Militants in Pakistan faced their heaviest losses in over a decade during October 2025, as the country’s security forces intensified counter-militancy operations across multiple regions, according to a new report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).
The Islamabad-based think tank reported that 355 militants were killed in October — the highest monthly figure in ten years — while 72 security personnel and 31 civilians, including a peace committee member in Bannu, also lost their lives. Another 92 security personnel, 48 civilians, and 22 militants sustained injuries across the country.
Counterterrorism Success Despite Rising Attacks
Interestingly, while militant attacks rose by 29 percent — from 69 in September to 89 in October — overall human losses declined by 19 percent, signaling improved effectiveness of security operations.
The report also noted a worrying rise in abductions, with militants kidnapping 55 people in October — the highest monthly figure in a decade. Security forces, meanwhile, arrested 22 suspected militants during the same period.
Provincial Breakdown: Significant Gains in Balochistan
PICSS highlighted that Balochistan saw 23 militant attacks in October, up slightly from 21 in September. However, fatalities dropped sharply: security forces lost 16 personnel, and only three civilians were killed, compared to 33 security personnel and 38 civilians the previous month.
Security operations in the province eliminated 67 militants — the highest monthly toll since 2002, when the current wave of militancy began. The report termed this a “notable improvement” in the province’s security situation, citing a 92% decline in civilian deaths and a 52% drop in security fatalities.
However, militants kidnapped 31 people, mostly laborers, underscoring that the threat persists despite counterterrorism gains.
Record Losses in Tribal Belt Operations
In the tribal districts, formerly part of FATA, security forces killed 209 militants in October — the highest monthly figure since November 2014.
Despite 22 militant attacks, overall casualties surged: 31 people — including 18 security personnel and 13 civilians — were killed, while 45 others were injured.
Among the notable developments, security forces eliminated Qari Amjad, the former deputy emir and shadow defence minister of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), marking the most high-profile TTP death since the group’s inception in 2007.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Escalation in Attacks
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) recorded 37 militant attacks in October, compared to 25 in September, resulting in 48 fatalities — including 21 security personnel, 10 civilians, and 16 militants.
Forty-two people were injured, while four individuals were abducted by militants.
Security operations killed 55 militants, slightly down from 88 in September, showing ongoing but controlled hostilities.
Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Punjab See Isolated Incidents
In Sindh, three militant attacks killed three civilians and injured seven others. Authorities also reported increased activity of the proscribed Zainabiyoun Brigade, arresting eight suspected members, including senior commanders.
A Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) attack targeted the Jaffar Express in Shikarpur, derailing four train carriages and injuring seven passengers.
Gilgit-Baltistan saw three attacks — two of which were attempted target killings — while militants abducted two WAPDA officials.
In Punjab, a low-intensity blast damaged a gas pipeline in Mianwali, while security forces apprehended an Al-Qaeda operative in Okara.
Overall Trend: Sharp Drop in Militant Capabilities
Cumulatively, PICSS recorded 2,853 deaths in the first ten months of 2025, including 1,734 militants, 601 security personnel, 497 civilians, and 21 pro-government combatants.
Despite persistent militant violence, the sharp increase in militant deaths reflects the growing effectiveness of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism strategy.
Earlier this year, Pakistan ranked second on the Global Terrorism Index 2025, with terrorism-related deaths rising 45 percent to 1,081 in 2024.
October’s record-breaking militant losses, however, indicate a potential shift toward restoring security stability in the country.
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