Islamabad
During the second quarter of 2024, Pakistan saw a significant rise in violence, resulting in 380 deaths and 220 injuries across 240 incidents of terror attacks and counter-terror operations, according to a report by Pakistan’s Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS).
The provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan were identified as hotspots, accounting for 92 percent of fatalities and 87 percent of attacks during this period. The report highlighted increases in violence in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with fatalities rising by 13 percent and 31 percent respectively compared to the previous quarter.
Civilian casualties constituted 62 percent of the total fatalities, with incidents targeting ethnic workers in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as sectarian violence. Security personnel, including police and army officials, were also frequent targets, reflecting the diverse security challenges across Pakistan.
The report also pointed out Pakistan’s historical challenge with state-sponsored terrorism, dating back to the 1980s during the Soviet-Afghan War. This strategy, initially aimed at strategic gains against regional rivals like India and Afghanistan, has backfired over time. Terror groups once supported by Pakistan have turned against the state, exacerbating violence and instability, particularly in tribal and border regions with Afghanistan.
The presence of these groups has undermined Pakistan’s sovereignty and control in affected areas, posing not just internal security threats but also risks to regional stability. The complex security landscape underscores ongoing efforts to address terrorism and its root causes within Pakistan.
