International Relations in Modern Times (DS IV Study)

Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar visits China; China-Pakistan hold talks; Four militants killed in drone attack; Pakistani slain Governor Salman Taseer’s son abducted; NATO tankers attacked in Balochistan

August 2011;Volume:8 ;

Issue: 4;August 22-28 ;Country Review

South Asia ; Pakistan

In a significant development, Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said that Pakistan does not want to be used as a ground for terrorists to carry out their activities. This comes on the wake of her two day visit to China. Khar held talks with her Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi and met Premier Wen Jiabao. She stressed upon the need for closer cooperation between China and Pakistan. She also noted that Pakistan was increasing its counter-terrorism cooperation with China. 1

However, a US drone attack killed at least four militants travelling in a vehicle in Northern Waziristan area of Pakistan. The unmanned aircraft fired two missiles at the vehicle and killed at least four militants in the strike, one security official reported. The incident took place in Nurak area, 20 km away from Miranshah, main town in North Waziristan. 2

According to reports, slain Governor Salman Taseer’s son Shahbaz Taseer was abducted by unknown gunmen while on his way to work. A high alert has been declared, internal routes and highways were sealed amid calls for swift action by both the federal and Punjab governments. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani called up the Taseers by telephone to show his solidarity with the family and assure them of all-out efforts to secure Shahbaz Taseer’s safe return. 3

In other developments, reports noted that a dozen gun men attacked nineteen NATO tankers in Mastung district of Balochistan. The tankers were carrying fuel to Afghanistan. Militants have frequently targeted NATO supply trucks over the past few years, but attacks have intensified since the killing of Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden by US Special Forces on May 2, 2011. 4

1. 1. “Pakistan doesn’t want to be used by militants, says FM Khar”, Dawn, August 24, 2011 at http://www.dawn.com/2011/08/24/pakistan-china-holding-talks-in-beijing.html
2. 2. “US Drone attack kills four militants in North Waziristan”, Dawn, 22 August , 2011 at http://www.dawn.com/2011/08/22/us-drone-attack-kills-three-militants-in-north-waziristan.html
3. 3. “Slain Salman Taseer’s son kidnapped”, Dawn, August 27, 2011 at http://www.dawn.com/2011/08/27/slain-salman-taseers-son-kidnapped.html
4. 4. Nineteen NATO tankers torched in Balochistan, Dawn, August 22, 2011 at http://www.dawn.com/2011/08/22/nineteen-nato-tankers-torched-in-balochistan.html

http://www.idsa.in/