Overview
A new briefing from the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) shows a sharp rise in violence in Pakistan during the third quarter of the year. The report documents a 46% increase in total violent incidents in Q3 2024 compared with the same period a year earlier, highlighting a worrying trend in terrorism and counter-terrorism dynamics across the country.
According to the data, 329 violent incidents, including terror attacks and counter-militant actions, occurred in Q3 2024. These incidents left 901 people dead and 599 injured, underscoring the human toll of the security situation in Pakistan.
Key numbers for Q3 2024
The CRSS breakdown shows that among the fatalities, 516 (about 57%) were criminals, while 385 victims were civilians or members of the security forces. These figures reflect the scale of violence where both militants and state responders are affected, complicating an already fragile security environment.
For the year 2024 overall, violence-related deaths reached 2,414, with year-to-date figures standing at 2,546. The data indicate that the pace of violence remains high as the year progresses, raising questions about long-term stability and the effectiveness of preventive measures.
Regional impact
The report notes that the lion’s share of casualties has fallen on two provinces: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. The combined impact in these regions accounts for 96% of the country’s total violence, signaling a geographic concentration that stresses local security apparatus and communities alike.
Notable incident: attack near Quetta
In the latest spate of violence connected to the broader pattern, a Tuesday attack near Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, left 11 people dead. The strike underscores the continued vulnerability of border-linked regions and the persistent threat posed by terrorist networks operating in or around Quetta and adjacent districts.
Implications for security and policy
The CRSS findings suggest that the combination of rising violence and concentrated regional impact will require a targeted approach: intensified counter-terrorism operations, enhanced intelligence sharing, and greater security presence in KP and Balochistan. Policymakers and security forces are likely to face renewed calls for balanced strategies that deter attacks while protecting civilians and law enforcement personnel.
Looking ahead: trends for 2024
With 2024 producing a high number of violence-related fatalities, analysts warn against complacency. If the current trajectory continues, the year could exceed earlier tallies, complicating humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in affected districts. The role of local communities, provincial administrations, and federal security agencies will be pivotal in shaping the next phase of Pakistan’s anti-terrorism strategy.
Conclusion
CRSS’s quarterly update paints a sobering picture of Pakistan’s security landscape in Q3 2024. A 46% rise in violence, a high casualty toll, and the concentration of impact in KP and Balochistan point to the need for sustained, evidence-based counter-terrorism efforts and durable security reforms to reduce violence and protect lives across the country.
