Pakistan has risen to second place in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) for 2025, ranking among the countries most affected by terrorism. The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is responsible for the majority of terrorist attacks and fatalities in the country.
The GTI, released by the Australia-based think tank Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), ranks 163 countries based on the impact of terrorism. According to the 2024 data, Pakistan moved from fourth to second place, with Burkina Faso topping the list, followed by Pakistan and Syria in third place.
Key Findings for Pakistan
- In 2024, Pakistan witnessed 1,099 terrorist attacks, resulting in 1,081 fatalities—a 45% increase compared to the previous year.
- The TTP was responsible for 52% of terrorism-related deaths in Pakistan, carrying out 482 attacks that killed 558 people.
- The deadliest attack in 2024 was carried out by the Baloch separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which targeted a railway station in Quetta, killing at least 25 people, including civilians and military personnel.
Rising Threats from Baloch Militant Groups
The report highlights that the BLA and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) have intensified their activities, taking advantage of Pakistan’s instability. In 2024, these groups carried out 504 attacks, resulting in 388 deaths—a fourfold increase compared to 2023.
Impact of Afghanistan’s Taliban Government
Analysts note that the rise in terrorism in Pakistan is partly linked to the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. The TTP, an ally of the Afghan Taliban, has significantly increased its operations since then. The GTI report states that terrorism in Pakistan has surged fivefold since 2021, with the TTP being the primary driver of this increase.
Governance and Security Challenges
Security experts and analysts attribute Pakistan’s deteriorating security situation to governance issues and a lack of effective counter-terrorism strategies. Amir Rana, a security analyst and director of the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies, emphasized that Pakistan faces serious governance challenges, which have exacerbated law and order issues.
Dr. Qamar Cheema, an international relations expert, highlighted that the interim Taliban government in Afghanistan has redirected several terrorist groups toward Pakistan, contributing to the rise in terrorism. He also noted the growing influence of ISIS-Khorasan in the region.
Global Terrorism Trends
- Burkina Faso remains the most terrorism-affected country, with 1,532 deaths in 111 attacks in 2024.
- Syria ranks third, facing ongoing instability following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s government by rebel groups.
- Israel ranks eighth, with 108 attacks and 18 deaths in 2024, amid escalating violence following Hamas’s October 2023 attack.
- Afghanistan ranks ninth, with 87 attacks and 113 deaths in 2024, primarily attributed to ISIS-Khorasan and Taliban opposition groups.
ISIS Emerges as the Most Dangerous Group
ISIS and its affiliates remain the most active terrorist organizations globally, responsible for 1,805 deaths across 22 countries in 2024. The report also notes a 11% increase in fatalities caused by four major terrorist groups: ISIS, Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), TTP, and al-Shabaab.
Conclusion
The GTI report underscores the urgent need for Pakistan to address its multifaceted security challenges through military, political, social, and economic measures. The rise in terrorism, driven by groups like the TTP and Baloch separatists, highlights the complex security landscape Pakistan faces.
As terrorism continues to evolve globally, with ISIS expanding its influence and attacks increasing in regions like the Middle East and Africa, international cooperation and robust counter-terrorism strategies remain critical to combating this growing threat.
(This report includes data from the Global Terrorism Index 2025 and insights from security analysts.)
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