Pakistan Terrorist Attacks Fell 37pc in October: PICSS
Terrorist attacks in Pakistan fell sharply in October 2026, according to new figures from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). The Islamabad-based institute recorded 143 terrorist attacks during the month, down from 226 in September, a fall of 37 per cent.
The decline reversed two consecutive months of rising violence. Deaths from terrorist attacks fell even faster, from 260 in September to 111 in October, a drop of 57 per cent. Injuries in those attacks fell from 242 to 69, a drop of 71 per cent.
PICSS said the improvement was clearest in Balochistan and mainland Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Suicide attacks also fell sharply. Kidnappings, however, moved in the opposite direction and remain a serious concern, especially in Balochistan.
Deaths and injuries fell across the country
When terrorist attacks and security operations are counted together, PICSS recorded deaths of 53 security personnel, 45 civilians and five peace committee members in October. Security forces killed 169 terrorists in the same period.
Injuries from terrorist attacks and operations also reached their lowest monthly level in the past year, including injuries among security personnel.
Counterterrorism operations by security forces killed 156 terrorists and led to the arrest of seven suspected terrorists during October. Two security personnel and three civilians died in those operations, and two security personnel were injured.
Suicide attacks fell to one in October
Only one suicide attack was recorded in October, a vehicle-borne attack that caused no deaths or injuries. That figure was jointly the lowest recorded in the same 12-month period.
September had seen three suicide attacks, including two vehicle-borne attacks. Those attacks killed 45 people and injured 138.
Balochistan saw the largest improvement
Balochistan recorded the largest improvement of any region. Terrorist attacks there fell by 46 per cent, from 132 in September to 71 in October. Deaths from those attacks fell from 136 to 44, a drop of about 68 per cent. Injuries fell from 63 to 37, a drop of 41 per cent.
Security operations in Balochistan killed 79 terrorists during the month, in a province where security operations have intensified through October. Three civilians died and two security personnel were injured in those operations.
Mainland Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, excluding the former tribal districts, also improved sharply. Attacks fell by 31 per cent, from 58 to 40, deaths fell from 90 to 38, and injuries fell from 165 to 19. Operations there killed 42 terrorists, while two security personnel died. The former tribal districts saw a smaller improvement: attacks fell by 12 per cent, from 34 to 30, deaths fell from 33 to 25, and injuries rose slightly from 11 to 13, while operations killed 35 terrorists.
Punjab recorded two terrorist attacks in October, against none in September. Those attacks killed four people. Sindh recorded no terrorist attacks, although operations there led to seven arrests. Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan also recorded no terrorist attacks.
Kidnappings rose to a 12-month high
Kidnappings were the clear warning sign in an otherwise improved month. PICSS recorded 88 people kidnapped in terrorist incidents across the country in October, up from 72 in September, a rise of 22 per cent.
That figure was the highest monthly kidnapping total in the past 12 months. Balochistan accounted for 70 of the kidnappings, close to 80 per cent of the national total.
The 10-month picture still shows a rise
October’s improvement sits inside a harder year-long picture. Pakistan recorded 1,376 terrorist attacks in the first 10 months of 2026. Those attacks, together with security operations, caused 3,902 deaths, including 645 security personnel, 65 peace committee members, 595 civilians and 2,597 terrorists.
Frequently asked questions
How many terrorist attacks happened in Pakistan in October 2026?
PICSS recorded 143 terrorist attacks in October, down from 226 in September, a fall of 37 per cent.
How many people died in terrorist attacks in October?
Terrorist attacks killed 111 people in October, down from 260 in September, a fall of 57 per cent. Injuries fell from 242 to 69.
Which province improved most in October?
Balochistan improved most. Attacks there fell from 132 to 71, and deaths from those attacks fell from 136 to 44.
Why are kidnappings a concern despite fewer attacks?
Kidnappings rose to 88 in October from 72 in September, the highest monthly figure in 12 months. Balochistan accounted for 70 of those kidnappings.
Has terrorism fallen across 2026 as a whole?
No. Attacks in the first 10 months of 2026 rose by 53 per cent compared with the same period of 2025, and the combined death toll rose by 36 per cent.
