TNS – The News on Sunday

The apparent targets of the “Zarb-e-Azb” are the TTP, the IMU, and al-Qaeda because they have been waging war against Pakistan

There is no evidence yet that Pakistani or foreign militants have escaped to Afghanistan from North Waziristan since the start of the “Zarb-e-Azb” operation on June 15

Following the airport attack by the TTP, there are calls for strong military action against the militants, beginning with North Waziristan and moving on to wherever the Taliban have their bases

Arrested thrice in the past and then freed in Pakistan, Altaf Hussain’s fourth arrest was in the UK and getting away from the British law won’t be easy

The situation with regard to talks would become clear as the Sajna faction would now be independent enough to pursue negotiations with the government

The data provided by the Fata Disaster Management Authority (FDMA) shows that till May 27, a total of 748 families had left North Waziristan

Foreign militants in Fata are a major irritant in relations between Islamabad and a number of terrorism-affected countries, including China and the US

The fate of the peace talks now depends on the TTP — to respond positively to the government’s offer of the second round of face-to-face talks possibly in the coming week

Though both the government and the TTP have yet to end the peace talks, there would be little point continuing the process in case the end of ceasefire results in renewed violence

There are growing concerns that militants would increase pressure for release of their men and use the demand as a bargaining chip