where they arrested political worker namely Ejaz Gorchani and recovered a Kalashnikov, two hand grenades and a TT pistol from his possession.

Police after separate raids and operations claimed to have detained at least 154 suspects involved in targeted killing, extortion and other heinous crimes. The officials also recovered 49 weapons of different calibers and 5 hand grenades from their possession.

Rangers officials nabbed around 43 suspects during separate raids and across the city, and shifted them to an undisclosed location for further questioning. The officials claimed that the accused persons were involved in target killing and extortion. Gang war criminals and political workers were also among the detainees. 

Rejecting political pressure, the Federal and Sindh Governments have decided to continue the targeted operation against target killers, extortionists and other criminals in Karachi.

Unidentified militants destroyed a NATO vehicle in the Sado Khel area of Landi Kotal in Khyber Agency of FATA. However, no causalities were reported. Sources from the political administration said unidentified militants attacked a truck carrying the NATO military vehicle.

BDS defused a 12-kilogramme bomb planted on the roadside near Dandar area in the Khurram Agency. 

The intelligence agency and Police jointly raided in Johar Town and Sabzazar Police Station area in Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab and arrested four more suspected terrorists, with one hardened criminal disguised as a beggar.

Police arrested the suspected mastermind responsible for the killing of three security officials, a Police officer and two military personnel, at Chilas in Gilgit Baltistan on August 6, 2013, from Kohistan area in KP. The three security officials, were investigating the killings of nine tourists and their guide in the Nanga Parbat area of Gilgit Baltistan on June 22, 2013.

TTP spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid said that the TTP is going to respond to Government’s offer to talk soon. “We are discussing the overall situation and the Government’s offer. We will soon inform the media about our decisions,” Shahid said. 

Leaders of the TTP are expected to continue consultations for several days at an undisclosed location in the tribal areas along the Afghan border. TTP ‘chief’ Hakimullah Mehsud, who was previously against holding talks with the authorities, is chairing the consultations, two Taliban ‘commanders’ said.

Pakistan said preparations are underway to raise the issue of drone attacks at the United Nations in accordance with the recommendation of the resolution adopted in the All-Parties Conference hosted by the Government. Foreign Office Spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said necessary directives have been issued to the country’s missions in New York and Geneva in this regard.

September 13

Unidentified militants attacked a convoy of NATO oil tankers in Sorab Town of Kalat District in Balochistan, killing a driver and torching nine vehicles. The attackers fired rockets and bullets at the convoy of 15 oil tankers travelling from Karachi to Afghanistan.

One person was killed and another injured on Mission Road near Haidri Market in Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. “FC personnel stopped two persons for checking at picket on Mission Road near Haidri Market”, Police official said adding the suspects tried to snatch weapon from soldier. In retaliation, the FC personnel opened fire at them. As a result, one Saleem Mustafa was killed and Deen Mohammad sustained injuries.

At least four suspects were held in search operation in Satellite Town and Sariab Road areas of Quetta.

SFs arrested at least 85 Afghan citizens who were illegally travelling to Karachi from Quetta. According to security sources, the security personnel, on a tip off, stopped a Karachi bound passenger bus and arrested at least 85 Afghan nationals under Foreign Act. The security sources said the arrested afghan citizens were travelling without documents.

A low-intensity explosion occurred in the Gulshan-e-Bunair area under Quaidabad Police Station in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh, in the night. However no causality was reported.

Police claimed to have arrested a cadre of the TTP from Garden Masjid under Garden Police Station and recovered weapons from his possession. Police claimed to have recovering two SMG from his possession.

An IED was neutralised in Kotka Mulagan area under Saddar Police Station in Bannu Town (Bannu District) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said that he had very useful meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khursheed and they agreed that both India and Pakistan should respect 2003 LoC ceasefire agreement.

The TTP handed a list of 4,752 prisoners to the Government who they want released. A TTP leader said that two of their ‘commanders’ met with Pakistani officials in the Sararogha area of South Waziristan Agency in FATA, and handed over the list in the initial step towards “negotiations and peace”.

In order to control terrorism in the province, the Punjab Police have demanded PKR 100 million for the purchase of 46 vehicles for the Counter Terrorism Department. The summary stated that the officers and officials of the Counter Terrorism Department were facing difficulties while performing their duties due to shortage of vehicles, therefore, it has been requested that the required funds should be released on priority basis.

PKR 70.551 billion has been allocated for the Punjab Police during the fiscal year 2013-14, which is almost PKR nine billion more than the budget of previous fiscal year. The Provincial Government had allocated PKR 61.588 billion for the Punjab Police during the fiscal year 2012-13. However, Police spent PKR 64.955 billion which is almost PKR 3.45 billion more than the allocated amount.

September 14

A bomb explosion killed two members of a pro-government militia and wounded four others during an archaeological dig on the Afghanistan border in Darra area, 30 kilometers northeast of Khar, the main town of Baj