Cross-Border Operations Weaken Militant Networks, Says PICSS Report; Pakistan Tops Global Terrorism Index 2025

Islamabad: A detailed report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) states that cross-border operations targeting militant hideouts have significantly weakened terrorist networks, leading to a notable decline in the intensity of attacks.

According to the report, operations conducted under “Azm-e-Istehkam” in Afghanistan resulted in a 35% drop in militant-related deaths in Pakistan during March, falling from 506 in February to 331.

Despite a rise in the number of attacks—from 83 to 146—militants caused less damage due to a sharp decline in suicide attacks (from 5 to just 1) and improved preparedness of security forces.

Regional Impact:

Balochistan: Conflict-related deaths dropped by 34%, while civilian fatalities saw a significant 79% decrease.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (merged districts): A 42% decline in deaths was recorded.
Punjab and Sindh: No militant attacks were reported in March, though four militants were killed during operations in Punjab.
Gilgit-Baltistan: Security forces foiled an attempted attack near the Diamer-Bhasha Dam checkpoint.

The report also highlighted a 62% improvement in attacks targeting civilians, while 41 suspects were arrested during operations. However, a slight increase in attacks on peace committee members was observed.

Despite these gains, the report noted a concerning trend: Pakistan has ranked first in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index. Terror-related deaths increased by 6% last year, reaching a total of 1,139 fatalities—marking the sixth consecutive year of rising militancy-related deaths in the country.