TTP Claims Allegiance from Two Balochistan-Based Armed Groups : PICSS Weekly Insight 17-23 Jan, 2025
During the week under review, Pakistan witnessed a slight increase in militant activities, with 12 attacks reported across the country. These incidents resulted in 13 fatalities and 12 injuries. Balochistan was the most affected province, reporting five attacks, followed by three in erstwhile FATA, two in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and one each in Punjab and Sindh. The nature of these attacks included four tactical assaults, three targeted killings, three IED explosions, and two grenade attacks.
In response, security forces intensified their actions, conducting eight operations that eliminated 57 suspected militants and apprehended two others. These operations, particularly in Balochistan and FATA, disrupted militant networks and led to significant recoveries of arms and ammunition. Detailed regional breakdowns, trends, and visual analyses are provided in the report to highlight the geographic distribution and evolving patterns of militant violence.
Beyond the security landscape, several significant political, economic, and diplomaticdevelopments shaped the week:
Imran Khan’s Conviction and Political Dialogue: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were convicted in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case, complicating ongoing talks between PTI and the government. Despite this, both sides have signaled a commitment to continuing dialogue to address political instability.
COAS Visit to Peshawar: Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir visited the 11th Corps Headquarters in Peshawar, emphasizing the military’s focus on addressing security challenges in KP. His engagement with political leadership underscored the need for coordinated efforts against terrorism and highlighted concerns about cross-border threats from Afghanistan.
Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Expands Influence: The TTP announced allegiance from two Balochistan-based armed groups, raising concerns about its growing influence in South Balochistan. However, questions remain about the operational impact of these alliances.
Economic Developments: Pakistan secured a $20 billion lending package under the World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework, focusing on macroeconomic stabilization, human capital development, and climate resilience. This transformative initiative aims to address longstanding economic vulnerabilities.
Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations: The week saw continued tensions along the Pak-Afghan border, with cross-border accusations and artillery strikes. However, diplomatic overtures, including discussions on refugee rights and regional stability, underscored the importance of dialogue amid strained ties.
Bangladeshi Military Official’s Visit: The visit of a high-ranking Bangladeshi military officer marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties. Discussions on defens cooperation and regional security signaled a warming of relations between the two countries.
Pakistan-China Relations: Pakistan and China reaffirmed their commitment to high- quality development under CPEC 2.0, focusing on industrialization, clean energy, and regional connectivity. Naval cooperation also featured prominently, with plans for joint exercises and equipment projects.
Media Activity of Militant Groups: The week saw intensified propaganda by groups like the BLA, BLF, TTP, and ISKP. These groups released publications and videos aimed at rallying support and justifying their actions, underscoring the importance of countering their narratives.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of Pakistan’s security situation, political developments, and regional dynamics. The key takeaways highlight the interplay between internal challenges and external pressures, emphasizing the need for coordinated responses and proactive policies to ensure stability.
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During the week of March 7–13, 2025, Pakistan witnessed a slight decrease in militant attacks, though the intensity of violence remained unchanged. A total of 15 militant attacks were recorded, compared to 19 in the previous week. However, the week gained significant attention due to the hijacking of the Jaffar Express by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a high-profile incident that unfolded over three days. The attack resulted in the tragic killing of 21 hostages — later revealed by PICSS to be off-duty security personnel traveling home — and four security forces personnel. Despite a phased rescue operation that eliminated 33 militants, the incident highlighted serious security and intelligence failures.Regionally, Balochistan saw a sharp 80% surge in militant activity, reporting nine attacks compared to five the previous week. In contrast, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) experienced a 50% drop, with three attacks, while erstwhile FATA recorded a 25% decrease, reporting three incidents. The week’s militant tactics included five targeted killings, five tactical assaults, two grenade attacks, and one each of an IED explosion, a combined suicide attack and tactical assault, and a kidnapping.Security forces carried out four counter-terrorism operations, resulting in the elimination of 12 alleged militants and the arrest of 10 […]
