Army commanders' conference begins in Delhi, first high-level meet post Op Sindoor
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News18
an hour ago
- News18
FATF Pressure Deepens Fault Lines In Pakistan: Bilawal's Call For Terror Extradition Triggers Fury
Last Updated: According to top intelligence sources, jihadist groups perceive Bilawal Bhutto's offer to extradite Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar to India as an act of treason. There seems to be a significant rift between Pakistan's political class and jihadist groups, with the Pakistani army seemingly supporting former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, top intelligence sources have told CNN-News18. Bilawal's recent stance on extraditing designated terrorists Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar to India suggests a consensus within Pakistan's political leadership, as observed by intelligence sources. Bilawal's proposal challenges both the army's policy on Kashmir and their relationship with jihadist factions, who view themselves as military assets rather than political bargaining chips. According to top intelligence sources, jihadist groups perceive this extradition offer as an act of treason. The political class, including Bilawal's Pakistan People's Party (PPP), is striving for international legitimacy, particularly in compliance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) mandates. Sources indicate that Bilawal has highlighted the dismantling of over 900 jihadist institutions, asset seizures, and arrests as evidence of Pakistan's changing stance. This move is part of a broader effort to avoid FATF grey list penalties, backed by the military's support for compliance. Intelligence sources note that Bilawal's delegation to Washington and London has presented extradition as a component of comprehensive dialogues aimed at economic recovery. Despite Pakistan's efforts, sources reveal that groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) have historically served as tools for plausible deniability in Kashmir operations. However, Operation Sindoor demonstrated India's capacity to conduct deep strikes in Pakistan, prompting further military-backed compliance with FATF requirements, including the dismantling of LeT's JuD network. Sources report unprecedented state crackdowns on jihadist groups, which face asset seizures and arrests. Pakistani Tehreek-i-Insaaf's condemnation of Bilawal Bhutto underscores the presence of jihadi sympathies within conservative politics. Intelligence sources warn that any extradition attempts could provoke violent backlash from sleeper cells. With Pakistan's 2025 FATF review demanding irreversible actions against terror groups, political and military establishments are pressured to dismantle jihadist networks. Yet, intelligence sources assert that Pakistan will never extradite terror leaders. The regrouping of jihadist factions in Afghanistan poses a threat to Pakistan's internal security, making proxies like JeM liabilities rather than assets. What Bilawal Bhutto Said Last week, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said his country had no objection to extraditing 'individuals of concern" to India as a confidence-building measure, as long as India shows willingness to cooperate with its neighbour. In an interview with Al Jazeera on Friday, Bilawal responded to a question about extraditing Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed and Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as possible concessions and good-faith gestures to India. 'As part of a comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan, where terrorism is one of the issues that we discuss, I am sure Pakistan would not be opposed to any of these things," he said, while accusing India of not complying with Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorism.
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Eastern Command Makes Regional Language Debut On X With 2025 Durand Cup Posts
Last Updated: Sources in the defence establishment told News18 this is part of a larger plan to regularly communicate in local languages, making the Army's outreach more inclusive & accessible The defence communication strategy in India has undergone several changes, with a renewed focus on local outreach and public engagement. In a notable shift, the Eastern Command of the Indian Army has started using regional languages on social media to connect with a broader audience. For the first time, the Eastern Command has posted updates in Bengali and Manipuri (Meitei) languages on its official social media platforms. Sources in the defence establishment told News18 that this is part of a larger plan to regularly communicate in local languages, making the Army's outreach more inclusive and accessible. Two days ago, the Eastern Command shared a post about the upcoming 2025 Durand Cup in Bengali and Manipuri — marking the first time such communication has gone regional. A senior officer told News18, 'For the first time, we are putting out content in Bengali and Assamese, in addition to Hindi and English. The aim is to connect with everyone, across all regions." Officials within the Eastern Command emphasised that this initiative is not just about promotion — it's about strengthening the Army's bond with the people. 'It is important that villagers and citizens across the country, especially in border areas, understand what the Indian Army stands for. From the Bengal border to Arunachal Pradesh, these are sensitive zones. Misinformation often spreads easily. Our goal is to build trust and provide a sense of security," said a source. This digital regional outreach is expected to be especially impactful in regions like Arunachal Pradesh, where disinformation campaigns are frequent. The Army believes that communicating in local languages will not only counter misinformation but also reassure civilians of the Army's presence and support. The Eastern Command's initiative has started with Bengali and Manipuri, but officials confirm that posts in other regional languages will follow soon. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the 2025 Durand Cup — officially titled the IndianOil Durand Cup due to its sponsorship by Indian Oil Corporation. The tournament, now in its 134th edition, is Asia's oldest football competition and the fourth to be organised under the aegis of the Asian Football Confederation. The Durand Cup is jointly hosted by the Durand Football Tournament Society, the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the Eastern Command of the Indian Armed Forces, and the Government of West Bengal, with additional support from the governments of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Jharkhand. This tournament holds a special place in the hearts of Bengalis, and officials believe that the use of Bengali in Army communications around the event will forge a deeper emotional connection with the local population. 'This is just the beginning," a senior officer added. 'We want the people to feel the Army is not distant — we are with them, speaking their language." First Published: July 07, 2025, 10:36 IST
Scroll.in
2 hours ago
- Scroll.in
‘Reject double standards in countering terrorism': BRICS leaders condemn Pahalgam attack
The BRICS countries on Sunday condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and called for combating terrorism in all its forms, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens. In a joint declaration, the multilateral grouping expressed 'strong condemnation of any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed'. The group reiterated that 'terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group and that all those involved in terrorist activities and their support must be held accountable and brought to justice' under national and international laws. BRICS comprises India, Brazil, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. The leaders of the BRICS nations met in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. The declaration did not name Pakistan, whom New Delhi has accused of supporting cross-border terrorism. In the past, China has blocked attempts by India to sanction terror groups based in Pakistan at the United Nations. The BRICS grouping has condemned terrorism in its past declarations too. The BRICS nations on Sunday urged 'to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism'. The declaration also emphasised the 'primary responsibility of states in combating terrorism and that global efforts to prevent and counter terrorist threats must fully comply with their obligations under international law…' During the BRICS summit on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Pahalgam terror attack was a ' direct assault on the soul, identity and dignity' of India. 'This attack was not just a blow to India but to the entire humanity,' Modi said. The prime minister said that condemning terrorism must be a matter of principle and not just of convenience. Modi said that there must be no hesitation in imposing sanctions on terrorists. 'The victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be treated equally,' he said. 'For the sake of personal or political gain, giving silent consent to terrorism or supporting terrorists or terrorism, should never be acceptable under any circumstances…' The terror attack at Baisaran near Pahalgam town in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 left 26 persons dead and 16 injured. The terrorists targeted tourists after asking their names to ascertain their religion, the police said. All but three of those killed were Hindu. In response to the terror attack, India launched military strikes – codenamed Operation Sindoor – on what New Delhi claimed were terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Pakistan Army retaliated to Indian strikes by repeatedly shelling Indian villages along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. At least 22 Indian civilians and eight defence personnel were killed. On May 10, India and Pakistan reached an 'understanding' to halt firing following a four-day conflict.
