Pakistan Army calls 2025 landmark year in fight against militancy

DGISPR – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – Pakistan Army on Tuesday termed the past year a “landmark and consequential” period in the fight against militancy, pointing to a significant increase in counterterrorism operations. According to official figures, these operations resulted in the deaths of 5,397 militants linked to various armed groups.

This assessment aligns with findings from Pakistani think tanks and research institutions, which noted that militant attacks and violence-related deaths fell during the final months of 2025. The decline followed Pakistan’s move to shut its border with Afghanistan in October, a step analysts say helped curb cross-border infiltration.

Successful counterterrorism operations in 2025 reflect Pakistan’s zero-tolerance policy against extremism and its unwavering resolve to protect its people.#PakArmyDestroyingTerrorism pic.twitter.com/I8qfcwZc5C

— мя αzα∂💕 (@mrazaad_) January 6, 2026

Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of sheltering proscribed armed groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Balochistan Liberation Army, and has blamed the Taliban administration in Kabul for “facilitating” attacks on Pakistani civilians and security forces, a charge Afghan authorities deny.

Highlighting the scale of security operations, Pakistan military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said the country conducted 75,175 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in 2025.

“The past year was a landmark and consequential one in the war against terrorism,” he said while addressing a news conference at the army’s General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

“This year, complete alignment was achieved between the Pakistani state and the public on the issue of terrorism,” he added.

Chaudhry said an “exceptionally high number” of counterterrorism operations were carried out last year, averaging more than 200 intelligence-based operations per day.

According to figures presented by the military, 5,397 terrorist incidents were recorded nationwide in 2025, with 3,811 attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 1,557 in Balochistan, accounting for the bulk of militant violence.

Chaudhry reiterated security concerns linked to Afghanistan, saying suicide attacks in Pakistan during the year were carried out by Afghan nationals.

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Chaudhry maintained that the world recognized Pakistan’s stance regarding Afghanistan’s role in militant violence in Pakistan, saying the security forces had been killing fighters trying to infiltrate Pakistani territory.

He also highlighted the use of quadcopters by militants to target civilians and security personnel, especially in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, saying such equipment was supplied to the militants by India. New Delhi has previously denied allegations of supporting militants operating in Pakistan.

Chaudhry also denied any “collateral damage” at the hands of Pakistani security forces while carrying out counterterrorism operations against militants.