AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR (AJK)

1. Three people were killed and four others injured in a blast while sorting out metallic objects at a scrap shop in the Thata Pani area of Kotli district (16.11.25).
2. A no-confidence motion against Azad Jammu and Kashmir PM Chaudhry Anwarul Haq passed with 36 votes for and 2 against, amid abstentions and absences from several PPP, PML-N, PTI, Muslim Conference, and JKPP members, after which AJK Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar announced PPP’s Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore as the new premier (17.11.25).

BALOCHISTAN

1. Unidentified attackers detonated an explosive device planted on a railway track in Nasirabad’s Shaheed Abdul Aziz Bullo area, but the Quetta–Peshawar Jaffar Express escaped the bomb attack unharmed (16.11.25).
2. Gas supply to Quetta and several other Balochistan districts was suspended after a high-pressure SSGC transmission pipeline ruptured near Mach in Kachhi district (16.11.25).
3. Gas supply to Quetta and multiple Balochistan districts was halted after a high-pressure SSGC pipeline ruptured near Mach in Kachhi district (16.11.25).
4. A policeman was seriously injured in a grenade attack hurled by unknown miscreants at a security post along the national highway in Jaffarabad, while a separate explosive device detonated outside the home of social activist Rasheed Nousani Darmazai Bugti, causing severe damage to his house (17.11.25).
5. Levies Force officer Dafadar Saadullah was martyred in Qila Abdullah during a foiled hijacking, prompting a security operation against the attackers, including ringleader Faqir Muhammad, wanted in 15 murder cases (19.11.25).
6. Police and CIA arrested six criminals and dismantled a notorious gang during intelligence-based raids in Dera Murad Jamali and Usta Muhammad (20.11.25).
7. The Balochistan government suspended Hub Deputy Commissioner (DC) Nisar Ahmed Langove and ADC Ali Raza Khoso for 90 days over issuing illegal domicile certificates to non-residents. An inquiry found over 200 certificates issued without approval, including 113 local and 309 non-local fakes (22.11.25).
8. Security forces foiled an attack on the under-construction Benazir Bhutto Medical College campus near Dera Murad Jamali by injuring three alleged militants, who later escaped with their accomplices (23.11.25).
9. Two men identified as Qutab Ali and Ali Mohammad were found shot dead by unknown gunmen in Mangocher (23.11.25).
10. Security forces arrested five armed suspects, allegedly affiliated with banned TTP, and recovered a large cache of weapons from their possession at a check post in Zirat (23.11.25).
11. The Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express, moving from Quetta, survived its sixth armed attack in six weeks near Aab-i-Gum in Bolan Pass by terrorists, with no harm to passengers or train (24.11.25).
12. FIA arrested 14 people in Jiwani attempting to travel illegally to Iran via the sea route (26.11.25).
13. A landmine explosion killed three children, including Abdul Haye Jatoi, and injured three others in the Shoran area of Bolan (27.11.25).
14. Police claim to have arrested 35 suspects and recovered illegal weapons including 28 pistols, six SMGs, eight rifles/shotguns, along with 3,470 kg of hashish, stolen vehicles, 27 mobile phones, 27 POs, 26 absconders, nine kidnapped individuals, and other contraband during province-wide targeted operations (27.11.25).
15. Three blasts carried out by terrorists struck Mach Town and Mastung, injuring one person in Mach and triggering an exchange of fire in Mastung, but with no loss of human life (28.11.25).
16. Three bullet-riddled bodies, including Imran Nadil who was kidnapped for ransom, were found in the Thump area of Gwadar. Meanwhile, two more bodies, Abubakar and Tahir Ahmed, were found near Turbat after being missing for weeks (28.11.25).
17. Unidentified armed motorcyclists carried out two blasts targeting a police checkpoint and a CTD police vehicle on Qambrani Road, Quetta, but no casualties occurred (29.11.25).
18. Two people were shot dead by unidentified men while traveling in a car in Mashkeel, Washuk district, near the Iran border (29.11.25).
19. Seven blasts struck Quetta and Dera Murad Jamali, including one that destroyed part of a railway track near Quetta, halting train services to other regions (29.11.25).

ISLAMABAD

1. Capital City authorities plan to introduce mandatory e-tags and m-tags for all vehicles linked to the Safe City system under the “Safe Secure Islamabad” initiative, with a pilot project ahead of full rollout on 18 November following a deadly suicide blast in G-11, Islamabad: Dawn News (16.11.25).
2. Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) DG Riffat Mukhtar Raja reportedly took action against four officials accused of links with human traffickers, corruption, and poor investigations (22.11.25).
3. ASI police Ali Akbar was stabbed to death while returning home after night duty on IJP Road in Islamabad (29.11.25).

KHYBER PAKHTOONKHWA (KP)

1. FIA arrested five Afghan nationals — Ali Khan, Ajmal, Qasim, Ahmad, and Hamza — in Peshawar for attempting to obtain Saudi visas using fake Pakistani ID documents (16.11.25).
2. Security forces killed 10 terrorists, including their commander Alam Mehsud, in the Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan district (7.11.25).
3. Five terrorists were killed by the security forces in an IBO in Datta Khel area of North Waziristan district (17.11.25).
4. One terrorist was killed and another injured but escaped when they attempted to blow up Doghoda Bridge in Bannu district, as the IED they were planting detonated prematurely (17.11.25).
5. Security forces killed one terrorist during an exchange of fire in Bajaur district (17–18.11.25).
6. Two terrorists were killed by the security forces in the Spinwam/Zakir Khel area of North Waziristan district (17–18.11.25).
7. Security forces killed one terrorist during an exchange of fire in Dera Ismail Khan district (17–18.11.25).
8. Security forces killed seven terrorists in three separate operations across Mohmand, Lakki Marwat, and Tank districts (18–19.11.25).
9. A nine-year-old boy, Baitullah, was killed when terrorists fired at a police official near a makeshift checkpoint in Sharkanai, Lower South Waziristan (19.11.25).
10. One Muhammad Haris was shot dead by unidentified assailants while returning from a wedding; in a separate incident, three armed men killed Mazarak Wazir during a robbery, fleeing with Rs3 million, a mobile phone, and a repeater gun in Dera Ismail Khan district (19.11.25).
11. Security forces killed 23 terrorists and injured several others in two separate operations in the Mirzai and Manato areas of Kurram district (19.11.25).
12. The Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) claims to have seized over 72 kg of narcotics in six raids across Khyber and Peshawar districts, arresting five suspects, impounding five vehicles, and foiling multiple smuggling attempts involving drugs trafficked from Afghanistan (20.11.25).
13. Seven people, including a local peace committee commander Abdul Jalil’s cousin, were killed and one injured in a militant attack on Jalil’s office in the Dwa Dariz area of Bannu district (20.11.25).
14. Security forces and law-enforcement agencies killed ten militants during a joint operation in Lakki Marwat district (20–21.11.25).
15. Three terrorists were killed by the security forces during an exchange of fire in Dera Ismail Khan district (20–21.11.25).
16. Security forces killed eight terrorists in an IBO in Bannu district (22.11.25).
17. Authorities defused a mortar shell in the Gohati area of Lowi Mamund tehsil in Bajaur district (22.11.25).
18. A nine-year-old boy, Baitullah, was killed when terrorists opened fire on a police official near a makeshift checkpoint in Sharkanai, Toi Khula area in Lower South Waziristan (22.11.25).
19. Former police official Hayatullah Wazir was gunned down by unidentified assailants in the Gorgorah area of Wana tehsil, while a 13-year-old girl was killed by a mortar shell near a house in Kaza Panga, Birmal tehsil of South Waziristan district (22.11.25).
20. Unknown assailants shot dead a youth identified as Abdullah in Khar Bazaar, Bajaur district (22.11.25).
21. KPK Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi approved the Special Branch as a separate unit with 1,221 new posts and over Rs5.2 billion for infrastructure, vehicles, and advanced equipment to enhance intelligence and counter-terrorism capabilities. Some security experts argue that since the CTD and Elite Force perform similar roles, resources may be better used on a single specialized department for better output (23.11.25).
22. Three FC personnel were martyred and nine injured in a suicide attack on the force’s Peshawar HQ, where police and commandos killed two attackers. The outlawed Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a TTP faction, reportedly claimed responsibility (24.11.25).
23. A soldier was injured when terrorists ambushed a security forces vehicle on a link road in the Domel area of Bannu district (24.11.25).
24. Security forces killed 22 terrorists during an IBO in Bannu district (24.11.25).
25. Police foiled sabotage attempts by recovering explosives which had been planted by terrorists in Charmang valley of Nawagai tehsil in Bajaur district (25.11.25).
26. Two youths, Shamshad Wisal Khan and Usman, were killed and another seriously injured when old explosives detonated in Jannat Shah, Khar tehsil of Bajaur district (25.11.25).
27. A minor shepherd, Miandin Mehsud, was killed in a landmine blast in Tiarza tehsil of South Waziristan district (25.11.25).
28. Police foiled a terrorist attempt to attack Sheikh Fatima Hospital in Birmal, South Waziristan, with no casualties reported (25.11.25).
29. Several mortar shells landed from unknown directions, reportedly injuring two people near their houses in Ghurlama area in Birmal tehsil in South Waziristan district (25.11.25).
30. Two bullet-riddled bodies were found in the Azam Warsak area of Birmal tehsil in South Waziristan district (25.11.25).
31. At least five children from the same family — Muhammad Shabir, Usma, Qabil, Sajid, and Sadiq — were killed when a mortar shell hit Gulab Mama’s house in Warasta Mela area of Kurram district (25.11.25).
32. One terrorist was killed and another escaped during a police shootout at a temporary checkpoint near Shahi Bharat in Bannu district (26.11.25).
33. Unidentified terrorists damaged a private farmhouse by carrying out an IED blast near Jabbarkhel area in Lakki Marwat district (26.11.25).
34. Police Constable Sajjad Khan was martyred in a gun attack by armed assailants in the Tappi area of Karak district (26.11.25).
35. Two people, Usman and Shamshad, were killed and one injured in a bomb blast by unknown assailants in Janat Sha area of Khar tehsil in Bajaur district (26.11.25).
36. The slaughtered body of seminary student Hafiz Dawood was found near Pakka Malana village in Dera Ismail Khan (26.11.25).
37. Security forces killed 22 terrorists in an IBO in Dera Ismail Khan district (26.11.25).
38. Unidentified persons reportedly blew up a gas pipeline in the Hameed Khan Machine area on the outskirts of Peshawar (26.11.25).
39. A private guard was injured in an alleged quadcopter attack on PTI MPA Anwar Zeb Khan’s residence in Raghan, Khar tehsil, Bajaur district (27.11.25).
40. A joint operation by the Pakistan Army, CTD, and police in several localities of Peshawar led to the arrest of suspects including those with illegal weapons, unregistered tenants, and illegally residing Afghan nationals; weapons were recovered (27.11.25).
41. Unidentified assailants shot dead cleric Moulvi Izzatullah Muhaid and his son in Board Bazaar area of Peshawar (28.11.25).
42. A woman, Bakht Zadgai, was killed while she was leaving her home when banned TTP-affiliated terrorists opened fire on the Korai Scout base in Lower Dir district (28.11.25).
43. Unidentified gunmen killed ANP activist Muneer Shah in Muneri Payan village of Swabi district (28.11.25).
44. A multi-storey hotel and ten adjacent shops were gutted in a major fire in Naran, Kaghan Valley, Manshera district, with no casualties reported (28.11.25).
45. Three terrorists were killed and five policemen injured during a clash following an attack on Ahmedzai police station in Bannu district (29.11.25).
46. TTP-affiliated terrorists allegedly blew up the house of social activist Meraj Khalid Wazir in the Azam Warsak area, Birmal tehsil of South Waziristan district (29.11.25).
47. Elders of the Bar Qambarkhel tribe in Khyber’s Tirah Valley reportedly negotiated with commanders of the banned Ittehadul Mujahideen, successfully securing the release of FC soldier Ali Akbar after about 45 days in captivity. Sources said another soldier died while in custody, and Ali Akbar, who hails from Chitral, was later handed over to security officials (29.11.25).
48. A police constable, Hashim Khan, injured in the 3 November ambush on North Waziristan DPO Waqar Khan’s vehicle in Bannu, died after battling for his life for over three weeks. The attack had wounded five policemen, including Constable Hashim Khan, who ultimately succumbed to his injuries (29.11.25).
49. Security forces foiled an infiltration attempt along the Pak-Afghan border in Kurram district (29.11.25).

PUNJAB

CCD / Police

1. Police and CCD claim to have conducted multiple operations across Punjab, including the killing of an alleged child abductor by his accomplices in Bahawalpur, a TLP member Muhammad Asif Jatt in Toba Tek Singh, a dacoit in Burewala, and four suspects in Muzaffargarh linked to a kidnapping case. Additionally, authorities extradited proclaimed offenders, including Zufiqar from Dubai and seven other outlaws, while two men were shot dead by rivals en route to court in Gojra in Toba Tek Singh. Two drug dealers were killed and five policemen injured in Taunsa Sharif, Dera Ghazi Khan, while two more such dealers were killed and a robber injured in a separate encounter in Vehari (17, 18, 22, 23, 29.11.25).
2. An Anti-Terrorism Court in Sahiwal sentenced TTP operative Muhammad Tahir, 27, to 31 years in prison on multiple anti-terrorism and explosives charges after his July 2025 arrest in Hyderabad with two kilograms of explosives and live devices (19.11.25).
3. An Anti-Terrorism Court in Sahiwal sentenced a banned TTP militant, Ashiqueullah Mahsud from South Waziristan, to 31 years in prison. He was arrested on July 24 from village 87/9-L with 1,818 grams of explosives, detonators, electronic devices, and Rs 5,000 cash (28.11.25).
4. Unidentified motorcyclists shot dead former District Bar Association president Mehr Muhammad Munir Sadhana, his driver, and a passerby, while injuring a shopkeeper when he was travelling by car on Gojra Road, Jhang (29.11.25).

   Public and Environmental Security Measures

• Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari announced freezing Rs23.4 billion in assets and 92 bank accounts linked to the banned TLP, booking 90 financiers, registering 31 FIRs for hate speech, while 84% of Punjab’s khateebs / imams were registered; Wafaqul Madaris bodies coordinated with authorities (18.11.25).

6. The Punjab cabinet’s anti-smog committee approved measures including banning petrol rickshaws, phasing out petrol motorcycles, restricting home vehicle washing, penalizing plastic burning, and monitoring smoke-emitting vehicles. While seen as a positive step against smog, critics argue these should be implemented gradually due to public hardships from rising costs, high utility bills, unemployment, and low industrialization (28.11.25).

SINDH

1. CTD police arrested four suspected militants — Amin @ Munnah, Asim Ahmed, Zainul Abidin, and Muhammad Afroz — linked to the outlawed Lashkar-i-Jhangvi’s Hafiz Qasim Rasheed Group for sectarian-targeted killings in Karachi. During initial investigations, the suspects reportedly confessed to killing several people, including police informers (18.11.25).
2. Trader Shabir Qasim was shot dead by unidentified motorcyclists in a suspected sectarian targeted attack near the VIP gate of Quaid-i-Azam’s mausoleum in Karachi (22.11.25).
3. A court acquitted MQM-Haqiqi Chairman Afaq Ahmed and 11 others in a case of allegedly instigating the burning of a heavy vehicle in Karachi’s Landhi area (22.11.25).
4. Four boys were killed and two others injured when an abandoned mortar shell they found in a jungle exploded in the Zargah area of Kandhkot (24.11.25).
5. Police gunned down a notorious dacoit, Sathi Jatoi, in an alleged encounter in Sethi Jatoi village of Larkana district (24.11.25).
6. Unknown armed motorcyclists killed SHO Sikandar Panhwar’s 10-year-old son Muzammil and his nephew Gul Hassan in Kandhkot near Tangwanti Town while they were going to school. The said brave police officer, despite facing threats and attacks on his life, continued fighting crime (27.11.25).

DG ISPR Press briefing related to terrorism, counterterrorism measures, and smuggling

DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, addressing a press conference on 25 November, said that Afghan forces were facilitating terrorist infiltration by firing on Pakistani border posts, citing weak governance, divided tribes, and a terror–crime nexus involving TTP cells and non-custom-paid vehicles, while also criticizing the Afghan Taliban and rejecting claims of Pakistani strikes. He added that foreign-based social media accounts were spreading anti-state narratives, particularly on Balochistan, and noted that essential community engagement under the National Action Plan was lacking in KP despite existing administrative structures. Highlighting development efforts and a major crackdown that cut Iranian diesel smuggling from 20.5m to 2.7m liters per day, he said Pakistan had carried out over 67,000 IBOs this year amid 4,729 terrorist incidents concentrated mostly in KP and Balochistan: Dawn News (29.11.25).

DEFENCE AND SECURITY

1. King Abdullah II of Jordan, with Princess Salma, visited GIDS and Tilla Field Firing Ranges in Pakistan, observing defence exercises and technology demonstrations. PM Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir highlighted the strong Pakistan–Jordan defence partnership, with the King awarding the COAS the Order of Military Merit (16.11.25).
2. The Pakistan–Indonesia Joint Military Exercise Shaheen Strike-II (8–19 November 2025) focused on counterterrorism, achieved all training objectives, concluded with senior officials from both sides, showcased professional excellence in CT drills including urban operations and C-IED measures, and further strengthened bilateral military cooperation (19.11.25).
3. The Pakistan Navy seized over 2,000 kg of methamphetamine worth $130m from a stateless dhow in the Arabian Sea, marking its third major drug interdiction in two months: Dawn News (19.11.25).
4. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu held high-level meetings at the Dubai Airshow 2025 on training and aerospace cooperation, while the PAF showcased JF-17 Thunder Block-III and Super Mushshak, signing an MoU for fighter procurement (20.11.25).
5. Saudi Armed Forces Chief of General Staff General Fayyadh Bin Hameed Al Rowaili met separately with COAS Asim Munir at GHQ and CJCSC General Sahir Shamshad Mirza at JS HQ, Rawalpindi to discuss strengthening Pakistan–Saudi military cooperation, defence, and counter-terrorism efforts (24.11.25).
6. Pakistan Navy test-fired an indigenously developed ship-launched Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile with advanced precision, witnessed by Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, marking a milestone in national defence capability (25.11.25).
7. Pakistan–KSA Joint Military Exercise Al Battar-II (18–26 November) in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, focused on counter-terrorism, urban combat, and tactical drills, enhancing interoperability and strengthening military ties for regional security (26.11.25).
8. Iran’s NSA Ali Larijani met COAS at GHQ, Rawalpindi to discuss bilateral ties, regional security, and enhancing Pakistan–Iran cooperation against terrorism. Separately, NSW–27 participants also met the COAS for briefings on national unity, counter-terrorism, border security, and institutional coordination for lasting peace (26.11.25).
9. A farewell ceremony at Joint Staff Headquarters honored outgoing CJCSC General Sahir Shamshad Mirza for 40 years of service, with tributes and a tri-services guard of honour highlighting strong national defence. Following amendments to Article 243 and related laws, the CJCSC office was abolished (26.11.25).
10. President Asif Ali Zardari visited NDU Islamabad, addressed the 27th National Security Workshop participants on leadership and national cohesion, awarded certificates, and highlighted the workshop as a key platform for dialogue and institutional capacity building (29.11.25).
11. Pakistan Navy Ship SAIF, in Sri Lanka for the International Fleet Review-25, launched swift humanitarian relief operations for Cyclone Ditwah victims by delivering food, medical supplies, and essential aid to support ongoing national efforts (29.11.25).
12. The Pakistan Army conducted Special Forces training for 446 Iraqi troops at NCTC from 24 September to 29 November 2025, focusing on counterterrorism, tactical drills, and integrated mission planning (29.11.25).

DIPLOMATIC DEVELOPMENT AND SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

Effects of airspace bans by Pakistan and India

1. Pakistan and India continue to enforce airspace bans, forcing carriers like Air India to reroute flights, raising fuel costs by up to 29% and adding up to three hours on long-haul routes. Air India faces an estimated $455 million profit-before-tax loss and Pakistan Airports Authority reported an Rs4.1 billion shortfall in August. Air India is trying hard to seek approval to use China’s Xinjiang airspace to shorten routes, restore flights to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, and resume major India–China routes by February 2026 (20.11.25).
2. The FO condemned Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s remarks suggesting Sindh could “rejoin India,” calling them Hindutva-driven, inflammatory, and a distortion of history, while urging India to address northeastern grievances and the Kashmir dispute and warning against attempts to alter Kashmir’s demographics. The Sindh Assembly unanimously rejected Singh’s comments as “delusional,” and the Hindu community in Ghotki also held a rally denouncing the Indian minister’s statement (24, 27.11.25).
3. Chinese Ambassador Jiang, speaking at a policy dialogue on regional connectivity, highlighted the strong Pakistan–China partnership and outlined CPEC-2 plans for expanded economic, industrial, and connectivity cooperation building on $26 billion in existing CPEC investments while reaffirming China’s commitment to Pakistan’s economic modernization and regional integration (26.11.25).

Pakistan Foreign Minister and office statements about relations with Afghanistan and Hamas

4. a) Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Tahir Andrabi says its ceasefire with Afghanistan is failing as Afghan nationals continue carrying out attacks on its soil. He said the agreement aimed to stop attacks by Afghan-sponsored proxies, but recent major incidents, including in Islamabad, make optimism about the ceasefire difficult (29.11.25).
   b) Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (FM), Ishaq Dar, said Pakistan nearly launched strikes on Afghan terrorist sanctuaries but refrained after Qatar’s intervention, though mediation by Qatar and Turkiye failed amid tense Pakistan–Taliban relations marked by sealed borders and stalled dialogue. He warned that continued attacks by Afghan nationals could prompt stronger regional action, urging the Taliban to resolve internal divisions while noting progress on UN humanitarian aid to Afghanistan: Express Tribune (29.11.25).
   c) Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan is willing to contribute troops to the Gaza International Stabilization Force (ISF) but is “not ready” to participate in disarming Hamas, emphasizing that this responsibility lies with Palestinian authorities. Pakistan voted in favor of the UNSC resolution supporting the ISF and humanitarian relief, while stressing Palestinian self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign state based on pre-1967 borders: Arab News (29.11.25).

Pakistan and Egypt Foreign Ministers address joint press briefing in Islamabad

5. Deputy PM and FM Ishaq Dar and the Egyptian FM Dr. Abdel-Atty addressed a joint press briefing in Islamabad. Ishaq Dar said Pakistan will share a list of 250 business houses with Egypt to boost trade, while both leaders discussed regional conflicts, the Iranian nuclear program, and ways to strengthen economic, political, defence, and cultural cooperation. They also assessed developments in Gaza, India-occupied Kashmir, and Afghanistan, emphasizing humanitarian support, mediation, and multilateral engagement. Dr. Abdel-Atty expressed solidarity with Pakistan against terrorism, proposed elevating ties to a strategic level, and both sides committed to deepening diplomatic, trade, security, and cultural relations: Dawn News (29.11.25).

Regional

AFGHANISTAN

1. Afghanistan’s ties with China, Russia, Iran, and Central Asian countries are strengthening as China and Russia, along with Central Asian countries, deepen economic engagement with Afghanistan through a non-confrontational strategy. Russia has recognized the Taliban-led IEA government and China maintains ambassador-level relations to limit U.S. and Western influence while containing threats from ISIS, ETIM, TTP, and other groups. At the two-day SCO summit in Moscow, Afghanistan was excluded, highlighting recognition challenges that restrict security, transit, investment, and diplomatic opportunities, even as Iran–Afghanistan trade surged to $1.6 billion in six months through new infrastructure and sectoral cooperation. Afghanistan’s Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi attended the Fifth ECO Trade Ministers Meeting in Istanbul, emphasizing the country’s readiness to engage in regional trade and transit projects (27.11.25).
2. Pakistan–Afghanistan relations: Iran is set to host a mid-December regional meeting with Afghanistan’s neighbors, Russia, and China to ease Kabul–Islamabad tensions, as Pakistan accuses the IEA of enabling cross-border militancy while Afghanistan boosts trade via Iran’s Chabahar Port. The IEA condemned alleged Pakistani airstrikes in Paktika, Khost, and Kunar, vowing to defend its airspace, land, and people, with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar affirming readiness to respond to any foreign aggression. Afghan officials, including Amir Khan Muttaqi, emphasized seeking good relations with all countries, including Pakistan, and urged dialogue over force, while the World Bank warned that refugee returns, climate shocks, and border closures are pushing Afghanistan toward greater reliance on Iran and Central Asia. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s foreign office maintains that the ceasefire with Afghanistan is failing due to continued attacks by Afghan nationals, with escalating border clashes and airstrikes undermining optimism about the agreement: Tolo, ArianaNews (22, 25, 28.11.25).
3. India–Afghanistan relations: Acting Afghan Industry and Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi visited New Delhi with a high-level delegation to expand trade, joint investments, and regional transit options, including the Chabahar Port corridor, reducing Afghanistan’s dependence on Pakistan. Meetings focused on trade, connectivity, humanitarian cooperation, spice and pharmaceutical projects, reviving air freight corridors, and appointing commercial attachés to boost bilateral engagement. Afghanistan’s 2023 trade with India reached $779 million, with India a key market for Afghan fruits, and both countries are progressing on reopening consulates to strengthen economic ties (19, 22, 23, 25.11.25).

Comments and Analysis: Pakistan–Afghanistan relations have sharply deteriorated, with mutual distrust deepening as Pakistan blames the TTP and BLA/BLF for cross-border attacks and Kabul denounces alleged Pakistani airstrikes. Positions hardened further after the failure of Qatar- and Turkey-mediated talks in Doha and Istanbul. Islamabad’s suspension of trade and transit routes has pushed the Taliban-led IEA to accelerate strategic outreach to India, Iran, and Central Asian states, notably through the Chabahar Port. Former Afghan President and Prime Minister Hamid Karzai and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah criticized Pakistan’s actions as Kabul. The ex-Afghanistan intelligence chief Rahmatullah Nabil says India’s renewed engagement and warming Taliban–India ties are heightening Pakistan’s anxieties amid unrest in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Relations between the two countries are deteriorating and could lead to further aggravation. Regional powers and friendly countries like Turkey, Qatar, Iran, China, and Russia are increasingly concerned and urge swift dialogue to prevent the situation from sliding into a destabilizing conflict.

4. Afghan national suspected in shooting of two National Guard soldiers:
   a) Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who came to the U.S.A. and applied for asylum in 2024 and was granted it the following year, is accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House, prompting U.S. authorities to halt immigration and visa processing for all Afghan nationals and investigate the incident as a “potential act of terrorism.”
   b) The U.S. State Department has paused issuing visas to Afghan passport holders, citing public safety amid an intensified immigration crackdown following the National Guard attack. The case has raised concerns over re-vetting, pressured U.S. evacuation and resettlement policies, and delays affecting thousands awaiting family reunification despite nearly 190,000 Afghans already resettled through extensive vetting. Separately, FBI Director Kash Patel and CIA Director John Ratcliffe noted that Lakanwal had worked with U.S. partner forces in Afghanistan, including the CIA in Kandahar, and authorities are investigating his background and associates domestically and internationally. Afghan nationals arrived in the U.S.A. under the former president Biden administration’s “Operation Allies Welcome”; the program was later renamed “Enduring Welcome” for long-term support: CNN, Dawn and Ariana News (27, 28.11.25).
5. Three Chinese workers were killed in an alleged drone and firearm attack in Tajikistan originating from Afghanistan. The Taliban-led IEA government expressed deep regret, condemned the attack, and assured full cooperation with Tajikistan through information sharing and a joint assessment, while Tajikistan urged Afghan authorities to ensure border security. The Chinese Embassy condemned the attack as a “grave criminal act,” expressed condolences, activated an emergency response, and called for a full investigation, while Pakistan highlighted the threat from armed drones and urged Taliban action. Iran also denounced the attack; no immediate public reactions were reported from the USA, Russia, or India (27.11.25).

BANGLADESH

1. Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now in self-exile in India, was sentenced to death by Dhaka’s International Crimes Tribunal, a verdict she denies as politically motivated. Analysts blame her autocratic rule and pro-India policies for her exit, while the interim government defends the trials amid UN criticism and a low likelihood of India extraditing her before February elections (17.11.25).
2. The 45th Annual Armoured Corps Commanders’ Conference was held at Bogra Cantonment, attended by Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, who praised the corps’ heritage and urged modern, capability-driven training. He expressed confidence in their continued exceptional service to the nation (26.11.25).
3. Foreign Affairs Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh’s relations with India will continue despite unresolved issues like the Teesta water dispute, border killings, and the Sheikh Hasina matter, prioritizing national interests over official warmth. He made these remarks during a DCAB Talk on “Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy: Relevant Role in a Changing World” at Dhaka’s National Press Club (30.11.25).

CHINA

China conducted an urgent launch of the unmanned Shenzhou-22 spacecraft after damage to the Shenzhou-20 return capsule left its space station crew temporarily stranded, providing a safe return option for the astronauts aboard Shenzhou-21. The accelerated mission underscores China’s ongoing Tiangong space station operations and its efforts to involve international partners, including a deal with Pakistan to send foreign astronauts. Earlier, three Chinese astronauts, whose return was delayed by space debris damaging their vessel, safely landed back in China two weeks ago (25.11.25).

ILLEGALLY INDIAN OCCUPIED JAMMU AND KASHMIR (IIOJK) / LOC

Indian security forces and police continued their so-called anti-militancy drive by carrying out extensive raids, searches, and arrests across multiple areas of Jammu & Kashmir. Operations included activity near Nanak Post in Uri and the arrest of Tufail Niyaz Bhat in Srinagar, which authorities linked to a “white-collar” terror module. Local political leadership including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC President Farooq Abdullah expressed concern that such actions risk stigmatizing Kashmiris and urged authorities to prevent harassment following the November 10 Delhi blasts. Security forces also reported busting a hideout in Handwara’s Nowgam sector and inspections of madrassas and mosques in Srinagar, seizing digital devices and documents as part of ongoing counterterrorism operations (19, 21, 22, 27).

INDIA

Defence and Security

U.S. sale of Javelin anti-tank missile to India

1. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) approved a $93 million sale of Javelin anti-tank missiles and Excalibur artillery munitions to India. It is the first since August tensions over tariffs. The sale follows a reorder of GE fighter jet engines for India’s Tejas aircraft. The deal, involving RTX Corp and Lockheed Martin, will strengthen U.S.–Indian strategic ties and regional security (19.11.25).
2. An Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Airshow, killing the pilot. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd described it as an “isolated occurrence” due to exceptional circumstances, despite India ordering 97 upgraded Tejas Mk1A jets to replace its MiG-21 fleet. Experts warn that this and previous non-combat mishaps, including last year’s Tejas crash in Rajasthan, could harm India’s defence export ambitions and overshadow efforts to showcase its domestic technology internationally (22, 24.11.25).
3. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is setting up 10 all-women border outposts along the India–China LAC and has advanced 215 posts under its “forwarding plan,” with 41 more bases planned to enhance security and coordination in high-altitude conditions. The force was raised in 1962 under the Union Home Ministry; the ITBP has over 100,000 personnel operating border posts between 9,000 and 14,000 feet, facing extreme weather and low oxygen levels (23.11.25).

COAS, CDS and Military Commanders visits to operational areas and battle exercises

5. a) Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi warned Pakistan that the brief May conflict was only a “trailer” and affirmed India’s readiness for future confrontations, following the November 10 Red Fort explosion. He also highlighted inter-service synergy through Operation Sindoor, commended Navy personnel during the commissioning of INS Mahe, and marked growing collaboration among armed forces. Separately, CDS General Anil Chauhan emphasized the Indian Air Force’s transformation into a modern, network-enabled, future-ready force, focusing on modernization, indigenous capability, joint synergy, and theatre command transition. Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, Western Air Command chief, reviewed operational preparedness at two forward western air bases and personally flew a Su-30 MKI mission, underscoring the combat readiness of India’s frontline air assets (18, 24, 27.11.25).

b) Indian Army Northern Command Chief, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, after making visits, reviewed operational readiness in Shahsitar and Poonch, and later assessed the same in the harsh Siachen and Batalik sectors along the sensitive northern borders by visiting the areas. The Army’s Ram Division, a part of Ambala-based II Striking Corps, conducted Exercise “Ram Prahar” near Haridwar in Uttarakhand, simulating areas akin to the East Punjab border with Pakistan, while India and Nepal began “Suryakiran XIX-25” in Pithoragarh. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh also reviewed key central sector infrastructure projects, including Project Hirak. Analysts noted India’s continued joint exercises across commands to enhance tri-service synergy for a potential two-front conflict with China and Pakistan. As learned, India additionally conducted a long-range static test of the K-5 SLBM’s Stage-2 motor in September 2025, part of broader military activities. DRDO has successfully conducted a static test of the K-5 SLBM’s Stage-2 rocket motor, marking a key advancement in India’s undersea nuclear deterrence with submarines. Some view these developments as not only preparing to meet the potential threat of a two-front war with Pakistan and China but also reinforcing the BJP’s domestic political narrative, based on an expansionist Hindutva agenda (28.11.25).

Political, Diplomatic and other developments

5. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Modi’s BJP is set for a decisive win in Bihar’s 243-seat assembly elections, defeating Congress-led opposition parties, with analysts citing a digital political business cycle boosting voter turnout, particularly among women out of the state’s 74 million voters, and Modi’s anti-Pakistan narrative reinforcing his strongman image amid fiscal concerns (23.11.25).
6. India issued a demarche to China after Pema Wangiom Thongdok, an Indian citizen living in the UK for 14 years, alleged she was detained and mocked for 18 hours on 21 November at Shanghai airport while traveling from London to Osaka. Earlier, Air India had reportedly announced plans to resume New Delhi–China flights by February 2026, nearly six years after they were suspended. The move reflects recent diplomatic steps aimed at cautiously reopening bilateral ties between the two countries (17.11.25): Dawn News (24.11.25).
7. The Indian External Affairs Ministry said that India has confirmed 44 of its nationals are serving in the Russian Army, urged Moscow to release them, warned citizens against recruitment offers, and noted law enforcement action against networks luring Indians into such risky military roles (25.11.25).
8. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has canceled his India visit due to security concerns after bomb blasts in New Delhi, postponing bilateral meetings while maintaining strong ties through virtual and diplomatic channels. This is the second postponement this year, following a canceled September visit, with his last India trip in 2018 (25.11.25).

IRAN

1. Iran, following the IAEA Board’s approval of a resolution urging Tehran to report on its uranium stockpile and damaged facilities, has formally terminated the Cairo understanding, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemning the resolution as “illegal and unjustified” and undermining the agency’s credibility. Iran’s IAEA Ambassador Reza Najafi criticized the Board for ignoring the June 2025 Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites, calling the resolution a politically motivated attempt by the U.S. and European trio to revive the failed snapback mechanism and distort safeguards obligations (20.11.25).
2. The IRGC Ground Force claims to have dismantled a militant team from Ansar al-Furqan in Sistan and Baluchestan near the Pakistan border during “Martyrs of Security” drills, capturing several terrorists and seizing two explosive vests. The province has recently seen frequent attacks on civilians and security forces (24.11.25).
3. Iran offered Pakistan unconditional support described as a “blank cheque” to help address challenges on its eastern and western borders, as security concerns grow amid tensions with the Taliban and India. During his visit to Islamabad, Iranian NSA Ali Larijani said President Pezeshkian had ordered the removal of all economic barriers and pledged that Iran would impose “no limitations” on cooperation. In meetings with Pakistan’s COAS and senior officials, both sides discussed regional security, counter-terrorism, and deepened strategic engagement, stressing sustained dialogue and practical collaboration: Express Tribune (27.11.25).

MIDDLE EAST

1. The UNSC adopted a U.S.-drafted resolution endorsing President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, authorising an international stabilisation force, and enabling member states to join a transitional Board of Peace for Gaza’s reconstruction, with 13 votes in favour and Russia and China abstaining. U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz hailed the decision as “historic,” while Hamas rejected it, saying it undermines Palestinian rights, imposes international trusteeship, and compromises neutrality by empowering the force to disarm the resistance (17.11.25).
2. President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) at the White House with full ceremonial honours, stressing renewed ties as the crown prince works to rebuild his global image after the 2018 Khashoggi killing, which Trump defended by rejecting U.S. intelligence findings. During the visit, Trump designated Saudi Arabia as a “major non-NATO ally,” signaling deeper military cooperation. MBS pledged to increase Saudi investment in the U.S. from $600 billion to $1 trillion, and the two sides signed a Strategic Defence Agreement. They also advanced civil nuclear cooperation and approved future F-35 stealth combat aircraft (18, 19.11.25).
3. Israel approved the immigration of 1,200 Bnei Menashe Jews from northeast India by 2026, with 5,800 expected by 2030, to reunite families and settle them in Nof HaGalil and other northern cities. Prime Minister Netanyahu called the move a “Zionist decision” strengthening the North and Galilee, acknowledging ministers involved in the initiative. He also met India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss boosting economic ties, investments, trade agreements, and promoting the U.S.-backed India–Middle East–Europe Corridor (IMEC): Times of Israel (23.11.25).