‘Militant attacks in Pakistan surge to decade-high in August’

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan witnessed an alarming spike in militant attacks in August 2025, with violence rising by 74 per cent compared to July, according to data released by an Islamabad-based think tank.

With 143 attacks recorded, August became the deadliest month in more than a decade, surpassing all monthly figures since February 2014, the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) militancy database said.

The violence left 194 people dead, including 73 security personnel, 62 civilians, 58 militants and one pro-government peace committee member. Another 231 were injured — 129 security personnel, 92 civilians, eight militants and two peace committee members. Militants also abducted at least 10 people.

Eight soldiers martyred in militant attacks in KP: officials

In response, security forces stepped up operations, killing at least 100 militants and arresting 31 others nationwide. These operations also led to the deaths of three civilians and one security personnel, according to PICSS.

Combined Casualty Toll

When accounting for both militant attacks and security operations, at least 298 people were killed in August. These included 158 militants, 74 security personnel, 65 civilians and one peace committee member.

The total number of injured reached 250, including 137 security personnel, 100 civilians, 11 militants and two peace committee members. PICSS noted a 100 per cent increase in security personnel deaths and a 145 per cent rise in injuries compared with July. Militant fatalities rose by 27 per cent, while civilian deaths climbed 20 per cent.

Regional Breakdown

Balochistan remained volatile with 28 attacks, causing 52 deaths — 23 security personnel, 21 civilians and eight militants. Another 45 people were wounded, including 23 security personnel and 22 civilians. Militants abducted at least five people.

Security forces killed 50 militants in the province, the highest number of militant deaths in operations since June 2015, when 60 were reported. Intelligence-led raids dismantled BLA and BLF camps, and several key commanders were arrested.

Major Attack Foiled in Federal Capital

The Intelligence Bureau foiled a major TTP plot targeting Islamabad by arresting a would-be suicide bomber and his handler, potentially averting a high-profile attack.

KP — Epicentre of Violence

The sharpest escalation occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the tribal districts (erstwhile FATA), which saw 51 militant attacks — a 200 per cent increase. These caused 74 deaths, marking a 124 per cent rise. The dead included 20 security personnel, 12 civilians, one peace committee member and 41 militants killed in retaliatory fire. A further 24 militants were killed in operations.

The region reported 99 injuries, including 50 security personnel, 41 civilians, six militants and two peace committee members.

Meanwhile, the settled districts of KP were also badly hit, with 55 attacks leaving 56 dead — 26 security personnel, 22 civilians and eight militants. At least 81 others were injured, including 53 security personnel, 26 civilians and two militants. Security forces killed 24 militants and arrested 16 others.

Compared with July, this marked a 53 per cent increase in attacks, a 60 per cent rise in deaths and a 153 per cent surge in injuries.

Overall, KP province witnessed 106 militant attacks — the highest monthly figure in more than 10 years, PICSS said. Operations in Bajaur and North Waziristan partially cleared militant hideouts, though the situation remains tense.

Sindh and Punjab

Sindh reported six attacks, killing eight people — six civilians and two security personnel. Security forces arrested 11 suspected militants in Karachi.

In Punjab, two attacks were reported: a TTP assault in Dera Ghazi Khan, and the killing of a young cleric in Rawalpindi.

These incidents left one civilian and one attacker dead. Security forces also arrested an Islamic State-linked militant in Okara and killed two militants in Mianwali.

Gilgit-Baltistan

In Gilgit-Baltistan, TTP-linked militants struck Chilas district, killing two security personnel and injuring one.