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paydesk has 25 reporters who cover TTP. Our journalists are already on location, all over the world, and ready to work at a moment's notice. Our top correspondents who cover TTP are Adnan Aamir and Hamraz Ahmad. Use our journalist directory to find an TTP member to work for you.
Journalists Who Cover TTP
Adnan Aamir
Adnan Aamir is an Award-Winning Journalist based in Quetta, Pakistan. He covers Business and Economics, development, media and socio-economic issues. He is also founder and Editor of Balochistan Voices, a community based online newspaper.
English
Feature Stories
Risk Analysis
Research
+3
Finance
Politics
Current Affairs
+8
Usually Responds Within a few days
Related Articles

Non-fiction: The Militancy Chronicles
05 Nov 2023
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www.dawn.com
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English
| Islamist Extremism
Jung Nama, authored by journalist Syed Fakhar Kakakhel, is a detailed account of Islamist militancy in Pakistan and Afghanistan, providing insights into its evolution and impact. The book, which draws on Kakakhel's extensive experience covering militancy, discusses key figures and events that have shaped the militant landscape, including the rise of the Taliban and ISIS. It also examines the current wave of militancy, its objectives, and the use of advanced technology and social media in recruitment. The book highlights the economic and geopolitical factors driving militancy, as well as the threat to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Despite its lack of academic citations, it is considered an invaluable resource for understanding the complexities of regional militancy.
Informative


Factuality Scale
Hamraz Ahmad
Hamraz Ahmad is a journalist.
English
Punjabi
Urdu
Research
Fact Checking
Current Affairs
Fact Checking
Jobs Completed 2
Usually Responds Within a few minutes
Related Articles
NAB Laws: Has Accountability Ever Been An End Goal In Pakistan?
24 Jun 2022
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The Friday Times
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English
| Corruption
Brigadier (retd) Musaddiq Abbasi revealed plans to conclude corruption cases against politicians by December 2022, potentially affecting the next general elections in Pakistan. The PML-N-led government amended NAB laws to prevent disqualification, which the author criticizes as a move to weaken accountability. The article discusses historical instances of political purges and accountability being used to suppress opposition, drawing parallels with current events. The author, Hamraz Sarwani, an independent analyst and teacher at Bahria University, argues that true accountability has not been the end goal in Pakistan's political landscape, but rather a means to consolidate power.
Balanced


Factuality Scale
Left


Political View
Jamshed Baghwan
Jamshed Baghwan has been working as a field journalist for almost 25 years and has worked with national and international organizations including Reuters while covering Afghan war--pre and post U.S invasion into Afghanistan. Baghwan has been leading one of Pakistan's largest news group in Khyber ...
English
Pashto
Urdu
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
Investigative Journalism
Journalism
+1
Current Affairs
War Reporter
Investigative Reporting
+2
Jobs Completed 2
Usually Responds Within a week
Related Articles

Pakistan pours cold water on TTP’s talks offer
06 Jun 2023
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tribune.com.pk
|
English
| Government Policy
Pakistani authorities have rejected an offer from the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to resume talks, citing negative experiences from previous dialogues. The government, which had engaged in talks last year facilitated by the Afghan Taliban, is now demanding solid guarantees and urging militants to surrender. The TTP ended a ceasefire unilaterally last year, leading to a surge in attacks. Pakistan has been pressing the Afghan Taliban to act against the TTP, resulting in the detention or deportation of several TTP leaders. Despite Pakistan's stance, the Afghan Taliban remain interested in facilitating dialogue.
Obaidullah Baheer
Obaidullah Baheer is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.
Jobs Completed 3
Usually Responds Within a day
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Pakistan must not collectively punish Afghan refugees
24 Oct 2023
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www.aljazeera.com
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English
| Security
Pakistan's interim government has announced a 28-day deadline for 'illegal immigrants,' primarily targeting 1.73 million Afghan refugees, to leave the country or face deportation. This decision, lacking evidence for its security claims, has been condemned by international organizations. The article highlights Pakistan's historical support for Afghan refugees and criticizes the current government's short-sighted and reactionary measures. It underscores the complex relationship between Pakistan, the Afghan Taliban, and the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP), urging Pakistan to reconsider its stance and uphold the dignity and safety of Afghan refugees.
Interpretive


Factuality Scale
Left


Political View
Jon Boone
A regional specialist, Jon Boone has been covering Pakistan for The Guardian and The Economist since 2012. Before moving to Islamabad he spent four years in Afghanistan reporting for The Financial Times, The Guardian and The Economist.
English
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
Live Reporting
Fact Checking
Fact Checking
Jobs Completed 8
Job Success Rate 100%
Related Articles

Madrasas are not to blame for terror attacks, says influential Pakistani cleric
05 Aug 2015
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the Guardian
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English
| Religious Extremism
Sami ul-Haq, a prominent Pakistani cleric, defends madrasas against accusations of fostering terrorism, despite links to militants like Mullah Omar and Sheikh Khalid Haqqani. He dismisses the Pakistani Taliban's (TTP) responsibility for many attacks, suggesting external forces are to blame. The government’s efforts to regulate madrasas following the Peshawar school massacre face strong opposition from clerics and skepticism about their success. Haq criticizes these moves as foreign conspiracies and remains focused on expanding his seminary.
Interpretive


Factuality Scale
Right


Political View
Una Cilic
Una Cilic is a multimedia journalist, currently based in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bosnian
Croatian
English
+1
News Gathering
Feature Stories
Content Writing
+4
Fact Checking
Jobs Completed 9
Job Success Rate 100%
Usually Responds Within a few minutes
Related Articles

Afghan Taliban Minister Killed In Kabul Blast
11 Dec 2023
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www.rferl.org
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English
| Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations
The article reports on the killing of Khalil ur-Rahman Haqqani, Afghanistan's Taliban refugee affairs minister, in a suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K). The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the Taliban and IS-K, as well as the complex relationship between the Taliban and Pakistan, particularly concerning the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Taliban's reluctance to act against the TTP, despite Pakistani pressure, is attributed to ideological and ethnic ties. The article also touches on the broader geopolitical implications, including Pakistan's military actions and diplomatic efforts, and the Taliban's internal challenges and international isolation.
Balanced


Factuality Scale
Far Right


Political View
Yüksel Durgut
Yüksel Durgut is a journalist based in Dortmund, Germany. He is in the fields since 1994. He worked for a Turkish News Agency. He covered Afghanistan and Pakistan about ten years. He wrote four books and hundreds of documentaries for many TV channels. Journalist, صحافي, журналист, روزنامه نگا,ر,...
English
Turkish
Urdu
Video Package (Web / Broadcast)
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
Documentaries
+9
Fact Checking
Jobs Completed 5
Usually Responds Within a day
Related Articles
Afghan Refugees: Victims of Geopolitics and Policy Failures in Pakistan
17 Nov 2023
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Politurco.com
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English
| Policy Failures
The article discusses the ongoing deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, highlighting the humanitarian crisis and policy failures. It criticizes the temporary Pakistani government's decision to deport undocumented Afghan migrants, noting the severe conditions in Afghanistan and the impact on women and children. The text also touches on historical context, including Pakistan's involvement in Afghan conflicts and the geopolitical implications. The article draws parallels with the Palestinian situation in Gaza, emphasizing the plight of displaced populations and the need for more humane policies.
Interpretive


Factuality Scale
Center-Left


Political View
Umar Farooq
Umar Farooq is a journalist based in Istanbul, Turkey. He reports regularly for the Los Angeles Times from the region. In the past year, his work has also appeared in Foreign Affairs, National Geographic, The Guardian, Boston Review, and The Nation. He received a Pulitzer Center Crisis ...
Arabic
English
Turkish
+1
Audio package (Radio / Podcast)
Vox Pop
Feature Stories
+5
Politics
War Reporter
Investigative Reporting
+3
Jobs Completed 4
Related Articles

Six cops on polio duty martyred in Bajaur attack
09 Jan 2024
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www.dawn.com
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English
| Health
Six police officers and a soldier were martyred in terrorist attacks in Bajaur and North Waziristan, Pakistan. An IED targeted a police vehicle escorting polio vaccinators in Mamond tehsil, killing six officers and wounding 28. In North Waziristan, a soldier was martyred during a firefight with militants, where one militant was also arrested. The anti-polio campaign in Mamond tehsil has been postponed, and the TTP claimed responsibility for the Bajaur attack. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and KP Chief Minister Syed Arshad Hussain Shah condemned the attacks and reiterated their resolve to continue the anti-polio campaign.
Umer Farooq
Umar Farooq is a multimedia journalist based in Peshawar, Pakistan. He has extensive experience working in conflict zones. He has expertise in reporting on Pakistan-Afghan-US affairs and militancy۔
English
Pashto
Urdu
Video Package (Web / Broadcast)
Feature Stories
Photography
+3
Natural Disasters
War Reporter
Breaking News
+2
Related Articles

Pakistan's Ongoing Battle With Extremism
04 Mar 2024
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The Friday Times
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English
| Militancy
Pakistan faces a mutating threat of extremism, with recent incidents including an angry mob in Lahore and pressure on the Chief Justice to explain bail for a heterodox sect member. The first quarter of 2024 saw relative peace, but experts predict more unrest. The rivalry between TTP and ISIS-Khorasan complicates security planning, with both groups vying for control in the region. The Afghan Taliban's stance towards TTP and ISIS-K also presents dilemmas. Recent attacks in Balochistan suggest ISIS-K is gaining strength, while Baloch separatists are increasingly using suicide bombings. Pakistan's struggle with extremism is rooted in 18th and 19th-century religious reformist movements, and the state's inability to dominate ideological debates on religious practices.
Balanced


Factuality Scale
Center


Political View
Zahid Gishkori
I’m currently working with Geo Television Network and The News International as Special Correspondent in Islamabad, Pakistan. I’m also contributing for The Washington Post and CNN International in Islamabad. I do cover important issues ranging from war on terrorism to politics and human rights in ...
English
Live Reporting
Fact Checking
War Reporter
Fact Checking
Related Articles

ISI chief’s term extended for ‘continuity’ of policy: PM Kakar
01 Oct 2023
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HUM News
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English
| Government Policy
Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar announced the extension of ISI Director-General Lt-Gen Nadeem Anjum's term to ensure policy continuity amid rising militant threats. The decision, yet to be formally announced by the military, comes at a critical time with increased militant activities from groups like Daesh and the TTP. Kakar emphasized the importance of maintaining effective practices and clarified that such extensions are common for security reasons. The extension coincides with upcoming general elections, raising concerns over potential violence, although the government does not directly link the surge in attacks to the electoral process.
Balanced


Factuality Scale
Javed Iqbal
Staff Reporter Daily Pine Abbottabad Pakistan.Ex General Secretary Press Club Havelian Abottabad,District Correspondent(NNI) and also Columnist.
Urdu
Content Writing
Fact Checking
Current Affairs
Risk Analysis
Breaking News
+1
Related Articles
Time to Hold Kabul Accountable
22 Nov 2024
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dailytimes.com.pk
|
English
| Regional Security
Pakistan faces significant security challenges due to cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan, exacerbated by the Taliban's inability to control groups like TTP. Despite presenting evidence of Indian terror financing, Pakistan's concerns remain unaddressed by Kabul. Regional efforts, including Iran's border wall and a proposed security belt, aim to curb terrorism. Pakistan urges international pressure on the Afghan Taliban to fulfill commitments, highlighting China's potential role in influencing Kabul. The article underscores the need for collective international action to address the persistent threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.
Interpretive


Factuality Scale
Right


Political View
Umair Jamal
Umair Jamal is a correspondent for The Diplomat magazine in Pakistan. He is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Otago, New Zealand. Umair recently joined The Nerve Center as the Coordinator of the institute's Research Division. He was an SAV Visiting Fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington D....
English
Risk Analysis
Fact Checking
Current Affairs
Fact Checking
Jobs Completed 5
Related Articles
Pakistani Taliban Denies Attack on Karakoram Highway
01 Dec 2023
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thediplomat.com
|
English
| International Relations
A recent attack on a bus on the Karakoram Highway, resulting in nine deaths, has raised security concerns for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) routes. Pakistan's interim Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar condemned the attack as terrorism. While no group claimed responsibility, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) denied involvement, despite reports of threats to CPEC. The Afghan Taliban's relationship with China and actions against TTP members suggest efforts to maintain regional ties. Pakistan remains skeptical of TTP's denials, attributing a separate attack on soldiers to the group. The security challenges call for regional cooperation and intelligence efforts to ensure a secure environment for investment.
Informative


Factuality Scale
Zahra Kazmi
Zahra Kazmi is a Pakistani investigative journalist and researcher specializing in the Pak-Afghan region, with a focus on militancy, enforced disappearances, human rights abuses, and minority issues. Her work appears in international outlets including taz.de (German), DW (English), TheFridayTimes, ...
English
Punjabi
Urdu
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
Documentaries
News Gathering
+8
Investigative Reporting
Breaking News
Fact Checking
Usually Responds Within a few days
Related Articles
Pakistan's Handling of Afghans: Expel, Deport, Cash In
01 Nov 2023
|
taz.de
|
German
| Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations
Pakistan is expelling hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees, citing security concerns and pressuring the Taliban to act against the TTP. The new stringent passport and visa rules have led to protests, particularly affecting Pashtun communities reliant on cross-border trade. The Pakistani government is also accused of exploiting Afghan refugees financially by imposing exit fees. The situation has caused significant humanitarian issues, with many Afghans stranded in inadequate conditions.
Balanced


Factuality Scale
Center-Left


Political View
Mohammad Zubair Khan
Journalist,producer, fixer, searcher based in Islamabad/Peshawar with experience in both print and broadcast media. My roles include writing, editorial and reporting. Utilising my established position within the local media infrastructure, I also contribute regionally and nationally with stories I ...
English
Video Package (Web / Broadcast)
Audio package (Radio / Podcast)
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
+11
Fact Checking
Jobs Completed 1
Usually Responds Within an hour
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Contradictory Reports Emerge Over Fatal Military Helicopter Crash in Northern Pakistan
08 May 2015
|
www.vice.com
|
English
| Terrorism
A military helicopter crash in the Naltar Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan, resulted in the deaths of at least seven people, including the ambassadors of Norway and the Philippines. The MI-17 helicopter, carrying 17 individuals, crashed during an emergency landing and collided with an army school building. While the military cites a technical fault with the tail rotor as the cause, the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) claimed responsibility, stating they targeted Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif with an anti-aircraft missile. Sharif was not aboard the helicopter. The crash occurred as diplomats were being transported to a chairlift project inauguration. No children were in the school at the time, and the prime minister declared a day of mourning.
Nasir Khan
Nasir Khan is a journalist based in Karachi, Pakistan.
English
Punjabi
Sindhi
+1
News Gathering
Corporate Content
Research
+1
Business
Current Affairs
Media Training
+1
Related Articles

Terrorism and Political Instability
09 Aug 2023
|
dailytimes.com.pk
|
English
| Political Instability
Pakistan's persistent struggle with terrorism and political instability has hindered its prosperity and power. The country's counterterrorism efforts are questioned, and desensitization to terrorism is growing. Various factors are cited as causes, including India's alleged support for terrorism, internal religious strife, and Afghan hostilities. The author argues that political instability and lack of coherence among key players are the primary causes, providing a breeding ground for enemies to exploit. Political instability leads to disenfranchisement, radicalization, and weak governance, allowing terrorist groups to find safe havens and operate with impunity. The article highlights how political unrest has allowed groups like ISIS, the Taliban, TTP, Boko Haram, and al-Qaeda to thrive, and emphasizes the need for consistent leadership and counterterrorism strategies.
Balanced


Factuality Scale
Neutral


Political View
Tahir Khan
Tahir Khan is a freelance journalist based in Islamabad, Pakistan. I started journalism in 1990 and worked in several media outlets. I hosted TV programms for an Urdu and two Pashto-language TV channels. I write on foreign affairs and security issues. My area of interest is militancy, terrorism, ...
English
Journalism
War Reporter
Jobs Completed 8
Job Success Rate 89%
Related Articles
State violence claims 245 more lives in November
30 Nov 2024
|
thepakistandaily.com
|
English
| Security Challenges
In November 2024, Pakistan experienced a significant increase in anti-state violence, resulting in 245 deaths and 257 injuries. The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies reported that militant activity rose, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa being the most affected region. The month saw 71 militant attacks, with security forces and civilians among the casualties. Experts attribute the rise in violence to uncontrolled borders and the Taliban's influence in Afghanistan. Ihsan Ghani Khan emphasized the need for parliamentary involvement in addressing terrorism and militancy in Pakistan.
Balanced


Factuality Scale
Center


Political View
Turyal Azam Khan
Turyal Azam Khan is a writer, blogger and a journalist based in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. He has written for Daily Times, Dunya Blogs, The Diplomat, Naya Daur and The Nation. He is also an opinion writer for Asia Times. He primarily focuses on current affairs, social issues, lifestyle and ...
English
Pashto
Urdu
Feature Stories
Content Writing
Fact Checking
Current Affairs
Film & Theatre
Entertainment & Celebrity
+5
Usually Responds Within a month
Related Articles
Pakistan elections are next month - will young people show up?
18 Jan 2024
|
Muslims in Italy struggle to bury victims of the pandemic
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English
| Political Disillusionment
Pakistan's upcoming elections feature familiar faces, causing despair among the youth. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, facing corruption charges, can now run due to a Supreme Court ruling. His party, PML-N, is a frontrunner, competing against Imran Khan's PTI, which claims unfair treatment, and Bilawal Bhutto's PPP. Key issues like terrorism, economic crisis, and pollution are sidelined by election politics. With 64% of the population under 30, many young Pakistanis are hopeless about the political system and seek opportunities abroad. A 2021 Gallup Pakistan survey showed low youth voter turnout, with many wanting to emigrate. The IMF reports high inflation and negative GDP growth, while terror attacks have increased after TTP ended its ceasefire. Political parties are criticized for ignoring youth and failing to address the brain drain. The article suggests increasing youth voter turnout by making registration more accessible, engaging female voters, and involving youth in politics from school level.
Balanced


Factuality Scale
Center


Political View
Abhinandan Mishra
Abhinandan Mishra is a print journalist based in Delhi, India who has an experience of more than 12 years. He specialises in investigative issues, matter relating to terrorism, intelligence. He has covered three general elections and multiple assembly elections across the country. He is also a ...
English
Hindi
Documentaries
News Gathering
Content Writing
+7
Politics
Current Affairs
Natural Disasters
+4
Related Articles

Taliban rebuffs Pak pressure, points to GHQ’s ties with ISIS
04 Oct 2023
|
sundayguardianlive.com
|
English
| Terrorism
A high-level Pakistani delegation visited Kabul to urge the Taliban to curb Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) attacks on Pakistani forces. The Taliban, however, pointed to Pakistan's ties with ISIS and showed little inclination to comply. The visit underscores Pakistan's limited leverage over the Taliban, despite threats to restrict Afghan citizens' entry and diplomatic pressure. The article also highlights the complex relationships between the Taliban, TTP, and Pakistan, with the latter allegedly using ISIS to target Taliban and TTP leaders. The U.S. has shown support for Pakistan in counter-terrorism efforts, emphasizing shared interests in regional stability.
Balanced


Factuality Scale
Center


Political View
Mohsin Saleem Ullah
mohsin saleem ullah is a journalist based in Islamabad, Pakistan.
English
Research
Fact Checking
Research
Fact Checking
Related Articles

Fall of religio-political parties in Feb 8 vote
25 Mar 2024
|
tribune.com.pk
|
English
| Islamist Movements
Religio-political parties in Pakistan suffered a significant defeat in the February 8 elections, with major Islamist parties like JUI-F, JI, TLP, and MWM collectively securing only about 12% of the votes. The TLP emerged as the fourth-largest party, but JI and JUI-F faced setbacks in Karachi and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, respectively. The PTI, led by Imran Khan, effectively positioned itself as an outsider and resonated with voters through a broader national agenda and populist rhetoric. The rise of PTI reflects a generational shift, with Pakistan's youth prioritizing tangible issues over traditional religious affiliations. The rejection of Islamist parties may risk fostering resentment among their supporters, potentially benefiting extremist groups like the TTP. The association of some religious groups with militant organizations has also damaged the public image of Islamist parties.
Informative


Factuality Scale
Center


Political View
Kaukab Tahir Shairani
An award-winning multimedia journalist from Pakistan with three years of experience of covering breaking news on the digital news desk and on reporting feature stories on human rights, politics and gender. I also have the skillset for documentary filmmaking and investigative journalism. ...
English
Feature Stories
Fact Checking
Cultural
Fact Checking
Related Articles
Behind Pakistani Feminists’ Fight for Rights
08 Mar 2020
|
thediplomat.com
|
English
| Political History
On International Women's Day, Pakistani women faced opposition from religious hardliners during the largest women's day demonstration in the country. The protestors, demanding equality and rights, were attacked by clerics from Lal Masjid and opposed by Islamist groups. The slogan 'my body, my choice' sparked controversy, with conservatives labeling it un-Islamic. The article traces the historical struggle against religious extremism and patriarchy in Pakistan, highlighting the role of political figures and religious groups in shaping the current climate of intolerance. Despite the challenges, Pakistani women continue to protest for their rights, facing resistance from both religious fanatics and educated segments of society.
Balanced


Factuality Scale
Left


Political View
Murtaza Solangi
Murtaza Solangi is print/radio/TV journalist based in Islamabad, Pakistan.
English
Live Reporting
Fact Checking
Current Affairs
Fact Checking
Related Articles
Quetta Blast Leaves Nine Injured
17 Jan 2024
|
thefridaytimes.com
|
English
| Public Safety
A homemade explosive device exploded near Quetta's Civil Secretariat and Commissioner Office on Zarghoon Road, injuring nine people, including a traffic policeman and four children who were ragpickers. The senior superintendent of operations reported that the explosion occurred in a trash dump under a bridge and investigations are ongoing. Commissioner Quetta Division Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat advised the public to avoid the area. Despite efforts against terrorism, Pakistan has experienced an uptick in terror incidents in 2023, with the deadliest month being August, recording 99 attacks and 112 deaths. Military officials have raised concerns about terrorists' access to advanced weaponry and the movements of the TTP and similar groups.
Factual


Factuality Scale
Jawad Yousafzai
I am mid carrier multimedia journalist based in Peshawar, covering Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Tribal Districts of Pakistan. I have expertise in the field of Radio Journalism, Print Media, Photo Journalism, Training & Development, Documentaries, and New Media. Through, I am also a Fellow of “...
English
Pashto
Persian (Farsi)
+1
Video Package (Web / Broadcast)
Audio package (Radio / Podcast)
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
+17
Politics
Current Affairs
Science & Environment
+16
Jobs Completed 1
Usually Responds Seldom
Related Articles

Review 2020: Decline in Terrorism while Militants Regrouped
13 Jan 2021
|
dailytimes.com.pk
|
English
| Security
Pakistan saw a significant reduction in terrorist incidents and casualties in 2020, with an 86% decrease in attacks since 2013 and a 45% drop compared to 2019. However, the FATA Research Centre's Annual Security Report for 2020 indicated a 29% increase in terrorism-related incidents in the Tribal districts, with a 37% rise in overall casualties. The Tahreek Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliates have been regrouping, particularly in the newly merged districts with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Journalist Farooq Mahsud noted an uptick in terrorism due to this regrouping. Security forces have conducted numerous operations, averting many terror threats and recovering weapons and ammunition. The decline in suicide bombings since 2009 reached 97%, and Pakistan has lost 83,000 lives to terrorism, costing nearly US$126 billion. The armed forces have killed over 18,000 terrorists, including 1,100 Al Qaida members, in the last two decades.