Despite the greatest military tensions between Pakistan and India in May, militant groups could not significantly increase their activities in Pakistan, according to data published by the group of experts based in Islamabad, the Institute of Conflict Studies and Security of Pakistan (PICS) on Sunday.
The monthly security evaluation of PICSS registered 85 militant attacks in May, slightly from 81 in April, which resulted in 113 deaths. These included 52 security forces, 46 civilians, 11 militants and four members of the Peace Committee.
A total of 182 people were injured, comprising 130 civilians, 47 security personnel, four militants and a member of the Peace Committee.
This marks a five percent increase in militant attacks compared to April. In particular, there was an increase of 73 % in deaths by security personnel and a dramatic increase of 145PC in civil injuries (from 53 in April to 130 in May).
However, lesions among security personnel decreased by 20 percent, falling from 59 to 47.
In the operations initiated by the security forces during the month, at least 59 militants were killed, while five security personnel lost their lives. In addition, seven security personnel and five militants suffered injuries. Security forces also arrested 52 alleged militants during several intelligence based operations.
Combining militant attacks and security operations, the number of general victims for May was 172 deaths, including 57 security personnel, 65 militants, 46 civilians and four members of the Peace Committee.
A total of 194 people were injured, which included 130 civilians, 54 security personnel, nine militants and a member of the Peace Committee. The militants also kidnapped at least 19 people during the month.
A surprising aspect of the May security panorama was a 78 % increase in the death of security personnel, in contrast to a 68pc decrease in militant deaths compared to April.
In particular, May was the first month since October 2024 in which militant deaths were recorded in two digits (65), a strong drop of 203 in April.
Provincial General Description
Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained the most affected provinces, representing 82 of the 85 attacks throughout the country.
Baluchistan experienced the highest level of violence, with 35 militant attacks that left 51 people dead, including 30 civilians, 18 security personnel and three militants, and 100 injured (94 civilians, five security personnel, a militant). The militants also kidnapped nine individuals in the province.
A particularly tragic incident occurred in Khuzdar, where an explosion pointed to a public school bus, killing eight boys (mostly girls) and two staff members, and hurting another 35.
In the fused tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 22 militant attacks led to 45 deaths, including 23 security personnel, 12 civilians, six militants and four members of the Peace Committee.
In addition, 58 people were injured, which included 30 security personnel, 27 civilians and a member of the Peace Committee.
In Continental KP, excluding tribal districts, 25 militant attacks resulted in 14 deaths, including 10 security personnel and two civilians and militants. In addition, 24 people were injured, including 12 security personnel, nine civilians and three militants.
Sindh witnessed three militant attacks, which resulted in the death of two civilians and a security personnel.
No Punjab, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) or Gilgit-Baltistan militant attacks were reported.
However, Punjab registered the largest number of militant arrests, with 39 suspects detained in intelligence -based operations. In Azad Kashmira, the security forces made a raid in Rawalakot, killing four militants affiliated with Tehreek-I-Taliban Pakistan.
