16 – 30.Oct 24

Part 1- Internal

BALOCHISTAN

1. Unknown armed motorcyclists killed two individuals, Muhammad Iqbal Magsi and Zulifiqar Ali Magsi, near Usta Muhammad in Jaffarabad district (15.10.24).

2. Levies personnel Abdul Qayum was martyred, and another was injured in an attack by terrorists on a security post in the Nachara area of Kalat district (18.10.24).

3. Security forces killed two terrorists and arrested five of their accomplices, recovering a large cache of weapons and ammunition in separate operations in Pishin and Zhob districts (19.10.24).

4. Levies Force killed two terrorists and arrested another following an exchange of fire in the Barshore area of Pishin district (22.10.24).

5. PPP local leader Bashir Ahmed Hasni was shot dead by unknown assailants in the Bahrain area of Hub district (22.10.24).

6. Three rockets fired from an unknown location toward the FC Headquarters missed their target and hit the nearby wall of the Achakzai Residential Colony on Khojak Road, Quetta (23.10.24).

7. Two men were injured in a grenade attack by unknown motorcyclists on the Irrigation Department office in Khuzdar (23.10.24).

8. Six people, including tribal elder Nawabzada Mehboob Khan Jogezai, were injured in a motorcycle bomb blast at the main chowk of Qila Saifullah town (24.10.24).

9. Four FC personnel in a patrolling vehicle providing security to coal-loaded trucks were injured in a roadside-planted IED blast in Duki district (26.10.24).

10. Security forces arrested a terrorist involved in the recent killing of two brothers in the Splingi area of Mastung district (27.10.24).

11. Over a dozen terrorists killed five locally hired private security guards – Zakirullah, Aminullah, Nawaz Ali, Hussain Ali Shah, and Abdul Ghafoor – and injured two others in an attack on an under-construction dam site in Promom, Panjgur district. The outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack. This incident follows a previous terrorist attack on an under-construction house in Panjgur, resulting in the deaths of seven laborers from Punjab (29.10.24).

KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA (KPK)

1. Four police personnel were injured in an IED blast near their mobile van at Kanki Chowk, Nawagai area of Buner district (16.10.24).

2. Security forces killed a wanted terrorist identified as Hunan alias Jagro in the Sikandar Ismail area of Dera Ismail Khan district (17.10.24).

3. Two unidentified motorcyclists who attacked a police mobile van were killed in retaliatory fire by police in the Chori area of Mardan district (17.10.24).

4. A police mobile van was slightly damaged, but personnel on board remained unhurt in a roadside IED blast in Waliabad, Peshawar (17.10.24).

5. Unknown motorcyclists shot dead two individuals, Hidayat Hussain and Hashim Ali, and injured three others in Shingku, Kurram district (18.10.24).

6. Police repulsed an attack by terrorists on a check post near Lora Bridge in the Fethkhel area of Bannu district (18.10.24).

7. The Takhtikhel tribe reportedly foiled an attempted terrorist attack on their area by killing the terrorists’ commander, Fateh, and injuring three others in an exchange of fire in Lakki Marwat district. Local tribes had recently asked militants to leave the area and formed armed patrols to protect their boundaries (18.10.24).

8. Unidentified armed motorcyclists martyred CTD police Sub-Inspector Sher Alam Khan, injuring two others as they were returning home from mosque after offering Isha prayers in Ghaziabad Kaki, Bannu district (20.10.24).

9. Five policemen were injured in a grenade attack by terrorists on a check post in Inyat Kally Bazaar in Bajaur district (22.10.24).

10. Security forces, in an intelligence-based operation (IBO), killed nine terrorists, including a high-value target, Said Muhammad alias Qureshi Ustad, and two suicide bombers, during an exchange of fire in Bajaur district (23.10.24).

11. The body of a young student, Muhammad Kamran, son of a police constable who had been missing for a couple of days, was found in Tilli Syedan, Targarh district (23.10.24).

12. In a joint operation, CTD and police killed a terrorist identified as Rehman alias Muntizar while his two accomplices managed to escape during an exchange of fire in Marmandi Azeem, Lakki Marwat district (23.10.24).

13. Unknown armed motorcyclists martyred a police constable during a gunfire attack on the District Accounts Office in Tank (24.10.24).

14. A policeman named Saqib Khan was reportedly martyred in an attack within the jurisdiction of Mulagori Police Station in Jamrud Tehsil, Khyber district (24.10.24).

15. Unknown terrorists targeted the house of former JUI-F Senator Moulana Saleh Shah in Kaisoor, Tarzan Tehsil, South Waziristan district. No casualties were reported, but the premises were damaged (25.10.24).

16. Unidentified gunmen killed a person identified as Abdul Salam from Chitral on Nasir Bagh Road, Peshawar (25.10.24).

17. SHO Syed Rehman and another police official were martyred in a sudden attack by terrorists during routine patrol duties in Jani Khel, Bannu district (25.10.24).

18. Police SHO Muzamil Wazir and a passerby were injured in an IED blast in Ghwakhwa, Wana Tehsil, South Waziristan district, where a cricket tournament was about to commence (25.10.24).

19. Ten Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel, including Naib Subedar Muhammad Jan and Naik Arif, were martyred, and three others injured in an attack by a large group of terrorists armed with heavy weaponry at the ZAM check post in Darzinda, Dera Ismail Khan district. The defunct TTP claimed responsibility for the attack (25.10.24).

20. An under-training army cadet from Kakul Academy, who was on leave, was martyred by terrorists during evening prayers at a mosque in his hometown in Lakki Marwat district (25.10.24).

21. Eight people, including four policemen and two security personnel, were martyred, several others injured, and numerous vehicles damaged in a targeted suicide bombing at a joint police and security forces check post (Aslam check post) in Eidak, North Waziristan (26.10.24).

22. Three officials of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), identified as Hazrat Jabbar, Sadirullah, and Gulzadin, were kidnapped at gunpoint by unknown armed individuals in Miranshah, North Waziristan district (27.10.24).

23. Security forces killed two terrorists, including one identified as Insafullah, during an exchange of fire in North Waziristan district as part of an IBO (27.10.24).

24. Security forces killed two terrorists in an IBO in Khyber district during an exchange of fire (27.10.24).

25. A police van was partially damaged by a roadside-planted IED blast in Bezankhel, Bannu district (28.10.24).

26. Naib Subedar Sardar Khan, who had been abducted at gunpoint, was released following negotiations by local elders. Unconfirmed sources suggest the defunct TTP claimed responsibility for the abduction, while some locals described it as personal enmity between two families (28.10.24).

27. An explosion at a firework factory in Cheerabad, Charsadda city, resulted in one death and injuries to three others (28.10.24).

28. Unknown gunmen reportedly martyred two police officials providing security to a polio vaccination team in Dabori Badaankhel, Orakzai district (28.10.24).

29. Unidentified armed gunmen martyred two Frontier Corps (FC) soldiers in Charkhel, Lower Kurram district (28.10.24).

30. Four family members, including Hafeezur Rehman, Fizanullah, and Inamullah, traveling in a vehicle were shot dead by unknown armed assailants in Madi Jon, Sarwaki Tehsil, South Waziristan district (28.10.24).

31. FC forces repulsed an attack on the Churchill Picket near Chandra Dir Scout’s Fort in Lower Dir district (28.10.24).

32. Armed dacoits, wearing masks and falsely claiming to be intelligence officials searching for illegal arms and explosives, barged into a house in Jehangira, Nowshera. They took Rs. 0.7 million in cash and other valuables, holding the owner and his family hostage (29.10.24).

33. Security forces in an IBO killed three terrorists involved in the attack on a polio vaccination team, which resulted in the martyrdom of two police officials in Orakzai district (29.10.24).

PUNJAB

1. The Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) defused six rockets, each weighing seven kg, from separate locations. Four rockets were reportedly found in a house in Mirjal village, and two in Rupo village near the Pakistan-India border in Zafarwal Tehsil, Narowal district. Local residents discovered the rockets, brought them to their homes, and later informed authorities (16.10.24).

2. Four people, including a minor and a woman, were killed, and six were injured following the collapse of a house roof due to an explosion in Mohalla Neel Garan, Multan. Initial police investigations indicate that the house was used for firecracker manufacturing and storage by the deceased, Riaz, and his nephew Shehbaz (19.10.24).

3. CTD and police in a joint IBO killed ten terrorists during an exchange of fire in Mullakhel, Mianwali district (25.10.24).

4. Five masked robbers looted jewelry and cash worth Rs. 15 million at gunpoint from a house in Defence, Lahore. The robbers reportedly used a jamming device to block all signals in the area before committing the robbery. The gang was allegedly involved in several DHA robberies using mobile phone jammers. Police investigations suggest the culprits are from Kohat district, and efforts are underway to arrest them (23 & 27.10.24).

SINDH

1. Sindh Rangers claimed to have killed two dacoits from the riverine area, including Hakim Ali Teghani, who carried a head bounty of Rs. 2 million, during an exchange of fire in an IBO in Shikarpur district (16.10.24).

2. Unknown motorcyclists threw a locally-made explosive device at the residential gate of Sindh PPP President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro in Larkana (17.10.24).

3. The Pakistan Navy, along with the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, seized 1.3 tons of hashish valued at approximately USD 26 million during Operation “Himalayan Spirit” from a vessel in the North Arabian Sea (17.10.24).

4. Police claimed to have killed two suspected robbers, Najeebullah (an Afghan national) and Faheem Jan, involved in the murder of a police constable in an encounter in the Orangi area of Karachi (18.10.24).

5. Police recovered 20 pistols, 40 magazines, and 2500 bullets of AK-47 rifles from a car on the National Highway near Dua Chowk in Khairpur district during a tip-off raid, arresting the carrier identified as Irfan Pathan, a member of an arms smuggling gang (18.10.24).

6. Six people were killed following an armed clash between two groups of the Jagrani Clan in Ghuspur, Kandhkot district (20.10.24).

7. CTD police arrested three suspected terrorists affiliated with the defunct TTP in a raid in Sohrab Goth, Karachi. The suspects, identified as Farhad Shahbaz, Haji Rehman, and Muhammad Sagheer, were allegedly involved in the murder of police constable Muhammad Yaseen and wounding of another on June 3 in Sohrab Goth (21.10.24).

8. A property dealer named Izard Khan was shot dead by unknown assailants in the Chawrangi 5 area of Karachi (22.10.24).

9. 138 seized 9mm pistols were taken by unknown outlaws from the custody of police investigation officer Abdul Aziz Qureshi in Jacobabad. The officer allegedly took the weapons (case property) for forensic examination in Larkana without escort or informing his superiors (22.10.24).

10. Two unknown motorcyclists shot dead Dr. Abdul Khaliq Azeemi Rajput at his private clinic in Khursheed Colony in the SITE area of Kotri, Jamshoro district. The proscribed Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army (SRA) reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack (29.10.24).

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

COAS, Naval Chief, and Air Chief Witness Multinational Air Exercises

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir visited an operational air base of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to observe the multinational exercise, Indus Shield-2024. He was welcomed by Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf. The large-scale exercise featured the participation of air forces from 24 countries, aiming to enhance interoperability and training among the participating nations through state-of-the-art facilities, adhering to the motto “Stronger When Together.” The COAS expressed satisfaction with the PAF’s combat readiness and the progress achieved through modernization and upgrade programs. He also observed exercise operations and various technologies in action (24.10.24).

Pakistan-Russia Joint Counter-Terrorism Exercise at Pabbi

The Pakistan-Russia joint counter-terrorism exercise, Druzhba-VII, commenced on October 13 and concluded with a closing ceremony at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Pabbi. The ceremony was attended by Lt. Gen. Fayyaz Hussain Shah, Inspector General Training & Evaluation, Pakistan Army, and Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev. The exercise focused on advanced tactical drills to enhance skills and share expertise beneficial to both nations in combating terrorism (25.10.24).

Pakistan-South Africa Joint Counter-Terrorism Exercise at Cherat

The Pakistan-South Africa two-week joint exercise, “Iqbal-1,” in counter-terrorism commenced on October 15 and was conducted between the special forces of the two countries at Cherat. Col. SS Lechoenyo, Chief of Staff of the Republic of South Africa, witnessed the closing ceremony. The exercise aimed to refine drills, procedures, and techniques involved in CT operations through joint training (27.10.24).

Russian Dy. Defense Minister Holds Meetings with COAS and Air Chief

A high-level Russian delegation, led by Deputy Defense Minister Colonel General Alexander V. Fomin, met COAS General Syed Asim Munir at GHQ, Rawalpindi. The meeting addressed the regional security environment and matters of mutual interest, including the enhancement of bilateral defense cooperation. The visiting Deputy Defense Minister also met PAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu at Air Headquarters in Islamabad. The discussions focused on bilateral military cooperation and industrial collaboration, with the PAF Chief emphasizing the importance of strengthening defense ties and joint military drills (29.10.24).

ADMINISTRATIVE / ECONOMIC / DIPLOMATIC DEVELOPMENTS

SCO Heads of Government Conference in Islamabad

The two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) heads of government meeting, hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, concluded peacefully in Islamabad. Representatives included premiers and ministers from China, Russia, Iran, India, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and other member nations. Notably, the Chinese Prime Minister undertook a four-day visit to Pakistan, during which several MoUs and bilateral agreements were signed to strengthen strategic partnerships (15 & 16.10.24).

Comments & Analysis: Pakistan made extensive arrangements to ensure the success of the conference, which was appreciated by all members and visitors. These efforts enhanced Pakistan’s image and stature globally, presenting it as a nation committed to regional peace and prosperity. The participation of India’s Minister of External Affairs was seen as a positive step toward easing the tense relations between the two neighbors. Additionally, Pakistan’s relations with China and Russia were further strengthened.

Kartarpur Corridor Agreement renewed for another five years

Pakistan renewed its agreement with India, allowing Indian pilgrims to visit Gurudwara Darbar Kartarpur Sahib in Narowal district via the visa-free corridor from Indian Punjab. Originally signed on October 24, 2019, the agreement was renewed before its expiration, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence. The Kartarpur Corridor fulfills the longstanding desire of the Sikh community for access to one of their most revered religious sites, earning appreciation from international bodies, including the United Nations (22.10.24).

Part 2           External

Pakistan Condemns Israeli Strike on Iran

The Pakistan Foreign Office issued a statement strongly condemning Israel’s strike against the Islamic Republic of Iran on October 26. The statement highlighted the attack as a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, contrary to the UN Charter and international law, and an impediment to regional peace and stability. The Foreign Office urged the UN Security Council and the international community to play their roles in restoring peace in the region (26.10.24).

Chinese Ambassador demands to strengthen security for Chinese

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar addressed a seminar organized by the Pakistan-China Institute titled “China at 75: A Journey of Progress, Transformation, and Global Leadership.” He underscored Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the security of Chinese nationals amid rising incidents targeting Chinese citizens in Pakistan, adding that suspects in recent incidents had been apprehended and would face justice. Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong expressed concern over the recent targeting of Chinese nationals, urging Pakistan to take strict action against anti-China terrorist groups. He emphasized the importance of increased security measures to protect Chinese citizens and investments in Pakistan, including the CPEC project (29.10.24).

Comments & Analysis: The Chinese Ambassador’s remarks should be taken seriously, as China has long demanded enhanced protection and security for its workers and engineers in Pakistan. Multiple terrorist attacks have targeted Chinese nationals, causing fatalities and injuries to both Chinese and Pakistani citizens. It is crucial to revisit and thoroughly review the current security and counter-terrorism (CT) strategies.

It is suggested to conduct a detailed assessment of the current security framework for Chinese nationals, identifying potential vulnerabilities and areas for improvement.

The key to preempt surprise attacks is to implement advanced surveillance and intelligence-gathering methods in areas where Chinese projects are located, or they travel, proactively detecting and addressing threats.

A third party should conduct routine security audits for sites with a high concentration of Chinese personnel, ensuring that protocols remain up-to-date and effective.

Implementing these measures could help ensure a safer environment for Chinese workers and contribute to stronger bilateral relations.