Modest rise in militant attacks in May 2025: PICSS report

Islamabad:Despite heightened military tensions between Pakistan and India in May 2025, militant groups were unable to significantly escalate their activities in Pakistan, according to data released by the Islamabad-based independent think tank, Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).

The PICSS monthly security assessment recorded 85 militant attacks in May, up slightly from 81 in April, resulting in 113 fatalities. These included 52 security forces personnel, 46 civilians, 11 militants, and four peace committee members. A total of 182 people were injured, comprising 130 civilians, 47 security personnel, four militants, and one peace committee member.

This marks a 5 percent increase in militant attacks compared to April. Notably, there was a 73 percent rise in security personnel deaths, and a dramatic 145 percent increase in civilian injuries (from 53 in April to 130 in May). However, injuries among security personnel decreased by 20 percent, falling from 59 to 47.

In operations initiated by security forces during the month, at least 59 militants were killed, while five security personnel lost their lives. Additionally, seven security personnel and five militants sustained injuries. Security forces also arrested 52 suspected militants during various intelligence-based operations.

Combining militant attacks and security operations, the overall casualty toll for May stood at 172 deaths-including 57 security personnel, 65 militants, 46 civilians, and four peace committee members. A total of 194 people were injured, comprising 130 civilians, 54 security personnel, nine militants, and one peace committee member. Militants also abducted at least 19 individuals during the month.

A striking aspect of the May security landscape was a 78 percent rise in the deaths of security personnel, contrasted with a 68 percent decline in militant deaths compared to April. Notably, May was the first month since October 2024 in which militant fatalities were recorded in double digits (65), a sharp drop from 203 in April.

Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) remained the most affected provinces, accounting for 82 of the 85 attacks nationwide. Balochistan experienced the highest level of violence, with 35 militant attacks that left 51 people dead-including 30 civilians, 18 security personnel, and three militants-and 100 injured (94 civilians, five security personnel, one militant). Militants also abducted nine individuals in the province. A particularly tragic incident occurred in Khuzdar, where a blast targeted an Army Public School bus, killing eight children (mostly girls) and two staff members, and injuring 35 others.

In the merged tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (erstwhile FATA), 22 militant attacks led to 45 deaths, including 23 security personnel, 12 civilians, six militants, and four peace committee members. Additionally, 58 people were injured, comprising 30 security personnel, 27 civilians, and one peace committee member. A controversial quadcopter strike in North Waziristan killed four children, sparking widespread public protests. Security forces blamed the device had been dropped by militants using a drone, but the public demanded an independent inquiry.

In mainland KP (excluding the tribal districts), 25 militant attacks resulted in 14 deaths, including 10 security personnel and two each from civilians and militants. Twenty-four people were injured, including 12 security personnel, nine civilians, and three militants. Sindh witnessed three militant attacks, resulting in the deaths of two civilians and one security personnel.

No militant attacks were reported from Punjab, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), or Gilgit-Baltistan. However, Punjab recorded the highest number of militant arrests, with 39 suspects detained in intelligence-based operations. In Azad Kashmir, security forces conducted a raid in Rawalakot, killing four alleged militants reportedly affiliated with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).