Part-1 (Domestic)

Balochistan

1. Unknown armed gunmen killed Allah Rakhya Bugti, a close associate of CM Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti, near Donda village, Sui tehsil of Dera Bugti district (16.5.24).
2. Machinery and materials of a private construction company were set on fire by unknown armed persons in the Nolone area of Gwadar district (17.5.24).
3. A bullet-riddled body of a person later identified as Wasim Ahmed was found in the Sarwan Gramkhan area of Panjgur district (21.5.24).
4. A group of 20 unidentified armed terrorists, after reportedly attacking the Levies force post in a remote area of Panjgur district, took five security personnel hostages, snatched their official weapons (five AK-47 rifles with magazines), and stole a vehicle and a motorcycle at gunpoint (21.5.24).
5. Unidentified armed assailants shot dead two persons identified as Ali Khan and Yahya and injured a child in a targeted attack on their car on Saryab Road, Quetta (22.5.24).
6. One person was killed and another injured in a gun attack on their vehicle by unknown shooters in the Eashabad area of Panjgur district (23.5.24).
7. The dead body of a person later identified as Muhammad Fahim was recovered in the Hazarjuf area of Noshki district (23.5.24).
8. A convoy of six coal-loaded trucks en route from Duki to Punjab was attacked by unidentified terrorists, resulting in the killing of a driver, injuring others, and the disappearance of three drivers in the Sanjavi-Bagho area of Ziarat district. The trucks were also set on fire. It is learned that nearly two dozen coal-loaded trucks were set on fire last year (23.5.24).
9. Levies force personnel Shams Ullah was martyred by unknown gunmen while he was at a local resort in Duki district (26.5.24).
10. Three persons – Ali Shahar, Imam Buksh, and Bhutto Khan – were killed and two others injured because of an exchange of fire between two armed groups of the Umranai clan due to a tribal feud in Khan Kot of Naseerabad district (29.5.24).
11. Four persons – Shuka Allah, Asghar Ali, Abdul Wasih, and Dilawar – were killed and Mehan Gul and Akhtar were injured due to alleged firing by the Iranian security forces on a vehicle near Bacha Rai area in the Mash Khel border town of Washuk district. It is learned through another unconfirmed report quoting injured person Akhtar saying that they were waiting for an oil consignment when the Iranian forces opened fire (29.5.24)

KPK

1. Police claimed to have seized a cache of weapons consisting of 15 pistols, 18 detonators, a revolver, 15 binoculars, weapons parts, and a large number of bullets from two arms dealers in Azam Warsk area, Birmal tehsil of South Waziristan district (16.5.24).
2. Four well-off brothers named Muhammad Alam, Waris, Rehan, and Zaheer disappeared from the Hayatabad area of Peshawar. They are suspected to have been kidnapped by a group for ransom (17.5.24).
3. An under-construction girls’ academy was blown up by unidentified miscreants in Wana tehsil of South Waziristan district (17.5.24).
4. The bullet-riddled bodies of two persons, later identified as Imran Ullah and Wahidullah, were found in the Wanda Gulo Khel area of Dara Pezu in Lakki Marwat district (19.5.24).
5. An IED planted by unknown persons went off near the gate of Mural Khan Shinwari’s house in Landi Kotal, Khyber district. No loss was reported (19.5.24).
6. Three grenades were hurled by unknown terrorists at a police post in the Juma Khan area, on the outskirts of Peshawar, which did not explode. They were later defused by the Bomb Disposal Unit (20.5.24).
7. Unknown gunmen shot dead social media activist Kamran Dawar near Tappi village, Miranshah tehsil of North Waziristan district (21.5.24).
8. Constable Attaullah and a suspect (name not disclosed) were injured during an exchange of fire with the police on Tangi Road, Charsadda. The suspect was also arrested, and investigations are underway (22.5.24).
9. A bullet-riddled body of an unknown person was recovered from the Kot Lalu area in Dera Ismail Khan district (22.5.24).
10. Unidentified shooters stormed into a house and killed two men and a woman in the Gordi Raga area of Dosali tehsil in North Waziristan district (23.5.24).
11. Unidentified kidnappers shot dead an eighth-grade student, Hafiz Akash, when he resisted them while coming out of a mosque in Quaid Abad area, Charsadda (23.5.24).
12. One person was killed and another injured when their motorcycle hit a roadside IED in the Azam Warsk area of South Waziristan district (23.5.24).
13. The throat-slit body of an unknown person was recovered in the fields within the limits of Khalabat police station in Haripur district (24.5.24).
14. Unidentified gunmen shot dead JUI (F) leader Moulana Ehsanullah in Shah Alam area of Tank district (25.5.24).
15. A passenger bus was set on fire by unknown armed persons near Daraban area of Dera Ismail Khan district. The passengers and bus crew were also threatened with death if they resisted (25.5.24).
16. Unidentified assailants shot dead one Samiullah in Khar Bazar of Bajaur district (25.5.24).
17. Security forces killed six terrorists in an IBO in the Hasan Khel area of Peshawar district. However, during the exchange of fire, two soldiers – Captain Hassan Jehangir and Havildar Shafiqullah – embraced martyrdom (26.5.24).
18. Ten terrorists were killed by security forces during an exchange of fire in an IBO in Tank district (27.5.24).
19. Security forces killed seven terrorists and injured two others in an exchange of fire in Khyber district. However, during the exchange of fire, five soldiers – Naik Muhammad Ashfaq Butt, Lance Naik Syed Ifkar Danish, Sepoy Tamoor, Sepoy Nadir Sagheer, and Sepoy Muhammad Yaseen – embraced martyrdom. A large quantity of arms and ammunition was recovered from their possession (27.5.24).
20. Unidentified gunmen shot dead a person named Bashir Khan in Inayat Killi Bazar in Bajaur district (27.5.24).
21. Six members of a family, including Lt Col Dr. Muhammad Saqib, died in a house fire incident in Phalahat Mohalla, inside Imamia Gate in Dera Ismail Khan city. It is learned that, according to the initial police inquiry, the fire broke out due to a short circuit. However, investigations are underway to establish the facts behind the incident (28.5.24).
22. Unknown gunmen martyred Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Haji Akbar and injured a passerby in Sarband area of Peshawar (29.5.24).
23. Unidentified assailants gunned down two persons identified as Muhammad Ayub and Aman Ali in Maindora area of Martung tehsil in Shangla district. Investigations are underway to trace the culprits and determine the motive (29.5.24).
24. The body of a reported missing man, later identified as Sarmed Saeed, was found in Zarkani area of Darband tehsil in Dera Ismail Khan district (29.5.24).
25. Two terrorists were killed in fire exchange with security forces during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Peshawar’s Hassan Khel area (the night between May 30 and 31) The killed terrorists were identified as ringleader Ayaz alias Muhammad and Ahmady alias Koochi. Two other terrorists were also injured in the operation. The eliminated terrorists were actively involved in numerous attacks against security forces and killing innocent civilians. Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were also recovered from their hideout.

Punjab

1. Unknown armed motorcyclists gunned down local print media journalist Ashfaq Ahmed Sial on Thermal Bypass Road in Muzaffargarh district (16.5.24).
2. An angry mob, protesting an alleged desecration of the Holy Quran, attacked the houses of Christian community members on May 25th. They set a shoe shop on fire and damaged a house in Mujahid Colony, Sargodha. The protesters intended to lynch the accused, but the police arrived in time to rescue him, along with his son and two other families, evacuating them to a safe place for medical treatment. Police controlled the situation and registered an FIR against 400 known and unknown persons, arresting 100 suspects so far (27.5.24)

Comments & Analysis: There is a need to investigate the causes of such sinister attacks on minorities on the pretext of blasphemy or desecration of the Holy Quran. Secondly, religious leaders and educational institutions should hold seminars and workshops on interfaith harmony and religious tolerance to counter the rising extremism and intolerance. Thirdly, the culprits involved in such lawlessness should be awarded severe punishments.

3. Unknown persons reportedly demanded Rs.10 million telephonically from the family of a citizen named Riaz, who was claimed to have been kidnapped from Shahdara, Lahore, as per a complaint lodged by his brother-in-law to the police (28.5.24).

4. Unidentified armed motorcyclists shot dead a man named Jamshed in Johar Town, Lahore. Investigations are underway to arrest the shooters and determine whether the murder was an act of terrorism or a result of personal/business enmity (28.5.24).

5. On 26 May, 2024 at around 2345 hours, police personnel deployed at Patrolling Check Post Tariman, PS Vehova, Taunsa, DG Khan spotted 3 x flying objects (drone like structures) near the Check Post. The Guard-in-charge ASI Muhammad Jameel fired five shots from the G-3 rifle, on which, these mysterious flying objects went back towards northwest side.

Comments & Analysis: It is a dangerous development. As per sources, terrorists belonging to TTP Astrana group are present in Takwara KPK area (nearby DG Khan), where, reportedly, they have acquired drones which might have been used in DG Khan for the purpose of surveillance or route clearance etc., especially in tribal area of DG Khan which comes under the purview of Border Military Police (BMP) and Balochistan Levy (BL). There is a need to extend the jurisdiction of Punjab Police in the tribal area of DG Khan for effective crime control and policing mechanism:

Sindh

1. CTD police claimed to have recovered three pistols, one repeater gun, 51 fake arms licenses, and a large number of bullets during a search of a car in Larkana. Three individuals in the car identified as Juma Brohi, Alam Brohi, and Muhammad Khan Brohi were also arrested for being involved in arms supply to dacoits (19.5.24).
2. Unidentified armed motorcyclists shot at and critically injured Amir Haider, custodian of an Imambargah in Ancholi area of Karachi (20.5.24).
3. Three abducted students were rescued by the police during a raid on the hideout of kidnappers in the riverine area of Jamal Goth in Kandhkot, Sukkur (20.5.24).
4. Sindhi newspaper journalist Nasrullah Gadani succumbed to injuries in a hospital in Karachi. He was critically injured in a gun attack by unidentified shooters in Mirpur Methalo district a couple of days earlier (24.5.24).
5. Police claimed to have arrested two more Indian intelligence agency RAW trained agents during a tip-off raid in Karachi. They were identified as Muhammad Ayub (Ayub Ansari) and Ahmad Raza. Ayub Ansari came to Karachi from Mumbai on a visit visa in 1998 and later hid his identity by managing to obtain a Pakistan National Identity Card. He was assigned by RAW to gather information and conduct surveys of sensitive targets for terrorist attacks. Their arrests were made after the disclosure of two Indian agents, Khawar and Jabbar, in the recent past (24.5.24).
6. Pakistan Navy seized a large quantity of narcotics during maritime regional security surveillance in the Arabian Sea (28.5.24).

Defence/Security

• A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Mirage aircraft on a training mission reportedly crashed 12 km away from the Rafique Airbase in Sargodha. The pilot safely ejected, and no ground casualties were reported except for a villager receiving injuries (21.5.24).
• General Angus J. Campbell, Chief of the Australian Defence Forces, visited Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Shamshad Mirza at GHQ and Joint Staff HQrs in Rawalpindi. They discussed cooperation in the defense field between the two countries. Turkish Foreign Minister Haqan Fadan called on COAS at GHQ, Rawalpindi and discussed matters of mutual interest and cooperation between the two brotherly countries (19 and 20.5.24).
• COAS visited the Federal Republic of Germany where he called on General Carten Bruer, Chief German Defence, and Foreign Policy Adviser to the German Chancellor, and Lt. General Alfons Mais, Chief of Army Staff, and discussed matters of mutual defense cooperation. The COAS telephonically extended deep condolences to Iranian Defence Chief Major General Muhammad Bagheri over the sad demise of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian, and others in a helicopter crash on 19th May (26.5.24).
• Royal Malaysian Naval Chief Admiral Abdul Rehman bin Ayub called on Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf at Naval HQ, Islamabad, and discussed matters of defense cooperation between the two brotherly countries (23.5.24).
• Pakistan Navy ship PNS Asalat, equipped with modern armaments and equipment, was deployed in the Indian Ocean to ensure the security and safety of Pakistan Merchant ships and maritime security of the traffic of merchant ships of other countries in international waters. It will also visit ports of regional countries in connection with maritime security and diplomacy (25.5.24).
• Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Services Chiefs, on behalf of Pakistan armed forces, felicitated the nation on the 26th anniversary of Youm e Takbeer, to celebrate the nuclear power day. The armed forces also affirmed their heavy resolve to defend the country. On this day, Pakistan became a nuclear power by carrying out six explosions in the Chagai mountain of Balochistan province. Acting President Yousaf Raza Gillani and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in their messages greeted the nation on the historic day. A public holiday was also declared to celebrate the occasion (28.5.24).
• Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir presided over the 83rd Corps Commanders, Principal Staff Officers, and all Formation Commanders at GHQ, Rawalpindi. The forum was briefed about the geostrategic environment and various challenges faced by the country, including terrorism and attacks being perpetrated by their masterminds from Afghan territory. It resolved to thwart all such evil actions, support the right of self-determination by the Kashmiri people in the illegally Indian-held Kashmir, take action against the perpetrators of the 9th May attacks, and support the government’s policies for economic growth, stability, and action against illegal activities, including smuggling (30.5.24).

Part 2 : Regional

Afghanistan/Central Asia

• The law-and-order situation and security scenario across Afghanistan remained disturbed during the period under review. Significant incidents reported included an Afghan army M-17 helicopter deployed in a flood rescue operation crashed due to a technical fault, causing one death, and injuring 12 others in Ghor province. A border skirmish reportedly took place between Afghanistan and Pakistan security forces in Aryrob Zazoi and Dande Patan districts of Paktia province. Six persons, including three Spanish tourists and three Afghan nationals, were killed while seven others were injured in an attack by unknown gunmen in Bamiyan province City market. Police claimed to have arrested seven suspects. 64 girl students and 15 teachers fell ill after consuming a poisonous substance in Kiti district of Dai Kundi province. Security forces prevented an armed conflict between two groups by arresting 25 persons and seizing a heavy cache of weapons & ammunition in Alisha g district of Laghman province. Security forces arrested two persons in Dhadadi district of Balkh province and recovered 20 landmines from their possession. Unknown gunmen killed three members of a family in Gulistan district of Farah province. Security forces in their anti-narcotics drive claimed to have destroyed poppy crops, set fire to 1631 kg of seized drugs, and destroyed 20 labs in Farah and Ghor provinces (15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 26, and 27.5.24).
• Kyrgyzstan’s head of the State Committee of National Security, Kemychybrch Tashiv, alleged in a Security Chiefs meeting of Commonwealth Independent States (CIS) in Bishkek that the presence of militant organizations in Afghanistan is a threat to the southern borders of CIS countries, as reported by the Russian TASS news agency. In a similar vein, Alexander Bortnikov, Director of the Russian Federal Security Service, reportedly expressed his apprehensions about the consolidation of terrorist groups on Afghan territory (24.5.24). UNO and USA on several occasions expressed concern over the presence of terrorist groups, including ISIS-K/Daesh and TTP, on Afghan soil. Pakistan, which has faced several attacks masterminded by TTP leadership, urged the Taliban-led IEA government to take action against them, but they did not do anything in the matter. Instead, they always stated that there was no terrorist launching pad on their soil.

India (LOC/LAC)

• Military exercise “Vijay Anand” was conducted by the Ranbujera Division of the Indian Army in the Thar Desert from 20 April to 22 May. The drill involved various operational maneuvers and battle techniques. Lt. General Dehraj Seth, Commander Southwestern Command, also witnessed the exercise (23.5.24).
• The Indian government extended the service of the Army Chief General Manoj Pandey for a period of one month. He was originally going to retire on 31st May (27.5.24).

Iran

• A helicopter carrying nine persons, including Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian, and seven others, crashed in the mountainous area of Tabriz province on 19th May. On return from an official visit to Azerbaijan, where he was inaugurating a dam, he was en route to the capital Tehran when the incident took place. As per findings of a high-level investigation team, the helicopter crashed due to a technical fault and no sabotage was involved in it. His death was condoled by leaders all over the world. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with a delegation, attended his burial ceremony. The late president was being considered a strong candidate as the successor of the 85-year-old Iranian Supreme Leader Syed Ali Kamani. Following his death, the vice president, Muhammad Mokhbir, became the acting President of Iran. The registration of candidates in elections for the next president of Iran has reportedly started (30.5.24)