Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies | PICSS

Taliban’s Internal Vetting Amid ISKP Threat: PICSS Weekly Insight 21-27 Feb, 2025

Pakistan experienced a notable decline in militant attacks during the week under review, with incidents dropping from 29 in the previous week to 14. Casualties also decreased significantly, with 24 people killed and 14 others injured compared to 56 fatalities and 47 injuries last week. Balochistan remained the most affected, reporting nine attacks, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with four and erstwhile FATA with three. The most common tactics included tactical assaults, targeted killings, IED explosions, kidnappings, and grenade and rocket attacks. Security forces conducted eight counterterrorism operations, eliminating 26 suspected militants and arresting 20 others.

On the diplomatic front, Pakistan and the UAE signed five MoUs to enhance cooperation in investment, energy, and infrastructure during the visit of UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visits to Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan further strengthened regional ties, focusing on trade, transport, and energy projects, including the Trans-Afghan railway.

In defense-related developments, the U.S. unfroze financial assistance for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet maintenance, reflecting a strategic balancing act in South Asia. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Navy and PMSA conducted the ‘Sea Guard’ exercise, demonstrating maritime security preparedness. Pakistan also commemorated the sixth anniversary of Operation Swift Retort, reaffirming its military’s deterrence capabilities.

In Afghanistan, the Fifth Vienna Conference saw Taliban opponents endorsing a democratic roadmap, though the Taliban dismissed the meeting. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Taliban lacks full control over the country, allowing groups like ISIS-K and Al-Qaeda to operate. Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to retrieve U.S. military equipment left in Afghanistan, though its feasibility remains uncertain.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged UN support in tackling terrorism from Afghan soil, while the Taliban called for a trilateral meeting on Afghan refugee deportations. The closure of the Torkham border over a construction dispute further strained relations. Additionally, reports confirmed ISIS-K’s financial network operating from Afghanistan, prompting the Taliban to initiate an internal purge to counter infiltration.

The week’s developments highlight reduced militant activity in Pakistan, continued counterterrorism efforts, growing regional economic engagement, and persistent security concerns linked to Afghanistan’s instability.

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