Islamabad: The United States' 'covert' drone war in Pakistan has reached a grim milestone with the 300th attack on alleged militants in South Waziristan Agency on Friday night, according to a research by a London-based not-for-profit organisation.
"Just before dawn on Saturday, CIA drones struck a housing compound in Angor Adda, South Waziristan. Up to six alleged militants died in the attack with at least three injured. The casualties were linked to local militant commander Maulvi Nazir. He is viewed as hostile by the US because of militant attacks inside Afghanistan, despite his having a long-standing peace deal with Pakistan," the Bureau of Investigative Journalism said.
It said it has now identified 300 drone strikes since June 17, 2004, of which, 248 have occurred during US President Barack Obama's three years in office, rising to a frequency of one strike every four days.
According to a detailed analysis of the attacks, at least 2,318 people have been killed in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) campaign, the majority of them alleged militants
But among them, at least 386 civilians -- and as many as 775 -- have reportedly died, the Bureau's investigations show, including more than 170 children. And more than 1,100 people have been reported injured.
The CIA itself recently admitted to killing 2,050 people with its drones -- all but 50 of them combatants -- after the Bureau published its database in August.
Despite substantial evidence published by the Bureau of civilian deaths caused by its strikes, the US continues to claim that it has killed no 'non-combatants' in Pakistan since May 2010, the report said.
The Bureau said its data is drawn from reputable sources, including international news agencies and credible Pakistani media.
It is also cross-referenced where possible against leaked US intelligence documents and diplomatic cables; the writings of academics, politicians and former intelligence officials; pending legal cases; and some commissioned field work in Waziristan.
Time for another arrest or killing of a high ranking terrorist to put up a show of pakistan fighting terrorism
Hillary to visit Pakistan next week
Karachi teachers protest against Malik PhD degreeIslamabad: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will visit Pakistan next week as part of a tour of Muslim countries deeply engaged by Washington, according to a news report attributed to diplomatic sources.
During the tour, Hillary is scheduled to hold talks with leaders of the National Transition Council (NTC) in Libya, and with the presidents of Afghanistan and Pakistan, The News quoted sources, as saying.
The US Secretary of State’s diplomatic sweep could possibly also include Iraq as well, the sources added.
Hillary is expected to arrive in Islamabad mid-week and stay for one day.
During the visit, she is scheduled to deliver what the sources described as an “Af-Pak policy statement” in an address to Pakistani defence and strategic affairs analysts.
The sources speculated that, as has often been the practice of the Obama administration, Hillary may also deliver a letter from US President Barack Obama to his Pakistani counterpart, Asif Ali Zardari.
Karachi: Over 217 faculty members of the University of Karachi have signed a petition by the KU Teachers Guild (KUTG) in protest against the awarding of an honorary doctorate to Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik.
Earlier this month, Malik was conferred with an honorary Doctorate degree by the KU in recognition of his “matchless services to the country in the war on terror and particularly in restoring peace to the citizens of Karachi”.
The guild’s chief and KU Teachers Society (KUTS) general secretary Dr Shakeel Farooqui said that they hoped to reach out to all teachers during their campaign.
“By signing the petition they have declared their resentment and have announced that awarding the degree to him [Malik] was an illegal act,” he said.
According to Farooqui, if a majority of the teachers signed the petition, they would be able to take back the degree from Malik.
The KU teachers’ society president Dr Abid Hasnain said that their executive council had condemned the decision in a meeting held on October 08 and it was important for the teachers to stick together in this situation.
“The conferring of the honorary degree was a covert and hasty action on the part of the varsity’s administration. Had they presented the proposal before the syndicate, it would have been rejected,” he said. “I believe that all teachers should protest and campaign against this.”
On the other hand, pro-vice chancellor Dr Shahana Urooj Kazmi said that the vice-chancellor had to do whatever the chancellor wanted.
The decision to award the honorary doctorate degree to Malik was initiated from the Governor House and the vice-chancellor had to follow through orders, The Express Tribune quoted Dr Kazmi, as saying.
According to Dr Kazmi, the degree cannot be taken back as it had been awarded by the chancellor.
However, the faculty has a right to protest and the KU syndicate will be told of the chancellor’s decision as a mere formality, she added.
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