News Analysis India

Tag: Pakistan

  • India Will Enter Pakistan To Kill Terrorists If They Flee There: Rajnath Singh |

    NEW DELHI: In a resolute warning to terror outfits, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has affirmed India’s commitment to thwarting terrorism, even if it means crossing the borders. Responding to recent allegations and echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assertive stance, Singh stated that India would pursue terrorists who seek refuge in Pakistan after perpetrating acts of violence in India. “20 terrorists ko maara hai? Koi bhi terrorist hamare padosi desh se yadi Bharat ko disturb karne ki koshish karega, ya yahan par aatankwadi harkatein karega, to uska muh tod jawab denge. Yadi woh bhaag kar Pakistan mein jayega, to Pakistan mein ghus kar maarenge (Did you say we killed 20 terrorists? If any terrorist from Pakistan tries to disturb India, or commits terrorist acts here, we will give a befitting response. If he runs away to Pakistan, we will go there and kill him),” Rajnath Singh while speaking to a private media house.

    No Tolerance For Terrorism: Rajnath

    Singh emphasized India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, asserting that the country will not hesitate to take decisive action against those who disturb its peace. He reiterated India’s desire for peaceful relations with neighbouring countries but underscored the nation’s readiness to respond firmly to any threat to its security.

    Escalating Tensions

    Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following the 2019 Pulwama attack, which India attributed to Pakistan-based militants. The subsequent airstrikes by India on terrorist targets in Pakistan further strained relations between the two nations.

    International Allegations

    Recent allegations, particularly highlighted by UK-based media outlet The Guardian, have accused India of extrajudicial killings in Pakistan. These claims have sparked international scrutiny and contributed to the ongoing diplomatic friction between India and Pakistan. The Guardian report came months after Canada and the US accused India of killing or attempting to kill Khalistani terrorists in those countries. Canada said in September that it was pursuing “credible allegations” linking India to the death of a Sikh separatist leader shot dead in June – claims that India said were “absurd and motivated”. A top Canadian official said in January that India was cooperating in the matter and bilateral ties were improving. Similarly, the US said in November that it had thwarted an Indian plot to kill a Sikh separatist leader and announced charges against a person it said had worked with India to orchestrate the attempted murder.

    Denial And Counterclaims

    New Delhi, however, maintains that targeted killings in other countries are not a policy of the Indian government. The Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated its stand that it has no role to play in these killings. The MEA claimed that they were ‘false and malicious anti-India propaganda’. 

    Despite these tensions, efforts to improve bilateral relations have been observed, with India expressing a willingness to cooperate in investigations. Both Canada and the US have acknowledged India’s cooperation in addressing the allegations, signalling a potential thaw in diplomatic relations.

    Prime Minister Modi has reiterated India’s commitment to investigating any information regarding alleged extraterritorial activities. This commitment underscores India’s adherence to the rule of law and its determination to address accusations transparently.

  • Attack On Chinese Engineers: Pakistan Security Force Arrests Over 10 People | world news

    New Delhi: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has apprehended over 10 terrorists suspected of being involved in last week’s attack on Chinese engineers, Geo News reported on Monday. As per the news outlet citing a source, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)-affiliated outfit is suspected to be involved in the March 26 deadly attack in Shangla’s Bisham city.

    According to Geo News, five Chinese citizens, including a woman, and a Pakistani driver were killed when a suicide bomber crashed his explosive-laden vehicle into the car carrying them.

    On this tragic incident, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir condemned the heinous act and promised to hold the perpetrators accountable.

    A solemn wreath-laying ceremony took place at Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan Airbase to honor the victims with 30-second silence who were killed in last week’s attack, according to Geo News. The country’s President, Prime Minister, the army chief, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza laid floral wreaths in tribute.

    Following the attack, Chinese companies overseeing operations at the Dasu and Diamer-Bhasha Dams, now temporarily suspended their civil work at both sites owing to security concerns. Officials involved in the projects informed the publication that almost 991 Chinese engineers were involved in working at both sites.

    After the attack, the Chinese investigative team arrived in Pakistan last week to probe the incident. China’s military expressed readiness to collaborate with Pakistan in bolstering their collective capacity to address security threats.

  • ‘China-Pakistan Economic Corridor’ Under Threat? 5 Chinese Nationals Killed By Terrorists; Turbat Naval Air Base Attacked | world news

    Pakistan today witnessed a series of terrorist attacks and anti-terrorist operations in many parts of the country. Several terrorists attacked the Turbat naval air base in Balochistan while in another suicide bombing attack, five Chinese nationals were killed at Besham city of Shangla district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. In another anti-terror operations details of which was released earlier today, Pakistani security forces killed at least four terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province yesterday. The operation took place on Monday in the Dera Ismail Khan district.

    Suicide Bombing

    As per reports, five Chinese nationals were killed in Besham city. The Chinese nationals were traveling in a vehicle when another explosive-laden vehicle rammed into it killing all the occupants. Both the vehicles fell into the gorge. The videos that have gone viral on social media show plumes of smoke and fire rising from the valley. The Chinese engineers were on their way from Islamabad to their camp in Dasu.

    Visuals by Pakistan media:pic.twitter.com/sFZ2aMA7k6 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 26, 2024

    Pakistan’s privatization Minister Abdul Aleem Khan termed the attack ‘incredibly upsetting’. “The enemy is targeting Pak-China friendship and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under a well-thought conspiracy but the nation, along with the Pakistan Army, will thwart all evil plots,” he said on X.

    The suicide attack on Chinese residents traveling from Islamabad to Pakistan is extremely regrettable and worthy of condemnation. The enemy is targeting Pak-China friendship and other peaks under a well-planned conspiracy, but the people, together with the Pak Army, will foil all the evil conspiracies. I have all my sympathies…

    — Abdul Aleem Khan (@abdul_aleemkhan) March 26, 2024

    Attack On Turbat Naval Air Base

    Baloch militants armed with weapons attempted to breach a key naval air base in Pakistan’s volatile Balochistan province on the intervening night of March 25–26. However, security forces successfully thwarted the assault, resulting in the elimination of all four terrorists. The incident occurred on Monday night in Turbat, a district known for its unrest within the scarcely inhabited province. Makran Commissioner Saeed Ahmed Umrani informed the media that security forces effectively prevented an armed terrorist incursion at the PNS Siddique Naval Air Base, one of the largest naval air stations in the nation.

    The banned Balochistan Liberation Army claimed that its Majeed Brigade was behind the attack. This is the third major attack on security forces and installations this year in Balochistan claimed by the BLA with the first two attacks being also being repulsed by security forces.

  • Pakistan's Gwadar Port Freed From Seize After 7 Terrorists Gunned Down: Report | world news

    Pakistan's Gwadar Port today came under seizure from terrorists and was freed after the city police gunned down seven terrorists. The assailants entered the Gwadar Port Authority Complex forcibly and opened fire in the area. The police said that while some blasts also took place at the site, the firing completely stopped after the assasilants were gunned down. Majeed Brigade of the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack.

    According to reports, Makran Commissioner Saeed Ahmed Umrani mentioned that there were multiple explosions during the attack. He also stated that the operation to clear out the attackers was still ongoing. Initially, Captain (retd) Zohaib Mohsin, Senior Superintendent of Police in Gwadar, mentioned that the gunfire had ceased entirely. Earlier, Umrani noted that a significant number of police and security forces had arrived at the scene while the intense gunfire was still ongoing.

    According to a statement from the United Nations Department for Safety and Security, the attack on the complex was characterized by 'several explosions followed by continuous firing'. The facility in question accommodates various government and paramilitary offices. Furthermore, the statement clarified that there were no immediate reports of casualties. It specified that seven personnel from three UN agencies stationed in Gwadar and two UN agencies on missions were confirmed to be “safe and accounted for.”

    What Is Majeed Brigade?

    The Majeed Brigade, an integral part of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), emerged in 2011 as a highly formidable guerrilla cell within the BLA's ranks. Named in honor of a guard who lost his life while attempting to assassinate Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the former Prime Minister and founder of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), this brigade has gained notoriety for its lethal operations. Its activities extend beyond Pakistan's borders, with documented presence in Afghanistan, a fact corroborated even by Indian media outlets.

    There are allegations suggesting that the group maintains sanctuaries along the Pak-Iran border region. Referred to as the BLA's suicide squad, the so-called Majeed Brigade predominantly focuses its attacks on security forces and Chinese interests within Pakistan. Notably, it claimed responsibility for the April 2022 suicide attack targeting the Confucius Institute at Karachi University.

    Throughout 2022, the brigade orchestrated a series of assaults, including those directed at military camps in Balochistan's Naushki and Panjgur districts. In these incidents, militants engaged security forces in prolonged confrontations lasting up to three days.

  • Cash-Strapped Pak PM Sharif & Cabinet Ministers To Forgo Salaries | world news

    Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Cabinet on Wednesday unanimously decided to forego their salaries and related benefits due to the precarious economic condition of the country.

    The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting as part of the government's austerity policies, aimed at curbing unnecessary expenditures, according to a press release by the PM Office.

    The Cabinet has already introduced measures restricting foreign trips funded by the government, ordering federal ministers, parliamentarians, and government officials not to go on foreign trips by using government funds without prior approval.

    The measures are focused on promoting fiscal responsibility and optimizing governmental resources in the face of economic challenges, due to which the country needs a fresh loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Last week, President Asif Ali Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had also decided to forego their salaries while in office citing similar reasons.

    Former president Arif Alvi was drawing Rs 8,46,550 per month, which was fixed by Parliament in 2018. Zardari is one of the richest politicians in Pakistan.When Sharif was the prime minister in his earlier term, a similar measure was announced in February 2023. .

    However, these measures are commonly considered cosmetic to show that the government was sharing the burden of the people badly hit by grinding inflation.

    In reality, the president, the prime minister and most of the ministers belong to the privileged, rich class and are not dependent on their salaries.

    Incidentally, earlier in the day, a statement from the IMF said that it has reached a staff-level agreement with cash-strapped Pakistan that will enable it to get the next tranche of USD 1.1 billion of the earlier sanctioned loan.

  • Imran Khan Moves Pakistan SC To Seeking Judicial Panel To Probe 'Rigging' world news

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court, requesting the formation of a judicial commission to “inquire, audit and examine” the manner and process of the February 8 general elections held in the country. , Geo News reported. The politician, who remains incarcerated at the Adiala jail following conviction in multiple cases, has filed the petition in light of the rigging allegations leveled by his party and others in the aftermath of “manipulation and fraud in the election results”.

    The petition, filed by senior lawyer Hamid Khan on behalf of the PTI founder, urged the apex court to form a judicial commission, consisting of serving SC judges holding no bias towards anyone, to “inquire, audit and examine the manner and process of general elections of 8 February 2024 and the developments that took place thereafter of compiling false and fraudulent results rendering winners into losers and losers into winners”.

    Imran Khan, in his plea, said that “all the consequential acts of forming governments at the federal and Punjab levels be immediately suspended” until the result of the judicial commission's probe is made public. “It is also prayed that all that is required to be done in the best interest of the nation, its electoral mandate and constitutional dispensation may kindly be ordered including requisite orders, directions and reliefs,” the plea added, Geo News reported.

    The government, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (ECP), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Mutahidda Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) have all been named respondents in the plea, Geo News reported. According to the petition, the general elections were “openly rigged” with their results “manipulated”.

    “The people allegedly elected and returned to assemblies are being breaching the public trust by exercising the state authority by way of fraud,” it added. The plea further read that the country's Constitution cast a heavy duty upon the ECP to hold free, fair and transparent elections in Pakistan, but the polls were “massively rigged” and “manipulated with the help of Returning Officers (ROs) appointed by the electoral authority with involvement of even the caretaker set ups.

    “It has failed to perform its duties as given in Articles 218, 219 and related provisions of the Constitution as result of the elections held on February 8, 2024, which were massively rigged through the Returning Officers (ROs) appointed by Respondent No.2 and all care-taker governments were part of this fraud upon the electorate,” the petition added.

    It should be noted that since the conduct of the general elections in Pakistan, several political parties as well as independent candidates have raised questions over the transparency of the polling process, which was held across the country last month. Numerous protests and rallies were led by political parties and politicians who weren't satisfied with the results, terming them “rigged” and manipulated” by the then-caretaker set ups as well as the electoral body.

  • Former Pakistan PM Bhutto, executed in 1979, was denied fair trial: Supreme Court | world news

    Islamabad: In a significant development, the Pakistan Supreme Court on Wednesday observed that the late Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto did not receive a fair trial leading to his execution 44 years ago, as reported by The Express Tribune. The apex court underlined that the trial proceedings conducted by the Lahore High Court (LHC) and the subsequent appeal by the Supreme Court failed to meet the essential requirements of fundamental rights for a fair trial and due process, as outlined in Articles 4 and 9 of the Constitution.

    Responding to a presidential reference filed a dozen years ago, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa emphasized, “We didn't find that the fair trial and due process requirements were met.”

    Historical Background

    On March 18, 1978, the LHC sentenced Bhutto to death for his alleged involvement in the assassination of Ahmed Reza Kasuri, a founding member of the PPP. The Supreme Court, with a narrow majority vote of 4 to 3, upheld the LHC verdict on February 6, 1979, leading to Bhutto's execution on April 4 of the same year.

    Assessment Of Bhutto's Trial

    The nine-member bench, including Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, and others, posed pertinent questions regarding Bhutto's trial. The court questioned whether the decisions met the constitutional requirements of fundamental rights, due process, and fairness.

    Judiciary's Self-Accountability

    CJP Isa, announcing the majority opinion, emphasized the need for judges to decide cases impartially, acknowledging the importance of self-accountability within the judiciary. “There should be self-accountability within the judiciary,” he stated, emphasizing that progress cannot occur without acknowledging past errors.

    The apex court, in its short order, raised questions about the justification of maintaining the death sentence and the possibility of deliberate murder given the perceived bias against Bhutto. The court also noted that the referenced questions did not specify the legal principles enunciated in the Zulfikar Ali Bhutto case.

    During the PPP's rule from 2008 to 2013, former president Asif Ali Zardari filed a reference with the Supreme Court, seeking an opinion after analyzing judgments in the ZAB case based on fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

    Earlier this week, the Supreme Court reserved its opinion on the matter. CJP Qazi Faez Isa mentioned that the court is reserving its opinion, with a brief version expected before the retirement of SC's Senior Puisne Judge Sardar Tariq Masood on March 8.

    Utilizing Article 187 For Justice

    Justice Isa inquired about the possibility of issuing a brief opinion, to which Raza Rabbani, one of the amici curiae and a PPP member, responded affirmatively. The suggestion of utilizing Article 187 of the Constitution for complete justice was put forward, with Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar noting that this would lead to a verdict rather than just an opinion.

  • Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Calls For 'Freedom Of Kashmiris, Palestinians' In Victory Speech | world news

    ISLAMABAD: Addressing the National Assembly after being picked as the next prime minister of the ruling coalition of the PML(N), PPP and other small outfits, Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday called out the 'global silence' on the prevailing situation in Gaza while seeking a bipartisan resolution in the House advocating 'freedom' for Kashmiris and Palestinians, Dawn reported.

    “Let's all come together…and the National Assembly should pass a resolution for the freedom of Kashmiris and Palestinians,” PM-designate Shehbaz said in a 'victory speech' at the Assembly. The Pakistan National Assembly on Sunday elected Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shehbaz Sharif as the 24th elected Prime Minister of the country, during a session that started with Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) members creating a ruckus by shouting slogans.

    The PM-designate stated further that amid the severe economic downturn in the country and livelihood concerns of the people, even the expenditures of the National Assembly were being paid by borrowed money, Dawn reported. He replied that the biggest challenge for Pakistan was that “all of the expenditure was being met via loans only”, the report noted.

    “All of these (expenses for running the House) is being met via loans over the last few years. This is the biggest challenge faced by the country today,” he said. “All of our salaries are being paid via taxes. Does such a situation warrant such hooliganism?” he added, in a veiled dig at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and other rival voices who have been contesting the results of the February 8 general elections.

    He also rued the debt crisis that the country is grappling with, Dawn added in its report. Meanwhile, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said his party leadership decided to go to the Parliament despite its reservations over the poll outcome in the country.

    Despite its decision to participate in the session of the newly elected National Assembly, Rehman said his party's original position to reject the 2024 elections was being proven right. “In the history of Pakistan, we used to think that 2018 was the biggest rigging that took place in the general election, however, 2024 has broken that record,” Rehman said in Karachi.

  • Setback For Imran Khan, Shehbaz Sharif Elected PM Of Pakistan For Second Time |

    New Delhi: The Pakistan National Assembly convened on Sunday to appoint Shehbaz Sharif, a leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), as the 24th Prime Minister of the nation. The session commenced with disruptions as members of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) shouted slogans, as reported by Geo News based in Pakistan.

    Speaker of the Pakistan National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, officially declared Shehbaz Sharif’s victory in the Prime Ministerial election. Sharif secured 201 votes, surpassing his opponent, Omar Ayub Khan of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and SIC candidate for prime minister, who received 92 votes. Despite protests from SIC lawmakers, Speaker Sadiq proceeded with the announcement.

    The session is being chaired by Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. The session started with the oath-taking of PML-N leader Jam Kamal. However, the House soon started echoing slogans and chants raised by SIC members in favour of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and the eight-party alliance backing Shehbaz Sharif.

    Following this, Sadiq asked the Assembly staff to ring the bell for five minutes so that any member that is not present in the house could come to the floor for the PM’s election. After the bells were rung, Sadiq directed the National Assembly staff to lock the doors and announced the method for electing PM, according to Geo News report.

    Following this, the Pakistan National Assembly speaker informed the lawmakers about the candidates who were contesting for the PM’s post. He said, “Valid nominated candidates are Shehbaz Sharif and Omar Ayub. Honourable members who wish to vote in favour of Shehbaz may proceed to the lobby on the right side designated as ‘Lobby A’.”

    Ayaz Sadiq then asked those who want to vote for Omar Ayub Khan can proceed to the left-hand side towards “Lobby B” to get their votes recorded. As the voting process started, members of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) announced a boycott of the elections and walked out of the house, according to Geo News report.

    Balochistan National Party’s Sardar Akhtar Mengal did not vote, however, he remained on his seat in the Assembly. After the polling process concluded, the Pakistan National Assembly secretary gave details regarding the voting process to the speaker. After the completion of counting, Ayaz Sadiq ordered the Pakistan National Assembly staff to ring the bell to summon the lawmakers back in the house for the announcement of the results.

  • Maryam Nawaz Makes History As First Female Chief Minister Of Pakistan's Punjab Province. world news

    LAHORE: Maryam Nawaz, a prominent figure in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has made history by becoming the first woman chief minister of Pakistan's Punjab province. The announcement came following a decisive victory in the election, where she secured a remarkable 220 votes, leaving her opponent, Rana Aftab Ahmad of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), without a single vote due to the boycott by SIC members.

    Opposition Boycott

    The Punjab Assembly session, overseen by the newly-elected Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan, saw members of the Sunni Ittehad Council boycotting the proceedings. Speaker Khan, in response, restricted the session solely to the chief ministerial elections, disallowing any speeches by lawmakers. Efforts to resolve the boycott led to the formation of a committee tasked with persuading the boycotting legislators to return to the Assembly.

    Clear Majority Ensures Victory

    Maryam Nawaz's candidacy faced opposition from Rana Aftab Ahmed of the Sunni Ittehad Council. Despite the competition, the PML-N's significant presence ensured Maryam Nawaz's triumph, securing a clear majority within the house.

    PML-N Dominance Punjab Assembly

    Prior to Maryam Nawaz's historic win, the PML-N had already showcased its strength in the Punjab Assembly by securing victories in the speaker and deputy speaker elections. Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan clinched the speaker's position with 224 votes, while Malik Zaheer Ahmed Channer secured the deputy speaker's post with 220 votes, solidifying the party's dominance.

    Maryam Nawaz: A Brief Background

    Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, began her journey in politics after being actively involved in the family's philanthropic endeavors. Her political career gained momentum in 2012, and she played a pivotal role in the PML-N's election campaign during the 2013 general elections. Despite facing challenges, including a brief stint as the Chairperson of the Prime Minister's Youth Programme, she continued to rise within the political sphere.

    Parliamentary Debut

    Maryam Nawaz's victory in the 2024 Pakistani general election marked her parliamentary debut, as she secured seats in both the National Assembly of Pakistan (NA) and the Provincial Assembly of Punjab, further solidifying her position as a key figure within the political landscape of Pakistan.