As Pakistan gears up for the impending general elections, the first month of the year has
witnessed a disconcerting surge in militant activities, with a staggering 102 percent increase
compared to December 2023 as 93 militant attacks were recorded across the country in January
2024 resulting in 90 fatalities, 135 injuries, and the abduction of 15 individuals.
Despite the rise in attacks, the impact on human losses was somewhat mitigated. A 15
percent increase in resultant deaths and a 19 percent rise in injuries were reported. Among those
killed, the victims included 41 civilians, 37 security forces personnel, and 12 militants. The injured
comprised 81 civilians and 54 security forces personnel.
The province of Balochistan bore the brunt of the onslaught, with 33 reported attacks leading
to 31 deaths and 50 injuries. Mainland Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experienced 30 attacks, resulting in
17 fatalities and 21 injuries. Former FATA (newly merged districts of KP) witnessed 24 attacks,
claiming 36 lives and injuring 57. Sindh faced four militant attacks, causing five deaths and six
injuries. Punjab and Islamabad each witnessed one militant attack.
As the electoral landscape heats up, attacks against election-related activities, including the
targeting of candidates, have surged. PICSS recorded 21 such attacks in January, claiming 10 lives
and injuring 25. Notably, two candidates lost their lives – Rehan Zeb Khan, a prominent youth
leader and PTI local leader from Bajaur, and an independent candidate from Mir Ali in North
Waziristan. Several candidates narrowly escaped harm in these attacks.
To access the complete security assessment report
(January 2024)
