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Pakistan Timeline - 2013

Date

Incidents

January 01

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.

January 2

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.

January 3

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.

January 4

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.

January 5

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.

January 6

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.

January 7

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.

January 8

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.

January 9

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.  

January 10

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.

January 11

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”.

January 12

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.

January 13

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.

January 14

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.

January 15

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.

January 16

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.

January 17

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.”

January 18

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.

January 19

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.”

January 20

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.”

January 21

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.

January 22

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.

January 23

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.

January 24

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.

January 25

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.

January 26

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.

January 27

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.

January 28

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.

January 29

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.

January 30

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.

January 31

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.

February 1

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.

 

February 2

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.

February 3

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.

February 4

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.

February 5

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.

 

Febraury 6

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.

February 7

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.

February 8

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.

February 9

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.

February 10

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.

February 11

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.

February 12

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.

February 13

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.

February 14

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".

February 15

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.

February 16

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.

February 17

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.

February 18

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.

February 19

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.

February 20

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.

February 21

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.

February 22

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.

February 23

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.

February 24

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.

February 25

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’.

February 26

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.

February 27

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.

February 28

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.

March 1

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.

March 2

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.

March 3

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.

March 4

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.

March 5

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.

March 6

 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".

March 7

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.

March 8

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.  

March 9

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.

March 10

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.

March 11

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".

March 12

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.

March 13

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.

March 14

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.

March 15

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.

March 16

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.

March 17

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.

March 18

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.

March 19

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.

March 20

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.

March 21

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.

March 22

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.

March 23

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.

March 24

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.

March 25

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.

March 26

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.

March 27

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.

March 28

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.

March 29

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.

March 30

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.

March 31

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.

April 1

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.

April 2

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.

April 3

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.

April 4

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.

April 5

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.

April 6

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.

April 7

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.

April 8

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.

April 9

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.

April 10

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.

April 11

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.

April 12

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.

April 13

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.

April 14

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.

April 15

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.

April 16

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.

April 17

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.

April 18

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.

April 19

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.

April 20

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.

April 21

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.

April 22

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.

April 23

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.

April 24

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.

April 25

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.

April 26

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.

April 28

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.

April 29

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.

April 30

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.

May 1

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.

May 2

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.

May 3

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.

May 4

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.

May 5

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.

May 6

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.

May 7

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.

May 8

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.

May 9

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.

May 10

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.

May 11

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.

May 12

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.

May 13

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.

May 14

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.

May 15

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.

May 16

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.

May 17

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.

May 18

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.

May 19

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.

May 20

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.

May 21

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.

May 22

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.

May 23

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.

May 24

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.

May 25

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.

May 26

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.

May 27

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).

May 28

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.

May 29

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.

 

May 30

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.

May 31

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.

June 1

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.

June 2

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.

June 3

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.

June 4

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.

June 5

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.

June 6

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.

June 7

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.

June 8

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.

June 9

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.

June 10

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.

June 11

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.

June 12

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.

June 13

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.

June 14

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.

June 15

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.

June 16

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.

June 17

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.

June 18

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.

June 19

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.

June 20

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.

June 21

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.

June 22

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.

June 23

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.

June 24

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.

June 25

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.

June 26

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.

June 27

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.

June 28

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.

June 29

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.

June 30

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.

June 30

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."

July 1

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.

July 2

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.

July 3

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.

July 4

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.

July 5

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.

July 6

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.

July 7

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.”

July 8

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.

July 9

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.

July 10

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.

July 11

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.

July 12

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.

July 13

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.

July 14

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.

July 15

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.

July 16

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.

July 17

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.

July 18

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.

July 19

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.

July 20

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.

July 21

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.

July 29

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.

July 30

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.

July 31

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.

August 1

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.’

August 2

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.

August 3

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.

August 4

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.

August 5

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.

August 6

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.

August 7

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.

August 8

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.

August 9

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.

August 10

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.

August 11

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.

August 12

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”.

August 13

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.

August 14

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.

August 15

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.

August 16

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.

August 17

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.

August 18

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.

August 16

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.

August 19

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.

August 20

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.

August 21

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.

August 22

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.

August 23

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."

August 24

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.

August 25

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.

August 24

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.

August 25

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.”

August 26

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.

August 27

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.

August 28

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.

August 29

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."

August 30

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.

August 31

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.

September 1

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.

September 2

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.

September 3

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.

September 4

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.

September 5

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.

September 6

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.

September 7

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.

September 8

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 Bajaur Agency in FATA.

Eight officials of Gomal Zam Dam Project in South Waziristan Agency, who were abducted two years ago, were released unconditionally by their abductors. The eight men were handed over to the local administration on the border of South and North Waziristan. The officials were kidnapped on August 15, 2012, while they were travelling to Tank from the dam site.

The KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak approved withdrawal of Army from Malakand Division, as the process of pulling out troops from Shangla and Buner Districts would start next month. In the second phase, troops would be pulled out from Swat, Upper Dir, Lower Dir Districts and other parts of Malakand Division, the chief minister told reporters in his home town of Nowshera. Malakand Division consists of seven Districts.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called for early formation of anti-terrorism force. Presiding over a meeting, the Prime Minister said that delay in establishment of this force was unacceptable. He directed the authorities concerned to keep him informed about the progress being made for the establishment of the force.

The ongoing-targeted operation in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, is going on effectively, and will be followed with a proper strategy to maintain peace and tranquility in the city on permanent basis, said Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah. He was talking to the delegation of MPA from Punjab Assembly. Shah said the Government is serious to make Karachi a peaceful city, which is the economic hub of Pakistan.

September 15

Major General, Sanaullah Khan, and, lieutenant colonel, Tauseef, were killed along with a soldier, Irfan Sattar, in an IED explosion in the Upper Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa near Pak-Afghan Border. Major General Sanaullah was the general officer commanding Swat Division. TTP ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid claimed responsibility for the attack.

TTP militants ambushed a convoy of Khasadar (tribal police) force in Bannu town (Bannu District), killing two of them and wounding four others.

Four persons, including two women, sustained injuries in an IED explosion in the Habib Colony in the limits of the Cantonment Police Station in Dera Ismail Khan Town (Dera Ismail Khan District). Two explosive devices planted by militants went off early in the day, leaving Muhammad Asif, Ashfaq Ahmad, Saba Gul Bibi and Urooj Bibi injured.

A senior doctor and an Afghan trader were abducted from Hayatabad area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. Police said a senior doctor and agency surgeon, Dr Mujahid Hussain, was abducted by unidentified persons from the limits of the Hayatabad Police Station. The vehicle of the doctor was recovered from the Achini Khwar. A source said another person Shoaib Nabi was also abducted from the limits of Hayatabad Police Station.

An Afghan trader Ima Khan was abducted from the limits of the same Police Station which lodged the FIRs in both the incidents.

Two soldiers were killed and three others sustained injuries in an explosion in the Miranshah town of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

A Government-run school was partially damaged when a rocket fired by suspected militants hit the school at Janikhel in the FR Bannu. No casualty was reported in the incident.

The political administration distributed compensation amount among the victims of the suicide blast in the Parachinar town of Kurram Agency. Political Agent Riaz Mehsud distributed cheques worth PKR 0.3 million among the families of the 44 persons who were killed in a blast in Parachinar town on July 26. Cheques for PKR 0.1 million were also distributed among 105 persons who were injured in the blast. The official said the injured were provided free treatment at the public sector hospitals in Peshawar.

A man belonging to the Shia community, identified as Badar Ali, was shot dead at Supper Highway within the precincts of Sacchal Police Station in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Badar Ali was on his way in a car when unidentified assailants intercepted the vehicle, and resorted to indiscriminate firing.

Rangers and Police arrested 28 suspects in separate targeted raids and operations in different parts of Karachi. As per details, Rangers officials conducted targeted operation in areas including Yousuf Goth, Mehmoodabad, Jauhar Mor, and 100 Quarters in Korangi, Hassan Mujtaba Town, Gulshan-e-Maymar, Surjani Town, Sindhi Hotel in New Karachi, Baloch Colony and Bhains Colony.

Unidentified assailants killed a man at Mini Market near the Satellite Town area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital Balochistan. According to the Police, the victim was on his way home when the armed assailants opened fire at him and fled.

At least twenty oil tankers were gutted in a rocket attack in the Sohrab area of Kalat District. According to the Police, the oil tankers carrying fuel for NATO forces were heading to Afghanistan from Karachi when armed men intercepted them and set them on fire before fleeing. The oil tankers were incinerated; however, there was no loss of life.

The TTP set preconditions for peace talks. Shahidullah Shahid, ‘spokesman’ for the TTP, said, “First of all, troops in the entire tribal area should go back to barracks and then our prisoners should be released,” Shahid said. “The Pakistan government must take steps which can develop an atmosphere of trust and can remove the doubts and suspicion. We cannot move forward unless the Government accepts these two demands.” He was speaking after the TTP’s Shura held three days of talks about the Government offer of dialogue.

At least 21 foreign students staying without valid documents were arrested by Police during a raid in the early morning on two madrassas in Gujranwala town of Punjab. The madrassas reportedly belonged to Qazi Hamidullah Khan - a teacher of Taliban supreme leader Mullah Omar. Officials from 30 Police Stations headed by the Superintendent of Police raided the seminaries.

September 16

A former Union Council nazim and activist of the MQM, identified as Iqbal (30), was shot dead in within the limits of Mominabad Police Station in Orangi Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A Police constable, identified as Mushtaq (35), was shot dead in front of the Mominabad Police Station in Orangi Town.

Surjani Town Police found a dead body of a man, identified as that of Asif, at Khuda ki Basti in Gadap Town.

CCPO and AIG Shahid Hayat Khan claimed to have arrested at least 56 suspects, including LeJ militants, Lyari gangsters and political workers during targeted actions in several areas of Karachi. The names of political parties have been kept secret. The four LeJ militants were identified as identified as Asghar Khan, Abu Qasim, Siddiq Akbar and Anees.

He said that the Police have also arrested three alleged target killers affiliated with political parties, identified as Saqib Ghani, M Iqbal and Babar during raids in Joharabad area in Malir Town and Azizbad area of Gulberg Town.

The officer said that two cadres belonging to People’s Amn Committee  (PAC) and close associates of Baba Ladla, identified as Tariq and Abdul Hamid, were arrested during a targeted raid at Lyari gangster hideouts in Maripur area of Lyari Town. The Police also recovered weapons from their possession.

The Police detained 13 Afghan nationals under the Foreign Act from Mall Road in Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District. They were detained because they had entered the country without valid travelling documents, Police said. They were handed over to the FIA for further interrogations.

The Supreme Court said that peace in Balochistan could not be restored unless the borders are protected and fenced. “Our neighbouring countries have been working to fence their side of border, but we have left our porous borders (open) for the smuggling of weapons which is the main cause of grim law and order situation in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Karachi,” the Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry remarked while hearing the law and order case in Quetta Registry of Supreme Court.

The law enforcing and Intelligence Agencies in a joint action arrested an alleged militants belonging to al Qaeda from Lahore District in the night. According to sources the accused was a student in Science College Lahore.

After receiving threats of a Dera-Ismail-Khan-jailbreak like attack, the security has been fortified at Central Jail Lahore also known as Kot Lakpat jail. The prison authorities said that unidentified callers claiming to be representatives of Taliban and al Qaeda threatened to attack the prison. According to the sources, hundreds of additional Police and Elite Force Commandoes are deployed inside and around the prison facility.

After the Sindh Government decided to create more Districts in the province by bifurcating Karachi and Thatta Districts in first phase of the procedure, the PPP Karachi Chapter President Abdul Qadir Patel told journalists that the meeting decided to create two more Districts in Karachi, Lyari and Maripur. Local PPP leaders suggested creation of these two Districts. However, a consensus was reached for Lyari only.

Karachi had four Districts, namely, South, West, East and Central and Malir was added to the list during the second term of PPP when Abdullah Shah was the Chief Minister of Sindh. The total shall reach six if another District is created in the metropolis.

The authorities suspended repatriation of displaced Bar Qambarkhel tribal people to Tirah valley in Khyber Agency of FATA after rival factions of the tribe failed to agree on formation of an impartial peace body.  Assistant Political Agent Mohammad Nasir said that he had held a jirga with elders of three sub-tribes of Bar Qambarkhel at Kalaya in Orakzai Agency a day before Fata Disaster Management Authority announced return plan for all internally displaced families of Tirah valley.

Pakistan is set to release this week Abdul Ghani Baradar, a former Taliban commander often described as the insurgents’ ex-second-in-command, said Sartaj Aziz advisor to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on National Security and Foreign Affairs. Sartaj Aziz said that Baradar “will be released this week, possibly in a day or two”. The Afghanistan Government has long demanded that Islamabad free Baradar, whose arrest in January 2010 saw Pakistan accused of sabotaging initiatives to bring peace in war-torn Afghanistan. His release would bring to 34 the number of Taliban detainees that Pakistan has released since last year, in what Afghan officials hope will encourage peace talks with the insurgents.

The COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani declared that terrorists will not be allowed to coerce us into accepting their terms. General Kayani reiterated Pakistan Army’s resolve and unflinching commitment to fighting the menace of terrorism, in accordance with the will of the nation and at any cost. He vowed to spare no effort in bringing the perpetrators of cowardly acts of terrorism to justice.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak said negotiations were the best option to find a permanent solution to the scourge of militancy and terrorism. Addressing a press conference after visiting District Headquterer Hospital Dera Ismail Khan, he said that his Government wanted peace, interfaith harmony and tolerance in society and would play a positive role during negotiations with the stakeholders concerned.

September 17

Four workers of the MQM, identified as Pervez Alam, Jabbar, Nadeem, and Riaz Ahmed, were shot dead unidentified militants while they were sitting at a puncture shop in Ghazi Nagar near Mohajir Chowk in Orangi Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Two cadres of ASWJ, identified as Zeeshan alias Faizan Chohto and Mustaqeem were killed in an alleged police encounter on Mauripur Road in Lyari Town. Zeeshan was the chief of unit-188 of the ASWJ, while Mustaqeem is a supporter of the ASWJ and is reportedly also associated with the MQM.

An unidentified dead body of a young man packed in a gunny bag was found from Maripur area of Keamari Town. Police officials said the victim was tortured to death after being kidnapped.

In a joint operation by the CID of Karachi Police, Rangers, and Intelligence Agencies an alleged terrorist was killed in a shootout in Manghopir area of Gadap Town. 

Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC) Police rescued a grade-III student of Karachi Grammar School and arrested five kidnappers in a covert raid in a house at Khyaban-e-Sehar in Defence area of Clifton in Saddar Town. The arrested suspects are identified as Ramzan, Hamidullah Ehsanullah, Shah Niaz and Inamullah. The abducted boy is the son of a businessman Najam Mehmood and was abducted by his driver while being taken to the school on September 16, 2013, said AVCC’s Inspector Sajjad.

The Law enforcers arrested 176 suspected criminals in targeted operations across Karachi. The suspects included an alleged sectarian target killer, robbers, extortionists and drug peddlers. In Shah Faisal Colony, Chanesar Goth, Taisar Town, Green Town, North Nazimabad, Quaidabad and Rasheedabad, Rangers detained 19 suspects and seized weapons, drugs and looted valuables from them.

The Karachi Police also claimed to have arrested 157 suspects, including some foreigners. An alleged sectarian target killer associated with a political group, Muhammad Javed who confessed his involvement in killings of ST workers, was arrested by the New Karachi Industrial Area Police.

In 24 hours, the city Police arrested around 119 criminals in 95 raids during which 52 weapons and two hand grenades were also seized. Shershah Police arrested two suspects, identified as Imran and Irfan, and recovered two .30 pistols and two hand grenades. They were said to be wanted in a number of cases.

While addressing a gathering of MQM supporters and media in Karachi the MQM Chief Altaf Hussain said that the Government should not bow down in front of the militants in order to make peace talks a reality. He said that if the Government caves in to the demands of the militants, conditions in the country would become “worse than those in Somalia”. Altaf said that if Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif wanted to call another APC to decide how to proceed with peace talks with the militants, he should do so. “Go ahead with peace talks but maintain your dignity,” he said, adding that the state’s writ needed to be protected.

At least five Pakistanis were killed and three others, including a Levies Force official, were injured in cross border firing by Afghan SFs in the Qamaruddin Karez area of Zhob District late in the night. The dead identified as Noorullah, Fatehullah, Muhammad Haleem, Zahir Shah, Mir Dad and Molvi Faqir belonged to “Loion” tribe. “After the incident Afghan forces swiftly escaped from the area,” an official of the local administration in Zhob added.

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead a man, identified as Muhammad Khan on Quetta-Ziarat Highway in Kuchlak town of Quetta.

Two people, identified as Qadir Bakhsh and Ali Bakhsh, were shot dead by unidentified assailants in Sui Colony of Dera Bugti District.                                                                                                              

A man identified as Muhammad Naseem, was shot dead in Parum area of Panjgur District.

Unidentified militants shot dead a man, identified as Muhammad Hafiz, in Zehri tehsil of Khuzdar District.

The SP Basheer Ahmed Barohi's narrowly escaped an armed attack on his vehicle in Mian Ghundi area of Quetta in the night. The attack injured one of his security guards before cops shot and injured two of the attackers in retaliatory fire. Later, the Police arrested the injured attackers

Unidentified militants torched a NATO container that was on its way from Chaman town in Qilla Abdullah District to Karachi (Sindh) after snatching PKR 100,000 from the truck owner, identified as Saifullah, in Killi Rahimabad area of Mastung District.

Law Enforcement Agency personnel acting on a tip-off conducted a raid at a house and arrested a suspect along with weapons in Zhob District.

The three-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry while hearing the Balochistan law and order case at Quetta Supreme Court Registry ordered to present missing persons from Balochistan by September 18, 2013. The Chief Justice said the issue of missing persons had great importance for Balochistan and the missing persons’ families, who stood outside the court.

The Capital Police found a dead body of a militant, identified as Haris Khan, one of the four accused in the May 3, 2013 assassination of Chaudhry Zulfikar Ali, the FIA prosecutor handling the 26/11 Mumbai attack case and the Benazir Bhutto murder case from Islamabad.

During the May 3 attack Constable Farman Ali, the prosecutor’s guard belonging to the Frontier Corps, also fired at the attackers.  As a result, an attacker’s cell phone and pistol fell on the road, but all four managed to escape. During the ambush, Abdullah Omar Abbasi and Haris Khan were injured when the prosecutor’s guard retaliated, but they managed to escape.

The Police, accompanied by an Assistant Commissioner, a magistrate and a medico-legal officer, went to Adil’s house and dug out the body. The remains were then taken to a hospital for legal process, including autopsy and DNA test, to establish identification.  Currently, all four people involved in the assassination have been identified namely Omar Abbasi, Haris Khan, Adil and Tanveer (the mastermind).

Political administration’s officials recovered 35 shells of artillery from a vehicle near Pak-Afghan border in Kurram Agency of FATA and arrested two accused. Kurram Agency Political Agent Riaz Khan Mehsud told the media that 35 shells of artillery were seized from a vehicle near Pak-Afghan border that was being smuggled to Kurram Agency for subversive activities, adding that two accused riding the vehicle were arrested.

The TTP insisted they were still at war with Government troops because peace talks had yet to start and the Army was still launching multiple offensives against them. The announcement came two days after senior Army officers were killed by a TTP bomb in the Upper Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Peshawar High Court stopped the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government from withdrawing Army from Malakand, Swat and Dir divisions. PHC’s Chief Justice Dost Muhammad Khan noted that Army has been deployed in these areas for many years to restore peace, and its withdrawal would create a vacuum there.

ATC reserved its judgment in the December 27, 2007 Benazir Bhutto murder case as attorneys for defence and prosecution completed their arguments. When the hearing started, the former military ruler and President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf’s lawyer Ilyas Siddiqi urged the court to re-record the statements of the witnesses.

Malik Muhammad Rafiq, the lawyer representing former DIG Saud Aziz and SP Khurram Shehzad, objected to it, saying that it would further delay the case. Barrister Rafiq said the case had already been pending for the last five years.

FIA special prosecutor Chaudhary Azhar Ai told the Court that the former FIA public prosecutor in the case Chaudhary Zulfiqar Ali had already been killed and witnesses had been convinced with much difficulty.

IJT, the student wing of JeI, is harbouring militants in the Punjab University hostels, said Doctor Mujahid Kamran, the University’s Vice Chancellor. “Illegal occupants were living in Punjab University hostels,” Dr Kamran said, accepting his failure to keep the hostels free of elements involved in militant activities.

IJT refuted the claim. IJT Punjab southern nazim Rai Haq Nawaz and IJT nazim of Punjab University Abdul Muqeet accused the Vice Chancellor of “trying to defame Jama’at” to hide his own inefficiency. “IJT has no connection with any banned organisation. The university administration is shifting the blame on the IJT to save its own skin,” Haq Nawaz said.

September 18

Two people, identified as Bunir Ali, a resident of Hazara Town in Quetta District, and Muhammad Hayat of Bannu District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, were shot dead at a CNG station on Zarghoon Road in Quetta. Sources within the Police department said that it was a sectarian attack.

LEA arrested two suspected militants and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from their possession during a search operation in the Golimar Chowk area of Quetta.

Three alleged gangsters, identified as Imran Chohan, Noman alias Nomi Patni and Abdul Ghafoor Katchi alias Chotoo, were killed in a shoot-out with Police and Rangers in the Shah Baig Lane of Lyari Town in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. Two of the gangsters belonged to the Abdul Jabbar Jhengu gang while the third was a member of the Sheraz Comrade gang.

Elected representatives of PPP in Lyari and leaders of the PAC claimed that no encounter took place and the three men were victims of extra-judicial killings.

Two PAC cadres, including the ‘spokesperson’ Zafar Baloch, and another activist, Muhammad Ali, were killed while two others from PAC were injured in a targeted attack by four unidentified armed assailants at Bizenjo Chowk in Lyari Town. Bizenjo Chowk is the stronghold of PAC.

An IED, weighing around 400 grams, was found outside the residence of ANP leader, Abdul Razzak Buneri, in the Saeedabad area of Baldia Town.

Police claimed to have arrested around 173 suspects during separate targeted raids and operations across Karachi. The raids began soon after the killing of four workers of the MQM on September 17, 2013. Police launched a targeted operation in Pakistan Bazaar area of Orangi Town and detained at least 20 suspects. However, most of them were released later after being found innocent in initial interrogation.

Two suspected terrorists, Amjad and Mir Jan, were arrested from Gulshan-e-Bunair area of Quaidabad in Bin Qasim Town. Two hand grenades and pistols were also recovered from their possession. Similarly, Police arrested three suspected criminals -Farooq, Ayaz and Tahir from Orangi Town, over alleged involvement in attacking the house of a JeI leader.

Other parts of the metropolis were also raided, and almost 148 criminals were nabbed including 21 absconders, 26 under Arms Ordinance, and 19 under Narcotics Act, eight robbers, seven murderers, and one under Terrorism Act. Three bombs, 40 weapons along with narcotics were also seized.

The Sindh Government informed the SC that the Police arrested 1,357 alleged criminals during targeted operations that began on September 5, 2013. Among those arrested, 19 were involved in murders and target killings, six in terrorism activities, 14 in taking extortion money, three in kidnappings for ransom, 97 in robberies, 283 in possessing illegal weapons, 259 in possessing narcotics and 608 in other crimes. These statistics are part of a report submitted to the Karachi Registry of the apex court by Chief Secretary Mohammad Ejaz Chaudhry.

The report, prepared by the Home Department and presented to the apex court in connection with Karachi’s law and order suo moto implementation case, says that 1,225 raids were conducted and 59 encounters with criminals occurred in different parts of the city between September 5, 2013 and September 16, 2013. Police also claimed the recovery of over 350 illegal weapons and explosive substance during the raids.

An alleged target killer of Karachi, identified as Amin Buledi of Lyari gang war, was arrested along with 13 others in a targeted operation on Mall Road in Murree tehsil of Rawalpindi District and handed over to Karachi Police. The operation was carried out by the Punjab Police and Elite Forces. These targeted killers reportedly originate from Karachi and had taken refuge in Murree from the targeted operations that were being carried out in the city since September 5, 2013.

An ATC acquitted Rana Mohammad Faqir of the charge of attacking a convoy of former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf in 2003.  Despite the acquittal, Faqir refused to leave the jail fearing that he would be abducted by Security Agencies, but he was persuaded by his family to come home.

The Supreme Court issued notices to the Federal and Balochistan Governments on an appeal moved by former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf against the Balochistan High Court’s rejection of his bail application in the August 26, 2006, Nawab Akbar Bugti murder case.

Advocate Ibrahim Satti representing Musharraf had challenged the July 30, 2013 order of the BHC, which had rejected the bail plea with a ruling that the applicant had not been produced before the trial court or in the territorial jurisdiction of the trial court in Balochistan.

Advocate Satti explained before the Supreme Court that his client could not appear before the BHC for security reason and, therefore, his bail had been rejected by the High Court. He said that Musharraf had been detained for the last three months, and requested the bench to grant him bail. The Supreme Court ordered the Federal and the Balochistan Governments to furnish their replies in 10 days.

The PHC was informed three previously ‘missing’ persons have been identified and shifted to internment centres, while seven others have been released. Major Ali from the Ministry of Defence, Major Muhammad Ayaz of the Frontier Constabulary, Additional Advocate General Waqar Ahmad Khan and Farooq Shah represented the Government in front of a two-member bench comprising PHC Chief Justice Dost Muhammad Khan and Justice Nisar Hussain.

The PHC issued notices to a brigadier, two majors and a retired colonel of the Pakistan Army’s Abbottabad Medical Record Wing (MRW) over the arrest of a Lance Naik in the same department. A PHC divisional bench comprising Chief Justice Dost Muhammad Khan and Justice Nisar Hussain were informed by petitioner Maimona Javed’s counsel Advocate Ghulam Nabi that Maimona’s husband Muhammad Javed had been kept in quarter guard since August 5, 2011. A quarter guard is a small lock up where soldiers charged with minor crimes are held.

The Interior Ministry sent a ‘threat alert’ to the Gilgit Baltistan Government, asking it to beef up security along the main road linking Gilgit with Ghizer Valley. “Terrorists can attack passenger vehicles on the road,” read a letter received by the Gilgit Baltistan Government.

The three-member bench of the Supreme Court Quetta Registry while hearing the Balochistan law and order case ordered the CID Police to investigate three FC officers regarding the missing persons’ case and submit a report in 10 days. The bench also issued notices to the Defence Secretary, the IGP and FC on failing to cooperate with the court on previous orders. 

The court asked the authorities concerned to compile new lists of the missing persons. The list of missing persons should be re-checked and cases that do not have concrete evidence should be named in the ‘suspicious list of cases’, ordered the Chief Justice. The cases in which allegations are made against the Police and the FC should be handed over to the Additional Attorney General, he added.

Being the first assembly to make such a law in the country, the Sindh assembly unanimously passed the Sindh Witness Protection Bill 2013. The bill provides protection to witnesses and their families, enabling them to provide evidence in criminal proceedings without any fear. It will allow witnesses to conceal their identities by wearing a mask, changing their voice and appearance as well as any other form of segregation during investigation or trial. Video conferencing will also be allowed in order to secure witnesses.

September 19

Three Shia people were killed and 12 others were injured when unidentified militants hurled hand grenades at an Imambargah  (Shia place of congregation) in Majeed Colony of Landhi Town in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.  

A cadre of MQM-H, identified as Saleem Nabi, was shot dead in a targeted attack by unidentified assailants near RCD ground within the remits of Saudabad Police Station in Malir Town. 

The Rangers and Police arrested at least 33 alleged suspects from Karachi District. Police arrested 13 suspects from Ittehad Town in Baldia Town 10 others from Shah Rasool Colony in Clifton area of Saddar Town.

Three persons were killed and 20 others injured in the night in a hand grenade attack near a mosque in the Sarband area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. SHO Badbher Rehmatullah Khan said that militants attacked a security checkpost on the outskirts of Sarband.

Police foiled a terror plan when they neutralised a five kilograms bomb near the Sulemankhel Chawki in Badbher area of Peshawar. 

Police arrested two militants during a raid at Khegai village in the limits of the Matani Police Station in Peshawar. The Police on a tip about the presence of militants in a house at Khegai village conducted the raid and arrested two militants. Police claimed recovered arms and ammunition from their hideout. 

KP Government is set to cancel licenses of 400 arms manufacturers and dealers in the province because they failed to register their businesses. On April 16, KP Home and Tribal Affairs Department issued a notification asking arms dealers and manufacturers to submit details of their businesses by April 29. Otherwise, their licences would be cancelled.

Random amendments in laws can be very dangerous for the country, said PHC Chief Justice Dost Muhammad Khan in light of the Government’s plans to make changes in the anti-terrorism act. The CJ went on to point out the Government should not make any amendments which can end up providing cover to terrorists as terrorism had taken up deep roots in the country, causing three generations to suffer.

At least 10 people, including a Levies man, a child and a woman, were injured in a hand grenade attack on the Balochistan Constabulary Line in Sariab area of the provincial capital Quetta. 

Unidentified armed assailants torched a passenger coach that was on its way from Quetta to Dalbandin in Chagai District, after disembarking the passengers in Daringarh area of Mastung District. “They asked all passengers to get out of the coach and then torched it after pouring oil on it,” said the security officials.  

At least 12 suspects, including 10 Lyari gang war criminals, suspected to be involved in September 15, 2013, attacks on NATO trucks were arrested up by FC and Police personnel in the Hub area of Quetta. Law enforcement personnel recovered a huge cache of weapons and explosive material from their custody.

Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad sent suspected terrorists Hammad Adil and Shaukat Zaman on a 14-day judicial remand. Adil was arrested on September 16, 2013, during a raid in the Sabzi Mandi area. The police believe Adil was plotting a car bombing in Islamabad. It was revealed that Adil’s next target was former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf’s farmhouse in Chak Shahzad.

Federal Board of Revenue FBR chairman also appeared before the court and presented a report on smuggling of weapons and vehicles across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border at Chaman town in Qilla Abdullah District.

The Federal Government prepared a new list of 52 proscribed outfits involved in militancy and extremism, according to a BBC Urdu report quoting sources in the Interior Ministry. A previous list, prepared by the Interior Ministry under former ruling PPP, had 23 such outfits. According to the sources, al Qaeda tops the new list. In the previous list, the LeJ had secured the first place with the TTP on the second spot.

TTP denied claims that their ‘chief’ Hakimullah Mehsud contacted a former Member of the MNA Javed Ibrahim Paracha demanding release of 50 militants detained in various prisons across the country. According to a reports aired on Dawn, Paracha had claimed that the ‘chief’ of TTP telephoned him and named 50 TTP prisoners for their release. Paracha, who later visited Adiala Jail and met Taliban prisoners, had informed the media that a procedure for the militants’ release was under consideration. Inmates belonging to banned LeJ, SSP and the TTP were included in the list. 

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, along with an anonymous ISI representative, had reportedly met with Paracha also. Sources said that both the Government and the TTP were currently engaged in expediting the potential peace negotiations.

Referring to the ongoing targeted operation in Karachi, Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan told the National Assembly that so far only 10 percent of the work has been completed. “We believe that so far only 10 percent of the work has been completed. There is a lot more left to do. We are in a continuous process of consultation and are in close contact with all parties, including the MQM.

In another context he said, the Mohajir Republican Army (MRA) had claimed responsibility for several terrorist acts through SMSs and other means. “We do not know who they are or where they operate from, but the MRA is not linked to the MQM,” he clarified. “The Rangers have conducted 400 targeted operations and over 1,000 actions were done by the Police,” the Interior Minister informed.

Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan told the National Assembly that a move for a peace dialogue with the TTP had “come to a standstill” with a “serious blow” from September 15, 2013 attack in Upper Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that killed an Major General Sanaullah and that the military and opposition would be consulted in reviewing the process.

“This incident has dealt a serious blow (to the peace move),” Chaudhry Nisar said referring to the September 15 attack on an army convoy. “We have come to a standstill,” the Minister said in the first clear statement from the Government, indicating that the process stood frozen after the TTP not only claimed responsibility for the Upper Dir bombing as well as three other attacks on Security Forces on the same day but also put forth hard demands such as release of TTP militants from the Government custody, a general amnesty for TTP fighters and return of troops to the barracks in FATA as preconditions for the proposed talks.

September 20

At least seven Army personnel were killed and four others were injured in a remote-controlled explosion in Bolan. The BRA on Twitter claimed responsibility for the attack. One of their vehicles was completely destroyed in the attack, the outfit claimed.

Three SF personnel sustained injuries in an explosion while they were on routine patrolling in Bibi Nani area of Mach.

BRP Media Cell’s sources reported that the Pakistan Army has started a massive military operation in the areas of Mach (in Bolan District) after an attack on their convoy that killed seven personnel. The army laid siege around the entire area and set ablaze dozens of houses of Baloch villagers after looting their hardly earned valuables from their houses during the operation.

PTI president for Jalozai camp, Haji Mula Khel, was killed and four other party activists were injured after unidentified militants opened fire at them at the PTI office on the Jalozai camp premises in Nowshehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A tribal elder of Qamber Khel said that Haji was also PTI’s secretary for Bara welfare. He belonged to Bara (Khyber Agency, FATA) himself and was living at Jalozai camp for IDPs.

A suspected teenage suicide bomber was killed after his explosive vest accidently went off in Ponyal area of Chakesar in Shangla District. Shangla SP Gulzar Ali said the incident occurred at around 1:20pm, adding the bomber was identified as Muhammad Afzal, a resident of Ponyal Dheri.

A social worker, identified as Sahiba Mirani, who worked at Takhleeq Foundation for financial empowerment of the widows, was abducted on her way home after completing her field work and killed in Dingro Wah area of Ghotki District in Sindh. The programme manager of the Foundation, Mohsin Solangi, said that the NGO works for women empowerment.

Rangers and Police in the ongoing targeted operation in Karachi arrested at least 24 more suspects from different parts of the city. According to details, 24 suspects were arrested during targeted raids in Saddar Town areas of Clifton, Shah Rasool Colony and Neelam Colony. Rangers arrested at least eight suspects including activists of a banned outfit, in an operation in Title Colony of North Nazimabad Town. Different types of latest weapons, CCTV cameras and dozens of bullets were recovered from their possession.

In the past 24 hours, Police claims to have arrested a total of 104 criminals in 84 raids and recovered 27 arms of different calibres. A Police report said 43 offenders/proclaimed absconders were also among 104 detainees. It said six Police encounters took place in various areas of the city in the jurisdictions of different Police Stations.

Ameen Buledi, a suspected Lyari gang war gangster who was arrested from Lahore District of Punjab on September 18, 2013, was remanded in Police custody for three days. Buledi was wanted in several target killing, kidnapping-for-ransom and illegal weapons cases. The court allowed the physical remand of Buledi till September 23, 2013.

MQM leader Nabil Gabol was named in the September 18, 2013 murder case of proscribed PAC ‘spokesperson’ Zafar Baloch, drawing severe criticism from MQM. City division SSP Faisal Bashir Memon said that a FIR was lodged against Gabol on a complaint of Mohammad Ali Baloch, the father of the slain leader.

MQM’s Rabita Committee while condemning the claim has demanded the Federal Government to take notice of the ‘fake’ case against the MQM lawmaker and withdraw the FIR forthwith. “Falsely involving Nabil Gabol in the murder case of Zafar Baloch is continuation of political victimization,” said a statement.

The chief of the PAC, Uzair Baloch who was believed to have been out of the country, has returned to Lyari. Uzair, who came back on the night of September 19, 2013, is expected to fill in the gap in leadership left behind by Zafar Baloch, who was killed in a targeted attack allegedly due to some internal rifts in the party.

According to sources privy to the matter told media that Uzair is likely to surrender before the Rangers soon. “To surrender is a not big deal but the main issue is that his life is at risk,” said one Naz. She said his surrender is on the table but only if the Government and Law Enforcement Agencies guarantee protection for his life. However, Police officials refused to confirm if Uzair was present in Lyari.

Officials of a secret agency arrested three terror suspects during a raid at the office of property dealer Mohammad Anwar in Imamia Colony in Shahdara of Lahore.        

Pindi Bhattian Police seized more than 25 kilogram of explosives in a Sargodha-bound van near the bypass in Hafizabad District. The Police have arrested the driver, the conductor and impounded the van.

In a significant development that may help break the impasse in the Afghan reconciliation process, Pakistan is set to free a former top aide of the elusive Taliban spiritual leader, Mullah Omar, on September 21. “In order to further facilitate the Afghan reconciliation process, the detained Taliban leader, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, will be released on September 21,” reads a terse statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 20.

In Kabul, the Afghanistan Government welcomed the announcement, saying Mullah Baradar’s release would help peace efforts after 12 years of war. “We welcome that this step is being taken,” Aimal Faizi, spokesman for Afghan President Hamid Karzai said.

Federal Cabinet approved a draft of amendments to anti-terrorism laws in an effort to further empowering law enforcement agencies for better handling of terror-related cases. Federal Minister Zahid Hamid presented the draft amendments in the session of Federal Cabinet which was chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

As the Government’s plans for holding talks with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan have come to a standstill after the September 15, 2013 Upper Dir attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Pakistani Army, a former Member of the MNA Javaid Ibrahim Paracha is reported to have met two prisoners Omer Adeel and Hafiz Mohammad Naseer who belong to SSP in the Central Jail in Rawalpindi District, on behalf of TTP. Both the prisoners had been awarded capital punishment for carrying out terror attacks.              

Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, Khursheed Shah, told reporters on that he had been informed by the Prime Minister that the Government had not given any task to Paracha to hold talks with TTP.

The Supreme Court during hearing of the suo motu case on the deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry ordered the Police and Rangers to arrest 1,500 suspected terrorists and 33,000 absconding criminals still at large in Karachi.

Sindh Advocate General Khalid Javed Khan filed a report on behalf of the Police IG, showing a comparative data of crimes since the targeted operation was launched. The bench asked Khan and the Police IG to ensure this action against the criminals is carried out efficaciously so that this effort does not fail like previous ones.

Prosecutor-general Shahadat Awan disclosed that there are 110,549 absconders and proclaimed offenders across the province, including 33,665 in Karachi alone. They’ve absconded during the last five years, that is, the tenure of PPP-led Government, he submitted. Moreover, there are 1,500 suspected terrorists who are also on the run, he added.

The Supreme Court took exception to Sindh Home Secretary’s failure to inform the bench about the number of arms licenses issued in Karachi. The Secretary said exact number of arms licenses were not known as the administration was still collecting data in this regard.

The Federal Cabinet approved extraordinary powers for the Paramilitary Rangers in an effort to stamp out crimes from Karachi. The Paramilitary Force has already been mandated to carry out surgical operations against criminal gangs in the city. The cabinet approved the Anti-Terrorism (Third Amendment) Bill, 2013 which will now be tabled in Parliament for approval.

According to the draft Bill, “[the] Rangers after prior warning as considered necessary against persons committing a terrorist or scheduled offence will be authorised to shoot or order to shoot before they are fired upon as provided under the existing law.”

This means from now on, extortion, kidnapping-for-ransom and target killing – the three crimes which have shaken Karachi the most – will be tried under the Anti-Terrorism law. For the protection of judges and witnesses, the bill proposes a slew of measures which include using screens to shield witnesses, judges and prosecutors from public view conducting trials on jail premises or through video-link investigation and trial in another province. The bill also proposes measures for expeditious disposal of cases by the courts.

Balochistan Chief Minister Doctor Abdul Malik Baloch said that his party had no interest other than resolving the issue of missing persons’ and stated that Baloch insurgents and all the other stakeholders are to be invited to the negotiation table to bring peace in the troubled province.

While talking to the journalist Baloch said, “I am confident that people of Balochistan believe we don’t have any other interest except to see militants at the table to restore peace and currently we’re making efforts to restore their trust”.  Though, he is interested in restoring peace in the region but not getting any assistance and support from the Federal Government.

September 21

At least 12 militants were killed and two soldiers were injured in a shootout near the Pak-Afghan border in Lower Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

At least two persons, identified as Manzoor and Hazoor Bakhsh, were killed by unidentified assailants in Bhag Nari area of Kachhi (Bolan) District.

FC and Balochistan Police arrested 16 suspected militants during a search operation in Gwadar District and recovered three vehicles and five motorbikes from their possession. 

TTP released three doctors who had been abducted from Zhob town of Zhob District in June 21, 2013.

A fruit vendor, identified as Ghulam Ali (40), was shot dead in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of Gulshan Town in Karachi in the night. Investigators said the victim hailed from Muzaffargarh District in Punjab and was a resident of a squatter settlement in Gulistan-e-Jauhar.                

BDS detonated hand grenades found in a bag lying near the residential society of the Aga Khani community in Metroville area of SITE Town.         

The three doctors, who were released by TTP, were reportedly released in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. The doctors were identified as Nasrullah Ghilzai, Muhammad Anwer Shabozai and Ayaz Ahmed. According to details, they had been kidnapped from the Loralai District of Balochistan and taken to North Waziristan Agency.

Over PKR 35 million was paid to TTP militants for their release. The Government officials had claimed that the doctors were freed without payment of ransom to the kidnappers. “There is no truth in the officials’ claim that the doctors have been freed after successful negotiations between local tribal elders and the militants and that no ransom amount was paid to the kidnappers,” the sources said, adding that the ransom amount of over PKR 35 million had been arranged by the doctors’ relatives and friends.     

Police demolished minarets at an Ahmadi place of worship Kabutranwali Ibadatgah in Sialkot District of Punjab, after a group of protesters threatened to do so themselves. The Police approached the community on September 20, 2013 after a local cleric Abdul Hameed Chishti belonging to Jama’at Ahl-e-Sunnat Pakistan (JAS) complained that three worship places for Ahmadis had features that resembled mosques, namely minarets and verses from the Quran written on the walls.

The cleric whose complaint led to the action said that he had approached the Police after he attended a Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Conference on September 7, 2013 marking the anniversary of the passage of anti-Ahmadi laws, where a speaker said that Ahmadis were not allowed to build minarets or use verses from the Quran at their places of worship. Sections 298-B and 298-C of the Pakistan Penal Code outlaw Ahmadis from calling their place of worship a masjid, claiming to be Muslims or preaching their faith to others.

Pakistani Police busted a gang that uses a female member to lure youngsters through Facebook and telephone calls and then kidnapping them for ransom. The gang, which included a lawyer, his wife, the son of a Policeman and four others, was active in the industrial town of Gujranwala in Gujranwala District and was traced by tracking phone calls.

September 22

As many as 81 persons were killed and 145 others injured when two suicide attackers blew themselves up at the end of a service at All Saints Church near Qissa Khawani bazaar in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The service had just ended and at least 400 worshippers were greeting each other when there was a huge explosion. "There are 34 women and seven children among the dead," Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, adding that the Federal Government had announced a three-day period of national mourning. Janood-e-Hafsa (JeH, Army of the Lioness), an umbrella group of TTP, claimed responsibility. "We carried out the suicide bombings at Peshawar church and will continue to strike foreigners and non-Muslims until drone attacks stop," Ahmad Marwat, a ‘spokesman’ for the group, said.

ANP local leader Anwar Khan was killed in a firing incident in Buner town (Buner District).

At least six suspected militants were killed and three others were injured in a US drone strike on a militant compound in Shawal area of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. “US drones fired four missiles into a militant compound. At least six militants were killed and three others were wounded,” an unnamed security official said. The officials said the identities of those killed were not yet clear.

Three militant commanders, including a spokesperson for LI, were killed when the IED they were making exploded in LI Markaz in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency. LI ‘spokesperson’ Younas and commanders Ghufran and Abu Darda of Tariq Afridi faction of TTP were killed in the explosion.

An unidentified dead body of a man was found in a gunny bag near Farzana Dawakhana in Dastagir area of Karachi. Sharah-e-Faisal Police said the victim appeared to be of Baloch origin and was kidnapped, tortured and then killed.

Unidentified assailants hurled a homemade cracker bomb at the Unit Office of the MQM at Gulshan-e-Bihar in Orangi Town. No casualty was reported.

Law enforcers claimed to have arrested at least 187 suspects during separate raids and operations across Karachi. Rangers detained around 27 suspects during targeted raids in Orangi Town, Joria Bazaar, Green Town, FC Area, Landhi, Ramswami, Abul Hassan Asphani Road, Habib Bank Chowrangi areas Aansu Goth and Jumma Goth.  Rangers’ spokesperson said weapons were also recovered from the possession of few suspects.

Boat Basin Police conducted a targeted raid in a residential apartment in Clifton area of Saddar Town, and arrested a suspected criminal, identified as Ghulam Rasool. The Police also arrested around 134 suspected criminals during 84 targeted raids across the city. The arrested persons included 55 absconders, 24 under Arms Ordinance, 16 under Narcotics Ordinance, 11 robbers, three kidnappers and one extortionist. Sindh police’s spokesman said 44 weapons, five grenades, and narcotics were also recovered.

Around 18 suspects were detained after search operations in Sohrab Goth, Bismillah Market and Janjal Goth areas. Weapons were also found from their custody. The police took seven more suspects into detention from Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Ayub Goth, Rajput Colony, and Baksh Ali Goth. According to details, five motorcycles and narcotics were seized.

At least 21 persons were injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast at Tareen Chowk on Nishtar Road in Sibi District. According to the Police, unidentified militants had rigged a bomb to a motorcycle which was parked by the roadside. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Sandal Bar Police registered cases against 190 cadres of ST including 20 nominated persons for attacking a Police Station and creating a law and order situation in Faisalabad District of Punjab. Police said cases were also registered against 10 women who had joined the protestors to press their demand for the release of 25 ST cadres.

Pakistan reiterated its commitment to live in peace with its neighbours and resolve all the disputes and conflicts through negotiations. “Peaceful resolution of conflicts and disputes among all neighbouring countries will bring peace to the whole region,” National Assembly Deputy Speaker Murtaza Javed Abbasi told a high-level dialogue on “Converging Wisdom and Consensus: Promoting the New Development of China-South Asia Relationship” at the Yunnan Haigeng Convention Centre in Kunming city.

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a former Afghan Taliban ‘second-in-command’ released in Pakistan, is being kept in a safe house in Karachi. Afghanistan sees Baradar as a respected figure who could use his influence among the Afghan Taliban to help coax moderate commanders to the negotiating table and convince warring parties to stop fighting after more than a decade of war.

A Government source with knowledge of the situation said separately: “He will not be sent to Afghanistan. He is in a safe house in Karachi. … Everything will be decided between Pakistan, Afghanistan and the United States.” The source said Pakistan decided to announce his release to coincide with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to New York this week where he is expected to meet US President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

September 23

The death toll in September 22 twin suicide attack on All Saints Church near Qissa Khawani bazaar in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP, climbed to 83. Earlier, it was reported that 81 persons were killed and 145 others sustain injuries.

In Islamabad, more than 600 protesters blocked a major city highway for several hours during the Monday morning rush hour, causing long tailbacks. In Peshawar itself, demonstrators took to the streets, smashing windows at the Lady Reading Hospital, where many of the victims were still being treated.

In a key reshuffle, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IGP Ahsan Ghani was replaced by Nasir Khan Durrani. "The decision was taken at the highest level," said an unnamed official. The appointment of the IGP is at the Prime Minister's discretion. Secretary Establishment Division Shahid Rashid also confirmed the appointment, "We issued the notification on Monday." Durrani was working as Punjab Counter Terrorism Department Additional Inspector General Police.

Unidentified militants targeted a Police mobile van with an IED at Wazirbagh area of Peshawar. According to a District Police spokesman, the incident occurred at Wazirbagh where a roadside bomb was detonated with a remote control when the Police mobile van was passing through the area. Policemen Rehmanullah Khan and Ejaz sustained injuries.

At least five persons, including three Policemen and two civilians were killed while five others injured in a bomb attack targeting Police in Pishin District. "The bomb was planted underneath the Police van, which exploded while the officials were performing routine checks, killing five people including three Policemen and two civilians," said District Police Chief Mehboob Rasheed.

TTP claimed responsibility for the attack. "We attacked the Police in Balochistan today to avenge killing of our men by the army in a recent staged encounter," in the country's northwest, TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid told media over telephone from an undisclosed location.

Balochistan Frontier Corps detained 48 illegal Afghan immigrants from a passenger bus in Hazaraganji area of Quetta. A spokesman for the FC said that the Afghans had been arrested for not having legal documents to enter Pakistan. The bus driver was also arrested. The arrested Afghans had been handed over to FIA which registered a case against them under the Foreign Act.

A Policeman was killed and eight others, including two Policemen were wounded in Aansu Goth area of Malir Town in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to details, an alleged gangster, Naveed Baloch (27), died under mysterious circumstances in police custody. The deceased was arrested along with two of his accomplices on September 22, 2013 from Malir City police remit.

The protesters turned violent and pelted stones at the Police Station. An extra contingent of law enforcers was quick to reach the Police Station and resorted to aerial firing in order to disperse the protesters. As a reaction to Police action, unidentified armed assailants lobbed a hand grenade on a Police mobile which wounded at least eight people, including two Policemen. Later, armed assailants kidnapped Constable Farman, shot him dead, and threw his dead body outside the Police Station. Law enforcers launched an operation in Aansu Goth and adjoining areas and later claimed to have arrested 30 suspects and seized their weapons which included G-3 rifles and sub machineguns (SMGs).

Rangers and Police claimed to have arrested around 200 suspects during separate targeted raids across the city. Rangers' spokesman said they raided the hideout of the PAC's Darvesh near Old Sabzi Mandi area in Gulshan Town, and recovered a truck loaded with a huge cache of automatic weapons as well as a large quantity of narcotics in apple crates. The arrested suspects were shifted to an undisclosed location for further questioning.

Rangers arrested around 48 suspects during targeted operations in Korangi Industrial Area's Mehran Town, Baloch Colony, Haji Mureed Goth, Karnal Basti, Quaidabad, Gabol Park, Taiser Town and other areas.

Police also arrested around 144 suspects along with weapons during the last 24 hours from areas including North Nazimabad Town, Darakhshan in Malir Town and Korangi Town.

Maulana Abdul Aziz, the chief cleric of Lal Masjid (Red Mosque), was acquitted from his last case by a judicial magistrate of Islamabad, Mohammad Naveed Khan. Since 2001, 27 different cases had been registered against Maulana Aziz, and the last one was registered on April 1, 2007 by the Kohsar Police because he had threatened shopkeepers of Aabpara and Jinnah Super Market for selling movies containing indecent content. The first of the 27 cases against Maulana Abdul Aziz and his associates was registered on September 28, 2001, for delivering fiery speeches.

Between 2001 and 2005, the Police registered 10 cases of which five were registered under different sections of the Anti Terrorism Act 1997. The remaining five were withdrawn before 2007. However, 22 cases were later registered against the cleric between January and July, 2007. In this regard, the prosecution produced 60 witnesses against Maulana Aziz. However, when the relevant witnesses, including the shopkeepers, were produced before the court, they disowned the prosecution's story and claimed that Maulana Aziz had never threatened them or visited their shops.

Maulana Wajihullah advocate, counsel of Maulana Aziz, after the cleric's acquittal told Dawn that former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf had forced the Police to register fake cases against the cleric and his family members. He said Maulana Aziz and his family members had now been acquitted from all fake cases but General Musharraf himself was still facing trials.

A resolution adopted by the Sunni Ittehad Council at its National Peace Convention at Aiwan-i-Iqbal rejected the idea of holding peace talks with the TTP, saying that the offer of dialogue exposes the Government's weakness. The Taliban should be dealt with force, stated the resolution. The SIC resolution said that while the Government was making peace overtures, the Taliban continued their "terrorist activities", most recently with the bombing of a Peshawar church. The Government had, without receiving any assurances from the Taliban, released several "terrorists", it said. Talking to militants who had killed hundreds of Pakistanis was to rub salt in the wounds of the bereaved.

SIC Chairman Hamid Raza Rizvi said the organisation would continue to oppose talks with "rebels". The SIC condemned all acts of terrorism and would continue to do so, he added. The Government, by offering talks, had ignored the sacrifices of groups like the SIC, which had lost several leaders including Doctor Sarfaraz Naeemi to Taliban attacks.

Lawmakers in Sindh Assembly unanimously condemned the suicide attack on Peshawar Church and demanded Federal Government for reconsidering its policy of dialogue with the TTP militants. The condemnation of the incident was made through passing a joint resolution. PPP's Doctor Mahesh Kumar Malani, MQM's Arif Masih Bhatti, PML-Functional's Nusrat Saher Abbasi and PTI's Doctor Seema Zia had brought the resolution jointly.

The tribal elders from the FATA asked the Government to take them into confidence on dialogue process with the TTP. Speaking at a news conference at Peshawar, patron-in-chief of the FATA Grand Alliance Malik Khan Marjan said the Government should consult the tribal elders before initiating talks with the TTP if it wanted to make the peace process meaningful.

At least 49 prisoners allegedly involved in high profile terrorism cases, including five American nationals, have been shifted from the Central Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi District to the high security prison of Central Jail in Faisalabad District. According to a prison official, more than 60 prisoners involved in terrorism cases are still languishing in the Central Jail Adiala amid tight security.

Doctor Usman, an alleged terrorist, was also shifted to Faisalabad. He had been convicted in a deadly attack on the Army Headquarters Rawalpindi in October 2009. Also, five American nationals, who were allegedly involved in the Sargodha Airbase attack, were also shifted.

The prison official said the 49 prisoners were kept in a high security barrack in the Central Jail Faisalabad after they were shifted. When contacted, a senior official of the prison department confirmed that all 49 high profile prisoners had been shifted first to Mianwali Jail and then to Faisalabad.

Federal Minister for Borders and Northern areas Lieutenant General (Retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch said that the Afghan refugees would voluntarily return to their country by 2015. Talking to media at Quetta Baloch said the repatriation of Afghan refugees depends on the situation in Afghanistan and that they would happily return to their country if the situation improves.

September 24

Mortar shells fired from Afghanistan hit a border Bange Dar village in North Waziristan Agency of FATA, killing two civilians. Two unnamed officials said that six mortar shells fired from the eastern Afghan province of Khost landed in Bange Dar village. All the victims were from same family.

The BDU along with District Police raided a warehouse in the jurisdiction of Yakkatoot Police Station in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and recovered a huge quantity of explosive material with detonators.

Peshawar High Court declared that cell phone companies would have to pay compensation equal to the Diyat (compensation paid to the heirs of a victim) amount to those killed in bomb blasts if their unregistered SIMs were used in the blasts. During hearing into a suo moto notice on the use of unregistered SIMs, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Dost Muhammad Khan and Justice Qaiser Rashid Khan declared that cell phone companies would pay compensation equal to the amount of Arsh (Pre-specified Compensation) and Damaan (Compensation determined by court to be paid by the offender to the victim for causing hurt not liable to Arsh) to the injured persons of bomb blasts in which their unregistered SIMs were used. The bench directed the Federal Government to draft a bill on strict laws against the illegal sale of SIMs in the country and propose stringent laws against the violators to end the sale of unregistered and illegal SIMs.

The Police claimed to have arrested 21 target killers and recovered weapons and foreign currency from Shaheed Benazir Abad District of Sindh. Police sources said that the Police during an operation in Santa Singh village had arrested three people, and on the information given by those arrested Police raided village Parial Shah near Sakrand town where 18 alleged target killers had been hiding in the houses of the Chandio community.

The security personnel arrested a prime accused of Karachi Lyari gang war named Sheraz Comrade and his two accomplices when they were trying to escape to Dubai from the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore (Lahore District), the provincial capital of Punjab. The other two accomplices of comrade were identified as Zakir Mogheeri and Awais Tipu.

The TTP, denied that its sister organisation Jandul Hafsa was involved in September 22's twin suicide attack on a church in Peshawar that left more than 83 persons dead and over 145 injured. The spokesman of TTP, Shahidullah Shahid, phoned media organisations in Peshawar and clarified that Jandul Hafsa, the group which claimed responsibility of the attack, had no links with his organisation.

Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that Peshawar church attacks and recent killing of army officers were condemnable incidents but the decision to hold talks with the TTP was made with a consensus and it would be pursued. Addressing a joint press conference along with his British counterpart Theresa May, Nisar reiterated commitment of the Pakistani Government to work with all countries to curb the menaces of terrorism, narcotics and other crimes.

September 25

The Security Forces killed five militants in a retaliatory fire after the militants attacked their camp with rockets in the Janni Khel area of Bannu District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. One trooper was injured in the incident.

Three persons were killed and seven others were injured in a militant attack on Gandau dam in the Halimzai area of Mohmand Agency in FATA. The dam also got damaged during the attack. The 'spokesman' for TTP Mohmand Agency, Umar Khalid Khurasani, in a statement claimed to have killed three persons, including two engineers and the contractor, and abducted two other persons.

Two people, identified as Ramzan and a woman, were killed in a firing incident in the Dasht area of Mastung District.

Unidentified armed assailants abducted a man, identified as Muhammad Afzal, on gunpoint from the Gharibabad area of Panjgur District.

The Balochistan Frontier Corps recovered arms, narcotics and fake Pakistani currency worth PKR 200,000 and 99,500,000 Iranian Rial from a house in the Sariab area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan Province.

Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch in London said that responsibility of crisis in Balochistan lies on establishment. He was of the view that Pakistani establishment was responsible for deteriorating situation in Balochistan and for pursuing flawed policies. The Chief Minister said that majority of Baloch people want their rights living under the federation of Pakistan.

A Policeman sustained injuries during a raid in the Lyari Town of Karachi District. A suspect, who was a close aide of Lyari gangster Shiraz Comrade, was also arrested during the raid. The Police said that the accused had confessed his involvement in the killing of 15 people.

Armed assailants opened fire outside the shop of President Mamnoon Hussain's nephew in the Light House area of Saddar Town after he refused to pay extortion money. The militants had reportedly sent a chit to the shop, demanding money. Earlier, Hussain's nephew had paid an extortion money of PKR 0.5 million during Ramazan (holy month of fasting). This time he refused to pay the money. Police said the extortionists have been identified.

Robbers made off with PKR four million from branches of two private banks in separate bank robberies. Police said at least five armed assailants barged into a private bank branch situated in Landhi Town and snatched weapons of security guards. Later they fled from the bank after looting PKR 3.9 million. In another incident, another private bank was looted by armed assailants near Noorani Chowrangi within the limits of Ferozabad Police Station in Jamshed Town. They looted PKR 0.89 million from cash counter. In both the incidents, robbers took along the CCTV footage with them.

The Sindh Government issued a notification under which five Police Stations in Karachi District would be under the control of Rangers' forces. At least 151 suspects were arrested in District during targeted operations carried out by Paramilitary Forces and Police personnel. Earlier, the Provincial Government had decided that five Police Stations would be under the joint control of Rangers and police to deal with four types of heinous crimes.

Two Lyari gang war criminals, identified as Owais Tipu and Amin, were arrested at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore. Sources in Intelligence Agencies said that they were allegedly involved in the armed gang-wars in Lyari Town of Karachi District in Sindh.

The Gilgit Baltistan Government decided to set up 17 more check posts along the strategic Karakoram Highway, which links the region to the rest of the country along with China, for safe passage. "The purpose of erecting more check posts on the highway is to ensure a safe journey for commuters," spokesperson for the Chief Minister's Secretariat, Sajjadul Haq.

The PTI chairman Imran Khan said that the TTP should be allowed to open their office so that peace talks can progress. He argued that if the US could open offices for the Afghan Taliban in Qatar, why Pakistan shouldn't do the same. The PTI Chairman also said nine years ago there was only one group of Taliban, but now there are around 35 such groups.

While strongly condemning the attack on the Christian community in Peshawar on September 22, 20313, Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, also known as the father of the Taliban, said that peace is unlikely without talks with the Taliban. He called the All Parties Conference a 'waste of time'. "Our politics is based on defending the nation and enforcing Shariah. If drone attacks are carried out on people, then they were will be forced to carry out suicide attacks," he added.

Chairperson of HRCP Zohra Yousuf during a conference said that the rise of extremism in Pakistan and the state's policy of appeasement with non-state actors is a threat not only to the future of democracy but also to the very existence of this country.

September 26

The dead bodies of two alleged Lyari gangsters were found from Northern Bypass within the remits of Mochko Police Station in Baldia Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. The bodies are suspected to be that of Ghaffar Zikri, the successor of Arshad Pappu gang, who had been underground since 2009 and reportedly hiding in Balochistan, and his old companion Raja Pathan.

A senior advocate affiliated with PML-N, identified as Naimat Ali Randhava, was killed and his son, Tauqir Ali, was wounded near Matric Board Office at Nazimabad No 7 within the remits of Nazimabad Police Station in North Nazimabad Town. Randhava was recently engaged in the famous Wali Khan Babar case as a private lawyer. He was a public prosecutor in Justice Nizam case and Musharraf attack case.

A Shia man, identified as Haider Raza, was shot dead within the jurisdiction of Mominabad Police Station in the Metroville area of Orangi Town.

A Shia man, identified as Haider Raza, was shot dead within the jurisdiction of Mominabad Police Station in the Metroville area of Orangi Town.

CID conducted a raid on a tip-off and arrested a Lyari gangster, identified as Shahid Malik alias Bikik, from Super Highway. The raid was conducted while the suspect was trying to flee from Karachi to Shaheed Benazir Abad District (previously known as Nawabshah District), due to the ongoing operations. Bikik has been involved in attacking former President Asif Ali Zardari's chief security guard Bilal Sheikh.

A local leader of PML-N, identified as Mir Habibullah Zehri, was shot dead by unidentified militants in Zehri tehsil of Khuzdar District.

Unidentified militants shot dead a man, identified as Bashir Ahmad, at Kerani Colony near Killi Ferozabad in Sariab area of provincial capital Quetta.

At least four people were injured in a landmine explosion near Talkat area of Sui in Dera Bugti District. Law-enforcement Agencies and the Levies Force have cordoned off the entire area.

The Chairman of NDMA, Major General Mohammad Saeed Aleem escaped a rocket attack targeting the helicopter that was carrying him in Mashkay tehsil Awaran District. A security official, on condition of anonymity, said that militants fired two rockets at the helicopter of NDMA Chairman in the earthquake affected Awaran District. "The NDMA chairman is safe", the official added.

No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack. However, SFs blame Baloch guerrilla 'commander' Doctor Allah Nazar Baloch for carrying out the attacks. Balochistan Chief Minister Doctor Malik Baloch made an appeal to Allah Nazar to cooperate with aid agencies to support earthquake survivors.

Intelligence officials said that unidentified militants attacked a convoy of paramilitary troops. The official, on condition of anonymity said that that armed assailants opened fire at a convoy of FC near Awaran town of the District. He said the FC personnel were engaged in relief work when attacked by militants.

Intelligence officials said that unidentified militants attacked a convoy of paramilitary troops. The official, on condition of anonymity said that that armed assailants opened fire at a convoy of FC near Awaran town of the District. He said the FC personnel were engaged in relief work when attacked by militants.

Jan Muhammad Buledi, the spokesman for the Government of Balochistan made an appeal to all Baloch separatist groups to bring a halt to attacks in earthquake-affected areas of the province. The death toll from a massive earthquake that jolted southwest Pakistan on September 24, 2013 has risen to 356, with officials saying that thousands have been left homeless and about 300,000 people had been affected in remote parts of the province

The Supreme Court's Karachi registry directed the IGP in Sindh that all "no go" areas in the city be made accessible to all citizens. The Supreme Court observed that the operation initiated against the criminals in Karachi is only the beginning of what could be a long process to restore peace. The court directed the IGP in Sindh to submit a compliance report on the clearance of "no go" areas by the next hearing.

The bench also noted that the Provincial Government is required to issue a notification in terms of Section 2 of the Surrender of Illicit Arms Act, 1991 (Act of 1991) to allow 15 days time to the people who possess illicit fire arms to surrender them.

The alleged Somali mastermind of the attack on a Kenyan mall connected with jihadists while studying in Pakistan and later fought in Afghanistan and Kashmir,. Mukhtar Abu Zubeyr, known as Godane, earned a scholarship in the 1990s to study in Pakistan, where he "connected with jihadist circles", analysts were quoted as saying by The Washington Post. Godane then travelled to "Afghanistan to train and fight, as well as to Kashmir", the report said.

The militant commander, thought to be in his mid-30s, returned to Somalia in 2002 and joined the Islamic Courts Union, an Islamist group that controlled large swaths in the southern part of the country. He held senior positions until late 2006, when the transitional Government drove the Islamists out. Hardliners from the group then formed al-Shabaab, which claimed responsibility for the attack on the Westgate mall in Nairobi that killed 67 people, including three Indian nationals. The report described Godane as "a man of contradictions". He is "bookish, eloquent in both Arabic and Somali, recites poetry and is known to quote from obscure academic journals". However, he also ruthlessly killed most of his rivals to seize control of al-Shabaab, the Somali militia linked to al Qaida.

PM Nawaz Sharif said that TTP would have to accept if his Government proceeded with a peace deal with the group, demanding that they lay down arms and recognize Pakistan's constitution. PM further said that Pakistan will proceed with a plan to build a gas pipeline from Iran, despite objections from the United States, and that he plans to raise the issue of American drone strikes in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly. In an interview in New York with The Wall Street Journal, Nawaz Sharif also spelled out the conditions that TTP would have to accept if his Government proceeded with a peace deal with the militant group, demanding that they lay down arms and recognize Pakistan's constitution. At the same time, he voiced fears that continued US drone attacks would wreck his policy to negotiate with the TTP.

PM Nawaz Sharif called on the international community to renew the global consensus on nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and promotion of cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Speaking at a high-level UN General Assembly meeting on nuclear disarmament, the prime minister said, "Thirty-five years ago, this august Assembly reached a consensus on the mandate and machinery to pursue the disarmament agenda. With the passage of time, regrettably, this consensus has eroded and the goals set have become elusive."

September 27

At least 19 persons were killed and 42 others injured when a bomb exploded on a bus carrying Government employees at Gulbela area on Charsadda Road of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP. Peshawar Senior SSP (operations) Najeeb-ur-Rehman said the bomb planted in the rear portion of the bus went off when it reached Gulbela area. The blast damaged a number of nearby shops and doors and windows of several buildings.

An Assistant Director of Karachi Development Authority, identified as Abdul Jabbar Mangi (55), was shot dead and his driver, Naeem Fazal (30), was wounded when unidentified militants on motorcycles resorted to indiscriminate firing at his vehicle in Korangi area within the jurisdiction of Zaman Town Police Station in Korangi Town.

Abdul Haq, and close ally of Sheraz Comrade, was killed during a Police encounter at Baghdadi area of Lyari Town. SHO Baghdadi Munir Chandio said that Haq was wanted in a number of criminal cases, including target killings, kidnappings, extortion and Police encounters. Following the encounter, Lyari gangsters attacked Baghdadi Police Station with fire-rockets, hand grenades and RPGs. The police responded to the attack by firing back, but no casualties. Separately, an alleged Lyari gangster, identified as were reported.

A local leader of TTP, identified as Hakim Khan Mehsud, was killed and four others were wounded during an armed clashed between two rival groups in Gulshan-e-Buner area of Landhi Town. Hakim khan was affiliated with Baitullah Mehsud group. Later, the law enforcers raided Gulshan-e-Buner and arrested about a dozen suspects and recovered arms, pressure cooker bomb and a motorcycle from their possession.

Rangers claimed to have arrested around half a dozen alleged gangsters during the targeted raid in Lyari Town. Rangers also claimed to have recovered grenade launchers, sub-machineguns, repeaters, high explosive grenades with firing mechanism, ball-bombs, 40mm rocket, and other kinds of weapons and ammunitions in large quantity.

Unidentified militants fired at helicopter carrying relief goods to Mashkay area in Awaran District. A senior FC officer had said that most of the stricken places in Awaran are highly risky areas for relief workers and provincial functionaries as it is a hub of Baloch nationalist militants.

Fearing the presence of Army in the earthquake hit area as a measure of covert operation against the militants, the 'chief' of BLF Doctor Allah Nazar said that the workers of private, NGOs or international bodies, such as the UN, would be welcomed by the rebels. They have nothing to fear from the side of the rebels, he assured, adding that there will be no attacks on civilian convoys. A military official in Awaran also confirmed that the rebels are only attacking SFs and not civilians.

Another military source said that up to 1,500 troops have been deployed to the area for relief work. But Dr Nazar, who has been underground for the past seven years, held that the huge aerial and ground deployment by the army was to crack down on rebel elements under the garb of relief efforts.

Referring to the attack on military helicopters, Dr Nazar claimed that the choppers were engaged because they were launching an offensive on the bases of rebel elements along with ground troops. The helicopters, he said, were also surveying areas that were known to be sympathetic to the rebels instead of hovering above the devastated areas.

As proof of his claims of the army's hidden agenda, he questioned why no private aid or workers were being allowed through, or facilitated, and pointed out that, if they were allowed through, they were restricted and warned against travelling to areas other than the ones chosen by the SFs.

A senior TTP leader, Omar Khalid Khurasani, has criticised the Government and said it had taken no serious initiative so far for holding talks with his group. Omar Khalid Khurasani is the 'chief' of TTP's Mohmand Agency chapter. In a message uploaded on social media networks, Khurasani said: "We want to clarify that we are not begging for peace talks, but we took the initiative of offering talks for the wellbeing of the countrymen and for saving Pakistan from more losses." "This does not mean that we are weak. We are still organised and strong. We (Taliban) are still loyal to our 'chief' Hakimullah Mehsud," the message said.

Umer Khalid Khurasani has opposed peace talks with the Government. Khurasani said peace negotiations with the Government would never be successful as the TTP demand enforcement of 'Shariah' while the Government talks about the constitution. Khalid Khurasani said TTP wanted to replace the constitution and they would never backtrack even a single inch from their demand.

The JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that his party won't become a part of peace talks with TTP militants if tribal Jirga was not given role. He said that Imran Khan and other political parties had also sought Jirga's role in holding talks with TTP. The Maulana said that the nation had given mandate to new Government for holding talks with TTP.

Terming Imran Khan's suggestion to allow the TTP to open an office for peace talks a 'dangerous idea', MQM chief Altaf Hussain on September 27 questioned the significance of talks with the outlawed outfit if the TTP are not a unified group. In a statement sent to Dawn, Mr Hussain, without naming anyone, said: "There are some politicians in the country who maintain that the issue can be resolved by holding dialogue and some even suggest that the militants should be allowed to open an office for this purpose, thereby recognising them as a legitimate stakeholder."

A Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk rejected former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf's verbal request for release in the August 26, 2006 murder case of Balochistan leader Nawab Akbar Bugti. The bench said that he must be present in person before the court for its judgment.

The adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said at the UN that drone strikes needed to be halted immediately, stated a Ministry of Foreign Affairs release. Speaking at the high level meeting of the UN Security Council, Aziz said that the strikes violated international law, including international humanitarian law and were counter-productive to Pakistan's efforts of fighting terrorism.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry, acknowledged that the issue of cross-border terrorism poses a challenge to his country as well as Afghanistan. Sharif's acknowledgement on this issue came during his meeting with Kerry in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, wherein the two leaders discussed bilateral relationship, the peace process in Afghanistan and Sharif's upcoming Washington trip to meet President Barack Obama.

Responding to questions, the official said Sharif "acknowledged" the problem of cross-border militancy was a threat to both societies. "They are in a process at this point of seeking negotiations with the leading militant group that is targeting Pakistan, but they also are looking at alternatives, including more vigorous police and military action, should those negotiations fail," the official said.

September 28

As many as nine people including five militants and four personnel of the FC were killed in a fierce exchange of fire in Prome area of Panjgur District. FC spokesman confirmed the incident in a statement and said that the security personnel were patrolling the area when unidentified militants attacked their convoy.

Two Police commandos of the RRF of Sindh Police were killed while another wounded in an attack in Korangi locality. The incident took place when four armed riders hurled a cracker at a Police mobile of the RRF, positioned near Bilal Chowrangi in Korangi for snap checking. They resorted to indiscriminate firing and later escaped. Resultantly, three RRF personnel got injured and were rushed to JPMC. Two of them succumbed to their injuries, whereas one was admitted. The deceased RRF personnel were identified as Bashir and Jumma Khan, and the injured as Alamdar.

A RRF man was killed in SITE area. Shahzad (35) was on duty at the Baba-e-Khyber Market in SITE area, when unidentified men targeted him. He died on the spot.

A Policeman was gunned down in SITE area. Rajab Ali (45) was on duty in Metroville area when two armed men on a motorcycle opened fire. He was shot multiple times and breathed his last at the very moment.

September 29

A car bomb blast killed at least 42 persons and injured 100 others in Kissa Khawani Bazaar of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The blast caused major destruction, toppling a two-storey building and gutting several shops. Thick grey clouds engulfed the entire area after several shops caught fire. At least 50 shops were either damaged or completely destroyed. "It looks like the market was the target," said Bomb Disposal Squad chief Shafqat Malik. A splinter group of the TTP claimed responsibility for the bombing, saying the attack was in response to US drone strikes in tribal areas however, TTP 'spokesman' Shahidullah Shahid condemned the attack.

The Swat chapter of TTP claimed responsibility for the killing on September 15 of Major General, Sanaullah Khan, Lieutenant colonel, Tauseef, and an Army soldier. The two officers and the soldier lost their lives when their vehicle was struck by an IED in Upper Dir. The claim was made in a 20-minute video, which is exclusively available with Dawn. It purports to show a military jeep driving up a mountainous track while a TTP cameraman tracks the shot. Suspected militants can be heard in the background praying for "success".

The video also shows an interview with Mullah Fazlullah, the reclusive leader of the TTP's Swat chapter, in which he says that he would abide by the orders of his outfit's supremo, Hakimullah Mehsud, and those of the Shura, over negotiations with the Government.

The video also shows an interview with Mullah Fazlullah, the reclusive leader of the TTP's Swat chapter, in which he says that he would abide by the orders of his outfit's supremo, Hakimullah Mehsud, and those of the Shura, over negotiations with the Government.

Police and Rangers in a joint operation arrested a former SHO of Baghdadi Police Station Javed Baloch along with nine other suspects from Lyari Town in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh for their alleged involvement in the March 17, 2013, murder case of Lyari gangster Arshad Pappu.

DSP CID, Tofail Baloch while talking to media in Islamabad said that the Police arrested three suspects belonging to a banned outfit who were allegedly involved in target killing and extortion in Karachi from a nearby village in Garhi Afghanan within the jurisdiction of Saddar Police Station at Wah Cantt in Islamabad.

Following a series of attacks in Peshawar, the KP Government devised a counter-terror strategy to ward off threats in the city. Secretary Interior Akthar Ali Shah, while briefing the media, after a high-level security meeting, said that two special task forces would be set up for the city to maintain peace and counter militant threats. One of the committee's will be headed by the Commissioner and the other will be under the IG Police.

Akhtar Ali Shah said that Peshawar would be divided into four zones and targeted operations would be carried out in sensitive areas. The emphasis of these targeted operations will be on bus stands, hotels and private inns which will be thoroughly searched. He said that a ready to move quick response force would be present in each zone along with the Police.

The TTP militants accused Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for changing his mind and giving preconditions of weapon lay down for the APC-backed peace talks with them. Nawaz Sharif during an interview with the Wall Street Journal in New York had said that militants must lay down their arms and follow the constitution.

A spokesman for the TTP, while criticizing Prime Minister Sharif in an interview to a local news magazine, said his Government was not serious about holding peace talks. "By telling us that we will have to lay down arms and respect the constitution, the Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, showed that he is following the policy of America and its allies," the 'spokesman' said.

"We will hold talks with (the Government) only when it gets the authority to take decisions." Replying to a query about proof of Sharif's 'authority,' he said there were three steps required for confidence-building pull out the Army from FATA, release of Taliban prisoners, and end to US drone attacks in Pakistan.

Answering a question regarding repercussions of a full-scale military operation against the militants, he said, "The operation against us has been going on for the last 10 years already. We have become used to it. We even welcome it."

September 30

Three people, including a man, identified as Abdul Shakoor (55), and his two sons Zahir Shakoor (30) and Abid Shakoor (24), were shot dead at Jhat Pat Market in the Lyari Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. At least six armed assailants were involved in the attack.

Two people, including a Shia property deader, identified as Hassan Ali, and his driver Majeed Rehman, were shot dead in a sectarian attack near Power House Chowrangi in New Karachi Town.

A factory worker, identified as Saleem Rahat, was shot dead near the University of Karachi in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town of Gulshan Town.

Three unidentified dead bodies were found from inside a car in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of Gulshan Town. Police said that the victims were abducted, severely tortured and then killed.                                                                                  

A target killer, identified as Fahad Hussain (28), in an interview with The Express Tribune explained how he became an ‘expert’ by practicing headshots on dogs. Fahad, who is affiliated with a political party, confessed to two murders. One of his victims was a Police constable, while the other was Aftab Sheikh, a politically influential man in Karachi.

An eyewitness, in a Karachi court identified Lyari gangster, Ameen Buledi, during the witness parade. The witness recognised the Lyari kingpin among 10 people who were presented at the parade. Ameen Buledi was handed over to the Police on a 10-day physical remand by a District and Sessions Court on September 20, 2013.

Three unidentified dead bodies were found near Zor Barawal (old Barawal) area in Dir District near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The SFs took the three bodies into custody.

SHO Muhammad Fida was injured and two suspected militants were arrested during a raid in the Dhamtor area of Abbottabad District.

The IGP, KP, Nasir Durrani said a targeted operation will be conducted in Peshawar very soon. Marketplaces and other public areas of the provincial capital would first be cleared by sniffer dogs and Bomb Disposal Units before being opened for the general public, he said, adding that approval for the measure had already been given by the KP Government.  The IGP fears more attacks by the militants in the province.

The video released by TTP claiming to have recorded the attack on Major General Sanaullah Niazi on September 15, 2013, is reported to be fake. The video shows the blast on a road that is straight while the General Officer Commanding (GOC) was attacked at Gad Koto in Sunai Darra on a road that climbs up the mountain and has a curve.

A source said the TTP-Swat Chapter that is now headquartered in Kunar Province of Afghanistan was surprised when they came to know about the attack. Hover, they claimed responsibility for the attack later.

US drones fired missiles at a residential compound in Char Khel area of Boya in NWA near Afghan border, killing at least three suspected militants and injuring another one. Sources said that four drones were still hovering over the area. Identities of the deceased were not known.

A Levies official, escorting an anti-polio team in the Mamond area of Bajaur Agency in FATA, sustained injures in an IED explosion.

The convoy of Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch escaped a rocket attack while he was on his way to a camp office in Awaran District. No casualty was reported in the incident.

A local tribal and religious leader Syed Hafiz Shah, who was abducted from the Sorab area of Kech District, was recovered from Bela in Lasbela District.

Former SHO of Baghdadi Police Station Javed Baloch, who was arrested by Rangers personnel on September 29, 2013, during a targeted operation in Lyari Town of Karachi District, disclosed the details of the murder of Lyari gangster Arshad Pappu on March 17, 2013. According to his statement, Pappu, his brother Yasir and their confidante Shera Pathan were all picked up from the home of SI Zakir in Karachi's Defence area.

October 1

The FC and Police arrested 10 militants from different areas of the Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Lahore High Court Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial constituted a division bench to hear an appeal of Punjab Prosecution Department seeking cancellation of bail granted to Zubair alias Nek Muhammad, an accused of attack on Sri Lankan cricket team in March 2009. The bench consists of Justice Shahid Hameed Dar and Justice Muhammad Yawar Ali.

The Prosecution Department had filed the appeal, submitting that a trail court granted the bail to the accused despite presence of evidence and witnesses against him. The prosecution submitted that the trail court had overlooked the facts and evidence and ordered to release the accused.

A LHC review board also turned down the Punjab Government’s request to extend detention of Zubair. A representative of the Home Department, Prosecution Department and Inspector General of Punjab Police appeared before the board and requested it to extend detention of the accused.

Rejecting pleas of the FIA and PPP, the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC-I) ordered retrial of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s murder case following the indictment of main accused, former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf. Musharraf, who was arrested by FIA on April 26, 2013 is on bail against two surety bonds of PKR 1 million each in the murder case of PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto and has exemption from court attendance due to security concerns.

Announcing the judgment, which was reserved on September 17, after hearing arguments of all the concerned parties, ATC Judge Chaudhry Habibur Rehman ordered FIA to reproduce prosecution witnesses before the court for recording their statements on October 8, 2103 and adjourned the hearing.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly unanimously passed a resolution pushing the Federal Government to begin dialogue with the TTP for peace without delay in light of the guidelines of the recent All Parties Conference. Also, the House expressed solidarity with the families, who lost members during the recent suicide bombing of All Saints’ Church in Peshawar, besides condemning terrorist attacks in the Qissa Khwani Bazaar and against the bus of the Civil Secretariat employees.

October 2

At least 15 militants were killed and several others were injured when a suicide bomber ran a vehicle full of explosives into the headquarters of Mullah Nabi Hanfi group of the TTP in the Spin Tall area of Hangu District in KP. The headquarters building collapsed due to the explosion and the compound was badly destroyed. Mullah Nabi Hanfi was a ‘commander’ of the Hangu chapter of the TTP before switching sides and joining the Government’s counter-insurgency efforts. Nabi had said earlier that his group was on TTP’s hit list since the latter wanted to seize control of Hangu, Kohat, Orakzai and parts of the Kurram Agency in FATA.

The KP Government decided to engage the Army to protect polio workers in five union councils of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP, during the vaccination campaign beginning on October 5. It is the first time that the Army’s support is being sought in the restive areas of Peshawar.

The vaccination campaigns were not delivering the goods in Achini Bala, Sheikhan, Matani, Sherikera and Jugani union councils adjacent to Khyber Agency or Mohammad Agency (FATA) for being inaccessible to polio workers and Police.

Local said the poor or no vaccination had left around 800 local children under the age of five years at the high risk of physical disability. The officials said the engagement of the Army men for the vaccinators’ protection would cost PKR 14.4 million. They said unlike other parts of the province, where three-day campaign targeting 5.1 million was already underway, a separate, one-week campaign had been planned for the provincial capital to target 754,000 children under the age of five years with the help of 3,600 vaccinators.

A suicide bomber killed eight people and wounded 16 others at the Chaman border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Qilla Abdullah District. “It was a suicide bombing. We have found the severed head on the blast site,” local border force commander Colonel Haider Ali said. The senior security official said at least one FC paramilitary soldier was among the dead.

Two Army soldiers were killed and two others sustained injuries in a landmine explosion while they were carrying out relief work in Mashkay area of Awaran District.

Police recovered and defused a 30 kilogram pack of explosives attached with a bicycle at Qasim Baloch Stadium in Kechi Baig area of Sariab in Quetta.

The head of the BLF Allah Nazar threatened to step up attacks on Security Forces.  “They (army) are directly involved in the large-scale killings of Baloch men,” Allah Nazar, told Reuters over telephone from a secret location in Balochistan. “They want to crush us and make money from the disaster relief,” he added.

Chief Minister Balochistan Doctor Abdul Malik Baloch announced to convene an All Parties Conference to initiate formal dialogue with the militant groups in the province. “We do not want any bloodshed, rather we stand for peace and development,” he said.

He said a jirga comprising tribal elders and key political leaders would be sent to all Baloch separatists groups and sectarian militant organisations to hold a dialogue regarding the situation in Balochistan through political means. He further informed that the APC will comprise all political groups and tribal elites of Balochistan province.

At least four militants were killed in an encounter with Police on Hub River Road in Baldia Town of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh while huge cache of firearms and explosives were also recovered from their possession.

Two people, including a local leader of the ANP Mashwar Bangash and his companion, identified as Waheed Khan, were shot dead at Cantt Bazaar area in Shah Faisal Town of Karachi.

A Police constable, identified as Ghulam Abbas (43), was shot dead in SITE Town. According to official details, Abbas was posted to SITE B Section Police Station, and left for some work when two armed unidentified armed assailants opened fire at him.

A cadre of the MQM-H, identified as Adil (30), was shot dead inside his house in Lines Area, within the precincts of Brigade Police Station in Jamshed Town. 

An unidentified dead body of a man was found dead from Mewa Shah Graveyard in SITE Town. According to Police, the victim was killed after kidnapping and torture.

Two alleged TTP militants were killed during a targeted raid carried out on a hideout of one of TTP’s splinter groups with the Rangers and the Police in Manghopir area of Gadap Town. Weapons including sub-machine guns, pistols and grenades were seized from them.

Four Policemen were injured during a raid by the Police at the hideout of TTP militants in Maymar Complex area of Sohrab Goth in Gadap Town. However, the terrorists managed to escape.  Following the attack, an extra contingent of law enforcers including the Rapid Response Force reached the site and conducted a door-to-door search operation.

A bomb targeting a private clinic located in Gulistan-e-Johar area of Gulshan Town exploded. However, the no casualties were reported. The Police further said that the owner had received ransom demand and the failure to fulfill the demand led to the attack at his healthcare facility.

An abducted boy was rescued by the Police and Rangers in a joint operation in Gadap Town. The boy was abducted from Sultanabad area of the Town. No other details were mentioned about the abducted boy. LEAs also claimed to have arrested around 260 suspected criminals during separate targeted operation across the city.

The six militants reported to be killed in an encounter carried out on a tip-off, by the CID belonged to Mohmand group of TTP. Earlier, the affiliation of the killed militants was not specified. According to Anti-Extremist Cell in-charge, DSP Chaudhry Aslam Khan, “We had information that terrorists were smuggling explosives from Balochistan. Law-enforcement agencies intercepted a car near Lucky Pahari on Hub River Road. When we tried to stop them, they attacked with heavy weaponry.”

TTP ‘spokesperson’ Shahidullah Shahid asked religious clerics and scholars to condemn the killing of four TTP members in Karachi and take notice of the issue. He further added that none of the Government officials have contacted the TTP for negotiations.

Police arrested at least nine alleged target killers and extortionists belonging to the MQM and Lyari gang war in separate raids. Two of the suspects, identified as Fida Hussain and Mehboob Ali, are affiliated with the MQM. Three alleged members of a Lyari gang were also arrested in a separate raid, DIG Odho informed the media.

Karachi Police’s SIU claimed to have arrested three suspects belonging to Lyari’s Shahid Bikkik gang. SIU chief SP Naveed Khawaja told a press conference that the arrested suspects were involved in more than 45 cases of extortion, adding that they had recently attacked the ice-cream parlour owned by President Mamnoon Hussain’s nephew.

The Karachi Police during last month conducted 2845 raids in limits of different Police Stations and arrested 3976 accused, reported. In 184 Police encounters 36 extortionists, 27 kidnappers, 18 terrorists, 301 dacoits and 1248 absconders and 114 proclaimed offenders were arrested and arms recovered from them.  

The SSP Cantonment Omar Tufail said that the Police in collaboration with the Rangers launched a crackdown on criminals and arrested at least 38 Afghan nationals during raids in Hala Naka and other adjoining slum areas of Hyderabad District.

The Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, accused the MQM for possessing Indian-made illegal weapons and one of its members for the killing of a public prosecutor. On October 1, 2013 the Paramilitary Force raided the MQM Landhi Town office and seized an Indian-made LMG, SMGs and rifles, said the Rangers spokesperson.

Diamer Police arrested a suspect, Amir Hamza, allegedly involved in the March 2013 murder of DSP Attaullah along with two other “high profile accused”, identified as Shafaur Rehman and Bashir Ahmed, from remote Darel Valley in Diamer District.

The Anti-Terrorism Court sent MQM activist Syed Kazim Abbas Rizwi on 14-day physical remand. He was charged with the targeted killings of former Anti-Terrorism Court public prosecutor Naimat Ali Randhawa and seven others.

Earlier on October 1, 2013 he had said, “We have arrested an MQM activist, Syed Kazim Abbas Rizvi, along with three others who killed Randhawa because he was going to take up the case of slain television reporter Wali Babar Khan.” Randhwa’s murder was not sectarian in nature, he had added. Randhawa was shot dead on September 26, 2013 while he was on his way home. His son, Tauqeer Ali Randhawa, was also injured in the attack by armed motorcyclists.

During the initial interrogation, Rizvi had confessed to his involvement in the killing. Wali Babar was shot dead in the Liaquatabad area of Karachi on January 13, 2011 while he was on his way home from work. All six key witnesses in his murder case had been assassinated.

The TTP insisted that the US drone strikes must stop before they consider peace talks with the Government. TTP ‘spokesperson’ Shahidullah Shahid said that any ceasefire must include an end to US drone attacks in the tribal areas, which have been targeting suspected Taliban and al Qaeda militants since 2004.

A group of top clerics from the Deobandi school of thought hinted that they could mediate peace between the Government and homegrown militants, if formally requested. The clerics from Wafaqul Madaris – a conglomerate of mainly Deobandi madrassas of the country – had appealed to the Government and the TTP to engage in a dialogue to avoid further bloodshed in the country.

The TTP welcomed the appeal and said if the Government announced a ceasefire the group would follow suit. “The Government has not asked us for mediation. If requested, we will play our role,” Wafaqul Madaris General Secretary Qari Muhammad Hanif Jalandhri said.  The Deobandi clerics have welcomed the ‘positive response’ to their appeal from the militants.

The TTP announced that they would reconsider their stance if the Government was ready for a break in fighting.

The TTP ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid said the TTP welcomes Ulemas’ suggestion for a ceasefire. He, however, claimed it was the government which is launching the offensive against them, saying if it can take the lead in stopping the war, then they were also ready to follow it.

Awais Sheikh, the counsel for Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh who was murdered in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail in May 2013, has taken permanent refuge in Sweden.  Sheikh took refuge in the Scandinavian country following his alleged abduction bid near Lahore a day before Singh’s death. Singh, who was sentenced to death 16 years ago on espionage charges, died at Lahore’s Jinnah hospital after lying in a comatose state for five days following an assault on him in Kot Lakhpat jail.

October 3

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead a Policeman, identified as Mohammad Rashid, in Metroville area of SITE Town in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An unidentified dead body was found in a briefcase near Railway Line within the remits of Model Colony Police Station in Malir Town. As per initial investigations, the victim was brutally tortured and before being killed.

Police arrested four accused during raids in Gulberg Town and Clifton area of Saddar Town. According to Police, the accused were involved in street crimes and kidnapping-for-ransom cases. Police raided Gizri area of Clifton and arrested one accused and seized weapons from his possession.

The Rangers arrested four alleged target killers during a targeted operation carried out in Quaidabad area of Bin Qasim Town. According to the Ranger’s spokesman, the accused are affiliated with ANP and were involved in various incidents of target killings and extortions.

The former President and co-chairman of PPP Asif Ali Zardari was granted permission to strengthen his already tight personal security due to threats to his life. A judge in Sindh High Court approved Zardari’s application for 100 extra licences for his bodyguards to carry weapons, on top of the official security he is entitled to as former head of state.

In an effort to cripple the capability of terrorists to easily plan and coordinate criminal activities, the Sindh Provincial Government decided to block access to popular internet telephone services and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications, which they say militants use for communication.

The services affected by the three-month suspension may include Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber, among other applications. “Criminal elements and terrorists have smartly switched to these networks. Previously, they communicated through their cellular phones. Now they have switched to networks to which we do not have access,” Provincial Information Minister Sharjeel Memon said.

A dead body, identified as that of Yayha, was found dumped on a roadside in Kech District (also known as Turbat District). Police said that the victim was abducted a few days ago.

Unidentified armed assailants abducted a man, identified as Rehm Ali, on gunpoint while he was on way to some place from Bhag area of Kachhi District (also known as Bolan District).

The FC and Levies Forces arrested two suspects and seized a huge cache of weapons during an operation in Qilla Abdullah District. According to sources, the explosives and ammunition recovered from the suspects included 224 anti-personnel mines, 30 kilogrammes of explosive devices, 2 hand grenades, several suicide jackets, time device, 11 prime card switches and 15 IEDs.

The death toll in the suicide attack on the headquarters of Mullah Nabi Hanfi group of the TTP in the Spin Tall area of Hangu District in KP on October 2, climbed to 17. Earlier, it was reported 15 fatalities. 

The sketches of the suspects who had gotten off the Peshawar bus right before it exploded have been released. 19 persons were killed and 42 others injured when a bomb exploded on a bus carrying Government employees at Gulbela area on Charsadda Road of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP.

The KP Government promised not to interfere in the Police’s operation against terrorists in the province. “We’ve given police a freehand to target terrorists in the province and will ensure that there is no political interference in it for the best possible results,” Sheraz Paracha, spokesman for the CM, told reporters at Peshawar Press Club.

The Peshawar High Court directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to end the roaming service provided to Afghan cellphone companies in the country within a fortnight, observing that SIM (subscriber identity module) cards of Afghan companies had been used in the most cases of terrorism and kidnapping for ransom.

Sindh High Court directed that a report be submitted before it regarding the action the FIA took against former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf for abrogating the Constitution. Agha Syed Attaullah Shah, the Chairman of the Rah-e-Raast Trust (RRT), had gone to the court against the FIA for allegedly not registering case against Pervez Musharraf despite an undertaking submitted by the Federal Government to the Court. The petitioner said the former President had abrogated and subverted the Constitution on November 3, 2007 by declaring emergency.

Musharraf being the then COAS put many judges of the superior courts in wrongful confinement,” the petitioner stated in his plea, filed in 2011. The petitioner argued that the Supreme Court’s full bench had later declared the imposition of the Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO) and emergency as unconstitutional through an order passed on July 31, 2009 and the trustees of the RRT had authorised the petitioner to approach the FIA and file a petition in the high court for initiating legal action under Sections 2 and 3 of the High Treason (Punishment) Act against Musharraf.

According to the petitioner, he approached the FIA authorities for registration of his complaint, but no action had been initiated. The petitioner told the two-judge bench headed by Justice Munib Akhtar that the high court had disposed of his petition on March 9, 2011 in view of the undertaking given by a Deputy Attorney General that the FIA would take action.

The Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif asked his legal team to review the Anti-Terrorism (Third Amendment) Bill 2013 to make it an effective piece of legislation against terrorists. He said the law shouldn’t be misused by law-enforcement agencies. The Federal Cabinet had approved the bill on September 20 and the Government is fine-tuning it before its presentation in parliament for approval.

The Government will press ahead with its plans to engage militants in peace negotiations, despite the wave of terrorist attacks in Peshawar, the National Security and Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz said. “Despite these incidents, the dialogue option should be pursued because the TTP are divided in several groups and many of them have said they do want to pursue dialogue,” Aziz said at a joint news conference with British Senior Foreign Office Minister Baroness Sayeeda Warsi.

PTI chief Imran Khan said that Federal and Provincial authorities would know by the end of November whether the push for peace talks with TTP will be successful or not. “By the middle or end of November we will know if this isn’t going to work,” he told the Guardian in an interview.

Interior Ministry spokesperson Omar Hameed Khan said that the Federal Government will retain the moratorium on capital punishment for at least a few more weeks until the President and Prime Minister hold a meeting to review the measure. Khan said, “No new development so far. The moratorium on capital punishment will continue – until the President and the Prime Minister meet to take a final decision on the matter.”

Since 2008, Pakistani authorities have executed only a couple of death row prisoners following a moratorium on capital punishment. There are around 8,000 prisoners on death row in more than five dozen jails of the country. Former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had advised then President Asif Ali Zardari to impose a five-year moratorium on capital punishment which expired on June 30, 2013.                                                                                                                    

In August this year, the EU cautioned Pakistan that lifting the moratorium will be viewed as a major setback in the 28-member bloc and possibly affect Islamabad’s quest for duty-free access to European markets. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had directed the Interior Ministry to halt executions till further orders.

Mullah Baradar, the former Afghan Taliban ‘second-in-command’ recently released by Pakistan, has been shifted to a safe house in Peshawar near the Afghan border, a step closer to starting peace talks with the Afghan Taliban, security sources said. Afghanistan and the United States believe Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar holds the key to stopping the war in Afghanistan because he is influential enough to persuade his former comrades to stop fighting.

Afghan Taliban leaders said that they would not meet their former commander Mullah Baradar in Peshawar as they believe he is still not a free man and is escorted by intelligence officials. Despite announcements of Baradar being released, he is still believed to be in custody and watched closely by intelligence agents, an arrangement which is likely to undermine his role as a peacemaker. “Following his release, he spent some time in Karachi and now arrived in Peshawar to hold meetings,” a source told Reuters.

October 4

Unidentified militants opened fire at a Police car, killing a constable in Khwaja Gunj Bazaar area of Mardan town (Mardan District) in KP at 10:20am. Swabi Circle Investigation Officer Niaz Muhammad told the Police he had come to Mardan to appear before Anti-Terrorism Court as a witness along with two Police officials.

A constable, Sajad Ahmad, was shot dead by an unidentified motorcyclist at Mardan Road area of Charsadda town (Charsadda District) at around 7:30am. Sajad was employed as a security officer in the District Police office and was commuting to work on his motorcycle when the assailants attacked him. A passer-by identified as Shaheen, a minor, was also shot at in the incident.

SI of Pishtakhara Police was injured in a remote-controlled bomb blast on Ring Road in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP. A police mobile was on routine patrol at around 9:45am when the bomb went off. SI Namadar Khan sustained injuries and the vehicle was also damaged in the explosion.

Two suspected militants were arrested and a large cache of weapons was recovered from their possession in Darra Adam Khel town of Kohat District. A security official said both suspects were arrested at around 12:30pm when a car was stopped at Akhurwal check post for a routine check.

SFs arrested three local militant ‘commanders’ during an operation in the Hassan Khel area of Peshawar. The arrested commanders were identified as Mullah Younas, Meena Gul and Dr Sarkha Gul.

The IGP Nasir Durrani directed all DPOs to conduct operations against terrorists in their respective areas on the basis of intelligence reports. Presiding over a meeting of additional IGPs of Operations, Special Branch, Investigation and Frontier Reserve Police, DIG Headquarters and DIG Operations, Durrani said all operations should be planned properly and carried out on the basis of intelligence reports to make them effective.

An unidentified dead body of a man was found from Kalakot area of Lee Market in Lyari Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Three armed assailants in the third consecutive incident on varsity buses intercepted a bus of NED University students near Nadria Chowk in Nazimabad No.1 area of North Nazimabad Town and robbed 65 students. Holding the students hostage at gunpoint, the armed robbers looted them and then fled the scene.

On September 28, 2013, Jinnah University for Women students were looted on their varsity bus on Main University Road. Similarly, on September 3, 2013 students of University of Karachi were deprived of their valuables when armed assailants stormed into their bus on Banaras Flyover.

The Police carried out targeted operation in Defence, Mehmoodabad and Baloch Colony and arrested 18 accused including 12 absconders along with arms.

A coordination meeting of senior Police and Rangers Officials was held to review the joint operational strategy and to further strengthen the intelligence sharing network between the departments. The meeting was jointly presided over by Sindh IGP and Rangers DG.

After the review of the news reported throughout September 2013 revealed that that the death toll in Karachi during September 2013 was 155, despite regular raids and targeted operations by Rangers and Police, in which Police claimed to have arrested a total of 3,976 alleged criminals and terrorists.

A school student, identified as Muhammad Jan, was shot dead by unidentified militants in Killi Mehmoodabad area of Nawa Killi in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan.

Unidentified militants abducted the Director of NGO, identified as Director Moor Muhammad’s, from Railway Colony in Quetta.

Some 18 Bugti cadres turned themselves in to the IG FC in the presence of tribal elders at Dera Bugti District. The rebels, who were watched by their families, resolved to live as a peaceful citizen in future, according to a statement released by the FC spokesperson. They expressed satisfaction about the amnesty and the package of facilities offered by the Provincial Government.

The DG ISPR Major General Asim Bajwa said that SFs will continue with their relief work in the earthquake affected areas, despite facing security hazards and unabated attacks from militants. Major General Bajwa claimed that militants had fired twice on troops in the Dandar area of Kech District on October 4 and at least five times the day before in Mashkay area of Awaran District, which is worst hit by the September 24 earthquake.

Unidentified militants ambushed the vehicle of Orakzai Agency Political Agent Mehmood Aslam, injuring a levies official in Feroz Khel area of Orakzai Agency in FATA. The PA said that he came out of his office around 10:30am and was on his way to Feroz Khel from Utman Khel when unidentified militants sprayed his vehicle with bullets. Farman Khan, a levies official working as a guard for the PA, was injured in the attack.

The journalist, Lal Wazir, who was abducted by unidentified militants from Azam Warsak town of South Waziristan Agency on October 3, was released by his captors. Lal Wazir (38), who works for a local newspaper Azam Warsak, was taken from a shop by six masked militants. Lal Wazir also works for an Islamabad-based think tank specialising in tribal affairs, the FATA Research Centre.

During a visit to the NCC Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif renewed his Government’s commitment to maintain credible minimum deterrence. The Prime Minister, who recently spoke at a high-level meeting on nuclear disarmament on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York, made a rare visit to an unnamed “technical site” and a “weapons storage site”.

The COAS General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, is likely to stay head of the military with a new title when he steps down as Army Chief in November 2013, quoting Government and security sources. The sources and aides close to General Kayani said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif wanted to make him head of a revamped and more powerful Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.

The Government's spokesman said he also could not comment until an official announcement on October7, 2013 when the current JCSC chief is due to step down.

The TTP once again denied involvement in the September 22 twin suicide bombings at All Saints Church in Peshawar – but the group says it condones the attack. “We didn’t carry out the church attack. However, we believe it’s according to the Sharia,” TTP spokesperson Shahidullah Shahid told the BBC Urdu in a telephone interview from an undisclosed location. Asked who issues orders for any attack, he said the TTP central leadership did not necessarily take such decisions.

The religious parties including JUI-S demanded that the Government immediately initiate peace talks with TTP as per the mandate of the APC. JUI-S chief Maulana Samiul Haq accused the Government of not being sincere in pursuing peace talks. “It seems the peace talks’ offer is meant only to buy time before the military can launch an operation against the Taliban,” alleged Sami.

The Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan termed the process of peace talks with the TTP “very crucial”, however, he said the things are moving in the right direction. When asked about the pre-condition set by TTP to stop drone attack, the Minister replied that he would issue formal statement on the said issue on October 5.

October 5

One ATF operative and two abductors were killed during a raid for the recovery of an abducted heart specialist Doctor Munaaf Tareen in Qilla Abdullah District. “Three kidnappers have been arrested. However, Dr Tareen couldn’t be recovered yet,” Police sources said. According to Police, the ATF and other law enforcement agencies conducted a raid on a house at Kili Karez area of Gulistan for the recovery of abducted heart specialist Dr Tareen, when unidentified armed abductors opened fire on them.

A local leader of the JWP, identified as Daad Ali Bugti, was seriously wounded during a firing by incident by unidentified armed assailants on the National Highway near Khuzdar District. He later succumbed to his injuries. 

Three persons were injured in two separate blasts in Kurram Agency of FATA. The sources said one blast took place in Boshera Killay area where unidentified militants had placed explosives outside the house of one Rehman Ali, whose son Hidayat Ali suffered wounds in the blast. Another blast occurred in Boshera Jauzak village, where too explosives had been planted next to the wall of a house. Two persons identified as Suleman and Zaman sustained injuries in the explosion.

A power pylon was blown up in Khazana area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of KP, while three other bombs planted with the electricity tower were defused in the night. Police said four timed IEDs were planted with an electric pylon in the jurisdiction of Khazana Police Station. One of the IEDs went off, damaging the tower. The remaining three IEDs could not explode and were defused by the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU). 

SFs recovered a cache of weapons and arrested five alleged gun runners near Kohat Tunnel in Kohat District in the evening. The sources said that five persons, whose identity could not be ascertained, were smuggling heavy and small arms, including SMGs, Kalashnikov rifles, pistols and thousands of cartridges from Darra Adamkhel to Karachi in two vehicles.

CPLC with the collaboration of AVCC recovered an abducted banker, identified as Faizan Farooqui (28), from Keamari Town. However the kidnappers managed to escape. Farooqui was abducted on September 29, 2013 from Maripur area of the Town when he was returning from French beach.

The death toll in Karachi during September, 2013 was 155, despite regular raids and targeted operations by Rangers and Police, in which Police claimed to have arrested a total 3,976 alleged criminals and terrorists. Unidentified men killed at least one Pakistan Navy, one Rangers personnel and 17 Policemen in targeted ambush in September, 2013.

The Afghan Taliban is financially supporting the Pakistani militants and providing sanctuary to them in Afghanistan, the ‘spokesman’ for the TTP Shahidullah Shahid has. The disclosure, which the spokesman made in an interview with a small group of reporters, is meaningful because Pakistan has long been accused of pursuing a policy of differentiating between the Afghan and Pakistan Taliban as so-called ‘good’ and ‘bad’ militants --- even though Islamabad denies this. “The Afghan Taliban is our jihadi brothers,” said Shahidullah Shahid. “In the beginning, we were helping them, but now they are strong enough and they don’t need our help, but they are now supporting us financially.” The Afghan Taliban was also providing sanctuary for a prominent TTP ‘commander’, Mullah Fazlullah, in eastern Afghanistan’s Kunar province, said Shahid. 

The TTTP ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid said that the peace talks cannot be successful until the withdrawal of Army troops from the tribal areas and the release of prisoners. 

October 6

At least two gangsters, identified as Shahzad and Shakir, belonging to the Waseeullah alias Lakhoo group, were shot dead during a Police encounter in Kalri area of Lyari Town in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. Kalri SHO Mir Mohammed Lashari said that the Police was informed about the presence of notorious criminals of Lyari gang war in the Daryabad area.

Police shot dead an alleged target killer, identified as Adnan, in an encounter near Zia Morr in SITE Town. According to SITE SP, the Police had been informed about the presence of a notorious group of criminals in the Zia Morr area, but when the law enforcers launched a raid, the suspects opened fire at them.

An activist of the MQM, identified as Adeel Murad (22), was shot dead near Sheesha Gali in Malir Town.

A prayer leader, identified as Maulana Gul Nawaz (50), and his two children were injured in an IED explosion near G-7 bus stop in Gulshan-e-Ghazi area of Ittehad Town in Baldia Town.

Police arrested at least 10 suspects, including five women, of the Lyari-based gangs and seized a cache of weapons in Haji Mureed Goth area of Gulbahar in Liaquatabad Town. The Police were tipped off about the presence of gangster Saleem Bikik alias Chocolatee, said SSP Central Amir Farooqi.

After a brief encounter, 10 suspects, including five women, were arrested, who were identified as Rehan, Narayan, Ehtisham, Owais, Prem, Sana Sheikh, Saibah, Soniya, Mehreen and Saima. The police also seized two repeater rifles, one 8mm rifle, four 9mm pistols and two walkie-talkie sets.  

The Rangers, in the ongoing targeted operations, detained 47 suspects, including alleged gangsters and political and religious activists, and seized a number of weapons from them.

In Pathan Colony of Orangi Town, at least 12 suspects, including cadres of banned religious outfits, were arrested in a raid and 38 guns, including submachine guns, were seized.  The suspects were said to be involved in many terrorist activities.

In Gulshan-e-Buner area of Quaidabad in Baldia Town, Rangers detained 13 suspects and seized pistols during the raid. The arrested criminals were wanted for their involvement in several cases of sectarian killing.

A roadside bomb killed three soldiers and injured at least seven others when their vehicle was struck with an IED alongside Bannu-Miranshah road in the Bannu District of KP. The military vehicle was on a routine patrol when it hit the IED. A curfew was imposed in the area following the blast. A little known militant organisation, Ansarul Islam Mujahideen, claimed responsibility for the attack.

Two members of peace committee were shot dead in Charbagh tehsil in Swat District. The sources said members of the pro-government Village Defence Committee, Qalandar Khan and Shah-e-Room, were going home when unidentified militants opened fire on them. Both died on the spot. 

TTP is planning huge attacks within the next 24 hours in Peshawar. The attacks will be majorly aimed at law enforcement agencies. According to well-placed sources, the TTP has planned attacks on the FC and Police checkposts throughout the Peshawar.  Security measures have been strengthened around the city, along with at important security check posts.

Police detained seven suspects during a search operation in various areas of Sariab in Quetta. Police also claimed to have recovered weapons from the possession of detainees.

Terrorist attacks on relief convoys and threats to the security of personnel involved in the relief process have made concerned authorities to change their plan for formal damage assessment in Balochistan’s earthquake affected areas. Deterred by security threats, very few NGOs and relief activists were available for carrying out the damage assessment program. But NDMA and other authorities concerned have devised an alternative plan.

The Lahore High Court orders the release of Nek Muhammad, who is accused of involvement in the March 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team. The Government had issued another Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance notification for Nek Muhammad’s detention for one month. However, the Government could not justify his detention before a review board of the Lahore High Court on October 1, 2013.

Nek Muhammad was arrested in June 2009. The Government detained him under Section 3 of the MPO law for three months. On completion of his 90-day detention, the Government approached the review board which allowed a 30-day extension. The review board did not grant another extension when it met with the prosecution on October 1 and ordered his release.

SFs temporarily called off the targeted operation in Chilas town after it failed to achieve the ‘desired results’. An operation was launched on October 4-5, 2013 in Shaheen Koat and Takia in Chilas town after intelligence reports suggested the presence of at least two suspects involved in the June 23, 2013 Nanga Parbat attack.

“Although 16 people were taken into custody, none of them were behind the attack,” a police official said regarding the results of the operation. SP Jahangir Khan speculated the calls, which were intercepted by agencies, might have been made from cell phones belonging to the wanted men but by their relatives or accomplices.

COAS General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani took the unusual step of ruling out any change in his scheduled retirement next month, quashing months of speculation that he would accept an extension of service. “My tenure ends on November 29, 2013. On that day I will retire,” General Kayani said in an unprecedented statement issued by ISPR.

Speculations were rife in the local and international media that General Kayani might not relinquish his office in November on the pretext that it would somehow derail the military’s anti-terror campaign. Some reports even suggested that Kayani would be made chairman of a revamped Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.

“For quite some time, my current responsibilities and likely future plans have been debated in the media with all sorts of rumours and speculations doing the rounds. The subject of being entrusted with new duties has also come up in several reports. I’m grateful to the political leadership and the nation for reposing their trust in me and Pakistan Army at this important juncture of our national history,” he was quoted as saying by the ISPR.

A senior army official said that General Kayani had made up his mind long time ago that he would not seek any extension in his tenure. “He wants an honorable exit. He was very clear in his mind that others should also get a chance to reach the top position,” the official said while requesting anonymity. However, it is not clear whether General Kayani will accept any other position after his retirement. There were speculations that he might be made national security adviser or Pakistan’s ambassador to the US.

The Wall Street Journal quoting unnamed military and civilian officials reported that General Kayani is lobbying to keep a key defence role and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is considering the request. He has reportedly asked for a further one or two years on the job, according to serving and retired military officials.

According to the WSJ report, Kayani is prepared to “accept a revamped Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee job, currently a largely ceremonial post that would be given more authority, or to become defence Adviser to the Government.” The report further cited officials saying that he could also be made ambassador to the US.

The Government said that the dialogue with the TTP was progressing and expressed the hope it would be helpful in restoring peace and tranquility in the country. Federal Minister of Information Pervez Rashid, in an interview, said the Government is pursuing the option of talks with the TTP as proposed and endorsed by the All-Parties Conference.

Official statistic said that there have been more kidnapping-for-ransom cases in Karachi this year - 148 - than any other in the last two decades. According to data compiled by the CPLC, 129 of these cases have been solved. The kidnapping cases in the city have risen sharply in the last few weeks – the abductees mostly businessmen and children.

The most disturbing aspect of the CPLC report is that some dismissed police officials are also involved in a few cases. The CPLC chief says that there are five major groups responsible for the majority of the kidnapping for ransom cases. “The kidnappings usually occur in the city’s suburbs or the Old City areas,” explains Ahmed Chinoy.

“These groups target the bankers, estate agents and traders and their children. They demand somewhere between PKR 0.1 and PKR0.3 million and if the families don’t pay, they kill the victims and dump their bodies in the area near the Northern Bypass that lies within the jurisdictions of the Surjani and Manghopir Police Station or other places that fall within the remit of the Sohrab Goth, Sachal, Bin Qasim, Quaidabad Police Stations.”

October 7

At least seven persons including four Policemen were killed and eight others injured as a bomb ripped through a function called to distribute anti polio material among the anti polio teams in Suleman Khel area of Union Council Bazidkhel of Badhaber area of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in the morning. The blast occurred at the function of the District Health Department ahead of starting the oral vaccination in the area.

Unidentified militants abducted 10 persons from Matani area of Peshawar. Police said unidentified militants stopped three Kohat-bound vehicles in Matani and whisk away 10 persons. They let go three women. Police said the abductees hail from Bili Tang area of Kohat.

The medico-legal officer of the Qatar Hospital, identified as Dr Irfanuddin Qureshi (54), was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants while he was seeing patients at his private clinic, Nizam Medical Centre near Kali Pahari area of Orangi Town in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A cleric of Misbahul Uloom seminary, identified as Maulana Ghulam Nabi, was shot dead while his colleague Maulana Abdul Wudood was injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at them in Orangi Town.

A Police informer, identified as Islam (52), was shot dead near Peela School at North Karachi in North Nazimabad Town. Police said the victim had been receiving threats from a group, which had claimed that he was informing law enforcers about them.

A gangster, identified as Muhammad Ayaz (25), was shot dead in front of the Masoomin Hospital in Moosa Lane of Lyari Town.

The Karachi Police and CID in a joint venture conducted 3,206 raids in different areas of Karachi and arrested 4,364 suspects and recovered 1,160 arms from them. This information was given to IGP Sindh, Shahid Nadeem Baloch regarding the performance of Karachi Police from September 5-October 4, 2013.

At least 30 alleged target killers and extortionists were arrested in surgical raids conducted in several parts of Karachi, the Law Enforcement Agencies said. DIG East Munir Sheikh said a Gulshan-e-Iqbal Police team under the supervision of SSP Syed Peer Mohammed Shah conducted a raid in Abbas Town (Gulshan Town) and after a shoot-out arrested one accused Farhat Abbas Zaidi. The arrested man confessed during interrogation that he and his associates had been involved in a number of killings.

The Gulistan-e-Jauhar Police arrested one accused, identified as Mohammad Tanveer Ali, for murdering a security guard, Allah Bachaya, and snatching his pistol.

SSP Central Amir Farooqi during a press conference said that the Super Market Police raided a hideout in Liaquatabad Town and after an encounter arrested three suspects, identified as Zaid Ghauri, Haseeb Shah and Junaid Aslam. They confessed to extorting money from traders in Sarafa Karyana Market, Liaquatabad, Peetal Gali, Rizvia and other areas of District Central.

The Samanabad Police arrested two activists, Mohammad Bilal and Waqas Ahmed Khan, belonging to a banned religious outfit near Ameer Maviya Ground in Federal B Area of Gulberg Town. The SSP said were involved in a number of sectarian killings.

A cadre of ST, believed to be involved in target killings, was arrested in Bilal Colony of Korangi Town. The SSP said Mohammed Saqib was wanted in many target killing cases.

Police beefed up security at the Karachi's central jail to prevent a terrorist attack. "Around 50 CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor the activities around the jail," IGP Prisons Nusrat Mangan said, "We have also set up 12 new pickets to guard the prison. We have 150 high-profile activists of banned outfits locked up at the central jail." Mangan added that 100 Policemen would be added to the existing force guarding the prison. "We have requested the higher authorities to provide us with 50 Kalashnikovs, 15 G-3 rifles and four LMGs, as the existing force guarding the prison is ill-equipped to tackle a terrorist threat," he added. The jail authorities have received intelligence reports that terrorists might attack the central prison to free their associates.

An unannounced strike was observed in Lyari following the killings of two alleged gangsters, Shahzad alias She, and Shakir Ali alias Shakir Dada, during an encounter in Lyari Town on October 6, 2103. Announcements for the strike were made over loud speakers at the mosques.

The DG Sindh Rangers Major General Rizwan Akhtar while speaking at the The News programme 'Aaj Kamran Khan Kay Sath' said that it was essential to take action against the leaders of criminal elements in Karachi. DG Rangers said they did not have pressure from any side and that the operation against outlaws would continue. He said there was gradual decline in the extortion complaints in Karachi.

The TTP said schoolgirl campaigner Malala Yousafzai had "no courage" and vowed to attack her again if they got the chance. TTP tried to kill Malala on her school bus on October 9, 2012. She amazingly survived being shot in the head and has become a global ambassador for the right of all children, girls as well as boys, to go to school.

In an interview with the BBC, Malala dismissed the threats against her life and repeated her desire to return to Pakistan from Britain, where she was flown for treatment after the attack and where she now goes to school.

Malala said that dialogue is the best way to fight militancy in Pakistan. "The best way to solve problem and to fight against war is through dialogue, and is through peaceful way," she added. "But for me the best way to fight against terrorism and extremism is a simple thing - educate the next generation."

The Supreme Court rejected a petition filed by former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf to move the hearing of the Nawab Akbar Bugti murder case (August 26, 2006) from Quetta to Islamabad. A three-judge bench of the apex court headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk heard the request filed by the former President. Advocate Qamar Afzal was representing Musharraf in the court and the request was filed on grounds of threats to the former President's security.

The Supreme Court rejected a petition filed by former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf to move the hearing of the Nawab Akbar Bugti murder case (August 26, 2006) from Quetta to Islamabad. A three-judge bench of the apex court headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk heard the request filed by the former President. Advocate Qamar Afzal was representing Musharraf in the court and the request was filed on grounds of threats to the former President's security.

Gujjar said that the Mukhtiarkar (revenue administrative officer) had told him that the suspected criminals had no property registered in their names. The IO said that all other formalities, including the proclamation of the suspects, have been completed. Following the submission of the report, the court confirmed the suspects as absconders. The case will be reopened whenever they are arrested, said court officials.

Gujjar said that the Mukhtiarkar (revenue administrative officer) had told him that the suspected criminals had no property registered in their names. The IO said that all other formalities, including the proclamation of the suspects, have been completed. Following the submission of the report, the court confirmed the suspects as absconders. The case will be reopened whenever they are arrested, said court officials.

MSF's spokesperson in Pakistan said, as of today there was no headway in negotiations between the Government and MSF officials. She said: "Our teams of doctors are ready to go to the affected areas, but we are yet to get a formal authorisation from the Government." The NDMA spokesman Adrees Mehsud said no such assistance was required because the NDMA had already provided food, shelter, medical care and other goods to the entire population of 125,000 in the area.

Mehsud said an international call by the host Government was mandatory to let foreign NGOs in the disaster-hit areas. He said the Government also did not want to have foreigners doing relief work as the law and order situation was bad in the area. MSF claimed that still there are areas where the government aid has not reached.

A nationalist Baloch leader, who didn't want to come on record, said there was a tacit agreement between the Government and Baloch insurgents that foreigners should not be allowed to operate in the area. "Baloch militants don't want foreigners reaching their hideouts in the garb of humanitarian aid workers," he said.

October 8

Three unidentified dead bodies were found near Rangers Headquarters on Super Highway within the limits of Gadap City Police Station in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An alleged extortionist, identified as Himesh Khan, was killed and two others, identified as Badshah Khan and Jafar, were wounded in a firing incident near New Sabzi Mandi on Super Highway within the limits of Sohrab Goth Police Station in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town. SHO Mohammad Shoaib said that all three of them belonged to an extortionist group and they had a dispute with the rival group over collection of extortion from New Sabzi Mandi. He added that their rival group members were behind the killing.

A man was killed in a sectarian target killing at Ath Chowk in Lyari Town. According to Police, the killing was of a sectarian nature.

A school van was looted at Nazimabad No.7 in North Nazimabad Town. The students shocked by the sudden attack readily handed over whatever they had with them including the cellular phones and watches. Earlier, three university buses have also been looted.

The Rangers personnel arrested 23 suspects during targeted operations in different parts of Karachi whereas Police claim to have arrested 97 suspects. Operations were conducted in Usmanabad and Bihar Colony areas of Lyari Town, Purana Haji Camp in Saddar Town, Jamshed Road, Liaquatabad Town, Pak Colony in SITE Town, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town, North Nazimabad Town and other areas.

Police personnel captured two suspects near the Super Highway's wholesale vegetable market, and also recovered a stolen car from their possession. Police moreover claimed arresting 97 other suspects during targeted operations in different parts of the city. Some of the suspects included wanted criminals.

A pro-Government tribal elder Malik Haji Sadat Sher from Gandao in Mohmand Agency (FATA) was travelling in a taxi en route to Peshawar when motorcyclists ambushed the vehicle on Charsadda Road near Budni Pull under Khazana Police Station in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. While Malik Haji Sadat Sher was killed, his driver sustained injuries.

A Police official was killed and his companion injured when unidentified militants opened fire at them in Mandani area of Charsadda town (Charsadda District). ASI Younas Khan was on his way from Ghunda Khel Zayam with a friend, Muslim, on his motorcycle when assailants on another motorbike intercepted them near Technical College, Tangi in the jurisdiction of Kinawar Police Station. Younas was killed on the spot, while Muslim was injured.

Police recovered a 7th grade school student who was abducted for PKR 20 million ransom from Sharifabad in the limits of Yakatoot Police Station in Peshawar. A Police official said Waqar (12), son of a local exporter, was abducted from Sharifabad in the month of September. A video was also sent to the family showing the abductors spraying petrol on the body of Waqar. The family was told that he would be set on fire if the amount was not paid. Police said one of the abductors also claimed to be from an intelligence agency.

Three Pakistani nationals hailing from the Khyber Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas were among those killed in the NATO airstrike in Pikha area in Nangarhar province of Afghanistan. The sources said that five others persons belonging to Khyber Agency sustained injuries the attack. The victim family had migrated from Ghundi area in the Jamrud tehsil of the Khyber Agency and had settled in Pikha.

The Balochistan Government made a formal request to the Federal Government for allowing foreign aid agencies to support earthquake victims in Awaran District. Chief Minister Balochistan Doctor Abdul Malik Baloch said that his Government has written a letter to the Federal Government in Islamabad in this regard. "We cannot completely rehabilitate the quake affectees without the support of international donor organisations," he said Earlier, on October 7, 2013, the France-based Doctors without Borders issued a statement on its website that it was not being allowed by the authorities to enter in the earthquake affected areas.

He said that the Army would continue to work to bring relief to the quake survivors - but added that work remained to be done over and beyond recovering from the natural disaster. The region, which is a hotbed of rebel activity, is amongst the poorest and most backward in Pakistan - and all stakeholders needed to brush aside differences and work to help the people there, he said. When approached by The Express Tribune to clarify if he meant that everyone "joining hands" in the effort was also a reference to the insurgents, he replied in the affirmative. "I mean everyone," he emphasised. He did, however, add that the Army would continue their relief effort despite the clashes.

A Frenchman held in Pakistan for months on suspicion of training militants was detained for questioning by French Police on his return home, an official at the Paris prosecutor's office said. Naamen Meziche was arrested on a bus along with three other French nationals in south-western Pakistan in May, 2012, on suspicion of training militant networks and preparing terrorist attacks, the official said. Pakistan deported them all to France in April, except Meziche, who was deported on October 7-evening.

The Political Agent of Khyber Agency (FATA) refused to conduct fresh trial into the case of Dr Shakil Afridi accused of colluding with LI and its chief Mangal Bagh. Samiullah Afridi and Qamar Nadeem Afridi, counsels for Dr Shakil Afridi, said that Political Agent of the Khyber Agency Mutahir Zeb had informed them that he was not going to conduct fresh trial into the case of Dr Afridi.

An inquiry report confirmed that 'bhatta mafia' (extortionists) were active in Sabzi Mandi area of Islamabad indicating that they collected extortion under the protection of Police and the relevant section of the CDA, while the CDA officials were also found depriving the vendors of fresh fruit and vegetables to provide them to their high-ups to please them.

The reports said that on the basis of documentary evidence available in shapes of FIRs and in the light of statements recorded by the team, it appears that there are two groups - Nasir Khan Group (consisting of Marshal, Qari and others, allegedly patronised by Safdar Siddique) and Amanuallah alias Shino Group (consisting of Mir Vais, Riaz and others) - involved in collecting extortion from Sabzi Mandi.

In order to probe the issue at least five teams headed by upper subordinates were constituted, with the direction to visit the Sabzi Mandi and record statements of vendors, transporters, workers, fruit sellers, with a view to ascertain the presence and modus operandi of extortionists if any. The teams including ASP and SDPO Industrial Area visited Sabzi Mandi in uniform as well as in civil clothes in order to know the factual position of the issue.

The report revealed that during the inquiry it was also stated by the concerned persons that Inspector Aurangzeb Satti, in connivance with other CDA officials was involved in taking illegal gratification from fruit sellers. He used to confiscate fruit and vegetable stall arbitrarily.
October 9

Two activists of the MQM, identified as Kamran Raja and Saeed Bangash, were killed and another, Ayub Mumta, was injured in a gun attack on a party's unit office in Korangi Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. Police said the MQM activists were members of party's Hazara Organising Committee.

Two Police officials were killed in a drive-by shooting by unidentified armed assailants near Habib Masjid in Anda Morr of North Karachi locality in North Nazimabad Town. SHO of the Sir Syed Police Station, Syed Irfan Haider and SIO of the New Karachi Police Station and SI Shahbaz Ali were targeted in North Karachi locality. According to details, Haider belonged to the Shia community

A watchman at a government school, identified as Nisar Ahmed (43), was shot dead on Mewa Shah Road near new Kumharnwala in Lyari Town.

A factory worker, identified as Janan Khan (22), was shot dead near Hospital Chowrangi in Gulshan-e-Buner area of Quaidabadarea in Baldia Town.

Three unidentified dead bodies of blindfolded men were found on a river bed near Haji Abdul Karim Goth area in Gadap Town. Gadap City SHO Imtiaz Niazi said, "The victims appear to be Kutchis or Urdu-speakers."

Rangers found weapons in the trunk and backseat of MPA for Kutchi Abadis and Spatial Development Jawaid Nagori's car during a raid in Lyari Town. The Rangers had carried out the raid on a tip-off, seizing armaments which included Kalashnikovs and bullets.

The alleged Lyari gangster Ameen Buledi who was facing charges of murder and other crimes was sent to prison in judicial custody by an ATC. The investigation officer told the ATC-III that Buledi was involved in many heinous crimes, including the March 17, 2013 murder of Lyari gangster Arshad Pappu and some Policemen, and that several witnesses had identified him as the killer. The court ordered that he be sent to the central prison and brought back for an appearance on October 19, 2013.

While continuing their crackdown on criminals in Karachi, Rangers arrested at least 15 suspected target killers and extortionists in several raids. The spokesperson for the paramilitary force said these men were arrested during targeted operations in Taiser Town, Allah Dad Goth, Musharraf Colony, Agra Taj Colony, Frontier Colony, Civic Centre, Hingorabad, Rabia City, Surjani, Janjal Goth, Gulzar Colony, Bilal Colony, Mehran Town and Landhi and snap checking in Lea Market.

JUI leader, identified as Maulvi Fateh Muhammad, was shot dead when unidentified armed assailants opened indiscriminate fire in Sanjavi area of Ziarat District.

Unidentified armed assailants barged into a house and shot dead a man, identified as Muhammad Hayat in Kohlu District. The assailants escaped from the scene after the killing him.

Three people, identified as Nazeer Ahmed, and his two companions, were wounded when militants opened fire on a vehicle on National Highway in Khuzdar District.

Baloch militants attacked SFs and Government officials engaged in relief operation in earthquake-stricken areas of Awaran and Kech Districts. Official sources said that Army and Levies personnel were attacked by militants in Mashkay area of Awaran District. The militants intercepted the vehicle in Jhaljaho area of Mashkay area, beat up Levies personnel after snatching their weapons and then escaped.

Militants fired rockets and bullets on army personnel distributing relief goods among earthquake-hit people in Mashkay. Balochistan Assembly Deputy Speaker Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo said that militants fired two rockets at an Army relief camp in Mashkay, but one of the rockets exploded in a house. As a result of the rocket explosion, one man was killed and two others were seriously injured.

Another rocket exploded away from the camp. However, no casualty was reported.

Militants set relief goods, including tents and food items, on fire.

Militants set relief goods, including tents and food items, on fire.

As part of the relief efforts, Major General Bajwa said that four forward bases had been set up to provide aid items to affected people through helicopters and air drops. The helicopter fleet servicing the affected zones has also been boosted by the military (15) and civil administration to 16 in the area from the two that were involved in the days immediately after the earthquake.

The Chief Minister Doctor Malik Baloch said that the relief and rescue operations are almost over but, according to the doctors in Awaran, there outbreak of fatal diseases is apprehended. Balochistan Chief Minister said that he had sent a letter to Federal Government seeking permission to issue NOC to International aid organisations and UN agencies to carry out relief and rehabilitation work in earthquake affected areas.

"I hope Islamabad will soon allow international aid agencies from such friendly countries as Turkey, Muscat, Oman and Germany who have already offered assistance to carry out rehabilitation in Balochistan," Malik Baloch said.

Three kidnappers were killed in an encounter in Ashrafabad area of Mardan District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. On a tip-off about the presence of the kidnappers wanted for kidnapping Muhammad Hussain for ransom, Police conducted a raid on a compound.

The al Qaeda terrorist, who was arrested from the hostel of Punjab University Campus in Lahore District on September 11, 2013, revealed that he was the mastermind of suicide attack on Denmark embassy in Islamabad on June 2, 2008.

Sources said, on the basis of information gathered from this fighter, 17 others have been arrested and the network of this group has been busted.

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk granted former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf bail in Nawab Akbar Bugti murder case too. He has also been granted bail in two other cases, December 27, 2007 Benazir Bhutto murder case and the case pertaining to the judges' detention during the emergency that he imposed in 2007.

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk granted former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf bail in Nawab Akbar Bugti murder case too. He has also been granted bail in two other cases, December 27, 2007 Benazir Bhutto murder case and the case pertaining to the judges' detention during the emergency that he imposed in 2007.

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk granted former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf bail in Nawab Akbar Bugti murder case too. He has also been granted bail in two other cases, December 27, 2007 Benazir Bhutto murder case and the case pertaining to the judges' detention during the emergency that he imposed in 2007.

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk granted former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf bail in Nawab Akbar Bugti murder case too. He has also been granted bail in two other cases, December 27, 2007 Benazir Bhutto murder case and the case pertaining to the judges' detention during the emergency that he imposed in 2007.

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Nasirul Mulk granted former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf bail in Nawab Akbar Bugti murder case too. He has also been granted bail in two other cases, December 27, 2007 Benazir Bhutto murder case and the case pertaining to the judges' detention during the emergency that he imposed in 2007.

The 'spokesman' Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Shiraz Paracha said that peace talks between the Ulema (religious scholars) and TTP were underway and would be supported by the Provincial Government. Spokesman Shiraz Paracha said talks between Ulema and Taliban were a positive step and would be supported at every stage. Paracha said that talks were a sensitive matter as he refrained from revealing the names of the Ulema who were involved in the process. He did not give any timeframe for the talks nor did he mention a point by which peace would be restored.

The renowned wrestler and Japanese parliamentarian Muhammad Hussain Anoki said he was hurt to see Muslims fighting each other and added that he has come to Pakistan to facilitate talks between the Government and the TTP to restore peace and stop killings.

October 10

At least seven people, including children, were killed and 35 others were injured in a blast in Liaquat Bazaar area of Quetta.

Governor Mohammad Khan Achakzai said that the Provincial Cabinet of Balochistan will be sworn in on October 14, 2013. While talking to journalists, he said the cabinet could not be formed earlier because partners in the Provincial Government wanted to induct clean people. He said the only thing the Baloch people wanted was their rights and advised the media not to describe the situation in Balochistan as insurgency.

Three alleged terrorists were killed while planting explosive material on Manghopir Road in Orangi Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. Police said that the two of the militants were identified as Rafiullah and Asmatullah, who belonged to Qilla Abdullah District of Balochistan.

Ranger arrested at least 36 suspects in targeted operations in different parts of Karachi. The operations were conducted in Lyari Town, Bin Qasim Town, Landhi Town, Machar Colony in Keamari Town, North Karachi in North Nazimabad Town, FC Area in Liaquatabad Town, Surjani Town area in Gadap Town, Baldia Town and Malir Town. The suspects were also in possession of SMG rifles, along with other weapons.

The South Zone Police claimed to have arrested 33 suspects and confiscated weapons from those arrested. The arrested suspects include those involved in gang wars and various other crimes.

The South Zone Police claimed to have arrested 33 suspects and confiscated weapons from those arrested. The arrested suspects include those involved in gang wars and various other crimes.

The MQM MNA Nabeel Gabol was nominated in the murder of the PAC leader Zafar Baloch however investigators have yet to prove his involvement in the crime. JIT comprising representatives of Police, Rangers and Intelligence Agencies did not find any evidence against Gabol. The JIT findings suggest that Zafar was killed by notorious Lyari gangsters Sikander alias Sikku and Ismail Afshani on Baba Ladla's orders.

A second eyewitness identified Kazim Abbas Rizvi as the killer of senior lawyer, Naimat Ali Randhawa in the ATC. The name of the witness has not been disclosed due to security reasons. AIG of Sindh Police Shahid Hayat had earlier stated, "The suspect is affiliated with MQM's unit-178 and has been identified as Kazim Abbas Rizvi, son of Syed Muhammad Abbas Rizvi."

Three TTP 'commanders' were killed in a clash between TTP and Afghani Taliban in Kunar province of Afghanistan adjacent to the Pakistan border. Afghan Taliban had attacked TTP militant bases two days ago. Three TTP 'commanders' were killed while others were injured.

At least one person was killed and injured 14 others were injured in a bomb explosion outside a restaurant in the Old Anarkali area of Lahore District. Police said the time device with one kilogram of explosives was planted at the counter of the restaurant and an investigation had been initiated. The son of the restaurant's owner was killed in the blast. The owner of the restaurant said that they had never received any threats.

Three khasadar officials of Khyber Agency (FATA) sustained injuries when a roadside bomb targeted their vehicle on Ring Road near Achini under Pishtakhara Police Station in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in the evening. Pishtakhara Police said around 18 khasadar officials were in the vehicle en route from Akkakhel of Khyber Agency where they were providing security to polio vaccinators.

Sindh Police spokesperson Dr Moizuddin Pirzada said that at least 138 Police officers and constables have lost their lives in Karachi in an ongoing operation against criminals that began on September 7, 2013. Those who lost lives in the line of duty include, two DSP, three Inspectors, 13 SI, 16 ASI, 26 head constables and 78 constables. More than 162 Policemen have sustained injuries during numerous attacks on the force.

Dr Pirzada, stated that most of the officers were killed in the city's West District, which is home to one of the most sensitive areas of Keamari Town, SITE Town, Baldia Town and Orangi Town. He added that the reaction to the operation was not limited to Karachi only as around 16 officers and constables have lost lives in other parts of the province, while at least 31 had sustained injuries.

Former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf was rearrested in Lal Masjid killing case hours after submitting surety bonds in the Supreme Court. The apex court had asked Musharraf to submit two surety bonds of PKR 1 million each to the Supreme Court Registrar. The re-arrest came after he had been granted bail in three other cases and his lawyer said on October 9, 2013 that he was cleared to leave the country. Assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto (December 27, 2007), death of Baloch nationalist leader Nawab Akbar Bugti (August 26, 2006) and detention of deposed Supreme Court judges (2007) were the other three major cases registered against the former military strongman.

"We have put General Musharraf under house arrest in a case involving a military operation on an Islamabad mosque," Muhammad Rizwan, a senior official of the Islamabad Police said, adding, "We will present him before a court on Friday (October 12, 2013)".

A spokesman of Musharraf's APML party confirmed the arrest saying they will now apply for bail in the latest case. "Yes, Police have officially arrested General Musharraf and put him under house arrest. We will file his bail application soon," Muhammad Amjad, Secretary General of the APML said.

Pakistan toughened its anti-terrorism laws by introducing as many as a dozen amendments into the legislation which proposes longer detention for suspects and accepts electronic evidence as well as trials via video link. Suspects can now be held for up to three months, eight weeks longer than envisaged under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. Through another amendment, robust new measures will be adopted for the protection of witnesses, judges and prosecutors.

Since the National Assembly and Senate are not currently in session a Presidential ordinance made over a dozen changes in the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 (XXVII of 1997). The ordinance will be called the Anti-terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance 2013, and shall come into force at once. According to the amendment, text messages, telephone calls, emails, can be used as evidence against suspected terrorists and in criminal cases, such as extortion, targeted killing and kidnappings for ransom.

Provincial Governments have been asked "to take necessary steps to ensure that prisoners in jails do not have access to mobile phones."

PM Nawaz Sharif said his Government was sincere about holding peace talks with the TTP, after TTP 'chief' Hakimullah Mehsud complained no serious steps had been taken to open a dialogue. Speaking after a security meeting in Peshawar, Sharif said progress was being made on the issue of opening negotiations. The PM was accompanied by Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Federal Minister of Information Pervez Rashid and his Advisor on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on the occasion.

PM Nawaz Sharif has said a special law was being enacted to deal with cases related to terrorism and asked the provinces to take strict and effective measures to eliminate this menace. Talking to members of families affected by the recent Qissa Khwani Bazaar bomb explosion and later in his talk with reporters at the Governor House in Peshawar, he said the proposed law, which would effectively tackle cases of terrorism in the court of law, was ready. The culprits involved in terrorism would not escape the clutches of law, he added.

October 11

A suicide bomber drove a car filled with explosives into a military convoy, killing at least two soldiers in the Wana town of South Waziristan Agency in FATA. The bomber crashed his white Toyota Corolla into a vehicle travelling in a military convoy in Wana.

A former councilor of MQM was shot dead in Banaras area of Orangi Town in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Police said that deceased Waqar Ahmed Siddiqui (52), son of Mukhtar, was on the way on his motorcycle when unidentified armed riders intercepted and killed him on the spot.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a local journalist Ayub Khan Khattak in his native Warana village in Takht-e-Nusrati tehsil of Karak District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police sources said unidentified assailants opened fire on Ayub Khattak and he died on the spot.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a local journalist Ayub Khan Khattak in his native Warana village in Takht-e-Nusrati tehsil of Karak District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police sources said unidentified assailants opened fire on Ayub Khattak and he died on the spot.

Gilani managed to dodge the raiding team and is still at large, intelligence agency sources said, while some other sources claimed that he had been held and shifted to an unknown place for thorough investigation. Police investigators have recovered evidence of his links with al Qaeda. Evidence also suggested that Tanveer, a most wanted terrorist of al Qaeda, had been staying at Gilani's place since January 2013 till the recovery of VBIED from Bhara Kahu.

American troops have reportedly captured a senior leader of the TTP in a military operation in Afghanistan, a US official said. "I can confirm that US forces did capture… terrorist leader Latif Mehsud in a military operation," State Department deputy spokesperson Marie Harf said, describing the captive as a senior commander in the TTP. "Mehsud is a senior commander in TTP and served as a trusted confidante of the group's 'Chief' Hakimullah Mehsud," Harf said.

The TTP said that they were "delighted" Malala Yousafzai, the teenage education activist they tried to kill, missed out on the Nobel Peace Prize. TTP shot Malala in the head on her school bus on October 9, 2012, for speaking out against them. After the shooting she was flown to Britain for specialist care and made a remarkable recovery, going on to become a global ambassador for children's rights.

October 12

Two children were severely injured in two separate landmine explosions in Kurram Agency located in the FATA of Pakistan.

The first incident took place in the Tri-Mangal area at 9 am where a child lost a leg when he stepped on a landmine.

Around half an hour later, another child became a victim of another landmine in the Gobazna Road area.

A man, identified as Ali Muhammad (48), was shot dead when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on him in the Soomar Goth area within the remit of Steel Town Police Station in Bin Qasim Town.

The first incident took place in the Tri-Mangal area at 9 am where a child lost a leg when he stepped on a landmine.

One Hanif (30), was shot at and injured by unidentified armed assailants within the remit of Site B Police Station in Baldia Town.

A labourer was killed and another injured after explosives went off in Kot Khaddak village in Tank District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police sources said two labourers Umar Khan and Yousaf, hailing from Afghanistan, were lifting a bundle of wood in a bricks factory near Chairman Adda in Kot Khaddak Village when the explosive material, hidden in the wood bundle, went off. Resultantly, Umar Khan was killed on the spot and Yousaf sustained serious injuries.

A Police official was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Tangi area of Charsadda town in same District in the night. According to Tangi Police Station official Abdul Rasheed Khan, Head Constable Sher Ali was heading to work on his motorcycle when unidentified assailants opened fire at him in Tangi, killing him on the spot.

The September 22 suicide bombers of the All Saints Church in Qissa Khwani market of Peshawar have revealed that both the attackers were foreigners. The Police have received the DNA report which states that the attackers were not Pakistanis and that one of them was Uzbek.

October 13

A trader belonging to the Bohra community, identified as Uzeefa (30), was shot dead and his nephew, Muhammad Dani (12), was injured in a sectarian attack at a shop in the Chaba Gali area of Jodia Bazaar in Saddar Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An unidentified woman was killed and three people were injured in an explosion near Zain Medical Centre in the Muzaffarabad Colony of Landhi Town. Police officials said that the explosion was a caused by a cracker blast and was a result of an extortion case. People at the medical centre said they were receiving threats from extortionists.

The Karachi City Police recovered two hand grenades from a car parked on Super Highway near the main cattle market. Some unidentified militants smashed the window-glasses of a car parked near Maweshi Mandi (cattle market) on Super Highway and hurled two hand grenades inside. The grenades failed to explode and were recovered later.

Police and Rangers arrested at least 140 more alleged criminals associated with Lyari-based gangs, political parties and banned militant outfits in the ongoing targeted operations across Karachi. At least 18 suspected criminals were arrested by paramilitary soldiers and a number of weapons were seized from them. Rangers launched raids in Khadda Market of Lyari Town, Medina Town in Landhi, Safoora Chowrangi, Mehran Town in Korangi Town and Gulshan-e-Iqbal areas.

The Police claimed to have arrested 122 suspects with weapons. The Karachi Police arrested 50 absconders, 13 for keeping illegal guns, nine for keeping narcotics, one terrorist, eight robbers, one murderer and 40 more for involvement in other crimes. The Police carried out 92 raids and five encounters and seized 28 unlicensed weapons also.

Police claimed to have arrested five alleged target killers during two separate raids in Khadda market area of Lyari Town. Police also recovered two Kalashnikovs, three pistols, three hand grenades and narcotics from their custody.

Although the scourge of militancy has resulted in the destruction of 58,312 houses in three tribal Agencies of FATA, yet the question about compensation to the affected families is still unanswered. A baseline survey conducted by FDMA in South Waziristan, Orakzai and Kurram Agencies shows that reconstruction of the damaged private houses requires approximately PKR 17 billion. The FDMA has conducted door-to-door survey to assess damage in the militancy-stricken areas of the three agencies.

The Federal Government, USAID and other foreign donor agencies had paid compensation for the damaged houses in Swat, Bajaur Agency and parts of Mohmand Agency at the rate of PKR 400,000 for fully damaged and PKR 160,000 for partially damaged house. "Like Swat, Bajaur and Mohmand, the government is bound to pay housing compensation to the people in these three agencies," said another senior official. He added that internally displaced persons had made makeshift arrangements for shelter after returning to their areas.

Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Muhammad Omar rejected the proposed US-Afghan security pact and said Afghans will not accept it. "The invaders and their allies should understand that the strategic agreement will be accompanied by grave consequences for them," said Omar in a message received by The Express Tribune. On October 12, President Hamid Karzai and US Secretary of State John Kerry agreed on some parts of the Bilateral Security Agreement. The agreement, however, left the issue of providing immunity to the US soldiers unresolved.

According to a fact finding report submitted by HRCP the pattern of terrorist attacks in Balochistan during the recent past indicate some operational coordination between sectarian militant groups and Baloch insurgents. The HRCP was not in a position to verify the claim but demanded that such allegations must be taken seriously and investigated fully and, if any evidence of such collaboration was found, it must be made public.

According to a fact finding report submitted by HRCP the pattern of terrorist attacks in Balochistan during the recent past indicate some operational coordination between sectarian militant groups and Baloch insurgents. The HRCP was not in a position to verify the claim but demanded that such allegations must be taken seriously and investigated fully and, if any evidence of such collaboration was found, it must be made public.

Pakistan Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani said that military fully backs the Government's move to hold peace talks with banned militant groups but these parleys must be held within constitutional parameters. "... To deal with it, the national leadership chose the option of giving talks a chance. The Pakistan Army supports this move.

He criticised the Indian military leadership, saying their remarks about the Pakistani military and ISI's support to terrorism were "unfortunate, unfounded and provocative". Reacting to these allegations, Kayani reiterated Pakistan's stance that incidents on the LoC should be investigated by the UN.

AMPL General Secretary Dr Muhammad Amjad said that "General (retired) Pervez Musharraf has boldly faced all the cases against and will never flee from the country". "Our leader has manfully faced all charges without putting blames on others so why would he leave the country now that he has got bails in most of the cases?" said Amjad, adding that Musharraf had himself taken the difficult path to return to the country and face the cases.

October 13

The shrine of Sheikh Modula Babaji in Sheikhan village of Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was blown up. This is the second attack on the site. The grave was destroyed by a two-kilogramme homemade explosive device planted near it by unidentified militants. Fortunately, there was no loss of life.

October 14

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead a SHO, identified as Nisar Ahmed Mengal, while he was on his way to the Police Station in Khuzdar District. Police said SHO was on way to the Police Station when armed motorcyclists opened fire at him on the District’s Hospital Road.

After a five-month impasse, 11 ministers were sworn in, finally completing the Balochistan cabinet. However, the three coalition partners forming the Provincial Government did not include a woman or a minority lawmaker in the cabinet. Balochistan Governor Mohammed Khan Achakzai administered the oath in a ceremony held at the Governor House. The portfolios of the ministers have not been allotted so far.

PML-N provincial ministers who took oath on Monday include Nawabzada Jangez Marri, Izhar Hussain Khosa, Sardar Sarfraz Domki and Mir Sarfraz Bugti. PML-N got five ministries, one of which they gave to PML-Q therefore, the latter’s Jaffar Khan Mandokhail was also made minister. NP’s Sardar Aslam Bizenjo, Rehmat Saleh Baloch and Mujeeb ul Rehman Mohammed Hassani were sworn in. PkMAP’s Dr Hamid Khan Achakzai, Nawab Ayaz Khan Jogezai and Sardar Mustafa Khan Tareen also took oath.

Most of the sworn-in ministers are either Nawabs or landlords. None of the three coalition partners – NP, PML-N and PkMAP – have included a single woman or a member of the minority community in the cabinet. “We believe that there should have been at least one woman minister. I do not know why they totally ignored the women when they were finalising the cabinet,” said NP MPA Yasmin Lehri.

Pishtakhara Police arrested two alleged extortionists – Dad Muhammad and Mughal Khan, residents of Mulazai village. The men were allegedly demanding PKR 0.2 million in extortion from a banker, Liaqat Ali, threatening to kidnap and kill his children if he refused to pay up. Police arrested both the accused in a raid and caught them red-handed as they were receiving money from Liaqat. According to the Police, the accused men were collecting extortion under the guise of TTP militants and were also involved in murder and attempted murder cases.

Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Dost Muhammad Khan said many criminal gangs were involved in extortion and were using the name of TTP for cover. During the hearing of a bail application of a man accused of extorting money from a doctor, Justice Khan said the gangs were sending letters to people using Taliban’s name and collecting millions of rupees as a result.

Around 53 people were arrested by Badhaber Police in a large-scale search operation in Mashokhel, Faqirabad and Surizai villages. The search operation started early morning in Faqirabad, near the border of Akkakhel in Khyber Agency (FATA) and was expanded to Mashokhel and other parts. Another contingent of Police, meanwhile, carried out a separate search operation in Surizai village.

The authorities laid a thick security blanket after intelligence warnings of possible terrorist attacks over Central Jail Karachi. According to the sources, dozens of additional Police and elite force commandoes were being deployed inside and around the prison facility which is said to remain on high-alert until further orders.

Karachi Police during the on-going drive against criminals arrested 161 accused. A Police statement said that those arrested included 75 absconders and proclaimed offenders besides alleged dacoits, killers, robbers and those involved in other crimes. As many as 40 weapons of various calibres were also recovered from their possession.

Law enforcers submitted a supplementary charge sheet revealing several new facts in the March 16, 2013 murder of Lyari gangster Arshad Pappu before an ATC. The investigating officer of the case, Muhammad Yamin Gujjar, submitted the charge sheet before the ATC-II. In the supplementary charge sheet, the Police determined the roles of inspectors Javed Baloch and Yousuf Baloch.

The charge sheet further states that it is confirmed that a Kalri Station Police mobile arrived at the scene. SHO Chand Khan Niazi, Inspector Javed and Inspector Yousuf were present in the mobile when the victims were picked up from Defence on March 16, 2013. The officials then travelled with the victims to Lyari and handed them over to suspected criminals. Inspector Javed had reportedly confessed to his involvement in the abduction and murder of Pappu and had given the CD to the Police after his arrest.

The Police have arrested six suspects, including PPP Member of MNA Shahjehan Baloch, Inspector Yousuf, Inspector Javed, Zubair Jan, Zakir Dada and Abdur Rahman in the case so far. The court while accepting the charge sheet directed the police to produce the suspects on October 19, 2013.

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Iman Memon said the targeted operation in Karachi would continue till the city was purged of all the criminal elements. “At this moment we cannot give you when it will end. We will continue this operation till its logical end whether it takes four months or four years,” he said while addressing a press conference after the law and order meeting at Chief Minister’s House.

He further said that the Provincial Government was aware that the people would not voluntarily surrender their illegal arms. “But Government kicked off the operation to comply with Supreme Court’s orders under which the option to impose curfew and recover the arms is still available.” “We have not yet decided to impose curfew, but this option is available,” he said.

A Police team comprising of DG Headquarters Khalid Khattak, SSP Sajid Kayani and SP Jameel Hashmi interrogated former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf and recorded his statement in a case related to Lal Masjid operation and subsequent killing of Abdul Rasheed Ghazi.

Musharraf again denied having ordered the Lal Masjid operation and said it was carried out on the directive of the capital administration at that time.  He told the Joint Investigation Team that the operation had been ordered by the then elected Government and he had nothing to do with it. The sources quoted him as saying: “I was wrongly implicated. I did not issue any written order regarding the operation.” He said the then capital administration had called the army for help which led to the operation.

According to details, Musharraf was interrogated in connection with a double-murder case registered by Aabpara Police on a complaint of Haroon Rasheed, son of Abdul Rasheed Ghazi, deputy Khateeb of Lal Masjid, who was killed in the 2007 operation at the mosque. Haroon has alleged that Musharraf issued the order for the operation in which his father and grandmother Sabiha Khatoon were killed. 

PML-Q leaders Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Ejazul Haq signalled their willingness to testify against Pervez Musharraf. According to sources, both Shujaat and Ejaz have promised Ghazi’s son Haroonur Rashid and the Shohda Foundation of Pakistan that they were ready to record their statements against Musharraf with the Police and the court.

Peace was restored in Bajaur Agency but militants could still pose a threat in the border areas, said Political Agent Abdul Jabar Shah at Khar, the headquterer of Bajaur Agency in FATA. Addressing a jirga of Mandal tribe, he said that normalcy returned to the region after elimination of terrorists, however, durable peace would need some time. The tribal elders, members of peace committees and senior officials attended the jirga.

JuD, the front organisation of LeT, ‘chief’’ Hafiz Mohammad Saeed on October 14 accused the US and India of trying to hamper efforts to help victims of Balochistan’s earthquake. Saeed, who has a USD 10 million US Government bounty on his head, said joint US-Indian efforts to block funds for organisation were aimed at stopping its relief work.

British Police were questioning four persons, including a Pakistani, on suspicion of terrorism after a string of arrests that included armed officers shooting out the tyres of a car near the Tower of London. Reports in British media said the men had been arrested in coordinated raids across London in the night of October 13 that was aimed at preventing an alleged terror plot involving the use of guns. Later, a British security official said the men were planning a shooting spree akin to the Westgate attack in Nairobi, in which at least 67 people died.

Pakistan and the United States have agreed to speed up efforts to facilitate a peace deal in Afghanistan by next year before hundreds of thousands of foreign troops pull out from the war-ravaged country. The agreement came about during meetings between President Barack Obama’s point-man for Pakistan and Afghanistan James Dobbins and Pakistan’s senior civil and military authorities, officials said.

October 15

A local leader of ASWJ, the front organisation of SSP, was shot dead in Gulberg area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. Police said that deceased, Abdul Hameed (42), son of Fajruddin was sitting at his milk shop in Gulberg Block-5, where armed riders shot him dead.

An unidentified dead body of a young man was found near Crown Cinema within the jurisdiction of Kalri Police Station. As per the Police, the torture-marked body was in a gunny bag. Initial inquiry also revealed that the man was shot.

A bullet-riddled body was found from an isolated area of Khudabadan in Panjgur District of Balochistan. Police said that on a tip-off they recovered the body dumped near a water tank. The deceased was later identified a Shakir Ali.

As many as 19 persons, including three personnel of Balochistan Constabulary, sustained injuries when unidentified assailants attacked the Security Force’s truck with a hand grenade on Mastung Road on the outskirts of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan. Two children were also there among the injured.

Balochistan Frontier Corps apprehended three alleged militants with arms and ammunition during a search operation in Muhalla Junako of Dera Bugti District. An FC spokesman said that the search operation was carried out on a tip-off regarding presence of some militants in the area. The seizure included three pistols, a sub-machine gun along with 75 rounds, two motorcycles and a mobile phone.

Balochistan Government has given Police power for one month to FC. Sources said the Police power has been granted to FC owing to deteriorating law and order in the province. According to the notification issued here, the FC will enjoy Police power till November 16.

Militants blew up a private school at Chari Narmikhel in the limits of Bakkakhel Police Station in Bannu District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The sources said that unidentified militants had planted an explosive device at various points in the All Amir Middle Public School which went off at midnight. The boundary wall of the school was destroyed while the explosives inside the building didn’t explode.

The Secret Fund of the Federal Ministry of Interior has been placed at the disposal of the subordinate NDMC and it has been decided to entrust the audit of expenditure of PKR 425 million Secret Fund to the Auditor General. The policy has been changed on the instructions of Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to enable the Ministry to provide the entire details of spending of the Secret Fund.

The NDMC had refused to furnish the necessary information about the spending of the fund to the Auditor General. In this respect, Director General Audit addressed a letter to secretary Interior Ministry on October 11 this year quoting the July 8, 2013 the Supreme Court’s order calling for the audit of the secret fund of the NDMC.

The civil and military leadership of the country held detailed deliberations on the overall Security situation with particular reference to the dialogue process with the TTP. PM Muhammad Nawaz Sharif chaired the meeting on national security at the Prime Minister’s House. Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Adviser to the PM on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and DG ISI Lieutenant General Muhammad Zaheer ul Islam attended the meeting.

The leaders at the meeting said that any foreign intervention in Pakistan’s affairs would not be tolerated. The leadership was unanimous in their view that any foreign intervention in Pakistan’s affairs would not be tolerated. The political and military leadership expressed its resentment over the allegations by India and Afghanistan involving Pakistan in terrorism, Indian and Afghan intervention in Pakistan and violations of ceasefire at the LoC.

On the request of the Islamabad Police, the city administration ordered the jail trial of former President General Pervez Musharraf in the murder case of a Lal Masjid cleric and his mother during the 2007 operation. The case was registered with the Aabpara Police on September 2, 2013, sources in the Police and administration said.

Sources in the Police claimed that the Aabpara Police refused to collect evidence and record the statements of witnesses against the Former President in connection with the killing of the Lal Masjid cleric and his mother. After the refusal of the Aabpara police, the Lal Masjid Shuhada Foundation and Haroon Rasheed, the complainant in the case, sent a letter to the Inspector General of the Police.

October 16

At least 10 people, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Law Minister Israrullah Gandapur, were killed and over 30 others were injured when a suicide bomber struck a festive gathering at the residence of Gandapur in the Kolachi area of Dera Ismail Khan District.  Israrullah Gandapur was elected from PK-67 (DI Khan IV) as an independent candidate during the 2013 General Elections and later joined the PTI.

Rangers claimed to have arrested 16 alleged criminals in targeted operations conducted in separate raids in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to details, the paramilitary personnel carried out raids in Bilal Colony in Korangi Town, Landhi Town, Liaquatabad Town, Jackson in Keamari Town, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town, Clifton area in Saddar Town and other areas during the first day of Eid-ul-Azha.  

According to reports, Police in the south zone had also arrested 41 suspected criminals, including 14 escaped convicts, in raids carried out during the past 24 hours.  Police claim to have also recovered five pistols, two rifles and three hand grenades as well as narcotics from the arrested suspects.

LeB claimed responsibility for October 15, 2013 Quetta attack that had injured 19 persons, including three personnel of Balochistan Constabulary.

The Punjab Government is committed to uprooting terrorism by any means, either through dialogue or military action, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said. Talks with militants are a peaceful solution, but if dialogue fails, "we will launch operations against terrorists to restore peace in the country," he said.

The Balochistan CM Abdul Malik Baloch said that he had no evidence of Indian involvement in Balochistan. However, he added that the Federal Government and Federal Agencies have such evidence. He said that the law and order situation had improved in Quetta, therefore 50 per cent of checkposts set by FC had been removed. The CM expressed these views while talking to media persons after provincial ministers, tribal elders and people hailing from various walks of life called on him on Eid day at the CM Secretariat in Quetta.

The Czech Government is negotiating the release of two Czech women abducted in Balochistan in March, Czech President Milos Zeman said. Zeman said the two women were alive and officials were negotiating in hope of getting them released. Antonie Chrástecká and Hana Humpálová, who are both 24, were on the road from Iran to Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan province, when they were abducted on March 13.

October 17

The Bomb Disposal Squad defused a bomb in Sector F-5 of Hayatabad area in Peshawar (Peshawar District), the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. SHO of Hayatabad Police Station, Abdul Majeed Khan, said that BDS personnel defused a roadside-planted bomb after receiving information of a suspicious package lying on the roadside. At least three kilograms of explosives were used in the making of the bomb which was also fitted with a remote-controlled detonator.

Lahore Police stopped various members of the Ahmadi community in Lahore from slaughtering animals as part of ‘Qurbani’ ritual on Eidul Azha, proclaiming that the ritual of animal sacrifice was an Islamic injunction whereas Ahmadis were not Muslims. Police from the Islampura Police Station directed Tahir in Sanat Nagar not to sacrifice his bull, which he had bought and tied in front of his house a day before Eid.

Following the death of KP Law Minister Israrullah Gandapur in a suicide attack, the KP cabinet in a special meeting approved tough decisions to control the law and order situation in the province. A special meeting of the KP cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Pervez Khattak, approved the establishment of an anti-terrorism task force which will be led by the IGP and comprise members of all law enforcement and intelligence agencies including Army, Frontier Corps and Frontier Constabulary. The cabinet has also demanded of the federal Government to return the Frontier Constabulary's platoons back to the province so that they can be deployed at sensitive places for controlling law and order and fighting terrorism.

Pakistan Government will take "bold" decisions to tackle terrorism and restore law and order in major Pakistani cities, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said. Addressing PML-N parliamentarians and party workers after Eid-ul-Azha prayers at his ancestral home in Raiwind, Sharif said, "We are going to take bold decisions for the sake of restoring peace and maintaining law and order in Karachi and everywhere in the country."

October 18

Two persons, Aqal Jehan and his nephew Sher Bahadar, residents of Sherabad area, were killed after unidentified assailants targeted their car in Mian Sheikh Baba area of Mingora Town in Swat District of KP by exploding a roadside bomb by remote control. Deputy Inspector General of Police, Malakand division Abdullah Khan said 10 kilogrammes explosive was used in the blast.

The BDS officials neutralised a three-kilogramme bomb packed in a ghee tin, in Phase-6 area of Hayatabad Residential Society under Tatara Police Station in Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. The bomb was planted in the Goal Chowk and on a tip-off from a local boy, the BDS squad was called by Police and it defused the time device successfully.

Unidentified assailants shot dead two persons in Barkhan District of Balochistan. Local Police sources said the deceased were on their way home after offering Eidul Azha prayers when they were shot dead by the assailants. One of them, however, is said to be the reader of assistant commissioner of Baghao tehsil of the District.

A convoy of the Balochistan FC escaped a bomb attack after two IEDs were defused in Depal area of Dera Bugti District. An FC spokesman said that the IEDs had been planted on both sides of the road from where the FC and local Aman Lashkar convoys had to pass. They were detected and defused during routine scanning of the road before the troops’ movement.

Balochistan FCs arrested a suspected militant and recovered a cache of explosives, from the Western Bypass area, on the outskirts of the provincial capital Quetta. A Frontier Corps press release said the accused had been arrested during a search operation and around 30 kilogrammes of explosive was recovered from the site.

PM Nawaz Sharif said that there should be zero tolerance against the enemies of the State and they should be dealt sternly. PM Nawaz Friday said that the state has the right to take pre-emptive steps for protection of its citizens and a special counter-terrorism force (SCTF) would be formed soon in Punjab. He said this while chairing a meeting in which he was given a presentation on SCTF in Punjab. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Punjab IG Khan Baig and officials of various law enforcement agencies also attended the meeting.

The HRCP called upon the Government to hold immediate talks with Baloch insurgents, both within and outside the country, without any impunity to individuals among them causing grave human rights violations. Launching a report of its fact-finding mission to Balochistan at Lahore, the commission also urged the insurgents to respect the wishes of people supporting restoration of normalcy and political stability, stop attacks on innocent civilians and give peace a chance.

The Shura Ulema Mujahideen of TTP issued a fatwa against what it declared as propaganda by many foreign and some Pakistani media outlets. It said instead of narrating facts, this media because of making propaganda has assumed the status of an agent of imperialist powers.

The Government of Pakistan has confirmed that of some 2,200 people killed by drone strikes in the past decade, at least 400 were civilians and an additional 200 victims were deemed "probable non-combatants," an UN human rights investigator said. Ben Emmerson, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights and counterterrorism, also urged the United States to release its own data on the number of civilian casualties caused by its drone strikes.

In an interim report to U.N. General Assembly released, Emmerson said Pakistani Government records showed that drone strikes had killed at least 2,200 people and seriously wounded at least 600 since 2004. He said Pakistan had confirmed that "at least 400 civilians had been killed as a result of remotely piloted aircraft strikes and a further 200 individuals were regarded as probable non-combatants." "Officials indicated that, owing to underreporting and obstacles to effective investigation, those figures were likely to be an underestimate" of civilian deaths, Emmerson said.

October 19

A Police constable was killed while another head constable was injured during an encounter with militants in Sharafi Goth area of Karachi District. SHO Ikhlaq Ahmed said the encounter took place when Police constable, Bagh Ali and head constable Munawar Ali were on a routine patrol near Sharafi Goth graveyard.

One person was injured in a hand grenade attack in Zhob District. According to Police, unidentified men hurled three hand grenades at an under-construction house in the Apozai Town of Zhob District. The grenades landed inside the house and exploded. Resultantly, an occupant identified as Amir Khan sustained injuries. The attackers escaped from the scene after the incident. 

Militants fired eight rockets at the Basima Town of Washuk District. The rockets fired from the mountains landed in desolated areas. However, no loss of life and damage to property was reported in the attack.

FC arrested an accused from Sariab locality of Quetta for his alleged involvement in the City Police Station bomb blast that occurred on October 10 and claimed six lives. Sources said the security personnel also recovered arms from the accused who was being interrogated.

FIA launched a probe into former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf's move to impose emergency in 2007. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan had asked the FIA to expedite high treason case against the ex-President for subverting the country's constitution by imposing emergency in November 2007 and directed it to conclude the investigation within six weeks.  

Musharraf moved court seeking bail in a case related to the killing of Lal Masjid cleric Abdul Rasheed Ghazi and his mother Sabiha Khatoon during a military operation in Islamabad. However, on the request of his opponent Haroon Rasheed’s lawyer, the court adjourned the matter until October 23, 2013.

October 20

Four Police officials were killed in a drive-by shooting on a checkpoint on Ring Road located under the jurisdiction of Paharipura Police Station in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in the evening. Four gunmen riding on two motorcycles opened fire on police officials manning the checkpoint. Four slain Police officials were Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Amin Jan, ASI Fazal-e-Wahab, Constable Liaquat and Constable Ayub Shah – were fatally injured in the attack.

Police arrested two accused involved in target killing and other crimes in Karachi during a raid in Shakargarh area of Matta tehsil in Swat District. According to DPO, Swat, Sher Akbar Khan, the Police on a tip-off launched crackdown in Shakargarh. During the raid, two accused involved in Karachi target killing, attacks on security forces, other terrorist and criminal activities were arrested besides recovering arms from their possession.

Police during a raid at a house in Augadu Takhtaband area of Mingora town in Swat District recovered six hand grenades, a pistol and arrested one accused.

AN activist of the MQM and the employee of the KWSB, identified as Nadeem alias Nadeem Lamba (45) was shot dead in Pak Colony area of SITE Town in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.  Investigators termed the murder of Nadeem a part of the ongoing target killings of political activists. The victim was also a former member of the Afaq Ahmed-led MQM-H and a few months ago, had joined MQM.

Law enforcers claimed to have arrested around 152 suspects including alleged target killers belonging to political parties and Lyari gangsters during separate targeted raids across the city. In the first episode, Rangers claimed to have arrested around nine criminals during various targeted raids in different parts of Karachi, including Quaidabad, Green Town, Nazimabad, Nishtar Road, New Karachi, Orangi Town, Shah Faisal Colony, Abidabad in Baldia, Gulberg, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Manzur Colony areas. The officials recovered weapons from the possession of suspects. 

Two political workers were arrested during a targeted raid conducted by Rangers in Abul Hassan Ispahani locality in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town. The law-enforcing agency did not disclose the identity of the detainees, or their political affiliation. The arrested persons have been shifted to an undisclosed location for further questioning.

A target killer, belonging to PAC, identified as Mansoor Baloch alias Bublee was arrested during a targeted raid conducted by Rangers on Nishtar Road in Jamshed Town.

Karachi Police claimed to have arrested 73 alleged criminals including 42 absconders, 11 under arms ordinance, five under narcotics ordinance, 10 robbers and two murderers. According to Sindh Police spokesperson, 18 weapons and narcotics were also recovered.

In a separate raid, as many as 48 alleged criminals, including 36 absconders were taken into custody by District West Police. Police also claimed to have recovered weapons, including one repeater, six pistols, one dagger, four motorcycles and narcotics from the possession of suspects.

District East Police arrested 16 alleged criminals including two absconders during targeted raids and snap checking and also claimed to have recovered nine pistols, four cell phones and two motorcycles.

Police arrested an alleged suspect Bakhtiar during an exchange of fire in Sultanabad area, however his three accomplices managed to escape under the cover of firing. Police officials said that the accused was wanted for attacking and injuring a police constable, Shafiq.

Army denied that it was involved in any military operation against Baloch insurgents in the areas devastated by September 24, 2013 earthquake. “Security Forces are in Awaran and Mashkey only for relief operations,” said Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa, the Director General of the ISPR, in a statement.

Dismissing certain media reports, Major General Bajwa said that army troops were not carrying out any operation in the region. “There is no military operation in Awaran and Mashkey as is being propagated by miscreants,” he added, inviting media persons to visit Awaran and Mashkey to witness the situation on ground.

The leader of the Punjabi Taliban and Janood-e-Hafsa, Asmatullah Muawiya in his new message to the media said talks are possible with the Government on the basis of principles. Muawiya said talks could be held if the Government resolves all those problems which are the cause of conflict.

Muawiya claimed that his outfit has deep roots in all parts of the country and the main purpose of the group is to serve the country’s people and Islam. He said the Punjabi Taliban is active for the implementation of Sharia’h for which this country was achieved. The Punjabi Taliban leader said talks could not be held through the media or talk shows.

President Mamnoon Hussain promulgated the Protection of Pakistan Ordinance, which maintains that the writ of the state would be established at all costs. The ordinance states that the security and Law Enforcement Agencies would jointly investigate the incidents of terrorism, and the elements creating terror and fear would be considered as enemies of the state. The draft of the ordinance states that Pakistan and its people had been exposed to undeclared and thankless wars that proliferated from the country’s neighbourhood since 1979.

October 21

At least seven persons, including two women, were killed and 16 others were injured when a Jaffar Express was struck by a bomb explosion in Notal area of Naseerabad District. Asad Gilani, the Home Secretary Balochistan said that militants targeted the passenger train using IEDs. 

BRA claimed responsibility for the attack. The group’s spokesperson told Quetta-based reporters over satellite phone that the train was carrying security personnel who were returning to Balochistan after spending Eidul Azha in Punjab. One of the women was a Police constable, identified as Sharifa Bibi.

Over two dozen unidentified militants carrying automatic weapons set fire to a station of Balochistan Levies and took the staff hostage at gunpoint in Dasht Kuddan area of Kech (also known as Turbat) District. “They set fire to the station after looting official weapons from it,” a Levies official said.

The Chairman of the Core Committee of Pakistan Medical Association, Balochistan Chapter, Doctor Haqdad Tareen, said that 84 doctors had moved to other cities from the Province because of threats to their lives and property and threatened that doctors serving in various hospitals would resign en masse if protection was not provided to them. 

The Balochistan Government has asked the disgruntled Baloch to refrain from attacking innocent people and asked them to hold dialogue with the Government for an amicable solution to the issue of Balochistan. “Targeting women and children is against the norms and traditions of the Baloch, and those involved in such acts are not serving any cause,” said Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti while addressing a press conference at the Civil Secretariat.

Law enforcers arrested 64 suspects in the ongoing targeted operation against militants in Karachi. At first, Police, on complaint from a citizen, arrested personnel of the ANF, Azhar Hussain, along with his companion, Sajid Hussain, from Tipu Sultan Road in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town. They were reportedly involved in looting the citizens in the area.

Garden Police claimed to have arrested three suspects, identified as Faizan Ali alias Langra, Mohammad Saeed and Mohammad Faisal, after an encounter with militants. Police said the suspects were involved in various cases of target killings however, their political affiliations were not disclosed.

Police arrested an alleged extortionist, Kashif Ali Siddiqui, when he arrived to collect extortion money from a local businessman in Surjani Town area of Gadap Town.

Two more suspects, Shakeel alias Hukla and Mohammad Tayyab, were arrested by New Karachi Police. Police in many cases of crime wanted the suspects.

Two more suspects, identified as Ghafoor Hayat Mirani and Jumma Gul, allegedly involved in street crimes were arrested by Korangi Industrial Area Police Station in Landhi Town. Weapons were also recovered from their possession.

Police arrested two street criminals while they were looting valuables from passers-by in Baloch Colony area of Orangi Town. Police arrived on routine patrol and arrested the criminals. Looted cash, mobile phones and other valuables were recovered.

Rangers claimed to have arrested 16 alleged criminals and recovered weapons from their possession during search operations in Korangi Town, Mira Naka area of Lyari Town, Akbar Road, Baloch Goth, North Nazimabad Town, Golimar area in SITE Town, Rabia City, Saba Avenue-DHA, Steel Town, Gulbahar, Shah Faisal Colony, Saudabad, Chanesar Goth and Bagh-e-Rizwan areas.

District South Police also arrested 16 criminals including 11 absconders and recovered a pistol, two motorcycles and nine bottles of liquor from them.

District East Police claimed to have arrested 20 alleged criminals including five absconders during various Police raids and recovered five pistols, one rifle, two motorcycles and narcotics.

Police arrested three suspected terrorists, identified as Jafar Khan (23), Ameer Baqi (26) and Saleh Baloch (29), from Jail Road in Lahore District for their alleged involvement in the October 10, 2013 blast in the Old Anarkali area of Lahore. According to sources, the suspects have connections with the BLA.

The ATC-I will begin the retrial of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto murder case by recording statements of four doctors on October 22. The doctors, working at the Holy Family Hospital and District Headquarters Hospital, had treated the injured and conducted the post-mortem of the victims brought to the hospitals on December 27, 2007 following the attack on PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto at Liaquat Bagh area of Rawalpindi District.

The Supreme Court rejected an application filed by Shahrukh Jatoi, the main person convicted in the Shahzeb Khan murder case, seeking transfer of the case from an ATC to a District and Sessions court.  Jatoi’s family members had filed an application at the Supreme Court’s Karachi Registry on June 4, 2013.

Shahzeb Khan was shot dead on the night of December 24, 2012 when he was returning home along with his sister after attending a wedding. Shahzeb was murdered reportedly after he had an altercation with one of the convicts’ servant who had given verbal threats to the victim’s sister.

Jatoi, Siraj Talpur, his younger brother Sajjad Talpur and their house servant Ghulam Murtaza Lashari were found guilty of killing Shahzeb in Karachi's Defence Housing Authority. An ATC in Karachi sentenced Jatoi to death in its verdict on June 8, 2013. Moreover, another suspect, Siraj Talpur, was also awarded capital punishment for his role in the crime. Two other suspects in the case, Sajjad Ali Talpur and Ghulam Murtaza Lashari were sentenced to life imprisonment.

The US refused to endorse Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s call for internationalising the Kashmir dispute and urged him to stay engaged with India for resolving this issue. “On Kashmir, our policy has not changed an iota,” said one of the senior administration officials. Reiterating America’s traditional position on Kashmir, the official said it was for India and Pakistan to determine the “pace, scope and character of their dialogue on Kashmir”.

The official said the Obama-Sharif meeting would focus on bilateral relationship, including energy, economy and extremism, Pakistan’s relations with India and Afghanistan would also figure in the talks. “We would continue to support a strong sovereign Afghanistan. There will be discussion how Pakistan sees the post-2014 Afghanistan,” the official said.

October 22

One Levies man was killed when the convoy of an Arab prince was attacked in Buleda area of Kech District. According to sources, the Arab prince and his convoy were on a hunting trip, under security provided by Levies forces. The attackers set one vehicle on fire and also stole the weapons which were being carried by Levies forces and other ammunition in the prince's convoy before escaping.  However, no Arabs were hurt in the attack.

Three rockets fired from Afghanistan into the Sarakai checkpost under Mamond tehsil in Bajaur Agency of FATA injured two FC personnel.

A private secondary school, Prince School, was attacked for allegedly not paying extortion money in Gulshan-e-Bahar area of Orangi Town in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Police arrested several persons including a target killer from different areas of Karachi. According to police, three accused who were involved in the killing of 50 persons including Policemen were arrested from Maripur area in Keamari Town.

Four other suspects were arrested from Baloch Colony area in Orangi Town. The accused were involved in various street crimes. In addition, Ferozabad Police arrested two accused involved in the targeted killings in Punjab and Karachi, while arms and drugs were also recovered from their possession.

Police arrested two suspects from Future Colony in Landhi Town. The accused were involved in attacking Policemen.

A report submitted by the former Sindh Prosecutor General Shahdat Awan to the Supreme Court, reported that more than 5,000 cases registered under the arms and explosives acts are pending trial. According to official statistics, these cases — estimated at 5,566 — form a large chunk of the cases gathering dust in the subordinate courts in the city.

Of the 20 directives given in the landmark judgment in the Karachi violence case, which in opinion of many jurists is the recipe for healing the city’s wounds, only one has been implemented so far – amendments to the Arms Law.

An ATC in Quetta reissued arrest warrants against former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, former Balochistan Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani and former DCO for Dera Bugti Abdul Samad Lasi in a case pertaining to the August 26, 2006, murder of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti and ordered authorities to produce the accused persons at its next hearing on November 26, 2013.  Former Interior Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao and former Provincial Home Minister Shoaib Nowsherwani appeared in the court during October 22 hearing.

Former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf, the main accused in the case, did not appear before the court. According to his counsel, Musharraf could not be produced in view of security threats to his life.

After the two jailbreaks in Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan and due to similar threats in future, the KP Government decided to raise the “Prisons Security Force” to protect vulnerable jails. The force will be provided heavy weapons, bullet-proof jackets and other facilities to counter any major attack. It will be provided special training for which a training school will soon be established. The KP Home and Tribal Affairs Department has constituted a special committee for the formation of the special jail force.

The committee will also take decisions about the purchase of explosive and metal detectors, mine detectors, mobile phone detectors, sniffer dogs and its handlers, pop-up barricades, gas and teargas guns, anti-terror suits, bullet-proof jackets and helmets for the special jail security force. A high security jail is under construction in Mardan where high-profile militants will be shifted from all over the province.

Peshawar Police is considering a proposal to establish a new urban circle and placing Mattani, Badhaber, Urmar and possibly Sarband Police Stations under one SP. The creation of the proposed circle would increase the number of circles in Peshawar to four: City, Cantt, Rural and Urban. Mattani and Badhaber are considered the worst militancy-hit areas of the District and currently fall under the jurisdiction of SP Rural, he added.

PM Nawaz Sharif urged the US to end drone attacks, saying that the unmanned strikes – which penetrate militant havens deep in the tribal areas – represented a “major irritant” in relations. PM Nawaz, who will meet President Barack Obama on October 23, called for warmer ties with the United States and offered Pakistan’s assistance in Afghanistan as US forces prepare to withdraw next year.

US denied its drone strikes in Yemen and Pakistan and elsewhere infringed international law and said it did all it could to avoid civilian casualties. The comments followed the publication of reports on the US drone war by two human rights groups, and came a day before Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif is expected to bring up concerns about the US tactic at White House talks with President Barrack Obama.

The Human rights groups accused the US of breaking international law and perhaps committing war crimes by killing civilians in missile and drone strikes that were intended to hit militants in Pakistan and Yemen. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch released separate reports detailing the deaths of dozens of civilians in the two countries.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during his visit to Washington vowed to go the "extra mile" to make peace with India, saying the historic rivals can resolve all issues including Kashmir through dialogue. He regretted that periodic incidents such as violence on the disputed border in Kashmir had set back peace attempts.

"Kashmir, of course, is a very difficult issue and very difficult to resolve but I think, by sitting and talking, we will be able to find some way of resolving that, too," he said, adding, "Because that is a flashpoint not only in the region, but the whole world".

Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Ed Royce, called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and discussed with him wide range of issues including release of Doctor Shakil Afridi. Shakil Afridi is accused of helping the CIA track down former al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani Pakistan on October 22 told the US that Shakil Afridi was no hero and his fate would be decided by the court. The foreign secretary said that during the meeting the US was told that the LeT had already been banned in Pakistan and that action could be taken against Hafiz Saeed only if substantial evidence was made available.

On the eve of talks between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Barack Obama, the White House described the Pakistan-US relationship as "enormously valuable", saying despite some differences Washington wants the ties to proceed on positive trajectory.

The White House press secretary said that ahead of the leaders’ summit, the Pakistani leader is meeting the senior Obama Administration officials at the State Department, the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Treasury, and the U.S. Trade Representative.

"We want to advance our shared interest of a stable, secure, and prosperous Pakistan that is contributing to regional and international security and prosperity", he said. "We want to find ways for our countries to cooperate, even as we have differences on some issues, and we want to make sure that the trajectory of this relationship is a positive one,” the press secretary remarked.

A member of the Lahore High Court Bar Association filed a petition asking the LHC to direct the Federal Government to hold talks with the TTP and let them open an office. The petitioner, Advocate Kashif Mehmood Solomani, named the Federation of Pakistan, the Interior Ministry, the Defence Ministry and the Finance Ministry as respondents.

He said that since becoming a major US ally in the ‘war against terror’ following the attacks of September 11, 2001, Pakistan had suffered a loss of USD100 billion (PKR10.63 trillion) to the economy. Economic growth, tax collection and foreign investment had declined. Western governments had advised their citizens against travelling to Pakistan, affecting foreign investment further.

The petitioner said that allowing the TTP to open an office would facilitate the dialogue process. He noted that the UN charter stated that no sanctions could be imposed on Pakistan for holding talks with the militants.

Anti-Terrorism Court reserved judgment on a request for exempting former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf from attending hearings in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Earlier, the counsel for Musharraf submitted a request that the former President could not attend the hearings in Quetta due to security risks.

Rajput argued that given the lack of efforts by the Crime Branch, investigations in the case were biased. A Crime Branch investigator, however, said a letter had been sent to the Federal Government seeking arrest warrants of the former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, former Balochistan Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani and former District Coordination Officer for Dera Bugti Abdul Samad Lasi.

October 23

Two Policemen and an assailant were killed in a firing incident in SITE Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. SSP Irfan Baloch said an assailant was also killed as the Police returned fire.

A Lyari gangster, identified as Mohammad Younus (35), was shot dead within the precincts of Malir City Police Station in Mohabbat Nagar area of Malir Town.

A dead body of a Baloch man, identified as Shakir (23), was found in Ahsanabad area of Gadap Town. Police said the victim was abducted when he left home for some work on the evening of October 22, 2013.

The city Police arrested three accused, identified as Abdul Sattar, Kamran and Saeed, from Landhi Town in connection with the October 20, 2013 firing on the convoy of Sindh Local Bodies Minister Owais Muzaffar in Sharafi Goth area of Landhi Town.

Special prosecutors cited lack of security as the reason and refused to plead cases against hundreds of suspects caught in targeted raids in Karachi. According to sources, the law department had, upon the Rangers’ recommendation, appointed six lawyers as special prosecutors to plead cases against suspects arrested during the targeted operation in Karachi – which has been in full swing since September 4, 2013.

Rangers and Police officials claim to have arrested hundreds of hardened criminals since, but effective prosecution, the sources said, still remains elusive. “Six prosecutors supposed to represent the Rangers in trial courts have refused to plead their cases,” a prosecutor said, adding, “Some of them even excused themselves in writing during a recently held meeting with the Rangers high-ups.” The unwilling prosecutors have cited the lack of security for them and their families as the reason for their refusal.

Unidentified militants kidnapped former President of ANP Balochistan Chapter Arbab Zahir Kasi from Patel Road in Quetta. According to Quetta Police, Kasi was on his way to visit his relatives in downtown of Quetta when a group of armed men intercepted his vehicle near the intersection on Patel Road.

PPP rejected the new ordinance, Pakistan Protection Ordinance 2013 that was promulgated on October 20, 2013, and gave extraordinary powers to Law-Enforcement Agencies to curb terrorism, terming it as “an assault on the fundamental rights” of citizens. 

“The law is a direct assault on the fundamental rights of the citizens as enshrined in the constitution,” said PPP’s Parliamentary Leader in the Senate Raza Rabbani, questioning the logic behind the Government’s act of doing legislation through ordinances in presence of an elected Parliament. “This is a very important law and it should have been brought through the Parliament.”

“The ordinance in its present form is not acceptable,” he said. Answering a question, Rabbani, however, said the PPP had no plan to challenge the ordinance in a court of law. He said the party would oppose it when the Government brings it to the Parliament in the form of a bill. He explained that any matter that could be settled politically and in Parliament should not be challenged in the court.

The KP Police have set up a counter-kidnapping cell to pre-empt and prevent kidnapping for ransom incidents well in time, an official communiqué said. Kidnapping-for-ransom cases have significantly increased in Peshawar following a huge amount was paid to ensure the release of well-off persons, mainly traders, doctors and Government officials.

Over 40,000 cellphone SIM cards of Afghan telecom companies are operational in Pakistan and most of them are used in acts of terrorism, kidnapping for ransom and extortion. The information was placed before a Peshawar High Court bench by National Accountability Bureau, KP during the hearing into a case about unregistered SIM cards.

PM Nawaz Sharif said that he urged US President Barack Obama to end drone strikes in Pakistan, touching on a thorny subject in relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Sharif and President Obama were speaking after a 90-minute long one-on-one meeting at the White House’s Oval Office.

Citing secret documents, reported on October 23 that Pakistan for years secretly approved of US drone attacks on its territory despite public denunciations. The purported evidence of Islamabad's involvement came as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited the White House and urged an end to the attacks, which are widely unpopular with the Pakistani public.  Pakistani support for drone attacks has long been widely suspected, although strikes reported by the Post involved several years up to 2011 — before a slowdown in strikes and Sharif's election in May.

October 24

Three people were killed and five others were wounded when two gangster groups in Market area of Gulshan-e-Bihar area in Lyari Town fought each other. According to the Police and residents, the fight broke out between Baba Ladla gang, and the criminals from PAC.

The victims were identified as one Abdul Ghani (40), Waseem Khalid (22) and Shahbaz Imtiaz (23), while the injured were identified as Dilbaz Iqbal (23), Asif Fayyaz (25), Manzur Karam Din (60), Nasir and Zeeshan. Lyari DSP Shakeel Ahmed said that none of people killed and injured belonged to either of the groups.

A child was killed and two others were injured in a hand grenade explosion in the Timber Market within limits of the Napier Police Station in Lyari Town. The blast also destroyed the gates and shutter of a warehouse.

An unidentified man was shot dead near Abdullah Mor within the vicinity of Surjani Town Police Station in Gadap Town.

A man, identified as Siddique (35), was killed and another, identified as Hussain (18), was injured when unidentified armed assailants opened indiscriminate fire on Manghopir Road within the limits of Orangi Town Police Station in Orangi Town.

A Shia man, identified as Ali Raza (32), succumbed to his injuries during medical treatment. Raza was injured in a firing incident in Ittehad Town area of Baldia Town on October 21, 2013.

Two Policemen who were killed in SITE Town on October 23, 2013 were identified as head constable Qazi Alam and Police constable Javed. The assailant who was killed in retaliatory firing was identified as Adnan and his injured accomplice was identified as Sajid. According to Police sources, the militants belonged to TTP.

Police and Rangers conducted a raid at gangster Baba Ladla’s residence during an operation in Lyari. Weapons, including, bullets, five Kalashnikovs, two pistols and two hand grenades were also seized during the raid. However, Ladla managed to get away and was not arrested.

Rangers and Police personnel arrested more than 50 suspects during targeted operations in different areas of Karachi. Rangers’ personnel conducted operations in Sango Lane, Liaquatabad, Jut Line, Burns Road, Orangi, Landhi, Korangi and Rafah-i-Aam Society of Lyari area and arrested 29 suspects. According to a Rangers’ spokesman, the accused included Lyari gang-war suspects and some were said to have links with political parties.

Police personnel conducted an operation at the Fancy View Apartments near Sohrab Goth on Karachi’s Super Highway and arrested more than 20 suspects. According to SSP Malir Nasir Aftab, suspects involved in the targeted killing of Policemen were amongst the arrested men. Arms were also seized during the raid.

City’s East Zone Police arrested 33 suspects, including two proclaimed offenders and 10 fugitives during targeted operations in the past 24 hours, along with recovering arms and weapons from the accused men.

An Afghan citizen, identified as Rasool Zaman, was killed and a Police Station partially destroyed when over a dozen heavily-armed militants attacked Howaid Police Station in Bannu District. The victim lived close to the Police Station and got caught in the crossfire. Bannu Headquarters DSP Sanaullah Khan Marwat said that over a dozen militants attacked the Police Station from three sides at midnight.

The DSP added Police officials inside the station requested assistance, following which the FC arrived and open retaliatory fire, forcing the assailants to flee. “Zaman got caught in the crossfire and was severely injured. He succumbed to his injuries on the way to hospital,” DSP Marwat informed reporters.

The City Police released the sketches of two terrorists involved in the killing of four Policemen on Ring Road at Paharipura area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on October 20 and sent it to all Political Stations for necessary action.

While any mention of the drone issue was conspicuously missing in their joint statement, the US President Barack Obama has privately assured PM Nawaz Sharif that the controversial programme will end soon, a senior Pakistani official said. The official, who was accompanying the PM on his just-concluded visit to Washington, said that ‘significant progress’ has been made on the drone issue.

The US President Barack Obama has asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif why Pakistan had not yet started the trial of suspected Mumbai attackers. The PM revealed this while talking to the media before leaving Washington after a four-day visit to the US. PM Sharif had a two-hour long meeting with Mr Obama, which covered all issues of mutual concern.

For the second time this month, the ATC hearing the November 26, 2008, Mumbai attacks case has postponed the matter as the record of proceedings of the Pakistan Judicial Commission’s visit to India was not yet received by the Foreign Office. The case was to be heard on October 24. The matter will come up on November 6, according to Special Public Prosecutor of the case Chaudhary Mohammed Azhar.

The Officials and former PM Yousaf Raza Gilani denied a report that they had approved US drone strikes on the country’s soil. Gilani, PM from 2008 until June last year, vehemently denied giving any approval for drone strikes. “We have never allowed Americans to carry out drone attacks in the tribal areas,” Gilani said. “From the very beginning we are against drone strikes and we have conveyed it to Americans at all forums.” A diplomatic cable from then-US ambassador Anne Patterson dated August 2008 and released by WikiLeaks, indicated Gilani had agreed to the strikes in private.

There will be no change in US drone policies, senior American officials said while acknowledging that PM Nawaz Sharif had raised the issue at both private and public meetings during his four-day stay in Washington. The officials said that the PM also mentioned Dr Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani-American imprisoned in the US for allegedly attacking American soldiers in Afghanistan, in one of the meetings.

Hafiz Saeed, the ‘chief’ of JuD, the frontal organisation of LeT said that it is a thing of regret that US President Obama without making his investigation into the Indian propaganda went ahead and ‘issued a statement against us’. Hafiz Saeed said that the Supreme Court of Pakistan in its judgment had already declared that no charge was proved against JuD.

The Prime Minister's Special Cell on polio, militant attacks on Pakistan’s polio workers have killed 27 vaccinators and Police guards during the past year and a half. The report, released in connection with World Polio Day (October 24, 2013), said 16 of those killed were from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Government decided to include polio vaccination on the agenda of dialogue with the TTP as 90 per cent of the cases during the current year have been reported from FATA where the militants have banned anti-polio campaigns.  Minister of State for Health Regulations Saira Afzal Tarar said that Taliban should understand the fact that children were suffering because of their ban on the polio drives.

She added that 260,000 children in North and South Waziristan Agencies had not been vaccinated against polio since July 2012. It may be noted that since July 2012, 24 health workers and Policemen protecting them have been killed and 14 others injured in 24 targeted attacks on vaccinators in different parts of the country.

October 25

A Lyari gangster, identified as Jabbar alias Langra, who is considered a close aide of PAC leader Uzair Baloch, was killed in a shootout with Rangers in Singho Lane of Lyari Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Langra is reported to have controlled a large area of Lyari.

In Lyari, two cadres of PAC, identified as Afzal alias Shahjee and Abdul Qadir Patni, were shot dead on Mir Mohammed Baloch Road in Lyari Town. Investigators termed the twin murder a part of the target killings as they were associated with the PAC.

An ex-nazim of a union council, identified as Ikram Siddiqi (38), associated with the MQM was shot dead near Mohajir Chowk in Ghaziabad area of Orangi Town.  Investigators have termed the murder a part of the ongoing target killings of political activists.

Another MQM member, identified as Khurshid Abdul Majeed (45) was shot dead at Bengali Camp Korangi Town. Majeed was associated with the MQM’s MOC.

An unidentified dead body of a Baloch man was found in front of a petrol pump on Chakiwara Road in Lyari Town.

Law-enforcement agencies detained a suspected al Qaeda-linked terrorist from Baloch Colony in Orangi Town for plotting an attack on the ISI office in Sukkur on July 24, 2013, unnamed officials said. According to the Police, the suspect, Sheikh Adil Azeem, belongs to the Ahmad Farooq group – a militant faction linked with al Qaeda.

During interrogation, the accused confessed that he was a part of the team that planned the attack on the ISI office for releasing two associates detained by the Agency, sources said. He also revealed that two other members of his group, Talat and Zafar, had abetted the plot.

Two people, identified as PML-N leader Rasool Bakhsh Khetran and his companion, were killed when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at a hotel on Masjid Road in Quetta. Commissioner Quetta, Usman Gul said that the victims belonged to Khetran tribe.

Levies found two unidentified mutilated dead bodies in Chakal area of Panjgur District. A levies official who requested anonymity said, "It seems to be targeted killing."

Two vehicles were destroyed in a rocket attack that landed at TB Sanatorium on Brewery Road in Quetta. However, there was no loss of life.

Balochistan Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Doctor Abdul Malik Baloch formed a committee to hold an APC on law and order situation in the province by December 2013. The panel is made up of Parliamentary leaders. The Provincial Cabinet also decided to hold local body elections, in compliance with the Supreme Court’s orders and constituted separate committees for bringing qualitative changes in Provincial Departments such as fisheries, livestock, education, health and agriculture.

The Chief Minister constituted a four-member Committee to improve coordination among law enforcement agencies after the Balochistan Police Chief informed the Cabinet about the need to overhaul the Police along modern lines.

Unidentified militants burned down a Government girl’s primary school in Shalpin village in Khwazakhela tehsil Swat District.

The personnel of LEAs arrested eight Afghan suspects during an operation in Wari area of Upper Dir District. The arrested Afghan nationals failed to prove their identity.

Former MNA belonging to the PML-N Anjum Aqeel Khan, escaped a terror attack, when an explosive device planted by some terrorists at the main entrance of his house at E-11 Golra village in Islamabad was recovered and defused. Khan termed the attempt as an act of terrorism, and said that he was target of the terrorists as he had no personal or political rivalry with anybody.

The security guard of the house noticed the explosive at about 7 a.m. and reported to Anjum Aqeel’s younger brother about the suspicious material who informed the area police.

Media advocacy groups condemned the renewal of a year-old fatwa (religious edict) naming certain Pakistani media and journalists as “enemies of the Mujahideen”. The fatwa was re-issued on October 19, 2013 in the form of a post on social networking site Twitter.

The fatwa designated Dewa Radio, Mishal Radio, Azadi Radio, Radio Aap ki Dunya, and the BBC as targets and included the photos of two nationally-known journalists, Hamid Mir and Hasan Nisar. “Showing pictures of Hamid Mir and Hasan Nisar may encourage the banned TTP’s followers and sympathisers to physically attack the two journalists,” one of their colleagues said.

The same fatwa was issued a year ago, shortly after the militants attacked Malala Yusufzai. A group that supports the outlawed coalition TTP has claimed responsibility for reissuing it. The TTP itself has denied any role but did not dispute its message.

Lawmakers in the KP Assembly expressed much frustration over the Federal Government’s silence on talks with the TTP and said the province may have to go ahead with negotiations itself. “We cannot let the issue of law and order linger this way and will make our own line of action if we are not satisfied with the Federal Government’s initiative,” said Information Minister Shah Farman.                              

“We request the federal government to expedite the peace process,” said Health Minister Shaukat Yusufzai. He added KP is a major stakeholder in the peace process and is on the receiving end of law and order problems. “The Federal Government has not shared any information about what they are actually doing in this regard.”

The dialogue with TTP militants may start in the next few days, said Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz. In an interview to Dawn, Aziz also said that while the US might not make a formal announcement for stopping the drone strikes, “we hope that the attacks will taper off”. “We are developing a comprehensive anti-terrorism policy and holding talks with TTP is part of that strategy,” he said, adding, “We are developing a national consensus on this and that’s why we held the all-party conference in Islamabad recently.”

Senior US officials acknowledged that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had shared with them his plan to engage the Taliban. “And we told them we have no objection to it as long as the Taliban agree to recognise the Pakistani constitution and respect the rule of law,” said one US official.

Minister for State and Frontier Regions Lieutenant-General (retired) Abdul Qadir Baloch said that Pakistan would not allow entry of Afghan refugees if the situation in their country deteriorated after the withdrawal of NATO forces in 2014.

After meeting officials of the Afghan Commissionerates and UNHCR, in Peshawar the Minister told a news conference that Pakistan would utilise all options to stop Afghan refugees from crossing over the border although there was a possibility that a small number of the people from Afghanistan made their way into Pakistan.

He further stated that Pakistan cannot afford to host Afghan refugees any longer as it has spent more than USD 200 billion in the last 30 years on them. Baloch said international humanitarian organisations should assist in providing protection and ensure the timely and safe return of refugees to their home country.

Pakistan renewed demands for an end to US drone strikes on its territory as two UN experts called for greater transparency in the use of the weapons. “In Pakistan, all drone strikes are a chilling reminder that reprisal strikes by terrorists are around the corner,” Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Masood Khan said during a UN General Assembly rights committee debate.

Khan, following up a call made by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to US President Barack Obama on October 23, 2013, said civilians had suffered “inhumane” deaths and the strikes had “radicalised” public opinion in Pakistan.

Two U.N. human rights investigators said that U.S. secrecy about its drone strikes is the biggest obstacle to determining the impact on civilians. Ben Emmerson and Christof Heyns are also calling on other countries to speak up about when they believe deadly drone strikes are acceptable. They say a lack of consensus risks creating anarchy as more countries acquire the technology.

Emmerson said the U.S. has justified drone strikes against terrorist targets in other countries by arguing that it is engaged in an armed conflict against al Qaeda with no boundaries. He said few other countries have spelled out their own positions.

October 26

At least 14 persons were killed in the ongoing gang-war in Lyari Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. Bodies of nine people reached the Civil Hospital, where a state of emergency was declared to cope with the backlash of the violence in Lyari.

Four suspected criminals were also among the dead. The IG of Sindh, Shahid Nadim Baloch, called the latest episode the result of a dispute between two groups after the September 18, 2013 killing of PAC leader Zafar Baloch, a leader of Lyari and the former area President of PPP.

Rangers, Police, and other agencies during a joint operation arrested 14 suspects. All the entry and exit points in Lyari were sealed and raids were conducted in search of gangsters of Lyari gang-war. Director General Sindh Rangers and Karachi Police chief Shahid Hayat visited the affected areas to monitor the situation.

A high level meeting of the Police and Sindh Rangers was held, said a statement issued by the Paramilitary force. According to the statement, the meeting held at the Rangers Headquarters reviewed law and order situation in Lyari and decided to continue operation in the troubled neighbourhood till the arrest of all the criminals.

At least two soldiers were killed when car bomb hit a FC van escorting a bus of Shia pilgrims in Dringarh area on the main Quetta-Taftan Highway of Mastung District.

All the pilgrims on the bus, who were on their way to Iran, were safe but several security personnel were wounded by the remotely triggered bomb, Syed Mehrab Shah, a Senior Government Official in Mastung said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast.

At least two Pakistani nationals, identified as Muhammad Ibrahim and Muhammad Saleem, were killed and three others, identified as Obaidullah, Shamsul Haq and Badaruddin, were wounded when Iranian Security Forces opened fire in the Chaghai District.

A peace committee member was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Ser village of Malam Jabba area in Swat District of KP. According to the Telgram Police Station, Javed Hussain, a peace committee member from Parkhey Telgram, was shot dead by unidentified persons in Ser village when he was out for some work.

A Government girl’s high school was partially destroyed when a bomb planted along its boundary wall exploded in Howaid area of Bannu District. According to Howaid Police official Gul Rauf Khan, the incident occurred at around 2am.

Unidentified motorcyclists abducted an 11-year-old son of ANP activist and former nazim of Ismaila union council Fareed Khan advocate from his school van at gunpoint when he was on his way to school in Ismaila town of Mardan District.

Around 47 persons were arrested in a search operation conducted in Badhaber area on the outskirts of Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP. The operation was jointly conducted by Security Forces and Police in Bazid Khel, Kagawala, Ahmad Khel and Masho Khel villages

In similar operations carried out in Pishtakhara, Yakatoot and Chamkani, as many as 224 people were arrested.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif wrote a letter to the heads of all political parties, seeking their support for passage of “Protection of Pakistan Ordinance 2013” from the Parliament. In the new ordinance, the minimum punishment for terrorists involved in various crimes has been set at 10-year imprisonment. The ordinance is aimed at strengthening the hands of law enforcement agencies against terrorists and ensuring speedy disposal of cases by the courts.

A lawyer had challenged the newly-promulgated ordinance in the Islamabad High Court on October 24, 2013, saying some of its sections are against the fundamental rights of the citizens as enshrined in the constitution. The main opposition PPP had also rejected the new ordinance a day earlier on October 23, 2013 terming it “an assault on the fundamental rights” of citizens.

The Prime Minister also directed Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to take all parties into confidence on peace talks with TTP. Nawaz Sharif said that all political parties of the country had given the PML-N Government the mandate to hold talks with the TTP at the September 9, 2013 APC meeting.

In reference to US drone strikes, the PTI led KP Government said that their patience was wearing thin and that they may take a unilateral step and “we will consider the option of stopping NATO supplies”.

KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak said that they were tired of picking up bodies, whether they are of victims of terror or of drone strikes and that if the Government does not take decisive steps to stop both they may take unilateral steps, including stopping the NATO supply through Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Afghanistan will demand an explanation from Pakistan on the whereabouts of a former Taliban ‘second-in-command’ when the leaders of both countries meet next week to discuss how to end years of insurgency, an Afghan official said. The whereabouts of Mullah Baradar has been the source of intense speculation since Pakistan announced his release on September 20.

October 27

One soldier was killed and three others were injured in a blast near the Afghan border of Miranshah, the head quarter of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

Law enforcers claimed to have killed an alleged member of the TTP, while arrested around 103 suspects including Lyari gangsters, targeted killers and political workers across the Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

October 28

At least three persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A worker associated with the MQM, identified as Asif (30), was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Orangi Town.

A volunteer of an NGO, Seraiki Health Association, identified as Nazeer Hussain (45),   was shot dead at his office in Ahsanabad, within the precincts of Sohrab Goth Police Station.

The body of a young man was found in a gunny bag in Pir Baksh Goth, within the jurisdiction of Gulshan-e-Maymar Police Station. 

Unidentified militants bombed a transporter’s office in situated in E-Market of PECHS within the limits of Tipu Sultan Police Station in Jamshed Town. However, no casualty was reported. The bomb was thrown on the truck parked outside the office, said the Police. The transporter was identified as Anwar and he informed that he was frequently receiving extortion threats.

A private school, Al Mehran School, was attacked for refusing to pay extortion in Ghaziabad area of Orangi Town. The school administration explained that they received demands to pay money to a group a while back but they admitted that they weren’t expecting an attack.

Law enforcers claimed to have arrested 43 more suspects including a political worker during separate targeted raids and operations across the city.

A Lahore High Court division bench comprising of Justice Anwarul Haq and Justice Abdul Sattar Asghar dismissed the bail application of Zubair alias Nek Muhammad, who has been accused of attacking the Sri Lankan cricket team on March 3, 2009. He had been granted bail earlier by Anti-Terrorism Court.

Justice Mahmood Maqbool Bajwa of the LHC refused to hear the bail plea of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi leader Malik Ishaq and referred the matter to the Chief Justice with the recommendation that a division bench be set up to hear the matter. The judge observed that the plea should be heard by a two-member bench since the FIRs registered against the petitioner contained sections of the Anti Terrorism Act.

The LHC sought a reply from the Federal Government to an appeal by two men convicted of spying for India for their prison term to be reduced for the time they had been detained before being sentenced, as per Section 382-B of the Code of Criminal Procedure. A military court had convicted Muhammad Afzal and Muhammad Islam of spying for India and sentenced them to four years in prison each.

Justice Ayesha A Malik directed a Deputy Attorney General to submit the Government’s reply by the second week of November, when the hearing will resume.

The United States has caught the Afghanistan Government secretly conniving with the TTP in an attempt to acquire a stronger position in a regional power game. According to the report, the “disrupted plan involved Afghan intelligence trying to work with the Pakistan Taliban, allies of al Qaeda, in order to find a trump card in a baroque regional power game that is likely to intensify after the American withdrawal next year, the officials said. And what started the hard feelings was that the Americans caught them red-handed.”

Tipped off to the plan, United States Special Forces “raided an Afghan convoy that was ushering a senior TTP militant, Latif Mehsud, to Kabul for secret talks last month, and now have Mehsud in custody. “Publicly, the Afghan Government has described Mehsud as an insurgent peace emissary. But according to Afghan officials, the ultimate plan was to take revenge on the Pakistani military.”

October 29

Unidentified armed militants killed nine persons, including three women and two children, in an attack at the residence of a local tribal leader in Loti Zain area of Dera Bugti District. A levies official, who requested not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter, said that the house belonged to a pro-government tribesman. 

A trader, identified as Ejaz and his friend Shahid Ahmed, were shot dead near Islam Chowk in Orangi Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A Police informer, identified as Kashif Khan (40), was shot dead near Bashir Chowk on MPR Road in Qasba Colony of Orangi Town. Orangi Town SP Chaudhry Asad said that Khan was a Police informer.

A former area representative of the ANP, identified as Qamar Shah (38), was shot dead in Mehmoodabad area of Jamshed Town. Shah had formerly been associated with the ANP but later joined the PML-N. Currently, he was not associated with any political party.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a man, identified as Allahdad Magsi (40), in Quaidabad area of Bin Qasim Town.

A man, identified as Muhammad Yaseen (60), was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants in Ghazi Town area within the limits of Malir City Police Station in Malir Town. 

An unidentified man was shot dead by unidentified assailants near garbage dumping point of Lyari General Hospital in Lyari Town. 

A gangster, identified as Sultan Umair, was killed and another, identified as Chohta Jhengu, was injured during an exchange of fire in Baghdadi area of Lyari Town. According to sources, armed gangsters opened fire on the paramilitary force. During the exchange of fire, an alleged gangster was killed and another wounded. Moreover, around half a dozen suspects were arrested and a huge cache of weapons were also recovered.

Rangers claimed to have arrested 28 alleged criminals, including gang war elements and criminals affiliated with political groups, during targeted raids in Zia Colony of Korangi Town, Nusrat Bhutto Colony, Taiser Town, Surjani Town, Frontier Colony, Metroville, Model Colony and parts of Lyari.

An explosion, described as a cracker blast, killed one person at Hyder square in Hyderabad District as another cracker targeted a Police picket near Ali Palace in Qasimabad.

Unidentified assailants fired near Tower Market in Hyderabad District, killing a person identified as Muhammad Tufail.

A blast also occurred at Liberty Chowk area of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. However, no casualties were reported from there.

Similar explosions occurred in Nawabshah and Kotri Districts. In Kotri, unidentified assailants set a mini-truck and a bus on fire on the Indus Highway.

In Dadu District, unidentified assailants hurled hand grenades on Jail Road, at a bus stop and at Cinema Chowk.

In Larkana District, Brohi Chowk in Karachi and Station Road in Mirpurkhas District were attacked with cracker bombs.

A Police official said that a nationalist party in Sindh had announced a shutter-down strike on October 30, 2013 against the Pakistan Protection Ordinance promulgated by the President.

Four militants were arrested during a search operation in Matani area of Peshawar on, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The identity of the suspects could not be immediately ascertained.

Police arrested the group responsible for the Qissa Khwani bomb blast, with clues that they have links to foreign intelligence agencies. Addressing a press conference at Malik Saad Police Lines, SSP Najeebur Rehman said they arrested four people in a raid on a house in Sara Dargai, Mattani and recovered 840 kilogrammes of high-quality explosives.

Federal Minister for Gilgit Baltistan and PoK Birjis Tahir said that all key suspects involved in the attack on foreign trekkers in Gilgit-Baltistan on June 23, 2012, have been arrested.

PM Nawaz Sharif said that his Government wants peace not only in Pakistan but the region, and asked the TTP to join the peace process and become part of the political process. In an interview with a private TV channel in London, the PM said that his Government is serious in negotiations with the TTP.

The Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said on October 29 that the process of dialogue with TTP was likely to begin in near future. In this regard, the preliminary work had been completed in consultation with the stakeholders, he said while addressing participants of the 99th National Management Course for senior officers in Islamabad.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai and British Prime Minister David Cameron reaffirmed their continuing commitment for the Afghan peace process. The three leaders during their trilateral meeting held at the Downing Street discussed economic co-operation and the Afghan-led peace process to which they all reaffirmed their continuing commitment.

Chief Minister Doctor Abdul Malik Baloch said, “It is up to them [Baloch militants] to come to the negotiating table,”. “I’m not sure whether the dialogue will be successful or not, but it is my desire that they be successful … all I can do is try my best to improve the situation in Balochistan,” he added. “My first objective is to bring political and economic stability to the province. I want to provide both security and basic amenities to my people.”

According to the chief minister, the APC would focus on finding a solution to militancy and sectarian violence in the violence-wrecked province. “The main issue in Balochistan is political. As such, I want to take all political parties on board to find a solution,” he said, adding, “The APC are an attempt to bring all the issues [Balochistan currently faces] in the limelight and formulate a strategy to address them.” “The parties [attending the APC] will be asked to develop a mechanism for steering the province out of the quicksand of militancy and religious extremism,” he added.

“Maybe they [the parties] will authorise me to hold talks with militants, or maybe another committee,” he added. Asked whether any militant group would be invited to the APC, Dr Malik said, “We need to develop a mechanism to approach them first … therefore, they will not be invited to attend the conference.”

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said that if the flow of smuggled arms and narcotics is restricted throughout Karachi, situation in the city would be normalised. He appreciated Police and Rangers for making efforts to arrest criminals during operation in the city and remarked that both Law Enforcement Agencies had begun to realize their responsibility. Other members of the bench were Justice Jawad S. Khuwaja and Justice Gulzar Ahmed.

After flipping through the reports submitted by Rangers and Police regarding clampdown against outlaws, one member of the bench asked counsel appearing on behalf of Rangers whether arrested criminals were being put on trial in the courts.

To a question regarding results of operation being conducted in the city, Advocate General Sindh Khalid Javeed Khan said that operation was yielding results and law and order situation in the city had improved tremendously. The chief justice questioned advocate general about the situation prevailing in Lyari and also asked whether Lyari was still no-go area and citizens were enjoying rights under Article 9 of the Constitution, which guaranteed security to every citizen.

The Supreme Court also issued notices to Sindh Chief Secretary, IGP and DG Rangers over 51 identical petitions pertaining to no-go areas in Karachi. The petitions were filed by citizens in the apex court.

Chakwal DCO Ahmed Aziz Tarar during a meeting said that Chakwal was one of the most sensitive Districts of the country and army troops and Rangers, along with Police, will be deployed on procession routes and others sensitive places to avoid any untoward incident during Muharram.

The Sindh Government decided to transfer the murder trial of Geo News reporter Wali Khan Babar from an ATC in Karachi to another city due to security concerns. “The formal request for the transfer of the trial will be made to the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court so that the remaining proceedings of the trial can be concluded,” Sindh Advocate General Khalid Javed Khan told a three-member Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. Babar was killed on January 11, 2011.

The Advocate General said that the Government was also mulling over transferring other cases, including that of former special public prosecutor Naimat Ali Randhawa’s murder, from Karachi’s ATC to some other city of the province over security concerns. Earlier in the day, the murder trial was put off without making any progress after the defence counsel failed to appear at the Anti-Terrorism Court-III. Judge Saleem Raza Baloch accepted his request and fixed November 12, 2013 for the next hearing. Randhawa was killed on September 26, 2013.

US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee member Congressman Alan Grayson speaking with the BBC has said that drone strikes in Pakistan could end tomorrow if the country wanted to and that no such attacks take place without the approval of Pakistan.

October 30

A bomb killed five Pakistani soldiers in a village near the Afghan border in the South Waziristan Agency of FATA. “Number of martyred soldiers due to IED explosion in South Waziristan has risen up to five,” a senior security official said.

A drone fired missiles at a room and vehicle in the Miranshah Bazaar of North Waziristan Agency, killing at least three persons.

A private school teacher was shot dead in Ghundi area of Jamrud in Khyber Agency. The bullet-riddled body of Qasim Khan was found dumped.

At least five people were killed and 17 others were injured in a bomb explosion at a crowded car repair market on Double Road near Zarghoon Road in Quetta.

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead Waqar Naseer Baloch, the son of BRP leader, after pulling him down from a passenger bus in Wadh area of Khuzdar District. The party alleged that the Security Forces were behind the murder and announced a shutter down strike.

Unidentified militants killed a tribal leader, identified as Abdul Ghayas Muhammad Hassani, near Koshk area of Khuzdar District.

Unidentified militants attacked a house where rescue teams were stationed located in Awaran District. According to military sources, two rockets were fired at a house located three kilometers away from Awaran.  However, no casualty was reported.

Police recovered an infant during a raid at a house in Satellite Town of Quetta. Police arrested a man and also recovered a Kalashnikov from his custody. The child was abducted from the city’s Civil Hospital on October 7, 2013.

The Anti-Terrorist Wing of CID arrested two suspects, identified as Altaf Baloch and Zubair Baloch, belonging to a new outfit, Amarat-e-Islamia Afghanistan (Emirates of Islamic Afghanistan), from Ghani Chowrangi area in SITE Town. Raja Umer Khatab said that these suspects were trained for bomb making and terrorist activities in Qilla Abdullah District of Balochistan.

Two members of Lyari gangs, identified as Abdul Rehman alias Sain and Kamran alias Baba were taken into custody from Old Sabzi Mandi area along with weapons. The accused are said to be involved in 17 acts of target killing and extortion.

Police arrested 59 criminals, including target killers, in their ongoing crackdown against criminals in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. SSP East Pir Mohammad Shah said that the PIB Colony Police arrested an absconder, Hassan Zada alias Topi after an encounter near Sabzi Mandi area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town.

Korangi Police arrested Ilyas alias Chippa, Furqan and Hameed in a raid on Link Road near Pulia in Korangi Town and seized two TT pistols. The spokesperson for the East Range Police they had arrested 52 criminals, including a proclaimed offender, and three absconders.

The Police team investigating the murder case of Abdul Rashid Ghazi declared former President, General (retired) Pervez Musharraf, innocent according to the challan obtained by The News.  The challan states that the petitioner could not present any evidence or eyewitness against Musharraf and thus the former President could not be held responsible.

A local court reserved its verdict in the case and will announce it on November 1, 2013.  During proceedings of the case, Musharraf's lawyer argued that his client had not issued any orders for the 2007 Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) operation.

A FATA tribunal, hearing a review petition seeking Doctor Shakil Afridi’s release on bail and a fresh trial to enable him to defend himself against the charge of supporting a banned organisation, sought record of the case.  The petition filed by Dr Afridi challenges an order of the FCR commissioner setting aside his earlier conviction by an assistant political agent and remanding the case back to Khyber Agency’s political agent to assess again arguments of prosecution and defence under law and Rewaj (local custom).

Relatives of two abducted Czech women, identified as Hana Humpalova and Antonie Chrastecka, released a new video showing them looking exhausted, speaking of death and begging Czech authorities to take action to free them. The video was made in late August 2013 and had been delivered to the Czech embassy in Islamabad, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Johana Grohova said.

Humpalova is heard saying that she is "concerned about my friend who was with me as I am not sure if she is dead or alive," breaking into sobs and complaining about her poor health. "In case of my death I would like to be buried and put down in the grave of my father's family," she said. "I don't know how much time I have left because when these guys take their final action you will not hear from me again," said Humpalova, who wore a black headscarf.

Chrastecka begs the Czech Government to "make the biggest pressure to the Pakistani Government to cooperate with my kidnappers. Please give them what they want. Please help me to go home soon."

As part of its delimitation plans for Sindh, the Provincial Government decided to create a new District in Karachi to give the metropolis six Districts in all. Currently, Karachi has five Districts, but the Government is considering reworking their boundaries to include Korangi Town, Landhi Town and Bin Qasim Town in a new District. Earlier, Sindh Government had announced the decision to divide Thatta into two, turning Sujawal into a separate District.

The MQM had previously voiced strong opposition to the idea of delimitation of constituencies in Karachi. In May 2013, the MQM appealed against it in the Sindh High Court, but the Sindh High Court dismissed their appeal.

The Law Enforcement Agencies will start a door-to-door drive for recovery of illegal arms since the deadline for surrendering such weapons had expired and only 19 guns were collected, Sindh Advocate General Khalid Javed Khan told the Supreme Court. During the 14-day deadline, from September 27, 2013 to October 12, 2013 only 19 guns were deposited with the authorities.

The Surrender of Illicit Arms Act 1991 empowers law enforcers to get publicised notices, asking the citizens to deposit the weapons they possess unlawfully to avoid legal action. Once the deadline of a certain period expires, the law enforcers can forcibly recover the illegal weapons from citizens.

The Supreme Court also directed the Chief Collector Customs Prevention Nasir Masroor to submit a detailed report regarding the large number of smuggled arms and ammunitions that have been lying at the port premises since 1994. The commission, appointed by the Supreme Court to investigate the Director General Rangers allegations regarding a missing shipload of arms and ammunitions, had conducted inquiry to see whether the weapons were smuggled through the sea and the role of customs authorities in the scam.

According to the commission’s report, a large number of weapon consignments smuggled into the country back in 1994 were confiscated by the authorities. “The cache of arms is still lying on the port premises in the custody of the Karachi Port Trust,” the chief collector confirmed the commission’s report. “We are sitting on a volcano,” remarked the bench, citing that the whole city was full of these illicit arms and ammunitions and drugs.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry grilled the Chief of the FBR for not clarifying facts pertaining to the allegedly missing 19,000 NATO containers before the US Ambassador to Pakistan. During a hearing of the Karachi law and order case at the Supreme Court’s Karachi Registry, the bench led by the Chief Justice himself directed FBR Chairman Tariq Bajwa to submit the details of the letter sent to his office by the American envoy, who had denied reports that any containers carrying supplies for NATO and US forces in Afghanistan had gone missing in Pakistan.

While giving the directions, the bench members noted that the inquiry of the commission led by Shoaib Suddle had determined 19,000 containers did go missing and asked the FBR chief as to why this information was not shared with the US envoy.

The Chief Justice also noted that black money was circulating openly in Karachi and, along with smuggled weapons and contraband, was fuelling violence in the metropolis. He said violence in the city was not ethnically motivated and was instead a turf-war between various mafias.

The PM Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that anything which hurts Pakistan’s sovereignty will not be accepted. Talking to media persons, he said that his current visit to the United Kingdom was bearing fruit due to the growing stronger bilateral ties. He said Pak-UK ties were on the high wave, growing stronger with each passing day. The UK accorded high importance to its ties with Pakistan, he added. 

PM Nawaz Sharif said that a tit-for-tat policy between Pakistan and India must end now so that the condition of the people of the two countries could be ameliorated. Talking to newsmen, Nawaz said he had discussed the issue of Line of Control during his US and UK visits. He said India should have no objection to third party mediation on the Kashmir issue in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

PM Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan wanted peace in Afghanistan and was ready to offer all possible support in this regard. Talking to British Foreign Secretary William Hague, who paid a courtesy call on him, he stressed the need for introducing an effective border management system between Pakistan and Afghanistan to address the issue of cross-border infiltration.

October 31

At least nine persons were killed in separate incidents of violence across Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A man was killed near Qayyumabad, within the jurisdiction of Baloch Colony Police Station. Police said that Syed Zarrar Jaffar, a retired Rangers officer, along with his wife and a friend Nizam Shah, was on his way to home in a car when unidentified armed riders resorted to indiscriminate firing before escaping. All three sustained bullet injuries. Nizam Shah succumbed to his injuries later.

A mother and her daughter were strangulated to death in Nusrat Bhutto Colony, within the precincts of Shahrah-e-Noorjahan Police Station. Police said the victims were identified as Zulekha Abbas (30), and her two-year-old daughter Areeba Abbas.

Three including bandits were killed during a robbing bid in Gulshan-e-Latif, within the remits of Awami Colony Police Station.

A woman Allah Wassiya, wife of Allah Ditta, was shot dead by unidentified bandits in Noor Khan Goth.

One Rafi Ullah was shot dead at Haji Camp, within the vicinity of Docks Police Station. According to the Police, Rafi Ullah, resident of Haji Camp, was sleeping at his home, when unidentified assailants barged into his house and shot him twice before fleeing.

A slaughtered body of a man was found within the jurisdiction of Darakhshan Police Station. Muhammad Ali, resident of Lines Area, was abducted and later his throat was slit before dumping his body.

Three persons sustained injuries when an explosive device went off in a bargain centre of vehicles in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur Agency in FATA. The sources said unidentified persons had placed an explosive device on the rooftop of the bargain centre of tribal elder Malik Taj and triggered the explosion with a remote-control. Three persons Siraj, Fazle Rehman and Tariq sustained injuries in the blast.

The authorities claimed to have arrested a most-wanted kidnaper belonging to Afghanistan at Torkham border of Khyber Agency. The Khasadar Force personnel raided a general store at Torkham border’s bazaar and arrested an Afghan national Abdul Malik (42), official of the political administration, Miraj, said.

Judge Mohammad Nawaz Khan Barakzai of the ATC in Sibi awarded double life imprisonment to two accused, identified as Mehrab Khan and Amir Rakshahni, in two bomb blast cases in Sibi District. According to the prosecution, the convicts had planted an explosive device in the City Police Station Sibi on October 24, 2011, and a bomb in the stadium during the Sibi festival in February 2012.

CCPO Quetta Abdul Razzaq Cheema told the Balochistan High Court that Police had obtained the footage of the abduction of ANP leader, Arbab Zahir Kasi, and that they were conducting an investigation in light of it. Kasi, a former provincial President of the ANP was abducted in Quetta on Oct 23, 2013.

Police said that they have arrested 18 suspects over the killing of 10 foreign climbers in the Himalayas in June 22, but warned that others remain at large. Police in the northern Districts of Gilgit and Diamer in the Gilgit-Baltistan region said they have arrested 18 suspects on suspicion of planning and carrying out the attack.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that dialogue with TTP has started and hoped that it will progress within the constitutional framework. He was talking to British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg who called on him. They discussed issues of mutual interest. The prime minister apprised Clegg on the dialogue with Taliban, relations with India, energy situation and economic reforms agenda of his government, a press release from the Pakistan’s High Commission said.

The Supreme Court observed that Karachi can be saved only if the drugs and arms’ menace that plagues the city is reined in. While hearing the Karachi law and order case, a three-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry sought a detailed report by today (November 1) from Customs officials about import of arms through sea ports during the last three years.

Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani, once derided at home as Washington’s ambassador to Pakistan for his pro-Western views, has taken a step further, accusing the Government of directly supporting militant groups in his latest book “Magnificent Delusions”. Now a professor of international relations at Boston University, he was ambassador to the United States from 2008 to 2011, a turbulent time in US-Pakistan relations that culminated in a raid by US special forces in May 2011 that killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

The Government claimed that more than two thousand suspected terrorists have been killed in 317 drone strikes in the past five years while only 67 innocent civilians have died in these attacks. The Ministry of Defence furnished a written reply in the Senate detailing the number of US drone strikes in the past five years. Surprisingly the Ministry of Defence data also claims that no innocent civilian was struck by the drone strikes since January 2012 while more than three hundred terrorists were targeted in the strikes.

The official data negates the claims by local political and religious parties that US drone strikes in Pakistan have mostly killed innocent civilians, including women and children. According to the official data, this year has witnessed the lowest number of drone strikes which are 14 as compared to 2010 when the US hit Pakistan’s FATA 115 times through drone attacks.

Only three percent of 2,227 people killed in US drone strikes since 2008 were civilians, a surprisingly low figure that sparked criticism from groups that have investigated deaths from the attacks. The number is much lower than past Government calculations and estimates by independent organizations that have gone as high as 300. The Ministry said 317 drone strikes have killed 2,160 Islamic militants and 67 civilians since 2008.

Foreign Office said that the Government was convinced that drone attacks were counter-productive and it (FO) had sought details from the Ministry of Defence about the low non-combatant casualty figure reported in Senate.

Federal Defence Production Minister Rana Tanvir Hussain thinks it will not be prudent to shoot down drones though the country has the capability to do so. “Pakistan has the capability to shoot down US drones but such decisions need thorough deliberation and it is not prudent to take the action (downing drones) right now,” he told the media after visiting a wireless communication equipment production unit in Lahore.

The PTI Chairman Imran Khan issued a warning that his party will block the NATO supply line if the US made any drone strike to disrupt the talk’s process with the TTP. “The KP Government will hold direct talks with the TTP if the Federal Government fails to hold a result-oriented dialogue,” he said while addressing a press conference at the Punjab Assembly.

The CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif said that load shedding and militancy are two of the biggest challenges confronting Pakistan today and both need to be tackled on a war footing. Speaking at a side event at the World Islamic Economic Forum to appeal for investment in Punjab and rest of the country, the Punjab chief minister said that it is responsibility of the global community to help Pakistan deal with these challenges because Pakistan has suffered for the world in the ‘war on terrorism’.

November 1

Hakimullah Mehsud, the ‘chief’ of the TTP, was killed in a US drone strike in Dandy Darpakhel area, five kilometers (three miles) north of Miranshah, the main town of NWA in FATA. Intelligence officials said Hakimullah was leaving from a meeting at a mosque in Dandy Darpakhel area when the drone targeted their vehicle. Five militants, including Abdullah Bahar Mehsud and Tariq Mehsud, both key militant commanders and close aides of the TTP chief, were also killed with two others injured in the drone strike, multiple sources confirmed.

Hakimullah Mehsud along with other militants killed in the drone strike, was buried in NWA. Sources said that besides Hakimullah Mehsud, his uncle, driver and other aides buried at different places NWA.

The Government has not yet confirmed the death of Hakimullah, reports The News. However, it has stopped the delegation from visiting NWA to hold peace talks following the reports of TTP chief’s death. Strongly condemning the US drone attack in North Waziristan, Pakistan Government reiterated that these strikes are a violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. Foreign Office Spokesman Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry in a statement said that there was an across the board consensus in Pakistan that these drone strikes must end.

According to the sources, TTP’s Markazi majlis-e-Shoora would appoint their new chief. The South Waziristan TTP chief, Khan Said Sajna alias Khalid is likely to succeed Hakimullah Mehsud as TTP chief. Chief of Mohmand Agency Umar Khalid Khurasani is also a strong contestant for the slot as he is the only surviving senior Taliban commander who had directly commanded operations under Hakimullah. Mullah Fazlullah, the chief of the Swat Taliban, is another senior TTP commander but unlikely to replace the assassinated TTP chief for not belonging to Mehsud clan.

Jen Psaki, the spokesperson for the US State Department said that “We have seen those reports but we don’t have anything for you on that. The reports just came out. We have a close cooperative relationship with Pakistan on various issues, including counter-terrorism but I do not have anything specific for you on Pakistan on this report.”

Reacting to US drone strike, PTI chairman Imran Khan demanded the Government to block NATO supplies going through the country. Imran Khan further said that the US drone attack was as a conspiracy to sabotage talk’s effort. Earlier on October 31, Imran Khan issued a warning that his party will block the NATO supply line if the US made any drone strike to disrupt the talk’s process with the TTP. His party is set to table resolutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly and National Assembly on November 4 in this regard.

The TTP said that they have had “no contact” with the Government, a day after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said a process to initiate peace talks had been started. The TTP ‘spokesperson’ Shahidullah Shahid said that there had been no overtures. “No one has yet contacted us. The Government is making announcements only by media, no peace talks have yet been started,” Shahid said. “The beginning of peace talks means sitting at a table and discussing issues, no such thing has yet happened.”

US was closely following reported talks between the Pakistan Government and the TTP but would let Islamabad define those negotiations, the State Department said. “We are, of course, following it closely as you would expect … but this is an internal matter for Pakistan,” the department’s spokesperson Jen Psaki told a briefing in Washington.

Unidentified militants shot dead at least six Hazara Shia coal miners and injured another in a sectarian attack in Mach town of Bolan District. Waheed Shah, Deputy Commissioner in Kach, said that the seven men were on their way back from Mach bazaar when they were attacked by unidentified assailants on a motorcycle. “The victims were Hazara labourers and Shia Muslims,” confirmed Shah.

A man belonging to the Ahmadi community, identified as Bashir Ahmed (50), was killed while four others were injured in a sectarian attack within the jurisdiction of Mominabad Police Station in Orangi Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. The injured were identified as Mohammad Ahmed, Asad Fazal, Wajid and Ovais.

Two people were killed and two others were injured when unidentified armed assailants entered a cafe and opened indiscriminate fire in Quaidabad area of Landhi Town. Police said that one of the victims was identified as Waqar Ishaq (17), and another is yet to be recognised. The injured men were identified as, Imran and Tayyab.

A Policeman, identified as Shehzada Khan (53), posted to the Crime Branch was shot dead at Napier Road.

Police carried out targeted operation in Dhobi Ghath area of Lyari Town and arrested five accused affiliated with Asif Lyari group. 

Over PKR 4.7 million were robbed in two separate bank heists. The first robbery took place in Paposh Nagar of Nazimabad Town, when a group of men entered the bank at around 10 in the morning and managed to loot PKR 3.2 million.  Another robbery occurred in a private bank in Bufferzone area within the limits of Taimuria Police Station in North Nazimabad Town and the robbers looted PKR 1.5 million.

A senior officer said, “The deployment of security guards of private security companies have also become the main reason behind the increased incidents of bank robberies. Most of the security guards involved in the robberies belong to the tribal areas, and have links to the outlawed organisations including Taliban and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi.”

Unidentified militants launched three rocket attacks at a camp of SFs in Miranshah, the main town of NWA in FATA.  According to military sources, the rocket attacks were carried out at 1 am in the morning. However, no loss of life or damage was reported.

While the Government is preparing a roadmap for peace talks with militants, a faction of TTP asked people living near Miranshah to move their families to safe areas by November 1. The Shura Mujahideen North Waziristan, led by Commander Hafiz Gul Bahadur, also directed shopkeepers in Miranshah town to shift their expensive goods to other areas. The warning was issued in the wake of recent shelling by SFs of civilian targets in the area.

Two shops were damaged in an IED explosion at a market in the limits of the Maidan Lala Qila Police Station in Lower Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The bomb was planted near the shop owned by Hussain Amjad exploded at about 2am.

The Supreme Court ordered customs authorities to re-investigate whether arms and ammunition were smuggled into the country, either in the shape of NATO/ ISAF supplies or under Afghan Transit Trade, when 19,000 containers went missing before reaching their destination in Afghanistan. Hearing the Karachi law and order case at the apex court’s Karachi registry, the bench led by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry directed officials of the concerned department to inform the court how many of the weapons imported over the last three years were put up for sale in Karachi.

During the proceedings, Director General Transit Trade Khawar Farid claimed that none of the 19,000 containers that went missing in Pakistan, as mentioned in the Suddle Commission’s report, contained arms or ammunition. But a former legal adviser for the Federal Board of Revenue, Raja Muhammad Irshad, making a reference to two reports prepared for this case, stated that the missing containers were never examined by customs officers.

November 2

Two NATO containers carrying relief goods for Allied forces stationed in Afghanistan were torched in Dasht area of Mastung District. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.     

Security has been beefed up in the provincial capital Quetta and other restive parts of Balochistan in the aftermath of TTP ‘chief’ Hakimullah Mehsud’s killing. An intelligence official, who requested not to be named since he was not authorised to speak to the media, said that SFs were placed on a high alert to avoid occurrence of any untoward incident. 

Apart from Police and Balochistan Constabulary, personnel of Frontier Corps were also deployed at all sensitive parts of Quetta, he said. Security was tightened at all entry and exit points of the city and patrolling was also increased to avoid occurrence of any terrorist attack. “We are taking pre-emptive measures to ensure peace,” he explained. 

Security in KP was tightened and the province was put on high-alert after intelligence reports speculated a spike in terrorist activities following the killing of TTP ‘chief’ Hakimullah Mehsud in a US drone strike in North Waziristan on November 1-evening. A high-ranking Police official said under the condition of anonymity that whenever an al Qaeda or TTP leader was killed in the past, the group retaliated by attacking targets inside KP.

November 3

At least two people were injured in an explosion inside a seminary in Eastern Bypass area of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. The blast left two people injured and destroyed five mud-walled rooms inside the madrassa.  SP Sariab, Bashir Ahmed Brahvi said that the seminary was being used by terrorists to carry out subversive activities in the city, already plagued by attacks of Baloch separatists and violent sectarian attacks.

Another Police official who requested anonymity said that the blast has caused casualties. “The terrorists managed to shift the dead bodies and injured before the arrival of Police,” he said. “You can see blood and destruction everywhere,” he added.

Unidentified militants hurled a hand-held bomb at a house partially damaging a house in Hazara Town area of Quetta. However, no casualties were reported.

The SFs foiled a terror bid by recovering and defusing five kilogram of explosives along a roadside in Dera Bugti District.

As gang war intensified in Lyari Town, many locals started to move out of the violence-ridden area of Karachi. As many as 2,500 families are reportedly in the process of moving their valuables out of the area. Most of the locals – who are shifting to escape violence – don’t have a definite re-location point, however, are desperate to leave Lyari as they fear situation will only get worse.

The TTP ruled out the possibility of holding a dialogue with the Pakistan Government, saying talks with the ‘US slaves’ were no longer possible. “The (Pakistan) government has given us the present of Hakimullah Mehsud’s dead body,” said Shahidullah Shahid, ‘spokesman’ of the TTP, in a media statement which has come amid optimistic statements from the Pakistan Government regarding the fate of the proposed peace talks.

The Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar said a group of religious scholars had been ready to go and meet the TTP to initiate talks, which have been backed by all major political parties, when the drone struck.

The US insisted it has a shared interest with Pakistan in ending extremist violence after Islamabad accused it of scuttling efforts towards peace talks by killing TTP ‘chief’ Hakimullah Mehsud in a drone strike. “The United States and Pakistan continue to have a vital, shared strategic interest in ending extremist violence so as to build a more prosperous, stable and peaceful region,” the official said.

A US Congressman Mike Rogers defended the drone strike and said it would help keep American troops safe. Rogers, whose committee oversees the intelligence community, said the slain militant, Hakimullah Mehsud, was a “bad guy” who was connected to attacks against Pakistani soldiers and to the Taliban in Afghanistan, which has forced closures of many schools for girls.

The Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights recommended an effective role of Parliament in monitoring the ISI Agency and putting it under civilian control. A report unanimously adopted by the Committee was presented in the house on October 30, 2013 but couldn’t be taken up for discussion because of opposition’s boycott of the session. 

A Parliamentary oversight of the ISI will be possible if the committee’s recommendations are included in a proposed Inter-Services Intelligence Agency (Functions, Powers and Regulation) Bill and if approved by Parliament. Although on paper the ISI operates under the administrative control of the Prime Minister, civilian Governments have in the past struggled to bring the Agency under their control, but without success.

Keeping in view the ISI’s role as a secret agency, the Senate committee has suggested that the Prime Minister, in consultation with the committee, may exclude from the report any matter prejudicial to national security. The committee will not go into the intelligence sources of the agency, but through policy decisions will guide it in carrying out its work. 

Going one step forward, the committee has proposed the option of appointment of a retired civil servant of BS22 or equivalent rank in the armed forces by the President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.  The ISI DG, according to the recommendations, will hold office for four years, extendable by another year, unless he resigns or is removed during his term on grounds of inefficiency, misconduct or physical or mental disability. If approved by Parliament, no DG would be able to get a full-term extension.

The Afghanistan President criticised the timing of a US drone strike. Afghan President Hamid Karzai added his voice to the criticism, telling a US Congress delegation visiting Kabul that the drone strike “took place at an unsuitable time”, his office said in a statement released.

November 4

Two people, including a tailor from the Shia community, identified as Nadeem Raza, was shot dead along with his friend, Shoaib, while three others were injured in an attack in the FC Area of Liaquatabad Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. The victims were present inside Nadeem’s shop when at least four unidentified armed militants opened fire on them and escaped.

A medical technician at the Leprosy Hospital, identified as Sher Ali, was shot dead in a sectarian attack in the Garam Chashma area of Manghopir in Gadap Town. Initial investigation suggests it was a sectarian attack and an outlawed organisation was behind the attack, said SHO Ghulam Hussain Korai.

A Shia doctor, identified as Doctor Naseem Abbas, was shot dead near Liberty Chowk on Tariq Road in the Jamshed Town.

A Shia man, identified as Muhammad Shan, was shot dead in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Gulshan Town. The Provincial Deputy Secretary General of the Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen Allama Sadiq Raza Taqvi said, “The frequent target killings of innocent Shias before the Muharram is worrisome, adding, “The killings are the result of the Government’s initiative to talk to the Taliban. The Government instead should launch an operation against the militants and say no to dialogue.”

A man, identified as Mansoor, was shot dead near Dabba Mor in Orangi Town.

A bullet-riddled dead body of a man, identified as Abdul Rasool Baloch, was found in Baldia Town.

Pakistan’s Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani lauded the efforts of Rangers and Police in bringing back peace in Karachi, said a statement issued by Sindh Rangers. Targeted operations led by Rangers’ forces with the support of Police are ongoing in the city under a directive issued by the Federal Government against criminals already identified by Federal, Military and Civilian Agencies.

Frontier Corps shot dead three militants in retaliatory firing in the Bakhtiarabad area of Sibi District. Earlier, the militants had set ablaze two NATO oil tankers in Bolan District and also injured one of the drivers of the vehicle. One of the accused was arrested.

A man, identified as Ali Jan, was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants in the Baloch Colony area of Hub Town in Lasbela District.

A man, identified as Muhammad Anwar, was shot dead near Bismillah Chowk of Panjgur Town in Panjgur District.

An unidentified dead body was recovered from Mand tehsil (revenue unit) in Kech (Turbat) District.

A child was killed and six persons were injured when a powerful bomb went off in Khalid Bin Waleed Town in the limits of Yakatoot Police Station in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in the evening. An unnamed official said that suspected militants had planted the explosive device beneath a power transformer.

A Policeman was killed in exchange of fire with militants in the Elum Ghar area of Buner District. A Police party was on routine patrol when it came under attack. During exchange of fire, a constable identified as Inamur Rehman, a resident of Chinglai village, was killed. The attackers managed to escape after the incident.

Suspected militants blew up the building of a telephone exchange at Milli Khel area under Badbher Police Station of Peshawar. The building was blown up by planting four bombs, each of the bombs weighing five kilograms.

The Faisalabad Police arrested four high-profile TTP terrorists, who had planned the abduction of PML-N MPA Malik Mohammad Nawaz and a businessman Shahnawaz alias Shahnawaz Ferrari for swapping them with the TTP’s top convicted terrorists housed in the Central Jail in Faisalabad District.

According to details, it was revealed that the said MPA was in contact with the TTP activists in Miranshah. The Counter Terrorism Force picked up some important names during the MPA’s conversation with the members of the Qari Imran Group. Having these names with them, the Force started zeroing in on these terrorists, operating in Faisalabad.

PM Nawaz Sharif warned peace could not be achieved “by unleashing senseless force”, in his first public speech since a US drone strike killed TTP ‘chief’ Hakimullah Mehsud. “My government is firmly resolved to bringing the cycle of bloodshed and violence to an end. “But it cannot be done overnight, nor can it be done by unleashing senseless force against our citizens, without first making every effort to bring the misguided and confused elements of society, back to the mainstream,” he said in a speech after Army exercises near Bahawalpur.

Calling the drone strike that killed TTP ‘chief’ Hakimullah Mehsud “an attack on regional peace by America,” Federal Minister of Interior Nisar Ali Khan said every aspect of bilateral ties with the US will now be reviewed. Speaking to a press conference after concluding a high level meeting at the Federal Interior Ministry, he vowed to raise the matter at international forums including the United Nations.

Government told the National Assembly that the dialogue process with the TTP has come to a standstill and will remain so until the appointment of its new chief. Federal Minister of Interior Nisar Ali Khan opened the debate and announced that dialogue process could not be initiated until the new chief of TTP takes over the charge of the terrorist outfit.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly set November 20 deadline for the Federal Government to come up with a decision on halting NATO supplies otherwise the provincial Government would take its “own course of action”. Condemning US drone strikes, the assembly demanded continuation of dialogue with the TTP and asked Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to convene a meeting of national leaders as part of confidence building measures on taking practical steps after the killing of TTP ‘chief’ Hakimullah Mehsud.

The Senate condemned the US drone attack and asked the Government to review its policy with the US and the so-called war on terror, saying Washington does not care about Pakistan’s interests. They said the US does not want peace in Pakistan and the region, as on one hand it calls Pakistan a close allay but on the other hand never allows peace talks with TTP to start.

The US Secretary of State John Kerry defended the drone strike but added that Washington was sensitive to any Pakistani concerns, after Islamabad denounced the attack as a blow to peace talks. Kerry said that while he welcomed any discussions “we are sensitive to the concerns of the country and we look forward to working very closely with the government of Pakistan.” “We intend to continue to work together with them (Pakistanis) through the strategic dialogue that we have established in order to work through these kinds of challenges.”

More than 50,000 IDPs have so far returned to their homes in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency in FATA as the first phase of the repatriation process is about to complete. FDMA, which was tasked to supervise the return of over 17,000 registered families to Tirah, said in a daily report that 12,024 families comprising 53,951 individuals left Durrani camp in Kurram Agency and Jarma transit point near Kohat for their respective localities till November 4. FDMA had first fixed October 15 as the final date for the completion of first phase of the return process, started on September 15.

Fearing a reprisal following the killing of TTP ‘chief’ Hakimullah Mehsud in a drone strike on November 1, 2013, the local UN office has issued an alert to its employees. Huge security threat of hostage situation and mass killings,” the UN office’s alert says, according to a circular of the Punjab IGP “Therefore, necessary actions be taken with the cooperation of their management, to enhance the security of important shopping malls, especially those being run by or franchise of foreign store chains,” circular further stated.

Another report issued by the Punjab Home Department reveals that the TTP is planning to target the US and other Western nationals “They are likely to hit top political leaders, senior Government functionaries, key Government installations and Army/Police establishments/envoys. Foolproof security and precautionary measures are therefore warranted to avoid any mishap,” reads another alert.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, Timo Pakkala, during a meeting assured the Balochistan Government of its continued assistance for relief and rehabilitation efforts in the areas affected by recent earthquakes in the province. 

Pakkala, who is also the humanitarian coordinator for the country team comprising representatives of the UN Agencies, briefed the Governor Muhammad Khan Achakzai about the firm commitment of the United Nations to work with the Provincial Government in line with the 18th amendment and in the context of ‘UN One-Programme’. The delegation shared an update on the main areas of intervention that United Nations agencies planned to focus on in the next five years, including Governance, food security, agriculture, health services and education.

November 5

Four cadres and two supporters of the ASWJ were shot dead in tit-for-tat killings a day after four Shia community members were shot dead on November 4, 2013, in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Two cadres belonging to ASWJ, identified as Mufti Tariq Shah (30), and Yar Muhammad (34), were shot dead by unidentified assailants in Akhtar Colony of Mehmoodabad.

Another activist of ASWJ, identified as Muhammad Jan (24), was shot dead in a drive-by shooting in Defence Phase 1 near Gold Mark Mall. The victim was a seminary teacher and taught Quran at a mosque and at homes, said the Defence Police.

A cadre of the ASWJ, identified as Muhammad Riaz (32), and a party supporter, identified as Muhammad Ramzan, were shot dead near the Driving License Branch Korangi Town.

A supporter of ASWJ was shot dead near Ali Mosque.

A van driver and an ASWJ cadre, identified as Abdur Razzaq, in Korangi Town. A passerby, identified as Noor Hashim, was also injured in the attack. ASWJ Karachi chief Aurangzeb Farooqi said the ASWJ activists were killed due to their affiliation with the religious party. He strongly condemned the ongoing killings in Karachi and warned that the violence could lead to a bigger security issue.

An activist of the MQM, Nadeem Jameel alias Sunny (22), was shot dead while his friend, Farhan, was injured in Peerabad area of Qasba Colony.

In Madina Colony, unidentified armed assailants shot dead an electrician, identified as Mohammed Faizan, at Al-Irfan electronics shop in 24 Market. Investigators said that Faizan was a supporter of a religious group.

A student of Jamia Binoria seminary, identified as Zia-ur-Rehman, was shot dead outside the Quaid mausoleum near Numaish.

Another student of the Jamia Binoria seminary, identified as Misbahullah (25), had been shot and injured near Mazar-e-Quaid by two unidentified assailants.

In Orangi Town, an unidentified tortured dead body was found near the MBR graveyard, Qasba Morr. The body had been cut in three pieces and stuffed in a gunny bag, said Orangi Town SHO Saleem Sheikh.

A man, identified as Sohail Ali Hasan (40), who was wounded in the gun attack at a tailor shop in Liaquatabad, succumbed to his injuries at the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. The victim had suffered bullet wounds after three attackers had opened fire at the tailor shop near Zeenat Square and killed three men.

Two gang-war accused, identified as Sana Baloch and Yousuf Lasi, were killed in exchange of fire with Police and Rangers in Lyari Town. Police said on the information about the presence of outlaws in the area, the para-military force and Police launched an action at Shah Alam Bukhari Road.

Taking notice of the spike in target killings ahead of Muharram, the Sindh Police Chief sought a detailed report from the Karachi AIG on case to case basis. A Police statement stated that Shahid Nadeem Baloch had directed the authorities to investigate every aspect of the murder cases.

Twin explosions blew up two railway tracks in Hyderabad and Khairpur Districts. However, no casualty was reported. A locally-made bomb damaged upcountry track between Karachi and Hyderabad minutes before the arrival of a Lahore-bound Business Express in Hyderabad District near Hussainabad subway. The train was about to reach Hyderabad railway station after leaving the Kotri Station when the track was damaged. BDS officials arrived at the site to collect evidence. According to BDS official Saleem Vistro, the locally-made bomb weighed two to three pounds. “We only found a shopping bag in which the miscreants had brought explosives that was fitted with a fuse”, he said. 

Another bomb exploded on the track a kilometer from the Gambat Railway Station in the Khairpur District. Police and eyewitnesses said that about two-foot-long railway track was destroyed when the locally-made bomb exploded some time after the departure of the Shalimar Express to Karachi via Gambat Railway Station.

A train coming from Karachi was halted at the Jacobabad Railways Station due to rumours about a bomb in the train. Jacobabad SSP Zafar Iqbal Malik along with heavy Police force and BDS reached the Railway Station. After a three-hour-long search, the train and station was cleared by the authorities.

A Police constable, identified as Sher Nawaz Khan, was killed when a group of militants attacked Suripull Police checkpost in Lakki Marwat District. However, the attackers escaped from the scene by taking advantage of darkness. Police rushed to the spot and started a search operation. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Masood Khan in the UN General Assembly said that “the struggle of the people of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be characterised as terrorism”. He also claimed that ‘epicenter of terrorism’ cannot be wrongly located by India to Pakistan, simply because it raises the issue of Jammu and Kashmir in the United Nations.

Pakistan's former envoy to the US, Husain Haqqani’s book 'Magnificent Delusions', said that soon after the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the US had warned Pakistan of declaring it a state sponsor of terrorism and making public the findings obtained from al Qaeda chief's hideout in Abbottabad linking Islamabad with the terrorist networks. 

November 6

Seven people were killed in separate incidents of violence in Karachi District.

A brother-in-law of the Lyari gangster Noor Mohammad alias Baba Ladla was found dead from Tenary Road within the jurisdiction of Chakiwara Police Station in Lyari Town. The deceased, identified as 32-year-old Gul Hassan, was killed after allegedly been kidnapped by a gangster, Faisal Pathan, associated with the Peoples Amn Committee chief Uzair Baloch.

A close aide of Baba Ladla, Basit alias Basit Mout, was found dead from Baghdadi locality of Lyari Town. Police in an initial investigation said the deceased was abducted by rival group and later they shot him to death.

An elderly man belonging to Shia community was killed in a firing incident in Malir locality within the limits of Khokhrapar Police Station in Malir Town.

A hotel owner was shot dead near Old Maripur Truck Stand within the limits of Kalri Police Station in Lyari Town.

Police said unidentified armed riders opened fire at a hotel, injuring an owner of the hotel, Makiullah, 45, and one of his employees, Javed. Makiullah succumbed to his injuries later. Lyari gangsters had demanded one million rupees as extortion and reportedly after refusal, they killed Makiullah.

An alleged member of the TTP was shot dead in Hill area in Islamia Colony within the precincts of Pirabad Police Station in Orangi Town. Police suspected that he was killed apparently by his rival group members.

Law enforcers claimed to have killed two alleged gangsters of Lyari during encounter while arrested around 55 suspects in separate targeted raids and operation across the city. An encounter took place when Rangers and Police jointly conducted a targeted raid at Dubai Chowk area of Lyari Town. As the law enforcers reached a criminal hideout, the gangsters opened fired, and retaliation ensued.

Balochistan Home Secretary Asad Gilani said that groups from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Karachi are involved in sectarian violence, bomb blasts, targeted killings and other terrorist and criminal activities in Balochistan, particularly Quetta.  “Although some local groups were involved in sabotage acts in Balochistan, we have intelligence information that some gangs of miscreants groups have shifted to Quetta from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Karachi and they are also involved in sectarian violence, bomb blasts and targeted killings here,” said the Home Secretary.

The official said that the entry of 69 firebrand religious scholars into Quetta has been banned for Muharram. Both Sunni and Shia speakers were on the list, he added, adding, that Quetta, Bolan, Jaffarabad and Khuzdar Districts had been declared highly sensitive and Naseerabad, Jhal Magsi, Zhob and Lasbela sensitive.

November 7

At least eight persons, including six gangsters, were shot dead in Lyari Town. Gang war in Lyari Town was intensified as seven people were shot dead on November 6, 2013 after an aide and brother-in-law of gangster Baba Ladla, Gul Hassan, was found dead in Lyari Town.

In an act of avenging the killing of Gul Hassan, at least three suspected gangsters, identified as Shahrukh (15), Nazar Mohammad (28) and Farid (18), were shot dead in Chakiwara area of Bihar Colony in Lyari Town by unidentified assailants, who had first kidnapped the victims.

A gangster, identified as Nadir Qadir (18), was shot dead outside his house in a drive-by shooting in Bihar Colony of Chakiwara. Police said Qadir was targeted by the Lyari gangsters.

Also in Chakiwara, an unidentified suspect was shot dead near Tughlaq Road in Rangiwara.

These five men killed in Chakiwara were all associated with the Faisal Pathan group, which works for Uzair Baloch, Police claimed. All the victims were suspected gangsters and were killed to avenge the assassination of Hassan. Intelligence sources said that the number of people killed during the past 15 days in Lyari had touched 38, and it was a consequence of the fresh gang war between Baba Ladla and Uzair Baloch groups.

Another close aide of Baba Ladla, Nasir Khan, was killed in Lyari. Khan is the third of Baba’s aides killed since November 6, 2013. According to initial investigation by the Police, they were killed as a result of the ongoing gang war between Baba Ladla’s gang and the PAC, led by Uzair Baloch. The recent differences between Uzair and Baba began over the issue of Uzair’s escape from Lyari, according to a source who is close to both of them. “Baba directed Uzair not to leave his men as the entire neighbourhood considered him to be the sardar [leader]. But Uzair left without taking Baba into confidence,” the source said.

An unidentified dead body of a man was found near Mirza Adam Khan Road in Chakiwara. Police said the killers had first kidnapped the victim and threw away his body after killing him.

In Napier, the body of another unidentified man was found near the union council office on Jameela Street near the old Haji Camp. The Napier SHO said the man appeared to be Baloch, who had been abducted and killed.

Law enforcers arrested 110 suspects during targeted raids and operations conducted in various parts of Karachi. As per details, Pakistan Rangers Sindh conducted targeted raids in Landhi No 5, Tariq bin Ziyad Society - Malir, Khuda Ki Basti, Landhi 51/C, Islam Chowk - Orangi, Old Sabzi Mandi, Bangali Para, Zia Colony, Lines Area and Chanesar Goth. While snap checking was also carried out in Latti Office - Quaidabad, Sabeel Goth - Manghopir, Ahsanabad, Abul Hassan Ispahani Road and Show Market. During these raids at least 28 criminals including target killers and extortionists affiliated with a political party were arrested. Weapons were also recovered from the possession of the suspects.

Police arrested at least four alleged suspects including two absconders from Mehmoodabad locality of Jamshed Town. The officials also recovered four pistols, snatched motorcycle and drugs from their possession. Karachi Police arrested around 77 suspects including 23 absconders and two target killers during 77 raids and seven encounters in various parts of the District and also recovered explosive material, hand grenades and weapons of 59 different calibres.

ATC-II in Karachi awarded 10 years imprisonment and a fine of PKR 100,000 to Abdul Razaq alias Qari Umer for abducting six children and taking them to tribal areas for training as suicide bombers. If the accused failed to pay the fine, he would have to undergo an additional six-month imprisonment.

An unidentified man was killed and another injured when unidentified militants opened indiscriminate fire at Pasni Bazaar in Gwadar District.

Another person was killed in a firing incident at Panjgur bazaar in Panjgur District.

A division bench of the Balochistan High Court comprising of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Muhammad Kamran Mulakhel directed the provincial Home Secretary to submit a detailed report about the December 13, 2011 abduction of four employees of the BRSP who were abducted from Barshor area of Pishin District and released after payment of ransom. 

The driver of a NATO supply vehicle got injured when unidentified militants opened fire on it at bypass road of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. The sources said an Afghanistan-bound trailer bearing registration no. GLT-4086 loaded with NATO supply assignments was on its way to its destination in Afghanistan, as it was intercepted by unidentified militants who opened indiscriminate fire on it. Resultantly, the driver of the truck identified as Wali Mohammad, resident of Landi Kotal got injured.

At least 98 suspects, including five Afghan nationals, were detained during joint search operations conducted by Police and Security Forces’ personnel in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to Police, operations were carried out in civilian areas of the city, namely Gulberg and Nauthia.

An alleged al Qaeda suspect, identified as Saifullah, who is nominated in the abduction of US Citizen Warren Weinstein was re-arrested from Multan District. Weinstein was abducted from his house in Lahore’s Model Town on August 13, 2011. The arrested suspect Saifullah was nominated in the case along with two others, Imran and Afzaal. The other two suspects are still at large.

Saifullah was arrested soon after the kidnapping and was interrogated by security officers about his involvement in the case. The accused was release due to lack of evidence. However, Police recently gathered new evidence and Saifullah was again declared wanted. He was arrested today on the basis of new evidence that points at his possible involvement in the kidnapping.

Rawalpindi CPO Bilal Siddique Kamyana on November 6 said that as many as 4,200 Policemen would ensure security for Majalis and Muharram processions in Rawalpindi. He said the security arrangements had been finalised for Majalis and Muharram processions in the city.

The CPO said under the security plan formulated for Muharram, leaves of all police personnel had been cancelled between the first and 10th Muharram. It was decided in the meeting that all departments concerned would make concerted efforts for the safety of the mourners.

The entry of 157 ulema into the Rawalpindi District has been banned while 92 religious scholars of different sects were taken onboard to promote harmony. The CPO said an additional force of Special Branch, Elite Force, Punjab Constabulary, Lady Police and Rangers along with District Police would be deployed to ensure security during Muharram.

According to a threat-alert sent by the Federal Interior Ministry to the Gilgit-Baltistan Government on November 5, at least three terrorists, identified as Liaquat and his accomplices have made their way into the region via the Karakoram Highway. The letter, addressed to the Home Secretary, has called for strict security measures along procession routes in the region to foil any terrorist attempts.

Former President General Pervez Musharraf was formally released on November 6 from his sub-jail. Pervez Musharraf was imprisoned in his Chak Shehzad farmhouse near Islamabad which was declared a sub-jail. He was released from the sub-jail after he submitted two surety bonds of Rs 100,000 two days after being granted bail in the murder case of Lal Masjid cleric Abdul Rasheed Ghazi.

Though an additional session’s judge on November 6 passed a written order approving bail for former president Pervez Musharraf in the murder case of cleric Ghazi Abdul Rasheed and his mother during the Lal Masjid operation in 2007, his freedom is yet to come into effect.

The TTP ruled out the possibility of peace talks with Pakistan as Mullah Fazlullah, the leader of the Swat Taliban, was named the new chief. Fazlullah was elected by the supreme Shura a week after Hakimullah Mehsud was killed in a US drone strike on November 1. Sheikh Khalid Haqqani was chosen as his deputy. The TTP leaders from as far afield as Kurram Agency, Orakzai Agency, Bajaur Agency, Tank and South Waziristan participated in the meeting. Fazlullah is the first TTP chief who is not from Waziristan. His deputy, Khalid Haqqani, hails from Swabi. It is for the first time that the TTP leadership comprises men from urban areas and not from FATA.

Asmatullah Shaheen Bhittani, who was appointed interim chief of the TTP, ruled out the possibility of any peace talks, accusing the Pakistan Government of ‘wielding no authority as it is under the US yoke’. Bhittani told journalists that TTP would continue their struggle for implementation of Shariah, adding that negotiations with the Government would only be possible if it is freed of US slavery and has its own authority. Bhittani said that TTP is not a political organisation.

The PPP leader Raza Rabbani presented an 11-point plan to the PML-N Government for steering the nation out of the current complicated situation relating to talks with the TTP. He came up with the plan as opposition continued their protest and held a parallel Senate session outside the Parliament House. The session presided over by PPP Senator Ahmed Hassan continued for more than 90 minutes despite rain.

Asking the government to end the “state of flux hurting national security interests”, he said that the TTP must be told to come up with a “formal yes or no on the dialogue”. He said “judging from the TTP’s statement they are not ready for dialogue, and the Government should check through its contact, if any, all possibilities of the dialogue.”

He asked the Government to make its position clear on pre-conditions set by the TTP for talks. The pre-conditions, he said, included release of prisoners and enforcement of Shariah in the country and withdrawal of troops from FATA.

The PM Nawaz Sharif ruled out reviewing all aspects of Pakistan’s relations with U.S. after Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan’s outburst on November 2 blaming the U.S. for sabotaging peace talks by targeting TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud.

The Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan told the Senate that he stood by the figures given by him on the terror-related deaths in the country while the Opposition members continued with their parallel session outside for the second day. In an unprecedented move, the Opposition members led by Aitzaz Ahsan of the PPP decided to hold a parallel session after boycotting the Senate for over a week due to Mr. Khan’s Statement on terror-related deaths on October 30.

Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan informed the Senate that the first phase of the targeted operation in Karachi had been completed during which 9,000 criminals were arrested. In reply to a question, the Minister said a time frame for the operation could not be disclosed, adding that several objectives had been met and this was evident with the decrease in target killings and extortion. 

“The second phase of the operation is underway and the third phase will be severe,” he added.

As many as 4,200 Policemen would ensure security for Majalis and Muharram processions in Rawalpindi, said Rawalpindi CPO Bilal Siddique Kamyana. He said the security arrangements had been finalised for Majalis and Muharram processions in the city. The security plan formulated for Muharram leaves of all police personnel had been cancelled between the first and 10th Muharram. The security plan for Muharram had been finalised in a special meeting held Rawalpindi on November 7.

November 8

At least three armed militants and one FC personnel were killed in a clash in Kech District. Khan Wasey, the spokesman FC said that armed militants attacked the FC convoy in Mand tehsil of Kech. He said one personnel was killed in the attack.

Unidentified armed militants opened indiscriminate fire on two people in Eastern Bypass area of Quetta killing them on the spot.

Two people were killed in Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District. A levies official, who did not want to be named, said that armed men opened fire and killed the two people in Guldara, Baghicha area of Chaman.

A man was killed and another was injured when militants opened fire at a shop in Khuzdar Bazaar. Police official Muhammad Riaz said that armed motorcyclists opened fire at the shop speeding away after the incident.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appealed to Baloch separatists to renounce violence, join the national mainstream and play their role in putting the country on the road to peace and prosperity. “I appeal to the people who opted for the wrong path, please leave this path. Lay down your weapons because fighting leads to nowhere. Help the Government eliminate terrorism and bring development and economic stability,” he said referring to the Baloch separatists.

A man, identified as Riaz (35), was shot dead when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on him near Metro cinema within the jurisdiction of Orangi Town Police Station in Orangi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An unidentified man was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants in Yousuf Goth, Bhains Colony within the remit of Shah Latif Police Station in Gadap Town.

A child, identified as Yaseen (7) was killed in a crossfire between two armed gagsters in Koila Godown area within the limits of Chakiwara Police Station in Lyari Town.

An alleged gangster, identified as Mohammad Hussain (32), was killed and another was injured during an encounter with law enforcers in Koila Godown area. Three gangsters were arrested while others managed to escape from the scene.

Law enforcers claimed to have arrested around 136 suspects across Karachi. As per details, Special Investigation Unit took three extortionists, including a ringleader into custody. The officials said that they conducted a raid on a tip-off at the hideout in Gulshan-e-Iqbal locality of Gulshan Town.

Rangers conducted targeted raids in Zaman Town, Marvi Goth, Moinabad, Landhi, Cattle Colony, Malir City, Sikandar Goth, Pak Colony, Lyari, Sindhi Muslim Society, Old Sabzi Mandi, Nazimabad, Fareed Colony, Frontier Morr, Gulbahar, Azizabad, Khudadad Colony, Chanesor Goth, Azeem plaza in City town, Shah Faisal Colony and Macchar Colony areas.

A suspected militant was apprehended while trying to plant a bomb outside the house of a colonel in Cantonment Colony of Bannu town in the same District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police official Iftikhar Ahmad said the alleged militant was held by FC personnel as he was trying to plant the explosive device outside the gate of Colonel Abdullah’s house at around 6am. Initial investigation revealed the alleged militant hails from North Waziristan Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), but his identity was not disclosed due to security reasons.

Rockets fired from an unknown location by unidentified militants landed on Dera Ismail Khan-Bannu Road at around 1am, said a police official. He added no loss was reported in the incident. “If the rockets would have been fired in the daytime, they would have caused havoc and destruction.”

Sindh High Court transferred the murder case of TV reporter Wali Khan Babar from Karachi to Anti-terrorism Court Kashmore-Kandhkot District. Babar was killed on January 13, 2011. At the request of Provincial Government to transfer the trial from Karachi in view of threats to the lives of investigators, witnesses and prosecution lawyers, SHC Chief Justice Maqbool Baqar ordered the transfer of case. 

Suspected terrorist, Hammad Adil, detained at the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi District, admitted to his involvement in various plots, including the June 2008 suicide attacks at the Danish Embassy and March 2008 attack on a western restaurant, Luna Caprese, in Islamabad, during questioning.  In his confession he also revealed that he had collaborated with a terrorist named Tanveer for the attack on the Danish embassy and that they also ‘used’ Saudi citizen Abu Ghraib in the plot.

The TTP announced that they would orchestrate a wave of revenge attacks against the Government. “We will target security forces, government installations, political leaders and police,” said Asmatullah Shaheen Bhittani, the interim chief of the TTP. He said the TTP’s main target included army and government installations in Punjab.

The Sunni Ittehad Council, a conglomerate of organizations of Braveli school of thought, came down hard on elements those who declared former TTP ‘chief’ Hakimullah Mehsud as a Shaheed. In a statement issued in Lahore, it said that branding the killing of Mehsud as Shahadat was against teachings of the Quran and an Sunnah. It noted that the former TTP ‘amir’ was a murderer and a criminal.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that the operation to purge Karachi of criminals will continue ‘indefinitely’. “We will neither call off the operation nor reduce its intensity…the action will continue until the last criminal is netted,” he said. He dispelled impressions that the ongoing operation is aimed at any political party.

While crediting the improvement to the targeted operation by law enforcers, the HRCP report stated that criminal activities in Karachi in September dropped by 40 per cent and in October by 34 per cent. The data has been compiled in comparison with August when the operation hadn’t been launched. The targeted operation was launched on September 5, 2013 when the Federal Cabinet gave the go-ahead to the Rangers and Police to cleanse the city of the targeted killings, kidnappings, extortion and other crimes.

In the ongoing year, figures reveal that September and October have been the overall least violent months for Karachi. Since January, 2,789 people have lost their lives in violence-related incidents. In August alone, 334 people were killed. In comparison, 199 lives were lost in September and 219 in October.

The Jamaat-e-Islami, a partner of the ruling coalition in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, staged a sit-in on Ring Road in Peshawar, the provincial capital, against the US drone strikes in tribal areas and threatened to block NATO supplies in the province after November 20 over attacks by the unmanned aircraft.

The PTI chief Imran Khan accused the United States of deliberately destroying any chance of meaningful peace talks with the TTP by killing its ‘chief’ Hakimullah Mehsud in a drone strike. Imran told Reuters in an interview that the United States had scuppered negotiations at a time when the militants seemed to have become more open to them.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that the Government wanted to resolve issues with the TTP through talks. Speaking to traders at the Governor House, he said a Government delegation was to hold talks with the TTP but now there was a hurdle, an apparent reference to the killing of TTP ‘chief’ Hakimullah Mehsud in a US drone strike on November 1.

PM Nawaz Sharif said that action would be taken against criminal elements in Karachi without any discrimination. He said that the ongoing operation was not politically motivated and Government would not be blackmailed on this issue.

November 9

Four dead bodies of alleged gangsters found separately in Lyari Town of Karachi, were identified as, Nisar alias Captain Nisari, his brother Riaz Niazi, and two of their aides, Abdullah alias Pathan and Waseem. According to Police officials, the deceased gangsters were associated with the Uzair Baloch group.

A sub-inspector was shot dead in Orangi Town’s Faqir Colony within the jurisdiction of Mominabad Police Station. Police said the deceased, Muhammad Ameen Baloch, was posted to the Security Zone and lived in the same area. Police said that Baloch was returning home after buying fruits when at least two armed men, riding a motorcycle, opened fire on him. Resultantly, the police officer died on the spot.

Two people were shot dead in Tanga Stand, Mirza Adama Khan Road within the limits of Chakiwara Police Station. Police said that unidentified armed men opened indiscriminate fire, injuring the two people. They were rushed to Civil Hospital where doctor pronounced them dead. The identity of the victims could not to be ascertained.

An alleged gangster was shot dead near Garam Chashma in Manghopir locality. Police said the deceased was identified as Jahangir aka Baba, the son of Khan Muhammad. Police said the deceased was associated with the Sheraz Comrade group of Lyari gangsters, adding that he was recently shifted to Manghopir locality from Lyari.

A man was shot dead in Islamia Colony area of Pirabad. Police said that the deceased, 30-year-old Raaz Muhammad was sitting near his home when armed men on a motorcycle shot and killed him.

A young man was found dead from Northern Bypass area, within the limits of Surjani Police Station. Police said the deceased was killed after being abducted and several marks of torture were also found on his body.

An elderly man was found dead at his home in Baldia locality. Police said the deceased, Taj Muhammad, was hit and killed by a “sharp weapon” in his head by unidentified persons.

At least three people were killed when gunmen opened fire on two Imambargahs in Gujranwala, sparking protests from mourners and enraged members of the Shia community. According to Police reports, the first incident took place close to dawn when unidentified gunmen opened fire as Muhammad Yousuf, the prayer leader of the Qasr-i-Abu Talib Imambargah in Mominpura area, had just finished leading Fajr prayers. Yousuf and another person present at the mosque died on the spot.

A short while later, gunmen entered the Qasr-i-Zainabiya Imambargah in Shahrukh Colony located a short distance from the first mosque and opened indiscriminate firing, killing worshiper Syed Javed on the spot. According to initial investigation reports by police, the attackers had come on motorcycles and managed to escape.  A police officer said the attacks appeared to be sectarian in nature.

Unidentified militants opened fire on two trucks carrying NATO vehicles in Jamrud area of Khyber Agency near the Afghan border in FATA, wounding two drivers. “The two trailers were on their way to Karachi when gunmen attacked them at different locations in Jamrud and opened fire on them, wounding their drivers,” a local intelligence official told AFP.

The FC personnel arrested four suspects and recovered Improvised Explosives Device concealed in a car at Balili Checkpost on outskirts of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan.

The Police detained over 100 suspects during the search operation in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to Police sources raids were conducted in the limits of Paharipura and Faqirabad Police Stations and over 100 suspects were taken into custody.

The security in Peshawar and rest of the province has been increased as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IGP Nasir Khan Durrani has hinted that there is threat of terrorist attacks. Officials said security has been tightened all over Peshawar, particularly in and around the Peshawar Central Prison.

November 10

Four people were killed as gun battles between two gangster groups continued for the fourth consecutive day despite continuous operations by the law enforcers in Lyari Town of Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to details, one unidentified man was killed and four others were injured in clashes between Faisal Pathan and Baba Ladla gangs in Chakiwara area of Lyari Town.

In Bihar Colony, the law enforcers killed two alleged gangsters associated with the Baba Ladla and Faisal Pathan groups. Their identities could not be ascertained.                               

In Musharraf Colony, the Mochko Police killed another suspected Lyari gangster. During the raid in a hideout in 500 Quarters, Musharraf Colony the suspects opened fire at the law enforcers. The police retaliated and injured two gangsters who were later arrested while their accomplices fled. Two pistols were seized from them.

Two people were in injured in a grenade explosion in Gulshan Colony.

Rangers raided the hideouts of Pathan in Gulistan Colony and Bihar Colony. After a brief encounter with the gangsters, a man, identified as Nasruallah who had been abducted on November 9, 2013 by unidentified suspects, was rescued.

Rangers carried out another raid at the hideout of Faisal Pathan in Koyla Godown, Chakiwara. After a brief encounter, nine associates of Faisal Pathan were arrested with weapons, including rockets and one 7mm rifle. Two abducted people were also rescued in the operation.

Rangers arrested 18 more suspected criminals and seized 27 weapons as the operations continued across Karachi. The paramilitary force carried out raids in Gulshan-e-Buner, Quaidabad, Cattle Colony, Natha Khan Goth, Salman Farsi Colony, Millat Colony, Shah Nawaz Chowk, Model Colony, Ahsanabad, Chanesar Goth and Kharadar.

In a targeted raid in Zia Colony, seven suspects were detained, including members of banned outfits and extortionists. The Rangers spokesman said that 18 alleged criminals were arrested and weapons, including submachine guns and pistols, and a large quantity of ammunition were recovered.

The unabated violence in Karachi’s volatile Lyari neighbourhood has forced its entire Christian community to move to safer areas. Threats, killings, interferences in personal matters, drugs, extortion and rape of young girls were some of the reasons that compelled the out-migration from one of the oldest parts of Lyari, called Slaughter House.

The Slaughter House was primarily a residential area for minorities, which included 90 per cent Christians and 10 per cent Hindus. There are seven sacred worship places – four churches and three temples. “It is almost empty now,” disclosed an affected elder of the Christian family. “We all are separated now. We won’t be reunited again,” he feared.

Police record said that 50 people have lost their lives in Karachi in the first 10 days of violence in November, calling it the Dark November. Members of political and religious organisations as well as police officers are among the people who died.

A potential terror bid was averted with the arrest of three suspected militants, identified as Zaman, Ali Haider and Shahzad Hussain, and seizure of a huge quantity of explosives during a covert operation by law enforcers in a house in Sector I10/2 of Islamabad in the night.

The TTP said that the release of former Vice-Chancellor Islamia College University Peshawar, Professor Ajmal Khan, was linked to the release of arrested head of TNSM, Maulana Sufi Muhammad. Prof. Ajmal Khan is in TTP captivity since September 7, 2010 when he was abducted along with his driver at gunpoint from Professor Colony in University of Peshawar. His driver was released two years later.

The TTP ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid denied the report of demanding the release of TNSM ‘chief’ Sufi Muhammad against the release of Islamia College University Vice Chancellor Professor Ajmal Khan. Talking to a private TV channel, TTP ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah Shahid said the TTP have never made any demand for the release of Sufi Muhammad, father-in-law of new TTP ‘chief' Maulana Fazlullah.

The PTI Chairman Imran Khan urged PM Nawaz Sharif to stay in the country and lead peace talks with the TTP. “Pakistan is burning while Nawaz Sharif is making foreign trips one after another,” he told the media, adding, “Nawaz Sharif, tell us how much foreign investment came to Pakistan due to your visits?” Imran criticised the United States for sabotaging peace talks with the TTP when Washington itself was seeking to engage the militants in talks in Afghanistan.

The leaders of different political parties in FATA have demanded of the Government to give them representation in talks with TTP for restoration of peace in FATA. They also demanded provincial status for FATA, holding of local bodies’ elections in tribal areas and scrapping of Frontier Crimes Regulation.

A delegation of the High Peace Council will soon visit Pakistan to meet Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. According to the Afghan Islamic Press, the spokesman for the Afghan Foreign Ministry Janan Musazai told a press conference in Kabul on Sundaythat Mullah Baradar, the former Afghan Taliban-era Foreign Minister could play a vital role to the peace process in Afghanistan.

Over 100 Muftis, Mashaikh and Ulema associated with Sunni Ittehad Council issued a statement in Lahore urging Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar to order the TTP to stop their terrorist activities and woo them to accept the Islamic Constitution of the Islamic state.

According to a SIC statement, the Government of Pakistan and its people had recognized the Taliban rule in Afghanistan in the past. Therefore, it is now Mullah Omar’s duty to play his role towards bringing peace in Pakistan, they added. They said that Mullah Omar should also force the Pakistani Taliban to lay down arms, adopt a path to peace and accept the government’s authority.

Malala Yusufzai’s book, I am Malala, has been banned in Pakistan's private schools after the teenage activist was accused of becoming a tool of the West for writing "highly controversial" contents in her memoir.  The All Pakistan Private Schools Federation (APPSF) issued a statement, saying it has been decided that Malala's book, 'I am Malala', would never be made part of the libraries or the curriculum in private schools.

President of APPSF Mirza Kashif Ali said the federation represents all the private schools of the country no matter how big or small and that the decision to ban Malala's book was taken with consensus because the academics know that Malala was playing in the hands of the West. 

Over 100 clerics associated with the Sunni Ittehad Council have sought Afghan Taliban supremo Mullah Umar’s help to stop TTP’s terrorist activities in Pakistan. “We appeal to Mullah Umar to use his influence and order Pakistani Taliban to stop terrorism activities in the country besides making them agree to accept the constitution of an Islamic state,” the clerics said in a joint statement issued by the Council.

November 11

Two political workers of the MQM were shot dead and another injured in an act of target killing in Karachi District, the provincial capital of Sindh. Unidentified armed riders intercepted and targeted them in the New Mianwali Colony area of SITE Town.

Law enforcers claimed to have arrested around 28 suspects during separate targeted raids and operations across Karachi. Pakistan Rangers Sindh conducted targeted raids in Mehran Town, Memon Goth, Dawood Goth, Model Colony, Paposh Nagar, Liaquatabad and Landhi. Snap checking was carried out at Bengali Morr, Abdullah Shah Ghazi Goth, Jammat Khana-Kharadar and Toll Plaza. Rangers arrested 19 criminals, including Lyari gangsters.

Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah paid surprise visits to different parts of the city for beefing up security measures to maintain the sanctity of Muhrram. He warned police officers that no security lapse would be tolerated at any cost.

The ‘chief fundraiser’ of the Haqqani Network, Nasiruddin Haqqani, was shot dead by unidentified militants in Islamabad, the Afghan Taliban said. “I can confirm that Nasiruddin Haqqani, 36, was shot dead in Islamabad’s Bhara Kahu area on Sunday night. At least four gunmen opened fire on him,” an unnamed senior Afghan Taliban source from the Haqqani Network said.

Shahidullah Shahid, the main spokesman for the TTP, claimed, “Nasiruddin Haqqani has been martyred by ISI. He was killed because he bravely supported Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud.”

National Directorate of Security, a spy agency of Afghanistan also confirmed Haqqani’s death but blamed it on an “internal conflict”. It did not give further details.

Nasiruddin Haqqani was the eldest son of the founder of the Network, Jalaluddin Haqqani.

At least nine people, including a Policeman, were injured in a grenade attack on the office of a returning officer, who is an Assistant Commissioner of Pasni, in Pasni area of Gwadar District. “The returning officer remained unhurt,” Police sources said. The banned BLF claimed responsibility for the attack. 

Balochistan High Court expressed concern over the non-recovery of ANP leader Arbab Zahir Kasi and directed the Police and the FC to ensure his quick return. The BHC hearing was presided over by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Muhammad Kamran Mulakhel. The court ordered the Police to launch an investigation into vehicles with tinted glasses, as well as unregistered vehicles. On October 23, 2013, Kasi was abducted from Patel Road in Quetta.

Two men, identified as Sajidullah and Inamullah Khan, were injured when SFs opened fire at them while they were working in their fields in Mir Ali tehsil of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. Authorities imposed a curfew in order to provide protection to a military convoy. Helicopter gunships kept flying over the convoy.  In addition, an IED planted along the road at Karamkot in Mir Ali tehsil was defused. A large number of people were stranded in FR Bannu because of curfew.

According to details given by the locals, earlier, on the night of November 10 SFs had resorted to heavy shelling following an attack by the militants on Amin checkpost in Miranshah. Officials said SFs took the retaliatory action after militants fired at checkpost. Heavy exchange of fire continued for over an hour.  However, no casualty was reported.

The TTP has transported ‘blue bombs’ in different cities of Punjab to conduct terrorist activities during Ashura, according to a report intelligence agencies have sent to the Federal Government. The days chosen for the terrorist activities are 9th and 10th of Muharram. The report, which narrates in detail the ‘sabotage plan’ of the TTP, has also been shared with the Punjab Government. It says that a group of five terrorists has transported more than dozen small-sized blue cylinders of explosive material to target different cities of Punjab, particularly Lahore on or before the 10th of Muharram.

A red alert has been issued for the federal capital, Islamabad, following reports of potential terrorist attacks on Imambargahs during Muharram. Islamabad SSP asked the police to prevent entry of irrelevant persons, cars or motorbikes within the 200-yard radius of Muharram gatherings. He also directed the Police to keep a vigilant eye on the movement of 23 religious clerics of the federal capital who are listed in Schedule 4 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The Government told the National Assembly that the dialogue process with the TTP cannot move forward if drones attacks continued unabatedly. Federal Minister of Interior Nisar Ali Khan stated: “If drone attacks continue, the talk of dialogue would merely be an illusion.” Nisar also said that the dialogue can also not be pursued if the Government works for it vigorously and the other side, an apparent reference to TTP, keeps on refusing to it.

Addressing the National Assembly, PTI chief Imran Khan invited all the political forces to join him to block NATO supplies on November 20 as a mark of protest against drone strikes. “We are not waging a war by blocking the NATO supplies but only exercising our right as a mark of protest against these strikes,” Imran said.

The TTP Mohmand Agency (FATA) leader Umer Khalid Kharasani said that political parties and Pakistan Army have “always deceived the Taliban” and latest fiddle was in form of a drone attack which killed their chief Hakimullah Mehsud. Holding political parties and Pakistan Army responsible for the death of Hakimullah Mehsud he vowed to take revenge for the killing. He also said the US and India are enemies of Taliban but the “Pakistani government has always followed the dictation of America and inflicted damages on TTP”.

Regarding peace talks issue, he said that the formal standpoint of TTP would be issued after meeting of its Majlis-e-Shura to be presided over by new TTP chief Maulvi Fazalullah. Some of the political parties, including PTI, JI and JUI-F, are in favour of restoration of peace through talks but government was using various tactics aimed at not letting their efforts to be fruitful, Kharasani added. To a question regarding contour of the TTP Shura, he said it consisted of 15 to 17 members from every tribal agency. He said that gorilla action of Taliban was underway in Mohmand Agency (FATA), Swat (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Bajaur Agency (FATA) and other tribal agencies.

While the Pakistani Government routinely denounces US drone strikes, locals say that a sizeable number of people in the country's tribal areas support them but the threat of TTP reprisals makes them too terrified to speak out. Pakistan's lawless tribal areas along the Afghan border have borne the brunt of the US drone campaign since 2004, with hundreds of missile strikes targeting suspected al Qaeda and TTP militants. 

Anyone who does speak out in favour of the drones in the tribal areas runs the risk of being kidnapped tortured and murdered by militants – their agonising last moments captured on camera. "Anybody who supports drone strikes, they will try to kill him. They will say that person is pro-American, a friend of the Jews," Gul Wali Wazir (name changed) from South Waziristan Agency of FATA said.

A survey by the New America Foundation in 2010 found that a sizeable proportion of people, that is, more than one in five in the tribal areas backed drone strikes. Safdar Hayat Khan Dawar, former head of the Tribal Union of Journalists, from North Waziristan Agency, the area most affected by drone strikes, said the missiles were the preferred solution to the problem of militancy.

A Pakistani native living in the US, identified as Basit Javed Sheikh, alias Abdul Basit (29), from Cary is facing federal charges that he sought to join an al Qaeda-linked militant group fighting the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Sheikh is charged in a federal criminal indictment with attempting to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

For five months this year, Sheikh posted messages and videos on Facebook expressing support for jihadi militants fighting Assad's forces, said the affidavit signed by FBI Special Agent Jason Maslow. In August 2013, Sheikh began an online relationship with an FBI undercover employee on a Facebook page promoting Islamic extremism, the affidavit said.

If convicted, Sheikh could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison and fined USD 250,000.

November 12

Two extortionists and land grabbers, identified as Niaz Gul and Pathan Khan, were shot dead in Muslim Town area of New Karachi Town. Manghopir Sub-Divisional Police Officer Shaukat Ali Shahani said a third person, Akhtar Khan suffered injuries, adding, “They were wanted by the Gulshan-e-Maymar Police in many extortion and land grabbing cases.” He said Taliban could be responsible for the attack.

An alleged terror bid was foiled when Police raided an empty house in Shah Faisal Colony area of Shah Faisal Town and recovered huge cache of arms, including four Kalashnikovs, four 9mm pistols, three TT pistols and hundreds of bullets. SSP East Pir Muhammad Shah claimed that the accused were planning to target a Muharram-ul-Haram procession in Shah Faisal Colony.

The West Range Police arrested two militants belonging to a splinter group of the Afghan Taliban, alleged to be involved in the murders of 16 Policemen in Karachi alone.  West Range DIG Jawed Alam Odho said that the breakthrough was made through one of the teams formed under his supervision as a result of the large number of attacks on policemen in District West this year. He said that an informant tipped the police off late on the night of November 11, 2013 about the presence of militants in Metroville, SITE.

Two alleged criminals, identified as Mohammad Ali and Ahmed Ali, were arrested during a Police encounter in Zaman Town area of Korangi Town. Police officials said the arrested men had been involved in number of cases of street crime.

The Rangers claimed to have arrested 28 alleged criminals during the ongoing targeted operations in different parts of Karachi.

SFs killed a militant and arrested seven others in Barshore area of Pishin District.  An intelligence official, on condition of anonymity said that SFs conducted the operation against the militants upon intelligence of their presence in the area.  He said a militant was killed during exchange of fire that did not last for too long.

A Khasadar force official was injured when a roadside bomb went off on the Pak-Afghan highway in Landikotal area of Khyber Agency in FATA. Sources said that unidentified militants had planted two remote-controlled explosive devices on the highway to target NATO supply vehicles. One of the planted bombs, the sources added, went off when the convoy of NATO trucks passed by. As a result, a Khasadar man, who was deployed to guard the highway, was seriously injured. The injured official is identified as Hussain Ahmad.

A renowned doctor, identified as Doctor Ehsanullah, who had come from North Waziristan Agency of FATA for an interview for a vacant post of dermatologist, was abducted from the premises of PIMS in Islamabad by unidentified masked men, who were riding in two vehicles, in broad daylight.

The Police apprehended 45 suspected persons in a search operation that was launched in the wake of recent bomb explosions in Swabi Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This was stated by Swabi DPO Sajjad Khan while addressing a meeting of Police officers. The suspects include Afghan refugees, residents of Mohmand and Bajaur agencies, Buner, Peshawar, Charsadda and Muzaffargarh.

Police would carry out targeted operations against terrorists across the province and a counter terrorism department would also be set up soon, said Inspector General of Police Nasir Durrani at Mingora. Talking to journalists at the Police lines in Kabal, he said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in general and Peshawar and Malakand divisions in particular were affected by terrorism. The province was a soft target for terrorists, he added. DIG Abdullah Khan, DPO Sher Akbar Khan and other Police high ups were also present on the occasion.

Former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf asked the Sindh High Court to let him leave the country to visit his sick mother in Dubai. Musharraf is facing four major criminal cases dating back to his 1999-2008 rule, including one related to the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on December 27, 2007. Currently, he is on bail in all four cases, though he remains under guard at his Islamabad farmhouse because of threats from TTP militants. He is unable to leave Pakistan as his name appears on the Government’s Exit Control List.

Musharraf’s lawyer AQ Hallipota filed an application with the SHC in Karachi to have his name removed from the list, court sources said. “Since he has been bailed in all the cases against him, keeping his name on the Exit Control List is unjust,” Asiya Ishaq, spokesperson for Musharraf’s political party, the APML said, adding, “This is his legal right to travel anywhere as a free citizen of this country. He also wants to see his ailing mother in Dubai.”

November 13

Three TTP militants and one Rangers person were killed when a shootout occurred during a targeted operation conducted by the paramilitary force in Gulshan-i-Buner area of Landhi Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The report quoted Rangers spokesperson as saying that the suspected militants were plotting terrorist activities to be carried out during Muharram and opened fire when the Rangers team arrived in their vicinity to conduct a targeted operation.

An unidentified man was killed and another was injured in gun firing incident in Kalapul area of Saddar Town.

An unidentified man died of gunshot wounds near Five Star Chowrangi in North Nazimabad Town.  

An exchange of gunfire took place between Police and militants in Roshan Bagh area of Al-Noor Society near Federal B Area in Gulberg Town. Police sealed the area while the suspects managed to escape under the cover of gunfire.

A minor girl came under attack during a cross fire between two groups of gangsters in Ali Mohammad Mohalla within the jurisdiction of Baghdadi Police Station in Lyari. Police said the victim identified as four-year-old Amna, daughter of Naushad, was playing near her house when a bullet hit her head, killing her instantly.

A man was killed and a Policeman injured in a firing incident in Orangi Town. Police said the deceased was identified as 24-year-old Umair and the wounded Policeman as Amir. SHO Saleem Shaikh said both the victims were friends, and were targeted by two unidentified assailants who came on motorcycles, while sitting at a sweet shop near their homes.

A young man was found dead from a nullah in Liaquatabad. Police while quoting initial investigation said unidentified culprits kidnapped the victim from somewhere and later threw his body at the said place after shooting him multiple times.

Three bomb and grenade attacks near Imambargahs in North Nazimabad and North Karachi in the night left about 20 people injured. The injured persons included Policemen, Rangers personnel and media persons. Two men were wounded when a small IED went off in Paharganj area and over 15 others suffered injuries in another blast not very far away.

A grenade was hurled at a Police check-post near an Imambargah in North Karachi after a Majlis had ended. According to SSP Central, Amir Farooqi, two men on a motorcycle hurled a ‘cracker resembling a tennis ball’ at the check-post, injuring Policemen Mushtaq and Yusuf.

Police killed three militants after they attacked a Police post at the Shaikh Landak area in Bannu District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Militants fired at least 12-15 rockets at the Shaikh Landak area Police post but Police returned fire, killing one of the assailants, SP Muhammad Iqbal said. Two Policemen were injured in the clash. Security Forces killed two more suspected insurgents in a follow-up operation.

A roadside bombing killed two Khasadar Force personnel on the Pak-Afghan Highway near the Takhta Beg check-post in Jamrud tehsil (revenue unit) in Khyber Agency.

In order to prevent any untoward incident during Ashura days, Police have put security on high alert in Peshawar, the provincial capital besides blocking most roads leading to bazaars, cantonment areas, imambargahs, important buildings and houses of VIPs. The main bazaars of Ashraf Road, Qissa Khwani, Khyber Bazaar, Chowk Yadgaar, Hasht Nagri, Kohati, Shoba Bazaar and other sensitive areas remained closed on Wednesday amid tight security arrangements. Police have asked transporters to avoid bringing passenger vehicles on roads for two days, Thursday and Friday. All routes will remain closed during the two days for security reasons.

A rocket fired from unknown destination was reportedly landed in Brewery area of Quetta (Quetta District), the provincial capital of Balochistan, in the night.  However, no loss of life was reported. The police rushed to the site and cordoned off the area. A search operation was also launched to trace the suspects.

The Gujranwala District coordination officer ordered detention of 14 suspects of militants’ outfits SSP, LeJ and JeM. All the suspects were sent to jail for a period of one month.

The cellular networks have blocked in the vulnerable cities of Pakistan as a security measure during Ashura. The services would remain suspended in at least 25 cities from 06:00 AM till 10:00 PM. According to intelligence reports, the Districts of Chakwal, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Jhang, Narowal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Rawalpindi, Layyah, Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha, Bhakkar, Gujranwala, Lahore, and Multan were deemed sensitive in this regard.

Other Districts where the services would remain suspended include Toba Tek Singh, Chiniot, and Pakpattan. The sources disclosed that the security agencies informed the Federal Interior Ministry that there was a potential threat that terrorists could target processions on Ashura processions. The Federal Government had decided to shut down cellular phone services in 25 cities on November 14-15 to protect gatherings and processions being held in connection with Yaum-e-Ashur. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority had sent the list of cities to mobile phone companies.

According to sources, mobile phone service would also remain shut in Karachi, Hyderabad, Khairpur, Sehwan, Nawabshah and Larkana for two days.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, there will be no mobile phone service in Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat, Hangu, Lakki Marwat, Bannu and parts of Peshawar. In addition, mobile phone firms have been asked to block services in Faisalabad, Sargodha, Rahimyar Khan, Bhakkar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Pakpattan, Multan, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Jhang and Attock.

Sindh and Balochistan had written letters to the Federal Government, requesting to close mobile phone services in Quetta and five cities of Sindh on Yaum-e-Ashur. The Sindh regime had mailed requests for closure of mobile phone service on 9th and 10th days of Muharram in Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana, Khairpur, and Sukkur.

Despite the appointment of Mullah Fazlullah as the new ‘chief’ of the TTP, the deputy ‘chief’ of the TTP, Sheikh Khalid Haqqani, will lead the outfit as the functional head in the latter’s absence from Pakistan. Well-informed tribal circles have refuted rumours of Fazlullah’s return to FATA after his appointment as the TTP ‘chief’.

November 14

Six LeJ militants were killed during an exchange of fire with personnel from the CID of Police in Mauripur area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. According to SSP Chaudhry Aslam, Police launched a search operation near Lucky Pahari in Mauripur upon receiving a tip-off on the suspects’ whereabouts, following which the alleged militants opened fire. Police resorted to counter-firing. During the exchange of fire between the two sides, three Policemen sustained injuries where six alleged LeJ militants, including two suicide bombers were killed.

The law enforcement agencies have apprehended more than half a dozen suspects for their alleged involvement in carrying out attacks outside imambargahs in the North Nazimabad and North Karachi area of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh.

At least three persons were injured in an explosion in Shah Ghazai area of Awaran District in Balochistan.

The hujra of a tribesman, identified as Shah, was damaged in Ghundi area in the Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency in FATA. The gate and portion of the boundary-wall of the structure were damaged in the explosion. However, no human loss was reported in the blast.

SFs arrested two alleged terrorists and recovered arms and explosives from their possession in Khuna Gandao area of Shahidano Dhand in Kurram Agency. 55 land-mines, six hand-grenades, mortar shells, eight chemical masks, four kilogram explosives, binocular, compass, cameras and thousands of rounds were recovered from the possession of the arrested terrorists. The identity of the arrested persons was not disclosed to the media.

An Afghan man said to be on a suicide mission was arrested after a brief encounter with security personnel in Tarnol area, a suburbs of Islamabad. According to sources, Matiullah had arrived from Afghanistan via Torkham a few days ago and stayed at a house in Tarnol area. He was reported to be wearing jacket stuffed with about five kilograms of explosives and was planning to attack a 9th Muharram procession near Asna Ashari Imambargah at G-6/2. The sources said the bomber had been arrested on information provided by an alleged Afghan agent detained by a team of security forces and capital police.

The NCMC alerted the Islamabad Police to a plot by TTP to attack former President General (retd) Pervez Musharraf. According to sources, the alert has been issued in the light of intelligence reports that the TTP has planned an attack on General Musharraf to avenge the operation against Lal Masjid launched during his tenure as President.

November 15

At least eight persons were killed and over 80 injured after sectarian clashes erupted at a 10th of Muharram (the mourning period observed by the Shias, commemorating the tragedy of Karbala) procession near Fawara Chowk in Rawalpindi of Punjab. The tragedy occurred as mob turned against the Police in the procession passing through Raja Bazaar. A group of miscreants at 3:00pm reportedly snatched guns from Police personnel installed in the area for security, and opened fire. As panic spread, unknown people set a portion of the cloth market in Raja Bazaar on fire. The situation soon got out of hand and the Army was called in to control the situation. Authorities have imposed a curfew for 24 hours in the limits of 19 Rawalpindi Police Stations. The curfew will also extend to Rawal Town and Potohar Town.

Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan ordered a probe into the killing of the eldest son of Haqqani network ‘chief’ Jalaluddin Haqqani. Nasiruddin Haqqani, the chief money man for one of the most feared factions fighting US-led forces in Afghanistan, died in a hail of bullets outside a bakery on the edge of Islamabad on November 10. After his death it has emerged that he had been living since 2010 in the suburb, Bhara Kahu, a respected local figure known as "Doctor Sahib". According to sources, Chaudhry Nisar has directed the Police to launch a comprehensive investigation into Nasiruddin Haqqani's murder without leaving any aspect un-probed and report in the least possible time.

November 16

At least five persons, including a gangster and a Policeman, were killed in violent clashes in Lyari town of Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. An alleged gangster, identified as Karim Baloch, a close aide of notorious gangster Baba Ladla, was killed while another suspect, Jamshed Dada, was critically injured in an armed clash near Dubai Chowk. Both the victims were taken away by their accomplices.

On Ahmed Shah Bukhari Road, two Policemen were injured when the gangsters attacked a patrol mobile of the Baghdadi Police Station. The injured Police constables, Essa (35) and Asad (40), were shifted to the civil hospital, where Asad succumbed to his injuries.

A person, identified as Haji Bashir Baloch, was killed as armed gangsters clashed behind the Lyari Girls College in Chakiwara.

A passerby, identified as Abdul Razzaq (32), was shot dead during a shootout between the criminal gangs in Bihar Colony.

A person Identified as Ali Zaman (70) was killed by a stray bullet during another clash among gangsters in Chakiwara.

At least two persons including a Policeman were killed and at least dozen persons were injured in multiple bomb explosions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to Police officials, a Police van was hit by a blast in Mandi area as it was travelling from Dera Ismail Khan to Hangu District. At least one policeman was killed and two were injured from what officials described as a roadside bomb explosion.

A suspected suicide bombing wounded four paramilitary Frontier Corps personnel and two passersby in Bannu District. Official sources said the suspected suicide-bomber rammed his motorbike into a SFs vehicle, injuring the six men and damaging the vehicle. Police also confirmed that the suicide bomber was killed. Security personnel cordoned off the area and started a search operation.

Three persons were injured in another bomb blast in provincial capital Peshawar. BDS personnel said approximately five kilograms of explosive material concealed in a cylinder blew up near a Police van on Kohat road in Badhaber area on Peshawar’s outskirts.

November 17

Two Policemen were killed when two motorcycle bourne militants targeted the Darand Police checkpost under Barmola Police Station in Swabi District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The militants also set the checkpost ablaze. The slain Policemen were identified as Nadir and Sajjad.

A woman was killed and four persons, including three women, sustained injuries in a hand grenade attack at a house in Kashkol Banda area of Swabi District.

The death toll in the sectarian clashes erupted at a 10th of Muharram (the mourning period observed by the Shias, commemorating the tragedy of Karbala) procession near Fawara Chowk in Rawalpindi of Punjab on November 15, climbed to 10.

Government ordered an inquiry into sectarian violence in Rawalpindi. Lahore High Court Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial constituted a one-member judicial commission to probe the sectarian violence, as authorities lifted the curfew that was imposed following the unrest.

Two soldiers were injured when a SFs convoy came under a remote-controlled IED attack near Karam Kot area in Mir Ali subdivision of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

The house of one Shehzad Khan was blown up by unidentified militants in Ghundi area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency. Sources said that the militants had planted explosives to the house of the tribesman and triggered the explosion at midnight. The empty house of Shehzad was destroyed while another adjacent house was partially damaged in the explosion, the sources said. However, no casualty was reported in the incident.

The Government announced that it would put former President General (retd) Pervez Musharraf on trial for treason, punishable by death or life imprisonment, for imposing emergency rule in 2007. “Following the judgement of the Supreme Court and a report submitted by an inquiry committee, it has been decided to start proceedings against General Pervez Musharraf (for treason) under Article 6 of the Constitution,” Federal Minister of Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said.

The PTI postponed for three days a scheduled blockade of NATO supply lines meant to protest US drone strikes, citing recent sectarian clashes. PTI Chairman Imran Khan called for a blockade of NATO convoys to Afghanistan to force the US to abandon its drone programme. He had set a November 20 deadline for the halting of drone strikes and threatened to block supply trucks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, he announced via Twitter on Sunday the protest would now be held on November 23.

November 18

Two persons, including a Policeman, were killed when fire reported outside an Imambargah in Kohat town of same District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Authorities imposed curfew in Kohat to keep situation under control while neighbouring Hangu District was also reported tense after a brief curfew.

Police foiled a terror bid and defused a bomb planted at Government Girls' Degree College on the Bannu-Dera Ismail Khan Road in Bannu town of same District.

The BRA militants kidnapped and killed three construction workers and dumped their bodies in Josak area of Mekran in Turbat District of Balochistan. Another man kidnapped along with them is still missing. A 'spokesman' for the BRA claimed responsibility for kidnapping and killing of the workers, who were identified as Mulazim Hussain, his son Abdullah and Mustafa. The missing worker is named Mohammad Hanif. All victims belonged to Dera Ghazi Khan District of Punjab and were brought to Turbat by a local resident for construction of his house in Josak area.

Unidentified assailants shot dead the driver of one truck carrying NATO equipment out of Afghanistan before setting the vehicle on fire near Naseerabad town of same District.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a revenue officer, identified as Liaquat Jan, in Kharan District.

Unidentified militants abducted five security personnel and seized their vehicle and weapons in the Gerdina area of Kharan District.

The ATC-II, Karachi remanded two accused, Mohammad Asim and Azhar Mahmmood, to jail custody till November 26, 2013 in the murder case of SHOSyed Irfan Haider. Irfan Haider and SIO of New Karachi Police Station SI Shahbaz Ali were targeted near Anda Morr in North Karachi area of North Nazimabad Town.

The Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif while addressing participants of the Security and War course at the National Defence University (NDU) said that 'yesterday's jihadis have become today's terrorists'. He vowed to take action against the elements responsible for the Rawalpindi violence, adding that the incident was a 'stigma'.

November 19

Seven TTP militants, including a local 'commander' Qari Saifuddin, were killed when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden car into a vehicle carrying TTP militants in the Mir Ali area of Miranshah, the main town of North Waziristan Agency in FATA. There was no immediate claim of responsibility and the motive of the attack was not clear.

Unidentified assailants shot dead a man, identified as Mohammad Qasim, on Sariab Road area of Quetta in Balochistan.

Unidentified militants hurled a hand grenade into a shop at the Jannat Bazaar in Gwadar District, injuring five people, including two women and a child.

Unidentified assailants shot dead two Policemen and injured another at a check-point in North Nazimabad area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Unidentified assailants shot dead two Policemen and injured another at a check-point in North Nazimabad area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Another body of a young man, identified as Mohammad Fahim, was found near Afghan Camp within the vicinity of Gulshan-e-Maymar Police Station. Police said that he had been kidnapped by unidentified persons.

The dead body of a man, identified as Ahsan Raza, was found from Korangi coast guard's intercept within the limits of Zaman Town Police Station.

The law enforcers claimed to have arrested around 147 suspects including members of banned LeJ and a target killer during separate raids and operations in various parts of Karachi. As per details, the CID arrested a terrorist affiliated with outlawed LeJ, who has been identified as Amin alias Munna alias Chingari, from Orangi Town. He belongs to Hafiz Qasim Rasheed group of LeJ.

Mobina Town Police arrested an accused, identified as Ghulam Qasim alias Abba, along with his two accomplices, Kallu Bengali and Adil Ali, during a raid at their hideout at Abul Hassan Ispahani Road. The officer also said that weapons were recovered from their possession.

Pakistan Rangers Sindh apprehended around 20 suspects during separate targeted raids and operations in various parts of the metropolis, including Model Colony, Landhi No 5, Shah Faisal Colony, Pakhtunbabad, New Karachi, Nazimabad No 2, Pak Colony, Islamia Colony and Lyari.

Karachi Police arrested around 123 suspects including, 15 absconders, 2 target killers, 4 kidnappers, 1 extortionist, 17 for illicit weapons, 5 drug peddlers, 7 street criminals and 72 others involved in other heinous crimes. The arrests were made during 75 raids and 8 encounters; the officials also recovered weapons from the suspect's possession.

Suspected LeJ militants killed a senior Shia university director, Syed Shabir Hussain Shah, along with his driver in an apparent sectarian attack in Gujrat town of same District in Punjab. "We found a note at the scene of Shah's death which read: 'This is in retaliation for Rawalpindi'," Deputy Superintendent of Police Manzoor Malik said, referring to the clashes in Rawalpindi over the weekend in which eight people were killed. "The note was signed, LeJ."

Unidentified militants shot dead a Police constable Attaullah deployed at a church in Swati Gate area of Umeedabad in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The militants who killed 10 foreign mountaineers and a local helper in Diamer on June 22 belonged to TTP and had been trained in North Waziristan Agency's town of Miranshah, said Dr Ata-ur-Rehman, the Home Secretary of Gilgit Baltistan, to the Senate's Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs. It disclosed that the militants who killed 11 foreign tourists in Nanga Parbat wanted to kidnap them for ransom. Putting forward an investigation report on the incident, Home Secretary Gilgit Baltistan Dr Attaur Rehman said that the militants had not planned to kill the tourists but, instead, wanted to kidnap the group to demand ransom. However, one of the militants fired at them, killing ten of them and their cook.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif approved a panel of three judges for the establishment of a special court for the trial of former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf for high treason under Article 6 of the Constitution. The criterion for selection of the three judges was strictly based on merit and seniority. The special court will be headed by Justice Faisal Arab from the SHC, while Justice Syeda Tahira Safdar of the BHC and Justice Yawar Ali of the LHC will be its members.

November 20

Four militants were killed by Policemen at Natyan Police-post in Swabi District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police chief Nasir Khan Durrani announced PKR 100,000 cash award and commendation certificates for the Police party that repulsed the attack.

Unidentified assailants attacked the office of ANP in Naurang town of Lakki Marwat District with hand-grenade. However no casualties were reported.

One person, identified as Shah Jehan, was killed and four others were injured in a blast in a drain on Moti Ram Road area in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. Three persons were injured when militants hurled a bomb at an official building on Sirki Road area. There has been no claim of responsibility for the explosions.

At least three persons, including a Policeman, were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District), the provincial capital of Sindh. A person, identified as Javed Lal (35) was killed and another was injured by unidentified assailants in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area within the jurisdiction of Mobina Town Police Station.

A Police Constable, identified as Hakim, was shot dead in DHA within the precincts of Darakhshan Police Station.

A person, identified as Mohammad Ashfaq (27) was shot dead at Jigar Murad Abadi Road within the limits of Jamshed Quarters Police Station.

A dead body of a woman was found from her house in Green Town area of Shah Faisal Colony.

Law enforcers rounded up over 135 suspects during the crackdown against criminal elements across the Karachi. According to Rangers' spokesperson, a joint operation with Police was also conducted in Nazimabad area, adding that during the raids and snap checking, 64 hardened criminals were arrested and weapons were also recovered from their possession.

Law enforcers rounded up over 135 suspects during the crackdown against criminal elements across the Karachi. According to Rangers' spokesperson, a joint operation with Police was also conducted in Nazimabad area, adding that during the raids and snap checking, 64 hardened criminals were arrested and weapons were also recovered from their possession.

At least two security personnel were killed and seven others were injured in an attack on security checkpoint by TTP militants at Shawa area of NWA in FATA. Abu Baseer, a spokesman for a militant group called Ansarul Mujahideen, claimed responsibility for the attack. He said it was carried out in revenge for the death of former TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud in a U.S. drone strike on November 1, 2013.

Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said the US has promised that it will not carry out drone strikes in Pakistan during any peace talks with the TTP militants in the future. Aziz said a team of Government negotiators was prepared to hold talks with TTP former chief Hakimullah Mehsud on November 2, 2013 the day after he was killed in a US drone strike. He said Mehsud had been sent a list of negotiators, and that the ex-TTP chief had himself added the names of two clerics to the list. The foreign affairs adviser said the US has now assured that no drone strikes would be carried out during any peace talks.

November 21

At least eight suspected militants were killed and five others were injured in US drone strike at a seminary in Tal area of Hangu District. Haqqani Network's spiritual leader, Maulana Ahmad Jan, was among eight persons killed in the drone attack.

Two security guards, Noor Amin and Ahmad Khanwere killed by unidentified assailants on Bara Road in Peshawar.

Two dead bodies were found wrapped in sacks in Regi area on the outskirt of Peshawar. According to Police, the deceased were identified as Abdur Rahim and Abdul Wahab and both hailed from a suburb area of Daudzai.

At least five persons were killed and 23 others injured in a bomb blast on Sirki Road in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. One Policeman and a scavenger were among the dead.

At least three persons were killed and 16 others were injured in a blast in Satellite Town area of Quetta.

Armed bikers hurled a hand grenade in Turbat town of Kech District, killing two men who were said to be labourers hailing from Gilgit-Baltistan.

Three persons were wounded in a bomb blast at Eidgah Chowk in Chaman town in Qilla Abdullah District.

Two dead bodies of BNP activists were recovered from Grog area in Nal tehsil of Khuzdar District. According to a local levies official, two of the victims were abducted by a group of armed assailants from Nal and their bodies were found. The spokesperson of BNP said the victims were their activists and had been targeted because of the party's political views

Two dead bodies were recovered from town of Panjgur District.

Three women were wounded in a landmine blast in Dera Bugti town of same District.

Two dead bodies, identified as that of Abdul Wahab and Abdul Rahim, were found in the Mulagori area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA. They hailed from the Daudzai area in Peshawar.

A bullet-riddled dead body of a man, identified as Roohullah, was found in Wazir Dhand area of the Jamrud.

The law enforcers claimed to have held around 106 suspected criminals during ongoing-targeted raids and operations across Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. As per details, Pakistan Rangers Sindh apprehended around 27 criminals during different targeted raids across the city. Karachi Police arrested around 79 suspected criminals during 71 raids conducted in various parts of the city.

The Government has decided to establish at least five new ATCs in Karachi any time to exclusively try target killers, extortionists and kidnappers for ransom arrested during the ongoing targeted operation against the criminals. "We don't want to burden the present ATCs, working in Sindh, with a fresh heavy load of cases, which have to be decided at a fast track as provided in the law," a top official said."

Army and Rangers personnel would be deployed in 13 sensitive Districts of Punjab including Rawalpindi to maintain law and order situation while imposition of Section 144 would also be ensured across the province. According to Punjab Government spokesman, indiscriminatory action would be taken against provocative content, hatred speeches and writings. He said that the speeches of preachers in sensitive Imambargahs and mosques would be recorded.

The Punjab Government has separated the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) - the only department in the Punjab that deals with terrorism - from the Police, replacing it with a new department. According to well-placed sources, the new department has been put under the Home Department as a result of bid by the Punjab bureaucrats to adjust a few men.

PTI chairman Imran Khan strongly condemned the US drone attack in Hangu and said his party would stage a huge protest demonstration in Peshawar on November 23, 2013 to block NATO supplies forever. Imran urged Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to take a firm stand against US Predator attacks, saying the time to play on "both sides of the wicket is over".

November 22

At least seven people were killed and 40 others were injured in twin suicide blasts near a roadside tea stall in Shia dominated Ancholi area of Gulberg Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. The Associate Producer of Geo News program "Geo FIR", Salik Ali Jaffery was also among the victims.

Law Enforcement Agencies arrested a criminal, identified as Dilshad alias Ejaz, wanted in numerous cases of target killing and extortion, during a raid in Afshani Gali of Lyari Town and recovered weapons and ammunition from his possession.

Sindh Rangers and Police personnel arrested 50 criminals alleged to be involved in extortion and target killings during separate raids. The South Range Police arrested up 36 criminals during separate targeted raids across the city.

The protesting families of Balochistan's missing men reached Karachi Press Club after an arduous march of 756 kilometres spread over 25 days. The marchers stayed for the night at Yusuf Goth in Gadap Town. Initially the long march, which began from Quetta Press Club on October 27, 2013, comprised only the families of the missing men. But on reaching Karachi, a large number of Baloch men, women and children hailing from Hub, Malir, Moach Goth and Lyari joined them at Lyari's Aath Chowk, raising its strength to over 100 people.

A Shia man, identified as Razzaq Ali, was shot dead by two unidentified armed assailants at a grocery shop in front of Imambargah Qasr-e-Abbas near Baraf Khana Chowk in Rawalpindi District of Punjab.

Doctor Shakeel Afridi, who helped the CIA find al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden has been charged with murder in a case related to a teenage boy who died after the doctor performed surgery on him for appendicitis in 2006, his lawyer said. The murder charge stems from a complaint filed by the deceased teenage boy's mother, Nasib Gula, who said Afridi was not authorized to operate on her son because he was a physician, not a surgeon, said the doctor's lawyer, Samiullah Afridi.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that his Government did not believe in double standards on drone strikes and he had raised the issue with US President Barack Obama and asked him to stop them. Speaking at a National Consultation Conference on Pakistan 2025, he said that drone attacks were totally unacceptable and counterproductive. He said there must not be any bail for those who were involved in cases of heinous crimes. He said that judges could wear masks and hold trial of terrorists through video link.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan hit out against the US once again and said that Pakistan could not rely on any assurances from the US as the drone strikes had proved that it was against peace talks. He also referred to a reported statement in the media by the Prime Minister's Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz that the US had assured Pakistan that there would be no drone strikes during peace talks.

Adviser Sartaj Aziz conveyed the Pakistan Government's deep concern to the US Ambassador in Islamabad after the drone strike in Hangu District on November 21, 2013, an official statement said. The concern was conveyed on the same day adding that the Government had strongly condemned the US drone strike that took place in Hangu District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Advisor re-emphasized that the drone strikes are not only a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The announcement by PTI Chief Imran Khan to block NATO supplies in protest against drone attacks is an appreciable step, the TTP spokesperson Shahidullah Shahid said. "Imran Khan has taken a welcome step," TTP spokesperson said while talking to reporters from an undisclosed location. "No there is no question of ceasefire," he said responding to a query regarding any chance of respite for peace.

"But one thing is clear we are exacting revenge from Security Forces and not the public." Here he specified that the public did not include the ANP, PPP and MQM, the three leading secular parties of Pakistan that the Taliban will never pardon. He said there was no question of dialogue with the Government after the killing of Hakimullah Mehsud. "However, peace dialogue is possible if the TTP Shura and Mullah Fazullah decide."

November 23

Two escaped TTP militants, identified as Abdullah and Wahabullah, were killed in an encounter in Baldia Town of Karachi (Sindh). According to details, the militants were arrested by Rangers a week ago and were handed over to the Police. The encounter came about after the alleged terrorists, detained in Mochko Police Station lockup managed to escape by breaking the windows. The suspects, as per investigators had killed at least 16 police officials and four police informers in SITE and its adjoining areas.

A gangster affiliated to PAC, Baba Golden, was killed and over a dozen others wounded in armed clashes between two rival groups in Phool Patti Lane and Bihar Colony of Lyari Town.

SIU of Karachi Police Department and Citizen-Police Liason Committee in a joint action arrested a TTP Karachi Chapter Chief, identified as Abdul Qadir, and two of his henchmen from Gulshan Town. "The militants were arrested during a raid in a house in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Colony", said SSP, Farooq Awaan said. Abdul Qadir, and his two comrades are Orakzai tribesmen, the SSP added.

TTP claimed responsibility for the twin suicide blasts in Karachi in on November 22, 2013 that killed seven people. TTP 'spokesperson' Shahidullah Shahid said that these attacks were in reaction to the November 25, 2013, Ashura violence in Rawalpindi and the drone attack on November 21, 2013

TTP militants abducted 11 teachers, involved in a polio vaccination campaign for schoolchildren, from the private Hira Public School in the Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency. Local official, Khyali Gul said the armed militants took the teachers to an area controlled by militant leader Mangal Bagh and his Taliban-affiliated Lashkar-e-Islam group.

A case has been registered against a PTI leader in Bhakkar District for demanding protection money at gunpoint, Police said. Police said the complainant, Deputy Director Muhammad Khalid Hanif, an Audit Officer at the Bhakkar Town Municipal Authority had told them that PTI leader Abu Bakar Niazi had threatened him and demanded money at gun point.

Three suspected target killers belonging to Mullah Group, identified as Nadeemullah, the leader of the group, Tariq and Faheem, were handed over to the Karachi CID, four days after they were detained by Military Intelligence officials near Thokar Niaz Beg in Lahore District. According to details, the militants had come to Lahore with Tablighi Jama'at pilgrims heading for the Raiwind Ijtima, the source said.

Thousands of people protesting US drone strikes blocked a road in Peshawar used to truck NATO troop supplies and equipment in and out of Afghanistan. The protest, Imran Khan, had more symbolic value than practical impact as there is normally little NATO supply traffic on the road. The blocked route in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province leads to one of two border crossings used to send supplies overland from Pakistan to neighbouring Afghanistan.

The PTI's decision to choke NATO supply routes could deprive Pakistan of billions of dollars it receives from the US in financial aid, according to experts and Government officials. Under the Ground Lines of Communication (GLOC) agreement with the US, Pakistan receives an estimated USD 1,500-1,800 for every truck that carries supplies for NATO forces through the country, Government officials said. The bill amounts to roughly USD one million per day, they added.

"We want peace with India," said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while addressing the International Literary and Cultural Conference in Lahore. Politics should be treated separately from the economy and anti-terrorism efforts, he emphasised. "Even politicians should not include politics in these matters," he added. Nawaz also said that he believes "visa restrictions between the two countries should be removed."

Conflicts along the LoC are not beneficial for either country, he explained, adding that Pakistan maintains good relations with other neighbouring countries so there is no reason why this cannot be achieved with India as well.

The FPCCI President Zubair Ahmed Malik had said that Pakistan should grant MFN status to India. While attending an event organised by the FICCI, he had emphasised the need for the two countries to ease visa restrictions.

Prime Minister had also urged his Indian counterpart to resume the stalled peace process in order to resolve all outstanding issues including J&K.

November 24

At least three persons, including two students, were killed and one other injured in two separate explosions that took place in Kurram Agency of FATA. According to the political administration of the area, a roadside bomb was detonated near a car in the Shablan area of Upper Kurram Agency. Subsequently, two people were killed whereas one person sustained injuries. The second explosion occurred in the Dal area of Upper Kurram Agency, killing one person.

Two soldiers were killed and five others injured when a roadside bomb was detonated near a SFs' convoy on the road near Karamkot in Mir Ali tehsil of NWA in FATA. According to sources, a remote-controlled bomb, planted along the road near Karamkot, was detonated when the SFs' convoy was travelling from Miranshah to Mir Ali. Subsequently, two soldiers were killed on the spot whereas five others were injured.

Two soldiers were killed and five others injured when a roadside bomb was detonated near a SFs' convoy on the road near Karamkot in Mir Ali tehsil of NWA in FATA. According to sources, a remote-controlled bomb, planted along the road near Karamkot, was detonated when the SFs' convoy was travelling from Miranshah to Mir Ali. Subsequently, two soldiers were killed on the spot whereas five others were injured.

Two gangsters affiliated with Uzair Jan Group, identified as Ijaz and Dilshad, were killed in an alleged encounter with the Rangers and the Police in Rangi Wara area within the limits of Chakiwara Police Station in Lyari Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Two gangsters affiliated with Uzair Jan Group, identified as Ijaz and Dilshad, were killed in an alleged encounter with the Rangers and the Police in Rangi Wara area within the limits of Chakiwara Police Station in Lyari Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Traffic constable, Husnain Mubarak, a resident of Dobyan, was shot dead by unidentified motorcycle bourne assailants while he was on duty at Link Road in Swabi Town of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Another police constable was killed by unidentified militants while he was coming back home from duty in Bandar Kalan of Bannu District. Township Police Official Afsar Ali Khan was deployed at Khalifa Gul Nawaz Medical Complex.

A Hazara Shia man, identified as Arif Hussain, was shot dead in a targeted sectarian attack on Kirani Road in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan.

A man identified as Abdul Ghafoor was shot dead when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at his shop in the Sariab Mill area in Quetta.

TTP warned the Pakistani media to stop praising Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar who retired on November 16, 2013 after a 24-year career. A spokesman for the militants said Pakistanis should get behind their embattled captain Misbahul Haq, even though he was a "substandard and low-level player". Shahidullah Shahid, the main 'spokesman' for the TTP said it was time for Pakistanis to shut up about the "Little Master". "No matter that Misbahul Haq is a substandard and low-level player, Pakistani media should praise him because he is a Pakistani," Shahid said.

November 25

Two people, including a Shia man, identified as Munir Hussain (43), and his wife, Razia Hussain (40), were killed near Sanobar Cottage within the jurisdiction of New Karachi Police Station in North Karachi area of North Nazimabad Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An unidentified bullet-riddled dead body of a man was found from a graveyard in Kati Pahari within the remits of Peerabad Police Station in Orangi Town.

A woman sustained injuries in firing incident in 100 quarters area of Korangi Town.

Police and Rangers arrested 34 suspects during a targeted operation in Frontier Colony and Peerabad areas of Orangi Town. In addition, 10 suspects were arrested by the SITE Police.

A girl was killed and six people were injured when a rocket fired by Iranian border forces hit three houses in Tump town of Kech (also known as Turbat) District. An official of Kech administration said that one of the houses belonged to Mullah Omer, who is a 'commander' of an Iran-based religious outfit, Jaish-ul-Adl.

Police registered a case against BNP-M chief, Sardar Akhtar Mengal in Khuzdar Police Station. Abdul Qadir Sheikh, a Police Officer in Khuzdar said that FIR was registered on the application of Deputy Commissioner Khuzdar, Muhammad Ayaz Mandokhail who has alleged in the application that Sardar Mengal had threatened him on telephone. However, sources close to Mengal strongly contradicted the claims of DC.

A number of shops and government offices were damaged in a blast inside Liaquat Market in Swabi District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

LI released all the abducted teachers of a private school after questioning them for four days regarding their involvement in polio vaccination. Hira Public School Principal Mohammad Qasim, who was among the seven abducted teachers said that he along with his colleagues was set free by LI and they reached their homes.

A special court will start functioning in the first week of December for the trial of former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf on treason charges. The Federal Government issued a notification regarding appointment of Akram Sheikh as special prosecutor in the case but the lawyer could not obtain a copy of the notification.

The Ministry of Law and Justice sought PKR 3.1 million from the finance division as initial expenses for the special court that is to be set up for the trial of former President Pervez Musharraf for high treason.

The SHC referred an application filed by Pervez Musharraf for removal of his name from the Exit Control List to the SHC chief justice. Musharraf had filed a petition for the removal of his name from the ECL, saying he has to visit his ailing mother.

A contempt of court petition has been moved against the incumbent defence secretary, COAS General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and others for not complying with the Supreme Court's order about the recovery of a missing person who was allegedly abducted by an army officer. Abida Malik, wife of missing person Tasif Ali, filed the petition under Article 204 of the constitution read with Contempt of Court Ordinance 2003.

Pakistan inducted the first fleet of indigenously developed strategic unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), namely Burraq and Shahpar, in the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force. The induction of UAVs, which are very effective force multipliers to the inventory of armed forces, is a landmark achievement.

PTI workers continued denying access to heavy vehicles transporting supplies for foreign forces in Afghanistan, while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police registered cases against 35 people for causing disturbances to public order.

KP Police chief Nasir Khan Durrani ordered Police to file cases against all those who were disturbing public order, after which 35 PTI workers were booked by Pishtakhara Police Station in Peshawar.

KP Police chief Nasir Khan Durrani ordered Police to file cases against all those who were disturbing public order, after which 35 PTI workers were booked by Pishtakhara Police Station in Peshawar.

A top police official in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa directed law enforcement personnel to initiate legal action following the lodging of a FIR against the November 21, 2013, Hangu drone strike in which provincial authorities also want the US and the CIA to be included.

Legislators led by KP Finance Minister for Sirajul Haq, Information Minister Shah Farman and Agriculture Minister Shahram Khan Tarakai presented to the US Consulate a document on their demand to end drone strikes in Pakistan.

The fact-finding committee constituted to probe the November 15, 2013 Rawalpindi incident that killed eight people in an attack on Ashura procession presented its report to Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif which held the Police responsible for the tragedy. According to sources, the report said the Police had failed to take necessary and timely action which could have prevented the tragedy from occurring and that coordination among institutions was almost non-existent.

Lawyers for seven Pakistanis accused of involvement in the Mumbai 2008 attacks said the case against them "lacks evidence". Pakistan charged seven men in 2009 over the attacks, but has insisted it needs to gather more evidence in India before proceeding further, infuriating New Delhi. "This case has many legal flaws and lacks evidence. It is being delayed in Pakistan because India has failed to provide required evidence against the accused," said Rizwan Abbasi, a lawyer for the accused in a news conference.

November 26

Unidentified militants shot dead four Policemen and injured three others, where they were on mobile duty in Latifabad area Hyderabad District. SSP Hyderabad Irfan Ali Bahadur said, "Yes, it was clearly a targeted killing of Police".

Two Policemen of Sakhi Pir Police Station were injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at them near a bakery in Liaquat Colony of Hyderabad District.

Two Policemen of Sakhi Pir Police Station were injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at them near a bakery in Liaquat Colony of Hyderabad District.

Two alleged gangsters were killed during an exchange of fire with law enforcers in Ali Mohammad Mohalla of Lyari Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Two alleged gangsters were killed during an exchange of fire with law enforcers in Ali Mohammad Mohalla of Lyari Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A Police officer, identified as Ali Ahmed (48), was also shot dead near Hassan Square in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town.

A man, identified as Rasheed Naveed (28), was killed inside his photocopying shop in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town.

One Shahzan (40) was killed in Macchar Colony of Kiamari Town.

A suspect, identified as Zulfiqar, was killed and another, identified as Sher Ali, was injured and arrested during an alleged encounter with the Police near Maskan Chowrangi in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Gulshan Town.

A large number of Lyari residents staged a protest against the PAC and elected representatives of the PPP from their locality in Dubai Chowk, a stronghold of gangsters Noor Mohammad alias Baba Ladla and Ghaffar Zikri.

Law enforcers claimed to have arrested 29 suspects in separate raids in parts of the city. Four suspects allegedly involved in cases of target killings of Policemen and extortion were arrested in Maripur area of Kiamari Town. Three suspects, identified as Yasir Maqsood, Chaman and Aslam, were arrested during the first Police encounter in Maripur. Fourth suspect, Mohammad Ali, was arrested in another raid in Maripur.

Rangers claimed to have arrested 24 suspects during targeted raids and snap-checking in various parts of the city.

Unidentified armed militants opened fire at a local bus and shot dead two persons sitting inside the bus, identified as Lakhmir and Abdul Hadi, on Sariab Road near Gahi Khan Chowk in Balochistan's provincial capital Quetta.

An ATC in Quetta rejected former President General Pervez Musharraf's request to not appear in court in the August 26, 2006 Nawab Akbar Bugti murder case.

With 20 Special Courts already functioning in the city and five in the pipeline, the Home Department has demanded the establishment of another five special courts for expeditious trial of the 2,100 suspects arrested under the Arms Act. The suspects were arrested for possessing illicit arms during the ongoing targeted operations in Karachi.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif directed concerned authorities to immediately implement Protection of Pakistan Ordinance to deal with heinous crimes and offenders in the city. "The Karachi operation will continue till fulfilment of its objectives. I stand by Police and Rangers and they should treat criminals as criminals and must not care about the criminals' affiliations."

A full bench of the Supreme Court comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Jawwad S Khawaja and Justice Amir Hani Muslim ordered the Defence Secretary to produce until November 28, 2013 the 35 people who are now in custody but were earlier called as missing persons. Hearing the case of one missing person Yasin Shah, the bench ordered the Minister of Defence (a portfolio currently held by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif) to appear in the court if the defence secretary failed to produce the missing persons. The court had earlier summoned the defence secretary but he did not appear. The bench directed the law officer to take up the matter with the Ministry and ensure production of the internees from the custody of the Army.

The MI, one of the premier Intelligence Agencies of the country, reiterated its stand before the Supreme Court in the Tasif Ali missing person case that the military personnel involved in any offence should be tried under the Pakistan Army Act, 1952. The MI Directorate had pleaded before the court on June 11, 2013 that an army official and a subject of the Army Act should not be investigated or inquired into by Police or even by the Supreme Court.

PTI sit-in against drone strikes continued for the third day in Peshawar. The party had set up camp near the Hayatabad Toll Plaza on November 24, 2013 to monitor trucks passing through the city and prevent NATO containers from entering Peshawar.

Supporters of PTI and JeI were present at the protest camp and checking identification documents to distinguish NATO trucks from regular cargo carriers. Coalition partners in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly had decided to block NATO supply routes in protest against the US drone campaign in Pakistan.

The Chief Minister KP Pervez Khattak called for NATO supplies passing through the country to be halted, till such a time the Federal Government can convene a meeting to address the issue of drone strikes.

Pakistan has released three more senior Afghan Taliban leaders, official sources said. "Yes three more Afghan Taliban leaders have been released," an official source said on condition of anonymity. "This is an ongoing process as part of efforts to facilitate reconciliation," the source added. Pakistan has also quietly freed ten other low-key Taliban detainees over the past few weeks, the Afghan Taliban claimed. The number of freed Afghan Taliban since November 2013 has now crossed fifty.

November 27

Three unidentified dead bodies bearing torture marks were found near a stream in the Bostan Cross area in Pishin Districtof Balochistan.

A man was shot dead while his brother sustained injuries after unidentified armed assailants opened fire on them in Wadh area of Khuzdar District.

An oil tanker en route to Karachi from Baghban in Khuzdar District was set on fire.

A man, identified as Ghulam Hazrat, was abducted by unidentified militants in a car in Khuzdar District.

A lawyer and human rights advocate Haider K. B. was kidnapped by unidentified militants in Kech District.

Over 40 suspects accused for involvement in the November 21, 2013 Raja Bazaar incident that took place on Ashura had been identified, while 12 suspects had been arrested so far, according Rawalpindi CPO Akhtar Umar Hayat Lalika.

A PTI worker was arrested for allegedly damaging NATO containers during a protest against drone strikes in Peshawar. Activists from PTI and JeI had set up a protest camp on November 24, 2013 at Hayatabad Toll Plaza to prevent NATO containers from entering the city. Since then the protesters have stopped trucks passing through the route for verification and returned those carrying goods for NATO forces in Afghanistan.

The PTI named the CIA Director John Brennan and a man it said was the Agency's Islamabad chief in Pakistan as murder suspects over November 21, 2013 drone strike, in Hangu District. The PTI official requested in the letter that the Interior Ministry should be asked to put the CIA official on the Exit Control List in order to prevent him from leaving Pakistan.

CJP Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry while presiding over a five-member bench of the SC for the hearing of implementation of Supreme Court's decision in Karachi violence case, at Karachi registry of the Court said that the Supreme Court would be satisfied with the performance of authorities concerned only when the culprits arrested during a security operation in Karachi are put on trial. "Of the numerous people that you've arrested, how many have been provided evidence against and how many of them will be able to stand trial," CJ Chaudhry questioned the Advocate General Khalid Javed Khan.

The Sindh Government, Rangers and Police said in their report that 9,000 persons involved in target killings, terrorism, extortion, kidnappings for ransom and other crimes have been arrested so far during the operation started on September 5, 2013. As many as 2,293 weapons, 115 hand grenades and 222 kilogrammes of explosive materials have been recovered from the accused, the report added.

Due to a lawyers strike, the FATA Tribunal adjourned the hearing of a review petition filed by former Khyber Agency surgeon Doctor Shakil Afridi to December 9, 2013. After the last hearing on November 5, 2013 when the tribunal ordered the Khyber Agency political agent to compile a report on the accused and his case, lawyers confirmed Dr Shakil Afridi's records have been submitted. Dr Afridi had filed a review petition through his counsel - Advocates Abdul Latif Afridi, Samiullah Afridi and Qamar Nadeem, seeking a fresh trial and bail.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appointed Lieutenant-General Raheel Sharif as COAS and Lieutenant-General Rashad Mahmood as Chairman CJCSC.

President Mamnoon Hussain approved the appointment of Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani as the country's next chief justice. CJP Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry will retire on December 11, 2013 following which the senior most judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Jillani, will take up the office on December 12, 2013. Currently, Justice Jillani also holds the office of Chief Election Commissioner.

The TTP is likely to target Government installations and public places in Nowshera District and Khyber Agency of FATA to avenge the killing of its chief Hakimullah Mehsud, who was killed in November 21, 2013 U.S drone attack in Miranshah town of North Waziristan Agency. Quoting a written letter titled 'Threat Alert 1123', official sources said that a little known Tariq Geedar group in collaboration with Tauheed-ul-Jihad would try to carry out terrorist acts against unidentified targets in Nowshera and Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency to avenge the killing of TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud.

Al Qaeda in message issued by the general command of al Qaeda offered its condolences to the TTP over the killing of Hakeemullah Mehsud, according to SITE Intelligence Group. The message said the group "regarded Hakeemullah as a martyr and valued his contributions for jihad". It referred to an attempt to bomb New York's Times Square and said that he (Hakeemullah) had terrorised the 'Crusaders'.

November 28

A cadre of ASWJ, identified as Muhammad Shabbir (40), was shot dead in a drive-by shooting in Mehmoodabad area of Jamshed Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A cadre of ASWJ, identified as Muhammad Shabbir (40), was shot dead in a drive-by shooting in Mehmoodabad area of Jamshed Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A man, identified as Rafiq (39), was shot dead near Masoom Shah Colony in Mehmoodabad area of Jamshed Town.

One Tariq Siddiqui (40), was shot dead near the Board of Secondary Education Karachi office in North Nazimabad Town.

One Tariq Siddiqui (40), was shot dead near the Board of Secondary Education Karachi office in North Nazimabad Town.

In Gadap, an unidentified dead body of a man was found near Baqai Medical Centre in Gadap Town. The man was shot dead after being tortured around 10 to 12 days ago.

Another unidentified dead body of a suspected Baloch was found from the M.M. Alam Road in Malir Town. The Road links the Karachi-Hyderabad highway with the National Highway.

An unidentified dead body was found within Sohrab Goth Police Precincts near the link Road in Bin Qasim Town. The victim had been abducted before being thrown away.

An unidentified passerby was injured during an exchange of fire between Rangers and Lyari gang war accused in Sangholane area of Lyari Town. According to details the Rangers raided the Sangholane area to arrest the Lyari gang war criminals, but the armed assailants opened fire on the security personnel. During the exchange of fire, a passerby got injured with a bullet shot.

Army Sector Commander North Brigadier Haider while speaking at a ceremony to inaugurate a month-long cleaning drive in Khar town of Bajaur Agency said that peace had been restored and writ of the government established in the whole area after the successful operation by Security Forces against militants in Bajaur Agency. He appreciated the tribesmen and personnel of Bajaur levies forces for their outstanding efforts in restoration of peace in the Agency.

Police foiled a major terrorism bid after it recovered and defused two bombs that weighed 18 kilogrammes each in Sarband area of Peshawar. Police said that if the bombs had exploded they would have resulted in a massive loss of life and property. A heavy contingent of Police cordoned off the area and, after the recovery of bombs, launched a search operation.

The Supreme Court directed the PTA chairman to submit a blueprint of measures to stop 'grey trafficking' and use of unauthorised SIMs by criminals in Karachi. While hearing the Karachi law and order implementation case at the Karachi registry a five-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry observed that mobile phone SIM cards of different telecom companies were being sold in open market in unauthorised way, which facilitated the accused involved in heinous crimes including extortion and kidnapping-for-ransom.

The Chief Justice remarked that if stringent laws regarding registration of SIMs were followed and issued after verification by NADRA, the crime rate would decline by 50 per cent. The bench also expressed its concern over grey trafficking causing loss to the economy of the country. The PTA chief told the judges that issue of grey trafficking had increased due to duty being charged on international calls.

The SC summoned a FC officer to explain why the Police are complaining about a lack of cooperation on the issue of missing persons. While hearing a case seeking recovery of two missing doctors Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said, "The families of missing persons are compelled to travel from Quetta (Balochistan) to Karachi (Sindh) by foot to seek their rights," adding, "But the Government has not even bothered to provide them with shelter or meals".

The SC summoned a FC officer to explain why the Police are complaining about a lack of cooperation on the issue of missing persons. While hearing a case seeking recovery of two missing doctors Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said, "The families of missing persons are compelled to travel from Quetta (Balochistan) to Karachi (Sindh) by foot to seek their rights," adding, "But the Government has not even bothered to provide them with shelter or meals".

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman asked the Government to explain its strategy on talks with the TTP, which would thereby allow a jirga to initiate the peace process. Talking to reporters following a JUI-F backed tribal jirga at the JUI-F's provincial secretariat Rehman said that the jirga regrets that the Government has still not outlined its policy regarding the peace process. He added that the jirga also recorded its protest over drone strikes and that drone attacks were sabotaging the peace process.

November 29

At least three suspected militants were reported killed and several others injured when two missiles were fired by a US drone on a compound in Angar Kalli area near Miranshah tehsil in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. The sources said that drones had been hovering over the area for hours. According to sources, two militants killed in the attack were from Punjab and were fighting in Afghanistan.

At least three suspected militants were reported killed and several others injured when two missiles were fired by a US drone on a compound in Angar Kalli area near Miranshah tehsil in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. The sources said that drones had been hovering over the area for hours. According to sources, two militants killed in the attack were from Punjab and were fighting in Afghanistan.

Sindh Rangers arrested 18 criminals, including Lyari gang war accused, in different raids carried out in the city and also recovered weapons from their possession.

The FIA's cyber crime circle arrested two employees of a cellular company for their involvement in selling illegal SIMs. FIA sources said both of the accused were arrested during a raid on a franchise, adding that 1100 unregistered SIMs and a SIM activator were recovered from them.

The Supreme Court ordered that a task force comprising the PTA Chairman, representatives of cellular companies and officials from Police and Intelligence Agencies be set up to control the use of unauthorised SIM cards.

The Supreme Court ordered that a task force comprising the PTA Chairman, representatives of cellular companies and officials from Police and Intelligence Agencies be set up to control the use of unauthorised SIM cards.

Three activists of PTI were arrested for their alleged involvement in manhandling truck drivers carrying NATO supplies to Afghanistan near Hayatabad Toll Plaza in Peshawar (KP). A private TV channel reported that PTI's District General Secretary Younas Zaheer confirmed the arrest and said the workers were arrested after the party's seventh sit-in in a row blocking NATO supplies in protest against the US drone attacks.

The PTI MNA Sajid Nawaz said that the nation will stand by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif if he reaches a written agreement with the US stipulating the latter will not disrupt peace talks in the future. Nawaz said the sit-ins are meant to portray a strong message to global powers: do not disrupt the possible peace deal with Taliban.

Difa-e-Pakistan Council demanded the Pakistan Government put an end to drone attacks in the country and halt the NATO supply once and for all, at a protest called by them in Peshawar. The US wants to take revenge for its defeat in Afghanistan by attacking Pakistani land, said Ghazi Inamullah from the JuD at the rally. Inamullah demanded the expulsion of the US ambassador from the country along with the return of his counterpart.

All Pakistan Oil Tankers Owners Association's Vice-President Shams Shahwani threatened Imran Khan that if the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government did not resume NATO supplies to Afghanistan within 72 hours, the Association would have no other option but to pursue legal action against him. Shahwani said the ban on supplies was causing immense financial losses to oil tanker owners.

Provincial Election Commissioner Syed Sultan Bayazeed said that nine Districts of Kalat and Makran divisions have been declared 'very sensitive' for local government elections scheduled to be held on December 7, 2013. Ballot papers to these districts would be dispatched by helicopters, he said, adding that so far ballots had been dispatched to four Districts, including Qila Saifullah, Barkhan, Chagai and Nushki.

19 personnel of a law-enforcement agency who had allegedly taken away 35 detainees were directed by the Supreme Court to appear before the Balochistan Police authorities investigating their disappearance. A four-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry hearing the cases of the missing persons at the Karachi registry of the court expressed annoyance over the absence of the Inspector General of Frontier Corps Balochistan who had been ordered to appear before the court.

November 30

At least three security officials were killed and two injured in a terrorist attack on a security check post in Mohmand Agency of FATA. According to sources, unidentified armed attackers opened fire on the check post in Baizai area of Mohmand Agency near Afghan border.

Unidentified people opened fire on a polio vaccination team in Bahadur Kallay area of Peshawar city, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing a Policeman and injuring another.

Unidentified people opened fire on a polio vaccination team in Bahadur Kallay area of Peshawar city, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing a Policeman and injuring another.

A bomb exploded near the Landhi Police Station in Landhi Town. However, co casualties were reported.

December 1

Two brothers belonging to the Shia community, identified as Mudabar Raza (35) and Haider Raza (33), were shot dead in a sectarian attack on the New M.A Jinnah Road in Jamshed Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A Police constable, identified as Tasawwur, was shot dead and another constable, identified as Qurban Ali, was injured in a drive-by shooting in Khamisa Goth in New Karachi Town. Both of them were stationed at Hyderi Police Station and were deployed for intelligence on criminals operating out of the New Karachi Industrial Area.

An unidentified man was shot dead in Gul Mohammed Lane of Lyari Town.

Another unidentified man was shot dead in Gulistan Colony of Lyari Town.

An unidentified dead body was found in a gunny bag in Mauripur area of Kiamari Town. Docks Police said that the victim had been kidnapped, tortured and killed.

Doctor Munaf Tareen was recovered from Uthal area of Lasbela District. Dr Tareen was abducted on September 17, 2013 from Pishin Stop in Pishin District. Sources said that Dr Tareen's recovery is a result of ransom payment as the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of PKR 50million.

Despite the order of the Supreme Court, the 19 FC officials who were summoned did not show up before the CID Deputy Inspector General in Quetta. The court was told by FC Law Officer Major Nadeem that the officials in question were now in the Army. The CJ replied that the court knew that; if they were Army officials, GHQ should be asked to present them before the CID.

Police rescued two abductees, identified as Ishaq and Anees, and arrested two abductors along with a huge cache of arms during a raid in Tari Banda area of Hangu District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They were abducted from Karak District 40 days ago.

Doctor Shakil Afridi, who helped the CIA find slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, demanded better conditions in prison and complained of being falsely implicated in a treason case, said his lawyer Samiullah Afridi. He was initially sentenced to 33 years in jail and given a fine, but a court in Peshawar overturned his sentence in August, 2013 and ordered a retrial. "I am perhaps the first Pakistani who has been denied access to his lawyer. What kind of justice is this?" he asked in a letter.

The Federal Minister for Information Pervaiz Rashid said on December 1 that the protest against NATO supplies by PTI and its allies will create problems for Pakistan on international level. "It is everyone's right to protest, but blocking the supply line through street power would earn a bad name for the nation," Rashid said.

LeT founder and JuD chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed while speaking at a protest rally on The Mall in Lahore District said that the sectarian clashes and terrorism in Balochistan were occurring because of India, the US and Israel. He criticised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and said, "His pro-India polices are not acceptable". "I appeal the Taliban to issue a statement saying they would fight for Pakistan's defence if drone attacks are not stopped," he said.

He accused that India wanted to build a wall in Kashmir. He said it was to this end that it had staged the "Bombay drama" and accused him of terrorism. He said the Government should play its role to stop the construction of the wall. Otherwise, he said, private citizens would go and destroy it.

The DPC leaders said that the Government should play its role in stopping drone strikes in the country and stop the construction of a concrete wall along the LoC in Kashmir. Speaking at the same protest rally JUI leader Maulana Sami-ul-Haq said US presence in the country should end.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervaiz Rashid dropped a hint that the homework to resume dialogue with militants has been completed. "Yes, we're [almost] at the conclusive stage to resume talks with the TTP," said Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid, adding, "The Government has always had a firm belief in reopening peace talks [with the Taliban]".

Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan discussed the resumption of dialogue with the TTP with the outgoing Army chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani. "The US does not want peace in Pakistan," Nisar had said in the aftermath of the November 1, 2013 drone attack that killed TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud. According to a senior Interior Ministry official, Nisar is likely to announce the government's new strategy regarding talks with the TTP by the end of this month.

December 2

A worker of a political party, identified as Muhamamd Amir (40), was killed in Khuramabad area of Landhi Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A worker of ANP, identified as Din Muhammad Wazir, was killed and three others were injured in Janjal Goth near Super Highway in Gadap Town.

At least three people, including a private guard, were injured in firing and hand grenade attack by unidentified militants on the building of Express Media Group in located near Qayyumabad flyover in Korangi Town.

Intelligence authorities arrested a "most wanted" terrorist, identified as Abbas Afridi, during a raid at Jinnah Terminal. He was travelling under a fictitious name, sources added. The sources further said that Afridi is said to be a head of a group of terrorists in Katti Pahari area of Orangi Town and the adjoining areas.

A FC official, identified as Dilawar Khan, was killed when unidentified militants opened fire at a security camp in Speen Wam tehsil of North Waziristan Agency in FATA.

A roadside IED exploded in Dirdoni, Ghulam tehsil of NWA. However, no casualties were reported.

A roadside IED exploded in Dirdoni, Ghulam tehsil of NWA. However, no casualties were reported.

TTP Chief Mullah Fazlullah along with 15 aides arrived in North Waziristan Agency. Sources said there were reports that newly appointed TTP chief has reached in North Waziristan Agency from Afghanistan along with his 15 aides. They further said Mullah Fazlullah will preside over the meeting of Taliban Shura in few days.

TTP Chief Mullah Fazlullah along with 15 aides arrived in North Waziristan Agency. Sources said there were reports that newly appointed TTP chief has reached in North Waziristan Agency from Afghanistan along with his 15 aides. They further said Mullah Fazlullah will preside over the meeting of Taliban Shura in few days.

Cases were registered against PTI and JeI workers for breaking the seal of a NATO container bound for Afghanistan during the sit-in at Hayatabad toll plaza in Peshawar. The driver of the NATO container protested against the PTI and JeI workers breaking the seal and stated that the Afghanistan bound container was carrying cooking oil.

A container, dispatched for officials in Kabul Province of Afghanistan, was sent back by protesters from Hayatabad Toll Plaza. The US Embassy in Islamabad said they received the information and were looking into the matter. The container was stopped before crossing the sit-in camp near a terminal and documents were produced for the PTI, JeI and AJIP activists at the toll plaza.

A container, dispatched for officials in Kabul Province of Afghanistan, was sent back by protesters from Hayatabad Toll Plaza. The US Embassy in Islamabad said they received the information and were looking into the matter. The container was stopped before crossing the sit-in camp near a terminal and documents were produced for the PTI, JeI and AJIP activists at the toll plaza.

The Acting Defence Secretary, Major General (retired) Raja Arif Nazir, informed the country's highest court about the death of two of the 35 detainees the court had ordered to be produced. He said that Sardar Ali had died on December 29, 2012 and Nadir Khan on July 1, 2013 at the Lakki Marwat Internment Centre inside the Malakand Garrison. They died of natural causes and the bodies had been handed over to their families in accordance with the procedure, he said, adding that the whereabouts of the other 33 were being ascertained. But the court said the death of the two detainees was evidence suggesting that the rest were also in the custody of intelligence agencies.

The Supreme Court said it was a "custodial killing" for which the Agencies concerned would be held responsible. The internees, along with one Yasin Shah, were to be produced before a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja and Justice Amir Hani Muslim. It ordered Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who was present in the court, to ensure production of the 33 persons on December 3, 2013 positively without any excuse. Otherwise, it warned, the law would take its own course.

The Supreme Court said it was a "custodial killing" for which the Agencies concerned would be held responsible. The internees, along with one Yasin Shah, were to be produced before a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja and Justice Amir Hani Muslim. It ordered Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who was present in the court, to ensure production of the 33 persons on December 3, 2013 positively without any excuse. Otherwise, it warned, the law would take its own course.

The Supreme Court said it was a "custodial killing" for which the Agencies concerned would be held responsible. The internees, along with one Yasin Shah, were to be produced before a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja and Justice Amir Hani Muslim. It ordered Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who was present in the court, to ensure production of the 33 persons on December 3, 2013 positively without any excuse. Otherwise, it warned, the law would take its own course.

Pakistan has turned down Afghan President Hamid Karzai's request to allow Afghan Taliban to set up an office in the country, according to a media report. "Our role (in the Afghan peace process) will remain that of a facilitator and not a leader...allowing the Taliban to open an office in Pakistan will be contrary to our principled position," Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was quoted as saying by an unnamed aide.

Pakistan's outgoing High Commissioner to India Salman Bashir announced that after a series of violent clashes, peace has been restored at LoC. Bashir, who is expected to be replaced by diplomat Syed Ibne Abbas, expressed hope that Pakistan and India ties will further improve in future and that he could see the "light at the end of the tunnel" in diplomatic relations and predicted the improvement would survive next year's Indian elections.

December 3

Two persons, including a cadre of ASWJ identified as Mufti Ahmed and Dr Usman, were shot dead when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on a clinic in Federal B Area of Gulberg Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Four suspected cadres of TTP were killed and another was injured by unidentified assailants near Sarina Shopping Centre within the precincts of Shahrah-e-Noorjahan Police Station.

A leader of the MWM Maulana Deedar Ali Jalbani and his security guard Sarfaraz Ali were shot dead in a targeted attack near NED University within the jurisdiction of Mobina Town Police Station.

Three members of the Tablighi Jama'at were shot dead and two others were injured in a targeted attacked in North Nazimabad.

A scout of Payam-e-Wilayat, identified as Syed Zakir Hussain, was shot dead near Singer Chowrangi within the jurisdiction of Sharafi Goth Police Station.

A dead body, identified as Amjad Khan, was found in an empty plot in Sector 7-A of Baldia Town.

Law enforcers claimed to have recovered around 33 anti-aircraft shells and arrested an alleged Afghan origin terrorist while 98 suspects were taken into custody during targeted raids in the Karachi.

Two African citizens escaped from the captivity of kidnappers resulting in a Police raid on a house in Gwadar District of Balochistan and subsequent rescue of three more abducted Africans and arrest of three abductors, identified as Abdul Hameed, Naveed and Mohammad Anwar. Police said the five African nationals who hailed from Ghana and Tanzania were identified as Moffat Banda, Nicolas Olland, Amiri Abdu, Saif Shaban and Kelvin and were kidnapped a few months ago. The FC Balochistan came up with a clear statement that it does not have the officials summoned by the Supreme Court to appear before the CID DIG in the investigation of enforced disappearance cases. The deadline given to FC was December 2, 2013 and not a single FC official appeared before the Police. A spokesperson for FC Balochistan stated that seven out of 19 FC personnel who were summoned by court had never been the part of this force.

Unidentified militants abducted a doctor, identified as Dr Amjad Taqween, at gun point from Hayatabad Phase VII in Peshawar and took him to an unidentified location. Dr Taqweem has a clinic in Karachi Market and is politically affiliated with JeI.

The new head of the TTP, Maulana Fazlullah alias Mullah Radio, has returned to the country's tribal areas after several years based in Afghanistan, TTP 'spokesman' Shahidullah Shahid. TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid said Fazlullah was now "commanding the Taliban movement at an unknown location in the tribal areas". "It is not true that Maulana Fazlullah is in Waziristan, he is in the tribal areas but at unknown location," Shahid said. Fazlullah has a USD 500,000 Government bounty on his head.

MQM chief Altaf Hussain linked JeI to Taliban and al Qaeda militants and claimed several activists of the party have been killed in US drone strikes. Altaf Hussain, in his fiery speech, also revealed that a large number of Taliban and al Qaeda operatives have relocated to upscale areas of Karachi.

Calling Hussain's statements as unfounded and provocative, JeI Secretary General Liaqat Baloch said the Jama'at was a peaceful religio-political party.

PTI chief Imran Khan said his party was considering blocking NATO supply routes in other provinces as well. "PTI may block NATO supply routes in Punjab and Balochistan as supply is being carried out via Chaman border," said Imran. He clarified that the protest sit-ins to block the NATO supply routes did not mean waging a war against the US. It was only to give a message to the world that US was violating international law.

The US military has halted ground shipments of cargo leaving Afghanistan via its key Pakistan supply route to ensure the safety of drivers following protests in Pakistan over American drone strikes, Pentagon spokesman Mark Wright said.

December 4

At least five alleged Lyari gangsters, identified as Noor Mohammad Baloch, Khalid Baloch and Wajid Baloch, associated with Uzair Baloch group, and Saddam and Mushtaq Baloch, associated with Baba Ladla group, were killed during two encounters with law enforcers in Rangi Wara, Singu Lane and Ali Hotel areas of Lyari Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

TTP militant, identified as Fazl-ur-Rehman, was shot dead while his two companions managed to escape during an encounter with the Police near Musharraf Mor in Mauripur area of Kiamari Town. Two Policemen, Ejaz and Aqeel were injured.

Four FC officials, identified as Rafiq, Zabitullah, Rasool Khan and Javaid, were injured when an IED planted by unidentified militants along a roadside in Malik Shagha exploded in Ghundai area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber Agency of FATA.

Iranian border guards fired four mortar shells in Killi Saki Shah and Lab Dasht areas of Mashkail town in Washuk District of Balochistan. However, no casualties were reported.

Militants abducted 13 workers of Uch Power Plant from Mangoli area of Naseerabad District. An official, who requested anonymity, said the workers were travelling in their company vehicles from Sukkur District in Sindh to Naseerabad when they were intercepted by the militants.

Two unopposed elected councillors of the NP, identified as Zafarullah and Abdul Rauf, were abducted by a group of armed militants from a grocery shop in Dasht Kudan Bazaar in Kech District.

Dr Mujahid Bangash and Dr Kamran Khan were kidnapped by unidentified men two months ago. Dr Khan was released on November 29, 2013. He claimed the government had failed to help and the family had contacted a political agent to pay RPK11 million for his release.

IHC dismissed a petition challenging the constitution of a special court for treason trial of former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf under Article 6 of the Constitution. Justice Noor-ul-Haq N Qureshi was hearing the petition filed by a local lawyer Riaz Hanif Rahi, who is a member of IHC Bar Association. The petitioner had claimed that selection of judges for the special court - comprising Justice Faisal Arab, Justice Tahira Safdar and Justice Yawar Ali - was the prerogative of Prime Minister. However, he contended, in the case of Musharraf the judges for the court had been picked up by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.

The treason trial of Pervez Musharraf is likely to start next week. Senior lawyer Sharifuddin Pirzada is going to defend Musharraf along with his team comprising Dr Khalid Ranjha, Ilyas Siddiqui, Ahmed Raza Kasuri and Ibrahim Satti. On the prosecution side, the Government has appointed senior lawyer Akram Sheikh.

Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department Marie Harf said said the US favours using Pakistani overland routes for retrograde movement of equipment out of Afghanistan and voiced the hope that the current situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with regard to Torkham route, would not have a long-term impact.

Kashmir is a flashpoint that can trigger a fourth war between Pakistan and India anytime, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said, seeking an early settlement of the issue. He also said he had a dream of seeing Indian Kashmir free and hoped to see it happen during his lifetime. "Kashmir is a flashpoint and can trigger a fourth war between the two nuclear powers at anytime," he was quoted as saying in his brief address to the budget session of the PoK Council.

December 5

At least five militants and a SF were killed in an armed clash during a search operation launched for the recovery of 13 kidnapped employees of Uch Power Plant in Pat Feeder area of Naseerabad District in Balochistan. One SF was injured in the clash.

A motorcycle bomb exploded near a Police checkpost in Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District, killing one civilian and wounding 20 others.

Another blast took place with a gap of 90 minutes that injured DSP Chaman Gul Mohammed Awan, SHO Saleem Shahid and two constables.

A third bomb was defused by the BDS. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Baloch separatist parties announced a wheel-jam and shutter-down strike on the eve of the local government elections in Balochistan, scheduled for December 7, 2013. In a joint statement, the BRP and BNM announced the strike to be observed on December 6 and 7 throughout the province.

The Balochistan Provincial Government has decided to deploy 50,000 Frontier Corps, Police, Levies and Balochistan Constabulary personnel across the province to maintain law and order during the polls.

A Police informer, identified as Abdul Rasool (40), was shot dead in Ahsanabad within the remits of Sohrab Goth Police Station in Gadap Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A man, identified as Abdul Rehman (25), was shot dead and another wounded near mini bus stop within the jurisdiction of Manghopir Police Station.

An unidentified man was shot dead near Kanzul Imaan Masjid within the precincts of Jamshed Quarter Police Station in Jamshed Town.

Two unidentified torture marked dead bodies were found near Niazi Chowk within the remits of Kalri Police Station in Lyari Town. As per details, the victims were kidnapped, tortured them and then shot dead before being dumped.

Another dead body of a man was found from the bushes of Supper Highway within the vicinity of Gadap City Police Station. According to initial medical examination, the body seems to be four to five days old.

A 10-day old unidentified dead body of a man was found within the limits of Docks Police Station in Kiamari Town.

City Police arrested 71 accused including 21 absconders and three terrorists from different parts of Karachi during the past 24 hours, in the on-going drive against criminals.

A Police constable, identified as Constable Mumtaz Alam, was shot dead after unidentified militants attacked the Mamash Khel Police check post in Bannu District. Bannu DSP Sanaullah Khan said unidentified militants attacked the check post with grenades and assault rifles at around 1:00 in the night.

A levies official, identified as Hawaldar Hayat Gul, was killed and two others, identified as Amanullah and Ameer Nawab, were severely injured when unidentified militants opened fire at their vehicle in Sakhakot Bazaar of Malakand District.

Healthcare activists promoting family planning in Pakistan are facing constant fatwas from conservative forces, killing of volunteers and kidnapping of the public health activists, apart from the lacklustre support from the Government.

Senator Raza Rabbani and Senator Zahid Khan have received threatening letters, suggestive of serious consequences for demanding a treason trial against former President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf. PPP leader Aitzaz Ahsan made this revelation and speculated that the letters were written by a Musharraf supporter.

Even as the PTI and its coalition allies sent back three containers suspected to be carrying NATO supplies, at least eight vehicles supplying goods for foreign troops stationed in Afghanistan crossed over between November 27 and December 5.

On the 12th day of the protest against drone strikes and NATO supply lines by the PTI and its allies, activists sent three suspected NATO containers back from Hayatabad Toll Plaza.

Also the PTI chairman Imran Khan vowed to continue with demonstrations against drone strikes as he led his party among other parliamentarians for a protest outside the Parliament in Islamabad. "We will continue our protest against drone strikes and…we will not allow NATO supplies to pass through the (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa) province," Imran Khan told the gathering.

After the US announced to suspend NATO shipments to and from Afghanistan via Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, JeI's Peshawar District Chapter recommended to the party's provincial leadership to announce the winding up of the two weeks long sit-ins in the province. A participant said that there was no need to continue with sit-ins as the US Government had announced to suspend movement of NATO supply trucks out of Afghanistan via Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

PTI provincial spokesman and MPA Mohammad Ishtiaq said that the party's protest would continue until the US ended drone attacks in Pakistan. "Our main concern is drone attacks. Protest will continue until the US stops drone strikes inside Pakistani territory," he said, adding that such attacks caused collateral damage.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said in a press briefing that the Government has continued to arrange the passage of NATO supplies so that NATO forces may smoothly withdraw from Afghanistan."The Government has continued the arrangement for passage of NATO supplies in order to facilitate draw down of NATO forces from Afghanistan, said a Foreign Office spokesperson."

"The Government of Pakistan has consistently called for an end to drone strikes and has taken up this matter at the highest level with the US and has also taken it up at UN. The Government believes that all aspects related to these issues need to be settled peacefully and through talks."

Pakistani prosecutors sought contempt proceedings against the lawyer of the seven accused charged with involvement in the Mumbai 2008 terror attacks for claiming that the evidence in the case was a 'sham'. The new lawyer Raja Rizwan Abbasi of the seven accused, including LeT 'commander' Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, told a news conference in Islamabad that the evidence provided by India was a 'sham'. "The dossiers provided by India are information and not evidence as needed by the court. The evidence provided by India is sham," Raja Rizwan Abbasi said.

Responding to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement that in his lifetime Pakistan cannot win a war against India, Foreign Office spokesperson Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said Pakistan and India needed to address the mistrust that existed between them. Pakistan was committed to a meaningful dialogue as that was the best way to resolve issues and misunderstandings and improve bilateral relations, he said at the weekly media briefing.

Chaudhry said that Nawaz Sharif was misquoted on the Kashmir statement. "Pakistan has always extended moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people, and we would like to see a peaceful resolution of the issue based on UNSC resolutions," he pointed out in response to a question on Sharif's statement that he wants to see "India-held Kashmir" free in his lifetime. "We have always urged the Indian government to engage with us in meaningful and substantive talks to resolve this long-standing dispute," he said.

Pakistan has again lost the battle against polio this year with 72 cases reported in the country so far, surpassing Nigeria which reported 50 cases and Afghanistan where only nine cases surfaced, according to WHO report. Last week Pakistan reported six polio cases while Afghanistan and Nigeria did not report any. Comparing the number of polio cases reported last year in Pakistan which were 57 with this year's 72, it is clear that despite the tall claims made by the Government, the battle is far from over.

December 6

At least three ASWJ cadres, identified as two brothers Talib Ahmed and Kashif Ahmed, and third identified as Shahid, were killed and one injured when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at an eatery near Maskan chowrangi in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Gulshan Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A worker of the MQM, identified as Aslam Ansari, was shot dead in an alleged target killing near his residence in Landhi Town. The initial investigation also suggested that he was a former cadre of the MQM-H and later joined MQM.

A private construction company's employee, identified as Muhammad Qasim (44), was shot dead in Federal B Area near the Gulberg Police Station in Gulberg Town.

The Custom Intelligence took into custody four suspects accused of stealing goods from NATO containers from Port Qasim, adjacent to Bin Qasim Town. Sources said it was unclear whether there were weapons or not, however, it was first incident in which NATO goods were seized while they were being stolen.

The MQM former Parliamentarian and town nazim, identified as Osama Qadri, who was picked up on the night of December 5, 2013, was released by the LEA's. He was picked up from outside Dolmen City Mall in Clifton area of Saddar Town, where he had gone for the inauguration of Johnny Rockets burger joint.

The provincial head of ASWJ, identified as Maulana Shamsur Rehman Muawiya, was shot dead in an incident of target killing on Ravi Road in Lahore District. "As he [Muawiya] reached the Ring Road interchange, the assailants, who arrived on a motorcycle, opened fire at his Toyota Corolla," said his brother.

Unidentified armed assailants shot dead a man on National Highway near Kadha Kocha area of Mastung District in Balochistan while he was on his way to Khuzdar in a passenger van.

Over 50,000 security personnel have been deployed in Balochistan to maintain peace during local government elections in the province scheduled for December 7, 2013. Colonel Tariq of Southern Command headquarters said a security plan had been finalised and the deployment of personnel across the province had been completed. He said the deployment process began on December 1, 2013.

Chief polio paramedic, identified as Olas Khan, was abducted by unidentified armed militants when he was at home, which also operated as a clinic within the limits of Badhaber Police Station in Peshawar. He was the in-charge of polio vaccination teams in Masho Khel and Sheikhan areas of Peshawar and was posted at a basic health unit in Sheikhan village.

Coalition partners of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government decided to end the sit-in against drone attacks and let NATO containers cross the Torkham border to Afghanistan, said a person familiar with the matter told. According to the source, the decision was taken following Pentagon's statement on December 5, 2013 about suspending the shipment of equipment out of Afghanistan via Torkham border due to security concerns over the blockade organised by the PTI.

The Metropolitan Police arrested two people from West London in relation to a money laundering case involving the MQM. The exact details of those arrested are not known as yet, however, they are said to be associated with MQM and one of them was reportedly handling the party's financial matters.

A Pakistani immigrant, Irfan Khan (40), said that he was held for more than 10 months in solitary confinement after being falsely arrested on terrorism charges and has now filed a lawsuit in Federal Court in Miami, saying he was a victim of "overzealousness" in the US war on terrorism. Irfan Khan immigrated to the US from Pakistan in 1994 and is a naturalised US citizen. The lawsuit, filed on December 3, 2103 in US District Court, says Irfan Khan was arrested in California in May 2011 on charges that included providing material support for terrorism and the TTP.

Following Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's visit to Gilgit, the Gilgit-Baltistan Council adopted the controversial Pakistan Protection Bill for speedy trial of the suspects involved in the June 23, 2013 gruesome murder of nine foreigners and one Pakistani at the Nanga Parbat base camp, among other criminal activities in Chilas.

Pakistan's former Army Chief General (retired) Ashfaq Pervez Kayani still faces threats from militants and hence was forced to abandon his retirement house, said a media report published. Security threats have forced Kayani to leave his newly built retirement home. While he was still in service, Kayani planned to spend his retired life in Islamabad's DHA.

The Upper House of the Parliament was informed that over 32% of the education institutions in the tribal areas of Pakistan have been destroyed in militancy. Minister for States and Frontier Regions (Safron), Lieutenant General (retired) Abdul Qadir Baloch informed the National Assembly that over 1,029 educational institutions are non-functional in the FATA. He added that majority of the schools were destroyed in the military operation against militants.

Providing a breakdown, the written reply informed the Parliament that as many as 944 schools were destroyed in military operations, while 31 in sectarian violence, 16 in floods and eight schools were damaged in local disputes.

December 7

A dead body of an eight-year-old boy abducted four days ago was found lying in a sugarcane field in Bahawalpur District of Punjab. The victim had been kidnapped on December 2, 2013 on his way from school. The Police said the boy's father, Ghulam Soomro, who worked in Saudi Arabia, had returned home on the night of December 5, 2013 after being informed about the kidnapping. Soomro said his family had received a call from an unidentified man who had demanded that he be given PKR 5 million as ransom.

December 8

A Shia man, identified as Syed Iftikhar Abbas Rizvi (42), was shot dead near Babulilm Imambargah in Five Star Chowrangi within the remits of Hyderi Police Station in North Nazimabad Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An activist of the ANP, identified as Haji Ali Irshad Khan (45), was shot dead in Orangi Town.

A man of the Kutchhi Rabita Committee (KRC), identified as Zubair Kutchhi (32), was sitting outside his residence near Jhatpat Market in Lyari Town.

Two dead bodies, one identified as that of Ashfaq Ahmed (35) and another unidentified, were found from separate areas of Gulistan Colony and Rangi Wara, within the precincts of Chakiwara Police Station in Lyari Town. According to SHO Sajjad Mangi, both the victims were associated with gangster Baba Ladla.

Several suspects were arrested in raid across the city by Police and Rangers. The law enforcement agencies say that many of these arrested men are terrorist, target killers, extortionists, and kidnappers.

A performance report of the city Police states that for the past three months as many as 9, 944 alleged criminals were arrested with a staggering 15, 653 kilograms of explosive material recovered during raids in Karachi. The arrested suspects include 269 wanted criminals, 3,056 absconders, 40 kidnappers, 61 extortionists and 102 terrorists. Various types and amounts of ammunition were also recovered by the Karachi Police.

Two drivers of NATO containers were injured when armed militants torched two tankers carrying fuel for US and NATO troops in Haji Shehar area of Bolan District in Balochistan. Muhammad Ayub, a levies official said four militants on two motorcycles opened fire at tankers in Bolan District. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

The incident came a day after the Chief Minister Balochistan Doctor Malik Baloch announced program that his Government was committed to provide security to NATO and US supplies passing through the province.

TTP Chief Mullah Fazlullah moved from North Waziristan Agency in FATA to Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to sources Mullah Fazlullah has decided to use Dir District as the headquarters of TTP instead of North Waziristan which has been declared insecure by his aides due to the growing intensity of drone attacks. TTP chief first went to Kunar in Afghanistan and then shifted to an undisclosed location in Dir District of KP. However, the TTP sources have not confirmed the movement of Mullah Fazlullah.

December 15

Coalition parties in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government vowed to continue the sit-in protest against NATO supplies till the drone strikes are permanently stopped. The announcement was made by leaders of all the three parties in the government during a rally at Ring Road in Hayatabad area of Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

December 16

A MQM activist, identified as Mohammad Junaid (35), was killed on Chakiwara Road, near Mohammadi Hotel in Lyari Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A former MQM activist, identified as Azmatullah Niazi (32), was shot dead in the Musafirkhana area of Eidgah in Lyari Town.

An unidentified man was found dead in Hashmi Mohallah area of Iqbal Market in Orangi Town.

Another unidentified dead body of man was found at Afghan Basti in Gadap Town.

A girl, identified as Humaira (3), was injured in an explosion in Mohammadi Colony, within the precincts of Docks Police Station in Liaquatabad Town. Police said that the assailants aimed to target a godown of a fishery trader over unpaid extortion money; however, the grenade hit an empty house, causing injury to the girl.

Sindh Rangers arrested eight criminals, including Lyari gangsters, in different raids conducted in Korangi Number-2, Pak Colony, Liaqatabad, Nazimabad, Lyari, Ranchore Line, Landhi Number-4 and Saadi Town and recovered weapons from their possession.

Four officials of the BDS were killed in a remote-controlled blast near a BDS vehicle in Badhabar area of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunhwa. A Badhabar Police Station official said the BDS officials were on their way to defuse a bomb when the bomb exploded.

A physician, identified Dr Arshad Khan (57), was shot dead by unidentified militants in Gulberg area of Peshawar.

An Additional District and Sessions Judge dismissed the after-arrest bail petition of Dr Masood Ahmed accused of preaching Ahmedi beliefs and distributing books containing derogatory remarks against some prophets. Dr Masood Ahmed said he had been implicated in a false case for ulterior motives.

ATC released 13 IJT members from the Punjab University who had been accused of setting a bus on fire. The students had been booked under Section 7 of the ATA on several charges including attempted murder, interfering in state business, and torturing and detaining two professors.

The Pakistan army, which is alleged to have huge business interests, must acquire a TV channel to counter the growing penetration of Indian TV and news channels in the country, a senior army officer Major General Muhammad Azam Asif suggested. The unusual recommendation has been made in one of the strategy papers written for the prestigious 'Green Book' of the Pakistan army that provides rare insights into its ongoing internal debates.

December 17

Four persons, including a SI, were killed while 13 others were injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a sectarian attack outside an Imambargah in Gracy Line area near airport in Rawalpindi District of Punjab.

A landmine explosion killed at least two tribesmen and wounded two others in Pewaar area of Kurram Agency in FATA.

A Policeman was injured when a roadside remote-controlled IED exploded on Kohat Road in Peshawar. Police alleged that the mobile van was the target.

In a crackdown on illegal SIMs, Police recovered thousands of Afghan SIMs allegedly from the possession of two Afghan refugees, identified as Bilal and Abdullah, in Pishtakhara area of Peshawar. SSP Operation Najeebur Rehman Baghvi claimed that Police had also recovered 17,895 SIMs from their possession. "Afghan SIMs sold by these people are used in crimes including kidnapping-for-ransom and extortion as well as other crimes," Baghvi said.

Militants torched a tanker carrying fuel for US and NATO troops in Wadh tehsil of Khuzdar District in Balochistan. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Law enforcement agency's personnel rescued two abducted persons and arrested one kidnapper, identified as Rehmatullah, from Dhadar area of Kachhi District.

One Fareed Khan (45) frustrated with the Government's inability to help him appealed to TTP warlords in Peshawar to rescue his son Furqan Fareed (11) who was kidnapped on November 5, 2013 from Bannu District. "I knocked on the door of each and every Government official but no one gave me justice to recover my only son," said Fareed Khan, adding, "Now the Taliban are my last hope. I believe they will recover my son. The Taliban are good Muslims and good human beings. They don't demand bribes for the provision of justice."

December 18

At least five soldiers were killed and 34 others, including 28 soldiers and six FC personnel, were wounded when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden car into a military checkpoint in Mir Ali tehsil of Miranshah in North Waziristan Agency of FATA.

Ansar-ul-Mujahideen, a little-known militant group linked to the TTP faction claimed the responsibility for the attack. Abu Baseer, the 'spokesman' for the group, said they carried out the attack as an act of revenge for the killing of former TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud.

Tribesman, Aqeel Khan, carrying water for the levies force was injured in a bomb blast in Charramang area of Bajaur Agency. He routinely provided water to the levies post from a nearby place.

A tribal tribunal on sent back the case of Dr Shakil Afridi, who was convicted of aiding a militant group and helping the American CIA track down al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, to the FCR commissioner. Chairman Shah Wali Khan and members Pir Fida Muhammad and Akbar Khan of the three-member FATA Tribunal declared authorities' decision "ambiguous and self-contradictory" directing the commissioner to review the previous decision".

A woman, identified Nasreen (45), was killed and her daughter-in-law, Azra, was injured when a low-intensity explosion took place near Imambargah on Khalid Bin Waleed Road in Ferozabad area of Jamshed Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

Law enforcers claimed to have arrested 25 suspects during the continuing drive against criminal elements in the city. Rangers said they held about 19 hardened criminals including Lyari gangsters and target killers affiliated with a political party, during targeted raids.

Participants of the long march that began from Quetta for the recovery of missing persons reached Thatta District. The long march is led by Voice of Missing Person's chief Mama Qadeer while the participants included relatives of the missing persons.

A Pakistani court sentenced Jahangir Khan, the ex-husband of Pushtun singer Ghazala Javed to death for killing her in a shootout that was initially blamed on the TTP militants. Additional Sessions Judge Swat (II) Mohammad Tariq Pervaiz Baloch awarded two death sentences to Jahangir Khan for killing his former wife and her father. On June 18, 2012, Javed, along with her father, was shot dead in Peshawar by unidentified armed assailants on a motorcycle.

Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch warned that his Government would be the first to resist if Islamabad encroached into the departments devolved under 18th amendment to the provinces. He alleged that the Federal Government was trying to snatch back the powers devolved to the provinces under the 18th Amendment Bill.

The motorway Police foiled a terror bid in Punjab by recovering a huge amount of sophisticated weapons and arresting two accused, identified as Ameen-ur-Rehman and Asim, near Burhan in Attock District.

A member of Police Service of Pakistan Officers' Association met at capital CPO's office to discuss their reservations on amendments to the Punjab Police proposed cadre by the Home Department. The meeting came in the wake of reports that the Home Department was set to take direct control of Elite Force and the Special Branch.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said said that Pakistan desired peaceful relations with neighbouring countries, particularly India and Afghanistan. "Pakistan's intentions towards its neighbours are positive and expects similar reciprocity from them," he said. He welcomed the upcoming meeting of the DGMOs of Pakistan and India on December 24, 2013.

India's angry response to the arrest and humiliation of an Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade in the US should be a lesson for Pakistan, said diplomatic editor, Mariana Baabar in her article. "Pakistanis are watching with envy as India is reacting to the treatment meted out to its deputy consul-general Devyani Khobragade by Washington," said the article. It shows "very clearly how proud nations fight back in every possible manner." "But will Islamabad and Rawalpindi learn any lesson on how to strike back when any of its citizens is insulted in this manner?" Baabar asked.

Afghan negotiators disputed remarks by Pakistan's Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz that Afghan Taliban are unwilling to talk to the Government-backed peace council. Sartaj Aziz had said that despite Pakistan's efforts to facilitate talks between the Afghan High Peace Council and the Afghan Taliban, the latter are unwilling to enter into negotiation. However, the Afghan High Peace Council claimed, "many Taliban leaders are in contact with the Council." "His (Sartaj Aziz) remarks are contrary to the ground realities," said spokesman for the Peace Council, Maulvi Shehzada Shahid in Kabul.

The Afghan Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, also denied claims by the Afghan High Peace Council's leader and insisted that there is no change in the Taliban policy of not talking to the regime in Kabul. The peace council's spokesman, however, said Pakistan's deep influence on the Afghan Taliban can make the peace process successful as "Taliban leaders live in Pakistan and are in contact with the Pakistani officials."

December 19

Troops mounted helicopter and mortar attacks on militants in North Waziristan Agency of FATA, where officials said that at least 33 militants and three civilians have been killed. A senior military official said 23 militants were killed overnight in fighting with Security Forces in North Waziristan Agency. Later, 10 more militants - most of them Uzbeks - were killed in a fresh search operation in Mir Ali town, the military said.

A court Police Constable, identified as Mohammad Siddique, was shot dead in Banaras Colony within the jurisdiction of Pirabad Police Station in SITE Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

A medical dental technician, identified as Zahirudin, was shot dead at his workshop in the remits of Azizabad Police Station.

The dead body of a doctor, identified as Sabir Saghir Baigh, was found from bushes in New Karachi within the precincts of Bilal Colony Police Station in New Karachi Town. Police said that doctor was abducted four days ago when he was on his way home from his clinic. Later, the family received a ransom call and PKR 0.3 million were paid to the kidnappers, however, they increased the demand and asked for an additional PKR 0.7 million. The family was busy collecting the money when the Police found his dead body.

Law enforcers claimed to have arrested 124 criminals during the continuing targeted operation from different areas of Karachi. Counter terrorism Wing of the CID arrested two LeJ militants, identified as Mohammad Asif alias Abdullah and Shahadat Hussain, during a raid in Khuda Ki Basti in Surjani Town.

CID arrested two more suspects, Shadab Ahmed Khan and Adnan. Police said the arrested were involved in target killing of four people and were also involved in extortion, and also had an affiliation with a political party.

The CID caught two suspects associated with a political party. One of the arrested was identified as Kamran alias Kammo, and had allegedly killed at least six people.

CID claimed to have arrested an alleged Lyari gangster, identified as Omair alias Mali, who was affiliated with Wasiullah Lakho group during a raid conducted in Singholane in Lyari Town. Mali is allegedly involved in extortion and the killing of six persons including FC personnel.

CID claimed to have arrested an alleged Lyari gangster, identified as Omair alias Mali, who was affiliated with Wasiullah Lakho group during a raid conducted in Singholane in Lyari Town. Mali is allegedly involved in extortion and the killing of six persons including FC personnel.

At least three people were injured in a hand grenade attack outside a mosque in Peerano Kali area on Kohat Road in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunhwa.

PTI Chairman Imran Khan has been threatened by militants after criticising attacks on polio vaccination teams, his party said. Imran on December 18, 2013 had declared polio workers as soldiers of Islam and said those attacking them were not doing any justice to humanity, Islam or Pakistanis. "Mr Khan received a threat from Ansarul Mujahideen over his remarks over anti-polio campaign," Shireen Mazari, a senior member of PTI said.

The IMF approved the second tranche of USD 550 million to Pakistan under the 6.6 billion loan program. According to sources, the approval for the issuance of second tranche of loan was granted by the IMF Board of Directors. Pakistan will soon receive the second installment of loan amounting to USD 550 million from the IMF, said the sources at Ministry of Finance.

Pakistan appointed diplomat Abdul Basit as its new High Commissioner to India. Basit (55) was earlier tipped to take over as Foreign Secretary but the Government recently made several changes in proposed appointments.

The UNGA adopted a unanimous resolution against the use of armed drones in foreign territories in what Pakistan claimed to be a 'moral victory' for the country. The 193 member body urged the US to comply with international laws for its use of unmanned aerial vehicles for taking out 'high value targets' in countries. This was the first time that the issue of drones was raised in a UN resolution.

In its official reaction, Pakistan immediately took credit for the unanimous resolution against drone strikes. "Pakistan successfully coordinated with like-minded states to include references to the use of drones in the resolution," said a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry.

December 20

Three passengers were killed after SFs opened fire on a vehicle during curfew hours near Khajori check post in North Waziristan Agency of FATA. Troops resorted to retaliatory firing when miscreants fired three rockets at a security forces' base near Mir Ali town. Artillery and mortar shells rained on residential compounds in Mirali, Mosaki and Epi village. Indeed, the entire chain of events that has left the whole of North Waziristan under a curfew for four days is shrouded in confusion. The residents said that SFs encircled two hotels and that the dead were non-combatants. Hundreds of tribesmen including women and children are stranded for the last four days in Miranshah Bus Stand in FR Bannu and different parts of North Waziristan Agency due to ongoing curfew.

At least two people were killed and 25 others were injured in a suicide attack targeting a Police officer's car that was parked outside his house in Old Sabzi Mandi area of Jamshed Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. According to reports, Inspector Shafiq Tanoli, SHO, Mochko Police Station Baldia Town, had just climbed down from his pickup truck when the bomb struck. He sustained serious injuries in the attack. Inspector Tanoli said that it was a suicide attack. Inspector Tanoli was receiving death threats since the day he had arrested a number of militants including TTP commander in a raid on a Mauripur building in Kiamari Town.

Rangers arrested three alleged target killers, who were affiliated with a political party in Korangi Town. Weapons were also recovered from their possession, while interrogation is underway.

The paramilitary force arrested 14 criminals in targeted raids and snap checking in different areas of the city.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah claimed that crimes in Karachi had reduced by over 30 percent, with special cooperation of the Federal Government. Speaking in response to a statement of Opposition Leader Faisal Sabzwari regarding law and order, he told the Sindh Assembly that LEA had captured 13,500 to 14,000 criminals by December 19, 2013, and maintained that a considerable strength of them were proclaimed offenders.

The seat left empty by the murder of the PAC leader, Zafar Baloch, will not be vacant for long as the 'elders', fearing that the group might meet the same fate as its late leader, have announced that Rauf Baloch will take over the rein. Known as the political face of PAC, Zafar was shot dead in September 2013 in Lyari Town by unidentified assailants. Like Zafar, Rauf has also been a political activist since his youth. While rearranging their internal set up, PAC and its allies are also considering cutting off their old ties with the PPP. "We are not bound to anyone. We have a right to join any other party and we can."

At least three people were injured when a blast occurred near a girls' college in Chaman town of Qilla Abdullah District in Balochistan.

Levies force arrested three suspects and recovered one kalashnikov and two stolen motorbikes from their possession in Duki area of Loralai District.

Unidentified militants abducted four Custom Officials, including Deputy Superintendent Chaudhry Iftikhar, near Motorway in Islamabad. The sources said that the Custom authorities had seized a container of smuggled items including clothes and electronic equipment a few days ago.

The Police claimed to have arrested three alleged terrorists during a raid on a house in Harbans Pura in Lahore District. According to Police, weapons, explosives, and remote controls were also recovered from their possession.

The city Police on December 20 finalised a security plan for the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the urs of Hazrat Ali Hajveri Data Ganj Bakhsh, Christmas and for the expected arrival of the Turkish Prime Minister. The detailed plan includes installation of CCTV cameras, walkthrough gates and deputation of more than 15,000 Police Officers and other Law Enforcers to avoid any untoward incident in the provincial capital.

LHC restrained Pakistan's federal film censor board from issuing certificates for the exhibition of Indian films in the country. "According to law, no movie can be exhibited in Pakistan if it has been produced in India," members of the Pakistan Film Workers Association said.

The Federal Government leveled five charges against former President General Pervez Musharraf, praying to the Special Court to award the military ruler death penalty or life imprisonment in high treason case.

With a special court set to begin his treason trial, Pervez Musharraf's legal team will hold an important meeting on December 21, 2013 to devise the final strategy for the case. One of the legal team's members revealed that an important meeting of the former military ruler's lawyers would be held in Islamabad to devise the final plan about their client's appearance before the special court on December 24, 2013.

Lawyers for Pervez Musharraf said that a treason charge levied against him was politically motivated and that he would face a "show trial", urging the UN to intervene. The legal team also called on the US, Britain and Saudi Arabia to denounce Musharraf's trial to "repay their debt" for his support in the US-led "war on terror" in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

The National Assembly, without the opposition, unanimously adopted a resolution appreciating the UNGA on the passage of a resolution against drone strikes. The resolution stated, "This House appreciates the efforts of the PML-N Government in the adoption of a resolution against the use of drone strikes by the UN General Assembly."

The US Congress passed a USD 552 billion Defense Authorisation Bill for 2014, which also calls for stopping reimbursements to Pakistan if ground supply routes to Afghanistan are interrupted. The bill provides USD 80.7 billon for operations in Afghanistan and USD1.5 billion for reimbursements to Pakistan in 2014, when the US plans to withdraw most of its combat troops from the region. The bill is now at the White House for President Barack Obama to sign it into law. The White House has already indicated that the President will sign the bill.

December 21

Police and Rangers in an alleged encounter killed a key Lyari gangster, identified as Hafiz Dada, in his hideout in Sajjan Goth area of Saeedabad area in Baldia Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. Two of his accomplices managed to escape under the cover of aerial firing. SP Malik Muhammad Ehsan said that Dada was affiliated with Uzair Baloch group, and was an expert in firing rockets.

Two people were killed and three children, identified as Sagheer, (10), Milad Raza (12), and Mohammad Omer (8), were injured as armed gangsters affiliated with Baba Ladla's group continued aerial firing and hurled rockets in Shah Baig Lane and Baghdadi areas of Lyari Town.

At least six people including three women were wounded in a firing and hand grenade attack in Macchar Colony area within the jurisdiction of Docks Police Station in Kiamari Town.

Rangers claimed to have arrested at least 12 suspects, including a TTP militant, during various targeted raids in Landhi Town, New Karachi Town, Old Sabzimandi area in Jamshed Town, Mauripur area in Kiamari Town and Gulistan-e-Jauhar area in Gulshan Town.

Two people were injured when an artillery shell hit a house in Manan Kot area near Mir Ali town of North Waziristan Agency of FATA. Locals said that Security Forces, backed by artillery and helicopter gunships, fired back after terrorists attacked a convoy in Manan Kot.

DPC's national jirga in a unanimously approved resolution demanded from the Government an immediate halt of the military operation in North Waziristan Agency, to allow Pakistan Air Force to shoot down the US drone and get out of the US war on terror. The resolution announced by JUI-S chief Maulana Samiul Haque further stressed on resolving all issues through negotiations, asked the Government to hold talks with the TTP, stop military operation immediately, while those affected during FATA operation should be given compensations.

Polio vaccinators backed out from the next immunisation drive in Khyber Agency after his Galiab Khan's murder. Volunteers and EPI staff have been gripped by fear after Ghilaf was targeted, said Dr Usman Afridi, who is field supervisory medical officer for the EPI.

The Punjab Government on decided to arrest the local leadership of various sects who have been listed as potential trouble makers, and arrested 15 local clerics including those of ASWJ. The decision was taken to avoid sectarian clash as the Government has already announced that there would be no change in Chehlum route to be held on December 24, 2013.

Imran Khan will call for sit-ins to block NATO supply routes in Sindh and Balochistan via the Chaman border next year, said PTI Central Information Secretary Shireen Mazari. "He is scheduled to be in Karachi in the first week of January 2014 and will also be visiting Balochistan." She said the party wanted to wait until the local bodies elections in Balochistan were held. Now that the polls are over, the PTI is set to lead sit-ins against NATO supplies.

December 23

Police found three torture-marked bullet-riddled unidentified dead bodies from Super Highway within the precincts of Gadap City Police Station in Karachi. Police while quoting the initial investigation said that the victims were first kidnapped later dumped after being tortured.

As many as 58 suspects including political workers and target killers were arrested by law enforcers during the ongoing targeted-operation.

Police arrested three Lyari gangsters associated with Wasiullah Lakho group, identified as Farhan alias Indian, Nadeem and Mohammad Irfan, during an exchange of fire in Khajoor Bazaar within the jurisdiction of Kharadaar Police Station in Lyari Town.

The LEAs beefed up security for Hazrat Imam Hussain's Chehlum processions after intelligence authorities warned them of possible law and order problems. Among all the mourning processions planned for Karachi, at least 14 have been declared as highly sensitive, while 150 as sensitive.

The SHC disposed off an application seeking removal of the name of former President General Pervez Musharraf from the ECL. A two-member bench of the SHC, comprising Justice Sajjad Ali Shah and Justice Naimatullah Phulpoto, heard the arguments of the parties in the case and concluded that the matter did not fall under the legal jurisdiction of the SHC because the High Court had only approved interim bail for Musharraf.

December 24

Four IED blasts killed four people including two teenagers and injured 23 others on Chehlum and Orangi Town of Karachi. The first explosion took place near Capri Cinema on MA Jinnah Road, a few moments before the Chehlum procession of Imam Hussain passed by. No casualties were reported from the first incidence. However, three back-to-back explosions shook Azakhana-e-Kauser Imambargah and Qasba Colony area of Orangi Town, claiming four lives, including two teenagers, and wounding around 23 people.

December 25

An unidentified bullet-riddled dead body was found from an empty plot within the jurisdiction of Saeedabad Police Station in Baldia Town of Karachi. Preliminary investigation said that unidentified militants after kidnapping tortured the victim and shot him before throwing his body.

Another unidentified torture-marked dead body of a man was found from the graveyard located in Paposh Nagar in North Nazimabad Town.

Another dead body of a man, identified as that of Irfan (30), was found within the limits of Khuwaja Ajmair Nagri Police Station in North Karachi Town.

The CT and Financial Crimes Unit of CID claimed to have arrested an eight-member gang of bank robbers from SITE industrial area's Estate Avenue, who confessed to have looted PKR 26.1 million from nine banks in the city, all on Fridays. Karachi has so far witnessed some 29 bank robberies till December 25, 2013 and during these heists, the armed robbers managed to take away over PKR 120 million cash, besides snatching dozens of weapons from the bank guards and killing some private security guards as well as police personnel deployed at the bank branches for security.

The Police investigators suspected TTP militants to be behind the series of Chehlum bombings on December 24, 2013 in Orangi Town that killed four people. Investigators are investigating the involvement of Zohaib, an alleged terrorist of the TTP who was killed during an exchange of fire with Rangers in Manghopir on the same day.

December 26

A local leader of Pakistan PML-N, identified as Abdul Hamid, was shot dead near Singer Chowrangi, within the jurisdiction of Awami Colony Police Station in Korangi Town of Karachi.

A man, identified as Imran Salman (25), was shot dead and two others, identified as Sajjad and Salman, were wounded when unidentified armed assailants opened indiscriminate fire near Sahara Fuel pump within the precincts of Chakiwara Police Station in Lyari Town.

An unidentified bullet-riddled dead body bearing torture marks was found from Ghazi Goth within the limits of Manghopir Police Station in Malir Town. Police while quoting the initial investigation said that unidentified assailants had kidnapped the victim, shot and tortured him and later dumped his body.

SSP-Central Amir Farooqui, said that the New Karachi Industrial Police arrested three suspected target killers, allegedly involved in the killings of 12 people, including two Policemen, as well as 150 incidents of street crimes. Police also recovered arms from their possession. Also, Rangers arrested more than 15 suspects including members of a political party during an operation in Liaquatabad Town.

ATC framed charges against PPP MNA elected from Lyari Town, Shahjahan Baloch, and five others for their alleged involvement in the March 16, 2013, Lyari gangster Arshad Pappu murder case. The ATC indicted Shahjahan, Zubair Baloch, Zakir Dada, Abdul Rehman, Inspector Yousuf Baloch and Javed Baloch, after they were produced in the court. After the suspects pleaded not guilty, the court issued notices to the prosecution witnesses for January 11, 2014.

December 27

Six Lyari gangsters, identified as Rizwan Baloch, Shahzad, Sajid alias Mithal, Amir Baloch, Gulzar and Dilawar Pathan, were shot dead and their bodies were discovered in Pak Colony area of Old Golimar near Rexer Bridge in SITE Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. They belonged to Lyari's Uzair Baloch group. According to Police, they were abducted on December 26, 2013 and then shot dead.

A minor girl was killed when unidentified militants lobbed a hand-grenade at a house on Khalid Bin Waleed Road in Ferozabad area of Jamshed Town. Police claimed that the attackers were extortionists and wanted to extort money from the owner of the house.

An alleged suspect in the December 20, 2013 attack on former SHO Shafiq Tanoli succumbed to his wounds in a hospital.

Rangers arrested 25 suspects during operations in different areas, including Sharafi Goth, Ibrahim Hyderi, Korangi, Landhi, Old Sabzi Mandi, Baldia Town and Malir.

December 28

At least two people were killed and another one was injured when unidentified militants opened fire at the vehicle of MWM Shia leader Mirza Yousuf in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of Gulshan Town in Karachi. The killed included one of his personal guards and a Policeman while the injured was an aide of Yousuf.

December 29

Three Shia MWM activists, identified as Safdar Abbas and Abdul Aleem, and Syed Ali Shah, were shot dead, while a female companion, Sakeena, sustained injuries when unidentified armed assailants opened fire targeting their cab while they were returning after filing their nomination papers at the ECO on Dalmia Road in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of Gulshan Town in Karachi.

A Policeman, identified as Muhammad Saeed (50), was shot dead while he was on duty near Oxford High School at Gulshan Chowrangi in Gulshan Town.

Four unidentified dead bodies were found at a house in Musharraf Colony area of Mauripur in Kiamari Town.

A dead body of a fisherman, identified as that of Saifullah Bengali alias Munna, was found lying in a hilly area of Gulshan-e-Ibrahim in Gulshan Town.

An unidentified dead body of a man was found at Ijtima Gah in Manghopir area of Gadap Town.

Three people, including a waiter at a hotel, identified as Akram, was shot at and injured when two militants opened fire on him near Qazi Chowk in Ferozabad area of Jamshed Town.

December 30

At least three people, including a woman and two children, were killed and two others were injured when a bomb planted outside a house exploded in Charsadda District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A Police mobile van was targeted by a remote-controlled IED, when the vehicle was on its way to Kangra Adda in Shabqadar bazaar of Charsadda District, Police Official Nasir Khan said. Khan said the bomb exploded just as the Police van was passing by, but fortunately no casualties were reported.

Two Police Officers were killed and another injured in a firing incident outside an Imambargah in Race Course area of Rawalpindi District of Punjab. The officers were deployed for the security of the Imambargah.

Five packets of explosive material were found near former President General Pervez Musharraf's Chak Shahzad farm house in Islamabad. According to the Police, explosives were recovered from the green belt on Park Road. Each packet contained around 400-500 grams of explosive material.

A member of the Kutchhi community, identified as Usman Kutchhi (35), was killed in a targeted attack while he was passing through Dhobi Ghat in Lyari Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An unidentified dead body of a man was found near the Dhobi Ghat area of Lyari Town.

The Government resolved to disarm all armed groups in Balochistan, as part of a 'smart and effective security policy' outlined by Balochistan's Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch and Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan. The policy was devised as a counter-measure to the previous Government's move to allow groups to arm themselves as a form of protection against militants.

Former President General Pervez Musharraf said that he leaves his treason trial issue to incumbent COAS General Raheel Sharif. "I would say the whole army is upset. Certainly, they wouldn't like anything happening to their ex-army chief, he said. He also raised alarm about his security. "I fear for my life from Mullah Fazlullah led TTP, BLA, Lal Masjid and al Qaeda", he said.

Leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Khurshid Shah urged the army to state its position on Pervez Musharraf' claim as silence can be misconstrued as consent. Speaking to media in the Parliament House Shah said that Pervez Musharraf tried to act smart while claiming to have army's support in the treason case. "If army is not with Musharraf, it should rebuff his statement," he demanded.

The Federal Information Minister Pervaiz Rasheed said that General Pervez Musharraf should express his views in the court.

Chairman of PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Pervez Musharraf's defence in the treason case is also treason. In a micro-blogging website, Bilawal tweeted, "Musharraf's defence in the treason case is also treason. Attempts to incite armed forces to come to his aide is desperate & disgusting."

According to the National Intelligence Estimate Report, the Taliban and other militant groups will have the upper hand in Afghanistan by 2017 even if the US maintains a small military presence in the country. The report includes input from all 16 American Intelligence Agencies and is prepared for US policymakers and lawmakers.

In another report also released this year, the US intelligence community predicted that Pakistan-based LeT would continue to be the most multifaceted and problematic of the Pakistani militant groups. "The group has the long-term potential to evolve into a permanent and even Hamas/Hezbollah-like presence in Pakistan," it warned. The reports states that Pakistan is "intently focused" on Afghanistan, anticipating ISAF drawdown.

December 31

At least three people were killed and four others were injured in a bomb blast in Garhi Khan Sher area of Budbher in Peshawar (KP). Police confirmed that the rickhsaw was carrying an explosive device, indicating that the terrorists were transporting the bomb to another place when it accidentally exploded.

ACC DSP at Garden Headquarters, identified as Bahauddin Babar, was shot dead in a targeted attack near Metroville in SITE Town of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh. AEC Senior SSP Mohammad Aslam Khan said, "I suspect that terrorist groups might be involved in his killing, particularly the Taliban's Swat Mustafa Jihadi group. The killers will soon be arrested." Babar's killing has raised the number of casualties of Police officials to 172 in 2013, making it the worst year in the history of the Karachi Police.

A man, identified as Bakht Azeem (36), was shot dead in Gharibabad area of Malir Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh.

An unidentified dead body was found in Gulistan Colony of Lyari Town. The victim appeared to be of Baloch origin.

A vehicle carrying MQM MPA Dr Arshad Vohra was attacked in SITE with a hand-grenade. Shots were also fired targeting the MPA's vehicle. However, no casualties were reported.

At least 132 criminals including TTP militants, Lyari gangsters and target killers were arrested up by law enforcers. In the first raid, District East Police claimed to have arrested a TTP militant, identified as Noorullah alias Ameer Hamza, for his alleged involvement in the attack on the anti-polio team in Sohrab Goth.

Karachi Police detained around 85 criminals, including 28 absconders and six target killers. The officials also recovered weapons and drugs from their possession.

Pakistan Rangers Sindh arrested 46 criminals during targeted raids conducted in Green Town, Golden Town, Bilal Colony, Bin Qasim, Gharibabad, Malir, Banaras, Qauidabad, Usmanabad, Rashid Minhas and Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

The killings of 172 Policemen have broken all records of the Karachi Police history. In 2011, a total of 53 Policemen lost their lives in the line of duty. Compared to this number, in 2012, the killings of Policemen more than doubled with a total of 122 killings. From January to November 2013, as many as 150 Policemen have been shot dead.

An ATC in Gilgit-Baltistan accepted the bail plea of five men accused of attacking buses and killing passengers on the Karakoram Highway in June 2012. The decision was made by Justice Raja Shahbaz Khan, paving the way for the temporary release of the accused languishing in a jail in Chilas, headquarters of Diamer Valley since 2012."The Court has granted bail to Maulana Muzammil Shah, Qari Qayyum, Rizwan, Mohamad Yasir and Mahmoodul Hassan," a lawyer said.

The TTP ruled out the possibility of talks with the Government, sticking to its stance that it could not contemplate the same until security officials stopped targeting its leaders, said a senior leader of the outfit. Ehsanullah Ehsan, the group's former 'spokesman' said that the TTP will issue a formal response later. At the same time, Ehsan heaped scorn at the leaders of JUI factions Maulana Samiul Haq and Maulana Fazlur Rehman and accused them of pursuing their political agenda under the pretext of the talks.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif delegated Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, chief of his own faction of Jama'at Ulema-e-Islam and chairman of the Pakistan Defence Council, the task to create a feasible environment to initiate a dialogue with the TTP. Haq met with the Prime Minister and the two discussed the strategy to revive conditions to initiate peace talks with the Taliban, sources said. Prime Minister Sharif expressed serious interest in reviving the conditions for talks with the Taliban and requested Haq to assist the Government in clearing the way for such dialogue to take place.

Former President General Pervez Musharraf is expected to be indicted on January 1, 2014 in the high treason case for subverting the Constitution while imposing the proclamation of emergency in the country on November 3, 2007. A three-member bench of the Special Court headed by Justice Faisal Arab and comprising Justice Syeda Tahira Safdar and Justice Yawar Ali will conduct hearing into the complaint lodged by the Federation for initiating high treason trial against Musharraf.

Pervez Musharraf filed a plea in the Special Court hearing the treason case against him to exempt him from appearing before it on account of concerns to his security. His lawyers cited threats to his security as the reason to request the exemption.

Musharraf's legal team also requested the court to adjourn the case for a period of five weeks. It alleged that the Federal Government had failed to put adequate security measures in place for the former President.

Source:Compiled from news reports and are provisional.

 

 

 

 

 
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