Pakistan has been ranked as the second most terrorism-affected country in the world, according to the Global Terrorism Index 2025, released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).

The report reveals a sharp 45% increase in terrorism-related fatalities, with the death toll rising to 1,081 in the past year.

This marks the fifth consecutive year of rising terrorism-related deaths in Pakistan.

In 2023, the country recorded 517 terrorist attacks. That number more than doubled in 2024, reaching 1,099 — the first time Pakistan has crossed the 1,000-attack threshold since the index was established.

Also, read this

Explosion near vehicle in Khuzdar kills four

Security forces foil Bannu Cantonment attack, six khawarij terrorists killed

Suicide attack targets security convoy in Kalat, FC soldier martyred

TTP becomes world’s fastest-growing terror group

The report highlights the alarming growth of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has become the fastest-growing terrorist organization globally. The group was responsible for 52% of all terrorism-related deaths in Pakistan in 2024.

Last year, TTP carried out 482 attacks, killing 558 people — marking a staggering 91% increase compared to 2023.

Balochistan and KP remain worst-hit regions

Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces bore the brunt of terrorist violence, accounting for 96% of all attacks and casualties in Pakistan, according to the Global Terrorism Index.

The report links the rise in terrorism in Pakistan to the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. Cross-border militant groups, particularly in border regions, have intensified their operations against Pakistani forces and civilians.

Pakistan’s countermeasures

Following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, TTP has gained operational freedom and established safe havens across the border. This has enabled the group to orchestrate more coordinated and audacious attacks against Pakistan’s security forces and infrastructure. In response to the escalating threat, the Pakistani government launched Operation ‘Azm-e-Istahkam,’ aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and restoring stability.

Baloch insurgents ramp up attacks

The Global Terrorism Index also notes a surge in attacks by Baloch militant organisations.

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) carried out Pakistan’s deadliest terrorist attack in 2024 — a suicide bombing at Quetta Railway Station that killed at least 25 civilians and military personnel.

BLA and BLF escalate violence

Both the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) have significantly increased their attacks, capitalizing on the prevailing instability in Pakistan.

The number of attacks rose from 116 in 2023 to 504 in 2024. Fatalities quadrupled from 88 to 388.

CPEC under attack amid rising tensions

Baloch insurgents have targeted the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, opposing government policies they claim exploit the province’s natural resources. The report highlights growing unrest over what insurgents describe as the unfair distribution of Balochistan’s wealth.

Global terrorism trends

While global terrorism-related deaths remained relatively stable in 2024, the report identifies Burkina Faso, Pakistan, and Syria as the three worst-affected countries.

Burkina Faso alone accounted for 20% of all terrorism-related fatalities worldwide.