Pakistan intelligence officials: The leader of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Hakimullah Mehsud believed to have been killed by a US drone strike; Pakistan Supreme Court accuses PM Gilani of contempt of court; Sui blast damages gas pipe; World Bank Repor
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    • According to reports, the leader of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Hakimullah Mehsud, which poses the gravest security threat to the country, was believed killed by a US drone strike on January 12, Pakistan intelligence officials said on January 15, 2012. The officials said they intercepted wireless radio chatter between Taliban fighters detailing how Hakimullah Mehsud was killed while travelling in a convoy to a meeting in the North Waziristan tribal region near the Afghan border. However, a senior military official said there was no official confirmation that the Pakistani state’s deadliest enemy had been killed. The Pakistani Taliban issued a denial.1

    In another development, according to reports, Pakistan's Supreme Court has issued a contempt order against Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, raising the prospect of his prosecution. The court has been considering what to do about the government's refusal to reopen corruption cases against the president and other political figures. Meanwhile, Gilani has said that he will appear in person at the court on Thursday to defend himself. His announcement came on a day of several challenges for the government.2

    According to reports, a pipeline transmitting gas to Karachi and interior Sindh was damaged in a blast by unknown attackers near Dera Bugti’s Sui area on Monday. According to security sources, the explosive material was planted in the Gopat area, 24 kilometres from Sui. The blast took place and the pipeline caught fire as a result. However, due to insecurity in the region, the pipeline’s repair could not be initiated at the time.3

    In other developments, a World Bank report released on January 18, 2012 noted that economic activity in Pakistan firmed in the second half of 2011 although it continues to markedly lag behind other nations in South Asia. Pakistan is South Asia’s second largest economy, representing about 15 per cent of regional GDP. The portion on Pakistan points out that the country’s economy firmed in the second half of 2011. Industrial production surged to grow at a robust 32.1pc annualised pace during the three months ending in October, after falling at 9.1 and 10.1pc rates during the first and second quarters, respectively. Part of the strengthening in growth reflects base effects due to the widespread flooding that had hampered activity in the second half of 2010. Since the floods occurred in July and August 2010, GDP growth on a fiscal year basis (ending June-2011) slowed to 2.4pc.4

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