Latest news with #Soviet-Afghan
News18
15-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Yalda Hakim: From War Refugee To Journo Who Put Pakistan Defence Minister On The Spot
Last Updated: Yalda Hakim settled in Australia after fleeing the Soviet-Afghan war. She was six months old when she left Afghanistan, with her parents on horseback. Renowned broadcaster Yalda Hakim made headlines after she posed uncomfortable questions about Pakistan's state backing of terrorism to the nation's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif following the heinous Pahalgam attack. The Australian journalist, originally from Afghanistan, became an instant favourite as her questions to Asif reflected concerns that countries in south and southeast Asia, most prominently India, have raised for several decades. Asif was cornered and admitted that Pakistan for years harboured terrorists at the behest of the US and the West. 'We did their dirty work," Asif said, shocking Yalda Hakim herself. Her act of making Asif admit Pakistan's terror ties increased the fame of the renowned broadcaster even more. The journalist became the story. Clips from the interview went viral, particularly her persistent questioning around India's allegations and Pakistan's stance on groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and she earned praise for her tenacity and composure. Hakim began her career with SBS Australia before joining the BBC in 2013, where she became a prominent face of BBC World News. She quickly earned a reputation for sharp, uncompromising reporting and gained access to conflict zones in Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Libya. Fluent in Dari, she has often used her linguistic skills to bridge gaps during field reporting in West Asia and South Asia. Her first story, 'Yalda's Kabul," was released by the Australian broadcaster in 2008. Born in Afghanistan in 1983, Hakim and her family fled Soviet-occupied Kabul when she was just six months old, eventually settling in Australia after a year-long journey through Pakistan. Her background as a war refugee has deeply informed her journalistic perspective. Beyond her journalism career, Hakim is the founder of the Yalda Hakim Foundation, established in 2018 to support the education of exceptionally talented young women from Afghanistan through scholarships, internships and mentoring. In July 2023, she transitioned to Sky News, where she currently hosts the foreign affairs program 'The World with Yalda Hakim". First Published: May 15, 2025, 19:56 IST
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Do terrorists live in Pakistan?' asks reporter, Khawaja Asif gives one-word answer
'Do terrorists live in Pakistan?' asks reporter, Khawaja Asif gives one-word answer In the aftermath of Pahalgam terror attack , all eyes were on Pakistan as India accused it of harbouring the terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), whose local offshoot, The Resistance Front (TRF), took responsibility for the massacre. However, Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif in an interview with BBC earlier this month claimed that Islamabad does not currently shelter active terrorists or terrorist outfits, and individuals residing in the country "do not indulge in terror activities, either in Pakistan or across the border in India." Speaking to BBC Pakistan correspondent Azadeh Moshiri, Asif said "no" when asked if terror leaders or groups were active within Pakistan. "This is something from our past," Pakistan's defence minister said and invoked the United States' role in arming Afghan mujahideen groups in the 1980s during the Soviet-Afghan war. "The terrorists, which it is claimed are in Pakistan or their terrorist outfits are in Pakistan, they were allies of the US efforts in Afghanistan in the 80s. This thing keeps haunting us. They are all 'dry-cleaned' now, but we are still 'dirty'. They still blame us for people who were their allies," he said. Asif also addressed allegations that terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) continue to fundraise through legitimate businesses in Pakistan. Both Jaish and LeT have been implicated in major terror attacks in India, including the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing and the 2016 Uri base attack, which together claimed the lives of 59 Indian soldiers. He insisted that "these (terrorist) leaders are no more. They are living, not dead, but do not indulge in terror activities, either in Pakistan or across the border in India or in any other country." Last month, speaking to Sky News days after the Pahalgam attack , he said, "We have been doing this dirty work for the US for the past three decades…" India has consistently accused Pakistan of sheltering and supporting terror groups responsible for numerous cross-border attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and beyond, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 26/11 Mumbai attack. However, Islamabad continues to deny these allegations.
News18
10-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
A Sanctuary For Terror: A List Of Terrorist Groups That Call Pakistan Their Home
Last Updated: LeT, Jaish, Al-Qaeda and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are only some of the few terror groups that Pakistan has helped spread terror in the region. Earlier this week, the State Department of the United States reiterated that they have been highlighting for decades Pakistan's links to terrorist groups. That terrorists find a safe haven in Pakistan is a fact that India has drawn attention of global and multilateral forums for decades. But due to lack of UNSC reforms, where China has multiple times blocked proscribing of known terrorists as 'designated terrorists", India's war on terror (ongoing since the two nations were partitioned) has faced roadblocks. Terrorists in Pakistan have survived on state support and have so for decades. Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told UK broadcaster Sky News earlier this month that Pakistan sheltered these groups because it was doing the UK and the US' 'dirty work", referring to the help US took from Pakistan in the wake of Soviet-Afghan war of the 90s and post 9/11. Bilawal Bhutto, the nation's former foreign minister and leader of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) also recently accepted that Pakistan has a 'history" with terror groups. 'As far as what the defence minister said, I don't think it is a secret that Pakistan has a past. As a result, we have suffered, Pakistan has suffered. We have gone through wave after wave of extremism," Bhutto had said. Pakistan's state support for terrorists is India's number one security concern. The Pahalgam carnage of April 22 shows that Pakistani soil is used for destabilising Kashmir and the broader South Asian region. India launched Operation Sindoor to target terror infra deep inside Pakistan. Here's a look at the long and disturbing list of terrorist organisations that have thrived under Pakistan's patronage, groups that not only threaten India's national security but have also unleashed violence across the globe. Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) Established in 1987 by Hafiz Saeed and Zafar Iqbal, LeT is one of the most prominent Pakistan-based terrorist organizations. It aims to merge Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan and establish Islamic rule across South Asia. LeT was responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which resulted in more than 170 deaths, including foreign nationals. Despite being officially banned, LeT operates under various fronts like Jamaat-ud-Dawa and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation and continues its activities with support from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) Founded in 2000 by Masood Azhar, JeM focuses on uniting Kashmir with Pakistan through violent means. The group has been linked to several high-profile attacks, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama bombing that killed 40 Indian soldiers. JeM has been designated as a terrorist organization by multiple countries, yet it continues to operate within Pakistan, with its leadership reportedly enjoying safe havens. The Resistance Front (TRF) Emerging in 2019, TRF is considered a proxy of LeT, created to give a local face to terrorism in Kashmir and evade international scrutiny. TRF has claimed responsibility for various attacks targeting security forces, civilians and political figures in Jammu and Kashmir. It has been associated with the April 2025 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists. Jaish al-Adl Formed in 2012, Jaish al-Adl is a Sunni extremist group operating primarily in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province. While its main focus is against Iranian targets, the group has been reported to have safe havens in Pakistan's Balochistan region. Jaish al-Adl has carried out several cross-border attacks, including the 2019 suicide bombing that killed 27 members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard. Iran has accused Pakistan of harboring this group, leading to diplomatic tensions between the two countries. In January 2024, Iran carried out airstrikes against Haqqani Network An Afghan insurgent group with deep ties to Pakistan's tribal areas, the Haqqani Network has been responsible for numerous high-profile attacks in Afghanistan, including the 2008 Kabul Serena Hotel attack and the 2011 US Embassy attack in Kabul. The group has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and is believed to have received support from Pakistan's ISI, complicating US-Pakistan relations. Trump in 2025 removed the bounty on three of its key members, including Sirajuddin Haqqani. Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) Established in the 1980s, HuM has been involved in various terrorist activities in Kashmir and has links to al-Qaeda. The group was responsible for the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC-814, which led to the release of Masood Azhar. Despite being banned, HuM continues to operate under different aliases, with its members reportedly receiving training in Pakistan. Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) Formed in the 1980s, SSP is a Sunni Deobandi organization that has been involved in sectarian violence, primarily targeting Shia Muslims in Pakistan. Although banned, SSP operates under various names and has been linked to numerous assassinations and bombings. The group's continued existence points to the challenges Pakistan faces in curbing sectarian militancy. Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI) Founded in 1985 by Fazlur Rehman Khalil and Qari Saifullah Akhtar, HuJI emerged as a radical Islamist militant organization during the Soviet-Afghan war. Initially focusing on Afghanistan, the group later expanded its operations to Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. In 2002, it orchestrated the attack near the American Center in Kolkata, India, resulting in multiple casualties. It was responsible for the 2005 bombing of the Delhi-Patna Shramjeevi Express at Jaunpur. In 2006, it conducted the bombing of the Sankat Mochan temple in Varanasi. In 2007, it orchestrated twin bombings in Hyderabad, killing 42 people and injuring 50. HuJI has also been linked to the 2010 Pune bombing, which targeted a popular German bakery frequented by foreigners. The group has maintained close ties with other extremist organizations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed and has been designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States and India. Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) Announced on September 3, 2014, by Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, AQIS was established to consolidate various jihadist factions operating in South Asia. The group aims to carry out jihadist activities in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. In 2014, it attempted hijacking of a Pakistani naval frigate, with plans to attack US and Indian naval vessels. In 2015, it coordinated the assassination of atheist and secular bloggers and activists in Bangladesh. AQIS has expressed intentions to target American interests in the region and has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations, United States and India. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Operation Sindoor Pahalgam attack Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 10, 2025, 20:30 IST News world A Sanctuary For Terror: A List Of Terrorist Groups That Call Pakistan Their Home
News18
08-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
India Shoots Down Pakistan's F-16: All You Need To Know About The Fighter Jet, Its Abilities
Last Updated: EAM Jaishankar in 2022 had questioned why the Biden administration chose to approve a $450 million package for upgrading Pakistan's F-16 fleet. In the September of 2022, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar lashed out at the former US President Joe Biden's administration for its decision to provide Pakistan with a $450 million package for what the Pentagon has called the 'F-16 case for sustainment and related equipment". 'At the end of the day… to say I am doing it for 'counterterrorism'… you are talking of an aircraft of the capability of F-16 (and) everyone knows where they are deployed. You are not fooling anybody by saying these things," Jaishankar had said at the time. The $450 million US package offers lifetime support for Pakistan's F-16 fleet, with Lockheed Martin as the proposed contractor. It included upgrades, technical services and maintenance for aircraft and engines. In May 2025, Jaishankar's remarks gained fresh relevance after India on Thursday evening shot down a Pakistani Air Force's F-16 fighter jet in Rajasthan's Ramgarh sector as Indian air defence units successfully intercepted projectiles fired by Pakistan which targeted cities in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan. India neutralised Pakistan military's attempt to hit military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur and some other locations with missiles and drones as tensions soared between the two countries amid fears of a wider military conflict. Sirens and numerous explosions were reported in Akhnoor, Samba, Baramulla and Kupwara and several other places as the Indian military carried out a massive night aerial vigil along the border with Pakistan. After the Indian military foiled the Pakistani attempts, the defence ministry said India remains 'fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people". Here's a look at Pakistan's F-16, its fleet and its capabilities: Pakistan currently operates an estimated 75 F-16 fighter jets, according to data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) 2023 report. The country began acquiring F-16s in the 1980s under a deal with the United States, backed by the Reagan administration during the Soviet-Afghan war. Additional jets were later procured through separate agreements, including the purchase of 13 refurbished F-16s from Jordan in 2014. The F-16s were used against India in the aerial dogfight that ensued between the two air forces on February 27, 2019, a day after India's airstrikes in Balakot. The Pakistani F-16 was brought down by the Indian Air Force (IAF). As of 2025, the Pakistan Air Force has lost at least 10 F-16 jets in crashes, most of them in the 1990s. The incidents were caused by mechanical issues, bird hits and training errors. In one of the more high-profile cases, an F-16 went down during a Pakistan Day Parade rehearsal in March 2020, killing Wing Commander Noman Akram. While supplying F-16s to Pakistan, the United States withheld several critical technologies to restrict the jets' offensive potential and safeguard sensitive systems. Among the key limitations were the absence of source codes for mission computers, which meant Pakistan could not fully customise the aircraft's software or integrate non-US weapons. Pakistan's F-16 fleet is equipped for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The jets can carry advanced missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM for aerial combat and precision-guided munitions for strike operations. They have a top speed of over Mach 2 and are fitted with modern radar and targeting systems. The aircraft are also capable of flying in all weather conditions and can be refuelled mid-air for extended missions. But, the US also withheld advanced electronic warfare suites, long-range targeting and radar upgrades, and secure data link systems that would have allowed the jets to communicate with NATO or US platforms. Additionally, the F-16s were not configured for nuclear delivery, in line with American non-proliferation policies. First Published: May 09, 2025, 04:12 IST
News18
29-04-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Rogue State, Fuels Global Terrorism': India Slams Pakistan At UN Days After Pahalgam Terror Attack
Last Updated: India termed Pakistan a "rogue state" that fuels global terrorism and destabilises peace at the United Nations India termed Pakistan a 'rogue state" that fuels global terrorism and destabilises peace at the United Nations, as tensions flare up between the two nations in the aftermath of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. Ambassador Yojna Patel, India's Deputy Permanent Representative at the UN, flagged Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif's 'open confession" about Islamabad's history of training and funding terrorists and said it was not surprising. 'It is unfortunate that one particular delegation has chosen to misuse and undermine this forum, to indulge in propaganda, and make baseless allegations against India. The whole world has heard Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif admitting and confessing Pakistan's history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations in a recent television interview," Patel said. 'This open confession surprises no one and exposes Pakistan as a rogue state fuelling global terrorism and destabilizing the region," she added. Patel further added that the world can't turn a blind eye. She made the remarks during the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VOTAN), an initiative designed to offer a safe space for victims and survivors of terrorism while empowering them to serve as advocates and peacebuilders. Notably, the launch came exactly a week after the killing of 26 civilians at a popular tourist site in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. India took the bold decision to downgrade its diplomatic ties with Pakistan after The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack. In an interview with a British news channel, the Pakistani minister admitted that Pakistan was involved in 'dirty work" on behalf of the West when asked about Islamabad's history of funding and backing terror outfits. 'We have been doing this dirty work for the US for the past three decades, including the West and UK," he had said. Asif went on to describe it as a 'mistake," noting that Pakistan has paid a heavy price for its decisions. He stated that Pakistan's international reputation would have remained unchallenged had it not aligned with the West during the Soviet-Afghan war and the US-led campaign against the Taliban after the 9/11 attacks. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
