Part-1  Domestic

BALOCHISTAN

1. Security forces eliminated two terrorists who had attacked government offices in Mastung district, resulting in the killing of a teenager and injuries to seven others (1.7.25).
2. The outlawed BLA reportedly claimed the killing of a person named Rasool Bakhsh Balwani Khetran, hailing from Barkhan, for allegedly working with the security forces (1.7.25).
3. Armed motorcyclists killed a man named Deedag in Malikabad, Tump, Kech district. In another incident, the bullet-riddled body of an unknown man was found in the Qadirabad area of Noshki district (4.7.25).
4. Three police officers were injured in a bomb attack targeting a highway patrol vehicle in Nasirabad District (7.7.25).
5. Five people were injured in a targeted grenade attack on a house by unknown men in the Absar area of Turbat, Kech district (9.7.25).
6. Unknown individuals hurled a grenade at a police post near the Sibi–Harnai railway crossing gate; however, no injuries were reported (9.7.25).

Nine People from Punjab Killed in Loralai District

7. Nine passengers, hailing from Punjab and traveling in two coaches, were abducted and later killed by unidentified armed men after their ID cards were checked at Sur-Dakai of Dab, near the Loralai–Zhob boundary. The victims were identified as Muhammad Irfan, Sabir Ali, Muhammad Asif, Ghulam Saeed, Muhammad Junaid Ahmad, Muhammad Bilal, Bilawal, and two brothers, Usman and Jabir Toor. The banned Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) reportedly claimed responsibility for the brutal killings (10.7.25).
8. Unknown saboteurs used heavy machinery to topple 13 power pylons in Mastung district, cutting electricity to a vast area and stealing valuable components (12.7.25).
9. Unidentified armed men shot and killed property dealer Ali Hassan Khokhar in Dera Murad Jamali (12.7.25).
10. The bullet-riddled body of one Parvez was found in Panjgur district (12.7.25).
11. Unidentified gunmen killed a man named Yousaf in Kalat district (13.7.25).
12. Two people were injured in a grenade attack by unknown motorcyclists targeting the DIG police office in Kharan (13.7.25).

Comments & Analysis: a) The targeting of people from Punjab by banned Baloch separatist groups continues intermittently in Balochistan. The BLF’s reported claim of conducting 17 coordinated attacks on 10–11 July under “Operation Baam (Dawn)” on military and administrative sites could not be independently verified. However, this fabricated narrative was heavily amplified by Indian media. The spread of such propaganda suggests a nexus between terrorist groups and Indian information warfare networks operated via its intelligence agencies.

b) An analytical article titled “Why Terrorists Kill Punjabis in Balochistan?” written by Chief Editor Dr. Naveed Elahi was published on 13 July in The Strategic Brief. The piece provided in-depth insight into terrorist motives and designs.

ISLAMABAD

1. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) busted a major visa scam and arrested two suspects for issuing fake Pakistani e-visas to Afghan nationals. The gang, allegedly run by Samiullah Afridi with help from some PID officials and travel agents, operated from G-8 car showrooms in Islamabad. They used forged documents and hawala channels to issue visas for up to $750, channeling nearly Rs. 40 million. Two suspects were arrested and confessed to their involvement (7.7.25).
2. The National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) busted a foreign gang running a fake call center in Islamabad’s G-10 Markaz. Five suspects were arrested for operating an online earning scam connected to an international network involved in bank fraud (14.7.25).

KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA (KPK)

1. Police and CTD killed two terrorists affiliated with the banned TTP’s Hafiz Gul Bahadar group during a joint operation in Bannu district (1.7.25).
2. Armed motorcyclists martyred two traffic police officers, Sanaullah and Israeel, near Gulbaz Dehqan area on the Peshawar–Karachi Highway in Lakki Marwat district (1.7.25).
3. Three security personnel were martyred in a roadside IED attack on their convoy in Darazinda area, Dera Ismail Khan district (2.7.25).
4. Four government and security officials — AC Faisal Ismail, Tehsildar Abdul Wakeel, Subedar Noor Hakeem, and Constable Rashid — were martyred, and 11 others injured in a bomb blast near Sadiqabad Phatak on Nawagai Road, Khar tehsil, Bajaur district. The outlawed TTP reportedly claimed responsibility (2.7.25).
5. Three suspected terrorists — including Sahib Khan and Turaab — were killed in an explosion while assembling IEDs in Kot Kundian village, Kulachi tehsil, Dera Ismail Khan district (2.7.25).
6. Miscreants blew up a gas pipeline supplying Punjab in the Torwah–Wanda Amir area of Lakki Marwat district (3.7.25).
7. Security forces killed 30 terrorists belonging to the Indian proxy group “Fitna al-Khwarij” as they attempted to infiltrate via the Pakistan–Afghanistan border in Hassan Khel, North Waziristan district (1–3.7.25).
8. Armed men attacked two police vehicles, injuring DSP Rakhmeen in Arab Khawar area, South Waziristan district (3.7.25).
9. Three terrorists linked to the banned TTP Tipu Gul group were killed in a CTD and police operation in Lakki Marwat district. They were involved in targeted killings of CTD official Waheedullah, Traffic Police Constable Anwar Sher, and Constable Idrees (4.7.25).
10. Police arrested two terrorists — Bilal and Asif Nawaz — during a tip-off raid in Lakki Marwat district (5.7.25).
11. Miscreants blew up an abandoned police post in the Kharoba area of Lakki Marwat district (5.7.25).
12. Armed men kidnapped seven oil company drivers along with three vehicles in Bakkakhel, Bannu district (7.7.25).
13. The beheaded body of a boy was found in Wanda Jogi, Darra Pezu town, Lakki Marwat district (7.7.25).
14. Security forces killed eight terrorists in Lowi Mamund, Bajaur district, as they attempted infiltration from Kunar province, Afghanistan (8.7.25).
15. The Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) defused a 43-kg IED in the Michenkhel area of Lakki Marwat district (8.7.25).
16. A transgender individual named Asad was shot dead by unknown gunmen in the Tekhal area of Peshawar (8.7.25).
17. A woman was killed, and three others, including two children, were injured when a quadcopter struck a home in Serah Darra, Bannu (8.7.25).
18. Armed assailants killed three people — Sardar Ahmed, Aziz Ahmed, and Imran — after storming a house in Malazai village, Michan Khel, Tank district (8.7.25).
19. Unknown assailants hurled a hand grenade into a house on Umer Gul Road in Peshawar, damaging its wall (9.7.25).
20. Four people were killed in a shootout between rival groups in Sheikh Inayat Baba, Kot Ismailzai, Mardan district (9.7.25).
21. Three men, including ANP leader Maulana Khan Zeb and a police officer, were shot dead in an attack during a peace rally at Shandai Mor, Bajaur district (10.7.25).
22. A police official was injured during an armed clash with terrorists in the Nurar area, Bannu district (10.7.25).
23. A proclaimed offender, Amjad Ali, was killed in an encounter with police in Surani area, Bannu district (11.7.25).
24. A possible terrorist attempt near Gambila police station, Lakki Marwat, was thwarted after police opened fire on suspicious movement (11.7.25).
25. Police arrested two members of an inter-district arms smuggling gang — including a woman — near Old Plaza on Indus Highway, Karak. Seized items included three AK-47s, one 8mm rifle, five pistols, 18 magazines, and 8,520 bullets (12.7.25).
26. The bullet-riddled body of a man, Ashraf, was found near an under-construction university building in Dallokhel, Lakki Marwat district (12.7.25).
27. Local contractor Ehsanullah was shot dead in Dabbkot, Wana tehsil, South Waziristan district (13.7.25).
28. Thousands attended the Aman Pasoon rally on Khar–Nawagai Road in Bajaur, condemning lawlessness and killings. A sit-in by Mutahidda Siyasi Aman Pasoon also drew participation from JUI-F, traders, scholars, and civil society in Wana, South Waziristan (13.7.25).
29. One man was killed and several injured in an IED blast targeting Chairman Inamullah Khan’s convoy in Bakhmal Ahmadzai, Lakki Marwat. The convoy was returning from a protest (13.7.25).
30. Three civilians were seriously injured in a firefight between security forces and unidentified assailants in Azam Warsak, Birmal tehsil, South Waziristan (14.7.25).

PUNJAB

CTD and Police killed three terrorists in Taunsa Sharif and another in Bahawalpur
1.         CTD and police, in a joint operation, killed five terrorists and injured five others who managed to escape during an exchange of fire near Romani village on the Punjab-KPK border in Taunsa Sharif district. In a separate incident, an alleged terrorist was also killed in an encounter in Bahawalpur district (5.7.25).

• The National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested 149 individuals, including 48 Chinese and other foreign nationals, during a raid on a factory in Faisalabad, allegedly linked to cyber fraud, bank hacking, and fraudulent schemes. The factory’s owner, ex-FESCO board chairman Malik Tehseen Awan, reportedly escaped during the operation. A large cache of electronic equipment was seized, and seven FIRs were registered. Suspects had been lured under the guise of “online work” and are accused of defrauding people of millions (8.7.25).

4. CTD police claim to have arrested one Nazim Watoo, an alleged member of a banned outfit, near Zainab Grand Marquee in Pakpattan and recovered 13 banned booklets, a pistol, stickers, and pamphlets from his possession (11.7.25).
5. Police booked 22 men for allegedly occupying the Ghosia Syeda Kazmiya Anwaar-e-Madina seminary and assaulting its prayer leader, Syed Mushtaq Ahmed, in Chak 149/9-L, Bangla Sheranwala, Chichawatni tehsil, Sahiwal district (14.7.25).
6. Police thwarted a mob attack on an Ahmadi community worship place in the Samanabad area of Lahore on 11 July. As the mob attempted to surround the site, police launched a timely major operation, rescuing women, children, and other worshippers, relocating them to a secure area, and enhancing the site’s security (12.7.25).
7. Police arrested 51 people after registering a case against 142 protesters under blasphemy, terrorism, and other charges for attacking police and demolishing the Ahmadi community worship place “Bait-ul-Zikhar” on 11 July in village Ralioke near Daska, Sialkot district (14.7.25).

Comments & Analysis: The recently constituted police wing, the Crime Control Department (CCD), appears to be producing productive results in mitigating rising crime across the province. In a number of joint operations with police, it reportedly killed or arrested over 50 notorious criminals and gangsters involved in cases of murder, robbery, kidnapping for ransom, criminal assault, and land grabbing during hot pursuit. While the new crime control wing is effectively acting against criminals, there is a simultaneous need to establish a strict accountability and transparency mechanism within the wing and the police department to prevent misuse of power and authority. Any official found violating SOPs or targeting innocent citizens must be subjected to legal and departmental punishment.

SINDH

1. CTD police arrested three suspected terrorists identified as Sarang alias Sohail Mirani, Mehran Mirani, and Balang Chan of the banned Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army (SRA) during a raid in Shamir Shoro Goth near Qasimabad, Hyderabad. A five-kg bomb was also recovered from their possession (1.7.25).
2. Three men — Ghausdin, Gul Khan, and Muhammad — were shot dead over a monetary dispute among relatives in Zia Colony, Orangi Town, Karachi (3.7.25).
3. The decomposed body of female actor and model Humaira Asghar, who reportedly died six months ago, was found in an apartment in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority (8.7.25).

DEFENCE AND SECURITY

PAF Chief Visit to USA

1.Pakistan Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, undertook an official visit to the U.S., holding high-level meetings with Pentagon and State Department officials, as well as lawmakers including Ms. Kelli L. Seybolt and General David W. Allvin. Discussions centered on enhancing defense ties through joint training, technology exchange, counterterrorism efforts, and regional security, as reported by The News, Dawn, The Nation, and Express Tribune, quoting ISPR (2.7.25).

South African Air Force Chief Meets PAF Chief and CJCSC
2. Lt Gen Wiseman Simo Mbambo, Chief of the South African Air Force, met separately with the PAF Chief and the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) at Air HQ in Islamabad and JS HQ in Rawalpindi, respectively. The meetings focused on mutual defense interests between South Africa and Pakistan (3.7.25).

Chinese PLA Air Force Chief of Staff Meets PAF Chief
3. A high-level defence delegation led by People’s Liberation Army Air Force Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Wang Gang, met with the PAF Chief at Air HQ in Islamabad to discuss regional security, airpower synergy, and enhanced bilateral cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their strong strategic partnership, with Gen Wang praising the PAF’s operational readiness and its exemplary response during the recent conflict with India (8.7.25).

Türkiye Minister Meets PAF Chief
4. A high-level defence delegation from Türkiye, led by Defence Minister Yaşar Güler, met with the PAF Chief at Air HQ in Islamabad, lauding the PAF’s operational excellence and leadership during the recent conflict with India. The visit underscored deepening strategic partnerships between the two brotherly nations, with both sides expressing strong interest in enhanced defence cooperation, innovation, and institutional linkages with Pakistan (9.7.25).

271st Corps Commanders Conference Chaired by COAS at GHQ
5. The 271st Corps Commanders Conference was held under the chairmanship of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at GHQ Rawalpindi. The Forum reviewed recent successes against proxies and stressed that Pakistan’s Armed Forces remain committed to national security and decisive action against Indian-backed elements like Fitna Al Khawarij and Fitna Al Hindustan. The COAS highlighted Pakistan’s proactive diplomatic engagements with Iran, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, KSA, UAE, and the U.S., presenting Pakistan’s regional stance. A detailed review of internal and external security dynamics, particularly in the Middle East and Iran, emphasized the need for self-reliant capabilities and national unity. The COAS criticized India’s baseless claims and reaffirmed confidence in the Army’s operational readiness, while appreciating the Navy and Air Force for their contributions to joint defense efforts. Earlier, speaking at NDU on July 7, he rejected Indian claims regarding Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and cited India’s failure in Operation Sindoor as evidence of strategic weakness (10.7.25).

Indonesian Defence Minister Meets COAS
6. Lieutenant General (Retd) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Indonesia’s Minister of Defence, called on the COAS at GHQ, where both sides discussed bilateral defence cooperation, regional security, and strengthening military ties. The Indonesian minister appreciated the Pakistan Army’s role in combating terrorism and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deeper defence relations (15.7.25).

DIPLOMATIC DEVELOPMENT AND SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

Turkish Ministers Call on PM Shehbaz Sharif

1.Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defence Minister Yaşar Güler met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by key Pakistani leaders, including Ishaq Dar, COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir, and other senior officials. Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the deep-rooted, historic ties between Pakistan and Türkiye, based on shared culture and mutual respect. He expressed satisfaction over the growing bilateral relationship and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and defence (9.7.25).

Pak-China Relations
2. Pakistan and China agreed to strengthen bilateral ties by launching joint broadcasting projects to combat fake news and disinformation. The agreement followed a meeting between Minister Attaullah Tarar and Minister Cao Shumin, the Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and Party Secretary of China’s National Radio and Television Administration (10.7.25).

Pak-Russia Relations
3. Pakistan and Russia signed an agreement in Moscow to revive and expand the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) in Karachi, originally built in 1973 with Soviet assistance. The deal was signed by Secretary Industries Saif Anjum and Russian official Vadim Velichko in Moscow, in the presence of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar. A day earlier, Russian Deputy PM Alexei Overchuk, during a meeting with SPM Tariq Fatemi, called Pakistan and Russia “natural allies,” highlighting President Putin’s view of Pakistan as a key partner in regional economic and energy development (10.7.25).

Foreign Office Rejects Indian NSA’s Claims as Baseless
4. Foreign Office Spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan, during a weekly media briefing, rejected Indian NSA Ajit Doval’s claims of hitting nine targets on May 7, calling them “distorted and misleading.” He stated that such remarks violated international norms and urged India to acknowledge the downing of six jets and civilian deaths at the alleged terror sites. Khan added that India’s involvement in sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan is evident and increasingly recognized by the international community. Earlier, on July 9, DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry accused India of backing terrorism in Balochistan and labeled the militants as “Fitna-tul-Hind,” blaming Doval as the mastermind (11.7.25).

Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar Attends SCO Meeting in Tianjin, China
5. At the SCO ministerial meeting in Tianjin, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned last month’s Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran as unjustified aggression, criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, called for a two-state solution with pre-1967 borders and Al Quds as the capital of Palestine, and emphasized resolving disputes through dialogue, diplomacy, and international law. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, expressed concern over baseless accusations following the Pahalgam attack, and urged dialogue over conflict to resolve South Asian disputes. He highlighted the importance of Afghan stability, condemned all forms of terrorism, and reaffirmed the SCO’s role in promoting connectivity and prosperity through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (15.7.25).

REGIONAL

AFGHANISTAN

Ismaili Community Member Murdered in Badakhshan

1.Fazal Ahmed Paiz, an Ismaili Shia by faith and a religious affairs official with the Aga Khan Foundation, was killed by unknown assailants in Tizab village, Zebak district, Badakhshan province (5.7.25).

Russia Recognises IEA-Led Taliban Government in Afghanistan
2. Russia officially recognized the Taliban government on July 3, as confirmed by its special representative Zamir Kabulov and the Foreign Ministry, after Taliban diplomat Gul Hassan was appointed ambassador to Moscow. This recognition followed earlier steps by Moscow to normalize ties, including removing the Taliban’s “terrorist” label in April, inviting them to official events, and opening a business office in Kabul. Russia also announced plans to use Afghanistan as a gas transit hub to Southeast Asia. Although China has yet to recognize the Taliban officially despite ambassador-level relations, it has expressed economic interest by investing increasingly in various projects in the country. Iran and Pakistan also maintain close ties, while Qatar continues to mediate between the Taliban and the West. However, the stance of the USA and Western countries toward the IEA remains unchanged. Nevertheless, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has ordered the formation of a special committee to assess the disorganized withdrawal from Afghanistan. Following Russia’s recognition, the Taliban reportedly requested Russia to purchase military equipment, as stated by spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid (3, 7, 12.7.25).

Pakistan–Afghanistan Relations
3. Pakistan’s Foreign Office stated that Russia’s recognition of the Taliban is a bilateral issue between the two countries, while reaffirming Islamabad’s ties with both Moscow and Kabul. Pakistan reiterated its concerns over terrorism, accusing India of supporting anti-Pakistan groups operating from Afghan soil, and urged Afghan authorities to take action. Meanwhile, 350 Afghan students arrived under HEC scholarships. Pakistan and Afghanistan held the first Additional Secretaries-level talks in Islamabad on security, trade, transit, and regional connectivity, including progress on the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway project. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, speaking at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Malaysia, stated that a prosperous Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s interest. He added that preventing Afghan soil from being used against Pakistan is a legitimate demand of Islamabad (5, 7, 12.7.25).

Unidentified Drone Flies Over Kandahar
4. An unidentified drone was seen flying over Kandahar on the evening of July 13, remaining airborne for several hours and raising public concern due to the lack of official explanation, according to Afghan media. Some Afghan current affairs analysts suggest that this incident reflects a broader increase in drone activity across southern Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power, often linked to foreign surveillance—particularly by the U.S. under its over-the-horizon strategy (13.7.25).

Comments & Analysis: Russia has officially recognized the Taliban-led Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), while China has not yet done so but has shown willingness to engage diplomatically and economically, expressing respect for the Afghan people’s choices. More than seven months into Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. President, the United States has not declared any official position on engaging with Afghanistan’s caretaker government, beyond a prisoner exchange and ongoing criticism of the withdrawal. As Afghanistan re-emerges as a geopolitical hotspot—with China expanding control over critical minerals and the U.S. reducing its influence—some analysts suggest that Western engagement with the IEA, combined with pressure to combat terrorism, restore women’s rights, and establish inclusive governance, could help counter growing Chinese and Russian influence. Others, however, emphasize alternative approaches. While Russia and China appear wary of any Western proximity to the IEA, which could harm their geopolitical and economic interests in Afghanistan and Central Asia, India seems prepared to seize opportunities for re-entry into Afghanistan under the guise of economic assistance—not only to access Central Asian markets but also to maintain pressure along Pakistan’s western border. The changing scenario warrants the formulation of short- and long-term strategic policies by Pakistan to meet regional challenges effectively.

BANGLADESH

1. Top Turkish Defence Industry Secretary Haluk Görgün visited Dhaka for a day to discuss military cooperation, including technology transfer and potential support for a defence equipment factory. During his visit, he reportedly met Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Younas and the Army and Naval chiefs, discussing enhanced defence cooperation and technology transfer with a focus on developing local military production. His visit follows earlier trips by Bangladeshi military officials to Türkiye, reflecting deepening ties as Bangladesh diversifies arms imports under “Forces Goal 2023.” Bangladesh is now a major buyer of Turkish defence equipment (8.7.25).
2. Bangladesh’s former Inspector General of Police, Chowdhury Abdullah Mamun, pleaded guilty to crimes against humanity during the 2024 crackdown on student protests that reportedly killed up to 1,400 people, according to the UNO. He agreed to assist the court as a witness. Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is prosecuting former officials linked to the ousted government of ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Ex-minister Kamal, now reportedly heading the banned Awami League, fled to India and faces trial in absentia for charges including complicity in mass murder and contempt of court (10.7.25).

Comments & Analysis: Indian Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan recently stated that a possible convergence of interests between China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh is a concern for India. The Indian media has also speculated on the formation of a potential alliance between Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China aimed at encircling India, now adding Türkiye into the equation. Moreover, the concept of forming an imaginary alternative bloc to SAARC in South Asia, aimed against India, is also being discussed.

CHINA

China–Pakistan Defence and Security Cooperation Not Against Any Third Country

1. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, during a media briefing, reiterated that China’s defense and security cooperation with Pakistan is part of normal bilateral relations and does not target any third party. Responding to Indian claims that China supported Pakistan during a recent conflict, she emphasized that both India and Pakistan are important neighbors of China. She stated that China actively promotes dialogue and peace between the two nations and supports them in resolving differences through consultation. She reaffirmed that China’s policy is to maintain peace and stability in the region (7.7.25).

China’s Reaction to India-Based Exiled Buddhist Leader Dalai Lama’s Assertion on Reincarnation
2. Chinese Embassy spokesperson Yu Jing stated that the succession of the Dalai Lama remains a thorn in China–India relations, as India’s foreign minister prepares to visit China for the first time since the 2020 border clashes. The statement followed the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebrations in Dharamshala, attended by Indian ministers, where he asserted that only his office would determine his successor. While China insists the reincarnation is an internal matter that must be approved by its leadership, Indian Minister Kiren Rijiju backed the Dalai Lama’s authority, and India’s foreign ministry maintained that it does not comment on matters of religious belief. The Dalai Lama reaffirmed the continuation of the 600-year-old spiritual institution, citing appeals from Tibetans and Buddhists globally, including within Tibet (6, 13.7.25).

Comments & Analysis: In 2011, the India-based Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader reportedly handed over political authority to an exiled government elected by 130,000 Tibetans. As he turned 90 on July 6, he was expected to announce whether a successor would follow. He and thousands of Tibetans have lived in exile in India since China crushed the uprising in Lhasa in 1959. Meanwhile, China reiterated that any reincarnation must be approved by Beijing and conducted through traditional methods, asserting state control over the process (6, 13.7.25).

ILLEGALLY OCCUPIED JAMMU & KASHMIR (IIOJK) / LOC

1(a). Following the circulation of disturbing reports about the deteriorating health of veteran jailed Hurriyat leader Shabir Ahmed Shah, the Tihar Jail administration denied the claims, stating that he is stable and under regular medical care after being admitted to Safdarjung Hospital. Kashmiri political leaders and Shah’s daughter appealed for humane treatment, highlighting his prolonged imprisonment without conviction since his arrest in 2019 (1.7.25).

(b). The annual Amarnath Yatra began under heavy security from Pahalgam, with pilgrims trekking to the high-altitude shrine. The 38-day pilgrimage will end on August 9 (4.7.25).

(c). Indian Army Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, along with GOC 16 Corps (White Knight Corps) Commander Lt Gen PK Mishra, visited the Pir Panjal Range along the LoC on 11 July. Later, accompanied by GOC 25 Infantry Division (Ace of Spades) Maj Gen Kaushik Mukherjee, he visited the Bhimber Gali Brigade in Poonch to review the security situation, operational dynamics, and troop preparedness for threat responses and counter-insurgency measures (4.7.25).

(d). The Special Investigation Team (SIA) in Jammu reportedly charge-sheeted 11 individuals, including Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin, in a cross-border narco-terror case involving drug smuggling and terror financing in Jammu and Kashmir. Efforts are ongoing to dismantle the network (5.7.25).

2(a). On 13 July, both ruling and opposition leaders, including CM Omar Abdullah, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, and several former ministers and MLAs, were reportedly not allowed to leave their residences. Though not officially confirmed by the police or J&K administration, Kashmiri leaders shared videos and photos on social media showing locked gates and security personnel preventing them from visiting the Martyrs’ Graveyard at Naqshband Sahib shrine in Srinagar in connection with “Martyrs’ Day.” A day later, CM Omar Abdullah and other senior leaders visited the shrine to pay tribute to those martyred by the Dogra army on July 13 during the pre-partition era. The day, once a public holiday in Jammu and Kashmir, was removed from the gazetted list in 2020 (Greater Kashmir, 13.7.25).

(b). President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and AJK President Ch. Anwar ul Haq reaffirmed Pakistan’s political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri people on Martyrs’ Day (13.7.25).

Comments & Analysis: The restrictions imposed on National Conference and opposition leaders to observe Martyrs’ Day indicate that CM Omar Abdullah’s government in IIOJK is largely symbolic. Real power lies with the BJP-appointed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, along with the Chief Secretary, DGP, and senior officials, backed by the army and paramilitary forces in the disputed territory.

INDIA

1. Deputy Chief of Indian Army Staff Lt Gen Rahul R. Singh described Operation Sindoor as a “precise strike to avoid war,” citing technological and human intelligence. He also highlighted Pakistan’s reliance on Chinese and Turkish military support. Following controversy, a PIB clarification quoted by the Financial Times stated that his comments were factual and focused on operational planning and messaging—not on conceding defeat or praising adversary capabilities (4.7.25).
2. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, addressing a think tank in New Delhi, warned that a possible strategic convergence among China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh could pose serious implications for India’s stability and security dynamics (8.7.25).
3. National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, speaking at the convocation ceremony of IIT Madras, emphasized the growing role of information warfare, citing foreign media bias against India and asserting that modern conflict extends beyond missiles and drones. He claimed that India precisely struck nine alleged terror targets in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor on May 7, which lasted 23 minutes. Pakistan’s Foreign Office rejected the claims as baseless (11.7.25).
4. The Indian Army’s 22 Infantry Division (Ram Division), part of the 11 Striking Corps (Kharga Corps), conducted the “Prachand Shakti” exercise in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, showcasing modern warfare and evolving combat dynamics (14.7.25).
5. According to unconfirmed sources, Russia has offered India advanced military technologies, including Su-57E stealth fighters, Tu-160 bombers, the S-500 Prometheus air defense system, and upgraded Kilo-class submarines with Kalibr cruise missiles, to preserve long-standing defense ties (14.7.25).

Comments & Analysis: During the last meeting between President Trump and PM Narendra Modi, Trump announced that the U.S. would pave the way for India to acquire F-35 stealth fighter jets—previously sold only to U.S. allies and partners. While the Russian proposals are attractive and align with India’s indigenization goals, New Delhi faces critical factors such as funding requirements and the risk of U.S. sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

6. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, after talks with Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, stated that China and India should build mutual trust and pursue peaceful coexistence, good-neighborliness, and win-win cooperation, according to Xinhua (14.7.25).

IRAN / MIDDLE EAST

1. Three Iranian soldiers—Hamidreza Mirshahi, Hossein Jafarnia, and Abbas Biraqifard—were killed in a clash with armed men allegedly affiliated with the terrorist group Jaish al-Adl in the Chabahar area of Sistan-Baluchistan province (12.7.25).
2. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA following a June 25 bill passed by Parliament in response to an IAEA report. While reaffirming Iran’s commitment to the NPT and Safeguards Agreement, Tehran criticized the IAEA for its “double standards” and warned of stronger responses to future attacks (10.7.25).
3. Iranian Army Chief Major General Amir Hatami, during a visit to Shahid Lashkari Airbase with senior military officials, reaffirmed that the armed forces would not allow even an inch of Iranian territory to be surrendered. Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, during a visit to the IRGC Aerospace Force in Tehran, warned that Iranian forces are fully prepared to deliver a “regretful response” if the enemy errs again (11, 14.7.25).
4. Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq have agreed to form a joint working group to streamline pilgrim travel, with Pakistani pilgrims required to travel through registered group organizers starting January 1, 2026. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi proceeded to Tehran for trilateral talks with Iranian and Iraqi officials ahead of the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage (Zaireen). During the meeting, he praised Iran and Iraq’s management of pilgrim facilitation, reiterated Pakistan’s support to Iran during its recent conflict with Israel, and commended Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s leadership (14.7.25).
5. A total of 57,882 Palestinians and 1,163 Israelis have been killed in airstrikes and attacks by Israeli forces in Gaza since October 2023. Meanwhile, Israel’s Defense Ministry has announced a plan to relocate 600,000 people into what observers describe as “concentration camps” in southern Gaza, with intentions to expand this to the entire population, according to Al Jazeera (14.7.25).

Comments & Analysis: The situation in the Middle East is taking a new turn following the recent Iran–Israel conflict, alongside renewed efforts to restart Iran–U.S. talks on nuclear enrichment and a potential ceasefire in Gaza. Several current affairs experts believe that any such diplomatic engagement is likely to proceed only if aligned with the interests of the U.S., Israel, and their allies—potentially within the framework of the Abraham Accords. A detailed analysis is presented in an article by security analyst Saima Khan titled “When Delusion Met Deterrence: Israel’s 12-Day War on Iran and the Screams for Ceasefire,” published on July 9 in TheStrategicBrief.com.