A recent assessment by the U.S. Congressional Research Service has underscored ongoing concerns that Pakistan remains a base for multiple militant organisations, including those targeting India and the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir.

The March 25, 2026 “In Focus” report identifies 15 groups operating in or from Pakistan, many designated by the United States as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. It highlights the continued activity of India- and Kashmir-focused groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Harakat-ul-Jihad al-Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin and Hizbul Mujahideen, noting that these outfits continue to operate with relative freedom.

According to the report, Lashkar-e-Taiba, formed in the late 1980s, remains active in Pakistan’s Punjab region and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Led by imprisoned figure Hafiz Saeed, the group has reportedly used alternate identities such as Jamaat-ud-Dawa to bypass sanctions and has been linked to major attacks, including the 2008 Mumbai assault.

The report also draws attention to Jaish-e-Mohammed, founded by Masood Azhar, which has operated across India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. It highlights the group’s involvement in the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and notes its stated objective of integrating Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan, as well as its declared hostility toward the United States.

In addition to regionally focused groups, the report points to the presence of global networks such as Al-Qaeda and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent. It states that despite extensive counterterrorism operations, including airstrikes and intelligence-led missions, many US- and UN-designated groups continue to operate within Pakistan.

While acknowledging that Islamabad took some measures in 2023 to curb militant activity, the report raises concerns about the continued influence of certain religious institutions in spreading extremist ideologies. It also references Pakistan’s 2014 National Action Plan, noting that its goal of eliminating armed groups has yet to be fully realised.

Authored by South Asia expert K. Alan Kronstadt, the report describes Pakistan as facing a dual challenge—tackling internal security threats such as separatist unrest in Balochistan and instability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while also being accused of allowing anti-India militant networks to persist.

It categorises militant groups in Pakistan into five overlapping types: globally oriented, Afghanistan-focused, India- and Kashmir-focused, domestically driven, and sectarian. The findings reinforce India’s long-standing position that cross-border militancy remains a major obstacle to regional peace, with New Delhi calling for stronger action against such networks.

A significant Pakistan-Afghanistan peace jirga is set to take place in Peshawar on Tuesday, March 31, aiming to establish a joint framework for promoting peace, stability, and dialogue between the neighbouring countries.

Former KP chief secretary and Aspire-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa head Arbab Shezad Khan made the announcement in a joint press conference alongside Qaumi Islahi Tehreek head Haji Sohrab Ali Khan.

The development comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions, including Pakistan’s ongoing military campaign, Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, against Afghanistan.

According to Khan, the jirga will bring together a broad cross-section of society, including political leaders, tribal elders, religious scholars, civil society representatives, members of the business community, and media professionals. Prominent figures with a history of working toward Pak-Afghan reconciliation have also been invited.

He noted that discussions will centre on rebuilding trust, fostering mutual respect, and initiating meaningful negotiations for sustainable peace. A joint declaration endorsing peace efforts is expected to be issued at the conclusion of the gathering and shared with the governments of both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Khan described the initiative as a critical step toward charting a unified path to stability, emphasising that current tensions between the two countries make such dialogue urgently necessary.

He further revealed that similar jirgas are being planned in Quetta and other locations, aiming to involve all stakeholders in shaping a long-term peace process for the region.

Participants are expected to call on the leadership of both nations to implement an immediate ceasefire, de-escalate tensions, and resolve disputes through dialogue and diplomatic engagement.

Virat Kohli struck an unbeaten half-century as Royal Challengers Bengaluru kicked off their Indian Premier League title defence with an emphatic six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Playing his first match since January, Kohli anchored the chase with a composed 69 not out off 38 balls, guiding Bengaluru to 203-4 in just 15.4 overs in pursuit of a daunting 202-run target.

He was well supported by Devdutt Padikkal, who blasted 61 from 26 deliveries, and captain Rajat Patidar, who added a quickfire 31 off 12 balls. England’s Phil Salt contributed just eight runs but made a significant impact in the field with a stunning one-handed diving catch.

Earlier, Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a competitive 201-9, powered by Ishan Kishan’s explosive 80 off 38 balls. However, his dismissal in the 16th over—courtesy of Salt’s brilliance on the boundary—halted their momentum on a batting-friendly surface.

New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy impressed on debut for Bengaluru, returning figures of 3-22, while England left-armer David Payne claimed 2-35 in his first IPL outing for Hyderabad.

Bengaluru’s chase set a new benchmark as the fastest successful pursuit of a 200-plus total in IPL history. Kohli also extended his record for the most 50-plus scores in successful run chases in the tournament.

In other IPL developments, several England players are featuring in this year’s competition. Jos Buttler returns to Gujarat Titans alongside Tom Banton and Luke Wood, while Jofra Archer is back with Rajasthan Royals. Will Jacks joins Mumbai Indians, and Liam Livingstone and Brydon Carse are part of the Sunrisers squad.

The IPL continues today, Sunday March 29, with a blockbuster clash as Mumbai Indians take on Kolkata Knight Riders in what promises to be an early-season test for both sides.

Five-time champions Mumbai will look to assert dominance at home, with key players like Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah expected to lead the charge, while Kolkata will rely on their explosive lineup featuring Andre Russell to make a strong statement.

With both teams aiming to build early momentum in IPL 2026, fans can expect a high-intensity contest packed with big hitting and crucial breakthroughs.

Fans in Afghanistan can catch all the IPL 2026 action live, as Ariana Radio and Television Network holds exclusive broadcast rights across the country.

Viewers can tune in daily to Ariana Television for live coverage, and follow Ariana Television and Ariana News across social media platforms for the latest updates and highlights.