Domestic

AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR (AJK) / LOC

1. A Pakistan Army soldier was martyred and two others injured when an old explosive device accidentally detonated in the Tetrinote–Madarpur sector along the LOC: Dawn News (25.9.25).
2. At least five police personnel, including an SHO and a woman constable, and one protester were injured as a demonstration over a six-year-old girl’s murder turned violent in Khuiratta, Kotli district (27.9.25).
3. At least one person was killed and over a dozen injured during a clash between Jammu and Kashmir Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) protesters and a peace rally led by Raja Saqib Majeed, amid a region-wide strike and communications blackout in Muzaffarabad. The violence erupted near Neelum Bridge, with both sides blaming each other and witnesses alleging unprovoked firing by the rally and excessive police force. The unrest quickly spread to other parts of AJK as JKJAAC leaders vowed to continue their demonstrations. Earlier, on 25 September, JKJAAC held talks with the AJK government in Muzaffarabad, facilitated by federal ministers and conducted under heightened security. PM Shehbaz Sharif had urged peaceful dialogue to defuse tensions. However, the negotiations collapsed over demands to abolish elite privileges and refugee seats, with JKJAAC accusing both governments of sabotage and firmly denying any Indian links (29.9.25).

BALOCHISTAN

1. Security forces killed five suspected terrorists during an IBO in Khuzdar district (14–15.9.25).
2. Armed men looted Rs220 million at gunpoint from a private security van transferring cash from two banks in Turbat to Karachi at the Dasht–Khuddan crossing on the M-8 motorway in Kech district (16.9.25).
3. At least three people were reportedly killed and four others injured in two separate landmine explosions in Sui, Dera Bugti district (17.9.25).
4. Security forces reportedly killed four terrorists in an IBO in Khuzdar district (17.9.25).
5. Assistant Commissioner of Tump, Hanif Noorzai, abducted on 4 June while traveling to Quetta, has been freed by his kidnappers. The defunct BLA had claimed responsibility after the incident (17.9.25).
6. Unknown assailants martyred a policeman, Aftab-ur-Rehman, and injured two Levies personnel in Sherani district. In a separate incident, miscreants set fire to a Levies vehicle and another carrying relief supplies in the said district (17.9.25).
7. CTD police killed four alleged terrorists in an exchange of fire at an M-8 motorway crossing in the Dasht area of Turbat in Kech district (17.9.25).
8. Six people were killed in a powerful bomb blast planted by terrorists at a taxi stand near the Pak–Afghan border in Chaman (18.9.25).
9. Four people, including two Frontier Corps officials, were injured in a grenade attack and firing by unknown assailants in the Mangochar area of Kalat division (18.9.25).
10. Police Constable Younas Khan was martyred by armed assailants while resisting his abduction attempt in the Tor Chappar area of Darra Adam Khel in Kohat district. The banned TTP claimed responsibility for the incident (18.9.25).
11. Seven security guards were injured in a grenade attack by unknown assailants at the residence of PPP leader Agha Shakil Ahmed Durrani and PML-N Senator Agha Shazeb Durrani in the Do Talwar area of Khuzdar: Express Tribune (19.9.25).
12. Killing of the mastermind behind the Jaffar Express hijacking in Afghanistan
    Unconfirmed reports suggest Gul Rehman alias Ustad Mureed, a key BLA Majeed Brigade figure and Jaffar Express hijacking mastermind, was killed on 17 Sept in Afghanistan’s Helmand province. However, no official confirmation from any side has been noted: Express Tribune Balochistan (21.9.25).
13. The Quetta–Peshawar Jaffar Express was reportedly halted at Jacobabad station on Saturday due to lack of security clearance, and the service was cancelled with fares refunded. Passengers faced major inconvenience and delays while seeking alternative transport to continue their journey (20.9.25).
14. Twelve people, including women and children, were injured in a bomb blast on the railway track targeting the Quetta-bound Jaffar Express in the Spizend area of Mastung district, which resulted in the derailing of its six bogies: Dawn News, Express Tribune (23.9.25).
15. Adila Baloch, a nurse arrested in Turbat for a planned suicide attack, disclosed in a press conference in Quetta that terrorists manipulate Baloch women through false promises and blackmail. She denied that women willingly become bombers and urged youth to reject extremism: Express Tribune (26.9.25).
16. Five people, including two police officers and three college students, were injured in an accidental firing at Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail’s residence in Zhob, after a gunman accidentally dropped his weapon (26.9.25). (Checked date format; assuming September.)
17. At least eight people were burnt to death and several injured after a passenger bus collided with an Iranian oil-laden vehicle on the CPEC highway in Panjgur district (27.9.25).
18. The FIA arrested 11 people, including five Afghan nationals, for attempting to illegally cross into Iran from Jiwani, Gwadar. In separate raids in Quetta, 16 suspects, including 14 Afghan nationals, were nabbed for human trafficking, hawala–hundi, and illegal currency exchange (19, 28.9.25).
19. Unidentified armed motorcyclists shot dead prominent Achakzai tribal elder Haji Lalai and injured two others in the Murha Kariez Dam area near the Pak–Afghan border in Chaman (28.9.25).
20. At least 10 people were killed and 32 injured in a bomb blast near the Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters in Quetta (30.9.25).
21. Acute shortage of water and power in Gwadar — security and general implications
    Media survey reports suggest that despite heavy monsoon rains across Pakistan, Gwadar faces a worsening water and power crisis, triggering protests as residents struggle with limited supply and high costs. With outdated infrastructure, a failed dam, and frequent electricity outages impacting water access and livelihoods—especially in the fishing sector—the situation is dire. Gwadar Port Authority held a meeting recently with the CEO, QESCO, Quetta on 20 Sept where both sides stressed upgrading infrastructure in Gwadar with the support of the federal government. Patriotic circles warned that continued neglect by the authorities could further fuel anti-state and subversive narratives against Pakistan and the CPEC projects, promoting militancy: Dawn News and Express Tribune (28–30.9.25).

ISLAMABAD

1. Over 1,000 Islamabad Capital City (ICT) Police personnel with anti-riot gear were reportedly dispatched to Azad Kashmir, with another batch expected soon, following the interior ministry’s directive for deployment. Sources say 5,000 personnel were requested, with 2,000 from capital police and 167 FC platoons mobilized: Dawn News (25.9.25).
2. FIA reportedly dismissed four officers in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi for corruption and poor investigations, demoted a female officer for negligence, and arrested two Islamabad Airport officials for aiding human traffickers (26, 28.9.25).

KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA (KPK)

1. Three people, including a tractor mechanic, Abdul Qayyum Bittani, were shot dead by unknown armed assailants at a workshop on Station Road in Tank district (15.9.25).
2. Police and the Bomb Disposal Squad defused a 20 kg IED planted in the Dazha Ghundai area near Badshah Jan Kot in South Waziristan district (15.9.25).
3. Unidentified gunmen, in two separate incidents, killed a young Afghan nanbai, Haroon, at Gohati bus stop, and a school guard, Azam Dad, in the Kalabat area of Swabi district (15.9.25).
4. Police killed three terrorists while foiling attacks on Miryan Police Station and Mazang Checkpoint in Bannu district, with four policemen injured in the exchange of fire (16.9.25).
5. Police Constable Fasihullah was martyred and an ASI injured when proclaimed offenders opened fire on a police raiding party in Darab Majoki area of Charsadda district (16.9.25).
6. Terrorists abducted the son of tribal elder Malik Riaz Mohammad from Gul Dona Ghundai in South Waziristan district, days after threats from a local commander of a proscribed outfit. Malik Riaz had previously survived a bomb blast in January 2024 that critically injured him, his brother, and son, following an earlier failed IED attack near his home (16.9.25).
7. A wanted absconder was killed and SHO Saleem Khan injured during an exchange of fire in the Speen Arab area of Charsadda district (17.9.25).
8. Armed motorcyclists in Peshawar snatched Rs1.7 million from a businessman in Gulbahar and an expensive cellphone from a lawyer on Dalazak Road in separate incidents (17.9.25).
9. Security forces killed seven terrorists, including three Afghan nationals and two suicide bombers, during an IBO in Kulachi tehsil of Dera Ismail Khan district (20.9.25).
10. Awami National Party (ANP) worker Mir Azam Khan was shot dead by unknown assailants on Khar–Nawagai Road in Khar tehsil of Bajaur district (21.9.25).
11. An unidentified armed motorcyclist reportedly shot and injured a police constable in a targeted attack at Jamil Chowk on Ring Road in Peshawar (21.9.25).
12. At least 23 people, including women and children, were reportedly killed and several others injured, with houses damaged, when a mortar shell struck homes in Matray Dara near Shadala, Tirah’s Aka Khel valley in Khyber district. Locals staged a protest (21.9.25).
13. Three WHO polio monitors—Dr Ehsan, Abdul Kurdish, and Hikmatullah—abducted earlier by unknown armed men were safely freed through the joint efforts of police, administration, and tribal elders in Umurkhel village of Tank district (21.9.25).
14. Police arrested four men—Mastan Shah, Khubab, Zaryab Khan, and Muhammad Shahbaz—for impersonating security personnel in Farsh Shagai area in Swat district. They were found stopping pedestrians in fake uniforms; arms, ammunition, and a vehicle were recovered (21.9.25).
15. Two suspected criminals, Shah Saud and Rakhail, were killed while two others escaped during a shootout with police at a checkpoint in Parang area of Charsadda district (23.9.25).
16. The body of a suspected terrorist identified as Haroon Shah, killed in a clash with peace committee volunteers, was found in the mountainous area of Kheru Khel Pacca in Lakki Marwat district (23.9.25).
17. Unidentified armed motorcyclists martyred police constable Qudoos Khan during a targeted attack in Domel tehsil of Bannu district (23.9.25).
18. Security forces killed 13 terrorists in an IBO in the Daraban area of Dera Ismail Khan district (24.9.25).
19. A man was reportedly killed and his son seriously injured in a landmine blast in the border area of Pewar in Kurram district (25.9.25).
20. Police arrested suspect Waheed Rehman after he threw a hand grenade while being chased by villagers in Mangtara, Lakki Marwat district (25.9.25).
21. Two terrorists were killed by police during an exchange of fire while attempting to plant a roadside IED in Mamashkhel area of Bannu district (26.9.25).
22. Security forces killed 17 terrorists in an IBO in Lakki Marwat district (26–27.9.25).
23. Police, on a tip-off, rescued two minor girls, aged 12 and 14, from being trafficked to Afghanistan from North Waziristan district for forced marriage. The case stemmed from a 15-year-old family dispute, with a local jirga controversially ruling to hand over the girls: KP TNN (27.9.25).
24. According to an unconfirmed report, four children were killed and five others injured when an alleged mortar shell, fired from an unknown location, fell on them while they were playing in the fields in Leghar area of Bajaur district: KP TNN (27.9.25).
25. Mastermind of Peshawar mosque bombing killed in Afghanistan
    An unconfirmed report states that ISIS-K commander Muhammad Ihsani alias Anwar, a Tajik accused of the 2022 Koocha Rasaldar mosque (Peshawar) bombing, was shot dead by unknown assailants in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. He was reportedly on Pakistan’s most-wanted list for training and escorting Tajik suicide bombers across the border: KP TNN (27.9.25).
26. The body of a C&W Department official, Muhammad Farooq, who had been kidnapped from Kherukhel Pacca, was found in the Sra Darga area in Lakki Marwat district (28.9.25).
27. FIA immigration staff at Torkham denied entry to five Afghan nationals, including Faisal and Hashim, traveling on forged documents, and one for lacking any travel documents (28.9.25).
28. Police killed alleged defunct TTP commander Qari Hussain in an encounter in Birmal tehsil of South Waziristan district (29.9.25).
29. Alleged outlawed TTP terrorist Hikmatullah was killed in an exchange of fire with police and local armed villagers in the Wanda Amir area of Lakki Marwat district (29.9.25).

PUNJAB

CCD

1. The Crime Control Department (CCD) of Police, in its drive against crimes, reportedly killed 11 suspected criminals— including murderers, robbers, cattle lifters, and kidnappers for ransom— and injured three others during various encounters in districts of Punjab including Vehari, Multan, Attock, and Gujrat (15, 18, 20, 28, 29.9.25).
2. Riverine Katcha area gangs abducted five people, including two brothers, from the jurisdiction of Rujhan Mazari Police Station in tehsil Rujhan, Rajanpur district (15.9.25).
3. In a joint operation, police and intelligence agencies rescued 11 hostages abducted by the Indhar gang from the M-5 Motorway near Nawazabad in Sadiqabad tehsil, Rahimyar Khan, amid a surge of 72 kidnappings this year that has prompted authorities to escort vehicles in convoys to deter further attacks (19.9.25). Separately, police claimed to have recovered all six abductees during an operation against Katcha dacoits in Rajanpur district (19, 21.9.25).
4. The National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested seven suspects in Silanwali, Sargodha, including Muhammad Suliman, Naseer Akhter, and Shehbaz Ali, for online financial fraud involving fake crypto and investment scams. The group posed as foreign company representatives, using fake WhatsApp numbers and advertisements to swindle millions through bank accounts and mobile numbers: Dawn News (21.9.25).
5. The Punjab Home Department is integrating forensic data from the Punjab Forensic Science Agency and prisons to securely store prisoners’ fingerprints and images, solving 240 cases from 440,000 records while continuously updating data and training officials (22.9.25).
6. Police arrested Constable Farooq for his alleged involvement in the abduction and extortion of Rs4 million from Muhammad Nadeem, who was kidnapped by four men posing as policemen in Harbanspura, Lahore. The kidnappers blindfolded the victim, demanded Rs100 million, and released him after receiving Rs4 million. Arrests of the remaining accused persons are underway (20.9.25).
7. Police arrested two of three constables impersonating CCD officials in Burewala, Vehari district, who kidnapped and extorted money from trader Salma Khan, threatening to kill him in a fake encounter. Such incidents of the involvement of police personnel in unlawful acts highlight the urgent need for strict discipline and oversight by senior officers over the “black sheep” in the department to restore public trust (26.9.25).
8. Police arrested two of three constables who, after impersonating CCD officials, kidnapped and extorted money from trader Salma Khan with threats to kill him in a fake encounter. Such incidents seriously undermine public trust in law enforcement and emphasize the urgent need for strict monitoring of corrupt police personnel by the IG Police and senior officers (26.9.25).
9. A five-year-old student, Easa, was allegedly tortured to death in a madrasah by his teachers, Hafiz Ahsan and Afzal, at Karariwala Kalan village in Gujrat district. Police investigations are underway (26.9.25).
10. FIA released the 13th edition of its Red Book, naming 143 most-wanted human traffickers, with major suspects from Gujranwala, Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Karachi, Multan, Kohat, Balochistan, and KPK. Earlier, on 17 September, FIA Gujranwala Zone arrested Waqas Ali for sending 17 illegal immigrants to Japan as fake football players using forged documents under the Boavista Football Club’s name (27.9.25).
11. Seventeen Baloch children were rescued by the CPWB from an unregistered orphanage in Chichawatni, Sahiwal, after an abuse video surfaced on 24 September. The Additional Sessions Court, Sahiwal, later ordered their custody be returned to parents or guardians following proper verification and recognition (30.9.25).

Socio-economic crimes and administrative measures and food security

1. Punjab’s Strategic Management Wing recovered 334,000 metric tonnes of hoarded wheat in 2,095 raids and foiled a major smuggling attempt, while also implementing geotagging and restricting inter-provincial wheat movement after flood damage. Punjab Police were ordered to arrest 600 proclaimed offenders for food adulteration. These efforts highlight the need for stronger government support and intelligence agencies’ cooperation to effectively combat hoarders, black marketers, and adulterators (19, 21, 23, 24.9.25).

SINDH

1. Police constable Saddam Hussain, performing security duty with PPP MNA Shahid Rehmani, was martyred by unknown armed assailants in a targeted attack in Gulshan-i-Maymar, Karachi (17.9.25).
2. Four armed motorcyclists snatched over Rs10 million from jeweller Tanvir Samroo in the Karimabad area of Karachi, with police stating he failed to follow SOPs for transferring such a large amount (17.9.25).
3. Three transgender persons were found shot dead in the Memon Goth area, while in a separate incident two suspected criminals were killed in an alleged encounter by police in Sohrab Goth, Karachi (21.9.25).
4. Police, in a joint operation with Rangers in Kashmore–Kandhkot district, claimed to have killed three hardened dacoits and injured six others (21.9.25).
5. An anti-terrorism court in Karachi sentenced suspected RAW agent Muhammad Saleem to life imprisonment for waging war and conspiracy against the state after his October 2024 arrest with weapons, fake IDs, and alleged links to espionage (25.9.25).
6. Unidentified assailants shot dead Mansoor Mehsud at Jaffer Ground in Janjal Goth, while in a separate incident police killed suspected robber Shah Muhammad alias Shani Chandio—allegedly involved in ASI Khan Abro’s murder—during an encounter in Sukhan area of Karachi (25, 26.9.25).
7. Two bogies of the Karachi-bound Sukkur Express derailed near Hyderabad, halting trains for four hours, with no track damage reported. Railways authorities launched an inquiry; however, security experts believe sabotage by mechanical means cannot be ruled out (29.9.25).

Comments & Analysis: Terrorism and counter-terrorism efforts persist in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan and KPK, amid a volatile regional geopolitical landscape, while rising crime in Katcha areas across Punjab, Sindh, and KP highlights the need for advanced technology and coordinated action. The increasing use of AI, internet, and satellite-linked tools in civil and military domains has escalated threats of espionage, subversion, and anti-state propaganda; industrial/business thefts; and hacking of cellphone numbers and email passwords to encroach on privacy for committing blackmail and financial frauds—presenting complex security challenges. While law enforcement gains from tech-based tracking, criminals also exploit these tools for cybercrimes, as noted in Junaid Bashir’s article titled “From Deduction to Prevention: How AI is Transforming Fraud Management,” published on thestrategicbrief.com on 27.9.25.

DEFENCE AND SECURITY

1. CJCSC Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza inaugurated the King Hamad Institute of Nursing in Islamabad alongside Bahrain’s Gen Shaikh Mohammed Bin Isa, highlighting strong Pakistan–Bahrain ties and commitment to medical education. Earlier, the Bahraini commander met PAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, to reaffirm defence cooperation, including joint training and aviation collaboration (23–24.9.25).
2. Malaysian Chief of Defence Forces, General Tan Sri Hj Mohd Nizam, met CJCSC at JS HQ in Rawalpindi and discussed regional security, reaffirmed defence cooperation, and explored avenues to strengthen military ties between the two countries (24.9.25).
3. US Navy ship USS Wayne E. Meyer departed Karachi after a two-day port call, reinforcing maritime cooperation between the US and Pakistan navies. During the visit, its commanding officer met Pakistan Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Abdul Munib to discuss mutual interests (26.9.25).
4. Pakistan–Russia Joint Exercise Druzhba-VIII was held from 15–27 September 2025, focusing on the counter-terrorism domain. The exercise aimed to enhance joint operational readiness and strengthen historic military ties between the two nations (27.9.25).
5. Two Chinese relief flights carrying 300 tents and 9,000 blankets landed at Nur Khan Air Base, Rawalpindi, to support flood-affected families, received by Pakistani and Chinese officials (28.9.25).

DIPLOMATIC DEVELOPMENT AND SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement in Riyadh, declaring that any attack on either nation would be considered an act of aggression against both. COAS Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir was also present. The agreement, rooted in nearly eight decades of historic partnership, aims to enhance defence cooperation, strengthen joint deterrence, and promote regional and global security. During their meeting at Yamama Palace, both leaders reaffirmed their strong bilateral ties, exchanged warm wishes, and discussed key issues of mutual interest. The deal comes amid heightened regional tensions following two years of Israeli aggression in Gaza, Iran, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon, and a recent attack on Doha near the Saudi border (17.9.25).
   Comments & Analysis: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, marking a major boost in their defence ties amid heightened Middle East tensions following Israel’s strike on Qatar. Analysts see this as a strategic shift, elevating Pakistan’s role as a key regional security partner. India acknowledged the pact, stating it will assess its implications and urged Saudi Arabia to respect mutual interests, while a related YouTube podcast on Disclosure with Naveed Elahi featuring former DG IB Tariq Lodhi aired on 27.9.25.

Pakistan–China Strategic Partnership
1.         A meeting chaired by Minister Muhammad Junaid Iqbal reaffirmed plans to connect Gwadar Airport with the port under the 2025–2029 Maritime Affairs Plan, enhancing regional connectivity through CPEC. At the FPCCI event “China Leads: The World Listens” in Karachi, speakers highlighted China’s growing global role and its strong alliance with Pakistan in shaping a just New World Order. Meanwhile, the China–Pakistan Study Centre at the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI), Islamabad, launched its book Pakistan and China: Connecting at People’s Level, with Ambassador Sohail Mahmood emphasizing the need to deepen cultural and human ties alongside economic cooperation (17, 18, 20.9.25).

2. DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhary, in an interview aired on PTV, reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong ties with the U.S., clarifying that relations with China do not come at the cost of others. He emphasized counter-terrorism cooperation and expressed concern over U.S. weapons left in Afghanistan being used in attacks on Pakistan. Chaudhry also accused India of supporting the outlawed TTP and BLA, dismissed Balochistan insurgency claims, and said many missing persons are linked to terrorist outfits (18.9.25).

PM visits U.S.A. to attend UNGA session and meeting with President Trump
3. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by COAS Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, met U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oval Office to discuss regional security, counter-terrorism, and economic cooperation, also extending an invitation for him to visit Pakistan. Earlier, the PM attended the UNGA session in New York and met Trump alongside selected Muslim leaders to discuss Israeli aggression in Gaza and explore solutions for the Middle East. Several analysts observe it is a notable change in Pakistan–U.S. relations under Trump, in contrast to the Biden administration’s distant approach. However, given the transactional nature of the relationship and differences over Palestine, Iran, and China, Pakistan should tread carefully (25, 26.9.25).

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that an LPG tanker with 27 crew members, including 24 Pakistanis, was attacked by an Israeli drone at Yemen’s Ras Issa port on September 17. The Foreign Office confirmed all Pakistanis were safe and were exiting Yemeni waters: Dawn News (27.9.25).

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his post on X, welcomed President Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, lauding his leadership and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s role, and expressed confidence in Trump’s commitment to ending the conflict. He reiterated that durable peace and a two-state solution are essential for regional stability and growth: Dawn News (29.9.25).

Regional

AFGHANISTAN

1. Daud Shah, husband of ex-Afghan MP Fariba Ahmadi Kakar, was shot dead in Kandahar after returning from Canada, while four armed robbers were arrested in Herat with 2.2 million Afghanis in stolen cash. Meanwhile, the alleged internet ban by Afghan authorities to curb immorality has expanded to several provinces, prompting public concern and calls for regulation over restriction (16, 18.9.25).
2. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) released British couple Peter and Barbie, and later U.S. citizen Amir Amiri, with both the UK and U.S. praising Qatar’s mediation efforts. Senior IEA diplomat Zalmai Jalali said the release could improve U.S.–Afghan ties, though CNN reports at least three Americans, including Paul Edwin Overby Jr. and Mahmoud Shah, remain detained without concessions to the Taliban: Tolo and Ariana News (19, 28.9.25).
3. Russia’s envoy Zamir Kabulov announced that Afghanistan will join upcoming SCO meetings as an observer, a move welcomed by Afghan officials to boost regional cooperation. Meanwhile, China’s envoy Geng Shuang at the UN urged continued international engagement with Afghanistan, calling for lifted sanctions, more aid, counter-terrorism cooperation, and an end to double standards (18.9.25).

President Trump expresses desire to take back Bagram military base in Afghanistan

4. President Donald Trump, during a press conference with British PM Keir Starmer in London, reiterated his intent to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan due to its strategic location near China, sparking talks with the Islamic Emirate on a limited U.S. military return focused on counter-terrorism and cooperation. In response, China and Russia warned against foreign interference, while the IEA firmly rejected any deal, with spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid declaring Bagram an inseparable part of Afghanistan that will never be handed back to the U.S.A. (19, 21.9.25).

Comments & Analysis: Geopolitical experts believe the U.S. is reasserting its influence in South Asia by aiming to re-establish control over Afghanistan’s Bagram Air Base, strategically located near China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan—especially following a potential U.S.-brokered two-state peace accord involving Israel, Palestine, and key Muslim nations. The revocation of India’s Chabahar Port waiver is seen as a move to counter China–Iran ties, undermine Indian investments, and elevate Pakistan’s Gwadar Port. Washington’s renewed interest in Bagram has raised concerns over surveillance of CPEC/BRI and threats to Chinese and Pakistani strategic assets. A sustained U.S. presence could destabilize regions like Xinjiang, Tibet, Gilgit-Baltistan, Jammu & Kashmir, Central Asia, and the Middle East, possibly enabling regime changes in Afghanistan or Iran. Although the Taliban-led IEA has rejected a U.S. return for now, experts believe this stance could shift under pressure or incentives. The reactions of China and Russia remain to be seen if any such covert or overt move for deployment of U.S. forces occurs on Afghan soil; while a related YouTube podcast on Disclosure with Naveed Elahi featuring former DG IB Tariq Lodhi aired on 30.9.25.

by the editor of thestrategicbrief.com, Dr. Naveed Elahi, featuring former DG IB Tariq Lodhi, aired via http://youtube.be/hSkJn4GEgm8?si=x1iovjAK8vHRdw4Q on 30.9.25.

Quadrilateral meeting of Pakistan, China, Iran and Russia about Afghanistan in New York
At the 88th UNGA session, Pakistan, China, Iran, and Russia reaffirmed support for a stable, independent Afghanistan, calling for inclusive governance, women’s rights, humanitarian aid, opposition to terrorism and its bases, and rejecting foreign military presence and sanctions. Separately, the OIC Ministerial Contact Group held its inaugural meeting on Afghanistan, while UNAMA Chief Roza Otunbayeva highlighted the Mosaic Initiative as vital for Afghanistan’s global reintegration (25.9.25).

ILLEGALLY INDIAN OCCUPIED JAMMU AND KASHMIR (IIOJK) / LOC

1. The Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) enabled the Army’s first exclusive freight train, delivering 753 metric tonnes of supplies to Ladakh and Kashmir and returning with apples, while the Railway Board approved a new Rapid Cargo Service from Budgam to Delhi. In parallel, Indian Army soldier Baldev Chand was killed in a militant clash in Udhampur, with continued gunfights in Kishtwar and arms recoveries in Poonch and Kupwara. Indian Army Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma visited Basantgarh to assess counter-terror operations, later traveling to Leh to discuss civil–military coordination with Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta amid youth-led protests. He also reviewed troop readiness and the security situation with Siachen Brigade units in Eastern Ladakh and the Karakoram Pass (16, 19, 21, 25, 27, 29.9.25).
2. Indian authorities imposed curfews in Leh and restrictions across multiple Ladakh regions after violent protests demanding statehood and job quotas left four dead and over 80 injured, prompting attacks on BJP and LAHDC offices and the detention of protest leader Sonam Wangchuk. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) affirmed its continued openness to dialogue with the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on Ladakh issues. Kashmiri leaders, including former CM Mehbooba Mufti, expressed concern over the situation, while BJP President in IIOJK, Sat Sharma, accused the opposition—particularly Congress—of fueling the recent unrest in Ladakh (23, 24, 26, 30.9.25).

Comments & Analysis: Ladakh, home to about 300,000 people and bordering Pakistan and China, has seen unified demands from its Kargil and Leh districts for statehood and Sixth Schedule autonomy since its separation from IIOJK after the revocation of Article 370 by the BJP government in 2019. Recent violent protests in Leh highlight deep local frustration. Reacting to the unrest, IIOJK CM Omar Abdullah and former CM Mehbooba Mufti urged the Centre to revisit its 2019 decision, warning of rising discontent in the strategically sensitive, militarized region guarded by the Indian Northern Command, with a heavy presence of paramilitary forces and police in the region to ensure security on internal and external fronts.

INDIA

Defence and Security

1. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and CDS General Anil Chauhan, addressing the Combined Commanders’ Conference in Kolkata, emphasized synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, focusing on strategic planning, integrated operations, and the modernization of India’s armed forces to enhance joint military preparedness and national defence (17.9.25).
2. Indian Army troops under XXXIII Corps conducted a six-day high-altitude march (9–15 Sept) in Sikkim, reaching 17,000 ft with full battle loads to test endurance and readiness under Lt Gen Zubi A. Minwalla. In early October, India will hold its largest joint drone and counter-drone exercise, Cold Start, involving the Army, Air Force, and other services to test hard-kill and soft-kill UAV defence systems in the Central Sector to enhance aerial defence coordination and address emerging UAV threats (18.9.25).
3. Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi visited a drone lab in Arunachal Pradesh to boost soldier training and establish ‘Divyastra’ units with indigenous air defence systems. Citing Operation Sindoor, he later announced Mission Sudarshan Chakra—an AI-integrated, multi-layered defence system to counter drones, UAVs, and hypersonic threats, urging a shift from “Make in India” to “Think in India” (23.9.25).
4. Russia has offered India support to localise large- and small-scale nuclear power plants under a civil nuclear agreement announced at the IAEA General Conference. The talks focused on progress at Kudankulam’s Phase II and III reactors by expanding the construction of Russian-designed reactors in India, leveraging local industrial capabilities (20.9.25).
5. India expects to sign a deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets with France by next year, with 96 to be built domestically to boost defence manufacturing and support “Make in India,” though the decision to finalize the deal may take time (20.9.25).
6. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, is developing a next-gen 200 MW pressurized light-water reactor for India’s upcoming S-5 SSBNs and Project-77 SSNs, replacing the 83 MW Arihant-class reactor and enabling 10-year refuelling cycles. Meanwhile, Russia has offered support to localize nuclear power plants under a civil deal, with talks to expand Kudankulam Phases II and III using Russian designs and Indian capabilities (20–21.9.25).
7. Security forces, during their counter-insurgency operations in the North East, killed two Naxalites in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, raising the state’s insurgent death toll to 249 so far this year (22.9.25).
8. India’s DRDO, in collaboration with the Strategic Forces Command, claimed to have successfully test-fired the Agni-Prime missile from a rail-based mobile launcher at an undisclosed location (24.9.25).
9. The Indian government extended General Anil Chauhan’s tenure as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Military Affairs Department, until 30 May 2026, or until further orders: PIB (24.9.25).
10. The BRO has opened a 91 km road from Hanle to Chumar via Salsa La Pass (14,500–17,200 ft), enhancing strategic connectivity along the LAC with China for armed forces and the public. Besides, 16 other projects in Ladakh were completed under Projects Himank and Vijayak. Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry is reviving two defunct Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) at Chushul (Ladakh) and Anini (Arunachal) for IAF and Army operations, including UAVs, helicopters, and transport aircraft: The Tribune (23, 25.9.25).
11. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 4-unit Mahi Banswara nuclear power project in Rajasthan under the NPCIL–NTPC joint venture Ashvini, as part of India’s fleet-mode plan for 700 MW PHWRs, alongside launching Rs1.22 lakh crore worth of energy and infrastructure projects to boost clean, power-driven development: WNN (World Nuclear News) (25.9.25).
12. Col Prasad Purohit, acquitted in the Samjhauta and Malegaon blast cases due to lack of evidence, was promoted less than two months later, drawing support from Minister Giriraj Singh, who called it a stand for patriots. Arrested in 2008, Purohit was accused of founding Abhinav Bharat to establish a “Hindu Rashtra,” though MCOCA charges were dropped and the trial continued under UAPA (10.9.25).

Diplomatic and Political Development

IRAN

1. The U.S. announced new sanctions on individuals and entities, including in Hong Kong and the UAE, for financing Iran’s military through illicit networks tied to oil sales and money laundering involving front companies and cryptocurrency. These networks support the IRGC-Quds Force and MODAFL, with U.S. sanctions prohibiting any business dealings with the designated parties (16.9.25).
2. Iran and Russia signed a $25 billion deal to build four nuclear power plants in Sirik, Hormozgan, shortly before expected UN sanctions on Iran. The agreement was made between Iran and Russia. Each plant will have a capacity of 1,255 megawatts, significantly boosting Iran’s energy capacity beyond its sole operational Bushehr plant (26.9.25).
3. Iran recalled its ambassadors from Germany, France, and the UK after they supported UN sanctions by triggering the JCPOA dispute mechanism, which Tehran condemned as political and harmful to the 2015 nuclear deal. This came after the UN Security Council rejected a resolution by Russia, China, Pakistan, and Algeria on 19 Sept to delay the snapback sanctions. The U.S. welcomed the reimposed sanctions, calling them a necessary response to Tehran’s threats and nuclear violations (27, 28.9.25).

MIDDLE EAST

1. The Trump administration is seeking congressional approval for a $6.4 billion arms deal with Israel, including $3.8 billion for Apache helicopters, $1.9 billion for infantry assault vehicles, and $750 million for support parts. Announced ahead of the UN General Assembly, the deal has drawn attention amid rising tensions in Gaza: Wall Street Journal (20.9.25).
2. U.S. President Donald Trump, after meeting Israeli PM Netanyahu in Washington, unveiled a long-awaited 20-point peace plan to end the Gaza war, backed by Israel, Arab, and Muslim nations, with Pakistan offering full support. The plan calls for phased Israeli withdrawal, the deployment of an International Stabilisation Force, and the formation of a technocratic transitional government excluding Hamas. A proposed ‘Board of Peace,’ possibly involving Tony Blair, and World Bank-led reforms aim to ensure long-term governance and security in Gaza. Trump praised Muslim nations for agreeing to demilitarise Gaza, while Netanyahu issued an apology to Qatar for a prior Israeli attack. Trump warned of full U.S. backing for Israel if Hamas rejects the deal and hinted at Iran possibly joining the peace accords. With the proposal now handed to Hamas via Qatari and Egyptian mediators, both Trump and PM Shehbaz, welcoming the proposed agreement, expressed hope for lasting peace, as the White House confirmed Israel and Hamas are close to a framework agreement. According to Reuters, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Israel and Hamas are “very close” to agreeing on a framework deal to end the Gaza conflict and achieve lasting Middle East peace: Dawn News (29.9.25).