Pakistan has been ranked as the second most-impacted country in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025, with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) identified as the world’s fastest-growing terrorist organization. The group has seen a staggering 90% increase in fatalities linked to its attacks, according to the report.
The GTI 2025 highlights a significant rise in terrorism-related deaths in Pakistan, marking the largest year-on-year increase in a decade. Fatalities surged by 45%, while the number of attacks more than doubled from 517 in 2023 to 1,099 in 2024—the first time the figure has exceeded 1,000 since the index was established.
The Global Terrorism Index ranks 163 countries, representing 99.7% of the global population, based on factors such as terrorist incidents, fatalities, injuries, and hostage situations. This year’s report reveals a concerning reversal in global trends, with the number of countries affected by terrorism rising from 58 to 66. Nearly 45 nations experienced a deterioration in security, driven largely by the activities of the four deadliest terrorist groups: Daesh, Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab, and TTP. These organizations contributed to an 11% increase in global terrorism-related deaths. In Western countries, lone-wolf attacks have become the dominant threat, accounting for 93% of fatal incidents over the past five years.
The report emphasizes TTP’s growing influence, particularly in Pakistan and Afghanistan, with the group responsible for 558 fatalities in 2024 alone. Established in 2007, TTP is a coalition of militant factions engaged in an insurgency against the Pakistani government, advocating for the imposition of strict Sharia law and the withdrawal of military forces from tribal regions. The group has historical ties to Al-Qaeda and has intensified its attacks on security forces, civilians, and government infrastructure. Experts warn that the Taliban’s control in Afghanistan has provided TTP with a safe haven, enabling the group to expand its operations across the Pak-Afghan border.
**Global Terrorism Trends: A Surge in Attacks**
The GTI 2025 reveals a global increase in terrorism, with 66 countries affected—up from 58 the previous year. Key findings include:
– The Sahel region remains the global epicenter of terrorism, with Burkina Faso recording the highest number of deaths worldwide.
– Daesh continues to be the deadliest terrorist organization, responsible for 1,805 deaths across 22 countries.
– Terrorist attacks in Western nations increased by 63%, with lone-wolf attacks making up 93% of fatalities.
– Iran experienced a sharp rise in terrorism-related deaths, primarily due to attacks by Daesh Khorasan Province (ISK).
**Rising Security Challenges in the West**
While terrorism remains concentrated in conflict zones, Western countries have witnessed a rise in attacks by radicalized individuals. Nations such as Germany, Sweden, and Australia reported their first major terrorist incidents in years. A notable trend is the increasing involvement of minors in terrorist activities. In the UK, individuals under 18 accounted for 42% of terror-related arrests last year, reflecting the growing influence of online radicalization through social media, encrypted messaging apps, and gaming platforms.
**Regional Instability and Extremism**
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region saw a 7% decline in terrorist attacks, but ongoing tensions in Gaza and Syria continue to fuel instability. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been linked to a rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents in the West, with hate crimes increasing sharply in the US and Europe.
In South Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan remain critical hotspots for terrorism. The Taliban’s governance in Afghanistan has emboldened groups like TTP and ISK, leading to a surge in attacks across the region.
**An Evolving Terror Landscape**
The GTI 2025 underscores the changing nature of terrorism, with groups leveraging advanced technologies such as AI-driven propaganda, encrypted communications, and cryptocurrency for funding. The rise of lone-wolf attacks in the West and the resurgence of extremist organizations in conflict zones present ongoing challenges for global policymakers.
As TTP continues to expand its operations, its growing influence in Pakistan and Afghanistan poses a significant threat to regional stability. The report raises urgent questions about how governments will address these evolving security challenges in the years ahead.
