Operation Rah-e-Rast (Swat)
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TalibanSwatter
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Paradise Lost - Zahid Hussain (Excerpts) March 2009
Residents of Mingora often wake up to find bodies of those executed by the militants slung from electric poles in the towns central square in the full view of the military, with a note of warning not to remove them till midday. Some 28 people, most of them women, have been executed over the past few months and their bodies thrown in the square which is now known as Zibahkhana Chowk, or Slaughter Square.
Bakht Zeba, a former member of Swat district council, virtually signed her death warrant when she criticised the Taliban for preventing girls from attending school. On November.26, masked gunmen dragged her out of her house in the Mulakabad area of Mingora, brutally thrashing her before shooting her in the head. Her body lay there for several hours.
Zeba, who also ran an NGO, was made an example of, for daring to defy the militants. She was yet another victim of the Taliban reign of terror, which has swept the scenic Swat valley. Educated women like Zeba are being particularly targeted. For a woman, even to come out of her house is considered a crime by the militants, says Sarfraz Khan, a professor at Peshawar University, who comes from a village in the restive area.
Executions and public beheadings of government officials, soldiers, alleged spies and criminals are frequently used by the militants to terrorise the population into submission.
The rising Taliban influence in one of the most progressive and culturally rich, former princely states, comes as a serious blow to Pakistans battle against militancy. More people have been killed in Swat by the militants than in Gaza by Israeli forces. An estimated 1,500 people have, so far, perished in the fighting raging for the past 18 months.
Watching television, singing and dancing, shaving beards and allowing girls to attend school have all been proscribed as un-Islamic activities. Anyone resisting them is punished with death, says Zubair Toorwali, an official of an NGO, who fled his home in the Madian district of Swat, following threats from the militants.
The names of those who have already been executed by the Taliban for violating their decrees and those they plan to kill next, are regularly broadcast on their FM radio, which is used by the militants as a tool for spreading fear among the population. Every night, terrified residents listen to the transmission to find out if any of their kin are on the dreaded list.
Among those slain recently was a local dancer known as Shabana. Her body was dumped in the square, after she was brutally murdered. She deserved death for her immoral character, proclaimed the Taliban radio.
People are commonly killed for not complying with a retrogressive code of conduct prescribed by the Taliban. Amjad Islam, a school teacher in Mingora, was shot dead for refusing to pull up his shalwar above his ankle, which the militants believed was against the Shariah.
All educational institutions, in the region have been shut down after the Taliban banned girls education declaring it to be un-Islamic. Parents were warned of dire consequences if the restriction was flouted.
Female education is against Islamic teachings and spreads vulgarity in society, declared Shah Dauran, a Taliban spokesman, in his daily broadcast on radio.
Militants have blown up more than 185 schools since the start of the army operation last year. This has affected at least 80,000 female students and thrown some 8,000 female teachers in unemployment. We dont have any future, says Mah Gul, a female school teacher who now lives in Peshawar. The violence has forced some 300,000 people to leave their homes. There is no one left in my village, except for the Taliban, says Sarfraz Khan, another local.
Senior government officials concede that the writ of the state has completely broken down, as a large number of police officers and local officials have left their jobs for fear of their lives. Seventy police officers have been killed most of them beheaded by militants, last year alone. Their decapitated bodies were exhibited to inculcate fear among others. In some cases, police and local government officials place advertisements in local newspapers, renouncing their jobs. It is the only way a man can save his familys and his own life, remarks a police officer, who deserted his post recently and is now residing in Peshawar.
Unlike the remote semi-autonomous tribal region, Swat, with a population of 1.3 million, is a part of the NWFP which is governed by a coalition government led by the ANP. But the government seems to have abdicated its responsibility to the militants. Most of the local nazims and members of the national and provincial assemblies have fled the area, leaving the local population at the mercy of the marauders. A provincial assembly member of the ANP, last month in an advertisement in a local newspaper, thanked the Taliban for sparing his life. Afzal Khan, a veteran politician, is the only one to have stayed in his village, despite several assassination attempts on his life.
The federal government also seems to have little understanding of the unfolding situation and the threat to national security posed by the rising militancy. There is no coherent policy to deal with the worsening situation in Swat and other parts of the NWFP. No federal or provincial government leader has bothered to visit the troubled area, further fuelling the demoralisation among the people.
Islamabad sent thousands of troops at the end of 2007 to quell the insurgency led by Maulana Fazlullah, a fiery Wahhabi cleric, also known as Mullah Radio for his sermons on FM radio. The long-haired, 33-year-old cleric started out as a preacher a few years ago, but gained huge popularity among the local population with his powerful speeches, broadcast from his illegal radio station. Subsequently, he raised a militant force to wage a holy war against the Pakistani state.
Fazlullah is now a senior leader of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an outlawed militant outfit led by Baitullah Mehsud, the most wanted militant commander operating from his base in South Waziristans tribal region. Mehsud has also been accused of masterminding the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.
Last week, Fazlullah, in a radio broadcast, announced a list of 43 people, including federal and provincial ministers and members of parliament, who he ordered to appear before his Islamic court. They will face trial and be punished for working against Islam, the cleric told his supporters.
According to security officials, a large number of Mehsuds men from Waziristan, along with Uzbeks and Chechens, have joined the militant forces in Swat. And some 6,000 to 8,000 highly trained and well-armed militants are engaged in fighting the government forces. They maintain that the insurgents are being funded by some Saudi and Arab charity groups.
Residents of Mingora often wake up to find bodies of those executed by the militants slung from electric poles in the towns central square in the full view of the military, with a note of warning not to remove them till midday. Some 28 people, most of them women, have been executed over the past few months and their bodies thrown in the square which is now known as Zibahkhana Chowk, or Slaughter Square.
Bakht Zeba, a former member of Swat district council, virtually signed her death warrant when she criticised the Taliban for preventing girls from attending school. On November.26, masked gunmen dragged her out of her house in the Mulakabad area of Mingora, brutally thrashing her before shooting her in the head. Her body lay there for several hours.
Zeba, who also ran an NGO, was made an example of, for daring to defy the militants. She was yet another victim of the Taliban reign of terror, which has swept the scenic Swat valley. Educated women like Zeba are being particularly targeted. For a woman, even to come out of her house is considered a crime by the militants, says Sarfraz Khan, a professor at Peshawar University, who comes from a village in the restive area.
Executions and public beheadings of government officials, soldiers, alleged spies and criminals are frequently used by the militants to terrorise the population into submission.
The rising Taliban influence in one of the most progressive and culturally rich, former princely states, comes as a serious blow to Pakistans battle against militancy. More people have been killed in Swat by the militants than in Gaza by Israeli forces. An estimated 1,500 people have, so far, perished in the fighting raging for the past 18 months.
Watching television, singing and dancing, shaving beards and allowing girls to attend school have all been proscribed as un-Islamic activities. Anyone resisting them is punished with death, says Zubair Toorwali, an official of an NGO, who fled his home in the Madian district of Swat, following threats from the militants.
The names of those who have already been executed by the Taliban for violating their decrees and those they plan to kill next, are regularly broadcast on their FM radio, which is used by the militants as a tool for spreading fear among the population. Every night, terrified residents listen to the transmission to find out if any of their kin are on the dreaded list.
Among those slain recently was a local dancer known as Shabana. Her body was dumped in the square, after she was brutally murdered. She deserved death for her immoral character, proclaimed the Taliban radio.
People are commonly killed for not complying with a retrogressive code of conduct prescribed by the Taliban. Amjad Islam, a school teacher in Mingora, was shot dead for refusing to pull up his shalwar above his ankle, which the militants believed was against the Shariah.
All educational institutions, in the region have been shut down after the Taliban banned girls education declaring it to be un-Islamic. Parents were warned of dire consequences if the restriction was flouted.
Female education is against Islamic teachings and spreads vulgarity in society, declared Shah Dauran, a Taliban spokesman, in his daily broadcast on radio.
Militants have blown up more than 185 schools since the start of the army operation last year. This has affected at least 80,000 female students and thrown some 8,000 female teachers in unemployment. We dont have any future, says Mah Gul, a female school teacher who now lives in Peshawar. The violence has forced some 300,000 people to leave their homes. There is no one left in my village, except for the Taliban, says Sarfraz Khan, another local.
Senior government officials concede that the writ of the state has completely broken down, as a large number of police officers and local officials have left their jobs for fear of their lives. Seventy police officers have been killed most of them beheaded by militants, last year alone. Their decapitated bodies were exhibited to inculcate fear among others. In some cases, police and local government officials place advertisements in local newspapers, renouncing their jobs. It is the only way a man can save his familys and his own life, remarks a police officer, who deserted his post recently and is now residing in Peshawar.
Unlike the remote semi-autonomous tribal region, Swat, with a population of 1.3 million, is a part of the NWFP which is governed by a coalition government led by the ANP. But the government seems to have abdicated its responsibility to the militants. Most of the local nazims and members of the national and provincial assemblies have fled the area, leaving the local population at the mercy of the marauders. A provincial assembly member of the ANP, last month in an advertisement in a local newspaper, thanked the Taliban for sparing his life. Afzal Khan, a veteran politician, is the only one to have stayed in his village, despite several assassination attempts on his life.
The federal government also seems to have little understanding of the unfolding situation and the threat to national security posed by the rising militancy. There is no coherent policy to deal with the worsening situation in Swat and other parts of the NWFP. No federal or provincial government leader has bothered to visit the troubled area, further fuelling the demoralisation among the people.
Islamabad sent thousands of troops at the end of 2007 to quell the insurgency led by Maulana Fazlullah, a fiery Wahhabi cleric, also known as Mullah Radio for his sermons on FM radio. The long-haired, 33-year-old cleric started out as a preacher a few years ago, but gained huge popularity among the local population with his powerful speeches, broadcast from his illegal radio station. Subsequently, he raised a militant force to wage a holy war against the Pakistani state.
Fazlullah is now a senior leader of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an outlawed militant outfit led by Baitullah Mehsud, the most wanted militant commander operating from his base in South Waziristans tribal region. Mehsud has also been accused of masterminding the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.
Last week, Fazlullah, in a radio broadcast, announced a list of 43 people, including federal and provincial ministers and members of parliament, who he ordered to appear before his Islamic court. They will face trial and be punished for working against Islam, the cleric told his supporters.
According to security officials, a large number of Mehsuds men from Waziristan, along with Uzbeks and Chechens, have joined the militant forces in Swat. And some 6,000 to 8,000 highly trained and well-armed militants are engaged in fighting the government forces. They maintain that the insurgents are being funded by some Saudi and Arab charity groups.
fatman17
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Pakistan: Corpses lie exposed in retaken Swat town
By INAM UR-REHMAN, Associated Press Writer Inam Ur-rehman, Associated Press Writer
MINGORA, Pakistan Corpses lay exposed in the Swat Valley's main town on Sunday, and residents rushed to mostly empty markets in search of food a day after the military claimed to have retaken the city from the Taliban.
Elsewhere in the northwest, officials said scores of militants were killed in fighting with soldiers that could signal Pakistan is expanding the offensive from Swat into other parts of the northwestern border region with Afghanistan.
Many buildings were damaged in parts of Mingora seen by The Associated Press, but not badly. Two decomposing bodies, apparently those of insurgents, lay unburied in a cemetery, while a third charred corpse lay close to a shopping mall. The smell of explosives hung in the air.
"We have been starving for many days. We have been cooking tree leaves to keep ourselves alive. Thank God it is over," said Afzal Khan. "We need food, we need help. We want peace."
Pakistan launched an offensive against militants in the Swat Valley and surrounding districts last month after they violated the terms of a cease-fire and advanced into a region close to the capital, Islamabad.
Speaking in Singapore, Pakistan's defense secretary predicted the army would retake the whole Swat region in "two to three days," giving hope some of the estimated 3 million refugees may soon be able to return home. Pakistan's military spokesman said that assessment was overly optimistic.
The Swat offensive has earned Western praise, as troops have regained large swaths of the region from an estimated 4,000 militants, but several places remain under militant control.
In South Waziristan, insurgents attacked an army convoy Saturday night in Tiarza village in South Waziristan, sparking battles in various parts of the region, two intelligence officials said. They estimated that 50 militants and two soldiers were killed.
Early Sunday, militants fired more than a dozen missiles at an army camp in South Waziristan's Jandola area. The military retaliated using artillery, and some troops moved into a Taliban-held village to force out the armed Islamist extremists.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to media. The information could not be independently verified because of limited access to the remote area, and other officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
Most of Mingora's around 375,000 residents fled before or during the offensive. The military briefly lifted a curfew Sunday, allowing some of the 20,000 or so that remained to buy provisions in the few shops that were open.
Ali Rehman said he had not left his house for 25 days.
"I never knew who was fighting and who was being killed," he said, clutching two bags of flour. "I need help to keep my family alive because I do not have any source of income anymore."
Authorities said they were distributing aid to people trapped in Mingora, and water and gas supplies were being restored. An emergency medical team had been flown in and would work to reopen the town's hospital and treat civilians wounded in the fighting, military spokesman Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas said.
But it will be at least two weeks before power is back on, and refugees are not yet being encouraged to return home, he added.
The Taliban warned they would attack Pakistani cities in retaliation for the Swat offensive. They claimed responsibility for Wednesday's gun and suicide bomb attack in the eastern city of Lahore that killed at least 30 people. A day later, three suicide bombings killed at least 14 people in two cities in the northwest.
Abbas said Saturday that 1,217 militants have been killed in the Swat offensive and 79 arrested, and 81 soldiers have died figures that cannot be independently verified. The military has not released civilian casualty numbers and says all care is being taken to protect the innocent.
Associated Press writer Vijay Joshi contributed to this report from Singapore.
By INAM UR-REHMAN, Associated Press Writer Inam Ur-rehman, Associated Press Writer
MINGORA, Pakistan Corpses lay exposed in the Swat Valley's main town on Sunday, and residents rushed to mostly empty markets in search of food a day after the military claimed to have retaken the city from the Taliban.
Elsewhere in the northwest, officials said scores of militants were killed in fighting with soldiers that could signal Pakistan is expanding the offensive from Swat into other parts of the northwestern border region with Afghanistan.
Many buildings were damaged in parts of Mingora seen by The Associated Press, but not badly. Two decomposing bodies, apparently those of insurgents, lay unburied in a cemetery, while a third charred corpse lay close to a shopping mall. The smell of explosives hung in the air.
"We have been starving for many days. We have been cooking tree leaves to keep ourselves alive. Thank God it is over," said Afzal Khan. "We need food, we need help. We want peace."
Pakistan launched an offensive against militants in the Swat Valley and surrounding districts last month after they violated the terms of a cease-fire and advanced into a region close to the capital, Islamabad.
Speaking in Singapore, Pakistan's defense secretary predicted the army would retake the whole Swat region in "two to three days," giving hope some of the estimated 3 million refugees may soon be able to return home. Pakistan's military spokesman said that assessment was overly optimistic.
The Swat offensive has earned Western praise, as troops have regained large swaths of the region from an estimated 4,000 militants, but several places remain under militant control.
In South Waziristan, insurgents attacked an army convoy Saturday night in Tiarza village in South Waziristan, sparking battles in various parts of the region, two intelligence officials said. They estimated that 50 militants and two soldiers were killed.
Early Sunday, militants fired more than a dozen missiles at an army camp in South Waziristan's Jandola area. The military retaliated using artillery, and some troops moved into a Taliban-held village to force out the armed Islamist extremists.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to media. The information could not be independently verified because of limited access to the remote area, and other officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
Most of Mingora's around 375,000 residents fled before or during the offensive. The military briefly lifted a curfew Sunday, allowing some of the 20,000 or so that remained to buy provisions in the few shops that were open.
Ali Rehman said he had not left his house for 25 days.
"I never knew who was fighting and who was being killed," he said, clutching two bags of flour. "I need help to keep my family alive because I do not have any source of income anymore."
Authorities said they were distributing aid to people trapped in Mingora, and water and gas supplies were being restored. An emergency medical team had been flown in and would work to reopen the town's hospital and treat civilians wounded in the fighting, military spokesman Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas said.
But it will be at least two weeks before power is back on, and refugees are not yet being encouraged to return home, he added.
The Taliban warned they would attack Pakistani cities in retaliation for the Swat offensive. They claimed responsibility for Wednesday's gun and suicide bomb attack in the eastern city of Lahore that killed at least 30 people. A day later, three suicide bombings killed at least 14 people in two cities in the northwest.
Abbas said Saturday that 1,217 militants have been killed in the Swat offensive and 79 arrested, and 81 soldiers have died figures that cannot be independently verified. The military has not released civilian casualty numbers and says all care is being taken to protect the innocent.
Associated Press writer Vijay Joshi contributed to this report from Singapore.
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S-2
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I note the inclusion of military operations initiated in S. Waziristan by the taliban- a convoy ambush and a rocket barrage on a military compound.
Are these F.C. troops that are being targeted or regular army? Can anybody hazard a guess to the numbers (by organization, i.e. brigade, division?) of regular army units in S. Waziristan now?
Are these F.C. troops that are being targeted or regular army? Can anybody hazard a guess to the numbers (by organization, i.e. brigade, division?) of regular army units in S. Waziristan now?
fatman17
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the convoy ambush was repulsed - the FC and the PA are combining their ops, so you will find a mix of troops - PA clears and the FC holds. as for the expected waziristan ops, my guess is that it will be at least Corps level with SSG elements, supported by army aviation and the PAF for CAS.
Firepower & mobility will be the key to demoralise, deter and finally defeat the mortal enemy!
ajpirzada
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Security forces enter Kalam; 27 more terrorists killed in Swat, SWA: ISPR
ISLAMABAD May 31 (APP): The security forces have enetered Kalam and carrying out cordon and search operation against the terrorists while 27 more miscreants have been killed in Swat and South Waziristan Agency during the last 24 hours, an update issued by the ISPR here on Sunday said.
During the period eight soldiers and an officer Lieutenant Haider Nazir embraced shadat while six other personnel were wounded in various operations against the miscreant-terrorists.
The Nazim of Kalam along with notables welcomed security forces and assured full support to the ongoing operation by security forces against the miscreants.
The situation in Mingora is improving after fully securing the city by the security forces as relief activities have been initiated in full swing. The patrolling by troops of important areas is being carried out to fully swoop the area. At Buner axis in village Najigram the security forces have completed clearance operation.During an IED blast a soldier embraced shahadat.
A good progress has been achieved by the security forces in cordon and search operation in Peochar valley. In search operation the security forces recovered huge amount of arms and ammunition including binauculars from Dob Banda area.
The security forces destroyed miscreants training facility at Yakh Tangi Kandao, 6 km South East of Shangla. Resultantly, a number of dead bodies of miscreants were found in the training compound.
The security forces have successfuly secured Mankial, 14 km NE of Bahrain and consolidated their positions further in Bahrain , Kuz Laikot and Kedai. The miscreants set ablaze Government Girls School at Baidarra, 3.5 km North of Matta.
The security forces killed two miscreants at Umer Zeb check post of Dir during an encounter with miscreants. The cordon and search operation continued at Kumbar bazaar and Kalpani.
The miscreants attacked a security forces check post last night in Spinkai Raghazai, South Waziristan Agency. The attack was repulsed successfully, inflicting heavy casualties on militants. Reportedly, 15 militants were killed while three soldiers embraced shahadat and 6 others were wounded. Four other soldiers have been reported missing in the attack by miscreants.
On Saturday late, in an other incident of exchange of fire 10 militants were killed in Warza, Tehsil Teyarza, Shakai, South Waziristan Agency. The convoy was moving to Teyarza Fort. Enroute they spotted two IEDs which were removed. While recovering third IED the convoy was fired upon from a compound at Hasora village.They reacted promptly and killed 10 militants present in the compound. One officer Lieutenant Haider Nazir fought valiantly, chased the militants present in the compound and killed three of them, before embracing shahadat alongwith three soldiers.
As far as relief activities by Army are concerned, 25 ton rations for 40,000 stranded people have been despatched for the distribution among the stranded people of Mingora. Another 25 ton rations for 40,000 dislocated people have been distributed among the IDPs. Medical teams at Chak Shehzad have so far treated 6,177 patients which include male, female and children. Around 1371 patients have been treated at field hospital Jalozai.
Associated Press Of Pakistan ( Pakistan's Premier NEWS Agency ) - Security forces enter Kalam; 27 more terrorists killed in Swat, SWA: ISPR
ISLAMABAD May 31 (APP): The security forces have enetered Kalam and carrying out cordon and search operation against the terrorists while 27 more miscreants have been killed in Swat and South Waziristan Agency during the last 24 hours, an update issued by the ISPR here on Sunday said.
During the period eight soldiers and an officer Lieutenant Haider Nazir embraced shadat while six other personnel were wounded in various operations against the miscreant-terrorists.
The Nazim of Kalam along with notables welcomed security forces and assured full support to the ongoing operation by security forces against the miscreants.
The situation in Mingora is improving after fully securing the city by the security forces as relief activities have been initiated in full swing. The patrolling by troops of important areas is being carried out to fully swoop the area. At Buner axis in village Najigram the security forces have completed clearance operation.During an IED blast a soldier embraced shahadat.
A good progress has been achieved by the security forces in cordon and search operation in Peochar valley. In search operation the security forces recovered huge amount of arms and ammunition including binauculars from Dob Banda area.
The security forces destroyed miscreants training facility at Yakh Tangi Kandao, 6 km South East of Shangla. Resultantly, a number of dead bodies of miscreants were found in the training compound.
The security forces have successfuly secured Mankial, 14 km NE of Bahrain and consolidated their positions further in Bahrain , Kuz Laikot and Kedai. The miscreants set ablaze Government Girls School at Baidarra, 3.5 km North of Matta.
The security forces killed two miscreants at Umer Zeb check post of Dir during an encounter with miscreants. The cordon and search operation continued at Kumbar bazaar and Kalpani.
The miscreants attacked a security forces check post last night in Spinkai Raghazai, South Waziristan Agency. The attack was repulsed successfully, inflicting heavy casualties on militants. Reportedly, 15 militants were killed while three soldiers embraced shahadat and 6 others were wounded. Four other soldiers have been reported missing in the attack by miscreants.
On Saturday late, in an other incident of exchange of fire 10 militants were killed in Warza, Tehsil Teyarza, Shakai, South Waziristan Agency. The convoy was moving to Teyarza Fort. Enroute they spotted two IEDs which were removed. While recovering third IED the convoy was fired upon from a compound at Hasora village.They reacted promptly and killed 10 militants present in the compound. One officer Lieutenant Haider Nazir fought valiantly, chased the militants present in the compound and killed three of them, before embracing shahadat alongwith three soldiers.
As far as relief activities by Army are concerned, 25 ton rations for 40,000 stranded people have been despatched for the distribution among the stranded people of Mingora. Another 25 ton rations for 40,000 dislocated people have been distributed among the IDPs. Medical teams at Chak Shehzad have so far treated 6,177 patients which include male, female and children. Around 1371 patients have been treated at field hospital Jalozai.
Associated Press Of Pakistan ( Pakistan's Premier NEWS Agency ) - Security forces enter Kalam; 27 more terrorists killed in Swat, SWA: ISPR
ajpirzada
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NWFP Govt directs employees, district officers Buner to immediately report for duty
PESHAWAR, May 31 (APP): The NWFP government has directed its employees including district officers of various departments working in district Buner to report for duty on Monday (June 1) otherwise strict disciplinary action would be taken against them. “The leave of NWFP government’s employee except teachers in Buner district have been cancelled and they have been directed to report for duty tomorrow (June 1) otherwise strict action as per laws would be taken against them,” said NWFP Minister for Information and Public Relations, Mian Iftikhar Hussain on Sunday.
The Minister told a news conference that staff of PTCL, PESCO, TMA Swari and TMA Buner has also been directed to immediately report for duty in order to repair and provide life related services upon arrival of IDPs to their homes in dignified manner.
He said that 90 percent area in Buner and Dir districts has been cleared from militants and anti-state elements. The NWFP Government spokesman said that relief activities have started taking place in Buner and Dir districts and Mingora Swat. Likewise, he said that Swat’s headquarter Mingora has been fully secured and relief activities have started there. He said that suigas has been restored in Mingora while generators are being used for electric supply. The Minister said that the security forces have entered Kalam.
The NWFP government spokesman said that strong action would be taken against terrorists and militants wherever they were present. “Terrorists are enemy of Pakistan, Islam and all peace lovers,” he said.
“This is our firm commitment with people that terrorists and militants will be defeated at all costs,” he said, adding it is very important for the future of our children to provide them better environment where they can live a prosperous and fearless life.
“It is very ideal situation for the security agencies to wipe out militancy and terrorism as the whole nation for the first time, are backing the law enforcing agencies due to the visionary policies of leadership of present political regime.”
“We have entered in a very decisive phase. Either we as nation will win this war or militants, there is no other choice. But with the grace of God, strong support of the brave people and gallant army we (nation) will certainly become victorious in this war as we are in the right path,” Mian Iftikhar added.
The Minister said that the second and third line leadership of militants in Swat have been eliminated. “We have pictures of second and third line leadership of militants killed in Swat operation and it will be shared with media in due course of time,” he remarked.
Iftikhar appealed to opposition to avoid raising fingers on the ANP government. He said that ANP have signed peace agreements twice with the other party, appointed Qazis, enforced Nizam Adl and established Darul Qaza but the militants did’t throw arms and repeatedly challenged the government’s writ.
He said that peace agreement with TNSM and Nizam-e-Adl regulations were appreciated by all and sundry and opposition. He asked the opposition and especially those who are raising fingers on the ANP led government to either openly support militants or appreciated government’s efforts for the restoration of durable peace in the troubled area of Malakand Division.
The Minister said that people are politically matured and they have rejected the elements who have adopted a double standard policy on national issues.
Explaining latest position regarding relief activities in Malakand Division, the Information Minister said that the number of registered IDPs have reached to 29,21,464 and appealed to people and philanthropists to immediately donate 10,000 electric fans, 10,000 water coolers, 20,000 plastic sheets, 50,000 mosquito repellent, 15,000 packets of formula milks for children, dry milk, anti-biotic and pain medicine for the displaced people in this hour of need.
In addition to provide eight suits of clothes to IDPs family and tailoring facilities, he said that each IDP would be given Rs. 25,000 and asked the IDPs to open account in National Bank of Pakistan or other bank authorized by State Bank to get the said amount.
He said that booth of National Bank would also be opened for IDPs living in camps. The Minister said that loaded trucks of relief goods for stranded people of Swat and Buner districts have been dispatched respectively. Likewise, 17 more trucks have been dispatched to Swat today.
Mian Ifitikhar informed that Political Assistant to Chief Minister Punjab, Saba Sadiq are coming to Mardan along with 30 trucks of relief goods for IDPs.
The NWFP Government has released Rs.50 million to Chief Commissioner Mardan, Rs.10 million to DCO Nowshera, Rs.25 million to Commissioner Malakand, Rs. 5million each to DCOs Mardan, Buner, Peshawar, Swabi and Charsadda and Rs.6million to DCO Malakand.
Likewise, Rs. 5 million each have been given to DCOs Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla and Haripur district, Rs. 950,000 million to Police for transportation of IDPs, Rs.15 million to Peoples Primary Health Initiative (PPHI) and Rs.0.7 millioin to Secretary Social Welfare. To provide better medical facilities to stranded people of Swat, he said that a team of 22 doctors including specialists have been sent to Saidu Sharif Swat.
Under the directives of Provincial Government, the concerned authorities raided on Godwon distributing goods in Peshawar and arrested seven persons who were buying the relief goods meant for IDPs. He said that ANP government was string hard to quickly bring normalcy in the restive parts of Malakand Division so that IDPs could honouraly return to their homes.
Associated Press Of Pakistan ( Pakistan's Premier NEWS Agency )
PESHAWAR, May 31 (APP): The NWFP government has directed its employees including district officers of various departments working in district Buner to report for duty on Monday (June 1) otherwise strict disciplinary action would be taken against them. “The leave of NWFP government’s employee except teachers in Buner district have been cancelled and they have been directed to report for duty tomorrow (June 1) otherwise strict action as per laws would be taken against them,” said NWFP Minister for Information and Public Relations, Mian Iftikhar Hussain on Sunday.
The Minister told a news conference that staff of PTCL, PESCO, TMA Swari and TMA Buner has also been directed to immediately report for duty in order to repair and provide life related services upon arrival of IDPs to their homes in dignified manner.
He said that 90 percent area in Buner and Dir districts has been cleared from militants and anti-state elements. The NWFP Government spokesman said that relief activities have started taking place in Buner and Dir districts and Mingora Swat. Likewise, he said that Swat’s headquarter Mingora has been fully secured and relief activities have started there. He said that suigas has been restored in Mingora while generators are being used for electric supply. The Minister said that the security forces have entered Kalam.
The NWFP government spokesman said that strong action would be taken against terrorists and militants wherever they were present. “Terrorists are enemy of Pakistan, Islam and all peace lovers,” he said.
“This is our firm commitment with people that terrorists and militants will be defeated at all costs,” he said, adding it is very important for the future of our children to provide them better environment where they can live a prosperous and fearless life.
“It is very ideal situation for the security agencies to wipe out militancy and terrorism as the whole nation for the first time, are backing the law enforcing agencies due to the visionary policies of leadership of present political regime.”
“We have entered in a very decisive phase. Either we as nation will win this war or militants, there is no other choice. But with the grace of God, strong support of the brave people and gallant army we (nation) will certainly become victorious in this war as we are in the right path,” Mian Iftikhar added.
The Minister said that the second and third line leadership of militants in Swat have been eliminated. “We have pictures of second and third line leadership of militants killed in Swat operation and it will be shared with media in due course of time,” he remarked.
Iftikhar appealed to opposition to avoid raising fingers on the ANP government. He said that ANP have signed peace agreements twice with the other party, appointed Qazis, enforced Nizam Adl and established Darul Qaza but the militants did’t throw arms and repeatedly challenged the government’s writ.
He said that peace agreement with TNSM and Nizam-e-Adl regulations were appreciated by all and sundry and opposition. He asked the opposition and especially those who are raising fingers on the ANP led government to either openly support militants or appreciated government’s efforts for the restoration of durable peace in the troubled area of Malakand Division.
The Minister said that people are politically matured and they have rejected the elements who have adopted a double standard policy on national issues.
Explaining latest position regarding relief activities in Malakand Division, the Information Minister said that the number of registered IDPs have reached to 29,21,464 and appealed to people and philanthropists to immediately donate 10,000 electric fans, 10,000 water coolers, 20,000 plastic sheets, 50,000 mosquito repellent, 15,000 packets of formula milks for children, dry milk, anti-biotic and pain medicine for the displaced people in this hour of need.
In addition to provide eight suits of clothes to IDPs family and tailoring facilities, he said that each IDP would be given Rs. 25,000 and asked the IDPs to open account in National Bank of Pakistan or other bank authorized by State Bank to get the said amount.
He said that booth of National Bank would also be opened for IDPs living in camps. The Minister said that loaded trucks of relief goods for stranded people of Swat and Buner districts have been dispatched respectively. Likewise, 17 more trucks have been dispatched to Swat today.
Mian Ifitikhar informed that Political Assistant to Chief Minister Punjab, Saba Sadiq are coming to Mardan along with 30 trucks of relief goods for IDPs.
The NWFP Government has released Rs.50 million to Chief Commissioner Mardan, Rs.10 million to DCO Nowshera, Rs.25 million to Commissioner Malakand, Rs. 5million each to DCOs Mardan, Buner, Peshawar, Swabi and Charsadda and Rs.6million to DCO Malakand.
Likewise, Rs. 5 million each have been given to DCOs Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla and Haripur district, Rs. 950,000 million to Police for transportation of IDPs, Rs.15 million to Peoples Primary Health Initiative (PPHI) and Rs.0.7 millioin to Secretary Social Welfare. To provide better medical facilities to stranded people of Swat, he said that a team of 22 doctors including specialists have been sent to Saidu Sharif Swat.
Under the directives of Provincial Government, the concerned authorities raided on Godwon distributing goods in Peshawar and arrested seven persons who were buying the relief goods meant for IDPs. He said that ANP government was string hard to quickly bring normalcy in the restive parts of Malakand Division so that IDPs could honouraly return to their homes.
Associated Press Of Pakistan ( Pakistan's Premier NEWS Agency )
I was going to create a new thread, But I found it prudent to post this on every related thread.
If anyone has idea about troop movements to and fro from Swat and Waziristan. I propose PDF members and those they can gather to be present when the troops return at a certain point to welcome them back. Just being there and cheering them or clapping might make a difference and might even boost the general morale as well. Any further appreciation is left to your imagination.
If anyone has idea about troop movements to and fro from Swat and Waziristan. I propose PDF members and those they can gather to be present when the troops return at a certain point to welcome them back. Just being there and cheering them or clapping might make a difference and might even boost the general morale as well. Any further appreciation is left to your imagination.
ajpirzada
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* ISPR says 25 Taliban including key commanders killed
* Charbagh residents asked to leave area ahead of possible action against Taliban
ISLAMABAD: Security forces have cleared Mingora city of the Taliban and destroyed the stronghold of the insurgency commanders, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Athar Abbas said on Saturday.
Addressing a joint press conference with Information Minister Qamar Zaman Qaira, he said 25 Taliban were killed during the last 24 hours, including commanders Abu Saeed Misbahud Din and Sultan Khan. He said security forces had successfully secured Nawagai and Najigram, and seized a large cache of arms and ammunition.
He said the training centre of known Taliban commanders Lal Din, Said Jalil and Mian Said Liaq had been destroyed in Peochar, adding five 100-foot-long tunnels had also been demolished. He said the security forces had arrested three Afghans from Upper Dir during their search operation.
The ISPR DG said a team of 21 doctors had reached Mingora to re-establish the civil hospital there, adding gas supply has also been restored. He said electricity would be restored within two weeks.
To questions, he said 1,217 Taliban have been killed and 79 arrested since the start of the military offensive on April 26. In the same time, he added, 81 security personnel have embraced martyrdom and 250 have been wounded. He said the government was considering training retired soldiers to serve as policemen.
Warning: Also on Saturday, security forces warned residents of Charbagh to leave the area ahead of a possible attack on Taliban there, officials told AFP. The warning was made in leaflets dropped by helicopters. muhammad bilal/afp
fatman17
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Friends - the main battle has not begun - the army and FC have so far fought with vigour and determination and the mortal enemy has escaped to the hills to fight another day - that fight will take place in the waziristan/bajaur border areas!
fatman17
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S-2, further to your question, elements of X Corps including the NLI (Northern Light Infantry), V Corps including 25th Mechanised Div, IV Corps based at multan, XI Corps HQ based at Peshawar are all deployed in the SWAT/FATA area. so far only 15,000 troops are doing the actual fighting and I reckon this to increase substantially!
ajpirzada
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‘Second, third tier of Swat Taliban leadership eliminated’
Monday, June 01, 2009
By Khalid Kheshgi
PESHAWAR: NWFP Minister for Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain has confirmed the death and arrest of second and third-tier leadership of the militants during the military operation in the Malakand Division and hoped their top leadership would also be eliminated soon.
Briefing journalists on Sunday on the latest situation in Malakand, the minister said the political parties had defeated the militants in the political arena and now, it was the turn of security forces to overcome insurgents in battlefield.
“Security forces must capitalise on the ideal situation, which is now in their favour as the whole nation has backed them against the Taliban,” he said, adding: “The NWFP government wants completion of a successful operation in the shortest possible time, so that the displaced families return to their hometowns.”
Answering a question, Iftikhar said the government had photos and other proofs of the death of second and third-tier leaders of the militants, who had been killed during the military operation in the Malakand Division.
He said there was no concrete evidence about the killing of the top brass of the militants. However, they were on the run and had left their strongholds in Swat, Buner and Dir Lower, he added.
Iftikhar condemned the religious parties’ leaders, who, he said, were still demanding a halt to the operation at a time when more than half of the population had abandoned the troubled areas. “Now it is the real trial of security forces, as the whole nation supports them against the terrorists,” he said, adding that it was a decisive moment for the peace-lovers.
The minister also asked the civil administration, police force and employees of other government and semi-government departments to resume their duties in the Buner district from Sunday (June 1), otherwise, a disciplinary action would be taken against them.
About the internally displaced persons (IDPs) , the minister said some 19,838 families or 116,391 individuals had been registered at camps, while 380,543 families or 2,805,073 people were living outside the camps in Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda and Peshawar districts.
He said the NWFP government had dispatched 35 trucks for the people stranded in Swat and another 27 for Buner. The food items, included 10,000 flour bags of 20 kg; 1,000 bags of rice of 50 kg; 500 bags of 50 kg of pulses; 5,000 tins of ghee of five kg each; 500 bags of sugar of 50 kg; 5,000 kg tea and milk powder. He said another convoy of 17 trucks of food items would be sent to Swat on Monday (today). He thanked the Punjab government for dispatching 30 truckloads of food items for the displaced people in the Mardan district.
Second, third tier of Swat Taliban leadership eliminated
Monday, June 01, 2009
By Khalid Kheshgi
PESHAWAR: NWFP Minister for Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain has confirmed the death and arrest of second and third-tier leadership of the militants during the military operation in the Malakand Division and hoped their top leadership would also be eliminated soon.
Briefing journalists on Sunday on the latest situation in Malakand, the minister said the political parties had defeated the militants in the political arena and now, it was the turn of security forces to overcome insurgents in battlefield.
“Security forces must capitalise on the ideal situation, which is now in their favour as the whole nation has backed them against the Taliban,” he said, adding: “The NWFP government wants completion of a successful operation in the shortest possible time, so that the displaced families return to their hometowns.”
Answering a question, Iftikhar said the government had photos and other proofs of the death of second and third-tier leaders of the militants, who had been killed during the military operation in the Malakand Division.
He said there was no concrete evidence about the killing of the top brass of the militants. However, they were on the run and had left their strongholds in Swat, Buner and Dir Lower, he added.
Iftikhar condemned the religious parties’ leaders, who, he said, were still demanding a halt to the operation at a time when more than half of the population had abandoned the troubled areas. “Now it is the real trial of security forces, as the whole nation supports them against the terrorists,” he said, adding that it was a decisive moment for the peace-lovers.
The minister also asked the civil administration, police force and employees of other government and semi-government departments to resume their duties in the Buner district from Sunday (June 1), otherwise, a disciplinary action would be taken against them.
About the internally displaced persons (IDPs) , the minister said some 19,838 families or 116,391 individuals had been registered at camps, while 380,543 families or 2,805,073 people were living outside the camps in Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda and Peshawar districts.
He said the NWFP government had dispatched 35 trucks for the people stranded in Swat and another 27 for Buner. The food items, included 10,000 flour bags of 20 kg; 1,000 bags of rice of 50 kg; 500 bags of 50 kg of pulses; 5,000 tins of ghee of five kg each; 500 bags of sugar of 50 kg; 5,000 kg tea and milk powder. He said another convoy of 17 trucks of food items would be sent to Swat on Monday (today). He thanked the Punjab government for dispatching 30 truckloads of food items for the displaced people in the Mardan district.
Second, third tier of Swat Taliban leadership eliminated
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