Militants Suffer Heaviest Losses in a Decade in Pakistan During October, New Report Claims
355 militants killed in October; 72 security personnel and 31 civilians martyred — PICSS report
ISLAMABAD ( WEB NEWS )
A report has claimed that militants in Pakistan suffered their heaviest losses in the past ten years during the month of October. According to the Islamabad-based think tank Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), this development followed a period of pressure on militant groups in September, when 69 attacks were recorded — a 52% decline compared to August.
The monthly report released by the think tank states that 355 militants were killed in October, along with 72 security personnel and 31 civilians, including a member of a peace committee in Bannu. In addition, 92 security personnel, 48 civilians, and 22 militants were injured across the country.
Although militant attacks increased by 29% — from 69 in September to 89 in October — the total number of casualties fell by 19%, according to PICSS. The report also notes that militants kidnapped 55 individuals in October — the highest monthly figure for abductions in a decade — while security forces arrested 22 suspected militants.
According to the report, militant attacks in October resulted in the deaths of 55 security personnel, 29 civilians, one peace committee member, and 24 militants. Another 88 security personnel, 45 civilians, and one militant were injured.
In Balochistan, 23 militant attacks occurred in October compared to 21 in September, but deaths dropped significantly: security personnel fatalities fell from 33 to 16, and civilian deaths decreased from 38 to 3. The number of militants killed in both months remained at 8. Injuries to security forces dropped from 37 to 15, and civilian injuries from 85 to 20. The report also mentions that militants kidnapped 31 people in Balochistan, mostly laborers.
Regarding counterterrorism operations, PICSS reported that security forces killed 67 militants in Balochistan — the highest monthly figure since 2002. The institute described this as a sign of notable improvement in the province’s security situation, citing a 92% decline in civilian deaths and a 52% drop in security personnel fatalities.
In the former tribal districts (FATA), 22 militant attacks were recorded — the same number as in September — but with a sharp rise in casualties. A total of 31 people were killed, including 18 security personnel and 13 civilians, while 45 were injured (32 security personnel and 13 civilians). Militants also abducted 18 people in the region. PICSS noted that fatalities among security personnel in these areas rose by 200% (from 6 to 18), and total deaths increased by 48%.
Security operations in these regions killed 209 militants, the highest monthly total since November 2014. Sixteen security personnel were also martyred, including in a deadly incident in Orakzai district that led to heightened border tensions with Afghanistan. The institute confirmed that security forces killed banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) former deputy emir and shadow defense minister, Qari Amjad, in Bajaur — described as the most high-profile killing since the TTP’s formation in 2007.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 37 militant attacks were recorded in October, up from 25 in September, resulting in 48 deaths — 21 security personnel, 10 civilians, 16 militants, and one peace committee member. A total of 42 people were injured (35 security personnel and 7 civilians), and militants kidnapped four individuals. Security operations killed 55 militants, while one security official was martyred. Compared to September, militant deaths from operations dropped from 88 to 55.
In Sindh, three attacks resulted in the deaths of three civilians and injuries to seven people (four civilians and three security personnel). According to PICSS, there was a rise in activities by the banned Zainabiyoun Brigade, with eight suspected militants, including key commanders, arrested. The banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for an IED attack on the Jaffar Express in Shikarpur district, which derailed four carriages and injured seven passengers.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, three attacks were reported, two of which were apparent targeted killings allegedly carried out by the Zainabiyoun Brigade, while the TTP kidnapped two WAPDA employees.
In Punjab, there was one minor attack in which TTP militants blew up a gas pipeline in Mianwali district. Security forces also arrested an Al-Qaeda operative in Okara district.
According to PICSS, during the first ten months of 2025, a total of 2,853 people have been killed, including 1,734 militants, 601 security personnel, 497 civilians, and 21 pro-government fighters. The institute concluded that although militancy persists, the sharp increase in militant deaths indicates that Pakistan’s counterterrorism operations are becoming more effective.
In March, the Global Terrorism Index 2025 ranked Pakistan second among countries most affected by terrorism, noting a 45% rise in deaths from terror attacks (to 1,081) compared to the previous year.