Domestic

AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR (AJK)

1. AJK Minister Ali Shan Soni condoled with the family of 23-year-old Hamzah Yousaf in Kumboha village, allegedly killed by Indian troops near the LoC on 10 March, while Indian media reported him as an “intruder and terrorist.” He criticized this as a recurring pattern of labeling civilian deaths as infiltration incidents (17.3.26).
2. AJK leadership, including PM Faisal Mumtaz Rathor, reaffirmed support for Kashmiri self-determination and condemned the sentencing of female freedom leaders Asiya Andrabi, Fehmida Sofi, and Nahida Nasreen. Women’s groups in Muzaffarabad protested the “wrongful” sentencing, urging the UN and human rights organizations to intervene, while the Women Wing of Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan demonstrated in Islamabad against the “illegal and unjust” verdict. Pakistan’s Foreign Office called the sentences a “grave miscarriage of justice,” whereas India rejected the criticism, claiming Pakistan condones violence (23, 24, 25, 27.3.26).

BALOCHISTAN

1. Security forces arrested 65 illegal Afghan immigrants, including women and children, during raids in Chagai district. Officials said they had allegedly entered Pakistan illegally and were planning to travel onward to Iran, Türkiye, and Europe (16.3.26).
2. Federal and provincial governments agreed to deploy 3,000 Federal Constabulary personnel in Balochistan to improve law and order and combat terrorism and anti-state propaganda (16.3.26).
3. Two Pakistan Coast Guards personnel were martyred and one injured in an armed attack by unidentified motorcyclists at a check post in the Paniwan area of Jiwani, Gwadar district (17.3.26).
4. The Gwadar district administration has suspended the Rahdari system for travel to Iran, disrupting cross-border movement and social ties, as it previously allowed border residents of Pakistan and Iran to travel without passports or visas (18.3.26).
5. CM Sarfaraz Bugti said a female suicide bomber, Laiba, was arrested in Khuzdar through human intelligence, warning that groups like Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and Balochistan Liberation Army are exploiting women and youth for recruitment (18.3.26).
6. Two bullet-riddled bodies, identified as Musa Khan and Lal Khan, were found in Killi Bakhtiar Kan in the Luni area of Duki district (20.3.26).
7. Three tribesmen were killed and five injured in a clash between two tribes in the Segi area of Glisten Tehsil, Qila Abdullah district (24.3.26).
8. One person was killed and six others injured after a gas cylinder explosion at an ice factory in the Gulistan area of Qila Abdullah district (25.3.26).
9. Three security personnel, including two CTD officials and a policeman, were martyred in separate attacks in Quetta, Khuzdar, and Qila Abdullah districts. A CTD trainee was abducted and killed, while others were shot dead in targeted attacks (26.3.26).
10. Border trade between Pakistan and Iran reportedly continues through crossings like Taftan and Makran and other locations. Fuel supply briefly dropped, causing price increases due to reduced flow and hoarding, but trade remains unaffected (27.3.26).
11. Pakistan Railways temporarily suspended the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express from Quetta on March 27 due to technical issues, track maintenance, and security concerns, with passengers refunded. Bolan Mail and Quetta–Chaman passenger trains also remain suspended due to low passenger numbers and other unspecified reasons (27.3.26).
12. Anti-Terrorist Force (ATF) and police killed two wanted terrorists during an exchange of fire in the Killi Bakhtiarabad area of Duki (28.3.26).
13. Police found a bullet-riddled body of one Israr in the Kisaak area of Turbat, Kech district (28.3.26).
14. Eleven people, including six attackers, were killed in coordinated house attacks in Panjgur, where armed men targeted homes, killing civilians and setting property on fire. Security forces retaliated after hours of gun battle, killing six attackers, while five civilians were killed and two injured (29.3.26).
15. One person was killed and 12 others, including police and civilians, were injured in firing and grenade attacks across Quetta, including a foiled assault on a security post at Sariab Road. A passerby was killed during the exchange of fire, while another grenade attack on a police station in the Aghbarg area injured a constable before the attackers fled (29.3.26).
16. Saboteurs blew up a small railway bridge in Mastung by planting explosives under the track. Police foiled another attempt to destroy a highway bridge in Surab, recovering around 320 kg of explosives from beneath it (29.3.26).
17. Three security personnel, including Constable Noor and Constable Muhammad, were martyred and four others injured in two separate terrorist attacks involving an exchange of fire at a police station in Jhal Magsi district and an ambush on a patrolling squad in Quetta (30.3.26).
18. Gas supply to parts of Quetta and other Balochistan districts was suspended after unidentified men blew up an 18-inch main pipeline with explosives in the Akhtarabad area on the Western Bypass (30.3.26).

Comments & Analysis: Terrorists and separatists, allegedly backed by foreign handlers and patrons, have shifted tactics in Balochistan by attacking towns, blocking roads, targeting civilians and security forces, sabotaging infrastructure, and looting banks for funding, seemingly to exploit the current US–Israel–Iran war in the region. However, their efforts have largely failed due to advanced intelligence, effective countermeasures, and growing public support for security forces, as discussed in “The Hydra Headed Fitna-Al Hind and Balochistan” by Tariq Lodhi, published on 31 March 2026.

KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA (KP)

1. Security forces killed five terrorists during an operation in Lakki Marwat district (15.3.26).
2. Sixteen people were injured when a petrol tank and battery of a motorcycle exploded after catching fire during welding repairs in Hangu (16.3.26).
3. A gas pipeline supplying gas to Punjab was blown up by unidentified miscreants using explosives in the Sherikhel area of Lakki Marwat district (17.3.26).
4. A man, Bacha Yousaf Khan, was martyred after unidentified armed assailants attacked him in the Mano Banda area of Gandigar in Upper Dir district (18.3.26).
5. The body of a seven-year-old boy who went missing was recovered from agricultural fields in the Kirri Shamozai area of Dera Ismail Khan district (18.3.26).
6. CTD and local police, in a joint operation, killed a wanted terrorist identified as Ahmed s/o Guldin in Paharpur tehsil of Dera Ismail Khan district (19.3.26).
7. DG Food Safety and Halal Food Authority, Kashif Iqbal Durrani, sustained injuries when unknown armed motorcyclists opened fire at him within the jurisdiction of Chamkani police station in Peshawar (20.3.26).
8. A decomposed body of an unidentified person was found in a forest near the Khoidadkhel area within Lakki Marwat city limits (20.3.26).
9. A dialysis technician, Mohammad Arif Wazir, was shot dead by unknown assailants near Shaheed Mor in South Waziristan district (20.3.26).
10. The body of an unidentified person was found in Shagai village on the outskirts of Swabi city (21.3.26).
11. Security forces killed two terrorists after an attack on an under-construction police station in Kurram district; a mortar shell also killed one person and injured three others (22.3.26).
12. Unidentified gunmen shot and injured a police constable, Fareedullah, deployed at a camp in Bakakhel, Bannu district (23.3.26).
13. Security forces and police arrested two suspects from Azerbaijan, identified as Gohar and Muhammad Younus, linked to ISIS-K (23.3.26).
14. Unidentified gunmen shot dead three people, including an Afghan driver, and injured three others belonging to the family of Malik Sardar Ali Wazir (24.3.26).
15. CTD police killed two wanted terrorists, Imdad and Tauqeer, affiliated with the banned TTP Mustaq Group (25.3.26).
16. CTD police recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in Bara, Khyber district (25.3.26).
17. Unidentified armed men killed civilian Zahid Khan and injured three others, including two CTD personnel (26.3.26).
18. The Bomb Disposal Squad defused an explosive device near Sadiqabad Bazaar in Bajaur district (28.3.26).
19. Two individuals were arrested for desecrating the national flag; they later confessed and expressed remorse (28.3.26).
20. Two persons were killed and another injured in landmine explosions in Upper Kurram (28.3.26).
21. Three people were injured in a firing incident in Bajaur (29.3.26).
22. Unknown assailants shot dead Hameedullah in Khyber district (29.3.26).
23. Four people were killed in a clash over a land dispute in Bara, Khyber district (30.3.26).
24. An IED blast occurred near the house of ANP leader Mumtaz Ali Khan; no casualties were reported (30.3.26).

Comments & Analysis: Ever since Pakistan has taken direct action against the Taliban govt of Afghanistan, there is a marked reduction in the incidents of terrorism like suicide attacks and group attacks. According to some reports there is 80% drop in corss-border terrorism from Afghanistan since the inception of Operation Ghazab lil Haq. Pakistan’s strategy of striking at the source is working well.

PUNJAB

1. CTD police arrested a suspect, Rehmatullah Yousafzai, affiliated with the banned TTP, and recovered explosives and related devices from his possession in the Satgarh area on the Okara–Faisalabad Road in Okara district (20.3.26).
2. Three persons allegedly dug a 300-foot tunnel over 100 days from a rented house to a rice godown in Chiniot to steal rice; one was arrested, while two remain at large. Though a theft, the act sets a dangerous precedent for serious crimes or potential sabotage (20.3.26).
3. Twenty-six passengers were injured when seven coaches of the Karachi-bound Tezgam derailed near Adam Wahan Railway Station on the Bahawalpur–Lodhran section; an inquiry is underway to determine the cause (25.3.26).
4. The Punjab government extended the ban on outdoor drone flying, originally imposed on 25 February, for another 30 days under Section 144, citing public safety concerns. The restriction excludes indoor use at events and functions, with organisers responsible for ensuring safe operation (27.3.26).
5. CTD police claim to have arrested 36 suspected terrorists from banned groups in province-wide operations last month (28.3.26).
6. FIA arrested Qasid Ali, alias Kashi Goraya, a top human trafficker and prime suspect in the January 2025 Morocco boat tragedy, from Nowshera Virkan. He was wanted in multiple FIRs for transnational human trafficking, extortion, forced labour, and illegal migration (29.3.26).

SINDH

1. CTD police arrested suspected TTP terrorist Ihsanullah in Malir, Karachi (15.3.26).
2. One person was killed and three others injured when the Shalimar Express collided with a goods train in Naushahro Feroze, Sindh (15.3.26).
3. CTD identified Sohail Baloch, killed in Karachi, as a banned BLA operative linked to multiple terrorist attacks (17.3.26).
4. FIA raided two Karachi hotels, rescued 33 trafficked women bound for the UAE, and arrested four traffickers (17.3.26).
5. Two PPP workers, Sheroz Sajad and Saqib Javed, were reportedly shot dead in Orangi, Karachi (18.3.26).
6. NCCIA busted an illegal call centre in Karachi and arrested six individuals for defrauding foreign nationals (19.3.26).
7. Four brothers were killed and one critically injured in Sukkur over a suspected enmity (20.3.26).
8. DSP Ahsan Zulfiqar died from injuries sustained in February 2025; Mustafa Amir was found murdered; suspect Armaghan Qureshi was arrested in Balochistan (23.3.26).
9. An unknown arsonist attempted to burn a stationery shop in New Urdu Bazaar, Nazimabad, Karachi (22.3.26).
10. CTD and IB arrested five BRG suspects in Karachi who were planning attacks; weapons and explosives were recovered (23.3.26).
11. OGDCL uncovered crude oil theft and an illegal refinery in Tando Allahyar (25.3.26).
12. Rangers and CTD arrested a suspected BLA terrorist, Asim Ali Kalamti, in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi (29.3.26).
13. A trailer fire in Karimabad, Karachi, damaged the front portion; authorities are probing a reported suspicious chemical leak (29.3.26).

PAKISTAN–AFGHANISTAN ARMED CONFLICT

Pakistan reportedly targeted “Camp Phoenix” in Kabul and Nangarhar under Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, while Afghanistan reported strikes on Omid Camp causing hundreds of casualties. Clashes along the border affected civilians and security forces despite a three-day Eid ceasefire allowing limited humanitarian access. Pakistan resumed the operation after the Eid truce, with cross-border fire at Torkham injuring a Pakistani official, emphasizing the need for a permanent halt to terrorism from Afghan soil. Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Qatar, and China supported the truce and urged dialogue, while Pakistan pressed Kabul to act against groups like the banned TTP. Clerics proposed extending the ceasefire to Eidul Azha, with Pakistan seeking Afghan guarantees for lasting peace (16–30.3.26).

DEFENCE AND SECURITY

1. COAS and CDF Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met Ahl-e-Tasheeh Ulema in Rawalpindi to discuss national security and societal harmony, emphasizing unity, tolerance, countering misinformation, and preventing attacks from Afghan soil under Operation Ghazab lil-Haq (19.3.26).
2. The COAS & CDF visited Kurram district on Eid-ul-Fitr, offered prayers with troops, and praised their professionalism and morale in safeguarding Pakistan. He commended successes in Operation Ghazab lil-Haq and reiterated that Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism against Pakistan (21.3.26).
3. The President of Pakistan approved military awards for officers and personnel of the Pakistan Armed Forces, including Sitara-i-Basalat, Tamgha-i-Basalat, Imtiazi Asnad, COAS Commendation Cards, Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military), and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military). Earlier, to mark the 86th Pakistan Day, the COAS & CDF, Chief of Naval Staff, and Chief of Air Staff congratulated the nation on behalf of the Pakistan Armed Forces, reaffirming commitment to democracy, national security, and countering terrorism and extremism (23, 24.3.26).
4. The Pakistan Navy welcomed People’s Liberation Army Navy ship DAQING for the 4th SEA GUARDIAN exercise (25 March–2 April 2026), aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation and interoperability through joint activities (25.3.26).

DIPLOMATIC DEVELOPMENT, ECONOMY, SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

Chinese President greeting on Pakistan Day

1. Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a Pakistan Day message to President Asif Ali Zardari, pledging closer Sino-Pak ties and strategic cooperation. PM Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also extended greetings to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reaffirming a deeper China–Pakistan strategic partnership (23.3.26).

Chinese Ambassador’s meetings with the Prime Minister and Interior Minister over security

• Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong in Islamabad to discuss counter-terrorism, security cooperation, the Police Exchange Program, and plans for a Special Protection Unit to safeguard Chinese nationals. Both sides agreed to hold a business conference in two phases to address security concerns of Chinese and potential investors in Pakistan. Meanwhile, high-level meetings between the Chinese ambassador and PM Shehbaz Sharif and other officials reportedly reviewed regional stability, ongoing Pakistan–China cooperation, and security arrangements for foreign citizens (26.3.26).

Fuel and petrochemical shipments through the Strait of Hormuz

• (a) Fuel and petrochemical supplies to Pakistan continue smoothly as Iranian authorities allow vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, with tankers MT Shalimar, MT Vienna Wood, and MT Khairpur unloading crude oil, diesel, and petrol at Karachi and Port Qasim. Other ships carried commodities like soybeans, coal, and ethylene, ensuring no imminent fuel shortage despite the US–Israel–Iran conflict (29.3.26).

(b) The Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, highlighted Gwadar Port’s growing strategic importance as the M/V HMO LEADER berthed successfully, reflecting rising interest from international shipping lines amid regional tensions. He also announced tariff incentives at Port Qasim to boost efficiency and regional trade.

Pakistan hosts foreign ministers’ meeting

• (a) Pakistan signalled it could host direct US–Iran talks. Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that both the United States and Iran had expressed confidence in Pakistan to facilitate dialogue. The Islamabad quadrilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt supported structured negotiations and emphasized Muslim unity (29–30.3.26).

(b) Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, reaffirmed support for facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran, stating Pakistan would assist while decisions rest with the concerned parties (30–31.3.26).

(c) Analysts believe Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, backed by China, aim to stabilize Gulf shipping and potentially facilitate US–Iran dialogue in Islamabad.

AFGHANISTAN

1. IEA Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi blamed Pakistan for an alleged airstrike in Kabul, warning of retaliation. Russia opposed any return of US/NATO forces, while trade facilitation with Iran improved (18, 23, 27.3.26).
2. A US citizen, Dennis Coyle, was released on humanitarian grounds. Talks involving US officials and Afghan authorities took place with UAE support (25.3.26).

BANGLADESH

The Director General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), Kaiser Rasheed Chowdhury, visited New Delhi from 1–3 March for high-level security talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, as well as the chiefs of RAW and IB, focusing on reviving security cooperation and regional stability, according to Indian media reports. India’s MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the discussions. The visit of the DGFI appears to be a first step toward reviving security cooperation with India and reflects a measured approach in balancing relations with India, China, Pakistan, and other regional countries. Later, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-uz-Zaman departed Dhaka for an official visit to the United States. He is expected to receive an honour at the Georgia State Capitol for Bangladesh’s contributions to United Nations peacekeeping and to attend a Senate Chamber lecture. He is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with U.S. officials on defence cooperation (29.3.26).

Analysis and Comments

According to analysts, Bangladesh’s foreign policy in 2025–26 shows a shift toward greater flexibility, with improved ties with Pakistan and stronger economic and defence cooperation with China, while relations with India weakened during the interim administration of Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus. However, following developments after the early 2026 general elections, Bangladesh under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is pursuing a reset in relations with India after tensions following the 2024 uprising. The new approach reflects a shift from earlier strain toward cautious re-engagement between Dhaka and New Delhi. Although not as close as during former PM Sheikh Hasina’s era, both sides aim to rebuild ties due to economic, geographic, and security imperatives.

CHINA

President Donald Trump visit to Beijing

1. It is reported that under a new proposal, U.S. President Donald Trump may visit China on 14–15 May after delays caused by the Iran-linked war. He is expected to meet President Xi Jinping in Beijing and later host him in Washington for further talks. Discussions will focus on trade, agriculture, aircraft, and sensitive issues such as Taiwan. The ongoing Iran conflict continues to impact global markets, energy routes, and regional security, making the visit a key test of U.S.–China relations (26.3.26).

DPM and FM Ishaq Dar one-day visit to Beijing

• During his one-day visit to China, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss the US–Israel–Iran war and broader regional developments. They issued a five-point initiative calling for an immediate ceasefire, peace talks, and humanitarian access, while emphasizing the protection of Iran’s and Gulf states’ sovereignty, civilians, and critical infrastructure. The plan also highlighted securing shipping lanes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, and promoting multilateralism through a UN-based peace framework (31.3.26).

ILLEGALLY INDIAN OCCUPIED JAMMU AND KASHMIR (IIOJK) / LOC

1. Indian security forces and police continued their so-called anti-militancy drive in IIOJK and arrested innocent Kashmiri youth in alleged fabricated cases. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at nine locations across IIOJK in connection with the Delhi Red Fort blast case, seizing digital devices for forensic analysis. So far, 11 accused have been arrested, while the prime suspect, Umer-un-Nabi, was killed in the explosion (23.3.26).
2. Indian Army Northern Command C-in-C Lt Gen Pratik Sharma and GOC 15 Corps Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava visited units across the Kashmir Valley, including the Budgam JCC, to review security, counter-terrorism, and inter-agency coordination. Later, in Nagrota Cantt, he chaired a meeting emphasizing real-time intelligence sharing, enhanced coordination, and a strong counter-terrorism grid to address regional threats (16, 26.3.26).
3. Kashmiri female resistance leader Asiya Andrabi, founder of Dukhtaran-e-Millat, was sentenced to life imprisonment by a special NIA court in New Delhi. Her associates Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen received 30-year sentences. Kashmiri and international rights groups condemned the verdict. IIOJK CM Omar Abdullah condemned the US–Israel attacks on Iran as an “unjust and illegal war,” expressing condolences for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and others killed in the conflict, and urged PM Narendra Modi to use diplomatic channels to help end the war (24, 27.3.26).

INDIA

Defence

Exercise Amogh Jwala

1. The Indian Army’s 13-day Exercise “Amogh Jwala,” under Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth at Babina, showcased advanced mechanised and multi-domain warfare with integrated drones, aircraft, electronic warfare, and precision strikes (18.3.26).

Visits of commanders

• The GOC 16 Corps, Lt Gen P. K. Mishra, visited forward areas of the Akhnoor sector along the LoC to review operational preparedness. The GOC IX Corps, Lt Gen Rajan Sharawat, reviewed troop readiness in the Bani-Machhedi sector. COAS General Upendra Dwivedi visited the Sudarshan Chakra Corps to assess operational readiness, while the GOC Spear Corps Lt Gen Abhijit S. Pendharkar reviewed artillery operations in Arunachal Pradesh (17, 19, 23, 24.3.26).

Vice Chief appointment

• Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth is reportedly set to assume the role of Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) at Army Headquarters, New Delhi, on 1 April (23.3.26).

Drone warfare integration

• The Indian Army is embedding Shaurya Squadrons—specialised drone units—into tank regiments for surveillance, precision strikes, and electronic warfare. Six squadrons are currently active, with plans to expand across all 67 armoured regiments. Drone warfare is being integrated into doctrine, with training at 19 centres and plans to deploy 8,000–10,000 drones per corps (27.3.26).

Diplomacy / Economy / Events

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the inauguration of Noida International Airport, stated that India is taking all necessary steps to protect its citizens amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. He added that the government is working to manage oil and gas challenges to minimize the burden on families and farmers (28.3.26).

IRAN

US–Israel war with Iran

1. (a) Since the start of the US–Israel war with Iran, airstrikes and bombardments have caused significant casualties, with Iran retaliating through missile strikes, escalating the conflict. Global leaders have warned of uncontrollable escalation. Approximately 3,000 casualties have reportedly occurred.

(b) Senior Iranian leadership and military commanders were targeted. Iran issued demands through mediation, including restrictions on nuclear capabilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

(c) Iran alleged that negotiations are being used as cover for military positioning. Iranian leadership warned of retaliation against any ground invasion.

(d) The conflict has expanded regionally, including involvement from Hezbollah and Houthi forces, disrupting global energy supplies and causing widespread displacement (18–31.3.26).

Comments & Analysis: The expansion of the war increases the risk of regional instability and miscalculation. De-escalation depends on halting hostilities and enabling diplomatic efforts. A podcast by Dr. Naveed Elahi featuring Tariq Lodhi, former DG IB, discussed these developments (27.3.26).

MIDDLE EAST

The United States stated that it respects Israel’s right to legislate its own laws following a proposed death penalty for Palestinians convicted of killings, while urging adherence to fair trial standards. The move drew criticism from European nations and human rights organizations, including Britain, France, Germany, and Italy, which warned it could undermine democratic commitments. Rights groups argued the law is discriminatory, noting that Israel has not carried out a judicial execution since 1962 (30.3.26).