TTP Commander Negotiates "Ceasefire" between LI and Zakhakhel Tribe
05 April 2011
"Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) affected ceasefire between Zakhakhel tribe and the banned Lashkar-e-Islam (LI) in Nari Baba area of Tirah valley in Khyber Agency Sunday night after fierce fighting between the two groups for four consecutive days, local sources said on Monday. The sources said that Maulana Gul Zaman, commander of TTP Orakzai Agency chapter, held talks with the rival groups amid ceasefire on Monday. According to the latest reports,...
Read the post »
Democracy in Pakistan: Interview
05 April 2011
"The past three years have shown us that even a dysfunctional, transitional democracy is preferable to military rule and dictatorship. The government's legitimacy stems from the constitution and hence it has been bound to uphold the rule of law - even in areas where it may not have suited the interests of the ruling party. Musharraf, in contrast, held power through the barrel of a gun and the difference is quite apparent. Of course, elected institutions...
Read the post »
Cameron Calls for "Fresh Start" in UK-Pakistan Relations
05 April 2011
"Prime Minister David Cameron called for a 'fresh start' in relations between Britain and Pakistan after he last year accused elements in the South Asian country of exporting terrorism. Cameron, on his first visit to Pakistan since he took office almost a year ago, told university students in Islamabad today he wants to 'clear up the misunderstandings of the past' and 'mark a new chapter' in ties between the two countries. 'We want a strong relationship...
Read the post »
Peace Deals in Pakistan's Tribal Areas: Analysis
05 April 2011
"It doesn't take much to undermine a peace accord in Pakistan's tribal area. The most recent example is the peace deal in Kurram Agency, which has a long history of Shi'ite and Sunni sectarian conflicts now compounded by the presence of extremist Sunni Taliban. Tribal elders have invested hours of negotiations to bring the agency's warring parties to the peace table and end sectarian clashes that have sent hundreds of thousands of people fleeing...
Read the post »