Kiyya Baloch is a freelance journalist from Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province. He contributed to the Guardian, the Economist, Al Jazeera, the Diplomat Magazine and Daily Times. Baloch has more than six years’ experience working with various national and international media outlets ...

Baloch Liberation Army Kidnapping Fails to Lead to Negotiations With Islamabad

01 Oct 2023  |  Jamestown  |  English  |  Negotiations

A faction of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) kidnapped two Pakistani military officers in Balochistan, seeking a prisoner exchange for political prisoners, likely including Baloch militant leader Gulzar Imam. The Pakistani military responded with force, resulting in a helicopter crash and the death of six officers. Despite the BLA's offer for negotiations, the Pakistani government refused and launched a crackdown, arresting several individuals. The BLA's tactics, including kidnappings and attacks on Chinese nationals, have escalated tensions, with the Pakistani government showing a preference for military action over negotiations. The situation remains volatile, with implications for regional security and Chinese interests in Pakistan.

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Pakistani Military Baloch Liberation Army Chinese Government

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Una Cilic is a multimedia journalist, currently based in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Afghanistan Launches Massive Polio Vaccination Campaign

24 Jul 2023  |  www.rferl.org  |  English  |  Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations

Militant violence in Pakistan has surged, with new groups like Jaish Fursan-e Muhammad (JFM) emerging, believed to be fronts for existing groups such as Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Hafiz Gul Bahadar (HGB). The Afghan Taliban's takeover has emboldened Pakistani militants, leading to increased attacks and sophisticated weaponry acquisitions. Pakistan has pressured the Afghan Taliban to sever ties with TTP, resulting in cross-border attacks and expulsion of Afghan refugees. The security situation remains dire, with local opposition to military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Meanwhile, China and the Taliban have initiated a significant copper mining project in Afghanistan, signaling warming economic ties despite ongoing security concerns. The Taliban's crackdown on dissent continues, with recent detentions of journalists and political figures. The concept of gender apartheid is gaining traction, with calls for international recognition to protect women's rights in Afghanistan and Iran. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit highlighted deepening ties between Russia and China, with discussions on regional security and economic cooperation.

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Pakistani Military Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan Hafiz Gul Bahadar Afghan Taliban FATA Research Center Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl

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Saibal Dasgupta is a journalist based in Beijing, China.

Implications of Sharif’s return go far beyond Pakistan

30 Oct 2023  |  www.moneycontrol.com  |  English  |  International Relations

Nawaz Sharif is attempting to become Pakistan's prime minister for the fourth time, contingent on the military's stance on keeping rival Imran Khan detained. Sharif's potential success could lead to improved relations with India and increased involvement with the US regarding Iran. The political landscape in Pakistan is poised between an orderly election and possible unrest from Khan's supporters, with the military playing a pivotal role. Rising inflation and Pakistan's efforts to regain US favor are also significant concerns.

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Pakistani Military

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Umar Farooq is a multimedia journalist based in Peshawar, Pakistan. He has extensive experience working in conflict zones. He has expertise in reporting on Pakistan-Afghan-US affairs and militancy۔

Freedom Of Expression For What?

01 Feb 2025  |  The Friday Times  |  English  |  Pakistani Politics

The article critiques the authoritarian control of the Pakistani state over media operations, highlighting the historical influence of Western practices on Pakistan's political and military elites. It discusses the challenges faced by media freedom in Pakistan, particularly under the military government of General Pervaiz Musharraf and subsequent administrations. The text emphasizes the role of social media in shaping public perception and the state's response to perceived threats. It argues for a distinction between conventional and social media, criticizing the influence of commercial interests on journalistic independence. The article calls for a reevaluation of media freedom as a collective right rather than a privilege for journalists, advocating for non-commercially driven news outlets to ensure true independence.

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Pakistani military Pakistani state machinery PPP PTI PMLN

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Ahammad Foyez is a journalist based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s long and troubled history with elections

19 Dec 2023  |  Benar News  |  English  |  Democracy

Bangladesh's electoral history has been fraught with controversy and allegations of undemocratic practices. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party are poised for a fourth consecutive term, despite opposition claims of unfair elections. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has boycotted the upcoming election, citing the government's refusal to allow a neutral caretaker government. Critics accuse Hasina's government of authoritarianism and human rights abuses. The article traces the history of Bangladesh's elections, highlighting the role of the caretaker system and the ongoing struggle for a credible electoral process.

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Pakistani military Awami League Bangladesh Nationalist Party Bangladesh Communist Party Supreme Court of Bangladesh

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Jochen Hasmanis is a journalist & filmmaker based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. 

As Director of Photography/Cinematography Jochen provides camera crews in Germany, Europe and worldwide. He is the founder of a media company and offers full-service video and audio production.

For more ...

Pakistan Seeks More IMF Funding Amid Protests

15 May 2024  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  IMF Funding

An IMF delegation arrived in Islamabad amid economic protests in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, discussing a potential new assistance package. Pakistan's economy, though somewhat stabilized, remains in crisis with significant debt and low growth projections. Structural economic issues persist, and the government's commitment to reforms is uncertain. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, a banker, faces political challenges, while the military's influence is significant. The stakes are high, with a brain drain, terrorism threats, and climate change impacts looming. The article also touches on U.S. counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan and India's port management deal with Iran.

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Pakistani Military Pakistani Government International Monetary Fund

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Umair Jamal is a correspondent for The Diplomat magazine in Pakistan. He is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Otago, New Zealand. Umair recently joined The Nerve Center as the Coordinator of the institute's Research Division. He was an SAV Visiting Fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington D....

PTI’s ‘Do or Die’ Protest Ends, But Incitement of Instability Continues

01 Dec 2024  |  thediplomat.com  |  English  |  Imran Khan

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) led by Imran Khan recently held a 'do or die' protest in Islamabad, defying court orders and resulting in fatalities. The protest aimed to pressure the government and military for concessions and to secure Khan's release from prison. The PTI's use of social media to spread misleading information has escalated tensions with the government and military, who are taking steps to combat disinformation. The political deadlock in Pakistan is deepening, with Khan threatening further civil disobedience if demands are not met, while the government and military remain firm in their stance against him. The situation risks descending into further violence and instability.

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Pakistani Military Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Government of Pakistan

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Zahra Kazmi is a Pakistani investigative journalist and researcher specializing in the Pak-Afghan region, with a focus on militancy, enforced disappearances, human rights abuses, and minority issues. Her work appears in international outlets including taz.de (German), DW (English), TheFridayTimes, ...

Peace Negotiations in Pakistan: Ceasefire with Many Questions

03 Jun 2022  |  taz.de  |  German  |  Terrorism

In Pakistan, peace negotiations with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have resumed, mediated by the Afghan Taliban's Siradschuddin Hakkani. Despite a ceasefire agreement, skepticism remains about its durability, with concerns over the TTP's demands for autonomy and Sharia law in tribal areas. The Pakistani military, led by General Faiz Hameed, plays a crucial role, overshadowing the civilian government. Critics argue that past military operations have failed, and the TTP has grown stronger. The negotiations aim to focus on other security threats, with China urging peace to protect the CPEC. However, transparency issues and ongoing violence cast doubt on the process's success.

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Pakistani Military Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan Afghan Taliban Government

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Tahir Khan is a freelance journalist based in Islamabad, Pakistan. I started journalism in 1990 and worked in several media outlets. I hosted TV programms for an Urdu and two Pashto-language TV channels. I write on foreign affairs and security issues. My area of interest is militancy, terrorism, ...

Situationer: How do you solve a problem like Kabul?

18 Jul 2023  |  www.dawn.com  |  English  |  Military

The Pakistani military has expressed strong disappointment with Afghanistan's failure to curb the flow of militants and ammunition across the border, following a recent attack in Zhob, Balochistan. The attack, attributed to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has heightened concerns about the use of advanced American weapons by militants. Despite Kabul's claims of taking measures against TTP fighters, Pakistani officials remain skeptical, citing the Taliban's failure to honor the Doha accord. Pakistan demands the handover of TTP leaders and warns of potential military action if the situation persists. High-level talks are expected during the visit of Pakistan's special envoy to Afghanistan.

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Pakistani Military Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan Islamic Emirate

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I've been a journalist for the past ten years. During my time at Dawn.com, I led the team and won two Agahi awards for my work. For the last five years, I've been with VOA Urdu, managing shifts on the web desk. In 2021, I won another Agahi award for a story about Amazon in Pakistan.

Youth Hope for Transparent Elections, But Distrust Election Commission

12 Jan 2024  |  وی او اے  |  Urdu  |  Trust in Institutions

A majority of Pakistani youth expect the upcoming elections to be transparent, yet 40% distrust the Election Commission. A survey conducted by Voice of America and Ipsos revealed that while 65% of youth are hopeful for fair elections, a significant portion remains skeptical about the Election Commission's integrity. The survey also highlighted that 68% of youth believe no institution can influence the elections, though 32% think the military might interfere. Experts suggest that recent actions by the Election Commission and political campaigns could be influencing these perceptions.

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Pakistani Military Election Commission of Pakistan Ipsos Gallup Pakistan

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Prakash Kumar is a journalist based in New Delhi, with two decades of experience in the profession. He has worked with the Hindustan Times, Press Trust of India (PTI), Deccan Herald and some other publications in India. In 20 years of journalism, he has covered a rage of areas from crime, extremism,...

Punjab: Pakistani Drone Spotted In Pathankot, Returns As BSF Opens Fire

08 Oct 2023  |  https://www.outlookindia.com/  |  English  |  Drone Incidents

A Pakistani drone was spotted in Pathankot, Punjab, and returned after BSF personnel opened fire. The drone was sighted near the Indo-Pak border at Dinda post. No items were found after a thorough search. Previous incidents of drones dropping weapons from Pakistan in Punjab were also mentioned.

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Faisal Mahmud is a journalist with over a decade of experience in working with three national English daily newspapers of Bangladesh—The Independent, Dhaka Tribune and The Business Standard.  Before switching his career to professional journalism, Faisal worked in the IT industry for two years. He ...

Echoes of Bangladesh War in popular culture have kept alive memories of the freedom struggle

26 Mar 2023  |  Scroll.in  |  English  |  Freedom Struggle

Countless songs, poems, and films inspired by the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 have kept the memories of the freedom struggle alive. The genocide by the Pakistani military on December 14, 1971, targeted the intellectual class, leaving a significant part of the struggle in the shadows. Despite this, generations of poets, musicians, and filmmakers have produced exceptional work on the liberation war. Songs broadcast on Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra radio served as invaluable instruments of wartime inspiration. Poets like Shamsur Rahman and filmmakers like Zahir Raihan and Tareque Masud have made significant contributions to the cultural memory of the war. Recent films like Raihan Rafi’s Damal continue to portray the liberation war's legacy. As Bangladesh celebrates its 54th independence day, the country owes a debt of gratitude to the many powerful voices that fought for freedom and kept its memories alive.

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Pakistani military Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra Shadhin Bangla Football Team

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Tahir Imran Mian is an award winning journalist based in Islamabad and London.

Pakistan's Military Still Powerful | Democracy Weakened | Imran Khan Backed by Judiciary

05 Jul 2024  |  The Friday Times  |  English  |  Democracy

Hussain Haqqani, in conversation with Marvi Sirmed, discusses the entrenched power of Pakistan's military, which continues to overshadow the country's democratic processes. Despite economic challenges, the military's influence remains strong, manipulating political outcomes and maintaining control. The alliance and subsequent fallout between Imran Khan and the military have further solidified the military's dominance, with political parties failing to unite against this authoritarian influence, leading to increased military intervention in civilian matters.

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Born in a border town of disputed Jammu kashmir portion under Pakistan in1968,Roshan Mughal has been covering India Pakistan conflict since 1996.
He has done his master in History and participated in conflict reporting training in Wales UK organized by British Foreign and common wealth office in ...

At least 12 people killed as Indian and Pakistani troops clash in disputed Kashmir

06 Oct 2023  |  The Globe and Mail  |  English  |  Kashmir Dispute

Pakistani and Indian troops clashed in Kashmir, resulting in 12 deaths and 36 injuries. Both sides accused each other of initiating the conflict, with significant civilian and military casualties reported. Pakistani officials urged international intervention to prevent a wider war, while both countries summoned diplomats in protest. The conflict underscores the long-standing tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors over the disputed region.

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Pakistani Foreign Ministry Pakistani Government Pakistani Military Indian Army United Nations

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Lailuma SADID is a journalist based in Brussels, Belgium. But i can travel if needed where in the world for my work.

Comics: 'I used my elbow to hit this guy and escape!' (1/2)

19 Dec 2023  |  medialatitudes.be  |  English  |  Exile

Taha Siddiqui, a journalist in exile from Pakistan, now resides in Paris where he owns a coffee bar named 'Dissident Club' and has published a comic-book-style autobiography. Siddiqui, who has worked for international media including France 24TV, the New York Times, and the Guardian, faced an assassination attempt and kidnapping in Pakistan due to his investigative work on the military's opaque operations. Despite threats and pressure to silence his reporting, he continues to highlight human rights issues and the influence of the Pakistani military. Siddiqui and his family live with a sense of insecurity in Paris, especially after being warned by French authorities of his inclusion on a 'kill list'.

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Pakistani Military France 24TV New York Times The Guardian

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China, Pakistan agree to trade buffalo milk, stirring concerns

04 Dec 2024  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Military Influence

Pakistan and China have finalized a trade agreement for the export of buffalo milk, involving Fauji Foods Limited and China's Royal Group. The deal has sparked concerns over potential impacts on local milk supply and prices amid rising inflation in Pakistan. Critics highlight the Pakistani military's significant economic influence, with Fauji Foods being military-owned. The agreement also includes the export of buffalo embryos, with plans to increase sales significantly. The military's role in the economy and its preferential treatment in business dealings have been criticized, raising questions about economic transparency and fairness.

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Pakistani military Livestock Farmers Welfare Association Pakistan People’s Party

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I'm a journalist. editor and marketing communications professional based in Bengaluru, India. Over the past quarter century, I've written extensively on diverse subjects ranging from air shows to defence expos, parenting to politics, rock stars to religion, and reviewed cars, books and gadgets. But ...

Penniless but unrepentant, Pakistan mulls last resort again

05 Oct 2023  |  Free Press Journal  |  English  |  Religious Fundamentalism

Pakistan faces a recurring economic crisis, frequently seeking IMF bailouts since 1958. The military, politicians, and religious fundamentalists prioritize their interests over economic development, leading to persistent financial instability. Historical conflicts with India and attempts to assert a non-Indian identity have further strained the economy. The article highlights Pakistan's strategies, including potential nuclear threats, to secure financial aid, questioning whether the current administration can convince the IMF or the US to provide support.

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Pakistani Military IMF US Government

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Cláudio Silva is a journalist based in Luanda, Angola.

Two dead and ten injured after an attack in Pakistan

27 Nov 2023  |  www.adnradio.cl  |  Spanish  |  Military

A suicide attack in Baka Khel, Pakistan, resulted in two deaths and ten injuries when a motorcycle-borne assailant targeted a military convoy. The Pakistani military identified the attacker as an Afghan citizen affiliated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group. Following the attack, Pakistan's military leadership reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism. The Taliban, currently in control of Afghanistan, did not comment on the incident. Pakistan has seen a rise in terrorist attacks since the Taliban regained control of Kabul in August 2021, and the Pakistani government has ordered the immediate departure of 1.7 million undocumented Afghan refugees, blaming Afghan nationals for 14 suicide attacks in 2023.

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Pakistani Military Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group Taliban

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Murtaza Solangi is print/radio/TV journalist based in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Everything but the truth in Telegraph

04 May 2024  |  Pakistan Observer  |  English  |  Military Influence in Politics

The article critically examines Imran Khan's claims and actions following his removal from office, highlighting his confrontations with the Pakistani state and military establishment. It discusses his accusations against the US and his party's alleged involvement in orchestrating attacks. The piece also touches on his past actions, including media suppression and economic decisions, while questioning his narrative of victimhood and persecution.

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Military Establishment Pakistani State US Congress

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Award-winning journalist covering politics, business and economics in the Gulf and Southeast Asia including OPEC and the impact of the global financial crisis. Former correspondent Philippines for the FT, Former co-presenter 'Business Breakfast' and 'Business Tonight', Dubai-Eye 103.8FM, Former ...

A drowning town: are Bentiu’s dykes high enough to save it from disaster?

13 Aug 2024  |  www.newsbreak.com  |  English  |  South Sudan

Bentiu, a town in South Sudan, faces severe flooding threats due to rising water levels from Lake Victoria and heavy rainfall forecasts. The United Nations mission in South Sudan (Unmiss) and Pakistani engineers are working to reinforce dykes to protect the town and its large refugee camp. Despite efforts to raise the dykes, concerns persist about their ability to withstand the predicted rainfall. The situation is exacerbated by potential water releases from Uganda's Jinja dam. The refugee camp, home to nearly 150,000 internally displaced people, is at significant risk, and relocation options are being considered. The article highlights the ongoing challenges and efforts to prevent a humanitarian disaster.

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Pakistani military engineers United Nations Unmiss

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