930 killed in terror attacks in 2023

The Ministry of Interior on Monday presented alarming details regarding attacks on foreign nationals working on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the National Assembly, shedding light on the escalating security challenges faced by foreign workers in the country.

During a session of the National Assembly chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, the interior minister disclosed details of attacks on Chinese and Japanese nationals from 2020 to 2024.

The report revealed that three terrorist attacks occurred in Sindh, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, including five foreign nationals.

In Balochistan, two attacks targeted Chinese nationals, leaving three injured. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed two attacks on Chinese nationals, claiming the lives of 17 Chinese workers and two security personnel, while 19 local residents were also killed.

The ministry further reported that in the first quarter of 2024, a total of 2,208 intelligence-based operations were conducted, leading to the killing of 89 terrorists and the arrest of 328.

Measures are being taken to prevent the entry of militants from Afghanistan and the transfer of weapons and materials used by terrorist organisations, the NA was told.

Moreover, the ministry outlined ongoing efforts to fence the border and monitor deserted routes.

The draft of the National Policy on Countering Violent Extremism 2024 has been prepared and is awaiting approval from the cabinet.

Over 930 killed in 2023

The interior ministry also submitted a comprehensive report to the NA, detailing the devastating toll of terrorism across Pakistan in 2023, with 930 fatalities and thousands more injured.

According to the data provided by the Ministry of Interior, a total of 930 people were killed in terrorist incidents across the country from January to December 2023.

The report highlights that 1,992 civilians and law enforcement personnel were injured during this period.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bore the greatest brunt of the violence, with 580 people killed and 1,447 injured in 558 incidents of terrorism.

Among the casualties, 402 were law enforcement personnel who lost their lives, while 1,054 were injured. The province also saw 178 civilians killed and 393 injured.

In Balochistan, 626 terrorist incidents resulted in the deaths of 315 individuals and injuries to 477 others.

Law enforcement agencies reported 148 personnel killed and 198 injured, while 167 civilians were killed and 279 injured.

Sindh experienced 19 terrorist incidents, resulting in 14 deaths and 31 injuries. Among the casualties were eight law enforcement personnel killed and 26 injured, with one civilian killed and two injured.

Punjab reported eight terrorist incidents, with 12 people killed and 11 injured. Eleven law enforcement personnel were killed and nine injured, while one civilian was killed and two injured.

The report also noted that no terrorist incidents occurred in Islamabad during 2023, while Gilgit-Baltistan experienced three incidents resulting in nine deaths and 26 injuries.

The ministry expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the country, stressing the need for urgent measures to combat the rising threat of terrorism.