Security forces in Pakistan have suffered their highest number of fatalities in eight years, according to a new report from the Islamabad-based think tank, Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS).
The CRSS report was published a day after suicide bombings in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa claimed 69 lives. As of now, no group has taken responsibility for these attacks.
The report stated that in the first three quarters of this year, 386 soldiers, including 137 from the army, were killed, with the majority of these deaths occurring in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan—regions that border Afghanistan.
“Pakistan’s security forces lost at least 386 personnel, 36% of all fatalities — including 137 army and 208 police personnel — in the first nine months of 2023, marking an eight-year high,” the CRSS said.
Furthermore, the report highlighted that fatalities from militant attacks this year surged by 19 percent compared to 2022, with 92% of the total deaths taking place in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
However, data compiled by Voice of America (VOA) from official statements released by the army’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), suggest the Pakistan army acknowledged the deaths of only 214 soldiers. This significant discrepancy, when compared to the CRSS figures, brings to light questions regarding the transparency and full disclosure of security force casualties.
It’s noteworthy that Baloch armed groups, known for their regular attacks on security forces, have long claimed that the Pakistani security forces underreport casualties. The current disparity between the VOA and CRSS figures draws attention to these claims.