The Pakistan Institute of Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) released a report on Wednesday that revealed there was a increase in militant attacks in April which resulted in the deaths of 70 individuals, including civilian and security forces personnel. Although there was an increase in the number of attacks since March, there was a slight decrease in the number of fatalities.
According to the report, the number of attacks in Pakistan increased in April 2024 after a short-term lull in March 2024. There were 77 attacks, which resulted in 70 deaths. The main blow came from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where 73 percent of the attacks occurred. The southern districts of the province were the most affected, with many attacks in Dhi Khan, Lakki Marwat, Bannu and Tank. Other provinces were also attacked, including Balochistan, which saw 16 attacks, as well as Punjab and Sindh. In total, 323 attacks took place in Pakistan in the first four months of the year, killing 324 people.
Pakistan has witnessed an increase in militant attacks since the fragile ceasefire between the Pakistani government and the banned armed group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) broke down in late 2022. Various extremist and separatist groups have also directed their attacks towards Pakistani security forces and civilians recently.
The TTP, affiliated with the Taliban in Afghanistan, aims to establish an Islamic state in Pakistan, focusing on demands for the release of its members and the abolition of certain policies. Despite numerous military operations against the TTP during the last 20 years, the group continues its violent activities and attacks civilians and security personnel, causing casualties and destabilizing the region. Attacks by such groups on law enforcement officials contribute to the demoralization of security forces, creating an atmosphere of insecurity in the region.
Pakistan saw 432 violence-linked fatalities and 370 injuries in the first three months of 2024, CRSS Security Report says. Balochistan had more than a 90 percent surge in violence, while Sindh also saw an increase. Civilians and security forces were the primary victims, with insurgents’ fatalities increasing significantly. Additionally, eight incidents of sectarian violence were reported, impacting all religious communities. According to a report by Human Rights Watch, the country also has a highly unstable climate, and freedom of expression is under threat.
