North Waziristan remains the worst-hit region as violence surges across province
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has faced 284 terror attacks so far in 2025, according to a new report by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD). North Waziristan recorded the most incidents at 53, followed by Bannu with 35 and Dera Ismail Khan with 31.
The CTD report reveals that 1,116 suspects have been named in terrorism cases across the province. Of these, 391 were linked to North Waziristan and 166 to Kurram. So far, authorities have arrested 95 suspects, with Kurram leading the arrests at 70.
Additionally, the report noted that 148 terrorists have been killed this year in various operations. Dera Ismail Khan accounted for the highest number of militant deaths at 67, followed by other southern districts known for volatile conditions.
Alarmingly, KP has seen a sharp rise in terror incidents in recent years. In 2024, the province reported 732 attacks, while 651 occurred in 2023 — the highest since the peak of militancy in 2009 and 2010. Despite this, many police stations and outposts still lack basic protective infrastructure like boundary walls.
Moreover, law enforcement personnel in KP do not receive additional incentives, unlike other provinces. This has raised concerns, especially as the province continues to face attacks targeting police, religious scholars, politicians, and other public figures.
The deteriorating law and order situation began worsening in mid-2021 and has intensified since 2023. Even high-security areas like the police headquarters in Peshawar have come under attack, including a deadly suicide bombing at its central mosque in January 2023 that killed over 86 officers.