Naseeruddin Haqqani Arrest Marks Beginning of Bigger Regional Battle in Pakistan

By Syed Saleem Shahzad, Asia Despatch

The arrest of Naseeruddin Haqqani, the son of Jalaluddin Haqqani and the brother of Sirajuddin Haqqani, marks the beginning of a battle between the Pakistani security forces and the militants. The Friday attack in Mohmand tribal agency led by Al-Qaeda commander Ziaur Rahman is the first fierce reaction.

Appearing to answer US calls for greater toughness against the Taliban’s largest Haqqani networks operating on its border, Pakistan withdrew its ceasefire with militants and followed Naseeruddin Haqqani, an owner of a business outlet in Peshawar, who was traveling by car with four fellow militants from the city of Peshawar to North Waziristan when he was picked up by Pakistani agents. One of the men traveling with him was a senior Haqqani commander named Mullah Muhammad Jan.

This is the second arrest of Naseeruddin Haqqani. Earlier, in early 2009 Naseeruddin Haqqani was arrested by the Pakistani security agencies. Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud (now killed) secured his release by swapping some Pakistan army prisoners.

Haqqani’s arrest is a major policy shift. Only a few months back he was part of a back-channel talks with various players for a ceasefire with NATO forces in Afghanistan.

He had been at the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad in September. Further, the embassy had arranged for him and his family to go on a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia (read Taliban peace talks come to a halt, Asia Times Online)

Haqqani was arrested immediately after the Pakistan Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani’s recent visit to Kabul and following Admiral Mike Mullen’s unscheduled stop in Islamabad last week, delivering a message of “strategic impatience” to the government there. The arrest, therefore, indicates a loud and clear broader policy shift and for the start of a big battle between Pakistan and the militants.

Hot this week

Did David Wineland and Serge Haroche Steal Idea For The Nobel Physics Prize?

Dr. Omerbashich says the Royal Swedish Academy is a Crime Scene and he has the proof that Nobel laureates stole his discovery.

New Approaches to Disaster Relief Challenges

Disaster relief has always been a challenge. NASA, Google,...

3 Legitimate Money Making Methods to Supplement Your Income

In a perfect world, when your landlord raises your...

2016 Predictions by World Renowned Medium and Psychic Lindy Baker

World renowned medium and psychic Lindy Baker is interviewed by The Hollywood Sentinel, discussing psychic power, the spirit world, life after death, areas of concern in 2016, and much more.

Digital Coupon Customers Spending More Than Double At Stores

A new study shows that customers who use digital coupons go shopping more for groceries and other household goods more often and spend more on their shopping trips.

Courage Comes At A Price, Also A Reward

Courage is hard to find these days. Courage you find in the state of Israel.

Iran & Israel – Worse Than World War 3: Humanity’s Decomposition

Iran & Israel fight each other on the world stage as other countries hold their breath, trying to stay out of it.

How Do You Prove Medical Malpractice?

No one expects to walk away from a doctor’s...

Israel, A People Who Rose Like A Lion

Israel, a people who rose like a lion, like a lion they will show off. ~ The Book of Numbers, Chapter 23 Verse 24.

TigerData and Listo Join Omri Hurwitz’s Immense Portfolio

In a move that further solidifies Omri Hurwitz Media...

Related Articles

Popular Categories