Islamabad: The first half of 2023 has seen a steady and alarming rise in terror incidents in Pakistan, according to a statistical report released by the independent think tank Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). The report reveals that a total of 271 militant attacks occurred during this period, resulting in the loss of 389 lives and injuring 656 individuals. Comparatively, the same timeframe in 2022 witnessed 151 attacks, causing 293 deaths and 487 injuries. These figures represent a staggering 79% increase in militant attacks during the first half of this year compared to the corresponding period last year.Furthermore, the latter half of 2022 recorded 228 attacks, resulting in 246 fatalities and 349 injuries. Thus, the first six months of 2023 witnessed an 18% rise in attacks compared to the latter half of 2022, accompanied by a 58% increase in fatalities and an 88% increase in injuries.
Pakistan’s Security Forces Response to Terrorism
Pakistani security forces have also stepped up their response against terrorism and killed at least 236 militants across the country while 295 suspected militants were also arrested during the first six months of 2023.Khyber Pakhtunkhwa emerged as the most affected province during the first half of this year, with 174 reported militant attacks. These attacks claimed the lives of 266 individuals and injured 463. Among the reported attacks, 100 took place in mainland KP, resulting in 188 deaths and 354 injuries, while 74 incidents occurred in the tribal districts (erstwhile FATA), causing 78 deaths and 109 injuries. The PICSS Militancy Database shows a 51% rise in terror attacks in the tribal districts of KP during the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, although there was a 10% and 15% decline in fatalities compared to the first and second half of last year, respectively.
Terrorism in KP
Mainland KP experienced a striking 108% rise in terror incidents during the first six months of 2023 compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. Additionally, a 25% increase was observed compared to the second half of 2022. Fatalities in mainland KP rose by 53% and 132% in the first half of the current year compared to the first and last half of 2022, respectively.
Terrorism in Balochistan
Balochistan reported 75 terror incidents in the first half of 2023, resulting in 100 deaths and 163 injuries. The PICSS Militancy Database reveals a 103% increase in terror attacks during this period compared to the same period in the previous year, and a 14% rise compared to the last six months of 2022. Fatalities in Balochistan rose by 61% and 64% in the first six months of the current year compared to the first and second half of 2022, respectively.
Terrorism in Sindh
Sindh experienced a slight decline in terror incidents, with 13 reported attacks in the first six months of 2023, resulting in 19 deaths and the same number of injuries. Comparing the data to the first and second half of the previous year, the first six months of this year witnessed a 19% decline and a 44% rise, respectively. Fatalities in Sindh rose by 27% compared to the first half of the previous year, while a 171% increase was observed compared to the last six months of 2022.
Terrorism in Punjab
Punjab has witnessed a significant rise in terror-related incidents during the first six months of 2023, with the PICSS Militancy Database recording eight attacks, resulting in six deaths and 10 injuries. In contrast, only one militant attack was reported during the first six months of 2022, while two attacks occurred during the last six months of the same year.
Increase in Suicide Attacks
A concerning surge in suicide attacks has also been observed during the first half of 2023, with 13 such attacks resulting in 142 deaths and 309 injuries. In comparison, only five suicide attacks were reported during the corresponding period of the previous year, causing 77 deaths and 225 injuries. During the second half of 2022, Pakistan witnessed 10 suicide attacks, resulting in 24 fatalities and 65 injuries.
