Oct terrorist attacks decline 37pc MoM

ISLAMABAD: In October, terrorist attacks across Pakistan dropped by 37% compared to September, according to a report from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). The PICSS documented 143 militant attacks in October, a significant decrease from 226 attacks in the previous month. The toll of these attacks was also reduced, with deaths falling by 57% from 260 to 111, and injuries declining by 71% from 242 to 69.

In total, October saw 272 deaths and 71 injuries resulting from militant attacks and counter-terrorism operations. Among the victims were 53 security personnel, five peace committee members, 45 civilians, and 169 militants. The injured included 29 security personnel, 11 peace committee members, and 31 civilians.

A notable decline was observed in suicide attacks, with only one incident recorded in October, resulting in no casualties, as opposed to three incidents in September that claimed 45 lives and injured 138 people. During nationwide counter-terrorism operations, security forces managed to eliminate 156 militants and arrest seven suspected militants. However, the operations also resulted in the deaths of two security personnel and three civilians, along with injuries to two security personnel.

In terms of geographic distribution, Balochistan experienced a 46% reduction in militant attacks, with 71 attacks in October compared to 132 in September. The province also saw a 56% decrease in attack-related deaths, from 136 to 44, and a 40% drop in injuries, from 63 to 37. Counter-terrorism operations in Balochistan resulted in the death of 79 militants, while three civilians were killed and two security personnel were injured.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), excluding the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), reported a 31% decrease in attacks, with 58 attacks in October down from 58 in the previous month. Deaths fell from 90 to 38, and injuries dropped from 165 to 19. Counter-terrorism operations in KP resulted in the death of 42 militants and two security personnel.

Punjab recorded two attacks in October, compared to none in September, resulting in four deaths but no injuries. No attacks were reported in Sindh during October. Despite these improvements, kidnappings continued to be a significant concern, particularly in Balochistan. The PICSS recorded 88 kidnappings in militant-related incidents nationwide in October, a 22% increase from 72 in September, marking the highest monthly figure in the past 12 months.