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Pakistan Security Update - 27 July, 2010

• Admiral Mike Mullen says WikiLeaks information will not effect relationship with Pakistan
• Mullah Fazlullah traced to Kunar, Afghanistan; kidnapped ISI officer threatens to expose Pakistan’s weaknesses
• 43 suspects arrested in Karachi
• Three security forces personnel killed
• 20 militants killed in Khyber Agency
• Anti-Terrorism Bill 2010 proposed in Pakistani Senate

WikiLeaks Fallout

• Admiral Mike Mullen on Tuesday said that the information in the WikiLeaks documents on the war in Afghanistan did not call U.S. strategy into question or Washington’s relationship with Pakistan. “Certainly the information that I've seen so far in the documents, there's nothing in there that wasn't reviewed or considered in the strategic review” of the war last year,  Mullen told reporters. Mullen added that Washington has voiced its concerns about Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) links with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), blamed for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and the Haqqani Network, which targets U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan.  [1]

• In Islamabad, a senior ISI official reportedly said that if the CIA does not “denounce the suggestions" of ISI complicity with the Taliban, the ISI might need to "reexamine its cooperation."  Gen. Hamid Gul, a former ISI chief now in the spotlight because he is frequently mentioned in the leaked documents as a link with the Taliban, denounced the reports as “completely baseless.” [2] 

Mullah Fazlullah in Afghanistan

• Pakistan’s intelligence agencies have traced the location of Swat Taliban chief Mullah Fazlullah to Kunar province, an area inside Afghanistan that borders Pakistan’s Chitral District and Bajaur Agency. “We know exactly where he (Fazlullah) is in Afghanistan…we have told Americans and Afghans to get him. But they hardly seem to be interested in moving against him,” a Peshawar-based security official said. Intelligence officials believe that Fazlullah crossed into Kunar province immediately after a military operation was launched in Swat in May of 2009.[3]

 

Khyber-Pakhtunkwa

• In a video obtained by the Associated Press on Tuesday, a former Pakistani intelligence officer kidnapped four months ago threatened to expose the government’s “weaknesses” unless it agrees to a prisoner swap to secure his release. Sultan Amir Tarar, also known as Col. Iman, was kidnapped while travelling with another former intelligence official, Khalid Khawaja, and a filmmaker in North Waziristan. The group holding Col. Imam, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi al-Alami, has demanded the release of nearly 160 militants, including suspected suicide bombers and conspirators facing trial for the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.  Khawaja’s body was found with a note attached accusing him of being a CIA and Inter-Services Intelligence spy.[4]

• Awami National Party (ANP) chief Asfandyar Wali Khan said on Tuesday that Pakistan will continue to fight terrorism. “We will not compromise on our anti-terror policy,” Wali told reporters a day after a suicide attack killed at least eight people outside the residence of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Information Minister in Pabbi. [5]
  

Karachi

• Sindh rangers and police arrested 43 suspects in a crackdown across the city on Tuesday. The search operations were conducted mostly in neighborhoods where target killings have occurred. According to sources, police also recovered drugs and weapons. Meanwhile, the Office of Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah announced the formation of a special judicial tribunal to investigate incidents of targeted killings. The tribunal will report its findings within 30 days. Meanwhile, speaking outside the Senate in Islamabad, Interior Minister Rehman Malid said that the violence is Karachi is not only due to targeted killings, but also to ongoing conflicts between land mafia groups. Malik also said that rangers have been deployed to quell the violence.[6]
  

Balochistan

• Three security personnel were killed by gunmen in two separate attacks in Awaran and Khuzdar districts on Monday. According to sources, two Balochistan Levies were killed by unidentified gunmen riding motorcycles near Pirnawa. In a separate incident, a Frontier Corps soldier was killed by gunmen in Khuzdar district, 300 kilometers from the provincial capital.[7]
  

Khyber Agency

• Security forces killed at least 20 militants during an operation on Sunday in Khyber Agency. Back by helicopter gunships, security forces attacked positions in Kharmatang area of Tehsil Bara, a known militant stronghold.[8]
  

Anti-Terrorism Bill 2010 Proposed

• Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Tuesday proposed the Anti-Terrorism Amendment Bill 2010 in the Senate.  Addressing the Senate, Malik said that terrorism is the biggest threat facing the country and that the bill is critical in counteracting that threat. Under the proposed amendments, a suspected terrorist can be held for up to 90 days without being formally charged. Also, operating an illegal FM station advocating resistance to security forces will be considered an act of terrorism. Malik added that 176 terrorists had been arrested in Balochistan, many of whom were of Uzbek and Afghan origin.[9]
  

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Source: 
[1] “No change to war strategy, Pakistan ties after leak: US,” Dawn, July 27, 2010. Available on http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/03-no-change-to-war-strategy-pakistan-ties-after-leak-us-ss-05?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+dawn%2Fnews%2Fworld+%28DAWN.COM+-+World+News%29

[2]Joshua Partlow and Karin Brulliard, “Pakistan decries WikiLeaks release of U.S. military documents on Afghan war,” Washington Post, July 27, 2010. Available on http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/26/AR2010072602393_pf.html

Zahid Hussain, “Reports Depict Pakistani Ex-Spy as Taliban Link,” WSJ, July 27, 2010. Available on http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704700404575391152099593496.html

[3] “Pakistani spies trace Fazlullah to Kunar province,” Express Tribune, July 27, 2010. Available on http://tribune.com.pk/story/31093/pakistani-spies-trace-fazlullah-to-kunar-province/

[4] “Former spy held by militants demands help,” Dawn, July 27, 2010. Available on
 http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/03-former-spy-held-by-militants-demands-help-ss-03

[5] “We will not pull out from war against terror: Asfandyar,” Dawn, July 27, 2010. Available on http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/04-asfandyar-on-war-on-terror-qs-03

[6] Rangers arrest 43 suspects in Karachi operation,” Express Tribune, July 27, 2010. Available on http://tribune.com.pk/story/31596/rangers-arrested-43-suspects-in-karachi-operation/

“Target killings not the only violence: Malik,” Dawn, July 27, 2010. Available on http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/03-target-killings-not-the-only-violence-malik-ss-02

[7] “Three security personnel killed,” Express Tribune, July 27, 2010. Available on http://tribune.com.pk/story/31485/three-security-personnel-killed/

“Three security personnel killed in Balochistan,” Daily Times, July 27, 2010. Available on http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\07\27\story_27-7-2010_pg7_6

[8] “20 militants die in Bara assault,” Express Tribune, July 26, 2010. Available on http://tribune.com.pk/story/31121/20-militants-die-in-bara-assault/

[9]“Anti-terrorism bill tabled in Senate,”  Dawn, July 27, 2010. Available on  http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/04-anti-terror-bill-senate-qs-04?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+dawn%2Fnews%2Fpakistan+%28DAWN.COM+-+Pakistan+News%29

“Anti-Terrorism Bill tabled in Senate,” Express Tribune, July 27, 2010. Available on http://tribune.com.pk/story/31554/anti-terrorism-bill-tabled-in-senate/

“Bill moved in Senate to amend Anti-Terror Act,” The News, July 27, 2010. Available on http://www.thenews.com.pk/updates.asp?id=109248

Pakistan Security Update - 21 / 07 / 2010

Pakistan Security Update - July 21, 2010

• President Obama vows to increase cooperation with Pakistan
• U.S. Special Operations Forces accompanying Pakistani forces on aid missions
• 25 militants killed in Orakzai Agency
• 14 people killed in Karachi violence
• NATO to strengthen political ties with Pakistan
• New York Times examines India-Pak water dispute
• Pakistan’s Prime Minister addresses criticism of Afghan Transit Trade Agreement
• Top Pakistani counter-terrorism official resigns.

U.S.-Pak Relations

 

• In a White House press conference with British Prime Minister David Cameron on Tuesday, President Barack Obama pledged to increase cooperation with Pakistan in the fight against militancy in the region, which he stressed would not be allowed to become a terrorist safe-haven. President Obama also applauded the signing of the Af-Pak Transit Trade Agreement, calling it a “historic agreement to increase economic opportunity for people on both sides of the border.”[1]

• According to a Wall Street Journal report, U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) have begun accompanying Pakistani forces on aid missions throughout the country.  Although U.S. forces are permitted to defend themselves, the missions are meant to be humanitarian in nature. U.S. forces have also been instructed to keep a low-profile. "This whole exercise could be counterproductive if people see U.S. boots on the ground,” a Pakistani official said. U.S. military officials say that these joint missions are meant to be trust-bulding exercises with the end goal of encouraging Pakistan's government to increase U.S. SOF's role in the country. [2]
  

FATA

• At least 25 militants were killed on Wednesday in clashes with security forces in Orakzai Agency.
  
  
  
  According to sources, security forces are stepping up operations in Upper Orakzai’s Dabori and Alikhel regions. One soldier was killed and four others were wounded in Wednesday’s clashes.[3]
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Militants destroyed a private school in Pirwalkhel in Darra Adeam Khel on Tuesday.
  
  
  According to local sources, militants placed explosives throughout the building and destroyed it using a remote-controlled detonator. Security forces cordoned off the area and made several arrests in connection with the attack.[4]

Karachi

• At least 14 people were killed in violence across Karachi on Wednesday.
  
  
  
   According to police sources, 10 people belonging to various political parties were killed by gunmen in areas including Gulistan-e-Johar, Malir, Surjani Town, and Shah Faisal Colony. In separate incidents, two youths were killed in Landhi Awami Colony and Rafa-e-Aam. Police believe the killings were linked to fighting between two political parties, Punjabi-Pashtun Ittehad (PPI) and the Awami National Party (ANP).[5]
  

NATO-Pak Relations

• At a joint press conference, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Secretary-General of NATO Anders Rasmussen agreed to expand political cooperation in order to bring greater stability to country.
  
  
  
  The Secretary-General of NATO applauded Pakistan’s efforts in the tribal regions and recent signing of the Afghan Transit Trade Agreement: “It will promote peace and stability in the region and lead to economic development for mutual benefit of all countries of the region.” Gen. Rasmussen added that NATO “will not leave behind a vacuum [in Afghanistan] and create and unstable situation in your neighborhood.” [6]
  

India-Pak Relations

• A New York Times report on Wednesday examines the ongoing dispute over India’s plans to build a hydroelectric dam that could potentially threaten the water supply to Pakistan’s agriculture industry
  
  
  
  - One quarter of its economy and employer of half of its population. Water has become a growing source of tension in the region and threatens to derail delicate negotiations between India and Pakistan. Jamaat-u-Dawa, the charity wing Lashkar-e-Taiba, the militant group behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks, has said that it is closely monitoring the water dispute.[7]
  
  
• Indian Minister for External Affairs S.M. Krishna on Wednesday invited his Pakistani counterpart, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, to visit India in the near future.
  
  
  
  Talking to reporters, Krishna said that “(Qureshi’s) forthcoming visit will restore talks from where they broke down in Islamabad a couple of days ago.” Krishna also stressed the need for sustainable diplomatic relations and negotiations between the two countries. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Qureshi mocked the Indian Army’s “theory of hegemony,” warning that Pakistan will respond to any imbalance, nuclear or otherwise, in the region. Addressing a seminar on the topic of India’s Cold-Start Doctrine, Qureshi said that the potential economic consequences of a regional imbalance are unacceptable.[8]
  

Af-Pak Relations

• Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Yousaf Raza Gilani, on Tuesday told reporters that the controversial Afghan Transit Trade Agreement (ATTA) is at the moment little more than a “broad-based understanding” awaiting final cabinet approval. In a separate press conference, Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira defended the agreement by reminding critics that “the Letter of Understanding has been signed for one way transit trade facility for Afghan goods up to Wagah border, and not for reverse trade from India.” [9]

Islamabad

• The Director General of Pakistan’s National Counterterrorism Authority (NACTA), Tariq Pervez, resigned on Tuesday, citing personal reasons.
  
  
  
  The resignation was announced several hours after five militants attacked a military shooting range in Mardan District and amid a bureaucratic struggle over the jurisdiction of NACTA. The government appointed Pervez, a former officer of the Police Service of Pakistan and head of the Federal Investigation Agency, to lead NACTA shortly after its creation in 2009. According to sources, Pervez resigned due to frustration with NACTA’s lack of authority.[10]
  
  
  
  

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Sources:

[1] “Obama vows to deepen ties with Pakistan,” Daily Times, July 21, 2010. Available on http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\07\21\story_21-7-2010_pg7_1

[2] Julian Barnes, “U.S. Forces Step Up Pakistan Presence,” July 21, 2010. Available on http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704723604575379132838698738.html

[3] “At least 25 militants killed in Orakzai clash,” Dawn, July 21, 2010. Available on http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/44-at-least-25-militants-killed-in-orakzai-clash-fa-03

[4] “Militants blow up school in Darra,” The News, July 21, 2010. Available on http://thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=252021

[5] “Rioting in Malir after political killing,” Express Tribune, July 21, 2010. Available on http://tribune.com.pk/story/29211/rioting-in-malir-after-political-killing/

“Firing across Karachi, 12 dead,” Express Tribune, July 21, 2010. Available on http://tribune.com.pk/story/29296/death-toll-of-karachi-shootings-rises-to-11/“Targeted killings claim 14 lives in Karachi,” Dawn, July 21, 2010. Available on http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/metropolitan/04-karachi-11-killed-qs-02

“4 political activists among 9 murdered,” Daily Times, July 21, 2010. Available on http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\07\21\story_21-7-2010_pg12_1

“Targeted killings claim 10 lives in Karachi,” Geo, July 21, 2010. Available on http://www.geo.tv/7-21-2010/68703.htm

[6] “Pakistan, Nato to strengthen political framework,” Dawn, July 21, 2010. Available on http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/04-rasmussen-in-pakistan-qs-01

[7] “Water Dispute Increases India-Pakistan Tension,” NYT, July 21, 2010. Available on http://feeds.nytimes.com/click.phdo?i=664be9185818fb6b37d259c155741705

[8]  “Qureshi invited to India: Krishna,” Geo, July 21, 2010. Available on http://www.geo.tv/7-21-2010/68699.htm

“Qureshi sees regional growth at stake on nuke imbalance,” Geo, July 21, 2010. Available on http://www.geo.tv/7-21-2010/68725.htm

[9] Asin Awan, “It’s an understanding, not a deal: PM Gilani,” July 21, 2010. Available on http://tribune.com.pk/story/29259/it%E2%80%99s-an-understanding-not-a-deal-pm-gilani/

[10]  Skakeel Anjum,  “Counter-Terrorism Authority chief resigns,” The News, July 21m 2010. Available on http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=30203

“Key Pakistani counterterrorism official resigns,” AFP, July 21, 2010. Available on http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100720/ap_on_re_as/as_pakistan

Pakistan Security Brief - 16 / 07 / 2010

Pakistan Security Update

• President Zardari considers term extension for Chief of Army Staff General Kayani;
• Ten killed in market blast, shrine blown up in Khyber;
• Airstrikes kill 22 militants in Orakzai;
• Tensions high in talks between Pakistan and India;
• Gunmen destroy four NATO tankers in Quetta;
• Five policemen wounded in roadside bomb explosion in Charsadda;
• Three policemen wounded in IED explosion in Hangu;
• Police arrest 8 suspected militants as part of Lahore crackdown;
• MQM activist gunned down in Karachi.

Chief of Army Staff

• President Asif Ali Zardari is prepared to grant Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani a two year extension on his term and will announce his decision within the next 72 hours, according to a report in The News. The article indicates that Kayani would consider accepting an extension in tenure even though he is allegedly not “keen” on the idea of continuing to serving in his post beyond the normal term.[1]





FATA

• At least ten people have been killed and 14 others wounded when a bomb blast ripped through a busy car market in the Bara sub-district of Khyber Agency’s Tirah Valley. Khyber’s top administrative official said that the explosion was caused by a timed device which had been planted in the crowded market in Kuki Khel village. Three shops and four cars were also destroyed in the explosion. Separately, a group of unidentified militants blew up a shrine in Landi Kotal, also causing damage to an adjacent mosque. No casualties were reported.[2]

• On Thursday, fresh airstrikes in the upper parts of Orakzai Agency killed 22 militants and wounded 13 others. (For detailed bi-weekly updates on the security situation in Orakzai CLICK HERE)[3]

Pakistan-India relations

• Tensions were high during talks between Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and India’s External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna which resulted in little more than an agreement between the two countries to hold talks again at some point in the future. Qureshi harshly criticized India for being “selective” with the issues being discussed and blamed Krishna for stalling the talks. Krishna called on Pakistan to engage in “all-out efforts… to fulfill its assurance not allow the use of Pakistani territory for terrorism against India” and demanded that Pakistan punish those responsible for the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai.[4]

Balochistan

• Four NATO fuel tankers were destroyed when unknown gunmen opened fire on the vehicles in the Mach area of Quetta on Thursday evening. Six tankers were stopped outside a hotel on the National Highway when the gunmen attacked. The gunfire set the vehicles ablaze and completely destroyed four of the tankers.[5]


Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

• A roadside bomb explosion wounded five police officers traveling in the Saro Kalley area of Charsadda district on Thursday. The subsequent search operation resulted in the arrest of five suspected militants. Police and Frontier Corps personnel also launched a separate search operation in the Tangi, Meera Sha, and Spena Khawra areas, arresting 22 suspected militants and demolishing four of their houses.[6]

• Three policemen were wounded when their van was struck by an improvised explosive device blast in the Bagtu Chowk area of Hangu district.[7]

Punjab

• In the last two days, police in Lahore claim to have arrested eight activists belonging to banned militant organizations as part of a government-ordered crackdown in the city. One police officer indicated that they were conducting strict surveillance on groups such as Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Sipa-e-Sihaba, Hizbul Tehrir, and Sunni Tehrik as well as several extremist Shia groups. A search operation was also launched by police in the Iqbal Town area of the city during which 14 suspects were detained.[8]



Karachi

• On Thursday, an activist of the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) was shot to death in the Korangi area of Karachi. Two of the victim’s friends also sustained injuries in the shooting.[9]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sources:

[1] “President agrees to two-year extension to COAS,” The News, July 16, 2010. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=30094

[2] “Ten killed in Khyber market explosion,” Dawn, July 16, 2010. Available at http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/04-blast-khyber-qs-07. “Pakistan market bomb kills 10,” AFP, July 16, 2010. Available at http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100716/wl_afp/pakistanunrestnorthwest. Ashrafuddin Pirzada, “Shrine blown up in Landikotal,” The News, July 16, 2010. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=251067.

[3] “22 militants killed in Orakzai,” The News, http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=30105.

[4] Rupam Nair, “Pakistan barbs darken mood after India peace talks,” AFP, July 16, 2010. Available at http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100716/wl_sthasia_afp/pakistanindiadiplomacy. Kamran Haider, “Pakistan blames India for lack of progress in talks,” Reuters, July 16, 2010. Available at http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE66E5OR20100716?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FworldNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+International%29. Ashok Sharma, “India says Pakistan must punish Mumbai attackers,” AP, July 16, 2010. Available at http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100716/ap_on_re_as/as_india_pakistan.

[5] “Four Nato tankers gutted near Mach,” Dawn, July 16, 2010. Available at http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/04-nato-tankers-gutted-qs-06. “Four Nato containers torched in Quetta,” The News, July 16, 2010. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/updates.asp?id=108573. “Four NATO tankers set ablaze,” Express Tribune, July 16, 2010. Available at http://tribune.com.pk/story/28237/4-nato-tankers-set-ablaze/.

[6] “Five policemen hurt in Charsadda blast,” Dawn, July 16, 2010. Available at http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/local/peshawar/policemen-hurt-in-roadside-blast-670/.

[7] “Blast in Hangu injures 3 policemen,” Express Tribune, July 16, 2010. Available at http://tribune.com.pk/story/28251/blast-in-hangu-injures-3-policemen/.

[8] “Lahore police detains eight men of banned outfits,” Dawn, July 16, 2010. Available at http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/local/lahore/eight-men-of-banned-outfits-detained-670.

[9] “MQM activist shot dead in Karachi,” Dawn, July 16, 2010. Available at http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/local/activist-killed-670.

Pakistan Security Brief - 13 / 7 / 2010

• Missing Iranian scientist at Pakistani embassy in Washington, D.C.;
• Militants destroy another school in Bajaur Agency;
• 170 suspects arrested in Peshawar crackdown;
• Militant commander killed in Lower Dir;
• Security official killed in Orakzai Agency;
• Explosion reported in Mohmand Agency;
• Police arrest 39 suspect terrorists and 170 activists,
• Crackdown on SSP in Punjab;
• Punjab government establishes anti-terrorism board;
• Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers to meet in Islamabad on Thursday;
• Pakistan will not all Indian trade route to Afghanistan;
• Five killed in Karachi violence.

Missing Iranian Scientist in Washington, D.C.

• A missing Iranian nuclear scientist has taken refuge at the Pakistani embassy in Washington, D.C. Shahram Amiri, a researcher at Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, disappeared last year during a religious pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. Although Tehran claims that Amiri was kidnapped by the U.S. in a bid to undermine Iran’s nuclear program, it remains unclear whether he willingly defected or was indeed kidnapped. As there are no diplomatic relations between Iran and the U.S., the Pakistani embassy in Washington hosts an Iranian interests branch, which provides visas for travel to Iran and other consular services for Iranians in the U.S. According to a Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson, Amiri arrived at the Pakistani embassy around 6:30 pm on Monday.[1] also [1A]

Punjab

• Police arrested at least 39 suspected terrorists – 20 from Multan and 19 from Lahore – and 170 activists on Tuesday as part of an expanded crackdown on banned militant groups in southern Punjab. According to reports from Rahimyar Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Layyah district, police conducted nighttime raids targeting Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) in Lahore, Multan, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Jhang, Bhakkar, Gujrat, Vehari, Rawalpindi and other cities. Police also closed 22 offices associated with SSP, which were operating under the alias Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat. In Bahawalpur district, six activists of the Sipah-e-Sahaba, Millat-e-Islami and Jaish-e-Muhammad have also been arrested.[2]

• The Punjab government announced on Tuesday that it has established a new anti-terrorism board in order to combat terrorists operating throughout the province. The Chief Minister of Punjab, Shahbaz Sharif, was chosen to head the board that will include the provincial law minister, Inspector General, chief prosecutor, and home secretary. A committee was also established to coordinate intelligence gathering and sharing between various departments and the chief secretary, improve police performance, and manage a provincial awareness campaign.

FATA and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

• Militants destroyed another government-run school in Khar Tehsil of Bajaur Agency on Monday. According to tribal sources, a group of militants detonated explosives placed throughout the Government Girls Primary School in Sheikh Baba Killay with a remote-controlled device. This is the 93rd school destroyed by militants so far in Bajaur. The building was empty at the time. Following the destruction of the school, security forces arrested several suspects from the area. [3]

• At least 170 people were arrested on Tuesday during coordinated search operations in various parts of Peshawar, including Gul Bahar, Phandoo and Chamkanai. According to sources, police also seized 10 rifles, 10 AK-47s, 14 pistols, and 830 rounds of ammunitions during the operations. These arrests follow reports on Sunday that police arrested 410 suspects throughout the city. [4]

• Security forces killed a key militant commander, Naseer Kakkar, during search operations in Lower Dir on Monday. Kakkar is believed to be responsible for ordering attacks in Lower Dir and masterminding last month’s suicide attack in the area. [5]

•A security official was killed and four others were wounded on Monday in a roadside bomb blast in Orakzai Agency. According to sources, security forces were on a routine patrol when their vehicle struck a landmine in Sangra, Lower Orakzai. [6]

•Dawn News reported that an explosion occurred in Sarokoli in Mohmand Agency on Tuesday. There are no reported casualties at this time. [7]

Pak-Indian Relations

•Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishra will meet with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Thursday in Islamabad in a bid to restore trust and resume peace talks between the two countries. According to India’s foreign ministry, the ministers will try “to work out the modalities of restoring trust and confidence in the relationship, thus paving the way for a substantive dialogue on issues of mutual concern.” Meanwhile, the prime minister of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Raja Farooq Haider, told reporters, “We reject the foreign ministers’ talks on Thursday… The talks can be meaningful only if Kashmiris are made part of it.” Diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan collapsed in 2008 after the 10 gunmen killed 166 people in attacks in India’s financial capital, Mumbai. [8]

•According to a report from The News, Pakistan will not allow an Indian trade route through Pakistan as part of the Pak-Afghan Transit Trade agreement despite pressure from Washington prior to Thursday’s meetings in Islamabad. “There is no flexibility regarding allowing India to use land route through Pakistan for onward journey into Afghanistan. Trade between Pakistan and India is a bilateral issue and outside the scope of the Pak-Afghan Transit Trade Agreement,” an official told The News. [9]

Karachi

•Targeted killings continue in Karachi as at least five people were killed by gunmen in separate incidents on Tuesday. According to sources, gunmen killed a doctor, affiliated with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), standing outside his clinic in Al-Falah. In a separate incident, gunmen opened fire on a vehicle on Rashid Minhas road,, killing two people. A woman was also killed in Shershah and police recovered another body in Lyari. [10]

  

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Sources:

[1] Nasser Karimi, “Missing Iranian scientist surfaces in Washington,” AFP, July 13, 2010. Available on http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hMjU0wACQ2zOXzyTxJ64UzIB57TwD9GU5T600
“Iranian nuclear scientist turns up in D.C.,” LA Timesm July 13, 2010. Available on http://www.latimes.com/news/la-fg-nuclear-scientist-iran-20100714,0,6109882.story
“Shahram Amiri hiding in DC embassy, wants to return to Iran,” Christian Science Monitor, July 13, 2010. Available on http://www.csmonitor.com/World/terrorism-security/2010/0713/Shahram-Amiri-hiding-in-DC-embassy-wants-to-return-to-Iran?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+feeds%2Fworld+%28Christian+Science+Monitor+|+World%29
[2] “39 suspects arrested during crackdown across Punjab,” Daily Times, July 13, 2010. Available on http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\07\13\story_13-7-2010_pg7_7
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Beyond Madrasas: Assessing the Links Between Education and Militancy in Pakistan

Download Copy: Beyond Madrasas: Assessing the Links Between Education and Militancy in Pakistan

Increasing educational attainment is likely to reduce conflict risk, especially in countries like Pakistan that have very low levels of primary and secondary school enrollment. Education quality, relevance and content also have a role to play in mitigating violence. Education reform must therefore be a higher priority for all stakeholders interested in a more peaceful and stable Pakistan. Debate within the country about education reform should not be left only to education policymakers and experts, but ought to figure front and center in national dialogues about how to foster security. The price of ignoring Pakistan’s education challenges is simply too great in a country where half the population is under the age of 17.

There has been much debate concerning the roots of militancy in Pakistan, and multiple factors clearly come into play. One risk factor that has attracted much attention both inside Pakistan and abroad is the dismal state of the national education sector. Despite recent progress, current school attainment and literacy levels remain strikingly low, as does education spending. The Pakistani education sector, like much of the country’s public infrastructure, has been in decline over recent decades. The question of how limited access to quality education may contribute to militancy in Pakistan is more salient now than ever, given the rising national and international security implications of continued violence.

The second half of 2009 witnessed not only the Pakistani government stepping up action against insurgents but also the release of a new Pakistan National Education Policy that aspires to far-reaching and important reforms, including a commitment to increase investment in education—from 2 to 7 percent of gross domestic product. Hundreds of millions of dollars in international education aid have been newly pledged by donor countries. This renewed emphasis on education represents a substantial opportunity to seek to improve security in Pakistan and potentially also globally over the medium to long term. Policymakers both inside and outside Pakistan should give careful consideration to whether and how education investments can promote peace and stability, taking into account what we now know about the state of the education sector and the roots of militancy.

This report takes a fresh look at the connection between schools, including but not limited to Pakistan’s religious seminaries, known as “madrasas,” and the rising militancy across the country. Poor school performance across Pakistan would seem an obvious area of inquiry as a risk factor for conflict. Yet to date, the focus has been almost exclusively on madrasas and their role in the mounting violence. Outside Pakistan, relatively little attention has been given to whether and how the education sector as a whole may be fueling violence, over and above the role of the minority of militant madrasas.

Source: The Brookings Institution

International Education, Pakistan, Education, South Asia, Development

Rebecca Winthrop, Co-Director, Center for Universal Education
Corinne Graff, Fellow, Global Economy and Development, Center for Universal Education
The Brookings Institution
June 2010 —