India-Pakistan | |
India-Pakistan War: DGMO Says India Killed Over 40 Pakistan Army Personnel In Shelling Along LoC | |
2025-05-12 | |
[OneIndia] In a press briefing on India-Pakistain ceasefire, Lieutenant Gen Rajiv Ghai, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), disclosed that it killed around 35 to 40 Pak soldiers between May 7 and 10. He added that India lost five soldiers in Operation Sindoor. Lieutenant Ghai highlighted that Operation Sindoor commenced on the nights of March 7 and 8. The operation caught Pakistain off guard and resulted in the elimination of over 100 terrorists. Among those neutralised were high-profile targets such as Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudassir Ahmed. These individuals were linked to significant terror incidents like the IC-814 hijacking and the Pulwama attack. OPERATION SINDOOR'S IMPACT The operation's success was underscored by its ability to thwart repeated aerial attacks on airfields and dumps. Lieutenant Ghai mentioned that these assaults were effectively countered. The Pak Army suffered casualties due to artillery and small arms fire along the Line of Control during this time frame. Lieutenant Ghai emphasised that Operation Sindoor was a strategic move that significantly impacted terrorist activities. The operation not only targeted gunnies but also disrupted their operations, thereby enhancing security in the region. CASUALTIES ON BOTH SIDES The Indian Army's actions led to substantial losses for Pakistain, with an estimated 35 to 40 soldiers killed. However, if you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning... India also faced losses, with five soldiers losing their lives during the operation. This highlights the intense nature of the conflict along the Line of Control. The successful execution of Operation Sindoor demonstrates India's commitment to combating terrorism. By targeting key figures involved in past attacks, India aims to prevent future threats and ensure regional stability. May 12, 2025, 8:42 AM IST India Rules Out IWT, Kashmir Talks With Pakistan; Limits Engagement To DGMO Level Only India will engage with Pakistan solely through communication between their respective Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs), and there will be no dialogue on contentious issues such as Kashmir or the Indus Waters Treaty, which currently remains suspended, according to a Hindustan Times May 11, 2025, 10:39 PM IST Major points from the press conference held by DGMO Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Air Marshal AK Bharti and Vice Admiral AN Pramod, on Operation Sindoor: 1. Over 100 terrorists killed in the action. 11 air bases in Pakistan destroyed. Indian Army inflicted heavy damage in response to Pakistan’s intrusion. 2. High-value targets eliminated include: Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, Mudassir Ahmad. 3. 9 confirmed terror camps, based on multi-agency intelligence. Key Targets: Bhawalpur (terrorist training camp) and Muridke (another key terrorist training site) 4. Even after the ceasefire, wave of UAVs and small drones intruded into Indian civilian and military areas. • These drones were successfully intercepted. 5. A befitting response was given by Indian armed forces. Further, all field commanders have been authorised to take appropriate action in case of any ceasefire violation. May 11, 2025, 10:18 PM IST Delhi "Our forces remained forward deployed in the Arabian Sea in a decisive posture with full readiness and capacity to strike select targets in sea and on land, including Karachi at the time of our choosing," said Vice Admiral AN Pramod.
First 'peaceful night' along J&K, border areas in days, says Army Following the chaos and all the skirmishes that had kept the areas along the northern and western International Borders (IB) up during the night for the past few days, the region has largely remained peaceful during the intervening night of May 11 and May 12, the Army stated. According to the Army, the region of Jammu and Kashmir and other areas along the IB were calm, and no incidents of the violation of the cessation of hostilities were reported. The army noted that this marked the first calm night in recent days following the cross-border firing, heavy artillery shelling and drone attacks by Pakistan in response to India's Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation for the April 22 terror attacks, which dismantled major terror sites in Pakistan and in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). "The night remained largely peaceful in Jammu and Kashmir and other areas along the international border. No incident has been reported, marking the first calm night in recent days," the Indian Army stated. For the past few days, the border regions in Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Punjab and Gujarat were witnessing chaotic and sleepless nights due to Pakistan's heavy shelling and attempted drone attacks, which were aimed at disrupting peace along the region. 04:57 (IST) May 12 India agreed to pause as 'main objectives had already been achieved' Deep precision airstrikes with BrahMos supersonic missiles and other standoff weapons on several crucial airbases in Pakistan early Saturday proved to be decisive in the escalating hostilities between the two nations, causing the US to step in and push for a truce. India agreed as it had achieved its three main objectives — political, military and psychological — according to govt sources. Ceasefire on, but pressure stays: 6 key decisions by India against Pakistan that still stand [TimesOfIndia] India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following escalated cross-border tensions in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. The ceasefire was the result of direct engagement between Indian and Pakistani officials, with Islamabad agreeing to the terms with "no preconditions, no postconditions, and no links to other issues." This comes after the armed forces carried out precision strikes on terrorists hotspots in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under 'Operation Sindoor'. Follow live blog: PM Modi chairs high-level meeting a day after India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement Following India's action, Pakistan launched missiles and drones across LoC and International Borders which were intercepted by Army's air defence systems. Here are the punitive actions that will remain in effect: SUSPENSION OF INDUS WATERS TREATY The Indus Waters Treaty will remain in abeyance, government sources confirmed. “There are no preconditions to the ceasefire agreement reached on Saturday, and the IWT will remain suspended,” sources in the ministry of external affairs said. Brokered by the World Bank in 1960, the treaty governs the distribution and use of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. The treaty has historically benefited Pakistan, which receives about 80% of the total water flow from these rivers—vital for agriculture, particularly in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh. INTEGRATED CHECK POST TO REMAIN SHUT The Integrated check-post at Attari will also remain shut. The Attari-Wagah border crossing between India and Pakistan was completely closed following a week of heavy cross-border movement. The check post at Attari in Punjab was closed, and those who crossed over with valid documentation were instructed to return through that route before May 1. TRADE BAN The prohibition on all imports from Pakistan, whether direct or routed through intermediary nations, will also continue. Additionally, Pakistan-registered vessels are barred from entering Indian ports, and Indian ships are prohibited from accessing Pakistani harbors—reflecting a tougher diplomatic stance. A newly incorporated provision under “Prohibition on Import from Pakistan” in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) says, “Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders.” CLOSURE OF AIRSPACE India will continue to enforce the closure of its airspace to flights originating from or traveling through Pakistan, a measure that came into effect on April 30. This move will force foreign carriers that typically overfly Pakistani airspace after exiting Indian airspace to take longer, alternate routes. BAN ON PAKISTANI ACTORS AND ARTISTS In the interest of national security, India will maintain its ban on Pakistani actors and artists performing within the country. In addition, all OTT platforms, media streaming services, and intermediaries operating in India are required to discontinue web series, films, songs, podcasts, and other digital content of Pakistani origin—whether available via subscription or otherwise. VISA SERVICES FOR PAKISTANI CITIZENS India will continue the suspension of all types of visas for Pakistani nationals. l Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the government had suspended all categories of visas for Pakistani citizens and instructed those already in India to leave by April 27. However, medical visas were given an extension until April 29, after which they were also revoked. “In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated. The ministry also advised Indian nationals currently in Pakistan to return at the earliest. | |
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India-Pakistan |
Masood Azhar resurfaces, ignites Indian fears of attacks |
2014-02-19 |
![]() Twice since the end of December, Indian authorities have issued an airport security alert, warning of an attempt by members of a Pakistain-based krazed killer group called Jaish-e-Mohammad ...literally Army of Mohammad, a Pak-based Deobandi terror group founded by Maulana Masood Azhar in 2000, after he split with the Harkat-ul-Mujaheddin. In 2002 the government of Pervez Musharraf bannedthe group, which changed its name to Khaddam ul-Islam and continued doing what it had been doing before without missing a beat... , or Army of Muhammad, to hijack a plane, with smaller airfields most at risk. Indian officials have said the alerts followed reports of increased activity by Maulana Masood Azhar, the leader of the outlawed krazed killer group. Azhar was named by an Indian court as the prime suspect in a 2001 attack on India's parliament aimed at taking top politicians hostage. Fifteen people were killed, most of them security guards as well as the five men who stormed the complex. Tensions between the old enemies spiralled after the attack and up to a million troops were mobilised on both sides of the volatile border. Pakistain refused to hand over Azhar to India. The portly and bearded holy man has remained mostly confined to a compound in his home city of Bhawalpur in Pakistain's Punjab province for years, but three weeks ago, he addressed supporters and said the time had come to resume jihad, or holy war, against India. "There are 313 fidayeen (fighters who are ready to die) in this gathering and if a call is given the number will go up to 3,000," he told the rally held in the city of Muzaffarabad by telephone. A Rooters journalist who was present said a telephone was held next to a microphone which broadcast his comments to loudspeakers. Flags of Jaish, inscribed with the words "jihad", fluttered in and around the venue of the gathering. Azhar spoke from Indian intelligence analysts have described Azhar's resurgence as part of a change in tactics in Pakistain as US forces withdraw from Afghanistan this year, and as Islamabad tries to clamp down on Islamic forces of Evil who oppose the Pak government. The Indians say Pakistain's military establishment is bringing Death Eaters like Azhar out of cold storage, with the promise of helping them fight India, while trying to stamp out the gunnies they can't control. Talat Masood, a retired Mighty Pak Army general, said: "It is very dangerous that the Pak establishment is giving space to him. They are playing with fire and the fire will engulf them." A former fighter for Jaish, speaking on condition of anonymity ... for fear of being murdered... , said Azhar remained in command of the group, operating from his Bhawalpur base. "His speech via telephone should not be a surprise for people involved in jihad, he has been controlling the organization very actively," the man said. The security alerts in India occurred just days before Azhar spoke. They were not publicised but two officials, one from the domestic Intelligence Bureau and the other from the Central Industrial Security Force, said authorities had increased checks on airport staffers to ensure nobody with forged passes gained access. Security had also been increased in Delhi's suburban rail system, where commuters go through metal detectors, are patted down and have their bags checked in x-ray machines. Staff of the Central Industrial Security Force now work 10-hour shifts in the metro system, so there were more guards at any point. Azhar was enjugged ... anything you say can and will be used against you, whether you say it or not... in Indian Kashmire in 1994 while travelling on a forged Portuguese passport. India freed him and two other locked away Drop the rod and step away witcher hands up! Pak Death Eaters in 1999 in return for 155 passengers held hostage in an Indian Airlines aircraft that was hijacked to southern Afghanistan. One of the other freed Death Eaters was British-born Omar Sheikh, a close associate of Azhar who was later convicted in the 2002 abduction and murder of Wall Street Journal news hound Daniel Pearl. After his release, Azhar set up the Jaish to fight Indian forces in Kashmire, the Himalayan region claimed by both countries and the trigger for two of their three wars. "Jaish has an obsession with India that transcends Kashmire. They had so many plans. Any reactivation of Masood Azhar is cause for deep concern," said AK Doval, a former head of India's Intelligence Bureau and one of the foremost experts on krazed killer groups in South Asia. Other officials in India said the rally in Muzaffarabad and Azhar's address wouldn't have been possible without state clearance, a charge Pakistain strongly denies. "He addressed a rally, but steps will be taken to ensure he doesn't do it again," said Tasnim Aslam, spokeswoman for Pakistain's foreign ministry. "It is not possible we would allow his group to cause terrorism elsewhere when it is banned for causing terrorism in Pakistain." She said independent investigations had often shown that attacks in India were blamed on Pakistain but sometimes caused by domestic politics or rogue members of the Indian security services. "There's a tendency in India to hyperventilate without finding out all the facts," she said. |
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India-Pakistan |
Dismantle terror network before talks: Krishna |
2009-06-07 |
India on Friday ruled out resumption of dialogue with Pakistan until it takes ``concrete measures" to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism that was conceiving and executing violent activities against it. "We will not talk unless they take concrete measures to prevent terror attacks emanating from the soil of Pakistan aimed against India," External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna told journalists when asked to comment on reports that there were attempts to resume dialogue with Pakistan. He drew attention to the release of Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed to prove that "this only shows that Pakistan is not serious about terror and all that terror spells out." There has been talk that India might open a channel and thus pre-empt the U.S.' urgings to resume dialogue with Pakistan when senior U.S. administration official William Burns followed by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton come calling next week and next month, respectively. Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon also said that India would like to have a stable, peaceful and prosperous Pakistan as its neighbour and New Delhi would like to work towards that end. But "terrorists from Pakistani soil" against India stops it from achieving that goal. Highly placed sources asserted that not once in the past four months had the U.S. broached the subject of a dialogue with Pakistan. India is also likely to tell its U.S. interlocutors that though Pakistan is engaged in cleaning the North West Frontier Province of militants, it has not taken action against terror groups that affect India. In fact, their links with the Pakistani Taliban have become much stronger after its spread into southern Punjab, including Multan and Bhawalpur. Therefore, the capacity of anti-India groups to mount major attacks has remained unimpaired. Though Pakistan has taken dramatic action against the Taliban, India feels it is too early to say whether they are winning because its army has a history of winning battles but the state is unable to hold the area. In this case too, Pakistan has failed to spell out or does not have any intent for the future. Mr. Krishna said India was ready to address the concerns of countries which that feel their citizens are unsafe in the country, but declined to say anything on the U.S. travel advisory, because Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram has already said that India was a very safe country to travel. The advisory termed India a "high threat" destination from terrorism and asked its citizens to be vigilant. But Mr. Chidamabaram did not find any justification in this billing. "If there are any concerns of particular countries, we are willing to address them," he added . Mr. Krishna refrained from an instantaneous appraisal of U.S. President Barack Obama's speech on Thursday in Cairo, saying: "we will have to wait and watch. He has made a broad appeal. It was a reconciliatory speech and we will have to watch the reaction from the Islamic world." |
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India-Pakistan |
Nuggets from the Urdu press |
2007-05-12 |
![]() As reported in daily Jang, a young boy, Waqas, who wanted to marry his sweetheart, took poison after a fight with his mother over the marriage proposal. The girl also took poison and reached the house of Waqas then started weeping over his dead body. She was rushed to the hospital when blood started from her mouth but she died on her way to the hospital. People showered rose petals on their janazas as they were lifted from the same street. Fake pir beats the jinn out of a woman As reported in daily Jang, in Gagu Mandi Munir Ahmads wife was running a high fever for few days. He took her to a local Pir Yasin Shah who said that she is under the control of very powerful jinn. He started treatment by beating her with hockey stick and the woman became unconscious. The pir charged Munir Ahmad 200 rupees fee and said the wife would be fine when she reached home. The woman died after remaining unconscious for two days. Faisalabad madrassa follows Jamia Hafsa As reported in daily Express, the students of Jamia Qasmia in Faisalabad raided an alleged brothel house, inspired by the incident of Jamia Hafsa. The residents of Ghulam Mohammad Abad registered their complaint with the madrassa against the woman who was running a brothel in the area. The students raided the locality and one student was arrested by the police. Dacoits return jewellry to mehfil-e-milad women As reported in daily Jang, in Daska four armed dacoits entered a house where women were holding mehfil-e-milad and snatched their jewellery at gun-point worth lacs of rupees. When the dacoits tried to stop the recitation of milad, the brave women refused to stop zikr-e-rasool ( Madrassa teacher booked under Womens Protection Bill As reported in daily Jang, a naib nazim Safiullah, aka Janat Gul, of a madrassa in Kahna tricked a boy, Naveed, to his room and tried to sodomize him. He beat him violently when the boy struggled and ran away. The abuser reached the house of the boy with an accomplice, but the local residents intervened and nabbed the culprits. A force of 25 stick bearing madrassa students attacked the residents of the street and forcefully released the culprits before the arrival of police. Police registered the case in section 367/A under the Women Protection Bill. Fatwa against suicide bombing As reported in daily Nawa-e-Waqt, two thousand ulema in a convention organised by Jamiat ulema Islam gave a fatwa that suicide bombing and establishing shariat by force, is un-Islamic. The six page fatwa by the convention stated that threatening barbers to stop shaving beards and attacking CD shops is also against Islam. Some hidden forces are attacking the Islamic government and are killing their own Muslim brothers. They said that these acts are bringing a bad name to madrassas and ulema. Marriage of egoists Abhishek and Aishwarya Accoriding to daily Jang, the experts of numerology said that the handwriting of Abhishek Bachan and Aishwarya Rai indicated that they wouldn't rebel against the family traditions. Abhishek could be physically harmed in 2008 but that can be avoided via puja. They advised Aishwarya to change her name into Aishwarya Bachan, but if she kept her name even as Aishwarya Rai Bachan, her mother could influence her marriage. They might have internal conflicts as both are big stars and Aishwarya Rai is more an egoist than Abhishek, but the clash of egos would not lead to separation. Imam Mehdi arrested by police As reported in daily Nawa-e-Waqt, in the southern Punjab city of Ahmad Pur Sharqia a man was arrested for declaring himself as Imam Mehdi. The jobless resident of Mohalla Nur Shah, Bilal Ahmad, was arrested under section 295 and 298 for blasphemy and sent to Bhawalpur central jail. People accusing the cricket team should leave Pakistan As reported in Daily Pakistan, popular all rounder Shahid Afridi of the Pakistan cricket team said that those who are hurling allegations of match fixing on Pakistan cricket team have no right to live in Pakistan. He said that he wanted to be the captain of Pakistan cricket team but he would support the new captain. He demanded that the PCB shall appoint a senior player as vice captain and ex-cricketers shall find new talent rather than finding jobs with the PCB. 12 year old Taliban slaughters his spy comrade As reported in daily Express, Taliban commander Mullah Akhtar Usmani issued a video cassette showing the slaughter of his own comrade, Qari Ghulam Nabi, for spying against the Taliban. A 12 year old Taliban boy was shown with a knife slaughtering Qari Ghulam Nabi. The boy said that this would be the fate of all those who are spying for America. According to American news agency, Qari Ghulam Nabi was a Pakistani citizen whose father, Ghulam Sakhi, vowed to avenge the murder of his son. Police officers released Sonia Naz case As reported in daily Nawa-e-Waqt, an additional session judge released SP Khalid Abdullah and inspector Iqbal Chisti who were arrested in the famous Sonia Naz rape case. The court ruled that the applicant, Sonia Naz, was summoned by the court many times because she couldnt be contacted as she left her home for an undisclosed location. Fight over the donations for shrine of Amir Cheema As reported in Daily Pakistan, professor Mohammad Nazir Cheema, the father of Amir Cheema shaheed who sacrificed his life for the protection of sanctity of the Prophet Mohammad ( Sarfraz Nawazs mouth for rent As reported in daily Jang, the ex-captain of Pakistan cricket team Imran Khan sent legal notice against Sarfraz Nawaz for his allegations and said that Sarfraz Nawazs mouth is rented by people and is being used after the World Cup. He said Sarfrazs allegations of betting on Javed Miandad, he and now the Pakistan cricket team has brought bad reputation for Pakistan in the international press. Pope finds ambiguity in Darwin's theory As reported in daily Nawa-e-Waqt, Pope Benedict 16th criticized Darwins theory of evolution and said there are a lot of loop holes in this theory. He said there should be a compromise between reason and faith. He repeated the words of Pope John Paul II that Darwins theory is still more than a hypothesis, but it is not yet complete. Westernised women working for clash of civilisations As reported in daily Jang, the ameer of Jamaat Islami, Qazi Hussain Ahmad, said that a few Westernised women are protesting against the religious extremists to please the Americans. These protests are creating discord among the Muslims unity. The Western embassies in Pakistan are funding these NGOs and Westernised women to create the atmosphere of a clash of civilisations in Pakistan. |
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India-Pakistan |
The Curious Case Of Rashid Rauf |
2006-12-07 |
Just as in the case of Omar Sheikh and Dr.A.Q.Khan, the Pakistani authorities are once again avoiding handing him over a criminal to the British or American investigators. Rashid Rauf is from a Mirpuri family of Birmingham. The Mirpuris are the Punjabi-speaking residents of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK).He disappeared from the UK in 2002 after the British Police suspected him in connection with the murder of one of his relatives in Birmingham. Their search for him did not produce any clueseither in the UK or in Pakistan. Then, suddenly, on August 9, 2006, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) claimed to have picked him up from a house in Bhawalpur, southern Punjab, which he had bought after coming to Pakistan in 2002. He had married a woman related by marriage to Maulana Masood Azhar, the Amir of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) which was involved in the aborted attack on the Indian Parliament in December, 2001. The Pakistani authorities claimed that he was in close touch with Al Qaeda and that it was his arrest that gave them an inkling regarding the imminence of the plot of a group of jihadi extremists based in the UK to blow up a number of US-bound planes. The discovery of the conspiracy and the arrest of many UK-based suspects were then announced by the British Police. The final results of their investigation are not yet known. Since Rashid Rauf was projected by the Pakistani authorities as the most important player in the plot and as the man whose arrest led to the unearthing of the planned terrorist conspiracy in the UK, one would have thought that his being handed-over to the British for interrogation would have been of the highest priority to the British investigating authorities. But, no action has been taken so far. The Pakistani media had reported that a team of British Police officers had visited Pakistan to question him, but it is not clear whether Rashid was questioned by them and, if they and if his questioning did indicate his involvement in the plot, why have they have so far moved for his extradition. It is clear from the facts available so far that as with Omar Sheikh, the principal accused in the case relating to the kidnapping and murder of Daniel Pearl, the US journalist, in the beginning of 2002, and Dr.A.Q.Khan, the Pakistani nuclear scientist with links with Iran, North Korea, Libya and Al Qaeda, in the case of Rashid Rauf too, the Pakistani authorities are avoiding handing him over to the British or American investigators. Reliable police sources in Pakistan say that the reluctance of Gen.Pervez Musharraf to hand over Rashid Rauf to the UK or US is due to the fear that his independent interrogation by them might bring out that Rashid Rauf was aware of the training of some of the perpetrators of the Mumbai blasts of July, 2006, in which over 180 suburban train commuters were killed, in a camp of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LET) in Bhawalpur and that the ISI was aware of his presence in Bhawalpur ever since 2002, when he fled to Pakistan from the UK. These police sources say that the ISI's contention that it came to know of his presence only in the beginning of August,2006, is not correct. The government of Pakistan told a court on October 30, 2006, that Rashid Rauf had been detained under the Security of Pakistan Act. A Rawalpindi Anti-Terrorism Judge, Justice Safdar Hussain Malik, passed orders on November 21, 2006, approving his judicial custody in the Adiala jail. This could rule out his early transfer to the British Police for interrogation. Under the joint anti-terrorism mechanism recently set up by the Foreign Secretaries of India and Pakistan, India should also request the Pakistani authorities for permission to interrogate him on the LET training camp in Bahawalpur. If Pakistan refuses to co-operate, the international community should be informed about it. |
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India-Pakistan |
Pakistan withholds terror suspects' info |
2006-08-25 |
Two weeks after an alleged plot to blow up U.S.-bound airliners was thwarted in Britain, Pakistani authorities have screwed tight the faucet that had trickled intriguing details from their investigation. Mystery surrounds the role played by "key suspect" Rashid Rauf, a Briton with dual Pakistani nationality who has family ties to a notorious Pakistani militant. Pakistani authorities allege Rauf communicated between an al-Qaida mastermind in Afghanistan and the plotters in Britain. Britain has yet to confirm al-Qaida's involvement in the plans to bomb as many as 10 U.S.-bound aircraft. On Wednesday, it released Rauf's brother Tayib without charge. The Home Office in London refused to say Thursday whether it was still seeking Rashid Rauf's extradition. Rauf, in his mid-20s, is the only one among the at least seven suspects arrested in Pakistan to have been named. He is being interrogated at a high-walled Pakistani intelligence headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, near the capital Islamabad. It's unclear if he or the other suspects have been charged with any offense. The lack of transparency is characteristic of terror cases in Pakistan, which has netted most of the top al-Qaida figures captured since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on America. It contrasts with the legal process pursued in Britain, where despite tight control on information from the investigation, authorities named two dozen suspects soon after their arrest Aug. 10. So far, British authorities have charged 11: eight with conspiracy to murder and preparing to commit terrorism, and three others with lesser offenses, including failing to disclose information. Under Pakistani law, authorities can hold any terror suspect for up to a year without charge. Such a detention must be approved by a panel of judges. In practice, suspects in the custody of intelligence agencies have little or no recourse to the law. "The difference between Britain and Pakistan is the absence of due process," said Samina Ahmed, South Asia project director for the International Crisis Group think tank. "There's been very little information to come out, other than about Rauf, and I think that's because his links with some very prominent jihadi leaders were bound to come out in the open. It would have been impossible to keep it covered up," she said. Rauf has ties by marriage to Masood Azhar, leader of an al-Qaida-linked Pakistani militant group, Jaish-e-Mohammed. Rauf was arrested Aug. 9 in the Punjab town of Bhawalpur, where he had settled and where the outlawed group has a strong presence. A senior Pakistani government official, who like the intelligence official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the case's sensitivity, described Rauf as a "transmitter of messages" between the unnamed al-Qaida mastermind in Afghanistan and plotters in London. The official said there was as yet no established link with Pakistani militant groups to the plot. To many observers in Pakistan that stretches credibility, and could explain authorities' reluctance to divulge more details about the other suspects, even their nationalities. A Pakistani intelligence officer said Rauf had been monitored for five or six months, and within two days of his arrest had given investigators a full picture of the plot. The information was shared with Britain and the U.S., whose leaders later praised Pakistan's role thwarting the plan. President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, a key Western ally, has been robust in fighting al-Qaida and has taken steps to reel in militant groups that emerged here during the U.S.-backed jihad against the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s and later, the Pakistan-endorsed fight against Indian rule in Kashmir. But the continued presence of dangerous militants in Pakistan and its failure to regulate religious schools that cultivate extremists has left this Islamic nation open to allegations that it remains a magnet for jihadists such as the suicide bombers who killed 52 people on the London transit system in July 2005. Three of them visited Pakistan before the attacks. Pakistan has also placed under house arrest Hafiz Mohammed Saeed, former leader of the outlawed Lashkar-e-Tayyaba group, which fights in Kashmir. The government said his Aug. 10 detention was to prevent him from making a public address in Lahore on Aug. 12, but he has not been released, adding to the mystery surrounding Pakistan's investigations. On Thursday intelligence agents took him away from his home in the city to an undisclosed location for questioning. Officials refused to disclose the reason. |
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India-Pakistan | ||||
Suspects said al-Qaeda leaders sanctioned London terror plot | ||||
2006-08-18 | ||||
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Hafiz Mohammed Sohaib, who teaches at an Islamic school in Bhawalpur, said Rashid Rauf married one of his sisters. Sohaib's other sister is married to the brother of Maulana Masood Azhar, the wanted head of Jaish-e-Mohammed.
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Britain | ||
More on Rashid Rauf, plotter | ||
2006-08-13 | ||
![]() Rauf, whose brother Tayib Rauf was arrested in Britain, was presented before a judge in Pakistan on Saturday who allowed authorities to hold him for questioning, an Interior Ministry official told The Associated Press. The official declined to say when and where the hearing took place, or whether the suspect would face trial in Pakistan or be extradited to Britain.
A US official earlier disclosed, on condition of anonymity, that after the first arrests in Pakistan, word went from Pakistan to the London plotters to move ahead quickly. The message was intercepted by an intelligence agency and prompted British police to move in on the conspirators, long under watch, he said. | ||
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India-Pakistan |
Azim Chima trained Terror Tuesday men, say police |
2006-07-27 |
![]() Officials, who have been tracking Chima's terror career, say he is known for imparting various types of training depending on the module to which an operative is attached. If a trainee, for instance, is attached to a module involved in making bombs, he is told about various improvised explosive devices, the ingredients used in making them, their availability in the market (the ammonium nitrate and fuel oil used in the 11/7 blasts were easily available in the market) and given real-time demonstration on how a plastic explosive is detonated. Chima, officials say, also gives training on how to operate rocket launchers, Stinger missiles, AK-56 assault rifles and throw hand grenades. "He is a key planner in the Lashkar camp and trains people on how to strategise. He also trains the operatives on how to take advantage of weaknesses in the internal security system," a senior officer said. Chima communicates with militants across the border in Kashmir on a regular basis. The Intelligence Bureau has nabbed a few terrorists in the recent past by keeping tabs on these conversations. Officials say Chima also arranges for funds for LeT operations; he sends this through the hawala network. In the recent past, Chima has turned his attention to directing LeT operatives in Maharashtra to recruit young men who can avenge the 2002 Gujarat riots. The Gujarat Muslim Revenge Force, an offshoot of LeT, is one such example, say officials. |
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Afghanistan/South Asia |
Boy who sought Musharraf's help loses nose and ears |
2004-07-29 |
Landlords of Deharki in Rahim Yar Khan, chopped off the ears and nose of a 15-year-old boy on Wednesday night because he had petitioned President Musharraf to rescue his family from bonded labour. Dilbar's family was released from slavery two months ago after he wrote repeated letters to the president, urging him to rescue his family from the Mehr Sardars, under whom they had been working as slaves for the last 60 years. Six men attacked Dilbar's home on Wednesday night. They tortured him and his seven family members and started shooting in order to keep the neighbours away. Seven people including Dilbar's maternal grandfather, Muhammad Murad, Manzooran Bibi, Miran Bibi, Allah Wasaya, and Allah Bachaya sustained minor injuries. However, Dilbar and his maternal uncle, Muhammad Nawaz, have been hospitalised in Shaikh Zaid Hospital Rahim Yar Khan in critical condition. "We have registered a case against six attackers, including Raja Khan Mehr, Mehboob Khan Mehr, and Nawab Khan Mehr," said Bhawalpur DIG Sarraz Hussain Sindhu. "The attackers have escaped to Sindh but we are contacting the Sindh Police to ensure their arrest." |
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Afghanistan/South Asia |
The deepening crisis in Balochistan |
2004-07-09 |
EFL In the latest round of violence and sabotage, one of the major natural gas pipelines was blown up near the town of Ouch close to southern Punjabâs Bhawalpur district bordering on the south-western Pakistani province of Balochistan. Although nobody has yet accepted responsibility for the disrupting attack and investigations are underway, this incident follows a series of bomb blasts, waves of rocket attacks and targeting of key government and military installations in Balochistan where a low level insurgency for the last two years might now be threatening to enter a heightened phase. The events in Balochistan signify the intensification of a political crisis there. With a territory of more than 300,000 sq km, the dry, desolate and mountainous Balochistan has a population of up to seven million. Inhabited by mostly tribal ethnic groups such as the Baloch, the Brahuis and the Pashtuns, Balochistan is one of the most heterogeneous regions of Pakistan. It is home to some eight ethnic groups while 10 different languages or dialects are spoken here. The major bone of contention between the government and the Baloch nationalists has been the development of the Gwadar deep-sea port in southern Pakistan on the Arabian Sea shore. The post is being constructed with Chinese assistance. While the establishment sees it as a much-needed mega development project with a potential to transform the countryâs economy as it is expected to become the main seaport catering for the needs of the landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asian states, the Baloch fear the swift demographic changes accompanying the development of such a port will convert them into a minority in their own historic homeland. In the larger picture, Gwadar is a part of the longstanding Baloch nationalist demands, which centre on greater provincial autonomy, increased share in the vast natural resources of their province including well-established natural gas reservoirs, gold and copper mines, mineral resources and potential huge petroleum reserves. Over the past two months Balochistan has witnessed much violence often claimed by a little known group, the Baloch Liberation Army. In a late night attack on June 19 the part of the Sui airport building was blown up. On June 2 a landmine blew up a paramilitary jeep wounding five soldiers near the Uch gas field some 400 km southwest of Quetta. In another rocket attack on the FC fort in Kohlu, the administrative headquarters of Marri tribal region, at least one soldier was killed on June 29. Earlier, in May, three Chinese construction workers were killed in a bomb attack in Gwadar. Although Baloch nationalists deny any involvement in such militant activities, they point at their grievances and maintain that popular discontent can fuel large-scale instability. âThe feeling of being exploited has recently grown to an extent that people are resorting to violence,â Sanaullah Baloch said. In recent developments more than a dozen Baloch nationalist political groups have merged into four principal political parties representing different tribes and regions within the province. Most of the Marris are with Haqthawar led by Sardar Khair Baksh Marri, who led a five-year-long insurgency against the Pakistani military in 1970s. Another powerful tribal leader Nawab Akbar Bugti leads his Jamhoori Watan Party and is in alliance with the Brahui tribal chieftain Attaullah Mengal who heads the Balochistan National Party. The non-tribal Baloch in the coastal regions are united under the National Party of Dr. Abdul Hayee Baloch. All these political parties have closed ranks on the contentious issues. They are planning to hold a joint conference on August 1 to protest for their rights. According to Fazl-e Rahim Marwat, a regional expert at Peshawar Universityâs Pakistan Studies Centre, Balochistan has been the countryâs backwater for a long time. He says it is high time to focus and address the pressing development and political issues in the impoverished region. âFormation of an independent commission to assess that demands of Balochistanâs population will be the first step in the right direction,â he told TFT. âBalochistan needs a healing touch,â Marwat added. |
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Iraq-Jordan |
Lashkar-e-Taiba activists arrested near Baghdad |
2004-04-01 |
Arrests made earlier this month near Baghdad have blown the lid off the links between the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Islamist groups fighting the United States military. Hard evidence has emerged for the first time that terrorist groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir â groups still indulged by the Pakistani military establishment â have spread their theatre of operations to Iraq. Earlier this month, U.S. forces in Iraq arrested a Pakistani national, Dilshad Ahmad, a long-time Lashkar operative hailing from the Bhawalpur area of the province of Punjab. Ahmad had played a key role in the Lashkarâs trans-Line of Control operations, serving between 1997 and 2001 as the organisationâs commander of the forward camps from where infiltrating groups of terrorists are launched into Jammu and Kashmir. Sources here told The Hindu that Ahmad had made at least six secret visits to Lashkar groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir during this period. A close associate of Zaki-ur-Rahman Lakhvi, second-in-command in the Lashkar hierarchy, Ahmad had a key role in shaping the organisationâs ideological and military agenda. In 1998, he addressed a major Lashkar conference in Muridke, arguing for the need to extend the organisationâs activities outside Jammu and Kashmir. Ahmad is believed to have played a key role in building the infrastructure for the dozens of Lashkar cells, which have since carried out bombings in several major Indian cities. U.S. officials have until now managed to keep a tight lid on the news of Ahmadâs arrest, and diplomats at the American Embassy in New Delhi said they had no comments to offer. At least four other Lashkar operatives, however, are known to have been arrested in the intelligence-led operation that ended in Ahmadâs arrest. It is not known, however, just what the group was doing in Iraq, or if the arrests had anything to do with Mondayâs apprehension of British nationals of Pakistani origin in London on charges of planning to execute a terrorist act. |
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