ISLAMABAD: In November, Pakistan witnessed a significant upswing in militant activities, with a reported 34 percent increase in attacks following a two-month decline, as per a report from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).
The data reveals that a total of 63 attacks occurred during this period, resulting in 83 fatalities, including 37 security forces personnel and 33 civilians. Additionally, 89 individuals sustained injuries, with 53 civilians and 36 security personnel affected.
According to details, the cumulative toll for the first 11 months of 2023 reflects a concerning trend, with 599 militant attacks resulting in 897 fatalities and 1,241 injuries. This signifies an 81 percent escalation in militant attacks, an 86 percent rise in deaths, and a 64 percent surge in injuries compared to the corresponding period in 2022.
PICSS recorded 51 attacks that resulted in 54 fatalities and 81 injuries, making Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the province most affected. Twenty KP attacks took place in the combined districts (former FATA), resulting in 23 fatalities and 13 injuries. Meanwhile, 31 attacks were reported in mainland KP, resulting in 31 deaths and 68 injuries. This suggests that 91 percent of injuries, 65 percent of deaths, and 81 percent of attacks occurred in KP.
Nine attacks were reported in Balochistan; the 18 dead included three civilians and fifteen security personnel. The eight injured included three security force personnel and five civilians. Two minor attacks occurred in Sindh, which led to two fatalities. Simultaneously, Punjab saw a notable occurrence in 2023 with a high-profile attack on the Pakistan Air Force’s Mianwali Air Base.
