Crisis on all fronts: Pakistan sought Iran-US peace, faces turmoil at home

Pakistan had hoped to position itself as a key diplomatic player in efforts to broker a ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Instead, the country finds itself confronting a deepening security crisis at home, with unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), escalating cross-border tensions with Afghanistan, deadly militant attacks and fresh military losses exposing challenges on multiple fronts.The unrest in PoK has emerged as one of Islamabad’s most pressing concerns. Authorities have launched a search operation for protesters linked to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), announced rewards for information leading to arrests and initiated sedition proceedings against some leaders. The protests, triggered by demands for economic reforms and fuelled by allegations of excessive force by security agencies, have paralysed several towns and cities. Communication services were disrupted, while businesses and public services shut down across parts of the region.The latest setback came on Wednesday when a Pakistan Army Aviation Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir during take-off, killing all personnel on board. The military attributed the crash to a technical fault and ordered an inquiry. Violence in PoK deepens political pressureThe turmoil intensified after deadly clashes between protesters and security forces. Reports of civilian casualties have drawn international attention, with more than 50 British lawmakers urging the UK government to raise concerns over the situation. India has also criticised Islamabad’s handling of the protests, citing reports of police brutality and civilian deaths.Afghanistan strikes and militant attacks raise security concernsWhile grappling with unrest in PoK, Pakistan has also expanded military operations along the Afghan border. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Pakistani forces carried out precision strikes against militant hideouts, killing 26 alleged militants linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).The strikes followed a string of attacks inside Pakistan, including Tuesday’s assault on a Frontier Constabulary post in Peshawar’s Hassan Khel area. Six security personnel were killed and four injured while repelling militants attempting to seize the post. Security forces said eight attackers were killed in the ensuing gun battle.Helicopter crash adds to mounting challengesAgainst this backdrop, the loss of the Mi-17 helicopter delivered another blow to Pakistan’s security establishment. Witnesses reported seeing smoke rise from the crash site shortly after take-off, while rescue teams rushed to recover the victims.The crash adds to a series of military aviation accidents in recent years and comes at a difficult moment for Islamabad. As fighting continues along the Afghan border, militant violence persists and unrest simmers in PoK, Pakistan’s ambitions of playing a diplomatic role in the Iran-US conflict have been overshadowed by a growing list of domestic crises demanding immediate attention.