Part-1      PAKISTAN

BALOCHISTAN

1. Two persons were killed, and thirteen others injured in an armed clash between the supporters of Balochistan Awami party BAP and Pakistan Peoples’ party PPP on recounting of votes, outside of the office of Returning officer, outside Civic Center in Hub (15.2.24).

2. Unidentified miscreants blew up six-inch-wide pipe of Sui Southern Gas Company in Mach Nadi area of Bolan district (21.2.24).

3. Two labourers identified as Muhammad Ameen and Muhammad Younas were kidnapped by unknown armed persons in Allah Yar Shah Dam area of Kachhi district (22.2.24).

4. Unidentified assailants shot dead a man by the name of Younas and injured two others in Suleimani Khel area of Killa Abdullah district (24.2.24).

5. Unknown shooters in a targeted attack killed a wine shop owner Lilla Ram and injured his grandson Kirta Ram in Kalat town (26.2.24).

6. Unknown armed motorcyclists in a targeted attack shot dead a person identified as Kamran Riaz in a diesel shop in Gwadar. The deceased reportedly hailed from Kabir Wala in Khanewal district (27.2.24).

Comment & Analysis: During this fortnight the activities of terrorists and separatists remained subdued, mainly due to persistent and effective preventive efforts of the LEAs and intelligence agencies. Nevertheless, the guards should not be lowered and LEAs/Intelligence agencies should step up the efforts to capitalise on the advantage gained over the miscreants.

KPK

1. Unidentified armed motorcyclists martyred a Police constable Sher Azam near Hazara Phosphate factory near Kot Najeebullah Road in Haripur (16.2.24)

2. A charred body of an unidentified person was found from Baba Mountain near Shago area in Khar tehsil of Bajaur district (16.2.24).

3. Security forces in an IBO killed two terrorists identified as Rehmat Ullah @ Badar Mansur and Amjad @ Babar during exchange of fire in Tank district (17.2.24).

4. Seven terrorists were killed by the security forces in an IBO in South Waziristan district. However, during exchange of fire Sepoy Shahzeb Aslam embraced martyrdom (17.2 24).

5. Unidentified motorcyclists martyred police inspector Wakil Khan (Assistant Security Officer of CM secretariat) along with his friend Naseeb Khan during a targeted attack in Dargai bazar of Malakand district (17.2.24).

6. Four persons were killed in an armed clash between the two groups in Wazir Kada area of Peshawar. The slain persons were identified as Nawaz Khan, Hadir Haji, Saleh, and Azad (18.2.24).

7.  Police effectively repulsed attack of heavily armed terrorists on Chadwan police station in Dera Ismail Khan district (18.2.24).

Comments & Analysis: It is a positive sign that D I Khan police has learned to repulse the terrorist attacks effectively. It appears they have been equipped and trained to face such attacks. The next step is to foil the attacks before they manage to reach the police stations. It would need a greater coordination between the intelligence agencies and the LEAs.

8. Security forces in an IBO killed a terrorist identified as Muhammad Suhaila during exchange of fire in Dera Ismail Khan district (20.2.24).

9. Unknown persons threw grenades at the office of a youth leader Malik Khalid Khan who also unsuccessfully contested the 8th of February elections in Umary area of Bajaur. No damage if human life was reported as the said office was empty at that time (21.2.24).

10. Police claimed to have recovered a teenager boy Adnan Zeb in a tip-off raid from a house and arrested two alleged captors identified as Waqas Ahmed and Muhammad Shafi. The boy was kidnapped last month for ransom from Loharband area of Mansehra district (22.2.24).

11. Two persons identified as Said ul Islam and Ashfaq were killed, and two others injured in a blast that took place in a house of Shankiyari area of Mansehra district where explosive material stored (22.2.24).

12. Police personnel deputed at a security post in Manji area repulsed the attack of terrorists during exchange of intense fire in Lakki Marwat district (22.2.24).

13. Five persons sustained injuries in a bomb blast outside a hotel Darzinda area of Dera Ismail Khan district (23.2.24).

14. CTD police claimed to have arrested a net of alleged terrorists including Mukhtyar, Muhammad Ibrahim, Yousaf, Raj Wali, and Rehmat Ullah in an IBO while another accomplice named Noor Ali Shah is still at large. They were affiliated with defunct TTP and has reportedly confessed killing of Dr Abdul Rehman District officer of Polio Programme and three others in different attacks on 19th January in the said district (23.2.24).

15. Three businessmen named Ahmad, Sajjad and Adnan travelling in a car were killed during an ambush by the unidentified assailants near Jamia Mahmoodia in Tarangzai area of Charsada district (23.2.24).

16. Police arrested one Muhammad Yousaf on the complaint of NADRA office for facilitating an Afghan national Sher Hassan by falsely showing him as his family member for acquiring Pakistani computerised national identity card (CNIC) in Darosh area of Chitral district (23.2.24).

17. Unidentified motorcyclists gunned down a tribal elder Malik Shah Muhammad Khan at Ferozkhel area in lower part of Orakzai district. It is learned that in 2013 his brother Adam Khan was also killed in a bomb blast (24.2.24).

18. A grenade was hurled by unknown miscreants on a filling station in the limits of Mathura Police station in Peshawar with no damage to human life was reported. The owner of the filling station had been receiving calls from extortionists for the last several weeks (25.2.24).

Comment & Analysis: It is learned that many people, particularly among the business community, are receiving such calls. In a few instances grenades were thrown by such criminals on their business and residential locations. Usually, terrorists and at times imposters make such calls to extort money. Police must take notice of this trend as it creates insecurity among the people and emboldens the miscreants.

19. Police killed two wanted terrorists allegedly affiliated with defunct TTP including Mohsin Qadir in Katlang area of Mardan district. However, during exchange of fire Superintendent of Police (SP) Ijaz Khan Sherpao was martyred while Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Naseem Khan injured along with two constables (27.2.24).

20. Unidentified armed motorcyclist martyred police Constable Qaiser Khan and injured two others in the limits of Phando police station in Peshawar district (27.2.24).

21. Unknown gunmen shot dead two persons Imran Khan and Farman Khan of a medicine company in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur district (27.2.24).

PUNJAB

1. Dead bodies of two young persons identified as Falak Sher and Saram Ali were found in an under construction building near Chandni Chowk, Rawalpindi. Investigations are underway to determine motive behind the murders (15.2.24).

2. A Pakistan origin Frech citizen Choudhary Sajjad was allegedly kidnapped from Jalil Town in the limits of Safdar Police Station in Gujranwala for demand of Rs 50 million as ransom amount (17.2 24).

3. Three cousins including Bilal and Imtiaz residents of Dinga area in Gujarat district were reportedly kidnapped by a gang based in Kashmore, Sindh after having been trapped there in connection with purchase of vehicle on 22 January. Later their family received a call on 5 February for ransom. It is learned that local police requested the Kashmore police through the Home Department Punjab for initiating a legal proceeding in the case (17.2.24).

4.  A young transporter Ameer Balaj Tipu s/o Arif Ameer known as Tipu Trukanwala was shot dead while four others injured during a targeted attack in a wedding function in Chung area of Lahore. The alleged shooter identified as Muzaffar Hussain was also killed in crossfire between the guards of the deceased and the attacker accomplices. Police reportedly registered case FIR against Khawaja Aqeel @ Gogi Butt and Khawaja Tareef Gulshan @ Teefi Butt, known gangsters of Lahore, being alleged master minds behind the murder on complaint of the deceased’s brother (18.2.24).

Comments & Analysis: Both Trukanwala family and the two Butts (Gogi & Teefi) are the known underworld gangsters in Lahore. They are involved in multiple murder and extortion cases. Deceased’s father Tipu Trukanwala was also shot dead in the parking area of Allama Iqbal International Airport at Lahore in 2010. Murder of Ameer Balaj may restart a new wave of inter gangs war in the town after a long period of lull.

6. CTD police claimed to have arrested seven persons allegedly affiliated with proscribed terrorist organisations i.e. ISIS, TTP and LeJ during different raids in different district of the Punjab province. The arrested accused were identified as Rahim Shah, Hussain Muawiya, Murtaza Hassan, Muhammad Usman, Rehmat Ullah, Usman Saeed and Kashif Nadeem (18 .2.24).

7. Police constable identified as Saeed Khan was shot dead in a targeted attack by unknown gunmen in Pirwadahi area of Rawalpindi. Investigations are underway to determine the motive behind the murder was an act of terrorism or a personal enmity (21.2.24).

8. Unknown man allegedly kidnapped a minor boy named Rehan from Harbanspura area of Lahore (22.2.24).

9. A teenager girl wearing a dress containing Arabic calligraphy in Ichhra Bazar, Lahore was harassed on a misunderstanding that holy verses were imprinted on her clothes. A charged mob accused her of blasphemy. However, before the situation became worse, police reached the spot and not only tactfully pulled her out safely but also pacified the mob. Police also confirmed that no sacred inscription was found on the dress except the Arabic design (25.2.24).

Comments& Analysis: – The girl reportedly too later in the presence of police and local religious scholars declared that she being a Muslim never imagined committing such act and wore the said dress inadvertently. The incident was settled down amicably to the satisfaction of everyone. ASP Syeda Sherbano Naqvi was reportedly recommended by IG Police Punjab for awarding Quaid-e-Azam Police medal for her valour and successfully defusing the situation in this regard. People have shown resentment on the rising extremism in the society.  A comprehensive article written by the editor The Strategic Brief Dr Naveed Elahi on the subject was published on 26.2.24.

SINDH

1. Masked motorcyclists injured police constable Siraj Ahmed in an unsuccessful bid to snatch his gun during an attack on Shahi Bagh check post in Laddi area of Shikarpur district (15.2.24).

2. Unidentified motorcyclists gunned down one Muhammad Nazir at Khadim Solangi Goth in Karachi (17.2.24).

3. Police killed six robbers and arrested a number of their accomplices during encounters while foiling their attempts of looting citizens in different areas of Karachi. Out of them three slain rubbers were later identified as Rab Nawaz, Kashif, Ashraf Barkat (22.2.24).

4. A shopkeeper identified as Yameen, affiliated with Ahel Sunnat wal Jamaat (ASWJ) was killed by unknown shooters in Orangi area of Karachi (22.2.24).

5. Seven people including Wali Muhammad, Khushi, Shah Muhammad, Abdul Hafeez and Ramzan were killed and several others injured in an armed clash between the two groups of Jatoi and Mahar tribes over a piece of state-owned forest land in the jurisdiction of Raza Goth police station in Banu Aqil district (26.2.24)

Defence and Security

Pakistan- Turkish High Level Military Dialogue Group (HLMDG) held 18th round meeting at Defence Ministry, chaired by the Defence Secretary Lt. General (r) Hamood uz Zaman Khan and Turkish Deputy Chief of Defence Staff General Irfan Ozsert. Matters of mutual interest between the two countries, whole spectrum of defence cooperation, counter terrorism and regional security scenario came under discussion in the meeting. General Ozsert also called on Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of Navel Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Martial Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu separately during his visit to Pakistan. Pakistan and Türkiye are strategic partner in military, defence field with very strong brotherhood based upon common belief, heritage, culture, and history (13-16.2.24).

          Pakistan Navy exercise “Sea Park -24” was conducted in accordance with wartime plan and preparedness in Creek area of costal belt with Balochistan and Sindh. It was witnessed by the Chief of Navel Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf who admired the operational readiness and mobilisation of the various elements of the navy. The creek belt share southeast maritime boundaries with India. Earlier the navel chief witnessed the keel laying ceremony of indigenous project for 2nd Hangoor class submarine project, held at Shipyard and Engineering Works Karachi. It is being undertaken with the collaboration with China Ship Building and Offshore Company Ltd. As per agreement between Pakistan and China out of eight submarines, four are to be built in China and the four others in Pakistan (14 & 15.3.24).

                 In another event, the launching ceremony of the 4th Offshore Patrol Vassel PNS Yamama was held at M/S Damen shipyard Galit, Romania where Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Oasis Ahmed was the chief guest (14,15 and 21.2.24).

                The 7th International Pakistan Army Team Spirt exercise (PATS) was inaugurated at National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) at Pabbi, to enhance military to military cooperation in the complexed international security environment. It was attended by 20 friendly countries including China, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Japan, and USA as observers (24.2.24).

             A joint on Job training of Pakistan and Saudi Arabian Royal Land Forces was held at Multan. The training session aimed sharing each other experience in military maneuver and conventional and non-conventional operations and battlefield techniques (15- 26.2924).

                       Part-2      REGIONAL

AFGHANISTAN

i.Two-day UN sponsored Conference (17 & 18.2.24) on the future of Afghanistan ended with the press briefing of its Secretary General Antonio Guterres at Doha, Qatar. He reportedly stated that the Islamic Emirate led by the Taliban did not attend the meeting as that were not willing to UN talks with representatives of civil societies/ other ethnic groups of Afghanistan and demanded similar treatment as par for their recognition and the same was not acceptable. He added that the UN wanted to see a peaceful Afghanistan within itself, for the neighbours and also uphold commitments and obligations of restoring women/human rights in the country. The conference was held with the aim to implement recognition and appoint UN special representative for Afghanistan to bring the country into international stream. In last December, UNSC adopted a resolution about engaging Afghanistan including appointment of its special representative to the country for facilitation which was supported by USA and western countries while Russia and China exercised different stance by observing absentia during the voting. IEA spokesperson Zabhiullah Mujahid said that UNSC’s close door meeting on 26 February to appoint special envoy for Afghanistan failed to produce any positive outcome due to absence of consciences among the member states. Russia and China reportedly termed that the Doha conference ended without any achievement due to absence of the representatives of the ruling IEA government in the country.

The Taliban spokesperson of Kabul Police Khalid Zadran denied the news about the missile attacks on Kabul airport, terming it baseless, fake and without any truth. Earlier the freedom fighter group of National Resistance Front left by Ahmad Masood claimed that four Taliban soldiers were killed, and three others injured on its attack on the military position at the Kabul airport (26.2.24).

Line of Actual control (LAC) / China- India Border

China and India held 21st round of Corps Commanders level talks at Moldo-Chussel meeting point in Ladakh with proposals to mutually resolve existing border issues of the two countries (19.2 24). India pressed for resolution of lingering issues of Depsang and Demchok sub-sectors but reportedly no tangible breakthrough could take place. Chinese Ministry of Defence quoted that both sides also agreed to maintain continuous communications through military and diplomatic channels by observing peace and tranquility at Line of Actual Control (LAC). Since stand-off in April 2020 over 50000 thousand troops of each side are deployed on forward and rare posts. Speaking of situation on the Norther border with China, Indian army chief General Manoj Pandy, who recently undertook four-day visit to USA from 13-16 February, said last month that it was stable but sensitive and Indian forces had operational preparedness. It is learned that Indian army HQ in New Delhi intends to convert “Bareilly Formation” into a Corps HQ probably to protect the central sector stretching over 545 km from Himachal Pradesh to Uttar Khand states with more strength and resources to face Chines troops across LAC.

Comments & Analysis: Pakistan is closely watching these developments as India’s designs on the adjacent territories of Pakistan (Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan) cannot be ignored. Pakistan army has enhanced its presence in these areas.

IRAN

Irani Oil Minister Jawad Owaji alleged that Israel was behind carrying out blasts to sabotage South-North Pipeline to disrupt gas transmission in the country in the backdrop of Israel attacks in Gaza (21.2.24).

Irani media quoted police spokesperson Brigadier Saeed Muntazar Al Mehdi claim about the arrest of two persons affiliated with militant group Jaish al Adl in connection with their involvement in attack on Rask country police station in Balochistan- Sistan province (17.2.24). Later it claimed killing of Jaish al Adl ringleader Ismail Shah Baksh along with another person. Iranian media again quoting police sources reported about the arrest of defunct Sipah-e-Sahaba leader Akram Lahiri @ Ajmal from the coastal area of Bandar Abbass during his attempt to proceed to Qasem Island. The said media reports, however lacked credibility as these did not disclose any detail as when and how he reached Iran from Pakistan. On the other hand, the BOL TV channel in its report held the Irani media reports baseless in this regard. It is significant to mention that no official statements of Irani and Pakistani media has come to light to confirm the arrest of Akram Lahore (25.2.24).

Irani police spokesperson announced deputing of 1,90000- police personnel in connection with nationwide Parliamentary elections for 290 seats going to be held on 1st March (26.2.24).