16-31 March 2025

Domestic

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) 

Police claimed to have arrested a terrorist near Azad Pattan and recovered a hand grenade, a 9mm pistol with two magazines, 49 rounds of SMG ammunition, and medicines from his car. The suspect reportedly admitted to operating under the network of Dr. Abdul Rauf, an Afghanistan-based mastermind. He was assigned a mission to infiltrate AJK with five heavily armed individuals from Islamabad. However, to avoid police checkpoints, the group disembarked near a makeshift pulley bridge over the river near Azad Pattan and proceeded on foot (18/19.3.25). 

Balochistan 

1.A suicide bomber attacked a security forces convoy in Noshki district, followed by gunfire, resulting in the martyrdom of three security personnel—Havaldar Mansoor Ali, Havaldar Ali Bilawal, and Naik Abul Rehman—and two civilians, Driver Jalaluddin and Muhammad Naeem. During the exchange of fire, three terrorists were also killed (15.3.25). 

2. A grenade attack on the house of SHO Qadir Sheikh of Hab City Police Station in Khuzdar district injured five people, including four children (17.3.25). 

3. Armed men snatched two vehicles, weapons, and mobile phones from National Highway Police staff in the Mangochar area of Kalat district (19.3.25). 

4. Police foiled a sabotage attempt by recovering 8 kg of explosives hidden by terrorists in the bushes in Chhakra Mohalla, Nasirabad (20.3.25). 

Arrest of Dr. Mahrang Baluch and 17 Others in Quetta 

5. Police arrested Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Dr. Sabhia Baloch, and 17 others from the Baluch Yakjehtee Committee (BYC) after registering an FIR against 150 individuals. The charges included terrorism, incitement to rebellion, and murder. The case involved forcibly taking the bodies of Jaffar Express train attackers from the Civil Hospital morgue and staging a sit-in by placing the bodies on Sariab Road, Quetta (23.3.25). 

6. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested four suspects in Quetta for allegedly facilitating the terrorist group responsible for hijacking Jaffar Express on March 11, where over 400 passengers were held hostage in Bolan district (25.3.25). 

7. Unidentified assailants set ablaze four trailers on the CPEC Highway near the Tabjan area in Turbat district (25.3.25). 

8. A bomb blast targeting a police mobile van near Bareech Market on Double Road killed three civilians, including a doctor, and injured 21 others in Quetta (26.3.25). 

9. Four labourers, reportedly from Punjab, were shot dead by unknown gunmen in the Malangzai area of Mangochar city in Kalat district (27.3.25). 

10. Unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants martyred four policemen on patrol duty in the Gharibabad area of Noshki (27.3.25). 

11. A Levies force personnel, Abdul Qayum, was martyred, and two others were injured after an armed motorcyclist opened fire on a check post in the Nachara area of Kalat district (28.3.25). 

12. Sardar Akhtar Mengal and other Balochistan National Party (BNP-M) workers remained unharmed after a suicide bomber detonated near their protest rally in Mastung (28.3.25). 

13. Security forces, in an intelligence-based operation (IBO), killed six terrorists in Kalat district (29.3.25). 

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)

1. Two policemen, including Sub-Inspector Islam Noor Khan and a private security guard, were martyred during terrorist attacks on the Khurram and Takht-e-Nasrati police stations and the Sui Gas installation in Karak district. However, during the exchange of fire, police killed one terrorist (15.3.25).
2. Security forces thwarted separate terrorist attacks on the Dadiwala and Pezo police stations in Lakki Marwat district. However, two constables were injured in the exchange of fire. In another incident, a terrorist identified as Kashif was killed, and two constables sustained injuries in an IED attack on a police vehicle on Landhiwa Road in Lakki Marwat district. The banned militant outfit TTP reportedly claimed responsibility for the attacks (15.3.25).
3. A policeman, Nazar Ali, was martyred in a terrorist attack on the Panjgur outpost of Ichi Gate Police Station in Peshawar (15.3.25).
4. A former police officer, Abdul Jabbar, was martyred by unidentified armed men in Dabkot village, Wana Tehsil, South Waziristan district (15.3.25).
5. CTD police, in two separate operations in Bannu and Charsadda districts, killed three terrorists, including one identified as Javed Khan (17.3.25).
6. Security forces, in an intelligence-based operation (IBO), killed three terrorists in the Tor Darra area of Khyber district (17.3.25).
7. Residents of Qamberkhel foiled an attempted abduction of a security forces personnel from his house in the Walikhel area of Tirah Valley, Khyber district (18.3.25).
8. ASI Alyas Khan was martyred by unidentified gunmen while on his way home on Kheshgi Road in Nowshera (18.3.25).
9. Qoum Sipah tribe elder Haji Naseebullah Afridi was killed by unknown gunmen in Bara Bazar, Khyber district (19.3.25).
10. Police thwarted a terrorist attack on the Muslimabad police check post along the Indus Highway after a heavy exchange of fire in Kohat district (20.3.25).
11. Security forces, in an IBO, killed 10 terrorists in Dera Ismail Khan district. However, during the exchange of fire, Captain Husnain Akhter embraced martyrdom (20.3.25).
12. Armed motorcyclists martyred a Lower Head Constable in the Suri Naurang area of Lakki Marwat district (21.3.25).
13. Police Constable Nasrullah was martyred by armed assailants in the Dray Khullay area of Bannu district (21.3.25).
14. Three people were injured when an IED exploded near the car of tribal elder Noorgai Wazir in Rustam Bazar, Wana, South Waziristan district (22.3.25).
15. Police repelled an attack on Shaheed Habiat Ali Khan Police Station after a heavy exchange of fire in Darra Pezeshkian town, Lakki Marwat district (22.3.25).
16. Security forces killed 16 terrorists attempting to enter Pakistan from Afghanistan in the Ghulam Khan Kallay area, North Waziristan district (22.3.25).
17. Police Constable Waqar Rafiq narrowly escaped an IED blast within the jurisdiction of Loi Sam Bajaur Police Station in Peshawar district (22.3.25).
18. Dr. Nourang Khattak, who was abducted last month from the PRCS Health Centre in Azam Warsak, has been freed. However, two customs officers, Superintendent Nisar Abbas and Inspector Khushal, remain missing after being kidnapped a month ago near the Angoor Ada border in South Waziristan district (25.3.25).
19. Policeman Imran Wazir was martyred in a terrorist attack in the Azam Warsak area, South Waziristan district (25.3.25).
20. Terrorists martyred District Security Branch police official Maqbool Akhter on Darwazai Palosa Road, Hangu district (25.3.25).
21. Unidentified gunmen martyred police official Ihsanullah and injured another in the Amir Alam Manjiwala area of Lakki Marwat city (25.3.25).
22. CTD police, in an IBO, killed outlawed TTP commander Saeed, while his accomplices managed to escape during the exchange of fire in the Shana Warai area, Hangu district (25.3.25).
23. Unidentified terrorists martyred Police Constable Imran Khan in a targeted attack in Bonaire village, South Waziristan district (26.3.25).
24. Two security personnel, Lance Naik Nadeem and Sepoy Wakeel, embraced martyrdom, while three others were injured in a terrorist attack on a convoy near Kulachi Mor, Dera Ismail Khan district (26.3.25).
25. Security forces, in separate IBOs, killed 10 terrorists in the Mirali and Miran Shah areas of North Waziristan district (27.3.25).
26. Security forces killed a terrorist during an exchange of fire in the Darban area, Dera Ismail Khan district (27.3.25).
27. SHO Rashid Ahmed and other policemen narrowly escaped a bomb attack on their vehicle in the Tang Khawa area of Khar Tehsil, Bajaur district (27.3.25).
28. ASI Hakeem Khan sustained injuries in a gunfire attack by unknown armed men on a police checkpoint in the Jehangir Banda area, Karak district (27.3.25).
29. The Police Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) defused a locally made 43 kg explosive device hidden in a plastic drum with a wire, intended to target police and security forces in the Wanda Haji Gul area, Lakki Marwat district (27.3.25).
30. Police repelled a terrorist attack on the Kaghazai check post along the Kohat-Hangu Highway in Hangu district (27.3.25).
31. Police thwarted a terrorist attack on Dadiwala Police Station in the Kurram Par area of Lakki Marwat district after a heavy exchange of fire (28.3.25).
32. Unidentified gunmen killed a medical practitioner, Dr. Hussain, in the border area of Azam Warsak, South Waziristan district (28.3.25).

Security Operation in Mardan Leaves 11 Dead

• At least 11 people were killed in Mardan’s Katlang tehsil during a security operation against suspected militants. While officials claimed it was an intelligence-based counterterrorism raid, locals insisted it was a drone strike that killed civilians, including women and children. The provincial government acknowledged civilian casualties, calling them collateral damage, and blamed militants for embedding themselves within civilian areas. The operation reportedly neutralized high-value militant targets, but the deaths of non-combatants have sparked concerns. Authorities have promised an investigation, medical aid for the injured, and compensation for victims’ families (29.3.25).

Comments & Analysis: The incident underscores the challenges of counterterrorism operations in populated areas, where militants use civilians as human shields, increasing the risk of unintended casualties. While security forces claim operational success, the loss of innocent lives could fuel local resentment, potentially aiding militant recruitment. The conflicting narratives—official reports versus local claims of a drone strike—also highlight transparency concerns. Without clear communication and accountability, such incidents could erode public trust and further destabilize the region.

An independent probe should verify the facts to restore public confidence. Improved intelligence gathering, precision targeting, and evacuation protocols must be adopted. Local authorities should engage with affected communities, providing compensation, medical aid, and open dialogue.

33.Unknown assailants blew up an abandoned police post using explosives in the Bagranto area of Wazir Tehsil, Bannu district (29.3.25).

34. The Police Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) foiled a sabotage attempt by defusing an IED in the Kacha Bacha area, Bannu district (29.3.25).

35. Police recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from a car on the Indus Highway in Karak district. The cache included 35 pistols, 9 AK-47 rifles, two repeater guns, a Kalakov rifle, 89 spare magazines, thousands of bullets, and fake vehicle number plates. The seized weapons were suspected to be intended for terrorism and criminal activities (29.3.25).

PUNJAB

1. A former Jehadist commander, Zia ur Rehman alias Abu Qatal, from a proscribed outfit was reportedly killed by unidentified armed motorcyclists in a targeted attack on Mangla-Jhelum Road in Jhelum district. Although no official statement was issued, speculation suggested the involvement of the Indian intelligence agency RAW in the murder (15.3.25).
2. CTD police claimed to have arrested 11 suspects affiliated with banned outfits during raids in different areas of Punjab. The arrested individuals include Haider Sultan, Wali Khan, Rehman, Zubair, Amin, Akbar, Maqsood Khan, Ibrahim Qasmi, and Saddam (22.3.25).
3. Unknown armed assailants gunned down JUI-F local leader Qani Nizamuddin while he was on his way home after offering prayers in Khattak Colony, Attock city. Police claimed to have arrested three suspects, and investigations are underway to determine the motive behind the murder (22 & 25.3.25).
4. Police killed one terrorist while thwarting an attack by armed men on the Jhangi post, located at the Punjab-KPK border in Dera Ghazi Khan district. This was the eighth terrorist attack foiled by police (23.3.25).
5. Police repelled an attack by a group of 20–25 heavily armed terrorists on the Lakhani Check Post at the Punjab-KPK border junction in Dera Ghazi Khan district. During the exchange of fire, three terrorists were killed, and several others were injured. A similar attack on this check post was thwarted by police earlier on 21 March (29.3.25).

SINDH

1. JUI-F local leader Moulana Sherzada was shot dead by unknown assailants in Orangi Town, Karachi (24.3.25).
2. Three policemen and a passerby were injured in a grenade attack on a police post under the Quaidabad Bridge in Karachi (28.3.25).

DEFENCE AND SECURITY

Pakistan Navy’s Second Hangor-Class Submarine Ceremony in China

The Pakistan Navy has launched its second Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M Shushuk, at a ceremony in Wuhan, China. The submarine is part of an eight-vessel deal signed in 2015 between Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence and China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company. Under the agreement, four submarines are being built in China, while the remaining four will be constructed at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works under a transfer-of-technology program.

Pakistan’s Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami, attended the event as the chief guest. While addressing the ceremony, he highlighted the importance of maritime security in the prevailing geo-strategic environment of the region, as well as the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to safeguarding national interests and ensuring a safe and secure maritime environment (15.3.25).

Russian Naval Ships Visit Karachi

A Russian Navy flotilla arrived in Karachi for a goodwill visit, comprising the frigates RFS Rezkiy and RFS Aldar Tsydenzhapov, along with the medium sea tanker RFS Pechenga. According to a Pakistan Navy press release, the visit marks a significant milestone in maritime diplomacy, reinforcing security and defence cooperation between the two nations. Both navies reportedly conducted joint exercises in the Arabian Sea to enhance interoperability and maritime cooperation (20.3.25).

President’s Address at Pakistan Day Military Parade in Islamabad

While addressing the Pakistan Day military parade at Aiwan-i-Saddar, Islamabad, President Asif Ali Zardari stated that the armed forces were fully prepared to foil any nefarious designs and safeguard the country. He also paid tribute to the armed forces and law enforcement agencies for their unprecedented contributions in the war against terrorism.

The military parade was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the three services chiefs, and other senior military, civilian, and political leaders (23.3.25).

COAS Visits Western Border on Eid to Offer Prayers and Interact with Troops

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir visited Wana in South Waziristan district and Chehkan in Dera Ismail Khan district to spend Eid ul Fitr with the officers and jawans deployed along the western border. According to the military’s media service ISPR, the COAS offered Eid prayers and prayed for the enduring stability and prosperity of the country. During his interaction with the troops, he extended Eid greetings and lauded their unwavering dedication and exemplary service to the nation. He also praised the performance of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies (LEAs), along with the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), in combating the menace of terrorism. Upon his arrival, the COAS was warmly received by the Corps Commander Peshawar (31.3.25).

DIPLOMATIC DEVELOPMENTS / SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

Pakistan FO Rejects Indian PM Modi’s Remarks on Jammu and Kashmir

1. Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) strongly rejected Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir made during an interview with American podcaster Lex Fridman, calling them misleading and one-sided. PM Modi alleged that India’s attempts to foster peace with Pakistan were met with hostility and betrayal.

The FO asserted that India continues to ignore the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute, despite its commitments to the United Nations, Pakistan, and the Kashmiri people over the past seven decades. It reiterated Pakistan’s stance on constructive and results-oriented dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, including Kashmir.

Furthermore, the FO accused India of fomenting trouble in Pakistan through targeted assassinations, subversion, terrorism, and state-sponsored oppression in Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, it rejected Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s claims that minorities in Pakistan face persecution, intimidation, and forced conversions, urging India to focus on addressing the treatment of its own minorities instead (17 & 29.3.25).

Parliamentary Committee on National Security Reviews Terrorism Surge

• A special meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security was held in Islamabad, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, senior cabinet members, provincial chief ministers, the army chief, intelligence agency chiefs, and other officials. The committee reviewed the security environment in light of rising terrorism and crime incidents across the country.

It was decided to take strict measures against such elements, implement a hard crackdown on terrorist networks, and ensure the proper enforcement of the National Action Plan.

Later, PM Shehbaz Sharif, while chairing another high-level meeting at the Ministry of Information, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and extremism in all forms to build a strong national narrative against the menace (18 & 29.3.25).

Russian Ambassador on Afghan Government’s Counterterrorism Efforts

• Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert Khorev, in an interview with a Pakistani media outlet, described the interim Afghan government’s efforts to combat terrorism and militant outfits, including ISIS, as insufficient. However, he attributed this to Afghanistan’s economic challenges and the prevailing security situation.

He emphasized Russia’s support for Pakistan, Afghanistan, and other regional countries in countering militant threats (25.3.25).

Pakistan Welcomes US Acknowledgment of TTP Threat

• Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, during a weekly news briefing in Islamabad, welcomed the United States’ acknowledgment of the threat posed by the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

He reaffirmed that there is no pause in Pakistan-US counterterrorism cooperation and that both countries will continue working together on security matters (27.3.25).

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

AFGHANISTAN

Afghanistan-China Road Construction in Wakhan

1. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MoRRD) spokesman, Muhammad Younas Akhundzada, announced the signing of a 143-million Afghan Afghani (AFN) contract with a private company for the gravelling of the second phase of the Wakhan Road in northeastern Badakhshan province, which will establish a direct road link between Afghanistan and China. The contract includes the construction of a 71-kilometer stretch, with work set to commence as the weather warms. The Wakhan Road project, spanning 121 kilometers, began last year in the Little Pamir region, and the remaining construction is expected to be completed next year (15.3.25).

Pakistan’s Special Envoy Visits Kabul, Torkham Border Reopens

2.                     Pakistan’s special envoy, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, visited Kabul and met with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister, Malawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. Both sides emphasized the importance of joint meetings to resolve outstanding issues, particularly the rise in terrorist attacks against Pakistan from Afghan territory. While Pakistan raised security concerns, the Afghan side insisted that trade-related matters should not be linked to other disputes. The talks focused on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing high-level engagement, and improving trade and transit cooperation. A key outcome was the reopening of the Torkham border crossing after a 27-day closure due to a dispute over construction activities. The reopening followed negotiations mediated by a tribal jirga (21.3.25).

Taliban Releases Detained American as a Goodwill Gesture

            3.         The Taliban-led Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) released American airline mechanic George Glezmann, who had been detained in December 2022 while visiting Afghanistan as a tourist. His release was described as a humanitarian gesture and a goodwill move. The decision followed a visit by a U.S. delegation, including Adam Boehler and former U.S. Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, to Kabul, where they met with Acting Foreign Minister Malawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the release a “positive and constructive step.” This meeting marked the highest-level direct talks between the U.S. and the Taliban since the Trump administration took office in January 2025. Qatar played a key role in facilitating the discussions, which could pave the way for improved U.S.-Afghanistan relations (20.3.25).

U.S. Removes Bounty on Haqqani Network Leaders

4.                     The U.S. government has reportedly removed the head money rewards of $10 million and $5 million for three Haqqani Network members: Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, Abdul Aziz Haqqani, and Yahya Haqqani. These individuals have also been taken off the FBI’s most-wanted list. The Haqqani Network was designated as a “foreign terrorist organization” by the U.S. State Department in September 2012 (23.3.25).

Taliban Seeks Formal Relations with the U.S.

5.                     Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, in an interview with Al Arabiya, stated that Afghanistan desires formal diplomatic relations with the U.S., arguing that such ties would be beneficial for both countries. He noted that Afghanistan has positive relations with many nations, including China, and aims to establish similar ties with the U.S. He reiterated that since the signing of the Doha Agreement, the Taliban are no longer in conflict with the U.S. or any other country (26.3.25).

Taliban Leadership Holds Security Meeting in Kandahar

•             The Taliban leadership convened a high-level security meeting in Kandahar, attended by Acting Defense Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob Mujahid, Interior Minister Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) Chief Abdul Haq Wasiq, Mullah Abdul Qayum Zakir, Mullah Muhammad Nabi Omari, and other senior officials. The security institutions presented reports, and proposals for operational improvements were discussed. Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada provided guidance on security measures, institution strengthening, and equipment enhancements (28.3.25).

INDIAN ILLEGALLY OCCUPIED JAMMU & KASHMIR (IIOJK) / LOC

Indian Army troops carried out patrols in the snow-covered hills of Bhaderwah in Doda district, IIOJK. Brigadier Sunil Misrah of the 9 Sector Rashtriya Rifles (counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism force) emphasized the importance of maintaining security and combating terrorism in the area (20.3.25)..Northern Army Commander Lt. Gen. MV Suchindra Kumar, along with General Officer Commanding (GOC) White Knight Corps (XVI Corps) Lt. Gen. Sachdeva and other senior officers, visited various army positions along the Line of Control (LOC) in Nowshera and Sunderbani sectors of Rajouri district. The visit aimed to assess troop preparedness and the effectiveness of the Anti-Infiltration Obstacle System (AIOS) deployed along the LOC (21.3.25). Indian security forces and police continued their so-called anti militancy drive in the occupied territory to kill and arrest innocent Kashmiri youth under the fabricated charges of militancy. The Director General of Police IIOJK Nalin Prabhat claimed that two militants and four police personnel were killed in an encounter in the Sufain forest area of Jutha a in Kathua district. Pakistan was as usual alleged behind the militancy (28.3.25).

INDIA

US Director National Intelligence Meets with Indian Defense Minister and NSA

1. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with the visiting US National Intelligence Agency’s Director, Tulsi Gabbard, in New Delhi. The discussions focused on the evolving security landscape and enhancing India-US strategic relations in defense cooperation and intelligence sharing. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of strategic security and reviewed progress in areas such as military exercises, maritime security, and defense industrial cooperation. Earlier, Director Gabbard also met with India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, to discuss various security objectives of the two countries (18.3.25).

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Meets Indian Army Chief

            2.         The Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, met with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in New Delhi to discuss geo-strategic matters. Notably, the meeting comes after the recent visit of Bangladesh Interim Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus to China and the growing relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan, which has raised concerns in India (28.3.25).

Military Exercises

1.  Tri-Service Integrated Multi-Domain Warfare Exercise “Prachand Prahhaar”

The Indian Army’s Eastern Command conducted a joint Tri-Service Integrated Multi-Domain Warfare Exercise, “Prachand Prahhaar,” in the high-altitude terrain of Arunachal Pradesh from 25-27 March. The exercise brought together the army, air force, and other defense elements in a synergized combat drill, reviewed by Eastern Command Chief Lt. Gen. Ram Chand and Eastern Air Command Chief Air Marshal Surat Singh. This exercise is particularly significant given China’s territorial claims over parts of Arunachal Pradesh, which it regards as its territory forcibly controlled by India (26.3.25).

Indo-Russian Naval Exercise “INDRA”

• The 14th edition of the Indo-Russian bilateral naval exercise, “INDRA,” commenced with a harbour phase in Chennai from 28-30 March, followed by a sea phase from 31 March to 2 April in the Bay of Bengal (31.3.25).

India-US Tri-Service Exercise “Tiger Triumph”

• The fourth edition of the Tri-Service India-US Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Exercise, “Tiger Triumph,” is scheduled to take place from 1-13 April along India’s Eastern Seaboard. This exercise is designed to enhance interoperability between the forces of the two countries and is divided into two phases: a harbour phase in Visakhapatnam and a sea phase at Kakinada (31.3.25).

IRAN

Iran condemned US President Donald Trump’s threats to conduct military strikes against the country unless a new nuclear deal is reached with Washington. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, responded by warning that any hostile act from the US would result in a heavy retaliatory blow. Critics have expressed concerns that the situation could escalate further, potentially destabilizing the region and affecting relations with global powers such as China and Russia (31.3.25).