Pakistani Investigators Acknowledge Involvement of Pakistanis in Pathankot Attack; Anti-State Violence in Pakistan Falls Below 2008 Level; Afghanistan: US, NATO Forces Effective

India

Pakistani investigators acknowledge involvement of Pakistani nationals in Pathankot attack

A joint team of Indian and Pakistani officials investigating the Pathankot incident acknowledged the involvement of Pakistani nationals in the January terrorist attack on the northwestern Indian military airbase (HT, NDTV). The joint investigative team submitted a written request to India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) under Section 188 of Pakistan’s criminal code, which applies to Pakistani nationals who commit crimes outside of the country. This request amounts to a formal recognition that Pakistani nationals played a role in the attack, according to a senior NIA official. Pakistani investigators concluded their tour of the Indian base on Thursday, and Indian investigators are expected to travel to Pakistan soon to continue their joint investigation. The attack on Pathankot lasted from Jan. 2 to Jan. 5 and resulted in the deaths of seven Indian military personnel. Indian authorities have accused Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed of orchestrating the attack.

Indian construction firm to face charges in overpass collapse

An under-construction highway overpass collapsed in Kolkata on Thursday, killing at least 24 people (CNN, Asian Age). CNN reported on Friday that Indian construction firm IVRCL would face several charges in connection with the collapse, according to Nurul Absar, a local police chief. About 80 additional people were injured in the accident, according to a National Disaster Management Authority official. Rescue operations have slowed, as authorities do not expect to find many more survivors.

Tesla to enter Indian market

American electric car manufacturer Tesla has announced its plans to enter the Indian market with its new Model 3 vehicle, expected to enter markets in 2018 (BGR). The company has already begun taking pre-orders for the new cars from Indian customers, who have to pay a deposit of $1,000 to reserve a vehicle. Tesla CEO Elon Musk also confirmed on Twitter that the company plans on installing a network of superchargers — charging stations that can quickly charge the vehicle’s battery — in India, a crucial step that will make Tesla vehicles more marketable outside of major metro areas.

— Udit Banerjea

Pakistan

Anti-state violence in Pakistan in 2015 falls below 2008 levels

According to a report released in March by Pakistan’s Human Rights Commission, anti-state violence fell below the level of violence in 2008 and experienced a 40% decrease from the past year (Dawn). The report recorded 706 militant attacks that killed 1,325 people, including 619 civilians. The report also found a drop in crime in Punjab province.

Pakistan asks Iran to arrest purported Indian spy’s accomplice

On Thursday, Pakistan’s interior ministry conveyed a communiqué to Iran asking it to arrest an alleged accomplice of Kulbhushan Yadav, the purported Indian spy arrested by Pakistan earlier this month (ET). In a video confession released by Pakistan, Yadav said he had been posted at Chabahar, Iran to spy on Pakistan and that he had been assisted by a sub-inspector in India’s intelligence agency named Rakesh, who was also based in Chabahar. In addition to Rakesh’s arrest, Pakistan also asked for information on the two men’s contact and travels. The request follows criticism on Wednesday from Iran of Pakistani claims regarding the purported Indian spy.

Afghanistan

Bonus Read: “Former Guantanamo Prisoner Leads Afghanistan’s Fight Against ISIS,” by Laura Cesaretti and Silab Mangal (The Diplomat)

Afghan presidency: NATO, U.S. troops effective

On Thursday, Afghanistan’s presidential palace emphasized that the presence of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan is effective (TOLO News). A spokesman for the presidency stated: “The deals that Afghanistan signed with the United States and NATO form the base for the presence of foreign troops in Afghanistan. The troops have been effective in the fight against terrorist as well as strengthening Afghan forces.” The spokesman added that it was up to the United States to decide whether to maintain its troops in the country adding, “We, ourselves, are ready to defend our country.”

— David Sterman

Edited by Peter Bergen

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