Combating Terrorism
WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD: On Monday, the United States offered to collaborate with Pakistan in developing strategies to more effectively combat all forms of violent extremism.
When asked about recent terrorist attacks resulting in civilian deaths in Pakistan, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller acknowledged that both countries have faced acts of terrorism targeting innocent civilians.
The US official expressed “deepest sympathies” for the victims of these attacks, emphasizing that Pakistanis have endured significant suffering due to terrorist incidents.
He also stressed the significance of allowing Pakistanis to practice their faith without fear, while offering condolences to the families who lost loved ones and expressing wishes for a speedy recovery of injured ones.
Mr. Miller stated that the US can assist Pakistan in dealing with this threat by engaging in cooperation in various multilateral fora. This collaboration includes addressing terrorist designations and devising global strategies to defeat terrorist groups.
He highlighted a significant event earlier this year when the United States and Pakistan conducted a high-level counter-terrorism dialogue to address mutual terrorist threats faced by both nations. During these discussions, the two sides explored strategies for cooperation in areas like border security and tackling terrorist financing.
Mr. Miller concluded by stating that the US will continue its efforts to work with Pakistan to enhance their capacity to counter all forms of violent extremism.
September Sees an Alarming 87% Surge in Civilian Casualties
According to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, the number of civilian casualties in militant attacks nearly doubled in September compared to the previous month, despite a 34 percent decrease in the number of incidents.
In September, there were 65 reported militant attacks, resulting in the loss of 136 lives among civilians, military personnel, and law enforcement agencies, with an additional 144 individuals sustaining injuries.
Specifically, civilian fatalities reached 84, marking an 87 percent increase from the 45 reported in August. Despite the decline in the number of attacks by 34 percent compared to the 99 incidents in August, September represented the highest number of incidents since March 2015.
At the provincial level, mainland Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, excluding erstwhile Fata areas, witnessed 23 attacks, leading to 34 fatalities and 73 injuries. In the tribal districts, 17 reported attacks resulted in 19 deaths and 18 injuries.
Balochistan reported 20 attacks with 77 casualties and 46 injuries, while Sindh recorded four militant attacks, which led to five deaths and two injuries.
Additionally, there was a single attack in Azad Kashmir, involving the assassination of an activist formerly associated with the proscribed Jamaatud Dawa in Rawalakot town on September 8. Overall, US steps forward to assist Pakistan in combating terrorism.
