Pakistan has been ranked as the second-most terrorism-affected country in the Global Terrorism Index 2025. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces are the most heavily affected areas. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is identified as a major source of the increased violence.
Pakistan has been ranked as the second most terrorism-affected country in the world, according to the Global Terrorism Index 2025. The report, released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), shows a sharp increase in terrorist attacks and fatalities across the country.
Pakistan moved from fourth to second place in the ranking due to a 45% rise in terrorism-related deaths. The number of fatalities jumped from 748 in 2023 to 1,081 in 2024, marking one of the most significant surges globally. The country also recorded a steep rise in attacks, from 517 in 2023 to 1,099 in 2024. This is the first time Pakistan has crossed 1,000 attacks in a year since the index was created.
TTP Identified as the Most Active Group
The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has been identified as the deadliest group operating in the country. It was responsible for 52% of all terrorism-related deaths in 2024. The report states that TTP carried out 482 attacks, causing 558 fatalities—an increase of 91% compared to 2023.
According to the findings, the return of the Afghan Taliban to power in 2021 has allowed TTP greater operational freedom. Safe havens across the border have enabled the group to plan and execute attacks with increased intensity.
Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hit Hardest
Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain the most affected regions, accounting for over 96% of all terrorist attacks and deaths in Pakistan.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) was behind the deadliest attack of 2024, when a suicide bombing at Quetta Railway Station claimed at least 25 lives, including both civilians and security personnel. Attacks by Baloch militant groups surged from 116 in 2023 to 504 in 2024, with fatalities quadrupling from 88 to 388.
Government Response and Security Measures
In response to the worsening security situation, Pakistan launched Operation Azm-e-Istahkam in June 2024. This initiative aims to eliminate militant networks through military action, including airstrikes targeting terrorist camps.
Pakistan’s forces also carried out counter-terrorism operations against militant strongholds. A recent attack on Bannu Cantonment was repelled, with security personnel neutralizing 16 assailants. However, the assault resulted in the loss of five soldiers and 13 civilians.
Global Terrorism Trends
The report indicates that while worldwide terrorism-related fatalities remained relatively stable, Pakistan saw a significant rise in violence. Burkina Faso, Pakistan, and Syria were listed as the three worst-affected countries in 2024.
The increase in militant activities has raised concerns about regional stability. Pakistan continues to push for stronger international cooperation to tackle cross-border threats and improve internal security.
