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From Disowned to Decorated: Pakistan Pays Tribute to Kargil War Hero Captain Sher Khan

July 8, 2025, 3:15 pm

In a dramatic demonstration of Pakistan’s changing narrative, the nation’s army on Saturday rendered shining tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan, a soldier who died in the 1999 Kargil War, 26 years after it had originally denied his identity and disallowed his body from being claimed. The decision, universally viewed as a step towards making amends for historical denial, has also revealed Islamabad’s hypocrisy regarding its role in the war.

Pakistan Army Honours Sher Khan, Once Disowned

On the 26th anniversary of his death, the Pakistan Army and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir visited Captain Khan’s grave in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and accorded him full military respect.

“Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed, the epitome of unshakeable courage and patriotism, gave his life while guarding the motherland with unprecedented gallantry during the Kargil conflict of 1999. He continues to be an eternal source of inspiration for the Armed Forces and the nation,” Pakistan’s DG-ISPR wrote in a tweet on X.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Naval Staff and the Armed Forces of Pakistan solemnly commemorate and pay heartfelt tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, on… pic.twitter.com/D62qjQqV0U

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) July 4, 2025

“Exhibiting exceptional leadership and unparalleled gallantry, Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed led from the front and sacrificed everything defending the sovereignty of the country,” it further stated.

India Honored Him First

Ironically, Pakistan refused to accept Khan’s body when Indian forces discovered it on Tiger Hill in the Dras sub-sector. Even with personal documents proving his identity, Pakistan wouldn’t admit that he was a regular soldier, going by its bogus claim that only “mujahideen” took part in Kargil.

India first recognized Captain Khan’s valor. Then-Brigadier MPS Bajwa, who commanded the 192 Mountain Brigade, admired Khan’s bravery and wrote a citation for him. He inserted it into Khan’s pocket before handing the body over to Pakistan, which compelled their eventual acceptance.

This act compelled Pakistan to posthumously award Captain Khan the Nishan-e-Haider, the country’s highest military honor.

Pakistan’s Denial and the Role of ICRC

India started repatriating bodies of Pakistani troops through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on July 12, 1999. But Islamabad requested the ICRC not to identify the deceased, including Captain Khan, to keep the cover-up intact.

The Indian Embassy in Washington, on July 15, 1999, issued a statement stating, “Even though the names and identities of the two officers were known to them, the Pakistani request did not include the names and identities of the two officers. The reason is self-evident. The Pakistan government realized that if they accepted the identities of these two officers, then it would shatter the myth that the Pakistan army was not responsible for Kargil.”

Pakistan refers to Captain Khan as a national hero and a figure of military courage today. But his tale reminds us that nations constantly rewrite geopolitical narratives, and the enemy’s recognition of the truth compelled Pakistan to redeem its own.

World Bank Sanctions $108M to Pakistan to Empower Women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

May 1, 2025, 3:03 pm

In a major step towards improving socio-economic conditions in northwest Pakistan, the World Bank has approved an extra $108 million to improve infrastructure, access to basic services, and economic opportunities, especially for women and girls, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The new funds, which have been approved, will be spent on two big projects: the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rural Accessibility Project (KPRAP) and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development (KITE) project. The KPRAP will get $78 million, while the KITE project will get $30 million.

Constructing Climate-Resilient Roads to Link Communities

According to the World Bank, the intention is to enable the province to develop climate-resilient infrastructure that enhances connectivity to markets, schools, healthcare, and employment. Such development is particularly vital for increased female and girl-child participation in the economy as well as access by them to increased connectivity benefits.

“The project is important to upgrade the lives of the people of the province, especially women and girls, by better connecting them to basic services and economic opportunities,” Task Team Leader of the project Muhammad Bilal Paracha said.

The KPRAP’s $78 million will be used to upgrade and rehabilitate rural road networks to make them safe and climate-resilient. The upgrades are meant to link remote communities with essential services and enhance mobility in underdeveloped regions.

Enhancing the Province’s Tourism Industry in Pakistan

Concurrently, KITE project’s additional financing worth $30 million will reinforce the tourism infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The additional finances will support finishing off the overhaul of two prominent highways leading towards the picturesque tourism locations of the province, to help facilitate national as well as foreign tourism.

“This extra funding reiterates the World Bank’s assurance for ensuring the development objectives of Pakistan and the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” added Paracha.

The project is an expression of an overall strategy by global stakeholders to assist Pakistan in acquiring resilience against natural disasters, poverty alleviation, and inclusive growth along gender lines.

Deadly IED Blast In KP: 2 Soldiers Killed, 2 Injured In Pakistan

March 8, 2025, 6:44 am

On Friday, March 8, an improvised explosive device (IED) targeted a security forces vehicle in the Mulla Said area of Salarzai, Bajaur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The blast resulted in the deaths of two security officials and injured two others, according to official sources cited by AP.

Immediate Response

Security forces rapidly secured the scene, sealing off the area and launching an extensive search operation to locate those responsible for the attack. Despite the swift action, no group has yet claimed responsibility for the explosion.

Regional Implications

The incident, occurring in a region bordering Afghanistan, highlights persistent security challenges in northwestern Pakistan. Authorities continue to investigate the attack amid growing concerns over regional instability and the effectiveness of current security measures.

This is a developing story.

Torkham Border Tensions Escalate as Pakistan, Afghanistan Trade Fire

March 4, 2025, 6:10 pm

Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged gunfire across the border last night at the Torkham border in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, fanning tensions over a trade row. Officials reported on Monday (March 3) that the firefight killed at least one Afghan security official and injured another. The Torkham border, a vital commerce route, has been shut since late February, further straining economic ties between the two countries.

Dispute Over Border Management Sparks Violence

The recent battle is the result of a long-standing controversy about border control. Pakistan complained about the establishment of a new crossing on the Afghan side, and the crossing was subsequently closed for 11 days. This has stranded thousands of trucks and travelers in harsh winter weather, severely affecting trade and mobility.

Trade Disruptions Cost Afghanistan $500,000 Daily

The economic impact of the closure of the border has been hard on Afghanistan. Shakirullah Safi, head of the Nangarhar Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said Afghan businessmen are losing close to $500,000 a day.

“When this gate is open, 600 to 700 vehicles move between us and Pakistan with exports and imports,” Safi said. “Now, 5,000 containers are stuck on both sides, suspending trade.”

Thousands of Afghans dependent on the crossing for medical care and work in Pakistan have also been impacted by the blockade.

Pakistan, Taliban Trade Blame

Pakistan alleged that Taliban troops opened unprovoked fire on its border outpost with automatic weapons, and Pakistani troops retaliated with fire. But Afghan officials dismissed the allegation. Interior Ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani accused Pakistan of starting the violence and said Afghan border police tried to settle the issue diplomatically before firing in defense.

He also claimed that Pakistani personnel were killed but did not provide specific numbers.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Confronts Growing Security Challenges

The tensions along the border are taking place against the backdrop of growing security challenges in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which has a leaky border with Afghanistan. The province has witnessed a spate of attacks by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), or the Pakistan Taliban. The group seeks to topple Pakistan’s government and create an Islamic emirate.

Pakistan initially backed the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021 in the hope that it would stem TTP’s influence. The plan has, however, failed, with TTP attacks on Pakistani troops tripling since 2021, the Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor reports.

Islamabad has called upon the Taliban to act against TTP, but Afghan leaders have had little desire to do so. Instead, once they captured Kabul, the Taliban freed hundreds of TTP militants from Afghan jails, further fortifying the organization.

Uncertain Future for Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations

The persistent border controversy and security issues continue to strain Pakistan-Afghan relations. While the two nations fail to contain the disruption of trade and militant violence, the Torkham border crossing continues to be a hub of diplomatic strain. Whether tensions are relaxed or compounded by diplomacy remains uncertain.

JUI-F Chief Warns of Possible Independence in Balochistan

February 20, 2025, 1:03 am

Speaking at the National Assembly, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman issued a serious warning about the growing instability in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

He stated that five to seven districts of Balochistan are in a position to declare independence, and if they do, the United Nations could recognize them immediately.

The JUI-F chief also compared the situation to Bangladesh’s liberation in 1971, warning that if urgent measures were not taken, Pakistan’s territorial integrity could be at risk.

Lawlessness in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Rehman also highlighted the worsening law and order situation in southern KP, where:

Police checkposts have been abandoned.
Armed groups are now controlling areas.
In some regions, even the army has vacated its positions.

“Whose writ will be there in a war-ravaged place with no police or army?” he questioned.

Escalating Sectarian Violence in Kurram

Rehman’s warning follows a fresh wave of sectarian violence between Shia and Sunni groups in Kurram, a region in northwest Pakistan.

150 people have been killed in recent months.
On Monday, a convoy carrying relief goods was attacked in Kurram, according to ARY News.
Unknown gunmen opened fire on a convoy of 100 vehicles, worsening tensions in the region.

This sectarian violence is further destabilizing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, raising concerns about Pakistan’s internal security.

Political Fallout and Urgent Call for Action

The JUI-F chief’s remarks came after the National Assembly hurriedly passed five bills to curb human trafficking and organized beggary, amid noisy opposition protests.

“Pakistan’s physical boundaries might change sooner than expected if urgent measures aren’t taken,” warned Rehman.

With growing separatist sentiments in Balochistan and increasing lawlessness in KP, Pakistan’s leadership faces mounting pressure to restore stability before the situation spirals out of control.

Pakistan Security Forces Kill 4 TTP Terrorists in KP

February 1, 2025, 5:14 am

Pakistan’s security forces killed four Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in Kaulachi, a region in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The militants, referred to as “Khwarij” by Pakistani authorities, were eliminated in a targeted mission aimed at dismantling terrorist networks operating in the area.

Army Major, Soldier Killed in North Waziristan Clash

A day before the Dera Ismail Khan operation, six more TTP terrorists were gunned down during a counterterrorism raid in North Waziristan. However, the mission also resulted in the loss of two Pakistani soldiers:

Major Hamza Israr (29 years old)
Sepoy Muhammad Naeem (26 years old)

The operation took place in the Mir Ali region of North Waziristan, where security forces engaged in a gunfight with militants, successfully neutralizing the threat.

Security Forces Thwart Terrorist Infiltration from Afghanistan

In a separate operation on January 24, Pakistani forces eliminated six terrorists attempting to infiltrate Balochistan’s Zhob district from the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

ISPR reported that the security forces detected the movement of militants in Sambaza, Zhob District, and effectively thwarted their infiltration attempt. A large cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives was recovered during the operation.

Pakistan Demands Stronger Border Security from Afghanistan

The ISPR reiterated Pakistan’s demand for effective border management from the interim Afghan government to prevent militants from using Afghan territory for attacks against Pakistan.

“Pakistan has consistently urged the interim Afghan government to ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorist activities against Pakistan,” ISPR stated.

Military Vows to Continue Counterterrorism Operations

The Pakistan Army has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating terrorism, stating that such sacrifices by brave soldiers only strengthen their resolve. Security forces continue to carry out intelligence-based operations to eliminate TTP and other terrorist groups from the country.

CHINA ARMS PAK’S SSG IN BALOCHISTAN Raising Alarms for India’s Security

February 1, 2025, 3:42 am

At a practical, ground-level view, the recent reports suggesting that China is providing military and financial assistance to Pakistan’s Special Services Group (SSG) in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have far-reaching consequences. These regions, which are key to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), have witnessed growing insurgency and instability. The local security forces in these areas, particularly Pakistan’s SSG, have been struggling to manage the violence and unrest from groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and other armed factions.
On the ground, this assistance translates into a much-needed boost for Pakistan’s ability to conduct counter-insurgency operations. However, the bigger picture reveals complex geopolitical shifts—especially for India. This analysis will break down what these developments mean for the security dynamics in Pakistan, China, and India, with a focus on their local and immediate impacts.

CPEC Security: Ground-Level Realities
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has become the backbone of China’s interests in the region, amounting to approximately $62 billion in infrastructure investments aimed at connecting China’s western Xinjiang region to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port. On the ground in Balochistan, CPEC has brought both development and controversy. While the province holds immense natural resource potential and a critical maritime outlet at Gwadar, it is also plagued by ethnic separatism, insurgency, and political instability.
For local people, particularly the Baloch, CPEC is often viewed as a project that benefits China and Pakistan at their expense. The local insurgents, such as the BLA, regularly target CPEC infrastructure, foreign workers, and Pakistani military installations in an effort to disrupt the project. In the past few years, there have been several high-profile attacks, including the 2021 bombing targeting Chinese engineers working in Gwadar, which killed two Chinese nationals.
On the ground, these attacks are a clear indicator of the fragility of security in Balochistan. With China’s increased investment in Pakistan’s security forces, especially the SSG, Beijing aims to protect its interests in CPEC. For example, the SSG is responsible for securing key infrastructure projects, but they often lack the advanced technologies and equipment necessary to deal with sophisticated insurgent tactics. Therefore, China’s proposed support—such as drones, surveillance equipment, and advanced communication systems—aims to give Pakistan the tools needed to keep these critical routes secure.

Impact of China’s Support on the SSG: Tactical and Operational Changes
From a ground-level perspective, the SSG—Pakistan’s elite special forces—are expected to see significant improvements in their operational capacity with Chinese assistance. The SSG already operates in some of Pakistan’s most difficult terrains, including the rugged mountains of Balochistan and KP. These are areas heavily affected by insurgent activity, including the TTP in KP and the BLA in Balochistan. Both groups have been using tactics like IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and guerrilla warfare to disrupt Pakistani security forces and foreign nationals.
On the ground, this translates into a difficult operational environment for the SSG. In the absence of modern equipment, the SSG has often struggled to track insurgents or effectively neutralize threats from the air or ground. However, with Chinese assistance, the SSG is set to receive technologies such as drones (e.g., Wing Loong II), which have the ability to conduct precision strikes in remote areas, and advanced surveillance systems for monitoring and tracking insurgent movements.
At the local level, this will enhance the SSG’s capability to gather real-time intelligence and execute surgical strikes against insurgents. For example, the use of drones will allow them to patrol vast, difficult-to-reach areas without putting ground troops at risk. Additionally, Chinese support for infrastructure development will likely result in more secure military outposts and operational bases, giving the SSG a stronger presence in insurgent-dominated zones.

Insurgent and Local Reactions
The situation on the ground is not just about military strategies; it also involves the local populations and insurgent groups that have been fighting for autonomy or against what they see as foreign exploitation. In Balochistan, ethnic Baloch groups have long fought for greater control over their resources and more autonomy from Islamabad. The increasing involvement of China in CPEC has only intensified these sentiments, as many Baloch believe that their land and resources are being used for the benefit of Pakistan and China, without their consent.
On the ground, this could mean an escalation in insurgent attacks. Local populations in regions like Gwadar or Quetta, who already feel marginalized, may see China’s military support to Pakistan as a form of foreign occupation. This could lead to further radicalization and recruitment into insurgent groups like the BLA. In turn, Pakistan’s increased reliance on SSG forces—supported by China—could lead to more confrontations with local insurgents.
The TTP, operating mainly in KP, is also likely to increase its activities. Historically, the TTP has had a cross-border presence in Afghanistan, and since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the group has regained strength. The TTP sees itself as a continuation of the broader Taliban insurgency in the region and has used the mountainous terrain of KP to conduct deadly attacks. For local civilians caught in the crossfire, the increased presence of the SSG could either stabilize or escalate tensions, depending on how the operations are conducted.

India’s Perspective: Security Implications
From India’s standpoint, the ground-level implications of this increased Sino-Pakistani military cooperation are worrying. India has long viewed Pakistan’s military collaboration with China with suspicion, and the prospect of the SSG—already one of Pakistan’s most elite units—receiving advanced military support from China is seen as a direct challenge to India’s security.

Increased Military Capabilities for Pakistan:
• For India, the enhanced capabilities of Pakistan’s military, especially in counter-insurgency operations, could create new challenges along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The use of drones and surveillance systems by the SSG could be applied not just for internal operations but also for cross-border monitoring and intelligence gathering.
• On the ground, this means that Pakistan could potentially increase its monitoring and military presence along the LoC, which might heighten tensions in the disputed Kashmir region. The use of drones by Pakistan for surveillance or even targeted strikes could have significant implications for India, both in terms of border security and potential escalation.

Afghanistan and Taliban’s Role:
• India is particularly concerned about the Taliban’s growing ties with Pakistan and the possibility of the Taliban aligning with China. Afghanistan’s position as a neighbor to India has always been crucial for Indian strategic interests, especially in terms of trade routes and regional influence.
• With the Taliban back in power, there is a real fear in India that Afghanistan could become a source of destabilization. If the Taliban were to shift toward closer cooperation with India’s adversaries—Pakistan and China—it could impact India’s efforts to maintain security along its western frontier.
• On the ground in Afghanistan, this could lead to the Taliban becoming a conduit for supporting insurgent groups in Jammu and Kashmir or other regions in India. The prospect of a “proxy war” involving Taliban elements, Pakistan, and China is increasingly possible, and it would exacerbate the already volatile situation on India’s western border.

Proxy Warfare in Kashmir:
• Locally, in Kashmir, where insurgency has been simmering for decades, the possibility of Pakistan’s enhanced military capabilities being used for proxy warfare or infiltration is a significant concern. The increasing presence of highly trained, better-equipped Pakistani forces in KP and Balochistan could be used to further infiltrate militants into Indian territory.
• This would make counter-insurgency operations even more challenging for India, as Pakistan could use its enhanced technological and military capabilities, funded by China, to launch more sophisticated and well-coordinated cross-border strikes.

Conclusion: A Complex Future Ahead
On the ground, China’s support to Pakistan’s Special Services Group represents a major shift in the military capabilities of the region. For Pakistan, this means better-equipped security forces capable of securing critical infrastructure and combating insurgency more effectively. However, this shift also has major consequences for regional security, particularly for India.

For local populations in areas like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the situation is one of increased militarization, with a higher likelihood of confrontations between insurgents and the SSG. The resulting escalation could destabilize the region further, while providing a larger strategic and military foothold for China in South Asia. India’s national security concerns are also at the forefront, with the potential for heightened border tensions and the spread of proxy warfare, especially in Kashmir. India will need to closely monitor these developments, adjust its security strategies, and bolster its own defense capabilities in response to this shifting balance of power.

”Expert Analysis by Dr. Nishakant Ojha: Eminent Specialist in Counter-Terrorism and West Asia-Middle East National Security & Strategic Affairs”

Pak: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur Declared Proclaimed Offender in Vandalism Case

December 26, 2024, 11:41 pm

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) proclaimed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur a proclaimed offender on Thursday due to his repeated failures to attend a vandalism case, as reported by ARY News. Gandapur, who faced charges in the case at the Hasan Abdal police station, had disregarded numerous summonses for hearings. The ATC issued a notice designating Gandapur a proclaimed offender and instructed him to appear in court on January 21. The PTI leader is confronting multiple cases, especially following the protest on November 26.

In another event, the Rawalpindi ATC charged former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA Bilal Ahmed in the May 9 case on Tuesday. The court sessions have been postponed until January 6. The request by former PTI MPA Latasub Satti to travel for Umrah was denied owing to missing documentation.

On December 20, the ATC rejected the requests from PTI founder Imran Khan and 10 other leaders, including Gandapur, to evade indictment in the May 9 case, asserting that the prosecution’s evidence was adequate to move forward with the trial. The EU raised concerns about the military court’s sentencing of 25 individuals involved in attacks on army installations, indicating it was misaligned with Pakistan’s pledge to fair trials, The Express Tribune reported.

Religious Violence Erupts In Pakistan’s Khyber, 18 Dead After Militant Attack

November 23, 2024, 2:14 pm

Around 18 people have been killed and 30 others injured in religious clashes between rival tribes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, over the past 24 hours, local police reported. The violence erupted in the Kurram district, which borders Afghanistan, following an attack on Thursday targeting a convoy of passenger vans that resulted in 47 fatalities.

The fighting between the Alizai and Bagan tribes has intensified with gunfire continuing across multiple areas, including Balishkhel, Khar Kali, Kunj Alizai, and Maqbal. The tribes are reportedly using heavy and automatic weapons, further fueling the deadly confrontation. While official sources report 18 deaths, independent outlets claim the toll exceeds 30.

The clashes have led to significant damage, with homes and shops destroyed, and many residents fleeing to safer locations. In response to the escalating violence, all educational institutions in the district were closed on Saturday, according to Muhammad Hayat Hassan, chairman of the Private Education Network.

The unrest follows an earlier attack on Thursday when militants fired upon over 50 passenger vehicles traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar. Six vehicles were directly hit, resulting in the deaths of 47 people, including women and children. Most of the victims were from the Shia community, police officials confirmed.

The ongoing violence in the region highlights the fragile security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province plagued by sectarian and militant-related tensions.

38 Civilians Dead In Attack On Passenger Vans In Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

November 21, 2024, 6:29 pm

At least 38 people were killed and 29 others injured when gunmen attacked passenger vehicles in a tribal area of northwestern Pakistan. The attack took place in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where armed assailants opened fire on a convoy of passenger vans traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Secretary, Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, confirmed the incident and said that among the victims were a woman and a child. The death toll is expected to rise. Ziarat Hussain, a local resident of Parachinar, described how the two convoys, one traveling from Peshawar to Parachinar and the other in the opposite direction, were targeted by the gunmen.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and authorities are still investigating the motives behind it. Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack, calling it “a cowardly and inhumane act” in a statement on X. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, chairperson of the Pakistan Peoples Party, also denounced the attack, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to ensure security and protect civilians.

The region, which borders Afghanistan, has experienced long-standing tensions between Shia and Sunni Muslims due to land disputes. This incident comes after a similar attack in August, where 23 people were killed by gunmen who checked their ethnicity before opening fire in Balochistan province. This type of violence is linked to separatist activities and ethnic targeting in the region.

Gunmen Attack Passenger Vehicles In Pakistan’s Tribal District, Killing 38

November 21, 2024, 5:13 pm

Gunmen ambushed passenger vehicles in Pakistan’s Kurram tribal district on Thursday, leaving at least 38 people dead and 29 injured, according to Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Among the victims were a woman and a child, with officials warning the death toll could rise.

The attack targeted two convoys one traveling from Peshawar to Parachinar and the other heading in the opposite direction. Local resident Ziarat Hussain reported that armed men opened fire on the vehicles, with his own relatives among the passengers.

The Kurram region, near the Afghanistan border, has long been plagued by sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shia communities over land disputes. No group has claimed responsibility for the assault.

President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the incident in a statement, describing it as a tragic and heinous act of violence.

12 Pakistani Soldiers Killed In Car Explosive Attack In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

November 20, 2024, 4:18 pm

At least 12 Pakistan Army soldiers were killed in a tragic suicide bombing that took place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Tuesday night. The attack occurred when a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a joint military checkpost in the Malikhel area, located in Bannu district. According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attack, which was aimed at breaching the military post, was thwarted by the troops at the location. However, the resulting explosion caused significant structural damage, leading to the deaths of the soldiers.

Details of the Attack

The ISPR confirmed that the explosion resulted in the collapse of part of the perimeter wall and damaged surrounding infrastructure. The blast left 12 soldiers dead, including 10 members of the Pakistan Army and two soldiers of the Frontier Constabulary. The attackers, identified as a group of six militants, were engaged by Pakistani security forces in a gunbattle following the bombing. All six attackers were reportedly killed in the exchange of fire.

The injured soldiers were immediately rushed to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities have initiated a sanitization operation in the region, and an investigation is underway to apprehend those responsible for this devastating act.

Responsibility Claimed by Terror Group

A breakaway faction of the Pakistani Taliban, the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, has claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing. The group, which has been active in carrying out insurgent attacks in the region, stated that the attack was part of their ongoing efforts to target Pakistani military forces.

In a statement, the Pakistan Army condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous act” and promising to bring the perpetrators to justice. “We will continue to protect our country and its citizens from such attacks,” the ISPR added.

Escalating Violence in Pakistan

This attack comes amid a troubling surge in violence across Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Just earlier this month, a blast at a railway station in Quetta killed 25 people, including 14 Pakistani Army soldiers. According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), violence has increased by 90% in Pakistan during the third quarter of 2024.

In response to the growing threat, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a new military offensive in Balochistan province to counter the growing violence from separatist groups. Balochistan, which shares a border with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is also home to critical infrastructure projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), making the region particularly vulnerable to unrest.

Pakistan’s Ongoing Fight Against Terrorism

As Pakistan grapples with rising security concerns in multiple regions, the military and government officials are intensifying their efforts to combat militant groups operating in the area. The tragic loss of life in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa underscores the persistent security challenges faced by the nation in its fight against terrorism.

As investigations into this attack continue, authorities remain focused on neutralizing threats posed by groups like the Hafiz Gul Bahadur faction, while also safeguarding vital infrastructure in the region.

Pakistan: 14 Injured In Violent Clash During Muharram Procession In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

July 15, 2024, 6:46 pm

A clash between two groups during a Muharram procession yesterday left 14 persons, including two policemen and a reporter, injured in Shah Mohammad village of Haripur district in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Dawn reported. The violence resulted from differences over road barricades within the city, where some parties are said to have hurled stones and chairs at the procession participants.

The police had to intervene, scattering them with tear gas. Injured persons have been rushed to the nearby medical centers, one of whom is in critical condition with head injuries. Social media speculation indicated the involvement of the proscribed extremist outfit Sipah-e-Sahaba in the attack, though official investigations are underway.

Accordingly, the Pakistani administration has heightened vigil across the country, with 502 locations in Punjab being declared sensitive and coordination of army and Rangers’ personnel there. Section 144 is promulgated to ensure public peace and sectarian amity and overall law and order remaining intact during Muharram in Punjab, like in cities such as Karachi.

Muharram is the most important month in the calendar for Shia Muslims, but every year, there is an inbuilt possibility of an outburst of sectarian violence in Pakistan. Historical incidents of deadly attacks resulting in killings, such as the 2007 Quetta mosque bombing and the 2009 Karachi procession bombing, have already proved past failures to overcome these dangers. The inability of the government to respond to threats like this has only continued to repeat itself, evermore difficult to handle with extremist outfits that of late exploit social media platforms to foment hate and further incite violence. It, therefore, means vigilant monitoring with stringent control measures to ensure peaceful coexistence and stability in all parts of the country.

China Calls for “thorough investigation” into Suicide Blast Killing 5 Chinese engineers

March 27, 2024, 1:47 am

China has urged for a “thorough investigation” following the death of five of its citizens in an assault on a convoy in Bisham tehsil of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Shangla, as reported by Dawn.

According to Geo News, the deputy inspector general of police (DIG) for Malakand stated on Tuesday that a suicide bomber rammed his vehicle, packed with explosives, into the car carrying the Chinese nationals.

The attack resulted in the deaths of five Chinese nationals. Additionally, a Pakistani driver who sustained injuries was transferred to a local hospital, where he also passed away due to his injuries.

The official further mentioned that the Chinese nationals were engineers traveling from Islamabad to the Dasu camp in Kohistan.

The Chinese embassy in Pakistan has called for investigations into the attack and urged for “severe punishment” for those responsible.

“The Chinese embassy and consulates in Pakistan have immediately launched emergency work, demanding that the Pakistani side conduct a thorough investigation into the attack, severely punish the perpetrators and take practical and effective measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens,” the embassy said in a statement.

According to Dawn, in a previous incident in July 2021, 13 people, including nine Chinese nationals, lost their lives when a coach transporting them to an under-construction tunnel site of the 4,300-megawatt Dasu hydropower project plunged into a ravine in the Upper Kohistan area following an explosion.

Despite initially labeling the incident as an accident, the Pakistan government later acknowledged the presence of explosives, with the then information minister stating that “terrorism could not be ruled out.”

In November 2022, an anti-terrorism court in Hazara sentenced two individuals to death after convicting them of plotting the attack.

Pakistan’s Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated in a release that the Bisham incident, along with recent terrorist attacks in Turbat and Gwadar, were “dastardly acts aimed at destabilising the internal security situation.”

“The whole nation stands in solidarity with our Chinese brothers and unequivocally condemns this cowardly act,” it added.

Pakistan’s Foreign office stated the attack was orchestrated by the “enemies of Pakistan-China friendship,” reiterating that the government would “resolutely act against all such forces and defeat them,” as reported by Dawn.

“The people and government of Pakistan stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Chinese friends in this difficult time and extend sincere condolences to the families of the Chinese nationals killed in the attack,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.

“Pakistan and China are close friends and iron brothers. The life and safety of Chinese nationals in Pakistan is of paramount importance. Pakistan will continue to work with our Chinese brothers in ensuring the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan,” it concluded.