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 others. Despite these efforts, the Jaffar Express hijacking has once again exposed gaps in intelligence gathering and proactive security planning, with militants dictating the pace of violence.
The week also saw important non-violent developments. In Balochistan, there were multiple incidents of abductions, attacks on security checkpoints, and targeted killings, including the assassination of religious scholar Mufti Shah Mir in Kech. In KP, clashes between security forces and militants continued, with a checkpoint attack in Tank leaving 10 militants dead. Erstwhile FATA saw continued militant activity, including IED attacks and targeted killings.
On the diplomatic front, Bahrain’s National Guard Commander, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, visited Pakistan to strengthen bilateral military ties. He met with CJCSC General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, discussing counter-terrorism cooperation and regional security dynamics.
In Kurram, under the ongoing peace agreement, significant progress was made with the arrival of a 506-vehicle supply convoy in Parachinar, the dismantling of 483 bunkers, and the filling of 4,250 feet of trenches. The phased surrender of weapons to the state is also ongoing.
On the regional front, Afghanistan remained a focal point, with the UN Security Council addressing the humanitarian crisis, women’s rights, and Taliban governance. The week also saw rising tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban over cross-border militancy and the deportation of Afghan refugees, with Islamabad set to expel Afghan citizens — including those with Afghan Citizen Cards — starting April 1.
In conclusion, while militant attacks slightly declined, the severity of incidents — particularly the Jaffar Express hijacking — underscores the need for a proactive security Weekly security report
approach, stronger intelligence coordination, and a shift from reactive measures. The growing militant footprint in Balochistan, coupled with regional instability, calls for an urgent reassessment of counter-terror strategies.
