CBN247 Report
Islamabad: Militant violence and security operations intensified across Pakistan in March 2025, with militant attacks surpassing 100 for the first time since November 2014, according to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).
The think tank recorded 105 militant attacks during the month, resulting in 228 fatalities, including 73 security personnel, 67 civilians, and 88 militants. Additionally, 258 people were injured, comprising 129 security personnel and 129 civilians.
In response, security forces intensified counter-militancy operations, leading to 107 deaths, including 83 militants, 13 security personnel, and 11 civilians. Another 31 individuals were injured, among them nine security personnel and four militants.
Overall, militant attacks and security operations combined resulted in 335 fatalities, with 86 security personnel, 78 civilians, and 171 militants among the dead.
Spike in Suicide Bombings
The report highlighted a significant increase in suicide attacks, with six incidents recorded in March, the highest in recent years. These attacks claimed 59 lives, including 15 civilians, 11 security personnel, and 33 militants, while 94 others were injured—56 security personnel and 38 civilians.
Three of these suicide bombings occurred in Balochistan, two in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and one in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), now part of KP.
Balochistan, KP Worst Affected
Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained the hardest-hit provinces.
One of the deadliest incidents took place on March 11, when the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) Bashir Zeb group hijacked the Jaffar Express, resulting in the deaths of at least 26 hostages and 33 militants. The province also witnessed three suicide bombings and a vehicle-borne IED attack.
A female suicide bomber, reportedly linked to the BLA Herbyar Marri faction (BLA-Azad), carried out one of the attacks, while another was claimed by the BLA Bashir Zeb faction. A suspected suicide bombing targeting a BNP-Mengal rally remained unclaimed.
Balochistan saw 122 fatalities in insurgent attacks and security operations, including 40 civilians, 37 security personnel, and 45 militants. Additionally, 148 people were injured, comprising 79 civilians and 69 security personnel. Security forces arrested eight suspected militants, while 11 individuals were kidnapped by militants.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 206 people were killed, including 49 security personnel, 34 civilians, and 123 militants, while 115 were injured.
Within KP:
Mainland KP recorded 124 fatalities—32 civilians, 30 security personnel, and 62 militants—with 65 injuries.
Tribal districts (formerly FATA) witnessed 82 deaths—19 security personnel, two civilians, and 61 militants.
The province also saw an intensification in security operations, with 123 militants killed in March.
Militant Activity Rises in Punjab
Punjab experienced a notable increase in militant attacks, with at least seven incidents reported, mostly linked to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). This marked the highest number of militant incidents in Punjab in a decade.
Six of these attacks occurred in Dera Ghazi Khan, where the TTP has been expanding its presence along the KP border. The province recorded six fatalities, including three civilians and three militants.
In response to the rising militant threat, security forces intensified counter-terror operations in Punjab. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested at least 22 individuals linked to various militant groups, including the TTP. All of these arrests took place in Lahore.
Sindh Reports Low-Intensity Attacks
Sindh witnessed three low-intensity attacks in March, resulting in one civilian death and seven injuries, including six security personnel.
One of these attacks, claimed by Islamic State (Daesh), targeted a Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader. Meanwhile, the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) claimed responsibility for an assault on a police station.
No Attacks Reported in Islamabad, GB, and AJK
No militant attacks were reported in Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, or Azad Jammu and Kashmir. However, security forces arrested a TTP militant in Azad Kashmir, recovering weapons and ammunition from his possession.
