Ismail Khan is Dawn’s Editor (North), based in Peshawar. With 35 years of reporting experience, he covers politics and security issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Afghanistan. He was part of the NYT reporting team that received the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for its coverage of the region.
A combination of factors — including India’s growing influence and Ghani’s courting of pan-Pakhtun nationalism and larger strategic goals — led Islamabad to continue backing the Taliban.
Updated28 Feb, 202609:02am
"Taliban regime forces are being delivered punishment in Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram and Bajaur sectors”, says information ministry.
Updated27 Feb, 202601:25am
The plan for state intervention in the valley was fully mapped out in the summer of 2025. Fresh off the heels of a successful operation in Bajaur, the authorities were optimistic. But they hadn’t reckoned with the weather ... or Sohail Afridi.
Updated29 Jan, 202605:03pm
Whether the pursuit of peace with the TTP was his own brainchild or an assignment given to him by his then-boss Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, it’s hard to tell.
Updated12 Dec, 202509:39pm
After the United States withdrew from Afghanistan, leaving behind military equipment, not only did militants’ attacks increase manifold, but the lethality of their attacks also spiked.
Updated01 Dec, 202510:32am
After losing the technological advantage to militants armed with US-made weaponry and drones, the security apparatus has spent
Published26 Nov, 202507:21am
"One terrorist blew himself up at the gate, while two others tried to enter the premises but were gunned down by FC personnel,” says Peshawar CCPO.
Updated25 Nov, 202507:09am
Police say incident occurred due to detonation of stored explosive material; CM Afridi seeks report from IG; Kundi attends cop's funeral prayers.
Updated02 Nov, 202503:39pm
Rescue 1122 response faced nearly 40-minute delay; district emergency officer was AWOL, man recruited as diver was "afraid of water".
Updated14 Jul, 202508:05am
"Own losses" far outstrip dent IBOs, kinetic actions put in militants’ operational ability; need to revisit existing anti-terror strategies.
Updated02 Jan, 202507:27pm
Ministers accuse ex-PM's wife of “hijacking” PTI’s decision-making; post on Imran's X account seemingly backs Bushra's stance.
Updated27 Nov, 202410:57am
Section 144 imposed in Khyber for 30 days; Amnesty calls on govt to revoke ban; Barrister Saif questions silence of federal officials on issue.
Updated09 Oct, 202412:42am
