Pakistan sees significant rise in militant attacks in 2023

• 63 attacks took place in Nov with 83 fatalities.
• Security forces eliminated 59 militants. 
• KP emerges as most affected province. 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan saw a notable surge in militant activities in November as the attacks rose by 34% following a two-month decline, The News reported Saturday citing a report. 

According to data from the ‘Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies’ (PICSS), a total of 63 attacks took place which resulted in 83 fatalities, including 37 security forces personnel and 33 civilians. 

Additionally, 89 individuals sustained injuries, comprising 53 civilians and 36 security personnel.

Pakistani security forces responded with precision, eliminating at least 59 militants, while 18 suspected militants were apprehended. Analysis of October 2023 data underscores a 34% surge in militant attacks, a 63% rise in fatalities, and an 89% increase in the number of wounded during November 2023.

According to the PICSS data, the cumulative toll for the first 11 months of 2023 reflects 599 militant attacks, resulting in 897 fatalities and 1,241 injuries. This signifies an 81% escalation in militant attacks, an 86% surge in deaths, and a 64% rise in injuries compared to the corresponding period in 2022.

Once again, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa emerged as the most affected province, with PICSS documenting 51 attacks, causing 54 fatalities and 81 injuries. Within KP, 20 attacks occurred in the merged districts (former FATA), causing 23 fatalities and 13 injuries, while mainland KP reported 31 attacks, leading to 31 fatalities and 68 injuries. This implies that 81% of total attacks, 65% of total deaths, and 91% of injuries transpired in KP.

Balochistan recorded nine attacks, resulting in 18 fatalities, including 15 security personnel and three civilians, with eight injuries, encompassing five civilians and three security forces personnel. 

Sindh experienced two minor attacks resulting in two fatalities while Punjab witnessed a high-profile attack in Mianwali Air Base of Pakistan Air Force in 2023, marking a distinctive incident in the province.