Domestic

BALOCHISTAN

1. CTD police official Khalil Ahmed was found martyred in an abandoned area of Panjgur district (15.12.25).
2. Armed motorcyclists gunned down two individuals, including one Muhammad Naeem, in the Khairabad area of Turbat (15.12.25).
3. An eight-year-old boy, Sher Ali, was killed and five family members, including two women, were injured when a grenade exploded inside their house in the Wadh area of Khuzdar district (15.12.25).
4. Two passenger trains narrowly escaped separate bomb blasts detonated on railway tracks between Sibi and Mushkaf on Bolan Pass and in Mastung district, targeting the Jaffar Express and Bolan Mail, disrupting rail links between Balochistan and other provinces (19.12.25).
5. A bomb exploded on a railway track near Dera Murad Jamali, damaging part of the track, while police defused another explosive device (24.12.25).
6. Security forces killed eight terrorists during an exchange of fire in Kalat district (24.12.25).
7. Five terrorists were killed by security forces during an IBO in Kohlu district (25.12.25).
8. Security forces killed four terrorists during an IBO in Panjgur district (26.12.25).
9. Security forces killed four terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in Kalat district (28.12.25).
10. Balochistan IG Police Muhammad Tahir announced a historic increase in financial assistance and welfare benefits for police martyrs’ families and personnel, prioritising support through enhanced aid, injury compensation, and burial and funeral expenses (28.12.25).
11. The bodies of two unidentified individuals were found in separate areas of Quetta (29.12.25).
12. Balochistan CM Mir Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti formally assumed duties as the eighth chief of the Bugti tribe, succeeding Nawab Akbar Bugti, who headed all six Bugti clans following the death of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, in a ceremony held in Dera Bugti (29.12.25).

ISLAMABAD

1. Islamabad Police formed a plainclothes intelligence unit to eliminate narcotics from educational institutions. Two car businessmen sought police protection after receiving extortion threats from individuals claiming to be TTP members. Robbers injured two people in separate incidents, while burglars looted cash and valuables, including Rs20 million in foreign currency. In the I-10/3 sector, a suspect stole electronics from a building before fleeing. Additionally, four handcuffed suspects were injured in separate encounters when gunmen attempted to free them during police transfers, with attackers escaping in both cases (17, 20, 27.12.25).
2. The FIA arrested 451 human trafficking suspects this year, reducing illegal travel from Pakistan to Europe, the UK, and Gulf countries by nearly half. PM Shehbaz Sharif called for improved coordination, technology use, and anti-corruption measures. The FIA enhanced passenger screening through a Risk Assessment Unit, e-gates, a mobile tracking app, IT restructuring, and AI surveillance. These measures were reviewed during a high-level meeting in Islamabad attended by federal ministers, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi (20.12.25).
3. FIA Headquarters punished seven officials, including inspectors and junior personnel, for corruption, abuse of authority, and negligence. Penalties included dismissals, suspensions, and demotions over illegal raids, extortion, and unlawful immigration clearances. DG Rifat Mukhtar Raja reiterated zero tolerance for misuse of power (24.12.25).
4. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that vehicles without M-Tags will be barred from entering Islamabad from January 1, with full enforcement from January 1, 2026. He also directed authorities to submit a comprehensive plan to transform Islamabad Safe City into a Capital Smart City (28.12.25).

KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA (KP)

1. Unknown miscreants blew up a government primary school in Eppi village of Mirali tehsil, North Waziristan district, just three days after another primary school in the area was destroyed by explosives (15.12.25).
2. Police Constable Amir Nawaz and his brother Amir Muhammad were martyred by unknown armed assailants near Churakhel village, Lakki Marwat district (16.12.25).
3. KP Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi announced a two-month special remission for inmates during his visit to Peshawar Central Jail. He also inaugurated a Rs440 million security system, a drug rehabilitation centre, and an interview room, and approved Rs20 million for inmate facilities and jail solarisation (16.12.25).
4. CTD police killed three suspected terrorists during an IBO in the Akhund Baba Cemetery area of Peshawar (16.12.25).
5. Police recovered two bullet-riddled bodies from Tor Lawangkhel area of Lakki Marwat district. Separately, a proclaimed offender was shot dead by rivals in Wanda Shahabuddin area of the district (17.12.25).
6. One civilian was killed and four others injured when mortar shells hit houses during a nearly three-hour clash between security forces and terrorists in Hasokhel and Moski villages of Mirali tehsil, North Waziristan district (17.12.25).
7. Police recovered two bullet-riddled bodies from Tor Lawangkhel area of Lakki Marwat district (18.12.25).
8. CTD police arrested a suspect, Tufail, allegedly affiliated with the banned ISIS and involved in terrorist activities across multiple regions, including Peshawar (18.12.25).
9. Unknown terrorists launched a rocket attack on a police post in Qandahari area of Safi tehsil, Mohmand district (19.12.25).
10. Two policemen were injured in a drone attack by unknown terrorists on the Mureed Akbar Shaheed Police Station in Tank district (19.12.25).
11. Security forces killed four terrorists after a suicide attack on the Boya military camp in Datta Khel, North Waziristan. Four Pakistani soldiers—Havildar Muhammad Waqas, Naik, Sepoy Sufyan Haider, and Sepoy Riffat—were martyred in the exchange of fire. The attack was reportedly claimed by the Aswad-ul-Harab Huzaifa suicide squad (19.12.25).
12. Security forces killed four terrorists during an IBO in Dera Ismail Khan district (19.12.25).
13. Five terrorists were killed by security forces during an exchange of fire in Bannu district (19.12.25).
14. A drug-addicted man, Rehman Din, allegedly shot dead his father, stepmother, and teenage sister in Makin tehsil, South Waziristan district (20.12.25).
15. Security forces killed five terrorists, including their commander, during an IBO in Ping area under the limits of Ahmadzai police in Bannu district (20.12.25).
16. Four persons, including two women and two teenagers, were injured during a quadcopter (drone) strike on a house in Janikhel area of Bannu district (21.12.25).
17. Unidentified terrorists martyred five police personnel—Shahid Iqbal, Samiullah, Arif, Safdar, and Muhammad Abrar—during an attack on a police mobile vehicle in Gurguri area of Karak district (23.12.25).
18. Terrorists blew up a key bridge on the Khaisur Circular Road in Bannu and dug large pits on several roads, disrupting traffic and cutting off village connectivity. A day earlier, a similar act in the Bakakhel area blocked Marwat Canal Road in the district (23.12.25).
19. At least four children were injured after a quadcopter dropped an explosive payload on a residential area of Gondalabad, Kurram district (24.12.25).
20. Police Constable Islamuddin was martyred in a crossfire between rival groups at Rustam Bazaar in Wana tehsil, South Waziristan district (24.12.25).
21. Three Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) employees were injured while resisting an abduction attempt near Domel, Bannu district, following the recent safe recovery of five other abducted PESCO employees after two months of negotiations with kidnappers (24.12.25).
22. Unknown armed men injured two brothers working in the livestock department on Marwat Canal Road, Bannu district (24.12.25).
23. Security forces killed two terrorists, including ringleader Dilawar, during an exchange of fire in Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan district (24.12.25).
24. At least nine children were injured when a drone strike hit a seminary in Shadi Khel village, Tank district (25.12.25).
25. A terrorist commander identified as Barkatullah alias Barkat alias Abuzar was killed during an exchange of fire with police and CTD in Lakki Marwat district (25.12.25).
26. KP Excise Department claimed to have recovered 100 kg of drug powder in Peshawar, besides seizing large quantities of hashish, ice, and dance pills in multiple operations, arresting several suspects (26.12.25).
27. Additional SHO Dattakhel Police Station, Sadiq Khan, went missing while travelling in Mirali area of North Waziristan district (26.12.25).
28. An alleged narcotics dealer, Abdul Rasheed, was killed, while two policemen were injured during an exchange of fire in Bara area of Khyber district (26.12.25).
29. A peace committee member was injured during a terrorist attack on his house in Abbas Khattak area of Lakki Marwat district. An advisory by the DPO Lakki Marwat warned that the TTP Teepu Gul Group, backed by the Hafiz Gul Bahadar group, was planning major attacks using explosive-laden vehicles on schools, sports events, public gatherings, and bazaars (28.12.25).
30. Police reportedly killed eight terrorists and injured several others during an exchange of fire in Karak district (28.12.25).
31. Two people were killed and two injured in a clash between rival groups over a monetary dispute in Domel, Landi Jalandhar area of Bannu district (28.12.25).
32. The body of a youth, Faheemullah, was found in the Darra Pezu area of Lakki Marwat district (28.12.25).
33. Five target killers were killed in a police encounter in Daudzai, Peshawar, while planning attacks on law enforcement after having already killed two police officials. The gang, led by Najmal Hassan, was involved in over 30 crimes across Peshawar, Nowshera, Charsadda, and Darra Adam Khel, including the targeted killing of ANP leader Momin Khan and his brother (28.12.25).
34. Security forces killed five terrorists during an IBO in Bajaur’s Khar area, while Major Adeel Zaman was martyred in the exchange of fire (29.12.25).
35. Three people were killed and three injured in a gunfight between two groups following a verbal altercation in Daza Ghundai area of Wana, South Waziristan district (29.12.25).

Comments & Analysis:According to unconfirmed reports by Afghanistan International, senior TTP commanders—including Noor Wali Mehsud, Hafiz Gul Bahadur, Azmatullah Mehsud, Akhtar Muhammad Khalil, and Mufti Sadiq Noor Dawar—frequently travel between Kabul and Afghan provinces such as Kunar, Khost, Paktia, and Paktika. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban-led IEA government to prevent militants from using Afghan territory; however, the Taliban deny their presence and have taken no visible action. Pakistan has warned of multidimensional border threats and reiterated its right to self-defence should cross-border attacks by banned outfits such as TTP, BLA/BLF, and ISIS-K continue.

PUNJAB

Nil

SINDH

General Crime and Law Enforcement Operations

1. Police killed dacoit Ali Jan Malghani near Thul, Jacobabad, and found an unidentified body in Gulshan-i-Maymar, Karachi. Karachi police and SIU arrested extortion ring members, killed a suspected extortionist in Lyari, and recovered arms, cash, gold, and vehicles. MQM-P activist Muhammad Shehzad Khan was shot dead. ABAD chairman warned that extortion threats from local and foreign-based actors could cripple Karachi’s real estate sector. Rangers and police arrested seven suspects. A joint police–Rangers operation killed four most-wanted dacoits along the Sindh–Punjab border and rescued three kidnapping victims. Attacks in Ghotki and on Karachi’s Super Highway left several dead. An advocate was shot dead in Mirpurkhas over a land dispute, while four bodies—including a woman and her children—were found hanging in a Karachi house. The body of University of Karachi employee Rehmat Ali, stuffed in a gunny bag, was found in Safoora Town. Police also killed four dacoits involved in a wedding party attack during an encounter in Rustum Taluka, Shikarpur district (18, 20, 23, 26, 28, 29.12.25).
2. A low-intensity blast damaged railway tracks between Jacobabad and Shikarpur, disrupting train services (16.12.25).
3. The National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) arrested 34 suspects, including 15 foreigners, in DHA Karachi for running a $60 million Ponzi-style cyber fraud, recovered sensitive data, and launched further investigations (18, 25.12.25).
4. The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) recovered 300 kg of methamphetamine hidden in animal feed at Karachi Port, destined for Qatar (25.12.25).

Comments and Analysis: Pakistan’s security forces, police, and CTD—assisted by intelligence agencies—demonstrated sustained commitment under the Azm-e-Istehkam strategy through coordinated intelligence-led operations against militants and separatists. While gradual gains are evident, militants continued asymmetric attacks underscore the need for heightened vigilance, community trust-building, protection of vulnerable targets, and stronger grassroots intelligence sharing. Counter-intelligence efforts must also be enhanced to dismantle hostile intelligence networks linking terrorists with narco-arms smugglers and identify their local and foreign handlers. Dr. Naveed Elahi’s article “The State Strikes Back” (thestrategicbrief.com, 29.12.25) provides actionable insights into these challenges.

DEFENCE AND SECURITY

1. Pakistan Navy launched its fourth Hangor-class submarine, GHAZI, in China with advanced weaponry and sensors, marking a milestone in its eight-submarine programme to enhance regional security. Under the agreement with China, four submarines are being built in China and four in Pakistan under technology transfer (17.12.25).
2. The commissioning ceremony of Pakistan Navy’s MILGEM-class ship PNS Khaibar was held at Istanbul Naval Shipyard, attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, highlighting defence cooperation. PNS Khaibar is the second of four corvettes under a 2018 ASFAT contract (21.12.25).
3. Commanders of the Royal Navy of Oman and the Royal Bahrain Naval Force visited Naval Headquarters Islamabad and met separately with Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf to discuss regional maritime security and bilateral cooperation (23.12.25).
4. Pakistan Navy SSGN and Turkish Navy SAT commandos concluded the AYYILDIZ-2025 exercise in Istanbul, enhancing interoperability and joint maritime operational capabilities (28.12.25).
5. Pakistan Navy officially adopted Benazir Shaheed Cadet College in Khanpur, Rahim Yar Khan district (28.12.25).
6. Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff (COAS & CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met Libyan Army Chief Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar during an official visit to Libya to discuss regional security, training, and counter-terrorism cooperation (18.12.25).
7. The COAS & CDF met Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to discuss regional security and defence cooperation. Field Marshal Munir was awarded the King Abdulaziz Medal (Excellent Class) and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security (22.12.25).
8. The COAS & CDF presided over the 273rd Corps Commanders’ Conference at GHQ Rawalpindi, reviewing internal and external security, counter-terrorism operations, and regional developments, and reaffirming readiness against all threats (24.12.25).
9. Jordan’s CJCS Major General Yousef Ahmed A. Al Huneiti met the COAS & CDF at GHQ Rawalpindi to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation (25.12.25).

DIPLOMATIC DEVELOPMENTS AND SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

1. Officials informed a National Assembly committee that thousands of Pakistanis were deported from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Azerbaijan for begging, with Saudi Arabia alone deporting 24,000 individuals in 2025. The FIA said stricter measures improved Pakistan’s passport ranking and restored visa-free access for official passport holders in Dubai and Germany (17.12.25).
2. Pakistan’s Foreign Office warned that India’s unilateral release of Chenab River water threatens Pakistan’s water, food, and economic security. Deputy PM and FM Ishaq Dar termed it a “weaponisation of water” and condemned religious intolerance in India (18–19.12.25).
3. A UN experts panel reported that India’s use of force following the Pahalgam attack and suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty may have violated international human rights obligations (19.12.25).
4. Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong praised Pakistani journalists for countering disinformation about CPEC at the 9th CPEC Media Forum in Islamabad and reaffirmed China’s one-China principle (23.12.25).
5. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was sold to an Arif Habib–led consortium for Rs135 billion, ending years of losses. Fauji Fertiliser Company reportedly joined the consortium for a 75% stake (23–24.12.25).
6. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan paid his first official visit to Pakistan, holding substantive talks with PM Shehbaz Sharif to strengthen bilateral ties (27.12.25).
7. Pakistan’s Foreign Office, along with 20 nations and the OIC, rejected Israel’s recognition of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland and expressed concern over minority persecution in India (28–29.12.25).

Regional

AFGHANISTAN

Relations with Tajikistan

1. Tajik special forces raided a Faizabad hideout and clashed with militants from Afghanistan, killing three attackers but losing two soldiers. Tajikistan blamed the Taliban, while the Taliban pledged cooperation (18, 25, 27.12.25).

Relations with China and Russia
2. China opposed a UN probe into Afghanistan, while Russia advanced plans for a Trans-Afghan railway and suspended the Taliban ban amid strategic realignments (23, 25.12.25).

Relations with India
3. Afghanistan’s Public Health Minister Noor Jalaly visited New Delhi to enhance health-sector cooperation, while Indian investors showed interest in Afghan mining projects (17, 20, 24.12.25).

Relations with the United States
4. Former U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalilzad visited Kabul and met FM Amir Khan Muttaqi to discuss Afghanistan–U.S. relations (28.12.25).

Pakistan–Afghanistan Relations
5. Taliban officials rejected Pakistan’s request for a fatwa against militancy, denied cross-border terrorism, but expressed openness to dialogue despite ongoing tensions (16, 20, 24, 27, 28.12.25).

BANGLADESH

Bangladesh student leader Usman Hadi of Inquilab Mancha was shot dead, triggering nationwide protests and fears of election-related violence ahead of February 2025 polls. Bangladesh police said alleged killers crossed into India via the Haluaghat border. BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman returned from exile, while the interim government barred the Awami League from February 2026 elections. Former PM Khaleda Zia passed away after a prolonged illness (21–30.12.25).

IIOJK / LOC

Indian forces continued anti-militancy operations across IIOJK. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq removed the Hurriyat chairman designation from his social media handle following official pressure, focusing on social and religious activities amid declining separatist activism (15–26.12.25).

INDIA

India enhanced air defence, rail mobility, drone warfare capabilities, missile testing, and defence indigenisation. Analysts noted India’s growing naval presence in the Arabian Sea and Oman amid regional power shifts, though no official confirmation exists (15–30.12.25).

IRAN

Iran announced trade facilitation with Afghanistan, conducted major military exercises, condemned international attacks, and expanded space cooperation with Russia (20–28.12.25).

MIDDLE EAST

Israel expanded West Bank settlements, the U.S. conducted strikes against ISIS targets, Libya’s Army Chief died in a plane crash, Yemen agreed to its largest prisoner exchange, and Türkiye intensified counter-ISIS operations (18–30.12.25).

RUSSIA

Three people, including two police officers, were killed in a car bomb explosion in Moscow amid heightened security concerns and alleged Ukrainian intelligence involvement (22–24.12.25).

USA

President Donald Trump warned Iran against restoring weapons programmes and outlined plans for ending the Gaza war, urging Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw from Palestinian territory (29.12.25).