CheersWASHINGTON: In his final State of the Union address on Tuesday, President Barack Obama said that instability will continue for decades in many parts of the world — in the Middle East, in Afghanistan and Pakistan, in parts of Central America, Africa and Asia, according to the White House official website.
ISLAMABAD (Staff Report) – Prime Minister’s special adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz says Pakistan will play its due role to defuse tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran keeping in view its national interest and people’s aspirations.
He expressed these views during an in-camera meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs in the Parliament House under the chairmanship of Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari.
Sartaj Aziz briefed the Committee about the recent tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, as well as Pakistan’s position on this issue in detail.
He said Pakistan enjoys historic relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran.(but is'nt Badmash considered an "agent" of Saudi Arabia, in view of his "special" relationship with the "Land Of The Two Mosques")
The committee appreciated foreign office stance on tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
The attack on the strategic Pathankot airbase, located barely 56 km from the international border with Pakistan, was yet another transgression of India’s sovereignty by an ISI-supported terrorist group. In the days following the attack on our Parliament in December 2001, the Musharraf dispensation denied any knowledge of, or involvement in, the attack. Yet, in March 2004, Lt- Gen Javed Ashraf Qazi, a former ISI chief and minister in the Musharraf government, acknowledged in Pakistan’s parliament: “We must admit that the Jaish-e-Mohammed has been involved in the killings of thousands of innocent Kashmiris, the attack on the Indian Parliament, the murder of (Wall Street Journal journalist) Daniel Pearl and an attempt to assassinate General Musharraf.”
When the Lashkar-e-taiba attacked Mumbai in November 2008, killing over 160 people, there were denials of any Pakistani involvement by the ISI, till the media traced the home of captured terrorist Ajmal Kasab in Pakistan’s Punjab province.
Poor handling
India has only itself to blame for the rise of the Jaish-e-Mohammed by releasing its leader, Masood Azhar, when IC-814 flying from Kathmandu, Nepal, to New Delhi, was hijacked and forced to land in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Interestingly, another terrorist, Omar Saeed Sheikh, whom India released at the time, was associated with the perpetrators of the 9/11 attack on New York and Washington also.
Even though a faction of the Jaish-e-Mohammed led by Masood Azhar is now back in favour with the ISI, the Jaish itself was in the ISI doghouse for years because of its association with the Pakistani Taliban (Tehriq-e-Taliban). The relations of the ISI with the Tehriq-e-Taliban started to sour after Pakistani special forces laid siege to and attacked the Lal Masjid in Islamabad, which was then run by Deobandi clerics affiliated to the Jaish-e-Mohammed.
The Jaish claims an ideological and sectarian affinity with the Afghan Taliban, who also label themselves as Deobandi. But in the recent past, the ISI and the Jaish-e-Mohammed appear to have struck a deal to support each other in backing the Afghan Taliban and cooperate in attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere in India.
Indifferent attitude
The link between the Jaish and the ISI helps drive a wedge between the Pashtun-dominated Afghan Taliban and their Pashtun Pakistani counterparts (TTP), now being targeted by the Pakistan army. The involvement of the Jaish in the attack on the Pathankot air base has to be seen in this context. Pakistan’s support for the Afghan Taliban is reinforced ideologically by the Deobandi-oriented Jaish. The Jaish also provides additional muscle to the ISI-sponsored ‘jihad’ against India.
Masood Azhar has repeatedly vowed jihad against India. While Pakistan may take some symbolic steps against the Jaish-e-Mohammed, it is unlikely to end support for the involvement of the Jaish jihad against India, by acting seriously against its leaders. The fact that the investigation into the attack has been entrusted by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to his toothless Intelligence Bureau, given to kowtowing to the army establishment, indicates that no serious action will be taken against the masterminds of the Pathankot attack.
While the Obama administration has called on Pakistan to act expeditiously against the perpetrators of the attack, one has to realise that Washington is presently depending heavily on the Pakistan military to promote ‘reconciliation’ between the Afghan government and the Taliban. There is, however, little reason to believe that despite its pious professions, the ISI will do anything to prevent a Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.
Hard decisions
In these circumstances, India will have to actively utilise the bipartisan support it enjoys in the US Congress to see that the Obama administration acts more decisively, by curtailing its military aid programme to Pakistan and asking its western allies and Japan to do likewise with their economic assistance. There cannot be business as usual unless Pakistan acts against the perpetrators of the Pathankot attack.
New Delhi will have to take some hard decisions on how to proceed with the conduct of relations with Pakistan. Alluding to the meeting that Nawaz Sharif had with Gen Raheel Sharif and others, the Pakistan government said on January 8: “The meeting discussed the Pathankot attack, expressed condemnation of this incident, and reiterated the country’s commitment to cooperate with India to completely eradicate the menace of terrorism afflicting our region.” Pakistan is thus implicitly suggesting that it, too, has concerns on terrorism, allegedly sponsored by India.
By all accounts, the National Security Advisers (reinforced by Foreign Secretaries) had a useful meeting in Bangkok. Several such meetings, preferably behind the scenes and devoid of publicity, are required if we are to reach agreement on how to deal with concerns on terrorism. Similar meetings between the heads of intelligence agencies (ISI and RAW) should reinforce these meetings.
Working out the framework for a new ‘comprehensive dialogue’ as proposed by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj can be discussed in due course. Moreover, it is important that a mechanism for regular meetings between the DGMOs be firmly in place before the winter snows melt and infiltration picks up in the Kashmir Valley. It is also time to activate measures to raise the costs for the Pakistan army internally for its support to crossborder terrorism.
The Pakistan army is today engaged in suppressing its own people in three of its four provinces — Sind, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, bordering Afghanistan. These military operations should be made infinitely more costly for the Pakistan army in terms of men, material and finances. Dialogue has to be accompanied by the full spectrum use of ‘non-conventional capabilities’ by India, as long as the ISI continues its policies aimed to “bleed India with a thousand cuts”.
The writer is a former High Commissioner to Pakistan
Pakistan banned JeM on Jan 12, 2002 after the famous Musharraf speech. How can Pakistan call JeM cadres as 'officials' when they are indeed 'terrorists'? Why is it that 'bad Taliban' are called terrorists in Pakistan but JeM are called 'officials' and that too by the Pakistani PM himself? What does Modi hope to achieve with such a Nawaz Sharif?“Based on the initial investigations in Pakistan, several officials belonging to the Jaish-e-Mohammad have been apprehended,” a statement from Mr. Sharif’s office said.
1. India has jumped to conclusion too soon: …………….
2. They are not Pakistanis: ………………
3. Where’s the proof? …………………..
4. It is an internal job done by RAW to defame Pakistan: ………………
5. They are non-state actors: ………………………
6. Pakistan is also a victim of terrorism: ……………………
7. Pakistan is a frontline ally in war on terror: …………………….
8. Islam is a religion of peace: …………………..
9. Pakistan will act against terrorism in all its forms: ………………..
10. Pakistan will fight shoulder-to-shoulder with India against terrorism: ……………………
The Southport Magistrates Court heard the 18-year-old Pakistan (who else!)national claimed heavy surf and wind caused him to collide with his alleged victims at a Gold Coast beach on Tuesday.
CheersNEW DELHI: India on Thursday welcomed Pakistan's decision to send a special team to probe the Pathankot terror attack and said the foreign secretary-level talks will be rescheduled in "very near future".
"The two foreign secretaries have spoken and they have mutually decided to reschedule the talks," external affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said on Thursday.
CheersKARACHI: The benchmark index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) lost 2.2% or 718 points during intra-day trading, following a drop in stocks across Asian markets on Thursday.
ISLAMABAD:
Due to administrative weaknesses, lower tax compliance and under-reporting, Pakistan is bleeding Rs3.3 trillion (About US$ 33 Billion) a year in revenue – an amount that is higher than this year’s total tax collection target – revealed an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report.
As per wise Poakanimal Docktor Shahid Masood, Paki leaders took 3 Trillion $ out of Pakistan in last years. He double confirmed that not rupee but $$ worth money was sent abroad.Peregrine wrote:X-Posted on the Pakistani Economic Stress Watch
Pakistan faces Rs3.3 trillion revenue black hole, says IMFISLAMABAD: Due to administrative weaknesses, lower tax compliance and under-reporting, Pakistan is bleeding Rs3.3 trillion (About US$ 33 Billion) a year in revenue – an amount that is higher than this year’s total tax collection target – revealed an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report.
Idiot Husband of his own cousin sister & Abbu of inbred had no idea about the size of economy or numbers,Confusing Billion with Trillion. LAHORE: Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah on Thursday confirmed that Jaish-i-Mohammad chief Maulana Masood Azhar is under 'protective custody'.Speaking on DawnNews talk show 'News Eye', Sanaullah while responding to a question confirmed that Masood Azhar was taken into protective custody by the counter-terrorism department.When asked if his custody can be termed an 'arrest', the provincial law minister explained that Azhar will only face arrest and legal action if his involvement in the Pathankot attack is proved beyond doubt.As Pakistan on Wednesday announced the arrest of Jaish members and started sealing the organisation's offices, some media reports had suggested the arrest of Azhar, who has been named by New Delhi as the mastermind of the Pathankot airbase attack.
At least 10 killed, including three attackers, as Afghan forces flush out fighters holed up near consulate in Jalalabad.
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) loyalists in Afghanistan claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Pakistani consulate is near the Indian consulate, a hospital and schools, and is usually busy during morning rush hour as people queue for visas.
Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Maulana Masood Azhar has warned the Pakistani government against cracking down on his outlawed terror group, saying it would be "very dangerous'' for the country.
He hinted Islamabad was tightening the screws on him at India's behest. "...There is a lot of noise coming from India regarding us — arrest, kill, arrest, kill,'' an Indian daily quoted Azhar saying in JeM's purported online mouthpiece, al Qalam, under pseudonym Saidi.
"...here our rulers are in anguish because, perhaps, we have disturbed their intimacy and friendship... they want that on the day of judgment, they should stand as friends of (Narendra) Modi and (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee."
Azhar accused the Pakistani rulers of continuing to be guided "by those who are not our own''.
"...they (rulers) continue to turn their own country into a heap of explosives and fire. Each one of them comes and puts their own country on fire and then they flee.''
Azhar, who was reported to have been detained on Wednesday, referred to his incarceration in Indian and Pakistan jails and added he was not bothered about his arrest or killing.
"With my killing, neither will my friends miss me nor will my enemies...an army...which loves death has been prepared," wrote Azhar, who was released in exchange of the passengers of the hijacked Indian Airlines plane in 1999 and was later jailed in Pakistan for JeM's bids on President Pervez Musharraf's life.
"Allah willing, this army would not let (our) enemies celebrate for too long. It (his army) would not let my absence be felt at all. Thanks to Allah, I do not have any desire that will remain unfulfilled at my death,'' he wrote.
"As for as my family and my children, they are taken care of by Almighty Allah and Almighty Allah will take care of them tomorrow as well."
He wrote he has always wished Pakistan well and peace. "...(It has) not (been) to save our life and skin but for the interests of Muslim Umma and in the interest of jihad. I am sorry that the rulers here (in Pakistan) have no respect for that.''
He called the moves against radical mosques, madrasas and jihad dangerous to Pakistan's unity and integrity.
Azhar claimed he had not harmed the Pakistan government ever. "...there is not a single case registered against me in any police station across Pakistan,'' he wrote.
"While I was lodged in Bahawalpur Central jail, the jail administration feared that my friends and companions may attack them. So I was (shifted) to Dera Gazi Khan.''
Azhar said he kept explaining to the administration that Pakistan is his own country before his home was declared a sub jail and he was kept there.
Hilbersdorf - children abused: Suspect in custody
issued on 01.11.2016
For a 46-year-old man has been adopted yesterday a warrant. He is, according to the police suspected to have three boys aged 10, 11 and 13 years sexually abused. The man is said to have made early Saturday afternoon on the grounds of the station Hilbersdorf both before the three children in yourself as well as to two boys in sexual activities. One of the boys has filmed with his mobile phone the man in the act, then the children called the police. The incoming officials could put the suspects at the scene and arrested provisionally. At the request of the prosecution of 46-year-old, who hails from Pakistan, according to police, the investigating judge has been demonstrated, this arrest warrant issued. The man has since been admitted to a correctional facility. (dy)
They are not quite there yet. At one point of time, the 'bad Taliban' attacked Aabpara itself, don't you remember?Gagan wrote:OMG! ISIL is attacking Pakistan!
In afghanistan at its consulate and in the heart of islamabad. The ARY office is a quick 5 min drive to the PM's residence there, and a 3 min drive to aabpara.
Wonder whats this about?Hamid Ansari, now around 30, has been missing since November 2012 and his parents Nehal Ahmed Ansari and Fauzia Ansari had left no stone unturned to trace him. However, despite all the efforts, they had not been able to visit Pakistan in search of their son.
Hamid’s family is highly educated. His mother Fauzia, is a professor of Hindi and she had a written a book “Azadi Ke Aandolan Mein Musalmano Ki Bhumika”. His father is a banker.
Latest reports from Peshawar said: “A divisional bench of the Peshawar High Court disposed of the case of Indian national Nehal Hamid Ansari, missing in Pakistan for over three years, after the government on Wednesday confirmed that he was currently in army custody and facing a trial in military courts.”
Why do we need Pakistani banks?The Pathankot terror attack may affect the plans of two Pakistani banks — United Bank Ltd (UBL) and MCB Bank Ltd — planning to set up operations in India.
A senior government official said that the government may now prefer not to take a call on the applications of these two banks, given the state of relations between the two nations after the recent attacks on an Indian Air Force ( IAF) base in Pathankot. "This is not the appropriate time," said a senior home ministry official, aware of the deliberations.
UBL is one of the largest commercial banks in Pakistan.
The proposals of foreign banks intending to start their Indian operations, either through branch operations or representative offices, are vetted by a high powered committee which includes representatives from the home ministry, finance ministry, Reserve Bank of India and intelligence agencies.
"Since we do not have any Indian banks in Pakistan, there's no imminent need," the above quoted official said. As of September last year, there were 46 foreign banks in India with 325 branches.
In 2014, state-run Punjab National Bank (PNB) had evinced interest to be the first Indian bank to open branches in Pakistan. In a statement to Lok Sabha, the then minister of state for finance Namo Narain Meena had said that PNB has applied for rolling out two branches, one in Karachi and the other in Lahore.
A PNB official said that the bank has no immediate plans to start operations in Pakistan. The Indo-Pak foreign secretary-level talks have been rescheduled, and in a press briefing on Thursday, ministry of external affairs (MEA) spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that they (foreign secretaries) will meet in the "very near future".
Swarup also welcomed the steps taken by the Pakistani government against terror groups, terming them as positive steps. "We have given actionable intelligence to Pakistan regarding all people associated with the Pathankot attack.
It is a positive sign that they are taking action. We hope Pakistan will continue investigation and bring all perpetrators to justice," he said
In a TV interview on Thursday, Sanaullah [Rana Sanaullah, Law Minister, Punjab] confirmed that Azhar had been taken into "protective custody" and said legal action would be taken against him if his involvement in the Pathankot attack was proved "beyond doubt."