ISLAMABAD: Although July 2021 witnessed the highest number of militant attacks in a single month in Pakistan this year, the number of deaths slightly declined compared to the preceding months of June and May.

According to statistics released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), an Islamabad-based independent think tank, 25 militant attacks were recorded in July 2021 in which 33 people, including 24 civilians and nine security forces personnel, lost their lives. As many as 36 civilians and 18 security forces personnel were also injured in these attacks.

In June 2021, PICSS had recorded 22 militant attacks in which 42 people were killed and 56 others injured. In May, 41 people were killed in such attacks.

According to the statistics, the highest number of militant attacks were reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where 10 militant attacks were carried out in which 20 people, including 16 civilians and six security forces personnel, died, while 35 others were injured.

The KP’s tribal districts (erstwhile Fata) also witnessed nine militant attacks in which 10 people were killed and three security personnel injured.

Four militant attacks were carried out in Balochistan in which two security forces personnel were martyred, while 15 others, including nine security personnel and six civilians, suffered injuries.

Sindh witnessed two militant attacks in which one civilian was killed and one injured. No such attack was recorded in Punjab, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and Azad Jammu Kashmir.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2021