June 2009 - Pakistan Special Weapons News

UN health agency urges greater funding for displaced in Pakistan UN News Centre 30 Jun 2009 -- Extra funding is urgently needed to strengthen disease control efforts, re-stock rapidly dwindling supplies of essential drugs and improve access to reproductive health services in north-western Pakistan, where some 2 million people have been uprooted by violence, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) says.
Militants in Pakistani Tribal Region Abandon Truce VOA 30 Jun 2009 -- Taliban militants in Pakistan's North Waziristan along the Afghan border say they are abandoning a months-long truce with the government.
Anti-Taliban Campaign in Pakistan's Swat Valley Enters Final Phase VOA 29 Jun 2009 -- Pakistan: Military in final phase of campaign to expel Taliban militants from Swat Valley and surrounding areas.
PAKISTAN: IDP hosts under pressure IRIN 29 Jun 2009 -- “I and my family of seven are living with strangers… They are kind people, from the NWFP [North West Frontier Province] who speak our language and know our ways - but they are poor themselves and cannot afford to feed seven more mouths,” said Mansur Khan, 50, from a village near Kalam in Pakistan’s troubled Swat District.
Attacks Increase as Pakistan Military Pursues Top Militants VOA 29 Jun 2009 -- Taliban militants in northwestern Pakistan have ambushed a military convoy, killing six soldiers.
Western Pakistan Fighting Kills 50 VOA 29 Jun 2009 -- More than 50 people killed in clashes in western Pakistan, including 34 near the Afghan border where forces are searching for leader of Pakistani Taliban.
Pakistan: UN agency refutes media claims of large-scale return of displaced UN News Centre 26 Jun 2009 -- UN refugee agency said that there was no large-scale movement out of makeshift camps.
Top US Official Promotes US-Pakistani Relations VOA 25 Jun 2009 -- US National Security Adviser visited Islamabad and praised the Pakistani army's commitment to defeat Islamic extremists.
US National Security Advisor Hails Pakistan's Anti-Terror Campaign VOA 25 Jun 2009 -- US National Security Adviser James Jones: US committed to a long-term partnership with the Pakistan.
India's Military Concerned About Emerging Taliban Threat from Pakistan VOA 25 Jun 2009 -- Meeting of India's top military brass is under way, the first since terror attack on Mumbai.
Afghanistan Strategy Fuels 'Unprecedented' Government Cooperation AFPS 24 Jun 2009 -- Top Pentagon policy official: Af-Pak strategy has garnered unprecedented cooperation among U.S. government agencies.
US Envoy Grilled by Lawmakers on Afghan, Pakistan Strategy VOA 24 Jun 2009 -- Special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan faced more questionsabout the administration's Af-Pak strategy.
Rival of Pakistani Taliban Chief Killed VOA 23 Jun 2009 -- Police in Pakistan say a militant leader opposed to Pakistani Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud was shot dead Tuesday in northwest Pakistan.
Opinion Survey Finds Kashmiris say They are Being Used by India and Pakistan VOA 23 Jun 2009 -- US based research institutes conducted survey in Indian and Pakistani Kashmir on what Kashmiris want.
PAKISTAN: Top UN official urges more support for IDPs IRIN 22 Jun 2009 -- The UN Secretary-General’s special humanitarian envoy, Abdelaziz Arrukban, after a two-day fact-finding mission to Pakistan, has urged Gulf countries and others to step up support for hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in northwestern Pakistan.
Pakistan Official Says Regional Cooperation 'A Must' For Tribal Areas RFE/RL 22 Jun 2009 -- Senior official of Pakistan's States and Frontier Regions Ministry oversees policies regarding western border regions.
Pakistani Jets Hit Militants Near Afghan Border VOA 22 Jun 2009 -- Pakistani officials have reported fresh fighting in the South Waziristan tribal region, where the military is preparing a new offensive.
Peace Fragile in Pakistan's Northwestern Buner District VOA 22 Jun 2009 -- Infiltration of Taliban militants into Pakistan's northwestern Buner district marked the end of a controversial peace deal in Swat Valley.
Military: Pakistani Troops Kill at Least 32 Militants in Northwest VOA 20 Jun 2009 -- Pakistan's military is intensifying its campaign to wipe out the Taliban in parts of the country's volatile northwest.
Independent probe into Bhutto killing to begin work on 1 July, UN announces UN News Centre 19 Jun 2009 -- The independent commission tasked with looking into the facts and circumstances surrounding the 2007 assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto will begin its work on 1 July.
Pakistani Warplanes, Troops Target S. Waziristan VOA 19 Jun 2009 -- Pakistan is sending troops and warplanes into S. Waziristan, the first steps in offensive targeting Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud.
WFP Warns Taliban in Pakistan Targets International Aid Groups VOA 19 Jun 2009 -- A World Food Program official warns that international aid agencies have become a target of the Taliban in Pakistan.
Battle Against Pakistan's Top Taliban Leaders Demands Specialized Military Tactics VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- Pakistani government hoping to capitalize on public support for its military offensive against Taliban.
Suspected US Drones Kill 9 in Pakistan VOA 18 Jun 2009 -- Pakistani intelligence officials say a suspected U.S. missile strike has killed nine people in northwest Pakistan.
US House of Representatives Approves War Funding Bill VOA 17 Jun 2009 -- A bill to pay for US military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and help bolster Pakistan, has been approved.
Indian PM: Pakistani Action against Terrorism Required before Peace Accord VOA 17 Jun 2009 -- India's PM: Pre-requisite for peace is "strong and effective" action against terrorism targeted at India.
UN Appeals for Urgent Aid for Pakistanis Displaced by Army Offensive Against Taliban VOA 17 Jun 2009 -- UN High Commissioner for Refugees appealing for more than $600 million for Pakistanis displaced.
Pakistani Public Opinion Appears to Turn Against Taliban VOA 16 Jun 2009 -- Taliban militants in Pakistan continue their attacks despite claims that public opinion is turning against the militant organization.
Pakistan Prepares New Offensive Against Taliban Commander VOA 16 Jun 2009 -- Pakistan's military says it is preparing for a new military offensive against Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud.
Indian, Pakistani Leaders Hold Bilateral Talks VOA 16 Jun 2009 -- Indian PM Singh and Pakistani President Zardari are holding bilateral talks in Russia.
Pakistan Army Chief Rallies Troops in Northwest Offensive VOA 15 Jun 2009 -- Pakistan's army chief has rallied support for the military's ongoing offensive against the Taliban.
Pakistani Army Continues Northwest Offensive VOA 15 Jun 2009 -- Pakistan's military: Forces continuing an offensive against Taliban fighters in the northwest, killing 6 suspected militants in the last 24 hours.
Indian PM, Pakistani President to Hold Talks in Russia VOA 15 Jun 2009 -- Officials in Russia and India: Indian PM Singh and Pakistani President Zardari to meet on sidelines of regional summit in Russia.
Powerful Bomb Kills at Least 8 in Pakistan VOA 14 Jun 2009 -- A powerful bomb explosion in northwestern Pakistan has killed at least eight people and wounded 40 others.
Pakistan Boosts Defense Spending To Fight Taliban VOA 13 Jun 2009 -- Pakistan's fight against Taliban insurgents is proving to be costly in economic terms.
Pakistani Military Strikes Militants amid Anti-Taliban Protests VOA 13 Jun 2009 -- Pakistan's military launched attacks against the Taliban, as supporters of prominent cleric demonstrated against militant group.
PAKISTAN: UNHCR reviewing the way it operates IRIN 12 Jun 2009 -- The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is reviewing the way it operates and assessing what adjustments need to be made to ensure the safety of its staff, following the latest bombing incident in Peshawar in which two UN staff were killed.
Al-Qaida Feels 'Significant Pressure' in Pakistan, Official Says AFPS 12 Jun 2009 -- Al-Qaida terrorists hiding out in Pakistan are coming under increased pressure from that country’s military forces.
Pakistan: UN refugee agency assessing operations after recent bomb attack UN News Centre 12 Jun 2009 -- UN refugee agency reviewing way it operates in Pakistan following attack in which 2 UN staffers were killed.
Anti-Taliban Islamic Scholar Among Those Killed in Pakistan Attacks VOA 12 Jun 2009 -- Suicide bombers struck 2 cities in Pakistan within minutes of each other, killing at least 5 people and wounding more than 100.
2 Dead in Gunbattle Near General's Home in Pakistan VOA 12 Jun 2009 -- Suspected militants have opened fire near the home of an army general in Pakistan's northwest, sparking a gunbattle.
Petraeus Praises Pakistani Operations Against Insurgents AFPS 11 Jun 2009 -- Commander of US Central Command praised the Pakistani army for operations it is waging against insurgents.
Pakistan Military Denies New War Front in Waziristan VOA 11 Jun 2009 -- Pakistan's military: Clashes in areas bordering North and South Waziristan do not yet represent the opening of a new war front.
Upto 800 militants planning attacks in Pakistan's northwest: army IRNA 11 Jun 2009 -- Militants gathered in an area near North Waziristan tribal region and are planning attacks in North West Frontier Province.
US House Approves Pakistan Aid Measure VOA 11 Jun 2009 -- The House of Representatives has approved President Obama's request for a sharp increase in economic and military assistance to Pakistan.
U.S. Delivers Helicopters to Support Pakistani Military AFPS 11 Jun 2009 -- US delivered 4 Mi-17 cargo helicopters to the Pakistani army to support Pakistan’s counterinsurgency as well as humanitarian efforts.
US Leaves Decision on Restarting Peace Dialogue up to India and Pakistan VOA 11 Jun 2009 -- Indian PM Singh and other key members of new Cabinet have concluded meetings with a high-ranking American envoy.
2 UN workers killed in Pakistan hotel bomb attack as death toll rise IRNA 11 Jun 2009 -- UN: Has lost of its members in deadly bomb attack on a 5-star hotel in northwestern Pakistan.
US Envoy Says Public Opinion Swings Against Taliban in Pakistan VOA 10 Jun 2009 -- Special representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan: A backlash of Pakistani public opinion against Taliban.
Military surge in Afghanistan to affect Pakistan, says FM IRNA 10 Jun 2009 -- FM Qureshi: Consistent military surge in Afghanistan might have implications on Pakistan particularly in Balochistan province.
Pakistan on Agenda of US-India Talks VOA 10 Jun 2009 -- A high ranking American envoy is in New Delhi for talks with top Indian officials.
PAKISTAN: IDP health risk as monsoon approaches IRIN 10 Jun 2009 -- Aid agencies are concerned that a further surge in the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in northwestern Pakistan could place an intolerable strain on health services at a time when, as the monsoon approaches, health risks are particularly high.
Light Security Contributes to Pakistan Hotel Bombing VOA 10 Jun 2009 -- Investigators sifting through the rubble of the Pearl Continental Hotel, searching for clues to devastating truck bombing.
Pakistani Authorities Search for Hotel Blast Victims VOA 10 Jun 2009 -- Pakistani authorities searching for additional victims after a suicide bombing there killed at least 15 people.
Huge bomb blast at five-star hotel kills five in Pakistan IRNA 10 Jun 2009 -- At least five people were killed in a huge bomb blast at a five-star hotel in the Pakistani northwestern city of Peshawar.
PAKISTAN: Donor funding "still hesitant" IRIN 09 Jun 2009 -- Senior UN humanitarian officials in Pakistan have urged donors to provide more funds to meet the needs of hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
Indian Prime Minister Open to Peace Talks with Pakistan VOA 09 Jun 2009 -- PM Manmohan Singh has expressed hopes of restarting peace talks with Pakistan.
India asks Pakistan to act against terror for improvement of ties IRNA 09 Jun 2009 -- India asked Pakistan to act against terror with determination and create an atmosphere for improvement of ties.
Pakistani Military Supports Citizen Uprising Against Taliban VOA 09 Jun 2009 -- Pakistani military sent helicopter gunships in support of more than 1,000 civilians who have banded together to fight the Taliban.
Truck Bomb Explodes at Luxury Hotel in Peshawar VOA 09 Jun 2009 -- At least 11 people were killed and dozens injured when a truck bomb exploded at the Pearl Continental Hotel in Peshawar.
Pakistani Tribesmen Rise Up Against Taliban VOA 08 Jun 2009 -- Top Pakistani and US officials have repeatedly declared there is a major change in the public mood against Taliban militants in Pakistan.
Pakistani Villagers Kill 9 Taliban After Mosque Blast VOA 08 Jun 2009 -- Officials: Villagers attacking suspected Taliban militants in the Upper Dir district, aimed at avenging suicide bombing at a local mosque.
Pakistan forces kill 21 more militants: spokesman IRNA 08 Jun 2009 -- Pakistani security forces have killed 21 in various areas of Malakand in the northwest during last twenty four hours.
PAKISTAN: IDPs desperate for improved housing IRIN 07 Jun 2009 -- Sitting in a tight cluster outside the Sheikh Mansoor camp near the town of Swabi in Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province (NWFP), a small group of women cool themselves down with hand-held fans while attempting to peel vegetables at the same time.
US to respect Pakistan’s Red Lines: Holbrooke IRNA 06 Jun 2009 -- US Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke said Friday United States would respect the red lines marked by Pakistan in war against terrorism.
Two Militant Prisoners Killed in Ambush in Northwest Pakstian VOA 06 Jun 2009 -- Two detained aides of a radical Islamic cleric in Pakistan were killed early Saturday when a military convoy carrying prisoners hit a roadside bomb and came under fire in the northwest of the country. The Pakistani military says it is possible the prisoners were the target of the attack.
Camps straining under weight of massive Pakistani displacement – UN agency UN News Centre 05 Jun 2009 -- The lifting of a curfew for several hours this morning in the conflict zone of the Swat region of Pakistan is expected to release an estimated 20,000 people into already overcrowded and under-funded camps in the neighbouring province, the United Nations refugee agency reported today.
US Envoy Says Pakistanis Turning Against Taliban VOA 05 Jun 2009 -- Top US envoy Richard Holbrooke declared the Pakistani mood has turned decidedly against Islamic extremism.
Olson Says Success in Afghanistan, Pakistan Requires Knowledge of Region AFPS 05 Jun 2009 -- Success in Afghanistan and Pakistan will require intimate knowledge of culture and small coalition footprint.
US troops surge in Afghanistan to increase militants' infiltration IRNA 05 Jun 2009 -- Pakistan concerned about the US military surge in Afghanistan as it could increase infiltration to Pakistan from Afghan side.
India, Pakistan Resume Sports Links, But Talks Remain Elusive Between Nuclear Rivals VOA 05 Jun 2009 -- When cricket teams met on the pitch this week it raised hopes of a thaw in relations.
Pakistan arrests chief of banned extremist group, his 2 sons IRNA 05 Jun 2009 -- Pakistani authorities have arrested chief of a banned group and his two sons.
Pakistan army aggressively hunt High Value Targets in Swat: chief IRNA 05 Jun 2009 -- Pakistan army Chief General Kayani: High Value Targets aggressively hunted in Swat valley and major population centers.
Suicide Blast in Pakistani Mosque Kills 32 VOA 05 Jun 2009 -- A suicide bomb attack in northwest Pakistan has killed at least 32 people and wounded scores of others who were attending Friday prayers.
Suspected militants blow up girls' school in Pakistan IRNA 05 Jun 2009 -- Suspected militants blew up a Government Girls High School in the outskirts of the northwestern city of Peshawar.
Students rescued from armed Taliban custody: army IRNA 05 Jun 2009 -- A group of 48 students and their two teachers kidnapped by armed Taliban in North Waziristan tribal region were rescued by troops.
Pakistan Navy to get first F-22P Chinese Frigate in August IRNA 05 Jun 2009 -- Pakistan Navy would receive first of 4 state-of-the-art Frigates F-22P type in August this year while the second one in December-09.
UN rushing food aid to over 2 million uprooted Pakistanis UN News Centre 04 Jun 2009 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today sent nearly 100 metric tons of urgently-needed food to north-west Pakistan as part of an innovative new scheme to help the more than 2 million people displaced by clashes between the Government and militants.
PAKISTAN: Mingora town struggling to get back to normal IRIN 04 Jun 2009 -- Mingora, where there has been fierce fighting between government forces and militants, is now largely back in government hands.
Student Hostages Released in Pakistan VOA 04 Jun 2009 -- Pakistani officials said students and teachers kidnapped by Taliban earlier this week in the northwest have been freed.
PAKISTAN: Separated IDP families - the agony of not knowing IRIN 03 Jun 2009 -- “My wife and I clung onto the back of a truck to get out. At one point our three-year-old son nearly slipped to the ground because we were also trying to manage two other small children and a few small parcels of food and clothing. We would have had no way of picking him up if he had slipped from our arms.”
Funds needed to reach 2.6 million displaced Pakistanis with food aid, says UN UN News Centre 03 Jun 2009 -- Without the contribution of urgently-needed funds, the United Nations and its partners will only be able to feed the 2.6 million Pakistanis forced to flee clashes between the Government and militants for the next month or two, it was announced today.
Holbrooke backs anti-militants campaign, says US to provide more aid IRNA 03 Jun 2009 -- Special representative Richard Holbrooke lauded military offensive against militants in Swat.
Top US Envoy Visits Pakistan to Show Support for Offensive VOA 03 Jun 2009 -- US envoy Holbrooke in Pakistan to assess relief operations for more than 2 million people displaced by offensive against Taliban.
Pakistan's nuclear security mechanisms are indigenous: spokesman IRNA 03 Jun 2009 -- Pakistan: Nuclear security mechanisms are indigenous, while clarifying country is getting help from friendly countries.
Pakistan Military: Swat Offensive to Last Months VOA 03 Jun 2009 -- Pakistani military officials: Security has improved in the Swat Valley, it will take more time to completely expel the Taliban.
Pakistan to take security anti-militants operation to logical end IRNA 03 Jun 2009 -- Pakistan determined to take the security operation to its logical conclusion.
Pakistan to allow IDPs return to insurgency-hit Swat by June 17 IRNA 03 Jun 2009 -- Tens of thousands of internally displaced persons to start returning by June 17.
US envoy concerned at release of Pakistani militant leader IRNA 03 Jun 2009 -- US concerned at the release of a top Pakistani militant leader, whose group accused of masterminding Mumbai attacks.
India conveys to Pakistan disappointment over release of JuD chief IRNA 03 Jun 2009 -- India officially conveyed to Pakistan its disappointment over the release of the alleged mastermind of the Mumbai attacks.
Pakistan rejects Indian views on court release order of militant IRNA 03 Jun 2009 -- Pakistan rejected as misplaced comments from India over the release of leader of a banned group.
UN agency opens new camps for Pakistanis fleeing fighting UN News Centre 02 Jun 2009 -- The United Nations refugee agency said today it has opened two new camps in Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province (NWFP) to house thousands of people who took advantage of the lifting of a curfew over the weekend to flee fighting in the Swat Valley.
India Considers Terror Suspect Release, Gilani Speech as Setback to Relations with Pakistan VOA 02 Jun 2009 -- Leader India accuses of masterminding last year's Mumbai terror attack released by Pakistani court.
India objects Pak's attempt to link Kashmir issue to terrorism IRNA 02 Jun 2009 -- India strongly objected to Pakistan's attempt to link Kashmir issue to terrorism in the region.
Pakistani Military Recovers Abducted Students VOA 02 Jun 2009 -- Pakistani officials say troops have rescued all students and staff who were kidnapped y suspected Taliban militants.
Militants kidnap over 500 students of army-run college: official IRNA 02 Jun 2009 -- Suspected militants kidnapped over 500 students of an army-run college in the North Wazirisan tribal region.
CIA director meets President Zardari, assures support in anti-terror IRNA 02 Jun 2009 -- US Director National Intelligence: US and international community willing to help Pakistan in its fight against militants.
Lack of funds threatens aid to Pakistan’s 2.5 million displaced, warns UN UN News Centre 01 Jun 2009 -- The United Nations said today that the number of people displaced by the conflict in Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province has risen above 2.5 million, and a shortage of funds could cut relief services there.
India expresses concern over Pakistan's nuclear arms stockpile IRNA 01 Jun 2009 -- India expressed concern over US reports that Pakistan has a large nuclear weapon stockpile.
Pakistani Militants Abduct 400 Students in North Waziristan VOA 01 Jun 2009 -- Pakistani officials: Taliban militants in North Waziristan have kidnapped about 400 students at a military college in Bannu district.
Army Capture of Swat Valley Town Leaves Trail of Destruction VOA 01 Jun 2009 -- Aid agencies say the humanitarian situation is still dire for Pakistanis in the northwestern Swat Valley.
Bombing Strikes Garrison Town in Northwest Pakistan VOA 01 Jun 2009 -- Bomb ripped through a bus station in northwest Pakistan as the army presses ahead with offensive against Taliban militants.
Pakistan Presses Offensive Toward Taliban Stronghold VOA 01 Jun 2009 -- The Pakistani army pressed north toward a key Taliban stronghold in the Swat District after taking control of the district capital, Mingora.
Author Claims Taliban Funds Fight in South Asia with Poppy Cultivation VOA 01 Jun 2009 -- Taliban insurgents have carried out nearly daily bombing attacks in Pakistan this week.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

June 2009 - Pakistan Special Weapons News