In April, Pakistan witnessed a significant surge in militant attacks, notably concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), particularly in its southern districts.
The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies reported 77 militant attacks, resulting in 70 deaths and 67 injuries nationwide. Despite the 38% increase in attacks compared to March, fatalities slightly decreased.
Security forces played a vital role in thwarting potential attacks, with 55 suspected militants killed and 12 arrested. Mainland KP, especially D.I. Khan, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, and Tank, faced the brunt of these attacks, while tribal districts also experienced significant incidents. Balochistan and Punjab also witnessed heightened militant activities during the period.
According to the findings published by the Islamabad-based think tank, Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), the surge in militant attacks is evident in its monthly security assessment. A total of 77 attacks were recorded in April, resulting in 70 fatalities, including 35 civilians and 31 members of security forces.
Comparing April to March, the analysis revealed a 38% surge in militant attacks, despite a slight decline in fatalities. The security report also highlighted the efforts of the country’s security forces in preventing numerous potential attacks during the month.
The majority of these attacks, 73% to be precise, occurred in KP, including its tribal districts. Mainland KP districts such as D.I. Khan, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, and Tank were particularly affected, together accounting for 71% of the attacks in the region. Balochistan, Punjab, and Sindh also saw an uptick in militant activities during April.
In the first four months of the year, Pakistan experienced a total of 323 militant attacks, resulting in 324 fatalities and 387 injuries.
