Islamabad experienced its deadliest year in over a decade in 2025, with a 74% surge in combat-related deaths, according to a new report from an independent think tank. Militants were responsible for more than half of the fatalities.
Rising Violence and Accusations
The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, or PICSS, reported 3,413 deaths resulting from violence in Pakistan in 2025, a significant increase from the 1,950 deaths recorded in 2024. Of those, 2,138 were militants killed.
Pakistan frequently accuses Afghanistan’s Taliban government of failing to address cross-border attacks originating from Pakistani militants. The Taliban government denies these accusations. Tensions between the two countries have been elevated since October, following border clashes that resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries.
The Role of the TTP and External Factors
The report indicates a 124% increase in militant deaths compared to 2024, attributed to intensified counterterrorism operations targeting the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP. The TTP, distinct from Afghanistan’s Taliban, has escalated attacks on Pakistani security forces in recent years.
Abdullah Khan, managing director of PICSS, stated that the increased death toll was partly due to a rise in suicide bombings and the militants’ access to U.S. military equipment left behind after the 2021 American withdrawal from Afghanistan.
In addition to the 2,138 militants killed, the 2025 fatalities included 667 security personnel and 580 civilians – the highest annual civilian death toll since 2015. Twenty-eight members of pro-government peace committees were also reported dead.
Increased Militant Activity and Security Operations
PICSS recorded at least 1,066 militant attacks in 2025, with a 53% increase in suicide attacks, totaling 26 incidents. Security forces responded by arresting approximately 500 militants during intelligence-based operations, an increase from 272 arrests in 2024.
Multiple militant groups, including the TTP, claimed responsibility for the majority of attacks in 2025. Pakistan’s military reported carrying out 67,023 intelligence-based operations in 2025, resulting in the deaths of 1,873 militants, including 136 Afghan nationals.
Looking Ahead
The border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan remains volatile. While a Qatar-mediated ceasefire following October explosions in Kabul has largely held, negotiations between the two sides stalled in November. In December, Pakistan’s armed forces chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, called on the Afghan Taliban government to choose between maintaining ties with Islamabad or supporting the Pakistani Taliban.
Continued tensions could lead to further clashes along the border, potentially escalating the conflict. It is also possible that Pakistan will intensify its counterterrorism operations, potentially impacting regional stability. A sustained diplomatic effort may be necessary to de-escalate tensions and foster cooperation between the two nations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total number of deaths in Pakistan due to violence in 2025?
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, violence in Pakistan resulted in 3,413 deaths in 2025.
Which group was identified as being responsible for a significant number of attacks?
The report states that multiple militant groups, including the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed most attacks in 2025.
Did security forces make any arrests in relation to militant activity?
Security forces arrested approximately 500 militants during intelligence-based operations in 2025, up from 272 arrests in 2024.
What impact might the availability of U.S. military equipment have on the future of conflict in the region?
