| Iranian diplomat abducted in Peshawar |
| 13 Nov 2008 |
| On 13 November 2008 a group of gunmen abducted an Iranian diplomat in the city of Peshawar in northwestern Pakistan. Authorities stated that the suspected militants stopped the diplomat's vehicle in the Hayatabad neighborhood and killed his bodyguard before quickly leaving the scene. Police investigators cordoned off the area and shut down surrounding streets in an attempt to track down the perpetrators. Representatives of the Iranian Consulate confirmed that the attack occurred and stated that no group has claimed responsibility. The abduction came one day after a U.S. humanitarian aid worker was shot and killed in Peshawar.
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| U.S. aid worker killed by gunmen |
| 12 Nov 2008 |
| On 12 November 2008 gunmen killed a U.S. aid worker stationed in Peshawar outside his office in the city's University Town neighborhood. The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad declined to identify the man, stating only that he was not a diplomat or traveling on an official State Department assignment. The aid worker's driver was also killed in the shooting. No claim of responsibility has been issued, but the area has seen a significant increase in Taliban activity.
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| Taliban militants launched rocket near runway of Peshawar International Airport |
| 06 Nov 2008 |
| On 6 November 2008 suspected Taliban militants launched a rocket attack near the main runway of Peshawar International Airport (OPPS/PEW). Security officials stated that several rockets were launched outside the airport perimeter at approximately 0100 local time (2000 UTC). One rocket reportedly landed on the runway, causing minor damage to the asphalt surface. There have been no reports of major disruptions to airport operations. This most recent incident is the third attack launched by militants against the airport facility in the past week.
A separate attack was also launched on 6 November against a main power line leading into Peshawar. Local power company employees reported that explosives planted at the base of a pylon downed the main line supplying electricity to Peshawar. Several thousand residents in northwest Pakistan are reportedly without power because of the damage. Repair crews have been dispatched to restore power to the affected areas. No group has claimed responsibility for either attack.
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| Scores dead after earthquake |
| 29 Oct 2008 |
| At least 160 people have been killed after an earthquake of 6.4 magnitude hit Balochistan province in south-western Pakistan and officials say they expect the toll to rise. The tremor struck 70km (45 miles) north of Quetta at 0409 (2309GMT Tuesday) at a depth of 10km (6.2 miles), the US Geological Survey said.
Many houses collapsed during the quake and some were destroyed in landslides that followed it. Reports say teams of army and paramilitary Frontier Corps troops are in the area, helping to rescue the injured and retrieve bodies. However, the mountainous region is thinly populated and local infrastructure is poor, making it difficult to get a clear picture of the casualties
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| Car bomb detonated in the City of Quetta |
| 27 Oct 2008 |
| On 27 October 2008 a car bomb was detonated in the City of Quetta near the neighbourhood where government offices are housed. Reports state that at least two people were killed when the bomb exploded in the Liaquat Bagh neighbourhood of the city. Eyewitnesses state that the bomb was powerful enough to have damaged nearby buildings and vehicles. No claim of responsibility has yet been issued in relation to the attack; however, Baluch nationalists have been waging a long-standing campaign for autonomy for their province.
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| Two bombings have killed 10 people and wounded at least 14 in Pakistan, including an attack at a police complex in the capital, Islamabad. |
| 09 Oct 2008 |
| The attacks came on the same day that politicians met for a private briefing on the militant threat facing the country.
The second blast was in the nation's volatile northwest, where al Qaeda and Taliban militants have established bases near the Afghan border.Four children, two police officers and four prisoners died when a roadside bomb exploded under a prison vehicle in the Dir region, government official Sher Bahadur Khan said.Initial reports said that a school bus was caught in the blast, but others said the children were walking. Ten people were wounded.
Meanwhile, in Islamabad, an apparent suicide car bombing severely damaged an anti-terror squad building and wounded at least four police in the heavily guarded Police Lines area.The explosion occurred just moments after a man delivered sweets to the facility, and police were examining whether the events were linked.
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| Police officers in Islamabad defuse explosive device |
| 06 Oct 2008 |
| On 4 October 2008 authorities reported that police officers in Islamabad defused an explosive device that could have easily destroyed a large building. A local resident told authorities that the bomb was hidden in a patch of bushes near the National University of Modern Language in Sector H-9. It is unknown who planted the bomb. Officials are investigating the incident.
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| FCO advise of reintroduction of visa service |
| 06 Oct 2008 |
| Following a review of security at the UK visa application centres (VACs), the British High Commission is pleased to announce that Gerry’s International are re-opening the Karachi VAC on 8 October. Gerry’s International are also aiming to re-open their Lahore VAC on 13 October.
With immediate effect, anyone wishing to apply for a UK visa should contact the call-centre (0900 10411 from a landline or 8865 from a mobile) in order to make an appointment at their nearest VAC. Access to the VACs is restricted to those with appointments only, anyone arriving at the VACs without an appointment will be turned away.
The Islamabad and Mirpur VACs remain closed pending security upgrades. The British High Commission will announce re-opening dates as soon as possible.
Applicants will be contacted directly with instructions for passport collection on completion of the application process.
For further information about the application process applicants should visit the Gerry’s website at www.ukvacpk.com or contact the call-centre on the above numbers.
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| Children of British diplomats will no longer remain in Pakistan |
| 02 Oct 2008 |
| Representatives from the United Kingdom announced on 1 October 2008 that children of British diplomats will no longer remain in Pakistan due to the poor security conditions in the country. U.N. officials also reported on 2 October 2008 that U.N. representatives in Pakistan could no longer live with their children in Islamabad, Rawalpindi or in border towns near Afghanistan. These decisions come after the Islamabad Marriott hotel bombing on 20 September.
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| U.S. Department of State suspend consular services |
| 26 Sep 2008 |
| On 25 September 2008 the U.S. Department of State announced that it has suspended consular services, including the issuance of visas, at all of its facilities in Pakistan in response to the worsening security situation. A spokesperson stated that the department is taking steps to address the security environment in Pakistan and that a number of threats were recently made against U.S. interests in Pakistan. There was no comment as to when services will resume.
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| U.S. and Pakistani military forces exchanged fire |
| 26 Sep 2008 |
| According to reports published on 25 September 2008, U.S. and Pakistani military forces exchanged fire across the Pakistani-Afghan border shortly after Pakistani troops fired warning shots at two U.S. helicopters. The skirmish lasted approximately five minutes, and sources indicate that no one was injured in the incident. The exchange comes after U.S. forces have started to increase active missions into Pakistani territory and in turn Pakistani troops have fired warning shots at NATO or U.S. military vehicles that it views as having crossed the border. It is not clear as to the exact location of the incident, as the U.S. military maintains that its forces were in Afghan territory, while the Pakistani military asserts that U.S. troops had trespassed onto Pakistani territory.
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| Three militants blow themselves up during a police raid |
| 26 Sep 2008 |
| On 26 September 2008 three militants blew themselves up during a police raid in Sector 11 of Baldia Town in Karachi. The suspected terrorists, who presumably belonged to a banned group, threw five grenades at approaching police officers. The police found out about the militant hideout from a detainee, who had been arrested earlier on 26 September. The militants reportedly planned to carry out a major attack on the city of Karachi.
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| Airports on red alert |
| 25 Sep 2008 |
| Pakistani officials placed the country's airports on "red alert" on 25 September 2008, after an anonymous caller telephoned the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) office in Karachi, threatening that there would be a bombing at Benazir Bhutto International Airport (OPRN/ISB) in Islamabad at 1240 local time (0740 UTC). Authorities evacuated parts of the airport, including lounges and the parking lot, immediately after receiving the threat. Officials searched the facility and found nothing suspicious, but heightened security remains in place. Authorities have tightened restrictions on access to airports, but it is not known what other measures the "red alert" status entails.
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| Militant organization claimed responsibility for the bombing of the Islamabad Marriot |
| 23 Sep 2008 |
| According to reports published on 22 September 2008, a little known militant organization calling itself Fidayeen-e-Islam has claimed responsibility for the bombing of the Islamabad Marriot. The group states that the attack was aimed at stopping U.S. intervention in Pakistan. Sources indicate that the group is based in tribal areas and may be connected to Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud. The bombing killed at least 60 people and injured more than 260 others.
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| The widower of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, was elected to be the next president |
| 08 Sep 2008 |
| On 6 September 2008 Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto who was assassinated in December 2007, was elected to be the next president of Pakistan. Zardari won 481 votes, well above the 352 needed to secure the presidency.
Zardari has been surrounded by controversy in the lead-up to his election. Opposition parties accuse him of being pro-Western and supporting the U.S.-led war on terror. In addition, in the years leading up to his election, Zardari was accused of corruption, allegations that never resulted in convictions.
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| Assassination attempt on Pakistani Prime Minister |
| 03 Sep 2008 |
| An apparent assassination attempt on Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani occurred on 3 September 2008. A number of shots were fired from a nearby hill at his vehicle as it was traveling just outside Islamabad on the main road to the airport. While initial reports placed the prime minister in the convoy when the shots were fired, statements published later by the Pakistani government state that the prime minister was not present and that the vehicle was coming to pick him up. Unconfirmed reports indicate that at least three would-be assassins have been detained, but no further information is available. No injuries were reported in the incident. |
| Pakistani Taliban spokesman announces that Taliban militants will continue to launch attacks against government targets |
| 02 Sep 2008 |
| A Pakistani Taliban spokesman announced on 31 August 2008 that Taliban militants will continue to launch attacks against government targets during the month-long observance of the Ramadan. The Pakistani government had previously announced that the army would suspend military combat against Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters in the northwest region for Ramadan and only retaliate if it is attacked. Taliban leaders have stated that they will not adhere to any temporary peace deals or ceasefires and called on the Pakistani government to work toward a permanent end to the fighting. |
| U.S. government vehicle hit by gunfire in Peshawar |
| 26 Aug 2008 |
| A U.S. government vehicle carrying a senior consular officer was hit by gunfire in Peshawar on 26 August 2008. Consulate officials stated that no one was injured in the attack and the armored vehicle sustained no significant damage. Reports indicate that two men armed with AK-47 rifles fled after they opened fire on the vehicle as the female diplomat and a driver approached her residence in Peshawar. U.S. authorities and Pakistani police officers are investigating the incident and trying to track down the two attackers. No other details have been released regarding this incident.
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| 2 suicide bombs kill 46 |
| 21 Aug 2008 |
| On 21 August 2008 two suicide bombings occurred near the entrance to the Pakistan Ordinance Factory, located in the city of Wah, approximately 18 mi/30 km west of Islamabad. Casualty numbers have increased steadily since the incident occurred; they now stand at 46 killed and approximately 50 injured. The Pakistan Ordinance Factory is a government owned facility that produces munitions for the Pakistani military and security forces. Investigators have closed the factory and blocked off the area. It was not immediately clear if the factory itself sustained any damage. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the bombings, stating that they were in revenge for recent military operations against their forces. |
| President Musharraf resigns |
| 18 Aug 2008 |
| Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf announced his resignation on 18 August 2008 during a televised address to the nation. Musharraf has been under increasing political pressure as the coalition government composed a list of charges on 16 August to be used in impeachment procedures and gave Musharraf two days to hand in his resignation. Musharraf stated that the allegations of misconduct against him were false. Local media sources have reported that Musharraf has been granted passage from the country, but the reports have not been confirmed. Musharraf may leave the country if he is granted safe passage.
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| Future of President Musharraf in doubt |
| 15 Aug 2008 |
| Conflicting information emerged on 15 August 2008 about the future of President Pervez Musharraf. Some media reports quoted Western diplomats and Pakistani politicians as stating that Musharraf has agreed to resign rather than face impeachment proceedings. According to these sources, details of his departure from office are still being worked out, but Musharraf will likely be given immunity and may leave the country. They added that such a development is expected within the next two to three days. Musharraf, however, has repeatedly told his supporters that he will not resign, and his spokesman denied the media reports cited above.
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| Suicide bomber kills 7 |
| 14 Aug 2008 |
| On 13 August 2008 a suicide bombing occurred outside a police station in the city of Lahore. The incident occurred near Moon Market in the Allama Iqbal Town neighborhood. The market was crowded with people on the eve of Pakistan's Independence Day. At least seven people were killed, including five policemen, and another 20 people were wounded wounded. Police officers were the apparent targets of the attack.
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| The two main Pakistani political parties announce that they will start impeachment proceedings against Pakistani President |
| 07 Aug 2008 |
| On 7 August 2008 the leaders of the two main Pakistani political parties announced that they will start impeachment proceedings against Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. The announcement came after three days of negotiations between the Pakistan People's Party and the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz. A two-thirds majority of Parliament is needed to remove the president from power. Several factors will make it difficult to remove Musharraf from office; the president still retains the power to dissolve Parliament and enjoys the support of Pakistan's military.
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| Taliban groups, announce blanket threat for Pakistan |
| 06 Aug 2008 |
| On 6 August 2008 Tehrik-e-Taliban, which represents several major Pakistani Taliban groups, announced a blanket threat for Pakistan, warning that it will launch attacks if the Pakistani government does not halt military operations against militants in Swat District in the Northwest Province. The Tehrik-e-Taliban -- led by Baitullah Mehsud -- stated that it has approximately 15 to 20 suicide bombers ready to attack Pakistan's major cities. Included in the threat are major government and military installations; the announcement also stated that female suicide bombers are at the ready to infiltrate and attack targets.
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| 6 Bomb attacks in Karachi |
| 08 Jul 2008 |
| On 7 July reports indicate six bombs exploded in Karachi, with at least one fatality and at least forty people injured. These attacks occurred in the Mango Pir, Banaras Square, Orangi Town, North Nazimabad and Qasba Colony areas of Karachi.
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| 15 policemen killed in bomb attack |
| 07 Jul 2008 |
| Pakistani police are sifting evidence to try to determine who carried out a suicide bombing in Islamabad that killed 15 policemen.
Sunday's blast came on the first anniversary of the ending of a siege at the city's Red Mosque, in which more than 100 people died during fighting. The mosque was stormed by Pakistani troops to evict militants who had taken sanctuary within its complex.
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