Militant violence in Pakistan reached its highest monthly level in more than a decade in September, according to the Islamabad-based Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). The think tank recorded 225 militant attacks during the month, 13% more than in August and the highest monthly total in 12 years, as reported on October 2.
September in numbers
- 259 people were killed in militant attacks, up 64% from 158 in August, and 242 were injured.
- Counting security operations, 545 people died: 103 security personnel, 81 civilians, 15 peace committee members and 346 militants.
- 72 people were kidnapped in militant incidents, the highest monthly figure in a decade.
- There were three suicide attacks, two of them vehicle-borne, killing 45 people and injuring 138.
Where the violence is concentrated
Balochistan
Balochistan recorded 131 attacks in September, up from 89 in August, with 135 deaths. More in our Balochistan section.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Mainland Khyber Pakhtunkhwa saw 58 attacks and 90 deaths, while the merged districts (formerly FATA) recorded 34 attacks, fewer than in August. Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan each recorded one attack. PICSS reported no attacks in Punjab, Azad Jammu and Kashmir or Islamabad.
The year so far
From January to September 2026, PICSS counted 1,232 militant attacks and 3,629 deaths, including 591 security personnel and 550 civilians. Compared with the same period of 2025, attacks are up 52% and combined deaths 51%. For context, PICSS recorded 1,066 attacks in the whole of 2025, Al Jazeera noted, so 2026 has already passed last year’s total.
Why it matters now
The figures sit at the centre of the political crisis over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The federal government cited the security situation when it imposed an emergency and governor’s rule on October 11. PTI disputes that its provincial government failed to confront terrorism. Read our explainer on the KP emergency.
Security analysts say the numbers show the pressure on police and counter-terrorism departments in the two border provinces, and the toll on civilians who make up a growing share of casualties. Follow our Pakistan coverage for updates.
Sources are linked throughout this article. AajMirror verifies figures against the original reports; if you spot an error, see our corrections policy.