By: Vibhuti Pathak
In April, Pakistan saw a surge in militant attacks, notably in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) where 73 per cent of incidents occurred, primarily in its southern districts. The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies reported 77 militant attacks, resulting in 70 deaths and 67 injuries nationwide. Despite a 38 per cent increase in attacks compared to March, fatalities slightly decreased. Security forces thwarted many potential attacks, killing 55 suspected militants and arresting 12. Mainland KP, especially D.I. Khan, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, and Tank, bore the brunt, while tribal districts also faced significant incidents. Balochistan and Punjab experienced heightened militant activities as well.
The findings published by an Islamabad-based think tank, Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) show the surge in its monthly security assessment. A total of 77 attacks have been noted in the studies during April which have resulted in 70 fatalities including 35 civilians and 31 members of security forces.
In comparison to April, March recorded 56 militant attacks resulting in 77 fatalities and 67 injuries. According to the analysis, a surge of 38 per cent can be seen in the militant attacks, although there was a nine per cent decline in deaths, with no change in the number of injuries.
The security report also underscored the efforts of the country’s security forces in thwarting numerous potential attacks during the month. At least 55 suspected militants were killed and 12 others arrested, including individuals involved in the Basham suicide attack, marking a 55 per cent increase in militant deaths compared to March.
The report further said that 73pc of the total number of militant attacks reported in April took place in KP, including its tribal districts. Fifty-six attacks were reported in the province during the previous month. The attacks killed 43 people — 26 members of security forces and 17 civilians.
There have been more attacks in the mainland districts compared to tribal districts, a total of 31 attacks in the mainland, with 25 fatalities and 10 injuries. The districts that were victim to militancy were D.I. Khan, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, and Tank were the most affected, with D.I. Khan and Lakki Marwat facing seven militant attacks each, Bannu facing six, and Tank experiencing two attacks. Together, these districts accounted for 71pc of the attacks in mainland KP.
Additionally, Peshawar faced four attacks, while Swat, Swabi, Charsadda, Shangla, and Battagram experienced one attack each.
In the tribal districts of KP (formerly Fata), PICSS recorded at least 25 attacks, resulting in 18 fatalities and 22 injuries. North Waziristan, Bajaur, and South Waziristan were the most affected districts, with nine, five, and four attacks reported, respectively.
According to the report, Balochistan faced 16 attacks, resulting in 21 fatalities, including 17 civilians and four security personnel, with 31 individuals injured. Most of these attacks took place in the Baloch belt of the province, particularly in the south and southwest. Specifically, three attacks were reported in Khuzdar, two in Kech, Kohlu, and Quetta, and one each in Chaman, Dera Bugti, Duki, Kalat, Kharan, Mastung, and Nushki.
Punjab also witnessed a surge in militant activities, with four attacks reported in April compared to one in March, resulting in three fatalities. One attack was reported in Sindh, resulting in three fatalities.
In the first four months of the year, the country experienced 323 militant attacks, resulting in 324 fatalities and 387 injuries.
