Zubair Qureshi Islamabad
As Pakistan gears up for the general elections which are only one week away, scheduled for February 8, 2024, a disconcerting surge in militant activities was witnessed during the first month of the New Year with a staggering 102 percent increase as compared to the final month of 2023.
The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), an Islamabad-based think tank, on Thursday released alarming statistics documenting at least 93 militant attacks across the country in January 2024 resulting in 90 fatalities, 135 injuries, and the abduction of 15 individuals.
Despite the rise in attacks, the impact on human losses was somewhat mitigated. Likewise, 15 percent increase in casualties and a 19 percent rise in injuries were reported. Among those killed, the victims included 41 civilians, 37 security forces personnel, and 12 militants. The injured comprised 81 civilians and 54 security forces personnel.
The province of Balochistan bore the brunt of the onslaught, with 33 reported attacks leading to 31 deaths and 50 injuries. Mainland Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experienced 30 attacks, resulting in 17 fatalities and 21 injuries. Former FATA (newly merged districts of KP) witnessed 24 attacks, claiming 36 lives and injuring 57. Sindh faced four militant attacks, causing five deaths and six injuries. Punjab and Islamabad each reported a solitary attack with no significant casualties.
