Amid the unstable political scenario, security conditions of Balochistan and KPK doesn’t seem much stable as the attacks by militants against state personnels and machinery continues to record itself.  Pakistani Intelligence and Counter Terrorism Departments have also increased there number of operations against the elements of militancy which imposes threats upon the peace stability of Pakistan. TTP has been observed to carry out bizarre activities of terrorism specially in Ex-Fata region which they claim to be their homeland. With more of the TTP members migrating back from Kabul have increased the frequency and probabilities of increase in terrorism as TTP do have a foreign backed agenda of destabilising Pakistan. The major incidents of militancy and counter terrorism reported recently are listed below.

·       On 5th November (late at night), terrorists of BLA targeted a security post of Pakistani military in Hoshaap city of district Kech. Two Soldiers got injured while a couple of militants also  got seriously wounded by the counter attack of Pakistani forces.

·       On 5th November, a local school in Pasni (Balochistan) was burned and destroyed by unknown terrorists.

·       On 6^th November, a Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Commander named Liaqat who was involved in several attacks in Peshawar & surroundings was killed during a search operation in Jamrud, Khyber Tribal area at morning time. Locals reported several explosions from the village. There were helicopters that shelled suspected militant hideouts earlier. Local officials from the area told that a security official had also succumbed to injuries and an officer was injured. This group of TTP was involved in attacks on Regi police station amongst others. The Counter Terrorism Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has confirmed the developments and added that three militants affiliated with Islamic State Khorasan (ISKP) have also been injured and arrested apart from killing of Liaqat.

·       On 6^th November Approximately . 150 dacoits attacked police post in early hours  in Ronti area of Ghotki district, Sindh, resulting in deaths of 5 policemen including DSP and 2 SHOs. 20 policemen reportedly abducted, 4 APCs plus significant cache of arms & ammunition seized by dacoits.

·       On 6^th November, the General Counsellor and prospective Chairman of Union Council, Sardar Muhammad Khan Banglani, was shot dead by unknown gunmen near Bolan Pinjara bridge at day time. The assassins managed to escape easily after the killing. Tensions have been observed around the area over the killing of Muhammad Banglani amid military operation going on in Bolan valley since two weeks. Sardar yar Muhammad Rind (Chief of Rind tribes/MPA) has condemned the incident alleging it to be a conspiracy against ‘Rind tribe’.

·       On 7^th November, Militants of Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) attacked the patrolling personnel of the Pakistani Military near the Chaman Phatak Road (near Irrigation Office) in Quetta city with a hand grenade due to which two military personnels were injured.

·       On 7^th November, in an intelligence-based operation by CTD and security forces in Abdul Khel area of ​​Lucky Marwat, the most wanted militant of banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Irshad alias Haider was killed.  Automatic weapons, ammunition and grenades were recovered from the possession of the accused. 

·       On 8^th November, in Khuzdar City’s bypass road (Quetta-Karachi) a black Jeep was attacked with an IED. 4 persons were reported to be injured. Identified as Abdul Ghani & Latif Shahwani (who were politicians of PPP), both got injured along with their two militia guards. Locals went into a protest after the  blast took place. Quarrelling happened between transporters & local residents protesting against the blast during which a driver belonging to Hazara tribe suffered bullet injuries, incident triggered protest in area & protesters have blocked main highway.

·       On 8th November’s morning unknown men burnt a Girl’s middle school in Diamir District’s Darel area.

·       On 8^th November, a  person named as Faizullah s/o Lal Jan was shot dead by unknown gunmen in Awaran (Balochistan). The motive behind target killing yet to be ascertained. According to sources, deceased belonged to Pakistani ntelligence agency, who has been seen in military operations several times, but the motive of the incident is not yet known.

·       On 8^th November, Counter Terrorism Department arrested two BLA associates (Jan Muhammad & Abdul Wajid) from Quetta. Pistols and hand grenades were recovered from them. According to CTD, both got training at BLA’s camp at Nagaho mountains and both were involved in facilitating terrorist network in Quetta.

·       On 8^th November, CTD conducted an IBO near Lasi-Sakran road (Hub), during which two BLA militants (Dost Muhammad & Ismail) have been apprehended with explosives, detonators and grenades. Both are allegedly involved in  attacking journalists Shahid Zehri & Habib Shah.

·       On 8^th November, unidentified gunmen targeted the camp of Frontier Works Organization (FWO), with a hand grenade near Zero Point area of Gwadar.

·       On 9^th November, In a major attack on a police station past midnight, at least 2 policemen had been killed and 3 wounded by militants in Raghzai area of Birmal Tehsil, Lower Waziristan tribal district. An ambulance also was  burnt to ashes and weapons were also stolen. The militants took away more than two dozen Sub Machine Guns and a Light Weight Machine Gun as well as a Vehicle, while torching the police station. Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), in a later statement has claimed responsibility for the attack.

·       On 9^th November, an IBO (Intelligence Based Operation) was conducted by CTD Quetta at Quetta-Sibi Road, against BLA during which two activists arrested. On Wednesday at around 2050 hours, CTD got a credible source information that BLA suspects namely Abdul Mannaan and Sarfaraz Ahmed, close aide of BLA commander Siddique Qalandrani alias Khalid Sharif,  have traveled from Shure Mountains Kalat to carry out terrorist activities against LEAs and installations in Quetta. On this info, the CTD Team Quetta conducted an IBO near Darakhshan Naka, Quetta-Sibi Road, whereby a temporary blockade was established to restrain the movement of bike riders, during the course of action a suspicious bike with muffled riders were signalled to stop but they attempted to escape the scene, however were managed to cease, that lead to the successful apprehension of the aforementioned suspects. Stuff recovered from them  include 5x Hand Grenades, 1200 Gram of C4 Explosive, 2 KG Other Explosive Material, 4x Electric Detonators, 1x remote control kit and 1x Alpha Fire System. Durning preliminary interrogation the suspects divulged to have executed several terrorist activities in Khuzdar and its surroundings, on the behest of Naveed Ahmed alias KD and Sidique Qalandrani alias Khalid Sharif. The suspects also disclosed BLA’s intention to execute several pro-state notables of Khuzdar including Agha Shakeel Durrani. Case is being registered at Police Station CTD Quetta. An investigation has been launched to arrest remaining members of the network. More raids are planned for other areas of Balochistan.

·       On 10^th November, ANF recovered 400 kg of hashish while conducting operations in Kech area of Balochistan. The gang involved in smuggling was arrested.

·       On 10^th November, a suicide blast took place near a security forces vehicle near Eidak (North Waziristan). According to the police, an MRAP vehicle was targeted in the attack, in which four personnel were injured. According to district administration the suicide bomber was shot as spotted due to which the explosion occurred. Chatter from TTP affiliates have also been reported claiming responsibility for suicide bombing attack on Pakistan military forces at Eidak, alleging many fatalities in the attack. No official statement from TTP spokesman so far.

·       On 10^th November, TTP militant Ubaid was killed in CTD’s operation in Mardan, KP province. He was reportedly involved in several attacks including attacks on police officers.

·       On 10^th  November, a key TTP commander, Inqilabi Mehsud was killed in an attack by unknown men near the Pak-Afghan border region of ​​Ghulam Khan (Bangay Daur area of North Waziristan). Previously, he had been subjected to various US forces led raids in Afghanistan. TTP has also acknowledged the death of Inqilabi Mehsud in clash with Pakistani security forces at during night time. As per TTP,  clash took place when militants were stopped. It also claims the lives 2 military soldiers and some injuries as well.

·       On 11^th November, a police constable was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police are considering it a terrorist attack. Further investigation are going on.

·       On 11^th November, at Khyber district’s Wazirdand area, 2 policemen (Sikandar & Shahzeb) got  injured in a terrorist attack/Fire. In retaliatory fire one of the terrorist (Yousaf r/o Qambarkhel) got injured and arrested by police.

·       On 11^th November, at around 1900 hours, an  IBO was conducted by CTD Lasbela at Aftab Chowk area of Hub, against Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) during which two activists were arrested. Military Grade explosive and Hand Grenade were  recovered from them. As per details, CTD got a credible source information that BLA suspects namely Mangal Khan and Gulzar Ahmed (both by caste Marri), who are close aide of BLA A commander Jaffar alias Mullah Amin and Zaheer Baloch alias Zeb, equipped with explosives were observed near Aftab Chowk, probably waiting for their other accomplices with the intention to carry out terrorist activities against Attock Cement Factory machinery and workers. On this information, the CTD Team Lasbela conducted an IBO at Aftab Chowk, whereby CTD Intelligence Team officials grabbed the above terrorists on the identification of source. The recoveries include 2 KG Military Grade Explosive, 1 Electric Detonator, 4 meters of Prima Cord And 1 Hand Grenade. Durning preliminary interrogation the suspect revealed to have facilitated BLA A activists in Hub on the behest of Mullah Amin, Mujeeb alias Aakhash and Zaheer alias Zeb, in terms of logistics, arms @ ammunition, besides their own terrorist activities against Attock Cement Factory assets & manpower. FIR is being registered at Police Station CTD Khuzdar. An investigation has been launched to arrest remaining members of the network. More raids are planned for other areas of Balochistan.

·       On 11^th November, a Police Constabulary personnel Captain Sharbat Khan was assassinated by armed men in Jamrud (KPK). Police has started the investigation. TTP and ISKP both have accepted the responsibility of the assassination however according to local sources Sharbat Khan was murdered by one of his relatives on a family dispute.

·       On 11^th November, BLA’s spokesperson released an official statement claiming two recent terror attacks in Tump and Zamuran areas of Balochistan. In Tump members of BLA’s Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOS) targeted a two vehicle convoy of a Pakistani military and its secretive agencies. According to BLA the operation was carried out on  information regarding presence of local warlord  Hameed and his gang. In BLA’s attack three collaborators of state Hanif, Amjid & Balach were killed, while multiple others were injured. Whereas in an attack in Zamuran, BLA fighters targeted Pakistani military personnel guarding  the team  involved in installing fences and barbed wires at Goldsmid line. 2  military personnel were martyred and one was injured in the attack.

·       On 12^th November, on the basis of timely Intelligence reports, Security Forces thwarted a major terror plot in Khuzdar City. On the report of a bomb near 2 Talwar area, the security forces took timely action and defused the explosives. The city was saved from great loss.

·       On 12^th November, clashes between FC forces and TTP were reported in Spinwam, North Waziristan after FC forces attempted to restrict movement of TTP militants. TTP is claiming 10 casualties in these clashes.

·       On 12^th November’s night, TTP militants were engaged in clash by the military in Mir Ali, North Waziristan when military tried to pursue TTP militants. TTP is claiming 3 fatalities and 4 injuries in these clashes.

·       On 12^th November, 6 coal miners, hailing from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, were abducted at night from District Mach, Balochistan. Search operation for their safe recovery is underway. It should be remembered that 11 coal miners were killed by Islamic State in January 2021 in the same area.

·       On 13^th November, an Unidentified man targeted  Pakistani security forces at the Spinboldak border area of Chaman in which 1 security personnel died while 2 sustained injuries. Border activities have been sealed by Pakistani authorities while negotiations for its reopening are underway. According to Pakistani officials, Chaman border point will  remain closed till those involved in the the attack are handed over to Pakistan by the IEA. Video of the attack with faces of the attackers has been shared with Afghan officials.

·       On 13^th November, Unidentified persons (at  night) set on fire Government Khan Kalag boys High School in Dazan, district Kech, Balochistan. Textbooks and all the school records were burned to ashes. BLA is the main suspect behind the unfortunate incident.

·       On 13^th November, Loralai Police arrested five criminals who were involved in drug dealings and theft activities from the city. Drugs and stolen goods have been recovered.

Moreover , in recent developments regarding the murder of Journalist Arshad Shareef, Pakistan has stated that according to evidences it is being suggested the shooting of a prominent Pakistani journalist who was living in Kenya may have been an assassination as media watchdog Reporters Without Borders called for an independent United Nations probe into the incident. Arshad Sharif was allegedly murdered by police last month (after the jeep he was in sped up instead of halting at a roadblock near the capital, Nairobi <as per Nairobi Police>). Police have described the shooting as a case of “mistaken identity" during a search for a similar car involved in a case of child abduction. Another update was received from KPK on 13^th as Hundreds of people in Wana — the headquarters of South Waziristan tribal district — took to the streets on  against the recent wave of terrorism in the region, demanding civil administration fulfil its responsibilities to restore peace in the area.

On the other hand, on 12th November, Naqeebullah Mehsud murder case was heard in anti-terrorism court of Karachi . Former SSP (Police) Malir Rao Anwar recorded his statement in the court. Rao Anwar said that due to departmental enmity he is framed in the case and that there is a clear discrepancy in the reports of CDR and geo-fencing. Suspended cop said that he was not there when the incident took place.

Former SSP Rao Anwar further said that on January 13, 2018, as SSP, he was informed about the presence of some terrorists. According to him when he reached Shah Latif town at spot, the encounter had already taken place. He said that I informed the media about the information provided as SSP. In another update received from Balochistan, it is reported that Balochistan Police has decided to open two new women police stations in Turbat and Gwadar and recruit 280 women police personnel to strengthen the force and counter terrorism.

Apart from that,  on 14^th November Chinese Consul General in Lahore Zhao Shiren has said four corridors are being added to the flagship China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as both Islamabad and Beijing have agreed to it during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to the country.  He said the project would benefit both China and Pakistan, but it would be more beneficial for the latter. He urged Pakistanis that being on the driving seat, they should take ownership of the project, while Chinese could only facilitate them in this regard.

Analysis 

In my opinion the increasing threat of TT militancy can only be settled by moving further upon the implementations of peace talks arbitrated by Afghan Taliban. And for that Pakistan needs to strengthen in relations and level of trust and cooperation with IEA as only IEA can stop TTP from using Afghan soul against Pakistan. And for that Pakistan needs to establish a once and for all policy regarding IEA and Afghan Taliban as the recent changes in Pakistan’s political and governmental scenarios have seemingly affected it Afghan Policy too. On the other hand Pakistani think tanks in my opinion need to come up with more dynamic and productive manner in order to eliminate the grievances of locals of Balochistan specifically over the issue of missing persons. In current scenario, a pro state positive image needs to be propagated amongst the people of Balochistan as the propaganda of separatist  groups is coming hard in an establishing manner.