Pakistan has witnessed its highest number of suicide attacks since 2014 this year, with almost half of them targeting its security forces.
According to the data released on Sunday, December 24, by the Pakistan Institute of Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), the security forces of the country bore a significant brunt, accounting for nearly 50% of deaths and nearly 60% of injuries. “A staggering 29 suicide attacks were reported, resulting in the tragic loss of 329 lives and leaving 582 individuals injured. This marks the highest death toll since 2013 when 683 people lost their lives in 47 suicide bombings, “the report said.
Ever since the Taliban gained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the security situation in the region has noticeably worsened. This is mainly due to the increasing threat posed by terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Jaish ul-Adl, and other similar organizations. The return of the regime in Afghanistan has profoundly changed the dynamics of regional stability, heightening concerns about the possible spread of extremism and violence to neighboring countries.
Pakistan, in particular, was initially happy with the withdrawal of Western forces from Afghanistan. However, it now finds itself at a critical juncture, with a surge in terrorist activities along its western borders with Afghanistan. Pakistan had hoped its long-awaited policy towards Afghanistan would succeed, expecting the Taliban to dismantle the TTP and prevent any terrorist activities from Afghanistan soil. However, the TTP and its affiliates allegedly continued their operations from Afghanistan, launching deadly attacks on Pakistani law enforcement and civilians shortly after.
The report underscores an ongoing increase in terrorist attacks occurring annually in Pakistan. Compared to the 2022 report, the latest findings reveal a staggering 93% surge in suicide attacks, a 226% rise in deaths, and a 101% increase in the number of individuals injured. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province faced the most significant impact, with 23 reported instances leading to 254 fatalities and 512 injuries. Balochistan province encountered five attacks, resulting in 67 deaths and 52 injuries, while Sindh experienced one suicide attack resulting in eight deaths and 18 injuries.
Pakistani authorities claim that the militant groups including the TTP have greatly benefited from sanctuaries provided to them by the Taliban in neighboring Afghanistan. During a recent session of the UN Security Council on Afghanistan, Pakistan’s representative emphasized that any engagement with the Taliban should prioritize their actions against terrorist groups, including the TTP. “Else, we will see the recurrence and proliferation of terrorism from Afghanistan as happened prior to 9/11, threatening not only the region but the entire world,” he stressed.
The country is preparing for the upcoming general election early next year with concern about the anticipated activities of terrorist groups which might lead to increased political violence in the country. During the country’s 2013 general elections, militant groups targeted the leadership of several political parties, making it difficult for them to campaign effectively.
Pakistani media reports that the caretaker government has called for a three-day meeting to discuss foreign policy challenges, particularly focusing on the country’s ties with Afghanistan. The report indicates that Pakistan’s ambassadors from 20 countries and international organizations are set to participate in the meeting scheduled for the first week of January 2024.
