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                        <title>The Express Tribune</title>
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                        <description>The Express Tribune keeps you up to date with all the latest happenings from Pakistan and across the world!</description>
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			<title>Doha-III — middle ground for all stakeholders?</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470339/doha-iii-middle-ground-for-all-stakeholders</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470339/doha-iii-middle-ground-for-all-stakeholders#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 07 Jun 24 17:52:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Imtiaz Gul]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2470339</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Haqqani’s emergence in Dubai was preceded by critical talks between Qatari ministers, UN and EU officials]]>
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				<![CDATA[Diplomatic efforts are in full swing for the third Doha moot on Afghanistan. In a rather surprising move, Sirajuddin Haqqani, the interior minister, met with several leaders including Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi. Haqqani is wanted by the US on an up-to $10 million bounty over his involvement in an attack that killed an American citizen and other assaults. His network is also blamed for some of the bloodiest attacks against Afghanistan&rsquo;s former Western-backed government. Even more surprising is the UN sanctions committee&rsquo;s permission for travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj not only to Haqqani as well as deputy PM Mawlawi Kabir, intelligence chief Abdul Haq Wasiq and Hajj minister Noor Saqib.

Haqqani&rsquo;s emergence in Dubai, where he reportedly also met key American and other western officials, was preceded by critical talks between Qatari ministers, UN and EU officials and key Taliban ministers in Kabul last week of May to woo them into participation in the Doha-III meeting scheduled for June 30. The latest was a June 2 meeting between EU Special Representative for Afghanistan Tomas Niklasson and IEA Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi.

During the meeting, EU Special Envoy Niklasson underlined the importance of the IEA&rsquo;s presence at the 3rd Doha meeting, saying that is where important issues will be taken into discussions. 

After his meeting with UN Deputy Secretary General Mrs Rosemary Anne DiCarlo, FM Muttaqi had said that &ldquo;the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is doing its research on the framework of 3rd Doha meeting before announcing its position on the issue.&rdquo; 

Muttaqi, however, underlined that his country&rsquo;s policy is based on a balanced and positive engagement with all the countries of the world, and seeks a meaningful participation in the 3rd Doha meeting which he hoped will bear positive results for Afghanistan.

This diplomatic activity raises some basic questions: is the Islamic Emirate attending the Doha-III meeting? Have the circumstances forced the Emirate to drop insistence on six conditions for participation? Not clear at the moment.

And have major stakeholders &mdash; including the UN, the US and the EU &mdash; come on the same page as far as the engagement with the Taliban is concerned?

The original conditions peddled by the Taliban included: a) Afghanistan&rsquo;s seat at the United Nations be restored to the Islamic Emirate; b) The UN must drop the appointment of a special representative for Afghanistan; 3) Agenda and composition of the third Doha meeting be discussed with the Taliban; and d) Girls&rsquo; education, women&rsquo;s employment and formation of an inclusive government should not be on the agenda of the third Doha meeting.

The Emirate leadership strongly opposes the participation of Afghan civil society and political representatives in the third Doha meeting. The Taliban repeatedly stated that these are internal matters of Afghanistan and that the group is working to create a suitable environment for resolving them.

Interestingly, days before Muttaqi&rsquo;s meetings with the EU and UN officials, Zakir Jalali, a senior Taliban foreign ministry official, had told a meeting of officials that &ldquo;representatives of the Islamic emirate will take part in the main discussions&rdquo; in Doha. Details of Jalali&rsquo;s remarks were posted on X, formerly Twitter, on May 29.

&ldquo;&hellip; the agenda for the third Doha format meeting has changed positively, and there are no significant differences regarding the topics of the discussion,&rdquo; Jalali said, adding that the upcoming meeting would discuss financial and banking-related problems facing Afghanistan, alternative livelihoods for poppy growers and climate change impacts on the country. 

Accompanying this diplomatic jokeying is a visible unrest among the western stakeholders over Russia&rsquo;s decision to consider taking Taliban off the terror list &mdash; a move likely to bring Kabul-Moscow ever closer.

Besides the geopolitical considerations for influence, EU as a bloc seems to be keen to push for engaging the Taliban, albeit without recognising them. 

A greater urge is discernible to help the poor in Afghanistan &mdash; based on stories of economic adversity that majority population faces. Some EU members are wondering if they can help at all. This positioning, it appears, also grows from a realisation that the Taliban are here to stay &mdash; at least for medium term.

Some diplomats wonder whether the Emirate will be able to govern effectively (meaning taking care of its citizens) if they want to rule for a long time. This question stems from humanitarian concerns as well as what seems to be a reconciliation with the way the Taliban want to lead the country.

Would this imply that the EU is ready to &mdash; at least for the time being &mdash; forego insistence on the restoration of women employment and education rights? Much bigger issue right now is the survival of millions of Afghans &mdash; men and women &mdash; in financial distress.

Despite increased revenues and improvement in some sectors of the economy, the Emirate still faces the challenge of taking the country of mere &ldquo;survival mode&rdquo;. Economic development and international trade comes largely through lifting or easing of sanctions on the regime.

A new realism perhaps is dawning on both the Afghan Taliban and the Western allies. The Emirate leadership realises that international engagement is unavoidable and Kabul will have to take some of global communities&rsquo; aspirations (women&rsquo;s rights) into consideration which may lead to easement of international trade and financial transactions. As far the West, they probably realise that the Emirate is here to stay. The absence of an organised opposition and literally no appetite for armed conflict &mdash; neither among the people nor external players &mdash; is a big factor playing in favour of the Taliban right now.

Are we therefore seeing the emergence of an unwanted &ldquo;cohabitation&rdquo; as far as the US-led western nations&rsquo; engagement with the Emirate is concerned? Will Doha-III mark a semblance of a middle ground for the stakeholders, albeit without losing face &mdash; a big bargain born out of real-politik?

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8th, 2024.

Like Opinion &amp; Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Afghan Taliban nudge TTP on talks with Islamabad</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458271/afghan-taliban-nudge-ttp-on-talks-with-islamabad</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458271/afghan-taliban-nudge-ttp-on-talks-with-islamabad#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 03 Mar 24 17:48:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shahabullah Yousafzai]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2458271</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Kandahari, Haqqani groups direct militant outfit to de-escalate tensions]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The two main factions of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan &ndash; the Haqqani and Kandahari groups &ndash; have directed the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to engage in discussions with Islamabad to de-escalate tensions between the neighbouring capitals.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has once again leveraged the influence of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami (JUI-S) leadership to bring the TTP to the negotiation table.

The development came on the heels of an unannounced trip led by Maulana Hamidul Haq, the elder son of the late Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, where he held meetings with key figures, including Taliban Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs Maulvi Abdul Kabir, Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, Khalil Haqqani (Sirajuddin&#39;s uncle), and the governor of Logar and Paktika.

The discussions also involved various leaders of the Haqqani network, many of whom studied in Nowshera, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Commenting on the initiative, senior religious scholar Maulana Yousaf Shah pointed out the historical role of Jamia Dar al-Ulum Haqqania in addressing crises, especially its contributions during the challenging years of 2013 and 2014 when Pakistan faced severe law and order issues, a surge in TTP activities, and unrest in the Malakand and tribal areas.

&quot;With their personal independent decisions, we have initiated the dialogue, and we are optimistic that, with the green light from Sirajuddin Haqqani and the support of the Kandahari Taliban, we will achieve positive outcomes,&quot; said Maulana Yousafzai Shah.

Read also:&nbsp;Afghan Taliban chief asks TTP to &lsquo;revisit&rsquo; Pak strategy

He said that during the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) retired Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, he, along with numerous individuals affiliated with the Haqqania seminary, actively participated in discussions with the TTP, yielding positive results.

With positive intentions from both sides and mutual support for the process, achieving peace and bringing the Taliban to the negotiating table is definitely possible, he added.

It is pertinent to note that the senior leadership of Jamia Dar al-Uloom Haqqania played a crucial role in the Kabul agreement during 2013-14. They were integral to the signing of the ceasefire agreement, which included a commitment to non-offensive behaviour towards Islamabad.

The entire process was orchestrated under the leadership of the former spy chief, General Faiz.

&quot;With promising gestures from the Afghan Minister of Interior and the support of Islamabad, we will soon see the TTP at the negotiation table,&quot; said another member of the delegation.

Meanwhile, Maulana Yousaf Shah unequivocally refuted any support for Jamia Dar al-Uloom Haqqania from the Afghan government or Maulvi Kabir. &quot;If any such announcements were indeed made, we would have acknowledged them. However, the information and news pertaining to these claims are unfounded and untrue,&rdquo; he added.]]>
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			<title>Pompeo hopes Pakistan will achieve goals set-out by US</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1832698/pompeo-hopes-pakistan-will-achieve-goals-set-us</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1832698/pompeo-hopes-pakistan-will-achieve-goals-set-us#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 24 Oct 18 05:47:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1832698</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan will be held accountable if US conditions not met, says Pompeo]]>
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				<![CDATA[Expressing hope that Pakistan will achieve the goals ‘set-out’ by the Trump administration, United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reiterated the US demand that Islamabad will not provide safe havens to terrorists on the country's western border.

Pompeo made the comments while answering a question during a press briefing at the State Department on Tuesday. “I had a chance to travel and meet the new leader of Pakistan not too many weeks ago now,” he said.

US cuts military training programmes with Pakistan as Trump cracks down

He stressed that the US had made it clear that its policy for South Central Asia has not changed. “Our expectation is that Pakistan will not provide safe harbour to terrorists on their western border. Pakistan will be held accountable if they do not achieve that, if they are not sincere in that effort.”

The US secretary of state stressed that everyone wanted reconciliation in Afghanistan but “to achieve that goal, there can be no safe harbour for the Taliban or the Haqqani network”.

Pompeo further said that Pakistan’s government was aware of the United State’s view on the matter. “This administration has already made significant efforts to hold them accountable and we hope that they will achieve the goal that we have set out for them."

US urges Pakistan not to be a ‘safe haven’ for terrorists

The US secretary of state also welcomed the parliamentary elections in Afghanistan and said the US was ‘encouraged’ by the voter turnout despite reports of widespread problems including poll centers that failed to open or lacked voter rolls.

Watch the press briefing here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrfljki0kng&amp;feature=youtu.be]]>
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			<title>Afghan security forces arrest 11 Haqqani militants in Kabul</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1795865/afghan-security-forces-arrest-11-haqqani-militants-kabul</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1795865/afghan-security-forces-arrest-11-haqqani-militants-kabul#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 18 10:10:00 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1795865</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Arrests come a day after the Taliban announced the death of the group’s founder, Jalaluddin Haqqani]]>
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				<![CDATA[Eleven members of the Haqqani militant network have been arrested in the Afghan capital, the National Directorate of Security said on Wednesday, a day after the Taliban announced the death of the group’s founder.

The 11 were arrested and weapons, ammunition and a large amount of explosives were seized during an operation by Afghan special forces, the NDS said in a statement. It did not say when the arrests were made.

Afghan Taliban announces death of Haqqani network founder

“The group was mainly involved in bomb blasts and targeted the killing of government employees and tribal elders in Kabul,” the statement said.

The Taliban said on Tuesday that Jalaluddin Haqqani, who founded the Haqqani network in the 1970s, had died after a long illness. Haqqani’s son, Sirajuddin, is in operational control of the network and it was not clear what practical impact his death may have on its activities.

All terrorist sanctuaries including Haqqani network eliminated, says DG ISPR

Jalaluddin Haqqani achieved prominence as a guerrilla leader in the US-backed campaign against Soviet forces occupying Afghanistan during the 1980s but later allied himself with the Taliban, fighting American troops after the Taliban were ousted in 2001.

PM briefed on FATF status ahead of Pompeo visit

The Haqqani network is known for bloody attacks against government institutions and Afghan and foreign forces in Afghanistan as well as other targets.]]>
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			<title>All terrorist sanctuaries including Haqqani network eliminated, says DG ISPR</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1663518/terrorist-sanctuaries-including-haqqani-network-eliminated-says-dg-ispr</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1663518/terrorist-sanctuaries-including-haqqani-network-eliminated-says-dg-ispr#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 18 Mar 18 15:29:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1663518</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Maj-Gen Ghafoor says relations with India can be normalised only after resolving Kashmir dispute]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major-General Asif Ghafoor said on Sunday that sanctuaries of all terrorists groups, including the Haqqani network, have been eliminated from Pakistan’s soil.

“Pakistan has paid a huge price in this campaign, including losing over 75,000 lives and bearing a loss of more than $123 billion to the national exchequer,” he said while speaking to Gulf News.

The DG ISPR said the operation Radd-ul-Fasaad has been launched to eliminate remaining disorganised residual presence of militants. The recent military offensives against the terrorists have visibly reduced the level of violence throughout the country, he added.

Maj-Gen Ghafoor said that over 200,000 Pakistani troops have been deployed along the Pak-Afghan border in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata). He said Pakistan has also started to fence the entire 2,611-km length of Pak-Afghan border and construction of new posts along the border to deny free cross-border movement of terrorists.

Early and dignified return of Afghan refugees essential: DG ISPR Asif Ghafoor

“Besides military operations, Pakistan has also undertaken major socio-economic development projects in cleared areas to carry forward relative stability to enduring peace,” he said.

On the possibility of peace between India and Pakistan, he said India was not only challenging Pakistan conventionally along the eastern borders, but was also busy in fomenting unrest through terrorism using the Afghan soil.

The arrest of Kulbhushan Jadhav, a self-confessed RAW agent, in Pakistan was testament to India’s interference into Pakistan’s internal affairs, he added.

“Pakistan is a peaceful country and doesn't want conflict with anyone. However, our desire for peace should never be construed as our weakness,” said the DG ISPR.

Pakistan has done enough for everyone, will not do more: DG ISPR

For bringing normality into the Indo-Pak relationship, all issues including the core issue of Kashmir between the two nuclear-armed countries need to be resolved, he stressed.

Commenting over security situation in Afghanistan, Maj-Gen Ghafoor said the current violence inside the western neighbours should not be linked to Pakistan.

He said the ungoverned spaces inside Afghanistan would have to be cleared by the Afghan and the US-led international forces to ensure achieving peace in Afghanistan.

On the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Ghafoor said enemies of peace and of Pakistan were trying to scuttle the multi-billion dollar project. However, Pakistan would go to any extent to foil their nefarious designs, he added.

The DG ISPR said that Pakistan Army has the responsibility for security of the project, which is engine of progress not only for Pakistan but for the region.]]>
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			<title>US pledges to continue humanitarian aid to Pakistan for housing Afghan refugees</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1624754/us-pledges-continue-humanitarian-aid-pakistan-housing-afghan-refugees</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1624754/us-pledges-continue-humanitarian-aid-pakistan-housing-afghan-refugees#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Feb 18 10:57:44 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1624754</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Nancy Izzo lauds Pakistan's efforts in the aftermath of the global war on terror]]>
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				<![CDATA[The United States has recently said that it will continue to extend humanitarian aid to all host nations housing the refugee crisis. Pakistan is included in this list owing to its contribution to the settlement and repatriation of Afghan refugees.

The statement was issued by US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees and Migration Nancy Izzo. In conversation with journalists in Islamabad, she lauded the efforts made by Pakistan in the aftermath of the global war on terror.

US urged to chalk out plan for Afghan refugees’ repatriation

She assured that Pakistan will not be left alone in its efforts to provide security, food and shelter to Afghan refugees.

Izzo further added that the United States will also make sincere efforts to create a conducive environment in Afghanistan for voluntary repatriation of the refugees.

The claims come after a trail of warnings issued by US president Donald Trump to Pakistan, indicating that the US will be hardening its policy on Pakistan.

Afghan refugees:US averse to Pakistan’s repatriation plan

Earlier, relations between the former war allies were seen acquiring a tenuous nature. Pakistan and the US have been at odds over Pakistan’s counter-terrorism strategies near the Afghan border and, hence, the US has no plans of lifting the freeze on coalition funds for Pakistan, US officials stated in December, 2017.

This article originally appeared in RADIO PAKISTAN.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Pakistan to look into Afghanistan's 'undeniable evidence'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1624027/kabul-claims-undeniable-evidence-attacks-planned-pakistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1624027/kabul-claims-undeniable-evidence-attacks-planned-pakistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Feb 18 15:45:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[kamran.yousaf]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1624027</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan always willing to cooperate with Afghanistan to defeat our common enemy: FO]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan agreed to look into the ‘evidence’ shared by Afghanistan, claiming that the recent string of attacks in Kabul were planned on its soil, officials said on Thursday -- a day after the Afghan interior minister and spy chief held crucial talks with Pakistani authorities.

A senior official familiar with the knowledge of discussions held at the Prime Minister Office on Wednesday confirmed to The Express Tribune that the Afghan delegation indeed shared ‘certain information’ regarding the recent terrorist attacks in Kabul.

“Pakistan has always said that it is willing to cooperate with Afghanistan to defeat our common enemy,” the official said, adding Islamabad would investigate the ‘evidence’ shared by Afghanistan.

“Pakistan would not hesitate for a minute to act if recent attacks in Kabul had any linkages with this side of the border,” the official maintained.

Afghan Interior Minister Wais Barmak and chief of National Directorate of Security (NDS) Masoom Stanekzai visited Islamabad on Wednesday and held talks with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and other senior authorities.

Pakistan condemns Kabul attack

Talking to reporters in Kabul on Thursday, the Afghan intelligence chief said they had handed ‘undeniable’ evidence to Pakistan about the use of its soil for the recent terrorist attacks.

Stanekzai claimed that evidence showed that the attacks were ‘planned from across the border.’

“We asked Pakistan to hand over the culprits of the attacks in Afghanistan and we shared undeniable evidence that the attacks were planned there,” Stanekzai said.

Afghan Interior Minister Wais Barmak said the Afghans submitted a list of questions during Wednesday's ‘constructive’ one-hour long meeting, asking among other things what action Pakistan will take against the Taliban leaders and alleged training centres on their soil.

Although there was no reaction from the Freign Office, the Pakistani embassy in Kabul said the information provided by Stanekzai was “being examined for its authenticity”.

“Pakistan has not given any commitment to give a reply to the information received from NDS Chief Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai, during his trip to Islamabad, yesterday," the embassy statement said.

Pakistan hands over 27 Taliban, Haqqani network suspects to Kabul

Nearly 200 people have been killed during the last month in attacks claimed by the Taliban and a militant Islamic State (IS) group affiliate. Afghan authorities say they detained one of the gunmen who attacked a military academy on Monday, killing 11 people in an assault claimed by IS.

“The Taliban, with these actions, cannot call themselves a political organisation,” Stanekzai said.

“They are a terrorist organisation.”

“We expect action, not just talk,” he added.

Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua will lead a high-powered delegation to Kabul on Saturday to carry forward the discussions.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif visited the Afghan embassy in Islamabad to convey condolences over the recent terrorist attacks in Kabul, resulting in the loss of precious human lives, infrastructure and a number of people.

He was received by the Afghan Ambassador Hazrat Omer Zakhilwal. The foreign minister signed the condolence book and offered Fateha for those who have lost their lives. He also expressed sincere wishes for the early recovery of the injured.

Asif said Pakistan strongly condemns terrorism in all forms and manifestations.

He said both Afghanistan and Pakistan were victims of terrorism and added that there was a need for close cooperation between the two countries to fight this common threat.

Misunderstandings with US to subside soon: Aizaz Chaudhry

The foreign minister added that it was encouraging that a high-level Afghan delegation which visited Islamabad yesterday had productive talks with the Pakistani side and it was agreed to work together to strengthen mutual trust and bilateral engagement.

Afghan Ambassador Hazrat Omar Zakhilwal thanked the foreign minister for his condolences over the recent brutal terrorist attacks in Afghanistan.

Agreeing with the foreign minister about the need for strengthening bilateral engagement, he said the cooperation should be focused on upholding “our mutual commitment for not letting use of our respective soils against each other”.

[tvideo url="//content.jwplatform.com/players/q0r5yWG9-VpHe0zu5.html"]]]>
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			<title>Afghan envoy ‘surprised’ over news Pakistan sent Taliban, Haqqani suspects to Kabul</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1622832/afghan-envoy-surprised-news-pakistan-sent-taliban-haqqani-suspects-kabul</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1622832/afghan-envoy-surprised-news-pakistan-sent-taliban-haqqani-suspects-kabul#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 31 Jan 18 09:35:36 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1622832</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Dr Omar Zakhilwal‏ says it will be a huge step forward in our important bilateral relations if this indeed happens]]>
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				<![CDATA[Just a day after Islamabad announced it handed over Taliban and Haqqani network suspects to Kabul in 2017, Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Omar Zakhilwal on Wednesday was astonished that any of such incident happened.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Tuesday announced that Pakistan handed over more than two dozen suspects belonging to the Taliban and their affiliated Haqqani network to Afghanistan last year.

Pakistan hands over 27 Taliban, Haqqani network suspects to Kabul

The handover took place in November 2017 just weeks after the maiden visit of Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa to Kabul. However, the extradition of 27 suspected members of the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani network was kept confidential till now.

However, with Dr Omar Zakhilwal expressing surprise over the news, it seemed that even he was not aware of the move. The Afghan ambassador took to the Twitter on Wednesday and said if this indeed happened, it would be a huge step forward in Pakistan and Afghanistan mutual bilateral relations.


"Pakistan continues to push any suspected TTA &amp; HN elements to prevent them from using our soil for any terrorist activity in Afghanistan,” he said in a tweet yesterday.

https://twitter.com/DrMFaisal/status/958356133315571712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftribune.com.pk%2Fstory%2F1622338%2F1-pakistan-hands-27-taliban-haqqani-network-suspects-kabul%2F

And added in another tweet that “in this context, 27 individuals suspected of belonging to TTA &amp; HN have been handed over to Afghanistan in November 2017.”

https://twitter.com/DrMFaisal/status/958356384252391425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftribune.com.pk%2Fstory%2F1622338%2F1-pakistan-hands-27-taliban-haqqani-network-suspects-kabul%2F

He did not explain as to what prompted the government to make the announcement at this stage. But officials familiar with the development told The Express Tribune that Pakistan had to release the information in order to brush aside the impression that it was not doing enough in the fight against terrorism.

Afghan president refuses condolence call from PM Abbasi

On Wednesday, the Afghan government also rejected the report that Pakistan handed over 27 Taliban and Haqqani network prisoners to Afghanistan last year.

“Pakistan has not handed over any members of these groups,” a credible source told TOLOnews.

Following the string of terrorist attacks over the last few days in Kabul, Islamabad has been again accused by senior Afghan officials for providing shelter to the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani network.]]>
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			<title>Who are the Haqqanis, Afghanistan's most feared insurgents?</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1620053/haqqanis-afghanistans-feared-insurgents-2</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1620053/haqqanis-afghanistans-feared-insurgents-2#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Jan 18 21:24:11 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[afp]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, the group has been blamed for spectacular attacks across Afghanistan]]>
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				<![CDATA[Afghanistan on Saturday blamed a devastating suicide bomb attack in Kabul that killed at least 95 people and wounded 158 others on the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani Network, former CIA assets now considered one of the most dangerous factions fighting US-led NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, who doubles as the Afghan Taliban's deputy leader, the militant group has been blamed for spectacular attacks across Afghanistan since after the US invasion.

"When you hear US officials, including in private settings, talking about what worries them the most, they always talk about the Haqqanis," said analyst Michael Kugelman, of the Wilson Center in Washington.

The group was founded by Jalaluddin Haqqani, an Afghan mujahideen commander fighting the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s with the help of the US and Pakistan. Jalaluddin gained notoriety for his organisation and bravery, garnering attention from the CIA and a personal visit from US congressman Charlie Wilson.

A fluent Arabic speaker, Jalaluddin also fostered close ties with Arab militants including Osama Bin Laden who flocked to the region during the war. Later, Jalaluddin became a minister in the Taliban regime. Now designated a terrorist group by the US, the Haqqanis are known for their heavy use of suicide bombers.

They were blamed for the truck bomb in the heart of Kabul in May that killed around 150 people - though Sirajuddin later denied the accusation in a rare audio message. The network has also been accused of assassinating top Afghan officials and holding kidnapped Westerners for ransom.

That includes recently released Canadian Joshua Boyle, his American wife Caitlan Coleman, and their three children - all born in captivity - as well as US soldier Bowe Bergdahl, who was released in 2014.
Following the US invasion of Afghanistan, Taliban fighters flooded across the border into Pakistan, where they regrouped before launching an insurgency against the Americans.

That included the Haqqanis, who coordinated attacks on NATO from across the border in their stronghold of Miran Shah, the biggest town in North Waziristan, one of Pakistan's semi-autonomous border tribal areas. The US has launched repeated drone attacks targeting the group while Pakistan's military has conducted successive clearing operations.

Pakistan intensified a military operation in the area in 2014, however, and some militant sources say the pressure has forced many of the Haqqanis underground or over the border into their Afghan strongholds, claims that AFP could not confirm.

Washington has long pressured Pakistan to crack down on militant groups, with the Haqqanis a top priority.

US President Donald Trump turned up the heat last summer when he accused Pakistan of playing a double game in Afghanistan and upbraided Islamabad for sheltering "agents of chaos".
Islamabad has repeatedly denied the claims and accused Washington of ignoring the thousands of Pakistani lives lost in its struggle with militancy.

The recovery of Boyle, Coleman, and their children came weeks later, with Pakistan using its role in securing their freedom to urge the US to trust it is doing its best.
But - Pakistan's desire for strategic depth aside - a crackdown on the Haqqanis might not be easy in a tribal society where social relations matter, warned Pakistani political analyst Imtiaz Gul. "You can't simply pluck out somebody because they've gone politically incorrect," he said.]]>
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			<title>Haqqani commander, two others killed in Kurram drone strike</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1616614/drone-strike-kills-two-suspected-militants-near-pak-afghan-border</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1616614/drone-strike-kills-two-suspected-militants-near-pak-afghan-border#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 24 Jan 18 05:19:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[K-P]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1616614</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[FO condemns drone strike]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan on Wednesday condemned a US drone attack in the Kurram tribal agency, saying the latest strike targeted an Afghan refugee camp.

The strike, reports claimed, allegedly killed a commander from the Haqqani network and his two accomplices.

But Pakistan said the target was an Afghan refugee camp. It did not say whether any militant was killed in the drone strike.

PAF can shoot down any drone violating Pakistani airspace, says air chief

“Pakistan condemns a drone strike in Kurram Agency carried out by the Resolute Support Mission (RSM) this morning, which targeted an Afghan refugee camp,” said a statement issued by the Foreign Office hours after the drone strike.

PHOTO: EXPRESS

Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal said Pakistan had continued to emphasise to the US the importance of sharing actionable intelligence so that the appropriate action was taken against terrorists by Pakistan forces within its territory.

“Pakistan has also been stressing the need of early repatriation of Afghan refugees as their presence in Pakistan helps Afghan terrorists to melt and morph among them,” he added.

[caption id="attachment_1616932" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: EXPRESS[/caption]

“Such unilateral actions, as that of today, are detrimental to the spirit of cooperation between the two countries in the fight against terrorism,” the spokesperson said.

The drone attack in Kurram Agency came amid growing friction between Pakistan and the US since President Trump’s New Year tweet slamming Islamabad for not doing enough in the fight against terrorism.

It also happened a day after deadly attack on an hotel in Kabul in which scores of people including foreigners were killed. The Afghan intelligence officials claimed that the attack was carried out by the Haqqani network and that the explosives used in the assault were ‘made in Pakistan.’

The Kabul attack prompted the US to reiterate its demand seeking action against the alleged hideouts of the Haqqani network.

Pakistan, however, denied such allegations and insisted that there was no organized terrorist infrastructure on its soil.

The pre-dawn strike took place more than 50 kilometres from the Afghan border, in the village of Mamuzai in the Kurram tribal area.

The US embassy in Islamabad declined to comment and there was no immediate comment from Nato forces in Kabul.

A senior government official in Kurram told AFP that the drone fired one missile at a two-room compound, killing the militant and destroying the building.

He named the dead man as Nasir Mehmood, alias Ihsanullah Khurya, and described him as an Afghan national and a "mid-level commander of the Haqqani network".

"The US drone remained in the air even after the strike and was flying there for almost 15 minutes," the official said.

Two Pakistani intelligence officials in the area also said the US had carried out a drone strike, but according to their information the drone fired two missiles and killed two militants of the Haqqani network in the compound.

A source close to the Haqqani group confirmed that at least one mid-level Afghan commander had been killed.

With additional input from AFP]]>
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			<title>Nobody's taken more bad guys off the battlefield than the Pakistanis: former US Intelligence official</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1610140/nobodys-taken-bad-guys-off-battlefield-pakistanis-former-us-intelligence-official</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1610140/nobodys-taken-bad-guys-off-battlefield-pakistanis-former-us-intelligence-official#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jan 18 10:32:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1610140</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Also stresses upon how Pakistan has been 'America's best counterterrorism partner in many ways']]>
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				<![CDATA[At a time when ties between Islamabad and Washington are treading on thin ice, following accusations by the Trump administration for the failure in Afghanistan, a former United States intelligence official has stressed on how Pakistan has been the best counter-terrorism partner “in many ways”.

In an interview with The New Yorker, the official said “Nobody had taken more bad guys off the battlefield than the Pakistanis.”

The writer cites a 2004 visit by then US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to Pakistan, handing a list of suspects to President General Pervez Musharraf and conveying US President George W Bush’s “bewilderment and annoyance that most of the terrorists on the list were suspected of hiding out in Pakistan.”

Trump’s vendetta against Pakistan

The matter was looked into by the general himself, a participant in the said meeting told The New Yorker. Within a month, one of the top names on the list was arrested by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

While the US appreciates the military intelligence for going all out against ‘certain’ terrorists, it has been accusing Pakistan of supporting others. “It’s frustrating. Our talking points have been identical for the last fifteen years: ‘You need to get tough on terrorism, and you need to close the sanctuaries,’ ” one former intelligence official the newspaper.

But when it comes to al Qaeda, current and former US national security advisors believe the terrorist outfit’s operations in Pakistan do not represent the threat it once did. “The center of gravity for al Qaeda was in the process of a fundamental shift from Pakistan to Syria,” said Joshua Geltzer, the former senior director for counter-terrorism on Obama’s national-security council.

Speaking to The New Yorker, Joshua White, a former national-security council adviser in the Obama Administration stressed that while the “outstanding list of al Qaeda-affiliated figures is small. But the Haqqani list is moving in the other direction.”  According to White, when asked to pressure Haqqanis, Pakistan was “at times minimally responsive, but we always hit a wall.”

Although the White House seemed blind-slided by Trump’s tweets, the announcement by the US State Department to suspend military-equipment aid echoed his stance. His national-security advisor HR McMaster also endorsed a hardline stance against Islamabad – which the writer believes happened after McMaster saw a report titled “A New US Approach to Pakistan” by former ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani and Lisa Curtis, a research fellow at the Heritage Foundation where they argued “Pakistan is not an American ally.”

Pakistan thinks US leaders are fools, only gave us 'lies and deceit': Donald Trump

The publisher, however, highlights that the new hard-line approach is being resisted by the Pentagon and State Department officials, who emphasise that Pakistan could cut off the land and air routes that the US uses to supply American forces in Afghanistan. According to the writer, a senior US Administration official disputed claims that the Defence and State Departments were not part of developing the new approach, and the characterisation of Curtis and Haqqani’s paper as the 'blueprint' for the policy change. “There is a robust interagency process,” the official said. “There are many people involved in the policy process. There is a deliberative process.”

Speaking to The New Yorker, one former intelligence official sympathised with Trump’s position on Islamabad but pointed out that  “even if Pakistan becomes the most benign country in the world, Afghanistan is not going to be Switzerland,” he said.]]>
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			<title>Haqqani network behind big attacks in cities, not Da’ish, claims Afghanistan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1604056/haqqani-network-behind-big-attacks-cities-not-daish-claims-afghanistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1604056/haqqani-network-behind-big-attacks-cities-not-daish-claims-afghanistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jan 18 06:58:59 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1604056</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Abdullah Abdullah says in the past few months Da’ish has been largely suppressed in the country]]>
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				<![CDATA[Kabul has claimed that big attacks in Afghanistan were being conducted by Haqqani network under the name of Da’ish, according to Tolo News.

“For the purpose of provoking Iran and Russia to support Taliban, they (Haqqani Network) are carrying out the attacks under the name of Da’ish,” said Afghan Ministry of Defence spokesperson Dawlat Waziri on Monday.

Will knock all doors for Afghanistan peace, Afghan envoy tells Maulana Sami

Waziri said the Taliban were carrying out all the attacks and clashes in order to attract aid from Russia and Iran.

“The big and grave attacks are carried out by the Haqqani Network,” said Hazrat Ali a parliament member.

This comes as concern mounts over Da’ish’s growing footprint in parts of the war-torn country.

The National Unity Government’s (NUG) CEO Abdullah Abdullah said that in the past few months Da’ish has been largely suppressed in Afghanistan. Afghan security sources said that at the moment Da’ish militants were not only in Kunar province but in Nangarhar, Laghman, Nuristan and Jawzjan and were fighting security forces.

“In recent weeks, the most hits given to Da’ish militants were in eastern and northern Afghanistan,” said Abdullah.

Has Pakistan changed tack on the Haqqanis?

The presence of Da’ish in Afghanistan has been a major concern for Russia and Iran. Security sources believe that the origins of Da’ish and the Taliban are from one source and that there is no evidence that Afghanistan’s Da’ish has links with Da’ish in Iraq and Syria or take orders from them.

&nbsp;

This story originally appeared on Tolo News.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan knows what it needs to do, says US</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1600287/pakistan-knows-needs-says-us</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1600287/pakistan-knows-needs-says-us#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jan 18 06:32:09 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1600287</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[State Department spokesperson says Islamabad should demonstrate sincerity in its efforts to crack down on terrorists]]>
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				<![CDATA[The US State Department has said that Pakistan is an important partner but it also knows what it needs to do.

“The United States expects Pakistan to take decisive action against the Haqqani Network and other militants who are operating from its soil,” said State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert while responding to questions during a regular press briefing on Tuesday.

Trump’s statement detrimental to longstanding ties: cabinet

The President of the United States Donald Trump said on Monday that the US ‘foolishly’ gave aid to Pakistan over the course of 15 years but Islamabad remained deceitful by providing safe havens to ‘terrorists’ from Afghanistan.

“Pakistan is an important partner,” said Nauert, “We have a lot of issues in that region. Pakistan knows that, we all know that, and we try to work carefully together on some of those issues, but Pakistan – I don’t want to say that Pakistan can do more, but Pakistan knows what it needs to do.”

She said, “We [Trump administration] expect Pakistan – and we’ve made clear, and the President has made clear in the past also through his new strategy that was announced back in August about the Asia – the new Asia strategy – that the United States expects Pakistan to take decisive action against the Haqqani Network and other militants who are operating from its soil.”

“And they need to better – to earn, essentially, the money that we have provided in the past in foreign military assistance, they need to show that they are sincere in their efforts to crack down on terrorists,” clarified the US State Department official during the media briefing.

The US State Department spokesperson also informed that “Secretary Tillerson and also Secretary Mattis spent some time over there in Pakistan not too long ago. And they shared with the Pakistani Government and their counterparts our concerns. We would like Pakistan to do more through cooperation. They have a lot; it’s not just us. We’re not the only ones who benefit from it. But they have a lot to gain through additional cooperation on the issue of terrorism. So we expect them to take greater actions.”

She added that Trump’s concern about Pakistan not taking enough action about terrorism was nothing new.

The same day, the White House had said it wanted to see Pakistan do more to fight terrorism and that it would likely announce actions to pressure Islamabad within days. Trump’s UN envoy Nikki Haley earlier in the day also announced at the United Nations that Washington would withhold $255 million in assistance to Pakistan.

In case of US action, Pakistan is ready: DG ISPR

“Our goal is that we know that they can do more to stop terrorism and we want them to do that,” White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders told reporters.

Relations with Washington have been strained for years over Islamabad’s alleged support for Haqqani network militants, who are allied with the Afghan Taliban.

However, Pakistan’s  civilian and military chiefs rejected Trump’s comments a day after and summoned American Ambassador David Hale to explain his tweet.]]>
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			<title>US might withhold $255 million aid to Pakistan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1596643/us-might-withhold-255-million-aid-pakistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1596643/us-might-withhold-255-million-aid-pakistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Dec 17 07:02:36 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1596643</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Decision comes after Pakistan Army allegedly denied US access to a militant captured while recovering American couple]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Trump administration is strongly considering whether to withhold $255 million in aid that it had delayed sending to Islamabad, according to American officials, New York Times reported on Saturday.

The decision comes months after Pakistan forces freed a Canadian-American family held captive by militants in Afghanistan for over five years. In the operation, the army allegedly also captured one of the abductors.

US saw it as a potential windfall: He was a member of the Taliban-linked Haqqani network, and a potential source of valuable information about at least one other American hostage.

The Americans demanded access to the man, but Pakistani officials rejected those requests, the latest disagreement in the increasingly dysfunctional relationship between the countries.

Pakistan Army rescues Canadian-American family held hostage by Taliban

The administration’s internal debate over whether to deny Pakistan the money is a test of whether President Trump will deliver on his threat to punish Islamabad for failing to cooperate on counter-terrorism operations. Relations between the United States and Pakistan, long vital for both, have chilled steadily since the president declared over the summer that Pakistan “gives safe haven to agents of chaos, violence and terror”.

US, which has provided Pakistan more than $33 billion in aid since 2002, said in August it was withholding the $255 million until Islamabad did more to crack down on internal terrorist groups. Senior administration officials met this month to decide what to do about the money, and American officials said a final decision could be made in the coming weeks.

The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the sensitive discussions, did not detail what conditions Pakistan would have to meet to receive the aid. It was not clear how the US found out about the militant’s arrest, but an American drone had been monitoring the kidnappers as they moved deeper into Pakistan.

War on terror aid: Pakistan received $33.4bn from US

The Trump administration has foreshadowed a cutoff in recent days with harsher language. Last week, in announcing his national security strategy, Trump again singled out Pakistan for criticism. “We make massive payments every year to Pakistan,” he said. “They have to help.”

Vice President Mike Pence reinforced that message in a visit to Afghanistan just before Christmas, telling cheering American troops that “President Trump has put Pakistan on notice.” The reaction of his audience was notable, analysts said, since the Pentagon has historically been one of Pakistan’s defenders in Washington because of its longstanding ties to the Pakistani military.

Responding to Trump’s demands, in his recent press briefing DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor had said that it was time for US and Afghanistan to ‘do more’.

Trump plans to send lieutenants to Pakistan with tough message

In July, the Pentagon said it would withhold $50 million in military reimbursements for Pakistan because the country had not taken “sufficient action” against the Haqqani network.

A State Department official said Pakistan’s actions will ultimately determine the course of “security assistance in the future.” The official said conversations with Pakistan are continuing and declined to provide further comment.

The Pakistani government did not respond to a message seeking comment.

After Coleman, Boyle and their children were freed, the Pakistani military made no mention of the captured Haqqani operative. Instead, the military released a statement saying the operation’s “success underscores the importance of timely intelligence sharing and Pakistan’s continued commitment towards fighting this menace through cooperation between two forces against a common enemy.”

Trump said it was “a positive moment for our country’s relationship with Pakistan.”

Pakistan refused to 'do more' during Mattis visit: sources

American officials are eager to learn what the militant knows about Kevin King, an American university professor who was kidnapped along with Timothy Weeks, an Australian citizen, in August 2016. King is believed to be alive but ill and American officials are hopeful that he and Weeks might be released.

Another American, Paul Overby, vanished in 2014 in Afghanistan. Overby was trying to interview the leader of the Haqqani network when he disappeared.

Gen Joseph L Votel, the head of the Pentagon’s Central Command, which oversees Pakistan and Afghanistan, declined to provide any details on the Haqqani operative who was seized other than to say he was “probably pretty important” and that any militants involved in hostage-taking were “significant.”

General Votel would not say whether the Trump administration is considering withholding aid from Pakistan to prod Islamabad to improve its counter-terrorism cooperation.

This story originally appeared on the New York Times website]]>
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			<title>Delicate Pakistan-US relations</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1576806/delicate-pakistan-us-relations</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1576806/delicate-pakistan-us-relations#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Dec 17 06:00:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[talat.masood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1576806</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[If the unfairly US pressure on Pakistan continues it will only push it more into the fold of the Chinese]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Managing relations with the US has always remained Pakistan’s greatest foreign policy challenge. Military rulers whether it was Ayub, Zia or Musharraf sought legitimacy by submitting to America’s global and regional agenda and relations remained generally satisfactory and even cordial. The most recent and glaring example of this cooperation was Pakistan’s robust support to the Afghan Jihad during Soviet occupation and later its involvement in Afghanistan after the events of 9/11. But these expedient policies had long-term consequences whose ill affects are visible even now.

It is somewhat sad that either by coincidence or otherwise whenever civilian governments have been in power, whether it was the PPP or the PML-N, they were subjected to US sanctions or remained under pressure. It was Pakistan’s nuclear programme that was the rationale, although during military regimes for expedient reasons it was overlooked by Washington.

Once again we are undergoing a very challenging phase of our relationship with the US. We are being continuously blamed for providing sanctuary to the Haqqani Network and the Taliban Shura. Denial by the Pakistani side is not accepted on its face value and the commander of Nato-led coalition in Afghanistan, Gen John Nicholson, said that Pakistan has not changed in its support for the Haqqani Network and the Taliban Shura, the very groups that they are fighting. The secretary of state and senior members of the department of defence have made similar scathing statements. This accusation clearly implies as if Pakistan is not an ally but working against the US’s interests.

Don’t expect unilateral cooperation, Pakistan to tell US defence secretary

The visit of Secretary of Defence General Mattis was rightly given great weightage, as he is one of the few members of the administration that enjoys the confidence of President Trump. The way the state department has been sidelined and the secretary of state apparently on the way out, the department of defence has assumed great importance.

Pakistan’s relations with the US are going through a difficult and unpredictable phase. No doubt allegations that Pakistan is providing sanctuary to the Haqqani Network and Taliban leadership is nothing new, but since President Trump has assumed office he has taken a very strong stand on the question of sanctuaries. The warnings by the state department and General Nicholson’s statement preceding Gen Mattis’s visit shows that either the US does not believe in the veracity of Pakistan’s version or deliberately accuses us to scapegoat its failures. In fact, it is more of the latter. For in recent months, Pakistan has taken effective measures to ensure that the Haqqani Network and the Taliban leadership do not use Pakistan’s territory. It is clear that our army has taken very concrete steps that the Taliban or its ally the Haqqani Network does not operate from the Pakistani soil. But surely, it does not want to antagonise the Taliban leadership to an extent that should make them its enemy, as Pakistan is already facing the challenge of coping with Indian and Afghan hostility. Moreover, Pakistan’s contention is that the Taliban are a significant force in Afghanistan and merely relying on military force to subjugate the insurgency is unlikely to succeed. The solution lies in giving greater weightage to political engagement.

The visit of Mr Tillerson, secretary of state, and the recent one of Secretary of Defence General James Mattis suggests the pressure Trump administration is mounting on Pakistan. Indications are that the Pakistan Army will go only to some extent in meeting the US’s demands. As the Foreign Office spokesperson stated recently Pakistan would try to seek common ground. This point has been reiterated during the middle-tier talks that took place recently as well.

Withholding of the Coalition Support Fund of $700 million by the US has also not been well received, as this is the amount that Pakistan has already spent in providing services. If unfortunately, measures taken by Pakistan are unable to satisfy the Pentagon and the Trump administration it could lead to the US stepping up drone attacks. It could also withdraw the Non-Nato ally status and completely cut off aid. The worst-case scenario would be if the US’s expected winter offensive against the Taliban fails. In its frustration, it could unjustly blame Pakistan as sponsor of terrorism and apply strict UN sanctions. Pakistan understands all this but can only go that far while protecting its national interests. If the unfairly US pressure on Pakistan continues it will only push it more into the fold of the Chinese. Pakistan, meanwhile, is also trying to improve relations with Russia and Iran and focus more on Muslim countries. Its efforts to a large extent have been fairly successful. Furthermore, with the US engaged in serious confrontation with North Korea, having extremely tense relations with Iran and deep involvement in Syria, will it be prepared to open another front against Pakistan? However, President Trump and his team in the interim will keep the pressure, blowing hot and cold but keeping the channels of communication open. Despite the US’s present attitude it understands Pakistan’s value in the region and will only go that far. Meanwhile, it is expected that the Pakistan Army will keep a tight leash on the Haqqani Network, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Lashkar-e-Taiba so that it does not provide the US any excuse to malign it. Pakistan understands that there are mandatory obligations based on the UN resolutions 1267 and 1822 that compel it to take effective measures against these organisations. Meanwhile, civil and military leadership are likely to step up efforts to improve relations with Afghanistan by removing their misgivings.

Despite recent setbacks Pakistan needs to make every effort to improve relations with Washington. It ought to step up the channels of traditional diplomacy — mutual visits by political and military leadership. Pakistan in the past has neglected public diplomacy, which too could play an effective role in correcting our image. This would require greater interaction at the civil society level. Pakistani intellectuals and diaspora need to be more active in their interaction with US think tanks such as Brookings, Carnegie, Hudson Institute and American Enterprise. These institutions play a major role in influencing American policy at the White House, the state department and the department of defence.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 6th, 2017.

Like Opinion &amp; Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.]]>
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			<title>Taliban leaders living in comfort in Pakistan with drug money: US general</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1571355/us-general-sees-no-change-pakistan-behaviour-despite-trump-tough-line</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1571355/us-general-sees-no-change-pakistan-behaviour-despite-trump-tough-line#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Nov 17 05:50:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1571355</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[General Nicholson says he has not seen change in Pakistan’s support for militants despite Trump's tougher line]]>
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				<![CDATA[The top US general in Afghanistan General John Nicholson said on Tuesday that he had not seen a change in Pakistan’s support for militants so far, despite President Donald Trump taking a tougher line against Islamabad.

He also claimed that though the Taliban's tactical-level commanders were in the field in Afghanistan, its senior leadership still resided in Pakistan.

Taliban leaders are living in comfort outside of the country with plenty of drug money while the rank and file fighters were dying in Afghanistan, CNN quoted him as saying.

US officials have long been frustrated by what they see as Pakistan’s reluctance to act against groups such as the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network that they believe exploit safe haven on Pakistani soil to launch attacks on neighbouring Afghanistan.

US Defence Secretary says will try to work with Pakistan 'one more time'

In August, Trump outlined a new strategy for the war in Afghanistan, chastising Pakistan over its alleged support for Afghan militants.

He accused Pakistan of harbouring “agents of chaos” and providing safe havens to militant groups waging an insurgency against a US-backed government in Kabul. Pakistan has vehemently denied all such claims.

US official expressed hope that relations between the two countries could improve after a kidnapped US-Canadian couple and their three children were freed in Pakistan in October. The couple was abducted in neighbouring Afghanistan.

“We have been very direct and very clear with the Pakistanis... we have not seen those changes implemented yet,” General Nicholson told reporters.

“We are hoping to see those changes, we are hoping to work together with the Pakistanis going forward to eliminate terrorists who are crossing” the border, Nicholson said.

He said that he believed senior Taliban leaders were based in Pakistan, while the lower-level leadership was in Afghanistan.

The US in 2012 designated the Haqqani network as a terrorist organisation. Pakistan says it has done a great deal to help the US in tracking down terrorists.

The four-star general said he had seen evidence of relations between Iran and the Taliban in western Afghanistan and was closely tracking it.

The US has sent more than 3,000 additional US troops to Afghanistan as a part of Trump’s South Asia strategy. Nicholson said over 1,000 troops would be advising Afghan troops at the battalion level, putting them closer to the fighting and at greater risk.

Nicholson gave an optimistic view of the situation, saying he believed “we are on our way to a win.”

US officials have made similar statements during the course of the 16-year-old war, but the situation according to many US officials remains in a “stalemate.”

Pakistan plays down US commander’s remarks

According to a recent report by a US government watchdog, the Taliban had increased the amount of territory it has influence over or controls in Afghanistan in the past six months.

The figures are a sign of the deteriorating security situation in the war-torn country, even as the US has committed more troops.]]>
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			<title>Afghan forces claim killing top Haqqani commander</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1567289/afghan-forces-claim-killing-top-haqqani-commander</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1567289/afghan-forces-claim-killing-top-haqqani-commander#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Nov 17 09:36:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1567289</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The dead commander has been identified as Qari Qudrullah]]>
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				<![CDATA[Afghan forces claimed on Friday that they have killed dozens of Taliban insurgents – including a top commander of the dreaded Haqqani network – in an operation in central Maidan Wardak province of the country.

The operation was conducted in Nerkh district of Wardak by Afghan Special Forces, Khamaa Press quoted Afghan officials as saying.

Senior Haqqani aide taken out in US drone strike

According to the spokesperson for the provincial governor Abdul Rahman Mangsal, the Afghan forces conducted an operation late Tuesday night, in which around 20 Taliban fighters were killed.

"Several Taliban commanders were among those killed," Mangsal said.

However, another official from the Afghan government has claimed that more than 30 insurgents were killed in the operation, including Qari Qudrullah, a senior commander of the Haqqani network.

Haqqani Network commander killed

The Taliban have not issued a statement regarding the raid, and the insurgents could not be contacted to verify the claims made by Afghan officials.

Maidan Wardak is one of the unstable provinces in central Afghanistan, located close to Kabul, where an insurgency is raging. Armed groups are operating with impunity in its various districts and often carry out attacks against government and occupying forces in the area.]]>
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			<title>Abdullah blames Pakistan for Taliban return</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1564047/abdullah-blames-pakistan-taliban-return</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1564047/abdullah-blames-pakistan-taliban-return#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Nov 17 21:04:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1564047</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[But border patrol commander says Durand Line not violated by Pakistani troops]]>
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				<![CDATA[Chief Executive of the Government of National Unity of Afghanistan Abdullah Abdullah blames Pakistan’s two-faced game for the return of the Taliban insurgency.

Speaking at the Halifax International Security Forum in Canada, Abdullah said the Taliban group returned and resumed its insurgency in Afghanistan due to the two-faced games of neighbouring Pakistan.

Abdullah further added that the decision to withdraw forces from Afghanistan in 2014 also had a negative impact on the country’s security.

According to Khaama Press  he said the Afghan government is optimistic regarding Washington’s strategy about South Asia. According to Abdullah, the new strategy announced by United States (US) President Donald Trump will hopefully increase pressure on the Taliban and its supporters to opt for a reconciliation process.
Afghan president blames Pakistan for home-grown violence
Afghan and US officials have been suggesting for some time that the leadership of both the Taliban and the Haqqani network are based in the key cities of Pakistan, from where they plan attacks in Afghanistan.

The US has also increased pressure on Islamabad to take immediate steps for dismantling safe havens of the Taliban and Haqqani network on its soil and in its latest move restricted future military aid to Pakistan to certification of the country’s steps against the two groups.

Meanwhile, a top commander of the border protection police forces has rejected reports suggesting that Pakistani forces have violated the Durand Line.

Border Protection Police First Brigade Commander General Mohammad Ayoub Hussain Khel said no Pakistani soldier has set foot on Afghan soil.

Will no longer seek Pakistan’s help in peace talks: Afghan president

Speaking to reporters in Nangarhar, Khel said the border protection forces are on alert and will not allow anyone to crossover to Afghan territory.

However, he added that shelling has increased in line with the new anti-terrorist operations launched along the Durand Line.

Gen Khel also said that Pakistani forces have abandoned the fencing work in Spin Bari area of Goshta district of Nangarhar.

According to Gen Khel, Afghan forces have also started building standard security posts along the line to provide more facilities to the border protection forces.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>At least 14 Da’ish terrorists killed in Afghanistan airstrikes</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1544293/least-14-daish-terrorists-killed-afghanistan-airstrikes</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1544293/least-14-daish-terrorists-killed-afghanistan-airstrikes#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 Oct 17 07:26:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1544293</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The air blitz targeted three militant hideouts in Nangarhar province]]>
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				<![CDATA[Airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province have killed at least 14 Islamic State, also known as Da’ish, terrorists.

According to Afghan security officials, the air blitz targeted three militant hideouts in the eastern part of the country and killed 14 terrorists and injured many others on Sunday.

Jamaatul Ahrar (JuA) chief Umar Khalid Khorasani was killed in a US drone strike in Paktia earlier this month.

US denies air strike killed civilians in Afghanistan

Similarly, two US unmanned aircraft strikes along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan last week killed at least 26 people — including fighters linked to the outlawed Haqqani network which is allied to the Afghan Taliban.

On Saturday, nine policemen were killed and two others injured in separate attacks on police checkpoints in eastern Ghazni province.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks.]]>
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			<title>Ties between Haqqanis, Pakistan deteriorating, claims Afghan media</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1543662/ties-haqqanis-pakistan-deteriorating-claims-afghan-media</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1543662/ties-haqqanis-pakistan-deteriorating-claims-afghan-media#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 28 Oct 17 05:51:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1543662</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Islamabad rejects US, Afghan allegations that it is sheltering Afghan insurgent groups]]>
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				<![CDATA[The spectre of Haqqanis continues to haunt the United States and its proteges in Kabul. They believe the Haqqanis are stoking the spiral of deadly violence in Afghanistan -- and that the network has covert support from Pakistan -- a charge Islamabad vehemently denies.

However, in an interesting twist to the story, the Afghan media claimed on Friday that relations between Pakistan and the Haqqani network have strained in recent months.

Afghanistan's Khaama Press reported on the authority of "unnamed Pakistani and Afghan officials" that ties between Pakistan and the Haqqani network have started deteriorating after the United States stepped up pressure on Islamabad to act against alleged Taliban sanctuaries on its soil.

Pakistan offered US joint operation against Haqqanis: Khawaja Asif

In August, President Donald Trump unvield his strategy for Afghanistan and South Asia. In his policy speech, he criticised Pakistan for sheltering 'agents of chaos' -- a reference to the Afghan Taliban and their cohorts -- in 'safe havens' on its soil.

Islamabad has dismissed Trump's tirade and advised him to stop listening to his "failed generals" on Afghanistan who are reluctant to concede military defeat -- and instead seek advice from American politicians.

The security situation in Afghanistan is as volatile as ever with a resurgent Taliban targeting Afghan security forces at will. More than 200 people were killed in a string of suicide and gun attacks on Afghan security forces earlier this month.

According to Khaama Press, a Pakistani politician has confirmed to Gandhara that the relations between the Haqqanis and Pakistan have deteriorated.

Who are the Haqqanis, Afghanistan's most feared insurgents?

“Definitely there are strains in the relationship between Pakistan and the Haqqani network,” the official said speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Quoting "interlocutors" in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, the politician added that tensions between the Haqqanis and Islamabad was spurred by Pakistan's repositioning after Washington’s demand to end militant sanctuaries on its territory.

Pakistan says it has dismantled all sanctuaries of terrorists and their command and control centre in Zarb-e-Azb, launched in 2014 in North Waziristan, the once stronghold of Taliban and their cohorts.

According to the politician who spoke to Khaama Press, the Haqqanis were also upset over Pakistan’s recent rescue of a Canadian-American couple and their three children who they wanted to exchange for their imprisoned comrades.

Freed Canadian hostage claims Taliban killed infant daughter, raped wife

Pakistani Army, operating on intelligence provided by the United States, rescued Caitlan Coleman, her husband Joshua Boyle and their children soon after their captors, the Haqqanis, transported them from Afghanistan into Kurram Agency earlier this month.

An Afghan official also confirmed the reports of deteriorating relations.

Pakistan says it had ties with the Afghan Taliban in the past but that doesn't mean it is harbouring them on its soil.

"We are not saying that we are saints. Perhaps in the past we made some mistakes. But since the last three, four years we are whole-heartedly, single-mindedly ... targeting these terrorists," Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif said while speaking at an American think tank during his recent visit to the United States.

He also said that Pakistan's influence over the Afghan Taliban has diminished since a US drone strike killed the group's leader, Mullah Akhtar Mansoor, in May, last year, derailing talks aimed at bringing peace to Afghanistan.

Pakistan has said the drone strike in Balochistan that killed Mansoor was meant to sabotage the peace initiative of the Quardrilateral Coordination Group (QCG).

The quartet, which had been virtually dead since then, met earlier this month after a long hiatus in Oman's capital of Mascut, but the Taliban refused to join the process.

President Trump is seeking a military victory in the deadliest, costliest and longest war in American history. Pakistan, however, believes the use of military force could not end the conflict -- and that dialogue is the only way to restore peace in the war-ravaged country.]]>
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			<title>If Pakistan doesn't act against terror groups, we'll find a 'different way': US</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1542898/pakistan-doesnt-act-terror-groups-well-find-different-way-us</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1542898/pakistan-doesnt-act-terror-groups-well-find-different-way-us#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 27 Oct 17 15:59:44 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1542898</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[US State Department spokesperson says Pakistan has been told to dismantle safe havens on its soil]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Trump administration said on Friday that it had warned Pakistan that if it failed to take "decisive" actions against terrorist groups, the US would "adjust" its tactics and strategies to achieve the objective in a "different way".

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has told Pakistan that it must take action against terrorist groups and dismantle their safe havens on its soil, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert told Press Trust of India.

"We have communicated our expectations to Pakistan numerous times that they must take decisive action against terrorist groups based within their own borders," Nauert added.

Tillerson talks tough to 'incredibly important' Pakistan

The spokesperson's remarks comes a day after Tillerson concluded his maiden trip to Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.

On his maiden visit to Islamabad on Tuesday, Tillerson pressed Pakistan to speed up its efforts against terrorism, particularly the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network, but described Islamabad as ‘incredibly important’ player to deal with some of the pressing challenges facing the region.

Then in New Delhi, he said the US was concerned that extremist groups were threatening the “stability and security” of the government in Pakistan.

Asif urges US to stop listening to 'failed generals' on Afghanistan

Later in a policy statement in the Senate, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan was ready to help the US in Afghanistan but would not act as the proxy for any country and urged Washington to get input from politicians and experts rather than the generals, who had already failed in the war-torn country.

He said the US had provided Islamabad a list of 75 wanted persons, which did not include a single Pakistani citizen, while Pakistan had given a list of 100 criminals to the US and Afghanistan.]]>
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			<title>Hafiz Saeed's name not on list of 75 militants handed over by US: Khawaja Asif</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1541135/hafiz-saeeds-name-not-list-75-militants-handed-pakistan-us-khawaja-asif</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1541135/hafiz-saeeds-name-not-list-75-militants-handed-pakistan-us-khawaja-asif#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 Oct 17 15:02:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1541135</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Foreign minister says Haqqani network on top the list, none of the militants are Pakistanis]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif said on Wednesday that Jamaatud Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed's name was not on the list of 75 militants the US had handed over to Pakistan.

"The Haqqani network is on the top of the list but none of the militants are Pakistanis," Asif told senators during a session of the parliament's upper house, Express News reported.

The minister said the US had been told that Pakistan no longer had influence over the Afghan Taliban as it did in the past.

"Neither are we supporting them [Afghan Taliban], nor do they need our help," he added. "Somebody else is sponsoring them now."

Asif asserted that many of the key Taliban names were now shadow governors in Afghanistan or no longer alive.

US worried about Pakistan govt’s stability, Tillerson tells India

On his maiden visit to Islamabad on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, while renewing the US demand seeking action against Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network, said many of the solutions to the regional challenges have to be found in Pakistan.

He pressed Pakistan to speed up its efforts against terrorism but described Islamabad as ‘incredibly important’ player to deal with some of the pressing challenges facing the region.

Equal terms

The minister emphasised the need for relations with the US on equal terms.

He maintained that Pakistan had entered into a major agreement with the Americans following 9/11, and was now facing its fallout.

The US, he added, had made a habit of handing over lists of wanted people to Pakistan, which traded them for favours - a matter that needed to be debated.

Tillerson is acting like a Viceroy, says Senate chairman

Asif told the senators that Pakistan had not compromised in response to US President Donald Trump's new Af-Pak policy. “We made it clear that we don't need financial aid; our dignity is more important to us,” he added.

"Peace in Pakistan is interrelated with peace in Afghanistan. We've told the US that its military solution won't work and dialogue is the only way forward."

India, Asif continued, was playing the biggest role in destabilising the region and Afghanistan was assisting the former as a facilitator. “Militants from Afghanistan are responsible for the unrest in Pakistan," he maintained.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>The curious case of Joshua and Caitlan Boyle</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1535021/curious-case-joshua-caitlan-boyle</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1535021/curious-case-joshua-caitlan-boyle#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Oct 17 04:39:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Mian Nadeem Ijaz Ahmad]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1535021</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Did the Boyles become a bargaining chip to keep Omar Khadr quiet and eventually put the blame on the Haqqani Network?]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[In October 2012, Canadian-American couple Joshua Boyle and Caitlan Coleman were kidnapped in Afghanistan while they were on a “backpacking trip”. They were held in Taliban custody for five years and the couple had three children during their time in captivity. The couple was freed on 11th of October 2017 as they were being shifted from Afghanistan to Pakistan. Working off an intelligence tipoff from the United States, Pakistani forces undertook a successful rescue mission the moment the captors crossed over into Pakistani territory.

Joshua Boyle was previously in the limelight for his vocal stance against the 2002 incarceration of a minor from Canada named Omar Khadr. The US held the boy, aged sixteen at that time, in Guantanamo Bay. Joshua Boyle married Omar Khadr’s sister, Zaynab Khadr, also a Canadian citizen, in 2009. Boyle divorced Zaynab Khadr in 2010.

After ten years in Guantanamo, Omar Khadr was released into Canadian custody in September 2012 and consequently won damages of 10.2 million dollars in a settlement by the Canadian government for his denial of human rights and illegal imprisonment in American custody. Intriguingly, subsequent to Omar Khadr’s release, the Taliban took hostage his former brother-in-law, Joshua Boyle, along with his new wife in October.

Many questions arise. For instance, who allowed the Boyles to ‘backpack’ in hostile Taliban territory? How (and why) did they come to Afghanistan? Why were they not rescued inside Afghanistan for five long years? Why did Boyle refuse to board the US aircraft offered to him at Islamabad to return him and his family back home? What did Boyle mean by his statement that his interests and US interests were not the same? Additionally, in a statement in Ottawa, why did Boyle blame the Haqqani Network for the rape of his wife and death of his daughter during captivity? Why does Boyle’s statement paint his Taliban captors in a softer light? Moreover, why were no drone strikes conducted on the Taliban while they were shifting the Boyles to Pakistan?

Why were the Boyles allowed to ‘backpack’ in Taliban territory?

Were the Boyles persuaded to come to Afghanistan at the same time that Omar Khadr was being released into Canadian custody from Guantanamo Bay? The couple’s arrival in Afghanistan and movement into the heart of the Taliban territory could not have been without US and Afghan knowledge. Did the Boyles become a bargaining chip to keep Omar Khadr quiet and eventually put the blame on the Haqqani Network [for rape and death of his daughter] and give praise to the Taliban [as Boyle has done] for subsequent negotiations?

Joshua Boyle refused to board a US aircraft at Islamabad. Did he foresee another incarceration at Bagram Air Base instead of reaching Ottawa? It is telling when he expressed his sentiments of not being on the same page with the United States.

Why were there no rescue attempts by the U.S. for five years?

Another interesting aspect of the Boyle abduction is that strangely enough it did not elicit any serious rescue attempt by US troops and their Afghan allies. Moreover, if the US had such precise intel about the Taliban shifting the Boyles to Pakistan, then why was the family not rescued while in Afghanistan? Does the US not trust its Afghan allies or even its own forces to undertake such operations inside Afghanistan? Or does the US not want to attack the Taliban inside Afghanistan?

Why were no drone strikes carried out?

Despite intelligence being as precise as the exact time of the Taliban movement and shifting of the Boyles towards Pakistan, there was no drone strike conducted in Afghanistan. Was it because Caitlan Coleman is an American citizen and her children could also be termed the same? Or, was the US concerned about the negative fallout of the Boyles becoming collateral damage during a drone strike? ‘Collateral damage’ is a term used frequently when others are killed by US operated drone strikes. Or could it be that the rapid response of the Pakistani forces upset the US apple cart by preventing a US raid and drone strike inside Pakistan?

The Trump connection

Just prior to the rescue of the Boyles, Trump was quoted as telling his aides that “a country very disrespectful to the US is now going to show us respect. I have just been told by a General.”

Once the rescue was announced, he called it a positive moment in relations with Pakistan and said, “Pakistan’s cooperation is a sign that it is honouring America’s wishes for it to do more to provide security in the region. I believe they are starting to respect the United States again.”

From Trump’s statements, it could be deduced that the “get tough policy” on Pakistan was working and it was now going to do more for America. So perhaps the Boyles were used as pawns and the Taliban were coaxed into moving them into Pakistan by the US.

Release of Sergeant Bergdahi, Colin Rutherford

The confinement of the Boyles could have been intertwined with the captivity [2009] and release [2014] of US Sergeant Bowe Bergdahi. Five high-level prisoners known as the “Taliban Five” were released into Qatar’s custody from Guantanamo for the freedom of Sergeant Bergdahi. Former Green Beret Lt Col Jason Amerine in his testimony before a Senate Committee hearing in 2015 stated, “Because the US was only focused on Sergeant Bergdahi as he was American, we lost the chance of rescuing other hostages like the Boyles and Rutherford in Talban captivity. The State Department scuttled plans to rescue all hostages.”

At the start of the quadrilateral peace talks between Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and the US in January 2016, the Taliban freed Colin Rutherford, another Canadian that they had taken prisoner in February 2011.

It is possible that the US allowed the Boyles to languish in captivity for a longer period because it was more interested in its own citizen and enhancing peace negotiations with the Taliban.

Postscript

Pakistan should not expect any bonhomie in its relations with the US even after the Boyles’ rescue. Trump’s statements of so-called “praise or appreciation” are disparaging enough. No upbeat headlines should be written about these remarks. The demonising of Pakistan by the US will continue.

By quickly responding to the hostage crisis and freeing the Boyles, Pakistani troops may have stopped plans for a unilateral US rescue operation. This may not have been to the liking of the military-dominated confrontational White House. Hence, the speculation that the Boyles were perhaps inside Pakistan for some time and only a get tough policy with that country ensured their release.

The abduction of the Boyles raises many questions. However, the answers may never be found due to the murky game being played by the US in the region.

Joshua and Caitlan allegedly met online as teenage Star Wars movie friends. Maybe they were beamed down into Taliban territory and then again beamed onto Pakistan’s border. Who has this capability? Definitely not Pakistan!

Published in The Express Tribune, October 19th, 2017.

Like Opinion &amp; Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.]]>
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			<title>Who are the Haqqanis, Afghanistan's most feared insurgents?</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1533408/haqqanis-afghanistans-feared-insurgents</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1533408/haqqanis-afghanistans-feared-insurgents#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Oct 17 06:19:37 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1533408</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Militant group has been blamed for spectacular attacks across Afghanistan since after US invasion]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The rescue of an abducted US-Canadian family in Pakistan last week has spotlighted their captors the Haqqani Network, former CIA assets now considered one of the most dangerous factions fighting US-led Nato forces in Afghanistan.
Led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, who doubles as the Afghan Taliban's deputy leader, the militant group has been blamed for spectacular attacks across Afghanistan since after the US invasion.
"When you hear US officials, including in private settings, talking about what worries them the most, they always talk about the Haqqanis," said analyst Michael Kugelman, of the Wilson Center in Washington.
Pakistan offered US joint operation against Haqqanis: Khawaja Asif
Who are they? 
The group was founded by Jalaluddin Haqqani, an Afghan mujahideen commander fighting the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s with the help of the US and Pakistan.
Jalaluddin gained notoriety for his organisation and bravery, garnering attention from the CIA and a personal visit from US congressman Charlie Wilson.
A fluent Arabic speaker, Jalaluddin also fostered close ties with Arab militants, including Osama Bin Laden, who flocked to the region during the war and later became a minister in the Taliban regime.
Now designated a militant group by the US, the Haqqanis are known for their heavy use of suicide bombers. They were blamed for the truck bomb deep in the heart of Kabul in May that killed around 150 people - though Sirajuddin later denied the accusation in a rare audio message.
The network has also been accused of assassinating top Afghan officials and holding kidnapped Westerners for ransom.
That includes recently released Canadian Joshua Boyle, his American wife Caitlan Coleman, and their three children - all born in captivity - as well as US soldier Bowe Bergdahl, who was released in 2014.
Where are they now? 
Following the US invasion of Afghanistan, Taliban fighters flooded across the border into Pakistan, where they regrouped.
That included the Haqqanis, who coordinated attacks on Nato from across the border in their stronghold of Miran Shah.
The US has launched repeated drone attacks targeting the group - including one late Monday - while Pakistan's military has conducted successive clearing operations.
Pakistan intensified a military operation in the area in 2014, however, and some militant sources say the pressure has forced many of the Haqqanis underground or over the border into their Afghan strongholds, claims that AFP could not confirm.
‘No safe haven’: Pakistan rejects US report on Taliban, Haqqani network
What does the US want Pakistan to do? 
Washington has long pressured Pakistan to crack down on militant groups, with the Haqqanis a top priority.
US President Donald Trump turned up the heat this summer when he accused Pakistan of playing a double game in Afghanistan and upbraided Islamabad for sheltering "agents of chaos".
Islamabad has repeatedly denied the claims and accused Washington of ignoring the thousands of Pakistani lives lost in its struggle with militancy.
The recovery of Boyle, Coleman, and their children came weeks later, with Pakistan using its role in securing their freedom to urge the US to trust it is doing its best.]]>
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			<title>Will couple rescue mark a new beginning in ties with United States?</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1530823/will-couple-rescue-mark-new-beginning-ties-us</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1530823/will-couple-rescue-mark-new-beginning-ties-us#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 14 Oct 17 04:26:57 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[kamran.yousaf]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1530823</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[One of the main reasons of the Pak-US troubled ties is the issue of trust]]>
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				<![CDATA[On October 11 at 4pm, the CIA sent an important alert to its Pakistani counterpart, the ISI. It was about the movement of a US-Canadian couple who was thought to be in the captivity of the Haqqani Network since 2012. The ISI was given a tip-off that the hostages were being transported from Afghanistan to Pakistan through the Kurram tribal area.

What followed was unprecedented. Three hours later, Pakistan Army and ISI operatives were at the location. They successfully recovered American Caitlin Coleman and her Canadian husband, Joshua Boyle, along with their three children from the hostage-takers.

The speed with which the security forces acted as a result of close cooperation between the spy agencies of Pakistan and the US was in total contrast to the current state of relationship between the two ostensible allies.

One of the main reasons of their troubled ties is the issue of trust.

Pakistan Army rescues Canadian-American family held hostage by Taliban

Pakistan and US security agencies worked closely after the 9/11 attacks to nab hundreds of al Qaeda terrorists. But in recent years their cooperation was marred by a growing trust deficit.

The US authorities of late remained reluctant to share intelligence with Pakistan under the pretext that its security agencies were playing a double game in the fight against terrorism.

It was due to the trust deficit that the United States decided to take a unilateral action to kill al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in his Abbottabad compound in May 2011.

The then Obama administration discussed at length whether to take Pakistan on board on the Abbottabad operation. But the proposal was shot down because the US authorities feared that giving advance notice to Pakistan might put the entire operation in jeopardy.

Against this backdrop, what has really prompted the US to share intelligence with Pakistan at a time when their relationship is far from ideal?

The first reason was that the US had no option but to rely on Pakistan simply because it wanted the US-Canadian couple to be alive.

“There was a huge risk involved in this entire operation,” said senior Pakistani official privy to the rescue mission.

The US authorities could have rescued the couple on the Afghan side but because of the risks involved they couldn’t do so, the official added. “So the credit goes to Pakistani security forces to accomplish a difficult mission,” he said.

The rescue operation was also significant since the US-Canadian couple, according to the US, was kidnapped by the Haqqani network, an Afghan affiliated group.

So it was effectively an operation against a group, which often was linked to Pakistan.

“This has in a way defeated their (US) narrative that we have a selective policy in the fight against terrorism,” the official insisted.

He said that swift action taken by the Pakistani security forces also debunked the oft-repeated allegation that the country was reluctant to go after all militant groups.

But will this mark a positive shift in the otherwise troubled relationship between the two countries?

In the short run that seems to be the case given the reaction coming from Washington. Pakistan had won a rare praise from President Donald Trump, who called it a ‘positive moment’ in Pak-US relations.

US Defence Secretary James Mattis, who until recently was critical of Pakistan’s policies, also showered praise on the military for the successful operation.

But officials here believe that it was not sagacious on the part of Trump to give a statement in a manner as if it was his new strategy that compelled Pakistan to take this action.

“This has certainly not been taken positively in Pakistan,” commented one official.

Rescued US-Canadian family heads back home on PIA flight

Analysts believe the rescue of the couple may have helped break the ice between Pakistan and the US, but the issues the two countries have been facing are too complex to be sorted out because of one event.

The major issue is that whether the two countries share the same vision for Afghanistan and beyond. Trump’s new strategy suggests otherwise.

While the new US administration is laying a greater emphasis on exercising the use of force to settle the long-running conflict, Pakistan is adamant on seeking a dialogue.

The more important issue for Pakistan is the apparent US tilt towards India. Pakistan is increasingly concerned at the US approach, giving greater role to India in the Afghan affairs.

Similarly, Islamabad is also not happy with the recent move by the US to publicly oppose CPEC. Nevertheless, officials said, the rescue of hostages created a positive atmosphere for the upcoming visits of US defence and state secretaries to Pakistan.]]>
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			<title>Has Pakistan changed tack on the Haqqanis?</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1528050/pakistan-changed-tack-haqqanis</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1528050/pakistan-changed-tack-haqqanis#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 11 Oct 17 04:24:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[kamran.yousaf]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1528050</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Khawaja Asif’s offer to US veers greatly from past policy and claims]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Afghan Taliban-affiliated Haqqani Network has been a major source of friction between Pakistan and the United States for years. Washington is far from convinced that Islamabad has abandoned its support to the insurgent group, despite Pakistan taking full control of North Waziristan Agency (NWA), which was once considered the headquarters of the Haqqani Network.

In order to substantiate Pakistan’s claim that it is not playing a ‘double game’, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday disclosed that Pakistan had offered the US an option to carry out joint operations against the Haqqanis if any of their 'sanctuaries' were found on Pakistani soil.

The development is seen as significant as Pakistan has long maintained that it cannot allow foreign boots on its soil and that it would never allow the Afghan war to be fought within its frontiers.

Pakistan offered US joint operation against Haqqanis: Khawaja Asif

But the latest statement by the Foreign Minister appears to signal a shift in Pakistan’s stance. So has Pakistan changed its policy towards the Haqqanis?

On previous occasions when both Washington and Kabul pressed Pakistan to act against the alleged Haqqani sanctuaries, Islamabad contended that such a decision had to be taken with consensus by the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG).

The QCG involving Pakistan, Afghanistan, the US and China, was formed to work towards a political solution to the Afghan conflict. Pakistani officials in the past emphasized that the QCG had agreed that any option of use of force would be exercised as a last resort.

Also, on several occasions during background briefings by security and foreign office officials, the impression was made that Pakistan was opposed to getting dragged into the never-ending conflict in Afghanistan.

This policy was reiterated when Pakistan gave a detailed rejoinder to President Donald Trump’s strategy for Afghanistan and South Asia in August. The official statement clearly stated that Pakistan would not fight the Afghan war on its soil.

Senior Haqqani aide taken out in US drone strike

There has been no reaction to Asif's statement from the army, which holds sway on such policy decisions. But the foreign minister – who was previously the defence minister – would certainly not have made such a statement off the cuff. The strategy must have been discussed and debated between civil and military authorities, according to observers.

But defence analyst Lieutenant General (retd) Amjad Shoaib is sceptical whether the military leadership was on board with the statement given by Asif.

Gen Shoaib, who is still closely connected with the military establishment, warned that the foreign minister’s statement would have negative implications for Pakistan.

“Making such an offer means that, in a way, you are admitting that there are safe havens on our soil,” he said. “This is contrary to our stated policy.”

A senior foreign office official dismissed the notion that Pakistan had changed its policy. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official explained that the foreign minister said Pakistan simply offered the option of joint operations “provided they found any sanctuaries on our soil”.

'No safe haven': Pakistan rejects US report on Taliban, Haqqani network

“Our position is very clear that there are no more terrorist safe havens on Pakistan soil and therefore no question will arise of any joint venture,” the official insisted.

At a recent media briefing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG Major General Asif Ghafoor had said that no terrorist outfit had an “organised presence” in Pakistan.

But Rustam Shah Mohmand, a former ambassador to Afghanistan, believes that it appears Pakistan is buckling under US pressure. “The foreign minister’s statement does not make any sense,” Shah told The Express Tribune.

He said there was no point of making such an offer to the US or Afghanistan when Pakistan had already maintained that there were no safe havens of any terrorist groups on its soil.

Asif’s statement, according to analysts, seemingly also contradicts Pakistan’s stated policy that use of force cannot lead to a peaceful end to the 16-year long conflict in Afghanistan.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan offered US joint operation against Haqqanis: Khawaja Asif</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1526969/pakistan-offers-us-joint-operation-haqqani-network-asif</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1526969/pakistan-offers-us-joint-operation-haqqani-network-asif#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 Oct 17 19:02:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1526969</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[China, Russia, Iran and Turkey will stand by our side if US puts more pressure to 'do more', says foreign minister]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[While the United States continues to suspect Pakistan’s fight against terrorists, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif says that Islamabad has offered Washington an in-sync operation against the Haqqani network.

US President Donald Trump, while unveiling his strategy for Afghanistan in August, pilloried Pakistan for harbouring “agents of chaos” and the “very enemy US forces have fighting in Afghanistan" for the past 17 years.

'No safe haven': Pakistan rejects US report on Taliban, Haqqani network

US and Afghan officials have accused Pakistan of sheltering the Haqqani network – the deadliest of all the Afghan Taliban factions.

“We have offered American authorities to visit Pakistan with evidence of Haqqani network’s safe havens in the country. If they find any activity [of Haqqanis] in the targeted areas, our troops along with the US would destroy them once and for all,” Asif told anchor Javed Chaudhry on the Express News show Kal Tak.

Islamabad not to bow to ‘do more’ demands

The foreign minister, who recently toured Washington and met top Trump administration officials, went on to say that army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had made the same offer to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani during his Kabul visit earlier this month.

Referring to unsavoury criticism from the United States, Asif said, “If the Trump administration exerts more pressure on us, friendly countries, especially China, Russia, Iran, and Turkey, will stand by our side.”

He further added that “If the US secretary of state and secretary of defence are coming to dictate us, we will refuse to accept their dictates…and now we will do what is in the best interest of our country.”

Last week, AFP reported that President Trump will dispatch Rex Tillerson and Jim Mattis to Pakistan in the coming weeks on a visit designed to drill home the message that Pakistani state support for jihadi groups has to end.]]>
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			<title>‘Controversial’ talk: PTI plans to grill Asif in NA</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1520225/haqqanis-hafiz-saeed-pti-move-parliament-khawaja-asif-going-national-policy</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1520225/haqqanis-hafiz-saeed-pti-move-parliament-khawaja-asif-going-national-policy#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 30 Sep 17 16:17:50 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Danish Hussain]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1520225</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[To bring adjournment motion seeking explanation from the foreign minister over his remarks during his US tour]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will soon table an adjournment motion in the National Assembly aimed at seeking an explanation from Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif for making “extremely controversial remarks” during his US tour.

PTI MNA Murad Saeed will move the motion under Rule 109 of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly.

Speaking at the Asia Society Forum in New York, Khawaja Asif had said that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif paid the political price for his peace efforts with India.

Pakistan was offered to exchange Kulbushan Jadhav with APS attacker: Khawaja Asif

Terming the Haqqani network and Jamat-ud-Dawa’s Hafiz Saeed as liabilities for Pakistan, he urged the US to give Pakistan some time to get rid of them.

The draft of the motion to be tabled by the PTI states: “The routine business of the House should be adjourned to make the minister explain (why) he took a position contrary to the national policy dealing with terrorism.”

The motion also seeks explanation from the minister on why he had mentioned different causes for Sharif’s disqualification than what the court had written down in its judgment.

With Khawaja Asif as foreign minister, who needs enemies: Imran Khan

“Why his remarks on Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification should not be taken as the product of a well-thought-out scheme of causing irreparable damage to critical state institutions (such as) the judiciary,” the motion stated.

It also wants the foreign minister to explain why Asif did not apprise parliament of his knowledge of the so-called conspiracy, or for that matter, conspirators who had been involved in conspiring against the former prime minister.

The motion also asks the foreign minister “to explain what … he (hoped) to achieve by making such an irresponsible statement before an audience who is abhorrently critical to Pakistan and her institutions”.]]>
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			<title>Haqqanis and Hafiz Saeeds were America's 'darlings' 3 decades back: Pakistan FM</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1517565/haqqanis-hafiz-saeeds-americas-darlings-3-decades-back-pakistan-fm</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1517565/haqqanis-hafiz-saeeds-americas-darlings-3-decades-back-pakistan-fm#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Sep 17 10:48:22 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Nashrah Baqi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1517565</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Khawaja Asif says US has had a major role in Pakistan and Afghanistan's &quot;burning&quot;]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif in a sitting with the Asia Society, held in conjunction with the 72nd UN General Assembly session in New York, 'reminded' the US that the "Haqqanis and Hafiz Saeeds" were the US' "darlings" just 30 years ago.

"The US has had a major role in Pakistan and Afghanistan's 'burning' even after [the passage of] 30 years," the minister maintained as he lashed out at US' accusations that Pakistan harboured terrorism.

"For us the most challenging task was to put our house in order," Asif added.

US ‘militaristic approach’ has failed: Khawaja Asif

"Pakistan has suffered grievously from conflict and instability in Afghanistan. Unless this cycle is reversed, we would continue to bear the brunt. No country has a larger stake in seeing peace return to Afghanistan than Pakistan."

He further reiterated his statement saying, "Scapegoating Pakistan for all the Afghan ills is neither fair nor accurate. There's no military solution for Afghanistan. Pakistan in its past has done all it could to facilitate a political settlement."

Referring to the war in Afghanistan and the incessant blaming, Asif said that it was a collective mistake but the US shouldn't have left the way it did way back in the 90s.

"You thought the cold war is over, we are the sole super power so we don't have to bother about Pakistan or this region they can go to hell and that is what happened, we went to hell and we are still burning in that hell," he remarked.

"You must give us allowance for the reversal of liberal Pakistan. We were a pluralistic society but what we did to justify the jihad in 1980, we reversed everything. Our heroes have become non-heroes and non-heroes have become heroes because we wanted to justify jihad. Because that suited then our friends, the Americans. In that process our ethos was destroyed and the whole generation of my country is paying a very heavy price."

The minister said Pakistan had its clear limits and the country could not take further responsibility for Afghanistan's peace and security. Effective border management is key for peace and Pakistan is ready to facilitate the US on the border front.

"Our government reached out to India but our gestures of goodwill were not reciprocated by India. India has chosen to adopt confrontation and escalation over dialogue and engagement," the minister said over Pakistan's stance on regional harmony.

On Trump's directives for US policy in Afghanistan, Asif said the government and the public at large was "not very pleased". "It was utter disappointment, though not shocking.

Eligibility in question: IHC seeks reply from Asif over Iqama

"Pakistan has stood very firmly with the US in the Soviet war which was a wrong decision. It was a proxy war. We were used and discarded. In the 60's we were in the US camp and the US imposed sanctions like the Pressler's amendment on Pakistan in the 90's. Besides all the heartbreak we stood by the US, but this time it wasn't surprising but disappointing."

Asif maintained that "no billions of dollars have been dished out to us". "It was money which was reimbursed for the services we rendered to the USA and its allies."

"Don't blame us for the Haqqanis or the Hafiz Saeeds. These were people who were your darlings just 20 to 30 years back. They were being dined and wined in the White House and now you say go to hell Pakistanis because you are nurturing these people," the minister said defending Pakistan's position versus the fingers being pointed at the state for harbouring militants.

"You cannot divorce history just to move forward. They [the militants] are a liability and it will take time for Pakistan to work its way through that."]]>
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			<title>Words speak louder than actions</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1510052/words-speak-louder-actions</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1510052/words-speak-louder-actions#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Sep 17 04:56:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Imran Jan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1510052</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The “do more” is not new and neither is it going to be old anytime soon]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Trump has trumpeted the “do more” rhetoric with his signature style of making hubris more pronounced. The “do more” is not new and neither is it going to be old anytime soon. But there is something very interesting about this “do more” mantra: One, it is a testament to the privilege of powerful nations to define things as they please and for the rest to follow. Two, with repeated loud noise almost nobody questions the character of the noise-makers. More disturbingly, the only counter-argument or the reply given is that Pakistan has lost so many lives, so much of the infrastructure, so much money, and so forth.

David Cameron, the first world leader to have met Nawaz Sharif when the latter was elected prime minister in 2013, had advocated stopping Pakistan from exporting terror to India, Afghanistan or anywhere else. The UK, the junior partner of the American empire, usually repeats its master’s rhetoric. As for the Pakistani leadership, claiming victimhood from terror is fine but it is not enough. The honour of 200 million people is at stake. When faced with accusations on one’s character and credibility, one doesn’t bend backwards to prove oneself as the victim. That is a very lowly manner of conducting the business of politics. Pakistan should start making noise about some issues that have already been pushed down the Orwellian hole. Let me highlight some of them.

Pakistan is criticised for supporting the Haqqani Network, the people America and its junior partner supported in the ’80s. The same nefarious individuals were supported militarily and financially during the Kosovo war. Bases were set up in Albania and the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) was backed along with al Qaeda to provoke the Serbs and trigger a military response from Nato. The biggest purpose was to make Nato relevant. All this support was given to the KLA and al Qaeda while Bin Laden had declared a holy war against America. But changing the definitions of enemies and negotiating with terrorists when it is convenient is the privilege of strong nations.

Keeping Bin Laden in Abbottabad, protecting his capture by the US is always there if nothing else works. Al Qaeda was responsible for the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. British intelligence despite knowing this, tolerated the Advice and Reformation Committee — Bin Laden’s London base — to operate on British soil. This too was after 1996, the year when Bin Laden declared a holy war against the United States.

Why would the British tolerate Bin Laden’s base to operate on its soil? The British had tried to assassinate Muammar Qaddafi in 1986 but the plan failed and instead Qaddafi’s adopted daughter was killed in the attack. Ten years later, another opportunity presented itself when a Libyan military intelligence officer approached the MI6 with a plan to kill Qaddafi. The Libyan who was codenamed ‘Tunworth’ advised the MI6 to support the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) to kill Qaddafi. This group was formed in Afghanistan in 1990. Noman Benotman, the former head of the LIFG, who travelled to Afghanistan as a 22-year-old in 1989, said that he worked under the command of Jalaluddin Haqqani and received extensive support and training from British training programme. He was trained by the elite units of Mujahideen who were trained by Pakistan Special Forces, the CIA, and the SAS.

Britain allowed the LIFG to operate on its soil and do fundraising. The LIFG believed the Qaddafi government was “an apostate regime that has blasphemed against the faith of God Almighty” and that its overthrow was the “foremost duty after the faith in God”. These calls were issued in London. Several Afghan war Jihadist LIFG members were enjoying political asylum in England. So, an extremist organisation is allowed to operate on its soil in planning and executing assassination attempts on the leader of another sovereign nation, in this case Libya. Pakistan is criticised for something similar in terms of the Haqqani Network and the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Pakistan’s support for terror is wrong but criticising Pakistan by bigger sponsors of terror is textbook hypocrisy. Furthermore, Afghanistan is a neighbour and security issue of Pakistan. Libya was neither for British. But if oil and profits are factored into, one can easily connect the dots.

After the fall of the Third Reich, many Nazi officers were given American immigration. These Nazis worked for the CIA as spies in the Cold War against the Soviet Union despite the fact that the CIA knew of their serious war crimes.

There are numerous similar accounts, which the limited space does not permit me to write about. But you get the idea. The key is noise. In the business world, the simplest brand name with the simplest logo remains in memory, as Steve Jobs believed. However, in the complicated arena of global politics, the one who is the loudest and the most skillful in repeating the noise wins the day. It’s a crime when Pakistan supports the Haqqani Network, it’s a crime when Pakistan doesn’t “do more”. It’s a crime when Pakistan gives sanctuary to Bin Laden and on and on. However, the above-mentioned dirty realities and many more not mentioned above are not crimes because no noise is made about them. Those criticising Pakistan are good terrorism hating nations because they say so and that is enough for it to be true. My message to the Pakistani leadership is this: In politics, words speak louder than actions.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 19th, 2017.

Like Opinion &amp; Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.]]>
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			<title>Pursuing coherent foreign and domestic policies</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1504599/pursuing-coherent-foreign-domestic-policies</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1504599/pursuing-coherent-foreign-domestic-policies#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Sep 17 04:59:17 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[talat.masood]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Some analysts believe the role of Haqqani Network in Afghanistan is exaggerated by the US to place blame on Pakistan]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan’s foreign and security policy should undergo a major overhaul in the light of recent regional and global developments. Should it not be an eye-opener that our foremost ally and strategic partner, China, was also a signatory to a joint declaration with the other members of Brics to condemn terrorist groups some of them known to be based in Pakistan such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Haqqani Network. And what is troubling is that foreign powers believe these entities enjoy the patronage of the security establishment.

Regrettably, this is not the first time that international coalitions and major countries have condemned these groups and advised Pakistan to take action against them. Notwithstanding that the Chinese foreign minister during the recent visit of our foreign minister to Beijing came out in defence of Pakistan. He lauded Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism and recognised that some countries have not given full credit for its efforts. This was obviously in response to implied criticism of Pakistan in the recent communiqué of Brics.

Pakistan faced a similar situation in 2016 when at the Heart of Asia conference in Amritsar, China went along with other countries to criticise the presence of certain terrorist organisations located in Pakistan jeopardising the security situation in Afghanistan. Specifically it mentioned the Haqqani Network, the Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Jaish-e-Mohammad, etc.

It is unfortunate that Pakistan failed to react positively and had to once again face similar criticism. This time the forum was more important and received wider publicity as the impact of Brics declaration is far reaching.

The Chinese decision should be taken in a positive sense and prompt our decision-makers to reflect seriously as to how the support of certain militant groups contributes in spreading extremism and terrorism. Not to mention it has invited the ire and serious opposition from several countries of the world. More to the point, in what way are we any closer after 70 years to the resolution of the Kashmir issue by supporting these groups or bringing Afghanistan any closer? In contrast, India has succeeded in projecting the Kashmir freedom struggle as “Pakistan engineered terrorism” and Indian influence in Afghanistan gets deeper. And the genuine cause of Kashmiris continues to be compromised. Not surprising the All Parties Hurriyat leaders and other indigenous groups resisting Indian occupation do not approve of the activities of these militant groups. The Hizbul Mujahedin falls in a different category and has been included in the list of proscribed organisations more to please India than on the basis of any fair criteria.

Some analysts believe that the role of the Haqqani Network in Afghanistan is deliberately exaggerated by the United States to cover its failings and place blame on Pakistan. This may have an element of credibility but what is more relevant that the Haqqani Network’s presence in many ways goes counter to Pakistan’s interest.

All this points towards two major aspects that need serious introspection and action. Is the present method of formulation and implementation of foreign, defence and security policies in accordance with democratic norms? It is no secret that the army’s role in it is predominant. Experience of other democratic countries, and our own over the years, clearly indicates that this task remains the primary responsibility of the civilian government with critical input from the armed forces. Secondly, preparation of national policies should be institutionalised and it is encouraging that the present Prime Minister realises its significance. Hopefully, the practice of holding cabinet and security committee meetings becomes a regular feature. Harping that the civilian government and the military are on the “same page” betrays lack of confidence and maturity in the top leadership. It is illusory and contributes toward strengthening the existing flawed power-sharing and decision-making structure. Have we ever heard of similar reassurances from other democratic countries including those that achieved independence about the same time or even later such as Bangladesh or Sri Lanka?

A common remark by fellow Pakistanis that the country does not have a foreign policy smacks of ignorance. Surely, we have a foreign policy and it is different matter that the military plays a dominant role in it. It is clearly reactive and transitional and fails to take a long-term view of national interests. One could argue it is not institutionalised and the political leadership shows scant interest and the military’s dominance forces it to take a back seat. Pakistan’s internal contradictions also adversely affect the quality and impact of our foreign policy. But to say we have no foreign policy is erroneous.

Crying hoarse that Pakistan has suffered most in the fight against terror along with Afghanistan may have certain peripheral benefits. But it has failed to win sympathy and support of our position. It reflects as though we were not fighting for our own good but to satisfy the aims and goals of super and major powers. It reflects a sense of insecurity that deliberately foreign powers exploit.

The chaos in Afghanistan and the perennial hostility with India prevent us from focusing on the internal economy and political cohesion. Not realising that internal stability and economic self-reliance are central to building the nation’s confidence. Having close strategic and political ties in which mutual interests govern relationships is very different from leaning heavily on major powers. Pakistan has suffered from this malaise and needs to develop greater confidence in dealing with major powers. All this would be possible if we reduce our dependence on them.

Pakistan has to take its destiny in its own hands and that is only possible if it develops the capability of placing its economy on a self-sustaining path. Brings about political order and discipline and adopts security policies that are good for itself and for the region. Or are we going to continue on the path of unruliness? Is it not long overdue that sobriety and good sense prevail among the major stakeholders. The people of Pakistan wait for better results. This is not an empty dream but a serious call for survival and long-term prosperity.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 13th, 2017.

Like Opinion &amp; Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.]]>
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			<title>BRICS summit: LeT, JeM ‘threat to regional peace’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1497836/brics-declaration-names-jem-let-ttp-among-groups-regional-concern</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1497836/brics-declaration-names-jem-let-ttp-among-groups-regional-concern#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Sep 17 17:04:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1497836</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan has already sanctioned the groups named in joint declaration]]>
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				<![CDATA[Leaders of the five emerging economic powers have for the first time named militant groups as a security concern in the South Asia region while urging the United Nations to develop a “genuinely broad international counter-terrorism coalition” to combat militancy.

The move came in a declaration passed by heads of state from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) at a summit in the Chinese city of Xiamen on Monday.

The group called for an immediate end to violence in Afghanistan.

"We, in this regard, express concern on the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, (Islamic State), al Qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP and Hizb ut-Tahrir," the leaders said in the declaration as they called for the patrons of these organisations to be held to account.

China-India spat signals last hurrah for BRICS

The declaration noted that states had a primary leading role and responsibility in preventing and countering terrorism, stressing that there is a necessity to develop “international cooperation, in accordance with the principles of international law, including that of sovereign equality of states and non-interference in their internal affairs.”

it also noted that establishment of sustainable peace required a comprehensive, concerted and determined approach, based on mutual trust, mutual benefit, equity and cooperation, which addresses the causes of conflicts, including their political, economic and social dimensions.

“We condemn unilateral military interventions, economic sanctions and arbitrary use of unilateral coercive measures in violation of international law and universally recognised norms of international relations. We emphasise that no country should enhance its security at the expense of the security of others,” stated the declaration.

Pakistani articles ‘cited more than BRICs put together’, says report

The group also called on the international community to form a broad coalition to counter terrorism with the UN taking up a central role in this regard. However, it noted that the world body needs to undergo reforms.

“We … reaffirm the need for a comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of the developing countries so that it can adequately respond to global challenges,” the declaration read.

‘Nothing new’

Cold water was poured over the jubilation of Indian media over the inclusion of some militant groups in the BRICS declaration with former Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit noting that the groups mentioned were already sanctioned in Pakistan.

“Bizarre! Pakistan has long banned these outfits,” noted Basit who had retired from the hot seat in New Delhi in July.

“We’re also mentioned in Amritsar Heart of Asia declaration paragraph-14 with Pakistan on board,” he added, referring to the December 2016 summit in India.

“So what's new?” the former diplomat asked on microblogging site Twitter on Monday evening.

China tells India to refrain from pointing fingers at Pakistan

The group had named Lashkar-e-Taiba, which India blames for cross-border attacks including the 2008 assault on its financial capital Mumbai in which 166 people were killed. Pakistan banned the group in 2002.

Jaish-e-Mohammad, which New Delhi blames for a 2001 attack on its parliament, was banned by Islamabad in 2002.

Islamabad also denies any involvement in attacks in India including in the disputed region of Kashmir and says it is itself a victim of attacks.

There was no immediate reaction to the statement from the Foreign Office in Islamabad.]]>
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			<title>US won't pay Pakistan military reimbursements this year: Pentagon</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1463278/us-wont-pay-pakistan-military-reimbursements-year-pentagon</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1463278/us-wont-pay-pakistan-military-reimbursements-year-pentagon#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Jul 17 14:30:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1463278</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis says Islamabad had not taken sufficient action against Haqqani Network]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Pentagon will not make the remaining military reimbursements to Pakistan for fiscal year 2016 after US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis Rtold Congress that Islamabad had not taken sufficient action against the Haqqani Network, a US official said on Friday.
"The funds could not be released to the Government of Pakistan at this time because the secretary could not certify that Pakistan has taken sufficient action against the Haqqani Network per the requirement in the FY 2016 National Defence Authorization Act," Adam Stump, a Pentagon spokesman, said.
The decision comes as President Donald Trump's administration is exploring potentially hardening its approach towards Pakistan to crack down on militants launching strikes in neighbouring Afghanistan.
'No safe haven': Pakistan rejects US report on Taliban, Haqqani network
"This decision does not prejudge the conclusions of the White House review of South Asia strategy, which is still ongoing," Stump said.


However, Pakistan rejected on Thursday the US State Department’sannual assessment that it did not take substantial action against the Afghan Taliban or Haqqani Network or limit their ability to threaten US interests in Afghanistan.
This is not the first time the Pentagon has decided not to make military reimbursements. Last year, it withheld $300 million in reimbursements.
US counting on Pakistan's support, says McCain
Pakistan has been reimbursed $550 million of the $900 million the country was authorised to receive in fiscal year 2016.
Out of remainder, $300 million had already been reprogrammed for other purposes, but had not been previously reported. Mattis' latest decision affects the remaining $50 million.
The amount is under the Coalition Support Fund (CSF), a US Defence Department programme to reimburse allies that have incurred costs in supporting counter-terrorist and counter-insurgency operations.]]>
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			<title>US likely to toughen conditions for civil, military aid to Pakistan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1457778/us-likely-toughen-conditions-civil-military-aid-pakistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1457778/us-likely-toughen-conditions-civil-military-aid-pakistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 Jul 17 10:41:50 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1457778</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan's support to the fight against Haqqani network and other homegrown militant groups will be reviewed]]>
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				<![CDATA[A proposal has been submitted for consideration before a key Congressional panel of the United States to make the civil and military aid to Pakistan conditional to Islamabad’s support to the fight against the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani network and other homegrown militant groups.

The relationship between the two countries has been strained at times, with some in Washington believing Islamabad has not done enough to bring its influence to bear to persuade the Afghan Taliban to renounce violence. The draft bill titled 2018 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations was placed for deliberation before members of the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday.

Pakistan has received billions in US aid since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. The Haqqani network, based in the border areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan, has long been thought to have ties to the military establishment of Pakistan.

US counting on Pakistan’s support, says McCain

The bill, which provides $47.4 billion in both regular discretionary and Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding, asks US secretary of state to certify that “Pakistan is cooperating with the US in counterterrorism efforts against the Haqqani Network, the Quetta Shura Taliban, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad, al-Qaeda, and other domestic and foreign terrorist organisations, including taking effective steps to end support for such groups and prevent them from basing and operating in Pakistan and carrying out cross border attacks into neighboring countries.”

It requires the secretary of state to certify that “Pakistan is not supporting terrorist activities against the US or coalition forces in Afghanistan” and the country’s military and intelligence agencies are not intervening extra-judicially into political and judicial processes.

It further requires the secretary of state to certify that Pakistan is not financing or otherwise supporting schools supported by, affiliated with, or run by the Taliban or any designated foreign terrorist organisation and that Islamabad is preventing the proliferation of nuclear-related material and expertise.

Pak-US security cooperation key to regional security: COAS

The bill demands that the funds appropriated under the ‘Foreign Military Financing Programme’ for Pakistan’s assistance can only be used to support counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations in the country. “The Secretary of State should suspend assistance for the Government of Pakistan if any report required by clause (i) indicates that Pakistan is failing to make measurable progress in meeting such goals or benchmarks,” it states.]]>
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			<title>Taliban video shows sons born to kidnapped US, Canadian couple</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1268902/taliban-video-shows-sons-born-kidnapped-us-canadian-couple</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1268902/taliban-video-shows-sons-born-kidnapped-us-canadian-couple#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 16 08:15:51 +0500</pubDate>
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			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Video had been delivered to both US and Canadian officials before being posted on YouTube late on Monday night.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Senior Taliban figures confirmed on Tuesday they had released a new video showing a kidnapped American-Canadian family, including two young boys born in captivity while held by the feared Haqqani network.

The video showed for the first time the two sons of Canadian Joshua Boyle and Caitlan Coleman, a US citizen. Coleman, 31, was pregnant when the couple were abducted in 2012 inside Afghanistan while on a backpacking trip.

Afghan Taliban release profile of chief Maulvi Haibtullah Akhunzada

A Canadian spokesperson said the government was reviewing the video, while US officials would not immediately comment.

In the video, Coleman begs for an end to their "Kafkaesque nightmare" and is critical of both the American and Canadian governments and the family's Haqqani captors.

"We understand both sides hate us and are content to leave us and our two surviving children in these problems," she said.

"But we can only ask and pray that somebody will recognise the atrocities these men carry out against us as so-called retaliation in their ingratitude and hypocrisy."

The two young boys - who, along with their parents, appeared healthy - fidgeted on their father's lap as Coleman added: "My children have seen their mother defiled."

Senior Haqqani leader killed in US drone strike in Afghanistan

Two senior Taliban figures based in Afghanistan told Reuters by telephone that the video had been uploaded by the militants who are fighting to topple the US-backed government in Kabul.

One said the video came from the Haqqani network - a close affiliate of the Afghan Taliban - and it had been delivered to both US and Canadian officials before being posted on YouTube late on Monday night.

He said the Haqqani network is demanding the release of three of its senior members - including the brother and maternal uncle of Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is deputy leader of the Afghan Taliban.

Coleman's reference to her two "surviving children" was unexplained. She appealed to both President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump to make a deal with their captors.

"They want money, power, friends. You must give them these things before progress can be made."

Michael O'Shaughnessy, spokesperson for the Canadian Department of Global Affairs, said officials were studying the video.

Pentagon confirms death of two Al-Qaeda leaders in Afghanistan

"We are deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of Joshua Boyle, Caitlan Coleman and their young children and call for their unconditional release," he said.

U.S. officials declined to comment on the new video but referred reporters to statements made by State Department spokesperson John Kirby after the last video of the couple released in late August.

In those statements, Kirby called for the family's "immediate release on humanitarian grounds" and said the US would "continue to work aggressively" to bring all American hostages home.]]>
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			<title>Afghan Taliban: Haqqani’s brother sentenced to death</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1172306/afghan-taliban-haqqanis-brother-sentenced-death</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1172306/afghan-taliban-haqqanis-brother-sentenced-death#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 30 Aug 16 03:41:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[tahir.khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1172306</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Anas Haqqani was arrested by US security officials in 2014]]>
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				<![CDATA[A local court in Afghanistan is said to have awarded death penalty to a brother of Sirajuddin Haqqani, deputy chief of the Afghan Taliban.

A section of the media quoted Baseer Aziz, the spokesperson for the office of the attorney general, as saying that a primary court has awarded death sentence to Anas Haqqani, who was captured by US security officials after he visited Qatar in October 2014, along with another leader Hafiz Rashid. They were arrested in Bahrain, Taliban had confirmed at the time.

The spokesperson would not say when and where the court sentenced Anas and on what charges. There was no official word on the matter, while the US-funded Radio Azadi also reported on the authority of ‘credible sources’ that a court has awarded death sentence to Anas Haqqani.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said he was trying to verify the report. "We have started investigation into the matter,” Mujahid told The Express Tribune when approached on WhatsApp.

Nunn.asia, a website which mainly reports on the Afghan Taliban said Anas has been condemned to death under “pressure from the government's circles”.

The Taliban had confirmed the detention of Anas and Rashid and said they had travelled to Qatar to meet the Taliban leaders who were freed from the infamous Guantanamo Bay detention centre.

The US later handed over Anas and another senior Taliban commander to Afghan authorities, while the Afghan government had claimed that Anas was arrested in eastern Khost province.

Afghan legal experts say the convicts have the right to appeal in the superior judiciary.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 30th, 2016.]]>
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			<title>Afghan court sentences senior Taliban leader to death</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1171761/afghan-court-sentences-senior-taliban-leader-death</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1171761/afghan-court-sentences-senior-taliban-leader-death#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 29 Aug 16 05:49:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[tahir.khan]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1171761</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Afghan officials say Sirajuddin Haqqani's brother Anas Haqqani was taking care of fundraising for Haqqani network]]>
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				<![CDATA[A local Afghanistan court has sentenced guerrilla commander Sirajuddin Haqqani's brother Anas Haqqani to death, according to reports.

A section of media quoted Baseer Aziz, spokesperson for the office of attorney general, saying that a primary court awarded death sentence to Anas, who was captured by United States security officials after he visited Qatar in October, 2014, along with another leader Hafiz Rashid. Baseer refused to comment on when and where the verdict was handed down.

Breakaway Taliban faction mired in uncertainty

The Taliban had earlier confirmed Anas and Rashid's detention, adding that the two had travelled to Qatar to meet Taliban leaders released from Guantanamo. The US later handed over Anas and another senior Taliban commander to Afghan authorities. The Afghan government claimed Anas had been arrested in eastern Afghanistan.

Working under the defence ministry, an Afghan army website ArmyAFG, also confirmed the reports. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid is yet to comment.

Breakaway Taliban faction mired in uncertainty

According to Afghan legal experts, local court convicts have the right to appeal in high court, as well as the supreme court. Afghan officials earlier claimed that Anas was taking care of fundraising for the Haqqani network; however, the Taliban, while denying the claim said Anas was a student, who held no position in the organisation.

The Taliban had also accused US of violating an understanding reached during the exchange of prisoners, which allowed relatives to visit freed Guantanamo inmates. The verdict came a few months after the Afghan government hanged six Taliban prisoners in Kabul. The Taliban later launched a series of target attacks on judges, killing some judges and court officials.]]>
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			<title>US decision to withhold CSF disappointing, says Fatemi</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1159223/us-decision-withhold-csf-disappointing-says-fatemi</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1159223/us-decision-withhold-csf-disappointing-says-fatemi#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Aug 16 01:29:49 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1159223</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says linking CSF to specific actions by Pakistan not consistent with fund’s spirit]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A senior aide of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Tuesday that Pakistan was disappointed with the Pentagon’s decision not to certify to the US Congress the ‘concerted and forceful measures’ the country has taken against the Haqqani network.

“Ironically, this happened at a time when Pakistan had made remarkable progress through operation Zarb-e-Azb in dismantling terrorist networks without discrimination,” Tariq Fatemi, the special assistant to the premier, told US Congressman Chris Stewart, who called on him at the Foreign office.

Fatemi informed Stewart that linking the Coalition Support Fund to specific actions by Pakistan was not consistent with the spirit of the CSF which, in fact, was a reimbursement for the expenses incurred by Pakistan in supporting wider counter-terrorism efforts in the region post-9/11. Stewart noted that the Congress recognised the efforts and sacrifices made by the Pakistani nation and its armed forces in the fight against terrorism. He added that the visit had provided him a deeper understanding of the Pakistan-US bilateral cooperation in counterterrorism and towards joint efforts by the QCG in restoring peace and stability in Afghanistan.



Fatemi appreciated the positive role and invaluable support by the Congress for democracy in Pakistan over the years. He underscored the importance of deepening cooperation between elected legislatures of the two countries, noting that “Pakistan, as a vibrant democracy, has a lot to learn from the US”.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10th, 2016.

 ]]>
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			<title>Pursuing Haqqani Network: US urges Pakistan to ‘match words with actions’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1091141/pursuing-haqqani-network-us-urges-pakistan-to-match-words-with-actions</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1091141/pursuing-haqqani-network-us-urges-pakistan-to-match-words-with-actions#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 24 Apr 16 22:26:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1091141</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[State Department says Islamabad asked to follow up on its commitment of indiscriminate action]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The United States has asked Pakistan to match its words with actions and follow up on its expressed commitment not to discriminate between terror groups and take action against the Haqqani Network in the wake of last week’s suicide gun and bomb attacks in Kabul that killed 64 people.


“We have consistently expressed our concerns at the highest level of the government of Pakistan about their continued tolerance for Afghan Taliban groups such as the Haqqani Network operating from Pakistani soil,” said Elizabeth Trudeau, director of US State Department’s press office during the briefing on Friday, Gulf News reported.

Afghanistan says Kabul attack was planned by Haqqani network in Pakistan



Her statement came after Afghanistan accused Pakistan of supporting groups who were carrying out attacks in the war-torn country.

On Friday, Dawa Khan Meenpal, deputy spokesperson for Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, alleged that “Pakistan still supports groups involved in fighting in Afghanistan.” He went on to  allege that the April 19 attack, which left 64 people dead and over 350 injured, had been “planned by the Haqqani Network in Pakistan.”

But Trudeau said that the matter was raised again with Islamabad this week.

Kabul set to launch efforts to ‘isolate’ Pakistan

“After this week’s attack [in Kabul], we have pressed the government of Pakistan to follow up on its expressed commitment not to discriminate between terror groups regardless of their agenda or their affiliation by undertaking concrete action against the Haqqanis,” Trudeau added.

She, however, acknowledged that Pakistan has reiterated the commitment not to discriminate against terror groups.

“And we continue to call on them to live up to that commitment.”

Asked about the difference in the words and actions of Pakistan, Trudeau said that “we (the US) continue to encourage them (Pakistan) to have their actions match those words.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25th,  2016.]]>
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			<title>Haqqanis helped Taliban chief win back dissidents</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1082427/ahead-of-spring-offensive-haqqanis-helped-taliban-chief-win-back-dissidents</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1082427/ahead-of-spring-offensive-haqqanis-helped-taliban-chief-win-back-dissidents#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 10 Apr 16 23:40:38 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[tahir.khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1082427</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Mullah Mansoor strengthens his hold as top dissident swears allegiance]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The chief of the deadliest of all Afghan Taliban factions was instrumental in winning allegiance of top dissidents for Mullah Akhtar Mansoor, the successor of Mullah Omar, The Express Tribune has learnt from Taliban cadres.


Sirajuddin Haqqani, the head of the Haqqani Network and second-in-command in the Taliban hierarchy, delivered a rare speech at a recent gathering where a top dissident Mullah Abdul Qayyum Zakir pledged loyalty to the new Taliban supremo whose ascendency has created schisms in the ultraorthodox militia.

Back in the fold: Senior dissident swears allegiance to Mullah Mansoor

Mullah Zakir, who formerly headed the Taliban’s powerful military commission, swore allegiance to Mullah Mansoor after “some of his conditions were met by Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani”, a Taliban leader said.

According to one of his letters, Mullah Zakir wanted a review of all major Taliban policies such as suicide bombings, peace talks with the Americans and Kabul, the Doha-based political office, Taliban judicial and intelligence systems and the policy on amending the Afghan constitution.

It was Sirajuddin, known as ‘Khalifa’ among the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban, who secured top positions for Mullah Omar’s son Mullah Yaqoob, and brother Mullah Abdul Manan in the Taliban hierarchy.

The two had abandoned their opposition to Mullah Mansoor months ago, but they had no position in the group until last week when Manan was given membership in the leadership council. Similarly, Yaqoob has been assigned the task of leading the Taliban’s military affairs in 15 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces.

“With the induction of Mullah Zakir, Yaqoob and Manan in the new Rehbari Shura, or leadership council, Sirajuddin now enjoys a comfortable position in the council because they are considered as his camp members,” another Taliban leader told The Express Tribune.

Sirajuddin welcomed Mullah Zakir’s rejoining the Taliban movement, and urged the Taliban to focus on fighting. “It is spring season now. Mujahideen are happily going to the battlefield,” he said in his speech to Taliban leaders in reference to the start of the fighting season in the war-torn Afghanistan.  The Taliban routinely launch ‘Spring Offensive’ in late April. An audio recording of the speech was made available to The Express Tribune.

Afghan Taliban chief consolidates power before annual offensive

Referring to internal differences, he said: “If we are waging jihad for martyrdom and can live as refugees, we should also accept leadership. There were some misunderstandings, but all leaders are loyal to the system.” He did not mention peace talks and only emphasised on unity and fighting.

Some Taliban sources say Sirajuddin’s uncle, Khalilur Rahman Haqqani, a senior member of the Haqqani Network, is also helping in efforts to bring the dissidents back. Both Sirajuddin and Khalil are on the US wanted list and carry huge bounties.

In January, the United States military announced for the first time that its counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan were not targeting the Haqqani Network, which is fighting alongside the Taliban.

“They are not part of that designation right now…The Haqqanis are principally a focus of the Afghan security forces,” Voice of America quoted Lt-Gen John “Mick” Nicholson, who leads US and NATO forces in Afghanistan told the Senate’s Armed Services Committee on Thursday when asked if the US forces targeted the Haqqanis as part of their counterterrorism mission in Afghanistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 11th,  2016.

 ]]>
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			<title>US lawmaker blocks sale of subsidised F-16s to Pakistan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1044916/us-lawmaker-blocks-sale-of-subsidised-f-16s-to-pakistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1044916/us-lawmaker-blocks-sale-of-subsidised-f-16s-to-pakistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Feb 16 13:09:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1044916</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Republican Senator Bob Corker alleges Islamabad of backing militants involved in targeting US troops in Afghanistan]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Citing Islamabad’s alleged relationship with a militant group known for targeting US trained security forces in war-torn Afghanistan, a senior US lawmaker has blocked the Obama administration’s subsidised sale of as many as eight new F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan.

“I cannot allow the Obama administration to use taxpayer funds to support the sale of the jets,” Republican Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee told US Secretary of State John Kerry in a letter, according to The Wall Street Journal.

US Congress ‘stalls’ sale of F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan

Naming attacks by Haqqani network on US troops in Afghanistan, Corker alleged Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s government of providing continuous support to its leaders.

“I do not want US taxpayer dollars going to support these acquisitions,” the senator said in an interview.

“While we’re spending tremendous amount of US dollars and certainly tremendous sacrifice in our men and women in uniform and by other agencies, they are working simultaneously to destabilise Afghanistan,” he added.

Corker, however, suggested the Pakistani government should be welcome to purchase the advanced fighter jets with its own money.

The planned sale through the US State Department’s foreign military sales programme, announced last year, aims to reward Pakistan for its counter-terror efforts.

In his February 9 letter, written to the US secretary of state, Corker said: “I fully understand that our relationship with Pakistan is both complicated and imperfect. Cooperation with Pakistan is important and has achieved some of our interests.”

Pakistan in talks with US to procure latest F-16 jets: PAF chief

But he said he was using his authority as a committee chairman to object single-handedly to the proposed sale.

“Pakistan’s activities are problematic and contribute to the notion that it is a duplicitous partner, moving sideways rather than forward in resolving regional challenges.”

Meanwhile, Nadeem Hotiana, spokesperson for Pakistani embassy in Washington, said Islamabad has been engaged in a sustained military campaign against terrorism.

“F-16s have proven to be the most potent vehicle for conducting precision strikes against terrorists,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

“We understand the deal has not been blocked but there are reservations regarding the financial aspect. We intend to continue engaging constructively with the US side to address specific concerns,” he added.

Officials in the Obama administration said the US has provided technological support to Pakistan to significant effect in the country’s counter-terrorism efforts and has assisted the Pakistan Army to be more effective against militants in the tribal regions but with minimising collateral damage.

US set to sell eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan

“Our relationship with Pakistan is neither about any one system, nor any one capability. We go deeper than that,” said David McKeeby, of the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, which oversees foreign military sales.

A Pentagon spokesperson denied discussing the foreign military sales until the Congress is formally notified.

“Our bilateral defence relationship with Pakistan is focused on enhancing counter-terrorism capabilities and improving the military’s ability to deny ungoverned spaces to terrorists that undermine stability in the region,” said Pentagon spokesperson Christopher Sherwood.

This article originally appeared on The Wall Street Journal.]]>
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			<title>Of natural causes: Ailing Taliban faction leader Jalaluddin Haqqani ‘dead’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/930240/of-natural-causes-ailing-taliban-faction-leader-jalaluddin-haqqani-dead</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/930240/of-natural-causes-ailing-taliban-faction-leader-jalaluddin-haqqani-dead#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 15 23:49:25 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=930240</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sources say the veteran Afghan resistance leader was buried in Khost province last year]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Jalaluddin Haqqani, the founder of the Haqqani Network, a deadly faction of the Afghan Taliban, died of natural causes last year and was buried in the Afghan province of Khost, a Pakistani militant leader told The Express Tribune on Friday.


The news comes a day after the Afghan Taliban confirmed the death of their elusive, supreme commander Mullah Omar, who is said to have died two years ago.

Just like the Taliban chief’s death, rumours about Jalaluddin’s death have also circulated for some years and still cannot be independently verified.

Jalaluddin was injured in the aerial bombing of US fighter jets in Khost when Taliban fighters were fleeing Afghanistan in 2001. The Taliban had last released a video of the Afghan guerrilla leader in 2006 to deny the reports.

On Friday, the Pakistani militant leader, who has close ties with the Afghan Taliban, confirmed Jalaluddin had died after a prolonged illness and was buried in his ancestral graveyard in the eastern Khost province near the Pakistani border.

The militant group has not officially given out a statement over his demise yet.

However, another man, who introduced himself as Samsoor Zamai, claimed Jalaluddin was still alive. He called The Express Tribune to clarify that Jalaluddin had in fact been sick and his condition has “now improved”.

Jalaluddin’s son Sirajuddin has long been installed the head of the Haqqani Network, which is said to be based in the volatile tribal regions of Pakistan and behind many coordinated attacks on Afghan and Nato forces in recent years.

Sirajuddin has been named as a deputy leader of the Taliban following the appointment of Mullah Akhtar Mansoor as militia chief.

In the 1980s, Jalaluddin was close to the American CIA and Pakistani intelligence to fight Soviet troops in Afghanistan. He allied himself to the Taliban after they took power in Kabul in 1996, serving as a cabinet minister. After the 9/11 attacks, he sought refuge in Pakistan’s North Waziristan Agency when the American troops invaded Afghanistan and established the infamous militant network.

Pioneer of resistance

Belonging to the Zadran tribe of Khost, he was among the pioneers of the resistance movement against the Soviet occupation. He shifted to Pakistan soon after the empowerment of Sardar Mohammad Daud Khan on July 16, 1975.

He then established a centre for his network, along with a seminary called Jamia Manba-i-Uloom in Dande Darpa Khel, North Waziristan. The seminary became an internationally famous stopover for likeminded hardliners from all over the world, including the likes of al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden.

Owing to his old age and onset of paralysis, he handed over reins of the network to his son Sirajuddin in 2007.

In recent years, the once-powerful warlord lost three of his seven sons to US drone strikes. One of his sons was gunned down in a targeted shooting in Islamabad last year. Another son is currently imprisoned on charges of assisting and facilitating terrorists in an attack on former president and military ruler General (retd) Pervez Musharraf. His son Anas Haqqani is believed to be in a Kabul prison after he was arrested in Qatar.

The Haqqani Network has also suffered a lot recently owing to the deaths of Maulvi Bakhta Jan and Maulvi Sangeen Zadran.


Published in The Express Tribune, August 1st, 2015.]]>
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			<title>US declares Haqqani Network's suicide ops chief as a 'Global Terrorist'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/461436/us-declares-haqqani-networks-suicide-ops-chief-as-a-global-terrorist</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/461436/us-declares-haqqani-networks-suicide-ops-chief-as-a-global-terrorist#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 05 Nov 12 19:33:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[huma.imtiaz]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=461436</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Any property within US jurisdiction held by Qari Zakir has been blocked, US citizens barred from dealing with him.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The US Secretary of State has designated Qari Zakir, reportedly the chief of suicide operations of the Haqqani Network, as a ‘Specially Designated Global Terrorist’.

A press release issued by the the US State Deparment said that Qari Zakir also held the post of operational commander in Kabul, Takhar, Kunduz, and Baghlan provinces of Afghanistan.

"Zakir is responsible for the Haqqani Network’s training program, which includes instruction in small arms, heavy weapons, and basic improvised explosive device (IED) construction."

According to the designation, any property subject to US jurisdiction held by Zakir has been blocked, and all US citizens are barred from engaging in any transactions with him.

The statement added that Zakir is a trusted associate and confidant of Sirajuddin Haqqani and has been accused of involvement in high profile attacks carried out by the Haqqani Network. He is also reportedly partly responsible for deciding whether to carry out large-scale attacks or not, as planned by local district-level commanders.

The statement also mentioned some of the attacks carried out by Zakir’s trained members, including attacks on US and Nato forces in Salerno and Chapman in 2010, as well as the attack on the Intercontinental Hotel and US Embassy in Kabul in 2011.

The Haqqani Network was designated as a foreign terrorist organisation by the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in September this year.]]>
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			<title>NATO vows 'severe pressure' on Haqqanis in Afghanistan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/287074/nato-vows-severe-pressure-on-haqqanis-in-afghanistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/287074/nato-vows-severe-pressure-on-haqqanis-in-afghanistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Nov 11 14:34:36 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=287074</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[NATO Secretary General Rasmussen says pressure will force insurgents to negotiate.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[NATO vowed on Thursday to put "severe military pressure" on the Haqqani military network, suspected of being behind recent attacks on Western troops in Afghanistan.   

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said that despite the violence seen at the weekend, the NATO mission was heading in the right direction and insurgent attacks were down in the July-September period, compared with last year.

"Spectacular attacks capture the headlines, but they don't capture more ground," he told a news briefing.

“And the bigger picture is different: overall enemy attacks are decreasing and the enemy has been weakened."

Rasmussen said NATO was determined to put a stop to attacks on its soldiers by the Haqqani network.

"To that end we will keep the Haqqani network under severe military pressure," he said.

"The best way to ensure the insurgents and the terrorist networks realise they need to go to the negotiating table and find a peaceful resolution, is to keep up a strong military pressure."

Officials in Afghanistan say the Haqqani network may have been involved in a weekend bombing in Kabul that killed 13 Western troops.

(Read: Haqqani network may be linked to Kabul suicide attack: Officials)

It was the deadliest single ground attack on foreign troops in their 10-year Afghan war and the involvement of the Haqqanis would complicate efforts to involve Pakistan more directly in efforts to stabilise the country.

Rasmussen said NATO's plans to continue with a gradual handover of security responsibility to Afghan forces remained on track and Afghan President Hamid Karzai would soon announce the next group of provinces and districts to undergo this process.

NATO aims to phase out its combat role in Afghanistan by 2014, but Rasmussen reiterated that the alliance would continue to support Afghanistan after that date.]]>
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			<title>'Pakistan plays role of fireman, arsonist in Afghanistan'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/286988/pakistan-plays-role-of-fireman-arsonist-in-afghanistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/286988/pakistan-plays-role-of-fireman-arsonist-in-afghanistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Nov 11 05:22:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=286988</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Action against extremists needs to be taken in days and weeks, says Democratic Senator Mark Udall.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Two US senators just back from a trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan said Wednesday that the coming weeks will show whether Islamabad can be a reliable ally against extremists.

"It does feel, at times, like Pakistan is playing both the role of fireman and arsonist in Afghanistan," said Democratic Senator Mark Udall, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

"The next few weeks will demonstrate or not whether we can work together effectively with the government of Pakistan" against foes like the Haqqani network blamed for attacks in Afghanistan, said Democratic Senator Jack Reed.

Reed said he had pressed top Pakistani officials to curtail the Haqqani network's operations in Afghanistan, notably its couriers, as well as other groups blamed for planting deadly roadside bombs targeting US forces.

"Action needs to be taken in days and weeks" said Udall, who said US intelligence agencies and their Pakistan counterparts have been working together but need to strengthen their cooperation.

"We'd like it to be stronger, we'd like it to be more disclosive, there have been some shortcomings, there have been some mixed signals, but all in all we continue to cooperate with them and they cooperate with us in many ways," he said.

The United States has reported a sharp rise in cross-border attacks against its forces, amid a deterioration of relations after US forces secretly raided Pakistan to kill the world's most wanted man, Osama bin Laden.

Top US officials including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Pakistan last month to press for action against extremists, particularly the Haqqani network.

Reed said Clinton's visit had "dramatically" improved Pakistani leaders' attitude towards US pleas for help, citing "renewed interest for the government of Pakistan to cooperate with us," but said he hoped for concrete actions.

"The words are right, the sentiment is right, but there has to be real steps going forward to help us," said Reed, a former US Army Ranger who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

"They'll probably be invisible to most people but they have to be very real," said Reed.]]>
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			<title>Pakistan looks to restrict Haqqanis’ movement</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/286354/pakistan-looks-to-restrict-haqqanis%e2%80%99-movement</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/286354/pakistan-looks-to-restrict-haqqanis%e2%80%99-movement#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 02 Nov 11 04:44:19 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[kamran.yousaf]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=286354</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Army not prepared to directly confront the network but will tighten border security.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The United States, it seems, has been successful in winning Pakistan’s support to curtail the Haqqani network.


In what appears to be a significant development, the Pakistan Army is planning measures to restrict the network’s movement at the Afghan border as part of an understanding reached with the US.

At least two senior security officials confirmed that the military has decided not only to restrict the movement of all militant groups, including the deadliest Afghan Taliban insurgents, but also deny them space within Pakistan’s borders.

“We will play our part while coalition forces will stop infiltration from across the border,” said a Pakistani military official.

However, officials refused to divulge details of the plan and it could not be independently verified since media does not have access to border areas.

The move, if confirmed, will be seen as a departure from the security establishment’s years-old approach towards the Haqqanis. Washington has long demanded that Pakistani military go after the Haqqanis, believed to be operating from the Pak-Afghan borders areas in North Waziristan.

But this change on Pakistan’s part does not mean the army will directly confront the group, which the country believes will have a vital role in any future political dispensation in Afghanistan.

These new border security measures are believed to be the result of a deal that was struck between Islamabad and Washington during US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s recent visit to Pakistan.

Under the agreement, the US is no longer asking for a full-scale military offensive against the Haqqani network in return for Pakistan’s commitment to ‘take care’ of the group by using means other than an operation. This includes tightening border security to keep a check on the movement of the Haqqanis and persuading them to come to the negotiating table with the US.

Media reports emanating from Washington also indicate a new approach by the Obama administration on the Haqqani network.

The New York Times quoted a senior US official as saying that Clinton did not use her meeting to convince the Pakistani military to mount an offensive to root out the Haqqanis and other militants allegedly operating from sanctuaries in North Waziristan. “Instead, the administration says, it is pressing the Pakistanis to provide intelligence on the Haqqanis, arrest some of the group’s operatives and reduce ties to the terrorist group – all steps well short of military action,” the official said. “We’re at the point where Pakistanis have told us they’re going to squeeze the Haqqani network.”

When approached, Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Major-General Athar Abbas did not speak of any specific plan but reiterated that Pakistan has a stated policy not to allow its territory to be used against any third country, including Afghanistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2nd, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Haqqani network may be linked to Kabul suicide attack: Officials</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/285502/haqqani-network-may-be-linked-to-kabul-suicide-attack-officials</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/285502/haqqani-network-may-be-linked-to-kabul-suicide-attack-officials#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 11 10:25:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
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			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=285502</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Officials say style of attack and some equipment used in it raise possibility of Haqqani involvement.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Haqqani network, which Washington has blamed for a series of attacks in Afghanistan, may have been involved in a weekend bombing in Kabul that was the deadliest ground attack against Western troops in 10 years of war, officials said on Monday.

The suicide bombing on Saturday, which killed 13 foreigners, came just days before Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai and senior officials from its neighbours and its Western backers, including US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, were due to meet in Istanbul to discuss regional security.

The involvement of the Haqqani group, believed by Washington to be based in the mountains of North Waziristan on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, would make the already tough task of bringing Afghanistan and its neighbours together even more difficult.

"We don't have any information indicating a direct Haqqani link yet, but it's very possible it is Haqqani-related," a Western diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Officials said that while evidence of Haqqani involvement was by no means conclusive, the style of the attack and some of the equipment used in it raised that possibility.

Sirajuddin Haqqani, leader of the network, recently told Reuters that it is no longer based in Pakistan and is comfortable operating in Afghanistan after battlefield gains there.

A senior police official in Kabul said the explosives used in the attack were likely to have originated in either Iran or Pakistan.

"If it's Pakistan, then it is definitely the work of the Haqqanis, but we are not certain as the investigation is underway," he said, also speaking on condition of anonymity.

(Read: Pakistan — no point in supporting the Haqqanis)

"Before, the Haqqanis claimed responsibility for unusual attacks in which they were indeed involved, but now they are seemingly avoiding independent claims of responsibility, and letting the Taliban get the credit, to avert future problems," the police official said.

Security meeting      

ISAF said it was investigating Saturday's attack.

"What we know so far is that the Taliban have claimed responsibility," ISAF spokesman Brigadier General Carsten Jacobson told Reuters. "We are looking into the case whether there is Haqqani involvement and we will react appropriately."

The Taliban said it carried out Saturday's attack, in which Americans, Britons and a Canadian died, as well as three other civilians and a policeman.

Clinton visited the region earlier this month and said in Pakistan that the United States had earlier held a preliminary meeting with representatives of the Haqqani network.

That meeting was organised by the Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI), which US officials have repeatedly charged with playing a "double game" with extremists and working with the Haqqanis.

A European official, also speaking on condition of anonymity on Monday, said the sophistication and timing of the attack, coming so soon after Clinton's visit to Pakistan, indicated that it was likely the work of the Haqqanis.

"It certainly has all the hallmarks of the Haqqanis," the official said. "It's part of their efforts to resist efforts to bring them to the negotiating table."

Also attending Wednesday's security meeting in Istanbul will be foreign ministers from France, Germany and Poland, and representatives from NATO and the United Nations.

Turkey's President Abdullah Gul will host a trilateral meeting between Karzai and Pakistan's President Asif Zardari on Tuesday.

The Afghan government and its foreign backers are preparing for the end of 2014, the deadline for foreign combat troops to return home, though some foreign troops will stay on as trainers and advisers.

Some Afghans fear their own security forces will be unable to cope with the insurgency when the majority of foreign troops go and that their country may fall into another civil war.]]>
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			<title>US calls for ISI assistance in peace talks with Haqqanis</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/285486/us-calls-for-isi-assistance-in-peace-talks-with-haqqanis</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/285486/us-calls-for-isi-assistance-in-peace-talks-with-haqqanis#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 11 09:18:36 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=285486</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[US aims to end the war in Afghanistan by its renewed approach, &quot;Fight, Talk, Build.&quot;]]>
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				<![CDATA[In the aftermath of accusing the Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI) of having clandestine ties with the Haqqani network, the United States (US) has asked for its assistance in initiating peace talks with the group.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wants the ISI to launch reconciliation talks, which she has termed as “Fight, Talk, Build”, the New York Times has reported.

The US aimed to end the war in Afghanistan by its renewed approach.

NYT reports that there are some elements in the ISI that are not moved by the approach to force dialogue because they might lose influence in Afghanistan, as the US is planning to withdraw troops from the region.

A senior American official termed Pakistan’s stance as “Cease-fire, Talk, Wait for the Americans to Leave”.

A former top White House aide on Pakistan and Afghanistan Shamila N. Chaudhary said:
The big question for the administration is, what can the Pakistanis actually deliver? Pakistan is holding its cards very closely.
However, senior Pakistani officials remain confused by US plans in Afghanistan after it offered Pakistan to have a prominent position in the reconciliation, but at the same time warned Pakistan of unilateral action if talks fall flat on the negotiation table.

Clinton’s take on the issue also surges confusion as she presses for talks and asks Pakistan to “squeeze Haqqanis.”

She said:
We want to fight, talk and build all at the same time. Part of the reason for that is to test whether these organizations have any willingness to negotiate in good faith.]]>
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			<title>Talk the talk</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/282722/talk-the-talk</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/282722/talk-the-talk#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 Oct 11 18:20:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[sami.shah]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=282722</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Haqqanis have already talked about their refusal to talk, which means we will have to talk at them, not to them.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Never has there been so much talk about talking. First Hillary Clinton came to talk to us about not talking to the Haqqanis. Then our government, the US and Afghanistan agreed to talk about talking to the Taliban. All of which is a relief because for a while there we were worried that the US would stop talking to us, even about talking. But not only are we all talking about everything we need to talk about but we are also planning future talks about laying the groundwork for more talking. There will be bilateral talks and trilateral talks, both of which are better than the unilateral talks we were talking about earlier. Unilateral talks is basically when you talk to yourself. We’re glad we aren’t doing that anymore, other countries look at you like you’re crazy when you talk to yourself. The only way all this talking could go mute though, is if the Taliban refuse to join in the talks. It’s a bit redundant talking about someone if they won’t talk to you, then it just becomes gossiping and no one wants to do that. The Haqqanis have already talked about their refusal to talk, which means we will have to talk at them, not to them. Which is fine with America because they prefer to let their drones do the talking. The Taliban, however, are being invited to come and talk but only if they will talk about the things America wants to talk about, which is a bit unfortunate when you don’t know which America is doing the talking. Is it Hillary Clinton who recently talked at and to Pakistan before pointing out that she doesn’t talk for America, and is giving just her point of view? Is it the CIA that talks in whispers and has apparently already been in talks with the Taliban all along? Or maybe it is the America that is represented by their Congress, which loves to talk but hardly ever manages to say anything that isn’t easily reduced to an unintelligent sound bite.

For that matter, even in Pakistan we never know who is doing the talking. Were the assurances given to Hillary Clinton by General Kayani, who talks in a voice so soft that no one is ever quite sure what he is saying? Or were they given by the civilian government, which is capable of talking all day and night at every conceivable volume without ever saying anything you can take as a surety? The media, when they were talking about the talks, seemed to think that America always speaks with a forked tongue. It’s a valid point but then you have to take our own inability to talk straight into account as well. In which case the transcript of the talks will read less like a linear dialogue and more like a Wikipedia entry where every word is hyperlinked to lead to the meaning of the word ‘lies’.

As far as the rest of us go, the masses that everyone is talking about without actually really talking about us at all, we are just tired of all the talk. Talk about talks or talk about talking about talks, for us the end result is the same. We are tired of listening to it. In all the talking, there is nothing we haven’t heard before nor is there anything we won’t be listening to again. With an election in America next year, we figure it’s only a matter of time before everything that was talked about is forgotten there. And we are girding our ears for the onslaught of talking that is to come when our own elections begin. Meanwhile, the militants have continued to let their explosions talk for them. All of which means we really want someone to stop talking and do something instead. Let’s talk about it.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 27th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Key Afghan group warms up to prospect for US talks</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/282238/key-afghan-group-warms-up-to-prospect-for-us-talks</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/282238/key-afghan-group-warms-up-to-prospect-for-us-talks#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 Oct 11 00:10:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[qaiser.butt]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=282238</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Dialogue must take place in a country other than the US and Afghanistan, says senior leador of Hizb-e-Islami.]]>
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				<![CDATA[In a significant development following an apparent shift in the US policy vis-à-vis Afghanistan, a key insurgent group led by a former warlord said that it’s willing to pursue “direct or indirect” talks with the United States without any preconditions.


However, the deadliest of all Afghan militant factions – the Haqqani network – remains adamant on its previous stance, with its commander reiterating on Tuesday that they would not take part individually in any peace talks.

These developments came days after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton openly sought Pakistan’s help to reach out to all insurgent groups for a political settlement of the decade-long war in Afghanistan.

A senior leader of Gulbudin Hekmatyar’s Hizb-e-Islami militant group has said that it is to enter into peace talks with the US. “We are willing to have a direct or indirect political dialogue with Washington,” Dr Ghairat Baheer told The Express Tribune. However, he hastened to add that such a dialogue must take place in a country other than the US and Afghanistan. Asked if Hizb-e-Islami would accept Islamabad’s role as an intermediary, Dr Baheer said that Pakistan’s role in any future talks would be vital.

Dr Baheer, who is also son-in-law of Hekmatyar, said that before any dialogue took place, the United States would have to establish its seriousness to a political settlement of the Afghan imbroglio.

Dr Baheer was held by US forces in extrajudicial detention for over six years at different facilities in Afghanistan and the US, including the infamous Guantanamo Bay.

He denied Western media reports that Washington had rejected an earlier peace overture of his group. “We never attempted to hold negotiations with the United States on our own,” he said.

Hizb-e-Islami has been fighting the US-led Nato troops in Afghanistan. And at the same time the group is also actively involved in the Afghan politics. Some of the group’s former fighters hold portfolios in President Karzai’s cabinet. The speaker of the Afghan Wolosi Jirga, lower house of parliament, Abdul Rahoof Ibrahimi, who is an ethnic Uzbek from the Kunduz province, is a former Hizb leader.

 ‘Waste of time’ 

In the meanwhile the Haqqani network has said that it is a part of the Taliban movement and hence not mandated to broker peace with the US individually. “We consider that trying to invite individuals or fighting groups for peace talks other than the Taliban Shura would be waste of time,” a Haqqani commander told Reuters by phone from an undisclosed location in Afghanistan.

“They (the Americans) would not be able to find a possible solution to the Afghan conflict until and unless they hold talks with the Taliban Shura,” said the commander, referring to the Taliban leadership council (Quetta Shura).

But the Haqqani commander viewed Secretary Clinton’s talks offer with skepticism. “This is not the first time the US has approached us for peace talks. The Americans had made several such attempts for talks which we rejected as we are an integral part of the Taliban-led by Mullah Mohammad Omar,” he told Reuters by phone from somewhere in Afghanistan.  (Additional input from Reuters)

(Read: Change of tack on the Haqqanis)

Published in The Express Tribune, October 26th, 2011. ]]>
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