News Archives:

• More attacks on girls’ schools
  HELL-BENT on foisting their brand of religion on society, and reneging on a peace deal with the government, militants in Swat burnt down five more girls’ schools over the weekend. Over the past year alone, about 50 girls’ schools have been destroyed in Swat, and the trend shows no signs of abating.
• Anti-Americanism in Pakistan and the Taliban Menace
  The recent killing of eleven Pakistani soldiers at Gora Prai by American and NATO forces across the border in Afghanistan unleashed an amazing storm. Prime Minister Gillani declared "We will take a stand for sovereignty, integrity and self-respect."
• Where the girls’ schools burn
  WHY are our ‘Islamic’ fanatics burning girls’ schools, or taking them over and renaming them Jamia Hafsa? In examining this question, we gain not only interesting insights into the mindset that does such things as well as the message it wants to convey through such acts.
• 'There are problems on both sides'
  Interview with Bashir Ahmad Bilour, Senior Minister NWFP
• Gunshots muffle Pashtu music in Swat valley
  PESHAWAR: Once proud to be a promoter of rich Pashtu musical tradition through his music shop in Mingora, capital of Pakistan's terror-hit Swat valley, Alyas Khan is a disillusioned man today. The business he launched back in the 1990s by selling his inheritance for half a million Pakistani rupees is on the verge of collapse as followers of Maulana Fazlullah, a firebrand pro-Taliban cleric, regularly bomb music and video shops, leaving him concerned about earning bread for his six-member family.
• Troubled Frontier
  The Army wants the PPP-led coalition government in the centre and the ANP-headed administration in the NWFP to shoulder greater responsibility in tackling militancy and pacifying the violence-hit tribal and settled areas through political means
• In search of new destinations
  Summer was usually the peak season for tourists from Pakistan as well as outside the country to visit the hilly areas of NWFP. Swat valley and its adjoining areas -- Madyan, Bahrain, Kalam, Saidu Sharif, Malamjabba -- were among the favourite destinations. Recent violence triggered by the activities of various local militant groups to take control of the area and the military action by Pakistani Army has turned this 'heaven on the earth' into a 'battlefield' where no tourist wants to tread.
• For peace in Swat
  ONLY a cautious welcome can be extended to the Frontier government’s signing of a peace deal with the militants operating in Swat under the command of the clerics Fazlullah and Sufi Mohammad. We say ‘cautious’ because the bargain struck by the ANP entails permission for the clerics to continue their radio broadcasts in exchange for the writ of the state to prevail in Swat and Malakand Agency. Even as the deal was being clinched between the government and the militants’ representatives on Wednesday, girls’ schools, picnic spots and a gas pipeline were targeted in Swat.  
• Swat after the peace deal
  AFTER the government of NWFP signed a peace deal with the hardliner militants of Maulana Fazlullah in Swat on May 21, the enlightened population of Swat believed that the situation in the scenic valley would normalise within a short span of time.
• Saving Swat's heritage
  The NWFP government has taken many measures for the restoration of peace in the province in general and Swat in particular. It seems that the measures were successful and the peace committee agreed on certain terms and conditions with the local militants. The restive valley is slowly coming out of the wave of terror and is heading towards peace and normalcy.
• Swat State (1915–1969)
  FROM GENESIS TO MERGER
  This book discusses the history and the institutions of the princely state of Swat. It traces the development of Swat in the cultural and social spheres, highlighting the rich and multifaceted nature of life in this attractive and strategically placed fabled state. During the British era, when the state enjoyed autonomy, Swat progressed in terms of education, agriculture, communications, and tourism far in advance of surrounding areas. The author also recounts the fascinating story of how Swat countered the neighbouring states of Dir and Amb through diplomacy.
• Heart of darkness
  Passing through the rugged mountains and unpaved bumpy roads, a 25-member media delegation was taken to the Mehsud belt of South Waziristan by the Taliban to meet the most wanted Pakistani militant Baitullah Mahsud, a character wrapped in myths and mystery.
• Hoping against hope
  The NWFP government has signed a temporary truce with the militants in Swat and attempts are under way to resume peace talks with the militants in tribal areas as well. The fresh peace initiatives are yet to materialise, but the plight of the common people is only worsening, as the militants are bent upon pursuing their rigid agenda.
• The fate of Swat
  ACCORDING to press reports, the government is mulling over the promulgation of an ordinance — the Sharia Nizam-i-Adl Ordinance 2008 — in Malakand division. This may bring about drastic changes in the judicial system in Swat, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Buner, Shangla and Chitral.
• Walking the tightrope
  ANP has been trying to bring peace to NWFP by talking to Swati militants, though not without criticism