ISLAMABAD: The month of June saw 20 per cent decline in militant attacks, resulting in fewer deaths and injuries.

According to data released by an Islamabad-based think-tank, Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), militants carried out 69 attacks across the country last month. These attacks resulted in 60 deaths, including 33 security forces personnel, 26 civilians, and one militant. Additionally, 65 people were injured: 33 civilians, 31 security forces personnel, and one militant. Compared to May, there was a 20 per cent decline in militant attacks, a 33 per cent decrease in resultant deaths, and a 25 per cent decrease in injuries.

The month of June also witnessed the arrest of TTP top commander Nasrullah alias Molvi Mansoor, a member of the group’s Shura.

The data shows that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) remained the most affected province, followed by Balochistan. In KP, militants carried out 27 attacks, resulting in 21 deaths, including 15 security forces personnel and five civilians, while 18 people were injured, including nine civilians, eight security forces personnel, and one militant. Militants also kidnapped five people, highlighting a rising trend in kidnapping in the province.

In tribal districts of KP (erstwhile Fata), militants carried out 28 attacks, resulting in 30 deaths, including 18 civilians and 12 security forces personnel, and 28 injuries, including 16 security forces personnel and 12 civilians.

Balochistan witnessed 11 attacks, resulting in six deaths, including four security forces personnel and two civilians, while 14 people were injured, including eight civilians and six security forces personnel. Insurgents also kidnapped 10 people from Balochistan, three of them were later released.

Balochistan recorded a 52 per cent decline in militant attacks, an 80 per cent decline in resultant deaths, and a 69 per cent decline in injuries in June, which is significant in the context of the prevailing security situation.

Punjab and Sindh also saw improvement in security, with the former witnessing one and the latter two militant attacks, resulting in one death in Punjab and two in Sindh.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2024