Pakistan records deadliest year in over a decade as militant violence spikes in 2025

Pakistan suffered its most lethal year in more than a decade in 2025, with deaths linked to militant violence rising by 74%, according to a report published by an independent research organisation.

The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) said a total of 3,413 people were killed in violence last year, compared with 1,950 in 2024. Militants accounted for more than half of the fatalities, with 2,138 killed during security operations.

The report noted a 124% increase in militant deaths, attributing the surge to intensified counterterrorism campaigns against Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The group, which operates independently of Afghanistan's Taliban, has stepped up attacks on Pakistani security forces in recent years.

Violence has coincided with rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of allowing cross-border attacks — allegations the Afghan Taliban government denies. Relations worsened after deadly border clashes in October.

PICSS Managing Director Abdullah Khan said the high death toll was driven by an increase in suicide bombings and militants' access to US military equipment left behind after the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

The fatalities included 667 security personnel, a 26% rise and the highest annual figure since 2011, while civilian deaths reached 580 — the highest since 2015. The report also recorded 28 deaths among members of pro-government peace committees.

PICSS documented at least 1,066 militant attacks in 2025, including 26 suicide bombings — a 53% increase from the previous year. Security forces arrested around 500 militants during intelligence-led operations.

Border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained closed since October, disrupting trade and travel. Islamabad says reopening hinges on assurances from Kabul that Afghan soil will not be used for attacks on Pakistan.