16-28 Feb 2025

Domestic

BALOCHISTAN

1. Police Foil Terrorist Attacks
   Terrorist attacks on a police station and a Levies Force station in the Mashkey area of Kach district were successfully foiled by the police personnel stationed there (15.2.25).
2. Levies Force Personnel Martyred
   Unidentified armed assailants martyred a Levies Force personnel, Ali Nawaz Longov, and injured two others during an attack on their check post in the Togo Chapeer area of Kalat district (16.2.25).
3. FC Soldiers Repel Attack, Suffer Casualties
   FC soldiers repulsed a heavily armed terrorist attack on their check post in Kech district. However, during the exchange of fire, four soldiers, including Naik Gul Santa, Lance Naik Rana Zakir, and Sepoy Lakhmir, were martyred, while six others sustained injuries (16.2.25).
4. Grenade Attack on Police Station in Noshki
   Unknown motorcyclists lobbed a grenade into a police station, causing slight damage. This was followed by gunfire, but security personnel retaliated, forcing the attackers to flee (16.2.25).
5. Man Shot Dead Near Iran Border
   A man identified as Muhammad Meraj was gunned down by unknown motorcyclists near the Iran border in the Tump area of Kech district (16.2.25).
6. Seven Passengers Killed in Bus Attack
   A group of 40 unidentified gunmen halted traffic on the Barkhan-Dera Ghazi Khan Highway. After checking identity cards, they forced seven passengers traveling to Punjab off the bus and killed them in Barkhan district. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, targeting passengers from Punjab. The outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack (18 & 19.2.25).
7. Construction Machinery Set on Fire
   Unidentified armed motorcyclists set fire to construction machinery, including road rollers, after attacking a Frontier Works Organization (FWO) camp in the Nasirabad area of Turbat, Kech district (18.2.25).
8. Two Killed, Three Injured in Panjgur Shooting
   Unknown assailants shot dead two individuals, identified as Muhammad Kashif and Arslan, and injured three others, including a woman, in the Gomazain Sabazap area of Panjgur district (20.2.25).
9. Suspected Bomber Dies in Premature Explosion
   A man carrying a bomb was killed due to a premature explosion on Qambrani Road in the Sikander Abad area on the outskirts of Quetta (20.2.25).
10. Police Foil Attack, Kill Four Terrorists
    Police killed four terrorists while foiling an attack on a joint police and forest guard post in the Shaban area, on the outskirts of Quetta. However, a police constable, Shamsul Islam, and a forest guard, Muhammad Ramzan, were martyred, and two others sustained injuries during the exchange of fire (20.2.25).
11. Two Shot Dead in Turbat Market
    Unknown armed motorcyclists shot dead two people, identified as Najeebullah and Adnan, at an embroidery shop in Star Plus Market, Turbat, Kech district (22.2.25).
12. Twin Explosions Rock Kharan
    Two powerful explosions were reported in Kharan town district, but no casualties were recorded (22.2.25).
13. Man Killed in Kharan Shooting
    Unknown assailants shot and killed a man identified as Rasool Baksh in Kharan town district (22.2.25).
14. Exchange of Fire on Quetta-Sibi Highway
    Two people, including a man named Farooq Kurd, were killed, and three others were injured during an exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists attempting to block the Quetta-Sibi Highway (23.2.25).
15. Jewelry Shop Owner, Son, and Employee Shot Dead
    Three people, including a jewelry shop owner, Wahid Baksh, his son Karim Baksh, and an employee, were shot dead by unknown assailants in the Rind Market of Sara Bazaar, Hub (23.2.25).
16. Tribal Elder Abducted in Duki
    A tribal elder and Duki Municipal Committee member, Hafiz Allahdad, was abducted by unknown individuals on the outskirts of Duki. During a heavy exchange of fire between the kidnappers and tribesmen, a car and two motorcycles were found, but the abductors managed to escape with the victim (23 & 24.2.25).
17. Man Shot Dead in Kohat
    Unknown shooters killed a man named Abdullah Nachari in Kohat (24.2.25).
18. IED Blast Injures Security Personnel
    An improvised explosive device (IED) blast, followed by gunfire, injured eight Frontier Corps (FC) personnel and a civilian driver who were escorting a convoy of 29 trucks transporting blister copper from the Sendak project to Karachi. The incident took place in the Mangochar area of Kalat district (24.2.25).
19. PML-N Leader Gunned Down
    A local PML-N leader, Ayurveda Mollahzai, was gunned down by unknown assailants in Washuk (25.2.25).
20. Man Found Shot Dead in Bolan
    A man identified as Naseeruddin was found shot dead in the Narmada Johan area of Bolan district (25.2.25).
21. Man Shot Dead in Pishin
    Armed assailants shot and killed a man named Farooq in Pishin (25.2.25).
22. Bullet-Riddled Bodies Found Near Quetta and Awaran
    Four bullet-riddled bodies were discovered in Shaban, a picnic spot 20km from Quetta. The victims were identified as Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Harooni, Zubair Ahmed Harooni (both from Kalat), and Shahbaz Shahwani and Naeem Ahmed Shahwani (both from Dasht). Another body, found in Awaran, was identified as Hameedullah. The victims had reportedly been missing for several weeks (26.2.25).
23. Nine Injured in Quetta Bomb Blast
    Nine people were reportedly injured in a bomb blast on Jan Muhammad Jadson Road in Quetta (28.2.25).

Comments & Analysis: The incidents highlight a surge in violence across various districts of Balochistan, targeting security forces, law enforcement, and civilians. Multiple attacks on police stations, Levies Force, and FC check posts indicate the persistent strategy of coordinated effort to destabilize law enforcement, adopted by both TTP and BLA, while the foiling of attacks in Mashkey and Quetta underscores both persistent threats and proactive security measures. Nevertheless, intelligence does not seem to be as effective as required. Targeted killings, including the assassination of a PML-N leader and a jewelry shop owner, point to selective violence, while the execution-style killings of passengers in Barkhan suggest an ethnic or sectarian dimension, with the BLA claiming responsibility. The use of explosives, including IED blasts and bombings in Quetta, reflects insurgents’ continued reliance on such tactics, though a premature detonation in Quetta suggests intelligence-led disruptions. Infrastructure sabotage, such as the destruction of construction machinery in Turbat and the attack on a copper transport convoy, indicates threats to economic stability. Additionally, the abduction of a tribal elder in Duki and the discovery of bullet-riddled bodies signal worsening law and order. The frequency and spread of these attacks raise serious security concerns, impacting economic and political stability

ISLAMABAD

1. Police arrested six women and seven men, including Ume Hassan, the spouse of the Lal Masjid cleric, from Mandi Mosque in Margalla Town, Islamabad, on multiple charges, including firing and resisting police and CDA staff. Later, the ATC Court granted police their four-day physical remand (19 & 20.2.25).
2. The body of Additional Director Waqar Ahmed of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was recovered from a guest house in Sector G-6/4, Islamabad. It was learned that he was posted in Lahore but was attached to NAB HQ in connection with an inquiry. Police investigations are underway (24.2.25).

KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA (KPK)

1. Police foiled an attack by a group of 40 terrorists on the Shaka police station in South Waziristan district. However, during the exchange of fire, Constable Sadiq Wazir was martyred (15.2.25).
2. The Police Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) defused a locally made IED concealed in a bucket placed near a mosque adjacent to the Ghoriwala police station in Bannu district (15.2.25).
3. Five members of a family, including Malik Aman, were killed by armed assailants over an old enmity in Badhber, Peshawar (16.2.25).
4. Unknown gunmen shot dead a religious figure, identified as Maulana Kashif, in Swabi district (16.2.25).
5. Two policemen, Asadullah Khan and Alam Sher, who were kidnapped by armed men from the Zangara area of Ladha tehsil, South Waziristan district, on 4th February, were safely recovered by police and security forces in a joint operation (16.2.25).
6. Two security personnel were reportedly martyred, and six others were injured in an IED blast placed under a bridge by terrorists in the Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan district (17.2.25).
7. Unknown shooters martyred police constable Syed Fazal Hussain Shah near the Kotli Imam area within the limits of Cantt police station in Dera Ismail Khan (17.2.25).
8. A man identified as Wilayat Khan was killed in a remote-controlled bomb blast in Jorgha Adeel Targaho, Baran tehsil, Bajaur district (17.2.25).
9. Police killed one terrorist and arrested several others, while a policeman was injured in an exchange of fire following a grenade attack on a police mobile in the Shadipur area of Kohat (17.2.25).
10. Security forces killed 30 terrorists in an operation in the Sararogha area of South Waziristan district. This follows the elimination of 15 terrorists in two separate operations in KPK last week (18.2.25).
11. Two unidentified motorcyclist robbers snatched Rs400 million from money exchanger Haji Bilal at gunpoint when he was carrying the amount in his car on Cheel Dagai Road in Takht Bhai and managed to escape (19.2.25).
12. Security forces thwarted a terrorist plot by defusing an IED planted on the Azam Warsak Road in Birmal tehsil, South Waziristan district (19.2.25).
13. Special Branch police ASI Saifullah was martyred by unidentified gunmen within the limits of Daudzai police station in Peshawar district (20.2.25).
14. Prominent tribal elder and Presidential Award recipient Abdul Khalid Wazir was killed by unidentified gunmen who targeted his vehicle near Wana Press Club on Azam Warsak Road, South Waziristan district (21.2.25).
15. Two persons, identified as Maqsood and Taqveen, were shot dead by unknown assailants on Miryan Road in Bannu (21.2.25).
16. A terrorist was killed while his accomplice managed to escape during an exchange of fire with police in the Totaki area of Banda Daud tehsil, Karak district (21.2.25).
17. Security forces conducted an IBO and killed six terrorists during an exchange of fire in Karak district (21.2.25).
18. Saif-ur-Rehman Wazir, President of the South Waziristan Chamber of Commerce, who was abducted along with two customs officers, Israr Abbasi and Khushal, on 14th February while returning from Angoor Adda, has reportedly been rescued. However, the customs officers are still missing (21.2.25).
19. Sardar Qaisar Khan Miankhel, Divisional President of PPP, a lawyer, and a member of the District Bar Association, was abducted by unknown armed men in Dera Ismail Khan district (24.2.25).
20. Security forces conducted an IBO and killed 10 terrorists during an exchange of fire in the Bagan area of Tirah Valley, Khyber district (24.2.25).
21. Police claimed to have defused a locally made IED with the help of the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) in the Shandi Adda area of Bannu (25.2.25).
22. A midnight terrorist attack on a police station in Banda Daud Shah was foiled by police through retaliatory fire in Karak district (25.2.25).
23. A minor dispute among children led to a deadly shooting, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and serious injuries to another in the Jandol area of Lower Dir district (26.2.25).
24. Police registered FIRs under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) against three individuals for allegedly using derogatory language and issuing death threats against police personnel on social media in Bannu (26.2.25).

Closure of Torkham Border

• The Torkham border remained closed for the sixth consecutive day due to Afghanistan’s construction activities in disputed areas along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Passengers, including patients and drivers, are facing hardships due to the cold weather and financial constraints. According to customs sources, trade worth USD 8 million has been affected by the closure (27.2.25).

Violence in Kurram District

• A convoy of 130 trucks carrying essential goods, including five oil tankers, traveling from Tall to Parachinar was attacked by armed men near Char Khel, Lower Kurram district. The attack resulted in the killing of a driver, Akram Khan, and the looting of goods from 30 trucks, with 19 trucks set on fire. In another attack, five security personnel, including Lance Naik Kabul Khan, Lance Naik Abdul Rehman, Lance Naik Yaseen, Sepoy Saqlain, and Sepoy Danish, were martyred, while several others sustained injuries. In response to escalating violence, the KPK government has launched a crackdown against militants in Upper Kurram, Mandori, and other affected areas. The government has announced bounties totaling Rs340 million on 14 suspected terrorists, including Rs30 million for one Kazim. The security situation has caused a land route blockage since November last year, leading to a shortage of essential goods. Authorities, with the support of police and security forces, have demolished 183 bunkers in the affected areas and arrested around 100 suspects for alleged involvement in violence (13, 17, 19, 20, 27.2.25).
• One person was killed, and several others were injured in front of a medical store in Upper Orakzai district (28.2.25).

JUI-S Leader Hamid ul Haq Among Several Killed in Suicide Blast

• JUI-S leader Maulana Hamid ul Haq and four others were killed, while 20 others were injured, in a suicide blast at the main prayer hall of Darul Uloom Haqqania madrassah in Nowshera district during Friday prayers. Maulana Hamid ul Haq, the elder son of the assassinated Maulana Sami ul Haq, previously served as a National Assembly member (2002-2007) and led a Pakistani religious scholars’ delegation to Afghanistan last year (28.2.25).

PUNJAB

1. Police claimed to have safely recovered a person named Muhammad Jamil in an IBO after a fierce exchange of fire with the kidnappers in the Katcha area of Rajanpur district (16.2.25).
2. Armed individuals allegedly fired warning shots at a private school for refusing to pay extortion money in Islam Pura, Lahore (19.2.25).
3. The CTD police, during a raid, arrested a suspect identified as Azizullah Khan Khattak, affiliated with a banned outfit, and recovered explosive material, electronic devices, and detonators from his possession at Niaz Chowk, village 96/6-R in Sahiwal (20.2.25).
4. Police saved the life of a security guard from lynching by an enraged mob after he allegedly shot dead a young man identified as Saddar Ali over a minor quarrel at Rashid Chowk in the Samanabad locality of Faisalabad. The guard was later arrested (23.2.25).
5. Police claimed to have arrested a notorious bandit, Shahid, son of Shah Mir Lund, in an injured condition after an encounter near Machi Mor in the Katcha riverine area of Rajanpur district (24.2.25).
6. Twenty-two Indian fishermen who had unintentionally crossed into Pakistani waters were released from Malir Jail in Karachi after completing their sentences a day earlier. They were handed over to Indian authorities at Wagah Border. Each fisherman was provided PKR 5,000, meals, and a gift by the Edhi Foundation (22.2.25).
7. Two alleged dacoits, identified as Bilal and Imran (alias Mani), and a police constable, Asif, were martyred, while another individual was injured in an encounter near Khannuana Bypass Chowk in Faisalabad (23.2.25).
8. A man later identified as Asif Javed attempted to set himself ablaze on 25th February by pouring petrol over himself in the premises of the Lahore High Court. However, bystanders and police constables on the scene saved him by throwing water, covering him with a shawl, and using a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. He was later shifted to the hospital for medical treatment, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. It is reported that he was a worker at a Kabirwala-based private food and beverage company and had been dismissed along with other employees allegedly due to union activities in 2015. A labor court and the National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC) ordered their reinstatement along with payment of their dues. However, the company challenged the NIRC’s decision in the Lahore High Court, and the case had been pending for several years. Due to the prolonged delay in the court’s verdict, Asif became disheartened and resorted to the extreme act of self-immolation, apparently in frustration over the delayed justice (28.2.25).

SINDH

1. After being kidnapped from DHA, Karachi, a youth named Mustafa Amir was murdered by his friend, who later torched his body in the victim’s car in Hub. Police arrested his friends, Armaghan and Shiraz (alias Shavez Bukhari), for their alleged involvement in the murder (15.2.25).
2. A police constable, Imran Khan, was martyred by unknown armed motorcyclists at Amn Chowk in the Khairabad area of Manghopir, Karachi (16.2.25).
3. The body of a woman identified as Sahir Fatima, who had been kidnapped two days earlier for ransom, was found murdered in Surjani Town, Karachi. The discovery was made based on leads provided by two suspects arrested by the police (17.2.25).

DEFENCE / SECURITY

CJCSC Visit to Saudi Arabia & Meeting with Bahrain National Guards Chief

1. General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to attend the 8th round of the Pakistan-KSA Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC). During the visit, he met Major General Talal Bin Abdullah Al-Otaibi, Assistant Minister of Defence, and General Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Chief of General Staff. They discussed strategic and security issues, the evolving regional environment, and ways to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation between the two brotherly countries (16.2.25).

Visit of the Bahrain National Guards Chief of Staff to JS HQ, Rawalpindi

2. Lt. General Sheikh Abdul Aziz Saud Mubarak Al Khalifa, Chief of Staff of the Bahrain National Guards, called on the CJCSC at Joint Staff Headquarters, Rawalpindi. During the meeting, both military leaders discussed the evolving regional environment and related security issues. They emphasized broadening the existing bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries. The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of the Pakistani armed forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism (20.2.25).

COAS Visit to the UK

• General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), visited the United Kingdom (UK) to participate in the seventh Regional Stabilisation Conference at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he delivered the keynote address on “The Emerging World Order and Pakistan’s Future Outlook.” The annual conference serves as a platform for military dialogue between Pakistan and the UK, fostering collaboration and bringing together policymakers, both civilian and military, as well as prominent think tanks from both countries.
• On the invitation of General Roland Walker, CGS of the UK Army, COAS had a field visit to Warminster and Larkhill Garrisons, where he was briefed on the modernization plan of the British Army and the Deep Recce Strike Brigade. Niche technologies, including AI and unmanned systems, were also showcased (19-21.2.25).

Two-Week-Long Joint Pakistan-Türkiye Special Forces Exercise at Cherat

• The closing ceremony of the two-week-long Pak-Türkiye Joint Exercise Ataturk XIII in the counter-terrorism domain was held at Cherat. The exercise, which commenced on 10th February, was conducted between the special forces of the two countries. Commander 11 Corps attended the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest, while Türkiye was represented by Brigadier General Ahmet Asik.

The troops displayed the highest standards of professional excellence during the exercise, which aimed at refining professional skills through joint training and strengthening military-to-military relations between the two friendly nations (20.2.25).

Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Joint Naval Exercise at Karachi

• A bilateral military drill, “AFFAA AL SAHEL,” involving special forces of the Pakistan Navy and the Royal Saudi Navy, concluded in Karachi on 19th February. The closing ceremony was attended by Commander Coast, Rear Admiral Faisal Amin, along with senior officials from both countries. Various maneuvers were demonstrated to enhance maritime security, interoperability, and cooperation between the two naval forces (19.2.25).

Pakistan Navy Inaugurates Sea Guard Security Exercise

• The Pakistan Navy inaugurated the second edition of the Sea Guard-25 Security Exercise in Karachi, aimed at tackling maritime security challenges. The exercise brought together representatives from various maritime sectors, including shipping, fisheries, law enforcement agencies, private entities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), under one platform to collectively address multifaceted challenges in the maritime domain (24.2.25).

Uzbekistan Defence Minister’s Visit to Air HQ, Islamabad

• A high-level defence delegation led by Major General Burkhonov Akhmed, Minister of Defence and Commander of the Air Defence Force of the Republic of Uzbekistan, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sindhu, Chief of the Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), at Air Headquarters, Islamabad.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, joint training, technological collaboration in the aerospace domain, and strengthening bilateral military cooperation between the two countries were discussed (26.2.25).

CJCSC and Service Chiefs Reaffirm Commitment to National Security on the Sixth Anniversary of Operation Swift Retort-2019

• On the occasion of the 6th anniversary of Operation Swift Retort, CJCSC General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and the service chiefs paid tribute to the unwavering courage, professionalism, and sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces in defending the nation on 27th February 2019.

Pakistan’s Armed Forces stand ready to defend the motherland while actively contributing to regional and global peace initiatives, in line with the country’s pursuit of stability and harmony. The commitment to ensuring Pakistan’s national security and stability was reiterated, with the forces remaining ever vigilant and fully prepared to counter any threats to the nation, as stated by the ISPR.

On that day, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had shot down two Indian planes that had violated Pakistani airspace (27.2.25).

DIPLOMATIC DEVELOPMENTS / SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

Pakistan’s Commitment to Regional Cooperation

1. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, highlighted the benefits of utilizing regional potential for both Pakistan and Afghanistan. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit. However, he emphasized that terrorism-related issues remain a key topic in discussions with Afghanistan, and without resolving these concerns, meaningful cooperation between the two countries would not be feasible (15.2.25).

IAEA DG Praises Pakistan’s Nuclear Power Program

2. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General (DG) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), visited the under-construction Chashma Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5) on 12-13 February. During his visit, he inaugurated a radioactive waste incinerator and described Pakistan’s nuclear power generation program as one of the most successful in the world. He also met with the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister. His statements hold significant value in demonstrating to the international community that Pakistan’s nuclear program is secure, well-protected, and aligned with global safety standards (17.2.25).

Pakistan’s Engagement with the US

3. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalia Baker, reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to work with the Donald Trump administration to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in trade, information technology, agriculture, education, and energy. He also emphasized the need for counterterrorism collaboration, specifically in addressing threats posed by groups such as ISIS/Daesh and TTP. Ms. Baker assured him that the US administration is committed to working with Pakistan to advance shared objectives and strengthen bilateral ties (19.2.25).

Pakistan-Azerbaijan Economic Ties Strengthened

• During his visit to Azerbaijan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a one-on-one meeting with President Ilham Aliyev in Baku. He announced that the two countries would sign agreements in April, boosting bilateral investment to $2 billion. Both nations enjoy a long-standing relationship based on brotherly ties (24.2.25).

UAE-Pakistan Agreements to Boost Bilateral Cooperation

• Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during his official visit to Pakistan, signed five accords to enhance bilateral cooperation in banking, railways, mining, and infrastructure investment. The agreements were witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, federal cabinet members, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, and members of the UAE delegation. The UAE remains one of Pakistan’s closest brotherly Muslim countries and a key trading partner, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s remittances through its large Pakistani workforce (27.2.25).

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

AFGHANISTAN: Law and Order / Security

1. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced that Afghanistan has one of the highest levels of landmine and unexploded ordnance contamination. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) previously reported that 55 civilians are killed or injured every month due to explosions from such devices (20.2.25).
2. Abdul Matin Qani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), stated that special forces have been assigned to protect major national and infrastructure projects to ensure their security (22.2.25).
3. A former police commander, Khairullah, was reportedly killed in Pai Hisar village of Teyora district. Additionally, a former soldier identified as Mohammad Uddin was allegedly arrested in Abdullahkil village, Panjshir province. However, the authorities have not confirmed these reports (23-24.2.25).
4. A British couple, Peter Reynolds and his wife Barbie, along with an American-Chinese national, were detained by the Taliban in early February in Bamiyan province. The couple had been operating a training school in Afghanistan for 18 years and chose to remain after the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. One of their projects involved training mothers and children in Bamiyan. The Taliban, in discussions with the BBC, stated that they are working to secure the couple’s release as soon as possible (24.2.25).
5. Two children were killed and another was injured in an explosion caused by unexploded ordnance in Gulistan district, Farah province (25.2.25).
6. Afghan police claimed to have arrested 350 alleged human traffickers in Nimroz province who were reportedly involved in smuggling people illegally to Iran (27.2.25).
7. The Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF), an anti-Taliban armed group, claimed responsibility for 87 targeted attacks over the past year, resulting in the deaths of 229 Taliban members and injuries to 166 others. The AFF, reportedly formed after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, is led by General Yasin Zia, the former Chief of Staff of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF). The group, primarily composed of former soldiers, has been active in Panjshir, Kabul, Balkh, and surrounding areas. These claims have not been verified by the Taliban-led government (27.2.25).

ILLEGALLY OCCUPIED JAMMU AND KASHMIR / LOC

Security / Military / Law and Order

1. An Indian soldier was injured by gunfire in the battalion area of the Akhnoor sector along the Line of Control (LoC). According to an India Today report, a brief exchange of fire took place near an Indian Army post manned by the 5th Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JKLI) under the 93rd Infantry Brigade in Poonch district.
2. Indian Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi stated in an interview with ANI that since 2014, India has taken an “assertive” stance in its communication with Pakistan along the LoC, emphasizing that India is prepared to respond aggressively if provoked. He also referenced the impact of the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 (19.2.25).
3. An explosion was reported in the Nakarakote area of Poonch district just hours before a scheduled flag meeting between the Indian and Pakistani armies aimed at de-escalating border tensions. Hindustan Times reported that a brigade commander-level flag meeting took place at the Chaka Da Bagar crossing point along the LoC in a congenial atmosphere, with both sides agreeing to uphold the ceasefire agreement of 25 February 2021 (21.2.25).
4. The General Officer Commanding in Chief (GOC-in-C) Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar reviewed operational preparedness in Akhnoor sector. He also visited the area along with GOC White Knight Corps (XV1 Corps) based at Nagrota to take stock of the situation (21 Feb).
5. A security meeting was held in IIOJK Ramban district under GOC Counter Insurgency Force (Delta), Major General APS Bal and was participated by senior officers of police, CRPF and intelligence outfits wherein discussed an integrated plan to crack down on militancy in Chanab valley which was rocked by several incidents, last year. The discussion also included providing arms to the ex- servicemen supplementing the existing Village Defence Guards enabling them to actively combat militancy and safe guard the communities. It was stressed in fostering a robust alliance and intelligence sharing between the army, police, LEAs and intelligence agencies (25 Feb).

Civil and Political development

• IIOJK Lt Governor Manoj Sinha terminated the services of three more government employees including police constable Firdous Ahmed Bhat, teacher Muhammad Ashraf Bhat and peon Nisar Ahmed Khan over alleged links to the militants. Government has terminated the services of at least 63 employees in this regard since 2020. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) led by Mehbooba Mufti and Hurriyat Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq castigated the Lt Governor and Chief Minister (CM) Farooq Abdullah government of National Conference for its failure to safe guard the jobs of government employees (15 Feb). Police launched crackdown in Srinagar on Islamic literature, seizing hundreds of books written by Syed Abdul Ala Maududi, the founder of Jamaat-e-Islami. The operation was initiated on the intelligence reports regarding the clandestine sale and distribution of literature promoting the ideology of banned organisations. Prominent Kashmiri figures strongly condemned the raids (19 Feb). The workers of banned Jamaat-e-Islami reportedly floated a new political party by the name of Justice and Development Front (JDF) to raise people-centric issues at a convention held in Kulgam and expected to hold an official lunch in Srinagar in shortly (24.2.25). CM Omar Abdullah in an interview to a TV channel said that the description of Article 370 as a temporary or transitional (provision) was because Jammu and Kashmir’s status had been fully formalised at the time of accession to India in 1947. Added that what was the promise made to the people at the point of accession that made article 370 (under which Jammu and Kashmir enjoyed special status) temporary and transitional? The promise was a plebiscite. At the time of accession, J& K status was not fully formalised. It was understood that its future would be determined through democratic means. He however, praised change in atmosphere in IIOJK after remove, of the special status, The Hindu reported (25.2.25).