ISLAMABAD: Pakistan witnessed a substantial 32 percent drop in overall violence during the second quarter of 2025, according to a report released by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS).
The analysis highlights several key trends in the country’s security landscape, including a marked fall in fatalities and the impact of more effective counter-terrorism operations, the Express Tribune reported on Monday.
The report reveals that fatalities from violence decreased to 615 in Q2 2025, down from 900 in Q1, signalling a significant improvement in overall security. During the quarter, there were 273 recorded incidents—including terrorist attacks and counterterrorism operations—and 388 injuries reported.
Fatalities by violence fell by 285 compared to the previous quarter, reinforcing the positive effect of proactive counter-terrorism initiatives, which saw a higher percentage of outlaws dying in security operations.
While violence receded in traditional conflict zones, the CRSS report showed that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan provinces continued to face violence; however, incidents declined significantly.
K-P recorded a 32% reduction in violence, with fatalities dropping from 567 in Q1 to 389 in Q2. This is attributed to successful state-led military operations against terrorists such as the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
In Balochistan, violence dropped by 40%, with fatalities falling from 317 in Q1 to 190 in Q2. However, the province saw attacks on state forces.
Despite these improvements, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K‑P) and Balochistan together accounted for over 94% of fatalities and 93% of all violent incidents in Q2 2025.
A concerning development is the spread of violence into traditionally quieter areas. Punjab, for example, saw a sharp 162% increase in fatalities, rising from eight in Q1 to 21 in Q2.
Though the terrorists suffered the majority of fatalities, civilians were the most targeted group in terms of attacks and injuries.
Of the 107 recorded terror attacks, the majority targeted civilians, resulting in 249 civilian injuries compared to 120 injuries suffered by security personnel.
On a positive note, the report highlights significant progress in counter-terrorism efforts. Terrorists suffered a greater percentage of fatalities compared to civilians and security personnel.
The percentage of fatalities among outlaws surged to 55% by Q2, 2025, compared to 35% during 2021-2024, reflecting the increased effectiveness of state-led counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
