Pakistan Security Update - 23 July, 2010

• General Kayani’s term extended
• State Department blacklists Haqqani Network
• Mullah Fazlullah video released
• video of Times Square bomber with Hakimullah Mehsud emerges
• 16 militants killed Orakzai Agency
• U.S. warns militant groups could incite war between India and Pakistan
• 4 people killed in Karachi violence
• Pakistan pleased with performance of Chinese frigates.

General Kayani’s Term Extended

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Thursday announced a three year extension in the term of Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ashfaq Kayani, who was due to retire in November of this year.During a televised address on national television, P.M. Gilani said that the country had reached a critical stage and that Kayani’s continued leadership is essential to the country’s fight against militancy.  P.M. Gilani also said that the successful military campaigns in Swat, Malakand, and South Waziristan were only possible under the “dynamic” leadership of Gen. Kayani. Although U.S. Admiral Mike Mullen has often praised Kayani for taking “bold steps” against militant along the Af-Pak border, the Obama Administration says it is frustrated by his “failure to disown the Afghan Taliban.”[1]

U.S.-Pak Relations

The U.S. Treasury on Thursday black-listed the Haqqani Network and froze the assets of three key leaders, including Nasiruddin Haqqani, allegedly involved in managing the group’s finances. Nasiruddin is a key leader of the network and brother of Sirajuddin Haqqani, who was blacklisted by the U.S. in March 2008. Some observers in Washington say that theObama Administration’s decision to target three individuals shows “how it wants the reconciliation in Afghanistan to proves and who it wants excluded from the process.”[2]

• 
  
  The U.S. on Thursday said Pakistan should aggressively investigate the Mumbai attacks and bring those responsible to justice. “There are things, clearly, that Pakistan must do. And certainly, continuing to investigate and bring to justice those who are responsible for the Mumbai attacks is an important element,” a U.S. State Department spokesperson told reporters in Washington.[3]
  
  The U.S. Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan said on Friday that Pakistan is cooperating more in U.S. peace efforts in Afghanistan, but not to the extent sought by Washington. Briefing reporters in Britain after holding meetings with Britain’s Chief of Defense Staff and National Security Advisor, Richard Holbrooke cited several areas of progress, but added, “I don't want to mislead you ... it (cooperation) is not yet where we hope it will be. Holbrooke stressed that the Haqqani Network is a “real problem.”[4]

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

• A newly released 40-minute video obtained by the Associated Foreign Press appears to show Mullah Fazlullah, one of Pakistan’s most wanted militants, firing an AK-47 and addressing a group of suicide bombers. Fazlullah waged a violent two-year campaign to impose Sharia law in Pakistan’s Swat Valley, opposing education for women and beheading political opponents until Islamabad ordered in thousands of soldiers. In the video, Fazlullah blames the government for “promoting vulgarity and obscenity” and for terrorizing the people of Swat. It remains unclear when and where the video was recorded. Meanwhile, the Anti-Terrorism Court in Swat declared 50 suspects, including Fazlullah, as wanted terrorists.[5][6]

• 
  
  The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, claims that a terrorist network has been disrupted and at least 100 suspected militants have been arrested during search operations throughout the province. Addressing a gathering in Regi Model Town on Friday, Hussain said that security forces would complete the operation within five days. Attributing success against terrorism to political developments in Pakistan, Hussain said it was now up to the independent judiciary to prosecute militants.[7] Hussian's son was also killed on Saturday by the extremists in the PKP province.

Times Square Bomber

• 
  
  A newly released video shows the failed Square bomber, Faisal Shazad, meeting the leader of the Pakistan Taliban, Hakimullah Mehsud. U.S. investigators were skeptical of Shahzad’s claims to have met face-to-face with Mehsud. However, Flashpoint Global Partners, a global security and terrorism consultancy, released a previously unpublished video on Thursday of a meeting between Shahzad and Mehsud. In the video, the two are shown shaking hands and hugging. [8]

Orakzai Agency

• Helicopter gunships attacked militant positions in Orakzai Agency on Friday, killing at least 16 suspected militants. The attacks targeted four hideouts in Upper Orakzai’s Ghundakai and Lapti regions. According to sources, militant commander Suleman Mehsood was also killed.On Thursday, at least 39 militants were killed in clashes with security forces in Ghalju.[9]

India-Pak Relations

• U.S. officials warned on Thursday that militants groups might push nuclear-armed rivals Pakistan and India into military conflict if operations similar to the 2008 Mumbai attacks were to succeed. The chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, said that the Mumbai attacks demonstrated the “strategic impact” that small militants groups can have on the geopolitical situation in the region. Briefing reporters in Dehli, Richard Holbrooke said that Lashkar-e-Taiba is just one such militant groups looking to destabilize South Asia. “They seem to be growing closer together ... (and) their long-term objective is the same: to create the maximum number of problems between India and Pakistan ... to create a crisis,” Holbrooke said.[10]

• Addressing a gathering of press clubs in Sindh on Friday, President Asif Ali Zaradari said talks between the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India collapsed because of problems in India’s internal politics, but added that he was hopeful that they would resume soon.  President Zardari also said that both countries ought to withdrawal forces from Siachen, as it incurring substantial costs.[11]

Karachi

• 
  
  At least four more people were killed in Karachi on Friday, bringing the death toll in the last four days to over 25. According to police sources, three bodies were found Friday morning in Natha Khan, Alfalah, Drigh Road. Also, political activist was killed by gunmen in Sarajani Town.[12]

Sino-Pak Relations

• Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir said on Friday that the Pakistan Navy is “deeply satisfied” with the performance of the two F-22P frigates it purchased from China. “We are very happy with the performance, and some technology is as good as of the Western countries,” the China Daily quoted Admiral Bashir as saying. Pakistan hopes to buy bigger ships with greater firepower from China and has proposed an agreement for strategic maritime cooperation with China in both military and commercial sectors. “The friendship between China and Pakistan is greater than the Himalayas and deeper than the ocean. We already made progress in air force and other areas. Now, we should further and expand the cooperation in Navy, a broadly-based relation,” Admiral Bashir added.[13

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Sources:

[1] “Gen Kayani gets three year extension,” Express Tribune, July 23, 2010. Available onhttp://tribune.com.pk/story/30093/gen-kayani-gets-three-year-extension/

“Pakistan extends army chief's term,” BBC News, July 23, 2010. Available on http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-10735197

“Pakistan PM gives army chief three-year extension,” AFP, July 23, 2010. Available onhttp://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100722/wl_afp/pakistanmilitarykayaniextension

Salman Masood, “Army Chief to Serve 3 More Years in Pakistan,” NYT, July 23, 2010. Available onhttp://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/23/world/asia/23pstan.html?_r=2

[2] “Treasury Targets Taliban and Haqqani Network Leadership: Treasury Designates Three Financiers Operating in Afghanistan and Pakistan,” U.S. Treasury, July 22, 2010. Available onhttp://www.ustreas.gov/press/releases/tg782.htm

Anwar Iqbal , “US acts against Haqqani network ,” Dawn, July 23, 2010. Available onhttp://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/front-page/us-acts-against-haqqani-network-370

[3] “US wants Pakistan to act against Mumbai attackers,” Dawn, July 23, 2010. Available onhttp://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/44-us-wants-pakistan-to-act-against-mumbai-attackers-fa-0?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+dawn%2Fnews%2Fworld+%28DAWN.COM+-+World+News%29

[4] “US, Pakistan cooperating more, can improve: Holbrooke,” The News, July 23, 2010. Available onhttp://www.thenews.com.pk/updates.asp?id=109036

 “New video shows wanted Pakistani cleric,” AFP, July 23, 2010. Available onhttp://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100722/wl_sthasia_afp/pakistanunrestnorthwestvideo

[7]  “Terrorists’ network dismantled, says Mian Iftikhar,” The News, July 23, 2010. Available onhttp://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=252425

[8] http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/times-square-bomb-suspect-met-taliban-leader-2033521.html\

“Video shows Faisal Shahzad with Hakimullah Mehsud,” Express Tribune, July 23, 2010. Available onhttp://tribune.com.pk/story/30356/video-shows-faisal-shahzad-with-hakimullah-mehsud/

“ New video shows meeting between Faisal Shahzad, Mehsud,” Geo, July 23, 2010. Available onhttp://www.geo.tv/7-23-2010/68834.htm

[9] “Sixteen ‘militants’ killed in Orakzai blitz,” Dawn, July 23, 2010. Available onhttp://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/04-orakzai-blitz-16-killed-qs-02

“39 militants killed in Orakzai,” Express Tribune, July 23, 2010. Available on http://tribune.com.pk/story/30249/39-militants-killed-in-orakzai/http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=252372

“ 29 militants killed in Orakzai,” The News, July 23, 2010. Available onhttp://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=252372

[10] “LeT growing to threaten globe; ISI-Taliban link a problem: US,” The News, July 23, 2010. Available onhttp://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=30238

[11] “Talks collapsed due to India's internal politics: Zardari,” Geo, July 23, 2010. Available on http://www.geo.tv/7-23-2010/68838.htm

[12] “Karachi target killing toll reaches to four,” Geo, July 23, 2010. Available on http://www.geo.tv/7-23-2010/68837.htm

“Karachi death toll rises to 23,” Express Tribune, July 23, 2010. Available onhttp://tribune.com.pk/story/30291/karachi-death-toll-at-22/

[13]  “Pakistan Navy satisfied with Chinese frigates, ” the News, July 23, 2010. Available onhttp://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=252422

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]
  
  
  
  

---

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.

USAID Officials Offer Glimpse into US MDG Strategy

The Obama administration’s Millennium Development Goals strategy will be guided by “four imperatives”: innovation, sustainability, tracking outcomes, and accountability, two representatives of the U.S. Agency for International Development say.

USAID’s Thomas Beck and Leonardo Martinez-Diaz have been close to the creation of this strategy, which was announced by U.S. President Barack Obama last year.

Innovation, which acts as a “force multiplier,” should be leveraged for MDGs that are harder to achieve, Beck said during a July 14 panel discussion on the MDGs at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Meanwhile, promoting broad-based economic growth, good governance, women’s empowerment, sustainable delivery of basic services and mitigation of shocks such as conflict or natural disasters will help to incorporate sustainability in the U.S.’s MDG strategy, Beck said.

The strategy also rests on monitoring development outcomes. USAID, Martinez-Diaz said, is seeking to improve the evaluation of its programs, as well as enhance the collection of data and examination of results.

In enhancing mutual accountability, the U.S. seeks to increase both the transparency in its aid pledges and of aid flows in beneficiary nations. Martinez-Diaz said USAID is planning a few pilot projects that will test methods to help ensure that resources are managed responsibly.



In enhancing mutual accountability, the U.S. seeks to increase both the transparency in its aid pledges and of aid flows in beneficiary nations. Martinez-Diaz said USAID is planning a few pilot projects that will test methods to help ensure that resources are managed responsible.


The strategy also rests on monitoring development outcomes. USAID, Martinez-Diaz said, is seeking to improve the evaluation of its programs, as well as enhance the collection of data and examination of results.


USAID officials said the strategy will be unveiled “soon,” UN Dispatch reports.


Source: http://www.devex.com 

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
“22 SSP offices sealed, over 170 activists held,” The News, July 13, 2010. Available on http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=29986
Abdul Manan, “Police widen hunt for militants,” Express Tribune, July 13, 2010. Available on http://tribune.com.pk/story/27500/police-widen-hunt-for-militants
[3] “Militants blow up 93rd school in Bajaur,” The News, July 13, 2010. Available on http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=250503
[4] “Peshawar police round up 170 suspects,” Express Tribune, July 13, 2010. Available on http://tribune.com.pk/story/27564/peshawar-police-round-up-170-suspects/
“410 arrested in Peshawar search operation,” Daily Times, July 13, 2010. Available on http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\07\13\story_13-7-2010_pg7_10
[5] “Key militant commander killed in Lower Dir operation,” Express Tribune, July 12, 2010. Available on http://tribune.com.pk/story/27384/key-militant-commander-killed-in-lower-dir-operation/
[6] “Security official killed, four injured in Orakzai blast,” Daily Times, July 13, 2010. Available on http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\07\13\story_13-7-2010_pg7_6
[7] “Blast in Mohmand; no word on casualties,” Dawn, July 13, 2010. Available on http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/04-mohmand-blast--qs-02?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+dawn%2Fnews%2Fpakistan+%28DAWN.COM+-+Pakistan+News%29
[8] “India, Pakistan to meet for trust-building talks,” Dawn, July 13, 2010. Available on http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/14-india-pakistan-to-meet-for-trust-building-talks-zj-02?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+dawn%2Fnews%2Fworld+%28DAWN.COM+-+World+News%29
http://tribune.com.pk/story/27531/pakistan-india-to-resume-talks/
“Kashmiris reject India, Pakistan talks,” Dawn, July 13, 2010. Available on http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/world/kashmiris-reject-india-pakistan-talks-jd-01
[9] “Pakistan says no to Indo-Afghan trade via its routes,” The News, July 13, 2010. Available on http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=250500
[10] “At least five killed in Karachi shootings,” Dawn, July 13, 2010. Available on http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/metropolitan/04-karachi-shootings-5-killed-qs-04
“Four killed in incidences of violence in Karachi,” Express Tribune, July 13, 2010. Available on http://tribune.com.pk/story/27561/four-killed-in-incidences-of-violence-in-karachi/
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