(Domestic)

BALOCHISTAN

1. Unknown armed persons shot dead a man, Akmal Naseer from Faisalabad, in the Pishikan area of Gwadar (15.2.26).
2. The dead body of an unidentified man was found in the Dera Murad Jamali area (15.2.26).
3. CTD police killed 14 terrorists, including eight in the Darakhshan area of Quetta and six in Barkhan, during separate encounters. “Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1,” launched in response to multiple attacks on January 31 that paralyzed parts of the province, concluded on 5 February. During the operation, 216 terrorists were reportedly killed, around 180 suspects were arrested, and a large cache of arms and ammunition was seized by the security forces and police (17.2.26).
4. IG Police Mohammad Tahir said in Quetta that the police will receive bulletproof vehicles and modern equipment to combat terrorism and serious crime, while the Khuzdar Levies Training Centre has been converted into a Police Training Centre (19.2.26).
5. Three men — Taimoor, Ghulam Murtaza, and Jahanzeb — were shot dead by unknown assailants during separate incidents in Surab and Panjgur districts (21.2.26).
6. Security forces foiled an attack by killing three terrorists in Pishin district after they were found planning attacks on Police Lines and Cadet College Pishin. One attacker detonated a suicide vest during the exchange of fire (22.2.26).
7. Armed men abducted 14 construction workers, including a project manager, from sites in Khuzdar and Barkhan (23.2.26).
8. Unidentified armed motorcyclists killed eight people, including two Afghan women, injured three others, and set vehicles ablaze during separate attacks in Panjgur district (24.2.26).
9. Security forces killed eight terrorists during an exchange of fire in the Sambaza area of Zhob district (24.2.26).
10. Six people, including the two attackers, were killed and four others injured in a shooting and mortar attack at a house in the Minaz area of Buleda Tehsil, Kech district (25.2.26).
11. A gas cylinder explosion in the border town of Chaman killed seven children aged 8–14 and injured 22 others, including women and children (26.2.26).

KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA (KPK)

1. A child, Anas Khan, was killed and eight others injured after a mortar shell exploded in Salarzai tehsil, Bajaur district (15.2.26).
2. Security forces reportedly killed 12 terrorists while foiling a suicide attack on a joint check post in Bajaur, where 11 soldiers were martyred and a girl was killed as nearby buildings were damaged. Pakistan summoned the Afghan deputy head of mission, condemning the TTP attack and alleging the use of Afghan soil for the assault (16–17.2.26).
3. Two terrorists were killed in a police operation in Martung tehsil of Shangla district; however, during the exchange of fire, three policemen — Head Constable Maqbool Ahmad, Constable Saeed-ur-Rehman, and Constable Fida Hussain — embraced martyrdom (16.2.26).
4. Two people were killed and at least 17 injured in an IED blast near the Miryan police station in Bannu district (16.2.26).
5. Police defused two IEDs planted by terrorists in the Land Ahmedkhel area of Lakki Marwat district (16.2.26).
6. Senator Talha Mahmood reportedly secured the release of Atraur Rehman, Saleemullah, and Ehtisham-ul-Haq from Sheikhandeh and Bamburet in Chitral district. They had been abducted on 16.2.26 and taken by militants to Nuristan, Afghanistan (16.2.26).
7. Constable Muhammad Bilal was martyred and two others injured while thwarting a terrorist attack on Yarik Police Station in Dera Ismail Khan district (17.2.26).
8. Unidentified armed men shot dead former President of the District Bar Association, Noor Badshah Toru Advocate, and critically injured three others, including his son Mamo, in the Qayyumabad Toru area of Mardan district (17.2.26).
9. Two personnel of the Federal Constabulary were injured during a terrorist attack on a check post in the Salgazi area of Wazir subdivision, Bannu district (18.2.26).
10. Security forces killed four terrorists during an IBO in Lakki Marwat district (18–19.2.26).
11. Police repulsed a terrorist attack on a check post in Sadiqabad Bazaar of Bajaur district (19.2.26).
12. Police claimed to have seized 50 kg of silver during a routine vehicle check at Darazinda check post in Dera Ismail Khan district (19.2.26).
13. A petrol pump and vehicles parked there were damaged in an IED blast carried out by terrorists in Salarzai tehsil of Bajaur district (20.2.26).
14. Three civilians were injured during an alleged quadcopter attack by terrorists on a security forces check post in Tank district (20.2.26).
15. Two young men, Ejaz Ahmed and Mohammad Faheem, were shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Wanda Madat area of Dera Ismail Khan (20.2.26).
16. Eight Federal Constabulary personnel were injured in a quadcopter attack on a security installation at FC Daryoba Line in Bannu district (20.2.26).
17. Three men — Qadeer, Israr, and Khayal of the Ustrana tribe — were shot dead by unidentified assailants in Khoi Bahara, Darazinda area of Dera Ismail Khan district (20.2.26).
18. Four people were reportedly killed and three seriously injured in clashes between banned TTP and ISKP in Sheikhan, Orakzai district. The dead included three ISKP members — among them Commander Abid alias Hamza — and one TTP member (21.2.26).
19. A PTI local leader, Farman Zeb, and his father, Jamshed Khan, were allegedly killed by rival gunmen riding motorcycles in the Gadoon Amazai area of Swabi district (21.2.26).
20. Abducted CPEC police official Qadeerullah, taken a week earlier from Dogar Umarzai, was safely released after negotiations by the Umarzai tribes and returned home in Bannu district (21.2.26).
21. CTD police reportedly arrested suspected female suicide bomber “Z” in Sheikh Yousaf Khema Basti, Dera Ismail Khan. She was allegedly trained by Shah Wali alias Tariq Kochi and in contact with another commander, Asim, for a suicide vest and target. Police recovered a pistol with ammunition, mobile phones, a power bank, and a perfume bottle allegedly meant to mask explosives (20.2.26).
22. Security forces killed five terrorists while foiling an attack on their convoy in Bannu district. During the exchange of fire, Lt Colonel Shahzada Gul Faraz and Sepoy Karamat Shah were martyred after attackers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the convoy (21.2.26).
23. Three people — Mumtaz Afridi, Muntazar Afridi, and Khawaja Amin — were reportedly killed and seven others injured when a mortar shell from an unknown source landed in Indrah Akakhel area of Khyber district (21.2.26).
24. Police arrested three kidnappers — Iftikhar, Mohammad Umar, and Farmanullah — who posed as security personnel to abduct Afghan trader Niaz Wali on GT Road, Peshawar, and recovered the victim along with fake IDs, uniforms, weapons, and the vehicle (22.2.26).
25. Four people were killed during a women-related dispute that escalated into a shootout between two parties near Masjid Aladad Khel Kuzkandi in Charsadda district (22.2.26).
26. Two terrorists, including Usama alias Danial alias Baghi of Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan, were killed in a shootout with CTD police in Bannu while being transported for interrogation. He had reportedly confessed to carrying out multiple attacks and killing police, security personnel, and civilians (22.2.26).
27. The under-construction house of Munawar Khan, uncle of two police constables, was destroyed by terrorists using explosives in Kotka Jafar, Serai Gambila, Lakki Marwat district.
28. Three Federal Constabulary personnel were martyred in a quadcopter attack carried out by terrorists on their camp in Karak district (23.2.26).
29. Security forces killed four terrorists during an IBO in Dera Ismail Khan district (23.2.26).
30. Unidentified gunmen shot dead Lady Dr. Mehwish while she was returning home from District Headquarters Hospital in Kohat (23.2.26).
31. Two bullet-riddled bodies, identified as Lal Mohammad alias Lal Ameer and Afghan national Abu Darda, were recovered from the Dwaizai area in Mohmand district (23.2.26).
32. A teenage boy, Irfanullah, kidnapped by terrorists on 19 February, was found dead in Paharkhel Pacca area of Lakki Marwat district (23.2.26).
33. Unknown armed miscreants destroyed the Government Middle School for Boys using explosives in Sharif Khan Kot, Birmal Tehsil, South Waziristan district (23.2.26).
34. Police and security forces repelled a terrorist attack on an under-construction university near Lakki Marwat city (23.2.26).
35. Police constable Attaullah was martyred by unidentified armed men in Mughal Village, Wana Tehsil, South Waziristan district (24.2.26).
36. Six policemen, including DSP Asad Mehmood, were martyred and four injured in a terrorist attack on vehicles on Shakardara Road in Kohat district (24.2.26).
37. Security forces killed 10 terrorists during an engagement in the Narmi Khel area of Bannu district (24.2.26).
38. Security forces killed a terrorist identified as an Afghan national during an exchange of fire in Hasso Khel area of North Waziristan district (24.2.26).
39. Three terrorists were killed during an exchange of fire in Lakki Marwat district (24.2.26).
40. Security forces killed 12 terrorists during two separate IBOs in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan district (24.2.26).
41. Four cops — Yar Zada, Dawood Khan, Imran Khan, and Siraj Khan — were martyred and two others injured when unidentified attackers fired on a police patrol in Bajaur district (25.2.26).
42. Unidentified terrorists abducted three brothers, including two policemen — Hazratullah and Amjad — from a mosque in Bannu and later reportedly killed the police personnel (26.2.26).
43. A policeman and his son were reportedly martyred by unknown gunmen in Landi Kotal, Khyber district (26.2.26).
44. Social worker Adnan was shot dead by unidentified assailants near Cinema Gali in Tank Bazaar (26.2.26).
45. A suspected drone strike severely damaged the Government High School Shamazan Kot building in the Miami Kabul Khel Doarzinda area of North Waziristan district (27.2.26).

PUNJAB

1. A suspected serial killer, Haroon Javed, was killed in firing by his own accomplices during a police encounter in Gujranwala. Javed was involved in the kidnapping and murder of four people, including a woman and her two children, near Canal Bank, City Housing Society, Gujranwala (16–17.2.26).
2.  
3. Religious scholar Engineer Mohammad Ali Mirza was attacked at his Jhelum academy by Mohammad Asim after a lecture while some attendees were taking selfies. Despite four-tier police security, he often ignores threat warnings. Last year, he was placed in MPO custody and later jailed over a blasphemy allegation before being granted bail (16.2.26).
4. CTD police arrested suspect Muhammad Khizer in Dehreinwali, Okara district, for allegedly planning terrorist activity and recovered 1.752 kg of explosive material, IED components, electronic devices, and Rs 2,050 in cash from his possession (17.2.26).
5. The National Highways and Motorway Police, along with the Punjab Police, rescued trader Tariq Aziz, who was kidnapped from Faisalabad by five suspects impersonating officials. The suspects’ vehicles were intercepted near Balkasar Interchange on Motorway M-2, and the victim was recovered while the suspects escaped (22.2.26).
6. Canadian doctoral researcher Hamza Ahmad Khan, who went missing on 19 February in DHA, Lahore, was later found in the custody of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, which alleges that he spread anti-state misinformation on X and Instagram. He was sent to 14 days’ judicial remand (23.2.26).
7. Two policemen, Muhammad Faheem and Muhammad Shahzad, were martyred and another was injured in a terrorist suicide blast at the Dajil checkpost in Bhakkar district (24.2.26).
8. CM Maryam Nawaz directed a three-month timeline for police reforms, including public feedback mechanisms, respectful citizen interactions, and the installation of panic buttons outside all police stations. She also approved the establishment of an anti-drone unit and ordered advanced digital scanners at all Punjab entry and exit points during her visit to the Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre (PIFTTA) in Lahore (16,25.2.26).

SINDH

1. Three terrorist facilitation suspects — Yasir Arfa, Khuda Buksh, and Zahid Hussain Barakzai — were arrested by Rangers and CTD police in Chakra Goth, Korangi, Karachi, with arms, ammunition, explosives, and subversive literature. They allegedly brainwashed college and university students to join outlawed groups (16.2.26).
2. CTD police killed four suspected BLA terrorists — Jaleel alias Farid, Niaz alias King, and Hamdan alias Farid — while two officials sustained injuries during an alleged encounter in Shah Latif Town, Karachi. CTD also recovered a Kalashnikov, five grenades, explosives, and IED-making materials from their hideout (17.2.26).
3. The Counter-Terrorism Department arrested three suspects — Danish alias Dias Dani, Arslan alias Arsu, and Salar Ahmed — near Rohri Interchange, Sukkur, seizing explosives, weapons, and fake currency worth Rs 7.5 million (17.2.26).
4. Sixteen people, including women and children, were killed and 14 injured when a gas explosion caused part of a residential building to collapse in Karachi’s Soldier Bazaar (19.2.26).
5. Rangers arrested suspected terrorist Dost Muhammad in Gulistan-i-Jauhar, Karachi, for alleged involvement in militant activities in Malakand Division. In a separate operation, Rangers and the Anti-Violent Crime Cell rescued a kidnapped trader in Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Karachi, and arrested Sajjad Usman and Hadad Ahmed, who allegedly demanded Rs 10 million in ransom (21–22.2.26).

PAKISTAN–AFGHANISTAN BORDER CLASHES

1. Pakistan struck seven militant camps near the Afghan border linked to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). Reportedly, 80 militants belonging to TTP were killed in this attack. The Afghan Taliban government summoned Pakistan’s envoy and protested the strikes in Nangarhar and Paktika, claiming civilian casualties. Afghan Taliban Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid warned that the actions would not go unanswered. India also criticized Pakistan over alleged civilian harm, while Pakistan maintained that its national security is “non-negotiable,” urging Afghanistan to curb cross-border militancy and reaffirming support for its armed forces (22–24.2.26).
2. The War

a) Afghan Taliban started unprovoked firing at multiple places along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Torkham and Tirah. Pak forces were ready for such an eventuality and gave an immediate response. Pakistan subsequently launched “Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq” across multiple KPK border sectors as the situation escalated into open fighting.  DG ISPR in a press conference revealed that 274 TTP and Afghan fighters were killed and around 400 injured, while 12 Pakistani soldiers lost their lives in the initial forays. The Ministry of Information reported heavy Taliban losses, including hundreds killed and injured, with numerous checkpoints, posts, and armored vehicles destroyed. Air and ground strikes also targeted sites in Kabul, Kandahar, Khost, and Nangarhar, including the reported destruction of an ammunition depot in Nangarhar Province.

b) Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that the strikes were conducted to ensure the safety of Pakistani citizens and prevent imminent terrorist attacks, warning of a decisive response to further provocation. Countries including China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK, and the UN called for restraint and dialogue. U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker conveyed condolences over the conflict and reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s right to self-defense (25–27.2.26).

Comments & Analysis: a) Recent attacks in Bajaur, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan reflect the growing operational capability of the banned TTP, threatening both security forces and civilians and underscoring the need for a comprehensive national counterterrorism strategy. Pakistan’s strikes on militant hideouts and the unprovoked firing by Afghan forces along the border indicate the breakdown of the temporary ceasefire brokered earlier by brother Muslim countries, further straining fragile bilateral ties. Ongoing cross-border clashes along the Durand Line highlight the limited success of diplomatic efforts. Pakistan had been urging the IEA to act against militants, while the IEA denied their presence and called for dialogue with outlawed groups — an approach that has so far failed to produce lasting peace and has now turned into an open, limited war between the two countries.

b) Security analyst Dr. Naveed Elahi’s article on counterterrorism was published on StrategicBrief.com on 19 February 2026. His program Disclosure with Dr. Naveed Elahi reported the destruction of seven terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan on 23 February 2026. The National Institute of Public Policy hosted a roundtable on Pakistan-Afghanistan relations and regional peace. Two vlog episodes of “Disclosure with Naveed Elahi” on 24 and 27 February 2026 featured former IB DG Tariq Lodhi discussing terrorists’ use of quadcopters and Afghan attacks on Pakistan, examining the issues in depth.

DEFENCE AND SECURITY

Pakistan Army

1. COAS & CDF Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler and NSA of Abu Dhabi, discussing ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the economy, investment, and security, while emphasizing regional stability and the Pakistan-UAE strategic partnership (16.2.26).
2. On the 7th anniversary of Operation Swift Retort, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS & CDF; Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff; and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, on behalf of Pakistan’s Armed Forces, paid tribute to the courage, professionalism, and sacrifices of their personnel. Launched on 27 February 2019, Operation Swift Retort was a decisive response to India’s unprovoked aggression, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty (27.2.26).

Pakistan Navy

1. Bahria University, Islamabad, held its 28th convocation, where Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf conferred degrees on over 3,300 graduates and awarded 108 gold and 105 silver medals for academic excellence (16.2.26).

DIPLOMATIC DEVELOPMENT AND SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

1. PM Shehbaz Sharif and others attended the Board of Peace Meeting in the USA.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by Deputy PM & FM Ishaq Dar, after attending the Board of Peace meeting chaired by President Donald Trump, met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss counterterrorism, energy, critical minerals, and US investment. He also praised President Trump for mediating South Asia crises and Gaza peace efforts. The Prime Minister held meetings with global leaders, including the kings and presidents of Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Indonesia, to discuss regional and international issues and Pakistan’s role in peace initiatives (19–20.2.26).

• Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar received a call from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss the evolving regional situation. He condemned the unwarranted attacks against Iran and urged immediate de-escalation through renewed diplomacy for a peaceful resolution, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan (28.2.26).

(Regional)

AFGHANISTAN

1. The Afghanistan Freedom Front reportedly carried out attacks on Taliban checkpoints in Bala Hesar Square and Police District 1 in Kunduz, claiming four Taliban members killed and three wounded, though the Taliban have not commented. Tajik authorities seized 58 kg of narcotics smuggled from Afghanistan, arresting two suspects, with cross-border trafficking reportedly up nearly 50 percent from last year. Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada approved sending 1,000 fighters to guard gold mines in Badakhshan, with revenues funding welfare projects despite local clashes; around 100,000 people work in gold mining across Badakhshan and Takhar. Afghanistan’s Chief of Armed Forces, Fasihuddin Fitrat, emphasized military readiness at the 313 Central Corps graduation ceremony and unveiled a new army uniform symbolizing order and unity (15,17.2.26).

Diplomatic Development and Ties with Foreign Countries

1. Russia’s Foreign Ministry, in a separate report, stated that 20,000–23,000 fighters from various international terrorist groups are currently in Afghanistan, with more than half being foreign nationals, contributing to security and political instability. Major groups include Islamic State–Khorasan Province (3,000 fighters), Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (5,000–7,000 fighters), and al-Qaeda (400–1,500 fighters), along with smaller outfits such as ETIM, IMU, and Jamaat Ansarullah. Moscow stated that the presence of these groups poses a growing regional threat. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), however, rejected the claims as unfounded and urged Russia to reassess its report based on objective ground realities (19,23,24.2.26).

BANGLADESH

1. Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sworn in as Bangladesh’s new Prime Minister in an open-air ceremony in Dhaka officiated by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, with regional diplomats in attendance. The BNP secured a two-thirds majority to return to power after nearly two decades, while Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies will serve as the opposition, and the Awami League was barred from contesting. Rahman, returning after 17 years in exile, called for calm and lawful conduct (16.2.26).
2. The Bangladesh Army reshuffled its top leadership, appointing Lt Gen Mainur Rahman as Chief of General Staff following Lt Gen Mizanur Rahman Shamim’s retirement. Maj Gen Mir Mushfiqur Rahman was promoted to Lieutenant General and named PSO, while Brig Gen Mohammad Kaiser Rashid Chowdhury became DGFI chief. Several other senior officers were reassigned to diplomatic and key command roles (22.2.26).

CHINA

1. President Trump will travel to China from March 31 to April 2 for a high-profile meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, his first since 2017. The trip aims to bolster ties between the world’s two largest economies amid ongoing trade tensions. The visit comes as the U.S. Supreme Court struck down many of Trump’s tariffs, complicating trade negotiations. A key focus will be whether to extend or revise the tariff truce and address issues such as agricultural purchases and strategic competition. Broader geopolitical issues, including arms sales to Taiwan and supply-chain concerns, are also expected to influence the talks (21.2.26).

ILLEGALLY INDIAN OCCUPIED JAMMU AND KASHMIR (IIOJK) / LOC

1. The J&K government, led by CM Omar Abdullah, reportedly proposed to New Delhi the diversion of Ravi River surplus water to Jammu and the revival of the pending Tulbul Navigation Barrage in Kashmir. The Centre suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in 2025 after the Phlegm incident (17.2.26).
2. Indian security forces claimed to have killed three Kashmiri youths, including Saifullah, in a fake encounter under the so-called “Operation Trashi” in Chotroo, Kishtwar district, alleging their involvement in militancy. Thereafter, GOC-in-C Northern Command Lt Gen Pratik Sharma visited Kishtwar to commend the troops, while Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi also praised the operation (22,24.2.26).
3. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) reportedly arrested two more alleged operatives — Zameer Ahmad Ahangar and Tufail Ahmad Bhat — from IIOJK in the 10 November Delhi Red Fort blast case, in which 11 people were killed (25.2.26).

INDIA

(Defence / Security)

Indian Army

1. The Army Airborne Training School conducted an airdrop of a 28-foot BMP vehicle from a C-17 at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges using an indigenous parachute system. Lt Gen P. K. Mishra reviewed counterterrorism readiness in Kishtwar and assessed operational preparedness along the LoC in Poonch and Rajouri. Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, along with Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, met the Ladakh Lt Governor in Leh and reviewed security in the Siachen sector (16,17,19.2.26).
2. The Indian Army’s Southern Command conducted Exercise Agni Varsha at Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, showcasing integrated combat power with tanks, artillery, helicopters, and drones. The drill demonstrated precision long-range fires, networked command systems, and reinforced India’s readiness for coordinated desert operations (24.2.26).

Indian Navy

• India is developing a Rs 72,000-crore Great Nicobar Mega Project featuring a port, airport, township, and power plant to boost influence over the Malacca Strait. The project strengthens the Andaman and Nicobar Command, counters China’s “String of Pearls,” and secures vital trade and energy routes. According to an unconfirmed report, India’s nuclear submarine force is expanding, with INS Aridhaman joining INS Arihant and INS Arighat, strengthening its sea-based nuclear deterrent, second-strike capability, and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific (17.2.26).
• Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited India from 14–19 February 2026, meeting top defense officials and industry leaders, including Gen Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff of India, and Adm Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff of India, in New Delhi, Chandimandir, and Bengaluru. The visit strengthened military ties, regional security, and defense-industrial collaboration, reinforcing the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership under the 2025 10-year framework across land, sea, air, space, cyberspace, and emerging technologies.

Indian Air Force

• Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh presided over the Southern Air Command Commanders’ Conference, highlighting the IAF’s focus on operational efficiency and adaptive leadership (16.2.26).

Security

• The Indian government launched PRAHAAR, its first national counterterrorism policy, promoting an intelligence-driven, “whole-of-government” approach to prevent terrorism and tackle cyber threats, terror financing, and cross-border attacks. The MAC and JTFI under the Intelligence Bureau (IB) are tasked with real-time intelligence sharing and coordinated action (23.2.26).

IRAN

1. The U.S. and Israel launched a “pre-emptive” joint strike on Iranian targets, with President Trump announcing major combat operations. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard responded with missile and drone attacks against Israel. Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian is reported safe, while Supreme Leader Khamenei was moved to a secure location. (Later, he embraced martyrdom in US-Israel missile attacks on 1 March.
2. Iran, Israel, Iraq, and Gulf nations including Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE closed their airspaces amid regional tensions and explosions. Earlier, two rounds of negotiations between Iran and the USA in different countries ended without any productive results (26,28.2.26).

Comments & Analysis: The region is in turmoil after the US-Israel attack on Iran and retaliatory attacks on Gulf nations by Iran. Negotiations with Iran were underway when the attack was launched resulting in the deaths of senior military leadership of Iran. Iran has showed no intention to back down. Resultantly, the war has escalated. The blockade of Strait of Hormuz is likely to have serios impact on the economies of the regional states, as well as on the European countries.   

Palestine-Israel War

1. Israel is using genocidal violence in Gaza and “legalized” land grabs in the West Bank to displace Palestinians. The UN Secretary General, Pakistan, the European Union, and Arab states including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan condemned Israel’s West Bank land decision as illegal and destabilizing. Palestinians view the West Bank as essential for a future state, while some Israeli settlers aim to take it over. Rights groups report rising settler attacks and demographic changes. Over 500,000 Israelis live in illegal West Bank settlements alongside about three million Palestinians. Israeli police arrested Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi from Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem without reason amid rising restrictions on imams, worshippers, and mosque access (16–17.2.26).
2. US President Donald Trump, while chairing the Board of Peace meeting in the USA, pledged $10 billion for Gaza reconstruction, with Muslim-majority nations offering funds and troops, though Pakistan was not included. The International Stabilization Force, led by Maj Gen Jaspher Jeffers of the USA with personnel from Morocco, Albania, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Kosovo, will secure reconstruction zones, while Hamas’ disarmament remains uncertain (19.2.26).
3. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, in an interview, stated that Israeli expansion across the Middle East “would be good,” citing biblical claims from the Nile to the Euphrates. His remarks, linked to “Greater Israel” ideas, sparked criticism for suggesting expansion beyond recognized borders. Huckabee later claimed his comments were selectively edited, drawing Arab backlash. Pakistan and 13 other Muslim-majority countries, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, and Indonesia, along with organizations such as the OIC, Arab League, and GCC, condemned his remarks as dangerous and a violation of international law. They reaffirmed support for Palestinian self-determination based on 1967 borders and rejected annexation and settlement expansion. The U.S. Embassy stated that Huckabee’s comments were taken out of context and that U.S. policy remains unchanged (22–24.2.26).