Militant violence surged 27pc in May: PICSS

• Country records 128 attacks in May, compared to 101 in April
• Civilian deaths up by 92pc; casualties of security personnel increase by 143pc
• Six suicide attacks witnessed, compared with one each in March and April
• Balochistan emerges as worst-affected province once again

ISLAMABAD: After two consecutive months of improvement, Pakistan’s security situation deteriorated sharply in May 2026, driven primarily by escalating terrorist violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, according to the monthly security assessment released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).

The latest findings by PICSS suggest that militant and terror groups regained momentum during May after a brief period of relative decline, particularly in KP and Balochistan. The sharp increase in attacks, casualties, suicide bombings and kidnappings indicates that security challenges remain acute despite sustained counterterrorism efforts by the state.

According to the report, the country witnessed 128 terrorist attacks during May, compared to 101 attacks in April, representing a 27 per cent increase. The rise reversed the downward trend observed during the previous two months and underscored the persistent security challenges confronting conflict-affected regions of the country.

The increase in militant violence resulted in significantly higher casualties. During May, 71 civilians, 68 security personnel and six members of peace committees were killed, while 147 civilians, 35 security personnel and three peace committee members were injured. Compared to April, civilian fatalities increased from 37 to 71, representing a 92 per cent rise, while security personnel fatalities surged from 28 to 68, marking a 143pc increase.

One of the most alarming developments highlighted in the report was the sharp increase in suicide attacks. The country witnessed six suicide attacks during May, including four vehicle-borne suicide bombings. These attacks alone resulted in the deaths of 34 security personnel and nine civilians. In comparison, only one suicide attack was recorded in each of March and April, indicating a significant escalation in the use of suicide bombings by terrorist groups.

Balochistan emerged as the most affected province during the month. The province recorded 71 terrorist attacks, compared with 34 in April, representing a 109pc increase. The deteriorating security situation was further reflected in a surge in kidnappings. Of the 54 abductions reported nationwide during May, 52 occurred in Balochistan alone, highlighting the growing operational reach and confidence of militant groups in the province.

Despite the increase in terrorist activity, security forces intensified counterterrorism operations across the country. According to PICSS records, security forces killed 270 militants and arrested 15 others during the month. Of those killed, 128 were eliminated in the erstwhile Fata districts, 62 in mainland KP, 71 in Balochistan and one in Punjab.

Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2026