Islamabad: Pakistan witnessed a sharp escalation in militant violence in January 2025, with terror incidents rising by 42% compared to December 2024, according to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).
The think tank reported at least 74 militant attacks across the country, resulting in 91 deaths, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Additionally, 117 people sustained injuries, comprising 53 security personnel, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.
Security forces responded with an intensified counterterrorism campaign, eliminating 185 militants over the month—making it the second deadliest month for militant casualties since 2016. December 2024 held the record with 190 militants neutralized. The combined death toll from militant attacks and security operations in January stood at 245, including 185 militants, 40 security personnel, and 20 civilians.
According to reports, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) bore the brunt of the violence, followed by Balochistan. In KP’s settled districts, 27 attacks led to 19 deaths, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and two militants.
The province’s tribal districts (erstwhile FATA) saw 19 attacks, claiming 46 lives—13 security personnel, eight civilians, and 25 militants.
Balochistan experienced 24 militant attacks, resulting in 26 fatalities, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and nine militants.
Punjab saw two attacks, leaving one security official injured. In a significant incident on January 31, militants attempted to storm a police check post in DG Khan’s Jhangi area, but security forces successfully repelled the attack without casualties. Sindh and Islamabad each recorded one militant attack, neither resulting in any fatalities.
January also witnessed two suicide bombings in Balochistan, with responsibility claimed by the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for one and the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) for the other.
The month also saw a sharp increase in kidnappings, with at least 37 individuals abducted by militants. The highest number of incidents occurred in southern KP, where 22 people were kidnapped in five separate incidents across Lakki Marwat and Tank districts. Another 15 individuals were abducted in North and South Waziristan, highlighting the deteriorating security situation in these regions.
In response to the rising militant activity, security forces conducted intensified operations, killing 67 militants in KP’s tribal districts, 71 in its settled areas, and 47 in Balochistan. Counterterrorism raids were carried out across multiple areas as authorities ramped up efforts to curb the growing threat.
The increasing frequency of attacks and security operations underscores the ongoing challenges Pakistan faces in its fight against militancy, particularly in KP and Balochistan. Authorities continue to enhance counterterrorism measures in an effort to stabilize the worsening security situation.
