Vol.12-Spring 2020 (Jan-Jun) 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
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without prior permission in writing from the publisher of this journal.

Editorial Advisory Board

Khaled Ahmed Dr. Muhammad Khalid Masud
Consulting Editor, Former Chairman of the Council of Islamic
The Friday Times, Lahore, Pakistan. Ideology in Pakistan.

Prof. Dr. Saeed Shafqat Dr. Catarina Kinnvall

Director, Centre for Public Policy and Governance, Department of Political Science,
Forman Christian College, Lahore, Pakistan. Lund University, Sweden.

Marco Mezzera Dr. Adam Dolnik

Senior Adviser, Norwegian Peacebuilding Resource Professor of Counterterrorism, George C.
Centre / Norsk Ressurssenter for Fredsbygging, Marshall European Center for Security Studies,
Norway. Germany.
Prof. Dr. Syed Farooq Hasnat Tahir Abbas
Pakistan Study Centre, University of the Punjab, Professor of Sociology, Fatih University,
Lahore, Pakistan. Istanbul, Turkey.

Anatol Lieven Rasul Bakhsh Rais

Professor, Department of War Studies, Professor, Political Science,
King's College, London, United Kingdom. Lahore University of Management Sciences
Lahore, Pakistan.
Peter Bergen Dr. Tariq Rahman
Senior Fellow, New American Foundation, Dean, School of Education, Beaconhouse
Washington D.C., USA. National University, Lahore, Pakistan.

Pak Institute for Peace ISSN 2072-0408

Price: Rs 1000.00
Studies (PIPS) US$ 30.00
Post Box No. 2110, The views expressed are the authors' own
Islamabad, Pakistan and do not necessarily reflect any positions
+92-51-8359475-6 held by the institute.
www.pakpips.com,
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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword 11

1 Overview of Security in 2019: Critical

Challenges and Recommendations 15
Muhammad Amir Rana and Safdar Sial

2 Security Landscape of Pakistan in 2019 33

Safdar Sial

3 Militant landscape of Pakistan in 2019 65

Muhammad Amir Rana

4 State Responses 75
Safdar Sial

5 Profile: Militant Landscape of Balochistan 85

Muhammad Amir Rana

6 The Wave of Suicide Bombing in Pakistan 101

(2007 to 2011)
Umer Farooq

7 CPEC Security in 2019 115

Anam Fatima

8 2019: Faith-based Violence and Other 121

Incidence
Najam U Din

9 The Baloch Insurgency in 2019 127

Muhammad Akbar Notezai
Annexures 143

Timelines 161
 LIST OF ACRONYMS
AJK: Azad Jammu and Kashmir IDP: Internally Displaced Persons
ANP: Awami National Party IED: Improvised Explosive Device
AQIS: Al-Qaeda in the Indian ISI: Inter-Services Intelligence
Subcontinent ISIS: Islamic State in Iraq and Syria
Arm: Army IS-K: Islamic State Khorasan
ASWJ: Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat ISO: Imamia Student Organization
ATC: Anti-Terrorism Courts ISPR: Inter-Services Public Relations
ATF: Anti-Terrorism Force JI: Jamaat-e-Islami
BAP: Balochistan Awami Party JID: Joint Intelligence Directorate
BC: Balochistan Constabulary JM: Jaish-e-Muhammad
BH: Beheading JuA: Jamaatul Ahrar
BLA: Balochistan Liberation Army JuD: Jamaatud Dawa
BLF: Balochistan Liberation Front JUI-F: Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl
BNP: Balochistan National Party Kid: Kidnapping
BNP-M: Balochistan National Party- KP: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
Mengal Group LeJ: Lashkar-e-Jhangvi
BRA: Baloch Republican Army LeJ-A: Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al-Alami
BSF: [Indian] Border Security Force LI: Lashkar-e-Islam
BT: Bomb Blast LM: Landmine Blast
CIA: Central Intelligence Agency LoC: Line of Control
CID: Criminal Investigation Lvs: Levies Force
Department MDM: Muttahida Deeni Mahaz
Civ: Civilians Mil: Militant
CPEC: China-Pakistan Economic MQM: Muttahida Qaumi Movement
Corridor MWM: Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen
CTDs: Counter Terrorism Departments NACTA: National Counter-Terrorism
[of police] Authority
CVE: Counter Violent Extremism NADRA: National Database and
DGMOs: Director Generals of Military Registration Authority
Operations NAP: National Action Plan
DSP: Deputy Superintendent Police NATO: North Atlantic Treaty
FATF: Financial Action Task Force Organization
FC: Frontier Corps NEC: National Executive Committee
FCR: Frontier Crimes Regulation NIC: National Implementation
FIA: Federal Investigative Agency Committee [on FATA reforms]
Fr: Firing NP: National Party
HG: Hand Grenade NPP: National People’s Party
HRCP: Human Rights Commission of NSA: National Security Advisor
Pakistan PkMAP: Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party
HuA: Hizbul Ahrar P-ml: Paramilitary Forces
PML-N: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Sect: Sectarian
Pol: Police SM: Sipah-e-Muhammad
PPP: Pakistan People’s Party SP: Superintendent of Police
PTI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf SSP: Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan
PTM: Pakhtun Tahafuz Movement ST: Sunni Tehreek
QWP: Qaumi Watan Party TA: Terrorist Attack
RA: Rocket Attack TLP: Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan
RCB: Remote-controlled Bomb TNSM: Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-
Rng: Rangers Muhammadi
SA: Suicide Attack TTP: Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan
Sab: Sabotage UBA: United Baloch Army
SDLF/A: Sindhu Desh Liberation UN: United Nations
Front/Army WB: Working Boundary
SDRA: Sindhu Desh Revolution Army
SECP: Securities and Exchange
Commission of Pakistan

6
 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
 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.

8
 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
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.

10
 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
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

12
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

13
 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 Those 357 killed in terrorist attacks in
Situation in 2019 Pakistan in 2019 included 164 civilians,
163 personnel of security and law
As many as 229 terrorist attacks took enforcement agencies (59 army officials;
place across Pakistan in 2019 – including 37 FC men; 53 policemen; and 14 Levies)
four suicide attacks – which is a decrease and 30 militants, who were either
of about 13 percent from the year before. killed/exploded suicide bombers or those
Launched by different militant, killed in retaliatory fire by security and law
nationalist/insurgent and violent sectarian enforcement personnel following some
groups, these attacks claimed in all 357 attacks. Those injured in terrorist attacks
lives – a decline of 40 percent from those included 519 civilians, 208 security
killed in such attacks in 2018 – and injured personnel and two militants.
another 729 people.
Chart 1: Classification of Terrorist
So-called religiously inspired militant Attacks in Pakistan in 2019
groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban
Pakistan (TTP), its splinter groups Hizbul No. of Attacks Killed Injured
Ahrar and Jamaatul Ahrar, as well as other
militant groups with similar objectives such
489
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
239
Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.
In all, these groups perpetrated 158 162 158
terrorist attacks – compared to 171 in 80 78
57
previous year – which killed 239 people 38
14
and injured 489 others. Meanwhile
nationalist insurgent groups, mainly By Nationalist By Militants Sectarian-related
Baloch, carried out 57 attacks – as Insurgents

compared to 80 such attacks in 2018 – As far as the targets hit by the terrorists
which claimed 80 lives and wounded are concerned, a total of 118 attacks, or
another 162 people. Meanwhile, 14 of the about 52 percent of the total terrorist
reported terrorist attacks in 2019 were attacks reported in 2019, hit personnel,
sectarian-related – two more from the vehicles/convoys and posts of security
year before – which killed 38 people and forces and law-enforcement agencies
inflicted injuries on 78 others. across Pakistan. These attacks targeting
security and law enforcement personnel
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

also caused the highest number of

Injured
Attacks
No. of

Killed
casualties (209 killed; 346 injured) for any Targets
one type of target hit in terrorist attacks in
2019. Civilians were the apparent targets NGO / civil society 1 2 0
of 39 attacks (over 17 percent of the total members
Foreign interests/ 1 0 0
attacks), which claimed 34 lives and Diplomats/Foreigners
injured 123 others. Eleven attacks targeted Unknown 4 3 1
Shia community members, mainly Hazaras, Media/journalists 2 0 3
Health/polio workers, 6 8 1
claiming 32 lives; five attacks on Sunni security escorts
community members also killed eight Pro-Govt. 11 13 47
tribesmen/peace
people. Meanwhile, 11 attacks targeted committee members
pro-government tribesmen and peace Bohra community 1 3 4
committee members, and another nine Judges/lawyers/courts 1 0 2
Former militants 2 3 0
attacks hit political leaders and workers. Railway tracks / trains 3 4 30
Other sporadic targets hit by the terrorist Member of banned groups 1 2 0
in 2019 are given at Table 1. Development, exploration 2 8 6
projects, companies,
workers
Table 1: Targets Hit in Terrorist NATO/US supply vehicles 1 0 1
Attacks in 2019 Total 229 357 729

In perpetrating the reported 229 attacks,

Injured
Attacks
No. of

Killed

Targets terrorists mainly employed improvised

explosive devices (IEDs) of various types
Security forces/law 118 209 346 (123 attacks) and direct firing/shootout
enforcement agencies (92 attacks). They also used other attacks
Education/institutions/tea 2 2 4
chers
tactics, though less frequently, including
Non-Bloch 1 3 1 four (4) suicide blasts, five (5) hand
settlers/workers grenade attacks, three (3) rocket attacks,
Gas pipelines 3 0 0
Tribal elders 2 3 3 and two (2) gun and bomb attacks.
Civilians 39 34 123
Shia religious 11 32 72 As in the year before, the highest number
scholars/community of terrorist attacks for any one region of
Worship 2 9 53
places/shrines/imam Pakistan was reported from Khyber
bargahs Pakhtunkhwa, including merged districts of
Govt. offices/public 1 0 10
property (hospitals, banks
erstwhile FATA. A total of 125 reported
etc.) attacks from the province claimed 145
Sunni religious 5 8 3 lives and inflicted injuries on another 249
leaders/community
Political leaders/workers 9 11 19 people. The TTP, Hizbul Ahrar, local

18
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Taliban and other groups with similar Lashkar-e-Balochistan and Baloch

objectives perpetrated 124 of these Republican Army (BRA), etc., perpetrated
attacks, while one attack was sectarian- 51 attacks killing 71 people and wounding
related. 162 others. Religiously inspired militant
groups such as the TTP, Hizbul Ahrar,
In 2019, North Waziristan reemerged as a ISIS-affiliates and some other similar
major flashpoint of insecurity and militant unknown militants were reportedly
violence where 53 terrorist attacks took involved in as many as 26 attacks that
place, or over 42 percent of the total caused death to 69 people and injuries to
reported attacks from KP, which killed 57 another 197 people. Meanwhile, seven (7)
people and injured 93 others. Two other sectarian-related attacks claimed 31 lives,
KP districts where more than 10 attacks mostly of Hazara Shias, and wounded 77
happened in the year included DI Khan (14 others.
attacks) and Bajaur (11 attacks) districts.
While seven (7) terrorist attacks happened Terrorist attacks happened in 20 districts
in Bannu, the provincial capital Peshawar of Balochistan including 22 from provincial
and Tank faced six (6) attacks each. capital Quetta alone, nine (9) from Kech,
Meanwhile five (5) attacks took place in eight (8) from Qilla Abdullah, mainly
each of Mohmand and South Waziristan Chaman, six (6) from Loralai and five (5)
districts. In all, terrorist attacks were attacks each from Dera Bugti, Nasirabad,
recorded in 17 districts of KP. and Panjgur. Two attacks in Gwadar
caused 22 deaths, and three (3) reported
Though Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faced the attacks from Ziarat claimed 11 lives.
highest number of attacks than any other
region of the country, but in terms of On the whole, 14 terrorist attacks
terrorism-related casualties Balochistan happened in Sindh province – 10 in
was the most affected region of the Karachi alone and 4 in interior Sindh –
country in 2019. As many as 171 people which killed a total of 18 people and
were killed – about 48 percent of the total injured two (2) others. Six of these attacks
357 people killed in terrorist attacks across were sectarian-related targeted killings of
Pakistan – and 436 others were injured in Sunni and Shia leaders and community
84 reported attacks from the province. members, all of which were reported from
Different Baloch insurgent groups, mainly Karachi. Meanwhile some unknown
the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), militants, apparently religiously inspired,
Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), BRAS – carried out four (4) attacks killing eight (8)
a newly established alliance of Baloch people and injuring two (2) others. Sindhi
insurgent groups mainly including BLA, nationalist group Sindhu desh Liberation
BLF and Baloch Republican Guard (BRG) – Army (SDLA), Sindhu desh Revolution

19
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Army (SDRA) and a Baloch insurgent 1.1.1 Comparison

group BLA were involved in another four
(4) attacks reported from Sindh, which Apart from the 229 terrorist attacks cited
claimed four (4) lives. earlier, incidents of violence of some other
types were also recorded across Pakistan in
In all, five (5) terrorist attacks took place 2019. These included a combined total of
in Punjab including two (2) in Lahore, one 128 cross-border attacks from India,
in Rawalpindi and two (2) in south Afghanistan and Iran; 28 anti-militant
Punjab’s Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur operational strikes carried out by security
districts. As many as 21 people lost their forces and their 25 armed clashes/
lives and 41 others were injured in these encounters with militants; eight (8)
attacks. Hizbul Ahrar, a splinter group of incidents of political/ethnic violence; 12
the TTP, perpetrated three (3) of these thwarted/failed terror plots; two (2)
attacks in Lahore and Rawalpindi killing targeted attacks, whose motivation was not
eight (8) policemen and seven (7) civilians. clear; and one clash between protestors
Baloch insurgent groups BLA and BRA and security forces. (See Table 3) Thus,
were reportedly involved in two attacks when counted together, 432 incidents of
reported from south Punjab, which claimed violence of different types – as given at
five (5) lives. Table 3 – were reported from across
Pakistan in 2019, which killed a total of 588
One attack happened in the federal capital
people and injured 1,030 others.
Islamabad that claimed the lives of two (2)
policemen and injured another. (See Table Table 3: Nature of Overall Incidents
2) of Violence

Table 2: Terrorist Attacks in Pakistan Nature of No. of

Killed Injured
in 2019 Incident Incidents
Terrorist
229 357 729
No. of attacks
Region Killed Injured
Attacks Political/ethnic
8 6 7
Khyber violence
125 145 249
Pakhtunkhwa Clashes &
Balochistan 84 171 436 encounters
Punjab 5 21 41 between 25 44 9
security forces
Karachi 10 14 2 & militants
Sindh (excluding Cross-border
4 4 0 128 91 245
Karachi)
clashes/attacks
Islamabad 1 2 1 Operational
Total 229 357 729 attacks by 28 81 19
security forces

20
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Nature of No. of
Killed Injured
Chart 2: Comparison of Overall
Incident Incidents
Incidents of Violence & Casualties
Plot/foiled
12 3 7 (2015-19)
terror attempts
Targeted
attacks [not
2 2 0 No. of Incidents Killed Injured
clear if by
terrorists]
Protests/clashes
with security 1 4 14 3503
forces
Total 433 588 1,030

As for the number of terrorist attacks, the 2212

2167
overall incidents of violence also 1956
plummeted from 497 in 2018 to 433 in 1887 1516
1611
2019. The overall number of people killed 1097
749 869 1030
in these violent incidents also decreased
713 588
by about 32 percent; from 869 in 2018 to
497 433
588 in 2019. Similarly, the number of
people injured in all such incidents of 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
violence also decreased by 32 percent
Chart 3: Comparison of Terrorist
from 1,516 in 2018 to 1,030 in 2019. (See
Attacks and Fatalities in Pakistan
Chart 2)
(2009-2019)
There has been a gradual decrease in the
number of terrorist attacks and No. of attacks
consequent fatalities in Pakistan since Fatalities (No. of killed)
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.

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 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Table 4: Comparison of Terrorist previous year in Punjab (by 25 percent),

Attacks and Fatalities in Pakistan Sindh (17 percent) and Islamabad, but
(2009-19)2 that accounted for much less numbers of
attacks reported from there compared to
No. of Terrorist
Year Attacks
No. of Killed KP and Balochistan; i.e. 5 attacks, 14
(% Change)
(%Change) attacks, and one attack were reported
Baseline year Baseline year (3,021 from Punjab, Sindh and Islamabad,
2009
(2,586 attacks) Fatalities)
respectively.
2010 18% 4%

2011 7% 18% Table 5: Comparison of Terrorist

2012 20% 14%
Attacks & Casualties (2018 vs. 2019) 3

2013 9% 19% Number Killed Injured

Province /
of Attacks (% (%
2014 30% 30% Region
(%Change) Change) Change)
2015 48% 38% KP No change 26% 34%
2016 28% 12%
Balochistan 27% 52% 25%
2017 16% 10%
Punjab 25% 5% 5%
2018 29% 27%
Karachi 11% 22% 87%
2019 13% 40%
Sindh
(excluding 33% 300% 100%
For the past few years, much of the Karachi)
militant violence in Pakistan has visibly 1 attack
concentrated in Balochistan and Khyber (0 baseline
Islamabad 2 killed 0 injured
data in
Pakhtunkhwa while other regions have
2018)
been facing less frequent attacks. In 2019,
Total 13% 40% 29%
while the number of terrorist attacks
declined in Balochistan by 27 percent, the
The number of suicide attacks posted a 79
number of such attacks recorded in KP
percent decline from previous year.
remained unchanged from the year before.
Compared to 19 suicide attacks in 2018, as
The number of terrorist attacks recorded
many as four (4) such attacks happened in
in these two regions was significant; 125
2019 – two in Balochistan and one each in
attacks took place in KP and 84 in
Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These
Balochistan, which combined were over 91
attacks claimed 55 lives – compared to
percent of the total attacks reported from
317 in 2018 – and injured 122 others. The
across Pakistan. Although the number of
TTP was involved in two of these attacks –
attacks showed a relative surge from

22
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

one reported from Loralai (Balochistan) reported sectarian attacks, as many as 10

and another from DI Khan (KP) – which targeted Shia religious community and
targeted security forces causing the death scholars, another three (3) Sunni
of a total of 21 people including 10 community members and leaders while
civilians, seven (7) policemen and four (4) one attack targeted Bohra community in
suicide bombers. The Islamic State (IS) Ziarat.
terrorist group claimed one sectarian-
related suicide attack that targeted Hazara With a slight decline of over 2 percent
community in Quetta killing 21 people, from the year before, 128 cross-border
including the bomber, and wounding 48 attacks were reported from Pakistan’s
others. Meanwhile a suicide bomber borders with Afghanistan (4 attacks), India
associated with Hizbul Ahrar targeted a (123) and Iran (one attack). Similarly,
police van in Lahore that caused 13 down by about 18 percent from 2018, a
fatalities – 5 policemen, 7 civilians and one total of 91 people were killed in these
bomber – and injuries to 23 others. attacks; another 245 were also injured.
Those 91 Pakistani citizens killed in cross-
Posting an increase of about 17 percent border attacks included 61 civilians, 29
from previous year, 14 sectarian-related army officials, and one Rangers personnel.
terrorist attacks happened in 2019. The The situation at Pakistan’s border with
number of people killed in such incidents India – mainly along the Line of Control
however decreased by over 25 percent, (LoC) in Azad Kashmir – remained
from 51 in 2018 to 38 in 2019. Rival Sunni relatively more volatile, particularly after
and Shia violent sectarian groups as well February 26th when Indian military planes
as ISIS-affiliates were involved in violated the LoC, intruding from the
perpetrating these attacks. A combined Muzaffarabad sector and reaching Balakot,
total of 11 sectarian-related attacks, or where they dropped their payload in an
over 78 percent of the total 14 such open space after a response from Pakistan
attacks, happened in Karachi (6 attacks) Air Force, and escaped. Next day, Indian
and Quetta (5 attacks) alone. A major Air Force aircraft reportedly entered
sectarian-related suicide attack targeted Pakistani airspace following Pakistani Air
Hazara community members in Quetta Force strikes across the LoC. According to
causing significant casualties (21 deaths; ISPR statement, PAF shot down two Indian
48 injured). Two sectarian-related attacks aircraft inside Pakistani airspace and
were reported from Ziarat in Balochistan arrested one Indian pilot who was later
that claimed five (5) lives, and one such released as a gesture of peace. Out of 123
attack happened in DI Khan district of cross-border attacks perpetrated by Indian
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Out of the 14 BSF, 117 concentrated along the LoC in 11

23
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

districts of AJK and one district of KP year – across 15 districts/regions of the

(Mansehra). As many as six (6) of these country. These armed clashes and
attacks happened in Sialkot along the encounters claimed 44 lives (38 militants;
Working Boundary with India. Kotli (33 6 security personnel); as many as nine (9)
attacks), Bhimber (22), Poonch (16), security personnel were also injured in
Haveli (10) and Neelum (10 attacks) were these incidents. About half of these
the AJK districts most affected by Indian clashes, i.e. 12, took place in various
cross-border attacks. Meanwhile while a districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, another
single cross-border attack from Iran did six (6) happened in Balochistan, while four
not cause any casualty, four (4) reported (4) such incidents took place in Sindh and
attacks from Afghanistan killed six (6) three (3) in Punjab.
army soldiers and injured 19 others in
North Waziristan, Upper Dir and Chitral; The number of incidents of political/ethnic
one such attack also happened in Khyber violence took a significant downward turn,
but did not cause any casualty. from 22 in 2018 to eight (8) in the year
under review. The number of people killed
Compared to 31 in the year before, in these incidents also decreased, from 11
security forces and law enforcement in 2018 to six (6) in 2019. Incidents of
agencies conducted 28 anti-militant political and ethnic violence were reported
operational strikes in 2019 in 21 districts from six (6) districts of the country
and regions of Pakistan. These actions including three (3) from Karachi, and one
killed a total of 81 people, as compared to incident each from Bajaur, Bannu,
77 in 2018 and injured 19 others; those 81 Mansehra, South Waziristan and Swat
killed included 75 militants and six (6) districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
personnel of security and law enforcement
agencies. Out of the total 28 operational The number of people killed in overall
strikes reported in 2019, as many as 15 violent incidents in 2019 (588) represented
were conducted in KP, 11 in Balochistan, a decrease of about 32 percent from those
and one each in Punjab and Sindh. There killed in such incidents in the year before
were only three (3) districts where more (869); the number of those injured in such
than one anti-militant operation happened incidents all decreased by over 32 percent.
including DI Khan (5) and North Waziristan The reported decrease in fatalities was
(3) in KP, and Kech (2) in Balochistan. marked by the death of 235 civilians,
compared to 456 in 2018, thus
Security and law enforcement agencies representing a decrease of over 48
also entered into in a total of 25 armed percent. Fatalities among security forces
clashes and encounters with militants – personnel in 2019 (209) were about six (6)
one more than such incidents in previous percent less from the previous year’s

24
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

fatalities among them (222). The number hawala and smuggling of currency through
of militants killed (144), in these violent sea, air or land routes on money
incidents, also posted a decline of about laundering, were not removed in one
25 percent as compared to 2018. (See year’s time, Pakistan would have to face
Table 6) consequences of getting on the FATF
blacklist.
Table 6: Casualties in Overall Violent
Incidents in 2019 Most recently, a FATF meeting in Paris in
October reviewed the measures taken by
Category Killed Injured Islamabad to curb terror financing and
FC 39 66 noted the country will have to do more to
Militants 144 4 come out of the grey list. Pakistan will
Civilian 235 764 remain on the list until February 2020
Police 60 92 when a fresh review will be made to
Army 95 97
decide about it.4
Levies 14 7
Rangers 1 0 The government has established a
Total 588 1,030 dedicated autonomous secretariat for
developing comprehensive responses on
1.2 Critical Challenges and the issues relating to the terror financing,
Recommendations which will work in coordination with all the
provinces and departments including
1.2.1 The FATF Challenge Financial Monitoring Unit, State Bank of
Pakistan, Federal Board of Revenue,
Despite all the efforts by the government
Securities and Exchange Commission of
of Pakistan, curbing terrorism financing
Pakistan, National Counter Terrorism
still stands out as one of the most critical
Authority (NACTA), the armed forces and
security challenges facing Pakistan. Apart
law enforcement agencies, and all
from having security implications, it has
provincial governments. Special cells have
also started negatively impacting the
also been set up in all the relevant
financial sector of the country with long-
government departments to comply with
term economic consequences. The
the requirements of FATF. The Federal
Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has put
Board of Revenue (FBR) has also taken a
Pakistan on its grey list in June 2018 with
major initiative and formed a special cell
the caution that if deficiencies in
that will ensure an effective and timely
preventing suspected militants from
implementation of measures against terror
operating bank accounts or using illegal
financing. The cell – called as FATF cell
means to transfer money, including hundi,
and placed under the Director General of

25
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Intelligence and Investigation, Islamabad related to the action taken by the country
– will seek “information required for FATF- against banned groups and proscribed
related work from the FBR, field persons.7 The FATF has sought the proofs
formations, directorates and record of of the actions taken against seminaries
meetings… [and] will serve as a focal point affiliated with banned organisations or
for all activities related to customs proscribed persons who have been listed
compliance for FATF issues.”5 in 4th Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act
(ATA) apart from the details including
Similarly, the National Accountability copies of lawsuits filed against banned
Bureau (NAB) has reportedly set up a cell organisations and proscribed persons.
to combat terror financing as well as
money laundering. The cell has been The whole process of FATF compliance
established at the NAB headquarters in reflects that Pakistan’s approach is tactical
Islamabad. While the main purpose of the where it has been trying its utmost to
NAB cell will be to provide and monitor merely respond to the FATF queries
analyses to consolidate efforts on curbing instead of developing some institutional
terror financing, it will also maintain responses to curb the terror financing. In
coordination with the national Financial practice, Pakistan’s anti-militant campaign
Action Task Force secretariat.6 is hindered by several factors including
capacity gaps among counterterrorism
Apart from few policy responses, law departments, which are also struggling to
enforcement agencies have also arrested find some solid legal ground against the
few important leaders of banned militant leadership of the militant groups. The
organizations, including Hafiz Saeed Hafiz government has to build comprehensive
Saeed, head of banned Jamaatud Daawa institutional response to satisfy the FATF
(JuD) and over a dozen close aides of him. based on zero tolerance against all shades
of militants.
However, despite all the measures
Pakistan has taken so far, it has failed to 1.2.2. The De-Radicalization
impress the FATF and its associated body Imperative
Asia Pacific Group (APG). The FATF’s
comments on Pakistan’s last compliance Pakistan’s counter terrorism challenge has
report, which was submitted on December many folds and de-radicalization of the
03, 2019, reflects that Pakistan would members of the banned religious
have to take stricter measures to come out organizations is becoming critical too.
of the grey list. The FATF has forwarded Pakistan’s renewed campaign against
150 comments and clarifications on militancy under which law enforcement
Pakistan’s compliance report mostly agencies have taken visible and serious

26
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

actions against the militant groups Islamic State group and Al Qaeda or form
including those belonging to Jamaatud their own small terrorist cells. The JeM
Dawa, its charity wing Falah-e-Insaniyat cadre is more critical because hundreds of
Foundation, and Jaish-e-Muhammad its militants have a background of having
(JeM) 8 has made this issue critical as worked along with the Tehreek-i-Taliban
thousands of their members have been Pakistan, Al Qaeda and sectarian terrorist
abandoned and needed to be engaged on organisations. The National Counter
urgent basis. Terrorism Authority has the mandate for
suggesting and developing such
Development and launch of a rehabilitation programmes but, so far, it
comprehensive de-radicalization has proved an impotent body.
programme shall help boost the
international community’s confidence in 1.2.3 Countering Violent Extremism
Pakistan’s efforts to counter extremism
and terrorism. The world is receptive to Non-violent and violent shades of
such initiatives, which are also endorsed extremism as well as religious intolerance
by UNSC Resolutions 2178 (2014) and pose another critical challenge to security
2396 (2017). For one, the ‘Plan of Action and stability of Pakistan. Extremism
to Prevent Violent Extremism’ presented manifests itself in many forms ranging
by the UNSC to the UN General Assembly from vandalism against minorities and
entailed more than 70 recommendations oppressed people to target killing of the
including a call to introduce sane, rational voices. The phenomenon of
disengagement and rehabilitation religious intolerance has its own dynamics
programmes. but in recent years it has grown through
its connectivity with larger extremist
Such initiative is also needed in the discourses fanned in cyberspaces. The
context of the increasing frustration government has to adopt a clear policy
among the workers of the banned militant against all hatemongering and extremist
organizations. This is a dangerous groups in the country, and take legal and
development. A somewhat similar administrative measures to restrict the
frustration was observed among the activities of the extremist groups.
cadres of Pakistani militant groups after
the first crackdown against them in 2001. Pak Institute for Peace Studies has
This had caused serious rifts among them advocated diverse recommendations for
and made many turn against the state and Pakistan’s Counter Violent Extremism
join international terrorist groups. Some (CVE) framework and reconstruction of
among these frustrated members of the national narratives through various
JuD and JeM can now also join the militant publications. The Institute believes these

27
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

documents would be a useful source a − The provinces need to prioritize the

policy initiative on CVE. Few highlights of registration of madrassas and to set
those recommendations are listed below: up a mechanism to bring them under
their administrative control.
− There is a need for establishing a Interestingly, while provinces consider
National Dialogue Forum (NDF). It can madrassas a federal issue, federal
serve as a platform for the scholars, ministries of religious affairs and
academicians, political and religious interior are confused about who is
leaders and policymakers to bring all actually responsible for administering
the key challenges on the discussion madrassa sector.
table and to understand each other’s − To neutralize violent extremist
viewpoints. The NDF cannot only help tendencies, detaching the conventional
to connect diverse ideological, social militant groups from terrorism
and political segments of the society, landscape and curbing hate speech,
but it can also create an environment the government has to initiate a
to discuss critical issues. Such an reintegration scheme.
important initiative must come from
the chief executive of the country, 1.2.4 Regularizing Madrassas
with the support of the parliament.
− The NDF secretariat can have support The madrassa challenge is complex.
from a counter-extremism research National Action Plan (NAP) assigned
centre comprising experts from the priority to reforming madrassas but sadly
relevant fields of social sciences and little progress has been made thus far in
religious studies. This centre can also that regard. In April 2019, some
establish a desk to monitor the government officials were reported in
extremist narratives and hate speech. media as saying that madrassas will be
− The provinces will need to establish brought under the federal Education
curriculum review committees Ministry, however a policy action in that
comprising educationists, and experts regard is still awaited. The DG ISPR also
from diverse religious, academic and said in his press conference in late April
political backgrounds. Such that “the government and support
committees can be established institutions have decided to mainstream all
separately within existing mechanisms, these madrassas. Their curriculum will
with specific tasks to regularly monitor include contemporary subjects and they
and evaluate the impact of the will run under the Ministry of Education.”
textbooks. According to DG ISPR, this process will be
kicked-off initially with Rs. 2 billion, and
will then require Rs1 billion annually.9

28
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

On October 22nd (2019) another media followed. During last five years, the
report indicated that the Ministry of government and security institutions
Federal Education and Professional remained confused on taking responsibility
Training has completed its homework to for NAP’s implementation. PIPS’ previous
open a directorate to regulate the annual security reports had highlighted all
madrassahs.10 It has to be seen how this those flaws and confusions on NAP
directorate will work, but Army Chief implementation that have made it largely
General Qamar Bajwa himself has taken ineffective.
keen interest in the process and tried in
person to convince religious scholars on PIPS recommends that the NAP should be
the reforms.11 However, many ambiguities made into a proper plan, with clear goals,
still surround the reforms, especially about a comprehensive monitoring mechanism,
the financial audit of the religious and periodic reviewing. The NAP should
institutions and curriculum reforms. adjust with the changing nature of the
Apparently it seems the government is not threats and it should have been a dynamic
reforming the religious curriculum of the and effective policy tool. The following
madrassas but only thinking to introduce components needed to be included in the
contemporary subjects to make the plan.
madrassa students eligible to get the
− Under the NAP there is a need to look
formal educational degrees. 12 These
into the matter of parallel security
initiatives may not prove an alternative of
structures. Each province has parallel
a regulatory authority on madrassas to
security forces to combat terrorism
look into their financial affairs, pedagogy,
and similar threats.
hate speech, sectarian narratives and
− Oversight of the criminal justice
activities of radical groups in madrassas.
system by parliament and provincial
Such regulatory authorities can be
assemblies should be increased; closer
established on the level of districts or
networking is needed among the
provinces, which should have the
subsystems of the criminal justice
representation of the educational
system.
departments, religious scholars, civil
− Practitioners should be trained in
society and parents.
conflict resolution and management so
1.2.5 Implementation on National that these techniques can be
Action Plan employed before resorting to the use
of force.
The National Action Plan (NAP) was an − The anti-terrorism courts need to be
outcome of the nation’s resolve against strengthened, through working on
terrorism, but it too has not been fully

29
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

infrastructure uplifting and capacity lethal weapons has made their task
building. easier.
− An open trial of the terrorists was also − Militant groups use cyberspaces for
necessary, and could prove more propagating their messages, recruiting
effective in terms of deterrence and new adherents, and generating funds,
public ownership, but the state thereby making the virtual world a
institutions preferred discreet trials vulnerable place for the youth. This is
through the military courts. the area, which need effective
− The police need to be equipped with responses both by the state and
new technologies and resources, but society.
utilizing the available resources also − Prison Departments, Police and its
needs to be assessed. Likewise, the Counter Terrorism Departments
operational build-up of the police, its (CTDs) have to launch de-
technical support, and capacity radicalization programs for the
building are also areas needing terrorist detainees. The military-run
attention. Their training programs de-radicalization centers in Swat and
should focus on technology-led erstwhile FATA would be a good model
policing, along with management, for such initiatives.
intelligence gathering, mobility and − There is a need for developing a
connectivity. At the same time, the National Databank (NDB) synchronized
NAP should prioritize the de- with the police departments of the
politicization of police, so as to shape country, National Database and
it into a professional force. Registration Authority (NADRA),
− Prison security and reforms should be NACTA, FIA and State Bank of
part of the NAP. These are critical Pakistan. The Databank should have
today, given that some terrorist following features:
groups have infiltrated in the ranks of • A synchronized National Red Book,
police and jails officials. containing updated information
− Putting an end to the easily-available about the wanted, suspected and
heavy weapons is a major challenge arrested terrorists and their
for the security forces in their counter- groups.
militancy drive. Criminals in Karachi, • The national databank could be
sectarian terrorist groups and divided into two categories, one
nationalist insurgents in Balochistan for public consumption, which
appear to have recently adopted would include details about
targeted killings as the foremost terrorists and their activities and
instrument of terrorism; easy access to second dedicated for the police

30
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

and law enforcement agencies hurdles are affecting the process, some
containing details of bank local tribal groups and political actors are
accounts, financial transactions also trying to exploit the existing
data, property and other assets of confusions around the implementation of
the suspected and active terrorists KP-FATA merger.
whose names had been placed
under the Fourth Schedule. In February 2019, the KP Governor Shah
• A common website can be Farman had reportedly formed a body with
developed under the supervision the aim to advise the provincial
of NACTA and all police and government on issue arising out of the
relevant authorities could be erstwhile FATA’s merger with KP. Many
bound to provide saw it as creating controversy as according
updates/information on weekly or to legal experts the governor does not
monthly bases. have the powers to interfere in the affairs
− There is a need that all provinces have of tribal districts, which have already been
their forensic labs linked with National merged with the KP province, at least
Forensic Laboratory (NFL) in constitutionally. 13 This is the second
Islamabad. committee formed to resolve the post-
− Capacity building training programs for merger issues. In November 2018, too, the
the Counter Terrorism Departments KP cabinet had formed a ministerial
needed to be developed and they committee, which was later abolished in
must know the best practices around December before holding a single official
the world to avoid any mishandling of meeting.
the sensitive issues.
A media report in March said that the 9th
1.2.6 Erstwhile FATA’s Merger into KP National Finance Commission (NFC), which
allocates the share of provinces in the
The problem of a lax state response to the national divisible pool of revenues
security challenge of KP is partly linked to collected, rejected a KP demand to make
continuing transition period of [slow] an interim arrangement for providing
implementation of erstwhile FATA’s merger additional funds from the federal 2009
in KP. For one, the establishment and Award, which are required by the province
functioning of law enforcement and judicial to finance the merger of the erstwhile
structures in tribal districts will continue to FATA with it.14
be slow and ineffective if the ongoing
transition gets prolonged beyond the As the transition of FATA-KP merger
anticipated timeframe. For the moment, continues, legal issues also continue
while several bureaucratic and political appearing, among others. For one, the

31
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

continuous detention of hundreds in seven tribal districts merged into KP. A

different notified internment centers in newspaper reported noted that “the
former FATA and PATA as well as the development has come in the wake of the
cases of those who remained in the promulgation of an ordinance to merge the
custody of security forces for years are Levies with police department, which had
troubling the administration and legal paved the way for the appointment of
proceedings. According to a Dawn report DPOs in merged districts.” 17 Some days
in May 2019, at the time of merger, the later, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
government failed to include any “saving government announced to induct the
clause” in the 25th Amendment Act, 2018, existing 28,000 personnel of Levies and
for providing protection to existing laws in Khassadar forces operating in 7 tribal
FATA and PATA. The KP government later districts and 6 sub-divisions into KP Police.
had to enact two laws - the KP The government also issued a notification
Continuation of Laws in the Erstwhile in that regards that said: “The merger
Provincially Administered Tribal Areas Act, process of 16,053 Khassadar and 11,918
2018, and KP Continuation of Laws in Levies personnel would be completed in
Erstwhile Fata Areas, 2019 – but still the six months.” 18 Similarly, while 28 judges
experts are skeptical about the fate of had already been appointed for courts in
those laws in vogue in the merged tribal merged districts of erstwhile FATA into KP,
districts and ex-PATA, which “are currently the mainstream judicial system, i.e. courts,
in conflict with provisions of Constitution of have started to function in these districts.
Pakistan guaranteeing fundamental The local described it a big achievement to
rights.” 15 Different judgments of the get rid of colonial FCR laws.
superior courts have also been barring the
government from introducing different In a significant development furthering the
laws for different areas in the same execution of erstwhile FATA’s merger in
province. The Supreme Court on January KP, the National Assembly on May 13th
16th (2019) had dismissed a civil petition (2019) had unanimously approved the
filed by the KP government and had 26th Amendment to the Constitution
declared the Fata Interim Governance permitting an increase in the number of
Regulation, 2018, in conflict with several National Assembly and KP Assembly’s
provisions of the Constitution.16 seats for the tribal districts, or former
FATA agencies merged into KP. The
Some steps however have also been taken approved bill would allow an increase from
in the process of merger. For instance, in six to 12 in the National Assembly general
March 2019, the KP Police Department seats and from 16 to 24 in the Khyber
posted district police officers (DPOs) in the Pakhtunkhwa Assembly general seats.19

32
 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
Peace Studies journal. He has also co-authored “Dynamics of Taliban Insurgency in FATA” and
“Radicalization in Pakistan”.
2.1 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa While 7 terrorist attacks happened in
Bannu, the provincial capital Peshawar and
The highest number of terrorist attacks for Tank faced 6 attacks each. Meanwhile five
any one region of Pakistan was reported 5 attacks took place in each of Mohmand
from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including and South Waziristan districts. In all,
merged districts of erstwhile FATA. As in terrorist attacks were recorded in 17
the year before, a total of 125 terrorist districts of KP.
attacks happened in the province, which
claimed 145 lives, a decrease of 26 Table 1: Terrorist Attacks in KP in
percent from the previous year, and 2019
inflicted injuries on another 249 people.
District Attacks Killed Injured
Among those killed in terrorist attacks in
Bajaur 11 8 14
KP were 90 security personnel – 47 army
Bannu 7 7 2
soldiers, 25 policemen, 12 FC men and 6
Buner 1 1 0
Levies – and 46 civilians, besides 9
Chitral 1 1 0
militants. Those injured in these attacks
D.I Khan 14 28 51
included 136 civilians, and 113 officials of
Hangu 2 0 0
security and law enforcement agencies.
Karak 1 1 5
The TTP, Hizbul Ahrar, local Taliban and Khyber 4 3 4
other groups with similar objectives Lakki 4 5 4
perpetrated 124 of the total reported Marwat
attacks, while one attack was sectarian- Lower Dir 2 3 3
related. Besides carrying out one suicide Mohmand 5 4 4
blast, militants employed different other North 53 57 93
attack tactics to hit their targets in KP Waziristan
including 71 IEDs blasts, 48 incidents of Nowshera 1 2 4
firing, 2 hand grenades, 2 rocket strikes, Peshawar 6 3 24
and one gun and bomb attack. South 5 7 10
Waziristan
In 2019, North Waziristan reemerged as a
Tank 6 10 11
major flashpoint of insecurity and militant
Upper Dir 2 5 20
violence where 53 terrorist attacks took
Total 125 145 249
place, or over 42 percent of the total
reported attacks from KP, which killed 57 Compared to past years, a fewer number
people and injured 93 others. Two other of intensive or high-impact terrorist attacks
KP districts where more than 10 attacks were reported from the province in 2019.
happened in the year included DI Khan (14 Indeed, only 5 terrorist attacks were
attacks) and Bajaur (11 attacks) districts. recorded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2019
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

in which 4 or more people were killed. which claimed in all 97 lives. Meanwhile 25
These included an attack on a police patrol attacks apparently targeted civilians,
party in DI Khan in February (4 policemen another 9 hit pro-government tribesmen or
were killed); the attack on officers and peace committee members, and 5 attacks
soldiers of the Quick Response Force in each targeted political leaders and polio
North Waziristan in June (4 soldiers killed); vaccination workers. Other sporadic
the attack against Trauma Centre of the targets hit by terrorist in KP in 2019 are
district headquarters hospital in DI Khan in given in the table below.
July (4 policemen, 4 civilians killed); an
attack on border patrol in North Waziristan Table 1a: Targets Hit by Militants in
in July (6 soldiers killed); and militants’ KP in 2019
ambush against the vehicle of an oil

Injured
exploration company in Spinwam area of

Killed
No. of
Targets
North Waziristan in September (4 civilians, Attacks
2 FC men killed).
Security forces/law 69 97 149
enforcement
Apart from 125 terrorist attacks cited Education/institution 2 2 4
earlier, 15 operational strikes by the s/teachers
Tribal elders 1 0 3
security forces and 12 armed Civilians 25 11 51
clashes/encounters between security Shia religious 2 2 1
forces and militants were also recorded in scholars/community
Political 5 3 5
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Furthermore, 5 leaders/workers
incidents of ethnic/political violence, and 4 Unspecific target 1 0 0
Health/polio workers, 5 7 0
cross-border attacks took place in parts of security escorts
KP from Afghanistan, mostly by Pakistani Pro-Govt 9 12 27
Taliban militants sheltered there. On the tribesmen/peace
committee members
whole, 170 reported incidents of violence Judges/lawyers/court 1 0 2
of various types killed 216 people in KP s
Former militants 1 1 0
and wounded 301 others.
Member of banned 1 2 0
groups
Significant casualties among security Development, 2 8 6
personnel were caused by militants’ exploration projects,
companies, workers
frequent attacks against them in parts of NATO/US supply 1 0 1
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. As many as 69 vehicles
Total 125 145 249
terrorist attacks in the province, or 55
percent of the total reported attacks, hit Some frequently hit targets in KP in 2019
personnel, convoys and posts of the are described below.
security and law enforcement agencies,

36
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

2.1.1 Attacks on Security Forces/ Law police station. The police officer
Enforcement Agencies leading the patrol, SHO Tahir Nawaz,
was wounded in the attack while two
As cited earlier, 69 terrorist attacks in passersby also sustained injuries.20
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hit security and law − April 27: Three personnel of the Levies
enforcement agencies, including 38 in force were martyred and one more
North Waziristan alone and 11 in DI Khan. sustained injuries in a blast targeting a
These attacks killed 97 people including 83 Levies post in the Malik Shahi area in
personnel of security and law enforcement Shewa tehsil in North Waziristan.21
agencies, 6 militants and 8 civilians, and − May 6: Militants ambushed a patrolling
wounded 149 others including 108 security party of security forces in Manzarkhel
personnel and 41 civilians. area of North Waziristan killing 3 army
personnel and wounding 5 others.22
The attacks against security forces were
− June 7: The officers and soldiers of the
recorded in 14 districts of Khyber
Quick Response Force were on routine
Pakhtunkhwa province. The TTP, Hizbul
patrol in Dattakhel tehsil when an IED
Ahrar and local Taliban groups with similar
went off. A lieutenant colonel, a major,
objectives were mainly found involved in
a captain and a lance havaldar were
these attacks.
martyred, while four other personnel
After North Waziristan and DI Khan, where suffered injuries. The vehicle of the
a combined total of 49 attacks hit security security forces was badly damaged.23
and law enforcement personnel, four such − June 12: Two FC men and a passerby
attacks happened in each of South lost their lives and two FC soldiers
Waziristan, 3 in Tank and 2 attacks each in were injured in a remote controlled
Peshawar and Lakki Marwat. In another 8 bomb blast in tehsil Ladha of South
other KP districts, at least one attack Waziristan.24
targeted security personnel. − July 21: Reportedly a woman suicide
bomber in a black shuttlecock burqa
Some of the attacks against security forces exploded her vest near the entrance of
and law enforcers reported from KP in Trauma Centre of the district
2019 are narrated below: headquarters hospital in DI Khan when
the bodies of two policemen killed
− February 12: Four police officials,
earlier in an attack were brought
Sepoy Mehrban, Sepoy Asif, Sepoy
there. Eight people including 4
Sarfaraz, and Sepoy Javed, were shot
policemen and four civilians, including
dead in DI Khan. Their patrol van was
a minor girl, were killed and 30 others
attacked when it stopped at a gas
station in the jurisdiction of Parovah

37
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

wounded in the suicide bombing, Highest number of attacks against civilians

claimed by the TTP Khorasani group.25 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa happened in North
− July 27: Six Pakistan Army personnel Waziristan (11 attacks). Three such
were martyred when Pakistani Taliban attacks took place in Mohmand, and two
terrorists from across the Pak-Afghan attacks each happened in Bannu, DI Khan,
border opened fire on the soldiers and Peshawar. The TTP and local Taliban
patrolling the border Gurbaz area of groups were reportedly involved in these
North Waziristan tribal district. The attacks hitting civilians. As many as 23 of
Tehreek Taliban Pakistan (TTP) these attacks on civilians employed IEDs
claimed responsibility for the attack.26 of different types, and another 2 attacks
− August 2: Terrorists opened fire on a made use of hand grenades and firing.
patrolling party in Razmak, in North
Waziristan, in which three soldiers Most of the attacks against civilians were
were martyred.27 of low intensity, as indicated by relatively
− November 5: Militants opened fire on fewer consequent fatalities. Indeed, 8 out
FC officials traveling in a rickshaw in of the 25 reported attacks against civilians
Bachaabad area of Kulachi tehsil of DI in KP caused one or more deaths, and the
Khan district. Two FC men and a rest of attacks resulted in injuries only.
civilian were killed and two others
2.1.3 Attacks on Pro-Government
were injured in the attack.28
Elders and Peace Committee
− November 12: Three soldiers of the
members
Pakistan Army were martyred in an
improvised explosive device (IED) As many as nine terrorist attacks in KP
blast in North Waziristan tribal district. targeted pro-government tribesmen or
The martyred soldiers were a part of peace committee members, which claimed
the army's patrolling team and were 12 lives and injured 25 others. Two of
identified as Sepoy Sajid, Sepoy these attacks happened in each of Bajaur,
Riyasat and Sepoy Babar.29 Tank and North Waziristan districts, while
one such attack took place in each of
2.1.2 Attacks on Civilians
Khyber, Mohmand, and Upper Dir districts.
Two less from such attacks in 2018, as The TTP, Lashkar-e-Islam and Hizbul Ahrar
many as 25 terrorist attacks apparently groups perpetrated these attacks.
targeted civilians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
during the year under review. Reported Worst of these attacks happened in Upper
from 10 districts of the province, these Dir where four members of the former
attacks claimed the lives of 11 civilians and Hayagaye Aman Lashkar were killed and
inflicted injuries on another 51 people. 20 others injured when their vehicle was

38
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

hit by a roadside remote-controlled bomb 2.1.5 Attacks on Polio Vaccination

in the Gomadand area. Victims had been and Development Workers
receiving threats from militants for past
several years. 30 Some other pro- As many as 15 people lost their lives and 6
government tribal elders who were killed others were injured in 7 terrorist attacks
in these attacks included Malik Mir Alam, that targeted polio vaccinators and their
head of Bara Peace Committee, in Khyber; security escorts as well as development
tribal elder Abbas Khan in North workers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2019.
Waziristan; a former member of a local These attacks took place in Bajaur, Bannu,
peace committee Umar Said in Mohmand; Buner, Lower Dir and North Waziristan
and member of a former peace committee districts. The TTP and local Taliban groups
Malik Gul Dad Khan, a tribal elder Malik were allegedly involved in these attacks,
Nadir Khan in Bajaur, and head of a which are described below:
former peace committee in Tank,
− April 11: Two workers of an oil
Turkestan Bhattani.
exploration company were killed and
2.1.4 Attacks on Political Leaders and two others, including a driver, were
Workers wounded in Speen Wam area of North
Waziristan tribal district. The attack
Compared to 11 in 2018, as many as 5 was carried out in Chota Datakhel area
terrorists attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa near Afghan border.33
targeted political leaders and workers, − April 23: Assistant sub-inspector police
which killed 3 people and injured 5 others. Imran Khan was doing his duty to
Hizbul Ahrar, Jamaatul Ahrar and TTP protect polio vaccination campaign in
were involved in these attacks. In one of Bannu when militants on a motorcycle
these attacks, Sartaj Khan, president of shot him dead and fled.34
the Awami National Party Peshawar city − April 24: Attackers shot dead police
chapter, was in his vehicle behind the constable Zafar Ali Khan in the Ghalo
Gulbahar police station, Peshawar, when Tangay area of Buner when he was
attackers opened fire, killing him on the accompanying a polio team.35
spot. He was also a member of the − May 5: Abdullah Jan, associated with
Peshawar District Council. The ANP leaders the World Health Organisation (WHO)
termed it a targeted killing.31Separately in as union council polio officer, was
Bajaur, militants shot dead Mian Gul Jan, going home on a motorbike when
senior vice-president of Pakistan People unidentified assailants shot him dead
Party (PPP), Bajaur chapter.32 in the Thani area, some 20 kilometres
from Khar, the headquarters of Bajaur
tribal district.36

39
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

− September 24: Militants ambushed 2.2 Balochistan

and opened fire at the vehicle of an oil
exploration company in Spinwam area Though Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faced the
of North Waziristan. As a result, four highest number of attacks than any other
employees of Mari Petroleum region of the country, but in terms of
Production Company, and two FC men terrorism-related casualties Balochistan
lost their lives, while 4 soldiers was the most affected region in 2019. As
suffered injuries.37 many as 171 people were killed – about 48
− December 9: Militants shot dead a lady percent of the total 357 people killed in
polio worker traveling in a rickshaw in terrorist attacks across Pakistan – and 436
Bannu; the rickshaw driver was also others were injured in 84 reported attacks
killed in the firing. The militants from the province. The reported 84
managed to escape.38 terrorist attacks from Balochistan,
− December 18: Two policemen however, represented a 27 percent decline
escorting a polio vaccination team from such attacks in the province in the
were martyred when armed men year before, and the consequent fatalities
opened fire on them at Markhanai also posted a 52 percent decrease from
Bridge within the jurisdiction of Lal previous year.
Qila police station in Temegara, Lower
Those killed in terrorist attacks in
Dir. Those killed were identified as
Balochistan in 2019 were 95 civilians –
Farmanullah of Toormang and
compared to 237 civilians killed in such
Mukkaram Khan of Sangolai. 39
attacks in the province in 2018 – and 56
personnel of security and law
A sectarian-related targeted attack also
enforcement agencies – as compared to
took place in KP in 2019. Reportedly, two
91 in the year before – besides 20
motorcycles arrived at an electrician shop
militants.
in Landa Adda and opened fire on Imdad
Hussain Baloch, a resident of Hazara Different Baloch insurgent groups, mainly
Kacha, leaving him dead on the spot. From the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA),
there, the assailants went to a clinic of Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), BRAS –
Sajjad Hussain Baloch, a homeopathic a newly established alliance of Baloch
doctor, and fired at him, leaving him insurgent groups mainly including BLA,
injured. Reportedly, six family members of BLF and Baloch Republican Guard (BRG) –
the slain, Imdad Hussain, had already Lashkar-e-Balochistan and Baloch
been targeted and killed.40 Republican Army (BRA), etc., perpetrated
51 attacks killing 71 people and wounding
162 others. Religiously inspired militant

40
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

groups such as the TTP, Hizbul Ahrar, District Attacks Killed Injured
ISIS-affiliates and some other similar Quetta 22 56 209
unknown militants were reportedly Sibi 1 0 0
Washuk 2 4 4
involved in as many as 26 attacks that
Ziarat 3 11 13
caused death to 69 people and injuries to Total 84 171 436
another 197 people. Meanwhile, seven (7)
sectarian-related attacks claimed 31 lives, In addition to the terrorist attacks listed at
mostly of Hazara Shias, and wounded 77 Table 3, multiple violent incidents of other
others. types also took place in Balochistan in
2019. These included 11 operational
Terrorist attacks happened in 20 districts of strikes against militants, 6
Balochistan including 22 attacks from clashes/encounters between security
provincial capital Quetta alone, nine (9) forces and militants, and 4 major terror
from Kech, eight (8) from Qilla Abdullah, bids, among others. On the whole, 106
mainly Chaman, six (6) from Loralai, and incidents of violence of different types
five (5) attacks each from Dera Bugti, happened in the province, which claimed
Nasirabad, and Panjgur. Two attacks in 225 lives and injured 456 others.
Gwadar caused 22 deaths, and three (3)
reported attacks from Ziarat claimed 11 Meanwhile, though the reported 84
lives. terrorist attacks in Balochistan hit diverse
targets, as many as 42, or over 50
Table 2: Terrorist Attacks in percent, targeted security forces and law
Balochistan in 2019 enforcement agencies. As many as 10
attacks apparently targeted civilians, and
District Attacks Killed Injured
another 7 attacks hit sectarian targets.
Dera Bugti 5 1 8
Duki 1 1 0
(See Table 2a)
Gwadar 2 22 6
Harnai 3 7 1 Table 2a: Targets Hit by Terrorists in
Jafarabad 2 1 0 Balochistan in 2019
Kech 9 9 24
Kharan 1 0 3
Injured
Killed

Khuzdar 1 4 0 No. of
Targets
Lasbela 1 0 3 Attacks
Loralai 6 28 33
Mastung 3 2 3 Security forces/law 42 85 169
Nasirabad 5 8 61 enforcement
Panjgur 5 6 23 Non-Bloch settlers/ 1 3 1
Pishin 3 1 12 workers
Qilla Abdullah 8 9 33 Gas pipelines 2 0 0
Qilla Saifullah 1 1 0 Tribal elders 1 3 0

41
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Quetta (8 attacks). Meanwhile Baloch

Injured
Killed
No. of
Targets insurgents targeted each of Dera Bugti,
Attacks
Nasirabad, and Panjgur districts with 5
Civilians 10 18 57 attacks. Two reported attacks by BLA and
Shia religious 5 26 71 BRAS claimed 22 lives in Gwadar, highest
scholars/community
casualties in such attacks reported from
Worship places/ 2 9 53
shrines/ imam bargahs
any one district of Balochistan.
Govt. offices/public 1 0 10
property (hospitals, The attack tactics employed by the Baloch
banks etc.) insurgents included 29 IEDs blasts, 19
Sunni religious 2 3 2 incidents of firing or targeted killing, 2
leaders/community
grenade attacks, and one rocket attack.
Political 4 8 14
leaders/workers
Out of total 51 attacks perpetrated by
NGO / civil society 1 2 0
members Baloch insurgents, as many as 28, or 55
Foreign interests/ 1 0 0 percent, targeted security and law-
Diplomats/Foreigners enforcement personnel, their convoys and
Unknown 2 3 1
check-posts. These attacks killed 37
Media/journalists 2 0 3
Health/polio workers, 1 1 1
people – 17 FC men, 11 army soldiers, one
security escorts policemen, one Levies personnel, as well
Pro-govt tribesmen/ 2 1 20 as 4 civilians and 3 militants – and injured
peace committee 74 others. These attacks were reported
members
from 11 districts of Balochistan with 8 such
Bohra community 1 3 4
Former militants 1 2 0 attacks from Kech, 5 from Quetta, 4 from
Railway tracks / trains 3 4 30 Panjgur, and 3 from Mastung.
Total 84 171 436
Some relatively more intense attacks by
2.2.1 Attacks by Baloch Insurgents the Baloch insurgents – mainly by BLF,
Compared to 74 in the year before, BRAS, BLA, BRA, and Lashkar-e-
different Baloch insurgent groups carried Balochistan – against security forces in the
out 51 terrorist attacks in 16 districts of year 2019 are listed below:
Balochistan in 2019. These attacks killed
− February 17: Four FC men were killed
71 people – compared to 85 in 2017 – and
in an ambush by BLF militants in
injured 162 others.
Goran area of Panjgur district.
As in the previous year, Kech faced the Apparently Baloch militants launched
highest number of Baloch insurgents’ the attack during shifting of FC men
attacks (9), followed by provincial capital between two pickets established in the

42
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

mountainous area. The militants took Balochistan troops were carrying out a
away weapons of deceased FC men combing and sensitisation operation
also.41 between Hoshab and Turbat area.45
− April 18: At least 14 people, including − November 15: Terrorists parked an
11 personnel of Navy, Air Force and explosives-laden motorcycle at the
Coast Guards, were killed by gunmen roadside in the Kuchlak Bypass area of
wearing security uniforms after they Quetta and detonated it with a
were picked up with the help of their remote control when an FC vehicle
Computerized National Identity Cards was passing through the area. Three
(CNICs) and offloaded from seven FC men were killed and four others
buses in the Buzi Pass area near seriously injured in the blast.46
Ormara in Gwadar district. An alliance
of three banned militant organisations, Baloch insurgent groups apparently also
the Balochistan Liberation Front, targeted civilians in 6 attacks that caused
Balochistan Republican Army and 14 deaths and inflicted injuries on another
Baloch Republican Guard, claimed 31 people. Few of these attacks caused
responsibility for the killings.42 significant casualties. For one, on March
− April 22: At least 12 people, including 14th, two people were killed and 11 others
two officials of the Counter Terrorism injured in a bomb blast in the busy
Department (CTD), were injured in a Cheetkan Bazaar in Panjgur, reportedly
bomb explosion in Nasirabad district. carried out by the BLA. Those killed were
The explosive device was planted in a burnt to death, as they were sitting in a
motorcycle parked at a bus stand on car, which caught fire after the blast. Most
Quetta-Karachi National Highway, of the injured were passers-by.47 Later, on
which was detonated when a vehicle May 11th, militants wearing uniforms of
of CTD reached there.43 security forces stormed the Pearl
− May 9: An FC vehicle was targeted Continental Hotel in Gwadar. The Army
with a landmine that killed two FC men announced on May 12th a successful
and one civilian. Security forces completion of the clearance operation
personnel were going to investigate an saying four hotel employees and a Navy
incident of target killing of laborers in soldier embraced martyrdom while all
a coalmine in Harnai.44 three attackers were eliminated. The
− July 27: Four Frontier Corps personnel, banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)
including an officer, were martyred Majeed Brigade claimed responsibility for
when terrorists opened fire on them the attack and named the militants
near Turbat. According to the ISPR, involved in it. The building of the hotel
the attack took place when the FC was badly damaged due to overnight

43
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

explosions and rocket fire; 4th floor has a recent terrorist attack on Frontier Corps
been destroyed.48 (FC) training centre when armed men
riding a motorcycle opened fire on his
Meanwhile a combined total of 5 attacks vehicle.53
by Baloch insurgents targeted political
leaders and pro-government tribesmen or In all, 5 attacks by Baloch militants
peace committee members. Six people targeted railways tracks/trains and gas
were killed and 23 others in these attacks. pipelines. In one of these attacks reported
On February 24th, militants targeted the from Nasirabad district on March 17th,
clinic of Dr Ishaq, provincial member of a four passengers of Quetta-bound Jaffar
peace committee, with a bomb that was Express, including a woman and her 10-
planted in a motorcycle. The incident year-old daughter, were killed and over 30
happened near Mazdoor Chowk, DM others injured in a bomb blast at a railway
Jamail. One person was killed and 18 track near Dera Murad Jamali. About 10 kg
others were injured in the blast including heavy IED was exploded with a remote
Dr Ishaq. 49 On the same day, allegedly control. The blast damaged 400-foot-long
BLA militants shot dead Haji Akbar Jamali, portion of the track and derailed seven
brother of a Balochistan Awami Party coaches of the passenger train.54
leader Mir Sanjar Khan Jamali, in
Jaffarabad and managed to escape. 50 In a Separately, two brothers were shot dead
major attack reported from Khuzdar, a by unidentified attackers in the Killi Shabo
central leader of Balochistan National Party area of Quetta. The killed were former
Nawabzada Mir Amamullah Khan was Baloch militants, named Daro Khan and
killed along with a grandson and 2 guards Abdul Aziz, who had abandoned militancy
in a targeted attack near Bulbul villager. 51 against the state last year by surrendering
their weapons to security forces.55
Baloch militants also targeted non-Baloch
settlers/workers in one attack in 2.2.2 Attacks by Religiously-inspired
Nasirabad. Reportedly, three laborers were Militants
gunned down and another suffered injury
The TTP, its splinter group Hizbul Ahrar,
in the Manjoshori area of Nasirabad district
and some other militants with similar
on May 14th. All the victims belonged to
objectives perpetrated 26 attacks in
the Tando Adam area of Sindh. 52 Similarly,
Balochistan, compared to 35 attacks by
a social worker and former in-charge of
them in the year before. These attacks
local Edhi Centre, Baz Mohammad, was
killed 69 people, compared to 261 killed in
shot dead with a friend in Mahajir Adha in
such attacks in 2018, and injured 197
Loralai. Mr Mohammad was mobilising the
others. Most of these attacks by so-called
people for taking part in a protest against

44
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

religiously inspired groups concentrated in historically did not remain hotspots of

areas with larger Pashtun populations militancy and thus did not attract attention
including Quetta (9 attacks), Qilla Abdulla’s of security forces.
Chaman area (7), Loralai (4), Pishin (3),
Qilla Saifullah (one attack), besides Some major attacks perpetrated by the
sporadic attacks carried out by TTP and TTP and similar groups against security
others in Ziarat and Duki districts (one forces in Loralai, neighboring Ziarat
attack each). district, as well as the provincial capital
Quetta are narrated below.
Like Baloch militants, the religiously
inspired militant groups also frequently − January 1: Four security personnel
targeted security forces and law were martyred and four others injured
enforcement agencies; 14 attacks hitting while trying to prevent militants from
security personnel killed 48 and injured 95 entering a compound inside a training
others. Four (4) such attacks hit civilians, centre of the Frontier Corps (FC) in the
another two worship places, while sporadic cantonment area of Loralai district.
attacks also targeted tribal elders, Four attackers, including a suicide
government officials, media, political bomber, were also killed in the clash.
leaders and polio vaccination workers. The TTP claimed the attack.56
− January 29: A gun-and-suicide attack
The TTP and related groups hit security on the office of DIG police in Loralai
forces hard in Loralai and Quetta with a killed nine people and injured 21
total of 13 attacks killing 51 people and others. The incident happened when
wounding 155 others. Similarly, a single about 800 candidates were taking a
reported TTP attack from Ziarat against written test. Reportedly, three
security personnel claimed the lives of 6 attackers entered the compound after
Levies officials. Loralai is connected to throwing grenades on gatekeepers
South Punjab on the east and to Khyber and opening fire. When the security
Pakhtunkhwa on the north through some men retaliated, two attackers blew
main national highway arteries. It has thus their suicide vests on the DIG office
three-way connectivity, i.e. to south premises; the third was killed in police
Punjab, KP, and central, Baloch-populated firing. DIG Nisar Tanoli was rescued.57
Balochistan. That implies that Baloch The TTP was involved in the attack.
insurgents as well as Taliban and other − February 16: TTP militants opened fire
religiously inspired groups could expand on security forces in Loralai killing 2
their outreach to Loralai fairly easily. That FC officials Allauddin and Anwar and
also indicates that militants could focus on injuring one passerby Shamsullah.58
those parts of Balochistan, which

45
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

− March 20: The TTP militants armed policemen. Another injured died later
with automatic weapons came on in a hospital in Karachi. The TTP
motorcycles and assaulted a Levies claimed the attack.62
check post on Sanjavi-Loralai Road in
Ziarat. Six Levies personnel manning At least 9 people were killed in two
the check-post were martyred in this separate bomb blasts in mosques in
sudden terrorist attack.59 Quetta, in May and August respectively.
− May 13: Four policemen of Rapid First, on May 24th, four people including
Response Group were martyred and the prayer leader and a minor were killed
11 people including five cops were and 28 others injured in a bomb blast in a
injured in a motorcycle bomb blast in mosque in the Pashtoonabad area of
the Satellite Town area of Quetta. Quetta. The prayer leader Ataur Rehman
The blast targeted a police van that was the apparent target of the bomb
had just arrived to provide security to attack as the timed explosive device
the people offering taraveeh prayers weighing over 2kg was placed under the
at a mosque. The TTP claimed the wooden chair he used for delivering Friday
attack.60 sermon. 63 Later on August 16th, a bomb
− June 26: Three suicide bombers, in an blast inside a mosque in Kuchlak just
attempt to cross the Loralai Police before Friday prayers killed five people,
Lines gate, opened fire on policemen including the prayer leader, and left 25
deployed there and in an ensuing others injured. Locals said the prayer
exchange of fire one of the suicide leader Hafiz Hamdullah, who lost his life in
bombers was killed, while his two the blast, was a younger brother of Afghan
accomplices managed to enter the Taliban leader Mullah Haibatullah. 64 Next
premises. Security forces chased the day, i.e. on August 17th, a prayer leader
two bombers during which another Muhammad Azam was killed in a targeted
bomber detonated his vest while police attack in Kuchlak. He was sitting in a shop
killed the third attacker. The incident when some men opened fire him and fled
left a policeman martyred and five on motorbike. Azam was an Afghan citizen
others, including a woman and two and led prayers at the Usman bin Afaan
police constables, wounded.61 mosque for many years.65
− July 30: Militants planted a bomb in a
Attacks by the militants of the TTP and its
motorcycle, parked it close to the
ilk also targeted civilians, political leaders,
patrolling vehicle of the city police
polio workers, and tribal elders in
station, Quetta and detonated it by
Balochistan. In one of these attacks, a
remote control. Five people died and
veteran tribal leader Wali Mohammad
32 others were injured including 4
Ghebzai aka Pehalwan was travelling with

46
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

his two companions when an explosion hit targeted Hazara Shia community with the
their vehicle in the Gulistan area of Qilla exception of one attack against each of
Abdullah. All three were killed in the the Sunni and Bohra community members.
blast. 66 In Quetta, two people were killed Details on sectarian-related attacks
on the spot and 19 others were injured reported from Balochistan are given
including 4 children in a blast reportedly below:
carried out by the TTP militants; one of
the injured later died in hospital. Terrorists − March 26: Gunmen on motorbikes
had planted an explosive device on a attacked Balochistan University
bicycle and parked it in front of a medical Superintendent Syed Hussain Shah
store and later detonated the bicycle with near Quetta’s Sariab bridge while he
a remote control. 67 Separately, a senior was on his way to the university. Shah
leader of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) subscribed to Shia sect of Islam and a
Maulana Mohammad Hanif and two others police officer said it was an incident of
including a young boy were killed and at target killing.70
least 11 others were injured when a − March 31: Unknown militants entered
motorbike bomb explosion ripped through the hujra of Masjid-i-Nabvi in Quetta's
the main bazaar of Chaman, a border town Goharabad area and opened
in Qilla Abdullah. 68 In another attack indiscriminate fire, killing prayer leader
reported from Chaman, a woman polio Maulana Abdul Hayee Mengal and
worker was killed and another injured in Abdul Aziz Sasoli. Two other people
an attack in the Killi Sultanzai area of suffered serious injuries.71
Daman Miralizai Union Council, near the − April 12: At least 20 people were killed
Afghan border. Reportedly, the polio team and around 48 injured in a suicide
was neither accompanied by any security blast in Hazarganji fruit and vegetable
guard nor was provided official transport.69 market in an area largely populated by
Hazaras. Eight Hazara community
2.2.3 Sectarian-related Attacks members, an FC official and two
children were among the dead. Qari
As many as 7 sectarian-related attacks Hussain Force, an affiliate of Tehreek-
were also reported from Balochistan in e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), later claimed
2019, compared to 6 such attacks in the responsibility and said they carried out
previous year. These attacks killed 31 the attack jointly with Lashkar-e-
people, as compared to 8 in the year Jhangvi (LeJ). Qari Saifullah, a
before, and injured 77 others. spokesman of LeJ, told CNN that they
perpetrated the attack targeting
All these attacks concentrated in Quetta
Hazara community. Later, Islamic
and Ziarat districts only and mostly

47
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

State (IS) group, also known as ISIS interior Sindh – which killed a total of 18
or Daesh, also claimed the attack and people and injured 2 others. Six of these
released the bomber's photo.72 attacks were sectarian-related targeted
− May 30: A suspected would-be suicide killings of Sunni and Shia leaders and
bomber wearing a lady’s dress tried to community members, all of which were
enter an imam bargah in Quetta. At reported from Karachi. Meanwhile some
being stopped by the policemen, he unknown militants, apparently religiously
hurled a grenade at the security inspired, carried out 4 attacks killing 8
personnel injuring a policeman. The people and injuring 2 others. Sindhi
other policemen at the gate opened nationalist groups Sindhudesh Liberation
fire on the suspect, injuring him, who Army (SDLA), Sindhudesh Revolution Army
later died of his injuries.73 (SDRA) and a Baloch insurgent group BLA
− June 7: A group of Shia Hazara were involved in another 4 attacks
community was returning to Quetta reported from Sindh, which claimed four
from Ziarat when explosives planted in (4) lives.
their van went off near the Kawas
area. Two persons were killed and 9 Out of the total 14 reported attacks from
injured. 74 On the same day, a blast Sindh, 7 targeted Shia and Sunni religious
took place in a vehicle in which some leaders and community members, another
members of the Bohra community 3 attacks each hit security forces/law
belonging to Karachi were going to enforcement personnel and civilians, and
Ziarat to spend their holidays there. one attack hit one unspecified target.
Three members of a family were killed
As many as 11 out of the total 14 reported
in the blast and 4 others were
attacks from Sindh employed firing or
injured.75
direct infantry fire, and 3 attacks used
− August 6: A Hazara shopkeeper was
IEDs of different types.
killed and 13 others were wounded in
a bomb explosion in a shoe market Table 3: Terrorist Attacks in Sindh in
near busy Meezan Chowk, Quetta. The 2019
roof of the shop, where the blast
No. of
occurred, was shattered and around a Types of Attacks Killed Injured
Attacks
dozen shops were damaged.76 By nationalist
4 4 0
insurgents
2.3 Sindh By Taliban and
4 8 2
similar militants
Compared to 12 in the year before, 14 Terrorist attacks
6 6 0
terrorist attacks happened in Sindh [sectarian-related]
Total 14 18 2
province – 10 in Karachi alone and 4 in

48
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Regional distribution of terrorist attacks in Two sectarian-related attacks in Karachi

Sindh in the year 2019 is given at Table separately target killed two Sunni Muslims
3a. including Muhammad Umar, a former
associate of Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan
Table 3a: Regional Distribution of (SSP) and Nadeem Yasin, an office-bearer
Terrorist Attacks in Sindh of the SSP in Liaquatabad area.

No. of Separately, Renowned Islamic Scholar

Location Killed Injured
Attacks
Mufti Taqi Usmani and his family survived
Hyderabad 1 0 0
Karachi 10 14 2
a gun attack on two cars that left a police
Kashmore 1 1 0 guard and a driver dead and two others
Larkana 1 3 0 wounded in Gulshan-i-Iqbal area of
Nawabshah 1 0 0 Karachi. The Mufti survived the
Total 14 18 2
assassination attempt as he was sitting on
the back seat of the car along with his
2.3.1 Karachi
family members. One of the injured Mufti
Out of 10 reported attacks from Karachi, Amir Shahab died on April 3 in Jinnah
which represented an increase of 11 Hospital.77
percent from the year before, as many as
Meanwhile, two terrorist attacks in Karachi
6 were incidents of sectarian target
targeted police officials causing deaths to
killings carried out by factions of violent
3 policemen. First, on March 4th, a police
Sunni and Shia sectarian groups, Lashkar-
assistant sub-inspector Rizwan Karim was
e-Jhangvi and Sipah-e-Muhammad,
shot dead in a suspected targeted attack
respectively. Unknown religiously inspired
in Orangi Town area of Karachi. He had
militants perpetrated 4 attacks that
survived an attempt on his life in 2012. 78
claimed 8 lives and wounded two others.
Later in June, two policemen of the Sindh
Four of the sectarian-related terrorist Reserve Police (SRP), Ahmed Ali, 40, and
attacks targeted Shia religious community Allah Dino, 39, were gunned down in a
and were apparently perpetrated by targeted attack in Orangi Town. After an
banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. These attacks investigation of over 2 weeks, police said
claimed the lives of Fida Hussain, 55, a that two LeJ militants, who had escaped
Shia Muslim hailing from Gilgit; from prison in 2017, were involved in the
Mohammad Ali Shah, an official of the killing. The suspects were identified as
Karachi Development Authority and the Mumtaz alias Firoun and Ahmed Khan alias
Shia Ulema Council’s vice-president; A Munna.79
young man Wajahat Abbas; and Dr Haider
Askari, 58, a cardiac specialist.

49
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

In an apparent attack against civilians, two 2.3.3 Ethno-Political Violence in

men were killed and another was critically Karachi
wounded when two men on a motorcycle
opened indiscriminate fire on people on a There has been a steep downturn in the
roadside teashop in Gulistan-i-Jauhar. incidents of ethnic/political violence in
Police termed it a terrorist attack aimed at Karachi since 2013 when the Rangers-led
creating fear.80 security operation started there. Since
2016 this type of violence has almost
2.3.2 Interior Sindh become negligible when compared to the
preceding years. In 2019, 3 incidents of
Compared to 3 in previous year, as many political violence claimed 4 lives in the
as 4 terrorist attacks took place in interior city. Those killed in these incidents
parts of Sindh including Hyderabad, included a worker of Muttahida Qaumi
Kashmore, Larkana and Nawabshah. While Movement – Pakistan’s (MQM-P); two
the Baloch insurgent group BLA reportedly workers of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-
perpetrated the attack in Kashmore, Sindhi Insaf (PTI); and a leader of the Pak
nationalist insurgent groups Sindhudesh Sarzameen Party (PSP), Abdul Habib.
Revolutionary Army and Sindhudesh
Liberation Army were found involved in Chart 1: Trends of Ethno-political
other three attacks. In all, 4 people lost Violence in Karachi (2013-19)
their lives in these attacks, including 3 in
Larkana alone. Reportedly, 3 laborers Incidents Killed
hailing from Bajaur in KP were killed when
unknown militants opened fire on a 222
rickshaw they were traveling in. The 183
incident happened near Naudero Sugar
Mills at Sukkur-Larkana Bypass. 81 In 101
Kashmore, an FC official Waqas lost his life 67
in a landmine blast. As cited earlier, the 26
23 3 5 4
5 1 5 3
Baloch insurgent groups are usually 1
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
involved in attacks in Kashmore district of
Sindh that borders on Sui and Dera Bugti
areas of Balochistan. 82 The reported 2.4 Punjab
attacks from Nawabshah and Hyderabad
One more than previous year, 5 terrorist
were low intensity IED blasts that did not
attacks took place in Punjab including two
cause any casualty; both these attacks
2 in Lahore, one in Rawalpindi, and 2 in
apparently targeted civilians.
south Punjab’s Rahim Yar Khan and

50
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Rajanpur districts. As many as 21 people which damaged a section of the

lost their lives, compared to 20 in the year pipeline thus disrupting the supply. 83
before, and 41 others were injured in The BRA was reportedly behind the
these attacks. attack.
− February 21: One police official was
Hizbul Ahrar, a splinter group of the TTP, killed and another four officials,
perpetrated 3 of these attacks in Lahore including two sub-inspectors, as well
and Rawalpindi killing 8 policemen and 7 as 2 civilians were injured when a
civilians. Baloch insurgent groups BLA and young militant having pistols in his
BRA were reportedly involved in two both hands opened fire at a check post
attacks reported from south Punjab, which in Sadiqabad area of Rawalpindi.
claimed 5 lives. The attacker was on foot and
managed to escape after the attack.
Three of the total 5 reported attacks from
Hizbul Ahrar was involved in the
Punjab targeted security and law
attack. Another injured policeman died
enforcement personnel, including a suicide
later in hospital on March 1st, raising
blast in Lahore that hit an Elite Police
the death toll to 2. On March 15,
vehicle. One attack hit a gas pipeline and
another injured policeman, sub-
another one targeted civilians.
inspector Akram, also died.84
Table 4: Terrorist Attacks in Punjab in − May 8: A suicide bomber blew himself
2019 up near an Elite Police van at a gate of
Data Darbar shrine in Lahore, leaving
District Attacks Killed Injured 11 people dead including the bomber
Lahore 2 13 37 and 25 others wounded; five police
Rahim Yar 1 0 0
officials were among those killed. Two
Khan
Rajanpur 1 5 0
of those injured later died in hospital
Rawalpindi 1 3 4 raising the death toll to 13. Hizbul
Total 5 21 41 Ahrar claimed the attack.85
− November 11: A joint team of police
Details on these attacks are provided and security forces was moving
below: towards an area in Rojhan, Rajanpur
to launch an anti-militant operation
− January 8: A Karachi-Islamabad re-
when militants sitting in ambush
gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG)
opened fire on it. As a result, ASI
pipeline was targeted in a timed
Saqlain Shah and constable Alamdar
explosive device in Rahim Yar Khan.
Shah of the Elite Force were killed
The explosives were planted in the
pipeline at Bhong Road in Sadiqabad,

51
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

along with 3 others. 86 The BLA was (KP) – which targeted security forces
allegedly involved in the attack. causing the death of a total of 21 people
− November 29: Fourteen people were including 10 civilians, seven (7) policemen
injured when a bomb exploded in a and four (4) suicide bombers. The Islamic
stationary rickshaw near Chauburji on State (IS) terrorist group claimed one
Multan Road, Lahore. The attack sectarian-related suicide attack that
came a day after the Anti-Terrorism targeted Hazara community in Quetta
Court sentenced the main facilitator in killing 21 people, including the bomber,
Data Darbar’s suicide bombing in May and wounding 48 others. Meanwhile a
to death. Hizbul Ahrar claimed the suicide bomber associated with Hizbul
attack, which had also perpetrated the Ahrar targeted a police van in Lahore that
May blast.87 caused 13 fatalities – 5 policemen, 7
civilians and one bomber – and injuries to
2.5 Islamabad 23 others.

In a single reported terrorist attack from Those killed in suicide attacks in 2019
Islamabad in 2019, two policemen were included 36 civilians, 12 policemen, and
killed and another injured in an attack on a one FC man, as well as 6 militants
security picket. The incident took place including suicide bombers. Those injured
near the old toll plaza on I.J. Principal included 107 civilians, and 15 policemen.
Road, Islamabad where a team of police
officials was deployed to scan suspicious Table 5: Suicide Attacks in Pakistan
vehicles.88 in 2019

2.6 Suicide Attacks District Attacks Killed Injured

Lahore 1 13 23
The number of suicide attacks posted a 79 Punjab Total 1 13 23
Loralai 1 12 21
percent decline from previous year.
Quetta 1 21 48
Compared to 19 suicide attacks in 2018, as
Balochistan 2 33 69
many as four (4) such attacks happened in Total
2019 – two in Balochistan and one each in D.I Khan 1 9 30
KP Total 1 9 30
Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These
Pakistan 4 55 122
attacks claimed 55 lives – compared to Total
317 in 2018 – and injured 122 others.
These suicide blasts are re-narrated below,
The TTP was involved in two of these despite their description in respective
attacks – the one reported from Loralai sections on regional security landscapes.
(Balochistan) and another from DI Khan

52
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

− January 29: A gun-and-suicide attack raising the death toll to 13. Hizbul
on the office of DIG police in Loralai Ahrar claimed the attack.91
killed nine people and injured 21 − July 21: Reportedly a woman suicide
others. The incident happened when bomber in a black shuttlecock burqa
about 800 candidates were taking a exploded her vest near the entrance of
written test. Reportedly, three Trauma Centre of the district
attackers entered the compound after headquarters hospital in DI Khan
throwing grenades on gatekeepers when the bodies of two policemen
and opening fire. When the security killed earlier in an attack were brought
men retaliated, two attackers blew there. Eight people including 4
their suicide vests on the DIG office policemen and four civilians, including
premises; the third was killed in police a minor girl, were killed and 30 others
firing. DIG Nisar Tanoli was rescued.89 wounded in the suicide bombing,
− April 12: At least 20 people were killed claimed by the TTP Khorasani group.92
and around 48 injured in a suicide
blast in Hazarganji fruit and vegetable 2.7 Sectarian Violence
market of Quetta. Eight Hazara
Two more from previous year, 14
community members, an FC official
incidents of sectarian violence took place
and two children were among the
in 2019 – all sectarian-related terrorist
dead. Qari Hussain Force, an affiliate
attacks by violent sectarian groups,
of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP),
without any incident of armed sectarian
later claimed responsibility and said
clash between sectarian groups or
they carried out the attack jointly with
communities and individuals. The number
LeJ. Qari Saifullah, a spokesman of
LeJ, told CNN that they perpetrated of people killed in such incidents
decreased by over 25 percent, from 51 in
the attack targeting Hazara
2018 to 38 in 2019.
community. Islamic State group, or
Daesh, also claimed the attack and
Rival Sunni and Shia violent sectarian
released the bomber's photo.90
groups – mainly factions of Lashkar-e-
− May 8: A suicide bomber blew himself Jhangvi and Sipah-e-Muhammad,
up near an Elite Police van at a gate of respectively – as well as ISIS-affiliates
Data Darbar shrine in Lahore, leaving were involved in perpetrating these
11 people dead including the bomber attacks.
and 25 others wounded; five police
officials were among those killed. Two Out of the 14 reported sectarian attacks,
of those injured later died in hospital as many as 10 targeted Shia religious
community and scholars, another 3 Sunni

53
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

community members and leaders while As cited earlier, most of the reported
one attack targeted Bohra community in incidents of sectarian violence were
Ziarat. concentrated in Quetta and Karachi (11
attacks, or over 78 Percent of total such
A combined total of 11 sectarian-related attacks). (See Chart 3)
attacks, or over 78 percent of the total 14
such attacks, happened in Karachi (6 Chart 3: Sectarian Flashpoints in
attacks) and Quetta (5 attacks) alone. A 2019
major sectarian-related suicide attack
targeted Hazara community members in Sectarian-related Attacks Killed Injured
Quetta causing significant casualties (21
deaths; 48 injured). Two sectarian-related
64
attacks were reported form Ziarat in
Balochistan that claimed 5 lives, and one
such attack happened in DI Khan district
40
of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
26
Chart 2: Trends of Sectarian Violence
(2014-2019)
6 6 5

332
Karachi Quetta

285 Injured Most of the sectarian-related attacks in

Killed 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
255
hand grenade blast.
272
162 Balochistan suffered most from sectarian
violence where 7 sectarian-related attacks
106 killed 31 people and injured 77 others.
144 78 Meanwhile, as cited earlier, 6 such attacks
104
74 45 claimed as many lives in Karachi, provincial
58 51 38 capital of Sindh. One sectarian attack
34 20 12 14 claimed one life in DI Khan, in Khyber
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Pakhtunkhwa province.

54
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Table 6: Incidents of Sectarian opened fire on him and fled; Umer later
Violence in 2019 died at a hospital. The deceased had
remained associated with the banned
Province District Attacks Killed Injured Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan. 94 A faction of
Quetta 5 26 64 Shia Sipah-e-Muhammad could be
involved. Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ),
Balochistan

Ziarat 2 5 13
a reported reincarnation of violent Sunni
Balochistan
7 31 77 sectarian group Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan,
Total
later also protested against the killing.
Karachi 6 6 0
Later in the month, on January 22nd,
Sindh

Sindh Total 6 6 0
gunmen riding on a motorcycle killed
Mohammad Ali Shah, an official of the
DI Khan 1 1 1 Karachi Development Authority, while he
Pakhtun
Khyber

was travelling in a car near Shahrah-e-

khwa

KP Total 1 1 1
Quaideen. Shah was also the Shia Ulema
Pakistan Total 14 38 78 Council’s vice-president.95

While the reported sectarian-related On February 2nd, a young shopkeeper

attacks from Balochistan are described at Nadeem Yasin was killed in a suspected
length under the section 2.2.3 of this sectarian attack on the New Preedy Street
report, such attacks recorded in KP and near Saddar Parking Plaza, Karachi. The
Karachi are narrated below. deceased was an office-bearer of the
banned Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan in
In January, 3 sectarian-related attacks Liaquatabad area. 96
In a related attack
happened in Karachi. First, on January 3, reported from the city in March, a young
Fida Hussain, 55, a Shia Muslim hailing man Wajahat Abbas, adhering to Shia sect
from Gilgit was shot dead at his medical of Islam, was shot dead by 2 motorcyclists
store located in Sector 48-D of Korangi-2. in an act of target killing in Orangi Town,
Armed pillion riders attacked him and fled. Karachi. The victim had just come from
A Majlis-i-Wahdatul Muslimeen Italy to attend his brother's wedding.97 In
spokesperson said that it was a sectarian a similar target killing of a Shia Muslim on
killing. 93 A Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (leJ) faction August 30th, Dr. Haider Askari, 58, was
was reportedly involved in the targeted driving home after performing his duties at
assassination. Over a week later, two a government hospital in Korangi when
armed motorcyclists turned up at a shop in two armed motorcyclists shot him injured
Korangi-1 and asked for a bottle of honey. near KDA Market in Block 3. He later died
As the shop owner, Mohammad Umer, 35, in hospital. The Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen
moved back to fetch it, the suspects

55
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

said that Dr Askari, a cardiac specialist, similar groups, while another 3 attacks
was killed on sectarian grounds.98 were perpetrated by Baloch nationalists,
mainly the BLA.
One such attack happened in DI Khan on
July 31st. Reportedly, two motorcycles Similarly, incidents of political and election-
arrived at an electrician shop in Landa related violence among activists and
Adda and opened fire on Imdad Hussain supporters of different parties also
Baloch, a resident of Hazara Kacha, dropped significantly, from 22 in 2018 to 8
leaving him dead on the spot. From there, in 2019.
the assailants went to a clinic of Sajjad
When counted together, 17 reported
Hussain Baloch, a homeopathic doctor,
incidents of violence in 2019 – including
and fired at him, leaving him injured.
terrorist attacks against political
Reportedly, six family members of the
leaders/workers as well as incidents of
slain, Imdad Hussain, had already been
political violence cited earlier – claimed the
targeted and killed.99
lives of 17 people – compared to 229 in
the year before – and injured 26 others.
2.8 Violence against Political
Leaders and Workers Chart 4: Violence against Political
Leaders, Workers in 2019
Compared with the election year of 2018,
there was a significant decline in 2019 both 30
in the number of terrorist attacks against 26
political leaders and workers as well as 25
incidents of political violence largely
directed against members, supporters and 20 19
17 17
leaders of political parties.
15
Compared to 24 such attacks in previous 11
year, as many as 9 terrorist attacks in 10 9
8
7
2019 targeted political leaders and 6
workers, including 5 in Khyber 5
Pakhtunkhwa and 4 in Balochistan. These
attacks claimed the lives of 11 people – 0
Terrorist Attacks Incidents of Total
compared to 218 in 2018 when militants Political &
had hit hard political leaders and other Election-related
Violence
election-related targets – and injured 19
others. Six of these attacks were carried No. of Incidents Killed Injured
out by the TTP, Hizbul Ahrar and other

56
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

2.8.1 Terrorist Attacks on Political Awami National Party (ANP) faced the
Leaders highest number of terrorist attacks (4)
compared to any other party; TTP and
As cited earlier, 9 reported terrorist attacks Hizbul Ahrar groups carried out attacks
in 2019 targeted political leaders and against the party in Bajaur and Peshawar.
workers, claiming 11 lives and injuring 19 Two terrorist attacks targeted leaders of
others. Five such attacks happened in KP Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), which
and 4 in Balochistan. (See Chart 5) currently rules in Balochistan. Leaders of
Balochistan National Party (BNP), Jamiat
Some prominent leaders killed in these Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), and Pakistan
attacks included Haji Akbar Jamali, brother People’s Party (PPP) also came under
of a Balochistan Awami Party leader Mir terrorist attacks in 2019. (See Table7)
Sanjar Khan Jamali, in Jaffarabad; Sartaj
Khan, president of the Awami National Table 7: Distribution of Attacks in
Party Peshawar city chapter in Peshawar; Terms of Targets and Areas
a central leader of Balochistan National
Party Nawabzada Mir Amamullah Khan in No. of Attacks

Geographical

Responsible
Spread of
Khuzdar; a senior leader of the Jamiat

Attacks

Groups
Target

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. ANP 4 KP (Bajaur, TTP, Hizbul
Peshawar); Ahrar,
Chart 5: Terrorist Attacks on Political unknown
Leaders/Workers in 2019 BAP 2 Balochistan BLA
(Jaffarabad,
Kharan);
No. of Attacks Killed Injured BNP- 1 Balochistan Nationalist
M (Khuzdar) insurgents
19 JUI-F 1 Balochistan Unknown
(Chaman) militants
14
PPP 1 KP (Bajaur) Unknown
11
militants
9
8
Total 9 Attacks
5 5
4
3
2.8.2 Political Violence

As cited earlier, the number of incidents of

KP Balochistan Total
political/ethnic violence took a significant

57
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

downward turn, from 22 in 2018 to eight including police inspector Zaheer in Bannu,
(8) in the year under review. The number and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz local
of people killed in these incidents also leader Feroz Shah Advocate in Mingora.
decreased, from 11 in 2018 to six (6) in
2019. Incidents of political and ethnic 2.9 Border Attacks
violence were reported from six (6) districts
With a slight decline of over 2 percent
of the country including three (3) from
Karachi, and one incident each from Bajaur, from the year before, a combined total of
128 cross-border attacks was reported
Bannu, Mansehra, South Waziristan and
from Pakistan’s borders with Afghanistan
Swat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
(4 attacks), India (123) and Iran (one
Those killed in Karachi in such violence attack). Similarly, down by about 18
included: a worker of Muttahida Qaumi percent from 2018, a total of 91 people
Movement – Pakistan’s (MQM-P); two were killed in these attacks; another 245
workers of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e- were also injured. Those 91 Pakistani
Insaf (PTI); and a leader of the Pak citizens killed in cross-border attacks
Sarzameen Party (PSP), Abdul Habib. included 61 civilians, 29 army officials,
and one Rangers personnel.
Table 8: Incidents of Political/
Election-related Violence in Pakistan The situation at Pakistan’s border with
India – mainly along the Line of Control
(LoC) in Azad Kashmir – remained
Incidents

Injured
District
Region

relatively more volatile, particularly after

No. of

Killed

February 26th when Indian military

planes violated the LoC, intruding from
Bajaur 1 0 1 the Muzaffarabad sector and reaching
Bannu 1 1 1 Balakot, where they dropped their
Khyber Mansehra 1 0 4 payload in an open space after a quick
Pakhtunkhwa South response from Pakistan Air Force, and
1 0 0
Waziristan
escaped. Next day, Indian Air Force
Swat 1 1 0
aircraft reportedly entered Pakistani
KP Total 5 2 6 airspace following Pakistani Air Force
Sindh Karachi 3 4 1 strikes across the LoC. According to ISPR
Sindh Total 3 4 1 statement, PAF shot down two Indian
Total (Pakistan) 8 6 7 aircraft inside Pakistani airspace and
arrested one Indian pilot who was later
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, two people lost released as a gesture of peace.
their lives in incidents of political violence

58
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

In 2019, as many as 123 cross-border In March, Pakistani militants based in

attacks were reported form India – Afghanistan targeted a Pakistani security
compared to 109 such attacks in 2018 – post in border town of Loe Shalman
which claimed 85 lives and injured 226 (Khyber). Nobody was hurt on the
others in different districts of AJK as well Pakistani side. The Pakistani border
as along Sialkot Working Boundary. security forces targeted militant positions
with heavy artillery after the incident and
Meanwhile while the single cross-border reportedly damaged 3 hideouts of militants
attack from Iran did not cause any in Afghanistan.100
casualty, 4 reported attacks from
Afghanistan killed 6 army soldiers and In May, Pakistani Taliban militants
injured 19 others in North Waziristan, sheltered in Afghanistan perpetrated a
Upper Dir and Chitral; one such attack major cross-border attack inside North
also happened in Khyber but did not Waziristan. Reportedly, three soldiers of
cause any casualty. the Pakistan Army were martyred and
seven others suffered injuries in the
Table 9: Border Attacks/Clashes in Alwara Mandai area of North Waziristan
2019 tribal district when a group of between 60
Nature of No. of to 70 terrorists from across the Afghan
Killed Injured
Attack Attacks border attacked the troops undertaking
Pak-Afghan the border fencing. A number of attackers
4 6 19
border were killed and wounded while several
Pak-India border 123 85 226 others fled as the Pakistan Army repulsed
Pak-Iran border 1 0 0 the assault.101
Total 128 91 245
Later in the year, in September, militants
2.9.1 Pak-Afghan opened fire from across the Pak-Afghan
border on Pakistani troops busy in fencing
Down 75 percent from previous year, 4
the border. As a result, 3 soldiers were
cross-border attacks took place from
martyred, identified as Lance Naik Said
Afghanistan in multiple districts of Khyber
Amin Afridi, Lance Naik Muhammad Shoaib
Pakhtunkhwa. These attacks claimed 6
Swati, and Sepoy Kashif Ali, while one
lives – all army soldiers – and injured 19
soldier got injured.102
others including 14 army soldiers and 5
civilians. Security forces and their check- In October, Afghan security forces fired
posts, mainly in parts of KP bordering on mortars and heavy machine guns from
Afghanistan, were targeted in all of these Nari district in the Kunar province
attacks. targeting civilian population in Arundu

59
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

village of Chitral. Six soldiers and five Chart 6: Trends of Cross-border

civilians were injured during the ensuing Attacks from India in 2019
exchange of fire at the Pakistan-
Afghanistan border between security Injured
forces of both sides.103 Killed

In a historic move in January 2019, the Cross-border attacks

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.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2.9.2 Pak-India

Out of 123 cross-border attacks by Indian In January, as many as 11 out of the

BSF, 117 concentrated along the LoC in reported 14 cross-border attacks from
11 districts of AJK and one district of KP India happened across the Line of Control
(Mansehra). As many as 6 of these in Bagh, Bhimber, Hattian, Kotli, Neelum
attacks happened in Sialkot along the and Poonch districts of Azad Jammu and
Working Boundary with India. Kotli (33 Kashmir (AJK). Three cross-border attacks
attacks), Bhimber (22), Poonch (16), from India took place in Sialkot district
Haveli (10) and Neelum (10 attacks) were along the Working Boundary. These
the AJK districts most affected by Indian attacks killed, in all, one soldier of Pakistan
cross-border attacks and incursions. army and three civilians. In one of these
attacks, indiscriminate shelling by Indian
Among those 85 Pakistani citizens killed in troops targeted civilian population in
cross-border violence from India were 61 Athmuqam and surrounding hamlets of
civilians, 23 army soldiers and one Rangers Neelum district. A mortar shell landed in
personnel. the courtyard of a house in Bugna village,
killing Sajida Bibi, a 35-year-old mother of
six.105

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 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

In February, Indian Air Force made a districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir
major cross-border incursion inside (AJK). Two cross-border attacks from India
Pakistan. Indian military planes violated took place in Sialkot district along the
the Line of Control (LoC), intruding from Working Boundary and one happened in
the Muzaffarabad sector in Azad Kashmir Mansehra, KP. In all, these attacks killed 5
and reaching Jaba, a small forest village civilians and one Rangers personnel and
near Balakot in district Mansehra of KP. injured 22 civilians.
After a timely response from Pakistan Air
Force, they dropped their payload, which As many as 11 cross-border attacks were
fell in an open space, and escaped. No loss recorded from India in March 2019 that
of life was reported in the incursion. 106 concentrated along the Line of Control in 5
Local sources said a person was slightly different regions of Azad Jammu and
injured and his house was partially Kashmir (AJK). In all, 12 people were killed
damaged, which is situated close to the and 38 others injured in these attacks.
place where Indian planes dropped bombs. Five of these attacks took place in Kotli
Some trees were also damaged in the district alone causing 6 deaths and injuries
attack. Indians said they hit a militant to another six people. Two such attacks in
camp of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) and Bhimber district of AJK killed 4 people and
killed dozens of militants; the JeM group injured 28 others. A single attack in
had claimed the Pulwama attack inside Hattian killed 2 and wounded 4 people.
India. The Indian claim was however Pakistan Army troops also shot down an
refuted by Pakistani government, local Indian spying quadcopter in Rakh Chikri
people, as well as national and Sector (Poonch district) along Line of
international media. Control, tweeted Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor,
Director-General of the Inter-Services
A day later, Pakistani and Indian air forces Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s
engaged in skirmishes along the LoC in media affairs wing.107
Bhimber district in which 2 IAF jet fighters
were destroyed and an Indian pilot In April,9 reported attacks from Indian
arrested, who was later freed by Pakistan side killed six people and injured 15 others
as a peace gesture. The incident flared up across the LoC in AJK. Kotli, Haveli,
the border with frequent clashes as Bhimber, Poonch and Rawalakot districts
described below, after the table. of AJK were affected by Indian firing and
shelling in these attacks. On April 2, three
As many as 9 out of the reported 12 cross- army soldiers lost their lives and another
border attacks from India in February was injured when Indian troops resorted
happened across the Line of Control in to fire in Rakh Chikri sector in Rawalakot
Poonch, Kotli, Bhimber, and Hattian along the Line of Control. The martyred

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 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

soldiers were identified as Subedar army soldiers and injured another one.
Muhammad Riaz, a resident of Jhang The ISPR said the incidents were evident
district in Punjab, Lance Havaldar of state-sponsored terrorism by India
Azizullah, a resident of Naushahro Feroze violating bilateral ceasefire agreement and
district in Sindh, and Sepoy Shahid Mansib, international rules.109
a resident of Abbottabad district in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa.108 In August, India revoked Article 370 of
its Constitution, thus abolishing the
The months of May and June witnessed a special status of the Jammu and Kashmir.
relative decline in cross-border attacks The revocation meant Indians from
from India. In May, 5 reported cross- outside the Indian held Jammu and
border attacks from India concentrated Kashmir (IHK) could now permanently
along LoC in Kotli, Bhimber, Poonch and settle, buy land, hold government jobs and
Rawalakot districts of AJK. These attacks secure education scholarships in IHK.
claimed 3 lives and injured as many While the verdict sowed the seeds of
others. In June, two cross-border attacks internal resistance inside IHK, it also
were reported from Indian side increased tension at the LoC amidst
concentrated along LoC in Kotli district of heated exchanges of statements between
AJK. leaders of the two countries. On the
whole, 13 cross-border attacks from India
However, in June, the situation at the LoC were recorded in August 2019 that claimed
in Azad Kashmir again became tense amid the lives of 14 people – 5 Pakistani army
repeated ceasefire violations by the Indian soldiers and 9 civilians – and injured 10
Border Security Force (BSF). In all, 10 others. The cross-border attacks from
cross-border attacks from India were India happened in 6 districts of AJK
recorded during the month that claimed including 6 from Poonch and 3 from Kotli
the lives of 11 people – 6 Pakistani army districts; one attack happened in each of
soldiers and 5 civilians – and injured 40 Bagh, Bhimber, Jhelum Valley, Kotli and
others. These attacks happened in more Neelum districts. On August 15th, three
than 6 districts of AJK as well as in Sialkot Pakistani army soldiers lost their lives in
along the Working Boundary. Bhimber and Indian shelling and firing along the Line of
Kotli were however more affected, Control. Lance Naik Taimoor, Naik Tanveer
compared to other regions. On July 3rd, & Sepoy Ramazan were among those who
according to military sources quoted by were martyred during Indian firing across
Dawn, five to six IED blasts occurred the LoC in Leepa Sector of Jhelum
around 500-600 meters within the LoC Valley. 110 Next day,another soldier of the
when Pakistani soldiers were on a routine Pakistan Army Sepoy Mohammad Sheraz
patrol in the afternoon. The blasts killed 5

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was martyred in Battal sector (of Poonch and indiscriminate shelling from across the
district) in firing by Indian troops across restive LoC in different villages of Neza Pir
the LoC.111 Later on August 31st, a soldier sector of Haveli district. 115 Later, on
of Pakistan army, Ejaz, was martyred in October 20th, another five people were
Indian BSF firing and shelling in Haji Pir killed and as many other were injured in 3
sector.112 cross-border incidents of shelling in
Muzaffarabad district. Similarly, on October
In September, 11 cross-border attacks 24th, Indian BSF targeted civilian
from India happened in 5 districts of AJK populations in Nauseri, Leepa, Tatwal,
including 5 from Kotli and 3 from Bagh Jura, Shahkot, Athmuqam and some other
districts; one attack happened in each of areas in and around Neelum Valley. In all,
Hattian, Haveli and Neelum districts. On 3 people were killed and 10 injured.116
September 6th, people had gathered along
the LoC in Kotli to protest against Indian Marking a significant decline from the
atrocities in Indian held Kashmir. At least previous month, seven cross-border
three people were injured when Indian attacks happened along the LoC in
security forces opened fire on the November. These attacks claimed one life
protestors.113 Later, on September 11th, a and injured 8 others. In December,9 such
Pakistan Army soldier was martyred after attacks killed five and wounded 8 others in
Indian troops resorted to firing from across Bhimber, Haveli, Hattian Bala, Kotli,
the Line of Control in Hajipir sector of Azad Neelum, and Poonch districts of AJK.
Jammu and Kashmir. The soldier was According to the military's media wing
identified as Sepoy Ghulam Rasool, who ISPR, two Pakistan Army soldiers, Naib
hailed from Bahawalnagar.114 Subedar Kandero and Sepoy Ehsan, were
martyred in Indian ceasefire violations
In October, the security situation at the along the restive Line of Control (LoC) in
Line of Control (LoC) with India further Dewa Sector on December 26th.117
deteriorated. Indian Border Security Force
(BSF) perpetrated 20 cross-border attacks Earlier, on December 22nd, Army Chief
in Pakistani administered or Azad Kashmir, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa visited the Line
which claimed 17 lives – 15 civilians and 2 of Control in Azad Jammu and Kashmir,
soldiers – and injured 59 others. These where he said that the armed forces are
attacks happened in 6 districts of AJK "fully prepared to thwart any
including 5 in each of Haveli and Neelum misadventure" or aggression for the
districts, 4 in Bhimber, 3 in Muzaffarabad, country's defence, the military's media
2 in Poonch and one in Kotli district. On wing announced. The visit came as Indian
October 15th, at least three civilians were and Pakistani troops have
killed and another eight injured in intense been exchanging fire across the restive

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border, with casualties caused on both Table 10: Regional Distribution of

sides.118 Cross-border Attacks

2.9.3 Pak-Iran Border District Attacks Killed Injured

In a single reported cross-border attack Chitral (KP) 1 0 11

from Iran in 2019, on January 18th,
Khyber (KP) 1 0 0

Pak - Afghan
Iranian border security guards fired
North
several mortar shells that landed and Waziristan 1 3 7
exploded in the Talab area of Chagai (KP)
Upper Dir
district. The explosions caused panic (KP)
1 3 1
among area residents. However, no Total 4 6 19
casualty was reported as the shells landed Bagh (LoC) 5 3 0
and exploded away from human
Bhimber
settlements. 119 22 16 51
(LoC)
Hattian (LoC) 5 4 8
In July, Pakistan and Iran reached an
Haveli (LoC) 10 8 34
understanding to expedite the processes
of opening of new border crossings and Jhelum
3 3 3
Valley (LoC)
effective border management. The
Kotli (LoC) 33 12 43
decision was taken at the second session
LoC
of a meeting of the Pakistan-Iran Higher 6 7 34
Pak - India

(Unspecified)
Border Commission (HBC); HBC was set up Mansehra
(KP through 1 0 0
in 2017 for better border management and LoC)
had first met in July 2017. Pakistan’s Muzaffarabad
3 5 5
Foreign Office said in a statement: “During (LoC)
Neelum
the session, the two sides held 10 11 31
(LoC)
constructive discussions for effective Poonch (LoC) 16 10 14
implementation of existing border Rawalakot
3 4 2
mechanisms within the relevant (LoC)
frameworks including the agreement for Sialkot (WB) 6 2 1
administration of Pakistan-Iran border of Total 123 85 226
1960.” The both sides also discussed the
Chagai
need of exchanging maps and prospect of 1 0 0
(Balochistan)
Pak -
Iran

fencing the border.120 Total 1 0 0

Total from 3 borders 128 91 245

64
 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
books, most recently of “The Militant: Development of a Jihadi character in Pakistan”, which won the
German Peace Prize in 2014.
The year 2019 proved another fatal year which claimed 80 lives and wounded
for the militant groups in Pakistan as they another 162 people. Meanwhile, 14 of the
suffered huge losses both in terms of reported terrorist attacks in 2019 were
damage to their operational capacities as sectarian-related – two more from the
well as elimination of their leaders, year before – which killed 38 people and
including in Afghanistan. The head of the inflicted injuries on 78 others.
Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent
(AQIS) Asim Omer was killed in The geographical distribution of the
Afghanistan, 121 and two of the most reported terrorist attacks in 2019
wanted ISIS or Daesh terrorists Maulvi suggested that militants’ operational
Abdullah Barohi and Hafeez Barohi were spaces are shrinking and getting confined
killed in a police encounter in Shikarpur, to certain regions. In 2019, northern,
interior Sindh on February 28th. The latter Pashtun-populated districts of Balochistan
were alleged masterminds of many suicide including Loralai, Ziarat and Qilla Abdullah
attacks including Lal Shahbaz Qalandar emerged as new targets of the TTP and its
shrine blast that had killed over 80 splinters groups, where these group
people. 122 Abdullah Barohi was head of perpetrated 10 attacks including one
ISIS in Sindh. These deaths caused a suicide blast, which caused in all 35
major dent to the operational capabilities deaths.
of these groups as Daesh claimed only a
In Balochistan and tribal districts of KP
single terrorist attack, a suicide blast that
province, mainly North Waziristan,
targeted Hazara community in Quetta
militants were still able to perpetrate some
killing 21 people, including the bomber,
high intensity and high profile attacks in
and wounding 48 others.123
2019, though with less frequency
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), its compared to past years. Indeed, North
splinter groups Hizbul Ahrar and Jamaatul Waziristan reemerged as a major
Ahrar, as well as other militant groups with flashpoint of insecurity and militant
similar objectives such as local Taliban violence where 53 terrorist attacks took
groups, Lashkar-e-Islam and ISIS-affiliates place, or over 42 percent of the total
remained active in parts of the country but reported attacks from KP, which killed 57
most of their activities remained people and injured 93 others.
concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and
While the TTP still remained the
Balochistan provinces. In all, these groups
perpetrator of most acts of terrorism in the
perpetrated 158 terrorist attacks –
country, its splinter Jamaatul Ahrar (JuA)
compared to 171 in previous year – which
suffered further losses. Since the killing of
killed 239 people and injured 489 others.
its head last year, the internal differences
Meanwhile nationalist insurgent groups,
have further weakened the group. In
mainly Baloch, carried out 57 attacks – as
2019, JuA claimed a single attack, in KP.
compared to 80 such attacks in 2018 –
However, a breakaway faction of JuA,
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

which identified itself as Hizbul 3.1 Major Actors of Instability

Ahrar, registered its presence in Punjab in 2019
and Karachi apart from KP’s tribal districts
by launching 14 attacks, which indicated 3.1.1. Religiously-inspired Militant
that the Pakistani Taliban militants could Groups
still pose a potent threat.
• Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
Nonetheless, in 2019, LeJ and its global
arm have further lost their operational The TTP has remained the major actor of
strength, and similarly, as cited earlier, instability in 2019.It was found involved in
Daesh also failed to keep its operational 82 terrorist attacks, out of which 69 were
momentum as of the previous years. reported from KP province and 13 from
Balochistan. Combined together, these
Among nationalist insurgent groups, attacks by the TTP claimed 150 lives and
Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) left 276 others injured. (See Tables 1 & 2)
and Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) were the In 2018, the group had carried out 79
leading actors of instability in attacks that killed 185 people. The
Balochistan province. BLA’s attack on statistical comparison shows that the
Chinese consulate in Karachi was alarming operational capabilities of the group are
as it was one of the major terrorist attacks still intact and the group has extended its
by the Baloch insurgents, which they outreach in northern districts of
conducted away from Balochistan Balochistan, as noted earlier, where the
province. group had launched a total of 10 terrorist
attacks in Loralai, Ziarat and Qilla Abdullah
This chapter will examine some significant
killing 35 people. The TTP also perpetrated
developments, which shaped the militant
3 attacks in Quetta that claimed 13 lives.
landscape in 2019. It will also focus on
changing targets and tactics of the groups In 2019, the TTP has also suffered few
and changing dynamics of the militancy in losses. On April 19th, security forces
Pakistan. 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

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 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

The TTP is apparently also struggling to group killed 23 people and injured 63
come back to its traditional hub in South others. In Rawalpindi, the group killed 3
and North Waziristan. Apart from policemen in target killings. In Lahore, it
perpetrating terrorist attacks against the perpetrated a major suicide blast targeting
security forces and tribal elders, it was a police van that caused 12 fatalities
also trying to re-cultivate its support base including of 5 policemen.
in these areas of KP. It has started issuing
warnings to local tribesmen and • Local Taliban
instructions to impose its social-ideological
The small militant groups in KP and its
order. The group has distributed letters
tribal districts, described as the local
several times in 2019 warning against
Taliban, carried out 29 terrorist attacks in
playing music and women going out
2019, which claimed 21 lives. In 2018, the
alone.125
local Taliban groups had claimed 28
The US treasury department has also attacks. Continuing attacks by them
included the name of the TTP head, Waliur suggests that small radical groups in KP
Rehman Mehsud in the list of the province are still active and have attraction
international terrorists.126 in their cause as most of such attacks are
religiously motivated and targeted against
• Jamaatul Ahrar and Hizbul Ahrar schools, polio workers, security forces and
tribesmen.
2019 was the worst year for Jamaatul
Ahrar, a TTP splinter, which had managed • Lashkar-e-Islam
some high profile terrorist attacks during
previous years. During the year under Lashkar-e-Islam (LI) – a Khyber district-
review, however, the group managed only based militant group and an important ally
one attack in KP in which it killed one of Islamic State Khorasan chapter in
person. The internal fissures, surrender of Afghanistan is also losing its strength.
its few important commanders to security Many of its important commanders have
forces and reunion of its few commanders been killed, either by the security forces or
with the TTP were the few reasons behind due to internal fighting, in Pakistan and
the weakening organizational structure of Afghanistan. One of its leading
the Jamaatul Ahrar. On the other hand, its commander Wajid Malakdinkhel was shot
breakaway faction Hizbul Ahrar has dead after he exchanged hot words with
showed its strength in 2019, while the rival group of Qari Sulaim over some
managing 14 terrorist attacks, in which 10 issues.127The group was found involved in
were perpetrated in KP, 3 in Punjab and two terrorist attacks in 2019, compared to
one in Baluchistan. In these attacks the 10 in 2018.

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 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Table 1: Terrorist Attacks

Sindh (excluding
Claimed/Perpetrated by Terrorist

Organization

Balochistan

Karachi)
Karachi
Punjab
Groups

Total
ISB
KP
Sindh (excluding
Organization

Balochistan

Karachi)
Karachi
Punjab BRAS (an alliance of 1 - - - - - 1

Total
ISB
KP

BLA, BLF and BRG

ISIS affiliates/ 1 - - - - - 1
supporters

Tehreek-e-Taliban 13 69 - - - - 82 Total 84 125 5 4 10 1 229

Pakistan (TTP)
Jamaatul Ahrar - 1 - - - - 1 • Islamic State of Iraq and Syria
Lashkar-e-Islam - 2 - - - - 2
The killing of Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi in
Local Taliban - 29 - - - - 29
October 2019 was a big blow for the
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi 3 - - - 5 - 8
(LeJ)
Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and
Balochistan 25 - 1 1 - - 27 its chapters across the world including its
Liberation Army Khorasan chapter for Afghanistan and
(BLA) Pakistan. Though the group has
Balochistan 11 - - - - - 11 announced a separate chapter for
Liberation Front
Pakistan,128 but so far it has failed to show
(BLF)
Balochistan 5 - 1 - - - 6
its presence in the country. In 2018, ISIS
Republican Army had showed its strong presence in
(BRA) Balochistan and it was found involved in
Lashkar-e- 6 - - - - - 6 four major terrorist attacks in the province.
Balochistan
However, in 2019 it has failed to carry the
Sindhu Desh - - - 1 - - 1
momentum and accepted the responsibility
Liberation Front
(SDLF) of one terrorist attack in Quetta that
Sindhu Desh - - - 1 - - 1 claimed about 20 lives. One major factor
Revolutionary Army behind the withering attraction of ISIS
Sipah-e-Muhammad - - - - 2 - 2 within militant circles is death of Abu Bakr
Pakistan
Al-Baghdadi and its territorial losses in
Rival Sectarian 2 1 - - - - 3
Syria. The other factor is killing of its top
group
leaders in Pakistan including Abdullah
Nationalist 2 - - 1 - - 3
insurgents Barohi and Hafeez Barohi. In Balochistan,
Hizbul Ahrar 1 10 3 - - - 14 multiple operations were launched against
Unknown militants 14 13 - - 3 1 31 the ISIS operatives in which several

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 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

members of the group were killed by the agencies busted media cell of the AQIS in
law enforcement agencies. Gujranwala, and arrested five senior and
important members of the group. 131 These
For instance, on May 16th, nine suspected reports indicate that the group is still
militants were killed and four security surviving and could have similar cells in
personnel injured in a gun battle during other parts of the country.
security operation in Qabo-Koh-i-Mehran
area of Mastung district. The Islamic State • Lashkar-e-Jhangvi
militant group was using the hideout along
with other terrorist outfits, which the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), a fatal Sunni
security sources targeted in operation. A sectarian terrorist group, was found
heavy cache of arms and ammunition, responsible for 8 terrorist attacks in 2019
including a huge quantity of explosive, comparing 7 attacks in 2018. Five of these
rockets, grenades, rocket launchers and attacks were reported from Karachi, and 3
suicide jackets, was recovered from the from Balochistan province. There were
hideout of the militants.129 several reports indicating that LeJ is once
again focusing on Karachi and this was
• Al-Qaeda in the Indian revealed during the interrogation of the
Subcontinent LeJ’s arrested terrorists by law
enforcement agencies. 132

Though Al-Qaeda in the Indian

Subcontinent (AQIS) was not found • Sipah-e-Muhammad Pakistan
involved in any terrorist attack during 2019
in Pakistan, but law enforcement A Shia militant group got activated in
departments still considered it a potent Karachi after a long interval in 2019. The
threat. An appraisal by the Counter- group was found involved in two terrorist
Terrorism Department (CTD) noted that incidents in the city.
the banned AQIS was regrouping in
Table 2: Casualties in Terrorist
Karachi, apparently to carry out some
Attacks
major attacks. 130 The report that AQIS’s
Indian-born chief Asim Umar was killed in Group
Killed Injured
Afghanistan in September would have Responsible
TTP Balochistan: Balochistan:
been a major setback to the group as he
48 110
was the founder of the group and had KP: 102 KP: 166
maintained links with the banned TTP as Total: 150 Total: 276
well as other terrorist groups and was said Jamaatul Ahrar KP: 1 KP: 3
to be a major propagandist for Al Qaeda. Total: 1 Total: 3
Lashkar-e- KP: 2 KP: 0
In December 2019, law enforcement
Islam Total: 2 Total: 0

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 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Group Group
Killed Injured Killed Injured
Responsible Responsible
Local Taliban KP: 21 KP: 44 Unknown Balochistan: Balochistan:
Total: 21 Total: 44 militants 25 81
LeJ Balochistan: 4 Balochistan: KP: 10 KP: 23
Karachi: 6 23 Islamabad: 2 Islamabad: 1
Total: 10 Total: 23 Karachi: 6 Karachi: 2
BLA Balochistan: Balochistan: Total: 43 Total: 107
34 120 BRAS (an Balochistan: Balochistan:
Sindh (excl. Sindh (excl. alliance of 14 0
Karachi): 1 Karachi): 0 BLA, BLF and
Punjab:5 Punjab: 0 BRG
Total: 40 Total: 120 ISIS Balochistan: Balochistan:
BLF Balochistan: Balochistan: affiliates/suppo 21 48
14 22 rters
Total: 14 Total: 22 Total 357 729
BRA Balochistan: 1 Balochistan:
8 3.1.2 Nationalist Insurgent Groups
Lashkar-e- Balochistan: 2 Balochistan:
Balochistan 12 Around seven Baloch insurgent groups are
Sindhu Desh Sindh (excl. Sindh (excl.
active in Balochistan but the Balochistan
Liberation Karachi): 0 Karachi): 0
Front (SDLF) Liberation Army (BLA) and Baloch
Sindhu Desh Sindh: 0 Sindh:0 Liberation Front (BLF) are the major
Revolutionary groups which represent the new
Army generation of the insurgents mainly
Sipah-e- Karachi: 2 Karachi: 0
coming from the urban background. (For
Muhammad
Pakistan details see Chapter 5). On the whole, BLA
Rival sectarian KP: 1 KP: 1 and BLF perpetrated 38 terrorist attacks in
group Balochistan: 3 Balochistan: 2019, including 36 in Balochistan, and one
Total: 4 2
attack each in south Punjab and Sindh.
Total: 3
Nationalist Balochistan: 6 Balochistan: Their operational capabilities vary but their
insurgents Sindh (excl. 0 areas of operations are shrinking into
Karachi): 3 Sindh (excl. pockets. Still some insurgent groups have
Total: 9 Karachi): 0
been successful in targeting the China
Total: 0
Hizbul Ahrar Balochistan: 0 Balochistan: Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) related
KP: 7 10 projects and sites to show their anger
Punjab: 16 KP: 12 against the economic cooperation venture
Total: 23 Punjab: 41
of the both countries. Many of the Baloch
Total: 63
groups have been using Afghanistan as
their hideout but for last two years, at
least, but recently these groups have also

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 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

been using Iranian territory to hide and 2018. In these attacks 14 people were
launch operations against Pakistan. 133 To killed and 22 got injured. BLF attacks
enhance the impact of their terrorist mainly remained confined in the southern
activities, BLA, BLF and few small coastal Makran belt and Khuzdar.
insurgent groups have formed an alliance
called BRAS and under this banner they • Baloch Republican Army
launched a joint operation in Gwadar in
Baloch Republican Army (BRA) was found
April 2019 in which they killed 11
involved in 6 terrorist attacks in 2019
personnel of Navy, Air Force and Coast
comparing 12 terrorist attacks in 2018.Five
Guards besides 3 others.
of these attacks were confined mainly in
• Balochistan Liberation Army Dera Bugti and Kholu districts of
Balochistan and one attack was reported
Altogether, Balochistan Liberation Army from south Punjab. These attacks killed
(BLA) managed 27 terrorist attacks in one person and injured 8 others.
2019 – including 25 in Balochistan, and
one each in southern Punjab and interior • Lashkar-e-Balochistan
Sindh – killing 40 people and injuring 120
Lashkar-e-Balochistan carried out 6 low-
people. (See Table 1 and 2) These attacks
intensity terrorist attacks in 2019. The
are bit higher comparing with 25 attacks
group was mainly active in Makran coastal
launched by the group in 2018.
belt and neighboring districts.
Traditionally Baloch insurgents rely on low
• Sindhu Desh Liberation Army or
intensity subversion acts and attacks, but
Front (SDLA)
gradually they are adopting more
sophisticated terror techniques. After a The Sindhi nationalist groups including the
coordinated assault on Chinese Consulate SDLA, also known as SDLF, and Sindhu
in Karachi in 2018, BLA launched its Desh Revolutionary Army (SDRA) were
deadliest ever coordinated fidayee assault believed to be involved in 2 small-scale
on Pear Continental Hotel in Gwadar on terrorist attacks in 2019 in interior Sindh,
May 11, 2019. 134 After increasing attacks which did not cause any casualty.
by the BLA, the US state Department has
also designated BLA as terrorist group.135 3.1.3 ‘Unidentified’ Militants

• Balochistan Liberation Front The religiously motivated militants, whose

group identities and
The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) organizational affiliations were not defined
carried out 11 terrorist attacks in 2019, all or reported by media and law enforcement
in Balochistan, compared to 22 attacks in

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 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

and security officials, were involved in 31 Internal Security Committee, which was
terrorist attacks across the country. This dominated by a review of progress on
number is higher comparing with 2018 NAP. National Counter Terrorism Authority
when such militants conducted 27 attacks. (NACTA) had revised its list of banned
organizations more than three-time last
3.1.4 Banned Organizations year and added 10 organizations in its list
linked with Jamaatud Daawa (JuD) and
After the decision by the National Security
Jiash-e-Muhammad (JeM).137
Committee meeting on February 21st
2019, law enforcement agencies had taken According to media reports, Pakistan’s Nat-
more visible and serious action against the ional Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta)
banned militant organizations, which had also banned two more militant groups,
been involved in Indian held Kashmir and Hizbul Ahrar and Balochistan Raaji Ajoi-R-
continuing their welfare and political Sangar (BRAS), under Section 11-B of the
activities overtly and covertly in Pakistan. Anti-Terrorism Act. The ban has put the
After the decision, all provinces started members and activities of these groups
taking action against banned group mainly under surveillance.138
Jaish-e-Muhammad and Jamaatud Dawa
by taking control of their entities as well as 3.1.5 The Most Wanted Terrorists
through arrests of some of their leaders.
Top 13 leaders of the banned JuD, Though a comprehensive and countrywide
including its chief Hafiz Saeed and naib list of most wanted terrorists is still a
emir Abdul Rehman Makki, were booked in dream but provincial Counter Terrorism
23 cases relating to terror financing and Department (CTD) kept issuing their red
money laundering registered at CTD police books with little additions in it. CTD Punjab
stations in Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan, has prepared a list of 22 most wanted
Sahiwal, Faisalabad and Sargodha on July terrorists involved in suicide bombings and
1 and 2.136 terrorist activities in Punjab. Most of the
terrorists belong to the TTP. Matiur
Prime Minister Imran Khan reaffirmed his Rehman aka Samad Siyal has topped the
government’s zero tolerance policy while list of the most wanted terrorists for last
chairing the first session of the National several years.139

74
 CHAPTER 4

State Responses

Safdar Sial*

*
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”.
4.1 Operational Front operational strikes in 2019 in 21 districts
and regions of Pakistan. As cited earlier,
Security forces and law enforcement these actions killed a total of 81 people, as
agencies killed as many as 113 militants in compared to 77 in 2018 and injured 19
2019 in military/security operations as well others. Those 81 killed included 75
as their armed clashes and encounters militants and six (6) personnel of security
with the militants – compared to 105 and law enforcement agencies.
militants killed in such actions in 2018.
These operations and clashes/encounters Out of the total 28 operational strikes
were not confined to a particular area or reported in 2019, as many as 15 were
region but were reported from across all conducted in KP, 11 in Balochistan, and
regions of Pakistan, as given at Tables 1 & one each in Punjab and Sindh. There were
2, respectively. only three (3) districts where more than
one anti-militant operation happened
Apart from those actions, security and law including DI Khan (5) and North Waziristan
enforcement personnel, mainly the (3) in KP, and Kech (2) in Balochistan.
Counter-Terrorism Departments (CTDs) of
police, apprehended a total of 231 Table 1: Operational Attacks by
suspected terrorists and members of Security Forces, against Militants and
militant groups in 99 search and combing Insurgents
operations conducted all over the country.
These search operations did not include

Injured
Attacks
District
Region

Killed
several other similar actions in which
suspects were arrested and mostly
Chagai 1 0 0
released after preliminary investigation. Dera Bugti 1 3 0
Gwadar 1 6 1
Furthermore, security forces foiled at least Kech 2 5 0
12 major terror bids or plots, either Loralai 1 4 4
Balochistan

Mastung 1 9 4
independently or in collaboration with Multiple 1 2 0
Bomb Disposal Squads, mainly by Districts
Nasirabad 1 1 0
recovering and defusing IEDs planted by
Panjgur 1 4 0
militants. These also included a few Quetta 1 7 6
incidents where militants could not reach Total 11 41 15
their targets and their suicide vests or Bajaur 1 1 0
IEDs they planted exploded by accident.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

DI Khan 5 12 1
4.1.1 Military / Security Operations Hangu 1 4 0
Kohat 1 0 1
Compared to 31 in the year before,
North
security forces and law enforcement 3 5 0
Waziristan
agencies conducted 28 anti-militant Nowshera 1 2 0
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

killed were identified as Orakzai TTP

Injured
Attacks
District
Region

Killed
commander Islam and his 3 aides
Laiq, Mohibullah and Shahid. They
Peshawar 1 7 0 were reportedly also involved in a
South suicide blast in Hangu on November
1 3 0
Waziristan 23rd 2018.143
Tank 1 4 0 − February 26: Army and paramilitary
Total 15 38 2 forces conducted a joint operation in
Faisalabad 1 2 0 Payang area of Tank adjacent to the
Punjab

South Waziristan tribal district where

Total 1 2 0
militants were reportedly hiding in a
Kashmore 1 0 2 cave, which was used as a hideout.
Sindh

Four militants were killed in the

Total 1 0 2
operation including a militant
81 (75 19 (2 commander Qari Zahir Shah. 144

Total Pakistan 28 militants) militant − March 20: In an intelligence-based

140
s)141
operation in Chagai near Pak-Afghan
border, Pakistan’s security forces
Some major security or counterterrorism
recovered four abducted Iranian
operations, or in which some important
soldiers after an exchange of fire with
militants were killed, are listed below:
Afghanistan-based terrorists. The
− January 15: The Counter-Terrorism operation was launched after receiving
Department (CTD) claimed to have information that terrorists of a
killed two militants, Adeel Hafeez and proscribed organisation had entered
Usman Haroon, associated with the Pakistan from Afghanistan along with
militant Islamic State group, or ISIS, the abducted Iranian soldiers.145
who were allegedly involved in the − March 26: Personnel of the
kidnapping of former prime minister counterterrorism department, Frontier
Yousuf Raza Gilani’s son. Militants Corps and other security agencies
were hiding in a rented house near Pul conducted an operation in Loralai on
Dengro on Sargodha Road in the basis of intelligence reports. Four
Faisalabad. A local residing in the suicide bombers, one of them a
neighborhood tipped off the police woman, blew themselves up during
about them.142 the raid. Four security persons were
− January 16: Four alleged TTP militants injured. The TTP has been active
were killed in an operation by security recently in Loralai, Ziarat and adjacent
forces conducted in Hangu. Those areas.146

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 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

− April 2: Central commander of a intelligence-based operation in the

banned Baloch group, identified as Eastern Bypass area of Quetta. A
Asad Yusuf, was killed along with 3 Balochistan Constabulary sepoy was
aides in an operation conducted by also martyred and six security
security forces in Panjgur.147 personnel were injured.150
− May 8: Two high profile Pakistani − December 6: Security forces
Taliban terrorists were killed during an conducted an operation following a
operation carried out by security tip-off and killed a wanted, high profile
personnel in the Boya area of North militant Amir Grenadi and his aide
Waziristan tribal district near the Ghulam Jilani in Zafarabad area of DI
Afghan border. Infantry units of the Khan. The killed militants belonged to
army and paramilitary forces had local Khiara Group of the Tehrik-i-
launched a joint combing and search Taliban Pakistan.151
operation against militants in several
areas of Datakhel tehsil. Reportedly 4.1.2 Security Forces’ Clashes and
Afghan army was also coordinating in Encounters with Militants
the search operation along the
Security and law enforcement agencies
border.148
also entered into in a total of 25 armed
− May 16: Nine suspected militants were
clashes and encounters with militants –
killed and four security personnel
one more than such incidents in previous
injured in a gun battle during security
year – across 15 districts/regions of the
operation in Qabo-Koh-i-Mehran area
country. These armed clashes and
of Mastung district. The Islamic State
encounters claimed 44 lives (38 militants;
militant group was using the hideout
6 security personnel);as many as nine (9)
along with other terrorist outfits, which
security personnel were also injured in
the security sources targeted in
these incidents. About half of these
operation. A heavy cache of arms and
clashes, i.e. 12, took place in various
ammunition, including a huge quantity
districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, another
of explosive, rockets, grenades, rocket
six (6) happened in Balochistan, while four
launchers and suicide jackets, was
(4) such incidents took place in Sindh and
recovered from the hideout of the
three (3) in Punjab.
militants.149
− September 4: Six suspected members
Some of the reported clashes and
of the militant Islamic State (IS)
encounters between security, law
group, including a local commander
enforcement agencies and militants are
and his sister, were killed in a gun
described below in chronological order.
battle with security forces during an

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 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Table 2: Clashes and Encounters suspects were identified as Kashif Langra

between Security Forces and and Abdul Rehman.154
Militants
On February 28th, two of the most wanted
Daesh, or ISIS, terrorists were killed in a

Injured
Attacks
Regions

police encounter in Shikarpur, interior of

Killed
District

Sindh. One report said the operation took

place in Dhadar, in Balochistan. The killed,
Loralai 2 5 5
Molvi Abdullah Brohi and Hafeez Brohi,
Balochistan

Quetta 3 6 0
Sibi 1 1 0 were allegedly masterminds of many
Total 6 12 5
suicide attacks including Lal Shahbaz
Qalandar shrine blast that had killed over
Bannu 2 3 3
D.I Khan 3 3 0 80 people. 155 Abdullah Barohi was
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Lakki 2 4 0 reportedly head of ISIS in Sindh.

Marwat
Mardan 1 1 0 In May, two suspected terrorists were
North 2 5 1 killed in an encounter with police in
Waziristan
Darweshabad area of Quetta. The
Swat 1 1 0
Tank 1 1 0
terrorists were trying to enter a prohibited
Total 12 18 4 area near the airport with an explosive-
Gujranwala 1 2 0 laden vehicle. Two other terrorists
Gujrat 1 3 0 managed to escape.156
Punjab

Multan 1 2 0
Total 3 7 0 In DI Khan, police killed a TTP local
Karachi 3 5 0 commander Ziaullah and arrested his aide
Javed in an encounter in cantonment area
Sindh

Shikarpur 1 2 0
in June.157 The killed Ziaullah was wanted
Total 4 7 0
44 (38 to police in at least 13 cases of terrorism.
Pakistan Total 25 militants) 9153
152 Police and an intelligence agency killed 3
alleged high profile ISIS terrorists in an
On January 19th, the CTD reportedly killed encounter in Khuda Bux Brohi Goth near
two suspected terrorists in Ladhaywala Northern Bypass, Quetta on June 24th.
Warraich, Gujranwala in an encounter Those killed were previously linked to Al-
that continued for about 25 minutes. The Qaeda. One of them, Talat Mehmood alias
suspects also blew up a car during Yusuf was AQIS chief in Karachi before
exchange of fire with policemen. The killed joining ISIS. The other two included
Sheikh Shahid, who was involved in the

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killing of US journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002 Table 3: Suspected Terrorists

and once a key leader of LeJ, and Usman Arrested in 2019
Noor Alam, who was previously an
important leader of Al-Qaeda in the Indian

Operations

Terrorists
Arrested
Search
Subcontinent (AQIS).158 Militant Organization

4.1.3 Terrorists Arrested

Afghan suspected militants 5 6
Security and law enforcement agencies Afghan Taliban 1 1
arrested 231 suspected terrorists and Al-Qaeda 1 2
members of militant groups in as many as Al-Qaeda in the Indian 2 8
99 search and combing operations Subcontinent
Balawaristan National Front 1 14
conducted all over the country. These
Banned militant outfit (excluding 1 3
search operations do not include several sectarian and tribal)
other similar actions in which suspects Banned militant outfits 13 29
were arrested and mostly released after (inclusive of all)
BLA 3 11
preliminary investigation.
BLF 1 3
As in the year before, highest arrests were BRA 5 8
Hizbul Ahrar 2 7
made of the TTP and local Taliban
ISIS 12 25
militants (60). In all, 32 members of Jaish-e-Mohammed 3 9
different unspecified banned groups were Jamaatud Dawa 2 7
also detained. Others among those Jandullah 2 2
arrested included 29 suspected militants Lashkar-e-Jhangvi 6 11
linked to different Baloch nationalist Lashkar-e-Taiba 1 1
groups. As many as 25 among those Local Taliban / TTP 28 60
detained were reportedly affiliated with MQM-L 2 3
ISIS, another 12 with Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Nationalist insurgents 4 7

while at least 17 were suspected members Shia sectarian group 1 5

of Jamaatud Dawa and Jaish-e- Sipah-e-Muhammad 1 6

Muhammad. Meanwhile 10 operatives of Sunni Tehrik 1 1

Al-Qaeda were also arrested. (See Table 3) Unknown militants 1 2

Total 99 231
Table 3 lists organizational association and
In March, two high profile militants
number of different brands of suspected
Mohammad Talah and Tayyab Shah were
militants arrested across Pakistan by law
arrested along with 3 accomplices in joint
enforcers in 2019.
operation conducted by the CTD and
security officials in Mansehra (KP). 159 The

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detained terrorists had reportedly killed 8 operations. First on May 1st, a Jandullah
staff members of INGO World Vision, militant Khan Badshah alias Umer Farooq,
including four women, in Dogai area in who was in CTD’s Red Book, was arrested
2010, besides having perpetrated other in a joint raid carried out by the
attacks. Reportedly they were planning to paramilitary force and the Counter-
attack some major China-Pakistan Terrorism Department near Paracha
Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects in the Chowk in Karachi. 164 Later, on May 6:
province.160 District police officer Zaibullah police claimed to have arrested 5 persons,
Khan was reported by media to have said including a journalist, for their alleged
that “the [detained] terrorists belonging to involvement in sectarian killings in the city.
the banned militant outfit TTP were also DIG-East Amir Farooqi identified those
wanted for attacking the Pakistan Army’s held as Syed Matloob Hussain, a reporter
convoy in Shinkiari, targeting an imam of Daily Jang, Syed Imran Haider Zaidi,
bargah in Palas area, assaulting police in Waqar Raza, Mohammad Abbas and Syed
different parts of the district, and Mohtasham at a press conference and
committing targeted killings.”161 claimed they were behind many of the
recent target killings in Karachi.165
In another incidence of high profile arrests
in March, Shikarpur police arrested 4 In May, police claimed to have arrested 6
suspected ISIS operatives Hakeem persons from Lahore and Gujranwala who
Banglani, Abdul Shakoor, Ishaq Jaffary and provided funds to Jaish-e-Muhammad.
Farooq Soomro. They were described to Those arrested from Gujranwala, Iftikhar,
be close aides of Hafeez Barohi and Emir Ajmal and Bilal, were later sent to jail by
Abdullah, key ISIS leaders in Sindh and anti-terrorist court on 4 years’ jail terms
Balochistan.162 after they were convicted. In another
major operation in Lahore in May, the CTD
On April 19, security forces arrested of Punjab and Intelligence Bureau arrested
Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan commander the facilitator of Data Darbar suicide
Azeem Khan alias Qari Khaksar, who was bomber. The arrested Mohsin Khan
involved in the kidnapping and killing of belonged to Shabqadar area in Charsadda
Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in and had reportedly received suicide bom-
the port city and that he was also the ber Sadiqullah Momand, an Afghan
mastermind of a suicide bombing in Quetta national who entered Pakistan through
and an attack against retired General Torkham on May 6, and escorted him to
Pervez Musharraf.163 Lahore for the May 8 strike.166

In May, two high profile arrests were On July 3rd, the police in Karachi claimed
made in Karachi in two separate search to have arrested a central character

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involved in the attack on Chinese 4.1.4 Failed/Foiled Terror Bids

consulate, who had allegedly provided PKR
0.9 million to Rashid Barohi before the Furthermore, security forces foiled at least
attack. 167 Again in Karachi, in September, 12 major terror bids or plots, either
police claimed to have arrested four independently or in collaboration with
suspected Lashkar-i-Jhangvi hitmen, who Bomb Disposal Squads, mainly by
were involved in targeted killing of recovering and defusing IEDs planted by
policemen, members of the Shia and militants. These also included a few
Bohra communities and a deadly attack on incidents where militants could not reach
a DSN of Samaa TV, said Central SSP Arif their targets and their suicide vests or
Aslam Rao.168 IEDs they planted exploded by accident.
(See Table 4)
In November, the CTD officials arrested an
alleged Al-Qaeda commander along with Table 4: Failed/Foiled Terror Bids in
his aide in DI Khan and recovered 2019
explosives and weapons from them. Those
Foiled/fai
detained were identified as Ismail and Wali
led plots

Injured
Killed
Responsible
Mohammad and were reportedly planning District
group
to attack the office of an intelligence
agency in the city. 169 Also in November, D.I Khan 2 0 0 Local Taliban
the CTD with an intelligence agency in Unknown/unknown
militants
Layyah arrested three militants of
Kalat 1 1 0 Unknown/unknown
proscribed organisation Al Qaeda in the militants
Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) in Chobara Lakki 1 1 0 TTP
town and seized explosives and cash from Marwat
Loralai 1 0 0 Unknown/unknown
them.170
militants
Nasirabad 1 0 0 BLA
On December 26th, the Punjab Counter
Nowshera 1 0 7 Local Taliban
Terrorism Department and an intelligence Rajanpur 1 0 0 BLA
agency in a joint operation busted media Sibi 1 0 0 BLA
cell of the AQIS in Gujranwala and South 1 1 0 TTP
arrested 5 senior Al-Qaeda operatives. The Waziristan
Thatta 1 0 0 Sindhudesh
cell was also involved in financing terrorist
Revolutionary
operations of the AQIS. The raiding team Army
of ISI and CTD recovered a large quantity Upper Dir 1 0 0 Local Taliban
of media equipment, funds for terror Total 12 3 7
financing, suicide jackets, explosives and
deadly arms.171

83
 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
books, most recently of “The Militant: Development of a Jihadi character in Pakistan”, which won the
German Peace Prize in 2014.
Balochistan has been experiencing terrorist and literacy rate increased in central and
violence from multiple shades of militant southern or coastal Balochistan, mainly in
groups including Baloch nationalist Makran region, a new cadre of young
insurgent groups, so-called religiously nationalists also emerged. Some of these
inspired local and international militant middle class youth gradually took over the
groups such as Pakistani Taliban and ISIS- control of the insurgency in their region
affiliates, and violent Sunni and Shia including Awaran, Kech and Gwadar, etc.
sectarian groups. Some religious- Before the rise of these so-called urban-
nationalist groups have also been active based, middle-class groups, mainly the
along the province’s border with Iran Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), tribal
mainly Iranian Jundullah and its splinter elders-led insurgent groups like
Jaishul Adl. While the Baloch insurgent Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and
groups aim to achieve nationalist goals, Balochistan Republican Army (BRA) were
including also secessionist, the religiously the beneficiaries of the human resources
inspired militant and sectarian groups have coming from different streams mainly
largely religious-political goals, which at through Baloch Students Organization
times also overlap. (BSO) and nationalist political movements.
Therefore, the leaders of BLA and BRA,
There has been a gradual decline in Hyrbiyar Marri and Barhamdagh Bugti,
incidence of terrorist violence in respectively, had concerns about the
Balochistan, in particular since 2013. emergence of a new leadership in the folds
Weakening of different brands of militant of BLF, Lashkar-e-Balochistan (LeB) as well
groups due to a continuing as hardline factions of (BSO). While the
counterterrorism campaign across the BLA and BRA were traditionally stronger in
country including in Balochistan, too, is the central and eastern districts of Balochistan,
main factor. A huge security infrastructure the rise of BLF and LeB made the
is also deployed in the province, including insurgency more active in southern
also to protect CPEC-related projects districts attracting human resources from
mainly Gwadar Port, which has different regions.
significantly dented militants’ operational
capabilities. Still many assert that Despite causing confrontation among the
undercurrents of Baloch insurgency are insurgent groups, this divide also changed
though largely dormant currently but the the characteristics of the whole insurgent
factors of conflict are still there which movements. The leadership of the tribal
could retrigger the insurgent violence. insurgent groups (BLA, BRA) lived in exile
mainly in Europe from where they
5.1 Nationalist Insurgency operated through their commanders. Many
of these local commanders were not
Baloch nationalist insurgency was once trustworthy as they kept shifting their
largely confined in tribal areas and led by
loyalties from one group to another and
tribal chieftains. As the middle class grew
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

many had surrendered before the 5.1.1 Internal Fissures among

government and security forces. The Insurgent Groups
leaders of the urban insurgents however
led from the front keeping full control on Various Baloch insurgent groups lack
their organizations. They also considered mutual harmony for now. The BLA, BRA,
tribal system oppressive as well as BLF, Lashkar-e-Balochistan etc., and
expedient to reconcile with the power others have separatist and secessionist
elites of the country without caring for the agendas. They don’t subscribe to the
interests of the Baloch people. moderate nationalist view of attaining
political autonomy and control over
In this process, the profile of the insurgent Balochistan’s natural resources while
leadership has also changed; many middle remaining within the framework of the
class insurgents got education out of federation. Although Lashkar-e-Balochistan
Balochistan, which helped them to absorb also has an anti-state agenda but it was
new ideas and develop new paradigms on formed to counter the growing ambitions
nationalism. 172 They come from the cities of the BLA and the BLF, and to maintain
like Kech, Panjgur, Gwadar, Quetta, the influence of Mengal Sardars in the
Khuzdar, Turbat, Kharan, Lasbela or even province.
Karachi. The tribal-led organizations were
also forced to bring innovations in their Two views prevail regarding the nature
structures. The non-Marri BLA was and level of the current insurgency in
reorganized and restructured on the lines Balochistan. According to one viewpoint, it
of BLF by Aslam Achu, who was killed in is violent anarchism rather than a classical
Kandhar in a suicide attack in December insurgency. Analysts subscribing to this
2018.173 view opine that the present insurgent
movement not only lacks a charismatic
While the geographical balance of the leadership unlike past insurgencies in
insurgency has largely shifted to the Balochistan but it is also divided amid
southwest of the province, the insurgents frequent infightings and lacks coordination.
have also changed the operational The Baloch insurgency in 1958 was led by
strategies and tactics. The perpetration of Nawab Nauroz Khan, who was highly
suicide attacks by the nationalist revered by his followers. Similarly, the
insurgents in 2018 is a case in point, which second insurgency from 1963-69 was led
indicates a major shift in their operations. by Sher Muhammad Marri. The Parari
The tribal insurgent groups were following guerrilla movement of the 1970s was led
classical guerrilla tactics of hit and run and by Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri, who also
damaging the state infrastructure. enjoyed the support of notable Baloch
leaders such as Sardar Attaullah Mengal,

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 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Sher Muhammad Marri and Nawab Akbar low-level guerrilla warfare or low-intensity
Bugti. The perceived leaders in the present internal armed conflict. The intensity of
conflict are hardly a comparison, as Nawab violence fluctuates from low to medium
Akbar Bugti’s grandson Brahamdagh Bugti and occasionally high levels. Waging of
is hiding in Switzerland while Baloch such low-level guerrilla warfare does not
nationalist leader Khair Bakhsh Marri’s son require heavy weaponry or huge sums of
Harbiyar Marri is based in London.174 money. Some analysts believe that Baloch
insurgent groups not only receive funds
The other school of thought categorizes from Baloch Diaspora but some regional
the insurgency as a manifestation of the countries, particularly India, are also
legitimate cause of disenchanted Baloch funnelling money to Baloch separatists.
segments, which has all the makings of
becoming a mass movement of the young The geographical features of the province
educated middle class. They hold that including deserts, mountain ranges, huge
public support for the movement is not size of territory and sparse population, and
waning. They also argue that low level of rugged and difficult terrains as well as long
insurgency is due to heightened international borders with Iran and
securitization of the province. Proponents Afghanistan are all in the favor of the
of this view believe that as nothing insurgents in the province. According to
significant is being done for the frustrated classical guerrilla warfare expert, David
and unemployed young Baloch, who feel Gallula, such factors determine the scale
relatively deprived, left out and neglected, and spread of an insurgency. 175
they remain vulnerable to joining the Balochistan also has long coastline at the
insurgents irrespective of tribal divisions mouth of the Gulf and different ranges of
and internal differences. mountains and deserts. Balochistan’s
coastline extends over 750 km from near
They also allude to a ‘growing realisation’ Karachi at River Hub to the Gwadar Bay on
among the Baloch insurgent groups to get Pak-Iran border.
united for their cause, and the formation of
BRAS – an alliance of BRA, BLA and Baloch The Baloch insurgents come from diverse
Republican Guards – which claimed a lethal topographical background and the
attack on security personnel in Ormara near insurgent groups know well where they
Gwadar is one case in point. can use their human resource best. Those
who belong to coastal region could be
5.1.2 The Advantages to Insurgents assigned the task of attacking non-Baloch
settlers working on various infrastructure
Strategic and counter-insurgency experts
projects in these areas. The labor from
classify the current Baloch insurgency as a
south Punjab and Sindh has been the

89
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

prime target of these groups during the firing or targeted killing, 2 grenade
construction times of coastal highway attacks, and one rocket attack. Similarly,
between Karachi and Gwadar and highway PIPS’ Pakistan Security Report 2018 had
between Gwadar and Sorab. Now their noted that Baloch groups carried out 74
prime target are the trucks and vehicles, terrorist attacks in 20 districts of
which carry the material related to the Balochistan during the year 2018, by
constructions of Eastern Bay highway, port employing different attack tactics including
and other infrastructure related projects in 38 IEDs blasts (including one suicide attack
Gwadar.176 However the insurgents hailing in Chaghi), 27 incidents of firing or targeted
from small towns of Turbat, Panjgur, killing, 8 grenade attacks, and one rocket
Washak districts are trained in attacking attack. In 2018, Baloch insurgent also
the security check posts and convoys. launched a coordinate gun and suicide
These insurgents have edge over the attack against Chinese consulate in
security forces that they know their areas Karachi. 178

better and can easily hide. Another cadre Similarly, while in 2018 as many as 51
belonging from Kalat, Dalbadin, in Chaghi percent of the total attacks by Baloch
district, and Mashikhel, etc., took part in insurgents targeted security forces and law
major hit and run operations and attacks enforcement personnel, in 2019 about 55
on state infrastructure. BLA has developed percent of their attacks were targeted
expertise in such operations; its militants against security forces.
not only engage in hit and run operations
but also in small battles and clashes with In 2018, the PIPS report had noted, Baloch
army units. They also have learned the insurgents tried to launch some major
tactics to hide their identities as they were attacks, using the strategy of coordinated
often found engaged in operations far suicide assaults, but largely failed. First,
from their native towns. After taking part traditionally having been relied on low
in an operation, they would go back to intensity subversion acts and attacks, they
their native towns and pretend living don't have yet that capability which the
normal lives.177 religiously inspired groups have in
launching major, lethal attacks. Secondly,
5.1.3 Targets and Tactics of the the response by the law enforcement
Insurgents agencies was quick and effective to
neutralise the attackers, mainly in the case
In 2019, different Baloch insurgent groups of China consulate attack.179
carried out 51 terrorist attacks in 16
districts of Balochistan. The attack tactics As cited earlier, traditionally Baloch
employed by the Baloch insurgents insurgents have followed classical
included 29 IEDs blasts, 19 incidents of insurgency models as Dashti mentioned in

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his book about 1974 insurgency. The insurgent groups used modern
telecommunication technology very
“By July 1974, Baloch guerrilla effectively in the planning and execution of
units succeeded in cutting off most their attacks on state security forces. But
of the main roads linking the increased monitoring of
surrounding provinces and rail communication systems by security
communication were paralyzed. agencies has resulted in inflicting heavy
The militants under the discipline losses to militants because their
of BPLF avoided direct whereabouts were identified electronically
confrontation with the Pakistani and heavily bombed. At present, most
army and whenever possible, their militant groups have reorganized their
primary tactic remained fighters into small mobile groups in order
ambushing army convoys and to make it difficult for the security
harassing its supply lines…. agencies to locate them.182
according to Harrison (1981),
during four years of insurgency, Aslam Achu, a BLA commander killed in
there were one 178 major Afghanistan, had tried to bring shift in the
engagements and one hundred 67 traditional tactics of the insurgency and
lesser incidents between Pakistani introduced suicide bombing. He was the
forces and the Baloch fighters”180 mastermind of the two suicide attacks
targeting the Chinese engineers in
When the new phase of insurgency started Dalbandin and Chinese consulate in
in 2002, the insurgents adopted similar Karachi. Apparently the Islamist militants,
strategies of 1970s. In the beginning, who mastered in such attacks, inspired him.
insurgents established bases in
inaccessible mountainous regions. However, the groups like BRA and BLA-
However, the use of the air force made it Mari still emphasize classical tactics, which
very difficult for the militant groups to is basically based on a long-term
maintain camps and hideouts in the barren engagement with the target. They manage
mountains of Balochistan. Now the small-scale attacks with brief and long
majority of the fighters are based in intervals, and chances of large scale
villages and townships and they have countering operation from security forces
invented ways to hide themselves within remain low. This is a warfare Baloch
local population. The security forces blame insurgents have trained themselves in
these tactics of the militants for the since decades. Interestingly the urban
enforced disappearances in the origin insurgents see such tactics flawed
province. 181
and considers strategy to negotiate and
bargain with the power elites.183

91
Table 1: Baloch Insurgent Groups: Leadership, Agendas and Locations

Group Leadership Agendas / Motives Locations

An alliance of armed ethnic

Baloch Raaji Aajoi Baloch Khan Deep Makran region, coastal areas
Baloch separatist group
Sangar (BRAS) (spokesperson) from Pasni, Ormara to Lesbela
includes BLA, BLF and BRG
Balochistan Allah Nazr Baloch; Abdul Anti-state, Awaran and Panjgur districts;
Liberation Front Nabi Bangalzai, former secessionists/separatists Tung, Mand and Buleda in Turbat
(BLF) chief commander UBA district; Basima in Washuk district;
has also joined BLF Jiwani and Pasni in coastal areas.
Baloch Liberation Harbiyar Marri, and Anti-state, Ispalgai in Mustung district; Mach,
Army (BLA) commander Bashir Zeb secessionists/separatists Harnai, Nasserabad,
head their factions Jaffarabad,Loralai, Quetta, Awaran

Baloch Republican Brahamdagh Bugti Anti-state, Kohlu, Barkhan,

Army (BRA) secessionists/separatists Naseerabad, Jaffarabad, Shubatpur
Loralai,and few small pockets in
Dera Bugti
Baloch Republican Bakhtiar Domki Anti-state, secessionist Naseerabad
Guard (BRG)
United Baloch Mehran Marri Anti-state, Bolan, Lasbela, and Basima in
Army (UBA) secessionists/separatists Washuk district
Lashkar-e- Javed Mengal Aimed at countering the Lasbela, Makran
Balochistan growing ambitions of BLA
and BLF, and to maintain
the status of Mengal
Sardars in the area.
Balochistan Mir Shakak Baloch Recovery of missing Little presence in Washuk and
Liberation United (spokesperson) persons, drawing world Panjgur districts
Front (BLUF) attention to military
operations and human
rights violations of security
forces in Balochistan

5.1.4 Baloch Raaji Aajoi Sangar are also part of the alliance. 185 The
(BRAS) mandate of BRAS is narrow as the groups
are only bound to contribute their human
The Baloch Raaji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS) is resources and logistical support in the joint
an alliance of three separatist insurgent attacks but the member groups are free to
groups formed in 2018. It was the pursue their political and operational aims.
initiative of BLA commander Aslam Achu to
form an exclusive operational force to BRAS has managed to launch four attacks
target the CPEC and Chinese interest in since its establishment including two major
Pakistan. Later the alliance has been ones. On April 18, 2019, at least 14
extended to target the security forces of people, including 11 personnel of Navy, Air
Pakistan as well.184 The BLA, BLF and BRG Force and Coast Guards, were killed by
are the major component of the alliance BRAS gunmen wearing security uniforms
but few analysts suspect that Lashkar-e- after they were picked up with the help of
Balochistan and United Baloch Army (UBA) their computerized national identity cards
 Suicide Attacks in Pakistan (2009-2019)

Incidents of sectarian violence in Pakistan (2009-2019)

 KP (including erstwhile FATA)

2 4
3

13 8 5
14
6
12 11
15
16
18
10 7
9
21 19 17

23 22 20

24 25

26

27 28

29

30
31

32

1-Chitral 17-Nowshera
2-Swat 18-Charsada
3-Upper Dir 19-Peshawar
4-Kohistan 20-Adam Khel
5-Battagram 21-Khyber
6-Mansehra 22-Orakzai
More than 50 attacks in the year. 7-Abbottabad 23-Kurram
8-Shangla 24-Hangu
More than 20 and less than 50 attacks in the year.
9-Haripur 25-Kohat
More than 10 and less than 20 attacks in the year. 10-Swabi 26-Karak
More than one and less than 10 attacks in the year.
11-Buner 27-North Waziristan
12-Malakand 28-Bannu
No attack in the year. 13-Lower Dir 29-Lakki Marwat
14-Bajaur 30-South Waziristan
15-Mohmand Agency 31-Tank
16-Mardan 32-Dera Ismail Khan
 Balochistan

4 2
12 11
10 6
13 9 31
5
14 8
7
21
15
22 18 16
17
19
24 20

23

25

28

27
29
26

30

1-Sherani 18-Kalat
2-Musakhel 19-Jhal Magsi
3-Zhob 20-Jaffarabad
4-Qilla Saifullah 21-Nushki
5-Barkhan 22-Chaghi
6-Loralai 23-Washuk
More than 50 attacks in the year.
7-Kohlu 24-Kharan
8-Sibi 25-Khuzdar More than 20 and less than 50 attacks in the year.

9-Harnai 26-Lasbela More than 10 and less than 20 attacks in the year.

10-Ziarat 27-Awaran More than one and less than 10 attacks in the year.
11-Pishin 28-Panjgur No attack in the year.
12-Qilla Abdullah 29-Kech
13-Quetta 30-Gwadar
14-Mastung 31-Dukki
15-Bolan
16-Dera Bugti
17-Nasirabad
Geographical Spread of
Insecurity in Pakistan

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More than 50 attacks in the year.

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

More than 10 and less than 20 attacks in the year.

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Mithi

For high resolution

map scan QR code

Designed By: Shahzad Ahmed

 Sindh

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2-Thatta 19-Larkana
3-Tharparker 20-Shikarpur
4-Umerkot 21-Ghotki
5-Badin 22-Kashmore
6-Tando Muhammad Khan 23-Jacobabad
More than 50 attacks in the year.
7-Mirpurkhas
8-Tando Allahyar More than 20 and less than 50 attacks in the year.

9-Hyderabad More than 10 and less than 20 attacks in the year.

10-Sanghar More than one and less than 10 attacks in the year.
11-Matiari
No attack in the year.
12-Jamshoro
13-Shaheed Benazirabad
14-Khairpur
15-Sukkur
16-Naushahro Firoze
17-Dadu
 Punjab

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15

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12
22
21
30 14
26
23
25
29
24
32

28
31 33

34 27

35

36

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37
2-Rawalpindi 21-Jhang
3-Jhelum 22-Faisalabad
4-Gujrat 23-Okara
5-Sialkot 24-Pakpattan
6-Narowal 25-Sahiwal
7-Gujranwala 26-Toba Tek Singh
8-Mandi Bahauddin 27-Bahawalnagar
9-Chakwal 28-Vehari
More than 50 attacks in the year. 10-Attock 29-Khanewal
11-Sheikhupura 30-Layyah
More than 20 and less than 50 attacks in the year.
12-Lahore 31-Muzaffargarh
More than 10 and less than 20 attacks in the year. 13-Nankana Sahib 32-Dera Ghazi Khan
More than one and less than 10 attacks in the year. 14-Kasur 33-Multan
15-Hafizabad 34-Lodhran
No attack in the year.
16-Sargodha 35-Rajanpur
17-Chiniot 36-Bahawalpur
18-Khushab 37-Rahim Yar Khan
19-Mianwali
Intensity of terrorist violence in Pakistan (2009-2019)
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

(CNICs) and offloaded from seven buses in After Achu’s death, Karim Marri, Hamal and
the Buzi Pass area near Ormara in Gwadar Commander Nisar are leading the group.189
district. 186 The Ormara attack had huge However the main leading figure is
impact on the security of the province and Commander Bashir Zeb, who was a class
CPEC. Since then, the government has fellow of Allah Nazar Baloch. Some say their
raised the security measures in Makran close ties have helped them to strengthen
region and a special command based in the BRAS. According to local sources, the
Turbat has been set up; a new corps has educated Marri insurgents are leaving BLA-
been raised to increase border patrolling. Hyrbiyar faction and joining Zeb group,
Apart from aerial surveillance of the Pak- which they believe is more active.
Iran border through helicopters, the
Iranian border would also be fenced. 187 Interestingly Aslam Achu also adopted
Pakistan believes Baloch insurgents who operational strategy from the Islamist
carried out Ormara attack used Iranian soil militants and formed dedicated operational
for shelter. squads for specific operations. Fidayeen
Majeed Brigade was among such special
5.1.5 Balochistan Liberation Army operational squad, which was formed to
(BLA) target the Chinese and CPEC related
projects.
The BLA has currently two offshoots. One
is led by Harbiyar Marri and operates in BLA’s origin dates back to 1973, a period
eastern part of Balochistan. It comprises of resistance against military operations in
mainly Marri tribesmen loyal to Harbiyar Balochistan and the discovery of the secret
Marri. The other offshoot comprises on the NAP-led London Plan. 190 The Marri tribe
insurgents hailing from various tribal, rural played an important role in the insurgency
and urban backgrounds. It mainly operates in the 1970s. When the government forces
in central and coastal regions of the overcame the insurgency, the Marris went
province and also has networks in interior into exile in Afghanistan. BLA was declared
Sindh and Karachi. Aslam Achu was a terrorist organization by the Musharraf
leading this faction until he was killed in government on April 9, 2006. The PPP-led
Kandahar. He had formed the group after coalition government twice banned the
developing differences with Harbiyar Marri group, on September 8, 2009 and in April
in 2013. 188 Achu thought Harbiyar had 2010.191
come under the influence of Western
forces and could adopt a reconciliatory Harbiyar is active in Europe running
way. campaigns against Pakistan. From 2016,
Mir Hairbyar supporters have been
carrying out their activities under the

93
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

banner of Baloch Freedom Movement.192 the BLF in Iran because of their common
social and economic profiles; Pakistani BLF
5.1.6 Balochistan Liberation Front is under such an influence of Iranian BLF
(BLF) that it also follows a similar organizational
structure and operational strategies.195 The
The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) is
Iranian BLF had intensified its militant
based in the central and southwestern
activities in Iran during early 70’s and the
districts of Balochistan. It has gone into
group was somehow using the Pakistani
hiding, either in the areas close to the
soil while taking advantage of the porous
Iranian border or moved across the border
borders between the two countries. That
into Iran or Afghanistan.193
had forced Iran and Pakistan to develop
Led by Dr Allah Nazar Baloch, BLF is cooperation and launch joint action against
believed to be the most organized of the the group.196
Baloch resistance groups, engaging
After the killing of 14 Pakistani security
security forces and its affiliated militias in a
personnel on April 18, 2019 on coastal
wide area beginning in central Balochistan
highway, Pakistan had formally launched
up to the coastal region. Its militants have
the protest with Iran for BLF getting
been engaged in many pitched battles with
shelter there. Many local religious and
security forces in recent years and Dr.
political leaders in Turbat, Panjgur,
Allah Nazar himself was targeted by the
Khuzdar and Kalat also think that Iranian
Pakistan air force on many occasions.194
authorities deliberately overlook the
Allah Nazar took refuge in Iran after he movement of the Pakistani Baloch
got hurt in an operation by security forces. insurgents, mainly BLF and BLA. What
It is speculated that security institutions they get in return is the information about
were not happy with former Balochistan the hideouts of Jaishul Adl – an Iranian
chief minister Zehri when he had released group based in Iranian Balochustan-Sistan
Allah Nazar’s family members including his that operates across the border – and
wife, sister and children. other Iranian religious-separatist groups,
as well as information about narcotics
As with other Baloch insurgent groups, the dealers operating along border. 197
BLF also strives for an independent However, there is another important
Balochistan. The group’s inspiration comes perspective that many residents of the
from the Iranian Baluchi resistance group bordering town have dual nationality and
of the same name, which was formed in they can cross border legally anytime and
1960s by the Iranian Baluchi youth of many insurgents are exploiting this dual
middle classes. The BLF in Pakistani part nationality factor.198
of Balochistan has many similarities with

94
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

5.1.7 Baloch Republican Army (BRA) he runs anti-Pakistan campaigns.

Led by Brahamdagh Bugti, the outlawed 5.1.9 United Baloch Army (UBA)
Baloch Republican Army is the militant
wing of Balochistan Republican Party Late Nawab Khair Bakhsh, after being
(BRP), a rechristened arm of Akbar Bugti’s estranged from his elder son Harbiyar
Jamhoori Watan Party. The BRA cadre was Marri, nominated his youngest son
previously a personal tribal militia for Zamaran alias Mehran Marri who formed
Nawab Akbar Bugti amid his rivalries with another insurgent group United Baloch
Marri tribes. After Akbar Bugti’s Army (UBA). Mehran lives in London in
assassination in 2006, the militia was self- exile. Under the leadership of a
renamed as Baloch Republican Army former BLA chief commander Abdul Nabi
(BRA). Bangulzai, UBA has been active in Bolan,
Lasbela and Basima in Washuk district.
Since then the group has also recruited the Some local sources claimed that Abdul
militants from other parts of Balochistan Nabi Bangulzai has left UBA and joined
especially in Kech and Gwadar districts, BLF, thus further strengthening the latter.
where its fighters operate in close
coordination with BLF fighters.199 The BRA 5.1.10 Lashkar-e-Balochistan
usually deploys conventional tactics of the Lashkar-e- Balochistan, led by Javed
resistance movements and it has managed Mengal, the eldest son of elderly Baloch
many attacks on gas supplies from Sui to leader Sardar Attaullah Mengal, was
other parts of the country. formed in 2008. It operates mainly in the
Jhalawan and Makran regions. It is
5.1.8 Baloch Republican Guards believed that it recruits fighting volunteers
(BRG) from the Mengal tribe and the Balochistan
National Party (BNP) sympathizers. But the
Led by former MPA Bakhtiar Domki, the BNP claims to have no role in the armed
group is operational in Naseerabad district. struggle and its declared objective is to
It has over 200 militants in its fold and achieve the right of self-determination for
mainly operates in collaboration with the the Baloch in a peaceful struggle according
BRA. It is also part of BRAS, along with to the United Nations Charter.
BLF and BLA. Bakhtiar Domki had formed
the group when his wife and daughter Mir Javed Mengal lives in exile in London
were shot dead in Karachi in January and the UAE. He denies any link with
2012.200 The deceased were also the sister Lashkar-e-Balochistan but the several
and niece of BRA leader Baramdagh Bugti. members of nationalist parties and
Domki lives in exile in London from where journalists in Balochistan confirm that

95
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Javed Mengal is mastermind behind the Balochistan, sectarian groups like Lashkar-
group. He and his son Mir Noordin Mengal e-Jhangvi, Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP),
have been active in Europe in anti-Pakistan Imamia Students Organization (ISO) and
campaigns. Sipah-e-Muhammad etc., are active in the
province in one way or another. These
5.2 Religious & Sectarian organizations are pursuing their parallel
Extremists agendas while the Baloch movement
continues to occupy centre stage in the
Afghan Taliban, Al-Qaeda and local broader conflict in Balochistan.
militant outfits such as Tehreek-e-Taliban
Table 2: Religious/Sectarian Groups

Groups Leadership Motives/ Agenda Location

Daesh - Anti-West, anti-Shia Quetta, Bolan,
global terrorist group Mastung, Jhal Magsi
TTP Mufti Noor Wali Anti-West, anti- Quetta, Chaman,
Mehsud (based in Pakistan, anti-Shia Zhob, Loralai,
Afghanistan) Mastung
Jamaatul Ahrar Omar Khalid Mansur Anti-West, anti- Quetta, Pishin,
and Hizul Ahrar and Mukarram Khan Pakistan, anti-Shia Chaman
(based in Afghanistan)
Sipah-e-Sahaba Ramzan Mengal Sunni Deobandi, anti- Quetta, Chaghi and
Shia, anti-West Panjgur
Lashkar-e- Ameer Moaviya Sunni Deobandi, anti- Quetta, Mastung,
Jhangvi and LeJ- Shia, anti-West, anti- Khuzdar, Panjgur,
A Christian Bolan
Imamia Students Nasir Shirazi, Anti-Sunni Quetta
Organization (president)
Jaishul Adl Salahuddin Farooqi Religious-nationalist Iranian Sistan-
group, anti-Shia, anti- Baluchistan, and
Iran Chaghi and Panjgur
in Pakistani
Balochistan
Ansar Al-Furqan - Religious- nationalist Iranian Sistan-
group, anti-Iran Baluchistan, and
Kharan in Pakistani
Balochistan

96
5.2.1 Jaishul Adl districts, where many mosques apparently
belong to the group. Iran also has
Iranian-based Jaishul Adl was formed soon extensive spying network in the Chagai
after the arrest and execution of the Sunni district and also fires mortars following
extremist organization Jundallah’s leader Jaishul Adl militants in this area.
Abdul Malik Regi. In the beginning,
Jundallah was split into two factions i.e. 5.2.2 Ansar Al-Furqan
Al-Nasr and Jaishul Adl. In 2016, both
factions got united and issued a joint Harkat-e-Ansar-e-Iran was another splinter
declaration of unification. 201 However group of Jundallah, which had launched
before the merger, Iran had killed the many attacks in Iranian Balochistan during
head of Al-Nasr, Maulvi Abdul Rauf, in an 2012-13. Later the group was merged with
operation inside Pakistan. Hizbul Furqan to form Ansar Al-Furqan in
late 2013. This is comparatively a small
The 40 years old leader of Jaishul Adl, religious group and reportedly has
Salahuddin Farooqi, belongs to Iranian- hideouts in district Kharan. According to
Baluchi region “Raisk”, and is considered a Hoshang (2015), Jaish ul-Adl adopted a
hardliner Sunni. One reason for his leaving more moderate approach and to some
Jundallah was secular and liberal attitude extent has moved further towards Baloch
of many of the core members of the ethnic nationalism.202
group. However, Mr. Farooqi denies any
links with Al-Qaeda or Daesh. During 5.2.3 Daesh, or Islamic State (IS)
2015 and 2016, Jaishul Adl carried out Group
many serious hit and run attacks on
Daesh or the Khorasan chapter of the
security forces in Iranian Baluchistan,
Islamic State group, also known as ISIS,
establishing itself the most lethal militant
has shown its strong presence in
group of Sistan-Baluchistan.
Balochistan while managing 10 major
The armed confrontation between terrorist attacks in the province since its
Pakistani Baloch separatist groups and establishment. A total of 270 people lost
Jaishul Adl has become a routine as both their lives in these attacks reported from
have their operational bases in similar Quetta, Jhal Magsi and Mastung districts of
vicinities. Locals in Balochistan believe that Balochistan.
Jaishul Adl’s center is in “Mashkeel”. This
Table 3: Terrorist Attacks by IS-
is a rough and difficult terrain with little
affiliates in Balochistan (1 Jan. 2014
population but is a favorite route of
to 26 Dec. 2019)203
insurgents of all shades as well as
smugglers. Most of the petroleum
Attacks
District

Killed

smuggling from Iran also happens through Target

this route. Jaishul Adl also has a strong
support base in Chagai and Panjgur Jhal 1 22 Worship places/
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

5.2.4 Pakistani Taliban

Attacks
District

Killed
Target
Although the military operations have
Magsi shrines/imambargahs
forced the Pakistani Taliban to relocate to
Mastung 3 180 Foreign interests/, other side of Pakistan-Afghan border in
diplomats/foreigners, recent years, yet the Taliban presence is
and political relatively more pronounced in suburbs of
leaders/workers
Quetta and Pashtun belt of Balochistan.
Quetta 6 68 Christian
community/Church, Main Taliban groups, which have been
Govt. officials, political active in parts of Balochistan are listed
leaders/workers, and below.
Shia religious
scholars/community
• Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
Total 10 270

Since the establishment of the TTP in

The data on terrorist attacks claimed by
2007, its Balochistan chapter (Tehreek-e-
Daesh in Pakistan suggests the group has
Taliban Balochistan) had been active in the
relatively greater presence and activities in
province, which is significantly weakened
Balochistan and northern Sindh, where a
now to almost non-existence. But the TTP
new emerging sectarian fault-line lies. The
presence and continuing terrorist activities
Hazara community in Quetta valley, the
in recent years are conspicuous by the
Shia population in northern Sindh and Shia
sporadic attacks it has been perpetrating
influence on Sunnis there, a pluralist
and claiming.
culture of shrines, poorly governed
provincial borders and most importantly, Between 1 January 2015 and 27 December
the Shia pilgrimage routes to Iran and Iraq 2019, the TTP perpetrated 65 terrorist
attract a multitude of sectarian actors in attacks in Balochistan – including 3 suicide
this region. blasts – which claimed 192 lives and
injured 376 others. More than half of these
One important commander of Daesh
attacks, or 33, concentrated in Quetta,
Hafeez Brohi from Sindh has been killed
another 15 were reported from Qilla
this year, which will have impact on the
Abdullah, mainly Chaman, and 4 attacks
group’s operations in bordering region of
each from Loralai and Zhob. 204 Recently,
Balochistan and Sindh. However, police
from January 2019, the group has been
and law enforcement officials in Quetta
quite active in Loralai district of
confirm that Daesh is still a potent threat
Balochistan where it has claimed 4 major
in Bolan region as it has been collaborating
attacks on security forces killing 26, mostly
with small factions of LeJ there in terrorist
security personnel. In March 2019, the
operations.

98
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

TTP also launched a major attack in Ziarat, 5.2.5 Sectarian Outfits

adjacent to Loralai, killing 6 Levies
persons. Violent sectarian groups have been
operating in Balochistan since long,
• Jamaatul Ahrar and Hizbul Ahrar although their activities have become
relatively less frequent and less intense in
In all, 110 people were killed and 181 recent years. Still, sectarian-related target
others injured in 8 attacks perpetrated by killings of members of the Shia Hazara
these two groups in Pishin, Qilla Abdullah community is a regular feature of
and Quetta districts of Balochistan since Balochistan’s security landscape.
August 2016. Five of these attacks were
suicide blasts. Among the Sunni sectarian groups present
in the province are Sipah-e-Sahaba
Both groups are splinters of the TTP, with Pakistan (SSP) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi
Hizbul Ahrar being the recent one. (LeJ); so-called global arm of the LeJ
Jamaatul Ahrar came into limelight in known as Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al-Alami (LeJ-
Balochistan after August 2016 suicide A) was also active in the province few
blast at Civil Hospital, Quetta. More than years back. Factions of Shia groups Sipah-
70 people were killed, nearly half of them e-Muhammad, and Imamia Students
lawyers, in the attack targeting mourners Organization (ISO) are also active in parts
gathered at the hospital. Jamaatul Ahrar of the province mainly Quetta.
and the Islamic State (IS) group both
claimed responsibility for the attack, • Lashkar-e-Jhangvi
separately.205
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) is a Sunni outfit
From April 2018, Hizbul Ahrar has been with an anti-Shia agenda and operates in
active in Balochistan and has launched 3 and around Quetta. Two splinter groups of
attacks so far, including 2 in Quetta and the LeJ known as Usman Kurd group –
one in Pishin. Two of these attacks were Kurd was killed in an operation in 2015 –
suicide bombings including a major and Qari Hai group are active in
assault on an FC camp in Quetta in April Balochistan. The LeJ group still has
2018. 206 The most recent attack by the presence in Quetta, Mastung and Khuzdar
group in Balochistan was reported in but is struggling to capitalize on its
January 2019 from Pishin that targeted operational strengths.
the office of Naib Tehsildar Abdul Malik
Tareen.207 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

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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

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 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 the findings of hundreds of investigations
Background that were conducted into these terror
attacks. Some of the analysis of the
The wave of suicide bombings that started phenomenon of suicide bombings is based
in Pakistan in the wake of July 2007 on the sketchy information derived from
military operation against militants the pre-attack video messages of the
sheltered in Islamabad’s Lal Masjid was suicide bombers available in Pakistani
clearly aimed at destabilizing the country. tribal areas.211
This wave picked up pace in terms of
The lack of data and empirical evidence
numbers of attacks in the period between
notwithstanding, some Pakistani experts
2007-2011. Several media and official
have observed that militant groups use
sources had then pointed out that multiple
suicide bombings to achieve strategic
groups were engaged in suicide blasts.
objectives.
Even the Pakistani Taliban was not a
monolithic entity and it comprised of According to one account, “law
several different groups, which were then enforcement investigations indicate that
being targeted in military operations suicide bombings is the work of multiple
mainly in erstwhile FATA. militant and terrorist outfits like the local
Taliban, Al Qaeda, and groups affiliated
Some say that this wave was intended to
with Al Qaeda such as Jamiat al- Furqan
weaken the resolve of Pakistani state and
and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. The evidence they
military leaders so that they retreat from
have collected shows that Al Qaeda and its
the advance stage of military operations
affiliated groups in Pakistan have used
against tribal militants in Pakistani tribal
suicide terrorism to obtain specific
areas.209 Some western analysts have also
strategic goals against the government.”212
described suicide bombings as a strategic
tool of the militants group employed to This paper is an attempt to analyze the
extract concessions from democratic wave of suicide bombing (2007 to 2011) in
governments.210However in Pakistan’s case terms of intended targets of the terrorists,
there is no empirical evidence to vindicate impact of these attacks on public
that. perceptions and opinion, as well as an
assessment of current level of threat. The
Indeed, there does not exist any empirical
analysis is mainly based on newspaper
study to respond to such questions of
reports and analysis of suicide bombings in
strategic motives of dozens of suicide
urban and tribal areas, mainly from English
bombings that took place in Pakistan
Dailies Daily Times, Dawn, The News and
during the period from 2007 to 2011 and
The Nation.
to what extent these achieved their
objectives. There is a dearth of datasets The analysis dispels the impression that
also, primarily because the government the Taliban groups and other militants
and its institutions only rarely made public
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

used terror as a weapon only against the areas as well as urban centers. However,
state machinery—thus partially repudiating the suicide bombings are not taking place
the theory that Taliban were using suicide frequently.
bombings only as a strategic tool to
weaken the resolve of state machinery and 6.2 Assessment of Current
military leadership to continue the military Threat from Suicide Bombing
operations in erstwhile tribal areas. This
theory doesn’t fully explain why pensioners A significantly decreased incidence of
outside a commercial bank in Rawalpindi suicide bombings in major urban centers
were targeted or why Shia religious of the country is generally perceived as an
procession became the target of indicator that Pakistan’s security situation
bombings—when apparently none of these has now completely returned to normalcy.
people were partners of the state
The current situation is in fact a complete
machinery, which was carrying out military
contrast with the security situation that
operation against militants in the tribal
prevailed in the country during last three
areas.
years of past decade, i.e. 2007 to 2010,
Suicide bombings as a strategic tool of when suicide bombings were almost a
militants can fully explain the targeting of daily occurrence. The wave of suicide
military and police, political and religious bombings that hit Pakistan in the
leaders, diplomatic missions of western aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks
countries and leaders of rival groups—as touched alarming heights in 2007,
all these categories of suicide bombings averaging more than one suicide attack a
fall into the definition of entities, which week. It was a widely held perception at
extended political support to the military that time that the state machinery had lost
operations against Pakistani Taliban. control of the situation. 
While PPP leader
Benazir Bhutto's December 27
The explanatory power of this theory assassination was the most high-profile
diminishes in case of explaining the suicide suicide attack of the 2007, there were 56
bombings against Shia worshippers or incidents of suicide bombings in Pakistan
worshippers in a Sunni mosque. Some of during 2007, killing 422 members of the
people would argue that the objective of army and the police besides 220 civilians.
these attacks was to sow terror into the
heart of the society, which was at war with Two suicide bombings in April and May
the militancy. this year, in two urban centers of the
country, Quetta and Lahore respectively,
The military is still continuing operations started to give sleepless nights to security
against various militant groups in the tribal managers of Pakistan early this year.

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These raised the apprehension that this that they have broken the back of
might be the start of another wave of militancy in Pakistan’s erstwhile tribal
suicide bombings that might grip Pakistani areas and that the militants are on the run
society. But luckily suicide attacks have and incapable to launch major attacks.
remained only sporadic in 2019 with 4 That also means that as militants no more
such attacks reported throughout the year. control any territory in any part of
Indeed, suicide bombings have gradually Pakistan, they cannot run any schools for
disappeared as a potent threat to internal the training of suicide bombers as they
security of the country since 2014.213 used to do when they were controlling
South and North Waziristan.
Major urban centers of the country and
tribal areas bordering Afghanistan And because now military is controlling
witnessed the dreadful wave of suicide every inch of the erstwhile FATA, there is
bombings between July 2007 and initial little possibility that the militants would be
months of 2011. In this period, the allowed to recruit the under aged suicide
terrorists hit military installations, bombers from poor and under nourished
personnel and convoys, police stations and families in tribal areas. This seems
police personnel, political leaders, plausible but hardly enough reason for
diplomatic community, sectarian targets complacency.
and tribal elders. Some of the suicide
bombings were targeted against the rival 6.3 Reporting on Suicide
militant leaders and groups. Most common Bombing: Impact on Public
form of suicide bombings was the Perceptions and Opinion
targeting of military and police check posts
in the tribal areas and settled areas. Initially the phenomenon of suicide
bombings came as a shock to Pakistani
But this period has apparently vanished society and generated a sense of disbelief
from our memory as if it had never and state of denial among the
happened. We don’t talk about it; we don’t intelligentsia, media and state machinery.
produce any research or academic paper Public discourse that came out as a
about it; nor do we try to foresee if such a response was that of incomprehension.
wave can repeat it. The initial columns in the Pakistani
newspapers, written after initial episodes
Pakistani security agencies, however, are
of suicide bombings, discussed the
not as unmindful to their surroundings and
phenomenon from the perspective of
they did show some apprehension at the
Middle Eastern societies. It seemed
time of two suicide bombings in April and
Pakistani intelligentsia was not ready to
May this year. Security officials also claim

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accept that this scourge had hit Pakistani reporting of suicide bombing in the tribal
society.214 areas, perhaps, was the awareness among
the tribal journalists about the direct
There appeared many signs that the tensions and their latest updates between
society was not at all prepared to deal with the military and the tribal militants that
the threat, which were also visible on the provided the backdrop of these bombings.
pages of newspapers and in the way these
news outlets reported the incidents of For example, a news story about suicide
suicide bombings especially that took place bombing in Mingora, Swat on January 8,
in the urban centers of the country 2008 in daily Dawn contained the
especially Lahore and Peshawar. background of the tensions between
military and Mullah Fazlullah-led militants
Lahore and Peshawar became the main in Swat valley, which, according to the
targets of the terrorists and suicide report was most plausible backdrop of
bombers presumably as the terror suicide bombing. “On Sunday, Maulana
incidents in these big urban centers Fazlullah, through his FM radio, asked his
created quite a spectacle and became the followers to launch attacks against security
focus of local and international media forces…[T]he security forces have been
outlets. Ironically, throughout this period, consolidating their positions in upper Matta
Pakistani newspapers continued to treat tehsil and bracing for a final assault on the
suicide bombings in these cities as hideouts of militants in Ghut Peuchar,
ordinary crime stories. Most of the time Shore, Chuprial and other areas” reads a
the crime reporters of the newspapers paragraph of the report in Daily Dawn of
were assigned to cover the suicide January 8,2008.
bombings, with the obvious result that the
stories next day were completely devoid of Surprisingly, Pakistani newspapers did not
the political context in which these suicide learn about how to report the incidents of
bombings were taking place. Interestingly, suicide bombings even at the latter stages,
most of the time, this was not the case which also contributed in confusing public
with the reporting of incidents of suicide opinions.
bombings in tribal areas and other
troubled areas like Swat, where, the media People just seemed to have endured a
persons reporting these incidents were dreadful experience and tended to forget
usually well versed in the political and about it in the long run. The society itself
militant landscape of the region. did not create a database of knowledge at
the social level to meet this threat at any
A second more plausible reason for the future point of time. As cited earlier, media
inclusion of political context in the and newspapers and their reporting

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systems were the main factor behind this intelligence agencies, police and other
social amnesia, because they adhered to security agencies. Political and religious
the old model of reporting a crime event leaders were frequently targeted during
without taking into account shockingly times of election campaigns and enhanced
terrorizing pain these events of suicide political activities. Diplomats and
blasts inflicted on the society. These diplomatic missions of western countries
shocking incidents demanded a new model remained favorite targets of suicide
of reporting, which should have contained attacks, too. Leaders of rival groups and
not only the political and security context leaders of peace committee were also
of the bombings, but also the entire new targeted. General public and Shia
experience of terror which society community also became victim of Taliban’s
underwent. savagery.

Apart from dealing the suicide bombing as If carefully studied, the targeting pattern
simple crime stories, media also largely of suicide attacks clearly indicated the
relied on official accounts of events, which political and strategic objectives of
in a way worked as a constraint, too, in Pakistani Taliban—the main perpetuators
investigative and objective reporting and of suicide attacks. The targeting patterns
analysis. Officialdom greatly influences the clearly reflected the desire of Pakistani
news reports, especially where the Taliban a) to inflict maximum damage on
reporter is completely dependent on the state machinery in order to weaken its
concerned officials for access to resolve and to diminish its capacity to
information and access to the places of continue the struggle against militancy in
events. Pakistan; and b) to instill terror and create
anarchy in the society.
It has been an irony that when the terror
groups were able to improvise to inflict the 6.4.1 Security and Law Enforcement
most dreadful pain on Pakistani society, Agencies
the state and society failed to innovate
and improvise their responses. The fact that September 28, 2019 terror
attack in Chaman was not a suicide attack
6.4 Categorization of Targets but appeared to be blast of a timed device
Hit in Suicide Blasts (2007- speaks volumes about the changing nature
of terrorist threat in the country. The fact
2011)
that only 4 suicide blasts happened in
The militants were clearly aiming at Pakistan in 2019 means that the planners
specific targets in their suicide bombings of terrorism in the country are fast losing
campaigns including mainly military, ground.

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It was just like any other sunny afternoon targeting of LT General of Pakistan Army
of receding winters in Lahore when the in the same month by a suicide bomber in
double suicide attacks on Naval War Rawalpindi.
College in the busy part of the city took
place. The gruesome incident occurred at First three months of 2008 were
around 1:10 pm, March 4, 2008 when a particularly deadly for the military and
suicide bomber, riding a motorcycle, police force in the big urban centers of the
rammed into the college gate. He blew country like Rawalpindi, Islamabad and
himself up at the gate while making way Lahore. The year started with a suicide
for his accomplice to the parking lot, which attack on January 10, 2008, on police
was packed with official vehicles. The contingent deployed in GPO Chowk Lahore
second suicide bomber, who was standing to watch over the Lawyers protest
at some distance from the gate, rushed to demonstration in Front of the Lahore High
the parking lot and triggered his explosive Court. The police personnel were the
device. It could have been more intended targets of the attack as more
devastating than the actual damage it than 20 policemen lost their lives when the
caused in the parking lot of the college, suicide bomber blew himself up.
killing eight people on the spot.215
Army being the institution on the forefront
There are incidents of targeted suicide of counter-terrorism and counter-militancy
bombings, which, could not have been operations of the state was also the prime
carried out without real-time intelligence target of the terrorists during this period.
available to the handlers and planners of Army personnel have an everyday
the terror attacks. This involved suicide presence in the big garrison cities like
bombings, where the vehicles, installations Rawalpindi and this presence became the
or senior officials or personnel of the target of the suicide bombers. Army
military were specifically targeted in the Medical Corps (AMC) passenger coach was
suicide attacks. One prime example of this targeted in Rawalpindi’s busy bazar
type of suicide attacks was the February 4, adjacent to the GHQ, A Lt General of
2008 suicide attack on a passenger coach Pakistan Army was martyred on Mall Road
of Army Medical Corps in RA Bazar Rawalpindi while he was travelling in his
Rawalpindi. The attacker rammed his staff car—this clearly meant that the
motorcycle into an Army Medical Corps terrorists wanted to instill the same kind of
(AMC) coaster in RA Bazaar, killing at least fear and terror in the hearts of those
11 persons, including six uniformed and officers who as part of their everyday lives
civil personnel of AMC, and critically roamed the streets and roads of a city,
injuring over 45 others. Another was the Rawalpindi, which was considered one of
the safest in the country.

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Not surprising the terrorists by attacking 6.4.2 Political and Religious Leaders
the military personnel, were targeting the
most potent and perceptibly the most The political parties, which were most
power elements of Pakistani state vocal against terrorist groups and
structure, which were most visibly and terrorism, or were part of the local politics
most vocally conducting the counter- in the tribal areas surrounding the tensions
terrorism and counter-militancy operations between security forces and tribal
in the tribal areas against the militants. militants, were the prime targets of suicide
attacks between 2007 and 2011. These
Suicide attacks on security check posts included firstly the Pakistan People’s Party
were also a daily occurrence. In other (PPP) and Awami National Party (ANP) –
words, it was quite clear to those manning the parties which were most vocal against
the check posts that they may or may not extremism at the national level – and
return to their habitats in the evening after Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam and ANP, which
completing their duties. It could be an were part of the local politics in tribal
approaching vehicle or a pedestrian that areas where military was engaged in a
could turn out to be a suicide attacker and military operation against tribal militants.
take their lives. But still they continued to Circumstances and common sense left
bravely man their check posts in the most little doubt that tribal militants were the
dangerous parts of the country. force behind these suicide attacks and in
most of the cases the so-called spokesmen
But the real impact of the suicide of Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility
bombings was felt when Pakistani state for the attacks.
machinery failed to effectively respond
to this threat. The police acted as first Party cadre and leaders of Awami National
responders in the suicide bombings Party remained the prime target of the
incidents but they were not at all suicide bombers during this period. ANP
trained and prepared to deal with this has a grass-root level presence in
threat. Government hospitals and their erstwhile tribal areas and quite daringly its
staffs gradually developed the capacity party cadres started to assert themselves
to deal with the emergencies in the in the local politics. For instance, in
wake of suicide attacks. Initially there February 2008, ANP cadre was part of the
were no ambulances and no trained campaign by local tribal Lashkar to oust
staff to shift the injured of the blasts— the foreign militants from North
which were mostly burned victims—to Waziristan. This was happening while ANP
the hospitals. as a political party was engaged in election
campaign for parliamentary elections. The
tribal Lashkar (locally raised tribal force)

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was raised by the Dawar tribes to evict seminaries, under the control of JUI
foreign militants from their area, which leaders. So the attacks on the leaders of
according to them, provoked military JUI was seen as a major change in the
operations by the Pakistani security forces strategy of militants, who saw no
causing multiple hardships to the local possibility of any kind of understanding
people. with any party which was functioning
under the constitutional framework of
It was in this situation that a joint election Pakistani state. Six people were killed and
rally of ANP workers and the tribal Lashkar several others, mostly students, sustained
was attacked by a suicide bomber in Mirali injuries in a suicide attack on a Madrassa
on February 11, 2008, killing 10 party in Kili Karbala in the Pishin district.
workers on the spot. This was an incident According to reports JUI-F provincial Amir
of suicide bombers targeting of workers of Maulana Muhammad Khan Shirani,
a political party, which was actively Balochistan Assembly Deputy Speaker
campaigning against the militancy in the Syed Matiullah Agha and provincial
tribal areas. ministers belonging to the party were
attending a ceremony at the Madrassa
One such gathering was targeted by a
when a 15-year-old boy blew himself up in
suicide bomber on March 2, 2008 where
front of the stage. However, all the JUI-F
some 42 people, mostly tribal elders, were
leadership escaped unhurt. In March 2011,
killed at a grand peace Jirga in Darra
the JUI-F chief, Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman
Adamkhel town, about 40 kilometers south
was specifically targeted in a suicide attack
of Peshawar. Not surprisingly the agenda
in Swabi where he arrived to address a
of the meeting was to oust the militants of
public rally, he, however escaped unhurt.
their area and set up peace committee to
Fazl was targeted in a second suicide
ensure making the area trouble free.216
attack on his life, this time in Charsadda,
The religious parties like Jamat-e-Ulema within a short span of a month’s time. 217
Islam (JUI-F) started to come under
By 2009 the tribal militants had extended
suicide attacks in the period immediately
their range to areas far away from the
in the wake of 2008 parliamentary
tribal areas. They were now targeting
elections. These parties were perceived to
religious scholars from the rival sect in
be close to the militant groups,
major urban centers like Lahore. In June
ideologically, and were seen as a political
2009, the tribal militants struck in the
force in a position to influence the
heart of Lahore when they targeted Dr
behavior of so-called Pakistani Taliban—
Sarfraz Hussain Naeemi in a suicide attack;
primarily because most of the Taliban
Dr Naeemi was killed along with five
leadership was educated in the religious

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others, when a 17-year-old youth blew funerals were targeted in cities like Dera
himself up at his office in Jamia Naeemia, Ismail Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan and
on the Allama Iqbal Road in Garhi Shahu Peshawar, killing scores of people. The
area of Lahore, soon after the Friday state machinery, however, remained
prayers. Dr Naeemi was considered an helpless in giving protection to the
opponent of Taliban’s ideology.218 community.

The parliamentary elections and political Most of these suicide attacks took place in
parties were the specific targets of suicide cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, however
attacks in 2008. Attacks on many political Punjab was not completely immune from
activities, parties and leaders, most these attacks. A suicide bomber blew
notably the October 18, 2007 assault on himself up at the entrance of an Imam
the motorcade of Benazir Bhutto, former bargah on April 5, 2009, in Sargodha
prime minister and the then head of the killing 24 people, including three children.
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), in Karachi, On December 24, 2009, a suicide bomber
which resulted in 139 deaths, and her blew himself outside an Imam bargah in
assassination on December 27, 2007 were Shakrial village within the Islamabad
the glaring examples of Taliban’s terrorist Capital Territory (ICT). On December 28,
violence to disrupt the political process. 2009 an Ashura procession was attacked
by a suicide bomber in Karachi killing 42
6.4.3 Shia Community people on the spot, which ultimately led to
riots in the city. During this period the Shia
Shia community was targeted by the tribal
community continued to feel vulnerable
militants throughout this period, despite
throughout the country as suicide bomber
the fact that this community was not
continued to strike the religious events
directly part of the conflict going on in the
and religious buildings across the country
tribal areas. Shia quasi-political
in cities like Quetta, Sargodha, Lahore,
organizations did start a campaign against
Hangu and other places.
extremism after the community came
under wave of suicide attacks across the 6.4.4. General Public or Civilians
country—but this political campaign was
apparently not the cause, which prompted Suicide bombings on civilians showed the
the militants to start targeting the savagery of Pakistani Taliban was on full
community. In fact, the Shia community display. Most of this type of suicide
came under suicide attacks by the bombings took place in 2009.
militants right from the start of wave of
suicide attacks across Pakistan. Imam One such attack took place in Jumrud,
bargahs and Shia religious processions and Khyber, on March 27, 2009. About 48

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people were killed and 170 injured when a bombings as a tool to eliminate leaders of
mosque packed with worshippers collapsed their rival groups or pro-government peace
after a bomb blast during Friday prayers. committees’ members. This proved to be
Khyber Agency administrator Tariq Hayat equally deadly as most of these attacks
Khan blamed the defunct Tehrik-i-Taliban took place in crowded places like mosques
Pakistan for the carnage. Another such or other public gatherings. This resulted in
suicide attack where general public was large number of deaths. A suicide bomber
the target took place on October 9, 2009 blew himself up prior to prayers in Masjid
in Peshawar’s busy bazaar where 49 Wali Muhammad in Akhurwal area of the
people, including a woman and seven volatile Darra Adamkhel semi-tribal region,
children, were killed. Reportedly, a suicide killing over 70 people and wounding more
attacker detonated his explosives-laden than 100. Eyewitnesses said over 200
car at the crowded Soekarno Chowk in tribesmen were preparing for the Friday
Khyber Bazaar. Separately, in Islamabad, prayers when a bomber in his late teens
two suicide blasts on October 20, 2009 blew himself up.
rocked the new campus of the
International Islamic University Islamabad Some of these suicide attacks could
(IIUI) in H-10 sector of Islamabad, killing specifically be described as assassination
at least six students and staffers, including attempts on rival group’s leaders. Such
two female students, and injuring more was the case in a suicide bombing at the
than 29 others. base of the militant group, Ansarul Islam,
in the Tirah Valley in Khyber Agency on
Another such gruesome incident took place January 9, 2010, which left 10 people,
in Rawalpindi on November 2, 2009 when including its members, dead and seven
a suicide bomber hit a bank killing 36 others injured. Dr Naeem, spokesman for
people and wounding over 65 others. Four the Ansarul Islam, told media that the rival
soldiers were also among the dead. The militant group, Lashkar-e-Islam, led by
bomber blew himself up outside the Mangal Bagh, was involved in the suicide
National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) on the attack.
Khadim Hussain Road, where people had
lined up to draw their salaries and 6.4.6 Western Interests/Diplomats
pensions.
The US and other western countries were
6.4.5 Rival Militant Groups and Peace openly and vocally supporting Pakistani
Committees military in the war against terrorism and
this meant that they were at the receiving
In the middle months of 2009, different end of terror campaign in this period. The
groups of Taliban started using suicide targeting of Western embassies and

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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.

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 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 were killed along with two injured. The
security forces of Pakistan performed well Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed
to ensure the security of projects and the responsibility for this attack. Reports
workers of China Pakistan Economic said that BLA targeted the Chinese and
Corridor (CPEC). foreign investors in the hotel while
government denied presence of Chinese or
Sindh police revealed that in half a year, it any foreigner in the hotel.
had foiled 11 threat alerts pertaining to
the attack on foreign workers of CPEC. 219 In response to that incident, Chinese
Mansehra police arrested 5 terrorists who government urged Pakistan to strengthen
were planning to sabotage CPEC projects the security of CPEC. Government of
in the region. 220 On the other hand, five Pakistan reaffirmed the security of CPEC
suspects of Balochistan Liberation Army and Chinese workers, and ensured to take
(BLA) from Karachi and Balochistan were more effective measures in this regard. In
arrested for their alleged involvement in this regard, Pakistan army has hinted the
an attack on the Chinese consulate in improved security situation of Balochistan
Karachi last year. 221 Police claimed that under CPEC and revealed their plan to
attack was planned in Afghanistan with the form another ‘division-size special force’224
support of India’s Research and Analysis to scale-up the safety of Chinese workers.
Wing (RAW),however, the allegation was It was also reported in Russian media that
denied by India. the Pakistani military is likely to set up a
division headquarters of the 44th Light
Furthermore, a Joint Investigation Team Infantry in Gwadar for CPEC security.225
(JIT) was formed to thoroughly interrogate
the arrested suspects. The team informed In addition to that, Pakistan Air Vice-
that it took three months and Rs1 million Marshal Officer Commanding Southern
for terrorists to plan and execute the Command urged Balochistan government
attack. 222 Their head named Amanullah to make the security arrangements more
funded the attack via bank transfer and effective for the smooth execution of CPEC
cash money. Meanwhile, Sindh’s Counter- projects in Gwadar.226
Terrorism Department (CTD) claimed that
one BLA’s member, adherent of the Development of Special
Chinese consulate attack in Karachi, was Security Forces on CPEC
arrested in Sharjah with the help of
information provided by Sindh CTD. Government appeared keen towards
advancement and capacity building of the
However, one major assault against CPEC special security forces constituted for CPEC
workers was noted this year. In May, four projects and foreigner experts.
terrorists attempted to attack PC hotel in
Gwadar, Balochistan but security forces To enhance the efficiency of CPEC security
foiled this attempt.223 Two security guards forces, 470 personnel of Special Protection
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Unit (SPU) were trained in Police College various projects. District police has
Sihala. 227 In Gilgit-Baltistan, police reviewed the foreigner’s security working
provided advanced vehicles to SPU officials on CPEC projects including Dassu
to improve their performance. 228 Punjab Hydropower project and Suki Kanari
police has also shown seriousness and Hydropower project in Kaghan valley. 232
commitment to ensure the security of
foreigner experts. The Inspector General On the other hand, Punjab police has also
(IG) Police instructed senior officials to beefed-up the security of Chinese workers
visit the project sites and submit a working on various CPEC projects. 233 It is
performance report of SPU staff deployed important to mention that the Punjab
in Lahore. He also ordered them to report home department’s directorate has
to the home department if visa and NOCs conducted the security audit of CPEC
of any Chinese or other foreigner workers hydropower project and reported different
are outdated. SPU has signed a MoU with security lapses. The inspection team noted
foreign office for information sharing that instead of a senior police officer, a
linked to the security of Chinese and Subedar was monitoring the performance
foreign workers. 229 In Balochistan, the of SPU. Moreover, 17 out of 90 CCTV
provincial government has decided to form cameras installed at site were
a new branch of Levies force 230 to ensure dysfunctional and their repair guarantee
the secure execution of CPEC projects. with the concerned company was
outdated. The team also noted that 100
Meanwhile, government has earmarked face detection cameras installed at entry
around Rs287 million 231 in the next fiscal and exit were disconnected to CCTV
year’s budget to establish a Special control room. An “anti-air defense
Security Division (SSD) constituting of mechanism does not exist to counter the
Rangers. air strike” at the project site, the team
noted. In addition to that, employees
Security of CPEC Projects and screening and verification process is
Workers lengthy and half of the project employees
have been working without any security
Punjab and KP police ensured fool-proof clearance.
security to projects being executed under
CPEC. The home department’s directorate has
asked regional police to address the
Mansehra police has reviewed the security security lapses by coordinating with district
of foreigners, mainly CPEC workers, and intelligence committee and submit a
fortified the security measures on sites report. The regional police officer directed
where Chinese have been working on the Rawalpindi Saddar Division police to

118
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

evaluate project’s security and submit a China has stressed to boost the use of
detailed report to be further forwarded to technology for uninterrupted execution of
the directorate. CPEC projects. Though Pakistan has
adopted various mechanisms for smooth
CPEC Security Discussed in JCC implementation of projects under CPEC,
Meetings the Joint Technical Expert Working has
offered technological support237 on security
During the 9th Joint Cooperation management of CPEC.
Committee (JCC) meeting, both sides
agreed on enhanced cooperation in all Indian Opposition
spheres to ensure the security of CPEC.
China appreciated Pakistan’s step to India has been trying to malign the image
increase the size of SSD North and South of CPEC by circulating the distorted news
for the better security of CPEC. Pakistan linked to CPEC security. In the month of
ensured to protect projects from external February, unidentified armed men killed
threats by fencing Pak-Afghan and Pak- four of Frontier Corps (FC) personnel in
Iran borders in the next three years.234 Panjgur, Balochistan. Indian media
238
circulated the fabricated news, originally
A broad plan was drafted to strengthen reported by Balochistan Post, quoting “FC
the security of CPEC in the 6th meeting of personnel killed in attack against CPEC”.
China-Pakistan Joint Working Group (JWG)
on CPEC security235. Both sides agreed to Way Forward
enhance the security of CPEC projects,
Chinese engineers, technical staff, skilled Amid improved security of CPEC projects
professionals and Chinese suppliers and workers, it is pertinent to understand
involved in the implementation of projects. the nexus between domestic natural
resources, sustainable development and
Other Developments violent conflict. CPEC has been facing
security challenges both at internal and
Amid increasing security concerns of CPEC, external level. Apart from capacity building
both sides have agreed to develop the of CPEC linked special security forces and
Gwadar master plan. As per plan, law enforcement agencies, government
geological and satellite survey of the city needs to address the concerns and
will be conducted. It is hoped that viewing grievances of locals, mainly in Gwadar,
and observing the city developments from who believe that CPEC is exploitation of
space and on the earth may improve CPEC their natural resources merely favorable to
security.236 China. Planning commission should
constitute a dialogue team or Peace

119
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

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.

120
 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 that they staged a four-day sit-in amid
of faith-based violence, the number of heavy showers and biting cold and
incidents and casualties both declined in demanded that the prime minister visit
2019 compared to the previous year. In them to assure them of protection and
fact, the incidence of violence against impartial implementation of the National
religious minorities and sects in the Action Plan (NAP).
country has been falling for the last five
years. For the sake of context, it should be added
that the torment of the Hazaras of Quetta
However, as welcome a news as this may has been both enduring and devastating.
be, it only tells part of the story. Here is National Commission for Human Rights
the rest: Media coverage in the last reported in 2018 that 509 members of
fortnight of 2019 highlights that the Hazara community had been killed and
authorities tightened security around 627 injured in attacks from January 2012
churches and mass prayer sites across the to December 2017. The Hazaras, who are
country ahead of Christmas. The security easily recognizable because of their
measures that were deemed necessary distinctive central Asian features, have
included not just walk-through gates, but been forced to find sanctuary only in two
also deployment of snipers on the rooftops Hazara-dominated neighborhoods in
and having bomb disposal units at hand. Quetta to escape unrelenting targeted
The Punjab police chief said the idea was attacks. The April 2019 attack targeted
to ensure that Christians could celebrate Hazara fruit sellers and green grocers who
their religious festival without any fear. regularly travelled to and from the market
in a convoy under police and paramilitary
Who wouldn’t appreciate this degree of forces escort.
vigilance and caution? Nothing should be
more important than ensuring the peace of Besides religious and sectarian minorities,
mind and safety and security of all citizens, places of religious significance have also
especially on occasions of religious been regularly targeted in militant
festivity. After all, there have been extremist across the country over the last
reminders in 2019 itself, such as mob 15 years. In May 2019, at least eight
violence in Ghotki in September, that the people were killed in a suicide bombing
specter of faith-based bloodletting might outside the shrine of the one of the
still be just around the corner. Another country’s most revered Sufi shrines in the
noticeable one was the targeting of Shia city of Lahore.
Hazara citizens in a fruit and vegetable
market Quetta in a suicide bombing in Pakistan has heavily invested in fighting
April. A sectarian militant group as well as terrorism and improving security in recent
Daesh claimed responsibility for that years and considerable gains are
attack. It was a measure of the undoubtedly visible. Unfortunately,
desperation of the long-suffering Hazaras however, extremist groups are still able to
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

launch deadly attacks. Militant extremists escorts to the particularly vulnerable might
claimed the bombing. fall short any way if the challenge posed
by intolerance, open promotion of faith-
The Hazara grievance regarding the based hatred and hostility to other
implementation of NAP is of course a people’s religions or sect are not
reference to national consensus on action confronted and the perpetrators are not
against militancy and terrorism after the prosecuted.
Army Public School attack in Peshawar in
December 2014. Several parts of the plan An important milestone in the struggle for
articulated responses to longstanding freedom of religion and belief in Pakistan
concerns that had been at the root of has been the June 2014 judgement
perils to citizens from minority religions rendered by then Chief Justice of Pakistan
and sects in Pakistan. regarding protection of religious minorities.
In its judgement, the Supreme Court
Among others, the 20-point National directed the government to confront hate
Action Plan resolved to bar militant speech and “to develop the curricula at
outfits/armed gangs from operating in the school and college level, promoting
country; deal firmly with sectarian religious and social tolerance”. However,
terrorists; take effective steps against implementation is still awaited.
religious persecution; ban glorification of
terrorists and terrorist organizations Nearly 25 years prior to the SC advice, the
through print, electronic and social media; UN special rapporteur on the question of
stop financing for terrorist and terrorist religious intolerance had visited Pakistan in
organizations and prevent re-emergence of 1995 and in his report expressed concern
proscribed organizations. The plan vowed at manifestations of religious intolerance in
to take “strict action against the literature, Pakistan. He had advised Pakistan to make
newspapers and magazines promoting special efforts in order to encourage and
hatred, extremism, sectarianism and develop the culture of tolerance and of
intolerance”. human rights.

Progress on many of these goals is far Slogans and wall-chalking in the country
from impressive. In December 2019, none branding one Muslim sect or another as
other than the chief justice of Pakistan infidel even today is evidence that the
lamented successive governments’ failure advice of the UN special rapporteur or the
to implement NAP to wipe out terror. country’s top court has not been heeded.

It may be argued that heightened security To conclude, let us get back to the point
around religious festivities and security about enhanced security around Christmas

124
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

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.

125
 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 out of the province, thus outnumbering
frequently carry out attacks in Balochistan, the local Baloch. To cash in on the
ever since the beginning of the fifth Baloch situation, the Baloch insurgents have also
insurgency in the early 2000. Due to this shifted their attention to Makran division
reason, the Baloch insurgency would and its surrounding areas for carrying out
increasingly come under discussion due to attacks.
frequent low level attacks carried out by
Baloch insurgents in the entire Balochistan To discourage China from investing in
province. As a result of these attacks, the Balochistan, the insurgents have
whole region was disturbed. There were consolidated their footprints in Makran and
reports of attacks on security forces, state in its surrounding areas. For instance,
installations, and the Punjabi settlers, etc. unlike the past, if they carry out an attack
Sadly, some parts of Balochistan had even on Chinese engineers and workers or in
turned into no-go areas, including for the the places heavily invested by Chinese
locals. Over the recent years, the situation companies, then it is definitely highlighted
has calmed down due to several in the media, especially in international
developments in Balochistan. media. This was one of the reasons Baloch
insurgents targeted the PC (Pearl
Under the National Action Plan (NAP), the Continental) hotel, situated in the heart of
state crackdown against militants Gwadar—crown jewel of CPEC, in the
increased in Balochistan also. That is why month of May 2019.
insurgents, gradually and slowly, were
pushed back to the mountains, into their Although the current phaseof Baloch
hideouts. Unlike the past, the insurgents insurgency is the longest in the history of
cannot now frequently rear their heads. Balochistan, some critics say Baloch
After the announcement of the China- separatists have failed to achieve their
Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), objectives. As a result, the Baloch
Gwadar port project’s significance in underground organizations have become
particular and Makran division in general radicalized. In this context, they cite the
increased manifold. Since then, Gwadar example of the Majeed Brigade, the
attracted immense attention among circles suicide squad within the Balochistan
of Baloch nationalists and policymakers in Liberation Army (BLA). The said Brigade
Islamabad and Beijing. The government targeted the Chinese consulate in Karachi,
made extra security arrangements to too. Due to some suicide attacks
prevent the threats of militancy. perpetrated by Baloch insurgents, some
argue that a section of them has become
Meanwhile, Baloch nationalists have more violent radical. But Baloch
become apprehensive about the future of nationalists do not agree with the
the Gwadar port town. They believe the assumption. To them, this is the same old
development of the Gwadar port project spark which is in the play, in somewhat
will also bring a bulk of population from different tactical way.
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

In 2019, other than the sporadic attacks bus passengers, most of them belonged to
reported from across the province, the Pakistan’s Navy force, were killed.
Baloch insurgency apparently had gone
into hibernation. Over the years, it has lost The CPEC, flagship of China’s Belt & Road
ground, and it seems highly unlikely it can Initiative, connects the Gwadar port
regain the lost ground in the near future. project with China’s Kashghar in Xinjiang
There is uncertainty ahead, because the province. Due to increasing Chinese
state has suffocated the movement to a presence and interests in Balochistan, the
greater extent. This is why it (insurgency) BLA’s Majeed Bridage’s attack on the
now rears its head twice or thrice in a Chinese consulate in Karachi, engineers in
year, in form of relatively intensive waves Dalbandin, Balochistan, and elsewhere in
of violence. Under suffocation, if once they Balochistan led the USA to blacklist and
come out of their hideouts, they carry out add the BLA to the list of its Specially
a big attack, with relatively larger impact, Designated Terrorist Group (SDTG), in July
which was unlikely in the past. Despite of 2019. The USA was reportedly
these sporadic attacks, peace is restored in concerned about BLA’s suicide attacks on
several parts of Balochistan. But the Chinese engineers and installments, etc.
question is: is it temporary or permanent?
It is interesting to note that USA is
But unfortunately, it has never been
showing an extraordinary interest in the
permanent in this region, which is
region following China’s engagement in
disturbed for over last several decades.
the region. For instance, in the past, the
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor USA was least interested in the Gwadar
(CPEC) gave impetus to Baloch port, despite being it offered to them. The
underground organizations which had USA did not show interest. After Pakistani
evolved differences with one another in authorities offered and handed it over to
the past. The state had taken benefit of China, the USA has again become
those differences amongst Baloch outfits, interested due to China factor in the
and had somewhat contained the Baloch region. As for BLA’s suicide attacks, the
insurgency. Meanwhile, it does pop up independent analysts assert, the USA
sometimes, like it did last year, a few became concerned and feared that China
times. Under these circumstances, in the might think of her being behind the
name of the Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar attacks on Chinese installments in Pakistan
(BRAS), Baloch militants reportedly by the said group, tacitly. This is why it
belonging to different Baloch outfits, designated the group, so that China may
carried out an attack in Ormara coastal not even doubt about that.
town of Balochistan’s Gwadar district; 14

130
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

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.

131
 Notes

1
Waseem Shamsi, “Unrest in Ghotki as teacher accused of blasphemy,” Dawn, September 16, 2019.
2
and represent increase and decrease, respectively, from previous year.
3
and 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.
11
Ansar 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.
20
The Express Tribune, February 13, 2019, https://tribune.com.pk/story/1908807/1-four-policemen-martyred-
di-khan-attack
21
The News, April 28, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/464044-three-levies-men-martyred-in-north-
waziristan-blast
22
Daily Jang (Urdu), May 7, 2019, https://e.jang.com.pk/05-07-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=530.png
23
Dawn, June 8, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1486779/three-officers-soldier-martyred-in-north-
waziristan-ied-attack
24
Daily Dunya (Urdu), June 12, 2019, http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-06-
13&edition=ISL&id=4645492_90618745
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

25
Dawn, 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
26
The News, July 28, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/504636-10-soldiers-lay-down-lives-for-regional-
peace
27
Dawn, August 3, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1497824/four-soldiers-martyred-in-north-waziristan-
attacks
28
Daily Dunya (Urdu), November 6, 2019, https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-11-
06&edition=ISL&id=4884151_71608720
29
Dawn, November 12, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1516290/3-soldiers-martyred-in-ied-blast-in-north-
waziristan-ispr
30
Dawn, August 19, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1500364/four-members-of-former-aman-lashkar-killed-
in-bomb-blast
31
Dawn, June 30, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1491154/anp-leader-gunned-down-in-peshawar
32
Dawn, October 18, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1511480/ppp-leader-shot-dead-in-bajaur
33
Dawn, April 12, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1475521/two-oil-company-workers-shot-dead-in-n-
waziristan
34
Daily Dunya (Urdu), April 24, 2019, http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-04-
24&edition=ISL&id=4560973_47264723
35
Dawn, April 25, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1478227/policeman-guarding-polio-team-killed-in-buner
36
Dawn, May 6, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1480576/another-polio-officer-shot-dead
37
Dawn, September 25, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1507222/four-civilians-two-soldiers-martyred-in-
waziristan-ambush
38
Daily Jang (Urdu), December 10, 2019, https://e.jang.com.pk/12-10-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=94.png
39
Dawn, December 19, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1523089/two-cops-escorting-polio-team-martyred-
in-kp-attack
40
The News, August 1, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/506645-one-killed-another-injured-in-di-khan-
target-attack
41
Balochistan Express, February 18, 2019, https://www.bexpress.com.pk/2019/02/four-fc-soldiers-martyred-in-
panjgur/
42
Dawn, April 19, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1477069/11-security-personnel-among-14-martyred-
near-gwadar
43
Dawn, April 23, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1477843/12-injured-in-nasirabad-bomb-explosion
44
Dawn, May 26, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1484675/militant-killed-in-kech-shootout
45
The News, July 28, 2019, http://pakpips.com/app/database-old/form.php
46
Dawn, November 16, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1517013/three-fc-personnel-martyred-four-injured-
in-quetta-bomb-blast
47
Dawn, March 15, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1469680/two-killed-in-panjgur-blast
48
Dawn, 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-

133
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

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
49
Daily 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
50
Daily Dunya (Urdu), February 25, 2019, http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-02-
25&edition=ISL&id=4462930_52581222
51
Daily Express (Urdu), August 18, 2019,
https://www.express.com.pk/epaper/PoPupwindow.aspx?newsID=1106670676&Issue=NP_LHE&Date=20190
818
52
Dawn, May 15, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1482338/three-labourers-shot-dead-in-nasirabad
53
Dawn, January 13, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1457165/social-worker-among-two-killed-in-loralai
54
Dawn, March 18, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1470321/four-killed-as-railway-track-blown-up
55
Dawn, November 18, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1517343
56
Dawn, 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/
57
Daily 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
58
Daily Dunya (Urdu), February 17, 2019, http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-02-
17&edition=ISL&id=4449361_71249343
59
Dawn, March 21, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1470904/six-levies-men-martyred-in-ziarat-attack-
claimed-by-ttp
60
Dawn, 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
61
Dawn, June 27, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1490669
62
Daily Jang (Urdu), July 31, 2019, https://e.jang.com.pk/07-31-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=46.png
63
Daily 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
64
Dawn, 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
65
Dawn, August 18, 2019, https://epaper.dawn.com/DetailNews.php?StoryText=18_08_2019_001_001
66
Dawn, May 9, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1481177/tribal-elder-among-three-killed-in-qilla-abdullah
67
Dawn, 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
68
Dawn, September 29, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1507917
69
Dawn, April 26, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1478436/woman-polio-worker-gunned-down-in-chaman

134
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

70
Express 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
71
Dawn, April 1, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1473165/prayer-leader-among-two-shot-dead-in-quetta
72
The 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%2Fptop.only.wip.la%3A443%2Fhttps%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
73
Dawn, May 31, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1485588/suicide-attack-foiled-in-quetta
74
Dawn, June 8, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1486799/woman-among-five-killed-in-two-ziarat-
explosions
75
Dawn, June 8, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1486799/woman-among-five-killed-in-two-ziarat-
explosions
76
Dawn, August 7, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1498541/hazara-man-killed-in-quetta-market-ied-blast
77
Dawn, 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
78
Dawn, March 5, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1467629/police-officer-killed-in-targeted-attack-in-
orangi-town
79
Dawn, 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
80
Dawn, July 10, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1493076/two-men-shot-dead-another-wounded-in-
terrorist-attack-in-karachi
81
Daily Dunya (Urdu), Islamabad, February 14, 2019.
82
Daily Dunya (Urdu), June 19, 2019, https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-06-
19&edition=ISL&id=4656647_26812969
83
Dawn, January 9, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1456436
84
Daily Dunya (Urdu), February 22, 2019, http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-02-
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,
http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-03-16&edition=ISL&id=4493850_60791917
85
The 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

135
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

86
Daily Dunya (Urdu), November 12, 2019, https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-11-
12&edition=ISL&id=4891042_58546402
87
Dawn, November 30, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1519559/14-injured-as-blast-rips-through-rickshaw
88
Daily Dunya (Urdu), Islamabad, August 22, 2019, https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-08-
22&edition=ISL&id=4761426_65589562
89
Daily 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
90
The 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%2Fptop.only.wip.la%3A443%2Fhttps%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
91
The 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
92
Dawn, 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
93
Dawn, January 4, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1455314/shopkeeper-falls-victim-to-targeted-killing-in-
korangi
94
Dawn, January 12, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1456929/shopkeeper-shot-dead-in-sectarian-attack
95
The News, February 10, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/429989-is-sectarian-violence-returning-to-
karachi
96
Dawn, February 3, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1461540/shopkeeper-shot-dead-in-karachi
97
The News, March 24, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/447791-mwm-questions-performance-of-leas-
as-man-killed-in-orangi
98
Dawn, August 31, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1502674/doctor-shot-dead-in-gulshan-in-suspected-
sectarian-attack
99
The News, August 1, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/506645-one-killed-another-injured-in-di-khan-
target-attack
100
Dawn, March 5, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1467683/militant-positions-pounded-after-border-attack
101
Dawn, May 2, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1479735/three-soldiers-martyred-in-attack-from-across-
afghan-border
102
Dawn, September 14, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1505182/4-pakistan-army-soldiers-martyred-in-
firing-by-militants-near-afghan-border-ispr
103
Dawn, 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.

136
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

105
Dawn, January 10, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1456633/woman-killed-in-indian-shelling
Dawn, February 26, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1466038/indian-aircraft-violate-loc-scramble-back-
106

after-pafs-timely-response-ispr
107
Dawn, March 17, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1470152/indian-spy-drone-shot-down-near-loc
Dawn, April 3, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1473565/three-soldiers-martyred-in-indian-firing-from-
108

across-loc
109
Dawn, July 4, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1491995/five-soldiers-martyred-in-explosion-near-loc
110
Ibid.
111
Dawn, August 17, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1499964/another-soldier-martyred-in-indian-firing
Daily Nawa-i-Waqt (Urdu), September 1, 2019, https://www.nawaiwaqt.com.pk/E-Paper/islamabad/2019-09-
112

01/page-1/detail-8
Roznama 92 News (Urdu), September 7, 2019,
113

https://www.roznama92news.com/efrontend/web/index.php/?station_id=3&page_id=0&is_common=N&xdat
e=2019-9-7&n=n8
114
Dawn, September 12, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1504811
Dawn, October 16, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1511086/three-civilians-killed-in-indian-shelling-
115

across-loc
116
Daily Jang (Urdu), October 25, 2019, https://e.jang.com.pk/10-25-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=523.png
117
Dawn, December 26, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1524501/2-pakistan-army-soldiers-martyred-in-
indian-ceasefire-violations-along-loc-ispr
Dawn, December 23, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1523940/fully-prepared-to-thwart-any-
118

misadventure-says-army-chief-during-loc-visit
Dawn, January 19, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1458407/mortar-shells-fired-by-iranian-forces-
119

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
122
Daily Times, March 2, 2019, https://dailytimes.com.pk/360349/no-one-claims-most-wanted-terrorists-killed-
in-mega-encounter/
Dawn, April 14, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1475987/hazara-protesters-refuse-to-end-quetta-sit-in-
123

amid-centres-assurances
124
Dawn, 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
129
Dawn, May 17, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1482821/nine-militants-killed-in-mastung-operation

137
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

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

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

17&edition=ISL&id=4394094_21723341
144
Dawn, February 27, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1466254/four-militants-killed-in-tank-encounter
145
Dawn, March 21, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1470879/four-iranian-soldiers-freed-ispr
146
Dawn, March 27, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1472141/woman-three-others-blow-themselves-up
Daily Dunya (Urdu), April 3, 2019, http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-04-
147

03&edition=ISL&id=4524867_84174260
Dawn, May 9, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1481181/two-terrorists-killed-in-north-waziristan-
148

operation
149
Dawn, May 17, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1482821/nine-militants-killed-in-mastung-operation
150
Dawn, September 5, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1503612/six-suspected-is-militants-killed-in-quetta
151
Daily 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.
Daily Dunya (Urdu), January 20, 2019, http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-01-
154

20&edition=ISL&id=4399497_41945715
155
Daily Times, March 2, 2019, https://dailytimes.com.pk/360349/no-one-claims-most-wanted-terrorists-killed-
in-mega-encounter/

138
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

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

156

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

on-citys-outskirts
159
Dawn, March 13, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1469282/five-terrorists-arrested-in-mansehra
Dawn, March 14, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1469495/terrorists-held-in-mansehra-were-planning-
160

to-target-cpec-police-say
161
Ibid.
Daily Dunya (Urdu), March 21, 2019, http://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php?date=2019-03-
162

21&edition=ISL&id=4503054_28388855
163
Dawn, April 20, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1477246/two-terrorists-held-in-mansehra
Dawn, May 2, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1479652/jundullah-militant-involved-in-bank-heists-
164

targeted-killings-held
165
Dawn, May 7, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1480736/journalist-among-five-held-for-sectarian-killings-
in-karachi
166
Dawn, May 21, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1483551/facilitator-of-data-darbar-suicide-blast-captured
167
Daily Jang (Urdu), July 4, 2019, https://e.jang.com.pk/07-04-2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=411.png
Dawn, September 8, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1504114/terrorism-plot-foiled-as-four-lj-hitmen-
168

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
170
Dawn, November 27, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1519026
Dawn, December 27, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1524548/militant-outfits-media-cell-in-gujranwala-
171

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.
181
Informal interaction with security officials in Quetta and Islamabad.

139
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

182
Naseer Dashti, The Baloch Conflict with Iran and Pakistan, pp. 224-225.
183
Interviews with political activists in Quetta, Turbat, Gwadar and Nushki.
184
Interviews with local leaders and journalists in Quetta, Gwadar and Turbat.
185
Interview with a Quetta based journalist Akber Notazai, March 17, 2019.
Dawn, April 19, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1477069/11-security-personnel-among-14-martyred-
186

near-gwadar.
187
“Pakistan to fence 950km border with Iran: Qureshi,” The News, April 21, 2019.
188
Interview with Akber Notazai.
189
Interviews 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.
197
Interviews with local leaders and journalists in Makran region in March 2019.
198
Interviews 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
Dawn, August 9,2016, http://www.dawn.com/news/1276340/quetta-in-a-daze-after-massacre; Daily Jang
205

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

suicide-blasts.
207
Dawn, 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.

140
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

210
Robert 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/
214
Fakir 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/
The News, March 14, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/443722-terrorists-planning-to-attack-cpec-
220

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
224
The 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/
The Express Tribune, June 1, 2019, https://tribune.com.pk/story/1985111/1-470-cops-complete-training-
227

cpec-special-protection-unit/
228
Dawn, August 3, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/1497766/gb-gets-vehicles-for-foreigners-security
The News, December 5, 2019 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/578825-ig-for-safety-of-foreigners-
229

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.
232
The News, July 7, 2019, https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/495066-security-to-power-project-workers-
assured
233
The Express Tribune, June 28, 2019, https://tribune.com.pk/story/2001755/1-security-cpec-projects-among-
top-priorities-igp/

141
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

234
China 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
Times of India, February 18, 2019, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/four-pakistan-soldiers-
238

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

142
 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
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Annex 1: Suicide Attacks in Pakistan in 2019

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Claim of
Date Location Target Killed Injured
responsibility
21 July, 2019 D.I Khan Security forces / law Mil 1 Pol 1 TTP
enforcement Pol 4 Civ 29
Civ 4
Total One Attack 9 30

Balochistan

Claim of
Date Location Target Killed Injured
responsibility
29 Jan, 2019 Loralai Security forces/law Pol 3 Pol 10 TTP
enforcement Civ 6 Civ 11
Mil 3
12 Apr, 2019 Quetta Shia religious Mil 1 Civ 48 ISIS affiliates/
scholars/community FC 1 supporters
Civ 19
Total 2 Attacks 33 69

Punjab

Claim of
Date Location Target Killed Injured
responsibility
08 May, 2019 Lahore Security forces/law Civ 7 Civ Hizbul Ahrar
enforcement Mil 1 19
Pol 5 Pol 4
Total One Attack 13 23

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 - - TTP
enforcement
01 May, 2019 North Waziristan Security forces/law Arm 3 Arm 7 TTP
enforcement
14 Sep, 2019 Upper Dir Security forces/law Arm 3 Arm 1 Hizbul Ahrar
enforcement
29 Oct, 2019 Chitral Civilians - Arm 6 Afghan National
Civ 5 Army
Total 4 Attacks 6 Killed 19 Injured

145
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Pak-India Border Attacks

Sr.
Date Location Target Killed Injured Perpetrator
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
10. 15 Jan, 2019 Sialkot Civilians - - Indian BSF
11. 17 Jan, 2019 Kotli Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF
12. 19 Jan, 2019 Sialkot Civilians - - Indian BSF
13. 23 Jan, 2019 Kotli Civilians - Civ (3) Indian BSF
14. 23 Jan, 2019 Hattian Security forces/ Arm (1) - Indian BSF
law enforcement
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/ Rng (1) Civ (1) Indian BSF
law enforcement
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/ Arm (2) - Indian BSF
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/ Civ (1) Civ (5) Indian BSF
law enforcement
39. 02 Apr, 2019 Rawalakot Security forces/ Arm (3) Arm (1) Indian BSF
law enforcement
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

146
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Sr.
Date Location Target Killed Injured Perpetrator
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/ Arm (5) Arm (1) Indian BSF
law enforcement
57. 12 Jul, 2019 Kotli Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF
58. 20 Jul, 2019 Loc Security forces/ Arm (1) Civ (4) Indian BSF
law enforcement
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/ Arm (3) - Indian BSF
law enforcement
68. 16 Aug, 2019 Poonch Security forces/ Arm (1) - Indian BSF
law enforcement
69. 16 Aug, 2019 Poonch Civilians Civ (1) Civ (1) Indian BSF
70. 18 Aug, 2019 Poonch Civilians Civ (2) - Indian BSF
71. 19 Aug, 2019 Poonch Civilians 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
74. 28 Aug, 2019 Kotli Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF
75. 29 Aug, 2019 Kotli Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF
76. 31 Aug, 2019 Bagh Security forces/ Arm (1) - Indian BSF
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/ Arm (1) - Indian BSF
law enforcement
81. 14 Sep, 2019 Bagh Security forces/ Arm (1) - Indian BSF
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

147
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Sr.
Date Location Target Killed Injured Perpetrator
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/ Arm (1) - Indian BSF
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
97. 11 Oct, 2019 Bhimber Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF
98. 12 Oct, 2019 Neelum Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF
99. 15 Oct, 2019 Haveli Civilians Civ (3) Civ (8) Indian BSF
100. 19 Oct, 2019 Bhimber Civilians - Civ (1) 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/ Arm (1) Civ (4) Indian BSF
law enforcement Civ (1)
105. 24 Oct, 2019 Neelum Civilians Civ (3) Civ (10) Indian BSF
106. 28 Oct, 2019 Kotli Civilians - Civ (3) Indian BSF
107. 29 Oct, 2019 Bhimber Civilians - Civ (2) 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/ - Arm (2) Indian BSF
law enforcement Civ (1)
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/ - - Indian BSF
law enforcement
122. 26 Dec, 2019 Dewa Sector/ Security forces/ Arm (2) Civ (2) Indian BSF
Poonch law enforcement
123. 29 December Samahni sector Civilians - Civ (1) Indian BSF
2019
226
Total 123 Attacks 85 Killed
Injured

148
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Pak-Iran Border Attacks

Date Location Target Killed Injured Perpetrator

18 January, Chagai Unknown - - Iranian border
2019 security forces
Total One Attack 0 0

Annex 3: Attacks on Educational Institution in 2019

District Attacks Killed Injured Responsibility

Bannu 1 - - Local Taliban
Lakki Marwat 1 Liv 1 Civ 4 Local Taliban
Civ 1
Total 2 Attacks 2 Killed 4 Injured

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 3 11 Unknown/unknown
Abdullah/Chaman militants
17 Oct, 2019 Bajaur 1 - Unknown/unknown
militants
08 Nov, 2019 Bajaur/Nawagai - 2 Hizbul Ahrar
Total 9 Attacks 11 Killed 19 Injured

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

Date Location Killed Injured Responsibility

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/ - Civ 2 TTP
Miranshah
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
Total 11 Attacks 13 Killed 47 Injured

149
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Annex 6: Attacks on Civilians

Date Location Killed Injured Responsibility

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) Civ (4) BLA
Mil (3) Arm (2)
Arm (1)
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) Unknown/unknown
Civ (10) militants
Total 39 Attacks 34 Killed 123 Injured

150
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

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

forces/law enforcement agencies

Date Location Killed Injured Responsibility

01 Jan, 2019 Loralai Mil (4) FC (4) TTP
FC (4)

06 Jan, 2019 Panjgur - Civ (1) BLF

FC (1)
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) BLF
FC (4)
25 Jan, 2019 North Waziristan/ - Arm (1) TTP
Mirali Civ (2)
29 Jan, 2019 Loralai Pol (3) Pol (10) TTP
Civ (6) Civ (11)
Mil (3)
29 Jan, 2019 D.I Khan Pol (1) - TTP
08 Feb, 2019 North - Arm (3) TTP
Waziristan/Mirali
11 Feb, 2019 Lakki Marwat FC (1) - Local Taliban
12 Feb, 2019 D.I Khan Pol (4) Pol (1) TTP
Civ (2)
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) Hizbul Ahrar
Civ (2)
23 Feb, 2019 North Waziristan/ - Arm (3) TTP
Mirali
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) Local Taliban
Civ (1)
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) TTP
Civ (8)
12 Apr, 2019 North Waziristan - FC (2) TTP
18 Apr, 2019 Gwadar Arm (11) - BRAS (an alliance
Civ (3) of BLA, BLF and

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Date Location Killed Injured Responsibility

BRG
20 Apr, 2019 North Waziristan - Arm (2) TTP
21 Apr, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (1) Arm (1) TTP
22 Apr, 2019 Nasirabad - Pol (2) BLA
Civ (10)
23 Apr, 2019 Kech Mil (2) - BLF
25 Apr, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (1) Arm (3) TTP
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) Civ (19) Hizbul Ahrar
Mil (1) Pol (4)
Pol (5)
09 May, 2019 Harnai FC (2) Civ (1) BLA
Civ (1)
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) TTP
Civ (6)
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) TTP
FC (2)
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) Pol (2) TTP
Mil (3) Civ (3)
30 June, 2019 Kech - FC (1) BLF
03 Jul, 2019 Kech - Civ (7) Lashkar-e-
FC (2) Balochistan
10 Jul, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (1) Arm (3) TTP

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Date Location Killed Injured Responsibility

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 (1) TTP
Pol (4) Civ (29)
Civ (4)
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) TTP
Civ (27)
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) - TTP
Arm (1)
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) Unknown/unknown
Civ (5) militants
21 Oct, 2019 Quetta - Pol (2) BLA
Civ (3)
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 (2) TTP
Civ (1)
09 Nov, 2019 D.I Khan Pol (2) - TTP
11 Nov, 2019 Rajanpur Pol (2) - BLA
Civ (3)
12 Nov, 2019 North Waziristan Arm (3) Arm (1) TTP
14 Nov, 2019 Peshawar Pol (1) Pol (2) Unknown/unknown
Civ (2) militants
15 Nov, 2019 Quetta FC (3) FC (4) BLA

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Date Location Killed Injured Responsibility

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) Hizbul Ahrar
Civ (1)
01 Dec, 2019 North Waziristan Mil (2) FC (2) TTP
FC (1)
03 Dec, 2019 Qilla Abdullah - - TTP
08 Dec, 2019 Panjgur - - Lashkar-e-
Balochistan
13 Dec, 2019 Tank Mil (1) Pol (6) TTP
Pol (1)
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
Total 118 Attacks 209 Killed 346 Injured

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

Month Frequency Killed Injured

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

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Month Frequency Killed Injured

September 5 5 17
October 3 2 15
November 3 7 8
December 3 0 0
Total 84 Attacks 171 Killed 436 Injured

Punjab

Month Frequency Killed Injured

January 1 0 0
February 1 3 4
May 1 13 23
November 2 5 14
Total 5 21 41

Sindh (excluding Karachi)

Month Frequency Killed Injured

January 1 - -
February 1 3 -
April 1 - -
June 1 1 -
Total 4 4 -

Karachi

Month Frequency Killed Injured

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

Month Frequency Killed Injured

August 1 2 1
Total 1 2 1

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Annex 9: Incidents of Ethnic and Political Violence in 2019

Region Location Attacks Killed Injured

Bannu 1 1 1
South Waziristan/WANA 1 - -
Bajaur/Mamond 1 - 1
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Mansehra 1 - 4
Swat/Mingora 1 1 -
KP Total 5 Attacks 2 Killed 6 Injured
Karachi 3 4 1
Sindh/Karachi
Sindh Total 3 4 1
Total Pakistan 8 6 7

Annex 10: Major Targets of Terrorism in 2019

No. of Terrorist
Targets Killed Injured
Attacks
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
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

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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

Bajaur 1 1 0
D. I. Khan 5 12 1
KP 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
Chagai 1 0 0
Dera Bugti 1 3 0
Gawadar 1 6 1
Balochistan 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
Total 28 Attacks 81 Killed 19 Injured

Annex 13: Sectarian-related Terrorist Attacks in 2019

Date Location Killed Injured Responsibility

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

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 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Date Location Killed Injured Responsibility

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 Civ 48 ISIS affiliates/supporters
FC 1
Civ 19
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
Total 14 Attacks 38 Killed 78 Injured

Annex 14: Attacks on Polio workers in 2019

Date Location Killed Injured Responsibility

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
Total 6 Attacks 8 Killed 01 Injured

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.

158
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

S. No Name of Organization Date of Notification

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 27 Oct 2004
Gp. of Jamat-ul-Da’awa (JuD)
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 30 June 2008, 24 Feb 2003 under UNSCR
(Iraq) 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), 10 Oct 2011
Gilgit
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 15 March,2013 23 Sep 2014 vide UNSCR 1267
(Lebanon, Syria, Arabian Peninsula)
52 East Turkemenistan Islamic Movement ETIM 15 March,2013
(Turkey, Afghanistan) 11 Sep 2002 vide UNSCR 1267
53 Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) 15 March,2013
(Uzbekistan) 6 October 2001 vide UNSCR 1267

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 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

S. No Name of Organization Date of Notification

54 Islamic Jihad Union (IJU) 15 March,2013
(Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Germany) 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 15 March,2013
Namdaar Group)
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 26 Feb, 2019
Khan Group)
69 Jamaat-ul-Da'awa (JuD) 05 March, 2019
Affiliated Organizations:
i. Al-Anfaal Trust, Lahore
ii. Idara-e-Khidmat-e-Khalaq, Lahore
iii. Al Dawat-ul-Irshad, Pakistan, Lahore 10 May, 2019
iv. Al-Hamad Trust, Lahore/Faisalabad
v. Mosques & Welfare Trust, Lahore
vi. Al Madina Foundation, Lahore
vii. Maaz Bin Jabal Educational Trust, Lahore
70 Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) 05 March, 2019
Affiliated organizations:
i. Al-Fazal Foundation/Trust, Lahore
ii. Al-Easar Foundation, Lahore 10 May, 2019
71 Pak Turk International CAG Education 18 April, 2019
Foundation
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

160
 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
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Security response: Government/law-enforcement agencies

Date Progress/News update Source

January 5, Interior Ministry has issued a list of 474 most wanted Roznama92, January 5, 2019
2019 terrorists and instructed provincial administrations to https://www.roznama92news.co
set up teams for their arrest. m/efrontend/web/index.php/?stat
ion_id=2&page_id=7&is_common
=&xdate=2019-1-5&n=n34
January 16, The CTD claimed to kill two militants of Islamic State Dawn, January 16, 2019
2019 (IS) group who were allegedly involved in various https://www.dawn.com/news/145
terrorist activities including kidnappings of the son-in- 7822
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.
January 20, CTD Punjab said that Zeeshan allegedly had links with Roznama 92, January 19, 2019
2019 banned DAISH group. He was a local leader of the
organization too.
January 20, In Sahiwal, the CTD claim killing four family members Dawn, January 20, 2019
2019 for carrying explosive materials and their alleged links https://www.dawn.com/news/145
with Daesh while the bereaved family denied allegation 8676
and narrated a different story.
January 23, Punjab administration has dismissed five police officers Dawn, January 23, 2019
2019 along with CTD chief for being responsible for Sahiwal https://www.dawn.com/news/145
shooting incident that killed 3 members of family. 9238
January 26, Punjab government, under the Punjab Arms Rules, rule Dawn January 26, 2019
2019 # 31, has cancelled all arms licenses, irrespective of https://www.dawn.com/news/145
their categories, issued to 16 members of banned 9788
outfits that are placed on the 4th schedule of anti-
terrorism act.
January 29, Army claimed to demolish all safe heavens of terrorists The News, January 29, 2019
2019 during the operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan. https://www.thenews.com.pk/pri
nt/424887-all-terrorists-
sanctuaries-destroyed
February Since 2007, more than 70, 000 people were killed Daily Dunya, February 14, 2019
14, 2019 during terrorist attacks, more statistics are shared in a https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.ph
report published by the organization Welfare Eye p?date=2019-02-
during the last month. 14&edition=ISL&id=4444213_81
213007
March 3, Six members of the Counter Terrorism Department Nawa-i-Waqt, March 3, 2019
2019 (CTD) were held responsible in JIT report on Sahiwal https://www.nawaiwaqt.com.pk/E
incident. -Paper/islamabad/2019-03-
03/page-1/detail-8
March 3, CTD has urged Punjab government to ban 53 Roznama92, March 3, 2019
2019 organizations for their alleged involvement in terror https://www.roznama92news.co
facilitation. m/efrontend/web/index.php/?stat
ion_id=3&page_id=7&is_common
=&xdate=2019-3-3&n=n14

163
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Date Progress/News update Source

April 3, CTD Punjab has issued Red Book 22 edition year

nd
Daily Jang, April 3, 2019
2019 2019. This book included details pertaining to https://e.jang.com.pk/04-03-
extremism and people involved in anti-state activities. 2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=103.
png
April 7, A special tourism police force has been established to Daily Jang, April 7, 2019
2019 ensure the security of local and foreign tourists in Gilgit https://e.jang.com.pk/04-07-
Baltistan (GB). 2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=12_
03.png
April 26, Balochistan’s provincial government declared that it is Dawn, April 26, 2019
2019 paying monthly Rs91 million to Frontier Corps (FC) to https://www.dawn.com/news/147
ensure the security of province. 8446
April 27, Due to security threats and attacks on polio workers, Dawn, April 27, 2019
2019 federal government called off anti-polio campaign in all https://www.dawn.com/news/147
provinces. 8637
May 1, Since 2009, total 911 police officers were killed in Dawn, May 1, 2019
2019 Balochistan fighting against terrorism. https://www.dawn.com/news/147
9433
May 2, Government declared Pak-Turk school foundation a Dawn, May 2, 2019
2019 banned organization. https://www.dawn.com/news/147
9742
May 07, Karachi police arrested 5 people, including one reporter Dawn, May 7, 2019
2019 of Daily Jang, for getting militancy training in abroad https://www.dawn.com/news/148
and for their alleged involvement in target and 0736
sectarian killing.
May 12, Ministry of Interior has proscribed 11 organisations The Nation, May 12, 2019
2019 associated with the banned Jamaatud Dawah (JuD), https://nation.com.pk/12-May-
Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) and Jaish-e- 2019/11-outfits-banned-over-jud-
Muhammad (JeM). These organizations have been jem-links
proscribed in pursuance of National Action Plan (NAP).
May 13, Army conducted operation against the militants of the Dawn, May 13, 2019
2019 Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) that attacked the Pear https://www.dawn.com/news/148
Continental hotel at Gwadar. After the 12 hours 2001
operation, 4 hotel employees and 1 Pakistan Navy
soldier were martyred and 6 injured. All 3 terrorists
were killed.
May 13, Hazara community has expressed their grave concerns Dawn, May 13, 2019
2019 over sectarian violence in Quetta and criticized https://www.dawn.com/news/148
government’s inability to address this issue. 2022
May 15, Security forces have been sent alert about terrorists Daily Jang, May 15, 2019
2019 made suicide waist coat which is not detectable via https://e.jang.com.pk/05-15-
walk through gate. 2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=57.p
ng
May 19, Bearing in mind the security situation, Balochistan Dawn, May 19, 2019
2019 cabinet has merged Levies force with the police https://www.dawn.com/news/148
department, second time after 2005. The opposition 3197
parties disregarded this merger, noting it would be
unfavorable for the federation.

164
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Date Progress/News update Source

May 21, Government has decided to launch crackdown against Daily Jang, May 21, 2019
2019 publication and dissemination of literature based on https://e.jang.com.pk/05-21-
religious hatred. 2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=51.p
ng
July 4, 2019 CTD launched crackdown against financial aid to Daily Jang, July 4, 2019
terrorists and money laundering and filed 23 cases https://e.jang.com.pk/07-04-
against Muhammad Saeed and several leaders of 2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=56.p
proscribed organizations. ng
July 6, 2019 The federal and Punjab government agreed to identify Dawn, July 6, 2019
and confiscate the properties of UN declared banned https://www.dawn.com/news/149
outfits and decided to take action against unregistered 2409
and non-functional non-profit organizations.
July 6, 2019 A special assistance cell has been set up at the General The News, July 6, 2019
Headquarters (GHQ) to assist the process of resolving https://www.thenews.com.pk/pri
cases of missing persons. nt/494275-special-cell-set-up-at-
ghq-on-missing-persons
July 08, CTD arrested four men in Peshawar for their alleged Daily Jang, July 8, 2019
2019 involvement in terror financing under the garb of an https://e.jang.com.pk/07-08-
NGO. 2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=452.
png
August 31, Police in Taxila has registered a case against two Dawn, August 31, 2019
2019 people for spreading religious extremism and hate https://epaper.dawn.com/DetailN
speech on social media. ews.php?StoryText=31_08_2019
_005_006
September Pakistan tracked down criminal involvement of two The News, September 17, 2019
17, 2019 Indian spies in Mastung area of Balochistan. The spies https://www.thenews.com.pk/pri
entered Pakistan from Iran and later went to nt/527575-pakistan-tracks-down-
Afghanistan. two-indian-spies-in-mastung
September Pakistan has discredited Afghan government’s recent The News, September 21, 2019
21, 2019 claim of rejecting Durand line as an international https://www.thenews.com.pk/pri
border between two countries. nt/529889-fo-rejects-kabul-
statement-of-not-recognising-
durand-line
October 12, A 27-page verdict being presented by the apex court Dawn, October 12, 2019
2019 spells out guidelines to deal with the offence under https://www.dawn.com/news/151
Anti-Terrorism Act. 0394
October 25, Anti-terrorism court acquitted all six personnel of the Dawn, October 25, 2019
2019 police’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) allegedly https://www.dawn.com/news/151
charged with killing four persons, including a woman 2791/all-six-police-personnel-
and her daughter, in an alleged encounter. acquitted-in-sahiwal-killings-case
October 31, The Supreme Court passed the judgement that the Dawn, October 31, 2019
2019 definition of “terrorism” under Section 6 of the Anti- https://www.dawn.com/news/151
Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997 was too wide since it 3945
included actions having no nexus with the generally
recognized concept of terrorism.
November This editorial is about the recent verdicts passed by the Dawn, November 03, 2019
03, 2019 court in a 59-page judgement authored by Chief (Editorial)
Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, the seven-member bench https://www.dawn.com/news/151
provide the much-needed clarity on the definition of 4594
terrorism.

165
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Date Progress/News update Source

November This column is about the recent verdicts passed by the Dawn, November 04, 2019
04, 2019 court regarding defining term “Terrorism”. Author (Column)
argued that International standards clarify that laws https://www.dawn.com/news/151
related to terrorism must be clearly and precisely 4768
formulated.
November This article is about the misuse of the law regarding Dawn, November 07, 2019
07, 2019 antiterrorism law, Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). Effective (Column)
and timely process and prosecution will be made and https://www.dawn.com/news/151
all inhuman punishments needs to be reviewed 5425/misuse-of-antiterrorism-law
November Supreme Court has given recommendation to The News, November 17, 2019
17, 2019 government in Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 to change the (Column)
definition, preamble and removal of Section 3 from Act. https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns
/detail/569766-redefining-
terrorism
November WOT, launched by the US government in the wake of The News, November 18, 2019
18, 2019 Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, has cost at least 801,000 lives https://www.thenews.com.pk/pri
and $6.4 trillion according several reports published by nt/570560-war-on-terror-kills-
the Costs of War Project at Brown University's Watson over-801-000-people-costs-6-4t
Institute for International and Public Affairs.
November During Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Dawn, November 19, 2019
19, 2019 Bajwa’s recent visit to Iran, met with senior Iranian https://epaper.dawn.com/DetailI
military leaders and discussed security related matters mage.php?StoryImage=19_11_2
including regional security environment, efforts for 019_001_005
regional peace and stability and Pak-Iran Border
Security Mechanism.
November After interior ministry opposition to the proposed Dawn, November 22, 2019
22, 2019 NACTA amendment bill, Chairman Senate Standing https://epaper.dawn.com/DetailI
Committee on Interior Rehman Malik formed a one- mage.php?StoryImage=22_11_2
man subcommittee to look into the NACTA amendment 019_004_006
bill and present suggestions.
December The government laid the controversial China-Pakistan Dawn, December 05, 2019
05, 2019 Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority Ordinance, 2019, https://www.dawn.com/news/152
before the National Assembly. 0527
December To prevent money laundering and terror financing Daily Dunya, December 10, 2019
10, 2019 federal and provincial units will be directly responsible https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.ph
not only to the government but also will be directly p?date=2019-12-
responsible to the parliament. For this purpose, 10&edition=ISL&id=4937628_47
manuscript of NACTA amendment bill is being prepared 009813
and is ready to present at the National assembly.
December The United States has retained Pakistan among the Dawn, December 21, 2019
21, 2019 countries that tolerate religious discrimination. https://www.dawn.com/news/152
3484/us-retains-pakistan-on-
religious-watch-list
December KP department of police has started reviewing the Dawn, December 25, 2019
25, 2019 Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act. https://www.dawn.com/news/152
4271/kp-police-reviewing-terror-
watch-list

166
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Courts

Date Progress/News update Source

January 8, Government seeks opposition cooperation for Daily Dunya, January 8, 2019
2019 extension in the tenure of military courts via https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php
constitutional amendment. Or it is likely to achieve via ?date=2019-01-
presidential ordinance. 08&edition=ISL&id=4377522_652
49091
January 13, The antiterrorism court at Karachi remanded five BLA Dawn, January 13, 2019
2019 suspects for keeping explosives. They were allegedly https://www.dawn.com/news/145
involved in attack on Chinese consulate general in 7228
Karachi.
March 19, Karachi antiterrorism court sentenced Nasruddin for 10 Dawn, March 19, 2019
2019 years in prison for allegedly providing shelter to the https://www.dawn.com/news/147
terrorists in a rented apartment in Urdu Bazaar area at 0452
Karachi in 2017. The court also imposed a fine of Rs1
million on him too.
April 27, Supreme court judges criticized the mobile companies Daily Express, April 27, 2019
2019 for blocking mobile services on small events in the https://www.express.com.pk/epap
name of security. er/PoPupwindow.aspx?newsID=11
06353860&Issue=NP_LHE&Date=
20190427

Amendments

Date Progress/News update Source

April 3, Chief Justice of Pakistan expressed serious concerns Dawn, April 3, 2019
2019 over the vagueness of Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and https://www.dawn.com/news/147
observed that due to the ambiguous definition of 3572
terrorism, offences of serious nature were referred to
Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) merely for the satisfaction
of people of society.
May 14, The 26th Constitution Amendment Bill 2019 was Dawn, May 14, 2019
2019 unanimously passed in the National assembly. It aimed https://www.dawn.com/news/148
to provide the people of erstwhile FATA a better 2173
representation in the national assembly and provincial
assembly of KP.

External Front

Date Progress/News update Source

January 04, Government excluded Afghanistan from the list of Daily Dunya, January 04, 2019
2019 countries that are allowed to get visa on arrival and https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php
restricted the free movement of Afghan citizens due ?date=2019-01-
to security concerns. 04&edition=ISL&id=4370437_179
67574
March 16, Pakistan and Iran stressed to strengthen bilateral Dawn, March16, 2019
2019 cooperation in all fields including counter terrorism. https://www.dawn.com/news/146
9941

167
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

March 28, India has provided documents alleging Jaish-e- Dawn, March 28, 2019
2019 Mohammad (JeM) operating from Pakistan and its https://www.dawn.com/news/147
involvement in Pulwama attack. Pakistan has rejected 2343
Indian allegation and conveyed to provide further
evidence/information if any.
March 29, United States disseminated a resolution at the Dawn, March 29, 2019
2019 Security Council’s Islamic State and Al-Qaeda https://www.dawn.com/news/147
Sanctions Committee, along with the support of P-5 2553
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 Dawn, May 02, 2019
declared Masood Azhar, the leader of the Jaish-e- https://www.dawn.com/news/147
Mohammad (JeM), to its list of global terrorists after 9738
China lifted its objections to the move.
May 12, 2019 The Islamic State (Daesh) claimed for the first time The News, May 12, 2019
that it has established a “province” in India, after a https://www.thenews.com.pk/print
clash between militants and security forces in the /470296-daesh-claims-setting-up-
contested Kashmir region which killed a militant with province-in-india
alleged ties to the group.
July 19, 2019 Pakistan and Iran underlined the effective border Dawn, July 19, 2019
management strategy and expressed their https://www.dawn.com/news/149
commitment to work on the formation of new border 4870
crossing points.

National Action Plan (NAP)

NACTA

Date Progress/News update Source

March 29, During the National Internal Security Committee’s Dawn, March 29, 2019
2019 first session, government decided to form expert https://www.dawn.com/news/14725
working groups to ensure NAP implementation. 16
Prime Minister Imran Khan endorsed the policy of
zero tolerance towards militant groups that will be
followed at any cost.
April 09, To comply with FATF terms of counter terror Daily Jang, April 9, 2019
2019 financing, the National Counter Terrorism Authority https://e.jang.com.pk/04-09-
(NACTA) confiscated the bank accounts of 4863 2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=54.png
people in country.
May 27, To expedite the effective implementation of Dawn, May 27, 2019
2019 National Action Plan (NAP), Sindh government has https://www.dawn.com/news/14847
formed committees at district and division levels. 59
July 23, 2019 According to a Presidential Ordinance, interior Daily Jang, July 23, 2019
minister will lead NACTA rather than the Prime https://e.jang.com.pk/07-23-
Minister. 2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=521.png

Banned Outfits

Date Progress/News update Source

168
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Date Progress/News update Source

January 17, The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of police Dawn, January 17, 2019
2019 claimed to have arrested three suspected militants https://www.dawn.com/news/145
involved in targeted killings and other crimes. The 7955
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, The Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has The Express Tribune, January 19,
2019 issued a list of 22 most wanted terrorists, mostly from 2019
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, involved in suicide https://tribune.com.pk/story/1891
attacks and other terrorist activities. 564/1-ctd-releases-list-22-wanted-
terrorists/
January 31, Police detained six local leaders of the Tehreek-i- Dawn, January 31, 2019
2019 Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) on the directives of the capital https://www.dawn.com/news/146
administration, while police in the Rawalpindi division 0825
arrested more than 90 workers of several religious
parties, including local TLP leaders.
February 1, The provincial government of Balochistan has Dawn, February 1, 2019
2019 provided financial compensation to large number of https://www.dawn.com/news/146
anti-state militants who surrendered before the 1113
government.
February 10, A resident of New York City has been arrested on Dawn, February 10, 2019
2019 federal charges of trying to join a Pakistan based https://epaper.dawn.com/DetailIm
militant group LeT. age.php?StoryImage=10_02_2019
_014_007
February 10, National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) Dawn, February 10, 2019
2019 updated list of proscribed organisations on its website https://www.dawn.com/news/146
and added a Yemen-based Al-Rahmah Welfare Trust 2923
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, Gadap police arrested two suspects of a banned outfit Dawn, February 21, 2019
2019 Laskhar-i-Jhangvi (LJ) for their alleged involvement in https://www.dawn.com/news/146
incidents like bomb blast, killing of Hazara and 5029
Christian community members and abduction for
ransom.
February 23, Punjab administration has taken control of a mosque Dawn, February 23, 2019
2019 and a seminary in Bahawalpur that India alleged to https://www.dawn.com/news/146
have links with JeM. The decision has been made in 5529/govt-takes-over-seminary-
the national security meeting held on Feb 21 to linked-to-jem
expedite the National Action Plan (NAP).
February 23, This editorial is about Pakistan government’s recent Dawn, February 23, 2019
2019 ban on Jamaatud Dawa and its charity wing (Falah-i- (Editorial)
Insaniat). https://www.dawn.com/news/146
5548
February 24, The Bahawalpur administration has appointed officials Dawn, February 24, 2019
2019 to take administrative control of a mosque and https://www.dawn.com/news/146
seminary said to be linked with JeM. 5693
March 04, Under supervision of Pakistan’s National Security Dawn, March 04, 2019
2019 Committee, the government decided to lead the high- https://www.dawn.com/news/146
level crackdown against all militant groups within the 7524
entire country. United Nations Security Council

169
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Date Progress/News update Source

(UNSC) also stated that Pakistan have to review its
stance on listing of Masood Azhar as a terrorist.
March 05, The mission of Asia Pacific Group (APG), a regional The News, March 05, 2019
2019 body of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), is https://www.thenews.com.pk/print
scheduled to visit Pakistan by end of the ongoing /439845-govt-decides-to-ban-
month for undertaking mutual evaluation on the basis movement-of-proscribed-outfits
of which the FATF will gauge Islamabad’s progress in
coming May/June on implementation measures
against terror financing and money laundering.
March 06, 44 activists of proscribed organizations including Daily Jang, March 06, 2019
2019 Masood Azhar’ son arrested during a law enforcement https://e.jang.com.pk/03-06-
agencies crackdown at several areas of Punjab. 2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=546.p
Government also gave notification to ban movement ng
of the banned organizations.
March 06, Forty-four under-observation activists of proscribed Dawn, March 06, 2019
2019 organisations, including two close relatives of the https://www.dawn.com/news/146
Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief, have been taken into 7888
‘protective custody’, as the government launched a
massive crackdown against militant outfits.
March 07, Forty-four under-observation activists of proscribed Dawn, March 07, 2019
2019 organisations, including two close relatives of the https://www.dawn.com/news/146
Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief, have been taken into 7888
‘protective custody’, as the government launched a
massive crackdown against militant outfits.
March 07, After implementing National Action Plan, government Daily Jang, March 07 2019
2019 has started regulating and taking control of all the https://e.jang.com.pk/03-07-
mosques and Maradis of proscribed organizations. 2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=57.p
ng
March 08, Punjab government has appointed administrators at Dawn, March 08, 2019
2019 the Chowburji head office of Jamaatud Dawa (JuD) https://www.dawn.com/news/146
Jamia Al Qadsia and main center in Muridke after 8255
taking over charge of the premises.
March 09, During law-enforcement agencies’ ongoing crackdown Dawn, March 09, 2019
2019 against proscribed organizations including Jaish-e- https://www.dawn.com/news/146
Muhammad, Jammatud Dawa and Falah-i-Insaniat 8512/44-facilities-linked-with-
organizations. They have seized 44 facilities of these banned-outfits-seized
organizations including their 32 seminaries and
mosques, five dispensaries, four ambulances, one
school and one welfare lab in 13 districts of the
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
March 12, The book “Searching for an Enemy”, written by Dutch Dawn, March 12, 2019
2019 journalist and author Bette Dam, puts that Taliban https://www.dawn.com/news/146
founder Mullah Mohammad Umar spent his final years 9108
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, The United States is urging Pakistan to see the Dawn, March 13, 2019
2019 “urgency” of taking action against “terrorists” as the https://www.dawn.com/news/146

170
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Date Progress/News update Source

UN Security Council takes up a resolution declaring 9308
Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar a
global terrorist.
March 14, China prevented a move on turning India’s military Dawn, March 14, 2019
2019 embarrassment into a diplomatic advantage after https://www.dawn.com/news/146
declaring Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masud 9536
Azhar UN-designated global terrorist.
March 14, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry stated a three- The News, March 14, 2019
2019 pronged strategy to deal with the proscribed https://www.thenews.com.pk/print
organizations: banned outfits will be disarmed; they /443875-govt-gives-strategy-for-
will be compensated if they want to leave; and will banned-outfits
also participate in mainstream political system.
March 23, Despite federal administration’s ban on Abdul Aziz to Dawn, March 23, 2019
2019 deliver sermon, he criticized government and called https://www.dawn.com/news/147
democracy un-Islamic. 1291
April 02, During the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) assembly Dawn, April 2, 2019
2019 session, speakers noted reappearance of Taliban in https://www.dawn.com/news/147
tribal district, hike in crime rates, criticized the 3365
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 Daily Jang, April 9, 2019
publication of five books including manifesto of https://e.jang.com.pk/04-09-
banned Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan and monthly journal 2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=525.p
of Pir Afzal Qadri. ng
April 13, CTD Karachi arrested alleged Mohammad Ishaq alias Dawn, April 13, 2019
2019 Gul for his alleged involvement in bank robberies, https://www.dawn.com/news/147
kidnapping for ransom and killings of policemen. He 5712
had links with banned militant organization Jundulah.
May 02, Sindh Rangers joint operation with the Sindh CTD at Dawn, May 02, 2019
2019 Karachi arrested a notorious terrorist aliases Umer https://epaper.dawn.com/DetailIm
Farooq, Khan, Maviah, Bacha, associated with the age.php?StoryImage=02_05_2019
banned outfit Jundulah. The arrested terrorist’s name _115_003
is also mentioned in the Red Book of the Counter
Terrorism Department (CTD).
May 07, An alleged terrorist arrested during an operation in Dawn, May 07, 2019
2019 the Hayatabad locality at Peshawar. He has confessed https://www.dawn.com/news/148
before the court that he and his accomplices were 0696
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, Death toll increase to eleven in Data Darbar blast Dawn, May 10, 2019
2019 incident after another injured died at hospital. In https://www.dawn.com/news/148
addition to that, law enforcement agencies are 1359
assigned the task to go after three offshoots of the
TTP linked groups and their facilitators.
May 12, To accelerate the National Action Plan’s (NAP) Nawa-i-waqt, May 12, 2019-08-19
2019 execution, ministry of interior has outlawed 11 https://www.nawaiwaqt.com.pk/E-
organizations affiliated with proscribed outfits i.e. Paper/islamabad/2019-05-
Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM), Jamaatud Dawa (JuD), 12/page-1/detail-49
and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation.

171
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Date Progress/News update Source

May 14, The leader of Balochistan National Party (BNP-M) has Dawn, May 14, 2019
2019 rejected the involvement of Baloch missing person in https://www.dawn.com/news/148
a terrorist attack on Gwadar hotel. 2176/gwadar-attack-terrorist-not-
a-missing-person-mengal
May 15, Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Khadim Dawn, May 15, 2019
2019 Hussain Rizvi and sponsor Pir Afzal Qadri were https://www.dawn.com/news/148
granted post arrest bail in a case of carrying protests 2362
against acquittal of Christian woman Aasia Bibi.
May 18, In Peshawar High Court, a single member bench has Dawn, May 18, 2019
2019 accepted appeal of two people who were accused of https://www.dawn.com/news/148
having links with proscribed organizations and were 3016
sentenced to 10 years life imprisonment.
May 20, Sindh University has cancelled the admission of Daily Jang, May 20, 2019
2019 Noreen Leghari who went missing on February 2017 https://e.jang.com.pk/05-20-
and alleged to have link with Daesh. The admission 2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=547.p
will be suspended after verification of link with Daesh ng
from the law enforcement agencies.
May 21, Intelligence agencies have arrested 14 members of Daily Jang, May 21, 2019
2019 the Balawaristan National Front (BNF) and Hameed https://e.jang.com.pk/05-21-
Group. According to reports, BNF had worked for 2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=432.p
Indian intelligence agency Research and Analysis ng
Wing (RAW). BNF wanted to engage youth of various
universities in terrorist activities.
June 01, The Gujranwala anti-terrorism court has convicted Daily Dunya, June 1, 2019
2019 three members of JeM with 5 years of imprisonment. https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) said ?date=2019-06-
investigations are continued to intensify crackdown 01&edition=ISL&id=4627012_818
on terror financing. 17899
June 02, Police killed leader of a banned outfit who was the Daily Jang, June 2, 2019
2019 mastermind of Quetta suicide attacks. https://e.jang.com.pk/06-02-
2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=443.p
ng
June 19, Punjab education department has taken into custody Daily Dunya, Jun 19, 2019
2019 11 seminaries and one school administered by https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php
banned outfits. ?date=2019-06-
19&edition=ISL&id=4656188_357
71216
July 1, 2019 The CTD Punjab arrested 12 leaders of banned The Express Tribune, July 1, 2019
groups and they were convicted by the anti-terrorism https://tribune.com.pk/story/2003
courts. 560/1-12-leaders-banned-groups-
convicted-terror-financing/
July 3, 2019 America designated the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) Dawn, July 3, 2019
as a terrorist organization, and Pakistan welcomed https://www.dawn.com/news/149
the decision. 1717
July 04, 2019 FIRs were registered against top 13 leaders of Dawn, July 4, 2019
banned outfit (JuD) including its chief Hafiz Saeed, for https://www.dawn.com/news/149
terror financing and money laundering. 1997
July 4, 2019 Karachi police said two militants of Lashkar-i-Jhangvi Dawn, July 4, 2019
(LeJ) who escaped from prison in 2017 were involved https://www.dawn.com/news/149
in the target killing of two policemen of the Sindh 1939
Reserve Police (SRP).

172
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Date Progress/News update Source

July 13, 2019 Hafiz Saeed and his seven affiliates approached the Dawn, July 13, 2019
Lahore High Court (LHC) against the CTD for wrongly https://www.dawn.com/news/149
attributing them as members of the proscribed 3727
Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) and allegation of terror
financing.
July 16, 2019 The anti-terrorism court granted pre arrest bails to Dawn, July 16, 2019
the petitioners i.e. Hafiz Saeed (JuD chief) and his https://www.dawn.com/news/149
three associates who approached the LHC for wrongly 4388
describing them members of LeT.
July 18, 2019 US President was pleased to know about the arrest of Dawn, July 18, 2019
Hafiz Saeed for involvement in terror financing and https://www.dawn.com/news/149
money laundering. 4736
July 26, 2019 NACTA has asked Sindh and Punjab government to Dawn, July 26, 2019
take effective measures to ensure the security of https://www.dawn.com/news/149
property tycoon Malik Riaz threatened by the 6214
Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
August 1, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in North Waziristan Dawn, August 1, 2019
2019 has warned people of dire consequences against https://www.dawn.com/news/149
playing loud music, women going outside alone and 7395
polio vaccination campaign.
August 3, The death of Hamza Bin Laden, son of Osama Bin The New York Times, August 3-4,
2019 Laden, is considered as blow to Al Qaeda, as Hamza 2019
intended to serve a great role for Al Qaeda. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08
/01/world/middleeast/hamza-bin-
laden.html
August 04, A report said that Pakistan Army may leave the The News on Sunday, August 4,
2019 erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) 2019
by 2022, if Frontier Corps (FC) is strengthened there. http://tns.thenews.com.pk/army-
leave-tribal-areas-2022/
August 4, Commander Lashkar-e-Islam, who was involved in The News, August 4, 2019
2019 attack on security forces in Peshawar, was killed by a https://www.thenews.com.pk/print
rival group in Afghanistan. /508185-lashkar-e-islam-
commander-killed-in-afghanistan
August 14, Tehreek-i-Taliban militants warned the Awami Dawn, August 14, 2019
2019 National Party’s provincial General Secretary Buner of https://www.dawn.com/news/149
his anti-Taliban policies and threatened to kill. 9398
August 19, Police is on high alert at Buner district where ANP Daily Jang, 19 August 2019
2019 Provincial secretary also received threat letters. https://e.jang.com.pk/08-19-
2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=528.p
ng
August 23, NACTA declared Hizbul Ahrar and Balochistan Raaji Dawn, August 23, 2019
2019 Ajoi-R-Sangar (BRAS) proscribed organizations. https://www.dawn.com/news/150
1110/nacta-slaps-ban-on-two-
more-organisations
September India parliament recently passed a bill that declared Daily Jang, September 05, 2019
05, 2019 Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed, Zaki Rehman and Daood https://e.jang.com.pk/09-05-
Ibrahim terrorists. 2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=531.p
ng
September 8, Police claimed to have arrested 4 suspect of Lashkar- Dawn, September 8, 2019
2019 i-Jhangvi in Karachi for their involvement in target https://www.dawn.com/news/150
killing of members of the Shia and Bohra communities 4114

173
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Date Progress/News update Source

and attack on Samaa TV’s vehicle.
September America has announced new restrictions on terrorist Roznama92, September 12, 2019
12, 2019 organizations like TTP, Al-Qaeda, Hamas, Daesh etc. https://www.roznama92news.com
US included Noor Wali Mehsood, leader of banned /efrontend/web/index.php/?station
TTP in the international list of terrorists. _id=2&page_id=0&is_common=N
&xdate=2019-9-12&n=n37
September UN Security Council (UNSC) sanctions committee Dawn, September 29, 2019
29, 2019 allowed Pakistan to let JuD leader use his bank https://www.dawn.com/news/150
account for personal expenses. 7932/allowing-hafiz-saeed-to-
access-frozen-accounts-legal-says-
us
October 03, 12-member delegation of Afghan Taliban visiting The News, 03 October 2019
2019 Islamabad on an official invitation of the Pakistan https://www.thenews.com.pk/print
government which would brief the host country’s /535642-after-khalilzad-taliban-
leadership about their failed peace talks with the team-arrives-in-pakistan
United States.
October 04, Khadim Hussain Rizvi’s Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan The Friday Times, 04 October
2019 (TLP) became an electoral force to reckon with. It 2019
appeared that the TLP, with its anti-blasphemy https://www.thefridaytimes.com/f
agenda, successfully made inroads in Karachi’s or-tlp-cadre-karachi-is-not-yet-
political scene without any considerable challenge. lost/
October 05, Banned outfit Hizbu Tahrir puts up banners in The Express Tribune, 05 October
2019 different areas at Rawalpindi. 2019
https://epaper.tribune.com.pk/Dis
playDetails.aspx?ENI_ID=1120191
0050354&EN_ID=1120191005013
0&EMID=11201910050058
October 14, The United States has welcomed Pakistan’s decision Daily Jang, October 14, 2019
2019 to arrest four leaders of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) https://jang.com.pk/news/689374
group, indicating that such moves would help improve
relations between the two countries.
October 15, The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) suspects Dawn, October 15, 2019
2019 that the banned Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent https://www.dawn.com/news/151
(AQIS) is ‘regrouping’ in the Karachi several 0850
suspected areas to carry out terrorist attacks.
October 20, The interior ministry has suggested abolishment and Roznama 92, October 20, 2019
2019 banning of the private militia ‘Ansar-ul-Islam’ of the https://www.dawn.com/news/151
Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) 1863
November Anti-terrorism court has indicted President Maulana Dawn, November 13, 2019
13, 2019 Khadim Hussain Rizvi, its patron-in-chief Pir Afzal https://epaper.dawn.com/DetailIm
Qadri and others in a case of launching violent age.php?StoryImage=13_11_2019
protests against acquittal of Christian woman Aasia _176_005
Bibi in a blasphemy case.
December The court adjourned further hearing of Jamaatud Dawn, December 01, 2019
01, 2019 Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed and other https://epaper.dawn.com/DetailIm
leaders till Dec 7 for the indictment of the accused age.php?StoryImage=01_12_2019
persons. _003_007
December Anti-terrorism court in Lahore indicted Hafiz Saeed, Dawn, December 11, 2019
11, 2019 the chief of the proscribed Jamaatud Dawa (JuD), https://www.dawn.com/news/152
and four other JuD leaders who were booked in July 1667/atc-indicts-jud-chief-hafiz-
for offences pertaining to terror financing. saeed-in-terror-financing-case

174
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Date Progress/News update Source

December An anti-terrorism court prosecuted Jamatud Dawa Dawn, December 21, 2019
21, 2019 (JuD) chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed and his associate, https://www.dawn.com/news/152
Prof Zafar Iqbal, in another case of terror financing 3459
registered by the Counter Terrorism Department
(CTD) Punjab.
December The Punjab Counter Terrorism Department and an Dawn, December 21, 2019
21, 2019 intelligence agency in a joint operation on busted https://www.dawn.com/news/152
media cell of the AQIS (Al-Qaeda Indian 4548
Subcontinent) in Gujranwala.
December The federal government has stepped up an action Dawn, December 27, 2019
27, 2019 plan which was devised after the FATF expressed https://www.dawn.com/news/152
concern to ensure compliance by Pakistan related to 4578/two-atcs-notified-to-
implementation of anti-money laundering and exclusively-deal-with-terror-
counter-terrorist financing laws. financing-cases

Madrassahs

Date Progress/News update Source

January 04, Seminaries under Wifaq-ul-Madaris expressed Dawn, January 4, 2019

2019 concerns over banning their bank accounts without https://www.dawn.com/news/145
any alert or reason. They claimed to bring the issue in 5413
meeting with the Prime Minister but it remained
unresolved.
January 9, Interior Minister Shehryar Afridi said that government Daily Dunya, January 9, 2019
2019 is trying to bring uniformity in basic curriculum of all https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php
madaris of Pakistan. ?date=2019-01-
09&edition=ISL&id=4379173_537
72671
January 13, Government could not make any progress in bringing The Nation, January 13, 2019
2019 the seminaries in national mainstream or reforming https://nation.com.pk/13-Jan-
them. 2019/madaris-reforms-stuck-in-
limbo
January 15, Education Department said madrassa reforms are in The Express Tribune, January 15,
2019 process and ensured to take religious scholars on 2019
board in this regard. https://tribune.com.pk/story/1888
474/1-madrassa-reforms-way-
says-lehri/
January 28, Representatives of political-religious parties have Roznama92, January 28, 2019
2019 unanimously urged federal government and provincial https://www.roznama92news.com
administrations to take steps to resolve problems of /efrontend/web/index.php/?station
mosques and seminaries. _id=3&page_id=7&is_common=&
xdate=2019-1-28&n=n51
February 3, To harmonize the curriculum of seminaries with Daily Dunya, February 3, 2019
2019 modern education system, government has https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php
earmarked around Rs88 billion. ?date=2019-02-
03&edition=ISL&id=4424201_863
86466
April 6, 2019 Total 8721 madaris have yet not registered. It was Daily Dunya, April 6, 2019
proposed to establish a registration authority https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php
comprised of members from all school of thoughts, ?date=2019-04-

175
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Date Progress/News update Source

rules and regulations to be amended to restrict 06&edition=ISL&id=4529781_474

religious seminaries from getting direct foreign 99008
funding, and make a compulsory annual audit of the
revenues of religious seminaries.
April 10, KP government has diverted Rs30 million funds meant Dawn, April 10, 2019
2019 for the development of public sector higher secondary https://www.dawn.com/news/147
schools in region to Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary. 5035
April 11, An editorial in Dawn suggested government to Dawn, April 11, 2019
2019 provide rationale for diverting education funds to a https://www.dawn.com/news/147
seminary. 5323
April 21, A religious seminary for transgender was established Daily Dunya, April 21, 2019
2019 in Rawalpindi, where more than 20 transgenders https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php
were enrolled. ?date=2019-04-
21&edition=ISL&id=4554758_445
90620
May 07, Federal government in consultation with Tanzimat e Daily Jang, May 7, 2019
2019 Madaris drafted a registration form and underlined https://e.jang.com.pk/05-07-
that the registration of religious seminaries is 2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=535.p
compulsory. ng
May 8, 2019 Federal government has decided the uniform syllabus Dawn, May 8, 2019
for all education institutions in the country, including https://www.dawn.com/news/148
30,000 seminaries under Wifaqul Madaris. 0970
July 18, 2019 Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa held a Jang, July 18, 2019
meeting with senior religious scholar and discussed https://e.jang.com.pk/07-18-
the agenda of seminaries’ reforms. The Army Chief 2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=53.p
assured that reforms would not affect freedom of ng
seminaries.
July 19, 2019 Government has decided to teach compulsory Dawn, July 19, 2019
contemporary subjects at seminaries and seminary https://www.dawn.com/news/149
students to appear in annual Federal Board of 4851/seminaries-to-teach-
Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) contemporary-subjects-students-
exams. will-appear-in-fbise-exams

July 19, 2019 In efforts to bring uniform curriculum all over the Jang, July 19, 2019
country, government has decided to seek registration https://e.jang.com.pk/07-19-
of all seminaries and link them with federal education 2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=444.p
system. Non registered seminaries will not be allowed ng
to operate.
August 18, Government completed geo-tagging of 90% religious Roznama92, August 18, 2019
2019 seminaries from all over the country while Tanzimat https://www.roznama92news.com
Madaris Deenia didn’t share any information related /efrontend/web/index.php/?station
to source of income and funding of seminaries. _id=3&page_id=7&is_common=N
&xdate=2019-8-18&n=n55
August 18, A report opined to bring madarais in mainstream Dawn, August 18, 2019
2019 education system and address the linked national https://www.dawn.com/news/150
security concerns. Reforms should emphasize 0025
educating, employing, and engaging madaris
students.
August 22, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Bajwa said Daily Jang, August 22, 2019
2019 that efforts to bring the Madaris into the mainstream https://e.jang.com.pk/08-22-

176
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Date Progress/News update Source

national education system would render positive 2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=51.p

results and will boost up the career of seminary ng
students.
September Wafaq ul Madaris al-Arabia Pakistan has initiated Daily Dunya, September 19, 2019
19, 2019 work on the common curriculum for seminaries. https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php
?date=2019-09-
19&edition=ISL&id=4805395_594
06495
September Government has decided to establish 10 regional Roznama92, September 21, 2019
21, 2019 offices to mainstream Madrassas. Federal government https://www.roznama92news.com
has allocated Rs1.80 billion to religious seminaries /efrontend/web/index.php/?station
and uniform education system in national _id=2&page_id=0&is_common=N
mainstream. &xdate=2019-9-21&n=n0
October 22, The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Dawn, October 22, 2019
2019 Training will establish a directorate under which https://www.dawn.com/news/151
seminaries would be registered and facilitated. It will 2199/directorate-being-set-up-to-
be set up in the Basic Education Community School regulate-seminaries
(BECS) building in G-8 and will have regional offices
in 16 cities.
October 25, Directorate General of Religious Education (DGRE) Dawn, October 25, 2019
2019 issued a notification to regulate seminaries set up. For https://www.dawn.com/news/151
this they have established a directorate for 2734
registration and facilitation of the madaris functioning
all over the country.
December Directorate of religious education will be established Daily Express, December 20, 2019
20, 2019 to regulate seminaries set up. https://www.express.com.pk/epap
er/PoPupwindow.aspx?newsID=11
07026334&Issue=NP_ISB&Date=2
0191220
December Madarais registration will be completed very soon. A Daily Express, December 31, 2019
31, 2019 directorate general office along with sixteen offices https://www.express.com.pk/epap
have been established to start the process. er/PoPupwindow.aspx?newsID=11
07058195&Issue=NP_ISB&Date=2
0191231

Merged Districts

Date Progress/News update Source

January 04, The district administration in North Waziristan allowed Daily Dunya, January 4, 2019
2019 entry of people to region without prior permission or https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php
registration on the check points. However, the ?date=2019-01-
travelers will have to show their ID card on check 04&edition=ISL&id=4370403_602
posts. 29044
March 19, Government tends to allocate Rs 100bn annually for Dawn, March 19, 2019
2019 ten years for the development of FATA and is ready https://www.dawn.com/news/147
to begin consultations with local. 0519
July 21, 2019 Poling of provincial elections in tribal districts of KP Dawn, July 21, 2019
remained peaceful, though ratio of women voters was https://www.dawn.com/news/149
low. 5305

177
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

Date Progress/News update Source

January 05, Pakistan officials went to Australia for a meeting with Dawn, January 5, 2019
2019 FATF. Also, it has sent risk assessment report to FATF https://www.dawn.com/news/145
to update it about agencies’ performances regarding 5619
FATF proposed action plan.
January 10, FATF seemed satisfied over Pakistan’s performance Dawn, January 10, 2019
2019 against terror financing in compliance with the United https://www.dawn.com/news/145
Nations resolutions. 6640
January 10, There is no any evidence of drug-funded terrorism in Daily Jang, January 10, 2019
2019 Pakistan. https://e.jang.com.pk/01-10-
2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=512.p
ng
January 11, FATF called Pakistan to take strict measures against Daily Jang, January 11, 2019
2019 banned outfits under the UN resolution. No banned https://e.jang.com.pk/01-11-
organization would be further allowed to participate in 2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=543.p
general election. ng
January 14, Government believed that Pakistan would not be The News, January 14, 2019
2019 blacklisted by FATF in the face of India and US https://www.thenews.com.pk/print
conspiracy. /418800-pakistan-unlikely-to-be-
placed-on-fatf-blacklist-miftah
January 23, To fulfill the conditions of the Financial Action Task Dawn, January 23, 2019
2019 Force (FATF), government is ready to make some https://www.dawn.com/news/145
significant amendments in the Anti-Money Laundering 9232
(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, A report hinted the smuggling of explosive material, Daily Jang, February 13, 2019
2019 to be used in terrorists’ related activities, from https://e.jang.com.pk/02-13-
Pakistan to Afghanistan. Punjab government took 2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=1047.
notice of report findings i.e. 40 % of explosive png
material is sold in black market and directed police to
strictly observe the trade of explosive material.
February 23, The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) kept Pakistan The Express Tribune, February 23,
2019 in grey list and instructed it to re-examine the ranking 2019
of terror financing risk assessment of 8 banned outfits https://tribune.com.pk/story/1916
including Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in view of its 590/1-fatf-urges-pakistan-
vulnerabilities for other countries. reassess-militant-outfits-ranking/

March 03, FATF has expressed satisfaction over Pakistan’s The News on Sunday, March 3,
2019 efforts to attain FATF proposed action plan while 2019
identified ten “jurisdiction deficiencies” and directed http://tns.thenews.com.pk/may-
Pakistan for effective implementation of the action 2019/
plan.
March 05, In order to comply with FATF requirements, Dawn, March 5, 2019
2019 government announced to freeze or seize the https://www.dawn.com/news/146
accounts of UNSC designated terrorist organizations 7656
or individuals.

178
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Date Progress/News update Source

March 08, During FATF General committee’s meeting under Daily Jang, March 08, 2019
2019 Federal Finance Secretary of Government of Pakistan, https://e.jang.com.pk/03-08-
it was decided that under FATF highlighted terms, 2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=544.p
government will now deal with banned organization ng
with new and more sophisticated techniques.
March 9, FATF added three more conditions to the already Daily Jang, March 9, 2019
2019 prescribed 15 conditions for Pakistan to get rid of https://e.jang.com.pk/03-09-
blacklist. 2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=550.p
ng
March 09, The government has decided to upgrade a group of Dawn, March 09, 2019
2019 proscribed organization’s to ‘high risk’ and started https://www.dawn.com/news/146
monitoring and re-examining their activities and 8506
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, The Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Business Recorder, March 24,
2019 (SECP) has issued list of frequently asked questions 2019
on anti-money laundering and countering terror https://fp.brecorder.com/2019/03/
financing to promote awareness about anti money 20190324458183/
laundering among people.
March 10, Pakistan has urged FATF to remove India as a co- Dawn, March 10, 2019
2019 chair of Asia Pacific Group (APG) to ensure unbiased https://www.dawn.com/news/146
FATF proceedings on its case. 8695
March 10, Government announced freezing of accounts and Daily Dunya, March 10, 2019
2019 seizure of assets linked to banned organizations. https://e.dunya.com.pk/detail.php
?date=2019-03-
10&edition=ISL&id=4482981_411
60970
March 24, Federal government has adopted measures to set a Daily Express, March 24, 2019
2019 Special Protection Unit (SPU) in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) https://www.express.com.pk/epap
and Kashmir to ensure the security of CPEC projects er/PoPupwindow.aspx?newsID=11
and its workers. 06252900&Issue=NP_LHE&Date=
20190324
March 26, FATF is all set to evaluate Pakistan’s performance on The News, March 26, 2019
2019 proposed action plan to combat terror financing and https://www.thenews.com.pk/print
money laundering. /448737-fatf-set-to-evaluate-pak-
performance
March 28, Though FATF appreciated Pakistan’s effort to curb Dawn, March 28, 2019
2019 terror financing and money laundering, it has https://www.dawn.com/news/147
expressed serious reservation about measures against 2344
each of 8 proscribed organizations.
April 05, Federal government made it clear that measures Dawn, April 5, 2019
2019 taken against banned outfits are part of the National https://www.dawn.com/news/147
Action Plan (NAP) rather than under the action plan 4031
agreed with FATF.
April 09, To comply with FATF terms of counter terror Daily Jang, April 9, 2019
2019 financing, the National Counter Terrorism Authority https://e.jang.com.pk/04-09-
(NACTA) confiscated the bank accounts of 4863 2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=54.p
people in country. ng

179
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Date Progress/News update Source

April 10, To improve the anti-terror financing process, NACTA Dawn, April 10, 2019
2019 has signed multilateral MoUs with related institutions https://www.dawn.com/news/147
and departments to promote inter department 5088
cooperation.
April 13, Government issued the guiding principles for the Dawn, April 13, 2019
2019 effective implementation of the United Nations https://www.dawn.com/news/147
Security Council (UNSC) Sanctions against individual 5773
and entities.
May 12, Pakistan custom has adopted various policy measures Dawn, May 12, 2019
2019 to curb terrorist financing including the establishment https://www.dawn.com/news/148
of the directorate of cross-border currency movement 1727
that would develop currency trafficker’s profile.
May 27, Government has closed the departments of CID and Daily Jang, May 27, 2019
2019 rapid response force in Islamabad. It has established https://e.jang.com.pk/05-27-
a Counter Terrorism Departments (CTD) while 2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=03_0
merged the CTD departments of crime investigation 2.png
and rapid response force.
June 09, FATF report noted that out of 27 points of action The News, June 9, 2019
2019 plan, Pakistan could not achieve 18 points. FATF https://www.thenews.com.pk/print
ordered country to take action against 8 banned /481936-money-laundering-terror-
outfits and expedite implementation of actionable financing-fatf-acknowledges-pak-
points to get out of FATF grey list. performance
June 14, US continued to seek Pakistan’s support in Dawn, June 14, 2019
2019 Afghanistan peace process and stressed Pakistan to https://www.dawn.com/news/148
take action against militant groups operating from 8085
within its territory.
June 22, FATF reviewed Pakistan’s efforts made for the Dawn, June 22, 2019
2019 implementation of actionable points against money https://www.dawn.com/news/148
laundering and terrorism and stressed the need for 9669
further actions to get out of grey list in the next
review meeting of FATF in October 2019.
July 07, 2019 CTD arrested regional head of an international non- Dawn, July 7, 2019
governmental organization in Peshawar for his alleged https://www.dawn.com/news/149
involvement in terror financing. 2590
July 07, 2019 Federal government has instructed all provinces to The Nation, July 7, 2019
take action against unregistered, non-functional and https://nation.com.pk/07-Jul-
non-profit organizations and even also against 2019/provinces-asked-to-block-
registered organizations that are found to be involved terror-financing
in terror financing.
July 17, 2019 To comply with the FATF requirement of seizing terror Daily Jang, July 17, 2019
financing, a charity commission has been established https://e.jang.com.pk/07-17-
in Punjab. 2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=417.p
ng
July 26, 2019 The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has established Dawn, July 26, 2019
a cell to expedite the action plan against money https://www.dawn.com/news/149
laundering and terror financing proposed by FATF. 6172
July 27, 2019 FATF special unit of FIA has filed a case in Islamabad Roznama92, July 27, 2019
against the UN-designated terrorist Ahmed Shah and https://www.roznama92news.com
took into custody his assistant, Mir Waaz. /efrontend/web/index.php/?station
_id=3&page_id=7&is_common=&
xdate=2019-7-27&n=n32

180
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Date Progress/News update Source

August 07, During an independent assessment of Pakistan’s Dawn, August 7, 2019
2019 efforts for FATF action plan, the United States https://www.dawn.com/news/149
stressed Pakistan to show effective results against 8540
banned outfits and their leaders.
August 17, Pakistan has submitted 450-page long report along The News, August 17, 2019
2019 with detailed annexure on to Financial Action Task https://www.thenews.com.pk/print
Force (FATF). /512997-pakistan-submits-450-
page-report-to-fatf
August 17, To implement the FTAF action plan, government has Daily Jang, August 17, 2019
2019 constituted a FATF cell. https://e.jang.com.pk/08-17-
2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=419.p
ng
August 21, Pakistan’s exit from FATF grey list is dependent on Dawn, August 21, 2019
2019 the result of Asia Pacific Group’s evaluation reports. https://www.dawn.com/news/150
0711
August 24, Government of Pakistan has rejected reports of being Dawn, August 24, 2019
2019 blacklisted by the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) of FATF https://www.dawn.com/news/150
and mentioned the country is now under ‘enhanced 1334
monitoring category’ and bound to submit quarterly
report to APG than biannual.
August 26, Government constituted FATF coordination committee Dawn, August 26, 2019
2019 to ascertain the implementation of FATF action plan. https://www.dawn.com/news/150
1746
September On Pakistan’s report, FATF has asked more than 100 Roznama92, September 5, 2019
05, 2019 questions about banned organizations and asked to https://www.roznama92news.com
submit answers by September 6, 2019. /efrontend/web/index.php/?station
_id=3&page_id=0&is_common=&
xdate=2019-9-5&n=n19
September Asia Pacific Group (APG) of FATF during a discussion Nawa-i-Waqt, September 10, 2019
10, 2019 over 127 questions from Pakistan claimed that https://www.nawaiwaqt.com.pk/E-
banned outfits have been investing via gold and real Paper/islamabad/2019-09-
estates and questioned Pakistan over banned 10/page-1/detail-41
organization’s investment in black market.
September Pakistan has submitted its progress report on FATF Dawn, September 12, 2019
12, 2019 action plan. The APG is set to present its evaluation https://www.dawn.com/news/150
report on Pakistan’s performance against terror 4711
financing and money laundering.
October 07, A Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) released by the Dawn, October 07, 2019
2019 APG, a regional affiliate of the FATF showed that https://www.dawn.com/news/150
Pakistan was “non-compliant” on four out of 40 9453
recommendations of the APG on effectiveness of the
anti-money laundering and combating the financing
of terrorism (AML/CFT) system.
October 08, Pakistan foreign office called for a “fair and unbiased” Dawn, October 08, 2019
2019 evaluation of its progress towards meeting the https://www.dawn.com/news/150
requirements of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) 9621
on countering illicit finances as it pointed to
continuing malicious propaganda by India.

181
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Date Progress/News update Source

October 16, The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has decided in Dawn, October 16, 2019
2019 principle that Pakistan will remain on its grey list till https://www.dawn.com/news/151
next February and directed to take ‘extra measures’ 1090
for ‘complete’ elimination of terror financing and
money laundering.
October 18, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has set up a cell Dawn, October 18, 2019
2019 at its headquarters for combating money laundering https://www.dawn.com/news/151
and terror financing. 1485
October 19, FATF reviewed measures taken and progress made by Dawn, October 19, 2019
2019 almost 15 countries, including Pakistan, vis-a-vis anti- https://www.dawn.com/news/151
money laundering and combating financing of 1678
terrorism (AML/CFT) in its five-day plenary.
October 19, In a highly confidential report, the Pakistani The News, October 19, 2019
2019 authorities informed the FATF that some eight terror https://www.thenews.com.pk/print
groups were funding terrorists in Pakistan which were /543151-terror-financing-from-
operating from fifteen countries, including the United abroad-fatf-ignores-pak-request-
States, China, United Kingdom and some European for-help
nations.
October 20, Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to implement The Nation, October 20, 2019
2019 Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Action Plan and (Column)
remains hopeful to upgrade from the grey list to the https://nation.com.pk/20-Oct-
white list of FATF in 2020. 2019/pakistan-to-come-out-of-
grey-list-in-2020-claims-hammad
October 20, FATF requires Pakistan to deliver on its commitment Dawn, October 20, 2019 (Column)
2019 to crack down on terrorism financing by fixing the https://www.dawn.com/news/151
strategic deficiencies in the AML/CFT regime. 1895
October 22, Pakistan’s Financial adviser Abdul Hafiz Shaikh said Dawn, October 22, 2019
2019 that Pakistan is committed to fully implement its https://www.dawn.com/news/151
action plan to counter money laundering and 2153
terrorists financing by February 2020.
October 24, Minister for Economic Affairs has disclosed that as Dawn, October 24, 2019
2019 part of the global watchdog’s action plan, more than https://www.dawn.com/news/151
700 under-investigation suspected terror financing 2610
cases are near adjudication.
October 26, The government authorities have decided to fulfil The News, October 26, 2019
2019 remaining conditions of the Financial Action Task https://www.thenews.com.pk/print
Force (FATF) till Dec 2 to come out of its 'grey list. /546295-fatf-grey-list-govt-
decides-to-fulfil-remaining-
conditions-till-dec-2
October 29, Director General Military Operations (DGMO) and a Dawn, October 29, 2019
2019 director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence https://www.dawn.com/news/151
(ISI) will become part of the National Executive 3484/dgmo-isi-official-may-help-
Committee (NEC) on terror-financing and money curb-terror-financing
laundering as the federal cabinet meeting.
October 31, Pakistan has asked the International Monetary Fund Dawn, October 31, 2019
2019 (IMF) to relax conditionality’s under the $6 billion https://www.dawn.com/news/151
Extended Fund Facility (EFF) relating to the Financial 3966
Action Task Force (FATF) and issuance of sovereign
guarantees to help raise over $4bn from domestic
and international markets.

182
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Date Progress/News update Source

November The Sindh government has started the legislation The Express Tribune, 02
02, 2019 process to curb money laundering and terror November 2019
financing in line with the Financial Action Task Force’s https://tribune.com.pk/story/2091
(FATF) recommendations. 948/1-sindh-drafts-law-curb-
terror-financing/
November The US Congress-mandated report, , represents Dawn, 03 November 2019
03, 2019 official US assessment of the state of global terrorism https://www.dawn.com/news/151
during last year and includes country reviews. 4558
November The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) urged all Dawn, November 07 2019
07, 2019 member states to criminalise financing of terror- https://www.dawn.com/news/151
related travels. 5392
November Minister for economic affairs division, Hammad Azhar, Dawn, November 08, 2019
08, 2019 while speaking at a meeting of the National https://www.dawn.com/news/151
Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance and 5579
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.
November 8, Government permitted establishment of National Daily Jang November 8, 2019
2019 FATF Secretariat which will also coordinate among https://e.jang.com.pk/11-08-
Provinces to achieve Action Plan objectives. 2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=633.p
ng
November 9, Government started scrutiny for registration of The Express Tribune November 9,
2019 vehicles which are affiliated to banned organizations 2019
and will also confiscate the existing ones under FATF https://epaper.tribune.com.pk/Dis
recommendations. playDetails.aspx?ENI_ID=1120191
1090060&EN_ID=1120191109002
2&EMID=11201911090009
November EU offered technical assistance to Pakistan for Dawn, November 17, 2019
17, 2019 implementation of FATF at its 10th session. Both the https://www.dawn.com/news/151
parties appreciated the signing of EU-Pakistan 7184
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 National FATF Coordination Committee (NFCC) in its Dawn, November 25, 2019
25, 2019 recent meeting decided to bring all unregulated https://www.dawn.com/news/151
sectors of the national economy under an interim 8686
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 Out of total 27 action plan, Pakistan has submitted its The News, December 07, 2019
07, 2019 progress report on 22 points before the joint group of https://www.thenews.com.pk/print
Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in fresh bid to /579659-fatf-wants-conviction-of-
avoid falling into blacklist. banned-outfits-members
December The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Dawn, December 13, 2019
13, 2019 Interior dissatisfied over government’s move to https://www.dawn.com/news/152
include financial crime and illegal money transfers in 1993/move-to-include-financial-
the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). crime-in-anti-terror-law-opposed

183
 Pakistan Security Report | 2019

Date Progress/News update Source

December During the second edition of Financial Crime Summit Dawn, December 15, 2019
15, 2019 in Karachi, State Bank Governor Reza Baqir https://www.dawn.com/news/152
mentioned that the FATF and the IMF have 2349
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 Government has submitted detailed report to FATF Daily Jang, December 15, 2019
15, 2019 regarding money laundering cases trials of eight https://e.jang.com.pk/12-15-
banned organizations including that of high profile 2019/pindi/pic.asp?picname=51.p
alleged members of banned organizations. ng

December Punjab government has decided to freeze assets Daily Jang, December 19, 2019
19, 2019 trustees and charity funding bodies of all banned https://e.jang.com.pk/12-19-
organizations. 2019/Pindi/pic.asp?picname=423.p
ng
December Pakistan submitted the initial progress report to the Dawn, December 22, 2019
23, 2019 Asia Pacific Group (APG) of the FATF regarding https://www.dawn.com/news/152
implementation of the action plan, which related to 3569
shortcomings pointed out at the previous review.

184
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