The latest Global Terrorism Index (GTI) shows Pakistan as the most affected country in 2025. Rising attacks and fatalities have pushed it to the top of the global ranking.
According to the report by the Institute for Economics and Peace, terrorism-related deaths in the affected country increased by 6% last year, reaching 1,139 fatalities. The number of terrorist incidents also rose, with 1,045 attacks recorded. This marks the worst wave of terrorism in the country since 2013.
The GTI evaluates 163 countries based on attacks, deaths, injuries, and hostage situations. It highlights that Pakistan’s security crisis is driven by internal and regional factors. Tensions with neighboring Afghanistan and the growing activity of banned militant groups like Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) are key contributors.
The TTP remains the most active and lethal group in the affected country. It accounts for more than two-thirds of attacks since 2009. In 2025, TTP-linked incidents rose 24%, from 481 to 595, mainly affecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa near the Afghan border. These attacks caused 637 deaths in a single year.
While overall attacks slightly declined in 2025, hostage incidents surged. The number of hostages jumped from 101 in 2024 to 655 in 2025. A major factor was the Jaffar Express incident, where 442 people were taken hostage. Without this event, hostage numbers in the affected country would have fallen by around 30%.
Globally, deaths from terrorism fell by 28%, and attacks dropped nearly 22%. Despite this, groups such as the Islamic State, TTP, and Al-Shabaab remain responsible for roughly 70% of all terrorism-related deaths worldwide.
The report underscores Pakistan as the most affected country, highlighting the urgent need for strengthened security measures and regional cooperation to counter growing terrorist threats.
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