Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is burning! More than 550 violent incidents in 2025, HRCP report creates stir

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Terror Attacks: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed serious concern over the continuously deteriorating security and law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during the year 2025. According to the latest report of the Commission, this area remained unstable throughout the year and terrorist violence caused huge losses to the common people as well as the security forces.

HRCP, citing data from Islamabad-based Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, said that in July 2025 alone, there were at least 82 terrorist attacks across the country. Nearly two-thirds of these incidents were recorded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and its adjoining tribal districts, making it clear that this region remains a major target of terrorists.

There is no significant improvement in the situation

According to the report, there was no significant improvement in the situation even in September 2025. 45 terrorist attacks were recorded in the province this month, killing 54 people and injuring 49 others. Of these incidents, 20 attacks took place in the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where 21 people lost their lives. The dead included six Pakistani security personnel, three terrorists and 12 civilians.

Concern about terrorist organization also

According to HRCP, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa State President of Awami National Party (ANP) Mian Iftikhar Hussain has described this situation as more serious than the common perception. He says that many militant organizations are active not only in the merged tribal areas but also in the inhabited areas of the province. He has also expressed concern about the presence of the terrorist organization Daesh (ISIS/ISKP).

Similarly, quoting Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) provincial president Sikandar Sherpao, the report said that around 550 violent incidents have taken place since January 2025. Most of these incidents have come to light in the merged districts. According to Sherpao, not only genuine terrorist elements but also copycat gangs and organized criminal networks have become active in the area, making the situation more complex.

dangerous for democracy

The situation regarding Waziristan and Bajaur is said to be even more worrying. The report said that the influence of Daesh or Islamic State Khorasan Province has increased so much that in many areas civil servants and policemen are forced to hide in the afternoon.

HRCP has also expressed strong objection to the continuing practice of enforced disappearances. The Commission says that people caught on charges of anti-state activities are often not produced in court under constitutional provisions. Furthermore, alleged political persecution against rights-based movements like PTM and progressive parties like ANP has been described as dangerous for democracy.

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The report also raised concerns about the safety of journalists. In particular, journalists who are reporting on sensitive issues such as enforced disappearances and terrorist violence are facing threats, censorship and targeted attacks.