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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Balochistan, K-P remain epicentres as Pakistan records 85 attacks in May
Despite heightened military tensions with India in May, Pakistan witnessed only a marginal uptick in insurgent violence, according to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), an Islamabad-based independent think tank. The monthly security assessment issued by PICSS recorded 85 terrorist attacks across the country in May—slightly higher than April's tally of 81. These incidents resulted in 113 fatalities, including 52 security forces personnel, 46 civilians, 11 terrorists, and four peace committee members. The number of injured rose to 182, with 130 civilians, 47 security personnel, four terrorists, and one peace committee member among the wounded. The figures represent a five per cent rise in terrorist attacks compared to April. Of particular concern was the 73 per cent increase in fatalities among security personnel, as well as a dramatic 145 per cent surge in civilian injuries—from 53 in April to 130 in May. Conversely, injuries among security personnel fell by 20 per cent. Security operations during the month resulted in the deaths of 59 terrorists, while five security personnel lost their lives in the line of duty. Seven security personnel and five terrorists were injured in these operations, which also led to the arrest of 52 terrorists. The month marked the first time since October 2024 that terrorist deaths were recorded in double digits (65), a significant decline from the 203 insurgent fatalities reported in April. K-P, Balochistan suffered the worst of the violence Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) continued to bear the brunt of violence, accounting for 82 of the 85 reported attacks. Balochistan remained the most volatile region with 35 terrorist attacks, resulting in 51 deaths—including 30 civilians, 18 security personnel, and three extremists. One hundred people were injured, of whom 94 were civilians. Militants also abducted nine individuals in the province. Among the most tragic incidents was a blast targeting an Army Public School bus in Khuzdar, which claimed the lives of eight children (mostly girls) and two staff members, while injuring 35 others. In the merged tribal districts of K-P, 22 attacks led to 45 fatalities, including 23 security personnel, 12 civilians, six insurgents, and four peace committee members. The region also saw 58 injuries, including 30 security personnel. Read more: Indian-sponsored terrorists attack Surab market in Balochistan Mainland K-P (excluding the tribal districts) witnessed 25 insurgent attacks, resulting in 14 deaths, including 10 security personnel and two each of civilians and terrorists. Twenty-four people were injured. In Sindh, three attacks were recorded, causing the deaths of two civilians and one security official. No terrorist attacks were reported in Punjab, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), or Gilgit-Baltistan. However, Punjab recorded the highest number of arrests, with 39 suspected radical elements detained during intelligence-based operations. In AJK, a raid in Rawalakot led to the killing of four alleged insurgents said to be affiliated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
Nikkei Asia
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Nikkei Asia
China is the unlikely winner of the Indo-Pakistan conflict
Farhan Bokhari is an Islamabad-based foreign correspondent who writes on Pakistan and the surrounding region. When Indian and Pakistani militaries clashed in early May, few foresaw China's rise as the key winner from the four-day conflict.
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'Sixteen hours' that reshaped South Asia
The Pakistan-China Institute (PCI), a leading Islamabad-based think tank, has released a detailed report on the 2025 Pakistan-India standoff, describing it as a turning point that reaffirmed Pakistan's strategic deterrence and exposed what it called a "monumental miscalculation" by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Titled "16 Hours that reshaped South Asia: How Modi's miscalculation led to Pakistan's primacy", the 25-page report was launched by PCI Chairman Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed. He described the confrontation as "India's most serious setback since Nehru's defeat in the 1962 war with China". The report analyses the regional implications of the conflict that followed the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, tracing events through to the eventual ceasefire. According to PCI, Pakistan's armed forces, under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar, responded with flawless inter-service coordination and strategic clarity. Hussain praised the military's use of sophisticated technology, including electronic warfare tools, claiming Pakistan achieved cyber supremacy during the confrontation. He also highlighted the role of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), crediting their professionalism, training, and operational skill as vital to the successful response. Calling the episode "Pakistan's finest hour" since the 1998 nuclear testsduring which he served as Information MinisterSenator Hussain said the state exhibited "perfect planning, perfect coordination and perfect execution", further enhanced by deft diplomacy and effective media messaging. The report's cover, featuring images of JF-17 Thunder and J-10C fighter jets, symbolises Pakistan's advanced military capabilities. It also underlines China's pivotal support, noting that under President Xi Jinping, Beijing stood by Pakistan "like a solid rock". The United States also received praise. Hussain credited President Donald Trump with brokering the ceasefire and helping revive the Kashmir issue on the international stage, which the report described as a blow to India's diplomatic standing. The think tank recommends a comprehensive strategic approach based on three pillars: proactive regional diplomacy, "creative lawfare" on issues like the Indus Waters Treaty, and global narrative shaping through think tanks, media, and diplomatic engagement.
Express Tribune
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan hailed for military and diplomatic success in PCI report on 2025 conflict
Listen to article The Pakistan-China Institute (PCI), a leading Islamabad-based think tank, has released a detailed report on the 2025 Pakistan-India standoff, describing it as a turning point that reaffirmed Pakistan's strategic deterrence and exposed what it called a 'monumental miscalculation' by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Titled '16 Hours that reshaped South Asia: How Modi's miscalculation led to Pakistan's primacy', the 25-page report was launched by PCI Chairman Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed. He described the confrontation as 'India's most serious setback since Nehru's defeat in the 1962 war with China'. The report analyses the regional implications of the conflict that followed the April 22 terror attack in Pehelgam, tracing events through to the eventual ceasefire. According to PCI, Pakistan's armed forces, under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar, responded with flawless inter-service coordination and strategic clarity. Hussain praised the military's use of sophisticated technology, including electronic warfare tools, claiming Pakistan achieved cyber supremacy during the confrontation. He also highlighted the role of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), crediting their professionalism, training, and operational skill as vital to the successful response. Calling the episode 'Pakistan's finest hour' since the 1998 nuclear tests—during which he served as Information Minister—Senator Hussain said the state exhibited 'perfect planning, perfect coordination and perfect execution', further enhanced by deft diplomacy and effective media messaging. The report's cover, featuring images of JF-17 Thunder and J-10C fighter jets, symbolises Pakistan's advanced military capabilities. It also underlines China's pivotal support, noting that under President Xi Jinping, Beijing stood by Pakistan 'like a solid rock'. The United States also received praise. Hussain credited former President Donald Trump with brokering the ceasefire and helping revive the Kashmir issue on the international stage, which the report described as a blow to India's diplomatic standing. According to PCI, the conflict produced three lasting strategic outcomes: Pakistan's restoration of deterrence, China's emergence as a de facto party to the Kashmir dispute, and the United States' role as a peace stabiliser in South Asia. The think tank recommends a comprehensive strategic approach based on three pillars: proactive regional diplomacy, 'creative lawfare' on issues like the Indus Waters Treaty, and global narrative shaping through think tanks, media, and diplomatic engagement. The report also draws historical parallels, comparing Modi's decision-making to other infamous strategic errors, including Hitler's 1941 invasion of the Soviet Union. Senator Hussain concluded with a warning: despite the absence of imminent war, India is still pursuing what PCI terms a '3-D strategy' — to demonise, damage, and destabilise Pakistan. He urged vigilance, national unity, and a healing of political divisions to counter these threats and preserve the morale and cohesion demonstrated during the conflict. 'This episode has strengthened national self-confidence and revived public pride in the future of Pakistan,' he said. The report includes a detailed timeline of events, international reactions, and assessments of how coordinated responses and popular support contributed to Pakistan's strategic success.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pakistan Army spokesman vows 'swift and assured response' in case of ceasefire violation
The Pakistan Army on Thursday vowed a "swift and assured response" in case of any violation of the ceasefire by India, cautioning that serious escalation could result in mutual destruction . Pakistan's military spokesman, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, in an interview with British broadcaster Sky News, said that the world now recognised the extent of the nuclear threat, Dawn reported. "Anyone who tries to violate our territory and integrity and sovereignty, our response will be brutal," he said. The spokesman vowed a "swift and assured response" to India if it violates the ceasefire with Pakistan, Dawn added. Continue to video 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote On the Kashmir issue , he said it is a "problem that has to be resolved by the people of Kashmir as per the United Nations Security Council resolution." The ISPR chief warned that a "serious escalation between India and Pakistan would destroy both sides". Live Events Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch on Thursday said the new normal in bilateral ties should be respect for each other's sovereignty and integrity. Baloch briefed the Islamabad-based diplomatic missions on the recent developments in Pakistan-India relations, according to a statement by the Foreign Office. During the briefing, she apprised the diplomatic corps of the implementation and progress of the ceasefire announced on May 10. She underscored that, as a goodwill gesture, Pakistan and India exchanged the personnel of Pakistan Rangers and the Indian Border Security Force in each other's custody on Wednesday. Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern over recent "provocative" statements by Indian leaders and affirmed to defend Pakistan in case of any attack. During a telephonic conversation with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev Thursday, Sharif said Pakistan has agreed to the "ceasefire" agreement with India in the interest of regional peace, and is committed to upholding it, state-run Radio Pakistan reported. Sharif conveyed his gratitude to President Aliyev for standing with Pakistan during the recent crisis. He stressed that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is the "root cause" of instability in South Asia, which should be resolved in accordance with the UN resolutions.
