Jan Achakzai

Jan Achakzai, an Islamabad-based security expert, said that despite challenges, the fact that the ANP brought many different parties on one table was a feat in itself. But, he added, the challenges are immense. The media is not convinced talks with the Taliban will be useful, the civil society is critical of such moves, and ex-army analysts and commentators are angry.   As pointed out by the TTP spokesman, there were no clear roadmaps or goalposts in the final communique. "Apparently, the main stakeholder - the army - was to be taken on board before any possible roadmaps were drawn," Achakzai said. ( Read more):  Report: Hard bargain by Zia Ur Rehman

Pakistan Shias refuse to bury Quetta dead. More than 4,000 Shias in Balochistan capital hold sit-in to demand swift government action against armed Sunni groups. My take on Hazaras' killing in Balochistan in alJazeera package is online now: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/02/201321813486399438.html

Moulana Fazal Rahman, Head of Jamiat Ulema Islam, has gone to vist the Taliban's Office in Qatar, Doha. He has been invited by the Afgahn Taliban, according to reports in Pakistani press. Afghan Taliban's invitation to Moulana Fazal Rahman is  significnat, says politcal commentator Jan Achakzai in interview with the VOA Urdu (Here is the link for the interview):   Moulana visit to Doha significant: Jan Achakzai on VOA Urdu

Jan Achakzai, a political analyst who monitors FATA affairs very closely, said: "The PPA has encouraged political parties to boost their efforts for politicking," "Candidates from various agencies have already started using billboards, sloganeering, pamphlets, and openly showing their political affiliations." Achakzai believes that independent candidates will remain an important factor in the coming elections, but they will be under increasing pressure from opponents backed by political parties. Some independent politicians have already started lobbying for tickets from political parties. (Read more here). http://www.thefridaytimes.com/beta3/tft/article.php?issue=20130208&page=3

Hazaras is a small predominantly shia community in Quetta. Their numbers have been documented about 0.4 to 0.5. millions. But their ranks are swelling as more Afghan refugee Hazaras are joining them in Quetta. Refugee Hazaras are mostly being transported from across the border into Pakistan by the people's smugglers. Quetta is a melting pot of ethnic and sectarian communities leaving side by side in peace for decades, though. Yet today, Hazaras are targeted as Shias. And the main reason is: unfortunately, Quetta/Balochistan has been a battle ground for proxy wars particularly between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Sectarian outfits are not the Taliban but sponsored proxies. Iran has sectarian affinity with Hazaras. Tehran is being suspected of striving to affect demographic changes in Quetta, Ghazni and Kabul in Afghanistan, though Tehran denies these allegations. Hazaras are accused of split loyalties: having religious loyalty to Iran and ethnic loyalty to Afghanistan's centr...

It was a thrill to meet young aspiring women journalists at a training workshop in Islamabad. Their enthusiasm reminded me of my old days when I was about to enter into the journalism back in 1990s after my graduation. It was an advice from a journalist friend who is unfortunately no more in this world, that I acted upon and hence change my life for ever. I owe him a world of gratitude. God bless his soul in eternal peace.

Jan Assakzai, a London-based security analyst from Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (F), said that military option for peace had failed in Fata and Afghanistan and therefore, a new strategy was needed for the purpose.... http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-6-157830-Waziristan-tribesmen-to-move-ICJ-against-drone-hits