Pakistan Security Brief

TTP attack kills ten tourists, including one American; Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif pledges to bring terrorists to justice;  Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Gilgit-Baltistan suspended after attacks; Expeditions ended in Nanga Parbat for the summer; Doubt cast on Afghan Taliban talks; Strategic dialogue between U.S., Pakistan may resume; Nawaz Sharif supports high treason charges against Musharraf; TTP spokesman announces new group targeting tourists; Scotland Yard officials arrest one in MQM leader's killing; Shelling kills nine militants in Orakzai, Khyber; 6 militants killed in Dera Bugti; Vehicle bombed in Quetta; IED kills soldier in Bannu; Imran Khan urges national policy on terrorism; 5 people killed in Karachi; Two TTP militants arrested in Karachi; IMF mandates RGST; Violence along Kashmir border continues; North Waziristan shelling kills two girls; Death toll of Mardan bombing rises to 37; Deputy Superintendent of Traffic killed in Peshawar; Railway between Pakistan and China to be constructed.

Militancy   

 Afghan Taliban Talks

U.S.-Pakistan Relations

  • In a meeting on Friday with Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olsen announced that the strategic dialogue between the U.S. and Pakistan on energy, defense and the economy will likely resume in the near future. Strategic talks between the two nations have been suspended since the death of Osama bin Laden in Abottabad in May, 2011. Khan also praised the prospect of peace talks between the U.S. and the Afghan Taliban during the meeting, noting that “The Nawaz Sharif government firmly believes that dialogue and reconciliation are the only way forward in bringing permanent peace to the region.[31]

Domestic

 Economy

Health 

  • According to a report in Reuters on Monday, nearly half of Pakistan does not have secure access to food while “fifteen percent of children are severely malnourished, and some 40 percent suffer from stunted growth.” However, due to the hunger crisis caused by the current civil war in Syria, which could cost the U.N. Food World Programme as much as $42 million a week in the coming year to combat, few U.N. funds are available to provide food aid for Pakistan,[39]

Pakistan-China Relations

  • Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday announced plans to build a railroad connecting Pakistan to China from Gwadar and Karachi in the south through Khanjerabab in the the northern Karakoram mountains, noting that such a project would, “enhance the economic activities, provide jobs and change the destiny of millions.” Sharif reportedly discussed the railroad with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during his visit to Pakistan last May.[40]                


[1]Haq Nawaz Khan, Tim Craig, “Taliban kills foreign climbers in Pakistan,” Washington Post, June 23, 2013. Available at http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/taliban-kills-foreign-climbers/2013/06/23/a811ea4c-dbef-11e2-a484-7b7f79cd66a1_story.html
China asks Pakistan to guarantee safety of its citizens,” Express Tribune, June 23, 2013. Available at http://tribune.com.pk/story/567326/china-asks-pakistan-to-guarantee-safety-of-its-citizens/  
Tahir Khan, “TTP claims responsibility for killing tourists in Gilgit-Baltistan,” Express Tribune, June 23, 2013. Available at http://tribune.com.pk/story/567250/ttp-claims-responsibility-for-killing-tourists-in-gilgit-baltistan/  
Annabel Symington, “Pakistani Militants Strike Climbers’ Camp, Killing 11. Wall Street Journal, June 23, 2013. Available at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323683504578562742472515824.html
[2]“Nanga Parbat Attack: Search Operation Leads to a Suspicious Car,” The Express Tribune, June 24, 2013.  Available at: http://tribune.com.pk/story/567697/nanga-parbat-attack-search-operation-leads-to-a-suspicious-car/
[3]“Killing of foreign tourists: 37 suspects arrested,” The News, June 24, 2013. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-106605-Killing-of-foreign-tourists%3a-37-suspects-arrested  
“PM Nawaz orders to ensure arrest of Nanga Parbat terrorists,” The News, June 24, 2013. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-106578-PM-orders-arrest-of-Nanga-Parbat-terrorists,-at-all-costs
[4] “Junood ul Hifsa new wing set up to attack foreigners, claims TTP,” Express Tribune, June 23, 2013. Available at http://tribune.com.pk/story/567366/junood-ul-hifsa-new-wing-set-up-to-attack-foreigners-claims-ttp/ 
[5]Zahid Gishkori, “Govt suspends top officials, orders investigation,” Express Tribune, June 24, 2013. Available at http://tribune.com.pk/story/567528/govt-suspends-top-officials-orders-investigation/   
“Pakistan suspends expeditions after tourist killings,” Dawn, June 24, 2013. Available at http://beta.dawn.com/news/1020448/pakistan-suspends-expeditions-after-tourist-killings
[6]“Altaf Terms TTP ‘Most Cowardly Group in the World,” The Express Tribune, June 22, 2013.  Available at: http://tribune.com.pk/story/566607/altaf-terms-ttp-most-cowardly-group-in-the-world/
[7]“Nine militants killed in Darra, Bara shelling,” The News, June 23, 2013. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-7-185373-Nine-militants-killed-in-Darra,-Bara-shelling
[8]Said Nazir, “Security forces strengthening peace bodies after controlling Tirah,” The News. June 24, 2013. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-23697-Security-forces-strengthening-peace-bodies-after-controlling-Tirah
[9]“Six militants killed in Dera Bugti,” The News, June 24, 2013. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-23701-Six-militants-killed-in-Dera-Bugti
[10] “Militants bomb police vehicle in Quetta,” Dawn, June 22, 2013. Available at http://beta.dawn.com/news/1019982/militants-bomb-police-vehicle-in-quetta
[11]Syed Ali Shah,“Frontier Corps fail major terror bid in Quetta,” Dawn, June 24, 2013. Available at http://beta.dawn.com/news/1020248/frontier-corps-foil-major-terror-bid-in-quetta
[12] “TTP claims responsibility for Bajaur blast,” The News, June 24 2013. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-2-185654-TTP-claims-responsibility-for-Bajaur-blast
 “IED kills two pro-government militiamen in Bajaur: Officials,” Express Tribune, June 22, 2013. Available at  http://tribune.com.pk/story/566834/ied-kills-two-pro-government-militiamen-in-bajaur-officials/ 
[13] “One soldier killed, two injured in IED blast,” The News, June 22, 2013. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-2-185650-One-soldier-killed,-two-injured-in-IED-blast
[14] “Three killed in Bannu incidents,” The News, June 24, 2013. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-7-185554-Three-killed-in-Bannu-incidents
[15] Nasruminallah, “North Waziristan: Soldier dies in roadside blast,” Express Tribune, June 24, 2013. Available at http://tribune.com.pk/story/567515/north-waziristan-soldier-dies-in-roadside-blast/ 
[16] “One killed, five hurt in Kurram car blast,” The News, June 24, 2013. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-2-185649-One-killed,-five-hurt-in-Kurram-car-blast
[17]“JI activist, former cop among five killed,” The News, June 24, 2013. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-4-185490-JI-activist,-former-cop-among-five-killed
[18]Salis bin Perwaiz, “CID detains two ‘TTP terrorists’ linked to attacks on MQM offices,” The News, June 23, 2013. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-4-185342-CID-detains-two-TTP-terrorists-linked-to-attacks-on-MQM-offices
[19]Salis bin Perwaiz, “SBP director rescued, three kidnappers killed,” The News, June 23, 2013. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-4-185339-Opp-MPAs-demand-concrete-strategy-to-end-killings
[20] “Twin blasts at Karachi Central Jail injure six,” Dawn, June 23, 2013. Available at http://beta.dawn.com/news/1019995/twin-blasts-at-karachi-central-jail-injure-six
[21] “Deadly attack in Kashmir ahead of India PM trip,” The News, June 24, 2013. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-106623-Deadly-attack-in-Kashmir-ahead-of-India-PM-trip%3a-army
[22]“Two cops killed in held Kashmir,” The News, June 23, 2013. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-2-185477-Two-cops-killed-in-held-Kashmir
[23] “Death of 2 girls in shelling,” The News, June 23, 2013. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-7-185379-Death-of-2-girls-in-shelling
[24]“Mardan blast: Another victim succumbs to injuries,” Express Tribune, June 24, 2013. Available at http://tribune.com.pk/story/567358/mardan-blast-another-victim-succumbs-to-injuries/ 
[25]Riaz Ahmad, “Roadside bomb: Four policemen injured in attack on mobile,” Express Tribune, June 23, 2013. Available at http://tribune.com.pk/story/566969/roadside-bomb-four-policemen-injured-in-attack-on-mobile/ 
[26]Zahir Shah Sherazi, “Peshawar mosque blast suspects arrested,” Dawn, June 22, 2013. Available at  http://beta.dawn.com/news/1019979/peshawar-mosque-blast-suspects-arrested
[27] “DSP Traffic, his driver killed in Peshawar,” Express Tribune, June 24, 2013. Available at  http://tribune.com.pk/story/567594/dsp-traffic-his-driver-killed-in-peshawar/ 
[28] “Foreign policy has to change to end militancy: Yousafzai,” Express Tribune, June 23, 2013. Available at http://tribune.com.pk/story/566975/foreign-policy-has-to-change-to-end-militancy-yousafzai/  
Ferya Ilyas, “K-P govt cannot exceed without national terrorism policy: Khan” Express Tribune, June 24, 2013. Available at http://tribune.com.pk/story/567652/provincial-govt-cannot-succeed-in-k-p-without-national-terrorism-policy/ 
[29]Melissa Gray, “Kerry casts doubt on U.S.-Taliban talks,” CNN, June 22, 2013. Available at http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/22/world/meast/qatar-kerry-taliban/index.htm 
 “Conditions for Taliban talks not met yet: Kerry” Reuters, June 24, 2013. Available at http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/24/us-usa-india-taliban-idUSBRE95N0G020130624?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews  
Karen J. DeYoung, “In Qatar, U.S.-Taliban talks remain on the line,” Washington Post, June 22, 2013. Available at http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/in-qatar-us-taliban-talks-remain-on-the-line/2013/06/22/f45e381e-db7d-11e2-b418-9dfa095e125d_story.html
[30]Kamran Yousaf, “Afghan endgame: Baradar doing more in captivity, say officials,” Express Tribune, June 24, 2013. Available at http://tribune.com.pk/story/567510/afghan-endgame-baradar-doing-more-for-peace-in-captivity-say-officials/
[31]Zahid Gishkori, Kamran Yousaf, “Meeting with interior minister: US envoy hints at resumption of strategic dialogue,” Express Tribune, June 22, 2013. Available at http://tribune.com.pk/story/566642/meeting-with-interior-minister-us-envoy-hints-at-resumption-of-strategic-dialogue/
Irfan Raza, “U.S.-Taliban talks in interest of region’s peace,” Dawn, June 22, 2013. Available at http://beta.dawn.com/news/1019799/us-taliban-talks-in-interest-of-regions-peace-nisar
[32]“Imran Farooq murder: Scotland Yard arrests suspect in London,” Express Tribune, June 24, 2013. Available at http://tribune.com.pk/story/567650/imran-farooq-murder-scotland-yard-arrests-suspect-in-london/ 
[33] “Opposition supports government in Musharraf treason trial,” The News, June 24, 2013. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-106612-Musharraf-treason-trial%3a-Opposition-extends-support-to-government
“Cabinet approves Musharraf treason trial,” The News. June 24, 2013. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-106613-Federal-Cabinet-approves-Musharraf-treason-trial- 
[34] “SC seeks written reply within 4 days in Musharraf treason case,” The News, June 24, 2013. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-106598-SC-seeks-written-reply-within-3-days-in-Musharraf-treason-case
[35]Azam Khan, “Musharraf trial: Zahid Hamid reassigned from law ministry,” Express Tribune, June 24, 2013. Available at http://tribune.com.pk/story/566874/musharraf-trial-govt-reassigns-zahid-hamid/  
[36]  “‘Pakistan’s Atomic Assets Safe,’ Says Dar,” Dawn, June 22, 2013.  Available at: http://beta.dawn.com/news/1019990/pakistans-atomic-assets-safe-says-dar
[37] “IMF puts RGST condition for $4bn bailout package,” The News, June 24, 2013. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-2-185234-IMF-puts-RGST-condition-for-$4-bn-bailout-package
[38]Umar Nangiana, “GST increase not to be withdrawn: Dar” Express Tribune, June 22, 2013. Available at http://tribune.com.pk/story/566844/gst-increase-not-to-be-withdrawn-dar/
“Rs500bn circular debt: No plan to print currency notes,” Dawn, June 24, 2013. Available at http://beta.dawn.com/news/1020287/rs500bn-circular-debt-no-plan-to-print-currency-notes-says-dar
[39]“U.N. says Pakistan has food emergency, but donors look elsewhere,” Reuters, June 24, 2013. Available at http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/24/us-pakistan-hunger-idUSBRE95N0AQ20130624
[40] Shoaib Raja, “Nawaz for ‘out-of-the-box’ ways to build fast rail link with China,” The News, June 22, 2013. Available at http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-23661-Nawaz-for-out-of-the-box-ways-to-build-fast-rail-link-with-China
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