Pakistan records highest number of terror attacks during Ramzan in a decade
(AP photo)
Pakistan experienced highest number of militant attacks during the holy month of Ramzan, reaching the unprecedent count in the span of ten years, according to a think tank’s Monday report.
Certain militant organisations traditionally observed peaceful periods during Ramzan, however, the nation has witnessed an increasing trend of violent incidents in recent times.
According to the Pak Institute for Peace Studies, recorded 84 attacks during the month of Ramzan, concluded Sunday in Pakistan, compared to 26 incidents during the previous year’s holy month.
Following the Pakistani Taliban‘s unilateral termination of the government ceasefire in November 2022, coupled with the Baloch Liberation Army‘s enhanced operational capabilities, violent incidents have surged significantly.
The outlawed BLA orchestrated a train hijacking on March 11 in southwestern Balochistan, resulting in at least 25 casualties.
The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, another research organisation, documented 61 attacks in Ramzan’s initial three weeks, contrasting with 60 total incidents in the previous year’s holy month.
The institute mentioned this Ramzan as the most lethal for security forces in a decade, with 56 personnel losing their lives between March 2 and March 20.
Abdullah Khan, who heads the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, highlighted an overall increase in militant operations.
“There has been a unification of different groups,” Khan said. “Baloch factions are joining hands. In some areas (of the northwest), the Hafiz Gul Bahadur faction is more lethal than the Pakistani Taliban, it is competing with them.”
He said the resurgence of outlawed organisations like Lashkar-e-Islam, operating from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in the northwest.
Pakistani authorities attribute responsibility to Afghanistan’s Taliban administration for providing sanctuary to these groups, asserting that militant activities have increased since the Taliban’s 2021 return to power. Kabul denies these allegations.
Khan additionally highlighted intelligence shortcomings, including those leading to the Balochistan train hijacking, and growing distrust between state and citizens: “It’s important to get back public support. The public is the first line of defence.”
