2024: Pakistan’s Deadliest Year for Security Forces
Key Highlights:
- 685 security personnel lost lives in 444 terror attacks nationwide.
- Civilians and security forces accounted for 1,612 fatalities, a 73% increase compared to 934 outlaws eliminated.
- Overall violence-linked fatalities reached 2,546, marking a 66% increase from 2023.
Alarming Trends:
The year recorded the highest fatalities in nearly a decade, with an average of seven deaths daily. November was particularly devastating, with 450 fatalities, 625 injuries, and 125 attacks—the worst figures among all months.
Regional Impact:
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan bore the brunt of violence, accounting for:
- 94% of total fatalities (KP: 63%, Balochistan: 31%).
- 89% of all violent incidents.
KP’s newly merged districts bordering Afghanistan, including Kurram, North Waziristan, and Khyber, were most affected. In Balochistan, districts such as Quetta, Kech, Kalat, and Musakhail experienced unprecedented violence. Fatalities in these regions matched the combined totals of the previous three years.
Statistical Insights:
According to the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS):
- Violence surged by 66% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
- Injuries increased by 55%, while incidents rose by 49%.
This rise reverses a six-year decline in violence observed from 2015 to 2020. Since 2021, incidents have consistently surged, with an average annual increase of 44%.
Broader Implications:
The report underscores the gravity of escalating violence, particularly in KP and Balochistan. It highlights the urgent need for targeted countermeasures to address this growing threat to Pakistan’s security.
