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Pakistan Tops Global Terrorism Index as Deaths Hit Highest Since 2013

Pakistan has been ranked first on the Global Terrorism Index for the first time, with terrorism-related deaths reaching 1,139 in 2025, the highest since 2013. The banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is identified as the deadliest terror group in the country, responsible for the majority of attacks concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The report links the resurgence of the Afghan Taliban in Kabul to providing the TTP with greater means and motivation, exacerbating regional extremism. The country now accounts for a significant portion of global terrorism deaths, highlighting a profound and deteriorating security crisis.

Key Points: Pakistan Ranked #1 on Global Terrorism Index 2026

  • 6% rise in terrorism fatalities
  • TTP is deadliest group in Pakistan
  • 74% of attacks in KP and Balochistan
  • Hostage-taking surged to 655 victims
3 min read

Pakistan ranks first on Global Terrorism Index as deaths surge to highest since 2013

Pakistan leads Global Terrorism Index with 1,139 terrorism deaths in 2025, driven by TTP and BLA violence, marking a severe security crisis.

"deaths from terrorism in Pakistan are now at its highest level since 2013 - Global Terrorism Index 2026"

Islamabad, March 22

Pakistan has been ranked number one on the Global Terrorism Index for the first time, following a 6 per cent increase in terrorism-related fatalities during 2025. According to the Global Terrorism Index 2026, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the country recorded 1,139 deaths last year, highlighting a deteriorating security landscape.

The comprehensive report, which assesses the impact of terrorism across 163 countries, noted that Pakistan's "strained" relations with its neighbours, particularly Afghanistan, alongside escalating violence from the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), have created "significant security" risks.

The findings reveal that "deaths from terrorism in Pakistan are now at its highest level since 2013, with the country recording 1,139 terrorism deaths and 1,045 incidents in 2025." The TTP has solidified its position as the "deadliest" terror group within the country and the third deadliest on a global scale.

The IEP data shows that "TTP attacks constitute over 67pc of total attacks in Pakistan since 2009, and it is responsible for five times as many attacks in Pakistan as the second most active group, the BLA." Notably, the TTP was the only organisation among the world's four deadliest groups to see an increase in its operational activity over the past year.

The group's lethality surged in 2025, with incidents rising by 24 per cent to 595 attacks. These strikes were concentrated primarily within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa near the Afghan border, resulting in 637 deaths, the highest figure since 2011. The report identified the group's most significant operation in 2025 as "an armed attack targeting military forces, resulting in the death of 21 people."

According to the IEP, the resurgence of the Afghan Taliban in Kabul has "profoundly impacted Pakistan's security and stability." The report asserts that this geopolitical shift "provided the TTP with the means and motivation to significantly expand their geographic reach and operational efficiency, resulting in a considerable rise in violent extremism in the region."

While the total number of attacks saw a slight decline, 2025 marked the "sixth consecutive year" of rising terrorism deaths in Pakistan. Furthermore, the country experienced a massive spike in hostage-taking, with the number of victims jumping from 101 in 2024 to 655 in 2025. This surge was largely driven by the Jaffar Express attack, where 442 individuals were taken hostage.

The internal security vacuum is most evident in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which collectively accounted for "over 74pc of terrorist attacks and 67pc of deaths in Pakistan in 2025." On the global stage, Pakistan now sits alongside Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Niger, and the Democratic Republic of Congo as one of five nations where nearly 70 per cent of all global terrorism deaths occur.

This latest ranking follows a second-place finish in 2025, confirming a steady and violent decline in the country's stability.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Very sad to see the numbers. Over 1100 deaths is heartbreaking, no matter which side of the border. The common people always suffer the most in these conflicts. Hope for peace and stability in the region soon. 🙏
V
Vikram M
The report mentions "strained relations with neighbours". It's a complex geopolitical puzzle. While the primary threat is internal, the external environment certainly fuels it. This ranking should be a wake-up call for serious, sustained counter-terrorism cooperation in the region, beyond political differences.
R
Rohit P
The hostage numbers jumping from 101 to 655 is terrifying. Can't imagine the trauma for those families. It shows these groups are becoming more brazen. The international community needs to put more pressure to curb this menace.
S
Sarah B
Reading this from a security studies perspective. The data is clear: the Taliban's return in Kabul has been a direct catalyst. The TTP's 24% increase in attacks is alarming. This isn't just Pakistan's problem; it's a global security issue. The world cannot afford to look away.
K
Karthik V
With all due respect, while the report highlights Pakistan's internal challenges, we in India have borne the brunt of cross-border terrorism for decades. The ideology that nurtures groups like TTP doesn't recognize borders. A sincere, permanent crackdown on all terror infrastructure is the only long-term solution.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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