RAWALPINDI / ISLAMABAD / BANNU / PESHAWAR / KARACHI / MIRAMSHAH: After a long period of speculation, which also included attempts at peace talks, Pakistan on June 15 launched a military operation against militants in the troubled North Waziristan agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).
On its 15th day, a new phase of the offensive began, with the military launching a ground operation in Miramshah – the main town of North Waziristan.
As the Pakistan Army embarks on this critical mission, get all the updates of the operation, code-named Zarb-e-Azb, here.
All stories relating to Zarb-e-Azb can be found on this trend page as well.
Below is an interactive Google map of North Waziristan, which follows the Zarb-e-Azab Operation, and will be updated as information flows in. Navigate military strikes and areas of influence from the key on the left. To get details of individual attacks, hover over the pins and click them. Zoom in for a closer look, change the display type or switch extra layers off . The yellow pins mark recent drone strikes that have occurred in the region, while blue pins mark suicide attacks.
August 6, 1:25pm
A drone strike in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan left six people dead and two others injured, Express News reported on Wednesday.
For more details, read the full story here.
August 5, 12:47pm
Aerial bombing in the Datta Khel, Marsi Khel and Kamsham areas of North Waziristan killed 30 militants, Express News reported quoting ISPR.
ISPR reportedly stated that six hideouts of militants were also destroyed in the bombings.
Read the full story here.
August 4, 3:52pm
Seven Uzbek militants have reportedly been killed in Data Khel, and an IED-making factory has been destroyed, Express News reported on Monday quoting ISPR.
Further, Sobidar Mashkoor and Lans Naik Zaheer have also been killed.
Today’s search operation led to discovery of IEDs in Mirali and nearby places as well as 75 rockets and suicide vests.
Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan is being continued successfully as Mirali, Miramshah, Boya, Degan and Baka Khel have been cleared of militants, ISPR reported.
Further, Deta Khel has been cleared and is in control of the forces and villages close to Miramshah and Mirali are also in the process of being cleared of militants.
August 2, 2:15pm
Three militants were killed in a ground operation in Mir Ali, according to Radio Pakistan.
A huge cache of arms was also reportedly recovered.
August 1, 3:02pm
DG ISPR released pictures on twitter of Army chief Raheel Sharif offering Eid prayers in Miramshah and visiting the IDP camp on Eid:
#ZarbeAzb:Eid prayer at #Miranshah, with troops taking part in Operation. Prayers for #Pakistan,success of operation pic.twitter.com/MmEQQpx8Zy
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 31, 2014
#ZarbeAzb:On Eid, Gen #Raheel visited IDP Camp,found them in high spirit.Join hands to #helpidps pic.twitter.com/u6qrRjOqq6
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 31, 2014
July 30, 2:55pm
At least seven militants were killed and nine others were injured as a Pakistan Army check post was attacked in Lower Dir, military sources said on Wednesday, Express News reported.
Read the full story here.
July 29, 4:55pm
Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif celebrated Eidul Fitr with the army troops and internally displaced persons (IDPs) during his visit to Baka Khel and Bannu, Radio Pakistan reported.
The army chief reiterated that the military operation will continue till the complete elimination of militants and stressed on the need to rehabilitate IDPs.
“We will not allow militants who have fled to return,” he said, according to Express News.
July 28, 8:32pm
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif has gone to North Waziristan, where he will spend the night and celebrate Eid with the troops engaged in Operation Zarb-e-Azb, Radio Pakistan reported.
#ZarbeAzb:#COAS celebrating Chand Raat&Eid on front lines.Staying night,will offer Eid prayer at #Miranshah.Troops feel excited,jubilated
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 28, 2014
July 27, 8:45pm
In the ongoing terrorism purge the military claims to have cleared 70% of Mirali Town and its adjoining villages which were once the second biggest stronghold of terrorists in North Waziristan Agency. This comes as officials revised downwards the number of internally displaced tribesmen to around half a million.
“After clearing Miramshah, Boya and Degan of terrorists, security forces have cleared 70% of Mirali Town and its adjoining villages, the second largest stronghold of terrorists, till Sunday morning,” the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in the latest updates on Operation Zarb-e-Azb.
Read the full story here.
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July 27, 8:15pm
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) completed the verification of data of registered internally displaced people (IDPs), Radio Pakistan reported.
Initially, a total of 94,152 families were registered of which 53,186 families was found to be correct and 40,966 families were found to be incorrect in the report – which was submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office.
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July 27, 3:00pm
Eight militants have been killed during a ground operation in North Waziristan, Radio Pakistan reported.
According to reports, five militant hideouts were also destroyed in various areas of Mir Ali sub-division.
Further, troops are advancing towards Khushali and Hasokhel area of Mir Ali.
July 26, 11:45am
Minister for States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) Abdul Qadir Baloch has said that 80% of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) of North Waziristan have received the Ramazan package while the rest of them will get it before Eidul Fitr, Radio Pakistan reported on Saturday.
Read the full story here.
July 25, 2:50pm
DG ISPR Asim Bajwa asked people on twitter to remember the IDPs during Eid and donate generously:
#ZarbeAzb:A lot done for #IDPs,a lot more needs done.Must not forget them on Eid.Lets Stand by them,donate generously pic.twitter.com/E6rGgRwX6j
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 24, 2014
July 24, 10:50pm
Two soldiers were killed when an improvised explosives device (IED) exploded near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on Thursday evening.
Read the full story here.
July 23, 8:05pm
DG ISPR Asim Bajwa tweeted an image of troops clearing IEDs in North Wazirista Agency.
#ZarbeAzb:just in;Clearance of route against IEDs for move of remaining force by a valiant team,fraught with dangers pic.twitter.com/ayWf3nkQDe
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 23, 2014
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July 23, 1:10pm
Jet planes pounded hideouts of militants in the Shawal tehsil of North Waziristan on Wednesday, killing 20 terrorists, Radio Pakistan reported.
According to ISPR, foreign terrorists are among the 20 killed.
Four militant hideouts were also destroyed in the airstrikes.
Meanwhile, an ammunition factory was seized during action in Mir Ali. A huge cache of arms and ammunition and foreign currency were also seized from Mir Ali Bazaar.
The ISPR further added that the operation to cleanse Miramshah of mines and explosive material is under way. 6 IED factories in Miranshah have also been cleared by Army Engineers so far.
July 22, 9:17pm
Addressing reports of civilian deaths in recent air strikes, Federal Minister for State and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) Lt Gen Abdul Qadir Baloch said Shawal, an isolated village in North Waziristan, is being cleared of militants and there were no civilian deaths in the area.
Read the full story here.
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July 22, 5:35pm
Meanwhile, some residents in North Waziristan have alleged that aerial strikes in their villages have led to the death of civilians, AFP reports.
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July 22, 4:15pm
The national cricket team appealed to fans to donate more money for the IDPs while visiting a relief camp set up by the army on Tuesday.
Moin Khan, a former wicketkeeper who is team manager and chief of selectors also handed over a cheque for Rs400,000 for the cause, and promised that authorities would soon host more exhibition matches to raise more money.
Read the full story here.
July 21, 9:00pm
Federal Minister for State and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) Lt Gen Abdul Qadir Baloch said on Monday that they had so far registered one million IDPs, and they were working to incorporate help from UN agencies and NGOs in relief efforts.
Read the full story here.
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July 21, 7:45pm
A special Eid package containing 220 tonnes of ration has been dispatched for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) by the Rawalpindi Corps today, according to an ISPR press release.
The press release stated that the 32 trucks carry flour, rice, sugar, lentils, cooking oil, dry milk and tea, items voluntarily donated by the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi at collection points established by the Pakistan Army.
This is the second consignment dispatched by Rawalpindi Corps for the IDPs. A total of 440 tonnes of ration has been dispatched by them so far.
July 20, 6:18pm
The military bombed six militant boltholes in Shawal village of North Waziristan, killing at least 28 insurgents, officials said.
“At least 28 local and foreign terrorists were killed in today’s airstrikes and their six hideouts were destroyed,” a senior military official told AFP.
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July 20, 6:30am
At least 15 suspected militants were killed as security forces resorted to aerial bombardment of eight locations believed to be militant hideouts in the Shawal area of North Waziristan early Sunday.
Read details here.
July 19, 9:29pm
The army pressed on its advantage in North Waziristan as it announced on Saturday that two important villages, Boya and Degan, had been cleared in North Waziristan.
According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release, the announcement came the same day Corps Commander Lt Gen Khalid Rabbani visited Mirali and the two villages.
Read here for the full story.
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July 19, 4:30pm
DG ISPR Asim Bajwa tweeted this picture with Shahid Afridi, who played a cricket match to collect money for the IDPs.
#ZarbeAzb:Sehri with #Shahid Afridi at home after he played a fund raiser cricket match for #IDPs of NWA at Rwp,today pic.twitter.com/kIGXX0qpNv
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 19, 2014
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July 19, 1:38pm
The command and control system of terrorists was destroyed in North Waziristan during the ongoing military operation in the agency, said Defence Minister Khawaja Asif in a statement released from Islamabad on Saturday.
“There is no place for terrorism in a democratic country,” he added.
Read the full story here.
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July 19, 5:20am
A US drone strike killed 11 suspected militants in Madakhel Tehsil, Data Khel, North Waziristan.
Read the full story here.
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July 19, 4:00am
Soldiers prepare packages for those who have been displaced because of the military action in North Waziristan.
#ZarbeAzb:Soldiers busy preparing ration packs for IDPs.For distribution during day, have to spend nights doing this pic.twitter.com/VrMHX03RXi
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 18, 2014
July 18, 11:15am
Eight paramilitary troops were killed in an attack on a convoy of the security forces in Khyber Agency’s Jamrud tehsil on the night between Thursday and Friday. In a retaliatory action, four militants were also killed and three arrested.
For more details, read the full story here.
July 17, 2:36pm
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, where he was briefed on the ongoing military operation in North Waziristan.
The premier was accompanied by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi.
For more details, read the full story here.
July 16, 11:20pm
Minister for States and Frontier Regions Abdul Qadir Baloch said on Wednesday that the government is providing Rs22,000 to each displaced family of North Waziristan per month besides a special Ramazan package of Rs22,000, Radio Pakistan reported.
Addressing a conference on solidarity with the IDPs in Lahore, the minister said so far government has released Rs6 billion for IDPs.
At the occasion, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry president also announced grant of Rs10 million for IDPs.
Meanwhile, National Disaster Management Authority said that the number of registered IDP families has risen to 83,590.
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July 16, 3:27pm
Chief of Army Staff General (COAS) General Raheel Sharif briefed Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday on the ongoing operation in North Waziristan.
Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister said the government would provide all resources for the resettlement and rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons (IDPs), according to a statement issued by the PM House.
Nawaz and the COAS had also met last week.
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July 16, 11:45am
Meanwhile, a drone strike in North Waziristan’s Datta Khel tehsil killed 20 people and injured five others.
For more details, read the full story here.
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July 16, 11:04am
Aerial bombing in the Shawal area of North Waziristan early on Wednesday left 35 militants dead, Express News reported quoting ISPR.
According to ISPR, the militants were killed while trying to flee.
July 15, 5:42pm
In an exclusive briefing to Express News on the ongoing military operation in North Waziristan, Director General Inter Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Asim Bajwa said that Miramshah is now completely clear of militants, and forces are now moving towards Boya and Degan.
Explaining the progress of the operation using a 3D model in the Express News studio, the military spokesperson also appealed to Afghanistan to take action against or hand over to militants who are seeking refuge in Kunar and Nooristan, saying they would “hunt them down wherever they go.”
Read the full story here.
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July 15, 3:45pm
A total of five soldiers and 11 terrorists were killed in Mirali today.
In the evening, two soldiers – including Captain Akash Rabbani – were killed and two soldiers injured in Mirali, ISPR said. Four terrorists were also killed in an exchange of fire between militants and security forces.
Express News screengrab of Captain Akash Rabbani.
Earlier in the day, three soldiers were killed in an incident of firing, and six were injured in Mirali, Express News reported, confirming reports from ISPR.
Seven terrorists were also killed in the attack and their bodies taken into custody.
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July 15, 1:32pm
DG ISPR Asim Saleem Bajwa said on Tuesday that six terrorists, including TTP commander Matiullah, were killed during hand-to-hand combat between security forces and militants in Mirali early Tuesday, Express News reported.
Bajwa stated that a total of 447 terrorists have been killed in the operation, while 88 of their hideouts have also been destroyed.
Read the full story here.
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July 14, 4:15pm
Fata Disaster Management Authority (FDMA) Director General Arshad Khan has been removed from his position for failing to provide adequate facilities to IDPs, Express News reported.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited the IDPs in Bannu today and inspected the camps and facilities being provided to them, which reportedly seemed inadequate and incomplete.
Read the full story here.
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July 14, 12:50pm
Speaking to the IDPs in Bannu, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced that the Punjab government would give Rs7,000 to each of the affected families every month.
The chief minister stated that the entire nation is standing by the displaced persons.
Shahbaz said that the IDPs are going through the most difficult time of their lives while the army fights against terrorism.
July 13, 9:01pm
The federal government has devised a comprehensive plan to ensure the rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) of North Waziristan.
Ahmad Kamal, member of the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) department of Non-Discriminatory Market Access (NDMA), said that the federal government has so far released around Rs8 billion for IDPs, while Rs358.236 million has already been distributed among 29,853 families.
So far, 929,859 IDPs, belonging to 80,302 families, have been registered.
The federal government announced the donation of one-day salary of its employees to the IDPs, amounting to Rs200 million.
An agreement has been signed between a cellular company and the FATA Disaster Management Authority for further distribution of cash among the IDPs in a transparent and efficient manner.
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July 13, 8:25pm
Latest update by ISPR spokesperson Major General Asim Bajwa.
#ZarbeAzb:Clearing a compound where local/foreign terrorists were reported hiding.Successfully eliminated group of 7. pic.twitter.com/1YEgIL5MOM
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 13, 2014
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July 13, 6:45pm
Army jets and artillery pounded militant hideouts in North Waziristan, killing 18 foreign and local insurgents, officials said on Sunday, according to AFP.
Air strikes were carried out in the Mosaki area, 25 kilometres east of Miramshah, while artillery shelled militant hideouts in Kharkamar area, 30 kilometres west of Miramshah on Saturday night.
“Six terrorist hideouts and a huge ammunition cache were destroyed and at least 13 militants, most of them Uzbeks, were killed in the Saturday morning strikes,” a security official told AFP.
He said five other insurgents were killed and two militant hideouts were destroyed by artillery fire in the Kharkamar area Saturday night.
For more, read here.
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July 13, 2:52pm
Five militant hideouts were destroyed as a result of fresh airstrikes in Mirali, Express News reported quoting ISPR.
A cache of arms and ammunition was also ceased.
July 12, 11:07pm
The army reports it has captured 14.5 mm & 12.7 mm anti air craft weapons, which it claims were being used in attacks on air crafts.
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July 12, 8:45pm
Pakistan on Saturday condemned militant attacks from Afghanistan’s Kunar province, in the Ghakhi pass area of Mamond tehsil that killed three security officials.
#ZarbeAzb:Capturing 14.5 mm & 12.7mm anti air craft wpns significant achievement.Terrorists had fired on aircrafts pic.twitter.com/FAe25AAXFb
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 12, 2014
“A strong protest has been lodged with the Afghan side in Islamabad and Kabul,” a foreign office press release said. “It has been reiterated that Afghanistan should eliminate the terrorist sanctuaries and not allow its territory to be used against Pakistan.”
Read the full story here.
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July 12, 6:00pm
Air strikes launched early Saturday morning have killed 13 militants, mostly foreign, and destroyed seven militant hideouts in Mirali, according to an ISPR press release.
A huge cache of arms and ammunition were also destroyed in the strikes.
The ISPR has claimed that during the last 24 hours, six motorcycle-borne IEDs, two vehicle-borne IEDs, three guns and three vehicles along with 11 suicide vests were recovered from Khar Warsak and Zartangi.
Read here for the full story.
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July 12, 4:40pm
DG ISPR said on Twitter that two suicide bombers were identified and chased at Degan. However, upon encircling they exploded themselves.
Two explosive laden vehicles were exploded by gunship helicopters as well.
#ZarbeAzb:2 suicide bombers identified,chased today at Degan, exploded themselves when encircled.2 expl laden vehicles destr by gunship hel
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 12, 2014
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July 12, 2:51pm
Speaking to the media in Lahore, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said that the government will provide all the necessary tools required to eliminate terrorism in the country to the army, adding that it was the government’s responsibility to do so.
“Providing a legal umbrella to the army is also the government’s responsibility,” he added.
For more details, read the full story here.
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July 12, 10:30am
Three officials of the security forces, including a junior commission officer, were killed in a cross border attack in Bajaur Agency in the early hours of Saturday.
Read the full story here.
July 11, 2:14pm
The registration of IDPs continued in Peshawar for a fifth day, Express News reported.
Below is a video of one of the ammunition factories seized by Pakistan Army during the military operation.
July 10, 7:11pm
Pakistan reiterated on Thursday that the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) of North Waziristan was an internal matter and it had not asked for any international assistance.
“We have very clear instructions from the prime minister [to not seek external assistance],” Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said during her weekly press briefing.
For the full story, read here.
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July 10, 6:50pm
DG ISPR said on Twitter that the tribesmen of North Waziristan do not want militants to return to their area, and added that the state will not allow them to return.
#ZarbeAzb:Tribals of NWA don't want terrorists ever return to their area.The state too will never allow them to return.ZarbeAzb progresses
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 10, 2014
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July 10, 2:30pm
The ISPR released a photo on Thursday of Chairman Fauji Foundation Lieutenant General (retd) Muhammad Mustafa Khan presenting a cheque of Rs150 million to the COAS at the General Headquarters yesterday for the IDPs of the North Waziristan agency.
PHOTO: ISPR
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July 10, 11:30am
Meanwhile, a drone strike in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan killed seven people and injured three others.
For more details, read the full story here.
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July 10, 9:50am
Almost a month after Operation Zarb-e-Azb was formally started in mid June, the army allowed local and international media to visit Miramshah in North Waziristan, main centre for militants.
During a media briefing, DG ISPR Maj-Gen Bajwa said that they had also discovered the under ground tunnels that the militants had constructed in the area.
“This [Miramshah] was one of their major base, we have dislodged them from here and now they on the run,” said Bajwa.
Read the full story here.
July 9, 10:32pm
Militant leader Hafiz Gul Bahadur will be immediately eliminated if spotted, said Major General Zafarullah Khan, the general officer commanding 7th infantry division Miramshah, The Express Tribune has learnt.
Read here for the full story.
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July 9, 6:10pm
Eighty per cent of Miramshah has been cleared of terrorists, according to the operation commander, Express News reported
Lal Masjid’s Abdul Rasheed Ghazi ’s will has been found in the area.
Eleven factories producing explosive materials have been discovered as well as 23 tons of explosive material
Over 400 militants have been killed in the operation so far, and according to ISPR, no resident of the area has been killed.
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July 9, 3:30pm
Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chaudhry Abdul Majeed presented a cheque of Rs40 million to Chief of Army Staff General Raheel on behalf of people of the people of AJK for the internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Majeed reaffirmed full support of the people of AJK for the IDPs and armed forces.
Chairman Fauji Foundation Lieutenant General (retd) Muhammad Mustafa Khan also presented a cheque of Rs150 million to the COAS at the General Headquarters today.
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July 9, 3:15pm
According to sources, 11 militants have been killed in air strikes in Miramshah today, Express News reported. Three militant hideouts have also been destroyed.
House to house search operation continues in the area, sources say.
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July 9, 1:56pm
Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif briefed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif about the success of the ongoing military operation against militants in North Waziristan, Express News reported.
The two top leaders met in Islamabad to discuss matters of national importance.
Read full story here.
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July 9, 12:54pm
More than 800,000 people have fled the major military offensive in North Waziristan, officials said.
“Some 833,274 people or 66,726 migrating families from North Waziristan were registered in cities of Bannu and Peshawar until Tuesday evening,” Arshad Khan, FDMA director general, told AFP.
Khan said 361,459 of the displaced were children and 248,633 women.
Read the full story here.
July 8, 8:20pm
In Bannu, a field hospital has been set up at DHQ in collaboration with PIMS to provide health facilities to IDPs, Radio Pakistan reported.
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July 8, 8:15pm
The USAID, through the WFP, has provided 1,580 metric tonnes of food supplies via six food distribution hubs in Bannu, Lakki Marwat and Tank.
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July 8, 5:42pm
The government has so far registered around 751,986 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who have moved out of North Waziristan Agency.
The final figures will be available after verification from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), to cut any duplication and avoid depriving deserving IDPs of their plight.
Read here for the full story.
IDPs from North Waziristan at a registration camp. PHOTO: PPI
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July 8, 5:15pm
Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that 400 terrorists have so far been killed in the operation.
In an interview with Radio Pakistan, the minister further said that 20 soldiers were killed in the line of duty.
Read the full story here.
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July 8, 2:10pm
Pakistan Air Force jet planes bombed militant hideouts in North Waziristan’s Degan area, killing 13 suspected militants, Express News reported quoting ISPR.
“Seven terrorist hideouts were destroyed and 13 terrorists were killed, including foreigners, by jet aircraft strikes in Degan in North Waziristan Agency today,” a military statement told AFP.
So far 399 militants and 20 soldiers have been killed in the offensive, according to the military.
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July 8, 11:55am
UN Refugee Agency said Pakistani families that migrated to Afghanistan’s Khost and Paktika provinces following the military operation in North Waziristan are urgently in need of food, APP reported.
July 7, 5:30pm
Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif visited troops on the front lines in North Waziristan today, and lauded them for their courage, dedication and high state of morale, according to an ISPR press release.
Expressing his satisfaction with the ongoing operation so far, he commended the entire chain of command for their determined efforts in planning, preparation, mobilisation and execution of the operation.
The army chief reiterated emphasis on the need to eliminate all foreign and local terrorists.
Paying tribute to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) for their sacrifices to restore writ of the state, COAS acknowledged the national spirit and support forthcoming for them from across the country.
Read the full story here.
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July 7, 1:23pm
The registration of internally displaced persons (IDPs), who migrated from North Waziristan due to the military operation against terrorists, started in Peshawar on Monday.
Fata Disaster Management Authority (FDMA) spokesperson told APP that a registration centre has been set up at Government College of Commerce and Management Sciences No 2, where registration of IDPs will continue till 3pm everyday.
Read the full story here.
Express News screengrabs showing IDPs waiting to get registered in Peshawar.
July 6, 8:50pm
The United States has extended an assistance of $31 million, while the government of United Arab Emirates (UAE) has released $20.5 million for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) of North Wazirstan on humanitarian grounds.
According to a detailed report submitted to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, so far 572,529 IDPs, belonging to 44,633 families, have been registered since the beginning of the Zarb-e-Azb operation in mid June, 2014.
Referring to IDPs, DG ISPR on twitter requested people to ‘bring back their smiles’:
#ZarbeAzb:A pic taken in #IDP Camp Bannu today. Let us join hands to bring back their smiles#helpidps pic.twitter.com/aXOkWrEprm
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 6, 2014
#ZarbeAzb:Number of IDPs in camp has risen from 276 to 337. Seems like a trend change.With so much done in camp, more encouraged#helpidps
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 6, 2014
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July 6, 8:15pm
Peshawar Corps Commander Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani visited Miramshah Bazar today and met with the troops participating in the ongoing operation Zarb-e-Azb.
According to an ISPR release, the corps commander was given a detailed briefing regarding progress of the operation.
July 5, 2:25pm
A three-day anti-polio drive in Bannu has started, Express News reported.
Around 500,000 children including IDPs will be administered polio drops.
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July 5, 1:07pm
Jet planes bombed hideouts of suspected militants in Miramshah, Express News reported, quoting ISPR.
Several suspected foreign militants – mostly Uzbeks – reportedly died in the air strikes that took place early on Saturday morning, according to an ISPR press release.
Five hideouts, as well as a large amount of weapons, were destroyed in the latest bombing, the statement added.
A Pakistan Army soldier was killed in an IED explosion during a search operation this morning, the press release further stated.
July 4, 11:24pm
A Pakistan Army soldier was killed in Miramshah on Friday during a search operation.
#ZarbeAzb:Fayyaz embraced Shahadat in #IED clearance in M.Shah.All comrades salute,bid farewel,as he is driven away pic.twitter.com/uJF8aKZmNh
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 4, 2014
Niak Fiaz Mohammad, of Mansehra, was killed when an IED exploded during the search operation.
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July 4, 8:24pm
The Economic Coordination Committee of the government has approved release of 60,000 metric tonnes of wheat for distribution among IDPs. A committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Minister for SAFRON Lt Gen Abdul Qadir Baloch to work out a distribution mechanism.
Read more about the ECC decision here.
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July 4, 7:20pm
The government has decided to launch a three-day anti-polio drive in Bannu from Saturday, Radio Pakistan reported.
The drive is aimed at administrating polio drops to the children of IDPs. Besides IDPs, 150,000 local children will also be administered polio drops.
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July 4, 4:08pm
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed relevant authorities to speed up relief efforts. “For us helping our people displaced because of Zarb-e-Azb is number one issue and we will do our level best to help them.”
Minister for States and Frontier Regions Abdul Qadir Baloch told the prime minister that so far 566,000 IDPs have been registered and that cash distribution will start from July 8, 2014, Radio Pakistan reported.
However, the PDMA has said that 576,929 IDPs have been registered at camps in Bannu. In the meanwhile, the FDMA says it has distributed Rs329.568 million among 27,668 registered IDPs so far.
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July 4, 12:59pm
Around 70% of the ration distributed amongst the internally displaced persons (IDPs) was provided by the Pakistan Army, remarked Brigadier Aftab while addressing a media briefing in Bannu on Friday.
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The commander of 475 Engineer Brigade said that 40,000 relief packages were given to IDPs from army’s own ration. He added that each package weighed 110 kilogrammes (kg).
Read the full story is here.
July 3, 10:45pm
With the military operation in North Waziristan forcing people to flee their homes, as many as 75,000 Pakistanis have sought shelter in once refuge seeking Afghanistan, the UNHCR said on Wednesday.
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July 3, 9:45pm
ISPR spokesperson Major General Asim Bajwa tweeted that an IED factory was discovered during a search operation in Miramshah.
#ZarbeAzb:Another IED factory recovered during search operation next to Miranshah today.More pics to follow pic.twitter.com/IVoenddsVN
— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 3, 2014
So far in the operation, four IED factories have been discovered and another has been destroyed during air strikes.…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
July 3, 8:15pm
Bodies of seven suspected militants were recovered in Darpa Khel are