Twenty were killed during clashes between the Lashkar-e-Islam and a tribe in Khyber agency. The Taliban kidnapped nine security personnel in Khyber. A tribal jirga in South Waziristan secured the release of Taliban commanders. Four Taliban and al Qaeda operatives were arrested.
The Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan said it would stop fighting the government if negotiations are successful. The Taliban also started a two-day conference in Mohmand Agency. The Lashkar-e-Islam sent threatening letters to factory owners demanding they shut down their business.
Target: Bin Laden
The bodies of two Frontier Corps paramilitaries and one soldier missing during the fighting last year in South Waziristan were recovered. Eight more Pakistanis were killed in sectarian fighting in Kurram agency; 35 have been killed during the past eight days.
Tribal clashes in Kurram agency resulted in 14 killed and 30 wounded. Al Qaeda moved five suicide bombers into Lahore, the Interior Ministry said. The government of the Northwest Frontier Province has launched its peace initiative in Swat. The Taliban said the peace plan is at risk after the government seized a Taliban complex in […]
The government is starting negotiations with the Taliban and pulling the Army out of Swat. The Taliban welcome the federal and provincial overtures to negotiate as it plans to disrupt NATO supply lines to Afghanistan.
Pakistan: Committee set up to begin dialogue with militants in north-west
The provincial government of the Northwest Frontier Province has launched a new peace initiative with Mullah Fazlullah’s Taliban forces in Swat. The TNSM, a banned Taliban group, met with a police chief of Malakand agency to negotiate the withdrawal of charges against the group. Seven were killed in rioting in Karachi after an MQM parliamentarian […]
Pakistan’s nuclear command stays unchanged: official
The new information minister for the Northwest Frontier Province suggested negotiating with Baitullah Mehsud. “If Islamabad can hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh, why cannot peace talks be held with Baitullah Mehsood and other Taliban commanders,” said Sardar Babak. The province’s education minister said order would be restored through dialogue. The Khyber […]
Eight suspected suicide bombers were arrested in Bahawalnagar district, including the leader of a madrassa. Five members of the former government have appeared on a Taliban hit list. Three police and five “smugglers” were killed in a clash in Baluchistan. An attack on a convoy in Kurram agency reignited tribal fighting.
Reliability of Pak, Afghan soldiers questioned
Pakistan: New Government Announces Major Reforms In Tribal Areas
Pakistan asked the US not to discuss attacks in the tribal areas. Major General Muhammad Asif has been appointed chief of Military Intelligence. The United Kingdom is preparing to readmit Pakistan to the Commonwealth.
The Prime Minister said terrorism will end through the political process and economic aid. The NWFP Chief Minister said using force is the last option to deal with the Taliban, and he will push for peace committees instead. The Taliban plans to disrupt NATO’s supply line through Khyber. The Taliban killed two and wounded 11 […]
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said Pakistan is “part of the solution” to the problems in Afghanistan. The Ahmedzai Wazir tribes in South Waziristan said the only acceptable replacement for the Frontier Crimes Regulation laws is shariah. Three police were wounded in an IED attack in Swat.
The Taliban insisted the Pakistani government give up support for the US as conditions for peace talks. The Taliban also said attacks in Afghanistan would continue despite any deal made with the government. The Awami National Party has made formal contacts with the Taliban and will begin negotiations. Taliban commander Mullah Nazir Wazir™s office in […]
The Taliban has praised the new government’s plan to repeal the Frontier Crimes Regulation and conduct negotiations. Police arrested a “top militant” in Swat. Two warring tribes in Kohat declared a cease-fire after 35 people were killed in clashes. The first joint intelligence center manned by US, Afghan, and Pakistani agents has been opened.
The leader of the Awami National Party said the new government will withdraw the Army from Swat. Fifty police were fired for “lack of courage.” Two Taliban were arrested for arms smuggling. The Taliban warned tribesmen not to meet Americans envoys.
US Steps Up Unilateral Strikes in Pakistan
Bhutto attack suspect rearrested in Pakistan: officials
President Bush waived democracy-related restrictions on $300 million of US assistance to Pakistan. Seven civilians were killed in an attack on an ambulance in Kurram agency. The Taliban bombed a bridge in Swat. Four suspects in the March 11 suicide attack in Lahore have been detained.
Bhutto bomb suspect freed
Pakistan Bristles at US Envoys’ Arrival
US Envoys Visit Northwest Pakistan
Pakistan PM urges comprehensive security strategy
Yousuf Raza Gillani was sworn in as Pakistan’s new Prime Minister by President Pervez Musharraf. Gillani was elected prime minister by a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly or lower house of parliament. Insurgents blew up 36 oil tankers destined for Coalition forces in the Khyber Pass area, 100 injured.
Pakistani prime minister frees judges
New Pakistan PM Takes Reins Amid Challenges
Musharraf vows to back coalition