Latest news with #Tehreek-i-TalibanPakistan
Time Business News
03-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Why is Trump providing lethal weapons to the Pakistani Air Force?
Recent reports indicate that the US under President Trump has authorized funding and support for Pakistan's F-16 fighter jet fleet. This is generally framed as part of ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts. Here's a breakdown of the likely reasons and context: Counter-terrorism and Stability: A primary stated reason for providing this assistance is to help Pakistan in its fight against various terrorist groups, such as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which pose significant security threats within Pakistan. The F-16s are considered a crucial asset for these operations. Regional Security: The US has historically viewed Pakistan as a strategic partner in regional security, particularly concerning Afghanistan and the broader South Asian region. Maintaining Pakistan's military capabilities, especially its air force, is seen as contributing to overall stability. Previous US Policy Shifts: It's worth noting that US policy on military aid to Pakistan has fluctuated. The Trump administration had previously halted security assistance to Pakistan in 2018, citing insufficient action against terrorism. However, the recent authorization suggests a renewed emphasis on engaging Pakistan for security priorities. F-16 Sustainment: The current aid largely focuses on the sustainment and maintenance of Pakistan's existing F-16 fleet, rather than providing new aircraft. This ensures the continued operational readiness of these jets for their intended purposes. Monitoring and Conditions: The US often imposes conditions on such military aid, requiring that the equipment be used exclusively for counterterrorism operations and not against other regional adversaries like India. This is a recurring theme in US arms sales to Pakistan. Balancing Regional Interests: The US also maintains strong ties with India, and its arms sales to Pakistan are often viewed in the context of the broader regional balance of power. While supporting Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts, the US also makes efforts to not significantly alter the military balance in South Asia. In summary, the provision of lethal weapons and support to the Pakistani Air Force by the US, currently under President Trump, is primarily driven by counter-terrorism objectives and a broader strategy to maintain regional stability, with specific conditions and monitoring in place. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Mint
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Pakistan Army Major killed in gun battle with Taliban militants – Who was Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah?
Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah, a Pakistan Army officer, was killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) against Taliban militants in the Sararogha area of South Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on 24 June 2025, according to Pakistani news media reports. Major Moiz had previously been associated with the 2019 incident involving the capture of Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, according to multiple reports in 2019. Alongside Lance Naik Jibran Ullah, Major Moiz was killed in a gunbattle with Taliban militants that resulted in the elimination of 11 terrorists, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The operation targeted militants of banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Dawn reported. Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, calling them 'true heroes' who sacrificed their lives to secure the nation and thwart terrorist plans. According to Dawn, Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities, especially in KP and Balochistan, after the TTP ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is a militant Islamist group formed in 2007, primarily operating in Pakistan's tribal areas. It seeks to overthrow the Pakistani government and impose its strict interpretation of Sharia law. The TTP has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and clashes with Pakistani security forces, and it is designated as a banned organisation by the Pakistani government. Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah was a Pakistan Army officer from Chakwal who served in the elite Special Service Group (SSG). He gained public attention for his role in the 2019 India-Pakistan conflict, during which he claimed to have captured Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman after his MiG-21 was shot down over Pakistani territory. On 24 June 2025, Major Moiz was killed during an intelligence-based operation against Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants in the Sararogha area of South Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Earlier in June, ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry had accused India of activating its 'assets' to intensify terrorist attacks in Pakistan, presenting 'irrefutable evidence' of Indian state-sponsored terrorism, directed by the Indian military personnel, according to Dawn report. 'Post-Pahalgam (terror attack), because of the designs of terrorism that they have, they tasked all their assets, the terrorists operating in Balochistan, and we have credible intelligence for that, the Fitna-al-Khawarij and the independent terrorist cells … to increase their activity,' he had said. Abhinandan Varthaman, then a Wing Commander in the Indian Air Force, was captured by Pakistani forces on 27 February 2019 after his MiG-21 Bison was shot down during an aerial dogfight over the Line of Control (LoC) following India's Balakot airstrikes. After ejecting from his aircraft, he landed in Pakistani-occupied Kashmir and was initially surrounded by villagers before being taken into custody by the Pakistan Army. During his captivity, videos surfaced showing Abhinandan Varthaman blindfolded and injured, and Indian officials later reported that he was subjected to mental harassment but no significant physical torture, Timesd Of India reported. The capture of Abhinandan escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, with both countries on high alert and on the brink of further military confrontation. However, on 28 February 2019, Pakistan's then Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that Abhinandan would be released as a 'gesture of peace.' The Indian government welcomed the decision, and Abhinandan crossed back into India at the Wagah border on 1 March 2019. Throughout his captivity, Abhinandan reportedly resisted Pakistani attempts to extract sensitive military information. Indian military officials had revealed that he was deprived of sleep, subjected to loud music, and made to stand for long hours, but he did not divulge critical information.
Express Tribune
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
TTP group terrorist killed in DI Khan
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police on Saturday killed one terrorist and injured two others belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group in Dera Ismail Khan as they attempted to attack police. A statement issued by the police said the TTP terrorists targeted a police party near the Malang area, within the jurisdiction of Hathala Police Station, as they were returning from duty in the Takwara area. "The police retaliated vigorously and repelled the terrorists' attack. In the ensuing action by the Dera police, an active terrorist of the banned TTP-Gandapur group was killed, while two other terrorists were injured," the statement said. Separately, two police personnel from the Gadoon Industrial Estate Solice station in Swabi district were martyred when two unidentified motorcyclists opened indiscriminate fire on them while they were drinking water at a hotel. Prime Minister Shehbaz Saturday strongly condemned the firing incident on the police personnel in Swabi and expressed deep grief and sorrow over their martyrdom. He paid tribute to the martyred personnel and prayed for strength and fortitude for the bereaved families, PM Office Media Wing said in a statement. He further directed a thorough investigation into the incident and called for exemplary punishment for those responsible once they are identified.
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First Post
01-06-2025
- Business
- First Post
Pakistan and Afghanistan agree to advance Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan rail project, boost regional ties
Pakistan and Afghanistan on Sunday agreed to advance a vital railway line project, considered a key step for regional connectivity. read more Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to move forward with the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) railway line project, a key step toward enhancing regional connectivity, the Pakistani Foreign Office said Sunday. The agreement was reached during a phone call between Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Both leaders emphasized the importance of the project and committed to working closely to finalize the framework agreement soon. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The development follows Pakistan's May 30 announcement to upgrade diplomatic relations with Kabul to the ambassador level, a move Afghanistan has agreed to reciprocate, according to the Foreign Office. The UAP rail project aims to improve trade and transport links across Central and South Asia, fostering economic cooperation and stability in the region. Both leaders also reviewed implementation of decisions taken during DPM/FM's visit to Kabul on April 19 and vowed to continue working together to establish mutual trust between the two brotherly nations. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan had come under stress after Islamabad accused Kabul of sheltering Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists. Observers opine that the ties are apparently improving due to efforts of China, which is using a trilateral mechanism involving the foreign ministers of the three countries to sort out differences. The railway project to link Pakistan with Central Asia through Afghanistan is an important project to improve interconnectivity in the region. Dar's interaction with Muttaqi comes a day after he held a telephone conversation with Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Saidov Bakhtiyor Odilovich on Saturday. 'They discussed the modalities for early finalisation of the framework agreement for the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Line Project, including details of its signing ceremony in consultation with leadership of Afghanistan,' the foreign office said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to advance key railway project
Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to expedite the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) railway line project, a crucial step towards enhancing regional connectivity. This decision followed a telephonic conversation between officials, emphasizing the project's importance. Both nations also decided to upgrade diplomatic ties, signaling improved relations after recent tensions, potentially facilitated by China's mediation efforts. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Pakistan and Afghanistan on Sunday agreed to advance a vital railway line project , considered a key step for regional connectivity The agreement to advance the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) rail project came during a telephonic conversation between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Office said in a statement."Emphasising the importance of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Line Project for regional connectivity, both leaders agreed to work closely for an early finalisation of the framework agreement," it development came after Pakistan on May 30 announced to upgrade its diplomatic ties with Kabul to ambassador level, followed by a similar move by to the foreign office, Muttaqi during telephonic conversation welcomed the decision of Pakistan to upgrade its diplomatic relations to the ambassador level and informed that Afghanistan decided to reciprocate the same."He termed it a very positive development in bilateral relations," according to the leaders also reviewed implementation of decisions taken during DPM/FM's visit to Kabul on April 19 and vowed to continue working together to establish mutual trust between the two brotherly between Pakistan and Afghanistan had come under stress after Islamabad accused Kabul of sheltering Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) opine that the ties are apparently improving due to efforts of China, which is using a trilateral mechanism involving the foreign ministers of the three countries to sort out railway project to link Pakistan with Central Asia through Afghanistan is an important project to improve interconnectivity in the region Dar's interaction with Muttaqi comes a day after he held a telephone conversation with Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Saidov Bakhtiyor Odilovich on Saturday."They discussed the modalities for early finalisation of the framework agreement for the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Line Project, including details of its signing ceremony in consultation with leadership of Afghanistan," the foreign office said.
