Pakistan pours cold water on TTP’s talks offer

Pakistani authorities have rejected an offer from the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to resume talks, citing negative experiences from previous dialogues. The government, which had engaged in talks last year facilitated by the Afghan Taliban, is now demanding solid guarantees and urging militants to surrender. The TTP ended a ceasefire unilaterally last year, leading to a surge in attacks. Pakistan has been pressing the Afghan Taliban to act against the TTP, resulting in the detention or deportation of several TTP leaders. Despite Pakistan's stance, the Afghan Taliban remain interested in facilitating dialogue.

Pak drone eliminated TTP targets in Afghanistan

A Pakistani military drone conducted successful strikes on Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts in Afghanistan's Khost and Kunar provinces, marking the first such operation outside Pakistan. The strikes were in response to intelligence reports of TTP presence and recent terror attacks in Pakistan. Senior officials clarified that the operation was conducted from within Pakistani territory, denying any airspace violation. The Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan (IEA) was urged to address the TTP threat, as the targeted areas were inaccessible to Afghan authorities. Security experts expressed skepticism about trusting the IEA and emphasized the need for alternative strategies to combat terrorism.

Mastermind of Peshawar attack was arrested last year

Intelligence officials had previously arrested the mastermind behind the Kocha Risaldar mosque attack in Peshawar, which resulted in 63 deaths. The group had been under surveillance since an attempted attack on Christmas celebrations the previous year. The suicide bomber, known as Abdullah, had a history of religious extremism and received training in Balochistan before fleeing to Afghanistan. Security agencies were able to act quickly due to prior intelligence, although the bomber managed to carry out the attack despite tight security measures.

K-P Governor House expenses rise sharply

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor House's expenditures have increased by over Rs50 million in the current financial year, with significant rises in utility payments, entertainment, gifts, and discretionary funds. The budget for the Governor House has increased by more than Rs300 million, with Governor Shah Farman spending over Rs257.5 million last year. Expenditures on electricity, gas, and telephone have exceeded the previous year's budget, and new plants and vehicle repairs have also contributed to the increased costs.

Govt releases over 100 TTP prisoners as ‘goodwill gesture’

The Pakistani government has released over 100 Taliban prisoners as a goodwill gesture following a ceasefire announced by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The prisoners, mostly undergoing de-radicalisation and rehabilitation, were not released due to TTP demands but to reciprocate the ceasefire. Talks between the TTP and the government, facilitated by the interim Afghan government, have led to a temporary truce and the formation of committees to negotiate a permanent peace deal. The TTP's demands, including the opening of a political office in a third country and the enforcement of Islamic shariah in Pakistan, were deemed unacceptable by the government, which insists on the acceptance of the state's writ, disarmament, and a public apology for past attacks as conditions for the TTP to restart their lives.

Federal, provincial govts decide to quarantine tableeghi jamaat members

The federal and provincial governments of Pakistan have decided to quarantine all Tableeghi Jamaat members in the mosques where they preach to limit the spread of COVID-19. A comprehensive policy has been framed to send members home after the quarantine period. Local administrations will provide rations and amenities, and test samples will be taken from the mosques. Approximately 4,000 people from other provinces are part of the missionary movements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The decision aims to prevent unhealthy movement and ensure the safety of the members. Punjab Police have been advised to treat the members well and educate them about the situation.

Islamic State-backed radio resurfaces

The Islamic State's Radio Khilafat has been broadcasting propaganda and recruitment messages, affecting locals in Pakistan's tribal areas and Charsadda. Despite Pakistani efforts to curb militant transmissions, three stations operate from Afghanistan, with the US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter acknowledging IS presence in Nangarhar. The IS has attracted some Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan fighters, leading to conflict with the Afghan Taliban. The ease of setting up FM transmitters has facilitated militant broadcasts, but Pakistani officials deny any transmissions from high-profile militant commanders on their airwaves.