D.I.KHAN: The Pakistani security apparatus announced the elimination of 22 terrorists in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as part of a targeted intelligence-based operation (IBO). The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that the terrorists, affiliated with the Indian-backed group Fitna al-Khwarij, were killed during the raid.
The ISPR added that a thorough sanitization operation is ongoing to root out any remaining terrorists linked to Indian support in the vicinity. The military reaffirmed its commitment to the ongoing “Azm-e-Istehkam” counter-terrorism campaign, emphasizing that efforts to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism would persist at full intensity.
Meanwhile, Pakistan is experiencing a disturbing rise in violence, with statistics from the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) indicating a 46% increase in incidents during the third quarter of 2025. The period saw at least 901 fatalities and 599 injuries among civilians, security personnel, and terrorists in 329 violent events, including terror attacks and counter-terror operations.
The report highlights that the third quarter’s death toll nearly matches the total fatalities of 2024, which recorded 2,546 deaths. In Q3, terrorists accounted for 516 of the fatalities (57%), with civilians and security forces suffering 385 deaths. Civilian casualties numbered 219 (24%), while security personnel accounted for 166 (18%).
Regions sharing borders with Afghanistan—Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan—bore the brunt of violence, responsible for over 96% of total incidents. KP experienced the highest toll, with approximately 71% (638) of fatalities and over 67% (221) of incidents. Balochistan followed, with over 25% of both fatalities (230) and incidents (85).
Compared to the second quarter (which reported 616 fatalities), KP and Balochistan saw the most significant increases, with casualties rising by 64% (from 390 to 638) and 21% (from 190 to 230), respectively, underscoring the escalating security challenges faced by the region.
