At least 1,215 Pakistanis killed in more than 2,000 terrorism incidents in 16 months

Ministry revealed that in 2023 alone, 930 people were killed and 2,000 were injured in terrorist attacks

Pakistan recorded 2,075 incidents of terrorism over the past 16 months, resulting in 1,215 deaths and 2,600 injuries, according to figures provided by the Ministry of Interior.

The Ministry presented these details to the National Assembly, revealing that in 2023 alone, 930 people were killed and 2,000 were injured in terrorist attacks.

In just the first four months of the current year, 285 individuals lost their lives, and 600 were injured.

The data paints a grim picture of escalating violence, with significant casualties reported across multiple provinces.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) bore the brunt of most of the violence, with 1,140 incidents leading to 756 deaths and 1,786 injuries. Balochistan reported 626 incidents, resulting in 423 fatalities and 734 injuries.

Sindh experienced 19 terrorist incidents, with 14 people killed and 36 injured over the 16-month period.

Meanwhile, Punjab witnessed eight attacks, causing 12 deaths and 11 injuries. On the other hand Gilgit-Baltistan reported three incidents, resulting in nine fatalities and 26 injuries.

The Ministry attributed the rise in terrorist activities to several factors, including increased cross-border support for terrorist organizations and the strategic use of cyberspace to expand their reach.

The withdrawal of coalition forces from Afghanistan has also been cited as a key factor contributing to the rise in violence.

The Ministry further informed the Assembly that, in response to the escalating threat, security forces conducted 2,208 intelligence-based operations in the first quarter of this year.

These efforts resulted in the elimination of 89 terrorists and the arrest of 328 individuals.

Additionally, a draft for the National Policy for Countering Violence and Extremism has been prepared and is awaiting cabinet approval, signaling a proactive approach to tackling the growing menace of terrorism.