Pakistan News

In a tragic incident in Quetta, Pakistan, a 15-year-old girl was allegedly shot and killed by her father due to her presence on the social media platform TikTok. According to a police spokesperson, the father found the contents of her videos to be "indecent." Following the act, law enforcement has confirmed the suspect's arrest and is searching for a relative who may have been involved. The family had recently returned to Pakistan after living in the United States, where the victim was born. Tensions had reportedly arisen within the family prior to the murder, stemming from the teenager's online activities. Violence in the name of "honor" is a prevalent issue in Pakistan, a patriarchal society with over 240 million inhabitants. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan estimates that around 1,000 such cases occur annually, often with perpetrators escaping justice. This incident echoes the 2016 case of Qandeel Baloch, an influencer murdered by her brother for advocating women's rights and criticizing female oppression. Following Baloch's death, the government increased penalties for honor-related killings.

A liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker explosion in Multan’s Hamid Pur Kanora area of Punjab, Pakistan, has resulted in at least six fatalities and injured 31 others, including 13 in critical condition, according to local rescue authorities. The incident occurred on January 27, 2025, at an illegal LPG refilling warehouse, where gas leakage was reported before the explosion. The explosion triggered a massive fire that led to the destruction of approximately 20 houses and significant damage to another 70 nearby, as reported by Geo News. Among the deceased are a minor girl and two women. Rescue operations were complicated by persistent gas leaks, prompting officials to evacuate the area and declare a local emergency. District Emergency Officer stated that emergency services were mobilized extensively, utilizing over ten firefighting units to contain the blaze. Multan-Muzaffargarh Road has since reopened, although power and gas supplies in the area remain suspended as a precaution. Authorities are continuing search operations to ensure safety and assess further damage.

A devastating explosion involving a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker occurred in the Hamid Pur Kanora area of Multan’s Industrial Estate, Pakistan, on January 27, 2025. The blast resulted in the death of at least six individuals, including a minor girl and two women, while 31 others sustained injuries, with 13 reported to be in critical condition. The explosion not only caused fatalities but also triggered a massive fire, damaging approximately 20 houses beyond repair and partially affecting around 70 others. Significant debris from the tanker landed in nearby residential areas, exacerbating the destruction. Local authorities revealed that gas was reportedly leaking from a valve of the tanker prior to the explosion. Some residents had started to evacuate upon detecting the gas odor. The City Police Officer, Sadiq Ali, indicated that an illegal LPG refilling operation was taking place at the site, which contributed to the disaster. The subsequent firefighting efforts involved over ten vehicles and foam-based suppression methods. An emergency has been declared at Nishtar Hospital to accommodate the injured, and electricity and gas supply to the area have been suspended as a safety precaution. Local residents are advised to maintain distance from the explosion site due to lingering gas fumes. Emergency response teams are continuing search operations in nearby areas to ensure community safety.

A liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker exploded in an industrial area of Multan, Punjab, on January 27, 2025, resulting in the deaths of at least six individuals, including a minor girl. The explosion also left 31 people injured, some critically. The incident occurred at the Industrial Estate in the Hamid Pur Kanora area. Rescue teams reported a massive fire following the explosion, with debris damaging surrounding residential areas. Initially, five fatalities were confirmed, but the death toll rose to six after a body was recovered from a nearby destroyed home. Local officials reported significant damage, citing that approximately 20 houses were completely destroyed and another 70 suffered partial damage. The fire was extinguished after several hours of efforts involving over ten firefighting vehicles equipped with foam-based suppression systems. Reports indicate that gas was leaking from one of the tanker valves prior to the explosion, prompting evacuations in the area. However, leakage from the tanker continued, and area residents were advised to remain away due to safety concerns. The police identified the location as an illegal LPG refilling warehouse where the explosion took place during the transfer of gas from a large tanker to smaller tanks and cylinders. The authorities stated that the large tanker was allegedly carrying smuggled LPG, and multiple other tankers were destroyed in the blast. An emergency has been declared at Nishtar Hospital for the injured, and precautionary measures, including the suspension of electricity and gas supply, are in effect. Investigations and safety checks are ongoing in the vicinity.

A Pakistani court has sentenced four individuals to death for blasphemy, reportedly for posting sacrilegious material on social media regarding Islamic religious figures and the Quran. The sentencing took place in Rawalpindi, where Judge Tariq Ayub declared that such actions were "unforgivable offenses." Along with the death sentences, the judge also imposed collective fines of 4.6 million rupees and additional jail terms in case a higher court overturns the death sentences. Since the introduction of anti-blasphemy measures in the 1980s, Pakistan's laws have mandated severe penalties for insults directed at Islam or its religious figures. While no death sentences have been carried out to date, accusations of blasphemy often lead to mob violence and extreme societal backlash. The lawyer for the accused, Manzoor Rahmani, has criticized the court's decision, asserting that the investigation lacked credible evidence and alleging that fear of religious retaliation influences judicial outcomes. He stated that preparations for an appeal are already underway, with hopes to challenge the ruling in a higher court. Critics of the blasphemy laws argue that they are frequently exploited to settle personal grievances under the guise of religious offense.

An Indian fisherman, identified as Babu, tragically died in a Karachi jail while awaiting delayed release after completing his prison term. According to sources from the Indian government, Babu was arrested by Pakistani authorities in 2022, and despite having served his sentence, his release was postponed, leading to his death on January 23, 2025. This incident marks the eighth case in two years where an Indian fisherman has died in a Pakistani jail while awaiting release after completing their sentence. The reported fatalities of Indian fishermen have raised serious concerns regarding their treatment and living conditions in Pakistan. Currently, there are approximately 180 Indian fishermen still detained in Pakistan, despite having served their sentences and awaiting the chance to return to India. The Indian government has consistently urged Pakistan for their prompt release, yet the situation remains contentious. In a related case, Vinod Laxman Koal, another fisherman from Maharashtra, passed away in March 2024 after suffering a paralysis attack while imprisoned in Karachi after being arrested in October 2022. The Ministry of External Affairs previously reported that as of December 2024, Pakistan had held 209 Indian fishermen, with many awaiting release for years.

A court in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, has sentenced four individuals to death for allegedly posting blasphemous material on social media related to Islam and its religious figures. Judge Tariq Ayub stated that blasphemy, disrespect towards holy figures, and desecration of the Quran are unforgivable offenses, leaving no room for leniency. In addition to the death sentences, the judge imposed collective fines totaling 4.6 million rupees and set jail terms for the defendants, should their sentences be overturned by a higher court. The defendants' lawyer, Manzoor Rahmani, criticized the ruling and stated that they are in the process of preparing an appeal. Despite the existence of strict blasphemy laws since the 1980s, which make it illegal to insult Islam, no death penalties have yet been executed. Previous accusations of blasphemy often led to mob violence and backlash against defendants and judges. Rahmani expressed concerns that fears of religious reprisals may influence court rulings, with uncertainties in evidence often being dismissed. Critics argue that these laws are misused to settle personal disputes rather than protect religious sentiments.

The fight against polio has taken a worrying turn, with a sharp increase in cases reported in Pakistan, marking a significant setback in global eradication efforts. In 2023, Pakistan was nearing eradication with only six wild poliovirus cases, but this number has surged to 73 in 2024, prompting alarm among health experts. The ongoing conflict in neighboring Afghanistan is believed to be a major contributor to the rise in polio cases, as well as other infectious diseases. Renowned child immunisation expert Zulfiqar Bhutta noted that all reported wild poliovirus genetic strains in Pakistan originated from Afghanistan. He expressed concern that complacency in eradicating the virus has resulted in a dramatic reversal of progress, stating, "We've snatched defeat from the jaws of victory." Challenges to immunisation efforts in the region are compounded by obstacles such as the Taliban’s restrictions on female health workers, poor sanitation, and insecurity. There is also a lack of reliable data on poliovirus cases in Afghanistan, hindering combat strategies. While Pakistan has invested around $10 billion in vaccination initiatives since 2011, vaccination rates vary significantly across provinces. In Punjab, approximately 85% of children are vaccinated, whereas in Balochistan, the rate plummets to just 30%. Bhutta emphasized that consistent vaccination coverage of 85-90% is necessary across all provinces to eradicate polio effectively. Bhutta calls for a thorough review of immunisation strategies and points out the importance of strengthening routine health programs for various infectious diseases. Additionally, he advocates for collaborative healthcare initiatives with the Taliban, drawing from past successful negotiations to deliver vaccines, such as during smallpox eradication efforts. The resurgence of polio highlights the urgent need for focused, sustained actions from both international and local health authorities to address this growing health crisis.

Pakistani senators are calling for an apology from billionaire Elon Musk, accusing him of promoting anti-Pakistan sentiment while seeking approval for his Starlink satellite internet service. A senate committee met on January 22, 2025, to discuss Musk's application, which is pending regulatory clearance. Committee chair Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan stated that several senators denounced Musk's recent comments on his social media platform X, where he highlighted allegations involving men of Pakistani origin in historic rape cases in Rotherham, England. These cases, which garnered significant media attention, involved the sexual exploitation of vulnerable girls over a 16-year period, leading to numerous convictions of individuals primarily from South Asian backgrounds. While the senators are not demanding Musk's apology as a condition for Starlink's approval, it was a topic of discussion during the meeting. "It was said that approval should be given on condition of his apology," Khan noted. Musk's comments have stirred controversy in the UK and sparked debates about their potential to fuel Islamophobia. Musk, who has recently taken on a political role, has been vocal against the UK government's reluctance to launch a national inquiry into the abuse cases. His comments have drawn both support and backlash, complicating his attempt to establish Starlink's presence in Pakistan.

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to 14 years in prison following a ruling by an accountability court over corruption charges. Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were convicted of unlawfully acquiring valuable plots of land through a corrupt arrangement with a prominent property tycoon, Malik Riaz. In addition to the prison term, Khan was fined 1 million Pakistani rupees, while Bibi received a 7-year sentence. The accountability court was specially convened at Adialia prison in Rawalpindi, where Khan has been held since his arrest in August 2023. Following the verdict, Bibi was taken into custody in the courtroom. Khan, who has previously described the charges against him as politically motivated, faces over 100 additional cases including murder and terrorism. Khan, who served as Pakistan's Prime Minister from 2018 until 2022, asserts that the ongoing legal challenges are part of a "political witch hunt" designed to eliminate him from the political landscape. Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), condemned the court's decision as indicative of a compromised justice system, stating they intend to appeal the ruling. Supporters also protested against the verdict in various cities, including Peshawar. Despite his legal adversities, Khan maintains his popularity among the public and has vowed to continue his fight for justice and democracy in Pakistan.

Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison as part of the Al-Qadir Trust case. His wife, Bushra Bibi, received a 7-year sentence. The couple was convicted for their roles in an alleged corruption scheme involving misappropriated funds designated for Khan's Al-Qadir University Project Trust. The sentencing took place in Islamabad, where Imran Khan has been held since August 2023 on various legal charges, which he claims are politically motivated. The Al-Qadir Trust case centers on allegations that Khan facilitated the transfer of funds—originally meant for the government—into an account for land payments by Bahria Town Karachi, ultimately gaining personal benefits from the arrangement. The charges were first brought against Khan and his wife in February 2024, following controversial general elections. Despite his acquittal in other cases in 2024, fresh legal challenges continued to plague the former prime minister. This verdict was anticipated, according to sources close to Khan, who allege that the judicial proceedings lacked fair trial standards and were influenced by military directives.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an investigation into a controversial social media advertisement by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) that drew comparisons to the September 11, 2001, attacks. The ad, which was shared on PIA's official X account to announce the resumption of flights to Paris after a four-year hiatus, featured an image of an aircraft appearing to head towards the Eiffel Tower against a backdrop of the French flag with the caption "Paris, we’re coming today." Social media users reacted strongly, noting the disturbing resemblance to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in which hijacked planes targeted prominent U.S. landmarks. In light of the backlash, finance minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that the Prime Minister has tasked authorities with uncovering who conceptualized the advertisement, which Dar described as "stupidity." Notably, PIA's first flight to Paris after the hiatus successfully landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport on January 10, 2025. However, the airline continues to face restrictions and is barred from operating in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison following a verdict in a land corruption case. The sentence stems from allegations of bribery linked to land deals involving favours granted to a real estate tycoon. The 72-year-old Khan, who is also known for his cricketing achievements, was ousted from his position in 2022. Since August 2023, he has been incarcerated and is facing over 150 criminal cases. This development marks a significant moment in Pakistan’s political landscape as Khan continues to confront multiple legal challenges.

In Islamabad, the "Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities" summit commenced on Saturday, highlighted by the presence of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai. The Afghan Taliban government did not attend the conference, which aimed to address the pressing issues of girls' education in Muslim-majority countries. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the severe challenges faced in providing equitable education, stating that denying girls access to education is equivalent to denying them a voice and a future. Despite Pakistan's own educational crisis with over 26 million children out of school, the summit sought to gather support from global Muslim leaders for girls' education. The Taliban's absence was noted after an invitation was extended by Islamabad, with no representatives from Kabul attending the proceedings. Yousafzai, who survived a 2012 assassination attempt by the Pakistani Taliban, expressed her joy at returning to her homeland and is expected to address the need for accountability regarding the Taliban's restrictions on Afghan women and girls. As calls rise for the Muslim world to champion girls' education, the summit's initiatives seek to unite leaders against gender-based barriers in education.

Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, attended a summit on girls' education in Islamabad, which was notably snubbed by Afghanistan's Taliban government. The summit, aimed at addressing educational disparities in Muslim-majority countries, took place amidst strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Upon arriving at the conference, Yousafzai expressed her delight to be back in her home country, stating she would discuss the necessary accountability for the Taliban's actions against Afghan women and girls. Pakistan has reported a significant educational crisis, with over 26 million children out of school, highlighting the urgent need for initiatives supporting girls' education. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of education, stating, "Denying education to girls is tantamount to denying their voice and their choice." Despite efforts from Pakistan to invite the Afghan government, no representatives attended the event. The Taliban's strict policies against female education have led to widespread condemnation, with religious leaders asserting that such actions contradict Islamic teachings. As the summit unfolds, it seeks to foster dialogue and solutions for the educational challenges faced by girls in the region, reinforcing the notion that education is a fundamental right.

The Afghan Taliban government declined an invitation to attend a significant summit on girls' education in Islamabad, Pakistan, which took place on January 11, 2025. The conference, aimed at addressing educational inequalities in the Islamic world, received notable participation, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, who expressed her excitement to return to her home country. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif opened the summit by highlighting the pressing educational challenges facing Muslim nations, particularly the growing problem of access to education for girls. He stressed that denying education equates to limiting girls' choices and futures. Despite Pakistan extending an invitation to Kabul, no representatives from the Taliban attended, amid rising tensions between the two countries. The Taliban's absence was underscored by Muhammad al-Issa, a Saudi cleric, who emphasized that religious beliefs should not hinder girls' education. Yousafzai, a prominent advocate for girls' education and an attack survivor from the Taliban in 2012, is set to speak at the conference about holding the Taliban accountable for their policies against Afghan women and girls, which many global observers have criticized as gender apartheid. With over 26 million children out of school, Pakistan also combats its educational crisis. The summit was welcomed by attendees such as Zahra Tariq, a 23-year-old student, who noted the necessity of initiatives to improve access to education for girls, particularly in rural regions.

Rescuers in southwestern Pakistan have recovered 11 bodies following a devastating mine explosion in the Balochistan province. The incident occurred due to a methane gas explosion that caused the mine, located approximately 40 kilometers from Quetta, to collapse. It is feared that twelve workers died in the incident, with efforts ongoing to locate the last missing individual. In a separate incident on Sunday, two coal miners lost their lives when another mine collapsed in Harnai, another district within Balochistan. The frequent accidents in the region highlight concerning safety protocols, as dozens of mine workers are killed each year due to negligence and hazardous conditions. Additionally, Pakistani security forces have recently rescued eight out of 16 mine workers who had been kidnapped by local militants in the northwest of the country, with operations still continuing to save the remaining miners. Mining safety standards in Pakistan have come under scrutiny, as miners have repeatedly voiced their concerns over the lack of necessary safety equipment and protocols enforced by mine owners.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai addressed a gathering of Muslim leaders at a summit in Islamabad, urging them not to "legitimise" the Taliban government in Afghanistan. Holding a two-day conference focused on girls' education, Yousafzai emphasized the importance of opposing the Taliban's restrictive policies that have severely limited educational opportunities for women and girls since their return to power in 2021. Yousafzai called upon Muslim leaders to demonstrate "true leadership" and to utilize their influence to advocate for women's rights in educational settings. She bluntly stated, “Simply put, the Taliban do not see women as human beings," criticizing the regime for cloaking its actions in cultural and religious justifications. The summit, supported by the Muslim World League, brought together ministers and education officials from various Muslim-majority nations. Notably, delegates representing the Taliban government were absent despite receiving an invitation. The conference highlighted a growing international concern regarding the Taliban's implementation of an austere interpretation of Islamic law, which the United Nations has described as "gender apartheid." While the global community largely condemns the Taliban's policies, opinions vary on how to engage with the regime. Some advocate for continued isolation until the Taliban reforms its stance, whereas others suggest dialogues aimed at reform. Currently, no country has officially recognized the Taliban government, although some regional players have established limited diplomatic and trade relations. Yousafzai's activism for female education rights, which began after a near-fatal attack in 2012, continues to resonate globally as she calls for urgent action to elevate the status of women and girls in Afghanistan.

In a stark revelation, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that more than 22 million children in the country are currently out of school. Speaking at the 'International Conference on Girls' Education in Muslim Communities' held in Islamabad, he emphasized the urgent need for Muslim nations to prioritize girls' education. Sharif highlighted the significant barriers faced by girls in accessing education, noting that while women make up over half of Pakistan's population, the female literacy rate remains at a mere 49 percent. He warned that denying education to girls undermines their rights and future opportunities. The conference, attended by international representatives including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, aims to address these challenges. Yousafzai expressed her commitment to advocating for girls’ rights to education and holding the Taliban accountable for their actions against Afghan women and girls. The summit will culminate in the signing of the Islamabad Declaration, a commitment from Muslim countries to empower girls through education. This declaration is set to be presented to the United Nations as a collective goal.

In a significant event highlighting the gap in girls' educational rights, the Afghan Taliban declined an invitation to attend a summit on girls' education in Islamabad, Pakistan. The summit, titled "Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities," was attended by notable figures, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. On January 11, 2025, Malala expressed her joy at returning to her home country for this crucial summit, emphasizing the importance of education for girls. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif opened the event, pointing out the challenges faced in ensuring equitable access to education in the Muslim world, particularly stressing that denying education to girls strips them of their voice and future. Pakistan's Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui confirmed that no representatives from the Taliban-led Afghan government were present at the summit, despite the invitation extended to them. The absence of Afghanistan was highlighted, as it remains the only country where girls are banned from attending school. Muhammad al-Issa, the secretary general of the Muslim World League, also addressed the summit, stating there are no religious grounds for denying girls education. Amid Pakistan's own educational crisis, with over 26 million children out of school, attendees noted the pressing need for initiatives that support girls' education, especially in rural areas where cultural barriers persist. Malala Yousafzai, who survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012 for advocating girls' education, is set to deliver a speech addressing the Taliban’s accountability for the injustices faced by Afghan women and girls.

In a disturbing case from Gujranwala, Pakistan, two teenage sisters were arrested after allegedly killing their father by setting him on fire as an act of revenge for years of sexual abuse. The incident occurred on January 1, 2025, when the sisters, who are step-siblings, reportedly decided to take drastic action against their father following prolonged abuse, which included the eldest sister being raped for a year and the father attempting to rape the younger girl twice. The father sustained severe injuries from the attack and died in the hospital on January 7. According to police, the sisters used petrol taken from a motorcycle to ignite their father while he was sleeping. They believed this act to be a “permanent solution” to their suffering. Authorities revealed that their mothers were aware of the abuse but were oblivious to the girls' plan for retaliation. One of the mothers has been arrested, while the other is currently being questioned by the police. A senior police official stated they expect to present the sisters in court within days as the investigation continues. This incident highlights ongoing issues related to sexual violence and familial abuse in the region, reflecting a troubling trend in Pakistan where such cases are often underreported.

In a tragic incident, Thomas Fielder, a German diplomat serving as the Second Secretary at the German Embassy in Pakistan, was found dead in his apartment in Islamabad. The discovery was made by embassy staff who became alarmed after he had not reported to work for two days. Fielder resided in Karakoram Heights, located within the Diplomatic Enclave of Islamabad. Concerned for his wellbeing, the staff gained entry to his flat and found him unresponsive. They immediately alerted the Islamabad Police, who later transported the body to a hospital for further investigation. The immediate cause of death has not yet been determined. However, police officials have noted that Fielder had a history of heart issues and had previously been hospitalized. Authorities are conducting an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding his passing.

A tragic explosion rocked the southwestern city of Turbat in Pakistan's Balochistan province on January 4, 2025, leaving at least four people dead and injuring more than 30 others. Police officer Roshan Baloch reported that eight of the injured are in critical condition, while the remainder are stable. The blast, caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) placed in a parked car and detonated remotely, primarily targeted a military convoy. The Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting higher casualty figures. Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti, condemned the act, stating, "Those who target innocent people do not deserve to be called human beings." Balochistan, home to Pakistan’s ethnic Baloch minority, has been the center of a long-running insurgency and is frequently targeted by separatist attacks aimed at security forces. In a separate incident on the same day in northwest Pakistan, gunmen attacked government vehicles escorting aid to the besieged Kurram district, injuring several officials. The attack disrupted the delivery of essential supplies, including food, fuel, and medicine, to a region affected by recent violence.

A deadly clash along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has left a Pakistani paramilitary soldier dead and seven others injured. The violence erupted overnight in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan and Afghanistan's Khost province, following recent airstrikes by Pakistan that reportedly killed dozens of civilians, including women and children, in Afghanistan's southeastern Paktika province. Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have condemned the airstrikes, claiming 46 people lost their lives, while Pakistan described the strikes as targeted operations against "terrorist hideouts." As a result of the border exchanges, locals in Khost fled the area due to escalated hostilities. In response, protests erupted in Khost city, where demonstrators demanded accountability from Pakistan for the recent civilian deaths. The ongoing conflict has highlighted the escalating border tensions since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, with Pakistan accusing Afghan authorities of harboring militants. The situation remains dire, raising fears of further military confrontations and civilian casualties. The UN has called for investigations into the recent incidents and emphasized the protection of civilians, particularly children, in conflict zones.

According to a report from the Center for Research and Security Studies, 2024 was the deadliest year for Pakistani security forces in the last nine years. The report indicates that nearly seven lives were lost daily, with a total of at least 685 fatalities and 444 terror attacks recorded throughout the year. Recent militant attacks continue to pose a serious threat, exemplified by an attack early Tuesday at the Draban Post in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where a police officer and a civilian, a Customs department employee, were killed. Although no group has claimed responsibility for this incident, the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, is often blamed for similar attacks. The report notes that cumulative losses, including both civilians and security personnel, reached 1,612 fatalities. This figure signifies a 73% increase in losses as compared to the number of militants eliminated, which stood at 934. Abdullah Khan, the managing director of the Institute for Conflict and Security, highlighted that there was a 40% surge in militant attacks compared to the previous year, causing additional concern regarding the law and order situation in Pakistan. Military officials confirmed that in 2024, they killed 925 insurgents, marking a record high compared to the last five years, while 383 soldiers were also reported killed in action. The military has intensified operations against the Pakistani Taliban, particularly after the Taliban's rise to power in Afghanistan in 2021.