Domestic

AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR (AJK)

A government delegation reached an agreement with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Muzaffarabad to end unrest in AJK, addressing key demands including FIRs under anti-terror laws, victim compensation, and institutional reforms. A Monitoring and Implementation Committee will oversee execution and rationalize elite privileges. The deal, following deadly protests, was praised by PM Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal as a peaceful resolution and a step toward governance and development in AJK (3.10.25).

Comments and Analysis: The agreement’s conclusion not only defused India’s alleged information warfare but also brought peace to AJK and relief to concerned citizens across Pakistan.

GILGIT-BALTISTAN (GB)

Gun attacks on Judge Malik Inayatur Rehman and Sunni religious leader Maulana Qazi Nisar Ahmed in Gilgit sparked protests and highlighted sectarian tensions, prompting swift investigations. The incidents underscored the region’s fragile peace and strategic significance as a key CPEC corridor bordering Afghanistan, China, and Indian-occupied Kashmir (5.10.25).

BALOCHISTAN

1. Security forces killed 13 terrorists and arrested four disguised in women’s attire during separate IBOs in Quetta, Kech, and Khuzdar districts (30.9.25–1.10.25).
2. Security forces killed seven terrorists in an IBO in Sherani district (1.10.25).
3. CTD police and security forces, in a joint operation, killed 10 alleged terrorists in a gunfight in the Aghbarg mountain area on the outskirts of Quetta. The incident followed a suicide car blast near the FC HQ in Quetta that killed 10 people, including four security personnel (1.10.25).
4. FIA arrested four suspects — Haji Rasheed, Abdul Rehman, and Sherif — for alleged involvement in hawala/hundi and illegal currency exchange during raids in Quetta and Gwadar (3.10.25).
5. Security forces killed 14 terrorists in an operation in Zehri tehsil of Khuzdar district (4.10.25).
6. Unknown assailants who had kidnapped Qazi Court Judge Jan Muhammad from the Maskan area in Kharan, after setting fire to the building, ransacking records, and fleeing with two vehicles on 6 October, freed him after two days (8.10.25).
7. Three coal miners were abducted at gunpoint by armed men from the Mach coalfield in Kachhi district (8.10.25).
8. A bomb blast on a railway track near the Pat Feeder Canal Bridge in Dera Murad Jamali, Naseerabad district, killed railway employee Imdad Khokar and damaged the track and bridge pillar (9.10.25).
9. A landmine explosion critically injured two people riding a motorcycle in the Lanjoo Saghari Chakrani area of Sui in Dera Bugti district (9.10.25).
10. A 10-year-old boy, Zakir Ali, was killed and his brother critically injured in an IED blast on the Dera Allahyar Bypass in Jaffarabad district (10.10.25).
11. Socio-Economic Problems in Gwadar – Security Implications
    The Balochistan government reportedly declared a water emergency in Gwadar and suspended all taxes related to water supply after massive public protests over the worsening crisis. Residents blamed the shortage on continued negligence by elected officials and authorities. Earlier, taking serious notice, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti ordered immediate water supply from Mirani Dam via tankers until Shadi Kour Dam is restored, stressing transparency and warning against corruption. Authorities have begun implementation (2,7,9.10.25).

ISLAMABAD

1. Unidentified armed motorcyclists shot dead a Director of the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA), Ehsan Elahi, and injured a Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Commissioner, Qaidar Ashfaq, in an apparent targeted killing in Blue Area, Islamabad (8.10.25).

KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA (KPK)

1. Two people, Khanbaz and Hijratullah, were killed in an explosion in Sararogha tehsil of South Waziristan district (30.9.25).
2. An IED blast in Inayat Kallay Bazaar partially damaged a shop and shattered nearby windows in Bajaur district (30.9.25).
3. Notorious criminal Lateef alias Machy was killed in a police encounter in the Madi Ki area of Karak district (2.10.25).
4. Four policemen, including a Sub-Inspector, and five civilians were injured in an IED blast targeting a police patrol in Garhi Qamardin, Peshawar (2.10.25).
5. Unidentified armed motorcyclists attacked Shahbazkhel police station in Lakki Marwat district, killing SHO’s friend Farhad and injuring a constable, while the SHO escaped unhurt. Another constable was wounded in a separate exchange of fire with terrorists in Paharkhel Pacca (2.10.25).
6. Police Constable Muhammad Sajjad was martyred in a bomb blast within the limits of Bhani Mari Police Station, Peshawar (3.10.25).
7. Police Constable Zubair Wazir was abducted by unknown armed men in Gulonian Ghundai, Birmal tehsil, South Waziristan, while a young man was injured near Wana Bazaar (3.10.25).
8. The Bomb Disposal Squad recovered an unexploded mortar shell in Damadola, Mamund tehsil, Bajaur district (3.10.25).
9. Afghan national Adam Khan, serving as a mosque imam, was shot dead by unidentified armed men near Raza Kham Maryamzai, Peshawar (3.10.25).
10. Seminary student Inamullah was killed after an unexploded mortar shell detonated in a field in Fazalabad Bala village, Maidan tehsil, Lower Dir district (4.10.25).
11. Four students of fourth grade were injured when a toy bomb exploded at a private school in Jamrud, Khyber district (4.10.25).
12. FIA Cyber Crime Wing busted a gang involved in producing and distributing obscene videos and images of children in Haripur (4.10.25).
13. Former militant Maulana Zubair, known as “Sahil,” surrendered to the police in Karak district through the mediation of Mudassir Ayub of Khattak Ittehad. DPO Shahbaz Elahi stated that the state welcomes those renouncing violence and rejoining the national mainstream (4.10.25).
14. Four people were killed and two critically injured in a land dispute clash between rival groups in Matyal, Mansehra district (5.10.25).
15. Policeman Umar Khan Afridi was martyred and another injured in an attack on the Tor Chappar checkpost in Darra Adamkhel, Kohat district (6.10.25).
16. Tribal peace committee member Farman was killed in a clash with terrorists in Ahmadzai, Bannu district (7.10.25).
17. Two schoolteachers, including Headmaster Rafiullah and Nisar Ali Shah, kidnapped by armed men from Musakhel Zindi Falak Sher, Bannu, were freed (8.10.25).
18. Security forces killed seven TTP-affiliated terrorists in Daraban, Dera Ismail Khan district; Major Sabtain Haider embraced martyrdom during the exchange of fire (8.10.25).
19. Naib Subedar Rehamatullah of the Federal Constabulary (FC) embraced martyrdom in an armed attack on an FC checkpost in Orakzai district (9.10.25).
20. On 7 October, security forces killed 19 Indian-sponsored Khawarji terrorists in an IBO in Orakzai district; eleven army personnel, including Lt. Col Junaid Tariq and Major Tayyab Rahim, embraced martyrdom. ISPR confirmed that 30 terrorists were later killed in retribution operations in the Jamal Maya area (7–9.10.25).
21. CTD and local police, in a joint IBO, killed two high-profile terrorists including Rashideen alias Malang Yar, mastermind behind the martyrdom of four CTD personnel in Domel, Bannu district (10.10.25).
22. Police killed two terrorists and injured two others during an IBO in Hasan Khel tehsil, Peshawar (10.10.25).
23. During a terrorist attack on the Police Training School in Dera Ismail Khan involving an explosive-laden vehicle, five attackers were killed in a fierce encounter. Six policemen, including trainees, were martyred, twelve injured, one civilian killed, and the mosque inside the complex was desecrated (10–11.10.25).
24. Unknown armed men killed two FBR personnel — Sepoy Nazar Muhammad and Naib Qasid Muqadar Ali — during an attack on a checkpost near the Kohat tunnel toll plaza (11.10.25).
25. Social activist Nawaz was killed and his companion injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in Upper South Waziristan (11.10.25).
26. Stage actress and dancer Muneeba Shah was shot dead by unidentified assailants on Ring Road near Michni Gate Police Station, Peshawar (11.10.25).
27. Unidentified armed men torched an oil tanker of Mari Petroleum and abducted its driver and helper near Bobli Bazaar, Spinwam tehsil, North Waziristan (11.10.25).
28. Terrorists set fire to the house of police constable Muhammad Imran following an exchange of fire in Pharkhel Pacca, Lakki Marwat district (13.10.25).
29. According to unconfirmed reports, peace talks between a 100-member jirga from Khyber district and banned TTP’s Noor Wali Group ended inconclusively in remote Madain Bagh Markaz, Tirah Valley, on 13 October 2025. Militants demanded full Sharia enforcement and operational freedom in merged districts. The jirga, formed in consultation with the Frontier Corps, plans to brief top officials in Peshawar after facing rigid stances from militants: Dawn News and Tribal News Network (TNN) (14.10.25).
30. A Levies constable deployed for polio team security was martyred by unidentified assailants in Swat district (14.10.25).
31. DG ISPR Press Conference in Peshawar
    DG ISPR Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, in a press conference in Peshawar, asserted that Pakistan’s security and sovereignty will not be compromised for political gains. He warned that the resurgence of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is due to political neglect, incomplete National Action Plan (NAP) implementation, and militant safe havens. He stressed the need for judicial reforms, complete NAP enforcement, and unified national efforts. Among his ten key points, he blamed one political figure for the return of terrorism to KP and exposed a political–criminal nexus. He also confirmed the court martial of a former ISI chief and vowed strict action against Afghan-based militant threats (10.10.25).

PUNJAB

CCD

1. Police Crime Control Department (CCD) and local police, in separate incidents, killed 14 criminals — including murderers, robbers, kidnappers, land grabbers, and notorious assailants — in various districts across the province. Khawaja Tareef Gulshan, known as Teefi But, a notorious Lahore gangster, was extradited from Dubai on 10 October to face investigation in the 2024 murder of rival Ameer Balaj. During his transfer via Bhong–Sabzal area in Rahimyar Khan district to Lahore, according to police version, his accomplices ambushed the police van, resulting in a gun battle in which he was critically injured and later died (30.9.25 and 1,3,4,7,9,10.10.25).

Comments and Analysis: Every public policy carries its merits and demerits, with scope for improvement through experience and long-term evaluation. In this context, current affairs and security analyst, former Addl. IG Police Azhar Rashid Khan (PSP), shared critical insights on police encounters in his article titled “Rule of Law vs. Expediency: A Danger to Democracy in Punjab,” published on The Strategic Brief on 14 October 2025. Debate is going on in media and private circles over the modus operandi of CCD.

• A father and his son were killed, and two policemen injured, when suspects opened fire during a police raid in Pirwadhai, Rawalpindi, aimed at arresting the alleged killer of the father’s nephew, Ali Ehtisham (2.10.25).
• An Anti-Terrorism Court in Sahiwal sentenced three militants — Muhammad Abubakar, Muhammad Suliman Maviya, and Muhammad Amir Hamza — affiliated with banned outfits Lashkar-i-Jhangvi and TTP, to a cumulative 31 years in three separate terrorism cases registered by CTD police (2.10.25).
• The Punjab Counter Narcotics Force intensified its crackdown on drug traffickers, seizing over 5,500 kg of cannabis, other drugs, liquor, and weapons in intelligence-based operations across four cities. A dozen suspects were arrested, six FIRs registered, and the seized items are valued at approximately Rs 20 million (4.10.25).
• Ahmed Javed, son of Adil Rasheed and owner of the Central Group of Colleges, was shot dead and another person injured during a clash in DHA, Lahore (5.10.25).
• Police registered a case against two doctors and four others for allegedly carrying out an illegal kidney transplant of brick-kiln labourer Zain Ali. The suspects reportedly lured him under the pretense of offering work and removed his kidney in the Chaklala area of Rawalpindi (6.10.25).
• KPK and Punjab police, in a joint raid, killed three persons, including Adam Khan — a wanted criminal in 13 cases of terrorism and murder who reportedly held fake Pakistani credentials of Afghan origin — along with two accomplices during an exchange of fire in Kohistan Colony, Wah Cantt, Rawalpindi district (8.10.25).
• The ATC Court Sahiwal granted five-day physical remand of terror suspects Rovaiz Khan Awan and Asad Khan to Ghala Mandi Police after their 2 October arrest near Western Bypass, where they opened fire on police, injuring Riaz Ahmed; two accomplices escaped (10.10.25).
• The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested Muhammad Sharif, the ringleader of an international human-trafficking gang, at the airport for luring women into begging through fake Umrah and job offers; his two accomplices are already in custody. In earlier raids on 1 October, FIA apprehended six other suspects from Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Hafizabad for facilitating illegal migration and trafficking activities (1,11.10.25).
• The shooter who attacked an Ahmadiyya worship place in Chenab Nagar near Chiniot on 10 October was killed by private security and later identified as Sohaib Bin Zaigham, according to his CNIC (11.10.25).
• Police Elite Force personnel Nasir Mirani was martyred and two others injured after riverine gangsters attacked a police patrol in the Bangla Iccha area of Rajanpur (12.10.25).
• Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protesters, led by Hafiz Saad Rizvi, clashed with police in Muridke while attempting to march toward Islamabad to protest near the U.S. embassy against Israel. The confrontation resulted in the martyrdom of SHO Shahzad Nawaz and three TLP fatalities. Police dispersed the protest, arrested hundreds, and sealed several TLP offices and seminaries across the province (13.10.25).

SINDH

1. Police ASI Qadir Ali was martyred by two alleged armed motorcycle robbers during a robbery attempt near Bains Colony, Karachi (1.10.25).
2. Sixty-three fishermen from Sindh, released by India on 9 September, remain stranded in Lahore, with families demanding their immediate release and expressing concern over their continued detention (Dawn news) (3.10.25).
3. Unknown assailants shot dead a police informer, Hamza alias Ghorkan, in Orangi Town, Karachi (3.10.25).
4. Police and intelligence agencies recovered mortar shells buried in a vacant plot in Karachi’s old city area under Napier police jurisdiction (5.10.25).
5. Suspected extortionist Eteshamuddin alias Asif Burger was killed in an alleged police encounter in Malir, a day after his accomplice was gunned down in Surjani Town, Karachi (6–7.10.25).
6. At least seven people were injured when a blast on a railway track derailed four bogies of the Jaffar Express in Shikarpur district (7.10.25).
7. Police recovered the wallet and other valuables of British police detective Duncan Verwey after he and his Pakistani wife lost them at a fast-food restaurant in Karachi airport, promptly returning the items following a swift search operation (8.10.25).
8. Polio worker Rehmanullah was shot dead in a suspected targeted attack near Jamia-Turaab-Rasheed off Superhighway in Karachi (9.10.25).
9. The driver of Syed Azhar Shah Sheerazi, cousin of Sindh’s religious affairs minister, was shot dead near Traffic Police Chowki in Thatta during an alleged clash involving influential local youths; Sheerazi remained unharmed (9.10.25).
10. Anas, a worker of the outlawed ASWJ, was shot dead and another injured in a suspected targeted attack on Karachi’s University Road (9.10.25).
11. Four suspected gangsters were killed in an encounter with Hyderabad and Jamshoro police while fleeing to a riverine area after snatching vehicles and fatally shooting 17-year-old Adnan Magsi and injuring his brother in Karachi’s Sachal area (10.10.25).

Rising Crime, Including Extortion Cases in Sindh
Karachi is facing a surge in extortion and targeted killings, with 96 cases reported this year and three fugitive-led gangs operating from abroad, prompting alarm in the business community. In response, the Sindh cabinet approved a surrender policy for dacoits in Kacha areas, offering rehabilitation without immunity. A high-level security meeting led by DG Maj. Gen. Mohammed Shamraiz and IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon decided to enhance joint operations, tighten city access points, and ensure protection for businesses and foreigners (8,11.10.25).

DEFENCE AND SECURITY

1. Pakistan Army successfully conducted the training launch of the newly inducted indigenously developed Fatah-4 ground-launched cruise missile, capable of precision strikes at a range of 750 km while evading enemy defenses. The launch was witnessed by top military officials and scientists (30.9.25).
2. The ISPR warned that provocative statements by Indian defence officials — including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi, and IAF Chief ACM Amar Preet Singh — could spark a conflict with “cataclysmic devastation.” ISPR cautioned that any talk of “erasing Pakistan” would risk mutual annihilation, while analysts attributed the hostile rhetoric to domestic politics and media hype (4.10.25).

Corps Commanders Conference at GHQ
3. COAS Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, during the 272nd Corps Commanders’ Conference at GHQ Rawalpindi, praised the Armed Forces’ resolve against Indian-sponsored terror proxies and flood relief efforts, reaffirming readiness to respond decisively to any aggression. The forum reviewed counterterrorism operations, emerging threats, and operational preparedness, emphasizing the military’s commitment to counter all adversarial designs across all domains. The existing nexus between terror and crime with vested political patronage, which is gravely hurting the interests of the State and the security of its people, will not be allowed to continue. The forum condemned Indian war-mongering, pledged continued counterterrorism operations, welcomed the strategic defence pact with Saudi Arabia, and reiterated unwavering support for Kashmir and Palestine (8.10.25).

Pakistan–Afghanistan Border Skirmishes
4. On the night of 11–12 October 2025, the Afghan Taliban and Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij (FAK) launched an unprovoked attack along the Pak–Afghan border, involving fire and limited raids aimed at destabilizing the area. In response, Pakistan’s Armed Forces decisively repelled the assault, conducting precision strikes and raids against Taliban and terrorist camps, posts, and training facilities, including those linked to TTP, BLA/BLF, ISIS-K/Daesh, and other militant groups. Twenty-one hostile positions were briefly captured and over 200 militants neutralized; Pakistan lost 23 soldiers and 29 were injured. Pakistan warned the Taliban government to take immediate verifiable action or face continued military response, reaffirming its resolve to eliminate cross-border terrorism, especially amid alleged Indian involvement (ISPR) (11–12.10.25).

Comments and Analysis: Pakistan’s Foreign Office condemned Afghan FM Amir Khan Muttaqi’s remarks in India, rejecting claims that terrorism is solely Pakistan’s issue and accusing Afghanistan of harboring TTP and Baloch militants with Indian backing. In response to Afghan aggression, Pakistan inflicted heavy damage, but the Taliban-led IEA reacted by halting a planned Pakistani delegation’s visit to Kabul. Amid rising border tensions, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and China called for dialogue and regional cooperation to counter militancy and resolve disputes diplomatically.

• Namaz-e-Janaza for twelve shuhada, martyred while repelling unprovoked Afghan aggression on 11–12 October 2025, was held at Chaklala Garrison, Rawalpindi, attended by COAS Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and civil–military leadership. The Defence Minister praised their sacrifice, vowing Pakistan’s resolve to counter all threats with national unity and the armed forces’ strength (13.10.25).
• Pakistan Army’s team, led by Captain Muhammad Saad, won the Gold Medal at Exercise Cambrian Patrol 2025 in Wales, UK, competing against 137 teams from 36 countries. The achievement highlights the Army’s professionalism and world-class training standards (13.10.25).

ECONOMY

1. According to an unconfirmed media report, Pakistan sent its first-ever shipment of enriched rare earth elements and critical minerals to the U.S. under a $500 million deal with US Strategic Metals (USSM). The agreement with Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organization (FWO) includes joint development of the mineral value chain, marking a major step in boosting Pakistan–US economic and strategic relations (Arab News; Economic Times) (5.10.25).

DIPLOMATIC DEVELOPMENTS AND SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

1. The seventh Moscow Format meeting on Afghanistan included regional powers and, for the first time, the Taliban-led Afghan government as a formal participant. All sides rejected foreign military bases and backed Russia’s stance against non-regional presence. The summit focused on national reconciliation, regional security, and counterterrorism, with Iranian and Pakistani diplomats discussing enhanced cooperation to address Afghanistan’s security challenges and stressing the importance of regional cooperation in counterterrorism (7.10.25).
2. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Before departing for home, he emphasized on X that Pakistan’s priority is to halt the genocidal campaign in Gaza and expressed gratitude to President Trump for pledges to end the violence. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to a viable Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, calling it the cornerstone of Pakistan’s Middle East policy (14.10.25).

REGIONAL

AFGHANISTAN

Moscow Format Conference in Dushanbe — Afghanistan Rejects U.S. Plan for Bagram Base

1. Russian President Vladimir Putin, addressing the 7th Moscow Format in Dushanbe on 7 October, emphasized Afghanistan’s pivotal role in Central Asia’s stability, with the Taliban’s formal participation signaling a shift toward potential recognition and counterterrorism cooperation. Afghan FM Amir Khan Muttaqi firmly rejected any foreign military bases, including Bagram, aligning with regional efforts to limit Western influence. Speculation about a U.S. return to Bagram, despite denials from the Taliban and Washington, raised concerns from Iran, Russia, and China, highlighting the base’s geopolitical significance (8.10.25).
2. Pakistan–Afghanistan Row :Following blasts in Kabul and Paktika on 9 October, the Afghan Taliban accused Pakistan of violating its sovereignty through unconfirmed airstrikes allegedly targeting outlawed TTP leader Noor Wali Mehsud; the TTP has not confirmed Mehsud’s status. Former U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalilzad urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to engage in dialogue to resolve issues; Pakistan did not officially acknowledge any such strikes in Kabul (10.10.25).
3. Afghanistan–India Relations; IEA Foreign Minister Visit to India: Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar welcomed Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to New Delhi on 10 October, marking the first high-level Taliban visit since 2021 and announcing the upgrade of India’s Kabul mission to a full embassy. India reaffirmed its commitment to Afghanistan’s development through new health and infrastructure projects. Muttaqi expressed optimism about stronger bilateral ties, highlighting over $1 billion in trade, and said Afghanistan seeks peaceful ties with all nations but currently has strained relations with Pakistan. A new Kabul–Amritsar air corridor is reportedly set to boost Afghanistan–India trade and connectivity by bypassing Pakistan’s land-route restrictions; Indian lawmaker Vikramjit Singh Sahney called it a key step toward reviving economic ties and regional cooperation (Ariana News and other outlets) (10,12,14.10.25).

ILLEGAL INDIAN-ADMINISTERED JAMMU AND KASHMIR (IIOJK) / LOC

1. Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security review meeting in New Delhi on Jammu and Kashmir, attended by top military and intelligence officials. He reiterated the Modi government’s resolve for a terrorism-free region and assured full support and freedom to security forces to counter threats (9.10.25).
2. Police sealed the former headquarters of the banned Tehreek-e-Hurriyat in Srinagar under UAPA and arrested OGW Mohammad Yousuf Katari for aiding the 22 April Pahalgam attack, while security forces recovered a large cache of weapons from a militant hideout in Kupwara. The body of a missing 5 Para SF soldier was found near the LOC in Anantnag; searches continue for another missing soldier, and an unidentified body was recovered from Shopian’s forest area. Meanwhile, Army Northern Commander Lt. Gen. Pratik Sharma reviewed troop readiness in Rajouri, commending their professionalism amid current security challenges (5,8,9,12.10.25).

INDIA

1. Border Roads Organisation (BRO) plans a Rs 1,152 crore infrastructure boost in Sikkim under Project Swastik to enhance road connectivity, enable faster armed forces mobilization, and incorporate advanced, eco-friendly technologies while overcoming natural challenges like glacial lake outburst floods and cloudbursts (1.10.25).
2. Russia reportedly offered India up to 63 Su-57 fifth-generation stealth jets with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, including a local manufacturing option to enhance IAF air dominance. Meanwhile, IAF Chief ACM Amar Preet Singh announced plans to upgrade 75% of the Su-30MKI fleet to “Super Sukhoi” standard, aiming for 80% indigenization with advanced Indian systems and weapons (3,6.10.25).
3. Provocative Statements by Indian Defence Leadership: On 2 October, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned Pakistan against misadventure in the Sir Creek sector, referencing Operation Sindoor and suggesting a repeat of past offensives. Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi echoed the message, hinting at “Operation Sindoor 2” and urging readiness for future action. IAF Chief ACM A.P. Singh’s earlier claims of victory from a May conflict drew strong condemnation from Pakistan’s defence leadership, which warned that any future war could have catastrophic consequences (2–3.10.25).

Comments and Analysis: The Sir Creek dispute is a long-standing territorial conflict between India and Pakistan over a 96-km marshland stretch in the Rann of Kutch, with differing interpretations of the maritime boundary affecting fishing rights and energy resources. Strategically vital due to its proximity to Karachi and potential oil and gas reserves, the region hosts significant military deployments from both sides, including India’s Navy, Army, IAF, and BSF, and Pakistan’s corresponding defenses. Recent provocative rhetoric from Indian leaders, possibly for political gain, raises the risk of miscalculation or military misadventure, potentially escalating into a catastrophic conflict between two nuclear-armed nations.

• British Prime Minister’s Visit to India: Britain signed a £350 million ($468 million) deal to supply lightweight missiles to the Indian Army, announced during Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Mumbai to strengthen defence and trade ties with Indian PM Narendra Modi (9.10.25).
• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal blamed Pakistan’s alleged oppressive policies for the unrest in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) and condemned the violent crackdown on civilians. He reiterated that AJK is an integral part of India and urged accountability for Pakistan’s human-rights violations. Pakistan rejected India’s criticism, accusing India of using the situation in AJK to divert attention from its own human-rights abuses in IIOJK, urging adherence to international law and highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to democratic rights and freedoms in AJK (3.10.25).

IRAN

1. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian prioritized implementing the strategic partnership with China amid shifting global dynamics, while Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref highlighted Russia’s key role in Iran’s foreign policy and shared opportunities for cooperation (1.10.25).
2. Iran is completing the first phase of the Chabahar Space Center for solid-fuel launch vehicles, with its first launch expected soon and a liquid-fuel phase in development. Space agency chief Hassan Salarieh highlighted progress on satellite projects like Pars-2 and Pars-3, emphasizing domestic satellites’ role in national advancement. Initially announced in 2010, the Chabahar center will be Iran’s third spaceport, built to launch larger cryogenic-fueled rockets for satellite communications, navigation, and reconnaissance (Tasnim News; Iran Watch) (5.10.25).
3. Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, speaking at a naval meeting in St. Petersburg, asserted that the Caspian Sea belongs solely to its five littoral states, rejecting foreign interference and stressing regional cooperation. Meanwhile, IRGC Aerospace Commander Brig. Gen. Seyed Majid Mousavi declared full readiness after Iran’s forceful response to Israeli and U.S. attacks in June, which included missile strikes on occupied territories and the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar before a June 24 ceasefire (6.10.25).
4. Iran Skips Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt
   Iran declined Egypt’s invitation to the Sharm el-Sheikh peace summit chaired by U.S. President Trump, with FM Abbas Araghchi citing continued sanctions and harm to the Iranian people as reasons for the boycott. In separate communication, Tehran also rejected Trump’s dialogue offer as contradictory, reaffirming its stance on diplomacy after U.S.–Israeli strikes on nuclear sites and defending its uranium enrichment as civilian in nature (Iran Internal, NewsWeek, Dawn) (12–13.10.25).
   5. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaiel Baqeai confirmed Tehran’s refusal of Egypt’s invitation to the Sharm el-Sheikh summit. FM Abbas Araghchi also refused to attend, citing continued sanctions and harm to the Iranian people. The boycott marks deep diplomatic distrust and highlights Iran’s rift with Washington amid rising regional tensions. Iran’s foreign ministry rejected U.S. President Trump’s call for dialogue as contradictory, accusing him of hostile behavior, with FM Araghchi asserting he cannot be both a President of Peace and War. After failed nuclear talks in June and subsequent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian sites, Tehran reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy while defending uranium enrichment as civilian-focused (14.10.25).

MIDDLE EAST

U.S.–Qatar Mutual Defence Agreement

1. The U.S. pledged to treat any attack on Qatar as a threat to its own security, offering full support after a 9 September Israeli strike, highlighting Qatar’s strategic role as a key ally hosting Al-Udeid Air Base — CENTCOM’s regional HQ. Israeli PM Netanyahu reportedly apologized for carrying out an air strike on Qatar (1.10.25).
2. Israel–Palestine War Ends in Gaza Following U.S. Mediation
   Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Egypt to attend the Gaza Peace Summit, co-hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump and Egypt’s President, joined by Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. Over 20 world leaders, including Turkey’s Erdoğan and Germany’s Chancellor, gathered to support a peace initiative, though Hamas and Iran declined participation. President Trump announced a permanent ceasefire, a Gaza Peace Council, and a large-scale prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas. The summit marked the end of over two years of conflict that claimed 63,806 Palestinian and 1,163 Israeli lives, offering hope for lasting peace and rebuilding in the region (13.10.25).