Islamabad, Feb 3: Pakistan witnessed a significant spike in terror-related incidents in January 2025, marking a 42% increase compared to the previous month, according to data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).
The think tank reported that at least 74 militant attacks took place across the country, resulting in 91 fatalities, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Additionally, 117 individuals sustained injuries—53 from security forces, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.
Security forces, in response, intensified counterterrorism operations, neutralizing 185 militants, making it the second deadliest month for militant casualties in nearly a decade. The highest militant toll in a single month since 2016 was recorded in December 2024, with 190 killed in security operations.
Worst-Hit Regions
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) remained the most affected region, followed by Balochistan. Insurgents carried out 27 attacks in KP’s settled districts, leading to 19 deaths, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and two militants. The tribal areas of KP saw 19 attacks, claiming 46 lives—13 security personnel, eight civilians, and 25 militants.
Balochistan also witnessed a sharp rise in violence, with 24 attacks leaving 26 dead, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and nine militants. Punjab reported two attacks, resulting in one injured security official.
On the last day of January, militants attempted a major assault on a police checkpoint in DG Khan’s Jhangi area, but security forces successfully repelled the attack without casualties. Sindh and Islamabad each recorded one attack, though neither resulted in fatalities.
Rise in Abductions and Suicide Bombings
The month also saw two suicide bombings in Balochistan—one claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the other by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
Adding to security concerns, the report highlighted a rise in kidnappings, with militants abducting 37 individuals. Most incidents occurred in KP’s Lakki Marwat and Tank districts, where 22 people were taken, while 15 others were kidnapped in North and South Waziristan.
Security Crackdown
Authorities launched extensive counterterrorism raids, eliminating 67 militants in KP’s tribal districts, 71 in settled areas, and 47 in Balochistan. Security forces remain on high alert as insurgents continue to target law enforcement and civilians.
The surge in militant activities underscores the ongoing security challenges in Pakistan, despite intensified operations to curb extremism.