Order Code RS21584
Updated May 5, 2006
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
Pakistan: Chronology of Recent Events
K. Alan Kronstadt
Analyst in Asian Affairs
Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division
Summary
This report provides a chronology of recent events involving Pakistan and Pakistan-
U.S. relations. Sources include, but are not limited to, major newswires, the U.S.
Department of State, and Pakistani news outlets. For a substantive review, see CRS
Issue Brief IB94041, Pakistan-U.S. Relations. This report will be updated regularly.
05/05/06 — Police in Karachi arrested six
Acronyms:
suspected members of the
CBMs:
Confidence-building measures
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Sunni terrorist
LOC:
Line of Control (Kashmir)
group.
SAARC:
South Asian Association
05/04/06 — U.S., Pakistani, and Afghan
of Regional Cooperation
troops completed two days of
joint military exercises west of
Islamabad, the first such exercises involving Afghan army units. On the
same day, London-based Amnesty International expressed “grave
concern” over the incidence of extrajudicial executions by apparent
Taliban operatives in Pakistan’s tribal areas.
05/03/06 — The Commander of the U.S. Central Command, Gen. Abizaid, and
State Department Counterterrorism Coordinator Crumpton paid
separate visits to Islamabad for meetings with top Pakistani officials.
On the same day, Pakistan and India agreed to launch a second cross-
LOC bus service and to allow cross-LOC truck service to facilitate
trade in Kashmir. Also, the U.S. Commission on International Religious
Freedom’s annual report claimed that, “Sectarian and religiously
motivated violence persists in Pakistan, and the government’s response to
this problem, though improved, continues to be insufficient and not fully
effective,” and the Commission again recommended that Pakistan be
designated a Country of Particular Concern. Finally, three policemen
were killed when suspected Taliban militants attacked their checkpost in
the Bajaur tribal agency.
05/02/06 — A Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said Pakistan’s investigation into
the illicit nuclear smuggling ring led by metallurgist A.Q. Khan “is
closed.” On the same day, a “top Al Qaeda leader,” a Syrian with Spanish
Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress

---

CRS-2
citizenship, was reported captured in Pakistan in 11/05 and may have been
transferred to U.S. custody. Also, Uzbek President Karimov visited
Islamabad, where Pakistan and Uzbekistan signed a number of agreements
meant to bolster bilateral cooperation in such areas as counterterrorism
and commerce.
05/01/06 — Under Secretary of Defense Edelman hosted a Pakistan delegation in
Washington for a five-day meeting of the U.S.-Pakistan Defense
Consultative Group, the first since February 2005. On the same day, a
pro-government tribal elder was found murdered in North Waziristan.
Also, Foreign Policy magazine named Pakistan a top “failed state” in
2005, ranking it 9th in the world.
04/30/06 — Pakistani nuclear scientist Mohammed Farooq, who was implicated as a
key participant in A.Q. Khan’s nuclear smuggling ring, was released after
two years in detention. On the same day, Pakistani and Iranian officials
completed two days of talks on finalizing plans for a proposed gas
pipeline that would deliver Iranian gas to India through Pakistan.
04/29/06 — Pakistan test-fired a nuclear-capable Hatf VI (Shaheen II) long-range
ballistic missile.
04/28/06 — The State Department’s Country Reports on Terrorism 2005 said
Islamabad continues to “aggressively” pursue Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and
their allies while cooperating closely with the United States. Despite
some successes, however, “Al Qaeda and Taliban operations in Pakistan
continue to pose a threat to U.S. interests.” The State Department also
blacklisted Jamaat-ud-Dawa and Idara Khidmat-e-Khalq as front
organizations of the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist group. On the same day, a
Pakistani press report indicated that up to 5,000 pro-Taliban tribesmen had
united to combat Pakistani security forces in North Waziristan.
04/27/06 — Under Secretary of State Burns and Foreign Secretary Khan ended two
days of U.S.-Pakistan strategic dialogue talks in Washington, where
counterterrorism cooperation and increased trade were leading topics.
Under Secretary Burns said the Administration would soon consult with
Congress on what Secretary Khan called a “much scaled-down request”
for F-16 fighter aircraft sales to Pakistan. On the same day, a third round
of Pakistan-India expert-level talks on conventional CBMs resulted in
several agreements aimed at avoidance of conflict. Also, India rejected
a Pakistani proposal to remove all heavy weapons from Kashmir.
Finally, a three-day Pakistan-China Energy Forum ended with the two
countries signing an agreement on energy cooperation in a number of
areas; a joint statement did not mention nuclear power.
04/26/06 — A fourth round of Pakistan-India expert-level talks on nuclear CBMs
was held in “a cordial and constructive atmosphere,” but produced no new
agreements. On the same day, the beheaded body of a man was found in
South Waziristan with a note accusing him of being an “American spy,”
the fourth such killing in April.
04/25/06 — A California jury convicted a Pakistani-American of attending an Al
Qaeda-linked training camp in Pakistan then returning with the intention
of launching terrorist attacks in the United States. On the same day,
Pakistani helicopter gunships attacked suspected Islamic militant positions
during ongoing battles in North Waziristan. Several soldiers and militants
were killed in the fighting.

---

CRS-3
04/24/06 — Former Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto met in
London and vowed to cooperate in efforts to restore full democracy in
Islamabad. On the same day, Energy Secretary Bodman reiterated U.S.
opposition to a proposed gas pipeline that would deliver Iranian gas to
India through Pakistan. Also, Islamic militants launched a rocket attack
on a Pakistan Army convoy in North Waziristan, killing 2 soldiers and
injuring 12 others. Finally, a leading Pakistan senator accused India of
pursuing a malevolent policy in Afghanistan, including providing military
training to 600 Pakistani Baloch rebels.
04/23/06 — Three local tribesman and a paramilitary soldier were killed in a gunbattle
at an army checkpost in North Waziristan.
04/21/06 — An Arab militant shot dead in the Bajaur tribal agency was said to be
a senior Al Qaeda “bag man” who helped organize attacks on U.S.-led
coalition forces in Afghanistan.
04/20/06 — Eight paramilitary troopers were killed and 26 injured when their convoy
was ambushed by suspected pro-Taliban militants in North Waziristan.
04/18/06 — Two men accused of being American spies were killed in Waziristan. On
the same day, a well-known Shia scholar and his driver were shot dead by
unidentified gunmen in Faisalabad. Also, India decided to alter the design
of the controversial Kishanganga dam project in Indian Kashmir in ways
that New Delhi hopes will end a long-standing dispute with Islamabad.
Finally, India’s Home Secretary claimed that camps training Islamic
militants to fight in Kashmir are “flourishing” in Pakistan.
04/17/06 — Police commandos arrested three suspected Islamic militants after a
gunbattle near Peshawar.
04/15/06 — The beheaded body of a man was found in North Waziristan with a note
accusing him of being an “American spy.”
04/14/06 — A Los Angeles Times report claimed computer drives stolen from Bagram
air field in Afghanistan indicated that Taliban and Al Qaeda leaders have
used southwestern Pakistan as a key planning and training area. A
Pakistan Army spokesman called the claims “absolutely absurd.”
04/13/06 — Five paramilitary troops were reported kidnaped in North Waziristan. On
the same day, London-based Amnesty International strongly condemned
the 4/11 Karachi bombing and criticized the Pakistan government for
“consistently failing to prevent sectarian violence.”
04/12/06 — Seven suspected militants, reportedly including an Egyptian national
said to be a wanted Al Qaeda explosives expert, were killed when
Pakistani helicopter gunships attacked their hideout in North Waziristan.
04/11/06 — An apparent suicide bomber killed 57 people, including three
prominent Sunni leaders, and injured at least 100 others in a park in
Karachi. Army troops were mobilized in anticipation of ensuing
violence, which did not occur on a large scale. On the same day, Pakistan
and France held joint air combat and naval exercises in the Arabian Sea.
04/10/06 — Taliban figures in North Waziristan offered peace in return for a full
withdrawal of Pakistani troops from the region. On the same day, 2
people were killed and another 24 injured in ongoing violence in
Baluchistan. Also, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan claimed
that “officially-sanctioned rallies promoting sectarianism” are evidence
that the Pakistan government’s “pledges to usher in an era of ‘enlightened

---

CRS-4
moderation’ are ... obviously nothing more than a facade intended for
foreign audiences.”
04/09/06 — The Islamabad government officially banned the separatist Baluchistan
Liberation Army as a terrorist organization.
04/07/06 — The United States earmarked another $13 million for Pakistan earthquake
relief. On the same day, some 10,000 of tribesmen rallied in northwest
Pakistan to demand the military’s withdrawal from the region.
04/06/06 — A prominent Shiite cleric narrowly escaped assassination when a bomb
exploded near his car in Karachi. The Sunni militant Sipah-e-Sahaba
terrorist group was suspected of involvement
04/05/06 — During a visit to Islamabad, Assistant Secretary of State Boucher told
an interviewer the United States would like to see a more stable, open,
democratic, and prosperous Pakistani society. On the same day, up to 44
people, including 4 Pakistani soldiers and 40 Islamic militants, were killed
in ongoing fighting in North Waziristan.
04/03/06 — Interior Minister Sherpao visited Washington for meetings with U.S.
officials. On the same day, up to 11 people, including 3 women, died in
ongoing fighting in North Waziristan.
04/02/06 — Landmine explosions killed up to 13 people, including 7 police officers,
in Baluchistan. On the same day, a Pakistani soldier and two civilians
were killed in ongoing fighting in North Waziristan.
04/01/06 — Sri Lankan President Rajapakse ended a visit to Islamabad, where
Pakistan and Sri Lanka agreed to bolster bilateral cooperation in a wide
range of areas.
03/31/06 — Suspected tribal militants blew up four electrical towers in Baluchistan,
leaving 80% of the province without power.
03/30/06 — U.S. soldiers ended their Pakistan earthquake relief mission, the
largest such mission since the 1948 Berlin Airlift. On the same day, stray
mortar fire killed a woman and a child in North Waziristan.
03/29/06 — Commerce Minister Khan said that better access to U.S. markets through
tariff reduction would help to fight extremism in Pakistan. On the same
day, the Pakistani and Indian commerce secretaries held a third round on
Composite Dialogue talks on bilateral economic and commercial
cooperation. Also, terrorist leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman Khalil was
abducted and severely beaten by unidentified gunmen near Islamabad.
03/28/06 — H.R. 5017, to insure the implementation of the recommendations of the
9/11 Commission, was introduced in the House. The bill contains
Pakistan-related provisions. On the same day, a bomb blast in Peshawar
killed 1 person and injured 15 others just hours after the U.S. Consulate
there had closed due to security concerns.
03/27/06 — The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan decried the “total breakdown
in the law and order situation across the country.”
03/26/06 — Gunbattles in Dera Bugti, Baluchistan left a Pakistani soldier and two
militants dead.
03/24/06 — In a speech marking the launch of a new bus service linking India and
Pakistan, Indian Prime Minister Singh said “India sincerely believes
that a strong, stable, prosperous, and moderate Pakistan is in the
interest of India,” and he envisioned someday entering into a Treaty of
Peace, Security, and Friendship with Islamabad. Pakistan cautiously

---

CRS-5
welcomed the comments while insisting that Kashmir remained the “heart
of conflict, mistrust, and hostility” between India and Pakistan. On the
same day, Pakistani troops backed by helicopter gunships continued
battling Islamic militants in North Waziristan, reportedly killing 18.
03/23/06 — President Musharraf demanded that all foreign militants leave Pakistan or
“be crushed.” On the same day, Pakistan formally protested the killing of
at least 14 Pakistanis by Afghan soldiers in southern Afghanistan. Also,
a bomb blast in Kohlu, Baluchistan, killed 1 person and injured 13 more.
03/22/06 — Top Pakistani law enforcement officials met with their Indian counterparts
to discuss increased cooperation in areas of mutual concern. On the same
day, a pro-government cleric was assassinated in South Waziristan.
03/21/06 — Tests confirmed Pakistan’s first N5N1 avian flu infections. On the
same day, the Chairman of the U.S. Joint chiefs of Staff, Gen. Pace,
visited earthquake-affected areas in Pakistan. Also, Pakistan test-fired a
cruise missile for the second time.
03/19/06 — Suspected Islamic militants blew up a police vehicle in northwest Pakistan
near North Waziristan, killing seven people and injuring another five.
03/17/06 — President Musharraf said that the pending U.S.-India civil nuclear
cooperation deal would “upset the balance of power” in South Asia and
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States reportedly requested a
“package deal” that would allow for U.S. civil nuclear cooperation with
both Pakistan and India.
03/16/06 — The House passed an emergency supplemental appropriations bill (H.R.
4939), including a provision allowing that up to $1.2 billion in Pentagon
funds may be used to reimburse Pakistan and other key cooperating
nations for their support of U.S. military operations. On the same day,
President Bush’s 2006 National Security Strategy of the United States
stated, “We are eager to see Pakistan move along a stable, secure, and
democratic path,” adding, “America’s relationship with Pakistan will not
be a mirror image of our relationship with India.”
03/14/06 — Officials from Pakistan, India, and Iran met in Tehran for talks on a
proposed tripartite gas pipeline project.
03/13/06 — Secretary of Energy Bodman visited Islamabad, where he discussed a
wide range of energy-related issues with Pakistani leaders, but declined to
discuss civil nuclear cooperation and voiced U.S. opposition to a proposed
Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project.
03/12/06 — Former Afghan President Mojadidi survived a suicide car bomb attack in
Kabul that left four people dead. Mojadidi, who is seeking to encourage
Taliban defections, blamed Pakistan’s intelligence agency for the attack.
03/10/06 — At least 30 people, including 21 children and 5 women, were killed
when a bus carrying a wedding party hit a landmine in Dera Bugti,
Baluchistan. On the same day, the Pakistan Army reported that artillery
barrages had killed 25 Islamic militants in North Waziristan. Locals
disputed the claim, saying most of the dead were civilians.
03/08/06 — Prime Minister Aziz told an interviewer that “there is no need for further
discussion” of the A.Q. Khan-run nuclear smuggling ring, as “all
information”has been shared with international investigators.
03/07/06 — The Commander of the U.S. Central Command, Gen. Abizaid, visited
Islamabad, where President Musharraf reportedly requested his help in
defusing Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions.

---

CRS-6
03/06/06 — President Musharraf criticized Afghan President Karzai for “bad-
mouthing” Pakistan with “baseless” claims about the presence in Pakistan
of top Islamic militant leaders, including Mullah Omar. On the same day,
Pakistani troops backed by helicopter gunships continued battling Islamic
militants in North Waziristan, reportedly killing 19. Security forces
regained control of a major town where government buildings had been
seized in an audacious attack by hundreds of armed militants.
03/05/06 — Fierce fighting in North Waziristan reportedly left up to 100 Islamic
militants dead.
03/04/06 — President Bush and President Musharraf issued a joint statement on the
U.S.-Pakistan “strategic partnership” that called for launching a
strategic dialogue and for “significant expansion” of bilateral economic
ties, including mutual trade and investment, as well as initiatives in the
areas of energy, peace and security, social sector development, science and
technology, democracy, and nonproliferation. President Bush expressed
being “grateful for President Musharraf’s strong and vital support in the
war on terror” and later said Musharraf understood that Pakistan’s planned
2007 elections “need to be open and honest.”
03/03/06 — President Bush began a one-day visit to Pakistan under heavy security.
03/02/06 — A car bomb exploded outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, killing at
least five people, including an American diplomat.
03/01/06 — Pakistani soldiers and helicopter gunships attacked a suspected Al Qaeda
camp in North Waziristan, killing up to 30 militants.
02/22/06 — In a major speech, President Bush lauded close U.S. relations with
Pakistan, identifying it as a “key ally in the war on terror” and saying the
United States wants to “build a broad and lasting strategic partnership
with the people of Pakistan.” The President called Pakistan’s scheduled
2007 elections “an important test of Pakistan’s commitment to democratic
reform, and the Islamabad government must ensure that these elections are
open and free and fair.” He later vowed to encourage Pakistani and Indian
leaders to address the “important issue” of Kashmir, where the United
States supports a resolution that is acceptable to “all sides,” including the
Pakistanis, the Indians, and the “citizens of Kashmir.”
02/19/06 — President Musharraf began a five-day visit to China to discuss
counterterrorism, trade, and technical assistance with top Chinese leaders.
02/18/06 — The “Thar Express” railroad linking Sindh with India’s Rajasthan
state was resumed after more than four decades in suspension.
02/15/06 — Afghan President Karzai arrived in Islamabad for a three-day visit.
On the same day, apparent Baloch militants shot and killed three
Chinese engineers and their Pakistani driver in Baluchistan.
02/14/06 — Anger over the publication in European newspapers of cartoons deemed
offensive to Muslims led to violent protests in Islamabad and Lahore.
02/10/06 — The State Department’s Bureau of South Asian Affairs was
reorganized to include official responsibility for U.S. diplomatic relations
with Afghanistan and the five Central Asian states, and will now be called
the Bureau for South and Central Asian Affairs.

---