Global Terrorism Index: Pakistan Ranked Second-Most Affected Country

Global Terrorism Index: Pakistan Ranked Second-Most Affected Country

Pakistan has been ranked as the second-most terrorism-affected country in the world, following a sharp rise in terrorism-related casualties from 2023 to 2024, according to the *Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025* report. The country moved up from its previous fourth position, with terrorism-related deaths increasing by 45%, from 748 in 2023 to 1,081 in 2024—one of the most significant surges globally.

The report also highlighted that the number of terrorist attacks more than doubled, rising from 517 in 2023 to 1,099 in 2024. This marks the first time since the index’s inception that the number of attacks has exceeded 1,000 in a single year.

These alarming statistics come just a day after Pakistani security forces successfully thwarted a terrorist attack on the Bannu Cantonment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. During the operation, all 16 militants involved in the attack were killed. However, the incident resulted in the martyrdom of five soldiers and 13 civilians, as confirmed by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday.

**TTP Emerges as the Deadliest Group**
The GTI report echoed Pakistan’s longstanding concerns about terrorist groups, particularly the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), using Afghan soil to launch attacks within Pakistan. The report noted a significant increase in terrorism in Pakistan coinciding with the Taliban’s rise to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Militant groups operating from Afghanistan have intensified their activities, especially along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

The TTP was identified as the deadliest terrorist group in Pakistan, responsible for 52% of all terrorism-related deaths in the country. In 2024 alone, the group carried out 482 attacks, resulting in 558 fatalities. This represents a doubling of attacks and a 90% increase in deaths compared to the previous year. The report stated, “Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, the TTP has capitalized on increased operational freedom and access to safe havens across the border, allowing the group to plan and execute attacks with greater impunity.”

The number of TTP attacks in 2024 was the highest ever recorded, with fatalities reaching their highest level since 2011. Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, both of which share borders with Afghanistan, remained the most heavily affected provinces, accounting for over 96% of terrorist attacks and deaths in Pakistan during 2024.

**Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Other Groups**
The GTI report also highlighted the role of the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in carrying out deadly attacks. The group was responsible for the deadliest terrorist attack of 2024, when a suicide bomber killed at least 25 civilians and soldiers at Quetta railway station. Attacks by the BLA and similar outfits increased significantly, from 116 in 2023 to 504 in 2024, with fatalities rising fourfold to 388, up from 88 in 2023.

**Government’s Counter-Terrorism Efforts**
The report acknowledged the Pakistani government’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, particularly through *Operation Azm-e-Istehkam*, launched by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in June 2024. The operation aims to intensify pressure on militant groups targeting the state. It includes airstrikes targeting militant hideouts and key leaders of insurgent groups. As part of these efforts, Pakistan conducted targeted airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, focusing on TTP camps.

The GTI report underscores the evolving security challenges faced by Pakistan, emphasizing the need for continued and coordinated efforts to address the growing threat of terrorism, particularly from groups operating across the border. The rise in terrorist activities highlights the urgent need for regional cooperation and international support to ensure stability and security in the region.

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