Terror attacks claim 1,215 lives in 16 months

The ministry of interior has reported a grim toll of terrorist activities across Pakistan over the past 16 months, with a staggering 2,075 incidents resulting in the deaths of 1,215 individuals and injuries to 2,600 others.

According to details presented to the National Assembly, the year 2023 alone saw 930 fatalities and 2000 injuries from terrorist attacks. The first four months of the current year witnessed 285 deaths and 600 injuries.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the hardest-hit region, with 1,140 incidents, 756 deaths, and 1,786 injuries.

Balochistan reported 626 incidents, 423 deaths, and 734 injuries. Sindh faced 19 incidents resulting in 14 deaths and 36 injuries.

Meanwhile, Punjab recorded 8 incidents, with 12 deaths and 11 injuries. Gilgit-Baltistan experienced 3 incidents, resulting in 9 deaths and 26 injuries.

The ministry highlighted the deteriorating security situation, attributing the rise in terrorist activities to the withdrawal of coalition forces from Afghanistan and cross-border support for terrorist operations.

The increased use of cyberspace has also expanded the reach of terrorist organisations. In response, the first quarter of the current year saw 2,208 intelligence-based operations, resulting in the elimination of 89 terrorists and the arrest of 328.

The ministry has also drafted a national policy for countering violence and extremism, awaiting cabinet approval.