Pakistan has been ranked the most terrorism-affected country in the world for the first time, according to the Global Terrorism Index 2026, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace.
The report recorded 1,139 terrorism-related deaths in Pakistan in 2025, a 6% increase from the previous year, alongside 1,045 terrorist incidents, underscoring a sharp deterioration in the country’s security environment.
The index assesses 163 countries, representing nearly the entire global population, using indicators such as fatalities, number of incidents, injuries, and hostage-taking.
Security Situation Deteriorates
According to the report, Pakistan’s worsening security situation is linked to heightened regional tensions, particularly with Afghanistan, and increased activity by banned militant groups.
Terror-related deaths in 2025 reached their highest level since 2013. Violence remained heavily concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which together accounted for more than 74% of all attacks and 67% of total fatalities, the report said.
TTP Named Deadliest Group
The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was identified as the deadliest militant organisation operating in Pakistan and the third deadliest globally.
The group was responsible for 637 deaths in 2025, accounting for 56% of all terrorism-related fatalities in the country. TTP-linked attacks rose to 595 incidents, up from 481 in 2024, marking a 24% year-on-year increase.
All TTP attacks occurred within Pakistan, primarily in areas near the Afghan border. The report noted that the group has carried out more than two-thirds of all terrorist attacks in Pakistan since 2009.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) was identified as the second most active group, though it carried out five times fewer attacks than the TTP.
Hostage-Taking Incidents Surge
The report highlighted a sharp rise in hostage-taking incidents, which increased from 101 cases in 2024 to 655 in 2025. The surge was largely driven by a single major incident involving an attack on the Jaffar Express, during which 442 individuals were taken hostage.
Afghanistan’s Role and Regional Spillover
The report linked Pakistan’s security challenges to developments in Afghanistan, stating that changes in governance there have strengthened militant groups operating across the border. This has enabled greater coordination, expanded operational reach, and increased cross-border militant activity.
Analysts cited in the report warned that without improved border security and regional cooperation, Pakistan could continue to face elevated levels of militant violence in the coming years.
