Pakistan’s Militant Deaths Hit 10-Year High as Security Forces Intensify Counterterrorism Operations



Militant networks across Pakistan faced their heaviest losses in a decade this October as the country’s security forces launched large-scale counterterrorism operations, according to a new report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).

The think tank’s data shows that 355 militants were killed in October 2025 — the highest monthly toll in ten years — while 72 security personnel and 31 civilians also lost their lives. Another 162 people were reported injured, including soldiers, militants, and civilians.

Although militant activity increased slightly — with 89 attacks recorded, up from 69 in September — total casualties dropped by 19%, reflecting what experts describe as a more effective security response.

However, the number of abductions surged to 55, the highest in a decade, underscoring ongoing security challenges in remote regions.

Regional Breakdown of Militant Activity

Balochistan: Sharp Drop in Civilian Casualties

Balochistan saw 23 militant attacks in October, up slightly from 21 in September. Despite this, the province recorded a major decline in casualties — from 71 deaths in September to just 19. Security forces killed 67 militants, marking the highest death toll in Balochistan since 2002, when the current insurgency wave began.

PICSS noted a 92% decline in civilian deaths and a 52% fall in security personnel fatalities, indicating a notable improvement in the province’s overall security environment.

Tribal Districts: Major Counter-Operations

In the former tribal areas, 22 militant attacks were reported, resulting in 31 deaths and 45 injuries. Counterterrorism raids killed 209 militants — the largest one-month figure since November 2014. Among them was Qari Amjad, the former deputy emir of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), whose death marked a major blow to the group’s leadership.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Rising Attacks, Controlled Damage

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experienced a rise in violence, with 37 militant incidents leading to 48 deaths and 42 injuries. Security forces killed 55 militants during operations, though overall militant deaths were lower than in September.

Sindh: Arrests of Zainabiyoun Brigade Members

Sindh saw three attacks in October, killing three civilians and injuring seven others. Authorities also arrested eight members of the banned Zainabiyoun Brigade, including key commanders. Meanwhile, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) carried out a train bombing in Shikarpur, injuring seven passengers.

Other Regions

In Gilgit-Baltistan, militants launched three attacks, including the abduction of two Wapda officials. Punjab recorded one low-intensity incident involving a gas pipeline blast in Mianwali. Security agencies also arrested an Al-Qaeda operative in Okara.

Nationwide Overview (January–October 2025)

From January to October 2025, 2,853 people were killed in militancy-related incidents across Pakistan, including 1,734 militants, 601 security personnel, 497 civilians, and 21 pro-government fighters, according to PICSS data.

Despite continued militant activity, experts say the sharp rise in militant fatalities demonstrates improved counterterrorism efficiency and intelligence coordination among Pakistani forces.

Earlier this year, Pakistan ranked second on the Global Terrorism Index 2025, with terror-related deaths rising 45% year-on-year to 1,081, underscoring the complex and evolving nature of the country’s internal security landscape.