ISLAMABAD: After a notable decline in violence in December 2025, Pakistan witnessed a renewed surge in anti-state militancy in January 2026. It resulted in higher fatalities among militants and civilians.
The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies reported this in its latest report, indicating that combat-related deaths rose by 43 per cent compared to the previous month.
Militant Attacks and Fatalities Increase Nationwide
PICSS data shows that security forces killed 242 militants during January, while 73 civilians and 46 security personnel lost their lives. In addition, authorities reported injuries to 12 militants, at least 71 civilians, and 52 members of the security forces. Meanwhile, militant groups carried out 87 attacks nationwide, reflecting a 28 per cent increase from 68 attacks recorded in December.
Geographically, 38 attacks occurred in mainland Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while tribal districts reported 20 incidents. Balochistan accounted for 27 attacks, whereas Punjab recorded two. In contrast, Sindh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Islamabad, and Gilgit-Baltistan reported no militant incidents during the month.
Balochistan Emerges as Epicentre of Violence
Balochistan emerged as the main theatre of militant activity and counterterrorism operations. The province recorded its highest monthly militant death toll since the current wave of militancy began in 2001. Although violence remained relatively low earlier in the month, it surged sharply during the final two days following coordinated attacks by the Balochistan Liberation Army on at least 12 locations.
Subsequently, intensified security operations led to the deaths of at least 172 militants, most during the month’s final days. January also recorded three suicide attacks, two of which took place in Balochistan and were claimed by the BLA.
Compared to December, civilian deaths increased by 143 per cent, militant fatalities by 35 per cent, and security force losses by seven per cent. Security agencies also arrested at least 60 suspects nationwide, disrupting potential militant networks.
