Monitoring Desk: “Pakistan may not be relevant for the Trump administration, which has more pressing concerns on its agenda. In the absence of significant geostrategic motivations, Trump is likely to engage with Pakistan on a transactional basis, particularly in the realm of counterterrorism. There is a possibility that Trump may discontinue the current assistance under the US “Green Alliance” framework, which focuses on water management, clean energy, and climate-smart agriculture, especially given his stance on climate change, which he has dismissed as “mythical,” “nonexistent,” and “expensive hoax.”
Pakistan may not be relevant for the Trump administration
According to an article titled “Trump’s new hawk” written by senior journalist and Editor Naveed Hussain in Express Tribune, Trump’s choice of neocon Marco Rubio for Secretary of State would surely bring Rubio’s Iran Obsession, Israelophilia, Sinophobia, and Russophobia in US Foreign Policy.
Peshawar, Pakistan: Over 80 persons dead in one week in tribal cum sectarian conflicts in Kurram district but Chief Minister Amin Ali Gandapur is dancing and leading a protest to the capital to subjugate the federal government.
A question arises here is it not a senseless and inhuman act of Gandapur to lead a protest while 80 dead bodies in clashes in Kurram district? Another unfortunate situation is that the provincial administration of KPK is busy supporting Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to make his protest a success despite clear orders from the Establishment Division of the Federal Government to stay away from the political facilitation of the provincial government.
The maximum that CM Gandapur did to maintain order in Parachinar was to send a delegation to the area on Saturday to negotiate a ceasefire between rival tribes following armed clashes that resulted in nearly 80 deaths this week. The tribal cum sectarian conflict in Kurram district, which borders Afghanistan, had a long history where one sect always got physical support and fighters from Afghanistan. On Thursday armed men from the Sunni tribe ambushed multiple passenger vehicles and killed at least 45 Shi’ites, including men, women, and children.
Is it not a sheer shameless act of Gandapur to lead a protest leaving 80 dead bodies in clashes in Kurram district?
On Friday, Shi’ite community members conducted revenge attacks against the Sunni-dominated village where the ambush had taken place, killing at least 33 people and wounding dozens of others. The attackers set petrol stations on fire and damaged markets as well as homes.
Bloody tribal cum sectarian clashes also took place in September 2024 in upper Kurram that lasted over 10 days costing 46 deaths and 96 injured persons and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government kept away from the clash and did not take any administrative action to stop tribes from killing each other by using military grade weapons against each other.
Maintaining law and order is a provincial subject, however, instead of taking provincial subjects as a priority, the KP government is more interested in trespassing into federal subjects such as foreign affairs and has virtually left the province at the mercy of terrorists and radical forces.
Intense attacks in areas of Balishkhel, Sadda, Khar Kallay, Peewar, and Maqbal were reported in past also and ongoing violence in Kurram highlights the deep-rooted sectarian tensions among tribes and sometimes this tautness got support from terrorists from Afghanistan. This time a land dispute was converted into sectarian violence that underscores the fragile peace in regions.
Kurram district has a history of bloody confrontations that have claimed hundreds of lives over the years and terrorist outfits such as TTP have been using sectarian divide to get harbors as they got active support of one of the sects that had been active in Afghan Jihad in since the 1980s. The Kurram district, formerly a semi-autonomous area had been a launching pad of terrorists in the last three decades against the state of Pakistan. A major conflict that began in 2007 continued for years before being resolved with the help of a jirga, (a council of tribal elders), in 2011. This was the same era when TTP was formed and started its activities against the Pakistan Army. The year 2024 had been a bloody year for this area as another round of clashes broke out over a property dispute in July, leaving 38 dead and 158 injured in the same district.
Out of a new wave of terrorism (2024), so far over 400 personnel and civilians have been martyred while over 800 have been injured in various attacks by outlawed terror outfits across the KP in 2024
The overall security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has become alarming this year and the provincial government is not taking responsibility for the situation because this government invited TTP terrorists back to Pakistan from Afghanistan through a deal with the Afghan Taliban. PTI government announced a presidential pardon for top terrorists who were convicted and got death sentences from courts of law. The local people of Swat, Parachinar, Peshawar, and other districts hold former prime minister Imran Khan and former DG ISI who also served as Corp Commander Peshawar responsible for whatever killings are going on in the province. They claim that the Imran-
In the new wave of terrorism, till September 2024 as many as 337 state personnel and civilians have been martyred while 616 have been injured in various attacks by outlawed terror outfits across the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in 2024 (figures are official and compiled by the provincial police).
Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), confirmed that this year alone, 103 police personnel have been martyred while 154 have been injured. Similarly, 103 civilians have also been martyred, and 159 people have been injured in various attacks.
According to another report prepared by a law enforcement agency and released in September 2024, Dera Ismail Khan, the hometown of Chief Minister Amin Ali Gandapur has seen the highest number of police casualties with 63 personnel martyred followed by Bannu with 58, North Waziristan with 50, South Waziristan with 38, Bajaur with 29, Khyber with 22, Peshawar with 18, Kurram with 16, Mardan and Malakand with 11 each, Kohat with 10, Dir with 8, Hazara with 1, and Mohmand with 2 personnel martyred.
The report further reveals that 49 Frontier Corps (FC) personnel have been martyred this year while 124 have been injured
The report also highlights that terrorists have targeted and martyred four politicians in Bajaur and North Waziristan while two were injured. In Dera Ismail Khan, 25 police personnel have been martyred while 23 have been injured, and in Bannu, 23 police personnel have been martyred with 20 injured. Moreover, there has been a surge in extortion incidents across the province including in Peshawar with 98 cases registered so far. The report reveals that a total of 98 extortion cases have been reported so far, with 242 suspects involved, of whom 99 have been arrested. The report indicates that the highest number of extortion cases, 50, were reported in Peshawar followed by 11 cases in the Khyber District and 6 cases in Dera Ismail Khan. The report further shows that in Dera Ismail Khan, 41 suspects, in Upper Dir, 27, in Khyber, 26, in Mardan, 16, and in Kohat, 12 suspects have been named in extortion cases. The police officials mentioned that many people do not report extortion calls, leading to several cases going unreported.
According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s CTD statistics, there were 806 incidents of terrorism in 2023 with 1,404 people losing their lives. In the seven former tribal districts merged into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 342 incidents of terrorism were recorded while 464 incidents were recorded in other districts. There were 243 attacks on the police and 563 attacks on public gatherings and other security personnel. In those incidents, 74 police personnel were martyred, 401 were injured, 51 military personnel were martyred, and 144 civilians also lost their lives. Dera Ismail Khan topped the list with 132 incidents of terrorism in 2023.
According to the CTD, most of the individuals involved in the attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been Afghans. These terrorists and suicide bombers were fully trained in Afghanistan before being sent to Pakistan for terrorist activities.
A senior police official believes the Police are losing morale in its fight against terrorists because the Chief Minister shows no interest in security issues of the province and is always found busy with his political issues and spends much of his time in Islamabad
The CTD investigations reveal that the masterminds behind major attacks are Afghans who plan the operations from Afghanistan, hampering progress in investigations. It’s worth noting that there has been an increase in operations against terrorists in 2023. Last year, more than 1,000 cases were registered, resulting in the arrest of over 700 terrorists. More than 250 terrorists were killed during the CTD operations.
In August 2024 alone, 11 police stations in Peshawar were targeted with four attacks on police stations and mobile teams on Warsak Road in just one week
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, most terrorist attacks carried out throughout the province have targeted the police. The police stations in the suburban areas of Peshawar have been particularly targeted. In August 2024 alone, 11 police stations in Peshawar were targeted with four attacks on police stations and mobile teams on Warsak Road in just one week.
The provincial government claims that it is working to enhance the capacity of the police, especially the Counter-Terrorism Department. In the current fiscal year’s budget, the government has allocated Rs 140 billion to the police. Between 2019 and 2023, the provincial government also set bounties for the capture of terrorists, allocating Rs 3.31 billion for this purpose. It was claimed that 2,251 terrorists were present in 28 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Islamabad, Pakistan: Administrative panic of the government can be judged by the fact that Motorways including M1, M2, M3, M4, M-11, and M14 have been closed down linking Rawalpindi-Islamabad to the rest of the country while Grand Trunk Road (GT Road) has also been closed at Attock Bridge so Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protestors cannot reach Islamabad. Meanwhile within Lahore and Islamabad, public metro bus services have also closed down for an indefinite period.
The federal as well as Punjab governments claim that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf had already lost public support and its popularity is touching the lowest level of its political history but both governments have taken extraordinary security and administrative measures to stop PTI followers from reaching Islamabad. Entry points of Lahore city have also been closed down.
Islamabad and Islamabad have also been disconnected from Azad Kashmir as all entry points from Azad Kashmir have also been closed down with cargo containers.
It may be mentioned that former prime minister Imran Khan issued a “final call” for a protest on November 24, 2024, claiming that the February 2024 General elections were rigged and his mandate was stolen. He is also protesting against the 26th Constitutional Amendment, calling it a ‘road to dictatorial regime’.
Karachi, Pakistan: The State Bank of Pakistan has released coin worth Rs 55 to commemorate the 555th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak.
On the important occasion of the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the State Bank of Pakistan is issuing a commemorative coin of Rs 55, which has the following metal composition, shape and characteristics, Nickel, Brass, Copper 79%, Zinc 20% and Nickel 1%, 30 mm diameter, weight 13.5 grams, on the obverse side of the coin there is a crescent moon in the middle and a five-pointed rising star facing northwest.
According to a statement issued by the State Bank denomination of the coin is written in bold letters ‘‘55’’ and ‘‘Rupiah’’ in Urdu script on the right and left sides of the star and crescent respectively. The obverse features a picture of the memorial of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the center. Above the memorial is the inscription ‘‘555th Birthday Celebrations’’ and below the memorial building is ‘‘SRI GURU NANAK DEV JI’’ while along the lower edge of the coin is inscribed ‘‘1469-2024’’, reflecting the period from his birth till date.
State Bank of Pakistan releases coin to commemorative 555th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak
Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh tradition, is one of the greatest personalities born in the land that is now a part of Pakistan. Sikhism is a global religion with millions of followers across the world and its holiest places are located in Pakistan. The coin is being issued through the exchange counters of all field offices of SBP Banking Services Corporation.
Monitoring Desk: Despite road blockades, worker arrests, and a police crackdown, followers of Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are moving fast towards Islamabad for a protest on November 24, 2024. The civil administration has closed down 21 entry points to the capital city so protestors cannot enter for a protest at D-Chowk. Jailed former prime minister Imran Khan announced the protest as his ‘final to liberate the country’ from subjugators.
Party Chairman Barrister Gohar, said that there was no question to postponing the protest call and PTI leaders such as Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, former president Arif Alvi, Shibli Faraz, Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram, and other will lead the protest to Islamabad.
Rawalpindi, Pakistan: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab killed three TTP terrorists (officially known as Khawaji) at Chakri, 30 km away from the capital city of Islamabad.
According to initial information released by CTD, three terrorists were gunned down while two managed to escape and the incident took place in the Chakri area. CTD claimed that the persons killed were terrorists belonging to TTP and they had planned a terror attack in Rawalpindi-Islamabad but were intercepted and killed by CTD officials.
Monitoring Desk: In dire need to counter Russian aggression, Ukraine will receive 500,000 shells of various calibers by the end of this year from the Czech Republic, reports Ukrinform.
Referring to Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský’s announcement, Ukrinform reports that the Czech Republic will continue to support Ukraine in repelling and stopping Russian aggression.
“As you know, my country has launched an initiative on ammunition. By the end of the year, 500,000 large-caliber shells will be delivered. We will not stop there. We will continue to provide the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the necessary support,” the Czech Foreign Minister emphasized.
Islamabad, Pakistan: Owing to the fear of arrest, former first lady Bushra Bibi has decided to avoid the PTI protest on November 24. She will stay at the Chief Minister House of KPK while PTI followers try to reach D-Chowk, Islamabad.
Meanwhile, the Capital city of Islamabad has been sealed. Still, traffic from GT Road, Murree-Islamabad routes, and Rawalpindi-Peshawar routes are open this time, and only entry points to Islamabad from Margalla Hills and Rawalpindi have been sealed. This strategy of administration is much better than previous strategies when Rawalpindi was also cut off from the rest of the country. Till now only the Red Zone area has been cordoned off by Rangers that is manning the security of important government buildings such as Parliament House, Supreme Court Building, Pakistan Television, and Radio Pakistan buildings.
The Srinagar Highway is closed at Zero Point, while routes leading to Islamabad via GT Road are barricaded at T-Cross.
Monitoring Desk: The former First Lady of Pakistan Bushra Bibi has leveled a serious allegation against a brotherly Muslim country in her recent video message to her party workers.
In her video message, she claimed:
“When Imran Khan returned from Medina, General Bajwa got a call asking, “Who have you brought here? We want to abolish the Shariah system; you have brought in the contractors of Sharia.”
Her allegations referred alleged intervention of a brotherly Muslim country in Pakistani politics, direct contact of this country with the then Chief of Pakistan Army, and also claimed that this brotherly Muslim country is planning to abolish the Shariah system in the country.
Bushara Bibi who is very active in Pakistani politics nowadays was also addressing judges and lawyers, asking them to support his jailed husband. Her statements raised several questions that should be answered not only by the PTI leadership but also by the state of Pakistan why no action has been taken against her for inciting the public against the state as well as meddling in Pakistan’s foreign relations with a brotherly Muslim country?
Certain elements within the government in the Center claim that Bushar Bibi was hitting hard on Saudi Arabia at the behest of Goldsmiths because Saudi Arabia has taken a firm position against Israel over the Palestinian issue.
Another question that should be answered by the PTI leadership is how can she address the party when she has no appointment in the party.
Meanwhile, her statements of inciting violence and provoking the judiciary for political interest should be responded to by the government.
Monitoring Desk: The United States reopened its embassy in Kyiv after it had shut for the day due to what Washington called the “threat of a significant air attack”.
Kremlin called shutting and opening of the US Embassy a “media hype strategy of Washington”.
It may be mentioned that Ukraine attacked Russia with UK-made long-range missiles the day before yesterday and this move was followed by an announcement of Washington to shut down the US embassy in Kiev. The embassy was opened a day later. Russian media claimed shutting down of the US embassy for some hours after was actually a media hype creation tactic of Washington.
Monitoring Desk: Despite road blockades, worker arrests, and a police crackdown, followers of Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are moving fast towards Islamabad for a protest on...
Rawalpindi, Pakistan: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab killed three TTP terrorists (officially known as Khawaji) at Chakri, 30 km away from the...
