Violence in Pakistan: 380 Dead and 220 Injured in Recent Terror Attacks
In the second quarter of 2024, Pakistan experienced a significant increase in violence, resulting in 380 deaths and 220 injuries from 240 incidents of terror attacks and counter-terror operations. This information comes from a report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies.
Most Affected Areas
The provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan were the hardest hit, accounting for 92% of fatalities and 87% of attacks. Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa saw increases in violence, with fatalities rising by 13% and 31%, respectively, compared to the previous quarter.
Civilian and Security Personnel Casualties
Civilian casualties made up 62% of the total fatalities. Notable incidents included attacks on workers based on ethnic identity in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as deaths from sectarian violence. Security personnel, including police and army officials, were also frequent targets.
Complex Security Challenges
The report highlights the complex and varied nature of security challenges across different regions of Pakistan. State sponsorship of terrorism has contributed to internal instability. Pakistan has been accused of using terror groups as proxies, especially in its rivalry with India and Afghanistan. This strategy dates back to the 1980s during the Soviet-Afghan War.
Impact on Kashmir and Internal Stability
In Kashmir, Pakistan has provided financial and logistical support to militant groups involved in attacks against Indian security forces and civilians. These groups have turned against the state, leading to widespread violence and a challenging security environment.
Economic Repercussions
Terrorism and insecurity have had severe economic impacts on Pakistan. Foreign investment has been deterred, tourism has suffered, and resources have been diverted to security operations and counter-terrorism efforts.
