A significant 35 percent decline in combat-related fatalities was recorded across Pakistan in March, coinciding with the launch of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, according to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).
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The report noted that total deaths fell to 331 in March from 506 in February, indicating a marked reduction in violence. Analysts attributed the decline partly to Pakistan’s cross-border military operations targeting militant positions in Afghanistan, which may have disrupted militant capabilities and reduced the lethality of attacks.
Despite an increase in the number of militant incidents, the overall human toll decreased. Groups such as Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, Jamaatul Ahrar, and Ittihadul Mujahideen reportedly announced escalations in response to the operations. However, PICSS noted that their impact remained comparatively limited.
Civilian fatalities saw the most notable drop, falling from 132 in February to 39 in March — a 70 percent decrease. Security forces’ deaths declined by 26 percent to 59, while militant fatalities dropped by 22 percent to 228.
Overall injuries also decreased by 37 percent, with 210 recorded in March compared to 333 in February. Civilian injuries fell sharply, although injuries among militants increased significantly, reflecting intensified engagements.
Regionally, Balochistan recorded the highest number of fatalities, though deaths dropped by 34 percent to 189. Civilian deaths in the province declined sharply, while militant and security personnel casualties also decreased.
In the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (erstwhile FATA), fatalities fell by 42 percent to 55. However, injuries rose significantly in the region, alongside a rise in abductions and the only reported suicide attack of the month.
In mainland Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, overall fatalities remained largely unchanged, though injuries declined considerably. The report highlighted an increase in attacks on pro-government peace committee members, indicating a shift by militants toward softer targets.
No militant attacks were reported in Punjab and Sindh during March, though security operations continued, resulting in arrests and neutralization of suspected militants.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, a militant attack near the Diamer-Bhasha Dam was foiled without casualties.
Despite the monthly improvement, the broader security situation remains concerning. Pakistan ranked first on the Global Terrorism Index in 2025, with over 1,100 terrorism-related deaths, marking the sixth consecutive year of rising fatalities.
The report concluded that while recent operations have reduced immediate losses, sustained efforts are needed to address the evolving tactics of militant groups and ensure long-term stability.
