Rising Terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 14% Increase in Three Months

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, incidents of terrorism have surged by 14% during the first three months of this year, while Balochistan has experienced a 46% decrease in violent incidents.

According to the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) quarterly report, a significant portion of these attacks—87%—were launched by militants from across the Afghan border. These cross-border operations resulted in the deaths of 92% of the security forces, civilians, and police personnel involved.

Militant activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan were primarily conducted from safe havens and training centers of international terrorist organizations situated near the Afghanistan border. In total, 600 individuals were either killed or injured in 240 incidents of terrorist attacks and counter-terrorism operations across Pakistan. The fatalities numbered 380, while 220 people sustained injuries. The victims included security forces, police, and civilians.

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During April, May, and June of 2024, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported 141 incidents of violence, resulting in 253 deaths and 82 injuries. When compared to the first quarter of January, February, and March 2024, where 222 individuals were killed, the subsequent three months saw an increase to 253 fatalities, marking a 14% rise in violence.

In Balochistan, 68 incidents during the second quarter resulted in 96 deaths and 104 injuries, compared to 178 deaths in the previous quarter, reflecting a 46% decrease in violent incidents.

Sindh witnessed 15 deaths and 7 injuries in 16 incidents. In Punjab, 16 people were killed, and 26 injured across 16 incidents, while Islamabad recorded one injury in a single incident.

Overall, the incidents resulted in the deaths of 38% militants, 32% civilians, and 30% security forces and government officials.

The report highlights a 16% reduction in the deaths of civilians and security forces personnel in the second quarter compared to the first. However, the killing of militants has increased by 29% during the same period.