Militant attacks spiked nationwide in January 2026, reversing the significant drop recorded in December 2025. The rise in attacks led to more casualties among militants, civilians, and security personnel, according to official data. The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) reported that combat-related deaths surged sharply amid a nationwide increase in anti-state attacks.
In January, militants killed 242 people, including 73 civilians and 46 security personnel, PICSS reported. In addition, 12 militants were injured, along with at least 71 civilians and 52 security personnel Analysts warn the surge points to renewed activity by militant groups following the December slowdown.
Nationwide Attack Patterns and Regional Hotspots
PICSS data shows militants carried out 87 attacks in January, a 28 percent increase over December’s 68 incidents. Most attacks occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which saw 38 strikes in the mainland and 20 in the tribal districts, formerly Fata. Balochistan experienced 27 attacks, while Punjab recorded only two. Notably, Sindh, Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan reported no militant activity during the month.
Balochistan emerged as the epicenter of violence and counterterrorism operations. Although the province remained relatively calm for most of January, attacks escalated sharply during the final two days. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) simultaneously struck at least 12 locations. Security forces responded with intensified operations, killing at least 172 militants, most of them in these final two days. The province also experienced two suicide attacks claimed by the BLA.
Meanwhile, security forces conducted proactive measures in Punjab. Although militants launched only two attacks, authorities arrested 53 suspected militants, including 48 from Lahore. Analysts say these operations likely disrupted planned attacks targeting urban centers in central Punjab, including Lahore, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, and Mianwali.
Casualties, Arrests, and Counterterrorism Efforts
Comparing January with December, civilian deaths rose 143 percent, militant deaths increased 35 percent, and security force fatalities climbed seven percent. Security forces also detained at least 60 suspected militants nationwide, while militant groups kidnapped eight individuals. These figures underline the ongoing challenge of maintaining security while countering insurgent networks.
Experts emphasize that, despite progress in certain regions, coordinated militant operations continue to threaten stability. The surge in January demonstrates how quickly groups can regain strength following temporary lulls. Consequently, security forces maintain vigilance and continue large-scale operations to prevent further escalation.
January’s statistics highlight a volatile start to 2026. Analysts caution that persistent militant activity, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, demands strong federal and provincial cooperation to protect civilians and maintain security.
