16- 31 Jan 2025

Domestic

BALOCHISTAN

1. A Frontier Corps (FC) Havaldar, Tasneem, was martyred, and two others were injured in an IED blast in the Nechara area of Kalat district (16.1.25).
2. Unidentified armed motorcyclists held policemen hostage and set a check post on fire after seizing weapons, a radio, and other equipment in the Turbat area of Kech district (18.1.25).
3. An OGDCL gas project worker, Gulla Khan, was killed, and another was injured in a targeted IED attack by terrorists in Qila Saifullah district (20.1.25).
4. Unidentified armed men barged into the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) office premises, shot dead an employee, Muhammad Bilal, and injured another in the Chatikan area of Panjgur. Both officials hailed from Rahim Yar Khan district of Punjab (21.1.25).
5. Unknown armed motorcyclists launched a rocket attack on a security post in Panjgur, overpowered the Levies Force personnel, seized their weapons and communication equipment, and set the post ablaze (22.1.25).
6. Unidentified armed men intercepted and set fire to two trucks carrying mineral material on the Quetta-Taftan Highway near Noshki (22.1.25).
7. Security forces killed six terrorists while thwarting an infiltration attempt by their group along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in the Sambaza area of Zhob district during an exchange of fire (23.1.25).

BLA Commander Surrenders in Quetta

8. A former member of the defunct Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), including commander Najeebullah, alias Darvesh or Adam, who had recently surrendered during a press conference in Quetta, claimed that the outlawed group brainwashed ordinary citizens into taking up arms over Balochistan’s affairs and engaging in terrorist activities. Najeebullah stated that he had been in contact with intelligence agents of foreign countries who were more interested in destabilizing Pakistan than supporting its independence. He also criticized Baloch separatist leaders whose families live luxurious lives abroad while ordinary militants fight at home. After realizing the truth, he distanced himself from the group following a long period of association (24.1.25).
9. Security guards shot dead a man identified as Saimullah, who attempted to enter the DC House in Gwadar. Earlier, he had entered a nearby mosque and used the loudspeaker to issue threats of blowing himself up (24.1.25).
10. One person was killed, and seven others were injured when an IED blast targeted a passenger bus traveling from Khuzdar to Rawalpindi in Khuzdar district (25.1.25).
11. Police killed a dacoit in an armed clash with a gang in the Chuto Mills area of Mastung town. However, Constable Shaukat Jan Shahwani was also martyred during the exchange of fire (27.1.25).
12. A group of unidentified militants blocked the CPEC highway in the Josak area of Turbat, stopped all passing vehicles, including passenger buses, for two hours, and killed a passenger identified as Muhammad Sharif from Taunsa Sharif, Punjab (27.1.25).
13. Two people, Sohail Harifal and Muhammad Saleh, were shot dead by unidentified armed men near Zhob (27.1.25).
14. Security forces killed five terrorists while thwarting an attack on a check post in the Gulistan area of Qila Abdullah district. However, during the exchange of fire, two soldiers, Naik Tahir Khan and Lance Naik Tahir Iqbal, embraced martyrdom (27.1.25).
15. Unidentified gunmen carried out a targeted attack, martyring a policeman, Mahboob Shah, on Manu Jan Road in Quetta (30.1.25).

KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA (KPK)

1. Security forces, during an intelligence-based operation (IBO), killed four terrorists in the Spinwam area of North Waziristan district (15.1.25).
2. Two policemen were injured in a late-night attack by terrorists on a check post in the Puran tehsil of Shangla district (15.1.25).
3. Three children were injured when a mortar shell, fired from an unknown direction, struck a house in the Salarzai area of Bajaur district (16.1.25).
4. Police Constable Habibur Rehman was martyred in a targeted attack by unidentified gunmen in the Balkhi Koroona area of Lakki Marwat district (16.1.25).
5. Two people, including a retired Police Sub-Inspector, Gul Shadi Khan, were shot dead by unknown assailants in the Banda Daud Shah area of Karak district (16.1.25).
6. Unknown assailants shot and killed a man, Niaz Ali, in the Wanda Jodi area of Lakki Marwat district (16.1.25).
7. Police repelled an attack by a large group of militants on a check post in the Towa area of Puran tehsil in Shangla district. However, during the exchange of fire, two constables were injured. The defunct TTP Malakand region claimed responsibility for the attack (16.1.25).
8. Unidentified gunmen martyred Police Constable Arshadullah Baloch on Dayak Road in Dera Ismail Khan (16.1.25).
9. Abdul Sabhan, a sub-engineer of the Gomal Zam Dam Irrigation Division in Dera Ismail Khan district, who was kidnapped a few days ago, has been freed by his captors (17.1.25).
10. A terrorist attack on the Sheikh Lundak check post was thwarted by police and local residents in Bannu district. However, a constable was injured during the exchange of fire (17.1.25).
11. Security forces, during an IBO, killed five terrorists, including their ringleader, Abdullah alias Turab, in the Tirah Valley of Khyber district (17.1.25).
12. Two people were killed, and another was injured by their rivals over a personal enmity on the Shabqadar-Peshawar Road in Charsadda district (18.1.25).
13. Policemen on a patrol van remained unharmed, though their vehicle was partially damaged in an IED blast on Miranshah Road in Bannu district (19.1.25).
14. Security forces, with the support of gunship helicopters, targeted suspected militant hideouts in Paswani, Manddara, Sangrobba, and Jarrni areas in central Kurram district as part of a peace restoration operation. The military-led operation was launched on January 19 to restore peace and open roads by collecting weapons in different phases, in accordance with the peace agreement signed on December 31 by two main warring groups (20.1.25).
15. An old enmity claimed the lives of three people, including a policeman, Abdul Rasheed, in two separate incidents in Wana, South Waziristan district (21.1.25).
16. An FC soldier, Ehsan, was reportedly martyred by unidentified gunmen near Kiryana Pul in Tank district (21.1.25).
17. An FC soldier, Khurshid Alam, posted in Balochistan and on leave, was martyred by unidentified assailants in the Miryan area of Bannu district (22.1.25).
18. Two police constables sustained injuries in a grenade attack by unidentified motorcyclists on a check post of Mathra Police Station in Peshawar (22.1.25).
19. Unknown armed motorcyclists killed three under-trial prisoners and injured another when they were being transported back to jail after a court hearing in Swabi district (24.1.25).
20. A suspected robber, Amir Khan, who allegedly tried to snatch a gun from a policeman in an attempt to escape custody, was killed in an encounter with police in the Yar Hussain area of Swabi district (24.1.25).
21. A local JUI-F party leader, Malik Mastu Khan, and former FR Bannu Nazim Asadullah, along with his guard, went missing in Bannu district while returning home after attending a funeral in Darazinda (24.1.25).
22. Unidentified miscreants set ablaze the house of Police Constable Akhtar Zaman in Gara Shadan village, Tank district (24.1.25).
23. Security forces destroyed multiple militant hideouts during targeted operations in the War Mamund tehsil of Bajaur district (24.1.25).
24. Unidentified gunmen shot dead three people, including Jasim Khan, Syed Malik, and Inzamam, in Haider Khel village, Mir Ali tehsil of North Waziristan district (24.1.25).
25. Security forces, during an IBO, killed 18 terrorists and injured six others in Lakki Marwat district (25.1.25).
26. Eight terrorists were killed by security forces during an IBO in Karak district (25.1.25).
27. Security forces, in an IBO, killed four terrorists, including their ringleader, Azizur Rehman alias Qari Ismail (25.1.25).
28. Unidentified armed men opened fire on a Bannu-Lahore bus, killing a passenger, Ishaq, on Manjiwala Link Road in Lakki Marwat district (25.1.25).
29. Two women were killed, and two children were injured when a grenade exploded inside a house in Muhammadzai Town, Kohat (26.1.25).
30. Renowned religious scholar and JUI leader Maulana Qazi Zahoor Ahmed was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Badaber area of Peshawar (27.1.25).
31. Security forces, during an IBO, killed three terrorists in the Janikhel area of Bannu district (27.1.25).
32. Three people, including an official of the Police Special Branch, Abdul Wali Khan, were killed, and two others were injured by unidentified gunmen in the Qamarabad locality of Bara tehsil, Khyber district (27.1.25).
33. The son of tribal elder Malik Mir Shamshad Khan Wazir survived an IED blast in the jurisdiction of Cantonment Police Station, Bannu, while returning to his village after attending a jirga (27.1.25).
34. Security forces foiled a terrorist attack on an FC check post, killing five terrorists, including a suicide bomber. However, during the exchange of fire, one soldier embraced martyrdom, and five others were injured in the Baran Dam area of Bannu (28.1.25).
35. A security forces convoy carrying injured personnel from North Waziristan to CMH Bannu came under fire from unidentified terrorists on the Bannu-Miranshah Road in the jurisdiction of Bakakhel Police Station, Bannu. However, no casualties were reported (28.1.25).
36. Five non-local workers engaged in electricity pole installation were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen traveling in two vehicles near Hassankhel village, Mir Ali, in North Waziristan district. In a separate incident, armed men abducted a personnel member of the Tochi Scouts in Hassankhel. They also drove away two water tankers from the area (29.1.25).
37. Unidentified armed motorcyclists martyred Police Constable Idris while he was returning to his village, Gorman Dalsa, in Lakki Marwat district. Meanwhile, police defused an IED planted by terrorists beneath a bridge near Wanda Shah Mando in the same district (30.1.25).
38. Security forces, in two separate IBOs, killed 13 terrorists in North Waziristan district. However, during the exchange of fire, four soldiers, including Major Hamza Israr embraced martyrdom (30.1.25)

Comment & Analysis: The security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) in January 2025 reflects a surge in militant activities, targeted killings, and lawlessness, particularly in North Waziristan, Bannu, Bajaur, and Lakki Marwat, where terrorist attacks on security check posts, law enforcement personnel, and civilians have intensified. The use of IEDs, grenade attacks, kidnappings, and targeted assassinations points to a well-organized insurgency, likely linked to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant factions, with cross-border infiltration attempts suggesting involvement of Afghan-based networks. In response, security forces have escalated intelligence-based operations (IBOs), killing high-profile terrorists like Abdullah alias Turab and Azizur Rehman alias Qari Ismail, while also launching airstrikes and ground offensives in Kurram and Bajaur. However, the persistence of attacks, including those targeting religious scholars, government officials, and infrastructure workers, signals gaps in security and law enforcement. The lawlessness extends to kidnappings and highway ambushes, indicating a deteriorating security environment beyond tribal areas. To counter this, enhanced intelligence operations, stronger border security, community engagement, and preemptive strikes on militant hideouts are necessary to curb insurgent activities and stabilize the region.

PUNJAB

1. CTD police claimed to have arrested 23 alleged terrorists belonging to banned outfits during separate raids across Punjab. Among them were seven suspects in Lahore, found in possession of weapons, explosive material, and maps of key educational institutions (16.1.25).
2. Armed robbers looted cash, gold ornaments, and other valuables worth over Rs10.25 million from the house of a businessman in the Gulshan-i-Ravi area of Lahore (23.1.25).
3. The decomposed body of a female lawyer, Saira, who had gone missing in Nawab Town, Lahore, was found stuffed in a sack and recovered from a canal in Hafizabad district (26.1.25).

Murder of Police Inspector in Lahore

4. Police Inspector Saifullah Khan Niazi, in charge of Babu Sabu check post, was shot dead by a workshop mechanic and his part-time worker, Adeel, allegedly over a personal grudge, in the Sherakot area of Lahore. According to the FIR lodged by the victim’s son, his father was walking on the rooftop of their house when the suspect opened fire after an exchange of harsh words. However, the suspect claimed that the deceased had insulted and humiliated him many times, prompting him to take the extreme step (21.1.25).
5. A proclaimed offender, Umar Ayaz, and a police informer, Qaisar Mehmood, were killed, while two policemen sustained injuries during an encounter near Mubarak village in Chakwal district (22.1.25).
6. Ghala Mandi police in Sahiwal arrested a youth belonging to a minority community on blasphemy charges after a local resident lodged a complaint about derogatory remarks. Bishop Ibrahim Danial of the Gospel Mission and leading minority rights activists expressed sorrow over the incident and called for a medical examination of the accused to assess his mental health. Meanwhile, police reportedly deployed personnel for the safety of the suspect’s family in his native village. It was also learned that several blasphemy cases had been registered in Sahiwal district over the past year and a half (27.1.25).

Saraiki Writer Discharged from Terrorism Case in Bahawalpur

7. An Anti-Terrorism Court in Bahawalpur discharged Saraiki journalist and writer Shakeel Ahmed, known as Razish Liaqatpuri, from a case registered against him over language issues, citing a lack of solid evidence. He had been arrested by Rahim Yar Khan police on January 25 for allegedly making objectionable remarks against government officials based on linguistic differences. It was learned that Saraiki activists protested against World Punjabi Conference (WPC) participants, who had referred to Sufi poet Khawaja Ghulam Farid as a Punjabi poet. As a mark of protest, Saraiki activists staged a rally and sit-in in front of Khawaja Ghulam Farid’s shrine at Kot Mithan, Dera Ghazi Khan district (27.1.25).

Six Killed, 38 Injured in LPG Tanker Blasts in Multan & DG Khan

8. Six people were killed, and 38 others, including women and children, were injured when an LPG tanker exploded near an industrial area in Multan. Several houses collapsed, and vehicles were destroyed. Preliminary investigations suggest a gas leak from the tanker caused the fire and subsequent explosion.
   In another incident, a passerby caught fire and died after an LPG tanker exploded on the Indus Highway near Chouta Kot in Dera Ghazi Khan district.
   Additionally, a gas cylinder explosion in a shop near Chaman Ice Cream in Saddar Bazar, Lahore Cantt, resulted in a fire (27, 28 & 29.1.25).

SINDH

1. Three men engaged in an online sofa and carpet cleaning business in Karachi were lured to Ghotki on the pretext of work and kidnapped by Katcha area dacoit gangs operating in the riverine region (15.1.25).
2. A passerby, Ali Muhammad Lasi, was injured in a grenade attack in the Lyari area of Karachi (16.1.25).
3. Police and Rangers recovered a female stage artist from Lahore in an IBO against the Noor Hassan Teghani gang in the Garhi Tegho riverine area, Shikarpur district. The victim had been deceived into traveling to Kashmore for a stage performance, where she was abducted (17.1.25).
4. A local journalist, Fayaz Solangi, was abducted by a gang of dacoits in Kandhkot-Kashmore district, who demanded Rs10 million as ransom from his family (18.1.25).
5. CTD police arrested a suspected defunct militant, Jawad Qambrani, in an IBO near Qalandar Darbar in Dadu district, allegedly involved in several terrorist activities (18.1.25).
6. Two security guards of former MPA Sardar Mir Ghalib Khan Domki were killed, while he, his wife, and grandson were injured in a targeted attack by heavily armed Katcha area dacoits near Rustam Town, Shikarpur district (19.1.25).
7. Police registered a terrorism and sedition case against 19 activists of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), including three women, for allegedly chanting slogans against national institutions during an unlawful rally in Malir, Karachi (20.1.25).
8. A gang of dacoits kidnapped a man, Kamoro Odh, and his minor son while dropping off his wife near Shaiban Kursk Jatoi village, Shikarpur district (27.1.25).
9. A young man, Farhan Qasim, associated with the fisheries industry, was shot dead by an unidentified assailant on Super Highway, Karachi (27.1.25).

DEFENCE AND SECURITY

ISPR Dismisses Indian Army Chief’s Comments
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) dismissed recent comments by the Indian Army Chief, who alleged Pakistan to be the “epicenter” of terrorism, calling the accusations baseless and an attempt to deflect from India’s actions in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). ISPR added that the remarks were politically motivated, citing the Indian Army Chief’s involvement in overseeing repression during his tenure in IIOJK. They stated that the world has witnessed India’s hate speech conclaves provoking genocide against Muslims and its oppressive police targeting minorities. Urging professionalism and civility, Pakistan called on Indian military leaders to focus on state-to-state behavior instead of pursuing a political agenda (15.1.25).

Pakistan Launches Satellite EO-1 into Orbit
Pakistan launched its observation Electro-Optical Satellite “EO-1” from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Northern China. According to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), this satellite will enhance Pakistan’s ability to monitor and manage natural resources, respond to disasters, and improve urban planning and agricultural development (17.1.25).

High-Level Bangladeshi Military Delegation Visits Air and Naval Headquarters
A high-level delegation led by Lt General S.M. Kamrul Hassan, Principal Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division, Bangladesh, held separate meetings with Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, at Air and Naval Headquarters in Islamabad. Both sides discussed matters of mutual interest and agreed to strengthen military partnerships between their countries. Earlier, the Bangladeshi delegation also visited GHQ and the Joint Staff Headquarters in Rawalpindi (14, 15 & 17.1.25).

Iranian Armed Forces Chief Visits GHQ, Meets COAS
Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of General Staff (CGS) of the Iranian Armed Forces, visited GHQ in Rawalpindi and met with General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS). During the meeting, they discussed matters related to the prevailing regional security environment and bilateral defense cooperation (20.1.25).

PAF Contingent Participates in Victory-2025 Exercise in Saudi Arabia
A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) contingent, comprising JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets, arrived in Saudi Arabia to participate in the Royal Saudi Air Force’s fifth cycle of the Spears of Victory-2025 exercise. This exercise involves fighter jets and combat support elements from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Bahrain, France, Greece, Qatar, UAE, UK, and USA (21.1.25).

Pakistan to Host Aman-25 Multinational Naval Exercises
The Pakistan Navy announced it would host the 9th Aman 2025 multinational naval exercise, scheduled for February 7-11 in Karachi. Around 120 delegations from around the world will attend the first-ever Aman Dialogue exercise. This year’s theme, “Secure Seas; Prosperous Future,” aligns with the exercise’s motto, “Together for Peace.” The event will include anti-piracy and counter-terrorism demonstrations, divided into harbor and sea phases, with participation from over 60 countries and 4,000 personnel, including ships, submarines, aircraft, special forces, marines, and explosive ordnance disposal specialists (26.1.25).

DIPLOMATIC DEVELOPMENTS / SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

Pakistan Nullifies Media Speculations about Annexation of Wakhan Corridor
Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Shafaqat Ali Khan declared media speculations baseless during a press meeting in Islamabad on January 17. Without naming Afghanistan, he stated that Pakistan fully respects its neighboring country’s sovereignty and has no intention to annex the Wakhan Corridor. Regarding relations with Afghanistan, he noted that a key issue is the presence of the defunct TTP on Afghan soil. The two sides are in contact, while Pakistan’s armed forces and security agencies continue to secure the Pakistan-Afghanistan border to counter any security threats (17.1.25).

Death of Over 40 Pakistani Immigrants in Boat Capsizing Near Morocco
Over 40 Pakistanis reportedly died after a boat carrying 80-100 migrants attempting to reach Spain capsized in sea waters near Morocco. Moroccan authorities rescued several individuals on January 15. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took serious notice of the incident, directing authorities to take stern action against human traffickers and form an inquiry committee under a senior Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officer. During the crackdown, several traffickers and their agents were arrested, particularly in Gujranwala and Gujrat. Disciplinary actions were also taken against several FIA officials for their alleged involvement or negligence. Director General of FIA, Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir, was removed from his position (17 & 30.1.25).

Deputy Prime Minister and Chinese Ambassador Reaffirm Commitment
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong in Islamabad, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen bilateral ties. A day earlier, the FO rejected “baseless and unfounded” allegations against Pakistan’s commitment to China’s policies. Both sides reviewed progress on CPEC 2.0 and expressed their commitment to further solidifying their strategic partnership. The Chinese ambassador also extended an invitation to Mr. Dar to attend the UN event on “Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance,” hosted by China at the UNSC on February 18 in New York (27.1.25).

Pakistan Urges Afghanistan to Prevent US Leftover Weapons from Reaching Terrorists
A FO spokesperson expressed serious concern over advanced military equipment left in Afghanistan after the US withdrawal in August 2021, reportedly being used by terrorist groups, including the outlawed TTP, in attacks on Pakistani soil. He reiterated that Pakistan continues urging Kabul to prevent these weapons from falling into terrorist hands. This issue gained attention after US President Trump publicly threatened to cut off financial aid to Afghanistan unless the Taliban returned the military equipment (28.1.25).

Pakistan Optimistic About Strengthening Relations with the New US Administration
The FO expressed optimism on January 24 about growing ties with the USA under President Donald Trump’s new administration, emphasizing the non-negotiable foundation of bilateral relations. In a weekly press briefing on January 30, the FO spokesperson mentioned that the government is reviewing President Trump’s recent order regarding the suspension of US aid to Pakistan. While the US State Department announced a temporary suspension of aid to most countries except for emergency food and military funding to Israel and Egypt, discussions about potential tariff increases could impact economic relations. Countries associating with the BRICS currency might face higher tariffs as it challenges the US dollar in international trade (24 & 30.1.25).

REGIONAL

AFGHANISTAN

Law and Order / Security / Communication / Diplomatic Developments

1. Wakhan Economic Corridor Construction Progress
   Abdul Karim Fateh, Technical Deputy Minister of Public Works, claimed that the survey work for the Wakhan Economic Corridor road project in Badakhshan province has been completed. He added that work is now underway to design the new transit land route connecting China for bilateral trade (22.1.25).
2. Security Incidents and Human Trafficking Crackdown
   Police claimed to have arrested 27 human traffickers in Zaranj city, Nimroz province. Meanwhile, a Chinese national, Lee, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen while traveling to Dasht Qala in Takhar province, while his translator remained unharmed. The Chinese government reportedly lodged a protest with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) over the incident. Separately, 10 members of a family were killed by unknown assailants in Alisher district, Khost province, though no group has claimed responsibility (22, 24 & 28.1.25).
3. IEA Condemns ICC’s Move for Arrest Warrants Against Taliban Leaders
   The IEA Foreign Ministry condemned the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan’s request for arrest warrants against Supreme Leader Mawlawi Hebatullah Akhundzada and Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqani, accusing them of the persecution of women and girls. The IEA labeled the move politically motivated and lacking legal basis (24.1.25).
4. Iranian Foreign Minister Visits Kabul
   Iran’s Foreign Minister, Syed Abbas Araghchi, visited Kabul, where he met separately with various IEA officials, including the Prime Minister and acting ministers of foreign affairs, defense, industry, and trade. Discussions covered topics such as water resources, migrants, border security, and economic cooperation. He also met members of the Shia Ulama Council of Afghanistan, emphasizing the need to expand cultural and economic ties between the two nations (26.1.25).
5. US, Canadian, and Afghan Prisoner Exchange Facilitated by Qatar
   In the final hours of former US President Joe Biden’s administration, the US secured the release of two American nationals, Ryan Corbett and William McKentry, in exchange for an Afghan Taliban member, Muhammad, serving a life sentence in California. Qatar played a key role in facilitating the prisoner swap, as reported by NBC News. Additionally, the IEA released a Canadian national, former soldier David Lavery, through Qatar’s mediation (28.1.25).
6. IEA Rejects Pakistan’s Allegations on US Military Equipment Misuse
   IEA Deputy Spokesperson Hamadullah Fitrat rejected allegations made by Pakistan’s Foreign Office that leftover US military equipment in Afghanistan was being used against Pakistan. He claimed that these military assets are well protected and not misused. Earlier, in April 2023, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova had accused the US of deliberately leaving weapons in Afghanistan, hinting that they could soon appear in disputed regions and conflict zones (30.1.25).

INDIA

1. Indian Security Forces Kill 14 Naxalites in Chhattisgarh
   Indian security forces killed 14 Naxalites in an encounter in Gariaband district, Chhattisgarh. Home Minister Amit Shah termed the operation a major blow to eradicating Maoist influence in the region. This encounter is part of a broader counterinsurgency strategy, with 36 Maoists killed since the beginning of 2025 (21.1.25).
2. Kashmiri Youth Martyred in Fake Encounters
   Indian security forces martyred two Kashmiri youth near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), as part of what is widely seen as a fake anti-terrorism drive (21 & 29.1.25).
3. PM Narendra Modi’s Anticipated Visit to the USA
   India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that discussions are ongoing to finalize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the USA. The announcement follows a phone call between Modi and Donald Trump on January 27, during which they discussed trade, defense cooperation, and immigration policies. Trump reportedly urged India to increase purchases of American-made security equipment and adopt a more equitable approach in bilateral relations. Earlier, on January 20, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended Trump’s inauguration ceremony in Washington, DC (31.1.25).

IRAN

1. Two Senior Iranian Supreme Court Judges Assassinated in Tehran
   Two veteran and high-profile Iranian Supreme Court judges, Muhammad Moghiseh and Ali Razini, were shot dead inside the court premises in Tehran. The assailant attempted to flee before taking his own life. The Iranian Parliament’s National Security Commission has launched an investigation, stating that the attack was linked to the Mojahedin-e-Khalq Organization (MKO) terrorists rather than a personal motive (18 & 25.1.25).

                                   Postscript

Major Counterterrorism Operations in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

In a series of counterterrorism operations over the past 24 hours, 23 terrorists were killed, while 22 security personnel embraced martyrdom in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, (1 Feb).

Security Operations in Kalat and Harnai

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a security operation was launched following a terrorist attack in Kalat, as part of ongoing efforts to neutralize terror threats in Balochistan.

• Harnai Operation: Security forces conducted another operation in the Harnai district, where 11 terrorists were killed and multiple militant hideouts were dismantled, ISPR reported.
• Mangochar Attack: On the night between Friday and Saturday, security forces thwarted an attempt by terrorists to establish roadblocks in Mangochar, Kalat district. During the encounter, 18 paramilitary personnel lost their lives, while 12 terrorists were eliminated.

A police official told AFP that a vehicle carrying unarmed border troops was ambushed by 70 to 80 armed assailants who had blocked the road.

ISPR attributed the attack to hostile forces seeking to destabilize Balochistan and disrupt its peace. It emphasized that sanitization operations are ongoing, and all perpetrators, facilitators, and abettors will be brought to justice.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to thwarting all attempts to sabotage peace, stability, and progress in Balochistan.

The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the Mangochar attack, according to a statement issued by a spokesperson of the outlawed group.

Bomb Blast in Dera Ismail Khan

In a late-night incident, a bomb attack in Dera Ismail Khan, near Balochistan’s border district of Dherani, resulted in the martyrdom of four Balochistan Levies personnel and a civilian.

Details of the Attack

• Pishin Assistant Commissioner Karezat confirmed the incident, stating that a Levies officer was among the deceased.
• The Levies personnel were en route to recover a stolen truck when their vehicle was targeted by a bomb near the D.I. Khan police station.
• Following the explosion, the vehicle caught fire, and all five individuals, including four Levies personnel, were burned to death.

The D.I. Khan police have launched an investigation into the attack.