Terror attacks in country drop by 37% in October

Balochistan kidnappings surge despite improving security

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan recorded a 37 per cent decline in terrorist attacks in October, offering a temporary respite after two consecutive months of rising violence, although a sharp increase in kidnappings, particularly in Balochistan, continued to pose a serious security challenge.

According to statistics released by the Islamabad-based Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), 143 terrorist attacks were recorded across the country during October, compared with 226 in September.

The reduction was accompanied by a 57 per cent fall in fatalities and a 71 per cent decline in injuries. The improvement was particularly noticeable in Balochistan and mainland Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, while suicide attacks also registered a substantial decrease.

PICSS data showed that the attacks claimed 111 lives in October, compared with 260 in September. The number of people injured dropped from 242 to 69, indicating a 71 per cent reduction.

The overall human cost of violence, including terrorist attacks and counterterrorism operations by security forces, comprised 53 security personnel, 45 civilians and five peace committee members killed, while 169 terrorists were also killed, according to the report.

The 69 people injured in terrorist attacks included 29 security forces personnel, 11 peace committee members and 31 civilians.

The number of suicide attacks was jointly the lowest recorded during the same period. However, the 169 terrorists killed also represented the lowest monthly figure in the preceding 12 months, reflecting a decline in terrorist fatalities, the report noted.

Suicide attacks fell sharply in October, with only one incident recorded against three in September. The October incident involved a vehicle-borne suicide attack but caused no fatalities or injuries.

In comparison, the three suicide attacks in September, including two vehicle-borne attacks, claimed 45 lives and left 138 people injured. Consequently, fatalities and injuries resulting from suicide attacks both declined by 100 per cent in October.

Meanwhile, counterterrorism operations conducted by security forces across the country resulted in the killing of 156 terrorists and the arrest of seven suspected terrorists during October. Two security personnel and three civilians were killed in these operations, while two security forces personnel were injured.

Balochistan registered one of the sharpest improvements in its security indicators, with terrorist attacks falling by 46 per cent, from 132 in September to 71 in October.

Mainland Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, excluding the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), also witnessed a considerable decline in terrorist violence.

PICSS recorded 40 attacks in the region during October, compared with 58 in September, marking a reduction of 31 per cent. Deaths resulting from these attacks fell from 90 to 38, a decline of around 58 per cent, while injuries dropped sharply from 165 to 19, representing an 88 per cent decrease.

Punjab recorded two terrorist attacks in October, compared with none in September. The incidents left four people dead, while no injuries were reported.

Sindh witnessed no terrorist attacks during the month. However, counterterrorism operations in the province led to the arrest of seven suspected terrorists.