Pakistan has emerged as the country most affected by terrorism according to the Global Terrorism Index 2026. The report, released by the Institute for Economics and Peace, highlights a significant increase in terrorism-related fatalities, reaching 1,139 deaths in 2025, which is a 6% rise from the previous year.
The index ranks 163 countries based on the impact of terrorism, considering incidents, fatalities, injuries, and hostage-taking. Pakistan’s position at the top underscores the deteriorating security situation, driven by heightened terrorist activities and regional instability.
The report identifies strained relations with Afghanistan and escalating violence from the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as significant security threats. “Deaths from terrorism in Pakistan are now at their highest level since 2013,” the report states.
The TTP is recognized as the deadliest terrorist group in Pakistan and the third globally. TTP accounts for over 67% of attacks in Pakistan since 2009, significantly outpacing the BLA. It is also the only group among the four deadliest globally to have increased its activity in the past year.
Looking ahead, Pakistan faces ongoing challenges in mitigating these threats. The situation calls for enhanced security measures and regional cooperation to address the root causes of terrorism and stabilize the region.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 24, 2026
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