Part 1 – Domestic

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BALOCHISTAN

1. Security forces reportedly killed 11 terrorists in an overnight clash in the Gwargo area of Panjgur district, while two soldiers embraced martyrdom during the exchange of fire (1.8.25).
2. Two people, Washo and Zahid, were killed and another injured in a roadside bomb blast in the Sui area of Dera Bugti district (3.8.25).
3. Nearly two dozen armed men stormed the Zard Ghulam Jan Mangochar Grid Station, taking Quetta Electricity Supply Company (QESCO) staff and security guards hostage, and damaging the control room and equipment in Quetta district (3.8.25).
4. Miscreants sabotaged the 132kV Yaro Industrial transmission line near Kuchlak Bypass by creating a technical fault using ropes in Quetta district (3.8.25).
5. Levies Havaldar Muhammad Asgard and his son Hassan Jan were martyred in a targeted attack by armed gunmen in Cheetkan market, Panjgur district (4.8.25).
6. The Pakistan Navy and Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) seized 1,250 kg of illicit drugs worth $38 million in a joint operation near the Pasni coast (6.8.25).
7. Three soldiers, including Major Muhammad Rizwan Tahir, Naik Ibni Amin, and Lance Naik Muhammad Younas, were martyred in an IED attack on a security forces vehicle in Mastung district (6.8.25).
8. Balochistan government spokesman Shahid Rind announced that mobile data services in the province have been suspended until August 31 due to security concerns, stating that terrorists use data for communication and coordination. Dawn News quoted a Reuters report (8.8.25).
9. Six bogies of the Jaffar Express derailed after a bomb blast on the railway track in Mastung district. Earlier, on 7th August, the Quetta-bound Express narrowly escaped disaster when a bomb exploded near Sibi Railway Station moments after it passed (10.8.25).
10. Unknown armed men kidnapped Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Afzal Baqi and his son, and set their vehicle ablaze in the Zezri area of Ziarat district (10.8.25).
11. Security forces killed 50 terrorists (33 + 14 + 3) during an exchange of fire in a four-day operation to prevent their infiltration attempt from the Pakistan–Afghanistan border in the Sambaza area of Zhob district (7–11.8.25).
12. A mortar shell fired from an unknown location exploded in Gomazai, Tump, near the Pakistan–Iran border, killing a 12-year-old boy and injuring two other children (12.8.25).
13. Police repulsed a terrorist attack on Bisma Police Station; however, three policemen were injured during the exchange of fire (12.8.25).
14. A police officer was injured in a grenade attack near Government Girls College in Sibi (12.8.25).
15. A police vehicle escaped a roadside bomb attack on Link Badini Road near Quetta’s Eastern Bypass, but a passing car was destroyed in the blast (12.8.25).
16. Two persons, Rehmanul Jhtak and Munwar Torsani, were found shot dead in the Zehri area of Khuzdar district (13.8.25).
17. Unidentified armed motorcyclists martyred a Levies Force official, Bhlo Khan, while the body of kidnapped tribal elder Khizar Khan was recovered from Askalkon Gundan in Kalat district. In separate incidents, an unidentified body was found in Chashma Achozai, and a grenade attack on a police van near Balochistan University in Quetta missed the target but resulted in the death of a passerby motorcyclist and injured another (14.8.25).

Comments & Analysis: Balochistan CM Mir Sarfraz Bugti said the state is open to talks with all who first lay down arms, emphasizing that dialogue remains possible.

ISLAMABAD

Panic erupted at Islamabad’s G-6 Sunday Bazaar after a false bomb alert prompted a search operation, halting shopping and causing traders to shut their stalls (10.8.25).

KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA (KPK)

1. Police foiled an attack on a checkpost in the Shaikh Landak area of Bannu district (31.7.25).
2. Unidentified armed men hurled a hand grenade at a petrol pump, injuring a watchman and damaging his room in Khar tehsil of South Waziristan district (31.7.25).
3. At least six LEAs personnel were injured in a quadcopter attack on Miryan Police Station in Bannu district (31.7.25).
4. Four people were injured when a mortar shell from an unidentified direction struck a house in Lowi Mamund tehsil of Bajaur tribal district (31.7.25).
5. Unidentified persons reportedly attacked a security checkpost in Ziyarrai, Landi Kotal, while a projectile struck a water tank at the under-construction Rescue 1122 building near Hamza Baba mausoleum (31.7.25).
6. Unidentified persons blew up a power pylon in Bar Qambarkhel, Bara, while suspected militants kidnapped a furniture dealer from Thor in Tirah, Khyber district (31.7.25).
7. Six terrorists were killed, three arrested, and several hideouts destroyed in a joint operation by police, security forces, and CTD in Nurar, Bannu district (1.8.25).
8. Three policemen abducted from Ladha and Servekai on 19 July were recovered following a coordinated operation by CTD, police, security forces, and Mehsud tribal elders in South Waziristan district (1.8.25).
9. Terrorists martyred police official Muhammad Suhail in a targeted attack at Azam Warsak Bazaar in South Waziristan district (2.8.25).
10. Five children were killed and 13 others injured when an old mortar shell exploded in Sarband Langarkhel, Lakki Marwat district (2.8.25).
11. Terrorists blew up an abandoned police checkpoint using explosives in Dheakrai, Salarzai tehsil, Bajaur district (4.8.25).
12. Armed men abducted truck driver Muhammad Abdullah and two labourers, setting their vehicle ablaze while it was transporting construction material for a security post in South Waziristan district (4.8.25).
13. Two policemen were injured in a quadcopter strike on Miryan Police Station in Bannu on 3 August, a day after six security personnel were injured in a similar attack on the same station (4.8.25).
14. Unidentified attackers fired a rocket at Wana Scouts Camp, but it missed and fell into a stream in South Waziristan district (5.8.25).

16. Deputy Commissioner Asmatullah Wazir and Additional Deputy Commissioner Zahid Younus survived a terrorist attack in Habib Kot, Ladha tehsil, South Waziristan; however, two police guards were injured (6.8.25).
17. Unknown gunmen, in separate incidents, martyred an off-duty FC soldier near the railway station and injured a naval soldier near Bacha Khan Ahmedzai, Lakki Marwat district (6.8.25).
18. A civilian, Johan Baha, was killed and a policeman critically injured during heavy firing in Dop Sar, Matta tehsil, Swat district (6.8.25).
19. Unknown terrorists opened fire on an FC bomb disposal team in Akhter, Lowi Mamund tehsil, Bajaur district; no casualties were reported (7.8.25).
20. Security forces and police arrested 14 terrorist facilitators and destroyed three hideouts in Haveed and Wazirabad, Bannu district, following quadcopter attacks (8.8.25).
21. Police injured three terrorists during a clash in Sherikhel, Lakki Marwat district (9.8.25).
22. Unidentified miscreants blew up three small bridges with IEDs and destroyed a government high school in Birmal tehsil, South Waziristan (8–10.8.25).
23. Unidentified gunmen killed two motorcyclists, Farmanullah and Azmat Ali, near Gambila Bridge, Manjiwala Link Road, Lakki Marwat district (10.8.25).
24. Police and security forces defused a roadside bomb in Abdulkhel, Lakki Marwat district (10.8.25).
25. A soldier, Ihsanullah, was martyred and 19 others injured in a terrorist attack on a security vehicle on Sadiqabad–Inayat Kallay Road, Khar tehsil, Bajaur district. Meanwhile, security forces continued “Operation Sarbakaf” against hideouts in the district (12.8.25).
26. Unidentified armed men killed Mufti Fazlur Rehman and his son Noor Rehman on Bypass Road, Miranshah, North Waziristan district (12.8.25).
27. Unknown gunmen held Additional Assistant Commissioner Mohammad Younis, his guard, and driver hostage for two hours in Mirali, North Waziristan. The attackers fled with the official vehicle and weapons (12.8.25).
28. Four personnel were injured in a quadcopter attack on an FC checkpost in Takhti Khel, Bannu district. This marked the sixth such attack on the same post (12.8.25).
29. Miscreants set fire to an abandoned joint police–security forces checkpost in Yakh Kandao, Orakzai district (12.8.25).
30. CTD police dismantled a Daesh Khorasan network linked to the martyrdom of 14 policemen and the killing of Mufti Munir Shakir in Peshawar and surrounding areas (13.8.25).
31. Schoolteacher Umar Khaliq and his daughter were shot dead by unidentified assailants in Shorshing, Lower Dir district (13.8.25).
32. Miscreants blew up an SNGPL gas valve assembly near Bhana Manjiwala, Lakki Marwat district (13.8.25).
33. An explosion damaged the under-construction house of Sub-Inspector Misal Khan in Langarkhel Pacca, Lakki Marwat district (13.8.25).
34. Security forces killed nine TTP (Fitna al-Khawarij) terrorists in Damadola, Bajaur, after local peace talks failed. Following the operation, IDP camps were established, and curfews imposed. Targeted operations continued in 27 areas of Lowi and War Mamund tehsils (13.8.25).
35. At least six policemen were martyred and eight injured in coordinated militant attacks across KPK. Among the martyrs were Constables Akbar Hussain, Nasr Minullah, and Ismail (Upper Dir); Constable Sanaullah (Lower Dir); and Constable Jehangir (Peshawar). SHO Qaisar Hussain of Roza Police Station was also martyred in Kurram, while another soldier was martyred in South Waziristan. Police foiled rocket attacks on posts in Bannu, Peshawar, Shangla, and Swabi districts (13–14.8.25).
36. CTD and police killed three suspected TTP terrorists in a joint overnight raid in PDA Regi Lalma, near the Khyber–Peshawar border. One of the slain terrorists was identified as Abdullah @ Jawad, an Afghan citizen card holder. Weapons and explosives were recovered (14.8.25).

PUNJAB

1. The Regional Anti-Terrorism Court in Sahiwal sentenced TTP terrorist Muhammad Husnain to 31 years of rigorous imprisonment (31.7.25).
2. For the first time, the Border Military Police (BMP) has recruited female officers to enhance operational capacity and safeguard women’s rights in tribal areas. The recruits are undergoing six months of advanced training at Police Training College Multan, including Elite Police modules, and will be deployed in high-risk zones like Koh-e-Sulaiman under the command of the Deputy Commissioner (1.8.25).
3. Five police officers were martyred when around 40 bandits attacked the Sheikhani police picket in Rahim Yar Khan’s Kacha area with rocket launchers and grenades. The Indhar gang’s ringleader, Tanvir alias Dooda Indhar, reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack (2.8.25).
4. Police killed notorious gang leader Najam Lund, alias Najmi Lund, and injured another suspect during an exchange of fire in the Kacha riverine area of Rajanpur district (2.8.25).
5. Police killed an alleged TTP terrorist, Bilal Khosa alias Basheer, in an encounter near Chak Ladan, Dera Ghazi Khan district (4.8.25).
6. CTD police arrested suspected terrorist Hakim Ali, allegedly affiliated with banned outfit IS, from Benazir Road in Okara (7.8.25).
7. Police arrested a member of an alleged organ trafficking ring in Rawalpindi, while six others, including a surgeon, escaped. This marked the city’s second such case after last week’s kidney removal incident (7.8.25).
8. CTD police killed two terrorists in an operation near Kundian, Mianwali district (8.8.25).
9. A quadcopter suspected of cross-border drug smuggling reportedly crashed on Manawan–Jandiala Road, Lahore district (9.8.25).
10. Police arrested four gang members posing as drivers using fake taxi apps, recovering vehicles, luxury items, weapons, and over 200 SIM cards in Lahore (13.8.25).

CCD Encounters
11. The Crime Control Department (CCD) killed over 22 suspects during separate encounters and arrested several others in operations against assassins, robbers, kidnappers, blackmailers, and other criminals across multiple cities. During the operations, Constable Iftikhar Ahmed Sandhu was martyred and another injured. IG Punjab Dr Usman Anwar praised the CCD’s efforts in curbing crime (3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14.8.25).

SINDH

1. Robbers looted over Rs9 million from a private bank’s cash van after shooting and injuring two security guards in Korangi, Karachi (31.7.25).
2. CTD police, with intelligence agency support, arrested four suspects — Mohammed Sajjad @ Shadu, Ubaid Ali @ Ubaidi, Mohammed Umair Asghar, and Shakeel Ahmed — traveling from Punjab in Matli, Badin district (31.7.25).
3. Senior lawyer Khawaja Shamsul Islam was shot dead and his son injured in a suspected targeted attack inside a DHA mosque during funeral prayers. Police identified Imran Khan Afridi, son of slain constable Nabi Gul, as the prime suspect, citing revenge as the motive (1.8.25).
4. Two suspected robbers were killed by police during an encounter in North Nazimabad, Karachi (8.8.25).
5. The death of two siblings in a crash on Rashid Minhas Road, Karachi, sparked violent protests. Seven trucks were torched, and transporters blocked the Superhighway. Police later arrested 12 individuals for allegedly setting dumpers on fire (10, 13.8.25).
6. Motorcycle-riding assailants killed Dr Shambho Lal, 60, in a park on Mirza Adam Khan Road, Karachi. DIG Raza said the killing appeared linked to a Rs6 million personal dispute (12.8.25).

DEFENCE AND SECURITY

1. Pakistan Navy Ship Shamsheer conducted a joint exercise with US Navy Ship Fitzgerald in the North Indian Ocean, showcasing both navies’ commitment to maritime security and regional stability through enhanced coordination (31.7.25).
2. The Space and Upper Atmospheric Research Commission (SUPARCO) launched the Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite-1 (PRSS-1) on July 31 in collaboration with CETC and MICROSAT China. The satellite was launched using a Kuaizhou-1A vehicle from Xichang Satellite Launch Center. It will support infrastructure monitoring, regional planning, and disaster management. Deputy PM Ishaq Dar praised the joint effort (1.8.25).
3. General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, CJCSC, visited Egypt for the 3rd round of Defence and Security Talks, meeting President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and other senior Egyptian leaders. His engagements included meetings with the Defence Minister, the Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar (31.7.25).
4. The 98th Anniversary of China’s People’s Liberation Army was commemorated at GHQ, Rawalpindi. Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong was Chief Guest, while COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir reaffirmed the Pakistan Army–PLA bond and commitment to regional stability. The Ambassador praised Pakistan’s role in counterterrorism and reaffirmed China’s strategic partnership (1.8.25).
5. COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Multan Garrison, reviewed operational preparedness at Corps HQ, and expressed satisfaction with Army readiness. He emphasized national unity and civil-military synergy during a session with academia, presided over the induction of Z-10ME attack helicopters, and praised troops’ professionalism during a firepower demo at Muzaffargarh Range (2.8.25).
6. Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf was awarded the prestigious Legion of Merit by the Turkish Armed Forces for strengthening defence ties during his visit to Türkiye. He also discussed maritime security and joint cooperation (5.8.25).
7. Pakistan and Turkish naval special forces conducted their first-ever bilateral exercise in Karachi, including joint land and sea maneuvers and urban warfare drills to enhance tactical interoperability (6.8.25).
8. The Pakistan Navy concluded a two-day Port Security and Harbour Defence Exercise at Karachi harbour to strengthen operational readiness and inter-agency coordination (8.8.25).
9. Pakistan–Tajikistan Joint Counterterrorism Exercise Dosti-II was held from 4–9 August at Fakhrobod Base, with special forces from both countries participating. The exercise concluded successfully, showcasing high professional standards (9.8.25).
10. COAS Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited the USA, holding key meetings with political and military leaders, and the Pakistani diaspora. He attended CENTCOM’s Change of Command Ceremony, met defence officials, and urged the diaspora to remain confident in Pakistan’s future and support investment (9.8.25).
11. COAS Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, CJCSC Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu extended Independence Day felicitations, celebrating unity, resilience, and commitment to a brighter future (14.8.25).
12. PM Shehbaz Sharif, addressing the 79th Independence Day ceremony at Jinnah Sports Stadium, announced the formation of the Army Rocket Force Command alongside a 20% increase in the defence budget for FY 2025–26 to strengthen defence capabilities (14.8.25).
13. Military and civilian leaders, along with martyrs of Marka-i-Haq / Bunyan-Um-Marsoos Operation, were honoured with national awards on Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day during a ceremony at the Presidency. The President conferred honours on Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel, including CJCSC, Service Chiefs, and other officers for their courage and sacrifice (14.8.25).

DIPLOMATIC DEVELOPMENTS AND SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

  Pakistan–US Economic Ties

1. According to the Ministry of Finance, Pakistan and the United States finalized a trade agreement aimed at boosting market access, reducing export tariffs, and attracting investment in energy, minerals, IT, and cryptocurrency. The breakthrough was achieved during a meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and US officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamison Greer. Announced by President Trump, the deal also includes a partnership for developing Pakistan’s oil reserves, with plans to select a company for the venture (1.8.25).

Pakistan Promotes Central Asia Tourism

• Pakistan launched a 23-day cross-border motorbike rally beginning in Lahore on July 31, traversing Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan to promote tourism, cultural exchange, and regional connectivity. Organized by PTDC and Globe Strainers, the event highlights Afghanistan’s role as a vital transit and cultural link in South and Central Asia (1.8.25).

Iranian President’s Visit to Pakistan

• During his two-day official visit (2–3 August), Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistan’s leadership agreed to enhance security cooperation and increase bilateral trade to $10 billion. Both sides signed agreements in energy and trade, pledged to combat terrorism, and promote regional peace. PM Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed support for Iran’s peaceful nuclear program and condemned Israeli aggression involving US military intervention. President Pezeshkian also met senior leaders in Islamabad and visited Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum in Lahore (4.8.25).

Comments & Analysis: The visit focused on trade and security, with 12 MoUs signed. However, US sanctions on Iran remain a key obstacle, especially the stalled Iran–Pakistan gas pipeline. The visit was significant in the shifting regional environment and is expected to strengthen bilateral ties.

Pakistan Rejects Ukraine’s Claim

• The Foreign Office categorically rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s claim that Pakistani nationals were involved in the Ukraine conflict, calling the allegations “baseless and unfounded.” The FO said no formal communication or verifiable evidence had been received, reaffirming Pakistan’s neutral stance and calls for ceasefire as the war enters its fourth year (5.8.25).

    Solidarity with Kashmiri People (Youm-i-Istehsal)

• PM Shehbaz Sharif and Services Chiefs expressed solidarity with the Kashmiri people on Youm-i-Istehsal. The PM condemned India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir, calling it South Asia’s defining conflict, while top leaders, including COAS Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, denounced India’s post-2019 measures altering Kashmir’s identity and rights (5.8.25).

US Declares BLA Majeed Brigade a Terrorist Group

• The United States officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). Pakistan welcomed the decision, saying it would disrupt the BLA’s networks and bolster Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts through greater international support (12.8.25).

Independence Day Messages

• President Zardari and PM Shehbaz congratulated the nation on Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, urging unity and paying tribute to Quaid-e-Azam, Allama Iqbal, and other leaders. They also honoured the victory in the four-day Maraka-e-Haq war with India, praising the bravery of the armed forces (14.8.25).

REGIONAL

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AFGHANISTAN

Pakistan–Afghanistan Relations

1. Pakistan and Afghanistan upgraded diplomatic relations to the ambassador level, though Pakistan clarified it does not intend to officially recognize the Taliban government. The FO dismissed the Taliban energy minister’s claim that Pakistan was resisting a strong Afghan central government as baseless, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to peace, stability, and counterterrorism. It also noted procedural delays in the visit of Afghan FM Amir Khan Muttaqi. Meanwhile, Iran stated that its recognition of the Taliban would be based on national interests rather than Russian or external pressure (5, 8.8.25).
2. In the US, the FBI announced a $5 million reward for information on Mahmood Shah Habibi, an Afghan–American and former aviation chief missing for three years. He was reportedly detained by the Taliban over alleged CIA ties and links to al-Zawahiri’s death (12.8.25).

BANGLADESH

General Elections Announcement
Bangladesh’s interim government chief adviser announced parliamentary elections for February 2026, the first since former PM Sheikh Hasina was ousted last year. He pledged free and fair polls before Ramadan, under pressure from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party to move the vote earlier than June. This marks a major shift after Hasina’s 15-year rule ended, with her now facing trial in absentia. Critics, however, questioned the government’s reforms amid unrest and crackdowns (5.8.25).

INDIAN ILLEGALLY OCCUPIED JAMMU AND KASHMIR (IIOJK) / LOC

1. The Delhi High Court sought Yasin Malik’s response to the NIA’s plea for a death sentence in a terror funding case. Malik, serving a life term, was not produced virtually from Tihar Jail, and the case was adjourned to November (11.8.25).
2. On the sixth anniversary of Article 370’s abrogation, Congress workers led by MLA Iftikhar Ahmed protested in Rajouri, demanding restoration of statehood. Omar Abdullah also supported the call, while PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti criticized continued central control, calling MLA nominations undemocratic. The Supreme Court sought the Centre’s response to a plea for restoring statehood after its 2023 verdict that upheld the abrogation (5, 13, 14.8.25).
3. Indian forces continued so-called anti-militancy operations, killing two Kashmiri youth in a staged encounter in Akhal forest, Kulgam. The Indian Army admitted two soldiers were killed and 11 injured during the operation. Separately, one soldier was reported killed in Uri Sector, LOC (9, 12.8.25).

INDIA

Defence and Security

1. The Indian Army’s 10 Corps, based in Jaipur, conducted a major exercise showcasing mechanized forces, live-fire drills, and drone integration in the Rajasthan desert (31.7.25).
2. Construction of India’s first indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicle (hovercraft) for the Coast Guard began at Goa Shipyard (31.7.25).
3. Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh, from the Parachute Regiment, assumed charge as Vice Chief of Army Staff, bringing 30 years of experience in counterinsurgency and nuclear command (1.8.25).
4. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan assumed charge as Commander-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, while Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan became Vice Chief of Naval Staff (1.8.25).
5. India is expanding infrastructure near the LAC, including a Rs.254 crore road in Bhutan near Doklam, built by BRO under Project Dantak. Experts noted the road’s strategic significance in countering Chinese influence (5.8.25).
6. The Indian Army’s 29th Infantry Division claimed to have built 50 drones in 3 hours in an exercise called “Dronathan” at Mamun Military Station, Punjab (11.8.25).
7. India plans to end its state monopoly over nuclear energy, allowing private firms to mine and process uranium, with a goal to boost nuclear capacity 12-fold by 2047. India also seeks US cooperation on advanced reactors (13.8.25).

Political and Diplomatic Developments

1. President Trump signed an order imposing 25% tariffs on Indian imports from August 27, citing India’s oil trade with Russia. India called the move “extremely unfortunate,” defending its energy security stance. The issue is straining US–India ties, though high-level talks are expected. PM Modi may attend the SCO summit in China, and President Putin is set to visit India later in 2025 (7.8.25).
   Comments: Experts suggest the Russia–India–China (RIC) trilateral may regain importance amid US pressure, while India and China may resume border trade after a five-year pause.
2. Israeli PM Netanyahu praised Israeli weapons used by India in Operation Sindoor, including Harpy drones and Barak-8 missiles, underscoring strong defence ties. He also urged a resolution to the US–India tariff dispute (7.8.25).
3. Former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh became president of a rebel Shiromani Akali Dal faction opposing Sukhbir Badal. This could reshape Sikh politics ahead of elections, with implications for India given Punjab’s proximity to Pakistan (11.8.25).
4. PM Modi, in his Independence Day speech, criticized the Indus Waters Treaty as “unjust and one-sided,” saying India would fully use its share of Indus waters. He linked the announcement to the recent Pahalgam terror attack (14.8.25).

IRAN

1. Iran executed nuclear scientist Rouzbeh Vadi for allegedly spying for Mossad and leaking sensitive data during the Iran–Israel conflict. He co-authored a 2011 paper with two other scientists later assassinated by Israel (6.8.25).
2. Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a US-brokered agreement to normalize relations. While Iran welcomed the deal, it raised concerns over a 99-year lease of a corridor linking Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan, warning of foreign interference near its border (9, 13.8.25).
3. Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s Parliament Security Commission, denied rumors of IAEA inspectors resuming nuclear site visits, clarifying that only technical-level talks will be held. Meanwhile, Egypt’s FM Badr Abdlatty said Cairo is facilitating indirect Iran–US nuclear communication (4, 14.8.25).

MIDDLE EAST

Israel–Palestine Conflict
Israel’s cabinet approved a plan for the IDF to take control of Gaza City while providing aid outside combat zones. PM Netanyahu confirmed Israel’s aim to control the entire Gaza Strip militarily without governing it long term. Hamas, still holding parts of Gaza, demanded a permanent ceasefire. Civilians face famine and displacement. US President Trump supported allowing journalists into Gaza to observe conditions. UN Secretary-General Guterres condemned Israel’s West Bank settlement expansion as illegal, warning it undermines the two-state solution. Since 7 October 2023, 61,722 Palestinians and 1,163 Israelis have been killed (7, 14, 1.8.25).

Summary

Domestic

Balochistan

• Multiple clashes and IED attacks left dozens of terrorists and several soldiers dead.
• Civilians killed in roadside blasts, targeted shootings, and cross-border shelling.
• Attacks on police stations, grid stations, and railway lines disrupted services.
• Large drug haul seized by Navy and ANF; mobile internet suspended province-wide.

Comment: CM Bugti says state open to dialogue if militants lay down arms.

Islamabad

• Panic at Sunday Bazaar after false bomb alert caused stalls to shut.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)

• Repeated quadcopter/drone strikes on police stations in Bannu.
• Multiple targeted killings of police, FC, and civilians across districts.
• Major CTD operations dismantled TTP and Daesh cells.
• Coordinated militant assaults left several police martyrs in Dir, Peshawar, and Kurram.

Punjab

• ATC sentenced TTP militant; CTD killed/arrested IS-linked suspects.
• Organ trafficking ring busted in Rawalpindi.
• Bandits attacked Rahim Yar Khan police, killing five officers.
• CCD reported 22+ criminals killed in encounters across province.

Sindh

• Armed robbery of Rs9m from bank van in Karachi.
• Targeted killing of senior lawyer inside DHA mosque.
• Violent protests after deadly Karachi crash led to trucks torched.
• Prominent doctor killed over personal dispute.

Defence & Security

• Pak Navy joint drills with US and Turkish navies; harbour defence exercise in Karachi.
• SUPARCO launched PRSS-1 satellite with China.
• CJCSC visited Egypt; COAS visited USA and Multan Garrison.
• PLA’s 98th anniversary marked at GHQ with Chinese envoy.
• Pakistan–Tajikistan counterterrorism exercise Dosti-II conducted.
• New Army Rocket Force Command and 20% defence budget hike announced on Independence Day.
• National awards conferred on martyrs of Marka-i-Haq Operation.

Diplomatic Developments & Significant Events

• Pakistan–US finalized trade deal covering energy, minerals, IT, and crypto.
• 23-day regional motorbike rally launched to promote Central Asian tourism.
• Iranian President Pezeshkian visited Pakistan; $10bn trade and security cooperation agreed.
• Pakistan rejected Zelensky’s claims of nationals in Ukraine conflict.
• US designated BLA and Majeed Brigade as terrorist groups.
• PM and Service Chiefs marked Youm-i-Istehsal with solidarity statements for Kashmir.
• President and PM congratulated nation on 79th Independence Day, praising armed forces.

Regional

Afghanistan

• Pakistan upgraded ties to ambassador level but stopped short of recognition.
• Taliban accused of detaining ex-aviation chief over CIA links; FBI announced $5m bounty.

Bangladesh

• Interim government announced elections in Feb 2026; critics fear unrest.

IIOJK/LOC

• Yasin Malik’s case adjourned; statehood protests marked Article 370’s anniversary.
• Indian Army staged fake encounters; multiple civilian and soldier deaths reported.

India

• Major Army exercises in Rajasthan; new nuclear policy allowing private sector.
• Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Indian imports over Russia ties.
• Modi criticized Indus Waters Treaty, vowing to fully utilize India’s share.
• Israeli weapons highlighted in India’s operations; Sikh politics saw factional split.

Iran

• Nuclear scientist executed for alleged Mossad links.
• Iran wary of US-brokered Azerbaijan–Armenia deal over strategic corridor.
• Parliament denied return of IAEA inspections; Egypt mediating Iran–US talks.

Middle East (Israel–Palestine)

• Israel’s cabinet approved Gaza City control plan without long-term governance.
• Hamas demanded ceasefire; civilians faced famine and displacement.
• UN condemned illegal Israeli settlements; war toll since 2023: ~61,700 Palestinians, ~1,160 Israelis.