Uncertainty still surrounds the upcoming 2026 season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) following new threats concerning foreign players participating in the tournament. According to media reports, several cricket boards have been warned by a Pakistan-based armed group against sending their players for PSL 2026. Top overseas stars such as David Warner and Steve Smith are among those expected to feature in the league. Reports also suggest that a senior commander from the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) faction, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, warned cricket boards not to send players to Pakistan, stating they would not take responsibility if anything happens.&nbsp;“We want to advise the relevant cricket boards not to send their players to Pakistan. If something happens to them, it will not be our responsibility. We have already warned them," The Sunday Guardian quoted a senior commander of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) faction Jamaat-ul-Ahrar as saying.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-think-he-will-ever-get-professional-vaibhav-suryavanshi-receives-harsh-criticism-ahead-of-ipl-2026-jitesh-sharma-rajasthan-royals-ab-de-villiers-1774263965597">‘I don’t think he will ever get professional’: Vaibhav Suryavanshi receives harsh criticism ahead of IPL 2026</a>&nbsp;The commander reportedly also confirmed that the warning is real and said they would try to stop matches from happening.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Yes, we will do our best to ensure that the matches do not happen and the players do not play," he added.&nbsp;David Warner is set to captain Karachi Kings, while Smith is expected to make his PSL debut with Multan Sultans and he has already left for Pakistan. Other international stars, including Marnus Labuschagne, Moeen Ali, Devon Conway and Adam Zampa, are also part of PSL 2026.&nbsp;The tournament is scheduled to begin on Mar 26, with 44 matches planned in Lahore and Karachi, however, the opening ceremony has been cancelled.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-indian-captain-ms-dhoni-honours-t20-world-cup-winners-sanju-samson-shivam-dube-at-csk-event-1774253159771">Former Indian captain MS Dhoni honours T20 WC winners Samson, Dube at CSK event</a>&nbsp;Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that crowds will not be allowed in stadiums during this period, as gathering large numbers of people would not be safe while the situation remains tense. The decision comes due to the fuel crisis caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.&nbsp;“We can’t ask people to restrict their movements and then have 30,000 people in stadiums every day," Naqvi said on Sunday. “We decided that as long as this crisis is ongoing, we will not have crowds at matches. This was a difficult decision, but it needed to be made. The opening ceremony will also be cancelled."

The PSL 2026 is scheduled to begin on March 26, with 44 matches planned in Lahore and Karachi; however, the opening ceremony has been cancelled.

Uncertainty still surrounds the upcoming 2026 season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) following new threats concerning foreign players participating in the tournament. According to media reports, several cricket boards have been warned by a Pakistan-based armed group against sending their players for PSL 2026. Top overseas stars such as David Warner and Steve Smith are among those expected to feature in the league. Reports also suggest that a senior commander from the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) faction, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, warned cricket boards not to send players to Pakistan, stating they would not take responsibility if anything happens. “We want to advise the relevant cricket boards not to send their players to Pakistan. If something happens to them, it will not be our responsibility. We have already warned them," The Sunday Guardian quoted a senior commander of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) faction Jamaat-ul-Ahrar as saying. Also Read - ‘I don’t think he will ever get professional’: Vaibhav Suryavanshi receives harsh criticism ahead of IPL 2026 The commander reportedly also confirmed that the warning is real and said they would try to stop matches from happening. “Yes, we will do our best to ensure that the matches do not happen and the players do not play," he added. David Warner is set to captain Karachi Kings, while Smith is expected to make his PSL debut with Multan Sultans and he has already left for Pakistan. Other international stars, including Marnus Labuschagne, Moeen Ali, Devon Conway and Adam Zampa, are also part of PSL 2026. The tournament is scheduled to begin on Mar 26, with 44 matches planned in Lahore and Karachi, however, the opening ceremony has been cancelled. Also Read - Former Indian captain MS Dhoni honours T20 WC winners Samson, Dube at CSK event Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that crowds will not be allowed in stadiums during this period, as gathering large numbers of people would not be safe while the situation remains tense. The decision comes due to the fuel crisis caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. “We can’t ask people to restrict their movements and then have 30,000 people in stadiums every day," Naqvi said on Sunday. “We decided that as long as this crisis is ongoing, we will not have crowds at matches. This was a difficult decision, but it needed to be made. The opening ceremony will also be cancelled."

The PSL 2026 is scheduled to begin on March 26, with 44 matches planned in Lahore and Karachi; however, the opening ceremony has been cancelled.

Warner, Smith urged to ‘withdraw immediately’ from PSL 2026 after threat from armed group

Pakistan security forces killed 30 militants in several operations near its border with Afghanistan in the last few days, AFP reported, quoting the Pakistan Army. Twenty-three militants were killed in raids in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Wednesday, and were related to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or its affiliated groups, the military said in a statement. It also accused India of supporting them in orchestrating strikes inside the country, a claim that New Delhi has rejected.&nbsp;These operations were carried out less than a week after a deadly suicide bombing outside Islamabad's G-11 district court, killing at least 12 people and injuring over 30.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-extends-ban-on-indian-flights-issues-fresh-notam-till-december-24-operation-sindoor-india-pakistan-tensions-imaran-khan-1763635579849">Pakistan extends ban on Indian flights, issues fresh NOTAM till December 24</a>&nbsp;In a follow-up statement, the military said it killed seven militants in three separate operations in Mohmand, Lakki Marwat and Tank districts in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on November 18-19. "Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country," the military stated.&nbsp;Islamabad has repeatedly accused Afghanistan’s Taliban government of sheltering terrorists, particularly members of the TTP, who are blamed for numerous deadly attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul has denied the charges, insisting that Pakistan’s internal security is not Afghanistan’s responsibility.&nbsp;The relation between Islamabad and Afghanistan took a steep downturn in recent times, and the dispute over the Durand Line results in periodic skirmishes between the two countries. Mass deportations of Afghan nationals, who were living in Pakistan for decades, also further strained relations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-nabs-four-ttp-militants-linked-to-afghan-cell-in-connection-with-suicide-bombing-in-islamabad-court-terror-pakistan-naqvi-1763142225412">Pakistan nabs four TTP militants linked to Afghan cell in connection with suicide bombing in Islamabad court</a>&nbsp;The Istanbul peace talks, after deadly border clashes in October, which killed over 70 people on both sides, have ended without any agreement, with the sides trading blame for the breakdown in negotiations to restore tranquillity at the Durand line and uphold the fragile ceasefire.&nbsp;&nbsp;

These operations were carried out less than a week after a deadly suicide bombing outside Islamabad's G-11 district court, killing at least 12 people and injuring over 30.

Pakistan security forces killed 30 militants in several operations near its border with Afghanistan in the last few days, AFP reported, quoting the Pakistan Army. Twenty-three militants were killed in raids in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Wednesday, and were related to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or its affiliated groups, the military said in a statement. It also accused India of supporting them in orchestrating strikes inside the country, a claim that New Delhi has rejected. These operations were carried out less than a week after a deadly suicide bombing outside Islamabad's G-11 district court, killing at least 12 people and injuring over 30. Also Read: Pakistan extends ban on Indian flights, issues fresh NOTAM till December 24 In a follow-up statement, the military said it killed seven militants in three separate operations in Mohmand, Lakki Marwat and Tank districts in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on November 18-19. "Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country," the military stated. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Afghanistan’s Taliban government of sheltering terrorists, particularly members of the TTP, who are blamed for numerous deadly attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul has denied the charges, insisting that Pakistan’s internal security is not Afghanistan’s responsibility. The relation between Islamabad and Afghanistan took a steep downturn in recent times, and the dispute over the Durand Line results in periodic skirmishes between the two countries. Mass deportations of Afghan nationals, who were living in Pakistan for decades, also further strained relations. Also Read: Pakistan nabs four TTP militants linked to Afghan cell in connection with suicide bombing in Islamabad court The Istanbul peace talks, after deadly border clashes in October, which killed over 70 people on both sides, have ended without any agreement, with the sides trading blame for the breakdown in negotiations to restore tranquillity at the Durand line and uphold the fragile ceasefire.

These operations were carried out less than a week after a deadly suicide bombing outside Islamabad's G-11 district court, killing at least 12 people and injuring over 30.

Pakistan Army kills 30 militants near Afghan border days after Islamabad court blast

A suicide bomber blew himself in a mosque in Peshawar in one of the deadliest terror attacks Pakistan has seen in recent history. Over 100 men, including police officers and civilians, were killed.

A suicide bomber blew himself in a mosque in Peshawar in one of the deadliest terror attacks Pakistan has seen in recent history. Over 100 men, including police officers and civilians, were killed. Pakistani terror group Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is believed to have carried it out. The continuous onslaught of TTP has made Pakistan so desperate for help that it is now looking towards the Afghan Taliban for intervention in the matter. But there is a grim chance of any help. Here's why nobody will help Pakistan fight the home-grown Taliban: 1) Afghanistan: Pakistan has sought Afghan Taliban Chief Haibuttallah Akhundzada’s help to rein in the outlawed Pakistani Taliban. This a desperate move by Pakistan, but the TTP and Afghan Taliban are fundamentally the same organization so there is little hope of help from Afghanistan against the TTP. 2) China: Pakistan may look towards its friend China, hoping that China can at least convince the Afghan Taliban to push for a ceasefire between the Pakistan Army and the TTP. But if China interferes, it can jeopardise its interests at Pakistan’s Gwadar port which is the heart of the $50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the most significant culmination point for China's Belt and Road Initiative. Chinese citizens in Gwadar are already under threat to vacate the area by local political outfits. China has major stakes and there is little to no chance that China will interfere. 3) Pakistan could consider repeating its joint military operation Zarb-e-Azb from 2014 when nearly 3,500 militants were eliminated. But the operation took a major toll on Pakistan as well. Over 500 Pakistani soldiers lost their lives during Zarb-e-Azb and nearly one million people were displaced from their homes. Given Pakistan’s current financial crisis – it cannot consider such an operation again. WATCH | Inside South Asia: Poverty, Hunger, Malnutrition: The story of Afghanistan × 4) US: Pakistan may look towards engaging with the US and asking for help, but again there is no chance the US would intervene in any conflict involving the Taliban or Afghanistan. In 2021, after 20 long years - the US exited Afghanistan by signing a deal with the Taliban under the Doha Agreement. Launching an offensive against the TTP to help Pakistan will jeopardise US’ deal with the Taliban and the US doesn’t want any of that. 5) Finally, Pakistan has the option of negotiating directly with the TTP which basically means agreeing to their demands. The TTP has clear goals: Enforce Shariah law in Pakistan; establish a unified front to maintain Afghan Taliban control in Afghanistan; and conduct defensive jihad against Pakistani security forces. Ultimately, the group seeks to overthrow the Pakistani government and establish an Islamic caliphate in Pakistan. TTP is gunning for the Pakistan army and is believed to have carried out 140 attacks in Pakistan in the past three months with close to 10,000 cadres based in Afghanistan and the Pashtun tribal areas of Pakistan. Seems like Pakistan is stuck with the monster they created with no escape. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Why nobody will help Pakistan fight home-grown Taliban

Reports say Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)&nbsp;carried out a suicide attack in Pakistan's Quetta region.

Last week Pakistan's interior minister had said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/iran-president-ebrahim-raisi-calls-for-polls-in-afghanistan-410781">Taliban</a> had assured PM Imran Khan's&nbsp;government that TTP militants in Afghanistan will not be allowed to carry out attacks on Pakistan.&nbsp;

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ttp-claims-responsibility-for-bomb-blast-in-pakistans-quetta-410834/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The TTP has reportedly claimed the Quetta attack. At least four people have been killed in the attack and 15 injured, reports claimed.

The TTP in a statement reportedly said: “Our Mujahid targeted the FC personnel with explosive jacket and explosive-laden motorcycle.”

The TTP had earlier reportedly carried out attacks against Pakistan’s airbases.&nbsp;Reports had earlier claimed that the TTP had also carried out attacks against the Pakistan army.

The terrorist organisation was founded by Baitullah Mehsud in 2007 with alleged links to the Taliban and Al Qaeda.

Mehsud was reportedly killed in a US drone strike in 2009 and his successor Hakimullah Mehsud was also killed in 2013.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

Reports say Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) carried out a suicide attack in Pakistan's Quetta region. Last week Pakistan's interior minister had said the Taliban had assured PM Imran Khan's government that TTP militants in Afghanistan will not be allowed to carry out attacks on Pakistan.

Reports say Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) carried out a suicide attack in Pakistan's Quetta region. Last week Pakistan's interior minister had said the Taliban had assured PM Imran Khan's government that TTP militants in Afghanistan will not be allowed to carry out attacks on Pakistan. Watch: The TTP has reportedly claimed the Quetta attack. At least four people have been killed in the attack and 15 injured, reports claimed. The TTP in a statement reportedly said: “Our Mujahid targeted the FC personnel with explosive jacket and explosive-laden motorcycle.” The TTP had earlier reportedly carried out attacks against Pakistan’s airbases. Reports had earlier claimed that the TTP had also carried out attacks against the Pakistan army. The terrorist organisation was founded by Baitullah Mehsud in 2007 with alleged links to the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Mehsud was reportedly killed in a US drone strike in 2009 and his successor Hakimullah Mehsud was also killed in 2013. (With inputs from Agencies)

TTP claims responsibility for suicide attack in Pakistan's Quetta

As US troops left <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-completes-military-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-409541">Afghanistan</a> on Tuesday, Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad asserted that the Taliban has assured the Imran government that Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants in Afghanistan will not be allowed to carry out attacks on Pakistan.&nbsp;

"Taliban have reassured us that they will not allow TTP to carry out attacks on Pakistan&nbsp;territory. However, the Taliban have had a long-standing animosity with ISIS," Pakistan's interior minister said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/female-journalist-beheshta-arghand-flees-afghanistan-after-tv-interview-with-taliban-leader-409506">Also Read: Female journalist Beheshta Arghand flees Afghanistan after TV interview with Taliban leader</a>

Reports say the TTP has carried out attacks against the Pakistan army as the&nbsp;interior minister said, "TTP may also be present in Kunar and in the mountains of Nuristan."

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/taliban-tells-afghans-stay-and-live-in-your-homeland-409567/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At least two Pakistani soldiers were killed on Sunday amid firing from across the border in Afghanistan. The Pakistan army claimed it retaliated killing at least two or three attackers.

Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad said Pakistan expects the Taliban to ensure TTP does not use Afghanistan to launch attacks inside the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-engages-in-celebratory-gunfire-as-us-troops-leave-2-fighters-die-due-to-gunshot-wound-409556">Watch: Taliban engages in celebratory gunfire as US troops leave</a>

Pakistan army spokesman Major General Babar had said earlier that he feared the violence could "spill" into the country even as Taliban's spokesman Zabihullah Muhaid had assured that the militant group won't allow any group to use Afghan soil to launch attacks against anyone.

Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan had claimed earlier that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/international-community-should-guide-taliban-in-afghanistan-says-china-409436">Taliban</a> had freed its key leaders as it took control of Kabul on August 15.

Prisoners were reportedly freed after Taliban fighters broke into Bagram prison and released inmates.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

As US troops left Afghanistan on Tuesday, Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad asserted that the Taliban has assured the Imran government that Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants in Afghanistan will not be allowed to carry out attacks on Pakistan.

As US troops left Afghanistan on Tuesday, Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad asserted that the Taliban has assured the Imran government that Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants in Afghanistan will not be allowed to carry out attacks on Pakistan. "Taliban have reassured us that they will not allow TTP to carry out attacks on Pakistan territory. However, the Taliban have had a long-standing animosity with ISIS," Pakistan's interior minister said. Also Read: Female journalist Beheshta Arghand flees Afghanistan after TV interview with Taliban leader Reports say the TTP has carried out attacks against the Pakistan army as the interior minister said, "TTP may also be present in Kunar and in the mountains of Nuristan." Watch: At least two Pakistani soldiers were killed on Sunday amid firing from across the border in Afghanistan. The Pakistan army claimed it retaliated killing at least two or three attackers. Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad said Pakistan expects the Taliban to ensure TTP does not use Afghanistan to launch attacks inside the country. Watch: Taliban engages in celebratory gunfire as US troops leave Pakistan army spokesman Major General Babar had said earlier that he feared the violence could "spill" into the country even as Taliban's spokesman Zabihullah Muhaid had assured that the militant group won't allow any group to use Afghan soil to launch attacks against anyone. Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan had claimed earlier that the Taliban had freed its key leaders as it took control of Kabul on August 15. Prisoners were reportedly freed after Taliban fighters broke into Bagram prison and released inmates. (With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban has reassured it won't allow TTP to attack us, says Pak minister

Former Pakistani Taliban spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan has said Pakistani authorities had given him a hit list of people who they would like to be killed in the north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He, in the audio that is in the possession of WION, claimed that after some time of his surrender he was given the list of prominent voices in order to facilitate the Pakistani state in eliminating rogue elements.

According to the audio Eshan said, "I was asked to lead a death squad.. and the list included people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and they were Pashtuns from all walks of life including Journalists".&nbsp;

(Mujhe Kaha gaya ki ap ik death squad ko lead karein..aur ap gadaron aur mulk key dushmanon key khilaf kam shuru karey..Jo list muje diya gaya usmai zyada tar afrad ka taluk Khyber Pakhtunkhwa se tha aur woh sab pashtun they jis mai zindgi key har shobey se talku rakhney waley afrad key name they, jin mai pashtun safee afrad key name bhi shamil thei)

In the audio, he talked about his conversations with military intelligence and the parleys that took place.&nbsp;

Ehsanullah Ehsan, spokesman Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had escaped Pakistani custody earlier this year. Ehsan as spokesperson claimed the group was responsible for shooting Malala Yousafzai, 2014 Wagah border suicide attack and other terror attacks in the South Asian country.

The development comes even as more than 30 women journalists in Pakistan have in a joint statement highlighted the "vicious attacks" on them through social media.&nbsp;

The statement said: "The online attacks are instigated by government officials and then amplified by a large number of Twitter accounts, which declare their affiliation to the ruling party."&nbsp;

The statement demands, "hold all such individuals within the government accountable and take action against them" and Standing Committees on Human Rights of the upper and lower house of parliament to take notice of these developments.

Women journalists include Benazir Shah, Amber Shamsi, Munizae Jahangir, Gul Bukhari, Gulalai Ismail.&nbsp;

Last year saw the killing of Arooj Iqbal, a 27-year-old women journalist who was shot dead in Lahore. While the main suspect is her husband, Arooj's family told RSF Reporters Without Borders that, "Arooj was clearly targeted because of her journalism work".

Pakistan is ranked 145th out of 180 countries and territories in RSF's 2020 World Press Freedom Index.

Former Pakistani Taliban spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan has said Pakistani authorities had given him a hit list of people who they would like to be killed in the north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Former Pakistani Taliban spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan has said Pakistani authorities had given him a hit list of people who they would like to be killed in the north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He, in the audio that is in the possession of WION, claimed that after some time of his surrender he was given the list of prominent voices in order to facilitate the Pakistani state in eliminating rogue elements. According to the audio Eshan said, "I was asked to lead a death squad.. and the list included people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and they were Pashtuns from all walks of life including Journalists". (Mujhe Kaha gaya ki ap ik death squad ko lead karein..aur ap gadaron aur mulk key dushmanon key khilaf kam shuru karey..Jo list muje diya gaya usmai zyada tar afrad ka taluk Khyber Pakhtunkhwa se tha aur woh sab pashtun they jis mai zindgi key har shobey se talku rakhney waley afrad key name they, jin mai pashtun safee afrad key name bhi shamil thei) In the audio, he talked about his conversations with military intelligence and the parleys that took place. Ehsanullah Ehsan, spokesman Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had escaped Pakistani custody earlier this year. Ehsan as spokesperson claimed the group was responsible for shooting Malala Yousafzai, 2014 Wagah border suicide attack and other terror attacks in the South Asian country. The development comes even as more than 30 women journalists in Pakistan have in a joint statement highlighted the "vicious attacks" on them through social media. The statement said: "The online attacks are instigated by government officials and then amplified by a large number of Twitter accounts, which declare their affiliation to the ruling party." The statement demands, "hold all such individuals within the government accountable and take action against them" and Standing Committees on Human Rights of the upper and lower house of parliament to take notice of these developments. Women journalists include Benazir Shah, Amber Shamsi, Munizae Jahangir, Gul Bukhari, Gulalai Ismail. Last year saw the killing of Arooj Iqbal, a 27-year-old women journalist who was shot dead in Lahore. While the main suspect is her husband, Arooj's family told RSF Reporters Without Borders that, "Arooj was clearly targeted because of her journalism work". Pakistan is ranked 145th out of 180 countries and territories in RSF's 2020 World Press Freedom Index.

Pak state asked me to lead death squad, says ex-Pak Taliban spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan terror group's leader Noor Wali Mehsud has been designated as a global terrorist by the UN for participating in the financing, planning and perpetrating acts on behalf of and in support of entities associated with al-Qaeda.

The UN Security Council's 1267 ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee added Mehsud, 42, to the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List on Thursday, subjecting the Pakistani national to an assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo.

The Sanctions Committee said that Mehsud was listed for "participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of" entities associated with al-Qaeda.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/27-taliban-terrorists-killed-16-injured-in-afghanistan-313991">Also read:&nbsp;27 Taliban terrorists killed, 16 injured in Afghanistan</a>

In June 2018, Mehsud was named the leader of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), following the death of former TTP leader Maulana Fazlullah.

The TTP was blacklisted by the UN on July 29, 2011 for its association with al-Qaeda.

"Under Noor Wali's leadership, TTP has claimed responsibility for numerous deadly terrorist attacks across Pakistan, including an attack targeting Pakistani security forces in North Waziristan in July 2019 and a bomb attack against Pakistani soldiers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in August 2019," the Sanctions Committee said.

The group had claimed responsibility for an attempted bombing in Times Square on May 1, 2010, and in April 2010 it had launched a multi-pronged assault against the United States Consulate in Peshawar, killing at least six Pakistanis and wounding 20 others, the Committee added.

Pakistan on Friday welcomed the designation of Mehsud as a global terrorist.

"The sanctions are being implemented by Pakistan in compliance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and we hope that other countries will also follow suit," the Foreign Office said in a statement.

Pakistan will continue to pursue its policy of fighting against those involved in participating, financing, planning, facilitating and perpetrating terrorism, it said.

The US State Department's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) said in a tweet that it welcomes the addition of Mehsud by the UN to the ISIL and Al Qaida sanctions list.

"TTP is responsible for many deadly terrorist attacks in Pakistan. The United States domestically designated Noor Wali as a terrorist in September 2019," it said in the tweet.

Blacklisting by the Security Council entails that all states are required to freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities.

They are also required to prevent the entry into or transit through their territories by the designated individuals and prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer from their territories or by their nationals outside their territories, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types, spare parts, and technical advice, assistance, or training related to military activities, to designated individuals and entities.

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan terror group's leader Noor Wali Mehsud has been designated as a global terrorist by the UN for participating in the financing, planning and perpetrating acts on behalf of and in support of entities associated with al-Qaeda.

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan terror group's leader Noor Wali Mehsud has been designated as a global terrorist by the UN for participating in the financing, planning and perpetrating acts on behalf of and in support of entities associated with al-Qaeda. The UN Security Council's 1267 ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee added Mehsud, 42, to the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List on Thursday, subjecting the Pakistani national to an assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo. The Sanctions Committee said that Mehsud was listed for "participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of" entities associated with al-Qaeda. Also read: 27 Taliban terrorists killed, 16 injured in Afghanistan In June 2018, Mehsud was named the leader of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), following the death of former TTP leader Maulana Fazlullah. The TTP was blacklisted by the UN on July 29, 2011 for its association with al-Qaeda. "Under Noor Wali's leadership, TTP has claimed responsibility for numerous deadly terrorist attacks across Pakistan, including an attack targeting Pakistani security forces in North Waziristan in July 2019 and a bomb attack against Pakistani soldiers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in August 2019," the Sanctions Committee said. The group had claimed responsibility for an attempted bombing in Times Square on May 1, 2010, and in April 2010 it had launched a multi-pronged assault against the United States Consulate in Peshawar, killing at least six Pakistanis and wounding 20 others, the Committee added. Pakistan on Friday welcomed the designation of Mehsud as a global terrorist. "The sanctions are being implemented by Pakistan in compliance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and we hope that other countries will also follow suit," the Foreign Office said in a statement. Pakistan will continue to pursue its policy of fighting against those involved in participating, financing, planning, facilitating and perpetrating terrorism, it said. The US State Department's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) said in a tweet that it welcomes the addition of Mehsud by the UN to the ISIL and Al Qaida sanctions list. "TTP is responsible for many deadly terrorist attacks in Pakistan. The United States domestically designated Noor Wali as a terrorist in September 2019," it said in the tweet. Blacklisting by the Security Council entails that all states are required to freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities. They are also required to prevent the entry into or transit through their territories by the designated individuals and prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer from their territories or by their nationals outside their territories, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types, spare parts, and technical advice, assistance, or training related to military activities, to designated individuals and entities.

UN blacklists Pakistan Taliban terror group's leader

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-baghdadis-death-means-for-south-asia-and-future-of-islamic-state-260832">Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan</a> (TTP) commander Qari Saifullah Mehsud has been shot dead by gunmen in Afghanistan, the group confirmed on Sunday. 
 
He was killed outside the Guloon camp in Khost province, the group spokesperson said in an audio message, Anadolu News Agency reported. 
 
The spokesman claimed that the attack was carried out by the Haqqani network, as they had killed three terrorists belonging to the TTP's Hakimullah Mehsud group in the area a few days ago. 
 
The TTP was founded in 2007 by Baitullah Mehsud and is currently divided into four factions, Swat group, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-designates-leader-of-pak-based-terror-group-as-terrorist-249007">Mehsud group</a>, Bajaur Agency group, and Darra Adamkhel group. 
 
Qari Saifullah Mehsud was among the terrorists wanted by Pakistani authorities for his involvement in various attacks in the country. 
 
In an audio message, Mehsud had claimed that his group conducted 75 terror attacks this year, mostly targetting local elders in North and South <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-blacklists-encounter-specialist-pakistan-cop-rao-anwar-for-serious-human-rights-abuse-267554">Waziristan</a> districts of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-suicide-bomb-blast-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-269146">Khyber Pakhtunkhwa</a>. The claim was not verified and confirmed by officials. 
 
Analysts said that Mehsud's death is a big jolt for TTP as he was attempting to unite all the four factions. 
 
"TTP has already split into several groups and Mehsud was trying to unit them. Secondly, he was the most active terrorist and wanted by Pakistan for several terror attacks," Saboor Khattak, a Peshawar-based senior journalist, told Anadolu News Agency. 
 
Mehsud had claimed responsibility for the horrific 2015 bus attack in Karachi which killed 45 people, Khattak said. 
 
In 2016, the TTP commander was arrested by US forces in Afghanistan and was jailed for 14 months. However, he was released subsequently, the journalist added.

Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander Qari Saifullah Mehsud has been shot dead by gunmen in Afghanistan, the group confirmed on Sunday. He was killed outside the Guloon camp in Khost province, the group spokesperson said in an audio message, Anadolu News Agency reported.

Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander Qari Saifullah Mehsud has been shot dead by gunmen in Afghanistan, the group confirmed on Sunday. He was killed outside the Guloon camp in Khost province, the group spokesperson said in an audio message, Anadolu News Agency reported. The spokesman claimed that the attack was carried out by the Haqqani network, as they had killed three terrorists belonging to the TTP's Hakimullah Mehsud group in the area a few days ago. The TTP was founded in 2007 by Baitullah Mehsud and is currently divided into four factions, Swat group, Mehsud group, Bajaur Agency group, and Darra Adamkhel group. Qari Saifullah Mehsud was among the terrorists wanted by Pakistani authorities for his involvement in various attacks in the country. In an audio message, Mehsud had claimed that his group conducted 75 terror attacks this year, mostly targetting local elders in North and South Waziristan districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The claim was not verified and confirmed by officials. Analysts said that Mehsud's death is a big jolt for TTP as he was attempting to unite all the four factions. "TTP has already split into several groups and Mehsud was trying to unit them. Secondly, he was the most active terrorist and wanted by Pakistan for several terror attacks," Saboor Khattak, a Peshawar-based senior journalist, told Anadolu News Agency. Mehsud had claimed responsibility for the horrific 2015 bus attack in Karachi which killed 45 people, Khattak said. In 2016, the TTP commander was arrested by US forces in Afghanistan and was jailed for 14 months. However, he was released subsequently, the journalist added.

Key Pakistan Taliban commander Qari Saifullah Mehsud killed in Afghanistan

A police constable was killed and five people injured in Pakistan on Wednesday, following a gun battle with Taliban militants at a police housing and training complex, security officials said.

Three militants wearing suicide vests attempted to storm the complex in the restive southwestern province of Baluchistan when confronted by guards at the entrance.

"Police personnel deployed at the gate killed one of the suicide bombers," senior police officer Abdul Rehman Luni told Reuters.

"The other two blew themselves up inside the police complex," he said, adding that a senior constable was killed in the attack, and five wounded people were taken to hospital.

The attack was claimed by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, in a statement sent to journalists.

Military cordoned off the area after the attack.

The walled complex comprises police residences and training facilities and is heavily guarded in a province where attacks on security officials are common.

Islamist militant groups and separatists fighting the central government are active in mineral-rich Baluchistan, with frequent attacks on gas and transport infrastructure and security posts.

Baluchistan's coastal city of Gwadar is a strategic port on the Arabian Sea that is being developed as part of the $60-billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor, part of China's Belt and Road infrastructure project.

In May, gunmen from the Balochistan Liberation Army insurgent group dressed as military officers stormed a luxury five-star hotel in Gwadar, killing three security guards, an employee, and a naval officer in the ensuing gunbattle.

A police constable was killed and five people injured in Pakistan on Wednesday, following a gun battle with Taliban militants at a police housing and training complex, security officials said.

A police constable was killed and five people injured in Pakistan on Wednesday, following a gun battle with Taliban militants at a police housing and training complex, security officials said. Three militants wearing suicide vests attempted to storm the complex in the restive southwestern province of Baluchistan when confronted by guards at the entrance. "Police personnel deployed at the gate killed one of the suicide bombers," senior police officer Abdul Rehman Luni told Reuters. "The other two blew themselves up inside the police complex," he said, adding that a senior constable was killed in the attack, and five wounded people were taken to hospital. The attack was claimed by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, in a statement sent to journalists. Military cordoned off the area after the attack. The walled complex comprises police residences and training facilities and is heavily guarded in a province where attacks on security officials are common. Islamist militant groups and separatists fighting the central government are active in mineral-rich Baluchistan, with frequent attacks on gas and transport infrastructure and security posts. Baluchistan's coastal city of Gwadar is a strategic port on the Arabian Sea that is being developed as part of the $60-billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor, part of China's Belt and Road infrastructure project. In May, gunmen from the Balochistan Liberation Army insurgent group dressed as military officers stormed a luxury five-star hotel in Gwadar, killing three security guards, an employee, and a naval officer in the ensuing gunbattle.

One killed as militants attack Pakistan police housing complex

Two Pakistan Taliban terrorists have been arrested for their involvement in the kidnapping and killing of American journalist Danial Pearl and several terror-related activities in the country, officials said on Friday.

The Counter-Terrorism Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Manshera district said they are the most dreaded terrorists of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Azeem Jan and Muhammad Anwar were arrested during an intelligence-based operation, officials said.

They were involved in the kidnapping and killing of American journalist Pearl in 2002.

Pearl, who was the South Asia Bureau Chief of The Wall Street Journal, was kidnapped and later beheaded by terrorists in Pakistan.

Azeem, an active member of the TTP Karachi, TTP Swat and Shagla districts, was a trained terrorist and a suicide bombing trainer who supplied trained suicide bombers to the TTP, they said, adding that he was also the chief of financial affairs of TTP Miranshah.

He was also involved in the terrorist attack on the French embassy staff in Karachi and provided suicide bombers for an attack on former president Gen Pervez Musharaf.

Anwar, who was trained in Khyber, was the mastermind behind the attack on Daewoo Bus terminal Peshawar wherein two policemen were killed.&nbsp;

Two Pakistan Taliban terrorists have been arrested for their involvement in the kidnapping and killing of American journalist Danial Pearl and several terror-related activities in the country, officials said on Friday.

Two Pakistan Taliban terrorists have been arrested for their involvement in the kidnapping and killing of American journalist Danial Pearl and several terror-related activities in the country, officials said on Friday. The Counter-Terrorism Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Manshera district said they are the most dreaded terrorists of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Azeem Jan and Muhammad Anwar were arrested during an intelligence-based operation, officials said. They were involved in the kidnapping and killing of American journalist Pearl in 2002. Pearl, who was the South Asia Bureau Chief of The Wall Street Journal, was kidnapped and later beheaded by terrorists in Pakistan. Azeem, an active member of the TTP Karachi, TTP Swat and Shagla districts, was a trained terrorist and a suicide bombing trainer who supplied trained suicide bombers to the TTP, they said, adding that he was also the chief of financial affairs of TTP Miranshah. He was also involved in the terrorist attack on the French embassy staff in Karachi and provided suicide bombers for an attack on former president Gen Pervez Musharaf. Anwar, who was trained in Khyber, was the mastermind behind the attack on Daewoo Bus terminal Peshawar wherein two policemen were killed.

Two terrorists involved in US journalist Danial Pearl's killing held in Pakistan

The Pakistan Army on Monday handed over the administrative control of the restive Swat district to the civil authorities, ending its decade-long military operation to flush out the Pakistani Taliban militants and restore peace in the hometown of Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai.

The Army was first sent to the picturesque Swat district of the Khyber-Pakthunkhwa province in 2007 when a local cleric and chief of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Maulana Fazlullah challenged the writ of the state and set up his Sharia courts.

Taliban later launched an organised movement and extended its network to the adjoining districts. They imposed several restrictions, including banning girls' education, making mandatory wearing of burqa for women and keeping beard for men, among others.

In 2009, the government launched a major military operation against the TTP, during a large number of people were forced to abandon their homes in Swat, Buner and other districts.

Malala, who shared the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize with Indian children's rights activist Kailash Satyarthi, was shot at by Taliban in 2012 for advocating for girls' education, which was forbidden under the militants' rule over Swat. The 15-year-old was flown to Britain for better treatment and further education. In March, she visited her hometown for the first time after being shot at.

The Army handed over the symbol of authority to the Commissioner, Malakand Division and Regional Police Officer (RPO) at a ceremony, which was attended by Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mehmood Khan, Corps Commander Peshawar, Lieutenant General Nazir Ahmed Bhut, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Salahuddin, General-Officer-in-Command Swat Major General Khalid Saeed, officials said.

The elders' of the area and other civil and military officers also attended the function, during which a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of administrative authority was handed over the Chief Minister, they said.

Hailing the Army for successfully launching the operation against terrorism and restoring peace in Swat, Khan said, the military has made a history by transferring the administrative powers back to the civil authorities.

The Chief Minister, who hails from Matta tehsil of Swat district, said that terrorists wrecked havoc with lives of innocent people.

He said he himself was an eyewitness to the Taliban's barbaric acts in 2009. He recalled that terrorists did not spare even the educational institutions and destroyed their buildings.

Khan said that the cowardly and gruesome acts of the terrorists could not deter the resilient people of Swat and they were subsequently defeated by the Army, police force and other law enforcement forces and lasting peace was achieved.

Addressing the gathering, Lt Gen Ahmed said that 3.5 million people were dislocated in Swat district when militants tried to take control of the administrative affairs of Swat district.&nbsp;

The Army, he said, launched successful operations and eliminated terrorists in four month from the district and other areas of Malakand Division and rehabilitated the displaced people.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Pakistan Army on Monday handed over the administrative control of the restive Swat district to the civil authorities, ending its decade-long military operation to flush out the Pakistani Taliban militants and restore peace in the hometown of Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai.

The Pakistan Army on Monday handed over the administrative control of the restive Swat district to the civil authorities, ending its decade-long military operation to flush out the Pakistani Taliban militants and restore peace in the hometown of Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai. The Army was first sent to the picturesque Swat district of the Khyber-Pakthunkhwa province in 2007 when a local cleric and chief of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Maulana Fazlullah challenged the writ of the state and set up his Sharia courts. Taliban later launched an organised movement and extended its network to the adjoining districts. They imposed several restrictions, including banning girls' education, making mandatory wearing of burqa for women and keeping beard for men, among others. In 2009, the government launched a major military operation against the TTP, during a large number of people were forced to abandon their homes in Swat, Buner and other districts. Malala, who shared the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize with Indian children's rights activist Kailash Satyarthi, was shot at by Taliban in 2012 for advocating for girls' education, which was forbidden under the militants' rule over Swat. The 15-year-old was flown to Britain for better treatment and further education. In March, she visited her hometown for the first time after being shot at. The Army handed over the symbol of authority to the Commissioner, Malakand Division and Regional Police Officer (RPO) at a ceremony, which was attended by Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mehmood Khan, Corps Commander Peshawar, Lieutenant General Nazir Ahmed Bhut, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Salahuddin, General-Officer-in-Command Swat Major General Khalid Saeed, officials said. The elders' of the area and other civil and military officers also attended the function, during which a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of administrative authority was handed over the Chief Minister, they said. Hailing the Army for successfully launching the operation against terrorism and restoring peace in Swat, Khan said, the military has made a history by transferring the administrative powers back to the civil authorities. The Chief Minister, who hails from Matta tehsil of Swat district, said that terrorists wrecked havoc with lives of innocent people. He said he himself was an eyewitness to the Taliban's barbaric acts in 2009. He recalled that terrorists did not spare even the educational institutions and destroyed their buildings. Khan said that the cowardly and gruesome acts of the terrorists could not deter the resilient people of Swat and they were subsequently defeated by the Army, police force and other law enforcement forces and lasting peace was achieved. Addressing the gathering, Lt Gen Ahmed said that 3.5 million people were dislocated in Swat district when militants tried to take control of the administrative affairs of Swat district. The Army, he said, launched successful operations and eliminated terrorists in four month from the district and other areas of Malakand Division and rehabilitated the displaced people.

Pakistan Army hands over administrative control of Swat district to civil authorities

The mastermind of the Pakistani Taliban attack on an army school here that left over 140 school children dead in 2014 has been killed in a US drone strike in neighbouring Afghanistan, security officials said. 
 
Officials said Umar Mansour, alias Umar Naray, had been killed along with another militant leader Qari Saifullah, in the US drone attack in the Bandar area of Afghanistan&#39;s Nangarhar province on Saturday. 
 
An official said they had credible reports of Mansour having been killed with Saifullah, who was in charge of Taliban suicide bombers, the Dawn reported. 
 
&quot;What we have is pretty credible,&quot; he was quoted as saying in the report. 
 
The massacre on December 16, 2014, left 144 students and staff members dead after seven gunmen of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) stormed the Army Public School in the northwestern city of Peshawar. 
 
The US State Department had on May 25 designated Umar Mansour as a global terrorist, clearing the path for his inclusion in its hit-list. 
 
There was no official confirmation of Mansour&#39;s death from either the TTP or any independent source. If true, his death would be a severe blow to the terror group. 
 
Mansour, because of his violent and major terrorist attacks, was regarded by Pakistani security agencies as a major threat. 
 
(PTI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

There was no official confirmation of Umar Mansour's death, which can be a severe blow to the terror group, from Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan

The mastermind of the Pakistani Taliban attack on an army school here that left over 140 school children dead in 2014 has been killed in a US drone strike in neighbouring Afghanistan, security officials said. Officials said Umar Mansour, alias Umar Naray, had been killed along with another militant leader Qari Saifullah, in the US drone attack in the Bandar area of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province on Saturday. An official said they had credible reports of Mansour having been killed with Saifullah, who was in charge of Taliban suicide bombers, the Dawn reported. "What we have is pretty credible," he was quoted as saying in the report. The massacre on December 16, 2014, left 144 students and staff members dead after seven gunmen of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) stormed the Army Public School in the northwestern city of Peshawar. The US State Department had on May 25 designated Umar Mansour as a global terrorist, clearing the path for his inclusion in its hit-list. There was no official confirmation of Mansour's death from either the TTP or any independent source. If true, his death would be a severe blow to the terror group. Mansour, because of his violent and major terrorist attacks, was regarded by Pakistani security agencies as a major threat. (PTI)

Peshawar school massacre mastermind killed in US drone attack in Afghanistan