Islamabad, March 3: Combat-related deaths in Pakistan increased by 30% in February, due to a rise in suicide attacks across the country, according to statistics released by an Islamabad-based think tank, local media reported.
A report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) revealed that 470 deaths and 333 injuries were documented in February. The victims include 96 civilians, 80 security force personnel, and 294 militants. The number of injured included 259 civilians, 50 security force personnel, and 24 militants, Dawn, Pakistan's leading daily, reported.
The figures show a 74% increase in the deaths of security force personnel, a 32% increase in civilian deaths, and a 21% surge in militant deaths compared to January.
Violence significantly increased in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and its merged districts (formerly Federally Administered Tribal Areas). As many as 53 security force personnel and six civilians were killed, while 35 security personnel and 48 civilians were injured in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in February. Three suicide bombing incidents took place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which claimed 17 lives, including that of 14 security force personnel, and injured 20 people.
As many as 34 people were killed and 165 others were injured in a suicide bombing incident in Islamabad. Furthermore, two police personnel were killed and four others were injured in a suicide bombing in the Bhakkar district of Punjab province. The eight suicide attacks reported in January and February this year represent nearly half of the total for all of 2025, when 17 such incidents were reported.
According to the data released by PICSS, the first two months of 2026 witnessed 831 combat-related deaths, including 536 militants, 169 civilians, and 126 security force personnel, Dawn reported.
At least two people were killed and 14 others were injured after an explosion occurred near the Miryan Police Station in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Monday.
According to a police statement, the blast occurred when explosive material planted on a motorcycle detonated. The two deceased individuals included a child, Dawn reported.
Emergency teams reached the site and took the bodies and injured people to hospitals for treatment, according to Rescue 1122 officials.
According to police sources, the blast occurred near shops located in front of the police station. Police personnel were not harmed in the blast. However, civilians in the area were caught in the explosion. Several of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
After the incident, a large contingent of the Bannu police, along with the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS), Quick Response Force (QRF), and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), reached the site, Dawn reported.
Police and security forces cordoned off the area and began a search operation, according to the statement released by the police. An investigation into the incident has been launched, and evidence is being collected.
