Order Code RS21584
Updated June 16, 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.
06/16/06 — H.R. 5631, making defense
Acronyms:
appropriations for FY2007, was
CBMs:
Confidence-building measures
introduced in the House. The bill
LOC:
Line of Control (Kashmir)
would allow that up to $300
million in Pentagon funds be
used to reimburse Pakistan and other key cooperating nations for their
support of U.S. military operations. On the same day, the handcuffed
body of Pakistani journalist Hayatullah Khan was found in a rural area of
North Waziristan. Khan, who had been missing for more than six months,
was abducted by unknown gunmen after he reported on an apparent 12/05
U.S.-launched missile attack in Pakistan’s tribal region. Also, Russian
President Putin said that Gazprom was “ready to help” with a proposed
gas pipeline that would deliver Iranian gas to India through Pakistan.
06/15/06 — An emergency supplemental appropriations bill became P.L. 109-234 (see
6/8 entry). On the same day, President Musharraf visited China for a
Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit meeting, where he expressed
a keen interest in securing Pakistani membership in the body. Also, four
tribesman were killed by army troops in North Waziristan.
06/14/06 — Pakistani security forces backed by helicopter gunships attacked a
suspected rebel camp in Baluchistan, reportedly killing five militants and
capturing seven others. On the same day, the headless body of an alleged
“U.S. spy” was found in North Waziristan.
06/13/06 — State Department Counterterrorism Coordinator Crumpton told a Senate
panel that elements of Pakistan’s “local, tribal governments” are believed
to be in collusion with the Taliban and Al Qaeda, but that the United
States has no “compelling evidence” that Pakistan’s major intelligence
agency is assisting militants. On the same day, a Pew Center opinion poll
Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress

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found 27% of Pakistanis holding a favorable opinion of the United States,
up from 23% in 2005. The poll also found 52% of Pakistanis favoring
Iran’s acquisition of nuclear weapons, the highest percentage of all 14
countries surveyed. Also, Multan police reportedly arrested six members
of the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi terrorist group.
06/12/06 — In response to widespread confusion over the meaning of Pakistan-related
statements in H.Rept. 109-486 (see 6/5 entry), the U.S. embassy in
Islamabad issued a press release clarifying that the House-passed
appropriations bill was not Pakistan-specific and that the Bush
Administration remains committed to proposed aid levels for Pakistan.
On the same day, a bomb exploded in Quetta, killing 5 people and
wounding 17 others. Police suspect the banned Baluchistan Liberation
Army of involvement.
06/11/06 — The leader of the Pakistan Muslim League said that President Musharraf
would be re-elected by the current Parliament. On the same day,
Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force reported having destroyed a major heroin-
producing facility near the Afghan border. Also, security forces attacked
a group of suspected separatist militants in Baluchistan, killing 5 and
injuring 11 others.
06/10/06 — Pakistani security forces attacked a suspected militant camp in North
Waziristan near the Afghan border, reportedly killing at least 15 Islamic
militants. Some reports indicated the attack was conducted by U.S. forces.
On the same day, a main gas pipeline was blown up in Baluchistan.
06/09/06 — H.R. 5522, making foreign operations appropriations for FY2007, was
passed by the House. On the same day, Pakistani police reportedly foiled
a planned sectarian attack with the arrest of six suspected members of the
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi terrorist group.
06/08/06 — In H.Rept. 109-494 accompanying the
emergency
supplemental
appropriations bill (H.R. 4939), the conference committee authorized that
up to $740 million in Pentagon funds be used to reimburse Pakistan and
other key cooperating nations for their support of U.S. military operations,
that up to $22 million in counternarcotics assistance be made available to
support the efforts of Afghanistan and Pakistan, and proposed $40.5
million in additional economic support funds to meet Pakistani needs
related to the 10/05 earthquake.
06/07/06 — Pakistan pledged $3 million in aid to the Palestinian Authority. On
the same day, India’s foreign secretary told visiting Pakistani journalists
that Islamabad was “not trying to control” jihadi leaders operating from
Pakistani territory.
06/06/06 — S. 3456, to insure the implementation of the recommendations of the 9/11
Commission, was introduced in the Senate. The bill contains Pakistan-
related provisions. On the same day, the 17th meeting of the U.S.-
Afghanistan-Pakistan Tripartite Commission included discussions on
intelligence sharing and border security. Also, a Foreign Ministry
spokeswoman expressed Pakistan’s disappointment with the “slow pace”
of progress in the Pakistan-India Composite Dialogue.
06/05/06 — In H.Rept. 109-486, the House Appropriations Committee recommended
cutting the Administration’s FY2007 Pakistan aid request by $150 million
and it expressed concern about “what appears to be the Government of
Pakistan’s increasing lack of respect for human rights ... and the lack of

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progress on improving democratic governance and rule of law.” On the
same day, the U.S. State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons
Report again said that “Pakistan does not fully comply with the minimum
standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making
significant efforts to do so.” Also, Pakistan’s annual federal budget
allocated a total of $22.5 billion and included a 38% increase for public
sector development and a 12% increase for defense (to about $4.2 billion).
06/04/06 — Islamabad released its annual economic survey which reported
annual economic growth of 6.6% for the most recent fiscal year. On
the same day, India’s national security adviser said “Pakistan could do
much more to check terrorism emanating from across the border.” Also,
two Pakistani soldiers were killed by a landmine in North Waziristan.
06/02/06 — Two days of Pakistan-India talks on cultural exchanges ended. On the
same day, the Pakistani Senate unanimously adopted a resolution rejecting
U.S. concerns about illicit Pakistani nuclear proliferation figure A.Q.
Khan. Also, a senior Pakistani Senator called proposed U.S.-India civil
nuclear cooperation a violation of international and U.S. laws. Finally,
Pakistani officials reportedly arrested a senior member of the Lashkar-e-
Jhangvi terrorist group who was wanted in connection with deadly
sectarian attacks in 2003 and 2004.
06/01/06 — The World Bank announced that it would loan Pakistan up to $6.5 billion
for development projects in 2006-2009.
05/31/06 — The Pentagon notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to
Pakistan worth up to $370 million. The deal involves 130 Harpoon anti-
ship missiles. On the same day, Pakistan-India talks on terrorism and
narcotics reportedly included the Pakistani delegation raising suspicions
about covert Indian involvement in Pakistan’s Baluchistan conflict and the
Indian delegation conveying strong concerns over increasing incidents of
Islamist terrorism in India.
05/30/06 — A pro-government tribal elder was shot dead by masked gunmen in South
Waziristan.
05/29/06 — Landmine explosions killed two people, including a child, and injured ten
others in Baluchistan.
05/26/06 — Two days of Pakistan-India talks on the militarized Sir Creek dispute
ended with agreement to conduct a joint survey.
05/25/06 — During a House hearing on the A.Q. Khan nuclear proliferation
network, Members expressed concern about still-unanswered questions
and expert witnesses insisted that — contrary to Islamabad’s claims — the
case was not closed, and they urged that U.S. and international
investigators be given direct access to Khan. On the same day,
Undersecretary of State for Economic, Business, and Agricultural
Affairs Shiner completed a visit to Islamabad, where she met with top
Pakistani officials and sought to advance the U.S.-Pakistan Economic
dialogue. Also, Pakistan’s cabinet approved the $1 billion purchase of
airborne surveillance aircraft from Sweden. Finally, a landmine explosion
killed two villagers in Baluchistan.
05/24/06 — Two days of Pakistan-India talks on the militarized Siachen Glacier
dispute ended without progress. On the same day, Prime Minister Aziz
said that Pakistan and China are considering construction of an oil

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pipeline linking the Gwadar port with western China. Also, Iran’s foreign
minister visited Islamabad to meet with top Pakistani officials.
05/23/06 — London-based Amnesty International released its annual report which
criticized the Islamabad government for arbitrary arrests, allowing the
abuse of blasphemy laws, and failing to prevent “honor” killings in 2005.
On the same day, a study by the Business Software Alliance found that, at
86%, Pakistan’s software piracy rate is among the highest in the world.
Also, a Rawalpindi court sentenced four men to death and three to life in
prison for their roles in a 2004 suicide bomb attack on Shaukat Aziz
shortly before he became prime minister.
05/21/06 — Pakistani and Iranian officials held talks on plans for a proposed gas
pipeline that would deliver Iranian gas to India through Pakistan.
05/20/06 — A grenade attack by pro-Taliban militants killed two Pakistani soldiers in
North Waziristan.
05/18/06 — In the midst of heavy fighting in southern Afghanistan, Afghan President
Karzai claimed that Taliban-linked militants were being recruited
and trained in Pakistan. Islamabad called the claims “baseless.”
05/17/06 — During a House hearing on U.S. South Asia policy, Assistant Secretary
of State for Central and South Asia Boucher lauded the U.S.-Pakistan
“strategic partnership” and said Pakistan “will need continued support to
hold free and fair elections in 2007.” On the same day, Islamic militants
killed a Pakistan army officer and injured 5 others in North Waziristan.
Also, a bomb placed under a gas pipeline in Baluchistan killed a child and
injured two women.
05/16/06 — Up to 18 people, including numerous Islamic militants, 2 tribal policemen
and a soldier, were killed in gunbattles in North Waziristan.
05/15/06 — Civilian and military officials meeting in Peshawar called for creation of
a “grand jirga” to find a solution to ongoing conflict in North Waziristan.
05/14/06 — Exiled former Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto
jointly issued a “Charter of Democracy” that calls for removing the
military from politics and reversing most of the constitutional changes
made by President Musharraf, among other goals. On the same day,
suspected Islamic militants shot and killed a security officer near the
entrance to South Waziristan.
05/12/06 — Islamabad announced the appointment of retired Maj. Gen. Mahmud Ali
Durrani to be the new Ambassador to the United States.
05/11/06 — Five bombs exploded at a police training academy in Quetta, killing
six anti-terrorism policemen and injuring nine others. Members of the
banned Baluchistan Liberation Army were later arrested in connection
with the attack.
05/08/06 — A U.S. airstrike on a cave complex near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border
reportedly killed four suspected Taliban militants. Some press reports
indicated that missiles had landed on Pakistani territory in South
Waziristan and that eight people had died, but these reports were denied
by U.S. and Pakistani officials. On the same day, a Pakistani national and
alleged member of the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist group reportedly was shot
and killed by police in New Delhi, India.
05/07/06 — Landmine explosions killed three people and injured seven others in
Baluchistan.

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CRS-5
05/06/06 — During a visit to Afghanistan, State Department Counterterrorism
Coordinator Crumpton said Pakistan has not done enough to combat
terrorist elements near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. A Pakistan
Army spokesman called the claim “totally absurd.” On the same day,
militants in North Waziristan distributed leaflets with an alleged message
from Osama bin Laden urging Muslims everywhere to aid in the fight
against Pakistani forces in the tribal areas. Also, a former Afghan Taliban
official was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Quetta.
05/05/06 — Police in Karachi arrested six suspected members of the Lashkar-e-
Jhangvi Sunni terrorist group.
05/04/06 — U.S., Pakistani, and Afghan troops completed two days of joint military
exercises west of Islamabad, the first such exercises involving Afghan
army units.
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.
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, Uzbek President Karimov visited Islamabad,
where Pakistan and Uzbekistan signed a number of agreements meant to
bolster bilateral cooperation.
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.
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.

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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. 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, 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
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.
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.
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.
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.”
04/12/06 — 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 — A suicide bomber killed 57 people, including three prominent Sunni
leaders, and injured at least 100 others in a park in Karachi.
04/09/06 — The Islamabad government officially banned the separatist Baluchistan
Liberation Army as a terrorist organization.
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.
03/30/06 — U.S. soldiers ended their Pakistan earthquake relief mission, the
largest such mission since the 1948 Berlin Airlift.
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.
03/21/06 — Tests confirmed Pakistan’s first N5N1 avian flu infections.

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