Violence has become a persistent part of life in Pakistan. The security situation worsened sharply in 2025, marking the fifth straight year of rising terrorist activity. According to the Pakistan Security Report 2025 by PIPS, the country experienced 699 terrorist attacks—a 34% increase from 2024—resulting in 1,034 deaths and 1,366 injuries, a 21% rise in fatalities. Overall, conflict-related incidents, including terrorist attacks, counterterrorism operations, border clashes, and abductions, totaled 1,124—up 43% from the previous year. These figures indicate a deepening crisis rather than isolated setbacks.
A notable change is the targets of these attacks. Security forces now bear the brunt, with police stations, patrols, checkpoints, and military units coming under frequent assault. Terrorist groups seem focused on draining state resources and morale. The resurgence of suicide attacks, after a lull in recent years, suggests these groups are regaining strength and organizational capability rather than acting out of desperation.
Geographically, the violence is concentrated. Most attacks occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. In southern KP, assaults on law enforcement have become routine, while in Balochistan, insurgents have broadened their tactics to include highway blockades, kidnappings, and attacks on infrastructure. The western regions remain the country’s main security hotspot.
The government has responded with increased counterterrorism operations, killing over 1,000 militants. Yet, despite these efforts, attacks continue to rise, highlighting a deeper challenge. Much of this violence is driven by religiously motivated groups, particularly the TTP, which has regained significant strength. These groups are increasingly sophisticated, employing better weapons, night-fighting capabilities, and drones, while exploiting local grievances, weak governance, and intelligence gaps. The state remains largely reactive.
Accepting this violence as the “new normal” is dangerous. While civilian casualties have slightly decreased, attacks on state institutions are growing. This shows that a strategy focused mainly on raids and reprisals cannot achieve lasting peace, especially when ideological militancy, cross-border sanctuaries, and political uncertainty persist.
Breaking this cycle will require more than military action. Political clarity, civilian governance in conflict-affected areas, regional cooperation, police reforms, better intelligence sharing, and judicial follow-through are essential. Without these, Pakistan risks becoming trapped in a long-term state of insecurity.
