Pak Army headquarters in Rawalpindi attacked, a Brigadier and Lt. Col. among those dead, Taliban claims responsibility; Kerry-Lugar Bill generates criticism in the Army and National Assembly
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    • The Pakistan Army headquarters in Rawalpindi was attacked by unidentified terrorists dressed as army personnel on October 10. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Athar Abbas stated that 6-7 terrorists opened fire when they were stopped for security checks.1 Some of them managed to enter the complex and hold nearly 40 people hostage even as troops waged a pitched battle to fight them. Among those killed initially included a Brigadier, a Lieutenant Colonel and four soldiers who died in the rescue operations. The Taliban claimed responsibility of the attack.2

    The Kerry-Lugar bill generated considerable controversy as army officials criticised its contents, especially those relating to supervision from the civilian authority. The opposition in the National Assembly also called it a “strategic sell-out of Pakistan’s sovereignty.”3 Reports noted that President Obama held a meeting at the White House with his top military and political aides to discuss the Pakistan situation. Vice President Biden and Defence Secretary Gates were among those present.4

    Even as the Pakistan Army prepared to launch a renewed offensive against the Taliban in South Waziristan, President Zardari and PM Gilani reiterated their conviction to fight the Al Qaeda and Taliban operating in the region.5

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