Pakistan Civilian Casualties from Clashes Drop 70% in March, Report Shows

Casualties from clashes in Pakistan fell from 506 killed in February to 331 in March, according to a report by the Institute for Economics and Peace.

Civilian deaths decreased 70% from 132 to 39 over the period. Security forces casualties dropped from 80 to 59, while the number of militants killed fell from 294 to 228.

Attacks on parties and pro-government councils resulted in five killed and seven wounded in March, with none reported in February.

Balochistan recorded the most incidents, with overall casualties declining from 285 to 189. Civilian deaths there fell from 82 to 17, militants killed from 176 to 145, and security forces casualties remained unchanged at 27. The province also saw eight kidnappings and 26 arrests.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, incidents decreased by 42%, with casualties dropping from 95 to 55. Civilian deaths saw a slight increase, but the number of wounded rose significantly.

Punjab reported no militant attacks, though one operation killed four militants. In Gilgit-Baltistan, security forces repelled one unsuccessful attack with no casualties.

The institute stated that Pakistan was the country most affected by terrorism last year.

Since Pakistan launched military operations against the Taliban more than a month ago, no deadly suicide bombings have struck cities in the country. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan has halted major operations.

Pakistani officials accuse the Afghan Taliban of supporting anti-Pakistan militants. United Nations reports confirm the presence of terrorist groups, including the TTP, in Afghanistan.