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October 2025: Deadliest Month for Pakistani Militants in a Decade

By Mashal Khan

Islamabad - Militants in Pakistan suffered their heaviest losses in a decade during October 2025, as security forces intensified counter-militancy operations across multiple regions, according to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).

The independent security think tank reported that 458 people were killed during the month, including 355 militants, 72 security personnel, 30 civilians, and one member of a pro-government peace committee. Another 162 people were injured, while 22 suspected militants were arrested and 55 individuals kidnapped — the highest monthly abduction figure in ten years.

PICSS recorded an increase in militant attacks from 69 in September to 89 in October, marking a 29 percent rise, though overall casualties from these attacks fell by 19 percent. Militant-initiated violence killed 109 people, including 55 security personnel, 29 civilians, and 24 militants.

In Balochistan, 23 militant attacks were reported compared to 21 in September, but casualties dropped sharply. Security forces killed 67 militants — the province’s highest monthly toll since 2002. PICSS described this as a “notable improvement,” citing a 92 percent fall in civilian deaths.

The tribal districts (erstwhile FATA) saw 22 attacks, leaving 31 dead and 45 injured. Security forces killed 209 militants, including TTP’s former deputy emir Qari Amjad, in what the institute termed the deadliest month for militants since November 2014.

In mainland Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 37 attacks resulted in 48 deaths, while 55 militants were killed in operations. Sindh, Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan also reported limited but notable militant activity, including attacks by the BLA and Al-Zainabiyun Brigade.

Overall, PICSS data shows 2,853 deaths in the first ten months of 2025, underscoring what the institute called “the growing effectiveness of Pakistan’s counter-militancy campaign.”