Year in Review: Islamist militant attacks in Pakistan

January - A deadly start

In January, a suicide bomber struck a mosque within a highly fortified security compound in Peshawar, resulting in a tragic loss of life. This attack, which claimed over 100 lives, primarily among the police force, was one of the deadliest incidents in Peshawar since 2013.

The Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a faction of the TTP, claimed responsibility for this attack. However, TTP spokesperson Mohammad Khorasani distanced the group from the incident, asserting that it was not their policy to target mosques or religious sites.

March - Motorcycle attack in Sibbi

In March, a suicide bomber rammed a motorcycle into a police truck in Sibbi, a city in southwestern Pakistan. The attack claimed the lives of nine policemen, further highlighting the threats faced by law enforcement.

The Islamic State, known for its conflict with the Taliban in neighbouring Afghanistan, claimed responsibility for this attack, as reported by the SITE Intelligence Group.

April - Multiple attacks in Quetta

April brought a wave of violence to Quetta, as four people lost their lives, and 15 were injured in a bombing targeting a police vehicle. Shortly after, a station house officer was targeted in a roadside blast in the same city.

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group, claimed responsibility for these attacks. Notably, these incidents marked the third attack on police in Quetta within 24 hours.

April - Explosions in Swat Valley

In a tragic incident in the Swat valley, two explosions rocked a counter-terrorism ammunition depot, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 people, primarily policemen. This valley had previously been under the control of Islamist militants until a military operation in 2009.

Although initial suspicions pointed toward a militant attack, the valley's police chief reported that experts did not find any evidence of such an attack.

July - Political rally targeted

A suicide bombing at a political rally organised by the conservative Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) party claimed the lives of at least 63 people in July. The JUI-F, which had ties to hardline Islamists, condemned militants seeking to overthrow the government at that time.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for this suicide attack, raising security concerns in the lead-up to an expected general election in January. This attack marked the deadliest incident targeting a political rally since the 2018 election campaign.

August - Soldier casualties

In August, nine soldiers lost their lives when a suicide bomber on a motorcycle detonated his explosives near a convoy in northwestern Pakistan. This incident underscored the ongoing security challenges faced by the region.