conflict and peace studies

Vol.12-S

pring 2

020 (

Jan-J

un)

No.1

Conflict and Peace Studies

VOLUME 12 Jan - June 2020 NUMBER 1

PAKISTAN SECURITY REPORT

2019

PAK INSTITUTE FOR PEACE STUDIES (PIPS)

A PIPS Research Journal

Conflict and Peace Studies

Copyright © PIPS 2020

All Rights Reserved

No part of this journal may be reproduced in any form by photocopying or by any

electronic or mechanical means, including information storage or retrieval systems,

without prior permission in writing from the publisher of this journal.

Editorial Advisory Board

Khaled Ahmed Consulting Editor, The Friday Times, Lahore, Pakistan.

Dr. Muhammad Khalid Masud Former Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology in Pakistan.

Prof. Dr. Saeed Shafqat Director, Centre for Public Policy and Governance, Forman Christian College, Lahore, Pakistan.

Dr. Catarina Kinnvall Department of Political Science, Lund University, Sweden.

Marco Mezzera Senior Adviser, Norwegian Peacebuilding Resource Centre / Norsk Ressurssenter for Fredsbygging, Norway.

Dr. Adam Dolnik Professor of Counterterrorism, George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, Germany.

Prof. Dr. Syed Farooq Hasnat Pakistan Study Centre, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.

Tahir Abbas Professor of Sociology, Fatih University, Istanbul, Turkey.

Anatol Lieven Professor, Department of War Studies, King's College, London, United Kingdom.

Rasul Bakhsh Rais Professor, Political Science, Lahore University of Management Sciences Lahore, Pakistan.

Peter Bergen Senior Fellow, New American Foundation, Washington D.C., USA.

Dr. Tariq Rahman Dean, School of Education, Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, Pakistan.

Pak Institute for Peace

Studies (PIPS)

Post Box No. 2110,

Islamabad, Pakistan +92-51-8359475-6

www.pakpips.com,

[email protected]

ISSN 2072-0408 Price: Rs 1000.00

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The views expressed are the authors' own and do not necessarily reflect any positions

held by the institute.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword 11

1 Overview of Security in 2019: Critical

Challenges and Recommendations

Muhammad Amir Rana and Safdar Sial 15

2 Security Landscape of Pakistan in 2019

Safdar Sial 33

3 Militant landscape of Pakistan in 2019

Muhammad Amir Rana 65

4 State Responses

Safdar Sial 75

5 Profile: Militant Landscape of Balochistan

Muhammad Amir Rana 85

6 The Wave of Suicide Bombing in Pakistan

(2007 to 2011) Umer Farooq

101

7 CPEC Security in 2019

Anam Fatima 115

8 2019: Faith-based Violence and Other Incidence

Najam U Din

121

9 The Baloch Insurgency in 2019

Muhammad Akbar Notezai

127

Annexures 143

Timelines 161

LIST OF ACRONYMS

AJK: Azad Jammu and Kashmir

ANP: Awami National Party

AQIS: Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent

Arm: Army

ASWJ: Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat

ATC: Anti-Terrorism Courts

ATF: Anti-Terrorism Force

BAP: Balochistan Awami Party BC: Balochistan Constabulary

BH: Beheading

BLA: Balochistan Liberation Army

BLF: Balochistan Liberation Front

BNP: Balochistan National Party

BNP-M: Balochistan National Party-Mengal Group

BRA: Baloch Republican Army

BSF: [Indian] Border Security Force

BT: Bomb Blast

CIA: Central Intelligence Agency

CID: Criminal Investigation Department

Civ: Civilians

CPEC: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

CTDs: Counter Terrorism Departments [of police]

CVE: Counter Violent Extremism

DGMOs: Director Generals of Military Operations

DSP: Deputy Superintendent Police

FATF: Financial Action Task Force

FC: Frontier Corps

FCR: Frontier Crimes Regulation

FIA: Federal Investigative Agency

Fr: Firing

HG: Hand Grenade

HRCP: Human Rights Commission of Pakistan

HuA: Hizbul Ahrar

IDP: Internally Displaced Persons

IED: Improvised Explosive Device

ISI: Inter-Services Intelligence

ISIS: Islamic State in Iraq and Syria

IS-K: Islamic State Khorasan

ISO: Imamia Student Organization

ISPR: Inter-Services Public Relations

JI: Jamaat-e-Islami

JID: Joint Intelligence Directorate

JM: Jaish-e-Muhammad

JuA: Jamaatul Ahrar

JuD: Jamaatud Dawa

JUI-F: Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl

Kid: Kidnapping

KP: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

LeJ: Lashkar-e-Jhangvi

LeJ-A: Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al-Alami

LI: Lashkar-e-Islam

LM: Landmine Blast

LoC: Line of Control

Lvs: Levies Force

MDM: Muttahida Deeni Mahaz

Mil: Militant

MQM: Muttahida Qaumi Movement

MWM: Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen

NACTA: National Counter-Terrorism Authority

NADRA: National Database and Registration Authority

NAP: National Action Plan

NATO: North Atlantic Treaty Organization

NEC: National Executive Committee

NIC: National Implementation Committee [on FATA reforms]

NP: National Party

NPP: National People’s Party

NSA: National Security Advisor

PkMAP: Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party

P-ml: Paramilitary Forces

6

PML-N: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz

Pol: Police

PPP: Pakistan People’s Party

PTI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf

PTM: Pakhtun Tahafuz Movement QWP: Qaumi Watan Party

RA: Rocket Attack

RCB: Remote-controlled Bomb

Rng: Rangers

SA: Suicide Attack

Sab: Sabotage

SDLF/A: Sindhu Desh Liberation Front/Army

SDRA: Sindhu Desh Revolution Army

SECP: Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan

Sect: Sectarian

SM: Sipah-e-Muhammad

SP: Superintendent of Police

SSP: Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan

ST: Sunni Tehreek

TA: Terrorist Attack

TLP: Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan

TNSM: Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Muhammadi

TTP: Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan

UBA: United Baloch Army

UN: United Nations

WB: Working Boundary

METHODOLOGY AND VARIABLES

The PIPS conflict/security database and archives are the basic sources relied upon for

this report. The archives and the database are the outcome of a meticulous monitoring

process on every relevant incident in the country on a daily basis. A regular follow up is

conducted in liaison with PIPS correspondents in the regions in order to keep track of

daily developments on such incidents. PIPS compiles data from sources including

newspapers, magazines, journals, field sources and screening of official record. More

than 30 English and Urdu dailies, magazines, and journals, and various television news

channels are monitored to update the database and archives. Regional daily newspapers

and weeklies from Peshawar, Quetta, Gilgit and Karachi are also monitored for details of

incidents reported in the local media. Correspondents in provincial capitals are the

primary source for PIPS to verify the media reports. In case of a major incident, PIPS

teams consult the local administration and journalists for further details. In cases where

PIPS finds it difficult to verify facts of a particular incident, it gives preference to the

official statements in that regard.

PIPS security reports utilize eight major variables with their respective set of sub-

variables for analysis of the security situation in Pakistan. The security landscape is

mapped through a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative

methods are used, based on PIPS Conflict and Security Database, to measure the scale

and level of violence. Meanwhile, the qualitative approach dilates upon changes and

developments on the militants’ front, state responses to these developments and

projections of future scenarios. The following eight major variables with their sub-sets of

variable are used in the PIPS Security Reports:

1. Attacks: This major variable has a sub-set of five sub-variables i.e. (i) terrorist

attacks including militant attacks, nationalist insurgent attacks and sectarian-related

attacks; (ii) incidents of ethno-political violence; (iii) cross-border attacks; (iv) drone

attacks; and (v) operational attacks by security forces against militants. Since

Pakistan’s security landscape is very complicated with a diverse array of insecurity

indicators in different parts of the country, the type of violence in one geographical

unit is often different in its nature and dynamics from security landscape in other

parts of the country. For this purpose, the mentioned sub-set of variables is carefully

monitored and analyzed in the security report with a view to suggest specific

counter-strategy for each type of attack in these areas.

2. Clash: Another variable used is of clashes which include four sub-variables, i.e., (i)

inter-tribal; (ii) sectarian; (iii) clashes between security forces and militants; and (iv)

militants’ infightings. The number of such clashes and their geographic location is

8

taken as an indicator of parallel trends unfolding simultaneously with major trends and

patterns of security in different areas of the country.

3. State Reponses: It has two sub-variables: (i) security measures, and (ii) political

and administrative responses. The first takes into account the security forces’

operational attacks and clashes with militants, search and hunt operations and

terrorists’ arrests, etc. The second variable entails the government’s political and

administrative measures to maintain law and order and reduce insecurity and

violence.

4. Casualties: Casualties include both the number of people killed and injured.

Casualties among civilians, militants and security forces are treated as another

indicator to measure the levels and trends of security in the country.

5. Attack Tactics: This head takes a comprehensive account of various tactics used by

different actors including suicide attacks, missile attacks, hand grenade attacks,

kidnappings, rocket attacks, beheadings, landmine blasts, firing, sabotage, target

killings, and bomb and improvised explosive devices blasts.

6. Development on Militants’ Front: This variable analyzes statements, activities,

internal divisions and other activities of militants to determine their strength and the

dynamics of their strategies.

7. Opportunities and Challenges include political measures and military responses

to different security issues along with highlighting constraints and challenges

encountered by the state.

8. Claim of Responsibility: It provides insight into militants’ targets, tactics, areas of

operation, and agendas.

GLOSSARY

Military Operation: Large-scale operations launched by military and paramilitary forces

against Islamist militants and separatist insurgents in KP, FATA and Balochistan to

preserve law and order and the writ of the state.

Operational Attack: Pre-emptive attacks launched by military and paramilitary troops to

purge an area of militants.

Clashes between Security Forces and Militants: Armed clashes between security

forces and militants, triggered by militants’ attack on security check posts/ convoys and

confrontation during search operations.

Terrorist Attacks: Include militant, nationalist, insurgent and sectarian attacks.

Indiscriminate use of violence by militant outfits such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan

(TTP), Lashkar-e-Islam (LI) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) etc., manifested through suicide

attacks, beheadings and destruction of educational institutions, CD/video shops, etc.

Nationalist Insurgent Attacks: Attacks by separatists/nationalist insurgents mainly in

Balochistan and interior parts of Sindh.

Sectarian Attacks: Indiscriminate use of violence rooted in differences among various

Islamic schools of thought over interpretation of religious commands. Incidents involving

indiscriminate use of violence perpetrated by banned sectarian outfits such as LeJ,

Tehreek-e-Jafria, Imamia Student Organization (ISO), Sipah-e-Muhammad, etc., against

rival schools of religious thought.

Ethno-political Violence: The threat or use of violence, often against the civilian

population, to achieve political or social ends, to intimidate opponents, or to publicize

grievances.

Inter-tribal Clash: Clashes or feuds reported between tribes, mainly in Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, rural areas of Punjab and parts of interior Sindh.

Search and Hunt Operation: Launched by law enforcement agencies on intelligence to

capture militants or to purge a particular locality of suspected militants and their

hideouts.

Sectarian Clashes: Violent clashes between armed factions of banned sectarian outfits

or between followers of rival sects such as Sunni-Shia, Deobandi-Barelvi strife. Sectarian

clashes also include tribal feuds between followers of Sunni and Shia schools of thought

10

as in Kurram, where once the Sunni Turi tribesmen frequently clashed with members of

the Shia Bangash tribe.

Overall Number of Attacks: The sum of militant and counter-militant attacks by the

security forces, besides drone attacks, incidents of ethno-political violence, and attacks

with sectarian motives or by nationalist insurgents.

Plot/Unsuccessful Attempts: These include attempts at terrorist attacks that were

either foiled by security forces and bomb disposal squads, or explosives went off by

accident before militants or suicide bombers reached their intended target.

FOREWORD

In 2019, Pakistan witnessed a further decline in the number of terrorist incidents and

consequent casualties. The statistics of Pakistan Security Report 2019 show that terrorist

attacks this year decreased by around 13 percent as compared to 2018, and the number

of people killed in these attacks plummeted by 40pc. Indeed, there has been a gradual

decrease in terrorist attacks and casualties since 2009 (with the exception of 2013, when

a surge in sectarian violence mainly contributed to a rise in attacks and casualties).

Continuous anti-militant operational and surveillance campaigns by security forces and

police counterterrorism departments, as well as some counter-extremism actions taken

under the National Action Plan, have apparently helped sustain that declining trend 2013

onwards. However, these plummeting numbers do not suggest, in any way, that the

threat of terrorism has been completely eliminated. Certainly, most terrorist groups have

been weakened but they are still present in physical and virtual spaces.

Despite an overall decrease in terrorist incidents in the country, such reported incidents

from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained unchanged from previous year. Indeed, North

Waziristan remerged as a major hotspot of such violence where over 42 percent of the

total 125 reported attacks from KP concentrated. The problem of a lax state response to

the security challenge of KP is partly linked to continuing slow transition of

implementation of erstwhile FATA’s merger in KP, mainly due to multiple bureaucratic,

political and legal hurdles, which need to be addressed immediately.

During the year under review, curbing terrorism financing remained the most critical

policy challenge for Pakistan, which the country is still struggling to address. Apart from

having security implications, it has also started negatively impacting the financial sector

of the country with long-term economic consequences. The Financial Action Task Force

(FATF) had put Pakistan on its grey list in June 2018 with the caution that if deficiencies

in curbing terrorism financing were not removed in one year’s time, Pakistan would have

to face consequences of getting on the FATF blacklist. A FATF meeting in Paris in

October 2019 reviewed the measures Islamabad in that regard and noted that the

country will have to do more to come out of the grey list. The FATF’s comments on

Pakistan’s last compliance report, which was submitted on December 3rd2019, were not

cheery either. Instead of following a tactical approach to merely respond to the FATF

queries, Pakistan instead will have to develop some institutional responses to curb the

terror financing.

Pakistan’s internal security landscape is complicated due to both internal and external

threats. The post-Pulwama situation has complicated Pakistan’s strategic challenge on its

12

eastern side, which was further fueled by the controversial revocation of the special

status of India-held Kashmir by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP government. The

situation has diverted the attention of the state institutions towards its core conventional

security threat. The Pakistan-Afghanistan border security situation is also very delicate,

but border security issues with Iran are becoming complicated too, as Baloch insurgents

are reportedly using Iranian soil to hide.

The internal security dimension not only includes threats from hardcore radical and

sectarian terrorist groups but also from groups that promote religious intolerance. The

latter pose a different sort of critical challenge, because such groups can mobilise their

support bases to cause more damage to the economy, social cohesion of society and

global image of the country. An enraged mob in Ghotki town attacked properties worth

millions of rupees and looted several shops belonging to the Hindu community after the

owner of a school was accused of committing blasphemy in September last year.1The

episode was another indication of how blasphemy accusations could trigger a severe and

extensive wave of violence, mainly against minority communities, before some legal

action was taken or evidence produced. Though, Prime Minster Imran Khan has

promised that in ‘naya Pakistan’, terrorist and extremist groups will never be allowed to

thrive, but his government should come up with some action. The first step in this

direction should be to initiate an open debate in parliament on the status and future of

banned groups. Parliament can constitute a high-powered national-level truth and

reconciliation commission, to review the policies that produced militancy and to

mainstream those willing to renounce violence and violent ideologies, but that should

happen within the country’s Constitutional framework.

Another matter, which the Parliament should take up, is the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement

(PTM), which is, among other manifestations, a reflection of trust deficit between the

security forces and a major segment of the population in tribal districts of KP. The PTM

asserts it is a non-violent social movement seeking to protect the rights of the Pashtun

people and address their grievances mainly in tribal districts. Experts are rightly calling

for the government and parliament to take up the issue of PTM and address it instead of

leaving it to security forces. It is a political issue and government’s indifference may

further drag the security forces into it, who will certainly act to restore peace and

security whenever and wherever needed. That will further unnecessarily pitch the latter

against the PTM and a section of Pashtun people, thus making it difficult for them to

counter militancy and terrorism in tribal districts, which requires an overwhelming public

support.

PIPS has been maintaining in it policy recommendations over last several years that the

security situation in Balochistan needs special attention. In 2019, government has taken

13

several initiatives but Balochistan appeared the most critical area in terms of security

challenges. Both religious and nationalist non-state actors are making security landscape

of the province complicated. To deal with the Baloch insurgency, the government has to

immediately evolve a proper plan for the reintegration and mainstreaming of insurgents.

A realization among the Baloch youth is increasing that through violence nothing can be

achieved and the state has to reciprocate in a similar way. A fast-track mechanism on

missing persons in the province can prove a major confidence-building measure.

As in previous year, the implementation on NAP was not effective in 2019 because of

various reasons. The NAP should be made into a proper plan, with clear goals, a

comprehensive monitoring mechanism, and periodic reviewing. The NAP should adjust

with the changing nature of the threats and it should have been a dynamic and effective

policy tool.

PIPS hopes that this 14th edition of its annual security report would help the

policymakers, academics, media and civil society understand the gravity of the security

situation in Pakistan with a view to moving towards sustainable solutions. This year too,

the report includes more in-depth analysis on critical security issues. Apart from the

comprehensive data on violent incidents, comparative analysis of various security

variables, the changing targets and tactics of militants and nature of state responses, the

report also contains comprehensive review of militant landscape of Balochistan and an in-

depth analysis of suicide attacks in Pakistan between 2007 and 2011.

The credit for this report goes to the entire team at PIPS, particularly Safdar Sial, who

monitored security developments and narrated them for the report and provided

analytical insights on security issues of the country; Ms. Shaqufta Hayat, whose research

support, especially in drawing annexures and timelines, greatly helped the analysis

provided inside; and Shahzad Ahmed, who designed the various conflict maps.

Muhammad Amir Rana

January 4, 2020

CHAPTER 1

Overview of Security in 2019: Critical Challenges and Recommendations

Muhammad Amir Rana and Safdar Sial*

1.1 Overview of Security Situation in 2019 ...............................17

1.2 Critical Challenges and Recommendations ..........................25

• Muhammad Amir Rana is Director of Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS). He has authored several

books, most recently of “The Militant: Development of a Jihadi character in Pakistan”, which won the

German Peace Prize in 2014.

• Safdar Hussain, nom de plume Safdar Sial, is Joint Director at PIPS and Associate Editor of Conflict and

Peace Studies journal. He has also co-authored “Dynamics of Taliban Insurgency in FATA” and

“Radicalization in Pakistan”.

1.1 Overview of Security

Situation in 2019

As many as 229 terrorist attacks took

place across Pakistan in 2019 – including

four suicide attacks – which is a decrease

of about 13 percent from the year before.

Launched by different militant,

nationalist/insurgent and violent sectarian

groups, these attacks claimed in all 357

lives – a decline of 40 percent from those

killed in such attacks in 2018 – and injured

another 729 people.

So-called religiously inspired militant

groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban

Pakistan (TTP), its splinter groups Hizbul

Ahrar and Jamaatul Ahrar, as well as other

militant groups with similar objectives such

as local Taliban groups, Lashkar-e-Islam

and ISIS-affiliates remained active in parts

of the country but most of their activities

remained concentrated in Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.

In all, these groups perpetrated 158

terrorist attacks – compared to 171 in

previous year – which killed 239 people

and injured 489 others. Meanwhile

nationalist insurgent groups, mainly

Baloch, carried out 57 attacks – as

compared to 80 such attacks in 2018 –

which claimed 80 lives and wounded

another 162 people. Meanwhile, 14 of the

reported terrorist attacks in 2019 were

sectarian-related – two more from the

year before – which killed 38 people and

inflicted injuries on 78 others.

Those 357 killed in terrorist attacks in

Pakistan in 2019 included 164 civilians,

163 personnel of security and law

enforcement agencies (59 army officials;

37 FC men; 53 policemen; and 14 Levies)

and 30 militants, who were either

killed/exploded suicide bombers or those

killed in retaliatory fire by security and law

enforcement personnel following some

attacks. Those injured in terrorist attacks

included 519 civilians, 208 security

personnel and two militants.

Chart 1: Classification of Terrorist

Attacks in Pakistan in 2019

As far as the targets hit by the terrorists

are concerned, a total of 118 attacks, or

about 52 percent of the total terrorist

attacks reported in 2019, hit personnel,

vehicles/convoys and posts of security

forces and law-enforcement agencies

across Pakistan. These attacks targeting

security and law enforcement personnel

57

158

14

80

239

38

162

489

78

By NationalistInsurgents

By Militants Sectarian-related

No. of Attacks Killed Injured

Pakistan Security Report | 2019

18

also caused the highest number of

casualties (209 killed; 346 injured) for any

one type of target hit in terrorist attacks in

2019. Civilians were the apparent targets

of 39 attacks (over 17 percent of the total

attacks), which claimed 34 lives and

injured 123 others. Eleven attacks targeted

Shia community members, mainly Hazaras,

claiming 32 lives; five attacks on Sunni

community members also killed eight

people. Meanwhile, 11 attacks targeted

pro-government tribesmen and peace

committee members, and another nine

attacks hit political leaders and workers.

Other sporadic targets hit by the terrorist

in 2019 are given at Table 1.

Table 1: Targets Hit in Terrorist

Attacks in 2019

Targets

No

. o

f

Att

ack

s

Kil

led

Inju

red

Security forces/law enforcement agencies

118 209 346

Education/institutions/tea

chers 2 2 4

Non-Bloch settlers/workers

1 3 1

Gas pipelines 3 0 0

Tribal elders 2 3 3

Civilians 39 34 123

Shia religious scholars/community

11 32 72

Worship places/shrines/imam bargahs

2 9 53

Govt. offices/public property (hospitals, banks

etc.)

1 0 10

Sunni religious leaders/community

5 8 3

Political leaders/workers 9 11 19

Targets

No

. o

f

Att

ack

s

Kil

led

Inju

red

NGO / civil society members

1 2 0

Foreign interests/

Diplomats/Foreigners 1 0 0

Unknown 4 3 1

Media/journalists 2 0 3

Health/polio workers,

security escorts 6 8 1

Pro-Govt. tribesmen/peace

committee members

11 13 47

Bohra community 1 3 4

Judges/lawyers/courts 1 0 2

Former militants 2 3 0

Railway tracks / trains 3 4 30

Member of banned groups 1 2 0

Development, exploration projects, companies,

workers

2 8 6

NATO/US supply vehicles 1 0 1

Total 229 357 729

In perpetrating the reported 229 attacks,

terrorists mainly employed improvised

explosive devices (IEDs) of various types

(123 attacks) and direct firing/shootout

(92 attacks). They also used other attacks

tactics, though less frequently, including

four (4) suicide blasts, five (5) hand

grenade attacks, three (3) rocket attacks,

and two (2) gun and bomb attacks.

As in the year before, the highest number

of terrorist attacks for any one region of

Pakistan was reported from Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa, including merged districts of

erstwhile FATA. A total of 125 reported

attacks from the province claimed 145

lives and inflicted injuries on another 249

people. The TTP, Hizbul Ahrar, local


19

Taliban and other groups with similar

objectives perpetrated 124 of these

attacks, while one attack was sectarian-

related.

In 2019, North Waziristan reemerged as a

major flashpoint of insecurity and militant

violence where 53 terrorist attacks took

place, or over 42 percent of the total

reported attacks from KP, which killed 57

people and injured 93 others. Two other

KP districts where more than 10 attacks

happened in the year included DI Khan (14

attacks) and Bajaur (11 attacks) districts.

While seven (7) terrorist attacks happened

in Bannu, the provincial capital Peshawar

and Tank faced six (6) attacks each.

Meanwhile five (5) attacks took place in

each of Mohmand and South Waziristan

districts. In all, terrorist attacks were

recorded in 17 districts of KP.

Though Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faced the

highest number of attacks than any other

region of the country, but in terms of

terrorism-related casualties Balochistan

was the most affected region of the

country in 2019. As many as 171 people

were killed – about 48 percent of the total

357 people killed in terrorist attacks across

Pakistan – and 436 others were injured in

84 reported attacks from the province.

Different Baloch insurgent groups, mainly

the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA),

Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), BRAS –

a newly established alliance of Baloch

insurgent groups mainly including BLA,

BLF and Baloch Republican Guard (BRG) –

Lashkar-e-Balochistan and Baloch

Republican Army (BRA), etc., perpetrated

51 attacks killing 71 people and wounding

162 others. Religiously inspired militant

groups such as the TTP, Hizbul Ahrar,

ISIS-affiliates and some other similar

unknown militants were reportedly

involved in as many as 26 attacks that

caused death to 69 people and injuries to

another 197 people. Meanwhile, seven (7)

sectarian-related attacks claimed 31 lives,

mostly of Hazara Shias, and wounded 77

others.

Terrorist attacks happened in 20 districts

of Balochistan including 22 from provincial

capital Quetta alone, nine (9) from Kech,

eight (8) from Qilla Abdullah, mainly

Chaman, six (6) from Loralai and five (5)

attacks each from Dera Bugti, Nasirabad,

and Panjgur. Two attacks in Gwadar

caused 22 deaths, and three (3) reported

attacks from Ziarat claimed 11 lives.

On the whole, 14 terrorist attacks

happened in Sindh province – 10 in

Karachi alone and 4 in interior Sindh –

which killed a total of 18 people and

injured two (2) others. Six of these attacks

were sectarian-related targeted killings of

Sunni and Shia leaders and community

members, all of which were reported from

Karachi. Meanwhile some unknown

militants, apparently religiously inspired,

carried out four (4) attacks killing eight (8)

people and injuring two (2) others. Sindhi

nationalist group Sindhu desh Liberation

Army (SDLA), Sindhu desh Revolution


20

Army (SDRA) and a Baloch insurgent

group BLA were involved in another four

(4) attacks reported from Sindh, which

claimed four (4) lives.

In all, five (5) terrorist attacks took place

in Punjab including two (2) in Lahore, one

in Rawalpindi and two (2) in south

Punjab’s Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur

districts. As many as 21 people lost their

lives and 41 others were injured in these

attacks. Hizbul Ahrar, a splinter group of

the TTP, perpetrated three (3) of these

attacks in Lahore and Rawalpindi killing

eight (8) policemen and seven (7) civilians.

Baloch insurgent groups BLA and BRA

were reportedly involved in two attacks

reported from south Punjab, which claimed

five (5) lives.

One attack happened in the federal capital

Islamabad that claimed the lives of two (2)

policemen and injured another. (See Table

2)

Table 2: Terrorist Attacks in Pakistan

in 2019

Region No. of

Attacks Killed Injured

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

125 145 249

Balochistan 84 171 436

Punjab 5 21 41

Karachi 10 14 2

Sindh (excluding Karachi)

4 4 0

Islamabad 1 2 1

Total 229 357 729

1.1.1 Comparison

Apart from the 229 terrorist attacks cited

earlier, incidents of violence of some other

types were also recorded across Pakistan in

2019. These included a combined total of

128 cross-border attacks from India,

Afghanistan and Iran; 28 anti-militant

operational strikes carried out by security

forces and their 25 armed clashes/

encounters with militants; eight (8)

incidents of political/ethnic violence; 12

thwarted/failed terror plots; two (2)

targeted attacks, whose motivation was not

clear; and one clash between protestors

and security forces. (See Table 3) Thus,

when counted together, 432 incidents of

violence of different types – as given at

Table 3 – were reported from across

Pakistan in 2019, which killed a total of 588

people and injured 1,030 others.

Table 3: Nature of Overall Incidents

of Violence

Nature of

Incident

No. of

Incidents Killed Injured

Terrorist

attacks 229 357 729

Political/ethnic

violence 8 6 7

Clashes &

encounters

between

security forces

& militants

25 44 9

Cross-border

clashes/attacks 128 91 245

Operational

attacks by

security forces

28 81 19


21

Nature of

Incident

No. of

Incidents Killed Injured

Plot/foiled terror attempts

12 3 7

Targeted attacks [not clear if by terrorists]

2 2 0

Protests/clashes with security

forces 1 4 14

Total 433 588 1,030

As for the number of terrorist attacks, the

overall incidents of violence also

plummeted from 497 in 2018 to 433 in

2019. The overall number of people killed

in these violent incidents also decreased

by about 32 percent; from 869 in 2018 to

588 in 2019. Similarly, the number of

people injured in all such incidents of

violence also decreased by 32 percent

from 1,516 in 2018 to 1,030 in 2019. (See

Chart 2)

There has been a gradual decrease in the

number of terrorist attacks and

consequent fatalities in Pakistan since

2009 with the only exception of 2013

when a surge in sectarian violence mainly

contributed in increased number of attacks

and casualties. (See Chart 3 and Table 4)

The continuous anti-militant operational

and surveillance campaigns by security

forces and police’s counter terrorism

departments (CTDs) as well as some

counter-extremism actions taken under the

National Action Plan (NAP) have

apparently helped sustain that declining

trend 2013 onward, which continued in

2019 as well.

Chart 2: Comparison of Overall

Incidents of Violence & Casualties

(2015-19)

Chart 3: Comparison of Terrorist

Attacks and Fatalities in Pakistan

(2009-2019)

1097

749

713

497 433

3503

18871611

869

588

2167

1956

2212

1516

1030

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

No. of Incidents Killed Injured

No. of attacks

Fatalities (No. of killed)


22

Table 4: Comparison of Terrorist

Attacks and Fatalities in Pakistan

(2009-19)2

Year No. of Terrorist

Attacks (%Change)

No. of Killed (% Change)

2009 Baseline year (2,586 attacks)

Baseline year (3,021 Fatalities)

2010 18% 4%

2011 7% 18%

2012 20% 14%

2013 9% 19%

2014 30% 30%

2015 48% 38%

2016 28% 12%

2017 16% 10%

2018 29% 27%

2019 13% 40%

For the past few years, much of the

militant violence in Pakistan has visibly

concentrated in Balochistan and Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa while other regions have

been facing less frequent attacks. In 2019,

while the number of terrorist attacks

declined in Balochistan by 27 percent, the

number of such attacks recorded in KP

remained unchanged from the year before.

The number of terrorist attacks recorded

in these two regions was significant; 125

attacks took place in KP and 84 in

Balochistan, which combined were over 91

percent of the total attacks reported from

across Pakistan. Although the number of

attacks showed a relative surge from

previous year in Punjab (by 25 percent),

Sindh (17 percent) and Islamabad, but

that accounted for much less numbers of

attacks reported from there compared to

KP and Balochistan; i.e. 5 attacks, 14

attacks, and one attack were reported

from Punjab, Sindh and Islamabad,

respectively.

Table 5: Comparison of Terrorist

Attacks & Casualties (2018 vs. 2019)3

Province /

Region

Number

of Attacks

(%Change)

Killed

(%

Change)

Injured

(%

Change)

KP No change 26% 34%

Balochistan 27% 52% 25%

Punjab 25% 5% 5%

Karachi 11% 22% 87%

Sindh

(excluding

Karachi)

33% 300% 100%

Islamabad

1 attack

(0 baseline

data in

2018)

2 killed 0 injured

Total 13% 40% 29%

The number of suicide attacks posted a 79

percent decline from previous year.

Compared to 19 suicide attacks in 2018, as

many as four (4) such attacks happened in

2019 – two in Balochistan and one each in

Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These

attacks claimed 55 lives – compared to

317 in 2018 – and injured 122 others. The

TTP was involved in two of these attacks –


23

one reported from Loralai (Balochistan)

and another from DI Khan (KP) – which

targeted security forces causing the death

of a total of 21 people including 10

civilians, seven (7) policemen and four (4)

suicide bombers. The Islamic State (IS)

terrorist group claimed one sectarian-

related suicide attack that targeted Hazara

community in Quetta killing 21 people,

including the bomber, and wounding 48

others. Meanwhile a suicide bomber

associated with Hizbul Ahrar targeted a

police van in Lahore that caused 13

fatalities – 5 policemen, 7 civilians and one

bomber – and injuries to 23 others.

Posting an increase of about 17 percent

from previous year, 14 sectarian-related

terrorist attacks happened in 2019. The

number of people killed in such incidents

however decreased by over 25 percent,

from 51 in 2018 to 38 in 2019. Rival Sunni

and Shia violent sectarian groups as well

as ISIS-affiliates were involved in

perpetrating these attacks. A combined

total of 11 sectarian-related attacks, or

over 78 percent of the total 14 such

attacks, happened in Karachi (6 attacks)

and Quetta (5 attacks) alone. A major

sectarian-related suicide attack targeted

Hazara community members in Quetta

causing significant casualties (21 deaths;

48 injured). Two sectarian-related attacks

were reported from Ziarat in Balochistan

that claimed five (5) lives, and one such

attack happened in DI Khan district of

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Out of the 14

reported sectarian attacks, as many as 10

targeted Shia religious community and

scholars, another three (3) Sunni

community members and leaders while

one attack targeted Bohra community in

Ziarat.

With a slight decline of over 2 percent

from the year before, 128 cross-border

attacks were reported from Pakistan’s

borders with Afghanistan (4 attacks), India

(123) and Iran (one attack). Similarly,

down by about 18 percent from 2018, a

total of 91 people were killed in these

attacks; another 245 were also injured.

Those 91 Pakistani citizens killed in cross-

border attacks included 61 civilians, 29

army officials, and one Rangers personnel.

The situation at Pakistan’s border with

India – mainly along the Line of Control

(LoC) in Azad Kashmir – remained

relatively more volatile, particularly after

February 26th when Indian military planes

violated the LoC, intruding from the

Muzaffarabad sector and reaching Balakot,

where they dropped their payload in an

open space after a response from Pakistan

Air Force, and escaped. Next day, Indian

Air Force aircraft reportedly entered

Pakistani airspace following Pakistani Air

Force strikes across the LoC. According to

ISPR statement, PAF shot down two Indian

aircraft inside Pakistani airspace and

arrested one Indian pilot who was later

released as a gesture of peace. Out of 123

cross-border attacks perpetrated by Indian

BSF, 117 concentrated along the LoC in 11


24

districts of AJK and one district of KP

(Mansehra). As many as six (6) of these

attacks happened in Sialkot along the

Working Boundary with India. Kotli (33

attacks), Bhimber (22), Poonch (16),

Haveli (10) and Neelum (10 attacks) were

the AJK districts most affected by Indian

cross-border attacks. Meanwhile while a

single cross-border attack from Iran did

not cause any casualty, four (4) reported

attacks from Afghanistan killed six (6)

army soldiers and injured 19 others in

North Waziristan, Upper Dir and Chitral;

one such attack also happened in Khyber

but did not cause any casualty.

Compared to 31 in the year before,

security forces and law enforcement

agencies conducted 28 anti-militant

operational strikes in 2019 in 21 districts

and regions of Pakistan. These actions

killed a total of 81 people, as compared to

77 in 2018 and injured 19 others; those 81

killed included 75 militants and six (6)

personnel of security and law enforcement

agencies. Out of the total 28 operational

strikes reported in 2019, as many as 15

were conducted in KP, 11 in Balochistan,

and one each in Punjab and Sindh. There

were only three (3) districts where more

than one anti-militant operation happened

including DI Khan (5) and North Waziristan

(3) in KP, and Kech (2) in Balochistan.

Security and law enforcement agencies

also entered into in a total of 25 armed

clashes and encounters with militants –

one more than such incidents in previous

year – across 15 districts/regions of the

country. These armed clashes and

encounters claimed 44 lives (38 militants;

6 security personnel); as many as nine (9)

security personnel were also injured in

these incidents. About half of these

clashes, i.e. 12, took place in various

districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, another

six (6) happened in Balochistan, while four

(4) such incidents took place in Sindh and

three (3) in Punjab.

The number of incidents of political/ethnic

violence took a significant downward turn,

from 22 in 2018 to eight (8) in the year

under review. The number of people killed

in these incidents also decreased, from 11

in 2018 to six (6) in 2019. Incidents of

political and ethnic violence were reported

from six (6) districts of the country

including three (3) from Karachi, and one

incident each from Bajaur, Bannu,

Mansehra, South Waziristan and Swat

districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The number of people killed in overall

violent incidents in 2019 (588) represented

a decrease of about 32 percent from those

killed in such incidents in the year before

(869); the number of those injured in such

incidents all decreased by over 32 percent.

The reported decrease in fatalities was

marked by the death of 235 civilians,

compared to 456 in 2018, thus

representing a decrease of over 48

percent. Fatalities among security forces

personnel in 2019 (209) were about six (6)

percent less from the previous year’s


25

fatalities among them (222). The number

of militants killed (144), in these violent

incidents, also posted a decline of about

25 percent as compared to 2018. (See

Table 6)

Table 6: Casualties in Overall Violent

Incidents in 2019

Category Killed Injured

FC 39 66

Militants 144 4

Civilian 235 764

Police 60 92

Army 95 97

Levies 14 7

Rangers 1 0

Total 588 1,030

1.2 Critical Challenges and

Recommendations

1.2.1 The FATF Challenge

Despite all the efforts by the government

of Pakistan, curbing terrorism financing

still stands out as one of the most critical

security challenges facing Pakistan. Apart

from having security implications, it has

also started negatively impacting the

financial sector of the country with long-

term economic consequences. The

Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has put

Pakistan on its grey list in June 2018 with

the caution that if deficiencies in

preventing suspected militants from

operating bank accounts or using illegal

means to transfer money, including hundi,

hawala and smuggling of currency through

sea, air or land routes on money

laundering, were not removed in one

year’s time, Pakistan would have to face

consequences of getting on the FATF

blacklist.

Most recently, a FATF meeting in Paris in

October reviewed the measures taken by

Islamabad to curb terror financing and

noted the country will have to do more to

come out of the grey list. Pakistan will

remain on the list until February 2020

when a fresh review will be made to

decide about it.4

The government has established a

dedicated autonomous secretariat for

developing comprehensive responses on

the issues relating to the terror financing,

which will work in coordination with all the

provinces and departments including

Financial Monitoring Unit, State Bank of

Pakistan, Federal Board of Revenue,

Securities and Exchange Commission of

Pakistan, National Counter Terrorism

Authority (NACTA), the armed forces and

law enforcement agencies, and all

provincial governments. Special cells have

also been set up in all the relevant

government departments to comply with

the requirements of FATF. The Federal

Board of Revenue (FBR) has also taken a

major initiative and formed a special cell

that will ensure an effective and timely

implementation of measures against terror

financing. The cell – called as FATF cell

and placed under the Director General of


26

Intelligence and Investigation, Islamabad

– will seek “information required for FATF-

related work from the FBR, field

formations, directorates and record of

meetings… [and] will serve as a focal point

for all activities related to customs

compliance for FATF issues.”5

Similarly, the National Accountability

Bureau (NAB) has reportedly set up a cell

to combat terror financing as well as

money laundering. The cell has been

established at the NAB headquarters in

Islamabad. While the main purpose of the

NAB cell will be to provide and monitor

analyses to consolidate efforts on curbing

terror financing, it will also maintain

coordination with the national Financial

Action Task Force secretariat.6

Apart from few policy responses, law

enforcement agencies have also arrested

few important leaders of banned militant

organizations, including Hafiz Saeed Hafiz

Saeed, head of banned Jamaatud Daawa

(JuD) and over a dozen close aides of him.

However, despite all the measures

Pakistan has taken so far, it has failed to

impress the FATF and its associated body

Asia Pacific Group (APG). The FATF’s

comments on Pakistan’s last compliance

report, which was submitted on December

03, 2019, reflects that Pakistan would

have to take stricter measures to come out

of the grey list. The FATF has forwarded

150 comments and clarifications on

Pakistan’s compliance report mostly

related to the action taken by the country

against banned groups and proscribed

persons.7 The FATF has sought the proofs

of the actions taken against seminaries

affiliated with banned organisations or

proscribed persons who have been listed

in 4th Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act

(ATA) apart from the details including

copies of lawsuits filed against banned

organisations and proscribed persons.

The whole process of FATF compliance

reflects that Pakistan’s approach is tactical

where it has been trying its utmost to

merely respond to the FATF queries

instead of developing some institutional

responses to curb the terror financing. In

practice, Pakistan’s anti-militant campaign

is hindered by several factors including

capacity gaps among counterterrorism

departments, which are also struggling to

find some solid legal ground against the

leadership of the militant groups. The

government has to build comprehensive

institutional response to satisfy the FATF

based on zero tolerance against all shades

of militants.

1.2.2. The De-Radicalization

Imperative

Pakistan’s counter terrorism challenge has

many folds and de-radicalization of the

members of the banned religious

organizations is becoming critical too.

Pakistan’s renewed campaign against

militancy under which law enforcement

agencies have taken visible and serious


27

actions against the militant groups

including those belonging to Jamaatud

Dawa, its charity wing Falah-e-Insaniyat

Foundation, and Jaish-e-Muhammad

(JeM) 8 has made this issue critical as

thousands of their members have been

abandoned and needed to be engaged on

urgent basis.

Development and launch of a

comprehensive de-radicalization

programme shall help boost the

international community’s confidence in

Pakistan’s efforts to counter extremism

and terrorism. The world is receptive to

such initiatives, which are also endorsed

by UNSC Resolutions 2178 (2014) and

2396 (2017). For one, the ‘Plan of Action

to Prevent Violent Extremism’ presented

by the UNSC to the UN General Assembly

entailed more than 70 recommendations

including a call to introduce

disengagement and rehabilitation

programmes.

Such initiative is also needed in the

context of the increasing frustration

among the workers of the banned militant

organizations. This is a dangerous

development. A somewhat similar

frustration was observed among the

cadres of Pakistani militant groups after

the first crackdown against them in 2001.

This had caused serious rifts among them

and made many turn against the state and

join international terrorist groups. Some

among these frustrated members of the

JuD and JeM can now also join the militant

Islamic State group and Al Qaeda or form

their own small terrorist cells. The JeM

cadre is more critical because hundreds of

its militants have a background of having

worked along with the Tehreek-i-Taliban

Pakistan, Al Qaeda and sectarian terrorist

organisations. The National Counter

Terrorism Authority has the mandate for

suggesting and developing such

rehabilitation programmes but, so far, it

has proved an impotent body.

1.2.3 Countering Violent Extremism

Non-violent and violent shades of

extremism as well as religious intolerance

pose another critical challenge to security

and stability of Pakistan. Extremism

manifests itself in many forms ranging

from vandalism against minorities and

oppressed people to target killing of the

sane, rational voices. The phenomenon of

religious intolerance has its own dynamics

but in recent years it has grown through

its connectivity with larger extremist

discourses fanned in cyberspaces. The

government has to adopt a clear policy

against all hatemongering and extremist

groups in the country, and take legal and

administrative measures to restrict the

activities of the extremist groups.

Pak Institute for Peace Studies has

advocated diverse recommendations for

Pakistan’s Counter Violent Extremism

(CVE) framework and reconstruction of

national narratives through various

publications. The Institute believes these


28

documents would be a useful source a

policy initiative on CVE. Few highlights of

those recommendations are listed below:

− There is a need for establishing a

National Dialogue Forum (NDF). It can

serve as a platform for the scholars,

academicians, political and religious

leaders and policymakers to bring all

the key challenges on the discussion

table and to understand each other’s

viewpoints. The NDF cannot only help

to connect diverse ideological, social

and political segments of the society,

but it can also create an environment

to discuss critical issues. Such an

important initiative must come from

the chief executive of the country,

with the support of the parliament.

− The NDF secretariat can have support

from a counter-extremism research

centre comprising experts from the

relevant fields of social sciences and

religious studies. This centre can also

establish a desk to monitor the

extremist narratives and hate speech.

− The provinces will need to establish

curriculum review committees

comprising educationists, and experts

from diverse religious, academic and

political backgrounds. Such

committees can be established

separately within existing mechanisms,

with specific tasks to regularly monitor

and evaluate the impact of the

textbooks.

− The provinces need to prioritize the

registration of madrassas and to set

up a mechanism to bring them under

their administrative control.

Interestingly, while provinces consider

madrassas a federal issue, federal

ministries of religious affairs and

interior are confused about who is

actually responsible for administering

madrassa sector.

− To neutralize violent extremist

tendencies, detaching the conventional

militant groups from terrorism

landscape and curbing hate speech,

the government has to initiate a

reintegration scheme.

1.2.4 Regularizing Madrassas

The madrassa challenge is complex.

National Action Plan (NAP) assigned

priority to reforming madrassas but sadly

little progress has been made thus far in

that regard. In April 2019, some

government officials were reported in

media as saying that madrassas will be

brought under the federal Education

Ministry, however a policy action in that

regard is still awaited. The DG ISPR also

said in his press conference in late April

that “the government and support

institutions have decided to mainstream all

these madrassas. Their curriculum will

include contemporary subjects and they

will run under the Ministry of Education.”

According to DG ISPR, this process will be

kicked-off initially with Rs. 2 billion, and

will then require Rs1 billion annually.9


29

On October 22nd (2019) another media

report indicated that the Ministry of

Federal Education and Professional

Training has completed its homework to

open a directorate to regulate the

madrassahs.10 It has to be seen how this

directorate will work, but Army Chief

General Qamar Bajwa himself has taken

keen interest in the process and tried in

person to convince religious scholars on

the reforms.11 However, many ambiguities

still surround the reforms, especially about

the financial audit of the religious

institutions and curriculum reforms.

Apparently it seems the government is not

reforming the religious curriculum of the

madrassas but only thinking to introduce

contemporary subjects to make the

madrassa students eligible to get the

formal educational degrees. 12 These

initiatives may not prove an alternative of

a regulatory authority on madrassas to

look into their financial affairs, pedagogy,

hate speech, sectarian narratives and

activities of radical groups in madrassas.

Such regulatory authorities can be

established on the level of districts or

provinces, which should have the

representation of the educational

departments, religious scholars, civil

society and parents.

1.2.5 Implementation on National

Action Plan

The National Action Plan (NAP) was an

outcome of the nation’s resolve against

terrorism, but it too has not been fully

followed. During last five years, the

government and security institutions

remained confused on taking responsibility

for NAP’s implementation. PIPS’ previous

annual security reports had highlighted all

those flaws and confusions on NAP

implementation that have made it largely

ineffective.

PIPS recommends that the NAP should be

made into a proper plan, with clear goals,

a comprehensive monitoring mechanism,

and periodic reviewing. The NAP should

adjust with the changing nature of the

threats and it should have been a dynamic

and effective policy tool. The following

components needed to be included in the

plan.

− Under the NAP there is a need to look

into the matter of parallel security

structures. Each province has parallel

security forces to combat terrorism

and similar threats.

− Oversight of the criminal justice

system by parliament and provincial

assemblies should be increased; closer

networking is needed among the

subsystems of the criminal justice

system.

− Practitioners should be trained in

conflict resolution and management so

that these techniques can be

employed before resorting to the use

of force.

− The anti-terrorism courts need to be

strengthened, through working on


30

infrastructure uplifting and capacity

building.

− An open trial of the terrorists was also

necessary, and could prove more

effective in terms of deterrence and

public ownership, but the state

institutions preferred discreet trials

through the military courts.

− The police need to be equipped with

new technologies and resources, but

utilizing the available resources also

needs to be assessed. Likewise, the

operational build-up of the police, its

technical support, and capacity

building are also areas needing

attention. Their training programs

should focus on technology-led

policing, along with management,

intelligence gathering, mobility and

connectivity. At the same time, the

NAP should prioritize the de-

politicization of police, so as to shape

it into a professional force.

− Prison security and reforms should be

part of the NAP. These are critical

today, given that some terrorist

groups have infiltrated in the ranks of

police and jails officials.

− Putting an end to the easily-available

heavy weapons is a major challenge

for the security forces in their counter-

militancy drive. Criminals in Karachi,

sectarian terrorist groups and

nationalist insurgents in Balochistan

appear to have recently adopted

targeted killings as the foremost

instrument of terrorism; easy access to

lethal weapons has made their task

easier.

− Militant groups use cyberspaces for

propagating their messages, recruiting

new adherents, and generating funds,

thereby making the virtual world a

vulnerable place for the youth. This is

the area, which need effective

responses both by the state and

society.

− Prison Departments, Police and its

Counter Terrorism Departments

(CTDs) have to launch de-

radicalization programs for the

terrorist detainees. The military-run

de-radicalization centers in Swat and

erstwhile FATA would be a good model

for such initiatives.

− There is a need for developing a

National Databank (NDB) synchronized

with the police departments of the

country, National Database and

Registration Authority (NADRA),

NACTA, FIA and State Bank of

Pakistan. The Databank should have

following features:

• A synchronized National Red Book,

containing updated information

about the wanted, suspected and

arrested terrorists and their

groups.

• The national databank could be

divided into two categories, one

for public consumption, which

would include details about

terrorists and their activities and

second dedicated for the police


31

and law enforcement agencies

containing details of bank

accounts, financial transactions

data, property and other assets of

the suspected and active terrorists

whose names had been placed

under the Fourth Schedule.

• A common website can be

developed under the supervision

of NACTA and all police and

relevant authorities could be

bound to provide

updates/information on weekly or

monthly bases.

− There is a need that all provinces have

their forensic labs linked with National

Forensic Laboratory (NFL) in

Islamabad.

− Capacity building training programs for

the Counter Terrorism Departments

needed to be developed and they

must know the best practices around

the world to avoid any mishandling of

the sensitive issues.

1.2.6 Erstwhile FATA’s Merger into KP

The problem of a lax state response to the

security challenge of KP is partly linked to

continuing transition period of [slow]

implementation of erstwhile FATA’s merger

in KP. For one, the establishment and

functioning of law enforcement and judicial

structures in tribal districts will continue to

be slow and ineffective if the ongoing

transition gets prolonged beyond the

anticipated timeframe. For the moment,

while several bureaucratic and political

hurdles are affecting the process, some

local tribal groups and political actors are

also trying to exploit the existing

confusions around the implementation of

KP-FATA merger.

In February 2019, the KP Governor Shah

Farman had reportedly formed a body with

the aim to advise the provincial

government on issue arising out of the

erstwhile FATA’s merger with KP. Many

saw it as creating controversy as according

to legal experts the governor does not

have the powers to interfere in the affairs

of tribal districts, which have already been

merged with the KP province, at least

constitutionally. 13 This is the second

committee formed to resolve the post-

merger issues. In November 2018, too, the

KP cabinet had formed a ministerial

committee, which was later abolished in

December before holding a single official

meeting.

A media report in March said that the 9th

National Finance Commission (NFC), which

allocates the share of provinces in the

national divisible pool of revenues

collected, rejected a KP demand to make

an interim arrangement for providing

additional funds from the federal 2009

Award, which are required by the province

to finance the merger of the erstwhile

FATA with it.14

As the transition of FATA-KP merger

continues, legal issues also continue

appearing, among others. For one, the


32

continuous detention of hundreds in

different notified internment centers in

former FATA and PATA as well as the

cases of those who remained in the

custody of security forces for years are

troubling the administration and legal

proceedings. According to a Dawn report

in May 2019, at the time of merger, the

government failed to include any “saving

clause” in the 25th Amendment Act, 2018,

for providing protection to existing laws in

FATA and PATA. The KP government later

had to enact two laws - the KP

Continuation of Laws in the Erstwhile

Provincially Administered Tribal Areas Act,

2018, and KP Continuation of Laws in

Erstwhile Fata Areas, 2019 – but still the

experts are skeptical about the fate of

those laws in vogue in the merged tribal

districts and ex-PATA, which “are currently

in conflict with provisions of Constitution of

Pakistan guaranteeing fundamental

rights.” 15 Different judgments of the

superior courts have also been barring the

government from introducing different

laws for different areas in the same

province. The Supreme Court on January

16th (2019) had dismissed a civil petition

filed by the KP government and had

declared the Fata Interim Governance

Regulation, 2018, in conflict with several

provisions of the Constitution.16

Some steps however have also been taken

in the process of merger. For instance, in

March 2019, the KP Police Department

posted district police officers (DPOs) in the

seven tribal districts merged into KP. A

newspaper reported noted that “the

development has come in the wake of the

promulgation of an ordinance to merge the

Levies with police department, which had

paved the way for the appointment of

DPOs in merged districts.” 17 Some days

later, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

government announced to induct the

existing 28,000 personnel of Levies and

Khassadar forces operating in 7 tribal

districts and 6 sub-divisions into KP Police.

The government also issued a notification

in that regards that said: “The merger

process of 16,053 Khassadar and 11,918

Levies personnel would be completed in

six months.” 18 Similarly, while 28 judges

had already been appointed for courts in

merged districts of erstwhile FATA into KP,

the mainstream judicial system, i.e. courts,

have started to function in these districts.

The local described it a big achievement to

get rid of colonial FCR laws.

In a significant development furthering the

execution of erstwhile FATA’s merger in

KP, the National Assembly on May 13th

(2019) had unanimously approved the

26th Amendment to the Constitution

permitting an increase in the number of

National Assembly and KP Assembly’s

seats for the tribal districts, or former

FATA agencies merged into KP. The

approved bill would allow an increase from

six to 12 in the National Assembly general

seats and from 16 to 24 in the Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa Assembly general seats.19

CHAPTER 2

Security Landscape of Pakistan in 2019

Safdar Sial*

2.1 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ...............................................................35 2.2 Balochistan ...............................................................................40

2.3 Sindh .......................................................................................48 2.4 Punjab .....................................................................................50

2.5 Islamabad ................................................................................52 2.6 Suicide Attacks .........................................................................52

2.7 Sectarian Violence .....................................................................53

2.8 Violence against Political Leaders and Workers ...........................56 2.9 Border Attacks ..........................................................................58

* Safdar Hussain, nom de plume Safdar Sial, is Joint Director at PIPS and Associate Editor of Conflict and



2.1 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The highest number of terrorist attacks for

any one region of Pakistan was reported

from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including

merged districts of erstwhile FATA. As in

the year before, a total of 125 terrorist

attacks happened in the province, which

claimed 145 lives, a decrease of 26

percent from the previous year, and

inflicted injuries on another 249 people.

Among those killed in terrorist attacks in

KP were 90 security personnel – 47 army

soldiers, 25 policemen, 12 FC men and 6

Levies – and 46 civilians, besides 9

militants. Those injured in these attacks

included 136 civilians, and 113 officials of

security and law enforcement agencies.

The TTP, Hizbul Ahrar, local Taliban and

other groups with similar objectives

perpetrated 124 of the total reported

attacks, while one attack was sectarian-

related. Besides carrying out one suicide

blast, militants employed different other

attack tactics to hit their targets in KP

including 71 IEDs blasts, 48 incidents of

firing, 2 hand grenades, 2 rocket strikes,

and one gun and bomb attack.

In 2019, North Waziristan reemerged as a

major flashpoint of insecurity and militant




people and injured 93 others. Two other

KP districts where more than 10 attacks

happened in the year included DI Khan (14

attacks) and Bajaur (11 attacks) districts.

While 7 terrorist attacks happened in

Bannu, the provincial capital Peshawar and

Tank faced 6 attacks each. Meanwhile five

5 attacks took place in each of Mohmand

and South Waziristan districts. In all,

terrorist attacks were recorded in 17

districts of KP.

Table 1: Terrorist Attacks in KP in

2019

District Attacks Killed Injured

Bajaur 11 8 14

Bannu 7 7 2

Buner 1 1 0

Chitral 1 1 0

D.I Khan 14 28 51

Hangu 2 0 0

Karak 1 1 5

Khyber 4 3 4

Lakki

Marwat

4 5 4

Lower Dir 2 3 3

Mohmand 5 4 4

North

Waziristan

53 57 93

Nowshera 1 2 4

Peshawar 6 3 24

South

Waziristan

5 7 10

Tank 6 10 11

Upper Dir 2 5 20

Total 125 145 249

Compared to past years, a fewer number

of intensive or high-impact terrorist attacks

were reported from the province in 2019.

Indeed, only 5 terrorist attacks were

recorded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2019


36

in which 4 or more people were killed.

These included an attack on a police patrol

party in DI Khan in February (4 policemen

were killed); the attack on officers and

soldiers of the Quick Response Force in

North Waziristan in June (4 soldiers killed);

the attack against Trauma Centre of the

district headquarters hospital in DI Khan in

July (4 policemen, 4 civilians killed); an

attack on border patrol in North Waziristan

in July (6 soldiers killed); and militants’

ambush against the vehicle of an oil

exploration company in Spinwam area of

North Waziristan in September (4 civilians,

2 FC men killed).

Apart from 125 terrorist attacks cited

earlier, 15 operational strikes by the

security forces and 12 armed

clashes/encounters between security

forces and militants were also recorded in

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Furthermore, 5

incidents of ethnic/political violence, and 4

cross-border attacks took place in parts of

KP from Afghanistan, mostly by Pakistani

Taliban militants sheltered there. On the

whole, 170 reported incidents of violence

of various types killed 216 people in KP

and wounded 301 others.

Significant casualties among security

personnel were caused by militants’

frequent attacks against them in parts of

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. As many as 69

terrorist attacks in the province, or 55

percent of the total reported attacks, hit

personnel, convoys and posts of the

security and law enforcement agencies,

which claimed in all 97 lives. Meanwhile 25

attacks apparently targeted civilians,

another 9 hit pro-government tribesmen or

peace committee members, and 5 attacks

each targeted political leaders and polio

vaccination workers. Other sporadic

targets hit by terrorist in KP in 2019 are

given in the table below.

Table 1a: Targets Hit by Militants in

KP in 2019

Targets No. of

Attacks Kil

led

Inju

red

Security forces/law enforcement

69 97 149

Education/institutions/teachers

2 2 4

Tribal elders 1 0 3

Civilians 25 11 51

Shia religious scholars/community

2 2 1

Political leaders/workers

5 3 5

Unspecific target 1 0 0

Health/polio workers, security escorts

5 7 0

Pro-Govt tribesmen/peace committee members

9 12 27

Judges/lawyers/courts

1 0 2


Member of banned groups

1 2 0

Development, exploration projects, companies, workers

2 8 6

NATO/US supply vehicles

1 0 1

Total 125 145 249

Some frequently hit targets in KP in 2019

are described below.


37

2.1.1 Attacks on Security Forces/ Law

Enforcement Agencies

As cited earlier, 69 terrorist attacks in

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hit security and law

enforcement agencies, including 38 in

North Waziristan alone and 11 in DI Khan.

These attacks killed 97 people including 83

personnel of security and law enforcement

agencies, 6 militants and 8 civilians, and

wounded 149 others including 108 security

personnel and 41 civilians.

The attacks against security forces were

recorded in 14 districts of Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa province. The TTP, Hizbul

Ahrar and local Taliban groups with similar

objectives were mainly found involved in

these attacks.

After North Waziristan and DI Khan, where

a combined total of 49 attacks hit security

and law enforcement personnel, four such

attacks happened in each of South

Waziristan, 3 in Tank and 2 attacks each in

Peshawar and Lakki Marwat. In another 8

other KP districts, at least one attack

targeted security personnel.

Some of the attacks against security forces

and law enforcers reported from KP in

2019 are narrated below:

− February 12: Four police officials,

Sepoy Mehrban, Sepoy Asif, Sepoy

Sarfaraz, and Sepoy Javed, were shot

dead in DI Khan. Their patrol van was

attacked when it stopped at a gas

station in the jurisdiction of Parovah

police station. The police officer

leading the patrol, SHO Tahir Nawaz,

was wounded in the attack while two

passersby also sustained injuries.20

− April 27: Three personnel of the Levies

force were martyred and one more

sustained injuries in a blast targeting a

Levies post in the Malik Shahi area in

Shewa tehsil in North Waziristan.21

− May 6: Militants ambushed a patrolling

party of security forces in Manzarkhel

area of North Waziristan killing 3 army

personnel and wounding 5 others.22

− June 7: The officers and soldiers of the

Quick Response Force were on routine

patrol in Dattakhel tehsil when an IED

went off. A lieutenant colonel, a major,

a captain and a lance havaldar were

martyred, while four other personnel

suffered injuries. The vehicle of the

security forces was badly damaged.23

− June 12: Two FC men and a passerby

lost their lives and two FC soldiers

were injured in a remote controlled

bomb blast in tehsil Ladha of South

Waziristan.24

− July 21: Reportedly a woman suicide

bomber in a black shuttlecock burqa

exploded her vest near the entrance of

Trauma Centre of the district

headquarters hospital in DI Khan when

the bodies of two policemen killed

earlier in an attack were brought

there. Eight people including 4

policemen and four civilians, including

a minor girl, were killed and 30 others


38

wounded in the suicide bombing,

claimed by the TTP Khorasani group.25

− July 27: Six Pakistan Army personnel

were martyred when Pakistani Taliban

terrorists from across the Pak-Afghan

border opened fire on the soldiers

patrolling the border Gurbaz area of

North Waziristan tribal district. The

Tehreek Taliban Pakistan (TTP)

claimed responsibility for the attack.26

− August 2: Terrorists opened fire on a

patrolling party in Razmak, in North

Waziristan, in which three soldiers

were martyred.27

− November 5: Militants opened fire on

FC officials traveling in a rickshaw in

Bachaabad area of Kulachi tehsil of DI

Khan district. Two FC men and a

civilian were killed and two others

were injured in the attack.28

− November 12: Three soldiers of the

Pakistan Army were martyred in an

improvised explosive device (IED)

blast in North Waziristan tribal district.

The martyred soldiers were a part of

the army's patrolling team and were

identified as Sepoy Sajid, Sepoy

Riyasat and Sepoy Babar.29

2.1.2 Attacks on Civilians

Two less from such attacks in 2018, as

many as 25 terrorist attacks apparently

targeted civilians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

during the year under review. Reported

from 10 districts of the province, these

attacks claimed the lives of 11 civilians and

inflicted injuries on another 51 people.

Highest number of attacks against civilians

in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa happened in North

Waziristan (11 attacks). Three such

attacks took place in Mohmand, and two

attacks each happened in Bannu, DI Khan,

and Peshawar. The TTP and local Taliban

groups were reportedly involved in these

attacks hitting civilians. As many as 23 of

these attacks on civilians employed IEDs

of different types, and another 2 attacks

made use of hand grenades and firing.

Most of the attacks against civilians were

of low intensity, as indicated by relatively

fewer consequent fatalities. Indeed, 8 out

of the 25 reported attacks against civilians

in KP caused one or more deaths, and the

rest of attacks resulted in injuries only.

2.1.3 Attacks on Pro-Government

Elders and Peace Committee

members

As many as nine terrorist attacks in KP

targeted pro-government tribesmen or

peace committee members, which claimed

12 lives and injured 25 others. Two of

these attacks happened in each of Bajaur,

Tank and North Waziristan districts, while

one such attack took place in each of

Khyber, Mohmand, and Upper Dir districts.

The TTP, Lashkar-e-Islam and Hizbul Ahrar

groups perpetrated these attacks.

Worst of these attacks happened in Upper

Dir where four members of the former

Hayagaye Aman Lashkar were killed and

20 others injured when their vehicle was


39

hit by a roadside remote-controlled bomb

in the Gomadand area. Victims had been

receiving threats from militants for past

several years. 30 Some other pro-

government tribal elders who were killed

in these attacks included Malik Mir Alam,

head of Bara Peace Committee, in Khyber;

tribal elder Abbas Khan in North

Waziristan; a former member of a local

peace committee Umar Said in Mohmand;

and member of a former peace committee

Malik Gul Dad Khan, a tribal elder Malik

Nadir Khan in Bajaur, and head of a

former peace committee in Tank,

Turkestan Bhattani.

2.1.4 Attacks on Political Leaders and

Workers

Compared to 11 in 2018, as many as 5

terrorists attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

targeted political leaders and workers,

which killed 3 people and injured 5 others.

Hizbul Ahrar, Jamaatul Ahrar and TTP

were involved in these attacks. In one of

these attacks, Sartaj Khan, president of

the Awami National Party Peshawar city

chapter, was in his vehicle behind the

Gulbahar police station, Peshawar, when

attackers opened fire, killing him on the

spot. He was also a member of the

Peshawar District Council. The ANP leaders

termed it a targeted killing.31Separately in

Bajaur, militants shot dead Mian Gul Jan,

senior vice-president of Pakistan People

Party (PPP), Bajaur chapter.32

2.1.5 Attacks on Polio Vaccination

and Development Workers

As many as 15 people lost their lives and 6

others were injured in 7 terrorist attacks

that targeted polio vaccinators and their

security escorts as well as development

workers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2019.

These attacks took place in Bajaur, Bannu,

Buner, Lower Dir and North Waziristan

districts. The TTP and local Taliban groups

were allegedly involved in these attacks,

which are described below:

− April 11: Two workers of an oil

exploration company were killed and

two others, including a driver, were

wounded in Speen Wam area of North

Waziristan tribal district. The attack

was carried out in Chota Datakhel area

near Afghan border.33

− April 23: Assistant sub-inspector police

Imran Khan was doing his duty to

protect polio vaccination campaign in

Bannu when militants on a motorcycle

shot him dead and fled.34

− April 24: Attackers shot dead police

constable Zafar Ali Khan in the Ghalo

Tangay area of Buner when he was

accompanying a polio team.35

− May 5: Abdullah Jan, associated with

the World Health Organisation (WHO)

as union council polio officer, was

going home on a motorbike when

unidentified assailants shot him dead

in the Thani area, some 20 kilometres

from Khar, the headquarters of Bajaur

tribal district.36


40

− September 24: Militants ambushed

and opened fire at the vehicle of an oil

exploration company in Spinwam area

of North Waziristan. As a result, four

employees of Mari Petroleum

Production Company, and two FC men

lost their lives, while 4 soldiers

suffered injuries.37

− December 9: Militants shot dead a lady

polio worker traveling in a rickshaw in

Bannu; the rickshaw driver was also

killed in the firing. The militants

managed to escape.38

− December 18: Two policemen

escorting a polio vaccination team

were martyred when armed men

opened fire on them at Markhanai

Bridge within the jurisdiction of Lal

Qila police station in Temegara, Lower

Dir. Those killed were identified as

Farmanullah of Toormang and

Mukkaram Khan of Sangolai.39

A sectarian-related targeted attack also

took place in KP in 2019. Reportedly, two

motorcycles arrived at an electrician shop

in Landa Adda and opened fire on Imdad

Hussain Baloch, a resident of Hazara

Kacha, leaving him dead on the spot. From

there, the assailants went to a clinic of

Sajjad Hussain Baloch, a homeopathic

doctor, and fired at him, leaving him

injured. Reportedly, six family members of

the slain, Imdad Hussain, had already

been targeted and killed.40

2.2 Balochistan

Though Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faced the

highest number of attacks than any other

region of the country, but in terms of

terrorism-related casualties Balochistan

was the most affected region in 2019. As

many as 171 people were killed – about 48

percent of the total 357 people killed in

terrorist attacks across Pakistan – and 436

others were injured in 84 reported attacks

from the province. The reported 84

terrorist attacks from Balochistan,

however, represented a 27 percent decline

from such attacks in the province in the

year before, and the consequent fatalities

also posted a 52 percent decrease from

previous year.

Those killed in terrorist attacks in

Balochistan in 2019 were 95 civilians –

compared to 237 civilians killed in such

attacks in the province in 2018 – and 56

personnel of security and law

enforcement agencies – as compared to

91 in the year before – besides 20

militants.

Different Baloch insurgent groups, mainly

the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA),

Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), BRAS –

a newly established alliance of Baloch

insurgent groups mainly including BLA,

BLF and Baloch Republican Guard (BRG) –

Lashkar-e-Balochistan and Baloch

Republican Army (BRA), etc., perpetrated

51 attacks killing 71 people and wounding

162 others. Religiously inspired militant


41

groups such as the TTP, Hizbul Ahrar,

ISIS-affiliates and some other similar

unknown militants were reportedly

involved in as many as 26 attacks that

caused death to 69 people and injuries to

another 197 people. Meanwhile, seven (7)

sectarian-related attacks claimed 31 lives,

mostly of Hazara Shias, and wounded 77

others.

Terrorist attacks happened in 20 districts of

Balochistan including 22 attacks from

provincial capital Quetta alone, nine (9)

from Kech, eight (8) from Qilla Abdullah,

mainly Chaman, six (6) from Loralai, and

five (5) attacks each from Dera Bugti,

Nasirabad, and Panjgur. Two attacks in

Gwadar caused 22 deaths, and three (3)

reported attacks from Ziarat claimed 11

lives.

Table 2: Terrorist Attacks in

Balochistan in 2019


Dera Bugti 5 1 8

Duki 1 1 0

Gwadar 2 22 6

Harnai 3 7 1

Jafarabad 2 1 0

Kech 9 9 24

Kharan 1 0 3

Khuzdar 1 4 0

Lasbela 1 0 3

Loralai 6 28 33

Mastung 3 2 3

Nasirabad 5 8 61

Panjgur 5 6 23

Pishin 3 1 12

Qilla Abdullah 8 9 33

Qilla Saifullah 1 1 0


Quetta 22 56 209

Sibi 1 0 0

Washuk 2 4 4

Ziarat 3 11 13

Total 84 171 436

In addition to the terrorist attacks listed at

Table 3, multiple violent incidents of other

types also took place in Balochistan in

2019. These included 11 operational

strikes against militants, 6

clashes/encounters between security

forces and militants, and 4 major terror

bids, among others. On the whole, 106

incidents of violence of different types

happened in the province, which claimed

225 lives and injured 456 others.

Meanwhile, though the reported 84

terrorist attacks in Balochistan hit diverse

targets, as many as 42, or over 50

percent, targeted security forces and law

enforcement agencies. As many as 10

attacks apparently targeted civilians, and

another 7 attacks hit sectarian targets.

(See Table 2a)

Table 2a: Targets Hit by Terrorists in

Balochistan in 2019

Targets No. of

Attacks Kil

led

Inju

red

Security forces/law

enforcement

42 85 169

Non-Bloch settlers/

workers

1 3 1

Gas pipelines 2 0 0

Tribal elders 1 3 0


42

Targets No. of

Attacks Kil

led

Inju

red

Civilians 10 18 57

Shia religious

scholars/community

5 26 71

Worship places/

shrines/ imam bargahs

2 9 53

Govt. offices/public

property (hospitals,

banks etc.)

1 0 10

Sunni religious

leaders/community

2 3 2

Political

leaders/workers

4 8 14

NGO / civil society

members

1 2 0

Foreign interests/

Diplomats/Foreigners

1 0 0

Unknown 2 3 1


Health/polio workers,

security escorts

1 1 1

Pro-govt tribesmen/

peace committee

members

2 1 20




Total 84 171 436

2.2.1 Attacks by Baloch Insurgents


different Baloch insurgent groups carried

out 51 terrorist attacks in 16 districts of

Balochistan in 2019. These attacks killed

71 people – compared to 85 in 2017 – and

injured 162 others.

As in the previous year, Kech faced the

highest number of Baloch insurgents’

attacks (9), followed by provincial capital

Quetta (8 attacks). Meanwhile Baloch

insurgents targeted each of Dera Bugti,

Nasirabad, and Panjgur districts with 5

attacks. Two reported attacks by BLA and

BRAS claimed 22 lives in Gwadar, highest

casualties in such attacks reported from

any one district of Balochistan.

The attack tactics employed by the Baloch

insurgents included 29 IEDs blasts, 19

incidents of firing or targeted killing, 2

grenade attacks, and one rocket attack.

Out of total 51 attacks perpetrated by

Baloch insurgents, as many as 28, or 55

percent, targeted security and law-

enforcement personnel, their convoys and

check-posts. These attacks killed 37

people – 17 FC men, 11 army soldiers, one

policemen, one Levies personnel, as well

as 4 civilians and 3 militants – and injured

74 others. These attacks were reported

from 11 districts of Balochistan with 8 such

attacks from Kech, 5 from Quetta, 4 from

Panjgur, and 3 from Mastung.

Some relatively more intense attacks by

the Baloch insurgents – mainly by BLF,

BRAS, BLA, BRA, and Lashkar-e-

Balochistan – against security forces in the

year 2019 are listed below:

− February 17: Four FC men were killed

in an ambush by BLF militants in

Goran area of Panjgur district.

Apparently Baloch militants launched

the attack during shifting of FC men

between two pickets established in the


43

mountainous area. The militants took

away weapons of deceased FC men

also.41

− April 18: At least 14 people, including

11 personnel of Navy, Air Force and

Coast Guards, were killed by gunmen

wearing security uniforms after they

were picked up with the help of their

Computerized National Identity Cards

(CNICs) and offloaded from seven

buses in the Buzi Pass area near

Ormara in Gwadar district. An alliance

of three banned militant organisations,

the Balochistan Liberation Front,

Balochistan Republican Army and

Baloch Republican Guard, claimed

responsibility for the killings.42

− April 22: At least 12 people, including

two officials of the Counter Terrorism

Department (CTD), were injured in a

bomb explosion in Nasirabad district.

The explosive device was planted in a

motorcycle parked at a bus stand on

Quetta-Karachi National Highway,

which was detonated when a vehicle

of CTD reached there.43

− May 9: An FC vehicle was targeted

with a landmine that killed two FC men

and one civilian. Security forces

personnel were going to investigate an

incident of target killing of laborers in

a coalmine in Harnai.44

− July 27: Four Frontier Corps personnel,

including an officer, were martyred

when terrorists opened fire on them

near Turbat. According to the ISPR,

the attack took place when the FC

Balochistan troops were carrying out a

combing and sensitisation operation

between Hoshab and Turbat area.45

− November 15: Terrorists parked an

explosives-laden motorcycle at the

roadside in the Kuchlak Bypass area of

Quetta and detonated it with a

remote control when an FC vehicle

was passing through the area. Three

FC men were killed and four others

seriously injured in the blast.46

Baloch insurgent groups apparently also

targeted civilians in 6 attacks that caused

14 deaths and inflicted injuries on another

31 people. Few of these attacks caused

significant casualties. For one, on March

14th, two people were killed and 11 others

injured in a bomb blast in the busy

Cheetkan Bazaar in Panjgur, reportedly

carried out by the BLA. Those killed were

burnt to death, as they were sitting in a

car, which caught fire after the blast. Most

of the injured were passers-by.47 Later, on

May 11th, militants wearing uniforms of

security forces stormed the Pearl

Continental Hotel in Gwadar. The Army

announced on May 12th a successful

completion of the clearance operation

saying four hotel employees and a Navy

soldier embraced martyrdom while all

three attackers were eliminated. The

banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)

Majeed Brigade claimed responsibility for

the attack and named the militants

involved in it. The building of the hotel

was badly damaged due to overnight


44

explosions and rocket fire; 4th floor has

been destroyed.48

Meanwhile a combined total of 5 attacks

by Baloch insurgents targeted political

leaders and pro-government tribesmen or

peace committee members. Six people

were killed and 23 others in these attacks.

On February 24th, militants targeted the

clinic of Dr Ishaq, provincial member of a

peace committee, with a bomb that was

planted in a motorcycle. The incident

happened near Mazdoor Chowk, DM

Jamail. One person was killed and 18

others were injured in the blast including

Dr Ishaq. 49 On the same day, allegedly

BLA militants shot dead Haji Akbar Jamali,

brother of a Balochistan Awami Party

leader Mir Sanjar Khan Jamali, in

Jaffarabad and managed to escape.50 In a

major attack reported from Khuzdar, a

central leader of Balochistan National Party

Nawabzada Mir Amamullah Khan was

killed along with a grandson and 2 guards

in a targeted attack near Bulbul villager.51

Baloch militants also targeted non-Baloch

settlers/workers in one attack in

Nasirabad. Reportedly, three laborers were

gunned down and another suffered injury

in the Manjoshori area of Nasirabad district

on May 14th. All the victims belonged to

the Tando Adam area of Sindh.52 Similarly,

a social worker and former in-charge of

local Edhi Centre, Baz Mohammad, was

shot dead with a friend in Mahajir Adha in

Loralai. Mr Mohammad was mobilising the

people for taking part in a protest against

a recent terrorist attack on Frontier Corps

(FC) training centre when armed men

riding a motorcycle opened fire on his

vehicle.53

In all, 5 attacks by Baloch militants

targeted railways tracks/trains and gas

pipelines. In one of these attacks reported

from Nasirabad district on March 17th,

four passengers of Quetta-bound Jaffar

Express, including a woman and her 10-

year-old daughter, were killed and over 30

others injured in a bomb blast at a railway

track near Dera Murad Jamali. About 10 kg

heavy IED was exploded with a remote

control. The blast damaged 400-foot-long

portion of the track and derailed seven

coaches of the passenger train.54

Separately, two brothers were shot dead

by unidentified attackers in the Killi Shabo

area of Quetta. The killed were former

Baloch militants, named Daro Khan and

Abdul Aziz, who had abandoned militancy

against the state last year by surrendering

their weapons to security forces.55

2.2.2 Attacks by Religiously-inspired

Militants

The TTP, its splinter group Hizbul Ahrar,

and some other militants with similar

objectives perpetrated 26 attacks in

Balochistan, compared to 35 attacks by

them in the year before. These attacks

killed 69 people, compared to 261 killed in

such attacks in 2018, and injured 197

others. Most of these attacks by so-called


45

religiously inspired groups concentrated in

areas with larger Pashtun populations

including Quetta (9 attacks), Qilla Abdulla’s

Chaman area (7), Loralai (4), Pishin (3),

Qilla Saifullah (one attack), besides

sporadic attacks carried out by TTP and

others in Ziarat and Duki districts (one

attack each).

Like Baloch militants, the religiously

inspired militant groups also frequently

targeted security forces and law

enforcement agencies; 14 attacks hitting

security personnel killed 48 and injured 95

others. Four (4) such attacks hit civilians,

another two worship places, while sporadic

attacks also targeted tribal elders,

government officials, media, political

leaders and polio vaccination workers.

The TTP and related groups hit security

forces hard in Loralai and Quetta with a

total of 13 attacks killing 51 people and

wounding 155 others. Similarly, a single

reported TTP attack from Ziarat against

security personnel claimed the lives of 6

Levies officials. Loralai is connected to

South Punjab on the east and to Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa on the north through some

main national highway arteries. It has thus

three-way connectivity, i.e. to south

Punjab, KP, and central, Baloch-populated

Balochistan. That implies that Baloch

insurgents as well as Taliban and other

religiously inspired groups could expand

their outreach to Loralai fairly easily. That

also indicates that militants could focus on

those parts of Balochistan, which

historically did not remain hotspots of

militancy and thus did not attract attention

of security forces.

Some major attacks perpetrated by the

TTP and similar groups against security

forces in Loralai, neighboring Ziarat

district, as well as the provincial capital

Quetta are narrated below.

− January 1: Four security personnel

were martyred and four others injured

while trying to prevent militants from

entering a compound inside a training

centre of the Frontier Corps (FC) in the

cantonment area of Loralai district.

Four attackers, including a suicide

bomber, were also killed in the clash.

The TTP claimed the attack.56

− January 29: A gun-and-suicide attack

on the office of DIG police in Loralai

killed nine people and injured 21

others. The incident happened when

about 800 candidates were taking a

written test. Reportedly, three

attackers entered the compound after

throwing grenades on gatekeepers

and opening fire. When the security

men retaliated, two attackers blew

their suicide vests on the DIG office

premises; the third was killed in police

firing. DIG Nisar Tanoli was rescued.57

The TTP was involved in the attack.

− February 16: TTP militants opened fire

on security forces in Loralai killing 2

FC officials Allauddin and Anwar and

injuring one passerby Shamsullah.58


46

− March 20: The TTP militants armed

with automatic weapons came on

motorcycles and assaulted a Levies

check post on Sanjavi-Loralai Road in

Ziarat. Six Levies personnel manning

the check-post were martyred in this

sudden terrorist attack.59

− May 13: Four policemen of Rapid

Response Group were martyred and

11 people including five cops were

injured in a motorcycle bomb blast in

the Satellite Town area of Quetta.

The blast targeted a police van that

had just arrived to provide security to

the people offering taraveeh prayers

at a mosque. The TTP claimed the

attack.60

− June 26: Three suicide bombers, in an

attempt to cross the Loralai Police

Lines gate, opened fire on policemen

deployed there and in an ensuing

exchange of fire one of the suicide

bombers was killed, while his two

accomplices managed to enter the

premises. Security forces chased the

two bombers during which another

bomber detonated his vest while police

killed the third attacker. The incident

left a policeman martyred and five

others, including a woman and two

police constables, wounded.61

− July 30: Militants planted a bomb in a

motorcycle, parked it close to the

patrolling vehicle of the city police

station, Quetta and detonated it by

remote control. Five people died and

32 others were injured including 4

policemen. Another injured died later

in a hospital in Karachi. The TTP

claimed the attack.62

At least 9 people were killed in two

separate bomb blasts in mosques in

Quetta, in May and August respectively.

First, on May 24th, four people including

the prayer leader and a minor were killed

and 28 others injured in a bomb blast in a

mosque in the Pashtoonabad area of

Quetta. The prayer leader Ataur Rehman

was the apparent target of the bomb

attack as the timed explosive device

weighing over 2kg was placed under the

wooden chair he used for delivering Friday

sermon.63 Later on August 16th, a bomb

blast inside a mosque in Kuchlak just

before Friday prayers killed five people,

including the prayer leader, and left 25

others injured. Locals said the prayer

leader Hafiz Hamdullah, who lost his life in

the blast, was a younger brother of Afghan

Taliban leader Mullah Haibatullah. 64 Next

day, i.e. on August 17th, a prayer leader

Muhammad Azam was killed in a targeted

attack in Kuchlak. He was sitting in a shop

when some men opened fire him and fled

on motorbike. Azam was an Afghan citizen

and led prayers at the Usman bin Afaan

mosque for many years.65

Attacks by the militants of the TTP and its

ilk also targeted civilians, political leaders,

polio workers, and tribal elders in

Balochistan. In one of these attacks, a

veteran tribal leader Wali Mohammad

Ghebzai aka Pehalwan was travelling with


47

his two companions when an explosion hit

their vehicle in the Gulistan area of Qilla

Abdullah. All three were killed in the

blast.66 In Quetta, two people were killed

on the spot and 19 others were injured

including 4 children in a blast reportedly

carried out by the TTP militants; one of

the injured later died in hospital. Terrorists

had planted an explosive device on a

bicycle and parked it in front of a medical

store and later detonated the bicycle with

a remote control. 67 Separately, a senior

leader of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F)

Maulana Mohammad Hanif and two others

including a young boy were killed and at

least 11 others were injured when a

motorbike bomb explosion ripped through

the main bazaar of Chaman, a border town

in Qilla Abdullah. 68 In another attack

reported from Chaman, a woman polio

worker was killed and another injured in

an attack in the Killi Sultanzai area of

Daman Miralizai Union Council, near the

Afghan border. Reportedly, the polio team

was neither accompanied by any security

guard nor was provided official transport.69

2.2.3 Sectarian-related Attacks

As many as 7 sectarian-related attacks

were also reported from Balochistan in

2019, compared to 6 such attacks in the

previous year. These attacks killed 31

people, as compared to 8 in the year

before, and injured 77 others.

All these attacks concentrated in Quetta

and Ziarat districts only and mostly

targeted Hazara Shia community with the

exception of one attack against each of

the Sunni and Bohra community members.

Details on sectarian-related attacks

reported from Balochistan are given

below:

− March 26: Gunmen on motorbikes

attacked Balochistan University

Superintendent Syed Hussain Shah

near Quetta’s Sariab bridge while he

was on his way to the university. Shah

subscribed to Shia sect of Islam and a

police officer said it was an incident of

target killing.70

− March 31: Unknown militants entered

the hujra of Masjid-i-Nabvi in Quetta's

Goharabad area and opened

indiscriminate fire, killing prayer leader

Maulana Abdul Hayee Mengal and

Abdul Aziz Sasoli. Two other people

suffered serious injuries.71

− April 12: At least 20 people were killed

and around 48 injured in a suicide

blast in Hazarganji fruit and vegetable

market in an area largely populated by

Hazaras. Eight Hazara community

members, an FC official and two

children were among the dead. Qari

Hussain Force, an affiliate of Tehreek-

e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), later claimed

responsibility and said they carried out

the attack jointly with Lashkar-e-

Jhangvi (LeJ). Qari Saifullah, a

spokesman of LeJ, told CNN that they

perpetrated the attack targeting

Hazara community. Later, Islamic


48

State (IS) group, also known as ISIS

or Daesh, also claimed the attack and

released the bomber's photo.72

− May 30: A suspected would-be suicide

bomber wearing a lady’s dress tried to

enter an imam bargah in Quetta. At

being stopped by the policemen, he

hurled a grenade at the security

personnel injuring a policeman. The

other policemen at the gate opened

fire on the suspect, injuring him, who

later died of his injuries.73

− June 7: A group of Shia Hazara

community was returning to Quetta

from Ziarat when explosives planted in

their van went off near the Kawas

area. Two persons were killed and 9

injured. 74 On the same day, a blast

took place in a vehicle in which some

members of the Bohra community

belonging to Karachi were going to

Ziarat to spend their holidays there.

Three members of a family were killed

in the blast and 4 others were

injured.75

− August 6: A Hazara shopkeeper was

killed and 13 others were wounded in

a bomb explosion in a shoe market

near busy Meezan Chowk, Quetta. The

roof of the shop, where the blast

occurred, was shattered and around a

dozen shops were damaged.76

2.3 Sindh

Compared to 12 in the year before, 14

terrorist attacks happened in Sindh

province – 10 in Karachi alone and 4 in

interior Sindh – which killed a total of 18

people and injured 2 others. Six of these

attacks were sectarian-related targeted

killings of Sunni and Shia leaders and

community members, all of which were

reported from Karachi. Meanwhile some

unknown militants, apparently religiously

inspired, carried out 4 attacks killing 8

people and injuring 2 others. Sindhi

nationalist groups Sindhudesh Liberation

Army (SDLA), Sindhudesh Revolution Army

(SDRA) and a Baloch insurgent group BLA

were involved in another 4 attacks

reported from Sindh, which claimed four

(4) lives.

Out of the total 14 reported attacks from

Sindh, 7 targeted Shia and Sunni religious

leaders and community members, another

3 attacks each hit security forces/law

enforcement personnel and civilians, and

one attack hit one unspecified target.

As many as 11 out of the total 14 reported

attacks from Sindh employed firing or

direct infantry fire, and 3 attacks used

IEDs of different types.

Table 3: Terrorist Attacks in Sindh in

2019

Types of Attacks No. of


By nationalist

insurgents 4 4 0

By Taliban and

similar militants 4 8 2

Terrorist attacks

[sectarian-related] 6 6 0

Total 14 18 2


49

Regional distribution of terrorist attacks in

Sindh in the year 2019 is given at Table

3a.

Table 3a: Regional Distribution of

Terrorist Attacks in Sindh

Location No. of


Hyderabad 1 0 0

Karachi 10 14 2

Kashmore 1 1 0

Larkana 1 3 0

Nawabshah 1 0 0

Total 14 18 2

2.3.1 Karachi

Out of 10 reported attacks from Karachi,

which represented an increase of 11

percent from the year before, as many as

6 were incidents of sectarian target

killings carried out by factions of violent

Sunni and Shia sectarian groups, Lashkar-

e-Jhangvi and Sipah-e-Muhammad,

respectively. Unknown religiously inspired

militants perpetrated 4 attacks that

claimed 8 lives and wounded two others.

Four of the sectarian-related terrorist

attacks targeted Shia religious community

and were apparently perpetrated by

banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. These attacks

claimed the lives of Fida Hussain, 55, a

Shia Muslim hailing from Gilgit;

Mohammad Ali Shah, an official of the

Karachi Development Authority and the

Shia Ulema Council’s vice-president; A

young man Wajahat Abbas; and Dr Haider

Askari, 58, a cardiac specialist.

Two sectarian-related attacks in Karachi

separately target killed two Sunni Muslims

including Muhammad Umar, a former

associate of Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan

(SSP) and Nadeem Yasin, an office-bearer

of the SSP in Liaquatabad area.

Separately, Renowned Islamic Scholar

Mufti Taqi Usmani and his family survived

a gun attack on two cars that left a police

guard and a driver dead and two others

wounded in Gulshan-i-Iqbal area of

Karachi. The Mufti survived the

assassination attempt as he was sitting on

the back seat of the car along with his

family members. One of the injured Mufti

Amir Shahab died on April 3 in Jinnah

Hospital.77

Meanwhile, two terrorist attacks in Karachi

targeted police officials causing deaths to

3 policemen. First, on March 4th, a police

assistant sub-inspector Rizwan Karim was

shot dead in a suspected targeted attack

in Orangi Town area of Karachi. He had

survived an attempt on his life in 2012.78

Later in June, two policemen of the Sindh

Reserve Police (SRP), Ahmed Ali, 40, and

Allah Dino, 39, were gunned down in a

targeted attack in Orangi Town. After an

investigation of over 2 weeks, police said

that two LeJ militants, who had escaped

from prison in 2017, were involved in the

killing. The suspects were identified as

Mumtaz alias Firoun and Ahmed Khan alias

Munna.79


50

In an apparent attack against civilians, two

men were killed and another was critically

wounded when two men on a motorcycle

opened indiscriminate fire on people on a

roadside teashop in Gulistan-i-Jauhar.

Police termed it a terrorist attack aimed at

creating fear.80

2.3.2 Interior Sindh

Compared to 3 in previous year, as many

as 4 terrorist attacks took place in interior

parts of Sindh including Hyderabad,

Kashmore, Larkana and Nawabshah. While

the Baloch insurgent group BLA reportedly

perpetrated the attack in Kashmore, Sindhi

nationalist insurgent groups Sindhudesh

Revolutionary Army and Sindhudesh

Liberation Army were found involved in

other three attacks. In all, 4 people lost

their lives in these attacks, including 3 in

Larkana alone. Reportedly, 3 laborers

hailing from Bajaur in KP were killed when

unknown militants opened fire on a

rickshaw they were traveling in. The

incident happened near Naudero Sugar

Mills at Sukkur-Larkana Bypass. 81 In

Kashmore, an FC official Waqas lost his life

in a landmine blast. As cited earlier, the

Baloch insurgent groups are usually

involved in attacks in Kashmore district of

Sindh that borders on Sui and Dera Bugti

areas of Balochistan. 82 The reported

attacks from Nawabshah and Hyderabad

were low intensity IED blasts that did not

cause any casualty; both these attacks

apparently targeted civilians.

2.3.3 Ethno-Political Violence in

Karachi

There has been a steep downturn in the

incidents of ethnic/political violence in

Karachi since 2013 when the Rangers-led

security operation started there. Since

2016 this type of violence has almost

become negligible when compared to the

preceding years. In 2019, 3 incidents of

political violence claimed 4 lives in the

city. Those killed in these incidents

included a worker of Muttahida Qaumi

Movement – Pakistan’s (MQM-P); two

workers of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-

Insaf (PTI); and a leader of the Pak

Sarzameen Party (PSP), Abdul Habib.

Chart 1: Trends of Ethno-political

Violence in Karachi (2013-19)

2.4 Punjab

One more than previous year, 5 terrorist

attacks took place in Punjab including two

2 in Lahore, one in Rawalpindi, and 2 in

south Punjab’s Rahim Yar Khan and

183

67

235 1 5 3

222

101

263

1

5 4

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Incidents Killed


51

Rajanpur districts. As many as 21 people

lost their lives, compared to 20 in the year

before, and 41 others were injured in

these attacks.

Hizbul Ahrar, a splinter group of the TTP,

perpetrated 3 of these attacks in Lahore

and Rawalpindi killing 8 policemen and 7

civilians. Baloch insurgent groups BLA and

BRA were reportedly involved in two

attacks reported from south Punjab, which

claimed 5 lives.

Three of the total 5 reported attacks from

Punjab targeted security and law

enforcement personnel, including a suicide

blast in Lahore that hit an Elite Police

vehicle. One attack hit a gas pipeline and

another one targeted civilians.

Table 4: Terrorist Attacks in Punjab in

2019


Lahore 2 13 37

Rahim Yar

Khan

1 0 0

Rajanpur 1 5 0

Rawalpindi 1 3 4

Total 5 21 41

Details on these attacks are provided

below:

− January 8: A Karachi-Islamabad re-

gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG)

pipeline was targeted in a timed

explosive device in Rahim Yar Khan.

The explosives were planted in the

pipeline at Bhong Road in Sadiqabad,

which damaged a section of the

pipeline thus disrupting the supply. 83

The BRA was reportedly behind the

attack.

− February 21: One police official was

killed and another four officials,

including two sub-inspectors, as well

as 2 civilians were injured when a

young militant having pistols in his

both hands opened fire at a check post

in Sadiqabad area of Rawalpindi.

The attacker was on foot and

managed to escape after the attack.

Hizbul Ahrar was involved in the

attack. Another injured policeman died

later in hospital on March 1st, raising

the death toll to 2. On March 15,

another injured policeman, sub-

inspector Akram, also died.84

− May 8: A suicide bomber blew himself

up near an Elite Police van at a gate of

Data Darbar shrine in Lahore, leaving

11 people dead including the bomber

and 25 others wounded; five police

officials were among those killed. Two

of those injured later died in hospital

raising the death toll to 13. Hizbul

Ahrar claimed the attack.85

− November 11: A joint team of police

and security forces was moving

towards an area in Rojhan, Rajanpur

to launch an anti-militant operation

when militants sitting in ambush

opened fire on it. As a result, ASI

Saqlain Shah and constable Alamdar

Shah of the Elite Force were killed


52

along with 3 others. 86 The BLA was

allegedly involved in the attack.

− November 29: Fourteen people were

injured when a bomb exploded in a

stationary rickshaw near Chauburji on

Multan Road, Lahore. The attack

came a day after the Anti-Terrorism

Court sentenced the main facilitator in

Data Darbar’s suicide bombing in May

to death. Hizbul Ahrar claimed the

attack, which had also perpetrated the

May blast.87

2.5 Islamabad

In a single reported terrorist attack from

Islamabad in 2019, two policemen were

killed and another injured in an attack on a

security picket. The incident took place

near the old toll plaza on I.J. Principal

Road, Islamabad where a team of police

officials was deployed to scan suspicious

vehicles.88

2.6 Suicide Attacks

The number of suicide attacks posted a 79

percent decline from previous year.

Compared to 19 suicide attacks in 2018, as

many as four (4) such attacks happened in

2019 – two in Balochistan and one each in

Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These

attacks claimed 55 lives – compared to

317 in 2018 – and injured 122 others.

The TTP was involved in two of these

attacks – the one reported from Loralai

(Balochistan) and another from DI Khan

(KP) – which targeted security forces

causing the death of a total of 21 people

including 10 civilians, seven (7) policemen

and four (4) suicide bombers. The Islamic

State (IS) terrorist group claimed one

sectarian-related suicide attack that

targeted Hazara community in Quetta

killing 21 people, including the bomber,

and wounding 48 others. Meanwhile a

suicide bomber associated with Hizbul

Ahrar targeted a police van in Lahore that

caused 13 fatalities – 5 policemen, 7

civilians and one bomber – and injuries to

23 others.

Those killed in suicide attacks in 2019

included 36 civilians, 12 policemen, and

one FC man, as well as 6 militants

including suicide bombers. Those injured

included 107 civilians, and 15 policemen.

Table 5: Suicide Attacks in Pakistan

in 2019


Lahore 1 13 23

Punjab Total 1 13 23

Loralai 1 12 21

Quetta 1 21 48

Balochistan Total

2 33 69

D.I Khan 1 9 30

KP Total 1 9 30 Pakistan Total

4 55 122

These suicide blasts are re-narrated below,

despite their description in respective

sections on regional security landscapes.


53

− January 29: A gun-and-suicide attack

on the office of DIG police in Loralai

killed nine people and injured 21

others. The incident happened when

about 800 candidates were taking a

written test. Reportedly, three

attackers entered the compound after

throwing grenades on gatekeepers

and opening fire. When the security

men retaliated, two attackers blew

their suicide vests on the DIG office

premises; the third was killed in police

firing. DIG Nisar Tanoli was rescued.89

− April 12: At least 20 people were killed

and around 48 injured in a suicide

blast in Hazarganji fruit and vegetable

market of Quetta. Eight Hazara

community members, an FC official

and two children were among the

dead. Qari Hussain Force, an affiliate

of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP),

later claimed responsibility and said

they carried out the attack jointly with

LeJ. Qari Saifullah, a spokesman of

LeJ, told CNN that they perpetrated

the attack targeting Hazara

community. Islamic State group, or

Daesh, also claimed the attack and

released the bomber's photo.90

− May 8: A suicide bomber blew himself

up near an Elite Police van at a gate of

Data Darbar shrine in Lahore, leaving

11 people dead including the bomber

and 25 others wounded; five police

officials were among those killed. Two

of those injured later died in hospital

raising the death toll to 13. Hizbul

Ahrar claimed the attack.91

− July 21: Reportedly a woman suicide

bomber in a black shuttlecock burqa

exploded her vest near the entrance of

Trauma Centre of the district

headquarters hospital in DI Khan

when the bodies of two policemen

killed earlier in an attack were brought

there. Eight people including 4

policemen and four civilians, including

a minor girl, were killed and 30 others

wounded in the suicide bombing,

claimed by the TTP Khorasani group.92

2.7 Sectarian Violence

Two more from previous year, 14

incidents of sectarian violence took place

in 2019 – all sectarian-related terrorist

attacks by violent sectarian groups,

without any incident of armed sectarian

clash between sectarian groups or

communities and individuals. The number

of people killed in such incidents

decreased by over 25 percent, from 51 in

2018 to 38 in 2019.

Rival Sunni and Shia violent sectarian

groups – mainly factions of Lashkar-e-

Jhangvi and Sipah-e-Muhammad,

respectively – as well as ISIS-affiliates

were involved in perpetrating these

attacks.

Out of the 14 reported sectarian attacks,

as many as 10 targeted Shia religious

community and scholars, another 3 Sunni


54

community members and leaders while

one attack targeted Bohra community in

Ziarat.

A combined total of 11 sectarian-related

attacks, or over 78 percent of the total 14

such attacks, happened in Karachi (6

attacks) and Quetta (5 attacks) alone. A

major sectarian-related suicide attack

targeted Hazara community members in

Quetta causing significant casualties (21

deaths; 48 injured). Two sectarian-related

attacks were reported form Ziarat in

Balochistan that claimed 5 lives, and one

such attack happened in DI Khan district

of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Chart 2: Trends of Sectarian Violence

(2014-2019)

As cited earlier, most of the reported

incidents of sectarian violence were

concentrated in Quetta and Karachi (11

attacks, or over 78 Percent of total such

attacks). (See Chart 3)

Chart 3: Sectarian Flashpoints in

2019

Most of the sectarian-related attacks in

2019 were incidents of targeted killing or

firing (9 attacks). Four such attacks

employed IEDs including one suicide

bombing. One attack was carried out with

hand grenade blast.

Balochistan suffered most from sectarian

violence where 7 sectarian-related attacks

killed 31 people and injured 77 others.

Meanwhile, as cited earlier, 6 such attacks

claimed as many lives in Karachi, provincial

capital of Sindh. One sectarian attack

claimed one life in DI Khan, in Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa province.

144

5834 20 12 14

255

272

104

7451 38

332

285

162

106

45

78

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Injured

Killed

Karachi Quetta

6 56

26

40

64

Sectarian-related Attacks Killed Injured


55

Table 6: Incidents of Sectarian

Violence in 2019

Province District Attacks Killed Injured

Balo

chis

tan Quetta 5 26 64

Ziarat 2 5 13

Balochistan

Total 7 31 77

Sin

dh

Karachi 6 6 0

Sindh Total 6 6 0

Khyber

Pakhtu

n

khw

a

DI Khan 1 1 1

KP Total 1 1 1

Pakistan Total 14 38 78

While the reported sectarian-related

attacks from Balochistan are described at

length under the section 2.2.3 of this

report, such attacks recorded in KP and

Karachi are narrated below.

In January, 3 sectarian-related attacks

happened in Karachi. First, on January 3,

Fida Hussain, 55, a Shia Muslim hailing

from Gilgit was shot dead at his medical

store located in Sector 48-D of Korangi-2.

Armed pillion riders attacked him and fled.

A Majlis-i-Wahdatul Muslimeen

spokesperson said that it was a sectarian

killing.93 A Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (leJ) faction

was reportedly involved in the targeted

assassination. Over a week later, two

armed motorcyclists turned up at a shop in

Korangi-1 and asked for a bottle of honey.

As the shop owner, Mohammad Umer, 35,

moved back to fetch it, the suspects

opened fire on him and fled; Umer later

died at a hospital. The deceased had

remained associated with the banned

Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan. 94 A faction of

Shia Sipah-e-Muhammad could be

involved. Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ),

a reported reincarnation of violent Sunni

sectarian group Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan,

later also protested against the killing.

Later in the month, on January 22nd,

gunmen riding on a motorcycle killed

Mohammad Ali Shah, an official of the

Karachi Development Authority, while he

was travelling in a car near Shahrah-e-

Quaideen. Shah was also the Shia Ulema

Council’s vice-president.95

On February 2nd, a young shopkeeper

Nadeem Yasin was killed in a suspected

sectarian attack on the New Preedy Street

near Saddar Parking Plaza, Karachi. The

deceased was an office-bearer of the

banned Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan in

Liaquatabad area. 96 In a related attack

reported from the city in March, a young

man Wajahat Abbas, adhering to Shia sect

of Islam, was shot dead by 2 motorcyclists

in an act of target killing in Orangi Town,

Karachi. The victim had just come from

Italy to attend his brother's wedding.97 In

a similar target killing of a Shia Muslim on

August 30th, Dr. Haider Askari, 58, was

driving home after performing his duties at

a government hospital in Korangi when

two armed motorcyclists shot him injured

near KDA Market in Block 3. He later died

in hospital. The Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen


56

said that Dr Askari, a cardiac specialist,

was killed on sectarian grounds.98

One such attack happened in DI Khan on

July 31st. Reportedly, two motorcycles

arrived at an electrician shop in Landa

Adda and opened fire on Imdad Hussain

Baloch, a resident of Hazara Kacha,

leaving him dead on the spot. From there,

the assailants went to a clinic of Sajjad

Hussain Baloch, a homeopathic doctor,

and fired at him, leaving him injured.

Reportedly, six family members of the

slain, Imdad Hussain, had already been

targeted and killed.99

2.8 Violence against Political

Leaders and Workers

Compared with the election year of 2018,

there was a significant decline in 2019 both

in the number of terrorist attacks against

political leaders and workers as well as

incidents of political violence largely

directed against members, supporters and

leaders of political parties.

Compared to 24 such attacks in previous

year, as many as 9 terrorist attacks in

2019 targeted political leaders and

workers, including 5 in Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa and 4 in Balochistan. These

attacks claimed the lives of 11 people –

compared to 218 in 2018 when militants

had hit hard political leaders and other

election-related targets – and injured 19

others. Six of these attacks were carried

out by the TTP, Hizbul Ahrar and other

similar groups, while another 3 attacks

were perpetrated by Baloch nationalists,

mainly the BLA.

Similarly, incidents of political and election-

related violence among activists and

supporters of different parties also

dropped significantly, from 22 in 2018 to 8

in 2019.

When counted together, 17 reported

incidents of violence in 2019 – including

terrorist attacks against political

leaders/workers as well as incidents of

political violence cited earlier – claimed the

lives of 17 people – compared to 229 in

the year before – and injured 26 others.

Chart 4: Violence against Political

Leaders, Workers in 2019

98

17

11

6

17

19

7

26

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Terrorist Attacks Incidents ofPolitical &

Election-relatedViolence

Total

No. of Incidents Killed Injured


57

2.8.1 Terrorist Attacks on Political

Leaders

As cited earlier, 9 reported terrorist attacks

in 2019 targeted political leaders and

workers, claiming 11 lives and injuring 19

others. Five such attacks happened in KP

and 4 in Balochistan. (See Chart 5)

Some prominent leaders killed in these

attacks included Haji Akbar Jamali, brother

of a Balochistan Awami Party leader Mir

Sanjar Khan Jamali, in Jaffarabad; Sartaj

Khan, president of the Awami National

Party Peshawar city chapter in Peshawar;

a central leader of Balochistan National

Party Nawabzada Mir Amamullah Khan in

Khuzdar; a senior leader of the Jamiat

Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) Maulana Mohammad

Hanif in Chaman; and Mian Gul Jan, senior

vice-president of Pakistan People Party

(PPP), Bajaur chapter, in Bajaur.

Chart 5: Terrorist Attacks on Political

Leaders/Workers in 2019

Awami National Party (ANP) faced the

highest number of terrorist attacks (4)

compared to any other party; TTP and

Hizbul Ahrar groups carried out attacks

against the party in Bajaur and Peshawar.

Two terrorist attacks targeted leaders of

Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), which

currently rules in Balochistan. Leaders of

Balochistan National Party (BNP), Jamiat

Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), and Pakistan

People’s Party (PPP) also came under

terrorist attacks in 2019. (See Table7)

Table 7: Distribution of Attacks in

Terms of Targets and Areas

Ta

rge

t

No

. o

f A

tta

ck

s

Ge

og

rap

hic

al

Sp

rea

d o

f

Att

ack

s

Re

sp

on

sib

le

Gro

up

s

ANP 4 KP (Bajaur,

Peshawar);

TTP, Hizbul

Ahrar,

unknown

BAP 2 Balochistan

(Jaffarabad,

Kharan);

BLA

BNP-

M

1 Balochistan

(Khuzdar)

Nationalist

insurgents

JUI-F 1 Balochistan

(Chaman)

Unknown

militants

PPP 1 KP (Bajaur) Unknown

militants

Total 9 Attacks

2.8.2 Political Violence

As cited earlier, the number of incidents of

political/ethnic violence took a significant KP Balochistan Total

54

9

3

8

11

5

14

19

No. of Attacks Killed Injured


58

downward turn, from 22 in 2018 to eight

(8) in the year under review. The number

of people killed in these incidents also

decreased, from 11 in 2018 to six (6) in

2019. Incidents of political and ethnic

violence were reported from six (6) districts

of the country including three (3) from

Karachi, and one incident each from Bajaur,

Bannu, Mansehra, South Waziristan and

Swat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Those killed in Karachi in such violence

included: a worker of Muttahida Qaumi

Movement – Pakistan’s (MQM-P); two

workers of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-

Insaf (PTI); and a leader of the Pak

Sarzameen Party (PSP), Abdul Habib.

Table 8: Incidents of Political/

Election-related Violence in Pakistan

Re

gio

n

Dis

tric

t

No

. o

f

Incid

en

ts

Kil

led

Inju

red

Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa

Bajaur 1 0 1

Bannu 1 1 1

Mansehra 1 0 4

South

Waziristan 1 0 0

Swat 1 1 0

KP Total 5 2 6

Sindh Karachi 3 4 1

Sindh Total 3 4 1

Total (Pakistan) 8 6 7

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, two people lost

their lives in incidents of political violence

including police inspector Zaheer in Bannu,

and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz local

leader Feroz Shah Advocate in Mingora.

2.9 Border Attacks

With a slight decline of over 2 percent

from the year before, a combined total of

128 cross-border attacks was reported

from Pakistan’s borders with Afghanistan

(4 attacks), India (123) and Iran (one

attack). Similarly, down by about 18

percent from 2018, a total of 91 people

were killed in these attacks; another 245

were also injured. Those 91 Pakistani

citizens killed in cross-border attacks

included 61 civilians, 29 army officials,

and one Rangers personnel.

The situation at Pakistan’s border with

India – mainly along the Line of Control

(LoC) in Azad Kashmir – remained

relatively more volatile, particularly after

February 26th when Indian military

planes violated the LoC, intruding from

the Muzaffarabad sector and reaching

Balakot, where they dropped their

payload in an open space after a quick

response from Pakistan Air Force, and

escaped. Next day, Indian Air Force

aircraft reportedly entered Pakistani

airspace following Pakistani Air Force

strikes across the LoC. According to ISPR

statement, PAF shot down two Indian

aircraft inside Pakistani airspace and

arrested one Indian pilot who was later

released as a gesture of peace.


59

In 2019, as many as 123 cross-border

attacks were reported form India –


which claimed 85 lives and injured 226

others in different districts of AJK as well

as along Sialkot Working Boundary.

Meanwhile while the single cross-border

attack from Iran did not cause any

casualty, 4 reported attacks from

Afghanistan killed 6 army soldiers and

injured 19 others in North Waziristan,

Upper Dir and Chitral; one such attack

also happened in Khyber but did not

cause any casualty.

Table 9: Border Attacks/Clashes in

2019

Nature of

Attack

No. of


Pak-Afghan

border 4 6 19

Pak-India border 123 85 226

Pak-Iran border 1 0 0

Total 128 91 245

2.9.1 Pak-Afghan

Down 75 percent from previous year, 4

cross-border attacks took place from

Afghanistan in multiple districts of Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa. These attacks claimed 6

lives – all army soldiers – and injured 19

others including 14 army soldiers and 5

civilians. Security forces and their check-

posts, mainly in parts of KP bordering on

Afghanistan, were targeted in all of these

attacks.

In March, Pakistani militants based in

Afghanistan targeted a Pakistani security

post in border town of Loe Shalman

(Khyber). Nobody was hurt on the

Pakistani side. The Pakistani border

security forces targeted militant positions

with heavy artillery after the incident and

reportedly damaged 3 hideouts of militants

in Afghanistan.100

In May, Pakistani Taliban militants

sheltered in Afghanistan perpetrated a

major cross-border attack inside North

Waziristan. Reportedly, three soldiers of

the Pakistan Army were martyred and

seven others suffered injuries in the

Alwara Mandai area of North Waziristan

tribal district when a group of between 60

to 70 terrorists from across the Afghan

border attacked the troops undertaking

the border fencing. A number of attackers

were killed and wounded while several

others fled as the Pakistan Army repulsed

the assault.101

Later in the year, in September, militants

opened fire from across the Pak-Afghan

border on Pakistani troops busy in fencing

the border. As a result, 3 soldiers were

martyred, identified as Lance Naik Said

Amin Afridi, Lance Naik Muhammad Shoaib

Swati, and Sepoy Kashif Ali, while one

soldier got injured.102

In October, Afghan security forces fired

mortars and heavy machine guns from

Nari district in the Kunar province

targeting civilian population in Arundu


60

village of Chitral. Six soldiers and five

civilians were injured during the ensuing

exchange of fire at the Pakistan-

Afghanistan border between security

forces of both sides.103

In a historic move in January 2019, the

government announced round-the-clock

opening of the Torkham border with

Afghanistan. “The decision taken on the

directive of Prime Minister Imran Khan had

the backing of the army and all other

stakeholders,” Adviser to the PM on

Establishment and Fata Reforms Shahzad

Arbab was quoted by media as saying.104

The action was seen as helpful in boosting

people to people contact as well as trade

ties between the two countries.

2.9.2 Pak-India

Out of 123 cross-border attacks by Indian

BSF, 117 concentrated along the LoC in

11 districts of AJK and one district of KP

(Mansehra). As many as 6 of these

attacks happened in Sialkot along the

Working Boundary with India. Kotli (33

attacks), Bhimber (22), Poonch (16),

Haveli (10) and Neelum (10 attacks) were

the AJK districts most affected by Indian

cross-border attacks and incursions.

Among those 85 Pakistani citizens killed in

cross-border violence from India were 61

civilians, 23 army soldiers and one Rangers

personnel.

Chart 6: Trends of Cross-border

Attacks from India in 2019

In January, as many as 11 out of the

reported 14 cross-border attacks from

India happened across the Line of Control

in Bagh, Bhimber, Hattian, Kotli, Neelum

and Poonch districts of Azad Jammu and

Kashmir (AJK). Three cross-border attacks

from India took place in Sialkot district

along the Working Boundary. These

attacks killed, in all, one soldier of Pakistan

army and three civilians. In one of these

attacks, indiscriminate shelling by Indian

troops targeted civilian population in

Athmuqam and surrounding hamlets of

Neelum district. A mortar shell landed in

the courtyard of a house in Bugna village,

killing Sajida Bibi, a 35-year-old mother of

six.105

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Injured

Killed

Cross-border attacks


61

In February, Indian Air Force made a

major cross-border incursion inside

Pakistan. Indian military planes violated

the Line of Control (LoC), intruding from

the Muzaffarabad sector in Azad Kashmir

and reaching Jaba, a small forest village

near Balakot in district Mansehra of KP.

After a timely response from Pakistan Air

Force, they dropped their payload, which

fell in an open space, and escaped. No loss

of life was reported in the incursion. 106

Local sources said a person was slightly

injured and his house was partially

damaged, which is situated close to the

place where Indian planes dropped bombs.

Some trees were also damaged in the

attack. Indians said they hit a militant

camp of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) and

killed dozens of militants; the JeM group

had claimed the Pulwama attack inside

India. The Indian claim was however

refuted by Pakistani government, local

people, as well as national and

international media.

A day later, Pakistani and Indian air forces

engaged in skirmishes along the LoC in

Bhimber district in which 2 IAF jet fighters

were destroyed and an Indian pilot

arrested, who was later freed by Pakistan

as a peace gesture. The incident flared up

the border with frequent clashes as

described below, after the table.

As many as 9 out of the reported 12 cross-

border attacks from India in February

happened across the Line of Control in

Poonch, Kotli, Bhimber, and Hattian

districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir

(AJK). Two cross-border attacks from India

took place in Sialkot district along the

Working Boundary and one happened in

Mansehra, KP. In all, these attacks killed 5

civilians and one Rangers personnel and

injured 22 civilians.

As many as 11 cross-border attacks were

recorded from India in March 2019 that

concentrated along the Line of Control in 5

different regions of Azad Jammu and

Kashmir (AJK). In all, 12 people were killed

and 38 others injured in these attacks.

Five of these attacks took place in Kotli

district alone causing 6 deaths and injuries

to another six people. Two such attacks in

Bhimber district of AJK killed 4 people and

injured 28 others. A single attack in

Hattian killed 2 and wounded 4 people.

Pakistan Army troops also shot down an

Indian spying quadcopter in Rakh Chikri

Sector (Poonch district) along Line of

Control, tweeted Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor,

Director-General of the Inter-Services

Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s

media affairs wing.107

In April,9 reported attacks from Indian

side killed six people and injured 15 others

across the LoC in AJK. Kotli, Haveli,

Bhimber, Poonch and Rawalakot districts

of AJK were affected by Indian firing and

shelling in these attacks. On April 2, three

army soldiers lost their lives and another

was injured when Indian troops resorted

to fire in Rakh Chikri sector in Rawalakot

along the Line of Control. The martyred


62

soldiers were identified as Subedar

Muhammad Riaz, a resident of Jhang

district in Punjab, Lance Havaldar

Azizullah, a resident of Naushahro Feroze

district in Sindh, and Sepoy Shahid Mansib,

a resident of Abbottabad district in Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa.108

The months of May and June witnessed a

relative decline in cross-border attacks

from India. In May, 5 reported cross-

border attacks from India concentrated

along LoC in Kotli, Bhimber, Poonch and

Rawalakot districts of AJK. These attacks

claimed 3 lives and injured as many

others. In June, two cross-border attacks

were reported from Indian side

concentrated along LoC in Kotli district of

AJK.

However, in June, the situation at the LoC

in Azad Kashmir again became tense amid

repeated ceasefire violations by the Indian

Border Security Force (BSF). In all, 10

cross-border attacks from India were

recorded during the month that claimed

the lives of 11 people – 6 Pakistani army

soldiers and 5 civilians – and injured 40

others. These attacks happened in more

than 6 districts of AJK as well as in Sialkot

along the Working Boundary. Bhimber and

Kotli were however more affected,

compared to other regions. On July 3rd,

according to military sources quoted by

Dawn, five to six IED blasts occurred

around 500-600 meters within the LoC

when Pakistani soldiers were on a routine

patrol in the afternoon. The blasts killed 5

army soldiers and injured another one.

The ISPR said the incidents were evident

of state-sponsored terrorism by India

violating bilateral ceasefire agreement and

international rules.109

In August, India revoked Article 370 of

its Constitution, thus abolishing the

special status of the Jammu and Kashmir.

The revocation meant Indians from

outside the Indian held Jammu and

Kashmir (IHK) could now permanently

settle, buy land, hold government jobs and

secure education scholarships in IHK.

While the verdict sowed the seeds of

internal resistance inside IHK, it also

increased tension at the LoC amidst

heated exchanges of statements between

leaders of the two countries. On the

whole, 13 cross-border attacks from India

were recorded in August 2019 that claimed

the lives of 14 people – 5 Pakistani army

soldiers and 9 civilians – and injured 10

others. The cross-border attacks from

India happened in 6 districts of AJK

including 6 from Poonch and 3 from Kotli

districts; one attack happened in each of

Bagh, Bhimber, Jhelum Valley, Kotli and

Neelum districts. On August 15th, three

Pakistani army soldiers lost their lives in

Indian shelling and firing along the Line of

Control. Lance Naik Taimoor, Naik Tanveer

& Sepoy Ramazan were among those who

were martyred during Indian firing across

the LoC in Leepa Sector of Jhelum

Valley.110 Next day,another soldier of the

Pakistan Army Sepoy Mohammad Sheraz


63

was martyred in Battal sector (of Poonch

district) in firing by Indian troops across

the LoC.111 Later on August 31st, a soldier

of Pakistan army, Ejaz, was martyred in

Indian BSF firing and shelling in Haji Pir

sector.112

In September, 11 cross-border attacks

from India happened in 5 districts of AJK

including 5 from Kotli and 3 from Bagh

districts; one attack happened in each of

Hattian, Haveli and Neelum districts. On

September 6th, people had gathered along

the LoC in Kotli to protest against Indian

atrocities in Indian held Kashmir. At least

three people were injured when Indian

security forces opened fire on the

protestors.113 Later, on September 11th, a

Pakistan Army soldier was martyred after

Indian troops resorted to firing from across

the Line of Control in Hajipir sector of Azad

Jammu and Kashmir. The soldier was

identified as Sepoy Ghulam Rasool, who

hailed from Bahawalnagar.114

In October, the security situation at the

Line of Control (LoC) with India further

deteriorated. Indian Border Security Force

(BSF) perpetrated 20 cross-border attacks

in Pakistani administered or Azad Kashmir,

which claimed 17 lives – 15 civilians and 2

soldiers – and injured 59 others. These

attacks happened in 6 districts of AJK

including 5 in each of Haveli and Neelum

districts, 4 in Bhimber, 3 in Muzaffarabad,

2 in Poonch and one in Kotli district. On

October 15th, at least three civilians were

killed and another eight injured in intense

and indiscriminate shelling from across the

restive LoC in different villages of Neza Pir

sector of Haveli district. 115 Later, on

October 20th, another five people were

killed and as many other were injured in 3

cross-border incidents of shelling in

Muzaffarabad district. Similarly, on October

24th, Indian BSF targeted civilian

populations in Nauseri, Leepa, Tatwal,

Jura, Shahkot, Athmuqam and some other

areas in and around Neelum Valley. In all,

3 people were killed and 10 injured.116

Marking a significant decline from the

previous month, seven cross-border

attacks happened along the LoC in

November. These attacks claimed one life

and injured 8 others. In December,9 such

attacks killed five and wounded 8 others in

Bhimber, Haveli, Hattian Bala, Kotli,

Neelum, and Poonch districts of AJK.

According to the military's media wing

ISPR, two Pakistan Army soldiers, Naib

Subedar Kandero and Sepoy Ehsan, were

martyred in Indian ceasefire violations

along the restive Line of Control (LoC) in

Dewa Sector on December 26th.117

Earlier, on December 22nd, Army Chief

Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa visited the Line

of Control in Azad Jammu and Kashmir,

where he said that the armed forces are

"fully prepared to thwart any

misadventure" or aggression for the

country's defence, the military's media

wing announced. The visit came as Indian

and Pakistani troops have

been exchanging fire across the restive


64

border, with casualties caused on both

sides.118

2.9.3 Pak-Iran

In a single reported cross-border attack

from Iran in 2019, on January 18th,

Iranian border security guards fired

several mortar shells that landed and

exploded in the Talab area of Chagai

district. The explosions caused panic

among area residents. However, no

casualty was reported as the shells landed

and exploded away from human

settlements.119

In July, Pakistan and Iran reached an

understanding to expedite the processes

of opening of new border crossings and

effective border management. The

decision was taken at the second session

of a meeting of the Pakistan-Iran Higher

Border Commission (HBC); HBC was set up

in 2017 for better border management and

had first met in July 2017. Pakistan’s

Foreign Office said in a statement: “During

the session, the two sides held

constructive discussions for effective

implementation of existing border

mechanisms within the relevant

frameworks including the agreement for

administration of Pakistan-Iran border of

1960.” The both sides also discussed the

need of exchanging maps and prospect of

fencing the border.120

Table 10: Regional Distribution of

Cross-border Attacks

Border District Attacks Killed Injured

Pak -

Afg

han

Chitral (KP) 1 0 11

Khyber (KP) 1 0 0

North Waziristan (KP)

1 3 7

Upper Dir (KP)

1 3 1

Total 4 6 19

Pak -

India

Bagh (LoC) 5 3 0

Bhimber (LoC)

22 16 51

Hattian (LoC) 5 4 8

Haveli (LoC) 10 8 34

Jhelum Valley (LoC)

3 3 3

Kotli (LoC) 33 12 43

LoC (Unspecified)

6 7 34

Mansehra (KP through LoC)

1 0 0

Muzaffarabad (LoC)

3 5 5

Neelum (LoC)

10 11 31

Poonch (LoC) 16 10 14

Rawalakot (LoC)

3 4 2

Sialkot (WB) 6 2 1

Total 123 85 226

Pak -

Iran Chagai

(Balochistan) 1 0 0

Total 1 0 0

Total from 3 borders 128 91 245

CHAPTER 3

Militant landscape of Pakistan in 2019

Muhammad Amir Rana*

* Muhammad Amir Rana is Director of Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS). He has authored several



The year 2019 proved another fatal year

for the militant groups in Pakistan as they

suffered huge losses both in terms of

damage to their operational capacities as

well as elimination of their leaders,

including in Afghanistan. The head of the

Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent

(AQIS) Asim Omer was killed in

Afghanistan, 121 and two of the most

wanted ISIS or Daesh terrorists Maulvi

Abdullah Barohi and Hafeez Barohi were

killed in a police encounter in Shikarpur,

interior Sindh on February 28th. The latter

were alleged masterminds of many suicide

attacks including Lal Shahbaz Qalandar

shrine blast that had killed over 80

people. 122 Abdullah Barohi was head of

ISIS in Sindh. These deaths caused a

major dent to the operational capabilities

of these groups as Daesh claimed only a

single terrorist attack, a suicide blast that

targeted Hazara community in Quetta

killing 21 people, including the bomber,

and wounding 48 others.123

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), its

splinter groups Hizbul Ahrar and Jamaatul

Ahrar, as well as other militant groups with

similar objectives such as local Taliban

groups, Lashkar-e-Islam and ISIS-affiliates

remained active in parts of the country but

most of their activities remained

concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and

Balochistan provinces. In all, these groups

perpetrated 158 terrorist attacks –

compared to 171 in previous year – which

killed 239 people and injured 489 others.

Meanwhile nationalist insurgent groups,

mainly Baloch, carried out 57 attacks – as


which claimed 80 lives and wounded

another 162 people. Meanwhile, 14 of the

reported terrorist attacks in 2019 were

sectarian-related – two more from the

year before – which killed 38 people and

inflicted injuries on 78 others.

The geographical distribution of the

reported terrorist attacks in 2019

suggested that militants’ operational

spaces are shrinking and getting confined

to certain regions. In 2019, northern,

Pashtun-populated districts of Balochistan

including Loralai, Ziarat and Qilla Abdullah

emerged as new targets of the TTP and its

splinters groups, where these group

perpetrated 10 attacks including one

suicide blast, which caused in all 35

deaths.

In Balochistan and tribal districts of KP

province, mainly North Waziristan,

militants were still able to perpetrate some

high intensity and high profile attacks in

2019, though with less frequency

compared to past years. Indeed, North

Waziristan reemerged as a major

flashpoint of insecurity and militant




people and injured 93 others.

While the TTP still remained the

perpetrator of most acts of terrorism in the

country, its splinter Jamaatul Ahrar (JuA)

suffered further losses. Since the killing of

its head last year, the internal differences

have further weakened the group. In

2019, JuA claimed a single attack, in KP.

However, a breakaway faction of JuA,


68

which identified itself as Hizbul

Ahrar, registered its presence in Punjab

and Karachi apart from KP’s tribal districts

by launching 14 attacks, which indicated

that the Pakistani Taliban militants could

still pose a potent threat.

Nonetheless, in 2019, LeJ and its global

arm have further lost their operational

strength, and similarly, as cited earlier,

Daesh also failed to keep its operational

momentum as of the previous years.

Among nationalist insurgent groups,

Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)

and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) were the

leading actors of instability in

Balochistan province. BLA’s attack on

Chinese consulate in Karachi was alarming

as it was one of the major terrorist attacks

by the Baloch insurgents, which they

conducted away from Balochistan

province.

This chapter will examine some significant

developments, which shaped the militant

landscape in 2019. It will also focus on

changing targets and tactics of the groups

and changing dynamics of the militancy in

Pakistan.

3.1 Major Actors of Instability

in 2019

3.1.1. Religiously-inspired Militant

Groups

• Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)

The TTP has remained the major actor of

instability in 2019.It was found involved in

82 terrorist attacks, out of which 69 were

reported from KP province and 13 from

Balochistan. Combined together, these

attacks by the TTP claimed 150 lives and

left 276 others injured. (See Tables 1 & 2)

In 2018, the group had carried out 79

attacks that killed 185 people. The

statistical comparison shows that the

operational capabilities of the group are

still intact and the group has extended its

outreach in northern districts of

Balochistan, as noted earlier, where the

group had launched a total of 10 terrorist

attacks in Loralai, Ziarat and Qilla Abdullah

killing 35 people. The TTP also perpetrated

3 attacks in Quetta that claimed 13 lives.

In 2019, the TTP has also suffered few

losses. On April 19th, security forces

arrested one of its important commanders,

Azeem Khan alias Qari Khaksar, in

Mansehra, who was involved in the

kidnapping and killing of Wall Street

Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in the port

city Karachi. He was also the mastermind

of a suicide bombing in Quetta and an

attack against retired General Pervez

Musharraf.124


69

The TTP is apparently also struggling to

come back to its traditional hub in South

and North Waziristan. Apart from

perpetrating terrorist attacks against the

security forces and tribal elders, it was

also trying to re-cultivate its support base

in these areas of KP. It has started issuing

warnings to local tribesmen and

instructions to impose its social-ideological

order. The group has distributed letters

several times in 2019 warning against

playing music and women going out

alone.125

The US treasury department has also

included the name of the TTP head, Waliur

Rehman Mehsud in the list of the

international terrorists.126

• Jamaatul Ahrar and Hizbul Ahrar

2019 was the worst year for Jamaatul

Ahrar, a TTP splinter, which had managed

some high profile terrorist attacks during

previous years. During the year under

review, however, the group managed only

one attack in KP in which it killed one

person. The internal fissures, surrender of

its few important commanders to security

forces and reunion of its few commanders

with the TTP were the few reasons behind

the weakening organizational structure of

the Jamaatul Ahrar. On the other hand, its

breakaway faction Hizbul Ahrar has

showed its strength in 2019, while

managing 14 terrorist attacks, in which 10

were perpetrated in KP, 3 in Punjab and

one in Baluchistan. In these attacks the

group killed 23 people and injured 63

others. In Rawalpindi, the group killed 3

policemen in target killings. In Lahore, it

perpetrated a major suicide blast targeting

a police van that caused 12 fatalities

including of 5 policemen.

• Local Taliban

The small militant groups in KP and its

tribal districts, described as the local

Taliban, carried out 29 terrorist attacks in

2019, which claimed 21 lives. In 2018, the

local Taliban groups had claimed 28

attacks. Continuing attacks by them

suggests that small radical groups in KP

province are still active and have attraction

in their cause as most of such attacks are

religiously motivated and targeted against

schools, polio workers, security forces and

tribesmen.

• Lashkar-e-Islam

Lashkar-e-Islam (LI) – a Khyber district-

based militant group and an important ally

of Islamic State Khorasan chapter in

Afghanistan is also losing its strength.

Many of its important commanders have

been killed, either by the security forces or

due to internal fighting, in Pakistan and

Afghanistan. One of its leading

commander Wajid Malakdinkhel was shot

dead after he exchanged hot words with

the rival group of Qari Sulaim over some

issues.127The group was found involved in

two terrorist attacks in 2019, compared to

10 in 2018.


70

Table 1: Terrorist Attacks

Claimed/Perpetrated by Terrorist

Groups

Org

an

iza

tio

n

Ba

loch

ista

n

KP

Pu

nja

b

Sin

dh

(e

xcl

ud

ing

Ka

rach

i)

Ka

rach

i

ISB

To

tal

Tehreek-e-Taliban

Pakistan (TTP)

13 69 - - - - 82

Jamaatul Ahrar - 1 - - - - 1

Lashkar-e-Islam - 2 - - - - 2

Local Taliban - 29 - - - - 29

Lashkar-e-Jhangvi

(LeJ)

3 - - - 5 - 8

Balochistan

Liberation Army

(BLA)

25 - 1 1 - - 27

Balochistan

Liberation Front

(BLF)

11 - - - - - 11

Balochistan

Republican Army

(BRA)

5 - 1 - - - 6

Lashkar-e-

Balochistan

6 - - - - - 6

Sindhu Desh

Liberation Front

(SDLF)

- - - 1 - - 1

Sindhu Desh

Revolutionary Army

- - - 1 - - 1

Sipah-e-Muhammad

Pakistan

- - - - 2 - 2

Rival Sectarian

group

2 1 - - - - 3

Nationalist

insurgents

2 - - 1 - - 3

Hizbul Ahrar 1 10 3 - - - 14

Unknown militants 14 13 - - 3 1 31

Org

an

iza

tio

n

Ba

loch

ista

n

KP

Pu

nja

b

Sin

dh

(e

xcl

ud

ing

Ka

rach

i)

Ka

rach

i

ISB

To

tal

BRAS (an alliance of

BLA, BLF and BRG

1 - - - - - 1

ISIS affiliates/

supporters

1 - - - - - 1

Total 84 125 5 4 10 1 229

• Islamic State of Iraq and Syria

The killing of Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi in

October 2019 was a big blow for the

Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and

its chapters across the world including its

Khorasan chapter for Afghanistan and

Pakistan. Though the group has

announced a separate chapter for

Pakistan,128 but so far it has failed to show

its presence in the country. In 2018, ISIS

had showed its strong presence in

Balochistan and it was found involved in

four major terrorist attacks in the province.

However, in 2019 it has failed to carry the

momentum and accepted the responsibility

of one terrorist attack in Quetta that

claimed about 20 lives. One major factor

behind the withering attraction of ISIS

within militant circles is death of Abu Bakr

Al-Baghdadi and its territorial losses in

Syria. The other factor is killing of its top

leaders in Pakistan including Abdullah

Barohi and Hafeez Barohi. In Balochistan,

multiple operations were launched against

the ISIS operatives in which several


71

members of the group were killed by the

law enforcement agencies.

For instance, on May 16th, nine suspected

militants were killed and four security

personnel injured in a gun battle during

security operation in Qabo-Koh-i-Mehran

area of Mastung district. The Islamic State

militant group was using the hideout along

with other terrorist outfits, which the

security sources targeted in operation. A

heavy cache of arms and ammunition,

including a huge quantity of explosive,

rockets, grenades, rocket launchers and

suicide jackets, was recovered from the

hideout of the militants.129

• Al-Qaeda in the Indian

Subcontinent

Though Al-Qaeda in the Indian

Subcontinent (AQIS) was not found

involved in any terrorist attack during 2019

in Pakistan, but law enforcement

departments still considered it a potent

threat. An appraisal by the Counter-

Terrorism Department (CTD) noted that

the banned AQIS was regrouping in

Karachi, apparently to carry out some

major attacks. 130 The report that AQIS’s

Indian-born chief Asim Umar was killed in

Afghanistan in September would have

been a major setback to the group as he

was the founder of the group and had

maintained links with the banned TTP as

well as other terrorist groups and was said

to be a major propagandist for Al Qaeda.

In December 2019, law enforcement

agencies busted media cell of the AQIS in

Gujranwala, and arrested five senior and

important members of the group.131 These

reports indicate that the group is still

surviving and could have similar cells in

other parts of the country.

• Lashkar-e-Jhangvi

Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), a fatal Sunni

sectarian terrorist group, was found

responsible for 8 terrorist attacks in 2019

comparing 7 attacks in 2018. Five of these

attacks were reported from Karachi, and 3

from Balochistan province. There were

several reports indicating that LeJ is once

again focusing on Karachi and this was

revealed during the interrogation of the

LeJ’s arrested terrorists by law

enforcement agencies.132

• Sipah-e-Muhammad Pakistan

A Shia militant group got activated in

Karachi after a long interval in 2019. The

group was found involved in two terrorist

incidents in the city.

Table 2: Casualties in Terrorist

Attacks

Group

Responsible Killed Injured

TTP Balochistan:

48

KP: 102

Total: 150

Balochistan:

110

KP: 166

Total: 276

Jamaatul Ahrar KP: 1

Total: 1

KP: 3

Total: 3

Lashkar-e-

Islam

KP: 2

Total: 2

KP: 0

Total: 0


72

Group


Local Taliban KP: 21

Total: 21

KP: 44

Total: 44

LeJ Balochistan: 4

Karachi: 6

Total: 10

Balochistan:

23

Total: 23

BLA Balochistan:

34

Sindh (excl.

Karachi): 1

Punjab:5

Total: 40

Balochistan:

120

Sindh (excl.

Karachi): 0

Punjab: 0

Total: 120

BLF Balochistan:

14

Total: 14

Balochistan:

22

Total: 22

BRA Balochistan: 1 Balochistan:

8

Lashkar-e-

Balochistan

Balochistan: 2 Balochistan:

12

Sindhu Desh

Liberation

Front (SDLF)

Sindh (excl.

Karachi): 0

Sindh (excl.

Karachi): 0

Sindhu Desh

Revolutionary

Army

Sindh: 0 Sindh:0

Sipah-e-

Muhammad

Pakistan

Karachi: 2 Karachi: 0

Rival sectarian

group

KP: 1

Balochistan: 3

Total: 4

KP: 1

Balochistan:

2

Total: 3

Nationalist

insurgents

Balochistan: 6

Sindh (excl.

Karachi): 3

Total: 9

Balochistan:

0

Sindh (excl.

Karachi): 0

Total: 0

Hizbul Ahrar Balochistan: 0

KP: 7

Punjab: 16

Total: 23

Balochistan:

10

KP: 12

Punjab: 41

Total: 63

Group


Unknown

militants

Balochistan:

25

KP: 10

Islamabad: 2

Karachi: 6

Total: 43

Balochistan:

81

KP: 23

Islamabad: 1

Karachi: 2

Total: 107

BRAS (an

alliance of

BLA, BLF and

BRG

Balochistan:

14

Balochistan:

0

ISIS

affiliates/suppo

rters

Balochistan:

21

Balochistan:

48

Total 357 729

3.1.2 Nationalist Insurgent Groups

Around seven Baloch insurgent groups are

active in Balochistan but the Balochistan

Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch

Liberation Front (BLF) are the major

groups which represent the new

generation of the insurgents mainly

coming from the urban background. (For

details see Chapter 5). On the whole, BLA

and BLF perpetrated 38 terrorist attacks in

2019, including 36 in Balochistan, and one

attack each in south Punjab and Sindh.

Their operational capabilities vary but their

areas of operations are shrinking into

pockets. Still some insurgent groups have

been successful in targeting the China

Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) related

projects and sites to show their anger

against the economic cooperation venture

of the both countries. Many of the Baloch

groups have been using Afghanistan as

their hideout but for last two years, at

least, but recently these groups have also


73

been using Iranian territory to hide and

launch operations against Pakistan. 133 To

enhance the impact of their terrorist

activities, BLA, BLF and few small

insurgent groups have formed an alliance

called BRAS and under this banner they

launched a joint operation in Gwadar in

April 2019 in which they killed 11

personnel of Navy, Air Force and Coast

Guards besides 3 others.

• Balochistan Liberation Army

Altogether, Balochistan Liberation Army

(BLA) managed 27 terrorist attacks in

2019 – including 25 in Balochistan, and

one each in southern Punjab and interior

Sindh – killing 40 people and injuring 120

people. (See Table 1 and 2) These attacks

are bit higher comparing with 25 attacks

launched by the group in 2018.

Traditionally Baloch insurgents rely on low

intensity subversion acts and attacks, but

gradually they are adopting more

sophisticated terror techniques. After a

coordinated assault on Chinese Consulate

in Karachi in 2018, BLA launched its

deadliest ever coordinated fidayee assault

on Pear Continental Hotel in Gwadar on

May 11, 2019. 134 After increasing attacks

by the BLA, the US state Department has

also designated BLA as terrorist group.135

• Balochistan Liberation Front

The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF)

carried out 11 terrorist attacks in 2019, all

in Balochistan, compared to 22 attacks in

2018. In these attacks 14 people were

killed and 22 got injured. BLF attacks

mainly remained confined in the southern

coastal Makran belt and Khuzdar.

• Baloch Republican Army

Baloch Republican Army (BRA) was found

involved in 6 terrorist attacks in 2019

comparing 12 terrorist attacks in 2018.Five

of these attacks were confined mainly in

Dera Bugti and Kholu districts of

Balochistan and one attack was reported

from south Punjab. These attacks killed

one person and injured 8 others.

• Lashkar-e-Balochistan

Lashkar-e-Balochistan carried out 6 low-

intensity terrorist attacks in 2019. The

group was mainly active in Makran coastal

belt and neighboring districts.

• Sindhu Desh Liberation Army or

Front (SDLA)

The Sindhi nationalist groups including the

SDLA, also known as SDLF, and Sindhu

Desh Revolutionary Army (SDRA) were

believed to be involved in 2 small-scale

terrorist attacks in 2019 in interior Sindh,

which did not cause any casualty.

3.1.3 ‘Unidentified’ Militants

The religiously motivated militants, whose

group identities and

organizational affiliations were not defined

or reported by media and law enforcement


74

and security officials, were involved in 31

terrorist attacks across the country. This

number is higher comparing with 2018

when such militants conducted 27 attacks.

3.1.4 Banned Organizations

After the decision by the National Security

Committee meeting on February 21st

2019, law enforcement agencies had taken

more visible and serious action against the

banned militant organizations, which had

been involved in Indian held Kashmir and

continuing their welfare and political

activities overtly and covertly in Pakistan.

After the decision, all provinces started

taking action against banned group mainly

Jaish-e-Muhammad and Jamaatud Dawa

by taking control of their entities as well as

through arrests of some of their leaders.

Top 13 leaders of the banned JuD,

including its chief Hafiz Saeed and naib

emir Abdul Rehman Makki, were booked in

23 cases relating to terror financing and

money laundering registered at CTD police

stations in Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan,

Sahiwal, Faisalabad and Sargodha on July

1 and 2.136

Prime Minister Imran Khan reaffirmed his

government’s zero tolerance policy while

chairing the first session of the National

Internal Security Committee, which was

dominated by a review of progress on

NAP. National Counter Terrorism Authority

(NACTA) had revised its list of banned

organizations more than three-time last

year and added 10 organizations in its list

linked with Jamaatud Daawa (JuD) and

Jiash-e-Muhammad (JeM).137

According to media reports, Pakistan’s Nat-

ional Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta)

also banned two more militant groups,

Hizbul Ahrar and Balochistan Raaji Ajoi-R-

Sangar (BRAS), under Section 11-B of the

Anti-Terrorism Act. The ban has put the

members and activities of these groups

under surveillance.138

3.1.5 The Most Wanted Terrorists

Though a comprehensive and countrywide

list of most wanted terrorists is still a

dream but provincial Counter Terrorism

Department (CTD) kept issuing their red

books with little additions in it. CTD Punjab

has prepared a list of 22 most wanted

terrorists involved in suicide bombings and

terrorist activities in Punjab. Most of the

terrorists belong to the TTP. Matiur

Rehman aka Samad Siyal has topped the

list of the most wanted terrorists for last

several years.139

CHAPTER 4

State Responses

Safdar Sial*

* Safdar Hussain, nom de plume Safdar Sial, is Joint Director at PIPS and Associate Editor of Conflict and



4.1 Operational Front

Security forces and law enforcement

agencies killed as many as 113 militants in

2019 in military/security operations as well

as their armed clashes and encounters

with the militants – compared to 105

militants killed in such actions in 2018.

These operations and clashes/encounters

were not confined to a particular area or

region but were reported from across all

regions of Pakistan, as given at Tables 1 &

2, respectively.

Apart from those actions, security and law

enforcement personnel, mainly the

Counter-Terrorism Departments (CTDs) of

police, apprehended a total of 231

suspected terrorists and members of

militant groups in 99 search and combing

operations conducted all over the country.

These search operations did not include

several other similar actions in which

suspects were arrested and mostly

released after preliminary investigation.

Furthermore, security forces foiled at least

12 major terror bids or plots, either

independently or in collaboration with

Bomb Disposal Squads, mainly by

recovering and defusing IEDs planted by

militants. These also included a few

incidents where militants could not reach

their targets and their suicide vests or

IEDs they planted exploded by accident.

4.1.1 Military / Security Operations


security forces and law enforcement

agencies conducted 28 anti-militant

operational strikes in 2019 in 21 districts

and regions of Pakistan. As cited earlier,

these actions killed a total of 81 people, as

compared to 77 in 2018 and injured 19

others. Those 81 killed included 75

militants and six (6) personnel of security

and law enforcement agencies.

Out of the total 28 operational strikes

reported in 2019, as many as 15 were

conducted in KP, 11 in Balochistan, and

one each in Punjab and Sindh. There were

only three (3) districts where more than

one anti-militant operation happened

including DI Khan (5) and North Waziristan

(3) in KP, and Kech (2) in Balochistan.

Table 1: Operational Attacks by

Security Forces, against Militants and

Insurgents

Re

gio

n

Dis

tric

t

Att

ack

s

Kil

led

Inju

red

Balo

chis

tan

Chagai 1 0 0

Dera Bugti 1 3 0

Gwadar 1 6 1

Kech 2 5 0

Loralai 1 4 4

Mastung 1 9 4

Multiple Districts

1 2 0

Nasirabad 1 1 0

Panjgur 1 4 0

Quetta 1 7 6

Total 11 41 15

Khyber

Pakhtu

nkhw

a

Bajaur 1 1 0

DI Khan 5 12 1

Hangu 1 4 0

Kohat 1 0 1

North Waziristan

3 5 0

Nowshera 1 2 0


78

Re

gio

n

Dis

tric

t

Att

ack

s

Kil

led

Inju

red

Peshawar 1 7 0

South Waziristan

1 3 0

Tank 1 4 0

Total 15 38 2

Punja

b

Faisalabad 1 2 0

Total 1 2 0

Sin

dh Kashmore 1 0 2

Total 1 0 2

Total Pakistan 28 81 (75 militants)140

19 (2 militants)141

Some major security or counterterrorism

operations, or in which some important

militants were killed, are listed below:

− January 15: The Counter-Terrorism

Department (CTD) claimed to have

killed two militants, Adeel Hafeez and

Usman Haroon, associated with the

militant Islamic State group, or ISIS,

who were allegedly involved in the

kidnapping of former prime minister

Yousuf Raza Gilani’s son. Militants

were hiding in a rented house near Pul

Dengro on Sargodha Road in

Faisalabad. A local residing in the

neighborhood tipped off the police

about them.142

− January 16: Four alleged TTP militants

were killed in an operation by security

forces conducted in Hangu. Those

killed were identified as Orakzai TTP

commander Islam and his 3 aides

Laiq, Mohibullah and Shahid. They

were reportedly also involved in a

suicide blast in Hangu on November

23rd 2018.143

− February 26: Army and paramilitary

forces conducted a joint operation in

Payang area of Tank adjacent to the

South Waziristan tribal district where

militants were reportedly hiding in a

cave, which was used as a hideout.

Four militants were killed in the

operation including a militant

commander Qari Zahir Shah.144

− March 20: In an intelligence-based

operation in Chagai near Pak-Afghan

border, Pakistan’s security forces

recovered four abducted Iranian

soldiers after an exchange of fire with

Afghanistan-based terrorists. The

operation was launched after receiving

information that terrorists of a

proscribed organisation had entered

Pakistan from Afghanistan along with

the abducted Iranian soldiers.145

− March 26: Personnel of the

counterterrorism department, Frontier

Corps and other security agencies

conducted an operation in Loralai on

the basis of intelligence reports. Four

suicide bombers, one of them a

woman, blew themselves up during

the raid. Four security persons were

injured. The TTP has been active

recently in Loralai, Ziarat and adjacent

areas.146


79

− April 2: Central commander of a

banned Baloch group, identified as

Asad Yusuf, was killed along with 3

aides in an operation conducted by

security forces in Panjgur.147

− May 8: Two high profile Pakistani

Taliban terrorists were killed during an

operation carried out by security

personnel in the Boya area of North

Waziristan tribal district near the

Afghan border. Infantry units of the

army and paramilitary forces had

launched a joint combing and search

operation against militants in several

areas of Datakhel tehsil. Reportedly

Afghan army was also coordinating in

the search operation along the

border.148

− May 16: Nine suspected militants were

killed and four security personnel

injured in a gun battle during security

operation in Qabo-Koh-i-Mehran area

of Mastung district. The Islamic State

militant group was using the hideout

along with other terrorist outfits, which

the security sources targeted in

operation. A heavy cache of arms and

ammunition, including a huge quantity

of explosive, rockets, grenades, rocket

launchers and suicide jackets, was

recovered from the hideout of the

militants.149

− September 4: Six suspected members

of the militant Islamic State (IS)

group, including a local commander

and his sister, were killed in a gun

battle with security forces during an

intelligence-based operation in the

Eastern Bypass area of Quetta. A

Balochistan Constabulary sepoy was

also martyred and six security

personnel were injured.150

− December 6: Security forces

conducted an operation following a

tip-off and killed a wanted, high profile

militant Amir Grenadi and his aide

Ghulam Jilani in Zafarabad area of DI

Khan. The killed militants belonged to

local Khiara Group of the Tehrik-i-

Taliban Pakistan.151

4.1.2 Security Forces’ Clashes and

Encounters with Militants


also entered into in a total of 25 armed

clashes and encounters with militants –

one more than such incidents in previous

year – across 15 districts/regions of the

country. These armed clashes and

encounters claimed 44 lives (38 militants;

6 security personnel);as many as nine (9)

security personnel were also injured in

these incidents. About half of these

clashes, i.e. 12, took place in various

districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, another

six (6) happened in Balochistan, while four

(4) such incidents took place in Sindh and

three (3) in Punjab.

Some of the reported clashes and

encounters between security, law

enforcement agencies and militants are

described below in chronological order.


80

Table 2: Clashes and Encounters

between Security Forces and

Militants

Re

gio

ns

Dis

tric

t

Att

ack

s

Kil

led

Inju

red

Balo

chis

tan Loralai 2 5 5

Quetta 3 6 0

Sibi 1 1 0

Total 6 12 5

Khyber

Pakhtu

nkhw

a

Bannu 2 3 3

D.I Khan 3 3 0

Lakki

Marwat

2 4 0

Mardan 1 1 0

North

Waziristan

2 5 1

Swat 1 1 0

Tank 1 1 0

Total 12 18 4

Punja

b

Gujranwala 1 2 0

Gujrat 1 3 0

Multan 1 2 0

Total 3 7 0

Sin

dh Karachi 3 5 0

Shikarpur 1 2 0

Total 4 7 0

Pakistan Total 25

44 (38

militants)152

9153

On January 19th, the CTD reportedly killed

two suspected terrorists in Ladhaywala

Warraich, Gujranwala in an encounter

that continued for about 25 minutes. The

suspects also blew up a car during

exchange of fire with policemen. The killed

suspects were identified as Kashif Langra

and Abdul Rehman.154

On February 28th, two of the most wanted

Daesh, or ISIS, terrorists were killed in a

police encounter in Shikarpur, interior of

Sindh. One report said the operation took

place in Dhadar, in Balochistan. The killed,

Molvi Abdullah Brohi and Hafeez Brohi,

were allegedly masterminds of many

suicide attacks including Lal Shahbaz

Qalandar shrine blast that had killed over

80 people. 155 Abdullah Barohi was

reportedly head of ISIS in Sindh.

In May, two suspected terrorists were

killed in an encounter with police in

Darweshabad area of Quetta. The

terrorists were trying to enter a prohibited

area near the airport with an explosive-

laden vehicle. Two other terrorists

managed to escape.156

In DI Khan, police killed a TTP local

commander Ziaullah and arrested his aide

Javed in an encounter in cantonment area

in June.157 The killed Ziaullah was wanted

to police in at least 13 cases of terrorism.

Police and an intelligence agency killed 3

alleged high profile ISIS terrorists in an

encounter in Khuda Bux Brohi Goth near

Northern Bypass, Quetta on June 24th.

Those killed were previously linked to Al-

Qaeda. One of them, Talat Mehmood alias

Yusuf was AQIS chief in Karachi before

joining ISIS. The other two included

Sheikh Shahid, who was involved in the


81

killing of US journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002

and once a key leader of LeJ, and Usman

Noor Alam, who was previously an

important leader of Al-Qaeda in the Indian

Subcontinent (AQIS).158

4.1.3 Terrorists Arrested


arrested 231 suspected terrorists and

members of militant groups in as many as

99 search and combing operations

conducted all over the country. These

search operations do not include several

other similar actions in which suspects

were arrested and mostly released after

preliminary investigation.

As in the year before, highest arrests were

made of the TTP and local Taliban

militants (60). In all, 32 members of

different unspecified banned groups were

also detained. Others among those

arrested included 29 suspected militants

linked to different Baloch nationalist

groups. As many as 25 among those

detained were reportedly affiliated with

ISIS, another 12 with Lashkar-e-Jhangvi,

while at least 17 were suspected members

of Jamaatud Dawa and Jaish-e-

Muhammad. Meanwhile 10 operatives of

Al-Qaeda were also arrested. (See Table 3)

Table 3 lists organizational association and

number of different brands of suspected

militants arrested across Pakistan by law

enforcers in 2019.

Table 3: Suspected Terrorists

Arrested in 2019

Militant Organization

Se

arc

h

Op

era

tio

ns

Te

rro

rists

Arr

este

d

Afghan suspected militants 5 6

Afghan Taliban 1 1

Al-Qaeda 1 2

Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent

2 8

Balawaristan National Front 1 14

Banned militant outfit (excluding sectarian and tribal)

1 3

Banned militant outfits (inclusive of all)

13 29

BLA 3 11

BLF 1 3

BRA 5 8

Hizbul Ahrar 2 7

ISIS 12 25

Jaish-e-Mohammed 3 9

Jamaatud Dawa 2 7

Jandullah 2 2

Lashkar-e-Jhangvi 6 11

Lashkar-e-Taiba 1 1

Local Taliban / TTP 28 60

MQM-L 2 3

Nationalist insurgents 4 7

Shia sectarian group 1 5

Sipah-e-Muhammad 1 6

Sunni Tehrik 1 1

Unknown militants 1 2

Total 99 231

In March, two high profile militants

Mohammad Talah and Tayyab Shah were

arrested along with 3 accomplices in joint

operation conducted by the CTD and

security officials in Mansehra (KP).159 The


82

detained terrorists had reportedly killed 8

staff members of INGO World Vision,

including four women, in Dogai area in

2010, besides having perpetrated other

attacks. Reportedly they were planning to

attack some major China-Pakistan

Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects in the

province.160 District police officer Zaibullah

Khan was reported by media to have said

that “the [detained] terrorists belonging to

the banned militant outfit TTP were also

wanted for attacking the Pakistan Army’s

convoy in Shinkiari, targeting an imam

bargah in Palas area, assaulting police in

different parts of the district, and

committing targeted killings.”161

In another incidence of high profile arrests

in March, Shikarpur police arrested 4

suspected ISIS operatives Hakeem

Banglani, Abdul Shakoor, Ishaq Jaffary and

Farooq Soomro. They were described to

be close aides of Hafeez Barohi and Emir

Abdullah, key ISIS leaders in Sindh and

Balochistan.162

On April 19, security forces arrested

Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan commander

Azeem Khan alias Qari Khaksar, who was

involved in the kidnapping and killing of

Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in

the port city and that he was also the

mastermind of a suicide bombing in Quetta

and an attack against retired General

Pervez Musharraf.163

In May, two high profile arrests were

made in Karachi in two separate search

operations. First on May 1st, a Jandullah

militant Khan Badshah alias Umer Farooq,

who was in CTD’s Red Book, was arrested

in a joint raid carried out by the

paramilitary force and the Counter-

Terrorism Department near Paracha

Chowk in Karachi. 164 Later, on May 6:

police claimed to have arrested 5 persons,

including a journalist, for their alleged

involvement in sectarian killings in the city.

DIG-East Amir Farooqi identified those

held as Syed Matloob Hussain, a reporter

of Daily Jang, Syed Imran Haider Zaidi,

Waqar Raza, Mohammad Abbas and Syed

Mohtasham at a press conference and

claimed they were behind many of the

recent target killings in Karachi.165

In May, police claimed to have arrested 6

persons from Lahore and Gujranwala who

provided funds to Jaish-e-Muhammad.

Those arrested from Gujranwala, Iftikhar,

Ajmal and Bilal, were later sent to jail by

anti-terrorist court on 4 years’ jail terms

after they were convicted. In another

major operation in Lahore in May, the CTD

of Punjab and Intelligence Bureau arrested

the facilitator of Data Darbar suicide

bomber. The arrested Mohsin Khan

belonged to Shabqadar area in Charsadda

and had reportedly received suicide bom-

ber Sadiqullah Momand, an Afghan

national who entered Pakistan through

Torkham on May 6, and escorted him to

Lahore for the May 8 strike.166

On July 3rd, the police in Karachi claimed

to have arrested a central character


83

involved in the attack on Chinese

consulate, who had allegedly provided PKR

0.9 million to Rashid Barohi before the

attack. 167Again in Karachi, in September,

police claimed to have arrested four

suspected Lashkar-i-Jhangvi hitmen, who

were involved in targeted killing of

policemen, members of the Shia and

Bohra communities and a deadly attack on

a DSN of Samaa TV, said Central SSP Arif

Aslam Rao.168

In November, the CTD officials arrested an

alleged Al-Qaeda commander along with

his aide in DI Khan and recovered

explosives and weapons from them. Those

detained were identified as Ismail and Wali

Mohammad and were reportedly planning

to attack the office of an intelligence

agency in the city. 169 Also in November,

the CTD with an intelligence agency in

Layyah arrested three militants of

proscribed organisation Al Qaeda in the

Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) in Chobara

town and seized explosives and cash from

them.170

On December 26th, the Punjab Counter

Terrorism Department and an intelligence

agency in a joint operation busted media

cell of the AQIS in Gujranwala and

arrested 5 senior Al-Qaeda operatives. The

cell was also involved in financing terrorist

operations of the AQIS. The raiding team

of ISI and CTD recovered a large quantity

of media equipment, funds for terror

financing, suicide jackets, explosives and

deadly arms.171

4.1.4 Failed/Foiled Terror Bids

Furthermore, security forces foiled at least

12 major terror bids or plots, either

independently or in collaboration with

Bomb Disposal Squads, mainly by

recovering and defusing IEDs planted by

militants. These also included a few

incidents where militants could not reach

their targets and their suicide vests or

IEDs they planted exploded by accident.

(See Table 4)

Table 4: Failed/Foiled Terror Bids in

2019

District

Fo

ile

d/fa

i

led

plo

ts

Kil

led

Inju

red

Responsible

group

D.I Khan 2 0 0 Local Taliban

Unknown/unknown

militants

Kalat 1 1 0 Unknown/unknown

militants

Lakki

Marwat

1 1 0 TTP

Loralai 1 0 0 Unknown/unknown

militants

Nasirabad 1 0 0 BLA

Nowshera 1 0 7 Local Taliban

Rajanpur 1 0 0 BLA

Sibi 1 0 0 BLA

South

Waziristan

1 1 0 TTP

Thatta 1 0 0 Sindhudesh

Revolutionary

Army

Upper Dir 1 0 0 Local Taliban

Total 12 3 7

CHAPTER 5

Profile: Militant Landscape of Balochistan

Muhammad Amir Rana*

5.1 Nationalist Insurgency ........................................87 5.2 Religious & Sectarian Extremists...........................96

* Muhammad Amir Rana is Director of Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS). He has authored several



Balochistan has been experiencing terrorist

violence from multiple shades of militant

groups including Baloch nationalist

insurgent groups, so-called religiously

inspired local and international militant

groups such as Pakistani Taliban and ISIS-

affiliates, and violent Sunni and Shia

sectarian groups. Some religious-

nationalist groups have also been active

along the province’s border with Iran

mainly Iranian Jundullah and its splinter

Jaishul Adl. While the Baloch insurgent

groups aim to achieve nationalist goals,

including also secessionist, the religiously

inspired militant and sectarian groups have

largely religious-political goals, which at

times also overlap.

There has been a gradual decline in

incidence of terrorist violence in

Balochistan, in particular since 2013.

Weakening of different brands of militant

groups due to a continuing

counterterrorism campaign across the

country including in Balochistan, too, is the

main factor. A huge security infrastructure

is also deployed in the province, including

also to protect CPEC-related projects

mainly Gwadar Port, which has

significantly dented militants’ operational

capabilities. Still many assert that

undercurrents of Baloch insurgency are

though largely dormant currently but the

factors of conflict are still there which

could retrigger the insurgent violence.

5.1 Nationalist Insurgency

Baloch nationalist insurgency was once

largely confined in tribal areas and led by

tribal chieftains. As the middle class grew

and literacy rate increased in central and

southern or coastal Balochistan, mainly in

Makran region, a new cadre of young

nationalists also emerged. Some of these

middle class youth gradually took over the

control of the insurgency in their region

including Awaran, Kech and Gwadar, etc.

Before the rise of these so-called urban-

based, middle-class groups, mainly the

Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), tribal

elders-led insurgent groups like

Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and

Balochistan Republican Army (BRA) were

the beneficiaries of the human resources

coming from different streams mainly

through Baloch Students Organization

(BSO) and nationalist political movements.

Therefore, the leaders of BLA and BRA,

Hyrbiyar Marri and Barhamdagh Bugti,

respectively, had concerns about the

emergence of a new leadership in the folds

of BLF, Lashkar-e-Balochistan (LeB) as well

as hardline factions of (BSO). While the

BLA and BRA were traditionally stronger in

central and eastern districts of Balochistan,

the rise of BLF and LeB made the

insurgency more active in southern

districts attracting human resources from

different regions.

Despite causing confrontation among the

insurgent groups, this divide also changed

the characteristics of the whole insurgent

movements. The leadership of the tribal

insurgent groups (BLA, BRA) lived in exile

mainly in Europe from where they

operated through their commanders. Many

of these local commanders were not

trustworthy as they kept shifting their

loyalties from one group to another and


88

many had surrendered before the

government and security forces. The

leaders of the urban insurgents however

led from the front keeping full control on

their organizations. They also considered

tribal system oppressive as well as

expedient to reconcile with the power

elites of the country without caring for the

interests of the Baloch people.

In this process, the profile of the insurgent

leadership has also changed; many middle

class insurgents got education out of

Balochistan, which helped them to absorb

new ideas and develop new paradigms on

nationalism.172 They come from the cities

like Kech, Panjgur, Gwadar, Quetta,

Khuzdar, Turbat, Kharan, Lasbela or even

Karachi. The tribal-led organizations were

also forced to bring innovations in their

structures. The non-Marri BLA was

reorganized and restructured on the lines

of BLF by Aslam Achu, who was killed in

Kandhar in a suicide attack in December

2018.173

While the geographical balance of the

insurgency has largely shifted to the

southwest of the province, the insurgents

have also changed the operational

strategies and tactics. The perpetration of

suicide attacks by the nationalist

insurgents in 2018 is a case in point, which

indicates a major shift in their operations.

The tribal insurgent groups were following

classical guerrilla tactics of hit and run and

damaging the state infrastructure.

5.1.1 Internal Fissures among

Insurgent Groups

Various Baloch insurgent groups lack

mutual harmony for now. The BLA, BRA,

BLF, Lashkar-e-Balochistan etc., and

others have separatist and secessionist

agendas. They don’t subscribe to the

moderate nationalist view of attaining

political autonomy and control over

Balochistan’s natural resources while

remaining within the framework of the

federation. Although Lashkar-e-Balochistan

also has an anti-state agenda but it was

formed to counter the growing ambitions

of the BLA and the BLF, and to maintain

the influence of Mengal Sardars in the

province.

Two views prevail regarding the nature

and level of the current insurgency in

Balochistan. According to one viewpoint, it

is violent anarchism rather than a classical

insurgency. Analysts subscribing to this

view opine that the present insurgent

movement not only lacks a charismatic

leadership unlike past insurgencies in

Balochistan but it is also divided amid

frequent infightings and lacks coordination.

The Baloch insurgency in 1958 was led by

Nawab Nauroz Khan, who was highly

revered by his followers. Similarly, the

second insurgency from 1963-69 was led

by Sher Muhammad Marri. The Parari

guerrilla movement of the 1970s was led

by Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri, who also

enjoyed the support of notable Baloch

leaders such as Sardar Attaullah Mengal,


89

Sher Muhammad Marri and Nawab Akbar

Bugti. The perceived leaders in the present

conflict are hardly a comparison, as Nawab

Akbar Bugti’s grandson Brahamdagh Bugti

is hiding in Switzerland while Baloch

nationalist leader Khair Bakhsh Marri’s son

Harbiyar Marri is based in London.174

The other school of thought categorizes

the insurgency as a manifestation of the

legitimate cause of disenchanted Baloch

segments, which has all the makings of

becoming a mass movement of the young

educated middle class. They hold that

public support for the movement is not

waning. They also argue that low level of

insurgency is due to heightened

securitization of the province. Proponents

of this view believe that as nothing

significant is being done for the frustrated

and unemployed young Baloch, who feel

relatively deprived, left out and neglected,

they remain vulnerable to joining the

insurgents irrespective of tribal divisions

and internal differences.

They also allude to a ‘growing realisation’

among the Baloch insurgent groups to get

united for their cause, and the formation of

BRAS – an alliance of BRA, BLA and Baloch

Republican Guards – which claimed a lethal

attack on security personnel in Ormara near

Gwadar is one case in point.

5.1.2 The Advantages to Insurgents

Strategic and counter-insurgency experts

classify the current Baloch insurgency as a

low-level guerrilla warfare or low-intensity

internal armed conflict. The intensity of

violence fluctuates from low to medium

and occasionally high levels. Waging of

such low-level guerrilla warfare does not

require heavy weaponry or huge sums of

money. Some analysts believe that Baloch

insurgent groups not only receive funds

from Baloch Diaspora but some regional

countries, particularly India, are also

funnelling money to Baloch separatists.

The geographical features of the province

including deserts, mountain ranges, huge

size of territory and sparse population, and

rugged and difficult terrains as well as long

international borders with Iran and

Afghanistan are all in the favor of the

insurgents in the province. According to

classical guerrilla warfare expert, David

Gallula, such factors determine the scale

and spread of an insurgency. 175

Balochistan also has long coastline at the

mouth of the Gulf and different ranges of

mountains and deserts. Balochistan’s

coastline extends over 750 km from near

Karachi at River Hub to the Gwadar Bay on

Pak-Iran border.

The Baloch insurgents come from diverse

topographical background and the

insurgent groups know well where they

can use their human resource best. Those

who belong to coastal region could be

assigned the task of attacking non-Baloch

settlers working on various infrastructure

projects in these areas. The labor from

south Punjab and Sindh has been the


90

prime target of these groups during the

construction times of coastal highway

between Karachi and Gwadar and highway

between Gwadar and Sorab. Now their

prime target are the trucks and vehicles,

which carry the material related to the

constructions of Eastern Bay highway, port

and other infrastructure related projects in

Gwadar.176 However the insurgents hailing

from small towns of Turbat, Panjgur,

Washak districts are trained in attacking

the security check posts and convoys.

These insurgents have edge over the

security forces that they know their areas

better and can easily hide. Another cadre

belonging from Kalat, Dalbadin, in Chaghi

district, and Mashikhel, etc., took part in

major hit and run operations and attacks

on state infrastructure. BLA has developed

expertise in such operations; its militants

not only engage in hit and run operations

but also in small battles and clashes with

army units. They also have learned the

tactics to hide their identities as they were

often found engaged in operations far

from their native towns. After taking part

in an operation, they would go back to

their native towns and pretend living

normal lives.177

5.1.3 Targets and Tactics of the

Insurgents

In 2019, different Baloch insurgent groups

carried out 51 terrorist attacks in 16

districts of Balochistan. The attack tactics

employed by the Baloch insurgents

included 29 IEDs blasts, 19 incidents of

firing or targeted killing, 2 grenade

attacks, and one rocket attack. Similarly,

PIPS’ Pakistan Security Report 2018 had

noted that Baloch groups carried out 74

terrorist attacks in 20 districts of

Balochistan during the year 2018, by

employing different attack tactics including

38 IEDs blasts (including one suicide attack

in Chaghi), 27 incidents of firing or targeted

killing, 8 grenade attacks, and one rocket

attack. In 2018, Baloch insurgent also

launched a coordinate gun and suicide

attack against Chinese consulate in

Karachi. 178

Similarly, while in 2018 as many as 51

percent of the total attacks by Baloch

insurgents targeted security forces and law

enforcement personnel, in 2019 about 55

percent of their attacks were targeted

against security forces.

In 2018, the PIPS report had noted, Baloch

insurgents tried to launch some major

attacks, using the strategy of coordinated

suicide assaults, but largely failed. First,

traditionally having been relied on low

intensity subversion acts and attacks, they

don't have yet that capability which the

religiously inspired groups have in

launching major, lethal attacks. Secondly,

the response by the law enforcement

agencies was quick and effective to

neutralise the attackers, mainly in the case

of China consulate attack.179

As cited earlier, traditionally Baloch

insurgents have followed classical

insurgency models as Dashti mentioned in


91

his book about 1974 insurgency.

“By July 1974, Baloch guerrilla

units succeeded in cutting off most

of the main roads linking

surrounding provinces and rail

communication were paralyzed.

The militants under the discipline

of BPLF avoided direct

confrontation with the Pakistani

army and whenever possible, their

primary tactic remained

ambushing army convoys and

harassing its supply lines….

according to Harrison (1981),

during four years of insurgency,

there were one 178 major

engagements and one hundred 67

lesser incidents between Pakistani

forces and the Baloch fighters”180

When the new phase of insurgency started

in 2002, the insurgents adopted similar

strategies of 1970s. In the beginning,

insurgents established bases in

inaccessible mountainous regions.

However, the use of the air force made it

very difficult for the militant groups to

maintain camps and hideouts in the barren

mountains of Balochistan. Now the

majority of the fighters are based in

villages and townships and they have

invented ways to hide themselves within

local population. The security forces blame

these tactics of the militants for the

enforced disappearances in the

province.181

The insurgent groups used modern

telecommunication technology very

effectively in the planning and execution of

their attacks on state security forces. But

the increased monitoring of

communication systems by security

agencies has resulted in inflicting heavy

losses to militants because their

whereabouts were identified electronically

and heavily bombed. At present, most

militant groups have reorganized their

fighters into small mobile groups in order

to make it difficult for the security

agencies to locate them.182

Aslam Achu, a BLA commander killed in

Afghanistan, had tried to bring shift in the

traditional tactics of the insurgency and

introduced suicide bombing. He was the

mastermind of the two suicide attacks

targeting the Chinese engineers in

Dalbandin and Chinese consulate in

Karachi. Apparently the Islamist militants,

who mastered in such attacks, inspired him.

However, the groups like BRA and BLA-

Mari still emphasize classical tactics, which

is basically based on a long-term

engagement with the target. They manage

small-scale attacks with brief and long

intervals, and chances of large scale

countering operation from security forces

remain low. This is a warfare Baloch

insurgents have trained themselves in

since decades. Interestingly the urban

origin insurgents see such tactics flawed

and considers strategy to negotiate and

bargain with the power elites.183

Table 1: Baloch Insurgent Groups: Leadership, Agendas and Locations

Group Leadership Agendas / Motives Locations

Baloch Raaji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS)

Baloch Khan (spokesperson)

An alliance of armed ethnic Baloch separatist group includes BLA, BLF and BRG

Deep Makran region, coastal areas from Pasni, Ormara to Lesbela

Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF)

Allah Nazr Baloch; Abdul Nabi Bangalzai, former chief commander UBA has also joined BLF

Anti-state, secessionists/separatists

Awaran and Panjgur districts; Tung, Mand and Buleda in Turbat district; Basima in Washuk district; Jiwani and Pasni in coastal areas.

Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)

Harbiyar Marri, and commander Bashir Zeb head their factions


Ispalgai in Mustung district; Mach, Harnai, Nasserabad, Jaffarabad,Loralai, Quetta, Awaran

Baloch Republican Army (BRA)

Brahamdagh Bugti Anti-state, secessionists/separatists

Kohlu, Barkhan, Naseerabad, Jaffarabad, Shubatpur Loralai,and few small pockets in Dera Bugti

Baloch Republican Guard (BRG)

Bakhtiar Domki Anti-state, secessionist Naseerabad

United Baloch Army (UBA)

Mehran Marri


Bolan, Lasbela, and Basima in Washuk district

Lashkar-e-Balochistan

Javed Mengal Aimed at countering the growing ambitions of BLA and BLF, and to maintain the status of Mengal Sardars in the area.

Lasbela, Makran

Balochistan Liberation United Front (BLUF)

Mir Shakak Baloch (spokesperson)

Recovery of missing persons, drawing world attention to military operations and human rights violations of security forces in Balochistan

Little presence in Washuk and Panjgur districts

5.1.4 Baloch Raaji Aajoi Sangar

(BRAS)

The Baloch Raaji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS) is

an alliance of three separatist insurgent

groups formed in 2018. It was the

initiative of BLA commander Aslam Achu to

form an exclusive operational force to

target the CPEC and Chinese interest in

Pakistan. Later the alliance has been

extended to target the security forces of

Pakistan as well.184 The BLA, BLF and BRG

are the major component of the alliance

but few analysts suspect that Lashkar-e-

Balochistan and United Baloch Army (UBA)

are also part of the alliance. 185 The

mandate of BRAS is narrow as the groups

are only bound to contribute their human

resources and logistical support in the joint

attacks but the member groups are free to

pursue their political and operational aims.

BRAS has managed to launch four attacks

since its establishment including two major

ones. On April 18, 2019, at least 14

people, including 11 personnel of Navy, Air

Force and Coast Guards, were killed by

BRAS gunmen wearing security uniforms

after they were picked up with the help of

their computerized national identity cards

Suicide Attacks in Pakistan (2009-2019)

Incidents of sectarian violence in Pakistan (2009-2019)

1-Chitral

2-Swat

3-Upper Dir

4-Kohistan

5-Battagram

6-Mansehra

7-Abbottabad

8-Shangla

9-Haripur

10-Swabi

11-Buner

12-Malakand

13-Lower Dir

14-Bajaur

15-Mohmand Agency

16-Mardan

17-Nowshera

18-Charsada

19-Peshawar

20-Adam Khel

21-Khyber

22-Orakzai

23-Kurram

24-Hangu

25-Kohat

26-Karak

27-North Waziristan

28-Bannu

29-Lakki Marwat

30-South Waziristan

31-Tank

32-Dera Ismail Khan

More than 20 and less than 50 attacks in the year.


More than one and less than 10 attacks in the year.

More than 50 attacks in the year.

No attack in the year.

KP (including erstwhile FATA)

4

5

6

79

12

1314

15

18

19

20

21

2223

24 25

26

27 28

29

3031

32

1

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8

10

11

16

17

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18-Kalat

19-Jhal Magsi

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21-Nushki

22-Chaghi

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24-Kharan

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27-Awaran

28-Panjgur

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1-Sherani2-Musakhel3-Zhob4-Qilla Saifullah5-Barkhan6-Loralai7-Kohlu8-Sibi9-Harnai10-Ziarat11-Pashin12-Qilla Abdullah13-Quetta14-Mastung15-Bolan16-Dera Bugti17-Nasirabad18-Kalat19-Jhal Magsi20-Jaffarabad21-Nushki22-Chaghi23-Washuk24-Kharan25-Khuzdar26-Lasbela27-Awaran28-Panjgur29-Kech30-Gwadar

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16-Naushahro Firoze

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1

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12-Lahore

13-Nankana Sahib

14-Kasur

15-Hafizabad

16-Sargodha

17-Chiniot

18-Khushab

19-Mianwali

20-Bhakkar

21-Jhang

22-Faisalabad

23-Okara

24-Pakpattan

25-Sahiwal

26-Toba Tek Singh

27-Bahawalnagar

28-Vehari

29-Khanewal

30-Layyah

31-Muzaffargarh

32-Dera Ghazi Khan

33-Multan

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36-Bahawalpur

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Punjab

1

2

3

4

5

67

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

1516

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19

20

2122

23

24

25

26

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29

30

31

32

33

34

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Inte

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of te

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in P

ak

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(20

09

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)


93

(CNICs) and offloaded from seven buses in

the Buzi Pass area near Ormara in Gwadar

district. 186 The Ormara attack had huge

impact on the security of the province and

CPEC. Since then, the government has

raised the security measures in Makran

region and a special command based in

Turbat has been set up; a new corps has

been raised to increase border patrolling.

Apart from aerial surveillance of the Pak-

Iran border through helicopters, the

Iranian border would also be fenced. 187

Pakistan believes Baloch insurgents who

carried out Ormara attack used Iranian soil

for shelter.

5.1.5 Balochistan Liberation Army

(BLA)

The BLA has currently two offshoots. One

is led by Harbiyar Marri and operates in

eastern part of Balochistan. It comprises

mainly Marri tribesmen loyal to Harbiyar

Marri. The other offshoot comprises on the

insurgents hailing from various tribal, rural

and urban backgrounds. It mainly operates

in central and coastal regions of the

province and also has networks in interior

Sindh and Karachi. Aslam Achu was

leading this faction until he was killed in

Kandahar. He had formed the group after

developing differences with Harbiyar Marri

in 2013. 188 Achu thought Harbiyar had

come under the influence of Western

forces and could adopt a reconciliatory

way.

After Achu’s death, Karim Marri, Hamal and

Commander Nisar are leading the group.189

However the main leading figure is

Commander Bashir Zeb, who was a class

fellow of Allah Nazar Baloch. Some say their

close ties have helped them to strengthen

the BRAS. According to local sources, the

educated Marri insurgents are leaving BLA-

Hyrbiyar faction and joining Zeb group,

which they believe is more active.

Interestingly Aslam Achu also adopted

operational strategy from the Islamist

militants and formed dedicated operational

squads for specific operations. Fidayeen

Majeed Brigade was among such special

operational squad, which was formed to

target the Chinese and CPEC related

projects.

BLA’s origin dates back to 1973, a period

of resistance against military operations in

Balochistan and the discovery of the secret

NAP-led London Plan. 190 The Marri tribe

played an important role in the insurgency

in the 1970s. When the government forces

overcame the insurgency, the Marris went

into exile in Afghanistan. BLA was declared

a terrorist organization by the Musharraf

government on April 9, 2006. The PPP-led

coalition government twice banned the

group, on September 8, 2009 and in April

2010.191

Harbiyar is active in Europe running

campaigns against Pakistan. From 2016,

Mir Hairbyar supporters have been

carrying out their activities under the


94

banner of Baloch Freedom Movement.192

5.1.6 Balochistan Liberation Front

(BLF)

The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) is

based in the central and southwestern

districts of Balochistan. It has gone into

hiding, either in the areas close to the

Iranian border or moved across the border

into Iran or Afghanistan.193

Led by Dr Allah Nazar Baloch, BLF is

believed to be the most organized of the

Baloch resistance groups, engaging

security forces and its affiliated militias in a

wide area beginning in central Balochistan

up to the coastal region. Its militants have

been engaged in many pitched battles with

security forces in recent years and Dr.

Allah Nazar himself was targeted by the

Pakistan air force on many occasions.194

Allah Nazar took refuge in Iran after he

got hurt in an operation by security forces.

It is speculated that security institutions

were not happy with former Balochistan

chief minister Zehri when he had released

Allah Nazar’s family members including his

wife, sister and children.

As with other Baloch insurgent groups, the

BLF also strives for an independent

Balochistan. The group’s inspiration comes

from the Iranian Baluchi resistance group

of the same name, which was formed in

1960s by the Iranian Baluchi youth of

middle classes. The BLF in Pakistani part

of Balochistan has many similarities with

the BLF in Iran because of their common

social and economic profiles; Pakistani BLF

is under such an influence of Iranian BLF

that it also follows a similar organizational

structure and operational strategies.195 The

Iranian BLF had intensified its militant

activities in Iran during early 70’s and the

group was somehow using the Pakistani

soil while taking advantage of the porous

borders between the two countries. That

had forced Iran and Pakistan to develop

cooperation and launch joint action against

the group.196

After the killing of 14 Pakistani security

personnel on April 18, 2019 on coastal

highway, Pakistan had formally launched

the protest with Iran for BLF getting

shelter there. Many local religious and

political leaders in Turbat, Panjgur,

Khuzdar and Kalat also think that Iranian

authorities deliberately overlook the

movement of the Pakistani Baloch

insurgents, mainly BLF and BLA. What

they get in return is the information about

the hideouts of Jaishul Adl – an Iranian

group based in Iranian Balochustan-Sistan

that operates across the border – and

other Iranian religious-separatist groups,

as well as information about narcotics

dealers operating along border. 197

However, there is another important

perspective that many residents of the

bordering town have dual nationality and

they can cross border legally anytime and

many insurgents are exploiting this dual

nationality factor.198


95

5.1.7 Baloch Republican Army (BRA)

Led by Brahamdagh Bugti, the outlawed

Baloch Republican Army is the militant

wing of Balochistan Republican Party

(BRP), a rechristened arm of Akbar Bugti’s

Jamhoori Watan Party. The BRA cadre was

previously a personal tribal militia for

Nawab Akbar Bugti amid his rivalries with

Marri tribes. After Akbar Bugti’s

assassination in 2006, the militia was

renamed as Baloch Republican Army

(BRA).

Since then the group has also recruited the

militants from other parts of Balochistan

especially in Kech and Gwadar districts,

where its fighters operate in close

coordination with BLF fighters.199 The BRA

usually deploys conventional tactics of the

resistance movements and it has managed

many attacks on gas supplies from Sui to

other parts of the country.

5.1.8 Baloch Republican Guards

(BRG)

Led by former MPA Bakhtiar Domki, the

group is operational in Naseerabad district.

It has over 200 militants in its fold and

mainly operates in collaboration with the

BRA. It is also part of BRAS, along with

BLF and BLA. Bakhtiar Domki had formed

the group when his wife and daughter

were shot dead in Karachi in January

2012.200 The deceased were also the sister

and niece of BRA leader Baramdagh Bugti.

Domki lives in exile in London from where

he runs anti-Pakistan campaigns.

5.1.9 United Baloch Army (UBA)

Late Nawab Khair Bakhsh, after being

estranged from his elder son Harbiyar

Marri, nominated his youngest son

Zamaran alias Mehran Marri who formed

another insurgent group United Baloch

Army (UBA). Mehran lives in London in

self- exile. Under the leadership of a

former BLA chief commander Abdul Nabi

Bangulzai, UBA has been active in Bolan,

Lasbela and Basima in Washuk district.

Some local sources claimed that Abdul

Nabi Bangulzai has left UBA and joined

BLF, thus further strengthening the latter.

5.1.10 Lashkar-e-Balochistan

Lashkar-e- Balochistan, led by Javed

Mengal, the eldest son of elderly Baloch

leader Sardar Attaullah Mengal, was

formed in 2008. It operates mainly in the

Jhalawan and Makran regions. It is

believed that it recruits fighting volunteers

from the Mengal tribe and the Balochistan

National Party (BNP) sympathizers. But the

BNP claims to have no role in the armed

struggle and its declared objective is to

achieve the right of self-determination for

the Baloch in a peaceful struggle according

to the United Nations Charter.

Mir Javed Mengal lives in exile in London

and the UAE. He denies any link with

Lashkar-e-Balochistan but the several

members of nationalist parties and

journalists in Balochistan confirm that


96

Javed Mengal is mastermind behind the

group. He and his son Mir Noordin Mengal

have been active in Europe in anti-Pakistan

campaigns.

5.2 Religious & Sectarian

Extremists

Afghan Taliban, Al-Qaeda and local

militant outfits such as Tehreek-e-Taliban

Balochistan, sectarian groups like Lashkar-

e-Jhangvi, Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP),

Imamia Students Organization (ISO) and

Sipah-e-Muhammad etc., are active in the

province in one way or another. These

organizations are pursuing their parallel

agendas while the Baloch movement

continues to occupy centre stage in the

broader conflict in Balochistan.

Table 2: Religious/Sectarian Groups

Groups Leadership Motives/ Agenda Location

Daesh - Anti-West, anti-Shia

global terrorist group

Quetta, Bolan,

Mastung, Jhal Magsi

TTP Mufti Noor Wali

Mehsud (based in

Afghanistan)

Anti-West, anti-

Pakistan, anti-Shia

Quetta, Chaman,

Zhob, Loralai,

Mastung

Jamaatul Ahrar

and Hizul Ahrar

Omar Khalid Mansur

and Mukarram Khan

(based in Afghanistan)

Anti-West, anti-

Pakistan, anti-Shia

Quetta, Pishin,

Chaman

Sipah-e-Sahaba Ramzan Mengal Sunni Deobandi, anti-

Shia, anti-West

Quetta, Chaghi and

Panjgur

Lashkar-e-

Jhangvi and LeJ-

A

Ameer Moaviya Sunni Deobandi, anti-

Shia, anti-West, anti-

Christian

Quetta, Mastung,

Khuzdar, Panjgur,

Bolan

Imamia Students

Organization

Nasir Shirazi,

(president)

Anti-Sunni Quetta

Jaishul Adl Salahuddin Farooqi Religious-nationalist

group, anti-Shia, anti-

Iran

Iranian Sistan-

Baluchistan, and

Chaghi and Panjgur

in Pakistani

Balochistan

Ansar Al-Furqan - Religious- nationalist

group, anti-Iran

Iranian Sistan-

Baluchistan, and

Kharan in Pakistani

Balochistan

5.2.1 Jaishul Adl

Iranian-based Jaishul Adl was formed soon

after the arrest and execution of the Sunni

extremist organization Jundallah’s leader

Abdul Malik Regi. In the beginning,

Jundallah was split into two factions i.e.

Al-Nasr and Jaishul Adl. In 2016, both

factions got united and issued a joint

declaration of unification. 201 However

before the merger, Iran had killed the

head of Al-Nasr, Maulvi Abdul Rauf, in an

operation inside Pakistan.

The 40 years old leader of Jaishul Adl,

Salahuddin Farooqi, belongs to Iranian-

Baluchi region “Raisk”, and is considered a

hardliner Sunni. One reason for his leaving

Jundallah was secular and liberal attitude

of many of the core members of the

group. However, Mr. Farooqi denies any

links with Al-Qaeda or Daesh. During

2015 and 2016, Jaishul Adl carried out

many serious hit and run attacks on

security forces in Iranian Baluchistan,

establishing itself the most lethal militant

group of Sistan-Baluchistan.

The armed confrontation between

Pakistani Baloch separatist groups and

Jaishul Adl has become a routine as both

have their operational bases in similar

vicinities. Locals in Balochistan believe that

Jaishul Adl’s center is in “Mashkeel”. This

is a rough and difficult terrain with little

population but is a favorite route of

insurgents of all shades as well as

smugglers. Most of the petroleum

smuggling from Iran also happens through

this route. Jaishul Adl also has a strong

support base in Chagai and Panjgur

districts, where many mosques apparently

belong to the group. Iran also has

extensive spying network in the Chagai

district and also fires mortars following

Jaishul Adl militants in this area.

5.2.2 Ansar Al-Furqan

Harkat-e-Ansar-e-Iran was another splinter

group of Jundallah, which had launched

many attacks in Iranian Balochistan during

2012-13. Later the group was merged with

Hizbul Furqan to form Ansar Al-Furqan in

late 2013. This is comparatively a small

religious group and reportedly has

hideouts in district Kharan. According to

Hoshang (2015), Jaish ul-Adl adopted a

more moderate approach and to some

extent has moved further towards Baloch

ethnic nationalism.202

5.2.3 Daesh, or Islamic State (IS)

Group

Daesh or the Khorasan chapter of the

Islamic State group, also known as ISIS,

has shown its strong presence in

Balochistan while managing 10 major

terrorist attacks in the province since its

establishment. A total of 270 people lost

their lives in these attacks reported from

Quetta, Jhal Magsi and Mastung districts of

Balochistan.

Table 3: Terrorist Attacks by IS-

affiliates in Balochistan (1 Jan. 2014

to 26 Dec. 2019)203

Dis

tric

t

Att

ack

s

Kil

led

Target

Jhal 1 22 Worship places/


98

Dis

tric

t

Att

ack

s

Kil

led

Target

Magsi shrines/imambargahs

Mastung 3 180 Foreign interests/,

diplomats/foreigners,

and political

leaders/workers

Quetta 6 68 Christian

community/Church,

Govt. officials, political

leaders/workers, and

Shia religious

scholars/community

Total 10 270

The data on terrorist attacks claimed by

Daesh in Pakistan suggests the group has

relatively greater presence and activities in

Balochistan and northern Sindh, where a

new emerging sectarian fault-line lies. The

Hazara community in Quetta valley, the

Shia population in northern Sindh and Shia

influence on Sunnis there, a pluralist

culture of shrines, poorly governed

provincial borders and most importantly,

the Shia pilgrimage routes to Iran and Iraq

attract a multitude of sectarian actors in

this region.

One important commander of Daesh

Hafeez Brohi from Sindh has been killed

this year, which will have impact on the

group’s operations in bordering region of

Balochistan and Sindh. However, police

and law enforcement officials in Quetta

confirm that Daesh is still a potent threat

in Bolan region as it has been collaborating

with small factions of LeJ there in terrorist

operations.

5.2.4 Pakistani Taliban

Although the military operations have

forced the Pakistani Taliban to relocate to

other side of Pakistan-Afghan border in

recent years, yet the Taliban presence is

relatively more pronounced in suburbs of

Quetta and Pashtun belt of Balochistan.

Main Taliban groups, which have been

active in parts of Balochistan are listed

below.

• Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)

Since the establishment of the TTP in

2007, its Balochistan chapter (Tehreek-e-

Taliban Balochistan) had been active in the

province, which is significantly weakened

now to almost non-existence. But the TTP

presence and continuing terrorist activities

in recent years are conspicuous by the

sporadic attacks it has been perpetrating

and claiming.

Between 1 January 2015 and 27 December

2019, the TTP perpetrated 65 terrorist

attacks in Balochistan – including 3 suicide

blasts – which claimed 192 lives and

injured 376 others. More than half of these

attacks, or 33, concentrated in Quetta,

another 15 were reported from Qilla

Abdullah, mainly Chaman, and 4 attacks

each from Loralai and Zhob. 204 Recently,

from January 2019, the group has been

quite active in Loralai district of

Balochistan where it has claimed 4 major

attacks on security forces killing 26, mostly

security personnel. In March 2019, the


99

TTP also launched a major attack in Ziarat,

adjacent to Loralai, killing 6 Levies

persons.

• Jamaatul Ahrar and Hizbul Ahrar

In all, 110 people were killed and 181

others injured in 8 attacks perpetrated by

these two groups in Pishin, Qilla Abdullah

and Quetta districts of Balochistan since

August 2016. Five of these attacks were

suicide blasts.

Both groups are splinters of the TTP, with

Hizbul Ahrar being the recent one.

Jamaatul Ahrar came into limelight in

Balochistan after August 2016 suicide

blast at Civil Hospital, Quetta. More than

70 people were killed, nearly half of them

lawyers, in the attack targeting mourners

gathered at the hospital. Jamaatul Ahrar

and the Islamic State (IS) group both

claimed responsibility for the attack,

separately.205

From April 2018, Hizbul Ahrar has been

active in Balochistan and has launched 3

attacks so far, including 2 in Quetta and

one in Pishin. Two of these attacks were

suicide bombings including a major

assault on an FC camp in Quetta in April

2018. 206 The most recent attack by the

group in Balochistan was reported in

January 2019 from Pishin that targeted

the office of Naib Tehsildar Abdul Malik

Tareen.207

5.2.5 Sectarian Outfits

Violent sectarian groups have been

operating in Balochistan since long,

although their activities have become

relatively less frequent and less intense in

recent years. Still, sectarian-related target

killings of members of the Shia Hazara

community is a regular feature of

Balochistan’s security landscape.

Among the Sunni sectarian groups present

in the province are Sipah-e-Sahaba

Pakistan (SSP) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi

(LeJ); so-called global arm of the LeJ

known as Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al-Alami (LeJ-

A) was also active in the province few

years back. Factions of Shia groups Sipah-

e-Muhammad, and Imamia Students

Organization (ISO) are also active in parts

of the province mainly Quetta.

• Lashkar-e-Jhangvi

Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) is a Sunni outfit

with an anti-Shia agenda and operates in

and around Quetta. Two splinter groups of

the LeJ known as Usman Kurd group –

Kurd was killed in an operation in 2015 –

and Qari Hai group are active in

Balochistan. The LeJ group still has

presence in Quetta, Mastung and Khuzdar

but is struggling to capitalize on its

operational strengths.

In retrospective, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi has

been the main violent sectarian actor in

the province, along with LeJ-A. These two

groups have perpetrated 35 terrorist


100

attacks in the province between 1 January

2015 and 27 December 2019, which

claimed 195 lives and wounded 331

others. Three of these attacks happened in

2019 claiming 3 lives.

• Sipah-e-Muhammad Pakistan

(SMP) and ISO

The Shia outfit Sipah-e-Muhammad

Pakistan (SMP) was found involved in

targeted killings of religious leaders of the

rival Sunni sect in recent years. Few years

back, three factions of SMP, led by Baqar

Zaidi, Mohsin Mehdi and the Balti group,

were active in Karachi and Quetta.

However, these groups have had no direct

link with the Punjab-based SMP, which has

been dysfunctional since an effective

police operation against the group in the

late 1990s resurfaced in Karachi and

Quetta in 2011.208

CHAPTER 6

The Wave of Suicide Bombing in Pakistan

(2007 to 2011)

Umer Farooq *

6.1 Introduction and Background ................................................103

6.2 Assessment of Current Threat from Suicide Bombing ..............104

6.3 Reporting on Suicide Bombing: Impact on Public Perceptions

and Opinion ........................................................................105

6.4 Categorization of Targets Hit in Suicide Blasts (2007-2011) ...107

* Umer Farooq is a journalist who has extensively covered political, military, and security related issues. He

has worked for leading media outlets, and has also produced documentaries on critical issues.

6.1 Introduction and

Background

The wave of suicide bombings that started

in Pakistan in the wake of July 2007

military operation against militants

sheltered in Islamabad’s Lal Masjid was

clearly aimed at destabilizing the country.

This wave picked up pace in terms of

numbers of attacks in the period between

2007-2011. Several media and official

sources had then pointed out that multiple

groups were engaged in suicide blasts.

Even the Pakistani Taliban was not a

monolithic entity and it comprised of

several different groups, which were then

being targeted in military operations

mainly in erstwhile FATA.

Some say that this wave was intended to

weaken the resolve of Pakistani state and

military leaders so that they retreat from

the advance stage of military operations

against tribal militants in Pakistani tribal

areas.209Some western analysts have also

described suicide bombings as a strategic

tool of the militants group employed to

extract concessions from democratic

governments.210However in Pakistan’s case

there is no empirical evidence to vindicate

that.

Indeed, there does not exist any empirical

study to respond to such questions of

strategic motives of dozens of suicide

bombings that took place in Pakistan

during the period from 2007 to 2011 and

to what extent these achieved their

objectives. There is a dearth of datasets

also, primarily because the government

and its institutions only rarely made public

the findings of hundreds of investigations

that were conducted into these terror

attacks. Some of the analysis of the

phenomenon of suicide bombings is based

on the sketchy information derived from

the pre-attack video messages of the

suicide bombers available in Pakistani

tribal areas.211

The lack of data and empirical evidence

notwithstanding, some Pakistani experts

have observed that militant groups use

suicide bombings to achieve strategic

objectives.

According to one account, “law

enforcement investigations indicate that

suicide bombings is the work of multiple

militant and terrorist outfits like the local

Taliban, Al Qaeda, and groups affiliated

with Al Qaeda such as Jamiat al- Furqan

and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. The evidence they

have collected shows that Al Qaeda and its

affiliated groups in Pakistan have used

suicide terrorism to obtain specific

strategic goals against the government.”212

This paper is an attempt to analyze the

wave of suicide bombing (2007 to 2011) in

terms of intended targets of the terrorists,

impact of these attacks on public

perceptions and opinion, as well as an

assessment of current level of threat. The

analysis is mainly based on newspaper

reports and analysis of suicide bombings in

urban and tribal areas, mainly from English

Dailies Daily Times, Dawn, The News and

The Nation.

The analysis dispels the impression that

the Taliban groups and other militants


104

used terror as a weapon only against the

state machinery—thus partially repudiating

the theory that Taliban were using suicide

bombings only as a strategic tool to

weaken the resolve of state machinery and

military leadership to continue the military

operations in erstwhile tribal areas. This

theory doesn’t fully explain why pensioners

outside a commercial bank in Rawalpindi

were targeted or why Shia religious

procession became the target of

bombings—when apparently none of these

people were partners of the state

machinery, which was carrying out military

operation against militants in the tribal

areas.

Suicide bombings as a strategic tool of

militants can fully explain the targeting of

military and police, political and religious

leaders, diplomatic missions of western

countries and leaders of rival groups—as

all these categories of suicide bombings

fall into the definition of entities, which

extended political support to the military

operations against Pakistani Taliban.

The explanatory power of this theory

diminishes in case of explaining the suicide

bombings against Shia worshippers or

worshippers in a Sunni mosque. Some of

people would argue that the objective of

these attacks was to sow terror into the

heart of the society, which was at war with

the militancy.

The military is still continuing operations

against various militant groups in the tribal

areas as well as urban centers. However,

the suicide bombings are not taking place

frequently.

6.2 Assessment of Current

Threat from Suicide Bombing

A significantly decreased incidence of

suicide bombings in major urban centers

of the country is generally perceived as an

indicator that Pakistan’s security situation

has now completely returned to normalcy.

The current situation is in fact a complete

contrast with the security situation that

prevailed in the country during last three

years of past decade, i.e. 2007 to 2010,

when suicide bombings were almost a

daily occurrence. The wave of suicide

bombings that hit Pakistan in the

aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks

touched alarming heights in 2007,

averaging more than one suicide attack a

week. It was a widely held perception at

that time that the state machinery had lost

control of the situation. While PPP leader

Benazir Bhutto's December 27

assassination was the most high-profile

suicide attack of the 2007, there were 56

incidents of suicide bombings in Pakistan

during 2007, killing 422 members of the

army and the police besides 220 civilians.

Two suicide bombings in April and May

this year, in two urban centers of the

country, Quetta and Lahore respectively,

started to give sleepless nights to security

managers of Pakistan early this year.


105

These raised the apprehension that this

might be the start of another wave of

suicide bombings that might grip Pakistani

society. But luckily suicide attacks have

remained only sporadic in 2019 with 4

such attacks reported throughout the year.

Indeed, suicide bombings have gradually

disappeared as a potent threat to internal

security of the country since 2014.213

Major urban centers of the country and

tribal areas bordering Afghanistan

witnessed the dreadful wave of suicide

bombings between July 2007 and initial

months of 2011. In this period, the

terrorists hit military installations,

personnel and convoys, police stations and

police personnel, political leaders,

diplomatic community, sectarian targets

and tribal elders. Some of the suicide

bombings were targeted against the rival

militant leaders and groups. Most common

form of suicide bombings was the

targeting of military and police check posts

in the tribal areas and settled areas.

But this period has apparently vanished

from our memory as if it had never

happened. We don’t talk about it; we don’t

produce any research or academic paper

about it; nor do we try to foresee if such a

wave can repeat it.

Pakistani security agencies, however, are

not as unmindful to their surroundings and

they did show some apprehension at the

time of two suicide bombings in April and

May this year. Security officials also claim

that they have broken the back of

militancy in Pakistan’s erstwhile tribal

areas and that the militants are on the run

and incapable to launch major attacks.

That also means that as militants no more

control any territory in any part of

Pakistan, they cannot run any schools for

the training of suicide bombers as they

used to do when they were controlling

South and North Waziristan.

And because now military is controlling

every inch of the erstwhile FATA, there is

little possibility that the militants would be

allowed to recruit the under aged suicide

bombers from poor and under nourished

families in tribal areas. This seems

plausible but hardly enough reason for

complacency.

6.3 Reporting on Suicide

Bombing: Impact on Public

Perceptions and Opinion

Initially the phenomenon of suicide

bombings came as a shock to Pakistani

society and generated a sense of disbelief

and state of denial among the

intelligentsia, media and state machinery.

Public discourse that came out as a

response was that of incomprehension.

The initial columns in the Pakistani

newspapers, written after initial episodes

of suicide bombings, discussed the

phenomenon from the perspective of

Middle Eastern societies. It seemed

Pakistani intelligentsia was not ready to


106

accept that this scourge had hit Pakistani

society.214

There appeared many signs that the

society was not at all prepared to deal with

the threat, which were also visible on the

pages of newspapers and in the way these

news outlets reported the incidents of

suicide bombings especially that took place

in the urban centers of the country

especially Lahore and Peshawar.

Lahore and Peshawar became the main

targets of the terrorists and suicide

bombers presumably as the terror

incidents in these big urban centers

created quite a spectacle and became the

focus of local and international media

outlets. Ironically, throughout this period,

Pakistani newspapers continued to treat

suicide bombings in these cities as

ordinary crime stories. Most of the time

the crime reporters of the newspapers

were assigned to cover the suicide

bombings, with the obvious result that the

stories next day were completely devoid of

the political context in which these suicide

bombings were taking place. Interestingly,

most of the time, this was not the case

with the reporting of incidents of suicide

bombings in tribal areas and other

troubled areas like Swat, where, the media

persons reporting these incidents were

usually well versed in the political and

militant landscape of the region.

A second more plausible reason for the

inclusion of political context in the

reporting of suicide bombing in the tribal

areas, perhaps, was the awareness among

the tribal journalists about the direct

tensions and their latest updates between

the military and the tribal militants that

provided the backdrop of these bombings.

For example, a news story about suicide

bombing in Mingora, Swat on January 8,

2008 in daily Dawn contained the

background of the tensions between

military and Mullah Fazlullah-led militants

in Swat valley, which, according to the

report was most plausible backdrop of

suicide bombing. “On Sunday, Maulana

Fazlullah, through his FM radio, asked his

followers to launch attacks against security

forces…[T]he security forces have been

consolidating their positions in upper Matta

tehsil and bracing for a final assault on the

hideouts of militants in Ghut Peuchar,

Shore, Chuprial and other areas” reads a

paragraph of the report in Daily Dawn of

January 8,2008.

Surprisingly, Pakistani newspapers did not

learn about how to report the incidents of

suicide bombings even at the latter stages,

which also contributed in confusing public

opinions.

People just seemed to have endured a

dreadful experience and tended to forget

about it in the long run. The society itself

did not create a database of knowledge at

the social level to meet this threat at any

future point of time. As cited earlier, media

and newspapers and their reporting


107

systems were the main factor behind this

social amnesia, because they adhered to

the old model of reporting a crime event

without taking into account shockingly

terrorizing pain these events of suicide

blasts inflicted on the society. These

shocking incidents demanded a new model

of reporting, which should have contained

not only the political and security context

of the bombings, but also the entire new

experience of terror which society

underwent.

Apart from dealing the suicide bombing as

simple crime stories, media also largely

relied on official accounts of events, which

in a way worked as a constraint, too, in

investigative and objective reporting and

analysis. Officialdom greatly influences the

news reports, especially where the

reporter is completely dependent on the

concerned officials for access to

information and access to the places of

events.

It has been an irony that when the terror

groups were able to improvise to inflict the

most dreadful pain on Pakistani society,

the state and society failed to innovate

and improvise their responses.

6.4 Categorization of Targets

Hit in Suicide Blasts (2007-

2011)

The militants were clearly aiming at

specific targets in their suicide bombings

campaigns including mainly military,

intelligence agencies, police and other

security agencies. Political and religious

leaders were frequently targeted during

times of election campaigns and enhanced

political activities. Diplomats and

diplomatic missions of western countries

remained favorite targets of suicide

attacks, too. Leaders of rival groups and

leaders of peace committee were also

targeted. General public and Shia

community also became victim of Taliban’s

savagery.

If carefully studied, the targeting pattern

of suicide attacks clearly indicated the

political and strategic objectives of

Pakistani Taliban—the main perpetuators

of suicide attacks. The targeting patterns

clearly reflected the desire of Pakistani

Taliban a) to inflict maximum damage on

state machinery in order to weaken its

resolve and to diminish its capacity to

continue the struggle against militancy in

Pakistan; and b) to instill terror and create

anarchy in the society.

6.4.1 Security and Law Enforcement

Agencies

The fact that September 28, 2019 terror

attack in Chaman was not a suicide attack

but appeared to be blast of a timed device

speaks volumes about the changing nature

of terrorist threat in the country. The fact

that only 4 suicide blasts happened in

Pakistan in 2019 means that the planners

of terrorism in the country are fast losing

ground.


108

It was just like any other sunny afternoon

of receding winters in Lahore when the

double suicide attacks on Naval War

College in the busy part of the city took

place. The gruesome incident occurred at

around 1:10 pm, March 4, 2008 when a

suicide bomber, riding a motorcycle,

rammed into the college gate. He blew

himself up at the gate while making way

for his accomplice to the parking lot, which

was packed with official vehicles. The

second suicide bomber, who was standing

at some distance from the gate, rushed to

the parking lot and triggered his explosive

device. It could have been more

devastating than the actual damage it

caused in the parking lot of the college,

killing eight people on the spot.215

There are incidents of targeted suicide

bombings, which, could not have been

carried out without real-time intelligence

available to the handlers and planners of

the terror attacks. This involved suicide

bombings, where the vehicles, installations

or senior officials or personnel of the

military were specifically targeted in the

suicide attacks. One prime example of this

type of suicide attacks was the February 4,

2008 suicide attack on a passenger coach

of Army Medical Corps in RA Bazar

Rawalpindi. The attacker rammed his

motorcycle into an Army Medical Corps

(AMC) coaster in RA Bazaar, killing at least

11 persons, including six uniformed and

civil personnel of AMC, and critically

injuring over 45 others. Another was the

targeting of LT General of Pakistan Army

in the same month by a suicide bomber in

Rawalpindi.

First three months of 2008 were

particularly deadly for the military and

police force in the big urban centers of the

country like Rawalpindi, Islamabad and

Lahore. The year started with a suicide

attack on January 10, 2008, on police

contingent deployed in GPO Chowk Lahore

to watch over the Lawyers protest

demonstration in Front of the Lahore High

Court. The police personnel were the

intended targets of the attack as more

than 20 policemen lost their lives when the

suicide bomber blew himself up.

Army being the institution on the forefront

of counter-terrorism and counter-militancy

operations of the state was also the prime

target of the terrorists during this period.

Army personnel have an everyday

presence in the big garrison cities like

Rawalpindi and this presence became the

target of the suicide bombers. Army

Medical Corps (AMC) passenger coach was

targeted in Rawalpindi’s busy bazar

adjacent to the GHQ, A Lt General of

Pakistan Army was martyred on Mall Road

Rawalpindi while he was travelling in his

staff car—this clearly meant that the

terrorists wanted to instill the same kind of

fear and terror in the hearts of those

officers who as part of their everyday lives

roamed the streets and roads of a city,

Rawalpindi, which was considered one of

the safest in the country.


109

Not surprising the terrorists by attacking

the military personnel, were targeting the

most potent and perceptibly the most

power elements of Pakistani state

structure, which were most visibly and

most vocally conducting the counter-

terrorism and counter-militancy operations

in the tribal areas against the militants.

Suicide attacks on security check posts

were also a daily occurrence. In other

words, it was quite clear to those manning

the check posts that they may or may not

return to their habitats in the evening after

completing their duties. It could be an

approaching vehicle or a pedestrian that

could turn out to be a suicide attacker and

take their lives. But still they continued to

bravely man their check posts in the most

dangerous parts of the country.

But the real impact of the suicide

bombings was felt when Pakistani state

machinery failed to effectively respond

to this threat. The police acted as first

responders in the suicide bombings

incidents but they were not at all

trained and prepared to deal with this

threat. Government hospitals and their

staffs gradually developed the capacity

to deal with the emergencies in the

wake of suicide attacks. Initially there

were no ambulances and no trained

staff to shift the injured of the blasts—

which were mostly burned victims—to

the hospitals.

6.4.2 Political and Religious Leaders

The political parties, which were most

vocal against terrorist groups and

terrorism, or were part of the local politics

in the tribal areas surrounding the tensions

between security forces and tribal

militants, were the prime targets of suicide

attacks between 2007 and 2011. These

included firstly the Pakistan People’s Party

(PPP) and Awami National Party (ANP) –

the parties which were most vocal against

extremism at the national level – and

Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam and ANP, which

were part of the local politics in tribal

areas where military was engaged in a

military operation against tribal militants.

Circumstances and common sense left

little doubt that tribal militants were the

force behind these suicide attacks and in

most of the cases the so-called spokesmen

of Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility

for the attacks.

Party cadre and leaders of Awami National

Party remained the prime target of the

suicide bombers during this period. ANP

has a grass-root level presence in

erstwhile tribal areas and quite daringly its

party cadres started to assert themselves

in the local politics. For instance, in

February 2008, ANP cadre was part of the

campaign by local tribal Lashkar to oust

the foreign militants from North

Waziristan. This was happening while ANP

as a political party was engaged in election

campaign for parliamentary elections. The

tribal Lashkar (locally raised tribal force)


110

was raised by the Dawar tribes to evict

foreign militants from their area, which

according to them, provoked military

operations by the Pakistani security forces

causing multiple hardships to the local

people.

It was in this situation that a joint election

rally of ANP workers and the tribal Lashkar

was attacked by a suicide bomber in Mirali

on February 11, 2008, killing 10 party

workers on the spot. This was an incident

of suicide bombers targeting of workers of

a political party, which was actively

campaigning against the militancy in the

tribal areas.

One such gathering was targeted by a

suicide bomber on March 2, 2008 where

some 42 people, mostly tribal elders, were

killed at a grand peace Jirga in Darra

Adamkhel town, about 40 kilometers south

of Peshawar. Not surprisingly the agenda

of the meeting was to oust the militants of

their area and set up peace committee to

ensure making the area trouble free.216

The religious parties like Jamat-e-Ulema

Islam (JUI-F) started to come under

suicide attacks in the period immediately

in the wake of 2008 parliamentary

elections. These parties were perceived to

be close to the militant groups,

ideologically, and were seen as a political

force in a position to influence the

behavior of so-called Pakistani Taliban—

primarily because most of the Taliban

leadership was educated in the religious

seminaries, under the control of JUI

leaders. So the attacks on the leaders of

JUI was seen as a major change in the

strategy of militants, who saw no

possibility of any kind of understanding

with any party which was functioning

under the constitutional framework of

Pakistani state. Six people were killed and

several others, mostly students, sustained

injuries in a suicide attack on a Madrassa

in Kili Karbala in the Pishin district.

According to reports JUI-F provincial Amir

Maulana Muhammad Khan Shirani,

Balochistan Assembly Deputy Speaker

Syed Matiullah Agha and provincial

ministers belonging to the party were

attending a ceremony at the Madrassa

when a 15-year-old boy blew himself up in

front of the stage. However, all the JUI-F

leadership escaped unhurt. In March 2011,

the JUI-F chief, Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman

was specifically targeted in a suicide attack

in Swabi where he arrived to address a

public rally, he, however escaped unhurt.

Fazl was targeted in a second suicide

attack on his life, this time in Charsadda,

within a short span of a month’s time.217

By 2009 the tribal militants had extended

their range to areas far away from the

tribal areas. They were now targeting

religious scholars from the rival sect in

major urban centers like Lahore. In June

2009, the tribal militants struck in the

heart of Lahore when they targeted Dr

Sarfraz Hussain Naeemi in a suicide attack;

Dr Naeemi was killed along with five


111

others, when a 17-year-old youth blew

himself up at his office in Jamia Naeemia,

on the Allama Iqbal Road in Garhi Shahu

area of Lahore, soon after the Friday

prayers. Dr Naeemi was considered an

opponent of Taliban’s ideology.218

The parliamentary elections and political

parties were the specific targets of suicide

attacks in 2008. Attacks on many political

activities, parties and leaders, most

notably the October 18, 2007 assault on

the motorcade of Benazir Bhutto, former

prime minister and the then head of the

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), in Karachi,

which resulted in 139 deaths, and her

assassination on December 27, 2007 were

the glaring examples of Taliban’s terrorist

violence to disrupt the political process.

6.4.3 Shia Community

Shia community was targeted by the tribal

militants throughout this period, despite

the fact that this community was not

directly part of the conflict going on in the

tribal areas. Shia quasi-political

organizations did start a campaign against

extremism after the community came

under wave of suicide attacks across the

country—but this political campaign was

apparently not the cause, which prompted

the militants to start targeting the

community. In fact, the Shia community

came under suicide attacks by the

militants right from the start of wave of

suicide attacks across Pakistan. Imam

bargahs and Shia religious processions and

funerals were targeted in cities like Dera

Ismail Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan and

Peshawar, killing scores of people. The

state machinery, however, remained

helpless in giving protection to the

community.

Most of these suicide attacks took place in

cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, however

Punjab was not completely immune from

these attacks. A suicide bomber blew

himself up at the entrance of an Imam

bargah on April 5, 2009, in Sargodha

killing 24 people, including three children.

On December 24, 2009, a suicide bomber

blew himself outside an Imam bargah in

Shakrial village within the Islamabad

Capital Territory (ICT). On December 28,

2009 an Ashura procession was attacked

by a suicide bomber in Karachi killing 42

people on the spot, which ultimately led to

riots in the city. During this period the Shia

community continued to feel vulnerable

throughout the country as suicide bomber

continued to strike the religious events

and religious buildings across the country

in cities like Quetta, Sargodha, Lahore,

Hangu and other places.

6.4.4. General Public or Civilians

Suicide bombings on civilians showed the

savagery of Pakistani Taliban was on full

display. Most of this type of suicide

bombings took place in 2009.

One such attack took place in Jumrud,

Khyber, on March 27, 2009. About 48


112

people were killed and 170 injured when a

mosque packed with worshippers collapsed

after a bomb blast during Friday prayers.

Khyber Agency administrator Tariq Hayat

Khan blamed the defunct Tehrik-i-Taliban

Pakistan for the carnage. Another such

suicide attack where general public was

the target took place on October 9, 2009

in Peshawar’s busy bazaar where 49

people, including a woman and seven

children, were killed. Reportedly, a suicide

attacker detonated his explosives-laden

car at the crowded Soekarno Chowk in

Khyber Bazaar. Separately, in Islamabad,

two suicide blasts on October 20, 2009

rocked the new campus of the

International Islamic University Islamabad

(IIUI) in H-10 sector of Islamabad, killing

at least six students and staffers, including

two female students, and injuring more

than 29 others.

Another such gruesome incident took place

in Rawalpindi on November 2, 2009 when

a suicide bomber hit a bank killing 36

people and wounding over 65 others. Four

soldiers were also among the dead. The

bomber blew himself up outside the

National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) on the

Khadim Hussain Road, where people had

lined up to draw their salaries and

pensions.

6.4.5 Rival Militant Groups and Peace

Committees

In the middle months of 2009, different

groups of Taliban started using suicide

bombings as a tool to eliminate leaders of

their rival groups or pro-government peace

committees’ members. This proved to be

equally deadly as most of these attacks

took place in crowded places like mosques

or other public gatherings. This resulted in

large number of deaths. A suicide bomber

blew himself up prior to prayers in Masjid

Wali Muhammad in Akhurwal area of the

volatile Darra Adamkhel semi-tribal region,

killing over 70 people and wounding more

than 100. Eyewitnesses said over 200

tribesmen were preparing for the Friday

prayers when a bomber in his late teens

blew himself up.

Some of these suicide attacks could

specifically be described as assassination

attempts on rival group’s leaders. Such

was the case in a suicide bombing at the

base of the militant group, Ansarul Islam,

in the Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency on

January 9, 2010, which left 10 people,

including its members, dead and seven

others injured. Dr Naeem, spokesman for

the Ansarul Islam, told media that the rival

militant group, Lashkar-e-Islam, led by

Mangal Bagh, was involved in the suicide

attack.

6.4.6 Western Interests/Diplomats

The US and other western countries were

openly and vocally supporting Pakistani

military in the war against terrorism and

this meant that they were at the receiving

end of terror campaign in this period. The

targeting of Western embassies and


113

western diplomatic staff was the

manifestations of this reality that Taliban

were out to weaken the resolve of western

governments to continue to support

Pakistani efforts in the war against terror.

The attack on the Danish Embassy and

staff in Islamabad was a classic example of

this type of attacks, which was targeted in

a suspected suicide bombing on June 2,

2008 killing 6 people on the spot. Similarly,

a UN office was targeted on October 5,

2009 in Islamabad, killing six people

including two diplomats. It was reported in

the newspapers that as a UN led mission

was in Pakistan to investigate the killing of

former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, the

suicide attack on UN office could be in

reaction to the arrival of UN investigation

team.

On April 5, 2010, three coordinated suicide

attacks apparently targeting US Consulate

took place in Peshawar city, killing eight

people. Taliban claimed responsibility for

what was described in the media as

suicide attacks to avenge the drone

attacks on tribal areas. It was reported

that the suicide bombers intended to enter

the Consulate building to inflict maximum

damage, but did not succeed.

CHAPTER 7

CPEC Security in 2019

Anam Fatima *

Development of Special Security Forces on CPEC .............117

Security of CPEC Projects and Workers ............................118

CPEC Security Discussed in JCC Meetings ........................119

Other Developments.......................................................119

Indian Opposition ...........................................................119

Way Forward ................................................................119

* Anam Fatima formerly worked as a Research Associate at Pak Institute for Peace Studies, (PIPS),

Islamabad.

The law enforcement agencies and

security forces of Pakistan performed well

to ensure the security of projects and

workers of China Pakistan Economic

Corridor (CPEC).

Sindh police revealed that in half a year, it

had foiled 11 threat alerts pertaining to

the attack on foreign workers of CPEC.219

Mansehra police arrested 5 terrorists who

were planning to sabotage CPEC projects

in the region.220 On the other hand, five

suspects of Balochistan Liberation Army

(BLA) from Karachi and Balochistan were

arrested for their alleged involvement in

an attack on the Chinese consulate in

Karachi last year. 221 Police claimed that

attack was planned in Afghanistan with the

support of India’s Research and Analysis

Wing (RAW),however, the allegation was

denied by India.

Furthermore, a Joint Investigation Team

(JIT) was formed to thoroughly interrogate

the arrested suspects. The team informed

that it took three months and Rs1 million

for terrorists to plan and execute the

attack. 222 Their head named Amanullah

funded the attack via bank transfer and

cash money. Meanwhile, Sindh’s Counter-

Terrorism Department (CTD) claimed that

one BLA’s member, adherent of the

Chinese consulate attack in Karachi, was

arrested in Sharjah with the help of

information provided by Sindh CTD.

However, one major assault against CPEC

workers was noted this year. In May, four

terrorists attempted to attack PC hotel in

Gwadar, Balochistan but security forces

foiled this attempt.223 Two security guards

were killed along with two injured. The

Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed

the responsibility for this attack. Reports

said that BLA targeted the Chinese and

foreign investors in the hotel while

government denied presence of Chinese or

any foreigner in the hotel.

In response to that incident, Chinese

government urged Pakistan to strengthen

the security of CPEC. Government of

Pakistan reaffirmed the security of CPEC

and Chinese workers, and ensured to take

more effective measures in this regard. In

this regard, Pakistan army has hinted the

improved security situation of Balochistan

under CPEC and revealed their plan to

form another ‘division-size special force’224

to scale-up the safety of Chinese workers.

It was also reported in Russian media that

the Pakistani military is likely to set up a

division headquarters of the 44th Light

Infantry in Gwadar for CPEC security.225

In addition to that, Pakistan Air Vice-

Marshal Officer Commanding Southern

Command urged Balochistan government

to make the security arrangements more

effective for the smooth execution of CPEC

projects in Gwadar.226

Development of Special

Security Forces on CPEC

Government appeared keen towards

advancement and capacity building of the

special security forces constituted for CPEC

projects and foreigner experts.

To enhance the efficiency of CPEC security

forces, 470 personnel of Special Protection


118

Unit (SPU) were trained in Police College

Sihala. 227 In Gilgit-Baltistan, police

provided advanced vehicles to SPU officials

to improve their performance. 228 Punjab

police has also shown seriousness and

commitment to ensure the security of

foreigner experts. The Inspector General

(IG) Police instructed senior officials to

visit the project sites and submit a

performance report of SPU staff deployed

in Lahore. He also ordered them to report

to the home department if visa and NOCs

of any Chinese or other foreigner workers

are outdated. SPU has signed a MoU with

foreign office for information sharing

linked to the security of Chinese and

foreign workers. 229 In Balochistan, the

provincial government has decided to form

a new branch of Levies force230 to ensure

the secure execution of CPEC projects.

Meanwhile, government has earmarked

around Rs287 million231 in the next fiscal

year’s budget to establish a Special

Security Division (SSD) constituting of

Rangers.

Security of CPEC Projects and

Workers

Punjab and KP police ensured fool-proof

security to projects being executed under

CPEC.

Mansehra police has reviewed the security

of foreigners, mainly CPEC workers, and

fortified the security measures on sites

where Chinese have been working on

various projects. District police has

reviewed the foreigner’s security working

on CPEC projects including Dassu

Hydropower project and Suki Kanari

Hydropower project in Kaghan valley.232

On the other hand, Punjab police has also

beefed-up the security of Chinese workers

working on various CPEC projects. 233 It is

important to mention that the Punjab

home department’s directorate has

conducted the security audit of CPEC

hydropower project and reported different

security lapses. The inspection team noted

that instead of a senior police officer, a

Subedar was monitoring the performance

of SPU. Moreover, 17 out of 90 CCTV

cameras installed at site were

dysfunctional and their repair guarantee

with the concerned company was

outdated. The team also noted that 100

face detection cameras installed at entry

and exit were disconnected to CCTV

control room. An “anti-air defense

mechanism does not exist to counter the

air strike” at the project site, the team

noted. In addition to that, employees

screening and verification process is

lengthy and half of the project employees

have been working without any security

clearance.

The home department’s directorate has

asked regional police to address the

security lapses by coordinating with district

intelligence committee and submit a

report. The regional police officer directed

the Rawalpindi Saddar Division police to


119

evaluate project’s security and submit a

detailed report to be further forwarded to

the directorate.

CPEC Security Discussed in JCC

Meetings

During the 9th Joint Cooperation

Committee (JCC) meeting, both sides

agreed on enhanced cooperation in all

spheres to ensure the security of CPEC.

China appreciated Pakistan’s step to

increase the size of SSD North and South

for the better security of CPEC. Pakistan

ensured to protect projects from external

threats by fencing Pak-Afghan and Pak-

Iran borders in the next three years.234

A broad plan was drafted to strengthen

the security of CPEC in the 6th meeting of

China-Pakistan Joint Working Group (JWG)

on CPEC security235. Both sides agreed to

enhance the security of CPEC projects,

Chinese engineers, technical staff, skilled

professionals and Chinese suppliers

involved in the implementation of projects.

Other Developments

Amid increasing security concerns of CPEC,

both sides have agreed to develop the

Gwadar master plan. As per plan,

geological and satellite survey of the city

will be conducted. It is hoped that viewing

and observing the city developments from

space and on the earth may improve CPEC

security.236

China has stressed to boost the use of

technology for uninterrupted execution of

CPEC projects. Though Pakistan has

adopted various mechanisms for smooth

implementation of projects under CPEC,

the Joint Technical Expert Working has

offered technological support237 on security

management of CPEC.

Indian Opposition

India has been trying to malign the image

of CPEC by circulating the distorted news

linked to CPEC security. In the month of

February, unidentified armed men killed

four of Frontier Corps (FC) personnel in

Panjgur, Balochistan. Indian media

circulated the fabricated news,238 originally

reported by Balochistan Post, quoting “FC

personnel killed in attack against CPEC”.

Way Forward

Amid improved security of CPEC projects

and workers, it is pertinent to understand

the nexus between domestic natural

resources, sustainable development and

violent conflict. CPEC has been facing

security challenges both at internal and

external level. Apart from capacity building

of CPEC linked special security forces and

law enforcement agencies, government

needs to address the concerns and

grievances of locals, mainly in Gwadar,

who believe that CPEC is exploitation of

their natural resources merely favorable to

China. Planning commission should

constitute a dialogue team or Peace


120

Committee particularly to look into local

developments under the CPEC and further

discuss it with the aggrieved persons

because they are more likely to be

exploited against the state by external

forces.

CHAPTER 8

2019: Faith-based Violence and Other

Incidence

Najam U Din *

* Najam U Din is a journalist and human rights activist based in Lahore.

Let us start with the silver lining. In terms

of faith-based violence, the number of

incidents and casualties both declined in

2019 compared to the previous year. In

fact, the incidence of violence against

religious minorities and sects in the

country has been falling for the last five

years.

However, as welcome a news as this may

be, it only tells part of the story. Here is

the rest: Media coverage in the last

fortnight of 2019 highlights that the

authorities tightened security around

churches and mass prayer sites across the

country ahead of Christmas. The security

measures that were deemed necessary

included not just walk-through gates, but

also deployment of snipers on the rooftops

and having bomb disposal units at hand.

The Punjab police chief said the idea was

to ensure that Christians could celebrate

their religious festival without any fear.

Who wouldn’t appreciate this degree of

vigilance and caution? Nothing should be

more important than ensuring the peace of

mind and safety and security of all citizens,

especially on occasions of religious

festivity. After all, there have been

reminders in 2019 itself, such as mob

violence in Ghotki in September, that the

specter of faith-based bloodletting might

still be just around the corner. Another

noticeable one was the targeting of Shia

Hazara citizens in a fruit and vegetable

market Quetta in a suicide bombing in

April. A sectarian militant group as well as

Daesh claimed responsibility for that

attack. It was a measure of the

desperation of the long-suffering Hazaras

that they staged a four-day sit-in amid

heavy showers and biting cold and

demanded that the prime minister visit

them to assure them of protection and

impartial implementation of the National

Action Plan (NAP).

For the sake of context, it should be added

that the torment of the Hazaras of Quetta

has been both enduring and devastating.

National Commission for Human Rights

reported in 2018 that 509 members of

Hazara community had been killed and

627 injured in attacks from January 2012

to December 2017. The Hazaras, who are

easily recognizable because of their

distinctive central Asian features, have

been forced to find sanctuary only in two

Hazara-dominated neighborhoods in

Quetta to escape unrelenting targeted

attacks. The April 2019 attack targeted

Hazara fruit sellers and green grocers who

regularly travelled to and from the market

in a convoy under police and paramilitary

forces escort.

Besides religious and sectarian minorities,

places of religious significance have also

been regularly targeted in militant

extremist across the country over the last

15 years. In May 2019, at least eight

people were killed in a suicide bombing

outside the shrine of the one of the

country’s most revered Sufi shrines in the

city of Lahore.

Pakistan has heavily invested in fighting

terrorism and improving security in recent

years and considerable gains are

undoubtedly visible. Unfortunately,

however, extremist groups are still able to


124

launch deadly attacks. Militant extremists

claimed the bombing.

The Hazara grievance regarding the

implementation of NAP is of course a

reference to national consensus on action

against militancy and terrorism after the

Army Public School attack in Peshawar in

December 2014. Several parts of the plan

articulated responses to longstanding

concerns that had been at the root of

perils to citizens from minority religions

and sects in Pakistan.

Among others, the 20-point National

Action Plan resolved to bar militant

outfits/armed gangs from operating in the

country; deal firmly with sectarian

terrorists; take effective steps against

religious persecution; ban glorification of

terrorists and terrorist organizations

through print, electronic and social media;

stop financing for terrorist and terrorist

organizations and prevent re-emergence of

proscribed organizations. The plan vowed

to take “strict action against the literature,

newspapers and magazines promoting

hatred, extremism, sectarianism and

intolerance”.

Progress on many of these goals is far

from impressive. In December 2019, none

other than the chief justice of Pakistan

lamented successive governments’ failure

to implement NAP to wipe out terror.

It may be argued that heightened security

around religious festivities and security

escorts to the particularly vulnerable might

fall short any way if the challenge posed

by intolerance, open promotion of faith-

based hatred and hostility to other

people’s religions or sect are not

confronted and the perpetrators are not

prosecuted.

An important milestone in the struggle for

freedom of religion and belief in Pakistan

has been the June 2014 judgement

rendered by then Chief Justice of Pakistan

regarding protection of religious minorities.

In its judgement, the Supreme Court

directed the government to confront hate

speech and “to develop the curricula at

school and college level, promoting

religious and social tolerance”. However,

implementation is still awaited.

Nearly 25 years prior to the SC advice, the

UN special rapporteur on the question of

religious intolerance had visited Pakistan in

1995 and in his report expressed concern

at manifestations of religious intolerance in

Pakistan. He had advised Pakistan to make

special efforts in order to encourage and

develop the culture of tolerance and of

human rights.

Slogans and wall-chalking in the country

branding one Muslim sect or another as

infidel even today is evidence that the

advice of the UN special rapporteur or the

country’s top court has not been heeded.

To conclude, let us get back to the point

about enhanced security around Christmas


125

during the year under review. The

conundrum is two-fold: firstly, even the

authorities themselves are not yet

confident that the routine security

measures would be sufficient to ward off

the threat confronting the citizens affiliated

with minority religions or sects. The other,

related, aspect is that although increased

security on important religious days is

meant to reassure citizens from religious

minorities, it simultaneously has the

unintended consequence of conveying to

these same citizens’ feelings of continued

vulnerability and persistence of the perils

they have been facing. And in order to

address these threats and these feelings of

vulnerability, much hard work remains.

CHAPTER 9

The Baloch Insurgency in 2019

Muhammad Akbar Notezai *

* Muhammad Akbar Notezai is a journalist associated with daily Dawn.

In the past, Baloch insurgents used to

frequently carry out attacks in Balochistan,

ever since the beginning of the fifth Baloch

insurgency in the early 2000. Due to this

reason, the Baloch insurgency would

increasingly come under discussion due to

frequent low level attacks carried out by

Baloch insurgents in the entire Balochistan

province. As a result of these attacks, the

whole region was disturbed. There were

reports of attacks on security forces, state

installations, and the Punjabi settlers, etc.

Sadly, some parts of Balochistan had even

turned into no-go areas, including for the

locals. Over the recent years, the situation

has calmed down due to several

developments in Balochistan.

Under the National Action Plan (NAP), the

state crackdown against militants

increased in Balochistan also. That is why

insurgents, gradually and slowly, were

pushed back to the mountains, into their

hideouts. Unlike the past, the insurgents

cannot now frequently rear their heads.

After the announcement of the China-

Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC),

Gwadar port project’s significance in

particular and Makran division in general

increased manifold. Since then, Gwadar

attracted immense attention among circles

of Baloch nationalists and policymakers in

Islamabad and Beijing. The government

made extra security arrangements to

prevent the threats of militancy.

Meanwhile, Baloch nationalists have

become apprehensive about the future of

the Gwadar port town. They believe the

development of the Gwadar port project

will also bring a bulk of population from

out of the province, thus outnumbering

the local Baloch. To cash in on the

situation, the Baloch insurgents have also

shifted their attention to Makran division

and its surrounding areas for carrying out

attacks.

To discourage China from investing in

Balochistan, the insurgents have

consolidated their footprints in Makran and

in its surrounding areas. For instance,

unlike the past, if they carry out an attack

on Chinese engineers and workers or in

the places heavily invested by Chinese

companies, then it is definitely highlighted

in the media, especially in international

media. This was one of the reasons Baloch

insurgents targeted the PC (Pearl

Continental) hotel, situated in the heart of

Gwadar—crown jewel of CPEC, in the

month of May 2019.

Although the current phaseof Baloch

insurgency is the longest in the history of

Balochistan, some critics say Baloch

separatists have failed to achieve their

objectives. As a result, the Baloch

underground organizations have become

radicalized. In this context, they cite the

example of the Majeed Brigade, the

suicide squad within the Balochistan

Liberation Army (BLA). The said Brigade

targeted the Chinese consulate in Karachi,

too. Due to some suicide attacks

perpetrated by Baloch insurgents, some

argue that a section of them has become

more violent radical. But Baloch

nationalists do not agree with the

assumption. To them, this is the same old

spark which is in the play, in somewhat

different tactical way.


130

In 2019, other than the sporadic attacks

reported from across the province, the

Baloch insurgency apparently had gone

into hibernation. Over the years, it has lost

ground, and it seems highly unlikely it can

regain the lost ground in the near future.

There is uncertainty ahead, because the

state has suffocated the movement to a

greater extent. This is why it (insurgency)

now rears its head twice or thrice in a

year, in form of relatively intensive waves

of violence. Under suffocation, if once they

come out of their hideouts, they carry out

a big attack, with relatively larger impact,

which was unlikely in the past. Despite

these sporadic attacks, peace is restored in

several parts of Balochistan. But the

question is: is it temporary or permanent?

But unfortunately, it has never been

permanent in this region, which is

disturbed for over last several decades.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

(CPEC) gave impetus to Baloch

underground organizations which had

evolved differences with one another in

the past. The state had taken benefit of

those differences amongst Baloch outfits,

and had somewhat contained the Baloch

insurgency. Meanwhile, it does pop up

sometimes, like it did last year, a few

times. Under these circumstances, in the

name of the Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar

(BRAS), Baloch militants reportedly

belonging to different Baloch outfits,

carried out an attack in Ormara coastal

town of Balochistan’s Gwadar district; 14

bus passengers, most of them belonged to

Pakistan’s Navy force, were killed.

The CPEC, flagship of China’s Belt & Road

Initiative, connects the Gwadar port

project with China’s Kashghar in Xinjiang

province. Due to increasing Chinese

presence and interests in Balochistan, the

BLA’s Majeed Bridage’s attack on the

Chinese consulate in Karachi, engineers in

Dalbandin, Balochistan, and elsewhere in

Balochistan led the USA to blacklist and

add the BLA to the list of its Specially

Designated Terrorist Group (SDTG), in July

of 2019. The USA was reportedly

concerned about BLA’s suicide attacks on

Chinese engineers and installments, etc.

It is interesting to note that USA is

showing an extraordinary interest in the

region following China’s engagement in

the region. For instance, in the past, the

USA was least interested in the Gwadar

port, despite being it offered to them. The

USA did not show interest. After Pakistani

authorities offered and handed it over to

China, the USA has again become

interested due to China factor in the

region. As for BLA’s suicide attacks, the

independent analysts assert, the USA

became concerned and feared that China

might think of her being behind the

attacks on Chinese installments in Pakistan

by the said group, tacitly. This is why it

designated the group, so that China may

not even doubt about that.


131

It appears as if the state and the Baloch

nationalist insurgents will continue to be at

war with each other, at least for some

visible years. The cooler heads have never

prevailed in this unfortunate province,

which has always been on the receiving

end. The reason is: neither the state nor

the Baloch are in the favor of negotiations

with each other, because the two forces

do not trust each other. There is always a

distrust. As a result, Balochistan has been

witnessing bloodshed, chaos, and war.

Notes

1 Waseem Shamsi, “Unrest in Ghotki as teacher accused of blasphemy,” Dawn, September 16, 2019.

2and represent increase and decrease, respectively, from previous year.

3and represent increase and decrease, respectively, from 2018 to 2019.

4 Mubarak Zeb Khan, “Pakistan to remain on FATF grey list till February,” Dawn, October 16, 2019.

5 Mubarak Zeb Khan, “FATF cell set up at FBR to deal with terror financing,” Dawn, July 26, 2019.

6 Malik Asad, “NAB forms cell to combat money laundering, terror financing,” Dawn, October 18, 2019.

7 Kalbe Ali, “FATF response to Pakistan progress report received,” Dawn, December 22, 2019.

8 “Govt. takes over seminary linked to JeM,” Dawn, February 23, 2019.

9 Ashfaq Ahmed, “Naya Pakistan: Government to take control of 30,000 madrassas across country,” Gulf News,

April 29, 2019, https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/naya-pakistan-government-to-take-control-of-

30000-madrassas-across-country-1.1556545286343

10 Kashif Abbasi, “Directorate being set up to regulate seminaries,” Dawn, October 22, 2019.

11Ansar Abassi, “Madrassa reforms, Army Chief’s long hours meeting with the religious scholars,” daily Jang

(Urdu), July 18, 2019.

12 Kashif Abbasi, “Seminaries to teach contemporary subjects,” Dawn, July 19, 2019.

13 Manzoor Ali, Dawn, February 8, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1462458/controversy-as-governor-

forms-body-to-advise-govt-on-merger-issues

14 Nasir Jamal, “NFC rejects KP’s plea for additional funds for Fata merger,” Dawn, March 30, 2019.

15 Waseem Ahmad Shah, “View from the courtroom: Legal issues related to detentions in ex-Fata continue to

surface,” Dawn, May 20, 2019.

16 Ibid.

17 “DPOs posted to seven tribal districts,” Dawn, March 30, 2019.

18 Zulfiar Ali, “28,000 Levies, Khasadar personnel join KP police,” Dawn, April 9, 2019.

19 Muhammad Anis, “26th Constitutional Amendment: More seats for ex-Fata,” The News, May 14, 2019.

20The Express Tribune, February 13, 2019, https://tribune.com.pk/story/1908807/1-four-policemen-martyred-

di-khan-attack

21The News, April 28, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/464044-three-levies-men-martyred-in-north-

waziristan-blast

22Daily Jang (Urdu), May 7, 2019, https://e.jang.com.pk/05-07-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=530.png

23Dawn, June 8, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1486779/three-officers-soldier-martyred-in-north-

waziristan-ied-attack

24Daily Dunya (Urdu), June 12, 2019, http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-06-

13&edition=ISL&id=4645492_90618745

https://www.dawn.com/news/1483330/view-from-the-courtroom-legal-issues-related-to-detentions-in-ex-fata-continue-to-surface

https://www.dawn.com/news/1483330/view-from-the-courtroom-legal-issues-related-to-detentions-in-ex-fata-continue-to-surface

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1908807/1-four-policemen-martyred-di-khan-attack

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1908807/1-four-policemen-martyred-di-khan-attack

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/464044-three-levies-men-martyred-in-north-waziristan-blast

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/464044-three-levies-men-martyred-in-north-waziristan-blast

https://e.jang.com.pk/05-07-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=530.png

https://www.dawn.com/news/1486779/three-officers-soldier-martyred-in-north-waziristan-ied-attack

https://www.dawn.com/news/1486779/three-officers-soldier-martyred-in-north-waziristan-ied-attack

http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-06-13&edition=ISL&id=4645492_90618745



133

25Dawn, July 22, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1495514/four-cops-among-eight-killed-in-di-khan-gun-

bomb-attacks;Jang (Urdu), July 22, 2019, https://e.jang.com.pk/07-22-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=56.png

26The News, July 28, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/504636-10-soldiers-lay-down-lives-for-regional-

peace

27Dawn, August 3, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1497824/four-soldiers-martyred-in-north-waziristan-

attacks

28Daily Dunya (Urdu), November 6, 2019, https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-11-

06&edition=ISL&id=4884151_71608720

29Dawn, November 12, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1516290/3-soldiers-martyred-in-ied-blast-in-north-

waziristan-ispr

30Dawn, August 19, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1500364/four-members-of-former-aman-lashkar-killed-

in-bomb-blast

31Dawn, June 30, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1491154/anp-leader-gunned-down-in-peshawar

32Dawn, October 18, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1511480/ppp-leader-shot-dead-in-bajaur

33Dawn, April 12, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1475521/two-oil-company-workers-shot-dead-in-n-

waziristan

34Daily Dunya (Urdu), April 24, 2019, http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-04-

24&edition=ISL&id=4560973_47264723

35Dawn, April 25, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1478227/policeman-guarding-polio-team-killed-in-buner

36Dawn, May 6, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1480576/another-polio-officer-shot-dead

37Dawn, September 25, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1507222/four-civilians-two-soldiers-martyred-in-

waziristan-ambush

38Daily Jang (Urdu), December 10, 2019, https://e.jang.com.pk/12-10-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=94.png

39Dawn, December 19, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1523089/two-cops-escorting-polio-team-martyred-

in-kp-attack

40The News, August 1, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/506645-one-killed-another-injured-in-di-khan-

target-attack

41Balochistan Express, February 18, 2019, https://www.bexpress.com.pk/2019/02/four-fc-soldiers-martyred-in-

panjgur/

42Dawn, April 19, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1477069/11-security-personnel-among-14-martyred-

near-gwadar

43Dawn, April 23, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1477843/12-injured-in-nasirabad-bomb-explosion

44Dawn, May 26, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1484675/militant-killed-in-kech-shootout

45The News, July 28, 2019, http://pakpips.com/app/database-old/form.php

46Dawn, November 16, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1517013/three-fc-personnel-martyred-four-injured-

in-quetta-bomb-blast

47Dawn, March 15, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1469680/two-killed-in-panjgur-blast

48Dawn, May 13, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1482001/night-of-terror-at-gwadar-hotel-ends-after-12-

hour-operation;Dawn, May 13, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1481988/gwadar-hotel-building-badly-

https://www.dawn.com/news/1495514/four-cops-among-eight-killed-in-di-khan-gun-bomb-attacks;



https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/504636-10-soldiers-lay-down-lives-for-regional-peace

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/504636-10-soldiers-lay-down-lives-for-regional-peace

https://www.dawn.com/news/1497824/four-soldiers-martyred-in-north-waziristan-attacks

https://www.dawn.com/news/1497824/four-soldiers-martyred-in-north-waziristan-attacks

https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-11-06&edition=ISL&id=4884151_71608720


https://www.dawn.com/news/1516290/3-soldiers-martyred-in-ied-blast-in-north-waziristan-ispr

https://www.dawn.com/news/1516290/3-soldiers-martyred-in-ied-blast-in-north-waziristan-ispr

https://www.dawn.com/news/1500364/four-members-of-former-aman-lashkar-killed-in-bomb-blast

https://www.dawn.com/news/1500364/four-members-of-former-aman-lashkar-killed-in-bomb-blast

https://www.dawn.com/news/1491154/anp-leader-gunned-down-in-peshawar

https://www.dawn.com/news/1511480/ppp-leader-shot-dead-in-bajaur

https://www.dawn.com/news/1475521/two-oil-company-workers-shot-dead-in-n-waziristan

https://www.dawn.com/news/1475521/two-oil-company-workers-shot-dead-in-n-waziristan



https://www.dawn.com/news/1478227/policeman-guarding-polio-team-killed-in-buner

https://www.dawn.com/news/1480576/another-polio-officer-shot-dead

https://www.dawn.com/news/1507222/four-civilians-two-soldiers-martyred-in-waziristan-ambush

https://www.dawn.com/news/1507222/four-civilians-two-soldiers-martyred-in-waziristan-ambush


https://www.dawn.com/news/1523089/two-cops-escorting-polio-team-martyred-in-kp-attack

https://www.dawn.com/news/1523089/two-cops-escorting-polio-team-martyred-in-kp-attack

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/506645-one-killed-another-injured-in-di-khan-target-attack


https://www.bexpress.com.pk/2019/02/four-fc-soldiers-martyred-in-panjgur/

https://www.bexpress.com.pk/2019/02/four-fc-soldiers-martyred-in-panjgur/

https://www.dawn.com/news/1477069/11-security-personnel-among-14-martyred-near-gwadar


https://www.dawn.com/news/1477843/12-injured-in-nasirabad-bomb-explosion

https://www.dawn.com/news/1484675/militant-killed-in-kech-shootout

http://pakpips.com/app/database-old/form.php

https://www.dawn.com/news/1517013/three-fc-personnel-martyred-four-injured-in-quetta-bomb-blast

https://www.dawn.com/news/1517013/three-fc-personnel-martyred-four-injured-in-quetta-bomb-blast

https://www.dawn.com/news/1469680/two-killed-in-panjgur-blast

https://www.dawn.com/news/1482001/night-of-terror-at-gwadar-hotel-ends-after-12-hour-operation;

https://www.dawn.com/news/1482001/night-of-terror-at-gwadar-hotel-ends-after-12-hour-operation;

https://www.dawn.com/news/1481988/gwadar-hotel-building-badly-damaged-in-terrorist-attack;


134

damaged-in-terrorist-attack; Daily Dunya, May 13, 2019, http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-05-

13&edition=ISL&id=4594349_18276024

49Daily Jang (Urdu), February 25, 2019, https://e.jang.com.pk/02-25-

2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=549.png;Dawn, February 25, 2019,

https://www.dawn.com/news/1465850/man-killed-in-dera-murad-jamali-blast

50Daily Dunya (Urdu), February 25, 2019, http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-02-

25&edition=ISL&id=4462930_52581222

51Daily Express (Urdu), August 18, 2019,

https://www.express.com.pk/epaper/PoPupwindow.aspx?newsID=1106670676&Issue=NP_LHE&Date=20190

818

52Dawn, May 15, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1482338/three-labourers-shot-dead-in-nasirabad

53Dawn, January 13, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1457165/social-worker-among-two-killed-in-loralai

54Dawn, March 18, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1470321/four-killed-as-railway-track-blown-up

55Dawn, November 18, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1517343

56Dawn, January 2, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1455024/four-soldiers-martyred-as-attack-on-fc-

compound-foiled;The Balochistan Post, January 1, 2019, http://thebalochistanpost.net/2019/01/four-

personnel-killed-in-loralai-attack-ttp-claims-responsibility/

57Daily Azadi, Quetta, January 30, 2019, https://dailyazadiquetta.com/epaper/m/106684/5c50d830a10a2;Dawn,

January 30, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1460704/nine-killed-21-injured-in-loralai-police-office-attack


17&edition=ISL&id=4449361_71249343

59Dawn, March 21, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1470904/six-levies-men-martyred-in-ziarat-attack-

claimed-by-ttp

60Dawn, May 14, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1482172/second-attack-in-three-days-rocks-

balochistan;The News, May 14, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/470964-four-cops-martyred-11-

people-injured-in-quetta-blast

61Dawn, June 27, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1490669

62Daily Jang (Urdu), July 31, 2019, https://e.jang.com.pk/07-31-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=46.png

63Daily Dunya (Urdu), May 25, 2019, http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-05-

25&edition=ISL&id=4614601_14277585;Dawn, May 25, 2019,

https://www.dawn.com/news/1484400/balochistan-bleeds-again-as-blast-in-quetta-leaves-two-dead

64Dawn, August 17, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1499947/quetta-mosque-blast-kills-four-injures-25;The

News, August 16, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/512898-two-killed-quetta-blast

65Dawn, August 18, 2019, https://epaper.dawn.com/DetailNews.php?StoryText=18_08_2019_001_001

66Dawn, May 9, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1481177/tribal-elder-among-three-killed-in-qilla-abdullah

67Dawn, July 24, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1495865/bicycle-explosion-kills-three-in-quetta; Dawn,

July 25, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1496062/fir-registered-in-bicycle-blast-case

68Dawn, September 29, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1507917

69Dawn, April 26, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1478436/woman-polio-worker-gunned-down-in-chaman

https://www.dawn.com/news/1481988/gwadar-hotel-building-badly-damaged-in-terrorist-attack;



https://e.jang.com.pk/02-25-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=549.png;

https://e.jang.com.pk/02-25-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=549.png;

https://www.dawn.com/news/1465850/man-killed-in-dera-murad-jamali-blast





https://www.dawn.com/news/1482338/three-labourers-shot-dead-in-nasirabad

https://www.dawn.com/news/1457165/social-worker-among-two-killed-in-loralai

https://www.dawn.com/news/1470321/four-killed-as-railway-track-blown-up

https://www.dawn.com/news/1517343

https://www.dawn.com/news/1455024/four-soldiers-martyred-as-attack-on-fc-compound-foiled;

https://www.dawn.com/news/1455024/four-soldiers-martyred-as-attack-on-fc-compound-foiled;

http://thebalochistanpost.net/2019/01/four-personnel-killed-in-loralai-attack-ttp-claims-responsibility/

http://thebalochistanpost.net/2019/01/four-personnel-killed-in-loralai-attack-ttp-claims-responsibility/

https://dailyazadiquetta.com/epaper/m/106684/5c50d830a10a2;

https://www.dawn.com/news/1460704/nine-killed-21-injured-in-loralai-police-office-attack



https://www.dawn.com/news/1470904/six-levies-men-martyred-in-ziarat-attack-claimed-by-ttp

https://www.dawn.com/news/1470904/six-levies-men-martyred-in-ziarat-attack-claimed-by-ttp

https://www.dawn.com/news/1482172/second-attack-in-three-days-rocks-balochistan;

https://www.dawn.com/news/1482172/second-attack-in-three-days-rocks-balochistan;

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/470964-four-cops-martyred-11-people-injured-in-quetta-blast

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/470964-four-cops-martyred-11-people-injured-in-quetta-blast



http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-05-25&edition=ISL&id=4614601_14277585;


https://www.dawn.com/news/1484400/balochistan-bleeds-again-as-blast-in-quetta-leaves-two-dead

https://www.dawn.com/news/1499947/quetta-mosque-blast-kills-four-injures-25;

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/512898-two-killed-quetta-blast

https://epaper.dawn.com/DetailNews.php?StoryText=18_08_2019_001_001

https://www.dawn.com/news/1481177/tribal-elder-among-three-killed-in-qilla-abdullah

https://www.dawn.com/news/1495865/bicycle-explosion-kills-three-in-quetta;

https://www.dawn.com/news/1496062/fir-registered-in-bicycle-blast-case


https://www.dawn.com/news/1478436/woman-polio-worker-gunned-down-in-chaman


135

70Express Tribune, March 26, 2019, https://tribune.com.pk/story/1937555/1-balochistan-university-

superintendent-killed-quetta;Dawn, March 27, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1472140/varsity-official-

shot-dead

71Dawn, April 1, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1473165/prayer-leader-among-two-shot-dead-in-quetta

72The News, April 13, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/457078-hazaras-protest-by-blocking-n-bypass-

22-martyred-in-quetta-chaman-bomb-hits;Dawn, April 13, 2019,

https://www.dawn.com/news/1475779/suicide-bomber-heaps-trauma-on-hazaras; CNN World, April 12,

2019, https://edition-m.cnn.com/2019/04/12/asia/quetta-market-blast-

intl/index.html?r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F;Dawn, April 14, 2019,

https://www.dawn.com/news/1475987/hazara-protesters-refuse-to-end-quetta-sit-in-amid-centres-

assurances

73Dawn, May 31, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1485588/suicide-attack-foiled-in-quetta

74Dawn, June 8, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1486799/woman-among-five-killed-in-two-ziarat-

explosions

75Dawn, June 8, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1486799/woman-among-five-killed-in-two-ziarat-

explosions

76Dawn, August 7, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1498541/hazara-man-killed-in-quetta-market-ied-blast

77Dawn, March 23, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1471300/two-killed-as-mufti-taqi-survives-attempt-on-

life; Daily Dunya (Urdu), April 4, 2019, http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-04-

04&edition=ISL&id=4526306_93789645

78Dawn, March 5, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1467629/police-officer-killed-in-targeted-attack-in-

orangi-town

79Dawn, June 18, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1488768/two-policemen-shot-dead-in-orangi-targeted-

attack;Dawn, July 5, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1491939/investigators-say-lj-militants-who-

escaped-from-prison-behind-policemens-killing

80Dawn, July 10, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1493076/two-men-shot-dead-another-wounded-in-

terrorist-attack-in-karachi

81Daily Dunya (Urdu), Islamabad, February 14, 2019.

82Daily Dunya (Urdu), June 19, 2019, https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-06-

19&edition=ISL&id=4656647_26812969

83Dawn, January 9, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1456436


22&edition=ISL&id=4457452_21908629; Daily Jang (Urdu), March 2, 2019, https://e.jang.com.pk/03-02-

2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=02_09.png; Daily Dunya (Urdu), March 16, 2019,


85The News, May 9, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/468981-10-including-four-cops-martyred-in-data-

darbar-suicide-blast;Dawn, May 9, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1481176/bomb-attack-jolts-lahore-

kills-10-near-data-darbar;Dawn, May 11, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1481587/suspects-detained-in-

data-darbar-blast-probe; Daily Dunya, May 13, 2019, http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-05-

13&edition=ISL&id=4594371_30327260

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1937555/1-balochistan-university-superintendent-killed-quetta;

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1937555/1-balochistan-university-superintendent-killed-quetta;

https://www.dawn.com/news/1472140/varsity-official-shot-dead

https://www.dawn.com/news/1472140/varsity-official-shot-dead

https://www.dawn.com/news/1473165/prayer-leader-among-two-shot-dead-in-quetta

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/457078-hazaras-protest-by-blocking-n-bypass-22-martyred-in-quetta-chaman-bomb-hits;


https://www.dawn.com/news/1475779/suicide-bomber-heaps-trauma-on-hazaras;

https://edition-m.cnn.com/2019/04/12/asia/quetta-market-blast-intl/index.html?r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F;


https://www.dawn.com/news/1475987/hazara-protesters-refuse-to-end-quetta-sit-in-amid-centres-assurances


https://www.dawn.com/news/1485588/suicide-attack-foiled-in-quetta

https://www.dawn.com/news/1486799/woman-among-five-killed-in-two-ziarat-explosions




https://www.dawn.com/news/1498541/hazara-man-killed-in-quetta-market-ied-blast

https://www.dawn.com/news/1471300/two-killed-as-mufti-taqi-survives-attempt-on-life;

https://www.dawn.com/news/1471300/two-killed-as-mufti-taqi-survives-attempt-on-life;



https://www.dawn.com/news/1467629/police-officer-killed-in-targeted-attack-in-orangi-town

https://www.dawn.com/news/1467629/police-officer-killed-in-targeted-attack-in-orangi-town

https://www.dawn.com/news/1488768/two-policemen-shot-dead-in-orangi-targeted-attack;

https://www.dawn.com/news/1488768/two-policemen-shot-dead-in-orangi-targeted-attack;

https://www.dawn.com/news/1491939/investigators-say-lj-militants-who-escaped-from-prison-behind-policemens-killing

https://www.dawn.com/news/1491939/investigators-say-lj-militants-who-escaped-from-prison-behind-policemens-killing

https://www.dawn.com/news/1493076/two-men-shot-dead-another-wounded-in-terrorist-attack-in-karachi

https://www.dawn.com/news/1493076/two-men-shot-dead-another-wounded-in-terrorist-attack-in-karachi





https://e.jang.com.pk/03-02-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=02_09.png;

https://e.jang.com.pk/03-02-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=02_09.png;


https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/468981-10-including-four-cops-martyred-in-data-darbar-suicide-blast;


https://www.dawn.com/news/1481176/bomb-attack-jolts-lahore-kills-10-near-data-darbar;


https://www.dawn.com/news/1481587/suspects-detained-in-data-darbar-blast-probe;





136

86Daily Dunya (Urdu), November 12, 2019, https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-11-

12&edition=ISL&id=4891042_58546402

87Dawn, November 30, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1519559/14-injured-as-blast-rips-through-rickshaw

88Daily Dunya (Urdu), Islamabad, August 22, 2019, https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-08-

22&edition=ISL&id=4761426_65589562

89Daily Azadi, Quetta, January 30, 2019, https://dailyazadiquetta.com/epaper/m/106684/5c50d830a10a2;Dawn,

January 30, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1460704/nine-killed-21-injured-in-loralai-police-office-attack

90The News, April 13, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/457078-hazaras-protest-by-blocking-n-bypass-

22-martyred-in-quetta-chaman-bomb-hits;Dawn, April 13, 2019,

https://www.dawn.com/news/1475779/suicide-bomber-heaps-trauma-on-hazaras; CNN World, April 12,

2019, https://edition-m.cnn.com/2019/04/12/asia/quetta-market-blast-

intl/index.html?r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F;Dawn, April 14, 2019,

https://www.dawn.com/news/1475987/hazara-protesters-refuse-to-end-quetta-sit-in-amid-centres-

assurances

91The News, May 9, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/468981-10-including-four-cops-martyred-in-data-

darbar-suicide-blast;Dawn, May 9, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1481176/bomb-attack-jolts-lahore-

kills-10-near-data-darbar;Dawn, May 11, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1481587/suspects-detained-in-

data-darbar-blast-probe; Daily Dunya, May 13, 2019, http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-05-

13&edition=ISL&id=4594371_30327260

92Dawn, July 22, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1495514/four-cops-among-eight-killed-in-di-khan-gun-

bomb-attacks;Jang (Urdu), July 22, 2019, https://e.jang.com.pk/07-22-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=56.png

93Dawn, January 4, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1455314/shopkeeper-falls-victim-to-targeted-killing-in-

korangi

94Dawn, January 12, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1456929/shopkeeper-shot-dead-in-sectarian-attack

95The News, February 10, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/429989-is-sectarian-violence-returning-to-

karachi

96Dawn, February 3, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1461540/shopkeeper-shot-dead-in-karachi

97The News, March 24, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/447791-mwm-questions-performance-of-leas-

as-man-killed-in-orangi

98Dawn, August 31, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1502674/doctor-shot-dead-in-gulshan-in-suspected-

sectarian-attack

99The News, August 1, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/506645-one-killed-another-injured-in-di-khan-

target-attack

100Dawn, March 5, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1467683/militant-positions-pounded-after-border-attack

101Dawn, May 2, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1479735/three-soldiers-martyred-in-attack-from-across-

afghan-border

102Dawn, September 14, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1505182/4-pakistan-army-soldiers-martyred-in-

firing-by-militants-near-afghan-border-ispr

103Dawn, October 30, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1513611

104 Syed Irfan Raza, “Pakistan to keep Torkhan border open round the clock,” Dawn, January 29, 2019.



https://www.dawn.com/news/1519559/14-injured-as-blast-rips-through-rickshaw



https://dailyazadiquetta.com/epaper/m/106684/5c50d830a10a2;

https://www.dawn.com/news/1460704/nine-killed-21-injured-in-loralai-police-office-attack



https://www.dawn.com/news/1475779/suicide-bomber-heaps-trauma-on-hazaras;
















https://www.dawn.com/news/1455314/shopkeeper-falls-victim-to-targeted-killing-in-korangi

https://www.dawn.com/news/1455314/shopkeeper-falls-victim-to-targeted-killing-in-korangi

https://www.dawn.com/news/1456929/shopkeeper-shot-dead-in-sectarian-attack

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/429989-is-sectarian-violence-returning-to-karachi

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/429989-is-sectarian-violence-returning-to-karachi

https://www.dawn.com/news/1461540/shopkeeper-shot-dead-in-karachi

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/447791-mwm-questions-performance-of-leas-as-man-killed-in-orangi

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/447791-mwm-questions-performance-of-leas-as-man-killed-in-orangi

https://www.dawn.com/news/1502674/doctor-shot-dead-in-gulshan-in-suspected-sectarian-attack

https://www.dawn.com/news/1502674/doctor-shot-dead-in-gulshan-in-suspected-sectarian-attack



https://www.dawn.com/news/1467683/militant-positions-pounded-after-border-attack

https://www.dawn.com/news/1479735/three-soldiers-martyred-in-attack-from-across-afghan-border

https://www.dawn.com/news/1479735/three-soldiers-martyred-in-attack-from-across-afghan-border

https://www.dawn.com/news/1505182/4-pakistan-army-soldiers-martyred-in-firing-by-militants-near-afghan-border-ispr

https://www.dawn.com/news/1505182/4-pakistan-army-soldiers-martyred-in-firing-by-militants-near-afghan-border-ispr



137

105Dawn, January 10, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1456633/woman-killed-in-indian-shelling

106Dawn, February 26, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1466038/indian-aircraft-violate-loc-scramble-back-

after-pafs-timely-response-ispr

107Dawn, March 17, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1470152/indian-spy-drone-shot-down-near-loc

108Dawn, April 3, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1473565/three-soldiers-martyred-in-indian-firing-from-

across-loc

109Dawn, July 4, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1491995/five-soldiers-martyred-in-explosion-near-loc

110 Ibid.

111Dawn, August 17, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1499964/another-soldier-martyred-in-indian-firing

112Daily Nawa-i-Waqt (Urdu), September 1, 2019, https://www.nawaiwaqt.com.pk/E-Paper/islamabad/2019-09-

01/page-1/detail-8

113Roznama 92 News (Urdu), September 7, 2019,

https://www.roznama92news.com/efrontend/web/index.php/?station_id=3&page_id=0&is_common=N&xdat

e=2019-9-7&n=n8

114Dawn, September 12, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1504811

115Dawn, October 16, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1511086/three-civilians-killed-in-indian-shelling-

across-loc

116 Daily Jang (Urdu), October 25, 2019, https://e.jang.com.pk/10-25-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=523.png

117Dawn, December 26, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1524501/2-pakistan-army-soldiers-martyred-in-

indian-ceasefire-violations-along-loc-ispr

118Dawn, December 23, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1523940/fully-prepared-to-thwart-any-

misadventure-says-army-chief-during-loc-visit

119Dawn, January 19, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1458407/mortar-shells-fired-by-iranian-forces-

explode-in-taftan

120 “Pakistan, Iran to augment work on opening of new border crossings,” Dawn, July 19, 2019.

121 “Asim Umar: Al-Qaeda's South Asia chief 'killed in Afghanistan',” BBC, October 8, 2019,

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-49970353

122Daily Times, March 2, 2019, https://dailytimes.com.pk/360349/no-one-claims-most-wanted-terrorists-killed-

in-mega-encounter/

123Dawn, April 14, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1475987/hazara-protesters-refuse-to-end-quetta-sit-in-

amid-centres-assurances

124Dawn, April 20, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1477246/two-terrorists-held-in-mansehra

125 Pazir Gul, “TTP warns against playing music,” Dawn, August 1, 2019.

126 Nadeem Manzoor, “Banned TTP head Noor Wali Mhesud included in the list of international terrorists,” Daily

92 News (Urdu), September 12, 2019.

127“Lashkar-e-Islam commander killed in Afghanistan,” The News, August 4, 2019.

128 Ayaz Gul, “Islamic State Announces 'Pakistan Province',” VOA, May 15, 2019,

https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/islamic-state-announces-pakistan-province

129Dawn, May 17, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1482821/nine-militants-killed-in-mastung-operation

https://www.dawn.com/news/1456633/woman-killed-in-indian-shelling

https://www.dawn.com/news/1466038/indian-aircraft-violate-loc-scramble-back-after-pafs-timely-response-ispr

https://www.dawn.com/news/1466038/indian-aircraft-violate-loc-scramble-back-after-pafs-timely-response-ispr

https://www.dawn.com/news/1470152/indian-spy-drone-shot-down-near-loc

https://www.dawn.com/news/1473565/three-soldiers-martyred-in-indian-firing-from-across-loc

https://www.dawn.com/news/1473565/three-soldiers-martyred-in-indian-firing-from-across-loc

https://www.dawn.com/news/1491995/five-soldiers-martyred-in-explosion-near-loc

https://www.dawn.com/news/1499964/another-soldier-martyred-in-indian-firing

https://www.nawaiwaqt.com.pk/E-Paper/islamabad/2019-09-01/page-1/detail-8


https://www.roznama92news.com/efrontend/web/index.php/?station_id=3&page_id=0&is_common=N&xdate=2019-9-7&n=n8



https://www.dawn.com/news/1511086/three-civilians-killed-in-indian-shelling-across-loc

https://www.dawn.com/news/1511086/three-civilians-killed-in-indian-shelling-across-loc


https://www.dawn.com/news/1524501/2-pakistan-army-soldiers-martyred-in-indian-ceasefire-violations-along-loc-ispr

https://www.dawn.com/news/1524501/2-pakistan-army-soldiers-martyred-in-indian-ceasefire-violations-along-loc-ispr

https://www.dawn.com/news/1523940/fully-prepared-to-thwart-any-misadventure-says-army-chief-during-loc-visit

https://www.dawn.com/news/1523940/fully-prepared-to-thwart-any-misadventure-says-army-chief-during-loc-visit

https://www.dawn.com/news/1458407/mortar-shells-fired-by-iranian-forces-explode-in-taftan

https://www.dawn.com/news/1458407/mortar-shells-fired-by-iranian-forces-explode-in-taftan

https://dailytimes.com.pk/360349/no-one-claims-most-wanted-terrorists-killed-in-mega-encounter/


https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/islamic-state-announces-pakistan-province

https://www.dawn.com/news/1482821/nine-militants-killed-in-mastung-operation


138

130 Imtiaz Ali, “CTD says splinter group of outlawed AQIS reorganizing in Karachi,” Dawn, October 15, 2019.

131 Asif Chaudhry, “Militant outfit’s media cell in Gujranwala busted,” Dawn, December 27, 2019.

132 Imtiaz Ali, “Two LJ militants active in Sindh, Balochistan held in Gadap,” Dawn, February 21, 2019;

“Terrorism plot foiled as four LJ hit men held in Karachi,” Dawn, September 8, 2019; “Investigators say LJ

militants who escaped prison behind policemen’s killing,” Dawn, July 4, 2019.

133 Foreign Minister Shah Mehmud Qureshi told journalists in April 2019: https://www.dw.com/en/pakistan-

blames-iran-based-separatists-for-deadly-baluchistan-attack/a-48416436

134 “All 3 terrorists killed as security operation completed at PC Gwadar: ISPR,” Geo TV, May 12, 2019,

https://www.geo.tv/latest/237047-all-3-terrorists-killed-as-security-operation-completed-at-pc-gwadar-ispr

135 “US labels BLA as terrorist group,” Dawn, July 3, 2019.

136 Asif Chaudhry, “Trump welcomes Hafiz Saeed’s arrest ‘after ten-year search’,” Dawn, July 18, 2019.

137 Noor Aftab, “Ten outfits banned,” The News, May 12, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/470289-ten-

outfits-banned

138 Mohammad Asghar, “Nacta slaps ban on two more organizations,” Dawn, August 23, 2019.

139 Imran Asghar, “CTD releases list of 22 most-wanted terrorists,” The Express Tribune, January 19, 2019.

140 Others among those killed included 2 FC men, 3 policemen and one army soldier.

141 Other injured include 9 FC, 8 policemen.

142Dawn, January 16, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1457822/ctd-kills-militants-involved-in-kidnapping-of-

ex-pms-son

143Daily Dunya (Urdu), January 17, 2019, http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-01-

17&edition=ISL&id=4394094_21723341

144Dawn, February 27, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1466254/four-militants-killed-in-tank-encounter

145Dawn, March 21, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1470879/four-iranian-soldiers-freed-ispr

146Dawn, March 27, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1472141/woman-three-others-blow-themselves-up

147Daily Dunya (Urdu), April 3, 2019, http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-04-

03&edition=ISL&id=4524867_84174260

148Dawn, May 9, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1481181/two-terrorists-killed-in-north-waziristan-

operation

149Dawn, May 17, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1482821/nine-militants-killed-in-mastung-operation

150Dawn, September 5, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1503612/six-suspected-is-militants-killed-in-quetta

151Daily Jang (Urdu), December 7, 2019, https://e.jang.com.pk/12-07-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=512.png

152 Other killed include 4 soldiers and 2 policemen.

153 Injured include 2 FC, 3 policemen, and 4 army men.

154Daily Dunya (Urdu), January 20, 2019, http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-01-

20&edition=ISL&id=4399497_41945715

155Daily Times, March 2, 2019, https://dailytimes.com.pk/360349/no-one-claims-most-wanted-terrorists-killed-

in-mega-encounter/

https://www.dw.com/en/pakistan-blames-iran-based-separatists-for-deadly-baluchistan-attack/a-48416436

https://www.dw.com/en/pakistan-blames-iran-based-separatists-for-deadly-baluchistan-attack/a-48416436

https://www.geo.tv/latest/237047-all-3-terrorists-killed-as-security-operation-completed-at-pc-gwadar-ispr

https://www.dawn.com/news/1457822/ctd-kills-militants-involved-in-kidnapping-of-ex-pms-son

https://www.dawn.com/news/1457822/ctd-kills-militants-involved-in-kidnapping-of-ex-pms-son



https://www.dawn.com/news/1466254/four-militants-killed-in-tank-encounter

https://www.dawn.com/news/1470879/four-iranian-soldiers-freed-ispr

https://www.dawn.com/news/1472141/woman-three-others-blow-themselves-up



https://www.dawn.com/news/1481181/two-terrorists-killed-in-north-waziristan-operation

https://www.dawn.com/news/1481181/two-terrorists-killed-in-north-waziristan-operation

https://www.dawn.com/news/1482821/nine-militants-killed-in-mastung-operation

https://www.dawn.com/news/1503612/six-suspected-is-militants-killed-in-quetta







139

156Daily Dunya (Urdu), May 28, 2019, http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-05-

28&edition=ISL&id=4620343_83038074

157 Daily Express (Urdu), June 24, 2019,

https://www.express.com.pk/epaper/PoPupwindow.aspx?newsID=1106518884&Issue=NP_ISB&Date=20190

624

158Dawn, June 25, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1490303/three-is-militants-gunned-down-in-encounter-

on-citys-outskirts

159Dawn, March 13, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1469282/five-terrorists-arrested-in-mansehra

160Dawn, March 14, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1469495/terrorists-held-in-mansehra-were-planning-

to-target-cpec-police-say

161 Ibid.

162Daily Dunya (Urdu), March 21, 2019, http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-03-

21&edition=ISL&id=4503054_28388855

163Dawn, April 20, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1477246/two-terrorists-held-in-mansehra

164Dawn, May 2, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1479652/jundullah-militant-involved-in-bank-heists-

targeted-killings-held

165Dawn, May 7, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1480736/journalist-among-five-held-for-sectarian-killings-

in-karachi

166Dawn, May 21, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1483551/facilitator-of-data-darbar-suicide-blast-captured

167Daily Jang (Urdu), July 4, 2019, https://e.jang.com.pk/07-04-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=411.png

168Dawn, September 8, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1504114/terrorism-plot-foiled-as-four-lj-hitmen-

held-in-karachi

169 Daily Dunya, November 21, 2019, https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-11-

21&edition=ISL&id=4905014_95740517

170Dawn, November 27, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1519026

171Dawn, December 27, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1524548/militant-outfits-media-cell-in-gujranwala-

busted

172 Zofia Mroczek , “A new society in Pakistani Balochistan,” Analysis no 266, July 2014, ISPI.

173 “Consulate attack mastermind killed in Afghanistan: Marri,” The Nation, December 26, 2018

https://nation.com.pk/26-Dec-2018/consulate-attack-mastermind-killed-in-afghanistan-marri

174 Amir Mateen, “Is it more anarchy, than an insurgency,” The News, July 26, 2010.

175 David Galula, Counterinsurgency Warfare: Theory and Practices (Connecticut: Pentagon Press, 2008).

176 Interviews with local journalists and political activists in Turbat and Gwadar between March 14-18, 2019

177 Ibid

178 Pak Institute for Peace Studies, Pakistan Security Report 2018 (Islamabad: Narratives, 2019).

179 Pak Institute for Peace Studies, Pakistan Security Report 2018.

180 Naseer Dashti, The Baloch Conflict with Iran and Pakistan (North America: Trafford Publishers, 2017), pp.

224-225.

181Informal interaction with security officials in Quetta and Islamabad.





https://www.dawn.com/news/1490303/three-is-militants-gunned-down-in-encounter-on-citys-outskirts

https://www.dawn.com/news/1490303/three-is-militants-gunned-down-in-encounter-on-citys-outskirts


140

182 Naseer Dashti, The Baloch Conflict with Iran and Pakistan, pp. 224-225.

183Interviews with political activists in Quetta, Turbat, Gwadar and Nushki.

184Interviews with local leaders and journalists in Quetta, Gwadar and Turbat.

185 Interview with a Quetta based journalist Akber Notazai, March 17, 2019.

186Dawn, April 19, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1477069/11-security-personnel-among-14-martyred-

near-gwadar.

187 “Pakistan to fence 950km border with Iran: Qureshi,” The News, April 21, 2019.

188 Interview with Akber Notazai.

189Interviews with local leaders and journalists in Quetta, Gwadar and Turbat.

190 Naseer Dashti, The Baloch Conflict with Iran and Pakistan, p.157.

191 Dawn, Islamabad, September 9, 2010.

192 Naseer Dashti, The Baloch Conflict with Iran and Pakistan, p. 222.

193 Interview with Quetta based senior journalist Shazada Zulafqar March 16, 2019

194 Naseer Dashti, The Baloch Conflict with Iran and Pakistan, p 224.

195 Interview with an informed nationalist leader in Turbat, who once was close aide of Allah Nazar Baloch

during the college life.

196 Alex Vatanka, Iran and Pakistan: Security, Diplomacy and American influence (I.B. Tauris, 2016), pp. 89-90.

197Interviews with local leaders and journalists in Makran region in March 2019.

198Interviews with local political leadership.

199 Naseer Dashti, The Baloch Conflict with Iran and Pakistan, p. 225.

200 “Mir Bakhtiar Domki's wife, daughter shot dead in Karachi,” Express Tribune, January 31, 2012.

201 Interviews with informed source persons based in Dalbandin and Mashkeel

202 Naseer Dashti, The Baloch conflict with Iran and Pakistan, p. 91.

203 Statistics are drawn from PIPS database on conflict and security: www.pakpips.com/app/database

204 Statistics are drawn from PIPS database on conflict and security: www.pakpips.com/app/database

205Dawn, August 9,2016, http://www.dawn.com/news/1276340/quetta-in-a-daze-after-massacre; Daily Jang

(Urdu), August 10, 2016, http://e.jang.com.pk/08-10-2016/pindi/pic.asp?picname=53.gif;Balochistan

Express, August 14, 2016,

http://bexpress.com.pk/epaper/epaper/m/9271/Another%20blast%20injured%20dies.

206Dawn, April 25, 2018, https://www.dawn.com/news/1403734/six-policemen-martyred-16-hurt-in-quetta-

suicide-blasts.

207Dawn, January 7, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1455941/12-injured-in-pishin-panjgur-blasts; Garda

World, January 7, 2019, https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/190961/pakistan-pair-of-ied-attacks-

leave-12-wounded-in-balochistan-january-6.

208 For details, see Pak Institute for Peace Studies’ Annual Security Reports for 2012 and 2013.

209 Khuram Iqbal, “Drivers of Suicide Terrorism in Pakistan,” RSIS Commentaries / South Asia Terrorism Studies,

February 27, 2008.



http://e.jang.com.pk/08-10-2016/pindi/pic.asp?picname=53.gif;

http://bexpress.com.pk/epaper/epaper/m/9271/Another%20blast%20injured%20dies.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1403734/six-policemen-martyred-16-hurt-in-quetta-suicide-blasts

https://www.dawn.com/news/1403734/six-policemen-martyred-16-hurt-in-quetta-suicide-blasts

https://www.dawn.com/news/1455941/12-injured-in-pishin-panjgur-blasts;

https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/190961/pakistan-pair-of-ied-attacks-leave-12-wounded-in-balochistan-january-6

https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/190961/pakistan-pair-of-ied-attacks-leave-12-wounded-in-balochistan-january-6


141

210Robert A. Pape, “The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism,” American Political Science Review Vol. 97, No. 3

August 2003, The University of Chicago.

211 Khuram Iqbal, “Drivers of Suicide Terrorism in Pakistan.”

212 Ibid.

213 “Pakistan: Remarkable reduction in violence between 2013-2018,” CRSS, https://crss.pk/story/pakistan-

remarkable-reduction-in-violence-between-2013-2018/

214Fakir S. Ayazuddin, “Other view: The suicide bombers,” The News, May 21, 2005.

215 “Mayhem on the Mall,”The News, March 5, 2008.

216 “42 killed in Darra suicide attack,” The News, March 3, 2008.

217 “Six killed in Pishin suicide attack,” The News, March 3, 2009.

218 “Moderate voice silenced,” The News, June 13, 2009.

219 Raheel Salman, The Express Tribune, July 17, 2019 https://tribune.com.pk/story/2007928/1-police-foil-105-

terrorist-attacks/

220The News, March 14, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/443722-terrorists-planning-to-attack-cpec-

projects-police

221 Sajid Rauf, The Express Tribune, January 11, 2019, https://tribune.com.pk/story/1886030/1-raw-sponsored-

attack-chinese-consulate-karachi-aig/

222 Faraz Khan, The News, January 27, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/423897-terrorists-spent-rs1m-

on-chinese-consulate-attack

223 BBC, May 12, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-48238759

224The News, May 19, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/473155-pakistan-to-deploy-another-division-

for-cpec-security

225 Sputnik, October 14, 2019, https://sputniknews.com/asia/201910141077044625-islamabad-set-to-raise-new-

division-hq-in-gwadar-to-protect-china-pakistan-economic-corridor/

226 Mohammad Zafar, The Express Tribune, September 26, 2019, https://tribune.com.pk/story/2065357/1-

agricultural-development-hinges-new-dams-cm-balochistan/

227The Express Tribune, June 1, 2019, https://tribune.com.pk/story/1985111/1-470-cops-complete-training-

cpec-special-protection-unit/

228Dawn, August 3, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1497766/gb-gets-vehicles-for-foreigners-security

229The News, December 5, 2019 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/578825-ig-for-safety-of-foreigners-

working-on-cpec-projects

230 Parvez Jabri, Business Recorder, February 1, 2019,

https://www.brecorder.com/2019/02/01/470492/balochistan-government-plans-to-re-structure-levies-force/

231 Iftikhar Chaudhary, The Express Tribune, June 12, 2019.

232The News, July 7, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/495066-security-to-power-project-workers-

assured

233The Express Tribune, June 28, 2019, https://tribune.com.pk/story/2001755/1-security-cpec-projects-among-

top-priorities-igp/

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2007928/1-police-foil-105-terrorist-attacks/

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2007928/1-police-foil-105-terrorist-attacks/

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/443722-terrorists-planning-to-attack-cpec-projects-police

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/443722-terrorists-planning-to-attack-cpec-projects-police

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1886030/1-raw-sponsored-attack-chinese-consulate-karachi-aig/

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1886030/1-raw-sponsored-attack-chinese-consulate-karachi-aig/

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/423897-terrorists-spent-rs1m-on-chinese-consulate-attack

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/423897-terrorists-spent-rs1m-on-chinese-consulate-attack

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-48238759

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/473155-pakistan-to-deploy-another-division-for-cpec-security

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/473155-pakistan-to-deploy-another-division-for-cpec-security

https://sputniknews.com/asia/201910141077044625-islamabad-set-to-raise-new-division-hq-in-gwadar-to-protect-china-pakistan-economic-corridor/

https://sputniknews.com/asia/201910141077044625-islamabad-set-to-raise-new-division-hq-in-gwadar-to-protect-china-pakistan-economic-corridor/

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2065357/1-agricultural-development-hinges-new-dams-cm-balochistan/

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2065357/1-agricultural-development-hinges-new-dams-cm-balochistan/

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1985111/1-470-cops-complete-training-cpec-special-protection-unit/

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1985111/1-470-cops-complete-training-cpec-special-protection-unit/

https://www.dawn.com/news/1497766/gb-gets-vehicles-for-foreigners-security

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/578825-ig-for-safety-of-foreigners-working-on-cpec-projects

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/578825-ig-for-safety-of-foreigners-working-on-cpec-projects

https://www.brecorder.com/2019/02/01/470492/balochistan-government-plans-to-re-structure-levies-force/

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/495066-security-to-power-project-workers-assured

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/495066-security-to-power-project-workers-assured

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2001755/1-security-cpec-projects-among-top-priorities-igp/

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2001755/1-security-cpec-projects-among-top-priorities-igp/


142

234China Pakistan Economic Corridor, November 6, 2019, http://cpecinfo.com/gwadar-master-plan-and-smart-

city-gets-approval-in-9th-jcc-meeting-also-joint-project-financing-group-to-be-established-for-ml-i-project/

235 Imran Mukhtar, The Nation, January 22, 2019, https://nation.com.pk/22-Jan-2019/pak-china-jwg-meets-to-

ensure-better-cpec-security

236 Zulfiqar Baig, The Express Tribune, February 15, 2019, https://tribune.com.pk/story/1910635/1-satellite-

survey-gwadar-carried/

237 Imran Mukhtar, The Nation, August 21, 2019, https://nation.com.pk/21-Aug-2019/chinese-team-takes-up-

cpec-security-with-minister

238Times of India, February 18, 2019, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/four-pakistan-soldiers-

killed-in-baloch-attack-report/articleshow/68041697.cms

http://cpecinfo.com/gwadar-master-plan-and-smart-city-gets-approval-in-9th-jcc-meeting-also-joint-project-financing-group-to-be-established-for-ml-i-project/

http://cpecinfo.com/gwadar-master-plan-and-smart-city-gets-approval-in-9th-jcc-meeting-also-joint-project-financing-group-to-be-established-for-ml-i-project/

https://nation.com.pk/22-Jan-2019/pak-china-jwg-meets-to-ensure-better-cpec-security

https://nation.com.pk/22-Jan-2019/pak-china-jwg-meets-to-ensure-better-cpec-security

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1910635/1-satellite-survey-gwadar-carried/

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1910635/1-satellite-survey-gwadar-carried/

https://nation.com.pk/21-Aug-2019/chinese-team-takes-up-cpec-security-with-minister

https://nation.com.pk/21-Aug-2019/chinese-team-takes-up-cpec-security-with-minister

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/four-pakistan-soldiers-killed-in-baloch-attack-report/articleshow/68041697.cms

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/four-pakistan-soldiers-killed-in-baloch-attack-report/articleshow/68041697.cms

ANNEXURES

Annex 1: Suicide Attacks in Pakistan in 2019 .................................................................145

Annex 2: Cross-Border Attacks and Clashes in 2019 ......................................................145

Annex 3: Attacks on Educational Institution in 2019 ......................................................149

Annex 4: Attacks on Political Leaders and Workers ........................................................149

Annex 5: Attacks on Members of Peace Committees or Pro-Govt. Tribesmen...................149

Annex 6: Attacks on Civilians .......................................................................................150

Annex 7: Attacks on Personnel, check posts and convoys of security forces/law

enforcement agencies ...................................................................................151

Annex 8: Breakdown of Terrorist Attacks .....................................................................154

Annex 9: Incidents of Ethnic and Political Violence in 2019 ............................................156

Annex 10: Major Targets of Terrorism in 2019 ................................................................156

Annex 11: Terrorist Attacks’ Tactics in 2019 ....................................................................157

Annex 12: Operational Attacks by Security Forces 2019 ...................................................157

Annex 13: Sectarian-related Terrorist Attacks in 2019 ......................................................157

Annex 14: Attacks on Polio workers in 2019 ....................................................................158

Annex 15: Proscribed organizations ................................................................................158


145

Annex 1: Suicide Attacks in Pakistan in 2019

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Date Location Target Killed Injured Claim of

responsibility

21 July, 2019 D.I Khan Security forces / law enforcement

Mil 1 Pol 4 Civ 4

Pol 1 Civ 29

TTP

Total One Attack 9 30

Balochistan

Date Location Target Killed Injured Claim of

responsibility

29 Jan, 2019 Loralai Security forces/law enforcement

Pol 3 Civ 6 Mil 3

Pol 10 Civ 11

TTP

12 Apr, 2019 Quetta Shia religious scholars/community

Mil 1 FC 1 Civ 19

Civ 48 ISIS affiliates/ supporters

Total 2 Attacks 33 69

Punjab

Date Location Target Killed Injured Claim of responsibility

08 May, 2019 Lahore Security forces/law enforcement

Civ 7 Mil 1 Pol 5

Civ 19 Pol 4

Hizbul Ahrar


Annex 2: Cross-Border Attacks and Clashes in 2019

Pak-Afghan Border

Date Location Target Killed Injured Perpetrator

04 Mar, 2019 Khyber Agency Security forces/law enforcement

- - TTP

01 May, 2019 North Waziristan Security forces/law enforcement

Arm 3 Arm 7 TTP

14 Sep, 2019 Upper Dir Security forces/law enforcement

Arm 3 Arm 1 Hizbul Ahrar

29 Oct, 2019 Chitral Civilians - Arm 6 Civ 5

Afghan National Army

Total 4 Attacks 6 Killed 19 Injured


146

Pak-India Border Attacks

Sr. No


1. 01 Jan, 2019 Bagh Unknown - - Indian BSF

2. 02 Jan, 2019 Poonch Unknown - - Indian BSF

3. 07 Jan, 2019 Bhimber Civilians Civ (1) Civ (1) Indian BSF

4. 07 Jan, 2019 Sialkot Civilians - - Indian BSF

5. 08 Jan, 2019 Bhimber Civilians Civ (1) - Indian BSF

6. 09 Jan, 2019 Neelum Civilians Civ (1) - Indian BSF

7. 09 Jan, 2019 Bhimber Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF

8. 12 Jan, 2019 Kotli Civilians - - Indian BSF

9. 14 Jan, 2019 Poonch Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF


11. 17 Jan, 2019 Kotli Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF


13. 23 Jan, 2019 Kotli Civilians - Civ (3) Indian BSF

14. 23 Jan, 2019 Hattian Security forces/ law enforcement

Arm (1) - Indian BSF

15. 18 Feb, 2019 Poonch Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF

16. 20 Feb, 2019 Sialkot Civilians Civ (1) Indian BSF

17. 22 Feb, 2019 Kotli Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF

18. 24 Feb, 2019 Kotli Civilians - - Indian BSF

19. 25 Feb, 2019 Sialkot Security forces/ law enforcement

Rng (1) Civ (1) Indian BSF

20. 26 Feb, 2019 Mansehra Civilians - Indian BSF

21. 26 Feb, 2019 Loc Civilians Civ (4) Civ (11) Indian BSF

22. 27 Feb, 2019 Bhimber Unknown - - Indian BSF

23. 27 Feb, 2019 Hattian Civilians - Civ (3) Indian BSF

24. 28 Feb, 2019 Bhimber Civilians - Civ (3) Indian BSF

25. 28 Feb, 2019 Poonch Civilians - Civ (2) Indian BSF

26. 28 Feb, 2019 Kotli Civilians - - Indian BSF

27. 01 Mar, 2019 Bhimber Civilians Civ (4) Civ (27) Indian BSF

28. 01 Mar, 2019 Kotli Civilians Civ (1) Civ (3) Indian BSF

29. 02 Mar, 2019 Kotli Civilians Civ (3) Civ (2) Indian BSF

30. 02 Mar, 2019 Kotli Security forces/ law enforcement


31. 04 Mar, 2019 Loc Civilians - - Indian BSF

32. 05 Mar, 2019 Kotli Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF

33. 10 Mar, 2019 Hattian Civilians Civ (2) Civ (4) Indian BSF

34. 16 Mar, 2019 Poonch Unknown - - Indian BSF

35. 21 Mar, 2019 Loc Civilians - - Indian BSF

36. 24 Mar, 2019 Bhimber Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF

37. 26 Mar, 2019 Kotli Civilians - - Indian BSF

38. 01 Apr, 2019 Haveli Security forces/ law enforcement

Civ (1) Civ (5) Indian BSF

39. 02 Apr, 2019 Rawalakot Security forces/ law enforcement

Arm (3) Arm (1) Indian BSF

40. 02 Apr, 2019 Kotli Civilians Civ (1) Civ (2) Indian BSF

41. 05 Apr, 2019 Haveli Civilians - Civ (4) Indian BSF

42. 05 Apr, 2019 Poonch Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF


147

Sr. No


43. 11 Apr, 2019 Kotli Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF

44. 13 Apr, 2019 Kotli Civilians - - Indian BSF

45. 15 Apr, 2019 Kotli Civilians Civ (1) - Indian BSF

46. 30 Apr, 2019 Bhimber Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF

47. 05 May, 2019 Poonch Civilians Civ (1) Civ (1) Indian BSF

48. 05 May, 2019 Kotli Civilians Civ (1) - Indian BSF

49. 15 May, 2019 Bhimber Civilians Civ (1) - Indian BSF

50. 23 May, 2019 Bhimber Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF

51. 29 May, 2019 Rawalakot Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF

52. 13 June, 2019 Kotli Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF

53. 18 June, 2019 Kotli Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF

54. 03 Jul, 2019 Bhimber Civilians - Civ (5) Indian BSF

55. 03 Jul, 2019 Sialkot Civilians - - Indian BSF

56. 03 Jul, 2019 Bhimber Security forces/ law enforcement

Arm (5) Arm (1) Indian BSF

57. 12 Jul, 2019 Kotli Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF

58. 20 Jul, 2019 Loc Security forces/ law enforcement

Arm (1) Civ (4) Indian BSF

59. 22 Jul, 2019 Bhimber Civilians Civ (1) Civ (2) Indian BSF

60. 23 Jul, 2019 Rawalakot Civilians Civ (1) - Indian BSF

61. 23 Jul, 2019 Kotli Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF

62. 28 Jul, 2019 Haveli Civilians Civ (1) Civ (7) Indian BSF

63. 30 Jul, 2019 Loc Civilians Civ (2) Civ (19) Indian BSF

64. 04 Aug, 2019 Kotli Civilians - Civ (2) Indian BSF

65. 13 Aug, 2019 Poonch Civilians Civ (1) - Indian BSF

66. 15 Aug, 2019 Poonch Civilians Civ (2) Civ (1) Indian BSF

67. 15 Aug, 2019 Jhelum Valley Security forces/ law enforcement


68. 16 Aug, 2019 Poonch Security forces/ law enforcement


69. 16 Aug, 2019 Poonch Civilians Civ (1) Civ (1) Indian BSF



72. 26 Aug, 2019 Bhimber Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF

73. 27 Aug, 2019 Neelum Civilians Civ (2) Civ (3) Indian BSF



76. 31 Aug, 2019 Bagh Security forces/ law enforcement


77. 05 Sep, 2019 Hattian Civilians - - Indian BSF

78. 06 Sep, 2019 Kotli Civilians - Civ (3) Indian BSF

79. 09 Sep, 2019 Haveli Civilians Civ (1) - Indian BSF

80. 11 Sep, 2019 Bagh Security forces/ law enforcement


81. 14 Sep, 2019 Bagh Security forces/ law enforcement


82. 14 Sep, 2019 Kotli Civilians Civ (1) Civ (6) Indian BSF

83. 21 Sep, 2019 Kotli Civilians - Civ (2) Indian BSF

84. 22 Sep, 2019 Bagh Civilians - - Indian BSF


148

Sr. No


85. 24 Sep, 2019 Neelum Civilians - - Indian BSF

86. 25 Sep, 2019 Kotli Civilians - - Indian BSF

87. 29 Sep, 2019 Kotli Civilians Civ (2) Civ (3) Indian BSF

88. 02 Oct, 2019 Haveli Civilians Civ (1) Civ (3) Indian BSF

89. 03 Oct, 2019 Neelum Civilians - Civ (3) Indian BSF

90. 06 Oct, 2019 Bhimber Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF

91. 07 Oct, 2019 Poonch Civilians Civ (1) Civ (3) Indian BSF

92. 09 Oct, 2019 Haveli Civilians Civ (2) Indian BSF

93. 09 Oct, 2019 Haveli Security forces/ law enforcement


94. 10 Oct, 2019 Haveli Civilians Civ (2) Indian BSF

95. 10 Oct, 2019 Neelum Civilians Civ (1) Civ (8) Indian BSF

96. 10 Oct, 2019 Poonch Civilians - Civ (2) Indian BSF


98. 12 Oct, 2019 Neelum Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF

99. 15 Oct, 2019 Haveli Civilians Civ (3) Civ (8) Indian BSF


101. 20 Oct, 2019 Muzaffarabad Civilians Civ (3) Civ (2) Indian BSF

102. 20 Oct, 2019 Muzaffarabad Civilians Civ (2) Indian BSF

103. 20 Oct, 2019 Muzaffarabad Civilians - Civ (3) Indian BSF

104. 20 Oct, 2019 Neelum Security forces/ law enforcement

Arm (1) Civ (1)

Civ (4) Indian BSF

105. 24 Oct, 2019 Neelum Civilians Civ (3) Civ (10) Indian BSF

106. 28 Oct, 2019 Kotli Civilians - Civ (3) Indian BSF


108. 04 Nov, 2019 Jhelum Valley Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF

109. 08 Nov, 2019 Kotli Civilians - Civ (2) Indian BSF

110. 13 Nov, 2019 Kotli Civilians - - Indian BSF

111. 14 Nov, 2019 Jhelum Valley Civilians - Civ (2) Indian BSF

112. 15 Nov, 2019 Bhimber Civilians Civ (1) - Indian BSF

113. 24 Nov, 2019 Bhimber Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF

114. 30 Nov, 2019 Kotli Civilians - Civ (2) Indian BSF

115. 01 Dec, 2019 Haveli Security forces/ law enforcement

- Arm (2) Civ (1)

Indian BSF

116. 10 Dec, 2019 Kotli Civilians - - Indian BSF

117. 16 Dec, 2019 Hattian Civilians Civ (1) Civ (1) Indian BSF

118. 16 Dec, 2019 Poonch Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF

119. 19 Dec, 2019 Neelum Civilians Civ (2) Civ (2) Indian BSF

120. 21 Dec, 2019 Neelum Civilians - - Indian BSF

121. 22 Dec, 2019 Loc Security forces/ law enforcement

- - Indian BSF

122. 26 Dec, 2019 Dewa Sector/ Poonch

Security forces/ law enforcement

Arm (2) Civ (2) Indian BSF

123. 29 December 2019

Samahni sector Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF

Total 123 Attacks 85 Killed 226

Injured


149

Pak-Iran Border Attacks


18 January, 2019

Chagai Unknown - - Iranian border security forces


Annex 3: Attacks on Educational Institution in 2019

District Attacks Killed Injured Responsibility

Bannu 1 - - Local Taliban

Lakki Marwat 1 Liv 1 Civ 1

Civ 4 Local Taliban


Annex 4: Attacks on Political Leaders and Workers

Date Location Killed Injured Responsibility

22 Jan, 2019 Bajaur/Nawagai - - TTP

24 Feb, 2019 Jafarabad/Jaffarabad 1 - BLA

17 Jun, 2019 Bajaur 1 - Jamatul Ahrar

29 Jun, 2019 Peshawar 1 3 Unknown/unknown militants

17 Aug, 2019 Khuzdar 4 - Nationalist insurgents

17 Aug, 2019 Kharan - 3 BLA

28 Sep, 2019 Qilla Abdullah/Chaman

3 11 Unknown/unknown militants

17 Oct, 2019 Bajaur 1 - Unknown/unknown militants

08 Nov, 2019 Bajaur/Nawagai - 2 Hizbul Ahrar


Annex 5: Attacks on Members of Peace Committees or Pro-Govt. Tribesmen


19 Jan, 2019 Bara/Khyber Agency Civ 1 - Lashkar-e-Islam

24 Jan, 2019 Dera Bugti/Pir Koh - Civ 2 BRA

30 Jan, 2019 North Waziristan/ Miranshah

- Civ 2 TTP

13 Feb, 2019 North Waziristan/Mirali Civ 1 - TTP

24 Feb, 2019 Nasirabad/D.M.Jamali Civ 1 Civ 18 BLA

30 Apr, 2019 Mohmand Agency Civ 1 - Hizbul Ahrar

14 June, 2019 Tank Mil 1 Civ 3 TTP

18 Aug, 2019 Upper Dir Civ 4 Civ 20 TTP

01 Sep, 2019 Bajaur/Khar Civ 1 - Hizbul Ahrar

28 Sep, 2019 Bajaur/Khar Civ 1 - Hizbul Ahrar

21 Dec, 2019 Tank Civ 2 Civ 2 Local Taliban



150

Annex 6: Attacks on Civilians


05 Jan, 2019 Peshawar - Civ (6) TTP

08 Jan, 2019 Mohmand - - Local Taliban

24 Jan, 2019 North Waziristan - Civ (2) TTP

29 Jan, 2019 Nawabshah - - SDLF/SDLA

01 Feb, 2019 Qilla Abdullah - Civ (3) TTP

03 Feb, 2019 Bannu - Civ (1) Local Taliban

09 Feb, 2019 Dera Bugti - Civ (1) BRA

12 Feb, 2019 North Waziristan - Civ (1) Local Taliban

13 Feb, 2019 Larkana Civ (3) - Nationalist insurgents

25 Feb, 2019 Washuk Civ (1) Civ (3) BLF

04 Mar, 2019 Qilla Abdullah - Civ (5) TTP

14 Mar, 2019 Panjgur Civ (2) Civ (19) BLA

24 Mar, 2019 North Waziristan - Civ (2) TTP

28 Mar, 2019 North Waziristan Civ (1) Civ (1) TTP

31 Mar, 2019 North Waziristan - Civ (2) TTP

09 Apr, 2019 North Waziristan - Civ (2) TTP

14 Apr, 2019 Karak Civ (1) Civ (5) Local Taliban

20 Apr, 2019 South Waziristan - Civ (1) TTP

26 Apr, 2019 D.I Khan - Civ (5) Local Taliban

09 May, 2019 Harnai Civ (2) - BLA

11 May, 2019 Gwadar Civ (4) Mil (3) Arm (1)

Civ (4) Arm (2)

BLA

07 June, 2019 Bajaur Civ (1) Civ (2) Unknown/unknown militants

21 June, 2019 Bannu Civ (1) Civ (1) Local Taliban

21 June, 2019 North Waziristan - Civ (1) Local Taliban

07 Jul, 2019 Hangu - - Local Taliban

09 Jul, 2019 Karachi Civ (2) Civ (1) Unknown/unknown militants

12 Jul, 2019 Dera Bugti Civ (1) Civ (2) BRA

17 Jul, 2019 North Waziristan - - Unknown/unknown militants

23 Jul, 2019 Quetta Civ (3) Civ (18) TTP

23 Jul, 2019 North Waziristan - Civ (1) TTP

31 Jul, 2019 North Waziristan - Civ (4) Local Taliban

24 Aug, 2019 Mohmand - Civ (3) Local Taliban

12 Sep, 2019 Duki Civ (1) - Unknown/unknown militants

30 Oct, 2019 D.I Khan Civ (3) - Local Taliban

30 Oct, 2019 Mohmand Civ (1) - Local Taliban

08 Nov, 2019 North Waziristan Civ (1) - Unknown/unknown militants

25 Nov, 2019 Tank Civ (2) - Local Taliban

29 Nov, 2019 Lahore Civ (14) Hizbul Ahrar

16 Dec, 2019 Peshawar - Pol (1) Civ (10)

Unknown/unknown militants



151

Annex 7: Attacks on Personnel, check posts and convoys of security

forces/law enforcement agencies


01 Jan, 2019 Loralai Mil (4) FC (4)

FC (4) TTP

06 Jan, 2019 Panjgur - Civ (1) FC (1)

BLF

06 Jan, 2019 Quetta - Mil (2) BLA

09 Jan, 2019 Kech/Turbat - FC (4) BLF

10 Jan, 2019 D.I Khan/Kulachi - Pol (2) Local Taliban

12 Jan, 2019 Loralai - FC (2) BLA

19 Jan, 2019 Chitral Lvs (1) - Local Taliban

24 Jan, 2019 Kech/Turbat - Civ (2) FC (4)

BLF

25 Jan, 2019 North Waziristan/ Mirali

- Arm (1) Civ (2)

TTP

29 Jan, 2019 Loralai Pol (3) Civ (6) Mil (3)

Pol (10) Civ (11)

TTP

29 Jan, 2019 D.I Khan Pol (1) - TTP

08 Feb, 2019 North Waziristan/Mirali

- Arm (3) TTP

11 Feb, 2019 Lakki Marwat FC (1) - Local Taliban

12 Feb, 2019 D.I Khan Pol (4) Pol (1) Civ (2)

TTP

16 Feb, 2019 Loralai FC (2) Civ (1) TTP

17 Feb, 2019 Panjgur FC (4) - BLF

19 Feb, 2019 Dera Bugti - Lvs (3) BRA

21 Feb, 2019 Rawalpindi Pol (3) Pol (2) Civ (2)

Hizbul Ahrar

23 Feb, 2019 North Waziristan/ Mirali

- Arm (3) TTP

26 Feb, 2019 Tank Arm (1) - TTP

04 Mar, 2019 Karachi Pol (1) - Unknown/unknown militants

11 Mar, 2019 Quetta - Pol (4) BLA

15 Mar, 2019 D.I Khan Pol (1) - Local Taliban

17 Mar, 2019 Hangu - - Hizbul Ahrar

18 Mar, 2019 D.I Khan - Pol (2) Civ (1)

Local Taliban

20 Mar, 2019 Ziarat Lvs (6) - TTP

25 Mar, 2019 Lakki Marwat FC (1) - Local Taliban

25 Mar, 2019 Upper Dir Lvs (1) - Local Taliban

11 Apr, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (2) Arm (2) TTP

12 Apr, 2019 Qilla Abdullah Civ (2) FC (2) Civ (8)

TTP

12 Apr, 2019 North Waziristan - FC (2) TTP

18 Apr, 2019 Gwadar Arm (11) Civ (3)

- BRAS (an alliance of BLA, BLF and


152


BRG

20 Apr, 2019 North Waziristan - Arm (2) TTP


22 Apr, 2019 Nasirabad - Pol (2) Civ (10)

BLA

23 Apr, 2019 Kech Mil (2) - BLF


27 Apr, 2019 North Waziristan Lvs (3) Lvs (1) TTP

29 Apr, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (1) - TTP

06 May, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (1) Arm (3) TTP

06 May, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (3) Arm (5) TTP

08 May, 2019 Lahore Civ (7) Mil (1) Pol (5)

Civ (19) Pol (4)

Hizbul Ahrar

09 May, 2019 Harnai FC (2) Civ (1)

Civ (1) BLA

11 May, 2019 Pishin - FC (2) Unknown/unknown militants

12 May, 2019 Mastung Pol (1) - Lashkar-e-Balochistan

13 May, 2019 Quetta Pol (4) Pol (5) Civ (6)

TTP

14 May, 2019 North Waziristan - Arm (3) TTP

24 May, 2019 Qilla Abdullah - FC (3) BLA

25 May, 2019 Kech Mil (1) - Lashkar-e-Balochistan

27 May, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (1) - TTP

01 June, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (1) - TTP

02 June, 2019 Quetta Pol (1) - Unknown/unknown militants

06 June, 2019 Harnai FC (2) - BLA

07 June, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (4) Arm (4) TTP

08 June, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (2) Arm (3) TTP

11 June, 2019 North Waziristan - FC (2) TTP

12 June, 2019 South Waziristan Civ (1) FC (2)

FC (2) TTP

14 June, 2019 South Waziristan Arm (1) - TTP

17 June, 2019 Karachi Pol (2) - LeJ

18 June, 2019 Kashmore FC (1) - BLA

19 June, 2019 Panjgur - FC (2) BLF

21 June, 2019 North Waziristan - Arm (3) TTP

24 June, 2019 Lasbela - FC (3) Lashkar-e-Balochistan

25 June, 2019 Nowshera Pol (2) Pol (4) Local Taliban

26 June, 2019 Loralai Pol (1) Mil (3)

Pol (2) Civ (3)

TTP

30 June, 2019 Kech - FC (1) BLF

03 Jul, 2019 Kech - Civ (7) FC (2)

Lashkar-e-Balochistan

10 Jul, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (1) Arm (3) TTP


153


10 Jul, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (2) TTP

13 Jul, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (2) - TTP

20 Jul, 2019 North Waziristan - Arm (4) TTP

20 Jul, 2019 South Waziristan Arm (1) Arm (4) TTP

21 Jul, 2019 D.I Khan Mil (1) Pol (4) Civ (4)

Pol (1) Civ (29)

TTP

21 Jul, 2019 D.I Khan Pol (2) - TTP

27 Jul, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (6) - TTP

27 Jul, 2019 Kech FC (4) - BLF

30 Jul, 2019 Quetta Civ (6) Pol (4) Civ (27)

TTP

02 Aug, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (3) - TTP

02 Aug, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (1) Arm (1) TTP

05 Aug, 2019 Bajaur Arm (2) Arm (4) Hizbul Ahrar

06 Aug, 2019 Pishin Pol (1) - Unknown/unknown militants

09 Aug, 2019 Peshawar Pol (1) Pol (1) Local Taliban

13 Aug, 2019 North Waziristan - Arm (3) TTP

14 Aug, 2019 Mastung - Pol (3) BLA

17 Aug, 2019 South Waziristan Arm (2) Arm (3) TTP

21 Aug, 2019 Islamabad Pol (2) Pol (1) Unknown/unknown militants

24 Aug, 2019 D.I Khan Civ (2) Civ (2) TTP

02 Sep, 2019 North Waziristan - FC (2) TTP

04 Sep, 2019 Lower Dir Pol (1) Pol (3) Local Taliban

14 Sep, 2019 North Waziristan Mil (2) Arm (1)

- TTP

19 Sep, 2019 Mastung Lvs (1) - BLF

20 Sep, 2019 Mohmand Arm (2) Arm (1) Hizbul Ahrar

25 Sep, 2019 Quetta - Pol (4) BLA

01 Oct, 2019 Qilla Saifullah Lvs (1) - Unknown/unknown militants

14 Oct, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (1) Arm (1) TTP

15 Oct, 2019 Quetta Pol (1) Pol (5) Civ (5)


21 Oct, 2019 Quetta - Pol (2) Civ (3)

BLA

26 Oct, 2019 D.I Khan - Pol (3) Local Taliban

04 Nov, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (2) Arm (1) TTP

04 Nov, 2019 North Waziristan - Arm (1) TTP

05 Nov, 2019 D.I Khan FC (2) Civ (1)

Civ (2) TTP

09 Nov, 2019 D.I Khan Pol (2) - TTP

11 Nov, 2019 Rajanpur Pol (2) Civ (3)

- BLA

12 Nov, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (3) Arm (1) TTP

14 Nov, 2019 Peshawar Pol (1) Pol (2) Civ (2)


15 Nov, 2019 Quetta FC (3) FC (4) BLA


154


19 Nov, 2019 Kech FC (2) FC (4) BLF

20 Nov, 2019 Bannu Pol (1) - TTP

24 Nov, 2019 North Waziristan - Arm (3) Hizbul Ahrar

30 Nov, 2019 North Waziristan - Arm (1) Civ (1)

Hizbul Ahrar

01 Dec, 2019 North Waziristan Mil (2) FC (1)

FC (2) TTP

03 Dec, 2019 Qilla Abdullah - - TTP

08 Dec, 2019 Panjgur - - Lashkar-e-Balochistan

13 Dec, 2019 Tank Mil (1) Pol (1)

Pol (6) TTP

13 Dec, 2019 Tank FC (2) - TTP

19 Dec, 2019 Khyber FC (1) FC (3) TTP

25 Dec, 2019 North Waziristan - - TTP

25 Dec, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (1) - TTP


Annex 8: Breakdown of Terrorist Attacks

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Month Frequency Killed Injured

January 11 3 15

February 9 7 13

March 9 6 12

April 15 14 26

May 5 6 11

June 15 18 31

July 14 22 50

August 10 16 37

September 7 14 10

October 7 8 4

November 12 15 16

December 11 16 24

Total 125 145 249

Balochistan


January 11 25 54

February 9 9 29

March 9 15 60

April 7 40 71

May 12 30 53

June 8 12 24

July 5 14 60

August 9 12 45


155


September 5 5 17

October 3 2 15

November 3 7 8

December 3 0 0


Punjab


January 1 0 0

February 1 3 4

May 1 13 23

November 2 5 14

Total 5 21 41

Sindh (excluding Karachi)


January 1 - -

February 1 3 -

April 1 - -

June 1 1 -

Total 4 4 -

Karachi


January 3 3 -

February 1 1 -

March 3 5 1

June 1 2 -

July 1 2 1

August 1 1

Total 10 14 2

Islamabad


August 1 2 1

Total 1 2 1


156

Annex 9: Incidents of Ethnic and Political Violence in 2019

Region Location Attacks Killed Injured

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Bannu 1 1 1

South Waziristan/WANA 1 - -

Bajaur/Mamond 1 - 1

Mansehra 1 - 4

Swat/Mingora 1 1 -

KP Total 5 Attacks 2 Killed 6 Injured

Sindh/Karachi Karachi 3 4 1

Sindh Total 3 4 1

Total Pakistan 8 6 7

Annex 10: Major Targets of Terrorism in 2019

Targets No. of Terrorist


Security forces/law enforcement 118 209 346

Education/institutions/teachers 2 2 4

Non-Bloch settlers/workers 1 3 1

Gas pipelines 3 - -

Tribal elders 2 3 3

Civilians 39 34 123

Shia religious scholars/community 11 32 72

Worship places/shrines/imambargahs 2 9 53

Govt. offices/public property (hospitals, banks etc.) 1 0 10

Sunni religious leaders/community 5 8 3

Political leaders/workers 9 11 19

NGO / civil society members 1 2 0

Foreign interests/ Diplomats/Foreigners 1 - -

Unknown 4 3 1


Health/polio workers, security escorts 6 8 1

Pro-govt tribesmen/peace committee members 11 13 47


Judges/lawyers/courts 1 0 2



Member of banned groups 1 2 0

Development, exploration projects, companies, workers 2 8 6

NATO/US supply vehicles 1 0 1

Total 229 357 729


157

Annex 11: Terrorist Attacks’ Tactics in 2019

Tactics Attacks

SA 4

HG 5

IED 123

RA 3

Gun and bomb attack 2

FR 92

Total 229

Annex 12: Operational Attacks by Security Forces 2019

Region Location Attacks Killed Injured

KP

Bajaur 1 1 0

D. I. Khan 5 12 1

Kohat 1 0 1

North Waziristan 3 5 0

Nowshera 1 2 0

Peshawar 1 7 0

South Waziristan 1 3 0

Tank 1 4 0

Hangu 1 4 0

KP Total 15 38 2

Balochistan

Chagai 1 0 0

Dera Bugti 1 3 0

Gawadar 1 6 1

Kech 2 5 0

Loralai 1 4 4

Mastung 1 9 4

Nasirabad 1 1 0

Panjgur 1 4 0

Quetta 1 7 6

Multiple districts 1 2 0

Balochistan Total 11 41 15

Punjab Faisalabad 1 2 0

Punjab Total 1 2 0

Sindh Kashmore 1 0 2

Sindh Total 1 0 2


Annex 13: Sectarian-related Terrorist Attacks in 2019


03 Jan, 2019 Karachi Civ 1 - LeJ

11 Jan, 2019 Karachi Civ 1 - Sipah-e-Muhammad Pakistan

22 Jan, 2019 Karachi Civ 1 - LeJ

02 Feb, 2019 Karachi Civ 1 - Sipah-e-Muhammad Pakistan

23 Mar, 2019 Karachi Civ 1 - LeJ


158


26 Mar, 2019 Quetta Civ 1 - Rival sectarian group

31 Mar, 2019 Quetta Civ 2 Civ 2 Rival sectarian group

12 Apr, 2019 Quetta Mil 1 FC 1

Civ 19

Civ 48 ISIS affiliates/supporters

30 May, 2019 Quetta Mil 1 Pol 1 LeJ

07 June, 2019 Ziarat Civ 2 Civ 9 LeJ

07 June, 2019 Ziarat Civ 3 Civ 4 Unknown/unknown militants

31 Jul, 2019 D.I. Khan Civ 1 Civ 1 Rival sectarian group

06 Aug, 2019 Quetta Civ 1 Civ 13 LeJ

30 Aug, 2019 Karachi Civ 1 - LeJ


Annex 14: Attacks on Polio workers in 2019


23 Apr, 2019 Bannu Pol 1 - Local Taliban

24 Apr, 2019 Buner Pol 1 - Local Taliban

25 Apr, 2019 Qilla Abdullah/Chaman Civ 1

Civ 1 TTP

05 May, 2019 Bajaur/Khar Civ 1 - Unknown/unknown militants

09 Dec, 2019 Bannu Civ 2 - TTP

18 Dec, 2019 Lower Dir/Timergara Pol 2 - Local Taliban


Annex 15: Proscribed organizations1

Below are the organizations proscribed by the government of Pakistan; the list is retrieved from NACTA’s website (http://nacta.gov.pk/proscribed-organizations/):

S. No Name of Organization Date of Notification

1 Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ)(Afghanistan) 14 Aug 2001, 3 Feb 2003 under UNSCR 1267

2 Sipah-i-Muhammad Pakistan (SMP) 14 Aug 2001

3 Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) 14 Jan 2002, 17 Oct 2001 under UNSCR 1267

4 Laskar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) 14 Jan 2002, 2 May 2005 under UNSCR 1267

5 Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) 14 Jan 2002

6 Tehrik-e-Jaffria Pakistan (TJP) 28 Jan 2002

7 Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammad (TNSM) 14 Jan 2002

8 Tehreek-e-lslami 14 Jan 2002

9 Al-Qa’ida (Afghanistan) 17 Mar 2003, 6 Oct 2001 under UNSCR 1267

10 Millat-e-lslamia Pakistan (Ex SSP) 15 Nov 2003

11 Khuddam-ul-lslam (Ex JeM) 15 Nov 2003

1 This list is updated as of 26th July, 2019 and prepared by NACTA based on the Notifications issued by Ministry

of Interior.


159


12 Islami Tehreek Pakistan (Ex TJP) 15 Nov 2003

13 Jamat-ul-Ansar 20 Nov 2003

14 Jamat-ul-Furqan 20 Nov 2003

15 Hizb-ul-Tahreer 20 Nov 2003

16 Khair-un-Naas International Trust (Splinter Gp. of Jamat-ul-Da’awa (JuD)

27 Oct 2004

17 Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) 07 Apr 2006

18 Islamic Students Movement of Pakistan 21 Aug 2006

19 Lashkar-e-lslami 30 June 2008

20 Ansar-ul-lslam (Iraq)

30 June 2008, 24 Feb 2003 under UNSCR 1267

21 Haji Namdaar Group 30 June 2008

22 Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) (Afghanistan) 25 Aug 2008, 29 July 2011 under UNSCR 1267

23 Balochistan Republican Army (BRA) 08 Sep 2010

24 Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) 08 Sep 2010

25 Lashkar-e-Balochistan (LeB) 08 Sep 2010

26 Balochistan Liberation United Front (BLUF) 08 Sep 2010

27 Balochistan Musalla Defah Tanzeem (BMDT) 08 Sep 2010

28 Shia Tulaba Action Committee, Gilgit 10 Oct 2011

29 Markaz Sabeel Organization, Gilgit 10 Oct 2011

30 Tanzeem Naujawana-e-Ahle Sunnat (TNA), Gilgit

10 Oct 2011

31 Peoples Aman Committee (Layari) 10 Oct 2011

32 Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamat (ASWJ) Ex-SSP 15 Feb, 2012

33 Al Harmain Foundation 6 March 2012, 26 Jan 2004 under UNSCR 1267

34 Rabita Trust 6 March 2012, 17 Oct 2001 under UNSCR 1267

35 Anjuman-e- Imamia Gilgit Baltistan 24 April 2012

36 Muslim Students Organization (MSO) Gilgit 24 April 2012

37 Tanzeem Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamat, Gilgit 5 June 2012

38 Balochistan Bunyad Parast Army 04 Aug, 2012

39 Tehreek Nafaz-e-Aman 04 Aug, 2012

40 Tahafuz Hadudullah 04 Aug, 2012

41 Balochisan Waja Liberation Army 04 Aug, 2012

42 Baloch Republican Party Azad 04 Aug, 2012

43 Balochistan United Army 04 Aug, 2012

44 Islam Mujahidin 04 Aug, 2012

45 Jaish-e-Islam 04 Aug, 2012

46 Balochistan National Liberation Army 04 Aug, 2012

47 Khana-E-Hikmat Gilgit Baltistan, Gilgit 13 March,2013

48 Tehrik-e- Taliban Swat (TTS) 15 March,2013

49 Tehrik-e- Taliban Mohmand (TTM) 15 March,2013

50 Tariq Geedar Group (TGG) 15 March,2013

51 Abdullah Azam Brigade (Lebanon, Syria, Arabian Peninsula)

15 March,2013 23 Sep 2014 vide UNSCR 1267

52 East Turkemenistan Islamic Movement ETIM (Turkey, Afghanistan)

15 March,2013 11 Sep 2002 vide UNSCR 1267

53 Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) (Uzbekistan)

15 March,2013 6 October 2001 vide UNSCR 1267


160


54 Islamic Jihad Union (IJU) (Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Germany)

15 March,2013 1 June 2005 under UNSCR 1267

55 313 Brigade 15 March,2013

56 Tehrik-e- Taliban Bajaur (TTB) 15 March,2013

57 Amar bil Maroof Wa Nahi Anil Munkir (Haji Namdaar Group)

15 March,2013

58 Baloch Student Organization Azad (BSO-A) 15 March,2013

59 United Baloch Army(UBA) 15 March,2013

60 Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM) 15 March,2013

61 Daish/ISIL/IS/ISIS(Afghanistan) 15 July 2015 by MoI, alsovide UNSCR 1267

62 Jamat Ul Ahrar (JuA) 11 Nov. 2016 06 July 2017 vide UNSCR 1267

63 Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al-Almi (LeJA) 11 Nov. 2016

64 Ansar-ul-Hussain 30 Dec. 2016

65 Tehreek-e-Azadi-Jammu & Kashmir (TAJK) 08 June 2017

66 Jundullah 31 Jan 2018

67 Al Rahmah Welfare Trust Organization 13 Dec 2018

68 Balawaristan National Front (Abdul Hameed Khan Group)

26 Feb, 2019

69 Jamaat-ul-Da'awa (JuD) Affiliated Organizations: i. Al-Anfaal Trust, Lahore ii. Idara-e-Khidmat-e-Khalaq, Lahore iii. Al Dawat-ul-Irshad, Pakistan, Lahore iv. Al-Hamad Trust, Lahore/Faisalabad v. Mosques & Welfare Trust, Lahore vi. Al Madina Foundation, Lahore vii. Maaz Bin Jabal Educational Trust, Lahore

05 March, 2019

10 May, 2019

70 Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) Affiliated organizations: i. Al-Fazal Foundation/Trust, Lahore ii. Al-Easar Foundation, Lahore

05 March, 2019

10 May, 2019

71 Pak Turk International CAG Education Foundation

18 April, 2019

72 Hizb-ul-Ahrar (HuA) 26 July, 2019

73 Balochistan RaajiAjoi-R-Sangar (BRAS) 26 July, 2019

Organizations under watch list

S. No Name of organization Date of notification

1 Ghulaman-e-Sahaba (GS) 30 May, 2017

2 Maymar Trust 29 March, 2017

3 Sachal Sarmast Welfare Trust, Karachi 13 June, 2019

4 Al-Jaza Patient Welfare Society, Karachi 13 June, 2019

Organizations enlisted under UNSCRs

S. No Name of organization Date of notification

1 Al-Akhtar Trust 01 Dec 2005

2 Al-Rashid Trust 01 Dec 2005

TIMELINES

Security response: Government/law-enforcement agencies .................................163

Courts .....................................................................................................167

Amendments ....................................................................................................167

External Front ...................................................................................................167

National Action Plan (NAP) ................................................................................168

NACTA ..............................................................................................168

Banned Outfits ...................................................................................169

Madrassahs .......................................................................................175

Merged Districts .................................................................................177

Financial Action Task Force (FATF) .....................................................................178


163

Security response: Government/law-enforcement agencies

Date Progress/News update Source

January 5, 2019

Interior Ministry has issued a list of 474 most wanted terrorists and instructed provincial administrations to set up teams for their arrest.

Roznama92, January 5, 2019 https://www.roznama92news.com/efrontend/web/index.php/?station_id=2&page_id=7&is_common=&xdate=2019-1-5&n=n34

January 16, 2019

The CTD claimed to kill two militants of Islamic State (IS) group who were allegedly involved in various terrorist activities including kidnappings of the son-in-law of Gen Tariq Majeed, US national Warren Weinstein, and Brig Tahir as well as ex-premier Yousuf Raza Gilani’s son Ali Haider and killing of two intelligence officials in Multan.

Dawn, January 16, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1457822

January 20, 2019

CTD Punjab said that Zeeshan allegedly had links with banned DAISH group. He was a local leader of the organization too.

Roznama 92, January 19, 2019

January 20, 2019

In Sahiwal, the CTD claim killing four family members for carrying explosive materials and their alleged links with Daesh while the bereaved family denied allegation and narrated a different story.


January 23, 2019

Punjab administration has dismissed five police officers along with CTD chief for being responsible for Sahiwal shooting incident that killed 3 members of family.


January 26, 2019

Punjab government, under the Punjab Arms Rules, rule # 31, has cancelled all arms licenses, irrespective of their categories, issued to 16 members of banned outfits that are placed on the 4th schedule of anti-terrorism act.

Dawn January 26, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1459788

January 29, 2019

Army claimed to demolish all safe heavens of terrorists during the operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan.

The News, January 29, 2019 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/424887-all-terrorists-sanctuaries-destroyed

February 14, 2019

Since 2007, more than 70, 000 people were killed during terrorist attacks, more statistics are shared in a report published by the organization Welfare Eye during the last month.

Daily Dunya, February 14, 2019 https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-02-14&edition=ISL&id=4444213_81213007

March 3, 2019

Six members of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) were held responsible in JIT report on Sahiwal incident.

Nawa-i-Waqt, March 3, 2019 https://www.nawaiwaqt.com.pk/E-Paper/islamabad/2019-03-03/page-1/detail-8

March 3, 2019

CTD has urged Punjab government to ban 53 organizations for their alleged involvement in terror facilitation.

Roznama92, March 3, 2019 https://www.roznama92news.com/efrontend/web/index.php/?station_id=3&page_id=7&is_common=&xdate=2019-3-3&n=n14

https://www.roznama92news.com/efrontend/web/index.php/?station_id=2&page_id=7&is_common=&xdate=2019-1-5&n=n34












https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/424887-all-terrorists-sanctuaries-destroyed















164


April 3, 2019

CTD Punjab has issued Red Book 22nd edition year 2019. This book included details pertaining to extremism and people involved in anti-state activities.

Daily Jang, April 3, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/04-03-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=103.png

April 7, 2019

A special tourism police force has been established to ensure the security of local and foreign tourists in Gilgit Baltistan (GB).

Daily Jang, April 7, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/04-07-2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=12_03.png

April 26, 2019

Balochistan’s provincial government declared that it is paying monthly Rs91 million to Frontier Corps (FC) to ensure the security of province.

Dawn, April 26, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1478446

April 27, 2019

Due to security threats and attacks on polio workers, federal government called off anti-polio campaign in all provinces.


May 1, 2019

Since 2009, total 911 police officers were killed in Balochistan fighting against terrorism.

Dawn, May 1, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1479433

May 2, 2019

Government declared Pak-Turk school foundation a banned organization.


May 07, 2019

Karachi police arrested 5 people, including one reporter of Daily Jang, for getting militancy training in abroad and for their alleged involvement in target and sectarian killing.


May 12, 2019

Ministry of Interior has proscribed 11 organisations associated with the banned Jamaatud Dawah (JuD), Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) and Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM). These organizations have been proscribed in pursuance of National Action Plan (NAP).

The Nation, May 12, 2019 https://nation.com.pk/12-May-2019/11-outfits-banned-over-jud-jem-links

May 13, 2019

Army conducted operation against the militants of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) that attacked the Pear Continental hotel at Gwadar. After the 12 hours operation, 4 hotel employees and 1 Pakistan Navy soldier were martyred and 6 injured. All 3 terrorists were killed.


May 13, 2019

Hazara community has expressed their grave concerns over sectarian violence in Quetta and criticized government’s inability to address this issue.


May 15, 2019

Security forces have been sent alert about terrorists made suicide waist coat which is not detectable via walk through gate.

Daily Jang, May 15, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/05-15-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=57.png

May 19, 2019

Bearing in mind the security situation, Balochistan cabinet has merged Levies force with the police department, second time after 2005. The opposition parties disregarded this merger, noting it would be unfavorable for the federation.





https://e.jang.com.pk/04-07-2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=12_03.png













https://nation.com.pk/12-May-2019/11-outfits-banned-over-jud-jem-links













165


May 21, 2019

Government has decided to launch crackdown against publication and dissemination of literature based on religious hatred.

Daily Jang, May 21, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/05-21-2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=51.png

July 4, 2019 CTD launched crackdown against financial aid to terrorists and money laundering and filed 23 cases against Muhammad Saeed and several leaders of proscribed organizations.

Daily Jang, July 4, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/07-04-2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=56.png

July 6, 2019 The federal and Punjab government agreed to identify and confiscate the properties of UN declared banned outfits and decided to take action against unregistered and non-functional non-profit organizations.

Dawn, July 6, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1492409

July 6, 2019 A special assistance cell has been set up at the General Headquarters (GHQ) to assist the process of resolving cases of missing persons.

The News, July 6, 2019 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/494275-special-cell-set-up-at-ghq-on-missing-persons

July 08, 2019

CTD arrested four men in Peshawar for their alleged involvement in terror financing under the garb of an NGO.


August 31, 2019

Police in Taxila has registered a case against two people for spreading religious extremism and hate speech on social media.

Dawn, August 31, 2019 https://epaper.dawn.com/DetailNews.php?StoryText=31_08_2019_005_006

September 17, 2019

Pakistan tracked down criminal involvement of two Indian spies in Mastung area of Balochistan. The spies entered Pakistan from Iran and later went to Afghanistan.

The News, September 17, 2019 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/527575-pakistan-tracks-down-two-indian-spies-in-mastung

September 21, 2019

Pakistan has discredited Afghan government’s recent claim of rejecting Durand line as an international border between two countries.

The News, September 21, 2019 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/529889-fo-rejects-kabul-statement-of-not-recognising-durand-line

October 12, 2019

A 27-page verdict being presented by the apex court spells out guidelines to deal with the offence under Anti-Terrorism Act.

Dawn, October 12, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1510394

October 25, 2019

Anti-terrorism court acquitted all six personnel of the police’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) allegedly charged with killing four persons, including a woman and her daughter, in an alleged encounter.

Dawn, October 25, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1512791/all-six-police-personnel-acquitted-in-sahiwal-killings-case

October 31, 2019

The Supreme Court passed the judgement that the definition of “terrorism” under Section 6 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997 was too wide since it included actions having no nexus with the generally recognized concept of terrorism.


November 03, 2019

This editorial is about the recent verdicts passed by the court in a 59-page judgement authored by Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, the seven-member bench provide the much-needed clarity on the definition of terrorism.

Dawn, November 03, 2019 (Editorial) https://www.dawn.com/news/1514594

https://e.jang.com.pk/05-21-2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=51.png








https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/494275-special-cell-set-up-at-ghq-on-missing-persons









https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/527575-pakistan-tracks-down-two-indian-spies-in-mastung



https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/529889-fo-rejects-kabul-statement-of-not-recognising-durand-line






https://www.dawn.com/news/1512791/all-six-police-personnel-acquitted-in-sahiwal-killings-case








166


November 04, 2019

This column is about the recent verdicts passed by the court regarding defining term “Terrorism”. Author argued that International standards clarify that laws related to terrorism must be clearly and precisely formulated.

Dawn, November 04, 2019 (Column) https://www.dawn.com/news/1514768

November 07, 2019

This article is about the misuse of the law regarding antiterrorism law, Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). Effective and timely process and prosecution will be made and all inhuman punishments needs to be reviewed

Dawn, November 07, 2019 (Column) https://www.dawn.com/news/1515425/misuse-of-antiterrorism-law

November 17, 2019

Supreme Court has given recommendation to government in Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 to change the definition, preamble and removal of Section 3 from Act.

The News, November 17, 2019 (Column) https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/569766-redefining-terrorism

November 18, 2019

WOT, launched by the US government in the wake of Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, has cost at least 801,000 lives and $6.4 trillion according several reports published by the Costs of War Project at Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs.

The News, November 18, 2019 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/570560-war-on-terror-kills-over-801-000-people-costs-6-4t

November 19, 2019

During Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa’s recent visit to Iran, met with senior Iranian military leaders and discussed security related matters including regional security environment, efforts for regional peace and stability and Pak-Iran Border Security Mechanism.

Dawn, November 19, 2019 https://epaper.dawn.com/DetailImage.php?StoryImage=19_11_2019_001_005

November 22, 2019

After interior ministry opposition to the proposed NACTA amendment bill, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Interior Rehman Malik formed a one-man subcommittee to look into the NACTA amendment bill and present suggestions.


December 05, 2019

The government laid the controversial China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority Ordinance, 2019, before the National Assembly.

Dawn, December 05, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1520527

December 10, 2019

To prevent money laundering and terror financing federal and provincial units will be directly responsible not only to the government but also will be directly responsible to the parliament. For this purpose, manuscript of NACTA amendment bill is being prepared and is ready to present at the National assembly.

Daily Dunya, December 10, 2019 https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-12-10&edition=ISL&id=4937628_47009813

December 21, 2019

The United States has retained Pakistan among the countries that tolerate religious discrimination.

Dawn, December 21, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1523484/us-retains-pakistan-on-religious-watch-list

December 25, 2019

KP department of police has started reviewing the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Dawn, December 25, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1524271/kp-police-reviewing-terror-watch-list



https://www.dawn.com/news/1515425/misuse-of-antiterrorism-law

https://www.dawn.com/news/1515425/misuse-of-antiterrorism-law

https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/569766-redefining-terrorism



https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/570560-war-on-terror-kills-over-801-000-people-costs-6-4t



https://epaper.dawn.com/DetailImage.php?StoryImage=19_11_2019_001_005












https://www.dawn.com/news/1523484/us-retains-pakistan-on-religious-watch-list



https://www.dawn.com/news/1524271/kp-police-reviewing-terror-watch-list




167

Courts


January 8, 2019

Government seeks opposition cooperation for extension in the tenure of military courts via constitutional amendment. Or it is likely to achieve via presidential ordinance.

Daily Dunya, January 8, 2019 https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-01-08&edition=ISL&id=4377522_65249091

January 13, 2019

The antiterrorism court at Karachi remanded five BLA suspects for keeping explosives. They were allegedly involved in attack on Chinese consulate general in Karachi.


March 19, 2019

Karachi antiterrorism court sentenced Nasruddin for 10 years in prison for allegedly providing shelter to the terrorists in a rented apartment in Urdu Bazaar area at Karachi in 2017. The court also imposed a fine of Rs1 million on him too.

Dawn, March 19, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1470452

April 27, 2019

Supreme court judges criticized the mobile companies for blocking mobile services on small events in the name of security.

Daily Express, April 27, 2019 https://www.express.com.pk/epaper/PoPupwindow.aspx?newsID=1106353860&Issue=NP_LHE&Date=20190427

Amendments


April 3,

2019

Chief Justice of Pakistan expressed serious concerns over the vagueness of Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and observed that due to the ambiguous definition of terrorism, offences of serious nature were referred to Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) merely for the satisfaction

of people of society.

Dawn, April 3, 2019


3572

May 14, 2019

The 26th Constitution Amendment Bill 2019 was unanimously passed in the National assembly. It aimed to provide the people of erstwhile FATA a better representation in the national assembly and provincial

assembly of KP.

Dawn, May 14, 2019


2173

External Front


January 04, 2019

Government excluded Afghanistan from the list of countries that are allowed to get visa on arrival and restricted the free movement of Afghan citizens due to security concerns.

Daily Dunya, January 04, 2019


67574

March 16, 2019

Pakistan and Iran stressed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all fields including counter terrorism.

Dawn, March16, 2019

























168

March 28, 2019

India has provided documents alleging Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) operating from Pakistan and its involvement in Pulwama attack. Pakistan has rejected Indian allegation and conveyed to provide further

evidence/information if any.

Dawn, March 28, 2019


March 29, 2019

United States disseminated a resolution at the Security Council’s Islamic State and Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee, along with the support of P-5 member states including British and France to declare JeM leader Masood Azhar a UN-designated global terrorist that was earlier vetoed by China.



May 02, 2019 The Sanctions Committee of the United Nations declared Masood Azhar, the leader of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), to its list of global terrorists after

China lifted its objections to the move.

Dawn, May 02, 2019


May 12, 2019 The Islamic State (Daesh) claimed for the first time that it has established a “province” in India, after a clash between militants and security forces in the contested Kashmir region which killed a militant with alleged ties to the group.

The News, May 12, 2019

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/470296-daesh-claims-setting-up-province-in-india

July 19, 2019 Pakistan and Iran underlined the effective border management strategy and expressed their commitment to work on the formation of new border

crossing points.

Dawn, July 19, 2019


4870

National Action Plan (NAP) NACTA


March 29,

2019

During the National Internal Security Committee’s first session, government decided to form expert working groups to ensure NAP implementation. Prime Minister Imran Khan endorsed the policy of zero tolerance towards militant groups that will be

followed at any cost.



April 09, 2019

To comply with FATF terms of counter terror financing, the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) confiscated the bank accounts of 4863 people in country.

Daily Jang, April 9, 2019

https://e.jang.com.pk/04-09-

2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=54.png

May 27, 2019

To expedite the effective implementation of National Action Plan (NAP), Sindh government has

formed committees at district and division levels.

Dawn, May 27, 2019


July 23, 2019 According to a Presidential Ordinance, interior minister will lead NACTA rather than the Prime

Minister.

Daily Jang, July 23, 2019


Banned Outfits






















169


January 17, 2019

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of police claimed to have arrested three suspected militants involved in targeted killings and other crimes. The CTD conducted an action in Quaid-i-Azam Colony of Gulshan-i-Iqbal and apprehended Naeem Khan, alias Bajauri, and seized weapons from him.


January 19, 2019

The Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has issued a list of 22 most wanted terrorists, mostly from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, involved in suicide attacks and other terrorist activities.

The Express Tribune, January 19, 2019 https://tribune.com.pk/story/1891564/1-ctd-releases-list-22-wanted-terrorists/

January 31, 2019

Police detained six local leaders of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) on the directives of the capital administration, while police in the Rawalpindi division arrested more than 90 workers of several religious parties, including local TLP leaders.


February 1, 2019

The provincial government of Balochistan has provided financial compensation to large number of anti-state militants who surrendered before the government.

Dawn, February 1, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1461113

February 10, 2019

A resident of New York City has been arrested on federal charges of trying to join a Pakistan based militant group LeT.

Dawn, February 10, 2019 https://epaper.dawn.com/DetailImage.php?StoryImage=10_02_2019_014_007

February 10, 2019

National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) updated list of proscribed organisations on its website and added a Yemen-based Al-Rahmah Welfare Trust Organisation (ARWTO) in its proscribed outfits list. With this latest addition, number of proscribed outfits rises to 67. JuD, FIF continue to be on watch-list.


February 21, 2019

Gadap police arrested two suspects of a banned outfit Laskhar-i-Jhangvi (LJ) for their alleged involvement in incidents like bomb blast, killing of Hazara and Christian community members and abduction for ransom.


February 23, 2019

Punjab administration has taken control of a mosque and a seminary in Bahawalpur that India alleged to have links with JeM. The decision has been made in the national security meeting held on Feb 21 to expedite the National Action Plan (NAP).

Dawn, February 23, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1465529/govt-takes-over-seminary-linked-to-jem

February 23, 2019

This editorial is about Pakistan government’s recent ban on Jamaatud Dawa and its charity wing (Falah-i-Insaniat).

Dawn, February 23, 2019 (Editorial) https://www.dawn.com/news/1465548

February 24, 2019

The Bahawalpur administration has appointed officials to take administrative control of a mosque and seminary said to be linked with JeM.


March 04, 2019

Under supervision of Pakistan’s National Security Committee, the government decided to lead the high-level crackdown against all militant groups within the entire country. United Nations Security Council




https://tribune.com.pk/story/1891564/1-ctd-releases-list-22-wanted-terrorists/














https://www.dawn.com/news/1465529/govt-takes-over-seminary-linked-to-jem








170


(UNSC) also stated that Pakistan have to review its stance on listing of Masood Azhar as a terrorist.

March 05, 2019

The mission of Asia Pacific Group (APG), a regional body of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), is scheduled to visit Pakistan by end of the ongoing month for undertaking mutual evaluation on the basis of which the FATF will gauge Islamabad’s progress in coming May/June on implementation measures against terror financing and money laundering.

The News, March 05, 2019 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/439845-govt-decides-to-ban-movement-of-proscribed-outfits

March 06, 2019

44 activists of proscribed organizations including Masood Azhar’ son arrested during a law enforcement agencies crackdown at several areas of Punjab. Government also gave notification to ban movement of the banned organizations.

Daily Jang, March 06, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/03-06-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=546.png

March 06, 2019

Forty-four under-observation activists of proscribed organisations, including two close relatives of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief, have been taken into ‘protective custody’, as the government launched a massive crackdown against militant outfits.


March 07, 2019

Forty-four under-observation activists of proscribed organisations, including two close relatives of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief, have been taken into ‘protective custody’, as the government launched a massive crackdown against militant outfits.


March 07, 2019

After implementing National Action Plan, government has started regulating and taking control of all the mosques and Maradis of proscribed organizations.

Daily Jang, March 07 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/03-07-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=57.png

March 08, 2019

Punjab government has appointed administrators at the Chowburji head office of Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) Jamia Al Qadsia and main center in Muridke after taking over charge of the premises.


March 09, 2019

During law-enforcement agencies’ ongoing crackdown against proscribed organizations including Jaish-e-Muhammad, Jammatud Dawa and Falah-i-Insaniat organizations. They have seized 44 facilities of these organizations including their 32 seminaries and mosques, five dispensaries, four ambulances, one school and one welfare lab in 13 districts of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Dawn, March 09, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1468512/44-facilities-linked-with-banned-outfits-seized

March 12, 2019

The book “Searching for an Enemy”, written by Dutch journalist and author Bette Dam, puts that Taliban founder Mullah Mohammad Umar spent his final years near a US base in Afghanistan and rejected suggestions from his aides to move to Pakistan. A summary of her findings based on her research and field interview with Taliban leaders for Mullah Umar’s biography, which was published in English by a US-based think tank, Zomia.


March 13, 2019

The United States is urging Pakistan to see the “urgency” of taking action against “terrorists” as the


https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/439845-govt-decides-to-ban-movement-of-proscribed-outfits















https://www.dawn.com/news/1468512/44-facilities-linked-with-banned-outfits-seized







171


UN Security Council takes up a resolution declaring Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist.

9308

March 14, 2019

China prevented a move on turning India’s military embarrassment into a diplomatic advantage after declaring Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masud Azhar UN-designated global terrorist.


March 14, 2019

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry stated a three-pronged strategy to deal with the proscribed organizations: banned outfits will be disarmed; they will be compensated if they want to leave; and will also participate in mainstream political system.

The News, March 14, 2019 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/443875-govt-gives-strategy-for-banned-outfits

March 23, 2019

Despite federal administration’s ban on Abdul Aziz to deliver sermon, he criticized government and called democracy un-Islamic.


April 02, 2019

During the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) assembly session, speakers noted reappearance of Taliban in tribal district, hike in crime rates, criticized the donation collecting act of banned outfits, and lamented FATA merger with KP without any prior preparation.


April 9, 2019 Muttahida Ulema Board Punjab urged a ban on publication of five books including manifesto of banned Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan and monthly journal of Pir Afzal Qadri.

Daily Jang, April 9, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/04-09-2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=525.png

April 13, 2019

CTD Karachi arrested alleged Mohammad Ishaq alias Gul for his alleged involvement in bank robberies, kidnapping for ransom and killings of policemen. He had links with banned militant organization Jundulah.


May 02, 2019

Sindh Rangers joint operation with the Sindh CTD at Karachi arrested a notorious terrorist aliases Umer Farooq, Khan, Maviah, Bacha, associated with the banned outfit Jundulah. The arrested terrorist’s name is also mentioned in the Red Book of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).

Dawn, May 02, 2019 https://epaper.dawn.com/DetailImage.php?StoryImage=02_05_2019_115_003

May 07, 2019

An alleged terrorist arrested during an operation in the Hayatabad locality at Peshawar. He has confessed before the court that he and his accomplices were involved in the attack on a Peshawar High Court judge and were planning to target two Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) provincial ministers.


May 10, 2019

Death toll increase to eleven in Data Darbar blast incident after another injured died at hospital. In addition to that, law enforcement agencies are assigned the task to go after three offshoots of the TTP linked groups and their facilitators.


May 12, 2019

To accelerate the National Action Plan’s (NAP) execution, ministry of interior has outlawed 11 organizations affiliated with proscribed outfits i.e. Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM), Jamaatud Dawa (JuD), and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation.

Nawa-i-waqt, May 12, 2019-08-19 https://www.nawaiwaqt.com.pk/E-Paper/islamabad/2019-05-12/page-1/detail-49




https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/443875-govt-gives-strategy-for-banned-outfits























172


May 14, 2019

The leader of Balochistan National Party (BNP-M) has rejected the involvement of Baloch missing person in a terrorist attack on Gwadar hotel.

Dawn, May 14, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1482176/gwadar-attack-terrorist-not-a-missing-person-mengal

May 15, 2019

Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi and sponsor Pir Afzal Qadri were granted post arrest bail in a case of carrying protests against acquittal of Christian woman Aasia Bibi.


May 18, 2019

In Peshawar High Court, a single member bench has accepted appeal of two people who were accused of having links with proscribed organizations and were sentenced to 10 years life imprisonment.


May 20, 2019

Sindh University has cancelled the admission of Noreen Leghari who went missing on February 2017 and alleged to have link with Daesh. The admission will be suspended after verification of link with Daesh from the law enforcement agencies.


May 21, 2019

Intelligence agencies have arrested 14 members of the Balawaristan National Front (BNF) and Hameed Group. According to reports, BNF had worked for Indian intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). BNF wanted to engage youth of various universities in terrorist activities.

Daily Jang, May 21, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/05-21-2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=432.png

June 01, 2019

The Gujranwala anti-terrorism court has convicted three members of JeM with 5 years of imprisonment. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) said investigations are continued to intensify crackdown on terror financing.

Daily Dunya, June 1, 2019 https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-06-01&edition=ISL&id=4627012_81817899

June 02, 2019

Police killed leader of a banned outfit who was the mastermind of Quetta suicide attacks.

Daily Jang, June 2, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/06-02-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=443.png

June 19, 2019

Punjab education department has taken into custody 11 seminaries and one school administered by banned outfits.

Daily Dunya, Jun 19, 2019 https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-06-19&edition=ISL&id=4656188_35771216

July 1, 2019 The CTD Punjab arrested 12 leaders of banned groups and they were convicted by the anti-terrorism courts.

The Express Tribune, July 1, 2019 https://tribune.com.pk/story/2003560/1-12-leaders-banned-groups-convicted-terror-financing/

July 3, 2019 America designated the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) as a terrorist organization, and Pakistan welcomed the decision.


July 04, 2019 FIRs were registered against top 13 leaders of banned outfit (JuD) including its chief Hafiz Saeed, for terror financing and money laundering.


July 4, 2019 Karachi police said two militants of Lashkar-i-Jhangvi (LeJ) who escaped from prison in 2017 were involved in the target killing of two policemen of the Sindh Reserve Police (SRP).


https://www.dawn.com/news/1482176/gwadar-attack-terrorist-not-a-missing-person-mengal
























https://tribune.com.pk/story/2003560/1-12-leaders-banned-groups-convicted-terror-financing/










173


July 13, 2019 Hafiz Saeed and his seven affiliates approached the Lahore High Court (LHC) against the CTD for wrongly attributing them as members of the proscribed Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) and allegation of terror financing.


July 16, 2019 The anti-terrorism court granted pre arrest bails to the petitioners i.e. Hafiz Saeed (JuD chief) and his three associates who approached the LHC for wrongly describing them members of LeT.


July 18, 2019 US President was pleased to know about the arrest of Hafiz Saeed for involvement in terror financing and money laundering.


July 26, 2019 NACTA has asked Sindh and Punjab government to take effective measures to ensure the security of property tycoon Malik Riaz threatened by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).


August 1, 2019

Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in North Waziristan has warned people of dire consequences against playing loud music, women going outside alone and polio vaccination campaign.

Dawn, August 1, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1497395

August 3, 2019

The death of Hamza Bin Laden, son of Osama Bin Laden, is considered as blow to Al Qaeda, as Hamza intended to serve a great role for Al Qaeda.

The New York Times, August 3-4, 2019 https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/01/world/middleeast/hamza-bin-laden.html

August 04, 2019

A report said that Pakistan Army may leave the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) by 2022, if Frontier Corps (FC) is strengthened there.

The News on Sunday, August 4, 2019 http://tns.thenews.com.pk/army-leave-tribal-areas-2022/

August 4, 2019

Commander Lashkar-e-Islam, who was involved in attack on security forces in Peshawar, was killed by a rival group in Afghanistan.

The News, August 4, 2019 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/508185-lashkar-e-islam-commander-killed-in-afghanistan

August 14, 2019

Tehreek-i-Taliban militants warned the Awami National Party’s provincial General Secretary Buner of his anti-Taliban policies and threatened to kill.


August 19, 2019

Police is on high alert at Buner district where ANP Provincial secretary also received threat letters.

Daily Jang, 19 August 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/08-19-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=528.png

August 23, 2019

NACTA declared Hizbul Ahrar and Balochistan Raaji Ajoi-R-Sangar (BRAS) proscribed organizations.

Dawn, August 23, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1501110/nacta-slaps-ban-on-two-more-organisations

September 05, 2019

India parliament recently passed a bill that declared Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed, Zaki Rehman and Daood Ibrahim terrorists.

Daily Jang, September 05, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/09-05-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=531.png

September 8, 2019

Police claimed to have arrested 4 suspect of Lashkar-i-Jhangvi in Karachi for their involvement in target killing of members of the Shia and Bohra communities

Dawn, September 8, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1504114











https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/01/world/middleeast/hamza-bin-laden.html



http://tns.thenews.com.pk/army-leave-tribal-areas-2022/

http://tns.thenews.com.pk/army-leave-tribal-areas-2022/

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/508185-lashkar-e-islam-commander-killed-in-afghanistan








https://www.dawn.com/news/1501110/nacta-slaps-ban-on-two-more-organisations









174


and attack on Samaa TV’s vehicle.

September 12, 2019

America has announced new restrictions on terrorist organizations like TTP, Al-Qaeda, Hamas, Daesh etc. US included Noor Wali Mehsood, leader of banned TTP in the international list of terrorists.

Roznama92, September 12, 2019 https://www.roznama92news.com/efrontend/web/index.php/?station_id=2&page_id=0&is_common=N&xdate=2019-9-12&n=n37

September 29, 2019

UN Security Council (UNSC) sanctions committee allowed Pakistan to let JuD leader use his bank account for personal expenses.

Dawn, September 29, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1507932/allowing-hafiz-saeed-to-access-frozen-accounts-legal-says-us

October 03, 2019

12-member delegation of Afghan Taliban visiting Islamabad on an official invitation of the Pakistan government which would brief the host country’s leadership about their failed peace talks with the United States.

The News, 03 October 2019 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/535642-after-khalilzad-taliban-team-arrives-in-pakistan

October 04, 2019

Khadim Hussain Rizvi’s Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) became an electoral force to reckon with. It appeared that the TLP, with its anti-blasphemy agenda, successfully made inroads in Karachi’s political scene without any considerable challenge.

The Friday Times, 04 October 2019 https://www.thefridaytimes.com/for-tlp-cadre-karachi-is-not-yet-lost/

October 05, 2019

Banned outfit Hizbu Tahrir puts up banners in different areas at Rawalpindi.

The Express Tribune, 05 October 2019 https://epaper.tribune.com.pk/DisplayDetails.aspx?ENI_ID=11201910050354&EN_ID=11201910050130&EMID=11201910050058

October 14, 2019

The United States has welcomed Pakistan’s decision to arrest four leaders of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) group, indicating that such moves would help improve relations between the two countries.

Daily Jang, October 14, 2019 https://jang.com.pk/news/689374

October 15, 2019

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) suspects that the banned Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) is ‘regrouping’ in the Karachi several suspected areas to carry out terrorist attacks.


October 20, 2019

The interior ministry has suggested abolishment and banning of the private militia ‘Ansar-ul-Islam’ of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F)

Roznama 92, October 20, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1511863

November 13, 2019

Anti-terrorism court has indicted President Maulana Khadim Hussain Rizvi, its patron-in-chief Pir Afzal Qadri and others in a case of launching violent protests against acquittal of Christian woman Aasia Bibi in a blasphemy case.


December 01, 2019

The court adjourned further hearing of Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed and other leaders till Dec 7 for the indictment of the accused persons.

Dawn, December 01, 2019 https://epaper.dawn.com/DetailImage.php?StoryImage=01_12_2019_003_007

December 11, 2019

Anti-terrorism court in Lahore indicted Hafiz Saeed, the chief of the proscribed Jamaatud Dawa (JuD), and four other JuD leaders who were booked in July for offences pertaining to terror financing.

Dawn, December 11, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1521667/atc-indicts-jud-chief-hafiz-saeed-in-terror-financing-case





https://www.dawn.com/news/1507932/allowing-hafiz-saeed-to-access-frozen-accounts-legal-says-us




https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/535642-after-khalilzad-taliban-team-arrives-in-pakistan



https://www.thefridaytimes.com/for-tlp-cadre-karachi-is-not-yet-lost/



https://epaper.tribune.com.pk/DisplayDetails.aspx?ENI_ID=11201910050354&EN_ID=11201910050130&EMID=11201910050058




https://jang.com.pk/news/689374











https://www.dawn.com/news/1521667/atc-indicts-jud-chief-hafiz-saeed-in-terror-financing-case




175


December 21, 2019

An anti-terrorism court prosecuted Jamatud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed and his associate, Prof Zafar Iqbal, in another case of terror financing registered by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Punjab.


December 21, 2019

The Punjab Counter Terrorism Department and an intelligence agency in a joint operation on busted media cell of the AQIS (Al-Qaeda Indian Subcontinent) in Gujranwala.


December 27, 2019

The federal government has stepped up an action plan which was devised after the FATF expressed concern to ensure compliance by Pakistan related to implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws.

Dawn, December 27, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1524578/two-atcs-notified-to-exclusively-deal-with-terror-financing-cases

Madrassahs


January 04, 2019

Seminaries under Wifaq-ul-Madaris expressed concerns over banning their bank accounts without any alert or reason. They claimed to bring the issue in meeting with the Prime Minister but it remained unresolved.


January 9, 2019

Interior Minister Shehryar Afridi said that government is trying to bring uniformity in basic curriculum of all madaris of Pakistan.


January 13, 2019

Government could not make any progress in bringing the seminaries in national mainstream or reforming them.

The Nation, January 13, 2019 https://nation.com.pk/13-Jan-2019/madaris-reforms-stuck-in-limbo

January 15, 2019

Education Department said madrassa reforms are in process and ensured to take religious scholars on board in this regard.

The Express Tribune, January 15, 2019 https://tribune.com.pk/story/1888474/1-madrassa-reforms-way-says-lehri/

January 28, 2019

Representatives of political-religious parties have unanimously urged federal government and provincial administrations to take steps to resolve problems of mosques and seminaries.

Roznama92, January 28, 2019 https://www.roznama92news.com/efrontend/web/index.php/?station_id=3&page_id=7&is_common=&xdate=2019-1-28&n=n51

February 3, 2019

To harmonize the curriculum of seminaries with modern education system, government has earmarked around Rs88 billion.

Daily Dunya, February 3, 2019 https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-02-03&edition=ISL&id=4424201_86386466

April 6, 2019 Total 8721 madaris have yet not registered. It was proposed to establish a registration authority comprised of members from all school of thoughts,

Daily Dunya, April 6, 2019 https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-04-





https://www.dawn.com/news/1524578/two-atcs-notified-to-exclusively-deal-with-terror-financing-cases










https://nation.com.pk/13-Jan-2019/madaris-reforms-stuck-in-limbo



https://tribune.com.pk/story/1888474/1-madrassa-reforms-way-says-lehri/














176


rules and regulations to be amended to restrict religious seminaries from getting direct foreign funding, and make a compulsory annual audit of the revenues of religious seminaries.

06&edition=ISL&id=4529781_47499008

April 10, 2019

KP government has diverted Rs30 million funds meant for the development of public sector higher secondary schools in region to Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary.


April 11, 2019

An editorial in Dawn suggested government to provide rationale for diverting education funds to a seminary.


April 21, 2019

A religious seminary for transgender was established in Rawalpindi, where more than 20 transgenders were enrolled.

Daily Dunya, April 21, 2019 https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-04-21&edition=ISL&id=4554758_44590620

May 07, 2019

Federal government in consultation with Tanzimat e Madaris drafted a registration form and underlined that the registration of religious seminaries is compulsory.


May 8, 2019 Federal government has decided the uniform syllabus for all education institutions in the country, including 30,000 seminaries under Wifaqul Madaris.


July 18, 2019 Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa held a meeting with senior religious scholar and discussed the agenda of seminaries’ reforms. The Army Chief assured that reforms would not affect freedom of seminaries.

Jang, July 18, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/07-18-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=53.png

July 19, 2019 Government has decided to teach compulsory contemporary subjects at seminaries and seminary students to appear in annual Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) exams.

Dawn, July 19, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1494851/seminaries-to-teach-contemporary-subjects-students-will-appear-in-fbise-exams

July 19, 2019 In efforts to bring uniform curriculum all over the country, government has decided to seek registration of all seminaries and link them with federal education system. Non registered seminaries will not be allowed to operate.

Jang, July 19, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/07-19-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=444.png

August 18, 2019

Government completed geo-tagging of 90% religious seminaries from all over the country while Tanzimat Madaris Deenia didn’t share any information related to source of income and funding of seminaries.

Roznama92, August 18, 2019 https://www.roznama92news.com/efrontend/web/index.php/?station_id=3&page_id=7&is_common=N&xdate=2019-8-18&n=n55

August 18, 2019

A report opined to bring madarais in mainstream education system and address the linked national security concerns. Reforms should emphasize educating, employing, and engaging madaris students.


August 22, 2019

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Bajwa said that efforts to bring the Madaris into the mainstream

Daily Jang, August 22, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/08-22-



















https://www.dawn.com/news/1494851/seminaries-to-teach-contemporary-subjects-students-will-appear-in-fbise-exams















177


national education system would render positive results and will boost up the career of seminary students.

2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=51.png

September 19, 2019

Wafaq ul Madaris al-Arabia Pakistan has initiated work on the common curriculum for seminaries.

Daily Dunya, September 19, 2019 https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-09-19&edition=ISL&id=4805395_59406495

September 21, 2019

Government has decided to establish 10 regional offices to mainstream Madrassas. Federal government has allocated Rs1.80 billion to religious seminaries and uniform education system in national mainstream.

Roznama92, September 21, 2019 https://www.roznama92news.com/efrontend/web/index.php/?station_id=2&page_id=0&is_common=N&xdate=2019-9-21&n=n0

October 22, 2019

The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training will establish a directorate under which seminaries would be registered and facilitated. It will be set up in the Basic Education Community School (BECS) building in G-8 and will have regional offices in 16 cities.

Dawn, October 22, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1512199/directorate-being-set-up-to-regulate-seminaries

October 25, 2019

Directorate General of Religious Education (DGRE) issued a notification to regulate seminaries set up. For this they have established a directorate for registration and facilitation of the madaris functioning all over the country.


December 20, 2019

Directorate of religious education will be established to regulate seminaries set up.

Daily Express, December 20, 2019 https://www.express.com.pk/epaper/PoPupwindow.aspx?newsID=1107026334&Issue=NP_ISB&Date=20191220

December 31, 2019

Madarais registration will be completed very soon. A directorate general office along with sixteen offices have been established to start the process.

Daily Express, December 31, 2019 https://www.express.com.pk/epaper/PoPupwindow.aspx?newsID=1107058195&Issue=NP_ISB&Date=20191231

Merged Districts


January 04, 2019

The district administration in North Waziristan allowed entry of people to region without prior permission or registration on the check points. However, the travelers will have to show their ID card on check posts.


March 19, 2019

Government tends to allocate Rs 100bn annually for ten years for the development of FATA and is ready to begin consultations with local.


July 21, 2019 Poling of provincial elections in tribal districts of KP remained peaceful, though ratio of women voters was low.












https://www.dawn.com/news/1512199/directorate-being-set-up-to-regulate-seminaries






















178

Financial Action Task Force (FATF)


January 05, 2019

Pakistan officials went to Australia for a meeting with FATF. Also, it has sent risk assessment report to FATF to update it about agencies’ performances regarding FATF proposed action plan.


January 10, 2019

FATF seemed satisfied over Pakistan’s performance against terror financing in compliance with the United Nations resolutions.


January 10, 2019

There is no any evidence of drug-funded terrorism in Pakistan.

Daily Jang, January 10, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/01-10-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=512.png

January 11, 2019

FATF called Pakistan to take strict measures against banned outfits under the UN resolution. No banned organization would be further allowed to participate in general election.

Daily Jang, January 11, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/01-11-2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=543.png

January 14, 2019

Government believed that Pakistan would not be blacklisted by FATF in the face of India and US conspiracy.

The News, January 14, 2019 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/418800-pakistan-unlikely-to-be-placed-on-fatf-blacklist-miftah

January 23, 2019

To fulfill the conditions of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), government is ready to make some significant amendments in the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Act 2010 and the Federal Investigation Act (FIA) 1974. One proposed amendment included punishment and increased fine with no bail for involvement in the money laundering crime, etc.


February 13, 2019

A report hinted the smuggling of explosive material, to be used in terrorists’ related activities, from Pakistan to Afghanistan. Punjab government took notice of report findings i.e. 40 % of explosive material is sold in black market and directed police to strictly observe the trade of explosive material.

Daily Jang, February 13, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/02-13-2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=1047.png

February 23, 2019

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) kept Pakistan in grey list and instructed it to re-examine the ranking of terror financing risk assessment of 8 banned outfits including Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in view of its vulnerabilities for other countries.

The Express Tribune, February 23, 2019 https://tribune.com.pk/story/1916590/1-fatf-urges-pakistan-reassess-militant-outfits-ranking/

March 03, 2019

FATF has expressed satisfaction over Pakistan’s efforts to attain FATF proposed action plan while identified ten “jurisdiction deficiencies” and directed Pakistan for effective implementation of the action plan.

The News on Sunday, March 3, 2019 http://tns.thenews.com.pk/may-2019/

March 05, 2019

In order to comply with FATF requirements, government announced to freeze or seize the accounts of UNSC designated terrorist organizations or individuals.












https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/418800-pakistan-unlikely-to-be-placed-on-fatf-blacklist-miftah








https://tribune.com.pk/story/1916590/1-fatf-urges-pakistan-reassess-militant-outfits-ranking/



http://tns.thenews.com.pk/may-2019/

http://tns.thenews.com.pk/may-2019/




179


March 08, 2019

During FATF General committee’s meeting under Federal Finance Secretary of Government of Pakistan, it was decided that under FATF highlighted terms, government will now deal with banned organization with new and more sophisticated techniques.

Daily Jang, March 08, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/03-08-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=544.png

March 9, 2019

FATF added three more conditions to the already prescribed 15 conditions for Pakistan to get rid of blacklist.

Daily Jang, March 9, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/03-09-2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=550.png

March 09, 2019

The government has decided to upgrade a group of proscribed organization’s to ‘high risk’ and started monitoring and re-examining their activities and profiles under heightened security checks at all layers of legal, administrative, investigative and financial regimes to comply with the requirement of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).


March 24, 2019

The Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued list of frequently asked questions on anti-money laundering and countering terror financing to promote awareness about anti money laundering among people.

Business Recorder, March 24, 2019 https://fp.brecorder.com/2019/03/20190324458183/

March 10, 2019

Pakistan has urged FATF to remove India as a co-chair of Asia Pacific Group (APG) to ensure unbiased FATF proceedings on its case.


March 10, 2019

Government announced freezing of accounts and seizure of assets linked to banned organizations.

Daily Dunya, March 10, 2019 https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-03-10&edition=ISL&id=4482981_41160970

March 24, 2019

Federal government has adopted measures to set a Special Protection Unit (SPU) in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Kashmir to ensure the security of CPEC projects and its workers.

Daily Express, March 24, 2019 https://www.express.com.pk/epaper/PoPupwindow.aspx?newsID=1106252900&Issue=NP_LHE&Date=20190324

March 26, 2019

FATF is all set to evaluate Pakistan’s performance on proposed action plan to combat terror financing and money laundering.

The News, March 26, 2019 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/448737-fatf-set-to-evaluate-pak-performance

March 28, 2019

Though FATF appreciated Pakistan’s effort to curb terror financing and money laundering, it has expressed serious reservation about measures against each of 8 proscribed organizations.


April 05, 2019

Federal government made it clear that measures taken against banned outfits are part of the National Action Plan (NAP) rather than under the action plan agreed with FATF.


April 09, 2019

To comply with FATF terms of counter terror financing, the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) confiscated the bank accounts of 4863 people in country.

Daily Jang, April 9, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/04-09-2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=54.png









https://fp.brecorder.com/2019/03/20190324458183/

https://fp.brecorder.com/2019/03/20190324458183/











https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/448737-fatf-set-to-evaluate-pak-performance











180


April 10, 2019

To improve the anti-terror financing process, NACTA has signed multilateral MoUs with related institutions and departments to promote inter department cooperation.


April 13, 2019

Government issued the guiding principles for the effective implementation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Sanctions against individual and entities.


May 12, 2019

Pakistan custom has adopted various policy measures to curb terrorist financing including the establishment of the directorate of cross-border currency movement that would develop currency trafficker’s profile.


May 27, 2019

Government has closed the departments of CID and rapid response force in Islamabad. It has established a Counter Terrorism Departments (CTD) while merged the CTD departments of crime investigation and rapid response force.

Daily Jang, May 27, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/05-27-2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=03_02.png

June 09, 2019

FATF report noted that out of 27 points of action plan, Pakistan could not achieve 18 points. FATF ordered country to take action against 8 banned outfits and expedite implementation of actionable points to get out of FATF grey list.

The News, June 9, 2019 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/481936-money-laundering-terror-financing-fatf-acknowledges-pak-performance

June 14, 2019

US continued to seek Pakistan’s support in Afghanistan peace process and stressed Pakistan to take action against militant groups operating from within its territory.

Dawn, June 14, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1488085

June 22, 2019

FATF reviewed Pakistan’s efforts made for the implementation of actionable points against money laundering and terrorism and stressed the need for further actions to get out of grey list in the next review meeting of FATF in October 2019.

Dawn, June 22, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1489669

July 07, 2019 CTD arrested regional head of an international non-governmental organization in Peshawar for his alleged involvement in terror financing.


July 07, 2019 Federal government has instructed all provinces to take action against unregistered, non-functional and non-profit organizations and even also against registered organizations that are found to be involved in terror financing.

The Nation, July 7, 2019 https://nation.com.pk/07-Jul-2019/provinces-asked-to-block-terror-financing

July 17, 2019 To comply with the FATF requirement of seizing terror financing, a charity commission has been established in Punjab.


July 26, 2019 The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has established a cell to expedite the action plan against money laundering and terror financing proposed by FATF.


July 27, 2019 FATF special unit of FIA has filed a case in Islamabad against the UN-designated terrorist Ahmed Shah and took into custody his assistant, Mir Waaz.

Roznama92, July 27, 2019 https://www.roznama92news.com/efrontend/web/index.php/?station_id=3&page_id=7&is_common=&xdate=2019-7-27&n=n32










https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/481936-money-laundering-terror-financing-fatf-acknowledges-pak-performance










https://nation.com.pk/07-Jul-2019/provinces-asked-to-block-terror-financing













181


August 07, 2019

During an independent assessment of Pakistan’s efforts for FATF action plan, the United States stressed Pakistan to show effective results against banned outfits and their leaders.


August 17, 2019

Pakistan has submitted 450-page long report along with detailed annexure on to Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The News, August 17, 2019 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/512997-pakistan-submits-450-page-report-to-fatf

August 17, 2019

To implement the FTAF action plan, government has constituted a FATF cell.

Daily Jang, August 17, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/08-17-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=419.png

August 21, 2019

Pakistan’s exit from FATF grey list is dependent on the result of Asia Pacific Group’s evaluation reports.


August 24, 2019

Government of Pakistan has rejected reports of being blacklisted by the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) of FATF and mentioned the country is now under ‘enhanced monitoring category’ and bound to submit quarterly report to APG than biannual.


August 26, 2019

Government constituted FATF coordination committee to ascertain the implementation of FATF action plan.


September 05, 2019

On Pakistan’s report, FATF has asked more than 100 questions about banned organizations and asked to submit answers by September 6, 2019.

Roznama92, September 5, 2019 https://www.roznama92news.com/efrontend/web/index.php/?station_id=3&page_id=0&is_common=&xdate=2019-9-5&n=n19

September 10, 2019

Asia Pacific Group (APG) of FATF during a discussion over 127 questions from Pakistan claimed that banned outfits have been investing via gold and real estates and questioned Pakistan over banned organization’s investment in black market.

Nawa-i-Waqt, September 10, 2019 https://www.nawaiwaqt.com.pk/E-Paper/islamabad/2019-09-10/page-1/detail-41

September 12, 2019

Pakistan has submitted its progress report on FATF action plan. The APG is set to present its evaluation report on Pakistan’s performance against terror financing and money laundering.

Dawn, September 12, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1504711

October 07, 2019

A Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) released by the APG, a regional affiliate of the FATF showed that Pakistan was “non-compliant” on four out of 40 recommendations of the APG on effectiveness of the anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) system.


October 08, 2019

Pakistan foreign office called for a “fair and unbiased” evaluation of its progress towards meeting the requirements of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on countering illicit finances as it pointed to continuing malicious propaganda by India.




https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/512997-pakistan-submits-450-page-report-to-fatf


























182


October 16, 2019

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has decided in principle that Pakistan will remain on its grey list till next February and directed to take ‘extra measures’ for ‘complete’ elimination of terror financing and money laundering.


October 18, 2019

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has set up a cell at its headquarters for combating money laundering and terror financing.


October 19, 2019

FATF reviewed measures taken and progress made by almost 15 countries, including Pakistan, vis-a-vis anti-money laundering and combating financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) in its five-day plenary.


October 19, 2019

In a highly confidential report, the Pakistani authorities informed the FATF that some eight terror groups were funding terrorists in Pakistan which were operating from fifteen countries, including the United States, China, United Kingdom and some European nations.

The News, October 19, 2019 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/543151-terror-financing-from-abroad-fatf-ignores-pak-request-for-help

October 20, 2019

Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to implement Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Action Plan and remains hopeful to upgrade from the grey list to the white list of FATF in 2020.

The Nation, October 20, 2019 (Column) https://nation.com.pk/20-Oct-2019/pakistan-to-come-out-of-grey-list-in-2020-claims-hammad

October 20, 2019

FATF requires Pakistan to deliver on its commitment to crack down on terrorism financing by fixing the strategic deficiencies in the AML/CFT regime.

Dawn, October 20, 2019 (Column) https://www.dawn.com/news/1511895

October 22, 2019

Pakistan’s Financial adviser Abdul Hafiz Shaikh said that Pakistan is committed to fully implement its action plan to counter money laundering and terrorists financing by February 2020.


October 24, 2019

Minister for Economic Affairs has disclosed that as part of the global watchdog’s action plan, more than 700 under-investigation suspected terror financing cases are near adjudication.


October 26, 2019

The government authorities have decided to fulfil remaining conditions of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) till Dec 2 to come out of its 'grey list.

The News, October 26, 2019 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/546295-fatf-grey-list-govt-decides-to-fulfil-remaining-conditions-till-dec-2

October 29, 2019

Director General Military Operations (DGMO) and a director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) will become part of the National Executive Committee (NEC) on terror-financing and money laundering as the federal cabinet meeting.

Dawn, October 29, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1513484/dgmo-isi-official-may-help-curb-terror-financing

October 31, 2019

Pakistan has asked the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to relax conditionality’s under the $6 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) relating to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and issuance of sovereign guarantees to help raise over $4bn from domestic and international markets.








https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/543151-terror-financing-from-abroad-fatf-ignores-pak-request-for-help




https://nation.com.pk/20-Oct-2019/pakistan-to-come-out-of-grey-list-in-2020-claims-hammad









https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/546295-fatf-grey-list-govt-decides-to-fulfil-remaining-conditions-till-dec-2




https://www.dawn.com/news/1513484/dgmo-isi-official-may-help-curb-terror-financing






183


November 02, 2019

The Sindh government has started the legislation process to curb money laundering and terror financing in line with the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) recommendations.

The Express Tribune, 02 November 2019 https://tribune.com.pk/story/2091948/1-sindh-drafts-law-curb-terror-financing/

November 03, 2019

The US Congress-mandated report, , represents official US assessment of the state of global terrorism during last year and includes country reviews.

Dawn, 03 November 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1514558

November 07, 2019

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) urged all member states to criminalise financing of terror-related travels.

Dawn, November 07 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1515392

November 08, 2019

Minister for economic affairs division, Hammad Azhar, while speaking at a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue reported that Only Rs5.6bn taxes recovered from people owning assets worth Rs1.15tr abroad and Pakistan will submit next report to Asia-Pacific Group by 07 of December 2019.

Dawn, November 08, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1515579

November 8, 2019

Government permitted establishment of National FATF Secretariat which will also coordinate among Provinces to achieve Action Plan objectives.

Daily Jang November 8, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/11-08-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=633.png

November 9, 2019

Government started scrutiny for registration of vehicles which are affiliated to banned organizations and will also confiscate the existing ones under FATF recommendations.

The Express Tribune November 9, 2019 https://epaper.tribune.com.pk/DisplayDetails.aspx?ENI_ID=11201911090060&EN_ID=11201911090022&EMID=11201911090009

November 17, 2019

EU offered technical assistance to Pakistan for implementation of FATF at its 10th session. Both the parties appreciated the signing of EU-Pakistan strategic engagement plan (SEP) in June 2019 and highlighted the implementation of EU-Pakistan Readmission Agreement (EUPRA) underlining that Readmission Case Management System (RCMS).


November 25, 2019

National FATF Coordination Committee (NFCC) in its recent meeting decided to bring all unregulated sectors of the national economy under an interim regulatory framework to address at the earliest outstanding reservations on money laundering and terror financing (ML and TF) of the international financial watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF)


December 07, 2019

Out of total 27 action plan, Pakistan has submitted its progress report on 22 points before the joint group of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in fresh bid to avoid falling into blacklist.

The News, December 07, 2019 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/579659-fatf-wants-conviction-of-banned-outfits-members

December 13, 2019

The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior dissatisfied over government’s move to include financial crime and illegal money transfers in the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).

Dawn, December 13, 2019 https://www.dawn.com/news/1521993/move-to-include-financial-crime-in-anti-terror-law-opposed

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2091948/1-sindh-drafts-law-curb-terror-financing/




















https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/579659-fatf-wants-conviction-of-banned-outfits-members



https://www.dawn.com/news/1521993/move-to-include-financial-crime-in-anti-terror-law-opposed




184


December 15, 2019

During the second edition of Financial Crime Summit in Karachi, State Bank Governor Reza Baqir mentioned that the FATF and the IMF have acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts for making key progress against money laundering which is crucial for the country as it seeks to come out of the grey list.


December 15, 2019

Government has submitted detailed report to FATF regarding money laundering cases trials of eight banned organizations including that of high profile alleged members of banned organizations.

Daily Jang, December 15, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/12-15-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=51.png

December 19, 2019

Punjab government has decided to freeze assets trustees and charity funding bodies of all banned organizations.

Daily Jang, December 19, 2019 https://e.jang.com.pk/12-19-2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=423.png

December 23, 2019

Pakistan submitted the initial progress report to the Asia Pacific Group (APG) of the FATF regarding implementation of the action plan, which related to shortcomings pointed out at the previous review.












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