ISLAMABAD: Pakistan experienced a sharp rise in militant attacks in January 2025, with incidents surging by 42% compared to the previous month, according to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).
At least 74 militant attacks were recorded nationwide, resulting in 91 deaths, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Another 117 individuals sustained injuries, comprising 53 security personnel, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.
The report highlighted an intensified counterterrorism campaign by security forces, which led to the elimination of 185 militants in January—making it the second deadliest month for militant casualties since 2016. The highest monthly militant death toll in nearly a decade was recorded in December 2024, when security forces neutralized 190 insurgents.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan: The Worst-Affected Regions
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) remained the hardest-hit province, followed by Balochistan.
- KP’s Settled Districts: Insurgents carried out 27 attacks, resulting in 19 fatalities, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and two militants.
- KP’s Tribal Districts (Erstwhile FATA): These areas witnessed 19 attacks, causing 46 deaths—13 security personnel, eight civilians, and 25 militants.
- Balochistan: At least 24 militant attacks were recorded, leading to 26 deaths, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and nine militants.
Other provinces experienced relatively fewer incidents. Punjab saw two militant attacks, with one security official injured. On January 31, militants launched a major assault on a police checkpoint in DG Khan’s Jhangi area, but security forces repelled the attack without casualties. Sindh and Islamabad each reported one attack, neither of which resulted in fatalities.
Suicide Bombings and Rising Kidnappings
The month also saw two suicide bombings in Balochistan. The banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for one, while the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) took credit for the other.
Additionally, the report highlighted a troubling rise in kidnappings. Militants abducted at least 37 individuals in January:
- KP’s Lakki Marwat and Tank districts: 22 people kidnapped in five incidents.
- North and South Waziristan: 15 individuals abducted.
The surge in kidnappings in southern KP signals a deteriorating security situation in the region, the report noted.
Security Forces Strike Back
Amid the escalating violence, security forces intensified counterterrorism operations across KP and Balochistan.
- KP’s Tribal Districts: 67 militants eliminated.
- KP’s Settled Areas: 71 militants killed.
- Balochistan: 47 militants neutralized.
Counterterrorism raids were reported in multiple locations across both provinces as authorities ramped up efforts to curb the growing militant threat.
