Islamabad: According to a new report, terrorist attacks across Pakistan during February have led to a disturbing increase in civilian casualties that are raising concerns that militants are rapidly targeting civilians. The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICS) has revealed a 175 % increase in civilian deaths compared to January, killing 55 civilians in 79 attacks across the country.
It has also come up as the growing terrorist killings have decreased and for the first time since August 2024, civilian deaths have surpassed security forces.
Key figures:
Civilian deaths: 55 (increased from January 175)
Security Forces deaths: 47
Total attacks of terror: 79
Terrorists killed: 156
Terrorists arrested: 66 (the highest from December 2023)
Photographs released on Sunday contain a month of severe violence details.
In addition to civilian deaths, 47 security personnel were martyred and the score was more injured. A suicide bombing in North Waziristan targeted a military convoy that killed two soldiers and injured ten, highlighting the ongoing threat.
Although the deaths of terrorists have decreased by 25 %, security forces intensified anti-terrorism activities, which eliminated 156 militants and arrested 66 suspects-the highest number since December 2023.
Balochistan province has become the center of violence, with the highest number of attacks and casualties. Separatist groups like Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) claimed responsibility for several attacks in the region. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s integrated districts, the Tahrik Talban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliated groups poses a significant threat.
In particular, the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group claimed its first attack outside KP, indicating a possible expansion of its operational access.
The report identifies the developing nature of the threat of terrorism in Pakistan and emphasizes the urgent need for better measures to protect the lives of civilian lives and to solve the basic causes of terrorism.
