By Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has witnessed a sharp escalation in terrorist violence this year, with southern districts including Bannu, North Waziristan, Lakki Marwat and Khyber district emerging as the worst-hit regions.
According to an official report, more than 766 terrorism-related incidents were reported across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the first eight months of the year, with over 44 per cent occurring in the southern Bannu division alone.
According to official figures released by KP police, Bannu district recorded 141 incidents, accounting for 18.4 per cent of the province’s total, while North Waziristan reported 124 and Lakki Marwat 73. The alarming rise in militant activities has intensified in recent years, particularly in Bannu, which has also witnessed drone attacks targeting police, prompting authorities to acquire anti-drone systems.
Dera Ismail Khan division reported the second-highest number of incidents, including 66 in DI Khan, 38 in South Waziristan Lower, 25 in South Waziristan Upper and 31 in Tank. Militants have expanded operations beyond these southern districts, triggering frequent attacks in multiple parts of the province.
Khyber district, including Landikotal, has also experienced repeated terrorist incidents this year, with 49 attacks reported. Militants targeted police and security posts, while journalists in Landikotal faced threats from outlawed groups, raising fresh concerns over press freedom and safety in the region.
Among other areas, 32 incidents were reported in Peshawar, 42 in Bajaur, 16 in Karak, 14 in Lower Dir, 22 in Orakzai, 18 in Kurram and nine in Hangu. Six incidents each occurred in Chitral, Kohat and Malakand, while seven were reported in Swabi, Swat, Shangla and Charsadda.
The escalating violence has exacted a heavy toll: 92 police officials, 166 security personnel, and 159 civilians were martyred in attacks across KP this year. In August and September alone, several fresh ambushes on police and security forces caused casualties and damage.
KP Police confirmed that 293 militants were killed and 878 arrested in 2025. A total of 3,454 suspects were nominated in terrorism cases, including 836 in Bannu, 578 in North Waziristan and 357 in DI Khan.
