ISLAMABAD – The year 2024 witnessed a sharp increase in terror violence in Pakistan, as over 1600 people were killed in the last twelve months.
A report shared by Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) said the outgoing year proved to be one of deadliest for security forces in nearly a decade, with at least 685 deaths and 444 terror attacks.
It mentioned that 1,612 people, including both civilians and security personnel, were killed in violence this year, accounting for more than 63pc of total casualties. Security forces were responsible for the deaths of 934 suspected militants. On average, the country has witnessed nearly seven fatalities a day due to terror-related incidents.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa topped the grim list with the highest deaths, and Balochistan remained at number two. These provinces accounted for a staggering 94pc of all fatalities and 89pc of incidents across the nation.
The year saw a 66pc increase in violent attacks compared to 2023, which recorded 1,533 deaths and 1,462 injuries across 784 incidents. The number of terror attacks surged significantly, with an increase of 38% in 2021, 15% in 2022, 56% in 2023, and 66% in 2024.
Second last month November was marked the deadliest month, with 125 attacks resulting in 450 fatalities and 625 injuries. This marked the highest monthly death toll of the year.
The violence this outgoing year surpassed figures of 2015, when South Asian nation recorded 298 attacks and 415 deaths, marking the highest casualty rate since 2014. Security forces are facing unprecedented challenges in combating terrorism, particularly in the volatile regions of KP and Balochistan amid hostility with Taliban forces.
