Pakistan: Civilian Deaths Surge in Terror Attacks
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Synopsis
Civilian fatalities from terror attacks in Pakistan have escalated dramatically in February, surpassing security personnel deaths for the first time since August 2024. The report highlights alarming trends in casualties and ongoing violence, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Key Takeaways
- Alarming rise in civilian casualties in February 2025.
- 55 civilians lost their lives compared to 47 security personnel.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are the hardest-hit regions.
- Counter-terrorism efforts resulted in fewer terrorist casualties.
- February marked a significant shift in casualty statistics.
Islamabad, March 3 (NationPress) The number of civilian casualties resulting from terror attacks in Pakistan has dramatically increased during February, according to the latest data released on Monday.
Despite claims from authorities indicating a slight overall decrease in terror incidents during February 2025, the fatalities among civilians have significantly outnumbered those among security forces.
The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) reported that February witnessed at least 79 terrorist incidents across the country, leading to the deaths of 55 civilians and 47 security personnel, with an additional 81 security personnel and 45 civilians suffering injuries.
According to PICSS, February 2025 marked the first month since August 2024 where civilian deaths exceeded those of security forces, with a staggering 175 percent increase in civilian fatalities compared to a decrease of at least 18 percent in security personnel deaths when juxtaposed with January 2025.
The report further indicates that in January 2025, only 20 civilians were killed alongside 57 security personnel. During this time, security forces ramped up their counter-militancy efforts, resulting in the deaths of at least 156 militants, 20 injuries, and the arrest of 66 individuals.
Interestingly, casualties among terrorists have also seen a decline compared to January 2025, with 156 militants killed in February versus 208 in January, marking a notable 25 percent decrease.
While operations against militant hideouts persist, attacks on security personnel and civilians continue unabated. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan remain the most unstable provinces in 2025.
Balochistan recorded 32 attacks, resulting in 56 fatalities, which included 36 civilians, 10 security personnel, and 11 terrorists. These incidents also left 44 injured, including 32 security personnel and 12 civilians.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is the second most affected province, with 23 recorded attacks leading to at least 26 casualties, comprising 14 security personnel and 12 civilians.
