Pakistan continues to grapple with an alarming surge in terrorism. According to a new report by Islamabad-based think tank CRSS (Centre for Research and Security Studies), incidents of violence and terrorism increased by 25 percent in 2025. The report highlights that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan remain the worst-affected regions, accounting for 96 percent of all deaths.

One of the most striking findings is that, on average, 10 people are killed daily due to terrorism in Pakistan. Between January and November 2025, the country recorded 1,188 violent incidents, resulting in 3,187 deaths. In comparison, 2024 saw 2,546 deaths—indicating a nearly 20 percent rise.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: The epicentre of terror
The casualties include civilians, security personnel, and militants. Most deaths occurred during terrorist attacks and counter-terror operations. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was the most affected province, accounting for 68 percent of all deaths (2,165 people) and 62 percent of all incidents (732 incidents). Increasing tensions with Afghanistan and the strong presence of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have made KP the most volatile region. The Pakistani government attributes most attacks to the TTP.

Balochistan: The second deadliest region
Balochistan also witnessed severe violence, recording 896 deaths (around 28 percent of total fatalities) and 366 incidents (30 percent of nationwide violence). Attacks targeting civilians and security forces have surged, and militant groups continue to operate despite state-backed military actions.

Rest of Pakistan relatively stable, but danger rising
Sindh, Punjab, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and Islamabad collectively reported 90 incidents and 126 deaths—only about 4 percent of the national tally. However, experts warn that extremist ideologies have spread across the country and could escalate into wider violence.

Between January and November 2025, security forces killed 1,795 terrorists—almost 30 percent higher than the number of civilians and personnel killed by militants. Yet in Balochistan alone, 517 civilians and security personnel lost their lives, which is 36 percent more than the number of terrorists eliminated in the province. This imbalance highlights the severity of the challenge Pakistan faces in curbing militancy.