Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies | PICSS

Significant Development(s) of the Week, 15-21Nov,2024

During the reviewed week, Pakistan experienced a deadly surge in violence, with 14militant attacks resulting in 37 fatalities and 38 injuries. The attacks included grenade assaults,target killings, tactical operations, IED explosions, kidnappings, a suicide bombing, and a mortarstrike. These incidents were concentrated in KP, the erstwhile FATA, and Balochistan. Security forces also conducted four counter-terror operations, killing nine militants and arresting three.

Of the 37 deaths, 21 were security personnel and 12 were civilians. This reflects a sharp escalation in violence, as 55 security personnel have been killed in the first 20 days of November, a significant increase from 30 in the same period last month. Moreover, 63 suspected militants have been killed in clashes this month. October had already recorded the year’s highest securityforce casualties, with 62 personnel killed, including 32 in its final 10 days.

On November 21, the Ministry of Interior deployed Rangers to Rawalpindi, Attock, and Jhelum in anticipation of PTI’s protest march to Islamabad on November 24. The decision followed the PTI’s defiant stance against the government’s Section 144 restrictions, which limited public gatherings. In addition, containers were placed on key roads to block access. PTI’s legal troubles deepened, with key figures indicted over the May 9 riots, while Imran Khan was granted bail in a Toshakhana case but remained entangled in other legal issues. Despite these challenges, PTI is committed to its protest, but internal discontent is growing over the party leadership’s strategies.

The federal government is ramping up counterterrorism efforts in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). On November 19, the NAP committee approved military action in Balochistan targeting insurgent groups like the BLA and Majeed Brigade. In KP, a lack of political consensus on the security strategy has prompted calls for a multi-party conference. While intelligence operations continue in both regions, challenges remain in addressing the root causes of militancy, such as resource disputes and the issue of missing persons in Balochistan.

India’s successful hypersonic missile test on November 17 has raised concerns about regional security. This technological advancement, which can bypass missile defense systems,may provoke an arms race, particularly with Pakistan and China. As a result, Pakistan may accelerate its own missile defense or offensive capabilities, further straining relations in the region.

Diplomatically, Pakistan has intensified efforts to address cross-border militancy, particularly from the TTP, with evidence shared with China and Russia. However, the Afghan Taliban’s failure to take action against these groups has led Pakistan to increase pressure through international forums. Despite these efforts, the Taliban’s reluctance to address the issue complicates regional security, particularly with China, which faces similar threats.

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