Pakistan sees rise in militant attacks by 34% in November. Pakistan experienced a notable surge in militant activities during November, marking a 34% increase following a two-month decline.
The ‘Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) has reported a total of 63 attacks during this period, resulting in 83 fatalities, including 37 security forces personnel and 33 civilians.
Additionally, 89 individuals sustained injuries, with 53 civilians and 36 security personnel among them.
Responding with precision, Pakistani security forces took decisive action, eliminating at least 59 militants and apprehending 18 suspected militants.
Analysis of October 2023 data underscores the severity of the situation, revealing a 34% surge in militant attacks, a 63% rise in fatalities, and an alarming 89% increase in the number of wounded during November 2023.
According to PICSS data, the cumulative toll for the first 11 months of 2023 paints a grim picture, with 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 troubling 64% rise in injuries compared to the corresponding period in 2022.
Once again, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) emerges as the most affected province, with PICSS documenting 51 attacks, causing 54 fatalities and 81 injuries.
Within KP, the merged districts (former FATA) experienced 20 attacks, resulting in 23 fatalities and 13 injuries, while mainland KP reported 31 attacks, leading to 31 fatalities and 68 injuries. This implies that a significant portion—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 at Mianwali Air Base of the Pakistan Air Force in 2023, marking a distinctive incident in the province.
As Pakistan sees rise in militant attacks by 34% in November, the escalating trend in militant activities raises serious concerns about the security situation in Pakistan, necessitating a comprehensive and strategic response to address the root causes and ensure the safety of the population.
