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Kabul Ready to Talk Intelligence Cooperation With Pakistan ‘At Any Level’: Afghan Official
Afghanistan is ready to hold dialogue with Pakistan for intelligence cooperation at ‘any level’, an Afghan security official has told members of the Pak-Afghan track-II dialogue in Kabul. The Afghan official, speaking informally and off – the-record, said senior security officials of the two countries had planned an ‘interaction’ but three major attacks in Kabul, Kandahar and Helmand on January 10, delayed the process. Nearly 60 people, including five UAE diplomats were killed in the attacks. The UAE ambassador, who was injured in the blast, died of wounds last week. The remarks by the Afghan security official came amid growing tensions over the recent wave of terrorist attacks in Pakistan last week, which claimed the lives of about 100 people and injured over 300 more. “We are ready for deep discussions on intelligence cooperation. We need a better environment. We need engagement. But only meetings and shaking hands will not give results. Sincere and effective engagement is a must to remove the mistrust,” the Afghan official told members of the dialogue titled ‘Beyond Boundaries’ which concluded on Monday. President Ashraf Ghani had put a pause on a memorandum of understanding between the National Directorate of Security (NDS) and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in 2015. As the two sides struck the ground-breaking agreement to share intelligence and resources to combat terrorism, it was opposed in Afghanistan and some leaders, including Hamid Karzai, publicly opposed the deal as against the ‘national interests’. Afghan media had also reported then NDS Chief Rahmatullah Nabil had refused to sign the accord. The Afghan official said that Kabul is open for talks on intelligence cooperation at any level to explore options how to deal with the security challenges. “We also want Pakistan to extend its counter terrorism strategy to the region,” he said. “Pakistan may be concerned only about TTP, China has apprehensions about ETIM, Arab states will be worried...
Pak-Afghan stand-off: the way forward
The unilateral border closure by Pakistan on February 15 once again exposed the current extremely brittle and acrimonious nature of its current relations with Afghanistan. Slogans such as “Death to Pakistan, Down with Pakistan,” not only resonated at rallies in Kabul and Jalalabad but also made super-leads of the newspapers and electronic media in Afghanistan.Similar sentiments ran high also during a meeting between a Pakistani civil society delegation and the top hierarchy of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) on February 19 at Kabul, a day after Pakistan had handed Afghan officials a list of 76 wanted terrorists nestled in their country. Expectedly, Kabul responded with its list of 85 Taliban and Haqqani Network leaders on the Pakistani soil, which it claimed were involved in “crimes against people of Afghanistan.” Meanwhile, thousands of cargo trucks, passenger vehicles and tens of thousands of people are stranded on both sides of the border. A humanitarian and business crisis indeed, with scores of families separated, and perishable cargo rotting on board trucks. Leading businessmen were all outrage, complaining of massive losses they have suffered in the last five or so years due to intermittent closure of border. It has also resulted in a drastic reduction of Afghanistan’s transit trade through Pakistan. They pointed out that Iran’s Bandar Abbas is more expensive but that is a much more certain and secure rate. Trust on Karachi is minimal due to corruption from the clearing processes in Karachi to the transition through the border at Chaman and Torkham. In many cases massive demurrage charges accruing from delays forced the importers to abandon their cargo. Afghan traders also complained of unusually high taxes on seasonal fruits. We asked them whether one could delink business from politics and whether business could function normally in abnormal political conditions such as the current ones, they offered little response. The halt in...
Army Wants Joint Anti-Terror Fight With Afghanistan
After days of talking tough on Afghanistan in the aftermath of recent militant attacks, the Pakistan Army on Monday spoke about fighting terrorism jointly with Afghanistan. The change in mood at the military headquarters coincided with the receipt of a demarche from the Afghan foreign ministry demanding arrest and handover of 85 leaders of Taliban, Haqqani Network and other terrorist groups and action against 32 alleged terrorist training centres, besides a warning that continued violence would push Kabul to seek international sanctions against “terrorist groups and their supporters”. The Afghan demands came after Pakistan handed over a similar list of 76 Pakistani terrorists based in Afghanistan. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a statement issued after what was described as a ‘high-level security meeting at GHQ’ chaired by Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, said: “Pakistan and Afghanistan have fought against terrorism and shall continue this effort together”. Kabul says it has delivered a list of 32 terror camps on Pakistani soil The comments clearly contrasted with the earlier tone which bordered on unilateralism. The military had soon after the suicide attack at the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan closed down border crossings with Afghanistan and the troops pounded ‘terrorist targets’ along the border. Gen Bajwa had himself told US commander in Afghanistan Gen Nicholson that the Afghan government’s inaction against terrorists was testing Pakistan’s policy of cross-border restraint. Media reports also said that Pakistan had sent reinforcements to the border and deployed heavy armaments. ISPR quoted Gen Bajwa as explaining at the meeting that “enhanced security arrangements along Pak-Afghan border were for fighting common enemy”. He also repeated the oft-mentioned refrain of targeting “terrorists of all hue and colour”. Gen Bajwa issued directives for cooperation with Afghan forces in checking “illegal movements” and...
‘15,000 Military Personnel Protecting CPEC’
The government has deployed 15,000 military personnel, as part of the Special Security Division (SSD) and Maritime Security Force (MSF), to protect projects under the umbrella of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Both forces will work under the interior ministry, in coordination with the provinces, to ensure the safety of locals and foreigners working on CPEC projects. “The SSD is a force that will provide security to 34 CPEC related projects, while the MSF will safeguard the Gwadar port and other coastal areas of the country,” Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on CPEC, told Dawn after a committee meeting in Parliament House on Monday. He said the SSD had been deployed in six zones from Gwadar to Gilgit-Baltistan, including all four provinces and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK). “Under its terms of reference, the SSD will be responsible for the security of the area within a 5km radius of CPEC-related projects,” he said. In addition, the SSD will also patrol different areas of the corridor, especially where road-building projects are under way. Both the SSD and MSF were formed in view of possible threats to the $48 billion CPEC and the foreign nationals presently engaged in infrastructure and power generation projects being commissioned under its umbrella. He said the SSD and MSF were raised over the course of a year and that both forces were equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, equipment and vehicles. “Most SSD personnel are serving armymen,” he added. Responding to a question regarding the concerns raised by provinces regarding an overlap in security duties being performed by the SSD and the provincial police, Senator Sayed said the terms of reference of the SSD were developed in consultation with provincial governments to remove any concerns they might have. According to a press release, the committee was briefed by senior officers from the ministries of defence, interior and communication. The briefings...
Afghanistan Weekly Field Report | 12 to 18 February 2017
Countrywide Conflict Displacement The total number of individuals displaced by conflict in 2016 has risen to 652,690 as joint teams finalise assessments of those displaced last year. In 2017 so far, 15,445 individuals have been verified as displaced, with 18 out of 34 provinces recording some level of forced displacement. Northern/North Eastern: In keeping with the previous weeks’ trends, the region remained volatile with NSAGs taking control of several additional villages in Faryab province, adding to areas already captured this year in Khaja Sabz Posh and Shirintagab districts, and increasing insecurity along the Maymana highway. Unconfirmed reports indicate that 400 families from Gurzad village in Shirintagab district were displaced as a result of this fighting, with assessments due to commence shortly. In 2017 so far, 3,137 verified IDPs have been displaced from the region; approximately 20 per cent of the country total. Eastern: Intense cross border shelling and airstrikes from Pakistan into Afghanistan - hitting Parchaw Rina and Machmegee villages of Lal Pur district - continued for two days during the week following suicide bombings in Pakistan on 13 and 16 February. As a result, unconfirmed reports indicate that between 1,200 to 2000 individuals were displaced to Chaknawar, Mohmandara, Goshta, Ghanikhel and within Lal Pur District. Assessments are due to commence shortly. Western: Throughout the week, Farah registered a number of armed clashes between ANSF and NSAG forces while Hirat experienced low key armed clashes in Karukh, and Ghoryan districts. As a result, 199 individuals were displaced to Qalae-Naw city (Badghis) and 371 people to Hirat city. In 2017 so far, 1,576 verified IDPs have been displaced from the region; approximately 10 per cent of the country total. ANSF conducted clearing operations in Guzara district. Southern: Frontline clashes and airstrikes remained active throughout the week in Hilmand, Kandahar, Uruzgan and Zabul. Unconfirmed...
Afghanistan Weekly Field Report | 12 to 18 February 2017
Countrywide Conflict Displacement The total number of individuals displaced by conflict in 2016 has risen to 652,690 as joint teams finalise assessments of those displaced last year. In 2017 so far, 15,445 individuals have been verified as displaced, with 18 out of 34 provinces recording some level of forced displacement. Northern/North Eastern: In keeping with the previous weeks’ trends, the region remained volatile with NSAGs taking control of several additional villages in Faryab province, adding to areas already captured this year in Khaja Sabz Posh and Shirintagab districts, and increasing insecurity along the Maymana highway. Unconfirmed reports indicate that 400 families from Gurzad village in Shirintagab district were displaced as a result of this fighting, with assessments due to commence shortly. In 2017 so far, 3,137 verified IDPs have been displaced from the region; approximately 20 per cent of the country total. Eastern: Intense cross border shelling and airstrikes from Pakistan into Afghanistan - hitting Parchaw Rina and Machmegee villages of Lal Pur district - continued for two days during the week following suicide bombings in Pakistan on 13 and 16 February. As a result, unconfirmed reports indicate that between 1,200 to 2000 individuals were displaced to Chaknawar, Mohmandara, Goshta, Ghanikhel and within Lal Pur District. Assessments are due to commence shortly. Western: Throughout the week, Farah registered a number of armed clashes between ANSF and NSAG forces while Hirat experienced low key armed clashes in Karukh, and Ghoryan districts. As a result, 199 individuals were displaced to Qalae-Naw city (Badghis) and 371 people to Hirat city. In 2017 so far, 1,576 verified IDPs have been displaced from the region; approximately 10 per cent of the country total. ANSF conducted clearing operations in Guzara district. Southern: Frontline clashes and airstrikes remained active throughout the week in Hilmand, Kandahar, Uruzgan and Zabul. Unconfirmed...
Sabawoon Showcase: February 15, 2017
Importance of Sports for Peace and Healthy Life The latest episode of Jwandai Jazbey (living spirits) discussed the significance of sports for peace and healthy life. Other discussion points included the role of Sports Directorate Peshawar, participation of females in sports, under-23 games, scarcity of play grounds in the region, and current situation of sports activities in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Mr. Saleem Raza, District Sports Officer, Peshawar, and Mr. Mohammad Imran, World Shaolin Wushu Champion from Peshawar, were the in-studio guests. Mr. Raza said: “Sports Directorate of KP have been actively working to promote sports in the province. It will soon arrange under-23 games including 13 games for boys and 15 for girls.” Mr. Imran said: “For a healthy mind, we need a healthy body. Playing games thus becomes important.” A live caller in the show asked how to participate in the under-23 games especially those for blind people. About Sabawoon Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to highlight the local issues and promote the fundamental governance values, such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. On Monday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with an input from government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da Simay Jaaj gives an overview of the top stories from KP and FATA regions. Jwandai Jazbey airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for, youth, students and women. Socio-cultural affairs are discussed in Ranra on Thursday.
CHINA WATCH [FEBRUARY 14-20] CHINA OFFERS SUPPORT TO FIGHT TERRORISM
China has condemned the Sehwan terrorist attack and offered its support against the terrorism and extremism to Pakistan. Pakistan has said that India was openly opposing the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). China and India will hold strategic talks this week to discuss the banning of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM), Masood Azhar, and India’s inclusion in the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG). Ministry of Water and Power shared the details of terms and conditions of financing and tariff structure of energy projects with National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Reforms. Pakistan and China have revised the ‘priority list’ of the energy projects to be completed within the next two years under the CPEC. Pakistan’s Board of Investment (BOI) has identified 41 sites to establish SEZs as part of the CPEC. KP government will establish a force of 2,600 personnel for the security of CPEC and Swat Motorway. China Offers Support to Fight Terrorism: China condemned the Sehwan terrorist attack and offered its support against terrorism and extremism.[1] Chinese Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Geng Shuang said that “[W]e express deep condolences to victims and sincere sympathies to the injured and bereaved.” The statement came in the aftermath of a gory terrorist attack on the shrine of Sufi Lal Shahbaz in Sindh that took the lives of more than 80 people. During the last week, Pakistan saw a sudden surge in terror attacks that seriously undermined the stability and order that had been achieved after relatively successful implementation of the Operation Zarb-e-Azb and the National Action Plan. Above all, the attacks have exposed the limitations of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism strategy and refreshed the questions whether the country is ready to provide foolproof security to the multi-billion dollar CPEC project. India Threat to CPEC: Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Nafees Zakaria, said in his weekly briefing that India was openly...
Sabawoon Showcase: February 16, 2017
Tolerance and Respect for Diversity The latest episode of Ranra (light) took up the subject of intolerance in our society and the important of respect for diversity in promoting peace. Other points of discussion included the definition and scope of tolerance, diversity and its implications, Pashtun values, extremism and terrorism, socio-economic development in the region, minority rights, civil society advocacy campaigns to promote respect for diversity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Federally Administered Tribal Areas, and lack of proper content about these ideals in educational curricula. Two social activists and bloggers, Ms. Ghazala Ghazal and Mr. Waqar Anwer from Peshawar, took part as studio guests. Ms. Ghazal said: “The root cause of extremism and terrorism in Pakistan is the intolerance for diversity and other religious groups. People need to understand the ideals of tolerance and respect for diversity. Without these values, we cannot think of a peaceful society.” Mr. Anwer said: “We should consider our differences as a source of dynamism and diversity. There is a dire need to make education about these ideals part of curricula.” A radio report highlighted how intolerance has given birth to different regional and national issues and the role of peaceful coexistence in conflict resolution. Five callers participated live in the program. They highlighted the role of parents, teachers, community elders, and text books in promoting the spirit of tolerance among youth. About Sabawoon Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). It is designed to highlight the local issues and promote the fundamental governance values, such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry. The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM. On Monday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with an input from...
Detention – a Shift in Policy!
For many in Pakistan, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed Chief of defunct Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET) & Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) is a hero. He is regarded as a credible crusader for the Kashmir cause. He admits his organization's role in keeping the Kashmir movement alive. His high profiled political activities including openly eulogizing the Kashmir martyrs of Pakistani origin have brought Pakistan in conflict with the UN and US sanctions. His free movement has been a major hurdle in starting India-Pakistan stalled dialogue. The Government of Pakistan has withstood US pressure and Indian media battering for some time now. One wonders what caused a sudden shift in the government policy, which led to the house arrest of Hafiz Saeed along with four other persons. If the detention is "in national interest" and therefore a "national policy", about which there is no doubt how come the detention was not considered earlier? If as claimed that there were no sufficient evidence for his detention what new facts emerged suddenly for the government to ignore the past court orders squashing similar detentions. Hafiz Saeed was arrested twice in 2001, once in 2002, thrice in 2006 and once in 2009. On all occasions, detentions were brief. Media has quizzed whether the house arrest manifests a turning point or a meaningful shift in Pakistan's policy of dealing with alleged terrorists. Have we reached a stage where the government is seriously contemplating a broader review of its policy part of which is how to deal with people sanctioned by UN as terrorists? If this is the case, it is a sign of wisdom, and political maturity, an act of pragmatism and realpolitik, above all an opportune display of astute diplomacy. Unfortunately, the timing and developments related to the detention, indirectly or directly, have thrown up many disturbing questions about the pressures the country is facing. The countries interested in the trial of Hafiz Saeed fail to appreciate lack of evidence, which can stand...
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I am also a member of National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting. Recently, we held a meeting with the Director General of Radio Pakistan and we told them to initiate such local programs (like Constituency Hour) in regional languages to educate and inform people. Even Indian Radio can be heard in FATA which is being used for propaganda purposes and must be closed. Therefore, we should launch some standard and quality programs like CRSS that will change the taste of the listeners.