Militant attacks drop by 7pc in Sept, fatalities plunge by 56pc

Islamabad:The country’s security situation showed a relative improvement in September compared to August, according to data released by the Islamabad-based think tank, Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). 

The report indicates a seven percent reduction in militant attacks, alongside a significant 56 percent drop in fatalities. However, there was a slight seven percent increase in the number of injured individuals. According to the PICSS database, militants carried out 77 attacks across Pakistan in September 2024, resulting in 77 fatalities. These included 38 security personnel, 23 civilians, and 16 militants. Additionally, 132 people were injured, comprising 78 civilians and 54 security personnel. In response, Pakistani security forces neutralized 34 suspected militants and arrested 16 others. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) remained the most affected region, accounting for the bulk of militant activity, with 47 reported attacks. These incidents resulted in 54 deaths and 79 injuries.

The former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), now merged into KP, were particularly hard-hit. The region witnessed 26 militant attacks, resulting in 37 fatalities and 70 injuries. This marked a noticeable rise from August when 16 attacks resulted in 32 deaths in the same area. Mainland KP, meanwhile, saw 21 attacks that claimed the lives of 17 people and left nine injured.

Compared to August, the pattern of violence remained largely consistent in this part of the province. Balochistan saw a significant reduction in militant activity following a surge in August. In September, the province witnessed 27 attacks, leading to 22 deaths and 48 injuries. This represents a substantial decrease from the 43 attacks, 125 deaths, and 77 injuries recorded in August. The downward trend in Balochistan offers a glimmer of hope after a particularly violent period the previous month.