KP witnesses surge of terrorist attacks over last few weeks

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks over the past few weeks, with more than 44 per cent of this year’s incidents reported from the southern Bannu division alone.

A total of 766 terrorism-related incidents were registered in KP during the first eight months of the year. Of these, 338 or 44.1 percent were reported from the Bannu division.An alarming rise in terrorist activities has been observed in its three districts in recent years.

According to official figures released by KP Police, Bannu district reported 141 incidents by the end of August, accounting for 18.4 per cent of the province’s total. Another 124 incidents occurred in North Waziristan, while Lakki Marwat reported 73 cases.

In addition to suicide bombings, ambushes on police and security forces, and IED blasts, Bannu recently witnessed drone attacks targeting police. This marks a new phenomenon in the ongoing wave of violence, prompting police to acquire anti-drone systems to intercept quadcopter assaults.

Following Bannu, the Dera Ismail Khan division in southern KP reported the second-highest number of incidents during the same period. Official records show that DI Khan district recorded 66 incidents, South Waziristan Lower 38, South Waziristan Upper 25, and Tank 31.In recent months, militants have expanded from these southern districts into several other parts of the province, triggering frequent attacks and worsening law and order.

Among other districts, 32 incidents were reported in Peshawar, 49 in Khyber, 42 in Bajaur, 16 in Karak, 14 in Lower Dir, 22 in Orakzai, 18 in Kurram, six each in Chitral, Kohat and Malakand, nine in Hangu, and seven each in Swabi, Swat, Shangla and Charsadda. Several other districts also reported scattered incidents.

The violence has claimed heavy casualties: 92 police officials, 166 security personnel, and 159 civilians have been martyred so far this year.In the last few weeks alone, fresh attacks have been reported in multiple districts where militants have recently spread. An official confirmed that several ambushes on police and security forces took place in August and September, causing casualties and damage.

According to KP Police, 293 militants have been killed and 878 arrested across the province in 2025.A total of 3,454 suspects have been nominated in terrorism cases during the first eight months of the year, including 836 in Bannu, 578 in North Waziristan, and 357 in DI Khan.