Radio Mashaal - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Latest Pakistan News

Pakistan: Terror Sentences Of 1,610 Years

A court in northwestern Pakistan has imposed one of the longest prison sentences in the country's history to two men for their part in terrorist attacks on Shi'ite Muslim mourners. More

Medical staff treat a victim following twin bomb attacks in northwestern Pakistan.

13 Dead In Pakistani Mosque Attacks

Bombings at two mosques in a remote valley in northwestern Pakistan have killed at least 13 people. More

Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan

Imran Khan Wants Vote-Fraud Probe

Pakistani politician Imran Khan is giving a three-day ultimatum to the national election commission to investigate his party's claims of vote-rigging in last week's parliamentary polls. More

Khan's Party Plans Taliban Talks

The Pakistan Movement for Justice (PTI) party won a majority of seats in the northwestern province's assembly in the May 11 general elections. More

IMU Claims Quetta Suicide Bombing

The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan has claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing on May 11 in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan's Balochistan Province that killed six people and injured more than 60. More

More Pakistan News

Latest Blog Posts

Incoming Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif wipes his brow during a meeting with journalists at his house on the outskirts of Lahore on May 13.

Rashid On Sharif: 'I Don't Think The Military Will Be A Hindrance To Him'

Pakistan's Prime Minister-designate Nawaz Sharif is seen as keen on improving relations with the country's neighbors. In an interview with RFE/RL correspondent Abubakar Siddique, Pakistani author Ahmed Rashid weighed in on Sharif's likely approach to relations with Pakistan's neighbors and the United States. More

A voter shows his inked thumb in the Khyber tribal district after casting his ballot.

Live Blog: Pakistan Elections

Blog Archive

Features & Commentary

A map showing the rights of homosexuals around the world (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Interview: In 78 Countries, 'Blind Hatred' Persists Against Homosexuals

What is the state of LGBT rights in the world today? To mark International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) has released a map charting the rights of homosexuals around the world. The co-secretary general of ILGA, Renato Sabbadini, spoke to RFE/RL's Claire Bigg.

Sharif Seen As Trying To Reorient Pakistan's Foreign Policy

Pakistan's neighbors and global powers have welcomed Nawaz Sharif's victory in the country's May 11 general elections, in the hope that he will stabilize the country and change its external outlook. RFE/RL looks at Sharif's potential foreign policy moves.

Supporters of Nawaz Sharif celebrate with fireworks in Lahore on May 12.

WATCH: Google+ Hangout On Pakistan's Elections

RFE/RL holds a one-hour postelection Google Hangout on the Pakistani elections and what they tell Pakistanis and the world.

Former and soon-to-be Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif speaks to journalists at his house in Raiwind on the outskirts of Lahore on May 13.

Profile: Who Is Nawaz Sharif?

It remains to be seen whether once-and-future Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif can get along with the country's powerful military establishment, which opposes his peace overtures to India.

Sanam Faqeer (right), a transgender candidate in Pakistan

'Third Gender' Competes

Pakistan's May 11 elections will be the first time members of the country's marginalized "third-gender" community will be allowed to vote and run for office. The 500,000-strong community's newfound political rights are just the latest sign of their progress in recent years.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addresses supporters during a campaign rally in Rawalpindi on May 7. Could Sharif be set to take power again?

Pakistani Campaign Rhetoric More Bark Than Bite?

Pakistan's May 11 parliamentary elections are historic in that they mark the country's first democratic transition of power, but the campaign has been anything but peaceful. How could the acrimonious political atmosphere shape Pakistan's future government?

A Pakistani man walks past electoral posters of Pakistani politician and former cricketer Imran Khan, in Karachi.

A Guide To Pakistan's General Elections

Pakistan's May 11 general elections will help shape the future of a country that faces mounting economic and security challenges, and will determine if the course taken by the previous, secular government will continue.

Afghan border police hold their positions in the Goshta district of Nangarhar Province, where Afghanistan shares a frontier with Pakistan.

Explainer: What Lies Behind Latest Afghan-Pakistani Tensions?

Clashes have broken out between Afghan and Pakistani security forces along the countries' disputed border. RFE/RL looks at the history behind the latest skirmishes.

Pakistani Women Hit The Campaign Trail To Ensure Their Voice Is Heard

Women in Pakistan are working hard to avoid being left out of the May 11 elections. RFE/RL reports on how women in one restive, northwest province are putting their stamp on the campaign.

A Pakistani man places a shoe on an image of former President Pervez Musharraf during a protest in Quetta last month.

Mapping Out Pervez Musharraf's Legal Troubles

Former military leader General Pervez Musharraf's return to Pakistan after years of self-exile has exposed him to a number of criminal cases related to his nine-year rule. RFE/RL looks at the events, accusations, and courts involved.

Radio Mashaal was launched in January 2010 in order to counter a growing number of Islamic extremist radio stations in Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Province (now Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province) and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas along the border with Afghanistan.