A sharp decline in combat-related fatalities was recorded across Pakistan in March, after the launch of Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, according to monthly data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies.
The report revealed that 331 people lost their lives in March compared to 506 in February, marking a significant 35 per cent reduction in overall fatalities.
Despite an increase in the number of militant attacks, high-profile incidents saw a decline. Analysts said that the drop in casualties aligned with Pakistan’s cross-border strikes under Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, which began in late February targeting militant hideouts in Afghanistan.
The report said that these operations may have weakened militant capabilities and reduced the intensity of attacks.
However, militant groups including Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, Jamaatul Ahrar and Ittihadul Mujahideen responded by announcing an escalation in attacks. Despite this, the overall impact remained limited, as reflected in the reduced casualty figures.
Civilian deaths saw the most notable decline, dropping from 132 in February to just 39 in March, a 70 per cent decrease. Fatalities among security forces fell by 26 per cent.
Overall injuries also declined by 37 per cent, with 210 reported in March compared to 333 in February. Civilian injuries dropped significantly, while militant injuries saw a sharp rise during the same period.
The data further showed that militant attacks increased to 146 in March from 83 in February, although suicide attacks dropped from five to one. Security forces arrested 41 suspected militants, while 19 individuals were abducted by militants.
Province-wise numbers
In Balochistan, fatalities fell by 34 per cent, with civilian deaths dropping sharply. Security force casualties remained unchanged. However, injuries increased across all groups.
In the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, fatalities dropped by 42 per cent, though injuries surged significantly, particularly among civilians.
In mainland Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, overall deaths remained largely stable, with a decline in security personnel fatalities but a slight rise in civilian and militant deaths. Injuries, however, dropped sharply.
Punjab reported no militant attacks during March, though security forces killed four militants. Similarly, Sindh recorded no attacks, with several suspects taken into custody.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, security forces successfully foiled an attempt near the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, with no casualties reported.
Read more: Operation Ghazab Lil Haq against Afghan Taliban is back in action after Eid ul Fitr ceasefire
