Islamabad — Pakistan witnessed a dramatic rise in terrorist activity in 2025, with the number of attacks increasing by 34 per cent compared to the previous year, highlighting persistent security challenges across the country.
The Pakistan Security Report 2025, compiled by the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), revealed that the country experienced 699 terrorist incidents over the year, leaving at least 1,034 people dead and 1,366 injured. The figures reflect a sharp escalation in both the frequency and lethality of attacks, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by militant groups.
Security forces, while successful in eliminating hundreds of militants in various operations, continued to bear the brunt of the violence. The report states that more than 42 per cent of fatalities from terrorism were security personnel, with 437 officers and soldiers killed during the year.
The provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan were most affected, accounting for the majority of violent incidents. Analysts say militants in these regions have adapted their tactics, employing coordinated assaults, improvised explosive devices, and targeted strikes to maximize impact.
Civilians were not spared, with hundreds killed or wounded in attacks, often in marketplaces, public spaces, and transportation hubs. The report highlights that while counter-terrorism operations continue, the human cost of militancy remains alarmingly high.
Experts stress that the rise in attacks reflects deeper structural and regional dynamics, particularly in the context of ongoing instability in Afghanistan and porous border areas that allow militants to regroup and plan operations.
Analysts and policymakers caution that while tactical enforcement and intelligence operations remain crucial, a long-term strategy addressing ideological, economic, and social roots of extremism is essential to curb future violence.
As Pakistan enters 2026, the surge in terrorist incidents serves as a stark reminder of the continuing challenges faced by security agencies and the urgent need for coordinated efforts to protect both civilians and state institutions.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.