The Interior Ministry has disclosed that 341 terrorists were eliminated during 2,801 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted across the country in the first ten months of 2024. This update highlights ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in response to increasing attacks on security forces.
Separately, the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), announced today that 43 terrorists have been killed since December 9 in IBOs carried out in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan.
Escalating Attacks Post-Ceasefire Breakdown
The rise in militant activity follows the collapse of a ceasefire agreement in 2022 with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has since targeted security forces, law enforcement agencies, and checkpoints, especially in KP and Balochistan.
During Thursday’s National Assembly session, responses from the Interior Ministry revealed that the government intensified its counter-terrorism measures, conducting operations that disrupted terrorist networks and reduced threats to national security.
Proactive Actions Against Terrorist Groups
The ministry reported that four additional groups—Zainabiyoun Brigade, Majeed Brigade, Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, and Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement—were declared proscribed organizations this year, bringing the total to 82. Furthermore, 800 individuals were placed under surveillance for suspected links to terrorist activities, with most cases originating from Punjab and KP.
In efforts to curb terror financing, 2,350 cases were registered, leading to the arrest of 2,466 individuals, 526 convictions, and the recovery of Rs581.206 million.
Worsening Security Landscape
From January to October 2024, Pakistan witnessed 1,566 terrorism incidents. KP reported the highest number (948), followed by Balochistan (532), Sindh (24), Punjab (10), and Islamabad Capital Territory (2). These attacks resulted in 924 deaths and 2,121 injuries. Security forces bore the brunt, with 573 personnel martyred and 1,353 injured, accounting for over 60% of total casualties. Civilians also suffered, with 351 deaths and 768 injuries.
Evolving Terrorist Tactics
The Interior Ministry attributed the rise in terrorism to the August 2021 takeover of Kabul by the Afghan Taliban, which empowered groups like the TTP. The TTP has increasingly focused on targeting military and law enforcement personnel rather than civilians. With its leadership based in Afghanistan, the group continues to conduct cross-border infiltrations and orchestrate attacks within Pakistan.
The ministry also noted the consolidation of international terrorist organizations in Afghanistan, bolstered by the withdrawal of U.S. forces and the availability of advanced weaponry left behind. These developments pose transnational security threats, particularly to initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has become a frequent target for terrorists aiming to disrupt bilateral relations.
ISPR: “Major Setback” to Terrorist Groups
The ISPR emphasized recent gains against militants. Between December 9 and December 13, security forces killed 43 terrorists in KP and Balochistan. Notably, six militants were eliminated in KP’s Lakki Marwat district, while ten were neutralized in Balochistan’s Musa Khel and Panjgur districts during intense operations.
The military vowed to continue operations until peace is fully restored, reaffirming its commitment to eradicating terrorism from Pakistan.