Attacks rebound after five weeks of decline

Militant attacks in Pakistan rose sharply in the week of 23-29 October 2026, reversing five consecutive weeks of declining incidents, according to the latest Weekly Insight from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). The country recorded 31 attacks, compared with 21 in the preceding week — a 47.6% increase, rounded to 48% in the institute's headline.

Fatalities, however, fell by 40.9%, from 22 to 13, while injuries rose from 11 to 15. The combination — more attacks, fewer deaths — points to a change in the pattern of violence rather than a single large incident driving the weekly total.

Balochistan worst hit, former tribal areas surge

Balochistan remained the most affected province, accounting for 15 attacks, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the former tribal districts recorded eight incidents each. The institute flagged a 166.7% increase in attacks in the former federally administered tribal areas as particularly concerning, suggesting a shift in the geographical distribution and intensity of militancy.

The figures are PICSS's own count for the week, and the institute presents the rebound as raising fresh questions about the sustainability of the recent security improvement. The data covers incidents recorded between 23 and 29 October only.

Sources: PICSS Weekly Insight