Pakistan witnesses sharp increase in terror attacks in Jan 2025, second deadliest month for militants since 2016

Islamabad, February 3 (PTI) – Pakistan witnessed a significant surge in terrorist activities in January 2025, marking a 42% increase compared to the previous month, according to a report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).

As reported by Dawn on Monday, at least 74 militant attacks were recorded nationwide, resulting in 91 fatalities, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Additionally, 117 people sustained injuries, among them 53 security personnel, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.

Security Forces Intensify Counterterrorism Measures​

Amid the rising violence, Pakistan’s security forces launched an aggressive counterterrorism campaign, eliminating at least 185 militants in January. This made it the second deadliest month for militant casualties since 2016, trailing only behind December 2024, when 190 militants were killed in operations.

The combined toll from militant attacks and security operations in January stood at 245 fatalities, including 185 militants, 40 security forces personnel, and 20 civilians.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan: The Worst-Hit Regions​

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) emerged as the most affected region, followed by Balochistan. In KP’s settled districts, insurgents carried out 27 attacks, leading to 19 fatalities—comprising 11 security personnel, six civilians, and two militants.

The tribal districts of KP (formerly FATA) witnessed 19 attacks, causing 46 deaths, including 13 security personnel, eight civilians, and 25 militants. Meanwhile, Balochistan recorded 24 militant attacks, resulting in 26 deaths—11 security personnel, six civilians, and nine militants.

In Punjab, two militant incidents were reported, with one security official sustaining injuries. A major assault on a police check post in DG Khan’s Jhangi area on the last day of January was repelled by security forces without any casualties. Sindh and Islamabad each witnessed one attack, though neither resulted in fatalities.

Militant Groups Claim Responsibility for Suicide Attacks​

The report noted that two suicide bombings occurred in January, both in Balochistan. The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for one, while the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) took credit for the other.

Spike in Kidnappings Raises Alarm​

In addition to the surge in militant attacks, the report highlighted a concerning rise in kidnappings. At least 37 individuals were abducted in January, with 22 taken from KP’s Lakki Marwat and Tank districts, and 15 from North and South Waziristan. The increasing number of kidnappings in southern KP indicates a worsening security situation in the region.

Security Forces Conduct Major Raids​

In response to the escalating threats, security forces intensified counterterrorism operations in KP and Balochistan. January saw the elimination of 67 militants in KP’s tribal districts, 71 in its settled areas, and 47 in Balochistan. Counterterrorism raids were carried out across both provinces as authorities worked to curb the growing militant threat.