Terrorism-related death surge is largely attributed to Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) attacks, escalating violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, and regional instability caused by Afghanistan’s Taliban resurgence
-1774174085792_d.png "Pakistan tops Global Terrorism Index as terror-related deaths surge to 1,139: IEP report")
Violence in Pakistan highest since 2013, IEP report warns. Representational Pic
According to the Global Terrorism Index 2026, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), Pakistan recorded 1,139 terrorism-related deaths in 2025, a 6 per cent increase from the previous year. This marks the highest number of fatalities since 2013. During the same period, the country witnessed 1,045 terrorist incidents, highlighting a worsening security situation, reported the ANI.
The report notes that Pakistan’s "strained" relations with neighbouring countries, especially Afghanistan, and attacks by banned groups like Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) have created significant security risks.
Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan emerges as the deadliest group
The TTP accounted for over 67 percent of all attacks in Pakistan since 2009, making it the deadliest terror group in the country and the third deadliest globally. In 2025 alone, TTP attacks rose 24 per cent to 595 incidents, resulting in 637 deaths, mostly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa near the Afghan border, according to the ANI.
The most severe attack reported last year involved military personnel, leaving 21 people dead. Notably, the TTP was the only group among the world’s four deadliest organisations to increase operational activity in 2025, reflecting a dangerous expansion of its reach.
Impact of Afghanistan and regional instability
The resurgence of the Afghan Taliban in Kabul has had a direct effect on Pakistan’s internal security. The report highlights that the TTP benefited from the Afghan Taliban’s return, gaining both resources and motivation to expand operations geographically and improve efficiency.
This regional instability has worsened the security vacuum in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which together accounted for over 74 percent of attacks and 67 percent of deaths in 2025, as per ANI.
Hostage crises and global context
Pakistan also faced a dramatic rise in hostage-taking incidents, with the number of victims surging from 101 in 2024 to 655 in 2025. The spike was largely driven by the Jaffar Express attack, where 442 people were held hostage.
Globally, Pakistan now ranks alongside Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Niger, and the Democratic Republic of Congo as one of five countries responsible for nearly 70 percent of terrorism deaths worldwide.
Declining stability and warning signs
After finishing second on the Global Terrorism Index in 2025, Pakistan’s new top ranking highlights a steady decline in stability. Analysts warn that unless security operations are strengthened and regional tensions addressed, the country could face continued increases in terrorism and associated fatalities in the coming years.
(With ANI Inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
