KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – According to the Global Terrorism Index report published by the Institute for Economics & Peace, Pakistan has been ranked as the country most affected by terrorism for the first time since the index was created. This marks a significant and concerning shift, as the country now holds the highest score globally, reflecting a sharp resurgence in terrorist activity and worsening security conditions.
The report highlights that this deterioration is largely driven by the increasing activity of militant groups, particularly Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, which was among the deadliest terrorist organizations globally in 2025. Notably, it was the only major group to record an increase in deaths during the year, further intensifying instability within Pakistan.
Pakistan recorded a total of 1,139 deaths and 1,045 terrorist incidents in 2025, bringing fatalities to their highest level since 2013. This sharp rise reflects a broader trend, as the country has experienced nearly six times more terrorist incidents in 2025 compared to 2020, signaling a dramatic escalation in violence.
A key factor behind this surge is the changing regional security landscape following the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan in 2021. The report notes that cross-border dynamics, weak border control, and growing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have created conditions that allow militant groups to operate more freely, particularly in border areas where state control is limited.
In addition to TTP, other groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army have contributed to the deteriorating security environment. These groups have expanded their operations, targeting both civilians and security forces, and increasing pressure on Pakistan’s already strained security infrastructure.
The report also emphasizes that terrorism in Pakistan is closely linked to broader geopolitical tensions. Strained relations with neighboring countries and ongoing cross-border militancy have not only escalated violence but also increased the risk of wider regional conflict. In fact, the Afghanistan-Pakistan borderlands are identified as one of the world’s key hotspots for terrorism, where porous borders and weak governance enable militant activity to thrive.
Overall, while global terrorism declined in 2025, Pakistan stands out as a major exception. The country’s rise to the top of the index underscores the severity of its internal security challenges and highlights the urgent need for coordinated military, political, and socio-economic responses to address the root causes of extremism and violence.
In recent months, tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban have escalated sharply, with Islamabad repeatedly accusing the Taliban of providing safe havens and indirect support to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistani officials argue that many TTP fighters operate from Afghan territory, a claim the Taliban have consistently denied. The strained relations have led to a series of confrontations, including cross-border clashes and reported Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan targeting alleged militant hideouts. These developments have further destabilized the region, raising concerns about a broader conflict and worsening humanitarian conditions along the border.
