Part-1 (Domestic)

Balochistan:

1. Unknown armed individuals fatally shot a truck driver on the Sanjava-Harni Road, heading to Punjab (16.4.24).
2. Mullah Umar Jan Akhundzada, an Afghan cleric, was reportedly killed by unknown armed motorcyclists in the Nawan Kali area of Quetta district. It is learned that he moved to Quetta from Afghanistan 13 years ago due to differences with the Taliban leadership and lived with his father. After his father’s death, he became the prayer leader at a mosque in Kuchlak area. Taliban-led IEA government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid expressed sorrow over his demise, stating that he was a member of the Taliban Oversight Committee (19.4.24).
3. FC, police, and Levies force in a joint operation killed two terrorists during an exchange of fire in the mountain range of Pishin district. In another operation, security forces killed three terrorists and arrested one, reported to be an Afghan national, in the same district. Heavy arms and ammunition were recovered (21 & 22.4.24).
4. One person was killed by a rocket fired from an unknown location, which landed near PPP provincial assembly election candidate Marri in Kholu (23.4.24).
5. Security forces killed a terrorist and injured another during an exchange of fire when they attempted to halt passenger vehicles on Sanjavi Road in Harnai district (27.4.24).

KPK:

1. Security forces killed seven terrorists who attempted to enter Pakistan across the border from Afghanistan in the Spin Key area of North Waziristan district (17.4.24).
2. Police foiled a terrorist attack on a police station by returning preemptive gunfire in the Bargai area of Lakki Marwat district (18.4.24).
3. Unidentified gunmen in a targeted attack martyred five personnel of the Customs Intelligence & Investigation Department near Saggu village on Daraban Road in Dera Ismail Khan district. They were identified as Aslam Khan, Havaldar Inayatullah Khan, Havaldar Akbar Zaman, Sepoy Iftikhar Slam, and Sepoy Sohaib Ali. Two days later, another attack by unknown gunmen on the vehicle of Customs Department officials at York Toll Plaza in Dera Ismail Khan resulted in the martyrdom of two personnel, Inspector Hussain Ali and Constable Zahid, and injured four others (17 & 19.4.24).
4. A civilian identified as Amin Shah was killed, and a policeman, Saleh Muhammad, was injured during an exchange of fire with suspected persons by the CTD police in the Gundi area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber district (19.4.24).
5. Four unknown armed persons in a car reportedly abducted Amin Khan, a resident of Dasu, from a hotel in Mingora, Swat (21.4.24).
6. A police patrol party escaped unhurt in a roadside IED blast in Akhubdan Surani area of Bannu district (21.4.24).
7. Security forces in two separate operations killed 10 terrorists in Dera Ismail Khan and one in North Waziristan during an exchange of fire (21 – 22.4.24).
8. Unknown shooters martyred police special branch constable Aminullah in the Sultankhel area of Khyber district (22.4.24).
9. A young man named Kunban was killed by unknown terrorists allegedly affiliated with the defunct TTP, after being held hostage for a few days, accused of being an informant for security forces in the Bar Qamber Khel area of Khyber district (22.4.24).
10. Customs staff seized a heavy cache of weapons during a search of two vehicles coming from Afghanistan at the Torkham border crossing in Khyber district. The cache consisted of three M-16 rifles, two Beretta pistols, 4000 rounds of AK-47 rifles, 8000 bullets of 9mm pistols, and several pistol magazines (22.4.24).
11. Two persons, Musa Khan and Yark Khan, sustained injuries when a roadside landmine exploded in Khundhay Ghar area in Sarksi tehsil of South Waziristan district (22.4.24).
12. Unknown shooters martyred police constable Farad, performing guard duty at the shop of a Sikh community trader in Bagabani Bazar, Peshawar (23.4.24).
13. Police constable Amjad Hussain was martyred in a targeted attack by unknown gunmen at the Kaspuk check post in Datagram district (23.4.24).
14. Six security forces personnel were injured in an IED attack on their convoy in the Enzara area of Upper Bara in Khyber district (24.4.24). 15. A brutally tortured body of a six-year-old child, Zakriya, who was kidnapped a few days ago, was found in the Lala Cheena area of Jamrud tehsil in Khyber district (25.4.24).
15. A group of two dozen unidentified armed terrorists shot dead security guard Tolu Khan, took hostage five other guards, set fire to vehicles during an attack on a cement factory in the Dera Pizzu area of Lakki Marwat district (26.4.24).
16. Customs staff seized 17 kg of heroin and 18 kg of the drug “ice,” valued at several million rupees in the international market, during a search of a truck at the Torkham border crossing checkpoint from Afghanistan (28.4.24).
17. The abducted Session Judge of South Waziristan, Shakirullah Marwat, returned home safely after being freed by his kidnappers. He had been abducted a day earlier by a group of unknown gunmen at the Gara Mohabat Adda area when he was on his way to Dera Ismail Khan by road. The kidnappers took him with them after setting the driver free and torching his vehicle. Police launched investigations and made efforts through all means for his rescue. Details about the release have not been shared by the government, but it is learned that, besides serious government efforts, a high-level Jirga also played a role in exerting pressure leading to his release (28.4.24).
18. Security forces in an IBO (Intelligence Based Operation) killed four terrorists during an exchange of fire in Tank district and recovered arms and ammunition from their possession (28-29.4.24).
19. CTD Police reportedly claimed the arrest of four terrorists affiliated with the outlawed TTP in connection with a suicide attack on a vehicle that resulted in the killing of five Chinese nationals associated with the Dasu hydro project in Basham. They added that some other individuals involved in the incident have also been identified (29.4.24).

Sindh:

1. Two individuals, including a terrorist and a security guard named Noor Khan, were killed while another security guard and a passerby were injured during a suicide bomb attack followed by gunfire on a van carrying five Japanese nationals working at a local industrial concern in the Landhi area of Karachi (19.4.24).
2. The body of a twelve-year-old boy, Rashid Taghani, who was abducted three weeks ago from Khanpur Maher in Shikarpur district, was found as his family could not pay the Rs.10 million ransom demanded by his kidnappers. The notorious gangster group led by Billo Tanfani is suspected to be behind the tragic incident (28.4.24).
3. Police claimed to have arrested an outlawed BLA-affiliated member, Meraj @ Mama, during an encounter in the Lyari area of Karachi (28.4.24).

Comments & Analysis: The spike in terrorism across KP and Balochistan is quite evident. Besides terrorism, target killings, robberies, and kidnappings for ransom by both small gangs and networks of bandits in the Kuch Ravarian area in Sindh and Punjab seem to have become regular phenomenon despite police claims of an effective result-oriented drive. If, on one hand, more effective police and security forces supported by upgraded intelligence—both manual and technical—are needed, at the same time, the cooperation of the public is paramount. This includes not only awareness but also to keep the identities of those who provide specific information to law enforcement agencies strictly confidential. (Ikram Sh)

Punjab:

1. Police claimed to have arrested five individuals who belonged to KPK and were affiliated with an inter-provincial arms smuggling gang, with a recovery of a heavy cache of weapons during a search at Dahowala checkpoint in the Kotsabzal area of Rahim Yar Khan district. The cache included 22 Kalashnikov rifles, 65 pistols, and a large quantity of bullets, all of which were to be supplied to various factions operating in the Kachas Ravarian area of Sindh and Punjab (16.4.24).
2. CTD police in an IBO killed two terrorists during an exchange of fire near Ravi Mor in Bhakkar district (24.4.24).
3. Unidentified armed motorcyclists martyred Sub Inspector Arshad, who was posted in the investigation branch of the Police station Baghanpura, Lahore. He was targeted on his way home in a targeted attack. Investigations are underway to arrest the culprits and determine the motive, whether it was an act of terrorism or a personal enmity.  Earlier a police constable was gunned down in Lahore in the similar manner. The possibility of the involvement of the defunct TTP or some other militant group in the incident, evident due to the similar pattern of attack, cannot be ruled out (28.4.24).

Comments & Analysis: The targeted attacks on police officials in Lahore smack of involvement of terrorist groups like TTP in these incidents. There is a need for deep probe to unearth the causes of these killings of the police personnel in targeted-shooting style. TTP had claimed responsibility of the killing of the constable. The genuineness of the claim ought to be established in order to take quick and effective action.

Defence and Security: Assistant Defence Minister Major General (Engineer) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Talal Bin Abdullah Al Otabi, called on the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir at GHQ, Rawalpindi. During the meeting, he was assured of Pakistan’s support for the capacity building of the Royal Saudi Land Forces. Turkish General Staff of Defence General Matin Gurak also met COAS and CJCSC General Saher Shamshad Mirza and discussed enhancing bilateral and military relations between the two brotherly countries. COAS also met with the Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi and discussed regional security scenarios and border security issues between the two countries for enhancing coordination to check terrorism and attain peace and stability (18 and 22.4.24). Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf attended the launching ceremony of the first Chinese Hangar-class submarine as the chief guest at the Wuhan Shipbuilding Group in Shuang Liu base in China. The stealth feature submarine, fitted with advanced weaponry and digitization, can meet the highest level of threat environments. Admiral Naveed Ashraf, in his speech, emphasized the importance of maritime security in the current geo-strategic environment and the Pakistan Navy’s resolve to ensure peace and stability in the region. He added that the building of the submarine and the transfer of technology is a significant mark and proof of the close and time-tested friendship between the two countries. According to the transfer of technology agreement, four submarines out of the eight are to be built in China, and the remaining four will be in Pakistan (26.4.24).

Part-2

Regional Overview

Afghanistan Two women were gunned down by unidentified persons in Kapisa. A kidnapped teenage boy was rescued in Herat. Taliban security forces reportedly arrested six Iranian border guards in Farah province. According to Afghan media Khaama.com, they mistakenly crossed into Afghanistan in connection with an operation against Baloch militants in the area without coordinating with Afghan authorities. The defunct TTP Malakand commander, Talha Swati, affiliated with the Fazl-ur-Rehman chapter, was reportedly killed by unknown gunmen in Asadabad city of Kunar province. It is learned that he hailed from Swat and was linked with an intelligence group in Srikot (20, 21, 25, and 26.4.24). Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mutaqi, speaking at the Afghanistan-Kazakhstan exhibition ceremony, stated that Afghanistan is aiming to foster smooth relations with its neighboring countries and region. However, he accused three neighboring countries of supporting ISIS-K/Daesh without naming them (26.4.24). OIC special representative Tariq Bakherti during his meeting with IEA Deputy Prime Minister Moulvi Abdul Kabir in Kabul urged for the lifting of restrictions on the education and employment of women in Afghanistan. Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu, addressing the Defence Ministers conference of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Astana, Kazakhstan, said that a main threat to Central Asian countries and the SCO is the presence of various terrorist groups in Afghanistan and US efforts to regain its influence in the region after the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. He further stated that earlier, Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Mikhail Gulszin during his visit to Uzbekistan said that recognition of the IEA government in Afghanistan is contingent upon establishing an inclusive government representing all ethnicities and religious groups in the country (23, 26, and 27.4.24).

India/ LOC/LAC India is reportedly revamping several frontline and remote airbases, including Chabua in Dibrugarh, Assam, and Nyoma in Ladakh, with modernization and expansion. Nyoma Airbase, with a 2.7 km long runway located in the Ladakh region (IIOJK), is situated 23 km away from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at an elevation of 13,700 feet. The project, valued at 218 crore rupees, is expected to be completed by 24 October 2024. The necessary infrastructure, including runway extension, control tower, hangars, and allied roads, are being rapidly constructed, as stated by the Indian Defence Roads Organisation (DRO) Chief Lt. General Regu Srinivasan. The airstrip, which became dormant after the 1962 Indo-China war, started gaining significance in 2009. On 12 September, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for its full-scale reconstruction. According to analysts, upon completion, Nyoma Airbase will have strategic significance along the entire stretch of over 3444 km of LAC between India and China. It will enable the flying and landing of heavy transport aircraft as well as the operation of Mig-29, SU-30, and other combat aircraft of the Indian Air Force to better support ground troops, surveillance, intelligence collection, and other defensive and offensive missions with a view towards China along the LAC and LOC. India, following its significantly increased missile production, has issued a NOTAM to test missiles with a range of 935 km in the Bay of Bengal (23.4.24). Meanwhile, the Indian army has started training Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) police at the Corps Battle School in Bhalra, Doda for capacity building, arms and ammunition, explosives, and better coordination with the army. Currently, 1,104 police officials are under training there (24.4.24).

Iran The Iranian government reportedly executed four Afghan prisoners in Vakilabad jail in Mashhad. According to Afghan media Ariana News, they were Zaman Tahiri, Salam Tahiri, Ghulam Qadir, and Ibrahim Noorzai, involved in drug trafficking and were sentenced to death by a court (19.4.24).

President of Islamic Republic of Iran’s Visit to Pakistan: Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi visited Pakistan from 22-24 April, including brief stays in Lahore and Islamabad. During his visit, he held meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asif Munir to discuss enhancing bilateral relations, boosting trade up to 10 billion dollars, constructing the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project, and increasing security along the common border to check terrorists, smugglers, and other unlawful traffic. They also discussed the current scenario of the Israel-Palestine conflict and its effects on regional security. Eight agreements were signed between the two countries to increase trade and business. President Raisi visited the tomb of Allama Iqbal in Lahore and a university in Karachi, where he was conferred an honorary doctorate in Law. A detailed analytical report by former Director of Intelligence Bureau Tariq M. Lodhi was published on Strategicbrief.com dated 26.4.24.

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