In 2023, Pakistan faced the highest number of suicide attacks since 2014, with nearly half targeting security forces, according to statistics released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). The year saw a disturbing surge in such attacks, marking the highest level since 2014. Out of the 29 reported suicide attacks, 48% of deaths and 58% of injuries were inflicted upon security forces personnel.
The tragic toll included 329 lives lost and 582 individuals injured, making it the highest death toll since 2013 when 683 people lost their lives in 47 suicide bombings. Comparing the data to the preceding year, 2022, revealed a distressing 93% increase in the number of suicide attacks, a shocking 226% rise in resultant deaths, and a troubling 101% surge in the number of injured individuals.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) bore the brunt of these attacks, reporting 23 instances resulting in 254 fatalities and 512 injuries. Newly merged districts or erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) within KP experienced 13 suicide attacks, leading to 85 deaths and 206 injuries. Baluchistan faced five attacks, causing 67 deaths and 52 injuries, while Sindh witnessed one suicide attack resulting in eight deaths and 18 injuries.
Security forces were the primary targets of these attacks, with civilians constituting the second-largest victim category. The data reflects a notable decline in suicide attacks from 30 in 2014 to only three in 2019. However, 2022 witnessed a sudden surge, recording 15 attacks resulting in 101 deaths and 290 injuries, and this worrisome trend persisted into 2023. The severity of the situation is underscored by the share of suicide attacks in the total number of attacks, escalating from 3.9% in 2022 to 4.7% in 2023.
(With Agency Inputs)
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