July witnesses surge in militant attacks

Islamabad:After a slight decline in militant attacks in June, July saw resurgence in anti-state violence in Pakistan. Statistics released by the Islamabad-based think tank, the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), reveal that July 2024 witnessed 79 militant attacks resulting in 108 deaths and 71 injuries. Compared to June 2024, there was a 14 percent increase in attacks and a staggering 80 per cent rise in fatalities. The number of injured rose by 9 per cent.

In response to the growing threat, Pakistani security forces eliminated at least 50 militants during July, marking a 56 per cent increase in militant deaths compared to June 2024. According to PICSS statistics, the majority of militant attacks occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and its newly merged tribal districts (formerly FATA). Mainland KP experienced 36 attacks, resulting in 60 deaths and 27 injuries. In the tribal districts of KP, 30 people were killed and 18 injured in 26 militant attacks.

Balochistan witnessed 12 militant attacks, causing 12 deaths and 24 injuries. Sindh faced five attacks, resulting in six deaths and two injuries. No militant attacks were reported in Punjab, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.