Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Conclude Joint Military Training Exercise: PICSS Weekly Insight 14-20 Feb, 2025

The security landscape in Pakistan witnessed a significant escalation in militant activity, with a sharp increase in attacks compared to the previous week. A total of 29 militant incidents were recorded, marking a 107% surge from the prior week’s 14 attacks. Fatalities soared by 460%, with 56 deaths and 47 injuries reported, highlighting an alarming spike in violence. Balochistan remained the most affected region, accounting for nearly half of the reported attacks. Erstwhile FATA and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also experienced a notable rise in militant activity, while Sindh witnessed two attacks.

Security forces intensified their counterterrorism efforts, conducting eight major operations that resulted in the elimination of 50 suspected militants and the arrest of 31 others. The increased operational tempo underscores Pakistan’s commitment to dismantling militant networks amid a deteriorating security situation. Notably, high-profile attacks in Harnai, Kech, and Barkhan, alongside targeted assassinations and cross-border aggression, indicate a multi- front security challenge.

In parallel, Pakistan hosted its first ICC Champions Trophy since 1996, a development seen as a testament to the country’s improving security environment. The Pakistan Air Force’s aerial display during the tournament’s opening ceremony further reinforced this narrative. Meanwhile, Pakistan and Turkey concluded their joint counter-terrorism drill, Ataturk-XIII, in Cherat, enhancing military cooperation and interoperability.

On the geopolitical front, rising tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) were marked by aggressive rhetoric from the Indian Army Chief, followed by a brigade commander-level flag meeting aimed at reducing hostilities. Simultaneously, Pakistan intensified its deportation of undocumented Afghan refugees, drawing criticism from the Afghan government and international bodies.

In Afghanistan, Taliban leadership staged a public show of unity amid reports of internal divisions, with Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and key cabinet members attending a military workshop in Kandahar. The Taliban’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute, rising landmine casualties, and continued tensions with Iran over the Helmand River water dispute further underscored Afghanistan’s precarious situation. Meanwhile, international engagement remained mixed, with the OIC calling for practical engagement, while the U.S. and UK announced the closure of Afghan resettlement programs, leaving thousands of vulnerable Afghans at risk.

The past week reflected a convergence of security, diplomatic, and strategic developments with critical implications for Pakistan and Afghanistan. The surge in militant attacks, coupled with rising LoC tensions and evolving Afghan dynamics, signals a complex and evolving security landscape requiring sustained vigilance and adaptive policy measures.

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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 […]

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