ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is on the brink of a security crisis reminiscent of the pre-2015 era, with an increase in terrorist attacks and casualties through 2024, a latest report has warned.
The “Pakistan Security Report 2024” released by Islamabad-based think tank Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), a copy of which is also available with The News on Wednesday.
The PIPS report paints a grim picture of rising militant violence and the urgent need for comprehensive counter-terrorism strategies.
In a development, the report draws parallels between the current security scenario and the situation leading up to the devastating 2014 Peshawar Army Public School attack. The number of attacks increased dramatically in 2024, culminating in 521 incidents – a staggering 70% increase over the previous year. These attacks resulted in the tragic loss of 852 lives and injured 1,092 others, leading to a significant increase in terrorist activities.
The report highlights that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan continue to be hotbeds of violence, accounting for 95 percent of all terrorist incidents in the country. KP, in particular, saw 295 attacks, resulting in 509 deaths and 517 injuries. Balochistan saw an 84 percent increase in attacks, with 322 people killed and 534 injured in 202 incidents.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has emerged as a strong actor, with 225 casualties in its attacks, a figure rivaling those organized by the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). which killed about 300 people in the same year.
There has also been a disturbing rise in communal violence, particularly in KP’s Karam district. A total of 234 people were killed in communal conflicts, which is 43 more than the number of deaths in 2023.
The report calls for urgent action to address the root causes of this violence. It emphasized the need for greater cooperation between the provincial government of KP and the federal administration to reduce the threat of terrorism. Additionally, it highlights the importance of strengthening the civilian law enforcement agencies, particularly the counter-terrorism departments of the police in KP and Balochistan.
To counter the BLA, the report recommends a comprehensive political and socioeconomic program aimed at integrating the Baloch population and addressing grievances related to enforced disappearances in the region.
Despite the bleak outlook, security forces have stepped up their operations against militants, resulting in 932 militants killed in 2024. However, experts warn that unless the underlying issues, such as sanctuaries and support for militants from neighboring Afghanistan, are addressed. The violence may continue.
As Pakistan grapples with this resurgence of terrorism, the report urges national and provincial authorities to engage with local communities, promoting dialogue to rebuild trust and isolate extremist elements. The path to long-term sustainability, according to the report, lies in coordinated efforts that balance proactive actions with community-focused strategies.