March 2024 witnessed a significant shift in the pattern of militant activities in Pakistan, with an overall decrease in incidents but a notable rise in high-profile attacks, particularly those targeting Chinese interests, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).
The Islamabad-based think tank reported a decrease to 56 militant attacks during March, resulting in 77 fatalities and 67 injuries. This represents a 42% decrease in the number of militant activities compared to February 2024, along with an 11% drop in deaths and a 43% decrease in injuries.
However, the month saw a rise in high-profile attacks, including three attacks that directly or indirectly targeted Chinese nationals and assets within Pakistan.
These included an attack on a security forces camp in Mir Ali, resulting in multiple casualties among Pakistani army officers and soldiers; an assault on intelligence facilities within the Gwadar Port Authority Complex; an attack on Pakistan’s second-largest naval air station, PNS Sidique, in Turbat; and a suicide bombing in Bisham, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, claiming the lives of five Chinese engineers and one Pakistani driver.
PICSS’s analysis indicated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the most affected region in March, with 27 attacks resulting in 31 deaths and as many injuries. Balochistan followed with 16 attacks, leading to 26 deaths and 21 injuries. The tribal districts experienced 11 attacks, resulting in 18 deaths and 15 injuries. Additionally, one attack each in Islamabad and Punjab led to the deaths of one security official and one civilian, respectively.
Overall, the first quarter of 2024 experienced a significant rise in militant activities compared to the last quarter of 2023. A total of 246 attacks were recorded, resulting in 254 deaths and 320 injuries, marking a 58% increase in attacks, a 20% rise in fatalities, and a 29% rise in injuries, according to PICSS.