Part 1- Domestic

BALOCHISTAN

1. Security forces in an IBO killed three terrorists in Awaran district however, during exchange of fire Major Syed Rabnawaz Tariq embraced martyrdom (16.7.25).
2. Three pedestrians, including a woman, were injured in an IED explosion from a motorcycle in the Hazarganji area of Mastung district (16.7.25).
3. Armed gun men fired upon a passenger coach bound from Karachi to Quetta, in Nemargh area of Kalat district. As a resulted three passengers included two Karachi based Sabri qawwals, Raza Sabri and Ahmed Sabri and seven others injured (16.7.25).
4. DIG Police Quetta, Aitzaz Ahmed Goraya, stated that a key suspect, Younas, allegedly involved in the kidnapping and murder of 14-year-old Musawir Kakar, was killed in a police encounter and another suspect, Hasham, reportedly Afghan national was arrested (16.7.25).
5. Balochistan Constabulary’s DSP Abdul Razzaq and Constable Raza Muhammad Jan were martyred, and two others injured, when unidentified gunmen attacked their vehicle on the National Highway in Mastung district (18.7.25).
6. Unidentified motorcyclists shot dead two tribal elders, Mir Sajad Ahmed Jatakas and Mir Mazhar Khan Nachari, near Sheikh Haji area in Kalat district (18.7.25).
7. Major Anwar Kakar was martyred and three civilians injured in a magnetic IED blast on the Western Bypass area in Quetta. The banned BLF reportedly claimed responsibility of the attack (19.7.25).
8. Levies Force on a complaint, rescued nine Hindu family members from forced labour in Kharan area, Gresha tehsil in Khuzdar district. Two landlords, Babu and Dad Mohammad Baloch, were arrested for their involvement in to the matter (20.7.25).

• At least six tribesmen were killed and several injured in a land dispute clash between the Kakozai Achakzai and Badowan Kakar tribes in Qila Abdullah near the Afghanistan border n(221.7.25).

1. Three ISIS-linked terrorists were reportedly killed by CTD police during an operation in the Dasht area of Mastung district (21.7.25).

Row over brutal killing of a couple in Balochistan

1. Police arrested 14 suspects, including tribal chief Sher Baz Satakzai, over the honour killing of a couple accused of having an affair in Sanjidi, Dagari area of Quetta, with the act captured on video sparking nationwide outrage. CM Sarfraz Bugti confirmed the killings were allegedly ordered by the tribal chief and vowed to make full prosecution against the murders. He however, reportedly clarified that there was denied any marital relationship between the victims (22.7.25).
2. Security forces killed eight terrorists in two separate operations in Kalat district (19-20,22.7.25).
3. A coach of the Quetta-bound Bolan Mail train was partially damaged due to an explosion on the railway track between Bakhtiarabad and Damboli in Sibi district (23.7.25).
4. Security forces killed three terrorists in an IBO in Mastung district however, during exchange of fire, Major Zeeyyad Salim Awal and Sepoy Nazam Hussain embraced martyrdom (23.7.25).
5.  Three bullet-riddled bodies, including of  Mumtaz Ahmed and Abdul Rehman, were found in a stream near the M-8 motorway in Khuzdar district (26.7.25).

1. Two people were injured in an explosion near irrigation office at Dhadar in Kachhi district (28.7.25).
2. Two people were killed and seven injured in an armed attack by unidentified assailants on a tractor-trolley in Kot Magsi, Jhal Magsi district (29.7.25).
3. Three bodies, identified as Abdul Salam, Muhammad Shahi, and Saifullah, were found in the Kohak area of Mangochar, Kalat district (29.7.25).

GILGIT BALTISTAN (GB)

Protesting traders blocked the Karakoram Highway and Sost Dry Port in Hunza district, halting Pakistan-China trade through Khunjerab Pass for a second day and stranding thousands, including Chinese nationals. They demand container clearance based only on customs duties, as GB’s governor urged presidential intervention and the chief minister vowed to raise the issue federally (29.7.25).

ISLAMABAD

Restructuring and Modernisation of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)

1. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated in Islamabad for restructuring and modernisation of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for its prime duty to stop elements tarnishing the country’s image and ordered simplification of airport immigration procedures. He directed the establishment of fast-track counters at airports and modernization of the FIA training curriculum and ordered immediate recruitment for already approved vacant positions (21.7.25).
2. FIA has intensified its crackdown on illegal currency exchange and hawala/hundi networks, resulting in 256 raids, 282 arrests, 213 registered cases, and the recovery of Rs762.27 million so far this year. Acting on the directions of Director General Rifat Mukhtar Raja, the FIA is also targeting international agents involved in the illegal trade of currency, with further action planned (25.7.25).

KHYBER PAKHTOON KHAWA (KPK)

1. Two police officials, HC Ghulam Muhammad and Constable Shehazad were martyred and terrorist was killed during exchange of fire in Kalachi tehsil of Dera Ismail Khan district (15.7.25).
2. Three wanted terrorists were killed in a joint operation by the police and CTD in Bannu district (16.7.25).
3. Nine terrorists were killed, eight arrested, and two hideouts destroyed during a four-day joint operation carried out by the Security Forces, Police, CTD, and Levies Force in Malakand (16-20.7.25).
4. Three civilians were seriously injured during exchange of fire between Frontier Corps personnel, police, and unidentified armed assailants in the Azam Warsak area of Birmal tehsil in South Waziristan district (16.7.25).
5. A police ASI and a constable were injured in a alleged quadcopter drone attack by terrorists in the limits of Meryan police station in Bannu district (17.7.25).
6. Three terrorists, Mudassar @ Mudassari, Turaab @ Umar Khitab @ Malang, and Muhammad Hussain @ Mouaz were killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted in Bannu district (17.7.25).
7.  CTD police killed an alleged terrorist named Saadullah hailed from Afghanistan, arrested another in Malakand district. A rocket launcher, four rockets and 16 grenades were recovered from their possession (17.7.25).
8. Five terrorists were killed and three police officials injured in an exchange of fire during an operation in Hangu district (18.7.25).
9. Three people were killed by assailants in a car over a feud near Tarnab Farm in Peshawar’s Chamakni Police Station limits (18.7.25).
10. A Private contractor Muhammad Ayyub was safely recovered by police just hours after being abducted by terrorists from Darra Tang Road near Kurram River in Lakki Marwat district (19.7.25).
11. Nine terrorists were killed in a joint security operation by the security forces and police in Hangu district however, during exchange of fire DPO Mohammad Khalid Khan, SHO Nabi Khan, and a security forces officer were injured (19.7.25).
12. Unknown assailants martyred policeman Fazal Rehman in Niazi Market in Bara, Khyber district (20.7.25).
13. Saboteurs blew up a gas pipeline using explosives in the Bettani subdivision of Lakki Marwat district (20. 7.25)
14. Police claimed to have repelled a midnight terrorist attack on a police station in Bakkakhel town of Bannu district (20.7.25).
15. Police thwarted a terrorist incident by defusing grenades and other explosives, found in a bag in Ghoriwala town of Bannu (20.7.25).
16. Unknown assailants shot dead Maulana Pir Mohammad Ibrahim in Muftiabad in the limits of Tangi police Station in Charsadda district (21.7.25).
17. Police arrested four men, including an Afghan national, for allegedly making fake CNICs using forged documents and issuing them to Afghan citizens in Abbotabad district (21.7.25).
18. Two children were reportedly killed in a mortar shell blast on their way to a seminary in Raghzai village, Tank district (22.7.25).
19. A Police Constable Hayatullah was martyred by the terrorists near Gul Bahadur Chowk on CPEC route in Bannu district (22.7.25).
20. Police killed a suspected terrorist identified as Ali Sayed in an encounter in the Sari area of Parmuli village of Razaar tehsil in Swabi district (22.7.25).
21. Seven security personnel were injured in a terrorist attack on a security post in the Takhti Khel area of Bannu (23.7.25).
22. Armed assailants attacked the residence of tribal elder Sardar Ali Kerry Khel Wazir in Darbali, Azam Warsak, South Waziristan, attempting to abduct a family member, but a swift response from the inmates reportedly killed three attackers, while their accomplices fled with the bodies, according to police (23.7.25).
23. The Bar Qambarkhel tribe in Tirah valley, Khyber district, declared it would not shelter TTP militants or pay ushr, following a jirga that condemned the injury of two disabled brothers by extremists. The TTP, Lashkar-i-Islam, and Hafiz Gul Bahadar Group had been extorting money from poppy and other crop cultivators in the region (23.7.25).
24. Afghan national Najeebullah, accused of murdering a minor boy, was killed during a gun attack by his associates on police to free him in Ichrian area of Mansehra district (24.7.25).
25. District Police Officer Arshad Khan confirmed the recovery of four include Sub Inspector Abdul Khaliq out of seven abducted police personnel in South Waziristan on 18 July, with efforts ongoing to rescue the remaining three through coordination with tribal elders and security forces (24.7.25)
26. Three wanted TTP terrorists, including Ajmal alias Waqas (carrying a Rs2 million bounty), Matiullah alias Ishaq alias Junaid, and Afghan national Rahimullah alias Rohullah, were killed in a joint police and CTD operation in Barikot tehsil, Swat district (25.7. 2025).
27. A policeman Haq Nawaz posted was martyred by the terrorist in Karak district (25.7.25).
28. Police thwarted three terrorist attacks include two by qudracopers (drones) targeting Police stations in Basaya Khel Mazanga and Marian areas in Bannu district.  (25.7.25).
29. A private construction company’s employee, Arab Khan was abducted by the armed men from Akhand Khel area in Bannu district (25.7.25).
30. Police and CTD in a joint operation, killed a terrorist identified as Fidaullah during exchange of fire in Shah Saleem area of Karak district (26.7.25).
31. Unidentified assailants kidnapped two employees of a commercial bank along with their vehicle driver in the Harmuz area of Mirali tehsil, North Waziristan district (26.7.25).
32. Terrorists blew up an abandoned police checkpost with an IED near Azam Warsak Bazaar in Birmal tehsil, South Waziristan district (27.7.25).
33. Police repelled a terrorist attack on the Thangi checkpost in Bajaur tribal district (27.7.25).
34. Unknown assailants shot dead JUI-F leader Syed Wali in the Dragay area of Karak district (28.7.25).
35. Two security personnel were reportedly martyred and five injured in an exchange of fire with terrorists in Arsoon village near Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Chitral district village (28.7.25).
36. A protest in Tirah in Khyber district over the alleged mortar killing of a minor girl turned violent outside a military installation, leaving six dead and 17 injured as security forces opened fire on a mob; protesters torched equipment and tried to breach the garrison gate, prompting tribal elders intervention The KP government and security officials pledged compensation, medical aid, and renewed dialogue to restore peace (28.7.25).
37. Regional Police Officer (RPO) Kohat, Abbas Majeed Marwat stated that 200 personnel from the army, Thall Scouts, and police are conducting a ground offensive in Kurram’s mountainous areas, with all community bunkers now vacated. An air offensive has also been launched for the first time since the January 2025 Peace Accord, and 650 new police recruits will be deployed to secure the Kohat-Kurram Highway. A day earlier the joint Kurram-Hangu peace jirga led by GOC Kohat, Maj Gen Zulfiqar Bhatti urged tribal elders to surrender arms to uphold the Kohat Peace Agreement.(28.7.25).
38. Police claim to have arrested 11 individuals as well the key accused Swat police Qari Umar and his son Ihsanullah after a July 21 incident after the 21 brutal killing of a 12-year-old student and systematic child abuse on 21th July at a seminary in Chaliyar, Khwazakhela, Swat district (29.7.25).
39. Unidentified assailants shot dead Dr. Zafar Jan in Karikot Bazaar, Wana, South Waziristan (29.7.25).
40. Security forces, supported by gunship helicopters and artillery, reportedly launched ‘Operation Sarbakaf’ against terrorists in Lowi Mamund tehsil of Bajaur district and imposed a three-day curfew in the area (29.7.25)

Comments & Analysis: The government has designated all Balochistan terrorist groups as Fitna-Al-Hindustan, while outlawed TTP and allies groups had already been declared “ Fitnal-Al Khawarij” with resolve to eradicate the menace to the hilt. Pakistan ranked second in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, with a 45% rise in terror-related deaths, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Militants near Bannu have begun using commercial quadcopters to drop explosives, causing civilian casualties. Though the TTP denies current drone use, reports indicate it is seeking local made drones and local technicians to enhance its capability. Afghan Taliban have denied TTP access to drones, while militants are also using motorcycle batteries for extended bomb power.

PUNJAB

Government banned Punjab-Balochistan traffic after sunset following terrorist incidents

1. In response to recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dera Ghazi Khan, banned the traffic/ transport/ traveling from Punjab to Balochistan after sunset; to be halted at Bawata Check Post in the district after 5:00 PM. All the public and private buses must operate only during daylight, be equipped with CCTV, two armed guards, a tracking system, an emergency panic button, and record passenger videos before departure (22.7.25)

Counter Narcotic Force (CNF) established in Punjab

• Punjab has launched its first Counter Narcotics Force (CNF) with 866 personnel to tackle drug abuse, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said while handing over the flag at the passing-out ceremony. The CNF is now functional across all divisions of the province. Its officers received 12 weeks of training at the Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) Academy in Rawalpindi to effectively address the issue (22.7.25).

SINDH

1. A Pakistan Navy employee, Muhammad Naveed, was shot dead in Karachi’s Saeedabad area, and investigations are underway to determine the motive behind the murder (16.7.25).
2. Two terrorists linked to the defunct TTP were killed in a joint CTD and intelligence operation during an exchange of fire in Askari Mohallah on Hub River Road, Karachi. A suicide jacket, a Kalashnikov, a pistol, and explosive material  were also recovered from the scene (17.7.25).
3. Two youths, Javed and Salman Ahmed from Punjab were found murdered in Jacobabad after a fake job lure, marking the sixth such case (20.7.25).
4. Police claims to have killed an alleged serial killer Todo Malik during encounter in Thule Taulka area of Jacobabad (25.7.25).
5. Three TTP terrorists, including Zafran, the mastermind behind the November 2024 attack on Chinese engineers were killed in a joint CTD and intelligence operation in Manghopir area of Karachi. The attack, initially linked to a verbal altercation, is now confirmed as a targeted assault, with Pakistan reaffirming its commitment to the safety of Chinese nationals (287.25).
6. Three coaches of the Jaffar Express train bound from Quetta to Peshawar were derailed due to a blast conducted by the miscreants near Shikarpur (28.7.25).

DEFENCE AND SECURITY

1. A Pakistan Air Force contingent with JF-17 Thunder Block-III jets and a C-130 aircraft participated in the Royal International Air Tattoo 2025 in the UK, earning global praise and winning two prestigious trophies for professional excellence and aircraft paint schemes (16.7.25).
2. Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, Commander of the Libyan Armed Forces, met with Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Asim Munir at GHQ Rawalpindi and Pakistan Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf at Islamabad to discuss regional security, defense cooperation, and technical collaboration (18, 19.7.25).
3. President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) on Saudi Naval Chief Vice Admiral Mohammad Bin Abdul Rehman Al-Ghoraibi for his efforts in strengthening naval and defense cooperation. The award ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr was attended by top officials, including Naval Chief, Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Saudi Ambassador Nawaz Bin Saeed Al Malki. It aimed at recognizing his role in enhancing joint exercises, training exchanges, and maritime dialogue (22.7.25).
4. During his official visit to China, the COAS met with Vice President Han Zheng, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and top PLA officials including General Zhang Youxia, General Chen Hui, and Lieutenant General Cai Zhai Jun to discuss regional security scenario. Besides CPEC connectivity, and defense cooperation, focusing on counterterrorism, joint training, and interoperability against evolving threats were also discussed (24.7.25).
5. Pakistan hosted the Regional Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference in Islamabad, uniting senior military leaders from the U.S., Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan to enhance regional security, counterterrorism, and military diplomacy. Under the theme “Strengthening Bonds, Securing Peace,” the dialogue highlighted joint training, strategic cooperation, and Pakistan’s firm commitment to regional peace and stability. The COAS welcomed the defence delegations and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, stability, and constructive engagement (24.7.25).
6. President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) on General Michael E. Kurilla, Commander USCENTCOM, for his significant role in advancing Pakistan-U.S. military cooperation. During his visit, he met with President Zardari and COAS to discuss regional security and joint counterterrorism efforts (26.7.25).
7. Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir addressed participants of the 16th National Workshop Balochistan, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to eliminating terrorism and promoting socio-economic uplift in the province. He strongly condemned India’s sponsorship of terror proxies, describing it as a failed effort to undermine the patriotism of the Baloch people, and emphasized the need for a united national response against such threats. Highlighting development as key to national integration, he also reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to defend against any internal or external challenges while striving for regional peace (29.7.25).

DIPLOMATIC DEVELOPMENTS AND SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

British High Commissioner meets PM Shehbaz Sharif

During a meeting with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated UK’s role in easing Pakistan-India tensions and welcomed the resumption of PIA flights to the UK. He also acknowledged the launch of UK e-visas for Pakistanis and the signing of the Trade Dialogue Mechanism Agreement to boost bilateral economic cooperation (23.7.25).

Visit of Dy PM and Foreign Minister to USA

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar made an eight-day official visit to the USA. His meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington signaled a potential reset in US-Pakistan relations, building on a quiet diplomatic thaw initiated by President Trump’s outreach to COAS, Field Marshal Asim Munir. With discussions ranging from trade to regional tensions, Islamabad appears focused on fostering long-term economic cooperation while maintaining strategic engagement in South Asia (21-28.7.25).

Finance Minister’s visit to USA for trade deal

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has departed for his second visit to the U.S. in two weeks to finalize a trade deal, his office confirmed. The trip follows Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s statement that both countries are “very close” to an agreement, though the U.S. has not specified a timeline: Reuters (29.7.25).

Pakistani delegation’s visit to China for promoting religious and cultural ties

A high-level Pakistani delegation led by Muhammad Ali Saif arrived in Beijing to enhance religious, cultural, and educational ties with China. The group visited China’s first official mosque and met with senior officials of the Islamic Association of China. The Chinese officials shared that the country has 35,000 mosques, 55,000 Imams, and 10,000 pilgrims performed Hajj this year. Pakistan invited Chinese Islamic leaders to visit and offered educational facilities for Chinese students. The visit included exchanges of gifts and the promotion of Paigham-e-Pakistan, marking a milestone in bilateral cooperation: The Nation (29.7.25)

Part 2- Regional)

AFGHANISTAN

1. Russia’s Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu accused Western nations of stealing sovereign wealth from vulnerable countries like Afghanistan, claiming NATO plans to fund rising military budgets through such means. He cited the freezing of over $9.5 billion in Afghan central bank reserves, with only a portion redirected to aid, while the rest remains frozen in the U.S., Europe, and the UAE (16.7.25).

Pakistan – Afghanistan Relations

Taliban Government PM Mullah Mohammad Akhundzada, in meetings with Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and Uzbekistan’s FM Bakhtiyor Saidov, stressed dialogue and good neighborly relations. Both FMs reaffirmed support for Afghan stability and regional cooperation, highlighting the Trans-Afghan Railway as key to economic integration. On July 20, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Kabul, where both sides discussed migrant issues, counter-narcotics, and trust-building. Afghan FM is expected to visit Islamabad soon. Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi talking to media at Lahore said that Afghanistan has assured Pakistan of security for the railway project linking Pakistan with Uzbekistan via Afghanistan. 17,18,20, 28.7.25).

Taliban term President Trump statement about Bagram Airbase baseless

 Acting FM of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi rejected U.S. President Trump’s claim about foreign forces, including China, at Bagram, affirming Afghanistan’s non-alignment policy. He reiterated the IEA’s focus on balanced global ties through diplomacy. Defense Chief Fasihuddin Fitrat said Daesh presence has declined and emphasized border security efforts, including 15 brigades, 765 outposts, and deployments along the Durand Line to safeguard Afghan territory. (20, 22.7.25)

ILLIGALlY INDIAN OCCUPIED JAMMU AND KASHMIR (IIOJK) / LOC

a).  CM Omar Abdullah refuted the BJP’s claim that Article 370 was the root of terrorism in J&K, stating the real cause lies in Pakistan’s continued support for militancy. He warned that India’s lowered threshold for retaliation could escalate even minor attacks into war, urging Pakistan to rethink its strategy for its own stability. Analysts consider that the role of Omar Abdullah is like a puppet being handled by the Indian government in IIOJK where innocent Kashmiri youth is being killed in fake encounters and arrested in fabricated case of militancy. Former CM and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti condemned the alleged police encounter killing of youth Muhammad Pervez on 24th July in Jammu.

b).  An India Army solider was killed and two others injured in a land mine blast in Krishna Ghate sector along LOC in Poonch district. Indian Army reportedly killed three Kashmiri youth by branding them militants in a fake encounter in the Lidwas Harwan-Mulnar area of Srinagar district.  The Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressing the Lok Sabha claimed that three alleged militants including Suleiman Shah alias Asif a mastermind of the April 22 Pahalgam attack along with two others were neutralised in “Operation Mahadev” in Srinagar’s Dachigam area. Later the Indian army claimed killing of two more innocent people near LOC in Poonch district alleging them as infiltrators (20, 25, 28, 30. 7.25).

Comments & Analysis: The role and loyalties of CM Omar Abdullah to please the central government is quite known. India has allegedly resumed “fake encounters” in IIOJK under “Operation Mahadev”, following the failure of Operation Sindoor. The operation reportedly aims to suppress the Kashmiri freedom movement and restore PM Modi’s political image. Security sources claim innocent Pakistanis detained by India may be used in staged encounters as fake cross-border terrorists. Radio Pakistan highlighted 723 Pakistanis illegally held in Indian jails, with 56 allegedly in secret custody of the Indian intelligence agencies. These actions are seen as a continuation of India’s history of fake encounters in Indian-occupied Kashmir

INDIA

Defence and Security

Akash missile test fire

1.  The Indian Army successfully tested the Akash Prime air defence system at 15,000 ft in Ladakh, while the Strategic Forces Command conducted back-to-back test-firings of Prithvi II and Agni I missiles, demonstrating precision and strategic deterrence. (16–17.7.25).

Alternative Road to Doulat Beg Oldi near LOC and LAC in Ladakh

• The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is constructing a new 130-kilometer road in Ladakh, known as the Sasoma–Saser La–Brangsa–Gapshan–DBO Road, to serve as an alternate route to Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO), India’s northernmost military base near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) set for completion by November, 2026. This road aims to enhance connectivity and provide redundancy to the existing DSDBO (Darbuk–Shyok–Daulat Beg Oldi) road, particularly during times of crisis. The new route will facilitate the movement of troops and equipment to forward posts along the LAC and near to LOC, will strengthening India’s operational readiness and enhance military logistic and support deployment along both the China and Pakistan borders. (20.7.25).

3.         The Indian Army received its first batch of Apache helicopters, equipped with advanced weaponry and night vision, expanding its combat edge, particularly in Ladakh and along the western border. (22.7.25).

• Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, GOC-in-Chief of the Northern Command reviewed the security situation and counter-militancy operations in Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar districts of Jammu region. Accompanied by GOC 16 Corps, Lt Gen P.K. Mishra, he visited Delta Force (army counter insurgency force) headquarters in Batote for an update on ‘Operation Shiva’. The operation focuses on ensuring the safety and security of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir (23.7.25).

Nyoma Air Base in Ladakh for Indian Air Force and Army near LAC and LOC

5.   India’s Nyoma Air Base in eastern Ladakh, being developed at 13,700 feet near the LAC, will be the country’s highest fighter-capable airfield, offering rapid response capabilities with Rafales and Su-30MKIs to be operationalised by October 2025. Built by the Borders and Roads Organisation (BRO) with bombproof hangars and all-weather infrastructure, it boosts IAF’s operational edge in the Himalayas, even in -40°C conditions. Strategically located to monitor both China and Pakistan, Nyoma will support fighter jets, UCAVs, and attack helicopters, strengthening India’s deterrence and high-altitude warfare capabilities. Nyoma is supplementing the existing two air bases at Leh and Thoise in the Ladakh region (24.7.25).

Exercise Drone Prahar

• The Indian Army conducted ‘Exercise Drone Prahaar’ near the Myanmar border to test integration of drone technology into tactical operations following recent strikes on ULFA(I) camps. Overseen by GOC, 111 Corps, Lt Gen Abhijeet S Pendharkar, the drill focused on airspace coordination, secure communication, and multi-arm collaboration to enhance battlefield preparedness (26.7.25)

Indian Army chief announced formation of Integrated Combat Brigades

•  Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, speaking at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass (IIOJK), hailed ‘Operation Sindoor’ as a strong response to the Pahalgam terror attack and highlighted India’s evolving military doctrine. He announced the formation of the “Rudra” all-arms integrated brigade and agile ‘Bhairav’ light commando battalions to boost readiness along borders with China and Pakistan. Rudra units integrate infantry, mechanised and armoured units, artillery, special forces, and UAVs under one command. Two brigades have already been converted, with dedicated logistics and support. The Army Chief also launched the Bhairav unit for swift ops, announced drone platoons in every infantry battalion, and introduced the Shaktiban Regiment for drone-enabled artillery. He added that air defense is being upgraded with indigenous missile systems. Later, he visited 14 Corps HQ in Leh and the Siachen Brigade to assess troop preparedness. (26,27.7.25).

Comments & Analysis: Analysts suggest the Rudra concept builds on the Indian Army’s earlier Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) aligned with the Cold Start Doctrine for rapid, coordinated responses. The introduction of Rudra and Bhairav units signals a shift toward swift, multi-axis offensives using integrated platforms with greater mobility and firepower. Pakistan needs to closely monitor these structural changes and modernisation with the Indian armed forces and funding of number of air bases in Ladakh region and drone exercises in Arunchal and other areas for a comprehensive response to India if any attempt of misadventure is made along the border and LoC. An analytical article titled “Operation Sindoor: Rhetoric, Reality, and the Crises of Indian Foreign Policy” by Khalid Mahmood, published in Strategicbrief.com on 20.7.25

Diplomatic development and significant events

Indian PM Modi’s visit to UK

During his two-day UK visit on 24th July, PM Modi oversaw the signing of a £25.5 billion free trade deal, £6 billion in new investments, and deeper cooperation in defence, AI, climate, and health. India raised concerns over pro-Khalistan extremism, delayed extraditions, and terrorism double standards, resulting in renewed counterterrorism pledges and a CBI-NCA MoU on financial crimes. The visit also reignited tensions over the March 2023 incident involving the Indian flag by the pro-Khalistan Sikh activists in London and calls for better diplomatic security. (25.7.25)

India Opposed CPEC expansion to Afghanistan

India strongly opposed the proposed expansion of CPEC into Afghanistan, citing its route through Pakistan-controlled Azad Jammu and Kashmir as unacceptable. MoS for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh reaffirmed in Parliament that India has consistently protested CPEC’s inclusion and urged all parties to halt related activities, especially after China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan backed expansion plans in a May trilateral meeting in Beijing. (25.7.25)

IRAN / Middle East

1. Iran and Russia began a three-day joint naval drill in the Caspian Sea to boost maritime safety and regional cooperation amid rising global tensions. The exercise highlights deepening military ties, with Iranian officials also meeting Russian leaders to discuss key regional and global issues (22.7.25)
2. Since early July, Iran has experienced multiple explosions at residential buildings, industrial sites, and key infrastructure following a ceasefire with Israel. Despite public suspicion and unusual circumstances—like a blast at a building not connected to gas lines—Iranian authorities blame gas leaks and deny sabotage. While speculation about Israeli involvement grows, both Tehran and Israeli officials remain tight-lipped: The New York Times and Times of Israel (25.7.25)
3. Armed men killed five people wand injured 22 others attack on a courthouse in Zahedan, Sistan-Balochistan. Irani security forces claimed to have killed three terrorists during exchange of fire. A militant group, Jaish-al-Adl reportedly claimed responsibility for the incident (26.7.25).
4. Iran executed two Mujahideen-e-Khalq members, Mehdi Hassani and Behrouz Ehsani-Eslamloo, for attacking civilian infrastructure with homemade projectiles, according to judiciary outlet Mizan (27.7.25).

Comments & Analysis: Iran has been continuously facing internal instability particularly from the anti Islamic regime forces, separatist organisations including Jaish-al-Adl above all Israeli agents and spies. An analytical article “Signs of increasing Security Synergies between Iran and Pakistan to Defend against Indo- Israeli Clandestine Collaboration” written by former DG IB Tariq Lodhi, published in thestrategicbrief.com on 28.7.25.

Palatine – Israel Conflict

Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed around 60,034 Palestinians and 1,100 Israelis, leading to global concern and a limited daily ceasefire, though strikes continued beyond declared hours. The U.S. President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met in Scotland, urging an immediate ceasefire and regional peace. The British PM informed his cabinet that the UK will recognize Palestine in September, if Israel fails to take meaningful steps, a stance welcomed by the OIC. In another development as reported by Dawn News quoting AFP that   the Arab nations including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt backed a UN-supported call for Hamas to disarm and transfer Gaza’s control to the Palestinian Authority, as 17 countries, the EU, and Arab League endorsed a two-state solution and potential foreign deployment (28, 29.7.25).

Comments & Analysis: a).  France’s announcement to recognise the Palestine state at the UN on July 24, 2025, marks a major diplomatic shift, becoming the first G7 nation to do so and raising global recognitions to 142. This move challenges U.S.-Israeli control over the peace process and adds momentum to the two-state solution. The Trump-Starmer meeting in Scotland suggests a possible shift in U.S and UK policy, though its impact on Israel remains unclear. As UN Security Council president, Pakistan has renewed calls for a ceasefire and aid, while deep ideological divisions persist between Mahmoud Abbas’s pro-West Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza.

b).  An analytical article “Abraham Accord and Pakistan” has been written by security and geo-political expert Muhammad Attaullah Khan published in https://thestrategicbrief.com on 23.7.25.