Story perspectives

Border Closure Reduces Attacks, But Violence Soars in Pakistan

1/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Border closure on October 11, 2025 led to a 17% December drop in cross-border attacks after a 9% November decrease.
2025 is Pakistan's most violent year in a decade, with violence up 34% and 3,417 fatalities, compared with 2,555 in 2024.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fatalities rose from 1,620 to 2,331, and Balochistan deaths increased from 787 to 956.
Despite reduced cross-border incidents, the security situation remains precarious, requiring ongoing counterterrorism efforts.

History

Historical Context

In 2015, Pakistan's military initiated Operation Zarb-e-Azb, targeting militant strongholds and achieving a 60% reduction in terrorist attacks. This operation, which resulted in over 3,000 militants killed, laid the groundwork for ongoing counterterrorism efforts. The recent border closure in 2025, amid a 34% rise in fatalities, reflects the persistent challenges Pakistan faces in stabilizing regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

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Story summary

Border closure on October 11, 2025 led to a 17% December drop in cross-border attacks after a 9% November decrease.
2025 is Pakistan's most violent year in a decade, with violence up 34% and 3,417 fatalities, compared with 2,555 in 2024.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fatalities rose from 1,620 to 2,331, and Balochistan deaths increased from 787 to 956.
Despite reduced cross-border incidents, the security situation remains precarious, requiring ongoing counterterrorism efforts.

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