North and central Balochistan was hit by a massive earthquake measuring 6.4 on Richter scale on October 291. Reports indicated that over 300 people lost their lives while at least 500 people were injured and 40,000 rendered homeless. Relief aid also could not reach the affected areas on time as most of the connecting roads were damaged. Powerful aftershocks were felt in the adjoining areas2.

At least 32 people were reported killed in US missile attacks in North and South Waziristan on October 313. Prime Minister Gilani termed the US attacks as “‘counterproductive” and added that the attacks “from across the border have retarded our efforts and strengthened militancy4.” The Pakistani Foreign Office also noted that the relations between Islamabad and Washington were “strained over the handling of militancy5.”

In other developments, militants operating in Khar, Bajaur province intended to surrender to the state authorities and give up arms without any conditions6. Reports also noted that tribesmen killed at least 20 Taliban militants in a fierce battle that took place in Mingora on October 26. The tribesmen had repulsed an attempt of the militants to kidnap the chief of the tribal militias, Pir Samiullah7.

• 1. Saleem Shahid, “Massive quake flattens Ziarat villages: Over 200 dead, 500 injured; thousands spend chilly night in the open,” Dawn, October 30, 2008, at http://www.dawn.com/2008/10/30/top1.htm
• 2. “Quake survivors wait for aid,” Daily Times, October 31, 2008, at http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008\10\31\story_31-10-2008_pg1_1
• 3. Mushtaq Yusufzai, “32 killed in US missile strikes,” The News, November 01, 2008, at http://www.thenews.com.pk/arc_default.asp
• 4. Asim Yasin, “PM terms US attacks counterproductive,” The News, November 02, 2008, http://www.thenews.com.pk/arc_default.asp
• 5. Baqir Sajjad Syed, “FO admits ties with US strained,” Dawn, November 01, 2008, at http://www.dawn.com/2008/11/01/top3.htm
• 6. Anwarullah Khan, “Bajaur militants agree to surrender unconditionally,” Dawn, October 30, 2008, at http://www.dawn.com/2008/10/30/top3.htm
• 7. “Swat lashkar battles Taliban,” Daily Times, October 27, 2008, at http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008\10\27\story_27-10-2008_pg1_1