Alarming Surge in Violence Marks Pakistan’s 2023: Annual Report

Alarming Surge in Violence Marks Pakistan's 2023: Annual Report

VoM News Desk | January 1, 2024 | 10:31 AM IST | Asia, Crime, Pakistan News, World | Follow on Google News

Alarming Surge in Violence Marks Pakistan’s 2023: Annual Report

Alarming Surge in Violence Marks Pakistan’s 2023: Annual Report

Pakistan grappled with a distressing surge in violence throughout 2023, culminating in a staggering 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1,463 injuries arising from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations. A report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) revealed that these figures reflected a six-year high in overall fatalities, surpassing the 2018 record and marking the highest since 2017.

Primarily centered in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces, over 90% of fatalities and 84% of attacks occurred there. Punjab and Sindh, relatively peaceful, accounted for only 8% of fatalities. The report noted a 56% surge in violence in 2023 compared to the preceding year, with a significant rise in Balochistan by 57% and 55% in KP.

Terrorism accounted for nearly 65% of fatalities, while security forces’ actions against outlaws contributed to the remaining 35%. The CRSS report also highlighted an alarming increase in sectarian violence, leading to 203 lives lost, including 88 security officials.

Another report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) disclosed a 69% surge in terrorist attacks, an 81% rise in deaths, and a 60% surge in injuries. The country witnessed 641 terrorist attacks in 2023, resulting in 974 deaths and 1,351 injuries, significantly higher than the preceding year’s figures.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported the highest number of attacks and casualties, with 419 attacks resulting in 620 fatalities and 977 injuries. Balochistan faced 170 attacks, claiming 285 lives and injuring 388, signifying a 65% increase in attacks. Additionally, Punjab witnessed an unprecedented rise in terrorist activities, recording 14 attacks compared to three in 2022.

The surge in violent incidents across various regions of Pakistan underscores critical concerns about security and stability in the country.

VoM News Desk

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