Nabeela was only eight when she was struck and injured by a US missile strike fired from a drone in Pakistan’s North Waziristan in October 2012. Her 68-year-old grandmother was killed. The Americans refuse to acknowledge their culpability, Nabeela’s story is gradually becoming better known.
A suicide bomber, believed to be from a Taliban-linked group killed 55 people and injured more than 100 inside Pakistan's Wagah border with India. The blast occurred outside a crowded restaurant soon after the flag lowering ceremony was completed in the evening. It is normally watched by huge crowds.
Malala Yousafzai's Nobel peace prize award, together with Kailash Satyarthi for 2014 has evoked mixed reaction in her native Pakistan. She is currently studying in England and is unlikely to return to Pakistan any time soon. Two other girls wounded with her when the Taliban attacked their van, have received scant attention leading to speculation that she is being used to promote the west's agenda.
Under pressure from the US, the Pakistani military has launched massive strikes on North Waziristan in what is termed as going after "foreign terrorists" from Uzbekistan. How do they distinguish between foreign and local militants? Thousands of people--women, children and the elderly--have started fleeing their homes and have been turned into refugees. Many have fled to neighboring Afghanistan.
The Pakistan-Taliban talks continue their uneven course with both sides playing coy. The recent release of some prisoners has led to contradictory statements. Were they Taliban members, innocent tribals or petty criminals? The answer depends on who is making the statement.
The Pakistani Taliban have put forward a set of proposals for negotiations through their nominees (shown in photo). Will the Pakistan government respond positively or unleash its media dogs to discredit it without even looking at the proposals? Some points may not be workable but others should be seriously considered if the government wants to bring an end to the chaos that has engulfed the country.
Eleventh hour cancellation of peace talks between the two committees representing the government and the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan has raised doubts about peace. Maulana Samiul Haq, who heads the Taliban committee even expressed fears that a military campaign may be launched. He urged the Taliban to show patience and not do anything rash. There are many players, both in Pakistan and outside that do not want the peace talks to succeed.
After more than two months of military operations in Swat Valley, the Pakistan army spokesman, major general Athar Abbas claimed that 95 percent of the Valley had been cleared of militants.
