News for 'Pakistan Desk'

What Pakistan Army Reshuffle Means

What Pakistan Army Reshuffle Means

Rediff.com9 Aug 2022

The timing of these transfers, while being projected as routine, is significant in both strategic and political terms, asserts Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.

Pakistan army chief promotes 6 generals

Pakistan army chief promotes 6 generals

Rediff.com25 Nov 2020

How Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa deals with the ensuing reshuffle of lieutenant generals would be interesting to watch, notes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.

Discontent simmers in Pakistan army

Discontent simmers in Pakistan army

Rediff.com25 Dec 2019

Senior general refuses to retire, reveals Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Ananlysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.

Pakistan appoints new ISI chief

Pakistan appoints new ISI chief

Rediff.com17 Jun 2019

Lieutenant General Faiz Hamid will take to his new command as duck to water, notes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.

Why a Pakistan colonel was kidnapped

Why a Pakistan colonel was kidnapped

Rediff.com28 Aug 2020

A retired Pakistan army officer incurs army chief General Bajwa's wrath, reveals Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.

Bajwa shuffles Pakistan's generals

Bajwa shuffles Pakistan's generals

Rediff.com24 Aug 2018

'By convention, the prime minister is technically kept in the loop for the DG, ISI's appointment.' 'It remains to be seen if Prime Minister Imran Khan is able to indicate any preference by then,' says Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan Desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.

Pakistan hangs brigadier for spying

Pakistan hangs brigadier for spying

Rediff.com25 Nov 2019

It is unlikely Brigadier Raja Rizwan was working for RA&W, notes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.

A big reshuffle of Pakistan's generals

A big reshuffle of Pakistan's generals

Rediff.com26 Nov 2020

Keeping trusted men in key positions at Lahore, Rawalpindi and Peshawar has become vital for Bajwa, notes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.

Travel woes and halal food hunt plague Afghan cricketers

Travel woes and halal food hunt plague Afghan cricketers

Rediff.com21 Jun 2024

The non-availability of halal meat, a must-have in their menu, in their Bridgetown hotel forced them to temporarily wear a chef's apron.

Pakistan tries to cement ties with Saudi Arabia

Pakistan tries to cement ties with Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com21 Jan 2021

India should remember that Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations will remain special due, not least, to bonds of all Muslims with The Holy Land. They would also be strategic enough, irrespective of whether the ambassador is a military man or a career civilian appointee., notes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.

In Pakistan, Allah smiles upon Lt Gen Asif Ghafoor

In Pakistan, Allah smiles upon Lt Gen Asif Ghafoor

Rediff.com5 Aug 2022

as journalists active in Pakistani media have been quick to point out, with Ghafoor at the helm in Balochistan, no one will take seriously any claims by the civilian leadership to use the velvet glove to work for peace there, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.He did not hesitate to pejorate developments in India at the slightest opportunity, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.

'General Zia was real startled'

'General Zia was real startled'

Rediff.com21 Mar 2024

'But he was very quick and did a very stylish adab.' 'Of course, I didn't expect him to hug.'

China urges Pakistan to arrest terrorists behind Karachi University blast

China urges Pakistan to arrest terrorists behind Karachi University blast

Rediff.com11 May 2022

China's charge d'affaires Pang Chunxue met Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah to discuss various issues, including the security of the Chinese nationals in Pakistan in the wake of the suicide bombing.

What is going on in Pakistan?

What is going on in Pakistan?

Rediff.com21 Oct 2020

His ministers's conduct may lead to a distancing between the army leadership and Prime Minister Imran Khan reveals Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.

Rediff's Wave Rider Retires!

Rediff's Wave Rider Retires!

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

We asked colleagues, present and past, to reflect on a man who has made such a difference to their lives and careers. Here it is then, a rich collection of memories that offer enchanting glimpses of the enigmatic Ajit Balakrishnan.

Which way is Pakistan headed?

Which way is Pakistan headed?

Rediff.com12 Oct 2020

With the maulana fully committed and PML (N) cadres prepared to court arrest, this would be the first time where both Punjabis and Pakhtuns would be standing up against the Pakistan army, notes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.

Is Imran Khan's PTI Party Imploding?

Is Imran Khan's PTI Party Imploding?

Rediff.com25 May 2023

These are obviously not 'organic' desertions but brought about under intense military pressure, post the 9/5 arrests. It seemed as if the party was being dismantled the same way it was brought into power!, notes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W, India's external intelligence agency.

India's moon landing gets front-page coverage in Pak

India's moon landing gets front-page coverage in Pak

Rediff.com24 Aug 2023

Despite the chill in bilateral ties, Pakistan's media on Thursday gave front-page coverage to India's historic moon landing while a former minister even called it a 'great moment' for Indian Space Research Organisation.

When will the ISI get a new boss?

When will the ISI get a new boss?

Rediff.com5 Apr 2021

There were reports of lobbying within the Pakistan army for the ISI DG's post, which falls vacant in June, reveals Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.

What Pakistan plans to do with a new political map

What Pakistan plans to do with a new political map

Rediff.com8 Aug 2020

India cannot afford to be complacent about a possible Pakistan resort to military options across the LoC, warns Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.

Imran May Be Jailed For A Long Time

Imran May Be Jailed For A Long Time

Rediff.com10 May 2023

His disqualification to participate in future elections may follow, notes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W, India's external intelligence agency.

Why's Pak Army Chief Shuffling Generals?

Why's Pak Army Chief Shuffling Generals?

Rediff.com14 Oct 2022

Significantly, these 12 officers would form a major part of the team that the new army chief will inherit, observes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W, India's external intelligence agency.

What Was Pak Army Chief Doing in Britain?

What Was Pak Army Chief Doing in Britain?

Rediff.com19 Aug 2022

Another extension for General Bajwa in office at this juncture looks unlikely at this juncture, observes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.

Why Is The Taliban Angry With Pakistan?

Why Is The Taliban Angry With Pakistan?

Rediff.com4 Jan 2022

The Taliban is showing its strong discontent as the high hopes given to it by the Pakistani military have been dashed, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

The man who could succeed Pak army chief

The man who could succeed Pak army chief

Rediff.com26 Nov 2019

Lieutenant General Sahir Shamshad Mirza is the Pakistan army's new chief of general staff, notes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.

India, Pakistan, Taliban On Same Page?

India, Pakistan, Taliban On Same Page?

Rediff.com30 Nov 2021

Delhi has come to accept the Taliban takeover in Kabul as a reality and seems increasingly unsure of its dogmatic view of the Taliban as a mere proxy of the Pakistani military and security establishment, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Is The Taliban Breaking Away From Pakistan?

Is The Taliban Breaking Away From Pakistan?

Rediff.com18 Jan 2022

The Taliban's main challenge comes on the financial and economic front and there Pakistan doesn't have the capacity to be of any meaningful help, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Who will Pakistan army chief promote?

Who will Pakistan army chief promote?

Rediff.com31 Mar 2019

General Bajwa gets inputs from his senior officers, but he has the final word, notes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.

Pak Army Chief Is In No Mood To Forgive Imran Khan

Pak Army Chief Is In No Mood To Forgive Imran Khan

Rediff.com6 Mar 2023

The military establishment is in no mood to forgive or forget Imran's anti-military utterances, observes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RAW, India's external intelligence agency.

Army Angry With Former Puppet Imran Khan

Army Angry With Former Puppet Imran Khan

Rediff.com28 Oct 2022

The press briefing seemed a deliberate decision to let the army convey its angst to Imran directly, observes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RAW, India's external intelligence agency.

Why Bajwa did not shift ISI chief

Why Bajwa did not shift ISI chief

Rediff.com8 Sep 2021

Despite persisting questions among peer officers in the army about his professional competence and ethics, after his recent 'triumphal' Kabul sojourn, Faiz Hameed remains the hot favourite of both General Bajwa and Prime Minister Imran Khan, notes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Analysis Wing.

IB, RAW chiefs get 6 months extension; to continue till LS polls

IB, RAW chiefs get 6 months extension; to continue till LS polls

Rediff.com14 Dec 2018

The decision to extend the tenure of the two intelligence chiefs was taken due to the forthcoming general election by the prime minister-led Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

Who Benefits From Imran Khan Attack?

Who Benefits From Imran Khan Attack?

Rediff.com4 Nov 2022

The rather amateurish, even ham-handed, attack would lend some credence to a 'false flag' theory, of the PTI leadership staging this incident, to provide new impetus to a flagging agitation, notes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RAW, India's external intelligence agency.

Why the ISI chief was changed

Why the ISI chief was changed

Rediff.com8 Oct 2021

Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, who has been replaced as ISI chief, will remain in the forefront of Pakistani initiatives in Afghanistan as also in the peace talks with the Tehrik e Taliban, Pakistan. He will also get a year plus to serve in a corps command, remaining in the race for selection as the next army chief when General Bajwa retires in November 2022, explains Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at the Research and Analysis Wing.

Prez invokes Ram temple, Art 370 in Parl speech

Prez invokes Ram temple, Art 370 in Parl speech

Rediff.com31 Jan 2024

In her first address to a joint sitting of the two Houses in the new Parliament building in which she touched on varied issues ranging from insurgency to inflation, Murmu said a country can progress at a fast pace only when it defeats the challenges of the past and puts maximum energy into building the future.

Has Pakistan Learnt Its Afghan Lessons?

Has Pakistan Learnt Its Afghan Lessons?

Rediff.com24 Sep 2021

Imran Khan knows Pakistan is holding a strong hand and doesn't have to flaunt it while claiming victory. But Pakistan has learned from the experience of the 1990s -- high risk of going out on a limb, asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Coronavirus cases rise to 212 in Pakistan

Coronavirus cases rise to 212 in Pakistan

Rediff.com17 Mar 2020

The Sindh province is the worst-hit with 172 cases, followed by 15 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 10 in Balochistan, 8 in Punjab, 5 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 2 in Islamabad, officials said.

Will Imran Khan wrest Pakistan on July 25?

Will Imran Khan wrest Pakistan on July 25?

Rediff.com12 Jul 2018

'The army has been open about its determination to keep the PML-Nawaz out of power at all costs.' 'Both the military and the higher judiciary have indicated a preference for Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehrik e Insaaf,' says Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan Desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.

Disastrous Decisions, Achievements: Pervez Musharraf's Mixed Legacy

Disastrous Decisions, Achievements: Pervez Musharraf's Mixed Legacy

Rediff.com6 Feb 2023

Learning perhaps from the Kargil debacle, Musharraf tried hard to evolve as a statesman in his dealings with India, recalls Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

Challenges Imran's 'Naya Pakistan' Faces

Challenges Imran's 'Naya Pakistan' Faces

Rediff.com30 Jul 2018

'Against the backdrop of difficult administrative, political and economic problems, Imran's temperament and staying power will be the subject of intense expectation and public scrutiny,' says Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan Desk at the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.